《Lord of Mysteries 2: Circle of Inevitability》 Chapter 1 - 1 Foreigners 1 Foreigners A price is always exacted for what fate bestowsadapted from Zweigs Mary Queen of Scots. Im a nobody, with no time to notice the brightness of the sun. My parents couldnt help me, and I wasnt highly educated. I had no choice but to make it on my own in the city. Id applied to many jobs, but no one ever hired me. Maybe its because Im not good at expressing myself, and Im not the best communicator. I guess I just havent shown enough ability. Once, Id eaten two loaves of bread over a three-day period. Hunger kept me up at night. At least I paid a months rent in advance, so I didnt have to face the cold winter wind outside. Finally, I found a job at the hospitals morgue, keeping vigil over the dead. Nighttime in the hospital was colder than I could have ever imagined. The corridors wall lights were out, leaving everything shrouded in darkness. I could barely see my feet, and the only light seeping out was from the rooms. Mon Dieu, it reeked of something fierce. The smell of death lingered in the air. And from time to time, we had to help move the bodies into the morgue. It wasnt the most glamorous of jobs, but it put bread on the table. Plus, the free time at night allowed me to study. Few people ventured to the morgue, but when they did, they were there delivering bodies or taking them away for cremation. I had to make do without books, as I couldnt afford them, nor did I see any hope of saving up enough for them. But I had to thank my predecessor for leaving so suddenly, as it allowed me to get this job. I dreamed of working the day shift. Sleeping during the day and being awake at night made my body weak and my head throb. One day, a new corpse was brought in. From what Id heard, its the body of my predecessor who suddenly left. I was intrigued by the mysterious disappearance of my predecessor, and as soon as the others left the room, I pulled out the cabinet and quietly opened the body bag. He was an old man, with bluish-white skin and wrinkles covering his face. The poor lighting only served to make him look scarier. He didnt have much hair. Most of it was white. He had been stripped of his clothes, not even a piece of cloth was left on him. As a dead man without a family, the movers couldnt resist the opportunity to cash in on the guy. I saw a strange mark on his chest. It was bluish-black. I cant really explain it. The light was too dim at the time. I reached out and touched the mark, only to realize there was nothing special about it. Looking at my predecessor, I couldnt help but wonder if Id end up like him when I grew old I promised his body Id be with him on his last journey, take him to the crematorium and then to the nearest free cemetery. I couldnt have the bureaucrats throwing him in the river or some forsaken land like trash. I knew I was gonna ave to sacrifice some shut-eye, but Dieu merci it was Sunday the next day. I could catch up on my lost sleep then. After saying that, I zipped up the bag and shoved it back in the cabinet. The room went darker and the shadows lengthened Since that day, every time I close my eyes, Im swallowed by a thick fog. Something tells me Im not alone. Something not quite human is coming my way. But nobody will listen. They think Ive lost my mind in this job; they say I need a doctor A male customer sitting at the bar looked at the narrator who had suddenly stopped and asked, And? The narrator suddenly stopped his tale, causing a male customer at the bar to take notice. This mid-thirties chap sported a drab duffel coat and pale yellow strides. His hair was slicked back, and he had a rough dark bowler hat by his side. He seemed run-of-the-mill, like the rest of the punters in the alehouse, with dark locks and piercing blue peepers. Not particularly handsome, but not repugnant either. Nothing about him screamed for attention. The narrator was a strapping lad in his late teens, with long limbs and chiseled features that could make any lass go weak in the knees. His short, jet-black hair and bright, blue eyes only added to his appeal. The lad looked wistfully at the empty wine glass in front of him and let out a deep sigh. And then? Then I quit my job and returned to the countryside so that I can tell you this bullshit, the lad responded with a sly grin spreading across his face. The male guest was taken aback. Were you just pulling our leg? Haha! Laughter erupted around the bar. However, the laughter was short-lived as a middle-aged man looked sternly at the slightly embarrassed customer and remarked, You aint from around here, are ya? Lumian spins a different yarn every day. Yesterday, he was a penniless bloke who got dumped by his fiance, and today, hes a watchman for the dead! Aye, he talks about spending thirty years east of the Serenzo River and then thirty years to the right of it. Hes full of hot air, that one! added another regular at the tavern. All the men were farmers from the village of Cordu, wearing drab-colored tunics. The black-haired lad, Lumian, leaned forward on the bar counter and rose to his feet. He flashed a cheeky grin and proclaimed, As you all know, I aint the one making this up. My sister pens these tales. Shes a writer for some column known as Novel Weekly or other. With that, Lumian turned around, spread his arms wide, and beamed at the foreign customer. Looks like shes crafted quite the tale. Im sorry you misunderstood. The unremarkable man in the brown tweed shirt smiled and stood up. What an intriguing story. And how might I address you? Isnt it common courtesy to introduce oneself before inquiring of others? Lumian replied, returning the mans smile. The foreigner nodded. My name is Ryan Koss. These are my companions, Valentine and Leah. The last sentence referred to the man and woman sitting beside him. Valentine, a man in his late twenties with powdered blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, wore a white vest, a blue tweed jacket, and black trousers. It was evident that he had put considerable effort into his attire, as if he had been priming himself for a special rendezvous. He had a rather chilly look on his face, not even sparing a glance for the farmers and herders around him. Leah, on the other hand, was a striking young woman with long, light gray hair tied into an elaborate bun and a white veil perched atop her head. Her eyes matched her hair and she regarded Lumian with an open smile, clearly amused by their exchange. In the glow of the gas lamps inside the tavern, the woman named Leah showed off her sharp nose and stunningly curved lips. She was definitely a stunner in the countryside like Cordu. She wore a snug white pleated cashmere dress with a small off-white coat and a pair of Marseillan boots. There were two tiny silver bells fastened to her veil and boots. They jingled as she walked into the tavern, drawing the attention of manyespecially the men. In their eyes, this was the kind of fashionable getup youd only see in the big cities, like the provincial capital of Bigorre or even the capital city of Trier. Lumian gave a nod of acknowledgement to the three foreigners. The names Lumian Lee. You may address me as Lumian. Lee? Leah blurted out. Whats the matter? Yall got a problem with my last name? Lumian asked with a curious look on his face. Ryan Koss took it upon himself to explain on Leahs behalf, Your last name is downright frightening. I nearly lost control of my voice just now. Observing the bewildered expressions of the farmers and herdsmen around him, he continued, Folks who have crossed paths with sailors and sea merchants are familiar with a saying thats making the rounds in the Five Seas: Id rather come face to face with pirate Admirals or even kings than run into a bloke named Frank Lee. That persons last name is also Lee. Is he really that scary? Lumian inquired. Ryan shook his head in response. Im not exactly sure, but if such a legend exists, then it cant be far from the truth. He switched topics and said to Lumian, Merci for the story. It merits a drink. What do you desire? A glass of La Fe Verte. Lumian didnt beat around the bush and settled back into his seat. Ryan Koss furrowed his brow. La Fe Verte Absinthe? I must remind you, absinthe is harmful to the human body. Such alcohol can lead to insanity and hallucinations. I didnt expect the trends of Trier to reach here, Leah chimed in with a grin. Lumian acknowledged her comment tersely. So the people of Trier also enjoy La Fe Verte For us, life is already tough enough. No need to fret over a little more harm. This drink can calm our minds. Alright. Ryan leaned back in his chair and turned to the bartender. A glass of La Fe Verte and another glass of C?ur pic. C?ur pic was a renowned fruit-based spirit that had been distilled to perfection. The thin, middle-aged man who had exposed Lumians lies piped up. Give me a glass of La Fe Verte too. After all, I was the one who told the truth just now. I can even tell you the truth about this kids situation! He glared at Lumian, daring him to object. Foreigner, I can tell you still have your doubts about the authenticity of that story. Pierre, youd do anything for a free glass of alcohol, Lumian retorted, scowling. Before Ryan could even respond, Lumian added, Why cant I tell my story and get an extra glass of La Fe Verte? Because no one knows if they should believe you, Pierre smirked. Your sisters favorite story to tell kids is The Boy Who Cried Wolf. People who lie all the time lose their credibility eventually. Lumian shrugged and watched as the bartender slid a glass of light green alcohol in front of him. ?a va, he said, unbothered. Ryan turned to Lumian. Is that all right? Sure thing, as long as your wallet can handle it, Lumian replied breezily. In that case, another glass of La Fe Verte, Ryan said with a nod. Pierres face lit up with a smile. Generous foreigner, you should steer clear of this one, he said, gesturing to Lumian. Hes the most mischievous bloke in the whole village. Five years ago, his sister Aurore brought him back to the village, Pierre continued. Hes been here ever since. Can you imagine? He was just a wee lad of thirteen at the time. How could he have made the trek to the hospital to become a corpse watchman? The nearest hospital is in Darige at the foot of the mountain. It would take an entire afternoon to get there by foot. Brought back to the village? Leah inquired, her voice tinged with suspicion. She tilted her head, causing her bells to tinkle. Pierre nodded in confirmation. Aurore moved here six years ago. A year later, she went on a journey and brought this lad back with her. Said she found him on the road, a starving, homeless child. She planned to adopt him. Then, he took on Aurores last name, Lee. Even his name, Lumian, was given by Aurore. I dont even remember what my name was before Aurore gave me the name, Lumian, unfazed by the revelation, flashed a grin and took a sip of absinthe. It was clear that his past did not bother him in the slightest. Chapter 2 - 2 "Prank" 2 Prank Ryan apologized politely to Lumian. Forgive me, I did not expect such a situation, he said. Lumian chuckled. Are you suggesting we need another glass of La Fe Verte? Without waiting for Ryans response, he changed the subject. What brings foreigners like you to Cordu? Are you here to buy wool or leather? Many of Cordus residents made their living as shepherds. Ryan breathed a silent sigh of relief and seized the opportunity to explain their true purpose. We came to visit the Eternal Blazing Sun Churchs padre, Guillaume Bnet, but he seems to be absent from both his home and the cathedral. Pierre, who had enjoyed Ryans free absinthe, kindly reminded him that there was only one church in Cordu. The other locals around the bar counter were all drinking, but no one answered Ryans question. The name seemed to represent some kind of taboo or authority that couldnt be openly discussed. Lumian took a sip of drink and thought for a few seconds before offering his assistance. I can roughly guess where the padre is. Do you need me to take you there? Leah didnt stand on ceremony. If its not too much trouble, she said. Ryan nodded in agreement. Once youve finished your drink. Alright. Lumian raised his glass and finished the light-green alcohol. He put down his glass and got to his feet. Lets go. Merci beaucoup, Ryan expressed his gratitude and gestured for Valentine and Leah to stand up. Lumians face lit up with a smile. Its no problem at all. You heard my story and I enjoyed a complimentary drink. That makes us friends, nest-ce pas? Oui. Ryan nodded. Lumians grin widened, stretching from ear to ear. He opened his arms wide, beckoning the other party in for a hug. Ah, it is good to meet you, my cabbages, he exclaimed with fervor. Ryan, who was about to be enveloped in a bear hug, froze. Cabbages? His expression was a mixture of perplexity and embarrassment. Valentine and Leah mirrored his expression. It is a term of endearment we use for our friends, Lumian explained with innocent sincerity. Everyone in the Darige region is aware of it. It has been a tradition for centuries, believe me, my cabbages. Leah couldnt help but glance around, producing the tinkling sounds. Pierre and the others nodded in agreement, assuring the newcomers that Lumians words were true. However, the grins on their faces hinted that they were pleased to see foreigners struggling to comprehend their affectionate greetings. Lumian stroked his chin thoughtfully. Dont you fancy it? Then I shall opt for a different option. It can also be used for friends. My dear bunnies, my darling chicks, my lovely ducks, or perhaps my adorable lambs? Which one tickles your fancy? But Ryans expression was as stiff as a board, and Valentines brow furrowed in confusion. Leah let out a sigh, a mix of exasperation and amusement. Lets just stick with cabbage, shall we? At least it sounds normal. Phew. Ryan let out a quiet sigh and gently grasped Valentines elbow. He gave a slight nod and remarked, They all seem like precious treasures in the family. Without awaiting Lumians response, he swiveled his body and addressed the bartender, How much will it be? Two verl dor, replied the bartender, eyeing the glasses lined up on the counter. Ryan settled the bill, and Leah shifted the conversation to a different subject. Lumian is an uncommon name. At least better than names like Pierre and Guillaume, Lumian countered with a grin. If you were to call out Pierre in this place, a third of the people would turn their heads. Call out Guillaume, and another third will respond. As for this gentleman He gestured to the skinny middle-aged man sipping his free drink. His full name is Pierre Guillaume. Leah flashed a smile, skirting the topic of cabbage. As they departed from the tavern, Lumian turned around and surveyed the surroundings. Whats the matter? Leah inquired with curiosity. Lumian pondered for a moment and replied thoughtfully, Its not just the three of you foreigners who came to the tavern today. Another person arrived earlier, but I dont know when they left. What did they look like? Ryan asked with a serious expression. Lumian took a moment to reflect. A lady. Very sophisticated. You can tell shes from the city with just one glance. I cant describe her appearance. Why dont I sketch her for you? Do you know how to draw? Leah queried, aware of Lumians idiosyncrasies. Lumian chortled. I dont. In that case, lets locate the padre first, Ryan decided, drawing the conversation to a close. Cordu was a place devoid of street lamps at night, yet the twinkling stars above provided a faint glimmer that allowed the four of them to navigate the road. The yellowish light emanating from the windows on either side only added to the ethereal ambiance. As they approached the Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral situated in the village square, the grandiose structure appeared somewhat blurry in the darkness, as if it was merging with the night. Weve been here before. Theres no one here, Valentine grumbled with a frown. Lumian smiled and said, No one at the front door doesnt mean theres no one elsewhere. He then proceeded to lead Ryan and the others around the front of the cathedral towards the cemetery, where they found a dark brown wooden door. Lumian didnt wait for Ryan to knock. Instead, he reached over and fiddled with the keyhole before opening the side door with a creak. Thats not very nice, is it? Ryan frowned. Leah nodded in agreement, her bells tinkling. Were here to visit the padre, not to fight him. Alright, Lumian acquiesced. He closed the wooden door and knocked lightly. Hey, is anyone there? Ill come in if you dont answer, he muttered in a low voice that was barely audible in the night. There was no response from inside the cathedral. Without hesitation, Lumian pushed open the door and gestured inside. Go on in. Ryan hesitated. He looked at the darkness behind the door and glanced at his companions. Okay. He took a step forward, slow but firm. Leah and Valentine followed closely behind. The four silvery bells adorning Leahs boots and veil were eerily silent. The environment was dim and eerie as the four of them made their way forward. Out of nowhere, Ryan came to a halt and muttered in a low voice, Whats that noise? Yes, I heard it too, Lumian agreed. Without wasting any time, he forcefully pushed the door aside, and it opened with a loud clang, revealing what lay beyond. The dimly lit space resembled a confessional. A beam of starlight shone through, revealing a naked man in his prime, lying atop a fair-skinned woman. The scene stunned everyone, including the man and the woman. Suddenly, the man sat up and bellowed at Ryan and his team, Sacrebleu! Youve ruined the holy churchs plans! Amidst the reverberating roar, Lumian, who had quietly approached behind the group, waved his hand and spoke quickly, Ah, it seems we have discovered our padre. Au revoir, my cabbages! Before anyone could react, Lumian dashed towards the side door, leaving his words to drift away in the wind. As the team stood in shock, Leah, Ryan, and Valentine couldnt shake the words of the middle-aged man, Pierre Guillaume, from their minds: you should steer clear of this one. Hes the most mischievous bloke in the whole village. Lumian sauntered down the country road, hands tucked in his pockets while whistling a tune under the stars. As expected, the padre is having an affair with Madame Pualis. Mon dieu, these foreigners exude an air of prestige. The padre would never dream of crossing them. He must pay an exorbitant sum to keep his sordid dalliances under wraps and preserve his standing within the cathedral. Hmph, he only has himself to blame for lusting after Aurore. I have been biding my time for this chance As Lumian muttered to himself, he returned to his abode on the outskirts of the hamlet. The structure he called home was a peculiar semi-subterranean two-story affair. The ground floor doubled as both a kitchen and a lounge. A hefty oven and a grandiose stove dominated the room. Aurore! Aurore! Lumian hollered as he trudged up the stairs. No reply. The upper storey was divided into three chambers and a lavatory, all the doors stood open. Lumian peeped into each room but couldnt find his sister. He mulled it over for a moment, then marched to the end of the corridor and clambered up the ladder that led to the roof. The roof was a fiery orange, painted by the twilight sky. In the center sat a figure, holding their knees and staring contemplatively at the sparkling stars. This was an exquisite woman, exceptionally so. Her long and thick locks were a shade of gold, her eyes a pale blue, and her facial features were intricate and refined. Her gaze was fixated on the cosmos, her countenance serene, akin to that of a statue. Lumian remained silent. He shifted to her side and sat next to her. He lifted his head, gazing at the dense forest in the distance, absorbing the susurrus of the wind blowing through the trees. After a while, the woman raised her arms and stretched, paying no heed to her appearance. Aurore, I dont understand why you come up here so often. Whats so interesting about this view? Lumian commented. Call me Grande Soeur! Aurore scolded playfully, tapping Lumians head with her finger. Aurore sighed and thought to herself, A philosopher once said that there are only two things worth revering in this world. One is the morality in ones heart, and the other is the cosmos above ones head. Lumian noticed his sisters slightly melancholic expression and flashed a grin. I know the answer to this question. Emperor Roselle said so! Pfft Aurore laughed. She took a sniff and raised her beautiful golden eyebrows. Youve been drinking again! This is called socializing. Lumian took the opportunity to recount what had just happened. I met three foreigners Aurore could not help but laugh. Im really afraid that the padre will have a heart attack. Her expression then turned serious. Lumian, dont provoke the padre anymore. Itll be troublesome if we get a new one. But I cant stand his face Lumian complained before Aurore stood up. She looked down at her brother and smiled. Alright, its bedtime, my inebriated brother, Aurore said with a smile as she threw out some silver dust. Aurore flew down from the roof like a bird and entered the window on the second floor, leaving Lumian behind. Lumian watched this quietly and shouted anxiously, What about me? Climb down yourself! Aurore replied mercilessly. Lumian pursed his lips, his smile fading bit by bit. He watched the silver specks of light disappear in the night sky, sighed softly, and muttered to himself, I wonder when Ill be able to possess such extraordinary powers Chapter 3 - 3 Dream 3 Dream Lumian lingered atop the roof, reluctant to descend just yet. His visage was a picture of stoicism, betraying no emotion. Gone was the mischievous young man who frequented the tavern, always ready with a grin and a jest. In his place was a composed and resolute figure, unrecognizable to those who knew him before. Since discovering Aurores magical powers by chance, Lumian had been obsessed with obtaining them. But Aurore always warned him against it, citing the immense danger and agony that came with wielding such abilities. She refused to divulge the secret even if she knew how to grant them to mere mortals. Lumian couldnt force her to reveal the method, so he resorted to pleading and persuading her at every turn. After a few seconds of contemplation, Lumian sprang to his feet and made his way down to the edge of the roof. He climbed back to the second floor using the wooden ladder. He strolled to Aurores room, only to find the brown wooden door ajar before peeking inside. Aurore sat at her desk, scribbling away with a champagne fountain pen, dressed in a sky-blue gown. What is she writing so late into the night? Is it related to witchcraft? Lumian placed his hand on the door and quipped, Writing in your diary, are you? Who writes in a diary, honestly? Aurore replied without looking up from her writing. Lumian wasnt satisfied with her answer. But didnt Emperor Roselle keep several volumes of diaries? Roselle, the last emperor of the Intis Republic where the siblings currently lived, had brought down the Sauron dynasty and assumed the mantle of Caesar, thereby declaring himself emperor. The man had made countless strides in the fields of science and engineering, having been credited with inventing the steam engine. Not to mention, he had charted the sea route to the Southern Continent and sparked an age of colonization. He was the embodiment of his time, a symbol of a bygone era over a century ago. However, in his twilight years, he was double-crossed and assassinated in the White Maple Palace of Trier. In the aftermath of his death, his diary pages were disseminated throughout the world, yet they were written in a tongue that nobody could decipher, as if the words didnt exist in this world. Thats why Roselle aint no honest man, Aurore, her back turned to Lumian, scoffed. So, whatre you scribbling there? Lumian queried. That was the crux of the matter. Aurore responded with a shrug, her voice dripping with indifference, A letter. To whom? Lumian couldnt help but scowl. Aurore paused, laying down her exquisite golden champagne fountain pen, intricately patterned, to review her words and phrases. A pen pal. A what now? Lumian furrowed his brow, thoroughly perplexed. What the hell was that? Aurore chuckled, running her fingers through her lustrous golden hair as she began to enlighten her brother. Thats why I keep telling you to read more and study more. Quit wasting your days drinking and carousing! Look at you. What sets you apart from an illiterate? Pen pals are friends who become acquainted through newspapers, magazines, and other publications. Theyve never met and rely solely on letters to keep in touch. Whats the point of having such a friend? Lumian asked, rather concerned about this matter. As he withdrew his hand from the door, he scratched his chin, deep in thought. Aurore had never had a boyfriend before, so he couldnt allow her to be fooled by someone she had never met before. Meaning? Aurore thought about it seriously. First off, emotional value. Oui, I know you dont understand the concept. Humans need to connect with one another, but some things and emotions cannot be shared with the villagers, nor with you. I require a more private outlet to release my thoughts. These pen pals, whom I have not met in person, are perfect for that. Secondly, do not underestimate my pen pals. Some of them hold great power, and some possess extensive knowledge. For example, a pen pal gifted me this battery-operated lamp. Kerosene lamps and candles are too damaging to the eyes and not ideal for writing at night Without waiting for Lumian to ask another question, Aurore waved her hand behind her. Get some rest, my inebriated brother! Bonne nuit! Alright, bonne nuit. Lumian replied, trying to hide his frustration. Aurore instructed, Dont forget to close the door. Its positively frigid in here with all the windows and the door open like this. Lumian slowly shut the door made of brown wood, then headed to his room where he removed his shoes before sitting on the bed. In the dimness of the night, Lumian could make out the wooden table beside the window, the slanted chair, the small bookshelf against the wall, and the wardrobe on the other side. He sat still, lost in thought. He knew Aurore was a woman who kept her secrets to herself, and there were things she had not revealed to him. Lumian was not surprised, but he was worried that her secrets might put her in danger. And when reality hit, his options were limited. He was just an ordinary person, with a robust body and a sharp wit. Thoughts came rushing in like waves crashing on the shore, and just as quickly they receded. Lumian took a deep breath and made his way to the washroom to freshen up. Afterward, he removed his jacket-style brown coat and collapsed onto the cold bed. The April air in the mountains was still nippy. In the midst of his fugue state, Lumian perceived a murky mist, enveloping his surroundings and erasing everything in sight. He trudged through the haze in a daze, yet regardless of which direction he took or how far he went, the fog always led him back to the same placehis bedroom. The room was fashioned with a white four-piece bed, a wooden table and chair poised in front of the window, bookshelves, wardrobes, and the like. Phew. Lumians eyes flickered open with a start, the morning sun casting a light through the thin blue curtains. He sat up, staring blankly at the room, feeling as if he was still trapped in a dream. The same dream he had been having for daysthe gray fog that refused to clear. He raised a hand to his temples and muttered to himself in a deep voice, Its getting more frequent. I have the same dream almost every day Lumians calm demeanor belied the fact that this dream hadnt brought about any negative effects, but it certainly had also failed to yield any positive outcomes. I pray that hidden in this is something propitious, Lumian murmured, as he rose from the bed. Lumian opened the door to the corridor and was immediately met with a sound emanating from Aurores room. What a coincidence Lumian smiled. But then, a sudden thought hit him, causing him to take a step back and stand at the edge of the door. When Aurores bedroom door creaked open, Lumian quickly raised his right hand and began to massage his temples with a slightly pained expression on his face. Whats wrong? Aurore noticed his discomfort. Success! Lumian cheered inwardly as he tried his best to calm himself down. I had that dream again, he replied in a deep voice. Aurores golden locks of hair cascaded down her shoulders as she furrowed her brows with concern. The previous method didnt work she murmured to herself before suggesting, Perhaps I should find you a hypnotist, a real Hypnotist, and see what caused it. The kind with magical powers? Lumian questioned deliberately. Aurore nodded lightly in response. One of your pen pals? Lumian couldnt help but ask. Why do you care about this? Think about how to solve your own problem! Aurore retorted without hesitation. Isnt that whats on my mind? Lumian muttered inwardly. He took the opportunity to say, Aurore, if I become a Warlock and gain extraordinary powers, I should be able to unlock the secret of the dream and end it completely. Dont even think about it! Aurore replied without hesitation. Her expression softened as she continued, Lumian, I wont lie to you. This path were taking is dangerous, painful, and downright treacherous. If I had any other choice and if the world wasnt spiraling out of control, Id be content with being a regular old writer and living a peaceful life. Lumian didnt hesitate to interject, Then let me shoulder the burden of danger and pain. Ill protect you, while you do what you love. Those words had been repeating in his head for quite some time. Aurore went quiet for a couple of seconds before a grin spread across her face. Are you discriminating against women? Before Lumian could say a word, she added with a serious tone, Its too late to turn back now. Aint no going back to what we had before. Fine, I get it. Im gonna go wash up. You study hard at home today and get ready for the college entrance exams in June! You said it yourself, the world is getting more dangerous. Whats the point of taking exams? Lumian muttered. He believed that the key to success was strength, not some paper degree. Aurore just smiled and said, Knowledge is power, my uneducated brother. Lumian had no response, so he just watched Aurore walk into the washroom. In the afternoon, in the bustling townsquare of Cordu, Reimund Greg caught sight of Lumian Lee crouched under an elm tree. His thoughts were shrouded in mystery. Shouldnt you be holed up at home with your nose buried in those books? Reimund approached him, his voice dripping with envy. Reimund was Lumians confidant, standing at a moderate 1.7 meters, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was an ordinary-looking fellow with a slightly flushed complexion. Lumian looked up at him and offered a charming grin. Did Aurore not fill you in? Even the hangman deserves a respite! Ive been cooped up for so long, I needed a break. All morning, he had been ruminating on the possibility of acquiring extraordinary powers without Aurores assistance. This required him to seek out clues and take the initiative to investigate. Eventually, he felt that the rumors of magical powers circulating throughout the village held some truth and leads, so he purposely waited for Reimund here. If I were in your shoes, I wouldnt rest for more than fifteen minutes, Reimund drawled, leaning casually against the elm tree. We dont have a sister whos well-read enough to teach us. I plan on learning how to herd sheep next year. Lumian paid no attention to Reimunds remarks and spoke reflectively. Recall the tale of the Warlock for me. Reimund couldnt quite understand Lumians intentions, furrowing his brow in confusion. The one about the Warlock? In the past, there was a Warlock in our village, but he died later. On the day of his burial, an owl flew in from outside and perched atop his bed. It only departed after the coffin was carried out. Then, the coffin became unbearably heavy. It took nine bulls to pull it. Lumian pressed further, How long ago was this? Reimunds expression grew increasingly perplexed. How should I know? I heard it from my father. Chapter 4 - 4 Shepherd 4 Shepherd Lumian sprang to his feet, his eyes flashing with determination. Then lets go to your father. He had always been a man of action, and he knew that investigating the village legend couldnt wait. If he dallied, his sister Aurore would surely catch wind of it, and she would never allow him to proceed. In Aurores eyes, delving into the realm of extraordinary powers was tantamount to playing with fire. How can I not know that theres danger? Aurore wouldnt lie to me about this. But even if the world is ablaze, I have to keep walking. I cant let Aurore face this alone As he got up, this thought flashed across Lumians mind. Every time Aurore mentioned that the world was becoming more dangerous, the seriousness and worry on her face couldnt be any more genuine! Reimund Greg looked at Lumian with confusion etched on his face. Why are you looking for him? Lumian fixed him with a withering look. Ask him how long ago the legend of the Warlock took place. Why is this guy struggling to comprehend such a simple matter? Perhaps I need to find some time to test his intelligence. Reimund still looked baffled as he gazed at Lumian. Why do you need to know such details? Uh Should I bother trying to explain it to this clueless fellow? Or should I simply come up with a plausible excuse? He weighed his options. Lumians mind raced as he considered his next move. He knew that he couldnt keep his investigations a secret from his friends, but he also knew that pursuing the truth about the legend was a risky move. However, he quickly came up with an idea. He flashed a grin that he usually reserved for moments when he was about to deceive someone. Reimund took two steps back, sensing that something was amiss. Spill it! Lumian adjusted his dark-colored shirt and linen jacket before smiling. I believe the legend of the Warlock is worthy of our attention. Whats so important about it? Reimund asked after some thought. There was indeed a Warlock in our very village of Cordu in the past, Lumian said with a serious expression. Think about it, my friend. When I lie, I dont provide specific details like the time, place, and background that anyone could easily verify. However, this legend mentions a Warlock who lived in Cordu, and if it were a fabrication, it would be too easy for someone to expose it as such. But that was ages ago, Reimund countered. Im also referring to the people who were around when the legend first started circulating, Lumian explained, his smile widening. They could have easily confirmed whether or not a Warlock lived in Cordu at that time. And since the legend has been passed down through generations, its highly likely that its based on a real event. Reimund remained unconvinced. But when you make up stories, you often use phrases like more than a hundred years ago, centuries ago, long, long ago, to make it impossible for anyone to verify. Thats precisely why I need to confirm it with your father, Lumian replied, a sly look in his eye that said: You see where Im going with this, dont you? Thats true Reimund nodded slowly, accepting Lumians explanation, but he couldnt shake the feeling that something wasnt quite right. As they left the square and delved deeper into the village, Reimund had a sudden epiphany. Mon Dieu, why do you want to confirm if such a legend is true? Warlock, mon ami, thats what were searching for! If we can confirm the house where he lived and the place where he was buried, we might uncover his secret and gain magical powers that go beyond mere mortals, Lumian replied, his truthful words dripping with deceit. Reimunds expression turned skeptical: Dont tell me lies. Mon ami, most of those tales are created to scare little children. How can they be true? And on top of that, anyone who seeks the power of a Warlock will end up in the Inquisition! The Intis Republic lay on the Northern Continent, where the orthodox deities were the Eternal Blazing Sun and the God of Steam and Machinery. These two churches divided the faith of almost all the people, and they didnt allow the Church of Evernight Goddess, the Church of the Lord of Storms from the Loen Kingdom, the Church of Earth Mother from the Feynapotter Kingdom, the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom from Lenburg, and the Church of the God of Combat from the Feysac Empire to come in and preach. The Eternal Blazing Sun Churchs Inquisition was feared by all. Countless heretics had been locked up and subjected to unimaginable torture. Lumian laughed. Why are you fretting now, my friend? You said it yourself, most of those legends are false. The chances of finding a Warlocks remains are slim to none. Besides, even if we do stumble upon the remains of a Warlock, we dont have to take on his forbidden power. We can give it to the Church and get a handsome reward. Oh right, a Warlocks grave is sure to be overflowing with treasures. The Church that Lumian spoke of was the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun. The Church of the God of Steam and Machinery wasnt found in Cordu, instead it was usually located in large cities and places with factories. Seeing the temptation growing in Reimunds eyes, Lumian couldnt help but click his tongue in satisfaction. Do you really want to be a shepherd, my friend? The shepherd here was not talking about the romanticized idea of a pastoral shepherd that city dwellers often had. No, this was a profession. Every morning, they would have to lead a flock of sheep out to graze and watch over them. Cordu was located in Darige, Riston Province. Being a shepherd was a profession here, a tough and lonely profession. They worked for sheep owners, herding dozens, even hundreds of sheep back and forth between the mountains and plains. This was known as a herding. Every autumn, the mountains around Cordu would wither, and the shepherds would lead the sheep out of the mountain pass to the warmer plains far away, sometimes crossing borders into Feynapotter, Lenburg, and other countries. By the beginning of May, they would have brought the sheep back to various villages to shear them and wean the lambs. In June, they would trek up the mountains and into the tall ranges. Theyd live in shacks and make cheese while grazing the sheep until the weather turned cold. The shepherds spent their entire lives on the move, traveling from place to place. They only had a small window to return to the village, which made starting a family nearly impossible. Most of them were single, and the few widows who had no choice but to herd sheep for a living were highly sought after by the shepherds. Reimund fell silent. After a long while, he hesitantly said, Ill listen to ya. It does sound like fun, and I could use somethin to pass the time. In the ordinary course of events, once the family decided which child would become a shepherd, they would dispatch him to a certain shepherds location to assist between the ages of fifteen to eighteen. There, he would learn the ropes of shepherding. Three years later, the youngster would officially become a shepherd and seek employment elsewhere. Seventeen-year-old Reimund, however, had found several reasons to postpone this matter for over two years. If his circumstances did not alter, he would have to start learning how to herd next year. Come on, Lumian said, patting Reimunds shoulder. Is your father in the fields or at home? Recently, there hasnt been much work. Lent is approaching swiftly. Hes either at home or at the tavern. Reimund let out a voice of envy. You dont know anything about this? Youre definitely not a farmer. You have a fortunate sister! Lumian put his hands in his pockets and sauntered ahead, disregarding Reimunds lamentations. As they approached the rundown tavern in the village, a person emerged from the side street. This individual was dressed in a lengthy dark brown coat with a hood. A rope was tied around his waist, and he wore a pair of brand-new, supple black leather shoes. Pierre? Pierre of the Berrys? Reimund cried out in surprise. Lumian halted in his tracks and turned to look. Thats me, Pierre Berry replied with a wide grin and a wave of his hand. He was a scrawny man with sunken eyes and greasy, curly hair. His stubble suggested it had been quite some time since he last shaved. Why are you back? Reimund asked in confusion. Pierre Berry was a shepherd and it was only the beginning of April. He should be tending to his sheep in the fields beyond the mountain pass. How in the world did he find himself in the village? He had only just begun his journey, and even if he had gone to Lenburg or the north of Feynapotter, it would take him a month to return to the Darige mountains. With his warm, smiling blue eyes, Pierre exclaimed joyfully, Isnt it almost Lent? I havent celebrated it for years. I cant miss it this year! Dont you worry. I have a companion to help me look after the sheep. Thats the beauty of being a shepherd. Without a supervisor, as long as I can find someone to help me, I can go wherever I please. Im free as a bird. Lent was a widely celebrated festival throughout Intis. People welcomed the arrival of spring in different ways and prayed for a fruitful harvest for the year. Although it had nothing to do with the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun or the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery, it had already turned into folklore and didnt involve the worship of pagan deities. Therefore, it had gained the tacit approval of the orthodox factions. You want to see wholl be chosen as the Spring Elf this year, dont you? Lumian teased, flashing a grin. In Cordu, the people selected a gorgeous girl to play the role of the Spring Elf for Lent. It was all part of the celebration. Pierre laughed along. I hope its your sister Aurore, but she definitely wont agree, and shes not the right age either. Alright, he said, pointing towards the tavern just a stones throw away. Ill head to the cathedral to pray. Drinks on me later. Reimund absentmindedly replied, No need. You dont have much dough. Haha, as the good Lord Himself has said, Even if theres only one copper coin, we have to share it with our poor brothers.'' He recited an adage that was well-known among the shepherds in the Darige region. Lumian beamed at Reimund, saying, Pierres loaded. Hes definitely treating us to a drink! He pointed to Pierre Berrys spanking new leather shoes. Pierre Berry was thrilled. My new boss is not too shabby. He gave me a few sheep and some wool, cheese, and leather. The shepherds were compensated with food, a small sum of money, and communal animals, cheese, wool, and leather. The amount they received was dependent on the agreement they had signed with their employer. For shepherds who had to travel long distances, having a good and suitable pair of leather shoes was the most pressing and practical desire. As Lumian watched Pierre Berry strut towards the town square, his gaze gradually became solemn and filled with suspicion. He silently muttered to himself, Going away for a week or two or maybe even a month just to attend Lent? Lumian paused for a moment, his eyes scanning the area before he turned and strode towards the local watering hole with Reimund. The tavern was a nondescript establishment with no fancy moniker to speak of. The townsfolk affectionately referred to it as Ol Tavern. Upon entering, Lumians eyes darted around the room in their habitual manner. Suddenly, his gaze came to a halt. There, before him, was the foreigner who had departed so hastily the night before. She was alone, not in the company of Ryan, Leah, and Valentine. Her dress was a long, flowing orange garment, and her locks were a rich brown, tousled in gentle curls. Her piercing, sky-blue eyes were fixed on the scarlet-hued drink that graced her delicate hand. Beautiful and languid, she seemed out of place in the seedy, dimly lit tavern. Chapter 5 - 5 Card 5 Card Kirsch. As expected of someone from a big city Lumians gaze eventually landed on the glass in the ladys hand. The distilled spirit made from sugar and fermented cherries had a color and texture that appealed to the ladies. Of course, they could replace the cherries with other fruits, but it would alter the taste only slightly. Cordus Ol Tavern had a limited stock of high-grade wine, including Kirsch, which Madame Pualis fell in love with during her visit to the provincial capital, Bigorre. Madame Pualis was the wife of Bost, the local administrator and territorial judge. Her noble ancestors had lost their title during Emperor Roselles reign. Lumian knew that she was also one of the mistresses of the padre, Guillaume Bnet, but not many people in the village knew about it. Lumian shifted his gaze away from the lady and walked towards the bar counter. A man in his forties wearing a linen shirt and trousers of the same color was sitting there. His brown hair was no longer lush, and his face was creased from years of hard labor. He was none other than Pierre Greg, Reimunds father. Another Pierre. At least a third of the people at the bar would answer to the call of Pierre, Lumian had joked earlier in front of Leah, Ryan, and the others. In the village, when people talked about Pierre or Guillaume, they had to specify which family they were referring to. Many families had fathers and children with the same names, making it impossible to tell them apart without adding pre, a?n, or junior to their names. Reimund sauntered up to his fathers side and asked, Papa, why dont you go to the square and chat with the others? The men in the village always convened under the ancient elm tree or in someones abode, where theyd spend the day playing dice, cards, chess, and swapping all sorts of rumorsthe tavern cost money, after all. Pierre Greg, with a glass of rich red wine in hand, turned to his second son and said, Well go later. There shouldnt be many people at the square now. Thats right. Where did all the men in the village go? Lumian was immediately perplexed. He had noticed the absence of the village men at the square. Monsieur, I want to ask you something, Lumian said bluntly. Pierre Greg immediately turned alert. A new prank? The story of The Boy Who Cried Wolf does indeed have a basis in reality Lumian turned his head, gesturing for Reimund to speak. Reimund hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts. Papa, how long ago did the Warlock legend you told me happen? The one where it took nine bulls to pull the coffin. Pierre Greg gulped down a mouthful of wine, his brow furrowed in puzzlement. Why are you asking this? You know, your pp told me this when I was just a wee lad. The Riston Province, where Cordu was located, and the neighboring provinces of Aulay and Suhit were located in the south of the Intis Republic. They were famous grape producers, and the wine here, especially the inferior ones, was very cheap. In some years, people could even drink wine like water. Reimund was disappointed because it had been a long time since his grandfather had passed on. Suddenly, Pierre Greg chimed in, Your pp claimed that he saw it with his own two eyes when he was but a young man. It spooked him so much that he became deathly afraid of owls. He was convinced that their evil talons could snatch his very soul away. Lumian and Reimunds eyes sparked with excitement, almost in unison. Merde, there were actual clues! The legend of the Warlockit was something that someone had actually experienced? Did Pp mention anything about where the Warlock lived or where he was buried? Reimund asked eagerly. Pierre Greg shrugged. Who cares? Not one to be deterred, Reimund persisted, determined to glean any shred of information. Before he could speak, Lumian intervened with a gentle touch on his shoulder as he spoke loudly, The river awaits us. Reimund was just about to take his leave with Lumian when Pierre Greg suddenly remembered something. Hold up, Reimund. Youll soon be a Greenwatcher, wont you? Theres something you need to be aware of. Greenwatchers had the crucial responsibility of patrolling the highland pastures around the village and nearby fields to prevent any illegal grazing during the prohibited period or livestock from ravaging the saplings. Lumian didnt pay much heed to the conversation and made his way to the taverns washroom. As he exited the restroom, he took a detour to the female foreigner who was sipping on Kirsch. It was impossible to discern her age. Although he had no intentions of striking up a conversation, he observed her with great detail. It might come in handy in the future, just like how he had used Ryan, Leah, and Valentine to infiltrate the padres scandalous scene. After a few subtle glances, Lumian was poised to head for the entrance of the tavern to wait for Reimund when the languid lady in the orange dress looked up. Before Lumian could retract his gaze, his eyes met hers. Lumian felt a little awkward as his thick skin couldnt protect him from the unexpected encounter. Many thoughts immediately surfaced in his mind. Maybe I should take a cue from the padre and administrators of the Church and praise her beauty? Or perhaps I should switch gears and hit on her? Alternatively, should I show my inexperience and hastily turn around to leave? As Lumian made up his mind, the lady interrupted his thoughts and said with a smile, Been having dreams, have you? Lumian was hit by a bolt of lightning. His thoughts went numb and his mind froze. After a moment or two, he managed to force a smile and asked, Dreaming isnt unusual, is it? The woman touched her cheek with one hand and sized Lumian up. She chuckled and said, Lost in a misty dream, perhaps? How could she know? Lumians pupils dilated instantly, and his expression betrayed a hint of fear. Despite having experienced many things, he was still young, and for a moment, he couldnt control his emotions. Stay calm, Lumian. Stay calm He repeated to himself, trying to relax the muscles on his face, before asking, Did you hear the tale I told those three foreigners last night? The woman didnt reply. Instead, she pulled out a stack of cards from her orange purse, which sat on the chair next to her. She cast her gaze at Lumian once again and broke into a radiant smile. Draw a card. Perhaps it can aid you in unlocking the hidden secrets of that dream. Wh Lumian was taken aback, his guard instantly raised. He was both enticed and wary. He looked down at the card she presented him and furrowed his brows. Tarot? The card resembled the tarot cards created by Emperor Roselle for divination. The woman looked down sheepishly and offered a self-deprecating smile. My apologies, I must have grabbed the wrong one. She swiftly returned the 22 tarot cards to her medium-sized handbag and pulled out a different deck. This is also tarot, but its from the Minor Arcana. You dont have the privilege to draw from the Major Arcana pack, and I dont have the authority to let you The Minor Arcana consisted of 56 cards divided into four suits, each representing chalices, wands, swords, and pentacles. What is she talking about Lumian was bewildered by her words. This woman was stunningly beautiful and sophisticated, yet there was an air of eccentricity about her that suggested she was not entirely sane. Draw one, she urged, waving the Minor Arcana cards in her hand. Its complimentary, so theres no cost to try. It may be the solution to your dream predicament. Lumian chuckled. My sister once said that free things often come at the most hefty price. That may be true, the lady said after some thought. She laid down the Minor Arcana card with a delicate touch, careful not to upset the glass of Kirsch that sat beside it. But as long as you dont pay, no matter what, how can I, a foreigner, expect to make you pay in Cordu? Thats right perhaps its worth a try. It wasnt easy for me to get a hint about that dream. I gotta give it a shot, but what about the Warlocks curse? Maybe I should get Aurores help? Lumians mind raced with conflicting thoughts, and he couldnt decide what to do. The woman didnt seem to mind his hesitation. After what seemed like an eternity, Lumian finally made up his mind. Slowly, he leaned forward and reached out his right hand. Carefully, he shuffled through the stack of Minor Arcana cards and extracted one from the middle. Seven of Wands. The languid womans eyes drifted towards the card. The image depicted a man in verdant attire, standing atop a mountain with a determined expression on his face. In his hand, he held a wand, poised for battle against the six wands representing his enemies that were attacking from the foot of the mountain. What does this mean? Lumian asked. The womans lips curled into a smile. I shall interpret it for you. It symbolizes crisis, challenge, confrontation, courage, et cetera. However, what really matters is that this card now belongs to you. When the time comes, you will discover its true meaning. Youre giving it to me? Lumians confusion grew with each passing moment. Could this card truly be cursed? The woman ignored his query and started to put away the remaining cards. She picked up her glass and finished the remaining Kirsch in a single gulp. With graceful strides, she made her way towards the staircase on the side of Ol Tavern and ascended to the second floor. It was obvious that she lived there. Lumian felt the urge to follow her, but something held him back. His thoughts were in disarray. Is this really an ordinary card? She gave it to me. Does that mean shell never be able to use that deck again? Aurore might be able to shed some light on this At this moment, Reimund approached Lumian. Whats the matter, my friend? Nothing much. That foreigner was quite the looker, isnt she? Lumian said patronizingly. I reckon your sister, Aurore, is far more beautiful. Reimund then lowered his voice. Lumian, my pp has been gone for ages. What should we do next? Lumian, who was in a hurry to leave, pondered for a moment before answering, Firstly, we could track down an elder around your pps age whos still kicking. Alternatively, we could head to the cathedral and examine the registry. Uh, but thats something to consider at a later time. Lumian remembered his recent altercation with the padre and decided it was better to avoid the cathedral, unless it was absolutely necessary. As the only cathedral in Cordu, it held significant power, even acting as a government entity. It recorded all significant events, including deaths, and marriages. Before Reimund could ask any further, Lumian interjected, Lets split up and see who fits the bill. Well inquire tomorrow. Agreed. Reimund immediately agreed. In the semi-subterranean two-story building, Aurore listened intently to Lumians tale, her piercing gaze fixed on the Wand card in his hand. Its an ordinary card, oui. I detect no malice or enchantments. Aurore, uh, Grande Soeur, what do you make of the foreigners intentions? How did she know of my dream? Lumian asked. Aurore shook her head. Now that she has shown us her hand, we can only wait and see. I will keep a watchful eye on her for the next few days. Oh And take this card. It may cause change. But have no fear, I will be watching. Alright. Lumian tried his best to relax. In the dead of the night, Lumian deftly tucked the Wand card into the garments draping over the back of the chair, then slipped under the covers and shut his eyes. Before long, a dense, ashen mist once again enveloped his vision. Without warning, he jolted awake within his reverie. He sensed his mind clearing, and a newfound lucidity taking hold. Yet, the dreamworld swathed in that same murky haze lingered on. Chapter 6 - 6 Ruins 6 Ruins Lumians subconscious gaze darted around the room, taking in the familiar sights of the table, the chair, the bookshelf, the wardrobe, and the bed. It was his bedroom, but it was cloaked in a thin, gray fog. Is this some sort of lucid dream? Im having a lucid dream? His pupils dilated as the realization dawned on him. A lucid dream was a rare occurrence where ones mind could think and remember like in a state of wakefulness while still in a dream state. It was a skill that required specialized training to master. Aurore had tried various methods to induce lucid dreams in order to unravel the secret of Lumians gray fog dream and help him eliminate the latent danger it posed, but she had failed. But now, Lumian found himself inexplicably conscious in his dream. As the shock of the situation passed, he began to consider the possibility of why this had happened. Could it be because of the tarot card that represents the Seven of Wands? That woman said it would help me unlock the secret of the dream.. Therefore, its function is to allow me to enter a lucid dream state and explore the area enveloped by the gray fog? Hmm Compared to my previous impression, the gray fog seems to have faded a lot. A lot more With these thoughts racing through his mind, Lumian rose from his chair and strode to the side of the room. He placed his hands on the table against the wall and gazed out the window, where a completely unfamiliar landscape greeted his eyes. This dream did not replicate the Cordu where he lived. Under a thin, ghostly fog, a towering mountain peak caught Lumians attention. It rose up twenty to thirty meters into the air, constructed from brownish-red stones and reddish-brown soil. Buildings surrounded the mountain, now in ruins, either fallen or charred beyond recognition. They resembled crypts, a disordered cemetery surrounding the mountains base. The ground was marred by holes and scattered with gravel. Not a blade of grass or a single weed could be found in this barren wasteland. The fog in the sky thickened to an impenetrable white, with no indication of a sun. Lumian could only see as if in the dead of night, under the light of the stars. After a moment of observation, he murmured to himself, Thats it? This is the dream thats been haunting me for years? But soon he refocused his thoughts on a more practical question: Where is the dream secret hidden? On the peak, or in one of these shattered buildings? Lumian did not rush to leave his bedroom and explore the dream. Instead, he stayed put, scanning the area from his vantage point. Suddenly, he caught sight of a figure darting through the ruins of the buildings surrounding the mountain peak. Despite the fogs thinness and the two-story houses limited height, Lumian couldnt shake the sense of its presence. He wondered if he was hallucinating. Taking a deep breath, Lumian muttered to himself, Stay calm. Be patient. Stay calm. Be patient. From what I can see, this dream is shrouded in secrecy, and it doesnt feel entirely my own. Lumian knew that blindly exploring it could lead to danger. Yes, I will search for that woman tomorrow and see what information I can find. Then, I will make a decision Lost in thought, Lumian withdrew his gaze and prepared to exit the dream to rest in peace. However, he didnt know how to wake himself up while being awake. After numerous attempts to awaken, he laid in bed and attempted to clutter his thoughts, trying to recreate the state he was in while sleeping. After an indeterminate amount of time, Lumian abruptly sat up and noticed the faint glimmer of golden sunlight filtering into the room through the curtains. Im finally awake As expected, sleeping within the dream restores my disoriented state. Then, I can escape Lumian breathed a sigh of relief and whispered to himself. In that moment, a knock reverberated through the door. Aurore? Lumians heart clenched, fearing the worst. It is me, Aurores voice infiltrated the room. Lumian sprung from the bed and rushed to the entrance. He grabbed the handle and pulled it open. Lo and behold, it was Aurore standing outside. She donned a white silk nightgown, and her long tresses of golden hair cascaded elegantly down her back. How did it go? She appeared certain that Lumian had just awoken. Lumian held nothing back and recounted every detail that had occurred. Aurore nodded pensively. The purpose of the card was to facilitate a lucid dream She inquired, What are you going to do next? Lumian grunted curtly. I shall grab a bite to eat before visiting the woman and attempting to gather more information to discern her true intentions. Very well. Aurore offered no objection. She added, I shall also pen a letter to someone inquiring about the dream you recounted and the symbols therein. At this juncture, she glimpsed Lumians suddenly apprehensive expression and smiled. Fret not, I shall make adjustments. I shall not jettison everything at once. After all, I am the one who instilled in you the principle of gradual progress. Well, when you converse with that woman, do not be aggressive. Endeavor to be amicable. It is not that we are fearful of her, it is simply better to acquire another ally than an additional adversary. Understood, Lumian replied solemnly. Cordu, Ol Tavern. Lumian strode into the Cordu, Ol Tavern and approached the bar counter. He leaned in and spoke to Maurice Bnet, the tavern owner who also doubled up as a bartender. Which chamber does the foreign madame occupy upstairs? Ol Tavern, the only inn in the village, boasted six rooms on the second floor for guests to rest their weary heads. Maurice Bnet was not a burly man. Like most in the village, he had raven locks and blue eyes, but his nose was always red, a consequence of his heavy drinking. He was related to the Churchs padre Guillaume Bnet, but the two were not close and were merely distant cousins. Why the inquiry? Maurice Bnet inquired, his curiosity piqued. What business would a big-city woman have with a country bumpkin like you? There was an obvious look of inquiry on his face. Maurice had a sixth sense for these things, especially when it came to men and women. Lumian scoffed, Arent you a country bumpkin and a hillbilly yourself? He casually made up a reason, The lady lost something last night. I found it this morning. Just trying to return her property. Maurice Bnet didnt buy it for a second. Is that so? Eight out of ten things that came out of Lumians mouth were lies. What else? Do you think shell fall for me? Lumian said, undaunted. Thats true. Maurice Bnet was convinced. Shes in the room by the square, opposite the washrooms. After Lumian left, Maurice polished a glass, eyes tracking him. He whispered, just barely audible to Lumian, Impossible? Not always. Sometimes people want to try something new Lumian found the washroom on the second floor, the only spot of light in the dim, narrow hallway. But his eyes were drawn to the door across from it. A piece of paper hung from the brass handle, stark white against the dark red wood. Scrawled on it in Intis: Currently resting. Do not disturb. Lumian read the note for a few seconds. Instead of rushing forward to knock on the door, he took two steps back and stood against the wall. He planned to wait here until the lady came out. Life on the streets had taught him hard lessons. When an opportunity appeared, you seized it with both hands, no hesitation, no second thoughts, no fear. Otherwise it slipped through your fingers, and you were right back where you started. So he would wait as long as it took, the minutes ticking by endlessly as he ignored the eyes he felt tracking him, the whispers in his mind. He stood there without a hint of frustration, probably capable of passing off as a statue. Finally, a soft creak. The woman had changed into a pale green dress with white edges. Her brown hair was swept into a tight bun. Those light-blue eyes flicked to Lumian before moving to the paper sign on the door handle, a smile dancing at the corner of her mouth. How long did you wait? she asked, not at all surprised to see him there. Lumian took a step forward and said, Thats not important. He tried to keep his tone even, to appear less eager. What do you want to ask? the woman said, cutting straight to the point. Lumian glanced around the empty hallway. Here? The lady replied with a smile, If you dont mind, I dont mind either. Lumian had already noticed that the other occupants of the tavern, including Ryan and Leah, were nowhere to be found. There was no one else on the second floor except for him and the woman in front of him. Lumian asked, organizing his thoughts carefully. Whats the secret in that dream of mine? The lady laughed involuntarily. Thats for you to answer, not me. She paused for a moment before saying, All I can say is, youll find extraordinary power there. Extraordinary power His pulse roared in his ears. Whats the point, if its just a dream? Wont change anything out here. The womans lips curled into a smile. Whos to say whats possible, in the realm of the extraordinary? Perhaps, it can? After everything, the power I crave is there for the taking? Lumians breath caught. The grin slid away as the lady added seriously, But danger lurks there too. Die in the dream, you die out here. Die in the dream, die for real? Lumian didnt understand, but he chose to believe it. That dream clung to Lumian like a shadow, as it had for years. But it was different, somehow. Special. And Aurores voice whispered in his memory: Carefuls never a bad idea. Lumian preferred to view the situation as challenging and the consequences as severe. He couldnt afford to underestimate the danger or be careless. After a few seconds, he asked, If I stay out? What then? Theoretically speaking, there wont be any consequences. No one will force you, the woman said thoughtfully. But as time passes, I cant be sure that the situation wont change. And the probability of things going wrong is much higher than things going right. How much higher? Lumian pressed. 90% to 10%? No, 99.99% to 0.01%. The lady added seriously, Of course, this is just my personal judgment. You can choose not to believe it. Lumian felt a wave of uncertainty wash over him, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. Recently, Im becoming convinced that the dream is a hidden danger. Not caring is the worst choice But if I really want to explore it, theres a very high chance that an accident will happen without any knowledge Should I wait for Aurore to gather more information from her pen pals before making an attempt? But if I do, Aurore definitely wont allow me to use the dream exploration to obtain extraordinary powers Wasnt my investigation of the legend to seek extraordinary powers? Its too risky. It can lead to death Perhaps I should do a preliminary exploration at the edge of the dream ruins to gather information and not take the risk of entering? Hmm, I can tell Aurore about the conversation, but I cant reveal the possibility of obtaining extraordinary powers Once his thoughts had settled, Lumian gazed at the woman across from him and asked in a low, serious tone, Who are you exactly? Why did you give me that tarot card and the opportunity to explore the dream? The woman smiled enigmatically. I will tell you once you have unraveled the mystery of the dream. Chapter 7 - 7 Naroka 7 Naroka Once Lumian had departed from the Ol Tavern, he found himself standing on the uneven road, uncertain of where to go next. The morning sun beat down upon him, albeit with a slight chill in the air. As he deliberated his next move, Reimund Greg emerged from the side. I was just looking for you. Lumian quickly regained his composure and queried, Whats the issue? Reimund appeared taken aback. Have you forgotten? Today, were supposed to seek out the elderly, around the same age as my pp, and inquire about the legend of the Warlock. Lumian groaned, pressing his hand against his forehead in agony. Is that so? Why cant I recall? Or is this just your imagination? Reimunds expression shifted from one of concern to one of fear. Just as he was about to inquire further and confirm whether he had imagined the events of the previous day, Lumians face lit up with a mischievous grin. You rascal, youre playing a joke on me again! Reimund cursed, unable to contain his annoyance. You need to work on your cursing, Lumian chided, shaking his head in disappointment. Even Ava can curse better than you. Ava Lizier, the beautiful daughter of Cordu Villages renowned shoemaker Guillaume Lizier, was now a goose herder. Reimunds expression shifted as he muttered, Ava He then looked at Lumian. Shes our friend, right? Lumian nodded with a smile. Indeed she is. The trio, along with Guillaume of the Berrys and Avas cousin Azma Lizier, were inseparable teenagers who often spent their days together. Why dont we bring Ava on board to help us uncover the truth behind the legend? Reimund suggested. As you know, her father always said, Why must a dowry be paid when a woman gets married? How many good families have fallen like this? It pains her to hear it. She might be relieved if she could get some treasure or reward from the investigation. Ive also heard the heads of several families in the village say similar things, including our padre, Lumian added with a sly grin. They wish their brothers would stay at home forever. Even if they get married, they wont venture out alone to establish a family. That would require them to split the assets and give them their deserving share. Lumian shot a furtive glance at Reimund and continued, Therefore, many families prefer to let one of their children become a shepherd. This way, he wont get married and will have a certain income. Most of the time, he can support himself. Reimunds expression gradually darkened as he considered the implications of this issue. He had never thought too deeply about it before. This was precisely why he enjoyed spending time with Lumian. Although most people in the village believed that Lumian had a poor character and enjoyed lying and playing tricks, he was actually more knowledgeable than anyone his age. Reimund, on the other hand, felt like he didnt know much and spent his days in a daze, simply following through with his familys arrangements. Its good that you know Lumian thought to himself before skillfully steering the conversation back to their investigation. Its too late now. We must hurry up and ask around. We will get Ava tomorrow. Yes, we can also bring Guillaume-junior and Azma on board later. Not only will this potentially lead to gains, but it will also be a fascinating activity that can train our abilities. Bring Guillaume-junior and Azma too? Reimund grumbled begrudgingly. The more people involved, the less his share of the rewards would be. Furthermore, if he included them, he would have fewer chances to win over Avas affections. Lumian regarded him with a touch of kindness and pity in his gaze. Silly child, do you think Ava will fall for you? Her eyebrows are very high, and she only wants to marry into a good family. She clearly has a certain favorable impression of me, a villain, yet she can control herself In the Darige region, having high eyebrows meant having high standards, and they wouldnt settle for just any average bloke. My sister always said there is strength in numbers, Lumian explained simply. Who are the old croakers that we need to visit? You didnt investigate? Reimund asked in surprise. How could I have the energy to investigate after the incident with the Wand card? Lumian smiled and quipped, Of course I investigated. I am just testing your ability to gather information. Reimund had no doubts. There are nine elders who are still alive in the village. They are about the same age as my pp, or a little older Six women and three men. Ladies do live longer Lumian listened quietly, deep in thought. Theres no need to visit the last two. Theyre from another village and came here through marriage. Lets start with Naroka. Shes the oldest and might have been an adult when the Warlock incident happened. Narokas real name wasnt actually Naroka. It was a title of respect for her. In Riston Province, married women from prominent families or those who were the actual heads of households were entitled to the title Madame. More than that, their names were marked with an a to proclaim their femininity, and prefixed with Na to signify their authority as Madames reigning over their domains. Madame Pualiss family had been in decline for a long time, and at home she dutifully deferred to her husband Bost, the provincial administrator. Therefore, she didnt have a Na prefix or an a suffix. She could only be addressed as Madame. Naroka had been widowed early on in life, and as a result, she took over the familys accounts. Despite her two sons coming of age, getting married, and having children of their own, she kept her hand positioned squarely on the purse strings of the family fortunes. This was a rare occurrence in Cordu, where men usually took charge of the familys affairs. In families where the father was absent, the eldest child would naturally take back the authority to manage the entire family from their mother once they reached adulthood. Okay, Reimund acquiesced without questioning Lumians decision. As they walked by a few buildings, Lumian spotted four old women basking in the sun as they chatted casually in front of a two-story house. They sat very close to each other, catching lice on each others bodies, which was a form of entertainment in the countryside of the Intis Republic that served to bring people closer and express affection. Do we ask her now? Reimund hesitated, concerned that their pursuit of the truth behind the legend might spread throughout the village. Lets wait a little longer, Lumian replied solemnly, knowing that many rumors in the village were generated and spread through such gatherings. After a while, the other three old women left one by one because they still had work to do at home. Good morning, Naroka. Lumian immediately walked over. Narokas hair was grizzled, and her eyes were slightly turbid. She wore a dark dress made of rough cloth, and her hands were covered in a layer of chicken skin with obvious patches on her face. When will Aurore join us? Many people in the village miss her, Naroka asked with a smile. The men, I suppose? Lumian entered a state where he spoke his truth while the other talked about another matter and asked curiously, Naroka, have you really seen a real Warlock? The one whose coffin nine bulls couldnt move? Narokas visage shifted ever so slightly. Who told you that? His pp came back one night to tell him. Lumian began to spout nonsense. Naroka was stunned. Can souls really return My papa told me that Pp had mentioned it when he was alive, Reimund interjected, unable to watch Lumian deceive the elderly woman. Narokas expression fell. After a moment of contemplation, she spoke up. Before he passed, none of us knew he was a Warlock. He acted perfectly normal. Just like how you dont know that Aurore is a Warlock Lumian thought to himself. Until he suddenly died and that owl flew over Naroka trailed off, lost in her memories. The rest of her tale mirrored the legend. Lumian pressed further. Where did that Warlock reside at that time? Naroka glanced at him. Its where you and Aurore are dwelling now. After that Warlock was laid to rest, the padre and a few others ransacked the place and burned it to the ground. For two or three decades, no one dared to approach that site. Eventually, the matter was forgotten. Later, Aurore came and purchased the land to rebuild the house. Our place? Lumians heart skipped a beat. This answer was completely beyond his expectations! In a flash, he realized that there were a multitude of problems he had previously overlooked. With Aurores knack for making money and her mysterious, unearthly abilities, why on earth would she settle down in the rural countryside of Cordu? Cities like the provincial capital, Bigorre, the bustling textile center of Suhit, or even the capital itself, Trier, would be far better options. Even if Aurore was seeking a place with fresh air and a pristine environment, these urban centers boasted plenty of areas that would suit her needs. Aurore once told him, The best way to hide is to hide in a big city Lumians mind raced as he struggled to calm himself. Today, he learned that the land Aurore had chosen for their home, the land where their house stood, had once belonged to a powerful Warlock Where is the Warlock buried? Reimund interjected, unable to contain his curiosity. With no hope of finding riches in Lumians home, he could only hope that the Warlocks body held some sort of valuable secret. Naroka said with amusement, This was quite the affair. It undoubtedly sounded the alarm for the padre. In the old days, nine bulls were gathered to pull the coffin to the cemetery beside the cathedral. The padre performed a ritual to purify it. Eventually, the body was cremated and the remains were buried in a grave. Reimund couldnt conceal his disappointment and muttered, I see. Why do you inquire? Naroka scrutinized Reimunds face before questioning. Lumian cackled and spun a tale that sounded more like a fabrication. We seek the Warlocks treasure. Kid, dont waste your time daydreaming, Naroka warned. Understood, Lumian replied meekly. Lumian and Reimund bade Naroka farewell and hit the road toward the townsquare. There aint no hope, Lumian. None at all, Reimund muttered, his spirits sinking as they circled a building. Indeed. All that could have been burned, has been burned. All that could have been taken, was taken decades ago, Lumian replied, nodding in agreement. Despite the bleakness of their situation, Lumian wasnt disappointed thanks to the opportunity in his dream. Reimund agreed. Aye, youre right. Of all the tales, only that blasted owl still remains. Lumians eyes lit up as he turned his gaze to the forest beyond the village. Owl he murmured. Reimund recoiled in horror and added hastily, But it must have died years ago. He wasnt one for consorting with the likes of owls and other evil creatures. Down south in Intis, owls, nightingales, and ravens were thought to be sinister beings that served demons, stealing away human souls and bringing only misfortune. Chapter 8 - 8 Owl 8 Owl The idea hit Lumian like a bolt of lightning, but he didnt particularly fancy going through with it. Ignoring the fact that years had flown by since the Warlocks demise and that the lifespan of owls was measly compared to humans, the sheer number of birds in the mountain was enough to make Lumian reconsider. There were too many of the damn things! That owl doesnt have any distinct markings No, in the legends, there was no mention of anything specific about the owl. Naroka didnt disclose everything We didnt inquire deeply enough He snapped out of his thoughts and flashed a reassuring smile at Reimund. An owl tied to a Warlock could live for a hundred years. As Reimund trembled with fear, he reassured him in a calm voice, Dont fret, mon ami. This is my last resort. I do not wish to encounter a monster. Perhaps we should consult another old sage. Naroka may have overlooked a vital clue. The mans tone turned seductive as he continued, If I were a Warlock, I would not keep all my treasures with me or in my home. I would stash some away in case the Inquisition attacked me. I would not have the luxury of time to collect my belongings. When I must flee, I would be left destitute. The Inquisition of the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun was notorious for hunting down Warlocks and Witches. Their heroic deeds were celebrated throughout the countryside. Reimunds face lit up with excitement as he exclaimed, You are right! He said with a yearning expression, Its a shame. Too many years have elapsed. The Churchs discovered riches must have been spent ages ago. Mon ami, thats a dangerous thought, Lumian teased. Undeterred, they continued their visits to Pierre-pre, Naferia, and other elders of the Maury family. Although their responses mirrored Narokas, Lumian and Reimund, with their newfound experience, managed to extract more details. For instance, the owl was of medium size and resembled its kind. It had a pointed beak, a feline face, brown feathers with scattered spots, brownish-yellow eyes, and black pupils However, it was larger than the average owl, and its eyes appeared to spin. It was not as rigid or dim-witted as its kind. All these peculiarities made the owl seem even more sinister in their descriptions. Seems like weve hit a dead end, Lumian stated to Reimund as they traveled to the townsquare. We must focus on other legends. Reimund was not as discouraged as he had been earlier. Agreed. But which one should we pursue? This fellow is so proactive and hardworking Lumian silently praised Reimunds enthusiasm and diligence and readied a reward for him. He nodded and said, Take your time and reflect on it. We shall discuss tomorrow. I shall impart combat techniques to you this afternoon. Marvelous! Reimund exclaimed, overjoyed by the unforeseen instruction. Aurore was a skilled fighter. After all, how else could she handle the savage and rough men in the village? Her younger brother was likely to be just as proficient. After bidding farewell to Reimund Greg, Lumian veered onto the trail leading to his home. As he walked, he spotted a group of men approaching him. The leader was in his prime, not towering above 1.7 meters in height. He wore a white robe and had light black hair. With a regal demeanor and decent facial features, the tip of his nose curled slightly in undisguised disgust and malice as he glared at Lumian with his blue eyes. None other than the padre of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church in Cordu, Guillaume Bnet. I have been awaiting your arrival for quite some time, Guillaume Bnet bellowed in a baritone voice. Did you deliberately bring those foreigners to the cathedral? Lumian attempted to explain himself as he furtively took a step back. I thought you were sleeping inside. He had noticed Pons Bnetthe padres younger siblingstanding beside Guillaume Bnet. Pons was in his early thirties, muscular, domineering, and a bully. The other individuals with them were the padres henchmen. Guillaume Bnet signaled Pons with a glance as Lumian retreated. Pons Bnets grin turned sinister as he lunged forward, bellowing, Rascal, eet ees time zat you learn who ees ze father here! Before he could complete his sentence, Pons had already hastened his steps and pounced on Lumian. The other brutes followed suit. In Cordu, a place where logic held no sway and apologies fell on deaf ears, brute force was the only language that could command respect. Guillaume Bnet, the padre, knew this all too well, having resorted to violence countless times before. So, when he learned that the outsiders had been ushered into the cathedral by Lumian, the priest wasted no time in making his move. He was determined to get hold of the ruffian and pummel him into submission until he lay bedridden for a month. The padre was keen to show Lumian the error of his ways and wouldnt rest until someone paid the price for his insolence. Of course, he had to avoid Aurore. Regarding the law, he only needed to notify the administrator and the territory judge, Bost. The city sheriffs were unlikely to investigate such a minor issue in the countryside. As an outsider, Bost would not offend a local-born padre unless there was significant conflict of interest. Guillaume Bnet felt fortunate that the foreigners had not divulged his affair with Madame Pualis, the administrators wife, to anyone. He was still unaware of this. Despite their speed, Lumian was quicker. Just as Pons spoke, Lumian pivoted and dashed away. He was familiar with the padres character and methods. Previously, a villager had accused Guillaume Bnet of having multiple mistresses and embezzling offerings from the Eternal Blazing Sun. He had also bullied others relentlessly in the village, hardly behaving like a man of the cloth. Subsequently, the villager had mysteriously died one afternoon. Thud thud thud! Lumian raced like the wind. Wait for your papa, eh? Attends ton pre! Pons shouted while chasing him. His pace was not sluggish either. The thugs pursued closely behind him. Instead of fleeing along the main road, Lumian darted into the nearest house. The family was preparing lunch in the kitchen when they suddenly saw a stranger burst in. With a swoosh, Lumian darted past them and leaped out of the kitchen window at the back. By the time Pons and his cronies entered, the homeowner had regained his senses. He stood up to confront them and inquired, What is going on? What are all of you doing? Get out of ze way, old man! Pons shoved the homeowner aside with force, but it slowed him down. When they reached the window and jumped out, Lumian had already vanished into another trail. After pursuing him for a while, they lost sight of Lumian entirely. Sacrebleu, ces chiens fous! Pons spat on the roadside. Outside the semi-subterranean two-story abode, Lumian gasped for breath before finally opening the door and entering the house as though nothing had happened. One, two, three, four; two, two, three, four A series of rhythmic shouts reverberated in his ears. Lumian gazed at the empty space on the other side of the kitchen and observed Aurores blond hair tied in a ponytail. She wore a flaxen shirt, tight white pants, and dark sheepskin boots, leaping around and drenched in sweat. In Cordu, the kitchen occupied most of the space on the first floor, serving as the familys core. Cooking and dining occurred here, as did receiving guests. Shes exercising again Lumian was accustomed to Aurores eccentricities and was unfazed by her exercise regimen. Aurore often did strange things without giving any reason when probed. At the very least, exercising is beneficial, and its quite a feast for the eyes Lumian observed silently. After a while, Aurore stopped and squatted to turn off the black tape recorder. She took the white towel from Lumian and instructed him as she wiped the sweat from her forehead, Remember, we have combat practice this afternoon. I have to study and learn combat. Arent you demanding too much of me? Lumian grumbled nonchalantly. Aurore glanced at him, smiling, and retorted, You must remember that our objective is the comprehensive development of the five educations1 of morality, intellect, physique, aesthetics, and labor! The more she spoke, the happier she became, as if recollecting something beautiful or amusing. I have already failed moral education Lumian muttered under his breath. He queried, What kind of combat? One of the things he failed to comprehend was that Aurore, who seemed delicate and frail, was an expert in combat. She mastered numerous fighting techniques and could easily overpower him. Aurore pondered seriously, leaned forward slightly, and gazed into Lumians eyes. She then laughed heartily and declared, Self-defense! Huh? Lumian exclaimed in astonishment. Isnt that supposed to be for girls? Aurore stood tall and shook her head gravely, saying sincerely, Boys must protect themselves when they are out. Who says boys dont encounter perverts? The smile on her lips was no longer hidden. Lumian was unsure if his sister was joking or serious, so he remained silent as he retrieved the white towel and headed towards the stairs. Suddenly, he felt something tighten under his foot, as if he had tripped over an obstacle. He stumbled forward. In midair, Lumian hastily contracted his abs, extended his arm, and leaned on the chair beside him. He somersaulted and barely landed on his feet. Aurore retracted her leg and chuckled. One of the fundamental combat principles is to be vigilant at all times. One cannot be complacent. Remember that, my novice brother? Her right hand had already clutched Lumians back, but when she saw that he had regained control of his body, she let go. Its because I trust you too much Lumian grumbled. He contemplated the matter and realized that this trust was meaningless. He had lost count of how many times he had been at the mercy of Aurore. Aurore coughed and restrained her expression. How did it go with that woman? Lumian provided a brief summary of their conversation before declaring, I intend to wait for your friends to respond before delving into the dream. Smart decision, Aurore affirmed. Lumian changed the subject. Whats for lunch? We still have some leftover toast from this morning. Ill roast four more lamb chops for you, Aurore replied after contemplating for a moment. What about you? Lumian inquired. Aurore casually said, Ill just have truffle bamboo chicken shreds topped with some cheese and onion soup. I tried it last time and found it to be quite Before she could finish speaking, she suddenly froze. The next moment, she raised her hands to cover her ears. The muscles on her face gradually contorted, making her appear somewhat ferocious. Lumian observed silently, his eyes filled with anxiety and apprehension. After a while, Aurore exhaled deeply and returned to her usual self. Her forehead was drenched in sweat once more. What happened? Lumian asked. Aurore smiled and responded, The ringing in my ears is acting up again. You know that I have this old problem. Lumian didnt probe further. Instead, he said, Alright, then Ill prepare lunch. Rest well. Every time this occurred, his yearning for extraordinary abilities grew stronger, as it became a pressing matter. Chapter 9 - 9 Magazine 9 Magazine As the night settled in, Lumian finished dealing with his neighbors who had come to borrow the oven. He made his way up to the second floor, entering the room that served as Aurores study. In Cordu, many folks were destitute and couldnt afford their own ovens or large stoves. When they needed to toast bread or smoke meat, they had to borrow it from others and use it on the spot. Aurore had always been lenient and accommodating when it came to this. Anyone could borrow her oven, but they had to pay the fuel costs or bring their own coal and wood. Currently, she had donned her white silk nightdress and was curled up in a reclining chair, her focus solely on the book she held under the bright battery-powered lamp on the desk. Lumian didnt wish to disturb her, so he nonchalantly pulled out a thinner book from the bookshelf and took a seat in the corner. Hidden Veil What kind of magazine is this? Lumian pondered, gazing at the cover that was adorned with cryptic symbols. He swiftly flipped through the pages, and the more he read, the more he was taken aback. This magazine delved into the very existence of the human soul. It discussed how all beings had a spirit, and through secret methods of communication between different spirits, one could obtain various kinds of aid. Even if one wasnt devout, even if they only attended the Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral to pray and partake in Mass occasionally, two words couldnt help but flash through Lumians mind: Sacrilege! Taboo! As a Warlock who would undoubtedly be burned at the stake by the Inquisition if her true identity was exposed, it was customary for Aurore to have such books at her residence. However, Lumian could tell that this magazine had received the governments permission for publication! Can such a thing be openly published? Didnt they say that publication censorship had always been very strict? Or is this a fake permit Lumian looked up at Aurore and inquired, Is this a prohibited magazine? Aurore took her eyes off her book and glanced at her brother. She responded in a nonchalant tone, In the past, it was underground fiction. Later on, for some reason, it cleared the censors and was officially published. The Eternal Blazing Sun Church actually didnt care and tacitly agreed. Fiction? Lumian was taken aback by his sisters choice of words. Of course, its fiction. Youre not taking it seriously, are you? Aurore laughed. If whats written is true, do you think it can still be published? If you follow the method written on it, other than making yourself mentally weak and neurotic, there wont be any additional gains. Yes there will occasionally be something real, but without the corresponding ritual language, itll be a waste of effort no matter how hard you try. This was the professional evaluation of a Warlock. Alright Lumian couldnt hide his disappointment. I just find it strange that this can be published. Aurore took a deep breath, her puffed-up cheeks accentuating her pondering. I dont know why either. Perhaps its because the world has been seeing an influx of supernatural events lately, and its becoming increasingly difficult to conceal them. The public is becoming more aware of their existence, and the government is slowly easing its grip on such topics. Thats why books like these are being published. In Trier, Psychic, Lotus, and Arcane are the most popular magazines. I have them all on my bookshelf. If you want to come up with more realistic stories for the tavern, you should give them a read. Oui, Lumian responded eagerly, his interest piqued. Simultaneously, he let out a wistful sigh deep in his heart. Aurores hoard of books was truly impressive and diverse! Thanks to these tomes and Aurores occasional elucidations, Lumiana lad who had forsaken his schoolinghad managed to acquire a reasonable comprehension of the world, continent, and nation he called home. The world was divided into two great continents, one to the north and one to the south, separated by the treacherous Berserk Sea, where raging hurricanes battered any who dared to sail its waters. But the truly mysterious lands lay to the east and west, on the legendary Eastern and Western Continents. No one had ever set foot there, and some wondered if they even existed at all. Lumian and Aurore lived in the Intis Republic, a land situated in the heart of the Northern Continent. It was a nation bordered by the Fog Sea to the west, the Feysac Empire to the north, and the Hornacis mountain range and the Loen Kingdom to the east. To the south lay the Feynapotter kingdom, Lenburg, and Masin. The small countries nestled between the Feynapotter Kingdom and the Loen Kingdom, such as Segar, together with Lenburg and Masin, were collectively known as the countries of the south-central region. They shared a common faith in the God of Knowledge and Wisdom. The Southern Continent had already fallen under the dominion of the various powers of the Northern Continent. Whether it was the Balam Empire, the Paz Kingdom, the Haagenti Kingdom, or any of the other nations, they had all but lost their autonomy. Yet still, a fierce resistance against colonization burned in the hearts of the conquered. In addition to the Berserk Sea dividing the Northern and Southern Continents, there were other great seas: the Fog Sea to the west of the Intis Republic, the Sonia Sea to the east of the Loen Kingdom, the North Sea to the north of the Feysac Empire, and the Polar Sea to the south of the Southern Continent. They were collectively known as the Five Seas. Of all the nations of the Northern Continent, the Loen Kingdom was the strongest, with the Intis Republic close behind. The Feysac Empire, defeated in the last war, had fallen to fourth place. The Feynapotter Kingdom had risen to third place. And among the countries of the south-central region, Lenburg reigned supreme. Compared to the simple folk in Cordu who only knew of the Intis Republic, the Feynapotter kingdom, and Lenburg, Lumian was practically a cartographer. It was no surprise really, considering the Cordu Village shepherds only traveled to their neighboring kingdoms of Feynapotter and Lenburg. They only had a limited understanding of these lands. The people in the northern villages of the Darige region were just as provincial. Other than the surrounding settlements, they could only name Trier, Suhit, and a few other metropolitans. Lumian was often baffled. How did Aurore come by such vast knowledge? All the textbooks he read were penned by Aurore, and all his practice exams were prepared by her. Aurore had an answer for every question in the books he read! But what stunned him even more was her expertise in various forms of combat. It was simply mind-boggling that a woman in her twenties could accumulate so much wisdom. Some people couldnt amass that much knowledge even after living 50 or 60 years. Could it be that these are the building blocks of a true Warlock? Lumian looked up again and gazed at Aurore, lost in thought. As Aurore patted her cheeks while reading, she hardly seemed like a scholar or a warlock. Aurore caught Lumians gaze and demanded, What are you ogling at? Lumian quickly changed the subject, Last time you mentioned that I possess the knowledge required to pass the college entrance examination? Aurore pondered for a moment before responding, In theory, you could gain admission to any university, but since I never took that particular exam, I cant say for certain what questions will be asked. Roselle sure did a number on the populace. Sigh, I guess its a good thing Undoubtedly, Emperor Roselles reign spawned the college entrance examination, and it has remained a fixture of academic life to this day. Aurores mind suddenly shifted gears. She shot Lumian a sly grin and inquired, Why did you not make your usual stop at the tavern today to regale the patrons with your tales? Im not truly an alcoholic, Lumian replied while flipping through his magazine. Reading at home is equally enjoyable. And it helps to calm my nerves and ease my mind Lumian silently added. Aurore nodded and glanced over at Lumians spot in the corner of the room. Why are you sitting so far away, putting on an act of pitifulness, weakness, and helplessness? Come closer. You need proper lighting to read at night, otherwise, your eyes will suffer. Aurore sure has a way with words, Lumian mused. Although I understand the meaning behind pitifulness, weakness, and helplessness, its still an odd combination. Supposedly used to her idiosyncrasies by now, Lumian retrieved a chair and moved closer to the desk where Aurore sat. The two of them spent the evening reading in silence, occasionally chatting, as the sound of their breathing mingled with the rustling of pages and the soft breeze that wafted in from outside the window. Peaceful and soothing. As he bid Aurore goodnight, Lumian slipped back into his quarters. He peeled off his coat and draped it across the back of the chair. He couldnt risk bringing the Wand card to bed with him; that would only raise suspicion, and his sister had sworn to keep a watchful eye on him at all times. Just as he was about to approach the bed, Lumian froze, his heart skipping a beat. His sharp eyes darted around the room, and he adjusted the chair that was usually positioned at a diagonal angle to face the window. Then, he crawled into bed and extinguished the kerosene lamp resting on the cabinet next to him. As he drifted off into the depths of slumber, Lumian was suddenly startled awake. The bedroom was shrouded in a dense, gray fog. Lumian, who was already mentally prepared, calmly took in his surroundings and made a realization. The chair that he had meticulously arranged before retiring for the night was still positioned at an angle in his dream, just as it had been in reality in the past. This suggested that the dream world he had entered was not an exact reflection of reality. Perhaps it was a manifestation of his deepest subconscious desires. Although Lumian couldnt decipher its meaning, he knew that it was something to be remembered. He walked over to the window, placed his hands on the sill, and gazed out. The mountain made of brownish-red stones and reddish-brown soil, and the collapsed buildings that surrounded it, were still present. The eerie silence of the place was deafening. Time quickly passed. After much contemplation, Lumian made a firm decision. He would embark on a preliminary exploration of the area tonight! His past life on the streets had turned him into a man of action. He didnt rush downstairs, however. Instead, he opened the cabinet and began to pile on clothes. He didnt need them to keep warm, but he wanted to increase his defense ability in this way. He grabbed a cotton shirt, cotton pants, and a leather jacket, stretching his body to feel the fit. Any more clothing would only hinder his agility, and that was crucial in a situation like this. As he adjusted to his current state, Lumian had a sudden thought. This is my dream. Cant I get whatever I want? With that intention, he muttered to himself, I want a breastplate and a revolver I want a breastplate and a revolver The room was still shrouded in a thin, gray fog. This wont do. This dream is special His disappointment was palpable, but he quickly regained his composure and made his way to the bedroom door. Stepping out into the corridor, he found himself in complete darkness. It was murky and dim. Lumian pushed open the door to Aurores bedroom and then her study. The layout was slightly different from reality, but he recognized it immediately. The biggest difference, of course, was that Aurore was nowhere to be found. The entire scene was frozen in shades of gray. The first floor was no different. Lumian scanned his surroundings, searching for a weapon to defend himself. He knew his home better than anyone else and quickly found two viable options. The first was a two-meter-long fork made of steel. Aurore had said that it was effective and outstanding as long as the target didnt have a long-range weapon. The second was a sharp, iron-black hand axe. Ah, why not both Lumian couldnt help but think of Aurores oft-repeated phrase, but he quickly dismissed the idea. Today was all about reconnaissance. He needed to be sly, hidden in the shadows. Lugging around a cumbersome weapon would only hinder his movements and give him away. Taking a deep breath, Lumian stooped down to retrieve the axe. He rose to his full height and set off towards the door, barely visible in the misty haze. With a deft hand, he opened the door, not making a sound. Chapter 10 - 10 Blood 10 Blood As Lumian stepped out the door, he felt as thought he was transported to another world. Before him lay no longer the familiar Cordu, but a dark-red mountain peak and the collapsed buildings surrounding it. Together, they formed a strange ruin. The fog in the sky was thick and pale, making it difficult for light to enter. The ground was shattered and there were many rocks. Lumian gripped his axe tightly and inched forward carefully, his heart pounding in his chest. Along the way, he couldnt find a place to hide. There were no weeds or trees. Lumian walked in fear, his every sense on high alert. All he could do was hunch his back and comfort himself. At the very least, if there was any danger in this area, it would be obvious at a glance. He could discover it in advance. Finally, he arrived at the ruins, a half-collapsed building that had been wrecked by fire. Lumian surveyed the area for a moment and tentatively confirmed that there were no other creatures lurking about. Satisfied with his assessment, he cautiously made his way inside the building, being mindful of the charred wood that could fall at any moment from midair. As he searched the room, his eyes landed on a broken pot in the corner of the house. There was a hint of gold shining through the cracks. Lumian approached the pot slowly and realized that it was a gold coin. Can it be true? Theres actually treasure in the ruins of my dream? He picked up the gold coin and wiped it against his body. The patterns on the surface of the coin were revealed. The coin featured a mans portrait carved on the front. His face was thin, and his hair was parted 30-70. There was a mustache on his lips, and his gaze was rather firm. On the back was a bunch of sweet iris flowers surrounding the number 20. Lumian recognized the man depicted on the coin. It was none other than the first president of the Intis Republic, Levanx. Its actually a Louis dor Lumian was rather surprised. Firstly, he couldnt believe that the currency in this strange dream ruin was actually the currency of the Intis Republic in reality. And secondly, he had casually picked up something as valuable as a Louis dor. He knew that in the present day, the legal currencies of the Intis Republic were verl dor and coppet. One verl dor was equivalent to 100 coppet. Coppet existed in the form of copper coins and silver coins. The copper coins were divided into three categories: 1 coppet, 5 coppet, 10 coppet, while the silver coins had the denominations of 20 coppet and 50 coppet. Verl dor could be found in the form of silver coins, gold coins, or banknotes. In silver coins, there were denominations of 1, 5, and 10 verl dor, while gold coins came in 5, 10, 20, 40, and 50 denominations. The denominations of banknotes were even more varied, ranging from 5, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 verl dor. In reality, the people of Intis still clung to the old currency units. For example, the most widely used 5 coppet copper coins were known as lick. Similarly, gold coins worth 20 verl were commonly referred to as Louis dor. In the old currency era, Louis dor had been known as Roselle. But after the Republic was established, the name was changed to Louis dor in order to erase Emperor Roselles influence. As Lumian understood it, even in the rural area of Cordu, a Louis dor could sustain a poor family with fields for an entire month. He knew that without Aurores high income, he might never have even seen what a Louis dor looked like. In fact, in the entire village of Cordu, only the siblings and the family of the administrator had ever seen or owned a Louis dor. To any villager, this Louis dor was an incredibly valuable gain. Unfortunately, this is just a dream Lumian couldnt help but feel a pang of disappointment. This was something ordinary, making it unlikely he could bring it out of the dream. But even so, he handled the Louis dor with great care and respect. Having spent much of his life wandering, he knew the value of every coppet. And he knew that one Louis dor was equivalent to 2,000 coppet, which was equal to one gold pound in the Loen Kingdom, though slightly less. According to the papers he had read, 24 verl dor could only be exchanged for one gold pound. Lumian continued his search for any written information that could shed light on the ruins and their history. He wanted to see if this place corresponded to a certain location in reality, and whether a village in the Intis Republic had been transported into this dream world. The appearance of the Louis dor had only fueled his curiosity. As Lumian moved cautiously through the ruined building, his eyes fell upon a spot where a stove had once stood, now stained with a dark red color. Blood? His pupils dilated as he quickly made a guess. Immediately after, he made a judgment. Although it wasnt fresh, it hadnt yet turned blackit looked as though it had just dripped there two or three days prior, or perhaps even more recently! As his heart began to race, Lumian suddenly felt the light around him dim, as if something had silently blocked the light filtering through the dense fog from above! The memory of past attacks flooded Lumians mind like a turbulent wave, causing him to react instinctively. Without a thought, he lunged forward and wrapped his body in midair, rolling on the ground to avoid any potential danger. Thump! A loud thump echoed through the air as something heavy fell behind him. Lumian quickly rolled to the left side of the dilapidated stove, using a nearby rock to leverage himself around. As he rose to his feet, axe at the ready, he saw an additional figure standing where he had just been moments before. The dim light made it difficult to discern whether it was human or some kind of humanoid creature. The figure hunched in front of Lumian was unlike anything he had ever seen before. It was a monster, with no clothes or shoes to speak of. Its skin had been peeled off, revealing the red muscles, blood vessels, and yellowed fascia beneath. Sticky liquid dripped from its body, yet it didnt fall to the ground. It was a monster! Its eyes seemed to be embedded in its face, and its mouth hung open with all its might, revealing uneven teeth and a long drool of saliva. Despite all the ghost stories Lumian had fabricated in the past, he never expected to encounter such an evil spirit in real life. Whoosh! The stench of blood filled Lumians nostrils as the panting of the monster filled his ears. Instinct took over Lumian as he dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the blood-red monsters attack. Lumian knew that he had Aurores guidance and years of experience fighting on the streets to thank for his quick reflexes. Without them, he might not have been able to react in time. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Lumian charged after the monster that had pounced on him. With his sharp axe in hand, he swung with all his might and struck the monster in the back. Bang! Lumians axe felled the monster mid-turn, sending a spray of pus and blood in every direction. Without a moments hesitation, Lumian knelt down on one knee and raised his axe again, ready to strike another blow. Bang! Bang! Bang! Again and again, Lumian swung his axe with precision and force, each strike slicing through the monsters flesh and leaving deep, wide cracks on the back of its head, neck, and back. Finally, the monster lay still, defeated by Lumians fierce barrage of blows. Huff! Puff! You dont act as terrifyingly as you look. Lumian heaved a sigh of relief, his voice tinged with a hint of mockery. He wiped his face with his left hand, then used it to wipe off the blood on his other hand. Is this monsters bodily fluids poisonous? For the time being, theres no pain of the fluids eating at me Lumian began to worry about another problem. Just as Lumian mustered up his courage and was about to search the monsters body, he was caught off guard by a sudden movement. The skinless, blood-colored monster propped itself up with both hands and bounced up again, as if it were still alive. It isnt dead yet? Despite being slashed to such a state, it seemed that the monster was still alive. Lumian was shocked and afraid. Fear and trepidation took hold of Lumian. If Lumian had been facing normal humans, beasts, or monsters, he would not have been so afraid, even if he couldnt defeat them. But this monster in front of him seemed unkillable, rendering Lumians every move useless. Taking advantage of the monsters brief disorientation, Lumian made a quick decision. He propped himself up with his feet, exerted strength on his knees, and ran wildly. Thud! Thud! Thud! He ran with all his might, but he could feel the monsters breath on the back of his neck, and the sound of its heavy breathing echoed in his ears. The monster followed closely behind him. Despite his fear, Lumian gritted his teeth and allowed his fear to push himself to run even faster, surpassing his previous limits. To his delight, he soon realized that the distance between him and the monster was no longer shortening. Thud! Thud! Thud! Lumian finally reached his semi-subterranean two-story building as he pulled open the unlocked door and jumped inside. With a loud clang, he slammed the door shut and quickly made his way to the stove, where he picked up a steel fork that was leaning against the wall. Then he focused on the door. But then, he heard the sound of the monsters running footsteps fading away. He waited, but the monster didnt try to slam through the door. It knows that Im lying in ambush here? Lumian couldnt believe that the monster had higher intelligence. He slowly moved towards the window near the door and peeked out. Suddenly, a face appeared on the glassa bloody, skinless mess with uneven teeth. Lumian froze for a moment, his heart almost stopping. To Lumians surprise, the monster didnt try to break the glass or attack him. Instead, it simply met his gaze. Lumian snapped out of his daze and retreated, brandishing the long fork with both hands. The monster left the window. Lumian watched cautiously, observing its movements as it lingered in the light fog for a while before finally retreating back to the ruins. Lumian was at a loss. He had been prepared to trap the monster and make a quick escape from the dream, but the creature had simply left without attacking. After some thought, a possibility occurred to Lumian. Perhaps the monster is afraid to enter my house? Yes, theres no signs of damage to the house at all In the dream, this is an absolutely safe place? With this realization, Lumian felt a sense of relief wash over him. Lumian was hit with a wave of exhaustion the next second. The short chase had taken more out of him than an entire afternoon of combat training. Lumian made his way upstairs to his bedroom, clutching the pitchfork and axe tightly in his hands. As he lay down on the bed, Lumian attempted to fall asleep. Lumian opened his eyes, feeling disoriented and groggy. Outside the curtains, it was still dark, and the room was shrouded in shadows. For a moment, Lumian couldnt tell if he was still in the dream world or if he had somehow returned to reality. But then he noticed the lack of gray fog and the fact that he was wearing his pajamas, and he realized that he must have woken up. I woke up early because of the fright, Lumian muttered to himself, subconsciously patting the pocket of his pajamas. But when he didnt feel the weight of the Louis dor, he felt a pang of disappointment. It confirmed another factthat money couldnt be brought out of the dream world! Lumian took a deep breath and composed himself, his thoughts turning to a serious problem: How was he supposed to deal with that unkillable monster? While Lumian knew that he could bypass the area and enter stealthily, he also knew that this was not a long-term solution. The possibility of encountering similar monsters in the future was always there, and he couldnt afford to risk his life by being unprepared. Chapter 11 - 11 Madame Pualis 11 Madame Pualis The azure sky was speckled with fluffy white clouds, gently blown by the spring breeze that carried with it the fragrance of the forest. White geese pecked at the lush grasses, grazing beside the meandering river. A lass, draped in a grayish-white frock, stood intently observing them with a long pole in her hand. Her countenance was bathed in the golden sun rays, exposing her thin, downy hair. The girls brown tresses, elegantly tied in a white cloth, revealed her youthful and lively features. Glancing at Lumian sitting under a tree by the river, Ava Lizier scrunched her face slightly. Are we not here to discuss which legend is easier to investigate? Why have you turned into a stone statue reminiscent of the ones from the cathedral? Ava was the daughter of Guillaume Lizier, the shoemaker. Being one of the few youths in the village, she had an amiable relationship with Lumian and Reimund. Im contemplating a problem, Lumian responded, still gazing at the white geese and the rippling waters. What problem? inquired Reimund Greg, who was tending to Avas flock of geese. Lumian pondered before replying, What if you come across a beast with a thick hide that your weapon cannot pierce, what would you do? Obviously, Id find a way to flee. The mountains are teeming with wild beasts. We need not hunt it, Ava replied, feeling that there was nothing to worry about. Lumian grunted in disagreement. What if that beast is exceptionally rare, and the lords in the city adore it, and are willing to pay a hundred Louis dor for its carcass? A hundred Louis dor, two thousand verl dor Reimund breathed heavily. He had never seen a Louis dor before, nor had he used one. His instinct was to convert it into verl dor first. With such a hefty sum of money, he could start a small business in Darige. He wouldnt have to fret over shepherding anymore. He quickly thought and suggested, Borrow a shotgun? The beasts skin cannot be penetrated, Lumian rejected flatly. Even though she knew the prey was just a figment of imagination, with no value in the real world, she couldnt help herself. Is it a powerful creature? Fierce? Lumian paused to consider her question. Its about as fierce as me. That was all the assurance he needed to continue his hunt. Reimund, who had been holding his breath, let out a sigh of relief. Good. Go back to the village and round up some people. Well surround the beast and drain its strength. Once its down, well tie it up. He knew that Lumian could fight, but that was all. In that case, we can only expect to get ten Louis dor, or even less, Lumian reminded. Ava, with her stunning lake-blue eyes, had an idea. Ive seen them hunt before. Maybe we can dig a trap and make it fall. That way, we wont have to worry about it getting back up. Lumian nodded his approval. Thats a good idea. Realizing that Ava and Reimund had little to offer in terms of planning, Lumian took control of the conversation. Which legend do you think we should target next? he asked. Ava shook her head. Neither of them fit the bill. Theyre either centuries old or were only seen by one person, who is long dead. Reimund agreed. Thats right. If you dont ask the right folks, how would you know there aint no clues? Lumian clicked his tongue and chuckled. You lot dont have any grit. If you wanna give up at the first sign of trouble, you might as well be tending geese and sheep for the rest of your days. Ava and Reimund were fuming at Lumians words. When it came to riling people up, Lumian was one of the best in all of Cordu. Ava blurted out, I dont think any of them are suitable cause there are more suitable ones. What is it? Lumians eyes sparked with interest. As soon as Ava spoke, she regretted it, but shed been planning to bring up this issue. She just didnt want to reveal it to Lumian and Reimund so easily. After a few seconds of tense silence, she glared at Lumian. Theres a real witch in the village. Who is it? Lumians heart tightened. Could it be Aurore? If Ava found out that Aurore was a Warlock, he and Aurore would have to flee Cordu and go somewhere else to avoid the Inquisitions wrath. Ava looked around nervously and lowered her voice. Madame Pualis. Madame Pualis, the administrators wife and the padres mistress? Lumian found it hard to believe. Are you serious? If Pualis was indeed a witch, how could Lumian have missed it when he found out about the ladys affair with the padre? No way? Reimund was exceptionally surprised. Ava tiptoed and looked in the direction of the village entrance. Im not certain, but Charlie, the administrators valet, let it slip once. He told me that Madame Pualis is a soul messenger who can talk to the dead and help them return home. He also said that she can create secret medicines and charms. Lumian listened intently but remained skeptical. With magazines like Psychic, Lotus, and Hidden Veil flooding the market, it wasnt uncommon for the administrators wife to be familiar with such terms and trick the servants and villagers. We should go to the cathedral and snitch, said Reimund, his eyes wide with excitement. Lumian paused before responding, If Charlie knows that Madame Pualis is a witch, then the administrator should know as well, right? Oui, agreed Ava. Lumian continued, Madame Pualis is also the padres mistress. If we go to the cathedral and snitch on her, we will probably be sent straight to the administrator. What? Madame Pualis is the padres mistress? Ava and Reimund were shocked. I saw it with my own eyes. Lumian chuckled. Pretend you dont know. Dont tell anyone. Otherwise, you might disappear one day. Ava and Reimund agreed in unison, their expressions unusually solemn, their fear of the padre and the witch intertwined. If we can confirm that Madame Pualis is a witch, well go to Darige and tell the bishop at Mass, Lumian assured them. Oui, Reimund nodded fervently. They had to be sure before they snitched. Otherwise, they would be in trouble if Madame Pualis was innocent. After discussing these matters, Lumian, who didnt want to waste any time, stood up and said to Ava and Reimund, Im off, back to my studies. Otherwise, Aurore would be chasing me with a wooden stick. You two take care of the geese. Okay. Reimund was thrilled at the prospect of being left alone with Ava. Ava looked displeased. As Lumian approached Cordu, he began to hide his tracks, constantly paying attention to whether there was anyone nearby. He had to be careful, especially now that the Padre and his crew were on his tail. According to his observations, the padre, Guillaume Bnet, was not one to forgive easily. He made his way towards Ol Tavern, trying to stay as inconspicuous as possible. Suddenly, he heard the sound of bells ringing in the distance. Lumian turned to see Ryan, Leah, and Valentine approaching Naroka and the others. The bells on Leahs veil and boots rang clearly and melodiously. Theyve been wandering around the village for the past two days, chatting with people and asking questions. I dont know what they are up to Lumian was puzzled and a little wary. As he thought about the deserted town square and the shepherd, Pierre Berry, who had returned to the village unexpectedly, Lumian knew that something was about to go down. Is something about to happen in the village? He needed to speak to Aurore, his smart and knowledgeable sister, and get her opinion. Lumian managed to sneak into Ol Tavern and spotted the woman who had given him the tarot card sitting in her usual spot, eating. Lumian leaned over and took a glance. Omelette au lard? Dont you find it a little too cloying? In Darige, this dish was the go-to for ordinary folks to impress their fancy guests. Lumian, however, had his doubts about it being too greasy and heavy for city women. The lady savored a slow bite of the golden omelet and shut her eyes to savor it. Its a real gem. Its got this local flavor thats just exquisite. Youre having lunch so early? Lumian asked, seated across from her. The ladys light-blue eyes betrayed a hint of exhaustion as she smiled and replied, Its breakfast. What time is it Lumian didnt dare let slip his thoughts. He scanned the nearly empty Ol Tavern and hushed his voice. I saw a ruin in my dream and came across a monster. Oh. The lady didnt bat an eye. Her expression even held a hint of teasing mischief that Lumian couldnt quite decipher. Lumian composed himself and recounted his tale. How do I vanquish this monster? The lady beamed and countered, Is it dead or alive? Its still kicking. I cant seem to kill it Lumian trailed off then answered on reflex. He pondered in earnest for a beat before replying slowly, I can feel it breathing. So, its gotta be alive. If its still breathing, then try harder. Lop off its head. Or pour oil and light it up. Bury it alive, even. Who knows? It might just kick the bucket, the lady suggested nonchalantly while relishing her meal. When youve exhausted all options and still come up short, then come to me. But Im not your nanny wholl coddle you through every little problem. If you want to learn, youve got to figure it out on your own. Shes quite the charmer Lumian wasnt crestfallen or dispirited. It seemed the lady was hinting that shed lend a hand if things got truly dire. And a monster like this wasnt even worth mentioning. But whats trivial can be a real headache Lumian felt a migraine coming on. He resolved to heed the ladys advice. Hed start by trying to behead it, burn it, bury it alive, and anything else he could think of. Chapter 12 - 12 Undercurrents 12 Undercurrents As Lumian left Ol Tavern, he resumed his surreptitious ways, skulking down the path he always took home. Sure enough, he spotted one of Pons Bnets goons hiding behind a tree, spying on passersby. The padre doesnt know when to quit Lumian muttered to himself. But Lumian couldnt retaliate. His personal abilities were limited, and he couldnt risk bringing attention from the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun in the Darige region. The Inquisition would be all over him in a heartbeat, which could spell doom for Aurore. Unless Lumian was pushed to the brink and had no other choice but to abandon the town, his only option was to expose the padres unsavory activities and force him to retire to a cloister. But that was easier said than done. Lumian needed to be careful and cunning, just like when he let the foreigners discover the padres affair with Madame Pualis. Lumian didnt want to make a big fuss about it. He knew that Bost, the administrator and territorial judge, was a stickler for his reputation. If Lumian brought Madame Pualiss predicament to light, he wouldnt get any favors in return. No, it would be more likely that Bost would turn on him, filled with bile and vitriol. That would leave Lumian with little choice but to flee Cordu, with both the padre and administrator hot on his heels. He proceeded with caution, taking a detour through a narrow alley that weaved between several houses. Along the way, Lumian relied on his wits and the surroundings to conceal himself. He ducked behind walls, slipped through doors, and took refuge behind trees whenever necessary. As he neared the end of the alley, he heard the sound of voices. Guillaume, why we waste our time chasing zat keed all day? Lets go to Aurores house tonight and catch him. We ave ze advantage of numbers, and Aurores fightin skills aint enough to stop us. We can even get reinforcements from ze city if needed. Guillaume The padre is here too Lumian stopped, retreating into the corner to eavesdrop on their conversation to see what plans the padre had for him. Guillaume Bnets voice was mesmerizing. Surely, you dont think thats the extent of Aurores capabilities? I wouldnt be surprised if she had supernatural abilities beyond mine. Ah Pons Bnet was obviously surprised. A witch, you say? Guillaume, maybe its time for you to venture to Darige and seek out ze Inquisition. If you can catch a true witch, ze Church will undoubtedly grant you a great reward. And wiz zat, you may finally attain ze extraordinary strength youve been yearnin for all zese years. Imbecile, Guillaume Bnet scolded his brother. Dont you know whats happening in this village? The Inquisition has noses like hounds. They wont overlook any anomalies. When the time comes, well be in hot water. Even if Aurore desires to deal with us, I have other solutions, he said. We mustnt arouse the Inquisitions attention. So, what is happening in the village now? Lumian took this seriously and was curious. Combining his observations of abnormalities, he sensed that something terrible was brewing and developing in the village, like a turbulent undercurrent under the calm sea. To Lumians dismay, Pons Bnet didnt elaborate on the topic. Instead, he focused on something else. Do you ave any way to deal wiz a Witch? You dont need to know, the padre, Guillaume Bnet, responded in a hushed tone. Next, we can put aside dealing with Lumian, but we still have to maintain appearances. We cant let anyone suspect my desire for revenge. That will provide the connections the foreigners need and have a negative impact. What you need to do now is to remind each relevant person and scare those yokels who might notice. Dont let them spill the beans in front of those foreigners. Guillaume, you mean zat zose foreigners are ere to investigate zat matter? Pons Bnet appeared fearful and concerned. Look at you. All brawn, no brains. Youre nothing like your brother, a natural-born leader Lumian mocked Pons Bnet inwardly. Despite his disdain for the padre, whom he saw as a crude and greedy stallion rather than a man of the cloth, Lumian couldnt deny that he had a certain rugged charm. His direct, domineering style and clear mind won over the masses in the countryside, making it easy for them to idolize and rely on him. Guillaume Bnet sneered. No need to worry. So long as those foreigners dont find any real evidence, Ill still be the padre of Cordu. Pons, you need to understand that ruling through fear and intimidation wont lead to peace or prosperity. The Church doesnt want a ruined town that cant pay taxes. We need friends and followers to maintain control. By offering them protection, we can gain their support. The Church trusts us locals with our relatives, friends, and followers to handle matters here and doesnt bring in outsiders who could make a mess. As long as theres no solid evidence, the higher-ups will continue to believe in me. Alright, Im off to the cathedral. That does sound logical and persuasive, but your wisdom and insight are limited to Darige Aurore told me that when the Church confronts villages that are overrun with evil gods, they obliterate them entirely and raze the land to the ground. They dont just slay the adults, but even the kids Lumian found himself almost swayed by Guillaume Bnets words. Luckily, Aurore had warned him about the fearsome reputation of the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun and the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery. After the padre departed, Lumian took a different path and made it back home unscathed. Aurore, clad in a pristine apron, bustled about the oven. What are you up to? Lumian inquired with curiosity. It was still two hours to lunchtime. Aurore tucked a strand of her blonde locks behind her ear and beamed, Trying out a new toast recipe. Rice bread. You dont have to go through all this trouble Lumian was moved to his core. He believed Aurore was going out of her way to make something special just for him. Aurore giggled and retorted, What are you thinking? Can you be any more self-absorbed? For me, baking is a form of amusement. Its a great way to pass the time. You get it? Then why dont you like going out? Theres plenty of fun out there, Lumian probed. He always felt Aurore was a homebody because she was too concerned about the risks her Warlock status posed. Aurore swiveled her head and shot him a withering glare. You mean drinking and gambling? Remember, Im my own person, not relying on or attaching to others. Lumian grasped the first half of her statement but was at a loss with the latter. Ah? Could you expound on that? Aurore gave him a deadly glare. Long story short, your sis is a major introvert most of the time! What do you mean by most of the time? Lumian queried, confused. Humans are walking contradictions, Aurore mused, turning back to the oven. Dont you recall? Sometimes, Im a chatterbox, eager to venture out and listen to the old ladies gossip. Other times, Ill play with the kids and regale them with tales. Every so often, Ill cut loose and ride Madame Pualis horse around the mountains, hollering at the top of my lungs. At the time, you shone like a dew-kissed rose, luring people in only to prick them Lumian couldnt help but grumble to himself. Since Madame Pualis was mentioned, Lumian decided to change the subject. Aurore, uh, Grande Soeur, I heard a rumor about Madame Pualis. What is it? Aurore did not hide her curiosity. Shes a Warlock who can talk to the dead Lumian related to his sister what Ava had divulged. He also brought up the anomaly hed observed and Guillaume Bnets comments. Aurore halted her work and listened to her brothers account intently. Her mien grew noticeably graver. After Lumian had finished, Aurore offered him a smile and assuaged his fears. Dont fret too much. Those three foreigners must be here for something that the padre and his comrades did in secret. It might have to do with Madame Pualis. Dont mess with Madame Pualis for now. Ill keep an eye on them. Explore the village more, mingle with those foreigners, and try to suss out whats going on. Heh heh, compared to that, the lady who gave you the Wand card is far more intriguing. If things do deteriorate, we must contemplate departing Cordu. We can start making arrangements now. Okay. Lumian nodded in agreement. After a brief silence, he inquired curiously, Aurore, if we must depart Cordu, where do you envision moving to? Trier! Aurore declared without hesitation. Trier was the capital of the Intis Republic, the apex of culture and art across the continent. Why? Despite considering Trier himself, Lumian posed the question casually. Every Intisian coveted a chance to visit Trier. In the eyes of the Triers, there were only two types of individuals in Intis: Triers and outsiders. Aurore responded nonchalantly, A prophet once said, As long as Trier endures, mirth and glee will never falter1.'' Chapter 13 - 13 Attempt 13 Attempt It was the dead of night, and all was quiet. Lumian stirred in his dream once more. The first thing he glimpsed was a faint gray mist. On impulse, he reached into his shirt pocket with his hand. The frigid sensation of cold, hard metal immediately registered in his mind. He retrieved the object hed felt. A glint of gold illuminated his eyes. It was a gold coin. A Louis dor. Its still here Lumian sat up and peered down at himself. He still donned the cotton attire, pants, and leather jacket from his last expedition. The nearly two-meter-long steel pitchfork and sharp, iron-black axe rested within arms reach. This was precisely the same condition as when hed exited the dream. In other words, this dream is persistent. It doesnt reset with each entry Lumian fiddled with the Louis dor and slipped it into his cotton shirts inner pocket. Though it couldnt be actualized, it was still a joy to have. Lumian rose from bed and gazed out the window for a spell, ensuring the red mountain peak in the ruins hadnt changed. He hoisted his axe and pitchfork, departed his chamber, and entered the dimly lit corridor. Aurores bedroom and study doors remained ajar. Lumian studied them briefly, then suddenly conceived an idea. In the dream, my room is practically identical to reality. It contains all the expected elements. Aurores room appears the same at first glance. However, can I locate her witchcraft notebook, secret potion formula, or learn how to become a Warlock in her quarters? This notion was akin to a devils whisper, causing Lumians heart to race. He was tempted to try. Compared to exploring the unknown, hazardous, enigmatic ruins, sifting through Aurores room was the simpler, safer option. No, no! Lumian shook his head vigorously and cast the idea aside. Hed rather take his chances than violate Aurores privacy. He wouldnt venture into her bedroom without her approval. This was due to his respect for Aurore. If it werent for Aurore, he would have perished as a child on the streets five years ago. Lumian withdrew his pained gaze and made his way to the stairs. If the occupant of the room wasnt Aurore, he would have already delved in to search for useful information. Once downstairs, Lumian didnt hasten his departure. Instead, he inspected the provisions in the kitchen. The olive oil, corn oil, and animal fat that Aurore had amassed were neatly arranged in buckets and cans, just like in reality. Almost instinctively, Lumian lifted the bucket of corn oil and positioned it near the stove. His sole reason for selecting it was that animal fat and olive oil were pricier. Then he adeptly kindled a blaze in the hearth with coal and wood, and fashioned a couple of torches to ignite. He was preparing to incinerate that monster. Naturally, it would be preferable if there were other options. That was a last resort. After completing these tasks, he retrieved his axe, opened the door, and departed. Lumian then observed something unusual. The faint gray mist that suffused the dream felt more humid than before. The ground beneath his feet was also slightly muddy. It rained? This place persists and develops naturally according to certain laws when Im absent or dreaming? Lumian was somewhat taken aback, but he had an inkling that it was only fitting. Recalling Aurores bizarre tales, he suddenly had a notion. This cant be the real world, can it? My dream is connected to the genuine world. That tarot card enables me to traverse the barrier between dream and the ruins while conscious? Lumian swiftly surveyed his surroundings and realized that an endless gray fog bordered both sides of the ruins, on the dreams periphery. Ill check later. I wont venture into the ruins. Ill stroll out of the gray fog and see if its a surreal and irrational dream after passing through the gray fog, or if theres tangible land, sky, village, and town If it were the former, it signified that this place was still a dream. If it wasnt, Lumian had to confirm which world this was. He surmised that based on the usage of the Louis dor, this place still appeared to be in the Intis Republic, but it might not be the present era. It could be a location that had vanished decades or centuries ago. However, Lumian sensed that there was a high likelihood that he wouldnt be able to exit the encompassing gray fog. He gathered his thoughts and proceeded toward the ruins. He didnt forget that the purpose of entering the dream was to attempt to contend with that monster. After traversing a hundred to two hundred meters in the muddy wilderness riddled with gravel and crevices, Lumian abruptly halted. He thought of a problem. Hed overlooked something in his preparations earlier! Previously, his two-story abode lacked any flames. It was quite secure in this world cloaked in gray fog. But now, it had a blazing furnace that emitted light. Would it draw in a swarm of monsters and render the safe zone unsafe? Lumian instinctively turned his head and peered in the direction hed come from. He observed that a scarlet gleam had been etched on various glass windows at the base of the half-submerged two-story structure in the faint gray mist. It was akin to a beacon in the dark world. Considering that a considerable amount of time had elapsed, it was evidently too late to attempt to extinguish the fire. Lumian hastened his pace and entered the ruins, taking refuge in the building that had crumbled due to a conflagration. He clipped the axe to the back of his belt and agilely scaled a wall, concealing himself in a shadowy nook separated by bricks and timber. Lumian gazed at his home on the other side of the wilderness. As time ticked by, he didnt witness any monsters lured by the fire. Seems like the fire wont trigger any changes. At the very least, my house wont be besieged by monsters Lumian breathed a sigh of relief. This meant that even if he encountered any peril, as long as he could flee home promptly and slumber as soon as possible, he could successfully elude it. He began to contemplate how to entice and eliminate the previous monster. From their brief skirmish, hed deduced that its strength, speed, reaction time, and agility were similar to his, but he could sense that it fought on instinct. It lacked sufficient experience, expertise, or corresponding intelligence. Thats why hed been able to counter and slay it when it ambushed him Itll also be bewildered and taken aback. Its not dissimilar to humans Other than combat techniques, I have two other advantages over it. Firstly, I possess superior intelligence. Secondly, I know how to wield weapons and utilize tools. This is the greatest advantage humans possess over such monsters As long as Im cautious, defeating it again wont be arduous. The most crucial aspect is how to eradicate it completely Just as Lumian was about to deliberately stir up some commotion to see if he could lure over some monster, he spied a figure stealthily approaching the utterly ruined house on the side. The figure was crimson and devoid of skin. Its muscles, blood vessels, and fascia were exposed. It was the monster from last time. Unlike before, this monster was wielding a manure fork. A manure fork! It knows how to wield weapons too Lumians countenance stiffened as his expression turned grim. Unwittingly, his confidence waned a bit. As the monster drew closer and turned, Lumian perceived exaggerated wounds on its back, neck, and the nape of its neck. However, the fissures were no longer oozing pus, and it appeared to have mostly mended. Its indeed the one I encountered previously Its self-healing ability is many times superior to that of ordinary humans Lumian gasped soundlessly. He compelled himself to compose and expeditiously assessed the situation. In the twinkling of an eye, Lumian arrived at a determination. This was a prime opportunity, and he had to seize it when he encountered it. He couldnt let it slip by! He silently retrieved a stone brick beside him and awaited the monsters arrival at the desired location. In just a few strides, the monster entered Lumians kill zone. Lumian abruptly hurled the stone brick at the ground behind the monster. Thud! The stone brick clattered, causing the monster to swivel around and scrutinize the assailant. Upon beholding this, Lumian seized the axe with both hands and pounced fiercely from the wall towards the monster. Bang! The axe descended heavily onto the monsters neck, cleaving it in two. With twin thuds, Lumian and the monster plummeted to the ground simultaneously. Lumian sprang up nimbly, seized his axe, and darted over, delivering weighty slashes to the monsters neck. Once, twice, thrice. The monster didnt even get a chance to resist before its head was lopped off. As the head rolled aside, the skinless body convulsed twice and ceased movement. Lumian didnt halt there. He took a diagonal step, rotated his axe, and pulverized the vicious head with its thick back, reducing it to fragments. Subsequently, he pivoted and hacked at the exposed muscles, blood vessels, and fascia, crushing the heart and other vital organs. After accomplishing all of this, Lumian took two paces backward and surveyed his handiwork. He panted and chuckled softly. I thought you were truly invincible. Whod have thought you possessed so little ability! Amidst the subdued laughter, the decapitated cadaver abruptly jolted upward. Lumians pupils contracted, and he instinctively wished to pivot and flee. He forcefully quelled this impulse and strode forward once more, brandishing his axe. After the corpse bounced twice, it reverted to immobility, as if it had writhed in vain. Lumian scrutinized it a while longer and ultimately verified that the monster was wholly deceased. How tenacious Lumian sighed inwardly. Then, he leaned over and crouched down. He employed his axe to pry open the muscles and fascias and scrutinized the corpse. The monsters bodily structure wasnt dissimilar to a humans, but its muscles were evidently more animated. Even though it was already dead, some of its incisions were still wriggling slightly. Theres no treasure, nor is there any supernatural power transferred into my body Lumian assessed his present state and felt somewhat disenchanted. The adage that one grows stronger with each monster they slay indeed only existed in Aurores tales. He then relocated the monsters corpse and head into the ruined building and entombed them with bricks and timber. Subsequently, he scoured the burnt-down house, hoping to discover something. Chapter 14 - 14 Different Monster 14 Different Monster After a bout of searching, Lumian stumbled upon a considerable number of gold coins, silver coins, and copper coins. In total, there were 197 verl dor and 25 coppet. Among them, Louis dor alone constituted five. As for the paper bills, he only discovered some suspected remnants. Aside from money, Lumian also discovered a small blue book. The book had a grayish-blue cover and measured approximately 21 by 28.5 centimeters, a typical size found in Intis villages and towns. It was an almanac mixed with the religious teachings of the two major Churches. It had a rather positive effect on guiding farmers and herders to farm, produce, and graze to enrich their spiritual lives. Naturally, even though it had been nearly two centuries since Emperor Roselle advocated compulsory education, there were still a large number of farmers, herdsmen, and workers who knew no more than a handful of words and were illiterate. They could only rely on the explanations of certain people around them to obtain the instructions they needed from the blue book, literally known as livre bleu. Lumian flipped through a few pages nonchalantly and realized that the livre bleu was no different from his own. It was just that it appeared a little older overall. Theres the livre bleu and so much verl dor; this family is undoubtedly well-to-do in the countryside. There arent more than five such families in Cordu Lumian discarded the livre bleu and placed the gold coins, silver coins, and copper coins into different pockets. Some were stashed deep in the cotton shirts pocket, some were tucked into his pants pocket, and some were haphazardly stuffed into the pocket of his leather jacket. Even though Lumian knew that this wealth couldnt be brought to reality, he couldnt resist collecting it for safekeeping. These little trinkets of gold, silver, or copper were simply irresistible. During his days as a vagrant, he cherished every coin he came across, even if it was just a coppet or a lick. He often fought with others for them and took risks to obtain them. After scouting the area, Lumian hoisted his axe and crept towards the collapsed building closer to the reddish-brown mountain peak. He proceeded deeper and deeper. Every time he traversed the empty space in the center of the ring, he was apprehensive that dozens of monsters would suddenly ambush him in an area without cover. In the faint gray fog, Lumian crouched down and sneaked behind a half-collapsed stone wall. He squatted there and utilized it to conceal his form. He cautiously poked his head out and surveyed the area ahead. It was a narrow strip between two rows of destroyed buildings. There were no trees, no weeds, just gravel, crevices, and dirt. Suddenly, a figure jumped into Lumians line of sight. It stood in the opposing building, staring at something. This figure was garbed in a black robe with a hood. From the back, there was nothing peculiar. It appeared to be an ordinary human. Lumians heart constricted as he became even more watchful. In such a dream ruin, the appearance of a regular person was far more terrifying than the appearance of a monster! As if sensing that someone was observing him, the figure swiveled around slowly. Lumian snuck a quick glance before retracting his head hastily. He leaned against the wall and didnt dare to budge. With just one look, he had the impression that he had descended into hell or an abyss. The figure was indeed a human, but he had three faces and six eyes! The face in front had cloudy eyes, sparse eyebrows, and numerous wrinkles. He was evidently an old man. The left side was a chiseled face with sharp-looking blue eyes and a thick, black beard, making him appear like a burly man. The skin on the right side was smooth and delicate, like a peeled egg. The blue eyes exuded obvious innocence and ignorance. It didnt seem a day over five years of age. What kind of monster is this Lumian attempted to regulate his breathing to prevent his heart from racing. Such a monster had never surfaced, even in Aurores horror tales. Only in the deepest and most absurd nightmares could it be encountered. Although it was not good to judge a person by their appearance, Lumian instinctively sensed that the three-faced monster was far more powerful than the skinless monster from earlier! Furthermore, there was a high probability that it had exceptional abilities. Eternal Blazing Sun. Great Father, please protect me from being discovered by it Upon witnessing this scene, Lumian couldnt help but pray to the Eternal Blazing Sun. If he werent still clutching an axe in one hand and was in a perilous environment, he would have extended his arms, a gesture symbolizing the adoration of the sun. At that moment, time appeared to stand still. Lumian believed he might be hallucinating. It was as if someones stare pierced through the wall and landed on his back. His back stiffened instantly and felt somewhat warm. In just a second or two, the illusion vanished, and heavy footsteps receded into the distance. Lumian waited a while until the footsteps dissipated completely. Then, he gradually straightened his knees, turned around, and poked his head out to survey the area ahead. The monster was farther away, having arrived behind the collapsed building whose two sides still stood. Half of its body was visible in the faint gray mist. It still had his back to Lumian, as though it had transformed into a statue. Lumian breathed a sigh of relief. He didnt have the confidence to confront such a monster. Its definitely impossible to venture deeper into the ruins from here Should I circumvent it? Wont there be comparable monsters elsewhere? The closer I approach that mountain peak, the more potent the monsters that emerge? Lumian retracted his body and deliberated for a while before deciding to conclude the night. He intended to inquire with the woman who gave him the tarot card after daybreak to see if there was a means of dealing with the three-faced monster. If there was no alternative, he would consider taking a detour. He arched his back, detached from the wall, and headed in the direction he came from. At that moment, he had a notion. If I slumber in these ruins, will I be able to escape the dream? Considering the possibility of numerous monsters in the vicinity, he suppressed the urge to experiment, for now. On the way back, he hastily searched every destroyed building he passed, but he couldnt unearth any useful written information. There were only a few coins. After retreating for a while, Lumian conceived a notion and decided to take a detour. He approached the burnt-out house that he encountered first from the side, where he had buried the skinless monster. He wanted to see if the monsters demise would be detected by its kin and if it would result in any changes. After locating the spot and concealing himself, Lumian poked his head out from the side and scrutinized the target area. In the following moment, he caught sight of another figure. The figure was half-human and half-beast. Its legs were bent forward as it squatted there and inspected the skinless monsters cadaver. It had already removed the stone bricks and wooden blocks that Lumian had stacked. It wore a dark jacket and relatively snug muddy pants. Its black hair that hung to its neck was unkempt and greasy, and it carried a shotgun on its back. A shotgun! Lumian averted his gaze hastily and withdrew his head. These monsters are truly absurd! They actually know how to wield a shotgun At that moment, Lumian felt like he was a hunter, hunting in the mountains with his weapon and comrades, only to discover that the rabbit opposite him was clutching a water-cooled machine gun and targeting them. He considered it ridiculous and immersion-breaking, as well as disappointing. As time elapsed, he waited patiently for the monster with the shotgun to depart. Finally, he discerned a faint sound of movement, gradually receding. Lumian stuck his head out cautiously once again and examined the monster that was half-human and half-beast. It moved like a cat towards the back of the building. Initially, Lumians heart eased, but then his eyes widened. He realized that the path the monster took was precisely the same as the route he took when he ventured deep into the ruins! Its tracking me! It has an extraordinary tracking ability! Lumian made a subconscious evaluation. He was exceedingly grateful that he had opted for a detour when he returned. Otherwise, he would have certainly collided with it and might have even been ambushed! As soon as the monster vanished, Lumian sprang up and dashed towards his house. The crimson fire that reflected in the glass window on the ground floor of the house was akin to sunlight that could dispel darkness. Lumian sprinted all the way to his two-story building, yanked open the unlatched door, and rushed inside. After locking the door, he gazed at the ruins through the window. Far from the gray mist, at the edge of the ruins, there stood a faint figure, but it didnt approach. Phew. Lumian exhaled and planned to extinguish the fire, ascend upstairs to slumber, and exit the dream. He glanced at the still-burning fire and murmured to himself, It can still burn for a while I can experiment and see if it continues to burn until it extinguishes after I depart the dream, or if it is frozen in time the moment I leave Lumian had previously verified through the rain that the wilderness where the ruins were located was undergoing natural development. It had nothing to do with whether he was dreaming or not, but whether the same situation was transpiring in his house or the so-called safe zone remained to be verified. He acted on his notion. He added a few more coals to the fire and fiddled with them. Then, he carried the axe and steel fork to the second floor and entered the bedroom. When Lumian arose, it was just after daybreak. He inspected his shirt-like pajamas. As anticipated, he was disheartened to discover that the gold coins, silver coins, and copper coins did not accompany him into reality. Lumian exited the bed and stretched his body. He sauntered to the desk and extended his hand to draw the curtains. Amidst the sound, a mild and refreshing radiance trickled in. As the window opened, fresh and organic air invaded Lumians nostrils. He couldnt help but extend himself, feeling that waking up early was quite pleasant at times. Of course, this was also owing to the Patriotic Public Health Campaign that Emperor Roselle had launched. It was also thanks to the subsequent rulers who had preserved it and only altered its name. He surveyed his surroundings, sometimes gazing at the far-off forest, sometimes scrutinizing the orange-red clouds in the sky, and sometimes observing the weeds outside the house. Suddenly, Lumians stare froze. He spied a larger bird perched on an elm tree not far away. It had a pointed beak, a feline face, brown feathers with scattered spots, brownish-yellow eyes combined with black pupils, giving it a sharp appearance. It was an owl. It appeared to be observing Lumian. Chapter 15 - 15 Getting Information 15 Getting Information That owl? That owl from the Warlock legend? His mind raced with possibilities, trying to comprehend the gravity of the situation. His blood seemed to freeze. It was worse than facing the three-faced monster. After all, this was no longer a dream. This was reality. Even if his demise in a dream led to the same in reality, it was different psychologically. What should I do? Will Aurore be implicated? As Lumian racked his brain for a countermeasure, the owl remained still, observing him with a piercing gaze. After a few seconds, the owl spread its wings and flew towards the distant forest. Its graceful glide carried it down, down, until it vanished into Cordu. Only when the owl had completely vanished did Lumians mind snap back to the present. He slumped into a chair and lifted a hand to his forehead. He was drenched in sweat. Is it truly the owl of the Warlock legend? Has it truly lived for so many years? In any case, it was unlike any other owl with dull eyes. It almost looked human If its really that owl, why did it choose to fly just outside my window? Is it because I want to uncover the truth about the Warlock legend? But weve already given up It left after a few moments of observation I wonder if it will return and cause trouble for Aurore Despite wanting to observe the situation further since nothing had happened yet, Lumian knew he couldnt keep it from his sister any longer. After leaving the room, he saw that Aurore was still asleep. He went downstairs to prepare breakfast, all of which were his sisters favorite dishes. Sunny-side up, meringue cookies, ordinary toast with jam I have to make noodles later. This time, Ill add meat sauce Lumian mentally noted that the noodle compartment was empty and decided to refill it some time in the next two days. It was Aurores favorite dish. Aurore descended the staircase in a flowing nightgown, her golden locks tousled. The breakfast spread was readied. Morning, she mumbled, stifling a yawn. Lumian grinned at her. Its not getting early. Dont you always say a days planning starts early in the morning? Thats right. My plan is to sleep. Aurore settled into her seat and tucked into her breakfast with a glass of milk. Lumian sat across from Aurore At the table that could fit six. As he nibbled on a pancake, he casually said, Ive been in the village for the past few days trying to find out the truth about those legends. Why? Aurore asked. Lumian was very frank. You didnt want to help me get supernatural powers, so I decided to find my own way. Those legends might contain clues. Its almost impossible, Aurore commented, her tone casual. The legends have been twisted beyond recognition over the years. Or hallucinated by some loony. Its meaningless. Yes, its also possible that someone specially made up a story as an excuse. Heh heh, and the contributions of rubberneckers like you. What? Lumian didnt understand what Aurore meant by rubbernecker. It wasnt even Intisian. It means people who cant help but get involved in drama they have no business in, Aurore explained simply. And judging by how you are suddenly raising this matter, Im guessing youve caused some trouble and now have no choice but to come home to ask your sister for help. It can be considered an accident, but its not to the extent of causing trouble, Lumian said, undaunted. Lumian organized his thoughts carefully. My first target was the Warlock legend. What Warlock legend? Aurores confusion was palpable. Lumian couldnt believe it. Youve never heard of it? A long time ago, a person in the village suddenly died. When he was buried, an owl flew over and stopped by his bed. It only flew away when the corpse was lifted. After that, the corpse became very heavy. It took nine bulls to pull the coffin. Only then did the villagers know that the person was a Warlock when he was alive. Aurore was listening intently. I really wasnt aware of such a legend before. It doesnt make sense Lumian was incredulous. Aurore may have been a homebody, but she still made time to socialize with the other old ladies in town. She loved telling stories to the children and was always up-to-date on the latest Cordu gossip. It was hard to believe she hadnt heard about the Warlock legend that had been circulating for years. But what was even more intriguing was the fact that her house was built on the very spot where the Warlocks home once stood. Lumian had a hunch from the start that Aurores decision to settle in Cordu was driven by the allure of the Warlocks treasure, the key to unlocking extraordinary power. And then? Aurore asked calmly. Lumian answered truthfully, We did some digging around, and we got confirmation from the village elders. This wasnt some tall tale. The Warlock really did exist, but that was decades ago. The Church burned the house down, and now the land belongs to you. Is that so? Aurore was obviously a little surprised. I knew it. Theres always a catch. Why else would they sell me this land at a price lower than the norm? I thought it was because of my gift of gab, when it came to old ladies She thought for a moment and asked, So, the Church burned the Warlocks body? Lumian nodded. Yes. His ashes are buried in the cemetery beside the cathedral. He continued, Weve given up on this matter because all the clues led to a dead end. But this morning, I saw an owl outside my window. It looked just like the one in the legend. Aurores expression became serious. Are you certain? I cant say for sure, but it didnt look like any ordinary owl, Lumian responded objectively. Aurore pondered for a moment before saying slowly, Dont leave the village for now. And after dark, dont step outside until Ive finished investigating the situation. She gave a sour smile. Ive warned you before about the dangers of seeking supernatural power. But look, trouble has already found you. Fortunately, it seems that the other party doesnt have any malicious intentions. The problem should be resolved relatively easily. Im glad youre on guard Lumian lowered his head and said straightforwardly, Grande Soeur, I was wrong. He changed the subject. Did your pen pals write back? How can it be that fast? Its not like were sending e Uh, post! Aurore scoffed. Lumian was puzzled. Isnt post already referring to letters and packages sent through the post office? He was not too concerned. After all, Aurore often used strange words. At the entrance of Ol Tavern. Lumian stood there and surveyed the area. He knew that the woman who had given him the tarot card wouldnt be awake yet, so he was looking for the three foreigners: Ryan, Leah, and Valentine. As expected, the trio was enjoying a lavish breakfast at a table inside the tavern. Lumian observed them for a few seconds, taking in the spread of trout rolls, wine, and mayonnaise bread, before leaving without disturbing them. Some time later, as Ryan and the others prepared to continue strolling around Cordu and chatting with the locals, Lumian approached them with open arms and a bright smile. Good morning, my cabbages. Valentines face twitched, and between Ryan and Leah, one looked slightly embarrassed while the other looked amused. Uh, theyre dressed exactly the same Did they not bring many changes of clothes despite being out? Lumian noticed that Leah was still clad in a snug pleated cashmere dress, a small white coat, and a pair of Marseillan boots, each adorned with a small silver bell. Her veil which doubled as a hat also had bells attached to it. Ryan was still sporting a drab duffel coat and pale yellow strides, topped with a rough dark bowler hat. And Valentine still had powdered hair and makeup on his face. Good morning, Lumian. What brings you here? Ryan asked calmly. Lumian looked aggrieved as he responded, Well, you guys are my friends, and I have nothing to do. I thought Id come visit. He then questioned them, I noticed that youve been chatting with people in the village for the past few days. Is there anything you want to ask? You can come to me if you have any questions, my cabbages. Im your friend. We cant trust your answer, Valentine interjected. Ryan shot him a look, signaling him to calm down. Lumian smiled. So you can completely trust the others? Leah was at a loss for words, while Ryan thought for a moment before responding, Actually, we cant completely trust anyone. We have to make a comprehensive judgment based on the answers we get from different people and the situation we observe. Thats more like it. Lumian spread his hands. Well, then it wouldnt hurt to hear my answer. At least its a reference. Ryan was silent for a moment before glancing around. The early morning in Cordu was bustling with people heading to the farmlands, but there was hardly anyone near Ol Tavern. Heres the deal, he said finally. Were here to find someone. The padre? Lumian asked with a smile. Ryan shook his head. No. We visited the padre to find this person. Who is it? Lumian asked with interest. I know everyone in the village. I should be able to help. Ryan did not show any joy. Actually, we dont know who this person is, how old they are, or what they look like. We received an unsigned letter some time ago, and were trying to find the person who wrote it. Lumian couldnt help but wonder if the letter was from an informer. He feigned puzzlement. Did the person who wrote the letter not reach out to you after you arrived in the village? No, Leah replied for Ryan. Perhaps they dont feel safe and dont trust you? Lumian suggested eagerly. Cant you glean any clues from the contents of the letter? Lumian was curious about the letters contents. If it was targeting the padres crew, hed be happy to help them. But if it involved Aurore, hed urge his sister to move. After all, Aurore communicated with her pen pals frequently, and if any of them were caught, she could be implicated. The letter could be a crucial clue. Chapter 16 - 16 Letter 16 Letter Ryan shook his head. The letter was just two simple sentences. It seemed like a man in deep trouble was seeking our help. Did he not mention what kind of trouble he was in? Lumian breathed a sigh of relief. There was no way a letter from Aurore or her pen pals could be that short. Nothing, Ryan replied with a soft sigh. Lumian couldnt help but mock them in his heart. Its just a letter asking for help, and youre here? Arent you afraid this is just a prank? Even the people from the Inquisition arent as enthusiastic as you. Isnt this too nice, too kind, and too missionful? Normally, he would have voiced these thoughts aloud, but he needed to get information from them, so he held his tongue and forced himself to be patient. Despite his reservations, Lumian knew that Ryan wouldnt reveal the entire situation to him. They must have other considerations or reasons for coming to Cordu and searching for the person who wrote the vague letter. Uh Lumian stroked his chin and suggested tentatively, Why dont you show me the letter? Perhaps I can identify the writer from their handwriting. Valentine, with his powdered hair, gave Lumian a look that said: Do you think were fools? Leah chuckled. Do you know how to appraise handwriting? Barely, Lumian admitted sincerely. He then added inwardly, Being able to appraise Aurores and my own handwriting is also considered a form of appraisal. Its useless, Ryan interjected, shaking his head. Every word in the letter came from a livre bleu, and the entire sentence was comprised of cut slips. Lumian couldnt help but wonder why the writer was being so cautious. Why hide their identity in such a way when they were asking for help? Were they afraid of interception and retaliation, or was there something wrong with them that they didnt want to be exposed? Lumian tried to analyze the writers mentality. Lumian put on a look of realization and said, So youve been chatting with people in the village to see if anyone else has experienced similar damage to their livre bleu? But the person who wrote the letter could have purchased a new livre bleu without anyone knowing, or even thrown it away after using it. Thats just one of the leads were following, Ryan explained calmly. Lumian didnt treat himself as an outsider at all and asked, Are there any other leads? Well, if someone is asking for help, then something must be happening, and there will always be some traces left behind, Ryan responded after some thought. That makes sense, Lumian said, looking troubled for Ryan and the others, as if he could empathize with their situation. He promised solemnly, My cabbages, Ill keep an eye out for you. Hopefully, well find some clues. Thank you, Ryan replied politely. Leah had regained her composure and asked Lumian, Since were friends, I have a question for you. Go ahead. Lumian smiled. Why did the villagers in the tavern laugh when you called us cabbage? Leah was rather intrigued. Although it was embarrassing, cabbage was a common local slang term, and it shouldnt have been a cause for laughter. Lumian explained sincerely, In slang, cabbage means darling or beloved. Its mainly used between intimate friends or between an elder and a junior. My bunny and my chicks are similar. He emphasized the word intimate as he spoke. Then, with an innocent expression, he added, I just wanted us to be intimate friends. Lumians innocent expression suggested that he had no idea what intimate meant. More like you want to be our senior Leah finally understood why the villagers were laughing. While Lumians explanation may not have been entirely truthful, it was logically convincing. Ryan nodded in agreement. Is there anything else? Nope, Lumian replied, not wanting to appear too eager and arouse suspicion about him and Aurore. His sister couldnt undergo an investigation! After watching Leah and the others leave with the sound of the tinkling bells, Lumian sat at the entrance of Ol Tavern and waited for the lady with the mysterious background to wake up. After a while, Lumians friend, Reimund Greg, approached him. Lumian, have you decided which legend to investigate next? Reimund asked. In the past two days, Reimund had been even more proactive than Lumian in this matter. After all, he didnt have any strange dreams or other ways of obtaining treasure. Not yet. The owl had already come knocking on his door. He couldnt risk investigating the legend without confirming the situation first. Ill think about it after the Lent festival, Lumian explained, trying to sound casual. Okay, that makes sense, Reimund agreed. I dont have to be a Greenwatcher for the time being then. Ill head out after Lent. Even if there are grazers in the meantime, it wont cause much damage. Do you mean you dont have to leave the village for the next few days? Lumian asked Reimund. Reimund nodded in confirmation, and Lumian smiled. What a coincidence. I cant leave the village for the next few days either. Reimund was confused. Why not? he asked. Lumian lowered his voice and spoke with a serious expression. This morning, I met the owl from the Warlock legend. It said that if it werent for the cathedral and the gaze of God in the village, it would have taken my soul and thrown it into the abyss Reimund was shocked and frightened, and his entire body trembled. Is that for real? I told you not to provoke such an evil creature Reimund suddenly saw a smile appear on Lumians face. Only then did Reimund remember his good friends nature. Youre pulling a prank on me, its a lie, isnt it? he asked, feeling both angry and anxious. He was angry at himself for falling for Lumians deception yet again. He knew what kind of person Lumian was and had been fooled by him many times before. You believe such a ridiculous thing? Lumian chuckled. Quietly, Lumian added to himself that he had made up the story to prevent Reimund from going straight to the cathedral to repent when he couldnt withstand the pressure. Reimund relaxed and breathed a sigh of relief. Phew Lumian offered some advice to Reimund. Although I made up that story just now, its true that pursuing the truth of a legend can be dangerous. Try not to leave the village or the cathedrals protection if you can. Silently, Lumian added to himself, And thats the truth. Although most of the story was fabricated, half of it was true. I wouldnt have reminded you and shared Aurores advice in a different way if I didnt need your help with many things in the future. Whether someone lives or dies has nothing to do with me Reimund recalled the feeling of fear and nodded in understanding. Alright! He changed the subject and asked, Who are you going to vote for to be the Spring Elf? The Spring Elf was the symbol of spring and the start of many celebrations during Lent. In the Darige area, the whole village usually voted for an unwed, beautiful girl to play the role. Ava, Lumian replied nonchalantly. Hasnt she always wanted to be the Spring Elf? Ill choose her too, Reimund said, secretly relieved. Yesterday, Ava had hinted to him that she wanted him to vote for her, so he felt the need to help her canvas for votes. Outside a house not far from Ol Tavern. Ryan, Leah, and Valentine werent in a hurry to find someone to chat. Valentine raised his hand to cover his mouth and nose. Is it really okay to say so much to that guy just now? he asked. The air around them was filled with the faint smell of poultry feces. Leah fiddled with a silver bell above her head. I dont know if theres a problem. All I can confirm is that my divination results tell me hes of help. Ryan explained his intention. If we cant turn the situation around, leaking some information and instilling fear in the relevant people could be effective. Next, well observe him more closely and see what hell do or who hell find. After Reimund left, Lumian entered Ol Tavern and saw the lady who had given him the tarot card in her usual spot. She was wearing a white blouse and a pair of baggy light-colored pants, and beside her hand was a round straw hat adorned with a few yellow flowers. She really has a lot of clothes in her suitcase. She changes them every day, unlike Leah and the others who look so shabby, Lumian thought to himself as he moved closer and sat opposite her. During this process, he casually glanced at her breakfast, which consisted of a plump mince pie with a thinned sauce, a few darioles, cubed seasonal fruit, and a light-colored transparent drink with some impurities. This isnt something Ol Tavern can provide Lumian pointed at the drink on the table and asked the lady, as though they were close friends, What is this? It doesnt look like wine. Its called Venus Sacred Oil,'' the lady replied casually. Its made from sugar and cinnamon water soaked in vanilla and mixed with poppies. It was invented by a bar in Trier. The word Venus came from Emperor Roselle. He mentioned in a story that she was a woman comparable to a Goddess of Beauty. Lumian was intrigued. Where did you get it? Did you concoct it yourself? he asked, suspecting that the nearest city, Darige, couldnt provide something similar. The lady smiled. As a traveler, its my professional instinct to obtain suitable things at the right time. Lumian was honest. I dont understand. He then said, Ive finished the previous monster. This time, Ive encountered two even more dangerous ones He went on to describe the monster with three faces and the one with a shotgun on its back. I feel that they all have powers that surpass ordinary humans. Theyre not something I can deal with. Is there any way to deal with them? The lady took a bite of the dariole and rolled her eyes. She smiled and said, Im not sure about the three-faced monster, but you are more than capable of dealing with the one with the shotgun, as long as you use whats special about yourself. Lumian was both surprised and confused. A special trait Whats so special about me? I dont even know myself! The lady smiled at him and said, Thats your dream. As the owner of the dream, you naturally enjoy special treatment. Its just that you havent realized it yet. Chapter 17 - 17 Suspect 17 Suspect Lumian was on edge, his mind racing with excitement and fear. What is it exactly? The woman took a leisurely sip of Venus Sacred Oil before replying in a calm, unhurried tone. You have to ask yourself that. Having said that, she lowered her head slightly and focused on enjoying her breakfast, giving the impression that she had no intention of continuing the conversation. Why do you keep parts of the matter untold and only answer at the next opportunity? Isnt this a waste of everyones time? He couldnt help but feel inferior to her ability to infuriate others. Taking a deep breath, he forced a smile and bade farewell. Lumian obediently spent the rest of the day at home. This wasnt out of fear of the owl to the point of not daring to step out during the day, nor was it because he had nothing to do, but to avoid arousing suspicion. Lumian was determined to get to the bottom of the help-seeking letter that Leah and her companions had in their possession. He needed to find out what was written and who wrote it. The key to his investigation was to flip through every livre bleu in the village and find the one with words cut out. As a villager, Lumian was best suited for this task, but he was hesitant to proceed after talking to the three foreigners. It could attract someones attention and cause unnecessary trouble. This was a matter of life and death, survival or doom, and Lumian knew that even with Aurores protection, he couldnt guarantee that the other party wouldnt take any risky actions against him. In the past two years, he had become better at figuring out the threshold required for pranks. This was due to his rich experience. He planned on visiting every family in a few days, using the excuse of pursuing the legends related to Lent. After dinner, when it was dark, Aurore returned to her bedroom to finally write a manuscript that was long overdue. Lumian entered the study planning to find some books related to dreams to read, hoping to gain some special inspiration for his dream. As they only had one battery-powered table lamp at home, which was being used by Aurore, he had to light up the kerosene lamp that had a pungent smell and was not great for illumination purposes. Carrying the kerosene lamp that emitted a dim yellow glow, Lumian quickly swiped his other hand across the backs of the books. Occasionally, he would choose a book and clamp it under his armpit. After a while, he returned to the table with three selected books. Just as he placed the books in his hand, Lumian saw the livre bleu at home. It was quietly placed in a corner of the desk as usual, and the gray-blue cover seemed a little dusty. Upon seeing this livre bleu, Lumian instantly thought of the book he had obtained in the dream ruins and the book that had been cut and meshed into a plea for help. He reached out and picked up the livre bleu in front of him, planning to flip through the content to see which words were suitable for cutting and piecing into useful sentences. After flipping through a few pages, Lumians gaze froze. There was an obvious hole in the notes attached to the current calendar page. A word had been cut out! No way Lumian whispered, extremely shocked. He quickly flipped through the livre bleu in his hand and found more than ten words cut out. No way Lumian whispered again, his reaction almost the same as before. The livre bleu that Ryan, Leah, Valentine, and the others were searching for turned out to be the one at home! Not only had they not expected it, but Lumian had never even fathomed this possibility! It didnt even cross his mind! Amidst the indescribably complicated emotions, Lumian frowned. Could it be Aurore who requested help? Why did she seek help from the officials? Why didnt she tell me? Based on Leah and the others behavior, their habitual choice to discuss matters with the padre as soon as they arrived, and other details, Lumian made a preliminary judgment that they were officials. They could be from the government, Dariges Eternal Blazing Sun Church, or the God of Steam and Machinery Church. Lumian hesitated, his expression constantly changing. Finally, he made up his mind. He took the livre bleu and walked out of the study to Aurores bedroom. He planned on asking her directly and chose to believe in Aurore. Knock! Knock! Knock! Lumian bent his finger and knocked on the door. Come on in. Aurores voice sounded. Lumian turned the handle and pushed open the door to enter. Under the bright light of the table lamp, Aurore, who was wearing a two-piece cotton pajama set, had bound her golden hair with a headband and was engrossed in writing a story. Did you cut this? Lumian asked, interrupting his sister before she could speak. Huh? Aurore turned around in confusion, her eyes blank and distant, as if she was still deep in thought. Lumian handed over the livre bleu, which had been flipped to the corresponding page, and stared into Aurores eyes. You didnt cut this? Aurore gazed at it carefully for a few seconds before looking up in amusement. Would I be so bored and childish? Im steady, mature, and broadminded, unlike you. Aurores reaction was natural, and she didnt seem surprised or flustered that her secret had been exposed. Lumian didnt hide his confusion and asked, But who would have cut out words from the livre bleu? Wasnt it you? Aurore sized up her brother. After reading my novel, you planned on mimicking what you read and cut out words from books and newspapers to create a random letter to play a huge prank on the village. But before that, you wanted to see if you could fool me? Are you testing my deductive abilities? This really doesnt seem like Aurores doing Lumians gaze was fixed on Aurores face, not letting go of even the slightest change in her expression, but his sisters performance was flawless. It wasnt me. Lumian frowned. Who could have done it? Aurore smiled. Go on and play your little game of deduction. I have a manuscript to finish. If I have time tomorrow, Ill help you figure out the truth. Using extraordinary means? Lumian tersely acknowledged her words and stopped disturbing his sisters creation. He took the livre bleu and returned to his unlit room, sitting on the chair behind the desk. Who could it be? Under the illumination of the crimson moon, Lumian muttered, trying to make deductions. We are a family of two. Aurore is a Warlock with extraordinary abilities. She wont let others ransack our home If its really not her, and in her words, when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth. So, in the case of having only two choices, Im actually the one who did this? For a moment, Lumian found it absurd and funny. So Im the criminal? Why dont I know that? Lumian couldnt help but turn his body and look at the full-body mirror attached to the wardrobe. Under the crimson moonlight, his mirror reflection was wearing a linen shirt and brown pants. His handsome features didnt have a smile on them, and his expression was abnormally heavy. He was very sure that he had never cut out the content from the livre bleu. To eliminate the possibility, he recalled his experiences in the past month. Although many details were already a blur, he was still very certain about what he had done. Bathing in the crimson moons light that seeped in through the windows, Lumian muttered to himself, Could it be that I did it when I was unconscious? While having that dream, I can sleepwalk in reality? No, thats impossible. Aurore said that she would watch me. If I really sleepwalked and cut the livre bleu, she would have pointed it out just now. Moreover, the letter must have been sent during the day. Im very awake during those times. Lumian eliminated himself and thought of other possibilities. Someone else who came here, perhaps? Although their family had few guests usually, it did not mean that they did not have any. Firstly, poorer neighbors would come to borrow the stove or oven to smoke meat or make bread. Secondly, Lumians friends would come to his house from time to time to find some simple novels to read or listen to his stories. Lastly, Nazlie, Madame Pualis, and a few other ladies visited Aurore from time to time to have a chat with her. Among them, Madame Pualis came the most. She even lent Aurore a pony so that Aurore could ride freely in the mountains. They were quite close. After all, in a village like Cordu, only an author like Aurore was worthy of Madame Pualis friendship. Madame Pualis appeared very amiable on the surface, often basking in the sun with the other women and chatting with them, and even catching lice with them. She had a good reputation in the village. Although Madame Pualis and Aurore could be considered friends, Lumian did not like her at all. Madame Pualis would often introduce one of her relatives to Aurore and persuade her to get married and have children as soon as possible. It would be fine if Madame Pualis relatives were nice, but every time Lumian asked around in Darige, he found that the other party either had bad character or was not very capable. They were about to fall into poverty, and none of them made the cut. The first time might have been a coincidence, but with it happening every time, Lumian bore a hatred for Madame Pualis. Its definitely impossible for those who come here to smoke meat or bake bread. Theres always someone watching them. They wont be allowed to go up to the second floor Reimund, Ava, and the others are also unlikely suspects. Ill accompany them the entire time. Madame Pualis, Nazlie, and the other ladies have a certain chance. Every time they come, Aurore will keep them in the study to read while she prepares some snacks If Madame Pualis is really a Witch, then its understandable that she needs to hide her identity from the authorities. Also, she is very careful to use other peoples livre bleu to avoid being traced back to her Did she discover something when she was having an affair with the padre? Did she have to protect herself in this way? The more he thought about it, the more excited he became. He felt like he was about to lock onto a suspect. He stood up, paced a few steps, and suddenly walked downstairs. He didnt want to question Madame Pualis, nor did he plan to pry into her actions now. Instead, he planned to find Reimund or Guillaume-junior and use their livre bleu as a comparison to determine which words had been cut out and what sentence could be formed. This way, Lumian could recreate the exact content of the request for help. He rushed down the stairs, through the kitchen, and opened the front door. The crimson darkness outside rushed in, instantly calming him down. Uh, Grande Soeur said that before we figure out the owls situation, I shouldnt go out after dark Lumian muttered. He took two steps back and closed the door. Anyway, there was no hurry to borrow the livre bleu. It would be more natural to do it tomorrow. After doing a stretch, Lumian walked towards the staircase. Ding ding ding ding ding. The doorbell rang, the sound echoing through the house. Who is it? Lumian turned around in confusion, calling out as he walked towards the door. A slightly magnetic and gentle female voice sounded from outside. Its me, Pualis de Roquefort. Chapter 18 - 18 "Straightforward" 18 Straightforward Madame Pualis Lumian was shocked to see Madame Pualis standing outside his door. He had the illusion that someone had come to his place to silence him, but knowing that his sister was upstairs and had superpowers, he calmed down significantly. Exhaling slowly, Lumian walked over and opened the door. There were two women standing outside the door. The one in front was wearing a pure black and exquisite corset dress. She had a shawl of the same color on her shoulders, fishnet gloves on her hands, and a ladys round hat that was slightly slanted. She was dressed in black, with only a diamond necklace inlaid with gold hanging on her chest. Her eyebrows were slightly thin, framing her bright, smiling brown eyes. Her long brown hair was tied into a high bun, and her facial features were not outstanding, but when combined, they had a clean and charming beauty. Coupled with her elegant temperament and graceful posture, it made the night at Lumians door that was dyed a little red seem much fresher because of her. There was also a faint fragrance coming from her. Madame Pualis, the wife of the Cordu village administrator and the territorys judge, Bost. Lumian knew he had to add words like the mistress of the padre, suspected witch, help-seeking suspect, and the fair naked body in the cathedral in his heart. However, these were not suitable to be said out loud. Otherwise, Madame Pualis would definitely change her expression on the spot. If he succeeded in angering her, disaster might follow. Madame Pualis, whats the matter? Lumian deliberately looked out at the sky, hinting that it was not appropriate for Madame Pualis to visit at this time. Madame Pualiss red lips were a little moist as she spoke softly, Im here to discuss something with your sister Aurore. From her appearance alone, she did not look like a woman in her thirties with two children. She was at most in her late twenties. Lumian deliberated for a moment and made way. Aurore is upstairs, writing for her newspaper column, he informed the entering Madame Pualis. Pualis nodded and said to the ladys maid beside her, Cathy, wait for me downstairs. Yes, Madame. Dressed in a black-and-white ladys maid outfit, Cathy took a few steps towards the warm stove. Lumian led Madame Pualis through the kitchen and towards the stairs. Madame Pualis stopped at the corner. Whats wrong? Lumian turned around and pretended to be confused. Madame Pualis asked with a smile, Did you deliberately bring the three foreigners to the cathedral? Shes finally here to question me Lumian didnt panic but instead calmed down. Lumians previous experience of pranking and infuriating people had taught him that at such times, he could not directly answer the other partys question, nor could he defend himself. The best choice was to blame the other party for making a certain error! Of course, this still depended on the situation. Turning around and running was an alternative. Lumian revealed a furious look as he gazed at Madame Pualis and said, You guys were actually having an affair in Gods cathedral! He then spread open his arms and seemingly gestured as though he was embracing the sun. My God, my Father, forgive the sacrilege of this guilty man and woman. Madame Pualis watched him quietly, the ends of her lips curling beautifully. I think God will forgive us. I read a book once that said, A lady who shares a bed with her true love is cleansed of all sins, for love legitimizes pleasure, as though from the purest of hearts. Im very happy with Guillaume Bnet. Therefore, the Eternal Blazing Sun wouldnt be angry about this. Its not a sin. What kind of books are you reading, Madame Lumian couldnt help but inwardly criticize. But, Madame Pualis continued, this is indeed disrespectful to St. Sith. Every region of Intis had one or two guardian angels or saints, recognized by the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun or the Church of the God of Steam and Machinerys canon, or they had made special contributions in Intiss history. They were well known and respected by the two Churches. In the Darige region, the saint in charge of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church was St. Sith. Every Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral here could actually be called Saint Sith Cathedral. However, to differentiate them, only the largest and core cathedral was called that. Others had other names in place. Therefore, Madame Pualis and the padre having an affair in the cathedral was equivalent to St. Siths butler secretly bringing someone home and doing the deed in his masters bedroom. It was a great disrespect to the patron saint. Thats right, Lumian nodded solemnly. Isnt the padre ashamed? Madame Pualis burst into laughter. After laughing, she said to Lumian, Back then, I also persuaded him. I said, Oh la la, how can we do such a thing in the cathedral of St. Sith? Guess what the padre said? He said, Oh, then St. Sith might have to put up with it a little.'' Lumian, who was inexperienced in such matters, was momentarily at a loss for words. Hes blaspheming the saint! He finally managed to force out this sentence. Madame Pualis looked like she was reminiscing. Thats how he is. Hes bold and direct, like a bandit who breaks through the door to your soul while swearing curses. Hes completely different from the gentlemen in Darige. Perhaps thats why I slept with him. Thats just the normal behavior of some men in heat. Not to mention Saint Sith, even if a deity was there, he would make Him wait. Despite his lack of experience, Lumian had read enough novels written by Aurore to know a thing or two about human desire. This belongs to having his mind controlled by his lower body. No, his head was already empty during that period, filled with another liquid. Madame Pualis smiled. I know thats the reason, but he did appear very charming in that situation. Heh heh, youre indeed an inexperienced young man. Dont you know that the same words will make people feel differently in different environments and moods? I remember the first time I had sex with the padre. He stood there, looked me in the eyes, and said to me, Pualis, I want to go deeper in understanding your body and mind. If it were any other time, I would only find him a crude and vulgar pervert. I would have called for help to stop him, but at that time, my body went limp. The mood was just right. Madame Pualis smiled charmingly. Its like, if I had my eye on any man, Id say to him, How does my place tonight sound? If he really comes, Ill bring him straight into the bedroom and tell him, I want to make love with you. I love you. Lumian, as a man, how would you answer at a time like this? Lumian usually told dirty jokes to the men in the village. Although he was a little uncomfortable, he managed to keep his composure. He tried his best to recall the stories his sister had written and the novels written by other contemporary authors. After some deliberation, he said, Madame, you are my sunshine. Very talented Madame Pualis complimented. As she spoke, she leaned forward, her eyes becoming moist. A warm breath immediately blasted Lumians ear, and a slightly magnetic and gentle female voice sounded softly. I want to make love with you At that moment, Lumians heart couldnt help but tremble. His body felt numb, as though he had received an electric shock from touching a broken electrical lamp. He immediately took a step up the stairs and said to Madame Pualis, Aurore should be waiting for you. Indeed. Madame Pualis straightened her back with a smile on her face. It was as if nothing had happened. This woman Lumian suddenly felt a little afraid of this woman. He turned around and reached the second floor in a few steps, with Madame Pualis following at a steady pace. Aurore was already waiting outside the bedroom when she heard the doorbell. What took so long? She looked at Lumian. Lumian explained vaguely, We talked about the cathedral. Aurore understood immediately. She gave her brother a look that said, Pray for good luck from the Eternal Blazing Sun. She turned to Madame Pualis, who had just arrived on the second floor, and asked with a smile, Whats the matter? I wanted to talk about the preparations for Lent. I might need your help with a celebration, Madame Pualis said with a smile. You caught me at a bad moment Aurore found an excuse to decline. Madame Pualis pointed at the door and said, How about you hear it first? Alright. Aurore remained polite. Watching his sister and Madame Pualis enter the study and close the wooden door, Lumian nodded indiscernibly. Acting normally without showing any trace of returning to the crime scene Suddenly, an idea struck him like a bolt of lightning. There is a high chance that Madame Pualis is a female Warlock. Can I get supernatural powers from her? It would be much more convenient and safer than facing that owl head-on while searching for the truth of the Warlock or exploring the dangerous dream ruins After all, I have to unlock the secret as soon as possible to eliminate any hidden dangers. Its less risky once I obtain superpowers. But Lumian soon became vigilant and shook his head. He then self-reflected, How can I think that way? I dont even know if Madame Pualis is a friend or foe. How can I seek supernatural power through her? Yes, her actions didnt paint her to be a good person just now. She even made me feel a sense of danger Whats wrong with me recently? Am I too hasty and rash in pursuing superpowers? Its as if Ill die if I dont obtain them quickly It had been nearly two years since Lumian discovered that his sister was a Warlock. Though he had tried to obtain supernatural powers before, he had never worked as hard as he had in the past few days. No matter if the opportunity was good or bad, or if there was danger, as long as there seemed to be hope, he could not wait to come into contact with it. It was as if he was not picky with food after starving for ages. Phew Thank goodness I sensed the problem in time. Otherwise, I might end up taking a more deviated and dangerous path. Lumian let out a long sigh, relieved that he had regained his normal state of mind. But he knew it was impossible to stop pursuing supernatural powers. He just needed choices. After all, the dangerous dream had already revealed itself, and the undercurrents in the village were getting more and more turbulent. Chapter 19 - 19 Meditation 19 Meditation Madame Pualis and Aurore didnt talk for long. Ten minutes later, they walked out of the study. Lumian walked Madame Pualis out of the door with his sister. He looked at his sister and asked, What did she want you to do? Aurore pouted and replied, She wanted me to be the lead singer at the Praise Celebration, but I refused. Cordu Villages Lent festival had three segmentsSpring Elf blessing tour, waterside ritual, Praise Celebration held in the cathedral. The last segment mainly consisted of playing musical instruments and choral singing. In the Darige region, the lead singer was often from the cathedral choir, but Cordu could only seek out singers who were good at singing as alternatives. As for musical instruments, the villagers didnt worry about it. In villages with shepherds, music or musical instruments were indispensable in their daily lives. Shepherds lived in the wild all year round, either in shacks or pits. Other than their companions and sheep, the most common thing they interacted with was the flute they carried with them. Apart from grazing, playing cards, and chatting, playing the flute and using music to comfort oneself was something almost every shepherd would do. It was precisely because of this that the phrase used to describe a shepherd in a difficult and impoverished situation was he doesnt even have a flute. With so many shepherds around, it was inevitable that the other villagers of Cordu would be affected. When they gathered and chatted in the square, there would always be someone playing an instrument, causing the melodious melody to reverberate. Lumian was pleased to see his sister being steadfast. Okay, he said with satisfaction. Joining in the celebrations was enough. If one wanted to take center stage, it would be a waste of time and could attract unnecessary attention. In order to protect his eyesight, Lumian read for a while, then decided to wash up and turn in early. He considered how to safely test what was special about him in the dream. The ladys suggestions had proven accurate several times in a row, making Lumian unconsciously believe her completely. In the dead of night, Lumian entered the dream again and woke up there. He checked his pockets and confirmed that the 217 verl dor and 25 coppet were still there. Letting out a sigh of relief, Lumian picked up his axe and steel fork and headed downstairs to the stove. The fire had already been extinguished. The clock continues spinning when Im not dreaming Lumian frowned slightly. How could there be anything special about him in such a real dream? The clock continues spinning was a common saying in the Darige region, meaning that time waited for no man and never stood still. In the bedroom he deemed safest, Lumian put down his tools and undressed. He walked to the full-body mirror attached to the wardrobe and checked his body inch by inch to see if there was anything different from reality. Nothing out of the ordinary. Mentally special? Lumian wasnt in a hurry to put his clothes on. Instead, he walked back to the bed and sat down cross-legged, like his sister often did when meditating. Aurore had previously taught him some superficial meditation techniques that did not involve mystical elements to foster lucid dreams. Now, Lumian wanted to try and see if he could sense anything special about his mind and body in the completely quiet scene. The first step was to regulate his breathing. Lumian deepened his breathing and slowed down the corresponding frequency. As he took slow, long, and rhythmic breaths, Lumian slowly emptied his mind. At the same time, he outlined a red sun in his mind and focused all his attention and thoughts on it to eliminate other messy thoughts. Aurore had instructed him to choose objects that represented light during meditation, in case he was targeted by vile, evil things. As a believer in the Eternal Blazing Sun, Lumians first reaction was to visualize the sun. Gradually, his mind calmed down, and in his perception, the entire world seemed to have only that red blazing sun left. Suddenly, Lumian heard something. It seemed to come from an infinite distance yet was ringing in his ears. The sound was unclear but had inklings of rumbling thunder. Amidst the indescribable buzzing, Lumians heart began to race. It was as if someone had inserted a chisel into his head and stirred it a few times. An intense pain erupted, and the blazing sun turned as red as blood and quickly dyed black. The scene in his meditation shattered. Lumians eyes snapped open, and he gasped for air. He felt like he was about to die. After almost twenty seconds, he finally recovered from the near-death experience. He instinctively lowered his head and examined his body, noticing something strange on the left side of his chest. A symbol that looked like thorns, black as night, seemed to grow from his heart and extend out of his body, connecting one after another like chains. Above these thorns were patterns resembling eyes and worm-like distorted lines, all bluish-black. At this moment, the tattoo-like symbols were slowly fading. Lumian was first shocked, then had many thoughts. He quickly got off the bed and went straight to the full-body mirror, aiming his back at it. Then, he tried his best to turn his head left to check the situation on his back. He could barely see the chain made of black thorns drilling into his body from his back. In other words, this chain of thorns sealed his heart and corresponding body in the form of a ring. Lumian analyzed what was special about him that was unlike reality until the symbols completely faded and disappeared. The black and bluish-black symbols are different, and the bluish-black one looks familiar. Yes, its very similar to the old man I helped when I was wandering. It was also from that time that I began to have dreams with large amounts of fog. Lumian found the symbols to be special but meaningless, which left him feeling disappointed. The process of making them appear was extremely painful, pushing him to the brink of death. In a state that nearly knocked him out, what was the difference between facing the monster with a shotgun and delivering food to it? And if he waited until he had the strength to fight again, the special trait would have almost disappeared. It was cold in the dream, like early spring in the mountains. Lumian found it uncomfortable being naked, so he quickly put on his clothes. Just doing such a simple thing made him extremely tired, and his head hurt again. Obviously, he couldnt recover from the impact the meditation had caused him in a short period of time. Under such circumstances, Lumian decided to give up exploring for the night and not make any attempts. He would sleep well and focus on recuperating. The sky was still dark when Lumian woke up. Looking at the darkness in the house and the redness near the curtains, he carefully recalled what had happened in the dream. Ive meditated many times in reality, but I didnt hear that strange sound or feel any pain Its something special that only exists in that dream? Lumian sat up in puzzlement, planning to confirm. He followed the procedure and tried meditating again. The red sun quickly appeared in his mind, and the chaos in his mind gradually settled down. This was a familiar meditation experience for Lumian. There were no strange sounds, no intense pain, and no near-death experience. After a while, he ended his meditation, unbuttoned his shirt, and looked down at his heart. There was no symbol there. Indeed, thats the special trait of the dream. It cant affect reality Lumian didnt know if he should be happy or disappointed. He raised his head and looked at the curtain that blocked the windows. His thoughts scattered as he thought about whether the special trait in the dream could be exploited, and how. At that moment, he saw a small shadow outside the window. Lumians pupils dilated, turning high-strung as his instinctive reaction was to call out to his sister. But then he remembered that he was at home and Aurore had said she would watch over him, so she should have sensed it. Slowly and carefully, he approached the window, waiting for his sister to call an end to his actions. But Aurore did not appear. Lumian came to the window, grabbed the curtain, and cautiously pulled open a crack. Outside the window was the quiet and dark night. The crimson moon hung far away in the sky. On an elm tree not far away, an owl, larger than most of its kind, with eyes that were neither dull nor stiff, stood quietly, facing Lumians window. It looked at Lumian with an indescribable look of superciliousness. That owl! Its here again! Lumians heart was in his throat. Just like the last time, the owl looked at Lumian for about ten seconds before spreading its wings and flying deep into the night. Lumian was speechless. After a while, he drew the curtains and cursed, Is there something wrong with your head? You would come and take a look every single time, not saying a word before leaving! Are you mute, or is there something wrong with your IQ? Have you not learned human language after so many years? In fact, Lumian had his own guesses about the owls actions. He believed that his sisters existence made it afraid to do anything. After all, Aurore had said that as long as he didnt leave the building at night, she could guarantee his safety. If he had stuck his head out of the window on impulse just now, the owl probably wouldnt have flown away quietly. After cursing for a while, Lumian decided to close the curtains and catch up on some sleep. He casually glanced outside and suddenly froze. More than ten meters away, at the edge of a small forest, a figure was slowly walking over. She wore a dark-colored dress made of coarse cloth, and her hair was thin and pale-white. Naroka Lumian recognized the figure. It was Naroka, who he had asked about the legend of the Warlock. Narokas face blended into the darkness, and her eyes reflected a strange light under the faint crimson moonlight. Her movements were abnormally stiff, like a wandering ghost. Chapter 20 - 20 Customs 20 Customs Lumian subconsciously held his breath and shrank back a little. Naroka did not come in this direction. Slowly, she entered the small forest and disappeared into the deep night. Lumian was slightly worried. She doesnt seem right Did something happen? Recently, there had been more and more abnormalities in the village. He looked outside for a while, and the night had returned to silence. Only the swaying leaves proved the existence of the wind. What are you looking at? Aurores voice suddenly came from behind him. Lumian turned around and was delighted to see his sister, who was wearing a two-piece pajama set. Did you also notice something wrong? No, Aurore replied, her blond hair slightly messy and fluffy from just waking up. Then she added angrily, I dont see anything wrong. All I know is that theres a guy whos up in the middle of the night, loitering at the window. Itll be dawn in an hour tops. How can it be considered the middle of the night Lumian muttered out of habit. Then he asked, Didnt you come over because of the owl? Didnt you see Naroka outside? Naroka? Aurore revealed a rare blank expression. Lumian recounted everything from the moment he woke up and realized that there was a black shadow outside the window to the strangely-behaving Naroka walking into the forest. As for the special trait he discovered while meditating in his dream, he planned to consult the mysterious woman first before considering how to tell Aurore or hide it for a while to prevent his sister from stopping him from obtaining superpowers. Aurore furrowed her beautiful blond brows. Something might have already happened to Naroka Go check on them at dawn. Lumian asked subconsciously, What could have happened? How would I know? I didnt see her; theres no way I can make an accurate judgment, Aurore snapped back. You really didnt see her? Lumian thought that his sister had been monitoring him the entire time. Aurore scoffed. Do you think you can see whatever you want? If you see something you shouldnt, you have to consider which graveyard to bury me in. I wont look outside for no reason. Ill just monitor your condition. Ill only wake up if somethings wrong. Lumian was stunned for a moment and couldnt help but blink. Grande Soeur is taking such a huge risk to watch over me Aurore added earnestly, Thats why Im telling you, dont look at what you shouldnt see and dont listen to what you shouldnt hear. Pursuing extraordinary power is a very dangerous thing. Got it. Lumian nodded solemnly. At the same time, he thought to himself, Its precisely because its dangerous that I cant let you go at it alone. After breakfast, Lumian followed his sisters instructions and headed straight to Narokas house. As he approached, he saw many villagers standing outside the door, including his friends, Avas father Guillaume Lizier, Reimunds father Pierre Greg, and the padres younger brother Pons Bnet. What happened? Lumian carefully circled around Pons Bnet and the few thugs surrounding him and went to Reimunds side. Reimund replied sadly.Naroka passed away. Ah? Lumian was prepared for something to happen to Naroka, but he didnt expect her to be dead. Reimund rambled on. Before dawn, the padre came to give her the last rites. She was still fine and energetic two days ago when we asked her about the legend of the Warlock. Why would she suddenly pass away Before dawn? Lumian was alarmed. He realized that it was precisely that moment when he saw Naroka. The exact timing of the padres last rites didnt make much of a difference. Lumians mind raced with thoughts. So, what I saw was actually Narokas ghost? This happened after the owl flew over. Can it really take away a humans soul? Yes, Naroka was one of the witnesses to the Warlock incident that happened back then If I hadnt listened to Grande Soeur and went out after dark, I might have been the one the padre did last rites with. Heh, his version of it for me is probably spitting at me Reimund didnt chat with him. He stood outside the two-story house and quietly mourned Naroka. After Lumian reined in his thoughts, he saw Leah, Ryan, and Valentine walking over. Did something happen here? Leah asked before Lumian could even greet her. They saw many people gathered on the road. Lumian sighed and said, My cabbages, an honorable old lady has passed away. Then why are all of you standing outside? Leah asked without offering any condolences, not fully convinced by Lumians explanation. She was still wearing the same clothes as before. Lumian made an obvious sizing-up gesture, which made Leah panic. Whats wrong? Ryan asked. Lumian smiled. Youre definitely not Darige locals. Were from Bigorre, Ryan answered frankly. Bigorre was the provincial capital of the Intis Republics Riston Province, while Darige was a city on the southern border of Riston Province. It covered a large area, including the village of Cordu. Lumian nodded. Its no wonder you dont know the customs of the Darige region. He had initially thought that these three foreigners were officials from Darige, but it turned out that they were from the provincial capital, Bigorre. Lumian silently updated his judgment of Leah and company. Looks like their status is much higher than I expected Leah asked with interest, What kind of customs? Can you tell us? Lumian planned on forging a good relationship with them, so he smiled and said, Youre my cabbages. Why wouldnt I tell you? As you know, everyone has their own corresponding horoscope. And in the Darige region, we also believe that every family has their own horoscope that determines the amount of providence they receive. The death and funeral of the family, especially the head of the house, will take away such good providence. In order not to affect the horoscope and retain the providence, we will place the deceased in the center of a family before burial, which is the kitchen. Then, we will trim off some of her hair and nails and keep them in the house forever without letting them be discovered by any guests. At such a time, if a person attending the funeral enters the house, it will affect the corresponding horoscope and take away a portion of their providence. Therefore, we attend the funeral by mourning outside. At most, we will look in from the door and wait at the cemetery beside the cathedral. I see, Ryan nodded in understanding. Its the same as how every cathedral in every region has holy bones stored. The sage is forever where a part of their body is.'' He turned to face Narokas house, removed his top hat, placed it against his chest, and began to mourn. Leah and Valentine also expressed their condolences. When they were done, Lumian said to them, Im going to the door to look at her. Ill see you later, my cabbages. Okay, Ryan replied with a gentle nod. Lumian lowered his voice and added, Ill help you find that livre bleu. Before Leah and the others could respond, he stepped to the side and smiled. Why do you wear the same clothes every day? We cant care too much about appearances when we are out in a foreign land for extended periods, Ryan explained simply, while Leah subconsciously touched the silver bell hanging from her veil. After bidding farewell to Valentine and the others, Lumian walked to Narokas door. He had to queue for a while before it was finally his turn. Lumian stood by the door and looked at the kitchen ahead. Narokas corpse had not yet been placed into a coffin. It was lying quietly on a simple bed made of a few benches. Her nails had been trimmed, and her thin white hair was much neater than before. Her face was pale, and her wrinkles deepened the lines on her face. Lumian didnt dare to look at her for too long. Compared to when I saw her before dawn, her face is even whiter, Lumian thought to himself as he made a slight bow before leaving the door. On the way to the cemetery with Reimund, Lumian suddenly slapped his head. Sacrebleu, I forgot to inform Aurore. What are you waiting for? Reimund asked, understanding the importance of keeping Aurore in the loop. Aurore didnt enjoy being out most of the time. She really wasnt kept in the loop if not for her brother. Lumian saw an opportunity and said, Coincidentally, this place isnt far from your place. Lend me your livre bleu for two days. A few pages of mine had been gnawed away by rats, so I need to copy it. Okay, Reimund agreed. In any case, there was still some time before the burial. Lumian returned home and hid the livre bleu before informing Aurore about Narokas passing. She couldnt help but sigh. As expected, something happened. I wonder if it was caused by that owl I suspect so too, Lumian agreed, echoing his sister. Aurore tersely acknowledged and said, You must not leave the house after dark. You have to find a way to warn the people who were seeking out the legend of the Warlock with you. Lumian had already scared Reimund with Narokas death, having just asked about the Warlock legend two days ago, and instructed him not to go out after dark for the time being. Alright, he replied. Naroka is a good person. Ill change my clothes and attend her funeral, Aurore said, walking towards the stairs. Do you want to come with me, or do you want to read some books and do a test set before going? Why am I still doing test sets at a time like this? Lumian couldnt quite understand his sisters train of thought. Considering that he had to compare the livres bleu, he said to Aurore, Ill do a paper before I go. Very good. Aurore was rather pleased. After Aurore left, Lumians expression darkened. He went up to the second floor and entered the study. He took out the livre bleu that he had borrowed from Reimund and compared it to the one at home where part of the words had been cut out. Time slowly passed as Lumian pieced together the corresponding words one by one and wrote them on a piece of paper. He made adjustments according to the length of the two sentences, and soon the contents of a possible request for help appeared in front of him: We need help as soon as possible. The people around us are getting weirder. Chapter 21 - 21 Response 21 Response Lumian fell silent, his eyes glued to the restored request for help. Although what he pieced together wasnt necessarily the content of the letter; after all, the words could create other sentences like the people around us need help as soon as possible; we are getting weirder. He couldnt help but feel a weight pressing down on his heart. In the past, he mightve dismissed it as a prank, but too many abnormal things were happening in Corduand those were only the ones he noticed. I cant pretend that I didnt see anything, nor can I pretend that nothing happened Grande Soeur said that a person with a normal heart and mind needs to know how to avoid danger. They shouldnt stand under a wall upon discovering that its about to collapse He snapped out of his reverie and made up his mind. He couldnt risk staying in Cordu a moment longer. He had to leave with his sister, and he had to do it now! Regarding the abnormality, the officials would undoubtedly handle it. The villagers of Cordu were under their protection, and Lumian had neither the duty nor the capability to take on such a responsibility. In addition, I have to speed up the exploration of the dream ruins and strive to obtain superpowers in a short period of time to deal with any accidents that might happen when I leave this place The urgency of the situation filled him with a sense of imperative that he couldnt ignore. He needed to become much stronger if he wanted to protect his sister and ensure her safety. The last thing he wanted was for her to be implicated in any abnormalities that might erupt before they left Cordu. Keeping his mission in mind, Lumian carefully returned his livre bleu to its original place. Then, he snatched up the piece of paper containing the words and sentences from before and strode purposefully down the stairs. He made his way over to the stove and tossed the piece of paper into the hungry flames. Once outside, Lumian wasted no time in making his way straight to Ol Tavern. But as he approached the door, he found it tightly shut, a clear indication that the owner and bartender, Maurice Bnet, had likely gone to attend Narokas funeral. Still, Lumian knew that as a part-time hotel, it was impossible to lock all the doors during the day without inconveniencing the guests. So, he headed for a side trail and slipped in through the back door. Climbing up the stairs, Lumian scanned the hallway but saw no one in sight. Thud. Thud. Thud. Lumians footsteps echoed as he ascended the stairs to the second floor of the inn. He paused outside the door of the enigmatic womans room, examining the doorknob for any sign of a Do Not Disturb placard. Finding none, he inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, steadying himself. With a bend of his finger, he rapped lightly on the door. Knock! Knock! Knock He knocked three times in a row, but there was no movement inside. Knock. Knock. Knock No answer. Lumian tried again, rapping more firmly this time. He pounded on the door, but the room remained silent. Shes not here? Lumian frowned. She went to attend Narokas funeral? Without wasting a moment, he bolted down the stairs and out of the inn, making a beeline for the cemetery beside the cathedral. En route, he passed by Narokas house, where the mourners who had said their farewells at the door had dispersed and headed to the cemetery to await the procession. Lumian surveyed the area, his eyes scanning the landscape until he spotted a figure emerging from the house. It was none other than Pons Bnet, the younger brother of the padre. Wh Lumians heart skipped a beat as he leaned against the nearby building, trying to remain inconspicuous. Wasnt it strictly forbidden to enter the house of the deceased as it could potentially influence the familys fortunes? Pons Bnet stopped in front of Narokas house and whispered something to Arnault Andr, the old ladys youngest son. After a brief exchange, Pons Bnet departed, leaving Arnault to lock up the house and make his way to the cemetery. Narokas death is indeed a little peculiar Lumian frowned and muttered to himself silently. He now felt that perhaps the owl wasnt to be blamed for Narokas death. It was more probable that the padres group has something to do with it. The owl might be simply adhering to its duty of taking souls from the dead in Cordu. It just happened to stop on the way and observed Lumian for a while. Of course, Lumian had an even more terrifying guess: What if the padres group and the owl are connected!? Their peculiarities and clandestine activities could be attributed to the Warlocks remains. Before exiting Cordu, I should find an opportunity to share my thoughts with Ryan, Leah, and company. I hope theyll uncover the truth and put an end to the issue expeditiously. Lumian averted his gaze and mumbled to himself as he headed towards the Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral. Despite appearing somber and solemn during the funeral, Lumian kept a watchful eye on each villager, hoping to detect any abnormality in their demeanor. Alas, his efforts yielded no fruit. Nonetheless, he had a sneaking suspicion that some of the villagers were wearing a facade Additionally, the enigmatic woman who had bestowed upon him the tarot card was nowhere to be found at the cemetery. As the evening descended upon the semi-subterranean two-story abode, Aurore fixed her eyes on her brother, Lumian, and demanded, Wheres your script? Let me see it. Lumians expression turned serious as he replied, I have something to tell you. Aurore scanned his face. Did some wild animal in the village chew your script again? No, Lumian whispered, his voice low. I found out something from those foreigners. Aurores smile faded as she nodded, gesturing for him to continue. Lumian revealed how Ryan and his gang were snooping around, investigating a letter, and the peculiarity of the livre bleu at home. He spoke of his suspicions regarding Madame Pualis and the letters contents, which he had unearthed using Reimunds livre bleu. Finally, he suggested, We have to leave the village as soon as possible and head to Darige. No, Bigorre. Well stay there for a while. Aurore didnt respond right away. She mulled over Lumians suggestion for more than ten seconds. This is indeed the best choice for now. However, theres a problem. If we suddenly bolt from Cordu while the officials are investigating, wont it draw attention to us? Will they intercept us and make us the focus of their investigation? Its fine if Im not a Beyonder, but Im an unofficial Beyonder. Ill be captured and cleansed by the Inquisition. Lumian was out of his depth, an amateur in a sea of seasoned veterans. The problem at hand was a conundrum that he had never faced before, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words. He finally managed to stutter, So whats the plan? We break out and hide in another city, another country? Oh, Lumian, you are overestimating me, she said. Those three foreigners are more powerful than you think. If there was only one, I might be able to take them on, but three? And what if theres an ambush outside the village? Maybe theyre just waiting for us to make a run for it. Lumian was speechless. He had to admit, compared to his sister, he was still green behind the ears. He just didnt have the same level of experience or the sharp attention to detail that she possessed. Youre too impulsive, Aurore said, shaking her head. But I suppose thats to be expected. After all, what young man doesnt have a bit of fire in his belly? She paused for a moment. Tomorrow morning, youre going to do me a favor. Head over to the administrators office and help me send a telegram to Novel Weekly. Ask them when their next author salon will be held. Aurore was a beloved columnist for Novel Weekly. Only the administrator and the padre possessed a telegram machine, reserved for emergency communications. The villagers could use it, but at a cost in verl dor. Aurore saw Lumians confusion and quickly explained her plan, Novel Weekly has been begging me to promote my work in Trier, but Ive always refused, including the most recent author salon. However, if I ask them to invite me now, theyll jump at the chance and even reimburse our train tickets. Our departure will seem ordinary, and even if were being watched, we wont be suspects. I can temporarily trick them when the time comes. As long as we dont let the abnormality corrupt us, our chances of slipping out of Cordu are high. Lumian breathed a sigh of relief. Alright, he said. In just a few seconds, Lumian posed an intriguing question to Aurore. Aurore, uh, Grande Soeur, is Beyonder a term for people with superpowers? Yes, Aurore replied, choosing not to elaborate any further. However, Aurore then flashed a sly smile and said, So, youre really going to abandon your friends and flee from Cordu. I must have missed the part where thats my problem, Lumian snorted in response. Keeping his sister safe was his top priority at the moment. Aurore clicked her tongue and laughed. Oh, Lumian, youre such a delight. Say that again, would you? How many times have you said that before? And yet, every time, you either quietly offer your help or give them a pretend warning, Aurore continued. Those were trivial matters, Lumian defended himself. However, the abnormality they faced now was a real threat to his sisters safety. Okay, okay, Aurore sighed, not wanting to argue with the kid. Lets get dinner ready. Its your turn to cook today. Lumian grunted tersely and headed towards the stove. The night was dark, the crimson moon obscured by thick clouds. Lumian finished washing up and lay down on the bed. A visible worry crept onto his face. Aurores response wasnt bad, but Lumian was worried that the anomalies in the village would erupt at any moment while they waited for Novel Weeklys reply. Lumian was desperate to increase his strength and obtaining superpowers in the dream ruins seemed like the easiest option. However, he hadnt been able to find that lady all day and didnt have any corresponding suggestions. He was left with no choice but to try it out himself. The situation was like a nocked arrow, ready to fire, and Lumian couldnt afford to hesitate. Without hesitation, Lumian composed himself and slowly drifted off to sleep. Chapter 22 - 22 Arrangements 22 Arrangements Lumian awoke to the world shrouded in a faint, gray fog. With practiced ease, he bounded out of bed and rushed to the window. His gaze fell upon the mountain, a towering behemoth of brownish-red stones and reddish-brown soil that loomed in the wilderness beyond. Despite its modest size, a mere twenty or thirty meters tall, the mountain seemed to stretch endlessly upwards, piercing the very heavens themselves. Lumian found himself using the words mountain peak to describe it, so profound was its impact on him. Beneath its massive frame, the ruins of dilapidated structures encircled the desolate wilderness, stacked atop one another, layer upon layer. Judging by the shotgun-wielding monsters build, Id say its highly skilled in both running and jumping. It also appears to possess a degree of intelligence, capable of wielding a weapon as complex as a shotgun It has incredibly strong tracking abilities, and I cant discount the possibility that it possesses some sort of superpowers, much like Aurore As Lumian focused his mind, details of the target began to surface. His initial judgment was grimif he attempted to face the monster with the shotgun, his chance of survival was a meager 10 percent. And if he tried to utilize his special trait, it would only hasten his demise. His meditation was a double-edged sword; it pushed him to the brink of death, making him vulnerable to even the slightest strike from the enemy. Sneak attacks and assassinations were not viable options either. The other party possessed an uncanny ability to track his movements, rendering any attempts at stealth futile. Plus, Lumian lacked the necessary equipment to mount a ranged assault. A revolver would have been a godsend. For the past two days, Lumian had wracked his brains trying to come up with a plan. And finally, a solution presented itself: traps! He had ventured deep into the mountains with the village hunters, where he mastered the art of setting traps. Since then, Lumian had become a pro at pulling off a few practical jokes. Lumians initial plan was to use oil as a weapon. His idea was to fill a large bucket with oil, tie a rope to it, and hide it somewhere high. When his target approached, he would yank the rope, causing the bucket to tip over, drenching the unsuspecting victim with oil. Then, he would light a torch and toss it at them. However, after some deliberation, he gave up on the idea. On the premise that the creature had strong tracking abilities, he knew he had to overestimate its sense of smell. The smell of oil was quite obvious, and if he used other stronger smells to cover it up, he wasnt sure if the other party would react differently. The monster might even be able to distinguish even the slightest abnormality, like wild dogs. In the end, Lumian chose to dig a deep pit and plant stakes at the bottom. He knew that there was a certain problem with this plan. With the tracking abilities displayed by the monster, there was a high chance that it would discover the anomaly in advance and see through the trap. Lumians response was to find a way to exploit its blind spots and lower its guard. His weapons were inferior to the creatures, but he hoped his intelligence could give him the upper hand. As a human, he had one advantage: his brain. At least from our last encounter, it possesses a certain degree of intelligence, albeit not quite that high Lumian comforted himself. But he refused to let this lull him into a false sense of security. He would plan assuming that the creature had the cognitive abilities of an average human being. Someone like Pons Bnet. No, that guys IQ is lower than a pile of rocks. If it werent for all his goons, Id have him bowing down to me and calling me daddy. After a moment of contemplation, Lumian raised his expectations of the monster. Yes, treat it like an uneducated padre. He gazed out the window again, his eyes fixated on the wilderness between his dwelling and the ruins. This place was closer to the safe zone, making it the ideal location for his hideout. However, there was no cover, leaving everything exposed in plain sight, making it unsuitable for an ambush. Its fine to dig a trap, but if I use myself as bait, the other party will be able to spot me from a distance and shoot me. It wont need to come over at all Lumian muttered, contemplating whether to take the risk of entering the ruins to set up a trap. His plan took shape rapidly, with one thing left to confirm: it would take a lot of time to dig a deep pit and plant stakes below. Lumian couldnt expect the other party to wait until he was done. After a moments reflection, Lumian opened his arms and made an embrace the Sun gesture. He prayed more fervently than ever before. My God, my Father, please bless me and aid me in dealing with that monster. Praise the Sun! There was no 100% certainty for most things in the world. Lumian didnt hesitate for a moment. He grabbed the pitchfork and axe from the bedroom and proceeded to the study. Considering the targets weapon, Lumian knew he had to switch up his protection gear. He shed his cotton clothes and lashed hard-bound books to his chest and back with a rope. This was makeshift paper armor! He vaguely remembered his sister warning him about the potential for internal injuries, but he couldnt afford to worry about that now. He stretched to make sure the weight of the books wouldnt impede his fighting abilities, then donned his leather jacket and headed down to the ground floor to gather materials for his trap. Not long after, Lumians grip tightened on the shovel and bundle of ropes at his waist, one for climbing and the other for crafting rope nets to replace the tree branches. He breathed deeply, steeling himself for what lay ahead, and gripped the iron axe in his right hand as he opened the door. A faint gray fog crept through the wilderness as Lumian approached the mountain, the peak now dyed in blood. Lumian made his way through the eerie silence, creeping towards the edge of the ruins. With caution, he walked a distance to the side and tossed his shovel, pitchfork, ropes, and other gear into a dark corner of a collapsed building. With only his trusty axe in hand, he returned to the spot where he had entered the ruins. Moving quietly and deliberately, Lumian crept deeper into the ruins without drawing attention to himself. When he finally reached the spot where the three-faced monster had scared him off last time, he paused for nearly a minute before turning back. Halfway there, he began to detour, circling back towards the collapsed house where he had stored his tools. As he approached, Lumian scanned the terrain, searching for a suitable location to set up his trap. Theres a relatively wide and short crevice here. With a little modification, itll make an excellent trap and save me precious time. As for the other one, well, that might take a while. But Ill just have to hope the monster wont find me too quickly Lumian retrieved his shovel and other gear, turned back to the chosen location, and set to work. After modifying the crevice, Lumian wielded his axe and sliced off a jagged piece of wood, then inserted it into the traps base. He crafted a net from rope, draping it over the trap before covering it with soil, ensuring that it blended seamlessly with its surroundings. With everything in place, he began to mimic the monster tracking him. If this creature is as perceptive as I think it is, it will sense the trap and avoid it, perhaps leaping over it in a single bound. However, it would inevitably reach this spot I need to be here, so it spots me the moment it arrives Lumian measured the distance with his feet and confirmed his line of sight before settling on a relatively intact wall. He squatted there and confirmed his line of sight. Then he began to dig a second trap. This was a trap specifically designed for normal humans. Lumian knew that when someone had managed to track down their target and easily realized that the other party had laid a trap for them, only to discover that the enemy was lying in wait nearby, theyd probably get cocky. Their thirst for success would overwhelm them, and theyd ignore the possibility of a second trap, eagerly lunging at their prey. It was a classic flaw of people with pedestrian intelligence. Lumian just prayed that the monster didnt possess the average IQ of a human. If it did, he had no choice but to bolt. Odds were hed be ensnared and left to die in the wild, with a slim chance of making it back to his house and hiding in the safe zone. Cordus abnormality had forced him to make a dangerous choice. With every passing moment, Lumian grew increasingly wary. Even though he had set up the second trap, the monster with the shotgun had yet to make an appearance. The same held true for the other monsters. At last, Lumian began to relax. After stowing away his shovel and other supplies, he stood tall, spreading his arms wide. Praise the Sun! he exclaimed with renewed vigor. Lumian shrank back against the wall and fell to his knee, his eyes fixated on the first trap. There was no clear line of sight to the path he took, obstructed by a collapsed building looming in his way. He waited there, patiently, his heart thumping in his chest. Lumian could feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins, and the sensation was unprecedented. As a vagrant, Lumian had encountered his fair share of enemies who were bigger and brawnier than him. But they werent looking to off him; they just wanted his grub, dough, and a decent spot to catch some Zs. Even if someone happened to die in the scuffle, it was chalked up to an unfortunate accident. But now, the adversary he was up against was a monstrous creature that didnt abide by human laws or morals. And it was exponentially stronger than Lumian. Hell, it might even possess a few superpowers. If his scheme went sideways, the outcome was all but certain. Thump, thump, thump Lumians heart was about to leap out of his chest. Everyone wanted to live the good life, and Lumian was no exception. Breathe in, breathe out breathe in, breathe out Lumian tried to take deep breaths to steady his nerves, but it wasnt helping. Lumian hoped the monster would appear sooner, though he dreaded its arrival. On the one hand, it could bring a quick resolution to this situation, regardless of whether the outcome was positive or negative. At least then he wouldnt be as anxious as he was now, almost at the point of breaking down. On the other hand, fear gripped him tightly. Realizing that he couldnt go on like this, he reminded himself, I cant burden Aurore with my fears. With that, he attempted to meditate, focusing all his energy on the task. Although it proved more challenging than before, Lumian eventually managed to outline the crimson sun in his mind. The mere sight of it eased his nerves somewhat, yet he still trembled with fear. Suddenly, he heard a faint rustling sound. It was as if a shepherd was approaching quietly through a nearby pasture, hidden from view. Chapter 23 - Chapter 23: Combat Intelligence Chapter 23: Combat Intelligence Lumians senses were on high alert. He wasnt as scared as before now that things were finally happening. Despite his body still quivering, he felt more in control and less likely to collapse. I shouldve died five years ago. Its all thanks to Aurore that Im still alive. These past five years were a free lunch. Whats there to be afraid of? Lumian muttered to himself, gritting his teeth and mustering up courage. In the blink of an eye, the already dim light illuminating the first traps surface grew even fainter. A shadowy figure emerged, blocking the light that pierced through the dense fog in the sky. The figure loomed in the distance, a hulking beast with blood-red eyes and greasy black hair. Half-human and half-beast, it was armed with a shotgun on its back, ready for anything. Its front knees bent as it surveyed the ground before it. A moment later, the beast, wearing a dark jacket and muddy pants, removed its shotgun and jumped, controlling the vertical extent of its jump to leap over the trap and land on the solid, cracked ground. It turned its greasy black-haired head and saw a slight movement. Then, the monster spotted Lumian, who had a panicked expression and was trying to hide behind a wall. With a low growl, the beast jumped up high again and pounced on its target. It landed a slight distance away from where Lumian had been, to prevent him from turning around and dealing a fatal blow before it could stabilize itself. Lumian fumbled his way around the wall, disappearing from view. As soon as the monster landed, the soil beneath its feet gave way, and it plummeted along with the dirt and rope net into a deep pit that had suddenly appeared. Thud! The sound of something heavy crashing to the ground echoed through the abandoned building, accompanied by a screech resembling that of a rat. Lumian, who had concealed himself behind the wall, couldnt suppress the thrill surging through him upon witnessing the sight. The first step had been accomplished! With most of his fear evaporating, he seized the pitchfork by his side and dashed towards the trap. The skinless monsters formidable tenacity had left an indelible impression on Lumian. Moreover, his quarry had a shotgun, so he refrained from exposing himself above the deep hole. Instead, he aimed the pitchfork from a distance and thrust it into the pit. In a sudden turn of events, the pitchfork plunged and halted abruptly. Immediately, an intense force reverberated through the pitchfork, yanking Lumian into the trap with brute force. Caught off guard, Lumian tumbled forward. He didnt bother inspecting the pits bottom. Discarding the pitchfork, he spun around and lunged towards the still-standing wall. Bang! The impact hit Lumian like a freight train, knocking him off his feet. Blood, with a distinct metallic taste, surged up in his throat. With a thud, he hit the ground, tumbling a few times before he regained his footing. In the same instant, he caught sight of the monstrous creaturepart-human, part-beastemerging from the deep pit. It held a single-barreled shotgun in its hand, its body torn open, revealing a grotesque display of wounds. A sickening mixture of dark red and pale yellow liquid poured out, as its insides spilled out. Despite being badly injured by Lumians trap, the creature had not lost its ability to fight. As it tumbled into the pit, it managed to contort its body just enough to avoid a fatal blow. The creatures legs and arms were also still functional, allowing it to break free from the trap. Without a moments hesitation, Lumian bolted for the ruins nearby. It wasnt a spontaneous decision; he had a plan in mind. He knew there was a chance the trap wouldnt completely incapacitate the monster, leaving it with enough strength to fight back. In the event that the trap failed, Lumians contingency plan was to use the environment to his advantage. Hed play a game of cat and mouse, buying time for the beast to succumb to its wounds. Its reaction time and strength would weaken considerably, and Lumian could strike when the opportunity presented itself. Bang! Another shot rang out, followed by the sound of soil splattering as leads appeared at the spot where Lumian had been standing. He quickly took cover behind a half-collapsed wall and crawled on all fours to the other side of the ruins. Suddenly, he heard the sound of wind blowing in the air. The monster had jumped over. Lumian swiftly pivoted and crawled back behind the half-collapsed wall through a gap. He made the most of the special conditions of the collapsed buildings, hiding at times and circling around at others, dodging the monsters attacks without engaging in a direct fight. Hide-and-seek was Lumians forte, honed through past pranks where he used this innate ability to escape getting beaten up on the spot. As the cat-and-mouse game continued, Lumian gradually found himself panting, while the monsters running speed, jumping height, strength, and reaction speed had clearly weakened. Just a little longer, just a little longer. I still cant defeat it now Lumian retreated back to his previous location, leaning against the half-collapsed wall and trying to control his urge to immediately counterattack. Bang! Suddenly, he felt a massive blow to his back, sending him flying forward. The half-collapsed wall and rocks behind him exploded into a million pieces, raining down around him as he crashed to the ground. The monster hadnt chased after him, instead choosing to body-slam into the obstacles in its way. The already shaky half-collapsed wall couldnt withstand the brunt of its full force and collapsed completely. Crimson blood gushed out of the creatures wounds, pooling on the ground in a grotesque display. Despite being caught off guard, Lumians reflexes were quick. He rolled out of harms way and sought cover behind a pile of rubble. Bang! The monsters shotgun blast missed him by a hairs breadth. Having slammed into the wall, the monster struggled to regain its footing. It fumbled with the cloth bag strapped to its waist, only to find it empty. With a snarl, it hurled the shotgun aside and lunged at Lumian. Lumian had already darted to a new hiding spot for a continued game of cat-and-mouse. Of course, he couldnt keep up this game forever. The monster might slip away if he waited too long, and the noise could attract others of its kind. As he circled around the area, he noticed that the monster seemed to be slowing down. Heres the chance! With a quick decision, Lumian pretended to make an escape towards a collapsed building. Once there, he stood firm, drew his axe from his back, and took a moment to catch his breath. In a flash, the monster rounded the corner and stood in front of Lumian. Without hesitation, Lumian raised his axe and charged forward. He stepped towards the creature, turning his body sideways and lowering his shoulder. He planned to body-slam the monster, a move his sister had taught him, and then slash at its neck. Bam! Lumian took a step forward, leaning his body against the monsters chest, but the creature didnt budge. Lumian was surprised by its unyielding stance. He tried to push harder, but the monster remained like a thick wall. What Lumians heart tightened, and he bounced back. He was about to pounce to the ground and try to escape the monsters attack range. In a flash, the monster lunged forward and clutched Lumians neck in a death grip. It didnt look like it was having trouble moving at all! Lumian gasped in shock as he was hoisted into the air, his neck throbbing with pain. Sacrebleu, Ive been tricked! he exclaimed, his mind reeling. A creaking sound filled the air, and the world spun around him, making his head swim. His axe had missed its target and was now knocked off to the side. Lumian finally realized that he had been outsmarted by the monster. Despite being in dire straits, the creature had enough strength to fight. It had cunningly faked weakness, luring him into attacking instead of staying hidden. Lumian had underestimated its combat intelligence, and now he found himself in a desperate situation. The monster was clearly at the end of its rope, as evidenced by its inability to snap Lumians neck. But this was just a temporary respite. The creature still had enough energy left to finish the job. As his neck threatened to snap and his breathing grew more ragged, Lumian felt his mind begin to go blank. Blank. As Lumian teetered on the brink of death, the ladys words suddenly resurfaced in his mind. She wanted him to use whats special about him in the dream. Special trait His thoughts were nearly blank, and so he quickly seized the opportunity to meditate. The red sun instantly appeared in his mind. Unlike his previous attempt at meditation to calm his emotions, where the sun disappeared as soon as it was formed, this time he focused on keeping it in existence. Suddenly, a voice from above, infinitely high, pierced his skull. The pain was excruciating, and Lumian felt as though his heart might burst from his chest. He forgot about the monsters vice grip on his neck and the fact that he was struggling to breathe. Suddenly, he fell to the ground with a sickening thud. The strange sound that had accompanied his meditation disappeared, but the pain remained, almost unbearable. He was unable to take stock of his surroundings or even assess the damage done to his body. After an unknown amount of time, the near-death sensation subsided. Lumian didnt bother checking his neck; instead, he placed his hands on the ground and lifted his head. The beast was squatting nearby, half-human and half-beast, with its head drooping and its arms outstretched in front of it. Lumian noticed its wounds still seeping with blood mixed with a yellow liquid, and the creatures body quivered uncontrollably. Whats wrong with it? Was it scared silly by the specialness I displayed? He picked up his fallen axe and took a step towards the monster. Without hesitation, he held the axe with both hands and swung it at the back of the beasts neck. The axe sank deeply into the creatures muscles and came to a halt at its bones. Lumian used all his strength to remove the axe, then continued his assault, slashing at the monsters neck once, twice, thrice. Finally, the beasts head detached from its body with a sickening splash, rolling to the side. The body held on for a moment longer, barely clinging to life. No resistance, just trembles. And then, with a sudden jerk, Lumians body contorted, his hands releasing their tight grip, letting the bloodied axe slide down with a sickening squelch. Huff. Puff. Huff. He could finally catch his breath. Chapter 24 - 24 Gains 24 Gains Lumian didnt have the luxury of resting for too long. He had to keep moving, for fear that other monsters might come. After taking a moment to catch his breath, he endured the pain in his neck and back and slowly approached the monsters corpse. He held the axe tightly in his right hand, ready to strike again if the creature wasnt fully dead. After cautiously searching the body with his left hand, he found three copper coins called lick and an empty cloth bag. Thats it? Lumian muttered to himself, disappointed that he hadnt found anything related to superpowers. If it wasnt for that, would he have risked his life fighting this monster? If Lumian wasnt special in the dream, he would have been nothing more than the monsters meal. He propped himself up and looked towards the shotgun monsters head that had rolled to the side, praying that what he was searching for was there. In that moment, a deep crimson glow materialized over the monsters body. They resembled fireflies, gradually converging towards a single spot in an unyielding fashion. Lumian gawked in disbelief, as a sense of elation began to well up inside of him. This phenomenon had to be connected to superpowers! Without much delay, a sticky, dark red substance materialized on the monsters chest, and no additional light specks came into view. Lumian cautiously crouched down and made a grab for the blob. It was incredibly slippery, slipping through his grasp twice before he finally managed to hold it in his palm. Its remarkably lightweight, yet possesses a certain texture and elasticity. The surface feels as smooth as glass What the hell is this? Lumian muttered to himself, realizing once more that he was completely illiterate when it came to matters of the mystical. In the midst of hushed whispers, Lumian caught a whiff of something strange and dark-red that reeked of blood. His impatience grew, and an indescribable malice took over his body. For a moment, he wanted nothing more than to raise his axe and hack at the monsters corpse until his violent emotions were spent. But Aurores warning about the dangers of pursuing superpowers echoed in his mind, and he quickly reined in his impulses. He had taken precautions to monitor himself and remain vigilant at all times, and he wouldnt let his guard down now. It affects my mind? Lumian tossed the dark red blob into the cloth bag he had found on the monster. The moment he lost contact with it, he felt a wave of calm wash over him, dissipating the remaining excitement of the deathmatch. His body still trembled slightly, but he was back in control. As expected! Lumian whispered happily as he returned to his senses. He tied the cloth bag tightly and secured it to his belt buckle. After a moments consideration, Lumian withdrew the cloth bag and stowed it safely in the inner pocket of his leather jacket. It provided him a sense of assurance and minimized the chances of losing it! As the buttons on his clothes were undone, the book that had been plastered to Lumians back lost its support and hit the ground. It was riddled with potholes and in tatters, a far cry from its former state. Lumian recognized it as the Mock Examination Papers for Higher Education Admission exercise book that his sister Aurore had prepared for him. This was the same book that had saved his life by blocking a shotgun attack. Of course, this single book didnt deserve all the credit. Lumian picked up the exercise book and sauntered back to the monsters lifeless body, a wry smile on his face. See, knowledge is indeed power! he said, intending to throw it at the monsters face. But then he hesitated, recalling the countless hours Aurore had spent writing it. He couldnt bring himself to toss it away. Instead, he tucked the exercise book into his belt, dragged the monsters corpse to the trap, and flung it inside. Lumian kicked the monsters head for good measure. With the battlefield cleared, Lumian gathered his tools, including the empty shotgun, his pitchfork, and shovel, and retreated into the wilderness. He looked over his shoulder as he walked, ever-vigilant. Eventually, he made it back to his house, climbed the stairs, and entered his bedroom. It was only then that he truly relaxed. The agony that had been gnawing at his body, the obvious discomfort, and the overwhelming exhaustion all erupted at once. He slumped down on the bed, taking a moment to recover. But he didnt want to sleep just yet. He needed to assess the damage. Lumian stripped off his clothes and walked over to the wardrobe, checking himself out in the full-body mirror. His neck was swollen, and the five bloody finger marks on it had turned an ominous shade of bluish-black. His back was bruised, and there were countless scrapes and cuts all over his body. Even some of my injuries are internal, just like Aurore had warned me. I wonder if Ill recover by the next time I come in? He couldnt help but reflect on the battle. It was a failure, but not a total failure. In the first half of the battle, he gave himself a pat on the back. Not only did he make full use of the monsters low IQ to lead it into the second trap, but he also followed his original plan to a tee. It was a game of cat and mouse, and he played it to perfection. He dragged the monster out until it was on the brink of surrendering to its injuries. However, his lack of experience was his downfall. Instead of throwing in heavy rocks, he chose to stab the monster with a pitchfork at the bottom of the pit. In the second half of the battle, he was overconfident and underestimated the monsters intelligence. His insufficient combat experience made him fall into the monsters trap, which almost got him killed. That performance would have been a disaster. Thankfully, his earlier successes had pushed the monster to its limit, and it didnt kill him quickly enough. This gave him a chance to complete his meditation and summon his special trait. Before this battle, Lumian had not expected the special trait to have such a powerful effect. It caused the monster to descend into uncontrollable fear, one so unbreakable despite suffering attacks. He had worried that the near-death state brought about by summoning the special trait would make him vulnerable to attack. But it turned out to be special and very strong As Lumian sighed, he had a revelation. The monsters in the ruins avoided his house and made it a safe zone because there was something even more terrifying inside. It could be the owner of the mysterious voice he heard when he summoned the special trait! Lumian gasped at the thought. His subconscious urged him to search every corner of the house for the terrifying thing, but he quickly dismissed the idea. Provoking the being that even the shotgun-wielding monster was helpless against was not an option. For now, all was calm and peaceful, and it was best to keep it that way. He had to maintain the current state of the safe house and not uncover the shroud. Each passing day was a day, and as for the dangers that may lie ahead, he would face them when the time came. Not until then, not until I become a Beyonder and gain significant power. Lumian cast his gaze at the cloth bag in his left hand. Even as Lumian examined his injuries in the mirror, shirtless, he refused to let go of the source of superpowers. He had worked too hard to obtain it. How should I use this thing? he asked himself, opening the cloth bag and staring at the dark red blob within. The blob lay still at the bottom of the bag, its form unstable yet clearly not alive. Lumian, who knew nothing of mysticism, wondered if he should eat it, perform a ritual to merge with it, or offer it to some secret entity. He only knew of the latter two options from reading Hidden Veil. In the past, he would have only thought of one thing: Eat! Lumian didnt rush to make a decision. He intended to seek counsel from the enigmatic lady at Ol Tavern first. He was convinced that the woman would provide him with clues on how to harness the power of the dark red sphere and gain superhuman abilities. Lumian sensed that the other party had a reason for doing so, despite not knowing what it was. If things didnt pan out, he could still count on his sister for help. After dressing leisurely, Lumian stowed the lump of crimson in his coat pocket, along with all the cash hed acquired. Finally, he collapsed onto the bed, too drained to move. Despite the agony in his neck, back, and body, overwhelming fatigue seized him, and he drifted off to sleep in a flash. As Lumian opened his eyes, he was blinded by the sunlight that had already penetrated the curtains, illuminating the entire room. Slowly sitting up, he felt sore all over, as if he had been pummeled in a dream. I was indeed beaten up badly The injuries in the dream really get reflected into reality, but theres an obvious level of weakening Trying to move around, he felt his muscles aching a little but was ultimately relieved that he wasnt too affected. However, when he reached into his pockets Nothing Nothing at all! Lumian failed to exit with the crimson blob. His expression became solemn, his brows knitted tightly. Lumian didnt know what to do. The crimson blob, an item that promised superpowers, hadnt followed him into reality. This was different from what the mysterious woman at Ol Tavern had said. Lumian gathered himself, quickly changed his clothes, and left his room. As he walked down the hall, he noticed that the door to the washroom was wide open. Aurore was facing the mirror, brushing her teeth with a serious look on her face. Morning, Lumian greeted. Its not early anymore. You got up late Aurore muttered incoherently. Splat! Her blond hair, tied back into a ponytail, flicked about as she spit out the liquid in her mouth. She turned to look at Lumian. What did you do wrong last night? That owl is outside. How would I dare go out? Lumian responded calmly. Thats true. Aurore dropped the topic and said, Remember to take five verl dor to the administrator to send a telegram later. Lumian nodded. This was the key to their escape from Cordu, and it was something he would never forget. After breakfast, Lumian headed straight to the village square where the administrators office was located in a two-story building. Upon reaching the office, Lumian discovered that Administrator Bost had yet to arrive, but the rest of the staff had already commenced their days work. Lumian paid the required fee and promptly sent a telegram. After concluding his business, Lumian turned on his heel and began walking towards the Ol Tavern. It was highly unlikely that the enigmatic woman was already up and about, but Lumian was more than happy to bide his time. His pursuit of superpowers had been a prolonged one, so a few more ticks on the clock didnt faze him. Chapter 25 - 25 Sequences and Potions 25 Sequences and Potions Lumian sauntered into Ol Tavern, his sharp eyes scanning the dimly lit room. To his surprise, the mysterious woman was already seated in her usual corner, enjoying a lavish breakfast spread. She had changed her attire yet again, donning a long brown, pleated dress and a dark velvet hat that screamed high society. So early? Lumian approached her table, calming his racing heart. The woman looked up, meeting his gaze. Is there a possibility that I didnt sleep all night? Perhaps. Lumian knew this routine all too wellhis sister, Aurore, often pulled all-nighters when deadlines were looming. But what was the reason for the enigmatic woman raising this up? As he glanced at her table, he found a delectable spread, with a cream souffl sprinkled with nuts, a muffin that looked scrumptious, a croissant, a cup of black coffee, and a cat tongue biscuit. What an appetite! Lumian thought, impressed. But how can Cordu provide such luxurious cuisine? Only Aurore or the chefs in the administrators family could whip up something like this. Its all dessert, Lumian said, taking a seat opposite her. The woman nodded, her expression serious for once. Intiss desserts are indeed not bad, and theres quite a lot of variety. Even if I have some for breakfast every day, itll take me a month without repetition to finish them all, she said, biting into the cat tongue biscuit and closing her eyes in bliss. Thats one of the purposes of traveling. Lumian seized the moment to probe the womans background. Youre not from Intis? he asked. The woman smiled enigmatically. Im from Loen, but given the current situation, this isnt important. What else did Loen have to offer besides steam machinery, factories, and a large army? Lumian, being an Intisian, couldnt help but recall the mocking words that everyone used to taunt the Loen Kingdomreclining chairs, mint sauce, fried fish and potatoes, and pure snakefruit beer. But he quickly brushed off the thought and turned his attention to the task at hand. I got rid of the monster with the shotgun. The woman took a sip of coffee and nodded approvingly. Not bad. Lumian sensed a strange emotion emanating from her eyes. He couldnt shake off the strange feeling that he had sensed in their previous interactions. There was something about her that he couldnt quite put his finger ona mix of facetiousness and hidden emotions that intrigued him. Undeterred, he pressed on with the matter at hand. I obtained an abnormal dark-red object from that monster. Holding it makes me irritable and filled with hostility. I think it involves supernatural powers, but it didnt follow me to reality, he explained. The woman smiled enigmatically. After going in and out so many times, dont you realize that other than your own physical condition, you cant bring anything else over? Lumian was taken aback. Didnt you say that supernatural things are excluded he trailed off, realizing that he was out of his depth. Lumian couldnt shake off the physical discomfort that lingered from his dream, along with the vivid memories that refused to fade away. After careful consideration, he posed a question. You mean that after obtaining supernatural powers through the crimson blob and turning oneself into a Beyonder, the corresponding state that is different from that of a normal person can be brought to reality? Not a lost cause, she replied nonchalantly, savoring the cream souffl. But wont the corresponding strength weaken because of this? Lumian pressed, his brow furrowing. The injuries I suffered in the dream are much lighter in reality. The conditions brought about by Beyonder characteristics wont change, the woman explained, meeting Lumians gaze. This is why I said that extraordinary items are excluded. Beyonder characteristics Lumian mulled over the term, trying to piece together what his sister had told him about Beyonders. Obtaining such characteristics would allow one to become a Beyonder, he surmised. And based on the womans explanation, he had a hunch about the unique nature of his dream. That ruin, its real. Or maybe it was once real, but now its sunk deep into some big shots dream and been left to fester. And my dream, its like a secret passageway. A passageway thats only accessible through the symbols on my chest, and leads straight to that ruin. Based on my theory, my home in the dream is like a mark left behind by our interaction. Its a reflection of the place where I feel safest, deep in my subconscious. Thats why it looks nothing like the wilderness or the ruins that surround it. Its like were in two different worlds, me and the monsters. But those monsters, they cant come in. Theyre stuck in the real ruins while my home is a mix of dream and reality. Only those with the special symbols can pass through the corresponding barrier. The symbols only work for me, and they record the state of my body before Im brought back to reality. When I wake up, the things that dont involve the supernatural will fade away, but the implications will remain. Even death will work the same way. So there shouldnt be anything scary waiting for me at home in the dream. But the origin of those symbols and the source of that terrifying voice, they symbolize something dark and horrific Lumian sat in silence, watching the lady across from him leisurely devour her breakfast. She didnt seem to mind. Lumian finally asked, regaining his composure, May I ask how I should use that dark-red blob? Is it the Beyonder characteristic you mentioned? At the critical moment, he could not help but address her respectfully. The lady set down her coffee and looked at him. I can give you a potion formula. Just follow it. The generous gift made Lumian uneasy. Why are you helping me? The lady laughed. Would you believe me if I said it was arranged by fate? No Lumian subconsciously replied inwardly. The abnormality in the village, the pressure of the impending storm, and the desire for superpowers all swirled around Lumian, threatening to overwhelm him. He pushed his unease down and spoke in a low voice, I do. Opportunities like this didnt come around often, and Lumian knew he had to act decisively. He couldnt afford to hesitate or have second thoughts. The ladys smile grew wider, the unclear emotions he had detected in her eyes earlier intensifying. She pulled out a stack of post-it notes and a silver fountain pen from her black ladys purse and began writing. Finally, she stopped and tore off the top note and handed it to him. Lumian snatched it from her hand and read it quickly. Hunter potion formula: Main ingredient: One Hunter Beyonder characteristic; Supplementary ingredients: 80 milliliters of red wine, one Red Chestnut Flower (can be a specimen or substituted with 10 drops of the corresponding essential oil), 5 grams of poplar tree leaf powder, 10 grams of basil; Usage: Drink it directly. Satisfied with his memorization, Lumian carefully folded the note and slipped it into his brown jacket. Done with that, he asked, unable to contain his curiosity, What does Hunter mean? Hunter in the supernatural sense? The corresponding Sequence, the lady replied, taking a casual sip of her coffee. You do not know much about mysticism, so let me explain. There are 22 common pathways in the world. To access them, you must obtain ingredients with the corresponding Beyonder characteristics and concoct potions. Each pathway has 10 Sequences, numbered from 9 to 0. The lower the number, the higher the level, and the stronger the ability. The Beyonder characteristic you obtained belongs to the Red Priest pathway. It can only be used to concoct the corresponding Sequence 9 Hunter potion. Lumian listened attentively and blurted out, Then what Sequence does my sister Aurore belong to? Shes a Sequence 7 Warlock of the Mystery Pryer pathway, the lady replied coolly. She did not mention how she knew. Aurore is already at Sequence 7? Thats true. She has already obtained supernatural powers for several years Ill only be at Sequence 9 after consuming the potion. Im still quite a distance from her I only hope that I wont be a burden when we escape Cordu in the future Lumian couldnt help but ask, Can I drink higher Sequence Beyonder potions directly? Or should I drink Sequence 9 today and Sequence 8 tomorrow? Theoretically, yes. The lady added after Lumian revealed a look of joy, However, most who attempt it end up dead or as a monster. Fewer than one in ten million people succeed. Turn into monsters? Lumian was alarmed. The lady chuckled and said, Didnt your sister warn you about the dangers of the path to transcendence? After drinking the potion, if you cant control the power, youll either die from a physical breakdown or transform into a monster. Why do you think the one you encountered was in human form? No wonder Lumian finally understood what danger his sister was talking about. But he was willing to face it. Is there no way to reduce this danger? he asked. The lady considered him for a moment before answering, There is. You need a firm will, good physical condition, and some luck. As for the rest, you dont need to know. Youre still on the first potion. Good physical condition Lumian, who had planned on returning to catch up on sleep and drink the potion later, frowned. He was still seriously injured in the dream. The lady opposite him nodded slightly and said, Take your time. Wait until nightfall and your body has mostly recovered before diving back into your dreams. Uh Lumians mind raced with questions. So as long as my body in reality is almost healed, the injuries in my dream will completely recover? One had to know that his body in reality was only a little sore. It was completely different from the injuries in the dream! Yes. The lady confirmed Lumians guess. She continued, Theres much to learn about the potion and the paths of the divine. Ill tell you once you become a Hunter. The paths of the divine Lumian asked in puzzlement, Why not tell me now? The lady laughed. If you die or become a monster, it would be a waste of my time to say so much now. Lumian was speechless. Lumian stood up and excused himself, but before he left, he asked one more thing. Do you know about the anomaly in the village? Chapter 26 - 26 Whistleblowing 26 Whistleblowing The lady nibbled on a croissant before answering Lumians question. I do. She really knows Lumians heart leapt with hope. He deliberated over his words before asking, using honorifics to show his respect, May I offer to pay a certain price to commission your help in solving Cordus problem? From his point of view, this mysterious lady woman was much stronger than Leah and her companions. If she agreed to help, the problem with Cordu would be solved, and he and his sister wouldnt have to risk their lives to escape. But he was worried that he couldnt afford the price. Lumian wasnt optimistic that the woman would agree to help. But he felt it was necessary to try. Even if he was rejected, he wouldnt be too embarrassed. He was not a stickler for such things. The woman turned to him and spoke calmly, I can indeed solve the problem here, but the corresponding price is that everything will be destroyed, including you. If you want a better outcome, you can only rely on yourselves. Lumians eyes widened in disbelief. Could the problem with Cordu be that serious? He searched the womans face for any sign of jest, but found none. He wasnt surprised or disappointed that she refused to help. What shocked him was the severity of the problem. It could even lead to the destruction of the entire village! He was puzzled and alarmed by the situation. Since she can resolve it, why is it that the entire village will die, while us ordinary people and Beyonders who arent strong enough capable of producing a better outcome? If he didnt hear back from Novel Weekly by the day after tomorrow, he would urge his sister to leave Cordu immediately. He couldnt delay any longer even if it meant taking a huge risk! He had to act fast! Whats the problem? Lumian pressed, his dignity never a priority. The lady smiled. Me telling you and you finding out through your investigations will give rise to completely different results. Lumian gritted his teeth instinctively. He didnt stand her behavior of always holding back something. For some reason, he sensed that peculiar feeling in the womans eyes, something he couldnt quite put his finger on. Okay. Lumian paused for a moment, weighing his words carefully. Do you have any information about Madame Pualis? Is she a Warlockuh, a Beyonder? The woman lifted her coffee cup to her lips and took a small sip before answering, Yes, she is. Indeed Lumian asked further, What pathway, which Sequence? The ladys expression turned serious in an instant. Its not a normal pathway. What do you mean its not a normal pathway? he pressed. The lady smiled. Youll find out later. I want to know now Lumian struggled to keep his expression in check. Already standing and about to leave, Lumian suddenly remembered something crucial. Madame, how am I supposed to bring those supplementary ingredients into the dream? In the dream ruins, he could only find basic ingredients like red wine and basil in the dream ruins, but for the Red Chestnut Flower and poplar leaf, he would have to collect them in reality. The task wasnt impossible, and Lumian had already thought of a way to borrow them, but he knew it would all be for naught if he couldnt transfer them to his dream. The lady smiled and said, Ill offer you a little assistance again, free of charge. Find those materials in reality, put them on the table in your bedroom before you sleep. Ill help you send them into your dream. She can send those things into my dream? Lumian was first shocked before feeling a wave of relief wash over him. At least his problem was solved. He never thought hed encounter someone else with the ability to enter the special dream world like he could. Lumian couldnt shake the feeling that his ability to enter dream ruins had something to do with the cryptic symbols etched onto his chest. As he gazed at the woman before him, he couldnt help but wonder if she was connected to those same markings or that bizarre and terrifying voice that had been echoing in his mind. Lumian had just left the Ol Tavern and had plans to collect the Red Chestnut Flower and poplar leaves. But as he turned the corner, he saw Ryan, Leah, and Valentine exiting the back door of the tavern. They were still dressed in the same clothes and outfits. Lumians heart skipped a beat as he greeted them with a smile. Good morning, my cabbages. Leah turned her head and laughed amidst the tinkling sounds. Youre early, too. Lumian tried to act sneaky and looked around before speaking in a hushed tone. I noticed something unusual yesterday. Ryans expression turned serious as he exchanged glances with Valentine and Leah. What is it? Lumians voice quivered slightly as he spoke. I suspect that Narokas death is abnormal. You attended her funeral yesterday. Ryan gave Lumian an encouraging look to continue, and Lumian took a deep breath before proceeding with his suspicions. I told you about the funeral customs in the Darige area, didnt I? After everyone went to the cemetery, Pons Bnet entered Narokas house without any objection from the owner. Isnt this destroying the influence of their familys horoscope and taking away the corresponding good luck? There must be something wrong! Pons Bnet, the brother of the padre? Ryan thought for a few seconds and asked. Lumian nodded heavily. As Lumian thought about the padres strange group and his impending departure from Cordu, he realized he had nothing to fear from speaking his mind. With a deep breath, he declared, The padre is not a good man! Why do you say that? Leah asked with a grin, clearly unsurprised by Lumians criticism of the padre. Not one for formalities, Lumian launched into a detailed account of a villager who had snitched in Darige and subsequently vanished. His focus was on the accusations against the padre, and he held nothing back. Finally, he said, I really question how hes a clergyman of the Church. One time, I said something that was deemed too real, and I had to hide temporarily in the cathedral. I was about to doze off behind the altar when the padre walked in with Madame Pualis. And let me tell you, they were doing the dirty deed right under the deitys gaze. In the conversation that followed the deed, the padre even lamented to Madame Pualis, saying, Why cant a man marry his sister? Madame Pualis was appalled by his words and begged the padre to repent. However, the padre said, Many wealthy families lose their fortunes when their daughters marry and their sons start families. But if a son could marry his sister, these problems would disappear. Unfortunately, the law and morals dont allow it The frigid Valentines face contorted with anger at the news. Is he a servant of God or a servant of the Demon? Ryan nodded as if in thought. No wonder Pons Bnet hasnt been able to start a family despite being married after all these years Leah surveyed Lumian as she chuckled. You knew about Madame Pualis and the padres affair. You wanted to use us that day. Lumians smile was uneasy, but his tone was resolute. As a believer of the Eternal Blazing Sun, I cannot tolerate such a person in the cathedral. The cold Valentines expression softened, and he nodded approvingly. If only Cordu had more people like you. A few more like me? Lumian shuddered at the thought of Cordu overrun with more people like him. He continued, That time, I overheard the padre warning Madame Pualis that he was planning something and might be targeted by the Inquisition. He told her to be careful and keep quiet. Ryans expression turned solemn. Did he say anything more about it? No. Lumian didnt fabricate the matter. He couldnt risk saying more than that. If he did, trouble could erupt tonight. He wasnt even a Beyonder yet. After bidding farewell to the trio of foreigners, Lumian spent hours gathering Red Chestnut Flowers and poplar leaves. As the sun neared its apex, Lumian arrived at the village square and made his way to the two-story building where official business was conducted. Most of the villagers had already gathered, eagerly awaiting the selection of the Spring Elf, an important part of the upcoming Lenten celebration tomorrow. Squeezing through the crowd, Lumian spotted Reimund, Ava, and the others. Is Ava on the list? he asked. Ava remained silent, her agitation palpable. Reimund shook his head. We dont know. She must be on it, interjected Guillaume Berry, a frequent companion of Lumian and the others. Among the unmarried women in the village, other than your sister, shes the most beautiful. Your sister doesnt meet the age requirements. He was the Guillaume-junior that Lumian and the others were talking about. He hung out with them frequently. Guillaume had curly brown hair and prominent freckles on his face. His blue eyes seemed to narrow because they werent large enough. Avas cousin, Azma, also stood nearby, looking much like Ava but smaller and less striking. She remained silent, but Lumian sensed her desire to be chosen as the Spring Elf as well. In the Darige area, being chosen as the Spring Elf was a coveted honor that not only recognized a persons beauty and character but also came with hidden benefits. Upon hearing Guillaume-juniors words, Lumian grinned. If Avas not on the list, Ill shout, I vote Ava! when the administrator finishes reading it. Ava blushed. You dont have to do that. It was a normal process for villagers to shout out additional candidates after the administrator finished reading the list of nominees for the Spring Elf. However, not many had the nerve to do so. Lumian, however, was not one to shy away from such things. He had no misgivings about this. Ava will be the one being embarrassed, not me. Shortly after, Administrator Bost appeared at a second-story window, looking far more put-together than the padre. His neatly combed brown hair, light blue eyes with black lines, straight nose bridge, thin lips, and well-groomed mustache conveyed his status, accentuated by his double-breasted flannel coat. He gazed down at the assembled villagers for a moment before speaking. Ladies and gentlemen, its time. Those who are late will no longer have the right to vote. Next, Ill read the list of candidates for the Spring Elf. Ava Lizier As Bost read out the list, Ava breathed a sigh of relief. Unsurprisingly, she received over 80% of the votes. After the voting, Lumian made an excuse about needing to go home and left without celebrating with his companions. Upon arriving home, he immediately asked his sister, Did we receive a reply? If they had, the telegrapher would have delivered it and collected a fee. Not yet, Aurore replied, shaking her head. She then said, The undercurrents have been turbulent lately. You cant let your guard down during combat practice. Speaking of which, well spar in the afternoon. Lumian winced, feeling sore all over. But then an idea struck him. He put on a pained expression and said, I dont know if its because Ive been training too hard, but my whole body hurts today. Aurore, uh, sister, can you give me a massage? Youre the most skilled at it. Aurore nodded. Sure, I can do that. Under the skilled hands of his sister, Lumians body finally began to recover that night. Before drifting off to sleep, Lumian placed three Red Chestnut Flowers and some powdered poplar leaves in a bottle on the table in front of the window. He gazed at the bottle for a long moment, his heart beating with anticipation and nervousness, before finally crawling under the covers. Chapter 27 - 27 Five Changes 27 Five Changes As Lumian awoke in the gray fog, his first instinct was not to check his physical condition. Instead, he sat up abruptly and looked at the table by the window. There, bathed in the soft light that filtered through the thick fog, were the three Red Chestnut Flowers and the glass bottle of poplar leaf powder. She really sent the supplementary ingredients in Relief flooded Lumian. He got out of bed and stretched, delighted to discover that the pain in his neck and back had vanished, along with the general discomfort he had been feeling. Just as I hoped, Im fine in the dream when Im better in reality even though the injuries on both sides arent equal at all He quickly walked over to the wardrobe with the full-length mirror, took off his shirt, and examined himself. The five bloody finger marks, the bruises, and the blood clots were all gone. This made Lumian wonder if killing the Beyonder monster had been nothing more than a dream. Thankfully, the crimson object in the cloth bag, the slightly larger sum of money, and the shotgun next to his bed confirmed the reality of his experience. Lumians heart eased. With the cloth bag containing the crimson item and a large amount of money, he left the bedroom and went straight to the first floor. Grabbing a bottle of red wine and a beer mug, he headed back up with some basil. He made sure to bring along a measuring cylinder and miniature scale that his sister Aurore had purchased for him. Looking at the desk filled with all the necessary items, Lumian felt both excited and nervous. With everything in place, all that remained was to concoct the potion! Potions were not beverages. They were more dangerous than alcohol, capable of killing or transforming the drinker into a monster with the slightest mistake. Lumian took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, his hands steady as he used the measuring cylinder to pour 80 milliliters of red wine into the beer mug. Next, he added 10 grams of basil, 5 grams of poplar leaf powder, and a single Red Chestnut Flower. The process proceeded without incident. The red liquid in the mug had a few more dregs and a floating flower, but otherwise looked unremarkable. With the cloth bag of crimson substance at his side, Lumian watched intently as the object slid into the beer mug. Without a sound, the dark-red blob seemed to dissolve rapidly, drawing in the surrounding liquid in the process. Bubbles erupted, and the entire mug turned a deep shade of red. The Red Chestnut Flower had dissolved completely. This is the Hunter potion? Lumian gulped and picked up his beer mug. The supernatural power he had sought for so long was finally within his grasp. Without hesitation, he took a deep breath and steeled himself for what was to come. Raising the mug to his lips, he drank the potion in one swift gulp. The pungent odor of blood filled his nostrils, and he started hearing things. As he set the mug down, a searing pain ripped through his body, so intense that Lumian wondered if he had swallowed a ball of fire. The flames seemed to burn through his esophagus, stomach, heart, lungs, intestines, and blood vessels all at once. At the same time, a strong scent of blood wafted up from his throat. Lumian fought to remain conscious, remembering the ladys warning that fainting would mean defeat. He knew the stakes were high, and the outcome was obvious if he failed. His head swam as he lowered it, gazing at the bright red veins protruding from the back of his hand. The pain and burning came in waves, but they quickly began to recede. But just as he thought it was over, a mysterious voice echoed in his mind, as if coming from both infinitely far away and right beside him. The sound was like steel thorns piercing his brain, stirring it forcefully. Suddenly, the near-death experience he had faced before returned, and the pain and burning flared up once more. Lumian gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, feeling as though something was trying to claw its way out of his flesh. The gray fog around him seemed to thicken. The terrifying sound that had filled his ears slowly faded away, and the writhing of his flesh and blood vanished like an illusion. The excruciating pain, the burning sensation, and the metallic scent of blood dissipated, leaving Lumian gasping for cold air as he regained control of his body. He bent over, hands on his knees, panting heavily as he realized the true dangers of pursuing supernatural powers, as his sister had warned him. A mere Sequence 9 potion had nearly claimed his life! Of course, it had first seemed manageabledangerous, but manageable. But the mysterious voice that had been brought on by the symbol on his chest had almost caused him to collapse at the critical moment. Each breath he took seemed to restore some of his strength, and before long, he felt fully recovered. Bang! Lumian clenched his fist and swung it hard, striking out at the air with a force that caused a sonic boom. He had never imagined possessing such power before, and the realization filled him with excitement. In his small bedroom, he practiced a combat technique his sister had taught him, each punch producing a crisp sound. Bang! Bang! Bang! Despite the commotion, Lumian moved with precision and control, not touching anything as he completed the set. To his surprise, he felt neither tired nor fatigued, but rather energetic and alive. He assessed his condition: On par with Aurore In terms of strength, speed, reaction, or body control, theyve all been greatly enhanced. Its a little inhuman I possess the strength of a bear and the agility of a cat. Its slightly equivalent to the combination of the two Without the potion, I might never be able to reach this level of power in my life But before he could finish his inspection, Lumian caught the scent of blood, his heart tightening with fear. Instinctively, he sniffed the air and realized that he could determine the source of the bloodit came from his body! Lumian looked down and saw that the back of his hand was covered in blood-red spots. He came to the full-body mirror again and realized that his face was similarly stained. He wiped some of the blood away, but found no sign of any wounds. After a moments thought, Lumian came to a realization. Did the potion cause the capillaries Aurore talked about to burst? And then they quickly healed after I absorbed the potion? The only explanation for his current condition was supernatural influence. Realizing he was not injured, Lumian pushed the matter aside and focused on his sense of smell, which seemed to have undergone a significant change. As he concentrated, the scents around him were decomposed and drilled into his nose in various forms. The smell of blood, the residual smell of alcohol, the fragrance of flowers, the smell of dust Lumian began identifying the scents around him one by one, even the slightest ones not escaping his heightened senses. Simultaneously, he saw invisible footprints and the distribution of dust in the bedroom, heard the beating of his own heart and the breeze outside the house The second change is that my sensory abilities have increased exponentially, surpassing the standards of ordinary humans. No wonder the monster he had encountered was so skilled at tracking Lumian was delighted. More importantly, this improvement did not interfere with his daily life and only appeared when he focused. It only took the form of a weaker version. Through experimentation and self-examination, Lumian discovered two other changes brought on by the Hunter potion. The third change allows me to accurately locate certain points in his environment, such as weak spots in a wall, enabling me to set traps more efficiently and kill my enemiesbe they humans, beasts, or monstersmore effectively. The fourth change is that I have more knowledge about wild plants and animal organs, allowing me to survive better in the wilderness and quickly find hemostatic medicine when injured. I can even make poison to smear on weapons if needed As he confirmed these newfound abilities, Lumian couldnt help but feel a sense of absurdity. I actually managed to kill that shotgun monster? The current me is much stronger than the previous me, and it was not much weaker than the current me.. Lumian contemplated for a while and concluded two crucial points. Ability is important, but brains are equally important! Exploiting a good environment can effectively increase my strength! After some thought, Lumian added inwardly, Also, I cant be careless and lose my patience at any time He walked to the window and gazed at the dream ruins again. An indescribable sense of oppression, fear, and danger surged into his heart. This was something he had never felt before. Uh, the fifth change is some kind of intuition strengthening Lumian nodded gently. He went to the washroom and washed his body with clean water. He changed into a fresh set of clothes and then lay back on the bed, with the money close. He wanted to get back to reality as soon as possible, eager to know if the Hunter abilities would stay with him or if they would be weakened. In the dead of night, Cordu was eerily silent. The clouds shrouded the crimson moon and stars, leaving the darkness to reign supreme. Lumian surveyed the night scenery and felt an overwhelming sense of happiness. He was now a Beyonder in the real world, and his powers hadnt weakened at all compared to the dream realm. As an intuition struck him, Lumian unbuttoned his shirt and gazed down at his chest. The black symbol resembling a thorn chain was slowly fading away. It also appears in reality Lumian muttered, feeling a twinge of unease. He noticed that the bluish-black symbol that had loomed over the thorny chain existed only in his dreams. Suddenly, Lumians heart skipped a beat as he gazed up at the nearby elm tree. The legendary owl of the Warlock was perched on a branch, observing him quietly. Chapter 28 - 28 Laws 28 Laws The brownish-yellow eyes of the owl glowed in the dark, fixating on Lumian as it perched on the branch. Lumian was no longer as intimidated as he was during their previous encounters. He yelled, Whatcha looking at? Say something if you dare! Lumian didnt have to provoke the owl, but he hoped it would reveal the owls true motive. He couldnt bear the thought of the creature lurking around and staring at him in the dead of night. To his surprise, the owl remained silent and didnt make a sound. After a few tense seconds, the owl spread its wings and flew off into the darkness. Crazy! Lumian let out a frustrated curse, but he didnt dare let his guard down. Lumian remained focused on scrutinizing the dark shadows outside, trying to detect any signs of danger. He recalled that the last time the owl had appeared, he had seen Narokas figure and learned of her death the following day. I wonder if something similar will happen this time But after careful observation, he didnt notice anything abnormal and breathed a sigh of relief. He drew the curtains and lay back on the bed. In the deep darkness, Lumian opened his eyes, contemplating his next move. I wonder what this owl is trying to do Its acting so strange and mysterious. It shouldnt be up to anything good Whatever. With the situation in the village, I have to leave with Aurore as soon as possible. I dont believe that it can follow us to Trier! If I dont receive a reply tomorrow, well leave Cordu the morning after tomorrow If theres a reply, we can leave Cordu openly from the village entrance. If not, well have to improvise. Its Lent tomorrow, and everyone will still be celebrating the day after tomorrow, so we wont attract too much attention. Aurore can borrow Madame Pualis pony and spend some time in the nearby alpine pastures. We dont need to go down the mountain, so it shouldnt attract the investigators attention. When the time comes, we can use a dangerous trail to leave the mountain The path is treacherous, with several broken parts in the middle. Even the shepherds dont think its passable. However, with my newfound abilities and Aurores witchcraft, allowing her to fly a distance, shell have it easier than me Theres a good chance we can hoodwink the investigators Becoming a Hunter had allowed him to do what was previously impossible. It gave Lumian a newfound sense of confidence, allowing him to quickly formulate a plan. His heart became more certain, and he slept soundly. The next morning, Lumian rose early and got to work in the kitchen. His thoughts turned to how he had become a Beyonder and how he was about to leave the abnormal village of Cordu with his sister. Lumians mood brightened, and he even found himself eager to hum a tune. When Aurore came downstairs, there were already two bowls of minced meat noodles on the table. How did you know I was about to get up? she asked, pleased. I started cooking noodles when I heard movement in the washroom. Lumian grinned, inwardly noting, You are always in a groggy state after waking up. How dont you realize this? Aurore nodded. As she sat at the dining table, she casually asked, That owl flew over again in the middle of the night? Thats right. Lumian knew that his sister had discovered him looking out the window, so the owls appearance had been a fortunate distraction. Otherwise, he wasnt sure how to explain himself. He couldnt risk telling Aurore about his newfound Beyonder abilities just yet, as he would be given a dressing down by her. However, Lumian planned to divulge the truth to his sister sooner than later. He wanted to avoid Aurore from having considerations that might hinder their escape. He planned to tell his sister about this the day after tomorrow when they escaped from Cordu to prevent her from diverting her attention to take care of him. By then, she wouldnt have the time to give him a dressing down. Aurore furrowed her brow in confusion. What a strange owl She was still trying to decipher the birds true intentionsall it did was come over to take a look. Lumian slurped up the last of his noodles, then turned to his sister. If theres a reply, well leave Cordu this evening and take the usual path down the mountain. If not, borrow a pony from Madame Pualis tomorrow morning and well head to the nearest alpine ranch. I know of a trail that leads down the mountain, and the investigators wont be aware of it. Aurore fiddled with her hair, deep in thought. After a while, she grinned and said, Sure, the probability of this plan succeeding is quite high. She clicked her tongue and added, My stupid brother has grown up. Lumian couldnt help but feel smug, basking in his sisters praise. After breakfast, Lumian made an excuse to go see if Ava was finished with her Spring Elf blessings tour. He left the subterranean building and headed straight to Ol Tavern. As a newly-minted Beyonder, Lumian was eager to gain more knowledge, and the lady had promised to share some with him. Not far from the tavern, Lumian spotted an old acquaintance walking towards him. It was Pons Bnet, the younger brother of the local padre. Hes alone Lumian couldnt help but smile at the thought of how he had been chased by Pons and his thugs in the past. Having just obtained supernatural powers, he was already eager to test out his new supernatural powers. Hey, my illegitimate son, Lumian greeted him. How dare you go out alone without daddys permission? Lumian hoped to provoke Pons and goad him into a fight instead of letting him run. Pons Bnet looked in the direction of the voice and saw him. The villains expression changed slightly. He turned to run away. Thud. Thud. Thud Lumian watched in disbelief as Pons sprinted away, disappearing at the intersection not far away. He sure ran fast Quite an alert one Lumian sighed silently. He knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that he could take down Pons Bnet in a one-on-one scrap, even before he ascended to Beyonder status. But it seemed likely that Pons Bnet had the same notion. The two of them had never properly thrown down, but they both had confidence in their own abilities. So, it caught him off guard when Pons Bnet bolted the second he caught sight of him today, like hed come face to face with a bloodthirsty beast. Its impossible for him to know that I secretly became a Beyonder last night Is he so dense that hes developed animal instincts and can sniff out danger? Lumian slandered Pons Bnet in his heart. He refrained from pursuing Pons Bnet because he regretted the moment he greeted him. The village was riddled with aberrations, and the situation was perilous. Lumian knew better than to stir the pot before he left. If he had pummeled Pons Bnet, the padre and his goons might spring into action prematurely, thus jeopardizing his and Aurores escape. It would be too late for regrets when that happened. Furthermore, the padres group was an enigma, and there could be something off about Pons Bnet. Lumian suspected that if he engaged in fisticuffs with him, his Beyonder identity would be exposed, and that would spell trouble in the future. Being a Beyonder has made me too haughty and overconfident. I need to rein myself in, Lumian mused, reflecting on his behavior, as he entered Ol Tavern. He had intended to head straight to the second floor, but his eyes landed on the lady seated in the corner. Today, the lady was garbed in a pearl-gray dress and a light-colored ladys bonnet. Lumian noticed that there wasnt any food in front of her. Have you had breakfast? he asked, taking a seat opposite her. The lady replied nonchalantly, Not yet. Im meeting someone here, and Im still waiting for her. Her? Not me? Lumian scanned the area but saw no one else except the tavern owner. He looked at the lady again and sincerely said, Ive become a Hunter. Its time for you to keep your promise and give me more common knowledge. The lady wasnt surprised at all. She remarked with a smile, It seems youre in pretty good shape. She spoke in a voice that sounded almost otherworldly, What you need to master now are two laws and one method. Why does it feel like Im studying physics Lumian didnt dare speak his thoughts aloud. The lady continued to speak, For most Beyonders, this knowledge is incredibly valuable. Theyd trade everything they have just to acquire it. But for you, fate has brought you here, and so Ill give it to you for free. Free things often come at the most hefty price. How will I pay the price? Lumian felt a weight settle on his shoulders. Ever since he became a Hunter, his intuition and observation skills had improved significantly. He could sense a strange, indescribable emotion in the ladys eyes, much stronger than before, but he still couldnt put a finger on what it was. The lady straightened up. All supernatural powers come from the Oldest One, the Creator. As a believer of the Eternal Blazing Sun, you should know that His eyes became the Sun. Yes. Lumian had heard the padres sermons about it before. Thats a symbolic description, the lady clarified. In essence, the Oldest One created this world and many deities. Eventually, He disintegrated Himself and split into Beyonder characteristics of different pathways. So thats why theyre called the paths of the divine? Lumian connected the dots. The lady nodded slightly. Yes, every pathways Sequence 0 is equivalent to a true god. For instance, the Bard pathways Sequence 0 is known as the Sun, which is also the Eternal Blazing Sun you believe in. Lumian was surprised and a little apprehensive. So every Beyonder can become a god in the end? If he were a devout believer of the Eternal Blazing Sun, he would have accused the lady of blasphemy. But he wasnt that kind of person. He was just a casual believer who didnt give it much thought. He even asked, Whats the Hunter pathways Sequence 0? And what about the Mystery Pryer pathway? Didnt I already tell you? Its the Red Priest, and the position is currently vacant, the lady replied with a chuckle. As for the Mystery Pryer pathway, the Sequence 0 is known as The Hermit, and its currently occupied by an evil god called the Hidden Sage. He likes to impart knowledge to Beyonders of the same pathway, earning Him the nickname Knowledge Pursuer. Your sisters troubles stem from Him. Is that so Lumian felt a twinge of dislike towards the Hidden Sage. The woman redirected the conversation. Since Beyonder characteristics come from the Oldest One, they wont disappear or increase. They only transform from one form to another, moving from one object to another. This is known as the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Indestructibility or the Law of Conservation. Chapter 29 - 29 Method 29 Method Lumian put his physics knowledge to work and pondered for a moment. Why not just call it the law of conservation? Thats another law, but dont worry about the details for now. The woman nodded in agreement. Essentially, its the same as the law of indestructibility, but with additional prerequisites and specific elaborations. Is that so Lumian considered for a moment before speaking. So, according to the law of indestructibility, if I want to obtain Beyonder characteristics, I can target other Beyonders, in addition to hunting the corresponding monsters? Since Beyonder characteristics were indestructible, a Beyonders death would result in the appearance of the corresponding Beyonder characteristics. The womans face showed a certain amount of emotion. Youre very perceptive. Therefore, this law isnt suitable for most Beyonders to know. It would result in Beyonders killing each other, and they wont be able to trust each other. Lumian didnt mind this. Even without this law, humans still kill each other. In the real world, theres plenty of suspicion, bullying, and murder. The woman replied with interest, But at least theres still a certain warmth and light of the human spirit. Lumian pondered for a while before speaking. Looking at it from another perspective, this law should become a consensus among Beyonders. That way, the weak can be prepared in advance and not become easy prey for those who know. The lady nodded slightly. That does make some sense. Actually, if battles between Beyonders happen frequently enough, people involved would likely be able to figure it out. She then introduced, The second law is called the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence. Convergence Lumian struggled to understand. He couldnt quite derive it from their earlier conversation. The womans expression turned serious. As the creator of this world, even if the Oldest One splits into Beyonder characteristics of different pathways, it doesnt mean that He has completely withdrawn from the stage. His mind is scattered among the different Beyonder characteristics and will never be obliterated unless this world completely perishes. These minds are similar to a brand, but they have the instinct to reassemble and revive the Oldest One. In other words, after you become a Beyonder, youre more likely to encounter other Beyonders than before. Youre more likely to encounter Beyonders of the same pathway or neighboring pathways than Beyonders of other pathways. This is the convergence of fate. The higher the Sequence, the more obvious this situation becomes. Lumian had many questions, but he decided to start with the most important one. So, combined with the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Indestructibility, can I conclude that convergence leads to massacres? The lady once again revealed an approving expression. Youre very perceptive on such matters. Its not a problem when your Sequence is low, but at the demigod stage, especially after becoming an Angel, you must find a way to weaken or avoid the effects of convergence. Demigod, Angel? Lumian was surprised and intrigued upon hearing these terms, even though he knew that every Sequence could eventually become a true god. The lady casually explained, Demigod is a term for Beyonders from Sequence 4 to Sequence 1, meaning half-god, half-human. Among them, Sequence 4 and Sequence 3 are known as Saints, while Sequence 2 and Sequence 1 are called Angels. There are other names beyond that, but its best if you not know them for now. Saints Angels Lumian thought of the saints and angels from different regions. They were real? The remains of a Saint are the corpses of Saints. There are Beyonder characteristics left behind? Lumian asked, feeling a little afraid, So every Beyonder characteristic has the mental imprint of the Oldest One, and the higher the Sequence, the more is left behind? Wouldnt the person who consumes the potion be affected in other ways? The lady confirmed with a smile, Yes, why do you think this path is filled with danger and madness? Losing control is one of the main reasons why consuming a potion can be so dangerous. To be specific, its losing control of supernatural powers and ones own mind and transforming into a terrifying monster. Is there another reason? Lumian pressed. The lady tersely grunted. Firstly, the intensity of the mental imprint mainly depends on the level of the owners of the corresponding Beyonder characteristics. Their obsession and madness before death also contribute to it. Secondly, consuming the potion in the wrong order or method can cause a huge conflict in the body. Thirdly, some existences can use the consumption of potions to exert influence. For example, every time the Mystery Pryer pathway consumes a potion, they passively receive knowledge instillation from the Hidden Sage. Similar to the voice I heard after drinking the Hunter potion? Lumian deliberated for a moment before recounting his encounter truthfully. Which entitys influence is that? The next second, he saw the expression of the lady opposite him become a little odd. She said solemnly, Some existences can corrupt and take control of you just by knowing of their existence. Unfortunately, the owner of that voice is one such existence. Its not suitable for you to know Their honorific name at the moment. Lumians mind raced with thoughts. That horrifying? A Sequence 0 true god? But most people in Intis and I know about the Eternal Blazing Sun and the God of Steam and Machinery. Theres nothing wrong with them Could there be a difference between a true god and an evil god? But she mentioned the Hidden Sage, who is also a Sequence 0. Is it possible she doesnt know who it is and is using vague terms to mask her ignorance? He gave up on the topic, considering his own strength, and asked about another intriguing term. What is a neighboring pathway? The womans expression returned to normal as she explained, Under normal circumstances, if you choose a pathway and consume the corresponding potion, you can only go down that path one step at a time. Otherwise, you will definitely lose control, or at the very least, half-lose control. However, there are always exceptions. Every pathway has one or more neighboring pathways. You can jump over at a specific Sequence, such as Sequence 4, which divides between humans and demigods. Hunters neighboring pathway is Assassin. Assassin Sounds cooler than Hunter Lumian asked with concern, Which pathways neighbor Mystery Pryer? Will one no longer be affected by the Hidden Sage after jumping to a neighboring pathway? The Savant pathway. The current Sequence 0 is the God of Steam and Machinery, the woman replied calmly. After jumping over, one will still be affected by the Hidden Sage, but the degree will decrease significantly. However, the corresponding Beyonder characteristics still exist unless one finds a way to expel them. How? Lumian asked, surprised. The easiest way is to have children. In mysticism, theres a high chance of transferring the corresponding Beyonder characteristics to a child through heredity, the woman explained. Alternatively, you can use the special abilities of certain pathways, but theres a certain risk, and you have to pay a considerable price. Lumian nodded before raising another question. Can I switch only at a particular Sequence? The chances of reaching Sequence 4 and becoming a demigod were slim. The lady glanced at him. In theory, its possible to switch at a lower Sequence, but the risk of losing control is much higher. Unless theres no other way, its best not to attempt it. The woman paused before saying, Ive finished explaining the two laws. Now, Ill explain the method. This is one of the most important pieces of knowledge in the mystical world. Most important? Lumian instinctively straightened his back, feeling abnormally focused. The lady continued to speak, Its called the acting method. Its a way to help you digest the potion. By digesting the potion, the risk of losing control will be greatly reduced when consuming the next Sequence potion. Its no wonder I cant drink the Sequence 9 potion today and drink the Sequence 8 potion tomorrow I have to use the acting method to digest the previous potion Lumian came to a realization. He did not interrupt her and listened attentively to her explanation. Remember, its digestion, not control. Whats the acting method? It involves acting according to the name of a Sequence like an actor. By reconciling the differences between ones body and the remnant mental imprints of the Beyonder characteristics, one can obtain the corresponding recognition. This allows them to bypass the barrier that originally existed and fuse the Beyonder characteristics with themselves. So, I have to act like a Hunter and hunt in the mountains every day? Lumian asked attentively. Lumian appeared as attentive as a student. The lady shook her head. Thats just the most superficial form of acting. We not only have to understand the surface meaning of a Sequences name, but we also have to investigate its deeper meaning. For example, the city is also a jungle. Everyone is both prey and hunter. Im familiar with this Lumian was already familiar with this concept, which he had learned during his days as a vagrant. How can you be sure that you have digested the potion and can advance to the next Sequence? Lumian asked curiously. The lady smiled. You will sense it when the potion is truly digested. Alright Lumian didnt continue the topic and asked in puzzlement, Who named the different Sequences? Why could he digest the potion just by acting them out? The ladys expression turned serious. The earliest Sequence divisions came from the remnants of the Oldest Ones splintering. It was a stone slab filled with mystical knowledge. As it involves the secret of becoming a deity, its called the Blasphemy Slate. In ancient times, during the end of the Second Epoch and the entire Third Epoch, a powerful deity close to the Oldest One appeared. He was called the Ancient Sun God. After He perished, a second Blasphemy Slate was born from His remains. All the current Sequence names and potion formulas came from it. Thats not the Second and Third Epoch history I learned Lumian muttered inwardly. The lady continued to speak, When Emperor Roselle was alive, he used the second Blasphemy Slate as a reference to create a Cards of Blasphemy set based on tarot cards. There are a total of 22 cards, and each card represents a pathway of the divine. Lumian was astonished. Emperor Roselle is also a Beyonder? As an ordinary Intisian, it was difficult for him not to feel a certain amount of admiration for Emperor Roselle. The woman laughed. Otherwise? Lumian asked, Was he powerful? Almost a deity, the lady said concisely. That amazing? Lumian was stunned but felt that it was only right. He thought for a moment and said, Then, wouldnt the diary left behind by Emperor Roselle be very valuable? The lady nodded. Yes, but there are very, very few people who can decipher those strange writings. Lumian fell into deep thought. Aurore seems to have some of Emperor Roselles diary transcripts in her collection. She seems to be able to decipher them Could it be that a portion of her strength comes from there? Chapter 30 - 30 Lent Begins 30 Lent Begins The woman turned her head to look out of Ol Taverns window. Its about time. Ill end this with giving you some pointers. Based on the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Indestructibility, we know that humans and Beyonder characteristics combine to become Beyonders. Similarly, creatures and Beyonder characteristics combine to become Beyonder creatures. But what about items that combine with Beyonder characteristics? she asked, not giving Lumian a chance to answer. They are called mystical items. As items dont have will, spirit, and self-control, coupled with the combined effects of other factors, after they fuse with Beyonder characteristics, they will not only display corresponding special abilities but also bring about very strong negative effects. The various Churches tend to seal them and use suitable methods to activate them when needed. This is why mystical items are also called Sealed Artifacts. The mystical items that have been sealed by the various Churches have their own serial numbers and are divided into four grades: 3, 2, 1, and 0. The smaller the prefix number, the higher the danger. Among them, there are a limited number of Level 1 and 0 Sealed Artifacts that are extremely dangerous. The serial numbers are common to the various Churches and wont be repeated. Lumian muttered, Level 0 Sealed Artifacts Lumian had a deep impression that Sequence 0 was equivalent to a true god. This led him to make a certain connection and ask, Are these Sealed Artifacts formed by fallen deities or exterminated evil gods? He had noticed that there were 22 pathways with Sequence 0s, but the number of deities clearly didnt add up. However, Lumian also recognized that his lack of understanding of evil gods and secret existences might have caused this confusion. Not all of them, the lady replied after thinking for a moment. Most of them are at the level of Angels. Only a small number have the ability to kill gods. Lumian nodded. I understand. I wont underestimate the items in other peoples hands. The woman added, You cant underestimate the negative effects of Sealed Artifacts either. In the future, you will definitely come across Sealed Artifacts. Oh, and theres another category of items in the field of mysticism called extraordinary items. They are made by Beyonders of corresponding Sequences using their abilities, spirituality, or with the help of the spirit world or deities. They dont contain Beyonder characteristics, but they have a certain level of supernatural effects. However, their strength will gradually dissipate over time. Charms, lotions, and other items can only be used once. In comparison, Beyonder weapons are more stable and can be used for years. As a Hunter, you lack the ability to deal with Spirit Body ghost-type creatures before Sequence 7. If you have the chance in the future, consider obtaining the corresponding Sealed Artifacts or Beyonder items. Lumian listened carefully and asked, The spirit world? He had seen this term in Hidden Veil, but it did not provide sufficient explanation. The woman quickly explained, From a mystical point of view, this world is divided into three levels: the real world, the spirit world, and the astral world. The rest are formed by attaching to one of these three, like the Underworld. I dont need to explain much about the real world; you already know it very well. The spirit world is a place where spirits reside, and many concepts of reality no longer exist there. You will gradually understand it in the future. As for the astral world, it originally referred to the world of gods, but now, the entire cosmos needs to be included in that definition. Lumian was just asking casually, but after obtaining a preliminary answer, he immediately returned to the previous topic. Can a Hunter create Beyonder items? he asked, thinking that Warlocks could probably do it. The lady shook her head before saying, Hunters cant rely on their own Sequence, but because their spirituality has been enhanced, they can learn ritualistic magic and pray to a deity or a hidden existence. They can use their responses to create charms, weapons, and other Beyonder items. However, I have to remind you that most hidden existences are very dangerous. Its best not to attempt praying to them. Otherwise, death would be the best outcome. And the seven orthodox gods basically wont respond to you unless you join the corresponding Church and become an official Beyonder. In other words, its impossible for a Hunter to create a Beyonder item? Lumian asked, feeling somewhat disappointed. The lady smiled and said, Not really. On the one hand, you can use the blood and saliva of certain Beyonder creatures to create poisonous weapons. In a sense, this can be considered a Beyonder item. On the other hand, after you unlock the secret of the dream, Ill tell you the honorific name of a great existence. You can pray to Him. Lumian was shocked and suspicious. This was the first time she had used the word great as an adjective. He had never heard her use it to describe the Eternal Blazing Sun or the Hidden Sage. Who could this great existence be? Was it safe to pray to Him? The more he learned about mysticism, the more he realized how little he knew. Lumian tersely acknowledged her answer and asked, What are the corresponding Sequences 8 and 7 for Hunters? The woman replied indifferently, Sequence 8 of the Hunter pathway is called Provoker, and Sequence 7 is Pyromaniac. Alright, thats all for today, she said as she stood up and walked towards the entrance to the second floor. After a few steps, she stopped and said over her shoulder, I forgot to remind you. Remember, youre just acting. Just acting Lumian mulled over her words and thoughtfully asked, What if you take the role seriously? You will become less and less like yourself until one day The woman smiled and closed her mouth before turning around, walking to the stairs, and disappearing. She didnt finish her sentence again Lumian muttered silently. He sensed that forgetting he was only acting would have serious consequences. Lumian sat quietly in a corner of Ol Tavern, reviewing the general knowledge the woman had just taught him to prevent forgetting anything. The more he thought about it, the more he realized the importance of the two laws and one method. They are like the main framework of mysticism. Everything else is derived from them. I wonder if Aurore knows After leaving Cordu, Ill discuss this problem with her Uh, I wonder if that lady will allow me to inform Aurore of all these directly As Lumian left Ol Tavern, he looked back and muttered to himself, Why havent those three foreigners taken action yet? Its already Lent today He continued to ponder as he made his way to the village square. After he finished asking if there was any reply, he saw Ava, Reimund, and the others approaching. Ava was wearing a long white dress with a round headdress made of branches and flowers on her head, and a huge necklace hung around her neck. Brown branches and green leaves adorned her back, arms, waist, and legs, making her look like a fairy in the forest. She was the main character of Lent, the Spring Elf. Reimund and the other lads surrounded Ava, each carrying a basket woven from tree branches filled with grass, soil, rocks, leaves, and other items. Lumian, the blessing tour is about to begin! Ava exclaimed when her aqua-blue eyes saw him. Her face was filled with joy. Reimund and the others also looked happy. Come on, lets go get the contributions! Since Novel Weekly had not yet replied, Lumian had nothing to do for the time being, so he decided to join the procession. The young lads began singing loudly as they surrounded Ava and walked out of the square. After about ten meters, they stopped in front of the first building. Lumian walked to the door and banged on it. The Spring Elf is here! The door creaked open, and Nazlie appeared in front of them. She was the other female head of the family in the village, in her forties with the prefix Na. Her black hair was tied up, and her blue eyes were smiling. As the door opened, Ava took two steps forward, spread her arms, and began singing. Im the elf of spring, With a sweet face and a joyful ring, Bringing happiness to everything, In this season so charming. Come and sing, come and dance, Lets celebrate this time of chance, For this is the only way, To bless the land and make it stay. After the song, Ava took a clump of soil from Reimunds basket and handed it to Nazlie. Thank you, Spring Elf, Nazlie said, receiving it with a smile and handing a piece of cloth to Ava. Bumper harvest! Bumper harvest! Lumian and the other lads replied in unison. This was a blessing ritual. The Spring Elf used singing and the giving of soil, grass, rocks, and other natural things to the villagers to bless them with a bumper harvest this year. The villagers needed to give something back as a contribution, or the blessing would become a curse. After Reimund received the cloth, Ava sang another song enthusiastically. Only then did they bid farewell to Nazlie and head to the next house. A portion of the dedications received during the blessing tour would be thrown into the river in the waterside ritual, and the rest would be placed in the final ritual. After Lent was over, the girl who was the embodiment of the Spring Elf had the right to choose some to take away. This was a considerable gain. If Cordu really experienced a bumper harvest this year, Ava, as the embodiment of the Spring Elf, would be widely believed to have received the love of the elves and blessings of spring. Whoever married her would have bumper harvests all the time. In that case, she had a chance of marrying someone from a good family. The blessing procession sang all the way to Lumiens house, where Aurore opened the door. She had changed into a light-colored pleated dress with a straight collar and had bunned her blond hair. Ava walked over and sang the same song again. Im the elf of spring Aurore listened with a smile and handed Ava a small pottery jar. Thank you, Spring Elf. Lumian glanced at the jar of animal lard and felt that his sister was too generous. They had no farmland except for a small vegetable field at the back of their house and did not need to worry about the harvest at all. Chapter 33 - He suspected his sister was trying to prank him, but he had never known her to be flippant about important matters. This was a crucial moment that would impact the whole village, and possibly even their survival. Aurore sized him up and quipped,Did you not take an afternoon nap? Are you still not fully awake? Its March 29, 1358. We still have a few days before Lent. March 29 Lumian ruminated the date for a moment and wondered if he was dreaming. He had vividly experienced Lenta period of merriment that ended in a bloodbath. He had witnessed Shepherd Pierre Berry hack off Avas head with an axe and blood spurt everywhere Was he dreaming now, or had his past experience been a dream? Regardless of which one it was, they both seemed too real. Lumian couldnt detect any signs of deceit on his sisters face. Sure, Aurore could be an excellent actress, but Lumian believed she was not that kind of person. They had spent five years together, and he knew every detail of her personality. There was no way she could have fooled him! Lumian was perplexed as he considered the possibilities of his sister Aurore lying to him about the date. Either she was being controlled by the padre or some secret entity or everything had been resolved and she was just messing with him. If neither of these options was true, then it was likely that Aurore was telling the truth. Time had rewound to March 29th, a few days before Lent. With Lumians understanding of the world, this was clearly impossible and shouldnt have happened. However, his sisters attitude left him at a loss. I have to think of a way to confirm it Lumian tried to recall everything that had happened during that time period and realized he could easily remember most of the detailsAurore was wearing a light-blue dress on that day on the 29th March corresponding to the successful celebration of Lent. He also remembered meeting Leah, Ryan, and Valentine that night before taking them to the cathedral to catch the padre in the act. Whats wrong? Aurore stretched out her right hand and waved it in front of her stunned brother. Lumian quickly gathered his thoughts and said, Aurore, I just remembered something. I need to go out for a while. Ill be back soon! Lumian realized that the only way to confirm if time had really returned to March 29th was to find Ava. If she was still alive, he would have to come to terms with this unbelievable change. He didnt wait for Aurores response and hurried to the door, bypassing her. Call me Grande Soeur! Dont be late for dinner! Aurore shouted after him. As he ran towards Ava Liziers house, Lumian feared that if he were even a second slower, he would be caught in an indescribable nightmare and completely devoured. Along the way, many villagers noticed him, but they were afraid it was a prank directed by him and didnt stop to ask for a reason. Finally, Lumian reached his destination. Guillaume Lizier, Avas father, was a famous shoemaker in the village of Cordu and the surrounding mountains. Although they werent particularly rich, they werent too bad either. They lived in a subterranean grayish-blue two-story building with an empty space at the back where grass and firewood were piled up, and a goose house was repaired. It was almost dinner time when Lumian arrived, and several figures were busy in the kitchen of the Liziers household. Lumian walked through the open door and immediately saw Ava. This brown-haired girl with aqua-blue eyes was wearing a gray-white dress and preparing dinner for her mother. Her hands and feet were nimble, and her eyes were lively. Lumian could tell just by looking at her that she was alive. Shes really not dead Lumian thought to himself as he looked at Avas neck, trying to find signs of stitches. In one of Aurores horror novels, there was a scene where a corpse was stitched up to act as a living person. But Avas neck was long and smooth, without a single scar. Guillaume Lizier, the shoemaker, noticed Lumian standing in the doorway and asked, Lumian, whats the matter? He stood up from his kitchen chair and faced Lumian, his brown hair disheveled, and a slightly greasy brownish-white apron hanging in front of him. Ava, who had been busy in the kitchen, turned around in surprise and looked at Lumian. She saw Lumian standing there in a daze. Whats the matter? she asked. Lumian was momentarily stunned but quickly regained his composure and planned to make up a random reason to explain his visit. However, Guillaume Lizier inspired him with a question. He deliberated for a moment and asked, Monsieur, did Pierre of Berry order a pair of leather shoes from you? He remembered that he and Reimund were supposed to meet Shepherd Pierre Berry the next morning and were surprised when he had abandoned his flock to rush back to participate in the Lenten celebration despite the dangers of the long and difficult journey. By that time, Pierre Berry had already put on a new pair of soft leather shoes. Unless he went to a shoe shop in Darige that sold finished products, it would take time to make a pair of leather shoes. This meant that Pierre Berry had been back in the village for at least two or three days! Guillaume Lizier was surprised by Lumians question and said, Pierre Berry came back a few days ago, but not many people in the village know about it. He also told me not to tell anyone else. As expected Lumian made up a reason and said, I saw someone who looked very much like him and thought I was hallucinating. Because the man was wearing new leather shoes, I came to confirm it with you. Its him. Guillaume Lizier gave an affirmative answer. He was still herding three or four sheep that he claimed his employer had given him. Dont they only let the sheep return to the village in early May to shear and milk them? How are they to be grazed if a few sheep are brought back now? Grazing in the highland pastures is still prohibited The more Lumian thought about it, the more he felt that Shepherd Pierre Berrys behavior was extremely abnormal. And his performance at the end of the celebration proved Lumians judgment. However, he had no idea what he, the padre, and the others wanted to do, or what they had already done. Lumian smiled at Guillaume Lizier and Ava and said, Im relieved that its really him. I thought I was having problems with my brain and eyes because I drink too much. He then waved at the Liziers and said, Goodbye. As Lumian left the Liziers house, the smile on his face disappeared quickly. He was now very confident that today was really March 29th. Did I go back in time, or did I have a precognitive dream? Dreams cant be that real. Theyre so real that every detail is there Lumian thought hard as he walked. Either way, it was something he had only read about in Aurores novels and never imagined would happen in reality. On his way home, Lumian circled the square and came to the side of the Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral. The stained-glass window, which should have been completely shattered, was perfectly embedded in the wall, and the Saint Sith missionary illustration on the surface shone brightly under the sunset. Lumian watched this scene with mixed feelings. Many thoughts threatened to emit smoke from all the friction against each other in his mind. On his way back to the square, Lumian saw a familiar figure walk out of the cathedrals main entrance. It was the padre, Guillaume Bnet, who had a slightly hooked nose and a dignified aura, and he was wearing a white robe with golden threads. Lumians heart tightened, and he arched his body slightly, preparing himself for an attack or to flee. Guillaume Bnet glanced at him and nodded expressionlessly. Come again tomorrow for prayers. Uh Thats right. He hasnt been caught red-handed by me during the early evening of March 29th. He hasnt fallen out with me, nor is there any worry that his secret plot is about to be exposed With this in mind, Lumian instinctively reacted. He stood up straight and spread his arms. Praise the Sun! Praise the Sun! Guillaume Bnet replied with the same pose. After leaving the village square, Lumian habitually recalled what had just happened. Suddenly, he discovered a point that he had neglected previously because he was shocked by time reversal. He still had his superpowers! He was still a Hunter! He had not needed to catch his breath from running all the way to the Liziers, and he had immediately put on the best posture when facing the padre. This meant that his physique and corresponding condition far exceeded the time before he consumed the potion. From this, Lumian made a judgment that the previous experience was not a precognitive dream, and he was already a Sequence 9 Beyonder! Ill try entering that special dream at night to see if I can still enter and if there are any changes Lumian quickly came up with the next step of his plan. After returning home, Lumian pretended as if nothing had happened and had dinner with his sister, Aurore. As he often acted this way because he didnt want her to help clean up the mess every time he got into trouble, Aurore didnt ask any further despite sensing that something was off. After washing the cutlery and cleaning the kitchen, Lumian informed his sister and went straight to Ol Tavern. He wanted to confirm if the foreigners who didnt hail from Cordu would appear. After entering Ol Tavern, Lumian sat at the bar counter and greeted the boss and bartender, Maurice Bnet, and the thin middle-aged man, Pierre Guillaume. A glass of Whiskey Sour, he said with great familiarity. Whiskey Sour referred to low-quality alcohol brewed from apples. It was only more expensive than some beer in taverns. People often hawked it on the streets of the city. Maurice Bnet nagged, Stingy brat, dont you like the pain of absinthe? Lumian said the familiar words, Is it on the house? This made his mind feel a little adrift. Maurice Bnet immediately stopped talking and poured a glass of Whiskey Sour for Lumian. Lumian sipped his drink as he waited. Not long after, he heard tinkling sounds. He turned around to see Ryan wearing a rough dark bowler hat, a drab duffel coat, and pale yellow strides. Leah attracted the attention of almost all the men in Ol Tavern with her white pleated cashmere dress, off-white coat, Marseillan boots, and small silver bells tied to her boots and veil. Similarly, Valentine wore a white vest, a blue tweed jacket, and black trousers, with his blond hair covered in a little powder. The three of them walked to the bar counter under everyones gazes and sat down beside Lumian. Lumian didnt look up as he thought to himself, A glass of Darige red wine, a glass of rye beer, and a glass of C?ur pic Ryan took off his top hat and put it aside. Then, he said to Maurice Bnet, A glass of Darige red wine, a glass of rye beer, and a glass of C?ur pic. Lumian let out a long sigh, and Ryan asked, Whats wrong? Lumian took a sip of his Whiskey Sour and said in a deep voice, Im a nobody, with no time to notice the brightness of the sun Chapter 34 - 34 Sayings 34 Sayings Lumian intended to observe, so he went through the entire process of getting to know Leah and her companions until they arrived outside the cathedral of the Eternal Blazing Sun. He confirmed that these three foreigners really didnt know him and werent on guard against his corresponding prank. Has time really rewound Lumian was momentarily in a daze. Valentine said his lines as he looked at the magnificent building in front of him that had blended into the night. Weve been here before. Theres no one here. Lumian composed himself and stopped following the procedure. He said directly, Thats because the padre doesnt want to bother with you. He planned on leaving the impression on these three foreigners, who were suspected to be official Beyonders, that he liked to joke but meant no harm. Leah thought of several possibilities and asked, Youre saying that the padre is in the cathedral but isnt responding to the knocks due to certain matters? Lumian smiled. Its not suitable to have others see you having an affair in the cathedral. After saying this, he instinctively muttered in his heart, Unfortunately, I cant hear the classic line Youve ruined the holy churchs plans! this time. Of course, after learning more about Madame Pualis, he felt that what the padre said was not entirely unreasonable. Perhaps padres could be like the main characters in Aurores spy novels, who were willing to endure temporary humiliation and betray their bodies to infiltrate the evil forces represented by Madame Pualis to complete an important mission. Valentines cold attitude changed as he asked anxiously, Having an affair in the cathedral? Lumian spread his hands. Whats the problem? The padre does this every day. Relax. Isnt there a saying that goes, throughout the ages, it has remained unchanged: men will always pursue women?'' Valentine snapped, But this is a cathedral! Lumian thought for a moment and asked curiously, So, as long as the clergyman doesnt have the affair in the cathedral, its acceptable? This is blasphemy against God! Valentine was on the verge of exploding. Ryan placated him with a pat on the shoulder, and the most composed foreigner in the group asked, Do you know who the padre is having an affair with tonight? Lumian shook his head. There are too many possibilities. His mistresses include Madame Pualis, Madonna Bnet, Philippa Guillaume, and Sybil Berry Madonna Bnet? She has the same last name as the padre? Leah interjected. Lumian nodded. She and the padre are cousins twice removed. Valentine was stunned for a moment. He gritted his teeth and asked, Is Guillaume Bnet a servant of God or a servant of the Demon? Do you only know this line? Why dont I see you blowing up his head Lumian deliberately defended the padre, Its actually nothing. In Darige, we have a saying: Distant cousins, feel free to sleep together.'' Leah laughed, tinkling the silver bell on her head. Why do you have so many sayings? Lumian spread his hands again. Thats just how it is in the countryside. Ryan interjected thoughtfully, How do you know that were not from Darige? You wouldnt have said, in Darige, theres a saying.'' You told me this yourself Lumian had been quick to shoot off his tongue and actually treated what had happened previously as information that he already knew. He had no choice but to make up a reason. You dont look like Darige locals. He pointed to the road leading to the village and said, Ive already helped you find the padre. I have to go home now. Leah smiled faintly and said, I thought youd follow us. I dont dare offend the padre, Lumian casually mentioned. The villager who snitched on him previously has been missing for a long time. Without waiting for Ryan and the others to respond, he waved his hand and ran to the other side of the square, saying, Remember to keep my secret, my cabbages! Lumian walked along a starlit country road, the crimson moon obscured by clouds. He pondered recent events, his hands in pocket. As he neared his home, he looked up at the roof of the semi-subterranean two-story building. As expected, Aurore sat there, hugging her knees and gazing at the cosmos. In the darkness, she seemed lonely and distant. It has really repeated Is there a possibility that what happened previously is real and Im dreaming now? Lumian had just come up with a new guess when he suddenly realized the difference between the two March 29ths. He realized that the woman who had given him the Wand card and taught him mysticism knowledge was absent from Ol Tavern, preventing him from determining if he was dreaming or not. Ill do a confirmation tomorrow Lumian composed himself, walked to his house, and pushed the door open. Just like last time, Lumian climbed to the roof using the ladder on the second floor and sat beside Aurore. Whats so interesting about this view? Lumian said deliberately. Aurore turned her head and sighed. Just as she was about to speak, Lumian added, I mean, what does the cosmos mean to you? Aurore sized him up. Youre being rather direct today? She then looked at the cosmos and said faintly, As you know, Im not from Cordu or Darige. I dont know if youve ever heard the saying that home is where you cant return to Lumian didnt joke as he looked into the cosmos. Aurore proceeded to fly into her bedroom and write a letter to her pen pal. Lumian didnt reveal his newfound Beyonder status. He returned to the second floor, chatted with her sister about her pen pal, then closed Aurores door and returned to his bedroom. Upon seeing the white four-piece bed, Lumians heart skipped a beat. He lifted the pillow and found the Minor Arcana tarot card representing the Seven of Wands! Looking at the man in verdant attire with a determined expression on his face, his hand holding a wand, poised for battle his enemies, Lumian remembered the womans interpretation of the card: Crisis, challenge, confrontation, courage The more Lumian thought about it, the more he felt that these four words truly revealed his current situation. Before drawing the card, there was a high chance that he would enter a crisis and face challenges! What I need to do next is to muster my courage and confront the problem? Wait, hasnt time already turned back? I havent even met that lady or drawn the card. Why is it here? Lumian was alarmed. He wasnt too confident about his previous guesses. All kinds of thoughts and deductions quickly emerged in his mind, like bubbles bubbling in boiling water. This made Lumians head hurt; he felt like he was about to go crazy. In the end, Lumian decided to treat the woman and the item she gave him as an exception for the time being. With that ladys mysteriousness and uniqueness, it was considered normal for her to be unaffected by time reversal! If I can find her tomorrow and she still knows me, it means that theres nothing wrong with my deduction Lumian exhaled, feeling mentally exhausted. He went to the washroom to wash up and went to bed early. Lumian woke up in the familiar, faint gray fog and sat up, seeing the wooden table and chair in front of the window. He had once again entered the special dream. Upon discovering that the Wand card still existed, Lumian knew he could enter. Lumian subconsciously touched the inner pocket of his clothes, and his expression froze. The gold coins were gone! All the gold coins were gone! Lumian hurriedly jumped off the bed and searched his entire body and the spot where he had been lying, but couldnt find them. He didnt even have 1 coppet worth of copper coins. Time has reversed here, too? Lumian suddenly had such a guess. He looked around and didnt see the shotgun, axe, or pitchfork that should have been there. He calmed himself and walked down to the first floor, where he found the pitchfork and hand axe in their original locations, identical to his first exploration of the dream ruins. Similarly, the bucket of corn oil had not been placed beside the stove. As for the shotgun, Lumian searched everywhere but didnt find it. Lumian believed more and more that time had turned back in the dream. Ill check the ruins and see if the two monsters are still there Lumian muttered to himself silently. He picked up his axe and opened the door. Not long after, he passed through the wilderness filled with crevices and weeds and arrived at the edge of the ruins. Unlike the first time he explored this place, as a Hunter, he noticed many traces left behind by living creatures, including two that often appeared in the area when he put his mind to it. He followed one set of footprints to the half-collapsed house. If I had such superpowers in the past, how could I have nearly been ambushed during my first exploration? Lumian carried his axe and entered the building. He went straight to his destination and arrived in front of the shattered pottery jar. A sliver of gold seeped out from inside. Lumian bent over and picked up the Louis dor. It was the same lustrous color as the first time Lumian picked it up. Indeed, time has reversed. With very few exceptions, everything has returned to the original state Lumian sighed. Suddenly, he took two quick steps forward, twisted his waist, and half-turned to the right. As he exerted his strength, the axe in his hand cleaved out. The skinless blood-colored monster lost sight of its target just as it pounced from the roof. What greeted it was an axe. Pfft! Its head flew out, and its headless body fell heavily to the ground amidst the blood and pus. Chapter 35 - 35 Differences 35 Differences Its about as strong as the last time Lumian muttered to himself as he looked at the corpse of the skinless monster. Before the time reversal, he had been evenly matched with the monster, relying on his intelligence to defeat it. Now, as a Beyonder, he only needed one swing of his axe to finish it off. Of course, he had the advantage of already experiencing the same sequence of events and knowing the monsters attack strategy. This allowed him to anticipate its moves. The contrast between before and after made Lumian feel that he had undergone a significant improvement after becoming a Beyonder. After pondering for a moment, he moved the monsters corpse and head to a corner but did not hide it under rocks, wood, and mud, leaving it exposed along with the blood on the ground. Lumian then quickly searched the half-collapsed building and found the remaining 197 verl dor and 25 coppet, categorizing them into different pockets. He flipped through the livre bleu again but found nothing out of the ordinary. Once he had completed his search, he snuck deeper into the ruins. However, after only 20 to 30 meters, he changed course and returned to his starting point. Following the path the skinless monster had taken while alive, he nimbly climbed onto the half-collapsed roof. After making the necessary preparations, he hid himself. Minute by minute, Lumian waited patiently like an experienced hunter. After an unknown period of time, a figure emerged from the ruins. It was the same monster that had previously given Lumian a Hunter Beyonder characteristic, with its half-human, half-beast appearance, bent knees, greasy black hair, and shotgun on its back. The shotgun monster approached cautiously, as if on a daily patrol. Suddenly it sniffed the air and detected the blood in the distance. It quickly changed direction and headed towards the half-collapsed, burnt building. Following the trail of blood, the monster found the skinless monsters corpse and head. It squatted down to examine it carefully. On the half-collapsed roof, Lumian shook his head and muttered to himself, You cant even smell me from such a distance? Even with the smell of blood, you shouldnt have missed me! As he muttered, he raised his axe and struck hard at the crevice in the stone beside him that he had prepared earlier. Crash! The half-collapsed roof shook, and heavy rocks crashed down. The shotgun monster reacted quickly, twisting its waist, kicking its feet, and lunging towards an uncollapsed area. Lumian smiled and swooped down from the intact roof like an eagle grabbing its prey in midair. In the midst of the howling wind, Lumian and the shotgun monster clashed in the air. Lumian raised his axe with one hand while the monster desperately tried to turn around and block. Lumian clenched his left hand into a fist and punched down. As the monster extended its arm to block, Lumian opened his palm and reduced his strength, grabbing the monsters arm. As Lumian pulled back with his left hand, he suddenly cleaved down with his axe in his right hand. The blade struck the monster, and they both fell to the ground in a pool of blood. Lumian, who had a buffer pad, was not affected by the impact. He raised his hand and cleaved the monsters head from its body with his axe once again. Despite its unwillingness, the head rolled twice and separated from the body. Standing up, Lumian looked at the monster and sneered, Youve weakened! All you have is a terrifying shell, nothing more than a stuffed scarecrow inside! As a Hunter, he was confident in dealing with the shotgun monster again, but he hadnt expected it to be so easy. Looking at the corpse on the ground, Lumian patiently waited for the Beyonder characteristic to appear. However, after waiting for a long time, he saw no sign of the dark-red light. Nothing? Lumian muttered to himself in puzzlement. He wasnt surprised, though. Last time, he had obtained the shotgun monsters Beyonder characteristic and turned it into a potion that he had already consumed. Since the time reversal didnt turn me back into an ordinary person, and the Beyonder characteristic in my body hasnt disappeared, it means that theres one less Hunter Beyonder characteristic here. The shotgun monster is only back in its living state, but it essentially lacks whats important. The question now is, why am I still the same before the time reversal? He couldnt come up with an answer, so he decided to loot the copper coins from the shotgun monster and leave the ruins. The next morning, Lumian didnt feign a headache in front of his sister like he had on March 30th. Instead, he got up early and prepared breakfast, including toast, fried poached eggs, sliced bacon, and more. Aurore was surprised to see Lumians diligence. Oh, youre so diligent? I thought you wouldnt be able to get up this morning after drinking so much yesterday. Lumian casually replied, Just a glass of Apple Whiskey Sour and a glass of absinthe. How is that too much? Aurore shook her head and smiled. Whats there to be proud of? Other than wine, other alcoholic beverages are unhealthy and affect our brains. No wonder youre becoming more and more stupid, my drunkard brother. Lumian, who couldnt argue with his sister, muttered to himself, Why is wine an exception? Because I like it, Aurore replied, challenging Lumian to retort. Lumian had no response. After breakfast, he stayed home and kneaded dough instead of going out. Aurore clicked her tongue in wonder. Did you cause any trouble? Youre so obedient Tell me, I wont beat you up. At most, Ill give you an additional combat class. Nothing. Lumian deflected the question and said, I find things in the village getting weirder and weirder. Some people are acting more and more abnormally. Aurore, do you feel that way? Lumian had observed that his sister didnt have any memories related to the time reversal, but the abnormality in the village had to have started before March 29th. As a Mystery Pryer, Aurore might have sensed it but didnt pay enough attention to it. Aurores expression turned serious. Even you can sense that something is amiss? Tell me, who were the ones who made you feel this way? As expected, Aurore knew that there was something wrong with some people, but she didnt expect the problem to be so serious Lumian washed his hands and thought before responding, Madame Pualis, the padre, Pons Bnet, and the shepherd, Pierre Berry, who returned to the village early. There is indeed something wrong with Madame Pualis. I knew something was off about her when she came to Cordu with the administrator, but she was very restrained. Apart from constantly having extramarital relationships, there was nothing evil about her. I saw something on her Aurore stopped herself, not wanting to drag Lumian into the supernatural world. Constantly having extramarital affairs? Before Lumian found out that Madame Pualis was having an affair with the padre, he found Madame Pualis a decent lady. He was surprised to learn that Madame Pualis had affairs with men other than the padre. Of course, this was in line with Lumians stereotypical view of Madame Pualis. As for the padre, he has the same strong desire for superpowers as you, but he has never received the blessings of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, Aurore continued. A guy like Pons Bnet, whose brain is nothing but muscle, cant do anything strange. As for the shepherd, Pierre Berry, rushing back a few sheep seems a little off, but I cant tell whats wrong, and I dont dare to look deeper As one would expect from a Sequence 7 of the Mystery Pryer pathway Before the time reversal, I hadnt conversed much with Grande Soeur about such topics. In fact, I overlooked the crucial hint that there could be an issue with Pierre Berrys sheep Yes, I didnt suspect Pierre Berry much back then. I just thought it was a bit odd for him to hurry back early to take part in Lent Just as Lumian was about to speak, there was a tinkling sound at the door. The doorbell rang. Lumian walked over to the door and asked, Who is it? A telegram for Aurore! the person outside replied loudly. A telegram? Aurore was confused. Who would send me a telegram? Theres nothing urgent recently Lumian was also puzzled. They hadnt received any telegrams before the time reversal on March 30th. Wait, Lumian thought. I went to the village square early on March 30th to wait for Reimund. Perhaps Grande Soeur received a telegram but didnt tell me. Lumian quickly opened the door. Outside stood Bertrand, the administrators subordinate in charge of telegrams. He handed a piece of paper to Lumian and said, 1 verl dor. The brown-haired, brown-eyed Bertrand was not from Cordu and had come here with the administrator from Darige. He looked warm on the outside but was actually quite greedy. Lumian tossed a silver coin worth one verl dor to Bertrand and looked at the telegram. The contents were simple. Lumian quickly browsed through it. The author salon mentioned before is in June. If youre willing, Miss Aurore, you can set off for Trier now. Leave enough time for a tour. We guarantee that this will be a very beautiful journey. It was signed by the editorial department of Novel Weekly. Wh Lumians eyes widened. Was this a reply from Novel Weekly? When did I say I wanted to attend the authors salon? Aurore leaned over and read the telegram. Whats wrong with the editorial department of Novel Weekly? Its annoying having to meet so many people at once! Bertrand was well away from the door by now. Lumian was stunned and suddenly had a bold guess. The telegram in his hand was indeed a reply from Novel Weekly, but it was a reply to the telegram he would send in a few days! To be more precise, the telegram he had sent before going back in time had received a reply after the time reversal, and in his current experience, that telegram had yet to be sent out! Chapter 36 - 36 Meeting Again 36 Meeting Again Lumian reached a conclusion that if his guess was true, Cordu and the surrounding area were the only places affected by the time reversal. Other places were not affected. Lumians thoughts raced, wondering if leaving this place would allow him to return to his normal life. He turned to Aurore and pretended to be guilty. Well, uh, this telegram is my doing. You? Aurore was both angry and amused but, more importantly, at a loss. She wondered if her brother had pranked her. This was akin to being pecked in the eye by an eagle despite being an experienced hunter! Lumian explained sincerely, Heres the thing. Havent I always wanted to go to Trier to take a look? So, two days ago, I secretly sent a telegram to Novel Weekly at the telegraph office. I wrote it in your style to ask when the nearest author salon is. As expected, they warmly sent an invitation. Aurore showed a look of enlightenment, as though the mystery was finally solved. So thats how it is The next second, she picked up a wooden stick beside her and gritted her teeth. So the child has grown up! Lumian quickly added, Aurore, no, Grande Soeur, listen to my excuses. No, listen to my explanation. He didnt panic and even deliberately joked. Fine, go ahead, Aurore said as she held onto the wooden stick. Ive always made sure that others accept any punishment with my best conduct. How can I convict someone without listening to the suspects statement? Even if you are to die, Ill make sure you die knowing why! Lumian quickly said, In Intis, Trier has the most and best universities. Im going to take the college entrance examination soon, and I want to visit them to decide which three to apply for. Aurore nodded slightly, indicating for Lumian to continue. Lumian praised his sister sincerely. I believe that as long as I make this legitimate request, you will definitely take me to Trier. However, you will have to spend your money. If Novel Weekly sends an invitation, not only will the steam locomotive ticket and hotel accommodation fees be reimbursed, but also various entertainment expenses in Trier. I know you dont need the money, but all the writing youve done was painstaking work, word after word. I wont let a way of saving money go to waste. Aurores expression eased. At least you care about me. But have you considered that I dont want to attend an author salon? I hate interacting with so many strangers. Lumian smiled. Aurore, uh, Grande Soeur, have you thought that Novel Weekly invited you so warmly not to let you attend the salon, but to build a good relationship with you? Youre a famous best-selling author. The salon isnt important; whats important is you. You can find a reason to reject the salon if youre willing to accept the invitation to visit Trier. The people at Novel Weekly will be glad that you accepted the first part of the invitation. Aurore sized up Lumian. Youre getting better at reading people. She exhaled and said, Alright, Ill handle some matters and pack our luggage. Well leave for Trier in two days. Send a telegram to Novel Weekly before we leave and ask them to pick us up at the Trier train station. Alright! Lumian couldnt hide his joy. Although he suspected that it was impossible for him and Aurore to simply walk out of Cordu and find the corresponding source of the time reversal, he had to try. He couldnt trap himself in one place. Having such thoughts, he had tried to convince Aurore. Lumian didnt plan on telling Aurore about the time reversal because she had lost her corresponding memories. Lumian knew that it was unlikely that she would believe such a delusional speculation unless Lumian kept making prophecies that were eventually verified. However, he still pretended that he wasnt aware of the time reversal. He didnt plan on making prophecies for the time being to see if he could discover any clues. Using reading as an excuse, Lumian returned to the second floor and entered the study. He sat down and casually flipped open a book to confirm if he had it the right way up. Then he sank into his own thoughts, hoping to make further sense of the current situation through the various details he discovered last night and today. As his gaze shifted across the empty space, Lumian saw the livre bleu on the table. His heart skipped a beat, and he retracted his thoughts. He stretched out his palm and took the livre bleu, flipping through it quickly. The pages that were missing some words and had corresponding holes appeared before his eyes. That letter Lumian muttered silently. He combined the late reply from Novel Weekly with the letter of help that Leah, Ryan, and the others had received, and he had a new guess. Perhaps that letter was really written by me. Im the murderer! Time reversal might have happened more than once. According to the definition in Aurores novel, this should be called a time loop. In a previous cycle, I discovered a certain abnormality through certain exploratory actions and decided to seek help from the outside world by sending an anonymous letter without implicating Aurore. By the time officials realized the seriousness of the problem and sent Ryan and the others to deal with it, Cordu had already begun a new cycle. Like Aurore now, I lost all my corresponding memories and returned to my initial state Now, that begs the question. Why are words still missing from this livre bleu? Logically speaking, it should have returned to its initial state, just like the food I ate in the previous cycle. There are two possibilities. Firstly, if I discover an abnormality and ask for help before time starts to loop, then the relevant memories shouldnt be reset. Could there be another reason that caused me to lose a portion of my memories? This is getting more and more complicated Secondly, I had found a way to keep something from being affected by the loop during that particular cycle. What could it be? If there is, why dont I just find a piece of paper and write down what I found? Lumian felt like he had cleared away a layer of fog and reconstructed the general situation, only to fall into even more confusion. He believed that he had already experienced many time loops. However, in the previous cycles, his memories and physical condition would reset once he started from the beginning, so he did not notice it at all. The reason why he could retain his memories and the Hunter Beyonder characteristic this time was that he had met the lady and obtained the Wand card. He had entered the dream ruins and activated the special trait in him. Since the special trait brought about by the two symbols allowed Lumian to bring his Beyonder state in the dream to reality, it was completely possible for them to save his complete physical condition to the starting point of the cycle. Therefore, even after the shotgun monsters condition reset, it still failed to retrieve the Hunter Beyonder characteristic Lumian leaned back in his chair and looked at the ceiling as he slowly exhaled. He then laughed self-deprecatingly. Ive just become a Beyonder, but I have to face such abnormal things. I dont even get the time to develop Uh, I cant confirm that the request for help was created by me. It might have been Aurore, and Madame Pualis is also a suspect. As Beyonders, they might have sensed something amiss during a certain cycle and tried to save themselves. With their mysticism knowledge, its easier for them to find a way to preserve some traces than I can. Nonetheless, a time loop is indeed the best guess for the current situation. As he pondered, Lumian realized a way to confirm the source of the letter. The solution was simple. He would enter the dream ruins and flip through the same livre bleu at home. If the livre bleu also had missing words, it meant that Lumian had created the letter of help himself. The home in the special dream was formed by his subconscious projection onto the mixed ruins. Everything he subconsciously knew would appear there. If not, then it was most likely done by Aurore or Madame Pualis. Lumians subconscious wouldnt know about this and wouldnt be responsible for it. Lumian wasnt in a hurry to catch up on his sleep. Seeing that it was about time, he sneaked out of the house and headed straight for Ol Tavern. In the corner of Ol Tavern, he spotted a familiar figure. It was the lady who had given him the Wand card and potion formula. She was wearing a long orange pleated dress with a flounce collar and a light-colored frilly hat. Lumian heaved a sigh of relief, feeling like a drowning person who had finally caught a lifebuoy. He quickly walked over and noticed that there were not breakfast items on the table in front of the lady, but three stacks of tarot cards. Do you need me to draw a card? Lumian probed. Youve already drawn it. The woman shuffled the three stacks of tarot cards without looking up. Lumian felt tears welling up in his eyes. As expected, she was not affected by the time loop! Without beating around the bush, Lumian sat down and asked directly, I, as well as the entire Cordu Village, have fallen into a time loop? The lady looked up and replied with a smile, Yes, youre one of the Circle Inhabitants. Lumian repeated the term Circle Inhabitants to himself and asked in confusion, What does that refer to? People caught in a time loop? The lady smiled and said, There are two explanations. The first refers to people that obtained a special power equivalent to Sequence 4 after praying to a certain existence. The second refers to your current situation. You can obtain strength by praying to a hidden existence? Lumian was very surprised by the first explanation of Circle Inhabitants. Wasnt it the case that all 22 Beyonder pathways relied on consuming potions to advance? The lady nodded slightly and said, In theory, the Eternal Blazing Sun can also bestow the gift of Beyonder powers without the need for a potion. However, it is a burden to Him. It can only be used as a temporary measure. The more people who need a blessing, the greater the burden. It might even affect His state. There are also disadvantages to those who are bestowed. They will slowly become closer to the Eternal Blazing Sun, be it in body, mind, or spirit. Moreover, as it is a gift from a superior being, They can take it back at any time unless you possess the unique power of certain pathways and secretly complete a certain level of stealing while still having the gift. Chapter 37 - 37 "Dangerous Forest" 37 Dangerous Forest Lumian paused for a moment and then said, So the body, mind, and spirit will approach the bestower because the power of the gift carries a corresponding brand? He made this inference from the Beyonder characteristics left behind by the Oldest One and the previous owners. Although the bestowment was pure strength and didnt contain any characteristics, it was also likely to have been tainted with all the previous owners quirks. The lady held the tarot cards and nodded in agreement. Your logical ability is impressive. You should thank Aurore for giving you enough basic education. Lumian muttered inwardly, No need for your reminder The lady continued, Even if the bestower doesnt wish to affect the bestowed, its difficult to prevent the other party from approaching Them physically, mentally, and spiritually. This is because if the power bestowed doesnt contain the bestowers will, it will be challenging for the bestowed to control it, and it will quickly dissipate. Therefore, the blessings of the orthodox gods in this aspect are basically temporary and limited to a certain extent. And the evil gods dont care what happens to the bestowed? Lumian nodded thoughtfully and asked curiously, Beyonders, what I mean is, can people with Beyonder characteristics still accept gifts? Will the two conflict and cause them to lose control? The lady smiled and shook her head, There may be some conflict, but not much. Think about it. The power of the gift will transform your body to match that of the bestower, but your body has already adapted to your Beyonder characteristics. So, there will be a conflict until you find a new balance. However, this conflict wont affect your mind or spirit, so you wont lose control unless youre on the brink of collapse. The only problem is that you might have to get used to seeing a third eye and a fourth hand growing on your body. Of course, the prerequisite is that the power bestowed on you will last for a long time. The corresponding level has to be very high as well. Otherwise, the little changes in your body can be ignored. Lumian acknowledged the information in a terse manner. What if the gift is from the same or a neighboring pathway? he asked. The lady nodded. It wont cause any conflict. She then chuckled. But that doesnt mean there wont be physical changes. What does this mean? Lumian was confused and was about to ask for clarification when the lady interrupted him with a chuckle. I thought youd be more interested in the time loop after learning about Circle Inhabitants. Its surprising that youre paying attention to this knowledge that may not be useful to you in the future. Thats not like you! Lumian revealed a self-deprecating smile. I wanted to ask if you could help us break the time loop, he said. But then I remembered what you said before. You claimed that the price for resolving the corresponding problem would be the complete destruction of Cordu. Everyone would die. If I wanted to achieve a better outcome, I could only rely on myself. I didnt understand it at the time, but now I can guess the reason. If you want to break the cycle and youre not a Circle Inhabitant, the only way is to destroy everything? The lady nodded in agreement. Thats correct. Lumian was confused and asked, Then why didnt you make it clear before? Its not like its something that would lead to destruction! Or was this lady used to speaking in a half-concealed manner? The lady immediately laughed. Would you have believed me if I had told you that the whole village was caught up in a time loop? Lumian thought about it for a moment and replied, Probably not It was difficult to believe such an absurd story without experiencing it firsthand. The lady smiled and said, Thats why I didnt make it clear. I didnt want to spend a lot of time explaining it to you. Lumian fell silent for a moment before seizing the opportunity to ask, Do you know what the key is to breaking this cycle? In what direction should I focus my efforts? The lady shook her head. Divination on certain matters is very dangerous here. Huh? Lumian was confused. The woman could only add, If I knew the key, I would tell you, the lady said. The sooner I solve this, the sooner I can end this journey. She sighed. When can I have a work-free vacation Work? Lumian couldnt obtain any inspiration from the mysterious lady, so he probed, If the padre isnt killed, will time stop repeating itself? No, the lady replied accurately. There are many trigger points in the loop, including time reaching the twelfth night. You can figure out the rest yourself. Twelfth night Theres still quite a bit of time to investigate Lumian thought for a moment and said, Because I triggered the specialness in my body, I can maintain my memories and Beyonder characteristics every time I loop, right? Seeing the lady nod, he further asked, So, as long as Im alive and continue to investigate, Ill be able to find the key to end everything sooner or later? This was an application of the exhaustive method that Aurore had mentioned. In theory, thats right. The womans emotive eyes, which puzzled Lumian couldnt put his finger on, surfaced again. But you should have realized that only Cordu and the surrounding area are in a time loop. Time is passing normally in the outside world, and the date is completely different from Cordus. The three investigators will send telegrams to describe their situation and the village, and the officials will sense the abnormality here once they mention the date. Even if the investigators fail to send a telegram before the cycle restarts or they dont mention the date, as time passes, the officials will discover the problem. What do you think they will do to resolve the time loop in Cordu? Lumian fell silent for a moment before replying, Theyll destroy it directly, just like your alternative choice. The lady nodded with mixed emotions. That can effectively prevent the abnormality from spreading and affecting others, she said. If you have the chance to go to the Sonia Sea in the future, you can ask about Bansy Harbor. It was destroyed by the Church of Storms due to some kind of corruption. No one escaped. Lumian felt a renewed determination to find the key point of the loop on his own. He mocked himself, saying, Looks like I dont have much time left. He knew he only had three or four more cycles, and he couldnt have it loop to the twelfth night every time. The lady stood up and calmly said, At least you still have a chance. Some people dont even have that. After leaving Ol Tavern, Lumian stood on the road and looked at the few pedestrians and houses around him. Everything in Cordu Village seemed normal on the surface. The villagers had the same emotions as people everywhere: joy and anger, desire and longing. However, beneath the peaceful and noisy facade, this village hid an unimaginable horror. Everyone here had fallen into a loop and lived the same few days over and over again. Aside from a few people like Padre Guillaume Bnet, Shepherd Pierre Berry, Pons Bnet, and Ava Lizier, Lumian was temporarily unable to determine who was innocent. He wasnt even 100% sure that Reimund Greg, who was usually rather dim and unscheming, was fine. The padres superpower may have influenced the lads strange behavior at the end of Lent, instead of them having issues beforehand. For a moment, Lumian felt that Cordu was like a primitive forest, rife with unseen dangers. He couldnt tell who was the prey and who was the hunter. Caution and patience were most important to survive in such an environment. Ability, courage, wisdom, and experience had to take a backseat. This was somewhat similar to his vagrant days, yet clearly different. As these thoughts surfaced, he felt the Hunter potion showing signs of digestion. This is the first step of the acting method? Thats pretty fast. I thought it would take a month or two to start. He became excited at the possibility of digesting the Hunter potion. Can I digest the Hunter potion in one or two cycles? With the help of dream ruins hunting, he might quickly become a Sequence 8 Provoker and increase his chances of solving the time loop problem. Lumian pondered as he walked forward. Soon, he arrived at the village square. His current plan was to chat with the padre to test him for abnormalities and obtain any clues. As he looked around, he saw a figure walking towards the cathedral. The figure was wearing a dark brown long coat with a hood, a rope tied around his waist, and a pair of brand new soft leather shoes. It was Shepherd Pierre Berry. Its him Lumian quickly approached Pierre and deliberately asked, Pierre, why are you back? Pierres black curly hair was greasy, and he hadnt shaved for a long time. He happily replied, Isnt Lent almost here? I havent celebrated it in years. I cant miss it this year no matter what His blue eyes were filled with a gentle smile, and he seemed completely different from the shepherd who had traumatized Lumian before. Uh, the answer will be somewhat different from the previous cycle in a different place with a different questioner. Although the essence doesnt change, certain words will be different Lumian listened carefully and looked at Pierres new shoes before asking, Did you make it rich? Not really. I can only say that my current boss is not too shabby. He gave me quite a bit of things. Drinks are on me tonight. Pierres joy was evident. Alright. Lumian agreed and pointed at the cathedral. Are you going to pray? Pierre sighed and said, Yes, its been too long since I prayed to God in a cathedral. Though the sentence didnt seem significant, the more Lumian listened, the more he sensed that something was off. Shepherds werent entirely isolated from human settlements. Numerous villages were scattered around the plains and pastures. High mountain meadows might be desolate, but shepherds would occasionally descend the mountain to resupply. How could he not find a cathedral? Indeed, if Pierre Berry had ventured to Feynapotter or Lenburg, locating the Cathedral of the Eternal Blazing Sun would be a fruitless endeavor. However, Lumian couldnt shake the feeling that there was something amiss in every word Pierre Berry uttered. Instead, Pierre Berry inquired, Are you headed to the cathedral as well? No, Lumian replied, shaking his head. I thought thered be people chatting in the square, but it was empty. He then waved his hand. Im going home. See you tonight, Pierre Berry responded, waving back. After watching the shepherd head towards the cathedral, Lumian made his way back to the village. He decided against having a chat with the padre. His next destination: the home of Shepherd Pierre Berry! Chapter 38 - 38 Sheep 38 Sheep Over a dozen members of the Berry family were crammed into a ramshackle two-story house. Lumian seemed unfazed by the open door and carefully maneuvered around it to the vacant area enclosed by wooden fences at the back. Piles of hay and firewood were scattered near the eaves of the clearing, and three filthy, white sheep, muddied with dirt, were lingering there. Lumian remembered Aurore mentioning that the sheep Pierre had hurried back with seemed peculiar, but she couldnt quite pinpoint what was unusual about them. Thats why Lumian had taken advantage of the shepherds absence during prayer at the cathedral to inspect the sheep. Although he had never herded sheep himself, he had lived near the highland pastures in Cordu, so he had at least encountered 70 to 80 sheep. He was by no means unfamiliar with them. After observing closely for some time, Lumian couldnt discern any differences between the three sheep before him and others of their kind. All he could do was mutter under his breath, Cant see any issues with my naked eyedo I need some superpower? Sadly, Hunters didnt possess such abilities. Lumian had already utilized his enhanced vision, sense of smell, and understanding of various clues, but he still couldnt identify any problems. The only oddity he noticed was that the sheeps droppings were piled in one corner rather than scattered everywhere. Of course, there was a high probability that the Berry family regularly cleaned the area to use the feces more efficiently. After several more seconds of observation, Lumian murmured softly, Looks like just looking and sniffing isnt enough Do I need to get hands-on? Without any hesitation, he placed his hand on the fence and flipped over it, as if he was right at home. The three sheep turned their heads simultaneously to look at Lumian, who greeted them with a grin. Come on, time for a checkup. He wasnt concerned that their owner would discover his actions since he had done similar things more than once. Every family in the village knew that this guy enjoyed playing pranks in various ways. Using sheep as props was just part of his antics. In Lumians own words: When your reputation is already tarnished, there are some perks to being infamous. With the title of Prankster King, anything he did in Cordu Village wouldnt arouse too much suspicion. Even if those who were clearly abnormal caught him red-handed, they wouldnt be able to confirm that something was amiss with him. Of course, under such circumstances, Padre Guillaume and Shepherd Pierre might try to silence him as a precautionary measure. As such, he needed to exercise caution when necessary. Baa! Baa! Baa! As if sensing Lumians ill intentions, the three sheep hid behind the haystack, their cries barely audible. But how could they escape a Hunter? Lumian grabbed a sheep and patted its side while forcefully examining its teeth. No issues here either he whispered. Seeing the sheep look at him, he added with a wicked grin, Youre in excellent health. Youd probably make a delicious mutton stew with peas. He deliberately said this to test the intelligence of the three sheep. When there were no problems with the targets body, he could only start from this angle. The sheeps eyes glazed over momentarily. Lumian chuckled. Pretty smart, huh? Do you understand what Im saying? The sheeps eyes returned to normal as it turned its head and began eating hay. Ignoring me? Lumian stroked his chin. Ill buy you from Pierre Berry later and have you for dinner tonight! The sheep remained unresponsive. It bit off a piece of hay and yanked it out. The haystack suddenly collapsed, and Lumians sharp Hunters eyes caught a glimpse of something. His expression darkened as he walked over and squatted down for a closer inspection. It was a bundle of black hair containing a few severed fingernails. Why would this be outside the house? Lumian muttered in surprise. As a native of Cordu, he was well aware of the burial customs of the Darige region. When someone died at home, their hair and nails had to be cut and hidden somewhere inside the house to maintain their horoscope and good fortune. How could such an item appear in an outdoor haystack? Lumian picked up the bundle of hair and nails, weighing it as he examined it. It looks quite fresh, as if it had been cut only recently He quickly made a judgment. However, no one had died in Cordu Village lately! Lumian could only suspect that this was some form of witchcraft similar to the funeral customs. He planned to consult his sister about it later. To avoid arousing suspicion, he stuffed the nails and black hair back into the haystack and restored the messy scene. Having completed that task, he walked towards the wooden fence. As Lumian took a few steps forward, he turned to look back at the three sheep. With a hopeful attitude, he muttered to himself, Pierre Berry seems off. Hes back in the village before May. Did he commit a crime outside? As a good citizen of Intis and a devout believer of God, should I visit Darige and inquire around? The three sheep just stared at him, unresponsive and unchanged. Lumian sighed inwardly, feeling disappointed. These sheep arent particularly intelligent, he thought. He then raised his handsthumbs pointing up, index fingers pointing downmaking a gesture of disdain. Whats wrong with mocking the sheep when Im in a bad mood? Suddenly, the sheep that Lumian had examined took a few steps forward, looking hopeful. It raised its hoof and started drawing on the mud. Lumian was momentarily stunned, but soon approached the sheep to see what it was drawing. The sheep seemed to be drawing letters on the ground. Lumian found them familiar but didnt recognize them. He frowned and speculated, This language should have the same origin as the Intis language But I only know Intis and some ancient Feysac languages At that moment, Lumian realized the significance of Aurores words: knowledge equals power. The sheep finished drawing and took a step back, looking at Lumian with sincerity in its eyes. The other two sheep also had a similar emotional change and bleated softly. Lumian looked at the word on the ground and fell into deep thought, wondering what it meant and how he should respond. In just a second or two, he had an idea and nodded solemnly at the three sheep. He stretched out his right foot and wiped away the word on the soil. He may not understand, but he could pretend to understand it! He would trick the sheep for now and ask his sister for guidance later. Without waiting for the sheep to respond, he nodded slowly with a heavy and thoughtful expression as he walked towards the fence, as if saying, Be patient, Ill figure something out. After leaving the sheep pen, Lumian didnt waste any time and went straight home. He found Aurore reading on a recliner in the study. Grande Soeur, he called out anxiously, theres something. Aurore immediately raised her guard. Calling me Grande Soeur What kind of trouble did you get into this time? Lumian took a deep breath and organized his thoughts. Remember when you said there was something off about Shepherd Pierre Berrys three sheep? Well, I went to the back of his house to take a look while he was praying in the cathedral. And guess what I found? Aurores expression turned serious. If youre going to do something like that, you need to tell me in advance. Its dangerous now, and no one will protect you. Lumian felt touched by his sisters concern but complained, If I told you in advance, you probably wouldnt have let me go Ill keep it in mind for next time, he promised sincerely. He had said similar words dozens of times. Aurore understood the urgency of the situation and nodded, indicating that Lumian could tell her what he had discovered. Lumian quickly recounted his experience in the sheep pen. The more Aurore listened, the more serious she became. Write down that word, she said, getting up from the recliner and finding a pen and paper to hand to Lumian. Lumian had memorized the word, so he quickly wrote it down on the paper. Aurore took a quick glance and said solemnly, This is a big problem. I know Lumian responded inwardly. Moreover, he believed the problem was even bigger than his sister had imagined. Whats the problem? he asked. Aurore pointed at the word and said, This is Highlander, the official language of the Feynapotter Kingdom. Like Intis, it comes from ancient Feysac. It means Aurore paused for a moment, then spoke in a deep voice, Help! Help? Lumian blurted out in surprise. The sheep are asking us for help? Aurore tersely acknowledged, I suspect theyre not really sheep. They were probably humans! Humans? Lumian asked in shock. This was beyond the scope of what he knew. Before, Lumian had only thought that the three sheep were intelligent and had human-like emotions. They also seemed to have mastered some human language, but he had never thought of them as actual humans. To him, turning into a sheep only happened in imaginative stories! Just as he said that, Lumian was no longer shocked. He realized that a time loop had already happened. What was so strange about people turning into sheep? In the world of mysticism, there were plenty of bizarre and absurd things. Aurore solemnly nodded at her brothers confusion and said, Im not sure if theres a secret art that can turn a person into a sheep, but all the details now point to that possibility. Indeed, Lumian echoed. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that the three sheep were probably humans. Did this mean that the shepherd, Pierre Berry, was actually grazing humans? Lumian then asked, Why were those nails and hair hidden outside the house? Aurore pursed her lips and said, This is one of the funerary customs of the Darige region. However, its not used under normal circumstances. Many people have forgotten about it. As a Warlock, Ive studied this aspect to see if I could obtain some useful knowledge. She then explained, When a family member commits suicide or is murdered by a relative, or if they had a bad character while alive and exerted a negative influence on the entire family, the hair and nails that are cut after death have to be hidden outside the house to prevent the familys horoscope from being affected and bringing them bad luck. Suicide or murder by a relative? Lumian suddenly thought of something. During the last cycle, Pons Bnet entered Narokas house without adhering to the funeral customs. Could he have gone to take away Narokas hair and nails? Chapter 39 - 39 Sick 39 Sick If Pons Bnet had really entered Narokas house to take away her hair and nails, theres a high chance that Naroka had been murdered by a relative. After all, Naroka had a good reputation and was the pillar of the entire family. Furthermore, she was relatively healthy, both physically and mentally, so it was unlikely that she had committed suicide. Lumian quickly came up with a series of speculations. But if Naroka had really been murdered by a relative, what was the reason? Seeing that her brother was deep in thought and hadnt spoken for a long time, Aurore thought that he was frightened by the idea of humans turning into sheep and someone from the Berry family dying from murder. So she comforted him gently. Although the matter is serious, it doesnt affect us yet. I need to reflect on such matters. Its easy for you to panic when you encounter something similar if youre always prohibited from coming into contact with real mysticism. Hmm, the frequency of supernatural events has been increasing in recent years, and I cant be by your side at all times. Youll grow up and have your own life Lumian inwardly retorted that he had never heard of someone having to leave the family when they grew up. He could feel that Aurores attitude toward him coming into contact with mysticism had loosened up due to the matter of humans turning into sheep. If I work harder, I can directly tell her that Ive become a Beyonder Lumian thought, but before he could speak, Aurore had already made her decision. Go pack your bags now. Well leave Cordu immediately using Novel Weeklys invitation. Were really lucky. They sent us a telegram at the critical moment so that we can leave openly without being suspected. When were on our journey, Ill teach you some true mysticism, but dont even think about becoming a Beyonder. Its too dangerous. Lumian silently muttered to himself, Were not lucky. I sent the telegram because I discovered the problem. We only received a reply in this cycle. But he was pleased that his sister was still the same decisive person. Although he didnt think they could successfully leave Cordu Village or escape the loop, he had to try. Uh, arent we going to save those three sheepthree people? Lumian asked. Aurore shook her head. This could trigger a conflict between us and Pierre Berry, and Im not sure how strong he is or how many helpers he has. Its too dangerous to save others without knowing anything. Its better to let the officials do it. This is their duty. When we reach Darige and buy steam locomotive tickets, well send an anonymous letter to the officials and let them handle it. But what if they dont believe us? Lumian deliberately pressed. Aurore smiled. In terms of mysticism, you are indeed illiterate. In the letter, well describe the matter of turning people into sheep clearly. They will naturally find professionals to perform divination. Even if they dont obtain any detailed revelations, they will discover that theres something abnormal about Cordu. Got it, Lumian said, and he went upstairs to pack his bags. Not long after, the siblings each came down with a brown suitcase. Aurore looked out the door and said, Lets go to Madame Pualis and borrow her carriage to reach Darige as quickly as possible. An ordinary person had to walk an entire afternoon from Cordu Village to Darige. As a Hunter, Lumian didnt need to, but in Aurores eyes, he wasnt a Beyonder yet. After hesitating whether he should take the opportunity to confess to his sister, he realized that it was impossible for him to escape from Cordu. He might as well take the opportunity to search Madame Pualiss house for clues. Lumian tersely acknowledged, Will do, and reached out to take his sisters suitcase. With two pieces of luggage in hand, he headed for the door. Aurore nodded in satisfaction and relief, but then she said in puzzlement, Your strength has increased. Youre carrying it so easily. She subconsciously wanted to raise her right hand and rub the sides of her eyes, but Lumian had already left. She could only give up and quickly follow. On the way to the administrators residence, many villagers saw Aurore leaving with her luggage and asked about the situation curiously. Aurore, who had a valid reason, was very calm about this. On the other hand, Lumian came up with seven or eight stories to deal with the different villagers: something about Aurore getting the Intis Legion of Honor medal and going to Trier to be honored, something about him being specially recruited by Trier Normal College and being able to be matriculated, or something about Aurore going bankrupt from investing in stocks with her creditors about to come knocking on her door, leaving her with no choice but to flee to other places. The ignorant villagers were stunned when they heard this, but thanks to Lumians reputation, they chose not to believe him after coming back to their senses. Not long after, the siblings arrived in front of the black building that had been transformed from an ancient castle. Looking up at the two tall towers, Lumian smiled and said, I wonder whats inside. Aurore, have you ever been inside? Why would I wander around someone elses house? Aurore rolled her eyes at her brother. Lumian muttered softly, I thought Madame Pualis would invite you to tour the castle. Dont people like them like to show their guests their big houses and precious collections? Whats there to see Aurores voice became softer and softer as she thought about how this would be of great help to her description of a castle in her works. Sigh, lets talk about it in the future. I wonder if we can still return to Cordu. She then led Lumian through the colorful garden towards the castle door. After taking a few steps, Aurore slowed down and looked around. She remarked in puzzlement, The flowers in this garden bloomed very early Cordu Village was in the mountains, and there was a highlander pasture nearby. Normally, the first wave of spring flowers would only appear in mid-to-late April. Perhaps Madame Pualiss gardener has a special method, Lumian said. He recalled that Madame Pualis was a Beyonder of an abnormal pathway and suspected that this was related to some supernatural phenomenon, but he couldnt say it out loud. Aurore was just making an offhand remark, so she didnt think too deeply about it. They arrived at the castle and received a warm welcome from Madame Pualis. The lady was wearing a blue corset dress today, and there was still a diamond necklace inlaid with gold hanging over her chest. Her long brown hair was half tied up, the rest cascading down, making her look even younger than usual. She sat on an armchair in the small living room and quietly listened to Aurores request. She smiled and said, You dont have to be so polite. Were friends. Heh Lumian mocked in his heart. Who would introduce crappy marriage partners to a friend? But he quickly saw Madame Pualis looking at him with a smile in her bright brown eyes. He suddenly recalled their previous conversation and felt uncomfortable. Alright, Aurore said helplessly. Every time she borrowed a carriage, she would offer to pay for it, but Madame Pualis would always refuse. So she would usually bring some gifts for the lady on the way back, which were neither expensive nor cheap, and also give the carriage driver a tip. While waiting for the carriage driver to prepare, Madame Pualis invited the siblings to taste some desserts made by her own chef. Lumian tasted a muffin and looked around. Wheres Mr. Lund? Louis Lund was Administrator Bosts butler. He had followed him from Darige to Cordu Village. Lumian had evidence that he had an affair with a woman in the village and had sold some of the castles items secretly. This was how he got the news that Madame Pualis was the mistress of the padre. Chancing upon the padre and Madame Pualis having an affair in the cathedral? That was a lie for the foreigners! At this moment, Lumian was looking for Louis Lund to curse him, saying, You son of a b*tch, why didnt you tell me that Madame Pualis is a Warlock? Madame Pualis sighed. Louis is sick. Hes resting in his room. Sick? For some reason, Lumian felt that there might be a problem. While his sister was chatting with Madame Pualis, he excused himself to go to the washroom, walked out of the living room, and went straight to the stairs. This castle was huge, and the couple didnt bring many servants with them. It looked empty everywhere, and one could even hear echoes when walking in certain places. This gave Lumian better conditions to infiltrate. Relying on his powerful senses, he easily dodged a valet and a maid. With light footsteps, he arrived at the second floor and found Louis Lunds room. He was in no hurry to knock. He turned his head and pressed his ear to the wood. Ah! Ah! Sounds of a man screaming in pain came from the room. Is he really sick? It sounds quite serious Lumian thought for a moment and walked to the side. He opened the door of the other servantsAdministrator Bost and Madame Pualis lived on the third floor. After darting into the room, he gently closed the wooden door, took a few steps to the other side, and pushed open the glass window. Lumian looked down and saw that no one was around. He immediately propped himself up with both hands and nimbly flipped over, hanging on the outer wall of the castle. Then, he leaped lightly like a wild cat and silently landed on Butler Louis Lunds windowsill. Lumian stood at the edge of the glass window, turned his body, and secretly looked into the room. He saw Louis Lund lying naked on the bed, his belly bulging, giving the impression that he might burst at any moment. Seeing that the butlers black hair was drenched in sweat and his face was grimacing with pain, Lumian couldnt help but frown when he heard his tragic cries from time to time. What kind of illness is this? It looks scary. A stomach can actually grow so big At this moment, a woman in her forties stood beside Louis Lunds bed. She had brown hair and brown eyes. She was pretty and didnt have many wrinkles. She wore a grayish-white dress and was shouting excitedly at Louis Lund. Soon, soon. Whats happening soon? Just as this thought flashed through Lumians mind, he heard a scream and saw something holding up Louis Lunds stomach. In the blink of an eye, that spot had burst open. Louis Lunds stomach had burst! A small, bloody hand reached out. Its born! Its born! The woman shouted happily. She then leaned down and took out a wrinkled, dirty, and bloody baby from Louis Lunds stomach. Lumian was stunned. Chapter 40 - 40 On the Carriage 40 On the Carriage Compared to the time loop and humans becoming sheep, the scene in front of him was no less shocking. It made Lumian feel as though his eyes, mind, and spirit had been severely tainted. If he had known beforehand that he would witness such a thing, he would definitely have abandoned his actions. What the f*ck is going on? Louis Lund is clearly still a man! Whose child is he carrying? The administrators? Or Madame Pualis? Is this the world of mysticism? Aurore didnt let me come into contact with this for my own good For a moment, Lumians thoughts were disordered, and his mind was in a state of chaos. He wished he could dig out his eyes and forcefully forget what he had seen. Waa! Waa! Waa! The baby that Louis Lund had given birth to cried out, making the filthy delivery room instantly have a holy aura. This was the beauty of a new life. Lumian, who was hiding outside the window, directly experienced the joy of human origins. Of course, besides that, the strange, absurd, dirty, and disharmonious feeling became even more obvious. Lumian finally came back to his senses and subconsciously looked into the room again. The baby had already been placed on a white silk cloth beside Louis Lund by the woman in the grayish-white dress. The baby was a boy, and there was more blood than milky-white fat, but other than that, there was nothing abnormal. He looked like an ordinary newborn. Lumian observed for another two seconds and realized that the baby boys ten fingers were bent. His nails were very long, like the claws of a bird. Just now, he had used these hands to rip open Louis Lunds stomach! Louis Lund, on the other hand, lay in a semi-conscious state. The wound on Louis Lunds stomach had yet to be stitched up, and blood kept seeping out. One could vaguely see the intestines pressed to the side and a strange, birds nest-like thing covered in a flesh-colored membrane. As the woman wrapped the baby in silk, she picked up a sewing needle and catgut, and began chanting as she sewed the groaning Louis Lunds wound, This was quite easy for you. The last time I gave birth to quadruplets, that was considered painful Lumians facial muscles twitched slightly. He felt that after his eyes, brain, mind, and spirit were affected, his ears were also tainted. He retracted his gaze. He had to get out of there, fast. He leaped back to the window he had come from and flipped into the room. After closing the window, he rushed out the door and headed straight for the stairs. After dodging a male servant, Lumian tiptoed and quickly returned to the hall. Where did you go? Suddenly, a slightly magnetic and gentle voice sounded in his ears. Even with Lumians Hunter senses, he didnt sense that someone was standing beside the staircase entrance. He turned around to see Madame Pualis in a blue corset, her hair half-tied, and her bright brown eyes reflecting his figure. The madam no longer had a smile on her face. Her eyes reflected Lumians figure with a piercing intensity. Lumians mind tensed up. He was terrified, but prepared to fight if necessary. Aurore appeared from a side room and asked, Where did you go? The carriage has been waiting at the entrance. Having been in a similar situation, the experienced Lumian said half-truthfully, Didnt Madame Pualis say that Mr. Lund is sick? I had drinks with Mr. Lund and wanted to visit him, but this castle is too big. I couldnt find his room. Aurore nodded and said, You could have asked Madame Pualis directly. You dont have to hide it from us. Its not a bad thing. My bad. Im sorry. Lumian looked at Madame Pualis sincerely. After seeing the scene upstairs, Lumian was more afraid of this lady than disgusted. He was relieved when she finally smiled, no longer as serious as before. Let me thank you on behalf of Lund for your kindness, but he isnt in the best of health. He isnt willing to appear in front of others in that unseemly manner. Its indeed unseemly Lumian silently echoed her thoughts. Shall we board the carriage? Thank you so much, Aurore said to Madame Pualis. Lumian watched Madame Pualis closely, afraid she would find a way to make them stay longer. If she did, it could mean that she sensed something had happened with Louis Lund! Although Lumian felt that their combined forces could fight against Madame Pualis after he rendezvoused with his sister, this was her castle after all, surrounded by her servants. It was the worst hunting environment for a Hunter. Madame Pualis nodded and smiled at Aurore. I look forward to the gifts you bring back from Trier. I always yearn for whats trending there. I hope I can give you a surprise, Aurore replied, though she wasnt sure shed ever be able to return to Cordu Village. She just needed to keep up appearances. Madame Pualis walked the siblings to the door with her ladys maid, Cathy, and watched them get into the four-seater carriage. The burly, brown-bearded carriage driver wore dark red clothes, yellow pants, and a waxed hat. He looked almost like a professional coachman in the city, except that he didnt wear a tie. This was a mandatory request from Administrator Bost. Aurore apologized to the driver. Sorry to trouble you, she said politely before closing the door. The drivers name was Sewell, and he had the most common blue eyes in the Intis Republic. He was delighted by Aurores politeness and looked forward to the tip hed receive when they arrived in Darige. Madame, Monsieur, sit tight. He raised his whip, and the horses started to speed up. As the carriage passed through Cordu Village, it suddenly stopped. Lumians heart skipped a beat, knowing that their journey wouldnt be smooth and easy. Whats wrong? he asked the driver, Sewell. Sewell explained, Madame promised to send Naroka to Junak Village yesterday. Im worried I wont be able to return in time after going to Darige, so I thought of picking her up on the way. Dont worry, it wont cause any delays. Junak Village was closer to Darige than Cordu Village. Going there first really didnt affect the estimated time of arrival for Aurore and Lumian. Aurore had no right to object since this wasnt her carriage, so she didnt. Lumian was more concerned about Narokas safety. In the previous cycle, she had died under suspicious circumstances, possibly at the hands of a relative. It was related to the padres group. Sewell went into Narokas house before helping her out. Naroka was different from usual. She was dressed in a long black dress with exquisite patterns and a dark bonnet. Her sparse, pale hair was carefully combed. Hey, my little cabbages, where are you going? Naroka asked happily as she got into the carriage. Her pockmarked and wrinkled face was filled with unconcealable joy, and her previously slightly turbid eyes were much more energetic. Aurore told her the truth. Im going to Trier to attend an author salon, and also bring Lumian to check out the universities there. Aurore asked Naroka, Did you receive some invitation? While it was normal for Naroka to wear black clothes as a widow, she only wore this dress during festivals, banquets, and the anniversary of her late husbands death. Naroka looked expectant. Yeah, to meet some people. Lumian quietly observed Naroka, trying to see if he could detect anything from her. The carriage started moving again, leaving Cordu Village behind. Aurore chatted with Naroka intermittently, keeping an eye on the outside of the carriage. Aurore worried that their sudden departure might arouse suspicion. As they continued on, Lumian sensed a change in Narokas demeanor. She looked much paler than before, and her eyes lacked their usual liveliness. She only spoke when spoken to. This was very similar to the Naroka Lumian had seen in the middle of the night during the previous cycle. Lumian discreetly tugged on Aurores hand to get her attention. Aurore turned to him, silently asking what was wrong. Lumian discreetly pointed at Naroka and drew a cross on her palm, a symbol Aurore often used to indicate an error in her scripts. He used it to refer to Narokas concerning state. Aurore was momentarily stunned but quickly understood what Lumian meant. She turned her attention to Naroka, sensing that something was wrong. Aurore raised her hand to massage her temples, causing her light-blue eyes to darken and become deeper. With just a glance, Aurores golden brows furrowed, and she leaned back slightly as if she had been hit by something. She closed her eyes and rubbed her temples, as if she was feeling tired and in pain. When she opened her eyes again, Aurore turned to Lumian and said, When we reach Darige, you must stay close to me. No matter what happens, dont leave my side. Her tone was serious, and Lumian understood immediately. He knew that if something happened, he had to follow his sister closely. She would take care of it. He nodded solemnly and decided to tell Aurore about his recent Beyonder powers later. Aurore turned her attention back to Naroka and asked, Are you really going to Junak, or somewhere else? She was worried that an unexpected stop might make things more complicated. It was better to anticipate any developments and not fight in an environment the other party was expecting. Narokas gaze was vacant as she replied in a deep voice, No, Im not going to Junak. I want to go to Paramita. As she spoke, Lumian noticed the outside of the carriage window darkening abnormally. Chapter 41 - 41 Undead 41 Undead Whats Paramita? Lumian was alarmed as he quickly turned to look out the window. But what he saw outside was not what he expected. Instead of mountains, pastures, and trees, he was greeted by a desolate wilderness. The pale-white clouds in the sky blocked out all the sunlight, casting everything in shadow. In the wilderness, strange figures roamed about. Most of them wore white linen clothes, with pale-blue faces, empty eyes, and agape mouths, looking anything but normal. Lumian watched in horror as some of the figures ran crazily towards the edge of the wilderness, while others stumbled towards them from the other side. It was as if they would never stop, doomed to wander aimlessly forever. At the edge of the wilderness, near a cliff, he could make out dark monsters with long horns and humanoid bodies, grabbing the white-clad figures and throwing them over the edge. Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream pierced the air, right into Lumians and Aurores ears. The sound of hooves echoed through the wilderness as a tall figure in full black armor rode a white horse. The horse was so thin that it looked like it had only skin and bones left. The rider moved slowly at times and galloped back and forth at others, as if shepherding sheep. Lumians eyesight was sharp, and he could see the rider clearly from afar. Inside the helmet that shone with a metallic luster, two deep red rays of light flickered like flames. A hideous wound on the riders neck extended all the way to their navel, almost splitting them in half and dragging out their pale-white intestines. Without any need for further evidence, Lumian knew who it was: a Death Knight! It was a creature that often appeared in Intisian folklore. Suddenly, the carriage they were in came to a stop. Naroka silently opened the door and stepped out. Her pale face, empty eyes, and numb expression were starting to resemble the figures in white linen clothes that Lumian had seen earlier. Aurore turned to him and said in a deep voice, This place is filled with undead. You must stay by my side at all times. As she spoke, she took out a gold brooch and fastened it to her clothing. Aurore took out a handful of grayish-black powder from her pocket with her other hand. Lumian leaned forward to look at the carriage driver and realized that Sewell had become like Narokapale-faced and empty-eyed, slowly walking deeper into the wilderness as if he had been dead for a long time. He said quickly to Aurore, Grande Soeur, Im already a Beyonder. You deal with these undead. Ill drive the carriage and get us out of here as soon as possible! He knew he couldnt fight the undead, so he could only be a temporary carriage driver. But if the Death Knight showed up, he would do his best to block it. Aurore was taken aback by Lumians sudden transformation, but quickly regained her composure. She reminded him, Check the horses condition! Lumian looked ahead and saw that the horses were motionless, with their flesh and blood seemingly extracted, leaving only withered fur and skin wrapped around their bones. The horses are dead, he reported back to Aurore. Suddenly, the undead caught a whiff of the living and rushed towards the carriage, trying to enter. XXX. Aurore uttered a word in a language Lumian didnt understand. As soon as Aurore spoke the word, the golden brooch in front of her lit up with a violent but not stimulating golden light. The grayish-black powder in her left hand burned, emitting a flow of light that resembled water, spreading in all directions. The undead screamed as soon as they came into contact with the light, and cyan smoke rose from their bodies. They wanted to retreat, but more undead surged forward, squeezing around the carriage, evaporating and disappearing. Lumian watched enviously and solemnly, wishing he could do something to help. He yearned to advance in Sequence and gain more abilities. But the powder in Aurores hand was about to run out, and the undead were still coming, ignoring the ones that had already been destroyed. Lumian knew they couldnt stay there forever. We cant stay here. Lets make a run for it! No matter how many materials his sister had prepared, she couldnt deal with so many undead! The Death Knight and the creatures that looked like demons were still out there. Their best chance was to use what resources they had left to escape from the wilderness known as Paramita. Aurore nodded and said simply, Follow me. The moment she finished speaking, the grayish-black powder in her palm vanished into thin air, and the desolate surroundings were engulfed by the undead. Aurore wasted no time and retrieved another handful of materials, igniting them with the golden brooch before her. The materials combusted, creating a dazzling golden light that decimated the approaching undead. Their agonizing shrieks echoed through the wilderness before they disintegrated into nothingness. Aurore leaped off the carriage with Lumian hot on her heels, sprinting towards the nearest edge of the wilderness. Suddenly, a hand jutted out from the golden blaze, snatching Lumians arm. Lumians instincts kicked in, alerting him of the imminent threat. He pivoted his forearm and delivered a swift blow to the hand. Pa! It felt like he had punched a block of solid ice. A shiver ran through his body, rendering him immobile for a moment. Lumians teeth clattered as he caught sight of the hands owner. It was another undead clad in white linen, but it donned a mask made of white paper over its face. The figure disintegrated slowly under the golden light. The peculiar undead lunged towards Lumian, but before it could make contact, a beam of pure, holy light descended upon it. The masked undead halted in its tracks, burning fiercely before dissolving into black vapor. Keep moving! Aurore shouted, withdrawing her hand from the golden brooch and darting forward. Lumian shook off the cold and picked up his pace to follow his sister. The duo relied on the grayish-black powder and Warlock spells to traverse the wilderness. The golden light eradicated countless undead garbed in white linen. Unfortunately, Aurore couldnt simply rely on one material to stuff every bag. As a Warlock, she had to anticipate various scenarios. Before long, the bag containing the Sun Flower powder was empty, and they were still hundreds of meters away from the wildernesss edge. The undead horde seemed never-ending. What frightened them even more was the Death Knights approach. The horse-mounted knight had sensed the turmoil and was galloping towards them. Aurores expression changed several times in the golden light. She slowed down, gritted her teeth, and spoke urgently to Lumian. When I shout three, run towards the edge of the wilderness and dont look back! Lumian opened his mouth to protest, but Aurore cut him off. Dont worry, Ill follow you. If you stay, youll only interfere with my use of a powerful spell and slow us down when we try to escape. As she spoke, Aurore removed the golden brooch from her chest and handed it to Lumian, giving him instructions. Focus your spirituality and extend it to this brooch. Repeat this word when youre running: XXX! Lumian didnt understand the word, but he committed the pronunciation to memory. As soon as he took hold of the golden brooch, he felt a warm light envelop his body, banishing his dark thoughts and slowing down his racing mind. Instinctively donning the brooch, Lumian concentrated his thoughts according to his sisters directions, extending his spiritual energy. Seeing that the grayish-black powder in her hand was running low, Aurore retrieved another material and shouted out, One, two, three! In order to avoid slowing down his sister, Lumian sprinted wildly towards the edge of the wilderness, shouting the word Aurore had given him with all his might. XXX! The golden brooch emitted a golden, radiant glow, illuminating Lumian as though a miniature sun was hanging on his chest. The undead in his path instinctively avoided him. Thud thud thud! As he ran, Lumian couldnt shake his worry for his sister. He cast a glance back at Aurore, who remained in her spot surrounded by a cloud of black gas. The undead were drawn to the gas, abandoning Lumian to swarm towards her. Lumian wasnt a fool. When he saw this scene, he understood that his sister was lying when she said that she would follow him. Aurore! He shouted, halted abruptly and spun around, running back towards his sister. Aurore looked back and saw that he had stopped. She hurriedly shouted, Are you stupid? Run! Lumian didnt say anything and ran towards Aurore. The undead parted before him, clearing a path under the golden light of the brooch. Seeing this, Aurore lowered her head and cursed softly, What an idiot She then took out another iron-black substance and sprinkled it on Lumian, causing him to be pushed to the edge of the wilderness by an invisible force. He struggled to break free, but he was in midair with no point of leverage. My stupid brother, live well Aurore whispered with a melancholic smile before the black aura consumed her completely. She was directly exposed to countless figures and the Death Knight. Aurore! Lumians eyes bulged with terror, his skin and eyes turning red with blood vessels. However, he was still pushed to the edge of the wilderness. But suddenly, all the undead stopped in their tracks. Something was happening in the distance. Aurore sensed the shift and looked up in shock. She saw an open carriage passing by, pulled not by horses, but by two demonic creatures with goat horns. The carriage was a deep red color, resembling a conch or a cradle, and a woman resembling Madame Pualis wearing a flower crown and green dress sat inside. But unlike Madame Pualis, she was very dignified. The Death Knight abandoned his target and turned his horse towards the carriage. All the undead followed suit, clustering around the carriage as it headed towards the hazy mountain range beyond the wilderness. Chapter 42 - 42 Madame Night 42 Madame Night Lumian was stunned by the carriage pulled by the demon and the undeads reactions. He forgot to struggle and got pushed by the invisible palm for over ten seconds before coming to a stop. Although the carriage was getting farther away, he could still see the womans face clearly with his eagle-like vision. Her long brown hair was tied up high, and her brown eyes were beautiful and bright. She had light eyebrows and wore a fresh green dress and a laurel crown made of flowers. She had an elegant and dignified aura. Madame Pualis! Lumians first thought was that the woman on the carriage was Madame Pualisthe administrators wife and the padres mistress. However, on closer inspection, he noticed an obvious difference between the two. Not only was there a vast disparity in their aura, but there was also a distinct difference in their looks. The lady in the car had softer and more mature facial features. If Lumian had to make a comparison, he would describe the lady in the car as Madame Pualiss older sister by seven or eight years. At the moment, the lady sat in an open carriage pulled by the demon. Surrounded by countless undead and the Death Knight, she traveled towards the distant forest as if she was on some kind of magical patrol. Aurore retracted her gaze and ran towards Lumian. As she ran, she shouted, Take this opportunity to escape from here! Lumian snapped out of his daze and waited for his sister to catch up before taking large strides and fleeing to the edge of the nearest wilderness. Before long, they felt as though they had passed through an illusory curtain or a thick layer of water. The scene before them changed. The wilderness dissipated like bubbles. The clear river, new grass on both sides, and green trees all entered their view at once. To Lumian and Aurore, this scene was so familiar that they didnt need to identify it to make a judgment. They were still near Cordu Village! This was where Ava Lizier used to tend to her geese! Were back Lumian wasnt surprised or disappointed. Instead, he looked around, having confirmed his suspicion. Aurore panted and said, Whether Madame Pualis made a mistake on purpose or not, we cant go back to the village now. Lets head to Darige! Lumian suggested immediately. Then lets go to the nearest pasture. Theres a dangerous path down the hill. With our abilities, well be fine, Lumian added. Okay. Aurore turned around and started running. Having borrowed the pony from Madame Pualis from time to time, she was familiar with the highland pastures around Cordu. Lumian followed his sister closely, both glad and terrified at what had just happened. He didnt expect Madame Pualis to be so powerful that she could have so many undead, the demon, and the Death Knight chase after her. Of course, it might not be Madame Pualis. As she ran, Aurore slowed down. Her breathing became heavier, and her gasping became more and more pronounced. Whats wrong? Lumian still had plenty of energy. This was one of the benefits of being a Hunter. Aurore stopped and panted heavily. Im exhausted. The spellcasting took up a lot of my energy. Lumian said without hesitation, Then Ill carry you. Im not tired yet. They were in a dire situation, and time was of the essence. Aurore nodded, went behind the squatting Lumian, and leaned on him. Lumian first took off the brooch in front of him and returned it to his sister. Then, he straightened his body and ran again. Is this a mystical item? Lumian still had the energy to ask. Aurore was taken aback for a moment before she chuckled. Looks like you know quite a bit. This is indeed a mystical item. I call it the Integrity Brooch. It can create Holy sunlight or help me ignite materials to help me use a mystic technique to deal with ghost-type creatures. However, wearing it for too long will cause people to become fanatical. And as long as you wear it, you will lose some thoughts. As you know, immoral methods in battle might be more useful, but you get limited by it. Aurore paused and asked in a deep voice, Where did you get the Beyonder characteristic? As Lumian ran, he replied intermittently, Didnt that Wand card allow me to stay awake in the dream? What Wand card? Aurore was confused. Oh, this is something from the previous cycle Lumian reorganized his words. I was at Ol Tavern and met a mysterious lady. She gave me a Wand card. With that card, I stayed lucid in my dream and entered a strange space. There, I encountered some monsters and obtained a Hunter Beyonder characteristic. Hunter Aurore was familiar with this Sequence commonly seen in Intis. As she muttered to herself, she suddenly chuckled, seeming to have thought of something. What are you laughing at Lumian was baffled. Aurore asked again, Then who gave you the formula? That mysterious lady? Yeah. Lumian nodded as he ran. Aurore sighed and said, My stupid brother has his own secrets now I cant confirm if what you said is true or not. Ill just take it at face value. Lumian couldnt bear to see his sister disappointed, so he quickly changed the topic. Was that Madame Pualis on the carriage? They look alike, but theyre not the same, Aurore said, contradicting herself. After a few seconds of deliberation, she said, Since youre already a Beyonder, Ill tell you directly. My companions, uh, my pen pals, once mentioned something. They said that in the past few years, there have been many strange phenomena similar to what happened just now in the southern parts of Loen, the southern parts of Intis, and the Feynapotter Kingdom. Women ride carriages pulled by demons, patrol the wilderness and have hordes of undead following them. Some Beyonders who have grasped the corresponding mystic arts will let their spirits leave their bodies and follow the carriage for a period of time to experience something wonderful and obtain mystic knowledge. One of my companions obtained one of the Beyonders notebooks. It mentioned that the ladys name is Madame Night. The owner of the notebook obtained a secret medicine production method from his experience following a carriage, which can create an invisibility potion from a babys corpse. According to the investigation, the women in different places exhibit similar phenomena, but things happen at night. Lumian said in surprise, But its daytime now. Could the anomaly in Cordu Village have brought about a change? Thats why Im not sure, Aurore said after thinking for a moment. Perhaps sending Naroka to Paramita made a difference. Perhaps that wilderness is Paramita, where Madame Nights patrol in the day and appear in the human world at night. Yes, combined with the fact that the lady resembles Pualis, Im inclined to the previous guess. Lumian didnt know much about mysticism, but he instinctively felt that his sisters suspicion was right. He ran in silence for a distance before finally asking, Why did you sacrifice yourself to save me? I wish you were more selfish. Im very selfish, Aurore said with a smile. I considered abandoning you and escaping on my own. Then, I would avenge you when I became stronger. However, after careful consideration, I realized that even if I gave you the Integrity Brooch and taught you how to use it, you wouldnt be able to help me attract most of the undead to give me a chance to escape. Only a Warlock like me could do it. It was a choice between us dying together or at least you being able to live. I dont have to tell you the choice I made, right? Making such a choice isnt as easy as how you make it sound. Lumian could accept it rationally, but not emotionally. He said gloomily, We might as well die together. You cant die! Wholl bring me back if youre gone? Anythings possible in the world of mysticism, lectured Aurore to her brother. Thats why I said all those sappy lines. So youll remember to work hard and bring me back. Thats true Lumian gradually agreed with his sisters choice. After running for a while, they saw the nearest highland pasture. Lumian, who had been carrying Aurore, clearly felt tired, but he didnt stop to rest. He mustered his remaining strength and rushed to the hill covered in green grass. There were many livestock pens and shacks here. The former was surrounded by rocks and tree branches. The ground was compacted soil and flattened feces. There was a long and narrow exit at one end that could only allow one sheep to pass through. The latter was similar to a primitive tent: stones were first used to build a circle of low walls, leaving a door and a smoke vent. Then, a row of grates were built against the low walls. The bottom half of the grates was buried in the soil, and the upper end supported a wooden structure. On the wooden structure was a roof made of grass and mud. This was where the shepherds lived. The environment was very harsh. Lumian no longer carried Aurore and led her all the way to the other side of the hill. The dangerous path was hidden below. Looking at the path that required her to jump seven to eight meters off a cliff, Aurore said to Lumian, Although you can climb this now, dont waste time. Ill fly you down. Alright. Lumian wanted to see what kind of changes would happen if he left Cordu. Aurore grabbed Lumians arm with one hand and sprinkled silver dust with the other. The two of them floated up at the same time and slowly flew down the cliff. In midair, Lumian suddenly felt a pain in his head, as if someone had hit him heavily. Aurore had a similar reaction. Lumians vision quickly turned black as he felt everything shatter. Lumian jolted awake and saw the familiar sights of the table, chair, bookshelf, and wardrobe. Back to square one He got off the bed thoughtfully and went downstairs. As expected, he found Aurore in a light-blue dress, preparing dinner. Aurore, whats the date today? Lumian asked. Aurore glared at him. Call me Grande Soeur! Are you still not fully awake? Its the 29th today. Chapter 43 - 43 Frank 43 Frank As expected, the loop has repeated Lumian wasnt surprised to hear Aurores answer. This was the third cycle he could recall. Combined with his own experience and the mysterious ladys pointers, he had a preliminary conclusion: The time limit for the loop is until the twelfth night. The spatial range of the loop is Cordu Village and its surroundings. Characters in the loop are restricted from killing the padre. These are the three key points of the loop At this thought, Lumian looked at Aurore and asked thoughtfully, Grande Soeur, if you wrote a novel about a time loop, where would you put the key to undoing it? Aurore looked Lumian up and down in confusion. You suddenly asked such a question and even called me Grande Soeur obediently Did you come up with a new story to deceive others? I guess so, Lumian replied sincerely. Aurore frowned and thought for a while before saying, From a novelists perspective, or rather, from the perspective of normal logic, the most critical part of the cycle is definitely the final scene. This is because it is both the end of this cycle and the beginning of the next cycle. It is the button that connects the end and the beginning. Without it, there is no way to turn the flow of time in a straight line into a closed circle. Think about it. The loop reverses, so there will always be a first time. Something must have happened at the last moment to cause time to restart. Twelfth night? Lumian agreed with his sisters guess about the twelfth night. He nodded and asked, Then why cant the most critical part be the first day of the loop? Shouldnt we ask why the loop starts at this moment? Aurore chuckled and said, Making a short story to deceive a few people temporarily is your forte, but when it involves this kind of content that requires strict logic and rich knowledge, you arent capable of it. The reason why the first day of the loop is the first day is perhaps due to the power or energy that causes the loop. Proceeding past the last day will end up overlapping this day. This is like why a loop probably doesnt cover the entire world, but some localized area. Its not that it doesnt want to, but its incapable of doing so. Lumian had actually considered this possibility. He just hoped that his knowledgeable sister would come up with a different answer. Aurore thought for a moment and added, If the loop is not a completely closed circle, where there is still interaction between those inside and outside the loopfor example, information inside can be transmitted, and people outside can enter but not leavethe first day of the loop might start from the day the outsiders happen to enter, so that when the loop is repeated, they dont have a position. Of course, it can also compel the outsiders to do something they will do subsequently on the originally eventless first day. There are too many ways to make up similar stories. Lumians eyes lit up when he heard that. He wanted to praise his sister loudly. He suspected that the entry of Leah, Ryan, and Valentine caused the cycle to start on the afternoon of March 29th. If that was the case, the twelfth night might have already turned into the tenth or ninth night. Of course, it might also have originally been the thirteenth night that turned into the twelfth night due to the intrusion of the outsiders. These were all possibilities that Lumian needed to verify himself. He completely agreed with his sisters deduction. He believed that something must have happened on the twelfth night to cause the loop to happen. Only by figuring out what happened at that time could he find the key to undoing the loop. Therefore, Lumian decided not to trigger any abnormalities in this cycle. He also found an excuse not to join the procession and stay until the twelfth night. But he couldnt do nothing. Time wouldnt allow it. Unless Lumian broke out of the cycle after experiencing the twelfth night, he would have to make the best use of time for the next cycle. A complete cycle lasted twelve days. After that, the probability of the outside world discovering any abnormalities in Cordu would increase exponentially. Lumian had, at best, one complete cycle or less to resolve the problem. If he wanted to stop the abnormality in one cycle, he needed to have enough information and a sufficient understanding of the entire village. Lumian couldnt help but mock himself. Not only do I have to avoid triggering the abnormality, but I also have to investigate the problem. What was the difference between this and a clown walking on a tightrope at the edge of a cliff? Wanting both wasnt something good. Aurore saw that he didnt speak for a few seconds and seemed to be making up a story. She waved her hand and said, I almost forgot to make dinner! Wait a minute, Lumian said with a solemn expression. Aurore immediately clicked her tongue. I smell mischief. Lumian said bluntly, Aurore, uh, Grande Soeur, actually, weve already fallen into a loop. Heh, youve just learned the trick and youre already using it on me? Aurore was both angry and amused. I guess people need to be trustworthy at times Lumian sighed silently. Can you at least listen to the story I made up first? Why dont you score me while were at it? Aurore looked outside at the bright sky. That works too. Lumian began from the time he met Leah and the other outsiders. He spoke as if he had a general outline, claiming that he had maintained his consciousness in the dream and entered a unique ruin. Through hunting monsters, he obtained a Beyonder characteristic and became a Hunter. He didnt hide the matter about the thorned ring pattern that sealed his chest because it might involve the key to the time loop. He had seen the same symbol on the padre, and killing the padre had caused time to restart. At first, Aurore was still smiling, thinking that her brother had come up with a creative story. But as she listened, her expression turned serious. There was a lot of knowledge that Lumian shouldnt have known. When Lumian said that he had become a Beyonder, Aurore raised her right hand and massaged her temples. Her light-blue eyes instantly became deep, but there was no figure reflected in them. She looked at Lumian for a while and nodded slightly. Your Ether Body has undergone a huge change. Your life force and physical state are much stronger than ordinary people. Your Astral Projection has changed to a certain extent, but not much As expected of a Hunter whos better at hand-to-hand combat than spellcasting I cant see the symbol and the related changes, and I dont dare to look deeper Aurore pouted and asked in confusion, Dont tell me you deliberately made up such a ridiculous story to make me accept your becoming a Beyonder? This was a typical Lumian modus operandi. Lumian didnt explain and directly talked about the mysticism knowledge that the lady had imparted to him. Of course, he only briefly mentioned the name and did not elaborate. This was not because he was very moral and principled about not telling his sister before obtaining the ladys permission. Instead, the other party was clearly very powerful. If he leaked precious knowledge and angered her, the time loop might be resolved, but they would die. Indestructible law law of convergence acting method Aurore was dumbfounded. Aurore was stunned that her illiterate brother in the field of mysticism had grasped such incomparably precious knowledge. It had been more than five years since she became a Beyonder. At first, she had relied on Emperor Roselles diary to join that organization. Her pathway was a symbol of knowledge in the field of mysticism. From time to time, she would be pursued by knowledge, allowing her to master the acting method, the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Indestructibility, and the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Conservation, the three cornerstones of the Beyonder world. Therefore, she thought of herself as a Beyonder with insufficient experience but sufficient knowledge, miles ahead of most of her peers. Now, her brother, who had never come into contact with mysticism, could actually mention such terms. Furthermore, he knew about a law of convergence of Beyonder characteristics that she didnt know about! This eliminated the possibility that Lumian had peeked at her witchcraft notebook. As a Beyonder of the Mystery Pryer pathway, Aurore suppressed her desire to know the specifics of the law of convergence as she looked at her brother. She asked in puzzlement, surprise, and worry, What did you pay for that lady to teach you this knowledge? The potion formula was even free of charge! She sized up Lumian again, from top to bottom, then from bottom to top, trying to find out what was missing from him. Nothing, Lumian laughed self-deprecatingly. Thats why its terrifying. I dont even know what price Ill have to pay in the future. Yes, I suspect that it has something to do with the symbol on my chest and the dream ruin. That lady probably wants me to unravel the corresponding secret. Aurore tersely acknowledged, Continue. She waited for the rest of the story with a serious attitude. Lumian talked about the owl, the anomaly during Lent, and the siblings experiences during the second cycle. He also talked about how the cycle would restart the moment they attempted to leave Cordu. Aurore listened carefully and muttered to herself in disbelief, Either Ive been hypnotized by you and told you everything, or time has really entered a loop She began to believe Lumian because she had named her Integrity Brooch herself, and there was no record anywhere. Unless she told her brother herself, it was impossible for Lumian to know, and she had no impression of it. Lumian struck while the iron was hot. I can also prophesy that the three foreigners will appear at the Ol Tavern at night. I can also prophesy that the padre is having an affair with Madame Pualis tonight. I can also prophesy that the shepherd, Pierre Berry, has returned to the village. Theres something wrong with the three sheep he brought with him The more Aurore listened, the more serious she became. After a while, she said, The three foreigners entered the village in the afternoon while we were practicing combat. After that, we rested and didnt go out at all. Yes, in the combat class in the afternoon, you were still an ordinary person She accepted Lumians time loop theory. If it were anyone else, Lumian would have laughed and said, You believed it! Ha! You believed such a ridiculous story. But in front of Aurore, he was very restrained. He then suggested, Ill go around the village now and see if I can gather more information. Aurore nodded. Ill also use my eyes to look around, but there are huge restrictions and its very dangerous. Im not sure Ill gain anything. Lumian waved his hand, indicating that he understood, and walked out the door. As Lumian took a few steps, he looked back at Aurores figure standing in the kitchen. He immediately thought of the scene of Aurore pushing him to safety among the countless undead and felt an inexplicable pain of separation. He subconsciously asked, Grande Soeur, why did you adopt me in the first place? Aurore grumpily replied, I didnt want to either! I was just kind enough to give you some food, but you kept following me. I couldnt shake you off, and you even obediently helped me do all kinds of things. My heart softened for a moment, and who knew that you would grow into this! Do you know how hard it was for a young girl to raise a child like you? Lumian wanted to thank and praise her, but the words were stuck in his mouth, as if they wanted to rush to his eyes and nose. He turned his head and walked back into the village. Chapter 44 - 44 Eavesdropping 44 Eavesdropping Lumian had to investigate, but he couldnt activate any abnormalities, causing the cycle to restart ahead of time. He had to consider starting from the peripheral problems and edge in one step at a time. His initial idea was to find the padres mistresses this afternoon and use eavesdropping and other methods to see if they knew anything. If he didnt gain anything or lacked the opportunity for the time being, he would go to the cathedral to see if he could meet the padre and chat with him about daily life in the village. Lumians first target was Sybil Berry, the mistress of the padre Guillaume Bennet and the sister of the shepherd, Pierre Berry. She had a close relationship with the two abnormal figures, so perhaps she knew something. Lumians friend Guillaume-junior, Guillaume Berry, was a distant cousin of Pierre Berry. Even his hair color was different, and they didnt live together. Sybil Berry was twenty-four years old and married to Jean Maury, a middle-aged man in his late forties. He had been single for more than 30 years. The reason why he could marry Sybil Berry was because he did not have any requirements for dowry. Lumian suspected that the reason why she married him using only a small amount of assets was that she had already become the padres mistress at that time and needed a husband to be her illegitimate sons father. The padre had secretly promised something. Although Intis was open-minded, and illegitimate children were common, many husbands or wives were still willing to take their spouses illegitimate children under their wing despite being angry when they found out. After all, this was equivalent to having an additional free manservant or maid in the future. Furthermore, they didnt have the right to inherit any of the assets, but clergymen of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church werent allowed to get married and have children. They often found fathers for their illegitimate children. Lumian arrived at Jean Maurys house, a grayish-white short house at the edge of Cordu with only one floor. Behind the kitchen was the bedroom, and the other side was connected to the basement, serving as a living room and dining room. There was no washroom; they only built a shed at the back of the house. Lumian entered without knocking, quietly coming to the side of the house and squatting under the bedroom window. At that moment, someone was sitting inside. Lumian could hear their breathing and determined their corresponding height. Not long after, light footsteps came from the kitchen to the bedroom. There was no need to calculate. As a Hunter, Lumian naturally had the approximate weight of the owner of the footsteps in his mind. It was likely a woman, probably Sybil Berry. Lumians impression of Sybil Berry was a woman with soft and smooth black hair who didnt like to tie it up like other women. She left it flowing down or tied it into a ponytail, giving off the feeling that she was still a young unmarried girl. Her facial features were not outstanding, but they were soft and round, very fleshy. At this moment, Jean Maury, who had been sitting silently in the bedroom, spoke gloomily. The padre came this afternoon? His voice was just like him, rather stuffy. He was the kind of person who usually chatted under the elm tree in the village square, replying one in every four or five sentences. In addition, he was often too lazy to comb his black hair. His brown eyes were lifeless, and his beard was not shaved clean. He looked gloomy. He was here. Sybil Berrys voice was still a little girlish. She was born like this. Jean Maury fell silent for a moment before asking, Did you do it? We did, Sybil answered frankly. Jean Maury fell silent again. When Sybil walked to the kitchen, he said, I dont have much to say about the padre, but you watch out for other men, especially Pato Russel. Pato Russel was Madonna Bnets husband. His wife was also the padres mistress. Lumian, who was outside the window, was secretly speechless. This relationship was really messed up! He gained a higher opinion of the padre. He had come to Sybil Berry in the afternoon, and he was having a date with Madame Pualis at night. He could be said to be a model worker in the field of cheating. If he could allocate more energy in this area to the Churchs matters and combine it with his scheming and machinations, he could have long advanced in clergical rank and become a Beyonder. The clergical rank was the rank of a clergyman of the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun. Starting from the first rank, it was ostiary, reader, chanter, acolyte, sub-deacon, deaconalso known as a priest or padrebishop, archbishop, and cardinal. The pope was not in the ranks of the clergy. Among them, the sixth-rank and above made them senior clergymen. In Aurores words, it was possible that they possessed superpowers. As for the lowest three ranks, they mainly handled cathedral chores and ritual support. In the past few centuries, they were only glorified titles and were not treated as true clergymen. The fourth-rank acolytes were usually students who had just graduated from the seminary. The fifth-rank sub-deacon could represent a true priest to preside over a cathedral in a rural area. The situation in Cordu was the same. A fifth-rank sub-deacon was the padre, a fourth-rank acolyte was the deputy padre, and they were staffed with a few servants. Guillaume Bnet only needed to advance one more rank to become a true priest. I understand, Sybil Berry simply responded to her husbands exhortations. Jean Maury changed the topic. Is your brother Pierre back from herding? Yes, theres an important ritual that requires his help, Sybil casually explained. A ritual? Lumians eyelids twitched when he heard that. Jean Maury asked, The Lent Festival? No, its a ritual of God, Sybil impatiently replied. Dont ask too much. Youll know when the time comes. Jean Maury tersely acknowledged and said, Praise the Sun! Sybil didnt respond and left the bedroom to walk into the kitchen. Lumian instantly made a judgment. Sybil had a certain understanding of the secret dealings between the padre and Shepherd Pierre Berry, but her husband, Jean Maury, was completely unaware! The ritual she was talking about wasnt the sacrificial ceremony at the feast. It was likely related to twelfth night! Having gained something, Lumian left Maurys house and rushed to the two-story building where Pato Russel and Madonna Bnet lived. Unlike Sybil, Madonna Bnet was married off with her share of the inheritance. Pato Russel also received his share from his original home, so they could build a decent house and entrust more than 20 sheep to the shepherds for grazing. Lumian didnt know when Madonna became the padres mistress. He only knew that in the past year, before he hooked up with Madame Pualis, the padre often visited Madonna. Perhaps the taboo from his identity sparked some kind of flame. At this moment, Pato Russel, who had a gentlemans beard, was pacing in the kitchen. He asked Madonna, who was busy commanding the ladys maid, When will you invite the padre over as a guest again? He had a fervent expression, hoping to cling to the person with real power in Cordu. Madonna glanced at Patos fathers illegitimate daughter, who was also the servant cooking, and said in a subtle tone, I dont know. It depends on his mood. And his physical condition, I suppose? Lumian, who was eavesdropping outside, silently muttered. Dont you often go to the cathedral to pray recently? You can ask him while youre at it, Pato Russel refused to give up. Often go to the cathedral? Lumian frowned. The padres group is planning something in secret in the cathedral? He really doesnt give a damn about the Eternal Blazing Sun and Saint Sith After listening for a while, Lumian walked from Russels house to the cathedral at the edge of the village square, hoping to have a face-to-face chat with the padre. However, when he arrived at the cathedral, Guillaume Bnet was no longer there. Only the deputy padre, Michel Garrigue, stood in front of the altar. This foreigner from Darige had graduated from Bigorre Theological Seminary. Last year, he was sent to Cordu on the bishops orders to be Guillaume Bnets deputy. He was usually ostracized and was only in charge of the registration of funerals, marriages, and newborns. During the last cycle, Lumian had arrived at the cathedral and happened to encounter the padre leaving. The latter had asked him to pray the next day, not giving Michel a chance to listen to the prayers and confessions of the believers. Michel was taller than Lumian. (Lumian felt that he had grown two to three centimeters taller after consuming the Hunter potion. He was almost 1.8 meters tall.) He was a young lad with curly brown hair. Looking at Michel Garrigue, who was wearing a white robe with golden threads, Lumian spread his arms. Praise the Sun! After bowing, he stared at Michel, wanting to see how this deputy padre would react to the Church of the Eternal Blazing Suns etiquette. If there was a certain amount of hesitation, Lumian would be able to determine that he had been implicated by the padres group. But Michel Garrigue immediately returned with the same posture. Praise the Sun! He did not hesitate at all. His brown eyes were filled with joy and anticipation. From Madonna Bnets words, the padres group often discussed matters here. As a deputy padre, Michel should have noticed something, right? Lumian didnt ask directly. He looked around and asked, The padre isnt here? Hes been gone for a while, Michel replied. Three foreigners came here about 15 minutes ago, to no avail. The deputy padres eyes were passionate, as if he was asking if Lumian would make a confession while here. Considering that the padre might have taken a detour and hid back in the cathedral, waiting for Madame Pualis to bring dinner over and was eavesdropping on his conversation with Michel, Lumian deliberately sighed. Then forget it. Ill pray again tomorrow. Michels eyes lost their luster. Lumian turned around and left the cathedral. He planned on sneaking to Michels residence when the night deepened to see if he could get any useful information. Seeing that the sun was about to set, he returned home and asked Aurore, Did you find anything? Aurore nodded slightly. In addition to the abnormalities you mentioned, I also discovered that theres something wrong with the deputy padre, Michel Garrigue. Huh? Lumian didnt hide his surprise. Chapter 45 - Make-up Lesson 7 Lumian had just confirmed that Michel Garrigue should not have been implicated by Guillaume Bnet and the others. He planned to visit the deputy padre late at night, but when he returned home, he heard his sister say that there was something amiss about him. Aurore glanced at Lumian and smiled. My clueless brother was standing right in front of him when I realized that something was off about him. Seems like you didnt notice 1 She appeared quite delighted, to the point that she had to raise her right hand to cover her mouth. After all, her younger brother, who was clearly ignorant of mysticism, had suddenly become a Beyonder. He had grasped a wealth of advanced knowledge and discovered that Cordu was stuck in a time loop. Not only had she been useless as a sister, but she also found herself outmatched in mysticism knowledge. This made her a tad unhappy. 4 Now, she had finally regained her dignity as an elder sister. 6 Lumian looked at his sisters smile and nodded. I didnt see anything unusual in his behavior. Aurore tersely acknowledged, His Astral Projection; how can I put it? Simply put, its brighter than a normal persons, and hes not a Beyonder. He hasnt been training his body systematically for a long time. 5 Maybe he was born with a good physique? Lumian guessed before asking in puzzlement, Whats an Astral Projection? 1 Aurore asked in surprise, You dont know? No. Lumian shook his head. Aurore grinned again and said with a hint of disbelief, That woman taught you divine paths, the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Indestructibility, and the acting method, but she didnt tell you basic concepts like Astral Projection? 8 She was in a hurry, so she only focused on the main points. Lumian defended the mysterious woman. 3 Aurore smiled even more happily. 3 Perhaps this basic mysticism knowledge is useless to unofficial Hunters. You just need to track, set traps, and fight. She struggled to describe her brothers current state. To say he was ignorant of mysticism wasnt entirely accurate since he knew a great deal. The things he had learned were all formidable. To say that his knowledge surpassed most Beyonders wasnt right either; he didnt even know what an Astral Projection was. 2 Aurore sighed and said seriously, I can only complete your mysticism education. Remember, in mysticism, the external parts of the human body are divided into four levels. The innermost layer, which is also the core, is the Soul Body. Its almost equivalent to the concept of a spirit. Its the spirituality of everythingwhat gets strengthened. You could say its the essence of building a soul. 1 To a Mystery Pryer, the potion mainly upgrades the Soul Body. The Astral Projection is located outside the Soul Body. Its the latters manifestation in the real and spirit worlds. Moreover, its closely related to your will and current emotions. 1 So, do you understand? When I said the deputy padres Astral Projection was brighter than a normal persons, I meant that his Soul Body or spirit had an issue. This is reflected in his Astral Projection. It has nothing to do with his natural physique. Of course, it could be because his spirituality is naturally strong. Through the Astral Projection, we can still grasp the targets true emotions. For example, red signifies passion and excitement. Orange represents warmth and satisfaction. Yellow indicates happiness and extroversion. Green conveys calmness and peace. Blue suggests coldness and introspection. White denotes brightnessan eagerness to improve. Dark colors symbolize worry, sorrow, and silence. Purple implies that spirituality is taking control, coldness, and estrangement 6 Its very difficult to fake these colors, but theyre relatively generic. Its impossible for us to distinguish subtle emotions and delicate feelings. Lumian listened attentively, as if he wanted to take out a fountain pen and jot everything down. Just listen. Aurore felt a little worn out from talking. She sat down at the dining table. Ill give you my first witchcraft notebook later. Its filled with such basic knowledge. Alright, alright. Lumian sat down and nodded obediently. Whats outside the Astral Projection? Aurore picked up her carved glass cup and took a sip. Beyond that is the Body of Heart and Mind. From this point on, spirit and flesh merge. The Body of Heart and Mind involves the mind. It relates to ones reasoning, thinking, insight, and ability to understand things. Some potions mainly improve this, but there are also many spells targeting it. 1 The outermost layer is the Ether Body. Its a manifestation of life force and physical state, so I can tell at a glance that your body has improved greatly. Yes, through the thickness, brightness, and color of different parts of the Ether Body, I can also determine the targets health. As a Sequence 7 Mystery Pryer, I can even determine the targets lifespan from the specific situation of the Ether Body. 7 As for how to differentiate them, read the notebook later. Lumian was enlightened. The Hunter potion mainly targets the Ether Body? Youre wrong. It targets the body and life force, and Ether Body is the straightforward manifestation of both. Lumian nodded as he revised, gaining a preliminary understanding of such mysticism knowledge. He recalled his sisters words and asked curiously, Aurore, how did you observe the deputy padre? Why didnt I sense you nearby? Aurore smiled. Actually, Ive been staying at home all this while, using the Mystery Pryer pathways special trait. 1 Whats special? Lumian asked with the mentality that it didnt matter if his sister didnt answer. Aurore pointed at her eyes. The most unique ability of a Mystery Pryer is called the Eyes of Mystery Prying. Although I need to reach a higher Sequence before I can activate the complete Eyes of Mystery Prying, allowing it to not only be of use to me, but it can also be placed on the surface of other objects to help me monitor matters remotely, this doesnt mean that Mystery Pryers eyes arent special before this. From Sequence 9 onwards, a Mystery Pryer has seen more than most Sequence Beyonders of the same pathway. The simplest example is that a Hunter can only see an Ether Body before they undergo a qualitative change in their godhood. Furthermore, its in a less detailed manner. And now, I can examine the various details of the Astral Projection. In addition, I can also see things around me that arent normally visible. 2 Aurore glanced at the kitchen. This made Lumian inexplicably shocked. There was clearly nothing in that direction, but he felt that there might be something invisible that he could not see! Aurore continued, Of course, this might not be a good thing. Its very easy for something to happen when you see something you shouldnt see. Therefore, Ive been restraining myself. I dont look at things I shouldnt see, but as my Sequence increases, its not up to you not to look. 1 Lumian thought for a moment and asked in confusion, Didnt you say that only higher Sequences can project out the Eyes of Mystery Prying? Why can you observe the people in the cathedral from home? Aurore raised her right hand and pointed with her index finger. Ive always told you that knowledge equals power, but you didnt believe me! Under normal circumstances, its true that I cant observe things hundreds of meters away from home, but humans can use tools, and I have two assistants. As she spoke, she took out two items from a hidden pocket in her blue dress. One was a brass telescope that could shrink and lengthen, and the other was a miniature version of a dark ink bottlethis was more like a childs toy. 2 Look, the telescope can help me see people a few hundred meters away clearly. Once the visual range is closed, I can observe the targets Astral Projection, Ether Body, and Body of Heart and Mind state, Aurore introduced with a smile. This is suitable for open spaces without obstacles. 4 Lumian was a little dumbfounded. That works too? They were clearly discussing mysticism. Why did his sister take out a telescope? 7 What about this? He pointed at the pocket ink bottle. Aurore didnt answer. She massaged her temples and opened the bottle cap. Lumian suddenly felt a little cold. A cool breeze seemed to blow in through the window. Its a unique spirit world creature, Aurore introduced. 1 It? Where is it? Lumian looked around. Aurore was rather surprised. You still dont know how to activate Spirit Vision? But didnt you say you saw a lot of undead in the wilderness? Lumian had read about the term Spirit Vision in Psychic and knew what it meant. However, he was completely at a loss as to how to activate Spirit Vision. He looked at his sister and slowly shook his head. I dont know. Then, he guessed, Maybe ordinary people can see ghosts and undead directly when entering the so-called Paramita. Aurore thought seriously and asked, So, you dont know Hermes, ancient Hermes, Elvish, Dragonese, or Jotun? What are those? Lumian fully displayed what it meant to be illiterate in the field of mysticism. 6 Aurore couldnt help but facepalm. 4 What exactly did that lady teach you? 1 Law of Beyonder Characteristics Indestructibility, law of convergence, acting method, paths of the divine, Sequence 0, Sealed Artifacts Lumian answered honestly. 8 Aurore felt like he was flaunting. I think you want a beating! 7 She sighed for a few seconds before regaining her composure. Then Ill combine it with my contracted creature to teach you how to activate Spirit Vision, how to carry out ritualistic magic, and how to use language with supernatural powers. 3 This is only a rough explanation. If you really want to completely master it, especially those few languages, it will take at least a year or two. Of course, this is also a problem with your Sequence pathway. Hunters probably dont have their learning abilities improved, nor do they have any enhancements in mysticism. Back then, I relied on diligence and indoctrination to master all of them in less than half a year. 16 Her right hand gently stroked the void in front of her, as if she was stroking a transparent kitten. 3 Its very simple for Beyonders to activate their Spirit Vision, but its not completely dark yet. Lets talk about something else first. I call it White Paper. Its a very weak spirit world creature. As long as you have an accurate description, you can hold a ritual and summon it in your name. Other than the fact that spirit world creatures are difficult to see, it only has one use. That is to carry a certain supernatural ability of the contractor, but it cant be too complicated or too powerful. 19 Chapter 46 - 46 Ritualistic Magic 46 Ritualistic Magic Lumian gazed at the invisible spirit world creature and contemplated for a moment. How complicated can it get? How strong can it be? Heh, I thought youd ask how to summon or perform ritualistic magic, but you just want to know how to use it! Aurore teased. That might be a characteristic of the Hunter pathway. You dont need to fully understand the principles, only consider how to apply them. Not waiting for Lumians response, she pondered and said, Ive tried. Not too complicated means it can only perform one action. Not too powerful means it cant surpass a Mystery Pryer Sequence 7 Warlocks spell. Its nice discussing this with Aurore. She has a habit of analyzing things both qualitatively and quantitatively, unlike someone who prefers vague descriptions Lumian felt emotional hearing that. As he mulled it over, he stood up and helped his sister bring the food to the dining table. As they ate, he asked, But I remember your spells often require materials. You cant carry White Paper, right? Yes, thats inconvenient. Aurore grabbed a piece of fried trout and stuffed it into her mouth. After chewing and swallowing, she said, Moreover, a Warlocks spells cant be completed in one move. Even the simplest has three steps. First is concentrating spirituality, the second is outlining the symbol of the corresponding spell in the mind. This can also be replaced by reciting the incantation aloud. The third is using materials to cast the spell. The materials serve either as a medium or part of the spell. This does sound a little complicated. It isnt something the single-celled White Paper can do Lumian knew he couldnt do it anytime soon. Hed need extensive training before he could cast spells proficiently. Aurore glanced at him. Dont even think about it. Its impossible for you to be like me. First, youre limited by your Sequence, and your spirituality is insufficient. Second, using materials to help cast spells is a unique ability only Warlocks have. Yes, perhaps certain Sequences of certain pathways can do it. I dont know enough to make a definite judgment. However, once a Hunter reaches Sequence 7 and becomes a Pyromaniac, they can use many fire-related spells. Furthermore, they dont need materials, nor do they need to outline symbols or recite incantations in their minds. In terms of actual combat, its faster, more convenient, and might even be stronger. As for Warlocks, their main advantage lies in their versatility. The more knowledge they acquire, the more comprehensive and powerful they become. Lumian said with anticipation, I dont know when I can become a Pyromaniac He planned to explore the dream ruins again tonight. Firstly, he wanted to use hunting to help digest the potion, and secondly, he wanted to find clues about the main ingredient of Sequence 8 Provoker. As for the corresponding monsters of the Pyromaniac, he didnt dare think about them yet. He believed it would be like serving himself on a platter. After all, those creatures could definitely launch long-range attacks, rendering his special abilities useless. He then asked, Can White Paper withstand the Pyromaniacs one-movement spells? Theoretically, yes, but Im not sure if Pyromaniacs spells exceed a certain level. Aurores reference standard was Warlock. Upon hearing this, Lumian became excited. If I could, wouldnt I be able to simulate the Funnels1 you mentioned? Huh? Aurore was puzzled. Lumian explained his idea in detail, I can summon a group of White Papers and form a contract with them. Then, I can have each White Paper carry a fireball. Theyll float in the air and attack the target together. Isnt that similar to the description of the Funnels? Unfortunately, you cant have a group of White Papers at the same time, Aurore laughed. After you form a contract with a White Paper, the next time you use the initial summoning description, the same White Paper will appear. Can I summon one first and hold off on the contract? Then, Ill summon another until I have a satisfactory number before forming a contract? Lumian hadnt received a traditional education, but instead, a custom one that included Aurores ideas. Combined with the refinement of years of pranks, he always had creative ideas. Aurore admitted she wasnt that cunning. She considered and said, Ive never tried it before, so I dont know if itll work. You can try it yourself when youre at Sequence 7. However, I think having a White Paper beside you while summoning others might cause a conflict. Its unlikely to succeed. The only hope is to directly summon multiple White Papers, but theres a high chance that only Sequences skilled at summoning can do it. Lumian decided to give it a try when the time came. After all, he had nothing to lose. Aurore scooped up some mashed potatoes. Now, lets talk about how to summon creatures from the spirit world. This is an application of ritualistic magic. Ritualistic magic is magic cast by selecting the date and time, preparing the corresponding materials, and strictly following the format and process. Its often used in prayers and summonings. Lumian nodded. Its to achieve a certain supernatural effect through a ritual? He thought of the various rituals of the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun, as well as the process of the Lent celebration. Yes, Aurore was very satisfied with her brothers comprehension ability. To put it simply, ritualistic magic needs a target to pray to. It can be the seven orthodox gods, other hidden beings, or even evil gods or devils. It can even be you. When you pray to the orthodox gods, you need to check or choose the date and time they rule over. For example, Tuesday symbolizes the Eternal Blazing Sun, and there is a corresponding Sun hour every day. During these times, the probability of success will be greatly increased if you perform the ritualistic magic that targets the Eternal Blazing Sun. However, this isnt very useful. Those who arent official Beyonders have a very low chance of successfully praying to the corresponding orthodox god. Even if you receive a response, dont be happy. This might mean that you have been noticed by that entity. Of course, we also have ways to bypass restrictions. For example, obtaining an item closely related to the target deity. Theres no need to pick a date or time to pray to a hidden being or an evil god or devil, but I dont need to tell you how dangerous it is, right? 99% of people who do this dont end up well. Therefore, for wild Beyonders, the most commonly used ritualistic magic is to pray to themselves to mobilize their spirituality to complete some relatively complicated tasks. Create charms and Beyonder weapons? Lumian recalled a point of knowledge that the lady had mentioned. Aurore nodded. Thats right. Some mystical medicines also require ritualistic magic. You also missed something. Summoning a creature from the spirit world. She ate some more food before saying, The second step of ritualistic magic is to prepare the corresponding ingredients. If you wish to pray to an existence, prepare herbs, essential oils, powders, extracts, and so on from their domain to please them. Lets use the Eternal Blazing Sun as an example. If you pray to Him, you can use Sun essential oil, rosemary powder, Buddhas hand, and all kinds of sunflowers. As for praying to yourself, it wont be too troublesome. Although its best to use the ingredients in your domain, someone like you can even put a cup of absinthe. Its fine even if you dont do so. The third step is to set up an altar. This can be determined by the environment. Theres no need for a special holy solemnity. Its mainly because there cant be any miscellaneous items. The most important thing about the altar is the candles Aurore picked up her knife and fork as she spoke. She stretched out the two items and said, Pretend that they are candles. If you pray to a deity, make them with the corresponding symbolic materials. As an example, the Eternal Blazing Sun has the Inextinguishable Light and the Embodiment of Order in His name. Out of caution, Aurore paused for a few seconds before continuing, God of Deeds and Guardian of Businesses. There should be the honorific name Father of All Life, right? Lumian asked, familiar with the preaching. Aurore shook her head. Thats just a title used by the Eternal Blazing Sun Church when proselytizing. Its beyond Him in mysticism. If it was really part of His name, it would mean something big had happened. She didnt give any more details, unsure herself. She brought the conversation back on track. Anyway, if you want to exorcize the undead, you have to pray to the symbol of Inextinguishable Light. So, you need to make candles out of different sunflowers. For contracts, use the honorific title of the God of Deeds to make candles with Buddhas hand and other materials. Check my witchcraft notebook for more options. In ritualistic magic, we can only place two candles at the spot corresponding to the deity. This is because in mysticism, 0 represents the unknown or Chaos. It symbolizes the state of the world before it was born. If we dont place the candles, it means that there wont be any effect. 1 represents a beginning, the first Creator; it also accurately pinpoints a particular existence. 2 represents the world and various divinities that were produced from the Creators body. Therefore, ritualistic magic can only have two candles to represent the deity. As for which candles to use, it depends on the desired effect. Three represent all things, so the third candle is for us. The two candles in the upper position represent the deity, and the candle in front is for myself, for a total of three candles. If you have an item related to a deity or a hidden existence, you can replace the two candles with that item for a dualistic ritual. If you pray to yourself, leave only the candle that represents yourself. Lumian listened attentively, realizing that as a wild Hunter, he could only pray to himself in ritualistic magic before knowing the honorific name of the great existence. Where would he find items closely related to a deity? Let me show you the next few steps using summoning creatures from the spirit world, Aurore said, standing up as she saw her brother finish his dinner. They quickly cleared the dining table. Chapter 47 - 47 Truly "Illiterate" 47 Truly Illiterate Aurore looked at the slightly stained white tablecloth and smiled at Lumian. If youre the target of ritualistic magic, it doesnt matter if the altar is dirty. But if you want to pray to a deity or a hidden existence, I suggest you change to a cleaner piece of cloth or remove the cloth and wipe the table. Anything works if Im just praying to yourself, right? Lumian teased. Aurore chuckled. That refers to the environment, materials, and equipment, but the ritual process and incantations must strictly follow the rules of mysticism. She pulled out an orange candle from her pocket. This is a candle mixed with citrus and lavender. It has nothing to do with their domain; I just like it. Aurore waved the candle above the altar. Remember, the candle representing the deity is placed in these two places. It can be empty now. Then she placed the candle close to her. Remember, this is the location of me. Next, Aurore brought a cup of water, a plate of coarse salt, and a small steel bowl from the kitchen. We need to create a clean and undisturbed ritual environment. Clean in the sense of spirituality. We have to construct it ourselves. Enter Cogitation and focus your mind. You can guide the spiritual power out through supplementary items and build a wall of spirituality around the altar. Mystery Pryers and Seers find this simple. Hunters need the help of other items before reaching Sequence 7. For example, incense to calm your emotions and make you ethereal, or a crystal ball to help you focus on your spirituality. The meditation I taught you before is incomplete. Its only the first step. It can only gather your thoughts and calm you down. Ill teach you the rest later. Lumian was surprised. Why can I activate the dreams specialness and make the two symbols appear if the meditation method is incomplete? Aurore pulled out a silver dagger. Watch carefully how I build the wall of spirituality. Lumian was stunned and blurted out, Why do you have so many things on you? First, there were various casting materials, a retractable telescope, a miniature ink bottle that stored the spirit world creature, White Paper, and candles for rituals. Now, she had taken out a dagger. Aurore sighed in exasperation. Do you think I want to? Its just inconvenient for Warlocks. It takes me a long time to alter each of my clothes. Sometimes, I even feel like Doraemon. I can take out whatever I want. What Amon? Lumian asked, not understanding the reference. Aurore hesitated for a moment before replying with a mixed expression, You dont need to know. Lumian suddenly felt a pang of sadness for his sister. Aurore composed herself and reached for the orange candle representing her. In ritualistic magic, candles cant simply be lit. Of course, there are times when ordinary methods can work, but thats not always the case, Aurore explained. The correct way is to extend your spirituality, rub it against the wick, and light it. As she spoke, she lit the candle with a spark of spirituality, and it burned with an orange flame. The dining table transformed into an altar, and the surrounding area was bathed in a deep, otherworldly light. Aurores light-blue eyes had darkened, and an invisible wind swirled around her as she plunged the silver dagger into the coarse salt and began chanting a mysterious incantation. XXX, XXX! Lumian was bewildered as he watched his sister complete the incantation and draw out the silver dagger. She stabbed it into the cup of water and raised it again. Aurore pointed the dagger outward and began to walk around the altar. With each step she took, Lumian sensed an invisible force emanating from the dagger. It was agile and lively, mingling with the air to create an impenetrable barrier. As Aurore completed the circle, Lumian felt as if she had been transported to a different realm. Did you understand the steps? Aurores voice sounded distant. Lumian nodded truthfully. Yes, but I dont understand what you mean. Aurore could not help but laugh. Youre completely illiterate when it comes to mysticism. Literally. Thats Hermes. When translated, its: I sanctify you, blade of pure silver! I cleanse and purify you, allowing you to serve me in this ritual! In the name of Warlock Aurore Lee, You have been sanctified! Lumian scratched his head. It sounds ordinary. Thats just the translation. The meaning of the incantation and the language used is whats important, Aurore explained, her eyes lighting up. In Intisian, it might sound ordinary, but if you use Hermes, ancient Hermes, Elvish, Dragonese, or Jotun, you can tap into supernatural powers. Thats what sets them apart. Lumian asked curiously, Are these the only languages that can communicate with the mysterious? No, there are many other languages in the field of mysticism, each with its own specialties. For example, some are specifically meant for the undead, but most Beyonders wont be able to use them unless they want to study a unique and rare domain or perform the corresponding ritual, Aurore explained casually. She went on to explain the incantation. During the sanctification ritual, the penultimate sentence should be in the name of a certain deity or a hidden existence, but as wild Beyonders, its best not to use them to avoid unnecessary trouble. As a Beyonder, its enough to use your name to sanctify an ordinary item. Although it wont be as effective as the original version, it can still be used. Lumian nodded, then asked, You came up with my name. Can I use it in the ritual? Aurore replied confidently, Yes. A completely new name wouldnt work, but your name has been in use for several years, so theres a mystic connection. She paused for a moment before continuing, If youre in the wild and dont have many materials, you can complete the ritual with simple salt or clear water. With that, Aurore pulled out a small silver-black metal bottle from her pocket. This is my own concoction of essential oil called Wizard of Oz. What sets it apart is that it smells good, Aurore explained as she dripped three drops of light green liquid on the candle representing her. The light of the candle flickered and sizzled, and a faint mist spread out, giving Aurore and the altar an air of mystique. Now for the important part, Aurore said, pulling a small imitation goatskin from her pocket. If youre holding a ritualistic magic that prays to a deity, you need to draw the symbol of what you want on the paper and burn it during the ritual. The first part is a prayer for someones power. This someone needs to be replaced by the symbol of a deity, an honorific name, or a domain ruled over by Them. For example, I pray for the power of the Sun or the power of Order. Remember, there are always two sentences that correspond to the two candles that represent the deity. The second part is I pray for the Gods loving grace. Remember, dont call Him by His name. Doing so in a ritual is sacrilegious. The Eternal Blazing Sun can be referred to as God or Father. The third part is what you want to pray for. You must be brief and finish it in one sentence. The fourth part is to give more power to the incantation. For example, Sun Flower, a herb that belongs to the Sun. Please bestow your powers to my incantation. You can choose two to three types based on the materials used. After reciting the incantation, drip a drop of essential oil on each candle and burn the piece of paper that was used to draw the symbol. After the paper is burned, the ritual comes to an end. Then, thank the deity and extinguish the candles in the order of me, followed by god, right to left. Dispel the wall of spirituality. Oh, and remember to light the candles from left to right, beginning with god followed by me. Lumian nodded twice in acknowledgement before asking, What about praying to yourself? Aurore chuckled before explaining, The incantation is even simpler. Ill use summoning spirit world creatures as an example. For the first part, theres only one word: I. Remember, you cant use modern Hermes here. It has to be ancient Hermes, Elvish, Dragonese, or Jotun. The second part is I summon in my name, which can be said in modern Hermes. The third part is the exact description of the summoned spirit world creature. Lumian was curious. Whats an exact description? Aurore explained solemnly, It needs to be limited to three lines to help us lock onto the creature we want to summon. For instance, if someone said they were looking for the prankster of Cordu Village, Aurore Lees idiot brother, and a regular customer of Ol Tavern, we know exactly who theyre looking for because of the specific characteristics given. I get it! Lumian was enlightened. So, if we dont know the targets name, appearance, or address, we can use their characteristics to help find them. Aurore said seriously, Thats the principle, but there are many problems when put into practice. For example, when summoning creatures from the spirit world, the first sentence is often fixed. Its either the spirit that wanders about the unfounded or spirit wandering above the world. Its function is to point to the spirit world and clearly state that we want to summon a spirit. The second sentence is also very universal. We dont summon spirit world creatures to harm ourselves, so we must restrict it to friendly creatures. Sometimes, we also add the word weak. This is because some spirit world creatures may be very friendly, but their existence can bring great danger. Considering these circumstances, the description is fixed. The friendly creature that can be subordinated, the friendly creature that can be consulted, the weak creature that can be subordinated, and so on. But based on these two descriptions, the direction is still very broad. It doesnt reflect our needs. Therefore, the third description is very important. You need to use a sentence to clearly explain what creature you want to summon. Sounds very difficult. Lumian felt a headache just thinking about it. Aurore nodded. Not only is it difficult, but its also dangerous. When the direction is vague, it might summon a spirit you dont need or a creature that brings danger. Remember, being weak doesnt mean it cant kill you, just like being friendly doesnt mean it wont pose a threat to you. Chapter 48 - 48 Knowledge Pursuer 48 Knowledge Pursuer Lumian deeply understood Aurores words. As a vagrant, he knew better than to underestimate anyone. Some adult vagrants suffered massive losses because they looked down on him and assumed him to be weak. As for some almsgivers, they provided food out of kindness but forgot to consider the starving bodies of the vagrants, causing them to make the wrong decisions. After a moment of serious thought, Lumian said, It seems like the description of a creature that can be summoned with relative precision is very valuable. Aurore nodded solemnly. Thats right. A notebook that records the corresponding summoning incantations is very precious. Every incantation and commentary on it is exchanged with life, blood, or pain. For example, when I summoned White Paper, the three lines described it as the spirit that wanders about the unfounded, the friendly creature that can be subordinated, the weak ball that can telepathically connect with me. You have to make countless attempts and experience countless failures before you can piece one together. And every failure implies a huge risk. Is this a description that a normal person can come up with? In particular, the words weak and ball As Lumian criticized inwardly, he asked, So, you bought this from someone else? No. Aurore shook her head and said with a bitter expression, The Mystery Pryer pathway is different from other pathways. From time to time, it will be chased by a large amount of knowledge. Its impossible to ignore, and theres no way to reject it even if one cant handle it. And when one consumes a potion to advance, the situation of being chased by knowledge becomes even more serious. Although most of this knowledge is useless, there will always be some that are valuable. The incantation to summon White Paper was one of them. Lumian understood. Indoctrination from the Hidden Sage? Aurore looked at him in surprise. You know that? Did that lady teach you? Yeah. Lumian nodded. Aurore pursed her lips, lost in thought. From my personal experience, Knowledge Pursuit isnt limited to the Hidden Sages indoctrination. My so-called ear ringing does indeed hear His voice, where I gain knowledge, but it always puts me in pain. My head is close to exploding, and I wish I could lose control. But occasionally, especially when Im not in the best state and am about to lose control, I have an illusion that all the knowledge in the world has come to life. A small number of them will chase after me and rush towards me, but I cant dodge them. This is how the summoning incantation for White Paper barged into my brain. When consuming the potion, 99% of the Knowledge Pursuit comes from the Hidden Sage. 1% is related to revived knowledge. Its very magical and terrifying. It can scare everyone in the village. As Lumian sighed with emotion, he was thinking for his sister about whether there was a way to resolve the problem of Knowledge Pursuit or reduce its impact. Aurore replied with a bitter smile, Its precisely because I often suffer such torture that I dont want you to follow the path of Beyonders. But in our current situation, its better to become a Beyonder than an ordinary person. To make her brother remember the madness and danger of the path to transcendence, she pointed at her head. After being pursued by knowledge and experiencing pain for a long time, I feel that my mind and personality have undergone a certain mutation. Dont I always tell you that I have a phobia for social interaction, but I am very talkative sometimes? I like to go out and chat with the old ladies in the village and tell stories to the children. Occasionally, I will go crazy and borrow Madame Pualiss pony to ride free into the mountains and shout? Being especially talkative is a kind of rebound from prolonged isolation and being unable to return to my true home. The path to transcendence is also a form of oppression. And the occasional madness At this point, Aurore chuckled and looked at Lumian. You dont think thats just an exaggerated adjective, do you? Lumian fell silent, feeling his sisters smile was self-deprecating, lost, and filled with indescribable pain and struggle. Aurore sighed. During those times, I wouldnt even recognize myself. Lumian felt deeply helpless. There should be a solution. Hopefully, lets continue, Aurore said, pointing at the altar. After we sign a contract with the summoned spirit world creature, itll be easy to summon it again. We can change the last description to contracted creature that belongs to Aurore Lee. That will be very accurate, right? Besides, before the contract is terminated, no one can summon it again. Lumian was concerned. Everyone can only have one contracted creature? Not really. Im not sure how high the upper limit is, but its definitely more than one, especially with some special Sequences. When summoning, say the first contract creature or second contract creature of the person to differentiate. Aurore spoke the truth. In addition, summoning creatures from the spirit world will consume your spirituality. The more you summon, the greater the consumption. With a Hunters spirituality, I estimate that it can only withstand one contract creature at most. Knowing her brothers personality, she curbed any loopholes that Lumian might find. Every spirit world creature can only stay for a limited period of time after being summoned to reality. The weaker they are, the longer they can stay. You dont have to think about summoning one first. You can summon the next one after your spirituality recovers, unless you choose a very weak one. And only when your spirituality is significantly stronger than it is now. She used White Paper as an example. If I didnt let White Paper be a vessel for my powers, it could stay in reality for twelve hours. If I share the specialness of my eyes with it and let it do things for me, it can last at most three hours, and my spirituality would be constantly depleted. Lumian was disappointed. He had wanted to form an army of spirit world creatures. He thought for a moment and asked, Can I only summon creatures from the spirit world? Can I only summon spirits? No, Aurore shook her head. We can also summon creatures affiliated with the spirit world, the real world, and the astral world, as well as creatures from alternate worlds or other planets. Regardless of whether they are spirits or not, this is very dangerous. Most of the Beyonders who have attempted this have died tragically, and a small number have mysteriously disappeared. Only the corresponding notebooks were left behind to prove what they had done. Lumian asked curiously, Can I summon something from the real world? Aurore pondered for a moment before responding, In theory, as long as the other party has a close relationship with the spirit world or has reached a certain level, they should be able to hear the summoning and decide if they want to respond. However, such a target is either very special or very powerful. If you want to live well, dont try it. Furthermore, when the summoning target isnt a spirit, the requirements for the corresponding ritual will be even higher. It will require more spirituality, and it might even require a large number of sacrifices. Only then can we open the Door of Summoning that can be used by non-spiritual creatures. You can barely summon White Paper with a Hunters spirituality. If you want to try something more powerful, you can only pray to a deity or a hidden existence. For this, you might have to prepare something filled with spirituality as a sacrifice. Lumian roughly understood the ritualistic magic of summoning. So next, you are going to recite an incantation and complete the summoning? How is that possible? Aurore scoffed. The ritual has been interrupted so many times. How can we continue? In fact, normally, as long as we follow the process, we can resume from any breaks. However, I was mainly explaining, and didnt divert my attention to do the corresponding things. You probably forgot Lumian muttered inwardly but didnt dare say it out loud. Aurore then said, However, I do want to hold a summoning ritual. On the one hand, I want to give you a complete demonstration of the entire process. On the other hand, I want to seek help. Seek help? Lumian asked in puzzlement. Summoning powerful spirit world creatures to help? Aurore explained, Among the countless spirit world creatures, only a very small number of them can act as messengers. Private messengersuh, messengers can be summoned by others based on special contracts. For example, if I have a contracted messenger, someone in Trier can summon it and give it a written letter. It will immediately pass through the spirit world and deliver the letter to me. Due to the special connection between the spirit world and the contract, it only takes a second or two to complete the letter delivery. Lumian sighed from the bottom of his heart. Very impressive. Its as fast as sending a telegram. But the thought that crossed his mind was: I want one too! Dont even think about it, Aurore read his mind. Its very difficult to summon a messenger. Unless you obtain an exact incantation, its unlikely that you can succeed trying yourself. And only a few special Sequences can grasp an exact incantation. Even I dont have one. Lumian was disappointed and asked, Are you going to summon a messenger and write a letter to them for help? Yes, Aurore nodded. Shes one of the few among us who have gone the furthest on the path to transcendence. She has her own messenger. I dont expect her to save me, but she should be able to give me some advice. Im afraid its very difficult. That mysterious lady said that we can only rely on ourselves Lumian asked curiously, Us? You mean your pen pals? Aurore nodded and asked in confusion, When did I ever mention pen pals to you? Last cycle, no, last last cycle, Lumian answered honestly. Alright, Aurore facepalmed. Actually, its a mutual support organization slowly established by those of us who cant return home. We rely on letters to communicate daily, share knowledge, and solve problems. There will be small-scale gatherings or communication through messengers. Shes the vice president of our organization and one of the initiators. Her code name is Hela. Code name? Lumian was a little puzzled. Aurore tersely acknowledged, In the organization, everyone uses code names without exposing their real names. When they write letters, they emphasize that its a pseudonym to avoid being discovered by the officials. Whats your code name? Lumian was very curious. Aurore was silent for a moment before she replied with a sigh, Muggle. What does it mean? Lumian was puzzled. Aurores eyes darkened as she replied, Ordinary person without superpowers. Lumian knew that his sister wanted to become an ordinary person living back home more, so he quickly changed the topic. Whats the name of your organization? Aurores expression became complicated. Originally, everyone wanted to give it a classy name, but considering that we would write letters every day, a name that was too conspicuous would attract the attention of certain forces. Therefore, in the end, we decided on a name that sounds like a group of animal lovers. What is it? Lumian pressed. Aurore replied in embarrassment, The Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society. Chapter 49 - 49 True Cogitation 49 True Cogitation Lumian couldnt help but suppress his laughter at the name of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, but he managed to hold it in. But even if he held it in, he couldnt help but say, Those who know will understand that youre studying curly-haired baboons. Those who dont know will think that a group of curly-haired baboons are doing research. Of course, he was only joking. Aurore rolled her eyes at him. We often tease ourselves as a group of curly-haired baboons being studied. Seeing that his sister was in a better mood, Lumian asked, Are all the members of your research society Beyonders? Not all of them, Aurore answered briefly. But some gatherings cant be attended by ordinary people. She didnt say why they couldnt participate. Whos the president? How many vice presidents are there? Lumian asked. Are you doing a census? Aurore snapped back. Huh? Lumian was confused. Lumian was confused and realized that Aurore didnt like him asking too many questions about the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society. Aurore pouted and exhaled. The presidents code name is Gandalf. There are a total of five vice presidents. Alright, Im going to summon Helas messenger. Lumian was puzzled and asked, Aurore, uh, Grande Soeur, didnt you say that you only know the code name Hela and dont know her exact name? How are you going to summon her messenger? He remembered that his sister had just mentioned that by changing the last sentence of the summoning incantation to the messenger that belongs to so-and-so, he could very accurately pinpoint the target creature. However, she didnt know who so-and-so was. Excellent, Aurore praised him and said, to be able to discover the problem is an excellent learning quality. Lets put it this way. It doesnt matter what name you use when you sign a contract with a spirit world creature. The contract will automatically extract a bit of your true aura from you, allowing the two parties to be related. However, remember, you can only use the name written when you sign the contract in the future. Changing it to your real name will be ineffective. Lumian pondered seriously and said, Got it. The key is the aura and connection. The name when signing the contract is only equivalent to the incantation used for the subsequent summoning. It doesnt matter what you write. Yes. Aurore nodded. Lumian suddenly laughed. Is there such a situation? Let me say hypothetically. Grande Soeur, you obtained an exact incantation and summoned a messenger. You signed a contract with it in the name of Aurore Lee. After that, you taught me that incantation because you loved your younger brother, which is me. As for me, I successfully summoned another messenger. However, when signing the contract, I used Aurore Lees name to sign it for fun. Then the question is, which one will be summoned with the description of the messenger that belongs to Aurore Lee? Aurores face turned livid. I dont have a messenger. How would I know! She exhaled and calmed herself down. This is actually a confusion caused by having the same name. Compared to ordinary contracted creatures that can only be summoned by oneself, its indeed easy for a messenger that can be summoned by others to have such problems. However, because I dont have a messenger, Im not sure if theres a special mechanism to avoid such mistakes. I can only use my knowledge to attempt an analysis. First, very few people have a messenger. The probability of having the same name is so low that its almost negligible. Second, if theres an overlap in names, you can place an item with the messengers owners aura in the summoning ritual and use it to accurately lock onto them. Third, if youre really afraid of having the same name, you can make your name longer when signing a contract. For example, Lumian Torres Arri Lanos Arthur Gehrman Sparrow Lee. That way, you probably wont have the same name. But its very likely that Ill forget this name after signing the contract. Its too difficult to remember, Lumian muttered. Also, why did you add the name of the Pirate Hunter and Great Adventurer? Because I like it. Madam Fors Walls adventurer series is a classic, Aurore said confidently. She turned around and tidied up the altar, preparing to officially hold the summoning ritual. At that moment, Lumian thought of something and shouted, Wait a minute! Whats wrong? Aurore turned around, looking confused. Lumian asked seriously, Does the messenger count as an outsider? Aurore was confused at first, but quickly figured out the problem. She deliberated and asked, You mean that as an outsider, the messenger will fall into a cycle after coming to Cordu and wont be able to leave? Without waiting for Lumians reply, Aurore came up with a new theory. No, the situation will be worse. Its a contracted creature. After receiving the letter, it will immediately go to Hela. Its equivalent to leaving Cordu. That will cause a restart. After that, it will instinctively attempt to leave again and again, while we restart again and again. We wont have time to investigate the key to the loop. Lumian couldnt help but imagine the scene his sister had described. Just as he opened his eyes to see his familiar bedroom, he would open his eyes again to see the familiar bedroom. Only to open his eyes again to see the familiar bedroom He would repeat this action countless times, and the root cause of this was that a certain messenger was in a hurry to go home. Aurore raised her hand to cover her forehead. I cant even imagine what kind of changes will happen then After sighing, she analyzed seriously, From the current situation, the departure of living things from Cordu and the surrounding area will cause the loop to restart, and inanimate objects wont trigger the restrictions. The telegram and the letter that were sent are proof. If thats the case, spirits definitely wont do either. From the looks of it, I cant summon the messenger. Lumian suddenly figured out why the livre bleu could maintain its state of having its words cut out. The pieced together notes had left Cordu, making it no longer affected. Since it couldnt return, it naturally couldnt return to its original state! He shared his speculation with his sister and asked, The problem with livre bleu has been solved, but how did that letter get sent? Theres definitely no way to send it out during the loop. The moment the messenger leaves Cordu, it will cause a reboot. And if its before the loop, I have no impression of it. What about you? Neither do I, Aurore thought for a few seconds before jokingly scolding, You idiot, you almost led me astray. Its easy to send the letter in a loop! Lumian looked at his smart sister and asked, Huh? Aurore chuckled before explaining, Theres no need for a postman to send the letter, nor is there a need to hire a messenger. When we discover an abnormality and dont want to alarm those who might be problematic, the best choice is to find a wooden box and place the distress letter inside. After sealing it, we will throw the wooden box into the river outside the village and let it float downstream naturally. When the other villages and even the people of Darige pick it up, they will help us deliver it to the officials. You said that our last cycle confirmed that the loop contains a small portion of the river that can be reached. Thats right! Lumian exclaimed, pressing his palms together. He thought of another question. Will the fish in the river cause a reboot? I dont think so, Aurore replied after thinking for a moment. These creatures without any intelligence are very sensitive to invisible restrictions. Or rather, theyre more prone to invisible influences. Theres a high chance that theyll instinctively stay away from places that might cause a reboot. What about your White Paper? It has no choice but to leave the real world after twelve hours. Lumian felt that this would also restart the cycle. Aurore looked around and said thoughtfully, I suspect that the loop not only includes Cordu and the surrounding mountainous areas but also the area that corresponds to everyone here in the spirit world. You probably dont know that there are actually more natural interactions between the spirit world and reality. If you dont include the corresponding spirit world, it might restart every now and then, but the current situation is clearly different. As my contracted creature, White Paper has a direct connection with Cordu. The spirit world it roams is most likely included. I still dont know enough about mysticism Lumian didnt ask further. Aurore demonstrated the ritualistic magic process again and dispelled the wall of spirituality. In the formless wind that suddenly blew, she said to Lumian, Its already dark. Ill teach you true Cogitation and the way to activate Spirit Vision. Okay! Lumian replied, showing that he had his sisters full attention. Aurore explained, Youve long grasped the first half of Cogitation. Lets start from the second half. When you imagine the Sun, retract your spirit and enter a relatively calm state. Let your mind be slightly empty. Draw an outline of something that doesnt exist in reality to replace the Sun. Keep drawing and repeating until your body and mind obtain peace. Your thoughts will have a feeling that they are floating. Lumian didnt quite understand. Something that doesnt exist in reality? Aurore took out a pen and paper and drew a few strokes. Look, is there anything like this in reality? The paper had something very abstract on it, like a ball with eyes and a cross on its face. Doesnt it exist once you draw it? This drawing is in reality. Lumian felt that her sisters explanation was wrong. Pictures and imaginations arent real. Aurore rolled her eyes. As her younger brothers teacher, she had to suffer this kind of anger often. Lumian acknowledged her comment tersely. Then Ill try using this picture of yours. He pulled up a chair and sat down. He leaned back and focused. The crimson sun quickly outlined itself in his mind, gradually calming him down. After a while, because he was in reality, he did not hear the terrifying and mysterious voice. He could calmly use the pattern that his sister had casually drawn to replace the Sun in Cogitation. The ball with eyes and a cross quickly appeared in Lumians mind. As Lumian repeatedly outlined it, his body and heart became more and more peaceful, and his thoughts gradually felt ethereal. He saw that there was a faint gray fog around him. There were many indescribable, non-existent things, and dense colored blocks mixed together. And high in the sky, perhaps deep in the depths, there was a clear light. Theres no hurry. The probability of a Hunter succeeding in Cogitation on their first try is very low, Aurore consoled her brother. Just as Lumian was about to report to his sister that he had successfully entered a Cogitation state, he suddenly felt something watching him from the depths of the gray fog and an infinite height! This seemed to be an illusion, but it made him break out in a cold sweat. He felt an inexplicable fear and immediately left the Cogitation state. Chapter 50 - 50 Observation 50 Observation Aurore had intended to reassure him that non-spellcasting Sequences usually took several attempts at Cogitation to succeed. Some even had to practice for five or six days or even more than half a month. However, when she saw her brother open his eyes, she noticed that Lumians forehead was drenched in cold sweat, and fear was evident in his eyes. Whats wrong? Aurore asked, concerned. Lumian took a couple of deep breaths. The more he thought about it, the more frightened he became. I successfully Cogitated. My mind seemed to float, surrounded by a myriad of colors and an indescribable faint gray fog. There were a few particularly bright and pure beams of light up above. No, it might not have been the sky. It could have been far away. I cant be certain. From your description, it seems like you succeeded, Aurore explained. What your Astral Projection sees or senses is the spirit world. There, many concepts of reality either dont exist or are intertwined. Thats why you feel like youre high in the sky yet far away at the same time. Those seven lights are the Seven Lights of the spirit world, mentioned in ancient texts. Theyre believed to be near-deity level and omniscient. Moreover, theyre considered relatively friendly hidden entities. If you can grasp their complete honorific names, you can pray to them. Unfortunately, I dont know them either. Those indescribable things that roam everywhere belong to the spirit world, but you didnt seem to see much, nor did you perceive them clearly. This is likely a limitation of the Hunter Sequence. Your spirituality isnt high enough. Hmm Activating Spirit Vision later will probably prove difficult. The final effect certainly wont be impressive. Still, its better than nothing. She had been monitoring her brothers condition, ready to intervene and assist him at any moment. Seeing Lumian gradually return to normal, she finished what she needed to say in one breath and asked, But what you saw shouldnt have scared you. Arent you known as Bold Lumian? Lately, youve experienced a time loop, people turning into sheep, men giving birth, and Madame Nights patrols. How can ordinary spirit world creatures frighten you? Lumians forehead veins twitched at his sisters words. He didnt want to recall anything, especially anything related to Madame Pualis. He exhaled and said, I sensed something deep within the spirit world, or rather, extremely high up, observing me. Just being watched by it terrifies me. I couldnt help but exit the Cogitation state. Aurores eyelashes flickered as she thoughtfully said, I suspect that it has something to do with the two strange symbols on your chest you mentioned. They involve some hidden entity. They might point to the source of Cordus loop, or they might represent the special trait that allows you to maintain your clarity and strength in the dream and the loop. As a Hunter, you succeeded in complete Cogitation on your first attempt. Its highly likely that the two symbols influenced this. Lumian nodded as he listened, agreeing with his sister. This realization left him somewhat disheartened. In that case, I cant Cogitate. As soon as I succeed, Ill be watched and forced to leave that state. Besides, I dont think being constantly monitored is a good thing. Do you think you arent being watched now? Aurore couldnt help but laugh. Its just that you cant sense it without being in a state of Cogitation. Since theres no way to evade it and youre bound to suffer damage, its better to make more attempts to increase your resistance, allowing you to spend more time in Cogitation. In the future, when facing certain situations, this might give you an edge. Of course, before becoming a Sequence 7 Pyromaniac, Hunters dont need deep Cogitation. Its best to wait for your spirituality to improve before trying again. Why does that sound a bit depressing? Lumian had already composed himself and mocked his predicament. Since I cant resist, I might as well enjoy it. Aurore scoffed. In our current situation, Id rather have a unique trait like yours. Even if it means facing numerous unknown dangers and challenges, at least I can retain my memory during the next cycle. I wouldnt need you to remind me, sparing many details. She then looked out the darkened window. Its time to teach you how to activate Spirit Vision. Keep sitting and attempt Cogitation again. You dont have to enter a state where your thoughts are floating. Although that would be more conducive to activating your Spirit Vision, arent there hidden entities watching you? Yeah. Lumian leaned back in his chair, relaxing his body. He first envisioned the Sun in his mind, then swapped it out for the ball his sister had sketched haphazardly. He didnt repeat the outlining process, stopping only when his body and mind were serene. Aurore monitored his condition, offering a soothing voice. Lift your hands in your current state and place them in front of your eyes. You can open your eyes now. Lumian kept his cool as he slowly opened his eyes. At some point, his sister had snuffed out the kerosene lamp, casting the first floor into darkness. The crimson moonlight outside the window was the only thing illuminating the outlines of objects. Once his eyes adjusted, he could barely see his hands. Point your index fingers at each other without touching. Then, concentrate on the back of your hand, which can be the back of the opposite point, Aurore instructed. After completing this step, slowly move your fingers to keep them facing each other without touching. And remember, they cant leave your sight. Lumian followed her guidance, focusing his gaze on the empty space beyond his hands as he moved his fingers. Despite repeating the process countless times, he saw no changes. Soon after, he couldnt sustain the Cogitation state and snapped out of it. See anything? Aurore asked. Lumian shook his head. Its harder for Hunters. Dont stress. If it doesnt work now, itll work later. If it doesnt happen today, it might happen tomorrow, Aurore consoled. Dont fret. Regular folks with high spirituality can activate their Spirit Vision after professional training, let alone Beyonders. But the results vary. If this loop fails, I can try again next time, but if that doesnt work, there may not be another chance Lumian thought to himself. He was patient and resilient. After resting and regaining some strength, he tried again. After multiple attempts, he finally saw a fiery red dot emerge from the void between his index fingers. Success! Lumian was thrilled. He turned to his sister. But then he saw a red light radiating from Aurores body, encompassing it entirely. Didnt you say you could see the different colors of the Ether Body? Lumian asked, confused. Aurore asked excitedly, Did it work? Lumian nodded and recounted his experience. Its a success, Aurore breathed a sigh of relief. Youre impressive. Its probably due to your special enhancement. Other Hunters would need at least two weeks of practice, and some might have to reach Sequence 8 before they can activate their Spirit Vision easily. You can only see a vague Ether Body. The red color means Im healthy. You wont be able to see much else with your Soul Bodys current strength as a Hunter. She pulled out a tiny ink bottle and unscrewed the cap. Lets see if you can see White Paper. Lumian focused and saw a transparent bubble emerge from the bottle. It was similar to the bubbles he made while blowing soapy water, about the size of a fist and tinted red by the moonlight. He could barely keep track of it and feared losing sight if he blinked. The bubble floated towards Aurores palm, which she scratched with her thumb, causing it to contract and expand. Lumian composed himself and reported what he saw to his sister. Its blurry? Aurore shook her head. A Hunters Spirit Vision is limited. You can only perceive basic Ether Body concepts and creatures like White Paper. Most things are invisible. Its better than nothing, Lumian replied with what his sister had just said. Having never experienced a stronger Spirit Vision, he was rather content with his current situation. Aurore instructed Lumian to use Cogitation to stop his Spirit Vision from deactivating and to establish simple activation and deactivation triggers. Lumian practiced repeatedly until he mastered the method but never succeeded in the express key Aurore mentioned. He only vaguely understood the concept. Take a break. Well monitor the deputy padre later for any anomalies, Aurore advised, noticing Lumians pale face from depleted spirituality. She urged him to rest. They ascended to the second floor and lit the lamp in the study. Lumian dozed off in a recliner while Aurore read, waiting for night to deepen. Lumian quickly fell asleep in the recliner, while Aurore casually read her book, waiting for the night to get deeper. Lumian eventually fell asleep and forced himself to remain sleeping instead of exploring the dream world. Aurore woke him up shortly after. We can observe the deputy padre now. Okay. Lumian sat up and faced his sister. Aurore opened a miniature ink bottle and stroked White Paper with her right hand, her eyes darkening. With the aid of the contract, she recited in Hermes, My contracted creature, bear the uniqueness of my eyes. Lumian couldnt understand or see anything without his Spirit Vision. He waited patiently. In mere seconds, Aurore withdrew her hand and sat down. White Paper is on its way to the deputy padres house. Lumian inspected the scene and noticed that his sisters eyes reflected trees swaying in the dark, not the study or himself. The trees were left behind swiftly. Thats what White Paper sees? Lumian realized. Aurore took out a mirror coated in mercury and sprinkled it with light white powder. The powder quickly bloomed with light, covering the mirror with an aqueous layer. In the water, the deputy padre, Michel Garrigue, appeared. White Paper had reached the targets room and peered through a glass window. Michel Garrigue slept soundly, his eyes closed and breathing steady. Aurore and Lumian waited patiently, observing from all angles with White Paper. Suddenly, Michel opened his mouth slightly, and a blurry, transparent figure emerged. It was a lizard-like thing. Chapter 51 - 51 Temporal Node 51 Temporal Node The thing that slithered out of Deputy Padre Michel Garrigues mouth was slender and covered in scaly brownish-green skin, like a diaphanous and fuzzy lizard. As soon as it left Michels body, its dark green vertical eye darted left and right, vigilantly sizing up its surroundings. While doing so, it even peered out the window but didnt detect White Paper. Instead, Lumian and Aurore sensed the coldness and indifference in its eyes. Whats this? Lumian asked. Aurore shook her head. I dont know. It looks like a special spirit. Lumian immediately judged, It sure doesnt look like something good! Even through White Paper and the mirror, the lizard-like creature still made him feel uneasy, and his hair stood on end. Aurore glanced at him and reminded, This lizard seems to possess an ability that leads to a degree of mental corruption. Just looking at it from afar makes one feel uncomfortable. If you stare at it for too long, you might end up with mental problems. You must be careful. If the discomfort is serious, immediately close your eyes and try Cogitation. Get your mind right before looking again. Its fine for now, Lumian tersely acknowledged. What about you? Dont you feel uncomfortable? Aurore smiled and replied, As a Mystery Pryer, Ive seen things more corrupting than this. My resistance is much higher than yours. Besides, dont I go crazy occasionally? It doesnt seem to matter even if I go crazier a little more intensely and frequently. I think its necessary to check your mental state when you said that last sentence, Lumian said, half concerned and half joking. Aurore chuckled. Thats called being self-deprecating. Sometimes, its not as if I can stop looking just because I want to. The Mystery Pryers eyes are special and cant be completely sealed. I can only barely prevent it from affecting my daily life. As the siblings spoke, the blurry lizard-like creature crawled along the wall and floor at an extremely fast speed to the bottom floor of the house. A few animal skulls hung on the wall opposite the door on the first floor. They were from wolves, deer, and wild boars. The deputy padre, Michel Garrigue, wasnt a Cordu native. He ought to have lived in the cathedral, but Guillaume Bnet had prevented him from doing so using an excuse. He could only rent a place from the hunter, Sabat. The lizard burrowed into the wolfs skull and kept entering and exiting the socket. Not long after, it switched to the wild boars skull and continued doing the same thing. After coming out of the deers pale-white skull, the lizard crawled out of the house at a speed several times faster than a galloping horse. White Paper quietly floated in the night sky and followed it. The lizard crawled all the way out of the village and finally arrived at the square. It circled around the cathedral and arrived at the cemetery before plunging into a grave. Ten seconds later, it crawled out and entered another tomb with a tombstone. Just like that, the strange lizard-like creature moved through different graves. Lumian could even imagine the scene of it entering and exiting different human skulls in the coffins. That scene made Lumians skin protrude with tiny goosebumps. He couldnt help but ask, What is this guy doing? Incomprehensible! Aurore slowly shook her head. Its a blind spot in my knowledge. After touring the cemetery, the lizard-like diaphanous creature returned the way it came and entered Michel Garrigues room. It burrowed into Michels mouth and disappeared. After 20 to 30 seconds, Michel Garrigue opened his eyes and sat up. He gulped down water from the cup on the bedside table, looking extremely parched. He put down the cup, wiped his mouth, and fell back to sleep. Aurore turned her head and looked at Lumian. How is it? Theres indeed something wrong with him, right? How is this a problem? This is a huge problem! Lumian didnt hide his emotions in front of his sister. Pierre Berry, who grazes humans, the padre whos key to the time loop, Madame Pualis, who makes men give birth, Naroka, who went to Paramita, an owl who has lived for countless years, and the deputy padre who has a lizard living in him. Arent there too many extraordinary individuals in Cordu? During the loop, Lumian had griped about how little help Ryan, Leah, and Valentine, the three official investigators, had been. In hindsight, how could he blame them? The abnormalities in Cordu were truly exceptional! They might have taken action, but the results were probably unsatisfactory. Aurore glanced at her brother, half-warning and half-teasing, You havent mentioned the most remarkable person yet. The only one in the village who can remember the loop and possess a unique dream ruin. Lumian was speechless and felt a headache brewing. Aurore turned to the mirror on the table, contemplating. I dont expect any significant changes with the deputy padre. Although I could examine his Astral Projection more thoroughly, it could be hazardous. Its fine if it endangers me because Ill be another living Warlock in the next cycle, but we need more information. We should wait until we have enough before prying deeper. Starting the loop prematurely would waste time explaining and communicating. Lumian agreed, sharing her perspective. Aurore then suggested, I plan on having White Paper monitor the padre now. Lumian was taken aback. Didnt you just say we shouldnt pry deeper to avoid triggering the abnormality prematurely? The padre was the linchpin to the mystery. Wasnt it reckless to rush in like that? Aurore smiled at Lumian. Im sure what Im doing is safe. Noticing Lumians confusion and worry, she elaborated, You heard the padre and Pons Bnets private conversation on April 1st during the previous cycle. The padre claimed to be an ordinary person, but he had a way to deal with me, a Beyonder. Based on the corresponding scene and the fact that there was no reason to lie to an ordinary person like you, I believe the padre was truly powerless before April 1st. Today is March 29th, and we havent crossed midnight, so its safe to spy on him. Lumian felt relieved. That makes sense. Aurore continued, From their conversation, I deduced that the padre found a way to quickly gain Beyonder powers on April 1st. If he senses danger, he can become a Beyonder instantly. Maybe he has an item that can deal with me. Additionally, the padres strength at the Lent celebration didnt match that of a Sequence 9. I suspect hes taking a path beyond the divine paths the mysterious woman mentioned. Hes probably praying to a certain entity for a blessing. Otherwise, he wouldnt have grown so powerful in just a few days without any noticeable inclination to losing control. Lumian listened quietly and suddenly recalled something. On the morning of Lent during that cycle, I had just become a Hunter when I ran into Pons Bnet. I wanted to test myself by fighting him, but he ran away as if he knew I had become a Beyonder beforehand. Maybe he had also received a blessing and could sense danger Lumian added another crucial point. It was probably April 3rd when I saw Pons Bnet enter Narokas house during her funeral. If he had already received a blessing, he wouldnt have failed to detect spying from an ordinary person like me, considering his keenness on the morning of Lent. Aurore nodded. In other words, its highly likely that the padres group became Beyonders between Narokas funeral and Lent. Between April 3rd and the morning of April 5th. Of course, we cant rule out the possibility of them receiving blessings in batches, Aurore added. The situation became clearer after this discussion. Lumian smacked his forehead and sighed. Whats wrong? Aurore asked, confused. Lumian praised her, I should have discussed these things with you earlier. Youre much better at analyzing than I am! Aurore chuckled. You sure know how to praise me in various ways. Youre inexperienced and lack knowledge, so you didnt think of it immediately. You wouldve discovered these details sooner or later. Although she dismissed her brothers praise, her pleased expression was evident. White Paper flew towards the Bnet residence at Aurores command. The Bnet residence was the tallest and most lavish in Cordu, aside from the cathedral and the castles modified administrators residence. It was a grayish-blue three-story house with a chimney on top. As the head of the Bnet family, the padre lived in a room on the top floors east wing. The dark gray curtains were tightly drawn, and the master of the house appeared to be asleep. This wasnt a problem for White Paper. It slipped through the wall and blended into the darkness in the corner. In the room, Guillaume Bnet, who had finished his affair with Madame Pualis, was sitting in a recliner, staring at the curtain in front of the window, dressed in light-blue pajamas. Aurores eyes darkened, revealing Guillaume Bnets aura. The red, green, purple, and blue colors made Lumian dizzy. Recalling his sisters teachings, he tried to differentiate between them and realized that the padres body was relatively healthy except for his overzealous desires. Whats he thinking about? Which mistress to meet tomorrow? Lumian mocked him, even though the padre couldnt hear him. At that moment, Guillaume Bnet stood up and punched the air in front of him. Its all your fault! 16COMMENTS Chapter 52 - 52 Entering the Ruins 52 Entering the Ruins Its all your fault! Its all your fault! Damn it! Son of a bitch! Guillaume Bnets fists continued to hit the air, his rage boiling over at a seemingly invisible creature. His expression was twisted with hatred, and he didnt bother to suppress his emotions. Aurore narrowed her eyes and gestured for White Paper to investigate the area. But there was nothing there, just empty air. Lumian clicked his tongue in annoyance. Hes been itching for a fight for a while now. Whos he blaming? Aurore shook her head and casually replied, Maybe its a bishop holding him back, stopping him from rising in rank and gaining extraordinary abilities. Or perhaps someone lured him into secretly worshiping a hidden entity, hoping to receive blessings and grow stronger She considered that, as the sub-deacon of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, a priest overseeing a rural cathedral, establishing contact with a concealed being wouldnt be easy on his own. When it came to matters of supernatural power, hed undoubtedly turn to the Darige regions Church. The associated occult artifacts and sorcery grimoires would be handed over to the Inquisition for safekeeping or even sealing. They wouldnt be left at Cordus cathedral. More importantly, it was impressive enough that he could command ancient Feysac. Languages capable of summoning supernatural forces like Hermes and Elvish werent something a sub-deacon like him would encounter. And Aurore, through the Eye of Mystery Prying, had long determined he wasnt someone with innate spiritual prowess who could unintentionally attract malevolence. Thus, without a certain someones guidance, how could the padre come into contact with a hidden existence? Aurore considered the possibility that Guillaume Bnet had come into possession of a mysterious item without turning it over. Lumian laughed at the idea. Cant the padre gripe over that hidden existence? He even dared to make Saint Sith feel aggrieved. Its not impossible for him to blame that hidden existence for enticing him. After mocking Guillaume Bnet, Lumian analyzed seriously, Ive been thinking about why the padre suddenly fell into corruption. There are two suspects. The first is Madame Pualis. Shes obviously very powerful. Whether its Louis Lund, who gave birth in the castle, or the woman suspected to be her in the wilderness surrounded by the undead, it shows that shes not simple. Shes involved with abnormal pathways and hidden existences. Its possible that she enticed the padre. By the way Lumian smacked his head. Whats wrong? Aurore didnt know what her brother had realized. Lumian replied solemnly, Do you think the padre has ever given birth to Madame Pualis child? Aurore was filled with regret for believing her brother was on the brink of an important discovery. She snapped, Who told you that Louis Lunds child is Madame Pualiss? What if its Administrator Bosts or a hidden existences? No, no. If it was, you would have exploded and turned into a monster when you saw that scene. I just find Madame Pualis to be more dominant in her relationship with the administrator. Before the loop began, Lumian felt that the administrator, Bost, was a little weak. He couldnt keep the butler in check and couldnt keep an eye on his wife. When he appeared with Madame Pualis, he always tried to please the latter. Lumian originally thought that the administrator loved his wife very much, but now, he had a new guess. Do you think the administrator is another fertility tool for Madame Pualis? Perhaps. Aurore held her forehead. The world of mysticism has really broadened my horizons. Many scenes that only exist in novels and imaginations have been realized in some warped manner After sighing, she muttered to herself, There seem to be more than one or two children born in the castle. Where are they? Lumian thought for a moment and expressed that he had no idea. Infiltrating the castle and conducting a search was out of the question. Not after what happened to Louis Lund and the events in the wilderness. Whatever it took, he wasnt about to cross paths with Madame Pualis again. Aurore felt the same. After their run-in with Madame Pualis, the siblings wanted nothing more than to avoid her at all costs. The padre grunted in frustration, downing a glass of red wine to take the edge off. He let out a long breath, put down the tall glass, and walked to the bed. It wasnt until the padres breathing eased and he seemed to be asleep that Lumian mocked, Look at him, crashing early. What, no late night rendezvous with his mistress? Oh, he doesnt smoke in private, either. This was inferred from the absence of cigar cases, pipe, and other items in the bedroom. Aurore chuckled and said, He doesnt drink much alcohol either. Everyone says hes a pillar of propriety. She dispatched White Paper to scout the bedroom. Finding nothing, it returned as instructed. Aurore turned to Lumian. You only mentioned one suspect. What about the other? That sneaky owl. Always watching, never acting. Lumian voiced his guess. It might have led the padre to the legendary Warlocks legacy. Mmm. Aurore felt that the possibility was quite high. Lumian then suggested, If that owl pays me another visit, we capture it and interrogate it. You sure you can take down an owl that has lived for centuries? Aurore smirked. Ive got you, havent I? Lumian flattered his sister. Aurore scoffed. Our chances arent great, even with both of us. But we cant just sit around and do nothing. We need to find out whats going on before its too late. As long as we dont interfere with the advent of the twelfth night, well be fine. Lumian nodded heavily. Aurore noticed his exhaustion and reached for White Paper, who had returned. Youve been using your Spirit Vision too much today. Get some rest. Well continue tomorrow. She paused for a moment before continuing, In the morning, Ill teach you the basics of the Hermes language. Then, in the afternoon, go see Pierre Berry and have a drink. Ill sneak into his sheep pen and see if I can get any useful information from his three sheep. She thought this was the easiest route to investigate. Isnt that too risky? Lumian asked, already on his feet. Aurore reassured him with a smile. Dont worry, I wont pick a fight. I just need to talk to them in Highlander. It shouldnt raise any alarms. They might know something useful. Lumian nodded. Ill head to Ol Tavern tomorrow afternoon. Ill try to get to know the three foreigners. They could be valuable allies. Of course, he had to be careful not to reveal their identities as Beyonders. Okay, Aurore agreed with her brothers plan. Lumian woke up in his dream bedroom, shrouded in a faint gray fog. As he expected, all the gold, silver, and copper coins, as well as the axe and pitchfork he had collected, were gone. The cycle had reset the dream. I have to gather them again Lumian muttered to himself as he left the bedroom and headed to the study. He picked up the livre bleu from the table and flipped through it idly. Many of the words had been cut out. Indeed, I was the one to send the request for help He no longer felt anything about being the one who had sent the request for help. He suspected that Aurore had guided him in sending the request. After all, he had no knowledge of mysticism back then, so he would have relied on a reliable messenger or a postman. Speaking of which, Lumian realized that the postman who came once a week wasnt in the loop. He figured that the officials probably prevented ordinary people from entering Cordu after receiving the letter. Lumian looked around for a box to store the letter, but he couldnt remember how many similar items Aurore had in her collection, so he gave up. He got dressed in a way that didnt affect his movements, grabbed his iron-black axe, and headed out into the wilderness filled with crevices. He walked towards the ruins surrounding the dark red mountain peak. Lumian easily dispatched the two familiar monsters. He slung the shotgun, cloth bag of lead rounds, and assortment of coins. He moved forward cautiously, deliberately avoiding the path he had taken before, knowing that he was not prepared to face the three-faced monster. As he made his way through the collapsed buildings and thin gray fog, the constantly alert him took a sniff. He caught a whiff of blood. After some thought, Lumian sneaked into the shadows and hid in a hidden space on the top of a half-collapsed house, peering through a gap between a few rocks. In the distance, amidst the barren, rubble-filled wasteland, he saw a lump of flesh slowly wriggling towards a building. The flesh was mixed with yellow fat, as if a creature had been crushed by a falling boulder. Lumian pondered how to deal with such a monster. Should I behead it? But it doesnt even have a head. Suddenly, several dark-black, fleshy ropes appeared out of nowhere and bound the blob of flesh tightly. Chapter 53 - 53 Mark 53 Mark Tentacles? Lumian was momentarily dumbstruck before recognizing the appendages that ensnared the fleshy mass. He knew Aurores novels well and had seen all the illustrations. Not only did he recall every melodramatic scene, but he also grasped concepts typically beyond his ken, such as monstrous tentacles. Seven or eight inky tendrils enveloped the fleshy lump, dragging it towards the crumbled building. A figure emerged from the chaos of strewn rubble. The creature bore a humanoid form, its upper body and feet bare, clad only in black pants. But it lacked a head, sporting only a remnant of a neck. A whirl of razor-sharp teeth filled the cross-section, and its crimson skin gleamed between them. Lumian couldnt help but imagine a human whose head and half their neck had been replaced by some bizarre, gaping orifice. He shook his head, unable to locate a weak point for attack. Seven or eight fleshy tentacles sprouted from the monsters maw, swiftly hauling the fleshy mass before it and hoisting it up. The creatures neck-mouth blossomed open like a morning glory. Its pearly, needle-like teeth clamped onto the flesh, swallowing it whole like a snake devouring its prey. Lumian scoffed silently. So, you still need to eat. Thought you guys could survive without food He then fell into deep thought. Monsters should be common in these ruins. Food must be scarce So some monsters feed on others, like now. Or maybe, everyones both hunter and prey Could I lure an unbeatable monster to others and exploit the chaos? Theoretically, yes. But its risky. They might just team up to kill me first As Lumian mulled it over, he noticed the monsters chestheaving from the effort of digestionwas beginning to swell and contract, as though it was undergoing intense digestion. This attracted Lumians attention and made him realize that the monsters chest was anything but ordinary. Three black, seal-like marks adorned its pectorals and base of the neck. Wh Lumians pupils dilated instinctively, straining for a better look. Hed seen something similar on the padre! At the end of the Lent celebration, the padres body had swelled, tearing his clothes to reveal a black mark! Upon closer inspection, Lumian confirmed that the three black seals on the monster matched the padres. Composed of cryptic words and symbols, they seemed to connect with an ineffable realm. The difference? The padre bore at least 11 or 12 marks, whereas the monster had only three. Whats the deal with these marks? Are they bestowed by a hidden power? And the more you have, the greater the boon? Lumian wondered, perplexed. He tried in vain to memorize the markings but couldnt in such a short time. Without pen or paper, he couldnt reproduce them either. The monster finished digesting the fleshy mass. It swung its arm, shaking the fleshy tentacles beside its mouth-orifice. The mark beneath its neck glimmered, and a low hum emanated from its chest. The sound swelled, evoking a maelstrom of air tearing through a beehive, whistling in and out of countless tunnels. The trumpet-like orifice gaped wide, amplifying the maddening drone. The cacophony grated on Lumians nerves, making him itch to pummel the beast. Your noise is unbearable, you know that? As rage coursed through his veins, Lumian acted on impulse, leaping from the partially collapsed rooftop, shotgun in hand. Bang! Lumian hit the ground hard, his eyes locking onto the monsters gaping maw filled with razor-sharp teeth. He was about to rip the other party a new one for being a stubborn old pig, but serenity gripped him like a vice. He felt helpless, like a bystander who had been thrust onto the stage of a deadly play. The monsters blood-red mouth was trained on him, and it made no sound. Can I say that Im sorry, that its a misunderstanding? he muttered, his voice barely audible. He suspected that there was something wrong with the noise just now, causing him to lose his mind. He jumped out of his hiding spot and tried to attack! But it was too late for apologies. He had to make a choice: fight or flee. With his experience, Lumian knew that running was not an option. The monster was unscathed and ready, its eight tentacles raised and poised for attack. Therefore, if he really wanted to escape, he had to fight before finding an opportunity! If he wanted to survive, he had to fight. Without hesitation, Lumian raised the shotgun in his hand, loaded with lead bullets. Bang! The monster was caught off guard by Lumians speed and decisiveness. It had no idea what the shotgun was and didnt stand a chance as it was pelted with lead bullets. Ah! it howled in pain, its mouth filled with razor-sharp teeth opening instinctively. Its chest was a bloody mess, including the black mark on its right side, However, the black mark seemed to be engraved in his blood and flesh. It was still clearly visible and remained unharmed. Lumian didnt revel in the monsters screams. He quickly repositioned himself and pulled out a new round from his bag. But before he could take aim again, the black mark on the creatures left side glowed, and it vanished into thin air. Just like that, it disappeared in front of Lumian! Had it escaped or turned invisible? He racked his brain for answers from the various novels Aurore had written and the mysticism knowledge she had taught. Lumian searched frantically for any sign of it, but it was gone. This scene and difficulty that he had never faced before made Lumian panic. He wanted to take the opportunity to escape and subconsciously take a few steps back. Lumians ankles were suddenly yanked, and he lost his balance, flipping over and hanging upside down. Dark, fleshy tentacles appeared out of nowhere, wrapping tightly around Lumians legs and hoisting him up. The monster was right in front of him, its black mark glowing on its right side. The vortex-shaped mouth filled with white, razor-sharp teeth widened to reveal a blood-red interior. The stench was overwhelming, and Lumian felt dizzy as he hung upside down. He could see the blood-colored skin of the monsters mouth and countless teeth. Thinking quickly, he grabbed one of the tentacles and wrapped it tightly around his arm. In his hanging state, he aimed his shotgun at the monsters mouth and fired. Bang! The monster screamed as flesh and blood spewed from its mouth. It flung Lumian away, and its body turned transparent before vanishing once again. Lumian hit the ground and rolled before getting back up, determined to find his target. Suddenly, he caught a whiff of blood approaching him. Without hesitation, he leaped in the opposite direction. Dark tentacles emerged from the air where he had been standing, but they missed their mark. The monster reappeared three to four meters away, its vortex-shaped mouth wide open, ready to strike. Lumian loaded his shotgun with lead rounds, but the black mark on the monsters left side glowed, and it vanished again. Invisibility. Its indeed invisibility! Lumian instantly made a judgment. Coupled with his previous encounter, he believed that this invisibility could not hide his scent and would lose its effect once he entered an attack state. After figuring it out, Lumian calmed down and mocked inwardly, How can you be invisible if you cant even hide your scent? Capturing traces was a Hunters forte. Lumian regained his composure and calmly surveyed his surroundings as he circled the area. Soon, he spotted the monsters footprints and caught the scent of blood and its unmistakable stench. Using these clues, he dodged the monsters attacks and fired his shotgun, but it seemed to have no vital points. The creature only grew weaker after being hit multiple times. With the lead rounds running low, Lumian quickly thought of a solution. In just a few seconds, he had an answer. He had scouted the area beforehand and found several natural traps that could be used, including one that would be perfect for this monster. As two faint footprints appeared in the distance, Lumian turned and ran, narrowly avoiding the dark, fleshy tentacle that missed its target. He kept running, occasionally looking back to make sure the monster was still chasing him and to dodge any attacks. Buzz, buzz, buzz! The monsters noise only fueled Lumians anger, making him want to turn around and attack with his axe. But he reminded himself that his goal was to kill the creature, not just vent his frustration. Fortunately, he remembered that his goal in running was to kill that guy. At the moment, he wasnt really running away. Anger and frustration didnt change his plan. It only made him more motivated. Thud thud thud! Finally, he spotted the half-collapsed building and rushed inside, stopping at the edge and pretending to lie in ambush. Soon, he heard the shallow footprints of the monster approaching, along with its stench and blood. Lumian estimated the distance of the tentacle and took a couple of steps back. With a swing of his axe, he struck a stone pillar that was about to collapse, and then kicked it hard, using the reaction force to roll back. The half-collapsed building couldnt withstand the impact and crumbled, a cascade of heavy rocks filling the passage. Boom! The monster, hiding and ready to attack, let out a fierce scream that lasted only a second before it was silenced forever. Chapter 54 - 54 Interpretation 54 Interpretation Lumian rolled away before springing back to his feet. The sudden scream and its abrupt end brought him a sense of relief. Still, he remained vigilant. Shotgun slung and axe in hand, he cautiously approached the collapsed building. Dust swirled in the air where bricks and wooden beams once stood, lingering on. Outside, Lumian couldnt spot the monsters corpse. It must be buried beneath the rubble. His sense of smell was compromised in the dusty environment. He raised a hand to shield his nose from the irritants. Given the situation, Lumian retreated several steps, maintaining a safe distance as he patiently waited for the dust to settle. As he stood watch, he scrutinized his surroundings, on alert for any subtle signs of movement or scent. Finally, the air cleared, and his vision returned. Lumian neared the wreckage once more, tracking the scent of blood to find the monster crushed beneath heavy stones. With no need to rush, he employed his Hunter expertise to methodically remove the rocks, avoiding any secondary collapse. Simultaneously, he kept his guard up against the monster, which might still be alive and awaiting an opportunity to strike. He pulled away another massive stone, revealing the twisted creature, its head-neck a mangled vortex. Its maw faced the sky, crushed into a gory mess. Its chest was flattened, and its sharp mouth impaled on a jagged stone pillar. Several dark, fleshy tentacles had snapped. If not for its distinct features, Lumian wouldnt have recognized the semi-solid mass as his target. The trap had worked better than hed anticipated! After confirming the monsters demise, Lumian noticed the three black markings on its chest, still clearly visible despite the carnage. Its so odd This cant be common, even in mysticism, right? Despite going through his sisters crash course, Lumian still had much to learn. He relied on his intuition for judgment. He had planned to use his knife to remove the skin with the black mark, but the creatures chest was too mangled to salvage anything. After pondering for a moment, he tore a piece of cloth from his linen shirt, using it as makeshift paper. Next, he wrapped another strip around his finger, staining it with the monsters blood. Whether it sufficiently isolated potential contamination or poison, he couldnt be sure. If anything happened, hed have to leave the dream quickly, minimizing any damage to reality. He should recover within hours or half a day. Using the blood as ink, Lumian copied the three black marks. As he drew, dizziness struck, and a swelling pain pulsed in his forehead. Lumian surmised from his sisters teachings that his spirituality was nearly depleted. Just copying these marks almost drained me entirely? He was astonished by the bizarre markings and the meager spiritual capacity of a Hunter, which he suspected was only slightly greater than a spiritually gifted person. After resting briefly, Lumian continued copying. It took three intermittent attempts before completion, his head throbbing. In his current state, further exploration was impossible. He pocketed the cloth, hoisted his axe, and headed back across the wilderness towards home. Emerging from the ruins, he felt a sense of accomplishment, as if he had absorbed a significant portion of the Hunter potion. Looks like it was a successful hunt, Lumian mused. His unsorted experiences bubbled to the surface. Staying calm is crucial When faced with unexpected prey and no time to prepare, calmness is even more vital. Always observe your surroundings and exploit opportunities. With his thoughts racing, Lumian made his way home, ascended to the second floor, and entered the bedroom. He forced himself to memorize the marks for a while before collapsing on the bed in exhaustion. The next morning, when Lumian woke up, his temples were still throbbing a bit. That was a sign his spirituality had been drained in the dream ruins. He shook his head and left the room to splash his face in the bathroom. When he went downstairs, he realized his sister had already made breakfasttoast with jam, sliced sausages, and strong black coffee. So early? Lumian blurted out in surprise. His sister rarely woke up early. Aurore replied grumpily, Realizing were stuck in a time loop, and the people around us are getting weirder and creepier, how can you sleep well? Not me. Ive got no choice. Lumian comforted his sister. At least you can really sleep. Ive got stuff to do in my dreams. Thats true. Aurore picked up the coffee laced with half a packet of sugar and took a swig. After her brother sat down and wolfed most of the toast and sausage, she asked, What did you get out of exploring the dream ruins? Lumian recounted his run-in with the monster and said, Aurore, uh, Grande Soeur, help me figure out what those three black marks mean. At the end of Lent, the priest had something similar on him, but even more. Aurore nodded and took out a fountain pen and a note from a hidden pocket in her beige dress. Lumian began sketching, but he couldnt accurately replicate the black marks. Soon, he handed the note to his sister and introduced, I only memorized it a few times. I cant be sure if some of its right or wrong, but some of it must be. Here, here, and here are spot on. Just replicating part of the mark had drained a lot of his spirituality. Aurore placed the note on the dining table in front of her and focused on it for a while. These words arent any I know. The symbols that go with them are more warped than those commonly seen in mysticism too. Lumian was a little disappointed when Aurore added, Judging by the influence of transcendent words and symbols on the surroundings and the leverage the marks have on natural power, I suspect this is the outward manifestation of a special contract. As she spoke, she tapped the note with her index finger. Contract? Lumian asked. Aurore nodded. Paired with your battle with that monster, each black mark should represent a special contract. The effect of this contract is likely helping it gain a superpower from certain spirit world creatures, creatures from other dimensions, or extraterrestrial creatures. So, the black mark on its left chest emits light and grants invisibility. The one below its neck corresponds to a voice that makes people frustrated, resentful, and lose their minds. The one on its right chest didnt show anything. I suspect it has something to do with its mouth orifice, tentacles, or digestion. No wonder Lumian immediately understood some of the details of the previous battle. He then laughed and said, The padre signed more than ten contracts with different creatures? What does this mean? Everyone can be his daddy! What a strange way to put it, Aurore muttered. From the looks of it, the priest who fought you at the end of Lent didnt even show a tenth of his strength. He probably only used one ability he got through the contract. His body and mind went out of whack for no reason, and he was at your mercy. Lumian didnt get the previous two cycles, but he clearly knew it was luck back then. He eagerly asked, Can I copy the contract obtained from the monster and contact the corresponding creature? He was very envious of that invisibility ability. A contract is a contract, and a ritual is a ritual. Do you know how to conduct a ritual? Aurore doused his enthusiasm. Even if you master the ritual, do you know what the price of such a special contract is? The padre might have only completed it with the blessing of a hidden existence Aurore paused for a second and muttered to herself, Why does the monster in your dream ruin have such a black mark Did it also receive the blessing of that entity? As she spoke, Aurore cast her gaze at Lumians left chest. Could it be related to the black thorn symbol sealing your heart? The padre had one too. Hmm Maybe the thorn symbol represents a hidden existence that created the dream ruin. The key to breaking the cycle might be hidden there. Or, maybe reality can only solve the problem by doing something simultaneously with the dream ruin Its possible, Lumian thought, realizing that this could explain why the monster had a black mark and why the mysterious lady wanted him to explore the dream ruins. He let out an emotional sigh. Aurore, uh, Grande Soeur, your imagination is indeed much richer than mine. Thats what an author should be like, Aurore replied with a smile. After breakfast, Aurore brought Lumian to the study to teach him Hermes. They ended the lesson around three or four in the afternoon, only stopping to grab a quick bite to eat. Alright, you can go out and drink with Pierre Berry now, Aurore said, realizing it was time and that no one would suspect them. Lumian acknowledged her instruction briefly and expressed his concern. You must be careful. Aurore was going to take the risk of coming into contact with the three sheep to gather information. Lumian arrived at the dilapidated two-story house where Shepherd Pierre Berry lived and looked around before asking the old woman, Wheres Pierre? The old woman, Pierre Berrys mother, Martie, appeared to be in her early fifties but had many wrinkles due to overexertion from work. Her skin was freckled, and her black hair had turned gray. She looked almost as old as Naroka. He went to the cathedral, Martie replied. Lumian was alarmed. He went to the cathedral again? Chapter 55 - 55 Persona 55 Persona If Lumian remembered correctly, Pierre Berry would undoubtedly visit the cathedral to offer his prayers past noon of March 30th. He and Reimund had crossed paths with him during the previous cycle, and Lumian had also encountered him at the village square at a similar hour. However, it was already three or four in the afternoon! When did he leave? Lumian inquired. Martie pondered for a moment and responded, Around the time taken to cover a mile. In the countryside, except for a handful of people, hardly anyone owned a timepiece. Time was generally conveyed through specific activities and indications such as grape harvesting season, the duration of a miles walk, and so forth. Obviously, if the timeframe was brief enough for people to perceive it more distinctly, a few minutes and 15 minutes would be employed in verbal expressions. A mile? That isnt too far Lumian speculated that Pierre Berry had already gone to the cathedral around noon and had yet to return. One mile in Cordu was equivalent to one kilometer in the Intisian metric system. After bidding farewell to Pierres mother, Martie, Lumian departed from the Berry residence and proceeded towards the village square. He was unsure whether Pierre Berry had visited the cathedral at noon and returned again in the afternoon, or if something had cropped up, delaying his return. If it was the former scenario, Lumian could sense something brewing. It was highly unusual for Pierre Berry to frequently visit the cathedral to meet the padre. Something dreadful was certainly afoot. If it was the latter scenario, it would be a massive problem! Before Lumian, who retained his memories, and Aurore, who already knew the cycle, made an attempt, the history should remain unaltered! If there were any deviations, it could indicate that the siblings had not completely comprehended the pattern of the cycles, or that there were others who could retain their memories. With this in mind, Lumian heaved a sigh and raised his hand to strike his face. He was so startled that he forgot to inquire if Pierre had visited the cathedral at noon. That was crucial. It was far too suspicious to turn back and ask now. Lumian could only obtain some information from Pierre when they drank together later. He quickly suppressed his frustration and strode towards the square. Upon entering the cathedral of the Eternal Blazing Sun, he saw the padre, Guillaume Bnet, standing in front of the altar with several sunflowers. He was conversing with a few individuals seated in the front pew. As soon as Lumian entered, Guillaume Bnet ceased speaking and glanced over. Some plot? Lumian smiled as he approached the altar, observing the individuals listening to the padres sermon. He spotted Shepherd Pierre Berry, the thug Pons Bnet, and a few of his henchmen. He also saw the padres mistress, Madonna Bnet, and Sybil Berry. He was surprised to see a man here but also found it reasonableArnault Andr, Narokas youngest son, a farmer in his forties. Hello, Pierre Lumian greeted him with a smile, but he halted midway. The second half of his sentence was meant to be, Arent you buying drinks? Why are you here? However, he suddenly became vigilant and remembered that this arrangement had yet to occur in this cycle. This was something that had only transpired in the previous cycle. This was the first time Lumian had encountered Shepherd Pierre Berry in this cycle. As Cordus Prankster King, Lumians reflexes were lightning-quick. He promptly altered his posture and extended his arms towards the altar. Praise the Sun! Keeping up the facade, his thoughts raced as he conjured up a fresh alibi. After paying homage to the Sun and receiving a response from the priest, Lumian pivoted and addressed Pierre Berry, who sat at the front rows edge, gazing at him with bewilderment. I heard you had returned to the village, so I went to your dwelling to seek you out. Lo and behold, youre here in the cathedral. He didnt specify who had informed him, knowing that Pierre Berry would have been spotted en route to the cathedral. With no witnesses to his lie, Lumian had a fallback optionAvas father, the cobbler Guillaume Lizier. Why are you looking for me? Pierre Berry rose to his feet, clad in a dark-brown robe, his blue eyes brimming with gentle amusement and perplexity. Lumian had already prepared a plausible excuse. He grinned and responded, I yearn to hear your tales while tending to your flock. Diverse countries, varied hamlets, and sundry locales. They must be enthralling. In the past, he had frequently conversed with newly-returned shepherds to enrich his knowledge. Without waiting for Pierre Berrys reply, Lumian shifted his gaze from his disheveled and greasy black hair to his brand-new leather shoes. Did you make it rich? My current employer was more generous this time and bestowed upon me quite a few things, Pierre Berry replied with a smile. Ill treat you to a drink later. Alright. This was precisely what Lumian had been angling for. He even inquired, When will you be heading there? This displayed the panache of a regular patron of Ol Tavern. He was unashamed when it came to cadging a glass of wine. Pierre Berry glanced at Guillaume Bnet, the priest, and received a corresponding hint. How about after dinner? he suggested. Agreed, Lumian assented readily. Thereafter, under the scrutiny of the shepherd, priest, Pons Bnet, and company, he seated himself in the second pew closest to him. Pierre Berry was momentarily taken aback. Arent you going back? Lumian beamed. I havent prayed in ages. Ill seize this opportunity to pray, lest the deity thinks Im not devout enough. Carry on, carry on. Pretend Im not here. Saying so, he closed his eyes, lowered his head slightly, and crossed his arms over his chest. Pierre Berry, Guillaume Bnet, Pons Bnet, and the rest exchanged glances, at a loss for words. After patiently waiting for an extended period and observing Lumian still engrossed in prayer, the priest turned to Pierre Berry, gesturing for him to inquire. Pierre Berry approached Lumians side and patted his shoulder. How long do you intend to pray? Lumian opened his eyes and stated gravely, I plan to pray until dinnertime. Since theres nothing else to do, I can make a confession later. Guillaume Bnets forehead twitched upon hearing this. Gazing at Madonna, Sybil, Pons, Arnault, and the others waiting for him, he exhaled slowly. He signaled to Pierre Berry and gestured towards the door. Pierre Berry comprehended the priests unspoken message and hastily informed Lumian, Im done praying. Shall we proceed to Ol Tavern now? Absolutely! Lumian stood up, grinning from ear to ear. There was nary a hint of solemnity or piety in his demeanor. Previously, he had discerned that his arrival had impeded the padre and his accomplices machinations. In a mischievous attempt to play a prank, he feigned interest and lingered until Pierre Berry was required to depart prematurely. He surmised that the padre saw through his act, but what use was being the Prankster King of Cordu if he didnt create a bit of mischief in such circumstances? He had to maintain his persona to avoid arousing suspicion! Lumian lamented his sisters probable departure to Berrys abode to confer with the three sheep. Had she been present, he could have dispatched White Paper to the cathedral to clandestinely overhear the padres scheme and glean valuable intelligence. Perhaps I can undertake this in the next cycle, but would Pierre detect our surveillance? Pierre is no simpleton. He is certainly more capable than an ordinary person like the padre Lumians thoughts raced as he trailed Pierre out of the cathedral and towards the Ol Tavern. In the sheep pen behind the Berry household. Aurore, donned in a white gown, circumnavigated the woods and vaulted the wooden fence. As an alluring woman seldom seen in the village, she had to choose this relatively secluded path. Otherwise, she would be subjected to small talk or worse, suspicion. When will I learn the spells of invisibility and shadow concealment? Aurore ruminated wistfully as she advanced towards the three sheep that had huddled beside a haystack. Speaking in Highlander, she said, Do not fret. I am the adversary of Shepherd Pierre Berry. The eyes of the three sheep, whose coats were besmirched with filth, underwent a rapid transformation. Their initial vigilance and apprehension gave way to hope and perplexity. Despite their initial reservations, they did not retreat and permitted Aurore to approach. Aurore continued, I discovered your peculiarities through certain means. You were once human, were you not? The eyes of the three sheep were suddenly imbued with shock, elation, hope, and skepticism. They instinctually bleated. Aurore surveyed them. You cannot speak, but you can write, can you not? One of the sheep was stupefied for a moment before hastily inscribing on the ground. It scribbled a simple Highlander word: Yes. The sheep was confirming that they were once human. What transpired? Why were you transformed into sheep? Aurore pondered briefly before adding, Write the beginning, middle, and end separately to save time. The three sheep divided the task and inscribed different portions of the narrative on the surface of the soil using their hooves. Before long, they had each completed a sentence. We were caught. A ritual was conducted. Swaddled in sheepskin and metamorphosed into sheep. A ritualistic sorcery that can convert a human into a sheep using sheepskin? Hmph. That is decidedly easier than transfiguring a person into a sheep. The only question is, which deity was the ritual invoking? Aurore queried as her mind raced, Did Pierre Berry capture you? Is he alone? She wished to ascertain Pierre Berrys current strength. Yes. One of the sheep responded. The other sheep added more: He has an accomplice. They were both exceedingly formidable. Pierre Berry was already immensely powerful before his return to the village? Aurore suddenly detected something amiss. Why did Pierre Berry appear to be under the sway of Guillaume Bnet, the padre? Guillaume Bnet was still an ordinary person! Chapter 56 - 56 Intuition 56 Intuition The more Aurore ruminated on the matter, the more her suspicions intensified. How could the powerless Guillaume Bnet possibly subdue the mighty Pierre Berry, who possessed no less than supernatural abilities? If the padre was indeed favored by the clandestine force to the extent that his clique considered him their leader, he should have been bestowed with a boon long ago and elevated above the common masses. Should he decline the boon, he would inevitably face ostracism. In these circumstances, his standing, authority, and machinations paled in comparison to his might or the gulf that separated him from divinity. Aurore lacked the luxury of time to ponder this and could only conceive of two plausible explanations. Either Guillaume Bnet was not the true leader of the small group and was merely exploiting his status to orchestrate and conceal the anomaly from the Eternal Blazing Sun Church in Darige. Or, he was not rejecting the boon but merely biding his time to attain greater power. Neither explanation boded well. Aurore directed her gaze at the three sheep and inquired, Who was the man that accompanied Pierre Berry in his assault on you? The three sheep scribbled down their responses. Niort Best. A shepherd named Niort. He goes by the name Niort. Niort Best too has achieved extraordinary power? Aurore was acquainted with the individual in question. Niort was a fellow shepherd from Cordu who frequently grazed his flock alongside Pierre Berry. But he had seemingly not returned early this time. Where is Niort? I did not spot him in the village, Aurore queried. The three sheep moved a few steps away and found a new patch of unmarked soil on which to write. Hes dead. I killed him. We took him out, but we were apprehended. Had he fallen victim to a counterattack? Aurore nodded pensively. Are all of you Beyonders? The three sheep ceased writing Highlander with their hooves and nodded in assent. Aurore acknowledged them tersely as she raced to process the implications. Pierre Berry and Niort Best are hunting Beyonders. What is their motive? And one of them is now dead Either Niorts abilities paled in comparison to Pierres, or they had acquired their powers through the boon and were far from proficient in wielding them. It was certain that the Beyonder battles would encounter complications Aurore glanced at the three sheep once more and asked, Do you know why Pierre captured you? The three sheep resumed writing. I have heard him speak of God and devotion. It may be for a blood sacrifice. I suspect he wants to offer us as a sacrifice to an evil god. Indeed, Beyonders possess remarkably high spirituality and unique characteristics. They are far superior to ordinary mortals as sacrificial offerings, and they can appease malevolent gods more effectively Pierre Berry and Niort Best were using grazing sheep as a ruse to abduct Beyonders from other countries to offer them up as sacrifices? It is a scheme that can easily evade the local authorities notice Aurore nodded imperceptibly. She spoke solemnly, Did Pierre mention the honorific name of that god? Or rather, who were they praying to during the ritual that transformed you into sheep? The three sheep were taken aback, as if they were awash in recollections. Suddenly, they lowered their heads and extended their hooves towards the soil before them. For some inexplicable reason, Aurore felt that the temperature had plummeted, and the sun had been obscured by dark clouds, as a chilly mountain breeze swept past. The three sheep began writing. Aurores spiritual intuition sounded a powerful alarm, prompting her to bellow, Hold on! The three sheep lifted their heads and looked at her. At some point, blood-red tears had welled up in their eyes, and their fur was stained and ghastly. In the next moment, they resumed writing. Aurore whirled around and dashed towards the fence. As she exited the pen and looked back, the three sheep were bathed in the sunlight. If not for the bloodstains on their faces, everything seemed entirely ordinary. Thump, thump Aurores heart continued pounding. Panting heavily, she breathed a sigh of relief. If I had not learned to seal my sight and glimpsed things I should not have seen, I would not have reacted in time She produced a vial of iron-black powder and scattered it over the sheep pen. The words etched in the soil vanished as though by an unseen hand. As for the stains on the sheeps faces, Aurore found it challenging to expunge them using spells, so she refrained from approaching them and merely washed them away with water. She feared that the three sheep were different from before and harbored latent dangers. In Ol Tavern, Lumian sat at the bar, sipping on light-green absinthe, his right elbow propped up casually as he surveyed the room. He searched for the mysterious lady, but she was nowhere to be seen, nor were Ryan, Leah, and Valentine. Lumian knew not when the former would arrive, and as for the latter three, he assumed they were wandering the village, engaging in idle chatter. Pierre Berry, who had just finished his glass of absinthe, picked up a new pale green liquid and babbled, I had a chance to get married. Is that so? Lumian scoffed, Who would fancy a shepherd? Pierre sighed and replied, Most of the pastures we graze in are owned by manor owners or nearby villages. If we want to graze, we have to pay a ranch tax or marry a village girl and settle down there. Lumian smiled. Thats a good thing for a shepherd. Pierre took a sip of absinthe and glanced sideways at Lumian. That girl must fancy you and not ask for dowry. At one time, a lady thought I was not bad and didnt mind that I was a pauper and a shepherd. She was willing to marry me. Was she very foolish? Yes. Lumian nodded honestly. Pierre took another sip of absinthe and was silent for a long time before saying, Later, she died. She worked in a factory in the suburbs and fell ill due to exhaustion. I went to several cathedrals, got the priests to pray for her, and found doctors to treat her, but it was useless. After that day, I realized something. Lumian asked, taking a swig of absinthe, What was it? Resentment flashed across Pierres face as he replied, Those who possess flesh and excrete from their posterior cannot absolve us of our predicament! Lumian asked, So, those without flesh and those who do not excrete from their posterior are acceptable? Pierre chuckled. Those are saints and angels, but will they deign to look at us? Lumian tsked. Then why did you go to the cathedral to seek the padres counsel? Not only does he possess flesh and excrete from his posterior, but he also indulges in the carnal pleasures with women. Pierre turned his head towards Lumian and cast a sidelong glance. You fail to comprehend. He possesses a certain intellectuality that can redeem our souls. Intellectuality? Lumian struggled to grasp the term. Pierre took another sip of his light-green absinthe, seemingly oblivious to the question. Lumian dared not press the matter further, and instead inquired, I heard that you visited the cathedral at noon. Why did you return in the afternoon? Pierres warm smile illuminated his face as he replied, In the afternoon, one can converse with like-minded individuals. He did not deny that he had visited the cathedral at noon. Lumian breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that for the time being, no one else would retain their memories and disrupt the flow of history. He suspected that Pierre Berry had visited the cathedral at noon to confer with the padre in advance of their small group discussion scheduled for the afternoon. After their libations and with the sun setting on the horizon, Lumian and Pierre Berry bid each other farewell and returned to their respective abodes. Pons Bnet, the padres younger brother, abruptly emerged with a few thugs and obstructed Lumians way upon him reaching a secluded path. The brawny, raven-haired, azure-eyed Pons Bnet stared at Lumian and smirked maliciously. You were good at pranks in ze afternoon, no? Wasting our time in ze cathedral. If ze padre wasnt there, I would have beaten you up, eh! Bastard, come and eat Daddy Ponss XX. Initially taken aback by this imbeciles foolishness, Lumian was elated. His and Aurores judgment was correct. In the previous cycle, Pons Bnet likely hadnt acquired supernatural abilities before Narokas funeral and thus had no sense of danger. He had actually dared to obstruct a Beyonders path! Without hesitation, Lumian turned and bolted, with Pons and his thugs in hot pursuit. However, as soon as they exited the trail between two buildings, they lost sight of their quarry. Pons Bnet scanned his surroundings and ordered his subordinates, Spread out and search. He deemed it impossible for Lumian to have fled so swiftly and believed he was hiding nearby. The thugs dispersed and combed the area for any potential hideouts, leaving Pons Bnet alone at the trails entrance. Lumian, who had ascended to the second floor of the adjacent building, chuckled and leapt towards Pons. Bang! Pons was sent hurtling to the ground with tremendous force, gasping for breath and momentarily incapacitated. Had Lumian not restrained himself and struck him directly, he might have broken several bones. Lumian stood up, clasped Ponss forearms, and smiled at him, saying, Come, let us become better acquainted. Before Pons could offer any resistance, Lumian pulled him into his embrace and kneed him. Ponss eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets, and his face twisted in agony. Thud! Lumian released him, allowing the man to crumple to the ground like a shrimp. He then turned and darted down the trail, vanishing from sight before the thugs returned. In the kitchen, which also doubled as a part-time living and dining area, Lumian updated his sister on his situation. Pierre Berry visited the cathedral in the afternoon Its confirmed that Pons Bnet still lacks any superpowers. Aurore nodded slightly and recounted her own experience, particularly the inexplicable danger at the end. Lumian pondered for a moment before remarking, That enigmatic lady claimed that certain entities might corrupt you merely by acknowledging Their existence. Chapter 57 - 57 Arrangements 57 Arrangements Aurore recollected the situation and surmised that her brothers account was accurate. She sighed, overcome with emotion and remarked, To think that such dreadful corruption can be brought about by that concealed entity worshiped by Pierre Berry and his accomplices. Even the evil deities mentioned in ancient manuscripts fail to elicit such a reaction. Lumian showed no signs of surprise and said, Otherwise, why are we trapped in a time loop? The more Aurore contemplated, the more perplexed she became. She muttered, Is it possible that we have to confront the concealed entity on the twelfth night and defeat it to end the cycle? This would entail gathering ingredients, digesting the potion, and undergoing repeated cycles to become a deity Lumian interrupted her train of thought as he realized that his sister was becoming increasingly irrational. Stop! It cannot be this extreme. Aurore acknowledged his remark tersely and nodded slightly. You are right. We have, at most, one more cycle. It is impossible for us to become deities within twenty days. She then shrugged and added, There is no hope. Let us wait for death. Even Lumian, who had an inventive mind, struggled to keep up with his sisters thoughts. Aurore exhaled and looked at her brother. All right, I am done venting. Continue. Huh? Lumian appeared puzzled and took a few seconds to understand what his sister meant by continuing. By the look of things, the three transformed sheep are to be offered as sacrifices and brought back to Cordu. It is no surprise that they did not wait until early May. The twelfth night is, in fact, the day of a grand-scale sacrifice to the concealed entity? Aurores eyes scanned the surroundings, and she said, That was my assumption, but why did the padre and his accomplices receive varying degrees of blessings before Lent? According to my understanding, it should have been an exchange through sacrifice. Drawing on his malicious perspective, Lumian made a bold conjecture based on the previous cycles events. A small sacrifice and a grand ritual? At the end of the Lent celebration, the padre, who had obtained extraordinary powers, no longer concealed his abnormality. It is evident that he was planning something significant! After pondering for a moment, Aurore said, The Lent celebration could be a part of the grand ritual. Before the grand ritual, the padre made up his mind and offered his soul to the evil deity. With a certain amount of offerings, he obtained a plethora of blessings, completely revealing his true colors. By the looks of it, everyone in Cordu will be implicated once the Lent celebration commences. No one can escape. The siblings exchanged glances and believed that their assumption was close to the truth. However, if the abnormality erupted entirely from the Lent celebration until the twelfth night, how could they patiently wait until the final ritual to find the key to the cycle? There was a high probability that everyone in the village, apart from those who died as sacrifices, would be corrupted! I am only a Sequence 7 Aurore covered her face and said, And you are only a Sequence 9. They were facing such a dire situation! Based on Lumians account of the battle at the end of the Lent celebration and his recent experience hunting black-marked monsters, she knew that she was no match for the padre who had received a boon. She felt that she had to prepare in advance before she could confront Pierre Berry. Lumian had fortunately defeated the mutated padre in a one-on-two battle. Yet, preventing the padre and his accomplices from obtaining supernatural powers in advance could avert the twelfth night. The cycle would most likely restart in advance. Hell difficulty! Hell difficulty! Aurore slammed the dining table with a mournful expression. Without waiting for Lumians response, she raised her hands and tousled her blonde locks, as if releasing pent-up emotions. After a series of gestures, Aurore composed herself and calmly addressed Lumian, Seek out the trio of foreigners tomorrow morning. You may disclose the abnormality in the village to them. Concealing our status as Beyonders is unnecessary. Its very dangerous Lumian instinctively replied. Was it not natural for wild Beyonders to be considered culpable when they encountered officials? Aurore let out a slow exhale and stated, In this predicament, we cant care less. Other than the enigmatic lady, the trio are likely the most reliable individuals in the village. Moreover, each of them possesses strength that is on par with mine or even surpasses it. We are all in the same boat. Do not underestimate one another. Whether one is a wild Beyonder or an official, we must band together. As for the possibility of being hunted down by officials in the future, we shall cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, we must focus on escaping this loop. Lumian had heard his sister use the phrase all in the same boat before. He knew it implied that everyone was in a similar predicament and facing the same problem. If something were to happen, no one could escape. They had to stand together. Very well, I will seek them out tomorrow, he assented. Aurore continued, I now suspect that someone else is behind the padre and Pierre. He is the root of the corruption. Madame Pualis? Lumian guessed. Not only is she powerful, but she is also the padres mistress. She can control him in secret and use him to influence the others in the village. But she has no apparent connection to Pierre. Aurore gazed at her brother, frowning in contemplation. From the encounter with the three sheep, Pierre and Niort should have gained supernatural powers when they grazed the plains last October. At the very least, they should have acquired the corresponding knowledge. This is because they did not return midway, so it is impossible to obtain it elsewhere. This means that the abnormality in the village can be traced back to July and August of last year. Did you notice any anomalies? Lumian shook his head slowly. No. He had initially thought that he was thoroughly acquainted with Cordu, but now, he realized that the undercurrents had been present for over half a year. This realization filled him with dread and made him feel like a stranger in his own home. What is the problem? Lumian felt as though he was shrouded in layers of fog. He could never discern the truth of the matter. Aurore continued, It could also be that owl. Perhaps the legendary Warlock who died is not truly deceased. He may still be hiding somewhere in the village, or perhaps someone who we frequently encounter. He may have already discovered that I am a Warlock, and deliberately suppressed the legend from me. There are no such restrictions for ordinary individuals like you. Aurore instructed in a low voice, Notify me immediately the next time the owl pays a visit. I will get White Paper to track it and determine its whereabouts. Lumian tersely acknowledged his sisters request, indicating that he too was waiting for the owl to appear. This time, I will pluck all your feathers! He cursed inwardly. Aurore pondered for a moment before issuing a third directive. Tomorrow afternoon, I shall extend an invitation to Madame Pualis. The administrator remains at his post, leaving the butler and the servants as the only occupants of the castle. You may clandestinely enter and scour for any clues. If you are successful in persuading the three foreigners in the morning to come, we can get their aid in this operation. She dared not let White Paper venture to Madame Pualiss place whilst she was present. Nevertheless, she could not afford to be distracted whilst in Madame Pualiss company, thus she had to rely on her brother. Lumian nodded before advancing the suggestion, I would advise against being alone with Madame Pualis. I fear she may seize the opportunity to deal with you. Shall we invite Nazlie and the others to an afternoon tea gathering? The more individuals present, the safer it would be. Indeed. Aurore deemed it a superior option. She then remarked in a tone that was equal parts apprehensive and teasing, You must exercise caution after infiltrating the castle. I do not wish to end up an aunt. Lumian dared not retort, but gave her a glance that conveyed, I am more concerned about your safety, for Madame Pualis will be with you. During supper, Aurore set White Paper free to monitor the sheep pen. She discovered that the three sheep had licked the blood off their faces, preventing Shepherd Pierre Berry from detecting any anomaly. Following that, Lumian resumed his education on mysticism until he fell asleep. He acquired mastery over many Hermes words, including me, name, summon, need, light, and Sun. Light served as an incantation to activate the Integrity Brooch. There were three paragraphs in total. Lumian awoke in the room shrouded in a faint gray mist. He strode to the window and scrutinized the dark red peak and the dilapidated edifices that surrounded it once more. I wonder what secrets lie here Lumian muttered. As he gazed, a thought suddenly struck him. The ruins contained too many hazardous zones that he either could not or dared not approach. For instance, the lair of the three-faced monster. However, if he could summon a spirit world creature akin to White Paper and forge a pact with it, allowing it to infiltrate and observe, he ought to be able to gather more intelligence. His vision, sense of smell, and hearing were all heightened by his Beyonder characteristics. In theory, they constituted a kind of supernatural power that could be conveyed upon White Paper. As he ruminated, Lumian muttered to himself, The problem now is whether I can summon a spirit world creature in the dream ruins If I cannot, can I utilize our connection to bring it into the dream after summoning and forging the pact in reality? What implications will the addition of a contracted creature have on the cycle? Can the corresponding spirit world be added to the mix? If not, once the summoning duration elapses, the contracted creature will return and the cycle will recommence The more Lumian thought about it, the more his head throbbed. He felt a profound reverence for mysticism. He could only hope to swiftly master a few languages that would enable him to complete a summoning ritual. Without further ado, he seized his shotgun, the meager quantity of lead bullets that remained, and the sharp axe. He departed his home, traversed the wilderness, and re-entered the ruins. Chapter 58 - 58 Cherishing Talent 58 Cherishing Talent After two nights of reconnaissance, Lumian discovered that the monsters inhabiting the outskirts of the dream ruins were fewer in number than hed initially believed. Having dispatched the skinless creature, the shotgun-wielding monstrosity, and the monster with the black mark, Lumian found little else in his search of the area. All he uncovered were a few twitching chunks of flesh. Their sole purpose seemed to be as sustenance. Yet Lumian had long since realized that he had no need for food within the dream. Each time he entered, he felt invigorated and hunger-free. His energy would wane only after extended bouts of exploration or combat, replaced by a sensation akin to hunger. But it was a mild feeling that didnt necessitate additional nourishment. Once the hunger became unbearable, Lumians spiritual reserves and stamina would be all but depleted. Physically and mentally drained, hed be forced to exit the dream. After consuming a meal and recovering in the real world, he would return to the dreamscape, his vigor restored and hunger vanquished. As he delved deeper, Lumian surveyed his surroundings for any signs of collapsed structures. He discovered a smattering of coins, but their combined value amounted to little more than a Louis dor. He found merely a few livre bleu inscribed with words. Left with no alternative, Lumian decided to venture further into the ruins. He cautiously navigated through the faint gray fog and oppressive darkness, weaving between the ruins standing and fallen walls. Suddenly, he stumbled upon a series of shallow, bizarre footprints. It was difficult to classify them as footprintsthe left one appeared ordinary, but the right seemed more akin to a palm imprint. Another monster? Lumian stealthily trailed the footprints, all the while scrutinizing his environment and envisioning the ideal battlefield for various scenarios. Eventually, he detected movement, prompting him to halt. He skirted around the area and scaled a toppled building, using the scattered, hefty rubble as cover. Peering out cautiously, Lumian surveyed the source of the noise. There, in the center of an uncluttered wasteland, stood a figure that could scarcely be described as human. While vaguely humanoid in shape, closer inspection revealed a host of incongruities. Two eyes occupied the space where a nose should have been. Above them, a mouth, and below, a pair of ears. The nose was nestled near the temples, while a leg and an arm replaced each shoulder. The lower half of the figure consisted of another leg and arm. The entire form seemed to have been haphazardly assembled from mismatched human components. This revelation instantly clarified the nature of the peculiar tracks Lumian had been following. The creature was garbed in a brown short-sleeved shirt and dark blue trousers, typical attire for lower-class Intisians. It paced the barren landscape, shoeless and hatless. Lumian refrained from attacking, opting instead to observe patiently. Before long, the monster raised an arm and contorted its body backward, its head making contact with the ground. Its incredibly flexible it would make a great dancer Lumian mused sardonically. As if on cue, the creature launched into a dance. Its movements alternated between bold and graceful, sometimes bizarre and comical, yet always rhythmic. More notably, the creature seemed to possess no skeletal structureits limbs twisted and folded behind its back, and its legs and arms intertwined with ease. As the Prankster King of Cordu Village, Lumian quickly devised a fitting moniker for his newfound quarry: Noodle Man! Drawing on his observations, he began to formulate a strategy for the impending confrontation. I mustnt assume that I can evade its attacks simply by maneuvering behind it. Noodle Man is capable of treating its front and back interchangeably I must be wary of its potential to constrict me like a serpent Though its vital points remain uncertain, it does have a headIll start by chopping off that As Lumians thoughts raced, the monsters dance grew increasingly frenetic. It leaped skyward, limbs splayed as if attempting to embrace the heavens. Lumian found himself somewhat entranced, an urge to sway his body in sync with the creatures movements taking hold. He couldnt help but recall a melody his sister often played, the beat echoing through his mind: Dum-tch, dum-tch Suddenly, a warmth spread across his left pec as whispers seemed to reverberate in his skull. His scalp prickled and body shuddered, as though the phantom voice that had once pushed him to the brink of madness was about to speak again. Uh Lumian hastily undid the buttons of his leather coat and gray shirt with his left hand and gazed at his bare chest. The inky thorn mark over his heart had returned. The bluish-black symbol, consisting of an eye and writhing worms, materialized and bore down on the former. Lumian froze in shock as his mind raced. I hadnt even entered Cogitation, let alone held it for a few seconds Did Noodle Mans dance somehow trigger this? Is there something related to mysticism about that dance? Some hidden magic? Luckily, when the mark activates like this, the horrific whispers are nearly mute. It wont drive me to deaths door or strip me of all restraint. But Ill suffer a skull-splitting migraine, uncontrollable tremors, and disorientation Since becoming a Hunter, Lumian had avoided entering that Cogitation state to tap into his special trait. The danger seemed far greater now. Before, he had flirted with death and emerged unscathed. But now, hovering at deaths door might cause him to lose all self-control, with irreparable consequences! Worse, excessive exposure to that ghastly whisper might drive him irreparably insane, even if he survived and retained control. He dared not take that risk again unless it was a last resort. After two or three seconds, Lumian was no longer astonished by the thorn symbol being stimulated by Noodle Mans dance. An indescribable joy welled up in his heart. He could endure such a negative state completely! So, is there a chance that by learning Noodle Mans dance, I can dance it ahead of time to activate uhpartially activate the special trait of my dream when hunting powerful monsters? Then, Ill charge at the stunned target and finish it off in a few moves. Even if I cant fully trigger my special trait by dancing, it should be useful. I dont expect the target to give up resisting like the shotgun monster. Its enough to weaken them greatly Lumians thoughts raced. The more he watched the dancing Noodle Man, the more he found it pleasing. The eyes on the nose, the mouth on the forehead, and the arm that acted as a leg. How could any of that be as beautiful as the magical dance? In the blink of an eye, Lumian felt a strong sense of cherishing such talent, allowing him to find a reason. Aurore said that we cant select talents with a uniform standard. So, why must it be a human and not a monster? He decided not to hunt the Noodle Man before mastering the dance. He would come and observe it a few times every night to try to master it as soon as possible. Of course, he planned to experiment with the other party first. He wanted to see how the incomplete special trait would affect the monster! Lumian quickly made up his mind. He didnt button his clothes and bared his left chest. He circled around the cover and jumped from the collapsed house to the wasteland. Noodle Mans dance abruptly halted. It began to tremble. It turned to Lumian, prostrated itself, and lay on the ground. Lumian stopped and didnt approach further, maintaining a safe distance. Noodle Man didnt move. Lumian nodded imperceptibly and muttered to himself, Even when facing my special trait that hasnt been fully activated, such a low-level monster will give up resisting and express its submission I wonder what will happen to those at a higher level or those with Beyonder characteristics What I can be sure of is that the effect wont be as good Lumian looked at Noodle Man and smiled. Come on, dance again. Noodle Man didnt dare look up. It was unknown if it understood what Lumian was saying. Seeing that his sincere words were ineffective, Lumian emphasized, Quick, dance for your pp again! Noodle Mans body trembled as it continued to prostrate. How can I communicate with it if monsters cant understand human language? Lumian felt a little helpless. He immediately put his newly acquired Hermes vocabulary to use and said, I. Need Lumian didnt say another word and began a dance with his body movements. The monster didnt even acknowledge him as it pressed its face against the soil of the wasteland. Are you an imbecile? Lumian couldnt help but curse. He felt his scolding was unjustified. After all, which monster he had encountered was not stupid? Even the most intelligent shotgun monster was subdued by human intelligence! At that moment, Lumian felt the warmth in his chest dissipate. He instinctively lowered his head and noticed the thorn symbol and the bluish-black symbol vanish simultaneously. Lumian quickly shifted his gaze towards Noodle Man. Noodle Man happened to raise its head and looked at Lumian with its nose-located eyes. The man and monster stared at each other, stunned for a second. Thud, thud, thud. Lumian turned around and ran away. Noodle Man leaped up and chased him ferociously. Lumian was well acquainted with the area. His running speed was faster than the uncoordinated monster, so he easily shook it off and circled back to the wasteland to hide in his original location. He didnt flee because he was afraid of the other party, but he was concerned that he might not be able to control himself if they really fought. He didnt know if he could find another dancing Noodle Man in the dream ruins. Before learning that mysterious dance, he had no intention of hunting this strange monster. After waiting for a while, Lumian saw Noodle Man return to the area. He nodded and muttered to himself, As expected, monsters have their own territory. They are accustomed to moving around or patrolling a certain route This is very similar to wild beasts Next, Lumian patiently waited for the dance that might not happen. After nearly two hours, he had expended quite a bit of his spirituality and felt a little hungry. Noodle Man, who had rested for a long time, walked to the center of the wasteland and raised its arm and leg. Chapter 59 - 59 Again 59 Again Noodle Man danced once more, and Lumian confirmed that the mysterious dance could prevent the black thorn symbol on his chest from activating fully. It produced no terrifying sound, only an illusory whisper. This was highly advantageous for Lumians special trait in the dreamscape. However, he discovered two problems: Firstly, Noodle Mans dance moves were extremely difficult and violated the human bodys structure. Only a monster with exaggerated flexibility like Noodle Man could complete them. Although Lumian was a Beyonder and a Hunter with a greatly enhanced body, he had no confidence in replicating them himself. He feared that dancing even once would result in ligament tears, muscle strains or worse, fractures. Secondly, the dance stirred the surrounding powers of nature and depleted Lumians spirituality considerably. After watching it for the third time, Lumian sighed silently, realizing he needed rest. I have to go back and rest after watching this. A Hunters spirituality is really useless! He was almost certain that the hidden existence corresponding to the thorn symbol was closely related to this dream ruin. The padre had a black mark on his body, and there was a dancing monster that could activate the thorn symbol. It would be surprising to say that it had nothing to do with the hidden existence! Lumian believed Aurores guess even more, thinking of the similar symbol on the padres chest and the dream ruins rebooting along with reality. The key to resolving the loop might be hidden in the depths of this place, playing a vital role. Is that why the mysterious lady kept hinting at me to unravel the secret of the dream ruins? The more Lumian thought about it, the more frustrated he became. He raised his left hand, which wasnt holding an axe, and made obscene gestures at the black thorn symbol on his chest. Ignoring the question of whether the hidden existence could sense or see him, Lumian felt that the problem wouldnt deteriorate any further, given that he had already fallen into a time loop thanks to Him, and the people around him were becoming stranger and more dangerous. After watching the dance for the third time, Lumian rubbed his somewhat empty head and left the ruins to return to his home on the other side of the wilderness, enduring the slight warmth in his chest. Before leaving the dream, he attempted to consolidate the dance movements he had memorized and almost sprained his back, broke his knee ligaments and tore his calf muscles. Dogsh*t, this isnt something an ordinary human can do! Lumian cursed and lay on the bed. As his spirituality was greatly drained, he quickly fell asleep. As Lumian awoke, the sky was just beginning to lighten. The sun had yet to rise, and the crimson moon had lost its luster. He sat up slowly, feeling the satisfaction of a deep sleep. His exhausted spirituality had been perfectly replenished. Walking to the window, Lumian drew back the curtains, allowing the light of dawn to flood the room. In the next moment, his eyes were fixed on the figure larger than an ordinary owl, perched on an elm tree not far away, staring down at him. Lumian quickly snapped out of his daze and opened his mouth. Aurore! Aurore! The suspect is here! Quick, follow it! Upon hearing the shout, the owl unfurled its wings and soared towards the edge of the village. It gradually descended and vanished into the forest bordering Cordu Village. Aurore, dressed in a white silk nightgown, entered Lumians bedroom seconds later, her face contorted in irritation. Is it that owl again? Lumian gazed out of the window and replied, Yes. Did White Paper manage to follow it? Aurore pulled at her long blonde tresses and spat, Why does it always appear at such ungodly hours? I was sound asleep when you woke me up. By the time I could release White Paper, it had flown away. Lumian shot back, But you said you couldnt sleep well with something on your mind. Aurore rolled her eyes at him and sneered, Humans tend to feel nervous, uneasy, and fearful at the beginning. Once they get used to it, they become numb to it. Only by sleeping well can they remain alert and rational. If you dont sleep well, it will affect your mental state and signs of losing control will surface. Lumians expression was remorseful as he said, We can only wait for the next time. After a moment of contemplation, Aurore suggested, Lets try to identify a pattern in its appearances. We cant keep waiting around all the time. We need to rest and cannot be on guard constantly. Lumian reminisced about the first few sightings. Its always in the latter half of the night and early morning hours Why only during that period? Aurore inquired further. It seems more like an act than a pattern. Think carefully. Did you do anything or repeat the same actions on the corresponding nights when it appeared in the first half of the night? I was exploring the dream ruins, Lumian admitted to his sister as he began to recall. Before it first appeared, I killed the first monster in the dream. Before it appeared the second time, I activated the symbol on my chest through Cogitation and discovered what was special about me. The third time, I consumed the potion in the dream and became a Hunter. The fourth time, which is today, I discovered a way to activate my specialness in the dream to a certain extent while incurring less damage. How did you do it? Aurore asked eagerly. Lumian recounted Noodle Mans dance and his attempt. As Aurore listened, she thought about the owl. After her brother finished speaking, she deliberated and said, The owls visits seem to be related to significant progress in your exploration of the dream. Uh Lumian thought for a moment before his eyes lit up. Indeed! The first time I killed a monster, the first time I displayed my specialness, the first time I consumed a potion and stepped onto the Beyonder path, the first time I found a way to make use of that specialness Similar major developments also have a certain reaction in reality. That owl sensed it and came over to observe? Heh, it smelled something. Aurore tersely acknowledged. In the future, we can deliberately create a similar opportunity to see if we can wait for that owl. I believe the next time it appears is after I master the mysterious dance and can truly use the specialness brought about by the symbol on my chest in my dream, Lumian pondered, revealing a malicious smile. When the time comes, Ill inform you before entering the dream. Be prepared. Aurore thought for a moment and nodded. I hope to figure out who the owl is related to and what role it plays in Cordus abnormality. Lumian seized the opportunity to inquire, Aurore, uh, Grande Soeur, do you possess any knowledge about that particular dance? As you are aware, my understanding of mysticism is still rudimentary. Aurore dragged a chair in front of Lumians wooden table and settled in. After pondering for a moment, she responded, Several notebooks have alluded to the existence of large-scale ritualistic magic during the early Fifth Epoch and throughout the Fourth Epoch. Those rituals entailed not only numerous sacrifices but also a multitude of participants. They employed specific dances to appease their desired entities in exchange for a response. In essence, it was a form of sacrificial ritual and magic. Dancing, from the outset, was believed to influence nature and facilitate communication with deities. Its effects resemble those of Beyonder language and the combination of herbs, essential oils, and other ingredients. In Aurore and Lumians world, history was divided into five epochs. The First Epoch was the Chaos Epoch, followed by the Dark Epoch, and then the Cataclysm Epoch. However, Aurore had heard from a pen pal that the Cataclysm Epoch was also known as the Glorious Epoch. The Fourth Epoch was the Age of the Gods, or the Epoch of the Gods. The Fifth Epoch was the present day, which began 1,358 years ago and was referred to as the Iron Age. Of the five epochs, the history of the first three remained unverifiable, with only myths and legends surviving. The Fourth Epoch occasionally yielded documents, information, notebooks, ruins, mausoleums, ancient cities, and so on. Nevertheless, history seemed shrouded in a thick fog, with only a faint outline discernible. The theological texts of the seven Churches often recounted stories from the Fourth Epoch, which served as the only source of illumination. After listening to his sisters explanation, Lumian hazarded a guess. That Noodle Man employs dance to appease the hidden entity that corresponds to the thorn symbol. Is it hoping to elicit a response or a boon? Perhaps a significant portion of its ritual is absent, resulting in an extremely weak effect. Or is the problem with the dream ruins causing a failure that can only trigger a tiny fraction of the power contained in the symbol within my body? Heh heh, its as if Im a god. Having witnessed Noodle Mans dance and being pleased by it, I decided to highlight the symbol and offer a certain response. However, Lumian had no control over this. It was an automatic reaction of the thorn symbol. Aurore smiled and replied, You are more like a carrier of that symbol, a tool, in a sense. She paused thoughtfully and said, I suspect that the dance was specifically invented to please or communicate with the hidden entity that corresponds to the thorn symbol. Otherwise, it wouldnt have elicited a reaction from the symbol Furthermore, based on your description, this is not something an ordinary person can accomplish. Only Beyonders with special enhancements can do so. Although I am familiar with the names of the corresponding Sequence 9 and Sequence 8 pathways, I have a certain level of understanding of them. None of them can execute that kind of dance, and Noodle Mans performance does not seem like that of a higher Sequence. Otherwise, you would not have been able to escape. Perhaps it is not from the 22 pathways, but rather a boon from a hidden entity? Lumian recalled the mysterious ladys words. Aurore looked out the window and pursed her lips. I wonder if this has anything to do with the Circle Inhabitant or a power equivalent to Sequence 9 or Sequence 8? Probably. Lumian suddenly laughed. Let me name it. Noodle Man, Circle Inhabitants corresponding Sequence 9! Aurore couldnt help but look up at the ceiling. The siblings chatted for a while before heading downstairs for breakfast. After studying Hermes until past ten, Lumian departed with important items. Chapter 60 - 60 "Dancer" 60 Dancer Lumian was in no rush to track down Ryan, Leah, and Valentine. Instead, he headed straight for the Ol Tavern, hoping to get lucky. If that enigmatic woman showed up, he had a slew of questions for her! Accepting her gift had bound him to some future cost. He might as well seize the chance to gain more benefits, as Aurore had advised. The instant Lumian stepped into the Ol Tavern, his eyes sparkled. The mysterious woman sat in her usual corner seat, two glasses of emerald absinthe before her. Two glasses? She knew Id come? Lumian approached her with a smile and greeted her. Good morning. She wore a white blouse with vine-leaf patterns at the collar and a beige ankle-length dress, a light-red beret beside her. Lumian, no stranger to his sisters fashion magazines, recognized this as Triers latest trend. She glanced up at him. Its getting late. Almost noon. This is to fit your schedule, isnt it? Lumian thought, annoyed. But seeing the enigmatic woman brought him a strange sense of calm. He sat and cut to the chase. Ive been through a lot lately. She slid a glass of absinthe his way. The swirling green liquid was like a beacon of joy. She neither invited him to speak nor silenced him. Lumian sipped the absinthe, finding it rich and invigorating, with a subtle bitter note. It tasted different from any absinthe hed had before. Whats this? he asked, puzzled. Another kind of absinthequite popular in Trier these days. To differentiate it from the original, people call it absinthe fennel. Authors, painters, and poets are particularly fond of it. She took a small sip. The green liquid in the clear glass seemed to possess a hypnotic hue. Absinthes main ingredients were wormwood, fennel, and anise. Different producers used slightly varied recipes, some even adding lemon essential oils. Lumian didnt understand her motives. Had she traveled to Trier just to bring back absinthe fennel? He didnt ask. Instead, he recounted recent events, both real and dreamed. She sipped from her small cup of absinthe fennel, listening quietly to Lumians account. Thats about it. Can I learn that mysterious dance as quickly as possible? he asked, bluntly. He didnt bother inquiring about the loops key or the dreams secret. Experience told him he wouldnt get a straight answer. The woman swirled her emerald liquid and smiled. Without a significant boost in flexibility, youll never master it. You could force yourself through a portion, but youd risk ligament and muscle tears. How would you hunt monsters then? Lumian was attuned to the subtext in others words. Is there a way to greatly increase my flexibility? She chuckled. Thats for you to figure out. Lumian was stumped by her cryptic hint. If she were a less mysterious acquaintance, hed demand, Explain yourself! Dont make me kneel and beg! As if reading his mind, she smiled and added, The solution to your flexibility lies within you. Huh? Lumian looked perplexed. She sipped her absinthe fennel and sighed. Didnt your sister teach you ritualistic magic? Lumian noticed the strange emotion flicker in her eyes once again. She did. His heart quickened. Pray to myself? She assessed him and laughed. Who do you think you are? What good would praying to you do? You can only summon the weakest creatures from the spirit world. Your spiritual perception improves with your body. Danger intuition, for example? Lumian grasped the gist of her words. Though Hunters spirituality was enhanced, it focused on spiritual perception and fell short in ritualistic magic and other mystical matters. So, what do I need to do? Lumian pressed. The lady sighed wearily. Youve studied dualistic ritual law, havent you? Yes. Lumian nodded. The lady sighed again. Luckily you have a sister. Otherwise, Id have to teach you all this mystic mumbo jumbo. Too tiresome. You mean you didnt tell me about ritual magic, Cogitation, Spirit Vision, contracted creatures, or magic languages because it was too much hassle? You just showed up after Aurore finished teaching me? Lumian felt rage bubbling up inside him. He took a couple of deep breaths and said, Dualistic rituals require items closely tied to deities or supernatural beings, but I dont have any His voice trailed off as a thought struck him. The woman smirked and said, Oh yes, you do. Dont you remember? Lumian jabbed a finger at his chest. The thorn symbol and the bluish-black symbol? The lady nodded before reminding, Forget the bluish-black symbol. The key to a dualistic ritual is channeling the divine power in the object. If its power decreases, the balance in your body will be disrupted. And when that happens She left the sentence hanging but her expression told Lumian all he needed to know. In Aurores usual grim words: No hope. Just wait for death! Is the bluish-black symbol protecting me from corruption? Lumian knew enough about the mysticism to recognize his current state as corruption. Its the great existence I mentioned protecting you, the woman said solemnly. Once you solve the secret of the dream ruins, Ill tell you His honorific name. You can pray to Him directly. Did this great existence seal the corruption symbolized by the thorn in my heart, preventing it from corrupting me completely? Lumian didnt know if this great existence was good or evil, or had sinister intentions, but he felt an odd affinity with Him on this. He thought for a moment and guessed, Use a dualistic ritual to steal the power of the thorn symbol? If its power decreases, the corruption will weaken and the seal strengthen? How can you call it stealing? the lady retorted. This is appealing to an entity for a boon. It just so happens He has some of His power nearby. The response follows the law of proximity. Thanks to the seal from the great existence and barriers attenuating it, the entitys true form wont sense it. Only mystics like you who speak in riddles understand how to sugarcoat it Whats the difference between this and stealing? Lumian thought sourly. From the ladys explanation of divine boon and abnormal pathways, he asked shrewdly, Through the dualistic ritual, can I appeal to the power behind the thorn symbol and ask it to grant me the ability to greatly increase my flexibility? Something like that, the lady said. To be precise, ask it to grant you the power of Dancer. Dancer? Lumian thought of Noodle Mans performance. The lady took a sip of absinthe and said, For Beyonder pathways beyond the standard 22, we classify them into Sequence 9 to Sequence 0 for convenience. In a way, this Sequence division follows the rules of this world. Does Dancer correspond to Sequence 9 of the thorn symbol, just as Circle Inhabitant corresponds to its Sequence 4? Lumian fired off. Can it boost my flexibility and improve my mystic skills, allowing me to easily grasp that mysterious dance? The lady smiled in relief. As expected, with a foundation in mysticism, communication is much easier. No need for me to explain further. Lumian asked eagerly, Then what are Sequences 8, 7, 6 and 5 of the thorn symbol? Sequence 8 is Alms Monk, and Sequence 7 is Contractee. Gosh, why do you want to know so much? Master the ritual first and strive to become a Dancer as soon as possible. The woman was losing patience. Alms Monk Contractee These names instantly clicked for Lumian. Alms Monk referred to certain members of the various churches in reality. The Eternal Blazing Sun Church was rife with factions, each with their own beliefs. Two main groups stood out; the Order of Preachers and the Brotherhood Minor, also known as the Alms Monk Brotherhood. The former was made up of clergymen and the Purifiers of the Inquisition who were dedicated to the cruel persecution and purification of heretics, cultists, and wild Beyonders, all in the name of promoting the orthodox teachings of the Eternal Blazing Sun. The latter, however, were mainly concentrated in the cloisters, with a few clergymen among their ranks. They espoused temperance, begging for food and ascetic training, preaching in various poor places, all with the aim of spreading the faith of the Eternal Blazing Sun. At the mention of the Alms Monk, Lumian immediately thought of missionaries, asceticism, and special ritualistic magic. As for Contractee, the first thing that came to mind was the black mark on the padre and the mouth orifice monster. Aurore explained that it might be a mark left behind by a special contract. Wait, the monster I killed was a Contractee? Lumian asked in surprise. I actually killed a monster equivalent to a Sequence 7? The lady nodded slightly and said, Yes, Contractees use special contracts and godhood provided by that existence as witnesses to obtain different powers from various creatures. One contract corresponds to one ability. Whether theyre powerful or not depends on the abilities they obtain and how many they have. Its not impossible for ordinary people to kill them if they take the wrong path. In fact, similar situations occur in the Beyonder domain. Its common for Beyonders who arent skilled in combat to be killed by those of an inferior Sequence. Ability is important, as is intelligence. Preparation in advance is equally significant. Chapter 61 - 61 Description 61 Description The more Lumian listened to the lady in front of him, the more he concurred. He was uncertain about what would happen at a higher Sequence. Among the few Beyonder creatures he had interacted with, the threat posed by the fellow with the vortex-shaped proboscis was far inferior to the monster carrying a shotgun. Although he had become a Beyonder, significantly improving his close combat ability and exploitation of the environment, the problem primarily lay with the Contractee monster. Firstly, it did not display a relatively strong pursuit ability. Secondly, it lacked long-range attacks. Thirdly, its invisibility ability was not ridiculous. It was completely countered by a Hunters grasp of the surrounding environment and minute traces. Moreover, it had the common problem of monsters. It did not have high intelligence and was not as combat-intelligent as the shotgun monster. It had easily stepped into the enemys trap. With all of this combined, the final outcome was obvious. Lumian just never expected it to be equivalent to a Sequence 7. He didnt even compare it to the shotgun monster, recognizing the vast difference between the two. The shotgun monster was a force to be reckoned with, while the mouth orifice monster was weak. Ability, intelligence, preparation, improvisation, environmental factors There are too many variables that can affect the outcome of a battle Lumian concluded inwardly and asked without much hope, Can I directly pray for Contractee powers? The lady chuckled. Thats a good way to kill yourself. She casually explained, In theory, its possible. After all, the power sealed in your body isnt limited to the Sequence 7 equivalent. But can your body withstand such a tremendous boon or rather, corruption? If you dont mind turning into a monster, a puppet of that existence, or transforming into another creature, then go ahead. Tsk, then it wont be long before I see you personally turning your sister into a sacrifice. Lumians hair stood on end from the womans words, and a chill ran down his spine, realizing that he wasnt ready to advance beyond his current level. He cautiously asked, So, the most significant boon I can handle right now is a Dancer? Yes, thats why I waited for you to become a Beyonder and digest some of it before telling you about it, the woman explained, taking another sip of her green liquid. Only when your mind, spirituality, and body have improved significantly will you have a chance of resisting the corruption attached to the boon. Then, you can slowly control the power. As your Soul Body and Body of Heart and Mind strengthen, and your body adapts to the slight changes brought about by the power of the boon, you can consider Alms Monk. For Lumian, the most crucial thing was to learn the mysterious dance. Initiating the incomplete activation of the thorn symbol would significantly improve his ability to explore the dream ruins. Therefore, he nodded slightly, no longer thinking about Alms Monk and Contractee. How should I pray? He had already learned the duality ritual, but he still didnt know the targets honorific name, domain, and corresponding ingredients. Ahem, the lady coughed. Then, she spoke solemnly, What Im about to say shall leave my mouth and enter your ears You must not tell anyone, or youll harm them. Leave my mouth and enter your ears This is a sentence Aurore likes to write Has this lady read one of her novels? Lumian thought. I understand. He thought for a moment and asked, Will anything go wrong from hearing it? The lady took a sip of absinthe fennel and smiled. When did you have the illusion that theres nothing wrong with you? Lumian was stunned for a moment before looking down at his left pec. The lady scoffed. You belong to the group of individuals who are on the brink of being corrupted. Luckily, the mark left by that great existence was activated, and the corresponding power descended upon you, sealing the source of corruption and establishing balance. Next, you will perform a ritual to confront the power within the seal and pray for the corresponding blessings. It is akin to proactively withstanding a certain level of corruption. So, why should you be afraid of minor issues that you hear? The more I hear, the more I feel that theres a huge problem Lumian wasnt too confident. The lady shook her head and smiled. Do not fret. When I reveal the corresponding words, I will provide you with a sufficiently concealed environment and secure protection. In the future, it would be best to perform the ritual in the ruins, where there is gray fog and the protection of the great existence. It will not directly draw the attention of that entity. Furthermore, before the ritual, scramble every segment and description. Attempt not to piece them together and analyze them in a complete manner. Otherwise, heh She chuckled and did not elaborate on the outcome, but Lumian could imagine what would occur. Observing that he did not inquire further, the woman nodded slightly. Let us commence. The first part is the Power of Inevitability. Using it is sufficient. It corresponds with your black thorn symbol. The complete name of that being is not something you can comprehend at the moment. Even I must provide some concealment before daring to contemplate it. For some reason, Lumian felt the light around him diminish slightly, but he was unsure. At that moment, the woman controlled her expression and said solemnly, The second part is: You are the past, the present, and the future. You are the reason, the result, and the process As the lady enunciated each word with precision, Lumian felt his senses spin. He realized that a vortex of dark wind was enveloping him. The table, on which his absinthe fennel rested, writhed as if imbued with a life force of its own. Suddenly, a sharp sound echoed. An ebony worm, as long as an adults index finger, slithered out of the wooden board, and an ominous aura spread instantaneously. Before Lumian could observe the worms features, the woman sitting across from him lowered her cup filled with the green liquid and slammed it onto the grotesque creature, reducing it to a pulpy mess. Next, the woman produced a patterned napkin, wiped the glasss base clean, and wrapped the worms remains in it. She took another sip of the absinthe fennel, as if nothing untoward had occurred, and emphasized, Remember, the first and second parts must be recited in ancient Hermes. Jotun, Dragonese, and Elvish are acceptable as well. Similar to how the initial I in the rite that worships oneself cannot be in Hermes Lumian nodded to indicate his comprehension. Although he had always been audacious, he felt slightly discomfited and uneasy when confronted with the strange phenomena that kept manifesting during their conversation. His heart raced, but the enigmatic woman acted as if she had merely detected some impurities in their meal. She continued, The third part can be spoken in Hermes. The text is as follows: I implore you, I beseech your benediction. I plead with you to grant me the power of Dancer. Remember, the three sentences are progressive. These words did not elicit a new environmental shift. The anomalies that had caused Lumians unease and trepidation gradually subsided. Lumian committed them to memory earnestly and followed the womans instructions to scramble the words, to prevent any potential issues. The woman savored the remaining absinthe fennel with satisfaction. The rest of the ritual is similar to common ritualistic magic. The corresponding ingredients are gray amber, tulips, cloves, and deer musk. Choose any two to make candles. The remaining two can be used as herbs, essential oil, and extract during the ritual. Lumian furrowed his brow as he recalled the dualistic ritual he had learned. The spot representing the deity should have an item thats closely related to the deity, but my thorn symbol is on my chest. I cant skin it, right? Besides, I doubt its useful even if I skin it. The power was sealed in his heart and Spirit Body. The woman nodded slightly. Didnt I tell you to make candles? When making the candle, take 5 milliliters of blood from your chest. It doesnt matter if its more or less. In any case, fuse it into the material and let it become a part of the candle. In the ritual, the candle is placed in the deitys location. Theres only one candle. Because of your blood, the candle is awakened by ancient Hermes. After becoming a symbol, it will point directly at you. Then, with the subsequent description, it will activate the power sealed in you to a certain extent. It feels like a special variant of the dualistic ritual. Aurore didnt mention that it could be done like this, so not many people know about it Lumian thought for a moment and asked, Can I use perfume with gray amber? He remembered that his sister had it, and she liked to call gray amber ambergris. The woman nodded. Sure, use it like an essential oil. I possess the gray amber in that case. I have some cloves at home Lumian pondered where he could acquire tulips and deer musk. After much contemplation, he could only come up with three possibilities: Firstly, Aurore, being a Warlock, might have already prepared the required materials. Secondly, the materials could be found at the administrators residence. Thirdly, the padres house could be a potential source. Lumian decided to inform his sister about the ritual and break down the instructions into individual words. He planned to learn the corresponding ancient Hermes and Hermes words from her and inquire about the availability of the materials. If she didnt have them, he would explore other options. As the lady was about to depart, Lumian hastily questioned, What was that lizard that crawled out of the deputy padres mouth? The lady smiled and replied, I cannot explain it to you. Lumian struggled to maintain his composure and thought, Why not just say you dont want to tell me After the lady left, Lumian retrieved the pen and paper he had brought and jotted down the ritual instructions in a disordered manner. He then numbered them in the correct sequence. Upon leaving Ol Tavern, Lumian scoured the village for the trio of foreigners. It didnt take long before he heard a faint tinkling sound. Lumians lips curved into a smile as he quickened his pace. As expected, Leah wore two bells on her veil and boots, Ryan donned a dark bowler hat, and Valentine had sprinkled powder on his head. Lumian had an urge to open his arms and exclaim, My cabbages, I missed you so much! but he quickly remembered that he had not interacted with the foreigners in this cycle. He kneaded his face to appear more serious and strode towards Ryan and the others. As he brushed past them, he lowered his voice and said, I know who youre searching for. Ryan, Leah, and Valentine gaped at him in astonishment. Lumian didnt pause; he continued walking forward. The three foreigners exchanged glances, suppressed their peculiar expressions, and followed behind Lumian as if nothing had happened. Chapter 62 - 62 Date 62 Date Lumian halted at the forests edge, a short distance from his house, and glanced back at Leah and the others. This spot was quite secluded, with no villagers passing through. The forest was thinly populated, making it easy to spot anyone hiding nearby. As the tinkling sounds drew nearer, Leah asked with a smile, How do you know were looking for someone? Lumian remained silent. He pulled out the essential item he had brought with him. The livre bleu from home! He lifted the item and showed Ryan and the others the pages where some words had been cut out. Without hesitation, Ryan nodded and said, So you wrote the letter for help. They had never mentioned a help letter in Cordu, let alone detailed that the letter was assembled from words cut from a livre bleu. Unless the other party had a key informant in Bigorre, it had to be the letter writer. Leah instinctively looked around. The two small silver bells hanging from the veil above her head oddly didnt make a sound. Valentine was about to ask what was weird about the people around him when Ryan asked, puzzled, How can you be sure that were here because of that letter? You told me yourself Lumian smiled. There are very few foreigners who come to Cordu to begin with. Even fewer who dont buy wool, cheese, and lambs and only wander around the village to chat with people. Besides, I didnt say anything. I just showed you this livre bleu. Realization hit Leah, and she laughed. So its just a test. Thats a brilliant idea. Those who dont know the letter wont understand your intentions, so they wont be too suspicious. At most, theyll think its a prank, and youre the Prankster King of Cordu. Ryan nodded slightly. This seemingly innocent line revealed that the trio had gleaned something from chatting in Cordu over the past few days. At the very least, they had identified the more prominent villagers and taken appropriate measures. Lumian immediately flashed a teasing smile. You believed it? You seriously believed it? Seeing Ryan and the others astonishment, he added, I was just joking. Ill tell you the real reason later. Leah gritted her teeth. As expected of the Prankster King of Cordu. Arent you afraid that we wont believe what youre about to say? You can choose not to believe it. Lumian wore an indifferent expression. Or you can verify it yourself. Valentine, visibly dissatisfied, asked anxiously, In your letter, you mentioned that the people around you are getting weirder. Whats so weird about them? Lumian exclaimed and cracked his knuckles. Theres plenty. To be precise, the padre believing in an evil god, Shepherd Pierre Berry turning people into sheep and herding them back to Cordu. Madame Pualis rides a demon-drawn carriage through the wilderness. When the deputy padre sleeps, a translucent lizard-like creature crawls out of his mouth. Naroka is clearly not dead, but she wants to go to Paramita. Louis Lund, the administrators male butler, has just given birth to a baby. The owl from the Warlock legends flies back to the village from time to time Ryan, Leah, and Valentine grew increasingly shocked as they listened. They didnt want to believe it, but they felt that the kid before them couldnt invent so many absurd stories. They were all seasoned official investigators who had dealt with numerous Beyonder incidents, many involving evil gods and mystic arts. However, none were as ludicrous or exaggerated as what they were hearing now. Only the padre believing in evil gods sounded normal. More importantly, most of the incidents they had previously handled stood independently. At most, two or three would occur simultaneously. Moreover, they were closely related to each other, but Cordu had too many horrifying abnormalities! What kind of place is this? Almost instantly, similar thoughts raced through Leah, Ryan, and Valentines minds. They suspected they had inadvertently entered the legendary Abyss or Hell! When Lumian stopped, Leah couldnt help but ask, Youre not joking, are you? Was there anyone normal in this village? Lumian smiled. I havent finished speaking. Theres another abnormality. This is the third or fourth time Ive talked to you about something like this. Ryan, Leah, Valentine, my cabbages. Ryan, Leah, and Valentine werent surprised that Lumian knew their names. It was inevitable when they had been chatting in the village. They were even more astonished and puzzled by the first half of the sentence. What do you mean? Valentine asked with a frown. What I mean is that weve been repeatedly experiencing the past few days. In other words, weve fallen into a time loop. Lumian didnt let the three foreigners guess and provided a standard answer. Without waiting for Ryan and the others to question him, he briefly mentioned what they had experienced together and finally said, Think back carefully. Was it really March 29th when you entered the village? Leah and the others racked their brains. After more than ten seconds, Valentine revealed a pained expression. My sense of time is hazy. I cant remember the exact date of the previous two months But I remember. I remember celebrating my youngest sons birthday before I set off. His birthday is Valentine raised his head and blurted out in shock, April 10th! In other words, the actual date now is mid-to-late April? Judging from the looks of it, the number of cycles I went through before I had my memories wiped cant be more than a couple. It cant even be more than once Yes, that was the first cycle. The loop hadnt even begun, so I could send a letter without the rivers help. When the loop happened and time rewound, the corresponding memories would be replaced, but material objects beyond the range wouldnt be able to turn back? Lumian had a new theory about the letter. He nodded imperceptibly and said to Ryan and Leah, You can also wire the outside world and get the current date in a way that wont raise any red flags. When the time comes, youll believe me. Yes, yes! Send a telegram! Valentine snapped out of his stupor. Ask the higher-ups for help! Lumian looked at him as if he were a fool. Ask for help? In the face of such a bizarre time loop, what do you officials usually do? Ryan fell silent for a moment before saying, Stamp it out directly to prevent the corruption from spreading. Therefore, asking for help now is as good as suicide. Lumian smiled and shrugged. Valentine replied fervently, According to the rules, we have to report back ASAP. Im willing to sacrifice myself for this! Lumian was stunned. Such people exist? No, I have to get rid of this guy immediately, or everyone will die together! Fortunately, Leah and Ryan clearly felt that they could still be saved. They exchanged a glance and nodded. Ryan patted Valentines shoulder and said, Stay calm. We still dont know whats going on. Perhaps theres a better solution. If we really cant save ourselves, well report it to the higher-ups. Thats right, Lumian hurriedly added. He recounted the discoveries and speculations minus the symbol on his chest, the dream ruins, the mysterious lady, and the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society. Finally, he said, The key to the problem most likely happens on the twelfth night. We have to survive until then. Only then can we truly resolve the issue in the next cycle. Seeing that he had revealed so many details and that they could verify them all, Ryan and the others were completely inclined to believe him. Valentine calmed down and remembered his wife and children. Leah exhaled. No wonder you know us and know were looking for someone. It turned out that they had communicated in a previous cycle. She subconsciously touched the silver bell above her head, wanting to do a divination, but she held back when she recalled the abnormalities Lumian had described. She didnt want to blow up because of a divination that shouldnt be done before the real investigation began. Ryan thought for a moment and said to Lumian, Youre telling us this because you want us to cooperate with you and your sister? Very astute, my cabbage. Lumian laughed and said seriously, First, wire the outside world, saying that your investigation has made some progress. The padre seems to have a certain issue. Then, ask what the lizard-like thing that crawls out of a mouth is. This is the least likely to cause a destructive blowout of all the abnormalities. Ah, right, confirm the real date and be careful in how its done. Dont let anyone outside suspect anything. Secondly, my sister will invite Madame Pualis to my house for afternoon tea this afternoon. I hope that you can sneak into the administrators mansion with me and do a search. As for the future, it depends on the information we obtain today. Ryan, Leah, and Valentine looked at each other and felt that Lumians request wasnt too unreasonable. This was what they would have done. The four of them arrived at the village square. Ryan went to wire the outside world while Leah, Valentine, and Lumian waited under the elm tree outside. After calming down, Leah glanced at Lumian and asked curiously, Youre a Beyonder, and so is your sister? Yes. Lumian didnt hide it. Leah laughed. Arent you afraid of being arrested by us? Were in the same boat now. In the face of an emergency where the boat is about to sink, we can only help each other. Lumian shrugged. As for the future, well talk about it later. Its still unknown if we can escape this loop. Thats true. Leah turned her head and looked at Valentine. The reason why she brought up this topic was to let her companion understand this and not do anything stupid. Valentines expression remained cold as he nodded imperceptibly. Leah then asked about something she was more concerned about. Why can you keep the memories from before? Im not telling you. Lumian laughed. Without waiting for Leahs response, he spread his hands and said, Im just joking. Actually, Im not sure either. I somehow retained my memories, and its only from the last two cycles. Think back to what happened back then. Perhaps this is very important, Leah said after some thought. Lumian said sincerely, Ive been thinking, but I havent figured out anything. Perhaps Ill only suddenly realize when I encounter something. Leah was about to help analyze the situation when Ryan, who had received a reply, walked out of the administration building. Chapter 63 - 63 Shocking News 63 Shocking News Leah and Valentine asked Ryan in unison, How is it? Although they had already believed Lumians words, it was inevitable for people to hope for luck. They still held onto the hope that perhaps the problem wasnt that serious because the kid wasnt knowledgeable enough to exaggerate. Ryan looked around and saw that there was no one else around the elm tree. He spoke in a low voice, I was afraid to ask too directly. I only know that the real date is already late April. I dont know the exact date. Leah and Valentine fell silent. They had indeed fallen into a strange time loop! Judging from the various files and information, this was definitely not something the three of them should face or deal with. They were seasoned Beyonders who had handled many Beyonder incidents. It was the first time they had encountered such a serious and abnormal situation. Leah couldnt help but turn to look at Lumian. What kind of place is Cordu? There were abnormalities everywhere, each more exaggerated than the last! I dont know either. Lumian had an innocent expression. Before the loop, this place was beautiful and the people were simple. Everyone was normal and hospitable. He didnt tell the three foreigners that the person standing before them was also one of the abnormalities. Ryan sighed and said, Ive never encountered so many abnormalities at once, and every one of them is serious. This is the most dangerous situation Ive ever faced, echoed Valentine. Lumian was already a little numb to this. He sneered and said, Its normal that you havent encountered it before, because those who have encountered one are dead. Leah looked at him with a smile. Dont say anything if you cant say something nice. People like you wont survive past childhood elsewhere. Killed in the cradle? Lumian mocked himself and asked Ryan, Did you get an answer about the deputy padre? Ryan nodded. In the past few years, similar legends have emerged in various places across the Northern and Southern Continents. Legend has it that Heaven banished a group of sinful elves to the ground. They can only reside within human bodies, hoping to redeem their sins and gain absolution before returning to Heaven. In some versions of the legend, these elves appear as translucent lizards. However, the elf Im referring to is not the ancient elf race. It is more akin to a mixture of fairies and various spirits. Again in recent years? Lumian recalled that the legend of Madame Night had only surfaced recently. What was wrong with this world? He pondered for a moment before asking, Did they specify which deitys Heaven it is? Ryan shook his head. Whats remarkable is that every person who claims to have seen an elf believes it is from the kingdom of their local deity. The local deity referred to the orthodox gods of the local faith. Heavens of different deities? Lumian gazed up at the azure sky. Did that lizard-like elf come from the sky? However, according to Aurore, beyond the sky lay the cosmos. Each star represented a world. So, were these extraterrestrial beings? Or were they from an astral plane beyond mysticism? As Lumians thoughts raced, he asked curiously, In some versions of the legend, these elves appear as translucent lizards. What about the other details? Ryan shook his head once more. Thats all they could uncover in a short period. They may need to communicate with headquarters for more information. Leah pondered and spoke, I am familiar with the legend of elves. I once met a native of Lenburg who shared that farmers in many regions of the south-central zone have reported mischievous fairies in recent years. These creatures known as Alpes1 would vandalize their homes and fields or play pranks on them. The south-central zone referred to the area where Lenburg, Masin, Segar, and other small countries were located. It also included a few areas in the Intis Republic, the Loen Kingdom, and the Feynapotter Kingdom. Most of them were located in the highlands, mountains, forests, areas filled with ruins and legends. Lumian listened attentively and concluded, This is not an isolated phenomenon Each elf seems to have their unique way of causing trouble, Ryan mused. And the lizards that inhabit human bodies are perhaps the most malevolent. It is uncertain if they are the most dangerous. With so many abnormalities in Cordu, the parasitic elf shouldnt be an isolated phenomenon. Perhaps someone wants to use it to control the deputy padre. Very clear line of thinking Lumian looked at the villagers who were returning home after finishing their work and said to Leah and the others, Meet me behind the hill where the administrators castle is at 3:30 p.m. Will you join me to search for clues? Of course, Ryan agreed. Leah, however, called out to Lumian before he left, Is that all? You should brief us on the situation in the castle, its inhabitants, and Madame Pualis abnormality. We cannot explore and search without preparation. Lumian did not want to recall Madame Pualis matters, but he had to admit that Leahs request made sense. He had to endure the discomfort and tell them the entire story. Ryan and the others were mentally prepared, but they still looked a little dull upon hearing the tale. Leah lightened the mood with her tinkling laughter. It does not matter to me. I might experience such a thing in the future. This is an opportunity that most men never encounter. You must cherish it. However, Valentine ignored her joke and whispered with a cold expression, All of this needs to be purifiedpurified! Lumian did not want to provoke Valentine and waved his hand. See you in the afternoon. After taking a few steps, Lumian turned around to look at Ryan warily and asked, Did Bertrand have any knowledge of the contents of your telegram? Bertrand was responsible for the telegraph, and if he knew about the date and the legend of the elves, it meant that the administrator knew as well. And if the administrator knew, Madame Pualis would know too. Dont worry, Ryan said reassuringly. We have a secret code. He wont be able to decipher it. Lumian breathed a sigh of relief only then and left the village square, heading back to his building. As he walked a distance away, he spotted Ava Lizier herding a flock of white geese back home. Hey there, isnt this our Spring Elf? Lumian tried to push the bloody and cruel scenes from the Lent celebration out of his mind and greeted Ava with his usual quip. Ava seemed a little embarrassed. I havent been chosen yet! Her exquisite facial features made her grayish-white dress look less rustic. That wont be a problem, Lumian said with a smile. Reimund and I will help you campaign for votes. Ava looked surprised. You dont know? What dont I know? Lumians heart skipped a beat. Had something happened in the village that wasnt a part of the historical process? Ava observed his expression and suspected that he was teasing her. After a few seconds, the girl frowned in concern and said, Reimunds missing. You didnt know? Huh? Lumian was so shocked that he couldnt hide his expression as usual. In the previous, previous cycle, he and Reimund Greg had met almost every day from the second day of March 30th until April 5th, Lent. Back then, they had followed the waterside ritual procedure to lift Reimund, who had thrown the last offering, and throw him into the river. Like the others in the past, Reimund swam further away and could only return home after leaving the ritual site. He wouldnt leave the house until night. In the two cycles that followed, Lumian had too much to do and didnt have time to find Reimund. But now, Ava was telling him that Reimund was missing today! This was something that had never happened in the previous, previous cycle! Upon seeing Lumians expression, Avas aqua-blue eyes cleared of confusion. You really have no idea Reimunds father may come to you today to ask where Reimund has gone. Lumian suppressed the tumultuous waves in his heart and asked, When did Reimund disappear? Could it be that something happened because I didnt follow the historical process of finding him? Two days ago, Ava recalled. Its said that he didnt return after leaving the house in the afternoon of the 29th. His family assumed he was at Ol Tavern or chatting with the Greenwatchers. They only began searching for him last night. They should be asking you today She paused and lowered her voice. They suspect Reimund of sneaking away because he doesnt want to learn how to shepherd. They think I instigated him, and are questioning me later? Lumian roughly understood what had happened. The afternoon of the 29th reminded him of the beginning of the cycle. The last two cycles had started on the afternoon of the 29th! In other words, Reimund disappeared from the beginning of the cycle? This means that perhaps no one deliberately changed the course of history because it was too late Then why is there such an anomaly and difference? Lumian fell into deep thought. Ava glanced at him and asked softly, Do you know where Reimund went? I havent seen him in the past few days, Lumian said truthfully. He began to suspect that Reimunds disappearance had something to do with being thrown into the river during the previous, previous cycle. However, it was impossible for Reimund to leave Cordu because of this. That would trigger the loop. After bidding farewell to Ava, Lumian forced himself to remain calm and returned home. He couldnt be bothered to discuss anything else. Initially, he divulged Reimunds disappearance to Aurore. Aurores countenance turned solemn as she furrowed her brows and whispered, If you hadnt mentioned it, I would have completely forgotten about this person She donned a simple rose-red dress and paced back and forth. Lumian began to contemplate potential reasons. After a while, Aurore gazed at her brother and uttered solemnly, I recollect that the crux of the Lent Waterside ritual is to offer sacrifices to the concept of a water source symbolized by the river. Is it probable that Reimund, who was thrown into the water, was also regarded as a sacrifice and was taken away by a certain entity? Subsequently, as there was no corresponding tangible reward, the cycle portrayed his absence as a disappearance. Lumian shook his head. That will trigger the cycle. Humans departing Cordu and the surrounding vicinity acted as a trigger. Aurore asked in a profound voice, What if its in the form of a corpse? Chapter 64 - 64 Weapon 64 Weapon In the form of a corpse? Lumians heart sank upon hearing that. If Reimunds body had left the loop due to the sacrifice, he wouldnt be able to revive through the loop. Once the abnormality in Cordu was resolved, he would truly be dead and not just missing. Although Lumian wasnt willing to admit that a foolish chap like Reimund was his friend, they had known each other for almost five years. They had played together, pranked together, and experienced many things together. Regardless, he couldnt treat him as a stranger. Recalling the past, he realized that other than Aurore, Reimund was probably the person he interacted with the most. Didnt Aurore often say that the fools are the lucky ones? Why is this happening? Lumian couldnt help but retort, Even if he became a corpse, there will still be a spirit. It will trigger the cycle. Aurore sighed softly. Perhaps the entity receiving the sacrifice isnt interested in spirits and only wants flesh and blood? Perhaps He didnt want to trigger the loop and only wanted flesh and blood instead of Reimunds spirit, leaving him in Cordu or directly destroying him? In that case, Reimunds corpse was equivalent to pure matter without any spirituality. It could leave the loop without triggering a reboot. Upon hearing his sisters retort, Lumians mind instantly replayed what might have happened. After everyone left the water, Reimund swam further away. Suddenly, an invisible force grabbed his legs, covered his mouth, and dragged him to the depths of the river, where he drowned. After that, his spirit would remain at the bottom of the river or be destroyed. His corpse would drift to an unknown place and become a sacrifice At this thought, Lumian suddenly became inspired. Regardless of whether Reimunds spirit was left behind or destroyed, once the cycle restarts, he should appear in the form of a ghost. Logically speaking, thats correct. Aurore nodded thoughtfully. After dark, Ill hold a psychic ritual and see if I can find Reimunds spirit. Yes, its best if we have something he often uses as a medium. Lumian replied without hesitation, After exploring the castle in the afternoon, Ill go to Reimunds place. His parents are looking for me to ask about his whereabouts anyway. When the time came, with his Hunter skills and Lumians vigilance, it wouldnt be difficult for him to obtain an item that Reimund had used. Okay. Aurore didnt object. Lumian exhaled and asked, Aurore, uh, Grande Soeur, are you capable of channeling spirits? As a Mystery Pryer, I possess knowledge on various subjects, Aurore chuckled in self-deprecation. How did your conversation with the three foreigners go? Lumian quickly recounted his discussion with the enigmatic lady and his conversation with Ryan, Leah, and Valentine, but he avoided mentioning the entitys prayer. Aurore listened attentively and let out a sigh. Its perilous to actively resist corruption, but its the only way to explore the dream ruins, uncover their secrets, and find the key to break the cycle. Itll be a difficult journey for you Whats so terrible about it? Lumian patted his chest. Im saving myself. Aurore nodded slightly. You can use my gray amber perfume. We have lilac at home, and I also have deer musk and candle-making ingredients. Only tulips need to be acquired elsewhere. I remember Madame Pualis has a garden, but I dont know if its blooming. It has bloomed, Lumian affirmed with certainty. During the last cycle, when he and Aurore visited the castle to borrow the carriage, they noticed that many flowers in the garden had already bloomed, which was unusual for early spring in the mountains. Aurore acknowledged tersely. Regardless, you must explore the castle in the afternoon. You can pick a few flowers while youre at it. Will that woman send those items into the dream ruins for you? Yes, Lumian replied, feeling confident in his assumption. Aurore pondered for a moment before saying, Ill give you the Integrity Brooch before you depart this afternoon. Madame Pualis castle is filthy, and it might involve the undead. It could be very useful. Its not necessary. Keep it with you to protect yourself from Madame Pualis, Lumian insisted, anticipating his sisters objections. Valentine is a fanatical believer of the Eternal Blazing Sun. According to you, as a Beyonder, he should have chosen the Sun pathway. He would be more useful than the Integrity Brooch. Based on Aurores observations over the past few years, fanatical believers of the Eternal Blazing Sun typically chose the Sun pathway. This also made sense. Eternal Blazing Sun believers who chose the Sun pathway tended to become more and more fanatical unless they didnt believe in this true god from the beginning. Thats true, Aurore conceded. You can practice the simplest way to activate Spirit Vision. Afterward, take a nap at noon to replenish your energy. Ill teach you the ancient Hermes and Hermes words required for the ritual tonight. Upon hearing his sisters words, Lumian suddenly recalled something she often said when she was rushing her manuscripts: The schedule is tight, and the task is enormous. At 3:20 PM, Lumian stood on the hillside overlooking the administrators castle when he spotted Madame Pualis approaching the village with her ladys maid, Cathy. Madame Pualis wore a stunning grayish-blue dress that had a slight fluffiness to it, and her hair was tied back in an elegant bun. As soon as they were out of sight, Lumian hurried to the back of the hill where Ryan, Leah, and Valentine were already waiting. They appeared to be in their original clothes, having made no preparations for what was to come. Lumian was surprised to see that they were unarmed and asked, Youre not carrying any weapons? Ryan, who was only slightly taller than 1.7 meters, smiled and replied, I dont need to carry a weapon with me. Valentine, dressed in a white vest and a thin blue tweed coat, echoed Ryans sentiment, I dont need a weapon. Leah, on the other hand, pulled out a small, exquisite, silver revolver from her Marseillan boots. This is my weapon. She flipped open the barrel to reveal different colored bullets engraved with various patterns and symbols. They have different Beyonder effects. Pa! Leah snapped the barrel shut and asked Lumian with a smile, What weapon did you bring? One of you doesnt need a weapon, the other doesnt need to carry a weapon with him, and one has such a good-looking and powerful revolver. It makes me look silly He lifted the dark jacket on his back to reveal an iron-black axe tucked into his belt. Without waiting for Ryan and the others to speak, he sighed and said, You all act like Beyonders, and Im like a gangster preparing for a fight. Leah chuckled, her bells tinkling along, You have a talent for self-deprecation. Its better than being mocked by others, Lumian pointed to the steep hill behind them. Lets climb up now. We cant waste any more time. Alright. Leah, in her tight dress, was the first to climb. She moved with agility and her balance was exceptional. Using the grooves in the terrain, she ascended the hill with ease. What was even more remarkable was that the four silver bells on her person remained motionless and silent. Lumian followed closely behind, using the Hunter potion to strengthen his body and scaling the previously unclimbable hill with the help of rocks and tree roots, although he wasnt as carefree and nimble as his companion. After regaining his balance, he glanced back and witnessed Ryan seizing Valentines shoulder and hoisting him up. In a swift motion, Ryan vaulted onto a jutting boulder amidst the hill. Without hesitation, he sprang forward once more, delivering Valentine to Lumian and Leahs vicinity. Throughout the entire endeavor, his physique appeared to have expanded in size. This left Lumian in awe. Although the hill wasnt high, it was still too exaggerated to be scaled with just two jumps. Hunters definitely couldnt do it! After snapping out of his daze, Lumian looked at the castle-shaped building with two towers and the surrounding garden. He suggested to the three foreigners, Well go around to the back door. Wait a moment. Ryan stopped him and glanced at Leah. Leah remained silent and strode two steps towards the rear entrance of the castle-like structure. Her lips moved soundlessly, muttering something under her breath. In the next instant, the four small silver bells attached to her veil and boots jingled. The sound was not deafening, but it was urgent and intense. Leah pivoted and addressed Lumian and the rest, Its a treacherous path. A grave problem, indeed. With that, she took two steps towards the front entrance. Ding, ding, ding. The bells continued to ring, growing even more insistent and pressing. Well likely encounter significant trouble if we attempt to enter through the front, Leahs tone was severe, but there was a hint of a smile on her face. What if we climb in through a window? Ryan inquired. Leah nodded and altered course, making her way towards the garden. This time, although the bells rang, they were faint and slow. Leah grinned and exhaled, This route is safe. Lumian, who had observed the entire process, felt bewildered. He couldnt fathom what the three foreigners were up to. Is this how Beyonders operate? He recollected his sisters teachings and queried, Divining the danger? Indeed. Leah nodded and turned to Valentine. Ill scout ahead. Be prepared. Understood, Valentine responded gravely. What preparations? Lumian asked, confused. Leah chuckled. Prepare to cast divine spells and conjure flames. Then, whats the purpose of creating flames? Before Lumian could ask, Leah had strolled into the garden and headed towards the castle. She arrived at a window and signaled that everything was clear. Lets go, Ryan informed the group as he hastened towards Leah. Valentine and Lumian followed closely behind. As they passed a bed of tulips, Lumian reached out to pluck one, but Ryan stopped him with his forearm. He didnt ask Lumian why he was doing this and only said gently, Theres no hurry. We can pick flowers later. If picking it causes some incident, our mission will be compromised. Thats true Lumian fully drew upon this experience. Soon, they arrived at a row of windows on the side of the castle. Chapter 65 - 65 Third Floor 65 Third Floor The administrators official residence was originally the castle of the Darige nobles, with defense being the top priority. The windows were narrow and high up, making the lighting poor even during the day. However, to make it suitable for living, the owner had installed many new glass windows on the ground floor later on. Lumian peered through the patterned glass and saw that the banquet hall was empty and deserted. There are very few servants Leah sighed softly. With many open windows during the day, fresh air mixed with the fragrance of flowers flowed in, creating excellent conditions for Lumian and the others to infiltrate. Taking advantage of the lack of servants on the first floor, the four of them climbed into the hall one after another. However, they didnt rush to go deeper and instead found a hiding spot nearby. Leah turned her head towards Valentine, who was clinging close behind an ornamental pillar, and said, Ill scout ahead; make preparations. Okay, Valentine nodded coldly. Lumian was squatting behind a stone platform with a porcelain vase. When he heard this, he stuck his head out and reminded them, Theres no need to explore the first floor. Its often used to entertain guests, so theres nothing unusual. Ever since Administrator Bost and Madame Pualis moved in, his sister Aurore would visit the castle occasionally as a guest or borrow a pony. A few times, Lumian took the opportunity to follow her and freeload on cakes, bread, and drinks. When the administrator and Madame Pualis were out, he would occasionally look for Louis Lund, the butler, and tour the first floor with him. Ill head straight to the stairs, Leah said, understanding. She didnt attempt to walk in a straight line through the empty banquet hall. Instead, she hugged the wall and circled around towards the stairs. The four silver bells remained eerily silent. As she passed by one of the rooms, she suddenly heard footsteps approaching from very close to the door. Lumian, in a prime position, even caught a glimpse of a male servant in a red shirt and white pants, about to collide head-on with Leah. She had no cover in sight! Leah didnt panic. She turned around, placed her hand on the wall, and scaled the oil painting hanging two meters above the ground. Then, she stood on her tiptoes and stepped onto the frame. She stood firmly with her back against the wall without letting the oil painting drop. Lumian wanted to applaud because it reminded him of an acrobatic performance he had seen in Darige last year at a circus. The male servant left the room and instinctively looked around before walking towards the kitchen. Just as he took a few steps forward, Leah slid soundlessly to the ground against the oil painting. Then, she rolled twice and hid behind a pillar. After the male servant disappeared from the banquet hall, she leaned against the wall again. Finally, she arrived at the staircase and confirmed that everything was clear. Upon seeing this, Lumian darted out of the stone platform and ran over in a straight line. He was so fast that he reached Leah in less than three seconds. However, he wasnt the fastest. Ryan completed the journey in just the time it took to take one breath. Valentine wasnt slow either. His physique was clearly stronger than ordinary people. Without another word, Leah took the lead and the four of them hurriedly entered the stairs, arriving at the second floor of the residence. There were closed rooms on both sides of the corridor, with two rooms having light shine in through the windows at the end of the corridor. The overall environment was abnormally dark. Ryan suggested, surveying their surroundings. Let us split up and search different rooms. This will save time and make it easier to hide. However, we must remain no more than one room apart from each other, in case something happens and we cannot save each other in time. Leah and the others nodded in agreement. Lumian promptly approached the nearest room, pressing his ear to the door to listen for any movement inside. After a moment, he deftly turned the handle and slipped inside. The room belonged to a maid. He searched for a while, but found no clues. He moved on to the next room. In this way, the four of them carefully avoided the servants and explored most of the second floor. Towards the end of their search, Lumian arrived at the door of the room that had traumatized him: Louis Lunds bedroom! According to the historical sequence of events, this butler should have given birth yesterday. His stomach had been torn open and, even with sutures, he would not recover quickly. He must be recuperating in bed Lumian thought to himself, contemplating whether to push the door open and have a chat with Louis Lund. As someone who had personally experienced bizarre phenomena, this male butler undoubtedly knew a great deal. However, this would contradict their principle of observation and exploration. Lumian couldnt guarantee that Louis Lund wouldnt reveal his presence to Madame Pualis. The fact that he had given birth to the other partys child meant there were no secrets between them. Silencing him would only confirm Madame Pualiss suspicions. What a pity. If only I knew something about hypnosis Lumian sighed inwardly. He habitually pressed his ear to the door, listening for any sound. Nothing. As a Hunter, Lumians hearing was acute enough to detect breathing from two to three meters away even with a barrier in between. No one? Louis Lund has just given birth. Where can he go? Lumian turned the doorknob and slowly pushed the door open, peering inside. The room was clean and free of the bloodstains he had seen before. Louis Lund was nowhere to be found. Lumian furrowed his brow and stepped inside. The signs of a recent human presence were evident: a blanket rumpled on the bed, a cigarette butt on the nightstand, a black coat hung on the chair, and faint footprints on the floor. In addition, there were blood stains on the edge of the bed that had not been cleaned. Apart from this, Lumian also saw some blood stains that hadnt been wiped off from the edge of the bed. Lumian nodded to himself. He had indeed given birth here yesterday Suddenly, faint voices outside the window caught his attention. He hurried to the glass window, turned his body, and peered out. In the stables, Louis Lundblack-haired, blue-eyed, and dressed in a white shirt, black suit, dark pants, and leather shoesconversed with the carriage driver, Sewell, who had sent the siblings to Paramita. Lumian was taken aback by Louis Lunds healthy and steady appearance. Is this the person who had just given birth yesterday? And it was a C-section! Lumian suppressed the shock in his heart and listened carefully to what Louis Lund and Sewell were saying. Unexpectedly, these two fellows were only exchanging experiences in gardening. Whats the matter? With Lumian inside the room for so long, Ryan, donning a dark bowler hat, pushed open the door and entered the room followed by Leah and Valentine. Lumian quickly filled them in on Louis Lunds situation. Ryan pondered for a moment before asking, Have you heard of Earth Mother? The Darige region had a border with the Feynapotter kingdom. Shepherds often went there. Coupled with his sisters basic education, Lumian was no stranger to this. Yes, the deity that Feynapotter believes in. Ryan nodded and said, Earth Mother is associated with fertility, healing, and life. These domains are reflected in the Beyonder powers of the corresponding pathway. While Im not saying that Louis Lunds situation is related to the Earth Mother, its possible that his ability to give birth and quick recovery are linked to these domains. Is that so Lumian found this plausible after some thought. After all, men were already capable of giving birth. What was so strange about them being out and about after a C-section? Did you find anything? Lumian asked Ryan and the others. Ryan shook his head. They were all normal servants quarters. We may have to check the third floor. Lumian felt a sense of unease wash over him. Madame Pualis and Administrator Bosts quarters comprised a bedroom, study, solarium, and activity room, all located on the third floor. This posed a significant risk. Very well, Ryan replied without hesitation. The four of them proceeded to sneak up to the third floor. Many of the doors were ajar, and the corridor was brightly lit. Lumian made a beeline for the bedroom, which was adorned with a light-colored velvet blanket on the bed, a small bookshelf stocked with bedtime reading materials, a capacious cloakroom brimming with a variety of clothes, a safe containing precious collections, a set of plush beige sofas, a table displaying five photo frames and documents, and a fluffy white carpet covering the entire room Lumian and company surveyed the room and simultaneously headed towards the table. The books on the table were mostly popular novels, including Fors Walls masterpiece, The Adventurer 5: Vice Admiral Ailment, and Aurores latest work, The Substitute Detective. The documents pertained mainly to various matters in the Darige area. As for the five photos displayed in the frames, four were of Madame Pualis, and one belonged to a man Lumian did not recognize. No photo of the administrator? he exclaimed, surprised. Madame Pualis was the sole subject of the four photos, each depicting her in different clothing and poses. The male photo was not of Administrator Bost, who, after all, was the male owner of the house. Wasnt this peculiar? Leah nodded thoughtfully. Perhaps the administrators status in this family is akin to that of a butler. Have you ever seen a butlers photograph displayed in someones home? Then who is this man? Lumian inquired, pointing to the photo frame on the side. The frame contained a color photograph of a man in his late twenties. He was wearing a red shirt, a black velvet coat, and dark pants with tassels. He sported a pair of short lace-up boots and was dressed very fashionably. He bore a striking resemblance to Madame Pualis, with light eyebrows, bright brown eyes, and brown hair parted in an exaggerated 7-3 style. His lips were curled up, giving him the air of a hooligan who frequented high society. All in all, this mans facial features were not extraordinary, but they were pleasing to the eye. Madame Pualiss brother? Lumian hazarded a guess based on his appearance. Chapter 66 - 66 Crib 66 Crib Leah gazed at the man in the photo, lost in thought. After receiving the request for help, we set off two days later to gather relevant information, she said. Madame Pualiss full name is Pualis de Roquefort, isnt it? she paused for a moment before continuing, We investigated the Roquefort family in Darige and found no trace of Pualis. In Intis, a woman could choose to keep her maiden name after getting married. If there was a de in her name, it meant that she was once a noble. The Intis meaning of de was from, and the surname behind it was the fiefdom of the time. None? Lumian was surprised. He knew something was wrong with Madame Pualis, but he didnt expect her identity to be fake! Ryan nodded. In Darige, Roquefort is a large family with many members, including a provincial senator. We were in a hurry and didnt have time to conduct a more detailed investigation. We could only confirm that there was no such person as Pualis, but a man named Pulitt had been missing for over a year. Pulitt? Lumian asked. Whats his relationship with Madame Pualis? They look alike. Ryan shook his head. Without enough information, its impossible to make a guess. What we do know is that Pulitt de Roquefort was a popular dandy in Trier, and he had many illegitimate children. Many people hated and detested him. Perhaps this is why he had no choice but to leave or was forced to leave Darige. Dandyism? Lumian was unfamiliar with the term. Aurore subscribed to magazines and newspapers targeted towards women or focused on national affairs. There were some materials on the supernatural, but none involved male matters. Leah chuckled. To put it simply, its a casanova who dresses fashionably, speaks elegantly, and acts freely. Lumian sighed and mocked, The people of Trier sure know how to live life. They package their affairs as a thought, a doctrine, and a trend. When it came to cheating, Triers were at the forefront. The padre? In front of the Triers, he was still a child. In the past year, Trier has constructed numerous arcades, Aurore remarked while sipping her marquis black tea, regaling Madame Pualis, Nazlie and the others with the latest trends from her two-story subterranean abode. Whats an arcade? Its a covered street with glass roofing and marble flooring. Elegant and stunning shops line both sides. During the day, light filters in from above, and at night, gas lamps illuminate the area. Carriages are prohibited from entering. The most renowned arcade is called the Opera House arcade Madame Pualis, holding a white porcelain cup filled with black tea, watched Aurore with her bright brown eyes, listening intently with a smile. That sounds like something I must see Nazlie sighed, imagining the elegance, fashion, cleanliness and brightness of the arcade. Aurores knowledge of the latest Intis trends was the primary reason why they had accepted the afternoon tea invitation. After chatting for a while, the discussion turned to Aurores work and relationships. Love is just so unfathomable and elusive Madame Pualis mused aloud. So, this is why you fall in love with so many men at the same time? Aurore couldnt help but inwardly criticize. Madame Pualis gazed at her with a faint smile and sighed. Sometimes, I get so angry because of his mistakes. I wish I could kill him and send him to his death, but when hes actually facing death, I cant help but save him and refuse to tell him. Perhaps, this is love In the masters bedroom of the administrators residence. Madame Pualis may have once fallen in love with Pulitt, a believer in Dandyism, and engaged in a forbidden relationship, resulting in her disavowal by her family. She then had to marry someone and use her familys connections to secure the administrative position in Cordu for him. Lumian deduced this based on the stories and troupes written by his sister. This explained why Administrator Bosts standing in the family was relatively low. Perhaps, Ryan replied simply, Keep searching, but dont attempt to open the safe or anything that may trigger an alarm. Lumian and his companions dispersed immediately and searched elsewhere. Despite the Hunters ability to observe subtle traces, Lumian still found nothing. The same was true for Leah and the others. They had no choice but to move to the study and search patiently. As time passed, the four of them arrived at the end of the corridor, where a closed room stood opposite an open solarium. Beside it was a staircase leading to one of the towers. Ryan, who had finished searching the solarium, turned to Leah. Leah touched the small silver bell hanging from her veil, mumbling to herself as she walked towards the tightly shut wooden door. This time, the four bells did not ring. Leah heaved a sigh of relief and gently pushed the wooden door open. It was an empty room with a rocking crib in the middle. The crib was made of brown wood and installed inside a wooden frame. It was covered in clean but slightly worn cotton swaddling cloth that showed its age. The crib was empty. This was the nursery where Madame Pualiss two children had once slept. Apart from the bed, there were no toys in the room. Scattered on the ground were wheat, barley, rice, rye, wheat, and other plants, making it look rather strange. Furthermore, these plants were well-preserved, as if they had only been brought in a few days ago. Valentines body glowed as he entered the room and circled around. Soon, he returned to the door and shook his head at Ryan and Leah. Theres no evil aura. Alright. Leah looked at Lumian. Shall we head to the tower next? Lumian had always been curious about the castles two towers. He never expected to have a chance to visit them today. Valentine left the strange nursery. Ryan grabbed the handle and planned to close the wooden door and restore it to its original state. At this moment, Lumians gaze drifted inside. The brown wooden crib swayed gently, yet the tightly shut windows of the room and the solarium opposite, with their floor-to-ceiling panes, allowed no breeze to enter the corridor! Wh Lumians pupils dilated. Leah noticed his distress and turned to look. The crib continued to sway, as though an invisible baby lay within its swaddling cloths. Leah raised her hand to her glabella, as if trying to ease her tired eyes. She readied herself to activate her Spirit Vision and see what lay inside the crib. Suddenly, the four small silver bells on her veil and boots jingled, as if they were about to burst! Ryans face froze as he yelled, Get out of here! With that, he dashed into the solarium, crashing through the floor-to-ceiling windows in an attempt to create a path of escape from the castle. Bang! A loud thud echoed throughout the room as Ryan hit the windows, yet there was no sound of glass shattering. The transparent faces of young children appeared on the row of windows, some of them mere infants with pale, inexplicably terrifying faces. As Ryan bumped into them, they opened their mouths in unison and let out a haunting wail. Their cries echoed through the third floor of the castle, casting an eerie gloom over the entire area. The walls and glass were adorned with the translucent faces of children, some wailing while others stared blankly at Lumian, Leah, Valentine, and Ryan. Lumian shuddered with fear as he felt their cold gazes upon him. Suddenly, Valentines body was engulfed in a dark golden light, which quickly spread to envelop Lumian, Leah, and himself. A warm sensation spread throughout Lumians body, dispelling his fear and filling him with courage. He drew his iron-black axe with newfound confidence. Meanwhile, Ryan seemed to grow taller and more imposing. Dawn-like rays of light surrounded him, coalescing into a silver-white full-body armor and a massive broadsword of light. With a mighty swing, Ryan cleaved at the floor-to-ceiling windows, dispersing the pale-white faces of the children into smoke as they screamed. But the glass didnt break, and more faces appeared, their shrill cries tormenting Lumian and his companions. Who dares to trespass the castle? A womans voice boomed, echoing through the halls. Almost immediately, Lumian spotted a figure on the other side of the corridor, standing on the second floor. She was a middle-aged woman with brown hair and eyes. She was rather good-looking without any wrinkles. She was the midwife who had helped Louis Lunds delivery. In her hand, she held a pair of enormous scissors that could decapitate a human while donning a grayish-white gown. It was as if she had just returned from pruning a branch in the garden. She glared at Lumian and his companions and spoke in a deep, threatening voice. You deserve to die! In the subterranean two-story abode, Madame Pualis jolted suddenly, and her countenance altered. She delicately placed the porcelain teacup on the table and smiled at Aurore. My apologies. Ive just recollected an urgent matter that requires my immediate attention at home. Huh? Aurore was shocked. Pualis rose from her seat, her expression filled with regret. I had intended to stay and discuss your work and its beautiful and poignant portrayal of love. Aurore responded quickly, Please, youre more than welcomed. I cannot, unfortunately. Madame Pualis shook her head. It concerns my children. Chapter 67 - 67 Evil Spells 67 Evil Spells Valentine caught sight of the woman in the grayish-white dress. His eyes brimmed with hatred as he stretched his arms out as if embracing the sun. A blinding pillar of light descended from the sky and struck the target clutching the enormous scissors. The surroundings burst into light in an instant. The transparent faces on the walls and glass vanished before they could even scream. The womans body had clearly caught fire and was evaporating, but then it suddenly vanished. Lumian found this scene eerily familiar. The mouth-orifice monster had displayed similar behavior when he was hunting it. Invisibility! The woman might not have concealed herself, but she certainly wasnt dead. Thus, Lumian didnt feel any relief. Instead, he approached Ryan, who now towered over him. Ryan, covered in silver armor and wielding a broadsword of light, was the person Lumian trusted the most among those present. It was evident that Ryan excelled at combat! Leah stood there when suddenly, the face of a pale child emerged on the wall behind her, transforming into the woman in the grayish-white dress. The womans enormous scissors clamped down on Leahs neck. Crack! Leahs head drooped, but no blood spurted forth. Her body and head swiftly shriveled and thinned, transforming into a ragged, paper effigy that softly settled onto the ground. Not far away, her silhouette donning a pleated cashmere dress outlined itself. With a clang, Ryan, his face concealed by a silver visor, hoisted the Sword of Dawn and strode towards the spot where Leah had stood, sweeping the weapon diagonally at the woman. The woman brandished her scissors in an attempt to block the attack, but was pushed back into the wall by the force of the blow. Her form vanished once again. As Valentine, clad in a thin blue tweed jacket, stood with his back turned, the woman suddenly replaced the swollen and pallid visage. She leaned out and struck the nape of Valentines neck. Look out! Leah cried out as soon as she spotted the woman, alerting her companion. Valentine snorted and crossed his arms. Golden, illusory flames burst forth from the void surrounding him, intertwining and transforming the corridor into an ocean pulsating with the radiance of the sun. The woman winced in agony as her body was consumed by the intense flames. She retreated back into the interior of the walls, reverting to the swollen, pallid face. The translucent face melted instantly into wisps of black gas within the golden, illusory flames before dissipating. Clang! Ryans Sword of Dawn struck the same spot again, causing the entire castle to tremble. Despite his efforts, he was still a step too late to stop the woman. Lumian quickly grasped the gravity of the situation. The woman who had delivered Louis Lund was linked to the transparent faces of children on the wall and glass. Not only could she transform into one of them, but she could also transform into a ghost form, evading attacks and deflecting damage. In other words, she could attack from any wall or glass on the third floor of the castle at any given time, and Ryan and the others counterattacks were ineffective. With this realization, Lumian immediately distanced himself from the floor-to-ceiling windows and the surrounding walls, and walked to the middle of the solarium. At that moment, ghostly faces appeared on the ground and ceiling. The woman suddenly emerged from behind Lumians feet and quickly reached for his thigh with the pair of scissors. Lumians heart raced with a sense of danger. Without bothering to confirm where the attack was coming from, he jumped into the air and dodged to the side. Despite his efforts, he was still half a beat too slow. A deep gash was left on the lower part of his thigh, and blood instantly gushed out. As soon as the drops of blood landed on the ground, the womanwho had switched spotspointed at them and they condensed into a thin blood-colored figure. Without any hesitation, the blood-colored figure turned to Lumian, who had rolled to the recliner, and pounced at him, feeding on his blood and growing stronger with each drop. At the same time, Lumian endured intense pain and felt his blood running out of control. Almost instantly, Ryan jumped in. In midair, he raised the broadsword of light high and slashed at the blood-colored figure, pinning it to the ground and shattering it with the transparent faces around him. Leah had somersaulted to Lumians side and pressed her right hand on his thigh wound. To Lumians surprise, the wound magically moved along with Leahs right palm, all the way down to the side of his calf, which wasnt rich in blood vessels. The bleeding immediately decreased. The woman suddenly appeared from the ceiling. Her brown eyes burned with a blazing life. The blood dripping from Lumians calf was ignited, producing a bright flame that resembled the spring sun. It quickly spread deep into the wound and into the blood vessels in his body. At that moment, Lumian felt his life rapidly draining away. With a pop, Ryan stabbed the two-handed broadsword condensed from light into the ground. Around him, in the area where Lumian and Leah were, rays of dawn-like light appeared, filling all space. In the morning light, the remaining blood-colored figures quickly melted, and the bright and beautiful flames on Lumians calf quickly extinguished. The second of burning had sealed his wounds together, stopping the bleeding. Ryan pulled out his broadsword and bellowed in a deep, commanding voice, This environment is unsuitable. We must depart at once! What he really meant was that the woman was not as powerful as she appeared. She was almost invincible and impossible to target due to the unique conditions on the third floor of the castle that greatly enhanced her abilities. Without waiting for his companions to react, Ryan charged after the woman. Although he was still slightly slower than his opponent, who could move with the aid of translucent faces, he spared no effort and attacked with powerful slashes, diagonal cuts, and stabs. He forced his adversary into a constant state of motion, forcing her to constantly shift positions after each attack. Together with the holy light summoned by Valentine and the golden flames he conjured, the two of them managed to temporarily subdue the woman, thus preventing Leah and Lumian from being harmed. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Leah leapt onto the armchair and dashed back and forth across the sofa, tables, recliners, and ornaments, making sure to avoid touching the ground. Throughout this process, the silver bells on her veil and boots chimed incessantly, sometimes melodious and sometimes grating. Lumian no longer felt safe on the ground. He climbed onto the table and scanned the ceiling above and the floor below, analyzing Leahs movements. Drawing from his previous experience, he deduced the route the woman was attempting to use to escape. Soon, Leah ceased her acrobatic maneuvers. To the tower, quickly! Just as she finished speaking, the woman thrust her head out of the ceiling and barked in a stern voice, You damned bastards! Each word was enunciated with precision, causing Lumian and his companions hearts to race, their heads to spin, and their vision to blur. It was a thoroughly unpleasant experience. Valentine endured the discomfort and stretched his arms out once more. A brilliant and pristine light flooded the ceiling. Lets move! Ryan commanded. Lumian immediately leaped off the table, enduring the pain in his calf. Stepping on the transparent faces, he raced towards the tower, with Leah and Valentine close behind. Only Ryan, covered in silver armor, wasnt in a rush to escape. He lifted the Sword of Dawn and sliced the woman who had poked her head out, preventing her from stopping his companions from fleeing. After Leah and the others ascended the stairs leading to the tower, he turned around and gave chase with a leap. A woman emerged from a transparent face on the side wall and let out a piercing scream. Accompanied by the scream, a layer of black, malevolent flames ignited on the surface of Ryans silver armor. Ryan immediately felt his stamina rapidly depleting. Without hesitation, he deactivated the Dawn Armor. Spots of light resembling the morning sun scattered in all directions, along with the black flames, and dissipated into the air. Holding the broadsword of light, Ryan took the opportunity to leap and depart from the castles third floor, entering the stairs. At this moment, Lumian, aware that he was a little weak and unable to make use of the environment, ran in second place. Ahead of him was Leah, whose silver bell was ringing softly. Leah suddenly came to a halt. Lumian hastily slowed down as he heard chattering. He then looked ahead and was taken aback. The tower was not large, and it could even be considered small. There were stairs leading to various firing ports. The walls were densely packed with children. They were dressed in different clothes. Some appeared to have just been born, while others were three or four years old. Their limbs resembled bird claws with unnaturally sharp tips. Using their bird claws, these children were like birds in a forest, perching on the wall and occupying most of the area. Lumians scalp tingled as he saw over a hundred human childrens faces, bodies, and wicked, sharp bird claws combined with an abnormal perching method. He once again felt as though his mind, eyes, and soul had been corrupted, just as when he had witnessed Louis Lund give birth. The children had not yet noticed the intrusion. A small number of them were happily discussing different topics. The sky is so blue out there. I want to go outside. No way. Mummy said we have to be able to retract our claws and be like normal humans before we can go out At that moment, Ryan caught up to the three of them and said urgently, Stay away! He then turned around and barricaded the entrance of the tower like a giant, holding the Sword of Dawn in his hand. Leah and Valentine didnt inquire why. They ran frantically and found stairs and other obstacles to hide behind. Although Lumian didnt comprehend, his survival instincts told him to follow orders. All of you, come down here! The womans sharp voice reverberated. Each word drilled into Lumian and his companions ears, weakening them simultaneously. Immediately afterwards, the woman in the grayish-white dress appeared at the corner of the staircase. The entire tower was filled with the aura of life, and no pale faces were visible. Chapter 68 - 68 Purification 68 Purification Upon seeing that Ryan was blocking the entrance of the tower with the Sword of Dawn, the woman in the grayish-white dress felt a sense of foreboding. She swiftly turned the enormous scissors around, clamped them around her neck, and pulled gently. A vivid red stream of blood gushed out immediately, accompanied by her sharp cry. The blood flowed in every direction as if it had a life of its own, enveloping her entire body. It was as though the woman had adorned herself with blood-colored full-body armor. Meanwhile, Ryan held the Sword of Dawn in reverse with both hands and genuflected. With a pop, he stabbed the two-handed broadsword, which had condensed from light, into the stone floor in front of him. The broadsword disintegrated, transforming into specks of light that resembled the morning sun. They were densely packed and innumerable, forming a flickering and violent hurricane that swept forward. Wherever the Hurricane of Light passed, the stone floor was shaved thin. Some of the steps were flattened, and exaggerated cracks appeared. The woman was completely engulfed before she could dodge. The blood-colored armor on her body lasted for a second before completely shattering and melting into the light. This time, she had left the special environment on the third floor and was in a place filled with life force. She could no longer use the pale and transparent faces to shift position. She could only watch as tiny blood-colored cracks appeared on her body. The cracks expanded rapidly and instantly turned into a hideous wound that cut through the woman. As her screams reverberated, her body crumbled into pieces of flesh. The pieces of flesh and her spirit were still being ravaged by the storm of light until the hurricane subsided. The flesh was ground, and the spirit dissipated. Although Ryan tried his best to prevent the Hurricane of Light from implicating the others, he was still too weak to control it. He destroyed a large swath of the walls on the side and the stairs behind him. If Lumian, Leah, and Valentine hadnt found cover in advance, they would have more or less been injured. Waa! Waa! Waa! The bird-clawed children who were climbing the wall were frightened and cried out. Lumian and the others ears buzzed as if they had suffered a noise attack. Lets go! Ryan turned around and slammed into the most damaged wall nearby. Crash! The wall shattered, and a large number of rocks fell. A huge hole that humans could crawl through appeared. When Valentine and Lumian ran over, Ryan grabbed each of them with one hand and jumped from a height of more than ten meters to a tree outside the castle. Bam! In midair, he kicked the tree and flew diagonally away from the castle. Leah descended on her own, using the protrusion of the castles outer walls to descend rapidly, landing on the ground in a breath or two. Ryan, Lumian, and Valentine waited for Leah for a few seconds as the trees shook violently. After meeting up with her, they ran to the back of the hill and left before the other servants caught up. In less than a minute, Madame Pualis stood expressionless beside the ruptured hole at the entrance of the tower, wearing a grayish-blue fluffy dress. The children crawling on the walls quickly accused the outsiders of being barbaric and cruel, calling out for their mother. Madame Pualis, with an ashen face, remained silent. In the forest beside Cordu Village. Lumian and his companions stopped and looked back at the castle. Leah was about to speak when she frowned and said, I hear a baby crying, its very close! She turned to Ryan and the others and asked, Can you hear it? Lumian was startled and listened carefully, vaguely hearing the sound of a baby crying, but it was not as close as Leah had described, in fact, it sounded distant. I can hear it a little, Ryan answered truthfully. Valentines expression changed as if he had thought of something. At the same time, Leahs face twisted in pain, and she instinctively pressed a hand to her abdomen, where there was a distinct swelling and squirming. Valentine quickly went over to Leah and placed his hand on her head, saying a word in ancient Hermes that Lumian had just learned, Sun! Golden translucent liquid drops condensed out of thin air and sprinkled over Leahs body. Illusory black smoke immediately rose from Leahs body, and her expression alternated between distortion and normalcy. Finally, her abdomen returned to its original state and stopped squirming. Phew Leah breathed a sigh of relief. I narrowly avoided becoming a monsters mother. Luckily, we took care of it in time before it could take root. She wore a smile on her face, unfazed by the bizarre and terrifying experience. Leah turned to Lumian, Ryan, and Valentine. Would you like to purify yourselves with holy water? I worry that you may unknowingly become mothers. Yes! Lumian agreed immediately, but Valentine approached Ryan first. Placing his hand on Ryans head, he uttered the ancient Hermes word, Sun! Holy water formed and sprinkled down, but nothing unusual happened to Ryan. Valentine purified himself next, and no black smoke appeared. He then walked over to Lumian and placed his hand on the hunters head. Sun! he repeated, and droplets of translucent liquid fell. Lumian suddenly felt a sharp pain in his heart, as if a snake were burrowing inside. Each time it moved, Lumians heart raced or slowed down, causing extreme discomfort. In the next moment, Lumian heard the mysterious voice that seemed to come from an infinite distance but also sounded close by. It wasnt as clear as in his dream, so it prevented him from entering a near-death state. Just as Lumian couldnt take it anymore, Valentine stopped the purification and nodded coldly. Theres nothing wrong with you either. Phew Lumian breathed a silent sigh of relief, feeling as though he had been pulled back from the brink of death. At that moment, he roughly understood what had just happened. According to the mysterious lady, he was severely corrupted by a certain hidden evil god. He could only maintain his normal state by relying on the timely seal of that great existence. Accepting the purification of holy water was like a devil embracing holy lighthe was bound to experience problems. In other words, he was an evil god pollutant that needed to be purified! Thankfully, thankfully. If Valentine had kept going or had been a little stronger, I wouldve exposed my abnormality even with the seal of that great existence I cant undergo purification in the future. I wont even be able to find someone to exorcise the evil. Im the evil that needs to be exorcized Lumian rejoiced and didnt let the remnant pain appear on his face. Upon realizing that his companions had been cleansed and all risks had been eliminated, Ryan promptly suggested, If we make our way to the edge of the village now, well activate the loop. In the event that Madame Pualis discovers a clue and catches up with us, we can attempt to flee and restart the cycle. Noticing Valentines perplexed expression, Ryan added, Im concerned that if we die once during a cycle, there may be repercussions once the loop is lifted. Therefore, its best not to perish at this moment. Understood, Leah agreed before Valentine could interject with any radical ideas. Observing that his two companions had arrived at the same conclusion, Valentine simply nodded. At that moment, Lumian glanced at them before waving his hand and declaring, You guys go on ahead. Im going home! Ryan furrowed his brow in confusion and asked, Arent you worried that Madame Pualis might come after you? Lumian grinned and replied, Im not like you. As soon as I entered the tower, I was attempting to avoid the monster childrens gaze. They didnt spot me, and the midwife who saw me was killed by you. It seems that even channeling spirits is ineffective. How could Madame Pualis have suspected that a powerful infiltration team like yours had an ordinary person like me with them? Think about it. Prior to your arrival in Cordu, no one had attempted to infiltrate the castle. The moment you arrived, something immediately occurred. Who else could be suspected but you guys? If I escape with you, Ill be dragged down with you! Ryan, Leah, and Valentine were left speechless. This was clearly an operation concocted by Lumian. Why did it appear as though he had nothing to do with it in the end? Were they going to shoulder all the blame? Goodbye! If Madame Pualis doesnt dare to confront official Beyonders like you and the cycle isnt restarted, Ill see you at Ol Tavern tomorrow! Lumian waved his hand and dashed towards the edge of the forest, reminding them, Take care, my cabbages! Once he exited the forest, Lumians expression became serious. The explanation he provided for not escaping with Ryan and the others wasnt the only reason. It was more of an excuse. His primary objective was to return home immediately and rendezvous with Aurore. As soon as Aurore invited Madame Pualis for afternoon tea, someone snuck into the castle, and they were the prime suspects. Lumian had to inform his sister that if Madame Pualis came to interrogate and silence her, she should sell out the three foreigners and agree to Madame Pualiss imprisonment. She could discover and dangle a valuable secret to delay Madame Pualis for a while, preventing her from executing anyone on the spot. Only by staying alive would there be a chance! Even in the loop, Lumian couldnt afford to die easily in case something catastrophic occurred once the loop ended! Furthermore, once Madame Pualis caught up with Leah and the others, if she emerged victorious, one of Ryan and the other two would trigger the loop and erase their memories. If she lost, what was there to be concerned about? Lumian gritted his teeth and ran home through the village road, enduring the pain in his calf. Upon seeing Aurore standing at the door, appearing completely unharmed, he breathed a sigh of relief. Is everything all right? Is everything all right? The siblings both inquired simultaneously. Chapter 69 - 69 Him? 69 Him? In response to his sisters concern, Lumian shook his head and declared, Im fine. He surveyed his surroundings and suggested, Let us talk inside. Upon reaching the stove, he briefly narrated his expedition with Ryan and the others. Lumian then advised his sister that if Madame Pualis were to attack them, she must surrender and betray the three foreigners without hesitation. Considering the phenomena he had encountered in the castle, Lumian believed that the siblings could not defeat Madame Pualis. They were not even capable of handling the midwife. Aurore listened attentively and couldnt help but chuckle. From a logical standpoint, your tactics are indeed the best, but why do I find it peculiar? It is as though I have become the villain in a story. Furthermore, I am not the principal antagonistthe charismatic kind. What is important is the consequence, Lumian stressed to his sister. In your own words, one must endure the humiliation, bear the heavy burden, preserve the useful body, and wait for it to prove its worth in the future. Aurore couldnt help but rub her forehead. Have I taught you too many strange things? Yes, Lumian earnestly nodded. Aurore rolled her eyes. Okay, I understand. I will not confront Madame Pualis until the most crucial moment. When Madame Pualis noticed that the alarm had been triggered and attempted to leave, I did not stop her. I merely expressed reluctance and conversed with her for an additional minute. Right, please elaborate on the specifics of your exploration. She seated herself at the dining table and listened intently, just in case Madame Pualis were to interrogate her in anger. Lumian pulled out a chair on the opposite side of the dining table and expounded on the expeditions accomplishments and battle process. As Aurore listened, her expression gradually became somewhat peculiar. What is the matter? Lumian noticed his sisters abnormality. After considerable deliberation, Aurore inquired with a strange expression, There is a portrait of a man in Madame Pualis bedroom, and he resembles her. Its suspected that he is her brother? Yes, the three foreigners speculated that he might be a missing member of the Roquefort family named Pulitt, Lumian recounted Ryan and the others statements, including Dandyism and the vast number of illegitimate children. He added, According to the three foreigners investigation, there is no such person as Pualis in the Roquefort family. Aurore nodded and exhaled. Then I am quite sure that my guess is correct. Her expression remained peculiar, only growing more pronounced. What guess? Lumian asked, perplexed. Aurore gave him a sidelong glance before replying, Perhaps Madame Pualis is actually Pulitt. What? Thats absurd! Lumian exclaimed. One is a man, the other a woman, and Madame Pualis had two children! Whos to say she gave birth to them herself? Maybe the administrator did it for her, Aurore countered, a sneer curling her lip. And even if they are Madame Pualiss children, it doesnt necessarily mean anything. In the world of mysticism, anything is possible. Consider this: if Louis Lund can give birth to a man, then why cant Pulitt become a woman? That may be true, but Lumian was still unconvinced. Aurore gave him a sly smile. The reason I dare to make such a guess, unlike the three foreigners, is because Ive heard something. Or rather, Ive witnessed something. Do you remember which pathway neighbors the Hunter pathway? Assassin, Lumian replied without hesitation. He had been drawn to the name, which was undoubtedly cooler than Hunter. In our organization, uhthe Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, there was a man who was fascinated by the idea of an Assassin and chose that pathway, Aurore explained, her expression growing stranger by the moment. At a gathering, he confided in us with a melancholy and troubled air that the potion an Assassin needs to consume after reaching Sequence 7 is called Witch. Witch? Lumian had a sinking feeling the moment he heard the potions name. Yes, Witch. In the world of mysticism, Warlocks and Witches are two entirely different concepts. You used to get them mixed up and call me a Witch from time to time. It was rather unsettling, Aurore said, taking the opportunity to enlighten him. Drinking the Witch potion will turn you into a Witch. Acting as a Witch causes your body to undergo a complete transformation, turning you into a woman. Hiss Lumian took a deep breath, relieved that his first obtained characteristic was that of a Hunter. Had he obtained something related to the Assassin pathway, he might very well have been lost to it due to his eagerness. What happened to the man who was considering it? Did he drink it? Lumian asked, unable to resist. Aurore replied with a smile, He agonized over it for a long time. He didnt want to become a woman, but he also didnt want to stay at Sequence 8. Eventually, someone persuaded him, Life is short, why not give it a try?'' After that, I met him again at a gathering. No, he was already a her by then. She was already a woman by then. A beautiful and charming one at that. Lumian was momentarily speechless. Aurore grinned at him and added, clearly enjoying herself, In the future, should you reach Sequence 5 and find yourself unable to obtain the Sequence 4 materials for the Hunter pathway, you might consider the Demoness pathway instead. The Assassin pathway is also known as the Demoness pathway Demoness Lumian found the name Assassin bewildering. The mysticism world was fraught with dangers! He deftly steered the conversation back on track. So Madame Pualis is truly Pulitt the casanova. Even an Assassin could transform into a Demoness. A path that enabled a man to bear children was likely to transform a man into a woman. Aurore nodded warily and gazed out of the window. I suspect that Madame Pualis transitioned to a woman only after reaching a specific Sequence. She had to disappear to avoid discovery by the authorities. According to the mysterious lady, the power of a deitys boon can also be divided into Sequences. Her abnormal pathway would also include the ability to promote fertility, manipulate life, and control the undead. Aurore deduced that she could manipulate life and control the undead from Lumians battle with the midwife. That was the same performance Madame Night, who looked like Madame Pualis, had showcased in Paramita with the undead chasing after her. Aurore suddenly exclaimed. Whats the matter? Lumian asked cautiously. Did his sister uncover another ominous truth? Aurore scowled at her brother and replied, At the afternoon tea, Madame Pualis said that love is unfathomable. She wished he would perish for his mistake, but when he faced death, she saved him and refused to tell the other party. I didnt comprehend it then, and I didnt dwell on it. Now, I wonder if she had an ulterior motive for saying that. Lumian was equally puzzled. She saved someone? When did she do that Suddenly, he halted and stared at Aurore. The siblings remembered that Madame Night had saved them by distracting the undead in Paramita. But that was from the preceding cycle Lumian was about to reject it, but he couldnt. He and Aurore exchanged a look and realized their eyes were filled with shock and dread. If Madame Pualis was referring to that incident, it meant she retained some of her memories from the loop. Its impossible Aurore muttered to herself. Never mind. Lets assume its true. Id rather overestimate our foe than underestimate them. Lumian concurred. Then, he had a thought. Aurore, uh, Grande Soeur, considering that Madame Pualis might have been a man, did she fall in love with you? I didnt do anything wrong. You were the one who spied on Louis Lund giving birth. Pualis is infatuated with you, Aurore riposted. Lumian muttered under his breath, Perhaps she believes that you instigated me. I dont usually associate with her, but I did once bring some people to see her having an affair with the padre. She teased me for it. You, on the other hand, discuss literature and trends with her occasionally. You even go to her house to borrow a pony. Huh Aurores voice rose in disgust, Then why was she trying to set me up with those awful men you told me about? Lumian paused before responding, Maybe shes trying to discourage your interest in men and lead you to her instead. What kind of strange things have you been reading? Aurore glared at her brother. Not only could Lumian provide a rational answer, but he did it with forceful verve. Your novels. You wrote something similar in one of them. Is that so Aurore fell into deep thought. After a moment, she looked out the window and said, Its been a while, but Madame Pualis hasnt come after us. The cycle hasnt started again Perhaps she doesnt want to kill the foreigners. If an investigator sent by the officials were to be killed, it would cause even greater trouble, Lumian speculated. And she doesnt suspect me, so she doesnt suspect you either. The witness was dead, and no one else had seen him. Aurore nodded and said self-deprecatingly, I dont even feel like eating dinner. Suddenly, Lumian had an idea. What if we go to the castle? Is the perpetrator returning to the scene of the crime? Aurore laughed. Lumian nodded. I want to investigate the castle. Madame Pualis doesnt suspect me, so I can go unnoticed. Oh, and I havent picked any tulips yet. I can ask for a few under the guise of making fragrances. Since Aurore and Madame Pualis appeared to be friends, there was no issue with Lumians actions. Aurore thought for a moment before saying, We can try, but we cant be sure that Madame Pualis wont cause trouble. Yes, if you dont return in half an hour, Ill go to the edge of the village and trigger the cycle to start again. Alright, Lumian agreed. As Lumian arrived at the administrators castle once again, the sun had already set behind the mountain, painting the horizon with a red hue. Passing through the garden, Lumian reached the open main entrance and approached a male servant. Excuse me, my Grande Soeur Aurore is creating a fragrance. Could I please borrow some tulips from Madame Pualis? The male servant, dressed in a red shirt and white pants, responded without any hint of suspicion. Ill inquire with Madame. He quickly disappeared into the castle. Shortly after, he reappeared. Madame says you may go straight to the garden to pluck them. She really doesnt suspect me? Besides, its as if nothing happened Nevertheless, he refrained from entering the castle and headed towards the garden to search for the tulips. It was there that Lumian spotted the flowers and a ladys maid pruning a flowering tree in the shadows. As he casually sized her up, his gaze suddenly froze. The ladys maid was in her forties, with brown hair, brown eyes, and a pretty face devoid of wrinkles. She was none other than the midwife who had fought Valentine and the others and was eventually killed by Ryan! Yet, here she stood, seemingly unscathed, her face shrouded in a shadow cast by the flowers and trees. Chapter 70 - 70 Spirit Channeling 70 Spirit Channeling The instant he laid eyes on the midwife, Lumians heart seemed to cease beating. Shes still alive? I clearly saw her killed by Ryan, and her spirit was destroyed! Lumian remembered vividly how the midwife had eventually been reduced to tiny pieces of flesh scattered on the ground. Some parts couldnt even be found. This must be a freaking ghost encounter! No, wait, theres the sound of breathing! Lumian thought of some scenes from his sisters novels, and his heart went from stillness to rapid beating. If it werent for the midwife not looking at him, preoccupied with trimming the branches of the flowering tree, he would have reacted to the stress. Kacha, kacha. Tiny tree branches that grew haphazardly fell to the ground, snapping the stunned Lumian out of his daze. He subconsciously took a step forward, walking towards the place where the tulips bloomed. The midwife didnt stop him or even turn around. Lumian couldnt help but steal another glance at her. She was focused on pruning the branches. The shadows cast by the flowers and trees made her profile look dark and gloomy. Not daring to linger, Lumian plucked a few tulips and left the administrators castle. His heart was still pounding even when he returned to the village. After calming himself down, Lumian walked towards Reimund Gregs house. It was still too early for Aurore to trigger the cycle. It was also a two-story building, but compared to Lumian and Aurores house, it was clearly older, more dilapidated, and narrower. The outer wall revealed the gray color of stone amidst the many green plants creeping over it. At that moment, the Gregs door was wide open, allowing one to see the stove on the left, the table on the right, and the wooden buckets behind. Lumian recalled that the wooden barrels were used for storage. There were two simple wooden beds in the space they isolated. They belonged to Reimund and his sister. Lumian didnt knock and walked straight into the Gregs house as usual. Reimunds elder and younger sisters were helping their mother prepare dinner. Reimunds father, Pierre Greg, was sitting on a chair at the wooden table, drinking cheap wine with a gloomy expression. I heard that Reimund is missing? Lumian asked Pierre Greg with a concerned look. Pierre Greg seemed to have aged significantly, and the few wrinkles on his face were even more pronounced. He looked up at Lumian and asked in confusion and surprise, You dont know? At this moment, Reimunds mother and two sisters stopped what they were doing and turned to look at Lumian. Lumian couldnt be any more honest. Ive been busy with my own matters. I havent seen Reimund for days. Pierre Greg had already inquired and knew that Lumian was telling the truth. Otherwise, suspecting that this rascal had instigated Reimund to run away from home, he would have gone questioning him that afternoon. Two afternoons agothey said it was the 29thReimund didnt return after he left, Pierre Gregg said with a gloomy expression. Weve been looking for him. His two brothers are still out searching. Where do you think hed have gone? Lumian hesitated before responding, He usually says that he doesnt want to learn shepherding, but he doesnt have much money on him. Its impossible for him to leave on his own. Let me see if he left anything behind As he spoke, he walked naturally to the wooden barrels at the back of the first floor and passed through them to reach Reimunds bed. The bed was very simple, as if pieced together with a few planks of wood. However, the grayish-blue bedsheets, the pillow stuffed with straw, and the quilt with traces of mending were all clean. It was evident that they were often washed. This was because Aurore loved cleanliness and didnt allow lice to appear at home or on her body. Even Lumian had developed this habit. Therefore, when he interacted with his playmates, he would consciously urge them to maintain personal hygiene. He didnt allow those fellows to be dirty and live with lice and fleas all day. If Reimund and the others slacked off at some point and were discovered by him to have lice, they would definitely be pranked. They might even be pushed into the river and made to wash up even if they refused to. After a few years of oppression, Reimund habitually helped clean up the environment when he returned home. We didnt find any message, Pierre Gregg said with a worried expression as he followed him to the bed. Lumian sat by Reimunds bed and reached under the pillow. He found two itemsa cracked, dark-red fountain pen and an exercise book filled with handwriting. Reimund was hungry for knowledge, but had little chance to receive an education. In Emperor Roselles time, villages like Cordu had mandatory township schools, housed in the same building as the administrators office. The building also contained an army recruitment center, a recruit physical examination committee, and other institutions, but ultimately, there were only a few staff members. In recent decades, many villages had lost their schools. The Church provided Sunday school for larger populations, but Cordu had to rely on educated elders to teach the children sporadically. Over time, some young people became illiterate again. When Lumian was in a good mood, he would claim he needed money for drinks. So, he sold his old fountain pens and workbooks to Reimund, Ava, and others at a low price, teaching them some words in the process. Reimund took every lesson as seriously as he did combat training and helping shepherds make cheese in the mountains to earn money. He was determined to change his fate. Lumian removed the fountain pen and exercise book, staring at them for a long time. I asked the padre. He said these are just simple words that dont form a sentence. Pierre Gregg sighed. Lumian flipped through the exercise book, noting how the handwriting had improved from messy and ugly to something acceptable. True, theres no message. He agreed with Pierre Gregg before adding, But I wonder if its a code that can be deciphered into a sentence. Youve heard a similar story, right? Aurore told it to many village children. Did they mention it at home? This included Reimunds younger brother and sister. Yes, they did. Pierre Gregg nodded. Cordu villagers would often gather in the kitchen at night for conversation, laughter, and storytelling when they couldnt afford the tavern. First-time guests had to follow Intis social norms and bring a bottle of wine, even a cheap one. Pierre Gregg had heard a similar story from his youngest son during such a gathering. Lumian held up the exercise book confidently. Ill take it back to Aurore for her to examine and see if she can find anything. Alright, Pierre Gregg didnt think it was anything valuable. After leaving the area surrounded by wooden barrels, Lumian walked toward the door, and Pierre Gregg sat down again. A few steps later, Lumian heard Pierre Gregg sigh and mutter,If he didnt want to learn shepherding, he couldve told me. Why did he just leave Our family will soon be wealthy. He wont need to learn shepherding anymore Wealthy? Lumians heart raced as he turned around, feigning curiosity. Whats this chance for wealth? Pierre Gregg didnt look up, keeping his head lowered as he said despondently, Our familys horoscope is about to change. Our luck will improve What Lumian felt a chill down his spine. Who told you this? he asked. Pierre Gregg didnt answer, continuing to lament. Upon returning home, Lumian immediately informed his sister that the midwife was still alive. Aurore frowned her blonde brows. Shes not necessarily a living person. Huh? Lumian was taken aback. Aurore pondered and said, Didnt we discuss this before? Madame Pualis pathway might have the power to control the undead. That might be a zombie. Impossible, Lumian said. I saw her without activating my Spirit Vision. Besides, there were no signs of stitching on her body. Back then, she was diced into many small pieces by Ryan. Lumian recalled and said, Also, I heard her breathing! At this point, Lumian paused. However, she was indeed a little sluggish. Her expression was gloomy, and her eyes werent lively enough. She looked almost exactly like Naroka! The one I saw on the night of the previous, previous loop when Naroka took the initiative to enter Paramita! Naroka, whose face was pale and eyes were blank. Of course, the midwife obviously resembled a living person more. Aurore nodded and said, A special state thats closer to the undead? Unable to deduce an answer, she gestured for Lumian to say something else. Lumian recounted everything that had happened in Reimunds fathers words in detail, as if nothing had happened in the castle. Aurore listened quietly and nodded. Madame Pualis doesnt seem to want to pursue the matter of the castle. I wonder what shes holding back Also, your discovery proves that a portion of the abnormality in the village is related to her, but she doesnt seem to be involved in the cycle What she meant was that Madame Pualiss involvement in the abnormality was mainly the fertility, death, soul, and Paramita. Nothing to do with the time loop. I think so too. Lumian had such an inkling during his explorations. It seems that the person behind the padre and company is most likely not Madame Pualis. Referring to Reimunds fathers words, he guessed, The one who spread the news that doing something can affect the horoscope and obtain good luck? Aurore acknowledged tersely. Well investigate tomorrow and see if we can channel Reimunds spirit tonight. After dinner, Aurore saw that it was about time and began to set up the altar. She was praying to herself, so she only placed a single candle, but the candle was replaced by another one made of slumber flowers and other materials. Aurore sanctified a silver dagger and created a wall of spirituality. Then, she dripped the extract made of night vanilla and moon flowers onto the orange flames, stirring up a misty fog. Seeing that the preparations were complete, Aurore glanced at the workbook on the altar and took a step back. She said in ancient Hermes, I! As she uttered the word, her eyes darkened, as if an invisible wind was swirling around her. I summon in my name: This was the second sentence she said, and she changed it to Hermes. As she didnt know where Reimunds spirit was, she couldnt directly communicate with it. She could only try summoning it. As a wild Beyonder, she didnt dare pray to the Evernight Goddess, who was in charge of this domain. She could only rely on herself. The chances of success werent high, unless Reimunds spirit was indeed somewhere in Cordu and was very close. Aurore continued to recite, The spirit lingering in Cordu Village. The man named Reimund Greg. The owner of this exercise book The orange candle flame suddenly swayed, absorbing the surrounding fog and becoming slightly larger. Its light rippled and was dyed with a deep blue color. Beads of sweat appeared on Aurores forehead as she began to borrow strength from various materials. Amidst the howling wind, a figure appeared above the blue flames. Having already activated his Spirit Vision, Lumian saw a translucent figure. He had brown hair and eyes, looking rather ordinary. It was Reimund Greg. He was indeed still in the village. Reimunds body was bloated, his face pale, and blood-colored tears were dripping from the corners of his eyes. Wh Aurore was clearly stunned. After the cycle was restarted, Reimund had only gone missing and hadnt drowned. How did his spirit end up like this? Thats right. If he hadnt drowned, how could he have become a spirit? They were self-contradictory Amidst her confusion, Aurore asked, Reimund Greg, why did you disappear? Reimunds expression suddenly turned ferocious as he shouted sharply, They drowned me! Chapter 71 - 71 Underground 71 Underground They? Lumian couldnt hide his surprise at Reimunds response. He had assumed that Reimund had drowned in the river of his own accord, becoming a sacrifice to some unknown entity. But now, it seemed there were others involved. It wasnt just an unseen force that had pulled Reimund into the depths. Who are they? Aurore demanded. Reimunds face contorted with pain and fury. His eyes burned with hatred. He spat the words, Pons Bnet, Pons Bnet and his men! They held me down in the water! After Ava and the others had left the riverbank, Pons Bnet and his thugs appeared where Reimund had washed ashore. They forced him back into the water, drowning him to turn him into a sacrifice? Lumian pieced together the scenario from Reimunds words. The entire Lent celebration had been twisted into a dark, sacrificial ritual! Aurore pressed for more information, but Reimund only repeated the same few phrases, as if they were all that remained of his memory. Damn, we missed the best time for spirit channeling. All we have left is this lingering obsession Aurore thought for a moment, formulating a question that Reimund might or might not recall. Did they sacrifice you to a specific being? Whats so special about Him? Where is He? This time, Aurore was more cautious. She didnt ask for the full name, only seeking indirect information to aid her judgment. She believed that if Reimunds spirit had sensed anything during the sacrifice, it would have left a strong impression. Otherwise, it wouldnt. Reimund hesitated, tears welling up in his ghostly eyes, turning the corners red. Lumians expression darkened. Unconsciously, he began clenching his fists. Suddenly, Reimund cried out, Underground! Beneath the cathedral! What? Aurore could hardly believe her ears. Based on her question, Reimund was implying that the secret entity he had been sacrificed to resided beneath the cathedral! Thats impossible. Its the Fifth Epoch. How can a god walk the land? Aurore composed herself, considering that Reimunds spirit retained only a fragment of his obsession and some spirituality. His answers were disjointed and fixated on certain points. In other words, his testimony might not actually confirm the beings location beneath the cathedral. It could simply be a reaction to her prompting. But regardless of whether Reimunds answer was true or a reflection of his obsession, something was amiss beneath the cathedral. It held the key to the sacrificial ritual! Aurore could only hope that the secrets hidden there wouldnt prove too horrifying or outlandish. She tried asking about other matters, but Reimunds spirit could only repeat phrases like they drowned me, Pons Bnet, and beneath the cathedral. Seeing no further gains, Aurore ended the spirit channeling and watched as Reimunds form vanished above the candle flame. The blue hue that had stained the altar swiftly receded. After dispelling the wall of spirituality, she noticed Lumian lost in thought, silent. Wh-what are you thinking about? Aurore waved her hand in front of her brothers eyes. The corners of Lumians mouth curled up as he forced a smile. I regret not hitting Pons Bnet harder yesterday. He had kneed Pons Bnet, causing him considerable pain, but he had held back, not wanting to escalate the conflict with the padre and his allies before the twelfth night. He had rationally restrained himself, not crippling Pons Bnet outright. Therell be a chance, Aurore reassured him. Lumian nodded and chuckled. Actually, weve been overlooking something. Before Lent, were not the only ones afraid of escalating the conflict. The padre and his goons are too. Theyre not ready, and they havent started the ritual. In other words, if Lumian had truly wanted Pons Bnet to suffer irreversible harm, the padre would likely only feign retribution and avoid any real action. They would bide their time until Lent. Regardless of whether Lumian had offended them or not, once the Lent celebration began, everyone in the village would be in their sights. Aurore understood Lumians point and nodded slightly. You can decide how to exact revenge on Pons Bnet. What we need to focus on now is how we can survive until the twelfth night after the padre and his cronies gain immense power during Lent. Lumian immediately sank into deep contemplation. Aurore shared her thoughts. We have two options. We either join forces with the three foreigners, or we find a way to strengthen ourselves. She hesitated for a moment before continuing, If we can confirm that Madame Pualis has no connection to the loop and is trapped here like us, we might even cooperate with her. Huh? Lumian was taken aback. Madame Pualis was a terrifying and malevolent Beyonder! Aurore sighed and said, A philosopher from my homeland once said that balance is needed between principal and secondary contradictions. We must unite all possible forces. Yes, theres definitely something off about the cathedrals underground. It might hold crucial clues. We have to investigate it before Lent, as we may not get another opportunity. From Aurores knowledge, most of the cathedrals in this world had underground chambers. Some stored Sealed Artifacts, while others served as burial sites for important figures. Although Cordus cathedral didnt contain Sealed Artifacts or notable people to be buried, it still featured a large basement when constructed. Alright, Lumian agreed. Ill talk to the three foreigners tomorrow. He then brought up Reimunds condition. Why can he only say those few words? Was the spirit not summoned properly? Aurore sighed again. Theres a critical period for mediumship. Within an hour of death. After an hour, the spirit of the deceased rapidly dissipates, losing their original memories. All that remains are some thoughts, emotions, and images they cant let go. In the technical terms of our homeland, its called obsession. Lumian nodded slightly. When the next cycle starts, well summon Reimund from the beginning. Does that count as an hour of death? But wait; why does Reimund remember the last, last cycle? Only then did he recognize the issue. After the cycle reset, shouldnt Reimund forget about drowning? Aurore was stumped. Combining her thoughts from the ritual, she pondered and said, I believe it counts. Its not Lent yet. According to the timeline, Reimund hasnt drowned, so he shouldnt know the murderers identity. However, because he lost his body, he can only exist as a spirit. Its similar to death. There will be lingering obsessions. Thus, the person we summoned just now remembers certain events from the previous, previous cycle. In simpler terms, Reimunds state has become unique due to his bodys loss. He retains a certain amount of memories when the cycle resets! Heh, its like a glitch. The loop created a tiny error because Reimunds body was sacrificed? Lumian roughly understood his sisters explanation. Aurore chuckled and added, It seems that the power allowing us to loop is very mechanical and rigid. It probably isnt under the original owners control and operates autonomously. Otherwise, it could easily target Reimunds spirit. At this point, she appeared to relax somewhat. Haha, in that case, we still have a chance to break the cycle. Influenced by his sisters emotions, Lumians somber mood lifted slightly. After all their efforts, they finally saw a glimmer of hope. The two of them cleaned up the altar and moved to the second-floor study. Aurore taught Lumian Hermes and ancient Hermes, word by word, based on the disordered and incorrect ritual he had written. Lumian had already learned some words, so his progress was promising. Under the bright electric lamp, Aurore explained the pronunciation and structure of the words to her brother. While he revised, she used musk, cloves, blood, and other materials to create candles. As Lumian studied intently, he occasionally glanced at his sister working beside him, feeling as if he had returned to their warm lifefree from loops or malevolent gods. Outside the window, the night was tranquil. Lumian woke up to find himself in his misty room. As he got out of bed, he walked over to the table and grabbed a pen and paper. He then wrote down the ancient Hermes and Hermes words, but in the wrong order. He then corrected them by labeling each with a number. After finishing, Lumian let out a sigh of relief and looked over to the table. There were four items there, the two grayish-white musk candles made by Aurore (one with Lumians blood, and the other without), the bottle of gray amber perfume, the metal bottle containing tulip powder, and the silver dagger provided by Aurore. That lady really sent them in Lumians heart calmed down when he saw the items. Lumian grabbed the items and looked for Aurores homemade incense. When he found it, he went downstairs and placed everything on the dining table. Then, he went to the kitchen to grab a glass of water and a pile of coarse salt. The materials for the ritual were now prepared. Before falling asleep, Aurore was worried that Lumian didnt have the corresponding symbol to pray for the boon. This would prevent him from burning the items on the replica goatskin to inform the target deity of his desires. However, since the mysterious lady didnt mention it, there was probably no need for it. After all, it was essentially praying to the power in Lumians body. It could hear all the prayers without any additional paperwork. Lumian took a deep breath and slowly exhaled as he looked at the items on the dining table. Without wasting a moment, Lumian placed one of the grayish-white musk candles, the one with his own blood, at the top of the altar, representing the deity. He placed the other candle in front of him. Following the order of god before man, Lumian lit the candle by sparking his spirituality. He wasnt an expert at sanctifying the rituals silver dagger or creating a wall of spirituality. As Lumians spirituality flowed out from the tip of the silver dagger and connected with the air around him, he felt a mystical sensation that he couldnt explain. Soon, the wall of spirituality was complete, and Lumians own spirituality was significantly depleted. He cleared his mind using Aurores homemade incense and Cogitation, allowing him to enter a state where he could perform the ritualistic magic. With a sizzling sound, Lumian dripped the gray amber perfume and tulip powder onto the candle that represented the deity. A strange fragrance filled the air, and Lumian felt a magical energy pulsing around him. Lumian took a step back, glancing at the small notebook beside the altar. He looked at the burning candle and shouted in ancient Hermes, Power of Inevitability! Chapter 72 - 72 Sacrificial Dance 72 Sacrificial Dance Power of Inevitability! As Lumian uttered the words in ancient Hermes, the light above the altar dimmed ominously. The orange candle flame flickered wildly, as if buffeted by an unseen wind, compressing to the size of a peppercorn. Simultaneously, heat bloomed in his chest, and his head spun. His ears buzzed, as if once again on the verge of hearing that terrifying voice emanating from an infinite distance, yet remaining unnervingly close. Lumian steadied himself and had a sudden realization. The corruption within him had been sealed by the master of the bluish-black symbol. Even if he delved into deep Cogitation, he could only summon the thorn symbol and release a meager aura. He couldnt harness its true power. Could this ritual bypass the seal and absorb the boon? Only if the owner of the bluish-black symbol, that great existence, had tacitly granted permission! Remembering the enigmatic ladys self-assured demeanor, Lumian felt a surge of confidence. He even suspected that the ritual itself contained a component for seeking the great presences approval. As for which part, his knowledge of mysticism was too limited to speculate. In the throes of the ritual, Lumian dared not delay. With a focused mind, he began reciting the subsequent incantations in ancient Hermes. You are the past, the present, and the future; You are the cause, the effect, and the process. These words resonated within the sealed altar. The floor and artifacts seemed to writhe, as if innumerable bizarre entities were about to burst forth and invade the dream ruins. Ooo! A black wind materialized out of nowhere, encircling Lumian. The candle flame, previously shrunk to a peppercorn size, swelled, suffused with a silvery hue and a touch of black. Lumian heard the voice that had always pushed him to the brink of death once more. But at some point, a faint gray fog had emerged from the altar, coalescing around him. The sensation left him suspended between deep Cogitation and witnessing the Noodle Mans dance. He wasnt on the edge of death, but he wasnt comfortable either. It felt like severe tinnitusdizzy, nauseous, and agitated to a degree, his mind a swirling mess. Barely maintaining control, Lumian continued the ritual. I implore you, I beseech your benediction. I plead with you to grant me the power of Dancer. Tulip, a herb that belongs to inevitability, please pass your powers to my incantation! Gray amber, a herb that belongs to inevitability, please pass your powers to my incantation! As the ritual progressed, Lumians tinnitus and dizziness intensified. It felt as if countless maggots writhed beneath his skin. Finally, he completed the incantation. Almost instantaneously, the silver-black candle flame condensed, transforming into a pillar of light that illuminated his left pectoral. Silver-black phantom liquid poured forth, swiftly enveloping Lumian, rendering him sinister and fearsome. It felt as if his skin was pierced by a thousand needles, his muscles and ligaments torn asunder. The mysterious voice became deafening, reverberating within his mind. Lumian was consumed by excruciating pain, his mind teetering on the edge of madness. His blood vessels seared as if incinerated from within. This torment far exceeded the near-death state induced by deep Cogitation. All he could do was clench his teeth and endure, desperately clinging to his fraying sanity. As for everything else, it didnt matter. Amid the tempestuous onslaught, he was adrift. Time became an enigma. At last, the agonizing pain abated. Lumian felt as if he had been unburdened or had emerged from drowning, a sudden sense of relief washing over him. He swiftly collected his thoughts and looked up. The candle flame had returned to its original size, but retained its silver and black hues. Regaining his senses, Lumian took two hasty steps forward and snuffed out the candle representing him to avert any mishaps. Next was the candle symbolizing the deity. He meticulously followed the procedure, completing the ritual step by step. As he dissolved the wall of spirituality, he felt mentally drained and his body sore, as if he had battled a formidable beast. Before long, the dining table was cleared. Lumian began to assess his condition and discovered a wealth of knowledge had materialized in his mind. There were three primary parts to this: First, it involved harnessing the power of dance, rhythm, and spirituality to tap into the forces of nature and communicate with unknown entities. This was the essence of being a Dancer. With this knowledge, Lumian could not only beseech Inevitability but also craft new sacrificial dances tailored to various situations, in order to appease other beings. The second and third parts were applications of the first. What Lumian desired most was the enigmatic dance performed by Noodle Man. The knowledge was directly implanted into his mind, enabling him to comprehend it instantly; all that remained was to practice. With this arcane sacrificial dance, Lumian could activate the black thorn symbol on his chest while exploring the dream ruins, suppressing or weakening the formidable monsters therein. The third segment involved another bizarre dance. It didnt resemble a traditional sacrificial rite but rather a blend of sacrifice and summoning. By executing this dance, Lumian could attract nearby objects, and at the cost of his own blood, bond one of them to himself, thereby gaining access to one of its abilities or traits. Of course, Lumian would first need to endure such possession. Some attachments could inflict significant adverse effects on humans, while others might prove reluctant to depart, creating complications. Lumian felt it was crucial to understand the summoned entities fully. It would be far too hazardous to experiment without anticipating potential issues. The value of mystical knowledge was apparent in such a situation. Lumian desperately required resources like Mysterious Creatures Illustrated or Spirit World Creatures Illustrated, but even a Warlock, renowned for their extensive knowledge, could not possess such information. Moments later, Lumian stretched and discovered that his flexibility had indeed improved dramatically. Although not quite on par with Noodle Man, a mutated monster with reassembled organs, he now surpassed nearly all ordinary humans, enabling him to execute the enigmatic sacrificial dance. Lumian effortlessly kicked backward, touching the back of his head, and nodded contentedly, murmuring, Thats right. I can perform many actions that were once impossible. My Hunter combat skills have also greatly improved. Lumian practiced the mysterious dance to familiarize his body with the corresponding movements, aiming to reduce the time needed to complete the routine. Sometimes his movements were forceful and resonant, as if in combat, while other times they were gentle and unhurried, as if conveying a message, yet always rhythmic. As Lumian danced, his spiritual energy radiated outward, merging with the ambient natural forces. Gradually, his thoughts concentrated, his mind quieted, and he entered a transcendent, mystical state. This allowed him to perceive various subtle phenomena surrounding him, as if his Spirit Vision had been activated. Simultaneously, he seemed to connect with the unseen power within him. His chest warmed once more, and a faint, horrifying voice echoed, but without consequence. Phew Lumian ceased dancing, unfastened his clothing, and inspected his chest. The black thorn symbol reemerged, accompanied by the bluish-black one. Lumians thoughts briefly scattered but quickly returned to normal. He had achieved the desired effect perfectly. He then calculated the precise duration from the emergence of the black thorn symbol to its disappearance. It lasted approximately one minute. Lumian fastened his clothes and prepared to try the other bizarre dance. It was crazy and warped, and he couldnt describe it properly. As he danced, his spirituality spread out again, blending with the natural forces surrounding him. In the last third of the dance, he sensed something strange approaching. Three figures appeared on the first-floor window, but they were blurry and transparent. Lumian recognized them as the skinless monster, the shotgun monster, and the mouth orifice monster with the black mark. He muttered in amusement, Is this a victims complaints meeting? Lumian could make one of the monsters attach to him and borrow their abilities by taking out a ritual silver dagger and making a cut on his body to release some blood. He craved the mouth orifice monsters invisibility but resisted the urgelest something happened via allowing a monster he murdered to possess himand finished the dance. As Lumian danced the last few moves, he heard weak and soft voices. It sounded like many people communicating, but it was unclear where the voices came from. Lumian analyzed it and realized the voices seemed to come from his body, from the corruption that had been sealed. After the last move, Lumian stood there and muttered to himself, What did I hear? Lumian was only semi-literate in the field of mysticism and couldnt identify the source of the soft sounds he heard. He had no choice but to give up, as it wasnt more terrifying than the corruption itself. After the sounds subsided and him finishing the two mysterious dances, Lumian confirmed that the Dancer had enhanced his spirituality. Although he knew he was most likely inferior to Sequence 9s who excelled in spirituality, he had escaped the shackles of being a Hunter. He felt he was above average. My shortcomings have been compensated for. Lumian was very happy about this. Lumian didnt dwell on what would happen to his body after enduring the Dancers power and the corresponding corruption. He couldnt stop it, so he decided not to think about it. He rubbed his tired head and made up his mind to rest for the night, returning to the real world to wait for the owl! Chapter 73 - 73 Tracking 73 Tracking Lumians eyes snapped open, his aches gone and his spirituality restored. He sprang up, strode to the window, and yanked the curtains aside. Dawn had yet to break. The blood-red moon sank in the west while stars speckled the sky. On a nearby elm, the large owl with piercing eyes reappeared, gazing down at Lumian. Instead of alarm or anger, Lumian flashed a dazzling smile. Youre back, he said, almost too eagerly. His mannerisms, his tone, even his facial expressionit all made the target want to punch him. The owl stared for a few seconds before spreading its wings and vanishing into the darkness. Almost simultaneously, Aurore emerged from her bedroom, turned the handle, and entered Lumians room. Howd it go? Lumian asked immediately. Aurore nodded. White Paper is on it. Her once light-blue eyes had darkened, and the trees in them grew larger as they receded. She produced a mercury-plated mirror and set it on Lumians table. Using pale-white powder, she cast a spell that showed him what she was seeing. Lumian glimpsed the owls silhouette. It circled Cordu at a low altitude, as if trying to shake off any pursuers. But White Paper, a creature from the spirit world, was swift and unfazed, maintaining a constant distance. After a minute or two, the owl reached the village square. Without hesitation, it dove into the cemetery beside the cathedral. Why is it here again? Lumian sighed inwardly. The last time the siblings spied on Michel Garrigue, the lizard that crawled from the deputy padres mouth also wound up in the cemetery, slipping in and out of various graves! Lumian glanced at his sister. You dont think its like in stories, where the cemetery doubles as a villains lair or hideout, do you? Aurore scoffed. You know life inspires art, right? I suppose Lumian conceded, accepting the professional authors explanation. At that moment, the owl landed on an unremarkable grave. Like most graves in Intis, it featured a deep pit filled with a coffin and covered with soil. One or two stone slabs lay atop it, and a tombstone marked its head. This was Lumians guess, at least; from the outside, the grave seemed ordinary. The owl settled on the slabs sealing the grave. With White Papers aid, Aurore and Lumian uncovered suspicious traces. The tombstone was blank. The stone slab, which should have been dirty and overgrown, was clean, as if regularly tended. Somethings off about this grave, Aurore remarked. As she spoke, the slabs sealing the grave fell. No, not fellopened. Inward, like a door, revealing darkness and stone stairs descending deeper. Wow, Lumian marveled. Its huge! Not the average grave hed pictured, but more like a spacious mausoleum. Cordu has such a place Aurore had thought six years in town taught her everything about Cordu, but it was growing stranger by the day. As the siblings talked, the owl swooped into the depths of the mausoleum. The underground space was no exaggeration. As White Paper followed, it entered a tomb chamber. About the size of Lumians kitchen, the chamber held a black coffin at its center. The coffin wasnt closed. The lid leaned against the side, resting on the ground. The owl flew over and perched on the coffins edge. The dead Warlock? Lumian tensed. Aurore tersely agreed and instructed White Paper to approach the coffin and peer inside. Almost simultaneously, Lumian spotted a figure lurking in a corner of the tomb. Before he could tell his sister to check it out, White Papers gaze fell into the open coffin. With a bang, the mercury mirror before them shattered, and Aurore let out a pained, muffled cry. Lumian spun to face his sister, only to find her eyes squeezed shut. Blood-streaked tears traced her cheeks, and her facial muscles spasmed as if they might split. Without waiting for the semi-illiterate mysticism student to react, Aurore retrieved a short incense stick from a hidden pocket and lit it with a match. A subtle scent wafted, distant and faint, soothing the body and mind. Aurores facial distortion eased. Finally, she exhaled and wiped her tears with a handkerchief. Are you okay? Lumian asked, concerned. Aurores eyes remained closed. Its not serious. Ill recover after some sleep. Luckily, White Paper is weak. Sometimes, weakness is an advantage! She rejoiced. Huh? Lumian didnt understand. Aurore laughed at herself. In short, I saw something I shouldnt have, but White Paper was too weak to handle it. It caught only a fleeting glimpse before suffering severe injuries that forced it to retreat into the spirit world. The impact on me lessened significantly as well. Otherwise, it wouldnt have been so easy to keep things under control. It could have been quite problematic. The world of mysticism is perilous Lumian truly grasped the meaning of not seeing what one shouldnt. He waited for his sister to recover slightly before asking, What did White Paper see? Why was it so harmful? I saw a silver-black speck of light. Aurore didnt dare to remember. As for things that can cause damage just by looking at them, there are countless possibilities. Perhaps its an object that reveals godhood, or a High-Sequence Beyonders Mythical Creature form, or something laden with curses and malice Mythical Creature form? Lumian had never encountered this term before. Aurore casually elucidated, The essence of the divine pathway is to transform Beyonders into deities. At Sequence 4, we can assume our own Mythical Creature form, albeit incomplete. For those below Sequence 4, merely witnessing this form can inflict harm. They might even lose control. Saints are that formidable? Theyre worlds apart from Beyonders below Sequence 4 No wonder theyre deemed demigods at Sequence 4 Lumian instantly recognized his own ignorance. He had naively believed that the demigod title was basically no different from lower-ranked Beyonders. He then said, Aurore, when White Paper neared the coffin, I think I saw a figure in a corner of the tomb, but I couldnt make out who it was, what they looked like, or what they wore. Another person was there? Aurore was taken aback. Lumian nodded. So, is the one inside the coffin the deceased Warlock or the one in the corner? I think its the one in the coffin. Aurore, eyes still closed, pondered before continuing, The one in the corner is either his puppet or subordinate, or another Beyonder. They control the Warlocks corpse. Lumian tersely acknowledged her words. This means the Warlock issue hasnt been fully resolved. Perhaps this is the root cause slowly corrupting Cordu. This discovery left him both elated and frustrated. He was pleased that their investigation had advanced significantly, but disheartened that merely glimpsing the Warlocks corpse could injure them. Losing control was a high probability. How could they return to the tomb for further confirmation and pursue additional actions? Aurore also considered this. Lets not visit the tomb for now. Well concentrate on the area beneath the cathedral. Maybe we can uncover vital clues there to help us resolve the tomb situation. Alright. Lumian had previously planned to discuss exploring the cathedrals underground with the three foreigners at dawn. In response, Aurore added, If I fully recover, Ill accompany you to the cathedral. Lumian hesitated for two seconds before consenting. At this point, they needed to marshal all their strength to find hope! With her eyes still closed, Aurore asked, Your ritual appears to have succeeded. How do you feel? Lumian recounted the entire ritual process and his gains, but omitted the precise description of the being. I nearly lost control when I received the boon. It stabilized afterward, and my body underwent no abnormal changes. Perhaps its because my Sequence is low enough. Aurore smiled, eyes still closed. The dance that summons abnormal creatures around and allows one to be possessed by them is quite intriguing. It reminds me of a legendary ability from our homeland, the Spiritual Boxer! Huh? Lumian couldnt comprehend. Aurore laughed and replied, It entails requesting partial possession from demigod-level creatures to utilize their combat prowess. That would require an incredibly robust body, soul, and mind, right? Lumian speculated. Aurore didnt pursue the topic further and instructed her brother, Help me back to my room. I need to rest. As Lumian assisted his sister and they walked to her bedroom, he casually inquired, What I find odd about that ritual is that I extracted a bit of power from the seal without the bluish-black symbols owners consent. Could it be that He has been watching me the entire time? Thats impossible. How could He have that much free time? Aurore mulled it over for a moment before responding, You mentioned that the mysterious womans description of the honorific name was vague and inaccurate to avoid drawing the attention of the corresponding being. Could it be that the black thorns and the bluish-black symbol have some sort of shared authority? Lumian pondered aloud. Maybe They both have power in the Fate domain. And when you use a vague honorific name, it could refer not only to the person with the black thorns, but also the owner of the bluish-black symbol. Under normal circumstances, this wouldnt matter much, but because you have the corresponding symbols and power on the altar, they reacted to the stimulation and the existence discovered your actions. And since you were guided by the mysterious lady, it was easy for you to obtain permission. So when you finish reciting all the honorific names and point to the corruption in your body, there wont be any obstacles in extracting some strength. The back door has already been opened. What an ingenious ritual design It has to be an expert at exploiting bugs. I see, Lumian said, finally understanding the situation. Chapter 74 - 74 Mute 74 Mute His sister needed rest, so Lumian couldnt learn new Hermes and ancient Hermes words. He could only revise what he had already learned. Around ten oclock, he left the house and headed straight to Ol Tavern. He had two objectives: first, he wanted to see if the mysterious lady would appear after he became a Dancer and provide him with some knowledge. Second, Leah and the other foreigners lived there. After yesterdays incident, they might not be out today. Upon entering Ol Tavern, Lumian quickly scanned the room and was disappointed to find that the spot where the lady usually sat was vacant. With a slow exhale, he walked to the bar counter, intending to ask if the three foreigners were around. At this moment, the tavern owner, Maurice Bnet, appeared to have just woken up and was clearly not in high spirits. He had a bulbous nose and was conversing with a customer at the bar. The customer seemed agitated, gesturing wildly and making muffled sounds, but he couldnt speak. Mute? Lumian approached curiously and realized the customer wasnt one of the village mutes but Jean Maury, Sybil Berrys husband. Sybil was the mistress of Padre Guillaume Bnet, sister of Shepherd Pierre Berry, and a member of their small group. Jean Maury isnt mute Lumian assessed the middle-aged man in confusion. His black hair was unkempt, and his stubble was uneven. His eyes were filled with anger and fear. Uncharacteristically agitated, he gestured urgently, trying to communicate something to the tavern owner. As Lumian thought, Odd, he approached the bar counter and knocked on it with a smile. Hey, whats going on? Maurice, did you sell fake alcohol to Jean? He looks so angry he cant speak. Whats that got to do with me? Maurice Bnet quickly defended himself. He muted himself. Jean Maury paused and glanced at Lumian, reverting to his usual sullen demeanor. He then turned and left Ol Tavern. After he disappeared through the door, Lumian lowered his voice and asked, Whats wrong with him? Maurice Bnet looked outside and whispered, I heard he caught Sybil and the padre in bed together last night, and it made him so mad he went mute. Today, hes been telling everyone he sees. Heh, he doesnt even have the guts to go to Darige to confront the padre. What a coward. Serves him right! Lumian was baffled and shocked. If he remembered correctly, Jean Maury knew about his wife Sybils prolonged affair with the padre. He just didnt want her to be with another man. How could he be so angry that he went mute over something he was prepared for? Something was off! Moreover, in the previous cycle, there had been no instance of Jean Maury becoming mute from anger. Otherwise, Lumian would have known. In Cordu, this was headline news. It would have spread rapidly. Could it be that their investigations had caused a disturbance, making Jean Maury encounter something he wouldnt have otherwise? As Lumian speculated, he showed an excited expression. Is that so? Then Ill have to ask him properly! Maurice Bnet wasnt surprised by his eagerness for gossip, thinking it was typical. He scolded jokingly, Damned kid, be decent and dont provoke that poor man. Besides, hes mute and cant write. How can he tell you what happened? Lumian chuckled and said, Cant he gesture? He raised his hands and clenched his left fist, gently hitting his right palm. Throughout the Darige region and even across southern Intis, this was a universal gesture for the act between a man and a woman. Maurice Bnet cursed angrily, I hope youve got some decency left and dont play pranks on that poor man. Dont worry. I just want to hear the story. Lumian waved his hand and dashed out of Ol Tavern, searching for Jean Maury. However, Lumian didnt know where the man had gone, nor was he gesturing his story to other villagers. Lumian scoured Cordu but found no trace of him. Finally, he arrived at Jean Maurys house. At the entrance, Sybil Berry, clad in a grayish-white dress, was sorting through spoiled potatoes. Whats the matter? The woman looked up at Lumian. Like Pierre Berry, she had blue eyes, and her long black hair flowed softly down her back, unlike other married women who always wore their hair in a bun. Lumian answered frankly, Im looking for Jean Maury? With plump cheeks and gentle features, Sybil replied indifferently,Hes not home. Then do you know where he went? Lumian pressed. Sybil replied calmly, We had an argument last night. He might have left Cordu and doesnt want to return for the time being. Lumians brows twitched. He sensed that something bad had happened. Clearly, Jean Maury couldnt leave Cordu. That would trigger the cycle and cause a restart! As these thoughts raced through his mind, Lumian wore a mischievous grin. Why did you guys quarrel? I heard that you and the padre He didnt finish the sentence but instead punched his right palm with his left fist. Sybils face turned cold as she cursed in a low voice, Get lost! Get out of my house! Lumian clicked his tongue and left Jean Maurys house. After walking for a distance, the smile on his face vanished. In truth, he didnt want to ask about Sybils affair with the padre. He had seen the padre and Madame Pualis naked. What else was there to ask? But if he didnt ask, it didnt fit his persona in the eyes of the villagers. He had already visited them. If he didnt anger the mistress of the house, could he still live up to the name of Prankster King of Cordu? Therefore, Lumian had no choice but to ask. Otherwise, he might be suspected. The persona of a character was sometimes useful and sometimes troublesome. Judging by the padres actions and the information he had, Lumian suspected that Jean Maury hadnt become mute because of the affair but had uncovered something else. It was highly likely that he had been poisoned and rendered mute! I have to find him as soon as possible. If he goes around looking for people to complain to, he might just die like the previous one. No, hes already missing The more Lumian thought about it, the more he felt that something had happened to Jean Maury. The villager who had snitched in Darige previously had fallen to his death for no reason! Just as Lumian was making his last effort to find Jean Maury, he encountered Ryan, Leah, and Valentine, who were hanging around in the village. They were still wearing their original clothes. Good morning, my cabbages, Lumian greeted them with a smile. As soon as they approached, he immediately asked in a low voice, Did anything happen yesterday? Leah replied with a smile, That madame doesnt seem to want to pursue the matter. She didnt appear. As expected Lumian looked around and saw that there was no one nearby. Only then did he tell the three official investigators about his sisters deduction of the Madame Pualis pathway and her guess of Pulitts identity. Valentines expression soured as he listened, while Leah was rather excited. Ryan recalled and said, Its rare for a Demoness to appear in Riston Province. We dont know much about this, but the higher-ups should know very well. Ill send a telegram later and tell them about Madame Pualis. Hmm, Ill only mention how Madame Pualiss room has Pulitts photo, but the Roquefort family doesnt have Pualis. Seeing Lumians puzzled expression, Ryan added, In Intis, Demoness-related matters often happen. So, my sisters pen pal is also in Intis? Lumian nodded and said, So far, Madame Pualis doesnt seem to have anything to do with the loop. Also, she seems to be aware of the loop. That might be why she didnt pursue our search of the castle. Is it possible that we can join forces with her to some extent? Valentine blurted out, How can I work with such an evil and filthy person whos even more terrifying than a demon? Lumian didnt even look at him. He turned his gaze to Ryan and Leah. Seeing that they were somewhat hesitant, he tried to persuade them earnestly. A limited cooperation, only in the loop. When this damned loop is resolved, you can deal with her however you want! You can even tell her directly about this. I believe she can understand and accept it. Ryan thought for a few seconds, patted Valentines shoulder, and said to Lumian, Indeed, the most important thing now is to resolve this loop. However, we cant be sure of that madames attitude. We dont dare to visit her directly. Im afraid well have to trouble you or your sister to communicate with her and inquire. Alright, Lumian agreed. He planned to do it himself. He didnt want his sister to be alone with Madame Pualis when he realized that she might harbor abnormal feelings for his sister. Valentine kept a poker face as he listened to their conversation. He neither agreed nor disagreed. Lumian peered around furtively once more. There are three more clues He recounted Reimunds case, Jean Maurys situation, and the burial chamber where the owl had flown into. Leah was stunned. How did you get so many clues so quickly? She even suspected this guy or his sister were off. That was why there were red flags and clues everywhere. Who were the real investigators here? Why hadnt we caught on? Blame yourselves for not remembering the first two cycles. Lumian smirked, spreading his hands in mock innocence. Leah nodded, swallowing his explanation. Ryan mulled it over for a beat before uttering in a gravelly voice, Then we gotta investigate the cathedral catacombs ASAP. Yeah, its probably very dangerous down there. You should contact Madame Pualis first. If shes down to joining, well have a way higher chance of nailing this. Chapter 75 - 75 Meeting Madame Pualis Again 75 Meeting Madame Pualis Again Outside the administrators residence, a building transformed from an old castle. Lumian strolled through the gardens and approached the front door. He said to the valet standing guard, I need a word with Madame Pualis. The valetclad in a crimson shirt and ivory pantssized him up warily and asked, Whats this about? Is this brat here to make trouble? Lumian scoffed. Thats not for you to know. Why would some servant care so much? Who do you think you are? How many kids have you popped out? The valet hesitated before deciding to pass the message to Madame Pualis and let her decide if she wanted to entertain this cheeky young man. Lumian loitered by the entrance for a few minutes. When the valet returned, Lumian said, Madame will see you in the small parlor. The small parlor was familiar to Lumian. The few times he had accompanied his sister here, he had been entertained in that very room. Without needing directions, Lumian made his way to the correct room. The valet trailed behind like an obedient dog. Lumian sprawled on the sofa in the parlor and helped himself to the black tea. Then Madame Pualis glided through the doorway. The lady was dressed to kill in an exquisite black corset dress, a matching shawl draped over her shoulders. She wore a slightly askew ladys round hat and a diamond necklace laced in gold. The outfit struck Lumian as familiar. He realized that Madame Pualis had worn this very ensemble when she came to seduce him. She did that on purpose, didnt she? Lumian thought with an icy smile. Good morning, Madame Pualis. Just as the greeting left his lips, Lumian suddenly noticed the figure beside Madame Pualis. It wasnt Cathy, the ladys maid, but the midwife who had met her demise at Ryans hands just yesterday. The midwife wore a grayish white dress. Her eyes were blank, her face expressionless. Her skin had a bluish tinge, identical to when Lumian had seen her corpse in the garden the previous evening. However, she wasnt carrying any gardening tools this time. Bringing the midwife instead of her maid? She did that on purpose too, didnt she? Lumian couldnt help the cynical thought. Madame Pualis smiled. It should be noon by now. She settled into the armchair that signified the host, while the midwife stood to one side like an accessory. If you havent eaten lunch, its not noon yet, Lumian quipped. His heart raced underneath the retort. He suspected Madame Pualis had brought the midwife here to interrogate him about yesterdays events. If he didnt handle this well and Leahs group didnt restart the cycle in time, Lumian suspected he might have to play daddy for a few minutes. Or longer. Madame Pualis glanced at him, her bright eyes sparkling with an inscrutable smile. Casually, she asked, What seems to be the trouble? Lumian decided to cut to the chase. Solemnly, he said, Madame, you must have realized were stuck in a time loop. As he spoke, he watched Madame Pualiss face closely, alert for any reaction. If she revealed surprise, shock or confusion, he would quickly add, Just kidding! Then, he would start with something odd and see how she responded. Only then would he consider telling her about the time loop. Of course, if Madame Pualis looked like she already knew and her secret was out, escape would be his top priority. The odds of escape were slim in that scenario, but how would he know if there was any hope without trying? Madame Pualis sized Lumian up for a few seconds, then smiled. Looks like youve found a boss too. She didnt seem surprised by the time loop concept, nor did she look puzzled. That was as good as admitting she knew what was going on. Boss? That was a favorite word in Aurores books. Did she mean some higher power that granted boons? Lumian interpreted Madame Pualiss words. He believed she could retain memories across loops only because she had a bosssome kind of protection. Lumian smiled and pretended to sigh in relief. Seems I wont need to explain much. What are you getting at? Pualis asked, still smiling. The midwife stood motionless beside her like a mannequin. Lumian had an excuse prepared and launched into it with enough charm to convince anyone. People outside already know about Cordus abnormality. If we dont end this loop soon, this place will be wiped out. Everyone dies. Were in the same boat. Only by uniting can we avoid sinking. Only then do we have a chance of finding the key to escape this loop and return to normal life. Madame, time is running out. Lets work together. Madame Pualis listened with a faint smile, not interrupting Lumians story. At this, she chuckled. Who said were in this together? What? Could she be the one wanting to sink the boat? Lumian grew alarmed. Madame Pualis maintained her smile. Why should I cooperate with you? I can leave here at a specific time. Wh Lumian was stunned, but a glimmer of hope flickered. Are you saying you have a way out of the time loop? You only need to do something at a precise time? Madame Pualis nodded and sipped her tea from fine porcelain. She said nothing else. The perks of a higher powers protection Wait, this isnt the first cycle. Why is she still here? Could other cycles have restarted before that specific time? Hmm That explains why she didnt pursue us infiltrating the castle and killing the midwife. She fears the three Beyonders causing trouble and forcibly restarting the cycle Lumian grasped things that had puzzled him. He suspected Madame Pualis was also waiting for the twelfth night. Amid his thoughts, Lumian smiled. I wonder if you can take Aurore and me out of this cycle? What official investigators? Ive never heard of them! Madame Pualis appraised him with amusement. Why should I help you? Didnt you say that love Lumian stopped, unable to continue. He meant to mention Madame Pualiss words about love, hoping she might save him and Aurore out of kindness. But since Madame Pualis likely desired his sister, he couldnt say it. If Madame Pualis loved him, a shameless man like Lumian would have played the love card and offered to bear her child to get them out of this loop. Well, he would grit his teeth and give birth himself if it meant Madame Pualis evacuating him and Aurore from this cycle. Madame Pualiss expression shifted slightly. After a few seconds of silence, she said, Are you suggesting love is unfathomable? Saving her despite clearly wanting her dead for her mistake? Lumian didnt answer. He could tell Madame Pualis referred to a she. Madame Pualis didnt expect a response. She sighed, But what if its irredeemable? Irredeemable Lumians heart sank like plunging into an icy lake in early spring. Regaining his breath, he asked for confirmation, You mean, at that time, you can only take a few people, but that doesnt include me or Aurore? Madame Pualis nodded. You can see it that way. Looks like I still have to rely on myself Lumian sighed, forcing calm. The rise and crash of hope was unpleasant indeed. He thought for a moment, then smiled. Madame, the three foreigners and I will explore the cathedrals underground later. If anything happens, the cycle might restart ahead of time. We wont even make it to Lent. Let alone the twelfth night. Madame Pualis narrowed her eyes, chin raised. Are you threatening me? No, just a reminder. Lumian smiled sincerely, the picture of relaxed. Outwardly, he feared angering Madame Pualis and being confined here to give birth. The three investigators would restart the cycle if he didnt emerge fifteen minutes later. Madame Pualis gazed into Lumians eyes for a few seconds. Seeing no flinch or evasion, she suddenly smiled. Youre truly interesting. It would be lovely if you and your sister became my lovers. Without waiting for a response, she turned to the midwife. You destroyed a Heretic Spellmaster, yet I didnt blame you. Im merciful enough, but you still expect my help? Heretic Spellmaster? Lumian filed away the term and said earnestly, This isnt about help. Its about doing what benefits everyone. Madame Pualis fell silent for a few seconds before smiling again. I wont explore the cathedrals underground with you, but for Aurores sake and your courage, Ill provide some help if anything happens. Lumian was satisfied to negotiate this much. He stood and mimicked the gentlemanly posture from his sisters books. Pressing a hand to his chest, he bowed. I thank you, my lady. Madame Pualis chuckled. Shouldnt it be my sunshine? She referred to what Lumian had said in a previous loop: Madame, you are my sunshine. Lumian felt embarrassed but had always been shameless. Pretending not to hear, he left the small parlor. After descending the hill from the castle and entering Cordu, Lumian spotted Leah, Ryan and Valentine waiting to greet him. How did it go? Leah asked with a smile. Lumian recounted his conversation with Madame Pualis, concluding, This is the best outcome we could hope for. Thats right. We can still count on someone to help in our direst moment. Ryan nodded. Lumian asked, Did you get a reply? Before visiting the castle, Ryan had reported Madame Pualis wasnt truly of the Roquefort family and Pulitts photo was in her room. Leah exhaled, answering for Ryan, Our superiors remind us to consider the possibility of Pulitt becoming a woman through potion or power. As expected, Lumian tersely acknowledged. When do we explore the cathedrals underground? Ryan had already decided. In a deep voice, he said, Now. Chapter 76 - 76 Physical Examination 76 Physical Examination Now? Lumian jumped in fright. Though eager to explore the cathedrals underground, not to this extent! A thought occurred. Cant we wait until nightfall? In the dead of night with only two or three servants left in the cathedral, wouldnt it be easy for Beyonders like them to infiltrate? Ryan replied gently yet firmly, Now is the ideal time. Think about it. If we realize theres no one in the cathedral at night and it lacks protection, how could the padre and company not realize the same? I suspect theyll send their strongest to guard it in shifts or set subtle traps. Once triggered, therell be an alarm. And now, its nearly noon. All villagers have gone home, so no one will come pray at this hour. Furthermore, its daytime, so the traps wont activate to prevent accidents. With the two padres and servants in the cathedral, its easy for people to lower their guard. In short, their strongest will be home eating in peace. We only face the padre, deputy padre and three odd-job workers. Lumian nodded, grasping it, and finished Ryans thought. And before April 3rd, the padre is still an ordinary person without supernatural powers. Today was April 1st. Plus, though the deputy padre seems off, hes clearly not a core member of the padres team. Same for the three odd-job workers, Leah added with a smile. Cant four Beyonders handle five ordinary people silently? Lumian hesitated before replying, But wont this make it impossible to reach the twelfth night? This amounted to triggering an abnormality on the padres side. History would change accordingly. You said it yourself. Compared to us, the padre and company will hold back until Lent to usher in the twelfth night. As long as we dont kill him, finding someone entering the basement will make him pretend not to notice and accelerate gaining supernatural powers, Leah said smiling. Gaining power, he might hunt us with the others, but Cordu isnt small and were not weak. We can hide and stall until Lent. Lumian accepted this reasoning. Alright, lets do it now. He reminded them, But Aurores eyes havent fully healed. Im afraid she cant help us. Before seeing Madame Pualis, Lumian had checked on Aurore. Her eyes might only recover by evening. Its fine. Madame Pualis backs us, doesnt she? Leah said half-jokingly, the bells above her head ringing. Lumian no longer objected and cautiously suggested, Before the cathedral, lets walk around the village and confirm Shepherd Pierre Berry and the dangerous ones are home. He wanted to avoid running into Pierre and the others, who had received a boon, upon entering the basement. Ryan nodded approval, agreeing. Discussing details, Valentine glanced coldly at Lumian. Do you need cleansing? Leah quickly explained on her companions behalf, You went into the castle and spoke with Madame Pualis. You might have been corrupted again. No, I believe Madame Pualis wont do that this time. Its meaningless. Lumian felt certain. He had no choice but to feel certain. He dared not let Valentine purify him again. Compared to yesterday, he was already a Dancer. Evil aura had seeped from the seal inside. Once purified by holy water, there would likely be huge trouble. According to Aurores analysis, he needed full-body purification. Seeing Lumian having no issue with it, Valentine, just being kind, naturally said no more. Then, wandering Cordu, Lumian made his way home and told Aurore their plan. Aurore was vexed at the inability to join and help. She could only offer to wait in the village edge and restart the cycle if anything went wrong. This required little vision. It sufficed to vaguely see the road. Agreeing to have her restart before anyone came for her at 12:30, Lumian bid Aurore farewell and reconvened with Leahs group. By then, the three official Beyonders had confirmed where Shepherd Pierre Berry and the padres core members were. Making a half detour, they reached the cathedrals side along a small path, the door they had used to catch the padre and Madame Pualiss affair in a previous cycle. Lumian readied to volunteer when Leah strode over, using a wire to fiddle with the lock and push open the dark wooden door. Seeing Lumians surprise, she smiled. Its a necessary technique for investigation. Dont make it sound so noble Lumian didnt voice his thoughts as Leah had already entered the cathedral. The small silver bells on her veil and boots didnt move or make a sound. Lumian tried interpreting this. Its very safe entering the cathedral. No danger? Leah glanced back. Please add limited to dealing with the cathedrals people.'' Did this mean danger in the basement remained unknown? Lumian roughly understood, gaining insight into divination. However, even improved by Dancer, he lacked divination. Ryan passed him, following Leah into the cathedral. Steps in, a servant approached. In a blink, Ryan rushed over, raised a hand and chopped the servant behind an ear. The servant crumpled soundlessly. Ryan caught and dragged him into the nearest room. Leah rushed over, taking a colorless liquid-filled bottle and pouring it down the servants throat. Whats this? Lumian asked, curious. Leah maintained her smile. A sedative. Youre well prepared Lumian sighed inwardly. Taking down the three odd-job workers without alerting the padre, Leah crept into the padres room through the shadows, silently turning the handle and cracking the wooden door. She saw Cordus mightiest man in a gold-threaded white robe, breathing slowly and deeply on a simple bed. Plates for lunch and silver cutlery were on a table by the door. Leah sized him up and leapt in, chopping the padre behind his ear. Immediately, she poured most of the remaining sedative down Guillaume Bnets throat. Thats it? Lumian stuck his head out from behind Leah. Wasnt this too easy? What else? What did you expect of an ordinary person? Leah asked, amused. Lumian tersely acknowledged, lifting the padres robe. What are you doing? Leah was shocked yet smiling. Lumian said without turning, Checking his body. He wanted to see if the padre had the black thorn symbol on his chest. Soon, the padre Guillaume Bnets top half was exposed, revealing nothing but tufts of black hair. No black thorn symbol. No black mark of a special contract. Lumian nodded imperceptibly, muttering, Looks like the symbol is received after accepting the boon. Or does it exist now but only activates through Cogitation? And how did I get mine? The twelfth night? Thinking the padre Guillaume Bnet might lack the black thorn symbol now, Lumian couldnt help evil thoughts. If I kill him now, will it trigger the cycle? How would killing this man in advance impact later events? Considering the padres importance later, Lumian still wanting to wait for the twelfth nightconvinced himself otherwise. Leaving the padres room, Ryan said to Lumian and Leah, Cant find the deputy padre. Ah? Lumian hesitated before understanding. Maybe hes home. Hes not allowed to live in the cathedral, and no one brings him food. This demons lackey is truly tyrannical, Valentine cursed, glancing at the padre in the room. Without further ado, the quartet headed in the opposite direction for the altar. In a corner loomed a stone staircase, narrow and steep, allowing only one person to pass through. It ascended into the cathedrals roof before winding deeper underground. Leah took point. After taking a few flights of stairs to the bottom, the veil and the four small silver bells on her boots rang at the same time. Ding ding dang dang. The sound wasnt loud but echoed faintly in the small space. Sometimes urgent, sometimes soothing. What does this mean? Lumian struggled to interpret it based on his past encounters. Leah turned aside and grinned. It means theres a level of risk, but I cant determine how serious. The divination had worked for the castle Lumian muttered to himself in surprise. Doesnt this mean its even more dangerous underground? Not necessarily, Leah soothed. Perhaps its just interference. Hadnt Madame Pualis been absent at the castle? At this point, it was impossible to back out over such a trivial hiccup. They descended the stairs one by one into the depths. Soon, the four saw an old brown wooden door in the basement. Leah pinched her glabella and activated her Spirit Vision before approaching the wooden door. Though Lumian hadnt mastered activating Spirit Vision, with the Dancers spirituality boost, it didnt take long for him to activate it. He saw everyone glowing red and healthy. When her companions were set, Leah opened the basement door. Amidst the creaking, Lumian caught a whiff of a familiar fragrance. Elegant and sweet. He instantly made the connection and hurriedly told Ryan and the others, Smells like gray amber. This was the material used to revere the hidden entity called Inevitability! Chapter 77 - 77 Changes 77 Changes Lumian had briefly informed Ryan and the others about the black thorn symbol on Guillaume Bnets chest, Inevitability in the hidden entitys honorific, gray amber, tulips, cloves, and deer musk for the corresponding domain. He claimed the source was the padre, and it had nothing to do with him. Hearing this, Leah, Ryan, and Valentine immediately grew alert with guesses. The sacrificial site? Ryan muttered. As he spoke, all looked to the basement. With dim light trickling down the stairs, they could barely see inside. The space under the cathedral was bigger than Lumians whole first floor. The floor was grayish-white stone slabs, and it looked pitch black due to the lack of light. In the middle stood a stone platform half a mans height. The top of the stone platform caved in slightly, as if hiding something, but nobody could see clearly. As Lumian pondered, he whispered, This might be where the padre and company pray to the evil entity for boons. They actually built the evil gods altar under the cathedral! Valentine was furious. Lumian suspected he would combust any second and turn to holy light to purify everything here. Calm down, Ryan patted Valentines shoulder. Get ready to light the fire. He then gestured for Leah to scout. Leah kept her sweet smile and sniffed. That hidden entity with Inevitability as an honorific name really likes fragrance Sighing, she entered the basement, lips moving as if chanting. The four silver bells chimed again, sometimes intense, sometimes soothing. One step, two steps, three steps Leah turned and said to Ryan and the others, Nothing unusual around the entrance. Ryan, Lumian, and Valentine entered the basement through the old brown wooden door and came to where Leah had stopped. Leah kept moving forward. After a few steps, the silver bell on her veil and boots shook violently. Ding ding dang dang! The sound spread everywhere. Specks of dawn-like light immediately appeared around Ryan and condensed, forming silver full-body armor over him. Simultaneously, a pure broadsword of light appeared in Ryans hand. Valentine spread his arms, letting golden illusory flames burn around him. One flame suddenly lengthened and widened, and Leah walked out of it. She returned to Lumian and the others from near the altar. How magical Lumian marveled at Leahs act again. Compared to the Sun pathways abilities and Ryans combat state he could understand and imagine, Leahs various acts were even more bizarre and more magical. For example, her ability to transfer his wound from his thigh to his calf edge yesterday blew his mind. Faced with the sudden alarm, Lumian responded the only way he could. He drew the iron-black axe and hid behind Ryan, whose body had grown much larger. In this, he sized up his surroundings but found no abnormal changes. He had his Spirit Vision on, after all. Of course, Lumian had found something. With the golden flames help, he saw piles of human bones at the basement edge. Some were even covered in light sheepskin. Sacrificial offerings from before? The padre and company have conducted cultist rituals here for at least half a year, but Aurore and I didnt notice at all Lumians thoughts raced as he again felt Cordu, where hed lived nearly five years, was unfamiliar. At some point, this place had become abnormal. Perhaps, it had been abnormal from the beginning. Ryan warily eyed the altar direction and asked, Is everything alright? Leah shook her head. I dont feel any issues, just signs of danger. Strange Lumians voice trailed off as he turned to Leah. He saw that the beautiful womans face had turned translucent, and twisted maggots seemed to crawl below. She was even scarier and eviler than legendary evil spirits, making his scalp tingle and heart race wildly. This exceeded Lumians imagination. He suspected hed have nightmares for a long time. Y-your face! he warned Leah, unable to contain his fear. Leah subconsciously touched her face with her right hand, and her expression changed. As for whether her expression changed, Lumian couldnt tell from the transparent and distorted maggots. Leah hurriedly looked at her hand back. The skin there had also turned translucent, and the flesh below seemed to have turned into strange maggots. Youre losing control! Valentine also noticed Leahs condition. Leah muttered confused, But my mental state is alright. Ryan tilted his head and reminded, Make sure youre not hallucinating. Almost simultaneously, Lumian realized the tall warrior was rapidly shrinking. The silver armor over him and broadsword of light disintegrated. In a blink, Ryan turned into a short man only about 1.5 meters tall. His brown coat and light yellow strides were either too big or too long. Hes also mutating? Only Valentine and I are fine Lumians pupils dilated as he subconsciously looked at Valentine. Ryan, youve shrunk! Valentine, already a pure light figure, warned his companion anxiously. Lumian, nearly blinded, hurriedly asked Leah, Any changes for me? Leah said with countless transparent maggots that seemed to want to crawl out but couldnt leave the flesh, Youre very normal. But under such circumstances, normality might be the greatest abnormality. Im normal? Could the black thorn symbol have protected me, causing the danger here to think Im one of them? Lumian suddenly guessed. At this, Ryan had finished checking his body. He said warily, Im not shrinking, but Ive returned to my former self. Ive even lost my superpowers. Former self? Lumian blurted. He vaguely thought of something. Ryan nodded. Yes, Im naturally short. As a man, this is a huge misfortune. So I chose Warrior when selecting my potion. It could effectively change my height. I dont know if Im lucky or not. The past five to six years had many Beyonder monsters and abnormalities related to the Warrior pathway appear, allowing me to be less worried about the materials needed to advance. Hearing Ryans words, Lumian roughly understood the anomalys source. Youve returned to the past! As far as I know, the authority of that hidden existence is related to the past With that, he mimicked the mysterious lady and deliberately paused a few seconds before adding another word. It also involves the present and and and the future. Though now speaking Intis, he still had to be cautious. Leah reacted quickly and blurted, Valentine and I have entered the future. Is this the state of one of our futures? And Im the present? Lumian asked, confirming Leahs guess. He then thought of the three-faced monster he had encountered in the dream ruins. The monster had only one head, but it bore three faces: one aged, one in its prime, one youthful. Lumian suspected this was another gift from the owner of the black thorn symbol. Moreover, it was of a higher order, but the recipient couldnt withstand it or had met with an accident, turning into a three-faced monster. Leah nodded gently. Likely, but this change in state doesnt affect my mind. I dont feel like Im about to lose control at all. Nor do I feel like Im immolating, Valentine added. Ryan pondered a moment and said, Similarly, I didnt lose my memories. Perhaps theres only a little power left here that cant affect the mind, heart, and memories, but if we maintain this state for too long, Im unsure if there will be any serious aftereffects. Im fine. At most, Ill consume the potion again and advance again. As for you, there should be many possibilities in the future, but now, perhaps the future has been determined, one will lose control, and the other will transform into holy light. This is an inevitability I understand. How frightening, Leah exclaimed with a smile. Luckily, we can restart the cycle while also attempting to seek the present here. Seeing that there were no terrifying monsters attacking, Lumian suggested, Shall we go out first and see if we can recover naturally? Besides, we might encounter a power that represents the present along the way. Ryan didnt object. We can give it a shot. He was now an ordinary person, and it would be dangerous for him to go any further. Im afraid that another change in state will cause me to lose control, Leah said cautiously. It would definitely be good to encounter the present, but it would be troublesome to encounter the past. They didnt know what would happen if future was additionally stacked on them. Lumian took the initiative to say, Let me scout the way. I still have a chance to change my state. He mainly wanted to see if his luck was good enough to encounter the present or if the black thorn symbol on his chest protected him. Be careful, Ryan warned, and Leah nodded. Valentines gaze on Lumian grew less cold. He couldnt help but think, This lad has a very sacrificial spirit. Furthermore, hes a devout believer of the lord. Once the cycle is lifted, lets see if theres a way to remove the hidden corruption on his body and let him join our team. Seeing that Lumian was about to take a step forward, Valentine, who had regained his composure, suggested, Let me see if I can rid myself of this state first. No one objected. Lumian was the same. This was because he was in the present. He didnt need to remove any negative state or undergo purification. In the next second, he realized he had miscalculated. Valentine didnt directly use Holy Water Creation to purify Leah and Ryan. Instead, he used Sun Halo. A dark golden light flashed, and an invisible force spread in all directions. Chapter 78 - 78 Traces 78 Traces Lumian jumped in fright. It was too late to evade, so he could only brace for the invisible force to crash upon him. He instantly felt warmth, and valor flooded his body. It was as if the sun had at last arrived in winter when he lacked clothes. Other than that, he felt nothing peculiar. It was precisely the same as the experience in the castle yesterday afternoon. Eh, as a Dancer, am I actually unscathed? Lumian couldnt help but swivel his head to glimpse the short Ryan and the terrifying Leah. He realized that there was no black fog or smoke billowing from them. Promptly after, Valentine, who was in the form of a figure of light, conjured Holy Water Creation and let fall a few drops on Leah and Ryan. However, the two of them retained their transformed semblances with no signs of improvement. Purification and exorcism are futile? Lumian asked. He hoped to determine why it was possible and why not. Only then would he, who had already received a boon, know what to evade or feign that nothing had transpired when encountering something similar in the future. Ryan briefly explained to him, Purification and exorcism arent omnipotent. The correspondent power is in the category of evil. For instance, the aura of depravity and all undead. The last isnt necessarily evil, but its incompatible with the real world. It needs to return to the spirit world, so it can still be purified and exorcized. Just like how our definition of an evil god is based on Their style of acting, the power of an evil god isnt necessarily evil. Lumian roughly fathomed and thoughtfully asked, Inevitabilitys, uh, power doesnt belong to evil, nor does it signify depravity? So there is no way to purify or exorcize it? Yes. Valentine had already affirmed this through his previous attempt. From the looks of it, its normal for me to be able to withstand the halo. But why can the holy water activate the black thorn symbol on my chest and permit me to hear the terrifying sound? This is because the corruption in the seal doesnt belong to me at the moment. Its incompatible with my body, rendering my body impure. Therefore, it needs to be purified? Lumian made a guess. He had wanted to use Shepherd Pierre Berry, who had already received a boon, as an example to ask if the mutation of the body was also in the category of evil and depravity, but the current situation was rather urgent, so he didnt have the luxury to discuss the topic. Lumian tried to walk to the basement door. After taking two steps, he suddenly heard a buzzing sound in his ears. He could vaguely hear a voice that seemed to come from an infinite distance but also seemed to be right before him. However, it wasnt clear enough and was very fuzzy. It only made his chest heat up slightly and his mind enter a state of disorder. This was very similar to when he saw Noodle Man dancing. This made Lumian confirm that the black thorn symbol on his chest had been partially activated. He quickly pivoted around and gazed at Ryan, Leah, and Valentine, only to find that they didnt react abnormally. Lumian was immediately disheartened. He originally believed that the two symbols on his chest could suppress and weaken Beyonders to a certain extent, but from the looks of it, they could only target the monsters in the dream ruins, especially those that had been bestowed by the owner of the black thorn symbol. Of course, he wasnt sure if fully activating the symbol on his chest would affect the surrounding Beyonders. Has my condition changed? he asked Leah and the others. No. Leah and the others shook their heads in unison. Lumian nodded indistinctly and affirmed two things. The first was the black thorn symbol on his chest, or rather, the evil god corruption sealed in his body. It could indeed help him resist the abnormality in the basement. Secondly, luck was on his side. He was affected by the power of the present. After a few seconds, Lumian attempted to take a diagonal step forward. The slight heat in his chest did not weaken, maintaining its previous intensity. Any changes this time? he asked Ryan and the others again. Leah was the first to shake her head. Youre fine. Lumian exhaled and muttered inwardly, With the protection of the black thorn symbol, I can move freely here. Shepherd Pierre Berry and company should be the same Wait, the padre hasnt received any blessings yet. Theres no thorn symbol! How did he reach the altar unscathed? With this in mind, Lumian grasped something as he turned his gaze to the ground. With the help of Valentines light, he saw many messy footprints that ordinary humans couldnt see. Apart from a small number of them, which were everywhere, they followed a certain pattern and extended to the front of the altar. Lumian immediately overlapped with the nearest footprint, and the slight heat in his chest began to weaken. This meant that he had returned to the present. As expected, theres a safe route here that leads to the present! Lumian suddenly became very happy. This was because the three powerful Beyonders, Ryan, Leah, and Valentine, hadnt discovered it, and he, a mere Hunter, had found it. This reminded him of something his sister Aurore had said: Every pathway has its strengths. Before becoming a demigod, Sequence 9 of some paths might trump Sequence 5 of others in certain situations. Lumian had originally felt inferior and suppressed, useless before the powerful Beyonders these past two days of exploration. Now, hed regained a good amount of confidence. Finding faint traces in reality is a Hunters specialty. Can you? Of course, Lumian didnt forget that Aurore added: But there are pathways good at everything. He gathered his thoughts, turned around, and commanded Ryan, Leah, and Valentine. Take a step toward the altar at the same time. Ryan and the others were clearly puzzled. They couldnt just trust Lumian blindly without knowing why. Lumian could only explain, Look closely at the ground There are many footprints marking a safe path left behind by the padres group! Ryan, Leah, and Valentine, lacking Lumians abilities, could barely see a trace in the suns dim light. They believed him. They knew that in Intis, many Hunter pathway Beyonders had collaborated. Some Sequences were skilled at detecting faint signs. Following Lumians guidance, they trekked the secure route. Instantly, Lumian saw Ryan regain height, Valentine darken, and Leahs face normalize. They had returned to the present, no longer trapped in the past or future. Lumian easily rejoined the team on the safe route. He grinned and said, No more slip-ups. There may be no coming back if anything else goes south. He was mimicking Ryans tone and felt it fit their current situation. Typically, his attitude wouldve had him mocking them: Haha, are you blind? Cant you see any of the obvious signs? Another mistake and youre done for! Leah touched her face and breathed a sigh of relief. Were with you. Lumian wasnt humble. He carefully picked out the footprints on the ground and crept up to the altar. It wasnt as straightforward as heading back just now since it didnt matter if he took a wrong turn, but Ryan and the others couldnt. This time, Leahs silver bells stayed silent. Only once all four had reached the altar did they start ringing, sometimes soothing, other times intense. Its dangerous, but we can find a way around it, Leah, experienced enough, explained. Ryan instantly nodded. Dont touch anything here for now. Well just observe. Lumian had already set his sights above the altar. There was a depression at the bottom, as if hollowed out to hold something. Inside were grayish-white candles, a small bottle of clear liquid, and an unopened wooden box. But the most striking item was a black objecta long robe with a hood. In front, in the center of the circle, was a circular symbol made of thorns. Every part of it was twisted and pitch-black, as if painted with some strange substance. It gave the feeling of slowly oozing. Seeing the symbol, Lumian felt dizzy and ringing in his ears. Ryan snorted, and a dawn-like light naturally emanated from him. This helped Leah and Valentine suppress the mental confusion. Dont stare at that symbol too long, Ryan said in a deep voice. Lumian quickly shifted his gaze aside. The dizziness and ringing in his ears lessened. That seems to be all for the altar. Lumian was about to suggest searching the area when he heard Leah ask Ryan, Will your Sunrise Gleam activate the altar? Huh? Lumian whipped his head around and unconsciously looked at the altar again. Ding ding ding. Leahs veil and silver boots rang harshly, an urgent warning. In the same breath, the black altar robe leaped up as if inhabited by an invisible being. Ooo! A chill wind gusted. Lumian glimpsed transparent faces under the hoodferocious, warped heads radiating hatred. They swarmed into a strange, terrifying gestalt. Lumian recognized one face: pale, swollen, with blood and tears pooling in its eyes. Reimund. Lumian dodged behind Ryan, uninterested in a closer look. Save us! Save us! The translucent faces shrieked in unison. Their shrill cries pierced Ryan and the others like needles, threatening to fell them. Valentine was unmoved. Arms spread, he summoned a holy flame-wreathed pillar of light from the sky. It landed over the black robe. Light erupted. Lumian and Leah shut their eyes on instinct. Chapter 79 - 79 Sufferer 79 Sufferer Sensing the light dim, Lumian hurriedly opened his eyes. The black robe lay charred on the altar, resisting the golden flames licking at its edges. Yet still it struggled to stand, like a cursed puppet refusing to die. The translucent faces of Reimund and the others flickered in and out of existence around him, ghosts trapped between the present and a future obliterated. Down! Ryan bellowed. Lumian dropped without hesitation. If there had been time, he would have thrown himself flat to the ground. Leah and Valentine were a heartbeat behind, scrambling to duck. In the same instant, Ryan plunged the Sword of Dawn into the altars heart, piercing the robe. Silently the broadsword shattered into a resplendent storm of light, tearing the altar asunder. When the radiance cleared, Lumian peered up to find the altar a ruin, reduced by a third. Candles, thorns, and black cloth had vanished, ground to dust floating on the air. Incredible power Lumian had pondered this strike since the day before. Everything okay? he asked. Leah rose and spun swiftly around. The four silver bells decorating her veil and boots jangled ominously, their tune neither reassuring nor alarming. This isnt over. She warned Ryan and Valentine before murmuring. The altars goneso whats the catch? As she spoke, Valentine conjured golden flames that floated in the air and lit up the space. At the far end of the basement, there was naught but piled human bones and a few sheepskins. The ceiling was bare and unadornednot even a chandelier. Lumian snickered. No Beyonder characteristics? Maybe they were sacrificed, Ryan said bluntly. Its also likely they didnt get many boons in the beginning and werent tough enough. They could only nab normal folks as sacrifices and only go after Beyonders once they had decent powers. For instance, this time. It was clear they werent unfamiliar with getting boons. Ryan then said, Theres nothing else here. We should bail. No point tangling with danger we cant see. Lumian didnt react. Lumian scanned the room again, searching for any hidden doors from the subtle traces. The answer was no. He led the way out of the basement, Leah, Ryan and Valentine trailing behind. As soon as Lumian emerged, Ryan grunted in pain. His body flew backward, slamming into the basement door. The rickety stairs shuddered. Wham! Some invisible spear had pierced Ryans chest, pinning him to the wall. Blood gushed from the gaping wound. If Ryan hadnt jerked aside just in time, that spear wouldve skewered his heart. Leah, who had her Spirit Vision activated the entire time, couldnt detect their attacker. It was as if some deity had singled Ryan out for punishment. Before they could figure out what was going on, Leahs smile twisted into a grimace. Her arms snapped back on their own. Bones shattered with a crunch as her limbs went limp. A crater bloomed in her stomach, as if shed been sucker-punched. The impact sent her staggering backwards into the wall. Valentine shrieked from the foot of the stairs. His ribs collapsed one by one, like a sledgehammer was pounding his chest. With a series of bangs, bloody holes tore through Leah and Valentines stomach and chest, spearing them to the stone wall. Lumian was stunned for a moment. While this inexplicable change confused him, he was relieved that he didnt appear to be the target of this bizarre attack. Did that black thorn symbol protect me? As this thought flashed through his mind, he suddenly felt an invisible force slam him against the wall by the stairs. There was nothing visible with his Spirit Vision. Remembering what had happened to Ryan and the others, Lumian immediately dodged to the side. Intense agony instantly filled his mind. The skin on his right chest tore open, roughly exposing his lungs. Lumian felt as if an invisible rod had impaled him and nailed him to the wall. As his bright red blood flowed out, Ryan lit up the area with spots of light that looked like dawn. This would effectively banish evil and dispel illusions. However, the four of them still couldnt see anything. Bang! Ryans chest caved in, hit by an invisible hammer. As Leahs veil and silver bell boots rang out intensely, her nails were pried out by an invisible force, staining them red. This indescribable pain contorted her face in terror. Valentine spread his arms and let the holy pillar of light descend upon him. The light of the sun suddenly erupted, obliterating all evil and igniting Valentines body. However, in the suns glare, his arms were uncontrollably wrenched backward and stuck to the wall. Two blood-red holes appeared on his wrists, nailing them in place. When the light faded, Valentines face was charred, and his skin peeled off inch by inch. Seeing their ordeal, Lumian couldnt help but feel anguish for them. It was unknown if it was because of the black thorn symbol, but his misery had abated. His face felt as if slapped by an invisible hand repeatedly. His face was red and swollen, and his teeth were loose. He could hardly speak. Just as another round of attacks were about to descend, Lumians vision blurred and he glimpsed a wilderness. In the distance loomed a mountain range, and close by stretched a grassy wilderness. Two demon-like creatures with goat horns hauled a dark red, conch-like carriage from afar, hastening before Lumian and company. Seated in the carriage was a woman in emerald robes and laurel wreath. Chestnut locks swept up, hazel eyes bright and watery. Dignified and noble, reminiscent of Madame Pualis matured. She kept her pledge to proffer aid? Lumian startled, then delighted as the invisible force assailed them not. Somehow he knew the woman before him was not quite Madame Pualis. Or rather, not Madame Pualis precisely. More an unearthly construct Madame Pualis had fashioned by dint of will. Lumian chose to call her Madame Night. Unlike his Paramita encounter, Madame Pualis grasped an oak branch mistletoe-wreathed at its tip in one hand, a jadeite bowl of sparkling liquid in the other. Madame Pualis dipped the oak branch in the bowl and sprinkled them. After the third sprinkle, Lumian saw his chest wound heal apace. The swelling receded swiftly, and no more was he pinned immobile to the wall. Leah, Ryan and Valentine wholly healed, no trace of cruel injuries. What attacked us? Lumian asked, figuring nothing ventured, nothing lost. Madame Pualis, seated in the crimson carriage, replied superciliously, Theres a hint of Sufferer taint on you now. Thankfully, its minor. Otherwise, youd have to restart the loop. Sufferer taint? Whats that supposed to mean? Lumian exchanged puzzled looks with Ryan and the others. Madame Pualis replied gently, Thats all I know. Then do you know what happened to the dead Warlock and owl in the cemetery? Lumian pressed. Madame Pualis glanced at him. If Id known, things wouldnt have turned out this way. Id originally planned to rule this place, but now I have no choice but to leave. Rule this place? Alarm bells rang in Lumians head. Falling into a loop might not be the worst fate. Aurore and I have no idea how many babies wed have if Madame Pualis gets her way! Compared to that, getting looped and destroyed at any moment doesnt seem so bad. At least wed die unadulterated! Madame Pualis glanced at them but said nothing more. She had her pitch-black demon beasts pull her conch carriage into the wilderness. By the time she disappeared from Lumian and the others sight, the wilderness was gone. Just then, they realized they were still in the basement. Half of them were on the stairs, the other half by the wooden door. If not for the blood and fallen nails on the ground and walls, theyd have thought theyd experienced a hyper-realistic illusion. Lets get out of here first. Ryan quickly regained his senses and told Valentine, Get rid of any traces we left. Valentine nodded and conjured illusory golden flames to burn the blood and nails away. The four of them faced no further attacks on their way back to the cathedral. It was unclear if the Sufferer taint had been expended or if Madame Pualis had wiped it out. Just as Lumian was about to leave through the side door, he suddenly spotted the deputy padre, Michel Garrigue, standing dazed outside the room where sleeping servants had been stowed. Was this fellow back from filling his stomach? Lumian was about to avoid him when Michel, with his curly brown hair and delicate features, suddenly turned and saw them. Ryan was poised to knock this guy out when Michel Garrigue asked with an unnaturally cheerful smile, Here to pray? Need a confession? Everyone else in the cathedral has collapsed, but youre concerned with confessions? Lumian looked at Michel as if he were mad. Compared to before, this guys abnormality was glaringly obvious! Chapter 80 - 80 Joint Investigation Team 80 Joint Investigation Team Leah sensed Michels abnormality and turned to Ryan, asking with her eyes if she should knock him out. At this moment, Lumian spoke up. Is the padre not here? Michels eyes lit up, unable to hide his excitement. The padre is resting. You can pray to me. His face was filled with pleading. Lumian hesitated, obviously uneasy, before reluctantly saying, Fine. Seeing Michels elated expression, Lumian turned to Leah and the others, feigning annoyance. Whats wrong with you lot? Coming to the cathedral to pray is what any true believer would do. What is there to be afraid of? What he really meant was that they had already escaped the basement without getting caught. Why worry now? As believers of the Eternal Blazing Sun, it was perfectly normal for them to come to the cathedral to pray. Using a side door was a trivial matter. As for the padre and his lackeys taking an extended lunch, what did that have to do with them? Lumian knew such excuses would only fool dimwits, but they should placate the padre, at least for now. The padre wouldnt expose them until Ryans group tried reporting the irregularities to the higher-ups and put an end to Cordus depravities. As long as Leah and the others continued strolling around the village, casually chatting with people as if they hadnt found anything incriminating in the cathedrals basement, the padre would be content to maintain the status quo. Add to that, Ryan had demolished their underground altar. It would take time for them to restore it. Lumian estimated the padre wouldnt gain any boons for at least a couple of days, if not until after Lent began. By then, it wouldnt matter if the padre suspected them or not. Appearing normal was the most pressing concern. Upon hearing Lumians words, Deputy Padre Michel Garrigue vigorously nodded. Absolutely! No matter your past sins, if you pray sincerely and repent, God will forgive you. Is that so? What if the padre repented to the Eternal Blazing Sun and confessed that I had strayed long ago, believing in an evil god? Now, I want to return to the righteous path? Lumian appeared pious as he strode to the altar, but he didnt buy it. Michel hastened ahead, seeming poised to take flight in his zeal. Leah couldnt help but glance sideways at Valentine, seeing his complicated expression at the fanatical clergyman. This should have earned Valentines praise, but he knew the deputy padre was clearly deranged. Redirecting her gaze from Valentine, Leah rushed to Lumians side and whispered in his ear, Did you consider that half those present dont believe in the Eternal Blazing Sun? Youre not? Lumian seemed genuinely surprised. Not because he was perceptive and grasped her hint, but of the five there, aside from the unhinged deputy padre, Valentine was certainly one of the remaining four. Lumian himself barely counted as half. Leah nodded slightly, her bells chiming. She smiled and whispered, Ryan hails from the Machinery Hivemind. Im from Bureau 8, we dont belong to the Eternal Blazing Sun Church. Lumian had heard his sister mention that the Machinery Hivemind was on par with the Eternal Blazing Sun Churchs Inquisition. It was a branch of the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery dealing with matters concerning those from beyond. Bureau 8s full name was Bureau 8 under the Intis Intelligence and Homeland Security Committee. It was the Republics most official organization in the domain of the Beyonders. Werent you sent by the Church? Lumian asked curiously, finding a chair and sitting down. Leah sat beside him, smiling thinly. Too many dangerous run-ins with those from beyond have happened at country borders in recent years, especially in disputed territories. When Cordu called for help, the higher-ups decided to set up a joint task force to get into Cordu, figure out whats really going down, and give the best recommendation for how to handle it. Who knew that this place She shook her head, seeming at a loss for words while her bells chimed. The strangeness and horror of this place was beyond her imagination. At times she felt Valentine was right to suggest reporting everything and requesting Cordus destruction. But she wasnt ready to die yet. She had to choke back her professional instincts and morals. At that moment, Deputy Padre Michel Garrigue picked up the book on the altar and glanced at the four praying. Leah then crossed her arms over her chest and bowed her head. Lumian was a little stunned. And you claim not to believe in the Eternal Blazing Sun! Leah sensed his gaze and turned, flashing him a wry grin. God wont fault me for posing as a sheep of another flock during a crusade. If you doubt it, look She jerked her chin to the other side. Ryan, hailing from Machinery Hivemind, folded his arms over his chest in a pious fashion. So your moral compass possesses flexibility when questing Lumian longed to jibe Leah and Ryan, but worship had commenced. He couldnt lag behind. After adopting a reverent mien and closing his eyes, the deputy padre, Michel Garrigue, riffled through the Holy Bible and intoned gravely, God spake, Let there be light, and there was light Lumian suddenly felt a surge of nostalgia as he listened to the familiar sermon in the cathedral. Though he used to just go with the flow and float through the service, whispering and gazing around, he now longed for the simplicity of the pasteven if he had to pray with the greatest devotion. Even the unpleasant events that had once annoyed him were now a source of comfort. By the time Lumian and the others left the Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral, the padre and servants were still knocked out cold. Ryan glanced toward the castle and sighed emotionally. That womans far more powerful than I realized. How powerful? Lumian asked, curious. Ryan deliberated a moment. Its like shes touched the threshold of godhood, yet not quite. You seem to have said something yet not quite If Lumian didnt need Ryan and the others recently, hed have spoken his mind. However, thanks to his extensive knowledge of mysticism, he could roughly guess what Ryan meant by the threshold of godhood. Sequence 4! The beginnings of a demigod! He pondered a moment. I think Pualis seemed off when she appeared as Madame Night. Hed told them about Madame Night in Paramita. I got the same impression, Leah said with a smile. Like a botched patchwork monster. Ryan nodded. We have an understanding of Madame Night to some extent. In the border region between Intis and Feynapotter, similar incidents have occurred frequently in recent years. Some call her Madame Night, some call her Madam H?rt, some call her The Benevolent, and some call her The Vile. But so far, we havent caught any of them. We still lack a systematic grasp of them. Yes, this is the first time Ive heard of Paramita. Leah strode to the edge of the village square with a tinkling gait. Something about Paramita occurred to me from the description. What? Lumian never felt embarrassed to inquire. Leah glanced southward. In Feynapotters Church of Earth Mother, theres a saying: The soul returns to the land.'' The soul returns to the land Images of the wilderness and wandering undead surfaced in Lumians mind. He had to admit Leahs association made sense. Arriving at the elm tree at the village entrance, Ryan surveyed the area and remarked, Lets not provoke that madame further. Regarding escaping the loop, even if she doesnt provide aid, she wont become an enemy. We just need to monitor her movements and see if we can utilize the specific temporal node she mentioned. Wasnt it because you clearly couldnt defeat her if you didnt provoke her? Lumian suppressed his mouth, ready to retort. He then asked Valentine, How many minutes? He worried that if he mistimed, his sister would trigger the loop and restart everything. Valentine extracted a gold pocket watch and popped it open. Ten minutes remaining. Thats good Lumian sighed in relief and waved at Ryan and the others. Im going to search for Aurore. If youve nothing else to do, help me locate Sybils husband, Jean Maury. Investigate whos spreading the rumor that the horoscopes are about to change and everyone will usher in good fortune. If you discover anything, come to my house to find me. Goodbye, my cabbages! That was what Leah and the others had planned to do, so no one objected. Lumian fell into deep thought as he bade farewell to the Joint Investigation Team and walked to the agreed-upon spot at the edge of the village. After completing his exploration of the cathedrals underground, he had a darn good hunch about the anomaly in Cordu. The ones responsible for the loop were definitely the padres group. Theyd been secretly worshiping an evil god for at least six months and had secretly sacrificed quite a few foreigners under the cathedral in exchange for loads of boons. Before Lent, the padre, Pons Bnet, and their lot had received a boon using the three Beyonders that Shepherd Pierre Berry had brought backor at least one of them. The former instantly became a pretty powerful Beyonder. Hence, they kicked off a grand ritual at the start of Lent. On the twelfth night, in the final stage of the ritual, the hidden being with the name of Inevitability would accept the large-scale sacrifice and complete something that the padre and company had prayed for. But at that moment, something unexpected happened. The ritual failed to complete, and the power involving the past, present, and future dissipated, bringing about a time loop. As for what unexpected event had occurred, Lumian recalled something the mysterious lady had once said: You belong to the group of individuals who are on the brink of being corrupted. Luckily, the mark left by that great existence was activated, and the corresponding power descended upon you, sealing the source of corruption and establishing balance Chapter 81 - 81 Key 81 Key Beside the serpentine river outside Cordu Village, under the piercing sunlight, Aurore, clad in a casual blue dress, sat on the ground with her eyes closed, listening to Lumians conjectures and analysis. She remained silent for a while, as if lost in thought. After nearly a minute of contemplation, Aurore spoke, If something truly occurred during the ritual on the twelfth night, causing the hidden entitys power to disperse and trigger a time loop in Cordu and its surroundings, I believe that the people and even the spirits in this area at that time wouldnt have been spared. What do you mean? Lumian, also seated on the ground, struggled to grasp his sisters reasoning. Aurore elaborated, I mean that its both power and corruption. Once it disperses, everyone in this area will endure the corruption on relatively equal footing. Only those bearing the black thorn symbol or under the protection of other high-level entities can barely remain unaffected. Consider this: isnt it like a dam bursting, flooding the entire place up to the rafters? Unless a boat was prepared beforehand, wed undoubtedly be drenched. Lumian envisioned such a scene and hesitantly inquired, So, does that mean everyone in the village has been tainted by the dissipating power, effectively becoming a component of the loop? By component, he didnt mean participating in or being affected by the loop. More precisely, people became part of the loops structure. Aurore, her eyes still closed and her blonde hair tied up, gently nodded. I suspect that not only will killing the padre result in a reset, but also slaying other villagers in Cordu will trigger a similar effect. Its like trying to dismantle the loops components. There will surely be a reaction to such disruption. But we just killed the midwife yesterday afternoon Lumian trailed off before finishing his sentence. Suddenly, numerous thoughts raced through his mind, and he hesitantly proposed, Is it because the people in the castle are protected by other high-level entities? Is that why Madame Pualis claimed she could leave the loop at a specific moment? She wasnt tainted by that power. Shes not part of the loop. Shes affected, but she can exploit loopholes or seize opportunities to escape? Aurore sighed softly. Thats why she said she cant save us or take us with her. Weve already been corrupted and are fused with the loop. At this, she managed a bitter smile. Or rather, were already dead. Were merely existing in the form of loop components. No wonder that mysterious lady said that if she forcibly ended the loop, everyone here would die. Thats because we are the forcibly dispersed loop itself. Lumian fell silent. He yearned to contradict his sister and argue that they shouldnt be so pessimistic, but her words aligned with the mysterious womans. What he couldnt comprehend all this time was that, given the womans ability to freely enter and exit the loop and her audacity to mention the hidden entity, even if she couldnt break the loop without causing any harm, it ought to be simple for her to safeguard two or three people and facilitate their departure. Now, there was a more plausible and disheartening explanation to this conundrum. After a few seconds, Lumian found a counterargument. Ava, Reimund, and Naroka are all dead, but their deaths didnt cause the loop to restart. Aurore, her eyes still closed, offered a complex smile. Perhaps they died before the loop began, so without participating in the ritual on the twelfth night, they werent tainted. Her implication was clear. In the timeline before the loop transpired, Naroka had perished before Lent, while Ava and Reimund had been sacrificed during the celebration. They didnt survive until the twelfth night and were not part of the loop. She paused for a moment and continued, Jean Maury, who vanished today, might be in a similar situation. According to normal developments, he should have discovered something abnormal after Lent and before the twelfth night. He wanted to escape, but was silenced. Our investigation merely expedited this event. The only thing I dont understand is that Reimunds corpse was sacrificed, right? He shouldnt have been in the loop from the start Hearing his sisters words, Lumian instantly recalled the events beneath the cathedral. The invisible figure in the black robe was composed of Reimund and the others spirits! Lumian combined his knowledge of mysticism and attempted to speculate. Maybe the Lenten sacrifice wasnt made directly to the hidden entity, but to the altar. Its part of the twelfth nights ritual, so Reimunds spirit appeared beneath the cathedral. His body is useless, but before the loop began, Pons Bnet and his associates could leave Cordu. To stop those downstream from finding the body and alerting the higher-ups, they might retrieve it after completing the ritual of sending it downriver. Once the loop started, the power had limits. It cant cover the area where Pons Bnet and the others recovered the body. Theyre affected by the corruption in their bodies and wont consider leaving this area. Aurore pondered for a moment and nodded in agreement. In the past few days of the loop, other than you, the three foreigners, and Madame Pualis and her subordinates, none of the villagers have thought of leaving Cordu to hunt or gather wild fruit. If you hadnt reminded me, I wouldve been the same. Aurore revealed a desolate, self-deprecating smile. Were already a group of monsters. Were barely surviving as humans by relying on the loop. No, there must be a way for redemption. That lady said it exists! Lumian interrupted his sisters self-pity. Aurore exhaled slowly and stated, Cant you let your sister be vulnerable for a few minutes? She continued, Based on this line of thought, we can only rely on ourselves. Breaking the cycle with external forces is equivalent to killing us. Lumian sighed. Unfortunately, theres no way to verify this speculation at the moment. We can only confirm it on the twelfth night. We can verify it, but itll waste a lot of our time. Besides, I cant do it, Aurore replied. Thats true Lumian roughly grasped his sisters meaning and plan: Kill a villager not currently on the padres team to see if it would trigger a reboot. If it did, they could find a way to lure one of the three foreigners into a death trap and see if it triggered the cycle. If not, it would validate Aurore and Lumians guesses. Most people in Cordu Village had been corrupted and were part of the loop. Those who came later were only affected by the loop and had a chance to escape it with the help of loopholes or external forces. However, that would squander many of the past few days, and Aurore wasnt the type to kill innocents, especially those they had a good partnership with. Lumian had no moral qualms in this regard. From his perspective, dying in the loop wasnt true death. There was a high chance of only residual problems. That was much better than being trapped in the loop. Of course, if he really wanted to do so, he wouldnt try to murder Leah and the others. Instead, he would reason with the three foreigners. With Valentines fanaticism and piety, he was confident he could persuade him to commit suicide. The siblings exchanged glances and fell silent, unsure of what to say. After a while, Lumian changed the subject. Grande Soeur, what do you think is the key to ending the loop from the inside? Aurore had been pondering this question. As she thought, she said, We cant just end the loop from the inside. We have to use this situation to remove the corruption in everyones bodies. Otherwise, whats the difference between this and suicide? Yes, according to my previous guess, something happened to the ritual, causing the entire village to enter a loop. And the reason an accident occurred was that you bear the mark of that great entity. It was activated and sealed the heavy corruption in your heart Aurore assessed her brother as she spoke. Lumian instantly grasped her meaning. You mean Im the key to ending the cycle? Aurore nodded. The source of the accident lies with you, so naturally, the key to ending the cycle is with you. Of course, this is only a guess. Perhaps the key to the loop is the vessel that will bear the power of the hidden entitys descent during the twelfth nights ritual. For example, the padre or someone else Aurore suddenly fell silent and looked at her brother for a few seconds. Could these two speculations be equivalent? You are the vessel? Otherwise, as an auxiliary sacrifice and contaminant, even if something unexpected happened, the ritual wouldnt have failed disastrously and its power dissipated uncontrollably. Uh The more Lumian thought about it, the more he felt that his sisters guess made sense. He muttered to himself, That black thorn mark on my chest is darker than the padres was So when the priest tried to deal with me, he showed signs of losing control, allowing me to kill him Therefore, that mysterious lady never said how to end this loop. She just told me to explore the dream ruins and figure out their secrets Aurore got a little pumped. Yeah, thats probably a clue! Maybe the dream ruins stem from the corruption in your body or are closely linked to it. So you can rely on the black thorn mark to take down every monster you run into there. Once you unlock the secrets, you can rein in or safely tap into the power in your body to some extent and siphon off the corruption from everyone in Cordu. The loop will break on its own. Yeah, maybe this can only be done at certain times. Like at the ritual on the twelfth night. Lumian leapt to his feet. Im heading back to dream now! No rush. Aurore slowly sat up. Arent you hurt? Arent you going to rest? Lumian patted his chest. The liquid Madame Pualis sprinkled healed all my wounds and restored my spirituality. Oh, was that pomelo sago child-giving Guanyin Aurore muttered. Huh? Lumian didnt get it at all. His sister was speaking a totally foreign language. Aurore smiled with her eyes closed. What I mean is, go home, fill your belly, take a nap, and explore your dreams! Chapter 82 - 82 Dream Divination 82 Dream Divination In the semi-subterranean two-story building, Lumian and Aurore quietly consumed their belated lunch. The mutton, which should have been succulent and tender, tasted utterly bland on their palates. Barely satiated, Lumian was about to clear the table when tinkling sounds reached his ears. Leah and the others? He glanced towards the door. Aurore, too, sensed something. She set down her cutlery and fixed her gaze upon the entrance. Moments later, the doorbell chimed. Without hesitation, Lumian abandoned his seat and strode towards the door, peering at the visitors through the peephole. It was indeed Leah, accompanied by the other two foreigners. Valentine had finally changed his attire. Previously engulfed in flames due to the Sufferers aura, Madame Pualis had tended to his wounds, but his scorched clothing was beyond repair. Lumian swung the door open and greeted them with a warm smile. My cabbages, you already miss me? Oh, you actually can change clothes? Valentine had swapped his white vest, blue tweed jacket, and black trousers for a yellow vest, black formal jacket, and dark pants. White fabric flowers adorned Leahs white cashmere dressone large and two smallconcealing signs of damage with impressive sewing skills. As for Ryan, Lumian couldnt detect any difference in his outfit or evidence of his previous injuries. Lumian suspected the man had packed at least two identical sets of clothing. Weve gathered information on those two matters, Ryan replied coolly, his eyes hinting that details would follow once they were inside. Lumian sought Aurores approval before fully opening the door and ushering the three investigators in. This was the first time Ryan and his colleagues had met Aurore, and they exchanged polite introductions. About the impending horoscope shift, and the villagers supposed good fortune, its tentatively confirmed that the padre orchestrated the rumors, Ryan revealed, wasting no time as they settled around the dining table. But I dont think its that simple. The methods and rhetoric resemble those of a village witch. Under normal circumstances, the padre wouldnt devise such a scheme. Village witches were part-time fortune-tellers who frequented small towns and villages. Aurore nodded thoughtfully. Could it be the influence of the deceased Warlock? Hmm, a way to lure villagers into secretly worshiping the evil god. And they believed it so easily? Valentine seethed. His expression conveyed utter disbelief at the gullibility of Cordus inhabitants. Its all because believing in the Eternal Blazing Sun doesnt alleviate their poverty, and theyre still oppressed by the padre and the administrator Aurore held her tongue, fearing a confrontation with Valentine. She could envision villagers experiencing tangible benefits from the padre and his followers after turning to the evil god, such as reduced contributions to the Eternal Blazing Sun or protection from Pons Bnets harassment. They could even scare their irritating neighbors using the thugs name. In short, their lives would genuinely improve, giving them hope and fueling their devotion. Nevertheless, Aurore didnt condone their actions. While the government and Church primarily sought money, the cults demanded lives. Ignoring Valentines question, Lumian helpfully suggested, You should ask the villagers yourself and thoroughly investigate the cause of their wavering faith. If you uncover the truth, I believe the papacy will hold you in high regard. The papacy referred to the Eternal Blazing Suns pope, a title shared by many church leaders. Lumian had recently learned this after perusing the materials Aurore had procured. Valentine fell silent, evidently intrigued. Aurore shifted the focus to Ryan. Did you locate Sybils husband, Jean Maury? Ryan glanced at Leah, prompting her to speak. Leah nodded and said, We infiltrated Jean Maurys residence and obtained one of his belongings. Using this item, I performed a dream divination. Dream divination Aurore nodded, unsurprised. As Lumian recounted their exploration of the castle the day before, Aurore had already pieced together their pathways and approximate Sequences based on the performance of the three official investigators. Clearly, Leah belonged to the more common Seer pathway in Intis. Moreover, she wasnt a Sequence 9 Seer or Sequence 8 Clown, but at least a Sequence 7 Magician. This could be inferred from her Beyonder powers like Paper Figurine Substitutes and Damage Transfer, as well as her skills in divination and acrobatics. Aurore wasnt certain if Leah had reached Sequence 6, as her knowledge of the pathways subsequent stages was limited. Valentine belonged to one of the main pathways controlled by the Eternal Blazing Sun Church: the Sun. Likewise, he wasnt a Sequence 9 Bard or Sequence 8 Light Suppliant. Aurore deduced from his Holy Light Summoning, Holy Water Creation, and Sun Halo that he was a Sequence 7 Solar High Priest. Furthermore, he likely hadnt reached Sequence 6 Notary, as he hadnt displayed the corresponding abilities. Ryans Beyonder powers were uncommon in Intis; he was likely a Warrior. This pathway was primarily controlled by the Church of the God of Combat from the Feysac Empire in the north. However, in the past five to six years, numerous Beyonders and Beyonder creatures of the Warrior pathway had appeared in various countries. Several members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society had either actively or passively chosen this pathway. According to Aurores knowledge, this was also known as the Giant pathway. Sequence 9 was Warrior, Sequence 8 was Pugilist, and Sequence 7 was Weapon Master. Sequence 6 was a level that experienced a qualitative shift compared to previous Sequences. They were called Dawn Paladins, who possessed the strength of Giants and could create Sunrise Gleam in a certain area to eliminate illusions and negative or evil energies. They could also condense full-body armor known as Dawn and weapons they were proficient with. Among them, the most potent was the two-handed broadsword, the Sword of Dawn. With the Sword of Dawn, they could unleash their Sequences most powerful attackHurricane of Light. This could annihilate the human body, exterminate vengeful spirits, and even wound evil spirits. Considering Ryans performance, Aurore believed he was a Sequence 6 Dawn Paladin, though he probably hadnt become a Sequence 5 Guardian yet. Aurore had always felt that these three official investigators were on par with her. Now, she realized that each of them was stronger than the last. If she wasnt prepared, she wouldnt stand a chance in a one-on-one battle. It was well-known that in the official categorization, Sequence 9 and Sequence 8 were considered Low-Sequence Beyonders. They had some unique abilities compared to ordinary people, but their flaws were apparent. Sequence 7 to Sequence 5 were Mid-Sequence, where they began to possess extraordinary powers. Sequence 4 and above belonged to the demigod domain, making them worthy of the title High-Sequence Beyonders. According to some members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society who had infiltrated official organizations, when dealing with ordinary Beyonder matters, a team of one Mid-Sequence and two Low-Sequence Beyonders would be assembled to carry out the first round of investigations. They would then deploy more high-level forces depending on the situation. This time, facing the anomalies in Cordu, the Intis officials had sent three Mid-Sequence Beyonders. They werent taking the situation lightly. However, even this joint investigation team didnt seem to be enough for Cordu. Aurore had shared all this information with Lumian, and the siblings listened intently as Leah continued. In the dream divination, I saw Shepherd Pierre Berry. He emerged with a few nails wrapped in hair and stuffed them into the hay, Leah described the scene in the simplest terms. Haystacks nails and hair Lumian instantly recalled his discovery under the guidance of the three sheep. He had also found some nails wrapped in hair in the haystack of the Berrys sheep pen. He frowned and said, Are those Jean Maurys nails and hair? Was he killed by Shepherd Pierre Berry at the Berrys place? Aurore nodded. Originally, the custom of hiding ones nails and hair outside the house was to prevent it from affecting ones family horoscope and luck. It was limited to family members with a bad reputation or who committed suicide, as well as those who were murdered by their relatives. But because Jean Maury was killed at the shepherds house, Pierre Berry still carefully cut off the other partys nails and took some hair to hide in the haystack outside the house? No wonder it was there before That must be from their previous victim. How many people have they killed in secret? Lumian scoffed under his breath. At this point, hes still worried about messing up his horoscope and luck? Imbecile! Valentine cursed aloud. They had been briefed by Lumian earlier and knew about the three sheep, the haystack, and the old folk customs they represented. After discussing for a while and confirming they wouldnt try anything else for now, Leah and the others bid Lumian and Aurore farewell and returned to Ol Tavern. The siblings didnt mention their speculations at noon, afraid it might deter the official investigators from cracking this case open from the inside. After all, they could only be affected and might escape with outside help. After clearing the table and helping wipe it down, Lumian returned to his room and lay on the bed. With conflicting thoughts and many unanswered questions, sleep eluded him for a long time. He relied on some meditation techniques to slowly calm his mind and finally drifted off. In the room shrouded in faint gray fog, Lumian opened his eyes and sat up straight. He lowered his gaze and looked at his chest. His vision seemed to cut through the thin cotton shirt and flesh, allowing him to see the black thorn tattoo and the bluish-black pattern underneath. Is this the root cause of this endless loop? Lumian thought. The black thorn symbol was at the heart of the issue, and the bluish-black pattern brought protection from that ominous force, allowing Cordu to be salvaged. All of this could be traced back nearly six years. Lumian remembered clearly that he had still been a street rat at the time. He had barely survived by relying on seeming unthreatening due to his young age and extreme ruthlessness. Then, one day, he met a dying old man. Maybe it was because he had picked up some street smarts, or maybe because the old man reminded him of his only family, Pp, who had raised him until his early teens but sadly passed on, Lumian chose to lend a hand. Though he ultimately failed to save the old mans life, Lumian still sent him to the crematorium and buried him in a public grave. He had found the bluish-black symbol on the old mans corpse during this. From then on, he often dreamed of the vast expanse of gray fog. His luck also turned sour, and he began struggling to scavenge enough food. Thankfully, he met Aurore not long after. Chapter 83 - 83 A Sudden Encounter 83 A Sudden Encounter Phew Lumian exhaled steadily and reined in his racing thoughts. He slung his shotgun over his shoulder and clipped on his axe. Leaving the semi-subterranean two-story building perched on the edge of the wild, he strode into the dream ruins. Tracking a familiar route through the dense forest, he crept deeper into the tangle of collapsed houses towards the hulking peak of crumbling red stone. Thick fog clung to the somber sky, weeds rasped at his feet. The whole world was darkened, bleak. Soon Lumian left familiar ground behind, plunging into the heart of the ruins. He scanned the ruins constantly, cataloging every trace, theorizing how each might be useful in a fight. Caution slowed his progress but hunting taught caution and carefulness above all. Finally, a clue. Fresh footprints, seemingly human. Tucked behind a jumble of rubble at the roads edge, cunningly concealed. This one knows how to move unseen Capable of eliminating traces to a certain extent Lumian observed for a while and made a preliminary judgment. He suspected that it was something similar to the shotgun monster, perhaps bearing clues to Sequence 8 of the Hunters pathway. Experience and Aurores speculation told him three types of monsters likely infested these ruins. The first bore no boons or Beyonder characteristics, like Noodle Man or the mouth-orifice monster, probably under the sway of that hidden being called Inevitability. The second displayed Beyonder characteristics but no boons, typified by the shotgun monster. The black thorn on Lumians chest would suppress them. It meant that they were tainted by some hidden corruption, resulting in them turning into monsters. The third showed no boons or Beyonder characteristics, mere humans or creatures twisted into horrors like the skinless monster he first found. Whether monsters with both boons and Beyonder characteristics existed, he and Aurore suspected so but lacked proof. Therefore, it was very likely that a monster with Hunter traits possessed Beyonder characteristics! Lumian tracked the footprints and discovered two lethal traps along the way, validating his hypothesis. Had he not tread carefully or lacked his Hunter abilities, he might have become prey instead of predator. Soon, the footprints grew fresher. This meant a high probability of encountering his target if he pressed on. Rather than rushing to greet his target, Lumian circled around and located an ideal ambush spot. Then he began to dance. Amid the intangible melody, he stamped with powerful steps and spun in a gentle, graceful semicircle, reenacting Noodle Mans strange, mysterious sacrificial dance. His skills were rough and rusty, but with his Dancer power, Lumian felt his chest heat up. After undoing his shirt and confirming the black thorn symbols materialization, Lumian climbed into the collapsed houses center and settled into his chosen hiding place. He quickly glanced into the distance and spied a figure digging a trap. It was certainly a person, but its whole body was charred black, and crimson flames blazed on its surface endlessly. No way its a Pyromaniac, right? Ive landed a big one Lumian was both thrilled and vexed. He was thrilled that the primary ingredient matching a Sequence 8 Provoker had appeared. What troubled him was that it was much stronger than the prey he had anticipated. Pyromaniac was a Sequence 7 of the Hunter pathway. According to Aurore, it was a Sequence that had undergone a qualitative change. Its ancient name was Fire Mage. Lumian believed that with him being a Hunter, a Dancer, and possessing the black thorn symbol, as long as he wasnt careless, hunting a Provoker monster shouldnt be an issue. However, he wasnt confident against a Sequence 7 Pyromaniac. As long as the monster attacked him from afar, it might not be weakened by the black thorn symbol! After some thought, Lumian decided to retreat. He planned to devise an effective plan to handle the flaming monster after setting up a targeted trap. His initial idea was to head home and dance the dance that could summon the strange objects in the surrounding area and see what kind of adverse effects it would have on him when allowing the remnant spirit of the mouth-orifice monster to possess him. If it wasnt severe and acceptable, he could borrow the other partys ability in the future, such as Invisibility. Lumian wasnt too worried about the aftereffects of being possessed or whether the vengeful spirit would be willing to leave after successfully possessing him. In any case, he was in the dream ruins. As long as he didnt die on the spot, he could recover fully after returning to reality to rest. Just as Lumian made a move, the flaming monster suddenly raised its charred face and bulging eyes, looking right at him. Not good! Lumian thought. Instead of climbing, he jumped down from his hiding spot. Almost instantly, a massive fireball smashed into where hed been, sending bricks and rocks flying, erupting in flames. Lumian staggered in a sorry state. When he crashed, he could barely control his body. All he could do was tumble and roll to cushion the impact. If not for Dancers extraordinary flexibility, his muscles and ligaments would have torn from the twisted movement. By the time Lumian stood up again, the flaming monster had already materialized atop the collapsed building. Phantasmal fire ravens coalesced from flames around it. Upon seeing this, Lumian felt as if surrounded by soldiers with guns trained on him. Without hesitation, he bolted towards the collapsed building where the flaming monster stood. Faced with such a scene, he felt the only way to turn defeat into victory was by using the black thorn symbol on his chest. And this seemed to require closing the distance! Thud thud thud! As Lumian ran, half the Fire Ravens descended from the sky and detonated behind him, causing heat waves to surge and explosions to reverberate. The remaining illusory Fire Ravens banked and locked onto their running target. At that moment, Lumian arrived at the bottom of the collapsed building, no more than five meters from the flaming monster. In the next second, the charred monster enveloped in crimson flames froze. The remaining Fire Ravens around it were instantly snuffed out. Its working! Just as joy flooded Lumians heart, the flaming monster pivoted and fled from the collapsed building in the opposite direction. Hey, dont run! Lumian blurted subconsciously. He circled around the ruins before him and chased after the flaming monster. Lumian chased it for two blocks. As the monster was too swift, he completely lost sight of it. At this moment, the searing sensation in Lumians chest vanished. He had no choice but to stop and adjust his breathing, gearing himself up to track the footprints and watch out for traps. As he panted, Lumians gaze swept around and suddenly froze. Not far away, a figure loomed in the doorway of a half-collapsed building. The figure wore a black robe with a hood. Aside from that, it seemed ordinary enough, except it had three faces on its head. The front face was an old mans. Milky eyes, scraggly brows, wrinkled as a prune. The left was in its prime, chiseled and stubbled, icy blue eyes gleaming. The right was a childsone less than five years oldsmooth and round, blue eyes wide with innocence and ignorance. The three-faced monster! That three-faced monster! Lumian was truly frightened. As he was chasing after the flaming monster, hed wandered deep into the ruins and stumbled on the three-faced monster! Despite mastering the mysterious Sacrificial Dance and activating the black thorn symbol, Lumian had no intention of using the three-faced monster as target practice. His instincts screamed that this foe was lethal. According to the mysterious ladys words, even weakened by the black thorn symbol, the monster could easily slay a weak hunter. Lumians plan was to steer clear of the three-faced monsters territory and practice on other monsters. He wanted to test the black thorn marks power against enemies of varying might before deciding whether to hunt the three-faced monster. Unexpectedly, the monster left its domain and stumbled upon Lumian! Eh would a little dance of contrition perhaps appease you? Lumian thought, taking an involuntary step back. At the entrance of the crumbling building, the three-faced monster in a black robe and hood retreated a step. Lumian spun around. The three-faced monster mirrored him. Lumian bolted. The three-faced monster fled as well. Lumian, who had meant to flee and try dancing, ran a few paces before sensing something amiss. He halted and glanced back. By chance, he saw the three-faced monster retreating. Lumian stared, stunned. After a moment, Lumian vaguely grasped the situation. He touched his face and muttered, Am I that scary? The three-faced monsters actions reminded him of their first encounter. Back then, Lumian stole a glance at the three-faced monster and cowered in terror, praying to the Eternal Blazing Sun to conceal him. Though the three-faced monster clearly peered toward his hiding spot, it didnt seem to notice anything. Instead, it took the initiative to retreat further away. So it wasnt the Eternal Blazing Sun that shielded me, nor was I very fortunate. Did the three-faced monster sense my specialness and flee? Lumian nodded thoughtfully, hazarding a guess. In the dream ruins, can monsters of a certain level directly perceive my specialness without me half-activating the black thorn symbol? Chapter 84 - 84 Dirk 84 Dirk Lumian broke the monsters in the dream ruins into three levels based on how the flaming monster and the three-faced monster reacted when they encountered him. The lowest level ones acted on instinct alone. As soon as they saw him, they would attack. When he activated or partially activated the black thorn symbol on his chest, they would immediately give up and submit fully to his mercy. The higher level ones would hunt him down before he partially activated the black thorn symbol. After he finished the sacrificial dance, they would cunningly opt to escape. But they couldnt sense the existence of the black thorn symbol beyond five meters. The flaming monster likely only remained in fear and associated the corrupting aura from the seal with Lumian. At a certain level, Lumian didnt even need to activate or partially activate the black thorn symbol on his chest, nor did they need to be within five meters of Lumian for them to obviously feel his specialness and show conspicuous dread. Were there any other levels above these three? Lumian felt there should be at least one, at most three. For instance, the kind that wouldnt fear the partially activated black thorn symbol so much that they immediately fled. They would persist in attacking despite significant weakening. Or for example, the kind that were so high in level that they wouldnt react to the black thorn symbol at all Therefore, while Lumian was delighted that he could scare off the three-faced monster and seemed capable of doing whatever he wanted in the dream ruins, he didnt dare to be careless. Disregarding terrifying beings that might be higher in level than the three-faced monster, just the flaming monster could incinerate him to ashes without being impacted by the partially activated black thorn symbol with its powerful long-range attack. With this in mind, Lumian hesitated for a moment before stealthily delving deeper into the dream ruins along the three-faced monsters escape route. He planned to scout the blood-colored peak and surrounding area today to gather information for the subsequent unlocking of the dreams secret. Along the way, he proceeded to a relatively concealed area less easily discovered, on guard against any monsters that might suddenly burst out. Perhaps because the three-faced monster had just passed by, frightening off the other monsters, Lumian didnt see a single person. He successfully passed collapsed buildings and gray gravel everywhere and arrived at the base of the blood-colored peak. There was still a circle of ruins, but unlike the outer layers, the buildings here hadnt collapsed, but seemed to have completed a warped reassembly as if they had a life of their own. They were interconnected, as if a strange thorny city wall had been built. The wall was dyed a faint grayish black. The windows and doors of the original buildings were embedded messily on its surface. Some were open, permitting one to see the shattered tables and chairs inside. Some were tightly shut, as if they couldnt be pulled open. Lumian scanned the area and gazed up at the blood-colored mountain behind the city wall. At this range, even with the heavy fog blanketing the sky and the dim light filtering into this realm, Lumian could see every detail of the mountain peak clearly. It was made of rocks and soil, no more than 30 meters tall, but it gave off a towering menace. The color on its surface was unnatural, neither the brownish-red of the rocks nor the reddish-brown of the soil. They seemed dyed at a later time, making it look sinister. According to Aurores novels and paranormal magazines, this might be dyed red by human blood Lumian thought. He raised his gaze higher and higher, glancing at the peak shrouded in thick fog. Suddenly, an unseen wind blew away some of the fog. The peak came into view. Sitting cross-legged was a giant four to five meters tall with three heads. He was naked and had three heads growing from his neck. One faced left, revealing anger, greed, and hatred. Extremely evil. One faced forward with a warped expression of pain and regret. The other faced right, holy, with pity in its eyes. The giant had six arms stretching out at odd angles. Its entire body, including the three heads, was made of flesh and organ fragments stitched together with pus flowing everywhere. Especially, transparent blood-like tears dripped from the head facing Lumian. Seeing the giant, Lumians mind buzzed as he heard a terrifying voice seeming infinitely far yet right beside him. His head felt as if it had been split open with an axe, and intense agony occupied his mind, robbing him of all thoughts. Thick and thin blood vessels protruded from his body surface, so red that they were about to be ignited. When Lumian woke up from his near-death state, he realized that he was curled up on the ground, rolling back and forth, as if this wasnt enough to resolve the pain in his body. His vision was blurry, stained with blood, and everything he saw was misty. In this state, Lumian felt that even the skinless monster could easily kill him. However, perhaps because the black thorn symbol had been completely activated, no person dared to enter this area. As for the giant at the summit of the blood-colored mountain, it was unknown if it couldnt leave or if it had been affected by the black thorn symbol and hadnt attacked Lumian, who had nearly lost control. After regaining his composure, Lumian stood up and noticed the linen shirt beneath his dark-colored jacket stained with blood and sweat. What the hell was that? The more he pondered it, the more dread crept in. With a mere glance, the black thorn symbol had flared to life and nearly overpowered him. It posed an even greater threat than wielding the Dancers might. He dared not recall the giants visage, only deduce what he could from fractured impressions. An advanced variant of the three-faced monster? Sheer corruptive influence? Aurore was right, there are sights not meant to be seen It occupies the crimson mountaintop, the heart of this dreamscape in ruins Does that signify its integral to the dreams mysteries? As his thoughts raced, Lumian forced down the urge to gaze up at the mountains summit. If he took another look, it would spell certain death! He resolved to withdraw for now and return to the real world to recover. He would resume his exploration at night. Lumian spun on his heel, ready to retrace his steps out of here, when a sudden clanging caught his ear. Whats that? Curiosity seized him, and he devised a plan to sidle over for a peek. Of course, he would proceed judiciously, not hastily or rashly. He tucked himself into a half-collapsed building facing the city wall to recoup his spirituality. After a time, Lumian again performed the mysterious sacrificial dance. He seemed to morph into a high priest of the hidden existence, gratifying that existence with movements that could marshal the ambient forces of nature. When a burning sensation flared in his chest, Lumian halted and honed in on the intermittent clanging. Skirting the blood-hued mountain crest and dilapidated city wall, dancing anew, he spied an orange glimmer through a half-open brownish-red wooden door in the wall. A flickering orange flame shone behind a half-open wooden door. Clang! Clang! Clang! The figure in the room was reflected in a grimy, diagonal glass window above. It looked humanoid, but too spindly in the dim light. In that moment, the figure raised a hammer-like object and smashed it down with formidable might. Clang! Another metallic clash rang out, crisp and ominous. A blacksmith? Theres a blacksmith in these ruins? Lumian guessed, relying on his knowledge. Trusting that the thorn emblem on his chest hadnt vanished yet, he dropped into a crouch and darted to the glass. He turned and peered in. Though Lumians eyes werent healed, and his vision unclear, he could just make out the scene beyond the city wall. Shattered furniture and debris littered the space. In the center was a stove, its top half gone, housing a fire. On top, an iron plate cobbled together, mismatched. A pewter-black dirk lay on the plate, twice as long as a normal dagger, strange patterns coating its surface. Just looking at it made Lumian dizzy. Clang! The figure pounded the dirk like a skilled blacksmith, hammer blows ringing out in a steady beat. He wore a black robe, decay marring the side of its face visible to Lumian, even revealing bone in places. Another monster? Is it picking up where it left off when it was still human? That dirk isnt run-of-the-mill. Its a tad sinister. I wonder if its a Sealed Artifact or a Beyonder weapon, Lumian thought. He was less than three meters from the rotting blacksmith, but the other party didnt seem to detect the black thorn symbol on his chest. He kept pounding the dirk in silence. Given that the black thorn symbol was about to vanish, Lumian recoiled and tiptoed away from the window. He had only taken a few steps when the searing sensation in his chest disappeared. The next moment, a creaking sound came from behind him. Lumian whipped around and saw the mahogany door swing open. The black-robed blacksmith emerged. There were four or five putrid gashes on his face that bared its bones. Half of his left eyeball dangled from its eye socket. It looked like a corpse that had been dead for some time. He clutched the hammer in his right hand and the pewter-black dirk in his left. Lumians reflection glinted in his lifeless eyes. F*ck! Lumian couldnt help cursing. He instantly grasped the situation. The blacksmith monster had clearly been influenced by the black thorn symbol, so he had been quietly pounding the malicious dirk, feigning nonchalance. When the black thorn symbol disappeared, he immediately seized his weapon and emerged to hunt him. How cunning! Chapter 85 - 85 Appropriating 85 Appropriating As soon as Lumian confirmed the situation, he pivoted on his heel and bolted. He couldnt leverage the environment here, and he was clueless about the blacksmith monsters abilities. What choice did he have but to run? Once he escaped to the nearest natural trap and it was still in hot pursuit, hed consider counterattacking. Thud thud thud! Lumian didnt run in a straight line but snaked left and right in an S-shape. He worried it might predict his trajectory and hurl a fireball or long-range weapon. The old Lumian could run on a curve, but hed have to throttle back at points. Otherwise, his body couldnt take it and hed eat dirt. Things were different now. He was extremely limber, far beyond ordinary humans. His muscles and tendons easily let him arch his body in a smooth semicircle. With this move, he felt that unless the blacksmith monster had special abilities, he should reach the ruins seven to eight meters away. Suddenly, dread gripped his heart with premonition. Without thinking, Lumian plunged forward, riding his momentum. Sizzling, sharp pain seared his back. The evil pewter-black dirk had sliced him, spurting bright red blood. The blacksmith monster had caught up in a single bound and swung its weapon. It seemed to have shortened over a dozen steps to one! Lumian endured the pain and rolled twice before finally touching a half-collapsed building. He vaulted in with a whoosh. Slithering through the walls and furnishings as cover, he bolted out the back entrance. Being back in this area was like a tiger returning to the deep mountains or a trout in a river. He adeptly wove through the ruins and buildings, at times circling around, other times going straight. Within ten seconds, he arrived at a natural snare he had spotted earlier. He ducked behind the roof that had slid to the ground and held on for the blacksmith monster to turn up. He didnt try the sacrificial dance because he felt there wasnt enough time. The other side clearly had some distinctive tracking prowess. As time passed, Lumian didnt spot the blacksmith monster, nor did he catch any sound approaching. He didnt note any indistinct footprints around him. It didnt chase after me? Lumian couldnt help but frown. He was glad, but he also felt this situation was a bit odd. After some thought, he guessed the blacksmith monster couldnt leave the city wall, so the moment he went into the building ruins, it gave up chasing him. Considering he had already suffered two injuries and was drained, Lumian decided not to explore further. Leveraging his terrifying flexibility, he treated the wound on his back and headed toward the edge of the ruins. After walking a long time, he looked at the familiar collapsed buildings and suddenly felt something was off. It has already been more than enough time to finish a meal. The dream ruins arent especially large. I should be able to walk out in a straight line. Why havent I escaped yet? The more Lumian contemplated it, the more he sensed that something was amiss. His thoughts were becoming foggy and disjointed, as if severe exhaustion was overtaking him or he was about to drift off to sleep. He forced himself to focus, relying on his Hunter abilities to locate the path, hoping to get out of these ruins immediately. However, as he walked, he couldnt help periodically slipping into a daze. Eventually, he didnt even know what he was doing. After an indeterminate amount of time, Lumians eyes abruptly reflected the flickering orange glow of a fire. He found himself back by the city wall and the chamber where the blacksmith monster was. Not good Im under its influence No wonder it didnt chase me It seems I cant force my way out. I can only think of a solution starting with that monster Lumians thoughts slowed and fogged. As he approached the chamber involuntarily, he struggled to perform the mysterious sacrificial dance. Since he had to confront the blacksmith monster, his greatest reliance was the black thorn symbol on his chest. He had to activate it immediately! Amid the sonorous but intermittent noises from within, Lumian saw the door emitting orange flames open. The monster in a black robe holding a pewter-black dirk and hammer appeared in the doorway. Unlike before, much of the rotting marks on its face had vanished, and fresh flesh had grown over the wounds that exposed its bones. Its eyes lit up as it gazed at Lumian with undisguised greed and amusement. This made it appear more human than zombie. At the same time, Lumian saw himself reflected in the glass window. His face was pale, and his eyes were dull. Some of his skin showed signs of decay. He looked more like a zombie than a human. Lumian instantly realized the truth. I will take its place It will walk out as a human Lumian, who didnt know what ability had affected him or when he had encountered the anomaly, only had one thoughtgiving it his all by finishing the sacrificial dance and partially activating the black thorn symbol on his chest. He slowly but firmly began his dance, but the blacksmith monster didnt seize the opportunity to attack. It seemed to be patiently waiting for the outcome, afraid that additional actions would impact its fate. As he edged closer and danced each step, Lumians vision grew increasingly blurry. He only knew that the blacksmith monsters smile was becoming more and more human. After advancing some distance, Lumians mind buzzed. He heard a terrifying sound that seemed to come from an infinite distance yet also seemed close at hand. This wasnt clear enough and was very illusory. It only caused some disorder in his mind, preventing him from experiencing a near-death experience. Amid his grogginess, Lumians thoughts cleared, and his vision returned to normal. He felt a burning sensation in his chest and knew that the partially activated black thorn symbol meant trouble. Almost simultaneously, he saw the smile on the blacksmith monsters face freeze. Numerous silver and black warts protruded from the monsters face, head, and hands. The wicked dirk in its hand buzzed and vibrated violently, as if trembling in fear. Pa! Amidst a crisp metallic snap, a jagged fracture shot across the pewter-black dirks demon-etched blade. The blacksmith monster crumbled into silver-black warts and warped maggots crawling across its black robe. The maggots and warts stopped moving, turning into lifeless gray flesh. Lumian gawked at the scene, dumbstruck. It was as if the enemy had suddenly committed suicide mid-battle while he stood by helpless. After over ten seconds, he snorted at the fleshy lumps in bemused disbelief. So you dragged me here to attend your own funeral? You shouldve said so earlier. No need for all this pomp and show. Id have gladly shown up and applauded your swan song! He strode over to the chunks of flesh the blacksmith monster had crumbled into and scrutinized them intently. Nothing else seemed amiss. Save that the slightly cracked pewter-black dirk still quivered minutely, like a wounded animal encountering its mortal foe. Lumians heart raced as he looked down at his chest, sensing the black thorn symbol beneath his clothes. He realized the truth and grabbed the pewter-black dirk with his right hand. The evil dirk trembled vigorously but didnt struggle or resist. It was docile. As soon as he held it, the heat in his chest intensified. Something leaked out, resonating with the pewter-black dirk. Amidst the metallic hum, Lumian grasped a greater understanding of the sinister dirk in his grip. It was a corrupted Beyonder weapon, gaining power and a semblance of life. In other words, Lumian hadnt encountered a blacksmith monsterthe dirk was the true menace. The blacksmith monster was its puppet, or rather, wielder. It could gradually transform any living being who touched its cold steel and drew blood into a zombie, robbing them of will and reason. They would always clutch it and act on its desires. Those who were cut by it, spilling crimson, would have their destiny appropriated by its edge. When seizing ones fate, it could inflict no further harm. Just now, it had bartered the fate of the blacksmith monster becoming a puppet to exchange for Lumian leaving the wilderness as a human. If there was nothing to trade, he had to kill the target completely to strip a portion of his fate from him and store it in the dirk. This ability came from the Dancers corresponding Sequence 5, Fate Appropriator! Therefore, after the corruption in Lumians body was half-activated, it resonated with the evil dirk through flesh and blood, letting some knowledge seep out. Otherwise, he could only get someone to use divination and figure out patterns to grasp the pewter-black dirks abilities and characteristics. He could also rely on his repeated experiments to gather information. After sorting out the additional knowledge in his mind, Lumian looked at the evil dirk that was still trembling in his hand and chuckled. Actually, I dont mind you appropriating some of my destiny, but youll have to bear the consequences! If you can swap with my fate of being trapped in this time loop, Ill kneel and grovel before you three times. Tsk, but randomly appropriating destinies will only hurt you! The pewter-black dirk merely trembled, not daring to respond. Lumian now understood why the dirk was so obedient. First, the half-activated black thorn symbol suppressed it. Second, encountering Lumian had traumatized the sentient weapon. Exhaling, Lumian said, From today onward, your name is Fate Appropriator Dirk. Got it? The dirk bobbed up and down twice, as if nodding. Unfortunately, youre only a Beyonder weapon. Your power will gradually fade. You could have lasted two years, but now, severely damaged from your foolishness, youll only survive half a year, Lumian said regretfully. In fact, he could replenish Fate Appropriator by extracting power from the corruption in his body, but that required finding someone to repair the crack. No sooner had he spoken than the heat in his chest quickly vanished. The minute was up. Wasting no time, he hurled Fate Appropriator Dirk away as if it were red-hot coal. Chapter 86 - 86 Another Idea 86 Another Idea The pewter-black dirk clattered to the ground, bouncing a few times before coming to rest. Lumian heaved a sigh of relief and muttered to himself, Without the protection of the half-activated black thorn symbol, this things a ticking time bomb Luckily, he already knew how to avoid the sinister dirks adverse effects. Lumian approached the grayish-white remains and picked up the black robe left behind by the monstrous blacksmith. He tore off several strips of cloth and wrapped them tightly around his right hand, as if applying a thorough bandage. Then, Lumian grasped the Fate Appropriator Dirk. The pewter-black dirk remained unresponsive the entire time. Prepared to discard the item in his hand at any moment, Lumian relaxed and whispered, I need to find a scabbard to carry it around safely. Do I have to permanently bandage my left or right hand just to have time to protect myself when I need to draw the blade in an emergency? This thing is dangerous, but its also incredibly powerful. Besides its short lifespan, it outclasses all the Beyonder weapons Aurore mentioned. Many Level 3 Sealed Artifacts might not even compare. While muttering to himself, Lumian swaddled the Fate Appropriator Dirk in layers of black cloth. Once wrapped securely in three layers, he slid the evil dirk into his left belt with a sense of relief. Having done this, Lumian rubbed his temples and, despite his physical and mental exhaustion, entered the room from which the blacksmith monster had emerged. He searched the room meticulously. Aside from the smoldering furnace, he found nothing. Lumians investigation concluded cautiously and carefully as he retraced his steps. Unhindered by fate, he successfully left the ruins, crossed the desolate wasteland, and entered his semi-subterranean two-story building. Not in a rush to sleep, Lumian left the room, stowed the Fate Appropriator Dirk, and rested briefly. Once his spirituality recovered and his needs were met, he performed the bizarre dancealternating between madness and distortionin his bedroom. He aimed to attract the peculiar creatures in the vicinity and let one of them possess him to test the negative effects. Having sensed the fear and reverence of the flaming monster, the three-faced monster, and the Fate Appropriator Dirk towards the black thorn symbol, he was no longer as terrified of allowing certain entities to possess him. His corruption was far more powerful! Moreover, he was quite exhausted and would soon fall asleep. When the time came, even if the strange being he harbored was reluctant to leave or caused severe negative effects, he would recover after resting in the real world for a day. Is this what Aurore often calls cheating and exploiting loopholes? Lumian mused as he danced. As the dance intensified, his spirituality expanded, merging with a certain force of nature that radiated in all directions. Gradually, Lumian, seemingly fused with his surroundings, sensed something entering the area. He lifted his leg, took a step, and spun around. Without activating his Spirit Vision, he saw three translucent figures materialize at the bedrooms glass window. They were the familiar skinless monster, shotgun monster, and mouth-orifice monster. Seems like my spiritual perception isnt strong enough, or my level is too low. I can only summon them Lumian didnt mind. He drew the ritual silver dagger Aurore had given him and sliced a wound on the back of his left hand. A drop of crimson blood quickly welled up but didnt spread. On the spot, it congealed and took on a demonic hue. The three ghostly figures outside the window instantly stirred. Lumian deftly used the ritual silver dagger to pick up the congealed drop of blood. With a final flourish of his dance moves, he pointed the blade towards the mouth-orifice monster. He was inviting the entity to latch onto him. The monster, bearing three black marks on its upper body, opened its vortex-shaped mouth as if responding to Lumians call, but it hesitated to take further action. Thats right. The window is still closed, and the monsters in the dream ruins dont dare enter my house Lumian swiftly grasped the situation. In sync with his dance rhythm, he leapt, landing gracefully on the desk before the window. With his left hand, he slid the tightly shut glass window open. Then, he extended the ritual silver dagger, bloodied tip first, outside the house. Instead of devouring the drop of blood and entering Lumians body through the ritual silver dagger, the maw-like creature retreated seven or eight meters, floating amidst the howling wind, still mesmerized by the dance. Hey, come over! Lumian, on the verge of completing his final dance step, couldnt help but urge anxiously. The three hazy, translucent figures outside the house drifted further away. As Lumians dance came to a halt, they vanished entirely. Lumian stared at the scene, baffled by the mouth-orifice monsters refusal to possess him. He carefully reviewed the dance and the bloodletting process, certain he had made no mistakes. Could it be that its fixation remembers that I killed it, so its unwilling to attach itself to me? But the knowledge that came with Dancer didnt mention this. Logically, it should be more eager to possess me and take revenge Lumian pondered. Recalling the three-faced monsters flight upon seeing him, he formulated a new hypothesis. Im corrupted by an evil god and sealed by a greater being. Are these strange creatures terrified and unwilling to attach themselves to me? This was an extremely rare circumstance. It made sense that Dancers corresponding mystical knowledge wouldnt cover such anomalies. The more Lumian considered it, the more he believed this was the cause, and the angrier he became. So you guys just watch me dance, but arent willing to possess me? Whats this called? In Aurores words, freeloading! Lumians disappointment grew as he realized that, before reaching Contractee, one of Dancers abilities was rendered useless. He couldnt attract strange creatures and exploit their traits or powers. He consoled himself, hoping that only the dream ruins creatures behaved like this. After all, they were closely tied to the owner of the black thorn symbol. I wonder what I can attract in reality. Will they dare to attach themselves to me Lumian mused, walking to his bed and lying down. His mood lifted as he glanced at the Fate Appropriator Dirk, ensconced in layers of black cloth, on the cabinet beside him. This powerful Beyonder weapon would aid him in delving deeper into the dream ruins and uncovering their secrets. The only drawback was its inability to be brought into the real world. I wonder if that mysterious lady can help bring it out, just like how she brought the potion and ritual ingredients into the dream ruins But the next time I explore the dream ruins, Ill have to trouble her to bring the Fate Appropriator Dirk back in Shes definitely unwilling to keep providing help. Shes clearly averse to hassle and prefers slacking off With these thoughts, Lumian drifted into a deep sleep. When Lumian woke up, the sky was an unnatural shade of inky black. Only a smoldering crimson smear of sunset remained in the distance, filling him with a bleak melancholy as if the entire world had abandoned him. Adjusting his emotions, Lumian left the room and descended to the first floor. Aurore was busy cooking dinner. Are your eyes okay? Lumian went over to help. Pretty much. Aurore tucked a stray lock of blonde hair behind her ear and widened her eyes at him. Lumian peered into their light blue depths but saw nothing amiss beyond a hint of blood. Aurore continued frying the lamb chops and casually asked, Discovered anything interesting in the dream ruins this time? Lumian began chopping ingredients for the last dish, recounting his encounters. That blade is powerful indeed. Seeing her brother was unharmed, Aurore stifled her concern with a laugh. If it were me, Id never call it Fate Appropriator Dirk. Too straightforward, lacking charm. Lumian asked curiously, What would you name it then? Aurore smiled and said, Fallen Mercury! Fallen Mercury it is! Lumian nodded immediately. He had to use the name his sister gave! Aurore burst out laughing. Actually, its not the best name, but thats all I could think of on short notice. Hmm, the monsters behavior confirms our theory. The black thorn symbol on your chest, or rather, the corruption in your body isnt simple. It can suppress something powerful to an extent and relates closely to that hidden existence. Perhaps the key to the loop lies with you. Yes. Lumian nodded. Lets see what secrets the dream ruins hold. Then well wait patiently for the twelfth night. So far, they had investigated almost all abnormalities. Only the tomb where the owl was had not been explored. It was far too dangerous. Aurore didnt believe she, Lumian and the three foreigners could face it. Her only hope was asking Madame Pualis for help, but she clearly didnt intend to interfere, merely waiting for the opportune moment. Lumian didnt hold much hope recounting how the strange creatures his dance attracted were hindered by the two symbols on his body, preventing success. Grande Soeur, any ideas to circumvent this restriction? Aurore scooped up the lamb chops, pondering a moment. Since its impossible to invite a god to possess you, why not try giving an order? Order? Lumians eyes lit up. Aurore nodded slightly. Since those strange creatures fear the corruption in your body and the seal of that great existence, use their fear like a fox assuming the authority of a tiger. Order them to attach themselves to you. Right, use ancient Hermes when you try. Thats an idea Lumian understood what his sister meant by a fox assuming the authority of a tiger. Chapter 87 - 87 Catharsis 87 Catharsis Aurore carried the plate of lamb chops to the table and said, Im not sure if ordering them under those circumstances will work. After all, Im not a Dancer, and I dont have any relevant mysticism knowledge. However, you wont lose anything by trying. Thats true. Lumian took over at the stove and said with a grin, Itll just be another wound while I bleed a little. Ill recover after a nap. What do you think the three-headed giant at the top of the mountain is? What does it have to do with the hidden existence and the corruption in my body? Aurore set the plates down and turned around. Dont you think youre overestimating me? Ive never encountered or heard of such strange things. Without waiting for Lumians response, she added thoughtfully, However, there are many similar concepts in the myths and legends of my hometown. They have three heads and six arms, gods or demons She continued, And according to our guesses, the dream ruins are closely related to the corruption in your body. Theres a high chance that the giants image reflects some aspects of the hidden existence. You said that the honorific name or description of that person is different from the usual ones. Every segment contains three aspects and three forms that symbolize a certain authority. Therefore, its very normal to correspond to three heads, just like how the three-faced monster has faces that represent the three stages of humanity. As for why it has six arms and why it sits atop the blood-colored mountain, theres too little information. I cant guess. Hmm Focus on the circle of walls for the time being. I feel that we can find many useful clues. Alright. Lumian followed his sisters instructions and placed the sliced shredded potatoes into the pot, stir-frying them with oil. Aurore ended the topic regarding the dream ruins and said to Lumian, When you went to bed in the afternoon, I thought about it seriously and decided to invite the three foreigners to stay with us. Why? Lumian was puzzled. Aurore watched her brother bustling around and sighed. We assumed the padre would react like a normal person, but we cant forget that some of his followers have already accepted a boon. In a way, theyre corrupted. According to the mysterious lady, the boons effects concentrate on the body and mind. So, besides gaining abilities, ones personality will shift. The more boons a person takes, the more severe the change will be, especially if they cant handle it. Right. Lumian recalled the mysterious ladys words. She warned that if the body couldnt endure such a massive boon, the recipient would either turn into a monster, become a puppet of an unknown entity, or transform into someone else whod treat things they cherished in the past with indifference. Aurore concluded, Thus, Shepherd Pierre Berry and his followers, whove received the boons long ago, might disregard the padres plan and seek greater vengeance. If the five of us stick together and support each other, we can effectively improve our chances of survival until the twelfth night. Lumian pondered her proposal and agreed. But he raised a logistical issue. So, where do they stay? In the living room downstairs? It wont work as well if were on separate floors. Aurore glanced at her brother, who approached with a plate of stir-fried shredded potatoes. You can move into my room, and well let the three foreigners use your bedroom and the study upstairs. They can divide the rooms among themselves. Huh? Lumian didnt expect such an arrangement. Ill share a bed with you? Aurore couldnt help but laugh. No big deal. Strong, independent women dont sweat the small stuff! Huh? Lumian didnt grasp his sisters last remark. Aurore chuckled, explaining, Im saying that given our situation, lets not get hung up on trivial matters. Do you want to share a bed with Ryan and Valentine, or should I sleep with Leah? True, I cant fully trust them. Lumian nodded. The three official investigators only cooperated with the siblings because they were trapped in a loop. Who knew if theyd secretly manipulate the situation while they slept together, planning to capture the two wild Beyonders once the loop ended? Aurore chuckled and suggested, If theyre concerned about us and decide to share a room, you can sleep in the other one. Better to stay in the same room. Lumian felt the walls offered little protection. Aurore said no more, only adding, Remind me to restock our food supply tomorrow. After Lent, the villagers will grow stranger. We might need to defend this place or hide in the nearest high mountain pasture. Then, she urged her brother to eat dinner. Before sunset, Lumian left the semi-subterranean two-story building, ready to invite Ryan and the others to move into his home. Upon seeing Ol Tavern in sight, Lumian spotted a few familiar faces. Pons Bnet was strolling down the villages main road with his three thugs. Almost instantly, the black-haired, blue-eyed, musclebound villain noticed Lumian. He couldnt help but clamp his legs together, as if recalling some excruciating agony. Eyeing Lumian, Pons Bnet faced a dilemma. He craved revenge, but feared history would repeat itself with him and his men beaten to a pulp. As Pons Bnet wavered, Lumian flashed a brilliant grin. Hey, isnt this my rebellious son? He strode towards the villain and his three thugs who had drowned Reimund, poised to pummel them. Pons Bnet saw this and didnt hesitate. With his eyes, he signaled to the three brutes beside him, ordering them to charge. The three thugs immediately rushed at Lumian and pulled out short sticks, iron rods, and other weapons. Lumian sped up too. Just as he was about to collide with the three thugs, he abruptly leapt at one of the enemies. This unorthodox move caused the three thugs attacks to miss. Lumian grabbed the targets shoulder and did a somersault. His back seemed to flex like a spring, helping him grab the enemy and build up enough force for the roll. In an agile, exaggerated forward somersault, Lumian hurled the enemy and smashed him into the ground. Bang! The thugs vision darkened. His whole body ached, and he couldnt rise for a moment. At that instant, Lumian landed behind the other two, only seven or eight steps from Pons Bnet. He crouched slightly and charged at the villain. As Pons Bnet frantically dodged, he shouted, Quick, quick! Stop him! The remaining two thugs hastily turned and chased after Lumian. Pons Bnet composed himself and brazenly charged at the bastard, preparing to stall him before they surrounded him. Just as the two thugs were about to catch up to Lumian, who had deliberately not run at full speed, suddenly stopped and squatted. Amid grinding sounds, not only did the two thugs fail to hit their targets back, but because they couldnt halt in time, they lost their balance and collided with Pons Bnet. Lumian pounced like a tiger and grabbed the two thugs necks. He lifted their bodies and smashed their heads together. Bang! The two thugs foreheads instantly swelled and they fainted on the spot. Immediately after, Lumian tossed away the burden and exerted strength with his feet. He twisted his body and slid behind Pons, who had just risen. He grabbed the other partys arms and bent them backward. With a cracking sound, Pons Bnet let out an extremely pained scream. How is it? Does it feel good? Lumian asked Pons Bnet with a smile as he hoisted him and marched out of the village. Before long, he arrived beside the river, grabbed the back of Pons Bnets head, and forced him underwater. As bubbles surfaced, Lumian lifted Pons Bnets head, turned his face, and asked with a smile, Does it feel good to bully others? Pons Bnets face was soaked, and he looked to be in extreme agony. Snot and saliva flowed out, making it impossible for him to answer. Doesnt it feel great? Lumians voice suddenly intensified. He grabbed the villains head and smashed his forehead into the water, hitting the cobblestones. Bright crimson liquid seeped out of the water. Pons Bnet struggled uselessly with his legs, unable to lift his head. Gulp. Gulp. As time dragged on, his struggles weakened. Only then did Lumian haul him up. He thrust out his left hand and smacked Pons across the face. Im asking you, does it feel good to bully others? Pure terror filled Ponss eyes. He didnt know how to respond. Just then, a figure ambled over to the riverside. It was the hooded Shepherd Pierre Berry. He glanced at the pathetic Pons and gently told Lumian, Were all from the same village. Enough. You want to kill him? Lumian immediately released Ponss head and stood up. He grinned at Pierre Berry, replying, Ill listen to you. Make sure this jerk doesnt bully others again. Without waiting for Pierres response, Lumian strode past the shepherd into the village. On the second floor of Ol Tavern, in Ryans room, Lumian relayed his sisters thoughts to the three official investigators. Ryan exchanged a look with Leah and Valentine and nodded. Smart thinking. In a situation like this, spreading ourselves too thin just makes us an easy target. We can move into your house now. As they headed to Lumian and Aurores house with her luggage, Leah asked Lumian amidst her tinkling sounds, So whats the plan for the tomb? The plan? Lumian snorted. You think we can just waltz in there? Leah smiled, relieved. Good, youre still being cautious. Ryan chimed in, What we mean is if whatevers in that tomb really leads to the cycles key, itll show up during the twelfth night ritual. And if its got nothing to do with the source of the cycle, why take the risk going in? In short, Lumian said, catching on, we just wait patiently for the twelfth night? Chapter 88 - 88 EQ 88 EQ Ryan nodded at Lumians confirmation. You can interpret it that way, but if there are any other abnormalities worth investigating, we cant ignore them. Alright. Lumian actually shared the same thought. He hadnt even planned on participating in Lent, just in case he couldnt resist attacking when he saw the performance at the celebration. The four of them rapidly reached Lumians residence, where Aurore led them to the second floor. Now dressed in a pure white cotton dress that accentuated her down-to-earth charm, Aurore pointed to Lumians bedroom and study, offering the three official investigators a choice. You can choose either room. Ryan glanced at Leah, seeking her opinion. After pondering for a few seconds, Leah raised her right hand, pointed at the study with a smile, and said, That recliner looks pretty good; I could sleep there. Ryan, bunk in that room with Valentine. While Aurore had the same question in mind, Lumian asked, You trust us that much? He assumed the three foreigners would opt to sleep in the same room on the floor, fearing an attack if they were separated. Leah grinned and answered Lumians half-mocking, half-doubtful query, My divination tells me the two of you can be trusted. As she spoke, she walked into the study. Accompanied by tinkling sounds, she lay on the recliner with a contented expression. Aurore found Leah intriguing and approachable. She smiled and advised, A friend once told me that you can believe in divination, but not blindly. Divination is not all-powerful. My mentor said something similar, but were all in the same situation. If I dont trust it, what else can we do? Leah replied with a grin, snuggling into the recliner. Aurore didnt mind relinquishing her favorite seat. She pulled over a chair and sat down. Their study also served as a small living room. It occasionally hosted afternoon tea parties, so there was ample space and chairs. Ryan surveyed the corridor briefly before returning to the study. He said to Aurore and Lumian, I have some suggestions. Please, go ahead. Aurore politely assumed an attentive posture. Ryan nodded and offered, First, when you sleep at night, dont close any doors. Let everyone be in the same space. This way, no matter where an abnormality occurs, we can react promptly. Second, considering weve destroyed the altar, someone might attempt to deal with us before Lent. Starting tonight, everyone will take turns on night duty. Yes, from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. the next morning, two hours per person How professional Aurore muttered almost silently. Lumian glanced at her, as if asking why she hadnt thought of it. Aurore spread her hands slightly, signaling her lack of experience in team operations. She then turned to Ryan and Valentine, stating confidently, Lumian will cover the period between 10 p.m. and midnight. Leah and the others didnt object to this arrangement. From their perspective, it made sense. Among the five present, Lumian had the lowest Sequence and least experience. He was most prone to mistakes on night duty, but from 10 p.m. to midnight, others would still be awake to cover for him. Lumian knew his sisters intentions extended beyond this. He had to explore the dream ruins undisturbed after falling asleep. After finalizing the first schedule, Valentine volunteered, Im used to sleeping and waking early. Ill take the 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. slot. You get up early to welcome the sunrise? Lumian teased instinctively. Valentines gaze on him softened. Yes, I want to greet the rising sun and praise the light. His eyes seemed to say: As expected, only a devout believer of the Eternal Blazing Sun understands me. Hey, Im mocking you, brother! Lumian felt slightly defeated by Valentine. In the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, brother was a term used among believers. The two mainstream organizations within it, the Order of Preachers and the Brotherhood Minor, employed the term. Im not used to being woken up mid-sleep, Leah chimed in. Ill take the midnight to 2 a.m. slot. Aurore nodded. I like to wake up late. I can take 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. And dont wake me for breakfast tomorrow. Ill get up around noon. Leave the rest to me. Ryan claimed the worst period with satisfaction. He also entered the study and found a chair to sit on. A conversation flowed effortlessly. Aurore, though seldom venturing out, possessed a wealth of knowledge spanning from astronomy to geography. She had her finger on the pulse of the latest trends, scandals, and supernatural events in metropolises like Trier and Backlund. This left Leah, Ryan, and the others secretly in awe of her. As expected of the renowned author, Aurore Lee, Leah couldnt help but exclaim. No wonder you can tackle any theme. Aurore inquired with genuine curiosity, Have you read my novels? Leahs eyes sparkled as she replied with a smile, Ive been reading your first novel since I was a young girl. By the way, Id love your autograph! As she searched for papers and fountain pens, the silver bells on her veil and boots jingled. Are those Sealed Artifacts? Having heard Lumian mention Leahs performance with the four bells, Aurore couldnt resist asking. Leah produced a stack of post-it notes and a fountain pen, casually responding, Yes, they can proactively warn me and enhance my divination abilities. The downside is theyre rather noisy and not exactly discreet. Plus, the wearer must dress fashionably, with a dress being mandatory. It has to look good, or itll be not only useless but also potentially misleading or even dangerous. Aurore chuckled. I cant decide if these bells were originally a man or a woman. Lumian agreed. If they were from a woman, it was a remnant of her vanity. If a man, he was undoubtedly a pervert. Leah offered a faint smile. That involves some confidentiality, so I cant say any more. She stood up, handing Aurore a post-it note and the fountain pen. Aurore signed and asked, Which genre of my novels do you prefer? Romance, Leah replied without hesitation. Your first novel, Eternal Love, left a deep impression on me. I wrote that book too early, Aurore admitted with a hint of embarrassment. I was young, and my writing skills were unpolished. I lacked experience. Many scenes felt rigid, and much of the dialogue was overly emotional and unrealistic Lumian chimed in, But its sincere and original. Having read his sisters novel, he knew it dealt with a couples separation through life and death, interwoven with adventure, misunderstandings, and terminal illness. It was a trailblazing piece in the Intis literary world. Naturally, this drew criticism from conservative authors and critics. They echoed Aurores self-assessment and claimed it couldnt qualify as literature, deeming it a mere pedestrian novel. Thats right, Leah agreed, retrieving the paper and pen. She looked at Aurore and asked with a smile, Ms. Author, would you consider becoming our informant at Bureau 8? Seeing Aurores surprise, she continued, Our primary objective in targeting wild Beyonders is that theyre unpredictable and may lose control or cause disaster at any moment. Otherwise, they can use their Beyonder powers for all sorts of malicious purposes to satisfy their desires. Over the past few days in the village, Ive carefully observed both of you and confirmed that youre orderly Beyonders. Prior to arriving in Cordu, the information we gathered indicated that you havent committed any wrongdoing on the surface. This meets our recruitment standards. Moreover, once you become our informants, you wont need to worry about being targeted by official Beyonders. Aurore found the proposition enticing. She glanced at Lumian and gave a slight nod. Ill think about it. Ill give you my answer when the cycle is over. Lumian immediately understood why his sister had looked his way. I dont have a problem, but will a heavily corrupted guy like you bomb the test? After chatting briefly, the siblings bid adieu to Leah and the others and headed back to Aurores room. Aurore perched on the edge of the bed and glanced at the door. She hushed her voice and muttered, Leahs socially adept. What do you mean? Lumian also sensed Leah had made the vibe harmonious in the study. Aurore smiled and said, She took the initiative to bring up my novel and asked for my autograph to bond with me, so she could pitch recruiting me. The recruiting was to fix the distrust and barriers we have, easing teamwork the next few days. The whole process seemed natural, not off-putting or wary. Thats a sign of high EQ. You should follow her lead! Lumian remembered the chat and said self-deprecatingly, If it were me, I mightve been booted by now. Amused, Aurore leaned back and said, At least you know yourself! She ruffled her blonde hair and said, Ill nap a bit. My eyes havent fully healed so I need more rest. Rouse me at ten and Ill keep watch over you. Its your first night shift, so better safe than sorry. Lumian didnt object and agreed instantly. He watched his sister lie on the bed unhesitatingly, pull the blanket over her and close her eyes. The room instantly turned eerily silent. Lumian quietly switched off the electric lamp and drew the curtains. Then, he sat on the chair by the desk and quietly watched his sister sleeping peacefully under the crimson moonlight. His heart gradually calmed down. Chapter 89 - 89 Nothing Happened 89 Nothing Happened The wind outside rustled, almost silent. Lumian allowed his thoughts to wander in this tranquil state as instinctive questions ran through his mind. Theres still light in the corridor. Leah must be awake still, reading Aurores book collection Pitch darkness blankets my bedroom. Valentine should be resting in bed. I wonder what Ryans up to Heh heh, they didnt bring any alcohol on their first visit. Theyve no clue about Dariges customs If the cycle lifts, Grande Soeur can turn informant for Bureau 8. When the time comes, she wont fret over any investigation if she goes to Trier As for me, I neednt undergo any special tests as an informant, right? Now weve a full theory of the whole affair. The sole thing we cant be sure of is the owl and the dead warlock in the tombs role If they bewitched the padre and company, causing the abnormality to achieve some goal with the twelfth night ritual, why did they do nothing but monitor my progress exploring the dream ruins? Could it be that, like Madame Pualis, they await a specific time or the ritual on the twelfth night, intending to complete the disrupted part? Is that why they want no changes to the loop restarting it ahead of time? Their actions in turn prove the key to the loop lies with me. Thats why they repeatedly try to confirm how far Ive explored the dream ruins If I unlock the dreams secret before the twelfth night comes and master recycling the corruption, will they ignore the possibility of the cycle restarting ahead of time and attack me to hold me in custody? Yes, its very likely they still have their memories As all sorts of thoughts raced through his mind, Lumian suddenly heard faint commotion. Baa It was a sheeps bleat, as if from afar. Lumian instantly thought of the three people turned sheep and Shepherd Pierre Berry. Dont tell me he really wants to attack us dead of night? Lumian stood up and listened intently. Outside the window was but the winds sound through leaves and branches. No bleating. It seemed Lumian so engrossed in his thoughts was hallucinating. But he didnt think so because he felt slight heat in his left chest. The black thorn symbol seemed to have appeared again! This meant an invisible force closely tied to the hidden existence had quietly invaded the room. Lumian had no time to think. He rushed to the bed and shook Aurore. Wake up! Wake up! he shouted in a hushed voice. He instinctively worried Leah, Ryan and Valentine would sense something amiss with him. Aurore opened her eyes, her light-blue eyes clearly dazed. What time is it? she asked in a weak voice. Obviously she was still not fully awake. Theres a situation, Lumian said decisively before continuing, Half past nine. They were one of the few families in the village with wall clocks. Aurores eyes snapped open. She bolted upright, threw out her right hand, and massaged her temples. She had no time to consider what she might see that she shouldnt. If she couldnt pinpoint the anomaly and confirm the problem as soon as possible, she might not have to worry about seeing anything again. The dead had no need for eyes! Aurore scanned the room, her gaze darkening as if reflecting strange, indescribable lights and shadows. Lumian seized the chance to tell his sister about the sheeps bleat hed heard in the distance and the triggered heat in the black thorn symbol on his chest. Aurore frowned. But I didnt detect anything The burning in my chest remains, Lumian rumbled. He felt inexplicably terrified. The darkness around him was not simple. An indescribable danger lurked. Aurore scrutinized every corner of the room, trying to find the unknown. Silently, Lumian broke into a cold sweata stark contrast to the searing heat in his left chest. He deliberated for a moment and said, Why not tell Ryan and the others? Maybe they can find something. Aurore pondered, then nodded. Use your sudden sense of impending danger as an excuse. Right. Lumian opened his mouth, about to yell outsidethen froze. What is it? Aurore asked, alarmed. Lumian frowned. The heat in my chest is dimming fast Meaning the black thorn symbol was fading rapidly. The danger invading our room has left? Aurore mused. Because we prepared, it did nothing? Perhaps. Lumian turned to the corridor and bellowed, Somethings wrong! Ryan appeared in the doorway in the blink of an eye, followed by Leah, then Valentine, who looked jolted from sleep. Without waiting to be asked, Lumian recounted what had happened, using his sense of danger in place of the burning in his chest. Ryan listened intently, not doubting this was Lumians hallucination. He sighed, Its useful indeed to take turns on night watch. Mostly its boredom, but if it saves everyone, its almost life and death. As he spoke, he conjured pure Sunrise Gleam around him, circling every room on the second floor. Though he couldnt find the sinister power, he could at least sanctify the environment. Leah paced around, muttering under her breath. Her veil and boots jangled ominously, then fell silent just as abruptly. Finally, she said to Aurore and Lumian, It was dicey just now. On top of that, whatever it was could block my Sealed Artifact from giving me any warning. Im afraid these stupid bells will only go off once that thing really starts targeting someone. But now, it has left. Well, thats reassuring. Aurore sighed in relief. Maybe it wasnt a single creature. Lumian relaxed and grinned. Couldve been more than one. Ryan and the others were silent. Thats even worse! Aurore lashed out at Lumian and told the investigators, Now that the alarms off, lets get back to our schedule. She didnt mention who mightve snuck in to attack them. There were too many possibilities: Shepherd Pierre Berry, the unknown corpse in the tomb, or the shady deputy padre. Without solid clues, speculating would just waste time. Better to wait until daylight. For now, they just had to remember that nighttime held real danger. Someone was out to get them, so theyd need to stay on high alert. Once Leah and the others had gone to their rooms, Lumian glanced at the wall clock and asked Aurore, Want to sleep in a bit more? No way, waking up and crashing this late sucks. Aurore stretched her arms overhead. Ugh, just to handle emergencies, I got this dress with pockets for spell components and useful stuff. I didnt even dare roll over, scared I might stab myself. I slept like a board. As she spoke, she hopped off the bed and strode to the window. She yanked back the curtains and peered outside. Cordu was silent. Many houses were still lit up. I thought that owl would come after us for sure, but theres no sign of it out there. Aurore surveyed the area and explained to Lumian. Lumian nodded. That was my guess too. He then leaned in and whispered everything he had figured out to his sister. Not bad, Aurore said with a smile. Youre getting better at analyzing situations. Ive got nothing to add. She paused. But we cant take matters into our own hands. That tomb is too dangerous At this point, she exclaimed, At dawn, well pay Madame Pualis a visit and tell her your theory. Let her know the Warlocks and owls motives might affect her escape from this time loop at that precise moment. Ill go myself, Lumian said. He didnt want Aurore anywhere near Madame Pualis who had designs on her. Aurore didnt argue. She only reminded him, Watch your back. Dont piss her off, or else She eyed his abdomen meaningfully. Aurore sighed and said, Truth is, that mysterious lady at Ol Tavern is clearly stronger, but she wants nothing to do with this time loop. No way shell help us investigate that tomb. Yeah, Lumian agreed. He then said, Still, Ill drop by Ol Tavern tomorrow to see if I can run into her. What if she changes her mind? Fair enough. Aurore didnt object. They chatted in hushed tones until midnight. After Lumian relieving his post with Leah in the study, he returned to Aurores room. He lay beside his sister, inhaling her familiar scent and sinking into the soft mattress. Sleep eluded him. Whats wrong? Aurore asked, noticing his tenseness. Just not used to this, Lumian said carefully. Aurore scoffed. What happened to the bold Lumian I know? Lumian didnt reply. Aurore exhaled slowly and smiled. Remember when you first started tailing me? You were scared Id slip away and refused to sleep at night. You were super vigilant. Yeah, I do. Lumian drifted into the past. Back then, youd hum me a lullaby and let me doze off to the sound of your voice. As soon as the words left his lips, a familiar melody reached his ears. Light and soothing, it calmed his body and mind. Leaning against the bed, Aurore gazed into the deep crimson dark before her. She hummed the lullaby from her hometown, soft and wistful. It was a song their mother had crooned when Aurore was just a kid, coaxing her to sleep. Go to sleep, go to sleep Lost in the gentle tune, Lumian gradually unwound and slipped under. Lumian woke up amidst the faint gray fog. He scoped the room and realized that he wasnt in his sisters room. He was still in his own room. Chapter 90 - 90 Trying Again 90 Trying Again Indeed, no matter where I fall asleep, Ill wake up here. Lumian tumbled out of bed and glimpsed at the Fate Appropriator Dirk beside him. No, Fallen Mercury. He paced to the window in the faint gray fog. He planted his hands on the desk and cast his gaze at the blood-colored peak. At the summit of the mountain, the fog was dense and stratified, utterly masking the three-headed, six-armed colossus. I nearly lost control with just a glance the last time. I really have no idea what to do if I have to face it in the future Lumian sighed in frustration. He didnt sink into such emotions for long and quickly broke free because he still had numerous things to do. Lumian contorted himself into a deranged dance within his bedroom, emitting a distorted spiritual pulse. Combined with the stirred forces of nature, he broadcasted himself in an unspecific direction. Before long, he sensed approaching entities and saw the translucent forms of the mouth-orifice monster, the shotgun monster, and the skinless monster reflected in his glass window. Lumian was in no hurry. Following his dance, he withdrew a ritual silver dagger and stabbed the back of his left hand. A droplet of crimson swiftly surfaced and congealed into a bead atop his skin, guided by his spirituality and the forces of nature. The trio of creatures shifted but did not dare enter Lumians abode or attach themselves to him. Lumian spun around, elevated his left hand and bellowed, I! Shouting in the ancient tongue of Hermes, it caused the room to rock faintly. Employing his ritual dagger, Lumian collected the droplet of blood and aimed it at the mouth-orifice beast. I command you! Onto me! Again in ancient Hermes. An imperceptible gust blew. The translucent form of the mouth-orifice monster trembled visibly, as if seized and vigorously shaken by an invisible entity. Just as Lumian completed his dance, believing it would have no effect, the mouth-orifice monster hurtled into the house and landed upon the ritual silver dagger, devouring the droplet of crimson. It then convulsed violently as it tunneled into Lumians body through the silver dagger. Lumian could not help but gasp, his mind flooded with thoughts of So hungry, so hungry, starving, starving. He hastily turned and stared at the full-length mirror on his wardrobe. He saw his visage was pallid and tinged cerulean. His maw gaped wildly, resembling a cadaver more than a living being. Success Lumian exulted gazing at his reflection as if regarding a stranger. It felt somewhat alien. He resisted his intense hunger and attempted to sense the mouth-orifice monster possessing him. It was like acquiring an additional brain. Much of it brimmed with hunger, bloodlust, madness and more. Instinctively, he had a proclivity to harness its characteristics. Lumian could utilize his will and spirituality to magnify one of those instincts. It equated to employing the mouth-orifice monsters traits or abilities. Without a second thought, Lumian chose invisibility. In the blink of an eye, his reflection vanished from the full-length mirror. Everything from his body to his clothes to the ritual silver dagger had disappeared. Lumian took a few steps forward and back, but he couldnt spot any traces of himself in the mirror or glass. Of course, his footprints and scent remained. Lumian stuffed the silver dagger Aurore had given him, raised his arms, and punched the air a few times. With each whooshing punch, the full-body mirror stayed empty until Lumian swung a fist at its surface. The moment his knuckles connected with the mirror, his outline materialized. His face was pale with a tinge of blue, and his eyes glinted dangerously. Unbelievable No matter what I do, the invisibility stays on, but I cant mute it. However, as long as I attack the mirror, I lose invisibility I thought it was optical invisibility like Aurore said, but it seems to be a result of mysticism Attacking something forms a bond with it, rendering me invisible to its gaze? Lumian hovered his right fist over the mirror. After verifying the effects and limits of invisibility, ravenous hunger overwhelmed him. He stomped downstairs into the cellar and found two steaks. If not for his rationality, he wouldve sunk his teeth into the dark meat. Lumian abandoned the ingredients and grabbed the cheese he had stockpiled, realizing he had to fry the steak medium rare with no fire set up. He didnt care if it was clean or delectable. Like a ghost starved to death, he shoved food into his mouth. After eating a few cheese slices, Lumian finally satiated his intense hunger. Looks like this is the downside of the mouth-orifice monster he evaluated seriously. Luckily, I can still control my body and havent lost my mind That thing is obsessed with revenge but overpowered by even greater fear If I utter leave in ancient Hermes now, itll bolt faster than anything By now, Lumian was sure the mouth-orifice monsters possession had acceptable side effects. Invisibility would become a potent weapon to explore and battle in the dream ruins. Coupled with Fallen Mercury, he felt his combat ability had more than doubled. Lumian returned to the dining table, pulled out a chair, and sat down, patiently awaiting the possessions end. Soon, his spirituality nearly depleted. He didnt strain himself. He stood up and performed some seemingly insane moves. It was the same dance to attract monsters. Its purpose was to force the possessing creature out. Without Lumians command in ancient Hermes, the mouth-orifice monsters blurry and translucent figure flew out and vanished through the glass window on the first floor without glancing back. Lumian couldnt help but make a self-deprecating remark. Dont run so fast. Youre acting like I have a cesspit on me. He knew he could maintain possession for about three minutes given his spirituality. Once invisible, his consumption rate would double. Of course, that was under normal circumstances. In danger, he could strain himself to last longer. But that risked losing control, best avoided if possible. Though the mouth-orifice monster had left, Lumian still felt ravenous. He lit the stove and fried the steak medium well. Then, he picked up his knife and fork and quickly cut, forked it, and put it into his mouth. He felt that the juice locked in the meat was delicious. Lumian devoured two steaks in under ten minutes, sating his hunger. Looking at the empty plate, he sighed, Three minutes of possession needs at least two hours to recover This didnt only mean eradicating hunger, but a recovery of spirituality too. Lumian knew his current state wasnt fit for exploring. He found flour, sugar and other bits, using the oven at home to bake biscuits. With cheese, this would be his main source of fuel in the ruins. Had he more time, hed have gotten jerky toofood shepherds often carried. As a Cordu resident, he knew how to make them. Busy with this, Lumian pondered his dream ruin plans. First, circle the city wall. Then hunt that flaming beast Only by amping up my strength can I better explore and unravel the secrets of the dream The flaming monsters strength was at least Sequence 7, and there was a high chance it was from the Hunter pathway. Its various abilities perfectly squashed Lumian. He hadnt planned on dealing with that dude anytime soon, hoping to first seek out prey that was weaker and on par with a Provoker. But now, scoring Fallen Mercury and Invisibility gave him a certain level of hope. When his spirituality had mostly recovered, Lumian placed the baked biscuits and sliced cheese into a cloth pouch and slung it around his waist. Then, he seriously wrapped his left hand in layers of white bandages and grabbed the evil dirk called Fallen Mercury. Hauling his shotgun and axe, Lumian strode towards the door on the first floor with the other stuff he needed. Suddenly, he had the feeling that he was a fully armed hunter preparing for a dangerous hunt. Many thoughts surfaced in his mind. My first move is to track the flaming monsters movements. Then Ill use Invisibility to sneak up on it and stab it with Fallen Mercury. Before that, Ill hunt a weak monster and steal its bad fate. Then swap that fate with the flaming monsters. I cant do the sacrificial dance while possessed and half-activate the black thorn symbol. Otherwise, the mouth-orifice monster will bolt from my body immediately. So, how do I get away from the flaming monster after hurting it and wait for the fate swap to finish? Itll easily lock onto me through my traces. Invisibility alone wont cut it Lumian hadnt figured out the last part yet. That depended on early intel. As he opened the door and went into the wilderness, he had an odd feeling. If I can successfully hunt the flaming monster, my Hunter potion will be fully digested. In the area where hed met the flaming monster before, Lumian held his pewter-black dirk in his left hand. He carefully searched for any traces, on high alert for sudden attacks. After circling cautiously for nearly ten minutes, he finally found signs of the flaming monster. In a collapsed houses corner, there were black scorch marks on a stone unlike any around it. Where theres one, theres two. Lumian quickly tracked the flaming monsters location and slowly, cautiously followed its trail. When the marks were fresh, he stopped and began to dance. Chapter 91 - 91 Scheming 91 Scheming Lumian danced to lure in strange creatures. His objective: to use Invisibility to slip closer and analyze the flaming monsters habits and movements, gathering intel for future hunts. Within a mere 30 to 40 seconds, he used ancient Hermes to reattach the mouth-orifice creature to himself. An overwhelming hunger consumed Lumian, compelling him to open his mouth. It was as if his mouth had sprouted vortex-shaped teeth. Swiftly, he stifled the ravenous and insane thoughts flooding his being, pulled out a small biscuit and a cube of cheese, and shoved them into his mouth, chewing and swallowing. Simultaneously, he strengthened the mouth-orifice creatures invisibility, causing him to vanish from sight. Having quelled his hunger, Lumian tried hard to clamp his mouth shut to prevent the aroma of biscuit and cheese from escaping. He then trailed the flaming monster along the roads edge. Before long, Lumian spotted the charred monster, its every limb ablaze. It was constructing a new trap in the clearing from before. Youre already a monster, yet youre still so dedicated? Lumian silently jeered. Naturally, he understood this was merely an expression of the monsters instinctive behavior. Lumian dared not approach too closely, halting beside a crumbling wall at the clearings perimeter. He studied the flaming monster for a few moments before glancing back at the path he had traversed. He noticed that, although his footprints were faint and concealed in less conspicuous areas, they still existed. Lumian eyed his current position and hatched a plan. Closely monitoring the monsters movements, he seized a larger rock and hurled it to the side. As it flew, he pressed his right hand against the decaying wall and vaulted up, landing securely atop the wall. Crash! Lumians actions were flawlessly masked by the sound of the rock striking the ground. After changing his vantage point, Lumian felt much more at ease. Monitoring his dwindling spirituality, he intently observed the flaming monster. He discerned that the flaming monsters traps were neither concealed nor challenging to detect. They didnt exploit any logical vulnerabilities or inertia-driven movement. They were simple and exposed. The most elementary example was the flaming monster stretching a rope slightly above ones ankle between two ruined buildings across the clearing. Any human or monster with normal vision could easily discover this trap. At first, Lumian didnt grasp its purpose, but after placing himself in the monsters position, he gradually discerned its potential significance. The intent of such traps was not to directly harm or ensnare enemies, but to forge an environment that enabled Hunters to exhibit their full potential. In the heat of battle, one struggled to observe the environment and maintain situational awareness. Constantly distracted by these limitations, they occasionally had to slow down or alter their stance to evade traps. Hunters possessed the unique ability to remain alert to their surroundings at all times and exploit the environment to their advantage. This disparity widened the gulf between their strengths. An open conspiracy Lumian nodded in understanding, recalling Aurores words. Suddenly, he perceived the flaming monster as a stern instructor imparting valuable lessons about Hunters to him. Simultaneously, he remembered the content of Aurores novel: Stealing from a master is punishable by death! Eventually, the flaming monster ceased its activity. Its charred face instinctively scanned the vicinity. Then, it strode towards the edge of the clearing near Lumian, flames dancing from its body. Following a predetermined route to the next location? Lumian mused to himself, his excitement mounting. For Hunters, discerning a quarrys path was invaluable. Most traps lay hidden along such routes! As the flaming monster ambled, it scrutinized its surroundings and examined the ground, remaining vigilant. This caused Lumian to furrow his brow. He realized that a higher Sequence Hunter wouldnt be easily handled. The most effective counter to Beyonders was often individuals or objects of a higher Sequence from the same pathway, even if the gap was only one or two Sequences. Im better at your strengths than you are. You may lack what I possess! If not for his Dancer-related abilities and the Fallen Mercury dirk, Lumian wouldnt have dared to entertain any designs on the flaming monster. Seven to eight seconds later, the flaming monster reached the edge of the clearing, approximately five to six meters from the crumbling wall. As before, the flaming monsters gaze instinctively roved. It paused, as if observing footprints near the walls edge that appeared to have been left by someone. Thump, thump. Lumians heart pounded involuntarily. He wasnt prepared to hunt the flaming monster just yet. Despite the five to six meters between them, Lumian hesitated to kill the enemy with Fallen Mercury, knowing the latter hadnt stored an exchangeable fate. If a fight erupted, hed be hunted before he could activate the black thorn symbol! Lumian struggled to control his heartbeat and breathing. His right hand hovered over the black cloth covering Fallen Mercurys blade, ready to tear it away at any moment. If he leaped with full force from his current position, he might reach the flaming monster and avoid a long-range battle that favored his opponent. Two or three seconds ticked by. The flaming monster averted its gaze and moved on. It didnt seem to have noticed Lumians footprints. After covering another ten meters, the flaming monster suddenly spun around. Flames erupted from its body, condensing into a massive, searing white fireball. The fireball rocketed like a cannonball toward the spot where Lumian had been perched at the edge of the crumbling wall. Following his instincts, Lumian, who was crouching on the wall, leaped down to the other side, where the flaming monster had laid its trap. Boom! A fiery blast erupted, causing the already unstable wall to collapse. Upon landing, Lumian rolled twice to avoid falling debris and the shockwave laced with flames. He immediately sprang back up, maintaining his invisibility as he sped through the traps left by the flaming monster and headed toward another exit in the clearing. The flaming monster couldnt detect its enemy right away, so it focused on searching for clues. Finally, it spotted a series of faint footprints. By then, Lumian had reached the rope stretched between two collapsed buildings, easily jumping over it and fleeing the clearing. He dashed to a natural trap and shook off his pursuer. Having deactivated his invisibility, Lumian cursed in pain, Too treacherous, too treacherous! One of these monsters heads is worth two of Ponss. After finding my footprints, it pretended not to see them and deliberately increased the distance between us, fearing it might be defeated! As Lumian cursed, he felt like he had learned something new. Of course, there were drawbacks to this approach: the increased distance gave Lumian room to escape. Furthermore, his invisibility meant the flaming monster couldnt lock onto him right away. His chances of escaping were high. After catching his breath and restoring some energy, Lumian mused while eating biscuits and cheese, Based on what just happened, as long as I plan carefully and strike at the right moment, I can rely on Invisibility to create distance and escape to a safe location, waiting for the fate exchange to complete. Lumians Invisibility would break upon attacking, but as long as he avoided contact, he could use it again. This valuable insight emerged from his reconnaissance. However, he also realized a problem. As a Hunter, I didnt bring water when I went hunting in the mountains! Im so thirsty! Both cheese and biscuits required water. The jerky Lumian intended to make in the future fell into this category too. After resting briefly, he resolved to hunt Noodle Man, strip its bad fate, and store it in Fallen Mercury. He couldnt risk being defenseless in an emergency again. A puppets fate also belonged to Fallen Mercury and could be exchanged. But Lumian wasnt a wielder. He couldnt swap his fate with others. If he could, hed gladly give away the bomb on him. About thirty minutes later, Lumian tracked down Noodle Man, the grotesque hodgepodge of limbs and features. Having completed the ritualistic dance in advance, Lumian strode towards Noodle Man openly. As expected, he found Noodle Man prostrate on the fetid ground, trembling uncontrollably. Very obedient Lumian praised, gripping an iron-black axe in his right hand and the pewter-black Fallen Mercury dirk in his left. Though Fallen Mercury dirks malignant aura seeped into Lumians skin even without contact, he had long grown immune to its corrupting influence. What might drive ordinary Beyonders to losing control was nothing to him. Lumian glowered at the pathetic Noodle Man cowering before him, retracting his gaze from the gnashing maw on its forehead. According to Aurore, death is a mercy for your kind. The sooner you expire, the sooner your suffering will end. As he spoke, Lumian crouched and plunged the pewter-black dirk deep into the back of Noodle Mans neck. Noodle Man spasmed, but did not resist or struggle. Lumian wrenched the dirk free and gripped his axe, swinging the weapon down with fluid grace. The axehead cleaved through flesh and bone, sending Noodle Mans head tumbling across the ground with Fallen Mercurys swipe. Blood erupted from the severed neck, splattering everywhere. Noodle Mans twitching remains soon fell still, lifeless at last. Lumian strode over to the head and retrieved FalleN mercury with his left hand. In the fleeting second between breaths, an illusory river shimmered before his eyes. The river appeared to be constructed from intricate mercury symbols, and each symbol seemed formed by the river itself. At once, the rivers branches disappeared, leaving only the primary current. It fractured midway and kinked as if wanting to double back to its source but for now could not prevail. Chapter 92 - 92 Stripping Fate 92 Stripping Fate Lumian couldnt grasp the meaning of the illusory river he saw or sensed. All he could surmise was that it symbolized fate. Guided by Fallen Mercurys instincts, he lifted the blades tip and aimed it at a mercury symbol within the river. As soon as he made contact with the mercury river, a series of scenes flashed through Lumians mind: Noodle Man performing an enigmatic sacrificial dance; Noodle Man cowering before the black thorn symbol and prostrating itself; Noodle Man gathering the scattered flesh and blood throughout the dream ruins to satiate its hunger; Noodle Man attempting to approach the city wall circle, but retreating each time as if afraid of something; Noodle Mans head severed by an axe Is this its entire existence since the loop began? Lumian realized this as he tried to stab the tip of Fallen Mercury at the mercury symbol representing Noodle Mans demisethe end of the illusory river. It was too immense and heavy for him to succeed. At that moment, the mercury symbol started to dissipate, and the illusory river gradually faded. The images in Lumians mind grew hazy. Theres a time limit? Lumian didnt dare to dawdle. Adhering to the principle of proximity, he aimed the dark pewter dirk at Noodle Mans fate of succumbing to the black thorn symbol. The mercury symbol, seemingly formed by the rivers entanglement, was pried open, condensing into a droplet that seeped into the blade of Fallen Mercury. In the next instant, the illusory river vanished entirely, preventing Lumian from witnessing Noodle Mans fate again. He glanced down at Fallen Mercury and noticed the heretic symbols on the pewter-black blade undulating gently like water, as though infused with some vital force. They had been mesmerizing from the start, but now they appeared even more sinister. Success Lumian whispered to himself in relief. Fallen Mercury was now complete. In the future, as long as he could wound the flaming monster with this heretic dirk in battle, he could swap the monsters fate of cowering before the black thorn symbol with the former. Lumian wrapped the blade of Fallen Mercury in black cloth and sheathed it in his belt. He dealt with Noodle Mans corpse briefly, moving it into a half-collapsed building. He destroyed the buildings last support, allowing rubble and wood to fall, burying everything inside. After this, Lumian circled back to where the flaming monster had appeared. This time, he didnt approach for observation. Instead, he searched for footprints and other traces, taking time to identify which ones the target left while deliberately circling around. After nearly two hours, Lumian gradually deciphered the flaming monsters habits and patterns. A mental hunting map emerged. He spent some time surveying the predetermined battlefields, seeking natural traps to exploit. Eventually, Lumian rubbed his forehead and decided to delve deeper into the ruins while he still had energy, gathering information for future explorations. He remained vigilant and performed the sacrificial dance again, partially triggering the black thorn symbol. With the amulet in hand, Lumian quickly followed the same path as before. He encountered monsters along the way, but they either fled before attacking or vanished from sight at a distance. The deeper he went, the more similar situations occurred. Finally, when the burning sensation in his chest from the second sacrificial dance subsided, Lumian spotted the city wall composed of twisted houses once more. He rested a while, waiting for his spirituality to recover before performing the sacrificial dance again. After the dance, sometimes forceful, sometimes graceful, Lumian headed in the direction where he found Fallen Mercury, the black thorn symbol activated. After passing through the room where the flames had been extinguished, he slowed his pace, wary of a sudden assault. After walking a while, Lumian noticed the light ahead had dimmed considerably. It was as if a massive creature high in the sky blocked the light, or the sun was obscured by something. Lumian instinctively looked up, but saw only thick fog. Unable to determine the cause, he could only draw Fallen Mercury and cautiously proceed. In a moment, it felt as if he had transitioned from day to night. Of course, this was an exaggeration. Lumian thought it more accurate to liken the foggy weather to a place shrouded in dark clouds. Almost simultaneously, he yawned involuntarily, his exhaustion intensifying. No, I cant sleep Lumian forced himself to keep his eyes open as he retreated from the shadowy base of the mountain. His mental state improved significantly. Although still tired, he could endure it. You fall asleep the moment you enter. The deeper you go, the sleepier you become? Lumian mused silently. He turned and walked in another direction. After another sacrificial dance, he arrived at an unfamiliar area. To his right were walls stacked with doors and windows. To his left lay a wasteland connected to the circle of building ruins, and ahead stood brown trees. In the desolate ruins, the trees seemed incredibly resilient. They intertwined and embraced each other, forming a wooden wall five to six meters tall. This wooden wall had numerous green leaves and branches, a stark contrast to the deathly silence and desolation surrounding it. If it hadnt blocked the path to the back of the city wall, Lumian might have praised its tenacious vitality. But now, he could only express his dissatisfaction with the crude gesture of raising two middle fingers. He could have chosen to take a detour and enter from the other side of the dream ruins, but he wasnt familiar with that area. His spirituality was nearly depleted, so there was no need to take the risk. Lumian yawned unabashedly, his chest still burning as he retraced his steps. As Lumian awoke, the first light of dawn had already crept through the thick curtains, casting an outline of the desk, chair, wardrobe, and other furnishings within the room. Still early, he thought, glancing over at Aurore beside him. Aurores blonde hair lay strewn across the white pillow, her eyes closed in peaceful slumber. Her right hand gripped the edge of the blanket, occasionally attempting to turn over but stopping instinctively. Her brow furrowed before gradually smoothing out. Lumian had a good idea why his sister reacted this way. She had hidden numerous bottles within her nightgown as a precaution. Sleeping on her side or stomach would undoubtedly cause her harm. How exhausting, Lumian sighed inwardly, his expression tender and his heart at ease. After a moment, he carefully slid out of bed and left the bedroom. He moved toward a side balcony that led to the rooftop. Facing the distant crimson sky, he stretched his body. Within a minute, Valentine emerged from his room and stood in the corridor. Are you also greeting the sun? he asked, his usual cold demeanor replaced with warmth and approval. Can I say no? Lumian smiled. Thats right. Satisfied, Valentine stepped onto the balcony and stood tall, facing the rising sun. He spread his arms wide, lifted his face toward the sky, and whispered, Praise the Sun! With no other choice, Lumian mimicked the gesture. Praise the Sun! Valentine lowered his arms and crossed them over his chest. After a moment of silent prayer, he opened his eyes and said to Lumian, If the loop is successfully resolved, Ill introduce you to the bishop of Darige. Or would you prefer Bigorre? I prefer Trier, Lumian answered, smiling. But where I go isnt up to me. Its up to my sister. Valentine nodded and dropped the subject. He turned back toward the corridor and began patrolling. Nothing happened until eight oclock. The pair then went downstairs and prepared breakfast together. Soon after, Ryan joined them to help. Leah woke up just before nine, leaving Aurore still asleep. Ryan bit into his toast and asked Lumian, Do you have any plans for today? Lumian hesitated before responding, We should leave someone at home. Aurore cant be left to face a potential attack alone. The remaining two will accompany me to stock up on food and fetch some water. We must hold out until the twelfth night. Cordu lacked a proper water supply. Aurore had installed a water tank on the roof during her renovations. As long as it was regularly filled and disinfected, it was as good as having running water. Yes, we need to do all this before Lent, Ryan agreed. Lumian smiled brightly. By the way, we should visit Madame Pualis and ask if she can help us investigate the dead Warlock and the owl in the tomb. As expected, Valentine frowned, and Ryans smile stiffened. Leah sipped her water and offered a smile. Ill stay with Aurore. No problem, Lumian agreed on behalf of Ryan and Valentine. With no other choice, the two men acquiesced to visit the administrators residence that morning. Following breakfast, the trio exited the semi-subterranean two-story building and made their way toward Ol Tavern. They passed Shepherd Pierre Berrys home along the way. Lumians heart raced as he suggested to Ryan and Valentine, Lets check on the three sheep. He recalled the bleating he had heard the night before. Understanding his meaning, Ryan and Valentine offered no objection. They circled around to the rear of the Berrys home, only to find an empty sheep pen. The three sheep were gone. Chapter 93 - 93 An Early Sacrifice 93 An Early Sacrifice Gazing at the empty sheep pen littered with hay and dung, Ryan furrowed his brow and said, Did they really fix the underground altar so quickly? He suspected the three missing sheep had been taken for sacrifice. Maybe these heretics have some special powers, Valentine replied with disdain. As Lumian listened to their conversation, he suddenly remembered the faint sound of a sheeps bleating he heard the night before. Could it have been one of the sheep being sacrificed? Puzzled, he shared his suspicion with Ryan and Valentine. That seems unlikely, Ryan dismissed, shaking his head. The cathedral is hundreds of meters from your house, and the altar is underground. What he meant was that even with a Hunters enhanced hearing, it would be impossible to hear anything from the cathedrals underground. Lumian shared that doubt, but couldnt explain why he heard the bleating. Simultaneously, a distinct burning sensation appeared in his chest as the black thorn symbol partially activated. There was no way to fake this! Burning sensation Lumians heart raced, recalling something the mysterious woman had said. Pray to yourself the principle of proximity Thinking back to the ritual that invoked Dancers power and the black thorn symbol, he formed a new hypothesis. He heard the sheep bleating during the sacrifice because of mysticism! In simpler terms, when the padre and his group performed their ritual and prayed to the hidden being, the principle of proximity also targeted the corruption in Lumians body, partially triggering the black thorn symbol. As a result, Lumian could faintly hear the sheeps cries from afar. Him being unable to respond or knowing howwith the corruption now sealed by the owner of the bluish-black patternthe padres ritual ultimately contacted the hidden entity. After the ritual, the burning sensation in Lumians chest faded. It seems no invisible, strange power had invaded Aurores room last night. The anomaly in my body was just half-activated by the padres ritual Lumian roughly understood how events had unfolded. At that moment, Ryan warned his companions, It appears our investigation of the cathedrals underground has alarmed the padre and his people. Theyve found a way to repair the altar and pray for strength ahead of time. From now on, we need to be extra vigilant. Dont assume things will only turn dangerous as Lent approaches. If I werent worried about restarting the loop, Id have dealt with them already! Valentine spat hatefully. Then, he added gloomily, Can you stop calling that servant of the evil god a padre? Hes not worthy! Why was he a padre if he wasnt worthy? Lumian dared not voice his thoughts. He wasnt afraid to voice his thoughts; but wanting to maintain his image in Valentines eyes, he kept silent. After all, he might need to persuade this fanatic to do something later, like using his suicide to verify the essence of the cycle. Ryan nodded. Lets visit Madame Pualis as soon as possible to replenish our supplies. We should stay inside as much as we can in the future. Lumian said nothing more, leaving Shepherd Pierre Berrys house through the back door and heading towards the castle on the hill. Passing through the vibrant garden, the trio approached the partially opened door and informed the red-coated, white-panted manservant, We need to see Madame Pualis. Wait a moment. The valet glanced at Ryan and Valentine before swiftly turning and vanishing through the door. Soon after, the pale-faced midwife in a grayish-white dress emerged. Compared to last time, her face was even paler, and her eyes were so blank that it made ones heart turn cold. Had Lumian not informed Ryan and Valentine beforehand that the midwife wasnt dead, they would have been shocked. They had seen plenty of dead people turn into zombies. The Solar High Priest specialized in such matters. Valentine had purified dozens of similar cases, but it was beyond their understanding how a person diced into pieces could revert to their original appearance and seem more alive than dead. The midwife spoke in a monotone. Madame doesnt want to see you. Please leave. We have urgent matters, Lumian insisted. Isnt Madame Pualis concerned that the person underground will disrupt her plans? The midwife maintained her tone. Madame says it wont affect her. Hearing this, a chill ran down Lumians spine. It meant they would have a hard time getting Madame Pualis help again. Lumian smiled without displaying frustration or disappointment. Looking at the midwife, he said, But we might explore the tomb. He implied that during the exploration, either side could encounter trouble, triggering the loop to restart prematurely. Unfazed, the midwife remained stiff and blank. You can try, but youll only be disappointed. What does she mean? Lumian couldnt grasp Madame Pualis message. Does she mean they could explore all they wanted, and she would offer some help at crucial moments, but they wouldnt find any valuable clues? The more Lumian pondered, the more he doubted that was her intended meaning. Otherwise, she wouldnt have refused their meeting request through the midwife. Before Lumian could consider other possibilities, Ryan thoughtfully asked, Is Madame Pualis trying to tell us that the person in the tomb can easily control us and prevent our investigation without triggering the loop? Yes. The midwife nodded slowly, turned, and retreated deeper into the castle. Lumian, Valentine, and Ryan exchanged glances and left, feeling helpless. Their next stop was Ol Tavern, where they could purchase plenty of provisions and barrels of cheap wine. Compared to potable water that spoiled easily, wine was more stable. As long as its alcohol content wasnt too high, it could substitute for water. Entering Ol Tavern, Lumian scanned the room but didnt spot the mysterious woman. Disappointed, he focused on the bar counter, telling tavern owner Maurice Bnet what they needed. After Ryan and Valentine hauled out wine barrels, Lumian lowered his voice and inquired, Wheres the other lady? Maurice Bnet shook his head. I dont know. Maybe shes in her room, somewhere else in the village, or even in Lige. She rented the room until the 9th. Shes free to do as she pleases. The 9th? The twelfth night? Lumian nodded thoughtfully. April 9th was the so-called twelfth night that he and Aurore had deduced. This also confirmed that March 29th was indeed the loops first day. If Ryan and the two other foreigners hadnt happened to enter Cordu on a particular cycles first day, the loop would immediately restart and commence on March 29th whenever outsiders invaded the area. Damn. Lumian slapped his forehead and told the tavern owner, Maurice Bnet, My stomachs acting up. I need the restroom. Tell them to wait for me. Maurice Bnets expression seemed to say: What are you up to now? Dont mess with me! The downside of having a bad reputation rears its ugly head once more Lumian chuckled. Dont worry, Im really just using the restroom! As he spoke, he waved and sprinted toward the staircase. He did want to use the restroom, but he was heading for the one upstairs. Maurice Bnet glanced at his retreating figure and muttered, Spring is here, and this scoundrels hormones are raging His voice barely reached Lumians ears. Upon reaching the second floor, Lumian approached the restroom and positioned himself in front of the mysterious ladys room. Knock, knock, knock. He rapped on the door. No answer. Noticing the absence of a Do Not Disturb sign on the handle, Lumian knocked twice more, each time louder than before. Unfortunately, the mysterious lady never showed. Lumian pondered for a moment before producing a slim wire and jiggling it in the keyhole. The door creaked open, revealing an empty room. The beds blanket lay neatly folded, as though no one had occupied the space recently. Lumian exhaled quietly and closed the door without venturing inside. In the afternoon, the siblings congregated in Aurores bedroom under the guise of instructing Lumian in the art of Hermes to swiftly enhance his strength. Lumian kept his voice low as he recounted his excursion into the dream ruins the previous night. At last, he inquired, Anything to add? About hunting the flaming monster? Though he was armed with Fallen Mercury and Invisibility, his confidence in hunting the flaming beast remained low. It was a Sequence of the Hunter pathway that had experienced a qualitative transformation! Aurore chuckled. Youve covered all the bases. The only thing I can add is She lifted her hands, formed fists, and shook them gently. Break a leg! Lumian felt defeated by his sisters jest. However, the tension in his chest subsided. Aurore then said, What remains are some clichd words: be careful, be careful, be very careful. She sighed. Its a shame the mysterious lady isnt here. Otherwise, I couldve crafted some simple, supplementary talismans, along with the Integrity Brooch, and had them brought into your dream. Thats true. While Lumian felt disappointed, he wasnt disheartened. He had no intention of giving up. At 9:50 pm, Lumian slid out of Aurores bedroom and stalked down the hallway towards the washroom. He intended to relieve himself before beginning his night watch. Bathed in the crimson glow of the moon, the washroom was shrouded in darkness. Only the toilet was faintly visible. Lumian bent over and unfastened his belt. Behind him, the shadow on the wall abruptly writhed and morphed into a silhouette brandishing an axe high above its head! Chapter 94 - 94 Attack 94 Attack Lumians eyes were narrowed, his body tensing as he sensed the pores on his skin open. An overwhelming premonition of danger washed over him. In the dream ruins, hed had no shortage of similar experiences. Instantly, he halted and tumbled to the side, like a boneless sack of flesh. A whistling wind filled his ears as a razor-sharp axe grazed his body, slicing through the air. Lumian hit the ground with a thud, attempting to roll to his feet. But pale-white and pitch-black, eerie arms extended from the surrounding shadows, grabbing his clothes and coiling around his body. The cold sensation and stiffness seeped into Lumians flesh. Twisting wildly, trying to escape the restraints with his powerful agility, he shouted, Help Two malicious, bumpy palms smothered his mouth, stifling his voice abruptly, leaving only a whimper. Simultaneously, Lumian glimpsed an elongated humanoid shadow on the wall, raising the axe at him. Clang! A two-handed broadsword of pure light blocked the axes slash. Ryan was the first to rush over, not bothering with his Dawn Armor, and simply summoned a Sword of Dawn. The shadowy axe took on a heavy, sharp, and dark appearance the moment it detached from the wall. The second person to arrive at the washroom door was Leah, who had been in the opposite study. The silver bells on her veil and boots tinkled softly. Leah raised her right palm and aimed her silver revolver at the strange arms grabbing Lumian. They tightened, as if trying to drag Lumian into the shadows. Blue blood vessels bulged from Lumians neck, forehead, and hands, straining with all his might. Yet, he couldnt fend off the pale-white and pitch-black arms. His body dissolved into the shadows piece by piece. Bang! Leah fired, and a golden bullet wrapped in blazing flames struck a pitch-black arm that seemed to drip ink. The arm ignited, quickly releasing Lumians neck and retreating into the shadowy corner. Aurore arrived at the washroom to find such a scene. Seeing a third of her brothers body thinned and darkened into a shadow, his expression growing increasingly rigid, Aurore wasted no time. She pulled iron-black materials from her hidden pocket and sprinkled the powder at Lumian, her light-blue eyes darkening. Lumian felt an invisible hand grasp him and pull him toward Aurore. He recalled his sister using a similar spell before, but it had pushed him awaythis time, she yanked him closer. The colossal hands strength equaled that of the sinister arms, stopping Lumians slide into the shadows. Clang! Clang! Clang! Ryan drove the figure with the sharp axe back into the wall. The next second, Valentine appeared behind Leah and Aurore. Witnessing Lumians state, he spread his arms wide. Golden illusory flames materialized around Lumian, incinerating countless wicked arms. The pitch-black or pale-white arms either melted like candles or evaporated into black wisps of smoke. Within seconds, four-fifths of the strange arms grabbing Lumian vanished. The remaining arms struggled to resist the invisible hand and Lumians efforts, releasing him one after another. Feeling the grip on him loosen, Lumian was pulled by the invisible hand, half-flying and half-pouncing toward Aurore. As the pitch-black and pale-white arms retracted, the axe-wielding figure froze on the wall, merging with the surrounding shadows, leaving no trace. Lumian stood and surveyed the area, sneering. Is that it? Arent you looking down on us by only sending one person? Aurore glared at him. Dont speak! How could he utter such ill-omened words at a time like this? As Aurores voice echoed in the corridor, a black, spiked vine, abnormally thick as if from the Abyss, descended from the studys ceiling. At its top bloomed a massive, blood-red flower with a foul odor. The flower expanded, as if stretching its mouth to the limit. It suddenly engulfed Leahs head and writhed frantically. As it chewed, the object in its mouth turned into a thin piece of paper and was shredded. Immediately after, the radiant broadsword of light flew from the washroom, impaling the massive evil flower to the wall. Streams of bright red blood oozed from the sword, evaporating into mist. Simultaneously, tendrils of black vines cascaded from the ceiling of the Lumian residence, enveloping the walls and sealing the windows with enormous red blossoms. Aurore swiftly produced a pearl-like powder and tossed it into the air, mingling it with summoned natural forces. An unseen warm breeze blew, causing the black vines to wither and lose their vigor, no longer able to support the vivid red flowers suspended in midair. The wilted vines dangled lifelessly from the second floor. Not a bad result Aurore mused to herself. She had obtained the spell from a member of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society. Intended as a gardening spell for weeding, Aurore had acquired it at a bargain price, thinking it would be useful someday. Typically, it was used to clear weeds from building walls, but today it proved invaluable. Nonetheless, the abyssal black vines were unnaturally resilient. They merely withered and didnt perish instantly. This bought time for Valentine, who summoned the golden and illusory Fire of Light to incinerate the vile creatures in the corridor and rooms. Ryan then flooded the area with the pure Sunrise Gleam, banishing all evil and obliterating all illusions. Confronted with this situation he was powerless in, Hunter Lumian stifled his urge to perform the enigmatic dance. He observed his sister and the three outsiders collaborate to eradicate the anomaly that had invaded the second floor. Soon, the black vines and red flowers disintegrated into smoke. But Leahs veil and the silver bells on her boots continued to jingle, signaling that danger still lurked. Lumian swiftly surveyed the scene and sniffed. The air doesnt smell right A faint, sweet scent lingered. I feel a little dizzy and want to sleep, Leah confessed her unease. The fumes from the burning vines and flowers contain an anesthetic? How sinister! Aurore, possessing extensive mysticism knowledge, acted promptly. She produced a handful of transparent powder and scattered it forward. A fierce wind materialized from nowhere, gusting through every corner of the second floor. Ryan, Lumian, Valentine, and Leah dashed into separate rooms, throwing open the windows that had been sealed by the black vines. As the innocuous wind subsided, Aurore turned to Lumian and inquired, And now? Lumian sniffed cautiously. Dont smell it anymore. I feel better, too, Leah chimed in. At that moment, the silver bells on her veil and boots ceased their movement. The crisis was averted. A probing attack from the padre and company? Aurore speculated. Lumian glanced at Valentine, who appeared troubled. Could be Guillaume Bnet, who just received a boon, or the already powerful Shepherd Pierre Berry. Valentines expression softened at Lumians choice of words. Ryan surveyed the area and declared in a deep voice, Whichever the case, we must heighten our vigilance. From now on, lets split into two groups for shifts. Well alternate between resting and standing guard, day or night. A single guard risked being ambushed without timely assistance. No problem. Aurore and Lumian exchanged glances before adding, Ill be in the same group as my brother. Ryan and the others didnt object. Over the next few days, the two groups maintained a watchful eye in six-hour rotations. Although nothing transpired, as Lent drew near, they all felt the impending danger, anticipating relentless waves of peril. During this period, Lumian continued exploring the dream while resting. He didnt immediately hunt the flaming monster. Instead, he suppressed his impatience and sought to understand the creatures patterns. With his Invisibility, long-range tracking, daily observation, and ample patience, Lumian finally gleaned the information he desired. The flaming monster would set traps in the dream clearing each morning, practicing techniques it had mastered for 45 to 90 minutes. It would then follow a fixed route into a flesh-strewn area to replenish its energy. Its afternoon activities were unpredictable, mainly patrolling its territory via different paths. Lumian had yet to discern its criteria for choosing routes. In the evening, it would retrace the fixed route and re-enter the hunting zone. Lumian remained ignorant of its nocturnal activities. He had only spent a maximum of six hours in the dream ruins and never ventured there at night. The night before Lent. Lumian jolted awake in the hazy gray fog of the dreamscape bedroom. He glanced at Fallen Mercury beside him and his mind snapped into sharp focus. This was the night. He would hunt down the flaming monster. Chapter 95 - 95 An "Out in the Open" Ambush 95 An Out in the Open Ambush Lumian meticulously wrapped his left hand in layers of white bandages. He gathered his supplies: Fallen Mercury, his iron-black axe, gray amber perfume, biscuits, cheese, bloodied mutton chops, rope for traps, and a bag of cooled boiled water. Slipping his shotgun over his shoulder, he left his semi-subterranean dwelling. Through the thin gray fog, he ventured into a barren wasteland, riddled with cracks. He entered the dreamlike ruins and strode toward the clearing where the flaming monster often lurked. Hearing a distant noise, Lumian veered towards a path he anticipated the creature would take, arriving at a natural trap hed discovered earlier. A deep pit lay beside the road, with collapsed walls to the front and left. Stacked rocks bordered the right side, and behind it, a mostly collapsed house loomed. Such a trap was difficult to spot. Lumian had found it only after scouring the area multiple times. He crouched behind the pit, tossing in a few sharpened wooden stakes. He covered it with a rope net hed woven earlier and camouflaged it with soil. With the simple trap set, he placed his bait: two blood-soaked lamb chops, half on solid ground and half suspended above the pit. Lumian stepped back, assessing the precarious balance. He retreated into the mostly collapsed house, perching himself on the remains of an outer wall. He adjusted his position to watch the trap without being seen by passing monsters. Next, he took out the gray amber perfume and sprayed it on the wall. A delicate, sweet scent wafted through the air, carried by sporadic gusts of wind that blew through the ruins. The fragrance clung to the wall and to Lumian. Without hesitation, he leaped away, looping back to the path where the flaming monster would appear, positioning himself closer to its hunting grounds. Once more, he changed direction, crossing the path and entering the ruins of a building opposite. Reaching the rear of the crumbling structure, he stopped, leaned against the wall, and waited. As with his strategy against the shotgun monster, Lumian never expected his trap to fool the flaming monster or wound it severely. These decoys and alarms targeted the creatures keen senses, observation, and behavior. Only a Hunter knew how to exploit a Hunters strengths! Of course, all this relied on the target operating primarily on instinct, its intelligence limited to combat. Leaning against the wall, Lumian gripped Fallen Mercury in his bandaged left hand, tearing off the pitch-black cloth shrouding its surface. He couldnt know how long it would take for the flaming monster to arrive; all he could do was be patient. Patience was his strong suita remnant from his vagrant days. Time crawled by. Unseen by Lumian, a charred, flame-tinged monster entered the path. After walking over 20 meters, its nose twitched. It detected the faint scent of blood. The monster didnt immediately turn. As it continued, it surreptitiously scanned the source of the smell. Passing the collapsed wall, the bloody lamb chops caught its eye. Tempting food, but the flaming monster resisted its instincts, not devouring the bait. It pressed on, slowing its pace. Soon, an unusual fragrance filled its nostrils. It instantly deduced the meat was a trap and a Hunter lay in ambush nearby. This Hunter seemed different from the one who had previously observed it while invisible. It lacked sufficient knowledge of Hunters and hadnt masked its scent beforehand. Taking a few more steps, the flaming monster used the fragrance and subtle footprints to pinpoint the enemy hiding on the outer wall of the building behind the trap. Feigning ignorance, it increased its distance by another seven to eight meters. Suddenly, it whirled around, its scarlet flames rapidly condensing into a fireball tinged with white. Boom! With a flick of its right palm, the fireball hurtled towards Lumians ambush location, collapsing the outer wall and causing the house to shudder. Hearing the explosion from a distance, Lumian abandoned his hiding spot, darting into the clearing, his movements a wild, distorted dance. The explosion was like a signal flare, a stark reminder for him to swiftly ready the second phase of the trap. Lumian and Aurore had devised this intricate plan, luring their prey into sending out their own signal flares. In the midst of his mesmerizing dance, Lumian detected the hazy forms of the mouth-orifice monster, the shotgun monster, and the skinless monster. By then, the flaming monster had already approached the collapsed wall, searching for any trace of its enemy. Lumian danced for another ten to twenty seconds, his movements growing more intense. He drew out the ritual silver dagger with his right hand, making a small incision on his left wrist. A single drop of blood emerged, congealing into a tiny sphere. Lumian stepped forward, pivoted, and snatched up the blood droplet, aiming it at the mouth-orifice monster. I! He uttered the word in ancient Hermes, his voice barely above a whisper. At that moment, the flaming monster had discovered the faint footprints Lumian had left behind. Catching a whiff of a subtle scent, it started tracking him. Quickly shouting his follow-up command, Lumian watched as the mouth-orifice monster swallowed the blood droplet from the tip of the silver dagger and entered his body. A wave of madness, bloodlust, cruel intent, and ravenous hunger washed over him. Lumian fought back the discomfort, hastily bandaging his insignificant wound with a white strip hed brought along. Next, he popped a piece of cheese into his mouth, chewing and swallowing to make sure the residual gray amber scent on his body would mask any other mingled odors. Throughout this process, Lumian sprinted to the edge of the road and halted at an inconspicuous spot. He clenched his jaw tight and spun around, carefully retracing his steps along his previous path. Relying on a Hunters observation skills and Dancers exaggerated flexibility, Lumian made sure to leave only faint footprints and no additional marks. It wasnt long before he reached the center of the road and stopped. Maintaining his invisibility, Lumian remained in plain sight on the road. He waited, using shallow Cogitation and constant suspension to suppress any thoughts of attacking the flaming monster, a rudimentary way to disrupt its danger premonition. His inspiration came from a Hunters keen self-awareness. Aurore had once written about the tactic of retracing ones footsteps to lie in ambush mid-road in a novel. After seven or eight seconds, the flaming monsters pitch-black form appeared in Lumians sight. Utilizing his uncanny flexibility, he twisted his body to observe the approaching target. The flaming monster followed the faint footprints and scent left behind by its enemy. Uninterrupted, it continued its pursuit. Once back on the main road, it sniffed the air, unsurprised to detect a mild fragrance. It instinctively lowered its head and found the inconspicuous footprints. But it found no trace of traps in the vicinity. Without hesitation, the flaming monster tracked the footprints to the other side of the road. The charred face and displaced eyeballs loomed larger and clearer in Lumians sight. Holding his breath, Lumian didnt disrupt his Cogitation again, striving to empty his mind. Five meters, three meters, one meter He lunged at the target, raising the Fallen Mercury in his left hand for a swift slash! He didnt wait to close the gap further, fearing that it would trigger the preys danger sense and prompt evasive maneuvers. The flaming monster suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of danger. Without thinking, it leaped to the side. Simultaneously, its vision captured Lumians figure, attacking with a pewter-black dirk in his bandaged left hand. They were so close that despite the flaming monsters reaction, evasion was impossible. Lumian collided with it. With a tearing sound, Fallen Mercurys sharp blade sank into the flaming monsters right chest. The fate extracted from Noodle Man infiltrated the targets body as an illusory mercury bead. Meanwhile, a river of countless intricate mercury symbols briefly surfaced. Some of the destinies rapidly converged towards the pewter-black blade. Lumian didnt bother selecting the destiny to exchange, letting Fallen Mercury do as it wished. Boom! The monsters flames erupted. The forceful shockwave hurled Lumian and his Fallen Mercury away. Crimson flames ignited his clothes and scorched his facial skin. Lumian bore the searing pain, twisting his waist midair to alter his trajectory. As soon as he landed, he sprang to his feet and fled. However, unable to re-enter the Invisibility state until the flames were extinguished, he remained visible. Boom! Despite his serpentine sprint, Lumian was still knocked off his feet by the fireballs aftershock. His back throbbed with numbing pain. He struggled to his feet, scrambling away from the path and into the ruins where he had been hiding before. The flaming monster pursued Lumian, who was unable to turn invisible once more. Chapter 96 - 96 Prey and Hunter 96 Prey and Hunter The flaming monster pursued relentlessly, hurling crimson fireballs that blasted craters in the earth. Lumian was thrown off balance multiple times. Flames licked at the charred logs that littered the desolate landscape, casting flickering red light in every direction. Lumian barely spared a thought for the fire still consuming his clothes. Gritting his teeth against the searing pain, he was sent sprawling by the shockwaves of detonation after detonation. He staggered to his feet and careened wildly towards his destinationveering left, then right, arcing and darting straight ahead. Mercifully, he didnt have far to go based on his plan. Just as he felt the taste of blood in his mouth and his body threatened to give out, a dilapidated building loomed before him. Boom! Lumian contorted his body mid-stride, narrowly avoiding a fireball. The scarlet projectile exploded just ahead, unleashing a hellish maelstrom of flames. Seizing the moment, Lumian dropped to the ground and rolled beneath the worst of the conflagration. With the momentum, he tumbled into the partially collapsed structure. The flaming monster halted and hesitated, wary of pursuing its prey into a potential death trap. It watched as Lumian rolled deeper into the building, summoning a swarm of red Fire Ravens around it. Their screeches filled the air as they took flight. Half of them dove towards the buildings support beams, while the others bore down on Lumian from all sides. These avian flames were unerring, constantly adjusting their trajectories to match Lumians movements. In that instant, the flaming monster could almost see its enemys charred remains. Fire Ravens were far more difficult to dodge than mere fireballs! And then, Lumian disappeared from the monsters view. He had rolled into a well-preserved basement. Bang! Lumian slammed the wooden door shut and leaped aside, using the force of the impact. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! The scarlet Fire Ravens slammed into the door. Boom! The heavy door disintegrated into flaming splinters. Rumble! The remaining Fire Ravens struck their intended targets, bringing down the decaying structure in a torrent of debris. Stone, wood, and dust engulfed the area, entombing the basement. Lumian had already taken refuge in a corner, using the accumulated dirt to smother the flames that clung to him. But he was still badly burned, his internal organs battered by the force of the explosions. Without swift medical attention, he wouldnt last another day. The flaming monsters attack had been devastating, even more potent than Ryan sans his Hurricane of Light! Lumian had intended to use Invisibility to elude the flaming monster, slipping into the basement to perform his enigmatic sacrificial dance, activating the black thorn symbol on his chest to terrify his foe. Hed planned to bide his time for Fallen Mercury to complete the exchange of fate. But the persistent fire had thwarted his Invisibility, nearly costing him his life. The one consolation was that he had a backup plan in the event he couldnt escape the monsters pursuit, nor could he perform his sacrificial dance in peace. Hed even considered collapsing the building to bury the basement and buy time, but the flaming monster had done the job for him. Phew Exhaling deeply, Lumian sat cross-legged. He retrieved the bottle of gray amber perfume from Aurore, unscrewed the cap, and placed it before him. Outside the demolished building, the flaming monsters gaze cut through the swirling dust, searching for any trace of its quarry. It was certain that the cunning intruder wouldnt have been buried alive so easily. Given the complexity of the traps hed laid and his intimate knowledge of the ruins, he must have left himself an escape route! The flaming monster wasnt particularly intelligent, but its Hunters instincts led it to circle the collapsed building. In less than ten seconds, it discovered a hidden cave entrance angling downward. The opening was concealed by debris from the fallen structure, sheltered from the ensuing collapse. It was difficult to spot and tucked away in a discreet location. The monster raised its right hand, conjuring a fist-sized white fireball in its palm. With a sudden lunge, it hurled the fireball down the passageway. The flames streaked through the air, penetrated the basement, and collided with the far wall. Boom! The blast wave didnt affect Lumian, who was deliberately hiding in another corner. It only overturned the bottle of gray amber perfume in front of him and quaked the entire basement. The gurgle of liquid flowed from the open bottle, its elegant and sweet fragrance intensifying instantly. Lumian leaned against the wall, eyes closed, lost in Cogitation. His mind conjured a crimson sun, holding it steady for a few seconds. Suddenly, a terrifying sound reached Lumians ears, as if from an infinite distance yet unnervingly close. Blue veins bulged across his face, hands, and neck, quickly turning red. Simultaneously, silver-black spots seeped from his skin. He opened his mouth to scream, but collapsed and curled up before a sound could escape. Fallen Mercury slipped from Lumians left palm, but it dared not make a move. It didnt even attempt to approach his exposed face or right hand to create a marionette through contact. It just quivered there, violently. Outside the basement, the monster poised to conjure a fireball froze beside the entrance Lumian had excavated. It couldnt help but shudder. A few seconds later, it fled, abandoning the hunt. Lumian plunged into a darkness teeming with flickering flames. His mind was overwhelmed with excruciating pain and malevolent thoughts. In that moment, death seemed preferable. He sensed something deep within him rapidly growing and taking form. It appeared to be a traumacomposed of all negative personalities and a particular will. Once assembled into human shape, it would utterly supplant the original him. Amid the unending darkness of despair and pain, Lumian caught a whiff of a scent. Elegant and sweet. It was Aurores fragrance, a familiar aroma. Aurore Grande Soeur Lumian slowly regained his composure, as if hearing the comforting melody once more. I want to live! The loop hasnt ended yet! A rush of thoughts flooded back to him. Lumian finally vanquished the pitch-black will and the agony-laced darkness within his heart and opened his eyes. The first thing in his sight was the toppled bottle of gray amber perfume on the ground. It toppled? Lumians heart ached as he reached out his right hand. Initially, hed only intended to mimic Aurores use of incense to control his symptoms and rely on the natural perfume as a wake-up call. Unexpectedly, more than half the bottle had spilled. In the next instant, his body quivered. He saw the charred, bloodstained back of his hand and the silver-black circular spots that had yet to fade. Without needing a reminder, Lumian could smell the unfamiliar, hair-raising scent on himself. If he crossed paths with Valentine now, hed be purified by his Holy Light Summoning without revealing a thing. Lumian scooped up the remaining half of the gray amber perfume, tightened the cap, and stowed it away. He then picked up Fallen Mercury, still trembling violently, and asked in Hermes, Is the fate exchange over? Fallen Mercury swiftly shook left and right, signaling it wasnt. Lumian exhaled in relief. He feared that by the time he awoke, the fate exchange wouldve been completedthe shock would last no more than a minute. If he couldnt locate the flaming monster in time, his recent torment would be futile. Breathe in, breathe out Lumian adjusted his dreadful condition and mustered his remaining strength before crawling out of the basement through the hole he had dug earlier. Each motion tugged at various wounds, making him wince in pain. Upon exiting the basement, Lumian searched for the flaming monsters tracks and sighed inwardly. Using Cogitation in such a state and fully activating the thorn symbol on my chest is downright suicidal I havent done it since becoming a Hunter, barely repressing the symptoms with gray ambers scent. Had I done it a few times before, my body might have mutated slightly, turning me into a monster I cant risk this for a while unless I have a death wish He opted for Cogitation to fully activate the black thorn symbol on his chest rather than the sacrificial dances partial activation, as time was of the essence and he couldnt perform the dance. With Cogitation, he could frighten off the flaming monster in five or six seconds. The enigmatic sacrificial dance, however, took 30 to 40 secondseven with his familiarity. In Lumians hunting strategy, this was his last resort. If he couldnt evade the flaming monsters pursuit by other means, hed attempt Cogitation! Lumian hadnt anticipated that Cogitation would leave him gravely injured from the start and on the brink of losing control, turning into a monster. Before long, Lumian discovered the flaming monsters tracks and pursued them. A few minutes later, the prints appeared fresher, so he slowed his pace. Soon after, Fallen Mercury shuddered on its own, notifying Lumian that the fate exchange was complete. Without hesitation, Lumian brandished the iron-black axe and charged forward, following the flaming monsters footprints. In under twenty seconds, he spotted the scorched and smoldering prey. It cowered in a rock-encircled corner, quaking. Lumian dashed over, cast aside Fallen Mercury, and seized the axe with both hands, cleaving down with all his might. With a dull thud, the flaming monsters head and body separated. Bright red blood spurted out violently, igniting into scarlet flame clusters on the ground. Lumian, unable to hold on any longer, collapsed to the ground with his axe. Chapter 97 - 97 Courage 97 Courage Lumian slumped to the ground, gasping for breath. He could barely muster the strength to move a finger. Silently, he observed the crimson flames flickering on the ground, their intensity gradually diminishing until they snuffed out. During this time, Lumian managed to lean forward and grab the Fallen Mercury with his left hand, while his right hand tightly gripped the iron-black axe, ready for any unexpected threats. His focus was unwavering, and he remained on high alert. Inwardly, he prayed to the Eternal Blazing Sun and the unknown, great being, hoping They would shield him from harm. In his current state, even a mundane foe like the skinless monster could easily take him down, let alone the possibility of the flaming creature reviving itself unexpectedly. As time ticked by, Lumians spirituality and stamina gradually improved, but his injuries only worsened, leaving him disoriented and unfocused. Hunters need to be cautious, level-headed, and patientcapable of using their environment to their advantage. Above all, they require courage. Courage to confront the unexpected, to persevere in the face of crisis, to steel oneself when escape seems impossible, and to find a path out of the jaws of death Distracted by these thoughts, Lumian suddenly felt as if the Hunter potion coursing through him had been fully absorbed. It was as if a barrier had shattered, and a tiny spark had merged with every fiber of his being. All traces of Lumians loss of control vanished, and his condition immediately improved. Slowly, he rose to his feet and heaved a quiet sigh. Ive actually digested it This meant he was ready for the next potion. Lumian, clutching the pewter-black dirk in his bandaged left hand, scanned his surroundings. Occasionally, he fixated on the flaming monsters remains, patiently awaiting the appearance of the Beyonder characteristics. Unlike the shotgun monsters swift transformation, Lumian waited for half an hour. He wondered if the flaming monster still lived and whether he should strike it a few more times. Finally, on the verge of collapsing from his injuries, red sparks burst forth from the monsters body. Like fireflies, they swarmed around the corpse before gradually coalescing into a scarlet object resembling a heart. The heart pulsed, its surface pocked with countless tiny holes, from which indistinct flames seeped. Is this the main ingredient for the Pyromaniac potion? Lumian mused, reaching down to pick it up. A searing pain radiated from his palm straight to his mind, making him instinctively want to fling the heart away to escape the agony. Luckily, Lumians skin had been numbed by the flaming monsters burns, allowing him to barely tolerate the relatively minor pain. He tried wrapping the heart in a strip of cloth, but it instantly incinerated the fabric, reducing it to ashes. After a moments thought, Lumian set the Beyonder ingredient on the ground, wrapped the Fallen Mercury in the remaining black cloth, and secured it at his waist. Next, he emptied the contents of the cloth bag containing the lead bullets into his pocket. He then filled the bag halfway with soil from the area before tossing in the flame-wreathed heart. But Lumian didnt stop there. He continued shoveling soil into the bag until the heart was entirely encased in layers of inflammable earth. Exhaling, he carried the bag to the edge of the ruins, pondering a newly discovered problem. Im only a Sequence 9, and this is the main ingredient for the corresponding Sequence 7 Pyromaniac. I cant just advance to Sequence 7, can I? This will make me lose control! I initially thought the flaming monster would yield a Pyromaniac, Provoker, and Hunter Beyonder characteristic, but its all mixed together Uncertain of what to do, Lumian stumbled away. Miraculously, he didnt encounter a single monster on his way back. In his weakened state, any confrontation would have spelled disaster. His only hope was to rely on his keen observation and sharp senses to detect danger early and avoid it. After an indeterminate amount of time, Lumian exited the dream ruins and traversed the barren wilderness, arriving back at his semi-subterranean two-story dwelling. Laboriously, he climbed to the second floor and removed the Fallen Mercury, the cloth bag with the Pyromaniac ingredient, and the iron-black axe. He placed them on the bedside table or tossed them to the floor before staggering to the full-length mirror embedded in the wardrobe. In the mirror, Lumian saw his ghostly pale face, marred by flame scars and faint silver-black patches on his skin. His blue eyes flickered with an illusory silvery hue, entwined with darkness. This was a sign that he had sustained severe injuries and nearly lost control. If not for his home-field advantage in the dream ruins or the acquisition of Fallen Mercury and Invisibility, Lumian would have had no chance of defeating the flaming monster. Munching on jerky and cheese to stave off the intense hunger left by his possession, he collapsed onto the bed. He desperately needed to return to reality and rest for a while, allowing his body to recover swiftly. Sunlight pierced through the curtains, casting the bedroom in a soft glow that highlighted Aurores desk, cluttered with reference materials, reading notebooks, and stacks of manuscripts. It also illuminated a wardrobe filled with dresses and an exquisite full-body mirror. Lumian opened his eyes to meet his sisters light-blue gaze. Aurore watched him stir, her voice laced with concern. How was it? Is everything alright? She knew that her brother had ventured into the dream ruins to hunt the flaming monster this time. I succeeded. Lumian sat up, his head feeling foggy. His skin tingled, and his bones threatened to snap. But compared to the excruciating pain that had nearly killed him in the dream, this was nothing. He lowered his gaze to examine his body. Red, swollen patches covered his skin, as if he were suffering from an allergic reaction. Thats good Aurore sighed with relief. An hour ago, you twitched all over and kicked me awake. Lumian laughed, self-deprecating. It was indeed dangerous back then. I almost lost control. I was hesitant to wake you up, but you quickly calmed down and didnt scare me anymore, Aurore said, visibly relieved. Lumians heart stirred. And you just kept looking at me? Thats right. Aurore nodded calmly. If anything happens, I have to shake you awake and bring you back to reality. You cant die in your dreams. Lumian suddenly felt the pain, struggle, and fear of nearly dying in his dream dissipate, replaced by a warm current surging from the depths of his heart. He asked, almost without thinking, You didnt wake up because I kicked you, did you? You havent slept at all, have you? Aurore smiled and said, That was my original plan, but considering how long youd have to wait for that monster, and how I just finished my night duty, if I didnt catch up on sleep, Id definitely be in a daze later. Itd be easy for me to make a mistake and not wake you up in time. So, I decided to put my hand on you and take the chance to catch some shut-eye. This way, Id be able to sense any movement and wake up quickly. Heh heh, I was indeed kicked by you! As she spoke, she pointed at her right calf, where a visible bruise had formed. Before Lumian could respond, she asked, Tell me the details. Suppressing his voice, Lumian recounted his ordeal, describing how he set up the trap, ambushed the monster, and how his clothes caught fire. Unable to turn invisible, he had no choice but to flee into the basement and fully activate the black thorn symbol with Cogitation. Aurore listened intently, her expression occasionally betraying her worry for her brothers perilous situation. She was the kind of person who easily immersed herself in stories. As the tale drew to a close, Lumian raised a question. How do I separate Provoker from the Pyromaniac Beyonder characteristic? He didnt know where to find the potion formula. Aurore thought for a moment and said, I dont know how to separate them. Ive only heard that you might need the help of a high-level Beyonder for such a situation. A demigod? Lumian guessed. There were probably only three people he knew who had reached Sequence 4: the enigmatic lady, Madame Pualis, and the one lying in the coffin in the tomb. Aurore nodded. I think so. Actually, you dont have to worry. I suspect the mysterious lady will come to you soon and provide some help. She always appears at critical points in your growth. This time should be no exception. After all, the loop hasnt been resolved and the secret of the dream ruins remains locked away. Go to Ol Tavern to find her? Lumian frowned. Their agreement with Ryan and the others was to avoid going out as much as possible. Aurore tersely acknowledged his words. Lets wait a while. She might visit us directly. Aurore sighed and said, For ordinary Beyonders, the potion formula isnt a problem, but youre different. Theres corruption sealed in your body, and you can lose control if theres the slightest issue. You still need a complete and correct Provoker potion formula. Why dont ordinary Beyonders need potion formulas? Lumian asked, surprised. Aurore explained, Its not that they dont need them, but anyone below Sequence 7 can advance just by consuming the main ingredient. Doesnt that risk losing control? Lumian asked, astonished. Aurore acknowledged tersely. Years ago, there was a high chance of losing control. But recently, Sequence 9 and Sequence 8 Beyonder characteristics can indeed be consumed directly. However, its about 20 to 30% more dangerous than concocting a potion. Right, thats the conclusion reached by our president, Gandalf. Why? Just as Lumian was about to ask, a familiar song echoed from outside the house. The siblings exchanged solemn glances. Lent had begun, and the Spring Elf entourage had reached them. Chapter 98 - 98 After the Celebration 98 After the Celebration A group of young men encircled Ava, singing and dancing as they arrived outside the Lumian residence. Guillaume-junior of the Berry family strode to the door and slammed at it. He was a friend of Lumian, Reimund, and Ava. With curly brown hair and prominent freckles, his blue eyes appeared smaller than average, as if perpetually narrowed. With a creak, Aurore appeared before them. Her blonde hair tied up, she wore a formal flounce-lined, light-collared dress. Aurore exuded energy, her face radiantimpossible to tell she hadnt slept well the night before. Ava, donning a laurel crown woven from tree branches and flowers, stepped forward and sang, Im the elf of spring, With a sweet face and a joyful ring, Come and sing, come and dance, For this is the only way, To obtain a harvest that will stay Aurore listened quietly, took the leaf, and handed Ava a small pottery jar containing animal fat. Bumper harvest! Bumper harvest! The young men cheered. As the Spring Elf entourage set off for the next location, Guillaume-junior deliberately lagged behind and asked Aurore, Wheres Lumian? I havent seen him in the past two days. Is he not participating in the Lent celebration? Aurore laughed and replied, Hes sick. Sick? Guillaume-junior was slightly surprised. He gets sick too? In his mind, Lumian was always brimming with energy. At most, hed suffer minor injuries from a prank gone awry. Ill be worried if he never gets sick, Aurore replied jokingly. All humans fall sick. Guillaume-junior hurriedly waved at Aurore as the Spring Elf entourage moved further away. Tell Lumian Ill visit him after Lent! Aurore nodded slightly, watching Guillaume-junior sprint towards the entourage that had stopped in front of the next building. How was it? Lumian stuck his head out beside his sister. Aurore thought for a moment and said, Theyre still normal, but I wonder what will happen at the end of the celebration. Lumian recalled the bloody scene of Avas beheading at the celebrations end and the strange mood that agitated the young people. They had either gone mad sending off the Spring Elf or succumbed to mental and physical breakdown, collapsing to the ground. No one was spared. Silently, he glanced at Ava singing in front of the neighbors house and Guillaume-junior and company surrounding her. He slowly withdrew his gaze. Ryan, Leah, and Valentine also arrived on the first floor and looked out through the window. We have to be very careful from now on, Ryan said in a deep voice after the Spring Elf entourage left the area. Aurore nodded and said, Yeah. Before the celebration ended, they quickly prepared lunch and filled their stomachs. Clang! Clang! Clang! The classic wall clock on the first floor chimed, signifying noon. Lumian and the others, having tidied up the dining room, exchanged tense glances. If the Lent celebration had gone smoothly, it wouldve ended by now. And if the ritual to send the Spring Elf off was completed, who knew what Cordu would become? In their semi-subterranean building, Lumian needed to raise his head slightly to see the situation outside the window. The sky was a brilliant azure, filled with white clouds. The sun shone brightly, and there were no dark clouds, fog, or dim light as he had imagined. Leah paced around the stove, the small silver bells on her veil and boots tinkling nonstop. It was neither intense nor soothing. Seeing Aurore looking at her, she explained, Were already in danger, and its been an extended period of danger, but its manageable at the moment. Aurore acknowledged and didnt inquire further. Ryan, on the other hand, sighed and said, By the twelfth night, it would be great if it was always at this level. Aurore blinked, embarrassed to tell this Dawn Paladin of the Machinery Hivemind not to jinx it. Although Lumians heart was heavy, he still smiled and replied to Ryan, Theres a proverb in our Darige region that says, Good and bad are all predestined. Regardless of how worried we are, we cant change what happens next. What he didnt say was: The only thing they could do was muster up the courage to face it. In the intermittent conversation that followed, the five of them were on guard against any abnormalities. However, be it the weather or the birds, everything was so normal that it only instilled greater fear in them. After almost thirty minutes, they found themselves staring at the door simultaneously. Footsteps drew near. Soon after, Aurores doorbell rang, the sound reverberating through the first floor. Exchanging a glance with his sister, Lumian cautiously approached the door and peered through the peephole. The man who had rung the doorbell was their neighbor, Louis Bedeau. Whats going on? Lumian cracked the door open, smiling. Louis Bedeau had black hair and blue eyes. He was in his forties and had been injured while harvesting wheat in the fields when he was young. He had only three fingers on his left hand. Clad in a grayish-blue blazer and dark pants, he said timidly, I need to borrow your oven. Its Lent. We must bake some fresh bread for the kids. As he spoke, he lifted the flour bag and nudged the bag of inferior coal beside him. Lumian hesitated for a moment before turning to Aurore. Aurore nodded, signaling him to let Louis Bedeau in. She had already discussed it with Ryan and the others in hushed tones, intending to observe the changes in the villagers who had participated in the Lent celebration up close. Just baking bread? I thought youd make some bacon for your kids. Lumian stepped aside and teased Louis Bedeau with a grin. Louis Bedeau replied cautiously, If we have a bumper harvest this year, there should be plenty of bacon. His eyes brimmed with anticipation, as if he was certain of a bountiful harvest. Once inside, Louis Bedeau greeted Aurore and headed to the oven, busying himself. The more Lumian and his companions observed, the stranger they found him. Louis Bedeau didnt even glance at Ryan, Leah, and Valentine, as if they were invisible! It was like a person who had already turned into a monster trying their best to pretend to be normal. However, as long as they encountered something that exceeded their original memories, they would display obvious abnormalities or ignore it. Lumian instantly thought of the deputy padre, Michel Garrigue. Initially, he appeared fine, but recently, all that remained were his daily activities of eating, sleeping, and urging others to pray. He ignored everything else! Under the watchful eyes of the three foreigners, Louis Bedeau baked his bread mechanically, occasionally conversing with Lumian and Aurore. It was very normal, yet very abnormal. After Louis Bedeau left with the baked bread, Aurore looked at Ryan and the others, smiling wryly. Everyone who participated in the Lent celebration must have become like this. Its like being replaced by a monster bit by bit, Leah exclaimed sincerely. She no longer forced a smile on her face. Lumian had already regained his composure and posed a question. How can we save someone like this if we want to? The only thing I can think of is purification, Valentine replied with a sigh. But if the abnormality is already closely integrated with humans, the final outcome might be purification together. At that moment, two more villagers passed by the window. One of them was a regular customer of Ol Tavern and Pierre Guillaume, who had scrounged Ryans absinthe in a previous cycle. He was happily chatting with his companion, seemingly discussing the excitement of the Lent celebration. As they passed Lumians door, they simultaneously turned their heads to look inside the house, their expressions eerily grim. After an instant, they withdrew their gazes and resumed their conversation, smiles plastered on their faces. If Lumian and his companions hadnt been watching the outside whenever someone passed by, they wouldnt have noticed the fleeting change in their expressions. The louder the laughter outside, the more suffocated they felt. Silence took over the conversation. Eventually, the two villagers left, and Aurore sighed, saying, This isnt just being replaced by monsters bit by bit. I suspect that the entire village is filled with monsters wearing human skin, except for us. Is this the complete Lent celebration? Lumian couldnt help but mutter to himself. Ryan sternly warned, Its going to get tougher every day. Everyone, hang in there. From noon to night, they kept vigil against mutated villagers attacking the house, but apart from the occasional passerby who gazed inside with a sullen or cold expression, nothing happened. The situation weighed heavily on Aurore and the others. Ryan surveyed the room and said gently, There are still a few days until the twelfth night. Dont be so tense. After dinner, well split into two groups and take turns resting. We must maintain a good mental state. With such an experienced Beyonder with a calm demeanor, both Aurore and Lumian felt more at ease. At midnight, Aurore and Lumian woke Leah and the others, then retreated to their bedroom. Lumian glanced at the door and lowered his voice. That mysterious woman hasnt appeared. Should I find an opportunity to go out tomorrow and take a look at Ol Tavern? Everyone in the village might be a monster now. Itll be very dangerous if you go out. Aurore disagreed. She pondered for a moment and said, Lets wait a little longer. If the mysterious woman doesnt appear tomorrow morning, Ill accompany you to Ol Tavern in the afternoon. Lumian hesitated for a moment before nodding. He planned to discuss with his sister tomorrow morning if they should ask Ryan and the others for help. The five of them could act together. In the bedroom filled with a faint gray fog, Lumian opened his eyes. He sat up and checked his body, realizing that his severe injuries had completely healed. Just as he was about to marvel at the fact, he suddenly heard the sound of a doorbell ringing. Someones ringing the doorbell? The thought instinctively flashed through Lumians mind. He habitually prepared to go down to the first floor to see who was visiting. He had just taken a step when his entire body froze. This was the dream ruins! How could anyone visit? Chapter 99 - 99 Guest 99 Guest Instantly, Lumian tensed up. He spun around and returned to the bed, scooping up Fallen Mercury with his bandaged left hand. Grabbing his shotgun, he strode to the bedroom window while the doorbell continued to ring. He scrutinized the entrance. There was no one there! In that moment, Lumians heart felt like it was about to seize. He intended to activate his Spirit Vision for a better look. Since he would hear the maddening and terrifying sound and show signs of losing control after entering Cogitation for a few seconds in the dream ruins, he couldnt use this ability smoothly. It took him a while to complete the corresponding operation. However, even with his Spirit Vision activated, he still didnt notice anyone at the door. Yet, the doorbell rang incessantly. As his thoughts raced, Lumian seriously considered returning to bed, forcing himself to sleep and escape the dream. But he felt that even if he returned to reality, he might not be able to evade the subsequent attack, considering the unknown danger that could invade his semi-subterranean two-story building at any moment. Two scenarios: If the person ringing the doorbell can enter, going to bed is as good as surrendering. If they cant enter, Ill be safe as long as I dont open the door myself. Regardless, I must go downstairs and take a look Lumian made up his mind quickly. He sheathed Fallen Mercury at his waist, clipped his axe, and hoisted his shotgun. He stepped out of the room and cautiously descended the stairs. Upon reaching the first floor, a figure came into view. At the six-person dining table sat the enigmatic woman Lumian had been searching for. She wore a white blouse with a large bow at the collar and loose pearl-gray pants. Her casual attire was deceptively elegant. She sipped a pale-golden drink, a short black hat beside her. Lumian relaxed and approached the mysterious woman with brown hair and blue eyes. He set the shotgun and axe aside, pulled out a chair opposite the dining table, and sat down. He asked, You can enter here? The woman set her glass down and smiled. How else do you think those materials were delivered to your room? As she spoke, the jingling sound ceased. Lumian glanced at the door, puzzled. Since youre already inside, why were you still ringing the doorbell? She smiled and replied, Thats basic courtesy. Courtesy that can scare people to death? Lumian dared only to mutter inwardly. He got straight to the point. Ive obtained the Pyromaniac Beyonder ingredient. Uh, it should be Pyromaniac. The woman nodded gently. I know. Thats why I came to see you. Are you willing to help me separate the Provoker Beyonder characteristics and give me the corresponding potion formula? Lumian suppressed his sudden joy and asked, I was planning on finding you at Ol Tavern. As for the price he would have to pay, he no longer cared. The lady smiled and said, With Cordus current situation, its very dangerous for you to go out, so I came here directly. I can indeed provide the help you want, but it wont be free this time. Lumian noticed that indecipherable emotion in the womans eyes again, but the notion that it was no longer free reassured him. The unknown was even more terrifying. What is the price I need to pay? he asked without hesitation. She replied calmly, The separated Pyromaniac and Hunter Beyonder characteristics belong to me. That simple? Lumian was surprised. He didnt even think of it as a price. After all, he wouldnt be able to use the Pyromaniac Beyonder characteristics for a long time. She continued, In addition to the help I originally provided, if theres any more in the futureif theres a future for youyou have to do something for me. Lumian sensed the inscrutable emotion in her eyes intensify. He probed, What if I dont? She laughed. Isnt it common for investments to fail? Didnt your sister lose some money buying stocks with divination? What do you need me to do? Lumian asked without hesitation. She sighed softly. Lets talk about it if you can survive. Alright, give me the Beyonder characteristic you obtained. Lumian rose and headed for the stairs leading to the second floor. He barely restrained himself from sprinting up the staircase. When she could no longer see him, he dashed. Soon, Lumian returned to the first floor with the cloth bag containing the Pyromaniac Beyonder characteristic and approached the dining table. The woman raised her glass again and sipped the pale-gold liquid. Whats this? Lumian asked casually. She explained simply, Its an aperitif from Trier called Black Poca. Its brewed from ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves soaked in sweet wine for a long time. It tastes pretty good. Having raised the topic merely to build rapport, Lumian didnt pry further. He opened the cloth bag and extracted the burning heart from the soil. A scorching sensation seared his palm. Enduring the mild pain, he leaned forward and handed the Beyonder characteristic to the woman across the dining table. She extended her left palm and let the heart hover in midair. She glanced at Lumian and chuckled. When storing Beyonder characteristics in the future, remember to change their environment every once in a while. If such a thing comes into contact with something for too long, its very likely to fuse with it and become a mystical item that needs to be sealed. Is that so Lumian asked, How often do I need to make a change? Normally, it takes two to three days, the woman said nonchalantly, but accidents do happen. I recommend switching environments every 24 hours. With proper sealing and preservation, it could last months or even years. Also, if youve already mixed Beyonder ingredients into a potion, drink it as soon as possible. Otherwise, the liquid might merge with the bottle. As she spoke, a sudden flash enveloped her body, and the burning heart transformed into countless red fireflies. The fireflies danced and swirled, coalescing into three distinct objects. One was a dark red, springy, textured object. Another was a shrunken version of the burning heart, now missing numerous holes. The last was a black stone with a liquid-like surface and a potent odor. The womans right palm caressed the three objects, causing two to vanish into thin air. All that remained on the dining table was the dark rock, about half the size of a fist. Is this the Provoker Beyonder characteristic? Lumian asked eagerly. The woman produced a post-it note and a silver fountain pen, scribbling down the potion formula, then reminded him, You still lack mystical knowledge. After killing the monster, you only took the Beyonder characteristic. Such Beyonder creatures are rich in spirituality. Many of their parts can be used to make charms, lotions, and ingredients for certain spells and rituals. For example, its blood is a supplementary ingredient for the Pyromaniac potion. Although the Pyromaniac potion requires Fire Salamander blood, the monsters blood will do. Its essentially the same, and the effects might even be better. The more Lumian listened, the more regretful he became. Although Aurores adventure novels included scenes of hunting monsters and harvesting parts, he hadnt connected this to reality. He believed the flaming monsters only value was its Beyonder characteristic. And now, retrieving it was impossiblethe blood would have dried by now! The woman ignored his reaction, tearing off the top note and letting it float toward Lumian. Lumian grabbed it and read the words eagerly. Provoker potion formula: Main ingredient: One Provoker Beyonder characteristic; Supplementary ingredients: 50 milliliters of distilled liquor, 10 drops of honeysuckle extract, 5 grams of grapevine powder, 10 grams of fern powder; Usage: Drink it directly. After finishing, Lumian asked, puzzled, There arent any materials rich in spirituality Like the Fire Salamanders blood. She smiled and replied, Different potions have different requirements. Yours mainly relies on symbolic mysticism. For example, ferns symbolize being easily influenced by others. This aligns with the essence of a Provoker. So, a Provoker needs to sway others with their words? Lumian tucked the note away, pondering where he might find the supplementary ingredients. Distilled liquor was available at home; Aurore used it in certain dishes. Grapevines and ferns were abundant in Darige, though venturing out might be risky. The only item left was honeysucklehed have to ask Aurore if she had any among her spell-casting supplies When Lumian looked up again, the woman across from him, along with the black short hat and the Black Poca aperitif, had disappeared. He hadnt even noticed when shed left. This despite the fact that his Spirit Vision hadnt been deactivated the entire time. Phew. Lumian exhaled and headed back to the bedroom, clutching the Provoker Beyonder characteristic and the potion formula, anticipation swelling within him. He quickly lay down on the bed, intending to return to reality and consult Aurore, hoping to gather the additional ingredients by nightfall. He didnt care that his Spirit Vision was still active; it would deactivate on its own once he fell asleep. In the dead of night, Lumian opened his eyes and glanced over at Aurore. He couldnt wait to share the news of acquiring the Provoker potion formula with his sister. Yet, almost simultaneously, he spotted Aurores mouth open slightly, a hazy, translucent figure emerging. It was a bizarre, lizard-like creature! Lumians gaze locked in place. As the ethereal lizard surveyed its surroundings, he instinctively shut his eyes. The lizard darted its gaze around before quickly scurrying away from Aurores mouth and exiting the room. Lumian reopened his eyes, staring at his sister in bewilderment. Aurores face was shrouded in darkness. Her mouth hung slightly open as she slumbered peacefully. Lumian observed her, motionless, as if hed become a statue. In the thick of night, his heart sank further into despair. Chapter 100 - 100 Hesitation 100 Hesitation Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock. The second hand of the wall clock echoed through the dark room. After what felt like an eternity, Lumian finally shook off his nightmare. He hastily reached over, gripping Aurores shoulders and shaking her vigorously. Wake up! Wake up! He stifled his voice, careful not to alert the three official investigators on night duty. Aurores eyes remained tightly shut, her mouth slightly agape. No matter how much Lumian shook her, she didnt respond. She appeared like a living corpse, devoid of a soul. Lumians shaking gradually slowed, then ceased altogether. He gazed at the sleeping Aurore, frozen in place for a long while. He couldnt comprehend what was happening or when the issue had begun. The fear he felt mirrored the night hed witnessed his grandfathers death. From that day on, hed embarked on his nomadic existence. Lumians fists clenched tighter, his body quivering slightly. Abruptly, he spun around to face the window. The translucent, ghostly lizard had returned to the room. Lumian leaped off the bed, lunging with his right hand to grab the stunned creature as it caught sight of him awakening. In the next instant, he jammed the lizard into his mouth, snarling with a twisted expression, You like to worm your way into peoples mouths, huh? Fine! Ill give you a chance! As he crammed the lizard into his mouth, he tore at it ferociously, his eyes bloodshot. The lizard appeared too petrified to resist. Just then, a voice sounded behind Lumian. What are you doing? It was Aurores voice. Lumian froze and slowly turned to look at the bed. At some point, Aurore had woken up. Her blond hair disheveled, she sat up with her light-blue eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment. Subconsciously, Lumian glanced down and realized that the lizard he had captured had long vanished. For a moment, he didnt know if what he had just seen was a nightmare or reality. Whats wrong? Aurore frowned. Lumian forced a smile. You kicked me off the bed while having a nightmare. Is that so? Aurore eyed her brother suspiciously, feeling like he was playing a prank. She thought for a moment and said, I had a nightmare. I dreamt that I was grabbed by a huge monster and stuffed into its mouth. I was so frightened that I struggled with all my might and finally woke up. As Lumian listened, a chill ran through his body, as if he had been submerged in an icy lake that hadnt completely thawed. Maybe, probably, I really kicked you Aurore was a little embarrassed. Lumian closed his eyes and smiled. Im just kidding. I woke up because of something else. He then lowered his voice and said, That mysterious lady appeared in the dream ruins and helped me separate the Provoker Beyonder characteristic and gave me the correct potion formula. So, you woke up in joy and wanted to ask me if I had the corresponding supplementary ingredients? Aurore deduced. Lumian said with a smile, Thats right. By the way, do you have honeysuckle extract, grapevine powder, and fern powder? His smile was much more natural than before, but there seemed to be a flickering glint in his eyes. Aurore mulled it over for a moment before responding, I have both grapevine and fern. One is a ritual ingredient, and the other is a spell medium. Honeysuckle flowers. We always have them at home. Dont you know that I soak them in water for drinking? As she spoke, she rummaged through the hidden pocket of her long dress. Thats honeysuckle? Lumian looked at his busy sister and deliberately smiled. Why didnt you ask if I was given free help this time? Aurore took out a short grapevine and said with a smile, You grind it into powder yourself! She didnt seem to hear Lumians question. Alright. Lumian pretended not to have asked. He then said to his sister, The Provoker potion still requires distilled liquor. Ill head to the cellar to retrieve it and strive to advance to Sequence 8 tonight. It will take some time to make extracts from honeysuckle flowers, Aurore said with a frown. However, the supplementary ingredients for Low-Sequence Beyonders potions arent that strict. You can use the entire honeysuckle flower as a substitute. You can consume them as long as the Beyonder characteristics can eventually dissolve. She then looked at the open door and asked in a low voice, Arent you afraid that Ryan and the others will be suspicious if you go to get distilled liquor in the middle of the night? Seeing his sisters reaction, Lumian forced his smile from being too stiff. As a regular at Ol Tavern, waking up in the middle of the night and suddenly wanting to drink is very normal. Although alcohol has many disadvantages, it can at least relax my mind to a certain extent. What he meant was to use the excuse that the Lent celebration had ended and he was under too much stress. He had trouble sleeping and needed hard liquor to relax. Sure. Aurore agreed. Lumian turned around and walked to the door, the smile on his face gradually disappearing. He clenched his fists tightly from beginning to end. After exiting the door and arriving at the corridor, Lumian saw Ryan standing diagonally opposite him in a brown tweed shirt and pale-yellow pants. Leah and Valentine were at opposite ends of the corridor. Not sleeping anymore? Ryan raised the kerosene lamp and looked at Lumian. Lumian grinned. Im heading to the cellar to get some liquor. How about it? Do you want a sip to relax? I dont need it. Ryan nodded. You havent experienced anything like this before. Youre tense and under a lot of stress. Its understandable. Alcohol can indeed help. As he spoke, he walked towards the staircase with the flickering kerosene lamp. Ill go with you. You shouldnt move alone at a time like this. Alright. Lumian didnt object. As the two entered the stairs, Leah took the initiative to approach Aurores bedroom and stand guard at the door. One step, two steps Lumian and Ryan descended to the shadowy first floor in silence. As the faint light cast a glow over half the stove, Ryan asked casually, Did something happen upstairs? I heard some commotion. Lumian opened his mouth and said with difficulty, Aurore, somethings wrong with Aurore His intention in suggesting they get alcohol from the cellar wasnt to advance tonight. The two-story building in the dream ruins also had a cellar and the distilled liquor. His main goal was to avoid Aurore and communicate with Ryan and the others about what had just happened. However, when the words reached his lips, he almost couldnt bring himself to say them. He felt that the unsaid words were even more choking than the strongest liquor. Ryans expression turned serious. Whats the matter? Lumian took a few deep breaths before saying, Aurore, like the deputy padre, had a lizard that looked like a mini-elf coming out of her mouth. It was as if all his strength had been drained when he said this. After seven to eight seconds, he recounted the entire incident. Instead of waking up willingly, he explained it as happening to wake up and seeing it. Ryan listened quietly and didnt rush him. After he finished, he said gently, You handled it well. We cant let her know that somethings amiss. Im worried that it will worsen the situation. Continue pretending that nothing happened. At dawn, Ill use the excuse that Cordu has been corrupted and that we need to undergo a purification every day to prevent ourselves from being affected. Ill get Valentine to try and exorcize the lizard. Alright, Lumian replied weakly. He felt that the lizard had already fused deeply with his sisters soul. It wasnt that easy to exorcize and purify. Ryan glanced at him and patted his shoulder gently. I can understand how you feel. If something similar happened to my family, I wouldnt be able to stay calm. But you have to remember that impatience cant solve anything. I know Valentines purification might not be effective, but we have to give it a try to confirm that it wont work. Yes, that abnormality is most likely related to Cordus loop. As long as we can finally break the loop, your sister should be able to recover. Thats right This is equivalent to corruption. As long as I can remove all the corruption when the loop is lifted, Aurore will definitely be fine Lumians eyes gradually lit up as he regained his motivation. Ryan was rather satisfied with his reaction and said gently, I need to remind you that you have to adapt to your sisters changes in the next few days. Its very likely that shell be like the deputy padre, gradually losing herself to instincts. Shell act differently, following her memories and strongest emotions without reacting to anything else. Lumian fell silent for a moment before saying, Ill adapt His voice became softer and softer until it trailed off. After getting the distilled liquor from the cellar, the two of them returned to the second floor as if nothing had happened. Upon entering the bedroom, Lumian smiled again. He shook the bottle in his hand at Aurore and whispered, It worked. Aurore smiled and pointed at the desk. The honeysuckle, grapevine, and fern are all there. Lumian nodded and placed the bottle on the desk. Then, he lay back on the bed and closed his eyes under the pretext of trying to fall asleep and advance in his dreams as soon as possible. He couldnt fall asleep no matter what. He couldnt figure out when his sister had been corrupted and had the lizard enter her body. During this period, the two of them had been together every second. Even if Aurore went to the washroom, Leah would accompany her, and vice versa. How could there be a problem? If it happened during our sleeping hours, why didnt anything happen to me? Lumian tried his best to recall, hoping to find the source. It would help resolve the abnormality. Suddenly, he remembered something. In the previous, previous cycle, Padre Guillaume Bnet had remarked that the Church didnt want to kill all the adults here and harvest a ruin. He said that he had other means even if Aurore really wanted to deal with them. At that time, he was still an ordinary person. Lumian initially believed that he was relying on Shepherd Pierre Berry, but with the current situation, he had a guessa crazy guess: Perhaps from the beginning, most people in the village had been parasitized by those strange lizard-like creatures, including Aurore! As the twelfth night approached, the corresponding abnormality would become more and more obvious, and some people would show signs earlier. The reason why he was spared was because he had the bluish-black symbol on him. Recalling Aurores lack of commitment in many matters in the second half of the previous, previous cycle, Lumian felt that his guess might be correct. He couldnt help but grit his teeth. At this moment, Ryan was patrolling the corridor with a kerosene lamp. On the wall beside him, the shadow suddenly lengthened. Almost at the same time, the small silver bells on Leahs veil and boots rang. She felt her shoulders turn abnormally cold. Chapter 101 - 101 Different Powers 101 Different Powers The sound of tinkling bells sent a shiver down Leahs spine. Unable to pinpoint the danger, she instinctively used her Paper Figurine Substitutes. Her body rapidly shrank and thinned, morphing into a carefully trimmed paper figurine. The paper figure darkened, turning yellow and brittle as if it had aged a decade in an instant. Silently, the withered yellow paper disintegrated into countless tiny fragments. Leah reappeared at the top of the stairs, clutching the kerosene lamp. But in the next moment, she felt the chill on her shoulders. Her thoughts raced as she raised her right hand and pinched the bridge of her nose. Activating her Spirit Vision, she glanced at the room across from her and the glass window. In the dim light of the kerosene lamp, the washrooms glass reflected Leahs upper body. Transparent, ghostly infants perched on each of her shoulders! Their faces were round and chubby, their skin a ghastly blue-white. Their expressions twisted in malevolence. The spectral infants leaned down, pressing their mouths to Leahs neck as if feeding on her essence. Rather than panic, Leah breathed a sigh of relief. Identifying the source of the threat was far better than being in the dark! Now she could assess the situation and make informed decisions. Just like this! Leah drew her exquisite silver revolver, aimed at the eerie infant on her left shoulder, and pulled the trigger. Bang! A golden bullet, wreathed in illusory flames, burst from the barrel. The infant wailed as it was flung from Leahs shoulder, consumed by the golden fire. Bang! Leah fired again, this time at the infant above her other shoulder. The second ghostly child, ablaze with the same intense fire, cried out as it followed its companion down the corridor. A womans figure materialized. Her eyes were a piercing blue, her features delicate; her round face framed by disheveled black hair. She was the padres mistress, Sybil Berry, sister to Shepherd Pierre Berry. Her skin was coated in a sickly blue hue, and on both sides of her neck, grotesque growths protruded. The spectral infants returned to her, latching onto the corresponding growths to feed. As they nursed, the golden flames that engulfed them gradually dissipated. But Leah would not stand idly by. She aimed at Sybil Berry and pulled the trigger. With a bang, the golden bullet traversed mere meters before striking Sybil squarely in the forehead. For some reason, Sybil made no attempt to dodge. A bloody hole bore through her skull. Within the wound, white and red mixed as illusory golden flames devoured them both. Clang! Sybil fell lifeless to the floor. The ghostly infants, their pale faces contorted in anguish, vanished. Thats it? Leah couldnt believe it. The silver bells on her veil and boots continued to tinkle, growing more intense by the second. In the blink of an eye, Leah felt a cold, malevolent force growing within her. Frantically, she glanced at the washroom and the glass window. Her skin had taken on a bluish hue at some point. In the next instant, her body reverted to a paper figurine. The paper figure crumpled into a ball, hitting the floor with a thud. Leah reappeared in the bathroom, the icy sensation still growing inside her. Almost simultaneously, a gentle voice whispered in her ear. I made a pact with a strange spirit world creature and gained one of its abilities. Whoever kills me, I can be reborn within their body and take control. Youre very beautiful. I like it very much. The padre should like you very much too Without hesitation, Leah bolted from the bathroom, silver revolver and kerosene lamp in hand. She had to find Valentine. Exorcism was one of the Sun domains specialties. They were particularly effective against such threats! Valentine found himself cornered near the balcony. The area was choked by pitch-black, thorn-covered vines hanging from the ceiling. Blood-red, putrid-smelling flowers bloomed all around. Valentine spread his arms, summoning golden flames from thin air to incinerate the monstrous flora. Just then, a figure materialized in midair. He wore a white robe adorned with golden threads. His black hair was short, his blue eyes solemn, and his nose slightly hooked. He was Guillaume Bnet, the padre of Cordu. No longer invisible, he floated in the air and gazed down at Valentine. In ancient Hermes, he bellowed, Valentine! Dark energy flickered within the padres robes. This was an ability Guillaume Bnet had obtained through a contract with a spirit world creature. By invoking the targets true name, he could affect their Soul Body, causing disorientation. The closer the language was to nature and the spirit world, and the better the understanding of the target, the stronger the effect. If his Spirit Body was far superior to the targets, he could even extract their spirit, leaving them disoriented and defenseless. Valentines head spun as he heard the padres shout. He suddenly felt dizzy and couldnt think straight. However, he quickly regained control and shook off the disorientation. Ever since entering Cordu, he had never revealed his full name. The padres ability had limited effect on him. Guillaume Bnet hadnt expected success either. Before Valentine could completely shake off the dizziness, the padre hurled a human bone he had prepared earlier. As the bone hit the ground, the airborne padre rapidly recited in Hermes, Blind, deaf, unwakeable. It was a curse and an ability Guillaume Bnet had gained through a contract. He cast bones symbolizing death to render the target like the deadblind and deaf, with unresponsive eyes. Valentine wasnt asleep, so the curse couldnt render him unconscious. However, the lingering dizziness intensified, blurring his vision and causing his ears to ring. He struggled to see beyond three meters or hear anything further away. Seizing the opportunity, the padre extended his right palm. His blue eyes took on a hazy, almost ethereal quality. Complex mercury symbols, reminiscent of tiny rivers, swirled around Valentine. They formed a grand illusory river shimmering with light. Countless tributaries branched off downstream. As the main river surged forward, most were swallowed up, leaving only one. Guillaume Bnet observed for a few seconds and snatched one of the mercury symbols just before Valentine broke free from the cursed blindness and deafness. He intended to amplify the corresponding tributary and make Valentines fate of being paralyzed by the Abyssal Demon Flowers a reality. Ryan barely managed to dodge the shadows axe as it slashed down towards him. He quickly discarded the kerosene lamp he had been carrying and donned his silver-white armor. In his hand, a broadsword condensed from light appeared. Clang! Clang! Clang! Ryan slashed continuously, forcing the shadow back against the wall. The specks of Sunrise Gleam he released covered the surroundings, exorcizing the shadows in the area. The pitch-black, pale-white, evil, or terrifying arms that were about to reach out from behind the shadow were pushed away, making it hard for them to grab Ryans body. With a clang, the shadow shrank back into the wall and reverted to normal. It disappeared under the illumination of Sunrise Gleam. Not far away, a remnant shadow enlarged, and Shepherd Pierre Berry, dressed in a long hooded coat, walked out. He bent down slightly and charged at Ryan with his axe, accumulating powers in his body with every step. After a few steps, Pierre Berry seemed to have the posture and strength of a giant. Ryan loomed over his opponent, gripping the Sword of Dawn with both hands as he prepared to strike the enemy charging at him like a rampaging bull. Clang! The broadsword and axe clashed, sending a shower of sparks in every direction. Both Pierre Berry and Ryan recoiled simultaneously. One stumbled back three steps to regain balance, while the other only needed one. Ryan halted his retreat, one leg stretched back, and seized the moment before Pierre Berry could steady himself. He lunged forward, slashing at his adversary. Just then, Pierre Berrys mouth gaped open. His tongue bizarrely morphed into a peculiar chameleon. The chameleons head was tucked between its legs, a front foot stuffed into its mouth. The instant Ryans gaze fell upon the chameleon, he was wracked by a searing pain in his head, so intense that his attack faltered, failing to land. Headache curse! Shepherd Pierre Berry had gained this ability through a pact with an enigmatic Spirit Body that had reveled in studying all manner of curses during its life. Capitalizing on the opportunity to inflict a debilitating headache on Ryan, Pierre Berry summoned the receding shadow back and unleashed a ferocious assault. Amid the cacophony of clanging metal, Ryan found himself forced to retreat. Amid the chaos outside, Lumian bolted upright and urgently told Aurore, Somethings not right! We have to regroup with Ryan and the others! Ryan had drilled this principle into their heads time and time again: In the face of an attack, they had to strive to stay together. A united team was far more effective than five individuals battling solo! Okay! Aurore leaped out of bed and sprinted for the door, reaching into the concealed pocket of her flowing gown. As Lumian neared the open doorway, he caught sight of a figureDeputy Padre Michel Garrigue stood before him, garbed in a white robe adorned with gold thread. The striking, curly-haired youths eyes were eerily vacant as he offered Lumian a smile. Do you want to pray? With a swift motion, Lumian yanked his axe free and aimed for Michels neck. Michels head lolled, but only a trickle of blood escaped. Glancing at Lumian from the corner of his eye, he inquired with a radiant smile, as if nothing had transpired, Do you want to pray? As Lumian prepared to raise his axe and sever the mans neck, an overwhelming sense of danger washed over him. Relying on his Dancers uncanny agility, he abruptly spun around and swung the axe behind his back. In the next second, his gaze froze. He saw Aurore. Aurores light-blue eyes had inexplicably grown vacant. She hurled a handful of powder, ground from some kind of tree, at Lumian. Gazing upon his sisters familiar visage, Lumians axe strike decelerated until it came to a halt. He even forgot to evade. A crackling noise erupted as a sphere of silver lightning struck Lumians head. He fainted. Darkness swallowed his vision. Chapter 102 - 102 Transfer 102 Transfer Clang! Clang! Clang! Ryan retreated, barely managing to parry Shepherd Pierre Berrys relentless onslaught. Pierre Berrys eyes were bloodshot, the gentleness gone, replaced by a ferocious rage. As sinister arms, either pitch-black or ghostly white, reached from the shadows to ensnare Ryan, Pierre Berry swung his axe at Ryans head. This time, Ryan didnt parry or retreat. He didnt even raise the Sword of Dawn. Instead, he twisted his body, allowing the eerie arms to grasp his legs and Pierre Berrys axe to strike his shoulder. Clang! Spiderweb-like cracks spread across the silver pauldron, light flaking off and dissipating. Grimacing in pain, Ryan genuflected, plunging the Sword of Dawn into the floor. He knew hed been separated from his allies for too long. He needed to regroup at any cost. The strength of a team surpassed that of any individual! In a split second, the light-infused two-handed broadsword detonated. It shattered into countless light fragments, morphing into a hurricane that barreled towards Pierre Berry. Panic flickered in Pierre Berrys eyes at the devastating blow. Ignoring the malevolent arms, he retreated into his own shadow. A fierce storm of pure light engulfed the area, slicing shadows and evil into shreds. As an area-of-effect attack, Hurricane of Light inevitably impacted Ryans surroundings, despite his best efforts to direct it towards his enemy. Silently, the walls of Lumians and Aurores bedrooms crumbled, reduced to tiny fragments in the terrifying storm. Near the balcony, pitch-black vines hanging from the roof writhed like tortured weeds. Even Padre Guillaume Bnet, suspended in midair, had no choice but to hastily dodge. Bloodied scratches marred his body as he fled Aurores house. Rumble! Half the roof had been obliterated, the second floor pockmarked with gaping holes. In many places, the stove below was visible. Leah was also caught in the storm of light, her figure rapidly withering and shrinking, transforming into a paper figurine. When the tempest subsided, she reappeared in the study, barely intact. Ryan knew she had Paper Figurine Substitutes, allowing him to unleash such a brutal attack on Pierre Berry in a confined space. As for Aurore, Lumian, and Valentine, their positions offered some protection from the attack. Ryan had tried to control the storms direction, with limited success. After assessing the situation, he decided to use this decisive attack. Crimson moonlight and faint starlight streamed through the ruined roof. Ryan scanned the area but saw no sign of Aurore or Lumian. Leah, pale-faced, was rushing towards him. Valentine lay unconscious on the balcony, numerous wounds from the Hurricane of Light, but none lethal. Seeing his battered allies, Ryan stopped searching. He grabbed Leahs shoulder and leaped to the balcony. With one hand, the Warrior hoisted Valentine and jumped from the Lumian residence. Relying on his not-yet-shattered Dawn Armor to withstand further ambushes, he raced towards the edge of Cordu Village, fleeing to the nearest mountain pasture. They had a plan: if they couldnt defend Aurore and Lumians homes, theyd retreat to the pasture. There, they could use the terrain to their advantage, escape by leaping off the cliff, and trigger the cycle. Padre Guillaume Bnet hovered above, unable to match the Dawn Paladins top speed. Beneath him, Shepherd Pierre Berry emerged from the shadows at the edge of the house. His dark robe was shredded, the hood long gone. His face, chest, and legs bore deep gashes, blood oozing relentlessly. It was a chilling sight. Had he not swapped his shadow with that of a villager at the crucial moment, hed be dead with his body torn to shreds! The villager who had served as his pawn was now undoubtedly a mangled heap of flesh and blood. As Ryan obliterated the Abyss Demon Flower with his Hurricane of Light, Valentines paralysis waned. He regained consciousness before they left Cordu Village. Whats the situation? he inquired, his voice muffled by the wind. Ryan, running at full speed, couldnt elaborate. He replied tersely, Help Leah first! Valentine glanced at Leah, cradled in Ryans other arm, and noticed her pallid, ashen face. Without a moments hesitation, he stretched out his hand with great effort and placed his palm on Leahs shoulder. Sun! He cried out in ancient Hermes. Glistening golden droplets materialized out of nowhere, raining down on Leah. Her expression contorted, and steam rose from her body. Within seconds, Sybils ethereal figure was expelled, her face filled with shock and terror. She couldnt fathom how shed been ejected from Leahs body. Immediately after, ghostly golden flames erupted from the void, engulfing the bizarre spirit like a candle, reducing it to liquid droplets. Sybil shrieked and cursed, but couldnt evade her fate of being purified. This time, she failed to reincarnate in Valentines body. Vile creature! Valentine muttered under his breath. Shepherd Pierre Berry looked up at Guillaume Bnet, who hovered above, and asked, Should we chase them? Despite his injuries, he refused to surrender. Guillaume Bnet pondered for a moment and responded, No need. Our priority lies here. They wont make any moves in the short term. Theyll only observe and assess the situation. Thats enough for us. As he finished speaking, he furrowed his brow and whispered, Sybils dead. Cant she be reborn? Pierre Berry asked, surprised. He wasnt particularly distraught over his sisters demise. Guillaume Bnet couldnt help but curse, I warned her not to use Rebirth in front of the three official Beyonders. Rebirth at this level is inherently countered by the power of the Sun pathway, but she didnt listen. Imbecile! What a waste of the Lords gift! Lumians eyes snapped open, taking in the wispy gray fog and the familiar ceiling above. He had awoken within the dream ruins after losing consciousness. Gasping for breath, Lumian struggled to sit up straight. As Aurores attack struck him, he had been filled with despair, thinking it was better to just surrender. She could reclaim the beautiful life she had granted him, along with the five years she had given him. Phew Lumian exhaled sharply as two realizations pierced his thoughts. That wasnt Aurore. She was possessed by a monster! To give up now would be to abandon her to the creature and snuff out her last hope! Lumian rose to his feet, his resolve steeling within him. He glanced toward the window and spotted a bottle of liquor, a honeysuckle flower, some grapevines, and fern powder. Had that woman sent these materials? Had she witnessed the attack? Why hadnt she Lumian shook his head, dispelling his intrusive thoughts. In this dire circumstance, he could only rely on himself and his allies. No matter how powerful others may be, they were useless to him now! Wasting no more time, Lumian retrieved the instruments hed used to brew the Hunter potion and poured 50 milliliters of liquor into a beer mug. He added the honeysuckle flower, grapevine powder, and fern powder, one after the other. Lastly, the repulsive stone with its dark, flowing liquid surface. A sizzling sound accompanied the dissolution of the Provoker Beyonder characteristic, and the honeysuckle flower vanished. The colorless liquor in the mug turned a deep black, becoming viscous. The mere sight of the potion made Lumian want to hurl it away and stomp it into oblivion. He steadied himself, using shallow Cogitation to calm his nerves and focus. Moments later, Lumian snatched up the beer mug without hesitation, gulping down the foul, pungent Provoker potion. Setting the mug down, he immediately felt his insides grow heavy, as if plummeting. Drawing on his experience, Lumian sat cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed, bracing for the next transformation. His breaths became heated, his emotions veering wildly between anger, sorrow, frustration, and exhilaration. Simultaneously, a voiceinfinitely distant yet intimately closeassailed his ears, drilling into his temples like an iron spike. Familiar, searing pain engulfed Lumians mind, but he couldnt shake certain thoughts. I must succeed! I must unlock the secret of the dream! I must save Aurore! I must shatter the loop in Cordu! Enduring the scorching, tearing sensation and the illusion of losing control, Lumian didnt open his eyes or alter his posture. He felt like a tiny vessel in a tempest, battered by waves and gales. Powerless, but not yet submerged. After what felt like an eternity, the pain began to ebb as the bloodthirsty, insane thoughts receded from Lumians consciousness. He opened his eyes, knowing he had ascended to a Sequence 8 Provoker. Chapter 103 - 103 The Padres Plan 103 The Padres Plan A dense white fog hung heavy in the sky, swallowing most of the light and casting the dream ruins into a perpetual twilight. Lumian stood, stretching his limbs and surveying the blood-streaked mountain peak as he assessed his condition. In comparison to Hunter, the Provokers strength, reflexes, speed, and agility had improved, albeit modestly. Lumian identified three primary changes: First, his body had grown more robust and his recuperative abilities had seemingly improved. Second, his spirituality had increased to a certain extent. He could now maintain his possession state for four minutes, up from just three. Lastly, he had gained a Beyonder power called Provocation. This ability induced a permanent state change while also requiring active activation to achieve its desired effect. Lumians observation skills had experienced a qualitative transformation, far surpassing those of an ordinary person. He could now effectively discern which words, actions, and situations would most easily trigger his targets sensitivities and provoke agitation. When Provocation was employed, it merged insults and humiliation, causing the target to lose their composure. The more tailored the taunts and humiliation, the more effective the Provocation. However, even a single word like dogshit could still incite anger to some degree. Against an uncommunicative opponent, Provocation allowed Lumian to exude a repugnant aura. This ability was well-suited to the traps and ambushes Hunters excelled in, but it held little meaning for Lumian in his present state. He no longer had time for hunting. His sole focus was exploring the wall surrounding the blood-stained peak and uncovering the secret of the dream ruins. In contrast, the enhancements to his spirituality and physical resilience pleased him. At the very least, he could now delve further into the dark area that once lulled him to sleep. With the potions boost, Lumian massaged his temples. This time, activating his Spirit Vision was seamless. He finally had the capacity to easily invoke his Spirit Vision. Without hesitation, Lumian changed his clothes and gathered his gear: Fallen Mercury, the iron-black axe, a cloth bag of cheese and biscuits. He slung his shotgun over his back and exited the two-story semi-subterranean building. Amidst the muted gray fog, he traversed the wilderness and entered the ruins. He followed a familiar path, avoiding areas where monsters might lurk, and proceeded cautiously. Upon reaching the area where he had encountered the three-faced monster, Lumian danced, partially triggering the black thorn symbol. With the amulet, he navigated increasingly treacherous terrain and repelled several horrifying creatures. At last, he arrived at the thorny wall formed by an array of houses. After a moments consideration, Lumian chose a direction. He resolved to enter the area that seemed to be shrouded in night, a place that instantly plunged him into a drowsy haze. His intuition suggested that something significant lay beyond the towering wall of twisted trees. However, the area resembling the onset of night held a greater likelihood of harboring the secret of the dream ruins. After all, night, slumber, and dream were often related terms. In due course, Lumian, having performed another ritual dance, found himself in a place noticeably dimmer than its surroundings. He exhaled slowly and stepped forward with determination. Almost immediately, Lumian felt as though he had transitioned from a foggy day to a cloudy evening. Shadows enveloped the objects around him. Clutching Fallen Mercury, he yawned and pressed on. I cant sleep. I cant sleep! Lumian urged himself forward. As he proceeded, Lumian remained vigilant, scrutinizing the buildings that formed the city wall. Yet, the secrets of the dream ruins eluded him. Gold coins and other trinkets held no interest for him. Delving deeper, he trudged dozens of meters, his willpower alone keeping his eyes open against the overwhelming drowsiness that engulfed his mind. After a moments contemplation, he opted for retreat. He would investigate the area behind the wooden wall and enter this sleep-inducing zone from another angle. Perhaps that would grant him access to previously unreachable locations. Lumian pivoted and retraced his steps, but the drowsiness persisted, growing in intensity with each passing moment. At last, his resolve crumbled. His eyes slid shut, and he slumped to the ground. Darkness consumed his vision once more. Lumian was suddenly gripped by a sharp pain in his abdomen, causing him to curl up and open his eyes. First, he saw a dazzling mural with a curved dome, followed by the stern visage of the padre along with his slightly hooked nose, and Pons Bnets right fist, which he withdrew with a sinister grin. Ive been captured and brought to the cathedral? Lumian recognized the scene overhead and instinctively scanned his surroundings. He saw Reimunds father, Pierre Greg, Avas father, Guillaume Lizier, his neighbor Louis Bedeau, and nearly all the villagers. The altar had transformed beyond recognition, now adorned with lilacs, tulips, and other symbols of that hidden entity instead of sunflowers. The Sun Sacred Emblem had vanished, replaced by an unnaturally twisted thorn ring, seemingly oozing black liquid. Spotting the familiar symbol, Lumian felt a wave of dizziness as heat surged in his chest. He knew this was a sign that the corruption within him had been stirred but remained trapped within the bluish-black symbol. The padre and his followers have turned the cathedral into an altar for the hidden entity? Poor St. Sith Lumian imagined Valentine would go berserk upon seeing this. Bound tightly, he surveyed his surroundings, relieved to find the stained glass and murals depicting the great Eternal Blazing Sun and St. Siths preaching unscathed. It seems the alterations were hastily made Lumian deduced the cathedrals current state. The villagers stood eerily silent, like wax figures. After observing Lumian for a moment, the padre scolded Pons Bnet. How could you let him sleep? You should have woken him up as soon as you brought him back to the cathedral! Understood, Pons Bnet replied, his gaze unusually deferential, as if the padre were his deity or ruler. Leaning against a pillar, Lumian glanced up at Guillaume Bnet. Wheres Aurore? The padre smiled cryptically. Youll find out soon enough. What about the three foreigners? Lumian frantically devised an escape plan while trying to maintain the conversation. Guillaume Bnet gazed through the stained glass, his expression relaxed. Theyve escaped. They should be at the nearest alpine pasture by now. But dont expect them to rescue you and Aurore tonight. Knowing the officials, theyll stall and merely observe. Theyll only act after confirming the situation. Sometimes, theyd rather do nothing than make a mistake. Thats how they wasted a decade of mine. Lumian conceded the padres point, but he knew that wasnt why Ryan and the others were waiting. Without understanding why the evil gods followers had captured him and Aurore, Ryans group wouldnt take drastic measures, like triggering the loops reboot by leaving Cordu. They wanted to wait until the twelfth night to uncover the cause of the disturbance here, laying a solid foundation for escaping the predicament in the future. Lumians silence caused the padres grin to widen. In a matter-of-fact tone, he announced, I plan to complete the ritual tonight. What? Lumian was baffled. In high spirits, Guillaume Bnet patiently elaborated, I intend to move the April 9th ritual to tonight. The three foreigners wont have a chance to interfere. What? The twelfth night can be moved up? Lumian was shocked, speechless, and inexplicably terrified. At that moment, Guillaume Bnet turned to Pons Bnet and instructed, Before taking him to the altar, ensure he stays awake. You may use any method, just dont kill him. Pons Bnet asked eagerly, What if I kill him? Well die together! The padre glared at his dim-witted brother. Send me to the altar and start the ritual again? Could the bluish-black symbol on me be useful again? Lumians nerves steadied as he listened to the Bnet brothers conversation. The padre redirected his gaze to Lumian and leaned down. Dont worry, youre not the vessel. We have a better choice. A better choice? Lumians alarm grew as he followed the padres gaze to the original altar. Aurore had appeared there at some point in time, dressed in a plain white robe, her golden hair unadorned and her light-blue eyes vacant. Aurore! Lumian cried out. Aurore remained statue-like, unresponsive. The padre smiled and nodded. Yes, your sister is the superior vessel. Your role in the ritual is to help us expedite the timeline. We neednt wait for that exact moment or the shift in the constellations. Lumian was terrified and bewildered. Why can I help bring forward the twelfth nights ritual? The padre leaned in once more, a smile of anticipation on his face. Because most of the boons wed prayed for are within you. What? How does he know? Lumians eyes widened, straining to scrutinize Guillaume Bnets face more closely. Guillaume Bnet leaned in and whispered into Lumians ear, Did you really think you and Pualis were the only ones able to retain memories in the loop? Chapter 104 - 104 Resolute Decision 104 Resolute Decision Upon seeing Lumians blatant shock, Guillaume Bnet straightened up with satisfaction and said to Pons Bnet, Keep an eye on him! With that, the padre strode towards the altar. As he left, the villagers around them seemed to come alive, engaging in animated conversations. The horoscope is about to change. Our good fortune is coming! It wont be long before were wealthy! When the time comes, Ill drink a bottle of wine every day and eat a pound of meat every meal! I want to find a beautiful woman. Im going to watch a play. Lumians mind was a whirlwind, and he barely noticed when Guillaume Bnet departed. The padres words were like a boulder tossed into a placid lake, sending ripples through Lumians thoughts. How is that possible? In the previous cycle, I killed him because he didnt understand what made me special! Back then, I didnt even know what was so special about myself. It was natural for him not to know After that battle, he didnt have any conflicts with me in the subsequent cycles until Aurore began acting strangely But he didnt seem to know about the loop at all. The cursing he did when I led the rest to catch him in the adulterous act, him being knocked out by Leah after we infiltrated the cathedral, and being spied upon by Aurore using White Paper didnt seem fake at all! If he was putting on an act, his level of restraint would be bone-chilling Moreover, he knows that Madame Pualis retains her memories in the loop and might know something about the abnormalities in the castle. Yet he still had an affair with Madame Pualis at the beginning of each loop, allowing no one to suspect him. If it were me, I wouldnt even have desires after finding out what Madame Pualis had done, let alone sleep with her! The more Lumian pondered, the more he found the padre terrifying. This fear was unlike the terror he felt from Madame Pualis. Questions swarmed his mind: Why didnt the padre with his memories sacrifice the three sheep from the beginning and obtain the corresponding boon to take full control of Cordu? Why didnt he complete the twelfth night ritual on the first day? This could have prevented any accidents! What was he waiting for? The sacrificial ritual only takes place near Lent every time Does that ritual have a date and time requirement? The Lent celebration is an integral part of the twelfth nights ritual. So, the padre will only have a chance to advance the subsequent ritual after Lent is over? But he could just control everyone from the beginning and wait for Lent to arrive Also, didnt the hidden existence find it odd that they prayed for a boon twice across three cycles? Yes, He might have done something, like helping the padre recover his memories! No, if their sacrificial ritual had truly been completed, the three sheep wouldnt have entered the loop again. Their spirits and Beyonder characteristics should have gone to the hidden existence. Could it be that, like Reimund, the spirits gathered around the altar and didnt escape the loop? Who were the padre and the others praying to, and who bestowed their power As Lumian considered this, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his lower body. He instinctively curled up, but the ropes binding him prevented the motion. Pons Bnet pulled his foot back from between Lumians legs, smirking as beads of cold sweat formed on the young mans forehead. Lumian couldnt even make a sound. He squatted down, raised his right hand, and slapped Lumian. Did you enjoy zat? Tell me, did you enjoy it? Without waiting for Lumians response, he swung his arm and slapped the right side of his face, causing his ears to ring. Lumian felt like his head might fly off. Seeing Lumian being beaten by Pons Bnet, Reimunds father, Pierre Greg, approached and squatted down. He sighed and said, Bear with it. Just endure it for a while. Our fortunes are about to change. Good luck is on its way. If you leave now, youll miss the opportunity! Ignoring Lumians reaction, he repeated the same words, trying to persuade and console him. Lumian paid no attention to Pierre Greg. He gazed at Pons Bnet without anger, as if he were looking at empty air. He completely disregarded him, ignoring the pain and humiliation this villain had inflicted upon him. Only one thought occupied his mind: The situation is dire! Ryan, Leah, and Valentine are unlikely to trigger the loop and restart everything prematurely before confirming the padres intentions. Besides, they just fought; who knows when theyll recover. They probably wont sneak back to the village until tomorrow or the day after. This way, no one can stop the padre from conducting the ritual in advance tonight Slap, slap, slap. Pons Bnet continued slapping Lumians face and kicking his lower body, intensifying the pain he endured. Lumians thoughts were repeatedly interrupted by pain as he stubbornly tried to focus, refusing to waste even a second on Pons Bnet. This only infuriated Pons Bnet further, causing him to strike even harder. My specialness has already been discovered and targeted. They wont give me a chance to disrupt the ritual What should I do What can I do? Lumian endured the pain and searched for a way to escape his current predicament. Pons grew tired from beating him up. He stopped and panted. If ze padre hadnt forbidden me from killing you, I wouldve sliced off your flesh piece by piece, including whats down below! Hearing this, Lumian was taken aback as an idea flashed through his mind. Kill me? Kill me! He suddenly raised his head and glared at Pons Bnet, his face contorted into a twisted smile born of pain. Is that all youve got? Are you using that pathetic little knife of yours to pick lice for me? He fully embraced his role as a Sequence 8 Provoker. In the alpine meadow nearest to Cordu. Ryan, clad in tattered armor, stood guard at the entrance and asked Valentine and Leah, How do you feel? Im fine, Valentine responded immediately. Leah added, My spirituality has almost recovered. Ryan nodded and dissolved the Dawn Armor. After I rest and recover a bit, well return to Cordu. Now? Leah sounded surprised. They hadnt been gone from Cordu for long. Ryan exhaled slowly and said, We need to find out as soon as possible why Guillaume Bnets group attacked us tonight and not on the twelfth night. Besides, they captured Lumian and Aurore, but they didnt pursue us. Experience tell me that somethings off. Leah nodded slowly. But were not in the best shape. After all, they had just fought a massive battle. Thats why Guillaume Bnet doesnt expect us to return to Cordu tonight, Ryan explained. Also, we left that item at Lumian and Aurores house. We have to retrieve it as soon as possible. We cant let Guillaume Bnet and the others get their hands on it. Valentine and Leahs expressions turned grave at the mention of that item. They agreed to Ryans plan. Pa! Pons Bnet slapped Lumians face again, making his nose throb. Two streams of bright red blood flowed down to his mouth, bringing with them a foul and salty taste. How about zis? Pons Bnet asked with a smile. Lumian studied his expression and actions, realizing that his words hadnt had the desired effect. He sniffed his blood-filled nose and replied with a smile, Any other woman could hurt me more than you! Is zat so? Pons Bnets expression darkened. With a slap, he struck Lumians mouth, sending two of his teeth flying with blood. Relying on Provokers insight and his experience at pranking, Lumian acutely sensed that Pons Bnets reaction was different this time. Familiar with all sorts of scandals and rumors in Cordu, Lumian vaguely thought of something and grinned. You dont seem to have a mistress. His mouth was swollen from the slap, and two of his teeth were missing. His words came out slightly muffled. Hearing the word mistress, Pons Bnets expression shifted subtly as he kicked Lumians groin. Lumian nearly blacked out from the pain. He couldnt speak for a few seconds. Forcing a smile, he said with a boisterous laugh, And the padres mistresses are all over the village. Cant get it up? Pons Bnets expression instantly darkened. Lumian knew he had guessed right. He endured the pain, his eyes narrowing. He hadnt dared use Provocation earlier, fearing that he would be discovered if he used it too often. Now was the time! Lumian laughed out loud. Did the padre sleep with your wife too? Are all your children his? Pons Bnets eyes turned bloodshot. He suddenly reached out and grabbed Lumians neck, yelling with all his might, Why dont you just die! Lumian heard a cracking sound from his neck and found it difficult to breathe. Yet, he wasnt afraid. Instead, the corners of his mouth curled up as he calmly awaited the excruciating pain and inevitable death. He had done his best to enrage Pons Bnet so that he would kill him. Once he died, the loop would be triggered, and everything would restart immediately. Everything would return to the beginning, leaving room for recovery! Not only had Lumian considered provoking Valentine to commit suicide to verify the nature of the loop, but he had also thought of sacrificing his own life in an emergency! Compared to the current situation, what was there to fear? He gazed at Pons Bnet, whose expression was vicious, and his purple lips quivered as if to say: Please, kill me quickly. Chapter 105 - 105 That Person 105 That Person Pons Bnets grip tightened relentlessly, his eyes bloodshot and bulging. If it hadnt been for the fact that Lumian couldnt speak or that his vision had started to fade to black, he would have thanked him. Suddenly, a hand appeared from nowhere, grasping Pons Bnets hair at the back of his head, trying to forcibly pry him off Lumian. What the hell are you doing? Are you trying to kill him? Have you lost your damn mind? Pierre Berry growled in a deep voice as he intervened, stopping Pons Bnet. But Pons Bnet wouldnt listen. His crimson eyes locked onto Lumian, his mind consumed by fury and murderous intent. All he could think of was killing this bastard. Whack! Pierre Berry swung his right leg up, striking Pons Bnets groin with his brand-new leather shoe. Pons Bnet reflexively let go, clutching his crotch, squeezing his thighs together, and collapsing to the ground. He whimpered involuntarily, his face contorted in agony, like a rooster being strangled by the neck. Pierre Berry glanced at him coolly and said, Once youve recovered, bring Lumian to the altar. The ritual is about to begin. He shifted his gaze, bending down to assess Lumians condition. As Lumians senses returned and he slowly opened his eyes, he straightened up and nodded. His darkening vision restored to clarity, the pain in his neck became more apparent. Lumian was disheartened to find that his view was not of the familiar ceiling of his bedroom but of Pierre Berrys bloodied face. Am I still alive? He wondered subconsciously as he turned his head and spotted Pons Bnet curled up on the ground. Pathetic! Lumian spat contemptuously. If you cant satisfy women and cant even kill a man, whats the point of living? Pons Bnet felt a wave of rage surge through his head. If it werent for the lingering pain in his groin and Pierre Berrys watchful eye, he would have snapped once more. Lumian and Aurores house lay in ruins, more than half its roof missing. Ryan, Leah, and Valentine crept back under the moon and starlight. Once they confirmed the area was clear, Ryan turned to Leah and said, Tonights situation is worse than we thought. Perform divination. As they traveled from Cordu Village to Lumians house, they noticed that every house was empty. They had no idea where everyone had gone. This was a shocking anomaly! Alright. Leah nodded. Before she could take out a pen and paper to write a divination statement, Ryan reminded her, Be cautious. Choose the direction of the divination carefully. Dont attempt it if it feels too risky. Understood. Leah was well-versed in this area. She knew that Cordu was a place filled with danger and abnormalities. A minor error in the divination direction could lead to severe injuries or loss of control. After a few moments of contemplation, she entered Aurores bedroom, which now lacked a wall along the corridor, and found a manuscript to use as a medium. As Leah wrote the divination statement, Ryan and Valentine entered Lumians room where they had been sleeping. Ryans brownish-yellow suitcase sat beside the desk near the window, concealed by the curtain. Seeing that the item was still there, Ryan breathed a sigh of relief and said to Valentine, Make the preparations. As he spoke, he pulled the suitcase out, placed it on the ground, and undid the brass-like metal buckle. Valentine opened his arms slightly, and illusory golden flames emerged from the void, illuminating the room. With Sunlight, Ryan finally dared to open his suitcase with a grave expression. Inside, there were no clothes, books, or coinsjust a strange, folded scarecrow lying quietly. The scarecrows eyes were covered with thick black cloth strips. Its face, neck, palms, feet, and calves were made of brownish-green straw, but its arms, chest, and thighs were covered in real, slightly pale-white skin. This was a mystical item that the joint investigation team had acquired from the Eternal Blazing Sun Churchs Riston diocese before their departure. Teams at their level could request Sealed Artifacts to handle abnormalities. Ryan closed his eyes, and information about the mystical item before him naturally surfaced in his mind. Number: 217 Name: Tanago Scarecrow. Danger Grade: 2. Dangerous. Use with care and moderation. It can only be applied for operations that require three or more people. Security clearance requires a diocesan bishop. Security classification: Bishop, Team Captain, or above. Description: This scarecrow was first discovered in the Tanago region of Riston Province, near the remnants of a village annihilated by a cults worship ritual. Two Purifiers, ten police officers, and 76 farmers vanished after passing by the farm where the scarecrow was placed, never to be seen again. Research suggests that those who enter a 30-meter radius of the scarecrow and lock eyes with it will lose self-awareness and be drawn towards it uncontrollably. Within moments, they disappear, leaving behind only their possessions and garments. At the zenith of sunlight, the scarecrow loses its power; touching it or meeting its gaze has no effect. A farmer from a neighboring village claims the scarecrow was once ordinary, indistinguishable from others until the village farmland it protected was decimated. With each disappearance, flesh and skin appear on a small portion of the scarecrow. Its ultimate transformation remains a mystery, but revival seems a likely outcome. The scarecrow already displays signs of life, moving at night and attempting to break free from its containment. Sealing Method: Blindfold it with a thick, black cloth and enclose it in a confined, dark space. Usage Process: Remove the scarecrow only under sunlight, and unbind the black cloth from its eyes. Appendix: 1. Avoid its gaze at all costs. Even under the protection of sunlight, you risk enduring lasting nightmares and mental debilitation. 2. Limit interaction with the scarecrow to no more than two minutes per session. Excessive use intensifies its determination to escape and resist. 3. Warning: Permanently seal the scarecrow before it acquires enough flesh. As Ryan and Valentine investigated the Sealed Artifacts possible loss or escape, Leah entered a dream divination state. Whispering the divination incantation to locate Aurore, she sat at her desk, reclined in her chair, closed her eyes, and quickly drifted into slumber. Guided by her four silver bells, Leah glimpsed Aurore, clad in a simple white robe, in a surreal, distorted world. She recognized an altar, nearby villagers, and the distant stained glass and golden walls of a cathedral Leahs eyes flew open, and she bolted from the room. Breathlessly, she informed Ryan and Valentine, Theyre all at the cathedral! Performing a ritual! Inside the cathedral of the Eternal Blazing Sun. Pons Bnet carried the disappointed Lumian toward the altar adorned with lilacs and tulips. Pierre Berry, keeping a watchful eye, accompanied them. Glancing at his sister Aurore, her eyes vacant, Lumian turned to Pierre Berry and sneered. Youre nothing but a coward and a piece of trash! The shepherd shot him a glance but remained silent, his expression unchanging. Undeterred, Lumian continued, grinning, Your woman died of illness, yet you did nothing. You just put your faith in a malevolent god. Didnt she die because the factory owner overworked her and paid her next to nothing? If I were you, Id have hunted down that boss and hung his whole family from the factory chimney! But you didnt! You were too scared. Scared youd die too. Trash, coward! As Lumian studied Pierre Berrys subtle reactions, he slyly added Provocation to his final words. Pierre Berrys expression contorted; his gentle gaze slowly morphed into a menacing glare, as if a hidden seal had been broken, unleashing the demon within. Padre Guillaume Bnet, at the altar, barked sternly, Control yourself! Pierre Berry shuddered and came to his senses. In retaliation, he ripped a piece of cloth from his ragged attire, crumpled it into a ball, and shoved it into Lumians mouth. F*ck! Lumian struggled fiercely, but to no avail. He kept cursing and adding Provocation, but time was against him. His mouth was fully gagged by the cloth, and he could no longer speak. Panic and despair welled up in Lumians heart, threatening to overwhelm him. He desperately reined in his emotions, warding off any thoughts of surrender. Carried to the altar, Lumians mind raced, searching for alternative ways to end his life. Soon, he was presented before the padre, the massive black thorn symbol separating him from Aurore. Guillaume Bnet motioned for Pierre Berry to help Lumian to his feet, then scrutinized the young mans face and smiled. Youre tougher than I thought, but youre still lacking. The world is so hard a man must have two fathers to look after him, yet you have none. No one to teach you the ways of life. The world is so hard a man must have two fathers to look after him was a popular saying in Intis. It referred to both a biological father and a societal fatheroften known as a godfather. This was why the people of Intis often acknowledged godfathers and godmothers. The padre taunted Lumian for being an orphan, with neither a godfather nor a father. In response, Lumian wished he could retort, mocking the padre about his own child having three, no, four fathersthe padre himself, his godfather, his mothers lover If the gag hadnt held tight, Lumian would definitely have taunted the padre enough to make him lose his mind, killing him on the spot. Unfortunately, he couldnt say anything. Should we begin the ritual now? Pierre Berry inquired of Guillaume Bnet. The padre shook his head. Lets wait a bit longer. What for? Pierre Berry asked, puzzled. The padre offered no answer, but Lumian was already devising a new suicide plan. Suddenly, inspiration struck. Enter a deep Cogitation state and submit to the scrutiny of the two entities. Eagerly, he sought the enigmatic and horrifying voice, hoping to provoke his own breakdown and loss of control. Lumian glanced at Aurore, her face blank and her eyes empty, but otherwise unchanged. He closed his eyes. First, he envisioned the crimson sun. Once calm, he transformed it into the orb adorned with eyes and a cross. Silently, Lumian saw the faint gray fog once more. He saw the chaos of overlapping colors and indescribable, non-existent things. Yet this time, he didnt sense the gaze of an entity lurking within the fog or looming high above. Why is it different? Lumians eyes snapped open in surprise. Just then, a figure entered through the cathedral doors. Clad in a black robe and a wide hood, the mans face was obscured by shadows. He stood tall, around 1.8 meters in height. As the mysterious figure approached the altar, the padre stepped aside deferentially, his demeanor humble and reverent. Who is that? The one behind the padre? Lumian puzzled, peering closer. The more he studied the man, the more familiar he seemed, as though Lumian had encountered him before. Suddenly, it clicked. This was the figure lurking in the corner of the Warlocks tomb! The black-robed man ascended the altar and stood before Lumian. Leaning forward slightly, he stifled a chuckle. Did you realize that Cogitation is useless? What? How does he know? Lumian stared at him, shocked and bewildered. At this proximity, even with the hood concealing his features, Lumian could discern the black-robed mans face. He was a young man in his late teens, his limbs long and lean, his hair short and jet-black, his eyes a light blue, and his features sharply chiseled. He was strikingly handsome. What Lumians gaze locked onto the man. He knew this face all too well. He saw it every day when he looked in the mirror. It was himself! Chapter 106 - 106 The Ritual Begins 106 The Ritual Begins Lumian noticed that the black-robed mans face was nearly identical to his own, save for a few subtle differences. The depths of the strangers light-blue eyes held a faint silver-black hue. It was unclear whether the shadow of the hood affected the mans complexion or if his skin was naturally a shade darker. Who are you?! Lumian blurted out in shock, his words muffled by the cloth in his mouth, leaving only indistinct movements. The black-robed man smiled without introducing himself, turning and walking towards the padre. Lumian strained to follow, desperate to learn the mans identity, his purpose, and why he had appeared in the dead Warlocks tomb. This was crucial to him. Although the padres ability to retain memories within the loop was surprising, it wasnt inexplicable. Lumians theories about the nature of the loop could account for such an anomaly. After all, Madame Pualis was a prime example. However, the black-robed mans sudden appearance was entirely unexpected. It wasnt his presence that was startling; Lumian had always suspected another individual, apart from the owl and the occupant of the coffin, to be the mastermind behind Cordus abnormalities. What truly shocked him was the striking resemblance between the black-robed man and himself. It suggested the man could be another version of Lumian. His theories about the loops nature failed to explain this baffling revelation! Somethings not right! Lumian struggled to lean forward, but the ropes held him fast, causing him to crash onto the altar with a thud. His nose, which had ceased bleeding, began to flow anew, and the red, swollen wounds grew more prominent. Undeterred, Lumian pressed on. Unable to use his limbs, he relied on Dancers incredible flexibility, slithering towards the black-robed man with great difficulty. His mind raced with thoughts. I have to find out who this black-robed man is and why hes here! This must be a manifestation of the loops essence. Unraveling this secret could provide hope of using the loop to escape the current predicament and ultimately resolve the anomalies plaguing Cordu! Drip, drip. Blood from Lumians face stained the ground a vibrant red. His body smeared the crimson hue in all directions as he writhed in his struggle. The scene was chaotic and reeked of blood. He strained to reach the black-robed man, but couldnt utter a sound. His face, contorted by pain and anxiety, was a horrifying sight. The black-robed man, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Lumian, glanced down and instructed the padre, Guillaume Bnet, Begin the ritual. Alright, Guillaume Bnet told Pierre Berry at the edge of the altar. Bring Lumian to the altar. Pierre Berry strode over, gripped Lumian under his arm, and hoisted him up. No! Lumian thrashed with all his might, like a fish freshly yanked from the water. Pierre Berry nearly lost his grip due to Lumians slipperiness. The gentleness in Pierres eyes quickly vanished, replaced by a ferocious and brutal glint. His strength surged as he forcefully restrained Lumian and flung him onto the altar. Afterward, Pierre Berry glanced at Lumian and chuckled. You better hope you die during the ritual rather than live through it. Youll regret it, I promise. Is this a response to my earlier Provocation? Just as this thought crossed Lumians mind, he saw Aurore, clad in a simple white robe, approach his side. She leaned against the altar adorned with lilacs and tulips, her gaze vacant as she stared at her brother. The cathedrals villagers swarmed forward, forming a semi-circle around the altar. The padre retrieved two grayish-white candles, positioning them at the corresponding locations of Aurore and Lumian. Next, he placed a candle beneath his feet, creating a pattern on the altar with two candles above and one below. After a few moments, the padre ignited the three candles in sequence, from top to bottom and left to right, using his spirituality. A faint sweetness wafted into Lumians nostrils, leaving him disoriented. The scene felt inexplicably familiar. Ryan, Leah, and Valentine stealthily approached the side of the Eternal Blazing Sun Cathedral, clutching a brownish-yellow suitcase. Hidden in the shadows, they peered through the stained glass to see the Eternal Blazing Suns altar transformed. They spotted Lumian bound on the left and Aurore standing on the right. They saw the padre facing the siblings, a lit grayish-white candle beneath his feet, flanked by the enigmatic black-robed man and Pierre Berry. Valentines fists clenched as a golden light flickered in his eyes. Leah cast a sidelong glance at him, concerned her companion might be consumed by rage. Fortunately, Valentine was a seasoned Purifier who had completed numerous missions. He understood what needed to be done and what to avoid. Ryan averted his gaze and lowered his voice. Well move closer to the altar, shatter the glass, and launch a surprise attack. Our goal is to grab Lumian and Aurore and be out of the village within a minute. If we dont achieve our objective in that time, abort the mission and flee to the river. Trigger the loop proactively. Alright, Valentine and Leah murmured in hushed tones, each nodding in agreement. Ryan added, Valentine, ready Sunlight. We cant hold back any longer. We have to deploy 2-217 now. No problem, Valentine responded as Leah retrieved a box of matches. She manipulated the silver bell on her veil and boots, sprinting around Cordus square at breakneck speed while tossing matches at various points. This marked a predetermined escape route. Magicians didnt perform unprepared. Once Leah had completed her task, the trio of official investigators cautiously circled beneath the stained glass to the side of the altar. Valentine peered inside and told Ryan, The ritual is about to commence. We must act now. Ryan, also observing the cathedrals interior, furrowed his brow and asked, Did you notice anything off? Leah hastily replayed the scene she had just witnessed in her mind, replying with apprehension, I cant hear anything from inside! They were a mere three meters from the closest villagers, yet they couldnt discern any sound emanating from within. The villagers were clearly engaged in animated conversation! Ryans eyes narrowed, and a suspicion instantly took shape in his mind. He stood up and rammed into the stained-glass window before him, disregarding that the cultists inside the cathedral might discover his presence. Clangs echoed as the delicate glass remained unbroken, but the villagers within the cathedral seemed oblivious to the chaos outside. As Ryan summoned the Dawn Armor and Sword of Dawn, Leah sprinted in circles outside the window. This time, not a single deliberately uncontrolled silver bell jingled. From Leahs perspective, this implied there was no danger; yet, how could there be no threat emanating from the cathedral? Thus, she concluded that the correct answer was: The situation was extremely dangerous! It was so dangerous that the silver bell Sealed Artifacts were utterly disrupted or dared not react! Bang! The Sword of Dawn, forged from light, struck a pane of stained glass but failed to have any impact. It seemed as if the entire cathedral was shrouded by an invisible, terrifying force that barred outsiders from entry. A brilliant pillar of light, encircled by flames, descended from the sky as Valentine spread his arms. However, it didnt appear inside the cathedral as he had anticipated. Instead, it landed outside the stained glass, causing ripples. It appeared that the interior and exterior were entirely isolated. Ryan made a quick decision and said to Valentine and Leah, Lets try the Sealed Artifact. If it doesnt work, well leave the village to trigger the loop. Ryan didnt suggest immediate retreat because he hoped to barge in and save Lumian and Aurore. He suspected that once the ritual truly began, the loop might be affected. In that case, they wouldnt be able to leave Cordu or restart everything there. Wasting no time, Valentine summoned the illusory golden flames. With two pops, Ryan opened the suitcase and retrieved the Tanago Scarecrow, its skin already half-covered. He pressed the Scarecrows front against the stained glass and untied the thick black cloth. A pair of human-like eyes appeared on 2-217s face, devoid of emotion and embedded within the brownish-green straw. The eyes swiveled and locked onto Pons Bnet, standing at the edge of the altar. The villain froze, then bolted toward the window. As he ran, his body vanished, leaving his clothes to flutter to the ground and cover his leather shoes. A piece of skin-covered flesh emerged on the Tanago Scarecrows neck, fusing with the stalk below. It works! Ryan and the others exclaimed, elated. This meant that breaking into the cathedral wasnt impossible, and the altars protection was not impregnable! The horoscope is about to change! Its finally happening! Amidst the villagers uproar and the surrounding scent of gray amber, cloves, musk, and tulips, Lumian experienced an uncanny sense of dj vu. Relying on Dancers flexibility, he forced his upper body up despite being bound. The next second, he saw the padre open his mouth and shout in ancient Hermes, The mighty Circle of Inevitability! As soon as the words left his lips, darkness enveloped the cathedrals interior, and the villagers fell silent. The orange flames on the three candles were reduced to the size of pepper granules, now tainted silver and black. Lumians mind buzzed as the familiar burning sensation ignited in his chest. His vision blurred, and the vacant-eyed Aurore, the solemn-looking padre, and the hooded black-robed man appeared before him in layers beneath the dazzling gold dome. A sharp pain stabbed at his head, as if something was being yanked from the depths of his memory. It felt eerily similar to the scene unfolding before him. The sense of familiarity and dj vu surged within Lumians heart, dozens or even hundreds of times stronger than before. Thump, thump! He could hear his heart pounding. Chapter 107 - 107 Shattering 107 Shattering Thump, thump! Lumian felt his heartbeat pounding, as images were painstakingly dragged from the depths of his memories. His head threatened to split open. He fought against it, unwilling to continue. Outside the stained glass, Ryan observed the ritual beginning. He tossed the Tanago Scarecrow to Leah without hesitation, signaling her to use the Sealed Artifact against the padre. He hefted the Sword of Dawn. Beneath the golden flames, Leah and Valentine moved to another stained glass window, a half-exposed cylindrical wall separating them from Ryan. They did this to evade the damage from the Hurricane of Light without hindering their movements. With the cathedrals defensive capability, they believed a barrier between them would suffice. After all, Ryan would do his best to control the attacks direction. Leah embraced the Tanago Scarecrow from behind, pressing it against the stained glass depicting St. Siths sermon. She aimed at the altar and Guillaume Bnet, the padre leading the ritual. On the other side, Ryan gripped the handle with both hands, plunging the Sword of Dawn into the windowsill. The two-handed broadsword, forged from pure light, shattered and transformed into a whirlwind of razor-sharp fragments and specks of light. The Hurricane exploded and slammed into the stained glass before him. With a cracking sound, the entire cathedral trembled. Hairline fractures spider-webbed across the glass surface. But it held fast. Seeing this, Ryan summoned the minuscule particles of Sunrise Gleam, forging a massive two-handed axe. Unable to use Hurricane of Light for now, he switched weapons. Leah and Valentine, shielded by the protruding wall, dodged the Hurricane of Lights remnants. At that moment, the Tanago Scarecrows gaze locked onto the priest. Its eyes, set in the brownish-green straw, reflected the white-robed figure with golden threads. Leah noticed a faint silver light tinged with black materialize around the altar where Guillaume Bnet stood. With a snap, the Tanago Scarecrows eyes burst open, weeping blood-red tears. The padre glanced over before looking away. As two sheep willingly entered the altar, he intoned the incantation with calm fanaticism. You are the eternal cycle, the predestined destiny, the cause, the effect, and the process! Suddenly, the two deity-representing candles on the altar elongated to the size of a human head. A howling wind swept through the cathedral, turning the villagers to statues. But silver-black warts emerged from their exposed faces and hands. The silver-black light enveloping the altar rapidly spread, engulfing the entire cathedral. The mural-filled dome became transparent. Clouds dispersed, and the crimson moon darkened to the shade of blood. The stars on the black velvet backdrop flickered into existence, one by one, glowing with the intensity of the sun. In an instant, night became day. The villagers stirred and murmured dreamily. The horoscope has changed Fortune is here With three thuds, Ryan, Leah, and Valentine, who hadnt heard but had witnessed the scene, crumpled to the ground. They writhed, wailed, and screamed in agony. Ryans skin turned grayish-blue, Leahs face appeared to teem with maggots and pulsing tendrils, and Valentine radiated a sun-like glow, from inside to out, from top to bottom. They were on the brink of losing control. The Tanago Scarecrow lay cast aside, trembling violently. Lumian felt his chest burn as the terrifying voice, seemingly originating from an infinite distance and yet right beside him, echoed in his ears. Invisible steel drills penetrated his skull, stirring his brain. Blood vessels bulged in pain, and silvery-black spots emerged beneath his skin. An unseen force enveloped him, lifting him from the altar. The ropes binding him and the cloth gagging him crumbled to dust and dispersed in the air. Aurore, too, was hoisted by this invisible force, floating above the altar and facing Lumian. His bloodshot eyes mirrored his sisters long blonde hair, vacant light-blue eyes, pristine and emotionless face, and the simple yet odd white robe she wore. He recoiled, sensing a familiar dj vu from the depths of his memories. The pain was as intense as the madness. The surrounding scenes melded together in Lumians mind: The padres solemn and fanatical expression; The black-robed man advancing toward the altar; Pierre Berry prostrate on the ground; The transparent cathedral dome; The crimson moon and constellations in the sky; The villagers with stiff expressions, welcoming their fortune; Aurore, her face contorted with pain Lumians head spun as his body was torn apart by an invisible force, silver-black spots multiplying on his skin. He was powerless to break free or resist effectively. Ah! Lumian screamed involuntarily as his chest was gradually pried open, casting a silvery-black light onto Aurore. Aurores eyes darted around, hearing the agonized cry. Her empty gaze mirrored Lumians swollen blood vessels, his twisted face with silver-black hues beneath the surface. After a momentary pause, she instinctively reached out and pushed Lumian away from danger. Grande Soeur Lumian stared, dumbfounded, as Aurore shoved him out of the altars reach. Suddenly, the dreadful sound in his ears vanished, and the invisible restraints on his body disappeared. The burning sensation across his skin subsided. Yet the pain in his head remained unchanged. Deep-rooted memories were forcibly dredged up. It was as if someone had used a hook to slowly extract his brain from his skull. Aurores light-blue eyes tainted with silver-black, her blank stare, her lifeless face, and her resolute, forceful actions pushing him away flashed in Lumians mind. It was nearly identical to what hed witnessed moments ago, but the black-robed man was missing from the background. This amplified dj vu led Lumian to instinctively question if something similar had happened before. He screamed in pain once more. Bam! He plummeted to the ground after leaving the altar. Ignoring the excruciating pain in his head and his disorientation, Lumian sprang up, prepared to seize Aurore and flee the altar with his sister. A figure obstructed his path. The black-robed man wearing his face struck him on the right cheek, sending him sprawling to the ground. Lumian refused to give in. With desperate courage, he rose again and lunged at the black-robed man blocking his way. Whack! The black-robed man swung his fist, and Lumian instinctively evaded. He stood stunned for a moment before a twisted smile crept across his face. He snarled, Why are you so damn weak? As weak as me! Lumian dismissed thoughts of the padre and Pierre Berry as he lunged at the black-robed man. The man sidestepped, raising his right foot to trip Lumians calf. Lumian didnt evade. With the terrifying flexibility of a dancer, he forced a half-turn and extended his arm to grapple his foe. Thud! He tumbled to the ground, taking the black-robed man down with him. The man nimbly raised his right hand, gripping Lumians throat and delivering a brutal knee to his groin. Lumian didnt flinch. Bloodshot eyes locked on his opponent, he clawed at the mans eyes with his right hand. Ah! The black-robed man screamed as Lumian tore out his eyeballs, blood spurting forth. Lumian instinctively curled up, nearly passing out from the agony in his lower body. Struggling to his feet, he shot the writhing man on the ground a sinister grin. Come on! Lets die together! You coward! Coward! He lunged once more, encircling the mans neck with his arms. At that moment, Pierre Berry, at the edge of the altar, staggered to his feet. Brandishing his axe, he sprinted to Lumians side. Whack! His axe descended, only to be halted by a faint gray mist that had materialized. It failed to harm Lumian. Pierre Berry employed two different abilities, but couldnt penetrate the gray fogs defense. Guillaume Bnet, the priest, didnt hesitate and began reciting a prayer. I implore you, I beseech your benediction. I plead with you to grant me Before he could finish, the scene transformed. The constellations in the sky shifted incrementally, deviating from their original positions. Cordu trembled violently as every house and inch of soil surged toward the cathedral. Silently, the villagers decomposed into organs. Eyeballs, mouths, noses, hearts, fingers, and flesh A scant few reassembled into different people. Some appeared normal, others malformed, some missing parts, and some with extra appendages. The majority hurtled toward the altar and Aurore. Cracks spread across Aurores body, and she swiftly disintegrated into countless pieces of flesh. Witnessing this, Lumian spiraled into despair. Still, he refused to surrender. Seizing the black-robed mans head, he twisted it violently, snapping his neck under the mans horrified gaze. Lumian rose and raced toward his sister. But an invisible barrier surrounding Aurore obstructed his path. Rumble! With a muffled thud, the cathedral began to ascend. Trees, soil, and boulders from outside the village soared, accompanied by houses, furniture, and miscellaneous items. The organs of most villagers merged with Aurores flesh at the altar, contorting and writhing before morphing into a colossal being. The giant stood four to five meters tall, boasting three heads and six arms. Its entire form was composed of flesh and organ fragments, its body riddled with cracks oozing yellow pus. The central head of the giant, filled with pain and regret, strained to gaze at Lumian. Transparent, blood-hued tears trickled from the corners of his eyes. Witnessing this, Lumians mind reeled as if cleaved by an axe. His vision wavered as he saw the shattered cathedral, the steadily rising blood-red peak, the thorny city wall formed by distorted houses, the encircling ruins around the peak, and the various monsters forced to flee the area What Lumians head throbbed with pain again. As he watched countless tiny beams of light shoot from the giant and surrounding monsters, landing on his chest, he realized that the scenes buried deep in his memories had been entirely unearthed. They were nearly identical to what he saw now. This is Lumian abruptly had a hunch, and his headache worsened. Suddenly, everything before him turned eerily illusory, with pronounced cracks appearing like broken glass. This is! Lumian finally recalled something. Then, he saw the black-robed man transform into a pitch-black, repulsive liquid that soared before him and seeped into his left chest. Ah! Lumian screamed in agony as his surroundings crumbled. He snapped his eyes open and found himself lying beneath the blood-red mountain peak. The encroaching darkness, signaling the onset of night, had nearly vanished. Lumian instinctively sat up, leaning forward. He placed his hands on the ground and scanned his surroundings. He saw a twisted, thorny wall, a barren landscape devoid of vegetation, and the dream ruins beyond. He spotted Ryan, Leah, and Valentine lying at the edge of a room not far away. They were sound asleep. Lumian abruptly bowed his head, raised his hands, grasped his hair, and whispered in anguish, Is reality a dream, and the dream reality? Is this the present or the past? Aurore. Is Aurore beyond saving? Yes. A womans voice echoed in the ruins. Lumian looked up, bewildered, and faintly saw the enigmatic woman appear before him. She approached, wearing the orange dress shed donned at the beginning. Thats why you were so desperate to obtain superpowers in your dream, regardless of the consequences. Thats why you disregarded others lives and even your own. You wanted to resolve the loop embodying the concept of a problem as quickly as possible. Thats why you couldnt control your instincts and uttered inappropriate words or performed inappropriate actions on certain occasions Lumian gazed at the mysterious woman, dazed, realizing that the indescribable and inexplicable emotion in her eyes had resurfaced. This time, he could finally decipher it. It was pity. Chapter 108 - 108 Report 108 Report Several days later, an investigation report on Cordu Village was submitted to Intis Intelligence and Homeland Security Committees Bureau 8, the Machinery Hivemind of the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery, and the Eternal Blazing Sun Churchs Inquisition. Upon receipt, the brass immediately reviewed the report. Background: Over the past year, numerous disappearances have occurred in the Feynapotter Kingdoms Grabaka Province, near the Darige region, and in the Lenburg Republics Upper Hel state. Several Beyonders without official permission have mysteriously vanished, and these incidents seem to be connected to shepherds traveling across the three regions. Among them, those from Cordu Village became our primary focus. Consequently, after receiving an unusual distress letter, we prioritized the mobilization of elite personnel and dispatched them as a joint investigation team. The investigators complete written statements are as follows: The anomaly in Cordu Village can be categorized into two levels: reality and dreamscape. Reality: Cordu was ultimately destroyed by a large-scale but unsuccessful evil god sacrificial ritual. Only a small number of villagers survived. Most villagers were utilized as nutrients for the failed creation of an evil god. The remaining individuals were reassembled in peculiar ways and transformed into various monsters. The evil god sacrificial ritual altered the landscape. The river dried up and changed course. The village square and cathedral were elevated nearly 40 meters by a small-scale orogeny, forming a blood-colored pillar. The failed evil god creation was located atop the pillar. However, when we discovered it, it had already been destroyed, potentially by self-destruction or interference from other factions. Cordus houses also underwent reassembly. Some formed a twisted, thorny city wall around the blood-colored pillar, while others were arranged in circular patterns In these severely damaged buildings, we found only a few coins and the most common livre bleu. We did not find any written information or anything that could clearly identify Cordu. The reason remains unknown. Only the house of Lumian Leethe targetcontained books, newspapers, magazines, and other items that clearly identified it. Within the ruins of Cordu, there are two abnormal areas surrounding the blood-colored pillar. One can induce a deep slumber, leading to a dreamscape, while the other is teeming with life, filled with flowers and trees, and features a self-rocking crib. Our assumption regarding the latter area is that it is closely related to Madame Pualis of Cordu. (For a detailed explanation, refer to the Dreamscape section.) At the other edge of the blood-colored pillar, we unearthed four relatively well-preserved corpses. The location likely corresponds to the original cathedral cemetery. The first corpse was a woman, no more than twenty years old, who had been strangled to death. The second corpse was a young man, also no more than twenty years old, who had drowned. The third corpse was surrounded by coffin fragments. Female, over 60 years old, and died of mechanical asphyxiation. Based on other evidence, we speculate that she was suffocated with a pillow. The fourth corpse was male and had not decomposed. His tongue had been severed while he was alive, and there were visible ligature marks on his neck. Relevant speculations about the aforementioned corpses can be found in the Dreamscape section. Upon entering the ruins of Cordu, we were likely affected by the power emanating from Lumian Lees body. Our memories of the date became disordered, and the thought of leaving ceased to occur to us. One by one, we fell asleep. While in the dream state, our bodies maintained a weak level of activity, eliminating the need for food replenishment for several days. Had we remained in this state for another half a month, it is uncertain whether we would have awoken from hunger or perished within the dream. The entire ruin is locked in a loop capable of reverting to its original state at any moment. The trigger point is most likely tied to Lumian Lees self-awareness and the restrictions he imposes. The former refers to the inevitable restart if Lumian Lees subconscious anticipates it, while the latter stems from his desire to prevent anyone from disrupting Cordus current state and the development of the dream. Any relevant event would immediately trigger a restart. We inquired with villagers from surrounding areas, but they reported no abnormalities concerning Cordu. Through their responses and previously gathered information, we confirmed three points: First, there was never a legend of a deceased Warlock in Cordu (this refers to a story told by Lumian Lee in the dreamscape: Once, a Warlock lived in Cordu. After his death, an owl perched on his bed head for a time before flying away. The Warlocks corpse grew heavy, requiring nine bulls to transport it); Second, no elves suspected of being in the form of lizards have appeared in the Darige area. Third, Lent is traditional folklore and had no issues originally. Dreamscape: The dreamscape originated from Lumian Lee and is so realistic that we couldnt discern that we were dreaming. We consulted psychologists and dream experts and synthesized their opinions to form a hypothesis about this dream. It is an amalgamation of Lumian Lees personal experiences, all the novels he has read, and his assumptions and conjectures based on previous events. The dream exhibits obvious coincidences and characteristics of wish fulfillment at certain critical junctures. Within this dreamscape, not all the situations we encountered were real, nor were they entirely fabricated. Disorganized facts, the minutiae of daily interactions, and the illusory scenes that left a profound impact on Lumian Lee were reassembled in a chaotic and symbolic manner, presenting themselves to us. This is both a characteristic of the dreamscape and a manifestation of Lumian Lees subconscious avoidance or fear of certain issues. Moving forward, we will provide a detailed account of every aspect of our experience: We ought to have realized that we were in a dream earlier on. The most evident clue was that we did not recall needing to change our clothes until Lumian Lee reminded us that our garments were severely damaged. Though this is quite unusual, humans tend not to think critically within dreams. It has been confirmed that we did not send telegrams. The corresponding responses may have originated from Lumian Lees subconscious and the knowledge he possesses. By combining the events in the dream with the situation in reality, we have arrived at the following conjectures: Our consciousness and knowledge, to some extent, enriched the dream, and we may have inadvertently exposed some of our secrets to Lumian Lee. There are at least two distinct evil god faiths in Cordu. One represents a power akin to Earth Mothers, embodied by Administrator Bosts wife, Madame Pualis. The other is the one followed by Guillaume Bnet, the former padre, and the majority of the villagers. The latter faith ultimately led to Cordus destruction. During the Lent celebration, the Spring Elfs beheading and send-off symbolized driving the force representing Madame Pualis out of Cordu. There may have been a violent conflict between the two factions. Simultaneously, the decapitation of Ava Lizier, the personification of the Spring Elf, symbolized that this girl had discovered something amiss in reality. When she attempted to escape or inform others, she was clandestinely strangled to death by Guillaume Bnets group. Reimund Greg was thrown into the river. The appearance of his Spirit Body beneath the cathedral symbolizes that, like Ava, he was deemed a snitch and subsequently drowned. Jean Maury discovered that his wife, Sybil, had an affair with the former padre. In a fit of rage, he became mute. This symbolized that as a devout follower of the Eternal Blazing Sun, his tongue was cut off when he tried to inform others about the villages abnormalities. His subsequent disappearance implied that he had been murdered. Narokas death shares the same potent symbolism as Ava, Reimund, and Jean. First, she must have covertly followed Madame Pualis, intending to allow her deceased husbands spirit to return home through the aid of the soul messenger. Thus, her post-death behavior was to enter Paramita. Second, it is highly likely that she was killed by her youngest son, Arnault Andr, likely because she had discovered the issue with Guillaume Bnets group and wanted to inform Madame Pualis. Based on our search of the ruins, the Lent celebration, and Madame Pualiss claim that she could depart at a specific moment, it is implied that she, her husband Bost, butler Louis Lund, and ladys maid Cathy left Cordu before the ritual on the twelfth night. They remain alive, and their whereabouts are unknown. This is reflected in the dream by the ladys refusal to assist at critical moments. However, considering the circumstances in the peculiar area teeming with vitality, we suspect that Madame Pualis left something behind before her departure and indirectly participated in the ritual on the twelfth night. The black-robed man in the Warlocks tomb likely symbolizes Lumian Lees mutated persona due to his corruption. However, for some reason, Lumian Lee did not appear to be deeply corrupted, enabling him to easily triumph during the skirmish, given his increased courage The bizarre lizard-like creature found in the mouths of Aurore Lee, Michel Garrigue, and others might symbolize their corruption and mutation, eventually transforming them into an alternate version of themselves. Questions: 1. How is Lumian Lee aware of the abilities of Guillaume Bnet, Pierre Berry, and others? If he had secretly observed them in reality, it would be understandable if he remained undetected once or twice. There must be an inherent reason why he could obtain so much information without facing consequences. 2. Why did the villagers and Aurore Lee behave indistinguishably from real people, making it challenging for us to recognize that we were in a dream until Lumian Lee believed that something abnormal should have occurred to them? 3. What does Paramita symbolize? 4. What do Madame Pualiss numerous children in the castle and the crib with an invisible object represent? 5. Why did Lumian Lee use lizard-like elves to portray the villagers corruption? 6. What do Lumian Lee and Aurore Lees attempts to escape Cordu and enter Paramita signify? 7. Why did the ritual on the twelfth night fail? 8. How can Lumian Lee enable us to enter his dream? He evidently lacks the ability to do so. 9. Why did he suddenly acquire normal Beyonder powers? 10. How did he survive and cause the ruins of Cordu to enter a loop? 11. Aurore Lees abnormalities occurred at entirely different times during the two cycles. What does this indicate? 12. What does the legend of the deceased Warlock symbolize? 13. What does the Warlocks corpse in the coffin in the underground tomb represent? 14. What does the owl symbolize? 15. What does the change in the horoscope signify? 16. What is the origin of the matter? Conclusions and Recommendations: This is a quintessential disaster resulting from the worship of an evil god. Currently, six known survivors exist: Lumian Lee, former padre Guillaume Bnet, Pualis de Roquefort, Bost, Louis Lund, and Cathy. The latter five are adherents of evil gods. We must locate and eliminate them as soon as possible. Directly killing Lumian Lee is not advised. Until his issues are understood and resolved, his death might trigger an even more severe anomaly. The optimal solution is to capture and securely contain him. Reporters: Ryan Vitia of Machinery Hivemind; Major Leah Bellot of Bureau 8; and Purifier Valentine de Lacourt of the Inquisition. Chapter 109 - 109 Minute Hope 109 Minute Hope Days earlier, beneath the crimson peak, adjacent to the warped city wall. Lumian knelt on the ground, gazing up at the enigmatic woman as she approached. Her words echoed in his ears, only to gradually grow muffled. Lumians hands pressed against the ground, clenching the soil as if attempting to crush it into liquid. As the mysterious woman halted about a meter away, he scrambled to his feet, anxiety gripping his voice, Didnt you say theres still hope? Didnt you claim Aurore and the others could be saved if I broke out of the loop myself? His voice grew hoarser with each word. The enigmatic woman remained silent, her eyes filled with pity as she gazed at him. Lumian hesitated before asking, hope lacing his words, Theres still hope, right? Thats not just a fleeting dream. During my discussion with Aurore, she spoke of things I had never heard oflike how the description of an honorific name can hint at two separate entities! His eyes locked onto the woman, fear and hope battling as he scrutinized her every move. At last, she nodded. There is indeed hope. Lumians eyes brightened, waiting for her to elaborate. In a gentle voice, the woman explained, In truth, Aurore has already died, but mystically, shes not entirely gone. Do you recall the soft, faint sounds you hear from within your body each time you perform the Summoning Dance? Do you remember the light fragments from Aurore and the others that flew into your chest on the twelfth night ritual? Are those their Spirit Bodies, their voices? Lumian interrupted, eagerness filling his voice. The woman responded, a mix of calm and pity, They can only be considered soul fragments. At the end of the twelfth night, you became a conduit for the hidden entity to unleash its horrifying power. The surrounding believers, including the soul fragments of the sacrifice, were absorbed by you. Guillaume Bnet, who led the ritual, was the sole exception. Later, those soul fragments and the potent corruptive power were sealed in the left side of your chest by my lord. Thats why, as you became increasingly awake in your dreams and sensed the date and loop more clearly, Aurore and the other villagers seem more and more lifelike. They even displayed a degree of self-awareness and cognition. To truly awaken from the dream and restrain the looping power consuming the ruins, you had to rely on yourself. You had to find the courage to confront the pain, face the truth, and chase after the elusive hope. If I were to resolve it, theres only one option: to completely annihilate you and the ruins of Cordu. Otherwise, the corruption within you will seep out uncontrollably, and Aurore and the others will truly perish in the realm of mysticism. As the mysterious woman mentioned the twelfth-night ritual, Lumian couldnt help but remember. A sharp pain stabbed his head, and only a few images surfaced. Aurore, with vacant eyes, shoved him away from the altar. Beams of light burst from Aurore and the villagers, spiraling into the vortex on his chest. Guillaume Bnet, the padre, revealed a shocked expression as he fled the altar. Beyond that, Lumian couldnt recall anything else. Only the events within the dream were clear, as if some force prevented him from remembering the rest. His face contorted, his body trembling. I-I cant remember much The woman nodded. Thats normal. Firstly, its a subconscious self-protection to prevent an overload of painful memories and intense scenes from causing you to collapse and lose control. Secondly, there are things you havent witnessed and dont know the truth about. I dont know either. Yes, Ill need you to do something in Trier eventually. There are one, no, two exceptional psychologists I know there. I can arrange an appointment for you and see whos available to treat you. They can help you remember more and reconstruct the events in Cordu as much as possible. Lumians emotions roiled as he listened, but all he could muster was a soft, Thank you Fists clenched, he asked anxiously, Then what can I do to bring Aurore and the others back? The woman sighed, admitting, I dont know either. Seeing Lumians eyes darken, she added, But you have to believe that true miracles exist in this world. And the great existence I mentioned earlier is synonymous with Miracle. Despair and hope swelled in Lumians heart. Though he knew the mysterious woman before him was likely offering comfort and hope, he couldnt help but say, You said that once I unlocked the secret of the dream, youd tell me the honorific name of that great existence. Her expression grew solemn, her tone serious. Ill tell you now. Remember it well. His honorific name is: The Fool that doesnt belong to this era, the mysterious ruler above the gray fog; the King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck. As she spoke, Lumian felt his consciousness slipping, as if he could see a thin gray fog and a looming castle above it. A gaze weighed upon him. Simultaneously, the entire village of Cordu shuddered as the thin fog engulfing the area receded rapidly. By the time Lumian regained clarity, sunlight had already filtered through the sky, casting golden specks upon the crimson mountain peak and desolate earth. Lumian recalled the three lines of the honorific name and his conversation with Aurore in his dream. He winced, a bitter smile forming as he said, I thought thered be a description of the past, present, and future. The enigmatic woman in the orange dress tersely acknowledged his remark. There should be another one in the future, but if I use a description other than the three lines to pray to Him now, I cant guarantee the response will be from Him. You should know that such a situation is very dangerous. Silent for a few seconds, Lumian then asked, a glint of hope in his eyes, If I work diligently for you, can I eventually summon that great being to resurrect Aurore? Thats one way, the woman said softly. You can also explore other methods. I wont stop you. Im merely reminding you that many resurrection techniques have grave flaws. Lumian nodded, signaling his understanding. He didnt dare to inquire, yet couldnt help but ask, Is there a significant chance of resurrection? The enigmatic woman glanced at him and sighed. Its very, very slim, but I know youll still pursue it. Lumian pressed his lips together, remaining silent. It wasnt that he didnt want to assure her hed do everything in his power to find a way to bring Aurore back, but he feared that speaking would reveal the sorrow surging within his heart. After a few seconds, he asked in a raspy voice, What do you need me to do in Trier? Join a covert organization and help me gather some intel, the woman replied simply. Ill tell you how to contact them once youre in Trier. She added, Besides uncovering the truth from your memories, you can also look into the survivors of this catastrophe. Survivors? Lumians eyes narrowed. The woman nodded. Besides you, there are five others: Madame Pualis, Bost, Louis Lund, Cathy, who left Cordu before the twelfth night, and Guillaume Bnet, who was protected by the ritual as its host. They escaped before this place was completely destroyed. The padre is still alive? Lumians lips curled up. The enigmatic lady locked eyes with him and said, If my divination is accurate, they should be hiding somewhere in Trier. Very good. Lumian smiled, wiping the corners of his eyes. The woman then looked at Ryan, Leah, and Valentine, who slept near the rooms edge on the thorny city wall, and asked Lumian, What do you plan to do with them? If they leave alive, youll undoubtedly be hunted by Bureau 8, Machinery Hivemind, and the Inquisition. From now on, you can only hide. Youll never live openly under the sun. Youll be forever accompanied by darkness, filth, and danger. Lumian glanced at Ryan and the others, chuckling hoarsely. Will killing them bring Aurore back? The woman shook her head. No. Lumian scoffed, bowing his head with his eyes closed. Soon, he looked up and asked, Whats the name of the organization Im about to join? How should I contact you once Im in Trier? The woman sighed faintly. Ill tell you when the time comes. Ill give you my messengers summoning method and the corresponding medium later. Contact me through that. Lumian fell quiet for a moment before posing another question. Did I possess the power to trap Cordu in a loop? Strictly speaking, you didnt. At least not before receiving the Circle Inhabitant boon, the woman explained casually. This place is corrupted by that hidden being everywhere, and the power level sealed in your left chest is quite high. Therefore, when your emotions fluctuate and youre in a subconscious state, you can mobilize the corresponding specialness to reset this place. She paused, adding, However, youve always been physically in a loop. The corruption sealed within your body allows you to reset your form at 6 a.m. every day and return to 6 a.m. on the twelfth night. Only changes brought about by Beyonder characteristics and boons are retained. Is this the real reason why I recover every time I wake up from injuries in the ruins? No wonder I didnt starve to death Lumian immediately understood. He glanced at his body, a self-deprecating smile forming. Itll always be that day That nightmarish day. Without waiting for the womans response, he looked up and asked, How should I address you? She smiled, beginning to reply, You can call me Before she could finish, cards suddenly danced in the air. Each card bore a unique pattern, fluttering towards Lumian. Instinctively, Lumian extended his right hand, attempting to catch some of the cards. At that moment, most of the cards vanished, leaving just one. The card gently settled in Lumians palm, face-up. It depicted a figure extending their scepter into the sky and pointing at the ground with their left hand. Tarot cardMagician! Lumian glanced up in shock, realizing the enigmatic woman had disappeared. Should I call her Madam Magician? Lumian subconsciously flipped the tarot card in his hand, revealing rows of minute Intis script: The spirit that wanders about the unfounded, an upper world creature that is friendly to humans, a messenger that belongs solely to Magician. Lumian studied the words for a moment before tucking the tarot card away. He glanced at Ryan and the others, then turned around and staggered away from the area. As he walked, Lumian couldnt help but look back at the blood-stained mountain peak and the twisted, thorny city wall. The Cordu in his memory had already morphed into this. It bore no resemblance to what it once was, but Lumian still tried his best to observe and search, hoping to overlap the scene in his mind with reality. He wanted to take another look at the giant atop the mountain, but he knew that it would cause him grave harm. Unwittingly, Lumian slowly circled the blood-stained mountain peak and thorny city wall, his gaze constantly scanning the distorted and chaotic objects. He knew what he was looking for, and he knew he would never find it. Just like that, Lumian arrived at the spot where the wooden wall had blocked him. Most of the area had collapsed, revealing the garden behind it. The garden was lush and vibrant, a stark contrast to the blood-stained peak, the warped city wall, and the ruins on the other side. In the center was a brown wooden crib, reminiscent of the one Lumian had seen in Madame Pualiss castle. He subconsciously leaned over and realized that there was a small human-shaped indentation on the slightly aged white cotton swaddling cloth in the crib. It was as if a baby had once lain here, but its whereabouts were now unknown. What does this mean? Just as this thought crossed Lumians mind, he felt the sunlight shining down from the sky grow much brighter. He instinctively looked up and saw golden flames completely engulfing the mountaintop. The three-headed, six-armed giant loomed in the inferno, seemingly melting. Lumian stared blankly for a few seconds before suddenly raising his hands to shield his face. The sunlight was too intense. In the semi-subterranean two-story building at the edge of the ruins. Lumian trudged to his sisters bedroom with the 237 verl dor and 46 coppet he had collected. He grabbed a brown suitcase filled with clothes and memorabilia and pushed open the door. He was here to say goodbye. As soon as he stepped in and saw the desk with the manuscripts, his head throbbed as an image surfaced. Aurores eyes darted around, no longer vacant. She looked at Lumian, who had been pushed away, and said with difficulty, My notebook Grande Soeurs witchcraft notebook? Is there important information in it? Lumian pressed his forehead, walked to the desk, and opened the drawer below. Familiar dark notebooks greeted his eyes. He suddenly remembered that Aurore had taught him a great deal of mysticism knowledge before Cordu was destroyed. In Darige, at the steam locomotive station. The ticket agent eyed Lumian and asked, Where are your identification documents? I forgot, replied Lumian, clad in a linen shirt, a dark jacket, and a round-rimmed black hat, as he held a brown suitcase. He then turned and walked away from the window. A short man in a half-top hat and black suit approached Lumian, whispering, Do you want to take the courier carriage? Its headed for Bigorre. Does it require identification? Lumian inquired. The short man chuckled, responding, No need. Our business is about to be crushed by the steam locomotive. Why would we need identification documents? So, are you taking it or not? This is the last remnant of romance from the classical era! Lumian gave a slight nod and asked, How much? The short mans enthusiasm flared. 20 verl dor to Bigorre, takes about a day. There are five stops in between. Each stop allows for a rest, changing carriage drivers and horses. Two of the stops also provide free food. Without further questions, Lumian followed the short man to a deserted street nearby. A large carriage drawn by four horses was parked at the roadside. Upon boarding, Lumian discovered the interior was rather spacious. Like the public carriage, it had two rows separated by an aisle, as well as space for larger luggage. He found a seat by the window, placed his suitcase down, and pulled out a book with a dark red cover. As the horses neighed outside, Lumian flipped through the book, illuminated by sunlight streaming through the window. Beside him sat a man in his thirties with a well-groomed mustache, brown hair, blue eyes, and smart attire. He glanced at the book in Lumians hand, asking with interest, Eternal Love? Aurore Lees book? The one featuring the female lead named Kingsley and the male lead named Ciel? Yes. Lumian nodded. The mustached man became chatty. This book is Aurore Lees earliest work. The writing was quite amateurish, particularly the dialogue between characters. It doesnt sound like something people would say in real life at all. Its so emotional, its uncomfortable. Indeed. Lumian nodded again. He bowed his head and flipped to the last few pages of the book, his gaze resting on the relevant passage. On her deathbed, Kingsley clutched Ciels outstretched hand and gazed at his anguished expression. She forced a smile and said with difficulty, Stupid, live well.'' (End of Part 1Nightmare) Chapter 110 - 110 Foreigner 110 Foreigner For you are dust, and to dust you shall returnFrom the Bible, Genesis 3:19 The imposing grayish-white city wall, rising to a height of three meters, loomed before Lumian, stretching as far as the eye could see. A multitude of private carriages, four-seaters, open tops, tandems, and cargo carriers queued, awaiting entry through the city gate. Blue-uniformed tax collectors and white-shirted, black-vested police officers inspected each carriage methodically. Occasionally, they would demand identification or order pedestrians to open their suitcases. Lumian, clutching his brown suitcase, scanned the scene, casting furtive glances as he sought a way to bypass the checkpoint. Before long, a man who had observed his behavior approached. Whats the matter, friend? You look a bit uneasy. The man was somewhat shorter than Lumian but twice as broad. His cheeks were plump, causing his blue eyes to appear minuscule. As he neared, Lumian caught a whiff of sweat mingled with cheap cologne, prompting him to wrinkle his nose in distaste. Lumian gestured toward the gates, puzzled, and inquired, Whats all this for? Are they searching for criminals? Why screen those entering Trier and not the ones leaving? The disheveled, blond-haired man in a billowy blue shirt appraised Lumian. My friend, are you from some small city or village? Upon seeing Lumian nod, the man sighed and explained, Theyre collecting taxes! Tariffs! Tariffs for entering Trier? Lumian asked. The man nodded. Exactly. This city wall encircles Trier. There are 54 gates, each manned by tax collectors and police. They also apprehend wanted criminals. Are all goods taxed? Lumian inquired, curiosity piqued. The man touched his blue canvas shirt and replied, Almost everything; only grains and flour are exempt. Once upon a time they were, but after the war a few years back, the price of bread in Trier skyrocketed, inciting riots and protests. Eventually, the government abolished tariffs on all food. Ah, if only drinkers were as bold! Liquor, wine, and champagne are taxed the most. Many people venture to the suburbs on weekends to drink tax-free alcohol at small taverns. They call it town-hopping.'' Interesting Lumian nodded thoughtfully. The man glanced around and lowered his voice. If you want to avoid the tariffs, I can help you into the city. All you have to do is pay me a small fee. You mean bribe them? Lumian gestured with his chin at the tax collector and police near the city gate. The man snorted. Their greed is greater than an elephants appetite. Ill show you a path into the city without checkpoints. But isnt Trier completely surrounded by walls? Lumian didnt conceal his bafflement. The man grinned. Youll see soon enough. Then he teased, Noble sir, do you require my assistance? Lumian considered for a moment before asking, How much will it cost? Three verl dor, the man replied with a congenial smile. If you agree, we can depart immediately. You can pay once were inside the city. Deal. Lumian adjusted his dark wide-brimmed hat, picked up his brown suitcase, and followed the rotund man away from the city gate. Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at a hill blanketed in vegetation and soil, with grayish-white stones peeking through. Scaffolding, decaying pillowwood, and numerous pits were scattered about. It appeared to be an abandoned mine. The rotund man guided Lumian through heaps of jumbled rocks to the entrance of a mine. Is this the shortcut? Lumian asked cautiously. The portly man in the blue shirt chuckled. You really dont know much about Trier. Ever heard the saying that Underground Trier is even larger than the Trier above ground?! No. Lumian shook his head. The man elucidated, Trier used to be much smaller. It was surrounded by quarries that supplied stone for building the city. As the population swelled, the city had to expand outward, enveloping these quarries. As a result, the ground became riddled with holes and mine tunnels. Add to that the portion of Trier that sank underground in the Fourth Epoch, plus the sewers, subways, and gas pipes installed by the governmentarent these more extensive than whats on the surface? Lumians eyes widened in understanding. Are you taking me into the city through Underground Trier? Yes. The man turned, stooped, and entered the mine. He casually inquired, What should I call you? Ciel. Lumian brushed back the golden hair at his temples. And you? Just call me Ramayes. The burly man rummaged through a pile of stones in the mines corner and unearthed an iron-black lantern. Clearly made of metal, the rusted lantern was cylindrical, with the upper section slightly narrower than the lower. A black rubber lining encircled its base. At the junction of the narrow and wide cylinders, a polished trumpet-shaped metal piece was embedded, though a few rust spots remained. Ramayes produced a matchbox, fiddled with it briefly, and an orange flame tinged with blue erupted from the metal trumpet, illuminating the mines depths. Whats this? Lumian asked, puzzled. Holding the iron-black lamp, Ramayes ventured underground, chattering. Carbide lamp. Invented by the Cave Association. Many miners use it. I dont know why it glows, but I just need to put some rocks and water in, attach them top and bottom, and when needed, press here and ignite the mouth with flames. Carbide and water react to form acetylene, which burns and emits light? Lumian recalled the chemistry hed studied a few months prior. He remained silent for a time as he followed Ramayes underground along a disused mine tunnel. Then he inquired, The Cave Association? Trier Cave Association. Formed by a group of spelunking enthusiasts. Nowadays, they seem to be involved with the mines. Ramayes turned to Lumian, walking beside him, and asked with a grin, Why didnt you just take the steam locomotive into Trier? The train station checkpoints arent that strict. They just do spot checks. Lumian reminisced and replied, I wanted to experience the last vestiges of romance from the classical era. A courier carriage? Ramayes chortled. Thats far pricier than a steam locomotive. Your accent gives you away as from the Reem or Riston region. The journey from the south to Trier runs about 120 verl dor, doesnt it? And it takes four and a half days! On a steam locomotive, youd pay less than 50 verl dor for a third-class seat and arrive in under 20 hours. So, the last bit of romance from the classical era, you say? Sounds more like a con job for folks like you. You mustve shelled out a pretty penny, huh? Lumian responded candidly, A fair amount. Ive only got 267 verl dor left. Ramayes glanced at him once more and averted his eyes. What a waste Clutching the carbide lamp, he traversed an archway and veered into another passage bathed in the orange-yellow glow cast by the lamps flame. Lumian glanced up and noticed rocks nestled in the darkness overhead, adorned with moss that wept droplets of water. The path underfoot was pockmarked with holes, and stone pillars flanked both sides, supporting the caves ceiling. Stones and various objects were heaped between the pillars, creating a street wide enough for six or seven people to walk abreast. Under the carbide lamps illumination, a steel nameplate affixed to a stone pillar came into view. Inscribed on it in Intis: Rue Droite. Theres a street name down here? Lumian queried, puzzled. Gripping the carbide lamp, Ramayes chuckled and replied, Didnt I tell you? This is Underground Trier. In fact, it was constructed decades ago during city renovations. The brass deemed the underground too chaotic, a veritable labyrinth. Rioters, murderers, smugglers, and cultists all found refuge here, and something had to be done. Additionally, numerous houses had crumbled and sunk due to the underground quarries. Reinforcement was necessary. So, City Hall spent nearly a decade repairing pillars, constructing foundations, and connecting the previously isolated quarries, subterranean ruins, catacombs, and sewers. To prevent workers from getting lost, the underground streets were named to correspond with those above during the renovations. Roads, squares, and alleys were recreated down here, and nameplates were hung, marking the streets. If future repairs were needed, the names could just be referenced. In other words, Lumian gestured overhead with his free hand. The real Rue Droite is just above us? Yes. Ramayes pressed on. This is Underground Trier. Theres an anti-smuggling wall up ahead. Quarry police often patrol the area, but dont fret. Ill guide you through a small tunnel. Heh, the brass, with their phony collars and lies, believe they can manage Underground Trier like they do above ground, but theyre only aware of half the entrances and modified routes As he spoke, he led Lumian to a dead end and located a narrow crevice to crawl through. Lumian trailed closely. Two or three minutes later, they emerged from the small tunnel. Before them stood a wall composed of stone pillars and a street wedged between. Just then, a burly figure appeared beside the stone pillar, holding a carbide lamp, and addressed Ramayes, Is this our customer? Ramayes spun around and grinned at Lumian. Foreigner, Ive changed my mind. The price is 265 verl dor. Wasnt I generous to leave you enough for bread and a hotel tonight? What if I refuse? Lumians face displayed a mix of fear and defiance. Ramayess chubby face quivered with laughter. What do you think will happen? Didnt your mother warn you not to trust strangers too easily when youre away from home? He and the burly man closed in on Lumian from opposite directions. Lumian smiled, set down the suitcase, and advanced towards Ramayes and his accomplice. In the flickering firelight, over ten seconds swiftly ticked by, and the carbide lamp ended up in Lumians possession. Lumian crouched beside the trembling Ramayes, his face battered and swollen, and pulled all the banknotes from his wallet. In the dim orange and blue light, he counted them with grave intent. Gently patting Ramayess right cheek with the wad of cash, Lumian grinned. Now theres only 319 verl dor left. With that, he pocketed the banknotes and strolled toward a path that appeared to lead up to the surface. A nameplate dangled from a stone pillar, inscribed with two lines of Intisian script: Rue du Pot de Chambre, Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. Someone had scratched out Rue du Pot de Chambre with a stone and scrawled a new name beside it: Rue Anarchie. Chapter 111 - 111 Messenger 111 Messenger Clutching the carbide lamp, Lumian climbed the stone steps. Soon, light appeared ahead, accompanied by a cacophony of noise. Emerging from the silent underground, it felt as if the entire world had sprung to life. Lumian quickened his pace, twisting the valve on the carbide lamp with his right hand, stopping the water droplets from dripping into the carbide pile below. As the acetylene gas burned out, the flames in the metal mouth gradually faded. Just then, he caught a glimpse of the scene outside. Tall and low buildings appeared to have solidified at the moment of collapse, either tilted or on the verge of tumbling down, but standing stubbornly. Pedestrians wore old or tattered clothing, and arguments and curses filled the air, the noise never subsiding. At the underground exit, Lumian spotted a five-story building called the Auberge du Coq Dor. The top two floors of the brownish building seemed like later additions, contrasting with the Roselle-era pillar walls, arches, large windows, and patterns on the lower floors. It looked so simplistic it couldve been transplanted from Cordu. Lugging his suitcase and carbide lamp, Lumian navigated through children scavenging for orange peels and quarreling adults until he reached the entrance of the Auberge du Coq Dor. He glanced at the hotel floor, littered with yellow phlegm, shredded paper, spilled ketchup, and alcohol stains. Occasionally, a horde of bedbugs would congregate on the ceiling and walls. Had his hands been free, Lumian would have applauded the scene. Cordus Ol Tavern was much cleaner than this! He found a route devoid of filth and headed to the front desk at a moderate pace. A plump, middle-aged woman sat there, her grayish-white dress stained with oil and her brown hair tied in a simple bun. She looked up at Lumian with her blue eyes, unfazed by the disdain and resistance on his face. This is the best and cheapest inn on Rue Anarchie, in the market area. But the owners a miser who cant bear to hire cleaning ladies. He only gets freelancers to clean it once a week. Does he skimp on your salary too? Lumian asked, feigning naivete. This set the woman off. Do you want a room or not? Yes. Lumian quickly clarified his intent, looking frightened. Id like to know the price. The woman calmed down. It depends on the room. The top two floors are 3 verl dor a week, and the bottom two are 5 verl dor. If thats too much, you can knock on doors and ask whos willing to share their bed or rent out floor space for 1 to 1.5 verl dor a week. Give me a room on the lower two floors. Lumian reasoned itd be easier to escape, whether by jumping from a window or taking the stairs. The plump woman sized him up. Pay 15 verl dor upfront for the whole month, and its yours. Why the discount? Lumian feigned the ignorance of a country bumpkin new to the city. The woman sneered. Many people have no choice but to move or leave Trier after a week or two. This place is both heaven and hell. Lumian pulled out three light-blue 5 verl dor notes and handed them over. The currency was all in 5-verl dor denominations, featuring the bust of Intis Republics first president, Levanx, along with laboring farmers and herders on the front, and the Hornacis mountain range on the back. Upon receiving the full months rent, the plump womans expression visibly relaxed. She produced two brass keys strung together and tossed them to Lumian. Room 207 on the second floor. Theres a small diner downstairs and a tavern in the basement. Youll find sulfur in the rooms table drawer to help chase away those damn bugs. My names Fels. If you need anything, just come to me. Thank you, Madame Fels. Lumian took the keys, grabbed his suitcase and carbide lamp, and headed upstairs to the second floor. As he ascended, he noticed newspapers and cheap pink paper plastered on the walls, though some had already peeled away, exposing the cracks they were meant to hide and an abundance of bedbugs. The second floor contained eight rooms and two washrooms. Each room was cramped, with a bed to the right. A table nestled between the beds edge and the wall sat beneath the window, a rickety chair positioned in front of it. There was no other furniture, but rows of bedbugs crawled across the ceiling. Having grown accustomed to Aurores cleanliness, Lumian set down his suitcase and carbide lamp, opened the drawer, and took out some sulfur. He lit it with a match, and as the pungent smell filled the room, the bedbugs fled. Within seconds, Lumian detected the sulfuric scent from the room next door. Almost simultaneously, some of the bedbugs returned, seeking refuge. He quickly understood the situation: he had smoked the bedbugs into the adjacent room, and the tenant had used sulfur to chase them back. Amused, Lumian bent down, opened his suitcase, and took out pen and paper. Amidst the potent sulfur smell, he sat at the wooden table and began writing. Honorable Madam Magician, Ive arrived in Trier as agreed. Please advise on my next steps, which organization to join, and how to contact them Are the two psychologists available soon? When can I receive treatment? Do you have any new leads on Guillaume Bnet and Madame Pualis After penning the letter, Lumian retrieved an orange candle from his sisters room. Lighting it with his spirituality, the scent of citrus and lavender enveloped the air. Instinctively, he closed his eyes, his expression calming. After standing quietly for a minute or two, Lumian used the ritual silver dagger to sanctify the candle and create a wall of spirituality. He then dripped essential oil on the flame. With the preparations complete, he placed the Magician card on the altar, a medium for summoning a messenger to pinpoint the incantation. Lumian stepped back, observing the misty orange fire, and muttered in ancient Hermes, I! An invisible wind swirled within the spiritual wall, dimming the room. Switching to Hermes, he continued, I summon in my name: The spirit that wanders about the unfounded, an upper world creature that is friendly to humans, a messenger that belongs solely to Magician. As the wind howled, the candle flame turned deep blue, casting a sinister, cold atmosphere. Lumian focused on the candle, awaiting Madam Magicians messenger. After a few seconds of silence, the letter on the altar floated into the air. Surprised, Lumian glanced up to find a doll the size of a mans forearm perched atop the carved window. With long blond hair, light-blue eyes, pale-white skin, and an exquisite pale-gold dress, the doll bore strikingly realistic yet bizarre features. In the next second, the letter landed in the dolls smooth, shiny hand that lacked any skin-like texture. Are you Madam Magicians messenger? Lumian asked. The doll slowly lowered its head, Lumians figure reflecting in its unfocused, light-blue eyes. Its voice, ethereal and angry, replied, Choose a cleaner environment next time! With that, the doll vanished along with the letter. Lumian was stunned for a moment before murmuring, Didnt Aurore say the altar just needed to be clean and tidy? As he glanced around, he noticed numerous bedbug corpses on the floor. The room was now insect-free. This is better than sulfur Lumian stroked his chin and ended the summoning ritual. Lumian habitually cleaned the room before squatting beside his suitcase to retrieve his toiletries. Aurores dark-colored witchcraft notebooks lay undisturbed at the bottom. During his journey to Trier, Lumian had already skimmed through them without finding anything suspicious. Aurore wasnt one for recording her personal thoughts or daily minutiae; her witchcraft notebook was purely dedicated to mystical knowledge, filled with incantations, symbols, and principles for selecting ingredients. Likely due to Aurores penchant for keeping detailed accounts, most spells included information about when and where they were obtained, their cost, or the items exchanged for them. Lumian realized the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society likely had numerous interest groups. Aurore frequently attended Academy gatherings, where many spells were traded among members. She also participated in exchanges with other groups, occasionally acquiring mystical knowledge and spells from events like April Fools Day. Finding nothing amiss in the notebooks, Lumian resolved to continue his investigation after consulting the psychologists and locating Padre and Madame Pualis. He knew his sister wouldnt have mentioned the notebook without reason at that critical juncture. There must have been an important message she wished to convey. Gazing at the dark-covered notebooks, Lumian determined to study his sisters recorded knowledge in reverse order, starting that night. Although using spells in combat was nearly impossible for a Hunter, understanding them could help him identify any issues with the corresponding mystical knowledge or detect abnormalities. With his belongings packed, Lumians stomach growled in hunger. He stood up and glanced at the window. The dimming light of dusk allowed him to vaguely see his reflection in the glass. His hair, now dyed blond and grown out, barely disguised his features. Dressed in a white shirt, black vest, and dark suit, his cold, indifferent expression made him appear years older. Even Guillaume Bnet would find him only vaguely familiar. Lumian patted his face, coaxing a smile, before opening the door and stepping out. Chapter 112 - 112 Charlie 112 Charlie In the dimly-lit cellar of the Auberge du Coq Dor, a cozy bar had just enough space for 20 to 30 patrons. The moment Lumian stepped in, he saw a man leap onto a small round table, beer in hand, and address the handful of customers around him, Ladies and gentlemen, lend me your ears! I experienced something unbelievable two days ago! By the scant light from the steam lamps on the wall, Lumian discerned that the man was quite young, around 22 or 23 years old. He had short, light-brown hair and a clean-shaven face, which was flushed, likely from the alcohol. Wearing a flaxen-colored shirt, black trousers, and leather slip-ons, the man stood just over 1.7 meters tall. However, his unusually short limbs made him appear closer to 1.6 meters. Waving his stubby arms and slurring his words, he continued, How incredible was it? Ill tell you, its changed my entire perspective on faith. As a believer in the God of Steam and Machinery, Im now ready to convert to the Eternal Blazing Sun! Listen up, isnt that astonishing? Can you imagine how famished I was after five days? Id lost my job and been fired by that good-for-nothing manager. I couldnt find work even after exhausting my savings. For five days, I starved, barely able to leave my bed. I was on the verge of death. Do you know how that feels? Oh, may God bless you and never let you find out. In that moment, I couldnt bear the thought of dying like this. I came to Trier to make my fortune, and I had to do something. Thats when I noticed the portrait of Saint Vive on the wall. Yes, with great effort, I managed to get up, kneel before Her, and pray for Her help. I was still a believer in the God of Steam and Machinery then, but what wouldnt a starving man do? Besides, it couldnt hurt, right? Five minutes after I finished praying, an old friend dropped by and saw my dire state. He didnt have much himself, but he reminded me that Id rented a kerosene lamp for use at night. The deposit was 35 coppetsa whole seven licks! God, Id completely forgotten. With my friends help, I returned the lamp and used the refund to buy bread and half a liter of cheap booze. The bread was cold and damp, like itd been doused in putty. The alcohol was a bit off and weak, but it was the most delicious meal Ive ever had. Ladies and gentlemen, I was reborn! I found a new job today, and tomorrow, during my break, Ill light a candle at the nearest Saint Vive Cathedral! Saint Vive was a female angel mentioned in the Eternal Blazing Sun Churchs Bible. She was one of the citys guardian angels in Trier. The other two were prominent figures from the God of Steam and Machinery Church and the annals of Intis. Lumian observed the young mans blue eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as he ambled towards the bar. The bartender, who was polishing a glass with a cloth, glanced at the orator on the round table and chuckled. Charlie never could keep quiet. Always talking. In his mid-thirties, the bartender sported a thin, dark brown beard circling his mouth, and his hair of the same color was tied back in an artistically casual ponytail. Lumian took a seat at the bar and asked with a grin, Is he telling the truth? Who knows? The bartender shrugged. You mustve heard the proverb: Its better to trust a snake than a Reemian. Charlie is from Reem. Reem and Riston Provinces both hailed from the south. Their accents were similar, but they were mountainous provinces more akin to Lenburg. Lumian mused aloud,I dont think thats the whole proverb. I feel like theres more to it. The bartenders azure eyes sparkled with amusement as he replied, Youre right. That proverb is longer than youd think. Trust a Loenese over a Reemian. Trust a snake over a Reemian, but never trust the Islanders. The islands referred to the Fog Sea archipelago west of Intis. This was one of the Republics overseas colonies. The Islanders often played the roles of thugs and con artists in Trier. Without waiting for Lumian to inquire further, the bartender cast a mocking glance at Charlie, still droning on, and whispered, If he really experienced that, he certainly doesnt know that the portrait of Saint Vive isnt in his room. Then whose is it? Lumian asked, amused. The bartender struggled to suppress his laughter. Charlie lives in Room 504. The previous tenant frequented the Quartier de la Princesse Rouges Rue de la Muraille. The image in the room was of one of Triers most famous prostitutes a few years back, Susanna Matisse. Just think. Charlie believes hes praying to an angel for help, but hes actually praying to a prostitute. He even feels lucky to have escaped hunger and landed a new job. How ironic! Indeed, Lumian concurred. It was a scene beyond his wildest imagination. Reality was sometimes stranger than fiction. He then added, As long as it works. The bartender didnt pursue the topic further and inquired, What can I get you? A glass of fennel absinthe. Lumian tapped the bar counter with his finger, signaling he was deep in thought. What kind of food do you have here? How about DuVar broth? Three licks for a ladle, the bartender suggested. Three licks equaled 15 coppets0.15 verl dor. Lumian appeared intrigued. Whats DuVar broth? The bartender casually explained, A restaurant owner, DuVar, invented it. He simmered meat, sauerkraut, and turnips together to create a hearty broth. Finally, he added cheese and bread crumbs. Just one serving can fill your stomach, and it tastes pretty good. As a result, DuVar is now wealthy and has relocated to Quartier de la Maison dOpra. Lumian was currently in Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, also known as the market district, situated on the south bank of the Srenzo River, home to numerous slums. Quartier de la Maison dOpra was on the north bank of the Srenzo River, near Avenue du Boulevard, one of the Republics core areas. Triers city walls encompassed a total of 20 quartiers. Sounds good. Lumian nodded with a smile. Ill have one. Though he could restore his physical state by 6 a.m. and not worry about hunger, eating was one of the few things that made him feel alive. The bartender nodded and asked, Little Mummy or Somersault? What? Lumian didnt hide his confusion. Unfazed, the bartender calmly explained, Thats common slang in Trier bars, cafs, and beer houses. Little Mummy means a small shot of fennel absinthe. Somersault is a double shot. Red Tomato has pomegranate juice added, and with mint, its called Parrot. There are plenty more like that. Friend, you still have much to learn in Trier. Little Mummy it is. Lumian sensed the bartenders subtle disdain for foreigners, but he didnt mind. Seven licks, the bartender announced as he flipped open a small goblet. This was pricier than the absinthe at Cordus Ol Tavern, but it was typical in places subject to city taxes. Soon, a glass of pale green absinthe, glowing hypnotically, appeared before Lumian. He picked it up and sipped. The faint, lingering bitterness of the refreshing taste spread and burrowed into his brain. As Lumian waited for the waitress to bring DuVars broth, he noticed glass jars, hoses, valves, gears, and other items piled beside the bar counter. Whats this? He glanced inquisitively at the bartender. As the bartender wiped a glass, he casually replied, Left by a previous tenant. Hes a believer in the God of Steam and Machinery. He always thinks he has a knack for mechanics and has accumulated many similar items. Where is he now? Lumian asked, playing along even though he knew the answer wouldnt be pleasant. The bartender paused for a couple of seconds before answering, He went to the factory, and word is he got distracted while working and was pulled into the machinery. Half of him was crushed. Lumian didnt pry further. He turned to examine the half-assembled parts and fell into deep thought. A few seconds later, he left the bar stool and squatted beside the counter, tinkering with the pile. The bartender glanced at him but didnt interfere. He only notified Lumian when DuVars broth arrived from the kitchen. After busying himself for a while, Lumian returned to the bar stool and sampled the hearty broth with a spoon. The rich aroma of meat, the taste of cheese, the tangy sauerkraut, and the sweetness of the turnip melded to create an unforgettable flavor. The bread crumbs soaked in juice were the crowning gem of the dish. Lumian didnt expect that a soup costing three licks would include several pieces of meat. It could genuinely fill an adults stomach. Once the plate was empty, Lumian pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his mouth. He squatted back beside the half-assembled parts and resumed his work. Ten minutes later, he placed a machine on the bar counter. Above the machine was a glass jar, and beneath it were intricate components connected to two rubber hoses. Lumian then asked for a glass of clear water and poured in the remaining fennel absinthe, tinting the colorless liquid a pale green. Finally, he inserted one of the rubber hoses into the cup. The fashionable bartender, his hair tied back in a ponytail, watched intently and asked, puzzled, Whats this? My invention, Lumian declared, tracing a triangular Sacred Emblem on his chest. Im also a believer in the God of Steam and Machinery, with a few impressive achievements in the mechanical field. He then extended his black-gloved left hand and gestured toward the machine. This is a groundbreaking machine. Its effects are beyond your wildest dreams! What can it do? Charlie, suspected of having prayed to a prostitute, approached the bar counter with a beer bottle and a curious expression. Lumian explained, both solemn and excited, Its called the Idiot Instrument. It tests a persons stupidity and intelligence. Really? Charlie and the bartender looked skeptical. Lumian detailed his idea, Its easy to use. Blow into the tube until the liquid in the cup rises into the glass jar and forms bubbles. By observing these bubbles, we can determine the corresponding stupidity or intelligence index. Intrigued, Charlie said after observing Lumian, Fascinating. Just as Id expect from a believer in the God of Steam and Machinery. He picked up the exposed rubber hose and blew into it. The light green liquid in the cup flowed through the interconnected gears, valves, and other components, rising into the glass jar above and forming a small bubble. What does it say? Charlie asked, eager for the result. Lumians mouth curved into a sly smile. My friend, the principles of this machine are quite simple. When you believe me enough to actually produce a bubble with it, thats when you prove youre a dumb idiot.'' Charlies expression froze, his eyes burning with anger. The bartender beside him laughed. Excellent prank! he exclaimed, genuinely impressed. Lumian grinned at Charlie, waiting for the explosion. After a few tense seconds, Charlie swallowed his anger and turned to the patrons who had been listening to his story. Ladies and gentlemen, behold what Ive discovered: a groundbreaking machine! It can test your intelligence index! Chapter 113 - 113 Tenants 113 Tenants Youre such an interesting person! A drunk Charlie slung his arm around Lumians shoulder as they stumbled out of the raucous bar. Inside, nearly 20 people sang, gambled, and yelled, releasing pent-up emotions. At moments like these, they didnt seem like paupers on meager wages but rather kings and queens. I thought youd play Billy B with them. Lumian draped his arm over Charlies back and grinned as they headed for the stairs leading upstairs. Billy B was a popular gambling game in Trier, one Lumian had just recently learned. Unlike Trieriens favorite Fighting Evil, Billy B only required a piece of paper. Depending on the number of players, the dealer drew a grid of squares, ranging from 9 to 64. Each square was assigned a number, allowing participants to place their bets. The dealer then determined a lucky number by drawing lots, tossing coins, or throwing dice. The winner took the entire pot. If no one won, the money went to the dealer. The patrons of the Auberge du Coq Dors underground bar were either locals or impoverished folks from nearby. Their wallets were thin, so they mainly wagered alcohol instead of cash. For instance, a game of Billy B might only reward the winner with a glass of booze bought by everyones pooled money. Charlie released a long burp. I havent gotten my salary for this week. Cant be too indulgent! He turned to Lumian, excitement in his voice, Did you know? Im now an apprentice attendant at H?tel du Cygne Blanc, the one on Rue Neuve in Quartier des Thermes. What does that mean? It means I get to wear a white shirt, red vest, and black suit. Ill tie an elegant bow and earn 65 verl dor a month! When I become a full attendant, I hear that during peak season, I can make 7 verl dor a day just in tips! When I strike it rich, Ill open my own motelno, a hotel. When the time comes, Ill hire you as an attendant foreman. That jerk just walks around in his tailcoat, nitpicking, and earns 150 verl dor a month! Apprentice attendants earn slightly more than manual laborers Lumian reeked of alcohol, but his eyes remained clear. He nodded almost imperceptibly. He recalled reading a newspaper in his study earlier in the year, boasting that Triers laborers earned about 700 verl dor annually. At the time, Lumian didnt have a clear concept of that figure. He didnt know if it was too much or too little. As a vagrant, hed only worried about how much food he could get each day and whether kind people might offer him a few licks. The income of Cordu villagers was mainly in goods, so he understood specific prices and the value of various banknotes, but he lacked a broader understanding. Of course, this was also because Aurores income was very high, so he hardly fretted about family finances. As far as Lumian knew, Aurores fame brought her a significant income through book sales and contracts. Last years royalties had neared 130,000 verl dor. However, Aurore spent as much as she earned. Spells, materials, and arcane knowledge accounted for most of her expenses. She might also be supporting struggling members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society or donating to government- or church-run charities. Yet what puzzled Lumian was the absence of a deposit slip at home when he left Cordu. He knew all too well that Aurore was a saver. Spending big was only possible because she had stashed away plenty of cash at Suchit Bank and other institutions. For a moment, Lumian suspected that Guillaume Bnets crew had snatched it while he and his sister were being used as sacrifices or vessels. As Lumian and Charlie made their way to the second floor, arms slung around each others shoulders, a mournful cry pierced the air. You bastard! Bang! A door slammed, muffling the wail and leaving only echoes in the hallway. A figure in a crisp black tailcoat approached the stairs from the far end of the hall. He was a young man, roughly Charlies age. His brownish-yellow hair was styled in a 30-70 parting, and his dark brown eyes were devoid of expression. His thin lips were pressed tightly together. Quite handsome, he held a black top hat in his hand, looking more like he belonged at a high-society soire than the Auberge du Coq Dor. Following the mans cries was a womans voice, heavy with pain and despair. As Charlie watched the man vanish down the stairs, his flushed face contorted. What a bastard! You know him? Lumian was still rather concerned about his neighbors. After all, he might be staying here for a while. The more he knew about his surroundings, the safer hed be. Charlie scoffed, Thats Laurent, Mrs. Lakazans son from Room 201. Mrs. Lakazan slaves away, mending socks and crafting all sorts for 16 hours a day just to support that bastard. He always dresses nicely and spends her money at fancy cafs, claiming hes mingling with high society to find opportunities to make it big! Heh, he thinks hes so talented Before Charlie could finish, another heated argument erupted between a man and a woman nearby. They hurled insults at each other. Third floors a couple who eloped. Theyre like this every day when theyre almost broke. Charlie clicked his tongue and grinned. My friend, youll have to get used to it. This is the market district, Rue Anarchie, the Auberge du Coq Dor. Weve got the seriously ill, the bankrupt, swindling peddlers, foreigners who never leave the inn and only drink downstairs, broke street girls, lunatics who wake up in a frenzy, jobless stonemasons, veterans, miserly old men, and wanted criminals They should all thank Monsieur Ive for being so lenient. As long as they dont default on rent, hes pretty forgiving. Monsieur Ive The innkeeper? The miser Madame Fels mentioned? Lumian inquired. Charlie grinned and replied, Thats him, a kind but stingy fellow. He even provides everyone with free sulfur! Burp, I havent seen Monsieur Ive in a few days. Im really worried hell try to save a few coppets by visiting some random woman on Rue Anarchie and catch some nasty disease instead of patronizing Rue de la Muraille or Quartier de la Princesse Rouge As he spoke, Charlie waved his hand. Ciel, burp. Im off to bed. Ive got to leave at six tomorrow morning and get to the hotel by seven. Burp, if you cant find a job, let me know. Ill introduce you to a handyman at our hotel. You can earn 50 verl dor a month. Stick around long enough, and you might make 75. Plus, theres free food. We even get a liter of wine every night! Alright. Lumian smiled as he watched Charlie climb the stairs. At the same time, he muttered to himself, Simple provocation isnt doing much for the potions digestion He had assembled the Idiot Instrument in the bar to rile everyone up. The result was successful, but it didnt further the potions digestion. During his journey from Darige to Trier, Lumian frequently provoked others. Sometimes he felt the potion digest, but most times, he gained nothing. If he couldnt find a better way to act, he suspected it would take at least a year to fully digest the Provoker potion. Heading back to Room 207, Lumian heard a bout of coughing from upstairs. He heard a woman berating her lover, calling him lazy and trash. Gunshots rang out, followed by the sound of a group chasing someone outside. This was life at the Auberge du Coq Dor and on Rue Anarchie. Charlie had said that even the police wouldnt dare walk here alone at night. They needed a partner to bolster their courage. Taking out the brass key, Lumian opened the door and stepped back into his room. The bedbugs seemed to have sensed something and stayed away. Lumian sniffed the sulfur and glanced up. A letter lay silently on the wooden table beside the window. He took a few steps forward and picked up the folded piece of paper. Madam Magicians reply? Lumian mused, unfolding the letter and reading it under the crimson moonlight streaming through the window. Im glad you arrived in Trier without issue. This shows youve mastered the basic technique of evading capture and regained your experience navigating the dark underbelly of society. At 3:30 p.m. this Sunday, a psychologist will treat you at Booth D in Mason Caf, located in Quartier du Jardin Botanique. For the next few days, your mission is to venture near the catacombs in Quartier de lObservatoire and locate a man named Osta Trul. He often masquerades as a warlock to con tourists and locals alike. By any means necessary, earn Osta Truls trust and reveal your powers when the time is right. Quartier du Jardin Botanique and Quartier de lObservatoire were west of Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, adjacent to one another. The former lay further south, while the latter was closer to the north, right by the Srenzo River. Lumian read Madam Magicians reply over and over, committing the relevant locations, times, and names to memory. Then he struck a match and burned the Intisian-scripted paper. Having done all this, he headed to the nearest washroom to freshen up. Afterward, he took out Fallen Mercury, wrapped in black cloth, removed his coat, and lay on the bed. The bedbug-infested ceiling met his gaze, and the faint sounds of coughing, crying, and arguing filled the room. Soon after, the eloped couple announced their reconciliation through a passionate and vigorous exercise, accompanied by uninhibited moans. Outside on the street, a few coarse voices sang vulgar songs, punctuated by gunshots, followed by curses, the clashing of poles, and the sound of sharp weapons piercing flesh. Compared to Cordu, the nights here were far from quiet. Chapter 114 - 114 Life Experience 114 Life Experience At the break of dawn in early May, the sky remained cloaked in darkness. The setting crimson moon and the scattered stars cast a faint glow, thinning the darkness just enough to reveal nearby silhouettes. Lumian awoke early and freshened up. He donned his formal attire from the previous day and a wide-brimmed top hat. He tried his best to smile at his reflection in the glass window that served as a mirror. As he descended the stairs, hurried footsteps echoed from above. Soon, Charlie came into view. He was still dressed in a linen shirt, black trousers, and strapless leather shoes. His flushed complexion had turned a shade paler, and his small blue eyes betrayed unmistakable fatigue. Good morning, Ciel, Charlie greeted Lumian with enthusiasm. He seemed quite pumped. Shouldnt you have left long ago? Lumian asked, smiling. He had only awoken to freshen up when he heard the cathedral clock chime six oclock. Charlie should have departed by then. Charlie lowered his head, adjusting his clothes as he muttered, I drank too much last night and had a wonderful dream. I didnt want to wake up As they conversed, the pair reached the ground floor. They traversed the dingy, dimly lit hall towards the door reflecting starlight. An elderly couple, grizzled and slightly stooped, opened the door. In their sixties, they were both short, the man barely 1.65 meters tall and the woman even shorter. Their dark jackets and yellowish cloth dresses were tattered and oil-stained. Who are they? Lumian had expected Madame Fels or the miserly motel owner, Monsieur Ive, to be in charge of opening the door in the morning. Charlie didnt slow down, casually explaining, Monsieur Ruhr and Madame Michel, theyre the swindlers I mentioned yesterday. They scam tourists into buying things. They rise early every day, and Madame Fels has them open the inns door. In return, she turns a blind eye to the mess and stench they create in their room. Can you believe it? They havent changed their clothes since I moved in. Its been seven months. Seven months! No wonder its so filthy Lumian could recall his own grimy days as a vagabond, but Aurores penchant for cleanliness still made him frown. Charlie strode quickly out of Auberge du Coq Dor, puzzledly asking, Ciel, why are you up so early too? As they stepped onto the street, a bustling scene unfolded before them. Countless workers, clerks, and laborers hurried along in their gray, blue, black, and brown clothes, occasionally stopping to purchase food from street vendors. Some women carrying wooden baskets moved more leisurely. They meandered between various vendors, comparing prices and quality. The peddlers lined both sides of Rue Anarchie, occupying half the street and leaving just enough room for a carriage to pass. They bellowed loudly, vying for customers attention. Whiskey Sour, Apple Whiskey Sour. Two licks a liter! Freshwater fish from Bondis fish pond! Fresh cod and herring, come and take a look! Onion bread, one lick, just one lick! Salted meat, delicious salted meat! Soap and wigs imported from Loen! Buy the kids a bottle of refreshing soda! Hot sauce, soybean paste, scallions, water celery! Absorbing the sounds and energy of Rue Anarchie, Lumian turned to Charlie and smiled. I just arrived in Trier and couldnt sleep. I thought Id walk around and see if I could find a suitable job. As a Hunter, it was essential for him to familiarize himself with the area he frequented and understand its intricacies. It would be too late to adapt if something were to happen. Charlie nodded knowingly. He said with enthusiasm, You could try your luck at Rue des Blouses Blanches. Its between Le March du Gentleman and the steam locomotive station. Many motel, hotel, and restaurant managers like to chat at the caf there. They use the opportunity to hire dishwashers, floor cleaners, washroom attendants, and apprentice attendants. If you have money on you, remember to buy the caf waiters a drink. Theyll introduce you to the right person and give you a shot at a better job. Without waiting for Lumians reply, Charlie shared his wisdom. You must pay attention to your appearance. Do as I do. As he spoke, he raised his hands and slapped his face, mimicking an actual slap, but with less force. Soon, Charlies pallid complexion regained its rosiness. Look, look. He pointed at himself smugly and said, Dont I appear more energetic? Those managers dont want to hire someone who looks particularly destitute and sickly. They think itll bring trouble. Theyre either unwilling to give you a decent job or will slash your salary. If you do this before entering the caf like me, itll make you seem like someone who has a place to sleep and breakfast to eat. But doing it too early wont work, as this rosiness will gradually fade. This clever job-hunting technique was new to Lumian, a former vagabond. He found it fascinating. He smiled and nodded. I still have enough money to rent a place and fill my stomach. I dont need to do this for now, but who knows if Ill need it in the future? He deliberately didnt conceal the fact that he still had a fair amount of verl dor. What if a generous soul was willing to donate another sum? Charlie expressed his understanding and took out 5 coppet worth of copper coins to buy onion bread from a nearby vendor. Lumian felt a pang of familiarity. During his time on the streets, if he could acquire money, his first choice was onion bread. It was cheap, and the aroma of onions lingered, creating the illusion of having just eaten a satisfying meal. Lumian also purchased onion bread for breakfast. Alongside Charlie, they navigated through the numerous vendors and exited Rue Anarchie. I love the mornings here! Charlie glanced back and sighed with his signature zeal. Those gangsters who deserve to rot in hell cant get up this early. They cant destroy this captivating vitality. He then waved at Lumian. Ive got to take the subway. Otherwise, Ill be late today. That damned foreman will surely dock my pay! After saying goodbye to Charlie, Lumian wandered around Rue Anarchie, exploring the area like a curious tourist. Le March du Quartier du Gentleman was situated on the south bank of the Srenzo River, in the southeast corner of Trier, officially known as Quartier 13. Trier boasted various quarters named by numbers, each with its own historical and characteristic monikers. Even officials sometimes used these colloquial names. The district earned its name from Le March du Gentleman. Proximity to the Srenzo River allowed for a Suhit steam locomotive station, which catered to travelers from southern Intis. Encircled by the market and the steam locomotive station, many of its streets were notoriously dangerous and teeming with impoverished inhabitants. It was one of Triers slums. To the north of the market district, on the south bank of the Srenzo River, lay Quartier 5, the Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative or Quartier Universitaire. Trier Normal College, Trier Higher Mining College, and Intis Academy of Fine Arts were all located here. To the northeast of the city, on the north bank of the Srenzo River, stood Quartier 12, known as the Noel Quartier. It housed the Veterans Home, Wounded Soldiers Hospital, and several large medical facilities. To the northwest of the market district was Quartier 6Quartier de lObservatoirewhere Lumian planned to visit later. It contained the primary entrance to the catacombs. To the southwest of the market district was Quartier 14, known as Quartier du Jardin Botanique. On Sunday, Lumian was scheduled for treatment with a psychologist at the Mason caf there. This area was also called Quartier du Sans-Culottes due to the large factories located south of the botanical garden. And so, Lumian spent nearly the entire morning traversing the streets of Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. As noon approached, Lumian returned to the vicinity of Suhits train station, intending to find a spot for lunch before heading to the catacombs in search of the phony warlock, Osta Trul. Walking along, Lumian spotted the coupleRuhr and Michelwho also resided at Auberge du Coq Dor. They were hawking parcels of items wrapped in paper bags to groups that appeared to be foreigners. As Lumian drew near, the gray-haired, ragged, and wrinkled Ruhr leaned towards him and lowered his voice. Do you want photos of a street ma?tresse datelier? Whats a street ma?tresse datelier? Lumian didnt conceal his confusion or his revulsion at Ruers stench. Ruhr waved the thin paper bag in his hand and whispered, In Trier, beautiful girls who model for painters are called ma?tresse datelier. With the advent of cameras and photographers, they also began taking photo subjects. As you might imagine, some of these photos were sold to painters as reference material, while others Ruhr flashed a sly grin and shook the paper bag in his hand again. Four licks per bag, with two photos inside! Others sell them for over 10 licks! Lumian laughed. Monsieur Ruhr, Madame Michel, is this the souvenir you peddle to tourists? Hearing Lumian address them by name, Ruhr and Michels expressions shifted dramatically. They spun around, trying to escape, but Lumian was quicker and clamped down on Ruhrs shoulder. Michel, who had weaved her way through the crowd, noticed her husband couldnt keep pace and returned, her face etched with bitterness. I also live at Auberge du Coq Dor. My name is Ciel, Lumian introduced himself. Finally realizing how Lumian knew them, the couple breathed a sigh of relief and looked at him pleadingly. Whats the matter, Monsieur Ciel? What kind of photos are you selling? Lumian inquired curiously. Ruhr responded timidly, Scenic photos of the Srenzo River, as well as images of Triers castles and palaces. No one is causing trouble for you? Lumian asked, grinning. Ruhr swallowed and said, The people who buy them dont dare to open them on the spot or confront us later. They feel guilty. Besides, no police will bother you if you sell landscape photos. Lumian nodded. Does anyone really sell street ma?tresse datelier? Yes, Ruhr confirmed. Last month, the police arrested a group of photographers and art dealers. They said they confiscated over 10,000 photos. If only they could give them to us. Who knows how much we could sell them for! Madame Michel, also sporting a wrinkled face and hunched figure, mumbled, There was a model staying at our inn previously, but she hasnt been around lately. Perhaps she became the mistress of some painter, or maybe she was captured to be a street ma?tresse datelier Auberge du Coq Dor has quite a variety of guests Lumian asked with interest, How much can you earn in a week by tricking foreigners into buying photos? We sell them very cheaply. About 10 verl dor, Ruhr replied, his gaze slightly evasive. From the looks of it, its more than 10 verl dor, but not much more. Ill count it as 12 verl dor, which is 1,200 coppet or 240 licks 60 fools fall for it every week? Lumian surveyed the square and expressed his disdain for the average intelligence of the people there. As for Ruhr and Michel, they took a significant risk to deceive others; yet, they only earned about 50 verl dor a month, far less than the apprentice attendants or even laborers. Observing their slightly hunched backs, slender frames, and wrinkled faces, Lumian understood that it wasnt that they didnt want to do more legitimate work for better pay, but rather that they couldnt handle those jobs. With a wave of his hand, he left Suhits steam locomotive station and headed northwest towards Quartier de lObservatoire. Chapter 115 - Chapter 115 Legend Chapter 115 Legend The catacombs main entrance was tucked away in Place du Purgatoire, close to the Intisian observatory. The structure enclosing the entrance was supported by grand pillars, crowned by a dome adorned with intricate stone carvings, reminiscent of a miniature memorial hall or the base of an immense mausoleum. As Lumian approached, he noted a crowd of 20 to 30 people already assembled near the stairs leading down. Their attire varied, but most were dressed formally, both men and women alike. A man in his thirties, sporting a blue vest, yellow pants, and a thick beard, stood before the crowd. His brown curls framed upturned eyes, and he held an unlit iron-black carbide lamp. Addressing the gathered group, he announced loudly, Im Kendall, one of the catacombs administrators. Ill be guiding you through the ossuary today. Does everyone have a white candle? If not, please let me know immediately. Tourists? Lumians eyes swept over the stone staircase behind Kendall. It plunged down into impenetrable darkness, its end hidden from view. Beside Kendall stood a massive wooden door, half of it emblazoned with the Sun Sacred Emblem in gold, while the other half was adorned with an intricate triangle filled with symbols of steam, levers, gears, and more. Upon receiving confirmation, Kendall ignited his carbide lamp and led the group into the depths below. The tourists trailed behind him, some bearing lanterns. Lumian followed, keeping a four to five-meter distance. Clutching the carbide lamp he had obtained from Ramayes, he descended the staircase at a steady pace. Thanks to his Beyonder-enhanced hearing, Lumian easily heard Kendalls informative spiel at the front. After 138 steps, youll find yourselves 26 meters below Triers streets, surrounded by the remains of nearly 50 generations of Trieriens. Thats a conservative estimate. In truth, the history of some of these ossuaries can be traced back to the previous epoch Forty-seven years ago, there was no more space for the dead in Cimetire des Innocents or Cimetire des Prtres. White bones lay scattered, and the stench drove nearby residents to protest daily, demanding the relocation of the cemetery Ultimately, City Hall opted to go underground. They repurposed graves from the Fourth Epoch and adjacent underground quarries, creating a vast tomb Today, youll be visiting but a mere fraction of it Kendalls voice echoed through the silent, never-ending staircase, imbuing the atmosphere with an eerie sense of foreboding. As Lumian continued downward, a path lined with stone pillars and walls came into view. This passage, unlike other subterranean areas, was well-maintained and frequently repaired. It was smooth, wide, and unnervingly sinister. An icy breeze occasionally swept through the corridor. Gas lamps were strategically placed along the path, casting a dim, yellowish light that allowed shadows to mingle with the illumination, stretching into the darkness. Kendall, clad in his blue vest, warned the visitors once more, Stay close and dont wander off! There are countless underground areas we know little about. If you get lost, itll be nearly impossible to find you. Do not stray from the path once inside the tomb. There are passages that lead to deeper, more sinister chambers. The Fourth Epochs malevolent spirits lurk within that darkness. Praise the Sun and the Light. By adhering to the routes endorsed by the padres, we can avoid all perils. Some visitors outstretched their arms in praise of the Sun, while others traced a triangle over their chests. After trailing Kendall and the others for nearly 200 meters, Lumian caught sight of the subterranean tomb. Before him lay a natural boulder cave, modified over time. Its walls were adorned with intricate reliefs of skulls, skeletal arms, sunflowers, and steam symbols. Above the entrance, two Intisian inscriptions commanded: Halt! The Death Empire lies ahead! Kendall, the catacomb administrator, turned to address the visitors once more, Extinguish your lanterns and light the white candles. Everyone must do this! If youd rather not enter the catacomb, feel free to explore this area, but dont stray too far. Its all too easy to lose your bearings, and that would be a problem. Should you find yourself separated from the group inside the catacomb, dont panic. Locate a road sign. If there isnt one, look above and follow the black line drawn on the tombs ceiling. It will guide you back to the main entrance Soon, the lanterns were snuffed out, replaced by the flickering glow of orange candlelight. The visitors hoisted their white candles and trailed Kendall into the catacombs. Lumian observed from a distance, watching as the yellowish flames merged into a stream that meandered into the darkness. He refrained from entering. Grasping his carbide lamp, he circled the tombs entrance, intent on locating the phony warlock, Osta Trul. A few minutes later, Lumian discovered a small bonfire. Beside a pillar, damp moss clung to the stone wall above. A man was seated on a rock behind the fire, garbed in a hooded black robe. His high-bridged nose and dark brown eyes were framed by a flaxen beard that obscured his chin. He stared intently at the dancing flames. Lumian approached and inquired, Are you Osta Trul? The hooded man raised his gaze to meet Lumians and replied in a deliberately subdued, magnetic voice, Lost soul, why have you sought me out? Flames and shadows danced across Osta Truls face, obscuring his age. He appeared to be somewhere between just below 30 and 40. Lumian spoke earnestly, Ive heard whispers about you. They say youre a mystical Warlock who can help me resolve my dilemma. Osta Trul responded in a low, magnetic tone, Witchcraft is taboo. Witchcraft is a curse. I wont render aid without cause. What must I do? Lumian pressed, anxiety evident in his voice. Osta replied softly, The essence of witchcraft lies in equivalent exchange. Reveal the nature of the help you seek first. Equivalent exchange. Have you been reading too many novels? Lumian suppressed the urge to ridicule and antagonize him, instead adopting a pained expression. Ive lost everyone I cared for. I feel forsaken by the world. Sleep eludes me each night. I want to forget these burdens and begin anew. Osta Trul scrutinized Lumians countenance, finding no trace of deception. He nodded slightly. I, too, have suffered great losses. Its a curse borne of witchcraft. I can empathize with your sentiments and thoughts. Yet forgetting pain is no simple task. Very well Lumian exhaled a long sigh and turned to depart. Osta hastily called out, Wait. Just because its difficult doesnt mean its impossible. Really? Lumian whipped his head back, excitement flooding his features. Osta nodded subtly and continued, Have you ever heard of the Samaritan Womens Spring? No. Lumian shook his head. Osta glanced at the burning bonfire and explained simply, In one of the ossuaries within the catacombs, theres a murky spring known as the Samaritan Womens Spring, or the Fountain of Oblivion. Drink from it, and all your pain will be erased from memory. Of course, its a fabrication. The spring is merely a puddle left by a construction error during the catacombs creation. The administrators spun it into legend. As Lumians eyes sparkled with hope, Osta Trul carried on, However, as a Warlock, I can reveal that deep within this subterranean realm lies a genuine Samaritan Womens Spring, hidden in a tomb believed to be a relic of the Fourth Epoch. Many corpses there chant: Drink the blissful waters of forgetfulness and be purged of primordial pain. I can help you recover it, but the principle of equivalent exchange must be honored. It will cost you 100 verl dor. 100 verl dor? Isnt your asking price a bit too low? How can anyone believe that procuring a legendary item as perilous as this could be genuine without demanding a few thousand verl dor? Lumian had been listening closely, but the absurdly undervalued service left him amused. How could such priceless spring water be worth no more than an apprentice attendants two months wages? He had read about the legend of the Samaritan Womens Spring in Psychic. Aurore had murmured a word he didnt understand. Its pronunciation likely resembled Granny Meng. Psychic also asserted that the Samaritan Womens Spring was a legend fabricated by the catacomb administrators, but they were convinced the tale had its origins. The Fountain of Oblivion might genuinely exist somewhere on the Northern Continent. Lumians eyes widened as he hastened to Ostas side. Clasping his shoulder, he exclaimed, Really? Osta brushed his hand away and nodded composedly. This is a Warlocks vow. Alright, alright! Lumian responded, thrilled. But I didnt bring that much money. Ill head back now and return here to find you tomorrow? Osta nodded approvingly. No problem. Lumian expressed his gratitude profusely, seized the carbide lamp, and departed with excitement. Once out of Ostas view, Lumians smile vanished. He raised his right palm and sniffed the faint fragrance. Before reaching the Quartier de lObservatoire, he had deliberately sprayed an inferior cologne on his right hand and touched Ostas body. Back on the surface, Lumian took cover behind a pillar, concealed himself, and waited patiently. The sky gradually darkened. As twilight descended, he detected the faint and familiar scent of cologne. Lumian didnt rush to pursue Osta. After a trailed while, he emerged from his hiding spot and the lingering fragrance, maintaining a distance so great he was nearly invisible. Carriages whizzed past him, and extravagant mechanical contraptions appeared sporadically. Chapter 116 - Chapter 116 City of Fashion Chapter 116 City of Fashion In the morning, while shopping at Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, Lumian noticed that Triers citizens dressed rather casually, or perhaps boldly. This was evident in the women wearing short sleeves that bared their forearms or garments with cut-out shoulders that displayed their collarbones. On the other hand, there was no shortage of peculiar attire. In the Darige region, a warlock like Osta, donning a black robe and hood, resembled an ancient legend. It was impossible for him to walk the streets openly without being stopped by the police. In Trier, however, passersby paid him no mind. Such appearances were all too common. People dressed in a variety of antiquated garments. Osta Trul was undoubtedly more cautious. Periodically, he would glance over his shoulder to spot anyone suspicious, but Lumian maintained such a great distance that neither of them were within the others line of sight. Lumian trailed Osta from one street to the next, following the faint scent of the inferior cologne. As gas lamps illuminated the surroundings, Osta turned into a street sheltered by glass domes and steel frames. This place was brightly lit and lined with upscale shops. Smooth marble paved the ground, and the area bustled with pedestrians -a stark contrast to the ramshackle alleys of March du Quartier du Gentleman. This is the arcade Aurore mentioned? Lumian observed Osta pausing in front of a store to admire the window display. He too slowed down, scanning the area. He quickly spotted people engaging in unusual behavior. Dressed in formal attire, both men and women walked turtles of varying sizes. The turtles inched forward, and their owners, holding a rope, trailed leisurely behind. Upon seeing a man dressed in a black formal suit and silk top hat walking a turtle, Lumian couldnt help but inquire, My friend, what are you doing? The man turned his head, revealing a powdered face. He responded with a smile, Foreigner, Im simply taking a stroll, walking my turtle. Why a turtle? Lumian didnt conceal his puzzlement. The impeccably groomed gentleman appeared pleased to share his fashion philosophy. He grinned and explained, Most Trieriens enjoy walking around leisurely, but they fail to grasp the essence of leisure and elegance. They always walk briskly and seem rushed. A true stroll is slower than a turtle. Thus, we walk turtles and let them lead to emphasize our leisurely pace. Its a gauge to measure walking speed and a device to quantify elegance. Lumian had to concede that Trieriens consistently expanded his perspective as a country bumpkin from Cordu. Aurore couldnt have even written a story about walking a turtle! A true Trierien! Lumian applauded, his tone dripping with sarcasm. Regrettably, the gentleman failed to grasp his underlying message. He smiled modestly and continued to follow the turtle at a leisurely pace. Before long, Osta reached the other end of the arcade. Lumian waited for a moment before cautiously following. After exiting the arcade, Osta positioned himself by the nearby public carriage stop. Within minutes, a massive carriage, drawn by two horses, arrived. The carriage was divided into two levels. The yellow-painted exterior bore words like Line 7 written in Intisian. The driver donned a short green coat and a wide-brimmed hat to fend off the rain. As the carriage came to a stop, a conductor sporting a small hat, striped shirt, and unattractive pants appeared at the open door, scrutinizing each passenger boarding the carriage as if they were criminals. Osta was the third person to climb aboard. He chose a window seat, observing the passersby and the men and women taking their seats. Lumian watched from a distance without approaching. It was only when the Line 7 carriage had pulled away that he quickened his pace, practically jogging to catch up. Given the relatively slow speed of public transportation and the rule of stopping at every station, Lumian wasnt concerned about being left behind. As he ran, some pedestrians eyed him curiously, while a few even jogged alongside, seemingly believing this to be the latest trend. Is there something wrong with your brains? Lumian didnt know whether to laugh or cry. After three stops, he saw Osta Trul disembark from the public carriage. This area was already part of Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. Osta crossed two streets and turned onto Rue des Blouses Blanches, which Charlie had mentioned. He entered an old beige apartment building numbered 20. Lumian halted in front of a street-side newspaper stand, picked up a paper, and casually flipped through it. Simultaneously, he observed the entrance to the apartment building from the corner of his eye. Its 11 coppets for one, the newsstand owner reminded Lumian when he noticed that he was only reading and not buying. Lumian was holding a copy of Le Petit Trierien, and without minding, he took out two 5-coppet and one 1-coppet coins and tossed them onto the other newspapers. The newsstand owner fell silent. Lumian continued reading the newspaper. City Hall discussing new price plans with the water supply company Valry slams consumerism as a fetish Greatest project in human history seeks collaboration The final advertisement caught Lumians attention as he reminded him of something: It reeked of a prankster or a swindlers ploy! As Lumian kept an eye on the apartment, he read the corresponding content with growing interest. The future of humanity lies in the stars. The history of mankind was forged by the brave to explore. In this era of rapid technological progress, we lack civilization pioneers, visionaries with exceptional insight and foresight, and adventurers with courage. Last time, we were trapped in the Berserk Sea. This time, were trapped within the atmosphere. However, human civilization and technology will undoubtedly overcome all obstacles and dangers to forge a true future. We seek to collaborate with all dreamers to construct a space bridge that will enable us to walk from the surface to the crimson moon. Point of Contact: Bulle Patil. Contact Method: 9th Rue Saint-Martin, 5th floor, Quartier 2. The more Lumian read, the more amused he became. He found himself in deep contemplation. As Cordus Prankster King and one influenced by Aurores eccentric ideas, he had never conceived such an outrageous, ludicrous, and absurd notion. Yet, these individuals had brazenly advertised it, as though certain they could fool a crowd. Am I still underestimating the average human IQ? Lumian stroked his chin with his gloved left hand. At that moment, he saw a group of people approaching the old apartment at 20 Rue des Blouses Blanches. The leader was a distinguished-looking gentleman in a silk top hat and black suit. He had a chiseled profile, a mahogany-colored pipe in his mouth, and a diamond ring on his left hand that sparkled under the light. The burly men surrounding the gentleman appeared menacing. They wore either canvas shirts or dark jackets, giving off a gang-like vibe. After they vanished into the apartments entrance, Lumian walked over with the newspaper. At the base of the stairs, he detected several colognes simultaneously. One was faint and familiarthe inferior cologne he had applied to Osta. The other was more aromatic, sweet, and slightly cloying. Musk cologne? From the man with the pipe? Lumian followed the scent all the way up to the apartments fifth floor. There, he saw Osta Trul. The imposter dressed as a warlock found himself encircled by the same group of individuals. The gentleman with the diamond ring tapped his forehead with his mahogany-colored pipe, smiling politely. Dont think you can shake us off just because youve moved. Until you repay all the debt, Ill follow you endlessly, like a shadow. Osta stammered fearfully, Ill have money soon. I can return a portion to you tomorrow! Very good, the gentleman nodded with a smile. He then turned the pipe and jabbed Ostas face with the still-smoldering end. Osta recoiled in pain but dared not make a sound. The gentleman withdrew his pipe and said gently, yet firmly, This is a little interest. If you dont pay me back tomorrow, Ill take one of your fingers. With that, he placed his hand on his chest and bowed politely. See you tomorrow, my friend. At the staircase, Lumian pursed his lips and muttered to himself, Are people and dogs learning from Gehrman now? As Fors Walls The Adventurer series gained popularity, Gehrman Sparrow impersonators cropped up across the Northern and Southern Continents. Phrases like this is basic courtesy and a bestowment or a curse spread far and wide. As the group approached, Lumian lowered his head and stepped aside, acting like an ordinary tenant encountering gangsters. Chaotic footsteps echoed as they descended floor by floor, soon giving way to silence. Lumian glanced in Osta Truls direction, noting that he had already retreated to his room and closed the wooden door. After some contemplation, Lumian flexed his gloved left hand and adjusted his hat. He walked out of the staircase and approached Ostas door. Bang! Bang! Bang! He raised his hand and knocked on the door. After a moment, Osta opened the door, his face a mix of shock and fear. He stammered shakily, I really cant get that money until tomorrow Before he could finish, Lumians figure came sharply into focus in his eyes. Lumian spread his arms and asked with a beaming smile, Surprised? You, you, you Osta backed away as if hed seen a ghost. Lumian followed him into the room and smiled at Osta Trul. I truly wish to forget the pain of the past, but Im also a cautious person. Im afraid of being swindled and, worse, being mocked as a fool. Chapter 117 - Chapter 117 Remuneration Chapter 117 Remuneration Osta forced a smile. Im not lying. There really is a Samaritan Womens Spring! Is that so? Lumian approached Osta with a grin and said, When the time comes, take a sip first. If its useful, youll forget that I havent paid you. If its useless, why should I pay you? For a moment, Osta was at a loss for words. He could only smile and nod. Trust me, trust me Suddenly, he looked past Lumian, his eyes widening in terror. Lumian instinctively turned to look at the door, but there was no one there. Seizing the opportunity, Osta ducked and made a break for the open door. Thud! Osta tripped over Lumians right foot, which had swiftly extended, and crashed to the ground. His nose bridge turned blue, and his gaunt face swelled. Lumian slowly closed the door, pulled up a chair, and sat down. He looked down at Osta, who was feigning death on the floor, and said, Dont tell me you have high spiritual perception and saw a bizarre creature behind me. Did you rush to the door to help me deal with it? Osta was dumbstruck for a moment before rising to his feet and nodding repeatedly. Thats right, thats right! Lumian smiled and glanced at the rectangular wooden table against the wall. Silver dagger, white candles, a few small bottles filled with different liquids or empty, two imitation goatskins, and a paper box emitting the fragrance of plants were strewn across it. He has a certain amount of mysticism knowledge Lumian shifted his gaze back to the uneasy Osta and asked, Who was that guy with the pipe just now? Baron Brignais! Osta replied hastily. Hes the leader of the Savoie Mob in the market district. Savoie was the name of an inland province in the Intis Republic, bordering the provinces of Haut-Hornacis and Bas-Hornacis. It was rich in mineral resources and had a valiant folk culture. A baron? There are still barons? Lumian asked, amused. Ever since Emperor Roselles death and the establishment of the Republic, aristocratic titles had vanished from daily life. Osta said fearfully, Thats a nickname he gave himself. Perhaps his ancestors held such an aristocratic title. Lumian leaned back in his chair and asked casually, Why did he come to you? Do you owe them money? Seeing Lumians harmless demeanor, as though he was chatting with a friend, Osta relaxed a little despite his fear. He said bitterly, In order to b-buy an item, borrowed 3,000 verl dor from a loan shark. Later, that man sold the debt to Brignais. I I paid back at least 3,000 verl dor, but he told me there was still 2,000 in interest! If you drag on for another two or three months, you wont owe 2,000, but 4,000. Lumian watched Ostas expression crumble, the air of mystery gone. He then lowered his voice and said in a beguiling tone, If I were you, Id find a way to draw Brignais and his crew into a quarry pit. Then, Id bring down the stone layer above, burying them for eternity. No creditors, no debts. The more Osta listened, the more panic-stricken he became. He stared at Lumian as if he were a demon. He had a suspicion that Lumian had already plotted such a scheme, but with Osta Trul as the intended target, not Brignais! Thats murder! A crime! Osta exclaimed in terror. Keep it down. You wouldnt want to lose your voice permanently, would you? Lumian warned him with a smile. So you do realize thats a crime? Did anyone ever tell you that fraud is a crime too? Osta was at a loss for words. Lumian stood up and dusted off his gloves. Im just kidding. I was testing your character. What? Osta was baffled. Lumian wouldnt reveal that his true motive was to establish an ice-cold, ruthless persona in Ostas mind. It would come in handy during future negotiations. Forced trust was still trust! Congratulations on passing my test. This proves youre not completely without scruples. Lumian grinned and spread his arms. He quickly steered the conversation back on course. What did you borrow so much money for? He glanced around, adding, Doesnt seem like theres anything valuable here Osta instinctively wanted to spout a lie but remembered Lumians warning. He trembled and said, Do do you know about potions? Youre really a Beyonder? Lumian chuckled. Seeing that Lumian knew about Beyonders and potions, Osta breathed a sigh of relief. He was glad he hadnt lied. Any fabricated story would be riddled with holes in front of a true Beyonder, easily exposed. If caught, Osta might end up sleeping forever in some Underground Trier hideout tonight. Taking two deep breaths, Osta continued, A few months ago, I borrowed 3,000 verl dor from a loan shark to purchase the main ingredient for a potion. Combined with the 4,000 verl dor Id saved, I successfully transformed from an ordinary person into a Beyonder. Which Sequence do you belong to? You cant even handle a few thugs? Lumian asked with feigned suspicion. Osta looked defeated. Im a Sequence 9 Secrets Suppliant. It doesnt sound weak. Lumian could only gauge by the potions name. Osta lamented in frustration, I thought Secrets Suppliants were powerful too. The seller even claimed it would allow me to see the worlds truth. In the end, aside from heightened spiritual perception, all I got was some impractical sacrificial knowledge and ritual magic. I can occasionally sense the presence of mysterious entities, scaring myself witless, but I cant even defeat a thug! The ritual magic should come in handy, Lumian remarked knowingly. Osta looked close to tears. Im well-versed in mysticism. Im a follower of the Eternal Blazing Sun. How can I pray to an unknown entity? Thats too risky! Sigh, there are some honorific names in the potions knowledge, but theyre all concealed entities. Just hearing them is terrifying. I wouldnt dare invoke depravity, true kin, or the gaze of fate! He glanced at Lumian and feigned determination. But Ive considered it. If Baron Brignais and his goons corner me again, Ill pray to the hidden existence and gain strength! He was ostensibly talking about Baron Brignais, but his true intent was to caution Lumian against forcing him into a corner. Lumian studied Ostas uneasy face and agreed, Thats a wise decision. Baron Brignais and his crew underestimate a Beyonder. If I were in their shoes, I wouldnt give you the chance to reach a dead end. He then smiled at Osta. Youd be dead before that happens. Osta opened his mouth but closed it again, his expression more pained than crying. Lumian walked over to the wooden table and toyed with the empty bottles. Youve moved several times, but Baron Brignais keeps finding you. I suspect he or the Savoie Mob have Beyonders on their side. Osta gasped in shock. Lumian picked up the silver dagger from the table, twirling it as he said to Osta, I can offer you 100 verl dor as a reward. Huh? Osta was baffled once more. He realized he couldnt keep up with Lumians thought process. You, you still want the spring water from the Samaritan Womens Spring? he ventured. Lumian grinned and replied, Tell me, does it really exist? Eyeing Lumians amused gaze, Osta hesitated for a moment before admitting, Im not sure. Lumian nodded in satisfaction. What I want is for you to take me to the gathering you mentioned, the one where you bought the potions main ingredient. The reward is 100 verl dor. Lumian made this request partly because Madam Magicians mission might be connected to the gathering involving Beyonder materials, and partly because he needed a similar event to acquire weapons, materials, Sealed Artifacts, and arcane knowledge. Osta swallowed hard. I-I can try, but Ill need the gathering organizers approval. No problem. Lumian took out a gold coin and beckoned Osta over. This Louis dor is your reward for asking. Ill give you the remaining 80 verl dor when I can attend the gathering. Osta hadnt anticipated that his beating would turn into a job offer. He was momentarily dumbstruck. After a few seconds, he cautiously approached the wooden table and took the 20 verl Louis dor. He told Lumian, Im not sure when Ill get an answer, but no later than next Wednesday. I spend the day near the catacombs and sleep here at night. You can find me anytime. Lumian nodded, smiling as he raised the silver dagger in his hand and plunged it into Ostas shoulder. Blood spurted out, and Osta staggered back in terror. He leaned against the wall and cried out anxiously, Dont kill me! Im not lying! Lumian picked up a glass bottle from the wooden table and approached Osta with a smile. Dont worry. If I wanted you dead, I wouldve done it by now. This is called a blood oath. Im very wary of deception and betrayal. As Lumian spoke, he held the empty glass bottle to Ostas wound, allowing the blood to trickle in. During this process, he smiled at Osta and said, You have a strong grasp of mysticism. You should know what blood means in the hands of others. Dont lie to me. Curse For a moment, Osta couldnt decide whether to rejoice that he hadnt been killed on the spot or despair that his blood now belonged to a man more dangerous than Baron Brignais. Lumian said nothing more. He tightened the bottle cap, tore a strip of cloth from the room, and tossed it to Osta. Bandage your wound yourself. He wasnt familiar with any Beyonder curses, but he could test if expired blood could activate Fallen Mercurys fate-exchanging ability. Even if it didnt work, all he needed to do was convince Osta that he knew how to cast curses. Lumian glanced at Osta, who was desperately trying to staunch the bleeding, and casually asked, Whats your plan for dealing with Baron Brignais? With this Louis dor and some money Ive saved, I should be able to appease them for a week, Osta said with a bitter smile. They wont get a single coppet if they push their debtors to death. Chapter 118 - Chapter 118 Summoning Chapter 118 Summoning Lumian nodded, asking, You mentioned that your spiritual perception is quite advanced? Osta briefly fell into a trance before a lingering fear spread across his face. He took a moment to compose himself, then said, That seems to be a trait of the Secrets Suppliant. I can sense hidden creatures lurking in the dark depths, and I can also feel the real world wrapped in a thick veil. Beyond that veil, emotionless eyes watch us As he finished, Osta panted heavily. Lumian patiently waited for the impostor warlock to catch his breath. Nearly a minute later, Osta exhaled, saying, In the market district and Quartier de lObservatoire, its fine, but in Underground Trier, I can often sense the end of certain paths. In places I cant see, some creature beckons me to come closer. I wonder what would happen to me if I truly stepped into that darkness. A fine mystical sensor indeed Lumian silently mocked his Hunters Spirit Vision while also feeling that a Secrets Suppliant wasnt as useless as Osta claimed. Osta continued, Sometimes, when I see tourists entering the catacombs with white candles, I get these delusions. I think its a ritual that forms a magical bond with some hidden entity, protecting the tourists from being devoured by the darkness or spirited away by the dead. Lumian was taken aback, inwardly sighing. In terms of mysticism, a Secrets Suppliant is quite potent Its just that theyre not skilled in combat From Ostas account, Lumian suspected that carrying a lit white candle into the catacombs was indeed a ritual that allowed visitors to evade the hidden perils there. The tomb administrators likely knew this, but in pursuit of profit, they not only kept silent but also encouraged higher-ups to promote the catacombs as a tourist attraction. Lumian remembered his sister Aurores frequent lament: Money changes people. I wonder, at a lower level, which one can bring about a persons change more effectively: potions, boons, or money Lumian muttered silently with a teasing attitude. He then asked Osta, Have you sensed any danger lurking in the market districts darkness? Ostas face shifted as he replied in a grave tone, I dare not approach the burned-out house in Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. At the edge of Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, near Rue des Blouses Blanches, stood a scorched, uninhabited house. The districts Members of Parliament had long demanded its demolition and conversion into a commercial building, but for some reason, the proposal never reached City Halls agenda. Even after a decade, the six-story eyesore still stood. I didnt feel anything when I passed by this morning Lumian turned and headed for the door. Ill visit you again. I hope you wont disappoint me. Osta, his shoulder wound now bandaged, flashed an ingratiating smile. Rest assured, Ill provide you with an answer. After leaving Ostas room, Lumian suddenly quickened his pace. In a blink, he crouched in the shadows of the stairs leading to the rooftop, silently eyeing the tightly shut wooden door. Nearly half an hour later, having confirmed that nothing was amiss, he slowly descended the stairs with Le Petit Trierien. It was then that he finally heard his stomach growl. Gazing at the makeshift barricade of rocks, logs, mud slabs, and assorted items with a narrow opening as a passage, Lumian spotted a nearby bakery and spent three licks to buy half a kilogram of croissants. He also sampled Triers distinctive fruit juice soda. The effervescent liquid swirled as the currant syrup dispersed like clouds within it. The concoction set him back 13 coppet. If he returned the soda bottle, he could reclaim 3 coppet. Rue Anarchie, Auberge du Coq Dor. Before Lumian could enter the basement bar, the noise and chaos reached his ears. Just past nine oclock, nearly twenty people packed the intimate space. They either sat at the bar or huddled around a few small round tables, their attention riveted on the bartender. The stylish, ponytailed bartender explained the contraption on the bar to an unfamiliar male patron. This is called the Idiot Instrument. It tests your intelligence. Care to give it a shot? The man in the dark jacket seemed intrigued and asked, How do I try? The bartender gestured at the exposed rubber tube with a solemn expression. Blow here until bubbles form in the glass jar above. Your ability to produce bubbles and their size determine the final test results. Without hesitation, the man picked up the rubber hose and blew into it. As light-green bubbles emerged from the glass jar atop the machine, everyone in the bar leaped to their feet, applauding wildly and exclaiming, Welcome, idiot! The man looked bewildered for a moment before grasping the joke. His face flushed crimson. He shot a fierce glare at the bartender and the rowdy patrons before stifling his anger and muttering, Interesting. This prank is really something. Ill bring a few friends to try it tomorrow. Is this what friends are for? Lumian sneered inwardly. He pulled a barstool over and sat down, telling the bartender, Give me the usual a glass of fennel absinthe. The bartender grinned. This ones on me. Your machines fantastic. Word of its mystical powers has spread, and people have come specifically to check it out. My business has doubled since then. By the way, Im Pavard Neeson, the owner of this bar and an amateur painter. What should I call you? Ciel, Lumian replied, his smile unwavering. He noticed the difference between Trieriens and the villagers of Cordu. In Cordu, anyone who fell victim to such a prank would seek revenge. But Trieriens enjoyed finding new victims and watching them get caught, easing their own embarrassment. Youve got a keen brain. Youre better at pranks than many Trieriens. To the native bartender, Pavard Neeson, this compliment was high praise. He slid a slender glass filled with a light green, hallucinogenic liquid toward Lumian. Taking a sip of the absinthe, Lumian savored the faint bitterness that stirred his senses and made him feel alive. He closed his eyes, soaking in the sensation before asking, I have a few friends who arrived in Trier before me, but I dont have their contact information. Is there a way to find them? Pavard Neeson wiped a glass. If youre wealthy, advertise with the Journal de Trier. If youre not, hire a bounty hunter or information broker to see if theyll take the job. If youre broke, go back to your room and sleep. Maybe one day, youll bump into your friends on the street. Any recommendations? A reliable bounty hunter or information broker? Lumian wasnt short on cash for now and might receive a donation from a generous benefactor at any moment, but advertising in newspapers was beyond his means. Itd cost at least 3,000 verl dor. Smaller publications might be cheaper, but they were ineffective. Moreover, he couldnt risk alarming Guillaume Bnet and Madame Pualis if they read the papers. Pavard nodded, saying, Anthony Reid lives in Room 5 on the hotels third floor. You can pay him a visit tomorrow. Hes a retired military man turned information broker. Highly trustworthy. Lumian took note of the room number and name. He lifted the absinthe, swirling it gently before raising his glass to honor the bartender. Upon returning to Room 207, Lumian didnt waste any time resting. He drew the tattered curtains and performed the Summoning Dance in the cramped space. His goal was to see what strange creatures he could attract in Auberge du Coq Dor and Rue Anarchie, preparing for potential future attacks, pursuits, or ambushes. wasnt According to Osta, aside from the burned-out building, there were no particularly dangerous locations in the market district. Moreover, it was quite a distance from Rue Anarchie, making it unlikely for it to be affected by a Sequence 9 equivalent-Dancer. After all, this the ruins of Cordu Village, where the power of inevitability was pervasive. Disregarding the more dangerous ones and those that Dancers couldnt attract, Lumian believed that even if the strange creatures that appeared later were stronger than him, it would be nearly impossible for them to force themselves on him. The bluish-black symbol representing the great existence and the black thorn pattern from inevitability would be enough to deter them from acting recklessly. In a dance that alternated between madness and distortion, Lumians spirituality merged with the stirred power of nature, stealthily spreading in all directions. Before long, he sensed watchful eyes upon him. Several translucent, blurry figures floated around the room. Some resembled humans, seemingly residual obsessions lingering after death. Others were grotesque, appearing like bottles or stacked meatballs, possibly originating from the corresponding spirit world. Lumian didnt recognize any of them and couldnt determine their traits or abilities. At that moment, a figure emerged from the tattered curtains. Slightly translucent, it was a woman with long turquoise hair interwoven with green leaves that enveloped its body and concealed vital areas. The rest of its fair, smooth skin was exposed, setting ones heart racing and imagination ablaze. With emerald-green eyes, red lips, and an exquisite, alluring face, a single glance at Lumian stirred an inexplicable excitement within him. Chapter 119 - Chapter 119 Strange Creature Chapter 119 Strange Creature Almost simultaneously, Lumian felt his hair stand on end as a chill ran down his spine. He experienced a strong sense of impending danger. Subconsciously, he pulled out Fallen Mercury from his waist, ready to rip off the black cloth wrapped around it at a moments notice. The translucent figure with turquoise hair and leafy coverings floated in midair, scrutinizing Lumian in the room. Its emerald-green eyes shifted between a misty and smiling expression, reminiscent of a deep vortex enticing the human soul to sink into it. On one hand, Lumian experienced a familiar yet foreign urge that swept through his mind, disrupting most of his thoughts. On the other hand, he couldnt help but feel fear, akin to a flying insect encountering a spider spinning its web. He slowed down his dance, prepared to stop at any moment. The translucent female figure displayed an eager expression, but it instinctively sensed that something was amiss and hesitated to approach Lumian. Sometimes it leaned forward, sometimes it retreated into the curtains, but ultimately, it did nothing. After Lumian finished his Summoning Dance, he heard a faint sound in his ears. It was so close it seemed like it was right next door, causing the strange creatures lingering in the room to vanish one by one. The last to leave was the female figure with turquoise hair and leafy coverings. It appeared both reluctant and perplexed. Lumian heaved a sigh of relief and closed his eyes, quietly listening to the indistinct voices within him. He couldnt make out a single word but yearned to hear each one clearly. After a moment, Lumian opened his eyes and gazed at the window obscured by the tattered curtain. He muttered to himself, What was that? His intuition told him that the translucent female figure was far more powerful than the other summoned strange creatures. It wasnt something Beyonders at his level could handle. If not for the corruption sealed within his body and the bluish-black pattern on his chest deterring spiritual creatures from subconsciously approaching him even without activation, Lumian suspected something might have happened to him. This piqued his curiosity. How do other Dancers survive? He had only dared to perform the Summoning Dance after confirming the area wasnt too dangerous, yet something nearly happened. How could other Dancers avoid such risks? Is it because I obtained my boon through theft and lack some mystical knowledge, or is it because other Dancers can only attract strange creatures similar to themselves? Additionally, the Summoning Dance comes from a hidden existence, so there shouldnt be any problems under normal circumstances? Lumian pondered for a moment. The more he thought about it, the more he felt he was the anomaly. He believed that the corruption in his body was on an extremely high level. Even sealed, it could occasionally attract strange and perilous entities. Thankfully, the corruption also provides protection Lumian exhaled, stowed away Fallen Mercury, and lit the iron-black carbide lamp. He sat at the wooden table and flipped through Aurores notebook. Reading the mysticism notebook from back to front was excruciating. Lacking the corresponding knowledge, he would occasionally feel illiterate. He had no choice but to take out Aurores earliest notebook and memorize the corresponding symbols symbolism and mystical meaning. However, Lumian couldnt sit down and learn bit by bit from front to back. He believed that if Aurores witchcraft notebook truly concealed crucial information, it would definitely be in the content from the past year or two when abnormalities gradually appeared in Cordu Village and the shepherds began their hunt. After nearly two hours of struggling with the knowledge known as Lightning, Lumian admitted defeat and decided to continue the next night. He washed up briefly and lay on the bed. Recalling the strange creature he had just summoned, Lumian placed Fallen Mercury beside the pillow, feeling apprehensive. Before leaving Cordu, he had inspected the wicked pewter-black dirk and confirmed that the fate it had exchanged from the flaming monster was pain from immolation. The darkness gradually deepened, but Rue Anarchie never experienced a moment of peace. Singing, shouting, cursing, fighting, chasing, coughing, crying, and exercising filled the air, composing a nocturnal symphony. Lumian had grown accustomed to the noise, which even made him feel alive. Unknowingly, he drifted off to sleep. At 6 a.m., the distant cathedral chimed, reminiscent of Cordu. Lumian woke up punctually but was reluctant to open his eyes. After a few minutes, he sat up and fastened Fallen Mercury to his waist. His dreams had been chaotic throughout the night, but nothing out of the ordinary occurred. Am I overthinking it? Lumian muttered. He opened the door and walked into the nearest washroom. Using the morning light streaming through the window, he examined himself in the mirror. Compared to the same moment the day before, he hadnt changed at all. The color and length of his hair were external factors and wouldnt reset with his physical condition. Lumian bent down and brushed his teeth. As he rinsed his mouth, he caught sight of Charlie entering from the corner of his eye. Dont you live on the fifth floor? Lumian spat out the liquid and turned to ask Charlie. Charlie had changed into a yellowed white shirt with the cuffs rolled up to his elbows. He yawned and said, Can you believe it? Those guys are already up before six. The washroom on the fifth floor is packed! He then grinned. I still like this washroom on the second floor the most. Do you know why? Its clean! Although that bastard Laurent has very high eyebrows and doesnt know how to help his mother at all, he has his strengths. He loves cleanliness. As long as hes in the apartment, he cleans the room every day and takes care of the washroom too. Haha, could it be that he cant use the toilet if its dirty? So hes the one cleaning Lumian was surprised. His impression of the young man named Laurent had been that he was cold, haughty, and impeccably dressed. He clearly thought highly of himself and seemed oblivious to his mothers plight. He didnt strike Lumian as someone whod clean a bathroom. Previously, Lumian had assumed that the other tenants on the second floor had grown fed up with the landlords penny-pinching ways and had taken it upon themselves to clean their shared spaces. Noticing Charlies haggard face, as though hed been up all night, Lumian grinned and asked, you hit up Rue de la Muraille last night? Did Rue de la Muraille was Triers infamous red-light district. How can I afford to go to Rue de la Muraille? But Ill definitely go there one of these days! Charlie clenched his teeth and continued, I got back to the hotel at 10 p.m. last night. Then I went to the underground bar and drank with the guys till midnight. In the wee hours, I even had a shall we say, quite a vivid dream. Ciel, our names sound the same, but theyre spelled differently. Can you imagine how ecstatic I was in that dream? And when I woke up, how crushed and how uh, uh Empty? Lumian supplied the adjective. Yes, yes, yes! Charlie walked to the toilet and unfastened his belt. His already narrow eyes crinkled with satisfaction. Lumian pinched his nose and scoffed. You had a wet dream? Charlie shivered, shook his right hand, and laughed. It was the most lifelike dream Ive ever had. The woman in it was far more beautiful than any on Rue de la Muraille. She was so tender and passionate. I never wanted to wake up. Well, clearly you couldnt hold out for too long. Waking up was a mercy, Lumian jested. Charlie didnt bother to argue, and instead said earnestly, Im planning to head to Rue du Rossignol on Sundays after I get paid and when Im off work. There are a few dance halls there with some affordable pussies. A coworker told me that I only need 52 coppet to treat myself. But right now, Ive lost interest. Suddenly, Charlies excitement surged. Lowering his voice, he confided in Lumian, You know what? A wealthy guest at the hotel has been treating me really well, asking me to deliver food and help tidy up the room. A man? Lumian inquired with a hint of mischief. Charlie hurriedly shook his head. No, its a lady. I think shes taken a liking to me. Im torn. If she makes a proposal, should I compromise my principles? You know these sorts of things are pretty common in Trier. If my ticket to my first big payday, I could soon own my own hotel. shes I figured you wouldnt hesitate. Though theyd only known each other for two days, Lumian was convinced that Charlies moral compass was quite flexible. Charlie sighed, visibly troubled, and admitted, Shes in her fifties. Lumian let out a long oh and his expression conveyed his thoughts. Bidding Charlie goodbye, Lumian returned to his room to change into a jacket, pants, and other attire suited for Rue Anarchie. He spent 6 coppet on a scallion pancake and 1 lick on half a liter of Apple Whiskey Sour. Settling into a corner of the street, he leisurely ate his breakfast. Shadows from the buildings on either side cloaked him as he relished the flavors of onions and flour, observing the hawkers, women shopping for groceries, hustling workers, children scavenging for trash, and a barricade in a nearby alley. It was 9 a.m. when Lumian finally rose, dusted himself off, and returned to Auberge du Coq Dor. He climbed to the third floor and knocked on Room 5s door. The information broker, Anthony Reid, resided here. After a sequence of knocks, a composed male voice with a West Midseashire Coast accent Please come in. Lumian turned the handle and pushed the door replied, open. The first thing that hit him was a faintly acrid, minty odor, likely meant to repel insects. Then, he saw a man in his forties seated by the bed. The man wore a military-green shirt, matching pants, and laceless leather boots. His hair was cropped to a fine buzz cut. He didnt possess the tidy, efficient air of a veteran. His light yellow hairline had receded considerably, leaving a vast expanse of forehead. His face had grown plump, his beard meticulously shaven. His skin was slightly oily and his nose pores clogged. He appeared somewhat guileless and unsophisticated. As Anthony Reid turned to face Lumian, his dark brown eyes mirrored Lumians figure. For some reason, Lumian suddenly felt a twinge of unease. Chapter 120 - Chapter 120 Lunatic’s Ravings Chapter 120 Lunatics Ravings Anthony Reid regarded Lumian coolly and inquired, Whats the problem? I heard from Pavard that youre a reliable information broker. Lumian quickly disclosed his source to avoid wasting time on mutual probing. With his plump face, Anthony Reid nodded knowingly and gestured towards a chair at the center of the room. What information do you need? Or rather, what information would you like me to uncover? Lumian felt a twinge of unease as he faced Anthony Reid, who exuded an air of honesty and dependability. He took a seat and stated succinctly, Im searching for two individuals. Names, appearances, and distinguishing features. Anthony Reid shot a glance at Lumians left hip. Lumian reflected for a moment before answering, One is Guillaume Bnet, formerly a padre of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church. The other is Pualis de Roquefort. Over a month ago, she arrived in Trier with her husband, Bost, their butler Louis Lund, and her ladys maid, Cathy. I dont have any pictures of them. All I can tell you is that Guillaume Bnet has short black hair and blue eyes. He possesses a solemn demeanor and strong ambitions. His most notable feature is his aquiline nose. Pualis has long, brown hair and bright brown eyes. Her eyebrows are lighter and thinner, and she exudes an elegant yet alluring aura Anthony Reid listened intently before rising from his chair. He crossed the room to a wooden table near the window, opened a drawer, and retrieved a stack of white paper and a sharpened pencil. In no time, he sketched two portraits. See if these resemble them. Anthony Reid handed the sketches to Lumian. Lumian inspected the drawings and was struck by their vivid, lifelike quality. Aside from the absence of color, they were nearly indistinguishable from photographs. He looked up at Anthony Reid in astonishment, remarking, Uncanny. How can you reproduce their likeness so accurately based on my brief description? He had assumed Anthony Reid would draft several sketches for him to review before finalizing the portraits. Anthony Reid cracked a rare smile. I recreated the images from the official wanted posters. The authorities are searching for them as well. No wonder Suddenly, it all made sense to Lumian. Both Padre Guillaume Bnet and Madame Pualis were devotees of evil gods who had been granted boons. Once Ryan and his companions reported the situation, it was bound to attract the necessary attention! With this realization, Lumians disquiet grew. I must be wanted too Did Anthony Reid see my portrait? Does he recognize me? Trying to maintain his composure, Lumian queried the information broker, Im not surprised. I want to know the value of their bounties. Guillaume Bnet has a bounty of 20,000 verl dor. Each piece of information is worth 500 verl dor. The same goes for Pualis, Anthony Reid replied nonchalantly. Lumian smirked. If you uncover any useful information, you can cash in on the bounty twice. He was implying that Anthony could claim one share from the authorities and another from him. Anthony nodded in agreement. Ill take your assignment. 500 verl dor, with 100 upfront. These are my terms. If you cant accept them, find another information broker or bounty hunter. Lumian knew there was no room for negotiation. He could only nod slightly and concede, No problem. Just as he was about to hand over the money, a gunshot suddenly erupted from outside the window. Anthony Reids entire body shuddered as if confronted with his mortal nemesis. He instinctively ducked beneath the wooden table for cover. Lumian was taken aback. Wasnt this reaction a bit extreme? Wasnt this typical of life in Rue Anarchie? Gunshots, brawls, and large-scale skirmishes were commonplace here. Those who lived in this area should have adapted by now, only needing to steer clear of the windows to avoid stray bullets. Before long, the commotion died down. Anthony Reid took a few seconds to regain his composure before emerging from under the table. He offered Lumian a sheepish grin and explained, I apologize. A few years back during the war, I suffered from post-traumatic stress on the battlefield and had no choice but to retire and return to Trier. Then why choose to live in Rue Anarchie, where gunfire was a regular occurrence? Lumian didnt press further. He had no interest in Anthony Reids psychological issues. He withdrew a 50-verl dor note and gently traced his finger over the image of Levanx, the bustling commercial streets, and the silhouettes of passing merchants. Feeling the remaining texture, Lumian handed the grayish-blue banknote, two Louis dor, and two five-verl coins engraved with the Sunbird to Anthony Reid. His wallet felt a third lighter, and he couldnt shake the sense of money slipping through his fingers. As he examined the Le March du Quartier du Gentleman behind the banknotes, Anthony Reid bent his finger and flicked the surface to verify its authenticity under the sunlight. Satisfied, he pocketed the money and inquired, Do you want to check in with me periodically for updates, or should I have an address? If I come across any information, I can drop it off at your place. Im in room 207. Lumian knew he couldnt conceal his stay at the Auberge du Coq Dor from Anthony Reid, so he provided his room number. Upon leaving Room 305, Lumians expression grew increasingly solemn as he muttered to himself, I need to be extra cautious in the coming days to prevent Anthony Reid from betraying me Perhaps I should find an opportunity to demonstrate my strength in front of him, convincing him that I wont let any transgressions go unpunished. As Lumian mulled over his thoughts, he made his way towards the stairs. Suddenly, he heard someone exclaiming, laughing, and sobbing, Im dying, Im dying! Lumian glanced in the direction of the voice and spotted a man squatting by the door of Room 310. The man wore a filthy linen shirt and yellow pants. His unkempt black hair cascaded down to his shoulders. At that moment, he clutched his head with both hands and stared at the ground, repeatedly muttering, Im dying, Im dying! His voice oscillated between fear and insanity. The occasionally lucid madman that Charlie mentioned? Lumian sized him up for a few seconds, leaned in, and asked curiously, Why do you think youre about to die? Do you have a terminal illness? Without raising his head, the man continued to yell, Im dying, Im dying! Lumian smirked and strode past him into Room 310, its wooden door flung wide open. The rooms layout mirrored his own in 207. It was relatively tidy, save for the inevitable bugs that couldnt be evicted. Lumians gaze swept over the kerosene lamp, a multitude of books, fountain pens, suitcases, and other belongings. The madman stood up and declared in a daze, This is my territory. I know, Lumian replied with a grin. But if youre about to die and you dont have any children or relatives, why not use your inheritance to help poor neighbors like us? He observed that the madman was only in his late twenties. His bushy, black beard had been left unshaven for who knows how long, causing his blue eyes to appear as if they were buried deep within a forest. The madman stared blankly for a few moments before clutching his hair and screaming in anguish, Theyre all dead. Theyre all dead! I saw the Montsouris ghost. Theyre all dead. Im about to die too! The Montsouris ghost? Lumian finally heard something distinct from the madman. He had deliberately provoked the other man to see if he could elicit a different reaction. The positive feedback made him feel as if he were making progress with digesting the potion. One of the acting principles of a Provoker is that provocation is only a means and not an end? Lumian studied the madman thoughtfully and inquired, Why would the Montsouris ghost cause them to die and push you to deaths door? The madman lowered his head and mumbled, Anyone who sees the Montsouris ghost will die. Their family will die too. Theyll die within a year! Is this the madmans delusion, or did something like this actually happen? If so, was it a curse? Lumian prodded, Where did you encounter the Montsouris ghost? Underground, underground! Its beneath the market district! The madman crouched down again, his back pressed against the wall as he hugged his trembling body. The underworld beneath the market district? Couldnt he just report it to the two Churches and have them send people to eradicate the unclean beings? Lumian mused silently. Seeing that the madman had reverted to his Im dying, Im dying state, he abandoned his pursuit of the matter, exited Room 310, and descended the stairs. Tomorrow was Sunday. Lumian planned to visit the Mason caf in Quartier du Jardin Botanique at noon to familiarize himself with the area. In the afternoon, hed head to the underground cemetery to see if Osta had received a reply from the gatherings organizer. The alleys around Rue Anarchie were cluttered with obstacles made of rocks, wood, branches, and assorted debris. Even on the main road, one could stumble upon them from time to time. However, there was already a path wide enough for two carriages to pass through. These were called street barricades, and they could be found in many districts. Some bore the marks of smoke and fire, while others still had remnants of dried blood. They were a unique feature of Trier, contrasting starkly with the pedestrian streets of the arcade. Lumian stepped over a low point at the edge of emerged from the dim alley, and a barricade, entered the street. He then made his way towards the public carriage sign, intending to take such transportation to Quartier du Jardin Botanique. As he walked, Lumian spotted numerous vagrants lying in corners, basking in the sun and picking at lice. All were filthy, gaunt, and devoid of energy. This brought back memories of his own days as a vagrant. Unlike the Loen Kingdom, which prohibited vagrants from sleeping on streets and in parks, the Intis Republic had no such rules in place. However, they were forbidden from entering fee-paying establishments or private venues. They often mocked Loen for its lack of culture. Lost in thought, Lumians eyes narrowed. He sensed someone was tailing him! Chapter 121 - Chapter 121 Salle de Bal Brise Chapter 121 Salle de Bal Brise Lumian didnt swivel or hesitate, striding confidently toward the public carriage sign. He scanned the area nonchalantly, his eyes settling on the glass window of a nearby caf. Him in a dark jacket was reflected there, and not far from him, another figure in a canvas jacket and a cap. Lumian averted his eyes, abruptly quickening his pace as if trying to catch the departing double-decker carriage. As expected, he felt the man in the blue cap break into a jog. The public carriage glided away silently, turning down the street. Lumian knew he couldnt catch up and halted abruptly. Using the shop windows lining the street, Lumian caught sight of the cap-wearing man stumbling to a stop. Seizing the moment, he spun around and surveyed the dance hall opposite. As Lumian passed the public horse stop sign, he gave an almost imperceptible nod. Continuing on, he ducked into a shadowy alley blocked by a barricade. The man in the cap pursued him, vaulting the ramshackle barricade with ease, but Lumian had disappeared. His quarry seemed to have evaporated into thin air. Just as the cap-wearing man prepared to give chase, Lumian sprang from his hiding place in the corner, like a predator pouncing on its prey. He seized the mans shoulders and yanked him backward, driving his knee into his back. Crack! Lumians knee connected with the mans waist, contorting his face in pain and buckling his knees. He collapsed to the ground with a thud, stirring up a cloud of dust. Lumian crouched and gripped the back of the stalkers head. In a gravelly voice, he demanded, Who got you to follow me? Im not! Im just taking a shortcut! the man in the cap protested anxiously. Lumian chuckled, grabbed his head, and slammed it into the ground. The man in the cap howled in pain, his forehead bruised, swollen, and bloody. Who sent you to follow me? Lumian pressed. The man in the cap felt indignant. Im not following you! I dont even know you! Alright. Lumian released his grip. In an instant, he struck the stalker behind the ear. The man in the cap crumpled, unconscious. Lumian hoisted him up and thoughtfully lowered his hat to cover his tightly shut eyes. Then, as if aiding a drunken friend, he strode out of the alley and rounded the corner. There stood an entrance to the underworld. Lumian had waited for the stalker in the alley knowing he could slip underground if needed, and the setting was suitably quiet. When the man in the cap came to, his vision was swallowed by darkness. Only a faint light in the distance weakly revealed his surroundings. Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! The sound pierced his ears, approaching and receding through layers of obstacles. As a native of Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, he was no stranger to such a scene. He suspected hed been taken underground. A steam subway passed through the street next door, providing the faint light. Lumian sat in the shadows, eyeing the man in the cap. He grinned and said, You have two choices now. Either tell me who sent you to follow me, or Ill take you deeper underground and bury you there. You should know that many people go missing in Trier every day. You wont be the only one. Seeing the stalkers silence, Lumian knew his mental defenses were wavering. He added, As for me, Ill navigate these underground streets and move to another district. Realizing Lumian had an escape plan and was ready to silence him forever, the man in the caps fear overwhelmed him. He blurted, I-its Baron Brignais! Baron Brignais? The boss of the Savoie Mob and a creditor of Osta Trul? Why is he tracking me? I met him at the apartment on Rue des Blouses Blanches last night and didnt even speak to him Lumian was baffled and at a loss. This convinced him the man in the lying. If he wanted to fabricate a story, he cap wasnt wouldnt have chosen a mastermind that Lumian couldnt fathom. Lumian frowned, asking, Why is he following me? I dont know, the man in the cap replied, trembling. He just wants me to follow you and see where youll go. Lumian pondered for a moment and asked, Where is Baron Brignais now? If theres nothing else, hes usually at the Salle de Bal Brise on Avenue du March. The man in the cap strained to read Lumians expression, but the light was too dim. Salle de Bal Brise? Lumian recalled the landmark buildings in Le March du Quartier du Gentleman from his recent recon. Avenue du March was the main road connecting Le March du Quartier du Gentleman to the Suhit steam locomotive station, stretching two kilometers. Salle de Bal Brise was near the market district, its unique statue at the entrance unforgettable. Lumians lips curled into a smile as he told the stalker, Take me there. I want to talk to Baron Brignais. The man in the cap sighed in relief, feeling as if his life had been spared. Who would hold the upper hand or be accidentally killed at Salle de Bal Brise was no longer his concern. Salle de Bal Brise occupied the bottom two floors of a khaki-colored building. The second floor housed a caf, while the first was a bustling dance hall-though it had just opened and few customers were present. A white, spherical statue composed of countless skulls greeted visitors at the entrance. Inscribed in Intis were the words: They sleep here, waiting for the arrival of happiness and hope[1]. Lumian surveyed the scene and trailed his guide around the statue to the dance hall entrance. Two burly men in white shirts and black coats stood guard. They simultaneously rested their right hands on their waists and questioned the man in the cap, Maxime, who is he? H-hes here to see Baron Brignais, Maxime stammered. Under the guards suspicious scrutiny, Lumian replied coolly, Its up to Baron Brignais to decide if he wants to see me or not, not you. Do you want to bear his wrath? After a moments hesitation, one of the guards turned and entered the dance hall. As they waited, Lumian casually asked Maxime, Whats up with the statue and the inscription? They dont match the dance hall at all. Of course, it was cool. Maxime nervously glanced at the grinning Lumian and explained, This was originally an moved annex to the cathedral. Later, the bones were to the catacombs, leaving the area empty. Then, this building was constructed. Although those bones were purified or just ashes, the Savoie Mob found it too creepy after buying this place. We had no choice but to commission a statue symbolizing death and an inscription representing the dead to appease any lingering bones that might remain underground and unexcavated. Lumian found the idea of people dancing here amusing, considering it could disturb the skeletons below, essentially dancing on their heads. Just then, the guard returned and informed Lumian, Baron Brignais will meet you at the caf on the second floor. Alright. Lumian held his head high and strutted into the Salle de Bal Brise. First, he noticed the dance floor encircled by railings and the half-height wooden stage up ahead for singers. Then, his attention was drawn to the haphazard seating and the various perfumes and cosmetics wafting through the air. Maxime hesitated before following Lumian. He felt compelled to report the situation to the baron, lest he end up missing in the underworld. Upon reaching the second floor, Lumian recognized the gentleman he had encountered the night before. In his thirties, the man sported a black, thin-tweed formal suit. His brown hair appeared naturally curly, and his brown eyes held a confident smile. His features were sharply defined. Baron Brignais set down his coffee and grasped the mahogany pipe with his diamond-adorned palm. What would you like to drink? He was surprisingly polite and generous. Eyeing the four thugs with their hands on their waists, Lumian addressed Baron Brignais, Why did you send someone to follow me? last Baron Brignais smiled and admitted candidly, I saw you at Rue des Blouses Blanches night and again near Rue Anarchie today. The more I observed you, the more familiar you seemed, so I had Maxime follow you to confirm your intentions in the market district. You were searching for Osta last night too, werent you? He tried to scam me out of my money, Lumian replied before inquiring, Why do I seem familiar to you? Baron Brignais took a puff from his pipe and grinned. To experienced individuals like us, your actions can hardly be considered a disguise. Once we grow suspicious and connect the dots, well naturally recognize youLumian Lee, a wanted criminal with a 3,000 verl dor bounty. My bounty is only 3,000 verl dor? Lumians initial reaction was confusion. As the source of Cordus time loop, how could his official bounty be lower than that of the padre and Madame Pualis? However, merely providing information about you is worth 500 verl dor, Baron Brignais added with a smile. Young man, you need a book called Mens Aesthetics. Dont be embarrassed. In Trier, its quite normal for men to wear makeup. Itll help you conceal your true identity. This gentleman had also applied eyeliner and powder. Lumian smirked. Are you planning to capture me for the bounty? [1] This quote is from an inscription on the entrance of the Salle de Bal Brise in Paris during the Victorian era. I made some modifications to the original inscription. The ballroom was indeed built on the site of an old cemetery, and even used the stones left behind after the cemetery was relocated. Its like dancing on graves. The previous mention of walking turtles also refers to events that really happened during that time. Chapter 122 - Chapter 122 Each With Their Own Plans Chapter 122 Each With Their Own Plans Baron Brignais didnt immediately respond to Lumians question. Setting down his mahogany-colored pipe, he calmly took a sip of coffee. After a moment, he smiled and said, Im not an official. I have no obligation to help them capture wanted criminals. Turning over anyone whos wanted would cost my Savoie Mob a great deal of valuable talent. More importantly, your bounty isnt impressive. Its far from tempting me. However, if you cause any trouble in the market district, I wont hesitate to tie you up and hand you over to the police for a considerable bounty. The unspoken message from Baron Brignais was clear: There were many wanted criminals in the Savoie Mob. As long as you behaved, he could turn a blind eye. Lumian understood. You had someone tail me to confirm my intentions? Baron Brignais nodded approvingly. Im glad you comprehend. Lumian scanned the faces of the thugs, then calmly stated, Youve seen my wanted poster, so youve seen the others. My sole purpose in Trier is to find them. Excellent. Baron Brignais recognized that Lumian had no intention of crossing the Savoie Mob. He gestured to the chair opposite the booth. Care for a cup of coffee? No need. Lumian declined the offer. I just want to locate those people as soon as possible. He spread his arms wide and proclaimed, Praise the Sun for allowing us to live in the light! With that, Lumian turned and strode toward the stairs, unconcerned about the hidden guns of the thugs. Once his footsteps vanished down the staircase, Baron Brignais turned to the reserved Maxime and said gently, Tell me exactly how you were discovered and coerced by him. Spare no detail. With the mahogany-colored pipe back in his mouth, Baron Brignais leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. Trembling, Maxime recounted his ordeal from start to finish. After hearing the account, one of the thugs asked indignantly, Baron, why didnt you teach that punk a lesson? Why let him walk away so easily? Baron Brignais tapped the mahogany pipe on the table twice and inquired with a smile, Teach him a lesson? Do you know his Sequence, his abilities, or his weapons? I dont, the thug admitted. Baron Brignais rose, gripping the mahogany-colored pipe and smashing it against the thugs head. Blood flowed from the gash in the thugs forehead, but he didnt dare to cry out or dodge. He stood there, terror etched on his face. Baron Brignais withdrew the pipe and regarded him coldly. You dare challenge him without knowing anything? Go ahead, take my place. Lets see how long youll survive! Ignoring the thugs response, Baron Brignais smiled again. As he wiped his pipe with a folded white handkerchief from his chest pocket, he casually remarked, Didnt you notice something off about Lumian Lees wanted poster? The difference between the bounties for capturing him and providing information is too small. One is a mere 3,000 verl dor, the other 500. What does that mean? It means the authorities dont want us handling Lumian Lee directly. They want us to provide intel so they can act themselves. Two possible reasons come to mind. First, Lumian Lee is incredibly dangerous. Allowing bounty hunters to pursue him would cause widespread casualties and unnecessary losses. Second, he possesses something valuable that officials dont want to end up in the hands of the bounty hunters. If I had just taught Lumian Lee a lesson, the second scenario wouldve been fine. But if its the first possibility, what do you think our chances of survival are? The thug nodded repeatedly, not daring to argue. Baron Brignais sat back down, picked up his coffee cup, and continued, Moreover, based on how he dealt with Maxime and his audacity to approach me directly, I can tell that hes ruthless, decisive, and utterly confident in his abilities. I wager that if I had threatened him, demanding his total submission, he would have attacked without hesitation. Hes the type who wont hesitate to kill. Heh, this is both his strength and his weakness. Unaware of my capabilities or the number of traps laid here, he still dares to confront me with the intention of killing me to ensure my silence. Sooner or later, hell pay the price. Baron Brignais sipped his coffee and closed his eyes. Lets wait and see if we should offer him assistance and protection. This ruthless country boy with a warrant on his head could prove to be a very useful weapon. Outside the Salle de Bal Brise. Lumian glanced back at the white spherical statue made of skulls and headed toward the nearest public carriage station. On his way here, he had already devised a plan to deal with them, but ultimately didnt execute it. He had expected that if Baron Brignais threatened him with the wanted poster or showed any hostility, he would feign fear and reveal that he was wanted for stealing a powerful Beyonder weapon from Cordus ruins. Hed offer to hand it over in exchange for protection. If Baron Brignais was strong and confident, and allowed Lumian to approach with the weapon, Lumian would launch a fake assassination attempt, a ruse to actually hand over the Fallen Mercury to the other party. In that case, the unsuspecting Baron Brignais would become the evil dirks puppet due to his gloveless hand. Having interacted with and occasionally communicated with Fallen Mercury for some time, Lumian had earned a degree of control over it. As long as it didnt conflict with its instinct to find a knife wielder, it would follow Lumians orders, even when in someone elses hands. Eventually, Baron Brignais would abandon his animosity and become an ally. After a few days, when no one suspected Lumian, the baron would mysteriously vanish into the depths of Underground Trier with a handful of his subordinates who knew about the matter, never to be seen again. If Baron Brignais didnt allow Lumian to approach with Fallen Mercury and instead sent one of his thugs to retrieve the pewter-black dirk, Lumians strategy would be to first transform the thug into the wielder. Then, he would use cunning to hide the abnormality and give Fallen Mercury the corresponding instructions. In the future, if he made the puppet attack Baron Brignais, the baron would inherit the fate of being the wielder. After completing this task, Lumian would escape if possible or surrender and wait for the fate exchange to finish. Even if the puppet died due to exhaustion, as long as Fallen Mercury wasnt severely damaged, the fate exchange wouldnt stop. As for the torture he might endure after surrendering, Lumian didnt mind. As long as he wasnt dead, he would fully recover by six the next morning. Regarding the possibility of Baron Brignais becoming a wielder and turning into a zombie with evident signs of decay, Lumian had a solution. Baron Brignais himself had mentioned that men wearing makeup in Trier was common, and he was likely an avid reader of Mens Aesthetics. Cologne could mask the stench of decay, and cosmetics could conceal rotting skin! Truth be told, Lumian had struggled with whether to act in the caf on the second floor of the Salle de Bal Brise. Ultimately, he decided against it because Baron Brignais had shown a degree of kindness to a wanted criminal like him. Such kindness from a villain often meant they wanted to exploit him. If Baron Brignais truly wants to use me, hell definitely help me conceal my identity and inform me of any unusual movements from bounty hunters in advance As Lumian thought, he smiled. This was a good thing! As for the risk of ending up in a dangerous situation due to being used, Lumian already had a plan. By then, he should be well-acquainted with Baron Brignais. Familiarity made striking easier! Lumian had only one option when being used for dangerous and unthinkable tasks: kill Baron Brignais. Phew Lumian exhaled and considered how to better disguise himself. Initially, he had been confident in his disguise. As long as he didnt reveal his connection to the padre and Madame Pualis like he had with Anthony Reid, he wouldnt be recognized. However, the incident with Baron Brignais made him realize that he had underestimated other Beyonders. If there were Hunters adept at tracking, there might be other Sequences even better at recognizing people. Baron Brignais or one of his subordinates must possess similar abilities Lumian nodded imperceptibly. This was confirmed by the fact that Osta had relocated several times. With this realization, Lumian halted at the stop sign and boarded a brown double-decker carriage. He paid 30 coppets to secure a spot inside the carriage. Had he chosen a seat on the roof, it would have cost him only 15 coppets. The carriage gradually moved toward Quartier de lObservatoire. Lumian gazed out the window, taking in the sight of hurried passersby dressed in various attire. He observed ringing bicycles, rental carriages from different companies, and humanoid machines composed of gears, valves, pipes, and levers. The metal backpack on its back spewed white steam, propelling it forward step by step. Praise the Sun! The blazing sun beat down on the pedestrians, their arms outstretched in the street. Clang! Clang! Clang! The nearby cathedral bell chimed. It was noon. Chapter 123 - Chapter 123 Organizer Chapter 123 Organizer Lumian initially planned to scope out Mason Caf before noon to ensure hed know where to escape after his treatment the following day. However, the incident with Baron Brignais had significantly delayed him. He had no choice but to find Osta Trier first and visit the Quartier du Jardin Botanique later in the afternoon. Osta was in his usual spot, by the entrance to the catacombs, a bonfire flickering against a stone pillar. The sound of footsteps approaching caught Ostas attention, and he looked up from under his black hooded robe. Expecting to make a quick buck, he instead froze in place. Quickly recovering, he stood up and forced a smile. Before Lumian could speak, Osta preempted him, saying, I contacted the organizer this morning, told him I have a friend whos into mysticism and wants to attend the gathering. He hasnt replied yet. Lumian nodded, not questioning how Osta had reached out to the organizer. He walked over to the bonfire, found a rock, and sat down. Casually, he asked, Youve duped plenty of people, but youre always in the same spot. Arent you scared theyll track you down? Osta laughed and replied, Most of the time, its not really deception. As a true Beyonder and Secrets Suppliant, using my spirituality to perform divination for them isnt a scam. My predictions are far more accurate than most in the mysticism club! Sometimes, different folks need different strokes. If Im ever exposed, I can always talk my way out. How? Lumian inquired with a smile. Osta coughed. The key is to not be too clear or absolute from the start. That way, you can accuse them of misunderstanding your intentions. Lumians smile deepened. When it came to the Samaritan Womens Spring, you agreed too easily and made your promise too definite. Ostas expression fell. Yeah, I was cornered by Baron Brignais. I just wanted the money right away. The right approach wouldve been to say I had a solution, but it was difficult to achieve. After you begged me repeatedly, Id reluctantly accept your cash, warning I couldnt guarantee success Evidently, Osta had pondered his mistakes the previous night, considering how to avoid risks if he had to start over. He grew more animated as he spoke, only stopping when he noticed Lumians subtle grin. How could he openly tell this dangerous man how to swindle him? Osta awkwardly smiled and said, But I doubt this wouldve fooled you either. Youre the most cautious person Ive ever met. Lumian smiled and shook his head. You really picked the wrong pathway. Osta didnt dare to carry on. Instead, he asked, I thought about it last night. I never mentioned gatherings when we talked. I just said I bought the potions main ingredient. Howd you know it was a mysticism gathering? Lumian chuckled. It was just a gut feeling. Internally, he criticized, Arent there only two possibilities? Either a one-on-one deal or a gathering. There was at least a 50% chance of guessing right! It was just a casual comment. No harm done if I was wrong! Osta stared at Lumian, increasingly fearful. It was becoming harder to guess this dangerous mans Sequence. He appeared skilled in combat, possessed strong spirituality, and had an intuition bordering on precognition. Lumian savored the warmth of the bonfire and offhandedly asked, How did you get involved with the mysticism gathering? Ostas face took on a nostalgic expression. Everyone comes to Trier with hope. Painters dream of having their works chosen by the Worlds Artists Exhibition, but most fail. Every year, some succumb to madness or suicide. Poor authors living in cheap apartments hope to replicate the success of best-sellers like Aurore and Meniere, but they end up selling their stories to small newspapers. Theyre forced to bear scathing reviews like trite, mediocre, and clich. Many of them have even stooped to writing smut for underground booksellers, risking arrest by detectives. Over a decade ago, I came to Trier from Ccilis Province, eager to make a fortune. I lived in a leaky attic, climbed scaffolding, worked in factories, smuggled illegal books, and sold soda. I made some money, but with each passing year, I realized Id never be rich. Owning a home and enjoying leisurely mornings before work were impossible dreams. Eventually, I discovered mysticism magazines like Psychic and Mysteries. Perhaps I still fantasized about gaining superpowers overnight and changing my fate, so I started attending gatherings with fellow enthusiasts. Those magazines would publish the relevant information. Earlier this year, a friend from the group asked if I wanted to join a gathering with real Beyonder powers. I couldnt refuse. You know the rest. Lumian listened without interrupting Ostas account. When Osta finished, Lumian asked, Is that friend the gatherings organizer? No, Osta shook his head. The organizer goes by Mr. K. He always wears a massive hood, practically covering his entire face. Mr. K Lumian committed the codename to memory and pondered for a moment. What abilities has he shown? Osta shook his head again. Ive never seen any. But after becoming a Secrets Suppliant, I sensed I was facing shadows and deep darkness when meeting him. I think hes very powerful. He seems powerful. I wonder whos stronger him, the padre, or Madame Pualis Lumian mused before asking curiously, Did you sense anything special around me? Osta hesitated before admitting, No, but your dangerous aura frightens me more than even Baron Brignais. Lumian glanced at his left chest and smiled. Thats good. Osta was taken aback, not understanding Lumians meaning. Lumian changed the subject. Have you heard of the Montsouris ghost? Of course. As a con artist posing as a warlock, Osta knew many stories about Underground Trier. Legend has it that an evil spirit lurks in this dark, vast underground. It always travels alone, never seeming to reach its destination. Those who encounter the ghost either die instantly or suffer mysterious deaths along with their families within the year. Those whove claimed to see the Montsouris ghost went mad and died within a year. Ive heard both Church factions sent experts to search for the spirit, but they found nothing. It sounds plausible Lumian didnt inquire further. Standing, he told Osta, Ill catch up with you tomorrow night or the following morning. Alright. Though Osta didnt believe Lumian would harm him now, he couldnt help but sigh with relief at the departure of the dangerous man. No ordinary human could feel at ease around a tiger! On his way back to the surface, Lumian carried the carbide lamp and passed by the entrance to the catacombs. Once again, he saw the arch adorned with white bones, sunflowers, and steam symbols. Looking at the words Stop! The Death Empire lies ahead! Lumian cautiously approached the natural doorway separating the inner and outer chambers. Suddenly, a figure emerged from behind the stone arch and bellowed, Halt! The figure donned a blue vest and yellow pants. He was an elderly man with gray hair and wrinkled skin. His light-yellow eyes, slightly clouded, locked onto Lumian. Cant I go in? Lumian feigned the innocence of a foreigner. The old man scrutinized him. You need to purchase a ticket upstairs and bring a white candle with you. I have a friend buried inside. Do I need to buy a ticket to pay my respects? Lumian fabricated a friend on the spot. The old man eyed him suspiciously, Dont tell me youre one of those Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative college students? Those troublemakers always concoct lies to sneak into the tomb. They sing, dance, and feast in the ossuary! Fine, go in. Just remember to bring lit white candles like them. Thats my only demand! Lumian once worried that if he attended university, hed be too different from his classmates. Now, it seemed his concerns were unfounded. Those students were even wilder than he was! Alright, Lumian feigned disappointment. Ill bring a white candle next time. The old man nodded, relieved. Lumian turned and followed the restored path to the stairs leading to the surface. Over a hundred meters away, he suddenly spotted a black shadow from the corner of his eye. The shadow hunched slightly, shuffling behind a row of stone pillars on the left. Lumian glanced over and noticed its intangibility, as if it were almost illusory. Instinctively, he raised the carbide lamp, casting a bluish-yellow glow. The shadow disappeared, as though it had never existed. Lumian quickly scanned the surroundings but found nothing. Is it an illusion or an underground ghost? As Lumian pondered, he suddenly wondered: Could it be the Montsouris ghost? Did I encounter the Montsouris ghost? His pupils widened, and his expression grew unusually grave. Moments later, Lumian erupted into laughter, nearly doubling over. He laughed until tears threatened to spill from his eyes. Haha, come on, come at me! I want to see how youll kill my entire family and how youll cause my mysterious death! Chapter 124 - Chapter 124 Method of Self-Protection Chapter 124 Method of Self-Protection As planned, Lumian circled the vicinity of Mason Caf in Quartier du Jardin Botanique before making his way back to Auberge du Coq Dor on Rue Anarchie. He headed straight for the third floor and arrived at Room 310, where the lunatic resided. Bang! Bang! Bang! He hammered on the door. Im dying! Im dying! The wailing from inside grew frantic. Im f*cking dying too! Lumian spat, his face expressionless. Startled by his response, the lunatic fell silent and offered no reply. Lumian didnt knock again. He produced a small wire he carried with him, inserted it into the keyhole, and fidgeted with it. With a click, the grimy brown wooden door swung open. Inside, Lumian found the madman, clad in a linen shirt and yellow pants, kneeling with his thick black beard nearly covering his eyes. Lumian entered and casually closed the door. He crouched before the lunatic and lowered his voice. Ive encountered the Montsouris ghost too. The lunatic visibly trembled, his fear-filled blue eyes showing the faintest glimmer of lucidity. After a few seconds, he caught his breath and asked in a deep voice, Are you sure it was the Montsouris ghost? Hes in that state of intermittent lucidity Charlie mentioned? Lumian smirked and replied, I dont know. Thats why Im asking you to confirm it. What did the Montsouris ghost you saw look like? With a shiver, the lunatic described, A black shadow, like a lonely old man. Its back was slightly hunched, and it moved very slowly. After I spotted it, it vanished into the darkness. I didnt realize it was the Montsouris ghost until my parents, my wife, and my children started dying one after another Its eerily similar to my experience Lumian frowned, suspecting that he had indeed encountered the Montsouris ghost. He contemplated for a moment. How did your family die? Were you attacked? The lunatic hastily shook his head. I-I often felt something watching me from the shadows. But I didnt face anything else. Otherwise, I wouldnt have made it this far. My child became gravely ill and died in the hospital. We had just cleansed and interred him in the catacombs when my wife-my wife, snapped and hanged herself in our room. Thats when I recalled the legend of the Montsouris ghost. I took my parents to the cathedral and asked the padre there to protect us. The Church took it very seriously and assigned three clergymen to stay at my home. Nothing happened during that time. I thought the nightmare was over. But after the New Year, the clergymen left. Soon after, my father strangled my mother and ended his own life with a table knife. I cant remember much after that. Sometimes, I wake up and realize that I moved here at some point The lunatics blue eyes revealed unmasked anguish. Lumian felt like a tightly wound spring, ready to snap at any moment. They said the Montsouris ghost would kill anyone who encountered it back then. But this lasted until the New Year. Lumian keenly noticed the lunatics account differed from the legend. The lunatic shook his head. I dont know why it happened. I thought the nightmare was over. Otherwise, the three clergymen wouldnt have left A curse with no time limit until all targets are dead? Lumian formed a new hypothesis about the Montsouris ghost legend. He stood up and told the lunatic, I might have encountered the Montsouris ghost too. Lets see which one of us lasts longer. If I figure out how to break this curse, you can pay me to help you. A way, a solution The corners of the lunatics mouth twitched as he echoed Lumians words, caught between tears and laughter. He raised his hands and clutched his hair. Im dying, Im dying! Lumian intended to ask the lunatics name, something to inscribe when he was laid to rest in the cemetery or catacombs, but he shook his head, opened the door, and left Room 310 instead. Back in Room 207, Lumian sat on the bed, mulling over how to break the curse brought by the Montsouris ghost. Although theoretically, the curse might not take effect until years end, leaving no urgency for now, Lumian couldnt rely on the Montsouris ghosts apparent delay. Moreover, he had no immediate family, so he stood a high chance of being the curses first victim. It could happen in the latter half of the year, next week, or even tonight. Come to think of it, that man might still be alive. If the Montsouris ghost could help me kill him, Id owe it a debt of gratitude Lumians thoughts raced, and he suddenly laughed at himself. In the dream, he had lied to Ryan and the others, claiming hed forgotten his original name. He simply wanted to avoid mentioning or remembering it. When he was young, his family had been well-off, but the man he called father turned out to be a philanderer and later a gambling addict. His mother died from grief-induced illness, and his grandfather went bankrupt. They lived together in the slums until his grandfathers death a few years later. Thus, after being adopted by Aurore, Lumian had willingly asked to take her last name and change his own. Lumian didnt know if the man who had only provided genetic material was dead or alive. If he was dead, it was a blessing. If not, he hoped the Montsouris ghost would step up its game. As for himself, Lumian dared not assume the Montsouris ghost wouldnt harm him just because he harbored the taint of an evil god and the mark of a great existence. As long as it didnt possess him, the ghost could do anything! According to Madam Magician, Lumian was convinced that many Beyonders and monsters could easily kill him, but they would have to face the ensuing corruption as a consequence. Im not certain if this is a curse or not But I cant just sit here waiting for death. I have to take action Aurore used to say that the best skill for the weak or underage is finding their parents With this in mind, Lumians eyes brightened. He stood up and walked to the table to find a pen and paper. He planned to update Madam Magician on the missions progress. Simultaneously, he would mention his encounter with the Montsouris ghost, questioning if he had been cursed and how to address the issue. Though the woman with the Magician code name wasnt his parent, she was undoubtedly his superior in the current circumstances. It was logical to seek assistance from his superior when in trouble! Lumian pondered for a moment before writing: Esteemed Madam Magician, I have followed your instructions and gained Osta Truls trust. Ive also requested his introduction to Mr. Ks mysticism gathering On my return from the catacombs, I regrettably encountered the legendary Montsouris ghost. Of course, I cannot be certain. The specific legend is as such I seek to know if I have been cursed by the Montsouris ghost or if another influence is at play. How should I proceed? Towards the end, Lumian intentionally added the code name Seven of Wands to remind the recipient not to overlook his status as an external member of their enigmatic organization. Lumian deduced this from the ladys use of the tarot cards Magician code name and his Seven of Wands. He suspected Madam Magician might belong to a clandestine organization symbolized by tarot cards and devoted to a powerful entity. The Major Arcana were official members, possessing formidable abilities. The Minor each Arcana served as peripheral members who undertook various missions. After folding the letter, Lumian meticulously cleaned the room. He crushed a few bedbugs that had crept in from next door and disposed of them in the bathroom trash can. Once done, he lit the candle and conjured a spiritual barrier to summon Madam Magicians messenger in his name. Before long, the candle flame transformed into a deep blue hue. This time, an arm-height, doll-like messenger in a light-gold dress materialized atop the flames, floating there. Its unfocused, light-blue eyes scanned the surroundings before gently nodding. Much better than last time. The voice was otherworldly and ghostly, far from human-like. Truth be told, Im not fond of those bedbugs either, Lumian chimed in. The doll messenger smiled. Right? No creature appreciates those pests! Lumian sensed a shared sentiment, as if both sides despised the same thing. With that, the doll messenger extended a pale-white palm, devoid of any skin texture, and the letter floated up. Lumian watched the doll seize the letter and vanish like a bursting bubble. He sighed with admiration and thought, Having a messenger is so convenient After concluding the ritual and tidying up the wooden table, Lumian returned to the bed, awaiting the messengers response. As time passed, the night outside deepened. Songs echoed from the underground bar, but Lumian received no reply from Madam Magician. This made him furrow his brow. Does Madam Magician have other matters to handle and no time to read my letter? I cant keep waiting. I must devise other ways to protect myself Neither Hunter nor Provoker grant me the power to combat cursesif it is indeed a curse Dancer doesnt either. Unless I genuinely pray to that concealed entity after the sacrificial dance. But how would that differ from suicide? Ah, if I cant pray to that hidden being, I can seek out that great existence! I bear His seal upon me. I even obtained His permission when I claimed the boon. Im not afraid to beseech Him again! Yes, I can entreat Him to help me lift this curse. Lumian acted swiftly, setting up the altar. Since Madam Magician hadnt specifically outlined the ingredients for the great existences domain, Lumian believed that whatever he employed wouldnt impact the final outcome, as long as it didnt invoke other deities. He arranged orange candles made of citrus and lavender. Two symbolized the deity, and one represented himself. After completing the preparations, Lumian stepped back and examined the three yellowish candles. He recited in Hermes, The Fool that doesnt belong to this era, the mysterious ruler above the gray fog; the King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck Chapter 125 - Chapter 125 Struggle Chapter 125 Struggle As Lumian intoned the three lines of the honorific name, a faint gray fog materialized around him, radiating an unnerving aura. The orange candle flame adopted a bluish tinge, casting a sinister, deep glow over the entire altar. In that instant, Lumians thoughts seemed to decelerate. He felt an itching beneath his flesh, as if something was on the verge of burrowing out. A distant, inscrutable gaze from an unfathomable height appeared once more. Collecting himself, Lumian resumed his prayer. Adhering to Madam Magicians instructions and incorporating sacrificial knowledge from Aurores witchcraft notebook, he recited in Hermes, I implore you. I beseech you to lift this curse from me In all honesty, Lumian yearned to request the great existences protection for a year, shielding him from all harm. But that was clearly unattainable. He had not yet mastered the necessary Hermes phrases to counter the threat of the Montsouris ghost. Thus, he could only allude to the curse plaguing him. As the ritual culminated, Lumian began to draw upon the power of the herbs on the altar. In the following moment, his vision blurred, as if a seraph with twelve pairs of luminous wings materialized before him. Descending from above, the seraph extended its arms, enveloping Lumian in an embrace. The wings of light closed around him, enfolding him layer by layer. Lumian shook off his stupor and noticed the bluish candle flame had reverted to its original orange hue at some unknown point. Recalling the surreal encounter, it felt like a dream. He couldnt help but murmur to himself, Did I just see an angel? Did that great existence send one of His angels to protect me and lift this curse? Until today, Lumian had only heard of angels in the sermons of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church. He never anticipated experiencing an angelic embrace firsthand. According to Madam Magician, this was at least a high-level Sequence 2 entity. Even if only a fraction of its power had been projected from afar, it was still angelic in nature Lumian felt an even deeper reverence for the enigmatic organization that employed tarot cards as their moniker and the great existence that had sealed the corruption within him. Simultaneously, he breathed a sigh of relief. If the Montsouris ghost had truly inflicted a curse, it should no longer be an issue. How could a ghost that dared not confront the protection granted by the Eternal Blazing Sun Churchs clergy and was confined to wandering beneath Trier compare to an angel? Nevertheless, trepidation still gripped Lumians heart. He had prayed for the curse to be lifted. What if the Montsouris ghost employed a different method of killing than a curse? He waited until midnight, but Magicians response never came. Unable to risk sleep, he lay on the bed, shutting his eyes just to rest. Staying awake all night posed no challenge for him. At six in the morning, his body and mind would simultaneously reset. This was both a curse and a blessing. It wasnt until the latter half of the night that the cacophony of Rue Anarchie died down. Lumian discerned the faint chirping of insects in the distance and an even more remote whistle. Abruptly, his body felt leaden, and breathing grew labored. It was as if someone had swaddled him in a blanket and weighed him down. This isnt good! Lumian tried to rise, but he could only move his arms. His eyes wouldnt even open! His arms felt restrained, barely able to lift a few centimeters off the bed. In the next moment, Lumians body turned frigid, and his nose felt damp. It was as if he had been stuffed into a sack and hurled into the depths of a river. His breathing faltered, his chest tightened with pain, and his thoughts decelerated. Lumians desperate attempts at resistance flashed through his mind-entering Cogitation and activating the black thorn symbol on his chest. He dismissed the idea in an instant. Firstly, he would likely lose control. Secondly, the Montsouris ghost bore no connection to the covert entity known as Inevitability. It might not be deterred by the black thorn symbol. Unless left with no alternative and teetering on the brink of death, Lumian wouldnt gamble his life on this seemingly futile method. His lips and nose turned icy, as though an invisible hand was pressing them down. Paired with the sensation of drowning, Lumian found breathing impossible. His lungs were on the verge of bursting. Words like Hunter, Provoker, Dancer, corruption, seal, and Fallen Mercury flickered through Lumians mind, each forming fleeting thoughts before dissipating. Fallen Mercury Fallen Mercury! At last, Lumian had a revelation. He strained to shift his gloved left palm to the side. He had already positioned the evil dirk in the most accessible location to handle potential emergencies. A few seconds later, Lumian, gasping for air with his mouth agape, made contact with the hilt of Fallen Mercury and hoisted the pewter-black dirk. Fallen Mercury was no longer shrouded in black cloth. The intricate patterns on its surface overlapped, inducing vertigo. With every ounce of his strength, Lumian hoisted his shoulder, bent his arm, and plunged Fallen Mercury above his body. There was nothing there. Not even a scratch, let alone blood! Without hesitation, Lumian gritted his teeth and angled his arm toward his body. With a sickening pop, he drove Fallen Mercury into his left waist. Crimson blood oozed out, staining the blade of Fallen Mercury. The phantom mercury droplet symbolizing the fate of immolation penetrated Lumians body. The pain shocked Lumians oxygen-starved mind to consciousness. His vision blurred as the enigmatic river, composed of innumerable mercury symbols, emerged. This represented his own fate. Ignoring the need for precision, Lumian cast his gaze downstream of the illusory river, toward a current on the verge of engulfing the other tributaries. He then infused his spirituality into Fallen Mercury, allowing it to agitate the complex mercury symbol birthed from the rivers entanglement. In the next moment, Lumian saw himself lying on the bed, his face a purplish hue, teetering on the brink of death. The mercury symbols abruptly constricted, solidifying into a droplet that seeped into Fallen Mercurys blade. Almost instantaneously, Lumian felt his entire body relax. The sensations of drowning and suffocation vanished. Simultaneously, pain enveloped him, and he couldnt help but emit a soft groan. Flames erupted from his body, searing his flesh inch by inch. He had utilized the pain of being incinerated stored in Fallen Mercury to trade for his fate of being assaulted by a Montsouris ghost. He had successfully escaped a state where he couldnt even struggle, and the attack didnt come again! Fallen Mercury could stab others or Lumian himself, replacing an unwanted fate! He was ignited, reliving the agony of battling the flaming beast. Braced for the onslaught, Lumian rolled beneath the bed. Thumping against the floor, he rolled back and forth to smother the flames engulfing him. After a while, it was unclear whether Lumians strategy had worked, if the fire brought on by the fate exchange had run its course, or if it was a combination of both, but he was no longer consumed by the scarlet inferno. However, his clothes were in shreds, and his body was marred with charred wounds. His nose teetered on the edge of detachment, and his singed hair emitted a burnt odor. For an ordinary person or most Low-Sequence Beyonders, this was an injury beyond resuscitation-death was the only outcome. Lumian strained to keep his eyes open and focused, fighting the urge to pass out. As time ticked away, he sensed his life rapidly ebbing. He clung to consciousness, gasping for air. After an indeterminate period, Lumian finally heard the eerily beautiful chime of a bell. Clang! Clang! Clang! The bell struck six in the morning, Trier time, its peal echoing through Rue Anarchie and beyond. Dawns first light crept over the horizon. Lumian snapped to attention, his pain abruptly gone. His body and mind had completely reset! Phew Lumian exhaled in relief and stood. He looked down at the tattered remnants of his once crisp linen shirt and dark pants. His skin had returned to normal. Already in a financial bind, he couldnt help but sigh. He needed new clothes-a fresh expense! Still, hed managed to survive the Montsouris ghosts initial attack. This was likely a first in the annals of its dark legend. From the looks of it, its not a curse Lumian changed into fresh clothes and stepped into the washroom to splash cold tap water on his face. Gazing into the mirror, he noticed that some of his hair had shortened, and the golden dye had faded in places. These external changes couldnt be reset. After washing up, Lumian returned to Room 207 and was startled to find another letter awaiting him. The folded piece of paper lay innocuously on the wooden table. Lumian muttered under his breath, Isnt it too early for a reply? You didnt sleep again last night. Did you just get home? With a shake of his head, Lumian picked up the Magicians response and unfolded it. The handwriting was messy, but he could just make out that it belonged to a woman. Excellent work. Engage more with Mr. K and exhibit your wild, fanatical side until he converts you and extends an invitation to his organization. The Montsouris ghost is not a curse. There are three solutions for your current predicament: First, die before it. Use the corruption within you to destroy it and avenge the fallen. Second, trade your fate of encountering the Montsouris ghost with your dirk. Havent you ever considered using that blade on yourself? Third, take refuge in a particular cathedral of a certain Church and never leave its sanctuary. Chapter 126 - Chapter 126 Finding Prey Chapter 126 Finding Prey Lumian quickly scanned Madam Magicians message, committing the essential points to memory. It was evident that the first and third solutions to the Montsouris ghost dilemma were jokes. The only viable option was the second: using Fallen Mercury to swap his fate of encountering the Montsouris ghost. In all honesty, Lumian hadnt considered stabbing himself with Fallen Mercury to proactively change his destiny. Only when he was cornered by the Montsouris ghost, teetering on the brink of death, did this desperate strategy surface in his mind. Time was of the essence, and Lumian had to act fast. Hed only managed to exchange his fate of being attacked by the Montsouris ghost, not completely avoiding one. Hed narrowly escaped the first crisis but still lingered in deaths shadow. Given the choice, Lumian would have still opted to exchange the fate of being attacked by the Montsouris ghost instead of just encountering one. The attack had already occurred, and he couldnt be sure it would cease with a mere fate swap. He needed the most reliable plan to save himself. In simpler terms, what if the Montsouris ghost killed him and realized it had never met him and targeted the wrong person? I need to find someone to trade the fate stored in Fallen Mercury for a better one. Then, Ill prepare thoroughly, and when Im ready, Ill stab myself to complete the exchange. Ill seal the Montsouris ghost encounter inside Fallen Mercury Lumian combined his experience with Madam Magicians advice and quickly devised a way to escape his predicament. When the time came, Fallen Mercury, also known as the Cursed Blade, would cause whoever was stabbed to suffer the fate of their entire family dying, including themselves. The drawback was the time it would take for the effect to occur. Lumian drew Fallen Mercury from his waist, eyeing the blade wrapped in black cloth. He felt the Beyonder weapons potential more acutely than ever. He seriously contemplated finding experts to repair Fallen Mercury. Otherwise, the enchanted dirk would only last until years end. Maybe Mr. Ks Beyonder Gathering could provide the resources he needed. My suspicion is correct. Madam Magicians intention for me to meet Osta Trul is to use him to attend Mr. Ks Gathering and join the secret organization behind it Lumian donned a wide-brimmed hat and a black shirt resembling formal attire before leaving Room 207 and descending the stairs. As a Hunter, he needed to start his search for prey. Upon exiting Auberge du Coq Dor, Lumian spotted Charlie sitting on the three-story staircase leading to the street. Pale-faced, he gazed at the sky, melancholic, with a lit cigarette in his right hand. Whats wrong? Lumian asked, casually sitting beside Charlie. Charlie didnt look back. He inhaled from his cigarette and sighed. I feel like Ive lost my soul. Its gone. He wore a white shirt, red vest, and a black suit jacket draped over his left arma hotel uniform. Lumian grinned and got to the point. Did you sleep with that older woman? Charlie turned to Lumian and emphasized, Please call her Madame. Shes only in her fifties. He took another drag and exhaled a smoke ring. Did you know? She gave me a diamond necklace worth at least 1,500 verl dor. I couldnt resist. She was so dazzling and seductive that she went straight to my heart. It, Lumian corrected. Charlie smiled sheepishly. Madame Alice is captivating too. Its quite a feat to maintain her elegance at her age. She mentioned shell stay in Trier for six months and can offer me 500 verl dor a month As he spoke, Charlies voice grew somber, and his eyes took on a melancholic hue. Just as Lumian thought Charlie would sigh over his lost soul, a long exhale escaped him. Why can she only stay for half a year Lumian patted Charlies shoulder, saying earnestly, Take care of yourself. Charlies eyelids twitched. Theres a need for moderation. Madame Alice is far too enthusiastic. I was so exhausted last night that I didnt even have that beautiful dream. Lumian chuckled and said, You openly mentioned obtaining a diamond necklace worth 1,500 verl dor. In Rue Anarchie, thats enough wealth to make many people go mad. Arent you afraid Ill steal it? Charlie laughed. I had to share it with someone, or Id feel awful. Ive noticed you dont seem short on money. Youre even quite generous. You wouldnt commit a crime for a mere 1,000 to 2,000 verl dor. Lumian grinned, retorting, Is there a chance Im pretending not to lack money to lure someone like you into lowering your guard? Charlies expression froze as the dying cigarette nearly burned his fingers. Lumian changed the subject, asking casually, Is there anyone you despise so much that you think they deserve to die? Charlie snuffed out his cigarette on the stone steps, puzzled, Why do you ask? He intended to pocket the extinguished cigarette butt but decided against it, tossing it aside instead. A nearby vagrant darted over, grabbing the warm cigarette and taking a few drags. Without waiting for Lumians response, Charlie continued, The person I despise most is our head attendant. Youve no idea how detestable he is. Haha, Ive never thought of wanting him dead, but I just wish I could hood his face and beat him up one day. I dont think many people truly deserve to die. One is Baron Brignais, the market districts Savoie Mob leader. He colludes with loan sharks, driving many to bankruptcy. A friend of mine jumped off a building in desperation. But what did that accomplish? His son vanished mysteriously, and his daughter was forced into the Salle de Bal Brise. Although shes supposed to only sing, in reality, well Thats right. If he had the courage to kill himself, why didnt he think of a way to kill Baron Brignais and the others? Lumian nodded slightly. Charlie stared at Lumian, taken aback. Your thoughts are a little extreme. He added, The second person deserving death is Margot, leader of the Poison Spur Mob. He manipulates people into swindling women new to Trier. After bleeding them dry, he forces them into prostitution. Thats how Miss Ethans in Room 8 on the fourth floor ended up in the motel. Most of the money she earns is taken by Margot. Shes tried to escape several times, but shes been beaten within an inch of her life before she could leave Rue Anarchie. Market district has quite a few mobs. No wonder its chaotic at night Lumian glanced at Charlie, saying, It sounds like you sympathize with Miss Ethans. Charlie puffed out his chest. True Intis gentlemen empathize with ladies in tragic situations and offer help when appropriate. Lumian tersely acknowledged. Do you know where Margot lives? I dont know. Charlie shook his head. But he frequents the motel in the evenings, extorting money from Miss Ethans. If you hear a woman crying, shouting, and cursing on the fourth floor, thats Margot and his thugs. Lumian nodded pensively and inquired, Who else do you think deserves to die? Charlie considered for a moment, replying with a contorted expression, Monette, that Islander. He swindled me out of 10 verl dor! Can you imagine? Id been unemployed for some time and hadnt found a new job yet. That was my last bit of savings. I nearly starved to death because of him! Where does he live? Lumian asked nonchalantly. He was staying at the motel initially. But after know scamming me, he moved out. I dont where he went. Charlies anger flared as he spoke. I was waiting for him to hook me up with a job Once hed calmed down, Charlie eyed Lumian quizzically, Whys your hair different? There were strands of varying lengths, gold mingled with black. Dont you think its rather stylish? Lumian asked earnestly. Charlie snorted, his expression dubious. His experience with the Idiot Instrument made him instinctively question Lumians intentions in such matters. After a few moments, Charlie glanced at the street vendors and waved his hand. Ive got to head to the hotel. Ill see you tonight. Lumian stayed put on the stone steps outside the hotel, waving at Charlies retreating figure. That afternoon, Lumian took a public carriage to Quartier du Jardin Botanique. After walking over 300 meters, he reached Mason Caf. The caf occupied the ground floor of a beige four-story building near the botanical garden. Green plants twined around the buildings exterior. The ground-floor shops were set back nearly a meter, with pillars supporting an outer walkway for pedestrians. Masons Caf boasted dark green walls and large windows. Sunlight streamed through the glass, illuminating the tables and chairs outside. Lumian, dressed in a dark suit and wide-brimmed hat, entered the caf. The first thing he noticed were the intricate plant sculptures on the wall, interspersed with Intisian sentences: Who holds supreme power in the country? The president or parliament? [1] Adapted from the opening chapter of Histoire Insolite des Cafs Parisiens which was used in an early 21st-century bibliography. The original text was too lengthy, so it has been condensed. Chapter 127 - Chapter 127 Café Chapter 127 Caf Lumian couldnt help but smile when he saw the slogan on the wall. It reminded him of something Aurore had once said: In Trier, the caf holds a unique status. Its the birthplace of riots, the sanctuary of conspiracies, and the wellspring of scandals. Throughout Intisian history, innumerable riots had been sparked in cafs, and countless literary works and political struggles had brewed within them. Unlike the neighboring Loen Kingdom, Intis had its own private clubs, but they were fairly exclusive or high-end, with limited access. Be they former nobles, current members of parliament, high-ranking government officials, financiers, bankers, industrialists, renowned authors, newspaper editors, military generals, or university professors, everyone enjoyed frequenting different cafs to engage in spirited conversations, presenting a more approachable side to the public. After all, the Republics political slogan and image were built upon freedom, equality, and fraternity. Naturally, the cafs frequented by various social strata were vastly different, often distinguished by location, price, and style. So, when Lumian heard from Charlie that Laurent had used his mother, Mrs. Lakazan, to seek opportunities in upscale cafs, he wasnt surprised or puzzled. Many people did this, often becoming archetypes for novelists, but only a few succeeded. At the same time, banquets and salons were all the rage in Trier. If any high society member didnt host a salon once a month, others would assume something had befallen their family or that a financial crisis had jeopardized their political future. Aurore, who clearly adored this metropolis, stayed away partly because artists like authors, poets, painters, and sculptors seemed like tamed butterflies, fluttering about the salons of various politicians, financiers, and officials. It appeared that only by gaining their approval could the value of their work be realized. The amalgamation of salons and cafs supplanted most club functions. In this system, taverns, beer houses, dance halls, and cafs shared similarities, but the latter held far greater significance, leaning more towards the upper classes. Upon seeing a customer enter, a female attendant in a grayish-white dress greeted him with a smile. Do you have a favorite seat, or are you meeting a friend? Lumian nodded. Cabin D. The female attendant led him to a secluded corner. Beside a window, he could see a lush, tree-filled botanical garden. What can I get you to drink? The female attendant presented a brown-covered wine list. Lumian opened it, momentarily taken aback by the dazzling array of choices. Fermo Coffee, Highlander Coffee, Reem Espresso Sibe Black Tea, Marquis Black Tea, West Balam Black Tea Fruit Slushy, Frangipani Cocktail, Ambergris Lemonade, Venus Sacred Oil Summer Wine, Kirsch, Rose Dew, Walnut Spirit, Orange & Lemon Wine, Cherry Spirit Absinthe, Fennel Absinthe, Gin, Bitter Cura?ao, Apple Brandy, Grape Dregs Brandy Sweetwine: Perfect Love, Barbarian Cream, Little Rose, West Pyro Considering he had a psychologists appointment later, neither alcohol nor coffee seemed fitting. Lumian thought for a moment and said, Ambergris lemonade. Four licks, the female attendant inquired. Do you need cake, bread, or other food? Not for now. Ill decide when my friend arrives. Lumian surveyed the surroundings of Masons Caf and noted the absence of customers at this time. The lunch crowd had cleared out by 2:30 p.m., leaving more than an hour before teatime. Soon, the female attendant returned with a tray, placing a glass filled with a colorless liquid and a few lemons on the table. Lumian eyed the empty seat across from him, picked up his cup, and took a sip. A sweet, elegant fragrance filled his nostrils, and the refreshing sour taste invigorated him. As the minutes passed, Lumian noticed the wall clock nearing 3:30 p.m. He couldnt help but glance at the caf entrance. Green plants adorned the area, but no customers entered. Just as Lumian looked away in disappointment, a soft female voice sounded from the booth behind him. Im already here. Good afternoon, Mr. Lumian Lee. Lumian assumed the woman didnt want a face-to-face conversation, so he didnt turn around. He lowered his voice and asked politely, Good afternoon. How should I address you? Can you hear my soft voice? No problem, the gentle female voice replied. You can call me Susie. Hello, Madame Susie. For some reason, Lumian felt relatively calm facing this psychologist. His usual habit of inward commentary dissipated. A familiar uneasiness washed over him a second later. Whats wrong? Susie, seated behind him, inquired gently. Lumian pondered for two seconds and didnt conceal his feelings. Im a little uneasy. Its an odd yet familiar sensation. Yes, I must have experienced something similar when I met an information broker yesterday. Susie spoke rapidly, apologetically, Sorry, Im used to reading your thoughts. That might be causing your discomfort. Your body is infused with intense corruption and is in a delicate balance. The slightest disturbance triggers a reaction. In other words, youre highly sensitive to hidden and invisible influences, surpassing Beyonders of the same Sequence or higher. Is that so Lumian wasnt angry. In his view, a psychologist needed to read thoughts for effective treatment. Rely on words alone? He then furrowed his brow. Was Anthony Reid also reading my thoughts back then? Im referring to the information broker. I know. Susie understood. Where did Anthony Reid come from? What did he do before becoming an information broker? He had a West Midseashire Coast accent, a retired soldier, Lumian recounted. After a brief silence, Susie said, If hes truly from West Midseashire Coast, its indeed possible hes a Beyonder of the Spectator pathway. The Spectator pathway Lumian had read about it in Aurores Warlock notebook, but she only knew that its corresponding Sequence 9 was called the Spectator. They possessed remarkable observational abilities, deciphering true thoughts from subtle expressions and body language. So a Sequence above the Spectator pathway is a Psychologist As this thought crossed Lumians mind, he heard Susie correct him. Its Psychiatrist. That sounds more reassuring. Lumian smiled. What Sequence is Anthony Reid? After learning the others pathway, he felt Anthony Reid should have recognized him and sensed his anxiety, concern, and attempts at intimidation. According to your description, hes at least a Sequence 8, Susie concluded. Lumian smirked. If hes really a Psychiatrist, thats interesting. He didnt even treat the aftereffects of his battlefield trauma. Its not unusual. When a Psychiatrist suffers severe psychological trauma, its incredibly difficult for them to recover alone. They often need the help of another Psychiatrist, and treating a Psychiatrist is far riskier than usual. One misstep can result in the infection of the patients mental illness, Susie explained succinctly. As the conversation shifted and the atmosphere lightened, Lumian gradually relaxed, no longer feeling uneasy or anxious. He took the initiative to say, Shall we begin the treatment? Talking is part of the treatment. Susies gentle voice hinted at a smile. Realizing that the first stage of the treatment was simply conversation, Lumian eased further. He leaned back against the booth partition and asked, puzzled, I know it was a dream, but there are many details I cant comprehend. Since its my dream, how can I know the various abilities of the three official investigators? Why am I so familiar with the unique abilities of the padre, the shepherd, and company? Susies tone was warm as she replied, The three official investigators were forcibly drawn into your dream. Its as if their subconscious came close to yours, in a semi-open state. They would actively participate in the dream, revealing all sorts of information they know. Even if they only think about it, your subconscious can sense it. In other words, with Ryan, Leah, and Valentines involvement, certain parts of the dream are created through interaction? Their responses are a collective creation of my subconscious and theirs, adhering to unspoken rules? Lumian considered this as he pondered previously unresolved questions. Susies voice remained steady as she continued, You must have some suspicions about why you know the abilities of the evil gods followers, right? But youre just unwilling to confront them? At this, Lumians eyelids twitched involuntarily. Based on the information Madam Magician provided, most of Guillaume Bnet and Pierre Berrys abilities stem from the evil gods Sequence, Contractee. So, its impossible to predict their abilities beforehand. It depends on which creature theyve signed a contract with, Susie gently analyzed. In other words, we can rule out the possibility that your subconscious obtained corresponding knowledge from the seals corruption. Without a knowledge base, you couldnt imagine those abilities nothing. Theyre not imaginary. The womans tone suddenly turned grave. from Clearly, at some point before Cordu was destroyed, you saw Guillaume Bnet, Pierre the others use their abilities. Moreover, you were neither harmed nor Berry, and traumatized. Otherwise, it would have manifested in the dream. From the dreams analysis, what truly left a scar on you was Pualis and companys actions. How do you think you witnessed those evil god followers using their powers? Susies words were like sharp arrows piercing Lumians memories, making the sturdy barrier waver. Lumians face twisted slightly. Amidst excruciating pain, he saw images surface from the depths of his memories. It was the third floor of the administrators castle. The walls were adorned with pale, translucent faces, but the fighters were no longer Ryan, Leah, and Valentine. Instead, it was Guillaume Bnet, Pierre Berry, and Sybil Berry! Chapter 128 - Chapter 128 In the Dream Chapter 128 In the Dream Blood-red flowers bloomed on the pitch-black vines hanging from the ceiling, sealing off the third floor of the castle. Guillaume Bnet, Pierre Berry, and Sybil Berry fought off the midwife and her accomplices as they charged towards the tower. A series of fragmented scenes flashed through Lumians mind. In a tower filled with bird-clawed infants, the invisible Guillaume Bnet touched the midwifes shoulder with the help of Shepherd Pierre Berry. The midwife exploded as if a bomb had been planted inside her. Though Sybil Berry had been killed by the ladys maid, she was reborn in the other womans body and took control of it. Floating in the air, Louis Lund gave birth to a child in the room. Unfazed, Louis Lund teamed up with Administrator Bost to subdue Shepherd Pierre Berry. In the wilderness leading deep into the mountains, the padre, Guillaume Bnet, was surrounded by countless undead in linen garments Lumians face contorted in pain. These memories felt like a sharp weapon piercing his soul. Extracting them would do more harm, making him instinctively resist recalling them further. Eventually, the scenes faded, and Lumian panted heavily. How was it? Did you find anything? Susies voice was gentle, as if inquiring about todays breakfast. Lumian pondered and replied, I remember the battle between the padre and Madame Pualiss subordinates. The scene was chaotic and fragmented Sometimes, I feel like Im watching in person, and at times from afar via certain means This left him deeply puzzled about his position and role in these events. At times, he seemed to be part of the two groups, embroiled in the conflict. Other times, he appeared to be a mere bystander, unconnected to either side. Susie asked, leading him on, Besides that, is there anything else you dont understand about the situation in your memory? Lumian said as he recalled, I dont think I saw Madame Pualis She only appeared when the padre was surrounded by a horde of undead in the wilderness The padre and his allies seemed drained after dealing with Louis Lund, Cathy, Bost, the midwife, and Madame Pualiss subordinates. If Madame Pualis had joined, I dont think they could have won Why did Madame Pualis willingly give up and leave Cordu without stopping the padre and his allies Not willingly, but forcibly sent away, Susie corrected him. The ritual in your dream to send the Spring Elf away should be about sending Pualis away. The Spring Elf symbolizes a bountiful harvest, the end of a harsh winter, and the budding of new life. Its very similar to the abilities displayed by Pualiss group. Thats even stranger Lumians voice grew pained as he clenched his fists, feeling unable to remember any more. Susie said gently, If you dont want to recall, dont. Recovering all your memories isnt something that can be achieved in one session of therapy. Take your time. Theres no rush. Phew Lumian slowly exhaled a sigh of relief, his body relaxing. After he had calmed down for nearly a minute, Susie said, You can sleep and see if you can find more answers in your dreams. At first, the Psychiatrists voice was gentle in Lumians ears, but then it became increasingly ethereal, as if it had receded and entered another world. His eyelids grew heavier and heavier until they finally closed. Lumians eyes snapped open to the familiar ceiling above him. He bolted upright, taking in the reclining chair, the wooden table by the window, the small bookshelf, and the wardrobe with its full-length mirror. This was his bedroom, his home in Cordu. For a few seconds, Lumian stared blankly before leaping out of bed and sprinting from the room. He flung open Aurores bedroom door and found the desk littered with manuscripts, papers, fountain pens, ink bottles, and other items, just as he remembered. He noticed the chair with the pillow was empty. His gaze shifted to the vacant bed before slowly retracting. Quietly, he closed the door and moved to the next room. No familiar figure awaited him in the study either. Lumian raced downstairs. He dashed through Cordu Village, arriving at the entrance of the Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral. Not a single villager crossed his path. Every house was eerily silent. Gazing up at the onion-like dome, Lumian strode into the cathedral. The altar had been altered, adorned with tulips, lilacs, and other flowers. A black thorn symbol was etched into it, seemingly with liquid flowing on its surface. Still, nobody was here. Lumian searched the padres room before heading to the basement. Piles of bones and sheepskin lay around, just as in his previous dream, but the altar in the middle remained untouched. He examined it cautiously but felt no burning sensation in his chest. Realizing this was a dream, the power representing the past, present, and future seemed to have vanished. Having gained nothing, Lumian stood by the underground altar, deep in thought. He then dashed up the stairs, out the side door, and into the nearby cemetery. Guided by the memories of his previous dream, he quickly located the tomb where the owl had flown in. Crouching down, he pushed open the stone slab sealing the entrance. Without hesitation, Lumian descended the stairs, traversed the passageway, and found the black coffin in the shadowy tomb. No owl was present, nor was there another Lumian. Only the faint light seeping in from outside illuminated the scene. In a daze, Lumian turned his attention to the black coffin. The lid had already slid to the side, revealing its contents. Hesitating for a moment, Lumian recalled Aurore nearly losing control in his dream when she spied on the dead Warlocks corpse in the coffin. Two or three seconds later, his expressionless steps carried him forward, approaching the black coffin. He cast his gaze inside. A corpse quickly appeared before his eyes. With golden hair cascading down its sides and eyes tightly shut, the corpses pale-white face was adorned with a light blue dress. It was Aurore! Aurore lay in the coffin of the dead Warlock! Lumians pupils dilated, his face contorting with horror. The scene before him fractured, crumbling inch by inch. Lumians eyes snapped open, his expression a mix of bewilderment and dread. What did you see? Susies voice echoed in his ears. Lumian replied in a distant tone, I saw Aurore lying in the coffin of the deceased Warlock How can this be Susie reassured him, This is more symbolic. Consider this: theres no real Warlock legend, and in the dream, the story you subconsciously created transformed your and Aurores home into the Warlocks former residence. Aurore knows nothing about this or the legend. Her loss of control was because she wanted to see the Warlocks corpse in the coffin clearly. So, the Warlock who died in the legend represents Aurore. What does the owl symbolize? What does the entire story signify? Questions flooded Lumians mind, each like a sharp blade tearing at his head. Lumian instinctively raised his hands to clutch his head. You might need to recover more memories before you can analyze it. Moreover, sometimes, multiple layers of symbolism exist in a mixed state, Susie said gently. Thats enough for todays treatment. Your subconscious is already resisting. Continuing may backfire and harm your mental state. Would you like the second treatment in two weeks or a month? Lumian didnt hesitate. Two weeks from now. Susie paused for a few seconds before adding, Lastly, I must remind you that you have a strong tendency for self-destruction. Self-destruction Lumian repeated the words, his expression unchanged. Susies voice carried warmth again. I understand why this happened, and I dont want to forcibly eliminate it. Unless youre willing to let me erase all memories at the root of the problem, every treatment will only alleviate, not eradicate it. I just want to remind you that Aurore loves living and life. She has many unfulfilled wishes. She wants to see you attend university. She wants to travel to Trier as an ordinary person for a while. She wants to find clues about her home. She wants to resolve her issues with her parents. She wants to savor all of Triers delicacies, every concert, and experience every art exhibition. attend Shes one step away from complete death. If shes conscious, I dont think shed give up. Shes like someone whos fallen into an abyss, clinging to the cliff edge with one hand. If even you give up, no one will pull her up again. Lumians expression shifted, but he couldnt show any defined emotions. It seemed he had forgotten how to smile or cry. Susie didnt pressure him to respond. She sighed softly and said, Many times, suppressing pain and despair isnt helpful. Humans need to vent and relieve stress. Alright, thats it for today. Well meet again for the second treatment, same time in two weeks. Lumian closed his eyes. Thank you, Madame Susie. Susie didnt reply, as if she had already left. After more than ten seconds, Lumian slowly exhaled and opened his eyes. He instinctively glanced outside Masons Caf and saw a golden retriever with a small brown bag vanishing around the corner. A female figure appeared to be beside the dog. Lumian lingered for another ten minutes before finishing the remaining ambergris lemonade. He stepped out of Masons Caf and made his way to the nearest public carriage stop. A green double-decker carriage pulled up, inviting passengers to board. Lumian paid 30 coppets and found a window seat, his gaze distant. Read all about it! Only 11 coppets each! A child in old clothes approached the window, hoisting a stack of newspapers in his hand. Self-destruct live self-destruct live Lumians mind replayed the psychiatrists words. He felt like a walking corpse, oblivious to the newsboy. Suddenly, he noticed the newspapers title Novel Weekly. Thats right, its Sunday Lumian snapped back to reality. He handed the child two 5-coppet copper coins and one 1-coppet copper coin, opened the window, and grabbed a copy of Novel Weekly. Unfolding the newspaper, Lumian began to read, illuminated by the bright sunlight streaming through the window. As the carriage slowly rolled forward, a message caught Lumians eye: Obituary: Our eternal friend, the renowned bestselling author, Aurore Lee, has been confirmed by our editorial team to have passed away in an accident in April Lumians gaze froze, his hands trembling. Abruptly, he lowered his head, raised the newspaper, and shielded his face with it. A wet mark materialized on the newspapers surface in the afternoon sun. More and more wet marks emerged, merging into one splatter. Chapter 129 - Chapter 129 Neighbor Chapter 129 Neighbor Rue Anarchie, Auberge du Coq Dor, Room 207. Lumian tossed the wrinkled newspaper onto the table and slumped onto the bed. After a few moments, he collapsed onto the mattress. Exhaustion coursed through his veins, making it nearly impossible to resist the urge to sleep. He reset his body and mental state each day, but never his mind. Too tired to bother undressing, he kicked off his leather shoes and closed his eyes. Lumian slept deeply, dreamless. The acrid scent of sulfur roused him from his sleep. The sun was still setting outside the window. Lumian turned his head to gaze at the glass window, tinged with a golden-red hue, and whispered sarcastically, Could it be that Ive slept for a day and a night? It was clearly impossible; he always woke up automatically at 6 a.m. Though the obituary had helped vent the sorrow in his heart, Lumian still felt somewhat despondent. He knew that grief wouldnt simply vanish, and pain would inevitably resurface. He had to maintain a stable mental state and face his emotions without spiraling into self-destruction. As for extreme, mad, and self-destructive tendencies, he accepted that these were inevitable, as long as they werent severe. I have to undergo psychiatric treatment regularly in the future. Otherwise, Ill completely lose my mind before I complete my revenge and find a way to revive Aurore. Lumian sighed and got out of bed. He picked up the wrinkled Novel Weekly again and studied the obituary on the front page, seeking to reawaken the familiar pain in his heart. Then, Lumian noticed an issue. This paper was from last week. The paperboy had sold him an outdated newspaper! Impossible. Its impossible for a paperboy to keep a newspaper copy that cant be sold Lumian furrowed his brow, finding this odd coincidence inexplicable. He carefully recalled something that Psychiatrist Susie had said: Many times, suppressing pain and despair isnt helpful. Humans need to vent and relieve stress Suddenly, Lumian understood. This was part of his psychiatric treatment! Madame Susie had first identified my unstable mental state and strong self-destructive tendencies. Then, she used the hope of reviving Aurore as an initial counsel. Finally, while I wallowed in my pain, she arranged for the paperboy to deliver a week-old obituary. She shattered my defenses with cold, hard facts, allowing me to release the pain and despair I had buried deep inside Lumian mused silently. Realizing this, he was grateful for encountering a highly skilled and professional psychiatrist. Without her, escaping his mental quagmire would have been nearly impossible. As Lumians gaze drifted, he noticed a few bedbugs scurrying into his room. His keen sense of smell told him the sulfur in the neighboring room had been lit to repel the bedbugs, but the vermin mostly fled elsewhere. Lumian chuckled at the thought of him and his neighbor inadvertently attacking each other by driving the bedbugs into each others rooms. He slipped on his leather shoes and strode out of Room 207, heading for Room 206. On the second floor of Auberge du Coq Dor, nestled in an alley behind Rue Anarchie, a washroom connected rooms 201 to 204. Opposite Room 204 was another washroom, with rooms 205 to 208 on the other side. A sizable balcony graced both sides of the corridor, so the third, fourth, and fifth floors each held ten rooms and two washrooms. Knock! Knock! Knock! Lumian rapped his knuckles on Room 206s door. Who is it? A slightly flustered voice called from inside. Im from Room 207 next door, Lumian replied, grinning. I want to get to know my neighbor. Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing a lanky young man before Lumian. Barely 1.7 meters tall, the man wore a faded linen shirt and black suspenders. Oversized black-framed glasses perched on his nose, and his unkempt, greasy brown hair looked as if it hadnt been washed for days. His dark-brown eyes betrayed his wariness. What can I do for you? the man inquired. Flashing a smile, Lumian extended his right hand. Ill be staying here for a while, so I figured I should get to know my neighbors. Whats your name? The young man hesitated before reaching out and shaking Lumians hand. Gabriel, and yours? Ciel. Lumian glanced into Room 206, feigning curiosity. Why are you burning sulfur now? Its already evening-time to head out for food. Gabriel adjusted his glasses and offered a wry smile. Im a playwright, and Im planning to write all night. An author? Lumian raised his hand to his chin, abandoning his plan to play a prank on his neighbor to break the ice. Gabriel clarified, Playwright, actually. I specialize in writing plays for various theaters. Sounds impressive, Lumian praised sincerely. I admire people who can write stories. My idol is an author. Gabriel, flattered by the praise and Lumians genuine expression, scratched his messy brown hair and sighed. This line of work isnt as glamorous as it seems. I poured my heart into my last script, which I think rivals the classics, but no theater manager will give it a chance. So I take on requests from tabloids, churning out trite stories to pay rent and avoid starvation. Right now, Im rushing to finish one of those manuscripts. The editors just want steamy scenes with the female characters -thats what their readers crave Perhaps it was because he had triggered a scar in his heart, Gabriel was driven by an urge to share his struggles. Lumian listened intently before responding with sincerity, Ive read many authors biographies and interviews. Most of them experienced hardship, living in cheap hotels or cramped attics. I believe youll find someone who appreciates your work and helps you become a renowned playwright. Gabriel removed his glasses and rubbed his face. Youre only the second person to encourage me. Everyone else mocks my dreams, accusing me of being out of touch with reality. If it werent for the fact that you share a profession similar to Aurores, I wouldve mocked you too. And my mockery would be worse than theirs Lumian thought, before asking curiously, Who was the first person to encourage you? Miss Sraphine, from Room 309, Gabriel replied, glancing at the ceiling. Shes a figure model. I havent seen her in a few days. She mightve moved out. The same figure model Ruhr and his wife mentioned? Lumian nodded and extended an invitation. How about a drink at the bar? Gabriel was sorely tempted but ultimately declined. Another time. I have to submit my manuscript tomorrow. Alright. Lumian waved and returned to his room. Peering out the window at the bustling Rue Anarchie, Lumian resolved to find a restaurant and indulge in Triers culinary delights. Just then, a shrill female voice echoed from upstairs: You bastard! You pig! Your mother spawned you with a devil The cursing halted abruptly, as if silenced by force. Lumians heart raced as he flung open the window. If youre so fond of women, why not go to your mother? This time, Lumian pinpointed the voice to the fourth floor. Miss Ethans, the one forced into prostitution? He recalled Charlies description. That also meant Margot-the leader of the Poison Spur Mob-had arrived with his henchmen to collect their dues. In the Intis Republic, there were two types of prostitutes: the registered ones in places like Rue de la Muraille and Rue de Breda, and the unregistered, illegal ones. The latter, who neither paid taxes nor could do their business without the authorities stepping in, outnumbered the former by ten or even twenty times. After some contemplation, Lumian donned a dark suit and positioned himself between Rooms 202 and 203. A staircase led to the next floor. He retrieved the cheap cologne hed purchased from Bigorre, intending to pour it on the wooden steps for Margot and his henchmen to tread upon as they passed. Unsure when the Montsouris ghosts next attack would strike, Lumian was desperate to find his prey and complete the fate exchange. a brief moment, he abandoned the idea of directly pouring the cologne, opting instead for a more discreet approach to avoid detection by After any Beyonder powers. Lumian loosened the lid and feigned a clumsy slip of his hand, failing to grip the thick glass bottle securely. With a clang, the cologne bottle hit the bottom step, and some liquid seeped out, the pungent fragrance filling the air. Lumian crouched down, feigning frustration, picked up the bottle, and screwed the lid back on. He smeared the spilled cologne with his palm, rubbing it against his body to not waste it. Soon, most of the liquid had evaporated, and the night breeze pouring into the balcony swept away the lingering scent. Only then did Lumian retreat to Room 207. He concealed himself by leaning against the door frame while keeping an eye on the stairwell. After more than ten minutes, footsteps sounded from above. By now, the cologne in the corridor had significantly dissipated. A thin man led four others down the stairs. With closely cropped yellow hair, single-lidded blue eyes, a prominent nose bridge, thin lips, and faint scars on his face, the man suspected to be Margot wore a red shirt and a dark leather vest. His hands were tucked into his milky-white pants as he descended step by step. A bulge on his left waist hinted at a hidden weapon, and his feet were clad in strapless leather boots. Suddenly, the man frowned and deftly leaped over the two steps and a section of the second-floor corridor tainted with cologne. The three male thugs trailing him failed to detect anything unusual and trampled the remaining traces of the scent. Lumians heart pounded at the sight. Is Margot acutely sensitive to smells, with a strong aversion to being contaminated by peculiar odors? Chapter 130 - Chapter 130 Tracking Chapter 130 Tracking Lumian recognized Margots actions all too well. He would have done the same! Then, he remembered Aurore mentioning that Beyonders from the Hunter pathway were relatively common in the Intis Republic. Lumian suspected that Margot might also be a Beyonder from the Hunter pathway, but he couldnt determine his Sequence. A mob boss wouldnt have a high Sequence unless necessary If Margot is truly a Hunter pathway Beyonder, he shouldnt surpass Sequence 7. Furthermore, the likelihood of him being a Pyromaniac is slim. Leah and Valentine, only at Sequence 7, are already considered elite investigators. Could they be inferior to a high-ranking thug who patrols the territory, abducts women, and bullies prostitutes? Lumian pondered silently as he stepped back and averted his gaze. Although it seemed improbable that Margot had reached or even exceeded Sequence 7, Lumian dared not be careless. What if his Sequence title was something like Scoundrel which required him to act like one? What if the Poison Spur Mob was more complex than it appeared, merely an extension of a secret organization or underground cult with ample resources, deliberately avoiding ostentation to evade official scrutiny? The odds were slim, but lacking information and relevant mystical knowledge, Lumian had to remain vigilant. He couldnt eliminate the possibilities or gauge their likelihood. In the second-floor corridor, the man suspected to be Margotclad in a red shirt and black vest with his hands in his pockets- turned to his three subordinates. Frowning slightly, he seemed puzzled and mildly displeased by their unnecessary contact with the cologne. He glanced at the ground and sniffed. The cologne wasnt confined to the stairwell; it brazenly led to Room 207. Moreover, the bottom step bore fresh marks of being struck by a light, small object. In an instant, the man presumed to be Margot reconstructed the scene in his mind based on the environmental clues: The tenant in Room 207 might have visited the washroom or a neighbor. On their way back, they intended to apply cologne but dropped the bottle on the stairs. Then, they spread the cologne on their body, leaving only faint traces. This was consistent with the mindset of Auberge du Coq Dors tenants. The man thought to be Margot dismissed his suspicions and instructed his three subordinates, Remember to change your shoes when you return to Salle de Gristmill. Alright, Boss, the trio replied almost in unison. It wasnt surprising; they were frequently asked to do something similar. Salle de Gristmill From Room 207, Lumian overheard their conversation and grew increasingly certain that the man suspected to be a Hunter pathway Beyonder was Margot. After chatting with Charlie that morning, he strolled around Le March du Quartier du Gentleman district, conversing with vendors and bar patrons. He learned that Salle de Gristmill at 3 Rue Anarchie was one of the Poison Spur Mobs strongholds. Only when Margot and his crew reached the bottom did Lumian don his wide-brimmed hat and leisurely exit the room. He trailed the lingering scent of cologne, venturing deeper into the street. Seven or eight minutes later, he arrived at Salle de Gristmill. The faint odor of cheap cologne confirmed that Margot and his subordinates had returned. Salle de Gristmill lacked the grand statue and inscriptions of Salle de Bal Brise. It merely occupied a section of the street and featured a golden-hued lobby. Gas lamps encased by glass covers and black crossed bars on four stone pillars illuminating the entrance hall dispelled the evenings darkness. At that moment, the dance hall buzzed with activity. Lumian heard singing, raucous laughter, and the strumming of instruments before stepping inside. The layout resembled Salle de Bal Brise, with a dance floor in the center surrounded by small round tables and chairs. A low wooden platform at the front held a sultry woman. Clad in a provocative short white top, her bras row of bows was clearly visible. A black mole adorned her lips, and her brownish-yellow hair was swept up in a bun. Her makeup emphasized her large, deep-set blue eyes, creating a seductive, decadent allure. Softly crooning, she occasionally kicked her right leg. Her cream-colored, fluffy knee-length skirt enticed patrons to try peeking beneath it. The consulting physician has an alluring air, Hell first prepare by pushing up his sleeves with care, It takes me back to my initial romance, But this fine medic, he stands apart with just a glance, He locates the sweet spot with such finesse and speed, Discerning, my love, his touch is skilled indeed. Amid the suggestive and captivating performance, Lumian approached the bar counter and asked the bartender, Whats there to eat? The bartender smiled and inquired, How about Rouen Meatloaf? Or do you prefer standard fare like sausages, bread, and smoked meat? Lumian, already aware of the Trieriens fondness for meatloaf, nodded. Then, two servings of Rouen Meatloaf. And a glass of apple punch? It can counteract the richness of the meatloaf. The bartender sensed a generous customer when Lumian didnt inquire about the price and suggested a slightly pricier drink. Punch was a fruit juice cocktail. Lumian smiled. Sure. With nearly 200 verl dor remaining, Lumian didnt need to be overly frugal with his food and drink. In any case, scrimping wouldnt be enough to cover the outstanding payment for information broker Anthony Reid. 3 licks for each Rouen Meatloaf and 12 licks for the apple punch, the bartender quickly quoted the price. Lumian nodded and pulled out a verl dor silver coin, adorned with a small angel relief and a diffused line on the surface, tossing it to the bartender. After pocketing the two 5 coppet bronze coins in change, he waited patiently. By then, the female singer on stage had finished her performance, and the band played a slightly intense drumbeat. Customers flocked to the dance floor, swaying to the rhythm, releasing the days pressure, fatigue, and pain. A man sitting nearby grinned at his companion and said, I love this atmosphere so much. I wonder who invented this kind of gyrating dance. Its far more appealing than the old quadrille! Can you imagine? Id often have a partner in my arms, only to wait ages for my turn to dance. My enthusiasm wouldve cooled by then. The quadrille, or square dancing, involved four men and women forming a square and dancing to a violinists performance before circling each other. Another man chuckled and said, I still prefer the Can-can and Striptease. The Can-can, popular in Quartier de la Princesse Rouge, featured high kicks and landing splits as signature moves. When women lined up in short skirts and stockings, kicking high, cheers and thrown coins often followed. Of course, it was a technically demanding dance. A skilled dancer needed to kick their leg as high as their nose or close to their ears. Lumian absorbed the surrounding sounds, occasionally glancing at the stairs where the cheap cologne scent vanished. Soon, two thick meatloaves and a dreamy, transparent alcoholic beverage with a red top and floating ice cubes arrived. Lumian sipped the apple punch, refreshed by the sweetness, faint tartness, and smoothness of the alcohol. The ices coldness invigorated him. He then bit into the Rouen Meatloaf, unable to resist the blend of unfermented doughs sweetness, minced meats flavor, oils aroma, and spices kick. After devouring a whole meatloaf, he sipped the apple punch to cleanse his palate. Post-dinner, Lumian clutched his drink, listening to the girls singing and watching the dance floor crowd. The feverish atmosphere seemed to affect him as he occasionally swayed to the rhythm at the dimly lit bar counter. Each time, Lumian would steal a glance at the stairs, monitoring Margot and his subordinates movements. It was midnight when Margot-clad in a red shirt, leather vest, and sporting short, vertical, light-yellow hair-descended the stairs with three thugs and exited Salle de Gristmill. Aware that the other party might be a Hunter pathway Beyonder, Lumian didnt follow immediately. He was prepared to lose them since the gangs leather shoes, once soaked in cheap cologne, had been changed. Relying on his sense of smell to track them from a distance was no longer an option. Still, he harbored some hope. Hed noticed that most dance hall customers were too engrossed and frenzied, occasionally spilling alcohol on the floor, creating wet spots from the stairs to the exit. Swaying to the rhythm, Lumian observed from the corner of his eye that Margot consistently avoided the damp ground. This further solidified his belief that Margot was a Hunter pathway Beyonder. As for Margots three subordinates, despite their attempts to dodge the wet areas, their limited observation skills and the dim gas wall lamp lighting led to their feet or heels inevitably getting wet. For those frequenting bars and dance halls, it was unavoidable. Margot had grown numb to it, not considering it an issue or giving it much thought. Almost a minute after they left, Lumian rose from the bar counter and stepped out of Salle de Gristmill. With few pedestrians on the streets, only the occasional drunkards singing and cursing broke the silence. Ruined gas street lamps cast moonlight providing the main illumination. a feeble light, with the skys crimson The four gas wall lamps at the dance hall entrance allowed Lumian to spot numerous Some had long since faded, wet footprints. while others were fresh. Three sets of footprints appeared in close proximity and consistently at the same time. Upon closer inspection, Lumian discovered a faint, difficult-to-notice set of footprints without any wet stains leading the way. Lumian chuckled, whispering to himself, Constantly hanging out with fools and vermin will only bring you harm. Chapter 131 - Chapter 131 Night Fight Chapter 131 Night Fight Under the crimson moons glow, a gas street lamp illuminated the area from a distance. Lumian identified the footprints and followed them at a measured pace. Before long, the wet spots dried up entirely, ceasing to provide clues. However, Lumian had memorized the size, sole patterns, and gait characteristics of the four sets of footprints, ensuring he wouldnt confuse them with others. Even so, tracking them proved challenging. Unlike the ruins of Cordu Village, thousands of people traversed Rue Anarchie and its surroundings daily, leaving countless overlapping footprints that obscured and destroyed each other, making it difficult to pinpoint a target. Compounding the challenge, vendors littered the streets with trash, and the terrible environment created other distractions. At times, Lumian felt like he was searching for a drop of water in the ocean. Fortunately, it was midnight, and few pedestrians were out. Most were alcoholics, whose distinct smell and staggered footprints Lumian could dismiss at a glance. Additionally, Margot and his crew hadnt been gone long, so many traces remained undamaged. Lumian barely managed to keep up. Occasionally, due to the environment or Margots caution, the footprints would abruptly vanish. But Lumian remained undeterred. He composed himself, searching forward, left, and right over considerable distances for new traces. Through trial and error, he eventually found the footprints he sought. Thus, Lumian tracked them to Rue du Rossignol in the market district, stopping in front of a five-story apartment building far from several cheap dance halls. Margot and his subordinates footprints led inside. Upon careful examination, Lumian confirmed that the three thugs had eventually left and walked in different directions. In other words, Margot was the only one remaining in an apartment room. He doesnt need his subordinates protection, confident in his own strength Lumian silently mused, growing more certain that his target was a Beyonder. He surveyed the pitch-black corridor, considering how a Hunter might handle corresponding traces before returning to their actual residence. He suspected that even with a carbide lamp and meticulous searching, locating Margot would be near-impossible, and he might even fall into a prearranged trap. After some contemplation, Lumian formulated a preliminary plan. He averted his gaze and headed to the adjacent street. Before long, he encountered a staggering drunk man in his twenties who could barely walk. As the man reached a malfunctioning gas street lamp and began to vomit, Lumian lowered his hat and approached. In a hushed tone, he said, I want to buy your shirt for 1.5 verl dor. The drunkards initial reaction was to question whether he was so intoxicated that he was hallucinating. He wore a gray-blue tweed shirt hed purchased from a cheap clothing store in Le March du Quartier du Gentleman for only 1 verl dor. Now, someone wanted to spend 1.5 verl dor, or 30 licks, on this old garment hed worn for two years! Am I crazy, or is this guy crazy? The drunkard strained to look up at his counterpart, but the dim light only revealed a shadowy figure in the darkness. The next moment, two cold coins appeared in his hand. Instinctively, the drunkard weighed the coins and felt the patterns etched into the metal. He belched and asked, Why do you want to buy it? If youre unwilling, Ill find someone else. Lumian feigned taking back the silver coins. Without further questioning, the drunkard grumbled and slowly removed his coat, emptying the pockets. As Lumian departed with the clothes, the drunkard looked up with difficulty and waved his hand. Haha, lunatic. Lunatic who gives money Blargh By the time Lumian returned to the apartment block on Rue du Rossignol, he had changed into a dark-blue cap, a gray-blue tweed coat, faded pants, and a pair of worn, dirty leather shoes. In addition to items he would use later, he had spent a total of 12 verl dor. Lumian glanced at the unlit apartment and suddenly found himself bewildered. Why do I have to target a Beyonder like Margot? His three subordinates were hardly innocent, and they were clearly weak. They didnt know how to cover their tracks, so dealing with them shouldnt be much harder than killing a chicken The fate of being attacked by the Montsouris ghost wouldnt discriminate! Why was I fixated on hunting Margot? I wasnt like this before. When necessary, I could be ruthless, and I could keep things simple. I wouldnt burden myself unnecessarily As these thoughts raced through his mind, Lumians lips curled into a faint smile. He realized he had instinctively chosen more dangerous prey because it appeared more challenging, making him feel more at ease and carefree. Lumian gazed at his left chest concealed beneath his clothes, suspecting this change resulted from the corruption within his body. After a few seconds of silence, he suppressed a soft chuckle. From the looks of it, Im a little crazy He didnt plan on changing his target; it was as if he could already smell the stench of blood. This was both a blessing and a curse. With his cap pulled low, Lumian carried a pile of items and circled to the rear of the target apartment. He arranged the fatty meat, flammable sofa stuffing, and other items against the wall, creating a fireproof barrier around them. Next, Lumian struck a match and tossed it onto the pile. The sparks rapidly spread across the most combustible materials, quickly growing and consuming everything around them. Black smoke billowed. As the dense smoke enveloped the area, Lumian shouted, Fire! Fire! He then raced back to the front of the apartment and retreated into the shadows of a nearby corner. His plan was simple: since he didnt know which room Margot occupied or what traps he had set, hed force Margot to reveal himself! If Margot were a Pyromaniac, hed certainly sense that the flames and smoke below couldnt cause a real inferno. His reaction would differ greatly, allowing Lumian to determine Margots Sequence and decide whether to proceed or abort the plan. and With the rising smoke, flickering flames, Lumians cries, the apartments tenants and those from neighboring buildings rushed down the stairs to the street. As the fire wasnt large and the smoke hadnt penetrated the apartment, no one risked jumping out. Remaining silent, Lumian focused intently on the apartment entrance while others replaced him to shout and search for the fires origin. Seconds later, a figure leaped from a second-floor window, landing with ease. It was Margot-dressed in a red shirt and long milky-white pants! Relying on his Beyonder abilities and living on a lower floor, Margot hadnt taken the stairs like the other tenants. Instead, he jumped out the window. Upon landing, he glanced back at the apartment, realizing the fire wasnt serious at all. There had been no need for him to jump out, making him appear panicked and foolish. In that instant, Margot spotted a figure wearing a peaked cap and gray-blue shirt emerge from a corner. The figure, head lowered, pointed at Margot and laughed. Look, this guy is such an idiot! Margots emotions erupted with a fury. His eyes tinted red as he lunged at the man mocking him. He was fast, but the figure was faster. He had already turned and darted into the nearest alley. All Margot wanted was to teach the guy a lesson and chase him down. The pair raced into the dark, deserted alley, one tailing the other. Tap! Tap! Tap! The figure sprinted to a barricade and vaulted over it with a push from his right hand. Upon landing, he saw the figure stop and turn around. The moment he landed, he saw the figure stop and turn around. Under the crimson moonlight, Margot saw the face beneath the dark-blue cap. It was swathed in layers of white bandages, revealing only nostrils, eyes, and ears. The figures left hand was similarly wrapped, gripping a sinister-looking, pewter-black dirk. Margots pupils widened, and his heart skipped a beat. He instantly realized he had fallen prey to some kind of Provocation. Suppressing his unease, Margot drew the black revolver from his waist. He aimed at Lumian and activated Provocation. With that knife? Idiot, this is the age of the gun! Bang! Margot pulled the trigger, sending a bullet straight for Lumians head. Lumian suddenly arched backward, as if forming a bridge. Then, he snapped horizontally, dodging Margots second bullet. Next, Lumian straightened like a coiled spring and hurled Fallen Mercury at Margot as if it were a flying dagger. Anticipating that his enemy had a Provocation-like ability and possibly poisoned the weapon, Margot dared not confront it head-on. He hastily twisted his body, allowing the pewter-black dirk to sail past him and embed into a crack in the barricade. As he evaded the attack, Margot saw Lumian pounce on him like a tiger. Only then did he notice that Lumians ears were stuffed with thick wads of paper, rendering him almost immune to Margots Provocation! The best understanding of a Hunter always came from another Hunter! This revelation infuriated Margot once more, as if he had been silently Provoked by his opponents prowess. Bam! Lumian clenched his right fist and struck Margots temples with a sharp crack. Margot blocked it with his left arm. Simultaneously, he raised his right hand and aimed the revolver at Lumians head. Lets see how you dodge at this close range! In an instant, Lumian leaned forward as if to headbutt Margots chest and grabbed his right wrist with his left hand. Meanwhile, his right leg swung up with incredible flexibility. Not at the back of his head, but at Fallen lodged in a crack in the barricade Mercury, beside him! The sinister, pewter-black dirk soared into the air, propelled by Lumians kick, and flew straight toward Margot. Chapter 132 - Chapter 132 Black Scorpion Chapter 132 Black Scorpion Crash! Margot barely managed to dodge the deadly dirk hurtling towards him, but in doing so, he failed to move his revolver in sync with Lumians rapid motion. The bullet struck the opposite wall, sending stone fragments flying. With a metallic clink, Fallen Mercury zipped past Margot again and landed not far away on the ground. Lumian straightened up and swiftly stomped his right foot onto the enemys instep to stop him from raising his knee and slamming it into his abdomen. In the blink of an eye, Lumian was nearly plastered to his opponent. He either slashed or slammed with both hands, or braced and blocked with his elbows. His feet delivered low kicks or stomps, and his knees jerked forward or bounced around. Margot was too preoccupied fending off these attacks to aim and fire. The thug felt as if he were caught in a relentless storm of his opponents blows. Moreover, Lumian stayed close, employing close-quarters combat techniques to prevent him from retreating and using his gun. For Margot, such a fighting style was both foreign and dangerous. Crash! Margots elbow smashed into the wall, causing the house to shudder. Whack! Margots right wrist was twisted, and the black revolver slipped from his grasp, clattering to the ground. Wham! Wham! Wham! Lumian unleashed a barrage of hands, elbows, knees, and feet, forcing the enemy to retreat repeatedly. Towards the end, Margot could only block instinctively, his thoughts unable to keep pace with Lumians swift movements. However, he sensed that he had already deciphered the pattern of his opponents attacks and anticipated the sequences that would follow. He could defend against all onslaughts with his muscle memory alone. In just a moment, he would launch a counterattack! Instinctively, Margot raised his right foot to block the incoming low kick. But he met nothing. Lumians left foot extended diagonally, defying the limits of human flexibility. He hooked the pewter-black dirk that lay silently beside him. He had attacked Margot to force him to draw near to Fallen Mercury. The pewter-black dirk dirk soared up and stabbed Margots thigh. Margot found himself pinned down by Lumian while balancing precariously on one foot. He had little recourse but to retract his right foot and twist his body slightly to evade. Fallen Mercury grazed his thigh and tore through his milky-white pants, leaving a shallow trail of blood. Wham! Wham! Wham! Lumian went on the offensive once more with the close-quarters combat techniques Aurore had taught him, overwhelming Margot until he had no time to tend to his leg injuries. Luckily, the wound was superficial and bled only slightly. Crash! Margots back collided with the wall. Throughout the entire encounter, he hadnt even had a chance to speak. The other party still had his ears plugged, unafraid of any provocation. Margots blood boiled, but it only served to fuel his determination. He planned to trade his injuries for an advantage and escape his current predicament. At that moment, his raised arms met nothing. He watched in confusion and shock as the strange man with the white bandages on his face voluntarily retreated and created distance. Then, the mysterious man turned and sprinted away. As he ran, he flicked the pewter-black dirk up with his toes and snatched it in his left hand. Momentarily stunned, Margot was about to give chase when footsteps echoed from the alley. Hearing the gunshots, two patrolling police officers had rushed over with black semi-automatic revolvers, alerted by nearby residents who had come downstairs due to the fire. What happened? Whats your Poison Spur Mob up to again? one of the policemen demanded with a frown, recognizing Margots face. Margot shot a disdainful glance at the two officers in white shirts, black vests, and black uniform coats, and replied, I was attacked. Officers, youre too late! Although he said this, he was secretly relieved the police hadnt arrived later and had scared the mysterious man away. Otherwise, he might have been hunted down. After all, the strange man was likely a Sequence 8 Provoker. Moreover, his combat techniques were clearly superior to Margots, and his cunning allowed him to gain the upper hand. The policemans face darkened. Then follow me back to give a statement. Well help you find the assailant. Also, is this your gun? He pointed at the revolver that had fallen to the ground. Margot sneered. Rely on you to find him? Haha, thats the funniest joke Ive heard this year! That gun belongs to the assailant. Take it away. With that, he briefly examined his wound to ensure he wasnt poisoned. Then, he sauntered out of the alley ahead of the two police officers. The officer who had first spoken wore an ugly expression. He tried to draw his gun, but his partner held his hand down. Returning to Rue du Rossignol, Margots face hardened. His first instinct was to hurry home and rely on the traps he had set up to guard against a second wave of attacks. But a few seconds later, Margot dismissed the idea, feeling it wasnt sufficient. He decided to go to the house of the Poison Spur Mobs boss, Black Scorpion Roger, and inform him of the attack. He would stay there for the night. That was the safest place for Margot. Margot bandaged the wound on his right leg and sprinted from Rue du Rossignol to Avenue du March, making his way to the Suhit steam locomotive, and finally arriving at Unit 126, a three-story building with a small garden in the back. Before long, he encountered Roger, the Black Scorpion, in the study. A middle-aged man with firmly set black hair, Rogers slightly plump face was framed by cold, deep blue eyes. Dressed in aqua-blue silk pajamas, Roger regarded Margot with a blank expression. You were attacked? Yes. Margot recounted the events that had transpired. Rogers blue eyes suddenly darkened, as if connected to a bottomless abyss or an eternally burning hell. After a moment, he nodded. There are no signs of you being cursed. But you have to be careful. Your blood is on that knife. As Roger spoke, he approached Margot. Ill help you eliminate any hidden dangers first. Margot breathed a sigh of relief. Thank you, Boss. He followed Roger out of the study and down the stairs into the basement. Upon flipping the switch and illuminating the gas wall lamp, Roger pointed at the statue in the center and instructed, Open it and crawl inside. The statue depicted a woman with gentle facial features, the folds of her long dress rendered vividly and lifelike. Margot strode to the statue, pulled open the concealed door at its abdomen, and climbed in. As the hidden door closed, an eerie silence filled the basement. Black Scorpion Roger gazed at the statue and intoned a word in ancient Hermes. New life! Ghostly, indistinct black flames erupted from the statues surface, flowing like water and burning silently. After thirty seconds, Roger said to Margot, You can come out now. This ritual was a method for eliminating the hidden dangers of a curse. By entering the female statues abdomen and reemerging, it symbolized a rebirth. Coupled with the corresponding Beyonder powers, it could sever any connection with the item that had fallen into the enemys hands. Wait for me in the study. Ill search for clues about the assailant, Roger instructed after ensuring Margot was unharmed. Margot nodded and hastened out of the basement to the study. He pulled up a chair and settled into it. As time ticked by, Margot suddenly felt his body becoming unbearably heavy, as if submerged in icy water. His breathing grew labored. Margots pupils dilated, but he saw nothing. He fought with all his strength, as if restrained by invisible ropes. He could barely move his arms, fingers, and feet. Thud! Margot finally collapsed to the floor, but the strange sensation persisted. His face turned an unnatural purple, and his mouth hung open. His thoughts grew increasingly murky. Why With this question in mind, Margot succumbed to the encroaching darkness. At the basement door, Roger emerged with a grave expression. He has potent anti-divination abilities This matter isnt simple Roger the Black Scorpion contemplated as he returned to the study. In the next second, his gaze froze. He discovered Margot sprawled on the ground, his face purple and his lower body soaked. He was no longer breathing. After the Poison Spur Mob leader conducted a ritual to eliminate any lingering dangers of a curse, he mysteriously perished in the safest location of the Poison Spur Mobright before Roger the Black Scorpion. Auberge du Coq Dor, Room 207. Lumian, now in fresh attire, nodded with satisfaction. Fallen Mercury informed him through its vibrations that the fate exchange had been completed. This meant Margot would instantly be assaulted by the Montsouris ghost. Completing a fate exchange after stabbing someone took time-anywhere between five and thirty minutes, depending on the desired fate, the individuals strength, and their subconscious resistance. If Lumian was the target and he eagerly opened his mind and body, the fate exchange could be achieved swiftlywithin seconds or even less than twenty. Gazing at the pewter-black dirk in his hand, Lumian smirked. When I have time, Ill teach you Morse code. Otherwise, every time we communicate, I have to constantly narrow down options based on your feedback. Its far too tedious. Fallen Mercurys quivering blade stilled, as if stunned. Lumian, triumphant after a successful hunt, was in high spirits. He teased with a smile, Do you wonder why you should learn, even as a blade? Ambition is crucial. The same goes for being a blade. Do you want to remain like this forever? Then, he inquired, What fate did you exchange this time? Lumian extended his spiritual sense to the pewter-black, patterned dirk. With Fallen Mercurys assistance, he gradually deciphered the destiny droplets stored within the weapon. It represented Margots fate of receiving stacks of cash from his various underlings. You have a knack for choosing fates. Lumian had been occupied with fighting and had delegated the fate exchange to Fallen Mercury. He had merely informed it beforehand that he needed money. After commending Fallen Mercury, Lumian grew pensive. How will this fate manifest after the exchange? Chapter 133 - Chapter 133 Suffering Chapter 133 Suffering Lumian couldnt make sense of it, but he didnt dwell on it either. He rolled up his sleeves, baring his right arm, and sliced it with the Fallen Mercury blade. A brief moment of numbness was followed by a familiar pain, but he didnt flinch. He watched as blood oozed out and stained the silver-black blade crimson. Almost instantaneously, a mercury illusory river, composed of intricate symbols, materialized before Lumians eyes. The destiny droplets stored in the evil dirk seeped from its tip and flowed into the shallow wound. Lumian concentrated, straining to discern the fate he sought to exchange. He saw himself receiving treatment, saw himself falling asleep after releasing his emotions, and saw himself searching for Osta Trul Scenes flashed across Lumians mind as if he had witnessed them firsthand. Soon after, he located the fate of venturing outside the catacombs and encountering the Montsouris ghost from several days prior. He swiftly raised the tip of Fallen Mercury and thrust it towards the complex symbols that appeared to be formed by the mercury river. That fate proved heavy, and Lumian failed to stir it on his first attempt. As the illusory river slowly faded, the scene in his mind became increasingly hazy. He hurriedly channeled most of his spirituality into the blade of Fallen Mercury. At last, with a second stir, the fate of meeting the Montsouris ghost broke free from the illusory, mercury-hued river and shrank into a minuscule droplet, resembling a bead of mercury from a shattered thermometer. The illusory droplet rapidly merged with the pewter-black dirk. Only then did Lumian exhale a sigh of relief. He knew he had evaded the Montsouris ghost, and Fallen Mercury could now be deemed a Cursed Blade. Once he treated the wound, an odd intuition suddenly struck him. Guided by this intuition, Lumian exited Auberge du Coq Dor again, weaving between raucous drunks and a heated brawl. He returned to Rue du Rossignol and halted outside the alley where he had assaulted Margot. Furrowing his brow, he cautiously entered and flipped over the barricade. In the next moment, Lumians gaze instinctively fell upon the shadow in the corner. Something lay quietly in the realm of darkness. Sensing its significance, Lumian hurried over, crouched down, and picked up the object with his gloved left hand. It was a bulging brown leather wallet. Margot dropped it? The money his underlings plundered and handed over to him? Lumian roughly grasped how the fate exchange had transpired. Although he couldnt recall whether Margot had dropped the wallet during their fierce battle or if it had fallen afterwards, it didnt prevent Lumian from claiming the money. He extracted the thick wad of cash and emptied the gold, silver, and copper coins from the change purse. Then, he tossed the wallet aside and left the alley. Back in Auberge du Coq Dor Room 207, Lumian lit the carbide lamp and meticulously counted his newfound fortune. In total, he had acquired 1,265 verl dor and 15 coppet. Most were banknotes worth 10 verl dor or less. There was only one 200 verl dor note, one 100 verl dor note, and two 50 verl dor notes. A few Louis dor were included as well. Lumian stared at the money for a few seconds before sighing deeply. Even ten donations from benevolent souls cant compare to taking down a gang leader Naturally, not all of the money belonged to Margot. He was merely holding onto it for the Poison Spur Mob. Lumian grabbed a stack of small bills amounting to 200 verl dor and left Room 207, climbing the stairs. In under a minute, he reached the fourth floor and came to a stop in front of Room 8. He recalled that Margot had visited Auberge du Coq Dor in the evening to collect most of the money from an unlicensed prostitute named Ethans. At the time, one of Margots underlings must have been in charge, but the money eventually ended up in Margots possession. Without knocking, Lumian crouched down and slid the stack of banknotes through the gap beneath the door. He quickly straightened up, turned towards the stairs, and vanished into the shadowy corridor. Lumian slept until six oclock when the cathedral bell chimed. He had slept soundly the night before, feeling as if the Provoker potion had been somewhat digested. In the morning, Ill look for Osta Trul and see if Mr. K has replied. Ill also buy some better clothes and cosmetics from Quartier de lObservatoire In the afternoon, Ill visit the cheap clothing store at Le March du Quartier du Gentleman Lumian wasnt eager to rise. He lay there, quietly contemplating the days plans. Having escaped the threat of the Montsouris ghost, he placed disguising himself back on his to-do list. After lingering in bed for a while, he ambled to the washroom to freshen up. Then, he went downstairs and purchased half a liter of apple cider and a loaf of bread with pork sausages from the vendors. Having sated his hunger, he headed to the nearest cathedral square and found an empty corner to practice the combat techniques Aurore had taught him. Lumian returned to Auberge du Coq Dor at 9:30 a.m., intending to rest for an hour before seeking out Osta Trul. Upon entering the motel lobby, he spotted three maids cleaning various filthy areas under Madame Felss supervision. The motel owner hires cleaners every Monday Lumian averted his gaze and walked towards the staircase. At that moment, footsteps echoed from above. Within ten seconds, Charlie appeared before Lumian, clad in a linen shirt, dark pants, and strapless leather shoes. You didnt go to the hotel? Lumian asked, puzzled. Charlie yawned and replied excitedly, Dont you know? Im off today. We can take one day off a week and choose whichever day we want. Lumian chuckled. Does this day off result in a reduction in your monthly salary from Madame Alice? Charlie grinned sheepishly. She has her own social engagements. As they conversed, a foul odor drifted in from the door. The short, disheveled, gray-haired Ruhr and Michel entered the hotel. You didnt go to the steam locomotive station? Charlie greeted them warmly. Ruhr approached them first, then maintained a respectful distance. The market district is a bit chaotic today. We plan to rest for a day. What happened? Lumian inquired curiously. Ruhr instinctively lowered his voice. Margot of the Poison Spur Mob is dead. Many gangsters are searching for someone. Other gangs might clash with them at any moment. There are also many police officers present. Margots dead? Charlie blurted out, astonished. He had just thought the guy deserved to die yesterday, and now he was dead? Ruhr nodded gravely. Ive heard several people mention it. Sigh, we cant earn any money today. His wife, Madame Michel, consoled him, If we dont go out, we dont have to eat lunch. We can save some money. Before Lumian could inquire about the situation outside, Charlie, snapping out of his daze, spun around and dashed upstairs. Lumians eyes flickered as he trailed behind. Thud, thud, thud. Charlie rapidly ascended to the fourth floor and sprinted to Room 8. Taking a deep breath, he slammed the wooden door. Who is it? A slightly hoarse female voice emerged from within. Charlie announced his name loudly. Didnt I say Im off the clock in the morning? back in the afternoon. Remember, 10 verl Co dor. No discount this time! the female voice responded impatiently, opening the door. This was Lumians first encounter with the woman named Ethans. Her flaxen hair tumbled to her shoulders, her similarly-colored eyes wary and her face etched with apprehension. She appeared to be twenty-three or twenty-four years old, with average looks that could only be described as delicate. Her face and clothes were clean, and her red dress exposed a generous expanse of fair skin on her chest. Charlie excitedly informed Ethans, Did you know? Margot is dead! Hes really dead! Ethans stared, dumbfounded. After several seconds, her slightly hoarse voice turned sharp. Is that devil truly dead? Its true. Charlie nodded without hesitation. You can finally escape that devil! You can finally live like a normal person! Ethans glanced around, dazed, taking in Lumians expressionless eyes and Charlies animated countenance. Hes dead? Hes dead? She murmured, thinking of the money that had mysteriously appeared in her room. As she started to believe Margot was indeed dead, her vision blurred. Tears poured down her cheeks. She couldnt help but squat down and bury her face in her arms. Her sobbing intensified, becoming more uncontrollable. At that moment, footsteps echoed from the staircase. Lumian turned his head and saw a young man in a white shirt, coat, and black jacket approaching. Behind him were Margots three thugs. The lads brown hair was slightly curly, and his face bore prominent creases. He strode up to the weeping Ethans, crouched down, and grinned. Im Wilson from the Poison Spur Mob. From today onwards, Ill take care of you on Margots behalf. Charlies excited expression froze. Ethanss cries halted abruptly. Slowly raising her tear-streaked face, she saw Wilsons smile and the shadow his body cast. The shadow was so dense that it couldnt be dispelled. Lumian observed quietly, his head imperceptibly raised. On the way to the first floor, Charlie, who had been silent for a long time, couldnt help but ask, Is there really no end to the suffering of the poor? I like something Aurore Lee wrote, Lumian replied, his face expressionless. Sometimes, were not the ones at fault, but the world. As soon as he finished speaking, three people stomped up from the first floor. They were police officers in black uniforms, black vests, white shirts, and strapless leather boots. The 1.85-meter-tall officer leading the group glanced at Charlie and Lumian and suddenly stopped in his tracks. Pressing down on the gun at his waist, he asked in a deep voice, Charlie Collent? Charlie was stunned. Its me, Officer. Whats the matter? The officer gestured at his colleagues and took out steel handcuffs. As his two colleagues encircled Charlie, he said with a serious expression, Youre suspected of murder. Were arresting you. Murder? Charlies face displayed shock, fear, and confusion. Lumian raised his eyebrows in surprise. As the officer handcuffed Charlie with his colleagues assistance, he informed him, Madame Alice is dead! Chapter 134 - Chapter 134 Courtesan Chapter 134 Courtesan What? Charlies disbelief was palpable. Lumian shared his surprise, casting a sympathetic glance at Charlie. He was convinced that Charlie had no reason to kill Madame Alice. After all, while she lived, Charlie stood to gain 500 verl dor a month for the next six months. According to various publications, this sum was nearly equivalent to the monthly salary of a doctor, lawyer, mid-level civil servant, senior high school teacher, senior engineer, or deputy police lieutenant. For someone who had nearly starved to death and could only find work as an apprentice attendant, it was a small fortune. As his two colleagues headed upstairs, the officer who had handcuffed Charlie tersely explained, Madame Alice was discovered dead in her room at the H?tel du Cygne Blanc this morning. Multiple witnesses confirm you spent the night there and didnt leave until close to midnight. Charlies fear and confusion mounted. How is this possible? How did she die Muttering to himself, he suddenly turned to the officer, anxiety etched on his face, and insisted, She was alive when I left! I swear by Saint Vive! The officers deep voice responded, The preliminary autopsy report places Madame Alices time of death between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. last night. Besides you and her, no one elses presence was detected. Could the other presence not be human? Lumian mused silently, considering the Montsouris ghost. If it werent for his lack of an adequate disguise and his desire to avoid the detectives scrutiny, he would have voiced his thoughts. Impossible! This cant be happening! Charlies eyes widened, his voice raised in protest. A police officer, who had slipped away earlier, descended from the fourth floor, a glittering diamond necklace held in his white-gloved left hand. Found this! he informed the lead officer. The officer nodded without further explanation to Charlie. He stared at him solemnly, declaring, Charlie Collent, youre under arrest for murder. You have the right to remain silent; anything you say can and will be used against you in court. I didnt do it! Do you hear me? I didnt! Charlie screamed, struggling futilely. Despite his protestations, he was led out of Auberge du Coq Dor by the two police officers. By then, several tenants had been drawn by the commotion to the staircase, where they watched the scene unfold. Among them was Gabriel, who appeared to have just completed an all-night writing session on his manuscript. Do you think Charlie did it? Lumian asked the playwright, deep in thought as he stared down the now-empty corridor. Gabriel had emerged earlier and had a rough understanding of Charlies predicament. He shook his head, replying, I dont think Charlie is guilty. Hes not a saint, but hes not evil either. Why do you say that? Lumian inquired, turning to him. Gabriel adjusted his black-framed glasses. Charlie was swindled out of his money and nearly starved, yet he never considered stealing from us. That means he either has principles and a moral compass, or hes terrified of the law. In either case, its enough to prove he wouldnt murder that lady. Lumian nodded, then chuckled. People can be impulsive and change. With that, he climbed the stairs to the fifth floor. This was the top floor of Auberge du Coq Dor. Large sections of the ceiling overhead showed signs of water damage, as if heavy rain would cause it to leak. Lumian approached Room 504, Charlies room, and extracted a small wire he carried with him to unlock the wooden door. Inside, Charlies suitcase, bed, and wooden table had been rifled through by the two police officers earlier. Items were strewn about, but they were few and far between. Lumian recalled that during a conversation with Charlie at the basement bar, he had mentioned pawning his only formal suit and many other belongings while unemployed. He still couldnt afford to retrieve them. As he entered, his gaze shifted, and Lumian suddenly spotted a portrait. Taped to the wall opposite the bed, it depicted a woman in a green dress. The woman appeared to be in her late twenties, with auburn hair, jade-green eyes, and lustrous red lips. She possessed an exquisite beauty, radiating elegance. Lumian was taken aback. The woman in the painting seemed eerily familiar. He realized it must be Susanna Matisse, the infamous prostitute Charlie had confused for Saint Vive. Yet he had never met this woman before, so there was no reason for him to find her familiar. After some thought, Lumian suddenly remembered something. During his Summoning Dance in Room 207, he had attracted a translucent figure that was clearly more powerful than the other entities. The figure, too, was female and bore a striking resemblance to Susanna Matisse in the portrait. However, one had turquoise hair, the other auburn; ones hair was long enough to cover her naked body, while the others was merely long enough to form a bun. Moreover, the figure was even more alluring, seemingly capable of stirring hidden desires within anyone. Susanna Matisses portrait didnt provoke such feelings in Lumian. A consequence of misguided prayers? Lumian silently nodded in agreement. In the past, he wouldnt have questioned Charlies actions. If it meant avoiding starvation, Lumian would have prayed sincerely to a prostitute, let alone Triers guardian angel. But now, through Aurores grimoire, Lumian had gained a basic understanding of the entry-level Sequences of the twenty-two divine paths, sacrificial taboos, and associated mystical knowledge. He knew that careless praying could be perilous. After searching for a while, he left Room 504, grabbed the carbide lamp, and hailed a public carriage on Avenue du March, heading toward Quartier de lObservatoire. As he ventured into the underground toward the area where Osta Trul typically lurked, Lumian periodically scrutinized the shadows behind the stone pillars. He laughed at himself, thinking, I wont run into the Montsouris ghost again, will I? If that were the case, he would need to consider whether the Montsouris ghost had a particular connection to something he possessed, or if corruption had indirectly altered his horoscope, resulting in exceptionally bad luck. Fortunately, Lumians concerns proved unfounded. He found Osta Trul sitting beneath a stone pillar, a bonfire crackling nearby. The hooded, black-robed figure glanced at Lumian and offered a genuine smile. Mr. K has granted you permission to attend our biweekly mysticism gathering at nine oclock on Wednesday night. Ostas gaze bore a distinct sincerity, as if to say payment was due. At 9 p.m. the day after tomorrow Lumian nodded with a smile. Wheres the gathering? Meet me at my place an hour beforehand. Ill take you there, Osta replied without hesitation. Lumian tersely acknowledged. Ill pay you the rest then. Alright. Though Osta seemed slightly disappointed, he acquiesced. Lumian inquired, What should I be cautious of at the gathering? Cover your face and hide your identity, Osta advised from experience. You dont want other attendees exposing you if theyre caught by the authorities, do you? Aside from Mr. K, no one should know everything. Lumian grinned, retorting, Youve already seen my face and know my identity. Should I consider burying you in some corner of Underground Trier after the first gathering? Osta involuntarily shuddered and forced a smile. Youre quite the joker. But I dont actually know who you are, where you live, or what you do. Besides, its unlikely that youve shown me your true self. Taking pleasure in unnerving the other party, Lumian found a rock and sat down. Basking in the warmth of the bonfire, he casually asked, Have you ever heard of Suzanne Matisse? I have, Osta replied, his excitement evident. For a time, she was the woman of my dreams. I bought numerous posters and postcards featuring her image. A few years ago, she was Triers most famous prostitute, the kind who attended high society banquets. She was linked to countless scandals involving members of parliament, high-ranking officials, and the wealthy. Rumor has it that she made hundreds of thousands of verl dor annually, but shes been out of the limelight for the past two or three years. Nana has since taken her place as Triers renowned courtesan. Sigh, she might have become someones permanent mistress. Hundreds of thousands of verl dor? Lumian was taken aback. A high-level courtesan earns more than most best-selling authors? Isnt that normal? Osta wore a peculiar expression. A high-level courtesan can sleep with members of parliament, bankers, and high-ranking officials, but a best-selling author cant[1]. Amused and self-deprecating, Lumian remarked, Thats true. Poet Boller once said there is no difference between a poet and prostitute. The former sells the product of his imagination, the latter her body. I prefer bodies, Osta admitted candidly. Lumian inquired again, Have you heard of the legend of a female ghost? She has turquoise hair, long enough to wrap around her body. Her features are exquisite, capable of enchanting most men and arousing their desires. No. Osta shook his head. With a wistful expression, he added, If such a female ghost truly exists, Id love to encounter her just once. Lumian stood up and chuckled. Then brace yourself for sudden death after doing it dozens of times a night. Ostas expression froze. 3 p.m., 27 Avenue du March, Le March du Quartier du Gentleman Police Headquarters. Lumian, having spent nearly 300 verl dor on three sets of differently graded clothes, affordable cosmetics, and other disguise props, entered the unusually noisy hall. Some people were being brought in, others were fortunate enough to leave, while still others argued loudly, caused a scene, and cursed-some slammed tables and kicked stools Lumian, his blond hair neatly combed back, black-framed glasses perched on the bridge of his nose, and a mustache adorning his lips, appeared with overly fair cheeks. Dressed in a black formal suit and carrying a brown briefcase, he approached a male constable overseeing reception. He stopped before the man, lifted his head slightly, and confidently announced, Im Charlie Collents pro bono lawyer. Id like to see my client. [1] I remember Baudelaire mentioning it, but I couldnt find the source for the time being. It could be someone else. Chapter 135 - 135 Confirming the Situation 135 Confirming the Situation The constable set down his newspaper and sized up Lumian, visibly unnerved by his unabashed confidence. He gestured to the notebook and fountain pen before him, saying, Show me your lawyers license and register your name and purpose of visit. A license? Seriously? Lumian, the phony attorney, felt a surge of panic. Hadnt he read in countless novels and newspapers that simply identifying oneself as a lawyer was enough to gain access to a client? As Lumian reached for the black fountain pen, his mind raced, formulating a plan. He suddenly noticed that the constable across from him had shifted his attention to the recently discarded copy of Youth of Trier, fixated on the annual Trier cycling race. He doesnt seem to care about the lawyers license An idea flashed through Lumians mind. Mimicking Aurores penmanship, he scrawled his name: Guillaume Pierre, pro bono lawyer. Meeting client, Charlie Collent. After jotting it down, Lumian stood and nonchalantly glanced around. Feigning delight, he raised his arm and exclaimed, My little cabbage, long time no see! Confused faces turned in his direction. Lumian spun back to the registering constable and murmured, I spotted a friend. The unspoken message: hed present his lawyers license later. Without waiting for a reply, Lumian strode to a corner of the hall. The constable gave the register a cursory glance before returning his gaze to Youth of Trier. Once in the corner, Lumian stole a peek at the preoccupied constable, then turned to the baffled onlookers with an apologetic grin. Im sorry, I mistook you for someone else. Clutching his briefcase, he approached the police officer he had chosen earlier, who was now coming from the registration office. Lumian lifted his chin and demanded haughtily, I want to see my client, Charlie Collent. In the Intis Republic, attorneys held a far higher social status than ordinary constables. The officer glanced back at the registration office, saw no cause for concern, and nodded. Ill contact the person in charge of that case for you. Fifteen minutes later, Lumian found himself face-to-face with Charlie in a secured room, two officers standing guard at the door. Who are you? Charlie asked, sinking into a chair across the table, his eyes filled with confusion. His once-rosy cheeks were now pallid, fear etched into every line of his face. He had heard of pro bono lawyers while chatting with other hotel staff and knew they were provided by government agencies or philanthropic organizations for destitute suspects. He never expected one to arrive just half a day after his arrest. Lumian grinned, removed his black-framed glasses, winked with his right eye, and spoke in his natural voice, Dont you recognize me? Im your pro bono lawyer. Charlie stared, dumbstruck. After a few seconds of careful scrutiny, a spark of recognition lit up his face. But before he could speak, Lumian slipped his glasses back on and said, Quiet. Listen to me. Alright, alright. Charlie snapped to attention. Lumians smile vanished, replaced by a grave expression. I need to know the full details of what happened. Thats the only way I can clear your name. Really? Charlie asked, desperation in his voice, like a drowning man grasping at a lifeline. Feigning his professionalism, Lumian questioned, What time did you stay in the room with Mrs. Alice until? Charlie rubbed his face, struggling to recall through the haze of confusion and pain, Madame Alice ordered room service. I entered her room before 8 p.m. and stayed until she was tired. I only left at midnight. At that time, she had just laid down and was still awake. She was still alive! From 8 p.m. to midnight? Every day? That 500 verl dor isnt easy to earn Lumian mused, then adopted a lawyerly tone, You have to be honest with me. Hiding anything will only hurt you in the end. Im not lying. Thats really the truth! Lumians words, actions, posture, and tone had convinced Charlie that he was truly his defense attorney. After verifying a few more details, Lumian inquired, After you gained Madame Alices favor, did anyone express jealousy? Many. Apprentices and official attendants alike, they were all jealous of me Charlie remembered. They discussed the topic for a while before Lumian produced a photo, handing it to Charlie. See if you recognize this person. Charlie gasped, Isnt this Saint Vive? Why was she dressed so provocatively, her chest exposed? Ive confirmed that the portrait in your room isnt Saint Vive. It belongs to the famous courtesan, Susanna Mattise. Lumian tactfully replaced prostitute with courtesan to prevent Charlie from becoming overly upset. Huh? Charlies face contorted with confusion. I prayed to a courtesan, not an angel? But why did my luck change for the better? No, if it had truly improved, I wouldnt have been arrested Lumian produced another photo. It still depicted Susanna Mattise, but he had already altered the courtesans hair color and made a few edits. Take a look at this and tell me if you recognize this person. Charlie scrutinized the image for a few seconds before his expression morphed into one of shock. Wh She! How can this be? So you do know her? Lumian smirked. Charlie looked up, his voice hollow, S-she is Shes the woman from my beautiful dreams. Didnt I tell you? I had these amazing dreams for a few days. I dreamed of making love to her. She was so passionate and gentle H-how did you know I dreamed of her? I didnt tell anyone! Why do you have a photo of her? Charlies gaze, now fixed on Lumian, had completely changed. Is this really the southern kid I know? Aside from his talent for pranks and good looks, there was nothing extraordinary about him! Lumians lips curled into a smile as he gazed back at Charlie. Take a closer look at whos in the photo. Charlie stared blankly at the image of the green-haired woman. As he examined it, his expression morphed into sheer terror. He recoiled involuntarily, making the chair creak. No, thats impossible! Susanna, Susanna, shes that prostitute! Charlie shouted, unable to suppress his emotions. This revelation left him feeling as if he had encountered a malevolent spirit. After praying to a portrait of a prostitute, he had not only escaped hunger and found a new job but had also dreamed of her and slept with her! Wasnt this akin to encountering a ghost? Lumian nodded approvingly. Congratulations. At least youre not blind. He had intended to help Charlie and divulge information as a prank to frighten him, but the two matters were unrelated. The door to the interview room creaked open. A constable standing guard outside inquired warily, What happened? Why are you shouting? I helped him recall some key details, Lumian explained calmly. Charlie snapped out of his stupor. Yes, I remember something very important. And indeed, it was! The policeman didnt press further and shut the door again. Seeing this, Charlie leaned forward, gripping the edge of the table, and asked anxiously, Did I encounter an evil female spirit? It might not be a vengeful or evil spirit, Lumian said, watching Charlies expression soften slightly before adding, It might be even more troublesome than that. At those words, Charlies face turned ashen. After a brief pause, he asked apprehensively, You you mean Madame Alice was killed by that evil spirit? Im not sure yet. Lumian stood up. I need to examine Madame Alices corpse. You even know how to investigate a corpse to determine the true cause of death? Charlie found his neighbor increasingly enigmatic. Lumian smiled but offered no answer. As Charlies defense attorney, Lumian had the right to inspect the corpse under police supervision, and he could even enlist the assistance of an independent pathologist. So, after signing two documents under the name Guillaume Pierre, Lumian was escorted to the basement of the market districts police headquarters and into the morgue where the body was kept. The officer leading him slid open the cabinet, unzipped the body bag, and pointed to the female corpse. This is Madame Alice. In life, Alice had preserved her appearance quite well, with only faint wrinkles at the corners of her eyes and mouth. Her thick brown eyebrows framed her face, her cheeks sagged slightly, and her skin had taken on a deathly pallor. Lumian glanced casually at the body and said to the officer, Im good. He wasnt a pathologist who had come to conduct a genuine examination; his objective was merely to pinpoint the approximate location of Madame Alices remains. After exiting the morgue, Lumian turned to the accompanying officer and asked, Wheres the nearest restroom? Take a right at the end of the corridor, replied the officer, despite his growing impatience. Lumian hastened his steps and entered the basement restroom. Once inside, he locked the wooden door and performed the Summoning Dance in the cramped space. Amidst the frenzied, contorted dance, a chilling wind swept through the restroom. Vague figures materialized one by one, their pale or bluish-white faces staring at Lumian with empty eyes. These were the lingering obsessions of the departed. Lumian had never witnessed such a spectacular sight before. For a moment, he felt as if he were surrounded by ghostly specters. He steadied himself and continued the second half of the dance while searching for Madame Alice. Soon, he spotted the fierce-looking lady with the thick brown eyebrows. Lumian unsheathed the ritual silver dagger and inflicted a wound, commanding Madame Alice to attach herself to him. Madame Alice consumed the drop of blood and entered Lumians body. Immediately, Lumian felt a shiver race down his spine, and his chest grew heavy. His breath came in labored gasps. Without hesitation, Lumian amplified Madame Alices obsession, foregoing any selection of her characteristics or abilities. Almost instantaneously, Lumians vision dimmed, and he saw Madame Alice lying on the bed, her mouth and nose smothered by a down pillow. However, there was no one pressing down on the pillow in her line of sight! Chapter 136 - 136 Initial Summoning Attempt 136 Initial Summoning Attempt Lumian, consumed by Madame Alices fixation, found breathing increasingly difficult. His body ached more intensely, as if he had once again encountered the Montsouris ghost and teetered on the brink of death. This was a true death experience. Concerned he might lose control, Lumian chose not to push further. He ordered Madame Alices lingering spirit to vacate his body. Gasping for air, he wiped the cold sweat from his brow before reverting to his slightly arrogant novice lawyer persona. Accompanied by the police officer, he headed back to the interview room. Charlie sprang to his feet, leaning forward with his hand braced against the table. His face was a mix of anxiety and anticipation. Without waiting for a question, Lumian seemed to hear Charlie ask, Whats the result? Lumian nodded and made a calming motion. His gesture implied that the autopsy findings aligned with his expectations. Relief washed over Charlies face instantly. It was as though hed expended all his energy in that moment. He slumped back into his chair, physically drained. In front of the two constables at the door, Lumian declared firmly, Dont worry about anything else. Ive got it covered. You only need to do one thing. During the next questioning, recount the entire story to these gentlemen without omitting a single detail, no matter how absurd or implausible it may seem. Of course, stick to what happened up until your arrest. Theres no need to delve into our conversation. Since a lawyer-client dialogue might involve courtroom tactics others had no right to know, the two officers at the door didnt find Lumians last statement odd. After all, Charlie Collent was an unfortunate kid facing a serious criminal case for the first time and requiring a lawyer. He likely didnt know the rules and needed explicit guidance. Charlie grasped Lumians message: Dont reveal to the police that I discovered the issue with the portrait! Alright. Charlie wasnt as angry, terrified, or flustered as when he was first arrested and brought to the station, but he wasnt as chatty as usual either. After departing the market districts police headquarters, Lumian circled twice before finding an alley blocked by a barricade. He changed his clothes, removed his glasses, and altered his makeup style. Now that I have enough money, I can set up a safe house and a place to switch disguises based on Aurores novels. Lumian recalled his sisters writing, piecing together the method for handling such matters. He also fully intended to purchase a copy of Mens Aesthetics. Mastering makeup without guidance was impossible. Hed mainly relied on his hairstyle, glasses, and attire to conceal his identity. En route to Auberge du Coq Dor, Lumian contemplated how to extricate Charlie from his dire situation. Who exactly is Susanna Matisse, or rather, the bizarre creature she morphed into? Why did she murder Madame Alice? Why did she help Charlie in the past and engage in the act with him in the dream? The prospect of writing to Madam Magician unsettled Lumian. Judging by the speed of her previous response and its content, he sensed her indirectness: Dont bother me unless its important! If Lumian faced an issue involving Susanna Matisse, writing to inquire would be acceptable. However, this predicament only concerned his neighbor. It was highly likely that the enigmatic, potent woman who detested complications wouldnt respond. And this could impact her attitude towards Lumian. If Im not asking Madam Magician, why not inquire at Mr. Ks mysticism gathering? If the attendees are Beyonders at Osta Truls level, they might not have the answer As Lumian mulled it over, he ascended the stairs and entered his room. His gaze fell on the suitcase containing Aurores grimoires, and he experienced a sudden revelation. Why should I investigate Susanna Matisse and deal with her personally? My sole objective is to rescue Charlie! Even if I can uncover Susanna Matisses vulnerability and vanquish her, can I coerce a peculiar creature like her to turn herself in at the police station? If she dares to go, the police wont dare to entertain her. Given her displayed characteristics, wouldnt she indulge in an orgy on the spot? Lumian rapidly discerned the distinction between goals and means. There was no need for such effort to exonerate Charlie and secure his release from police headquarters! He simply had to inform Bureau 8, the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, and the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery that Charlies case involved Beyonder elements and prompt them to intervene in the investigation! Even a low-level Beyonder with no intelligence network or mystical powers could detect something amiss with Susanna Matisse. Theres no reason why official investigators couldnt uncover the invisible force behind Madame Alices demise. Eventually, they would not only verify Charlies innocence but also help him escape Susanna Matisses grasp and resolve the issue with the strange creature entirely. Lumian had a clear conjecture about the subsequent events after the lunatic upstairs had sought refuge in the cathedral upon encountering the Montsouris ghost. He had urged Charlie to divulge everything at the market districts police headquarters to attract the attention of official Beyonders. Nevertheless, he felt compelled to act. He couldnt rely solely on ordinary police officers. What if they deemed Charlies story a fabrication intended to mock their intelligence and resorted to violence to coerce a confession on the spot? Lumians gaze swept over the crumpled newspaper on the wooden table, recalling how he or his sister had snipped out the livre bleus words and pieced them together to compose a letter seeking assistance from the authorities. Transform Charlies experience into a letter and deliver it to a nearby cathedral? Lumian nodded, deciding to execute the plan. Armed with the plea for help and Charlies confession, it should pique the interest of official Beyonders. As he was about to search for appropriate phrases in Novel Weekly, Lumian suddenly frowned. Could the officials link a similar request for help to Cordu? Would they associate me, a wanted criminal, with Charlie? Lumian didnt know if Ryan and his associates had fully reported their findings to official Beyonders nationwide, but he was unwilling to take that risk. Imitate Aurores handwriting? Unlike a lawyers signature that doesnt raise suspicion, Ryan and his team suggested that the letter would likely undergo various checks, including divination Disguise myself and have someone else write it for me? As his thoughts raced, Lumian suddenly had an idea. I can summon a spirit world creature to write it for me! If the officials detect any issues, they wont be able to make the spirit world creature identify me since they dont know the summoning incantation! The more Lumian considered it, the more he believed it was a solid plan. He pulled out a chair, sat down, and began devising the summoning incantation. The first sentence was undoubtedly, Spirit wandering in the void. After some thought, Lumian penned the second sentence. The friendly creature that can be subordinated. Summoned spirit world creatures had to be under Lumians command to assist him in writing letters. Friendliness provided essential protection for the summoner. As for the third sentence, Lumian didnt have lofty expectations. He merely needed to incorporate the two aspects of being weak and proficient in Intisian. After several moments of mental permutation, the third sentence materialized on paper: Weakling proficient in Intisian. Phew After writing, Lumian exhaled. He then leafed through Aurores grimoire and translated the few unmastered words into Hermes. Immediately after, he set up the altar and commenced the summoning. Soon, he completed the ritual and observed the candle flame turning a dark green hue and expanding to the size of a human head. A hazy, translucent figure materialized, its head resembling an oxs and the rest, a dogs. Help me write a letter, Lumian said in Hermes as he gazed at the spirit world creature. The bewildered ox-headed dog didnt respond. I order you to help me write a letter, Lumian emphasized in Hermes. The ox-headed dog appeared dumbstruck, as though it didnt comprehend. Lumian made several more attempts, but the ox-headed dog remained unresponsive. Having no other choice, he terminated the summoning early to preserve his spirituality. He started pondering the issue. I cant communicate with that guy Amenable to subordination doesnt mean it can be communicated with With this realization, Lumian modified the second summoning incantation to A friendly creature that can be communicated with. Being able to communicate meant being able to make requests! This time, a colossal snail emerged from the dark green flames. Hello. Lumian attempted to greet it in Intisian. The snail emitted an ethereal voice. Hello, whats the matter? It also spoke Intisian. Can you help me write a letter? Lumian was overjoyed. The snail replied in a troubled tone, But I dont have any hands. Lumian had no choice but to end the summoning. After some consideration, he changed the phrase weakling proficient in Intisian to weakling who can write Intisian. Can write covered both the knowledge and necessary physical requirements. Before long, Lumian completed his third summoning. He saw a transparent creature resembling a rabbit. Can you help me write a letter? Lumian asked with intense anticipation. The rabbit nodded, picked up the pen on the table, and wrote an Intisian word on the paper. A letter. Lumians lips twitched. This creature didnt seem too bright. With resolve, Lumian grabbed a pen and paper and scribbled a plea for help, including Susanna Mattises portrait, details about the wet dream, Madame Alices death, and Charlies arrest. Then, he said to the rabbit, Copy it! The rabbit took the fountain pen and diligently transcribed it. Soon, it finished its task. Lumian examined it and nodded in satisfaction. In the next second, his smile froze. Not only had the dimwit copied the entire contents of the letter, but it had also replicated his handwriting. In other words, it was in Lumians script! Lumian took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. He pointed at Novel Weekly and said, Copy in that font. The rabbit nodded slowly and rewrote without complaint. A few minutes later, Lumian received a seemingly printed plea for help. Chapter 137 - 137 Hooha 137 Hooha Lumian examined the letter with gloved hands and breathed a sigh of relief. No issues this time! Completing three consecutive spirit world creature summoning rituals had left him feeling drained. After a moments consideration, Lumian asked the rabbit-like spirit world creature, Can you do me another favor? The rabbit thought seriously for a few seconds before giving a slow nod. Lumian unzipped his grayish-blue work uniform. Then follow me first. The ethereal and transparent rabbit leaped from midair to Lumians side, assuming the role of a loyal companion. Lumian sighed quietly and said, What I mean is, you can hide inside my clothes to avoid detection by any Beyonder with heightened spiritual perception. The rabbit wore a blank expression as it hopped into Lumians clothes and curled up. Since it had no true mass or weight, his clothes could be zipped up quickly without leaving a trace. After stowing the letter in the same pocket, Lumian dissolved the spiritual barrier, removed his gloves, and exited Room 207. He meandered toward Avenue du March, nearing the Suhit steam locomotive station. It was just past five oclock, and many people were still at work. The street was neither crowded nor deserted. Groups of passersby headed for the public carriage station sign or searched for the subway entrance. They carried their luggage and walked on foot to nearby streets in search of temporary accommodations for the night. Lumian patted his right pocket and pointed at the postbox several dozen meters away. Lowering his voice, he said, See that green metal cylinder? He felt a vibration in his pocket. The rabbit had responded in kind. Lumian exhaled in relief and instructed, Place the letter beside you in that metal cylinder. Having said that, Lumian massaged his temples and activated his Spirit Vision. He watched the rabbit emerge, enveloping the plea for help. It maneuvered through the crowd and reached the green metal cylinder. Just as Lumian thought the rabbit would deposit the letter in the postbox and successfully complete the mission, the creature entered the postbox with the letter. Moments later, it exited the postbox and flew back to Lumian, leaving the letter inside. Lumian closed his eyes and consoled himself, I suppose its considered tossed in He then left Avenue du March with the rabbit and located a vacant alley. In Hermes language, he informed the rabbit that the summoning was over. After the rabbit returned to the spirit world, Lumian finally felt at ease. He resolved to stop aiding Charlie. The rest would hinge on how the official Beyonders handled the situation. If it werent for the fact that this matter is intriguing enough, I wouldnt have bothered to help him. Do I have to battle that enigmatic creature, Susanna Mattise, whos clearly formidable, on his behalf? Lumian mused silently. He chuckled. In Cordu, if those crude fellows understood the traits Susanna Mattise exhibited, they would undoubtedly ask slyly whether he wanted to fight her in bed or in the hayloft. Of course, Lumian could be just as coarse when dealing with them. On his way back to Rue Anarchie, he discovered a meat patty shop and purchased Red Snapper Hot Beef Meatloaf for dinner. Paired with the soda sold by street vendors, Lumian navigated the crowd as he ate, occasionally evading hands that covertly reached for his wallet. Compared to Rouen Meatloaf, Red Snapper Hot Beef Meatloaf was less greasy. The fish was refreshing and delicate, the beef savory and crispy, the doughs subtle sweetness had a bite, and the aroma of spices and fat ignited Lumians taste buds one by one with a rich texture. After eating and drinking his fill, he clutched the glass bottle that still contained a third of the pale-red liquid and sighed appreciatively. No wonder the Trieriens love meatloaves When I get the chance, Ill visit Rue Richelieu in the library district and try the first restaurant that created Red Snapper Hot Beef Meatloaf Based on the newspapers and magazines he had perused before, he could recite several famous meatloaves off the top of his head. Degan Meatloaf, Prigueux Meatloaf, Tudenan Cashew Pie, Minced Meat Pie Sipping the pomegranate-flavored soda, Lumian turned onto Rue Anarchie. What met his gaze was a chaotic tableau. The suspected gangsters brandished either axes or clubs, squaring off in the street. Pedestrians steered clear, and the vendors retreated from Rue Anarchie one by one. The residents of the houses on both sides slammed their windows shut. Lumian didnt venture further. He backtracked a few steps and found a wall pillar to conceal himself behind as he observed the unfolding scene with interest. He suspected that his assassination of the Poison Spur Mobs Margot had aroused the suspicions of several gangs in the market district, ultimately escalating into a standoff. After waiting nearly 15 minutes, Lumian still didnt witness the mobsters erupt into full-scale combat. His anticipation for the confrontation left him disappointed. He cursed under his breath, Are you guys going to do this or not? Youre blocking the street without fighting. Do you think you have too much time on your hands? With that in mind, Lumian glanced at the five-story grayish-white building beside him. He seriously contemplated finding a room and hurling the empty soda bottle between the two factions, tricking them into believing the opposing mob leader had signaled the start of the battle. That way, Lumian would have a spectacle to enjoy. Just as he was about to put his plan into action, a large contingent of police officers in black uniforms appeared at both ends of Rue Anarchie. Leading them were officers on tall brown or black horses, brandishing shields and clubs. They advanced towards the mobsters, step by step, exuding an immense pressure that caused many of the gangsters to waver. When the mounted police charged, the mobsters gathered on Rue Anarchie dispersed. Some fled, while others were beaten to the ground. Lumian couldnt help but want to applaud. His thirst for excitement was thoroughly quenched. He had only read about such scenes in novels and news articles, the latter of which often glossed over the gritty details! In no time, Rue Anarchie returned to its usual cacophony. Lumian finished his last sip of pomegranate soda and sauntered back to Auberge du Coq Dor, entering Room 207. Sitting by the bed, he replayed the entire process of writing and posting the letter in his mind to ensure he hadnt overlooked any details that could expose him to the official Beyonders. After a while, Lumian sighed softly. If only I had a messenger. It wouldnt have been so troublesome. Unfortunately, obtaining a messenger wasnt easy. Even his sister Aurore didnt have one. To date, Lumian knew of only two people who possessed a messenger. One was Madam Magician, and the other was the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Societys vice president, Hela, whom Aurore had mentioned. Hela Lumians expression gradually darkened. If the Aurore in his dream indeed bore some influence from her soul fragment, it was apparent that Aurore trusted the vice president a great deal. Her first move upon encountering a problem was to summon the other partys messenger for assistance. I wonder if Hela knows Aurores true identity, or if she discovered through that that obituary that Aurore has has already passed on Lumian muttered to himself. As he pondered, an idea struck him. It was actually possible for him to summon Helas messenger! The summoning incantation comprised only three sentences. Lumian was certain the last phrase was a messenger that belongs to Hela. The first two sentences followed a fixed format and requirements. As long as he attempted a few more combinations, hed find the correct sequence! Moreover, under such circumstances, Lumian wouldnt face any danger even if the initial combinations were incorrect. This was because the description of a messenger belonging to Hela eliminated other possibilities. In other words, hed either fail to summon it or successfully summon Helas messenger. Should I write a letter to Hela and inform her of what happened to Aurore? Lumian found himself momentarily stumped. Considering that his sister had mentioned my notebook when she pushed him away, and that much of the mystical knowledge in her notebook originated from the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, Lumian quickly made up his mind. If he could establish a connection with this organization, it would aid him in uncovering the crucial information hidden within the Warlock notebook. He resolved to summon Helas messenger right away! Although he still harbored doubts about the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Societys vice president, he didnt believe he possessed any value she coveted. Besides, Aurore had trusted Hela while she was alive. Lumian walked to the wooden table, sat down, and began writing. Honorable Madam Hela, I apologize for writing you this letter. I am Muggles younger brother. I regret to inform you that she encountered misfortune and has passed away. This involves a catastrophe brought about by worshiping an evil god. Only a few people and I escaped. Im not sure if this matter interests you, so I wont elaborate. I dont wish to waste your time. What I want to know is, did Muggle mention anything suspicious to you in the past year? After staring at the letter for a few seconds, Lumian slowly exhaled and folded the paper. He then cleaned the room, set up the altar again, and attempted the first combination. The spirit that wanders about the unfounded, a friendly creature that can be subordinated, a messenger that belongs solely to Hela. After reciting the incantation, Lumian gazed at the dark-green candle flame and patiently awaited the messengers arrival. Time ticked by, but nothing happened on the altar. Undeterred, Lumian spoke again, I! I summon in my name: The spirit wandering above the world; The friendly creature that can be subordinated; A messenger that belongs solely to Hela The dark green candle flame suddenly flickered and grew larger. At that moment, not only did the area above remain unlit, but it also grew darker. In the darkness, a shape quickly materialized. It was a human-like skull, seemingly forged from pure silver. It emitted a gentle light that dispelled the encroaching darkness. Pale-white flames burned in the skulls eye sockets, instilling a sense of danger in Lumian. After staring at Lumian for a few seconds, the pure silver skull opened its mouth and bit down on the airborne letter. Then, it retreated back into the reassembled darkness. Chapter 138 - 138 Letter 138 Letter Lumian completed the ritual on his second attempt. He cleared the wooden table and opened Aurores grimoire. Under the glow of the carbide lamp, he thumbed through the relevant sections. In under fifteen minutes, he sensed something. He looked up and fixed his gaze on a spot near the window. A folded letter lay there, undisturbed. That fast? Lumian, surprised, reached out and took the letter. Helas response, vice president of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, had arrived sooner than expected. Lumian unfolded the letter and skimmed the elegantly written words. Im sorry to hear that. Ever since Muggle missed last months gathering, Ive had a bad feeling. There are too many dangers in this world. Sometimes, we cant avoid them just because we want to unless we can control everyone around us. If you wish, you can tell me about Muggles misfortune. You dont have to go into great detail. Just tell me the general situation From the fact that you can summon my messenger, you should have stepped onto the Beyonder path. Im not sure if your sister told you that this means youll always be accompanied by danger and madness, but I have to remind you that restraint and caution are our best friends. In the future, if you have any questions about mysticism, you can ask me by writing to me. Although Im not one of those with vast knowledge, I can answer many questions. Ive only met Muggle twice in the past year, mainly discussing various matters in the Beyonder domain. What left a deep impression on me was that she mentioned that a friend of hers was affected by a strange dream, hoping to find a solution. If necessary, she wanted to hire a real psychiatrist to treat him Lumian silently read Helas reply, his face twisting with emotion. Aurore had been searching for a solution to his bizarre dream! Lumian composed himself and contemplated his response. Suddenly, he froze. His brows furrowed as he muttered, Aurore told Hela about hiring a real psychiatrist Considering Madame Susies description, a true psychiatrist must refer to a specific Sequence of the Spectator pathway Only Beyonders skilled in this domain can prevent me from dreaming of the world shrouded in gray fog The issue wasnt with the situation. The problem was: Aurores grimoire only had Sequence 9 Spectator recorded for the pathway! Yet, she clearly knew about Psychiatrist! Lumian quickly recalled the two conversations in his dream. First, Aurore had said she wanted to find a genuine Hypnotist for him. Second, Aurore had mentioned that she knew Sequence 9 and Sequence 8 of all pathways and had a certain understanding of them. Psychiatrist is often associated with hypnosis. Hypnotist is most likely a Sequence of the Spectator pathway as well, perhaps even superior to Psychiatrist Aurores grimoire doesnt have records of the corresponding Sequence 8 or Sequence 7 of the Spectator pathway Lumians expression became grave, intermingled with a twisted thrill. After so many days, he had finally discovered a discrepancy in Aurores grimoire! Previously, he had his suspicions but wasnt certain if there was any hidden anomaly. After all, Aurore in his dream was a figure formed from his memories and impressions under the influence of the soul fragment. Everything she said might not be accurate or complete. It was normal for her not to mention any exceptions explicitly. Now, Helas response indirectly confirmed that Aurore truly knew about one or more Sequences within the Spectator pathway and possessed a certain grasp of their related abilities. Why hadnt Aurore recorded this knowledge in her grimoire? What was the secret behind this inconsistency? Lumian pulled out a blank sheet of paper, his emotions a blend of grief and anticipation. In under a minute, he wrote, Honorable Madam Hela, The truth is My memory of the actual events is fragmented due to the calamity. If you could assist me in locating Guillaume Bnet, Pualis de Roquefort, and others, I would be deeply grateful. Their appearances and attributes can be found on the authorities wanted posters. Lastly, Im curious about the real psychiatrist Muggle intended to hire. In his letter, Lumian briefly touched upon Cordu. He made no mention of the dream, the loop, or his rescue. He only speculated that Padre Guillaume Bnet, under someones guidance, had worshipped an evil god and banished Madame Pualis, who followed another sinister deity. Bnet then attempted a ritual with the entire village as a sacrifice. At the crucial moment, Muggle, selected as a vessel, pushed Lumian away, an essential sacrifice, causing the rituals failure and Cordus destruction. Finally, the official Beyonders, who had been called for aid, cleaned up the mess. Lumian reassembled the altar, summoned the silver skull, and handed it the letter. In less than fifteen minutes, he received a second reply from Hela. Rather than comparing response speeds between Madam Magician and Madame Hela, Lumian eagerly read the letters contents. I can sense your sorrow and understand your desire to uncover the truth and exact vengeance upon the perpetrator. As Muggles friend, Ill aid you to the best of my ability, including but not limited to locating those individuals. I can also offer you a fresh lead on this matter. To my knowledge, Muggles parents and other family members may still be alive in this world. She had distanced herself from them for some reason and didnt dare return to Trier. Im unsure if theyre in any danger or if theyve come into contact with the evil gods followers. I dont know which Psychiatrist Muggle sought. Our organization has numerous genuine Psychiatrists, and many gatherings Muggle and I attended dont overlap. Ill assist you by inquiring with members who have interacted with her to see if you can obtain the answer you seek Until this investigation is complete, Ill help conceal the fact that Muggle is deceased If you relocate in the future, remember to summon my messenger again to prevent me from losing contact with you after obtaining pertinent information After reading, Lumian fell silent for a long while before exhaling slowly. Initially, hed imagined Madame Hela would invite him to join the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, taking Aurores place. In doing so, he could more effectively investigate the Psychiatrist Aurore sought to hire. However, it seemed the organization was highly cautious about recruiting new members. They might even need to meet specific criteria to be considered candidates. For instance, Aurore had mentioned that none of them could return to their hometowns. Maybe Madame Hela is observing and testing me Lumian reassured himself and resumed studying Aurores grimoire. As for Aurores original family, he was at a loss for where to begin. Wednesday, 7:50 p.m., 20 Rue des Blouses Blanches. Lumian rapped on Osta Truls door, dressed in a grayish-blue workers uniform and a dark-blue, almost black cap. Osta, clad in black robes and a hood, opened the wooden door and glanced around. He grinned and remarked, Youre more punctual than I anticipated. I honor my promises better than you might think. Lumian strode into the room and handed Osta banknotes and coins worth 80 verl dor. Osta accepted it, counting twice with an even broader smile. As he guided Lumian downstairs, he rambled, The market districts been somewhat chaotic lately. Baron Brignais didnt even come to me for money. A gang leader died, Lumian commented nonchalantly. Realizing the connection, Osta said regretfully, Why couldnt Baron Brignais have died? Even if Baron Brignais were dead, thered still be Baron Guillaume and Baron Pierre. As long as the Savoie Mob exists, youd have to repay the loan you owe, Lumian taunted. Ostas expression soured. Before long, he and Lumian boarded a public carriage. They each paid 30 coppet and found seats. In about an hour, the carriage arrived at Avenue du Boulevard on the Srenzo Rivers north bank, Quartier 8, from the Le March du Quartier du Gentleman on the rivers south bank. This was the heart of the entire Intis Republic. The presidential Pavilion of Pleasure, the Grand Palace where Emperor Roselle once resided, and various newspaper headquarters were all here, encircled by upscale residences. Lumian had previously read in newspapers that the average rent in this district was 4,000 verl dor annually, roughly 74 verl dor weekly. The priciest ones could even reach tens of thousands. Noticing the empty carriage, Lumian lowered his voice and inquired of Osta, Is Mr. K hosting a gathering on Avenue du Boulevard? Osta smirked and replied, Always. Psychic and Arcane have their headquarters on Avenue du Boulevard as well. You guys sure know how to hide Lumian gazed at the broad, flat avenue outside the window, the orderly Intis parasol trees lining the street, and the elegant, light-colored buildings behind them. Just before 8:50 p.m., Osta led Lumian into the six-story beige luxury house at 19 Rue Scheer. This is Psychic magazines headquarters, but they only occupy the top three floors. Osta didnt ascend the stairs but turned right into a corridor on the ground floor. Only then did he inform Lumian, Mr. K wants to see you beforehand. Alright. Lumian dipped his head and adjusted his hat, seemingly preoccupied with something. Osta produced an iron-colored mask and grinned. Its time to disguise yourself. You cant let everyone see your true appearance. In the next instant, Lumian looked up. His face was shrouded in layers of white bandages, leaving only his eyes, nostrils, and ears exposed. Upon seeing this, Ostas heart nearly skipped a beat. Chapter 139 - 139 Mr. K 139 Mr. K Within moments, Osta, who had been on the verge of a complaint, managed to force a smile and said, Youre quite the menacing sight like this. Its a classic look in literature, Lumian replied with a deliberately smug tone. Osta said nothing, opting instead to don his iron mask, concealing his expression. Taking a few steps forward, he halted and rapped on the door to the right. Two long pauses, one short pause, and one long pause Lumian watched Osta Truls actions with the keen eye of a Hunter. Within seconds, the dark-red wooden door creaked open. The first thing Lumian saw was a plush, pale-yellow carpet, followed by classical-styled tables, chairs, sofas, and display shelves. A figure stood in the shadows cast by gas wall lamps near the floor-to-ceiling windows. Like Osta Trul, he wore the black robe of an ancient warlock, complete with a large hood. Lumian couldnt help but think, Can you even see the person standing in front of you clearly when youre dressed like this? Mr. K, Ciel has arrived, Osta announced respectfully to the nearly six-foot-tall figure as he stepped inside. Lumian followed closely. With a clang, the door shut behind him. Mr. K turned to face Lumian. Why do you want to attend our gathering? His voice was low and gravelly. For potion formulas, Beyonder characteristics, mystical items, and mysticism knowledge. Its not like its for love or faith, right? Lumian replied with intentional cynicism. He then chuckled. I know thats not what you want to hear, but it doesnt matter. I dont mind telling you about me. Lumians voice deepened. In a catastrophe brought on by Beyonder powers, I lost my entire family. Not only did it cause me immense pain, but it made me realize that those so-called orthodox gods cant save us! From that day on, I sought Beyonder power and a way to forget all pain. I wanted to become powerful enough. I wanted those who brought me misfortune to experience the same torture. The hooded Mr. K seemed to stare at Lumian without interruption. As for Osta Trul, he was visibly shocked. Ciels words revealed raw, unmasked pain. His desire for the Samaritan Womens Spring was genuine! Once Lumian finished speaking, Mr. K nodded and said, There are two rules for participating in our gathering: Second, dont attempt to follow other participants. Only these two? Lumian hadnt expected so few constraints. He didnt need to think hard to spot several loopholes immediately. Not attacking directly? Does that mean I can use Provoke to incite the other party to death? Just because I dont attempt to follow doesnt mean I cant do anything else to the target Is selling fake ingredients, fake formulas, fake Beyonder characteristics, and fake mystical items also allowed? Lumian suppressed his urge to retort and nodded. No problem. As he responded, he felt Mr. Ks gaze on him, scrutinizing every inch of his flesh and skin. It made him feel like he was in the sights of a venomous snake. After a few seconds, Mr. K continued, If you prefer not to disclose what you have and what youre after, you can write down your desired transaction in advance, and my attendant will copy it onto a portable blackboard for all participants to see. If you dont think it matters, you can make your request on the spot. Likewise, at the gathering, you can complete transactions through my attendant or directly with the other party. Remember, transactions carry risks. I cant guarantee the authenticity of all items, materials, or information. Of course, you can opt to pay me to notarize them, effectively reducing the risk. A Notarys power? Lumian recalled Aurores grimoire. This was Sequence 6 of the Sun pathway, and most Beyonders in this pathway belonged to the Eternal Blazing Sun Church. Given this, Lumian suspected Mr. K might not be a Notary, but rather possess a related mystical item. Lumian quickly collected himself and asked Mr. K, May I write down my requirements now? Mr. K nodded and gestured towards a desk on the right side of the room. Write them there. My attendant will collect them. Lumian approached the brown desk, adorned with Psychic, Lotus, Arcane, and other magazines. He unfolded a fragrant letter and picked up a dark-red fountain pen. After some thought, he wrote: 1. I possess a damaged Beyonder weapon. Seeking someone capable of repairing it. Price negotiable. 2. Buying information on a peculiar creature. This female-looking entity is suspected to be a Spirit Body. It has long turquoise hair that envelops its body and exudes an alluring aura. It can induce erotic dreams with itself as the central figure. Additional details unknown. Reward depends on the value of information provided, ranging from 10 to 100 verl dor. Lumian considered adding a third point about a Provokers acting experience but decided against it after some thought. He remembered Aurore mentioning acting techniques, the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Conservation, and other mysticism knowledge in his nightmare. Such knowledge wasnt common among ordinary Beyonders. And he was currently impersonating a newcomer who had just entered the Beyonder world due to a disaster, seeking more knowledge and resources. If he were to write the word acting, Mr. K would surely grow suspicious. Of course, Lumian didnt think of it as a pretense. He genuinely was a novice who had entered the Beyonder world following a disaster and sought more knowledge and resources. However, his involvement in the original disaster was quite high-level, allowing him to encounter powerful figures like Madam Magician. As a result, he possessed extensive high-end knowledge but lacked common sense, relying on Aurores grimoire to fill the gaps. Having set down the letter and pen, Lumian left with Osta and entered a room at the end of the corridor. The room appeared to be a salon. Sofas, chairs, a round table, a coffee table, barstools, and other furnishings were arranged casually, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Several gathering attendees had already arrived. Some wore black robes and hoods that nearly covered their faces. Others donned clown or devil makeup, while a few wore crude or intricate masks. For a moment, Lumian felt as if he had entered a masquerade ball. He and Osta Trul took separate seats after entering separately. Lumian chose a barstool, almost tempted to order a glass of absinthe to complete the look. Soon enough, Mr. K entered and settled into the armchair reserved for the organizer. His masked and gloved attendants brought in a portable blackboard filled with transaction requests. The first thing Lumian noticed was a request for Beyonder characteristics. Warrior pathway Sequence 8 Pugilist Beyonder characteristic, 15,000 verl dor. Negotiable. A Sequence 8 Beyonder characteristic selling for 15,000 verl dor or more? Lumian was initially stunned, then overwhelmed by heartache and regret, as if he longed to drink from the Fountain of Oblivion. He had just killed Margot, a Sequence 8 Provoker of the Hunter pathway! Playing it safe, Lumian hadnt harassed Margot until the Montsouris ghost attacked, leaving the battlefield early. While he had gained over 1,000 verl dor from Margot through the fate exchange, it paled in comparison to the worth of the Provoker Beyonder characteristics. Moments later, Lumian barely pulled himself together. His actions had been the best course. If he had continued to pester Margot, something might have gone awry or drawn the authorities attention. While Margot would still be dead, he could have landed in another crisis. Lumian then examined the other transaction details. One Elfs Dark Leaf, 180 verl dor. Two pages of Emperor Roselles original diary. 300 verl dor. Sequence 6 Baron of Corruption potion formula, 65,000 verl dor. As Lumian scanned the list, he understood why his sister Aurore was so extravagant with her spending. Lets begin, Mr. K rasped, scanning the room. His attendants read the entries aloud one by one. Some went unanswered, while others were discreetly finalized through the attendants. Lumian observed quietly, intent on familiarizing himself with these situations and gathering intel. As the gathering neared its end, the attendant by the portable blackboard finally announced Lumians first request. Silence ensued. After more than ten seconds, a man lounging in a corner divan snickered. Most of those skilled in restoring mystical items and Beyonder weapons are found in the God of Steam and Machinery Church. Try looking there. His face was smeared with oil paint, as if he were masquerading as a savage from the Southern Continents forests. Ignoring the unfunny remark, Mr. Ks attendant relayed Lumians second request. The gatherings attendees exchanged bewildered glances, as if this strange creature was news to them. Just a bunch of clueless Low-Sequence Beyonders Lumian inwardly scoffed in disappointment. Just then, the man who had joked earlier shared, This brings something to mind. Heh heh, heres a freebie. Where the Srenzo River meets the Ryan River downstream, theres a town called Aunett. Many middle-class Trier folks enjoy sailing and swimming there. Early last year, or maybe earlier, three consecutive female deaths occurred. They died of weakness from overindulgence, with no known partners, secret or otherwise. Their only shared trait was telling friends about the vivid, alluring dreams theyd been having recently. Chapter 140 - 140 Painting 140 Painting The situation bears a resemblance to Charlies case, but with a crucial difference: these victims are all women, while Charlie is a man Could it be that the strange entity believed to be Susanna Mattise isnt constrained by gender? Or is there another, male counterpart to the creature? The latter seems more probable, given that all three victims in Aunett were female and no males had been targeted. Yes, there are distinctions between the three women and Charlie. None of them had a partner, either openly or secretly, and Charlie had become Madame Alices lover not long after invoking Susanna Mattise. If that hadnt happened, would he have met the same fate as the three victims, drained of life by overindulgence? Had Madame Alice been a sacrificial substitute? Or had that been merely the beginning? Lumian pieced together a theory based on the information provided by the man with the painted face. He hoped the authorities would take this case seriously and not rest until Susanna Mattise had been utterly vanquished. As for whether the authorities would suspect Beyonders hiding among Charlies friends due to the letter, Lumian wasnt too concerned. He had intentionally obscured Charlies information and circumstances in the letter, even inserting a small mistake in a seemingly insignificant detail. The writer appeared to harbor a deep grudge against Susanna Mattise, having tracked her for an extended period, and sought to use Charlies situation to enlist the help of the authorities for revenge. As a result, the focus was more on Susanna Mattises issue, with a limited understanding of Charlie. After the assembled participants discussed the strange case in Aunett, Mr. Ks attendant unveiled an object shrouded in a black cloth. Another attendant introduced, This is a painting from a friend of one of our participants. He was a fellow Beyonder who met an untimely and bizarre end two months ago. Before his death, he created this painting. With a swift motion, the attendant removed the black cloth, revealing the deceased Beyonders final masterpiece. The oil painting was a riot of vivid colors, weaving a surreal and mesmerizing scene. Towering green weeds reached for the heavens, a golden sun lay hidden in a well, a blood-red river cascaded from the sky, a shadowy figure danced, and white skulls coalesced into clouds Merely glancing at the painting left Lumian feeling disoriented. The attendant who had introduced the painting elaborated, This artwork bears a potent psychic imprint. It affects the minds of all who view it, inducing confusion and vertigo to varying degrees. Prolonged exposure could even result in mental illness. According to the letters and diary entries left by the paintings creator, it may hold clues to the essence of reality and the origins of mysticism. This could also be the key to understanding the true nature of his strange demise. Any participant interested in studying the painting can negotiate a price. You want to sell something like this for money? I wouldnt take it even if you offered it for free! Lumian grumbled internally, tearing his gaze away. He wanted nothing to do with anything that concealed the truth, essence, or origin of the world. As Aurore had once said, one shouldnt look at or study things one shouldnt see or understand. It was apparent that most of the gatherings participants were reluctant to spend money on such a foreboding painting shrouded in mystery. Ultimately, Mr. Ks attendant put it away, once again veiling it with the black cloth. Following that, the gathering transitioned into an open discussion stage. Attendees engaged in casual conversation about rumors and legends, careful to hide any details of their true identities. At 10:15, Mr. K declared the gathering over, and the participants dispersed in groups. As he departed, Lumian detected the organizer sizing him up, scrutinizing his every move. Will he send someone to follow and investigate me? Lumian couldnt help but wonder. Rather than being concerned, he was eager for it to happen. Aside from occasionally summoning a messenger, his behavior was unremarkable. He could withstand any scrutiny! As long as he refrained from contacting Madam Magician, Lumian believed Mr. K would soon receive an almost entirely truthful reportCiel, a wild Beyonder lacking common sense in many areas, was suspected to hail from Cordu and sought Guillaume Bnet and his associates. He was also a wanted man. In this scenario, if Lumian demonstrated his skills and extreme attitude, it wouldnt be long before he received an invitation from Mr. K to join his ranks and become a part of the organization behind him. Sometimes, inadvertently revealing ones vulnerabilities and true circumstances was an effective means of gaining trust. With that, Lumian and Osta found a concealed corner at 19 Rue Scheer, where they removed their disguises before returning to Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. As he made his way towards Rue Anarchie, Lumians brow furrowed in confusion. He hadnt noticed anyone tailing him. Is it because Mr. K has no plans to investigate me, or had the person shadowing me been so skilled and uniquely gifted that I had failed to detect their presence? Lumian pondered the possibilities but ultimately pushed them to the back of his mind. In any case, he wouldnt fear an investigation, unless Mr. K was in league with the Poison Spur Mob. Upon entering Auberge du Coq Dor, Lumian noted that he was still early. He crossed the now pristine lobby and descended into the basement bar. Before he could take in the scene, Charlies exuberant voice reached his ears. Can you believe it? Just three hours ago, I was at police headquarters, accused of murder. Now, here I am, drinking and singing with all of you! Ladies and gentlemen, Ive had an incredible experience like no other. I bet none of you can top it The apprentice attendant leaped onto a small round table, beer bottle in hand, and addressed the surrounding patrons. His short brown hair was disheveled, as if it hadnt been tended to in days, and stubble was evident around his mouth. Already? Lumian had anticipated it would take Charlie another two or three days to be released. Spotting Lumian from the table, Charlie waved his short arm and called out to the crowd, Ill share that even stranger encounter with you all later! Donning a linen shirt and black pants, he hopped off the table and jogged to the bar counter, beer bottle in hand. He took a seat beside Lumian and said to the ponytailed bartender, Pavard Neeson, A glass of absinthe! Thank you. Turning to Lumian, he said, This ones on me. Lumian accepted the offer with a calm smile. Youre looking pretty good. Of course. At least I dont have to worry about being hanged. Id hate for thousands to gather around me as I die, considering how nobody cares about me when Im alive, Charlie said, relief evident on his face. Triers citizens reveled in witnessing the execution of death row inmates. Whenever someone faced the gallows or a firing squad, the streets would overflow with onlookers. In the classical era before Emperor Roselle, there even existed a custom centered around this fascination: En route from the prison to the gallows, if any bystander agreed to marry the condemned, their sentence would be commuted, reduced, or even entirely absolved. Are you completely fine? Lumian inquired further. Charlie took a swig of beer and scanned the room. Lowering his voice, he said, I cant divulge the specifics. I signed a pledge, a notarized pledge. You cant imagine how powerful that is Charlie caught himself and continued, The only downside is that Ive lost my job again. That blasted foreman thinks Ive tarnished the hotels image. No matter. Ill pawn the diamond necklace tomorrow. The officers have already returned it to me. That money will tide me over for quite some time. I can treat the caf waiters on Rue des Blouses Blanches to drinks. Ill surely find a better job! He wanted to add, Lets go together when the time comes, but recalling Ciels nerve and capabilities, he quietly discarded the idea. Lumian sipped the absinthe the bartender had slid his way and gestured for Charlie to join him in an empty corner. Once certain that the noise around them was sufficient to drown out their conversation and that no one was eavesdropping, Lumian asked, Has the situation with Susanna Matisse been resolved? I dont know. Charlie shook his head. They did a lot of things, but I cant tell you. Did they promise to provide protection for a period of time? Lumian asked thoughtfully. Charlie replied awkwardly, I cant tell you. Lumian grinned, retorting, Seems like there is. If they hadnt promised protection, the corresponding words wouldnt exist and wouldnt be restricted by the confidentiality pledge. Uh Charlie hadnt expected Ciel to guess so accurately. Lumian inquired, Did they tell you anything? Share what you can. Charlie pondered for a moment and said, They told me not to panic if I had that dream again. Im to head to the nearest cathedral after dawn. You dont know about the Eternal Blazing Suns cathedral, do you? Im now a true believer of the Eternal Blazing Sun! Lumian expressionlessly raised his right hand and traced a triangle on his chest. Charlie fell silent. After drinking with Charlie, Lumian returned to Room 207 and continued studying Aurores grimoire. He washed up before midnight, lay on the bed, and drifted off to sleep. Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Lumian was jolted awake by an insistent knocking on the door. Who could it be? Frowning, he gripped Fallen Mercury and cautiously approached the door, cracking it open. Charlie stood outside. Still clad in a linen shirt, black pants, and strapless leather shoes, his face was ashen and fear-stricken. Upon seeing Lumian, he appeared to regain his composure. Nearly losing control of his voice, he stammered in terror, I dreamed of that woman again! Chapter 141 - 141 "Hostage" 141 Hostage In the dimly lit corridor, bathed in the eerie glow of the crimson moon, Charlies voice echoed, sending shivers down ones spine. Dreaming of Susanna Mattise again? Lumians alarm gave way to surging anger. Are you out of your damn mind? If you had that dream again, go to the nearest Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral and find a clergyman! Im not your father to have you report your wet dreams to me! Casting a glance at Charlie, whose face was a mask of terror, Lumian reined in his emotions and spoke in a low voice, Relax. This was bound to happen. For now, get some sleep and seek help from the nearest cathedral at dawn. Charlie appeared on the verge of tears. B-but, in my dream, she said if I dared to seek help from the Church, shed kill me on my way to the cathedral! You communicated in the dream? Lumian was taken aback. Charlie nodded frantically. Yes. Before, she never spoke in my dreams. She only satisfied me, warm and gentle. This time, she warned me. She warned me! Could it be that Susanna Mattise hasnt fully transformed into a monstrous creature and still possesses some level of intelligence? Lumians thoughts raced, and he felt a pang of sympathy for Charlie. If Charlie couldnt get help from official Beyonders, hed likely end up like the three female victims in Aunett Town, lost in dreams until drained of life. Hold on, are the official Beyonders handling Charlies situation so carelessly? Didnt they consider the possibility of Charlie being killed by Susanna Mattise? Lumian instantly thought of Ryan, Leah, and Valentine. None of them would dismiss the case so casually, merely instructing the victim to rush to a cathedral if he faced any issues. Remembering how the clergyman from the Church stayed with the lunatic upstairs and protected him after encountering the Montsouris ghost, Lumian grew suspicious. The official Beyonders overseeing Charlies case intentionally downplayed the threat posed by Susanna Mattise, allowing him to return to the motel. They claimed the situation was mostly resolved and instructed him to seek help from the cathedral if any issues aroseall to lure Susanna Mattise into revealing herself again! Realizing this, Lumian looked at Charlie and said coolly, If you trust me, return to your room, lie down, close your eyes, and sleep until dawn. Dont worry, itll all be sorted out. Lumian appeared unruffled, but inwardly, he was cursing. Get your ass back to the fifth floor! By now, the official Beyonders monitoring the area shouldve detected the anomaly and be preparing to act. Why are you standing in front of my door? Are you trying to get me caught? I, I Charlie hesitated, his eyes filled with terror. Will everything truly be resolved if I do nothing? Lumian exhaled and forced a smile. Lumian resorted to coaxing and deception, desperate for Charlie to leave the second floor. Charlies face brightened, and he exclaimed excitedly, Thank you, thank you! The moment he spoke, Lumian caught the scent of vegetation, tainted with an unsettling aroma. In an instant, greenish-brown vines and branches unfurled from the walls, ceiling, and floor. They sealed the windows and doors of the other rooms. At the staircase, a womans voice, both beguiling and unnerving, rang out. Charlie, are you really going to betray me? Charlies eyes widened in shock as he turned toward the sound. He saw the woman from his dreams, her turquoise hair cascading from her head to the floor, reaching out to the surrounding walls and ceiling above, melding with vines and branches. Without her turquoise hair shrouding her body, Susanna Mattise stood entirely exposed, her beautiful curves on display. Scattered among her flesh were flower buds and tree wartssome red, some white, some green, and some brown. As she spoke, the vivid flower buds and bluish tree warts opened and closed, oozing a foul-smelling, viscous liquid. The repulsive scene left Charlie feeling as if hed plunged into a nightmare. He stood there, trembling, his mind a haze. Susanna Mattise looked at Charlie, her eyes brimming with affection. Have you forgotten our blissful moments in the dream? Charlie, Im your wife. Snapping out of his stupor, Charlie nearly crumbled. No! No! You idiot! Just say something to placate Susanna! Lumian cursed himself for not reacting quickly enough to silence Charlie. Susannas expression frosted over. Then stay with me forever. At her words, the terror in Charlies eyes vanished, replaced by infatuation as he eagerly moved toward the monstrous being. A moist flower bud on Susannas lower abdomen opened unnaturally wide, unlike the other flower buds and tree warts that closed slowly. It seemed to await Charlie. Simultaneously, Susanna glared at Lumian, her voice seething with hatred, Its all your fault. You incited Charlie to betray me! Why dont you take a look in the mirror and see how horrifying and repulsive youve become? If I were Charlie, I wouldve kicked you out of my dream from the start! Lumians instincts told him pleading for mercy was futile. Instead, he chose to retaliate and provoke Susanna, hoping to uncover her weakness. Merely standing near the bizarre creature, Lumian felt a mix of exhilaration and dread. He longed for her, yet resisted, as if caught in a whirlpool of desire, consumed by an overpowering sense of helplessness. This proved she was far stronger than him! Lumian cursed inwardly as his thoughts raced, searching for a way to buy time. He was sure the official Beyonders would arrive soon! What in the world is this monster? Why does she believe shes Charlies wife? Wife In that instant, as Susanna Mattise screeched, incensed by his words, an idea struck Lumian. As her scream filled the air, vines and branches surged toward Lumian, amplifying the fear lurking in his heart to the point of near-collapse. His legs weakened, and his body trembled uncontrollably. Summoning his ruthlessness, Lumian managed to extend his right hand, grabbing Charlie, who was about to rush toward the creature. With Fallen Mercury in his left hand, he pressed the sinister dirk to Charlies throat. Susanna Mattise looked bewildered, her anger palpable. What are you doing? Lumian smirked menacingly. I forgot to mention, my Beyonder weapon is called Cursed Blade. A single cut drawing blood will curse his entire family to death, including his wife. And youre Charlies wife! Recalling the lunatic upstairs, Lumian suspected that the Montsouris ghost would target not only ones immediate family but also their spouse. Although he didnt understand how a spouse was determined in mysticism, since Susanna Mattise claimed to be Charlies wife, he treated her as such! Of course, Lumian knew allowing Fallen Mercury to curse Charlie with the fate of the Montsouris ghost wouldnt immediately impact Susanna Mattise. It wouldnt affect the present situation at all. He gambled that Susanna Mattise didnt know this, and that she could sense the danger in Fallen Mercury. It was a bluff! Susanna Mattises expression froze, and the attacking vines and branches halted midair. Her jade-green eyes radiated menace. Lumians vision shifted. He saw Guillaume Bnet, the hawk-nosed padre clad in a white robe adorned with golden threads. Suppressed hatred erupted like a volcano. Lumian released Charlie and advanced toward the Guillaume Bnet he had locked onto. But before him stood only Susanna Mattise. In that instant, Charlie, his face awash with infatuation, saw Lumian approaching his wife with a dirk. He lunged at the assailant, shouting, Dont hurt her! Lumian snapped to his senses, realizing Guillaume Bnet had morphed into Susanna Mattise, her flower buds and tree warts blossoming one by one! She controlled my emotions? In his shock, Lumian twisted violently, seizing Charlie again and pressing Fallen Mercury to his throat. Susanna Mattise didnt conceal her disappointment. After a moments silence, she parted her red lips. Suddenly, the creature halted, staring solemnly at the wall near Rue Anarchie in Auberge du Coq Dor. In the next second, her turquoise hair retracted, and the vines and branches disintegrated, vanishing. Wh The official Beyonders are here? Lumian watched Susanna Mattises figure burrow through the wall and disappear from the corridor. He released Charlie and shook him, urging him to wake up. He quickly instructed, Lie down on the second-floor stairs and keep your eyes closed until someone wakes you! With that, Lumian pushed Charlie and retreated to his room, closing the wooden door and feigning sleep, like the other tenants. As Susanna departed, the obsession faded from Charlies eyes. When Lumian jolted him back to reality, he had no choice but to follow Lumians directions. He jogged to the staircase leading to the ground floor, lay down, and closed his eyes, feigning unconsciousness. Almost simultaneously, a red hue filled Charlie and Lumians vision, as though the sun had risen prematurely, heralding the day. Minutes later, a golden sword formed from light stabbed into the ground of Rue Anarchie, skewering a writhing turquoise vine. Is it resolved? A young man with the Sun Sacred Emblem pinned to his chest asked the one brandishing the sword. He was a rugged man with blond hair, golden eyebrows, and a golden beard, wearing a brown coat adorned with two rows of golden buttons. He exhaled and declared, Weve resolved it for now, but unless we find the origin of this evil spirit, its only a matter of time before she regenerates there. Chapter 142 - 142 Mother Tree 142 Mother Tree Evil spirits can reform again? The young man bearing the Sun Sacred Emblem on his chest inquired, astonished. From his mysticism knowledge and experience gained through case files, he knew that unless an evil spirit possessed unique abilities, purification equated to total annihilation. Such soul-type entities were either the offspring of powerful Beyonders deaths or vengeful spirits that managed to break through various constraints. The mightiest could even wield a degree of godhood, but resurrection and rebirth were not among their traits. The blond man, clad in a double-breasted brown coat, straightened up and eyed the dissipating, writhing vines. After some thought, he said, Evil spirits can have unique distinctions. Under specific conditions, they rely on an object to be born. This object often lies at the heart of their territory. As long as this object remains intact, the evil spirit, even if not entirely purified, will gradually reform within the corresponding area. Evil spirits would assimilate their birthplaces, merging with the spirit world and the Underworld to obtain the power necessary to maintain their existence. Otherwise, they would slowly weaken until they vanished completely. In essence, evil spirits had a fixed range of activity and couldnt wander far from their birthplaces. This was their territory. The young man donned in the Sun Sacred Emblem and a white robe adorned with golden threads roughly grasped the reasoning. He furrowed his brow and said, Weve been searching for days, yet we havent found the birthplace of the evil spirit, Susanna Matisse. Logically, Susanna Matisse couldnt stray far from her territory. If official Beyonders carefully searched Rue Anarchie and its vicinity, they would surely locate the evil spirits birthplace and destroy the object it depended on. However, this was Trier, a city with not only an above-ground area but also an underground section. Another Rue Anarchie and Le March du Quartier du Gentleman mirrored the area above, with numerous obscure paths and empty spaces. More crucially, deeper underground, lay Trier from the Fourth Epoch. Even for official Beyonders, it was a perilous place they scarcely comprehended. As a deacon of Le March du Quartier du Gentlemans Inquisition, Angoulme de Fran?ois had never understood why Trier had been rebuilt atop the original site, right above the sunken Trier of the Fourth Epoch, in the late era. Although geographically ideal, this decision had spawned countless troubles over the ensuing thousand years. The Purifiers werent incapable of resolving the Beyonder incidents; they just couldnt get to the root of the problem, hidden within the underground ruins of the Fourth Epochs Trier. Rumor had it that not even Demigods dared or were willing to venture into those depths. Angoulme sheathed his golden longsword, which seemed to be condensed light, into a grayish-white, steam-powered humanoid head contraption, allowing it to sink into the corresponding vertebrae. Dark liquid seemed to fill the device. A man in a white suit, yellow vest, and light-colored shirt, adorned with the Sun Sacred Emblem, emerged from Auberge du Coq Dor. His light-yellow hair was neatly combed, skin-colored tape covered the bridge of his nose, and his lips were thick. A hint of a Southern Continent ancestry showed through his slightly brown skin. Deacon, Ive spoken to Charlie Collent, he reported to Angoulme de Fran?ois. Angoulme touched the golden button on his brown coat, asking, Is he alright? The brown-skinned man shook his head, replying, We arrived just in time. He wasnt physically harmed. According to him, after he dreamed of Susanna Matisse again, although she warned him, he still chose to seek help. He was intercepted by Susanna Matisse on the second floor of the motel and almost became one with her forever. At least, thats what she said. This development seemed normal and reasonable, aligning with the details provided by the Purifier elite team led by Angoulme. Neither Angoulme nor the other two Purifiers had any doubts. In their understanding, Charlies request for help was in accordance with their instructions to head to the nearest Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral. Angoulme surveyed the unusually quiet Rue Anarchie and nodded slightly. For now, lets put Charlie Collent aside. But if we dont find Susanna Mattises birthplace in two weeks, consider arranging a civilian job for him and telling him the truth. This was the standard procedure used by official Beyonders to protect ordinary people who had yet to fully escape the influence of Beyonder events. Of course, it often appeared they had resolved the problem and informed the victim to live peacefully, only for the person to die mysteriously weeks, months, or years later. Angoulme continued, We have two priorities. First, investigate this area, including the underground, to find Susanna Mattises birthplace. Second, locate the person who warned us with the letter. He seems to have deep knowledge of Susanna Mattise. Before releasing Charlie, Angoulme and his team had secretly investigated Auberge du Coq Dor but found no suspicious areas that could be the birthplace of the evil spirit. Additionally, they had used Beyonder methods to verify Charlies encounter and confession. They confirmed that the victim had interacted with ordinary people from the moment he prayed to Susanna Matisse until he was arrested by the police. That was why Angoulme suggested not to worry about Charlies situation for the time being. As for the sender, he had impressive methods and extensive anti-divination and anti-tracking experience. He had chosen to use a spirit world creature to write and send the letter. It was worth noting that even when using the same descriptive incantation to summon a spirit world creature, a different one would likely appear each time. The challenge with using just a three-line description was that it could potentially match hundreds of thousands of spirit world creatures, if not more. What they could summon each time relied solely on chance. Without a corresponding medium and a description that highlighted the subjects unique traits, it was nearly impossible to zero in on the target spirit using the incantation alone. Most spirit world creatures simply werent distinctive enough. Angoulme had previously sought the help of colleagues adept in such matters. Employing the letter as a medium, he tried summoning the associated spirit world creature, hoping to glean any clues from it. Alas, whether it was the letters transcriber, author, or sender, they came up empty-handed. The issue could have been a flaw in the descriptive statement, or perhaps the corresponding spirit world creature sensed their ill intentions and refused the summoning. Even with a flawless summoning ritual, it could still fail if the spirit world creatures fitting the description declined to respond. Only those Sequences skilled in summoning could significantly boost the odds or even force the issue. Naturally, Beyonders rarely faced such obstacles. Their three-line descriptions cast a wide net, ensnaring numerous spirit world creatures, with a handful always eager to enter the real world and absorb some spirituality. Lumian feigned sleep, poised to flee at a moments notice. It wasnt until the nearby cathedral clock struck six that he allowed himself a sigh of relief. Seems like the battle between the official Beyonders and Susanna Mattise has ended. They didnt even realize I briefly confronted her Lumian rolled out of bed and rubbed his face. He couldnt be certain if the official Beyonders had completely neutralized Susanna Mattise or if this ordeal was truly over. Recalling Susannas intense hatred for him, Lumian knew he couldnt rely on hope alone. He decided to write a letter to Madam Magician, reporting his encounter with Mr. K and inquiring about Susanna Mattises nature and weaknesses. For good measure, he also planned to ask Hela, the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Societys vice presidentafter all, Madam Magician wasnt all-knowing. After penning the two letters and tidying the room, Lumian summoned two messengers at ten-minute intervals, ensuring each took the correct letter. By the time he finished washing up and returned to Room 207, there were already two replies waiting silently on the wooden table. Wow, Madam Magician is quick too. Did the messengers run into each other? If so, what would they talk about? Lumian muttered, picking up one of the replies. The letter was from Hela. Similar cases have occurred in the Northern and Southern Continents. Men and women often dreamed of the opposite sex and engaged in intimate acts, ultimately dying from exhaustion. If the victims have partners or lovers, these innocents are killed one by one by creatures like Susanna Mattise. These creatures seem to believe theyre the dreamers spouse. Such creatures are said to possess powerful abilities on par with Mid-Sequence Beyonders. Some details suggest Susanna may have already died, becoming a vengeful or evil spirit It is indeed quite powerful Lumian recalled his encounter the previous night, realizing that without Fallen Mercurys deterrence, Charlie as a hostage, and Susannas conviction that she was Charlies wife, he might have been defeated within a minute. After burning Helas reply with a flame conjured from his spirituality, Lumian unfolded Madam Magicians letter. Im unsure whether to congratulate or commiserate with you. Your chances of encountering an evil gods Blessed seem higher than those of ordinary Beyonders. This may be due to the corruption sealed within you. Its difficult to explain this phenomenon using the law of convergence of Beyonder characteristics. Its more like repulsive forces rejected by this world, attracting each other. Thats my theory. I cant guarantee its accuracy. If Im wrong, dont forget to inform me and provide the correct answer. Based on your account, I suspect Susanna was once a believer of an evil god, who bestowed her with strength equivalent to a Sequence 5. That evil god goes by the pseudonym Mother Tree of Desire in this world. Dont attempt to understand Her, let alone guess Her true and complete title. Susanna is likely a Fallen Tree Spirit or Spirit of Lust, also known as Baby Cupid in some regions. They can appear as men or women, engaging in intimate acts within dreams and absorbing the victims energy. Over time, their possessiveness leads them to believe theyre the victims spouse, driving them to kill the victims partner or lover in a fit of jealousy. However, Susanna also exhibited traits of a soul-type entity. Its highly plausible she met her demise in an accident or failed to endure the boon, morphing into an evil spirit. She grew increasingly paranoid, clinging to her instincts. Chapter 143 - 143 Lie 143 Lie Having briefly outlined the nature and territorial tendencies of malevolent spirits, the woman known as Magician continued, Though Susanna Mattises power is on par with a Sequence 5, its not impossible for you to handle her. You could use the dirk on Charlie and swap your fate of encountering the Montsouris ghost with his. After the Montsouris ghost kills Susanna Mattise, you can transfer the fate of encountering it back into the knife. Alright, that was a joke. This plan has far too many uncertainties. Its virtually impossible to pull off. Firstly, the Montsouris ghost might only kill those who come across it. Secondly, even if the Montsouris ghost does kill Susanna Mattise, you wont know. You wouldnt be able to change fate in time without affecting Charlie. Thirdly, Charlie shouldnt be an orphan. His parents and siblings might still be alive. No one knows if the Montsouris ghost will leave Trier to kill. Fourthly, the Montsouris ghost might not be able to kill Susanna Mattise. Fifthly, Charlie himself admitted that he and Susanna are mystically bound as husband and wife. Im saying all of this mainly to discourage you from going down that path. Using Charlie as a hostage suggests that youre inclined to take such risks. Actually, this situation presents both a crisis and an opportunity. For you, the best solution is to ask Mr. K for help in dealing with the threat posed by Susanna Mattise. Remember, asking for help is an effective way to build relationships and earn someones trust. Of course, the other party must be willing and capable. You can showcase your potential and make Mr. K see that youre valuable. I wish you the best of luck. I hope you can quickly gain Mr. Ks initial trust and join that organization. Lumians initial reaction to the letter was that Madam Magician tended to ramble and digress. She seemed to enjoy finding lofty excuses and often entertained far-fetched notions bordering on absurdity. This contrasted sharply with Madam Helas succinct and polished reply. This writing style must be Madam Magicians trademark Lumian pursed his lips, summoned his spiritual energy, and ignited a flame, burning the paper in his hand. After reading the two letters, he discarded the idea of using Fallen Mercury to resolve his issue with Susanna Mattise. Their fates had been entwined for more than just a brief moment. It couldnt be as simple as erasing the fate of encountering the Montsouris ghost. In comparison, seeking Mr. Ks assistance was indeed an effective solution Lumian hadnt considered. This could quickly bridge the gap between him and Mr. K, fulfilling Madam Magicians mission. After contemplating for a moment and determining how to approach Mr. K and demonstrate his worth, Lumian changed into a grayish-blue workers uniform, put on a dark-blue cap, and left Room 207. Upon reaching the ground floor, Lumian saw Charlie lingering near the entrance, wearing a linen shirt and black pants. What are you up to? he asked with a grin. Charlie forced a smile. The establishments official name was Pawnbroker Shop or Pawnshop Company. To the pawnshop? Lumian sidled up to Charlie and lowered his voice. Are you alright? Charlie glanced around and gave a bitter smile. They said theres no problem this time. Susanna, that evil spirit, has been purified. Whether theres an issue or not, life has to go on. Haha, I heard that from a hotel guest. Sounds pretty sophisticated, right? Anyway, for people like us, a day without work puts us on the brink of financial ruin. Wed soon be hungry again. I have to pawn the diamond necklace for cash. You know, only cash gives people a sense of security. Clothes and jewelry cant do that. Even food is lacking! At this point, Charlies excitement grew. Madame Alice said the necklace is worth 1,500 verl dor. If I pawn it, I should get around 1,000. My god. Ive never seen 1,000 verl dor before. Even if I become an attendant foreman, itd take me years, maybe more than a decade, to save that much! When its time, well have lunch at a caf on Rue des Blouses Blanches. I want DuVar broth, coarse salt beef in red wine sauce, and apple tenderloin! Did you learn nothing else at H?tel du Cygne Blanc, just the names of dishes? Lumian grumbled and asked thoughtfully, You want me to protect you? Charlie laughed. Id be scared carrying that much money alone. Ciel, you might not have had that experience yetthinking everyones a thief wholl rob you on the streets. I felt that way when I got the necklace. I was so nervous, I nearly passed out. Can you imagine? Yes. Lumian smiled. I probably wont have that experience. Not now, not ever, because Im the one who makes others think I want to rob them. Take Margot, for example, who had just forked over more than 1,000 verl dor, nearly enough to buy the diamond necklace! Charlies smile froze. After a few seconds, he forced a smile and said, Thats why I want you to come with me to the pawnshop. He had seriously doubted Ciels means of making money. His neighbor was clearly capable and smart, but he wasnt rushing to find a job. He roamed around daily, seemingly without money troubles, but lived at Auberge du Coq Dor, not H?tel du Cygne Blanc. Remembering how Ciel had posed as a lawyer to infiltrate the police station, provided vital information, and helped him survive Susanna Mattises threat, Charlie felt it was a small concern. Even if Ciels a thief, robber, or con artist, hes one who risked his life to help me! Pleased with Charlies apprehensive expression, Lumian asked, grinning, Which pawnshop are you going to? I heard the pawnshops in Quartier de lObservatoire offer better prices. Charlie had already decided. Lumian nodded. Im actually headed to Quartier de lObservatoire. He planned to ask Osta Trul for Mr. Ks contact information. Charlie was thrilled. He spent a whopping 1 verl dor to treat Lumian to a barbecue pie, cream bun, and plum wine. Naturally, this included his own portion. Lumian graciously accepted. Exiting Rue Anarchie, Charlie winced when he saw Lumian heading straight for the public carriage sign. He glanced around, making sure no one was nearby, and whispered, Last night, you said your blade was called the Cursed Blade. Will anyone cut by it really have their entire family die? Before meeting Susanna Mattise, Charlie never believed in such things. Even if he had heard about them, they were just fodder for boasting and tall tales. But now, he couldnt help but wonder if Ciel truly wielded a mystical weapon. Lumian turned to Charlie and grinned. Want to give it a try? Charlie shuddered and smiled sheepishly. I believe you. Do you? Well, I was just bluffing Susanna Mattise last night. Im just an ordinary guy. If I hadnt, Id be dead! Lumian said, still smiling. Doesnt the Cursed Blade story I made up ring a bell? Youve heard of the Montsouris ghost legend when that maniac was having his bout of clarity, right? Charlies eyes widened in realization. Thats it! Its a spin on the Montsouris ghost legend! Ciel is a master of deception. An ordinary person managed to fool that malevolent spirit, Susanna Mattise, and saved our lives! I only spin tall tales in bars and occasionally lie. I cant even begin to compare to him. Hes got guts and smarts. A person like that is destined to make it big! Seeing that Charlie genuinely believed the lie hed just spun, Lumian did his best to keep a straight face. He asked earnestly, Are your parents still alive? Do you have siblings? Charlie was taken aback and leaped to the side like a spooked rabbit. Why do you ask? Could it be that the Cursed Blade is real? Is he trying to figure out which family members I have? Lumian couldnt contain his laughter anymore. Youre not actually scared, are you? Arent you too easily pranked? Charlie slapped his forehead, exasperated with the thought of the Idiot Instrument. He couldnt distinguish which of Ciels words were false and which were true. However, after being pranked, he felt even more certain that the Cursed Blade was fake and based on the Montsouris ghost legend. Ciel loves using such fabrications to fool others, just like the Idiot Instrument. Hmm The Cursed Blade story is a good one. Now that its mine, Ill use it at the bar tonight to spook people! The two of them arrived at Quartier de lObservatoire in a public carriage. Charlie asked for directions several times before finally finding Phils Pawnbroker Shop. Housed in a seven-story off-white building, it featured pillars, arches, relief sculptures, and large windows. Etched above the grand entrance were the words: Freedom, equality, fraternity Freedom to pawn any item; equality to discriminate against anyone who comes to pawn something? Fraternity to seize every opportunity to lowball prices? Lumian couldnt help but criticize. How ridiculous for a pawnshop to carve the Republics political slogan on their door? Inside the hall, there were several counters, with rows of benches in front of them. At the moment, dozens of people sat there, waiting for the clerk to appraise their items and call their number. Charlie easily found an empty counter and handed over the diamond necklace. He received a slip with the items name and corresponding number for appraisal. Soon, Charlies number was called from the counter. He walked over with anticipation, only to return looking as if his spirit had been crushed. Lumian, who was browsing newspapers in the hall, asked in confusion, Whats wrong? Charlie spoke in a daze, his voice tinged with disappointment, That necklace, that necklace is a fake. Its only worth 12 verl dor Chapter 144 - 144 Conditions 144 Conditions Fake? Lumians right eyebrow twitched, as if fate was mercilessly mocking Charlie. Charlie had forsaken his fragile principles and bedded Madame Alice for days, only to get embroiled in a life-threatening lawsuit and lose his job as an apprentice attendantall for a counterfeit diamond necklace? For some reason, Lumian felt a sudden urge to defy fate. This wasnt his problem, but he couldnt shake the feeling. To hell with this inevitable destiny! You mock me, so Ill mock and provoke you in return! In that moment, Lumian began to grasp another aspect of the Provokers acting principles, albeit crudely and imprecisely. He eyed Charlie and asked thoughtfully, Do you think Madam Alice lied to you, or did the pawnshop see your desperate situation, knowing you couldnt determine the necklaces authenticity, and use it as an excuse to offer the lowest possible price? I-I dont know. Charlie was at a loss and in pain. After a pause, he added with difficulty, I suspect its Madame Alice. Look, there are so many people here pawning their items. Appraisers handle dozens or hundreds of items every day, most of them valuable. They cant just lie to me, right? H-how could she Charlie couldnt go on. Cant pawnshops deceive everyone equally? Lowballing the offer as much as possible, especially for the pricey items? Lumian scoffed. Why not? Many wealthy people dont amass fortunes through kindness and hard work. If they can trick you with a fake, why give you the real deal? Maybe Madame Alice is one of those people. She might not even be that rich. She relied on staying at the H?tel du Cygne Blanc to dupe a gullible lad like you. Lumian didnt distrust every rich person. Many had made their fortunes through talent, hard work, and opportunitylike Aurore. Stung by Lumians words, Charlies face twisted with anger. He muttered to himself bitterly, Thats right. During this time, Madame Alice hasnt even treated me to a big meal. She only calls me to her room at seven or eight at night for service. Youre so naive. Are you really from Reem? Lumian couldnt help but facepalm. He stood up and said, Get that necklace back. Lets try another pawnshop. What if its real? Charlie was taken aback. Alright, alright! Lumian urged him, Be vigilant. We cant let them switch the necklace. Yes. Charlie tried his best to rally. Ive been studying that necklace daily recently and memorized every detail! After retrieving the diamond necklace, Lumian accompanied Charlie to two other pawnshops in Quartier de lObservatoire. The appraisal results were the same as before. The necklace was fake and worth only 11 to 15 verl dor. Charlies frustration mounted, and he crumbled. Lumian glanced at him and consoled, At least you can get a dozen verl dor. Itll last you more than a week. With the money, you can buy drinks for waiters at cafs on Rue des Blouses Blanches and ask them to help you find a new job. Including rent, Charlie spent about 1 verl dor a day. If he skipped the underground bar, his expenses would be even less. Yeah Charlie sighed. He was utterly disappointed. But after accepting reality, he found a glimmer of hope. Lumian hesitated before suggesting, We cant dismiss other possibilities. For instance, the pawnshops around here might have secret ways of communicating. They could specifically target people like youthose who dont dress well and pawn valuable items without proper documentation. How about taking the necklace to a specialized jewelry shop for appraisal? Wed have to pay a fee. Charlies face clouded with worry. If the appraisal confirmed its authenticity, that would be great. But if it turned out to be fake, his already meager assets would be reduced by a third or even half. Lumian sighed and offered, Hand me the diamond necklace, and Ill find a friend to appraise it for youone who wont charge. Youve still got some cash to get you through the day, right? I have 2.6 verl dor left. With hope in his eyes, Charlie handed the diamond necklace to Lumian. As Lumian pocketed the necklace, he grinned and asked, Are you not worried that the appraisal might prove it genuine, but Ill return a fake one to you and claim theres no issue with the pawnshops assessment? Charlies face tensed once more. After a moment, he exhaled and admitted, I trust you. Besides, Ive already written it off as a fake. Lumian waved goodbye to Charlie and strode toward Place du Purgatoire. Near the catacombs, Osta Trul occupied his customary seat facing the bonfire, clad in a hooded black robe. Lumian approached and asked with a hint of amusement, Dont you ever change areas? Osta chuckled and replied, My divination and interpretation skills are fairly accurate. Many people have introduced their friends. If I switch locations, wouldnt I lose my clientele? Theyre all verl dor! What do you mean by clientele? Theyre clearly a bunch of fools, Lumian half-jokingly and mockingly remarked. Osta didnt dare to argue. Lumian inquired, I need to discuss something with Mr. K. How can I reach him? So hes not here for me Osta sighed in relief and quickly answered, Anyone who has attended the gathering can go straight to Psychics headquarters, located in the building where our gathering took place. At 19 Rue Scheer, knock on Room 103 with three long, two short, and one long beats. Someone will take you to see Mr. K. If you dont want to go in person, you can send a letter. Address it to Room 103, 19 Rue Scheer, Avenue du Boulevard. The recipient is Guillaume Pierre. What a fake name The knocking rhythm differs from the gatherings Mr. K never told me this. Did he think Osta would inform me? Lumian nodded, bid Osta farewell, and returned above ground. At the catacombs entrance, he spotted a group of visitors carrying lit white candles, following the administrator through the naturally formed arch and into the Death Empire. Withdrawing his gaze, Lumian took a public carriage to 19 Rue Scheer on Avenue du Boulevard. He lowered his cap and knocked on Room 103. The dark-red wooden door creaked open, revealing a handsome young man with shoulder-length brown hair, resembling an artist. The lad scrutinized Lumian with his dark brown eyes for a couple of seconds. Who are you looking for? Im Ciel. I need to speak with Mr. K, Lumian replied bluntly. The young man cocked his head slightly, as if listening for a faint sound. Soon, he instructed Lumian, Follow me. The lad led him to a vintage-styled room and unveiled a secret door hidden within the dressing area. A staircase descended underground, its walls on either side adorned with gas lamps encased in black grids. Lumian entered the basement and traversed a short corridor before reaching a rather barren chamber. He suspected other exits were present, some possibly connecting to areas in Underground Trier. At that moment, Mr. K lounged in a red armchair, his face concealed by the shadow of his large hood. The gatherings organizer studied Lumian wordlessly, exuding an unnerving air of intimidation. Lumian pressed down on his cap and smiled. Good morning, Mr. K. I require your assistance. The price Ill have to pay is your call. Mr. K remained silent for a few seconds before inquiring in a deep, raspy tone, Does the Poison Spur Mob know you killed Margot? As expected Lumian wasnt surprised that Mr. K had information on him. When he attended the gathering, he deliberately wrapped his face in bandages to recreate his appearance when he killed Margot. He wanted Mr. K to be aware of it and display his worth and impulsive nature. This could also help earn Mr. Ks trust. Lumian shook his head. Its another problem Lumian recounted his encounter with Charlie and how he had helped him escape his predicament, only to be despised by Susanna Mattise and nearly killed by that peculiar creature. Fortunately, the official Beyonders had arrived in time. He didnt lie, but he didnt share too many details either. This aligned with the information he sought at the gathering. Mr. K listened intently and asked in a low voice, You want divine protection? Divine protection? Arent you overestimating yourself? Just protection! Lumian thought silently and nodded solemnly. Yes. Mr. K rasped, That creature is likely a soul-type being, akin to an evil spirit. Normally, it wouldnt affect you as long as you leave the market district. However, the official Beyonders have clearly taken an interest in this matter. If you move now, you might arouse suspicion. Moreover, if Susanna Mattise remembers or even marks you, you could be attacked anywhere. Many abilities can surpass distance limitations. Theres no need for the creature to truly leave its territory. No wonder the two ladies didnt suggest I leave Lumian nodded thoughtfully. What should I do then? Mr. K spoke deliberately, I can offer some protection, but you need to do something for me. What is it? Lumian inquired eagerly. Mr. K clasped his hands together and said, Join any gang in the market district and become a leader. So the organization behind Mr. K wants to control the market district indirectly? Lumian agreed without hesitation, No problem! Mr. K nodded slowly and held his left index finger with his right hand. Then, he yanked the finger off, exposing a bloody wound and ghostly white bones. Lumian winced at the sight. Surprisingly, no blood flowed from Mr. Ks wound or finger. Instead, it hovered at the edge, twisting and contracting as it gradually healed. Take this with you. It can help you in critical moments. Mr. K tossed the severed finger to Lumian. The flesh on his fingerless left hand writhed violently, as though a new digit was about to sprout. Chapter 145 - 145 Service Fee 145 Service Fee Lumian deftly extended his right hand, snatching the severed finger from the air. Feeling its weight and the warmth that hadnt yet dissipated, he was both surprised and disturbed. He had anticipated Mr. K would offer some form of protection, but he hadnt expected the man to rip off his own finger and toss it to him, claiming it could prove helpful in a tight spot! Was this some kind of sick joke? Setting aside the dubious utility of a severed digit, didnt Mr. K worry about the potential consequences of handing over a piece of his own flesh? In the world of mysticism, ones flesh and blood held significant power. In the wrong hands, they could lead to disastrous consequences. No one wanted to become the target of a horrifying curse without reason! Given Mr. Ks formidable abilities and his knowledge of mysticism, to the point of being able to act as a Notary, Lumian suspected the man had a way to nullify the various dangers associated with parting with his flesh. That was why he had dared to sever his own finger and hand it over. Moreover, the detached finger was clearly imbued with magic. I wonder if I can trade the prospect of meeting the Montsouris ghost with Mr. K by using Fallen Mercury, drawing blood when cutting this finger As Cordus Prankster King, Lumian was never short of unconventional ideas. Suppressing the urge, he shifted his gaze from the finger back to Mr. K. By now, Mr. K had regenerated a new finger, slightly damp and covered in delicate, fair skin. Thank you, Lumian murmured, stowing the severed finger in the pocket of his slate-blue workmans uniform. Mr. K gave a curt nod and said, You may leave. Dont forget our agreement. One more thing. Lumian produced the diamond necklace. Could you help me determine if its real or fake? I need to exchange it for some cash. He already owed Mr. K a favor; he didnt mind owing a little more. And if he couldnt repay the debt? At worst, hed sell himself to the organization behind Mr. K! That was Lumians endgame. Mr. K directed the attendant who had led Lumian underground to pass the diamond necklace to him and examined it. From the corner of his eye, Lumian could see a golden glow emanating from the shadows beneath Mr. Ks hood. After a few seconds, Mr. K handed the necklace back to the attendant. Its a fake. The craftsmanship is quite impressive, though. Its worth 50 verl dor. Alright. Lumian didnt bother hiding his disappointment, adding, I also need a set of identification papers. After receiving Mr. Ks affirmation, Lumian left 19 Rue Scheer and caught a public carriage back to Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. His thoughts bounced between joining a gang without raising suspicion, pondering the purpose of the severed finger, and devising ways to get pawnshops to pay more for the counterfeit diamond necklaceat least 30 verl dor Amid these thoughts, an idea began to crystallize. Simultaneously, he planned to find a couple of safe houses in Le March du Quartier du Gentleman district and Quartier du Jardin Botanique before noonthe kind that didnt require identification. I still have 850 verl dor and 24 coppet on me. After setting aside the remaining 400 for the information broker Anthony Reid, Ill have 450 verl dor left. I can rent two or three safe houses Lumian carefully calculated his remaining assets. He pursed his lips, feeling an urgency to leave Mr. Ks severed finger at Auberge du Coq Dor before securing a room. By 3 p.m., Lumian had found rooms in both Le March du Quartier du Gentleman on Rue des Blouses Blanches, and Quartier du Jardin Botanique on Rue des Pavsneither of which required identification. Naturally, there was a surcharge for such discretion. The former was hardly better than Room 207 at Auberge du Coq Dor, costing 6 verl dor per week. The latter, more akin to Osta Truls rented apartment, neighbored factory workers from the south and cost 10 verl dor per week. Lumian paid four weeks rent upfront but received no discounts. Returning to Auberge du Coq Dor, he skimmed through Mens Aesthetics for a while, using cosmetics to soften his sharp features, add shadows, and trim his eyebrows. Soon, Lumian had completed his initial disguise, transforming into an ordinary-looking man in his mid-twenties with a dangerous air. After combing his golden-black hair, he donned a dark blue cap, took Mr. Ks severed finger, and made his way to Salle de Bal Brise on Avenue du March. Unlike other guests, he didnt enter directly. Instead, he stopped between the khaki building and the white spherical statue made of countless skulls, addressing the two gangsters guarding the entrance, I need to see Baron Brignais. Without waiting for their response, he added, Tell the baron its Ciel, from our last meeting. Hell be pleased to see me again. The two gangsters exchanged glances, not daring to delay the barons business. One of them entered the ballroom. In under five minutes, the gang member reemerged, telling Lumian, The baron wants you to meet him where you last saw him. The caf on the second floor? Lumian smirked. With hands in his pockets, he sauntered up the stairs and entered Salle de Bal Brise, spotting Baron Brignais with a mahogany-colored pipe. The gentleman sported a black, thin tweed suit, a half top hat nearby, and a gleaming ring on his left hand. Four thugs flanked him. Sit. Baron Brignaiss brown eyes scanned the room, his smile indicating the seat across the table. Lumian approached and sat, studying Baron Brignaiss sharp features and naturally curly brown hair, and said, Good afternoon. We meet again. Baron Brignais tapped the pipes base, smiling as he asked, What brings you here? Lumian produced Charlies counterfeit diamond necklace, calmly stating, Ive been strapped for cash and want to pawn this necklace to you. Its worth 1,500 verl dor. Ill take 1,000. Baron Brignais turned to a subordinate, commanding, Get someone to appraise it. Yes, Baron. A thug with conspicuous bruises on his forehead left the caf. Brignais appraised Lumian again, nodding in approval. Not bad. Your makeup skills have come a long way. Although still flawed, youre no longer as easy to recognize. Thanks for the tip, Lumian grinned. Mens Aesthetics is quite the resource. They exchanged small talk until the thug who had left the caf returned with a man in his forties, dressed in a formal suit and bow tie, carrying a toolbox. After assessing the necklace, the man approached Baron Brignais, set the necklace on the table, and whispered, Its fake. Instantly, all the thugs present drew their revolvers. Baron Brignais observed Lumian, who appeared unfazed by the appraisers declaration or the thugs actions. His grin never wavered as he nodded to the appraiser, You may leave. Yes, Baron. The appraiser hurriedly exited the caf. Baron Brignais set down his mahogany pipe, playing with the diamond ring on his left hand. He asked Lumian, still smiling, Were you aware this necklace was counterfeit? Lumian smiled as well. Indeed. Before he could finish, the thugs aimed their revolvers at him. Intrigued by Lumians composure, Baron Brignais inquired, Did you anticipate Id have someone verify the necklaces authenticity? Lumians grin remained steady. Indeed. Baron Brignaiss eyes narrowed. Knowing all this, why would you still attempt to borrow 1,000 verl dor with a fake necklace? What makes you think Id grant your request? Lumian slowly rose, disregarding the revolvers aimed at him. He placed his hands on the tables edge, leaned down to meet Baron Brignaiss gaze, and smirked. Because I killed Margot of the Poison Spur Mob. Baron Brignaiss smile froze. His pupils involuntarily dilated as if to scrutinize the man before him. The four thugs, their revolvers aimed at Lumian, also reacted with shock. As enemies of the Poison Spur Mob, they knew Margots capabilities all too well. Lumians emotionless gaze scanned the thugs faces, causing them to avert their eyes and, unconsciously, their weapons. Baron Brignais recovered quickly, addressing the four thugs, Holster your revolvers! Have I not taught you how to treat guests? Reprimanding his subordinates, he turned to Lumian, curiosity piqued, How did you manage to kill Margot? I stabbed him with something poisonous, but I dont know where he fled before succumbing, Lumian replied nonchalantly. This aligned with the preliminary intel Baron Brignais had received. Eyes narrowing, he asked with a grin, Do you understand the implications of taking my 1,000 verl dor? Lumian smirked, unfazed. Indeed. Auberge du Coq Dor, Room 504. Upon seeing Lumian outside the door, Charlie eagerly inquired, So, is it the real deal? Its a fake. Worth no more than 50 verl dor, Lumian casually replied as he entered the room. He noticed that Charlie had already ripped off Susanna Mattises portrait, leaving behind a sticky residue. Charlie, having mentally braced himself for the outcome, was disappointed but not crushed. He chuckled self-deprecatingly, Well, its still worth 50 verl dor at least. A generous pawnshop might give me 20 for it. Lumian shot him a glance and grinned. But I managed to sell the fake necklace for 1,000 verl dor. What? Charlie was dumbstruck. Lumian pulled out a thick wad of bills, still smiling. The fake necklace is yours and worth 50 verl dor. Thats all I can offer you. The rest is my fee for services rendered. Is that acceptable? Chapter 146 - 146 Turf 146 Turf Charlie was dumbstruck and answered subconsciously, No problem. Only when Lumian laid out the 50 verl dor notes did he snap back to reality. He cautiously peeked out the door. The evening light was fading, and unlike the second floor, the fifth floor had large balconies on both sides, casting deep shadows. It was as if night had already descended. Seeing the corridor empty, Charlie breathed a sigh of relief. He lowered his voice and asked Lumian, You conned someone into buying the fake necklace for 1,000 verl dor? Youve got two things wrong. Lumian grinned and handed the stack of 50 verl dor notes to Charlie. First, I didnt con just any person. Then who? Charlie questioned, puzzled as he instinctively took the mix of 1 and 5 verl dor notes. Lumians grin broadened. The Savoie Mob. Hearing this, Charlie nearly dropped the banknotes in his hand. He stared at Lumian in terror and blurted, Are you insane? They kill people. Folks go missing all the time on Rue Anarchie! Lumian smirked and replied, Second, it wasnt a con. What? Charlie couldnt follow Lumians logic. Lumian clarified, still smiling, They knew the necklace was a fake, yet they still forked over 1,000 verl dor. Impossible, Charlie thought, certain it was a joke. The Savoie Mob might be ruthless, but they werent idiots. Why would they pay 1,000 verl dor for a fake necklace worth only 50 verl dor? Then, a wild thought crossed Charlies mind. You didnt steal the leadership from the Savoie Mob, did you? That would be even more insane! Lumian smirked again. Relax. Baron Brignais and I reached an agreement through a friendly conversation. Dont worry. There wont be any trouble in the future. So, do you want the 50 verl dor or not? Considering his own financial situation, he took the 50 verl dor and muttered, Thank you. Lumian nodded with a smile and turned to go. In that instant, Charlie grasped the whole picture and blurted out, Did you join the Savoie Mob? Lumian didnt turn around. He waved his hand and replied, Thats right. Charlie opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. He watched Lumians silhouette vanish into the darkness outside and disappear down the shadowy staircase. Upon returning to Room 207, Lumian, fresh out of his disguise and ready to hunt for a tasty meal, caught a familiar curse coming from the fourth floor. If you think this money is easy, you can lie down and earn it yourself! Useless coward. A dickless wretch; all you dare to do is bully women! Send your mother to me if you dare! Lumian listened for a few seconds and quickly deduced that Wilson from the Poison Spur Mob had come to Ethans with his crew to collect protection money. A grin spread across his face. In the next instant, Lumian donned a dark-blue cap, left Room 207, and made his way to the fourth floor. Before he could reach Room 408, he heard the sharp crack of a slap followed by Ethanss even more vehement cursing and struggle. The tenants on this floor shut their wooden doors tight, not daring to step out. With one hand in his pocket, Lumian arrived outside Room 408. The first thing he noticed was the presence of two goons. They were clad in dark jackets, blocking the doorway. At this moment, Ethanss curses blended with sobs and screams. You sons of bitches! I curse you! Ill rip off your dicks! Lumian raised an eyebrow and approached the two thugs at the door. What do you want? one of them barked. Lumian didnt reply. Instead, he took a sudden step forward, reaching out to grab them. His movements were so swift that he had the two thugs by the back of their heads before they could react. Lumian applied force, slamming their skulls together. With a sickening thud, their foreheads bulged, eyes rolled back, and they crumpled to the ground. As they cleared the way, Lumian glimpsed the scene inside the room. Ethans, her flaxen hair and delicate features in disarray, lay on the bed. Her dress was torn, her face visibly bruised and swollen. Wilson, his curly brown hair and deeply creased face sneering, was pocketing a stack of banknotes. His belt unbuckled, another thug was holding Ethans down. Sensing the disturbance at the door, the Poison Spur Mob leader swiftly reached for his belt and glanced outside. There he saw Lumian, casually wiping his hands and stepping over his two fallen comrades. Not giving Wilson a chance to speak, Lumian grinned and said, Didnt anyone tell you that Auberge du Coq Dor is now under the Savoie Mobs protection Mid-sentence, he lunged forward, throwing a punch before Wilson could fasten his belt. Wilson hastily dodged and buckled his belt. Simultaneously, his eyes narrowed as they locked onto Lumian. Lumian suddenly felt a wave of fear. It was the unbridled fear of an ordinary person facing a villain or a thug. Wilson had manifested such emotions! Yet, even as an ordinary person, Lumian wasnt cowed by villains who wouldnt dare to fight back. As a vagrant, he had always believed in fleeing and surrendering if possible. If not, hed drag the other party down with him. Now, as a Sequence 8 Beyonder, he was even more fearless. Another Beyonder? Lumian harnessed the intensity of his fear to grapple with Wilson and unleash his close-quarters combat skills. His hands, elbows, knees, and feet transformed into weapons, overpowering Wilson, who had barely buckled his belt. As the sounds of their struggle filled the air, another thug sprang into action. He grabbed a chair in the room, poised to smash it into Lumians back. But Lumian twisted his upper body like a serpent, circling behind Wilson. Bang! The chair struck Wilsons head, sending him reeling. With a crash, the already unstable chair splintered. Lumian coiled his body like a spring and lifted his right leg. His heel struck the thugs lower abdomen with pinpoint accuracy, eliciting a muffled groan. The thugs eyes bulged as he clutched his crotch and crumpled to the floor. He writhed in pain but couldnt make a sound, like a rooster with its neck throttled. As Lumians right foot swung back, his arm lashed forward, whipping Wilsons chest. Unable to dodge, Wilson heard the crack of his ribs breaking. Before he could recover from the pain, Lumian seized his arms and yanked him closer. Pfft! A knee to the chest greeted him. Wilsons face paled, and his body doubled over. Lumian clenched his fists and hammered Wilsons back. Plop! Wilson collapsed to the ground. Lumian capitalized on the opportunity, pouncing on him. He pinned Wilsons arms behind his back and pressed his knees into his spine. I thought you were quite the tough guy, Lumian taunted. Turns out, you couldnt even last ten seconds. Based on his assessment, Wilson was only at Sequence 9, a Sequence that focused more on combat and physical enhancement. However, he wasnt sure which pathway he belonged to. Wilson, provoked and enraged, struggled with all his might but couldnt break free from Lumians grip. Lumian glanced up at the dumbstruck Ethans and chuckled at Wilson and the incapacitated thugs. Go back and tell your bosses that this is Ciels turf. If youve got any business, feel free to look for our Savoie Mob! Youre a dead man! Wilson snarled. Lumian smirked, retorting, Im not sure if Ill die, but youre the one dying now. You dare to kill me in front of so many witnesses? Wilson mocked. Lumian said nothing. He tightened his grip, and a sickening crack echoed in the room. Wilson let out a spine-chilling scream, beads of cold sweat the size of beans breaking out on his forehead. His arm was broken! Lumian hoisted him up and leaped onto Ethanss wooden table. He pushed open the window and dangled Wilson over the outer wall. Glancing down at the deserted alley, Lumian smiled at Wilson and taunted, Try guessing. Do you think I dare to throw you down? Wilson stared at the cobblestones more than ten meters below and recalled how resolute the other party had been when he said hed break his arm. For a moment, he didnt dare answer. Just then, Lumian released his grip. I havent answered yet! Wilsons body plunged downward in sheer terror. With no other option, he desperately tried to adjust his posture to protect his vitals. Crash! He hit the ground with a sickening thud, his flesh instantly mangled in multiple places. Lumian observed for a couple of seconds before chuckling. Quite a tough one. Youre still alive. Is your nickname Rue Anarchie Cockroach? Ignoring Wilson, he jumped off the wooden table and addressed the three thugs struggling to their feet, Did you hear what I just said? The three thugs nodded fearfully and turned to flee. Wait, Lumian called out to them. The three thugs froze on the spot, their bodies trembling slightly. Lumian gestured at the shattered chair and grinned. Arent you going to compensate for the damage? The three thugs hastily pulled out all the banknotes they had and tossed them on the floor. With Lumians nod of approval, they stumbled out of Room 408. Ethans stared blankly the entire time, only recalling the words that this place had been taken over by the Savoie Mob. Then, she realized that Ciel from the Savoie Mob hadnt informed her about how much she should pay or how often she should pay in the future. He didnt even glance at her as he walked straight to the door. Ethans instinctively opened her mouth, wanting to ask something, but she hesitated, fearing the Poison Spur Mob might retaliate. She watched Lumians figure vanish into the darkness beyond the door. Chapter 147 - 147 Reaction 147 Reaction Lumian had just returned to the second floor when he spotted Charlie lingering outside his door. Hey, dont tell me you had another dream? You make me nervous, just popping up at my door like that, Lumian teased with a hint of mockery. He couldnt shake the fact that Charlie had sought him out rather than heading directly to the Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral. Charlie glanced at the stairs and lowered his voice. Something happened on the fourth floor? Youve got good ears, Lumian commended. There was an incident. I tossed Wilson down the block. Huh? Charlie appeared bewildered once more. It took him a moment to process. Which Wilson? The one from the Poison Spur Mob who collects money from Miss Ethans? Yes. Lumian nodded candidly. At first, Charlies expression read, I see. Then, he blurted out in shock, You threw him down the block? From which floor? Fourth floor, Lumian replied, grinning. Charlies mouth fell open, forgetting to close it. Youre not joking, are you? he asked nervously after a few seconds. Lumian gestured toward the room across the hall. If you dont believe me, take a look at the alley behind. That guys like a cockroach; he didnt die from the fall. Charlie assessed Lumian anew, as though seeing him for the first time. He realized that his mischievous, audacious, and clever friend possessed a side he didnt grasp at all. In Lumians eyes, there seemed to be no law, and a chilling coldness ran deep within him. Fear was absent from his mind, and he had genuinely thrown a living person from the fourth floor. Moreover, he was a leader of the Poison Spur Mob! Wasnt he afraid of dying? Wasnt he afraid of the Poison Spur Mobs retaliation? This brought to mind how Ciel had held a dirk to his throat when Susanna Mattise threatened him. Of course, his weapon wouldnt have been some Cursed Blade. The next second, Charlie glanced around and lowered his voice again. A-are you out of your mind? The Poison Spur Mob isnt to be trifled with! Why dont you move away? You should be safe once you leave the market district. He felt that no matter how reckless Ciel was or how little he respected the law, he was someone who had genuinely helped him. He had to warn him of the danger so he could escape swiftly. Lumian smirked and shot back, Our Savoie Mob isnt to be trifled with either. Uh Charlie suddenly sensed that the situation might not be as hed imagined. Lumian opened the door to Room 207 and declared as he entered, From now on, Auberge du Coq Dor is our Savoie Mobs turf. Ill throw out anyone from the Poison Spur Mob who shows up. Had the Savoie Mob enlisted Ciel to handle Wilson? Charlie came to a realization and felt a mixture of relief. Since the Savoie Mob had instigated the confrontation, they surely had a plan to counter the Poison Spur Mobs retaliation. A broke, jobless guy like him neednt worry. Lumian snapped the suitcase shut, concealing a few sets of clothes and Aurores grimoire within. He slid it under the bed and draped a blanket over it. Straightening up, he instructed Charlie, If anyone comes looking for me, tell them I went to the Salle de Bal Brise. A-alright. Charlie watched as Lumian vanished down the stairs, a sudden realization hitting him. What would become of Miss Ethans after this? Would she be claimed by the Savoie Mob, or was there still a chance for her to redeem herself? Avenue du March, Salle de Bal Brise. Lumian perched at the bar counter, tapping his fingers on the surface. One glass of Lover, a serving of mashed potatoes, veal slices in lard, a pork sausage, and a croissant. Lover referred to a sugar alcohol brewed from sugarcane syrup, served with ice and water. It was common slang in Intis bars. Soon enough, Lumian sipped the amber-hued, sweet alcohol and savored the aromatic veal slices. As he relished the delicacies and listened to the music from the dance floor, his body swayed rhythmically. Just then, one of Baron Brignais gang members sidled up beside him. Lumian turned to the man, noticing the blood clots on his forehead. He smiled and said, This is our third encounter, right? What should I call you? The thug replied cautiously, Just call me Louis. Another Louis Lumian mused. In the Intis Republic, Louis was as common a name as Pierre and Guillaume. The last Louis Lumian had met had given birth to a child, despite being a man. Louis watched Lumian take a bite of the croissant and offered casually, as if trying to build rapport, This ones on me. Its your first time at our Salle de Bal Brise. Alright. Lumian didnt bother with pretenses. Louis ordered a syrupy lemon soda alcohol dubbed Demon and took a sip. You live at Auberge du Coq Dor, right? Yeah. Lumian grabbed a piece of sausage and popped it into his mouth. Louis pondered for a moment before asking, Thats Poison Spur Mob territory. Want to move to Rue des Blouses Blanches? No need. Lumian sipped his ice-cold Lover, its caramel scent wafting through the air, and grinned. Its now our Savoie Mobs turf. What? Louis nearly choked on his drink. Lumian swiveled his head and smirked. I tossed Wilson from the Poison Spur Mob off the fourth floor. Auberge du Coq Dor is now Savoie Mob turf. Hearing Lumians account, Louiss face gradually stiffened. After a few seconds, he forced a smile and stood up. I need to report this to the baron. Why is this guy even more brutal and unhinged than the baron? Alright. Lumian didnt care. Louis took a few brisk steps before turning back, leaning in to whisper, Is Wilson dead? No. Lumian feigned regret. What are you regretting? Louis studied Lumians face, suddenly wondering: Did we gain a weapon or a massive problem? Avenue du March, Unit 126, inside Rogers three-story building with a modest garden. As the injured Wilson was carried past him, Rogers icy blue eyes scanned the three trembling thugs and he demanded, Who did this? Someone from the Savoie Mob! A thug answered hastily, slightly hunched. He calls himself Ciel and says that the Auberge du Coq Dor now belongs to the Savoie Mob! Ciel Black Scorpion Rogers somewhat plump face registered a mix of confusion and wariness. He murmured to himself, Theres no Ciel among the top brass of the Savoie Mob How did he manage to thrash Wilson like this? It was worth noting that Wilson was a Villain, equivalent to a Sequence 9 Beyondera master of combat! At that moment, another thug spoke up speculatively, Boss, I remember something. We went to Auberge du Coq Dor the night Margot was killed. Rogers expression darkened, a fierce hatred seeping in. Was that also Ciels doing? How did he pull it off? Did the Savoie Mob secretly recruit such a formidable figure to drive us out of the market district? A man standing beside Black Scorpion Roger spat hatefully, First, an assassination; now, an open taunt. If we dont retaliate, who knows whatll come next! The man had a shaved head but boasted striking features. His lake-blue eyes, high nose bridge, thick brown eyebrows, and curved lips rendered him handsome despite his baldness. Dressed in a black shirt, dark breeches, and strapless leather boots, he forewent a coat and stood nearly 1.8 meters tall. Roger pondered for a few seconds before instructing the man beside him, Haman, go to Baron Brignais and find out whats going on. Ask if the Savoie Mob intends to wage an all-out war against our Poison Spur Mob. If theyre open to reconciliation, we can make appropriate concessions. Remember, learn to endurethe time isnt right yet. On the balcony of a third-floor room in Salle de Bal Brise. Baron Brignais leisurely puffed on his peach-colored pipe, observing the guests entering and exiting the dance hall. Suddenly, he turned his gaze towards the door. Two seconds later, Louis pushed open the door, entering the balcony and stepping past the other thugs. Your footsteps are a bit heavy and hurried. Something happen? Baron Brignais inquired with a smile. Louis replied anxiously, Baron, Ciel threw Wilson off the fourth floor of the Auberge du Coq Dor! Wilson from the Poison Spur Mob? Baron Brignais recalled, seeking confirmation. Yes, hes severely injured but not dead, Louis quickly added. Baron Brignais held his pipe, pondering for a moment before asking, Did Ciel mention why he did that? He said that the Auberge du Coq Dor is now our Savoie Mobs turf, Louis repeated Lumians words. Baron Brignais couldnt help but chuckle. Taking a drag from his pipe, he spoke with a hint of meaning, If you dont handle a sharp weapon properly, its easy to hurt yourself. Ill have to find an opportunity to give him some guidance. What should we do about the Poison Spur Mob? Should we inform the Boss? Louis asked, concerned. Baron Brignais considered for a moment and responded, Not for now. Ciel actually performed well this time. Im curious to see how the Poison Spur Mob reacts. Noticing his subordinates puzzled expression, Baron Brignaisalways fond of educating them to showcase his intelligencesmiled and explained, Since the Poison Spur Mobs inception, their number of Beyonders has swelled, nearly matching ours in just under two years. Theyve seized a significant amount of territory. Dont you see a major issue here? Give them another two years, and we might be completely driven out of the market district. If they want to escalate this matter, Im more than willing. Its a prime opportunity for the authorities to take notice and uncover whos backing them. Chapter 148 - 148 "Lord of the Motel" 148 Lord of the Motel At 10 p.m., while returning to Auberge du Coq Dor from Avenue du March, Louis, who was with Baron Brignais earlier, guided Lumian from the main road bathed in yellow light to a side street swallowed by darkness. Surveying the neglected, broken street lamps, he remarked nonchalantly, The baron has cut a deal with the Poison Spur Mob. From now on, Auberge du Coq Dor is officially under our Savoie Mobs control. Lumian snorted. Is the Poison Spur Mob that easy to negotiate with? What do you mean? Are you hoping for the two parties to fight? Louis increasingly sensed that Ciel was a dangerous man who thrived on conflict. He was convinced that Ciels nature and approach would bring trouble to the Savoie Mob time and time again in the future. The market district, already strained by the Poison Spur Mobs rapid ascent, would certainly become more chaotic. As a seasoned gang member, Louis believed in bullying ordinary people rather than resorting to violence and bloodshed. Life was precious; hed witnessed several comrades die in gang wars and police raids. Initially, their families were taken care of, but as time passed, their circumstances deteriorated. But if cornered, Louis wouldnt shy away from brutality. Every thug under Baron Brignais had climbed the ranks through street brawls and alley fights. They may not be brainy, but their skills and courage were nothing to sneer at. Louis slowly exhaled. You showed enough force to protect Auberge du Coq Dor, and the Poison Spur Mob didnt want to escalate matters and draw police attention. So, after the baron covered Wilsons medical expenses, the matter was settled. Keep a low profile for now. If you catch the polices eye, you wont withstand a thorough investigation. It doesnt matter to me. Ill just find a hideout before the official Beyonders corner me. The Poison Spur Mob can run, but they cant hide Lumian murmured, borrowing a line from Aurores book. Louis continued, The baron wants me to tell you that since youre staying at Auberge du Coq Dor, its your turf now. And for members who control their own turf, we dont usually provide daily allowances. What he implied was that the Savoie Mob likely wouldnt give Lumian any more money beyond the initial 1,000 verl dor. Hed have to find a way to generate income from his turf. Lumian was momentarily stunned before replying with a chuckle, Alright. As they spoke, they stopped outside Auberge du Coq Dor. Lumian gazed at the old, cream-colored building and was struck by a bizarre, ludicrous thought. This is my turf? The residents of this ramshackle place are all destitute. How can they afford to pay protection fees? Forget it. Its already a blessing that they dont create trouble for me like Charlie. I cant squeeze money out of them! Having already consumed two drinks, he skipped the basement bar and retreated to Room 207. No one had visited. After perusing Aurores grimoire for a while, Lumian recognized a familiar footfall, followed by a knock on the door. He opened it, unsurprised to find Charlie standing there. Charlies face was flushed from drinking. He grinned and exclaimed, Can you believe it? Im about to land a new job! I went to Rue des Blouses Blanches tonight and bought the waiters drinks. They introduced me to a hotel manager who said they needed a few full-time attendants! If that manager learns you hooked up with a female guest at your previous hotel and were recently implicated in a murder case, will he still consider you? Lumian retorted. Charlies smile froze. He massaged his face and replied, He might still give me a chance. But Ciel, thats not why Im here. I wanted to ask what you plan to do with Miss Ethans? What do you mean? Lumian inquired, smirking. Charlie forced a smile and asked,Will you stop her from leaving Rue Anarchie? If you make her keep working the streets, how much should she pay you each time? And how often? Lumian chortled. Shes free to do whatever she wants. Its none of my business. I have plenty of ways to make money. I knew it! Praise the Sun and Saint Vive! Charlie cheered. I could tell from the moment I saw you at the bar that you were a clever and capable gentleman! Trusting the judgment of the Idiot Instrument? Lumian jested. Charlie sheepishly smiled. Thats one factor. He waved his hand. Ill share this news with Miss Ethans! After taking a few steps, Charlie halted and spun around, asking unusually cautiously, Will the Poison Spur Mob come back? Baron Brignais has brokered a deal with them. Auberge du Coq Dor is now Savoie Mobs turf, Lumian answered nonchalantly. And Im the one in charge here. Charlie was ecstatic. He spread his arms wide and exclaimed, Praise the Sun, praise Saint Vive, and praise you, Ciel! With that, he dashed into the stairwell. Comparing me to the Eternal Blazing Sun and Saint Vive Are you trying to get me killed faster? Lumian snorted and shook his head. He then retreated to his room and resumed studying Aurores grimoire. Outside Room 408, Charlie knocked on the wooden door. Ethans, her cheek red and swollen, opened the door and stated flatly, Im not feeling well today. Find someone else. Charlie couldnt contain the exciting news. Guess what? The motels no longer under Poison Spur Mobs control. It belongs to the Savoie Mob! Ethans suddenly remembered the evenings events and hesitated before asking, Are you sure? Absolutely! Charlie replied, his signature enthusiasm returning. You wont believe it. I found out from the leader of the Savoie Mob. Ciel, who lives in 207. Hes already become a leader of the Savoie Mob. Auberge du Coq Dor is his turf now! He personally told me that the Poison Spur Mob bastards have scrammed and wont be back! He also said that the Savoie Mob and the Poison Spur Mob reached an agreement! Ciel The man who threw Wilson down? Ethanss eyes darted, seemingly awakening from her puppet-like state. The Poison Spur Mob was really driven away? Its true! Charlie nodded emphatically. Ethans stood stunned for a moment, then clenched her teeth and spat out, Those sons of bitches, rotten scum, theyre finally gone! Charlie continued, Ive asked Ciel. He said you can do whatever you want. Its not his concern. Hes incredibly resourceful. So much so that he can change my opinion of pranksters like him. Can you believe it? He comes up with lucrative schemes every minute! Ethans was dumbstruck. As far as she knew, none of the gangsters were good people. They were all despicable scoundrels who deserved hell! Charlie kept talking, but Ethans tuned him out. The words do whatever you want resonated in her mind. After Charlie left, she retreated to her room and quickly changed into a ladys blouse and light-colored pants. Next, she lifted the mattress and retrieved a stack of 200 verl dor notes. She crammed all the bills into her pocket, then hesitated for a moment before removing more than half and hiding it back in its original spot. With the remaining 40 verl dor, she shut the door and headed downstairs. Before long, she stepped out of Auberge du Coq Dor and onto Rue Anarchie. A solitary gas lamp illuminated the street from a distance. Bathed in crimson moonlight, numerous inebriated people stumbled along the road, shouting, singing, or sporadically clashing with one another. Ethans sidestepped the drunks and nervously followed the shadows along the street, aiming for Rue Anarchies exit. Throughout her journey, memories of escaping and being apprehended by the Poison Spur Mob on the street haunted her. The memory of the beating made her shudder involuntarily. Ethans slowed down, as though the Poison Spur Mob lurked around the corner. Finally, she reached the exit of Rue Anarchie and saw the broad main road beyond. Ethans stared at the once-unreachable scene, feeling as if she were in a dream. Subconsciously, she quickened her pace, striding faster through the dark night under the crimson moonlight. In no time, she arrived at the nearest public carriage stop. She still remembered disembarking from the public carriage here on her first day in Trier. Now, she had finally returned. With no public carriages running late at night, Ethans didnt mind. She gazed at the street ahead, the postbox shrouded in darkness, and the sign displaying the carriage route. Her eyes welled up with tears. Suddenly, Ethans spun around and bolted. She had to get back to Auberge du Coq Dor, pack her belongings, and leave at daybreak! Ethans sprinted faster, feeling the wind slap her face, cold and damp. Her vision blurred, and she seemed to see a ghost of her past self. The former Ethans, who arrived in Trier filled with dreams and enthusiasm, stood beneath the streetlamp, gently beckoning. Hurry up and catch up! Auberge du Coq Dor, Room 207. Ethans dabbed the corners of her eyes and rapped on the door. Lumian swung the wooden door open and cast a cursory glance at her. What can I do for you? In a raspy voice, Ethans inquired, Why are you helping me? Lumian sneered. Why should I help you? What do you possess thats worthy of my assistance? Youre not beautiful, and you dont have much money. Ethanss words of gratitude were immediately choked off. She couldnt even recall how she left the second floor. As she packed her belongings, the whole experience felt surreal. Watching her vanish down the stairs, Lumian snickered. Im not helping you. I just cant stand fates cruel taunts. We are all victims of fates ridicule, but I want to defy and resist it, even if Im not capable enough, until death puts an end to it all! In that moment, Lumian sensed his Provoker potion digesting a bit further. Although he was far from fully digesting it and needed time to work through it, this indicated that he had adapted to the Provoker potion, and his condition had stabilized. He could contemplate extracting the sealed power within him and obtaining the Alms Monks boon. Judging by the name, it should compensate for his lack of mystical techniques. Chapter 149 - 149 Five Ritualistic Spells 149 Five Ritualistic Spells Lumian wasnt eager to perform the ritual just yet. For one, he had been swamped all day and was far from his peak condition. He needed rest, or at least to wait until he reset at six in the morning. Secondly, the ritual involved two hidden entities and a corruption that had trapped a village in a time loop. If something went awry, it wasnt just the Auberge du Coq Dor that could be in jeopardythe entire Rue Anarchie might face destruction. Who knew how many lives would be lost? Thus, Lumian planned to head underground after daybreak, seeking a secluded quarry cave to serve as the ritual site. As for the materials, he had already brought them from Cordu. Rue Anarchies nights were seldom peaceful, but Lumian managed to sleep well, practically dreamless. He awoke early to the sound of cathedral bells. Rising slowly, he washed up and headed to a caf on Rue des Blouses Blanches. His breakfast consisted of plum pie, savarin, and a caf au lait with plenty of milk. Delicacies always lifted ones spirits, and the Auberge du Coq Dor was no longer under the Poison Spur Mobs thumb. Lumian gradually adjusted to his optimal state. With renewed purpose, he returned to Room 207, intending to gather the necessary materials and carbide lamp for his venture into Underground Trier. Just as Lumian finished preparing and was about to leave, he heard a soft knock on the door. Confused, he opened it to find Anthony Reid standing outside, clad in military-green attire and strapless leather boots. The forty-something information broker stroked his short blond hair and said to Lumian, I got something. The padre or Madame Pualis and her underlings? Lumian stepped aside, allowing Anthony Reid to enter the room. Anthony scanned the surroundings, Lumians reflection caught in his dark brown eyes. Simultaneously, Lumian felt an all-too-familiar unease. Suppressing his thoughts, he inquired, What are they? Anthony Reid gave a slight nod before replying, Someone spotted a man suspected to be Louis Lund on Avenue du March, the one you believe to be Madame Pualis butler. On Avenue du March? Lumians excitement surged. Louis Lund, Madame Pualis, and I are so close? Are you sure? he asked urgently. Anthony Reid shook his head. Im not sure. Im just here to let you know that I havent forgotten your task. When Im certain its really Louis Lund, Ill collect the balance from you. My money cant wait to part with me. Lumian made no effort to conceal his eagerness. After seeing Anthony Reid off, his resolve to obtain the Alms Monks boon only intensified. A chilly wind whispered through the tunnels, leaving faint traces of moisture on the stone walls above. Navigating the subterranean streets and alleys, Lumian discovered a passage that led even deeper. Utilizing a Hunters innate ability to memorize environments, he descended until he finally reached a quarry hollow, roughly the size of two or three Auberge du Coq Dors. Sparse white mushrooms grew in the rock crevices. Charlie had mentioned that many people in Rue Anarchie and the surrounding areas scoured these underground quarries for mushrooms to bolster their income and meals. Trier mushrooms had become synonymous with these fungi, but the specimens here were clearly natural. Lumian circled the cave twice, inspecting it thoroughly. Satisfied that there were no issues, he found a half-meter-tall stone and placed the blood-infused musk candle on it. The other candle was positioned closer to him. Having tidied the area, Lumian lit the two grayish-white candles in the order of top to bottomdivine before mortalby channeling his spirituality. Next, he drew the ritual silver dagger and swiftly sanctified it, erecting a barrier of spirituality. Unlike the last time he had prayed for the Dancers power, Lumians spirituality remained plentiful after completing these tasks. He effortlessly entered a somewhat ethereal state, enabling him to perform rituals without the aid of incense. He exhaled slowly, picked up the gray amber perfume on the altar, and dripped it into the deity-representing candle. As the scent sizzled, a sweet, elegant fragrance filled the air, calming his nerves. After the gray amber perfume came tulip powder. As a strange aroma permeated the spiritual barrier, Lumian took two steps back, gazed at the flickering candle flame, and bellowed in ancient Hermes, Power of Inevitability! A howling gust swept through the chamber, causing the deity-representing candles orange flame to quiver. It hung by a thread, threatening to go out at any moment. In the dimming light, Lumians left chest seared with pain, accompanied by a wave of dizziness. Once again, he heard the enigmatic sound that seemed to originate from an infinite distance, yet felt close at hand. However, it wasnt loud enough to engulf him in agony. Lumian continued chanting the subsequent incantations in ancient Hermes. You are the past, the present, and the future; You are the cause, the effect, and the process. Within the spiritual barrier, an invisible wind turned pitch black as a faint gray fog filled the space. Rocks and bottles warped and twisted, appearing as malleable objects. Silently, the deity-representing candles flame swelled to the size of a fist, shimmering silver-white with a hint of black. Granules emerged on Lumians skin and on the rocks, writhing and stretching, poised to burst forth at any moment. The terrifying sound filled his ears, drowning out all else. His head spun, threatening to make him vomit. His thoughts wavered between disarray and chaos as he barely finished reciting the incantation. As Lumian spoke the final words, the silver-black candle flame contracted into a beam of light that struck his left chest. Silver-black phantasmal liquid flowed out, enveloping Lumians body as though it possessed its own life and will. Lumian had already steeled himself for the onslaught. In his uncontrollable frustration, he felt a prickling pain erupting all over his body. As the piercing ravings seemed to saw through his skull, a burning sensation flared within him. He collapsed, curling up and enduring the agony with gritted teeth. All he could do was struggle to maintain the boat of rationality amidst the tempestuous waves of pain. Throughout the ordeal, he was tempted several times to surrender to the malevolent thoughts gnawing at his heart. He longed to merge with the pain, to escape the torture. However, the lingering elegant and sweet fragrance in his nostrils caused his ruthlessness and frustration to ebb and flow repeatedly. Ultimately, Lumian felt as if his body and mind ceased to exist, leaving only a sense of rational spirituality. As the pain and ravings began to subside, he realized he had endured. Lumian lay motionless on the cold ground, not willing to move for an extended period. After what felt like an eternity, he mustered enough strength to hastily end the ritual and clean up the altar, warding off any potential mishaps. Having dealt with these matters, Lumian sat on the stone that had served as the altar and scrutinized the changes within himself. Soon, he muttered, My tolerance for extreme environments has increased a bit Heh, guess I wont need to buy winter and summer clothes anymore? Beyond this, Lumian discovered another newfound intuition. An intuition for luck! He could roughly sense the recent fortunes of othersgood luck, bad luck, potential for disaster, romantic opportunities, and so onbut he couldnt discern the precise details. In other words, Lumian could detect that someone was experiencing bad luck, but had no way of knowing how unlucky they would be or how long their misfortune would last. Truly worthy of a monk with the power of inevitability, Lumian couldnt help but sigh, feeling he could entirely replace Osta Trul as a diviner for others. Although ignorant about divination, wouldnt he be able to fabricate the corresponding words when he could glimpse the rough strokes of someones fortune? Moreover, Lumian acquired an abundance of sacrificial knowledge and five ritualistic spells in his mind. The former compensated for his many shortcomings in the realm of mysticism, while the latter augmented his repertoire of mystical techniques. The five ritualistic spells were Animal Creation Spell, Prophecy Spell, Luck Enhancement Spell, Substitution Spell, and Exorcism Spell. Through ritualistic magic, the Animal Creation Spell utilized sheepskin, cowhide, and other animal hides to morph the target on the altar into the corresponding creature. This could also be applied to Lumian himself. As long as he mastered the incantation to break the curse or waited for the ritual to end, he could revert to human form. While transformed into an animal, he would be unable to speak or wield most of his Beyonder powers. The Prophecy Spell was entirely different from what Lumian had envisioned. The process involved gathering ingredients such as a snakes venom sac and a rock from an eagles nest. Using ritualistic magic, one could concoct an unusual concoction. Next, one had to find a corpse dead for less than seven days and not yet cremated or purified. Pouring the concoction into the corpses mouth would momentarily revive it, allowing the caster to ask three questions about the future. The Luck Enhancement Spell employed ritualistic magic to create an object linked to ones misfortune. By sending the object away and having others open, consume, step on, or wear it, the caster could transfer their bad luck onto them, thus enhancing their own luck. The Substitution Spell was even more intricate, and Lumian suspected it was a lower-tier reflection of a Fate Appropriators abilities. For example, if he wished to evade Susanna Mattise, he would need to find a vagrant and make them live as Ciel for a while. During this period, the vagrant would have to stay in Room 207, use all of Lumians money, and gain recognition from Charlie and other acquaintances to establish sufficient mystical connections before performing the ritual to complete the substitution. Upon the rituals completion, Susanna Mattise would seek vengeance on the vagrant rather than Lumian. Of course, Lumian wasnt certain he could deceive Susanna Mattise, who was on the verge of becoming a demigod, with a Sequence 8 Substitution Spell. He even doubted whether the ritualistic magic would succeed at all. Chapter 150 - 150 Voice 150 Voice When Lumian first gained the mysticism knowledge, he had placed high hopes on the Exorcism Spell. It appeared to be the perfect solution to deal with Susanna Mattiseprovided she hadnt been entirely wiped out by the official Beyonders. But it was only upon truly grasping the Exorcism Spell did Lumian come to the sobering realization that his jubilation had been premature. The ritualistic spell was capable of banishing wraiths and even evil spirits, preventing them from tormenting a soul. But it came with two caveats. First, he needed to know the specters real name and possess a personal item shed held dear in life. Second, he needed ample time to conduct the ritual. That second condition meant the Exorcism Spell was a no-go in the heat of battle. It was better suited for situations like Charlies, haunted by constant dreams of Susanna Mattise, plagued by wraiths or evil spirits, but not on the brink of death. Lumian, however, hadnt been physically hurt by Susanna Mattise, just targeted. The Exorcism Spell needed a victim, and without one, he couldnt banish her. When Susanna Mattise made her next move, Lumian knew she wouldnt be playing nice. Shed leech his energy through erotic dreams, leading him slowly but surely towards his demise. Given her prior displays of venom and paranoia, she was sure to strike directly, unleashing her supernatural arsenal to kill on contact. In such a scenario, Lumian wouldnt have a chance to wield the Exorcism Spell unless someone could buy him a few minutes. Should I turn to the official Beyonders for help? But that would expose me to the authorities, causing a world of trouble down the line Or perhaps Charlie could play the martyr, soothing Susanna Mattise with heartfelt words of love, buying time in the flesh? The longer he held out, the better Lumians odds of completing the Exorcism Spell Heh heh, a bizarre thought thats like underground literature, Lumian mused quietly. Though the current mantra of the Intis Republic was freedom, it was a far cry from true liberty. On the one hand, they wanted to quash the nostalgia of Roselles followers and the Carbonaris revolutionary impulses. Opposition threatened the ruling partys authority. On the other hand, they faced the traditionalist Church of the God of Steam and Machinery and the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun. The Intis Republics censorship of publications was heavy-handed. Theyd even plant spies or groom authors as double agents to keep an eye on influential content creators, ensuring they didnt tarnish the ruling partys image or produce content deemed too explicit or blasphemous for the wider readership. But with every prohibition came violations. Trier spawned a thriving underground literary scene that reached beyond its borders. Aurore once, driven by curiosity, bought a few such books. She forbade her brother from reading them and tucked them away in the bookcases darkest corner. But prohibition bred violation. Lumian had snuck a peek at one and was taken aback. The book was a critique of the clergys indulgence and corruption, peppered with erotic content. It was titled Monks Chasing Dogs. Lumians plan to use Charlie as bait for Susanna Mattise had a certain subversive literature charm to it. Then again, I dont have any of Susanna Mattises personal items to use as a conduit. I could try to hunt down something in the coming days. Regardless of whether it ends up being useful, its better to be prepared than caught unawares Lumian shook off his reverie, considering the potential of the other four ritualistic spells and their relevance to him. To Lumian, the Animal Creation Spell seemed mystical, malevolent, uncanny, and downright horrifying. If utilized right, it could work wonders. Imagine turning captives into sheep, cows, horses, and just walking away with them. Or infiltrating places no human could, in the form of a critter. But in the thick of a fight, this ritualistic spell was pretty much a dud. According to the mysticism wisdom bestowed upon Lumian, the invocation for the Animal Creation Spell could be made to the hidden existence known as Inevitability, a host of honorific names unknown to him, or even himself. Naturally, the prerequisite was ample spirituality and the corresponding rank. Also, the rituals success rate and the spells longevity were significantly lower than the previous methods. The minimum requirement for the Animal Creation Spell was a Sequence 7 Contractee. The higher the rank, the better the chances of the spell working, and the more potent the effect. With the corruption sealed within him, Lumian wasnt concerned about his rank. He was unsure, though, if his spirituality reserves could endure the consumption of the Animal Creation Spell. If they could, how many times could he bear it? This led Lumian to speculate that these five ritualistic spells could be simplified at higher ranks and deployed in real combat. For instance, he could simply drape an enemy in sheepskin, chant the preordained incantation, and transform them into sheep. That doesnt seem plausible for a Contractee, equivalent to a Sequence 7. A Sequence 4 Circle Inhabitant is too lofty for such a rudimentary spell Could a Sequence 5 Fate Appropriator accommodate such a simplification, or is it a Sequence 6, the name of which escapes me? Lumian mused subconsciously. As for the Luck Enhancement Spell, he felt it could only assist others at present, not himself. His destiny was deeply entwined with the corruption sealed within him and the great existence behind the seal. Unless he prayed directly to the power of Inevitability, altering his luck was a non-starter. Only when he ascended to the Fate Appropriator rank could he choose a fate unbound by those lofty beings. The Substitution Spell was just too convoluted, and it would severely disrupt Lumians routine and other tasks. He wouldnt consider it unless he was out of options. Compared to that, the Prophecy Spell seemed like a piece of cake and rather handy as ritualistic magic went. Lumian had already decided to gather the necessary intel and find a suitable corpse. By inquiring about Charlies future, he could estimate when Susanna Mattise would strike next and locate Madame Pualis and the others by delving into Louis Lunds destiny. Dogs drool, lynx innards, hyena tongue, stag bone marrow, sea or aquatic monster flesh, lizard eye, rock from an eagles nest, snake venom gland, and deadly herbs. These ingredients arent all that hard to come by. The only pain is the sea or aquatic monster flesh, but the ritual doesnt specify a rank. Technically, the feeblest aquatic monster still counts as an aquatic monster; it just impacts the effect, right? Lumian ruminated for a bit, noticing that his energy levels had considerably rebounded. He readied himself to leave the subterranean quarry cave and head back to Auberge du Coq Dor. Just as he rose to his feet, a sudden furrow creased his brow. A faint sound reached his ears. The voice echoed inside his ears! Lumian fought to steady his nerves, straining to discern the sound. With each passing moment, the voice grew clearer, more potent, more imposing. Lumian Lee! Lumian Lee! It knows my name? Instinctively, Lumian swept the area with his carbide lamp, yet found no figure, nothing out of the ordinary. Lumian Lee! Lumian Lee! The voice reverberated as if it were emanating from the very core of his being, muffled by his flesh, organs, and bones, creating overlapping echoes. Inside my body The thought struck Lumian the moment he made this realization. In a hushed whisper, he asked, Who are you? The deep, majestic, and spectral voice ceased its chant and solemnly declared, Im the Angel of the Lord, Termiboros. Lord? Which lord? Lumians eyes narrowed, the corners of his mouth twitching into a smirk. He suspected the entity communicating was the corruption entombed within him. After receiving the Alms Monks blessing and nearing the entity of Inevitability, it had managed to transmit a voice devoid of corruption via their intertwined powers. The spectral voice echoing in Lumians ears intoned reverently, The Lord is the ruler of the Great Old Ones, the Essence Above the Sequences, the mighty Circle of Inevitability Merely contemplating these words sent an inexplicable shiver down Lumians spine. It felt as if a gaze had pierced the cosmos, the clouds, the surface-level Trier, layers of earth, and was fixed upon him. Suddenly, Lumian found himself glancing over his shoulder, as if unseen entities were scrutinizing him from the enveloping darkness. The sensation sent chills down his spine, sowing unease in his mind, threatening to unhinge him. Out of nowhere, a faint gray fog materialized and shrouded the surroundings, significantly pacifying Lumians agitated mind. He sneered at the self-proclaimed Angel, Termiboros. So, youre the one sealed within me? I wonder if its a bona fide Angel with Beyonder characteristics or just an Angel-tier servant boasting only a boon This insolence seemed to digest Lumians potion further along its course. Undeterred by Lumians provocation, Termiboros continued solemnly, Follow my instructions, break my seal, and I will aid you in resurrecting Aurore Lee. You should be well aware that my Lords power spans the past, the present, and the future. It can weave a cycle of destiny. In due time, I will restore Aurore Lees soul fragment to its state prior to the descent ritual. All you need to do is prepare a body with the essence of life for her. Lumian fell silent. After a moment, he asked in a low voice, Descent ritual Is that the ritual to forge a body for your descent? Chapter 151 - 151 Temptation 151 Temptation Termiboros thunderous voice resonated in Lumians mind. Yes. A snort of laughter broke free from Lumian. His words oozed sarcasm as he retorted, So, Aurore and the entire village were snuffed out just so you could set foot on this soil? Why the hell should I help you shatter your shackles? If you morphed into an Angel with a boon, I couldve swiped your abilities over and over with the ritual I just performed, under the watchful eyes of the mighty existence. Until, of course, I too bask in the angelic status of the Inevitability pathway. Then, I could breathe life back into Aurore and restore everyone to the pre-Cordu destruction era. How pathetic would you look then? If you hold the right Beyonder characteristic, I can bide my time until I ascend as an Angel of the Hunter pathway, seizing power on par with your Inevitability skills. Once my army is vast enough, Ill free you, crush you, subjugate you, and make you resurrect Aurore. Hell, I might be able to pull it off myself. Ill subject you to an eternity of torment till the end of time. I never had the hots for the Inevitability pathways boon, but now that I know the ritual was meant for your descent, Im salivating at the thought of siphoning off all your might and pride. The more Lumian rambled, the higher his adrenaline spiked. His Provoker potion seemed to digest a notch. Termiboros voice was eerily steady, unfazed by Lumians rant. Ive encountered my fair share of Beyonders in the cosmos, and Ive seen legions of races graced by the Lords touch. Most of them cant cross the threshold into divinity because that one extra step would obliterate their physical and mental existence. The quest for godhood is rife with peril. Are you so sure you can truly evolve into an Angel? You should be aware that were not talking about slim odds here. Saying its a one-in-a-million or one-in-ten-million chance doesnt even begin to capture the enormous task of ascending to the Angel level. If you perish on the Beyonder path, Aurore Lee will follow suit. The seal binding you will naturally dissolve, freeing me from my predicament. Lumian threw his head back and laughed. His laughter bounced off the quarrys cavernous walls, heightening the eerie quiet and heaviness underground. So, why arent you sitting tight, waiting for me to kick the bucket? Lumian picked up the carbide lamp and strode out of the quarry cave. A cryptic smile played on his lips. I dont give a damn what youre plotting or what your endgame is. I couldnt care less whether youre a saint or a sinner. All I know is that Aurore and everyone in Cordu Village are dead because of you. He paused for a beat, his face contorted into a maniacal grin. Someones gotta pay the piper for this. Guillaume Bnet, you, and even your so-called lord! Termiboros fell silent. The booming voice that had filled Lumians mind, heart, bloodstream, bone marrow, and cavities disappeared entirely. Phew Lumian heaved a sigh, clutching the carbide lamp as he navigated the pitch-black underground. Despite the conversations brevity, it had drained him. In Lumians previous world-view, corruption was merely thatcorruption. At its extreme, it was comparable to power granted by an evil god. The concept of an Angel being shackled within him was beyond his wildest dreams! Amidst the wreckage of Cordu Village, atop the crimson-hued mountain, stood the body of a three-headed, six-armed behemotha vessel designed for an incoming Angel. It was a mystery how much it deviated from a bona fide Angel, but it already filled Lumian with a sense of invincibility. Had he not remembered their vile deeds, he might have been swayed to give it a shot. From where he stood, pledging allegiance to the Eternal Blazing Sun and the God of Steam and Machinery seemed no different than submitting to the hidden existence known as Inevitability. At worst, hed lose himself. Regaining his composure, Lumians senses suddenly tingled. He darted into a side alcove, using loose gravel to snuff out the carbide lamp. Moments later, the hurried footfalls of three people echoed from the adjacent tunnel, soon swallowed by the inky darkness. Underground Trier is a hive of activity too Lumian bided his time for a couple of minutes before digging out the carbide lamp and rejoining the upward path. The interruption allowed him to collect his thoughts and consider a conundrum. Given that the corruption inside him was a living entity, the Angel of the Inevitability domain, Termiboros, why had his plea for a boon been successful? Termiboros wasnt just raw power lacking consciousness, responding automatically to the correct ritual. He could deny granting the boon. Could it be that His imprisonment is so severe that He cant even choose to resist the ritual? The thought made Lumian realize why Termiboros was so desperate to flee. According to Madam Magician, with every boon He granted, Termiboros would weaken marginally, and the corresponding corruption would dwindle. Simultaneously, the seal imposed by the great existence wouldnt slacken. As Termiboross power faded, He would be shackled to the brink of extinction. Eventually, even His consciousness might be expunged. Lumian steadied himself and began to replay Termiboross utterances. Great Old Ones, Above the Sequences, hed said Great Old Ones and Above the Sequences Lumians head pounded, as if something was attempting to burrow out of his skull, the instant he dredged up these topics. He stopped his recollection abruptly and murmured to himself, a residual sense of dread lingering, Merely possessing certain knowledge can inflict serious harm? Had I not been safeguarded by the seal of the great existence, would I be dead or afflicted with abnormalities? I was contemplating exploiting Termiboross desperation to escape, to bleed Him dry by compelling Him to respond to the ritual magic, thereby boosting the likelihood of success and the eventual impact. But it seems the Angel has plenty of tricks up His sleeve to screw me over, even in His imprisoned state I need to tread carefully. Before I really tap into Termiboros, I must have Madam Magician verify my plan for any flaws. On this front, Lumian doubted that the vice president of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, Hela, would offer any viable advice. Only Madam Magician, who could effortlessly slip in and out of the time loop and easily tackle the colossus atop the crimson mountain, was worthy of his trust. Lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, Lumian, lamp in hand, navigated his way back to the level marked by a street name, leveraging his honed Hunters intuition and recollection. He attempted to shout in a hushed tone, Termiboros No answer came. Lumian intended to inquire whether the Angel, imprisoned within him, was aware of the events in Cordu. After a thoughtful examination, he concluded that Termiboros likely remained in the dark. Termiboros had only materialized in Cordu at the rituals culmination before being shackled. He was oblivious to the intricate details. Phew Lumian let out a sigh, surveying his present condition. His Provoker potion had undergone further digestion. It was akin to encapsulating a fresh principle of action. Could inciting a superior entity expedite the digestion of the Provoker potion? Ah yes, this is a high-ranking entity within the Inevitability domain. In a way, its a tip of fate. It aligns somewhat with the principles Ive deduced Lumian mused with a chuckle. Were it not for Termiboross silence, he would have stirred Him up thrice daily, like clockwork meals! Pondering over this, Lumian felt that goading an Angel to digest this morsel of a potion wasnt a worthy trade-off. He hypothesized two reasons. First, Termiboros was sealed and presented a relatively low threat. Second, Termiboros hadnt genuinely been incited. Shaking his head, Lumian curbed his thoughts, shelving matters whose solutions eluded him. He retraced his steps to the subterranean Rue Anarchie and climbed the stone steps towards the surface. Having snuffed out the carbide lamp and returned to Auberge du Coq Dor, Lumian instantly noticed Charlie perched on the steps outside. Charlie puffed on a cigarette, gazing at the grayish-white sky with a somber countenance. Whats up? Lumian settled down next to Charlie. Charlie heaved a sigh. Miss Ethans has moved out. Isnt that a good thing? Lumian queried, his smile unwavering. Charlie stammered, pausing for a few seconds before admitting, Yes, it indeed is. Too many folks around here know her and her deeds. Sigh Lumian clicked his tongue and rose, approaching the Whiskey Sour vendor and presenting 5 coppets worth of copper coins. Half a liter of Apple Whiskey Sour. The vendor responded with a grin, Got it. He ended up pouring Lumian more than the requested volume of liquor. Lumians eyebrows quirked, but he refrained from questioning. He ambled back to Charlie, took a seat, and nonchalantly remarked, Seems like the Whiskey Sour guy recognizes me? Charlie chuckled. He might be aware youre with the Savoie Gang. No, the Savoie Mob. Lumian sipped his Whiskey Sour, inquiring, Howd he find out? Charlie cleared his throat. After breaking the news to Miss Ethans last night, I hit the underground bar for a drink and mentioned your induction into the Savoie Mob and your takeover of Auberge du Coq Dor. A vivid image flashed in Lumians mind: Charlie, beer in hand, clambering onto a small round table, flailing his stubby arms. Ladies and gentlemen, lend me your ears! You wouldnt believe the bombshell that dropped at the motel today! Ciel, our Room 207 resident, is now calling the shots for the Savoie Mob and has sent the Poison Spur Mob packing! With a drawn-out sigh, Lumian turned to Charlie and quipped, Youre just worried the police wont come knocking at my door, arent you? Chapter 152 - 152 Entrustment” 152 Entrustment Charlies bones shook as Lumians words settled in his ears. S-so youre saying, you dont want word getting around about you joining the Savoie Mob? Charlie had seen the leaders of the Savoie Mob, Poison Spur Mob, and the rest; their names carried weight in the market district of Rue Anarchie. Yet, as notorious as they were, the law never seemed to touch them. Lumian took a slow pull of his Whiskey Sour, his grin returning. Thats fine. Just think twice before you speak, thats all. Even though Lumian had infiltrated the Savoie Mob, he was far from claiming the title of a leader. He hadnt been privy to the mobs deepest secrets, didnt have a crew of thugs at his disposal, and all he had to show for it was the rundown dump they called Auberge du Coq Dor. So Lumian had his sights set on a fast-track to infamy, eager to climb the mobs ladder and fulfill Mr. Ks mission. A mission that involved gaining the trust and favor of Mr. K, and eventually finding a place in the organization behind himall to complete the task given by Madam Magician. There is something off about the whole thing Lumian thought, his left hand stroking his chin. Charlie, standing by his side, asked hesitantly, What exactly should I keep quiet about? He had his hunches, but he didnt want to risk annoying the lawless Lumian by not covering all bases. Lumians smile didnt falter as he turned to Charlie. Avoid discussing anything tied to Susanna Mattise. That includes any mention of threats I made to her, or that time I posed as a lawyer to get into the police station to talk to you. He had meant to warn Charlie about this, but hadnt found the right moment. Got it. Charlie visibly relaxed. You know, I was thinking about telling the guys at the bar about the time we chased Wilson out of that motel Charlies number one hobby was regaling the crowd with his exploits. But Lumians eyes turned stormy at his words. His gut was telling him Charlie was about to walk into some minor trouble, but it wouldnt be anything life-threatening. In theory, it has nothing to do with Susanna Mattise. If it did, it wouldnt be just trouble, it would be a disaster I suppose I can stop worrying about Susanna Mattise for a while, but how long is a while? Lumian mulled over the sense of bad luck. Hed come to realize that unless someone was extremely unlucky or lucky, or if danger was about to strike, he needed to concentrate to perceive a persons general luck through his intuition. It was unlike a Hunters danger sense. It wasnt always activated passively. Charlies voice began to fade as he talked. He turned to Lumian and asked, Why are you staring at me like that? He was half expecting Ciel to jump out with a prank. Lumian sneered. You might want to swing by the nearest Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral and say a prayer. I have a feeling youre about to hit a rough patch. His tone mirrored that of Osta Trul, the conman. What kind of rough patch? Charlie asked, his voice sharp. Then it hit him. How would you know? I have a hunch, Lumian replied, a smirk playing on his lips. Of course, its a joke Charlie let out a sigh of relief. Im hoping your predictions off, then. On the contrary, I couldnt be more certain. Lumians words were rock solid. Charlie squinted at him, suspicion etched on his face. Lumian let out a low chuckle. And if Im wrong, Ill give you a thrashing. That way, even if something bad does happen, that just proves me more right. Charlie was speechless. Is that even allowed? Regardless, this approach could come in handy for some practical jokes with some slight modification Lumian was about to rise when he noticed a thin, mangy mutt creeping towards Auberge du Coq Dor from the shadowy street, eyeing the trash hed tossed from the fruit vendors cart. The mutt moved with care, aware that many of the destitute locals would gladly turn him into dinner. Just then, Lumian lunged forward, pressing the dogs neck to the ground. Caught off guard, the mutt writhed helplessly, baring its teeth in a futile attempt to bite, but its head was immobile. With his free hand, Lumian pulled out a small vial of tulip powder, emptying its contents into his pocket. Then, he held the vial to the mutts frothing mouth, collecting the saliva as the dog squirmed. Soon, he had five milliliters. He released his grip and stood up. The mutt, ready to snap at him, whimpered and scampered off, tail tucked between its legs, when Lumian shot it a menacing glance. Charlie, who had been standing by, was flabbergasted. A story hed once heard came rushing back to him. The protagonist in the tale would often describe the villains cruelty with a line penned by best-selling author Aurore Lee: He would kick any dog that crossed his path! Lumian downed the rest of his Whiskey Sour and made his way into the motel. As he passed the front desk, the perpetually grumpy Madame Fels, forced a smile. Good morning, CielMonsieur Ciel. Lumian gave the plump Madame Fels a sideways glance and asked nonchalantly, No sign of Monsieur Ive today either? Monsieur Ive, the owner of Auberge du Coq Dor, was known far and wide in Rue Anarchie for his penny-pinching ways. As the new guardian of Auberge du Coq Dor, Lumian figured he ought to have a word with Monsieur Ive, just to make sure he didnt run crying to the cops, afraid the Savoie Mob would shake him down for more cash. Madame Fels pursed her lips. As stingy as he is, only paying for a weekly cleaning crew, hes a stickler for cleanliness and wouldnt be caught dead in the motel. Who cleans his house? Lumian asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. Hes a widower. He and his two kids take care of it. Madame Fels scoffed. If she were the one with that kind of money and a motel to boot, she would hire someone to handle such chores. Shed just sit back and enjoy life. Lumian nodded and chuckled. Madame Fels replied, a hint of fear in her voice, I visit him thrice a week to deliver the motels earnings and various bills. Ill let him know you want to see him. She mistook Lumians words as a veiled threat to Monsieur Ive. If he didnt meet with the new guardian of Auberge du Coq Dor soon, his survival might be at stake. Lumian didnt bother to clarify. He climbed the stairs to his room on the second floor. Under his pillow, he found Mr. Ks finger and tucked it back into his pocket. After dealing with the tulip powder, he planned to pick up some containers for the ingredients he needed to gather next. But then, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Lumian swung the door open, curiosity piquedhe didnt recognize the footsteps. In the doorway stood a man in his forties, clad in a dark jacket, worn-out brown trousers, and a grubby cotton hat. He offered a smile, asking, Is this Monsieur Ciel? Who else would it be? Madam? Lumian retorted, his eyes taking in the mans appearance, expression, and body language. His brown hair, though slightly greasy, was neatly combed. His dark-brown eyes held a hint of sycophancy, and his lips were creased with lines of practiced smiles. He had an affable air, but there was an unmistakable slickness about him. Yes, yes, yes, the man echoed Lumians words. Lumians eyebrows twitched. And who might you be? Im Fitz from Room 401. Bankrupt businessman, the man introduced himself with a congenial smile. Without waiting for Lumian to press further, he spilled his beans. I went belly up cause of a con that cost me 100,000 verl dor. Ive been traveling between Trier and Suhit for over a decade, saving up. Wanted to settle down, start a family, but then this swindler tricked me out of everything, promising a joint venture. If you help me recover that money, Im willing to part with 30%, no, 50%! Lumian didnt invite Fitz into Room 207. Leaning against the doorframe, arms folded, he asked, Why didnt you go after that money with Margot or Wilson before? It wasnt as if they required an upfront payment. Fitz didnt beat around the bush. I did go to Margot. He agreed initially, but then one day, he just said it wasnt possible to recover the money. Even the Poison Spur Mob couldnt retrieve it? Was the con man bankrupt or backed by someone who made the Poison Spur Mob tread lightly? Lumian, who had been only half-interested till now, leaned in. Did Margot say why? Fitz shook his head. No, but its certainly not because Timmons is broke. His dance hall in Quartier de lObservatoire is printing money! Timmons Lumian suspected the con man had either powerful backing or was shielded by a high-ranking figure, which made the Poison Spur Mob wary of pressing him for repayment. Or maybe, Timmons was a force unto himself. So why do you think I can get your money back? Lumian asked Fitz, a smirk playing on his lips. Fitz pondered for a moment before laying it all out. Youre more ruthless than Margot. Plus, even if you decide not to pursue after your investigation, I have nothing to lose. Without that money, I cant afford to pay a dime. Honest to a fault. Lumian nodded, appreciating the candor. Ill look into it, but dont get your hopes up. If Timmons was simply bluffing and managed to scare off the Poison Spur Mob, the prospect of pocketing an easy 50,000 verl dor was tempting to anyone. Fitz, the bankrupt businessman, was playing a long shot. With a nod of assurance from Lumian, he thanked him and made his exit from the second floor. In that moment, Lumian realized that his spirituality had bounced back considerably. The recovered amount surpassed his original spirituality reserves. The Alms Monk has boosted my spirituality significantly. At Sequence 8, I can rival the spirituality of other pathways Lumian mused quietly. Simultaneously, he recalled an uncanny sensation he experienced while sipping the Whiskey Sour. If he chose to live in poverty, practiced self-restraint, abstained from alcohol, shunned wastefulness, sought alms, and preached, all while adopting the demeanor of an ascetic monk, he would likely experience an enhancement in his intuitive sense of destiny and the likelihood of success of his five ritual spells. Yet, Lumian had no intention of following that path. He believed it would morph him into a mirror image of the Bestower, gradually merging his identity with His. Shaking off his introspective thoughts, Lumian left the room, making a beeline for Salle de Bal Brise. His next move was to solicit the Savoie Mobs help to gather the remaining ingredients and the right containers required for the Prophecy Spell. He had to seize every opportunity at his disposal! Chapter 153 - 153 Strange Rule 153 Strange Rule Standing before the white globe-shaped statue, an assemblage of countless skulls, in the Salle de Bal Brise, Lumian paused. His eyes scanned the Intis inscriptionThey sleep here, waiting for the arrival of happiness and hope. Pulling his gaze from the statue, he strode toward the entrance. Two henchmen, donned in crisp white shirts and dark overcoats, spun on their heels to face him, Good morning, Ciel. Theyd been buzzing with the whispers about this brash newcomer whod reportedly offed Margot and left Wilson licking his wounds, all within a few fleeting days. It was no secret that hed been roped into the Savoie Mob. Good morning, my cabbages, Lumian tossed back, his lips curling into a grin as he borrowed Dariges pet phrase. The Salle de Bal Brise was still waking up. Waitstaff moved with placid efficiency, arranging chairs, scrubbing the floors. Lumian had intended to seek out Louis, a familiar face. No need to ruffle the feathers of Baron Brignais over such small matters. But there, nestled at the bar, sat Maximethe very same one whod tailed him. Maxime, still sporting his trademark cap, drank a pint of rye beer. A smirk spread across Lumians face as he sauntered over. Perceiving a presence nearing him, Maxime, out of habit, flicked a sidelong glance. He went rigid, as though struck by a sudden frost. In the next heartbeat, he vaulted off his stool and swiveled toward Lumian, plastering on a toadying grin. Good morning, Ciel. He too had caught wind of the rumorsof Ciels assassination of Margot and the defenestration of Wilson from the fourth floor of Auberge du Coq Dor. A surge of relief washed over him. Thank the stars he hadnt pushed his luck when hed been nabbed tailing Ciel. Considering Ciels penchant for violence, he couldve easily ended up as fodder for the rats in some godforsaken corner of Underground Trier. This man was a bona fide killing machine. No qualms, no hesitation! Lumian smiled. Merely Ciel doesnt quite ring with the proper respect, does it? Seeing Maxime blanch, Lumian added, Im curious as to when Ill hear Baron Ciel rolling off your tongue. This was a jest, yes, but also a thinly veiled indication of his ambitionto rise to the ranks of the Savoie Mob leadership, and sooner rather than later. His internal dialogue sang a different tune: Id call you Baron this very moment if it kept you happy, just like our Baron isnt a real baron, but a self-proclaimed one. Lumian claimed a stool at the bar and patted the one next to him. Have a seat. I have a few questions for you. Maxime swiftly obliged, gesturing to the rye beer before him. Fancy a pint? Ranger for me, if you please, Lumian responded without missing a beat. A Rangera tangy blend of orange and pomegranate beercost two licks more than the rye. Though it pinched his pocket, Maxime hollered over to the bartender, A glass of Ranger. Swiveling back towards Lumian, he flashed a grin. What would you like to know? Lumian bided his time until the generous pint of the orange-colored beer was delivered before launching his inquiry, How did you join our Savoie Mob? Im Savoie born and bred. Maxime gestured to his weather-beaten features. Hopped over to Trier in search of greener pastures, but my buddy whod put me up had already joined the Savoie Mob. The Savoie Mob was the brainchild of a handful of Savoie natives whod made their living as laborers, servants, and peddlers in Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. They were a fierce lot, unafraid to put themselves in harms way, and theyd quickly carved out their own slice of the pie. As the mobs influence grew, they began to pull in recruits from other provinces and even Trier locals, but the heart of the organization still came from Savoie. Lumian gave a slight nod, steering the conversation to his next question, And is Baron Brignais the head honcho of the whole Savoie Mob? No. Maxime stared at Lumian, aghast. Hed joined the mob without even grasping the basics? And hed taken out Margot and severely injured Wilson in the name of the Savoie Mob! Lumian took a leisurely sip of his orange-pomegranate beer, a playful grin adorning his face. I was under the impression that Baron Brignais was the head honcho. I mean, his swagger, his flair, his brawn how could he not be the top dog? Maxime recoiled in terror, clapping a hand over Lumians mouth. Were such words safe to spill in such an open area? If word got back to that person, it could put a serious kink in his relationship with the baron! Maxime wasted no time in setting the record straight. The baron is in charge of the Salle de Bal Brise, Avenue du March, and the loan shark operations. His peers include Rat Christo who oversees smuggling, Giant Simon who runs the dance joints on Rue du Rossignol, Red Boots Franca who oversees Rue des Blouses Blanches, and Bloody Palm Black who controls half of Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. Theres a top dog above them, but Ive never laid eyes on him nor do I know who he is. In a hushed voice, Maxime added, Rumor has it hes a legitimate merchant, a card-carrying member of the Savoie Chamber of Commerce. And hes no small fry, either. A member of the Savoie Chamber of Commerce? So, the Chamber of Commerce is backing a mob to handle their dirty laundry and keep the competition in check Lumian pieced together the puzzle from his own experiences as a drifter, snippets from Aurores offhand comments, and a smattering of books, magazines, and newspapers hed devoured at home. News of Ciels arrival at the Salle de Bal Brise reached Louis, Baron Brignais shadow. He made a beeline for the bar, his heart pounding with worry that the audacious country boy was about to stir the pot yet again! He was really worried that the bold country boy would cause trouble again! Finding Lumian engrossed in conversation with Maxime, Louis slid onto a stool on the other side, easing into the chat, Whats got you coming to the Salle de Bal Brise at this hour? Lumian shot him a sly smile. Ive got a favor to ask. Louis, his forehead still sporting a nasty bruise, shrank back at the sight of Lumians grin. What is it? Sensing they were about to dive into heavier matters, Maxime beat a hasty retreat from the bar, nursing his rye beer closer to the dance floor. Lumian retracted his gaze and said slowly, I need you to fetch me a lizards eye, a rock from an eagles nest, and a snakes venom gland. He kept the full list of the Prophecy Spells ingredients under wraps, planning to source them from different places. What do you need those for? Louis found the trio of items vile and bizarre. Lumian chuckled. Remember how Margot bit the dust? Louis felt a chill run down his spine. It felt like a veiled threat, and it was working! Im not trying to rattle you Lumian snickered to himself. I stabbed him. My blade was laced with poison. Right, Louis remembered Ciels chat with Baron Brignais. Seeing Louis still hadnt caught on, Lumian mentally berated, Why is this guy denser than Charlie? He sighed, spelling it out for him. Those items are to whip up another batch of poison. What are you planning? Louis nearly jumped out of his skin. He had a hunch Lumian was about to stir the pot. Self-defense, Lumian replied tersely. With no grounds to object, Louis let out a sigh of relief, promising, Ill get someone on the job to collect those three items for you. He ran through the list of items again, making sure hed got it straight. Once hed confirmed the details, Lumian took a swig of his Ranger, switching gears. Ever heard of the Salle de Bal Unique? Louis eyed Lumian suspiciously, advising, Best steer clear of that place. The dance halls owner, Timmons, is tight with the police commissioner of Quartier de lObservatoire. And theres a shadowy organization pulling his strings. Anyone whos tried to squeeze them has found themselves in a world of hurt, and some have even vanished off the face of the world. Each quartier in Trier had its own police headquarters, each headed by a commissioner. The police commissioners official title was the Commissioner of the Trier Police Affairs Committee, answering to the Minister of the Trier Police Department. So thats why the Poison Spur Mob never had the guts to chase up Timmons debt Lumian nodded, deep in thought. Seeing the worry etched on Louiss face, afraid he was about to stir up a hornets nest, Lumian threw him a curveball. Who else in the Poison Spur Mob ranks up there with Margot? And whos their boss? What are you trying to do? Louis almost blurted out. Could it be that Ciels planning to knock off all the heavy hitters in the Poison Spur Mob? Are you out of your mind? Keeping his cool, Louis replied, Thats none of your concern right now. Lumian responded with a knowing smile, not pushing the matter. He downed his Ranger. In the shadowy enclave of Quartier de lObservatoire, nestled near the catacombs, Lumian found Osta Trul huddled by the bonfire. He laughed mockingly. Youre the most professional person Ive ever come across. Like clockwork, Osta was here seven days a week, peddling his con. Id love to be soaking myself on some beach, but my debts tell a different story. The thought of hopping a steam locomotive out of Trier and dodging his outstanding loans had crossed Ostas mind. Yet, each time he made it as far as the station, Baron Brignaiss goons would be there to give him a good thrashing. This had instilled in him a healthy fear of the Barons reach, and hed since abandoned any such ideas. I need you to fetch me a few things, Lumian cut to the chase, settling down beside Osta. For each item you bring, theres an extra 5 verl dor in it for you. Ostas eyes sparked with interest. What are you after? Lumian stared into the fire, his voice low. Lynx innards, hyena tongue, stag bone marrow, and any deadly herb. Theyre not easy to come by. Osta tried to haggle. Hed already made up his mind to scour the eateries in Quartier de lObservatoire. Lumian brushed him off, changing the subject. Where can I find aquatic monsters in Trier? Osta pondered a moment before replying, Theres an underground river in the catacombs nearby, fed by the Srenzo River. Every so often, someone claims to have run into an aquatic monster. And occasionally, some surface along the Srenzo River banks, but theyre quickly dispatched by the Purifiers or the Machinery Hivemind. Lumian nodded. Do you know the Salle de Bal Unique? Sure do. Osta pointed skyward. Its over on Rue Ancienne, right by Place du Purgatoire. 1 verl dor. Show me the way. Lumian rose to his feet. He planned to scope out the place, gather what intel he could. If it was a dead end, hed move on. In no time, Osta was leading Lumian topside, veering into Rue Ancienne near the square, and halting in front of a vintage edifice. The building, a somber shade of blue-gray, retained its pre-Roselle charm. Classic pediments, a chevron roof, and leaded windows. The Salle de Bal Unique occupied the ground floor, its entrance resembling a giant maw. It happened to be past noon, and a carriage pulled up to the curb as three men and a woman alighted. Dressed in dark short suits, they sauntered towards the Salle de Bal Unique. As they neared the entrance, each member of the quartet produced a monocle, fitting it over their right eye. Watching this, Lumian turned to Osta, bemusement written all over his face. Osta, flashing a knowing smile, enlightened him, Thats one of Salle de Bal Uniques rules. Everyone who steps inside must be donning a short suit and a monocle. Chapter 154 - 154 Mini-Theater 154 Mini-Theater Taking in Ostas revelation, Lumian couldnt help a chuckle, thinking, What kind of strange rule is this? His mind flicked back to the turtle-walking, the space bridge, clutching a candle while touring the catacombs, and sprinting just to keep up with the latest fad. He felt that this seemed inconsequential, but perhaps not for the folks of Trier, who seemed to relish something unique. As the stream of monocle-clad patrons flowed in, Lumian queried with a casual air, What happens if a newcomer isnt privy to the rule? Osta gestured to the far end of Rue Ancienne. Theres a place selling monocles and short suits there. Id wager the proprietor of Salle de Bal Unique is behind it. No doubt about it Lumian murmured under his breath. He wouldnt put it past Timmons to concoct such a rule for the Salle de Bal Unique to cash in on the monocle and short suit trade. Undeniably, it was also a nod to the citizens of Triers relentless pursuit of the latest trends and fashion. How long has this joint been in business? Lumian nonchalantly gestured toward the Salle de Bal Unique across the street. Over two decades. Its been here since I first landed in Trier. Rumor has it, it opened when dance halls became the rage. Osta stole a glance toward Place du Purgatoire. Anything else? I need to get back underground. His mind was on making money, wary of missing out on potential clients seeking his divination and assistance. Lumian swung his gaze onto him. Ostas heart stuttered, feeling as though he were in the crosshairs of a formidable predator. Whats the matter? He subconsciously forced a smile again. Lumian withdrew his gaze, nonchalantly advising, Stay sharp for the next couple of days. What? Osta found himself flustered, bewildered, and somewhat frightened. Ciel isnt threatening me, is he? We just had a smooth collaboration. He even tasked me with finding some materials! A grin played at the corners of Lumians mouth. Exactly as I said, but its got nothing to do with me. Also, do me a favor and dig up more details on the aquatic monster. The more comprehensive, the better. Same pay as before. Is he implying that I might be getting unlucky and be beaten up? Osta tried to decipher Lumians cryptic message. At the same time, he found something oddly familiar about Lumians demeanor and tone but couldnt quite put his finger on it. As a Secrets Suppliant, his divination prowess was remarkably superior to the average person. Suddenly, it struck him why he found the whole exchange eerily familiar. Wasnt this the exact manner he addressed his own customers? Across from the antiquated building, Lumian contemplated whether to invest in a short suit and monocle to infiltrate the Salle de Bal Unique and gather intel. If Timmons is indeed part of some mysterious organization and chummy with the police commissioner, snatching him for a bounty of verl dor isnt a smart move. Itd muck up my operation. Wouldnt the money spent on the short suits and monocles go down the drain? They dont come cheap, after all. Lumian was never one to hold back on expenses, with Trier teeming with generous souls, but he knew when to pinch pennies. Mulling over his options, he scanned his surroundings, his eyes landing on an Alone bar diagonally across the Salle de Bal Unique. Patrons of a dance hall would likely frequent a bar too. They must be rivals Suddenly, a light bulb went off in Lumians head. After all, enemies often knew one another best, and those most familiar with a dance hall would likely be its competitors! Even if their accounts were likely embellished, they could still offer some grains of truth. Without missing a beat, Lumian swiveled around and sauntered into the Alone bar. The buildings on Rue Ancienne were steeped in antiquity, with most dating back to pre-Roselle times. Their windows were mere slits, letting in scant daylight. The overarching theme here was one of darkness. Unperturbed by the unlit gas lamps, Lumian navigated through the dimly lit hall, sparsely populated by patrons, and took a stool at the bar. Removing his cap, he ordered, A gin on the rocks. The bar counter was tucked away in the darkest corner of the joint. The lean bartender was shrouded in shadows, his features obscured, revealing only a silhouette. Despite Lumians keen eyesight, he could barely discern the mans curly black hair, slightly blue eyes, and a somewhat low bridge of his nose. As he awaited his gin, Lumian flashed a casual smile and remarked, Business seems slow here. The Salle de Bal Unique across the way appears to be drawing quite the crowd. The bartender slid a lemon wedge and iced gin across to Lumian. Casting a glance at the door, he replied, We do alright, but most folks are downstairs waiting for the play. How about it? Fancy a peek? Patrons with drinks can gain entry to the cellar for five licks. Uh, make it eight for your gin. A play? Lumian couldnt hide his astonishment. This was a facet none of the Rue Anarchie bars could boast. The bartender sighed, explaining, They can dance, sing, shoot pool, play cards across the road. Weve got to stand out somehow to lure in customers. Many bars and cafes on the north shore now have their own mini-theaters. Lumian was at a loss for words, resorting to a mere sigh. Has the bar scene gotten so cutthroat? He then produced three 20-coppet silver coins etched with gears and a 5-coppet copper coin, handing them to the bartender. The total amounted to 13 licks or 65 coppets, including the ticket to the mini-theater for the performance. The bartender promptly pointed to the stairs next to the counter leading down. You can head to the cellar anytime. Feel free to take your drink with you. No ticket required? Lumian wasnt in a rush to vacate the counter. He smiled, asking, The Salle de Bal Unique across the way seems rather unique? It certainly is. The bartender lowered his voice. Did you get swindled over there? Is that why youre so curious? Exactly. Lumian nodded without missing a beat. He saw no reason of hiding it. The bartender chortled. We get scammed hopefuls straggling in here every day, but none ever pull it off. Heck, I once spotted the police commissioner of Quartier de lObservatoire, Conde, strutting into the dance hall, all decked out in a short suit and a monocle. Timmons is no pushover Lumian quickly abandoned any notion of conning the proprietor of Salle de Bal Unique. Gin in hand, he pushed away from the counter, making his way down to the cellar. Before he could reach the timber door, the bartenders shout echoed, Patron coming through! The door creaked open with a groan. Lumian slowed his stride, taking in his surroundings as he stepped inside. It was a makeshift theater, a half-height wooden platform stretching across the far end. Two gas wall lamps cast a feeble light. Where the illumination fell short, stools and chairs were scattered sparsely. At that moment, over 20 guests were settled in, engrossed in the show unfolding on the stage. The silence was deafening, punctuated only by the sporadic clink of glasses, the dimly lit cellar rendered almost eerily hushed. Lumian claimed a chair near the exit, his eyes drifting to the stage. The performer was not a person but a puppet half the height of a person. Adorned in a palette of yellow, white, and red paint, regardless of gender, each puppet bore an overstated grin. Guided by nearly invisible threads, the puppets moved, opening their mouths, turning, running, carrying out a variety of plays. From somewhere, a deep male voice and a slightly shrill female voice took turns delivering the lines. Bathed in the faint, yellowish glow from the gas lamps, against the looming darkness, the painted clown puppets took on a sinister edge. Lumian was instinctively put off by the ambiance. Not one to squander the ticket cost, he stuck around a bit longer until the play wrapped up. Throughout, not a sound was made. The audience, some faces bathed in the yellow light, others shrouded in darkness, were far more engrossed than Lumian had imagined. Having drained his gin, Lumian took his leave of the mini-theater, where only two gas lamps held off the darkness. As Lumian made his way back to Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, he claimed a window seat in a public carriage. As the shops and pedestrians retreated in the backdrop, he mulled over his next moves. First order of business, secure some aquatic monster flesh and collect the necessary components for the Prophecy Spell. Second, elevate my standing in the Savoie Mob, aiming for a leadership position sooner rather than later Whats the plan Lost in his thoughts, his eyes snagged on a familiar figure. There was Wilson of the Poison Spur Mob, clad in a white shirt and black jacket, his craggy face framed by a mop of curly brown hair. With his two goons in tow, Wilson navigated Avenue du March, disappearing down a side alley. He moved with an assured stride, his posture unscathed. Lumian was taken aback. Hes up and about after being thrown down by him? The fall was from four stories high! That was some recovery. Made cockroaches look like amateurs! A theory started to form in Lumians mind. The Poison Spur Mob has extraordinary healing powers? Possibly Planter pathways Doctor? As he pondered, a memory surfaced. In his dream, Madame Pualis had demonstrated the power to heal wounds instantaneously! Although the dream might have distorted or exaggerated the reality, Madame Pualiss anomalous pathway did encompass a sphere related to life. And Louis Lund was suspected to show up on Avenue du March Could the force behind the Poison Spur Mob be linked to the evil god worshiped by Madame Pualis? As Lumian ruminated over this, a smirk slowly crept onto his face. Chapter 155 - 155 Jenna 155 Jenna The circumstances of Wilsons rapid recovery were riddled with uncertainty. Lumian toyed with the idea that it was the work of a Sequence 8 Doctor from the Planter pathway, or a Sequence 9 Apothecary from its namesake pathway. Yet, his heart clung to the hope of unmasking Madame Pualis and her subordinates. Had he pieced together the puzzle sooner, and had Wilson and his crew not gone far off into the distance, Lumian would have thrown himself from the moving public carriage, hot on their trail. He envisioned wrangling Wilson into some clandestine quarry cave, pressing him for answers about his miraculous recuperation. If this saga bore no link to the evil god that Madame Pualis revered, Lumian was prepared to swallow his pride and apologize to Wilson, who, in turn, would owe Lumian his life for not permanently silencing him. But, to snuff him out was also on the table. The ball was in Lumians court. As the carriage came to a halt at its station, Lumian was the first to alight, retracing his steps to the alley where Wilson and his crew had disappeared. No barricades existed here. It was a bustling place, with people constantly coming and going. Wilson and his gang hadnt left any clear trail. Lumian devoted a painstaking quarter of an hour to trying to discern any signs of them, finally admitting defeat. But he wasnt beaten down. Wilson may have slipped through his fingers, but there were others like Will or Williamson. The Poison Spur Mob was a hydra of sorts, with a plethora of leaders just a notch above Wilson. Each had their own turf, their own dealings. They could run, but they couldnt hide. Lumian just needed patience. Sooner or later, hed cross paths with one or two of them. And they, undoubtedly, were more intimately involved with the shadowy forces pulling the strings behind the Poison Spur Mob than Wilson. They knew more! Phew Exhaling a deep breath, Lumian wrestled his impatience into submission, deciding to lay low and watch for a while before concocting a hunting strategy. If the Poison Spur Mob truly was entwined with the evil god that Madame Pualis worshiped, then the leaders on par with Margot were either Sequence 8s, endowed with Beyonder characteristics, or they were spawn of an evil god, gifted with boons akin to a Sequence 8 Beyonder. They could even be stronger. If Lumian didnt arm himself with enough intel and set an appropriate snare, he was likely to end up on the losing side. I cant forget Im a Hunter, just because Ive become a Provoker. Chiding himself, Lumian slipped down Avenue du March and strolled into the Salle de Bal Brise. Given it was barely past three in the afternoon, the place was practically deserted. No music played, no one danced. His eyes immediately found Louis, the thug, nursing a glass of pomegranate ale at the bar counter. Soda? Lumian grinned, sauntering over. How about drinking something an adult would drink? Louis swiveled, meeting Ciels amiable smile draped over the bar counter. The sight left him momentarily stunned, as if he couldnt quite place the young man before him. Was this the same Ciel who masked his wild ruthlessness behind a constant grin, one whod resort to violence over the slightest disagreement? He seemed more like a greenhorn, a na?ve country boy who had just been roped into the Savoie Mob. Louis gave his soda a wistful swirl, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. Ive got to be at the barons side later. Cant afford to get sloshed. Lumians eyes flicked to the bruised knot on Louis forehead, a chuckle bubbling up. He pointed at his forehead, commenting, Still nursing that bump? How longs it been? I ran into Wilson earlier. After I broke his arm and tossed him from the fourth floor, youd think hed be worse for wear. But he looked perfectly fine. Louis was taken aback. Seems so, at least on the surface. Wanted to say hello, but he hightailed it out of there too fast. Lumians tone carried a hint of regret. Say hello? More like you want to rough up Wilson again and not even give the guy a chance to heal, Louis thought, but he didnt dare voice it. His face took on a grave cast as he muttered to himself, When we clashed with the Poison Spur Mob in the past, their wounded always bounced back in just a few days. The baron thinks theyve got some Beyonders with a knack for healing. But for someone like Wilson to recover so rapidly from such serious injuries thats unheard of. Could it be because you guys have never managed to put a serious dent in any of the Poison Spur Mob members? Lumians voice was laced with mockery. Louis pondered, then conceded, There have been a few, but not many. Plus, we usually dont see them again for a good long while. By then, theyre all healed up. So, Wilsons recovery outpaces even Doctor and Apothecary Beyonder powers? Lumian managed to glean a crucial tidbit from Louiss words. Although it could point to a higher Sequence Beyonder on the corresponding pathway, it at least narrowed down some possibilities for him. Just as Lumian was gearing up to probe the progress on gathering concoction ingredients, a stunning figure swept into the room. A woman, ostentatiously attired, with her chestnut hair tied up, loose tendrils framing her ears, cheeks, and falling down her back. Her face was dusted with powder, black eyeliner accentuating her blue eyes, lending them a deep, decadent allure. At present, she was decked out in a bold red dress that left little to the imagination, sequins catching the light at strategic spots. Isnt this the chanteuse known for her bawdy songs at the Poison Spur Mobs Salle de Gristmill? Lumian did a double take. This was the Savoie Mobs Salle de Bal Brise! Still, Lumian couldnt be entirely sure if it was the same woman. The singer had a mole by her lips, while this woman sported one at the corner of her left eye. Catching your eye, is she? That Little Minx? Louis followed Lumians gaze. Lumian chuckled. How about we use a more respectful moniker? Manners matter. You sound just like the baron sometimes, Louis mused. Her stage name is Little Minx, Little Minx Jenna. Shes known as a Showy Diva. And what exactly is a Showy Diva? Lumian didnt attempt to cover up his ignorance. After all, he was a newcomer to Trier, straight out of a backwater like Cordu. Louis took a moment to recall the barons words and then delivered smoothly, Its all about her performance style, her acting, her flamboyant outfits. Shes a standout singer. Shes a chanteuse too? Lumian probed, She performs at the Salle de Gristmill as well? Sure does. As long as shes getting paid, shell belt out tunes in any dance hall on Rue Anarchie. As Louis spoke, Little Minx Jenna sauntered over. Her blue eyes roamed the room, lingering on Lumian before moving to Louis. Ten songs, four verl dor. Ill keep a third of the tips thrown on stage. Deal. Louis had the barons approval. Only 4 verl dor for a nights performance? Lumian found himself questioning. Had he overpaid Osta Trul? In unfamiliar territory, he was woefully out of touch with the going rates. Spotting his lingering gaze, Jenna swiveled her head, flashing him a grin. Feel free to let your eyes wander a bit lower. She was referencing her scantily clad chest. For Lumian, whose only exposure to such scenarios was through novels, this was uncharted territory. Yet, his face betrayed no unease. Flashing a smile, he said, I was merely wondering. The last time I spotted you, your mole was by your lips. Now its nestled by your eye. Jennas reply came in the form of a captivating smile, which made Louis swallow hard. Are you from out of town? Jenna queried. Lumian bobbed his head in affirmation. With a playful grin, Jenna leaned in, a finger tracing her cheek as she softly elucidated, Its all the rage here in Trier. Ladies often sport a faux mole. Right in the middle of the cheek for elegance, smack in the middle of the nose for audacity, at the corners of the eyes for passion, by the lips for allure, and nestled in the dcolletage for secrets As she spoke, she sent Lumian a saucy wink, as if to say, Today, Im all about passion. Ah, Trier Lumian could only shake his head in amazement. Given their proximity, the intoxicating blend of Jennas natural scent and the heady perfume she wore invaded his senses. This led Lumian to instinctively rub his nose. Jennas reaction was immediate. Dont tell me you still have your virginity? Im not a street girl, but for you, I might make an exception. She took a moment to appraise Lumian, seemingly pleased with what she saw. Virginity? Something that magically returns every morning at 6 a.m.? Lumian scoffed inwardly, his smile nonchalant. Right now? Im afraid you might miss your performance tonight. Back at the Ol Tavern in Cordu Village, Lumian often had to match the locals in their coarseness, else hed become the butt of their jokes. Jennas response was a hearty laugh and a dismissive wave of her hand. Ill find you after my set tonight. With that, she sauntered off towards the modest wooden stage at the front of the dance floor, keen to get a feel for the place. Isnt she jumping the gun a bit? Wheres the agreement on a time and place? Lumian mused to himself. She was clearly just yanking his chain! Louis chimed in, a tinge of envy coloring his voice, Dont fall for her act. She gets a kick out of toying with good-looking men. She wont actually follow through. I reckon shes Francas sweetheart. Franca, Red Boots Franca? Lumians surprise was palpable. Red Boots Franca was a key figure in the Savoie Mob, ruling over Rue des Blouses Blanches, and rumored to be a woman. Exactly, Louis affirmed. Franca appears to be the Bosss mistress, but she seems to swing both ways. She and Little Minx are thick as thieves. A lovers lover Lumian once again marveled at the peculiarities of Trier. Louis watched Jenna, now swaying gracefully on the stage, a look of longing etched on his face. She wasnt this mesmerizing when she first arrived in the market district. Over the past couple of years, shes become more adept at presentation, more feminine. What a shame If you manage to climb the ranks and stand toe to toe with Red Boots, you might have a shot, Lumian teased, stoking Louiss ambition. He then shifted gears, Any luck tracking down those three items I needed? Louis tore his gaze away from Jenna to respond, I was just about to tell you, weve managed to gather them all. That quick? Lumian was taken aback by the Savoie Mobs efficiency. Why not start a factory? Why stick with the mob life? Louis elaborated, Rat Christo keeps a variety of critters, some rare, some less so. Some we could take off his hands for the right price. Thats how we got the lizards eye and the snakes venom sac. The eagles nest rock was a bonus. Rat Christo, the one in charge of smuggling? Lumian mulled over this newfound information. Chapter 156 - 156 Landlord 156 Landlord Louis carried on, Ill arrange for someone to bring those three items to Auberge du Coq Dor later. And the cost? Lumian was prepared to offer Louis an extra reward for his diligence. Louis merely shook his head. The baron says you neednt worry about the payment. He believes your strength building equates to our Savoie Mobs strengthening. Even without Baron Brignais spelling it out, Louis deduced his ploy of roping Lumian in. In any case, the cost was under 10 verl dor. So according to the barons logic, I can have him refund the materials I require to progress to Pyromaniac? Lumian mused with a hint of sarcasm. Louis was taking a sip from his pomegranate soda when a group sauntered into the Salle de Bal Brise. The groups leader was strikingly tall, towering over 1.9 meters. His light-yellow hair, short and plush, clung to his scalp akin to high-grade velvet. He had a huge nose, light-blue eyes, and a roughly textured face. He was dressed in a figure-hugging black suit, topped off with a wide-brimmed round hat. Louiss features tightened, he carefully placed down the soda bottle, turning to Lumian, I need to attend to the baron. Just then, the beefy man in his early thirties walked a crew that had the air of gangsters about them towards the cafs staircase. Whos he? Lumian questioned, unable to hide his curiosity. Louis rose, offhandedly answering, Thats Giant Simon, runs the dance halls on Rue du Rossignol. Isnt he a part of our Savoie Mob as well? Lumian probed further. Louis nodded. True, but hes not on good terms with the baron. Hes always arguing that the baron, since he oversees the loan-sharking, ought to relinquish control of the Salle de Bal Brise. Im heading up; need to see what hes here for. Louis had barely taken two steps when he noticed Lumian, still planted at the bar counter, from his peripheral vision. He couldnt resist an inward sigh. He just doesnt grasp how to seize the moment. Shouldnt he have shown some initiative and backed me up with the baron? If Giant Simon dares say anything unsavory, stare him down, threaten him with a gun. Only then will he start to earn the barons trust. Yes, he may be ruthless, mad, and powerful, but he remains a greenhorn when it comes to these things. Naturally, if Lumian truly wanted to accompany him to the second floor and aid Baron Brignais in maintaining appearances at the caf, Louis would turn him down. After all, the baron and Giant Simon could potentially be discussing confidential matters concerning the Savoie Mob. It was no place for a rookie to eavesdrop. Lumian ruminated, The Savoie Mob seems riddled with internal strife Suppose theres a showdown between Baron Brignais and Giant Simon and one bites the dust. And then the head honcho needs a strong hand to quell the storm and take over their positions, wouldnt I be the perfect candidate? When that time comes, as long as I pass muster, Ill have fulfilled Mr. Ks mission. Now the trick is to pit Baron Brignais and Giant Simon against each other without arousing suspicion Lost in his strategic contemplation, Lumian requested a glass of absinthe. Before he could savor the last of the enigmatic emerald elixir, he spotted Giant Simon emerging from the staircase, henchmen in tow, a thunderous expression on his face. Well, he doesnt seem pleased Lumian noted, retracting his gaze. He wasnt rushing to translate his thoughts into action; he was still woefully short on the ins and outs of the Savoie Mob. Later that evening, on his return to Auberge du Coq Dor, Madame Fels, seated at the reception desk, rose and informed him, Monsieur Ive has arrived. Hes waiting for you in the first-floor dining room, by the window. Not bad. He came quite quickly Lumian nodded approvingly, making his way to the small dining room opposite the lobby. Monsieur Ive had heard tell of Ciels eccentric yet stylish hair. On seeing him step into the dining room, he rose, all smiles. Monsieur Ciel, right this way. He was a man on the cusp of his fifties. His blonde hair, streaked with silver, was neatly arranged. He sported a faded dark suit with a pair of chestnut tweed trousers. His eyes were a bright blue, and he bore a thin beard. Lumian glanced at the cane resting against the dining table, then approached, a congenial smile playing on his lips. Good evening, Monsieur Ive. Once both men were seated, Ive beckoned the waiter to begin serving. My apologies for the delay in visiting, Ive been swamped recently, Ive expressed remorsefully. His accent distinctly belonged to the Trier region. Feigning ignorance, Lumian questioned, Do you own more than one motel? Otherwise, whats kept him so busy? Ive was taken aback. He hadnt anticipated that Lumian would take his polite remark literally. He stammered, There are some other affairs, but theyre neither here nor there. As their conversation flowed, the waiter brought in the evening meal, a serving each. Bean soup, pork sausage, Feynapotter rice, and a sauce that occupied a fifth of the plate. This is their signature meat sauce, Ive informed, bubbling with enthusiasm. Is that all? Lumians perception of the landlords miserliness took a new dimension. It didnt overly concern him, though. He dug into the Feynapotter rice, smothered in the mildly meaty sauce, laced with pepper and vinegar. After consuming his meal for about a minute, Lumian looked up, addressing Monsieur Ive with a wry smile, With your penny-pinching tendencies, why provide each room with sulfur? He purposely avoided the softer term frugal, his tone saturated with sarcasm. Monsieur Ives face clouded over, evidently displeased. He kept his emotions in check, forcing a strained smile. The motel is riddled with bedbugs. Nobody would stay here without the sulfur we provide. Really? As long as the price is low enough, those hard up for cash wont fuss about a few bedbugs Lumian casually sectioned off a piece of sausage, taking a bite. After mulling it over a bit, he suggested, Why not employ a couple of regular cleaners for daily cleaning? That could effectively cut down on the bedbugs. Two full-time cleaners would set me back 130 to 150 verl dor a month, while a thorough cleaning once a week only costs 18 verl dor, Monsieur Ive protested, visibly pained at the prospect. Lumian simply smiled. I meant, why dont you do the cleaning yourself, get your kids to help? That would shave off 18 verl dor from his weekly expenses. Monsieur Ive appeared to mull over the proposal, seeming to see the merit in it. However, after a reflective pause, he sighed and said, Sadly, were otherwise occupied. Doing what? Lumian didnt push for an answer. He had already established that Ive was nothing short of a tightwad. Monsieur Ive studied Lumian, hesitating before he offered, I used to hand Margot 20 verl dor weekly. Which day would you prefer? Lumian scoffed. No need to hand it over to me. Invest in an additional thorough cleaning each week. Monsieur Ive was somewhat surprised but raised no objections. After all, the cleaning service cost only 18 verl dor, and if contracted for twice a week, he could haggle for a better rate. Having polished off his plate, Lumian queried, Do you happen to know what happened to the tenant from 504? He was speaking of the man whod plastered Susanna Mattises portrait in Charlies room, a frequent face on Rue de la Muraille, Rue de Breda, and Rue du Rossignol, who had since moved on. Lumian had sought this information from Madame Fels earlier, but shed offered no insight. As far as she was concerned, her interest in tenants ceased as soon as they paid their rent and didnt damage anything. Monsieur Ive appeared taken aback, glancing at the leftovers on his plate before replying, Im not sure who you mean. I dont often visit the motel. Im unaware of whos occupying which rooms. That response Smacks of guilt Lumians eyebrows twitched slightly, but he didnt push the issue. He watched as Monsieur Ive tidied up his plate, not a morsel of rice or a trace of sauce left behind. After Monsieur Ive had taken his leave, Lumian emerged from the motel some 20 seconds later, tailing the landlord from a safe distance. He tracked Monsieur Ive to a beige, six-story apartment block situated in the heart of Avenue du March. From what hed gathered from Madame Felss usual chitchat, this was most likely Monsieur Ives residence. Lumian didnt rush to make a house call. There were certain activities best carried out under the cloak of night. Moreover, he wasnt entirely sure whether the official Beyonders were still probing into Susanna Mattises affairs or hoping to find any leads through Monsieur Ive. An accidental encounter could be rather awkward. If it came to that, Lumian would have to make himself scarce promptly. Under the warm glow of the streetlamps, he circled Monsieur Ives apartment, taking in his surroundings. What struck Lumian most was the three-story, brick-red edifice diagonally across from the apartment on the opposite side of Avenue du March. The foyer, propped up by pillars, bore a sign overhead: Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. People streamed in continuously. Every now and then, bursts of applause and strains of music floated out, creating a lively atmosphere. Lumian knew that this was a theater catering to common folk with its affordable ticket prices, holding a monopoly in Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. An ideal spot for evading pursuit Lumian was reminded of theater-related incidents from various novels. Grinning, he crossed the street and entered the foyer of the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. Posters advertising current and upcoming plays, as well as a few past classics, adorned the walls. As Lumian considered how best to exploit the theater, he stood there, earnestly examining the photographs, sketches, and captions. Suddenly, a familiar face caught his eye on a poster tucked away in a corner. Playing an extra in the background, a man with a shock of starkly blond hair, blue eyes, and a wispy beard was featured. It was none other than Monsieur Ive, the man hed been tailing! Chapter 157 - 157 Ancienne Cage à Pigeons 157 Ancienne Cage Pigeons Monsieur Ive, a theater actor as well? Or merely an enthusiast? Lumian pondered the enigma. His immediate impression was, as proprietor and landlord of the Auberge du Coq Dor, Monsieur Ive could be classified as affluent. Moreover, he managed several other enterprises, so the notion of him dabbling in acting appeared improbable. Nevertheless, taking into account Ives proclivity for hoarding wealth and his frugal tendencies, Lumian couldnt completely rule out the possibility of the man dabbling as a minor actor during his idle hours. It was an opportunity, after all, to rake in a few more coins and avoid squandering valuable time. Once satisfied that the small-time character indeed was Monsieur Ive, Lumians eyes drifted to the posters title: Forest Fairy. From the additional script, Lumian deciphered that this was a classic production from the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, occasionally revived for new runs. The actress portraying the Forest Fairy boasted distinct facial contours, an ethereal and captivating aura, and lake-blue eyes filled with innocence and sanctity. However, Lumian found her less than bewitching, given her adornments of bracelet, necklace, and belt fashioned from tree branches and verdant leaves, topped off by a floral laurel crown. She stirred memories of Ava, the Spring Elf from his dreams, and Susanna Mattise with her cascading turquoise tresses. For Lumian, these were not nostalgic musings. Especially the latter, bereft of the unusual allure her hair had once commanded, now evoked an eerie and revolting image. Charlotte Calvino. After noting the actresss name, Lumian scrutinized the other posters for more clues. Ultimately, he deduced that Monsieur Ive had performed in three plays at the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, yet in each, he was but a mere supporting actor, easily replaced. Entering the theater with a thoughtful demeanor, Lumian forked out ten licks for a ticket. The Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons was a well-designed edifice. A large stage dominated the far end, illuminated by gas wall lamps, cloaked by lofty curtains and equipped with several steam-powered machines. Neat rows of seating lined the theater, progressively ascending like terraced staircases. Lumian took his ticket stub and located his seat. The ongoing play was Princess and the Beast. The actors attire tended towards the liberal, with hints of risquentirely in keeping with the aesthetic sensibilities of Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. Watching the performance unfold, Lumian was struck with an internal gasp of awe. Could this be Triers standard for acting? Such theatrics only earn them keep in Le March du Quartier du Gentleman? What caliber do the theaters in Quartier de la Maison dOpra hold? Lumian wasnt a stranger to the world of theater. Despite Aurores homebody tendencies, even she occasionally craved the outdoors. Sometimes she borrowed a pony from Madame Pualis, or chatted with Cordus old ladies, narrated stories to local children, and occasionally shed even take Lumian to Darige to attend plays, opera, circus performances or visit the underground book market for creative inspiration. In comparison to the Ancienne Cage Pigeons, those theatrical performances seemed akin to amateur efforts. The lead actors on the stage were simply spellbinding. Whether through their facial expressions, physical gestures, or delivered lines, they were as though plucked from the narratives pages and set into the world of the living. Lumian, initially focused on scouting for anomalies, found himself unexpectedly engrossed in the unfolding drama. He felt a pang for the Beasts tangled turmoil of self-doubt, brutality, and torment, and for the Princess, her unspoiled innocence, kindness, and heartfelt distress. Any one of these principal performers could easily steal the spotlight in a Darige theater. As the curtain fell, Lumian found himself rising to his feet, clapping his approval, a twinge of disappointment in his heart that the performance had concluded so swiftly. He detected nothing suspicious with the actors, nor could he discern anything out of the ordinary within the theater itself during his regular sojourns to the restroom during intermissions. Madame Fels had hinted that Monsieur Ive cultivated a rooftop vegetable garden as a cost-saving measure. Lumian deduced that the Ive residence must, therefore, be on the apartment buildings top floor, the sixth to be exact. After a brief scrutiny, Lumians gaze landed on the faintest of the glowing windows. In keeping with Ives penny-pinching character, he probably refused to light an additional gas lamp. Finding a secluded, dark corner, Lumian set himself up, his focus locked onto the dimly lit window, a silent sentinel awaiting any sign of activity. As the hours wore on, a homeless man wandered by, hoping to claim this sheltered nook as his makeshift bed for the night. However, catching sight of Lumians shadowy figure, he reluctantly shuffled off elsewhere. Such encounters barely registered with Lumian anymore. Unperturbed, he maintained his vigil. Close to 11 p.m., the feeble light in the window blinked out. Roughly fifteen minutes later, Monsieur Ive, garbed in a faintly dark suit and chestnut-hued tweed trousers, materialized at the apartment door. With cautious glances cast about him, clutching a carbide lamp, he made his way along the streets shadowy cloak towards the Underground Trier entrance a stones throw away. Lumian bore witness as a living statue, observing the retreating illumination of Monsieur Ives lamp until it was swallowed by darkness. Several minutes later, with no signs of official Beyonders tailing Monsieur Ive, Lumian arose, dusted off his attire, and crossed the Avenue du March towards the hidden stone staircase leading underground. Lumian did not attempt to follow him. First and foremost, he had no source of light; his only candles were those used in ritualistic magic, their scent too conspicuous. Second, he lacked knowledge about Monsieur Ives true capabilities, his motives for venturing into Underground Trier, or the extent of power he might command. Retracing a few steps, Lumian melted into the shadow of a nearby buildings pillar, shrouding himself in the comforting dark. A tedious wait ensued. As midnight loomed, the blue radiance of the carbide lamp punctuated the darkness at the underground entrance. The elongated shadow of Monsieur Ive once again graced the scene. Just as he came to the bottom of the stone staircase, Lumian tugged his cap lower over his eyes and stepped forward, barking out, This is a hold-up! The strategy behind this sudden ploy was to gauge Monsieur Ives strength. Should the landlord be a formidable force, Lumian suspected he would merely dismiss the mugger with lethal efficiency. In that case, Lumian would have the opportunity to make a swift exit, his greatest risks being some minor injuries and a dent in his pocket. If, however, Monsieur Ive failed to exhibit significant ability, the faux robbery would quickly morph into a real kidnapping. Lumian would then corner the landlord in a remote pocket of the Underground Trier, demanding answers about his secretive behavior around Room 504s tenant and his nocturnal trips to the underground world. At Lumians gruff demand for a hold-up, Monsieur Ive visibly flinched. Seeming to accept his fate, he pulled out a worn brown leather wallet, extracting a single silver coin valued at 1 verl dor. An unexpected surge of avarice flooded Lumian at the sight of the silver coin. Its intricate design, with the cherubic relief on the surface and radiating lines, drew him in. Almost against his will, he found his right hand reaching out to snatch the coin from Monsieur Ive. With a swift pivot, he spun on his heel and took off, playing the part of a robber to perfection. Five or six steps into his escape, a niggling thought started to bother Lumian. What sort of robber would flee after pilfering a solitary 1 verl dor coin? And why did I even seize the coin? Lumians senses abruptly reignited. Channeling Dancers agility, he made a forceful twist of his frame and skidded to a halt. He noticed Monsieur Ive was also on the run. The landlord of Auberge du Coq Dor darted across Avenue du March and made a beeline for Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. Lumian, originally preparing to pursue, abruptly dropped his pace. Monsieur Ive, now a victim of robbery, didnt aim for the sanctuary of his home nor the aid of law enforcement in the bustling market district. Instead, he elected for the theater, situated at an angle from his dwelling! Could it be that he perceived a more effective guard there? Lumians brow furrowed in contemplation. Then, within the span of a heartbeat, he spun around and resumed his faux robbers role. He was anxious that Monsieur Ive might rally a force capable of reclaiming his pilfered silver coin. Given Monsieur Ives infamous miserliness, such a response was within the realm of possibility! Although Lumian was not particularly concerned about losing a single verl dor, getting caught would undoubtedly unmask his identity. Exiting Avenue du March, he nonchalantly flipped the silver coin to a destitute vagabond dozing at the streets edge. At the metallic ring, the mans eyes flickered open, resting on the gleaming piece nestled under the nearby lamplight. Once back on Rue Anarchie, Lumian peeled off his cap and coat, tucking them under his arm as he resumed his leisurely stride. His test had confirmed his suspicions: Monsieur Ive was no ordinary man. He possessed Beyonder abilities, albeit seemingly ill-equipped for combat. He had elected to gift a silver coin to an apparent burglar and retreat. This little episode filled me with a sudden, overwhelming desire for that silver coin. A desire so fierce, I nearly abandoned my true intentions, almost succumbing to madness Lumian reflected on the strange encounter. It was a sensation he recognized. He had experienced a similar one when facing Susanna Mattise. One filled him with paralyzing fear, the other stripped him of rational thought, substituting it with raw hatred. The similarities of these abilities manifestations Could Monsieur Ive be linked to Susanna Mattise? What fate could have befallen Room 504s tenant The Forest Fairy, the foliage, laurels Does Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons have ties to Susanna Mattise as well? Lumian speculated as he retraced his steps to Auberge du Coq Dor. He slipped into the underground bar to find Charlie, glass of beer in hand, belting out a tune with a few of the inns tenants. We impoverished souls, dwelling in the attic Catching sight of Lumians return, Charlie excused himself and ambled over to the counter, heaving a sigh as he began, You wouldnt believe what transpired this afternoon. The hotel manager nicked my drinks twice, and then had the gall to say that because of Madame Alices situation, he couldnt promote me to an official attendant. Im stuck as a lowly handyman. How utterly odious. Just how unlucky can I get? Suddenly, Charlie fell silent, muttering to himself, Unlucky, unlucky After repeating it a handful of times, he glanced up at Lumian, a look of surprise registering on his face at the sight of Lumians subtle smile. Chapter 158 - 158 "Report" 158 Report As he pondered on Ciels early morning warning of potential misfortune, Charlie was dumbstruck. The very afternoon he had lost the job prospect hed been eagerly awaiting and even squandered a few verl dor hosting a round of drinks. The thought of it all intensified the weight on his shoulders. Ciels smirk hit him, and Charlies voice instinctively dropped to a hush. You can predict the future? His forecast had hit the mark with uncanny precision! Didnt I tell you? Just a wild guess, Lumian stated, his lie rolling smoothly off his tongue. Yet, it wasnt entirely untruthful. It was more an educated guess, based on the luck patterns hed perceived. It was akin to devising the method after having the final answer. Charlies expression reflected his disbelief, yet he didnt challenge the claim. Instead, he asked hopefully, Has my run of bad luck ended? Lumian turned, his focus shifting, and his eyes growing stormy. His face soon mirrored the seriousness of his thoughts. Charlie, witnessing Ciels shift in demeanor, felt his pulse quicken and his mouth go arid with anxiety. What, whats going on? Lumian pressed his lips together before stating, Youre in for a disaster. Charlies countenance faltered, his complexion turning pale, a stark contrast to its earlier flush. Lumian chuckled. Just pulling your leg. You may not have the best luck for a while, but you wont be particularly ill-fated either. It suggested that even if the issue with Susanna Mattise hadnt been entirely handled, it wouldnt escalate any time soon. Charlie couldnt quite grasp Lumians words. Really? Its a tall tale! Believe it if you wish. No skin off my back if you dont, Lumian remarked, ordering a glass of absinthe fennel with a dismissive smile. Lumians nonchalant demeanor helped Charlie breathe easy. He nestled onto the bar stool next to him, sipping his rye beer. I had thought the whole situation wasnt quite done yet. Thats not out of the question Lumian made no effort to unnerve Charlie further. Charlies gaze fell on the bar top as he murmured, You know, in that moment, I wished to be a lowly handyman and leave the market district ASAP. Lumian glanced his way. A raw bitterness bared itself on Charlies face. Lumian suggested further, You might as well pay a visit to the nearest Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral and pray more. And by the way, I dined with our landlord, Monsieur Ive, today. He seemed a bit odd when Room 504 came up in our chat, almost as if he knows something about the previous tenant but isnt keen on sharing. Charlie froze for a moment before comprehending Ciels reference. He lowered his voice again. The one who hung that womans portrait? Lumian confirmed with a slow, assertive nod. Charlie stayed quiet for a beat before muttering, Does that woman have any ties to Monsieur Ive? Does he suspect something off about the portrait? I-I should inform the authorities. Ill head to the nearest cathedral at dawn and speak to the priest Not bad. A few days under my wing and youre much sharper than Louis from the Savoie Mob. You caught my hint right away Lumian raised his glass, taking a sip of the visually appealing green liquid. Lumian was not well versed in the details of Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, hence the severity of the problem was a mystery to him. Any self-led investigation would take at least a couple of weeks to gather any meaningful information. Even then, he might not possess the means to tackle it. As such, his best course of action was to alert the authorities from the get-go, allowing them to take the reins. Once hed reached a decision, Charlie shot a covert glance at Pavard Neeson, who was engrossed in the art of mixology. Confirming that he had the mans undivided attention, he leaned in and whispered to Lumian, If they query the source of my information, what should I say? Just tell them that it cropped up during our chat, Lumian responded candidly. With Charlie previously singing his praises, the police in Le March du Quartier du Gentleman were aware that Auberge du Coq Dor had fallen under Ciels jurisdiction. Thus, it was only a matter of time before Ciel and Monsieur Ive, the landlord, crossed paths over a meal and some idle chatter. When the time came, the official Beyonders could make casual inquiries and ascertain that all was in order. They would have no reason to cast suspicion upon Lumian. Alright. Charlies demeanor noticeably relaxed. Lumian savored another sip of his La Fe Verte before posing a question, Which of the leaders of the Poison Spur Mob do you know? Charlie had previously alluded to the leaders of the Savoie Mob, the Poison Spur Mob, and several other smaller gangs having a certain notoriety in Le March du Quartier du Gentlemanenough to frighten the youngsters. What are you scheming? Charlies countenance lit up with excitement. I intend to ask them a question or two, Lumian chose to frame it in the most courteous manner possible. Charlies enthusiasm dipped a notch, realizing he wouldnt be privy to any spectacle. Besides Margot, I know of two others. Ones Hammer Ait. He was a regular at Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, but hes been frequenting Rue Anarchie of late. Then theres Harman, sans any nickname. Ive observed Margot in his company on multiple occasions, showing him considerable deference. Hes bald, by the way. The head honcho of the Poison Spur Mob is Black Scorpion Roger. He appears to reside somewhere on Avenue du March Garnering Margots respect implies Harmans status and power within the Poison Spur Mob superseded his Perhaps Hammer Ait has taken control of Salle de Gristmill and Rue Anarchie, hence his regular appearances here? Lumian pondered, setting his sights on Hammer Ait. His plan was to shadow the gang leader over the ensuing days, familiarizing himself with his routines and behaviors. Should he fail to locate Wilson in due course, he would contemplate making an example of Ait. After emptying his glass of absinthe, Lumian and Charlie made their way upstairs. Upon reaching Room 207, Lumian noticed a wooden crate, adorned with the black-painted emblem of the Savoie Moba bullet and a dirkplaced near the entrance. Could it be the ingredients sent by Louis? Lumian stooped to pick up the crate, subsequently unlocking the door to the room. As he flipped open the lid, the foul stench of bird droppings wafted up from a dark stone, accompanied a pair of eyeballs, bloodshot and haunting, and a poison sac, securely encased within a glass jar. Avenue du March was bathed in a yellowish glow thanks to the gas lamps. Ive, the landlord of Auberge du Coq Dor, was guiding someone towards a vagrant, slumbering soundly with eyes tightly shut. Here lies my silver coin! he pronounced. The person behind him threw a skeptical glance towards the sleeping tramp and queried, Did he rob you? Absolutely not, Ive replied with firm conviction. The differences in height, physique, even clothing are too significant. A robber that tosses stolen loot to a tramp this situation is undeniably peculiar. The figure, teetering on the edge of the lamps glow, nodded in near imperceptibility. We must remain vigilant, prepared for unforeseen complications or potential investigations. Ive simply grunted his agreement, grumbling under his breath, Had he not cast my silver coin to this vagrant, we could have traced him directly. He possessed the unique capability to sense the location of his possessions, but only for a limited time. The following morning found Lumian holed up in Auberge du Coq Dor, engrossed in Aurores grimoire. He needed to keep an eye on Hammer Ait and his cohorts, which meant altering his study routine to the morning. These gangsters only made their appearance in the afternoon, and their nightly escapades ended in the early morning hours. Charlie had left at dawn for the closest Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral. Upon his return, his calm demeanor was underscored by a radiant smile; he seemed to have found a source of solace and received validation. As the clock approached noon, Lumian stowed his grimoire and ambled over to Avenue du March. He positioned himself a short distance from Monsieur Ives apartment and the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, hoping to witness any activity from the official Beyonders. The streets were bustling as usual, the shops brimming with activity, and carriages weaving in and out. Yet, none bore any hints of the recent events. After observing for some time, Lumian was about to seek out a restaurant to satiate his hunger when he spotted Monsieur Ive in the distance. Still clad in his faded formal suit and chestnut tweed trousers, donning a gray wide-brimmed hat, and grasping a black cane, he made his way towards his apartment. The official Beyonders havent made their move yet? Lumian contemplated briefly before crossing Avenue du March to intercept the landlord. Good afternoon, Monsieur Ive. Out on an errand? he greeted, all smiles. Monsieur Ive looked slightly disoriented before scrutinizing Lumian, a touch of trepidation in his gaze. Id something to attend to at the police station. So, the official Beyonders roped in Monsieur Ive through the police station, but delegated the interrogation to someone with the required abilities? Lumian surmised the situation, albeit with a lingering query: The officials didnt uncover that Monsieur Ive possessed Beyonder powers? Lumian responded with a gentle nod and a reassuring smile. Is there something I could assist you with? No need, Monsieur Ive responded, his tone veering between guarded and resistant. He gestured towards the beige apartment. I need to get home. In an effort to not arouse any suspicion, Lumian made no further attempts to detain or probe him. As Monsieur Ive walked away, Lumian was left behind, a slight furrow marking his brow. Looking back at their brief exchange, nothing seemed off. Yet, certain details felt out of place, leaving him with a peculiar sensation. On impulse, Lumian shifted his focus to the retreating figure of Monsieur Ive, attempting to gauge his recent string of luck. It seemed pretty ordinary; nothing too fortunate or adverse. Nonetheless, Lumian found his suspicion intensifying rather than alleviating. During their dinner the previous night, Lumian had instinctively assessed Monsieur Ives luck. It had leaned towards the unfortunate end of the spectrum! And now, in a span of a day, his luck had taken a turn for the better. What couldve transpired? Lost in thought, Lumian sauntered down Avenue du March, his hands nonchalantly tucked into his pockets. Chapter 159 - 159 Savage 159 Savage The tide of fortune seems to have taken a turn for Monsieur Ive His handling of the robbery the previous night must have laid bare his secret, especially in the face of a disguised Beyonder masquerading as a police officer Had they sniffed out something amiss and laid a trap in anticipation? The gears in Lumians head whirred ever faster, his growing suspicion suggesting that his robbery attempt on Monsieur Ive had alerted the man and his unseen benefactors. Still, he couldnt verify any peculiarity regarding the landlord without attempting some sleuthing. Realizing the eyes of the figure at the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons could be upon him, Lumian abandoned the thought of paying a visit to Monsieur Ive, making a hasty exit from Avenue du March. An urgency overwhelmed him to execute the Prophecy Spell in order to unravel some of the mysteries plaguing him. Within the confines of Quartier de lObservatoire, near the subterranean cemetery, warmed by a flickering bonfire, Lumian spotted Osta Truls peculiar stance. Did you manage to procure the items I asked for? Osta responded with a genuine grin, Indeed. The entrails of a lynx, tongue of a hyena, marrow of a stag, and some gray henbane. It all amounts to 5 verl dor. Including the reward you pledged, it comes to 20 verl dor. Per their agreement, Lumian was to hand him an extra 5 verl dor for each item. But, noticing the sum worth of the items was only 5 verl dor, Ostas conscience wouldnt allow him to charge full price, hence the discount. Lumian didnt mind. The arrangement saved him a great deal of time. Naturally, he didnt push to pay more, handing Osta a sum of banknotes amounting to the quoted price of 20 verl dor. The four items were contained in either modest glassware or small wooden boxes and cloth bags. Lumian inspected them individually before sliding them into his pocket. His gaze once again fell on Osta Trul. Any further insights on the aquatic monster? Osta nodded. Indeed. His expression bore a plea for affirmation. In my effort to gather more information about the aquatic monsters, I even ventured into the underground river myself. Regrettably, the ground was treacherous, and I ended up taking a tumble. He pulled up his sleeve, revealing the distinct marks of his slip on his forearm. So thats why his posture seemed off If I hadnt requested Osta to gather information on the aquatic monster, would he have avoided the injury? Yet I only enlisted him after foreseeing an imminent accident. What could have transpired if I had rescinded? A feeling of inevitability wrapped Lumian. He was also a pawn in the game of destiny, his actions and will embedded in the luck he sensed. Lumian curtailed his musing and responded with a light chuckle. I did advise you to be cautious. The recollection of Ciels warning for the upcoming days suddenly sprung to mind. Did it manifest so rapidly? Is his divination prowess truly this potent? Amid his astonishment, Osta queried, You divined I would be injured within the next two days? What Sequence does Ciel belong to? Not only does he appear combat-savvy, but his divination skills are impressive! A grin played at the corners of Lumians mouth. Its not divination. He held back further explanation, leaving Osta to his own conjectures. Seeming to take the hint, Osta didnt press further. Instead, he shifted the conversation back to the aquatic monster. Ive been able to piece together the whispers and conjecture, and it seems there are three kinds of aquatic monsters in the underground river: The first appears to be a drowned corpse, bloated and eerily pale. The second resembles a grotesquely mutated fish, standing nearly as tall as a man, covered in sturdy scales that seem impervious to harm. The third bears an uncanny resemblance to strands of black hair floating atop the water, only to suddenly reach out and ensnare the unwary souls on the banks, dragging them under. These aquatic monsters, however, arent particularly formidable. Most of their attacks on humans end in failure, which accounts for the abundance of tales and rumors. Theyre an elusive lot. Sometimes seen two or three times a month, sometimes they disappear entirely. I ventured down there last night myself, but aside from my unfortunate slip, I found no trace of them. Lumian scoffed at this, saying, With your level of combat prowess, I wouldnt bet on your return if you ran into one of them. Osta only managed a sheepish smile in response, not deigning to refute the comment. The only reason he dared to venture there was due to the aquatic monsters reputed weakness and his own divination. Lumians brow furrowed in contemplation. Given the aquatic monsters record, any Beyonder team from the two Churches or Bureau 8 could effortlessly eradicate them. So, why were they still prevalent? If the underground river concealed a greater peril, any poor soul encountering the aquatic monster should have no chance of escape. As these thoughts spun in his mind, Lumian took the materials Osta Trul had provided and carefully concealed them between a pair of nearby rocks. He was cautious, thinking that should he engage in a heated battle with the aquatic creature in the future, these delicate items might get damaged. Afterward, Lumian handed Osta a 5 verl dor note. This is for your insights about the aquatic monsters. Lumian picked up his carbide lamp and, following Ostas instructions and the tunnel signs, began his journey towards the underground river. A few moments of hesitation later, Osta quickly rose, grabbing his own carbide lamp and hurriedly following Lumian. Upon hearing the rapid footsteps, Lumian spun around, his puzzled gaze landing on Osta. Osta managed a strained smile and said, Ill come with you. I might be of some assistance. You? Lumian couldnt veil his incredulous disdain. Osta cleared his throat before divulging his actual motive. The aquatic monster is a spiritual being. Its improbable that youll want everything. I-Im hoping to scavenge what you leave behind. If fortune smiled upon him and he found a buyer for the parts, he could make a tidy sum of more than ten verl dor! Lumian merely stared at Osta, letting the tension build before finally breaking into a grin. Youre welcome to tag along, but dont expect me to play your bodyguard. From what he could discern, Ostas luck was veering away from a bloody end and instead showing promise of a minor financial windfall. Essentially, if Osta joined him on this underground river expedition, it implied that the hunt might be relatively safe and potentially lucrative. Of course, Lumian couldnt be entirely sure that his decision wouldnt sway the course of Ostas luck. No problem. Osta replied, devoid of apprehension. In his mind, hed merely be tailing Ciel from a distance. If they happened to encounter an aquatic monster, hed simply keep a wider berth. The threat to his own life seemed minimal at best. Ostas unwavering resolution prompted Lumian to study him a moment longer. Seeing that his luck hadnt shifted, Lumian lifted his gaze, picked up his carbide lamp and resumed his journey forward. In a way, having someone like Osta trailing behind had its benefits. Sometimes, the art of fishing required bait. On other occasions, in the face of a formidable monster, one neednt outrun the beast. One just needed to outpace their so-called allies! The two of them ventured deeper into the subterranean world, each step guided by the flickering light of their carbide lamps. After roughly ten minutes, they were engulfed by an escalating humidity, and Lumian could discern the faint murmur of flowing water. He held his lamp aloft, casting an eye over the tunnel signage before veering into a pathway shrouded in darkness to his right. Soon, the telltale shimmer of water, distorted by the lamps radiance, beckoned ahead. Lumian approached the underground river with caution. It stretched five to six meters wide, ensconced beneath a naturally-formed stone dome peppered with stalactites. The water was relatively clear, meandering through the carved gullies. Apart from a scattering of moss, Lumian detected no signs of life at first glance. Osta had already ceased advancing, observing from a safe distance as the dangerous Beyonder meticulously combed through the riverside. The pair maintained a distance of over ten meters, sporadically progressing and halting. Fifteen minutes elapsed, and Lumians search bore no fruit. Half an hour passed, and the situation remained unchanged. As the path ahead began to constrict, Lumians keen eye spotted some anomalies. By the riverbank, several rocks lay scattered, their edges tinged with soil. A struggle here? This thought nudged Lumians heart as he cautiously neared the area. He crouched down, setting the carbide lamp aside and examined the vicinity with careful scrutiny. Soon enough, he discovered a pair of footprints and signs of something being dragged away. Yet, where these traces led, the river flowed transparent and calm. The riverbed was clearly visible and bore no hint of lurking dangers. Drip. A solitary droplet of liquid landed on Lumians nape. It was chilly and adhesive. An immediate sense of peril overwhelmed Lumian. Without delay, he jerked his head upwards. In the cavernous interlude between stalactites, a glistening figure of grayish-white writhed. Its head resembled a python, the body slick with scales akin to a fish. From where fins should have been, emerged two arms and a single leg, eerily human-like. The monsters mouth gaped open, unveiling a neat row of ferocious white teeth. From its mouth corner dripped a viscous and foul-smelling liquid. In the following heartbeat, the monster pounced, soaring towards Lumian. Crouched on the ground, Lumian tumbled backwards. Simultaneously, his body coiled like a spring, catapulting his right leg upwards in a swift whip-like motion. With a satisfying crack, Lumian, teetering on the brink of falling, landed a solid kick on the airborne monster who failed to evade the strike, hurling it towards the opposing stone wall. Crash! The monster collided with the rocky facade. Lumian was back on his feet, charging at his opponent with the feral urgency of a cheetah. As the monster slid off the wall, Lumians form was mirrored in its muddy yellow eyes. Lumian reached out, seizing its arm. The monster didnt evade but opened its palm to welcome the assault. Each of its digits sprouted sharp scales, glinting ominously with a deep blue sheen. Without warning, Lumian twisted his elbow and flicked his wrist, clasping the monsters wrist with both hands to thwart the menacing blue scales. He then extended his right foot, sweeping away the monsters lone leg. With just one leg, the monster was powerless to resist. Its only option was to harness Lumians grip on its wrist to propel itself upward, its solitary leg trailing behind and its monstrous maw leading the charge, ready to devour Lumians entire head. At this critical moment, Lumian relinquished his hold, lowered his stance, and rolled towards the stone wall. Thud! The aquatic monster landed heavily behind him. In a fluid motion, Lumian swiveled, snatching the monsters leg. Channeling his strength from the core, he swung it towards the stone wall. Crash! The monsters skull crumpled upon impact. Lumian didnt pause. He maintained his swinging momentum, battering the monster against the pillar, the wall, and the floor, with dark red blood and pale yellow fluid splattering everywhere. Amid the pounding sounds, craters formed on the stone wall, and the monsters skull started to fragment, the contents spilling out in a gruesome red tide. More than ten meters away, Osta Trul stood agape, utterly mesmerized by the violent spectacle. How savage! Incredible! Thump! Lumian unceremoniously dropped the mutilated, lifeless aquatic monster onto the ground. Chapter 160 - 160 Pervert 160 Pervert Osta Trul had never questioned Ciels competence in tackling the aquatic monster, yet the ruthless efficiency with which he dispatched it caught him off guard. It felt much like witnessing an adult landing a blow on a child. A persistent inquiry bobbed to the surface of Ostas thoughts. To what path and Sequence could Ciel possibly belong? Why could he engage in combat and appear to wield formidable prophetic capabilities? Within a region speckled by dark-crimson and dull-golden symbols, Lumian crouched, brandishing his ceremonial silver dagger. He slid the blade into the monsters open wound, cleaving through its flesh, and deposited it in the hollow timber container prepared earlier. Once two containers brimmed with the monsters flesh and scales casting a dim cerulean glow, he uncapped a metallic flask and began collecting the monsters blood that burbled ceaselessly. Witnessing this, Osta methodically closed the gap between him and the vanquished monster, lingering nearby. Before too long, Lumian rose, pivoted, and retraced his steps. Scrambling, Osta hastily crouched and started amassing blood, scales, and what he believed to be spiritually rich organs. His gaze frequently darted to Lumian, who was steadily increasing his distance, showing no signs of halting for Osta. A sense of unease began to seep into Osta. After all, Ciel had dispatched the aquatic monster with terrifying ease. Given his earlier performance, Osta feared that Ciel could also eliminate him without much effort. Should he remain alone by this subterranean river in the depth of the darkness, and should another monster be lured by the scent of blood, he would find himself in dire straits! With a sense of urgency, Osta hastily stowed the harvested materials, not daring to dawdle. Fighting the temptation to salvage more of the monsters remains, he left a good 90% behind and hurried after Lumian. As their carbide lamps winked out at the tunnels end, darkness reclaimed the area, save for the perpetual whisper of water. After an indeterminate time had passed, a group of thrill-seeking university students made their way through the cavernous labyrinth, kerosene lanterns in hand. They discovered a partially collapsed stone wall and a pathway disordered and fragmented. Apart from that, all was serene and silent. Not a trace of the aquatic monster or blood stains were found. Having bid Osta Trul adieu, Lumian found himself a seat in a public carriage, bound for Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. Retrieving the remainder of his ingredients from Auberge du Coq Dors Room 207, he grasped his carbide lamp and plunged once more into the realm below ground. As Lumian descended from the floor, mimicking the surface world, his pace slackened. Under the glow of the carbide lamp, he noticed fresh, evident footprints marking the slightly damp path. Heavy footprints Lumian studied them for a moment, voicing his puzzlement. From the looks of these prints, he concluded that the passerby mustve weighed upwards of 100 kilograms, or been shouldering something hefty. Who could it be? An underworld smuggler? Lumian had his suspicions, but he didnt intend to tail them. Triers subterranean labyrinth was brimming with people. Obsessing over each footprint would only exhaust him. Besides, the other party had no quarrel with him. Provided they didnt interfere with his upcoming ritual magic, he had no concern even if he was ready to ensure their silence. Turning the lamps dial, Lumian tempered the reaction between carbide and water, thus dimming the flames intensity and casting less light. He was concerned that the maker of the footprints was near, and might detect the bright light closing in from behind. Continuing his journey, Lumian suddenly halted, nose twitching. He detected a familiar aroma. A musky perfume designed to awaken masculine desires, intermingled with a citrus hint. After a brief moment of mental rifling, Lumian identified the scents owner. Little Minx Jenna, the Showy Diva! Could these be her footprints? Preposterous. Surely she doesnt weigh more than 100 kilograms? Shes not cast of iron! Besides, the prints were clearly a mans Lumian mulled over two possibilities. Either Jenna is adept at concealing her tracks, leaving no corresponding marks, or shes been hoisted by a man Its quite ordinary for two individuals collectively to exceed 100 kilograms Judging by the footprints, the man stands between 1.65 and 1.7 meters tall. His gait seems slightly peculiar As Lumian turned this over in his mind, his brow furrowed. Piqued by curiosity, he resolved to tail the trail and ascertain what predicament Jenna had stumbled upon, or rather, what scheme she was brewing. It was crucial to note that this Showy Diva was suspected of being Francas paramour. Her entanglement might reveal a clandestine secret of the Savoie Mob. This could potentially provide Lumian, who was pursuing loftier heights, with an opportunity. Lowering the carbide lamps intensity further, he hoped that once switched off, the flame would snuff out promptly. Sticking to the tunnels shadows, he tracked the footprints, vigilantly gauging the distance. Should anything go awry, he was ready to extinguish the light. As the footprints appeared increasingly fresh, as though only moments old, he extinguished the carbide lamp and ventured forward in the darkness, relying on his memorized path. Before he knew it, Lumian had reached a divergence in the path, a faint blue light emanating from the stone walls end on his left side. Slipping his black gloves on, Lumian inched closer, a wraith in the shadows. The blue light radiated from a small cave nestled at the end of the stone wall. Stationed against the stone, Lumian tucked himself into the shadows embrace, craning his neck ever so slightly to catch a glimpse of what lay within. At the caves heart, a rather primitive iron-black carbide lamp sat in a relatively flat expanse. Nearby, a capacious bag of grayish-white fabric bulged, seemingly at its full capacity. A man loomed beside the bag, adorned in a blue cap, a common tweed suit of brown that one would see in Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, with a linen shirt peeking out from beneath his darker jacket. The mans breathing was noticeably labored. Standing nearly 1.7 meters tall, his side profile revealed a thin and slightly worn countenance, his brown eyes ablaze with unmasked desire. Lumians gaze dropped, registering the mans arousal. He inwardly chided, Impatient, arent we? No wonder he was lagging. That explains the irregularity in his footprints. Lumian grew more convinced that the bag concealed none other than Jenna, the Little Minx. She must have fallen prey to a kidnapper and rapist. The man proceeded to remove his cap, casting it aside as his heavy panting echoed through the cave. His countenance was laid bare before Lumian. His eyebrows, pale and disordered, were sparse. His eyes sagged slightly at the corners. His nose was a hint of red at the tip, and his mouth bore dry, cracked lips. His complexion was a shade too pale, betraying signs of fatigue and exertion. The man squatted, loosening the bags ties, revealing its contents. Lumians intuition proved correctit was indeed Jenna, the Showy Diva. Her customarily tied brownish-yellow hair was in disarray, cascading over her body. Her eyes were sealed shut, framed by a layer of deep shadows. Adorned in a white blouse and a beige fluffy short skirt, it was unclear whether she had lost or hadnt yet donned her mole. As the man drew Jenna from the bag, his breathing was so labored that Lumian could discern it effortlessly, even if he wasnt a Hunter. Such a strong desire bordering on the perverse Lumian found himself thinking this almost subconsciously. Stumbling upon such a scenario, he resolved to come to Jennas aid while he was here. If the Savoie Mobs boss ever considered appointing a new leader, Red Boots Franca might vouch for him. But a hasty rescue wasnt on his agenda. Lumian intended to observe further, ascertain whether the man possessed any unique abilities that emboldened him to cross a leader of the Savoie Mob, Red Boots Franca. He would swoop in once the man was mid-stripping, incapacitated in his haste. If only I had a long-range weapon. This wouldnt be such a chore Lumian heaved a sigh, pondering on getting the Savoie Mob to supply him with a firearm. The mans hands found their way to Jennas face, patting it lightly twice. Next, he withdrew a small metal bottle, unscrewing the cap and brought it to Jennas nose. Achoo! A sneeze jolted Jenna awake, her eyes fluttering open. The mans visage reflected in her wide blue eyes, sparking alarm. An instinctive urge to rise seized her. But in the next moment, she registered the absence of strength in her body, rendering resistance futile. Damn you, dog sh*t, what do you think youre doing? Jenna mustered enough strength to spit out the words. A twisted smile spread across the mans face. Do you know? Ive watched you sing countless times. Each time, the desire to tear away your clothing and have you perform solely for me is overwhelming. Jenna hurled back, her voice seething with rage, You lunatic, a bastard who deserves being f*cked by a donkey! Youre done for! The Savoie Mob will have you sleeping with the fishes! The man remained silent, his brown eyes gleaming with a peculiar light. Jennas cheeks flushed crimson, and her breathing grew shallow. Her body twitched involuntarily, her eyes widening in shock at her own reaction. This is just perfect. Not only a hint of resistance but a subconscious acquiescence too The man stood up, brimming with anticipation, rapidly disrobing his clothes, trousers, and shoes. Lumian, observing from his hidden spot, felt a sudden jolt of alarm. Jennas reaction is abnormal! Could she be under the influence of some Beyonder power? Did every human and dog in Trier have access to Beyonder powers? Has Jenna been coerced into arousal? This This bears an uncanny resemblance to Susanna Mattise and Monsieur Ives act Lumians thoughts spiraled as he drew out the ritual silver dagger, tucking it into his right pocket with the blade pointed inward and the hilt pressing against the outer cloth. Lowering his body, he silently moved from the stone wall into the cave, stealthily approaching the man from the shadows edge. The mans attention was fully riveted on Jenna. His eyes blazed with a fanatic light, his face twisted into a perverse grin. As he worked his belt loose and shed his trousers, his gaze roved over Jennas form. Emerging from the shadows, Lumian sprang forth like a cheetah on the prowl. Chapter 161 - 161 Special Traits 161 Special Traits It was only when Lumian sprung from the darkness that the manhis gaze fixated solely on Jennarealized the invasion of his secluded lair. Bang! Bang! Bang! Lumian stormed in, raining a barrage of fists, elbows, knees, and feet upon the intruder. The man was taken aback, yet not feeble. His resistance was robust, fending off blows with forearms while retreating. His chest, calves, and thighs bore the brunt of Lumians missed strikes, but he held his ground. With a shake of his head, his brown eyes morphed into a haunting green, casting an eerie reflection of Lumian. Suddenly, Lumian was overwhelmed by a powerful surge of desire. Beside him, Showy Diva Jenna radiated a captivating allure as she strained to watch the struggle, her whole being pulsating with magnetism. This desire exploded within Lumian like a live grenade. He ceased his assault, eyes smoldering with a reddish hue as his breaths quickened. Whirling around, he lunged towards Jenna. Jenna sensed the abnormality and bellowed out, her voice a mix of anger and fear, Pull yourself f*cking together! But her words were smothered as Lumian pinned her down. In tandem with this action, a hard object pressed against Lumians right side. What was that? Reacting instinctively, his hand grazed the hilt of the ritual silver dagger hed strategically placed for self-injury. A vague understanding of his intent to use it flickered back into his mind. In the next heartbeat, Lumiannow mostly irrational from his burgeoning desireseized the handle of the silver dagger and drove it into his own flesh. The silver tip sliced through cloth, skin, and muscle alike. Excruciating pain thundered into Lumians consciousness, restoring some rationality from the grips of his wild desire, allowing him to regain some lucidity. Pretending nothing had changed, he continued his actions on Jenna, his hands wandering aimlessly. Are you f*cking useless? Cant even handle a pervert! Jenna scolded, hoping to jolt her lone protector back to reality. Seeing his opponent under control, the man hastily retrieved his own concealed dagger, preparing to strike Lumian from behind. Just then, Lumians hands slid and he steadied himself against the cool cave floor beside Jenna. With a swift motion, he flexed his waist and kicked his right foot backward. Whack! Lumian struck, his attack to the mans groin swift and precise, akin to a whips snap. A guttural crunch echoed, the mans visage draining of color as pain contorted his features. Clatter! His weapon slipped from his grasp. Not one to squander an advantage, Lumian lunged, ensnaring his prey in a swift embrace. His right arm snaked up, seizing the mans head and wrenching it with an unyielding force. Crack! The man was granted a view of his own back, his focus mercifully diverted from the torment below. Once his adversarys life was unequivocally extinguished, Lumian withdrew his arms and produced his ritual silver dagger. With a white bandage he had in his possession, he attended to his own wound. He held no fear of infectioneven if such an eventuality arose, his Provoker constitution would endure until the 6 a.m. of the next day. The primary purpose of his first-aid efforts was to prevent the cave from retaining traces of blood. Jenna, sprawled on the cold ground, mustered the strength to hoist herself up. She observed as Lumian retracted his deadly grip and the man crumpled lifelessly to the ground. Just like that? A shiver of shock rippled through her, effectively quelling her previously stoked desires. She was no naive observer. She had gauged the formidable, almost magical aura of that lecherous man, but he was annihilated in mere seconds by this handsome rural lad! Barely a heartbeateight or nine seconds at mosthad transpired before a life was extinguished. Upon tending to his injury, Lumian collected the mans outer garments and moved towards Jenna. She blinked out of her stupor and queried curiously, Why are you here? Almost reflexively, she added jokingly, Dont say youre enamored by me and have been trailing me? Lumians response was a soft chuckle as he squatted down, drawing Jennas hands behind her back. What are you doing? Jennas voice teetered on panic. Despite her feeble struggles, Lumian effortlessly secured her wrists using the mans shirt. In the blink of an eye, he pulled a dark jacket over Jennas head, blocking her sight completely. Dogsh*t, bastard, pervert, what do you want? Jennas words tumbled out, a jumble of anger, anxiety, and confusion. Lumian dismissed her outburst. Ripping off the remaining piece of his shirt, he wadded it up and thrust it into Jennas ears and mouth. Mmmmm Jenna was silenced. A resignation washed over her as she thought, Fine, Ill endure this like a dog bite. As long as he doesnt kill me Yet, her apprehension was met with stillness. Lumian had risen, leaving her side to approach the lifeless form on the cave floor. Upon purifying his ritual silver dagger and wiping it clean, Lumian circumnavigated the petite cave, weaving a wall of spirituality. Next, he commenced the Summoning Dance. His intention was to invoke a spirit via this rite! Despite this methods efficacy falling notably short compared to traditional psychic spells, the goal of the Summoning Dance wasnt strictly spirit invocation. Nevertheless, it was far better than the alternativedoing nothing. His spirituality melded with natural forces and diffused in every direction, but was confined within the wall of spirituality enveloping the cave. Thus, the summoning wouldnt attract any unwanted entities. In the midst of the chaotic, mesmerizing dance, Lumian perceived the spectral form of the man. Drawing the ritual silver dagger, he let a droplet of blood fall, commanding the spirit to bond with him. Almost instantaneously, Lumian was gripped by a chilling sensation as an unusual and fervent heat ignited within him. This was accompanied by an overwhelming desire for women. Is this an actual side-effect? Does it parallel the insatiable hunger experienced with the mouth-orifice monster? Lumian made a conscious effort to avoid glancing at Jenna, who was now bound and blindfolded, as he noted his newly acquired head. Since the man had recently perished, his other head was saturated with lingering emotions such as lust, pain, fury, loathing, and the instinctive urge to utilize his distinctive traits. Also present were traces of obsessions and the most profound memories. Analyzing the situation, Lumian understood that this pervert possessed far more abilities and traits than the mouth-orifice monster. Inciting avarice in others; Becoming miserly and greedy, able to detect items that once belonged to him; Stimulating others appetites; Maintaining a robust and healthy physical state; Existing in perpetual hunger and thirst; Constantly utilizing mental faculties to augment strength, reflexes, agility, and resilience; Employing ones gaze, speech, and actions to subtly induce a measure of lust in the target. Through direct contact and spell-like abilities, the target will experience varying degrees of lust. Preparing rape drugs and the like. Differentiating hormonal information of various individuals Did Monsieur Ive utilize the first one? This pervert is indeed connected to Monsieur Ive and Susanna Mattise A constant state of hunger and thirst. No wonder he targeted Jenna and dared to abduct her. Can this be categorized as a negative effect? Indeed, Jenna may not be his first victim Lumian didnt select any specific trait. He was limited to general observations of the spectral companion and was unable to comprehend any of the more nuanced abilities. Lumian made an attempt to amplify the mans most profound memories. Suddenly, he was in the midst of a bustling theater. On stage stood a young woman clad in a divine white dress, her deeply carved features accented by lake-like eyes, crystal clear and rippling with innocence and charm. Charlotte Calvino Lumian identified the woman instantly. She was the reigning star of the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. Simultaneously, Lumian felt the mans excitement, the predatory hunger within him intensifying. However, with the crowd around, he refrained from any untoward behavior. He bolted to the lavatory as soon as the scene concluded. As the memory faded, Lumian ceased the Summoning Dance, letting the mans spirit withdraw from his being. Almost immediately, he performed the Summoning Dance again, inviting the spirit to rejoin him. This was because each possession allowed Lumian to select only one trait, one memory, or one obsession. Once chosen, it was irrevocable. Lumian had opted for one of the spirits most poignant memories. In the next instant, Jenna appeared before him, giving an overtly dramatic performance on-stage. The situation became clear to Lumian. He couldnt resist clenching his jaw and cursing, Is there nothing else in your mind but women, women, women! He abandoned the idea of spirit channeling, regretting that he hadnt yet achieved the status of a Contractee, unable to forge a long-term contract with the spirit and borrow a skill. Lumian appraised the mans traits, certain that some of them would prove immensely useful in combat. If only I could rear this spirit Lumian sighed, conceding his present limitations. Subsequently, he dissolved the spiritual barrier, sheathed his ritual silver dagger, and returned to Jenna. He removed the jacket shrouding her eyes and the shirt binding her hands. Jenna winced, plucking the cloth from her mouth and ears. She massaged her reddened wrist, throwing a skeptical look at Lumian who was busy searching the pockets of the mans clothing. She inquired, Why did you blindfold me and block my ears earlier? I was protecting you. You shouldnt see or hear what isnt meant for you, Lumian responded in a half-jesting tone, his search yielding a total of 8 verl dor coins and three somewhat antiquated metal canisters. Perceiving no threat from him, Jenna huffed. What could possibly be unseen or unheard here? Unless you you didnt with the corpse Her voice faded as she connected a few dots, roughly guessing that Lumian might have been using some power to extract information from the corpse. Upon noticing Lumian evaluating the three metal canisters, Jenna deflected the topic and reminisced, One of these bottles contains a gas that knocks you out, leaving you feeble. Thats how he abducted me. Also, another bottle has this gas, extremely foul-smelling but strangely enough, it wakes you up. Damn, that pervert deserves being f*cked by a donkey! I dont know whats in the remaining bottle, and I cant distinguish between the other two. Chapter 162 - 162 Fresh Corpse 162 Fresh Corpse Lumian crouched down, clutching the three metal canisters in his hands. He cast a glance at Jenna, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. I know just the way to confirm it. What Jennas curiosity piqued, but soon a hint of nervousness and panic crept into her expression, triggered by Lumians enigmatic smile. Unfazed by her reaction, Lumian responded with a smile of his own. Help me determine which canister is which, he suggested. What sort of joke is this? Jenna thought, grateful for the fact that had Lumian not saved her and aware of her own weakened state, she would have unleashed a stream of curses. However, Lumians expression turned serious. Rest assured, if it contains the gas that knocks you out, the worst that can happen is you fainting again. I wont harm you, and even if I wanted to, you wouldnt be able to resist. Besides, once we ascertain which canister is which, I can use a stimulating gas to revive you and bring you back to normal. If luck is on your side and you encounter the stimulating gas, youll regain most of your strength immediately, Lumian added. That makes sense. Regardless of the outcome, it cant possibly be harmful. She was almost convinced by Lumians words. However, snapping out of her daze, Jenna clenched her teeth and voiced her concerns. But what if you end up selecting the other canister? We have no idea what it contains! If it turned out to be poisonous gas, there was no one present with the knowledge to treat her. Lumian responded with a mocking tone, a smile still tugging at the corners of his mouth, Are you daft? Canisters filled mostly with gas and those containing liquid have a significant weight difference! This particular bottle should be filled with liquid! He picked up one of the metal canisters and gave it a slight shake. He clearly heard the unmistakable sloshing sound of liquid inside before pocketing it. Is that so Although Jenna had been mocked, her attention was focused on the experiment, and anger didnt consume her. After a few seconds of hesitation, she closed her eyes and tilted her head slightly, determined. Go ahead, give it a try! Lumian stowed one of the metal bottles in his pants pocket, leaving only one in his grasp. With a leisurely pace, he brought it near Jennas nose. In the next moment, Jenna slowly cracked open her eyes. In an instant, an intensely pungent odor, reminiscent of fermented excrement, assailed Jennas senses, causing her to sneeze repeatedly. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes, and her nose threatened to drip. However, each sneeze served as a catalyst, restoring a significant portion of her strength. As Lumian sealed the canister and rose from his crouch, Jenna leaped to her feet, instinctively stretching her limbs. Jenna happily adjusted her clothing and skirt, muttering to herself, Seems like luck is on my side! On her first attempt, she managed to obtain the canister with the foul-smelling gas. But then she noticed Lumians playful expression. Jennas heart skipped a beat, sensing that something was off. Curiosity getting the better of her, she inquired, Did you already know which gas canister was which from the start? Is that the reason he was able to accurately select the metal canister containing the pungent gas? Lumian grinned and handed the metal canister to Jenna. Smell the cap for yourself. Jenna eyed the canister suspiciously before cautiously sniffing the bottle. A faint odor lingered, not particularly stimulating or potent, but still unpleasant. The other canister has no scent, Lumian added with a smile. Jennas flushed face turned an even deeper shade of red. She felt foolish, having believed the words of the other party and willingly taken part in the so-called experiment. Any feelings of gratitude she had prepared were instantly quashed. Ignoring Jennas enraged state, Lumian pocketed the 8 verl dor banknote and marked the metal canister with a scratch before stowing it away. Though the man possessed the ability to sense the whereabouts of items that had once belonged to him, Lumian wasnt afraid of being tracked since the man was already dead. As for the function of the liquid in the remaining metal canister, he planned to test it on rats, stray dogs, and other animals. Having completed the necessary tasks, Lumian pointed at the perverts lifeless body and instructed Jenna, Take a good look at him and commit his face to memory. Well need to investigate who he is. He probably has accomplices. Alright. Jenna strode toward the corpse, earnestly engraving his face into her memory. After observing for a while, the recent events flooded back into her mind, fueling her anger. She raised her right leg and ruthlessly kicked the perverts groin. Again and again, without restraint. Dogsh*t, pervert, damn your mother, damn your entire family! Jenna vented her emotions to her hearts content. Lumian winced, feeling a twinge of pain, as he lowered his head to clean up the remnants at the scene. Once Jenna had calmed down, he approached her with a large grayish-white cloth bag. As he stuffed the corpse and clothes inside, he casually inquired, How did he abduct you? Jenna smoothed her disheveled brownish-yellow hair and tied it back into a simple ponytail. Gritting her teeth, she recounted, I encountered him in an alley next to the Salle de Bal Brise. He claimed to be a fan of my singing and asked for an autograph. The paper he handed me was sprinkled with that odorless gas. As soon as I signed it, I sensed something was wrong and lost most of my strength. After that, he attacked me, restrained me, and brought the bottle to my nose. Thats when I passed out. Lumian couldnt help but mock, Arent you being too careless? Jenna didnt agree. Ive seen him several times while singing. I was certain that he genuinely enjoyed listening to me. Otherwise, I wouldnt have given him the time of day. And, as an unknown singer, its an honor to have someone ask for your autograph Besides, the gas doesnt have any smell! How could anyone have guarded against this? Lumian scoffed. Thats not what I meant. Its obvious that the gas dissipates quickly on paper. It needs to be used within a short period of time to have a certain effect. In other words, that pervert has been tailing you for a while and has probably figured out your routines. Otherwise, he wouldnt have cornered you so accurately in an empty alley and tainted the paper with the gas ten to twenty seconds in advance. Didnt you notice despite being followed for so long? Jenna fell silent, at times clenching her teeth, at times frustrated. Lumian shifted his gaze and chuckled. It was understandable that she didnt notice. That guy could discern hormonal information from different individuals. If it werent for the fact that Monsieur Ive was clearly weaker than the pervert and probably hadnt mastered the power of lust, Lumian would have suspected that his identity as a robber had been exposed. He resealed the grayish-white cloth bag and used it to further erase any traces at the scene. Observing this, Jenna lent him a hand. Shes quite skilled at dealing with evidence Lumian glanced at Jenna and left the cave with the cloth bag slung over his back, harboring some suspicions. Due to Jenna intentionally not mentioning her unusual behavior under the influence of the pervert, Lumian believed that this Showy Diva had some understanding of the Beyonder world, or she might even be one herself. And her source of information or power most likely stemmed from Red Boots Franca from the Savoie Mob. When Lumian arrived at his hiding spot, he ignited the carbide lamp and held it in his hand, glancing back at the depths of the path. The path descended. There was darkness in the distance, a void that swallowed everything as it lay in wait for its prey to approach. What are you looking at? Jenna asked curiously. She sensed that Ciel was acting mysterious. Lumian ended his gaze and smiled. Im wondering where well end up if we keep going down. Perhaps the Trier from the Fourth Epoch? In reality, what he was truly pondering was: The abnormal ability displayed just now was strikingly similar to Monsieur Ives. If the two of them were accomplices, would they instinctively choose a familiar place in the underground world for the crime? The same underground destination where Monsieur Ive had entered that night? If that were the case, perhaps he would uncover something if he continued down this path. Disappointed, Jenna remarked, Thats not a good place. Lumian remained silent as he retraced his steps along the path. Lost in her own thoughts, Jenna followed silently, clutching the carbide lamp left behind by the pervert. Just as he was about to reach the level that roughly replicated the layout aboveground, Lumian halted and said with a contemptuous smile, Do you need me to escort you to the surface? Youre not going back? Jenna asked, surprised. Lumian shrugged. I need to find a suitable place to dispose of this corpse. Jenna nodded and refrained from prying further. I can ascend on my own. Ive been underground before. Does that imply you possess the means to protect yourself? Lumian watched Jenna depart with light footsteps, inwardly sighing. Does every human and dog in Trier have access to Beyonder powers? Is something amiss with Trier, or is something amiss with me? Why do I always encounter such individuals? Shaking his head, he hoisted the corpse onto his back. As he dealt with the footprints, he made his way toward the hidden quarry cave where he had previously sought the boon. Along the way, he performed two instances of anti-tracking to ensure no one was tailing him. Upon reaching the underground quarry cave, Lumian tossed aside the grayish-white cloth bag containing the corpse and arranged the altar. Initially, he had intended to visit the nearest hospital morgue during the night to acquire fresh corpses, but now he had a better option! After setting up the altar, lighting the candles, and constructing a wall of spirituality, Lumian retrieved the pre-drawn faux goatskin adorned with the corresponding symbol. The central pattern on the paper consisted of a ring formed by thorns, encircled by symbols representing eyes, curves, and rivers. Just tracing these patterns in Room 207 had drained Lumians spirituality. With the faux goatskin in place, Lumian took two steps back and gazed at the flickering candles, preparing for the subsequent incantation. In this ritual, one couldnt employ the phrase I! I summon in my name to beseech oneself. Instead, they had to craft a three-line description of their being and feign the role of a creature from the spirit world. It could be done in any manner, devoid of any wielding of authority, as long as it could pinpoint the location within the wall of spirituality. Lumian parted his lips and muttered in Hermes, Cordu Villages Trickster King, Aurore Lees younger brother, an entity known as Lumian Lee Chapter 163 - 163 Three Questions 163 Three Questions The flame of the orange candle, representing the focal point of the prayer, flickered as though stirred by an unseen breeze. Apart from that, it remained unaffected, maintaining its ordinary hue without any hint of transformation. Lumian sensed an unusual pulsation deep within his soul, as if a distant cry had reached his ethereal essence. Temporarily unable to respond, he continued to recite the incantation. I implore you, I beseech to be bestowed the Prophetic Concoction In this ritualistic spell, words like help create couldnt be used. It had to be bestowed or gifted. Lumians spirit trembled with each uttered word, like ripples extending outward, leaving him with an unsettling sensation of both elevation and dizziness. Taking two steps forward, he surveyed the aquatic monsters flesh, the lizard eyes, and the gray henbane. Retrieving the faux goatskin adorned with enigmatic symbols, he positioned it atop the orange candles flame, symbolizing the target of his prayer. Once the faux goatskin was ignited and placed within the natural hollow of the stone altar, Lumian meticulously gathered tulip powder and other ingredients, sprinkling them into the flames. A peculiar fragrance swiftly permeated the ethereal barrier, causing Lumian to experience hallucinations. He witnessed a profusion of mystical symbols adorning the faux goatskin, materializing in the void, in constant motion and reconfiguration, perpetually altering their collective form. Lumian stepped back and scrutinized the diverse materials on the altar. In a resonant voice infused with Hermes power, he invoked, Tulip, a herb that belongs to inevitability, please pass your powers to my incantation! As Lumian uttered the final word, his spirits ripples merged, granting him the illusion that he could graze the candles flame with a mere touch of his palm. Simultaneously, a searing sensation ignited within his chest, accompanied by a faint hum resonating in his ears. His surroundings spun, akin to being tossed into the air and spun around repeatedly. Guided by his spirituality, Lumian extended his right hand, pressing it toward the candles flame. His vision dimmed as his spirituality surged forth, intertwining with the flames. The candles flame promptly expanded, casting a radiant and ethereal glow upon the entire altar. The disparate ingredients of the Prophetic Concoction, once gathered, stirred and converged. Blood churned, and shadows undulated, crafting an exceptionally sinister tableau. Struggling to maintain a steady flow of his spiritual essence, Lumian observed the physical components fade into specters, completing their reassembly. A dark crimson phantom, infused with silver-black tincture, materialized before him, condensing into a murky liquid. The liquid incessantly bubbled, each burst releasing sinuous tendrils of silver-black light, reminiscent of slithering serpents. Lumian advanced two steps, seizing a metal canister from the altar. Unscrewing its lid, he positioned it beneath the liquids surface. Having placed the vessel containing the Prophetic Concoction back on the altar, Lumian composed himself, preparing his mental state. As Lumian calmed the ripples within his spirit, he recollected the entire process of the ritual. If the thorn symbol hadnt reached a certain level of activation, elevating my status, I wouldnt have been able to respond and the endeavor would have failed I can only perform two similar ritualistic spells consecutively Lumian ruminated, gradually finding his thoughts settling. Completing the five ritualistic spells required a minimum of Sequence 7, or even Contractee. Lumian, an Alms Monk of Sequence 8, could only accomplish it by relying on the corruption within his body. Correspondingly, his spirituality couldnt endure for much longer. After concluding the ritual and tidying the altar, Lumian dispelled the ethereal barrier and approached the grayish-white cloth bag to drag out the lifeless body. With gentle care, he twisted the other partys head to its original position and opened the mouth. Bathed in the glow of the blue carbide lamp, Lumian retrieved the Prophetic Concoction, unscrewed its lid, and poured the dark liquid into the corpses mouth. Rather than immediately permeating through the larynx, the liquid remained within, akin to a pool of water. Suddenly, Lumian sensed the quarrys breeze turning colder, and the carbide lamps light deepened to a richer blue. Almost simultaneously, he heard a rumbling sound, witnessing the corpses throat writhe as it consumed all of the Prophetic Concoction. In the next moment, the naked corpse sat upright, engulfed in an unnatural darkness that defied illumination. His eyes snapped open upon his pallid, worn face. The once-brown irises had lost their color, now crystal-clear and devoid of hue. Within the depths of those translucent eyes, layers of vibrant colors seemed to reside. A pure light hung high, countless nearly imperceptible figures, and flickering silver radiance Withstanding the bone-chilling cold, Lumian composed himself and inquired, Where will Guillaume Bnet, the former padre from Cordu Village in Darige, Riston Province, Intis Republic, appear in a month? During the interim, Lumian had contemplated the three questions he wished to pose. Four primary rules governed the questioning: First, it must pertain to the future. Inquiries regarding someones whereabouts or past actions were forbidden. Secondly, the description had to be precise enough, or an unanswered query would arise. The name Guillaume Bnet was commonplace in other parts of Intis. Numerous individuals shared the same name. Unless the village of origin was specified, the corpse might reveal the future fate of a different Guillaume Bnet. Thirdly, regardless of the corpses country of origin or familiarity with the corresponding language, it would respond in the same language as the question posed. Lastly, a question could only contain one element requiring an answer. It could not be framed in the manner of when and where will it be? The corpses pale countenance took on a dark green tinge. It parted its lips and uttered in Intis, Triers Quartier de la Princesse Rouge. The voice resonated with an illusory and ethereal quality, as if it emanated from another realm. It bore no resemblance to the deceaseds living voice. So, it can only be narrowed down to the Quartier de la Princesse Rouge? Lumians brow furrowed slightly. He could comprehend the reason behind itthis was not a Prophetic Concoction obtained from hidden entities. Its creator was essentially an Alms Monk, hence the effects naturally wouldnt be outstanding. Lumian proceeded to raise his second question. Where will I encounter Louis Lund, the former butler of the village administrator in Cordu Village, Darige, Riston Province, Intis Republic? He refrained from mentioning Madame Pualis since he was uncertain of her connection to Madame Night. He feared that her elevated status might interfere with the prophecys accuracy. The corpses eyes remained vacant and translucent as it gazed ahead. It responded with an ethereal voice, Triers Le March du Quartier du Gentleman Avenue du March. Avenue du March? It seems Louis Lunds presence there isnt mere happenstance Lumian mused, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. As he contemplated, he noticed the strange visions reflected in the corpses transparent eyes gradually fading. Acting swiftly, he posed his third question. Where will Monsieur Ive, the proprietor of Auberge du Coq Dor in Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, be from 11 p.m. to 12 p.m. this Sunday? Having observed Monsieur Ive previously entering the underground at this time, Lumian sought to ascertain the specifics of his destination. Considering that Monsieur Ive had recently been robbed and had visited the police headquarters, he might refrain from venturing into the underground for the time being. Lumian specified the time as Sunday. The corpse swiftly replied, Triers Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. With that, the corpse thudded to the ground and closed its eyes once more, emanating the putrid stench of death. Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons once again Lumian bundled the corpse back into the cloth bag, intending to bury it even deeper underground. In front of a beige three-story building, a stubbly-bearded tramp found himself cornered by two valets beside a pillar. I-Ill leave now, he stammered, trembling. At that moment, a man dressed as a butler approached, his face filled with surprise. Master, is that you? Master! What? The tramp was perplexed. The butler couldnt contain his excitement. Dont you remember? Youre the owner of this place, and we are all your loyal servants. You suffered a head injury and lost many memories. One day, you suddenly ran away from home. Its been months. Ive finally found you! Youve returned! Im not, Im not The tramp remembered his past clearly. However, the butler and the two valets refused to listen to his explanation. They encircled him and led him into the building. Madam, Madam, the Master has returned! the butler shouted with elation. Before long, the tramp laid eyes upon an elegant and beautiful woman. She wore a light-green dress, her eyes exuding a mature allure. Overwhelmed with joy, she burst into tears and threw herself into the tramps arms. Youre back! Youre finally back! As he inhaled the sweet scent of her perfume and felt the softness of her body against his, the tramp attempted to argue that he wasnt her husband, but the words caught in his throat. In a daze of confusion, he was guided to the dining room. There, under a crystal chandelier, he beheld a sumptuous feasta dozen oysters, a pot of succulent chicken, a plate of beef stewed with prunes, suet pudding, salad, and a bottle of White Elixir wine Simultaneously, the tramps gaze fell upon the oil paintings adorning the walls of the dining room. One of them was a portrait, strikingly similar to him. Could it truly be me? But I recall every experience Could there be another who bears my resemblance? The tramp grew even more bewildered. After indulging in a hearty meal and savoring fine wines, he was led to the bedroom. Soon, the beautiful and elegant madam entered, dressed in a silk nightgown. Her eyes shimmered with tears as she spoke, Do you still remember my passion? The tramps breathing quickened, and he couldnt resist taking a step forward. The two of them embraced passionately, tumbling onto the bed, their desires overwhelming them. In that moment, the tramp began to believe that he truly was the owner of this grand house. He had a beautiful wife, a professional butler, and a multitude of servants. Even if the original master were to return, he would ensure that the other was exposed as a fraud! Lumian resurfaced and entered Auberge du Coq Dor, carrying the extinguished carbide lamp. Madame Fels, who manned the front desk, immediately stood up upon seeing him. CielMonsieur Ciel, Baron Brignais wishes to meet you at the Salle de Bal Brise after dinner. Baron Brignais is seeking me? What could it be about? Lumian nodded. Chapter 164 - 164 Intelligence 164 Intelligence Salle de Bal Brise, the caf on the second floor. Lumian strolled over to Baron Brignais with an air of nonchalance and took a seat. Not only did he lack any sense of deference or humility, but he also showed a blatant disregard for basic politeness, as if they were equals. Louis, standing discreetly behind Baron Brignais, silently shook his head. He had encountered many such individuals before, and their fate had always been the sameeither handed over to the police by the Savoie Mob or gravely wounded in a violent gunfight, losing their capabilities in the process. They had no choice but to become subservient, like dogs wagging their tails, in exchange for the gangs protection. Some met their demise due to various reasons, their bodies cast into the dark recesses of the underground world or packed into wooden barrels filled with stones and thrown into the depths of the Srenzo River. Good evening, Baron, Lumian greeted with a disarming smile. Baron Brignais betrayed no sign of anger on his face. He leisurely took a puff from his mahogany-colored pipe and casually inquired, Where have you been this afternoon? Underground, Lumian responded, resembling the corpse that had imbibed the Prophecy Concoction. He answered the other partys questions without any elaboration. If Little Minx Jenna and Red Boots Franca concealed the fact that he had dispatched the pervert and saved the former, his response would have been a display of utmost candor. Baron Brignais appeared momentarily taken aback but refrained from further probing. As he rubbed the mahogany pipe in his hand, he calmly stated, I have a task for you. Without waiting for Lumian to inquire, he explained with a smile, I hold great expectations for you. I believe you can become a crucial member of our Savoie Mob, entrusted with significant matters. However, my favorable opinion alone is insufficient. You must demonstrate strength that surpasses most and make contributions that garner their recognition. A carrot dangling before a donkey? Lumian scoffed inwardly. Outwardly, he deliberately narrowed his eyes. And what might this be about? Baron Brignais set aside his mahogany pipe, took a sip of his coffee, and adopted a soothing tone as he spoke, Assault any prominent member of the Poison Spur Mob. It would be best if you inflict severe injuries. Killing them outright works too. Lumian chuckled. Just two days ago, you cautioned me against causing a commotion and provoking an all-out conflict between the Poison Spur Mob and us. Arent you concerned that such actions might transpire, ultimately leading to you becoming a target of the police headquarters? Although he had intended to lie in wait for the Poison Spur Mobs Hammer Ait, Lumian refused to be treated as a fool by Baron Brignais. You are far more intelligent than those who surround me. For the past two days, Ive been closely observing the Poison Spur Mobs reactions, and it seems they have no immediate plans for revenge against you. What does that imply? It means theyre terrified of our Savoie Mob, Lumian replied with a jest. It was, of course, a jest. If the Poison Spur Mob feared the Savoie Mob, they would never have grown to become the second-largest mob in Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. Baron Brignais shook his head. In the past, they would have undoubtedly retaliated, exacting a higher toll than just medical expenses from our Savoie Mob. Moreover, after Margots demise, they merely put on a show on the surface. In reality, they took no actions that would attract the polices attention. It seemed they were searching for the true assassin amidst the chaos. These recurring anomalies lead me to believe that the Poison Spur Mob is preparing for something significantsomething very, very important. Thats why they remain patient and restrained. I cant be certain whether their forthcoming actions will impact our Savoie Mob, but we cannot idly wait for answers. At least youre astute Lumian grudgingly commended Baron Brignais within his thoughts. With a smile, Lumian posed a question, Are you suggesting that I eliminate their key members and observe their reactions? If they endure it without retaliation, it signifies a considerably grave problem. We would need to instigate a full-blown conflict and compel them to expose the issue, wouldnt we? Baron Brignais chuckled. I enjoy conversing with clever individuals. So, are you willing to undertake this task? Though his tone appeared inquisitive, his posture, gaze, and actions left no doubt that it was an order. Should Lumian refuse, the Savoie Mob would withdraw its protection. Lumian chuckled. I require information on all the significant members of the Poison Spur Mobnames, appearances, capabilities, distinguishing traits, and whether they have immediate family or spouses Louis, who stood behind Baron Brignais, was taken aback. Why is he asking about the family members of the Poison Spur Mob leaders? Is he planning to use them? Among Triers mobs, an unspoken rule prevailedone that everyone abided by unless it was an exceptional circumstance: never target family members who werent involved in the mob. Most individuals had parents, spouses, and children. If they were to abandon all moral boundaries and kill without hesitation, none would be spared. Everyone would be in jeopardy. Secondly, dealing with the families of low-ranking mobsters held no value. However, at Baron Brignaiss level, his family remained confidential, known to only a select few. Furthermore, they resided outside Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. Thirdly, those who held a certain status within the mob could be deemed ruthless. Threatening them with their families would only ignite their fury. Fourthly, the annihilation of a family would inevitably make headlines, angering the higher-ups at the police headquarters and triggering a severe crackdown. Thus, it was only in the process of eliminating a faction that they would confront the family of an enemy leader, avoiding the sowing of seeds of animosity and serving as a deterrent to other mobs. What was Ciels intention inquiring about the immediate family and wife of a crucial member of the Poison Spur Mob? Baron Brignais gazed at Lumian for a few moments before a slow smile crept across his face. The boss of the Poison Spur Mob is Roger, known as Black Scorpion. He resides at 126 Avenue du March. Im uncertain if he has a wife or immediate family. Even if he does, they arent in the market district. They might not even be in Trier. He possesses sinister spells and magical powers. Even I wouldnt dare to confront him. Baron Brignais seized the opportunity to caution Lumian about the formidable strength of Black Scorpion Roger. It was wise to avoid any designs against him, for death would be the only outcome. Sinister spells A Beyonder focused on spellcasting? Considering Rogers ability to subdue Margot, he must be at least a Sequence 7. He might even possess a mystical artifact or Beyonder weapon If Beyonders of this caliber lack robust bodies or special life-preserving abilities, they may resort to traps, close-range assassinations, and other methods. If their bodies arent weak and they excel in close combat, or if they possess a substitution spell like Leahs paper figurine, Ill have hardly any chance of victory. Unless I employ the Luck Enhancement Spell to prearrange his misfortune and make him sufficiently unlucky Lumians thoughts raced like lightning, fleeting as they disappeared. He nodded and inquired, What about the others? Baron Brignais took a leisurely puff on his pipe before responding,The Poison Spur Mob once had four powerful and significant members who were slightly inferior to us in the market district. However, after Margots demise at your hands, his replacement, Wilson, is quite feeble. Their overall strength has greatly diminished. Rogers deputy, Baldy Harman, is one of them. Initially, he and Roger arrived in the market district, establishing the Salle de Gristmill and gradually recruiting a group of individuals to form the Poison Spur Mob. Hes highly skilled in combat, on par with Margot in that regard. Additionally, he possesses peculiar abilities. For instance, he can withstand a blade and only suffer minor injuries. At times, he exhibits sudden bursts of violence, as if under the influence of some drug. He can instill fear in others. Oh, and he wields a knife coated with poison. Hes exceedingly cruel. He doesnt have a family or a mistress, but he takes a keen interest in women. He often dallies with street girls under the Poison Spur Mob. His usual residence is Black Scorpion Rogers house. When he seeks the company of a woman, he opts for a relatively clean motel or hotel within the market district. Lumian listened attentively, gradually formulating a plan. Theres a highly effective trap for Baldy Harman. Regardless of how Harman acquires such formidable defenses that only result in minor injuries after being slashed, it suggests a high probability that hes willing to trade injuries for victory. He relies heavily on his strengths in this aspect. If thats the case, I can provide him an opportunity. However, Fallen Mercury will be the one to inflict those minor injuries upon him. Even minor wounds can bleed! Baron Brignais continued, Most of the dancers under the Poison Spur Mob are under the supervision of Castina from Feynapotter. She was abducted to Trier and later became Black Scorpion Rogers mistress. Short-legged Candlestick was her nickname back when she worked as a dancer, owing to her relatively petite stature. Lumian envisioned a compact candlestick and formed a rough image of Castina in his mind. Castina doesnt engage in frequent fights, but she exhibits remarkable combat skills when she does. Shes cold and merciless when dealing with disobedient dancers. Perhaps shes forgotten the hardships she endured, Baron Brignais remarked with a touch of gentlemanly courtesy. She resides in an apartment at 19 Rue du Rossignol. Were unsure of the specific floor or room she occupies. She often frequents Rogers house. What right do you have to speak of her like that? Why dont we discuss the person who became a singer at Salle de Bal Brise after her father was forced to die due to a debt? Lumian never believed that mobsters possessed a true conscience. No matter the camaraderie, loyalty, or care they exhibited toward their peers, they were merely wildflowers adorned with mud. They essentially sought out victims among the dancers, street girls, ordinary individuals persecuted by loan sharks, and the peddlers they extorted. Brignais proceeded to introduce the final leader of the Poison Spur Mob. Hammer Ait was originally a member of our Savoie Mob. He possessed courage, intellect, and a sturdy physique. I held him in high regard and planned to recommend him to the boss. However, he betrayed us and joined the Poison Spur Mob. He swiftly acquired Beyonder powers. I suspect he consumed a potion from the Warrior pathway and has already reached Sequence 8. His towering height, nearly 1.9 meters, and his conduct during conflicts lead me to this deduction. Hammer describes his fists, which possess the hardness and force of iron hammers. He typically fights unarmed, but hes also adept with a revolver and a dirk. He resides at 25 Rue des Pavs, adjacent to Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. There is a sizable contingent of Poison Spur Mob members in that area. Pugilist? Will Beyonder characteristics manifest upon his demise? Lumian nodded and queried Baron Brignais, I also require their approximate travel patterns. Additionally, provide me with a revolver, an ample supply of bullets, and a portable weapon. A dirk, dagger, bayonet, or axe will suffice. No problem. Ill have Louis deliver them to you tomorrow morning. Baron Brignais nodded with satisfaction. After observing Ciel depart from the caf, Louis lowered his voice and inquired, Baron, are we truly going to let him confront the leaders of the Poison Spur Mob? Baron Brignais chuckled. Didnt you hear my explanation earlier? I didnt deceive him about this. However, the leaders of the Poison Spur Mob are not easily dealt with. Whether he struggles and requires our aid and protection afterward, or if he fails and finds himself on the brink of death, we can crush his arrogance and make him obedient. Chapter 165 - 165 Meeting Jenna Again 165 Meeting Jenna Again Louis exclaimed in surprise, What if Ciel fails and gets done in by the Poison Spur Mob? Baron Brignais chuckled and replied, When has our Savoie Mob ever kept all its members? On the way back to Auberge du Coq Dor, Lumian found himself in quite a good mood. Initially, he had intended to apprehend a significant member of the Poison Spur Mob, probing into their source of power and their affiliation with the wicked deity Madame Pualis worshiped. But now, the Savoie Mob had assigned him a similar task. It aligned perfectly with his desires. This way, he not only swiftly gained detailed information about multiple targets, saving valuable time, but he could also fully utilize the Savoie Mobs resources, such as weaponry, manpower, and connections. A moment ago, Lumian contemplated requesting explosives from Baron Brignais, mulling over the possibility of setting a trap to blow up one of the leaders of the Poison Spur Mob. In the end, he decided against it. Firstly, he felt it was too brazen and would attract unwanted attention from the police. Secondly, being a wanted criminal, he couldnt afford to be investigated. Thirdly, if he obliterated his target entirely, how could he gather any information? Of course, he could employ the Summoning Dance and the wall of spirituality to allow the deceased spirit to cling to him and enhance the memories that left the deepest imprints. However, this method was entirely unpredictable. Who knew if those individuals minds would be as deranged as the previous perverts? Moreover, each Summoning Dance could only amplify a single memory. If luck wasnt on his side, it could take a significant amount of time to find useful information. This contradicted his intention of swiftly departing from the scene of the assassination. Initially, Lumian planned to deal with Hammer Ait, but upon hearing Baron Brignaiss description, he considered Baldy Harman as a viable candidate as well. Compared to Ait, Harman had notable weaknesses that Hunters could exploit to set traps! His power granted him exceptional body resilience. On numerous occasions, he sustained only minor injuries despite being slashed with knives. Lumian recalled Aurores words: Those skilled in swimming are prone to drowning. In Harmans case, one could interpret it as, Those adept at blocking weapons with their bodies are more susceptible to perishing by weapons. As for Lumian, he possessed Fallen Mercury, the Cursed Blade. Furthermore, in comparison to Hammer Ait, who frequently traveled with a large entourage and resided within the Poison Spur Mobs settlement, Baldy Harman ventured out alone occasionally, seeking street girls and dancers. Consequently, he proved to be a simpler target for assassination. Moreover, he was closer to the core power of the Poison Spur Mob and held more secrets. However, the conundrum arose. If Lumian were to set a trap and employ Fallen Mercury to deal with Baldy Harman, capturing him alive and extracting information would be impossible. If Lumian could overpower Baldy Harman after stabbing him and dragging him to a secluded corner in Underground Trier, why bother stabbing him initially? If he couldnt, his only recourse would be to stab the enemy and allow him to flee. Alternatively, after his escape, Lumian could await the intervention of the Montsouris ghost to assist in the targets demise. Whether this would implicate the targets family wasnt his concern. Hence, the pursuit of Baldy Harman and Hammer Ait presented their respective pros and cons. Lumian was not yet able to reach a decision. He intended to contemplate his target selection after receiving more detailed information, weapons, and ammunition from Baron Brignais the following morning. Whats all this? Lumian inquired curiously as he traversed the lobby. Werent these the same elderly folks peddling counterfeit street ma?tresse datelier photos at Suhit steam locomotive station? Why were they bringing back such a sizable bag? Ruhr ceased pulling at the cloth bag, wiping the sweat from his forehead. He forced a smile and replied, Dont you know, Monsieur Ciel? We moonlight as scavengers by night. We salvage discarded items that might still hold value. Informed by Charlies advertisement, the couple was aware of Ciels newfound leadership role in the Savoie Mob. Consequently, they saw no issue with Ciel seeking answers from them since Auberge du Coq Dor was his turf. From their perspective, as the guardian of Auberge du Coq Dor, Monsieur Ciel needed to stay informed about the establishment to prevent any mishaps. Juggling two occupations, one of which involves deception It certainly reeks of all sorts of rubbish Lumian pinched his nose and silently muttered. He pondered and asked thoughtfully, Do you hoard all this trash in your room? Ruhr wore an ingratiating smile and confirmed, Indeed. We visit the waste disposal site every few days. People drop off various items there. Heh heh, while scavengers are filthy, without us, Trier would be overwhelmed by foul odors. Every nook and cranny would be brimming with refuse. In Trier, scavengers served as supplementary cleaners. No wonder theres a stench in the room. No wonder you perpetually reek and forgo bathing As Lumian ascended the stairs at a leisurely pace, he stole a glance at the wrinkled faces and slightly stooped postures of Ruhr and Michel. He casually inquired, Youre not young anymore. Why do you still toil so diligently for money? Ruhr and Michel were taken aback, their smiles faltering subtly. After a brief pause, Ruhr mustered a pained and helpless smile. It is precisely because we are old that we must labor so strenuously. We arrived in Trier when we were very young and took up various occupations. We had a child, but he did not survive to adulthood. The monthly wages we received merely sustained our survival. As our health began to decline and our strength waned, fear gripped us. We were uncertain of what the future held. What if we grow too old to engage in our usual work someday? What would we do? Deplete our meager savings within a few months and rely on the charitable acts of the Church and the government to eke out a meager existence until we perish from hunger? I-I do not wish for such a fate Lumian was suddenly reminded of something his sister had once uttered. Intis is exceedingly harsh now. There is no protection for hardworking individuals in their twilight years. Stirred by his thoughts, Ruhr continued, Thankfully, our appetites have diminished with age. We dont eat or sleep much. That leaves us with more time to earn money. We dont have to worry about anything else. We can save most of what we earn. In the coming years, we should be able to enjoy a few more good ones by relying on our savings Heh heh, truth be told, compared to most people, were considered fortunate. None of them made it to our age. Madame Michel, standing beside him, wore a wistful expression. Once weve saved enough, well return to Aurmir and purchase a plot of land to cultivate grapes. Even if we lack the strength in the future, we can hire assistance. We dont have extravagant expenses anyway. Aurmir stood as the provincial capital of Champagne Province, renowned as the foremost hub of wine production in the Northern Continent. Silently, Lumian nodded as he observed the elderly couple laboriously hauling the bag of trash upstairs. After a brief respite, he put on simple makeup and changed his attire. Clad in a linen shirt, brown overalls, loafers, and a dark bowler hat, he made his way straight to Salle de Gristmill. Since Hammer Ait remained one of his targets, he needed to personally observe him. It was the late hours of the night, and Salle de Gristmill buzzed with activity. Amid the pulsating music, men and women gyrated on the dance floor, releasing their frustrations. Concerned about being recognized by the Poison Spur Mob, Lumian approached the bar and ordered a glass of rye beer before making his way to the dance floor. As he swayed to the rhythm, he surveyed his surroundings. Before long, he spotted Little Minx Jenna appearing on the raised wooden platform in front of him. She wore a similar outfit to the one she had donned in the afternoon, a short white blouse and a flouncy skirt, showcasing her fair chest. This time, she sported a mole on the bridge of her nose. It signified audacity. Impressive mental strength she possesses. Despite the afternoons events, shes back at work in the evening Lumian couldnt help but marvel. In his opinion, since Jenna was Red Boots Francas lover, there was no need for her to be so committed. The rhythmic drumbeats halted, and all eyes on the dance floor turned to Jenna, panting. Jenna began with a high-pitched tone. Ernest, stay away from my wife and pipe! Laughter erupted from the crowd as if a collective realization had struck them. In sync with the cheerful and bawdy singing, they swayed their bodies gently. As Jenna sang, she executed high kicks, shifting her position and winking at the audience from different angles, even performing an exaggerated split. During this display, her gaze briefly crossed paths with Lumian. She appeared momentarily stunned before returning to her normal demeanor. Once she finished her song, the intense drumbeats resumed. Jenna wasted no time resting. She leaped onto the dance floor, navigating through the sudden eruption of cheers, whistles, and men vying for proximity. She approached Lumian and shouted with a playful smile, Handsome lion, dance! In Intis, the lion was often used to describe alluring men due to their radiant mane, akin to the sun. Lumian sensed that Jenna had something important to share. He set aside his beer and joined her on the dance floor, engaging in a lively dance with the Showy Diva, face-to-face. Just as they were about to embrace, Jenna threw herself into Lumians arms and whispered into his ear, Youre quite the talented dancer. By the way, Ive discovered the identity of that pervert. His name is Hedsey. He used to reside in Room 504 at Auberge du Coq Dor. Charlies room? The occupant of Room 504 who put up Susanna Mattises portrait? Lumian was taken aback. Chapter 166 - 166 In Return 166 In Return Lumian had always believed that the tenant, like Charlie, had been enchanted by Susanna Mattise in his dreams. His vitality had been gradually drained, until he met a sudden demise in the room. Monsieur Ive, the hotel owner, had secretly transported the lifeless body to a secluded spot in Underground Trier. Little did he expect that the tenant would transform into a pervert with Beyonder powers. He now roamed Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, preying on attractive women. Lumian was convinced that Hedseys newfound abilities stemmed from a boon granted due to the absence of Beyonder characteristics after death. It was clear that these powers originated from the same source as Susanna Mattise and Monsieur Ive. In essence, not long after Susanna Mattises portrait was plastered, something extraordinary had occurred to Hedsey. He had become a devout follower of the Mother Tree of Desire and received two to three boons within a few short months. As a result, he had gained significant strength and mastery over various mystical techniques. For Beyonders who progressed by consuming potions, such speed was unimaginable, unless they possessed profound understanding and were at a remarkably low level. However, Hedseys boons also came with a downside. The recipient would be influenced by the power and gradually deviate from their true self. In certain aspects, they would become increasingly extreme, often engaging in actions that seemed irrational to ordinary individuals and inviting disaster upon themselves. Both Monsieur Ives miserliness and Hedseys insatiable lust for women fell into this category. Lumian suspected that nearly all boons had similar repercussions to some extent. Over time, they would inexorably draw the recipient closer to the bestower and induce corresponding mutations. The reason Lumian remained unaffected by the powers of the Dancer and Alms Monk was that they didnt directly come from the hidden entity known as Inevitability, but rather the corruption within his body that had been filtered through the seal. Additionally, Lumian had always maintained a vigilant stance in such matters. He not only refrained from altering his style and way of life to exploit the traits of the Dancer and Alms Monk for greater control over his strength but at times even went against their influence. Furthermore, Lumian would advance in Sequence and have a preliminarily digestion before obtaining the corresponding boon. He sought to preserve the balance of power within his body. Lowering his head, Lumian whispered to Jenna in a hushed voice, How did you discover this? As Jenna swayed to the rhythm, she pursed her lips and replied, Its quite evident that the pervert cannot exist without women. Kidnapping a woman every day and dragging her underground simply isnt feasible, or else he would have been apprehended long ago. Damn it, there must have been several victims. Do those incompetent black-skinned dogs even notice? Then how does he usually solve his problem? Clearly, relying on himself isnt sufficient to satiate his desires. So, I enlisted Francas help and inquired with the dancers and street girls from the Savoie Mob. I swiftly obtained an answer. How can that pervert, who deserves to be f*cked by a donkey, possess such virility? He can perform multiple times a day! Why doesnt he pursue those wealthy old ladies? Both parties would be satisfied! Jenna recounted her investigation with a sense of pride, showcasing her intellect. Throughout the afternoon, she had been brooding over Lumians earlier prank, which had made her appear foolish. Before embracing the beliefs of the Mother Tree of Desire and receiving the boon, Hedsey was a regular visitor to Rue de la Muraille, Rue de Breda, and Rue du Rossignol. However, after obtaining the boon, his mind became consumed with thoughts of women Lumian couldnt help but acknowledge that Jenna occasionally demonstrated some intelligence. With that in mind, Lumian decided to share some information. That abnormal desire must be a result of his Beyonder powers influence. Beyonder powers Jenna glanced up at Lumian. She had expected him to feign ignorance, just as they did in Underground Trier, where neither side openly acknowledged Hedseys displayed Beyonder powers. To her surprise, he spoke candidly. After a brief pause, Jenna, who was dancing closely with Lumian, whispered in confusion, Why do Beyonder powers make him so perverse? Lumian smirked once again. Its an abnormal Beyonder power. Do you think I cant tell that its abnormal? Jenna grew infuriated once more. Lumian chuckled. As for why its abnormal, go back and ask Franca. If Franca doesnt know either, have her inquire with the Boss. He shared this information with Jenna because he was concerned that there might be more to the issues surrounding Monsieur Ive, Susanna Mattise, Hedsey, and the others. If the official Beyonders failed to uncover the truth, his only hope lay with Mr. Ks finger and the Beyonders associated with the Savoie Mob. Jenna snorted and dropped the matter. She refocused on dancing with Lumian. As the music neared its end, she suddenly reached out and touched Lumians chest. Haha, nice bod! Jenna grinned, then retreated, heading towards the half-height wooden platform in front of the dance floor. It seemed as though she had finally exacted her revenge for what had transpired underground. She was filled with elation. Lumian scoffed and left the dance floor, once again picking up his glass of rye beer. As he listened to the music, he swayed his body gently, all the while observing the situation within Salle de Gristmill. As Lumian surveyed the area, his attention was drawn to a group of mobsters congregating near the stage. They wore a mishmash of outfits, surrounding a towering man who stood at a staggering height of nearly 1.9 meters. The burly man bore a striking resemblance to Giant Simon. His black shirt and formal attire emphasized his bulging muscles, but the dark-blue canvas pants and strapless black leather boots seemed out of place, creating a peculiar ensemble. With his tousled brown hair and slightly set-apart brown eyes, his ordinary facial features were complemented by a chiseled jawline. His hands and legs were longer than those of an average person. Hammer Ait Lumian averted his gaze, suspecting that this man was one of his targets. In Trier, there werent many individuals towering at nearly 1.9 meters Lumian wasnt concerned about Hammer Ait and his subordinates recognizing him from this distance. The ballroom was dimly lit, with only the soft glow of gas wall lamps and a chandelier above, providing enough illumination for dancing and discreet conversations. Unless someone was intimately familiar with Lumian or had just seen him, they wouldnt be able to identify him. Furthermore, Lumian had taken precautions to disguise himself. He hadnt anticipated Jenna recognizing him at first glance either. After Jenna finished singing another song, Hammer Ait led his subordinates off the dance floor and ascended to the second floor. Lumian continued his observations when he suddenly spotted a familiar figure entering the room. It was Monsieur Ive, the proprietor of Auberge du Coq Dor, his attire slightly faded from washing. His anxious and worried expression was evident as his blue eyes scanned the surroundings. Is he searching for Hedsey? The pervert didnt return after leaving in the afternoon. They suspect something happened to him, so theyre scouring the dance halls, seeking clues with the street girls? Lumian withdrew his gaze thoughtfully and shifted his attention back to the dancers on the floor. Based on the characteristics exhibited by Hedseys Spirit Body, Lumian sensed that Monsieur Ive was much weaker in comparison. He likely possessed the power of a Sequence 9 boon, focused on greed, possibly with elements of appetite. As for Hedsey, he was likely on the level of Sequence 8, with a slim chance of being a Sequence 7. Lumian leaned more towards the former, as the few Sequence 7 individuals he had encountered before were formidable adversaries, difficult to overcome even with preparations and traps. Of course, had Lumian not carefully observed and realized that Hedsey had the ability to trigger others desires, he might have been swiftly dealt with. In that environment, without Jennas presence, Lumian would have relied on his own strength to resist the influence and not completely forget the existence of the enemy. With Showy Diva, it was challenging for him to restrain himself. He had to rely on pain to awaken his senses. From the corner of his eye, Lumian observed Monsieur Ive engaging in conversation with the part-time street girl dancers. The way they scolded him, wearing expressions of disdain, struck Lumian as amusing. Is he pretending to negotiate a price in order to gather information about Hedseys whereabouts? In the end, hes just too stingy, always bargaining down the other partys offer by half or more, resulting in their scolding? Heh heh, Charlie was worried that Monsieur Ive, an old widower, wouldnt be willing to spend money on a licensed prostitute and risk contracting a disease. It seems hes overthinking it. Monsieur Ive cant even bring himself to spend money on an unlicensed street girl! The negative effects of a boon are truly potent Hmm, if there are women in that group who possess the same boons as Hedsey and are on the same level, they should be in a constant state of hunger and thirst. Monsieur Ive wouldnt need to seek out another street girl. Heh heh, he would only end up despising himself for being a man. He would be on the verge of being drained dry, with his desires forcibly aroused. The best disguises for those women would be dancers and street girls? Something doesnt add up. If there really were such women, Hedsey wouldnt need to come out and harm others Could it be that everyone at this level has advanced or died, with no replacements? Or is there an imbalance in the number of men and women? Is Hedsey the one being ostracized? As Lumian contemplated these thoughts, the band struck up another lively dance tune. After finishing her song, Jenna leaped off the half-height wooden stage once again and approached Lumian, inviting him to dance. This elicited boos from the surrounding crowd. Knowing that Jenna had something else to say, Lumian deliberately maneuvered to provoke those who were jeering. He stepped onto the dance floor, drew closer to Jenna, and began swaying his hips. Jenna looked up at him, smiling, and asked, What brings a Savoie mobster like you to the Salle de Gristmill? Lumian clicked his tongue and chuckled. Dont you think Im fond of you? Of course, Im here to listen to your singing. Jenna scoffed. Your target is Hammer Ait, isnt it? You want to repeat what happened with Margot? Youre quite clever, Lumian praised in a taunting tone. Jenna smirked confidently. I can assist you and provide important information. Lumian suppressed his nonchalance and asked thoughtfully, What do you desire in return? Jenna snorted and cursed, Are you f*cking underestimating me? Although I didnt thank you this afternoon, I wont forget that you saved me. Coincidentally, Im familiar with all the dance halls in the market district. Moreover, I just had a chat with Ait about some matters after the performance. I should be able to help you. Without waiting for Lumians response, she gritted her teeth and continued, Hammer resides in the innermost room on the second floor, towards Auberge du Coq Dor. He has ten thugs by his side. Four stationed at the doortwo inside and two outside. Two by the window, two near the sofa, and two always behind him. Theyre all armed. The security wasnt this tight before, and there werent as many people. Its all because of what you did to Margot. That room has an attached washroom. Its currently unoccupied. If the window is fully opened, it can just about accommodate a person. From the ventilation pipe in the ballroom kitchen, you can climb up to the second floor and bypass the guards stationed at the stairs. Then, enter the adjacent room and leap from the windowsill onto a narrow ledge outside the washroom. It requires considerable skill to pull off successfully. Chapter 167 - 167 Convergence 167 Convergence Upon hearing Jennas account, Lumian instinctively twirled and spun, his surprise evident as he asked, How do you know all this? It made sense that Jenna would have a basic understanding of the room layout and the thugs positions after venturing to the second-floor room and conferring with Hammer Ait. However, how did she know about the ventilation pipe in the ballroom kitchen leading to the second floor? Or jumping from the neighboring windowsill to the washroom? And what about the ledge on the outer wall of that specific room? Were these details within the grasp of an underground singer, known for her bawdy songs and exaggerated performances? She shouldnt possess such knowledge! Jenna, her face adorned with black eye shadow and a fake mole, sported a smug expression. Dont fret about how I know. I avoid seeing what I shouldnt, hearing what I shouldnt, and asking questions I shouldnt, she retorted, cleverly turning Lumians words back on him. This brought her considerable satisfaction. Only those planning an assassination or devising an escape in dire circumstances would pay attention to such particulars and observe with a purpose Which category does Jenna fall into? Her powers of observation in this environment are nearly on par with a Hunters. Sequences leaning toward assassination required gathering environmental information. Assassination Lumians mind raced, concocting a plan to bluff Jenna. Grinning mischievously, he uttered, So youre an Assassin. He stressed the word Assassin. Jennas expression changed, her smile freezing. How did you figure it out? she blurted out, shocked. By using my brain, Lumian replied, his smile unwavering. There were still a few Sequences that excelled at environmental observation. Lumian had taken a bold guess, considering Jenna as an Assassin. He recalled Ryan and his companions mentioning that Demoness was a relatively common pathway in the central and northern regions of Intis, especially Trier. In any case, he had nothing to lose if he was wrong. Meanwhile, Lumian pondered to himself, Not long after arriving in Trier, I encountered an Assassin and came to her aid. Can this be seen as a manifestation of the convergence of Beyonder characteristics? Jenna cant have reached Sequence 7; she isnt a Witch. Otherwise, even if weakened by the sedative on the paper, she could have effortlessly overpowered Hedsey with her mystical abilities. The term Witch clearly indicates proficiency in spells and curses, as Aurores notebook had mentioned. She is unlikely to be a Sequence 8 Instigator. How could an Instigator be fooled by me repeatedly? But it isnt out of the question. Perhaps Jenna had been more foolish in the past and relied on the Instigator path to enhance her intelligence? Furthermore, her willingness to provide information on Hammer Ait could be interpreted as a form of instigation. Heh heh, Jenna is a woman, so theres no need to worry about her gender changing after consuming the Witch potion. Where had Jenna obtained the potion? Had Franca given it to her? Could Franca also be a Beyonder following the Demoness pathway? If Franca is only a Sequence 8, that would be fine. But what if she were a Sequence 7 Witch? Who knows if Franca had been male or female before? Well, her behavior towards women is certainly peculiar. She is in a romantic relationship with Jenna. Hmm Jenna quietly contemplated her recent words, but she didnt uncover any information that might have revealed her own Sequence. Although you can fight, I believe theres a high chance youll be killed on the spot if you engage him in a place like the washroom, which isnt spacious enough. Madame, are you persuading me or taunting me? It seems you still possess some potential as an Instigator, Lumian candidly voiced his thoughts, not holding back his criticisms. He realized that Franca knew Hammer Ait better than Baron Brignais. She had mentioned a crucial point that the latter had omitted. Setting aside the possibility that Franca had a personal grudge against Hammer Ait, Franca either had a formidable background or had earned the trust of the boss of the Savoie Mob, gaining access to more mysticism knowledge and Sequence information than Baron Brignais. Jenna was taken aback. You know about Instigators? Is this still a country bumpkin from the countryside? How does he possess such extensive knowledge about the Beyonder pathways? Franca had mentioned that hes wanted by the authorities. It seemed he had been involved in a Beyonder incident? I know more than you think, Lumian replied, smiling. As he spoke, he suddenly recalled a title that had recently belonged to him: Mysticism Illiterate. Lumian swiftly pushed aside his melancholy and earnestly considered Jennas warning. Indeed, while Hunters were also skilled in combat and killing as Sequences, if traps and abilities like Provocation were excluded, they still couldnt match the prowess of Pugilists in close combat. Especially in a confined and cramped environment, they couldnt employ their combat intelligence effectively. It would be difficult for them to achieve the feat of the weak defeating the strong. Taking into account the modifications to his Dancer abilities and the utilization of various unorthodox tactics, Lumian felt he could just about hold his ground. He wouldnt fail immediately. If he wanted to eliminate Hammer Ait, he could only rely on Fallen Mercury and escape after a successful strike. But what set this apart from killing Baldy Harman? There was no need to factor in the presence of ten thugs and ten revolvers. Lumian assessed his possessions to see if anything could be useful in such a battle. Over 1,700 verl dor Fallen Mercury Blood from the aquatic monster Poisonous scales from the aquatic monster A vial of the sedative that rendered Jenna powerless A bottle of stimulating gas to counteract the effects of the sedative A bottle of liquid with unknown properties A dagger left behind by that pervert A ritual silver dagger Several white bandages As he contemplated, a plan gradually took shape. As he swayed to the rhythm, he cast a sidelong glance at Jenna and posed his question. Is that washroom spacious? Jenna made confirmation. No, its not. Besides the bathtub, toilet, and sink, it can only accommodate four to five people. In other words, if Lumian and Hammer Ait engaged in close combat, there wouldnt be room for anyone else. Is there a curtain outside the bathtub? Lumian inquired further. Yes, Jenna pondered for a moment. Do you have a gun with you? I believe it would be better to use a gun. Its safer and gives you a higher chance of success. I dont, Lumian replied, shaking his head. Jenna sneered, You intend to carry out the plan tonight with just that? She paused briefly before continuing, If you truly wish to kill Hammer Ait tonight, I can lend you my revolver. You still have a revolver on you? Lumian was surprised this time. He hadnt suspected that Jenna had a concealed revolver. The Showy Diva wore a short white blouse with a wide collar that allowed her bra to peek out. Her beige fluffy short skirt and black boots that didnt reach her knees added to her attire. Moreover, she kept raising her legs as she danced. It seemed impossible for her to have a gun holster strapped to her inner thigh. Lumian speculated that the only possible place for her to hide the revolver was within her pair of boots. Jenna assumed Ciel was questioning why she carried a revolver, so she responded with a disdainful sigh. I perform in dance halls in places like the market district. Do you think all those monsters are upstanding citizens? Do you think they wont act impulsively and try something on me? Those pieces of filth have twisted minds all day. When their thoughts are controlled by their desires, they wont consider that I have a connection with Franca and a good relationship with her. Damn it, if deterrence always worked, there wouldnt be so many criminals! While speaking, Jenna followed the rhythm of the drums and crouched down, searching inside her boots. Swiftly standing up, she pressed herself against Lumian. Twisting her body, she slipped her hand into his naturally lowered and swaying palm. Lumian immediately felt the cold metal texture and the solid wood. Without missing a beat, Lumian withdrew his hand and discreetly tucked the gun into his pocket. Afterward, Jenna continued, I bought it with most of my savings when I first arrived in the market district, before meeting Franca. That blasted black market merchant even tried to bed me, but I kicked his shin, making him scream in pain. Carrying a gun for self-defense at all times Youre quite vigilant. Otherwise, those mobsters could have controlled you before meeting Franca. You might have even become a part-time dancer or a street girl Lumian replied with a smile, Well done! As the accompanying music reached its end, Jenna fell silent. With the drumbeats fading away, Lumian observed Jenna as she walked toward the stage. He left the dance floor and returned to the outer circle. Taking advantage of the opportunity to visit the washroom, he carefully examined and familiarized himself with the revolver Jenna had given him. It was a compact revolver with a short barrel, ideal for concealed carry. Its color was a dark iron-black, and the grip was crafted from walnut wood. It held a total of six bullets. After tinkering with the revolver for a while, Lumian realized a predicament. His shooting experience was lacking. Previously, he had primarily relied on the shotguns wide spray of pellets. Oh well. I dont expect to kill Hammer Ait with a single shot. Injuring and weakening him will suffice. At such close range, with my grip and some shooting experience, I cant miss by much In an environment like the washroom, theres only one opportunity for a shot. Hammer Ait wont provide me with a chance for a second shot Lumian swiftly made up his mind. Exiting the washroom, he headed toward the kitchen of the Salle de Gristmill, taking advantage of the absence of people in the vicinity. Chapter 168 - 168 Prayer Target 168 Prayer Target As Lumian made his way, his nimbleness served him well in evading servers bustling with trays of food and busboys returning used utensils. He pressed forward until he reached the kitchen, only to find it in complete disarray. Stacks of unwashed utensils lay haphazardly in the sink, coated in layers of greasy oil. Two dishwashing maids stood by, tirelessly scrubbing away at the never-ending pile of dishes. The stoves emitted fierce yellow flames, turning the small space into a sweltering inferno. Sweat poured down everyones faces as they toiled away. Three chefs, adorned in white aprons, each prepared their own dishes. They would occasionally taste their concoctions by dipping their fingers in the sauces or sampling a morsel, wiping their hands casually on their aprons before moving on to the next dish. Once the chefs approved, the servers would whisk the plates away, oblivious to the fact that their thumbs often grazed the food and thick soups. They paid no mind to it whatsoever. The kitchen helpers scurried around the chefs, chopping vegetables, handling fish, tidying up ingredients, taking out the trash, and fetching various seasonings and supplies. They never ceased their efforts, yet the kitchen remained in disarray. Vegetable leaves, fish scales, and fruit peels were strewn about, oily and scattered across the floor, near the stoves, and close to the sink. The clamor of the chefs and kitchen helpers filled the air with shouts and curses, creating a chaotic symphony. Lumian could easily mistake it for a battlefield if he closed his eyes and listened closely. Taking advantage of the chaotic scene, Lumian deftly navigated through the busy crowd and reached the cabinet brimming with ingredients. Using partitions, handles, and the grayish-white gas and water pipes, he skillfully ascended to the ceiling and slipped into the ventilation shaft. The overpowering smell of oil and smoke assailed Lumians senses, nearly overwhelming him. But with the tolerance of an Alms Monk toward extreme environments, he pushed himself forward, crawling through the ventilation shaft and occasionally climbing higher. After about ten seconds, he poked his head out from above a second-floor washroom. Ensuring the coast was clear, Lumian agilely leaped down and swiftly made his way to the door, carefully scanning both ends of the corridor in secrecy. The area was eerily silent, with only two henchmen guarding the stairs, their focus solely on the first floor. They paid no mind to what lay behind them. Relieved, Lumian let out a sigh and pinpointed his target. Crouching down, he leaped to the adjacent room. Although the door was locked, Lumian encountered no obstacle he couldnt overcome. Utilizing a half-broken wire he had brought along, he managed to pry open the wooden door after a few attempts. Just as Jenna had described, the washroom attached to Hammer Aits room lacked a protruding window sill. It only had a decorative ledge, barely providing enough space to stand on its side. Even for a Hunter, leaping from the window sill to the narrow ledge posed a significant challenge, demanding perfect balance. Fortunately, Lumian possessed the extraordinary flexibility of a Dancer, almost surpassing human limits. After careful observation, he jumped up and landed precisely on the ledge with his right foot. His left side wavered, threatening to tip him over. Squatting down, he revealed only half of his head, peering silently into the room. The washroom door stood ajar, and occasional mobsters passed by. Lumian exercised patience, studying their movements until he discerned a pattern. Seizing the opportune gap when the washroom door was momentarily unattended, he skillfully pried open the window using Hedseys dagger and clambered inside. Maintaining composure and confidence, he swiftly closed the glass window before hurrying to the space beneath the bathtub, concealing himself with the undrawn curtains. Lumian, having successfully infiltrated the premises, arranged his few essential items in easily accessible positions. He took a moment to double-check their locations, ensuring he wouldnt fumble in a state of panic. Standing there motionless, he strained his ears to catch the activities in the adjacent room. Hammer Ait occasionally inquired about their recent earnings to the dance hall manager, scolded his subordinates with anger, or engaged in flirtatious exchanges with the star dancer, accompanied by seemingly intimate gestures. After a while, when the dance hall manager and the star dancer departed, Ait seemed to rise from his seat and began pacing slowly. He addressed the mobsters in the room, saying, In the following days, send out all your boys and have them visit every individual within our territory. I want you to ensure that we know who can be elected as the market districts member of parliament in next weeks election! Oh, so your mob is meddling in the parliamentary elections? Lumian felt a mixture of surprise and lack thereof. The growth of Triers mobs was impossible without some form of backing. They either maintained favorable relations with the police department and influential figures within it, enjoyed protection from powerful political figures, or acted as the black-gloved enforcers for influential merchants. The latter undoubtedly had connections to high-ranking government officials, upper echelons of the Churches, and military generals. Lumian had never anticipated that the mastermind behind the Poison Spur Mob possessed the audacity to vie for a parliamentary seat. He had initially assumed their ambitions would extend no further than becoming the market districts police commissioner or a member of the Trier City Council. Intis functioned as a parliamentary republic, where members of parliament represented various constituencies and formed the National Convention. This Convention held the authority to appoint the president, prime minister, who in turn appointed ministersalthough their decisions required approval from the Convention. The National Convention also possessed the power to legislate, declare war, and determine the governments budget. Each member of parliament held considerable influence and authority. At present, the National Convention consisted of over 300 individuals, with one-tenth of them being former nobles. The Sauron family, once part of the royal lineage, served as their leaders. The remaining seats were allocated based on the economic status of different provinces and territories, particularly the prosperous Trier Greater Region. Trier, whether in terms of population or economic prowess, stood unrivaled in Intis and the Greater Trier Region. It held nearly 40 seats in the National Convention. These approximately 40 seats were distributed among 20 districts, accommodating as few as one member of parliament or as many as four to five. These representatives also held ex officio positions as councilors in the City Council. The Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, a relatively small constituency, possessed only one seat in the National Convention. The individual chosen to fill this seat would wield immense power and influence within the region. Currently, the ruling National Party, the popular Enlightenment Party, and the Revolutionary Party, seeking to address existing flaws, were vigorously preparing for the upcoming National Convention elections. The party that secured a simple majority in the Convention would become the new ruling party. Otherwise, they would have to negotiate, compromise, and form a coalition with another party. In addition to the National Party, the Enlightenment Party, and the Revolutionary Party, Intis also had the Emperor Party (restorationists who advocated Roselles rule) and the Carbonari. They voiced discontentment with the current system and sought to bring about change through force. The mobsters replied one after another, assuring Hammer Ait that nothing would go awry. However, they remained tight-lipped about which faction or candidate they supported, leaving Lumian feeling a sense of disappointment. Tell me! After briefing them on the election, Hammer Ait instructed his subordinates, saying, Leave for a while. Return only when I summon you. What is his plan? Lumians eavesdropping had taken him by surprise. Soon enough, the mobsters vacated the room, leaving Hammer Ait alone. Lumian refrained from taking immediate action. After careful analysis, he believed that the confrontation between him and Hammer Ait in the washroom would have a more targeted impact than engaging outside, even without resorting to the use of Fallen Mercury. The room beyond fell into an eerie silence. Lumian strained his ears and managed to catch faint voices. It seemed like Hammer Ait was muttering to himself, Protector of Evil People The Lady who Births Deities The Lady who Births Deities? That sounds impressive Is Ait praying to some secret entity? There are about four or five sentences, and its more of a description? It deviates from the usual three-stanza template Lumian made a rough guess at what Hammer Ait was up to. As for whom he was praying to, Lumian couldnt even begin to speculate based on the fragmented description he barely heard. It lay beyond the scope of his current knowledge in mysticism. Lumian felt a vague sense of malevolence emanating from the room outside. Indeed, it was as if the room itself had turned wicked. Holding his breath, Lumian composed himself, refraining from listening to the turmoil outside. After a while, the sinister atmosphere dissipated, and everything returned to normal. Lumian let out a slow exhale, heating up his palm. At that moment, Hammer Ait summoned his subordinates, who had previously left the room, to return. Lumian continued to bide his time. Seconds turned into minutes until finally, he heard the heaviest footsteps approaching the washroom. They belonged to Hammer Ait. Lumian had already distinguished their sound. Swiftly, he retrieved a metal canister marked with a symbol. Unscrewing the cap, he inserted a thin, pre-kneaded paper ball into the bottle. Seconds before the footsteps drew near the washroom, Lumian retrieved the paper ball and twisted the cap shut. He then tore the paper ball in two and inserted each piece into his nostrils. The stench, reminiscent of fermented excrement, assaulted Lumians senses, nearly bringing him to tears. His right hand instinctively moved to remove the thin paper ball. With great resolve and the endurance of an Alms Monk accustomed to extreme environments, Lumian exercised control. His expression contorted, and his muscles twitched ever so slightly as he stood there, retrieving another metal canister filled mostly with gas. He unscrewed its cap. Clang! Hammer Ait shut the washroom door and approached the toilet bowl. The space now became partially enclosed. Only the gaps between the door and windows allowed a hint of fresh air to seep in. Yes, a gruesome encounter awaits him Lumian observed the fluctuations in his targets luck, silently tossing the open metal canister into the air, allowing the colorless and odorless gas within to disperse and fill the washroom. This was the sedative concocted by the perverted Hedsey. Even catching a whiff of it at close range could severely weaken an Assassins strength! It was ideal for a confined, partially enclosed space like the washroom. This was the trap Lumian had set for Hammer Ait! Of course, it would take some time for the gas to spread throughout the washroom and take effect to a certain extent. After all, Lumian himself wasnt breathing it in at close proximity. What Lumian needed to do next was to prevent Hammer Ait from leaving the washroom or allow anyone outside to open the door. He placed the open metal canister by the edge of the bathtub and retrieved Jennas revolver, aiming it at the toilet bowl through the curtain. Chapter 169 - 169 Battle in the Room 169 Battle in the Room The rush of water persisted, and Lumian grew anxious, fearing that Hammer Ait might sense danger. He needed to calculate the height just right before pulling the trigger. Bang! The bullet tore through the drapes, leaving behind searing scorch marks. Hammer Aits hair stood on end before any of this happened. He paid no mind to the fact that he was mid-stream and promptly collapsed to the side. Yellowish liquid splattered in all directions. The bullet grazed Aits arm, striking the wall and narrowly missing Lumian on the rebound. Lumians revolver flew from his grip after a missed shot. He seized the edges of the curtain, yanked it off, and used it to ensnare Ait. Before Ait could recover from the agonizing cramps, darkness enveloped his vision, and he found himself wrapped in a cream-colored shower curtain. Unfazed, he rolled and concealed himself beside the bathtub. Then, he grasped the shower curtain with both hands, using it as an improvised weapon. With a soft whoosh, the curtain, now wrapped around Lumians fist, veered off course, thwarting his attempt to strike Aits head. Ait seized the moment and rose, inadvertently tearing his pants in the process. He swung his heavy fist at Lumian, hammer-like. Lumian quickly raised his arm to shield himself, realizing that his opponent possessed exceptional strengthhe couldnt withstand it. Forced to retreat a step in order to regain his balance, Lumian found himself on the backfoot. Ait wasted no time, relentlessly bombarding him with a flurry of punches from both hands. Leveraging his height, long arms, and superior strength, Ait employed straightforward punches akin to cannonballs, neglecting any fancy techniques. It was only then that he could clearly discern the assailants visage. Golden hair tinged with black, bright and light-blue eyes, nostrils stuffed with bits of white papercreating a peculiar sight. Ciel? The same Ciel who killed Margot and gravely injured Wilson? Ait felt initial surprise, followed swiftly by delight. He isnt that formidable. I can take him down completely! The washroom proved confining, with Lumian enduring the putrid stench. He suffered two blows from the towering 1.9-meter giant before finding himself forced two steps back, cornered near the door. At that moment, the mobsters outside heard the gunshots and hurriedly approached. One of them gripped the handle and pushed open the door. Just as Aits leg aimed for a low kick, Lumians left leg suddenly swung back, forcefully striking the door. With a resounding clang, the partially opened wooden door snapped shut again, narrowly missing the mobsters nose. Realizing they couldnt breach the door for the time being, the mobsters drew their revolvers and aimed at the wooden barrier from various heights, but they dared not open fire. Capitalizing on his kick against the rear door, Lumian contorted his body, evading Aits straight punch and positioning himself beside his adversary. Delivering a series of rapid strikespunches, elbows, knees, and kicksLumian sought to disrupt the enemys assault before they could fully unleash their power. It resembled a Pugilist, the kind who habitually expelled force with grunts of Heh! and Hah!, but now capable of only a single Heh! Each time Ait tried to strike with force, Lumian took the initiative and forcefully blocked him. After altering his combat strategy, Lumian managed to narrow the strength gap between them. Not only did he regain some control, but he also utilized his greater agility to shift his body and change positions. Soon enough, the figure blocking the washroom entrance turned out to be Ait, his back against the door. Worried that his subordinates might lack intelligence and open fire from outside, accidentally killing him, Ait quickly diverted his attention and shouted, Do not fire! Despite Ciel utilizing his technique to bridge the gap, Ait remained unfazed. He exuded immense confidence. As long as he acted in a normal manner, he was certain he could eliminate his opponent in the confined washroom environment. The only uncertainty was the duration it would take. Nevertheless, Ait remained vigilant. He continued to unleash powerful punches and kicks, attempting to force Lumian toward the window, creating an opportunity for his subordinates to enter. Fearing that Lumian possessed some kind of Beyonder power, Ait believed that using the threat of a revolver would expedite the process of dispatching his enemy. Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Lumian faced the relentless onslaught of the Pugilists full-powered attacks without showing any signs of surrender. However, he found it increasingly strenuous. Throughout this ordeal, Aits eyes darted to his surroundings, wary of potential traps or powerful allies lying in ambush. His gaze swept across the edge of the bathtub and landed on an open metal canister. What purpose does it serve? Before Ait could ponder further, Lumians mocking smile appeared, accompanied by a curse as he struggled to block Aits onslaught. Useless piece of junk! What are you waiting for? Those outside, come in and lend a hand! A buzzing anger surged within Ait. He discarded all other concerns and launched an unusually ferocious attack. Provocation! Lumian had added Provocation to those two sentences! Confronted with the raging Hammer Ait and his devastating blows, Lumian fought desperately to hold his ground. Occasionally, he relied on the flexibility of a Dancer to shift positions. Unbeknownst to him, he was gradually being pushed toward the wall with the window. This allowed the washroom door to open, but the mobsters outside hesitated, fearing they might collide with Hammer if they kicked it open. They cautiously pushed it inward, inch by inch. In that moment, Lumian, nearly overcome by the putrid odor, keenly sensed Aits waning strength and slower attacks. The sedative took effect! Lumian swiftly dodged to the side, regaining his balance. He threw a powerful punch, channeling all the strength from his arm and waist, launching a counterattack. Bang! Aits arm, which had blocked the blow, visibly trembled, and his eyes betrayed a mix of surprise and panic. Why? Why have I grown so weak? Why have my reflexes slowed? As Lumian grasped the state of his opponent, he unleashed two consecutive straight punches, forcefully parting the enemys arms. Without hesitation, he closed the distance and adjusted his body slightly. With a swift motion, he drove his left elbow into Aits chest. Caught off guard, Ait failed to react in time, unable to dodge the strike. The elbow connected, cracking his sternum. His vision darkened, and he struggled to catch his breath. Lumian didnt grant him a moments respite. He smoothly shifted his body, allowing his poised right fist to collide with Aits abdomen. He hadnt harbored any lofty expectations of rendering Ait unconscious solely with the sedative. After all, the other party possessed the ability to resist the effects of certain Beyonder powers through sheer physical and mental fortitude, suggesting a high resistance to the sedative. Furthermore, despite the compactness and semi-enclosed nature of the washroom, with its bathtub, toilet bowl, and sink, the drugs potency would be greatly diminished. Lumian aimed to exploit the drugs influence to weaken Aits combat prowess, slowing his reactions and substantially reducing his strength. In doing so, the tide of victory would tip towards him uncontrollably! Pfft! Ait, reeling from the blow to his abdomen, instinctively curled up, becoming shorter than Lumian. Seizing the opportunity, Lumian raised his fists and swiftly hammered them behind Aits ears. Bang! Amidst the cacophony, Aits vision faded to black, and he slumped unconscious. It was the combined effect of a potent strike and the sedative. Lumian squatted down, using Hammer as a shield. The mobsters had already held the washroom door open for several seconds, but with Ait obstructing Lumian from their view, they refrained from opening fire. Now, they witnessed their towering boss, Hammer, being taken down by the assailant. Lumian clasped Ait and offered a smirk to the group gathered at the door. Go ahead! Fire! Why arent you firing? One of the mobsters caught sight of the assailants distinctive blonde and black hair, coupled with his rather handsome face, and suddenly pieced together a series of connections. Ciel? Youre Ciel? he exclaimed, his surprise evident. The same Ciel who killed Boss Margot and threw Boss Wilson off the fourth floor? Ciel of the Savoie Mob? Hes back at it? Lumian keenly sensed the mobsters profound fear. He grinned and gave Aits shoulder a friendly pat, brushing off the dust. Then, he took hold of Ait and proceeded towards the washroom door, one step at a time. Simultaneously, he curled his lips into a smile. Youve got two options. One, leave this room now and seek help from your Poison Spur Mob boss. Two, meet your demise here, one by one, at my hands. As he spoke, he advanced, a cold gaze sweeping across the faces of each mobster, as if contemplating the best way to eliminate them. The mobsters couldnt help but tremble, as a similar thought crossed their minds: Regardless, Boss Hammer has been apprehended. If we open fire, well only harm him. It might be wiser to seek help from the boss! Well? Lumian snorted, urging them to decide. With a swift swoosh, the first mobster turned on his heels and fled the room. The others followed suit, abandoning any notion of confrontation. When no one remained, Lumian let out a silent sigh of relief. If those men had truly steeled themselves, their hearts unswayed by fear, the confined space of the washroom and their ten firearms would have posed a lethal threat. Of course, Ait could forget about survival as well. They have no more than four minutes to reach Avenue du March from here I must conclude the interrogation before Black Scorpion Roger and his comrades depart, granting me ample time to escape the scene and locate Baron Brignais at Salle de Bal Brise Just four minutes As Lumian assessed the current situation, he squatted down and propped Ait against the washrooms door panel. Then, he dislocated his captives shoulder joints and bound his legs together using a shower curtain. Opening the window, he allowed the breeze to circulate from both sides. With these tasks completed, Lumian removed the paper balls from his own nose, retrieved the metal canister containing the pungent gas, and held it to Aits nostrils. Achoo! Ait sneezed, his eyes fluttering open. Lumian promptly stowed away the metal canister, capping it, ensuring the other party remained in a weakened state. What do you want? Ait asked, fear and anxiety evident in his eyes as he recognized the person before him. Chapter 170 - 170 Nightstalkers 170 Nightstalkers Lumian brandished Hedseys dagger, a sly grin forming on his face. Ive got a question for you. You couldve come straight to me. No need for all this, Ait instinctively tried to stall for time. With a quick glance, he scanned the room from the corner of his eye, but there were no lifeless bodies to be found. Based on his combat with Ciel, Ait knew it was impossible for the other party to eliminate ten armed thugs without a single one escaping. In fact, even Ait himself wouldnt dare to face the encirclement of ten revolvers in such a confined space. He might take down three or four of them, but he would surely meet his demise. If Ait, with his abilities, couldnt pull it off, there was no way Cielwho he believed to be somewhat weaker and reliant on cunning strategiescould achieve such a feat. Given the circumstances, Ait assumed most of his ten subordinates had fled, while a few might have sought assistance from the Black Scorpion. With this realization, a strong desire to survive surged within Ait. As long as I dont anger Ciel and can buy myself six to seven minutes, theres a good chance Ill be saved! If I hadnt done this, how else could I have crossed paths with you, considering my relationship with your Poison Spur Mob? Lumian deliberately created the illusion that he didnt intend to spill blood. He raised the dagger, emphasizing his point. Enough with the games. Answer my questions. You know Im not a patient person. If you refuse or lie, Ill end your life right here. I can always ask Baldy Harman later. After all, there are plenty of folks in your Poison Spur Mob who know about those matters. Lumian had compelled the mobsters to depart, not only due to the situation but also to seize control of the situation. If he didnt make Ait believe he still had a fighting chance, prying answers from him in a short amount of time without employing mystical means would be futile. A person who clung to hope would fear death all the more! Ait promptly responded, Alright! He resolved to divulge some information, delving into the details, hoping to hold out for those crucial six to seven minutes. Naturally, he contemplated whether Ciel might abandon the inquiry at the last moment and execute him. Yet, aside from cooperating, Ait had no other choice. He could only hope the information he shared would be valuable enough to captivate Ciels interest and prevent an untimely demise. About three minutes Lumian silently counted the seconds and posed his next question. Have you encountered Louis Lund? Ait hesitated. In a swift motion, Lumian swung the dagger, piercing Aits shoulder and eliciting a gush of crimson blood. Ait, his expression contorted, felt the unyielding ruthlessness emanating from Lumian and sensed the specter of impending death drawing near. Fear gripped his heart. He blurted out, Yes! Wanted posters for Louis Lund can be found in Salle de Gristmill and many other places. The moment I laid eyes on him at the Bosss hideout, I recognized him. Ait realized he couldnt rely on silence and hesitation to gain more time. That would only lead to uncontrollable consequences. Lying was also risky since he couldnt be certain which questions Ciel was using to test his honesty. In comparison, offering convoluted yet seemingly valuable information would be more likely to appease the other party. As expected Lumian was delighted. Having confirmed the connection between Louis Lund and the Poison Spur Mobs Black Scorpion Roger, Lumian had achieved his objective for this operation. The remaining questions were just an added bonus. It would be nice to get answers, but it wouldnt be a deal-breaker if he didnt. Why did he go to Black Scorpion Roger? Lumian inquired further. Ait shook his head. Im not aware of the specifics, but Ive heard that the lady Louis Lund is loyal to has arrived in Trier. She wants our Poison Spur Mob and their respective spheres of influence to coordinate efforts and avoid conflicts. Our boss, with the approval of Madame Moon, took charge of the liaison. Madame Moon? Lumian never expected another Madame Moon to enter the picture. He didnt even know what was happening with Madame Night. Madame Moon is the one the Poison Spur Mob swears loyalty to. Well, our boss has mentioned that shes not just a Madame anymore, but a Lady who Births Deities. We often offer prayers to her. I havent seen her myself; only the Boss and Baldy have. Not Madame From Madame Moon to Lady who Births Deities Had she received more boons and elevated her status? Lumian nodded in understanding. Whats the relationship between Madame Moon and Madame Night? They both belong to an organization called the Nightstalkers. Madame Moon appears to be the leader, or at least a significant figure at the leadership level. Ait provided a convoluted description of what he knew. A secret organization that believes in some hidden existence? Lumian redirected the conversation to the matter that intrigued him the most. Will Louis Lund visit Black Scorpion Roger again? Hell likely come back next week to check if everyone has followed through on their agreements and if any adjustments are needed. I dont know the exact timing, Ait honestly responded. Ill have the chance to reunite with Louis Lund on Avenue du March next week? And Ill be stationed there permanently after Sunday! Lumian felt a surge of delight and excitement. He then pressed on, asking, What kind of power does Black Scorpion Roger possess? H-hes a Heretic Spellmaster, Ait stammered instinctively. Our boss said it himself. The essence of a Heretic Spellmaster is using their life force to cast spells. It can be their own life force or someone elses, but it seems they need to be controlled beforehand. So he truly is a Heretic Spellmaster Truly wicked and cruel Lumian recalled the battle with the midwife. Observing Lumians lack of surprise, Ait felt a sense of relief for not lying. He continued, Ive witnessed him using a few spells. One is a peculiar curse, another involves manipulating blood, then theres a kind of black flame that weakens people, and finally, he has some effects on corpses and ghosts. I dont know much else. Theres at least one morethe ability to create a turf filled with undead creatures, allowing him to share damage and mysteriously teleport Lumian silently muttered, his gaze fixed on Ait, gesturing for him to continue. Ait steeled himself and spoke. Our boss also mentioned that if we perform well, he might receive more boons and become a Sower. Having said that, Ait regretted his decision not to choose a boon back then and instead opt for a potion. It had caused his progress to be hindered by the need for ingredients and other factors. The hope of reaching Sequence 7 seemed distant. As long as one contributed enough and their body could withstand it, they could attain more boons. A Sower? A symbol of abundance and life? Hmm, when Madame Pualis was still Pulitt, he had many illegitimate children. He was despised by countless people in the Darige area, to the point that his family had to disown him and pretend he had gone missing Could this be a manifestation of a Sowers powers? Did Pulitt lose control under the influence of the boons? And after becoming a Sower, it appears that he underwent a gender transformation. Is that the level equivalent to the Madames, or is it one Sequence higher than them? Lumians mind raced with numerous thoughts. Observing Lumians expression, Ait continued speaking. I dont know what comes after Sower. All I know is that Wilson is a Villain, equivalent to Sequence 9. Harman is a Gardener, and his strength is similar to mine, but he possesses extensive knowledge of botany. He can create potions with magical effects. Yes, he has a potion that temporarily hardens his skin like tree bark. I tried slashing him with a knife, but he only suffered minor injuries. He also has medicines to treat various illnesses and injuries. So, becoming a Heretic Spellmaster requires being a Gardener. No wonder the midwife used those giant scissors as a weapon Fortunately, I obtained this information. If I had assassinated Baldy Harman without giving him time to react, he wouldnt have used his body to shield Fallen Mercury Targeted intelligence is truly valuable Lumian sighed with a mix of emotions. Ait pondered for a moment and continued, Harman once mentioned that the spiritual monsters born from trees and flowers become highly frightened when they see him since he is a Gardener and responsible for their pruning. Ait, who was trying to buy more time, quickly brought up another topic. Our boss mentioned that among the unrecognized paramount beings, only three can bestow godhood without much difficulty. One is the Great Mother of our faith, another has Desire and Tree in its name, and the third appears to be a mysterious fog. As for the other beings, if they wish to grant godhood, they have to perform a very, very complex ritual that would easily be discovered and destroyed. The Mother Tree of Desire? What sets them apart from the being with the name Inevitability? Why can they bestow godhood without the need for an extensive ritual? Heh heh, I wonder what will happen when a Gardener encounters a Fallen Tree Spirit, the latter undergoing a suppression brought about by their inherent order in the hierarchy? Lumians thoughts raced, and he suddenly changed the subject. Who is the candidate for parliament you support? Its Hugues Artois from the Enlightenment Party. Aits anticipation grew as he noticed that quite some time had passed. If those rascals hurry, theyll meet the Boss! Ait, who was waiting for Lumian to ask about the Poison Spur Mobs recent plans, suddenly saw the other party raise his right hand and swing his dagger. With a soft sound, the dagger pierced Aits temples and stirred them a few times. Aits mouth hung open in horror, and his eyes grew desperate and unfocused. With a thud, he collapsed, no longer drawing breath. Lumian left the dagger lodged in Aits head and swiftly bandaged his wounds. He then stowed away his belongings, shouldered the lifeless body, and pushed open the rooms window before leaping down. Since it was only the second floor, his landing was steady, and he broke into a run. Instead of taking the most direct route, Lumian opted for a detour through Rue du Rossignol, making his way to Avenue du March. The late-night atmosphere offered scarce street lamps, casting a pitch-black darkness that seemed to consume anyone on the road. It took Lumian over two minutes to carry Aits corpse to the entrance of Salle de Bal Brise. The two mobsters guarding the entrance were about to halt him when they recognized Ciels face. As a result, they ceased their interference and allowed him to enter. In the second-floor caf, Louis approached Baron Brignaiss side, carrying a stack of papers, a black revolver, a bayonet, and a bag of bullets. Baron, I have everything prepared for Ciel. More information and weapons. Baron Brignais nodded. Send them to Auberge du Coq Dor tomorrow morning. After issuing the instructions, Baron Brignais spoke with anticipation, I wonder what kind of performance he will stage for us and when he will make his move. Do you think he will choose Hammer Ait, Baldy Harman, or Short-legged Candlestick Before Baron Brignais could finish his sentence, the sound of approaching footsteps interrupted him. The mobster guarding the first-floor entrance wore a terrified expression as he addressed Baron Brignais, C-Ciel is here! Hehes carrying someoneor rather, a corpse! At that moment, Lumian emerged from the staircase, a smile on his face. His steps seemed heavier than usual. That is? Baron Brignais looked at the lifeless body trailing behind Ciel, a mixture of confusion and seriousness on his face. Lumian tossed the corpse to the ground, clapped his hands, and grinned. Hammer Ait. Chapter 171 - 171 Rapid Idea 171 Rapid Idea With a resounding thud, the lifeless body crashed to the floor, sending a shockwave through the hearts of Baron Brignais, Louis, and their comrades. Baron Brignais rose to his feet and beheld the corpse lying at Lumians feet. He took in the tangle of abundant, disheveled brown hair, the lengthy limbs, and the imposing, robust physique. It was none other than Hammer Ait! Louiss eyes widened in disbelief at the realization that the treacherous member of the Savoie Mob lay dead on the caf floor. The baron had entrusted the task to Ciel right after dinner, and the hour had not even struck ten. Whats more, Ciel had managed to accomplish the mission before they could deliver the comprehensive intelligence and weaponry that would have enhanced his chances of success. Moreover, Hammer Ait was a true Beyonder, surpassing even Wilson from before in strength. He wasnt as vulnerable as Margot, always surrounded by a retinue of followers. Yet, he had failed to survive three hours after the baron had issued the assignment. Was this any different from purchasing a pig at Le March du Quartier du Gentleman and slaughtering it? Even if the baron had taken personal action, it wouldnt have been that effortless or straightforward. It could have even ended in failure. Louiss gaze shifted from the lifeless body to Ciels countenance, as if only now did he truly perceive the true nature of this rural novice. It was somewhat understandable that Margot had fallen prey to him due to carelessness and the poisoned slash. Wilsons defeat could be explained away by his own feebleness and entrapment within the room. However, Hammer Ait was a Beyonder whose combat prowess was not significantly inferior to the barons, and he had always been on high alert against potential assassinations by the Savoie Mob. He wouldnt have been careless. Yet, Ciel had managed to dispatch such a formidable adversary within a matter of hours! Just how formidable was he? What were his limits? In comparison to the baron, who was the stronger one? A cascade of questions raced through Louiss mind, and his gaze at Lumian now held a tinge of fear. The other thugs shared the same unease. Baron Brignaiss gaze constantly shifted between Hammer Aits lifeless form and Lumians visage, as if searching for any trace of deceit. Had Lumian Lee effortlessly completed a mission that the baron himself would have considered challenging? If Hammer Ait was so easily dispatched, why had the Savoie Mob, who had long sought to punish the traitor, allowed him to live until now? This guy is even more terrifying than I had suspected. In terms of strength, intelligence, execution, and seizing opportunities, he is no less capable than I am He must be concealing some secrets. Theres more to him than meets the eye Baron Brignais barely contained the turmoil within his heart and reclaimed the clarity, rationality, and intelligence he typically boasted. Baron Brignaiss expression turned to stone as he locked eyes with Lumian. Does anyone else know that youve taken down Hammer Ait? Lumian replied candidly, Quite a few. Baron Brignaiss countenance underwent a dramatic shift, losing its refined and confident air. In that moment, all he wanted was to unleash a torrent of curses upon Lumian. Is your f*cking brain filled with shit? So many people are aware of your involvement in Hammer Aits demise, and yet you boldly bring his lifeless body to Salle de Bal Brise, right in front of me? Do you think that these individuals wont inform Black Scorpion Roger? Do you believe he wont storm into Salle de Bal Brise seeking revenge? Do you think I can fend off Black Scorpion Roger? Damn it, youre leading me to my own demise! You better find a bloody corner to hide in at Underground Trier! Seizing the opportunity presented by Baron Brignaiss subdued breathing and silence, Lumian smiled nonchalantly and said, Hammer Aits subordinates must have found Black Scorpion Roger by now. Only you, Baron, can offer me sufficient protection. Baron, werent you anticipating retaliation from the Poison Spur Mob? Thats why you sent me to hunt down one of the trioHammer, Baldy, or Short-legged Candlestick? Bitterness filled Baron Brignaiss mouth at Lumians question. For a brief moment, he couldnt bring himself to order Lumian to leave. He had made two plans in preparation for the potential revenge from the Poison Spur Mob. He was confident that he would remain unscathed. Wouldnt it be a fortuitous outcome if Giant Simon and Rat Christo met their end? But the predicament lay in the fact that he hadnt had enough time to implement any of his plans or set them into motion! His intention was to dispatch the intelligence and weaponry to Auberge du Coq Dor tomorrow morning, and only then would he decide on the course of action. Nonetheless, eliminating any leader of the Poison Spur Mob was no easy feat. It would likely require days of meticulous effort before he could even set foot inside their domain. Yet, Lumian Lee, that madman, had sought out Hammer Ait without delay upon accepting the mission. He wasted no time, conducted no reconnaissance, made no arrangements, and didnt wait for the opportune moment to arise. What further infuriated the baron was that the fellow had actually succeeded! In a matter of hours, he had slain Hammer Ait and dragged the lifeless body to Salle de Bal Brise! F*ck, is he even human? This caught him off guard. If Black Scorpion Roger were to strike, he might meet his demise alongside Hammer Ait. Observing Baron Brignaiss silence and darkened expression, Lumian inwardly chuckled. He had brought Hammer Aits body to Salle de Bal Brise and presented it to Baron Brignais not to boast or intimidate the gang leader and his henchmen. His intention was to draw Black Scorpion Roger and the other formidable members of the Poison Spur Mob to them! If Baron Brignais were to fall, a new opportunity would arise. A replacement with sufficient strength would be required. When the time came, Ciel, who could fight, contribute, and had aided Red Boots lover, would undoubtedly be the most sought-after candidate! Lumian wasnt overly concerned about whether Black Scorpion Roger would kill him. Mr. Ks finger was in his pocket! Mr. K probably wouldnt mind if I repurposed the finger. After all, Im doing it to fulfill his mission Lumian thought casually. Regardless, the threat from Susanna Mattise wouldnt come anytime soon. He could figure out an alternative approach later. Perhaps Mr. K would reward him with another finger once he saw how well and swiftly Lumian completed the mission? Baron Brignaiss expression underwent several changes. He pushed his chair back abruptly and hurried toward an iron-colored mechanical safe at the caf bar counter. He turned the knob and entered the password. Lumian watched with a raised eyebrow, puzzled. What was Baron Brignais planning to retrieve? Was he intending to take the cash and flee? Or did he possess Sealed Artifacts that he dared not carry with him, fearing their potent negative effects, and had stowed them away in the safe? Soon enough, Baron Brignais opened the safe and retrieved two bundles of detonatorscommonly used in quarries. Setting a trap to explode Black Scorpion Roger? Thats quite challenging. Hes a Heretic Spellmaster Lumian refrained from inquiring as he observed Baron Brignais walk toward the wall near Avenue du March and push open two glass windows. The leader of the Savoie Mob placed the bundles of detonators on the windowsill, then lit a match. Subsequently, he ignited one of the bundles and glanced at the dimly lit Avenue du March. Raising his hand, he tossed the explosives into the middle of the road. Louis and the other mobsters stood in bewilderment, unable to comprehend the barons intentions. Lumians thoughts raced, and he instantly grasped the plan. He couldnt help but inwardly applaud, Very clever Boom! The bundle of detonators exploded in the middle of Avenue du March, causing the surrounding glass to rattle. The few pedestrians on the roadside were startled and fell to the ground, sustaining minor injuries. Some screamed, covering their ears, and frantically sought shelter in nearby locations. Baron Brignais glanced over, lit another bundle of detonators, and hurled it into the deserted road. Causing casualties would be troublesome aftermath. He didnt wish to attract unwanted attention from authorities. Boom! The explosion reverberated once more. The police headquarters on Avenue du March, the Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral, and the God of Steam and Machinery cathedral responded to a certain extent. Salle de Bal Brise and the occupants of nearby buildings were thrown into disarray, but they dared not venture outside. Baron Brignais clapped his hands and returned to the wooden table. He pulled a chair over and sat down. Resuming his usual demeanor, he smiled at Lumian. Its all right now. This would surely unsettle the police and the clergymen. Some would undoubtedly investigate the cause. It was highly probable that official Beyonders would be among them. Officers who maintained good relations with the Savoie Mob would inevitably inquire. Under such circumstances, how could Black Scorpion Roger dare to launch an attack? They couldnt risk assuming that no official Beyonders would care about the explosion. After all, if they lost that bet, they would be doomed! Lumian hadnt expected Baron Brignais to find a way to elude Black Scorpion Rogers assault in such a short span of time. And he had accomplished it using only the resources at hand. This had momentarily foiled his plan. True to the reputation of the Savoie Mobs brain, Baron Brignais displays remarkable responsiveness and quick thinking, surpassing even Margot, Hammer Ait, and the others in critical moments. Lumian clicked his tongue in acknowledgment, paying no mind to Hammers lifeless body on the ground. Taking a seat across from Baron Brignais, he flashed a smile. I made the wise choice to seek refuge here. Baron Brignais nearly choked, his saliva catching in his throat. Had it not been for his exceptional intellect, he might have been ensnared and faced a grave fate! Exhaling slowly, Baron Brignais cast a glance at the motionless corpse and addressed Louis and the rest, Drag it into a private room and conceal it carefully. The authorities will likely come knocking soon. Chapter 172 - 172 Superintendent 172 Superintendent After concealing the body, Baron Brignais nonchalantly addressed Lumian, his curiosity piqued. I must say, Im quite intrigued. How did you manage to eliminate Hammer Ait? Lumian didnt hold back, revealing everything. He retrieved an empty metal canister and placed it on the table before him. Whats this? Baron Brignais examined it carefully for a few moments. Remember when I ventured underground earlier today? Lumian grinned. I encountered a deviant individual and, quite accidentally, dispatched him. He happened to possess this gaseous sedative and its corresponding antidote. After infiltrating Hammer Aits washroom, I consumed the antidote and patiently awaited his arrival. When he entered, I unscrewed the sedative and engaged him in close combat. I restrained him, preventing his escape until the sedative took effect. Baron Brignais pondered for a brief moment, confirming the plausibility of this plan. Satisfied, he nodded and remarked, The washroom is rather confined, and the gaseous sedative will quickly permeate the space. Moreover, theres no ventilation to speak of. Considering Hammer Aits cautious nature and his guard against our Savoie Mob, he wouldnt offer an easy opportunity for infiltration. The gunmen stationed outside wouldnt dare to open fire, lest they accidentally eliminate Hammer Ait. They might even struggle to unlock the restroom door. Baron Brignais spoke with such conviction that it seemed he had witnessed the scene firsthand. Louis and the others silently acknowledged the validity of this analysis. Having understood the intricacies, they realized that Ciels ability to dispatch Hammer Ait within such a short span of time wasnt as implausible as they had initially thought. Ciel had indeed discovered a path to success and skillfully utilized the resources at his disposal. Under this plan, as long as his combat prowess didnt significantly pale in comparison to Hammer Aits, he had a considerable chance of dealing with the traitor. Naturally, achieving success necessitated strength, a stroke of luck, decisiveness, audacity, and adeptness in gathering intelligence. Ciels terror was undeniable, yet it wasnt as horrifying as they had envisioned. Baron Brignais further commended Lumians sagacity, albeit slightly displeased that he had transported Hammer Aits lifeless body to Salle de Bal Brise after accomplishing the deed. It had nearly brought calamity upon him. Nevertheless, Baron Brignais harbored no intention of reprimanding him. Upon reflection, he realized that the fault lay primarily with himself. It seems I habitually exude an excessive air of confidence and intellect. As if nothing can perplex me. No wonder he assumes that I can provide ample protection and remain unafraid of Black Scorpion Roger. I even proposed this operation. Its only natural for him to believe that Ive already made all necessary preparations. As they conversed, time slipped away. Before long, a guard from the Savoie Mob stationed at the entrance on the first floor ascended and approached Baron Brignais, conveying a message. Please, bring him up. Baron Brignais stood and made his way toward the staircase. Travis Everett served as the superintendent at the police headquarters of Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. He held one of the highest positions when it came to carrying out tasks. Above him stood a few deputy directors with the rank of chief superintendent, and overseeing everything was the police commissioner of the district. Baron Brignais enjoyed conversing with Everett. Emperor Roselles words described him as the epitome of a Mr. Nice Guy. He preferred not to delve into the truth, simply hoping for harmonious interactions and a lack of trouble. He possessed a remarkable ability to resolve conflicts between the mobs in the market district. Ten seconds later, the officer led his two subordinates into the caf on the second floor. Travis Everett appeared to be around 30 years old and stood nearly 1.75 meters tall. His black hair was cropped short, and he wore glasses with relatively large black frames that framed his blue eyes. His chin was slightly broad. Dressed in a black police uniform, his epaulets showcased five-petaled irises in silver-white against the black background. This indicated his rank as a superintendent. If there were seven petals, he would hold the rank of chief superintendent, and above that, an off-white diamond square. Travis Everett looked at the smiling Baron Brignais and asked with a stern expression, What just happened? Please dont tell me there was an explosion at the entrance of Salle de Bal Brise, and you have no idea who did it! Monsieur Superintendent, please have a seat. Baron Brignais guided Travis Everett to a wooden table and personally pulled out a chair for him. Lumian, disguising himself as one of the thugs alongside Louis and the others, stood behind Baron Brignais, avoiding direct confrontation with the officers to prevent recognition as a wanted criminal. Baron Brignais picked up his mahogany pipe and gazed at Travis Everett across from him. With a grave expression, he spoke, Hammer Ait is dead. I was concerned that Black Scorpion Roger would go into a frenzy, so I detonated the explosives and drew everyones attention. Rest assured, Monsieur Superintendent, I carefully chose the location of the blast. I didnt harm or seriously injure anyone. Travis Everett raised his right hand, adjusted his black-framed glasses, and pointed at Baron Brignais. Can you all refrain from causing so much trouble? The parliamentary election is taking place next week. Do you want us to embarrass ourselves in front of our future superior? I dont care about your intentions, nor do I wish to know your motives. All I desire is a peaceful market district. If something similar occurs again, I will propose to Monsieur Aymerck that Bureau 8 and the two Churches form a joint investigative team to handle your Savoie Mob! Aymerck served as one of Triers police commissioners, overseeing Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. Travis Everett did not mention the death of Hammer Ait directly, but he employed it as a warning to Baron Brignais. Baron Brignais responded with a smile, Monsieur Superintendent, fear not. For the next two weeks, we shall strictly adhere to the law. I am merely concerned about the Poison Spur Mob Travis Everett nodded and let out a sigh. Emperor Roselle proclaimed that peace brings prosperity. If you do encounter any disputes, you can seek me out for a tribunal. He then turned to the two lower-ranking officers beside him and said, Let us return now and find someone to keep a close watch on the leaders of the Poison Spur Mob. We must ensure they behave. The superintendent rose from his seat and extended his arms. Praise the Sun! Praise the Sun! Baron Brignais also stood up, echoing the sentiment. As Travis Everett and his companions descended the stairs, Lumian muttered quietly to himself, Do people in positions of power always enjoy quoting Emperor Roselle? We lower-class individuals are different. We curse and use crude language as needed. The sense of a sentence doesnt depend on who utters it Nearly half an hour later, Baron Brignais turned to Lumian and spoke, Black Scorpion Roger and the others should be under surveillance. There is no immediate danger. You may return to Auberge du Coq Dor to rest now. Come here at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow. I will take you to meet the boss. Alright, Lumian replied with a smile. Thank you, Baron. He then inquired, According to the rules, since I was the one who killed Hammer Ait, all his belongings belong to me, correct? That is correct, Baron Brignais confirmed, displaying a generous nature when it came to such matters. He motioned for Louis to bring over the black revolver, bullet bag, bayonet, and stack of intelligence. These are yours as well. Lumian fastened the holster under his left armpit and stowed away the other items before entering the room where Hammer Aits lifeless body lay. Ensuring no one was tailing him, he squatted down and unbuttoned the corpses shirt. There, he discovered a golden-red ball resembling the morning clouds and sunset, with a faint flickering light dancing within. This was a Pugilist Beyonder characteristic! Lumian happily pocketed it and proceeded to search Hammer Aits pockets. He found 116 verl dor and 17 coppet notes and coins, along with a pair of boxing gloves made of steel-like material, adorned with several sharp spikes. For Lumian, this bounty far exceeded the satisfaction of hunting Margot. On his way back to Auberge du Coq Dor, only sporadic gas street lamps illuminated the path. Lumian weaved through the intersecting shadows, sensing pairs of eyes fixated on him. Is Black Scorpion Roger commanding the deceased or using other Beyonder abilities to keep tabs on me? Or am I simply being overly vigilant and imagining things? Lumian muttered, raising his right hand to massage his temples. He activated his Spirit Vision but found nothing amiss. The unsettling feeling of being watched gradually faded away. In the three-story building with a garden at 126 Avenue du March. The imposing Black Scorpion Roger, with his piercing deep-blue eyes, and the charming Baldy Harman walked back through the door. The ten members of the Poison Spur Mob, who had been waiting anxiously, felt the air grow tense and their fear heightened. None of them dared to utter a word, as if they were facing an impending storm. After a tense silence that lasted for more than ten seconds, Baldy Harman gritted his teeth and spoke up, That Ciel doesnt take us seriously. The Savoie Mob has been provoking us repeatedly. They must pay the price! Black Scorpion Roger shared Harmans sentiment, feeling equally provoked by Ciel. He spoke in a low, commanding voice, We cannot let this matter go unaddressed! Phew Roger exhaled heavily and motioned for the other members of the Poison Spur Mob to leave. Only Harman remained, and Roger continued, But we are being targeted by the police. It is highly likely that official Beyonders will be involved. We cannot seek revenge for the time being. Brignais is no ordinary opponent. He is cunning and intelligent. When Monsieur Artois is elected to parliament, Madame Moon will grant us a new boon. At that time, I will extract Brignaiss brain and feed it to the stray dogs! However, we cannot remain idle. When the surveillance on us becomes less vigilant, I will seize the opportunity to assassinate Ciel! If the Savoie Mob can assassinate our men, then we can do the same to theirs! At Auberge du Coq Dor, Lumian had just reached Room 207 when he sensed something. He turned his head and directed his gaze towards the nearby balcony. Come out, he said with a resigned sigh. Madame Jenna. Chapter 173 - 173 Intelligence on the Boss 173 Intelligence on the Boss With her hair tied up in a simple bun, Showy Diva emerged from the shadows of the balcony, her eyes adorned with dark shadows and a mole positioned neatly on her nose. Curiosity evident in her voice, she asked, How did you discover me? How did you know it was me? Being an Assassin, she had mastered the art of utilizing darkness and shadows to conceal her presence. Until now, no one had ever detected her in her previous encounters, making this the first time she had been discovered. Lumian scoffed in response. Next time you plan on assassinating someone, remember not to wear perfume. After reminding Jenna, he jokingly pointed towards the door of Room 207 and said, I thought you would enter the room yourself, but instead, you waited so politely on the balcony. Its unlike you. Dammit, Ive always been polite! Jenna retorted, feeling a hint of anger at the accusation. After a brief pause, she muttered, Youre cold, sinister, cunning, and devious. You might have set a trap in the room, waiting for someone to walk into it. While speaking, Jenna glanced at Lumian and indignantly said, I understand how you guessed that Im an Assassin! First, you connected the dots from the perfect infiltration route I provided. Then, you deliberately probed me. F*ck, if I had been calmer, you would have said, Haha, Im joking.'' Madame Jenna, your reflex arc is a little long, Lumian laughed. What Madame or Miss. Youre not one to be polite either. Just call me Jenna, she controlled her urge to curse and curiously asked, Whats a reflex arc? She had a feeling it wasnt something favorable, but she couldnt quite grasp its meaning. Miss, did you complete your compulsory education? Lumian criticized. As he opened the door, he casually explained, For instance, you, Franca, Baron Brignais, and Hammer Ait hear me telling a joke simultaneously. Franca and Baron Brignais burst into laughter instantly, but it takes you a whole day to find me and say, Haha, how funny.'' Dammit! You bastard! Jenna finally realized she had been mocked. Following Lumian into Room 207, she asked in confusion, What about Hammer Ait? Why isnt he laughing? Lumian turned his head and solemnly glanced at her. Dead people dont laugh. Jenna was momentarily taken aback before she burst into laughter, her body swaying slightly. You, haha, you truly have a sense of humor She intermittently expressed amidst her laughter. Lumian ignited the carbide lamp in the room and settled on the edge of the bed. He inquired, What brings you to Auberge du Coq Dor? Ive come to retrieve my gun! Jenna shut the door behind her and dragged over the old, worn armchair. Placing it in front of her, she sat down, resting her elbows on the backrest. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity she couldnt conceal. But dont tell me how you did it just yet. Let me take a guess. You asked me about the size of the washroom. That means you intended to exploit the environment there. F*ck! Ive got it, Ive got it! You have that perverts sedative on hand. Its perfect for a place like the washroom. Its like trapping a pigeon! Dammit, I can imagine Hammer Aits desperate expression as he struggled, realizing his strength was dwindling. The thugs outside couldnt enter, and they didnt dare to shoot randomly The more Jenna spoke, the more animated she became, as if she were the one who had carried out the assassination of Hammer Ait. At least you have some wits about you, Lumian begrudgingly acknowledged. Heh! Jenna waved her hand and peered at Lumian. What I cant figure out is why you werent affected by the sedative. Did you smell that bottle of shit beforehand? Can its effects last that long? Lumian simply smiled. I recall something you once said. Avoid seeing what I shouldnt, hearing what I shouldnt, and asking questions I shouldnt. Jenna glared at Lumian in frustration and refrained from further probing. Lumian produced her compact revolver and tossed it to her. Jenna caught it deftly and let out a chuckle. You didnt even dare to come up to me and return it in person? She smacked her lips and clicked her tongue. Is there something about me that frightens you? In that moment, she felt as if she had returned to teasing Lumian when they first met. Lumian appraised her. Youre quite audacious to enter a male strangers room dressed like this in the middle of the night. Jenna was dressed as she typically would for her evening performances. Her white blouse revealed a generous amount of her chest, and her off-white fluffy short skirt didnt provide much coverage as her legs spread on either side of the backrest. Jenna deliberately covered her mouth and let out a soft chuckle. I was defenseless down in the underground, yet you didnt make a move, let alone now. Do you still hold onto your virginity? Need some help? A mature and beautiful sister can show you the wonders of the adult world. As she spoke, she intentionally lowered her body, revealing her cleavage to Lumian. Lumian didnt flinch and observed calmly. Who would be frightened by such a thing? Jennas expectation of a fleeting gaze and a flushed expression from Lumian gradually transformed into discomfort. She sat up straight and muttered, Lame, coward In the next instant, Lumian stood up abruptly. Jennas expression underwent a sudden change. What are you planning to do? Lumians lips curled into a smirk as he turned toward the wooden table. Just pouring some light beer. Fancy a glass? Auberge du Coq Dor didnt offer the option of boiling water. The tenants either drank tap water or resorted to light beer as a substitute. No, thanks. Jenna let out a relieved sigh. Lumian took a few swigs of light beer and redirected the conversation. How can you be so certain that youre older than me? I saw your wanted poster at Francas. Well, hello there, Lumian. Youre not even 18 yet, while Ive already reached 21! Jennas satisfaction started to surface. Is your mental age only 12? Lumian taunted before inquiring, How did you come to know the infiltration route to that room? Franca had long harbored the desire to carry out an assassination against the Poison Spur Mob? Jenna pursed her lips and replied, Ive been gathering intelligence for nearly a month, awaiting the perfect opportunity to assassinate Margot. But you beat me to it. Margot had previously overseen the Salle de Gristmill. Do you hold a grudge against Margot? Lumian asked. He didnt do anything to me. Jenna lowered her gaze slightly. When I first arrived in the market district, searching for singing opportunities in various dance halls, I encountered another Showy Diva singer. She was a few years older than me and took me under her wing. She even helped refine my singing and guided me towards a chance to perform. Over a month ago, Margot violated her. F*cking dammit, did he think all Showy Divas were open for his taking? Afterwards, she left the market district. I later heard she was committed to an asylum That was when I pleaded with Franca to obtain Beyonder powers and assist her. Lumian fell silent for a few moments before speaking again. You see, one mustnt hesitate. When I made up my mind to kill Margot that morning, I carried out the deed that very night. Jenna found herself both enraged and entertained. Well, everyone has their own style! Lumian changed the subject. Tomorrow morning, Baron Brignais will take me to meet the Boss. Do you have any insights on what kind of person he is? Jenna pondered for a moment before responding. Ive never met him personally, but Ive heard Franca mention a few things. He resides in Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative. Hes a bit of a pervert and has a fondness for women, but hes not twisted. His tastes are quite f*cking normal, and every one of his partners matches Francas preferences. Hes a merchant by trade. He owns a depot near the steam locomotive station and holds significant shares in the nearby Rist docks. He also runs a freight company and a construction firm, providing employment opportunities for many Savoyards. You might not know this, but when the Poison Spur Mob first gained power, they had a major conflict with the Savoie Mob. All the laborers from the depot and the dock workers took to the streets. It was like a protest! A considerable number of people. If armed, they could form an army Lumian motioned for Jenna to continue. Jenna pulled her collar up slightly. Franca mentioned that hes quite amiable, even with common laborers. Dont be deceived by his appearance. His goal is to make others drop their guard around him. Hes cunning and highly intelligent. He enjoys playing mind games with others. Dont provoke him, or Franca wont be able to protect you. He wields significant power. It seems hes adept at fire manipulation and possesses some mystical artifact. Adept at fire manipulation A Sequence 7 Pyromaniac of the Hunter pathway? No, Franca mentioned that hes incredibly powerful, and Franca is likely a Sequence 7 Witch of the Demoness pathway. If she made such an assessment, its probable that the boss of the Savoie Mob is more than just a Sequence 7 The Poison Spur Mobs Black Scorpion Roger is the boss with a boon equivalent to a Sequence 7. A Heretic Spellmaster might not necessarily defeat a Witch. Franca could easily be a mob boss herself, yet she willingly becomes this persons mistress. I wonder if she has ulterior motives or if his strength and background truly surpass Francas? Lumians thoughts raced as he analyzed the situation. Jenna stood up. You better dress like a man tomorrow. Dont be like Baron Brignais. The Boss prefers aggressive subordinates who resemble wolfdogs. Is that so Lumian scoffed. Im afraid Ill appear overly aggressive. Jenna rolled her eyes. Thats right. You saved my life, yet there are times when I cant help but want to slap you! Anyway, dont go too far. She reattached her holster to her calf and headed towards the door, yawning openly. Im heading back now. Sigh, I wont be able to perform at the Salle de Gristmill for the time being. Why do you still live in such a lousy room? Although her own accommodations werent great either, they were still much better than Auberge du Coq Dor. Lumian smirked once again. This is my turf. Heh! Jenna didnt say anything further. She entered the dimly lit corridor and vanished from sight. Lumian freshened up and settled into bed. Thoughts of meeting the boss of the Savoie Mob the next day gradually lulled him into sleep. Chapter 174 - 174 Reward 174 Reward At half past ten in the morning on the following day, Baron Brignais rendezvoused with Lumian on the second floor of Salle de Bal Brise. Lumian had chosen a simple attire for the day, donning a linen shirt, a black waistcoat, and brown trousers. His cuffs were rolled up to his elbows, and he sported a wide-brimmed, brown hat. This ensemble lent him an air of casualness, almost uncouth. Baron Brignais observed it for a few moments but refrained from commenting. Instead, he merely reminded Lumian, Once we meet the Boss, its best to keep your words to a minimum. Understood, Lumian replied, tipping his wide-brimmed hat. Accompanied by Lumian alone, Baron Brignais did not bring Louis and the others. He led Lumian downstairs and directed him towards a four-seater carriage awaiting them at the entrance. Within half an hour, the carriage navigated through Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative and halted on a comparably tranquil street. The terrain in this area stood higher than its surroundings. Detached villas, predominantly white, beige, and grayish-blue, dotted the landscape. Each boasted a front lawn and a rear garden enclosed by barbed iron fences. Lumians gaze scanned the street signs, revealing the name Rue des Fontaines. Following Baron Brignais, Lumian arrived at 11 Rue des Fontaines and watched as the baron pulled on the rope hanging beside the gated entrance. Before long, a valet of Southern Continent origin approached and opened the iron gates. Monsieur Martin awaits you in his study, the dark-skinned valet remarked, his tone laced with arrogance. Without waiting for Baron Brignais and Lumians response, the valet turned on his heel and strolled along a cement path flanked by two green lawns spacious enough for three carriages. After crossing the lawns, Lumian and Baron Brignais reached the grayish-white three-story villa. The villas door swung open, revealing a man in a black suit and a dark bow tietypical butler attirestanding in the doorway. Baron Brignais hastened his steps and greeted the man with a smile. Good morning, Faustino. Good morning, Brignais, Faustino, a man in his fifties, replied with a smile. Baron Brignais introduced him to Lumian, saying, This is Monsieur Martins butler, Monsieur Faustino. Lumian greeted Faustino in the usual manner, maintaining proper decorum. Faustino nodded and offered no further words. Leading them through a hallway adorned with a resplendent crystal chandelier, resembling a dance floor, he guided them into a room lined with bookshelves. Along the way, Lumian surveyed his surroundings, noting an array of oil paintings and an assortment of weapons adorning the wallssingle-handed swords, broadswords, hammers, spears, and short bows. The half-tall wooden platform that ought to have showcased vases and sculptures was instead occupied by silver-white suits of armor, stirrups, breastplates, and other items. Behind the desk, positioned beside the floor-to-ceiling windows, stood a man who measured nearly 1.8 meters in height. His hair, typical black as found in Intis, exhibited a few silver strands near his temples. He appeared to be in his early forties, possessed strong facial features, and his slightly reddened eyes contrasted with his otherwise brown irises. The man possessed full cheeks that contrasted with his sharply defined features. Wrinkles were conspicuously absent from his countenance, and he exuded a relatively amiable temperament. He resembled a businessman who would effortlessly flash a smile before uttering a single word. In that moment, he wore a white shirt and a formal black suit, devoid of a bow tie or necktie. Good morning, Monsieur Martin, Baron Brignaiss expression turned respectful. After Lumian offered his greetings, Gardner Martin smiled and let out a sigh. So young, arent you? Im beginning to understand Emperor Roselles words: Heroes often exhibit a different demeanor from others when they are young. Should I address you as Lumian or Ciel? Ciel, Lumian replied respectfully. As Gardner Martin strolled away from the floor-to-ceiling windows, he offered warm praise, In just a week, youve slain two Sequence 8 Beyonders and gravely injured a Sequence 9. I couldnt have achieved such feats at your age. Whats your Sequence? Sequence 8, Provoker, Lumian responded candidly. Gardner Martin expressed great satisfaction with Lumians frankness. He nodded and remarked, What I said earlier wasnt quite comprehensive. When I was a Sequence 8, I couldnt have accomplished what you did. Very well. Our Savoie Mob could use an exceptional lad like you. Without waiting for Lumians reply, he proceeded to ask, Did you find anything noteworthy on Hammer Ait? This person is aware of the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Conservation? Judging by his demeanor, even if he isnt aware of conservation, he believes that human Beyonders are akin to Beyonder creatures. They manifest Beyonder characteristics upon death, or some residual parts or ingredients that can be employed in potion brewing Lumian contemplated for a moment and withheld nothing. From his pocket, he produced a fist-sized sphere resembling the morning clouds and the evening sun. I found this. Gardner Martin regarded it with approval. Excellent. Sell it to me. It holds no value for you. How about 18,000 verl dor? Thats considerably higher than the 15,000 verl dor at Mr. Ks Gathering Lumian pretended to be unaware of the exact price of the Beyonder characteristics. Is it truly worth 18,000 verl dor? Baron Brignais, standing beside Lumian, couldnt fathom what peculiar object had prompted his boss to offer such a sum. Something from Hammer Ait? An ingredient employed for advancement? Or do Beyonders resemble Beyonder creatures? Baron Brignais entertained numerous speculations in an instant. He suddenly regretted agreeing to surrender all of Hammer Aits possessions to Ciel the previous night in order to preserve his dignity. Haha, Gardner Martin boisterously chuckled. It is indeed precious, but Im offering a premium. Consider it your reward. He then turned to Butler Faustino and instructed, Go and fetch 18,000 in cash. Avoid denominations that are too large. Lumian harbored no objections to selling the Pugilist Beyonder characteristic to Martin. He had intended to sell it at Mr. Ks gathering. His hope was to amass funds to acquire a mystical item capable of countering adverse effects, compensating for his lack of mysticism means or serving as a disguise. Taking the Pugilist Beyonder characteristic from Ciel and toying with it for a few seconds, Gardner Martin addressed Baron Brignais, Despite Ciels tender age, he has already rendered significant services to our Savoie Mob and possesses remarkable strength. It is time for him to assume more substantial responsibilities. Yes You are already burdened with the usury business and the other shops on Avenue du March. It is no easy task. Get Ciel to assist you in managing Salle de Bal Brise. Allocate some personnel to support him, so he doesnt have to rely solely on himself. Baron Brignaiss facial muscles twitched ever so slightly. He suppressed his discontent and disappointment and replied, Very well, Monsieur Martin. Salle de Bal Brise was a veritable goldmine, and he was reluctant to let go of it. If not for Monsieur Martins direct order, he would have chosen to hand over the Avenue du March business to Ciel and suggested transferring some of the henchmen from Giant Simon and Blood Palm Black. Lumian sensed the strain in his relationship with Baron Brignais. He couldnt deceive him as effortlessly as before. There might even be clashes and conflicts in the future! Gardner Martin turned to Lumian and instructed, Take good care of Salle de Bal Brise. If you perform well, I will entrust you with more significant ventures. Thank you, Monsieur Martin, Lumian replied, lowering his head and feigning delight. On the way back to Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, Baron Brignais seemed to regain his composure. He engaged in occasional conversations with Lumian regarding the Savoie Mob, displaying politeness, courtesy, and refinement. Lumian was more preoccupied with the small cloth bag brimming with 18,000 verl dor. With that sum, he could acquire a modest apartment in Quartier de lObservatoire! In the Darige region, it was akin to owning a villa in a decent neighborhood. Upon entering Salle de Bal Brise, Louis and the others approached Lumian. Before they could speak, Baron Brignais drew from his mahogany pipe and announced, Louis, Sarkota, from this day forth, follow Ciel. He is now in charge of Salle de Bal Brise. Louis, whose forehead bruises had mostly faded, and Sarkota, whose brownish-red hair exhibited slight natural curls, revealed expressions of shock and confusion. They were aware that Ciel would be rewarded, but they never anticipated him taking over Salle de Bal Brise and themselves being assigned to him. He was now a true leader of the Savoie Mob! Ignoring his subordinates reactions, Baron Brignais smiled at Lumian and stated, Leave me an office on the second floor. I require it for the usury business. Very well, Lumian responded without objection. After a brief handover, Baron Brignais led two thugs to address some trouble concerning the usury business. Lumian ascended to the second floor, intending to inquire about Salle de Bal Brises operations. Louis leaned in, speaking in a hushed tone. Ciel, I mean, Boss, Red Boots is in your office. I wonder if shes here for you or the baron. Would you like to meet her? Red Boots Franca? Lumian nodded subtly. Where is my office? Louis hurriedly guided his new boss through the caf and into the corridor on the second floor, reaching a room at the end. Right here. He indicated, pointing to the dark red wooden door. Lumian nodded, grasped the handle, and pushed the door open. The first thing that greeted his eyes were a pair of vibrant red boots, elegantly placed on a brown wooden desk. Adorning the boots were a pair of off-white breeches, and higher still, a white blouse for ladies adorned with a multitude of embroidered flowers and vine-like patterns on the cuffs and collar. Over it, she wore a slender black and white checkered vest. Continuing upward, Lumians gaze fell upon a graceful, smooth neck, followed by lips painted a delicate shade of red. A sharp, refined nose, eyebrows that arched toward the temples, and eyes sparkling with a vibrant, cheerful lake-like hue completed the picture. Her long flaxen hair was artfully tied up in a high ponytail. Seated upon a swivel chair that had once belonged to Baron Brignais, Red Boots Franca nonchalantly rested her feet on the edge of the desk, as if it were her own personal territory. Chapter 175 - 175 Hidden Blade 175 Hidden Blade Lumian stepped into the room, shutting the door behind him, the dark red wood closing off the outside world. He turned to Franca and asked, Are you here to see the baron or me? Franca leaned back in the chair, stretching her body. However, the swivel chair tilted slightly, leaving the ground and wobbling uncertainly. Care to guess why Im here? For you or him? Her voice cut through the air, clear and distinct, in stark contrast to her elegant appearance and demeanor. Gardner initially wanted you to be Brignaiss deputy, to see if you were capable of handling more than just fighting. I told him then that Brignais hasnt been very obedient lately. Lumian nodded, a sudden realization dawning on him. Aurore was right. A comment made in bed could play a significant role His confusion from earlier, on Rue des Fontaines, began to dissipate. How could the boss be so generous as to take away one of Baron Brignaiss most prized property and hand it over to an outsider like him? Salle de Bal Brise was the most popular dance hall in the entire market district! Initially, Lumian had contemplated mocking Francas masculine sitting posture, but the thought of her true gender made him reconsider. He clicked his tongue and remarked, So, I should be thanking you? No need for that. After all, you saved Jenna, Franca replied, smiling as she shook her right foot on her left ankle. I came here for two reasons. First, I wanted to assure you that I understand the distinction between kindness and animosity. I will surely repay kindness. Second, I wanted to warn you not to harbor any intentions toward Jenna. The latter half of her sentence carried a clear warning that she would seek revenge for any offense. Lumian couldnt help but chuckle. Are you lacking confidence? If you manage to make Jenna infatuated with you, nothing I do will change her feelings. Had Lumian not known about the potential gender transformation through the Demoness pathway, he might have taunted Franca, asking if her confidence solely relied on her dick. He might have mocked her insecurity and her need to caution an unrelated individual. What did she think Jenna was? Someone who would easily change her heart? Lumian could almost visualize Jenna treating Franca as a friend rather than a lover. Gradually, Francas smile faded. She withdrew her feet and rose from her chair. Despite being slightly shorter than Lumian, she stood at an impressive height of almost 1.75 meters, a rarity among Intisian women. Franca circled the desk, drawing closer to Lumian. A smirk formed on her lips as she said, If youre in need of women, I can introduce you to some of my top dancers. And if they dont catch your fancy, how about me? As she spoke, she gently hooked her hand around Lumians chin, lowering it slowly. Lumians heart remained calm, undisturbed like a still lake. The realization that this woman may have once been a man had extinguished any desire within him. He simply resisted, firmly gripping Francas right hand and offering a smile. Im afraid the boss would have me sleeping with the fishes at the bottom of the Srenzo River. Changing the topic, Lumian continued, So, you swing both ways? Men and women? Franca withdrew her hand, straightened up, and offered a smile. I used to fancy girls exclusively, but after giving it a try with a man, I realized its not half bad. It brings about a different sensation. Lifes too short to impose limits upon oneself. Break free from unnecessary restrictions and explore. Youll have more fun and live a truly different life. It seems as if Franca had indeed been a man in the past. Is she now a Sequence 7 Witch? And why did her last sentence sound so familiar? In the midst of his pondering, Lumian responded to Franca, I dont hold any special feelings for Jenna, nor do I intend to. I have far more pressing matters to attend to. Very well. Franca strode toward the door. Just as her hand reached for the handle, Lumians memory was suddenly jogged, and he finally recalled the source of Francas words. It had been mentioned by Aurore in his dream! She spoke of a member of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society who had contemplated the idea of becoming an Assassin and had consumed the corresponding potion. However, at the Witch Sequence, he found himself in a quandary, unsure whether to undergo a gender transformation. Another member of the society had advised him, saying, Life is short, why not give it a try? It was the very essence of what Franca had condensed into those words! Lumians heart stirred as he gazed upon Francas graceful figure. He spoke in a deep, resonant voice, Life is short, why not give it a try? Francas hand froze on the doorknob, and she stood there, as if struck by lightning. After a few seconds, she spun around, locking her gaze with Lumians, her voice tinged with anxiety. Who are you? Whats your code name? This reaction It appears my guess was correct! Lumian felt a surge of delight followed by a sinking feeling in his heart. Im Muggles brother. Upon hearing Ciel accurately mention the code name of one of the members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, Franca breathed a sigh of relief and said, Im not sure if your sister mentioned me, but my code name is Hidden Blade. I belong to the same secret organization as her. No, she must have mentioned me! Otherwise, you wouldnt be familiar with that phrase. Damn it all, what the hell is happening! Lumian shut his eyes and spoke with a resolute tone, She never mentioned your code name or identity because I chose the Hunter pathway. When she reminded me about the neighboring Demoness pathway and its potential for gender transformation, she used your experience as an example. So, you do know Franca felt a strong urge to disappear into the depths of the sewers. Despite having adapted to her current form and overcoming her self-imposed limitations, her newfound enjoyment with men was contingent upon her previous gender remaining a secret. The notion that Ciel knew about her past as a man, and her penchant for intimate relations with men, ignited a dangerous thought within her. The dead can keep secrets The dead will forget The dead wont mock me After a few seconds, Franca let out a slow exhale and said, It would be wise for you to forget this. If you werent Muggles brother, I would have ensured your permanent disappearance. At that moment, she projected her true, masculine side, casting her gaze toward the future. Let me enlighten you about the Hunter pathway. It, too, involves a gender change. I paid a steep price to acquire this knowledge. Unlike Demonesses, Hunters transition from women to men. It likely occurs at Sequence 4. When the time comes, I will switch paths, become a Hunter, and reclaim my male form! Is that so Hunters symbolize males, while Demonesses represent females? No wonder they are neighboring paths Lumian restrained his emotions and let out a chuckle. When that time arrives, how will you face the men you were once intimately involved with? Francas expression turned smug as she unveiled her well-devised plan. I will administer them the Witch potion. If they are Beyonders unable to transition to the Demoness pathway, I will find a way to transform the characteristics of a Witch Bounded characteristic into mystical items for them to wear. And then, when the time is ripe, hehe Madame, youre somewhat deranged Lumian dared not further provoke the Red Boots. This individual seemed capable of anything! As he expected, Franca issued a threat, Ill emphasize once again, its in your best interest to forget about this matter and refrain from harboring any intentions toward Jenna. Otherwise, I will apprehend you and force the Witch potion down your throat! Though Sequence 7 may not grant the ability to switch pathways, it does make one even more dangerous. It might not result in half-crazed madness or loss of control. Visualizing such a scenario, Lumian hastened to nod and made a solemn pledge, You are my sisters friend. I will surely keep your secret. Franca relaxed and inquired about Muggle, Where is Muggle? Is she also in Trier? Is she strikingly beautiful in reality? Lumian fell into silence. After a few seconds, he spoke in a hoarse voice, She passed away. You must have seen the wanted posters. In that calamity, she Franca parted her lips, but no words escaped them. She returned to Lumians side and gently patted his shoulder, offering solace. After a moment, Franca dabbed at the corners of her eyes and spoke, Ever since I became a woman, it seems my tear ducts have become more active I cant fathom that Muggle departed from us so suddenly. Whenever we gathered, she exuded gentleness, brilliance, humor, and kindness. Though Ive never laid eyes on her true form, I believe she must be incredibly beautiful With a regained composure, Lumian gazed at Franca and said, Madame Hidden Blade, I request that you keep this matter under wraps for the time being. Do not divulge it to other members of your organization. It could impact my investigation into the truth behind the catastrophe. In a slightly nasal tone, Franca replied, No problem. Lumian observed Francas shimmering eyes resembling tranquil lakes and contemplated before posing his next question, How many encounters did you have with my sister over the past year? Only once. Why do you ask? Franca inquired, puzzled. Lumian continued, Did she exhibit any peculiar behavior or interact with any unusual individuals? No, Franca shook her head. It was a regular gathering where we exchanged knowledge of mysticism and traded items. We belong to different factionsshes part of the Academy, and I am affiliated with the Sanctuary. Our gatherings rarely coincide. Lumian refrained from further inquiries. Seeking to gain something from the situation, he spoke with a mindset of extracting information, Madame Hidden Blade, I am currently studying the grimoire left behind by my sister, but there are numerous sections that elude my understanding. Might I seek your guidance? Certainly, Franca disclosed her address. I reside in the penthouse at 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches, Room 601. You can find me during Jennas performances. Every evening, unless I am at Rue des Fontaines or visiting various dance halls, I will be at home. Also, please refrain from using my code name. Just refer to me as Franca. Why does it feel like were engaged in a clandestine affair behind Jennas back Lumian criticized inwardly, feeling perplexed. He voiced his puzzlement, Franca, you possess the backing of that secret organization, and you are not lacking in strength yourself. Why did you join the mob? Franca grinned and playfully winked her left eye. Secret. Chapter 176 - 176 Property 176 Property After bidding farewell to Franca, Lumian led Louis and Sarkota back to the caf and settled himself into Baron Brignaiss usual spot. Already awaiting him was Ren, the manager of Salle de Bal Brise. In his forties, Ren had a gaunt face, leaving one to wonder if he was overworked or simply born that way. His light-yellow hairline was receding in a manner similar to the people from Loen. Despite being an executive directly appointed by Gardner Martin, the boss of the Savoie Mob, Ren treated Lumian with utmost respect and wore an ingratiating smile. Monsieur Ciel, would you care to learn more about the dance hall? Very well. Lumian reached out to take the stack of reports from Ren and perused them with unwavering focus. Standing behind him, Louis and Sarkota couldnt help but feel like they hardly knew their leader at all once more. Lumian, a young man hailing from the countryside, possessed an understanding of complex financial statements that was far beyond their comprehension. They would have been left feeling dizzy and yearning for sleep had they been tasked with such a feat. Can this man both fight and possess a cultured mind? Louis diverted his gaze from the reports, which seemed to possess some kind of supernatural effect. Ren seized the opportunity to acquaint Lumian with the workings of Salle de Bal Brise. On weekdays, we earn a daily income ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 verl dor. On weekends, that figure can reach as high as 5,000 verl dor. Typically, it hovers around 4,000 Last year, our total income amounted to 645,425 verl dor and 37 coppet. This year, there has been a slight increase based on current trends, but nothing significant We require 12 bouncers, 4 bartenders, 6 waiters, 3 chefs, 6 kitchen helpers, 3 handymen, 3 dishwashers, 4 cleaners, 1 waiter supervisor, 3 finance staff, 3 alcohol and food procurers, and a carriage driver Their average annual salary is 1,000 verl dor. We also provide them with complimentary lunch and dinner, which costs us a total of 53,000 verl dor. As the manager, my annual salary, along with the year-end dividend, amounts to about 7,000 verl dor. As per our agreement with Red Boots, each dancer receives a base salary of 1 verl dor per day When they strike a deal with a guest, we take 30% Transactions usually occur in the rooms on the upper two floors of the dance hall. If they wish to leave, they must settle the fee with the bouncer or the waiter supervisor at the door in advance Wine, champagne, beer, brandy, sugar alcohol, absinthe, and various flavors of soda, along with ice and other ingredients, cost us approximately 120,000 verl dor per year Weve already purchased this establishment, so theres no additional rent to be paid When coupled with expenses for horse care, venue maintenance, gas, tap water, singers, and the band, our annual costs sum up to around 230,000 verl dor Out of the remaining 310,000 verl dor, the Boss will claim 100,000 verl dor. Well also need 100,000 verl dor to establish a favorable relationship with the officers at the police headquarters. Monsieur Ciel, youre left with approximately 110,000 verl dor. This needs to cover your personal expenses, firearm and ammunition supplies, rewards for your subordinates, as well as compensation for the victims and the injured Sadly, the income of the people in the market district isnt particularly high; otherwise, we could generate more revenue from alcohol and beverages Inwardly, he couldnt help but let out a sigh. A mob leader with a profitable enterprise certainly rakes in substantial wealth! According to newspapers, magazines, and the information collected by his sister Aurore, the annual salary of a minister in Intis amounted to a mere 100,000 verl dor. Although the government provided free housing, basic household items, silverware, and two private carriages, expenses for personal servants and banquets fell on their own pockets. Of course, Lumian had to reward his subordinates on occasion and allocate funds for compensations and ammunition in case of conflicts. However, there was no need for extravagant living, hiring servants, or hosting lavish banquets. All in all, he earned a sum similar to that of a minister. The only difference was that ministers didnt rely solely on their public salaries for income. On the other hand, laborers received an annual salary of around 700 verl dor, while maids earned approximately 480 verl dor. Construction workers fared only slightly better, with an annual salary of 1,000 verl dor. Skilled workers brought in a meager 2,500 verl dor per year, while senior engineers ranged between 10,000 and 20,000 verl dor annually. Indeed, the shortcut to wealth is written within the laws themselves No wonder Brignais couldnt bear to let go of this dance hall Lumian recollected a comment his sister had made. By saving money and taking care of his subordinates, preventing them from recklessly rushing into battles, he had enough left over each year to purchase a Sequence 6 potion formula and even the corresponding primary ingredients! Once Ren finished speaking, Lumian nodded and posed a question, Why provide the dancers with a base salary? It wasnt that he was reluctant to part with the funds, but rather out of curiosity. The dancers under our Savoie Mob are under the control of Red Boots. She insists on a base salary, allowing the dancers to opt-out of additional jobs. If they wish to earn less, they earn less. If they choose to starve, they starve, Ren explained. Apart from Red Bootss dancers, there are also women who are controlled by figures from the usury business. In the past, Baron Brignais had authority over them all, so there wasnt any conflict. How should we coordinate matters now? Thoughts raced through Lumians mind, leading him to notice the resemblances between Franca and his sister Aurore. Could it be because they are part of the same secret organization? However, if it were Aurore, she would have approached it differently. She would have organized protests among the dancers, established an underground school to educate them, and sought alternative paths If it were me, what would I do? After pondering for a moment, Lumian raised his gaze and addressed Ren, Louis, and the others. For now, let us maintain the current state of affairs. Ren, assist me in dealing with the police officers during this period. Once I acquaint myself better with our surroundings, I shall engage in fruitful discussions with them. After altering the passwords of the two mechanical safes and informing Manager Ren of one as per the established protocol, Lumian made his way back to Auberge du Coq Dor before lunchtime. He proceeded directly to the fifth floor and rapped on Charlies door. Charlie, who was enjoying a light beer with a nibble of baguette, caught sight of Ciel as soon as he opened the door. He exclaimed happily, Where have you been these past couple of days? You didnt even show up at the bar for a drink. Lumian inquired, Theres a job opportunity. Would you be interested? What kind of job? Charlie worriedly contemplated his diminishing savings and the bleak prospects of finding new employment. With a smile, Lumian responded, How about working as a waiter at Salle de Bal Brise? You dont have to join the Savoie Mob. Youll earn 70 verl dor per month. You can keep the tips, but be aware that folks in the market district arent inclined to tip unless you become a woman and are willing to engage with them intimately. Yes, there are also female patrons who seek out waiters for such purposes. Youre experienced in that domain, so theres no need for further elaboration. Salle de Bal Brise? Charlies eyes widened. Have you already gained Baron Brignaiss trust? To be able to arrange for someone to work as a waiter at Salle de Bal Brise without joining the Savoie Mob! Lumian simply maintained his smile. I dont need Baron Brignaiss approval. Salle de Bal Brise is now under me. Huh? Charlie questioned his own hearing. Lumian clarified, still smiling, After I eliminated Hammer Ait, the Savoie Mobs leader handed over Salle de Bal Brise to me. Is that so? Charlie had an epiphany before blurting out in astonishment, You took down Hammer Ait as well? Lumian nodded. Dont disclose this to anyone. I fear the police might come knocking. Charlie was at a loss for words. After a few seconds, he mumbled, Perhaps those Poison Spur Mob fellows should pay a visit to the nearby cathedral and pray, see if their luck can change. Ever since you arrived in the market district, their leaders have been dropping like flies. I cant fathom how they must be feeling now. Great idea, Lumian commended. If the leaders of the Poison Spur Mob had the audacity to pray in the Eternal Blazing Sun or the cathedral of the God of Steam and Machinery, the mob would cease to exist. Of course, Lumian didnt want them to act so foolishly before Louis Lund visited again. Charlie pondered for a moment and responded, Alright, Ill head over to Salle de Bal Brise in the afternoon. Who should I ask for? Haha, I rarely get to visit the dance hall because Im always short on cash. Now I can go there every day. Just find Manager Ren and let him know youre a tenant at Auberge du Coq Dor, Lumian replied simply, his gaze shifting to the side. There were two cleaning ladies nearby. One of them appeared to be in her early fifties, but upon closer inspection, one would think she was only in her forties. She had originally possessed flaxen-colored hair, but she now wore a vibrant blond wig and had applied eye shadow and makeup. This concealed her fine wrinkles to some extent, but couldnt entirely hide her weariness. Who are they? Lumian inquired of Charlie. Charlie clicked his tongue and explained, Dont you know? Our penny-pinching landlord has changed his ways. He no longer hires someone to clean just once a week. Now hes opted to have two cleaning ladies work every morning. Tell me, tell me, isnt this a miraculous turn of events? Its only slightly less fortunate than my own stroke of luck back then! Lumian, having just finished perusing Salle de Bal Brises financial statements, immediately considered the salary of a cleaning lady. Around 70 to 80 verl dor per month. However, that was for full-time work. This kind of half-day job would cost at most 45 verl dor. Two cleaning ladies working half a day wouldnt exceed 100 verl dor per month. Hiring someone for regular cleaning once a week costs 18 verl dor each time. And Monsieur Ive promised to increase it to twice a week. In other words, itll cost 150 verl dor per month. How is this generous? Its simply meticulous budgeting! Lumian scoffed. He suspected that if it werent for the fact that a cleaning lady couldnt finish the entire motel in half a day, no one would take on such a job. Monsieur Ive definitely wouldnt hire two. Is that so? Charlie scratched his head. His computational abilities couldnt keep up with Lumians rapid deductions. As the two cleaning ladies entered a vacant room to rid it of bedbugs, Lumian subtly gestured in their direction with his chin. Why is one of them wearing a wig and eye shadow? What kind of cleaning lady does that? Charlie lowered his voice and said, I asked about that. Her name is Elodie. She claims to have been a theater actress and says shes used to dollying herself up like that. And she continues to do so to this day. No one knows if shes telling the truth. When I worked as an attendant at H?tel du Cygne Blanc, I heard from the kitchen staff that when aging prostitutes are scorned, their only option is to take on tasks like dishwashing and cleaning Lumian recollected Elodies appearance and surmised that she must have been quite a beauty in her youth. Whether she had been a theater actress or a woman of the streets had no bearing on her current role as a cleaning lady. After bidding farewell to Charlie, Lumian made his way to the restaurant on the first floor for a quick meal before taking a public carriage to Avenue du Boulevard. He intended to inform Mr. K that the mission had been successfully accomplished! Chapter 177 - 177 Proselytizing 177 Proselytizing Before stepping onto the public carriage, Lumian made a special effort to spend six licks on purchasing a copy of the Psychic magazine, disguising himself as someone attending a gathering of mysticism enthusiasts at 19 Rue Scheer. He worried that Gardner Martin, the boss of the Savoie Mob, might secretly tail him to ascertain if something was amiss. While he could employ some anti-tracking methods to try and shake off potential pursuers, wouldnt that raise more suspicion? In comparison, it would be more convincing to pose as a naive country bumpkin who had recently arrived in Trier and stumbled upon the Beyonder path. Such an individual would naturally crave knowledge about mysticism, leading to the purchase of Psychic and other magazines. Occasionally attending various gatherings of mysticism enthusiasts would solidify the facade. In truth, this tale held some merit. The only hitch was that Mr. K, the organizer of the mysticism enthusiast gathering, had a secret organization backing him. If Gardner Martins men had indeed delved into their investigation, Lumian would let them confront Mr. K and witness the clash of strengths! As the Prankster King of Cordu, Lumian always relished witnessing a spectacle unfold. When the time arrived, he would adjust his choices based on the outcome of the battle. In any case, his overall direction would remain unchanged. He would follow the instructions of Madam Magician and infiltrate the secret organization behind Mr. K. Inside the carriage, Lumian flipped through Psychic. The current issue focused on the theme of secret deeds. Contrary to Lumians initial instinctive interpretation, the term deed in the context of secret deeds did not refer to an actual deed but rather denoted compatibility. It represented a method of merging ones mind with a specific hidden entity, enabling the acquisition of corresponding mental experiences and a certain amount of mystical knowledge. Psychics editorials stressed that this act was exceedingly perilous. Unless one could verify the trustworthiness and absence of malice in the subject of the secret deed, attempting it was strongly discouraged. It would lead to dire and severe consequences, including but not limited to mental illness, possession by evil spirits, loss of rationality, sudden death, and alterations in personality. Ah, now it makes sense Lumian immediately grasped some of the contents of Aurores grimoire. Initially, he had struggled to comprehend those passages, viewing them through the lens of a contract. However, with a change in perspective, he now roughly understood their meaning. Lumian lowered his gaze to the Psychic magazine in his hand and silently commended it, saying, Its more useful than I anticipated. I had thought it was all concocted to deceive enthusiasts of mysticism. Yes, although there are numerous errors in common sense that suggest it wasnt written by someone who truly ventured into the Beyonder world and conducted extensive research, their explanations of certain concepts are rather advanced. They come close to the correct answer, and some even enlighten me Amidst his praise, he muttered, Considering that Mr. K resides beneath the headquarters of Psychic, could there truly be Beyonders among the editorial staff and contributing authors of these mysticism magazines? Did they intentionally write an accurate article first and then deliberately alter many concepts and common knowledge to something incorrect? As these thoughts raced through his mind, Lumian inwardly hissed. From this vantage point, the editors of this issue arent instructing the correct secret deed ritual. Instead, they are cautioning those who attempt secret deeds without discretion! No, its not merely without discretion. Its more plausible that it was purposefully guided by someone with malicious intentions At that moment, Lumian revisited Psychic, no longer focusing on the specific words. He even sensed that it was brimming with warnings written in blood-red ink: Cease! Refrain from engaging in any further secret deed rituals! The mysterious world is truly fraught with peril Lumian closed his eyes and sighed deeply, touched by emotions. The longer he immersed himself in the field of mysticism, the more he comprehended his sisters helplessness and struggle. He closed Psychic, a magazine two licks cheaper than the average, and directed his gaze out of the carriage window. Upon reaching Rue Scheer in Avenue du Boulevard, Lumian executed his customary anti-tracking measures, showcasing his Hunter instincts. He then entered Psychics headquarters and knocked on the door of Room 103 using the distinctive pattern of three-long, two-short, and one-long knock. As before, he was led to the basement and encountered Mr. K. Mr. K still wore a voluminous black robe with an oversized hood, rendering his face concealed within shadows. Seated in the crimson-backed chair, he gazed at Lumian for a few seconds before speaking in a low, raspy voice, What brings you here this time? Mr. K, I have fulfilled the mission you assigned me and have become a leader in the Savoie Mob of the market district. I now oversee Salle de Bal Brise and Auberge du Coq Dor, Lumian said with a smile. Mr. K offered a slight nod. Excellent. I like your way of doing things. What you must do next is earn Gardner Martins trust and secure his genuine recognition. This time, Mr. K omitted the words reward or mission. Instead, he issued a direct command, treating Lumian as if he were already his subordinate. Earning the Bosss trust? Lumian was momentarily taken aback, followed by intense bewilderment and unease. He recalled vividly that when Mr. K assigned the mission, he hadnt specified joining the Savoie Mob. He had used the word any! Yet now, the subsequent task was to be truly acknowledged by the boss of the Savoie Mob! If I hadnt chosen Baron Brignais and chose another mob, what kind of mission would Mr. K have assigned me today? Or was he utterly convinced that I would join the Savoie Mob? What makes him so certain? Thoughts swirled in Lumians mind, reminding him of recent events Baron Brignais dispatched me to handle a leader from the Poison Spur Mob after I eliminated the pervert and obtained the canister of sedatives, putting it to good use Isnt this too much of a coincidence? There are other similar occurrences Every so often, I sense someones gaze upon me from the shadows nearby, yet I perceive nothing Could all of this have been orchestrated by Mr. K? If I had not chosen the Savoie Mob, would I have been arranged to join the Savoie Mob following a series of incidents? The more Lumian pondered, the more a sense of dread overcame him. When Lumian looked at Mr. K again, the notion of treating him as a cash cow vanished from his mind. Perhaps, apart from Madam Magician and a few others, this might be the most powerful Beyonder he had ever encountered! Unknowingly, it compelled him to comply with the other partys desires! As these thoughts raced through his mind, Lumian lowered his head and said, Yes, Mr. K. He assumed the demeanor of a subordinate. Meanwhile, he couldnt help but think of Red Boots Franca. This member of the secret organization, the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, possessed both a background and strength, yet she aspired to become the mistress of a mob boss. Clearly, she harbored ulterior motives. Is her objective also to get close to Gardner Martin? Is she involved in something significant or a crucial secret? Lumian attempted to make an educated guess. Mr. K nodded in satisfaction. Im pleased to see you know your place. Dont worry, I wont be stingy with the rewards. Have you not prayed in any cathedral recently? He changed the subject. Im a wanted criminal! Lumian recalled Madam Magicians warning and retorted angrily, Besides, those deities wont save us at all! Mr. K chuckled. Its not that they wont, but they cant. Their power cannot envelop all believers and assist everyone during times of calamity. There are numerous reasons, but to put it succinctly, there is only one: Weakness is an inherent sin. Are you curious about the Lord I believe in? He embodies the truth of this world. He is supreme. His divine grace flows abundantly like the sea. He created everything and shall annihilate everything. He is power incarnate, as are we. Observing Lumians silence, Mr. K didnt press further. You need not answer me now. Ponder carefully during this period. Reflect on who can save us and offer protection in this increasingly perilous and deranged world. Once you have affirmed your faith in Him, you will genuinely become one of us. It wont be long before your strength significantly improves. I shall consider it deeply, Lumian replied in a hushed tone. Mr. K then inquired, Is there anything else? Having adjusted his mindset, Lumian asked, with the intention of not missing out on anything by asking,In the course of fulfilling the mission, if I encounter danger, may I employ your finger? How should I utilize it? Mr. K nodded and responded, Just take it out. In other words, it could be employed. If I use it, how should I deal with the threat from Susanna Mattise in the future? Lumian probed further. Mr. K fell silent for a few seconds. After you employ that finger, return to me here. I shall provide you with another one. Indeed, your fingers are consumables Lumian pondered for a moment and said, I sold Hammer Aits Beyonder characteristic to Gardner Martin for 18,000 verl dor. I wish to purchase a Sealed Artifact that can enhance my mystical abilities or aid me in better disguising myself. Do you have any such items here, Mr. K? Mr. K didnt offer an immediate response, as if he were contemplating a suitable candidate. After a while, he said to Lumian, Come here and make your selection on Saturday night. Lumian beamed. Thank you, Mr. K. It felt reassuring to have the support of an organization, even if he was only an unofficial member. After arriving at Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, Lumian carefully stowed Mr. Ks finger in Room 207 of Auberge du Coq Dor. His next destination was Salle de Bal Brise, where he intended to locate an unoccupied room. There, he would summon the messenger of Madam Magician to relay the progress of his mission. Lumian hoped to receive valuable feedback from her, particularly regarding how Mr. K had permitted these events to unfold with an uncanny degree of coincidence. Chapter 178 - 178 The Messengers Response 178 The Messengers Response Evening, Avenue du March, Salle de Bal Brise. Lumian made his way to the entrance. Just as he reached the door, he was greeted by two mobsters standing guard. Good evening, Boss. Lumian, still donned in a crisp white shirt, a black vest, and rolled-up cuffs, acknowledged them with a smile and a nod. Louis and Sarkota had been eagerly awaiting the return of their new leader. Spotting Lumian entering the dance hall, they swiftly abandoned their positions at the bar counter and forced smiles on their faces. Boss, why dont you let us accompany you? Its not safe to be unprotected like this! Louis expressed his loyalty with concern. Lumian chuckled in amusement and replied, You two? Protecting me? I worry that if anything were to happen, you both would end up beaten to a pulp. Id have to compensate your loved ones. Louis smiled sheepishly. I know youre formidable, Boss, and you can handle Hammer Ait and Wolf Margot on your own. But isnt there a saying that goes, Two fists cant fight four hands? Besides, we all carry guns, and our aim isnt too shabby. Two fists cant fight four hands? Lumian thought to himself. Wasnt that something Emperor Roselle once said? When did it become a saying? Aurore had always suspected that many vulgarities originated from Emperor Roselle, but nobody had ever confirmed it Lumian glanced at Louis, who appeared tough but had a submissive demeanor, and Sarkota, with his curly brown hair and full lips. He nodded slightly and responded, When I instruct you to follow, you may do so. When I dont, keep an eye on the dance hall. If anyone dares to cause trouble, shoot them. Right, where can I find a shooting range? Theres one in the basement of the dance hall, Louis pointed downwards, indicating his feet. The other leaders also come there to practice their shooting skills, but they have to bring their own ammunition. Excellent. Lumian nodded in satisfaction. He urgently needed to improve his marksmanship, as he lacked effective long-range attacks. Louis asked again, Boss, the environment at Auberge du Coq Dor is dreadful. Are you planning to relocate to the dance hall? There are several rooms on the second floor for you to choose from. Or do you intend to stay in the temporary rest area previously used by Baron Brignais? Louis displayed his willingness, recognizing that both he and Sarkota had once been trusted aides of Baron Brignais. If they failed to earn the trust of the new leader, they might be relegated to mere bouncers at the entrance. Their status would plummet, and they would be at the mercy of the members of the Savoie Mob, with whom they had never gotten along. Not only would their income suffer, but they would also face significant bullying. Lumian pondered for a moment before responding, Show me the rooms. This location was ideal for the ritual to summon Madam Magicians messenger. Lumian had no plans to check out of Auberge du Coq Dor anytime soon. His strategy involved selecting a room on the second floor of Salle de Bal Brise and Room 207 of Auberge du Coq Dor as his nightly resting places after dismissing Louis and Sarkota. This increased his chances of being attacked under the cover of darkness. Occasionally, he would also consider his rented safe house on Rue des Blouses Blanches. Lumian sensed that the Poison Spur Mob wouldnt let him off easily. He had eliminated three leaders consecutively and had deliberately provoked them. Once the authorities let their guard down a little, the likelihood of retaliation would be high. Lumian was confident that the other side had been provoked, as his potion had been further digested. In another month or two, he might even consider advancing to Pyromaniac. Lumian didnt worry too much about being secretly attacked by Black Scorpion Roger and the other leaders of the Poison Spur Mob. With Mr. Ks finger, he stood a good chance of defending himself, even against Susanna Mattise, who was equivalent to a Sequence 5 Beyonder, let alone Black Scorpion Roger and the others who had not yet become Sowers. Upon reaching the second floor, Lumian made his way through the caf and entered the corridor. After scanning the area, he pointed to a room closer to his office and declared, Ill take this one. The room boasted classical furniture, a four-piece set of dark red velvet, and a cushioned recliner. Boss, should we replace these fabric items with new ones? Louis ingratiatingly inquired. Sarkota, ever quiet in comparison, stood by his side. No need, Lumian replied, finding an excuse. He then assigned his two bodyguards to watch over the door leading from the caf to the second-floor corridor. Locking the door, he settled himself at a wide wooden table near the window to write a letter to Madam Magician. In the letter, he emphasized that he had completed Mr. Ks mission and earned his trust, even undergoing proselytization. He mentioned the opportunity to join the secret organization supporting Mr. K and inquired about the necessity of praying to Mr. Ks lord, as well as the potential consequences of being monitored by that entity. Finally, he highlighted his recent actions and expressed his unease over certain coincidences. Once he neatly folded the letter, Lumian arranged the altar and conjured a wall of spirituality. With the summoning ritual completed, he fixed his gaze upon the blue flame of the candle and waited in the chilling and eerie environment. Before long, a doll-like figure, the size of an arm, materialized above the fire. Clad in a delicate golden dress, the figure surveyed the area with unfocused, light-blue eyes. Raising its right hand, it delicately pinched its petite, pale-white nose. It stinks! It stinks! This place isnt as clean as the last one! Isnt this place supposed to be clean? Lumian exclaimed, scanning his surroundings in surprise. There are no bedbugs, and its just been cleaned. The messenger continued to wrinkle its nose, its voice ethereal and illusory as it spoke. There are old bones buried beneath the ground! Theyre foul, putrid, and repulsive! With those words, the blond doll snatched the letter and vanished instantly. Clearly, it had no intention of staying a moment longer! Old bones underground? Lumian repeated the messengers words, perplexed. He remembered that Salle de Bal Brise had been erected upon a cemetery belonging to a cathedral, and the bodies and ashes had been relocated to the catacombs. Even after the Savoie Mob had acquired the building, there remained an eerie atmosphere. Concerned that some bones might have been left behind deep beneath the ground, they had commissioned a spherical statue crafted from white skulls and placed it at the entrance, accompanied by an engraved inscription. The messengers reaction hinted that there truly were ancient remains interred underground. When the cathedral had moved the remains and ashes from the original cemetery to the catacombs, they likely hadnt intentionally left anything behind, unless they had failed to discover it or were unaware Could it be that there is a hidden tomb beneath the original cemetery, dating back to the Fourth Epoch? Is that why the messenger reacted so strongly? Well, for now, lets set aside the matter of the old bones underground. After all, nothing untoward has occurred at Salle de Bal Brise throughout these years. Its highly unlikely that anything would go awry the moment I set foot here, right? Lumian mused, concluding the ritual and tidying up the altar. He settled into the cushioned recliner, gently rocking back and forth, awaiting Madam Magicians response. Time passed, and the sky darkened completely. Lumian contemplated whether he should have Louis and the others bring dinner to his room or indulge in it at the caf or the bar counter. Suddenly, a stack of papers fell from above, landing on his lap. This time, the doll messenger didnt even reveal itself, clearly displaying its profound aversion to the overall environment of Salle de Bal Brise. In the future, Ill summon it at Auberge du Coq Dor or that safe house Lumian unfolded the letter and read it attentively. Excellent job. It seems you have gained Mr. Ks admiration and initial approval. From now on, simply follow his instructions. When the need arises, I will inform you of the true objective in advance. You can pretend to believe in the entity mentioned by Mr. K. After all, you already bear traces of two entities. Adding another one wont be an issue. Im just concerned it might get a bit crowded. Haha, the previous statement was a jest. The real solution is as follows: You can feign belief, but whenever you meet Mr. K and engage in prayer, beseech my lord for the protection of an angel. You should have learned the corresponding ritualistic magic, correct? If not, consult your sisters grimoires. Usually, refrain from invoking the honorific name of that individual, even if the order has been disrupted. Unless you are certain you have received the angels protection. I understand that the more one tries to suppress certain memories, the more they tend to resurface. During your next therapy session, you can attempt seeking assistance from your psychiatrist. In other words, you must postpone the matter of becoming a false believer until after the upcoming treatment. As for coincidences, they often have multiple factors intertwined in various things. Firstly, the corruption sealed within your body stems from an entity known as Inevitability. Clearly, Inevitability is linked to fate. It will subtly disrupt your destiny, leading you to encounter specific individuals and events that you are destined to come across. Secondly, it is highly likely that Mr. K has made arrangements to station someone in the shadows, observing you and providing the mob leaders with subtle psychological cues. This leads me to suspect that he is either a Sequence 6 Hypnotist or a Sequence 5 Dreamwalker from the Spectator path. However, based on your earlier description, he also possesses the powers of a Notary. Therefore, there is a strong possibility that he is a Shepherd. Shepherds are Sequence 5 Beyonders from the Secrets Suppliant path, and they serve the entity in whom Mr. K believes. Shepherds can graze upon the souls and characteristics of other Beyonders, enabling them to wield their abilities. This renders every Shepherd incredibly formidable, standing at the pinnacle of Mid-Sequence Beyonders. Thirdly, this stems from the law of convergence and my previous hypothesis of repulsion. Trust me, I wont be surprised that you will encounter more believers of evil gods, Hunters, and Demonesses in a short span of time. Stay diligent, Seven of Wands. Shepherd? That sounds incredibly powerful I have already encountered another Hunter and two Demonesses Lumian ignited Madam Magicians response by channeling his spirituality. Chapter 179 - 179 Feast 179 Feast As Lumian gazed at the smoldering remnants of the paper, memories of Mr. Ks relentless pressure flooded his mind. So a Shepherds essence lies in Grazing. They graze upon the souls and characteristics of other Beyonders or Beyonder creatures to harness their abilities Thus, a seasoned Shepherd is truly unparalleled. They excel in close combat, long-range attacks, and a multitude of mystical techniques In fact, a Contractee is somewhat like a simplified version of a Shepherd. Each contract is limited to a single ability. When ones Sequence is low, the number of contracts is severely restricted. At most, it might reach five, but often it doesnt exceed three. If one fails to choose their abilities wisely, they may struggle to defeat an ordinary person armed with a gun. Its not comparable to a Shepherds power, where Grazing bestows all abilities, undiminished Of course, at the level of the padre, signing ten or twenty contracts becomes a different experience. Furthermore, contracts often target beings from the spirit world with a wide array of peculiar abilities. Beyonders encountering them for the first time will find it challenging to adapt The more Lumian pondered, the more dread Mr. K instilled in him. Suppressing his thoughts, Lumian stood up and let out an inward sigh. No wonder Madam Magician believes Mr. K can withstand Susanna Mattisean evil spirit Leaving the room, Lumian approached Louis and Sarkota with composure and uttered, Have the kitchen prepare dinner. Boss, what would you like to eat? Louis inquired before Sarkota could speak. Lumian couldnt recall the menu at Salle de Bal Brises attached caf. He pondered for a moment and replied, Bring me a set meal. Join me. Alright. Louis signaled Sarkota to inform the caf attendant. Lumian settled at Baron Brignaiss favored table and picked up the days newspaper. The Trier Gazette adorned the top, followed by The Reformer Daily, Peoples Voice, Action News, Intis Daily, Friends of the People, and other prominent newspapers. Lumian couldnt resist turning his head, a hint of amusement in his voice as he asked Louis, Is that what Brignais typically reads? A mobster concerned about national affairs? Louis glanced at Sarkota on the other side and replied with a smile, He doesnt read such things. He only insists that we avoid offending reporters and newspapers. If possible, we should subscribe to influential newspapers. Occasionally, hell spend money to place advertisements for Salle de Bal Brise, boasting of the presence of captivating dancers here. He usually reads the three newspapers and magazines at the bottom. Avoiding conflicts with newspapers and reporters That makes sense. If the Trier Gazette publishes news of a significant mob presence in the market district, the Savoie Mob would be doomed the next day. Those old men still value their reputation Lumian gained a bit more understanding. He then retrieved the newspapers and magazines from the bottom. Isnt this more interesting than The Reformer Daily and Action News? Lumian picked up Novel Weekly and delved into the latest serialized story. Casually, he inquired, Where do the funds and advertising fees for these newspapers come from? Louis pondered for a moment, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead, but he couldnt provide an answer. Just then, Sarkota chimed in, Its deducted from the 100,000 verl dor we set aside for cultivating ties with the police. Lumian nodded approvingly, satisfied that it wouldnt hinder his gains as the new leader of the Savoie Mob! Before long, the caf attendant arrived with their food. Onion minced pigeon, smoked rock crab, hot bamboo chicken pie, stewed mutton brain, stewed veal slices, grilled oysters with vanilla, two salads, scarlet cheese, grilled almond sauce, a glass of red, white, and blue liqueur, and a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. The fragrant aromas mingled together, wafting into Lumians nostrils and causing his mouth to water even more. Just as expected from Trier. Even an ordinary cafs set meal offers such a variety of dishes. If this were Loen, Id be limited to choosing between pan-fried steak or stewed peas with tender mutton Lumian, being a pure Intisian, mockingly compared Loens cuisine based on his impressions from various newspapers, magazines, and folk jokes. He lifted the glass of tricolor liqueur and took a sip, then pointed to the armchairs on either side of the table, saying, Lets eat together. Louis bowed slightly and replied with a smile, Boss, well take turns eating after you finish. Lumian didnt insist and savored his first feast since arriving in Trierand it was on the house. It had to be said that the chefs at Salle de Bal Brise were truly skilled. Lumian nodded repeatedly as he enjoyed his meal. Among the dishes, he found the mutton brain most delightful. Skillfully infused with several spices, the fishy and gamey flavors of the brain were cleverly balanced, leaving behind a delicate texture akin to Roselle tofu, accompanied by a rich and enticing fragrance. He finished the glass of red, white, and blue liqueur and one-third of the bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. Then, he gestured for Louis and Sarkota to take their turns. Lumian picked up Novel Weekly and Ghost Face magazines, ready to delve into their contents. In the pages of Ghost Face, Lumians eyes fell upon a familiar name: DuVar. The proprietor of the restaurant renowned for inventing DuVars broth had amassed a fortune and relocated to Quartier de la Maison dOpra. An intriguing anecdote caught Lumians attention within the Ghost Face pages: DuVars infatuation with Perle, a stage actress from Loen and a Trier courtesan, had cost him a fortune. The tale recounted a banquet held at Perles private residence, where she lay naked on an enormous silver platter, served by attendants, in the presence of over a dozen guests. This shattered DuVars heart. He had even attempted suicide to no avail. Lumian couldnt decide whether to sigh at the Trieriens tendency to exaggerate or to jest at the Loenese for not being as conservative as they seemed. It appeared that the latter adapted swiftly in Intis, or perhaps he should mock DuVar for his unblemished innocence despite being a Trierien in his forties. At times, Lumian couldnt help but wonder if these behaviors stemmed from the influence of a Beyonders nature or if the followers of the malevolent god couldnt rein in their impulses. Naturally, had it not been for the shared inclinations among the Trieriens and the fact that many things posed no issues, these individuals would have been exposed long ago. After Louis and Sarkota had finished their meal, Lumian led them down to the first floor. The dance hall buzzed with activity in the evening. Jenna stood upon the wooden stage, her voice carrying a melodious tune accompanied by the band. Couples below embraced one another, twirling around the floor. Lumian cast a fleeting glance at the scene before redirecting his gaze and striding toward the exit. Boss, where are we headed? Louis inquired. Lumian chuckled. Am I the boss or are you? Do I need to report my whereabouts to you? Louiss expression froze. He glanced at the silent Sarkota and suddenly felt that emulating his composure wasnt a bad idea. I-Im merely concerned about our next course of action, he asserted. As Lumian made his way out of the dance hall, amidst greetings from the bouncers, he smiled and replied, I will inform you when there is a need for you to know. He returned to Auberge du Coq Dor but veered away from Room 207, where he had intended to retrieve Mr. Ks finger and his revolver. Instead, he ventured into the underground bar. Before Lumian could assess the situation, Charlies voice reached his ears, brimming with enthusiasm. Have you heard the news? Ciel now goes by the nickname Lion Ciel! Little Minx Jenna came up with it. Have you laid eyes on her? I doubt youve ever seen a woman as stunning as her. She possesses an alluring figure and a face that could bewitch anyone. When she sings, everyone yearns to abandon their faith for her. And she took a liking to Ciel and invited him to dance. They were inseparable, grinding each other! Oh, the dance hall was dimly lit. You can well imagine what transpired Lumian suddenly felt like he had become the protagonist of a news story in Ghost Face. Louis and Sarkota, standing behind him, felt both embarrassed and concerned for their boss. They were embarrassed that the person at the small round table might be boasting on their bosss behalf. They were worried that if it were true, their boss would be making Red Boots Franca a cuckold. In that case, they would be in serious trouble. Franca not only held considerable power but was also the mistress of their big boss! Charlie, holding a beer, caught sight of Lumian, and his smile froze. He hopped off the small round table and approached Lumian, coughing before speaking. Hey, Ciel, would you mind if I shared some details about your romantic entanglement? Instead of answering, Lumian asked, How did you find out? Charlie grinned. Many people know; it spread from the Salle de Gristmill. In other words, the Poison Spur Mob is aware that I danced with Jenna twice before assassinating Hammer Ait? Thats true. I only disguised myself back then, without even changing my hair color. I even provoked those around me. In hindsight, coupled with Hammer Aits demise, they will surely recognize me As Red Boots mistress, Jenna may also become a target for their vengeance. Theres no need to be overly concerned, though. She is protected by Red Boots. As a seasoned Beyonder and a formidable Demoness, Franca wont be careless in such matters Lumian nodded, understanding the situation. He smiled at Charlie and said, Feel free to share. The more the news spread, the more it would attract Red Boots attention, deterring any potential reprisal from the Poison Spur Mob. Lumian asked Charlie, Why didnt you go to Salle de Bal Brise? Charlie forced a smile and replied, The manager, Ren, wants me to start officially tomorrow. He offered me 80 verl dor per month. As they conversed, Lumian noticed his neighbor sitting at the bar counter. The abject author Gabriel. He still sported disheveled, greasy brown hair, large black-framed glasses, a faded linen shirt, and black dungarees. Lumian bid farewell to Charlie and approached Gabriel, asking, Whats the matter? Gabriel, sipping on a glass of light-green absinthe, glanced at him and smiled bitterly. My script was rejected. Those managers didnt even bother reading it! Ive submitted it to dozens of theaters, but no one is willing to give it a chance. Dozens of theaters Lumians heart stirred as he casually inquired, Did you send your script to Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons in our market district? Yes, Gabriel sighed. Their manager turned me down too. He mentioned that they write their own scripts or commission custom ones. Lumian took a seat and asked, Who is their manager? Chapter 180 - 180 Lazy 180 Lazy Gabriel took a sip of absinthe and spoke, Maip Meyer. Hes a theater manager with big ambitions. He aims to make Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons the most renowned theater in Trier. His ultimate goal is to be awarded the prestigious Intis Legion of Honor medal. The Intis Legion of Honor medal originated during the time of Emperor Roselle when he was still a Consul. It was created to replace the nobility system of the old royal family. However, when Roselle declared himself Caesar, the medal was abolished, and titles like dukes, counts, barons, and knights were reintroduced. Later, when the Intis Republic was established, the Legion of Honor Medal was reinstated. It was given to both military personnel and civilians who made remarkable contributions to the Republic. It wasnt limited to the military but included individuals from various industries. It was the highest honor in the current Intis Republic and being a recipient equated to being a knight from the past. In the past, painters, authors, actors, journalists, and sculptors had been honored with the Intis Legion of Honor medal, serving as inspirations for future generations. In the stories he crafted in his dream, he deceived the villagers of Cordu by claiming that Aurore was headed to Trier to receive the Legion of Honor medal. It wasnt entirely implausible. If Aurore could become Intiss renowned Fors Wall and the best-selling author on the Northern Continent, gaining recognition from LInstitut de Intis for her artistic achievements, she might have a genuine chance at obtaining the Legion of Honor medal. Lumian chuckled and remarked, If a person lacks dreams, theyre no different from salted fish. He found Maip Meyer, the theater manager, to be quite ordinary. This led him to believe that the issues with Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons extended beyond the majority of the people. There were only a few individuals closely associated with the landlord of Auberge du Coq Dor, Monsieur Ive, who were peculiar. After conversing with Gabriel for a while, Lumian guided Louis and Sarkota to the second floor and asked them to wait outside Room 207. He closed the door behind him, took off his holster from under his left armpit, and stashed away the bullet bag. Then, he put on a dark jacket. Without delay, Lumian retrieved Mr. Ks finger from beneath the pillow and slipped it into his right pocket. As for Fallen Mercury, the dagger from Hedsey, the awakening gas, and the unidentified liquid, he always carried them with him. However, the bayonet served no immediate purpose, so he left it in a drawer of the wooden table. Once he completed these actions, Lumian bent down and retrieved a brown suitcase from under the bed. He carefully placed Aurores grimoires inside. Given his altered identity and the increased hostility from the Poison Spur Mob, he felt the need to secure these grimoires in a safer and more secluded locationthe rented safe house on Rue des Blouses Blanches. To Lumian, these items held precious clues and knowledge left behind by Aurore. They also possessed an irreplaceable sentimental value that required protection. As for his daily studies, he would pre-copy a portion of the material and leave it at Auberge du Coq Dor or Salle de Bal Brise. Once he mastered it and ensured there were no issues, he would copy a few more pages at the safe house. After turning down Louiss offer to assist with his luggage, Lumian made his way back to Salle de Bal Brise and entered a room near the office. He retrieved the grimoire he had been perusing recently and laid it out on the desk. Taking hold of a dark-red fountain pen, he commenced copying its contents onto a thick stack of white paper. As he transcribed, Lumian found the task dreadfully dull. Ideas on how to avoid the monotony began to creep into his mind. Soon enough, an idea struck him. Why not summon that rabbit-shaped creature from the spirit world, the one who had previously written the report for him, and have it copy his notebook? Though that creature was dim-witted and lacking in intellect, it proved obedient. It possessed a remarkable speed for copying and could imitate the original handwriting In that case, all I need to do is provide spirituality while I indulge in reading newspapers and magazines, waiting for my homework to be completed. No, not homework rather, copying notes Lumian pondered momentarily before setting his fountain pen down and preparing for the summoning ritual. Back in Cordu, upon finishing his sisters daily assignments, Lumian often contemplated ways to slack off. He had been teaching Reimund, Ava, and the others to comprehend words, hoping they could assist him with his homework as they improved. Alas, the disparity in knowledge between them was too vast. It couldnt be bridged without several years of effort. Before long, Lumian arranged the altar, consecrated the ritual silver dagger, and erected a wall of spirituality. As the fragrance of citrus and lavender wafted through the air, he gazed at the candle flames yellow hue and uttered in ancient Hermes: I! In the next second, Lumian switched to Hermes. I summon in my name: Spirit wandering in the void, a friendly creature that can be communicated with, weakling who can write Intisian The candle flame swiftly transformed into a deep shade of green, expanding to the size of a human head. Completing the remaining incantation, Lumian witnessed the emergence of a translucent and hazy figure from within the candle flame. Standing at nearly 1.9 meters tall, it possessed the head of an ox atop a human body, garbed in brown fur clothing. Not the rabbit Thats right. There must be numerous spirit world creatures that fit the description of my summoning incantation. The one who responds to the summons is entirely random Lumian experienced a mix of disappointment and anticipation as he pointed toward the grimoire. Copy it for me. The ethereal minotaur nodded faintly. Alright. Without delay, it seated itself, picked up the dark-red fountain pen, and commenced copying Aurores grimoire. Not bad at all, much more intelligent than that silly rabbit Lumian thought, his delight evident. Just as he was about to settle into the recliner and peruse the newspapers and magazines, an unsettling feeling washed over him. Isnt the minotaur too slow? More than ten seconds have passed, and it hasnt even copied a word! No, in fact, it had only written two letters! Can you work any faster? Lumian probed. This is already my fastest pace, the minotaur responded truthfully. Lumian was at a loss for words. It was even worse than the silly rabbit! That creature, at the very least, functioned like a mystical typewriter. It could complete a full page of copying in less than a minute! Lumian unconsciously considered ending the ritual and dismissing the minotaur before summoning another spirit world creature. However, knowing that the subsequent ones were likely to be equally peculiar, he abandoned the idea in weariness. By the time the summoning ritual naturally came to an end, the minotaur had managed to copy only half a page. Lumian rubbed his temples and made up his mind to do it himself. After transcribing three pages, he heard a knock on the door. Whats the matter? Lumian closed his notebook, set aside his fountain pen, and walked toward the door. It was Louis outside. In his rugged guise, he lowered his voice and said, Boss, Giant Simon is here. What could he want? Lumian recalled that Giant Simon was a leader of the Savoie Mob, overseeing a number of dance halls and bars on Rue du Rossignol. He was suspected to be a Beyonder of the Warrior pathway, with a high likelihood of being a Sequence 8 Beyonder. Louis simply shook his head. I dont know. Lumian inquired, What did he discuss with Brignais last time? It didnt seem pleasant. Louis elaborated, Giant Simon has always held a grudge against the baron because he controls Salle de Bal Brise. He instinctively used the term baron. Observing that Lumian didnt take offense, Louis continued, Salle de Bal Brises profits surpass those of all his dance halls and bars combined. He even has a casino in his bar! The last time he approached the baron, he hoped that the baron would prevent some of the more attractive dancers from coming here and instead have them transferred to Rue du Rossignol. The baron replied, Red Boots is in charge of assigning the dancers. I have no objections if you discuss it with her. The prices on Rue du Rossignol are very low. Beautiful dancers are reluctant to work there. Lumian recollected Charlie mentioning that one could find inexpensive pussies on Rue du Rossignol for as little as 52 coppet, which amounted to just half a verl dor. On the other hand, at Salle de Bal Brise, if the dancers encountered generous patrons, they could charge up to 10 verl dor. Typically, they fetched anywhere between 3 to 5 verl dor. This was despite the relatively low income in the market district. If it were Rue de la Muraille in the Red Princess district, an above-average-looking woman would cost dozens of verl dor. Is Giant Simon envious of my control over Salle de Bal Brise? Lumian nodded subtly, his brows furrowing in puzzlement, and he asked, Theres something I find rather perplexing. Why are Salle de Bal Brises profits so substantial? Louis grinned. Most of our alcohol comes from Rat Christo. Its tax-free and incredibly cheap. Moreover, we dont have to pay any rent. Rat Christo who is in charge of the smuggling business? Lumian grasped the general reasoning behind it. He exited the room, strolled along the corridor, and entered the caf. Giant Simon, still clad in a snug black formal suit, had his light-yellow hair tightly plastered to his scalp. He set his wide-brimmed round hat on the table and positioned himself by the window, puffing on a cigarette. The mobsters trailing behind him dispersed, engaging in an intense standoff with Sarkota and the others at Salle de Bal Brise from a distance. Spotting Lumian approaching, Simon crushed the cigarette in his hand and put on a feigned wide smile. Well, well, Ciel, youve already gained the Bosss approval and managed to get to run Salle de Bal Brise. Why didnt you treat us brothers to a drink? As Simon spoke, he strode toward Lumian. At over 1.9 meters in height, Lumian, who was already standing at 1.8 meters, appeared rather short. Lumian gazed up at Simons prominent nose and pockmarked face, returning the smile. I have some sort of social phobia, so I couldnt bring myself to invite you guys. Hey, youre quite tall. Just as one would expect from a Giant. Youre even taller than Hammer Ait. His words conveyed a message of maintaining their respective territories. If you dont provoke me, I wont provoke you. Otherwise, Im capable of killing you, just like the Sequence 8 Warrior, Hammer Ait. Giant Simon didnt comprehend the meaning behind the first sentence, but he discerned the provocation in the latter. His face darkened as a result, simultaneously dispelling his disdain for Lion Ciel. This wasnt merely a brawny man. Smiles and pleasantries wouldnt get him far! Simon gestured toward the table where Baron Brignais often sat. I need to discuss something with you. Chapter 181 - 181 The Loyal Ciel 181 The Loyal Ciel Lumian settled back into his seat, taking a casual stance. His gaze locked onto Giant Simon as he inquired, And whats the matter? Giant Simons cast his light-blue eyes over Louis and Sarkota standing behind Lumian. Arent they Brignaiss men? Why would you allow them to tail you? If it were me, Id put them to work as bouncers. Louis and Sarkota exchanged anxious glances when Simon hit the nail on the head. Lumian wanted to applaud, grateful that Simon had provided him with an opportunity to win their trust. However, he couldnt entirely trust Louis and Sarkota. He had no desire to become a mobster, but he didnt want to be shot in the back, riddled with bullets someday. Lumian smirked once again. What do you mean Brignaiss men? I used to work under Brignais! Were all members of the Savoie Mob, loyal to the Boss. As long as I remain faithful, theres no need to worry about them turning against me! Louis and Sarkota nodded repeatedly, impressed by Ciels broad-mindedness and demeanor. Thats right. Baron Brignais changed our status in the Savoie Mob and gave us a lot of trust, but were still members of the Savoie Mob. Betraying the Boss is out of the question. And it was the Boss who commanded us to follow Ciel and obey his orders! Simon choked on Lumians words. After a few seconds, he finally said, You may be loyal to the Boss, but others might not be. Brignais is ambitious. You find Brignais unloyal to the Boss? Hidden Blade Uh Red Boots Franca mentioned that Brignais hasnt been obedient lately Lumian suddenly felt pity for Gardner Martin, the boss of the Savoie Mob. His most capable subordinates lacked loyalty, and his favorite mistress had ulterior motives. The newcomer he had recently promoted turned out to be a spy from another organization Realizing he couldnt shake off Louis and Sarkota, two thugs who often accompanied Baron Brignais and had knowledge of various matters, Simon steered the conversation back on track. I came here to discuss the dancers basic salary. F*cking dammit, why the bloody hell do we have to give those sluts money every day, even when they dont have a single customer? Franca is overbearing. Just because shes the Bosss mistress, she convinced him to agree to such an unreasonable demand! Were mobsters, not a charity. By Steam, when I handed money to those women, I felt like a bloody priest! Thats fine by me. I only need to give them a few licks each day. But its 1 verl dor a day for Salle de Bal Brise. The textile workers in Quartier du Jardin Botanique earn only 1.5 verl dor a day, and they work from morning till night! No wonder Francas beautiful dancers refused to work on Rue du Rossignol. The prices there are low, and the base salary is meager Why are you cursing like Franca and Jenna? Can vulgarities be contagious? Aurore seemed to curse in the same manner during her occasional bouts of madness Lumian deliberately ignored Louiss suggestion and asked with a smile, Whats your plan? Simons fury remained etched on his face. You, me, and Black, well go to the Boss together. We must make him change his mind and rein in Franca! Which of the other mobs pays their dancers a base salary? Is he trying to take advantage of my recent takeover of Salle de Bal Brise? Is he inciting me to rebel against the Boss? Heh heh, as Aurore once said, the early worm gets eaten by birds, and ravens who stick their necks out get shot Lumian raised his hands, cracking his knuckles with a sly smile. Its pointless. Franca is the Bosss mistress. The Boss will undoubtedly heed her. If you want him to change his mind, theres only one waybecome the boss yourself! Is this something you should say in front of so many people? Louis, Sarkota, and the others behind Lumian were so terrified that they almost covered their leaders mouth. Giant Simon also appeared taken aback. What nonsense are you spouting? Most of his thugs trembled with fear. What I mean is Lumian suddenly seized the tables edge and flung it at Giant Simon! Clang! The table crashed to the ground, and the cups upon it shattered into shards. Giant Simon had already retreated two steps, his expression darkening. His subordinates instinctively reached for their revolvers. He looked at Lumian and demanded, What do you want? Lumian stood behind the upturned wooden table, seething with anger. You wretched dogsh*t, does the Boss mean anything to you? How dare you plot a mutiny in secret, attempting to force him to change his orders! Do you truly aspire to be the boss? The Bosss commands must be carried out, whether theyre good or bad. If theres an issue, you can address it with the Boss privately, but you cannot conspire with others to coerce him! The question exposed Giant Simons true intentions, leaving him unable to explode in anger or continue inciting Ciel. He spat out his words. Damn it, is there something wrong with your brain? When did I say I wanted to force the Boss? I merely suggested that everyone should approach the Boss and explain that providing a dancer with a base salary is unreasonable. It places a heavy burden on us. With that, Giant Simon waved his hand, wearing an expression that conveyed difficulty in communicating with Ciel. He turned and departed, his subordinates trailing after him, descending the staircase. Observing their departure, Lumian inwardly chuckled. Thank you so much. Tomorrow, no, tonight, the Boss will come to know how loyal I am! Lumian had stumbled upon an opportunity to earn Gardner Martins trust, and he seized it without hesitation. Putting on a show, he simulated an angry exhale, restraining his emotions. Pointing at the mess on the floor, he commanded Louis and the others, Clean this up. Just as Lumian finished speaking, a figure emerged from the shadows near the staircase. It was Jenna, having finished her performance in the dance hall. Jenna wasnt wearing a revealing outfit today. Her rose-colored dress, supported by a petticoat, made her resemble an upside-down flower. Her brownish-yellow hair was tied in a simple bun at the back, with some loose strands cascading gently. The dark circles around her blue eyes were less pronounced, lending her a touch of elegance. A mole adorned the middle of her left cheek. This symbolized elegance. Observing Jenna, Lumian couldnt help but chuckle. Do the folks in the market district appreciate this style? He was referring to Jennas less provocative attire. Jenna smiled smugly. It works surprisingly well from time to time. Franca mentioned that sometimes, the more unattainable something appears to men, the more they desire it. F*ck, I cant quite fathom that mentality. Whats the matter? Lumian glanced at the waiters tidying up and found another table to sit at. Jenna took a seat opposite him and smiled. Im here to discuss the singing fee for next week. Previously, it was 10 songs per night, 4 verl dor, and a third of the money thrown onto the stage. Lately, it seems Ive become more popular than in the past few months! Lumian pondered for a moment before responding. Has the Poison Spur Mob grown suspicious of you, making it difficult for you to perform at their dance halls? F*ck, that infuriates me! Couldnt you have disguised yourself better? You were identified so easily, and it ended up implicating me! Jenna replied indignantly. A mischievous grin played at the corners of Lumians mouth. Starting from today, you will still perform 10 songs per night, but the fee will be increased to 10 verl dor. You can keep two-thirds of the money thrown onto the stage. Louis, who stood behind Lumian, felt a pang of sorrow. Although Little Minx didnt sing here every night, she frequented the place several times a week. This change would result in Salle de Bal Brise earning 2,000 verl dor less annually! However, it seemed that Little Minx had played a significant role in the assassination of Hammer Ait, the mob leader. As a consequence, she had lost the opportunity to perform in Poison Spur Mobs territory, amounting to a loss of over 1,000 verl dor per year. Jenna appeared quite content. Receiving 10 verl dor for 10 songs and keeping two-thirds of the money thrown on stage was the most generous treatment in the underground singer industry. She smiled and said, I can only come for three days next week, from Friday to Sunday night. Seeking opportunities at dance halls in other districts? Lumian inquired casually. Jenna shook her head. No, I dont have that much time to bloody sing. I have other things to attend to. Isnt being an underground singer your profession? Lumian inquired curiously. This is just a part-time gig! Jenna emphasized with a smirk. My main job is being the shared mistress of Lion Ciel and Red Boots Franca! Louiss legs nearly buckled at the jest. In his mind, Franca was a possessive woman. She had taught a lesson to any man who dared to snatch Little Minx away from her. If the boss truly became involved with Little Minx, he would undoubtedly face Red Boots fury! This fellow has other identities? Lumians thoughts raced as he asked thoughtfully, Is Jenna your real name or an alias? Part-time underground singers often adopted an alias to avoid impacting their other occupations. Jennas lips curled up, and she blinked before replying, What do you think, Monsieur Ciel? She deliberately emphasized the name Ciel, implying that he, too, used an alias. With that, Jenna rose from her seat, leaned across the wooden table, and whispered into Lumians ear, After hearing your conversation with Giant Simon, I have a sincere suggestion. The less loyal someone is, the more they boast about their loyalty. Your performance went a bit overboard, hehe. Jenna straightened up, wearing an air of pride, and confidently walked toward the staircase. Finally, it was her turn to educate Ciel! Is that so? Lumian pondered as he watched Jennas departing figure. Arent you wearing perfume today? Jenna turned around, her expression brimming with delight as she inquired, So you didnt notice me ascending the stairs? Chapter 182 - 182 Truth Serum 182 Truth Serum What do you think, Madame Jenna? Lumian grinned, throwing Jennas own words back at her. Damn it! Jenna exclaimed, raising her hand in frustration before turning around with a scowl and storming back downstairs. Lumian pondered for a few moments, tapping the table in front of him. He turned to Louis and Sarkota and said, Bring me a glass of fennel absinthe. Being the protector of Salle de Bal Brise had its perks, and his meals here were on the house. As he remembered that he had to hand over most of the dance halls profits to the Boss and bribe the police, Lumian felt less inclined to be frugal. No matter how difficult things became, he couldnt let himself suffer. He had to do his utmost to make the Boss suffer instead! Lumian drank two glasses of the bitter, mind-altering light-green liquid and remained at Salle de Bal Brise until nearly midnight. Standing up, he turned to Louis and Sarkota and declared, Im going to bed. Wait until the dance hall closes before you head home. If anyone causes trouble, throw them out. If you cant handle them alone, gather everyone and be bold enough to take action. Dont worry, Ill take responsibility if anything goes wrong. What he left unsaid was: If I cant handle the responsibility, Ill leave it for the Boss to worry about. Salle de Bal Brise stayed open until 2 a.m. every day, usually opening between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Yes, Boss, Sarkota and Louis replied in unison. Upon returning to his bedroom, Lumian lingered for another fifteen minutes before grabbing the brown suitcase containing Aurores grimoires. He squeezed out of the window and smoothly landed on the ground from the second floor. He walked through the shadows, turning from Avenue du March into Rue des Blouses Blanches, and entered the safe house he had rented previously. After hiding the grimoires and releasing some sulfur to repel the bugs, Lumian left the room and turned into an alley behind Rue des Blouses Blanches. He planned to take a detour to Auberge du Coq Dor, where he would spend the night. After walking a dozen steps, he noticed a pile of trash beside a barricade. Scavengers and cleaners wouldnt come until the next morning to clean it up. At that moment, it had become a haven for rats, cockroaches, flies, and stray dogs. Seeing the rats and stray dogs, Lumian suddenly remembered something. Among the three metal canisters he had acquired from the perverted Hedsey, one remained unidentified. I might as well give it a try Lumian nodded to himself imperceptibly. Relying on his exceptional skills, lightning-fast reflexes, nimble movements, and keen observation, he swiftly stepped on a rat with grayish-black fur. He crouched down, retrieved the slightly heavy metal canister, and poured some odorless, colorless liquid into the preys mouth. The rat let out a quick squeak, but aside from that, nothing out of the ordinary happened. Considering the perverts methods, I thought it might be an aphrodisiac, but it doesnt seem like it That makes sense. That pervert possesses Beyonder powers that stimulate desire. He wouldnt need an additional canister with the same effect Lumian lifted his right foot, watching as the rat scurried back to its companions. It joined the swarm while emitting continuous squeaks, but it didnt do anything else. Suddenly, a voice as clear as crystal rang out from behind him. What are you up to? Lumian whirled around and beheld Red Boots Franca emerging from the shadows at the far end of the alley. She still sported her trademark red boots, off-white breeches, and a black-and-white checkered blouse. Her flaxen hair was neatly tied up. Why are you here? Lumian was about to inquire, but he promptly recalled that Franca resided at 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches. He could only respond honestly, Conducting an experiment. What kind of experiment? Franca approached with curiosity. Her eyes, resembling sparkling lakes, surveyed the rats before she let out a chuckle. Has your sister taught you to experiment on rats? Are you referring to laboratory rats? Lumian found it easy to converse with Franca. Many words required no further explanation. He then said, Didnt Jenna inform you that after I disposed of the pervert, I obtained three metal canisters? One contained gas that could render people unconscious. I depleted it when I eliminated Hammer Ait. The second canister contained an accompanying gaseous stimulant, and theres still a fair amount left. The third canister holds a liquid. Im unsure of its properties. Hence, I experimented on these rats. Understanding dawned on Francas face. So, its a leftover from that pervert. She then asked with anticipation, Could it be an aphrodisiac? Why do you share my thoughts, Madame? Lumian gestured towards the squeaking rat, finding amusement in the situation. It doesnt seem so. You appear somewhat disappointed? Franca didnt conceal her feelings and let out a sigh. Indeed. If it were truly an aphrodisiac, how intriguing it would be. If it were indeed an aphrodisiac, what would you want to use it for? Lumian suddenly harbored suspicions that Franca intended to do something to Jenna. Franca glanced at him. Damn it, are you accusing me in your mind? Do you think I have no moral boundaries? I hope its an aphrodisiac. My main curiosity lies in experiencing its effects and effectiveness. I would consume some myself and have Gardner try it as well. If his mistresses desire, they can partake too. Do you understand the pleasures of flirtation and amusement? Lumian was momentarily at a loss for words. After a few seconds, he responded, You Trierians certainly excel at games. Im not a Trierian, Franca retorted, but I concur with your statement. She turned her gaze towards the metal canister in Lumians grasp. Shall I assist you in discovering its properties? Arent you concerned about the dangers? Lumian was somewhat taken aback. It remained uncertain whether this vial of liquid was a slow-acting poison or a vessel for curses! Franca chuckled and replied, You truly need to supplement your knowledge of mysticism. I intend to employ divination. Witches possess considerable divinatory abilities. Aurores grimoires made no mention of it. They solely documented the Witchs Potion, which causes gender transformation. It speculates that every Witch excels in spells Yes, those proficient in spells shouldnt be lacking in divination Lumian handed the liquid-filled canister to Franca. Franca walked to the edge of the alley and halted behind a five-story building. She extended her right hand and traced it back and forth on the dim glass window. Simultaneously, she softly recited something in Hermes. Even with Lumians acute hearing, he could only catch a few words. Spirituality Inquiry Answer A few seconds later, the glass window darkened and deepened, as though it led to an enigmatic, unknown world. Franca stepped back, raised the metal canister, and spoke in Intis, What is the purpose of the liquid inside? From the depths of the glass window, an aged voice responded, Induces an urge to confess. Franca nodded, expressed gratitude, and concluded the divination. As the glass window returned to its original state, she turned to Lumian and stated, It appears to be a concoction akin to a truth serum. Truth serum? Lumian inquired. Aurore had never mentioned such a term. Franca casually explained, Its a serum that compels people to speak the truth. Once their desire to spill their secrets is triggered, along with the interrogators questioning, although there may be a fair amount of nonsense, it becomes exceedingly challenging to lie. What they utter should stem from their innermost desires. Confiding their desires Similar to the perverts other abilities, involving diverse human yearnings As expected of a boon from the Mother Tree of Desire This could prove quite useful for a Beyonder like me, who lacks proficiency in spirit communication and divination Lumian retrieved the metal canister from Franca. Franca glanced around and queried with a smile, Why did you choose Rue des Blouses Blanches for the experiment? Shouldnt your activities be centered around Avenue du March and Rue Anarchie? Lumian withheld nothing. I rented a safe house here to safeguard my sisters grimoires. I fear they may be damaged if I am targeted. Very cautious, Franca nodded approvingly. Your sister is fortunate to have a brother like you. I used to have a brother too. He was conceited, enjoyed flaunting his skills, and lacked practicality. I yearned to teach him a lesson every day She trailed off midway, her gaze falling upon her red boots. Used to have. Does that imply he is no longer present? Lumian keenly sensed Francas unspoken meaning and promptly understood the reason behind her sudden despondency. After a few seconds, Francas smile returned. Your sister must trust you too. Otherwise, she wouldnt have revealed our organization to you. Although we never explicitly mentioned keeping the research society a secret from our families, hardly anyone ever discloses it. After all Franca fell silent once more, her smile taking on a bitter tinge. After all, what? Lumian was perplexed, but he refrained from asking. Instead, he simply elaborated on Aurores rationale. We were caught in a calamity back then, unsure of who would survive and who would perish. Thats why my sister divulged some secrets to me, hoping they would prove useful in the future. Understood. Franca nodded, regaining her composure. She smiled and remarked, I thought you came to Rue des Blouses Blanches in search of me, eager to learn about mysticism. Its too late now. Lumian was already feeling weary. Franca clicked her tongue and chuckled. I wont do anything to you. Its too too mad and shameful to engage in such activities with someone who knows my true gender. Is that so? I was afraid that once you got accustomed to it, the shame would only heighten your excitement Lumian suspected that Franca, who could be swayed by the notion of Life is short, why not give it a try, would engage in more unforeseen endeavors. After bidding farewell to the Demoness, he returned to Auberge du Coq Dor. Nothing eventful occurred in Le March du Quartier du Gentleman until Thursday. At 8 p.m., Lumian arrived at 19 Rue Scheer on Avenue du Boulevard and met Mr. K in the basement. Mr. K gestured towards the three assistants holding silver trays behind him and stated, There are a total of three mystical items, each priced between 15,000 verl dor and 20,000. Make your selection. Chapter 183 - 183 Three Items 183 Three Items Upon entering the basement, Lumians eyes immediately fell upon three silver plates holding the items. There was an unassuming white glove, a pair of gold-rimmed glasses with a tea-colored tint, and a shiny golden button. Observing Lumians interest in the mystical objects, Mr. K, seated in a red armchair, introduced them in a low, raspy voice, That glove is Circus. It grants you some weak but peculiar mystical abilities. It can conjure a gust of wind, create fog, and use bursts of light to mess with your targets vision. By touching them, you can freeze your enemies. You can also open most doors without a key. It can even guide you through solid walls. These techniques suit your need for mysticism, but remember, carrying it will make you lose your way more often. And sometimes, getting lost brings misfortune. Price is 18,000 verl dor. Sounds like the Sequence 8 Trickmaster of the Apprentice pathway mentioned in Aurores grimoires Although the powers arent formidable, if used as support alongside traps or my close combat skills and revolver shots, they can yield miraculous results. Lumian found solace in the positive effects of the Circus glove, compensating for his lack of mysticism and helplessness in certain situations. However, the negative effects were dire. For Hunters who relied on tracking and pathfinding, losing their way frequently meant losing their strengths entirely. Misfortune could strike at any moment, even without wearing the glove. Merely having it in his pocket would affect Lumian. Mr. K shifted his attention to the brown, gold-rimmed glasses and addressed Lumian, Do you remember the painting from the gathering? Painting? Lumians mind immediately conjured the image of the dizzying oil painting. The painting, reputedly created by a Beyonder before his demise, boasted vibrant colors, a peculiar pattern, and a hallucinatory scene. It seemed as if the artist had descended into madness before his death. I do. Lumian nodded. Mr. K continued, After the paintings owner passed away, his Beyonder attributes together with a strange power fused into his glasses, creating a unique mystical item. It allows the wearer to perceive things invisible to the naked eye. Occasionally, one can glimpse the truth of this world to some extent Aurores cautionary words echoed in Lumians mind: Dont see what you shouldnt see, dont listen to what you shouldnt hear. Internally, Lumian couldnt help but criticize, Isnt this pair of glasses doing the exact opposite? Its like a weapon of self-destruction! These items seem to have nothing to do with my two needs Mr. K glanced at Lumian, his voice still low and raspy in the confined basement. By perceiving the world from a different perspective and witnessing the once-invisible, the wearer will be seized by an uncontrollable urge to paint. Each painting produced will possess supernatural effects. For instance, a painting of an ocean will make onlookers feel as if theyre drowning. In a similar vein, if you apply various cosmetics to your face instead of painting on canvas, you can achieve an excellent disguise. Anyone scrutinizing your face will be convinced that its your true appearance, albeit temporarily. Remember, once youve painted a new face, avoid looking in the mirror. Otherwise, youll believe it to be your real self. Slowly but surely, your body and mind will transform until you become an entirely different person. Much like this, you cant sustain that newfound countenance indefinitely. After a span of three hours or more, your sense of self will gradually succumb to its influence until you wholeheartedly believe that you are one and the same. Upon analyzing the possible Beyonder domain of the mystical item, Lumian couldnt help but speculate, It sounds akin to the hypnosis and suggestions of the Psychiatrist pathway, but it differs greatly in other aspects Considering the demise of the painter, could it be a power or aura left behind by an evil god? Mr. K fixed his gaze on the brown glasses. You can probably surmise its negative effects. Seeing what should remain unseen and perceiving the truth of the world without adequate protection exposes you to unknown dangers. Perhaps, one day, you may meet a peculiar death like the painter, leaving behind an enigmatic painting. The price is 15,000 verl dor. Corresponding to a Sequence 9 Lawyer? The crucial aspect lies in the peculiar power associated with it. Yes, it doesnt fully reflect a Lawyers abilities. Aurores grimoires describe Lawyers as masters of eloquence and reasoning, adept at uncovering loopholes in rules and exploiting their opponents weaknesses. They create an advantageous atmosphere to achieve ultimate victory. They can influence judgment, thoughts, and conclusions through their words, actions, and established processes. Additionally, they excel at utilizing the power of order Lumian mentally reviewed the relevant mystical knowledge. However, he remained uncertain about the Lawyer trait, particularly how to harness the power of order. Aurore lacked knowledge in that regard as well. In essence, the brown gold-rimmed glasses fulfilled Lumians need for better disguises. They also provided mystical means that required preparation but were less troublesome than the Alms Monks elaborate rituals. The only issue was its perilous nature! Lumian contemplated, but didnt reach a final decision. He awaited Mr. Ks introduction of the golden button. Before long, Mr. Ks raspy voice resounded again. Its called Flare. It originated from a deceased Light Suppliant. It grants additional buffs such as courage and strength through singing. It enables you to sense the presence of undead creatures and evil entities. You can also employ spells and rituals from the Sun domain, making it highly effective against undead souls and similar targets. After wearing it, youll feel compelled to sing. Darkness and cold become unbearable, and youll yearn for sunlight and warmth. If you havent removed it after half an hour, youll become a devoted follower of the Eternal Blazing Sun, earnestly praising the Sun. The price is 20,000 verl dor. If it can resolve my issue of resisting the undead, the negative effects are bearable The problem lies in the limited viable targets Lumian pondered deeply, torn between which item to choose. His rationale suggested opting for Flare or Circus, yet he couldnt make a decisive choice. The brown gold-rimmed glasses catered to both of his needs and were his preferred option. By wearing them solely before disguising himself and creating paintings with supernatural effects in a safe environment, he could effectively evade most of the negative consequences. Thus, he would avoid witnessing things he shouldnt and the so-called truth of the world. In essence, it wasnt an item that needed constant donning. Lumian could choose the opportune moment to utilize it. This way, he could proactively construct a spiritual barrier, screening out anomalies, similar to when he performed the Summoning Dance. Considering his seal, the coincidences of Inevitability, and the occasional Summoning Dance, Lumian didnt believe an additional trait would worsen matters. I want those glasses. Mr. K appeared taken aback by Lumians choice. After a few seconds, he queried, Are you certain? Im certain. Lumian produced a small cloth bag brimming with banknotes and meticulously counted out 15,000 verl dor. Mr. K refrained from further persuasion, emitting a raspy chuckle. Youre even crazier than I presumed. There was a hint of admiration in his tone. Instructing the attendant to accept the 15,000 verl dor and hand over the brown glasses to Lumian, Mr. K nodded and remarked, You can give them a test run here. Its safe enough. Lumian caressed the frame and discovered that the seemingly metallic material had an odd rubbery texture. Ill dub you the Mystery Prying Glasses Lumian pondered, recalling his sisters Beyonder pathway. In the ensuing moment, he placed the brown gold-rimmed glasses on the bridge of his nose. Almost instantly, he beheld a multitude of scenes from various angles. The mottled ceiling, bloodstains in the corners, Mr. Ks back that should have been out of sight, and the attendants stationed in the corridor Lumian also caught sight of a blot of darkness, a silhouette, a gaze emanating from an unknown source, and a visage concealed within the shadows. Beneath the hood lay black, feathery hair, delicate features, sunken eyes, dark orbs, and ageless skin, only visible from below. Is that Mr. Ks face? Lumian experienced a sudden revelation. Images from different perspectives flooded his mind, leaving him feeling lightheaded. His state of mind grew increasingly abnormal, and an insatiable urge to capture everything overcame him. Hastily, Lumian removed the Mystery Prying Glasses, and his vision reverted to normal. Yet, the compulsion to draw lingered within him. Exhaling deeply, he declared, Its tolerable. Mr. K offered a brief warning, Try to employ it in familiar and secure situations. After bidding farewell to Mr. K and departing the Psychics headquarters, Lumian boarded a carriage back to Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. En route, as he passed through Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, a thought struck him. I must gather some canvases, brushes, and paints Even though my skills are limited to sketching and not particularly exceptional, the quality of the painting shouldnt influence the attached supernatural effects. Perhaps, the more distorted and grotesque it appears, the better the outcome Fifteen minutes later, Lumian alighted from the carriage ahead of schedule and located a shop specializing in oil painting supplies. Upon hearing the price, he couldnt help but inquire, What? 160 verl dor? A single canvas costs 160 verl dor? Chapter 184 - 184 Painting 184 Painting When Lumian stepped back into the Auberge du Coq Dor, his mind was still filled with the exorbitant cost of painting supplies. Among his colleagues at the Salle de Bal Brise, Charlies monthly salary as a waiter was considered decent. However, it would take him two months of forgoing food and drink just to afford a single roll of canvas! Lumian couldnt help but view painters as a destitute lot. How could they ever afford canvases, brushes, paints, wooden frames, human models, and all the other expenses that came with their craft? Perhaps they relied on financial support from their families just to get by. Shaking off these thoughts, Lumian closed the door behind him and carefully placed the stack of items on the wooden table. Eventually, he resigned himself to the fact that he couldnt afford proper canvases. Instead, he settled for the cheapest brushes, paints, paper, and other necessities. The truth was, Lumian didnt aspire to be a painter or have his work displayed in an exhibition. He simply needed a medium to imbue the supernatural power, obtained from the Mystery Prying Glasses. The quality of the paint, the possibility of cracking, the fading over time, or even his painting skills were all inconsequential matters. And so, Lumian spent a total of 30 verl dor, acquiring his modest supplies. Mixing a palette of vibrant colors and unfurling a flexible sheet of white paper, Lumian prepared himself for the ritual ahead. With the sanctified silver dagger in hand, he crafted a wall of spirituality within Room 207. His intention was to explore what he could draw and observe the effects it would yield. Based on the reaction of Madam Magicians messenger at Auberge du Coq Dor, Lumian surmised that there was nothing particularly abnormal about this place. The only notable issue seemed to be the abundance of bedbugs. Susanna Mattises predicament most likely had its origins in Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons or perhaps even an underground cavern. Taking a slow breath, Lumian retrieved the brown glasses with golden rims and carefully placed them upon the bridge of his nose. In an instant, the world around him seemed to spin, as if he had plummeted from the sky into the depths of the earth. During this disorienting journey, Lumian beheld the inverted motel with its occupants moving about in a similar fashion, an underground bar, roots of trees and soil extending beneath the surface, rats lurking in the corners, and vermin scurrying about. Deeper and deeper he fell, enduring the nauseating sensation of weightlessness. And then, he caught sight of an immense network of brownish-green roots stretching in all directions, reaching into the distance and vanishing into the void. Ugh Lumian nearly expelled the contents of his stomach. The remnants of his unfinished dinner rose to his throat, threatening to escape. Swiftly, he removed the Mystery Prying Glasses and fought the urge to vomit. Fueled by an insatiable desire to draw, Lumian picked up a paintbrush, dipped it into the paint, and began sketching upon the blank canvas. Unbeknownst to him, his spirituality infused the brush with an increasing vigor. After a few minutes, Lumian halted his strokes and gazed upon his creation. What in the world have I drawn? The question echoed in his mind. Upon careful observation, he managed to discern the subject of his artwork: a triangular house with a grayish-blue hue, its roof adorned with green trees, and rain resembling mud. Lumian stared at the painting for a moment and suddenly felt an itching sensation on the back of his hand. Unable to resist, he scratched it, only to witness his skin turning red and swollen, accompanied by an all-over itchiness. Could this be the Beyonder influence of the painting? Lumians heart stirred as he looked away, attempting to soothe the irritation through the friction of his clothes. But his efforts were in vain, and he couldnt help but scratch a few more times. As he averted his gaze from the child-like graffiti of an oil painting, the itching gradually subsided and eventually vanished. The urge to paint had vanished as well. He turned around and contemplated the details. I have to stare at the painting for at least three seconds before my body itches Its challenging to use it in battle. I cant just stick it on my face, can I? If I use it as a trap, it might have some utility I wonder if there are any paintings that can be used without drawing the targets attention? After careful consideration, Lumian resolved to make another attempt. He donned the Mystery Prying Glasses once more, and the experience was nearly identical. However, this time he also glimpsed deep darkness and shadowy figures moving within it. Amidst the waves of nausea, Lumian removed his brown gold-rimmed glasses, retrieved a fresh sheet of paper, and took up a paintbrush. This time, he didnt surrender to impulsive strokes but instead focused on visualizing what he desired and endeavored to bring the drawing closer to the image in his mind. With this approach, Lumian crafted a golden-red sun, surrounded by a vibrant circle of colorsred, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. As he finished, Room 207 suddenly warmed, and the chill in the air dissipated. It seems to have a simple exorcism effect Lumian wasnt entirely certain. He sat on the edge of the bed, carefully observing the changes. Over time, the warmth, which initially evoked restlessness and unease, began to fade. Lumian attempted to fold the painting, keeping its back facing outward. The warmth promptly vanished, and the loss of spiritual essence within the painting slowed to a barely noticeable pace. I should be able to preserve it for about two months When unfurled, it can only be used for three days at most Yes, this is akin to an alternative method of creating Beyonder weapons. Lumian estimated, recalling his previous experiences. Drawing two paintings in quick succession had placed a considerable burden on his spirituality. After taking a short break, Lumian proceeded with his third experiment. This time, he switched to using makeup-related painting tools. Putting on the Mystery Prying Glasses once again, he braced himself for the sensation of spiraling into the depths. In the midst of it, Lumian caught sight of several indistinct figures lurking in the shadows. Removing the mystical item, he began smearing various substances on his face, carefully tracing lines with the aid of the glass window, which was illuminated by the light of the carbide lamp. Similar to his previous attempt, Lumian made an effort to maintain control over his makeup, but occasionally, his instincts took over. Reflecting on the mirror, he saw his appearance becoming worn and haggard. His eyebrows appeared disheveled, his cheekbones slightly more pronounced, and his lips a touch fuller. It felt as if he were looking at a stranger. Hastily averting his gaze, he drew the curtain to conceal the result of his painting. Having packed away the Itchiness and Sun paintings along with the various tools, Lumian decided it was time to venture out and verify the effects. As he made his way to Salle de Bal Brise, he noticed Jenna engaging in flamboyant gestures while singing at the top of her lungs, and Charlie, who had just delivered some drinks to the outskirts of the dance floor. The thugs paid no attention to Lumian, and none of them addressed him as their boss. Feeling a sense of relief, Lumian walked over to Charlies side, gave his shoulder a friendly pat, and smiled. Good evening! Charlie, clad in a white shirt and black vest, turned around, returning the smile as he asked, Good evening, Monsieur. Would you like something to drink? Deliberately, Lumian inquired, Dont you recognize me? Caught off guard, Charlies eyes widened, and for a few seconds, he gazed at the distant gas wall lamp. Suddenly, a smile spread across his face, and he exclaimed in astonishment, Its you! Praise the Sun. How long has it been since we last met? Just wait a moment. Ill come to you as soon as Im not so busy! Charlie pointed towards the bar counter and bid Lumian farewell. This kids acting skills are quite impressive, Lumian chuckled with satisfaction. He didnt even recognize his own boss, me! Shifting his gaze, Lumian approached Jennas stage, patiently waiting for her to finish singing a song filled with vulgar lyrics. As soon as Jenna finished collecting the copper and silver coins from the stage and descended, Lumian eagerly greeted her and exclaimed, You sang magnificently! Can I treat you to a drink? Jenna immediately put on a cautious expression. Ever since the incident with that perverted Hedsey, she couldnt afford to be careless around any audience member who approached her. She worried about encountering another unpleasant situation. For a few seconds, she examined Lumians face and forced a smile to conceal her wariness. I must preserve my voice for my next song! Help me out by having another drink! With a wink, Jenna approached the two mobsters guarding the stage, seeking their assistance. The mobsters didnt dare offend Showy Diva, who was rumored to be their boss and Red Boots lover. Stepping forward, they positioned themselves between Lumian and Jenna. Seizing the opportunity, Jenna made her way to the lounge near the bar counter. Before leaving, she glanced at Lumians hair color and scrutinized his face intently for a moment. She muttered to herself, Bloody hell, is this some sort of fashion trend now? Lumian happily averted his gaze and turned toward the staircase leading to the caf. The two vigilant mobsters guarding the area stopped him. Very dutiful Lumian smiled and replied, Just going for a cup of coffee! After observing Lumian closely for a few seconds, the two mobsters stepped aside. Entering the caf and noticing that Louis and Sarkota had nothing to do, Lumian made his way to the washroom. He didnt dare look at himself in the mirror. Instead, he splashed tap water on his face and rubbed it a few times, gradually removing his makeup. When he was done, he looked at the mirror and saw his pale and weary reflection staring back at him. It drains my spirituality quite a bit I even painted two artworks earlier, Lumian thought to himself, regaining his composure before leaving the washroom. Louis glanced around and stood up in surprise. Boss! When did you return? Just now, Lumian replied, pointing towards the corridor. Im going to get some rest. Understood, Boss, Louis and Sarkota responded obediently, refraining from questioning further. Lumian entered his room, compelled himself to freshen up, and settled down on the bed, drifting into sleep. In his dream, he experienced the unbearable sensation of freefalling from midair towards the ground. As he plummeted, the earth beneath him unexpectedly cracked open, revealing a sea of raging flames. Lumian felt a searing and piercing pain in his mind. He snapped his eyes open, sitting up and gasping for breath. In that moment, the room was enveloped in darkness and silence. Only a faint glow of crimson moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a dim light upon the desk beside the window. Chapter 185 - 185 Missing Goods 185 Missing Goods Why did I have such a dream? It felt eerily real Lumian collected himself and assessed his condition, but found nothing amiss. Yet, in his dream, he felt as though he was once again wearing the Mystery Prying Glasses, and they revealed even more. After pondering for a while, Lumian suspected that the negative effects of wearing the Mystery Prying Glasses three times in a row still lingered. They seemed to have seeped into his subconscious, manifesting in his dream within the confines of Salle de Bal Brise, an ancient burial ground. It appears that something is truly amiss beneath the surface here Lumian sighed inwardly. He rose from his bed, donned his coat, and resolved to spend the night elsewhere to test his hypothesis. Under the cover of darkness, with Salle de Bal Brise devoid of any illumination, Lumian followed the shadows along the roadside and returned to Auberge du Coq Dor, its main entrance locked. For Lumian, this posed no obstacle. He didnt try rousing the irritable Madame Fels by knocking on the door. Instead, he circled around to the side, traced the pipe, and climbed onto the balcony on the second floor. In Room 207, Lumian slept until six in the morning. He experienced only two sporadic, ordinary dreams. So, it was indeed the ancient bones buried deep beneath Salle de Bal Brise that triggered the residual powers of the Mystery Prying Glasses within me Lumian sat up, a mixture of delight and disappointment washing over him. His original plan was to use the Mystery Prying Glasses to create one or two supernatural paintings each day, accumulating them for future needs. However, it seemed that frequent use of the glasses was ill-advised. He would have to wait until the lingering negative effects dissipated before attempting further experiments. Otherwise, he risked something dreadful and bizarre happening over time, possibly leading to a strange demise akin to the Lawyer who had left the glasses behind, leaving behind only an eerie oil painting with enduring abnormal effects. Tonight, I shall sleep within Salle de Bal Brise and ascertain whether the negative effects have dissipated In the future, I must refrain from wearing the glasses more than twice in a brief span of time These are the details Mr. K neglected to mention. Yes, I must experience them firsthand. Only through firsthand experience can I truly comprehend Lumian rose energetically and made his way to the washroom to freshen up. It being still early, many of the tenants were still abed, and the morning remained tranquil, devoid of the usual clamor over access to the washroom. From time to time, Madame Fels would ascend the stairs to inspect the water meters on each floor, ensuring no one wasted the precious resource. A contract had been inked between Auberge du Coq Dor and the Imperial Water Supply Company, stipulating a daily allowance of no less than 250 liters and no more than 500 liters of water. The cost amounted to 100 verl dor per year. Leisurely, Lumian strolled to the caf on Rue des Blouses Blanches. He indulged in delectable treats like sabl cookies and brioche, a softer variation of croissants. Afterwards, he sought out a place for exercise. Upon returning to Auberge du Coq Dor, he spotted Charlie, sporting a linen shirt and black trousers, seated on the steps outside the entrance, relishing a mouthful of meatloaf accompanied by an Apple Whiskey Sour. So early? Lumian inquired, a smile playing on his lips. Salle de Bal Brise closed its doors at 2 a.m., and the morning had yet to reach 8:30 a.m. Uncertain whether to hastily rise and greet his employer or engage in the usual casual conversation, Charlie hesitated for a moment before standing up, a sheepish smile on his face. I think Ill catch a bit more sleep before heading back to the dance hall. I dont think I can keep doing this. I reckon there ought to be some time when we dont have to sleep or work. Otherwise, it feels, feels Salle de Bal Brise opened at 10:30 a.m. Feels like were mere machines built for work, devoid of a life to call our own? Lumian finished Charlies sentence, lending him a helping hand. Exactly! Thats spot on! Charlie agreed. Youre quite the refined individual, you know? Sometimes, you dont seem like a mobster at all. I mean, not like the leader of the Savoie Mob. You come across as more civilized! Had everything gone according to plan, I would have been studying at a university in Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative. I would be spending time chatting with my classmates and exploring the depths of Underground Trier Lumians heart sank as he focused his attention on Charlie. This was the method he used to observe whether Susanna Mattises issue still lingered and when it would rear its head. W-What are you staring at? Charlie stammered nervously. Do you see something amiss? Lumian eased his worry. His luck appears to be relatively normal and stable. He smiled, raising his right hand and giving a wave behind Charlies back. Good morning, Susanna! Charlie spun around, eyes wide open, scrutinizing every detail. A few seconds later, he exhaled and turned back, forcing a smile. He addressed Lumian, Youre just messing with me again. That name remained a haunting nightmare he couldnt shake off anytime soon. Im strengthening your mental endurance. This way, if something truly occurs, you wont panic and find yourself unable to devise a solution. Lumian earnestly patted Charlies shoulder. Moments before 10:30 a.m., Lumian made his way back to Salle de Bal Brise. Upon his arrival, Louis and Sarkota approached simultaneously, their voices merging into one as they spoke. Boss, somethings up! Whats the matter? Lumian inquired with a smile, seemingly oblivious to the anxiety and unease radiating from his two subordinates. Louis glanced towards the staircase, lowering his voice. Red Boots, Giant, and Rat are all here. It must be something serious. Every leader present? Lumian pondered his recent actions and found it hard to believe that he hadnt offended all the leaders of the Savoie Mob. Ive been on my best behavior these past few days! Indeed, Louis confirmed with a solemn nod. Lumian ascended the second-floor stairs nonchalantly, where Franca and the others awaited. Franca had swapped her footwear for darker red boots. She sported light-colored pants and a trendy dark skirt that had gained popularity in Trier recently. Completing her ensemble was a more masculine formal attire. With her right leg crossed over her left, Franca grinned at Lumian as he approached. To her right was Baron Brignais, donned in a formal suit and top hat. On her left was a slender-faced man, barely reaching a height of 1.6 meters, boasting a pair of rat-like whiskers. He wore a dark brown shirt that fell short, and his thick, grayish-black hair framed his countenance. His dark blue eyes revealed a trace of anxiety. Rat Christo, Baron Brignais courteously introduced Lumian to the thin-faced man. Baron Brignais then gestured towards the man seated opposite him. Blood Palm Black. Black possessed brown hair, blue eyes, and a round face. He appeared to be in his early thirties and had a warm smile that hardly resembled that of a mob leader. Clad in attire leaning more towards formality, his hands were large, with clearly defined bones beneath the surface. He held a slowly smoldering cigar. Good morning, everyone. Lumian dragged an armchair closer and settled in, positioning himself nearly a meter away from the table, assuming the air of someone in control. Giant Simon glanced at him, took a drag from his cigarette, and exhaled a cloud of grayish-blue smoke. Christo met with some trouble and requires our assistance. What sort of trouble? Lumian directed his gaze towards Rat Christo. Christo played a vital role in Salle de Bal Brises lucrative business. Despite the premium he charged for the smuggled liquor he peddled, its lack of taxation made it significantly cheaper than the wholesale liquor stores in Trier. Moreover, a substantial portion of the alcohol Christo dealt with was moonshine, cleverly adorned with labels from relatively renowned brands and origins. Gritting his teeth, Christo, who bore a striking resemblance to a rat, spoke up. Ive lost a shipment underground. The delivery men and escorts have vanished. Damn it, my younger brother was among them. His wife and child are in tears at my place! Something has transpired in Underground Trier? Smuggling operations are divided into carriers and armed protection? Thats right. Osta Trul had mentioned helping others transport illicit books. Horse-drawn carriages are useless in Underground Trier; they rely solely on manual labor Lumian nodded subtly and inquired, What kind of goods? A batch of red wine and brandy, along with some Blackfish. Rat Christo couldnt help but slam the table. Damn it, weve taken that route countless times. Nothing ever happened, nor did we encounter those hyenas. The term hyenas referred to the quarry police, who specialized in cracking down on smuggling activities and maintained order in the underground. Observing Lumians confusion, Baron Brignais casually explained, Blackfish refers to firearms. Among the mobs top five lucrative ventures, the bootleg alcohol supply chain ranked second. Firearms, due to low demand, brought in the least profit. The casino business, which was the most lucrative, wasnt particularly favored in the market district, given the modest incomes of the local population. The money one could extract from the patrons was rather limited. Compared to gambling, which required wit, those who toiled all day preferred indulging in cheap liquor, gyrating their bodies, and seeking solace in the company of captivating dancers. Regarding the sale of psychotropic drugs, the police department in Trier cracked down heavily on it. Following repeated warnings from the market districts police headquarters, Salle de Bal Brise had put an end to such incidents. However, Rue du Rossignol, overseen by Giant Simon, occasionally experienced a few cases. Lumian turned to Rat Christo and spoke, Any suspects? None, Christo lamented. Damn it, that route is incredibly well-concealed. Apart from me and my men, no one in the market district is aware of it. He paused for a moment before sharing his intentions. I need your help to search for clues along that route, using your expertise. Ive gone through it myself, but found nothing. Without waiting for Lumians response, Franca nodded and suggested, Lets form pairs to ensure safety during the investigation. Right, Ill team up with Ciel. Theres something I need to discuss with him. Giant Simons gaze flickered between Franca and Ciel a few times before he recalled that Ciel was suspected of sleeping with Francas mistress, thus cuckolding her. Seizing the opportunity to teach Ciel a lesson, Giant Simon nodded imperceptibly and said to Blood Palm Black, You and I will be a team. Baron Brignais then turned to Rat Christo. Ill accompany you for your second trip. After Baron Brignais and Giant Simon scoured the underground route to no avail, Lumian and Franca followed a smuggler into Underground Trier. Chapter 186 - 186 Strange Footprints 186 Strange Footprints Holding an iron-black carbide lamp, Franca glanced at the path between stone pillars and asked the smuggler, Fernandez, who was leading the way, in a state of confusion, Doesnt this lead to Quartier de lObservatoire? Though Underground Trier was a complex maze, the tunnels on this level had street names corresponding to the surface. After pondering for a moment, Franca realized they were going in the wrong direction. Smuggling operations certainly entailed entering the city from its outskirts, and Quartier de lObservatoire was positioned closer to the center of Trier compared to Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. The district stood on the other side of the Srenzo River, effectively separating it from Avenue du Boulevard. Fernandez, a smuggler associated with Rat Christo, turned around with a smile and explained, The hidden route were taking leads to Quartier de lObservatoire. We always deliver the goods to the warehouse there. Is that so? Franca slowed down and increased the distance between herself and Fernandez, who wore a brown felt hat. Since they hadnt entered the smuggling route yet, she lowered her voice and conversed with Lumian. I remember you traded your Pugilist Beyonder characteristic for 18,000 verl dor with Gardner. You know its a Beyonder characteristic, right? Or rather, do you grasp a Beyonder characteristics true meaning? My sister mentioned it before. Lumian attributed his knowledge to Aurore. Franca was tall and had long legs, making it effortless for her to keep up with Lumian. Overwhelmed with emotion, she sighed and commented, Its fortunate to have someone to guide you. In the past, we were stumbling around like blind mice, relying on ourselves to figure things out. Otherwise, I wouldnt have made the choice Her voice trailed off, ending with a long sigh. This reminded Lumian of a saying, either spoken by Aurore herself or relayed from Emperor Roselles famous words: Once you make a grave mistake, it will haunt you for a lifetime. Franca quickly regained her composure and whispered to Lumian, Youve just entered the field of mysticism. Apart from knowledge, youre lacking much more. Its best not to be frugal with that sum of money. Use it to purchase a mystical item or a Beyonder weapon to compensate for a Hunters limitations in mysticism. Otherwise, if Black Scorpion Roger truly seeks revenge against you, he wont need to go through much trouble. He can simply summon a few undead to hunt you down. If you have such intentions, Ill keep an eye out for you. Lumian chuckled. Ive already made a purchase. So quickly? Franca nearly lost control of her voice, causing smuggler Fernandez to glance back. The carbide lamps cast intersecting shadows, obstructing Lumians view of Fernandezs expression. He couldnt discern what thoughts they triggered. Lumian replied honestly, Before joining the Savoie Mob, I discovered a circle of Beyonders through Psychics gathering of mysticism enthusiasts. There, I exchanged the verl dor that the Boss gave me for a mystical item. No wonder Franca revealed a knowing expression and praised Lumian. Your mind is even sharper than I imagined. Hmm, is it an item that enhances your mysticism abilities? Lumian spoke frankly, A pair of Lawyer glasses, but they seem to have been tainted by some strange power. Francas brow furrowed ever so slightly as she interrupted Lumian. Thats highly dangerous. I know, Lumian explained with a smile. But as long as I choose the right environment and take precautions, it wont be too risky. Besides, it offers excellent disguises and mysticism techniques Lumian briefly recounted his urge to paint after donning the Mystery Prying Glasses. Francas ponytail bobbed behind her head. Its certainly useful. If I were in your shoes, Id make the same choice. Only the leaders and thugs of the Poison Spur Mob havent really interacted with you. They only know you by your peculiar hair color. Otherwise, they would have recognized your true identity by now. They wouldnt have needed to act themselves. They could have sought revenge by sharing your information and wanted posters with the police headquarters and the two cathedrals. Lumian chuckled. Thats right. I can already set up a coffee meeting with Officer Everett. Francas vibrant lake-like eyes sparkled as she said, Youve shared so much with me about the mysticism gathering and your trump cards. Jenna even kept telling me how cunning and deceptive you are. Yet, youre truly sincere and straightforward! Of course, our relationship is different from others. I knew it. Muggles brother isnt that kind of person! For a moment, Lumian felt a twinge of guilt. He spoke sincerely, Yes, she completely misunderstood me. After chatting for a while, they finally reached the outskirts of Quartier de lObservatoires underground area and turned into a southward tunnel. Soon, Fernandez halted in front of a secondary well belonging to an abandoned quarry. He positioned the carbide lamp at the mouth of the well and gestured downward. Lets go in. With the aid of the blue light, Lumian peered down into the depths of the well. It had been neglected for a long time and appeared to be completely blocked by gravel. Using the recess in the well wall, ropes concealed in the shadows, and a basic iron ladder fastened to the moss, the three of them descended and swiftly reached the wells bottom. Fernandez moved a few seemingly heavy rocks, revealing a narrow tunnel at the wells edge, wide enough for one person. As they traversed the tunnel, which emitted a foul stench, the passageway ahead widened, as if they had entered another section of the quarry cave. The air grew eerily still and darkness enveloped them. The cave ceiling was damp, with scarce traces of moss. Lumian and Franca, each holding a carbide lamp, slowed their pace and meticulously examined the various signs along the smuggling route. After an indeterminate amount of time, Fernandez pointed to a nearby tunnel. Our boss and Baron Brignais werent entirely fruitless. They discovered that the caravans tracks vanished into thin air over there. It was a tunnel connecting two sections of the quarry cave. The path was strewn with rubble and potholes. In the distance, darkness prevailed, devoid of any light. Lumian and Franca swiftly located the relatively fresh footprints that had abruptly vanished. They squatted down, closely examining them. Only footprints going in. The ones coming back end right here. Most people returning carry heavy loads. Their footprints are deeper, distinctly different from when they came We can rule out the possibility of them turning around and retracing their steps Lumian swiftly made a series of deductions. Franca averted her gaze from her surroundings and stood up. No signs of a struggle. Its incredibly peculiar! She then motioned for Fernandez to move further away and wait in the quarry cave. As Fernandezs carbide lamp glow faded into the distance, Franca produced a small makeup box and a white handkerchief with a blue checkered pattern. The handkerchief belonged to Rat Christos brother, Erkin, who had also gone missing during the smuggling operation. Franca placed the carbide lamp down, opened the light-gold box, and ran her fingers over the mirror inside. Meanwhile, holding the handkerchief, she repeated in a whisper, Erkins current whereabouts, Erkins current whereabouts The already dim tunnel grew even more stifling. The light from the two carbide lamps was pushed back by an invisible force, and the palm-sized mirror emitted a watery glow, as though revealing the depths of a dark river. Before Lumian could count to three, a scene materialized on the mirrors surface. Laborers lugging wooden crates and smugglers armed with revolvers and rifles trudged through the tunnel. As they progressed, the darkness behind them engulfed the space where the light had receded. Eventually, the carbide lamps glow vanished from view, and the mirrors surface turned pitch-black. They did vanish in this area. Franca ended her divination, her thin red lips pressed together. But I cant discern anything further. Lumian didnt suggest trying the Mystery Prying Glasses. From his perspective, Triers underground was a treacherous place, concealing all manner of secrets. There were ruins from the Fourth Epoch, foul-smelling old bones, catacombs with specific rules to follow, and the lingering Montsouris ghost that had defied eradication for years. They were all elements that instilled fear in those seeking the truth. If he were to use the Mystery Prying Glasses to survey the surroundings, there was a high chance he would explode on the spot. In due time, Triers underground would boast another legend entwined with the power of an evil god. Therefore, Lumian would lend a hand out of consideration for the Savoie Mobs boss, but he wouldnt go all out and take unnecessary risks. After all, it was Rat Christo who suffered the loss. What did it have to do with him, Lion Ciel? Salle de Bal Brise still had an abundant supply of alcohol! Franca glanced at him, not intending to make things difficult. Red Boots stowed away the makeup box and Erkins handkerchief, picked up the carbide lamp, and said to Lumian, Lets return and find Fernandez. Let him guide us forward. Perhaps there are other clues left behind. Alright. Lumian felt that Franca was merely fulfilling her duty as a member of the Savoie Mob. The two turned around, carrying their carbide lamps, and ventured back toward the original quarry cave, plunging into the ever-deepening darkness. After taking a dozen steps, Lumian abruptly halted, his expression growing grave. Whats the matter? Franca asked, perplexed. Lumians voice resonated with gravity as he directed her attention to the scattered rubble and pockmarked ground. No more footprints. The smugglers tracks from their departure and our own as we crossed have vanished! But theres a trail of footprints carrying a heavy load leading forward! Francas heart skipped a beat. She peered ahead, coming to the realization that the ground lay in disarray. The footprints left by her, Lumian, and Fernandez in the tunnel had vanished, replaced by the sudden reappearance of the missing caravans tracks out of thin air! Chapter 187 - 187 Shadow 187 Shadow Dammit! Franca exclaimed with frustration, her voice filled with intensity. She scanned her surroundings, her mind racing as she pondered and speculated. Did we stumble upon the same thing that the missing caravan encountered? Entering that tunnel transported us to another world, erasing the original footprints? Did we vanish into thin air in Fernandezs eyes? Lumian had never faced such a situation before, nor had his sister Aurore written about anything similar in her novels. He couldnt make sense of what was happening. Lost in thought, his brows furrowed, Lumian suddenly heard Francas conjecture. How imaginative Lumians initial reaction was a deep sigh before he contemplated the possibilities. The more he considered it, the more he realized that Francas words were eerily similar to their current predicament. He knelt down and examined the footprints once again. Indeed, the footprints suddenly appear with the weight of something heavy, Lumian said, gesturing to a dozen steps behind him. That was the same spot they had previously traversed, yet there were no traces of their passage. Franca clenched her teeth and spoke up. It seems we truly have entered another world. Or rather, an underground realm Dammit it! Why did this happen to us? Christo, Brignais, Simon, and Black encountered nothing and safely returned to the surface! Uh Lumian suddenly felt a twinge of guilt at Red Bootss questioning of destiny. Crouched on the ground, he instinctively raised his hand and touched his left chest. Was this somehow inevitable? Yes, I cant dismiss the possibility that its Francas doing. Her Sequence is higher than mine, and she carries a mystical item that may hold some secrets Lumian quickly gathered himself. Franca looked down at her companion and muttered to herself, Could it be linked to one of our Sequences? Alternatively, it might be the adverse effect of your glasses. Lumian replied thoughtfully, Hunter and Demoness are neighboring pathways. In other words, if this problem stemmed from the convergence of Beyonder attributes, the two of them couldnt escape responsibility. Of course, at Lumian and Francas level, the convergence of Beyonder attributes wouldnt have such obvious effects. However, Lumian recalled encountering two Demonesses less than two weeks after arriving in Trier, and he was only a Sequence 8. He suspected that the power of Inevitability had transformed convergence into something fated to occur. Hmm Franca fell into deep thought. After a few seconds, she clenched her teeth and spoke. Perhaps this encounter is truly a problem with our pathway, but why did Christos smuggling caravan enter this space and mysteriously vanish in reality? Theyve traversed this route countless times without any issues. Why is it different now? Dammit! That blasted rat must not have spilled all the beans! He wasnt just smuggling alcohol and firearms this time. Theres something else, something linked to mysticism? Franca was reluctantly swayed. She exhaled and said, Now is not the time to dissect the cause. What matters is finding a way out. Sigh, why is Underground Trier intertwined with the abnormalities of the Hunter and Demoness pathways? Uh Franca fell silent abruptly, as if recalling something. Have you figured something out? Lumian stood up. Franca pondered before responding. I dont know if your sister ever mentioned anything about the Fourth Epoch. Uh, she might not even be aware. In short, Trier during the Fourth Epoch served as the capital of the Tudor Dynasty, and the Blood Emperor who ruled the empire was likely a High Sequence Beyonder of the Hunter pathway. Furthermore, the Demoness family of that era shared a certain connection with one or several prominent nobles of the Tudor Dynasty. Its reasonable for them to have left something behind in Trier. Demoness family? Lumian was taken aback by the term. Franca pursed her lips. In the Fourth Epoch, the Demoness pathway was under the control of a specific family. Sigh, since I chose the Assassin pathway, I could only do my best to gather relevant information, but I still lack substantial knowledge. Lumian steered the conversation back on track. Do you suspect that this space is linked to the sunken Fourth Epoch Trier? Yes, Franca replied vaguely, not ruling out the possibility. She contemplated for a moment before adding, The two Churches must have dealt with the ruins to some extent. If we can find the corresponding node, we should be able to escape. Carrying the carbide lamp, Lumian once again examined the ground. Should we press on or turn back? Christos smuggling caravan doesnt seem to have noticed anything amiss. Theyre still moving forward. Franca pondered for a few seconds and said, Lets go back to the spot where we entered this space and investigate. Its just a few steps away. We wont waste much time. Alright. Lumian walked toward the center of the tunnel. Soon, he and Franca stood at the place where the smuggling caravans tracks had materialized out of thin air, attempting to take a step forward. There was no trace of footprints ahead. After walking another dozen steps, the darkness deepened. Only Lumians and Francas footprints remained on the path. They had not returned to reality. Wait. Franca raised her right hand, signaling to halt. Lets turn back and head to the quarry cave we came from. We need to see if Fernandez has entered this space. Lumian didnt object. It could help them further determine the nature of the problem. Guided by the bluish glow of their carbide lamps, Lumian and Franca followed the tracks left by the smuggling caravan. Before long, they reached the quarry cave. A figure stood at the boundary of light and darkness, with its back turned towards them. Franca exclaimed with delight, Fernandez! It seemed that the smuggler had also entered this space. Perhaps the problem didnt lie with her or Ciel! However, Francas expression tightened as soon as she finished speaking. Simultaneously, Lumian spoke in a deep voice, Somethings off. Fernandez, the smuggler, had been carrying a carbide lamp. There was no way he would just stand there in the darkness! In the next moment, the figure turned around. Under the illumination of Lumian and Francas carbide lamps, a bloodied face came into view. The man had short flaxen hair, thick brown eyebrows, and lake-blue eyes. His lips were thin, and his appearance was unremarkable. Yet, his eyes radiated indescribable malice and hatred. At that moment, sticky blood stained the mans face, as if it might drip at any moment. Its not Fernandez! Why does he look familiar Lumian assessed the situation as he reached for the black revolver concealed under his arm. With a clang, Francas carbide lamp fell to the ground. Startled by the noise and the flickering light, the figure darted into the darkness and disappeared into a tunnel connecting to the cavern. Whats wrong? Lumian turned to Franca. As a Sequence 7 Beyonder, a member of a secret organization, and an experienced combatant, she shouldnt be displaying such abnormal behavior and exaggerated reactions! Franca gazed into the darkness for a few seconds before speaking, That that was my past self Your past self, when you were still a man? Lumian was alarmed. An unsettling feeling crept over him as he asked in a low voice, You mean, before you drank the Witch potion? Yes. Franca bent down and retrieved her carbide lamp, confusion and fear etched on her face. I thought no one in this world would remember that face except for me Why? Why am I seeing it here? Is it generated from my memories? Cant our memories be kept secret in this space? Wouldnt that be a good thing? Lumians initial reaction was one of excitement. If this space could reveal the hidden memories of his subconscious, he could begin piecing together the truth of the Cordu disaster! As for whether this space might intrude on something it shouldnt and risk severe corruption and damage, he paid it no mind. With his carbide lamp and revolver in hand, Lumian cautiously circled the empty quarry. He found no other figures or anything related to his past. Disheartened, he expressed his disappointment to Franca, I couldnt find my past self. Could it be that its not a memory from the past, but rather something from the future? Franca suggested returning to the secondary well that had brought them to this level. By searching for more anomalies along the way, they might be able to infer the nature of this space and find a way to leave. Side by side, they traversed the quarry cave, following the footprints left by the smuggling caravan, heading towards the edge of Quartier de lObservatoire. As time went on, Lumian and Franca noticed something on the ground almost simultaneously. They were scattered droplets of blood, mingled with the disordered footprints of the smuggling caravan. Are the abnormalities starting to manifest? Franca whispered. Lumian nodded. If we proceed further, we might encounter those people. He glanced at Franca and added, Although they may no longer be human. Franca scoffed. Are you trying to frighten me? Do you think that will scare me? Whether theyre corpses or monsters, its within my expectations. Remember, the most terrifying thing in this world is the unknown. Just as Franca finished speaking, Lumians expression froze, illuminated by the glow of the carbide lamp. Youre still trying to frighten me Before Franca could finish her sentence, she felt something warm sliding from her nose and falling to the ground. It was a drop of bright red blood. Chapter 188 - 188 Confidence 188 Confidence Dammit! Franca couldnt help but blurt out her usual modal particle. With a quick swipe of her index finger across her nose, her hand revealed a bright red stain. The sight alone sent a shiver down her spine. Franca snorted. In an instant, black flames flickered in her nostrils, fingers, and the blood on the ground, swiftly vanishing into thin air. Catching Lumians gaze, Franca, slightly contorted from the pain, forced herself to enlighten him. We cant leave our blood in this unknown place. Otherwise, unimaginable horrors may unfold. Hey, why are you unharmed? From Francas perspective, she surpassed Ciel in terms of Sequence and experience. There was no reason for him to emerge unscathed while she suffered! Perhaps Im fine for now, Lumian patronizingly responded, pondering thoughtfully. Maybe the shadow we encountered represented the old you, not the old me. So why did we come across the old me and not the old you? Franca eyed Lumian suspiciously. Could this bloke be hiding another secret? Lumian pondered for a moment before answering. Perhaps this space is more intertwined with Demonesses. Could be Franca fell into deep contemplation. After a few seconds, she pointed towards the footprints and blood droplets on the ground and suggested, Lets catch up and investigate. The current condition of those people could reveal our future and help us prepare in advance. Lumian responded with action, walking into the darkness that swallowed the footprints and blood droplets. The yellowish-blue light of the carbide lamp quietly resisted the encroaching darkness. As they tracked further, the abnormalities on their bodies became increasingly apparent. Warm blood began to trickle from Lumians nose, while crimson liquid seeped from Francas eyes, gums, skin, and ears. With her black flames, not a drop of blood remained. Finally, they returned to the secondary well, where the tracks of the smuggling caravan and the slowly congealing blood abruptly vanished. Whether it was the tunnel leading to the secondary well or the path to other areas, there were no traces left. They vanished again? Franca, her face enveloped in black flames, frowned. Lumian, his nose sealed by the black flames, took a deep breath and smiled. This might be our end. When the blood reaches a certain point, our bodies will gradually fade away. Lumian chuckled. So what if I do? Too many negative emotions will only cloud my thinking. Sometimes, I reckon youre more mature than me. Franca sighed. Did you just figure that out? Lumian naturally wouldnt mention that he was both sincerely pondering the issue and confident. Compared to Cordu, trapped in an endless loop, at least there was no sign of terrifying power in this place! Moreover, Lumian didnt need to rack his brain to come up with several escape strategies. The first option was to take a risky move by using the Mystery Prying Glasses to explore the surroundings from different angles and locate an exit. Secondly, he could try throwing out Mr. Ks finger to establish a connection, hoping it would create a passageway. Thirdly, summoning Madame Hela or the messenger of Madam Magician was another possibility. If it succeeded, it would mean that this place wasnt entirely cut off from the spirit world. The two ladies might have a way to forcefully extract Lumian and Franca. Fourthly, if all else failed, he could set up an altar and offer prayers to the mysterious ruler beyond the gray fog. Such a bizarre space couldnt restrict a great entity. Even the cycle of fate orchestrated by the evil god couldnt shield them from His watchful eye, let alone this place. Lastly, if the great entity remained unresponsive, Lumian could perform a ritual and beseech for a boon. He could activate the black thorn symbol on his chest, allowing the sealed evil gods corruption to amplify. This disruption might create a vulnerability in the workings of this space. You can be as calm and composed as me when you have numerous untried methods and believe theres a high chance of escaping this place Lumian criticized inwardly, feeling somewhat perplexed. It felt like he had forgotten something important, but it eluded his memory momentarily. Franca retrieved a light-gold makeup box, opened it, and placed it on the ground. Her form swiftly faded away, leaving no trace behind. The aqueous light within the palm-sized mirror flickered, illuminating Francas figure. How magical Lumian sighed, marveling at the sight. Franca glanced around within the mirror for a few seconds before vanishing. She reappeared across from Lumian, shaking her head, and uttered, I cant find a way out by relying on the mirror Without awaiting Lumians response, the Witch attempted several more methods, but all proved futile. Finally, she caressed the mirror inside the makeup box, seeking guidance from her spirituality. In such a place, she hesitated to perform Magic mirror divination, fearing a perilous and dreadful connection. The way out The way out Franca repeated the divination phrase in Hermes several times, and the mirror darkened, resembling a moonlit lake. The shimmering aqueous light reflected a figure. It was Lumianwearing a wide-brimmed round hat, a white shirt, a brown jacket, and dark pants. Black flames flickered subtly at his nose. Uh Franca turned around, looking at her companion by her side. She furrowed her brow slightly and stated, Finding the exit with your glasses? Isnt that too dangerous? Congratulations on finally uncovering the simplest among my five solutions Lumian pondered and remarked, This is no longer the true Underground Trier, nor does it seem to be directly linked to the ruins of the Fourth Epoch. As long as we protect ourselves, we should be able to endure any peril. Protect Franca repeated the word with a smile. I happen to excel at that! With a swift motion of her right hand, she extinguished the black flames on Lumians nose. After a few seconds, a drop of bright red liquid trickled down, caught by Francas open palm. Then, she conjured fresh black flames, sealing Lumians nostrils once again. The mild burning sensation was tolerable for Alms Monk Lumian. He asked cautiously, What are you doing with my blood, a curse? Franca chuckled. Do I need to go through all this trouble just to kill you? Ill perform a Mirror Substitution to shield you from the danger of using those glasses. As she spoke, she retrieved a palm-sized mirror and smeared Lumians blood upon it. She has so many mirrors Are they the essence of a Witchs spells? Lumian observed Francas busy movements, enlightened and slightly envious. Franca turned her head and addressed him, Give me two strands of your hair. Without hesitation, Lumian plucked two strands and handed them over. A black flame appeared in Francas hand, incinerating the golden strands. She sprinkled the ashes onto the mirrors surface and stroked it with her black-flamed palm while murmuring an inaudible incantation. When the black flames suddenly receded into the mirror, the traces of blood and hair vanished. Do not stray more than 30 meters away from me, Franca cautioned, holding the seemingly ordinary mirror. Lumian nodded and retrieved the Mystery Prying Glasses from his pocket. He placed the brown gold-rimmed glasses on the bridge of his nose, but his right hand remained gripping the mirror holder, ready to remove the glasses at a moments notice. Almost simultaneously, Lumian beheld a multitude of scenes: Faces concealed in darkness, pallid and ferocious, drenched in blood. A mass of dark hair floated amidst the shadows, comprised of hundreds or perhaps thousands of strands, extending in various directions. Lingering figures, rock walls shimmering with aqueous light, and an impenetrable darkness. In the pond-like puddle, a colossal, swollen, and pallid face lurked beneath the lightless surface, peering outward. There was a glistening cave Light Cave Lumians intuition instantaneously struck, compelling his dizzy mind to focus on the edge of the scene. The luminous-filled cave rapidly enlarged, revealing a dimly lit passage beyond. As the cave drew nearer, Lumian realized it was merely a reflection in a mirror. Its surface was solid and inaccessible. The mirror sank to the depths of the lightless pool. Suddenly, the colossal, swollen, and pallid face swiftly expanded before Lumians eyes, consuming his field of vision. Lumians sight darkened, and he nearly lost consciousness. Vaguely, he saw his flesh attempting to depart from his skeleton. Whack! Lumian heard a crisp shattering sound, and his mind cleared. He swiftly removed the Mystery Prying Glasses and retched. After he regained his composure, Franca inquired with concern, Are you alright? At some point, the mirror in her hand had shattered into countless fragments, scattered across the ground. Lumian took a deep breath and replied, Im fine now. He extended his finger, indicating a specific direction. Over a hundred meters from the tunnel, there lies a massive puddle. And at the puddles depths, youll find a mirror. That mirror reflects a cave, which leads to a path of light. However, be warned, for within that puddle lurks a perilous monster. I nearly died when I beheld its visage. Franca listened in silence, her mutterings a mixture of confusion and frustration. Goddammit, could this place truly be connected to a Demoness? Chapter 189 - 189 Cooperation 189 Cooperation Observing Lumians perplexed gaze, Franca provided a succinct explanation, One of the core abilities of the Demoness pathway revolves around mirrors and manipulating the world within them. When I suspected that this place might be connected to the Demoness or Hunter pathway, I pondered whether we inadvertently stepped into a certain location within the mirror world. Thus, I attempted to use the makeup mirror to see if I could escape through it. As you witnessed, it proved fruitless. Because of this, I have tentatively dismissed the notion of being in a mirror world or encountering a relic belonging to a Demoness. However, now we have stumbled upon a submerged mirror that likely conceals an exit So, you suspect that this is a specific place within the mirror world, restricted to certain mirrors? Lumian attempted to grasp Francas line of thinking. Exactly, Franca replied with a gentle nod. But what perplexes me is how we found ourselves here without encountering anything resembling a mirror. Perhaps my conjecture is incorrect, or only partially true Lumian pondered for a moment, hoping to glean some knowledge. He posed a sincere question: What exactly is a mirror world? Franca grabbed the ponytail at the back of her head. Explaining it to you is a challenge since I am not entirely certain myself. Allow me to elucidate based on my understanding. In mysticism, mirrors possess distinct symbolic meanings, such as ones reflection or an entrance to another realm. The former suggests that we can use mirrors to create substitutes, while the latter alludes to a mirror world. It is often associated with terror, mystery, horror, and the bizarre. I cannot ascertain whether there are hidden elements or if it truly represents an alternate dimension. However, I do know that the mirror world connects to various mirror-like entities. It could potentially point to spaces that are typically inaccessible. As my Sequence progresses, I should be capable of utilizing the mirror world to swiftly traverse different locations. Lumian recalled the recent events and allowed his imagination to run wild. Could the version of you we saw be a reflection left behind in the mirror world from a previous encounter, before you became a Witch? That would explain why I have never encountered my past self. That is a plausible explanation, but I havent come across anything peculiar Franca deliberated for a moment. If that is the case, we must hurry to the puddle immediately. The exit is most likely there! We can no longer afford to proceed cautiously or wait any longer. As I mentioned earlier, the mirror world harbors eerie and terrifying phenomena. If we linger here any further, I dread to imagine what might befall us! Very well. Lumian maintained his composure. Franca turned and sprinted, with Lumian closely following her. As the Witch ran, it appeared as though she employed some form of ability. Small patches of frost materialized beneath her feet, causing a sharp reduction in friction. Her body seemed weightless as she gracefully glided through the dim quarry cave and into the depths of the underground tunnel. Utilizing all his strength as a Hunter and Dancer, Lumian struggled to keep pace with Franca and avoid being left behind. In the wintry chill, a thin layer of ice gradually formed on the walls of the surrounding rocks. Upon the icy surface, visages stained with blood emerged. Their countenances contorted, eyes brimming with hatred, resembling vengeful specters emerging from the depths of hell. Among them was the previous incarnation of Franca, when she still appeared as a man! After sprinting for a while, Lumian and Franca caught sight of the puddle. As the light from the carbide lamp cast its glow, the puddles surface shimmered with a tinge of yellowish-blue. Is this it? Franca halted abruptly. In that moment, every fiber of his being throbbed with pain, as if his body was on the brink of bursting, save for the fiery sensation in his nasal cavity. Holding the carbide lamp tightly, Franca cautiously approached the puddle. The challenge now is how to elude the monster you encountered and locate the mirror. Regrettably, I cannot yet traverse between mirrors. I can only remain inside for a few fleeting seconds I will divert its attention and keep it occupied for a while. Why dont you dive underwater and retrieve the mirror? Lumian spoke plainly, I dont believe you stand a chance against it. It nearly overwhelmed me when I caught a glimpse of it. Though Franca felt a twinge of annoyance and frustration, she had to acknowledge that Lumian spoke the truth. With her Sequence and mystical item, she could still hold her ground even against a Beyonder one rank higher. However, judging by the monsters display, it far surpassed her by more than a single rank! After a brief pause, Franca clenched her teeth and uttered, Even if I am outmatched, my skills in escape and self-preservation are formidable. I should be able to hold out against it for more than ten seconds. If you can retrieve the mirror within that timeframe, we can make our escape! Lumian let out a chuckle. We shouldnt risk our lives just yet. I have a plan to stall that monster for ten to twenty seconds without taking excessive risks. And I trust you can locate that mirror, correct? Im capable. I have a unique method of detecting mirrors, Franca eyed Lumian skeptically. Are you truly up to the task? Is there genuinely no danger involved? In theory, the risks are minimal, Lumian replied calmly. Simultaneously, he silently added, If the risks prove too great, Ill find an alternative. Mr. K, Madame Hela, Madam Magician, the great being, and the power of Inevitability are all viable options. Franca wasted no time and pursed her lips as she spoke, Alright, just to be safe, Ill create a Mirror Substitute for you. Naturally, Lumian had no objections to something that could effectively reduce the risk. After Franca produced a small mirror and crafted the corresponding substitute, Lumian gripped the ritual silver dagger and encircled the pond-like puddle, creating a spiritual barrier. Throughout the process, he maintained a distance of four to five meters from the waters edge, fearing the monster would drag him under. Putting away the ritual silver dagger, Lumian turned to Franca with a genuine smile. What comes next involves one of my secrets. Could you turn around? Very well. Franca was content with his straightforwardness. She inwardly sighed once more. Does Jenna misunderstand Ciel? As Franca turned around, Lumian placed the carbide lamp aside and began the Summoning Dance. He intended to summon the monster, but he wouldnt allow it to possess him! Lumian believed that the higher the level of a peculiar creature, the more aware it would be of the corruption within his body. This made it less inclined to attach itself to him. In other words, as long as he refrained from issuing commands that would influence the monster, it was likely to observe the Summoning Dance eagerly, waiting for an opportunity to attack. However, it was intimidated by the seal and the corruption and dared not act upon its thoughts. It would only truly engage him once the dance concluded. The Summoning Dance lasted for 20 to 30 seconds, ample time for Franca to submerge herself and locate the mirror. As long as Lumian could escape this world before the monster attacked, there would be no further issues! Of course, if he couldnt harness the corresponding powers of nature in this place and allow the Summoning Dance to take effect, he could always employ an alternative method. Amidst the contorted and frenzied dance, Lumians spirituality stirred the forces of nature, forming a connection that dissipated into the surroundings, only to be obstructed by the spiritual barrier. After a few seconds, ripples appeared on the surface of the puddle, and a pallid figure emerged, floating above the water. It bore a resemblance to a human, with an inflated body and a gargantuan face occupying half its form. The monster floated toward Lumian and came to a stop in close proximity. Lumian dared not gaze directly at it. With his eyes half-shut, he called out, Hurry! Without hesitation, Franca discarded the carbide lamp, took two steps, and leaped into the water. With a splash, water splattered around. A cold, damp sensation penetrated Francas skin as near darkness enveloped her vision. Guided by the faint glow of the carbide lamp seeping through the water, Franca swiftly descended to the depths. Suddenly, dark creatures resembling seaweed extended their hair-like tendrils, slithering around Franca as if alive. Franca paid them no mind and continued her descent. Just as the seaweed was about to touch her, it unexpectedly burst into black flames. The black flames burned silently underwater, showing no signs of extinguishing. The seaweed didnt turn to ash, but their consciousness was snuffed out. They floated in the water, swaying with the currents. Farther away, a multitude of seaweed continued to surge forward, obstructed by layers of condensed frost. Beside the puddle, Lumian, engrossed in the Summoning Dance, did not look at the monster. However, he heard a sound akin to a bubble popping. A putrid odor wafted towards him, accompanied by an enveloping chill. An image flashed across Lumians mind: The bloated monster with its enormous face was less than a step away from him, almost clinging to his back. He could even perceive its breath! Hiss Lumian instinctively gasped, refusing to interrupt the Summoning Dance. In the water, Franca, having dived deeper, finally sensed the presence of the mirror! Her form suddenly faded, vanishing from her original position. Francas figure swiftly materialized on the ancient silver mirror resting silently on the seabed. She retrieved the artifact and swam towards the surface, a look of joy adorning her face. She had just confirmed that this mirror truly led to the underground tunnel in the outside world! Beside the puddle, Lumian was filled with anxiety as he kept his gaze fixed on the waters surface. The Summoning Dance was nearing its end, and the bloated monster drew closer, its flesh almost brushing against his skin. If Franca did not emerge soon, he would resort to using Mr. Ks finger! Just then, Franca reached the shore, holding the mirror, and leapt up amidst the splashing water. Avoiding eye contact with the monster, she lowered her head and hurried to Lumians side, gripping his wrist. Simultaneously, both of them turned ethereal, while the ancient mirror clattered to the ground. A scene unfolded upon the mirrors surface: Franca grasping Lumians hand and leading him through a short, dark tunnel to an illuminated cave before leaping out. Amidst flickering lights and shadows, Lumian realized he stood upon a dim path, with distant light seeping in. Franca retrieved the mirror that had served as his substitute and noticed countless cracks marring its surface, on the verge of shattering. That was a close call. She sighed sincerely. Chapter 190 - 190 Unexpected Development 190 Unexpected Development Lumian glanced at the shattered mirror in Francas hand, relief and confusion evident on his face. But I dont feel like I was being attacked. His Summoning Dance still had five to six seconds left before Franca grabbed his wrist. Franca cleared her throat and assumed the stance of a teacher. Some mysticism techniques are undetectable. The moment you feel attacked is the moment of your death. Could it be that the monster secretly influenced me when I paused the Summoning Dance to enter the mirror for those brief seconds? Lumian nodded thoughtfully. Yes, the bleeding in that space caught us by surprise. We had no idea how to prevent it. As he spoke, he looked at Francas face and noticed her smooth skin, devoid of any scars. It was impossible to tell that blood had seeped out from multiple places. Franca touched her face and pondered before saying, Its indeed very bizarre. But we did lose some blood. As a Witch, I have a mystical perception of the amount of my blood. In other words, the damage we suffered in the special mirror world isnt fake. Its just that we didnt leave any wounds. Damn it, I didnt bring the carbide lamp! As she spoke, she turned around and searched through a pile of gravel on the side of the dim tunnel. Lumian didnt have time to retrieve his carbide lamp either. He could only observe Francas every move with the help of the distant light. In less than ten seconds, Franca pulled out a mirror from the rubble. The mirror appeared to be made of pure silver. The patterns on both sides were mysterious and sinister, and its surface was dark and lifeless, as if time had eroded it. As expected, theres a corresponding mirror in reality. Franca did her best to avoid being reflected in the silver mirror with its classic design. She also instructed Lumian, In unsafe places or when encountering strange occurrences, try not to look into the mirror if you can. Otherwise, something terrifying might happen. We mustnt touch such mysterious and evil objects of unknown origin! Lumian, who hadnt mentioned to Franca that he couldnt look in the mirror after using the Mystery Prying Glasses to disguise himself, nodded. I understand that the exit is a mirror. What I cant figure out is how we entered that space without noticing. We didnt come across anything along the way. That baffles me too. Franca covered the surface of the classic-styled silver mirror with a handkerchief and other items. She stood up and said, This thing seems to be closely related to the Demoness pathway. How about you give it to me? Ill find something valuable to compensate you later. No problem, Lumian chuckled. You dont have to ask. I cant beat you. Franca clicked her tongue and said, No, the spoils of war must be distributed fairly. Otherwise, there will surely be conflicts within the team. I used to be taken advantage of like this in the past. If it werent for my good nature and not holding grudges, I would have sought revenge long ago. Why does it sound like youre cussing me, Madame Lumian silently muttered. If someone took his spoils and exploited him for no reason, and his strength was inferior to the other party, although he wouldnt say anything on the spot, he would definitely find a way to seek revenge later. He wouldnt simply forgive the other party so easily. Stowing away the classic-styled silver mirror, Franca gestured toward the source of light. Lets go and have a look over there. We might come across the quarry police or other smugglers. We can ask for directions. Thats right Lumian agreed wholeheartedly. If it werent for that, the Montsouris ghost would have been eradicated long ago by the official Beyonders. The two of them proceeded through the tunnel, guided by the faint glow, staying alert for any potential attacks. Before long, they reached a quarry cave. In the center of the cave stood a figure wearing a felt hat. The light emanated from the carbide lamp he held in his hand. Uh Franca recognized him and called out, Fernandez! She realized that the figure was Fernandez, the smuggler who had been leading the way for them. This appeared to be the quarry cave where they had arranged to meet him. Fernandez turned around, surprised, and asked, How did you come from there? Ive been waiting for nearly half an hour, but you didnt show up. I even went to the spot where the footprints vanished to search for you, but you were nowhere to be found. Lumian and Franca exchanged glances and nodded. Indeed, they had spent nearly half an hour in the special mirror world. Franca approached Fernandez and casually explained, We stumbled upon some clues and pursued them. However, we ended up circling back here and encountered an ambush on the way. We lost our carbide lamps. What clues? Fernandez asked, pleasantly surprised. Franca smiled. Well discuss it with Christo directly. Fernandez knew his place well and didnt pry any further. He led the two of them back along the same path they had taken before. They ascended the secondary well and entered the underground section corresponding to Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, finally arriving at the exit on Rue Anarchie. Only when Lumian and Franca laid eyes on street peddlers, children picking up fruit peels, homeless people huddling in corners, and the bustling crowd, did they truly feel as though they had escaped from that strange realm and returned to the real world. After boarding the carriage that Rat Christo had sent for them, Lumian glanced at Franca and asked in a low voice, What should we say later? Fernandez knew the carriage driver and had taken a seat beside him, so he wasnt in the carriage. Franca chuckled. Well simply say that we entered an unknown space, discovered some traces, and managed to escape using my mirror magic. The rest has nothing to do with Christo. Lumian didnt say another word. He closed his eyes and recalled his encounters in the special mirror world. The four-wheeled carriage swiftly turned onto Avenue du March, hurtling toward Suhits steam locomotive. It veered into the alley that led to the depot. Rat Christo awaited them in the nearby warehouse. Before long, Lumian and Franca caught sight of the rat-like smuggler. Christo approached them with a grin and exclaimed, Thank you, by Steam! Erkin and the others are back! Erkin Francas eyes narrowed as she blurted out, The missing caravan has returned? Erkin, Christos younger brother responsible for the smuggling caravan, had vanished previously, and Franca still had his divination handkerchief. And now hes back? What the f*ck was going on? Christo nodded, still smiling. Indeed, the goods have returned as well! They arrived over an hour ago. Over an hour ago? Wasnt that the same time when we discovered the spot where the footprints vanished and entered that peculiar mirror world? Lumian frowned, a hint of confusion stirring within him. It was only because he had already experienced unbelievable phenomena like the time loop and the vivid dream that Lumian managed to keep his composure, unlike Franca. Observing the surprised and perplexed expressions of Franca and Ciel, Christo smiled and stated, Ill let Erkin explain it himself. He turned and headed a few steps toward the entrance of the warehouse, calling out, Erkin, come out for a moment! Seizing the opportunity, Franca tilted her head slightly and whispered to Lumian, This is highly unusual Lumians lips curled into a smile as he lowered his voice and replied, I even suspect that Rat and the others conspired to set a trap for us. They used the disappearance of the goods as bait to lure us underground into that perilous realm. Franca studied him, amusement in her eyes, and remarked, You dont have much trust in others, do you? Lumian spoke candidly, The dancers salaries make Giant and Baron Brignais resentful, and I possess the coveted Salle de Bal Brise. Only Rat has no conflict of interest with us, so he was made to intervene. Franca fell into deep thought, seriously considering the possibility of being deceived. In that moment, Lumian grinned. This is merely a conjecture. It doesnt account for the footprints and other traces in the mirror world. As soon as he finished speaking, a man who appeared to be under 30 years old emerged from the warehouse. He was not particularly tall, standing at about 1.6 meters. Apart from the absence of rat-like whiskers, he bore a striking resemblance to Christo. It is indeed Erkin, Franca whispered to Lumian. Then, she turned her gaze to Christo and Erkin, who were approaching together, and inquired, Erkin, what happened? Erkins dark-blue eyes revealed a blend of fear and joy. We entered a peculiar world within a section of the tunnel and couldnt find a way out. In the afternoon, while we were searching in all directions, we suddenly found ourselves back on our original path. Did our entry provide them an opportunity to escape? Franca had a suspicion. Lumian stared at Erkin, his expression devoid of any emotion, as if assessing an adversary who might bring him calamity. In his mind, he recalled the droplets of blood left behind on the ground of the mirror world. Gradually, they coalesced, staining a whole area crimson. Could someone who had lost so much blood truly return alive? Franca had evidently pondered this as well. She regarded Erkin and asked, What happened to you there? Erkin couldnt help but tremble. We started bleeding inexplicably. Towards the end, many were on the verge of death. By Steam, we managed to find the exit in time. As soon as we emerged, we recovered. Is that so? Franca felt that Erkin, adorned with the Sacred Emblem, was relaying his account in line with her own experience and could be explained. Thus, she could only temporarily set aside her doubts. Beside them, Rat Christo cast a glance their way and invited them with a smile, Regardless of the circumstances, I must express my gratitude. Would you like to sample the most authentic Savoie roast chicken? Alright, Lumian responded on Francas behalf. Christo produced a set of keys and tossed them to his brother, Erkin. Go to my office and bring all the spices to the kitchen. Alright. Erkin received the key and ascended the iron stairs embedded in the outer wall of the warehouse. With his left hand, he inserted one of the keys into the door of Christos office and turned it to unlock it. Franca was momentarily taken aback before muttering to herself, I recall that Erkin habitually uses his right hand Why would he awkwardly open the door with his left hand when he wasnt holding anything? Hearing Francas remark, Christo nodded and replied, Indeed, he is right-handed. Chapter 191 - 191 Suspicions 191 Suspicions Right hand Francas body jolted with a sudden shudder. As a Witch, she was well-acquainted with the intricacies of mirrors, attuned to their peculiarities. And one thing she knew for certain was this: when a person gazed into a mirror, their reflection would be inverted from left to right. The situation at hand was baffling. After Erkin, who habitually favored his right hand, had ventured into the enigmatic mirror world and returned, he had inexplicably switched to using his left hand. Franca and Lumian, however, had not experienced such a change. What could this mean? Franca trembled with unease. Just then, Christo reappeared at the warehouses bottom floor, bellowing instructions to Erkin on the upper level. He demanded that Erkin retrieve his prized White Elixir wine. Seizing the opportunity, Lumian leaned in close to Franca and whispered into her ear, Have you noticed any connections? Youve thought of it too? Franca replied, taken aback. It was a challenge to detect Erkins abnormality and grasp the underlying possibilities without extensive knowledge of mysticism and encounters with the Beyonder world. Lumian continued in a hushed tone, Judging by the amount of blood present in that space, I find it hard to believe that a regular person could have survived. From the start, I suspected something was amiss with Erkin and the other members of the caravan. Furthermore, you mentioned that the peculiar mirror world contains your past selfthe reflection of who you once were. A mirrored image is left-right reversed in reality. Do you think the Erkin in the mirror has replaced the original Erkin? Franca fell into silence, pondering the implications. I dread to consider such a horrifying possibility, but the circumstances align more and more with your theory. I need to be certain. As they conversed, Erkin descended from the warehouses upper level, clutching a sack filled with various spices and two bottles of White Elixir wine. He made his way towards a nearby grayish-white, two-story building. The structure served as a dining room and kitchen for Rat Christos subordinates. On the surface, Christo presented himself as a merchant. He owned multiple companies specializing in trade and providing storage facilities. Franca approached Christo with a solemn expression and asked, Are you absolutely sure that is truly Erkin? Christo blurted out in surprise, Why are you asking such a peculiar question? Of course, its Erkin. By Steam, how could I not recognize my own brother? My kids are also quite fond of him. They find nothing unfamiliar about him. Franca pondered for a moment before smiling faintly. I cant help but feel that something might go awry after venturing into that bizarre realm. Franca chuckled. Youre not a Beyonder yet. Before you took over this smuggling business, didnt you anticipate that those above you would follow certain customs and pay extra for particular matters? Christo fell silent, uncertain of how to respond. Franca then said, Ill help you confirm whether anything is amiss with those individuals. Franca retrieved her makeup box and Erkins handkerchief, preparing to perform a divination in front of Rat Christo. Erkins whereabouts. Erkins whereabouts As Franca chanted in Hermes, her eyes darkened, and she gently caressed the surface of the makeup mirror. Lumian observed as the mirror shimmered with watery ripples of light. Soon, a scene materialized within its depths: Erkin, dressed in a blue shirt, stood near the kitchen, engaged in conversation with the chef. I knew everything would go smoothly. Rat Christo chuckled. He then gestured towards the warehouse. I have some matters to attend to. You can explore the area on your own or wait for me in the dining room. Once the short-statured leader of the smugglers had entered the warehouse, Lumian turned to Franca. It appears that the real Erkin might be dead. Thus, the divination results indicated the person who originally belonged to the mirror world. Do you still think something is amiss with Erkin and the others? Franca furrowed her brow. And if not? Lumian laughed. Should we cover our eyes and ears and pretend we didnt see, hear, or discover anything? Franca pondered for a moment before responding, Perhaps, because Im using mirror divination, it will be easier to pinpoint the individual within the mirror. I shall attempt another method. Surveying the warehouse area, she picked up a short wooden stick and held it before her, pressing down from the top. After uttering a similar divination statement, the wooden stick snapped, pointing directly at the grayish-white, two-story building that housed the kitchen and dining room. Erkin was there. Franca fell silent momentarily before declaring, Let me see if that mirror can be of any assistance. She referred to the classic-styled silver mirror that served as a gateway to the peculiar realm, hoping to employ it in banishing all the monsters that had emerged from within. Lumian eagerly trailed behind Franca as they entered the dining room. Their eyes were immediately drawn to a woman wearing a grayish-green dress. She appeared to be in her late twenties, holding the hands of a boy and a girl. Tears of joy streamed down her face as she embraced Erkin, who had just emerged from the kitchen. Youre finally back! Pp! Pp, play with me! Amidst the clamor of excited voices, Erkins face radiated sheer happiness. His brows and eyes reflected pure joy. Franca paused in her steps, silently observing the heartwarming family reunion for a long while. Eventually, she let out a sigh and remarked, Lets give it a little more time. Lumian maintained his smile. Are you finding it hard to bear? Franca sighed. The real Erkin might already be dead. After all, this is his reflection. If I were to expose his true nature now, kill him, or force him back into the mirror, not only would his wife and children fail to show gratitude, but they would also despise me. Youre right. Lumian chuckled. In any case, if anything untoward happens in the future, whether someone lives or dies is not our concern. We simply need to exercise caution. Why should we appear as the villains? No one will thank you for it. Yes, lets avoid Rat Christo and the others for the time being. If we dont encounter them, its as if nothing has occurred. Francas inner conflict grew. She didnt know what the mirrors reflection would do after replacing the person in reality. What if his kindness morphed into cruelty, and his affection transformed into hatred? Franca, unable to reach a decision, could only gaze at Lumian and sigh. Your words are rather cold-hearted She began to think that Jennas assessment of Ciel held some truth. Madame, am I not merely following your inclinations to help you convince yourself? Lumian responded, a mix of annoyance and amusement evident in his tone. Franca offered a sheepish smile. How do you propose we handle this situation? Lumian glanced at Erkin, who was recounting his strange encounter to his wife and children as if it were someone elses story. We should have someone write a letter and report this matter to the police headquarters or a cathedral. The letter should merely state that Rat Christos brother, Erkin, ventured into an underground realm with a group of individuals and remained absent for the majority of the day. Upon resurfacing, their dominant hand had changed. Official Beyonders have encountered numerous anomalies, so they should be familiar with the underground. They will likely deduce what has befallen Erkin and his companions. As for how they handle it, thats their responsibility. We need not worry. If they refrain from harming Erkin and the others, the mirror person poses no threat. They can serve as replacements for the deceased originals. And if those monsters are eliminated, we wont have to confront pain and animosity, let alone compensate anyone. In short, we must trust the officials and the Church. Emperor Roselle once mentioned that a gentleman wouldnt feel inclined to dine on an animal they were familiar with after it had been slaughtered. However, if they remained unaware, it wouldnt be an issue. They could enjoy their meal blissfully. The same principle applies in this case. Lumian couldnt recall the exact words, so he did his best to convey the sentiment in his own words. Franca pondered deeply for a few moments before being convinced. Youre right She glanced at Lumian. You dont sound like a mob leader at all. A true mob leader knows how to manipulate the authorities. Lumian grinned. Franca chuckled and remarked, Do I have to address you as Godfather from now on? Without giving Lumian a chance to inquire further, she swiftly added, A mobs godfather. Yes, for now, you dont have the means. Ill take responsibility for leaking the information to the officials. Mobs godfather Lumian had heard his sister mention this as the subject of her next book. He grasped the general idea, but couldnt help feeling a tad disheartened. In the ensuing hours, he and Franca joyously attended a banquet hosted by Rat Christo, engaging in lively conversations with Erkin and the other smugglers. Lumian couldnt stop raving about the delectable Savoie roasted chicken. It was seasoned with an array of spices, its surface glistening with a similar concoction. The golden skin boasted juiciness, tenderness, and an aromatic essence. He sliced a piece of the crispy skin-covered meat and let it soak in the succulent juices for a moment before savoring it. The experience was pure bliss, rendering it impossible for him to cease indulging. As the banquet drew to a close, Franca noticed only a handful of people remained at the dining table. She turned to Rat Christo, a smile playing on her lips. Come closer. I have something to ask you. Christo, momentarily taken aback, shifted his chair nearer to Franca and responded with a smile, And whats the matter? Franca smiled and whispered, In truth, Ciel and I also ventured into that peculiar world. Fortunately, we managed to escape With that, she swiftly produced the roast chickens knife and drove it into the table in front of Rat Christo. Her voice turned icy as she interrogated him, Whats concealed within that shipment? You nearly got us killed! I-I dont know! Christo glanced around, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead. Realizing that only he, Franca, and Cield remained at the table, he hastily explained, I genuinely dont know. The boss instructed me to bring it to Trier! Chapter 192 - 192 Verification 192 Verification Boss? Lumian was alarmed. He hadnt anticipated the connection to Gardner Martin, but now things were starting to make sense. Why did the smuggling caravan vanish on a known route that had been used before? And why was Rat Christo so eager to seek their help? If he had only lost a shipment, he would have made more confirmations. It would have taken time for him to reveal his vulnerabilities and mistakes to his peers, who might be eyeing his position. Lumians mind raced with thoughts. Gardner Martin might be a Sequence 6 or 5 on the Hunter pathway. Both Franca and I entered the special mirror world, and were a Hunter and a Demoness, respectively, on similar and neighboring paths. Mr. K instructed me to approach Gardner Martin and gain his trust. Franca, as a member of the secret organization Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, has quite a high Sequence. Its surprising that shes willing to be the mistress of a mob boss like Gardner Martin. The boss of the Savoie Mob must be hiding a major secret or involved in something significant Why does he want Christo to smuggle an item related to the Hunter or Demoness pathway into Trier? And why go through the risks of underground smuggling? Is he afraid of the tax collectors? Instead, why doesnt the boss retrieve the item himself outside the city and have Christo get a smuggler lead the way? It would be safer and more discreet. Could it be that he knows the item might cause trouble and wants to avoid the risk? Lumian shifted his gaze from Rat Christo to Francas face. To Lumians surprise, the Witch seemed unprepared for such an answer. Her initial shock was swiftly followed by a hint of excitement and joy. She stared intently at Rat Christo and sneered, Are you trying to f*cking deceive me? How come I havent heard about Gardner asking you to bring something into Trier? Where is that thing? Excitement Joy Lumian grew increasingly certain that Franca had ulterior motives for joining the Savoie Mob and approaching Gardner Martin. Christo forced a smile and responded, Its in an iron box. Ive already sent it to Rue des Fontaines. Perhaps the boss hasnt informed you yet. As a seasoned member of the Savoie Mob, he knew the power Franca possessed. She could easily dispatch him, especially since he wasnt prepared and hadnt brought any assistance. Moreover, she excelled in divination and could detect falsehoods. You better not be lying to me! Franca recoiled, produced her makeup mirror, and began performing a divination in front of Rat Christo. Lumian cooperatively stood up and walked to Christos side. He reached out and firmly grasped Christos shoulder. Once Franca confirmed the truth through her divination, Lumian patted the Rat on the back with a smile. If anything similar happens in the future, make sure to remind me of any potential issues with the merchandise. I must be prepared for any unexpected incidents. Otherwise, I might just chop you into pieces and feed you to your beloved kids. He had heard from Louis that Rat Christo had numerous pets and had a special fondness for dogs. Fueled by the threat, Christo grew angry. Franca may be the bosss mistress, and shes stronger than me. I can tolerate her treatment, but what right does a newbie like you have? The boss asked me to keep it a secret this time. Franca stowed away her makeup box and cursed, You son of a bitch! You could have at least given us a clue! Christo sheepishly smiled and replied, Alright, alright. Surprisingly, he wasnt at all offended by the insults. To him, dogs were cherished family members, so how could their mention be taken as an offense? He often warned his lecherous subordinates that laying a hand on his wife was akin to touching his dog! Observing Franca and Ciels softened attitudes, Christo curiously asked, Is that strange world really as Erkin described? Before Franca could respond, Lumian patted Christos shoulder with a smile. Havent you figured it out yet? Has a dog eaten your brain? We were just bluffing you! We didnt enter any strange world at all. We simply suspected something was amiss with your goods, considering the previous smooth smuggling operations and the sudden involvement of a Beyonder incident. So, we decided to deceive you! Rat Christo couldnt help but feel vexed. Indeed, if Franca and Ciel had truly entered a strange world, they wouldnt have returned so swiftly! Erkin and the others had been missing for hours! How could he have been so foolish? Why did he fall for their ruse? Suppressing his emotions, Christo looked at Franca with a fawning smile. Please dont tell the boss that I revealed the existence of that item. He will not be pleased with me. Franca cast a strange glance at Lumian and said to Rat Christo, Fine. From now on, you owe me a favor. Alright! Christo hastily agreed. After bidding farewell to the leader of the smuggling operation, Lumian and Franca exited the warehouse and turned onto the narrow street of Avenue du March. I realized today that Christo is a complete fool. Hes incredibly gullible, Franca remarked, breaking the silence as she glanced at Lumian beside her. There was a hint of a smile on her face, but it didnt quite reach her eyes. Youre quite skilled at deceiving others. Lumian assumed a composed demeanor. In Cordu, you must have heard about Cordu, right? They call me the Prankster King. Franca, familiar with Cordu due to the wanted poster, smiled at Lumian and responded, Did you lie to me earlier then? Heh heh, Jennas assessment of you wasnt entirely off. You possess cunning and trickery. Youre my sisters companion. Ive been telling you the truth, Lumian said sincerely, maintaining an honest expression. However, he didnt divulge the complete truth. Even if Franca were to confirm it through divination, she wouldnt detect any signs of deception. Franca observed his expression and nodded in satisfaction. I am willing to trust Muggles brother. Hmm Lets pretend you dont know about Gardners item. There are certain things that can be harmful if you were to uncover the truth. I wont inquire about it either. Alright, Lumian acquiesced, obediently playing the role he had assumed in front of Aurore. The two then went their separate ways on Avenue du March. One headed towards Salle de Bal Brise, while the other turned onto Rue des Blouses Blanches. It was already past 8 p.m., and the sky had darkened. Gas wall lamps embedded in the walls illuminated the dance hall, casting a yellowish glow on the entire first floor. As they approached the dance floor, the ambiance grew dimmer. Amidst greetings, Lumian took a seat at the bar counter and ordered a glass of fennel and mint absinthe, known as Parrot. The drink was rather invigorating, and with just one sip, it cleared his mind as if he had been slapped awake. Lumian sat for a while, enjoying Jennas risqu songs. Eventually, he noticed Charlie approaching the bar counter with a tray in hand. Ciel Boss! Charlie swiftly altered the way he addressed Lumian upon realizing it was the bartender looking at him. Lumian took a sip of the psychedelic green liquid and asked with a smile, Do you prefer the dance hall or the underground bar in the motel? Charlie glanced at the bartender and the other waiters before lowering his voice. I still prefer the motel bar. Over there, Im the center of attention! I can tell Lumian chuckled and nodded towards the young female singer who had taken over from Jenna. Is she your friends daughter? Charlie had previously mentioned a friend who had fallen victim to a loan shark. Pressured by Baron Brignais, the friend tragically committed suicide by jumping off a building, and now his daughter was forced to sing at Salle de Bal Brise. Yes, Charlie replied with a sorrowful expression. The female singer, dressed glamorously in a revealing blouse and skirt, was around Jennas age but lacked the same allure. Upon closer observation, Lumian noticed the key distinction between the two: Jennas eyes radiated a certain spark, whereas despite her fake smile, the light in the other singers eyes was absent. Charlie opened his mouth, seemingly hesitant to ask for something, but in the end, he decided against it and remained silent. Lumian took another sip of the Parrot and immersed himself in deep thought, the song playing in the background. Approaching 10:30 p.m., he stood up and made his way back upstairs. He changed into a worn linen shirt, an old jacket, brown pants, and topped it off with a dark blue cap. With this appearance, he resembled a vagabond. Without hesitation, Lumian pushed open the window and leaped into the alley behind the dance hall. His intention was to pay a visit to Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. His Prophecy Spell had revealed that Monsieur Ive, the landlord of Auberge du Coq Dor, would be present at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons between 11 p.m. and 12 p.m. this Friday, i.e., tonight. Lumian wasnt expecting to confront the matter involving the evil god, the Mother Tree of Desire, single-handedly. He had no intention of facing them head-on. Instead, he aimed to gather valuable information and uncover more problems through observation. To him, the most crucial objective was to utilize Monsieur Ive and the others to locate the place where Susanna Mattise had resided during her lifetime and obtain an item she had carried for a significant period. This would lay the groundwork for the Exorcism Spell when she eventually launched an attack. Although completing the ritualistic magic in time might prove challenging, being prepared was preferable to being caught off guard. After taking a few detours, Lumian arrived outside Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. Since it was not yet 11 p.m., he saw no need to rush inside. Instead, he found a corner and settled down, observing Monsieur Ives beige six-story apartment with the demeanor of a genuine tramp. Before long, Lumian spotted the landlord. Monsieur Ive returned from Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, holding a black cane. He wore a faded dark suit, chestnut pants, and an aged half top hat. A few minutes later, a dim light emanated from one of the windows of his apartment. Lumian patiently waited. As he waited, his brow gradually furrowed. Why hasnt Monsieur Ive made his way to Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons? Its already past 11 p.m. The window continued to emit a yellowish glow, and occasional figures passed by. Fifteen minutes elapsed, yet Monsieur Ive had not left his apartment, crossed Avenue du March, and entered Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. Lumian couldnt help but mutter to himself, Could there be an error in my Prophecy Spell? Chapter 193 - 193 Luck Enhancement 193 Luck Enhancement Lumian waited patiently until midnight drew near. As the clock struck 11:30 p.m., the light in Ives room went out, yet no one emerged from the apartment. It seemed the miser had decided to save on gas bills and retired for the night. The final act of the play at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons concluded as midnight approached. The audience trickled out one by one, but no one entered the theater. Lumian muttered to himself, his thoughts racing: Could it be that the Prophecy Spells answer isnt precise enough? After all, the ritualistic magic was cast by me. Its understandable that its effect isnt perfect. Yes, thats a possibility. But what if the Prophecy Spell is accurate? Alarmed amidst his thoughts, Lumians head snapped in the direction of the door adorned with theater posters. If the Prophecy Spell was correct, it meant that Monsieur Ive had indeed been at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons between 11 p.m. and midnight. And if Monsieur Ive truly had been there, who was the identical figure who had entered the apartment and never left? There was a strong chance it was a decoy! A decoy! No way Lumian couldnt fathom his own suspicion. How could he be deceived by such a trick, especially after meeting and conversing with Monsieur Ive before? He was more inclined to believe that the Prophecy Spell was flawed. Perhaps theres a tunnel beneath the apartment leading to Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons? Lumian pondered, searching for a plausible explanation. Trier was a city where establishing a tunnel was easier than in other places. It only required a short excavation to connect to underground passageways and sewers. However, such tunnels were also prone to discovery. The Underground Trier teemed with peoplequarry police patrolled the area, smugglers traveled through, and planters passed by. Unless the tunnel went deeper or had a cleverly hidden entrance, it wouldnt take long for it to be found. If Monsieur Ives apartment did have a similar tunnel, he wouldnt have needed to venture out to the nearby Underground Trier entrance at night. In the midst of these thoughts, Lumian recalled two important details. Firstly, he had witnessed a change in Monsieur Ives luck when they first met. The next day, he realized that luck had inexplicably altered. Secondly, Monsieur Ive possessed Beyonder powers and had a high likelihood of being a believer in the evil god, the Mother Tree of Desire. Despite having a low Sequence, when the official Beyonders brought him in for questioning, they found nothing amiss. Combining these perplexing facts with the disparity between the Prophecy Spell and reality, Lumians pupils contracted as he muttered to himself: A decoy, could it be real? Was the person residing in the opposite apartment all this time after the robbery a mere decoy? Is that why his luck changed and the official Beyonders failed to detect anything wrong? How is it possible for him to resemble Monsieur Ive so perfectly? Did he employ a mystical item akin to the Mystery Prying Glasses or some other method? And where is the real Monsieur Ive hiding in Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons? The more Lumian pondered, the more unnerved he became. No one had discovered the substitution that took place. At the very least, Christos men showed signs of mirror-like reversal. From the assortment of the perverts abilities, Lumian had already deduced that Monsieur Ive had sensed something awry after being robbed. After all, even a single verl dor held value as money. No robber would willingly discard it. And if it had truly been discarded, it meant that the robbery was not the true objective. It was understandable, then, that Monsieur Ive had prepared himself to conceal his secrets from the official Beyonders. Lumian simply hadnt anticipated such a bizarre method. He had actually fashioned a doppelg?nger identical to Monsieur Ive! For a moment, Lumian couldnt ascertain whether the decoy in the apartment was an ordinary person adorned with Beyonder cosmetics or a devotee of the evil god with extraordinary powers. If it was the former, Lumian desired to seize the opportunity in the dead of night, apprehend the decoy, administer a thorough thrashing, and extract the truth. Then, he would deliver the decoy to the police headquarters or a cathedral, leaving the official Beyonders to conclude matters. If it was the latter, he dared not act impulsively. No one knew the decoys Sequence level or the breadth of its abilities. Lumian turned his head once more, casting a glance at the brick-red, three-story building housing Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. He noted that no more patrons emerged from its entrance, dispelling his idea of venturing inside for another look. The final performance of the day had concluded! After contemplating for a while, Lumian resolved to make some preparations. He rose slowly to his feet and proceeded toward Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, skulking in the shadows untouched by the glow of the gas street lamps. Along the way, he scrutinized the vagabonds slumbering in the corners of the roadside, his gaze deep and earnest. Finally, he found a suitable target. Huddled beneath a makeshift barricade in the alley, the vagabonds clothing was tattered and stained with mud. His legs bore the marks of dog bites, festering wounds oozing yellow pus. In Lumians eyes, this individual was plagued by misfortune. He would face a series of calamities in the next two or three days, with his very life potentially at stake. This made him the ideal material for the Luck Enhancement Spell! Yes, Lumian intended to employ the ritualistic magic of the Alms Monkthe Luck Enhancement Spellto fashion an item capable of transmitting ill fortune. If the fake Monsieur Ive were to be plagued by misfortune, continually beset by various predicaments, there was a high likelihood that he would reveal his predicament to the official Beyonders! With this in mind, Lumian had been on the lookout for the most hapless vagabonds. This particular group belonged to the realm of ill-fated individuals. With his cap pulled low, Lumian approached the vagabond, positioning himself so the gas lamps on the street cast his face in shadows. He crouched down, black-gloved hands ready, and gently prodded the tramp. You The tramp stirred, his voice filled with pain and confusion. I need your assistance with something. Willing to lend a hand? Lumian produced a silver coin, worth one verl dor, adorned with cherubs and intricate lines. The tramps eyes were immediately drawn to the gleaming coin. Without hesitation, he nodded and replied, No problem! As he spoke, he extended his hand, already imagining the aroma of Apple Whiskey Sour and hearty meatloaf. Once the silver coin was in his palm, the tramps eyes widened suddenly, fixated on something behind Lumian. He blurted out in shock, Thats Seizing the moment Lumian turned his head, the tramp swiftly pushed himself up, attempting to vault over the barricade and sprint down the alley. It was evident that giving money to a vagabond and enlisting his cooperation in something posed a clear danger! For an ordinary tramp, the logical choice was to accept the money and make a run for it! Whack! Lumian swiftly withdrew his right hand, calmly observing as the tramp slumped against the barricade, unconscious. From the start, Lumian had no intention of allowing the tramp to witness everything while awake. Even if he were blindfolded and his ears blocked, there was still a risk of danger. Moreover, there was the potential for revealing Lumians identity and the sinister ritualistic magic known as the Luck Enhancement Spell. Hence, his plan had been to seek the tramps consent and then render him unconscious. Lumian assisted the tramp to his feet, as if supporting a drunken companion, and guided him to the nearest entrance to Underground Trier. Finding a concealed spot nearby, he secured the tramp, binding his hands and feet, blindfolding him, and muffling his ears. Once everything was in place, he stealthily returned to Salle de Bal Brise, retrieving a carbide lamp and the necessary tools. Without delay, he went back to the entrance, carefully lifting the unconscious tramp and making his way to the quarry cave where he had previously performed the Prophecy Spell. This time, however, the ritual had undergone a change. While it remained a dualistic ceremony, the orange candle representing a deity and other supplicants had been replaced with one of a grayish-white hue. It still contained Lumians blood. To enhance his chances of success, Lumian intended to utilize the ritualistic magic to pray to the corruption sealed within his chest, mobilizing a fragment of its power. After constructing the altar and erecting a wall of spirituality, he plunged Hedseys tainted dagger into the tramp, allowing his blood to flow into a metal vial. The tramp stirred, only to be swiftly rendered unconscious once again. Lumian disinfected and bandaged the wound, blending the blood with ash from his own hair to create an ink-like substance. Using the thinnest paintbrush at his disposal, he meticulously outlined a series of intricate and enigmatic symbols on faux goatskin parchment. The design consisted of interwoven black thorns forming a ring, snakes with entwined heads and tails, a river composed of these serpentine figures, distorted lines, a peculiar eye, and more. By the time he completed a fraction of the intricate work, Lumians forehead was drenched in a sheen of cold sweat. He positioned the tramp and the faux goatskin adorned with symbols upon the boulder that served as the altar. Dripping perfume into the flames and sprinkling powder, Lumian took two steps back, fixing his gaze upon the gently flickering yellow candle flame, and uttered ancient Hermes words: Power of Inevitability! You are the past, the present, and the future; You are the cause, the effect, and the process. As before, the flame of the deitys candle compressed to its utmost limits before expanding, swelling to the size of a clenched fist. Its hue transformed to a silvery-black shade, distorting everything in its vicinity. Gray mist filled the air, and a tempest of darkness whirled about. Lumian, his ears assailed by frenzied murmurs, endured the vertigo and switched to the Hermes tongue. I implore you, I implore you to alter this destitute mans fate. I pray that you will take away his misfortune. At this juncture, Lumian took a step forward and ignited the faux goatskin adorned with mysterious symbols using the silver-black candle flame. Placing it within a natural crevice on the altars surface, he observed as the parchment began to smolder. In the next instant, he produced a gold coin worth five verl dor, engraved with the Sunbird, and positioned it near the tramps outstretched hand. To those gripped by greed, money was an irresistible lure. It served as the optimal conduit! Lumian, burdened by a sensation akin to carrying a weight of over five hundred kilograms, retreated a step, awaiting the consumption of the smoldering faux goatskin before commencing the final incantation. Gray amber, a herb that belongs to inevitability, please pass your powers to my incantation The entire altar abruptly ignited, assuming an ethereal semblance. Before Lumian, an illusory, intricate, and chilling river of mercury silently coursed its way. It enshrouded the tramp and the gold coin, amplifying the murmurs in Lumians ears and causing the cyan veins upon his face to bulge. Instinctively, Lumian recoiled from the agony of supplicating for a boon. Suddenly, the illusory image shrank, descending upon the surface of the gold coin resting upon the altar. Everything returned to its former state, except for the gold coin, which now appeared dimmer under the silver-black illumination. Chapter 194 - 194 Triggered 194 Triggered At the sight of this, Lumian hastily concluded the ritual and extinguished the candles in the proper sequence. The frenzied ravings that had filled his ears vanished, and the searing pain abruptly ceased before it could overwhelm him. Once he tidied up the altar in a rough manner, Lumian shifted his gaze to the 5 verl dor coin. It no longer appeared peculiar. Bathed in the glow of the carbide lamp, it shimmered with a captivating golden sheen, indistinguishable from any other coin. Lumians eyes darkened suddenly, as if he were observing a living being, examining its fortune. Normally, he couldnt see an objects fate, but this time was different. After focusing, he realized that the gold coin was enveloped in black vapor tinged with a hint of blood-red glow. The former symbolized ill fortune, while the latter indicated a degree of impending catastrophe. Phew Lumian let out a sigh of relief. This meant that the Luck Enhancement Spell had succeeded. The tramps streak of misfortune for the next few days had been transferred to the gold coin! However, if Lumian didnt find another person to bear this fate within three days, it would revert to the tramp, permanently untransferable. Lumian continued to gaze at the tramp for a few more seconds, confirming that his luck had temporarily returned to normal, neither good nor bad. Satisfied, Lumian, already positioned at the edge of the altar, reached out and picked up the 5 verl dor, which served as the medium for luck transference. He wasnt concerned that this act would transfer the misfortune attached to the item onto himself. Thats because activating the Luck Enhancement Spell required specific conditions: Firstly, the recipient had to willingly accept the gold coin and subjectively desire to possess it. Secondly, throughout the entire process, the recipient had to exploit a situation they shouldnt have. In other words, if Lumian used the gold coin to make a purchase, the shopkeeper wouldnt suffer any ill luck merely because they accepted the itemunless they sold Lumian something counterfeit or dishonestly manipulated the transaction for illicit gain. Likewise, if Lumian discreetly slipped the gold coin into Charlies pocket without his immediate awareness, Charlie wouldnt encounter misfortune when he eventually used it. As the original owner of the coin, Lumian naturally remained unaffected by the Luck Enhancement Spell when he retrieved it. The two straightforward methods to trigger the Luck Enhancement Spell were to keep the coin in his pocket and allow the target to steal it. He could also feign leaving it behind so the target could pick it up. Lumian believed that unless individuals like Monsieur Ive, who had acquired a miserly habit, underwent a significant transformation, they would still harbor an enduring fondness for money. Falling into such a trap would be easy for them. After erasing various traces on the altar, he hoisted the tramp onto his back and ascended to the surface. He dumped him back into the alley where he had been found, removing the ropes binding his hands and feet, along with the cloth covering his eyes and ears. The tramp stirred slowly, uttering pleas of desperate fear, Please, let me go! He blinked his eyes open, instinctively scanning his surroundings. To his realization, there was no one in sight, and he found himself still slumbering in his usual spot. The tramp fell silent. As his senses gradually returned, his initial reaction was to delve into his pocket. A chill seeped into his mind, and with a gleeful expression, he retrieved a silver coin worth 1 verl dor. Its still here! Its really still there! It wasnt a dream! Under the faint crimson moonlight casting its glow from above and the street lamps illuminating the vicinity, the tramp fiddled with the silver coin repeatedly, assuring himself that it wasnt a counterfeit. Only then did he recall to examine his body. Soon, he noticed that his arm was bandaged, and a sharp ache assaulted his mind. Apart from that, there was nothing out of the ordinary. The tramp stumbled to his feet, rubbing his backside as he muttered to himself, Its not that kind of pervert Having witnessed the world prior to his bankruptcy, he was aware that Trier housed its fair share of peculiar individuals. Consequently, various private organizations had sprung up. Some advocated that men and women existed solely for reproduction, while others believed that true love only blossomed between men. Gatherings even catered to those who believed that women alone held the secret to loving their own kind. The tramp had initially suspected he had fallen victim to men with a peculiar fixation on foul, unwashed men. However, it seemed that wasnt the case. After pondering for a moment, he conjectured that someone had taken an interest in his blood and extracted some. The 1 verl dor was his reward. He had heard tales before of influential figures relying on continual blood transfusions to sustain their lives. At least theres 1 verl dor. The tramp instantly rejoiced, no longer dwelling on the loss of blood. He even entertained the hope that the other party would seek him out once more. When the time came, he would willingly inquire about their desired price. Lumian relied on a copper coin toss to decide that he would spend the night at Auberge du Coq Dor. Consequently, he returned to Room 207 and slept until 6 a.m. After having breakfast and engaging in some outdoor exercises, then returning to the motel, changing his attire, and disguising himself, Lumian prepared to set off for Avenue du March to find the two cleaning ladies already hard at work. Lumian caught sight of a cleaning lady in her fifties, sporting a vibrant golden wig and makeup, as she diligently cleared the trash in the lobby. Lumian halted his steps and asked contemplatively, Youre Elodie, arent you? He recalled Charlie mentioning her name. Yes, Monsieur Ciel. Elodie straightened her posture. She wore an old yet clean grayish-white dress and stood at an average height of 1.65 meters. From her facial features, it was evident that she had been quite attractive in her youth. You know me? Lumian inquired nonchalantly. Elodie answered truthfully, Monsieur Charlie Collent spoke of you before. He mentioned that youre the hotels guardian. Heh heh, just as expected of Charlie Thats the right attitude. No trace of inferiority or fear Lumian started to feel that Elodie, the cleaning lady, wasnt a former street girl as Charlie had speculated. He casually asked, I heard from Charlie that you used to be a theater actress? Yes. A smile graced Elodies face. I performed in two theaters, taking on supporting roles. However, one of them went bankrupt, and the other stopped hiring me for some reason. I was already quite old by then. As she reminisced about the past, a hint of melancholy appeared in her demeanor. Lumian nodded and glanced towards the motel door. Have you heard of Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons? This was the question he was truly interested in. This cleaning lady named Elodie was originally a theater actress, but she had been hired by Monsieur Ive, the motel landlord who had a close relationship with Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. It was a little suspicious. Elodies expression became animated. I know that their plays are splendid. The actors possess remarkable acting skills. Its worth saving up for a month just to purchase tickets to their shows. When I attended a performance at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, I discovered that they were in need of a cleaning lady for half a day. Thats why I ended up here. I see It seems unrelated to Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons or Monsieur Ive Lumian refrained from further probing to avoid raising any suspicions. He smiled and remarked, Seems like you have other jobs? Elodie believed that Monsieur Ciel sought to ascertain the cleaning ladys background to protect the motels interests, so she responded honestly, Every day from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., I work at a factory south of the market district. Its called the Goodville Chemical Factory, situated on Rue Saint-Hilaire. Rue Saint-Hilaire ran alongside Triers city walls and neighbored the factories in Quartier du Jardin Botanique. Triers factories had preserved a practice from the era of Roselle. If production continued around the clock, the workers were divided into three shifts: one for the morning to noon, another for the afternoon to evening, and the final one for the night. That sounds demanding. Lumian sighed. Elodie smiled and spoke gently, I have two children who are nearly grown. Once they secure their own jobs, I wont have to toil so relentlessly. What about your husband? Lumian casually inquired. Elodies expression darkened. He died in a factory accident a few years ago. Lumian didnt pry further. Instead, he engaged in conversation with another cleaning lady, faithfully fulfilling his duties as the protector of Auberge du Coq Dor. Exiting Rue Anarchie, Lumian stepped onto Avenue du March, making his way towards Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. He wasnt intentionally waiting for Monsieur Ive, who was suspected of being a decoy. His intention was simply to observe. His primary objective was to keep a close watch on the individuals heading to 126 Avenue du March. The Prophecy Spell had revealed to him that he would cross paths with Louis Lund on Avenue du March. Hammer Ait had mentioned that Louis Lund would once again seek out the boss of the Poison Spur Mob, Black Scorpion Roger, this Saturday or Sunday, and Black Scorpion Roger resided at 126 Avenue du March. With this combination of information, Lumian had decided to become a permanent resident on Avenue du March on Monday and wander about in hopes of encountering his target. As Lumian neared Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons and Monsieur Ives apartment, he slowed his pace. Sometimes, he sat among the tramps, while other times, he visited a nearby caf for a drink. Since he was already there, it was only natural for him to keep an eye out for Monsieur Ive. After all, this was Avenue du March as well. After nearly 45 minutes, Lumian finally spotted the landlord of the motel. Clad in a faded formal suit, a worn-out top hat, and a black cane that was on the verge of losing its paint, Monsieur Ive emerged from the apartment and made his way towards the Suhit steam locomotive station. Lumian gradually stood up and glanced behind him. He feigned terror and jogged, as if he were being pursued by an enemy. In his attempt to overtake Monsieur Ive from behind, he accidentally collided with him. A clatter ensued as a golden coin fell to the ground, yet Lumian seemed oblivious to it. He lowered his head and fled in a panic. Monsieur Ive grumbled, his gaze suddenly drawn to the golden coin on the pavement. Subconsciously, he wanted to call out to the impolite individual, but as he extended his hand, no words escaped his lips. Swiftly scanning his surroundings, he swiftly squatted down and retrieved the 5-verl dor coin. Nonchalantly, he slipped it into his pocket, as if nothing out of the ordinary had transpired. Chapter 195 - 195 Candidate 195 Candidate Hidden behind the shadow of an ebony street lamp, a mere twenty meters away from Monsieur Ive, Lumian leaned discreetly, tugging his cap lower amidst the bustling crowd. He watched intently as his mark retrieved the glistening gold coin, secretively stashing it away. Only then did Lumian release a sigh of relief. With one hand nonchalantly tucked inside his pocket, he strolled towards 126 Avenue du March, paying no further heed to the dubious decoy, for the Luck Enhancement Spell had been officially set in motion, impervious to interruption. However, the spell required time to manifest its effects. Within half a day or, at most, a full day, misfortune would incessantly plague the false Monsieur Ive. Lumian need only orchestrate a small incident when the opportune moment arrived, and the chances were high that Monsieur Ive would inadvertently unveil his peculiar nature to the legitimate Beyonders. As Lumian ventured forth, he soon realized that 126 Avenue du March was none other than the abode of Black Scorpion Roger, the very nerve center of the Poison Spur Mob. Consequently, he dared not approach too closely, wary of exposing himself. Settling himself near a caf window, diagonally positioned at a distance of over ten meters, he ordered a Fermo coffee and a dariole. While awaiting his refreshments, Lumian attentively scanned the passersby on Avenue du March, his gaze lingering upon the promotional posters adorning the cafs walls. A prevalent theme among them was the impending National Convention elections scheduled to commence on Sunday. There were three contenders vying for the position: Matthew Boulanger, representing the National Party; Hugues Artois, championing the Enlightenment Party; and Jacques Sanson, hailing from the Revolutionary Party. As Lumian observed the fervor surrounding the approach to 126 Avenue du March, he found himself engrossed in the manifestos of the candidates. Matthew Boulanger, the incumbent parliament member for the Le March du Quartier du Gentleman district, advocated for the restoration of Intiss former glory. His rallying cry was Make Intis Glorious Again. Boulanger attributed the nations current predicaments to its defeat in the recent war against the Loen Kingdom. His proposed solution entailed reorganizing the Intis army with a renewed focus on prioritizing Intiss interests. He sought to regain the advantages relinquished in the Southern Continent, bolster the economy, and transform the marketplace district. Boulanger believed that the process of Making Intis Glorious Again would bestow upon the denizens of the marketplace district an abundance of employment opportunities, enabling them to amass wealth, whether through venturing into the Southern Continent, enlisting in the army, or capitalizing on foreign trade. Hugues Artois, a candidate gaining considerable popularity of late, advocated for More Jobs, For A Fairer Society. His pledge was to invigorate the economy, constructing additional factories in the southern region of the marketplace district, while simultaneously dismantling the shackles that bound factory owners, bankers, financiers, and merchants. However, his intentions also encompassed challenging the privileges enjoyed by the Church and the affluent, imposing heavier taxes upon them. Jacques Sanson, a member of the Revolutionary Party, shared Hugues Artoiss conviction that societal privileges had no place in the modern world. Regardless of ones affiliation with the Church or financial benefits, Sanson believed that everyone should pay equal taxes. He boldly asserted that the current tariff policies hindered Intiss progress, particularly the city walls and the 54 checkpoints surrounding Trier. Sanson advocated for the free circulation of goods and the establishment of a liberated market, which would lead to the proliferation of factories and a significant increase in tax revenue. By taxing the privileged class alongside these reforms, the national treasury would swiftly recover from any initial setbacks. When the time came, Sanson planned to explore the implementation of Emperor Roselles envisioned annuity guarantee system, providing essential protection to the workers in the marketplace district. His slogan resounded, Take Down Those Damned Walls! Having finished reading the candidates platforms, Lumian couldnt help but feel inclined to vote for Jacques Sanson. While it remained uncertain whether Sanson possessed the capability to realize his ideas, cheaper alcohol and goods would bring tangible benefits and security to the people in the marketplace district. As for taxing the privileged, they werent overly concerned, as long as the burden didnt exceed a coppet. Yet, it was evident that Jacques Sanson faced discrimination. His campaign posters were relegated to the farthest corners, barely visible. This treatment stemmed from the Revolutionary Partys perennial status as a minority within the National Convention. As the Poison Spur Mob rallied behind Hugues Artois of the Enlightenment Party, Lumian directed his utmost attention towards this candidate. He not only perused Artoiss election platform but also scrutinized his color photographs. Artois, a man in his thirties, possessed a luxuriant head of black, fluffy hair with hints of gray at his temples. His nose stood tall and proud, complemented by deep blue eyes. His height commanded attention, and he exuded an air of refinement when dressed formally. I cant allow this man to be elected Unless I dismantle the Poison Spur Mob before that happens. However, the Mob still enjoys the mysterious support of Madame Moon. Even if one Black Scorpion falls, another Red Scorpion will emerge Yes, the elections are set to commence this Sunday. The police headquarters, military police, and official Beyonders will be mobilized to vigilantly monitor each constituency. Causing trouble wont be easy Should I involve the laborers, porters, and waiters of the Savoie Mob? Lumian contemplated how to secure the National Convention seat for both Matthew Boulanger and Jacques Sanson. Lost in thought, he maintained a watchful eye on the window, hoping to catch sight of Louis Lund. After a considerable time had passed, the golden sun ascended into the sky. Lumian realized that waiting was not a viable option. Firstly, his identity posed a problem. He remained under the intense scrutiny of the Poison Spur Mob, preventing him from waiting in a building opposite Black Scorpion Rogers residence. Such a vantage point would limit his view and increase the risk of overlooking crucial details. Secondly, as the leader of the Savoie Mob, he had numerous responsibilities to fulfill and required moments of respite. Waiting 24 hours a day for two straight days was simply unfeasible. As these thoughts raced through his mind, Lumian was struck by an idea. Why should I do it myself when I have so many subordinates and even hired Anthony Reid with my own money? With that thought, Lumian rose from his seat and left the caf, making his way towards Salle de Bal Brise. As he reached the middle of Avenue du March, Lumians attention was drawn to a gathering by the roadside. At the outskirts of the crowd stood a circle of black-uniformed police officers, while two rows of mounted officers observed the passersby. Amidst the 200 to 300 people, there stood a makeshift wooden platform. A man in a black suit, sans bow tie, commanded the stage. A massive poster displaying his photo adorned the outer wall of the house behind him. His resounding voice resonated through the streets. We need jobs. We need better income I will construct more factories on Rue Saint-Hilaire I pledge tax concessions for these factories Ah, isnt that Monsieur Hugues Artois? Lumian, utilizing his above-average Intis height, could clearly see the speaker on the wooden stage. It was the elegant, black-haired, blue-eyed Hugues Artois, a candidate supported by the Poison Spur Mob! Lumian listened for several seconds, his gaze instinctively scanning the upper levels of the building opposite Hugues Artois, examining the windows and roof. As expected, he detected signs of police officers or individuals who clearly did not belong to the household. Hes well-protected indeed I cannot shoot Hugues Artois in the head or chest from those positions using a rifle Lumian averted his gaze, a tinge of regret washing over him. There was another way to ensure Hugues Artoiss defeat in the election, and that was to prevent him from participating altogether. Those who perished would automatically forfeit their right to run! Lumian had seriously contemplated the feasibility of this plan while at the caf, but he concluded that it would stir up too much chaos. The market district mobs would likely be mobilized and used as scapegoats. He himself would fall into that category. If that happened, his true identity would likely be exposed, compelling him to flee the market district, if not Trier altogether. He would lose the opportunity to track down Madame Pualis and the padre. Assassinating the candidate appeared to be quite a challenge. Even if he were fortunate enough to succeed, escape might not be guaranteed. Lumian shifted his gaze to the people standing behind the wooden platform. They were most likely members of Hugues Artoiss campaigna trio of men and two women. Among them, there was a woman with fiery red hair, rumored to possess noble lineage. Her features were striking, with chiseled lines on her face, yet there was an overall air of neutrality to her beauty. Tall and attired in a white and brown hunting suit, she was accompanied by four other individuals. Fearful of missing Louis Lund, Lumian paid no heed to Hugues Artoiss oration. He withdrew from the throng and made his way back to Salle de Bal Brise. Noontime brought few patrons to the establishment. Some waiters and bartenders took a break, while others busied themselves with tidying up. Addressing Louis and Sarkota, Lumian spoke up. Dispatch four men to keep watch at 126 Avenue du March. 126 Louis repeated, his voice filled with astonishment. Isnt that Black Scorpion Rogers residence? Is the boss planning to stir up trouble for the Poison Spur Mob once again? Lumian nodded, his expression candid. Youve got it. Dont get too close and ensure you remain undetected. Stand guard from different vantage points and observe whether he appears among the passersby. Lumian gestured toward the wanted posters adorning the wall, as well as Louis Lund, who stood nearby. Since joining the Savoie Mob, Louiss own wanted poster had been discreetly moved to an even more inconspicuous spot. Louis and Sarkota turned their attention to the wanted poster, carefully examining its contents. Words like Cordu Village caught their eye. They grasped the general idea and readily agreed. Yes, Boss. Once the four mobsters departed Salle de Bal Brise with the wanted poster in tow, Lumian turned to Louis and Sarkota. For the next few days, your task will be to maintain order on the first-floor dance hall. Having issued his instructions, Lumian added nonchalantly, I just caught snippets of Hugues Artoiss speech. Not bad. Hmm Whom does our Savoie Mob support as the market districts member of parliament? Louis cast a quick glance around and lowered his voice. The baron mentioned that he intends to vote for Monsieur Artois. Chapter 196 - 196 Elimination 196 Elimination Hugues Artois? Lumian never anticipated such a response. Did the competing Savoie Mob and the Poison Spur Mob really endorse the same candidate? If Hugues Artois succeeded, would he assist the Poison Spur Mob in dealing with the Savoie Mob? Or would he aid the Savoie Mob in completely overthrowing the Poison Spur Mob? Or would he demand peace between the two factions? The more Lumian pondered it, the more he sensed that something was amiss. If the influential figure behind both the Savoie Mob and the Poison Spur Mob was none other than Hugues Artois, then the two sides wouldnt have become bitter enemies to this extent! Though Lumian played his part, wasnt he acting under the blessings of the Boss and Baron Brignais? Furthermore, Hugues Artois wasnt an elected member of parliament. What authority did he have to protect both the Savoie Mob and the Poison Spur Mob? The only plausible explanation was the machinations of the Enlightenment Party, but it made no sense for them to incite two rival mobs to fight each other to the death. Lumian, lacking experience in this area, failed to find an answer even after considerable thought. All he could do was sigh with regret. I cant employ the Savoie Mobs men to secretly intimidate voters into not supporting Hugues Artois! He glanced at Louis, his confusion evident as he asked, Why was I unaware that our Savoie Mob is backing Hugues Artois? Louis immediately grew tense. I assumed the baron had apprised you, Boss. Wasnt that the purpose of the handover? Baron Brignais was in a foul mood after losing the Salle de Bal Brise, so he couldnt be bothered to inform me about many things. In any case, Ill find out when I need to know? Lumian mumbled inwardly as he departed from Salle de Bal Brise and returned to Auberge du Coq Dor. He proceeded directly to the third floor and made his way to Room 5, the dwelling of Anthony Reid, the information broker. Extending his hand, Lumian knocked on the wooden door. Knocks reverberated, yet no response came. He must not be present That makes sense. How can an information broker stay holed up at home all the time Lumian retrieved a note and fountain pen he carried with him and wrote on the note, using Anthony Reids door as a surface: Ive received intel that Louis Lund will be seen on Avenue du March from Saturday to Sunday. Keep a close watch on him. As soon as you spot him, notify me without delay. You can find me either in Room 207 at the motel or at Salle de Bal Brise. The agreed payment will be made promptly when the time comes. Ciel. After sliding the note through the crevice of Room 305s door, Lumian returned to Salle de Bal Brise and settled in the caf, patiently awaiting feedback. Has Louis Lund been discovered? Lumian rose from his seat, eyeing his subordinate. The mobster appeared inexplicably anxious, as if a famished lion had set its sights on him. Without waiting for Lumian to inquire, he stammered in haste, Boss, th-this is bad! I saw, I saw a group of police officers heading toward the depot! The depot? Isnt that under the bosss ownership? Ah, near the depot lies the warehouse belonging to Rat Christo Could Francas report have taken effect? Lumian swiftly contemplated a possibility. This left him disheartened. In his eyes, the mirror people and any potential harm they might bring couldnt hold a candle to a single strand of Louis Lunds hair! Suppressing his emotions and residual excitement, Lumian spoke to his subordinate, Understood. Ill handle it. Return to your original post and remain vigilant for the person depicted in the wanted poster. In half an hour, Ill send four others to relieve you. Yes, Boss. The gangster heaved a sigh of relief and made his way downstairs. As Lumian watched him disappear, he gazed down at his trembling hands. They still quivered slightly. It was a result of the sudden surge of exhilaration he experienced when he thought his subordinate had brought news of Louis Lund. At times, my emotional stability wavers Fortunately, I have another psychiatric session scheduled for this Sunday Lumian sighed inwardly, taking a seat and savoring his coffee. In order to welcome Louis Lund in his finest state, he had refrained from ordering alcohol. Outside the warehouses belonging to Rat Christo. He, along with his subordinates and the porters, had gathered together, encircled by 20 to 30 armed police officers donning black uniforms. Christo forced a fawning smile and addressed Superintendent Travis Everett, saying, Monsieur Superintendent, why have you suddenly surrounded the warehouses? Im a legitimate businessman! Everett, a man in his thirties with black-framed glasses and a broad chin, regarded Christo and spoke in a deep voice, Do not assume that we are unaware of your usual dealings. We are not dealing with you because you abide by the rules and know what is permissible. Your only choice now is to cooperate with us and aid us in unraveling this as swiftly as possible. Christo detected a glimmer of hope in Superintendent Everetts words and nodded. Alright, alright, no problem! He had already distributed the batch of goods from yesterday. As long as the genuine account books were not discovered, there was no concrete evidence to accuse him. With his short black hair, Everett turned to the man standing beside him and said, Monsieur Deputy Assistant Commissioner, you may proceed. The man had a rugged appearance, sporting fluffy blond hair, golden eyebrows, and a beard. He wore a slightly smaller black police uniform, but his buttons were crafted from gold. Adorning his epaulet was a silver-white seven-petal scented iris, accompanied by an off-white diamond square. This emblem indicated the rank of Deputy Assistant Commissioner. The police department in Trier had four ranks, in ascending order: Chief Superintendent, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, and Deputy Commissioner. Of these, there was only one Deputy Commissionerthe head of Triers police department. Across the entire Intis Republic, the minister of the National Police Department, a Commissioner, held a higher rank. The Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Assistant Commissioner served as Triers Police Departments Deputy Minister and Police Committee members. Their epaulets displayed off-white diamond squares beside the seven-petaled irises. There were four Commissioners, three Deputy Commissioners, two Assistant Commissioners, and one Deputy Assistant Commissioner, with no Chief Superintendents. In other words, this uncouth man with blond hair and a golden beard held an equal rank to Aymerck, the Police Committee member in charge of the entire Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. However, Christo was entirely unfamiliar with him. Just call me Angoulme, the rugged Deputy Assistant Commissioner replied succinctly. His gaze swept across Christo, Erkin, and the others, inexplicably making them feel as if they were staring at the blinding sun, forcing them to lower their heads. Angoulme averted his gaze and instructed the plain-clothes team behind him, You may bring that object forward now. Two team members approached the nearby four-wheeled carriage and unveiled a wide, flat, and sizable object covered in a black velvet curtain. They positioned the object beside Angoulme. Angoulme locked eyes with Rat Christo and the others, subtly raising his chin, and uttered, Line up in front of me, one by one. Christo sensed the kid in his pocket trembling visibly. He surmised that Angoulme was an official Beyonder, someone of considerable power. After a few moments of contemplation, he approached Angoulme fearfully, not daring to resist. Suddenly, Angoulme pulled open the black velvet curtain, revealing the complete appearance of the object beside him. It was a full-body mirror, simple and unadorned, mounted on a stand of rusted iron-black. Christos reflection appeared instantly in the mirror, capturing every detail. Christo remained unaware of anything amiss, but Erkins expression underwent a drastic change behind him. Erkin abruptly turned to the left, attempting to escape. Almost 20 others followed suit, including laborers and porters. Bang! Bang! Bang! Angoulmes team had already prepared, raising their arms and squeezing the triggers. Bullets struck those fleeing, but it was as if they struck an illusion, passing through them and landing in the distance. Angoulme calmly extended his left hand and adjusted the position of the full-body mirror beside him. The mirror reflected Erkins figure against a dark background. Erkin froze in place, maintaining his running posture. In an instant, he was drawn towards the full-body mirror, a look of horror etched on his face. As soon as the two collided, Erkins body vanished. In the blink of an eye, he reappeared in the mirror, his face stained with blood. His expression turned sinister, consumed by hatred and resentment. He opened his mouth as if to scream, but an invisible force pulled him into the unnaturally dark backdrop of the mirror, and he vanished. Witnessing this, Christo stood dumbfounded, forgetting to aid his brother. One thought echoed in his mind: Theres something terribly wrong with them Meanwhile, Angoulmes subordinates worked to control the fleeing individuals. The ordinary people caught in the midst of the chaos cowered on the ground, heads lowered, trembling with fear. In Salle de Bal Brise, Lumian sat at the bar counter, listening to Jennas captivating singing. Two hours ago, he had received news that Rat Christo was unharmed, but a group of his subordinates had perished. Quite efficient Lumian inwardly commended the official Beyonders in the market district. As the risqu song came to an end, a woman who had been waiting on the sidelines took the stage and hurriedly approached a young band member. She sobbed and cried out twice. It seemed she was delivering news of someones death. The band member stood frozen, shocked by the news, unable to react for a moment. After a few seconds, he flung aside the six-string zither strapped to him and dashed off the stage. However, he only managed a few steps before he stumbled and fell heavily to the ground. He struggled to rise but failed. In the next moment, tears streamed down his face. Jenna, adorned in a shimmering red dress, observed him for a few seconds before pressing her lips together. Eventually, she didnt offer consolation, allowing the band member and the grieving woman to weep. She quietly stepped down from the stage and crossed paths with Lumian, who had left the bar counter. What happened? Lumian inquired. Jenna let out a soft sigh and replied, His father passed away in an accident a few hours ago. I know him. Learning to play a musical instrument hasnt been easy for him. His father works as a porter, and his mother is a dishwasher. Without their unwavering support, he would be limited to manual labor An accident a few hours ago A porter Lumian roughly pieced together the cause. He gazed silently at the stage. Chapter 197 - 197 Helper 197 Helper After the band member and his mother got time off from Ren, Salle de Bal Brises manager, the drumbeats reverberated through the air, signaling the start of a new round of dancing. Lumian turned his gaze to Jenna, who stood by his side, and spoke in a casual tone. I thought you would offer him some comfort. After all, you know him well and often collaborate with their band. Jenna, dressed in a stunning red sequined dress that revealed a generous amount of her chest, pressed her lips together and responded calmly. In that moment just now, what he needed wasnt comforting words but a release. Offering condolences would only worsen his pain. Lumian scrutinized Jenna for a few moments. You seem to understand it quite well. Why do I have a feeling that youve experienced something similar yourself? Jenna lowered her gaze to her toes and smiled softly. A few years ago, I went through the same thing when my father passed away. One day, before dawn, my mother took me to the rooftop of our apartment and stayed with me until the sunrise. I witnessed the gradual brightening of the sky, from pitch black to a deep blue. It grew lighter and lighter, and I saw the clouds adorned with shades of bright gold and other colors. In that moment, she told me that darkness would eventually pass, and the sun would rise. Light would always find its way to illuminate the land. When he returns to the band, Ill find an opportunity to share something similar with him. Lumian listened in silence, letting out a sigh. You have a wonderful mother. Yes. Jenna accepted the compliment with pride. Lumian chuckled and remarked, You managed to say so much without resorting to curses. Thats unlike you. Moreover, she appeared rather refined. Damnit! Do you think Im the type of person who curses incessantly? Jenna cursed indignantly and made her way to the break room to prepare for the next song. Lumian settled back at the bar counter, his mind preoccupied with another matter. He had therapy scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, and there was a possibility of Louis Lund showing up on Sunday. What if he missed it? Lumians initial impulse was to write a letter to Madam Magician and request her to check with his psychiatrist, Madam Susie, about the possibility of rescheduling the treatment by a day. However, he couldnt shake off the feeling of his condition being unstable for the past two days. If he didnt act promptly, he might face severe consequences when tracking down Louis Lund. Even though Madame Pualis wasnt exactly Madame Night, Lumian couldnt confront her directly. His primary objective was to locate the survivor from Cordu and engage in a friendly conversation with her. Lumian didnt hold much animosity towards Madame Pualis. While she believed in an evil god and had involvement in Cordu, it appeared that she wasnt responsible for the disaster. She had departed before the ritual took place under some compulsion. Hence, if he allowed himself to become unstable and reacted impulsively, escalating the conflict with Madame Pualis and making her his enemy, matters would become exceedingly troublesome, and he might even lose his life. As for the dispute with the Poison Spur Mob, a problem with Madame Moon didnt equate to matters involving Madame Night. After careful consideration, Lumian devised a plan to find someone who could track Louis Lund on his behalf and follow him to his residence in Trier. Theres no need to consider individuals without Beyonder powers. They simply wouldnt be able to keep up with him. There are two viable options. The first is Anthony Reid, an information broker suspected of being a Beyonder from the Psychiatrist pathway. He possesses excellent tracking abilities and has already accepted my commission, receiving a deposit. Since the task involves locating Louis Lund, it naturally falls within the scope of the mission. If Anthony proves difficult, Im prepared to offer more money. The second option is Franca. She, along with Aurore, belongs to the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society. Franca knows my true identity and displays a certain level of concern for me. She is trustworthy to some extent, not to mention that she still owes me a favor. Franca possesses enough power to tail Louis Lund and even intercept him if necessary. As these thoughts raced through Lumians mind, he rose from his seat, making his way to the bedroom on the second floor and leaving Salle de Bal Brise through the window. Auberge du Coq Dor, Room 305. Lumian knocked on the wooden door. Please come in, Anthony Reid responded in a West Midseashire Coast accent. The door slowly swung open. The information broker stood before Lumian once more. His plump face, once slick with oiliness, appeared freshly scrubbed, enhancing his air of honesty. Wearing a grayish-blue workers uniform, he seemed to have spent the entire day in the southern part of the market district and Quartier du Jardin Botanique. Ive read your note, Anthony Reid said, running a hand through his receding light-yellow hairline. Ive been keeping an eye on Avenue du March. Lumian felt a slight unease, but he surveyed the room and spoke directly. I have other matters to attend to between 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. tomorrow. If you happen to spot the target during that time, dont inform me. Simply follow him and ascertain his place of residence. Anthony Reid locked his dark brown eyes onto Lumians for a few seconds. Very well. He made no mention of an additional fee, and Lumian was content not to broach the subject either. 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches housed a relatively new apartment building. Its beige facade boasted a charming curvature, featuring numerous irregular walls adorned with a variety of statues. Angels, animals, celebrities, and legendary objects found their place amidst the architecture. The building boasted an abundance of large windows, wall pillars, and scroll art, creating an atmosphere of grandeur. Lumian stood before Room 601 and pressed the doorbell. With a jingling sound, Franca swung open the dark-red door. Her flaxen hair cascaded naturally and voluminously, while she wore a loose white silk nightgown that gracefully reached her knees. The wide-open collar revealed a fair expanse of skin. Observing that the other party showed no signs of wariness and wasnt even wearing a bra, Lumian made a conscious effort to keep his gaze focused. Before opening the door, Franca seemed to already know the identity of the visitor. She greeted him with a smile. Coming to seek knowledge in mysticism? After all our discussions, youve finally arrived. No, its something else, Lumian responded, gesturing towards the room, indicating that they should speak inside. Franca turned and walked towards the sofa, Lumian following closely behind. As he entered, he instinctively scanned his surroundings. This apartment consisted of two bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room, and a kitchen. The furnishings in the living room, such as the sofa, coffee table, dining table, chairs, and cupboards, were predominantly beige, iron-black, silver-white, or light gray. The colors were muted and lacked vibrancy. The overall aesthetic was one of simplicity and cleanliness, but it also exuded a touch of coldness. It stood in stark contrast to the living room styles found in most households. Lumian took a seat on the edge of the divan while Franca curled her legs and reclined on the adjacent armchair, revealing her alluring curves. What brings you here? Franca inquired. Lumian pointed towards her. Arent you considering changing your clothes? Franca glanced down at her nightgown and came to a realization. Perhaps its because you know my original gender. When Im around you, I always have this illusion that Im still a man and forget to pay attention to such details. A smile played on her lips. Rather than changing her attire, she shifted her sitting posture, accentuating her allure even further. After a few moments, she even left her recliner and settled beside Lumian. Sensing Lumians perplexed gaze, she chuckled and remarked, Since you wont peek, why should I bother changing? She made a playful gesture, unreservedly teasing him. Madame, you have a wicked sense of humor. Lumian sighed. Franca grinned and replied, Life is already tough. I need to seek some amusement for myself. But Im considered fine. Theres a group of individuals in the Research Society who harbor little hope for the future and have made it their life goal to pursue enjoyment. Theyve formed a group called April Fools Day. Your sister must have mentioned it, right? She did, Lumian confirmed, recalling reading about it in Aurores grimoires. Franca refrained from elaborating and fixed her gaze upon Lumian, her eyes resembling calm lakes, awaiting an explanation for his visit. Lumian spoke directly, his words carrying a certain bluntness. I require a favor. Oh? Franca responded cooperatively, her tone laced with curiosity. Lumian took a moment to contemplate before continuing. Considering youve seen my wanted poster, you must possess some knowledge regarding it. Ive received information that one of the individuals depicted, a man by the name of Louis Lund, will make an appearance on Avenue du March tomorrow. He maintains close ties with the masterminds behind the Poison Spur Mob. My intention is to apprehend him and unveil the truth behind the catastrophe in Cordu. However, Ill be preoccupied with crucial matters tomorrow afternoon, so I cant personally await his arrival. I hope you could lend me your assistance. Should he show, tail him and ascertain his whereabouts. If you feel confident, aid me in capturing him. He once possessed Beyonder powers equivalent to a Sequence 8 and is likely a Gardener, though I cannot say for certain at present. After acquiring the mirror, you did promise to compensate me. This would be it. Franca retorted angrily, This concerns Muggles death. I will most certainly help. Compensation is not an appropriate term in this context. Tailing him doesnt count. But attacking him counts? Lumian proposed. Discerning the underlying polite and detached nature of his request, Franca did not insist and simply nodded. That works too. Curiosity danced across her countenance as she posed another query. What could be more pressing than apprehending this individual named Louis Lund? I expected you to be more concerned about uncovering the truth behind Cordu. Lumian pondered briefly before speaking candidly, The Cordu disaster has left me grappling with certain psychological issues. I am presently undergoing regular treatment. I fear that without timely follow-up, I will lose control of my emotions, thus jeopardizing my quest for the truth. Franca nodded sympathetically, displaying her understanding. Taking the initiative, she offered a suggestion. Would you like me to find a genuine psychiatristone with Beyonder powersfor you? My psychiatrist already possesses them, Lumian revealed, withholding nothing. Franca refrained from prying further, recalling that Muggles brother participated in other mystical gatherings. Lumian mentioned the attributes of a Villain and a Gardener, as well as the existence of Anthony Reid. He provided a detailed description of Reids appearance to ensure Franca wouldnt mistake him for a companion of Louis Lund, potentially leading to unnecessary conflict. With that, Lumian rose from his seat, signaling his intention to depart. Franca stood up, amused. Youve come all this way. Arent you interested in delving into the mysteries of mysticism? Louise Lund may make an appearance tonight as well, Lumian remarked, eager to return to Salle de Bal Brise as swiftly as possible. At that precise moment, both he and Franca directed their attention toward the door. Light footfalls resonated from the stairs before halting nearby. Franca glanced at the peephole from a distance, her expression suddenly morphing into one of peculiarity. In hushed tones, she addressed Lumian, Jenna! Chapter 198 - 198 Conciliation 198 Conciliation Beneath the open window of Room 601, Lumian scaled the wall with his bare hands, aided by the protrusions, statues, and pipes. His descent was swift and steady, story after story, until he made a final leap and landed gracefully on the edge of Rue des Blouses Blanches. He grumbled under his breath, Why am I forced to climb down from the sixth floor? I havent done anything! Lumian slipped into the shadows and made his way towards Avenue du March. In Room 601. Franca cast a fleeting glance at the swaying window, adjusting her silk nightgown before approaching the slowly opening door, wearing a smile. Dressed in a sequined red dress, Jenna stored away the spare key Franca had entrusted to her and entered the apartment. Why are you here so early today? Franca inquired, blocking Jennas path to the window, her brow furrowed in confusion. Jenna let out a sigh and replied, Something happened to the bands six-stringed zither player. While it didnt affect my singing, it put everyone in a foul mood. The dance hall manager, Ren, asked me to end the performance early and switch tonights theme to cheek-to-cheek dancing. The cheek-to-cheek dance in the market district differed from the usual version. It involved intimate embraces and provocative movements between men and women on the dance floor. It was an exhilarating experience, but dance halls needed enough female dancers to organize it. Attempting to find a topic of conversation, Franca asked, What happened exactly? She discreetly calculated the time it would take for Lumian to descend to the first floor, all the while grumbling internally, Why is Muggles brother a Hunter instead of an Assassin? Assassins can effortlessly leap from the sixth floor and land as light as a feather! Jenna recounted the band members unfortunate incident and concluded, Dammit, why do unlucky people always attract more misfortune? Yes, even though the performance ended earlier than usual, its still late. Going home would be quite troublesome. Ill sleep at your place. Given that Jenna lived far away from Avenue du March, she often sought refuge at Francas whenever she performed late into the night at the dance hall. She even had a spare key. Warehouse porter Recalling the information provided by her subordinate, Franca surmised that it must be related to the matter involving Rat Christo. As she let out a sigh, contemplating how the innocent had lost their kin, Franca inwardly expressed her sorrow. Brother 007 is incredibly efficient. I only informed him about the mirror people late last night, and the official Beyonders have already dealt with the anomaly before this evening. Brother 007 was the code name of a man from the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, a member of an official organization in Trier. His rank seemed quite high, and Franca had secret connections with many fellow researchers in Trier, often organizing private gatherings with them. However, Franca knew that the matters involving the mirror people wouldnt end there. The special mirror world still existed, the mystery artifact that Gardner Martin smuggled into Trier remained, and the classic silver mirror in her possession persisted. If these elements werent eliminated entirely, it would only solve the problem temporarily. Franca couldnt predict when similar anomalies would arise in the future. Franca approached the classic-styled silver mirror, which allowed entry into the special mirror world, with caution and seriousness. She believed it held a secret related to the Demoness pathway. Why are you so quiet? Jenna asked, extending her right hand and waving it in front of Franca. Franca snapped back to reality and let out a sigh. I feel a bit sad upon hearing about their misfortune. It was precisely because she didnt want to face the pain of countless innocents that she followed Lumians suggestion and handed over the matter to the officials. Jenna bypassed Franca and made her way to the guest room, intending to change into more comfortable attire. It was a bit stuffy, Franca quickly explained. Jenna regarded her with suspicion. Why did you feel the need to explain? Ahem Franca nearly choked on her own saliva. Thankfully, Jenna didnt dwell on it too much. She entered the guest room and headed towards the washroom, carrying her nightgown and pajamas. Once Lumian returned to Avenue du March, he began his rounds, starting with Unit 126, where Black Scorpion Roger resided. He approached the four mobsters disguised as beggars stationed at different entrances, far from their intended target. Lumian made a promise to each of them, guaranteeing 100 verl dor by Monday. That night, he struggled to find rest in Salle de Bal Brise. Occasionally, he would wake up, straining his ears for any signs of movement outside the window, hoping to catch the sound of hurried footsteps. At dawn, while enjoying breakfast at the caf and skimming through a newspaper, Louis ascended from the first floor and whispered in Lumians ear, Boss, Superintendent Everett requests your presence at the Valiant caf, opposite the police headquarters, for a cup of coffee precisely at 10 a.m. Superintendent Everett wants to meet me, the newly appointed leader of the Savoie Mob? Lumian remained relatively composed with the Mystery Prying Glasses in his possession. He asked Louis, Who else will be there? Many, Louis responded in a hushed tone. They say all the mob leaders from the market district will gather. The official voting begins today. The voting would extend over three days. Is that so So they wont let us disrupt the National Convention election, it seems. I wonder if the Poison Spur Mob will attend? Lumian nodded and left Salle de Bal Brise at 9:15 a.m., making his way back to Auberge du Coq Dor. In Room 207, he put on the Mystery Prying Glasses, experiencing the disorienting sensation of descending from great heights and burrowing into the ground. Suppressing the urge to retch, Lumian retrieved a mirror and all his cosmetics, busying himself with preparations. He opted for subtle alterations, focusing on thickening his eyebrows, accentuating his cheekbones, and enhancing shadowy areas. The adjustments created an impression that it was indeed Ciel and not someone else. As soon as he finished his makeup, Lumian hastily set the mirror aside, unwilling to catch a glimpse of his reflection. Shortly before 10 a.m., he arrived at the Valiant caf and was promptly escorted to a private room by a waiter. Upon entering, he immediately recognized several familiar facesBaron Brignais, adorned in formal attire with a top hat and pipe; Franca, sporting trousers, red boots, and a blouse; the towering Giant Simon; and the merchant-like figure of Blood Palm Black. Seated in an armchair at the head of the table, Travis Everett, donning a black uniform, rose with a smile upon seeing Lumian enter. You must be Ciel, am I right? Yes, Superintendent Everett, Lumian responded respectfully. Franca, Baron Brignais, and the others, who had risen alongside Travis Everett, exchanged puzzled glances as they observed Lumian. Francas gaze averted in enlightenment as she recognized the golden-black hair. Baron Brignais, Giant Simon, and the rest gradually realized that it was Ciel. Adjusting his black-framed glasses, Superintendent Everetts blue eyes gleamed as he half-praised Lumian and patted the recliner beside him. Youve only been in the market district for less than three weeks, but youve already taken over Salle de Bal Brise. And youre so young. Youre really outstanding. Sigh, the market district hasnt been peaceful for the past month. He half-praised Lumian and patted a recliner beside him. Come, have a seat here. Let me introduce you to the others. When Lumian stood by Everetts side, the superintendent gestured toward a middle-aged man seated across the coffee table and spoke, Roger, youre acquainted with him, arent you? Black Scorpion Roger? Lumian directed his gaze at the middle-aged man. Roger, dressed in formal attire with neatly combed black hair, had a slightly chubby face, and his deep-blue eyes resembled the vast sea. Were meeting for the first time, Lumian replied with a smile. He noticed a chilling gaze emanating from Black Scorpion. Everett proceeded to introduce the individuals sitting beside Roger. Harman, Castina. Upon entering the private room, Lumian had noticed only Harman among the few members of the Savoie Mob. The bald mans shining head was so eye-drawing that Lumian almost looked away, fearing that it might reflect his disguised appearance. Upon closer inspection, Lumian recognized Harmans unique featuresa prominent brow, a high nose bridge, and deep-set lips. He possessed the allure of a ruggedly handsome individual. Even in a seated position, his imposing height was evident, complementing his dark breeches shirt splendidly. Castina, petite and likely under 1.55 meters tall, appeared to be around 30 years old. She possessed curly auburn hair, brown eyes, a curvaceous figure that turned heads, and full lips. You should be familiar with Ciel from the Savoie Mob, right? Everett introduced Ciel to Roger and the others. Roger flashed a cold smile. Indeed, Superintendent. The impression he made on me will never fade. Baldy Harmans eyes brimmed with hatred and cruelty. Everett sighed and said, We all reside in the market district. Only by coexisting peacefully can we secure a better future and greater wealth. If any conflicts arise, come to me. Ill mediate and arbitrate. Ciel, take this cup of coffee to Roger and hand over Salle de Bal Brises profits for the next six months. The issue between Margot and Ait ends here. If anyone troubles you regarding these matters again, feel free to inform me directly. Lumian observed Roger, Harman, and Castina with a sense of amusement, realizing that their eyes held no mercy, only restrained coldness and malevolence. Baron Brignais and the others remained silent, watching the scene unfold as though it were a spectacle. Franca shook her head at Lumian, signaling him not to act recklessly. Lumian bent down and picked up the cup of coffee from the table. Suddenly, he raised his hands and flung the contents of the cup at Black Scorpion Roger. Reacting swiftly, Roger evaded the liquid, colliding with the coffee table. Harman and Castina sprang to their feet. Simultaneously, Lumian pointed at Black Scorpion Roger and cursed, F*ck you! Are you disregarding the Superintendents words? Playing dumb, are we? If you dont desire peace, speak up. I, Ciel, shall await you at Salle de Bal Brise! The look in your eyes tells me vengeance is on your mind! How brazen Franca had not anticipated Lumians audacity. Chapter 199 - 199 "Unruly" 199 Unruly Travis Everett concealed his emotions behind the black-framed glasses, rendering them inscrutable. Nevertheless, he made no attempt to halt Lumians actions. It was as though he had transformed into a mere observer. Baron Brignais, Blood Palm Black, and the rest were taken aback by Lumians reaction. They couldnt fathom his audacity to splash coffee at Black Scorpion Roger in front of the superintendent and sabotage the mediation. In particular, Baron Brignais felt as though he was encountering his former subordinate, now colleague, for the very first time. Is he far more unruly and reckless than I had anticipated? Does he refuse to accept any grievances and is unwilling to pay any price? Although he attempted to shift the blame onto Black Scorpion Roger and the others, it was evident to anyone with a modicum of sense and perception that Lumian was the instigator of the conflict, driven by a strong will of his own. Clearly, he had no intention of reconciliation. He sought only an excuse to undermine Superintendent Everetts proposal. Is this not a blatant slap in Superintendent Everetts face? The superintendent wielded considerable influence in the market district. A slight embellishment in reporting to higher authorities, or rather, stating the unvarnished truth, would draw the attention of official Beyonders and dismantle all our enterprises, including the leaders of the Savoie Mob! Incensed, Baldy Harman denied Lumian the opportunity to shatter the coffee cup on his boss. He lunged forward, stooped down, grasped the coffee tables edge, hoisted it, and flung it at the detestable individual. Cups clattered to the ground, splintering into shards. Lumian deftly evaded the projectiles, swiftly drawing his black revolver from beneath his arm. He trained it on Harman amid the cacophonous crash of objects and the ensuing chaos. Baldy Harman chuckled, a product of his extreme rage. You country hog, do you spurn Superintendent Everetts gracious offer of mediation? Very well then, our Poison Spur Mob shall entertain you until one of us is vanquished from this game! Go ahead, fire away. Your audacity and lack of respect towards Superintendent Everett know no bounds. If you possess such ability, then pull the trigger! Were it not for the impending election and the stringent surveillance imposed by officials, the Poison Spur Mob would have long seized an opportunity to assassinate Ciel! In that instant, Black Scorpion Roger rose once more. Black flames materialized within his clenched fists, only to dissipate swiftly. He was reluctant to unveil his Beyonder powers in the presence of Superintendent Everett. Short-legged Candlestick Castina also fixed her gaze on Lumian, poised to strike if he refused to relent. Upon hearing Baldy Harmans retort and provocation, Lumian chuckled. Bang! Lumian squeezed the trigger, unleashing a yellow bullet hurtling directly towards Baldy Harmans skull. His reflexes barely saved him. Harman crouched down just in time, his eyes widening in alarm. The bullet grazed his glistening scalp and careened off, ricocheting into the adjacent washroom with a metallic clang. In an instant, all the mob leaders sprang to their feet. Black Scorpion Roger and Short-legged Candlestick Castina fixated on Lumian, preparing to retaliate. Undeterred, Lumian remained resolute. He lowered his gun and aimed it once more at Baldy Harman, his gaze devoid of any emotion. Enough! At that very moment, Superintendent Everett, who had been calmly seated, spoke up. The indescribable authority emanating from him, combined with his esteemed position, compelled Lumian to instinctively halt his finger from pulling the trigger. Seizing the opportunity, Baldy Harman shifted his position and rose to his feet. Though the others maintained their combative stance, the palpable tension that had lingered dissipated. Lamenting his missed chance, Lumian reluctantly holstered his revolver and turned to face Everett. Superintendent, I am willing to comply with your request, but they dont seem inclined to do so. Everetts eyes flickered behind his black-framed spectacles. Standing up, he surveyed the room. We will address your conflict after the election. For the next three days, I expect all of you to conduct yourselves properly. Fail to do so, and you shall make an enemy out of me. Trust me, thats a predicament you wont be able to handle. Although Everetts voice carried depth, his tone remained calm, devoid of anger or arrogance. Instead, a hint of sincerity permeated his words. Yet, those who had resided in the market district for more than two years recalled a term: the Valiant Mob. Two years prior, the Valiant Mob held a similar status to the Savoie Mob in the market district. However, due to their repeated defiance and disrespect towards Superintendent Everett, they were ruthlessly eradicated in a joint operation conducted by the authorities. The subsequent rise of the Poison Spur Mob was partly due to the power vacuum left behind in the districts underworld. Now, only the Valiant caf stood as a testament to the existence of such a mob. The leaders of the Savoie Mob, the Poison Spur Mob, and the other two medium-sized gangs fell into silence for a few seconds before responding to Superintendent Everetts words. They expressed their commitment to restrain their subordinates and ensure that the election proceeded without disruption. Superintendent Everetts gaze swept across their faces. Without uttering another word, he strode towards the exit of the private room. As he disappeared beyond the door, Black Scorpion Roger, Baldy Harman, and Short-legged Candlestick Castina cast Lumian cold glances before departing from the caf. The remaining gang leaders didnt linger, leaving only the Savoie Mob in the confines of the private room. Baron Brignais took a leisurely puff from his pipe and addressed Lumian, You acted too impulsively back there. Lumian offered a faint smile in response and replied, I have been awaiting an opportunity like that. Unfortunately, I couldnt seize it to incite the conflict. Observing the puzzled expressions on the faces of Giant Simon, Blood Palm Black, and the others, Lumian calmly elaborated, We have already made two attempts, and the Poison Spur Mob chose to endure. Baron, as you have rightly pointed out, they harbor a significant problem, and they await their chance. I believe that opportunity will present itself soon. If we fail to incapacitate the Poison Spur Mob before then, we shall face their unhinged retaliation. And when that moment arrives, none of you will be able to escape. Just a moment ago, there were only three members of the Poison Spur Mob present, while we numbered five. Red Boots, your strength is comparable to that of Black Scorpion. With my assistance, you can surely overpower him. Baron, Simon, Black, is it conceivable that you cannot handle Baldy and Short-legged Candlestick? One of you might even be able to impede Superintendent Everett. As long as the Poison Spur Mob dares to strike back, we shall eliminate them all right here! Rat Christo had received instructions from Superintendent Everett the previous night that he was not to be invited today. Baron Brignais, Blood Palm Black, and their comrades found Ciels words reasonable, yet a deep-seated fear for this individual arose within their hearts. He wasnt bluffing. He genuinely desired to eliminate Baldy Harman and the others! He was too crazy and extreme! He possessed the audacity to commit any act without hesitation! But this is tantamount to slapping Superintendent Everett in the face. The repercussions will be exceedingly troublesome. Blood Palm Black shook his head. Franca shared the same concern. She wished to caution Lumian that such a course of action would render him unwelcome in the market district. He might even end up with another wanted poster. However, recognizing that the other leaders were present and unable to reveal her true friendship with Lumian, Franca sealed her lips. A quizzical smile played on Lumians lips as he inquired, Wasnt Superintendent Everett killed by the Poison Spur Mob? Lunatic This notion raced through everyones minds. Baron Brignais, gently stroking his mahogany-colored pipe, chimed in, Its nearly impossible to conceal that from official Beyonders. Its merely an excuse. In that case, let it go. Blame everything on a lunatic like me. At worst, Ill depart from the market district. I trust the Boss will arrange another task for me once this storm blows over, Lumian calmly remarked, a serene smile gracing his face. This was indeed a fragment of his genuine thoughts. Mr. Ks mission revolved around earning Gardner Martins trust, not running Salle de Bal Brise or establishing a foothold in the market district! If his provocation had genuinely enraged Black Scorpion Roger and his accomplices, Lumian believed that Franca would surely come to his aid. With one of the Savoie Mobs leaders on his side, the others wouldnt hesitate to act. When the time came, united in strength, they stood a high chance of eliminating the remaining three leaders of the Poison Spur Mob. Once he unraveled the Poison Spur Mobs scheme, Gardner Martin would undoubtedly appreciate Lumians daring and unorthodox approach in eradicating hidden threats. Even if he lost Salle de Bal Brise and was compelled to escape once more, he would merely find sanctuary elsewhere in Trier and continue serving Gardner Martin until he gained his complete approval. Furthermore, it was advantageous for Lumian. If the Poison Spur Mob finalized their preparations, he would be their primary target for revenge. Failing to address the issue beforehand would only heighten the danger he faced. In the future, even if Madame Moon birthed another group, Lumian wouldnt fret. Today, Louis Lund would likely be present in the market district. By temporarily suppressing the deaths of Black Scorpion Roger and his cronies, creating a fa?ade of tranquility, Lumian could patiently await his target at 126 Avenue du March. These individuals werent parliamentary candidates whose demise would incite an uproar. After a few moments of silence, Baron Brignais approached the door and issued a reminder, Superintendent Everett has probably marked you. There will be considerable trouble after the election. Lumian responded with a smile, Perhaps he will mysteriously vanish one day. Having said that, Lumian calmly endured the mildly apprehensive gazes of Giant Simon and his comrades. You see, having laid the groundwork, anything I utter now will convince them all. At 3:15 p.m., Lumian arrived at Quartier du Jardin Botanique in a public carriage. Once again, he beheld Mason Caf, housed in a beige four-story building adorned with lush green plants entwined on its outer walls. Passing through a sheltered walkway upheld by pillars, he entered the interior, enveloped by dark-green walls and expansive windows. Settling into the familiar Booth D, he removed his wide-brimmed round hat. A cup of Intis coffee, he instructed the waitress and patiently waited. Chapter 200 - 200 Spectator 200 Spectator The titular coffee was rich and aromatic, a perfect match for the creamy cupcake. Though Lumians focus was elsewhere, he still appreciated their beauty. The moment the clock struck 3:30 p.m., a familiar soft female voice reached him from the booth behind. Good afternoon, Mr. Lumian Lee. Good afternoon, Madame Susie, Lumian responded, concealing his surprise. While Lumian didnt intentionally observe the customers entering Mason Caf, his Hunter instincts allowed him to maintain awareness of his surroundings. When he had arrived at the caf at 3:18 p.m., Cabin D had been deserted. No one entered from 3:15 to 3:30 p.m. And yet, here was Madame Susie, appearing silently behind him, in the very spot behind Booth D! How mystical and bizarre was this! Susies voice gently inquired once more, How did you feel after your last treatment? Lumian didnt hold back and responded simply, I felt much better than before. At least I could release my emotions. Thats a good thing. Suppressing your feelings and bottling up your emotions will only exacerbate your mental problems and lead you down a self-destructive path until your innate will to live is completely overwhelmed, Susie commented in a calm and soothing tone, confirming Lumians transformation. A hint of a smile laced her words. Lets have a conversation first. Well discuss all the things youve encountered in the past two weeks. Feel free to choose what you believe you can and are willing to share. Lumian knew he needed to calm himself and undergo further psychiatric treatment as a foundation for unlocking more memories later. Hence, he offered no resistance. He chuckled wryly and said, Theres nothing I cant tell you. Ive even shared that dream with you. Everything else can only be classified as minor secrets. He paused for a moment and began with Charlie. Theres an unlucky and dim-witted fellow at the motel Im staying at Lumian casually recounted the events of the past two weeks. Gradually, his mind relaxed, as if he had returned to a time before Cordus destruction. Aurore, who rarely ventured outside, would hear about everything that transpired in Cordu from him. He delighted in sharing it with his sister, even boasting about the successful pranks he had orchestrated. As time trickled away, Lumians rigid posture softened as he sank into the plush sofa. He refrained from delving into further details. Time was limited, and he couldnt afford to waste it. He didnt touch upon the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, Francas true gender, or his suspicions regarding her motives for joining the Savoie Mob. He merely mentioned his encounter with a pen pal of Auroresa Sequence 7 Witch of the Demoness pathway, who happened to be in the same mob. Likewise, he provided only a brief mention of performing a ritual and receiving an additional boon, without going into the specifics. After recounting his experiences from the past two weeks, Lumian spoke in a self-deprecating tone, I cant help but wonder if its my own fault for stumbling upon so many Beyonder events in such a short span of time. Sometimes, I question why every human and dog in Trier seems to possess Beyonder powers. For once, Susie didnt respond immediately. After a few moments, she smiled and replied, I can perceive that your mental state has indeed improved compared to before. How can you tell? Lumian didnt mention the details of his tearful carriage ride upon seeing Aurores obituary. He didnt believe that describing all of that was an accurate reflection of his mental state. Susie spoke in a gentle tone, I can sense that youre reconstructing your social connections and beginning to form friendships. Friends? Lumian asked, slightly amused. Charlie, Jenna, Franca? Can they truly be called friends? They are mere acquaintances! Susie responded with a smile, Friendship comes in various forms. Not all require deep connections. You simply need to ask yourselfwhen they face challenges that lie within your capabilities to solve, would you be willing to offer assistance? That will reveal if they can be considered your friends. It depends on the specific circumstances and the price I must pay. Im not the type to go out of my way to help just anyone, Lumian muttered. Susie didnt press further and explained, For someone prone to self-destruction, a sign of their emergence from the quagmire is their willingness to forge new social bonds. Emperor Roselleassuming he truly said itonce remarked that humans are the sum of their social relationships. When you no longer resist forming new connections, it signifies that youre no longer opposed to your own future. Of course, this is just one aspect. Its not everything. Lumian fell silent for a moment before speaking again, Madame Susie, theres something Id like to ask you. I mentioned a series of coincidences that have befallen me. Are they truly as Madam Magician suggested? Could they be partially influenced by Mid-Sequence Beyonders of the Spectator pathway? In contrast to the previous session, Susie appeared more at ease. She chuckled and remarked, Are you attempting to divert the topic? Are you still resistant to such matters? Actually, one can discern it from certain details. You took the initiative to request the Red Boots lady to enlighten you on mystical matters whenever she was available, but you never followed through. The sole visit you made was on the pretext of her repaying a favor. It suggests that you remain unwilling to establish a closer bond with her. Thats natural. How can a patient recover after just one treatment? You need not burden yourself Susie tirelessly voiced her observations, gently pinpointing some of Lumians current psychological issues. If it were the last time, I wouldnt have been so forthright. It would have only bred resistance, causing you to close yourself off further. However, now you exhibit certain inclinations toward forging new social connections. This will allow you to gain clearer insights into your true self and facilitate your progress. Having his underlying thoughts laid bare by Susie, Lumians initial reaction was wariness, vigilance, and denial. Yet, Susies composed demeanor, non-aggressive analysis, and accurate understanding of the situation gradually eased his tension, enabling him to confront his deep-seated problems. His body and mind gradually settled. Susie refrained from prying further and addressed Lumians inquiry. Madam Magicians explanation is not entirely incorrect, but it lacks specificity. For a Mid-Sequence Beyonder of the Spectator pathway to engineer a coincidence, they must employ face-to-face psychological cues or hypnosis. In other words, they need to be present around you, Baron Brignais, and his associates. The reason you didnt notice it and Baron Brignais remained oblivious is that Mid-Sequence Beyonders of the Spectator pathway possess an additional Beyonder powerPsychological Invisibility. Psychological Invisibility? How does it differ from regular invisibility? Lumian inquired, perplexed. Susie calmly elucidated, Psychological Invisibility is not true invisibility. It merely prevents you from perceiving me, even when I am standing right before you and numerous others have already witnessed my presence. Sounds very magical Lumian sighed with a sense of wonder. For some inexplicable reason, he felt as though Psychiatrists were all around him, yet he remained oblivious to their presence. This wont change even if you employ Spirit Vision. Your intuition for danger will not react until I am prepared to strike, Susie continued. By comparison, a Shadow Ascetics concealment within shadows occasionally evokes the sensation of being watched by the darkness. Lumian pressed, Which pathway does Shadow Ascetic belong to? Secrets Suppliant, Susie replied simply. Secrets Suppliant pathway? Above Listener and below Shepherd, theres a Sequence known as Shadow Ascetic? This belongs to Mr. Ks pathway Occasionally, I sense someone observing me in the surrounding darkness because of him or his subordinates. Combining this with Aurores grimoires and Madam Magicians clues, Lumian felt a wave of enlightenment. For the Secrets Suppliant pathway, Aurore had only noted down Sequence 9 Secrets Suppliant and Sequence 8 Listener. Madam Magician appears to write a substantial amount, but its actually just an outline without much detail. Its not as comprehensive as Madame Susies explanation Lumian mumbled curiously and asked, Arent you concerned that revealing your pathways Beyonder powers to me might harm you? Susie brushed off the question and continued, If youre a High-Sequence Beyonder of the Spectator pathway, theres no need for such elaborate measures. Even if theyre far away from you, they can subtly influence you, causing you to unknowingly follow their arrangements and create various coincidences. Though I too am a Spectator, I must still caution you, Beware of the Spectator!'' High-Sequence Beyonder Lumian was alarmed. So, you arranged for the paperboy to deliver an outdated newspaper to me? Madame Susie is a High-Sequence Beyonder, a true demigod? It wasnt me, Susie said, feeling a tad embarrassed. It was my companion. Companion? Lumian recalled Madam Magicians initial suggestion and guessed, The other Psychiatrist? He was here last time too? Yes, Susie candidly admitted. Your condition is more serious, and I wasnt too confident, so I invited her along to assist me. Yes, as a precautionary measure. In fact, shes here today as well. Shes sitting across from you. Across from me? Lumian glanced in surprise at the empty seat across the coffee table. Not only was there no one present, but there wasnt even an indentation from someone sitting there! In the next instant, he heard a gentle female voice with a hint of a smile and a slightly brisk tone. Hello. Chapter 201 - 201 Recalling 201 Recalling Lumian was taken aback, his eyes widening in surprise as he glanced at the vacant seat across from him. With a polite tone, he mustered, Hello. In that instant, a memory from his sister Aurore flashed through his mind. She had once mentioned an intriguing phrase: Expert consultation! Although Im not entirely surrounded by invisible Psychiatrists, there are two of them, and I cant detect them either Lumian muttered inwardly. The woman sitting opposite him fell silent, while Susies voice assumed a more relaxed and lighthearted tone. It seems the newspaper has left a lasting impression on you. Does that mean it had a positive impact? Yes, Lumian replied candidly. He had reached a point where he could confront the emotional turmoil within him instead of burying it deep down. Otherwise, he would have tried to avoid any encounters with Red Boots Franca, as she invariably brought up Aurore. Naturally, this evoked intense waves of emotion. Susie skillfully redirected the conversation back to its original path. If you wish to further investigate any unusual coincidences that have occurred during this period and identify their underlying sources, I can assist you. I wont delve directly into your memories, but I can awaken them all and present them chronologically before your eyes. Of course, this excludes those hidden deep within the recesses of your subconscious. They pose too great a risk, Susie explained. Are you willing to give it a try? Lumian didnt hesitate for a moment. Yes. Whenever he noticed any coincidences around him, he would occasionally recall his recent experiences and meticulously scrutinize the corresponding details. Now, he was merely shifting to a more effective approach. Lean back fully against the sofa, relax, and close your eyes Susies gentle voice reached Lumians ears unhurriedly. Just as he adjusted his sitting position and prepared to calm his mind and close his eyes, a sudden volcanic eruption erupted within his thoughts. This unexpected attack caught him off guard, leaving his subconscious unable to effectively shield him. Magma and smoke burst forth like luminous specks, each containing a distinct scene. The multitude of glowing dots arranged themselves chronologically, giving Lumian the sensation of watching a play with himself as the central character. It unfolded in a blur, yet every detail remained vivid and complete. As the temperature soared, Lumians mind raced, threatening to release wisps of white smoke. He witnessed each scene and recalled every detail, skillfully connecting them and searching for any abnormalities. Lumians eyes widened, and his facial features contorted in visible distress. The memory that should have been present was now a void! In that moment, a gentle female voice resonated within his mind. Has it truly vanished, or have you forgotten or overlooked it? spoke the lady seated across from him, her tone devoid of its previous cheerfulness. Like a lightning bolt, it illuminated Lumians mind, casting light into the darkest recesses beyond his subconscious. Lumians expression grew increasingly pained, and he couldnt help but bow his head as he struggled to say, I-I see it, I see it I was in conversation with the angel sealed within me! HHis name is Termiboros! At last, Lumian recollected something that had slipped his memory. The corruption contained within his left chest was, in essence, an angel who believed in InevitabilityTermiboros! Initially, he had intended to seek guidance from Madam Magician on how to harness the angels powers and avert any potential negative consequences, but he had completely forgotten about it. Is this the corruption sealed within your body? Susies reaction appeared unsurprised, her voice maintaining a calm demeanor. Lumian instinctively exhaled, his fingertips reaching his forehead, already dampened with cold sweat. He truthfully replied, Yes, He attempted to entice me into aiding His escape from the seal, but I refused. And then, I simply forgot. This is truly truly bizarre Termiboros is undeniably sealed within my body and cant break free, yet I was unwittingly affected by Him! Thats to be expected. One mustnt underestimate any angel, even when sealed, Susie offered an explanation to allay Lumians immediate apprehension. The unknown was always the most terrifying. She continued, In ancient times, angels were also referred to as subsidiary gods. This implies that They possess the essence of a deity. Even when sealed, They can exert a certain influence upon the external world through various means. Did you, perhaps, believe that with the seal of the great entity, the corruption upon your chest was more akin to a boon? As long as you follow the correct procedures at the appropriate stages, you shouldnt encounter any issues apart from enduring greater pain and assuming a certain risk of losing control. Lumian fell into silence, recognizing that he had entertained similar thoughts of late. You must remember that in such matters, the potency of a curse is no less than that of a boon, if not stronger, warned Susie. I dont know how Termiboros has influenced you, but given His belief in Inevitability, I suspect His primary aim is to induce a deviation in your destiny. However, you neednt worry excessively. He is, after all, sealed, and His capacity for influence is considerably limited. Moving forward, as long as you continuously assess your condition and consistently seek guidance on your actions, you can largely circumvent this predicament. Alright. Lumian retrieved a pen and paper and hastily jotted down a memo. The note pertained to consulting Madam Magician regarding Termiboros. He feared succumbing to the angels influence from the realm of Inevitability and forgetting these pertinent matters once the treatment concluded. Lumian carefully stored away his pen and paper, releasing a slow exhale. Now that Ive recollected the events involving Termiboros, I feel considerably more at ease. It appears that my spirituality had detected something. I can perceive an improvement in your mental state, affirmed Susie, echoing Lumians sentiments. Taking advantage of the moment, Lumian posed a question, Ladies, do you believe that Susanna Mattise has been fully eradicated by the official Beyonders? Or should I continue searching for clues at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons to prevent her from launching another attack? Taking note of the time, Monsieur Ive, the landlord of Auberge du Coq Dor, should soon find himself in dire straits. Susie offered a gentle smile as she replied, The Spectator path isnt well-versed in divination. Seated across from Lumian, the invisible lady smiled and added, Madam Magician is a divination expert. Did she not provide you with an answer? Or perhaps her hidden message eluded your understanding? She didnt say anything Lumian pondered for a moment, recalling Madam Magicians response regarding Susanna Mattise. Suddenly, he froze. Madam Magician had continuously guided him on how to resolve the issue with Susanna Mattise, subtly hinting that he should seek assistance from Mr. K. From a different perspective, she had never once considered the possibility that Susanna Mattise had been entirely eliminated! In her view, this predicament would undoubtedly resurface! Isnt it too ambiguous? Or does she assume its self-evident and fails to emphasize it? Lumian mumbled to himself, nodding in realization. I know the answer. As Lumian spoke, he made a connection based on the manner and demeanor exhibited by the Psychiatrist seated opposite him when addressing Madam Magician. Could they also be members of the secretive organization that employs tarot cards as their code names? To which cards do they correspond? After making some adjustments, Lumian sought clarification about his mental state. The mere thought of meeting Louis Lund fills me with anxiety, excitement, and adrenaline. I cant seem to control my emotions. Is this a severe psychological issue? Susie responded in a soothing voice, Thats actually quite normal. People often exhibit similar behavior when it comes to matters they deeply care about. Youre just a bit more intense than usual. If you didnt react this way, I would have been concerned that you were facing a more severe psychological problem and had repressed all your emotions. What you need to focus on now is not being fearful or overwhelmed, but rather learning to manage those emotions. Normal Lumian felt reassured by Susies explanation, and his concern regarding the matter at hand subsided, allowing his mental state to stabilize. He pondered and asked, Manage them? How do I do that? Susie replied, The simplest method is to always remind yourself not to overreact. Whenever you feel a similar surge of emotions, take deep breaths and find your calm. It may sound easy, but in reality, its quite challenging. When emotions flare up, its difficult for humans to maintain rationality. They rarely think about controlling themselves. By the time they regain their composure, they often find that theyve already made a mistake. I can set up a trigger for you. Once your emotional reactions exceed a certain threshold, it will remind you of my words and assist you in regaining your rationality, allowing you to attempt to regain control. This is a temporary solution. In the long run, it will depend on your own efforts. However, once you become accustomed to self-reflection during times of heightened emotion, the issue will become more manageable. Are you willing to give it a try? Alright. Lumian had no qualms about accepting external assistance. At some point, Susies voice took on an otherworldly and elusive quality. It felt as though she had said a great deal, yet Lumian couldnt recall a single word. The only thing he could remember was her concluding statement: The trigger has been set. If all goes well, it will last for two weeks, perfectly timed for your next session. At that point, we can decide whether to make any adjustments. Lumian briefly acknowledged her words and assessed his mental state. After more than ten seconds, filled with both fear and anticipation, he inquired, Is it possible for me to attempt to awaken more buried memories from my subconscious? Chapter 202 - 202 Analysis 202 Analysis Of course, came Susies gentle voice, reaching Lumians ears. Almost simultaneously, Lumian felt a weight pulling at his consciousness, dragging him down swiftly into deeper depths. Within a matter of seconds, his eyelids grew heavy, and he could not resist the urge to close them. His thoughts became muddled and indistinct. In his dazed state, Lumian appeared to transform into a spectral figure, floating through the familiar village of Cordu in the cloak of night. After an unknown duration, he caught sight of the onion-shaped cathedral, though his perception remained hazy. A concentrated beam of light emerged near its main entrance, while the rest of the darkness loomed like an ominous shadow. Lumian meandered aimlessly toward the adjacent cemetery. In the darkness, tombstones stood in silent formation, and trees assumed an eerie presence. A group of men were hauling a lifeless body toward a deep pit, preparing to cast it down. Beneath the faint glow of the crimson moon, one of the men lifted his head and surveyed his surroundings. His face, with black hair and piercing blue eyes, bore deep creases, as if shrouded in shadows. Pons Bnet! Lumian snapped out of his reverie. The distance between them diminished instantly. Lumian lowered his gaze and beheld the corpse. The face of the lifeless body appeared swollen from water, drained of color. The brown hair clung damply to the head, while the brown eyes remained wide open, reflecting agony, indignation, and resentment. Reimund! A surge of intense hatred filled Lumians heart as he hurled accusations at Pons Bnet and his companions, giving vent to his emotions. It felt as if he had unleashed a torrent of curses, as if he had pounced on Pons Bnet, the villain. It felt as if he was digging a profound pit with his bare hands. Dirt pierced his nails, uncovering another corpse at the pits bottom. The girls eyes, a shade of lake-blue, bulged fiercely. Her face bore a bluish-purple hue, her mouth agape, and her neck showed evident signs of strangulation. She wore an expression of excruciating pain. Ava! Lumian shot up from his seat, propelled by intense emotions, and his eyes flew open. Huff. Puff. Lumian stared at the vacant sofa opposite him in the booth, gasping heavily. The intense anger and hatred from his dream lingered, causing him to tremble uncontrollably. Lumians face twisted slightly as he replied, his voice filled with pain. I saw them. I saw Reimund and Avas bodies. One of them drowned, and the other appeared to have been strangled to death Pons Bnet and his gang were burying their bodies in the cemetery next to the cathedral I shouted at them, wanted to do something and then I woke up. Susie listened attentively and spoke calmly. This time, I didnt allow you to have a lucid dream. Instead, I let you experience certain subconscious scenes in the form of a dream. While it may not present the complete truth, it combines fragments of what actually happened. There might be overlaps in time or space, but the essential details remain intact. It provides us with a basis for interpretation. Lumian asked, his voice filled with anguish, So youre saying that I really witnessed Pons Bnet and the others burying Reimund and Avas bodies in the cemetery? Im not entirely certain, Susie analyzed. What we can conclude so far is that Reimund was drowned by Pons Bnet and his companions, and Ava was strangled to death by them. Their bodies were eventually buried somewhere in the cemetery, and you may or may not have been present at the scene. Its possible that you discovered it later and attempted to unearth their corpses as well as seek revenge on Pons Bnet and his gang, but the outcome wasnt favorable. Otherwise, your recent dream would have reflected some of that content. Lumian fell silent for a moment before speaking again. So thats what happened I was wondering why Pons Bnet and the others didnt kill me and toss me into the deep pit if I was truly there Part of his anguish stemmed from a fear deep within hima suspicion that he might have been in league with Pons and his gang. We cannot dismiss the possibility that you were present at the scene and witnessed the entire incident, but there are numerous explanations. It may not be as you imagine it to be. They spared your life because they needed a vessel with exceptional physical attributes. Susie understood Lumians doubts and resistance. Her words aimed to soothe him gently. What I can affirm is that the anger, hatred, and desire for revenge you experienced in your dream were genuine. Those were your true emotions at that time. In other words, regardless of the circumstances, the deaths of Ava and Reimund have nothing to do with you. Upon hearing Susies words, Lumian felt as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He slumped against the sofa, his strength draining away. His mind was now much calmer than before, and he no longer needed to maintain a facade of bravery. In the blink of an eye, an invisible warm breeze swept through his body and mind, soothing him completely. Susies encouraging voice filled the air, her smile evident. Compared to our last session, youre in a much better state now. You showed courage sooner than I anticipated, facing the doubts and questions you were reluctant to confront. In the realm of psychology, this is a crucial indication that youre breaking free from the puzzle. Only by directly confronting the problem can you find a resolution. Alright, that concludes todays treatment. Youre ready to face Louis Lund, Madame Pualis, and the others. In that very instant, the composed Lumian pondered the words of Madam Magician, recalling her earnest advice. There is yet another matter. I may be compelled to believe in another entity at some point, but ordinarily, I am forbidden to recollect His honorific name. Do youeither of youpossess a means to prevent such recollection? The cheerful female voice responded, her words carrying a gentle smile, That is quite simple. I shall provide you with a psychological trigger. When your spiritual intuition feels devoid of protection, your subconscious will replace the honorific name with That Being to safeguard against its impact. While under protection, you may freely remember and speak His name in its entirety Lumians mind turned adrift briefly upon hearing the other person declare, The psychological cue has been planted. Thank you, Madam. And thank you too, Madam Susie, Lumian nodded toward the empty space across from the booth. Youre welcome. See you in two weeks, the gentle female voice replied, and Susie added, See you in two weeks. Lumian wasnt sure when they departed, but the area around Booth D grew still. Only the chirping of birds in the botanical garden, the clopping of hooves on the road, and the distant hum of machinery resonated. He lifted his cup, finishing the remainder of his Intis coffee in one gulp, adjusting his mental state. Seizing the moment, he replayed the entire treatment process in his mind, and an inexplicable feeling settled upon him. Madam Susies last statement seemed somewhat peculiar. She said I can face Louis Lund, Madame Pualis, and the others now Does that imply that the answers I might receive from Madame Pualis could shatter me? Its understandable, but what if my condition doesnt improve as expected? Will she advise me to give up the opportunity to meet Louis Lund? But what if Louis Lund emerged yesterday? Wouldnt it be a major problem if I hadnt had my follow up? If thats the case, shouldnt Madam Susie have warned me against approaching Madame Pualis or confronting the padre before the follow-up session? How can she be so certain that I wont encounter Louis Lund in the past two weeks, or that hell elude capture if I do? Spectator Lumians senses snapped back to full alertness. He exited Booth D and hailed a public carriage back to Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. Lumian didnt rush to send a messenger to Auberge du Coq Dor or the safe house on Rue des Blouses Blanches to inform Madam Magician about Termiboros. Instead, he made his way straight to 126 Avenue du March to check if his subordinates, Anthony Reid, or Franca had discovered anything. With a dark brown wide-brimmed hat atop his head, Lumian strolled to a spot diagonally across from Black Scorpion Rogers house, roughly 20 meters away. He settled into a gap between two buildings, leaning against the wall. Several vagrants occupied the area. One of them shuffled closer to Lumian and whispered, Nothing yet. Lumian nodded and directed his gaze toward the three-story building with a garden, keeping an eye on passersby. As time ticked by, the sun descended on the horizon, casting a dwindling light. The lamplighters commenced their task, igniting the gas lamps one by one. At that moment, Lumian spotted a man clad in a grayish-blue workers uniform. Underneath his cap, light-yellow hair peeked out, and his slightly chubby face exuded an air of simplicity and honesty. Anthony Reid? Why is he out and about? Lumian recognized the information broker, perplexed by his actions. Resembling a worker finishing his shift, Anthony Reid hurried toward the end of Avenue du March. Lumians pupils contracted when he realized that Anthony Reid wasnt merely passing by; he was approaching someone. The man sported a blue gown adorned with yellow buttons, a waxed hat, a white tie, and a red vest. He sat inside a rental carriage bearing a yellow plate, clearly a driver affiliated with the Empire Carriage Company. Carriage drivers from different companies donned distinct uniforms. The carriage driver tipped his hat, keeping his head lowered as if waiting for a customer. Lumians heart stirred. He rose to his feet, taking a few steps in that direction. As Anthony Reid brushed past the carriage, he stumbled and collided with the horse pulling it. Startled, the horse attempted to raise its forelegs, but the carriage driver swiftly tugged on the reins, firmly restraining the animal. Yet, as the carriage driver lifted his head, his face was revealed. In his forties, with black hair, Lumian couldnt discern his features clearly due to the distance. Nonetheless, a faint sense of familiarity washed over him. Lumian narrowed his eyes as he profusely apologized to Anthony Reid and left the carriage behind. A valet emerged from 126 Avenue du March. Approaching the carriage, the valet addressed the driver, My master wishes to hire your carriage. Proceed inside and assist with moving some items. The carriage driver nodded, replying in a deep voice, Okay. Following the valet, he entered the residence belonging to Black Scorpion Roger. Lumian, who had witnessed the entire sequence of events without catching their conversation, smirked. He was now utterly certain that the carriage driver was Louis Lund! At long last, youve arrived! Chapter 203 - 203 Cooperation 203 Cooperation Lumian retreated to the cluster of tramps, patiently awaiting the emergence of Louis Lund. Soon enough, Anthony Reid, the information broker, returned after changing his attire, seemingly determined to fulfill his promise and seize an opportunity to tail Louis Lund. At that moment, he sported a yellowish-white shirt and a brown formal coat. There was no bow tie around his neck, but he wore a round hat, resembling a clerk fresh out of the office. Had Lumian not possessed a certain knowledge of Reids build, temperament, and gait, he might have failed to recognize him. After considering his options, Lumian stepped out from the crevice between the two buildings and confronted Anthony Reid. Having discarded his disguise upon departing the Valiant Caf, he now donned a simple ensemble consisting of black-framed glasses and a broad brown hat. Those familiar with him could effortlessly discern his identity. Noticing the shift in Anthony Reids gaze, Lumian whispered as they brushed past each other, Im back. Await me at the rear entrance. Although the Prophecy Spell indicated a reunion with Louis Lund on Avenue du March, Lumian aimed to avert any potential mishaps. On one hand, the Prophetic Concoction derived from his bodys response, rendering it somewhat unreliable. There might be omissions within the prophecy. On the other hand, the manifestation of a prophecy could assume various forms, deviating entirely from his anticipated sequence of events. Anthony Reid withdrew his gaze and nodded, signifying his comprehension. He advanced onward, passing by the residence of Black Scorpion Roger, and disappearing into the distance down an alley. Lumian did not immediately turn around. Beneath the glow of street lamps, he pressed onward. Just as he reached a dimly lit section, a figure emerged from the shadows beneath a dilapidated, iron-black street lamp in the alley ahead. The towering individual, garbed in a form-fitting black robe with a hood that nearly concealed the face, beckoned to Lumian. Franca? Lumian instantly formed a conjecture and hastened towards her. The conspicuously dressed character was indeed Red Boots Franca. This time, she had forgone her trademark red boots in favor of black ones. Arent you concerned about being discovered? Lumian couldnt help but inquire. While Trieriens had a high tolerance for eccentric attire and even actively pursued fashion trends, loitering in secrecy while dressed in such a manner would undoubtedly draw the attention of Black Scorpion Roger and the Poison Spur Mobeven the passing laborers! Franca grinned nonchalantly and retorted, You dont understand. This is all part of the procedure! Didnt your sister teach you? Indeed, she did teach me, but she never mentioned employing it in such a place or situation Before Lumian could utter another word, Franca waved her hand dismissively. Fret not, I wont be discovered. As her words faded, she took a step backward, merging seamlessly with the shadow and vanishing from Lumians sight. If it werent for the inevitable gender change at Sequence 7, he would have considered this path more to his liking than that of the Hunter. Emerging from the shadows once more, Franca pointed toward 126 Avenue du March in the distance. That carriage driver should be the Louis Lund you seek. Shall I assist you in tailing him later? I understand that Hunters possess a hounds nose and eagles eyes, making them adept at tracking, but you struggle with concealment. Staying too far away risks losing the target, while staying too close risks discovery. Its safer if I handle it. Dont forget, Louis Lund is also a Beyonder, and he worships an evil god. Its possible he possesses unique abilities. This time, Lumian didnt resist or reject the offer. He nodded and replied, Very well. At present, he couldnt mark Louis Lund with a distinct scent, and darkness was swiftly descending. The crowded streets, filled with pedestrians and carriages, would muddle any traces. Tailing from 20 to 30 meters away could easily result in losing the target with the slightest misstep. Francas thin, red lips curled into a visible smile, free from the confines of the hooded shadow, as she spoke,Your afternoon therapy session was quite effective. A man should be more open-minded, untroubled by trivial matters. She lightly tapped her chest as she spoke. From her possession emerged a glass bottle. The surface of the small bottle had been intricately etched into small squares, reflecting the nearby streetlamps light and shimmering with psychedelic colors. When I lived as a man, I found these perfume bottles to be beautifully crafted, but I felt too self-conscious to buy them or carry them with me. Now, I have no such concerns. Sometimes, changing your gender can open the door to a new world, Franca said with emotion. The door to a new world refers to sleeping with men? If it werent for the crucial task of tracking Louis Lund, Lumian would definitely have provided such a rejoinder. Opening the lid, she brought the pressed glass bottle to Lumians nose. Remember its scent. The perfume was refreshing and natural, akin to strolling through a forest on a summers day. Got it. Lumian nodded slightly. Franca proceeded to spray it on herself. It has distinct top, middle, and base notes, but the differences are subtle. Theres no need to discern them specifically. Youll know it by the scent alone. Ill position myself three to four meters away from Louis Lund. Without a hounds nose, he wont detect this fragrance that clearly doesnt belong to the market district. Lumian added thoughtfully, So, I am to track your perfume from a distance of ten to twenty meters? It was indeed a clever strategy. Thats correct. Franca produced a handful of fluorescent powder, sprinkling it over herself, and recited a deep incantation. It appeared to be a fusion of the Hermes words for hidden and body. Almost instantaneously, Lumian witnessed Francas form gradually fading away, as if an eraser were obliterating a pencil drawing. Apart from the lingering fragrance in his nostrils, he had completely lost track of the Witch. Once again, Lumian marveled at the Demoness paths performance as a Low- to Mid-Sequence Beyonder. In the blink of an eye, Lumian felt the fragrances source receding, drawing closer to the three-story building with a garden at 126 Avenue du March. Lumian made his way in that direction, slipping into the shadows and pressing himself against the wall. After nearly half an hour, a man named Louis Lund emerged, dressed in a red vest, blue uniform, white tie, and waxed hat. Accompanying him was Black Scorpion Roger, impeccably attired in a formal suit with neatly combed black hair. One of them took the reins of the carriage, while the other entered inside. Why is Black Scorpion Roger following him? Is he planning to meet Madame Pualis in person? Lumian furrowed his brow in slight confusion. This introduced new variables to his plan. Originally, Lumian intended to find an opportune moment during Louis Lunds return journey. With his current strength, he could easily overpower his target, even if they were both Sequence 8s. Plus, he had the assistance of Witch Franca. However, if Black Scorpion Roger joined the equation, things would become considerably more troublesome. From the midwifes performance in his dream, Lumian deduced that a Heretic Spellmaster possessed numerous mystical techniques and considerable power. They were fully capable of matching a Witch from the Assassin pathway. While Lumian could have Franca distract Black Scorpion Roger while he dealt with Louis Lund, the battle between two Mid-Sequence Beyonders wouldnt be swift, thus increasing the risk of discovery. Hmm If Black Scorpion Roger truly intends to meet Madame Pualis, Ill follow him instead of attacking. My objective is to locate Madame Pualis and establish contact with her. Lumian swiftly revised his plan and devised a new strategy. The rental carriage began its journey toward the opposite end of Avenue du March, and the refreshing, natural fragrance faded away. Lumian hurried along beside the gas street lamps, maintaining a distance of nearly 20 meters. After a while, he sensed the perfume come to a halt. Advancing another ten meters, he witnessed the rental carriage pulling over by the roadside. Black Scorpion Roger disembarked, carrying a wooden box. Not far away stood Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. Within a matter of seconds, Louis Lund directed the carriage toward a fork in the road, bypassing the bustling area. Meanwhile, Black Scorpion Roger ventured into the market alone. Is Madame Pualis at Le March du Quartier du Gentleman? Or is Black Scorpion Roger merely escorting Louis Lund for a distance, concerned about potential targeting? Lumian speculated as he hastened forward. Regardless, capturing Louis Lund took precedence! Behind Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, there were only a few pedestrians. Under the pitch-black sky, occasionally, one could spot a lone figure. Several street lamps here were out of order, leaving the road engulfed in darkness. It was wide enough for several carriages to pass side by side. Lumian surveyed the surroundings, wasting no time. He removed his black-framed glasses and sprinted forward. Before long, he caught up with the slowly moving carriage. As Louis Lund sensed the anomaly, he pushed down on the carriage with his left hand and lunged toward the drivers seat. From this distance, Lumian could clearly see the black-haired, blue-eyed face. Though the other party had employed some disguise, Lumian was certain it was Louis Lund! Reacting swiftly, Louis Lund, without bothering to ascertain the assailants identity or motives, seized the reins with his left hand and balled his right hand into a fist. Like a speeding cannonball, he launched an attack at Lumian, who was suspended in midair with no leverage to defend himself. In that very moment, Louis Lund caught sight of Lumians unmasked face, his eyes widening in sheer shock. Undeterred, Lumian didnt evade the blow. Instead, he extended his right arm and caught hold of Louis Lunds fist. Just as the impending collision seemed inevitable, Lumian retracted his arm, lessening the force behind the strike. Then, with a swift motion, he intertwined Louis Lunds fists, wrists, and forearms as though he had boneless limbs. As a result, Louis Lund was sent flying backward but remained within the confines of the carriage. In the blink of an eye, Louis Lund saw a smile on Lumians face. Whack! Franca materialized on the opposite side of the carriage drivers seat, her palm poised to strike Louis Lunds ear. Under the formidable Beyonder powers unleashed by an Assassins full-strength blow, Louis Lund succumbed to unconsciousness without uttering a single sound. Chapter 204 - 204 Interrogation 204 Interrogation With a swift movement, Lumian used the force of Louis Lunds fall to gracefully land in the spot where the carriage driver had been stationed. Franca had already taken over from Louis Lund, expertly maneuvering the horse and bringing the carriage to a halt by the darkened roadside. Their coordination was flawless, even without prior communication. One focused on the front while the other ambushed from behind. In a matter of seconds, they managed to overpower Louis Lund, a powerful Beyonder at Sequence 8. Carry him into the carriage, Franca instructed, her experience evident as she contemplated the subsequent course of action. Lumian didnt object and lifted Louis Lund into the rented four-wheeled carriage. Franca followed suit, closing the carriage door behind her. Then, she removed her hood and black robe, seemingly preparing to change into more comfortable attire upon returning home. Halfway through her task, she caught Lumians puzzled gaze and snapped out of her reverie. Awkwardly, she instructed, Turn around. Lumian could deduce Francas intentions and quickly obliged, diverting his gaze out the window to allow her the privacy she required. A rustling sound continued for over a minute behind him. Im done, Francas clear voice reached his ears. The rental carriage wasnt particularly spacious. Lumian, standing at over 1.8 meters tall, hunched over slightly and turned back. Franca now wore a red vest, a white tie, and a blue gown adorned with a row of yellow buttons. Holding a waxed hat and a horsewhip, she presented an unusual blend of mismatched elementsan absurd and peculiar beautywith her sharp nose, slightly flamboyant brown eyebrows, thin red lips, and vivid lake-colored eyes. Quite swift, Miss Franca, Lumian praised, acknowledging her as the new driver for the Empire Carriage Company. Thats professionalism for you! If these buttons hadnt been so time-consuming, I could have been even faster, Franca muttered as she tucked her flaxen-colored hair beneath the waxed hat. With her disguise complete, she retrieved an eyebrow pencil and other items she carried and quickly applied some simple makeup. Her complexion darkened, and her eyebrows were made to appear untidy, successfully transforming her into an ordinary-looking man who wouldnt attract undue attention in the dimly lit streets illuminated by the crimson moon and streetlamps. Ill be the carriage driver. You interrogate him, Franca declared, opening the door and hopping out to assume Louis Lunds former seat. She took hold of the reins and guided the horse to turn slowly. Satisfied that the rental carriage was moving steadily, Lumian assisted Louis Lund to the opposite seat. Extracting a bottle of truth serum he had obtained from the unscrupulous Hedsey, he compelled Louis to consume a third of it. As the drug began to take effect, Lumian resisted the urge to wake the unconscious Louis Lund with the ritual silver dagger. Instead, he gently prodded the area between the bridge of the nose and lips, tugged at a strand of his hair, and lightly tickled his nostrils with the strand. Gradually, Louis Lund stirred from his slumber. Throughout this process, Lumian maintained a friendly and non-threatening posture, refraining from dislocating his captives joints or binding his hands and feet. Achoo! Louis Lund sneezed and abruptly awakened from his slumber. He glanced across at Lumian, who sat at ease with a smile playing on his lips. Stay calm, Lumian reassured, his smile unwavering as he pressed his right palm down. If I intended you harm, stray dogs would have already feasted upon you. Louis Lunds immediate impulse was to employ his powers and make a swift escape. Yet, as he recalled being attacked from behind, he cautiously peered out of the carriage window. The distant light merged with the surrounding shadows, amplifying the hushed whispers of wheels and hooves upon the road. Reluctant to gamble on mounting a counterattack, Louis Lund inquired in a low, grave voice, What is it that you want? From his vantage point, Lumian hadnt taken any measures to restrain him, confident in the belief that escape was futile. The other party may have been careless or vulnerable, presenting an opportunity for Louis Lund to exploit. But such an advantage would never manifest in a direct confrontation. And the aid accompanying Lumian could strike from the shadows undetecteda force to be reckoned with! Lumian smiled. I merely seek to reunite with an old friend. Louis Lund, dressed only in a linen shirt and shorts, replied with a dark expression, I wont succumb to your threats again. Madame is already aware of my past transgressions and has granted me forgiveness. So I really possessed incriminating information about you? Lumians mind momentarily swirled with confusion. Recollections from his dream emergeda revelation of Louis Lund engaging in an illicit affair with a woman from the village, clandestinely selling portions of the administrators castle collection in a bid to blackmail him for knowledge of Madame Pualiss involvement with the padre. In retrospect, those accounts might have been fallacious. If the padre truly harbored desires for Madame Pualis, it made little sense for him to forsake belief in the evil god symbolizing bountiful harvests, or to forgo birthing several children with her. Lumian suspected that his dream had crafted an R-rated adaptation of the concealed conflict between the two factions. After all, both the padre and Madame Pualis had numerous lovers, making it easy for his subconscious to forge connections. Compared to the secrets housed within Madame Pualiss castle, Louis Lunds affair and the pilfering of collections appeared as innocuous as mundane meals thrice daily. There was no ground for him to be subjected to blackmail. Yet here stood Louis Lund, insisting that he had indeed erred and fallen victim to Lumians coercion. Is that so? Lumian adopted his Cordu Prankster King persona. I merely assisted you in concealing your missteps. How can that be construed as a threat? Louis Lund erupted in a bitter laugh, a mix of anger and disbelief. You are the most shameless individual I have ever encountered. I am aware that you uncovered certain irregularities and sought to discern their origins, but you did indeed threaten me and extract information about Madame. Thats correct. In those days, I entertained the thought of betraying Madame and seeking the padres assistance. However, that was because I hadnt comprehended the greatness of Mother. I was still a follower of the false god, the Eternal Blazing Sun. Now, my life stems from Mother, and my future belongs to Mother. Ah, so thats how it is I must thank this truth serum. Youve spilled all that needed to be said, both the necessary and the unnecessary. I didnt have to wrack my brain to gather information In reality, I sensed something amiss in the village and embarked on a certain investigation? Lumian nodded, satisfied, and smiled. When did you come to realize the greatness of Mother? Was it after you gave birth to that child? Louis Lund looked utterly stunned, his reaction almost causing him to jolt upright and bang his head. How did you know about me birthing a child? How could you possibly know? Hmm So I wasnt involved in the padres raid on the administrators castle? Otherwise, Louis Lund wouldnt be posing such a question Lumian felt a surge of delight and jestingly responded, When I undressed you earlier, I noticed stretch marks and a C-section scar on your stomach. Impossible! Louis Lund fiercely objected. Madame has already erased them! Lumian swiftly changed the course of their conversation and inquired with curiosity, Im curious to know how Madame Pualis managed to impregnate you. Louis Lund, though initially hesitant to answer, couldnt resist the urge to divulge the secret. Whether its a man or a woman, as long as you engage in intimate relations with her and exchange bodily fluids, she can conceive a child according to her desires. I see Lumian breathed a sigh of relief. His greatest concern had been the possibility of Madame Pualis employing her Beyonder abilities to remotely impregnate him. So, both men and women will do, but what about animals? Lumian pressed on. Louis Lund was taken aback by the question. After a few moments, he responded, That should work too And what about plants? Or rocks? Lumians inquiry turned scholarly. I I dont know, Louis Lund admitted, unable to provide a definitive answer. Madame has never contemplated such possibilities. Why does this youngster possess such a vivid imagination? Regretfully, Lumian changed the subject. Since you conceived through the exchange of bodily fluids, how did you end up with that birds nest-like thing in your stomach? How do you know about it? When did you see it? Louis Lund asked, astonished. Ill tell you later, Lumian swiftly lied, maintaining his composure without a flicker of hesitation. Louis Lund wore a perplexed expression as he muttered, his face clouded with confusion, It came along with the conception of the child. Its like a fruit. The outer layer is the epidermis, and the fetus is the pulp. They were once joined together and only split open when ripe. Sounds quite magical. That birds nest seems to possess great spiritual value. Can it be utilized in the realm of mysticism? Lumian deliberately rambled, skillfully diverting the conversation away from his true intentions. It serves as a key ingredient in a certain healing potion, Louis Lund continued, speaking without pause. It has various other uses as well, like enhancing the condition of human skin and providing power to spells After he finished, Lumian let out a nonchalant sigh. Did your first child perish in the padres assault on the castle? Yes, he was still so young, Louis Lund lamented the loss of life. During that time, the padre had many followers with him. We kept retreating, and a few Gardeners and a Heretic Spellmaster lost their lives. If Madam hadnt returned in time, we wouldnt have escaped. Sigh, all those children were killed. How many people did the padre bring? Lumian casually inquired, concealing his true concerns. Louis Lund recollected and replied, Some were shepherds originally, like Pierre Berry, Niort Best, and the others. Some were the padres mistresses, such as Sybil Berry, Madonna Bnet, and Philippa Guillaume. The rest were Pons Bnet and his gang. We managed to kill a few of them, including the rather formidable Niort Best In my dream, Niort Best was slain by the three sheep So in reality, he died during the raid on the administrators castle? And I wasnt among the individuals mentioned by Louis Lund In other words, the battle scenes I witnessed were derived from a fragment of my soul? Thus, they are incomplete and unable to reveal the full picture and all the participants Lumian felt a sense of relief and smiled as he asked, Where did Madame Pualis go? Chapter 205 - 205 Banshee 205 Banshee Louis Lund shook his head. Ive got no idea, but when Madame came back, she wasnt well either. Then she saw the castle in ruins and the important items destroyed. She gathered the remaining ones and prepared to leave Cordu. Based on what I witnessed, it seems that Madame Pualis had indeed been engaged in a fight with someone else. Lumian asked with curiosity, Why didnt Madame Pualis try to bring the dead back to life? Louis Lund looked at Lumian, surprised. I never told you any of that In other words, he wanted to know how Lumian had this knowledge. Lumian smiled but offered no explanation. Louis Lund couldnt contain his urge to spill the secret. Madame can resurrect the dead and restore their bodies, but its far from perfect. The resurrected ones arent quite human anymore. Theyre part corpse, part monster. They only retain fragments of their original memories and can only exist for seven days. Madame Pualiss resurrection ability is severely flawed at this level Lumian was disappointed. He diverted the topic. What did Madame Pualis want in Cordu? Louis Lund looked puzzled. Didnt I already tell you? Lumian was prepared and smiled as he replied, Given what happened afterward, I believe you might have a different perspective now. Louis Lund felt the need to share the information, so he sighed and said, Back then, I couldnt comprehend it. I was even scared. Thats why I dropped hints to the padre during Mass, hoping for assistance. Yes I later discovered that Madame wanted to create an entirely new world in Cordu. In this world, when humans die, their souls return to the earth and roam the wilderness. On special occasions, they can return home and experience the joy of reunion. By redeeming their sins, they can be reborn, emerging from the Mothers womb as human fetuses. Paramita? Lumian remembered the term from his dream. Yes! Louis Lund replied, fear evident in his eyes. He suspected that Lumian had asked the question to gauge his reaction. Lumian knew the correct answer and sought to determine if Louis Lund was lying or how much of his story was false. He could only inquire about it from Louis Lund, not Madame Pualis. Louis Lund shook his head slowly. Madame briefly mentioned it, but it was very vague. She said she had only established a small, caricature Paramita, a part of the complete Paramita. She also mentioned that by creating her own Paramita, she could please the Mother and bear more. A part? What would happen if those Madames managed to create a complete Paramita? Lumian wondered if constructing a miniature Paramita was a prerequisite for their unusual path towards godhood. He gazed at Louis Lund, attempting to inquire, What is Madame Pualiss Sequence now? Madames condition is rather peculiar. It might be related to the destruction of her Paramita or something else she possesses, Louis Lund replied, catching himself mid-sentence. Why cant I control my words? Why did I say what I shouldnt have? Louis Lund realized that his behavior had likely been influenced by one of Lumian Lees Beyonder powers. Now understanding the cause, he no longer blamed himself or felt anxious. He felt a sense of relief and relaxation. Madame should be somewhere between Sequence 5 and Sequence 4. At times, she exudes an imposing aura that makes people afraid to meet her gaze. Other times, she lacks such grandeur. Its reminiscent of the state Madame Pualis displayed in my dream Lumian recalled and stated, Sequence 9 Villain, Sequence 8 Gardener, Sequence 7 Heretic Spellmaster, Sequence 6 Sower What comes after Sequence 5? And what about Sequence 4? What lies beyond that? He knows more than I anticipated Witnessing Lumian Lee divulge so much information about the pathways Sequences in one go, Louis Lund didnt dare take any risks. Yielding to his desire to confide in him, he responded, Banshee is Sequence 5, and Evil Overlord, also known as Benevolent Overlord or Madame, is Sequence 4. I dont know what lies beyond that. Im merely a Gardener. I dont possess the right to receive any further boons and advance to become a Heretic Spellmaster. Banshee The name implies a change in gender Pulitt became Pualis Titles like Madame Moon and Madame Night symbolize godhood and demigods, but Madame Pualis doesnt precisely fit the role of Madame Night Lumian pondered for a moment before steering the conversation back to Cordu. Were Madame Pualiss initial followers in the village mostly lovers and the elderly? Thats correct, Louis Lund affirmed, nodding. People like Naroka, who were quite old, yearned deeply for their departed loved ones. They longed to see them again and worry about what awaits them after death. They experience both fear and longing. Thats the aid Madame can provide them. Unfortunately, Naroka passed away suddenly before fully embracing Paramita. Madame suspects that she discovered the padres scheme and was killed by her youngest son, who follows the padre. That explains it Lumian gained new insight into Narokas death from his dream. Her demise was the result of being silenced. Ava and Reimund likely met the same fate. Sighing, Lumian changed the subject. When did you realize something was amiss with the padre? Louis Lund contemplated for a moment and replied, In early January, I caught sight of the children in the castle tower. You cant fathom what it was like. To put it briefly, it terrified me and nearly drove me insane. I was desperate to leave Madame. Initially, I believed she was just like those mystical fanatics who enjoy purchasing magazines like Psychic and Lotus and engaging in futile practices. I didnt think there was anything wrong. However, as time went on, I noticed that the other residents of the castle were becoming increasingly peculiar. The administrator locked himself and Madame in their rooms on two separate occasions, coinciding with the birth of a child each time. My valets and maids often did the same, and Madame was remarkably understanding of their behavior. From time to time, the distant cries of a baby reached my ears, causing deep suspicion to well up within me. Seizing the opportunity presented by Madames absence and the others lack of vigilance, I stealthily slipped into the tower. Oh, Mother, the sight that greeted me was utterly terrifying! Louis Lund, originally intending to speak of Guillaume Bnets abnormal behavior, found himself unable to contain his thoughts on the castle tower incident, and he began to ramble. Lumian could vividly imagine the scene, for he had witnessed it in his dream: human children with bird-like claws, sprawled against the walls, densely packed and scattered throughout. Louis Lund gulped nervously and continued his account, I initially dropped hints to the padre during Mass. Later, I took the opportunity to reveal Madames abnormality to him. I suspected she might be a follower of an evil deity. He instructed me to keep it hidden and not expose myself, assuring me that he would handle the situation. It was around mid-January when things took a turn for the worse. The padre continued his normal routine as if nothing was amiss. Despite my repeated urging, you eventually discovered the truth and threatened me. After that, Sewell, the carriage driver, and I received a revelation. We repented and wholeheartedly pledged ourselves to Madame. Then, in March, the padre suddenly launched an attack on the castle with a group of people. Louis Lund has limited knowledge about the padres situation. When Lumian inquired further about what had transpired in Cordu, Louis Lund seemed unfamiliar with the villages circumstances. This aligned with his role as the castles butler, primarily tending to matters in Darige and other cities. He only mentioned that since January, the villagers of Cordu had been frequently discussing horoscopes, believing that it would bring them glory and alter their destinies. Prior to that, they merely followed certain folk traditions to ward off any changes in their fate. Specific discussions regarding these matters were rare. With the understanding that former administrator Bost and Madame Pualiss ladys maid, Cathy, were now Heretic Spellmasters, and that Madame Pualis had left Cordu before Lent, Lumian realized he wouldnt glean any more information from Louis Lund. Knowing when to stop, Lumian posed a direct question, Where does Madame Pualis reside now? In Quartier de No?l Louis Lund instinctively moved to cover his mouth but added another detail. Rue de Scotch Broom Rue de Scotch Broom in Quartier de No?l A map of Trier from a magazine article flashed through Lumians mind. Quartier de No?l lay northeast of Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, divided by the Srenzo River. It was renowned for its numerous hospitals, including the Veterans Home and Wounded Soldiers Hospital. Additionally, being situated in the suburbs, it boasted a fair share of farmland. Lumian refrained from pressuring Louis Lund or intensifying his desire to extract more information. Instead, he smiled and said, I bear no ill intentions towards Madame. I merely wish to speak with her about the events in Cordu. I will allow you to depart. Please inform Madame Pualis that if she is willing to meet with me, she can choose the time and place. Ah, please send your response to Room 302, 9 Rue des Pavs, Quartier du Jardin Botanique, before tomorrow night. It was a safe house Lumian had prepared in Quartier du Jardin Botanique, and now it would finally serve its purpose. Louis Lund let out a sigh of relief before responding cautiously, Got it. Anxious thoughts plagued him, fearing that Lumian might allow him to depart only to trail behind him. Yet, considering Lumians evident capability to uncover Madames precise whereabouts without pressing the issue, Louis Lund found himself compelled to place his trust in Lumians amicability. He then gestured towards his shorts and remarked, I cannot leave dressed like this. Chapter 206 - 206 Communication 206 Communication Lumians head pounded at the mere thought of Franca coming in and undressing. He scrutinized Louis Lund, who was left in a linen shirt and white shorts, and offered a genuine suggestion. I can ask my companion to return the money from your coat. Leave the carriage as it is and find a clothing store. Tell them you encountered a twisted robber. Im certain everyone in Trier will understand. Louis Lunds expression froze for a moment as he pointed downwards from Lumians current position. I have spare clothes. Lumian bent down and retrieved a black formal suit with a vest and bow tie. It seemed to be Louis Lunds usual attire as a butler. Is this rental carriage truly yours? Lumian inquired curiously as he tossed the formal suit to Louis Lund. I rented the clothes and the carriage. Louis Lund hurriedly put on his pants. Lumian sat there, patiently waiting for him to dress before calling out to Franca to stop the carriage by the roadside. He opened the door, turned around, and waved at Louis Lund. Hope to see you again. If not, Ill find you on Rue de Scotch Broom in Quartier de No?l. And if youve already vanished, Ill continue my investigation, ensuring youll never find peace. Lumian would have trailed Louis Lund until he tracked down Madame Pualis if it werent for his caution regarding her abilities and characteristics, as well as his intention to engage in a friendly conversation with her. Franca placed the waxed hat and whip on the drivers seat of the carriage, picked up the black robe beside her, and put it on. Then, she pulled up her hood and leaped into the shadows by the road. Once Louis Lund steered the carriage away from the street, she emerged from the shadows and approached Lumian. She gazed in his direction and spoke. Not following him? No need. For now, were not enemies. Lumian averted his gaze and headed towards Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. Franca followed, a smile gracing her lips. Arent you concerned that Madame Pualis might refuse to see you and disappear overnight? Lumian and Louis Lund didnt purposely lower their voices during their exchange. An assassin possessed sharp ears and eyes, so she caught most of their conversation. While she couldnt fully grasp the Cordu-related details due to her lack of prior knowledge, she gleaned plenty about other topics. For instance, Lumian sought an audience with Madame Pualis. For instance, a certain evil gods pathway would transform into a Banshee at Sequence 5 Lumian took two deep breaths to calm his lingering, trembling emotions. I simply believe its more likely to meet Madame Pualis if I display friendliness rather than tailing Louis Lund. She knows full well whom I seek revenge against. Her own castle was damaged by the padre and she was driven out of Cordu. I refuse to believe she bears no grudge. Heh heh, I did kill two leaders of the Poison Spur Mob and tamper with Black Scorpion Rogers coffee, but they dont know Lumian Lee was behind it. Theres no conflict between hating Ciel and meeting Lumian Lee. Franca couldnt help but chuckle. Youre right. What does their vendetta against Ciel have to do with you, Lumian? She murmured to herself, lost in thought, Whats Madame Pualiss connection to the Poison Spur Mob? Which evil deity does the Banshee pathway belong to? Are Black Scorpion Roger, Baldy Harman, and Short-legged Candlestick Castina associated with this pathway? One Spellmaster Heretic and two Gardeners? She speculated based on her understanding of the Poison Spur Mob. Lumian didnt hold back any information. The mastermind behind the Poison Spur Mob is Madame Moon, but it seems she has recently made further progress. She and Madame Night, whom Pualis represents, are part of a secret organization called the Nightstalkers. They worship the Great Mother. I dont know the precise name, nor do I dare to utter it. The concealed entity known as Inevitability could corrupt people merely by knowing about it. The Great Mother, even more sinister and fearsome than Inevitability, had her followers locked in a prolonged conflict against the Blessed of Inevitability in Cordu. So, she was certainly capable of doing the same. Lumian suspected that if he were to learn the Great Mothers complete and honorific name, there was a high chance he would become pregnant on the spot. Franca found herself deeply intrigued. Indeed, its best not to seek knowledge beyond ones boundaries. There was once a member of our research society who enjoyed delving into secrets and acquiring all kinds of mystical knowledge. Eventually, he vanished and was never seen again. Franca pragmatically shifted the topic to Black Scorpion Roger and the others, along with their respective abilities. Lumian provided detailed explanations. After all, he still had to rely on Madame Hidden Blade to combat the Poison Spur Mob. When Lumian speculated that one of the abilities of a Sower was to impregnate others, Franca felt a momentary envy and eagerly exclaimed, If Gardner were to become pregnant, it would be quite interesting Madame, your thoughts are perilous. I truly worry that you might embrace the mantra of Life is short, why not give it a try? and end up choosing to believe in that Great Mother, praying for Her to bestow upon you the power of a Sower, Lumian mockingly warned. The combination of a Demoness and a Sower was too wicked. Trier would undoubtedly witness a large number of victims. Franca was taken aback. Ive already consumed a potion and become a Beyonder. I cant accept any more boons, can I? You dont know? Thats fortunate! Lumian sincerely replied, I dont believe so. Dont worry. I possess extensive knowledge of mysticism and understand that every evil deity harbors malicious intentions. Franca sighed softly, setting an example for herself. She glanced over at Le March du Quartier du Gentleman nearby and casually remarked, When I was waiting for Louis Lund earlier today, I witnessed an unlucky fellow. Unlucky fellow? Lumians heart stirred as he recollected. Was he a slender man in his fifties with blond hair and blue eyes? How did you know? Franca was taken aback. He was strolling along the street when a vase suddenly dropped from the balcony above and struck his head. He reacted swiftly, managing to dodge to the side of the road. However, he stumbled on the edge of the curb and lost his balance. At that very moment, a public carriage was about to collide with him. Heh heh, hes certainly no ordinary person. Despite the circumstances, he evaded it with a remarkably nimble move. And then, guess what? He collided with a gas street lamp pole, causing his nose to bleed. After recounting the humorous scene she had witnessed that afternoon, Franca turned her gaze to Lumian, awaiting his response to her inquiry. Lumian paused, contemplating her question. That individual should be Monsieur Ive, the landlord of Auberge du Coq Dor. He is in cahoots with the pervert known as Hedsey, who attacked Jenna. I suspect he is a Beyonder. I had previously informed the Eternal Blazing Sun Church of the anomaly through intermediaries, but they found nothing amiss. Recently, I acquired a Bad Luck charm and seized an opportunity to use it on him. I intended for him to experience frequent misfortunes and thereby expose his abnormality. Unfortunately, his performance went unnoticed by official Beyonders. But given that tramps luck, Monsieur Ive would likely suffer from misfortune for another two or three days. Francas expression darkened as she stated, Indeed, its clear that he is a Beyonder. So, its the group that attacked Jenna You should have informed me earlier! I could have found someone to help draw greater attention from the authorities to this fellow named Ive! Recalling the eradicated mirror people, Lumian focused on the depraved Hedsey, Monsieur Ive, Susanna Mattise, and Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. The abilities of their pathway are quite intriguing Franca couldnt help but sigh. When I first delved into mysticism, everyone told me that there were only twenty-two divine pathways. However, in the past two to three years, peculiar Sequences have occasionally emerged. Do evil gods fall outside the realm of divine pathways? After a brief pause, Franca said to Lumian, I will report this to the authorities through my contacts, but we mustnt be careless. Remember, always remain vigilant and be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. Indeed, when the time comes, we may have to collaborate and take action. I will inform you once we have communicated. Not bad. Now you know how to seek assistance from me. Dont fret; when I find myself in trouble, I will come to you. Okay. Lumian nodded gently. After bidding Franca farewell, Lumian made his way back to Auberge du Coq Dor. He still remembered the issue with Termiboros. Once inside Room 207, he retrieved the memo and read it carefully before composing a letter to Madam Magician. In the letter, he primarily addressed two concerns. Firstly, he detailed the temptation and subsequent influence of Termiboros upon receiving the Alms Monk boon. Secondly, he informed Madam Magician that he had sought assistance from the Psychiatrist and could now avoid reciting the corresponding honorific name. Thanks to Monsieur Ive hiring a regular cleaning lady, the motel had become less infested with bedbugs. Lumian swiftly tidied up the surroundings, arranged the altar, and summoned the doll-like blond messenger. The messenger surveyed the room and seemed satisfied with Lumians decision to change the summoning location. Approximately thirty minutes later, she materialized in Room 207 and placed the reply on the wooden table. Tilting her chin slightly, she addressed Lumian, You should be grateful. I helped remind Madam Magician and ensured she read your letter promptly. Thank you, Lumian replied reflexively, momentarily caught off guard. It was only after the messenger had departed that Lumian snapped out of his daze. He picked up the neatly folded square letter and unfolded it. I am pleased to hear that your treatment is proving effective. I did not expect that entity to dispatch an angel. What a significant investment. In recent years, evil gods have indeed been infiltrating more frequently, but it remains challenging for higher-level powers to enter our world. The number of angels can be counted on one hand. Three of them were destroyed in transit, causing only a small area of corruption. While one succeeded, an orthodox god intervened and rectified the situation. In other words, you are the only unfortunate individual in the entire world. Chapter 207 - 207 Organization 207 Organization Lumian paid no mind to Madam Magicians usual playful jabs and instead focused on her account of the evil gods infiltration. It aligned with the information shared by the late Hammer Ait. For unrecognized evil gods hailing from other realms, providing godhood boons proved to be an arduous task. Numerous obstacles hindered Their progress. They had to rely on covert followers to perform elaborate rituals on a grand scale, which often drew attention and resulted in swift annihilation before they could infiltrate. Madam Magician painstakingly detailed various examples, showcasing the immense difficulty angelic entities faced when descending into the mortal plane. In recent years, there had been only five instances, with four failures and one partial success. While gaining a measure of godhood without reaching angelic status seemed somewhat easier, such cases were rare and generally unsuccessful. Though Madam Magician didnt explicitly mention it, Lumian suspected that the Great Mother, the Mother Tree of Desire, and the enigmatic fog possessed extraordinary infiltration capabilities, surpassing other entities based on Hammer Ait. It seemed likely that these three were responsible for most successful instances involving the acquisition of godhood powers. Does Madam Magician remain unaware or does she deem it unnecessary for me to know at this stage? Lumian pondered momentarily, inclined to believe the latter. He continued perusing Madam Magicians response. This actually bodes well. Dealing with an angel who serves a hidden entity is much simpler than confronting angelic powers derived from said hidden entity. The associated risks are also significantly reduced. Once you ascend to the rank of an angel and extract powers of equal magnitude from that fellow with the long name, thereby rendering Him exceedingly vulnerable, you can implore my Lord to undo the seal and set Him free. Then, you can give Him a thorough thrashing and either transform Him into a Sealed Artifact or restore Him to His original Beyonder characteristics. Naturally, this hinges upon Him truly being an angelic entity and not a puppet blessed with a boon. Puppets are easier to handle. Once you extract a certain measure of His power, He will crumble. However, the remaining power bearing the mark of the hidden entity is what presents a greater challenge. You must maintain the seal and gradually absorb it until it reaches a level manageable by an angel. Doesnt it all seem to be progressing smoothly with a high likelihood of success? Ah, but the most vexing and formidable step lies in becoming an angel. In your present state, I lack confidence. Were it not for the uniqueness of the current era, 99% or more of the Beyonders would never come close to touching godhood. I believe your Psychiatrist has already enlightened you on how to evade the negative effects of Termiboros. No further elaboration is necessary. I simply wish to remind you that should you undertake any critical or perilous endeavors in the future, do write to me beforehand and apprise me of the situation. Why do I suggest you write before exploiting that lengthy-named fellow? Because you might be clandestinely influenced and neglect the corresponding dangers, forgetting to notify me. As for Termiboros, He will not let you forget my warning, for it would mean you engaging in numerous hazardous exploits and facing a high risk of losing your life. That is clearly not what He desires or strives for. If you were to perish, the seal would be affected, but my lord would be alerted. In that event, I shall gather a team to reinforce the seal and eliminate Him. With such a skilled angel of fate sealed within you, your future is destined to be quite exciting. Praise the lord. You are akin to bait for the followers of evil gods, Hunters, and Demonesses. You shall embark on a multitude of experiences. If you find the time and inclination, do consider writing a lengthy letter to share with me. And now, with the assistance of the two Psychiatrists, you can express your desire to alter your faith to Mr. K during a forthcoming gathering. Remember, before you set off to attend the event, offer prayers to my lord for the angels protection. Lumian read the note patiently, finding Madam Magicians words both abundant and yet empty. The most valuable part was her guidance on evading Termiboross influence and the reminder to seek her opinion before utilizing the angels power. Additionally, she provided a beautifully drawn blueprint that offered a chance to address the corruption within his body at the angelic level. Lumian burned the note by rubbing his spirituality. He then reached into his pockets, touching the hidden banknotes and coins, before leaving Room 207 and making his way to Room 305. Anthony Reid had already returned to his lodgings and sat by the bedside, dressed as a clerk. Lumian produced 400 verl dor worth of banknotes and handed them over to Anthony Reid. At the same time, he nodded slightly and stated, The commission is over. It seems youve already encountered the target, Anthony Reid chuckled. Taking a moment to consider, he inquired, Can I report the targets information to the authorities? Wait for a week, Lumian replied. He had initially planned to offer Anthony Reid more money to delay claiming the reward from the wanted poster. However, since he sought his opinion, Lumian took advantage of the situation by setting a time limit. He worried that any investigation or arrest related to Louis Lund might alert Madame Pualis, potentially jeopardizing their meeting. Anthony Reid did not object and let out a sigh. Youre more suited for the market district than I initially thought. He had never witnessed a wanted criminal rise to become a leader of a sizable mob so swiftly without being detected by the authorities. Competent individuals can thrive anywhere, just like you, Lumian advised Anthony Reid, casting a casual glance around Room 305. His eyes fell upon a few folded papers on the wooden table near the window. They appeared thicker and smoother, larger than ordinary oil paintings. What could they be? Lumian focused his gaze for a moment, realizing that the folded papers had a faint bluish hue and a printed texture. Instantly, the pieces fell into place. The posters on the wall! Posters of parliamentary candidates had been plastered all over the place recently! You seem particularly invested in the National Convention election, Lumian didnt hold back his speculation as he taunted Anthony Reid. Do you have a legitimate occupation? One of the fundamental eligibility criteria for the elections. Anthony Reid calmly smiled and replied, No. He did not elaborate on his reasons for collecting the parliamentary candidates posters. Another commission? Lumian decided not to delve further. He waved his hand dismissively and left Room 305. Amidst the lunatics piercing cries, Lumian descended the stairs, left Auberge du Coq Dor, returned to Salle de Bal Brise, and settled at the bar counter. Good evening, Boss, the bartender greeted with deference, straightening his posture. Lumian nodded. Give me a glass of absinthe. Having thought about Cordu too often that day, he needed a dose of psychedelic bitterness to jolt his senses awake. On the stage, Jenna performed with exaggerated flair, belting out flashy songs. Leaning against the bar counter, Lumian let his gaze wander as he absorbed every note. Now and then, he would take a sip of the dreamy green liquid, allowing its bitterness to awaken his nerves. Once he regained composure, he organized the recent matters he had to attend to. First, there was Mr. Ks mission; second, the looming threat from the Poison Spur Mob; third, Susanna Mattises second assault; and fourth, his upcoming meeting with Madame Pualis. Regarding the election, Lumian didnt pay it much mind after confirming from Franca that the Savoie Mob also backed Hugues Artois. This meant that even if the opposing party won, it wouldnt entirely suppress the Savoie Mob or impede his mission. Susanna Mattises resurgence had been a cause for concern, but thanks to the psychiatric treatment, Lumian wouldnt hesitate to seek assistance from Franca. Resolving this matter had become relatively manageable. Once official Beyonders committed to the task, they wouldnt be inferior to Lumian, a Sequence 8, in effectiveness. They would undoubtedly uncover Monsieur Ives issues and the troubles at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, purging Susanna Mattises evil spirit completely. This would be accomplished within the next few days. Lumian simply needed to remain vigilant. Mr. Ks mission was rather complex, relying on Gardner Martin. Lumian, not being a Spectator Beyonder, could only attempt to gain the targets approval through repeated efforts. There were no shortcuts for the time being, so rushing was unnecessary. Similarly, he had to await Madame Pualiss response. Lumian couldnt rush the matter even if he desired to. Upon analyzing the situation, Lumian concluded that he needed to prioritize dealing with the Poison Spur Mobs threat. After the election, Black Scorpion Roger would receive an additional boon from Madame Moon, ascending to the rank of a Sower. Baldy Harman and Short-legged Candlestick Castina might even advance to the level of Heretic Spellmasters. At that point, Lumian, their primary target, would be defenseless against them. Even with the support of Franca, Baron Brignais, and his allies, the situation would be perilous. Should I join forces with Franca before the election concludes and infiltrate 126 Avenue du March under the cover of darkness to eliminate the remaining leaders of the Poison Spur Mob? Even if Madame Moon sends reinforcements later, by the time they stabilize the situation, I would have earned the Bosss trust and gained a chance to partially withdraw from the market district The problem lies in facing a Heretic Spellmaster on their home turf. Even with Franca and me united, defeating him would be a daunting task, not to mention his potential allies Perhaps an opportunity will arise to strike at Baldy Harman and Short-legged Candlestick Castina when they are outside? Lumian pondered as he spotted Charlie, attired as a waiter, approaching the bar counter with a tray. Nodding in greeting, Lumian instinctively honed in on Charlies luck. In an instant, his grasp on the absinthe glass tightened, and his pupils dilated. He saw Charlies luck stained with blood, a swirling blend of crimson and ebony that sent a shiver down his spine. This could only mean that Charlie was on the brink of a life-threatening catastrophe within the next two to three days, or perhaps even within the next 24 hours! Chapter 208 - 208 Countermeasure 208 Countermeasure Could Susanna Mattises attack be imminent? Lumian pondered this question, considering that Charlie had no known enemies and had recently worked as a waiter at Salle de Bal Brise. Though it was possible that Charlie had simply experienced a string of unfortunate accidents, Lumian wasnt willing to take any chances. As Charlie carefully placed the tray down and waited, he grew uneasy under Lumians gaze. Recalling the others mystical prophetic ability, Charlie leaned in and whispered, Did you see something? A smile spread across Lumians face. I foresee a romantic encounter in your future. Youll form a relationship that goes beyond friendship with a beautiful woman. Is that true? Charlie asked, surprised and delighted. The womans name is Susanna Mattise Lumian chuckled, suppressing his words. Youre quite gullible, arent you? How can you believe that? I knew it Charlie looked disappointed. The presence of the Idiot Instrument had already revealed to him Ciels knack for deception. Lumians smile faded as he watched Charlie make his way to the edge of the dance floor, carrying a tray filled with glasses. Thoughts raced through Lumians mind. Am I simply unlucky, or is my fate predetermined? The official Beyonders will soon keep a close watch on Monsieur Ive and the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. Theyll arrest all the cultists who believe in the Mother Tree of Desire and locate the evil spirit, Susanna Mattise, to purge her completely. Yet, here I am, facing the possibility of Susanna Mattise launching an attack on me and Charlie today Dammit, Termiboros, that pigs son. He must be behind this! Based on my observations of luck, the problem will likely arise late tonight or perhaps even at midnight the day after tomorrow I cant solely rely on Susanna Mattise coming to Charlie and me the day after tomorrow. I must prepare for the worst-case scenario Gradually regaining composure, Lumian, influenced by Franca and Jennas vulgarities, forced himself to remain calm and assess the situation. Simultaneously, he devised an initial plan of action. First, he would discreetly alert Charlie, assuming a hidden identity, and instruct him to seek refuge in the nearest Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral for the next three days. Second, Lumian would go to Rue des Blouses Blanches and enlist Francas aid. With Franca and Mr. Ks finger acting as his protectors, Lumian believed he stood a strong chance of surviving Susanna Mattises initial onslaught. Furthermore, she would not have another opportunity in the future. Whether it was Francas message to the official Beyonders through her secret channels or Charlies presence at the cathedral seeking sanctuary, it would be enough to inform the Eternal Blazing Sun Church of Susanna Mattises reappearance! Although Lumian could likely handle Susanna Mattise on his own with Mr. Ks assistance, since he already owed Franca a favor, why not accrue a little more debt to ensure greater security? Without hesitation, Lumian finished his absinthe and departed from Salle de Bal Brise. Once again, the world spun, and he descended to the ground. He found himself surrounded by a vast network of brownish-green roots, insects scurrying about, and rats hiding in various corners Just as Lumian was about to remove his glasses and begin applying his disguise, his eyes caught sight of a clump of turquoise hair entwined with vines and branches. Bang! Lumians head spun, as if he had been hit, and golden stars danced before his eyes. In haste, he removed the Mystery Prying Glasses, bent down, and retched for a few moments. Once the wave of nausea subsided, Lumian seized the opportunity while the urge to draw still lingered. He reached for his makeup tools and began applying various substances to his face. Gazing into the dimly lit windowpane, Lumian found himself increasingly unrecognizable. He resembled one of the unkempt drunkards commonly found in dance halls. When he finished, he averted his gaze, afraid of the disorienting effects that might follow. Phew Lumian put away his makeup tools, exhaled deeply, and filtered through the images he had witnessed while wearing the Mystery Prying Glasses. One image stood out in particularan image of turquoise hair entwined with branches and vines. It struck a chord of familiarity within him, and he quickly made a connection. Susanna Mattise also possessed long, turquoise hair interwoven with branches and vines that seemed to materialize from nowhere! Susanna Mattises territory likely lies somewhere underground in the market district? Lumian made a preliminary judgment. He couldnt help but grumble, Why does it have to be underground once again? Isnt the underground of Trier already bustling enough? However, this also explained why the official Beyonders had been unable to fully cleanse Susanna Mattise during their previous encounter. Underground monsters were always challenging to eliminate, just like the Montsouris ghost. Lumian recollected the real Monsieur Ives clandestine visit to Underground Trier late at night. He remembered the perverted Hedsey, who had drugged Jenna and led her to an underground cavern. Hedsey seemed familiar with the area and felt at ease there. This convinced Lumian that Susanna Mattise was indeed hiding somewhere in Underground Trier, not far from the location chosen by Hedsey. Deeper into the depths of the underground path, all the way to the end perhaps? Lumian speculated as he changed into simple cargo pants, incongruous with his formal top, and left Room 207. Inside Salle de Bal Brise, Lumian surveyed the surroundings until he spotted Charlie, serving drinks to guests near the periphery of the dance floor. Leaning closer, Lumian discreetly brushed past Charlie and whispered, Susanna Mattise. Amidst Jennas singing, booming music, and clamorous voices, the name resonated clearly. Charlie froze in place, as if struck by lightning. Only then did Lumian gently remind him in a hushed tone, I have received information that Susanna Mattise will reemerge within the next three days. If you wish to avoid a grim fate, seek refuge in the cathedral tonight and remain there for three days. Charlies initial reaction was one of horror. His second was to search for Ciel. And his third was to inquire anxiously whether he would be fired for taking three days off. A lump formed in Charlies throat as he searched in vain for Ciel. He mustered the courage to ask in a hushed voice, Really? You can choose not to believe it Lumian managed to restrain his instinctual reaction to prevent Charlie from making any connection. With a deliberate effort to keep his voice low, he continued, If you go to the cathedral tonight, someone will confirm the truth for you. Charlies fear became too overwhelming to contain. He scrutinized the unfamiliar face before him and asked with a tremor in his voice, Who are you? And why did you come specifically to warn me? Just someone who wishes you well, Lumian responded, borrowing a phrase his sister often used in jest. Without further explanation, he walked past Charlie, squeezing his way onto the dance floor and swiftly disappearing from view. Charlie felt as though he had been plunged into winter, his body shivering uncontrollably. During moments like this, memories of Susanna Mattises beauty, tenderness, and passion would occasionally flash through his dreams. But every time, those memories would be overshadowed by grotesque images of tree-like warts, blooming flowers, and slimy substances, extinguishing any desire within him. And now, that monster was making a comeback! I should make my way to glise Saint-Robert! Charlie took a few steps toward the exit with the tray in hand, then halted. He recalled that it was already late at night, and Avenue du March would undoubtedly have very few pedestrians at this hour. Such an environment posed greater danger than the bustling Salle de Bal Brise! Susanna Mattise always invades my dreams, or its in the dead of night when everyone is fast asleep. But here, in the dance hall, with so many eyes upon us, she surely wont dare to appear Once Ciel returns, Ill ask him to escort me to glise Saint-Robert Charlie withdrew his gaze from the door and decided to wait a little longer. The dance hall, teeming with various sounds and aromas, offered him a sense of security. 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches. Having wiped off his makeup, Lumian rapped on Francas door. Francas ponytail had come undone, allowing her flaxen hair to cascade naturally. However, instead of a nightgown, she sported a cotton two-piece pajama set. Donning summer slippers, she turned to admit Lumian into the room and asked in bewilderment, Are you here for some mystical knowledge tonight? Considering the short time they had been apartless than two hoursshe couldnt think of any other reason. After Franca closed the door, Lumian spoke with gravity,Somethings happening with Charlie. I suspect Susanna Mattise will make a reappearance within the next two days, possibly even tonight. So soon? Franca couldnt hide her surprise. She still hadnt relayed the issues with Susanna Mattise, Monsieur Ive, and Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons to 007! Lumian nodded. Although its hard to accept, all signs point to my guess being correct. Whats your plan? Franca wasted no time discussing the possibilities. Lumian shared his two courses of action with Franca but refrained from mentioning Mr. Ks finger. Franca regarded him with a smile. Youre remarkably composed. Didnt you tell me before that Susanna Mattise is suspected to be a Sequence 5 malevolent spirit? Even if we join forces, we might not be able to defeat her. Tsk, are you placing too much confidence in me, or perhaps too much confidence in yourself? Lumian smiled. Both. To have survived the calamity in Cordu, youre undoubtedly extraordinary. Franca sighed and glanced at the wall clock in the house. If we can make it through the night, there shouldnt be any issues. Ill inform the authorities swiftly through my connections. Wait for me in the living room. She retreated into her master bedroom and busied herself with something. Lumian settled on the sofa and directed his gaze at the cuckoo wall clock beside him, silently ticking away the minutes. Nearly half an hour elapsed before Franca emerged from her room. She had changed into a black robe adorned with leather armor and a hood. Its settled. Theyll likely launch the operation tomorrow, she informed Lumian, then inquired, Arent you concerned that Charlie might encounter trouble on his way to glise Saint-Robert? Even ordinary people can stumble upon malevolent spirits along the roadside in the dead of night. glise Saint-Robert served as the primary cathedral of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church in Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, near the Suhit steam locomotive station. The attached cemetery had once occupied the space now occupied by Salle de Bal Brise. Lumian had already considered this. I plan to discreetly follow him to the cathedral after Salle de Bal Brise closes. Ill accompany you. Franca furrowed her brow and scrutinized Lumian. Wont Charlie be at risk in the dance hall? Some evil spirits pay no heed to the presence of others or their numbers. Given that Susanna Mattises previous appearances hadnt affected anyone else, Lumian subconsciously believed that she would avoid crowded places. The dance hall was far more crowded than the motel. Jolted by Francas reminder, he exclaimed in a deep voice, Lets hurry back to the dance hall! Chapter 209 - 209 Bad Luck 209 Bad Luck Salle de Bal Brise. Lumian scanned the dim-lit dance hall, searching for Charlie, but to no avail. His heart sank. Hastily, he motioned for Louis and Sarkota to come closer. Whats the matter, Boss? Louis asked, his voice filled with anxiety. He assumed that Lumian was dissatisfied with the current state of affairs in the dance hall. Lumians eyes wandered across the waiters, all dressed in vests and bow ties. He casually inquired, Wheres Charlie? I need to discuss something with him. Louiss eyes widened in shock. Boss, didnt Charlie follow you out just now? Charlie followed me? Lumians pupils contracted, as if he had been struck by a sudden burst of light. He asked in a deep voice, When? Louis pondered for a moment, confusion evident on his face as he looked at Lumian. Less than five minutes ago. Lumians gaze shifted to Sarkota, his taciturn and reliable subordinate, who also appeared puzzled. Five minutes ago? Ive been at Rue des Blouses Blanches for over half an hour. Moreover, the last time I left the dance hall, I was disguised as a drunkard. Theres no way Charlie could have left with me Lumian swiftly dismissed the possibility of Charlie leaving the dance hall with him unnoticed. The situation was growing increasingly bizarre! Considering Charlies black ill-fated luck, tinged with crimson red, the probability of him encountering danger was almost 100%! Suppressing the myriad of thoughts racing through his mind, Lumian said to Louis and Sarkota, Perhaps someone is impersonating me, but Im unsure why they would be searching for Charlie. Impossible Louis blurted out. A few minutes ago, he and Sarkota had greeted the boss. It couldnt have been a fake! Before Louis could finish his thought, Lumian shot him a cold glare. Immediately, Louis changed his tune and stammered, Maybe, maybe its a fake. Lumian didnt dwell on the question and inquired, Did Charlie change his clothes when he left the ballroom? According to the rules of Salle de Bal Brise, every waiter, bartender, chef, and kitchen helper had two sets of uniforms. However, they were not allowed to take them outside of the dance hall; they could only be kept in the changing room on the first floor. This was due to the cultural environment in the market district. Bartenders and waiters were prone to bankruptcy caused by gambling, alcoholism, illness, and other issues. If they were allowed to take their uniforms home, they would surely pawn them for cash before disappearing. They wouldnt care if Salle de Bal Brise was owned by the mob. Similarly, in Triers inexpensive cafs frequented by scavengers, laborers, tramps, and low-level workers, tin utensils and iron chains were used to secure them to the tables. This ensured only a limited range of movement for the customers, preventing them from secretly taking the utensils and selling them. The more upscale cafs had their own set of troubles. In order to maintain an air of sophistication, they preferred using silver or porcelain utensils. Consequently, the boss had to painstakingly count the utensils after closing each day to check for any missing ones. The waiters were repeatedly instructed to be vigilant about such matters. He had intended to prevent Charlie from leaving the dance hall in a waiters attire, but since Charlie had already departed with the boss, he wisely kept his mouth shut. Most of the dance halls rules applied to waiters, dancers, bartenders, chefs, bouncers, cleaners, and even managers. The boss was exempt from such restrictions! Lumian nodded slightly and calmly said, You guys carry on with your tasks. With that, he made his way toward the changing room near the kitchen. He suspected that Charlies disappearance had something to do with Susanna Mattise! The small changing room was empty. Lumian glanced around and spotted the locker labeled with Charlies name. Franca, donned in a black robe and hood, materialized beside Lumian and praised, You acted swiftly. You knew to seek out a divination medium for me. Im not a fool, Lumian simply replied. He retrieved a piece of wire he always carried and manipulated it a few times before opening Charlies locker where his clothes were kept. Franca pondered for a couple of seconds before reaching for Charlies linen shirt. She then used a broom that was leaning against the wall outside the changing room to conduct the divination. Charlies current whereabouts Charlies current whereabouts Franca held Charlies clothes in her left hand and pressed her right hand against the top of the broom, murmuring to herself. Eventually, she released her right hand, but the broom remained motionless. It stood as still as if someone were still holding it. After a few seconds, it crashed to the ground with a thud. Was it interfered with? Lumian probed. Franca slowly shook her head. Doesnt appear so She swiftly walked over to the full-length mirror in the changing room and stroked its surface a few times. Holding Charlies clothes, she commenced another round of divination. After a few seconds, the mirror darkened, as if reflecting the darkness itself. In the next moment, two figures materialized, moving in a hazy yellowish light. One of them vaguely resembled Charlie, dressed as a waiter, while the other bore a resemblance to Lumian from behind. Apart from that, they couldnt discern any further details. Franca scrutinized the vision for a few seconds before confidently deducing, Theyre underground! Thats why the previous divination couldnt provide a clear answer. A broom cant jump and stand on its head, can it? Lumian nodded and exited the changing room. He proceeded upstairs to retrieve a carbide lamp and any other useful items he might need later. Then, he swiftly left the dance hall. He already had a rough idea! Witnessing the scene, Franca retrieved a glimmering powder from her pocket and combined it with an incantation to conceal herself from view. On Avenue du March, bathed in the eerie glow of the crimson moonlight and gas street lamps, Lumian hastened his pace, scouring the area for any trace or clue. His destination was the entrance to the underground located in the middle of Avenue du March. Suddenly, amidst the encompassing darkness, Lumian abruptly halted. He observed that the grills in the drainage ditch had been displaced, and there were disheveled footprints along the roadside. Near the height of an average persons head, there were signs of impact. Franca revealed herself once more and reconstructed the sequence of events. It seems like he slipped and stumbled while trying to maintain his balance along the gutter. Eventually, he collided with a street lamp There should have been blood, but it was cleaned up Perplexed, she muttered to herself, It bears a resemblance to the unlucky incident I witnessed earlier today At that moment, Franca experienced a sudden realization. Could that unlucky imposter, Ive, be the one who took Charlie? Lumian had long harbored suspicions, but now he was even more convinced. If he can masquerade as Monsieur Ive, it follows that he can also assume my identity. This ability is quite remarkable At that instant, all the pieces of the puzzle fell into place within Lumians mind. Susanna Mattise was on the verge of recovering, yet she remained concerned about the official Beyonders continued surveillance of Charlie. Thus, she enlisted the fake Monsieur Ive to pose as Ciel and discreetly escort Charlie underground, making it appear like an ordinary occurrence. Once they reached Underground Trier, it would prove challenging for the official Beyonders to locate them. If they lingered any longer, even divination might be thwarted! Evading the official Beyonders during their initial investigation would require impressive skills, Franca responded. Foregoing her invisibility, she trailed Lumian to the entrance of underground Trier in the middle of Avenue du March. As the yellowish-blue light from the carbide lamp illuminated the staircase below, Lumian noticed two sets of footprints. One set was familiarit belonged to Charlie. Examining the footprints, it was evident that Charlie was apprehensive about descending into the underground in the dead of night. He treaded cautiously, yet ultimately chose to place his trust in Ciel. For the time being, there were no signs of him being restrained. Idiot Lumian cursed under his breath. It was understandable that he couldnt discern the deception. After all, one was a Beyonder, while the other was an ordinary individual. Nevertheless, they had walked together for quite a distance. Didnt he sense anything awry during their conversation? Is it truly so effortless to impersonate me, Lumian Lee? Thankfully, we have these footprints, Franca sighed with relief. The simplified dowsing rod divination proved challenging to utilize underground. While it might point in the right direction, there might not be a viable path to follow. It often necessitated lengthy detours, increasing the risk of losing their way in the labyrinthine darkness. The Witch had not brought any tools to illuminate their path. It was unclear whether she was confident in her ability to remain with Lumian or if she simply disregarded the hindrance of darkness on her vision. Lumian held the carbide lamp and ascended the stairs, reaching the level where the street and square names were indicated. He moved swiftly, sometimes choosing a direction before Franca could discern the footprints. Soon enough, they discovered Charlie and the imposter Ives footprints once again. Franca felt perplexed. After a brief pause, she couldnt help but inquire, It seems you know where the imposter Ive is headed? After that pervert knocked Jenna unconscious, he followed the same path, Lumian calmly replied. This was the route familiar to those individuals, a route that evoked a sense of security. Moreover, it was likely that the imposter Ive was leading Charlie to Susanna Mattise. Susanna might very well be waiting at the end of this path! Franca refrained from further comment. She utilized the shroud of darkness to partially conceal herself. At times, she scouted ahead, while at others, she watched Lumians back and flanks. After several minutes of walking, Lumian and Franca came to a halt. The area displayed signs of partial collapse. Debris littered the vicinity, and the trails meandered in disarray. Eventually, they led to a small cavity obstructed by rubble. The target encountered a minor cave-in and became trapped? Franca whispered with a hiss. Is this not excessively unlucky? Her gaze then shifted to Lumian. Where did you acquire that unlucky charm? Its efficacy seems way too potent. Ill procure one for you the next time I come across such misfortune, Lumian responded, uncertain if he would encounter another individual as luckless as the tramp. As soon as he finished speaking, gravel cascaded from the heap of stones barricading the cave entrance, clattering upon the ground. In a short while, a passageway was cleared, and a figure emerged cautiously. With golden-black hair and brilliant light-blue eyes, he possessed a striking handsomenessyet another Lumian. Chapter 210 - 210 Performance 210 Performance Upon glimpsing the two figures lurking in the shadows, the impostor Ive was taken aback. He raised his right hand and pointed accusingly at Lumian, his voice filled with inquiry. Who are you? Why are you pretending to be me? As he berated, he hastened his pace, pulling himself out of the tunnel and leaping onto level ground. In the past, Lumian would have charged forward, ready for close combat or drawing his revolver to unleash a barrage of bullets at his foe. He would have granted no opportunity for words. But this time, for some inexplicable reason, he yearned to put on a show. He desired to witness the other partys abilities before seizing the perfect moment to display his own. Without an adversary, there would be no performance! Franca shared the same sentiment. She eagerly longed to stand in for Lumian, refraining from an immediate attack. Behind the impostor Ive stood Charlie, disguised as a waiter. As he crawled through the debris, he caught sight of a figure beneath the dual glow of a carbide lamp and a lantern. He froze in shock at the confrontation between the two Ciels. For a moment, it felt as though he was trapped in a dream. He couldnt discern who was genuine and who was counterfeit, who aimed to harm him, and who sought to aid him. The only certainty he held was that danger loomed over him once more! The impostor Ive assessed Lumian and turned to Franca, his voice laced with anxiety and anger. Wake up! Youve been deceived by this impostor! When have I ever worn such attire? After Lumian warned Charlie, he wiped away his makeup but made no change to his clothing. He still sported an unusual combination of a simple formal top and cargo pants. In comparison, the impostor Ives white shirt, black vest, brown pants, and laceless leather boots seemed more in line with his usual style. Franca couldnt resist putting on a performance. Is that so? Then enlighten me, what is my code name? The impostor Ive asked in exasperation and amusement, Madame Red Boots, have you forgotten your moniker? Franca couldnt help but chuckle. She took a couple of steps backward, blending into the shadows at the periphery of the carbide lamps illumination. The underground, where darkness held sway, was an ideal setting for Demoness combat! As the fake Ive beheld the scene, a sense of unease swelled within his heart. He knew all too well that his attempt to masquerade as the genuine article had likely been exposed, leaving him unable to maintain his charade. Instantly, he altered his approach. Discarding the lantern, he lifted his gaze to meet Lumians, his countenance growing frigidly cold. The corners of his mouth curled into a chilling smirk. I cant decide whether to pity or congratulate you for seeing through my guise, but this definitely isnt advantageous for you. With lantern in hand, the fake Ives aura surged, transforming into a fearsome volcano teetering on the brink of eruption. Quivering, he lowered his head, unable to meet the others gaze directly. However, his longing to perform and his unwavering resolve compelled him to raise his head, struggling to fix his gaze upon the fake Ives face. Simultaneously, the darkness beyond the light seemed cloaked in an eerie green glow. Vines and branches sprouted from the abyss, entwining the ceiling and rocky walls. Franca, concealed within the shadows, succumbed to intimidation in the face of the fake Ives aura, rendering her unable to maintain her abilities. Her form materialized less than two meters away from the impostor. Meanwhile, Charlie, still sprawled within the passageway, trembled even more violently. He buried his face in the gravel and earth, his mind blank. With a disdainful glance toward Lumian and Franca, the fake Ive spoke. You dare to pursue me, utterly ignorant? The only fortunate aspect is your considerable attractiveness. I find it hard to dispose of you outright. His words entered Lumian and Francas ears, instilling them with fear, compelling them to turn and flee. This sensation prompted Lumian to realize something profound. A demigod! The fake Ive was a demigod, possessing godhood! Gritting his teeth and summoning his courage, Lumian delved into his pocket, hopeful that Mr. Ks finger could serve as a temporary deterrent, buying him and Franca an opportunity to escape the Underground Trier. So what if youre a demigod? Ive encountered demigods before. Fear wont break my spirit or halt my resistance! Just as Lumians right palm was poised to make contact with Mr. Ks finger, and Franca was on the verge of fleeing, unable to contain herself, a cracking noise resounded from above. A rock the size of a fist descended, mirroring the former descent of its brethren, hurtling toward the fake Ive, who had been arrogantly observing Lumian and Francas reactions. Caught off guard, the impostor Ive managed only to lower his head, barely evading the projectile. The gravel struck his left shoulder, fracturing bone and causing the flesh to sink inward. He emitted a brief cry, nearly toppling to the ground. This unexpected turn of events dispersed the menacing aura and godlike presence, leaving behind a scant few turquoise vines and brownish-green branches as testament to the recent occurrence. Snapping out of his shock, Lumian, driven by his desire to perform and seizing the opportunity to provoke, discarded the carbide lamp, clutched his stomach, and erupted in laughter. A fake? Is everything about you nothing but fake? Dont tell me that thing of yours is a mere piece of wood? The fake Ive, who had just recovered from the pain, was overcome with emotion. His gaze fixated upon Lumian, his eyes tinged with an otherworldly green hue. Unbeknownst to him, Franca had already sprinkled herself with fluorescent powder, vanishing into thin air with a hushed whisper. In the blink of an eye, Lumian found himself consumed by an intense yearning for the pleasures of the opposite sex. If Franca hadnt rendered herself invisible, he would have been utterly powerless against the impulse. However, he wasnt entirely bereft of reason. It was just that his actions had become burdensome, both physically and mentally. Struggling, Lumian extracted the revolver from its holster, endeavoring to take aim at the fake Ive. In his current state, he inexplicably found the others visage profoundly alluring. Bang! Lumian squeezed the trigger, but his shot missed the impostor Ive. Fury ignited within the fake Ives eyes. With agile grace, he closed in on his target, his hand rising to deliver a resounding slap across Lumians face. Instantly, his appearance underwent a subtle alteration, as if he possessed limited control over his image. He softened Lumians masculine features, lending them a touch of femininity. Lumian gasped for breath, his finger squeezing the trigger once more. A tumultuous surge of desire threatened to consume him. He yearned to embrace the female rendition of the fake Ive and indulge in unspeakable acts. Amidst the maelstrom of his intense emotions, he instinctively recalled the words of the psychiatrist, Madam Susie, and promptly began taking deep, steadying breaths. Bang! Lumian found a measure of tranquility, successfully discharging another shot from the revolver. The fake Ive hadnt anticipated the unwavering fortitude of his adversary, who managed to retain his sanity. Narrowly evading the bullet that grazed his arm, rending his garments and scorching his flesh, he couldnt suppress a pained grunt. In that moment, Lumian, warily mindful of the opponents abilities, ceased his pretense, seizing the opportunity to grip the ritual silver dagger and plunge it into his own ribs, refraining from extracting it. The pain jolted his senses, quelling much of his desire. Likewise, the fake Ive shook off the lingering effects of Provocation, regaining a measure of clarity. He understood that the current circumstances were ill-suited for an extended confrontation. Swiftly producing a golden coin, he hurled it toward the crevice obstructed by debris. Lumian, overcome by an uncontrollable avarice, lunged toward the gleaming coin with the ritual silver dagger, eager to claim it as his own. Seizing the opportunity, the fake Ive sprinted deeper into the underground, displaying swiftness surpassing that of ordinary mortals. Suddenly, his feet skidded, and a slick swoosh echoed through the air. Unbeknownst to him, the path had been encased in a layer of frost! Struggling to regain his footing, the fake Ive endeavored to restore his balance. However, in that very moment, a towering figure clad in a black robe and hood materialized behind him. With a swift motion, Franca extended her right hand, revealing a hidden blade enveloped in black flames. She aimed to plunge it into the fake Ives back, employing the full force of an Assassins strike. With a pfft, despite the fake Ives best efforts to evade and rely on some kind of performance to toughen his skin and muscles like stone, the blade managed to pierce his body. His eyes widened, and he twisted his body forcefully, capturing a glimpse of Franca through his ghostly green gaze. Having successfully executed her attack, Franca intended to take a step back and utilize the shadows to create distance before triggering the detonation of the black flames coursing within the targets body. However, her limbs suddenly grew weak, and she bent over. She clenched her legs together, a watery light flickering in her eyes resembling a serene lake. Having anticipated the deep connection between the fake Ive she was tailing and the deviant Hedsey, Franca was prepared for the current circumstances. Without hesitation, she reached into her concealed pocket, aiming to retrieve the smelling salts she had acquired earlier. Bang! Bang! Bang! Lumian, having secured the golden coin, discharged three shots at the severely wounded fake Ive. Desperately attempting to evade, the fake Ives precarious footing on the icy surface undermined his ability to maintain even basic balance. Eventually, he plummeted to the ground with a resounding thud, one of the bullets piercing his abdomen. With a chance to catch her breath, Franca inhaled the scent of the salts, the invigorating aroma jolting her senses awake. Suppressing her desires, she clenched her left hand. Black flames erupted from the fake Ives body, devouring his soul and eliciting a mournful cry. Lumian aimed once more and pulled the trigger. The final bullet erupted forth, instantaneously puncturing the fake Ives forehead. With a deafening bang, the fake Ives head split open, spilling forth crimson and white. Observing Franca bend over once again, Lumian hurriedly made his way to her side, circling around the frost-covered area. Franca raised her gaze, her eyes moist as she softly gasped for air. Suddenly, she embraced Lumian, but her nostrils detected the presence of a metal canister with an open lid pressed against her nose. The indescribably potent scent compelled her to sneeze repeatedly, diminishing much of her desire. Dammit, this stuff is far more potent than smelling salts! Franca blurted out as soon as she regained consciousness. Lumian quickly took a sniff himself and let out a sneeze. Chapter 211 - 211 Spirit Channeling 211 Spirit Channeling While Lumian sneezed, Franca swiftly took two steps forward and crouched beside the fake Ives lifeless body. With a delicate grip, she extinguished the flickering black flames that still clung to it. Thank goodness it hasnt burned too far, or the soul would have dissipated, Franca breathed a sigh of relief, straightening up. She reached into her pocket and retrieved a handful of powder that resembled the pitch-blackness of night. Lumian stowed away the canister of stimulating gas and glanced at Franca, curiosity etched on his face. Are you planning to channel his spirit? In the recent battle, the fake Ive had displayed the strength of a Mid-Sequence Beyonder and wielded peculiar abilities. Lumian couldnt hold back, or the situation would have taken a perilous turn. Franca nodded subtly, responding, Indeed. Channeling a spirit now will yield significant results. And which entity do you intend to invoke? Lumian asked casually. Franca chuckled before answering, None. Ive merged the principles of Magic Mirror Divination and devised a spirit-summoning spell. While it may not rival the most professional methods, it suffices. Moreover, it wont attract the attention of deities from the corresponding domain. Youre quite clever, Lumian praised, his words laced with a hint of mockery. Exasperated yet amused, Franca retorted, Its called having an academic spirit. Weuh, your sisterhave conducted similar research and experiments. Usually, I cant be bothered to overthink things. Not because I lack intelligence, but because the burden of endless calculations is tiresome. The key to life is to remain relaxed and not get entangled in every intricate detail. Her gaze swept over Charlie, still sprawled amidst the rubble in the tunnel. Franca refrained from mentioning Gandalf, the president of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society. Is this why youve adapted so well after becoming a woman? Lumian observed Franca building a wall of spirituality in the vicinity as he approached Charlie. Witnessing Ciels approach, Charlie snapped out of his daze and crawled out of the debris on all fours. Lumian gazed at him, his expression devoid of emotion. What he was thinking was: Charlie has just witnessed the battle between Franca, me, and the imposter Ive. If he seeks refuge at the Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral, theres a high probability that he wont be able to conceal it when questioned by official Beyonders utilizing their powers. This situation differs from the previous one, where the official Beyonders believed everything was under their control. They were prone to carelessness and had blind spots in their minds Charlies initial elation waned as Lumian continued to scrutinize him in silence. His heart began pounding like a jazz bands drumbeat. Fear and confusion evident in his voice, Charlie finally mustered the courage to ask, Whats the matter? Lumian observed that Charlies luck remained a blend of red and black, although it had slightly improved since before. This indicated that Susanna Mattises threat had not been completely resolved. He fell silent for a few seconds before speaking up, Remember to head to glise Saint-Robert later. Having already contacted Madame Pualis, Lumian no longer needed to stay at Le March du Quartier du Gentleman or manage Salle de Bal Brise. As long as he remained with the Savoie Mob, he still had a chance to fulfill Mr. Ks mission. Furthermore, Franca was now involved. With her vouching for him while in the Bosss good graces, Lumian could be assigned other profitable ventures even without Salle de Bal Brise. However, the earnings might not be as substantial. Alright, alright! Charlie heaved a sigh of relief. Having experienced many things, Charlie possessed an open-minded personality. He belonged to the kind of people who grew more excited as the number of individuals increased. Soon enough, his curiosity got the better of him. Pointing at the lifeless imposter Ive lying on the ground, he asked, Whos that? Why does he look exactly like you Before Charlie could finish his question, he paused. As the fake Ive met his demise, the facial muscles relaxed, no longer resembling Ciel. The corpse appeared unfamiliar. Thats someone who believed in an evil god and gained strange powers, Lumian explained simply, tailoring his response to Charlies comprehension. He has a certain connection to Susanna Mattise. Charlie felt a lingering fear. No wonder he kept leading me underground Unable to hold back, Lumian cursed, You imbecile! Youve been with him for so long, and yet you didnt sense anything was off about him? Does having my face mean hes me? Charlie replied sheepishly, When I entered Underground Trier, I sensed something was wrong. He was very quiet. He only mentioned taking me underground to completely resolve the Susanna Mattise problem. Hes not like you, always cracking jokes and teasing. I thought it was because the situation was urgent and you werent in the mood Lumian sighed and shifted his gaze to Franca, realizing that Charlie, being an ordinary person, couldnt see through the Beyonder disguise that could fool even official Beyonders, no matter how astute he was. The Witch had finished preparing for her own spirit-channeling spell. Standing before the fake Ives lifeless body, she held two white candles and chanted a series of incantations in Hermes. Due to the wall of spirituality, Lumian could only catch fragments of the chant. Franca described herself and the imposter Ive, with the former being the source of spirituality and the foundation for maintaining the ritual, and the latter being the object of prayerthe Magic Mirror that provided answers to questions. As for Charlie, he heard even less and couldnt make sense of it all. A faint light emerged on the makeup mirror in Francas hand, and its interior turned into an abyss of deep darkness, as if it had sunk to the rivers depths. A hazy, pale-white face swiftly appeared in the mirror, bearing a resemblance of 50 to 60% to the deceased fake Ive. Switching to Intis, Franca inquired, Who are you and which organization do you belong to? The imposter Ive, replied in a dazed manner, Rentas, a member of the Bliss Society. Rentas Lumian suddenly recalled the name. The word Rentas often appeared on the posters outside Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. He was a prominent male supporting actor. Franca pressed on with her questioning, What kind of organization is the Bliss Society? And how is it connected to Susanna Mattise? The imposter Ive, Rentas, spoke with an otherworldly voice, The Bliss Society was originally a secret society for women who love women. Susanna was one of them. She grew weary of being involved with members of parliament, high-ranking officials, bankers, newspaper moguls, and other men. She sought solace among fellow ladies and madams who shared her love for women. Eventually, she received divine enlightenment and a boon, becoming a priestess of my lord. She transformed the small Bliss Society into a secret organization that worships my lord. In todays society, its inconvenient for women to be openly involved in many affairs. Therefore, the Bliss Society has admitted some male members who can also receive boons, but they lack the privilege to partake in core matters or possess knowledge of the most confidential aspects. Remarkable! Franca applauded. She knew that Rentas was referring to the evil god known as the Mother Tree of Desire. Delving into such matters made her apprehensive, fearing that she might stumble upon mystical knowledge she shouldnt acquire. A secret society for women who love women Male members excluded from core matters Lumian suddenly grasped something. He stood by the wall of spirituality and gazed at the makeup mirror in Francas hand. So, Hedsey frequently seeks out street girls and hunts for prey because his desires cannot be fulfilled within the Bliss Society? Yes, Rentas replied. Women love women exclusively. When I was a Sex Addict, I had to satisfy my desires on my own. Fortunately, I was more attractive than him and had female audience members who admired me. There were plenty of street girls in the market district, so I didnt need to take the risk of pursuing excitement. Thats lit! Franca expressed her feelings with peculiar words. She clicked her tongue and sighed. Isnt there a regular secret group for women who love women? Yes, Rentas firmly responded. To my knowledge, theres the Moment Society and the Narcissus Society. They often organize women orgies at Trocadros Red House Caf. We have been attempting to establish contact with them and convert them into believers of my lord[1]. Trocadro was situated in Quartier 16 on the north bank of the Srenzo River, in the square district. Known as the Triumph Square established by Emperor Roselle, it was a small town surrounded by a vast suburban forest. It was renowned for its exceptional wine production. Trocadro Wine stood second only to Aurmir red wine in the world. Fascinated, Franca listened and repeated the terms, Trocadro Red House Caf Women orgies Lumian couldnt help but feel more concerned about the term Sex Addict. It seemed to perfectly suit the twisted state of Hedsey. It likely corresponded to Sequence 8 of the Mother Tree of Desire pathway. However, he feared that time was running out for the spirit channeling, so he didnt rush to delve into the matter. Instead, he redirected his focus to Susanna Mattise. How did Susanna Mattise transform into an evil spirit? And why did you bring Charlie underground? Rentass pale-white face contorted in distortion. She died while receiving a boon and transformed into an evil spirit. She told us that because her name was still on the lips of many Trieriens and her portrait was used by numerous men to satisfy themselves, she didnt completely dissipate. She retained a certain level of rationality, albeit warped. She became more consumed by her own affairs, neglecting all else. She was gravely injured by official Beyonders during her last encounter and spent time recuperating at the altar. We were worried that once she fully recovered, she would seek out Charlie and attract the attention of the authorities. So, we took advantage of the election and brought Charlie to the altar in advance, handing him over to her for handling. Charlie had already moved to Lumians side. His face turned ashen as he listened, feeling as if he had stepped into the depths of hell. Franca nodded subtly and spoke, Where is this altar? How much time until Susanna Mattise fully recovers? The altar The surface of the makeup mirror revealed a fading blurry face, unveiling an underground tunnel. The tunnel stretched endlessly, branching off in multiple directions before leading to a small quarry cave engulfed by vines and branches. There, a colossal brownish-green tree stump emerged abruptly from the ground. Its form consisted of thick branches, with roots originating from an unknown place. As the image of the tree stump grew clearer, Franca hastily interrupted the manifestation, fearing any potential disturbances. Rentas continued, Susanna will regain her full strength in two days and depart from the altar. [1] Such things did exist in the real world during that era. Parisians were experts in this regard. For further details, refer to Histoire insolite des cafs parisiens. Chapter 212 - 212 Actor 212 Actor Franca carefully calculated the time and inquired with meticulous detail, What perils lie at the altar? How much progress has Susanna Mattise made in her recovery today? Upon hearing Francas question, Lumian made a rough conjecture about her thoughts. If it was possible, they could seize the opportunity to destroy the altar and eliminate Susanna Mattise, who was now weakened, once and for all! Before departing from Salle de Bal Brise to track down the imposter Ive, Lumian had contemplated a similar issue. Since Rentas had taken Charlie underground, he believed their destination was Susanna Mattises hiding place. Consequently, when he retrieved the carbide lamp, he also retrieved a few bundles of detonators from the safe, hoping to utilize the unique environment to blast those intruders to their demise. Rentass hazy, pale face took on a hint of sanctity. The altar is the altar. Only the light of my lord exists. There is no danger. Lumian muttered to himself, standing by the wall of spirituality, By stating it that way, it only heightens the danger. Rentas continued, I do not know the exact condition of Susanna. All I know is that two weeks ago, we could not see her, but she would occasionally make sounds. Last week, she could communicate with us normally, and we could perceive her when we activated our Spirit Visions. Today, she remains the same as before, but she appears extremely feeble. Based on Rentass account, Lumian made a preliminary estimation. Susanna, who was originally a Fallen Tree Spirit equivalent to Sequence 5, is now nearing Sequence 6? If Susanna had not been hiding at the Mother Tree of Desires altar, Lumian would have considered it worth the risk. Franca pondered for a moment and spoke, Do you typically offer prayers at the altar and receive boons? Yes, Rentas replied with a nostalgic tone. Susanna is our priestess. She enables us to experience the Lords love for the world and unveils everyones true desires, allowing us to truly understand ourselves. Upon hearing this, Franca decided to forego further inquiries and seek the truth in the details. Is the altar usually protected? Susanna is always there, Rentass blurred, pale face swayed gently in the mirror. Franca gazed at the makeup mirror in her hand and queried, Was the altar under anyones protection during the two weeks that Susanna was severely injured? Rentass spirit responded truthfully, No. Franca couldnt help but turn her head and glance at Lumian. She realized that he too appeared disappointed and regretful. From Rentass answer, they both discerned a crucial fact: the altar possessed a concealed and formidable protective mechanism! Otherwise, regardless of its underground concealment and the difficulties in locating it, they would need to consider guarding against bounty hunters or cave adventurers fond of searching for treasure in Underground Trier. Simultaneously, they would have to be cautious of smugglers who might have temporarily altered their routes or wandering university students. Franca let out a sigh, deciding that it would be best to leave the altar and Susanna Mattise in the hands of the authorities. Franca shifted her focus and inquired about something else. How many members are there in the Bliss Society at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons? Not many, Rentass blurry face with flickering dark green eyes responded. But I only know a few. Ive, Hedsey, and I report to Maip Meyer. He is the theater manager and represents Susanna in the core affairs of the Bliss Society since she became an evil spirit. Why choose a man? Isnt it believed that women only love women? It would be easier to communicate with the other core members of the Bliss Society if it were a woman, Franca objected. Are you certain theres no hidden significance in this conversation? Lumian sensed Madame Hidden Blades curiosity piqued. Rentass voice drifted as he replied, Maip Meyer used to be Susannas lover. Franca clicked her tongue and sighed. So, we have the high priestess going against the principles of the organization, loving both men and women. As she spoke, she cast a glance at Charlie, who appeared bewildered and terrified. Rentas didnt shy away from revealing the truth about Maip Meyer. Before Susanna joined the Bliss Society, they were lovers. Furthermore, he was the only one who could make Susanna feel at ease and relaxed. After her divine awakening and embracing her faith in my lord, she transformed the Bliss Society and recruited Maip Meyer. However, their intimate relationship ceased. When she became an evil spirit, she no longer limited her affections to women and resumed her connection with Maip Meyer. Meanwhile, she sought out other targets, infiltrating their dreams and draining their energy. She would fall in love with them before killing them. Charlies face grew paler with each passing word, as if he had fallen into an inescapable nightmare that would only end in death. Franca, who had seriously contemplated having her lover Gardner bear her child, commented, This is all rather twisted. She then smiled and remarked, Does Maip Meyer enjoy wearing green hats? No, he now exclusively wears a black top hat. He even meticulously grooms the tips of his beard, Rentas dismissed Francas speculation. Lumian recalled the mention of a womans death in Aunett Town during Mr. Ks Gathering. If Maip Meyer receives a boon and becomes a male Fallen Tree Spirit, could he enter womens dreams and induce erotic fantasies to drain their energy, gradually weakening them until they perish? The Bliss Society consists of women as its core members, emphasizing that they only love women. It is unlikely for male members to attain such high levels of power. Those incidents are not a result of the Bliss Society, but they too believe in the Mother Tree of Desire? Or could it be due to women loving women? Franca pressed on with her questioning. Why dont you even know the number of members in the Bliss Society at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons? So, other than Susanna, there are no female members among the Bliss Society members youre familiar with? Rentass pale, blurry face seemed to contort. Only Maip Meyer interacts with the female members. While Im uncertain about the current status of female members at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, I can speculate on who they were in the past. How? Franca inquired curiously. Rentas replied, Those who joined our theater started as supporting actresses. Through honing their acting skills, they eventually became the leading ladies before they left. They were the core members of the Bliss Society. The theater was established as a safe and dependable venue for them to fulfill their inner desires until they could gain initial control. Why must they act? Lumian recalled Rentass various performances. Rentas struggled for a moment before explaining, We were blessed with a boon equivalent to a Sequence 7 called Actor. This gift enables us to evoke a deep yearning for attention and a desire to perform in our targets. It also awakens our own hidden desire to showcase ourselves and perform. Before we fully master the power of this boon, we cannot restrain this impulse. Therefore, we require a proper stage to satiate our desires without arousing suspicion. Every applause from the audience is a validation for us. A peculiar Sequence Instead of immediately attacking Rentas, I confronted him. I failed to utilize the ritual silver dagger in time to suppress my explosive desires because unknowingly, my own desire to perform was awakened Lumian came to a realization. Franca clapped her hands, exclaiming, That explains it. No wonder I was so immersed in acting today! She smiled and inquired, Does your ability to disguise as Ive and Ciel also come from Actor? Rentass face nodded slightly. We can manipulate our muscles, skin, and bones to a certain extent. We possess all the necessary skills for disguise, including makeup techniques and prop production. Moreover, Actors have the talent for imitation. They can convincingly portray anything. If they act as an ordinary person, their Astral Projection will appear ordinary as well. If they portray a soldier, theyll display remarkable combat and marksmanship. What if they act as a woman? What about acting as a Beyonder? Franca and Lumian raised their questions. Finally, the two of them understood how the fake Ive could deceive official Beyonders and why the theater performers at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons excelled in their craft. Working with real Actors every day, it was no wonder their acting skills were top-notch. Rentass spirit spoke in a dazed manner, To portray a woman, you need to prepare props in advance, such as fake breasts and long hair. When acting as other Beyonders, if I have observed them beforehand, I can replicate their corresponding abilities, but they wont have tangible effects. They are more like illusions. However, if I were given the opportunity to closely observe and learn from a Beyonder over several months, I could perform similar but significantly weakened abilities. Impressive indeed Lumian sighed, then asked in a deep voice, Who were you impersonating when you emanated that powerful aura? None other than Susanna, as she connects with the altars aura while conducting the boon ritual. Rentas revealed a trace of piety and reverence. Franca and Lumian exchanged glances, grateful that they had abandoned the idea of heading to the altar to eliminate future troubles. Based on Rentass response, it appeared that when Susanna merged with the altar, she could exhibit power at a demigod level! Do Actors possess any other abilities? Franca inquired. Rentas shook his head. No. However, Maip Meyer once cautioned me against becoming too engrossed in my roles while acting. Lumian seized the opportunity to ask, What are the names of the other Sequences corresponding to Actor? Rentass voice took on a sinister tone. Sequence 9 Scrooge, Sequence 8 Sex Addict, Sequence 6 Recipient, and Sequence 5 Baby Cupid. Beyond that, I am unaware. Quite fitting Lumian, who was acquainted with the abilities of Scrooge and Sex Addict, questioned further, What does Recipient entail? It involves craving success and recognition from high society or the public, Rentas explained. Curiosity piqued, Franca asked, It seems that you Actors arent able to fully control your corresponding desires at every Sequence. At Sequence 5, wont your desires explode upon encountering anything? In truth, as they progress through the Sequences, individuals can gradually gain control over their corresponding desires, Rentas clarified. For Actors, their primary desire is acting. Their desires for wealth and the opposite sex are only slightly stronger than usual. They wont appear pathological or completely uncontrollable as a result. Lumian found himself perplexed. Then why were you so miserly when you portrayed Monsieur Ive? He chose to pick up a gold coin of unknown origin. Rentas responded naturally, Because the real Ive is like that. I must stay true to the role. Chapter 213 - 213 Correct Interpretation 213 Correct Interpretation Upon hearing Rentass response, Lumian found himself torn between laughter and rejoicing, grateful that he had achieved a satisfactory outcome through a mistaken train of thought. Originally, Lumian believed that Beyonders, like the imposter Ive, who worshiped the Mother Tree of Desire, would struggle to control their insatiable hunger and carnal desires. Thats why he decided to use a gold coin to carry the vagrants bad luck. To his surprise, the followers of the evil god were primarily influenced by their specific desires at different stages. Once they mastered the power or received a new boon, they could break free and progress to the next state. While their desires remained potent, they were no longer uncontrollable. In simpler terms, if Rentas hadnt been portraying Monsieur Ive and didnt feel the need to exhibit stinginess, there was a high probability that he wouldnt have picked up the ill-fated gold coin and would have approached the situation with greater caution. Of course, if Rentas hadnt been attuned to changes in fate and failed to detect the issue with the gold coin, he would likely have claimed it for himself once he realized its owner was long gone and wouldnt return. After all, he possessed a touch more greed than the average person, and as the saying goes, finders keepers in the hearts of a certain percentage of ordinary individuals. Lumian now grasped the full meaning behind Rentass words. Indeed, one mustnt become lost in the role when acting. However, Rentas was in the midst of acting, so scrutinizing the details was not a concern for him. Otherwise, it would have been easy for others to discover his true identity as the impostor Ive Franca sensed that the spirit channeling was coming to an end and hurriedly asked, Who are the suspected core members of the Bliss Society? Rentass pale, indistinct face twitched. Even if I were to tell you, you wouldnt find them. They joined Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons after receiving boons and becoming actresses. They adopted false names and concealed their true faces. Once their acting skills reached maturity and they gained control over their corresponding desires, they would reclaim their real identities upon leaving the theater. If you wish to uncover their assumed identities, gather a list of all the female leads in Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons plays from the past two years. Look for those who performed most frequently. At the mention of the female lead at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, Lumians mind recalled a name. Could Charlotte Calvino be one of the core members of the Bliss Society? She played the lead in the play Forest Fairy. The costumes in the promotional stills evoked memories of Susanna Mattise. Rentass face grew increasingly elusive, and his voice became more ethereal. I dont know. She rose through the ranks as an apprentice actress and only recently started taking the lead roles in the past few months. Shes not an outsider, but Maip Meyer might promote her to a member of the Bliss Society. Franca was about to inquire about Maip Meyers corresponding stages and abilities when Rentass spirit, consumed by black flames, could no longer hold on and dissipated upon the surface of the makeup mirror. With a tinge of regret, Franca concluded the ritual and dismissed the wall of spirituality. As she squatted beside Rentass lifeless body, rummaging through his pockets, she let out a sigh and remarked, I didnt manage to get to Maip Meyer. Forget it, Ill leave it to the authorities to handle it. Lumian paused, pondering her question. Ive heard from a playwright that Maip Meyer is highly ambitious. He aims to make Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons the most renowned theater in Trier and receive the prestigious Intis Legion of Honor medal. Desire for success and recognition? Franca recalled Rentass depiction of a Sequence 6 recipient. I suppose thats the limit for male members of the Bliss Society? Franca had already collected a stack of items. Two metal canisters, a leather wallet, a peculiar dough that conformed to facial contours, thin skin-like pieces, eyebrow pencils, and various makeup tools Give it a sniff. Franca tossed the two metal canisters to Lumian. Lumian distinguished them for a moment before responding, One canister contains the scent you just experienced, and the other should hold a matching sedative. They appeared to be essential items for followers of the Mother Tree of Desire when venturing outside. Mysticism-branded smelling salts? Franca mused, then added, You can keep whats left of the canister you have. This is mine. Ill give you the sedative. Choose from these disguises and take the money from the wallet. Anything you dont want, Ill keep. Bloody hell, this pauper doesnt even possess materials, talismans, or weapons, let alone Beyonder characteristics or mystical items! The sedative and mysticism smelling salts will prove useful, Lumian, who had only obtained Beyonder abilities from Hammer Ait, didnt show much concern. Franca didnt overlook any part of Rentass bodyincluding his crotch and solesyet she found nothing more. She withdrew a folded cloth bag and opened it, carefully stashing away the collection from the ground. Then, she addressed Lumian, Well divide this once we return. With that, she rose to her feet and glanced at the frightened Charlie. She muttered to herself thoughtfully, He witnessed our clash with Rentas. What should we do? Charlies legs trembled, and as he leaned toward Lumian, he gritted his teeth and proclaimed, I-I wont betray you! Without waiting for Lumians response, Franca let out a sigh and declared, Forget it. Well leave it to the official Beyonders. She deliberately introduced the topic before promptly reaching a conclusion. Lumian, finally freed from the grip of his acting impulses, regained his composure and rationality. After careful consideration, he suggested, I have alternative solutions. Charlie doesnt need to seek refuge at glise Saint-Robert, nor does he need to worry about Susanna Mattise finding him. He thought of his Luck Transference Spell! Before, he refrained from using it as Susanna Mattise had yet to bother Charlie. There was no corresponding fate to alter. But now, Susanna Mattise was on the path to recovery, and Charlie was her primary target. His luck had taken a turn, and a life-threatening calamity loomed. His luck had indeed changed! When the moment arrived, Lumian would gift the gold coin carrying the weight of the impending disaster to the real Ive, allowing them to face it on their own. Naturally, this differed from the Substitution Spell and Fallen Mercurys Fate Exchange. It only diverted bloodshed temporarily. In other words, Charlie wouldnt be in Susanna Mattises crosshairs for the next few days. However, in a few days time, unless Susanna Mattise was wholly purified or had lost her memories, this external threat would still remain. Nevertheless, the authorities would take action tomorrow, armed with sufficient intel! When Lumian realized that Charlies luck was in jeopardy, he refrained from intervening because he could only change Charlies luck, not his own. Susanna would undoubtedly target him as well, the adversary who had provoked Charlies betrayal. Therefore, he opted for the simplest approachto disguise himself and urge Charlie to seek refuge at the Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral, thus buying more time to guard against Susanna Mattise. They were now certain that Susanna had two days left to recuperate. Really? Charlies eyes brightened. Lumian smiled and inquired, Do you trust me or not? Charlie stammered, I-I believe you! I believe you! You just like to tease people about trivial matters. Curiosity piqued, Franca asked, What way? A method you shouldnt be aware of Lumian silently muttered, contemplating the specifics. If I wish to alter Charlies current luck, mere prayers wont suffice. I must harness the power sealed within me Poor Charlie; Ill have to render him unconscious. I cant expose the corruption within me or the suspicion of seeking aid from an evil god Just as Lumian was about to instruct Charlie to accompany him and prepare for his temporary incapacitation, a thought flashed across his mind. Does utilizing the power within the seal constitute exploiting Termiboros? Should I write to Madam Magician and seek her opinion? Previously, the tramps ill fortune bore no relation to mysticism or Beyonder abilities. The ritual required minimal power. However, the support needed to resist a Sequence 5 evil spirit atop an evil gods altar would likely be several times greater than before What would occur then? Since Charlies luck changed, everything had become urgent. The timing was impeccable. It seemed as though an opportunity had emerged without allowing me a chance to weigh my options If I hadnt just corresponded with Madam Magician and received her reminder, I might have already altered Charlies luck Noticing Lumians motionless state, Franca inquired, Whats the matter? Shaking off his stupor, Lumian contemplated for a moment. I just realized that the method I had prepared seems to have significant flaws. Ah, Charlie uttered, a mixture of disappointment and concern. Franca ruminated for a few seconds before suggesting, I have an idea as well. Charlie wont head to glise Saint-Robert. Hell follow us to Rue des Blouses Blanches. As long as we survive the night, well be fine by tomorrow. Think about it. Our original plan was to confront Susanna Mattise, and she still has two days remaining at the altar. Even if we face an attack tonight, it will likely come from Maip Meyer and his lackeys. Even if he recruits other core members of the Bliss Society, as long as they are inferior to Susanna Mattise at the altar, we stand a good chance of holding out until dawn. If things dont go as planned, we can create a commotion and attract the attention of official Beyonders. We can escape from the market district amidst the chaos. This is the worst-case scenario. However, if Charlie goes to glise Saint-Robert, we must consider moving immediately. We could also become targets. Lumian pondered for a few moments and found the idea quite feasible. He nodded and stated, I have no objections. His gaze then fell upon Charlie, who eagerly replied, I dont have any issues either. Charlie held considerable confidence in Ciel and Franca. Lumian refocused his attention and observed Charlies luck. To his surprise, Charlies impending disaster had noticeably weakened and showed signs of improvement! What Charlies true misfortune lies in participating in the luck transference ritual? Did his fate change when I abandoned that notion? Although a bloody calamity still awaits, it appears less severe Bloody Termiboros! Lumian comprehended the situation in an instant and couldnt help but inwardly curse. Chapter 214 - 214 Encounter 214 Encounter After cursing Termiboros, Lumian caught sight of Franca securing the cloth bag with war spoils and fastening it to her person. A thought struck him, triggering a recollection of one of Scrooges abilities, and he reminded her, Arent you worried those Scrooges will track us down using lost possessions? He had previously informed Franca about the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, mentioning that the sinister cult possessed a peculiar knack for detecting the whereabouts of their lost belongings. In contrast to the perverted Hedsey, Rentas carried out his orders dutifully. If anything happened to him, he might possess something from Maip Meyer to determine his location and the saboteurs whereabouts. Franca scoffed dismissively. That ability surely has its limitations in terms of time and range. By the time the folks at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons realize Rentas is missing, it will prove exceedingly arduous for them to track us down. Besides, with Charlie here, they could find us if they truly desired. Whether we take these items or not, Charlie is akin to Susanna Mattises lost possessionno, her lost lover. Charlie stood dazed, bewildered by the conversation between Ciel and Red Boots. It wasnt until Franca mentioned his name that he grasped his situation somewhat. Sporting a bitter expression, he retorted, Were not lovers Franca consoled Charlie, though her sincerity remained questionable. Cant be helped. Shes convinced of it on her own accord, and shes strong enough. Persuaded by Francas argument, Lumian ceased dwelling on Scrooges abilities. He pulled out the ritual silver dagger and promptly tended to his wound. Bending down, he scooped up Rentass lifeless body and carried it to the debris-blocked hole, shoving it into the passage the Actor had previously dug. Charlie watched in horror, marveling at Ciels skills as a ruthless mob leader who had struck fear into the Poison Spur Mob. His attention then shifted to Rentass attireshirt, vest, pants, and boots. They seem relatively new. If they are stripped and pawned, I reckon they can fetch at least two verl dor Charlies mouth gapped, but he refrained from voicing his thoughts. Franca nodded approvingly. Good job. Cleaning up the scene and stalling the enemys detection. I worry that Maip Meyer will exercise caution. Once Rentas fails to return by midnight, hell lead his men here and stumble upon the corpse. Then, he might choose to abandon Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons and relocate with the remaining members of the Bliss Society. Maybe we dont even have to wait until midnight. Susanna Mattise will undoubtedly prod him if she can find a way to contact him. Such a turn of events would thwart the forthcoming official Beyonders raid and leave behind latent dangers. Franca added, Fortunately, Susanna wont be able to leave the altar in the next two days, and the altar itself cant sprout legs and flee. At the very least, the official Beyonders can address Charlies predicament. Not necessarily, Lumian countered, we shouldnt make assumptions about the evil god altar using conventional logic. Its akin to me never fathoming that a man could give birth. Huh? Charlies confusion escalated as he listened to Ciel and Red Boots, comprehending each word independently but failing to grasp their interconnected meaning. Franca fell silent for two seconds before solemnly nodding. Youre right. The true form of the altar is like a massive tree stump. It might possess life. When the time comes, it can uproot itself and transform into a treant, making its escape with Susanna. With a clap of her hands, Franca exclaimed, Exactly! How can it be called a tree spirit without a tree? Lumian sensed that Francas conjecture could be close to the truth. He recollected wearing the Mystery Prying Glasses at Auberge du Coq Dor, where he had witnessed an extensive underground network of brownish-green roots stretching in all directions. Emerging from the hole, he retrieved the carbide lamp and the enemys lantern. He scrutinized the structure of the tunnels ceiling and the surrounding rock walls. Every now and then, he extended his palm, gently patted and knocked against them. Confused by Lumians actions, Franca, eager to leave Underground Trier as soon as possible, asked, What are you doing? Calmly, Lumian replied, Im searching for a suitable spot to place a bundle of explosives and bury the corpse completely. We mustnt make too much noise to avoid alerting Susanna, whos deep underground, and Maip Meyer, whos in Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons on the surface. Simultaneously, he had to ensure that the ground wouldnt collapse, as it could endanger the buildings above. Clearly, the municipal workers had diligently reinforced these areas when connecting the underground quarries, sewers, and various tunnels. Regular repairs were carried out, and minor cave-ins posed no threat to the surfaces safety or its own integrity. Using his Hunter powers, Lumian soon identified a depression on the side of the hole and placed a bundle of detonators there. Unfortunately, we lack the proper tools and materials. Otherwise, we could set up a trigger for the explosives under the corpse. When Maip Meyer arrives and tries to lift the body in his agitation, it would go boom, Lumian said with regret, squatting down. Since consuming the first potion, he hadnt had the opportunity to execute a Hunters bomb trap and showcase his explosive finesse. Charlies heart raced as he listened, confirming Ciels reputation as the most renowned mob leader of recent times. Indeed, a true Hunter, Franca exclaimed, filled with admiration. Lumian then took out a match, igniting the fuse. He stood up and began walking toward Franca and Charlie at a steady pace. Passing by the pile of gravel, he tossed the lantern into the tunnel. Hey, hey, hey! Charlie hurriedly warned Lumian as he noticed the fuse nearing its end. His calf muscles tensed, preparing to leap behind the rock wall to avoid the impending explosion. Dressed in a simple formal top and cargo pants, Lumian had only covered a distance of seven to eight meters when the detonator erupted behind him. The tunnel trembled slightly, and the stone wall beside the hole collapsed, burying most of the already unstable opening. Flames ignited, and gravel scattered, but they didnt reach Lumians back. They only affected the area two to three meters away from him and in a different direction within the tunnel. Lumian didnt turn around or evade. He approached Franca, who wore a smile, and Charlie, who stood there dumbfounded. Franca gave him a thumbs-up and clicked her tongue. Lets go. With that, she swiftly turned and headed towards the exit of Underground Trier, the same path they had used to enter. Black flames silently flickered behind her, igniting the blood on the ground, filling the air with its scent, and engulfing the remnants of red and white. Charlies eyes widened, as if he had stepped into a surreal dream. Only when Lumian patted him on the shoulder did he turn and follow, as if his spirit had abandoned him. As they ascended towards the surface, Franca grinned and said, Tomorrow and the day after, well discover whether Susanna Mattise and the altar have been completely eradicated, by observing Charlies situation. Whether Susanna Mattise comes searching for him? Lumian, carrying the carbide lamp, startled Charlie intentionally. If that were the case, Franca would have said two days later instead of tomorrow or the day after. Charlie trembled and stammered, H-h-how? Franca chuckled before replying, If the official Beyonders dont come looking for you, it means you have truly escaped the nightmare called Susanna. If they do come and offer you a good position, congratulations. You will have hope entwined with danger. W-what do you mean? Charlie didnt fully grasp the meaning. Franca didnt explain further and instead inquired, If you become a quarry policeman with a monthly salary of 300 verl dor, youll face conflicts with smugglers, cave explorers, and bounty hunters every day. Theres a certain chance of sacrifice. Are you willing? Of course! Charlie blurted out. Though being a quarry policeman was perilous, most of them managed to survive! If Susanna Mattise isnt completely purged, the official Beyonders would offer Charlie a job that would make it easier to protect him. And those positions often come with good pay. Lumian roughly understood Francas meaning. The three of them exited Underground Trier, maneuvered through an alley, and crossed a barricade. Taking a secluded route on Rue des Blouses Blanches, they arrived at Francas sixth-floor apartment. Franca removed her hood and casually tossed the bag containing their spoils of war beside the coffee table. She half-reclined on the armchair and gestured with a nod towards the sofa and another armchair. Now, we must endure until dawn. After Lumian and Charlie took their seats, the living room fell into an eerie silence. This made Charlie uneasy. He glanced at Ciel and spoke up, You actually possess those mystical abilities. If not, how could I have slain Margot and Ait, becoming the guardian of Salle de Bal Brise and Auberge du Coq Dor? Lumian chuckled. Thats true. Charlie pondered for a moment and found this explanation more acceptable. As the trio engaged in conversation, the needle of the cuckoo wall clock gradually approached midnight. Outside the window, the darkness remained undisturbed. At that moment, faint footsteps resonated from outside the door, approaching swiftly from below. Jenna I forgot she was coming over tonight! Franca exclaimed, sitting upright. She glanced at Lumian, then at Charlie. After a brief moment of hesitation, she closed her eyes and waited for Jenna to open the door herself. With a click, Jenna, dressed in a white blouse and a fluffy beige skirt, used the spare key to enter the apartment. In an instant, she noticed Lumian and Charlie. Whats going on? Jenna couldnt hide her confusion, her gaze shifting between Lumian, Charlie, and Franca. Franca mustered a forced smile and said, We were getting bored. We thought of playing Fighting Evil. Want to join us? We have two decks of cards. Jenna peered suspiciously for a few seconds, sensing that Franca didnt want to disclose the real reason in front of Ciel. She gestured towards the guest room and stated, Dammit, its already late. Why are you still playing cards? I have a packed day tomorrow. I need to get some sleep! She waved at Lumian and Charlie before heading towards the guest room. Lumian gazed at Franca calmly and inquired, Why didnt you just tell her what were doing? Jenna, too, had fallen victim to the predicament at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. She had nearly been raped by the pervert named Hedsey. Franca was caught off guard. Youre right. Why didnt I just say it straightforwardly There was no need to conceal it! She glanced at the closed door of the guest room, intending to reveal the truth to Jenna later. Casually, Lumian asked, What does Jenna usually keep busy with? Dont you know? Francas face gradually lit up with satisfaction. Shes an apprentice in acting, studying drama. Sigh, its not like the old days. I heard in the previous era, apprentices could learn for free as long as they signed a long-term contract. They even received food and accommodation. Nowadays, not only do they have to pay tuition fees, but they also have to cover all expenses themselves. As Franca spoke, she noticed Lumians expression turning grave. Lumian furrowed his brow and inquired, At which theater is she doing her apprenticeship? I never asked Franca murmured, making the connection. In that instant, Jenna emerged from the guest room, carrying a stack of items as she made her way towards the restroom. What theater are you apprenticing at? Franca stood up and inquired. Jenna responded with confusion, Why do you ask? Youve never been curious before. Observing Lumian and Charlies focused gaze, she couldnt help but curse, Why the f*ck are you staring at me? Dogsh*t, what does my theater have to do with you? Realizing Franca and Lumians seriousness, she hesitated for a moment before muttering, Dammit, theres no need for me to hide anything! Its the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. Chapter 215 - 215 Jennas Worry 215 Jennas Worry As soon as Jenna revealed where she studied acting, a hush fell over the living room. Franca and Lumian exchanged inexplicable glances, causing Jenna to feel a pang of uncertainty. Charlie, the waiter, couldnt conceal his startled expression and the fear that gripped him was evident in his shrinking demeanor and fearful eyes. Whats wrong? Is there a problem? Jenna asked, her confidence wavering. Lumian seized the moment and tossed a Louis dor at Jennas feet, his eyes intently following her every move, even the slightest flicker in her gaze. Dammit! Whats the meaning of this? Jenna looked down at the Louis dor, her confusion turning into anger as she confronted Lumian. Lumians expression returned to normal, and he turned his head, grinning at Franca. Not a Scrooge. Of course! Franca responded, a mix of exasperation and amusement. We meet often. She may be a bit frugal, but shes definitely not a Scrooge. Plus, she doesnt exhibit any signs of being a Sex Addict, and her acting skills leave much to be desired. Franca couldnt help but feel a twinge of regret. What are you two talking about? Jenna was utterly bewildered, forgetting her own penchant for profanity. You explain, Lumian instructed Franca. Franca rose and tried to allow Jenna to squeeze into the recliner with her, but realizing it was too cramped, Jenna opted for an armchair instead, resting a pile of ordinary clothes on her lap. Do you remember that creep Hedsey? Franca slumped back disappointedly in the recliner. Jenna responded without hesitation, I remember. Damn it, he died too easily! It wasnt exactly an easy demise Lumian silently muttered, recalling the gruesome state of Hedseys lower body. Using this as a starting point, Franca delved into the secrets of the Bliss Society, the dark Sequences tied to the evil god, the Mother Tree of Desire, the connection between the Bliss Society and the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, and various details involving the true Ive, Rentas, Maip Meyer, and Susanna Mattise. Jenna, having absorbed Francas mystical knowledge, grew increasingly astonished with each revelation. It was as if a door had swung open, revealing a new worlda scene that was entirely different from what she had known before. It festered, exuded sinister vibes, terrified her, and made her stomach churn with disgust. After Franca finished her account, she blurted out, Did that creep target me at the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons? Considering that Hedsey was a subordinate of theater manager Maip Meyer and associated with the Bliss Society, he likely frequented and surreptitiously entered the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. Jenna suspected that the pervert often lurked in the shadows, observing the apprentice actresses during their classes. Its possible, Franca agreed, contemplating why the pervert Hedsey didnt choose another underground singer but instead risked attacking Jenna. Jenna was undeniably attractive. After her time at the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, where she honed her acting and makeup skills, her allure had gradually emerged. However, she wasnt a fully-fledged Witch yet, nor was she overwhelmingly captivating. In the bustling marketplace, there was no shortage of underground singers who were more alluring and could ignite the desires of men of lower standing. Besides, they lacked the distinction of being Red Bootss mistress. Jenna glared at Lumian, her teeth grinding together in frustration. Lumian chuckled softly. I suddenly realized that since we met, youve never praised any orthodox god. I still dont know if youre a follower of the Eternal Blazing Sun or the God of Steam and Machinery. Its rather suspicious. Jenna scoffed and replied, Most of the time when I meet you, Im dressed like this. I wear smoky makeup that symbolizes debauchery and sing, My dear, hes really good with his fingers. If I were to praise the Sun in this state, I believe God would incinerate me. As she spoke, she pointed to her chest, revealing a generous amount of alluring cleavage. Without waiting for Lumians response, she turned her finger towards Franca. And Franca never praises any deity either. Why arent you suspecting her? Who says I dont? Franca declared solemnly, drawing a triangular Sacred Emblem on her chest. By Steam! Your acting skills are mediocre Aurore is the same. She rarely mentions her faith and doesnt attend Mass. She only praises the Sun when questioned Lumian drew the triangular Sacred Emblem. By Steam! Caught up in their actions, Charlie instinctively spread his arms wide. Praise the Sun! An indescribable silence descended, as if no one knew how to proceed with the conversation. After a few seconds, Lumian addressed Jenna, saying, So, your true identity is an apprentice actress. Jenna couldnt help but feel a twinge of satisfaction. She lifted her chin slightly and replied, Well then, am I qualified to critique your acting skills? And let me clarify, Im not some low-class hooligan with a vulgar mouth. Im merely playing the role of an underground songstress. How did I do? Was it convincingly authentic? Can you find any faults? No wonder I occasionally find you rather refined, Lumian mocked, concurring with Jennas statement. What do you mean, rather? Jenna expressed her dissatisfaction. Charlies gaze darted between their faces, eventually landing on Franca, who sat in the recliner. Franca pursed her lips and observed Lumian and Jenna as they bickered. Lumian dismissed Jennas bragging and said, Lets discuss the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. After a few moments of contemplation, Jenna blurted out in frustration, Dammit! My tuition fees! As soon as the words left her mouth, she noticed everyone giving her strange looks. Jenna hurriedly clarified, Didnt you mention that Maip Meyer might escape with the members of the Bliss Society? Wont Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons shut down? Damn it, Ive already paid a years worth of tuition fees to these damn heretics! I need to get that money back! Once Jenna regained her composure, Lumians lips twitched. Werent you claiming that your foul mouth and low morals were all part of an act? At first, Jenna was left speechless, but then she defended herself forcefully. I am currently Jenna, the underground songstress! I am still in character and havent broken free from it Observing Lumians skeptical expression, Jenna became enraged with embarrassment. Dammit, dont you understand? This is called method acting! Yes, yes, yes, Franca chimed in, trying her best to change the subject. Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons has a dedicated audience and talented actors. Even if the theater manager and a few leads leave, it wont shut down. At most, they might embezzle funds. Itll be a bit challenging for them. I believe there will be plenty of people willing to take over such valuable assets. Oh, by the way, who owns Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons? Jenna recollected and replied, Maip Meyer himself. Ah, I see Lumian glanced at Franca. If Maip Meyer truly intends to escape, we could acquire Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons at a low price. There are numerous dancers and singers under Brignaiss control who dont want to sell themselves. We can give them an opportunity to earn a living at the theater. They will face fierce competition. Franca contemplated. If we succeed, it could indeed be a viable path. The challenge lies in convincing Brignais Haha, we can spin him a tale and sell him a promise. Let him know that no matter how much he squeezes a singer who moonlights as a street girl, he can only make a pittance. On the other hand, a renowned theater actress under the influence of our Savoie Mob will bring far greater returns. Charlies gaze shifted between Lumian and Franca before settling on Jenna, who sat in an armchair. After discussing with Lumian, Franca assured Jenna, Dont worry, your tuition fees wont be in vain. Jenna, who had been listening intently to their conversation, let out a sigh of relief and muttered, The tuition fees for Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons arent cheap at all. Franca redirected the conversation back to its original course. Whats your impression of the people from Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons? Who do you find suspicious? Jenna contemplated for a moment before responding, Maip Meyer enjoys watching our acting classes. His gaze can be a bit lecherous, but he has never harassed anyone. Thats something many men do, isnt it? Yes, some apprentices might have a private relationship with him. After all, hes the theaters owner and manager. Rentas possesses remarkable acting skills. He is the most professional and exceptional among all the acting instructors. The characters he portrays in plays seem to come alive, each one distinct from the others At this point, Jennas tone revealed a touch of envy, as if she desired to possess the abilities of an Actor. However, thoughts of Hedseys perversity and Susanna Mattises current predicament filled her with fear, preventing her from indulging in such fantasies. I havent really interacted with the Ive you mentioned. Perhaps he only appears in certain genres Im not well-acquainted with Charlotte. By the time I joined Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, she had already taken on lead roles, but she was my role model. Her acting skills are slightly inferior to Rentass. Im uncertain if shes an Actor. Dammit, its hard to say Jenna struggled to restrain herself for a long while before finally cursing. The other acting instructors are probably not Actors. Their acting abilities pale in comparison to Rentass. They often praise me for my talent in acting. While I may not match Rentas or the previous female leads of Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, I can hold my own against Charlotte when she was still an apprentice Jenna suddenly fell silent. Whats the matter? Franca inquired, concerned. Charlies gaze shifted from Franca and Jenna to Ciel, who sat beside him. Jenna furrowed her brow and said, Tomorrow, the official Beyonders will conduct a thorough investigation of Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. What what should I do? She was a wild Beyonder, an Assassin. Abandon Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons and find another theater? Lumian suggested. Money was the least of her concerns. Jenna pressed her lips together, her expression filled with dejection. B-but I used my true identity at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. What about my mother and brother Chapter 216 - 216 Acting Guidance 216 Acting Guidance Lumian wasnt sure if Jennas bounty would have consequences for her family, so he turned to Franca, hoping she could use her connections to persuade the official Beyonders to overlook a mere apprentice actress. Franca didnt hide her dilemma. Helping to hide something was not an issue for someone like 007, but if they expected him to meticulously cover for someone during the operation, two conditions had to be met. First, he had to be involved in the operation and responsible for investigating the apprentice actresses. Second, he needed some information about Jenna to determine whom he should assist. Franca didnt believe that 007 happened to be in the market district by chance. At best, he could pass on information. The chances of him being directly in charge of the operations were highly unlikely. I can try, but I cant make any promises, Franca replied, looking at Jenna with concern, trying to offer some comfort without making any definite commitments. Jenna acknowledged her words briefly, feeling a bit relieved, but she still struggled to come up with another solution. Lumian pondered for a moment and said teasingly, Youre just an apprentice actress. Why are you so anxious? Even if the official Beyonders investigate everyone in Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, they wont waste much effort on you. Think about it. Youve only been in the market district for a short time, and you havent even become an apprentice actress yet. You dont even have a chance to play a minor supporting role. How could you be a female member of the Bliss Society? Thats right, Franca interjected. You spend most of your time singing in bars and dance halls rather than interacting with the cult of Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. Youre in the least suspicious group. If you tell the investigators the truth, you might not have to undergo any further tests of your Beyonder powers. Lumian added with a smile, And even if they do test you, it will mainly be to determine if you believe in the Mother Tree of Desire, or if youre a Scrooge or a Sex Addict. And you definitely dont fall into any of those categories. This is a blind spot for the official Beyonders during their investigations, and you can take advantage of it. Didnt you mention your excellent acting skills? Now is the time to showcase them! Yes When the Sun rises, go to glise Saint-Robert and pray. Get an accessory that reveals your identity as a believer of the Eternal Blazing Sun, and wear it. When you enter Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, whether or not the official Beyonders arrive, praise the Sun frequently. Evil god believers rarely engage in such actions. It will effectively set you apart from them. If the official Beyonders notice these details, theres a good chance theyll consider you trustworthy. Jennas eyes sparkled as she listened. Thats right. A devout apprentice actress who believes in the Eternal Blazing Sun and has only recently joined Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons wont switch to an evil god so easily. They only need to conduct a simple investigation As long as I lead them to search for Beyonder powers in connection with the believers of the evil god, they probably wont suspect that I became a Beyonder due to other encounters The more Jenna spoke, the more her excitement grew. She placed the stack of clothes on her lap and stood up. She paced back and forth, making gestures as if she were embodying a devoted apprentice actress who believed in the Eternal Blazing Sun. Madame, it appears youre not a true follower of the Eternal Blazing Sun. Otherwise, you wouldnt have needed to rehearse beforehand, Lumian clicked his tongue and criticized. Charlie, who had been listening, was taken aback. Is Little Minx Jenna also someone with magical powers? Jennas performance, even in the presence of imaginary official Beyonders, gradually bolstered her confidence. Franca observed quietly, her eyes flickering, her mind filled with trivial thoughts. If Jenna and I possessed the powers of an Actor, we would make perfect cosplayers, capable of becoming anything we desired. Tsk tsk she thought to herself. After some time, Jenna regained her composure and looked at Charlie warily. Ive heard that you enjoy giving speeches in bars and twisting other peoples secrets into stories. If you dare to f*cking reveal my Beyonder powers, Ill hand you over to a homosexual Sex Addict. Heh heh, just imagine the suffering youll endure. Charlie couldnt help but pause for a moment. He shuddered and raised his right hand. Praise the Sun. I swear in Gods name that I wont divulge your secret! I just mentioned that you and Ciel became lovers Charlie suddenly stopped, sensing the strange atmosphere in the living room once again. Lumian shrugged at Franca, signaling that it was merely a rumor. Jenna scoffed. Will you also spread the rumor that Franca joined Ciel and me to form a stable love triangle? No, Charlie quickly shook his head. At the same time, he found the idea rather intriguing. It hadnt occurred to him before. Jenna settled back into the armchair and continued to recount her knowledge of Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. Lumian and Franca listened attentively, occasionally posing questions to guard against potential threats. In Underground Trier. A figure with a lantern in hand moved cautiously along a familiar path, searching for something. This person, of average height, wore a black tailcoat, a matching bow tie, and a half top hat. His face had a square shape, with short and thick eyebrows. The lines on his face were etched deep, and he sported a well-groomed brownish-yellow beard, carefully waxed at the tips. The lanterns flickering light cast eerie shadows on his countenance, lending him an air of profound melancholy. After walking for some time, the man halted, his gaze directed towards a section of the tunnel that had suffered a slight cave-in. His dark brown eyes narrowed, focusing intently for a moment, before he suddenly dropped to all fours, his nose twitching. The scent of gunpowder and blood The man rose solemnly to his feet and approached the collapsed area. Through the layers of debris, he seemed to discern the glimpse of an incomplete corpse. The atmosphere on Rue des Blouses Blanches was much quieter at night compared to Rue Anarchie. Except for the occasional clamor caused by passing carriages and the inebriated stumbling their way home, the night seemed to have fallen into a stillness. From time to time, a distant gunshot would break the silence, its echo piercing through the night only to be swallowed by the darkness and moonlight. Lumian and his companions engaged in intermittent conversation, their nerves on edge, apprehensive that shadows might suddenly emerge from the darkness beyond the window. Time dragged on slowly. For Charlie, it felt like awaiting a verdict. He was restless, anxious, yet filled with a glimmer of hope. Finally, the distant skyline began to be tinged with a golden-red hue. Before long, the entire night was bathed in the crimson light. We should be safe now, Franca declared, sitting upright in her recliner. Lumian glanced at Charlie and noticed that his luck was no longer drenched in blood-red. It had returned to its normal state, and there were even hints of prosperity. The immediate crisis has been averted, but if Susanna Mattise manages to escape, will Charlie obtain a position with the authorities? Lumian pondered over it and nodded. For the time being, all I can say is that we should be fine. Through this encounter, he confirmed one thing: even without the Luck Transference Spell, human luck could change. He felt that the future was shaped by multiple factors. Different choices could lead to diverse outcomes. If Lumian had followed Osta Trul and provided protection instead of forewarning him of impending disaster, perhaps he wouldnt have suffered injuries. However, that didnt guarantee a turn for the better. Lumians protection might have implicated Osta Trul, leading him to be dragged to the rivers depths by another water ghost, losing his life. Does inevitability imply that regardless of the choices one makes, a predetermined fate will inevitably manifest? Lumian turned his gaze towards Jenna, the underground songstress and apprentice actress. Jenna possessed average luckneither filled with fortuitous encounters nor beset by grave dangers. In high spirits, Jenna furrowed her brow and asked, Why are you staring at me? After a night of acclimatizing, she refrained from uttering vulgarities and put more thought into her words. Lumian pointed to his eye sockets. Are you planning to go to Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons looking like that? Oh, right! I havent taken off my makeup! Jenna exclaimed, getting up and rushing into the washroom with a stack of clothes. Franca stood up and stretched, paying no mind to her appearance. She glanced at the washroom and whispered to Lumian, Will the act be convincing? Yes, Lumian replied with confidence. Previously, he hadnt been entirely sure, but after observing Jennas current state of luck, he was more certain. Franca chose to place her trust in Lumian. Ill keep a close watch on her as well. She clicked her tongue and let out a sigh. You seem rather skilled at deceiving the official Beyonders. Just as I expected from a She mouthed the final words silentlywanted criminal. Not just deceiving the official Beyonders Lumian whispered to himself, pointing at Charlie. Ill take him back to Auberge du Coq Dor to rest, just in case the official Beyonders cant locate him. Ill leave Jenna in your care. You make it sound like shes truly your lover. Asking me to look after her, Franca retorted with a sour tone. By the time Jenna finished removing her makeup and changing her clothes, Lumian and Charlie had already departed. Franca had also informed 007 about the altar, the Actors, and the other information she had gathered. At that moment, Jennas face was no longer adorned with smoky eyes, pronounced blush, and fiery lips. She appeared clean-faced, albeit a bit fatigued. As Jenna braided her brownish-yellow hair, she glanced at the door and grinned at Franca. When did you become involved with Ciel? Arent you afraid the Boss will find out? Franca chuckled. Him? Itll be far too sinful; I cant bring myself to do it. Why? Jenna couldnt comprehend. To her understanding, Francas moral boundaries werent that strict. Ciel was only a few months away from adulthood. Franca pondered her words and responded, After getting to know him better, I discovered that hes the younger brother of one of my relatives. So youre related by blood. Jenna nodded in understanding. However, her attention quickly shifted. After securing her braids, she pointed towards the door. Im going to glise Saint-Robert to offer my prayers. Ill follow you discreetly to ensure nothing untoward happens. Franca retrieved some fluorescent powder and, with an incantation, blended it in to conceal herself. When will I become a Witch Jenna averted her gaze enviously, opened the door, and stepped outside. Chapter 217 - 217 Notarization 217 Notarization glise Saint-Robert stood proudly near the Suhit steam locomotive station, serving as the bishop cathedral of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church in Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. Its distinctive onion-shaped dome was painted in shimmering gold, representing the radiant sun. Below it stood a white building with gilded edges and a monumental Sun Sacred Emblem. Adjacent to the cathedral was a bell tower, crowned by a roof fashioned from a gleaming golden sphere. Observing Jenna entering the cathedral amidst the morning prayer congregation, Franca opted to wait in close proximity. Uncertain whether the Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral possessed any peculiar enchantments that could render her invisibility ineffective, she remained cautious, unwilling to take any unnecessary risks. glise Saint-Robert, much like other cathedrals belonging to the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, boasted a resplendent golden base and was adorned with gilded accents throughout. The ornate structure, adorned with vibrant stained glass windows and a vast mural depicting a saint in vivid hues of blue, green, and red, exuded an atmosphere of profound sanctity and grandeur. Every worshiper who entered its hallowed halls couldnt help but bow their heads in reverence, enveloped by the sacred ambiance. Jenna made her way to the front of the altar and settled into the second row of seats. Closing her eyes, she inclined her head forward and crossed her arms, placing them reverently upon her chest. Having been baptized and frequented the Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral since her youth, Jenna was intimately familiar with this customary ritual, even though she could hardly be considered devout. She swiftly cleared her mind of any distracting thoughts, focusing her entire being on the act of prayer. Time seemed to stand still as the bishop delivered his sermon. After nearly fifteen minutes, Jenna opened her eyes and quietly rose to her feet. She proceeded towards a long table positioned along the side of the main hall. This table spanned an impressive length of 20 to 30 meters, adorned with slender white candles flickering within golden lamps. Devotees seeking to express their gratitude or admiration for a saint or angel could purchase a candle from the clergyman stationed beside the table, lighting it and placing it within an unoccupied lamp. Jenna fixed her gaze upon the softly swaying flames for a few fleeting moments before redirecting her attention towards the clergyman dressed in a white robe interwoven with threads of gold. Her eyes caught sight of a man engaging in the purchase of candles. He appeared to be in his late twenties, his blond hair immaculately styled and subtly enhanced with cosmetics. His eyes resembled the vivid azure of a tranquil lake, albeit relatively small in size. Adorned in a white shirt, a yellow vest, and a slim blue tweed coat adorned with two golden buttons, he bore a resemblance to the slightly distinguished gentlemen of Trier, with discernible traces of makeup enhancing his features. As the man approached an unoccupied lamp with his acquired candle, Jenna moved closer to the clergyman in the resplendent white robe interwoven with golden threads, extending her arms in a welcoming gesture. Praise the Sun! Praise the Sun! the clergyman warmly replied, his smile radiating genuine warmth. Jenna hesitated briefly for a couple of seconds before uttering, I seek a blessed necklace. Comparing it to the purchase of candles, this act was more devout. But, naturally, it came with a higher price tag. Sister, how about this one? He produced a necklace adorned with a gold Sunbird pendant from among the unsold white candles. Two rose-red rubies were nestled within the eyes of the Sunbird. In the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, just as Brother was used to address men of the faith, female believers were affectionately called Sisters. Some nuns even formed an alliance known as the Nine Sisters Association, working hand in hand with the Brotherhood Minor. Jenna couldnt help but sense that this particular necklace must be quite expensiveshe could almost hear her wallet crying in protest. After careful consideration, she ultimately settled on a relatively simple amulet featuring a small Sun Sacred Emblem. It set her back 30 verl dor, causing her to wince at the cost. As an underground singer in the market district, Jenna earned a decent income, especially since her recent rise in popularity. However, it had only been a month since she began gaining recognition. Previously, her earnings were barely sufficient to cover rent, food, performance attire, makeup supplies, and the like, without having to rely on her family for financial support. Despite now earning nearly 300 verl dor a month through part-time work, her financial situation still left her feeling uneasy. She had to save for next years tuition, ensure her mother wouldnt worry, and even contribute to the familys debts. With the newly acquired amulet adorning her neck, Jenna took a deep breath and departed from glise Saint-Robert, making her way to Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons before 9 a.m. The classroom for apprentice actresses was located on the second floor, and Jenna passed by the managers office on her way. The door remained tightly shut, indicating that Maip Meyer hadnt arrived at the theater yet. Could he have really fled? Jenna averted her gaze and continued forward. Shortly thereafter, she walked past the locked door of the exclusive break room belonging to the popular leading actress, Charlotte Calvino. The door was locked as well. Jenna exhaled quietly, straightened her posture, and turned into the classroom. She was late. Gaspar, the instructor for todays first acting class, had already arrived and was busy addressing a private question from one of the apprentices. Gaspar, despite being a middle-aged man of dignified demeanor, had the ability to portray a charming playboy on stage. Deep within Underground Trier, nestled within a hollow strewn with remnants of tree branches and vines The very center had collapsed, leaving the soil in a state of disarray. Faint marks, as if from hurried footsteps, led towards an unknown destination. Angoulme de Fran?ois followed the path indicated by the cardinals and found himself standing at the precipice, his eyes fixed on the bewildering sight before him. Those filthy rodents had relocated once more! In response to the signal from the cardinals, Angoulme unsheathed a golden longsword that appeared to be forged from condensed light from a grayish-white mechanical doll. With a swift motion, the sword plunged into the ground, causing the bluish-green and withered branches and vines to erupt into flames. Yet, no trace of black smoke ascended. As the fiery shroud dissipated, the true nature of the ground, walls, and ceiling came into view for Angoulme and his companions. A multitude of serpents, slimy and cold, writhed and entwined, engaging in frenzied mating rituals. Countless gray rats tore at each other relentlessly, refusing to retreat until death claimed them. Diverse insects devoured leaves and soil with such voracity that they burst open from overindulgence As the realization dawned upon Franca that the plainclothes police had covertly sealed off Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, she swiftly withdrew from the brick-red three-story edifice and sought refuge in a nearby side alley. From her concealed vantage point, she observed the situation unfolding on the second floor. As the first acting lesson neared its end, Jenna couldnt help but notice the conspicuous absence of Maip Meyer, who typically lingered by the classroom door. Just then, a group of black-uniformed police officers entered, clutching lists in their hands. The leader called for a momentary pause in the lecture and addressed the assembled individuals. Maip Meyer has been confirmed as a heinous heretic. We must ascertain your faith. Gasps and exclamations erupted, momentarily plunging the scene into disarray. Silence! bellowed the leading officer. I shall read out your names, and you will sign this pledge as a witness before God. No one shall deceive. Ascertaining of faith Jennas racing heart found a measure of solace. One by one, the teachers and apprentice actresses stepped forward, receiving a pledge form from one of the police officers. They diligently completed their declarations of faith, appending their signatures to solidify their commitment. Before long, Jenna heard her own name being called. Celia Bello. She approached with composure, collecting a pledge form and a scarlet fountain pen. The contents of the pledge were as follows: I solemnly swear that my faith in the ____ remains unyielding to this day. Affirmer: ____ Notary: ____ Jenna filled in the first two blanks with Eternal Blazing Sun and Celia Bello respectively before returning the completed pledge and the fountain pen to the police. Once all the actors and apprentices had signed the pledge, they were instructed to remain confined within the classroom, rehearsal room, and other designated areas until further notice, unable to venture beyond those confines. Within the managers office that had previously been occupied by Maip Meyer, a gathering took place to collect the signed pledges. Several devout members of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, known as Beyonders, took turns wielding a fountain pen crafted from pure gold. With deliberate strokes, they inscribed the initials D.E. in the designated Notary space. The ink they used appeared to be a vivid shade of crimson, reminiscent of fresh blood. Upon the completion of each pledge, a shimmering golden aura would briefly envelop the document before dissipating back to its original state. Every so often, a pledge would emit an ominous, blood-red glow, accompanied by piercing screams emanating from the same floor. Even those actors and apprentices who employed aliases, long-established pseudonyms recognized by those in their midst, possessed mystical connections that were intricately intertwined. Auberge du Coq Dor, Room 504. Charlie lay restless in bed, his weariness unable to lull him into sleep. All of a sudden, a knock echoed through the room. Whos there? Charlie called out, startled, as he sat up in bed, resembling a startled bird. Angoulme de Fran?ois. The voice from beyond the door was deep, yet carried a compelling warmth. Charlies mind immediately conjured the image of the Monsieur who had interrogated him about Madame Alices demise. Hastily, he rose from his bed and swung the door open. Standing before him were Angoulme, with his blond hair, golden brows, and beard, and Imre, whose brown skin and full lips bore the traces of Southern Continent heritage. What brings you here, Monsieur Fran?ois? Charlie inquired cautiously. Simultaneously, a thought flashed across his mind. Could these be the official Beyonders whom Ciel and Red Boots mentioned? Angoulme did not immediately respond. He stepped into Charlies room, gesturing for Imre to shut the wooden door behind them. Casting a sweeping glance around, he finally spoke. I bring bad news. Susanna Mattise is not entirely deceased. She may appear before you at any time in the future. Charlie couldnt conceal his disappointment, pain, confusion, and fear. What should I do? Angoulme nodded gently. But there is good news as well. We intend to offer you a clerical position within our ranks. This will provide you with enhanced protection. Your monthly salary will amount to 320 verl dor, and there will be a confidentiality agreement in place as compensation. For the initial one or two months, you will need to undergo an Intisian improvement course. Consider it an internship period, with a stipend of 200 verl dor. Once you successfully pass the assessment, you will become a full-time employee. Are you willing? We do not wish to force this proposal upon you. 320 verl dor per month? And improved protection? These words echoed within Charlies mind. He believed that no ordinary person could turn down such a remarkable opportunity. He was satisfied even with his current job as an attendant, which earned him 80 verl dor monthly! Recalling the hints dropped by Lumian and Franca, Charlie responded with surprise and delight, Absolutely no problem! By the window of Room 207, Lumian positioned himself in front of a wooden table, observing Charlie as he followed the two strangers towards Avenue du March. He focused his attention, seeking any changes in Charlies luck, but found none. This meant that the two individuals were not Actors manipulating the situation! Lumians gaze then shifted to the blond man, intrigued to discover what kind of fortune the official Beyonder possessed. Suddenly, an intense wave of danger washed over him. He instinctively crouched down, reducing his profile. Angoulme turned his head, his eyes filled with confusion, as he looked at the Auberge du Coq Dors windows. He sensed that someone was observing him. Chapter 218 - 218 Promise 218 Promise After Charlie and the two official Beyonders departed Rue Anarchie, Lumian settled back down at the wooden table, berating himself internally. How could I forget? I mustnt gaze upon what I ought not to! The same applied to observing luck! Previously, he believed that scrutinizing ones luck was a subtle affair, unlikely to be detected. Neither Sequence 7 Franca nor the equivalent of a Sequence 7, Black Scorpion Roger, had noticed anything awry. However, the previous official Beyonder had displayed an unmistakable reaction. Does his Sequence far exceed mine, or does he possess special abilities, or perhaps he wields a corresponding mystical item? Lumian struggled to determine. He had never observed Beyonders beyond Sequence 7, lacking a point of comparison. Whether it was Gardner Martin or Mr. K, he exercised caution and refrained from examining their luck in their presence. Having taken note of the lesson, Lumian, who didnt require sleep, perused the copied grimoire of Aurore. The sunlight grew more intense, transforming the window into a radiant source. Even the bustling Rue Anarchie appeared like a golden oil painting. In comparison to Backlund, the capital of the Loen Kingdom, Trier remained bathed in sunlight. Despite its pollution, the citys industrial layout was relatively sensible, confining the impact to specific areas. Most of it lay to the south, where factories were abundant. Knock, knock, knock! Someone rapped on Room 207 once again, yet this time, Lumian failed to discern any footsteps. Arching his right eyebrow, he stowed away the papers on the table and turned toward the door. Come in. Its unlocked, Madame Red Boots. With a creak, the door swung open, and Franca stepped inside, donning a blouse, beige trousers, and red boots. In surprise, she inquired, How did you know it was me? Why ask the same question as Jenna? Should I praise her for being a worthy student of an Assassin like you? Lumian replied, amused, Because I possess a brain. Dont make it sound like I lack one, Franca responded calmly, settling herself on Lumians bed. Lumian chortled. I cant think of anyone else capable of approaching my room without my notice and knocking on the door politely. Naturally, he had to exclude Madam Magician first. She lacked such diligence. It was impressive enough that she managed to reply in time! After a brief moment of contemplation, Lumian inquired, Has Jennas predicament been resolved? Franca clicked her tongue. You have an uncanny foresight, brat. She assumed the role of an elder sister. If Jenna is still in danger, how could you, Hidden Blade, find the composure to seek me out? Franca laughed dryly. I was referring to your astute guess that the authorized Beyonders would primarily investigate whether Jenna and the others are followers of evil gods. After all, Im closer to an evil god than any evil god believer here Lumian raised his right hand and gently patted his left chest. With a smile, he responded, Such insights stem from the ample experiences of a wanted criminal. You seem quite proud, Franca teased. Curious, Lumian inquired, How did the authorized Beyonders conduct their investigations? The more he learned, the more confident he would become in evading similar inquiries in the future. Franca responded with an air of indifference, Based on Jennas account, I reckon they utilized the powers of a Notary. Each person had to sign a pledge of their faith, a pledge witnessed by a Notary. Heh heh, those who lied were engulfed in burning golden flames. They bled profusely and were dragged away. Aware that Lumian was still delving into the realm of mysticism, Franca proceeded to provide a detailed explanation, Notary-related abilities are quite common in Trier. They can be found in various places, disguised under different guises. Notaries have the ability to create contracts with mystical effects. Once the parties affix their signatures to a similar contract in the presence of a Notary, they are bound by it unless they are demigods. Even at the demigod level, breaking the contract requires a substantial price. For transactions involving millions, or even tens of millions, of verl dor, both parties are willing to pay a hefty sum and receive notarization in front of the God of Deeds Sacred Emblem at a cathedral. The pledge is a special contract. The Eternal Blazing Sun is also known as the God of Deeds and the Guardian of Businesses. It aligns with Aurores grimoires Lumian inquired, Has Jenna returned home? Franca nodded subtly. She needed to catch up on sleep. Franca scrutinized Lumian. You seem lively. I cant tell that you havent slept all night. Im accustomed to it. Lumian couldnt reveal that his condition would automatically restore itself at six in the morning. You also appear quite energetic. Franca smirked and replied, Im accustomed to it as well. For people like us, the night is the beginning of revelry. If Aurore had made that statement, words like inspiration, drafts, and tranquility of the night would have crossed Lumians mind. However, when Franca said it, he could only associate it with orgies, large beds, and romping. Unaware of his critical thoughts, Franca continued, Apprentice training at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons will be suspended for three days. The theater will be temporarily occupied by the police headquarters. The daily performances will carry on as usual to avoid impacting the National Convention elections. However, the repertoire will be adjusted. Some plays have lost their female leads. Charlotte and Maip Meyer are gone? Lumian asked. Though he had suspected that Susanna Mattise hadnt been completely purified when Charlie left with the official Beyonders, he still felt a tinge of disappointment upon hearing Francas account. Franca nodded. Apart from them, two others are missing: the real Ive and Lolth. Among the remaining actors and apprentices, a total of seven have converted to the Mother Tree of Desire. They were exposed, but it seems none of them received any boons. So, those who received boons have fled, while the mere believers have been abandoned? Lumian scoffed inwardly as he relayed Charlies departure with the suspected official Beyonders to Franca. Franca let out a soft sigh. This is the best outcome for him. We cant protect him every single day. Though the official Beyonders cant either, they can arrange for Charlie to stay in a relatively safe place until Susanna Mattises matter is truly resolved. In comparison, youre in more danger. Didnt you mention that Susanna Mattise holds a grudge against you? Evil spirits can be quite fixated. That will give me a good chance to test Mr. Ks finger Lumian silently muttered, indicating that he would be cautious. Something crossed his mind, and he inquired, Do you know why our Savoie Mob supports Hugues Artois? Franca smiled. If I had that figured out, I wouldnt be part of the Savoie Mob anymore. Hmm Is that her primary reason for joining the Savoie Mob? Lumian pondered. Franca stretched, stood up, and addressed him, We truly have a chance to acquire Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons at a low price, but we might have to face the enmity of those Scrooges. However, you have nothing to fear. Yes, Ill go to Rue des Fontaines to discuss with Gardner and resolve my problem while there. What problem? Lumian was puzzled. Franca responded with a smile, Even though the desires Rentas evoked were suppressed by the mysticism smelling salts, my body still feels a bit restless. When I recall that sensation, I feel somewhat empty, longing for fulfillment and release. Since you cant help me, I have no choice but to find my true lover. Why arent you affected at all? There were indeed residual effects, but I was fine after six in the morning Lumian pursed his lips and replied, My willpower is stronger than yours. Franca sneered, walked towards the door, and exited Room 207. Lumian watched her leave, deep in thought. Has Franca become the Bosss mistress, or has the Boss become Francas lover? Is Franca responsible for satisfying the Boss, or is the Boss responsible for satisfying Franca? Just before noon, Charlie returned to Auberge du Coq Dor. He packed his meager belongings into his suitcase and descended the stairs with it. Spotting Lumian on the second floor, he glanced around and lowered his voice. I have a new job and need to move elsewhere. After some time, I should be able to return to the basement bar for a drink. Lumian smirked once again. Sounds good. If Susanna Mattises issue could truly be resolved, Charlies fate would change. Charlie also seemed pleased. He pondered for a moment and stated, There are many things I cant tell you, but when the time comes, Ill try to drop hints for you. In the Inquisition beneath glise Saint-Robert, he had come across Ciels wanted poster and recognized his friend, yet he didnt inform Deacon Fran?ois. What does that mean? Why does Charlie suddenly feel he can be useful? Does his new job have a close connection to the official Beyonders, allowing him to gather valuable information? Lumian swiftly formed a hypothesis. With a mischievous grin, he remarked, First, focus on staying alive before contemplating anything else! I might leave the market district in a few weeks. The implication of his words was, Do your job well and dont even think about leaking information. Dont attempt it unless your life is truly at stake. Whether Charlie understood or not, Lumian wasnt entirely certain. After all, this guy wasnt very smart. After spending the afternoon at Salle de Bal Brise, Lumian changed into a grayish-blue workers uniform and donned a dark-blue cap. He hailed a public carriage to take him to Rue des Pavs in Quartier du Jardin Botanique. As per his arrangement with Louis Lund, Lumian anticipated a response from Madame Pualis regarding their meeting before the night fell. Upon reaching the lobby of Apartment 9, Lumian opened the letterbox in Room 302, only to find a collection of fliers inside. The letter hasnt arrived? Lumian suppressed his anxiety and decided to wait across from Apartment 9. Just as he exited the lobby and descended the stairs to the roadside, he noticed a brown four-wheeled carriage approaching from a distance. It came to a halt right in front of him. The carriage driver had jet-black hair and piercing blue eyes. He sported dark red attire, yellow trousers, a polished hat, and a white cravat. It was Louis Lund! In the next instant, the carriage door swung open noiselessly, revealing the figure of a woman seated within. Chapter 219 - 219 Probing 219 Probing Lumians eyes locked with Louis Lund, who occupied the drivers seat of the carriage, and received a confirmation nod. Drawing a deep breath, Lumian strode toward the four-wheeled carriage, crouched down, and entered it. He grasped the gravity of the situation. Madame Pualis, cautious and aware, refrained from responding through letters. Instead, she concealed herself near 9 Rue des Pavs, anticipating Lumians arrival for the reply. This strategy effectively minimized the risk of being trailed and cornered. In the blink of an eye, Lumians attention was seized by a familiar figure. Adorned in a meticulously tailored black corset dress and a slightly mischievous ladys round hat, she exuded an elusive allure. Her untamed brows, lively brown eyes, and moist lips radiated a sense of allure. A cascade of brown hair, half-up and half-down, graced her shoulders. Although informal, her elegance, immaculateness, and enchantment remained undeniable. She was none other than Pualis de Roquefort, the wife of Cordus administrator. Long time no see, Madame Pualis greeted him with a smile, yet her eyes emitted a frigid glare, sending shivers down ones spine. Simultaneously, Lumian observed a shift in his surroundings. The carriage vanished, leaving him stranded in a desolate wilderness. There was nothing before him, and Madame Pualis had vanished into thin air. Just as Lumian marveled at this bewildering turn of events, a colossal, irregular shadow emerged on the ground. Instinctively, he raised his gaze, met by a reflection of brown feathers. Each plume rivaled the size of his head, assembling into a pair of wings that seemed to obscure the heavens. These wings belonged to Madame Pualis herself, who grew in stature, hovering in mid-air. Her feet transformed into avian talons, glistening with a chilling gleam. A majestic, ethereal voice resounded. You should have been buried with Cordu! Lumians heart constricted. Gripping his revolver, he swiftly pivoted and sprinted toward the edge of the wilderness. If the visions within this dream held even an ounce of truth, he could escape Paramita once he reached its limits! Bang! Bang! Bang! Lumian maneuvered in a curved path, firing rounds into the air. This constituted his sole means of long-range assault. Despite her immense size, Madame Pualis displayed remarkable dexterity. The gusts generated by her flapping wings disrupted the bullets trajectory, enabling her to deftly reposition herself. An ear-splitting screech emanated from her throat. Ahead of Lumian, the earth beneath the wilderness upheaved, soil cascading away, unveiling yet another monstrous entity. A repugnant odor filled the air as the pythons entire body writhed with yellow pus and deformed worms. Bloodshot eyes glared condescendingly at Lumian. Translucent silkworms squirmed in and out of its hollowed eye sockets. The serpents gaze landed condescendingly on Lumian before it lunged over, its maw open wide, its yellowed fangs aimed at the living prey. Lumians head spun from the putrid stench that permeated the air. With haste, he withdrew a sheet of drawing paper from his shirt and unfolded it. A vibrant, golden-red sun adorned its surface. Instantly, the surroundings grew warmer, and the sky, once obscured by Madame Pualis, brightened. The long-deceased python averted its gaze from Lumian, seemingly unwilling to face the suns brilliance. Yet, its attacks merely slowed rather than ceased. Seizing the opportunity, Lumian pivoted, clutching the drawing, and darted off in another direction. Hovering mid-air, Madame Pualis parted her lips, uttering a sinister phrase unintelligible to Lumian. An immediate weakness washed over Lumian, diminishing his running speed, as if a grave illness had befallen him, leaving him yet to convalesce. Right on the heels of that, Madame Pualis raised her head, emitting a sharp, pained howl. At that moment, Lumian perceived an ethereal shattering sound. It reverberated within his soul and body, casting a veil of darkness over his vision, propelling him toward the threshold of death. Had it not been for Hunter, Provoker, Dancer, and Alms Monk fortifying his constitution from various angles, Lumian might have succumbed to his enfeebled state. Clutching onto his last vestiges of reason, Lumian endured the agonizing pain, mustering his dwindling strength to reach into his pocket and brush Mr. Ks finger. In an instant, he felt the refreshing touch of raindrops nourishing his body and soul. His injuries swiftly mended at a visible pace, while the surrounding wilderness gradually dissolved into illusion until it vanished entirely. Lumian caught sight of Madame Pualis seated opposite him in the carriage. The chill had evaporated from her gaze, replaced by a sneering mockery. With your feeble strength, you aspire to seek revenge against Guillaume Bnet? When I departed Cordu Village, he gained a new boon after driving away us believers in the Great Mother. He now stands on par with a Sequence 5 Fate Appropriator. In the future, he may even procure the corresponding potion for consumption. Was her earlier attack merely a test of my capabilities? Lumian harbored no surprise at the padres Sequence 5 status. After all, his contracted abilities far surpassed those of a Contractee, yet he clearly lacked godhood. That left only two possibilities: Sequence 6 or Sequence 5. Considering Guillaume Bnets performance in the dream and his clash against Ryan, Leah, and Valentine, Lumian had long suspected him to be a Sequence 5 Fate Appropriator. Now, Madame Pualis had confirmed his suspicions. What astonished him was that Recipients could consume potions to acquire additional abilities. However, they must choose the appropriate potion or a suitable alternative. Lumian pondered for a moment, concluding that such occurrences were to be expected. Beyonders themselves could receive boons; it was just that the process carried various complications. Lumian met Madame Pualiss gaze and responded calmly, I still have time to grow, and theres a chance for me to become stronger. However, Guillaume Bnet has little hope of attaining godhood. He doesnt believe in the three entities that the Great Mother is a part of. Ill catch up to him as soon as I can. Unspoken by Lumian were his hopes of acquiring more formidable allies. Being an evil gods Blessed and having offended a follower of the Great Mother, Guillaume Bnet couldnt find many companions. They were likely wild Beyonders and Recipients who also believed in Inevitability. Madame Pualis chuckled. Confidence is a good trait. I admire young people like you who are full of confidence. Would you like to join me and worship the Great Mother? By doing so, you can gain additional assistance. Apart from the power of the potion, you can also receive boons. Id rather not become pregnant and have children, Lumian declined Madame Pualiss kind offer in a tactful manner. Madame Pualis smiled and replied, It seems you havent yet experienced the holiness, preciousness, and joy of life and the wonders of new beginnings. Its something I only came to fully comprehend after giving birth. But theres no need for you to refuse now. When you come to understand the greatness of the Mother, you can approach me anytime. Lumian didnt wish to dwell on matters concerning the Great Mother, so he changed the subject. I thought you got others to have children. I didnt expect you to have one yourself. Madame Pualiss face glowed with a maternal radiance. After becoming a Banshee, I had to bear a child myself in order to draw closer to the Great Mother. Its hard to believe that you were once a man Lumian almost hesitated to meet Madame Pualiss gaze. He swiftly redirected the conversation with a casual question. Did your child perish in the castle? Yes, Madame Pualis sighed. His father killed him with his own hands. Regrettably, he was unaware that the child was his. Who? Lumian blurted out. Madame Pualis smiled. Guillaume Bnet. Didnt you witness our affair? He didnt notice, but I knew you were hiding behind the altar. I even considered inviting you to join us. I assumed your affair was merely symbolic Some of it was real? Lumian was taken aback as several images flickered in his mind: Madame Pualis and the padre entangled in their nakedness. Madame Pualis praising the padres audacity, forthrightness, and masculinity. The padre having Saint Sith put up with the transgression Noticing Lumians change in expression, Madame Pualis smiled and continued, After arriving in Cordu and familiarizing myself with the surroundings, the first thing I did was seduce Guillaume Bnet. He held true authority as a clergyman and was the only means for Cordu to connect with the Eternal Blazing Sun Church. If I could bring him down and make him a believer of the Great Mother, combined with Bosts identity, I could have truly established Cordu as my territory without arousing suspicion from the outside world. Coincidentally, I also needed a child. So, I decided to put him to the test. Within a week, I secured his bloodline as a contingency plan. However, around July or August of last year, his attitude suddenly changed, and he lost interest in the Great Mother. Unfortunately, I didnt even have the opportunity to let him bear a child for me to experience the wonders of life. Last July or August? Lumian repeated. Every year, shepherds returned to the mountains during May and June. Yes, I remember it vividly, Madame Pualis chuckled. Later, that fool Louis Lund even attempted to seek his assistance. Lumian furrowed his brow and asked, Why did the padres attitude change all of a sudden? Im not entirely sure. All I know is that during that time, some villagers were spreading distorted ideas about horoscopes, and they were reported to Guillaume Bnet. After interrogating those individuals, Guillaume Bnets demeanor gradually shifted. Madame Pualiss eyes seemed to reflect the sunlight dancing on a lakes surface. Who were they? Lumian pressed. Madame Pualis smiled in response. Nazlie and the otherspeople you are familiar with. Lumian fell silent for a few seconds before speaking again, Where were you, and what were you doing when the padre and the others attacked the castle? Pualis let out a brisk laugh. So, you finally ask. You should have already guessed the answer, right? She gazed at Lumian with a pained and twisted smile. Aurore attacked me. Chapter 220 - 220 Nightmare 220 Nightmare Aurore attacked me. The words echoed in Lumians ears, crashing through his mind like a burst dam. A surge of memories flooded in, washing away the hidden horrors buried beneath the surface. They were ghastly, painful, and pierced his very bones. One by one, scenes played out before Lumians eyes. Guillaume Bnet, the padre, encircled by a horde of undead figures in the wilderness. Madame Pualis soaring through the air with her wings spread wide. And there, in her eyes, Lumian caught a glimpse of a familiar blond figure. It was Aurore! Lumians gaze shifted to the castles third-floor walls, covered in translucent faces of bluish-white hue. He witnessed Louis Lund giving birth, Sybil Berry being reborn within the body of a ladys maid, Guillaume Bnet, Pierre Berry, Pons Bnet, and a group of believers of Inevitability engaged in a fierce battle against the midwife, Administrator Bost, and their companions. All of this unfolded within Lumians own visions, emanating from a small bubble floating in the air. White Paper White Paper! Lumians face contorted in agony as he staggered backward. Bluish-purple veins, densely packed, protruded from his body, each representing a blood vessel. Meanwhile, the words of Psychiatrist Susie flashed through his mind: Always remind yourself not to overreact. Whenever you feel a similar surge of emotions, take deep breaths and find your calm Lumian gasped heavily, feeling as though the world around him had turned into a vacuum. In an act of sympathy, Madame Pualis spoke, You have indeed forgotten many things. No, youve buried them deep in your heart, afraid to confront them. I, too, suffered. It was not pleasant for me. After becoming a Banshee, it was the first time I encountered a woman who truly touched my heart. She possessed charm, kindness, gentleness, and a vibrant spirit. I never imagined that she, as a follower of the evil god, would turn against me. Even then, she was already a Fate Appropriator, favored by Inevitability more than Guillaume Bnet. Lumian couldnt help but bring his hands to his head, as if it might explode from the intense pressure within. Taking deep breaths, he recalled Aurore, who brushed off his concerns about the villages peculiarities. He remembered her cautioning him against laying eyes on forbidden things. He thought of Aurore, who would often sit on the roof at night, gazing at the vastness of the cosmos. The dream of the diaphanous lizard crawling out of Aurores mouth resurfaced in his mind. He remembered how Nazlie and the others, the initiators of the horoscope heresy, had close ties to Aurore. Amidst these recollections, Lumian also recalled his failure to avenge Reimund and Avas deaths, discovering himself captured by Pons Bnet instead. He endured torment before finally being set free. He recalled Aurore, who had cut the livre bleu and assembled a plea for help together with him. He remembered Aurore explaining the mystical knowledge she possessed. And above all, he remembered Aurore pushing him off the altar during the ritual, her eyes flickering with a newfound liveliness Huff Huff Lumian gasped heavily, as if still trapped in the clutches of a never-ending nightmare. A soft sigh escaped Madame Pualiss lips. I should have noticed her strangeness sooner. Although we didnt often cross paths, I always sensed something peculiar about her. The way she would gaze up at the night sky, speaking cryptic words about her hometown. Later on, I wished for her to embrace the Great Mothers teachings, but alas, it was too late Lumians trembling lips struggled to form the question. When did she start behaving strangely? He had a vivid recollection of Aurores habit of stargazing and reminiscing about her homeland, but there had been no signs of trouble in the early years. Granted, Lumian acknowledged that Aurore had been fixated on the cosmos more frequently over the past year, but he couldnt pinpoint the exact moment when it all began. Madame Pualis shook her head, suppressing her emotions, and spoke with a hint of amusement. Thats a question you must answer for yourself. You spend every day with her, whereas I do not. Sometimes, I envy you deeply. Yet, at other times, I believe you have your own merits. Why should we be bound by the rules of a conventional society, denying ourselves the freedom and joys of life? Lumian seemed lost in his own thoughts, barely registering Madame Pualiss words. He continued to hunch over, pressing his head against the carriage floor. Muttering to himself, he questioned, Who who led her to embrace Inevitability? Perhaps only she knows the answer. Unfortunately Madame Pualis sighed once more. Lumian fell into silence, taking deep breaths to steady himself. Once twice thrice Time seemed to blur as he wrestled with his thoughts. Finally, he straightened his posture, lowered his hands, and turned his gaze towards Madame Pualis. Have you ever encountered an elf-like creature resembling a lizard in the village? No. Madame Pualis shook her head. The diaphanous lizard from my dream was merely a symbol. Did it represent the influence of Inevitability? Or did it actually exist, concealed deep within reality? Lumian pondered incessantly, as if this were the only way to prevent the razor-sharp blades from piercing his shattered heart. He posed a new question. Have you ever come across the legend of the Warlock? The one about nine bulls being the only ones capable of pulling the coffin. No, Madame Pualis replied once more, shaking her head. Lumian continued to inquire, one question after another. Eventually, he lost track of what he was asking and whether Madame Pualis had even responded. In his mind, her face became hazy, as though she were standing dozens or hundreds of meters away. At some undetermined point, the four-wheeled carriage came to a halt. Lumian found himself back on the roadside, moving forward without purpose or destination. Clang! Clang! Clang! The cathedral bell tolled, signaling midnight. Suddenly, Lumian snapped out of his daze, realizing he had returned to the Auberge du Coq Dor. Almost instinctively, he ascended the steps and prepared to push open the door. But after a few seconds of shock, he retreated back onto the street, wandering towards the end of Rue Anarchie like a lost soul. He walked until he reached Avenue du March. The sky, perpetually gloomy throughout the night, now became shrouded in thick, dark clouds. There was no crimson moon or stars to be seen. Finally, Lumian arrived at the entrance of Salle de Bal Brise, where a cacophony of voices and the rhythmic beat of drums emanated, creating an unusually vibrant atmosphere. Feeling overwhelmed by the environment, he abruptly spun around, staggering to the side of the road. Finding a spot in the shadow, far away from the nearest gas street lamp, he sat on the ground. Pitter. Patter. As time ticked by, raindrops began to fall, landing on the ground, his head, and before him. The raindrops grew stronger, creating a steady patter. Lumian remained motionless, as if he had transformed into a statue, allowing the rain to soak his hair, face, and clothes. Suddenly, a shadow appeared above him, and the raindrops vanished. Confused, Lumian looked up and saw a dark-blue umbrella, its metal frame supporting the fabric, held by Jenna. He averted his gaze, staring blankly at the middle of the road where mist had started to rise. He made no effort to stop Jenna nor acknowledged her presence. Jenna, wearing heavy smokey makeup and a sequined, low-cut red dress, draped a lightly-colored shawl with sizable holes over her shoulders to conceal some of her skin. She observed Lumian for a few seconds, refraining from asking any questions. Standing beside him, she held the umbrella aloft. The heavy rain persisted for an entire hour before gradually subsiding. Only scattered droplets now dripped from the buildings on either side and the street lamps. Lumian rose slowly, as if he had lost something. Jenna folded her umbrella and muttered, her voice barely audible. The rain will cease eventually, just as darkness always gives way. The sun is destined to rise, and its light will surely illuminate the earth. Lumian remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the darkened road ahead. How would you feel when you discover that someone you trust isnt who you thought they were? Jenna didnt respond directly. Instead, she countered with a question of her own, Do you still trust him? Lumian pursed his lips, his answer unwavering, Yes. If you still trust him, then find out why he did it, Jenna advised, her tone calm. Lumians hands trembled slightly as he took a series of deep breaths. Eventually, his body returned to normal, and he turned to face Jenna. Why are you here? Jennas reply carried both frustration and amusement, Dammit! This is just outside Salle de Bal Brise! I didnt need to go to the theater tonight, so I came here to sing and make some cash. When I stepped out, I spotted you sitting by the roadside, completely drenched. Lumian averted his gaze and began walking forward, his expression devoid of emotion. He splashed through puddles, striding toward Rue des Blouses Blanches. Where are you going? Jenna asked, a hint of concern in her voice. Lumian responded without looking back, To find out the reason! He recalled Aurores words when she pushed him away from the altar: My grimoires Considering the current circumstances, Lumian suspected that his sister was trying to convey that he could uncover clues about the source of the abnormality within her grimoires! Jenna followed Lumian, holding the umbrella, and probed, Do you think you can find the reason in just one night? Perhaps it will take a long time, Lumian impatiently replied. Jenna muttered under her breath, Then why are you in such a hurry? Rest and clear your mind. It might help you uncover the reason more quickly. Lumian contemplated his limited understanding of the grimoires contents and his lack of mystical knowledge. He fell into silence. Once again, he turned to Jenna. Is Franca at home? Why do you ask? Jenna appeared perplexed. She probably wont return to Rue des Blouses Blanches today. She mentioned wanting to spend a pleasant evening with Gardner Martin. Phew Lumian exhaled and redirected his steps toward Rue Anarchie. Chapter 221 - 221 Venting 221 Venting Jennas gaze fixated on Lumians retreating figure as she inquired, Where are you off to? Getting some shut-eye, Lumian replied without glancing back. Pursing her lips, Jenna pondered for a brief moment before deciding to follow him. She wanted to ascertain his final destination and see if he truly intended to return to the Auberge du Coq Dor to sleep. Otherwise, with his current state, she couldnt fathom the trouble he might stir up. Ignoring Jennas presence, Lumian ambled slowly back towards the Auberge du Coq Dor. As he reached the motels entrance, he discovered the main door firmly locked. Rather than scaling the pipes, he retrieved a small wire from his person and deftly inserted it into the brass keyhole, skillfully manipulating it. The door swung open, revealing the murky interior. The only source of illumination emanated from the staircase leading down to the basement bar. Lumian cast a fleeting glance and chose to descend in that direction. Dammit! Didnt he claim he was going to bed? Jenna cursed inwardly and let out a resigned sigh. She trailed after him into the Auberge du Coq Dors basement bar. The bar wasnt bustling with patrons. Two or three inebriated men occupied a small round table, sporadically bellowing, but they lacked any significant strength. The sole customer at the bar counter happened to be Lumians neighbor, Gabriel, the playwright residing in Room 206. Garbed in a faded linen shirt, brown trousers, and oversized black-framed glasses, Gabriels hair appeared unkempt and greasy. Youre still drinking at this hour? Lumian settled beside Gabriel, his gaze fixed upon the glass of green absinthe clasped in the playwrights hand, shimmering with a psychedelic allure. Has he returned to normal? Jenna appraised Lumian, sensing that his condition wasnt as dire as before. Suppressing a yawn with her hand, she pulled a barstool over and took a seat, resolute in her intent to observe for another thirty minutes. Gabriel forced a bitter smile and responded, I just finished a manuscript and came down for a drink. Are all authors the same? Do you prefer to toil at night and slumber during the day? Lumian rapped on the bar counter, beckoning for a glass of absinthe. Pausing for a moment, Gabriel replied, Many authors are like that. Tranquil nights grant us greater inspiration. But thats not why I stay up late. I must visit various theaters during the day, persuading managers to peruse and accept my manuscript. Today, I went to the Thatre de la Renaissance in Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative. Their manager, Nathan Lopp, is renowned as the most astute theater manager. He possesses the highest likelihood of recognizing the value of my script. Yet, he refused to see me. I failed to meet him both at his office and during my visit to his apartment. Upon hearing words like theater and manager, Jenna inwardly gasped, a vague sense of trepidation creeping over her. The fact that many individuals around her worshiped an evil god had left a lasting scar on her psyche. Furthermore, their abilities were repulsive and twisted, evoking deep-rooted revulsion within her. Do you happen to know where the theater manager lives? Yes, Ive visited him at his apartment before, along with other playwrights. Hes still unmarried and often changes mistresses, Gabriel rambled on. A grin crept across Lumians face. I have a way to get that fellow to read your script, but I cant guarantee he will accept it. Really? Gabriel was taken aback and perplexed. Theres actually a way? Jenna wondered, her mind filled with bewilderment. Lumian swiftly finished his absinthe and rose to his feet. Lets go at once. Bring your script! Gabriel had never encountered such a man of action. It was already midnight! With no remaining hope, he resolved to give it a try. Downing the last of his absinthe, he ascended to the second floor to retrieve the script for his three-act play. Standing at the entrance of Auberge du Coq Dor, Jenna studied Lumian with a mix of puzzlement and curiosity. Do you truly have a solution? Lumian scoffed dismissively. You need not believe me. Heh! Jenna expressed her disdain. Uncertain if this was a consequence of his troubled state, she felt a twinge of curiosity and decided to follow Lumian to prevent him from engaging in any rash actions. Before long, Gabriel returned to the ground floor. He had changed into a clean and respectable formal suit, complete with a crimson bow tie. Address, Lumian inquired calmly. Room 702, 15 Rue Defoe, Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative. Gabriel gazed at the poorly lit Rue Anarchie, observing only a few inebriated individuals and wanderers. He tentatively asked, Shall we walk there? There were no public carriages available at this hour, and Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative was adjacent to the market district. Lumian paid no attention to the query, instead strolling towards Avenue du March at a steady pace. He halted before a late-night-operating rental carriage, a four-wheeled two-seater, and addressed the driver, who sported the uniform of the Empire Carriage Company. To 15 Rue Defoe, Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative. The carriage driver, donning a waxed hat and a blue gown adorned with yellow buttons, scrutinized Lumian and his two companions before stating, Two verl dor. In Trier, daytime travel in a rental carriage lasting less than an hour cost 1.25 verl dor, with an additional 1.75 verl dor per hour. After midnight until 6 a.m., short journeys were priced at 2 verl dor, while longer trips incurred a charge of 2.5 verl dor per hour. Lumian remained silent, producing two silver coins worth 1 verl dor each and tossing them to the carriage driver. Showing no courtesy, he boarded the carriage and took a seat. This left Gabriel in a predicament. Unsure whether he should act chivalrously and jostle with Ciel or allow the singer, Jenna, to make her own choice. Eventually, realizing she hadnt been invited, Jenna grumbled and settled herself beside Lumian, striving to secure some personal space. The rental carriage set off, embarking on its journey towards Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative. During the ride, Lumian maintained an unsettling silence, leaving Gabriel hesitant to inquire about his solution. The atmosphere inside the carriage grew somewhat uncomfortable. Having grown accustomed to Lumians peculiar state that night, Jenna cleared her mind and focused on her own thoughts. After an indeterminate period, the rental carriage came to a halt at 15 Rue Defoe. Lumian wasted no time and headed straight for the apartment building. Upon entering the lobby, he was intercepted by a vigilant guard. Which floor and room are you residing in? the dutiful guard inquired. If youre not a resident here, you need Before the guard could finish his sentence, a chilling object was pressed against his temple. Lumian had swiftly produced a revolver from under his armpit and pressed the barrel firmly against the guards forehead. W-What do you think youre doing? the guard, who appeared to be almost fifty, stammered. Gabriel stood frozen, his mind filled with doubt regarding Ciels supposed solution. Amused and eager to witness the unfolding events, Jenna observed Lumian silently guide the guard to a secluded corner of the lobby. Using the rope and various items he had with him, he proceeded to bind the guards hands and feet, effectively rendering him immobile. A gag was placed over the guards mouth to ensure his silence. With the task completed, Lumian shut the apartment door behind him and secured the lock before ascending the staircase. As if awakening from a dream, Gabriel hastened after him, his voice filled with anxiety. Is that really okay? What do you think? Lumian replied with a grin. Gabriel faltered, lost for words. He hesitated, contemplating whether he should abandon his pursuit of having Nathan Lopp, the manager of Thatre de la Renaissance, read his script. If I were to express my doubts and return now, would Ciel become furious and resort to violence? After all, he is a mob leader Gabriel gaped, incapable of uttering anything that might dissuade Lumian. Soon, the trio reached the top floor and stopped outside Room 702. Gabriel, poised to knock, witnessed Lumian deftly employ the short wire to open the vermilion wooden door. Gabriel couldnt make sense of Lumians intentions in the slightest. Observing this, Jenna swiftly removed her light-colored shawl and draped it over her face, exposing only her forehead and eyes. She harbored suspicions that Ciel was about to cause trouble. To avoid being implicated by him, it was prudent to conceal her identity. At the very least, she couldnt allow anyone to remember her appearance. Lumian stepped into the living room, awash with the glow of the crimson moonlight. Producing a bandage, he wrapped it around his face, leaving only his eyes and nostrils visible. Though Gabriel failed to comprehend why Jenna and Ciel were veiling their faces, he instinctively found a cloth and covered the lower portion of his own face. Enveloped in a white bandage, Lumian surveyed the surroundings before proceeding towards the master bedroom. He turned the handle and gently pushed open the door. The living room was bathed in the luminosity of the crimson moon, illuminating the figures reclining in the bed. There lay a man and a woman. The man boasted disheveled black hair, appearing to be in his early forties. His countenance was gaunt, with a prominent nose bridge. The woman possessed curly blond hair, seemingly in her twenties. Her complexion was flawless, and her features were strikingly beautiful. Beneath the velvet blanket, they appeared to be unclothed. Hes the theater manager? Lumian didnt restrain his voice at all. Gabriel felt as though he were trapped in a surreal reverie. Yes, thats him. Lumian advanced swiftly towards the grand bed. The manager of Thatre de la Renaissance, Nathan Lopp, stirred from his slumber upon hearing the commotion. Before he could open his eyes, Lumian grasped his shoulder and hoisted him upright. Nathan Lopp jolted awake, his eyes confronted with the sight of a head swathed in white bandages. His heart seemed to skip a beat, rendering him speechless and devoid of protest. In the next instant, a revolver was pressed against his temple. Nathan Lopp sealed his lips shut and was propelled into the living room. As he passed by Jenna, Lumian cast a sidelong glance towards the bed and whispered, Keep an eye on that woman. Jenna found herself bewildered by the unfolding events, yet it did nothing to quell her exhilaration. Without hesitation, she lowered herself into a crouch, drew her own revolver, and trained it upon the recently awakened blonde. With a touch of cold detachment, she issued a stern warning, I dont want to hear a word. The blonde wrapped her arms tightly around the blanket, trembling on the bed. Lumian settled Nathan Lopp into a recliner, securing his hands and feet to the sofa and floor using garments. Perplexed, Gabriel came over. Suddenly, a thought struck him: Are we here to rob Nathan Lopp, or are we here to present him with my script? Jenna escorted the blonde, clad in a nightgown, to the living room. Lumian, who had illuminated the crystal chandelier, took a few steps back. He retrieved his revolver and seated himself on the divan opposite the recliner. Nathan Lopp appeared freshly awakened and uttered anxiously, How much do you want? Ill give it to you, everything! Theres a total of 1,100 verl dor and a diamond necklace here. Ill surrender them all! Just promise not to harm me! Lumian, his face concealed by bandages, turned towards Gabriel and stated, Read it. Read what? Gabriel responded, his mind blank. Lumian let out a soft chuckle. Read your script. Monsieur Nathan Lopp is waiting. Wh Gabriel stood dumbfounded. Is this the solution to making Nathan Lopp read my script? Is this how a rational person thinks? Not only Gabriel pondered this, but Jenna couldnt help but mumble to herself. Ciels mind is truly unhinged! Wont this result in Monsieur Playwright being taken to the police station? Thank goodness Ive concealed my face! With a similar sense of relief, Gabriel approached Nathan Lopp apprehensively. He retrieved the script and began reading it aloud, as if compelled to do so. Nathan Lopp listened in bewilderment, questioning whether he was trapped in a ludicrous dream. Halfway through his slumber, a masked intruder invaded his abode, binding him to a chair merely to subject him to a script recital? As he listened attentively, Nathan Lopps professional instincts kicked in, drawing him further into the script. After the main dialogue of the first scene concluded, Nathan Lopp interrupted Gabriel. Who wrote this? Me, Gabriel replied subconsciously. Nathan Lopps voice resonated deeply as he stated, Bring it to my office tomorrow at 10 a.m. Well sign the contract. Alright, alright. Gabriels emotions swirled with surprise, happiness, and fear. Will I find the police waiting for me at Thatre de la Renaissance tomorrow? Lumian chuckled, rising from his seat and making his way to the door with his revolver. Jenna and Gabriel followed closely behind, allowing the blonde woman to free Nathan Lopp from his restraints. As they descended the stairs, Jenna flashed a smile at Gabriel and inquired, Monsieur Playwright, your script is exceptional. Your words are captivating. What is its title? Its called Lightseeker,'' Gabriel responded instinctively, unable to comprehend why an underground singer held such interest in the script. Jenna quickened her pace to catch up with Lumian. Lowering her voice, she asked, Is this your solution? Arent you concerned that the theater manager may also be a devotee of an evil god? In her current state of mind, all theaters seemed suspect. Lumian removed the bandages, his expression unwavering, as he replied, Then we would have fought. I knew it Jenna silently muttered to herself. After retrieving their belongings and ropes from the guard, the trio boarded a rental carriage and returned to Auberge du Coq Dor. Once Gabriel expressed his gratitude and retreated to his room, a mix of worry and joy, Jenna observed Ciel as he freshened up and settled onto the bed. Finally, she breathed a sigh of relief. She drew the curtains and carefully closed the wooden door before departing Auberge du Coq Dor. In the nearly pitch-black darkness, Lumians eyes remained closed, unmoving. Chapter 222 - 222 Fliers 222 Fliers Clang! Clang! Clang! At the stroke of six, Lumian sat upright and flung open the curtains, allowing a gentle light to stream into the room, breathing life into the once silent space. He rubbed his face, freshened up, and attended to his needs. Once ready, he changed his clothes and departed from Auberge du Coq Dor. Making his way around Rue des Blouses Blanches, he entered the rented safe house. With great anticipation, Lumian delved into Aurores grimoires, hoping to uncover some hidden gems that had eluded him in his previous search. Aurores grimoires contained three distinct categories of knowledge. Firstly, there were the common mystical understandingsthe names of various pathways, the state of certain Sequences, the foundations of ritualistic magic, the significance of symbolic elements, and the pronunciation and meanings of several supernatural languages. The second category focused on the practical application of mystical knowledge and personal abilities. It demanded deep contemplation, as it contained numerous recorded or purchased spells, as well as defenses against curses. Lastly, there were fragments of peculiar and incomplete knowledge, along with intriguing anecdotes. Some were bestowed upon Aurore by the Hidden Sage, while others emerged from interactions within the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society. These miscellaneous tidbits werent organized into separate grimoires but appeared sporadically as Aurore acquired them. For Lumian, the second category posed the greatest challenge. Warlock spells like Illumination, Weed Removal, Exorcism, Soul Summoning, Lightning, Wind Creation, and Force Field Hand proved to be perplexing. After all, he lacked the fundamental understanding of mysticism and the support of Beyonder powers required to cast spells. On the other hand, Lumian had made significant progress in comprehending, learning, and mastering ritualistic magic since becoming an Alms Monk. Lumian also noticed that his sister had omitted certain basic rules, such as the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Conservation, from her grimoires. However, this was to be expected. Such laws were scarce and easily remembered. They were ingrained in the mind and required no additional recording. After an extensive morning of reading, Lumian found no signs of suspicion. Instead, he accumulated a myriad of questions that demanded consultation with others. He let out a slow exhale, carefully folded the pages containing his inquiries, and tucked them into his pocket before departing the safe house. On his way to Avenue du March, Lumians attention was caught by several voting booths. Uniformed police officers and heavily armed military police were working diligently to maintain order, allowing long queues of people to deposit their votes into wooden boxes. Despite having acquired a new identification from Gardner Martin and assuming the persona of Ciel Dubois, a resident of the market district for nearly two years with the right to vote, Lumian chose not to register at all. He had no desire to partake in the parliamentary election. After some time, a newsboy rushed by and tossed a stack of white papers into the air. Lumian observed as many pedestrians eagerly collected the floating papers and began reading them with great seriousness. He bent down and retrieved a copy lying at his feet. The white paper featured several lines of text in the Intis script, printed in a simple and easily comprehensible syntax. Hugues Artois is a traitor! In the war against the Loen Kingdom several years ago, he deserted his troops and fled. Countless fathers, brothers, husbands, and sons never returned! He is participating in the parliamentary election with clandestine support from the Loen Kingdom! He vividly remembered Hugo Artoiss campaign posters emphasizing his military service. He had only retired from the army upon reaching the rank of major and ventured into politics, starting as an assistant secretary at the National Convention. Could this be a desperate move from a candidate facing unsatisfactory early poll results? As Lumian pondered over the situation, a group of men, suspected to be mobsters, approached and forcibly confiscated the fliers from the pedestrians, resorting to physical violence and vulgar insults. Curiously, the nearby police officers seemed oblivious to the scene unfolding before them. Lumian raised his gaze and recognized one of the men. They were members of the Poison Spur Mob, the very individuals who had previously followed Margot and Wilson to Auberge du Coq Dor. You dare read something like that, you wretch? You leper, hand me the thing in your hand! Son of a bitch, do you want me to rough you up? The Poison Spur Mob members closed in on Lumian. Just as they were about to snatch the flier from his hand, their eyes fell upon his short blond hair with dark roots. A mischievous grin crept across Lumians face. Ciel! The Poison Spur Mob members instinctively turned around, their intent to flee evident. Lumian swiftly lifted his foot and delivered a forceful kick to one of the mobsters rear, causing him to lose his balance and tumble to the ground. Whats the matter? Cant recognize your pp? Lumian taunted, watching the disoriented Poison Spur Mob members scramble away in a disheveled state. He had no inclination to pursue them any further. Lumian tossed aside the flier he held and strolled back to Salle de Bal Brise. Immediately upon entering, Louis approached with Sarkota by his side. Boss, Charlie quit his job as a waiter last night and only asked for a weeks worth of salary. Im aware, Lumian responded calmly. Louis recalled how the boss had taken Charlie away the previous night, returning without him. Shortly afterward, Charlie tendered his resignation and left. This sequence of events left Louis with a lingering suspicion that something secretive was at play, but he didnt dare inquire further. Lumian cast a brief glance at Louis and casually inquired as he made his way towards the caf on the second floor, How old are you? 27, Louis answered, puzzled as to why the boss seemed interested in this particular detail. Without much hesitation, Lumian continued, Are you married? Do you have any children? Not yet, Louis replied with an awkward smile. I plan to get married when Im more mature. Though he had managed to escape the life of a low-ranking mobster and now served as the leaders bodyguard, eliminating the constant fear of being beaten to death on the streets, Louis recognized the inherent dangers that still lurked. He didnt wish to benefit another man shortly after entering married life and having a child. Lumian nodded. Its important to consider your future. The other Louis I know already has several children. Louis brushed off the remark, perceiving it as an attempt by the boss to force a conversation when there was little else to discuss, as if trying to prove a point. Franca skipped her lunch with Gardner Martin and returned to 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches before noon. Upon reaching the house, she noticed that the door to the guest bedroom was tightly shut. Perplexed, she turned the handle and pushed it open. Inside, Jenna lay fast asleep in her pajamas, huddled under a blanket. Stirred by the doors movement, she rubbed her eyes and slowly sat up, her gaze fixed on Franca. Still snoozing? Franca asked, her smile in place. Just because you dont have acting lessons at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, youre letting yourself go like this? Jenna combed through her tawny locks and grumbled, Its all Ciels fault; things went on late into the night. Francas smile froze. Jenna continued, I dont know what happened to him last night, but his mood and condition were off. I was worried something might happen, so I followed him. Only after he entered Auberge du Coq Dor and got into bed did I return to get some rest. Franca breathed a sigh of relief and inquired with concern, Tell me everything. Jenna recounted the events starting from her performance at Salle de Bal Brise, seeing Lumian sitting by the road in the rain, all the way until he employed an unimaginable method to secure Gabriels script deal. Finally, she said, Dammit, it was almost three oclock before he finally agreed to go back to his room and sleep. I was beyond exhausted! Franca listened attentively and expressed her worry, Its rare to see him in such a state Franca paused, a realization dawning on her. Lumian was still undergoing regular treatment from a psychiatrist, and perhaps this state she witnessed was his truest form. He must have experienced some sort of trauma last night. Ill ask him about it later. After Franca referred to him as a relative, she no longer concealed her close relationship with Lumian in front of Jenna. Jenna nodded. Choose your words carefully. Dont agitate him. On the second floor of Salle de Bal Brise, in Lumians office, he noticed Franca, who had turned invisible. I heard from Jenna that something happened to you last night, Franca, dressed in a white blouse and black pants, asked casually. Did you meet Madame Pualis? During her lunch with Jenna, she had managed to piece together what had triggered Lumians mental distress. Lumian seemed to lose all his strength upon hearing Francas question and slumped into the swiveling armchair. After a pause of more than ten seconds, he exhaled and said, Thats right. I cant accept the truth I learned, but I have no choice. Sensing his reluctance to share further, Franca didnt press the matter. She nodded slightly and offered, Is there anything I can do for you? Lumian straightened up and spoke bluntly, Two things. First, I have numerous questions about mysticism. Second, the issue with the Poison Spur Mob. As I mentioned before, once the election is over, Hugues Artois will become a member of parliament. Black Scorpion Roger and his cohorts will gain a new boon. In due time, well all be in danger. Should we launch a raid on 126 Avenue du March at night to eliminate any hidden threats before the election results are announced? Franca pondered for a moment and replied, Based on your description, the Heretic Spellmaster holds a significant advantage on their home turf. Even if the two of us use our trump cards, our chances of successfully eliminating Black Scorpion Roger and the others are uncertain, assuming there are no other surprises awaiting us. But if we dont act now, they will become even more formidable after receiving their new boons She hesitated, unsure of the best course of action. At 126 Avenue du March, within the three-story building with a garden. Black Scorpion Roger gazed at his subordinate who had infiltrated the market districts parliamentary election commission and asked eagerly, Whats the situation? The subordinate replied with excitement, Monsieur Hugues Artois is leading by a wide margin! A smile crept across Black Scorpion Rogers face. Once the subordinate left, he turned to Baldy Harman and Short-legged Candlestick Castina, saying, The election results will be announced tomorrow afternoon. Lady Moon will personally oversee the ritual and grant us a boon during the night. Afterward, we wont hold back anymore. That wretched Ciel must meet his demise! Chapter 223 - 223 Choice 223 Choice On a southeastern hill overlooking Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, there stood an active quarry. Having departed from Salle de Bal Brise, Lumian embarked on a quest to find a suitable candidate, which led him to this very place. The night was deep, and the lamplighters diligently illuminated the gas lamps strewn across the streets. In stark contrast, the quarry, having concluded its daily operations, was enveloped in darkness, devoid of any artificial illumination. Scattered across the quarry floor were several gypsum furnaces, surrounded by numerous tramps. Lumian honed his focus, meticulously assessing each individuals circumstances. At long last, he discovered a target that fit his requirements. Resting against one of the gypsum furnaces was a male tramp. His shirt, pants, and jacket were tattered, their original hue obscured by the dark brown soil. Sunken cheeks and emaciated limbs almost distorted his figure. His unkempt hair and beard intertwined in a mess of strands. His eyes were half-shut, and his shallow breaths suggested he might perish at any moment. According to Lumians observations, the tramp was indeed approaching the end of his waning life. He had but two or three days left. Approaching the figure, Lumian squatted down and retrieved the gas canister he had obtained from the unsavory Hedsey, whom Franca had aptly named Mysticism Smelling Salts. Unscrewing the lid, he positioned it near the tramps nostrils. He and Franca had already distributed Rentass remains. The sedatives and coins totaling 212 verl dor belonged to Lumian, while the remainder was Francas share. Achoo! The tramp sneezed twice, and his eyes fluttered open. Weakly gazing at Lumian, donned in a blue laborers uniform and a dark cap, he inquired, puzzled, W-who are you? W-what are you trying to do? Lumian responded calmly, Im just a passing worker. I sensed that your demise was imminent, so I approached to verify. The tramp found no fault in Lumians explanation. In the Intis Republic, upon discovering a lifeless body, whether reporting to the governmental authorities or the two Churches, individuals would receive compensation for promptly ensuring purification or cremation. Though the sum was meager, a mere 1 verl dor, even the lower-class citizens found it a pleasant surprise, no matter how modest the additional benefits. The tramps beard trembled as he managed a smile. You guessed right. I also feel as if my time is drawing near. Drop by more frequently over the next two days, so your money doesnt get snatched away. Perhaps it was the effect of the Mysticism Smelling Salts, or perhaps the topic of death momentarily stirred the tramps spirits, for his words ceased to falter, and his reasoning became clearer. Have you got any family left? Lumian inquired casually, squatting before the tramp as he stowed away the Mysticism Smelling Salts. The tramp fell silent for a few moments, then slowly shook his head. No, not any more. Has your family passed on? Lumian probed further. The tramps beard swayed with the motion of his muscles, and his voice carried an unmistakable tinge of anguish. Theyre gone. All gone. My parents didnt make it past 45. My brother fell in the war a few years back. My sisters succumbed to illness, and her child became a child laborer. By the age of ten, he was already hunchbacked and died from sheer exhaustion in a textile mill The tramp seemed to stray from Lumians question, more akin to a recollection before his impending demise. He rambled on, I used to toil in the quarry, praised for my strength. Then, a Monsieur saw my diligence, believed I could endure hardship. He taught me to place detonators and loosen rocks. My pay rose, and life took a turn for the better. I had a wife, tough as nails just like me, and three precious children, but only one survived. My little angel, my daughter. When the food prices sparked protests, my body suddenly gave way, and I fell grievously ill. My wife and daughter spent everything, amassed debts. Eventually, they nursed me back to health, but I lost my job in the process. We were hounded by loan sharks day in and day out. Those men took away my little angel. My wife and I searched desperately. A few weeks later, we found her lifeless body. She couldnt endure their torment and chose to end it all. My wife wanted to turn to the police, but they beat her to death and dumped her somewhere. I was battered and left unconscious, but I survived. Ive made it till today Lumian listened in silence, his voice deep when he finally spoke, Any wishes? The tramp laughed out loud. Wishes? My greatest wish is to pass away shortly after catching that illness. Lumian fell silent for a moment before continuing, No thirst for revenge? The tramps eyes glazed over as he replied, Those loan sharks were killed by other mobs. New loan sharks have taken their place. He recollected Lumians initial question and spoke in a voice that seemed to drift from another realm, When my time comes, I thinkI think Id like to have another meatloaf. I remember those years, every weekend, my wife would buy the meat herself, add flax seeds and vinegar, turn it into a sauce, and stuff it between flatbread. My daughter adored it, and I loved it too Lumian nodded, rising to his feet and making his way down the hill, toward the streets below. After approximately 45 minutes, he returned to the gypsum furnace, carrying a Rouen meatloaf that filled the air with its enticing aroma. The tramp seemed on the verge of fainting once more. Lumian employed the Mysticism Smelling Salts once again to rouse him from his stupor. The tramp sneezed a few times, his gaze fixed blankly on the Rouen meatloaf. He quickly took bites, his beard becoming coated with a thin layer of oil. Having consumed half of it, he gasped for breath and inquired with a smile, Whats your game, lad? Ill be stabbing you later. It might just bring about your demise tonight, Lumian stated plainly. The tramp chuckled weakly and queried, Arent you afraid of the police? I fear not death. I shouldve perished long ago. Did you know that every winter, I sleep inside this gypsum furnace? Even after a days work, it retains a soothing warmth that lasts until nearly daybreak. However, the lingering fumes within are poisonous and could claim me in my sweet slumber. So far, it hasnt happened to me. Lumian chuckled. I reckon the police arent too bothered about how a tramp meets his end, so long as its not a blatant murder. Without further ado, the tramp devoured the remaining Rouen meatloaf and let out a belch. After a pause of over ten seconds, he adjusted his position and spoke, You may proceed. Lumian drew his blade, Fallen Mercury, adorned with sinister patterns, and thrust it into the tramps hand. Blood trickled forth, staining the tip of the blade crimson. Simultaneously, Lumian once again beheld the illusory river of mercury. His purpose in seeking a near-death tramp was to exchange for a more practical fate! This was not to say that encountering the fate of the Montsouris ghost wasnt formidable. Quite the contrary, it could lead to certain death or even the demise of an entire family for many humans. Furthermore, it clung tenaciously. However, the issue lay in the time it took to take effect. The exchange of fates could often be completed within minutes, whereas the Montsouris ghosts assault on its target occurred at random intervals. It might strike in ten to twenty minutes, or it might wait for three to four months. In other words, the fate of encountering the Montsouris ghost was ill-suited for a surprise attack or a battle. Furthermore, having learned from the experience and lessons of Margots death, Lumians target, Black Scorpion Roger, would undoubtedly be wary of such matters. If stabbed by Fallen Mercury and not instantly dispatched, there was a high likelihood that he would seek aid from Madame Moon. Lumian was uncertain if the lady possessing true godhood could fend off the Montsouris ghost. If she could, his operation would be an utter failure. Considering these factors, he intended to preemptively alter the fate of encountering the Montsouris ghost and choose a destiny more conducive to surprise attacks and assassinations. He desired Black Scorpion Roger to perish on the spot, without a chance to seek any assistance. As these thoughts raced through Lumians mind, a series of images appeared before him. He saw the tramp, asleep inside the gypsum furnace, the tramp who had been viciously beaten and left unconscious, the tramp who had recently fainted, the tramp who had crumbled in front of his daughters lifeless body, the tramp who had shared homemade meatloaf with his wife and daughter, the tramp who meticulously prepared and set up explosives Lumian knew he couldnt choose the tramps destined fate of perishing in two or three days. It was an overwhelming burden, beyond what Fallen Mercury could bear. Even the Luck Transference Spell couldnt transfer such a dire fate. The only solution Lumian could think of was to employ the Substitution Spell and find a death row inmate to take the tramps place. He would assume the inmates identity for a period of time, gaining the acceptance of those around him. Then, he would perform the ritual and swap the tramps impending death with that of the inmate. However, this process would take two to three weeks, if not longer, to prepare. Time was not on his side. Drawing on his vast experience, Lumian made a quick decision and chose the fate of the tramp who had recently collapsed due to his failing body. It departed from the mercury river and condensed into a droplet that seeped into the blade of Fallen Mercury. Simultaneously, the fate of encountering the Montsouris ghost shifted entirely to the tramp. Lumian retracted the wicked, pewter-black dagger. It remained clean and free from bloodstains, and the wound on the tramps hand was shallow, as though it would soon leave a scar. Thats it? the tramp asked in puzzlement. He had been prepared to meet his end then and there. Yes. Lumian stood up and departed from the hill. Late that night, inside the gypsum furnace, the tramp convulsed suddenly and succumbed to suffocation. Across from 126 Avenue du March. Returning here, Lumian nestled in a shadowy corner, shielded from the glow of the gas street lamps. His eyes fixated on the target building. Beside him, Franca emerged from the darkness, dressed in a black robe and hood. How did it go? Lumian asked, entirely unsurprised. Chapter 224 - 224 Disguise 224 Disguise Franca cast her gaze upon 126 Avenue du March and remarked, Whether its Black Scorpion Roger, Baldy Harman, or Short-legged Candlestick Castina, none of them have shown themselves. Extremely cautious, Lumian objectively commented. Franca let out a scoff. If I were in their shoes, Id be cautious too. If I manage to make it through tonight, I can turn the tables and emerge victorious. How foolish would it be for me to reveal myself? Even if someone were to abduct Gardner and maim him at the doorstep, I wouldnt budge. This example isnt convincing Lumian asked, What if its Jenna whos bound instead of Gardner? Franca fell silent. Noticing the Provoker potion taking effect, Lumian, nearing the completion of his digestion, chose not to press further. Instead, he inquired, What else have you observed? Neither Lumian nor Franca had devised a specific plan for the assault on Black Scorpion Roger and the others. They possessed only a handful of vague ideas and were currently engaged in preliminary investigations and preparations. Franca pondered for a few seconds before revealing, A member of the Poison Spur Mob frequents the election commission and this vicinity. Its as if hes providing Black Scorpion Roger with real-time updates on the polls. Pausing briefly, a mischievous smile curled the corners of her mouth. We can exploit this! Simultaneously, Lumian mirrored her grin. Isnt it like stumbling upon a soft pillow just when youre sleepy? Indeed, delving into politics is a treacherous affair. Franca turned her head, amusement twinkling in her eyes as she glanced at Lumian. Your sister must have imparted many hometown sayings to you. How do you plan on operating this thing? Lumian fell silent for a moment before speaking again. If I were an Actor, the problem would be simple. Nonetheless, I still possess those glasses. Franca nodded, satisfied with his response. This operation requires both a surprise attack and an assassination. The importance of the assassination must outweigh that of the surprise attack to minimize a Heretic Spellmasters advantage on their home turf. After some deliberation, the two of them moved away from 126 Avenue du March, positioning themselves in a shadowy spot near the districts parliamentary election commission. The days voting had concluded, and the election commission staff toiled diligently, counting the votes and providing real-time updates. Countless reporters from various newspapers gathered there, eager to acquire firsthand data. If all went according to plan, Hugues Artois would secure more than half of the registered votes tonight, enabling him to declare his election victory. As time ticked by, the night grew darker. Suddenly, Franca nudged Lumian and pointed towards a figure exiting the election commission. The person appeared to be almost thirty, boasting black hair, brown eyes, and a narrow face. He sported a blue-and-white striped shirt, a light brown jacket, and a thick gold necklace. Lumian offered a subtle nod and departed from his hiding place, adopting an air of urgency as he approached the man. He pulled his dark cap down low, obscuring his distinct blond-and-black hair. Upon noticing someone drawing nearer, the Poison Spur Mob member cautiously altered his path. At that moment, Lumian took a diagonal stride forward, positioning himself in front of the individual. He smiled and greeted, Long time no see. How have you been faring within the Poison Spur Mob? The man was caught off guard. Utilizing the illumination from the gas street lamps, he scrutinized Lumians face. Seizing the opportunity, Lumian lunged forward, gripping the other persons neck and pulling them into an embrace. Simultaneously, Lumian pushed the metal canister closer to the targets nose with his left hand. He had already unscrewed the lid, but he kept his finger pressed against the opening, controlling the gas release. The Poison Spur Mob member struggled desperately, but Lumians palm covered his mouth and nose, silencing any outcry. His punches and kicks were easily deflectedeither his neck was constricted or his back was pinned down by an elbow. His head remained ensconced in the other persons grasp, nestled against their chest. In his anxious state, it was difficult for him to strike his foes vulnerable points, and Lumian endured the onslaught. After a few seconds, the mans resistance began to wane. Passersby cast fleeting glances at him before walking away without detecting anything amiss. Within moments, the man in Lumians arms lost consciousness. Supporting his intoxicated companion, Lumian sealed the bottle once more with his finger. They arrived at a deserted alley barricaded from public access, where Lumian abandoned his target and screwed the metal canister shut. Youre very reckless. Franca emerged from the shadows beside him. Only in Trier can you get away with this. Anywhere else, someone would have raised a loud alarm. I reserve these actions solely for Trier, Lumian replied, crouching down to strip the Poison Spur Mob member of his attire and necklace. He bound his hands and feet with a rope he had brought along. Having completed the task, Lumian administered some truth serum to his captive before reviving him with the Mysticism Smelling Salts. Three consecutive sneezes followed. The Poison Spur Mob member opened his eyes and exclaimed in horror, Who are you? What do you want? Lumian removed his cap and crouched in front of the target, wearing a smile. He asked, Cant you recognize me? Under the crimson moonlight, the Poison Spur Mob member glimpsed the golden-black hair and a vaguely familiar face. His teeth chattered. C-Ciel! I have something to ask you. If you refuse to answer or choose to deceive me, you know the consequences, Lumian said with a smile. His cold, merciless, and unhinged reputation preceded him within the Poison Spur Mob. The man was so terrified that his heart seemed ready to leap out of his throat. Ill talk, Ill talk! Unfazed, Lumian inquired, Where were you planning to go just now? To the Bosss place to report the elections polling situation. Monsieur Hugues Artois has secured nearly half the votes. Hes just a little shy Not only did the man answer Lumians question, but he also provided additional information. Lumian nodded contentedly and proceeded to inquire about the specific details the Poison Spur Mob member had previously relayed to Black Scorpion Roger. This encompassed his demeanor towards the staff, his manner of addressing Black Scorpion Roger, his positioning, and his tone. Having meticulously memorized the details, Lumian employed the sedative once more to render the Poison Spur Mob member unconscious. Without delay, he changed into the other persons attire, retrieved his Mystery Prying Glasses, and perched them upon his nose. This time, underground, he beheld rats, insects, and serpents, but a charred building and a blurred face behind a glass window also materialized. The face possessed unusually vacant eyes. Lumians mind momentarily spun into disarray. Frowning, he removed the Mystery Prying Glasses and retrieved a collection of cosmetics. Assisted by the crimson moonlight and the small torch held by Franca, he meticulously applied various substances to his face, utilizing the makeup mirror his companion carried. Around ten minutes later, his countenance grew gaunter and began to assume the likeness of the Poison Spur Mob member. His skill in makeup fell short of fully replicating the other persons appearance, but the inherent effect of the Mystery Prying Glasses would convince anyone who glimpsed his face that he was the individual named Alsai. Smack! Lumian snapped the makeup mirror shut, daring not to gaze upon his reflection once more. As Franca stowed away her belongings, she had Lumian turn his back to her. She feared that she, too, might mistake her companion for a member of the Poison Spur Mob, thereby hindering their subsequent collaboration. Franca examined Lumians hair color and retrieved the disguise props she had acquired from Rentas. Hair and eye color are the most noticeable flaws. First, use this black hair dye, then wear these brown contact lenses. Damn it, anything is possible in the realm of mysticism. Who would have thought that in this day and age, Actors could create the illusion of cosmetic contacts? Although the materials are different and they dont improve vision, they can indeed alter the color of ones irises. Otherwise, Rentas wouldnt have been able to pass as Ive or you. It defies scientific explanation, but its utterly mystical! Lumian paid no mind to Francas musings and took the mysticism hair dye, which could be washed away with a special lotion. Under her guidance, he transformed his golden and black hair into a solid black hue. Once he donned the brown contact lenses, Franca seized the opportunity to discuss the specifics of their forthcoming assault. The two of them swiftly outlined a rough plan, but they refrained from delving into every detail. Firstly, time was limited, and secondly, they had to anticipate numerous unforeseen circumstances at the scene. It was impossible to account for every possibility, so they could only adapt and make decisions based on the main concept. Franca produced a coin pouch. It was a fist-sized bag made of grayish-white cloth, filled with gold, silver, and copper coins. Franca rummaged in her bag and retrieved an iron-colored ring with a thick band and slender spikes on its surface. This is one of my mystical items, the Ring of Punishment, she explained to Lumian. It serves a single purpose. It can pierce a targets Spirit Body within a five-meter range, causing excruciating pain and rendering them temporarily unconscious. For Low- and Mid-Sequence Beyonders, there are very few Beyonder powers capable of bypassing defense and directly attacking a Spirit Body. This is one of them. Franca paused momentarily before continuing, Wearing it for an extended period will make you irritable, bloodthirsty, cruel, and impulsive. If you use it more than three times in an hour, it will cause your personality to undergo mutation. If you remove it, you will suffer indiscriminate Psychic Piercing damage once you enter a five-meter radius. To seal it, you need to place it amidst a pile of valuable metal coins. Currently, Franca wore the ring, ensuring neither she nor Lumian fell victim to its effects. She handed the Ring of Punishment to Lumian. As soon as Lumian slipped the ring onto his right middle finger, he experienced overwhelming frustration. Collecting himself, he donned black gloves, left the alley, and jogged towards 126 Avenue du March. Chapter 225 - 225 Exposed 225 Exposed On 126 Avenue du March in Lumian, concealed as Alsai, a member of the Poison Spur Mob, pressed the doorbell of the three-story building with a garden out back. Amidst the pleasant chimes, the valet, who had previously ushered Louis Lund inside, swung open the wooden door. Seeing Alsais face beaming with joy, he returned the smile. Have the voting results for today been announced? You bet! Lumian concealed his voice with feigned delight. Monsieur Hugues Artois will be the new member of parliament by noon tomorrow! The valet had long been a believer in the Great Mother, and he had been promised a reward of becoming a Villain after the election. Hearing this news delighted him, and he led Lumian straight to the living room. In the living room, Black Scorpion Roger, now wearing aqua-blue silk pajamas, lounged on a divan. He addressed Short-legged Candlestick Castina, nestled beside him while he playfully squeezed her buttocks, and Baldy Harman, who paced around the room. Hold on tight. It all comes to an end tomorrow night. No matter what happens in the next 24 hours, we cant leave this place! Is that so? Are you willing to stay here even if theres a fire, explosion, or earthquake? Lumian criticized silently. He shook off the valet and swiftly approached. Boss, I have good news! Black Scorpion Rogers excitement was palpable. He forgot to scrutinize his subordinates movements, voices, and appearance. His eyes sparkled as he inquired, Has Monsieur Hugues Artois won the election? Baldy Harman and Short-legged Candlestick Castina turned their gaze toward Lumian as well. At that moment, Lumian had closed the gap between him and Black Scorpion Roger, standing just three meters away from the divan and the glass coffee table before it. He exclaimed with excitement, Hes only 2,000 votes away from securing a majority! Black Scorpion Roger felt a tinge of disappointment, but his happiness prevailed. He nodded and proclaimed, Very good Before he could even complete his sentence, Lumians hand caught his attention. He was wearing a pair of black gloves. Alsai didnt have such a habit! At that moment, two blinding beams shot out from Lumians eyeslike silent bullets and swift lightning bolts. With a snap, Black Scorpion Roger felt the imaginary sound of his Spirit Body shattering, sending waves of excruciating pain through him. He cried out tragically, clutching his head in agony. In his state of distress, he completely forgot to activate the protective enchantment that usually shrouded the master bedroom and living room. The sudden twist of events, their origin unknown, left Short-legged Candlestick Castina and Baldy Harman bewildered, struggling to comprehend the situation. Their responses were purely instinctive. One of them stood tall, assuming a defensive stance against the suspicious Alsai, while the other sprinted towards their boss, shielding his flank. Lumian seized this golden opportunity. Drawing his weapon, Fallen Mercury, he lunged at Black Scorpion Roger, who huddled on the couch. Witnessing the attack, Short-legged Candlestick Castina intercepted with her right elbow, disregarding the harm that would befall her. Her intention was to aid Black Scorpion Roger in fending off the strike. In her other hand, she grabbed the nearby axe, attempting to swing it at Alsai. Suddenly, a figure dressed in black robes, their face concealed beneath a hood, materialized behind her. Franca! Franca had skillfully employed Invisibility to trail Lumian all the way to this location. Her primary target was Short-legged Candlestick Castina, the one providing protection to Black Scorpion Roger. She refrained from directly assassinating Black Scorpion Roger, fearing that a fatal blow jeopardizing his life would activate the magic circle with its substitution effect. The hidden blade, wreathed in black flames, darted forth alongside Francas full-force strike. It pierced through Castinas back, finding its mark in her heart. Castinas brown eyes widened, her face contorted with disbelief, pain, and despair. Despite the injury, she continued to block for Black Scorpion Roger, but her strength had already abandoned her. Lumians arm seemed to possess no bones. With fluid motion, he flicked his joints and swung his forearm, evading Castinas feeble attempt to obstruct him. The pewter-black dirk soared, aiming straight for the leader of the Poison Spur Mob. Fallen Mercurys tip pierced through the aqua-blue pajamas, puncturing the skin over Black Scorpion Rogers ribs. Crimson blood rapidly welled up, and amidst the pain of the Psychic Piercing somewhat subsiding, Black Scorpion Roger snapped back to reality. He emitted an unnaturally enraged shriek, and blurry faces, some bluish-white, materialized on the living rooms floor, ceiling, and walls. Most were ordinary people, a handful being children, their visages twisted with agony. As the Undying Lands materialized, Black Scorpion Roger, nearly impaled by Fallen Mercury, vanished from Lumians sight, leaving behind the pewter-black dirk stained with blood. Crash! Baldy Harman toppled the coffee table and lunged towards Lumian, who had just collapsed onto the sofa. Lumian hastily raised his hand, but his body wavered, and he slumped to the ground. In midair, his eyes caught a glimpse of Baldy Harmans form, followed by lighting up with two beams of light resembling lightning. Harman, on the verge of launching a close combat assault, experienced an anguish that penetrated the depths of his soul, forcing an involuntary scream to escape his lips. His body froze, tilting backward. Franca, fresh from dispatching Short-legged Candlestick Castina, brandished a classic brass revolver in her right hand. She aimed it at Harmans bald head and swiftly pulled the trigger. With a resounding bang, an obsidian bullet pierced Harmans gleaming scalp, causing it to explode like a watermelon. A spray of red and white erupted in all directions. Black Scorpion Roger, having just manifested from the visage of an undead on the adjacent wall, witnessed the scene and emitted an unusually resentful and outraged howl. Alongside this outcry, his eyes darkened, as though a fervent life burned within. The blood that drenched the living room and the two lifeless bodies churned, surging towards Baldy Harman and Short-legged Candlestick Castina as if infused with a life force. The two victims adorned a crimson shroud, rising unsteadily to their feet. The blood upon Fallen Mercury ignited, casting forth a radiant glow akin to the warmth of springs sun. Black Scorpion Roger vividly recalled Margots demise, prompting his initial response to rid the evil dirk of the blood it bore and retaliate against the assailant, averting an inexplicable demise in battle. His second response was to swiftly conclude the conflict and seek aid from Lady Moon. Even the Rebirth ritual proved incapable of absolving the influence of Ciels wicked dirk. The efficacy of solely burning the blood remained uncertain. Indeed, he had recognized the assailant as that wretched lunatic, Ciel, through the pewter-black malevolent blade. Cursed Ciel! The radiant flames upon Fallen Mercury blazed along the blade, reaching towards Lumians fingertips. Without hesitation, Lumian cast aside the malevolent pewter-black dirk, letting it fall upon the ground amidst the contorted visages. At this point, Fallen Mercury was no longer required. The pewter-black dirk, which facilitated the exchange of destinies, merely utilized blood as a conduit; it did not depend on it. Once the fate officially entered the exchange process, the presence of blood would no longer influence subsequent developments. As Lumian retrieved Fallen Mercury, the exchange of fates commenced. He made no deliberate choices, allowing Fallen Mercury to exercise its own discretion. Lumian braced his left hand against the pallid, indistinct faces strewn upon the ground. With the resilience bestowed by the Alms Monk, he rebounded onto the divan amidst the bone-chilling cold and rigidity. No longer did the horrifying countenances of the undead pervade this spaceonly Baldy Harman and Short-legged Candlestick Castina, their original appearances concealed beneath the flowing cascade of blood. Simultaneously, the two lifeless bodies extended their arms and lunged at Lumian, seeking to ensnare him in their clutches. Meanwhile, Franca leapt nimbly, alighting upon a chair with an air of weightlessness. Unbeknownst to all, a thick frost had descended from the pallid-white or bluish-white ground, solidifying into a translucent sheen of ice. This restrained the undead countenances, constraining their movements. Almost concurrently, Francas left hand, pressed against the hidden blade, tightened its grip, causing black flames to erupt within Short-legged Candlestick Castinas form, consuming her from within. The lingering spirit of the blood-colored corpse emitted an ethereal crackling sound as its mutated body melted akin to a dripping candle, splashing upon the ground. Black Scorpion Roger, relying upon the characteristic of the Undying Lands to shift locations, emitted yet another shrill cry. A layer of black flames enkindled upon Francas person. In contrast to her own black flames, the black flames conjured by the Heretic Spellmaster exuded an overt malevolence, as if they consumed the life force and vitality of all who stood witness. With a resounding crack, Francas figure shattered, leaving behind naught but irregular shards of mirror. Upon the icy veneer upon the ground, the Witchs form swiftly coalesced and leaped forth. She had taken the initiative to create frost and freeze the ground not for restricting the movements of Black Scorpion Roger. Firstly, she sought to diminish the influence of the deceased spirits, and secondly, she aimed to gather ample materials for the Mirror Substitution. Bang! Bang! Bang! Devoid of the pincer attack from Short-legged Candlestick Castina, Lumian deftly parried head-on, successfully evading the bloodied Harman. Springing onto the overturned coffee table, he withdrew his revolver and unleashed a volley of shots towards Black Scorpion Roger upon the wall. Concurrently, he produced the drawing depicting the peculiar sun. He held no concern that his assault upon the target would disrupt the exchange of fates. For he was neither the wielder of Fallen Mercury, nor did he grasp its hilt. The yellow bullets struck the wall with force, yet Black Scorpion Roger had already diminished into a wan, distorted, transparent countenance, vanishing from Lumian and Francas sight. Chapter 226 - 226 Sculpture 226 Sculpture Lumians left hand trembled, revealing the sun pattern that emitted a colorful glow. The living room, once chilly, suddenly warmed up, but the frost on the ground remained stubbornly frozen. Only the pale, distorted faces turned away, unable to bear witness to what was about to unfold. Harman, decapitated and drenched in blood, charged at Lumian, heedless of the revolver pointed his way, driven by a sinister desire to embrace his intended victim by force. The drawing of the sun caused his body to tremble, and blood dripped from him onto the ground. Instinctively, Lumian knew he couldnt engage in a direct confrontation with this corpse. He used his light brown jacket to shield himself, pushing back against Harmans relentless assault. The jacket quickly turned blood-red, showing signs of wear. At that moment, Black Scorpion Roger had been absent for a couple of seconds, and Franca finally found an opportunity to act. A dense black flame materialized in her palm, which she hurled at the zombified Harman. The black flames struck the blood-stained corpse with the force of a cannonball, causing it to burst into silent flames that ignited the hidden spirituality within the blood and remains. Harman began to melt, much like Castina, resembling a candle tossed in a blazing fire. Just then, Black Scorpion Roger emerged from a corner, his face pale, cradling a sculpture of equal height in his arms. The sculpture portrayed a woman with gentle features, her long dress intricately detailed and lifelike. After exerting great effort to place the sculpture on the ground, Roger melded with the writhing, distorted faces around him, evading Lumians shots and Francas black flames with impeccable timing. In the next instant, he reappeared beneath the ceiling chandelier, cursing rapidly. Youre dead meat! Ill turn you into fertilizer! Son of a bitch, daring to intrude upon my Undying Lands! Ill take every last one of your lives! I want you to have 20 children! Black Scorpion Roger constantly changed positions as he spat out these words. He swiftly moved and leaped, skillfully dodging Lumians unfolded drawing and Francas array of witchcraft spells, primarily comprised of black flames and frost. Each word, seemingly stemming from Intisian, pierced Lumian and Francas minds like an arrow. They felt dizzy and their blood resonated with the onslaught. In the corner, the female sculpture activated, its surface blazing with brilliant flames. Lumians head throbbed as if struck by an ethereal hammer. Bright red blood streamed uncontrollably from his nostrils. Franca herself endured similar injuries. She suspected that Black Scorpion Roger was employing a curse-like incantation. Moreover, the female sculptures augmentation had greatly fortified his physical and spiritual presence. Franca couldnt endure more than a few uttered words. As Black Scorpion Roger had left the sculpture unprotected, Franca believed that a direct attack might result in even more dreadful consequences, likely taking the form of a curse. Suppressing her boiling blood, dizziness, and bodily pain, she raised her brass revolver and fired at Black Scorpion Roger, seizing the chance to leap towards the sculpture. The iron-black bullet shattered a contorted face, leaving marks on the wall, but it failed to harm Roger. Once Franca landed, she swiftly circled around the sculpture. She didnt squeeze the trigger of her brass revolver again, nor did she thrust with her blade. While evading the slender figures summoned by Black Scorpion Roger, she encased the sculpture in layers of frost. Meanwhile, Lumian, who had been the focal point of Rogers attention, found himself in imminent peril. A piercing cry resounded as illusory black flames kindled upon Lumians body. It drained his life force with alarming speed, causing his physical strength to wane. Without hesitation, Lumian discarded the peculiar sun drawing and lunged towards the sofa, reaching into his pocket with his left hand. Beside the overturned coffee table, Black Scorpion Roger emerged from the icy seal, brandishing a pitch-black, malevolent scythe that stood half the height of a man. He cleaved through the furniture before him, rending it in two. Lumian alighted on the sofa, his left hand withdrawing from his pocket, clutching a slender and slightly pale finger. In the face of Rogers scythe, Lumian, already weakened, barely managed to evade the strike by shifting his body. Simultaneously, he tossed the severed finger into the air. It was Mr. Ks finger! Amidst the sound of tearing leather and fabric, the divan was sundered by the wicked scythe. The pale-white finger expanded and detonated like a bomb. It metamorphosed into a shower of flesh and blood droplets that cascaded onto Lumian, extinguishing the fading black flames. The flesh absorbed the surrounding blood and dissolved corpses, swiftly coalescing and draping Lumian in a cloak of blood-red hue. The profound weakness that had plagued Lumian dissipated. He sprang up, launching a counteroffensive against Black Scorpion Roger. Witnessing this, Roger avoided a direct confrontation. He retreated into the fractured ice and merged with one of the distorted faces. Franca, who had already encased the sculpture in frost, suddenly felt an intense chill. The restless spirits in the living room seemed incensed. They surged from all directions, extending their arms and gaping mouths, enveloping Franca. With a resounding crack, yet another mirror shattered. Francas form materialized on the other side of the ice. She raised her hand, causing black flames to surge around the sculpture, setting ablaze the indistinct souls and blood-hued shadows. Black Scorpion Roger peered out from a nearby wall and unleashed another curse, Damn bitch! As he weakened his targets, he swiftly shifted positions with the aid of the tormented faces. Sometimes, he targeted Lumian, and other times, he assailed Franca. He relied on the power of the Undying Lands and the sculpture to single-handedly suppress the two foes. At intervals, vile black flames ignited over Lumians form, sapping his life force and diminishing his strength. Yet, each time, they were counteracted by the robe forged from flesh and blood. Franca evaded the combined assaults of Evil Word, Blood Spirit, Weak Black Flame, and Life Burning time and again, employing the technique of Mirror Substitution. Time slipped away swiftly. Noticing that Ciels robe of flesh and blood teetered on the brink of disintegration, while the mirror and ice that Franca had brought with her neared depletion, Black Scorpion Roger poked his head through the ceiling, a malicious chuckle escaping his lips. You fools! Do you truly believe you can withstand the might of the Undying Lands? I fear no consequence, even if the entire leadership of the Savoie Mob were to enter this domain! Go to hell! His cutting words pierced Lumian and Francas ears and minds, causing their bodies to tremble as if they could bear no more. Observing this, Black Scorpion Roger, who had already shifted to the adjacent wall, revealed a sinister smile, brimming with anticipation. Suddenly, his vision darkened, and a surge of intense emotions overwhelmed his heart. Disbelief, shock, confusion, and panic. In the subsequent moment, he lost consciousness. Thud! The boss of the Poison Spur Mob materialized from the wall, collapsed onto the floor, and slipped into unconsciousness. The fate exchange had finally concluded, as Fallen Mercury swapped the unconscious fate of the dying tramp with Black Scorpion Rogers! It happened swiftly, much faster than the exchange involving Margot. This was because the tramp was an ordinary person, and when Fallen Mercury selected Black Scorpion Rogers fate, it chose the least significant one, unrelated to any Beyonder matters. Lumians gaze fixated on Black Scorpion Roger, clad in aqua-blue pajamas. Supported by his blood-colored robe, Lumian traversed the transparent and distorted faces, enduring the bone-chilling cold and stiffness. Finally, he reached his motionless target. Retrieving the metal canister containing the sedative, Lumian unscrewed the cap and squatted down. He directed the sedative obtained from Rentas toward Black Scorpion Rogers nose, gently fanning the gas with his hand, ensuring its entry into the enemys breath. With that done, Lumian lifted Black Scorpion Roger and made his way out of the living room, guarded by Franca. The valets and maids had long since fled. As Black Scorpion Roger departed the living room, the bluish-white faces swiftly faded away, and everything returned to normal. Witnessing this, Lumian dropped the Poison Spur Mob leader to the ground and aimed his revolver at the mans head. After a few seconds of contemplation, Lumian pulled the trigger calmly and silently. Two shots rang out, transforming Black Scorpion Rogers head into a burst watermelon, splattering blood in every direction. He met his demise while in a coma. Franca glanced at Lumian, still aiming at Black Scorpion Roger, and asked calmly, How is it? Have you vented all your frustrations? If it werent for Francas desire to assist Lumian, she would have considered reporting Black Scorpion Roger and his associates for their belief in the Great Mother. Lumian fell silent for a moment, his lips curling into a smile. No. It merely resolved one hidden danger. Franca let out a soft sigh. In my homeland, we say that to cure a hearts ailment, the remedy must come from within. But if you dont do it right, no matter how much you try, its futile. Well, Ill quickly communicate with the spirit, and lets strive to depart this place within three minutes. Hurry and seize the spoils. Alright, Lumian responded, as the remaining bloodstained garments on his body disintegrated, staining the ground red. Thats it? Lumian couldnt help but furrow his brow. It wasnt that Mr. Ks finger lacked strength. On the contrary, without it, Lumian would have been too feeble to resist and would have required Francas aid. However, its performance fell short if made to face the formidable evil spirit, Susanna Mattise. Lumian couldnt help but feel disappointed and perplexed. As these thoughts raced through his mind, he headed toward the living room, scanning his surroundings for valuable items. Suddenly, he noticed a figure cloaked in a large hood and black robe standing quietly on the staircase. Mr. K! Lumians pupils dilated, but in an instant, Mr. K vanished into the shadows. Chapter 227 - 227 Agent 227 Agent Did the finger serve as a signal? How did Mr. K manage to arrive so swiftly? Or was he perhaps observing me from nearby? Lumian felt a surge of tension, his weariness from the battle fading considerably. This revelation granted him a fresh understanding of Mr. Ks power, fueling his fear. Lumian averted his gaze and retrieved Fallen Mercury, its blade tarnished by the scorching and decay. He couldnt help but wonder if it would endure until the years end. After securing Fallen Mercury, Lumian proceeded to examine the two corpses that had mostly disintegrated under the deluge of blood. The victims displayed clear signs of petrification, rendering them motionless on the ground, and their ghastly appearance would haunt anyone who laid eyes on them for years to come. The clothing and personal effects of the deceased suffered extensive corrosion, including Harmans poisoned dirk and Castinas cherished axe. Among the few items that remained relatively unscathed were several specially crafted canisters with an iron hue, emitting a flickering metallic sheen. Although they bore noticeable signs of corrosion on their surfaces, the liquid contents remained unaffected. Lumian scrutinized the canisters and discerned four distinct types, distinguished by etched patterns: a tree, a bear-like face, a spring fountain, and a scorpion. Harman and Castina had each carried one, leaving a total of eight canisters. Gathering them up, Lumian approached the peculiar scythe recently wielded by Black Scorpion Roger. It exuded an ominous aura, its pitch-black blade sharp and menacing. It wasnt as compact as a wheat-harvesting scythe, nor as colossal as a giant weapon. It lacked the capacity to shock onlookers and measured only half the height of an average person. The moment Lumians black-gloved hand touched the scythe, he sensed an ethereal spike extending from it, piercing into his flesh and gradually siphoning his life force. It felt chilling and merciless. Swiftly retracting his hand, Lumian realized that his life was no longer ebbing away slowly. Is it a mystical artifact or a Beyonder weapon akin to Fallen Mercury How can I remove it safely? Lumian delved into deep contemplation. Just then, Franca finished her preparations and commenced spirit channeling. Lumian returned to Black Scorpion Rogers corpse, carrying the eight canisters, and communicated with Franca through the wall of spirituality, saying, Inquire about the purpose of these objects and how to transport the scythe. Franca nodded and directed her gaze toward Rogers face, which materialized on the mirrored surface. What effects do these canisters on Harman and Castina have? How can I identify them? Roger, his face pale and bewildered, replied, The tree-patterned one is Bark Agent. It toughens your skin and muscles, rendering them as resilient as trees. The bear-faced pattern is Berserk Agent. It grants you extraordinary strength when unleashed. The spring fountain pattern represents Healing Agent. It mends most external wounds, alleviates severe injuries, and eliminates minor ailments. The scorpion pattern is Scorpion Poison. It is primarily used on weapons and induces arrhythmia and respiratory paralysis, ultimately leading to death. Quite useful indeed Franca silently praised. Her Hidden Blade would greatly benefit from a canister of Scorpion Poison. Franca persisted with her questioning. How do you usually transport that scythe? In my study, theres a large wooden box. Put it inside quickly, and you can take it away, replied Roger, his face pale and devoid of emotion. Franca pressed further, Is the scythe a mystical object or a Beyonder weapon? What are its abilities? Its called Harvest Sacrifice. Its a weapon infused with a blessed aura and possesses the quality of sharpness. Once it inflicts a wound on the target, and that wound becomes tainted with the corresponding blood, it can continuously drain the life force of the other party, Roger described the scythe in a dazed manner. Seizing the opportunity, Franca redirected the conversation to more crucial matters. Have you encountered Madame Moon? How do you maintain contact with her? Rogers pale face contorted with pain. I met Madame Moon in the wilderness. Well, now shes Lady Moon. She sat in a peculiar carriage pulled by two demons, wearing a veil that made her appear holy and maternal to me. Usually, she seeks me out and commands me to venture into the wilderness abruptly. She gave me a green seed to place inside the statues abdominal cavity. If I face danger, I can use it to urgently contact her. But theres no need for the seed now. By reciting her full honorific name, I can elicit her response. She can respond to an honorific name? Thats quite advanced Franca refrained from inquiring about Lady Moons honorific name, fearing that the other party might detect her intention. Although she could already surmise the answer, she asked out of curiosity, Why didnt you seek Lady Moons assistance earlier? Roger replied, his gaze vacant, I can win. You clung to your delusion until the very end, didnt you? Franca clicked her tongue and remarked, Why are you supporting Hugues Artois? Lady Moon instructed us to aid in his election, Roger replied with a blank expression. She claimed that Hugues Artois is an open-minded individual. Open-minded What does that mean? Franca struggled to comprehend this assessment. As Franca channeled Black Scorpion Roger, Lumian didnt linger by her side. Instead, he ventured into the study, assuming Alsais appearance, and began sifting through valuable items. Armed with a short wire, he attempted to unlock the safe door, but his efforts proved futile. Within the study, he discovered a suitable wooden box for housing the sinister scythe. Carrying it, he descended the stairs to the open-door basement. The area appeared tidy, except for a stone platform suspected of holding the statue, devoid of any other objects. Employing his keen observation skills as a Hunter, Lumian scoured the vicinity and uncovered a concealed door. With a grating sound, he pushed open the secret passage and revealed a corridor beyond. On either side of the corridor stood prison cells enclosed by iron bars. Dozens, if not hundreds, of people were crammed inside. Most appeared destitute, but among them were well-dressed gentlemen, ladies, and seemingly lost children. In that moment, nearly a third of the captives lay lifeless on the floor, their skin shriveled and lacking vitality. They resembled skeletons more than human beings. They no longer drew breath, and they had lost control of their bodily functions. The stench permeated the private prison. Lumians gaze swept over the trembling individuals, and he noticed numerous sinister and peculiar symbols etched upon the ground, the wall behind them, and the iron fence in front. No wonder a Heretic Spellmaster wields such formidable power on their home turf Lumian reached a realization. Not only did they possess the backing of a magic circle teeming with deceased souls, but they could also extract the life force of others at will to replenish their own! Balancing the wooden box with one arm, Lumian retrieved his revolver, pressed it against the door of a cell, and pulled the trigger. With a resounding bang, the iron lock shattered and clattered to the ground. After reloading, Lumian paid little attention to the captives. He progressed methodically, obliterating the iron locks of the remaining cells. Then, with the revolver holstered under his armpit, he turned and departed, leaving behind a bewildered and numbed group of survivors. When Lumian returned to the ground floor, Franca had just concluded the spirit channeling and dispelled the spiritual barrier. Did you discover anything? Franca inquired casually. Lumian gestured toward the wooden box nestled under his left arm. It should suffice for storing the scythe. I couldnt access the safe. Its possible that the servants fled to the second floor or the garden at the back. I didnt encounter them. Dont concern yourself with them. As followers of an evil deity, they will meet a swift demise once their protection wanes. Furthermore, we have disguised ourselves adequately to avoid recognition, Franca affirmed with a nod. Pack up Harvest Sacrifice. We shall depart now. Oh, by the way, the scythe is called Harvest Sacrifice. Before long, Lumian returned to Black Scorpion Rogers lifeless body with the scythe in hand, presenting the wooden box to Franca. Then, he squatted down, tore off a section of his pajamas, crumpled it into a ball, and stained it with blood. Curious, Franca inquired, What are you doing? Lumian remained focused, his gaze fixed on the task at hand, and succinctly replied, Providing a hint to the official Beyonders. With the blood-stained cloth in hand, Lumian made his way back to the living room. Beside the serene female statue, he messily inscribed words in Intisian: Great Mother. Having completed the task, Lumian discarded the cloth bundle and headed towards the door. Why does it seem so provocative Franca sighed and turned around. Behind her, dark flames materialized and ascended, consuming the traces left by both of them and the lingering Spirit Bodies of the deceased. Shortly after, Franca scattered shimmering powder and recited the incantation of invisibility. She disappeared from the foyer, clutching the wooden box. Lumian pushed open the door and confidently stepped out onto 126 Avenue du March. He left the door ajar, allowing the scene within to be exposed to passersby. Under the yellowish glow of the gas wall lamps, a lifeless body lay in the foyer, surrounded by blood. Lumian crossed Avenue du March, constantly altering his course, until he reached the alley where he had changed his clothes and assumed his disguise. He wiped his face clean and donned his original attire, no longer emanating the aura of Alsai. In the next moment, Franca transformed into her hooded figure, draped in black robes. She retrieved the Ring of Punishment from Lumian and returned it to her coin bag. The Witch glanced at the unconscious Poison Spur Mob member, Alsai, and said to Lumian, who was about to depart, Arent you going to take care of him? He knows Ciel knocked him out, and the person who killed Black Scorpion Roger posed as him. Lumian remained silent. He drew his revolver, partially turned, and fired at Alsai, clad in a blue-and-white striped shirt. Two gunshots rang out as the Poison Spur Mob member, trusted by Black Scorpion Roger, was struck in the chest and met his demise. Observing Lumians nonchalant demeanor, Franca shook her head inwardly and proceeded to deal with the remaining Spirit Body and traces in the alley. Then, she concealed herself once more and departed alongside Lumian. He scaled the outer wall and returned to the second floor of Salle de Bal Brise. After using a special lotion from Rentas to remove the excess black dye from his hair and transforming back into Ciel Dubois, Lumian, Franca smiled and inquired, Do you want to keep this scythe? If not, Ill sell it and well split the proceeds evenly. Your Provoker potion should be almost fully digested. Youll need to gather funds and ingredients for your advancement. Chapter 228 - 228 Sudden Digestion 228 Sudden Digestion Upon Francas mention of advancement, Lumian felt a sudden urge to make preparations. It wasnt that he didnt aspire to become a Sequence 7 Pyromaniac and master mysticism techniques, but the Hunter and Provoker potion formulas were bestowed upon him by Madam Magician, making them easily obtainable and reducing the sense of urgency. His plan was to wait until the Provoker potion had fully digested before writing a letter to Madam Magician, inquiring about the price for obtaining everything necessary for his advancement. More importantly, Lumian knew that Madam Magician possessed a Pyromaniac Beyonder characteristic. But now that he thought about it, he felt that he had to make additional preparations. It occurred to him that Madam Magician might not be associated with the Hunter pathway, which meant she might not possess the Pyromaniac potion formula. Furthermore, she could have already given the Beyonder characteristic to someone else. Lumian couldnt be the only one with the Minor Arcana card, and it was unlikely that they all belonged to different pathways. While Madam Magicians level and abilities made it relatively easy for her to acquire the Pyromaniac potion formula and its main ingredient, she might be unwilling or face unforeseen delays. Lost in thought, Lumian glanced at the wooden box resting on Francas lap and hesitated before suggesting, Lets sell it. The evil scythe possessed an uncanny sharpness and the ability to drain an enemys life through blood, perfectly suited to Lumians close-quarters combat style. However, it proved highly inconvenient to carry and conceal due to its usage restrictions. Most of the time, Lumian could only store it at Salle de Bal Brise or Auberge du Coq Dor, relying on it when attacked. Alternatively, he could draw it in advance and hide it in the cover of night shadows for offensive purposes. If Lumian wished to have it with him at all times, his only solution was to acquire a cello case and carry it on his back. Yet, for a mobster leader, this would raise suspicions. In fact, if Franca hadnt brought up the topic of preparing for his advancement, Lumian would have deemed his current stash of 4,000 verl dor far from sufficient. He needed to acquire more funds. Keeping the evil scythe, known as Harvest Sacrifice, wasnt a problem as it could still prove useful in certain situations. If necessary, Lumian could use the Mystery Prying Glasses to disguise himself as a musician, carrying the cello on his back to assassinate his intended target. Franca sighed in response. I suppose selling it is our only option. Its actually quite good, but it doesnt suit my combat style. She then gestured towards Lumians waist. How about we each get a canister? To be honest, Franca wasnt particularly interested in the Berserk Agent and the Bark Agent. She only desired the Scorpion Poison and the Healing Agent. However, considering that Lumian also required poison for his weapons and healing capabilities, she opted for a fair solution. Alright, Lumian agreed. In the dead of the night, outside 126 Avenue du March: A group of police officers, dressed in black uniforms, formed a barricade to keep pedestrians away from the building behind them. Within the house, Angoulme de Fran?ois with his blond hair, eyebrows, and beard, stood before a delicate female sculpture. His gaze fixed upon the blood-red words adorning the wall. Donning a row of golden buttons on his chest, he remained silent, emanating an overwhelming sense of oppression that affected both the surrounding Purifiers and police officers. After a moment, the Purifier of Southern Continent descent emerged from the basement and approached Angoulme. In hushed tones, he spoke, Deacon, we have found clear signs of sacrificial rituals to an evil god beneath us. There are deceased individuals who were used as living sacrifices. The prison cells have been unlocked, and some of the abductees managed to escape. Those who remain informed me that Black Scorpion Roger did indeed employ sorcery. Angoulme listened impassively, scanning his surroundings. He then addressed the nearby police officers, saying, Did none of you notice the significant number of people who had gone missing? Who was it that claimed the market district housed only a handful of controllable Beyonders? Who suggested that arresting them would only pave the way for new criminal organizations, causing even greater chaos? His voice, filled with anger, reverberated through the living room of 126 Avenue du March, causing each police officer to lower their gaze. At that moment, Angoulme abruptly turned his attention to the delicate female sculpture. He sensed a fleeting surge of anger emanating from it, quickly dissipating. He had sensed a faint fluctuation of anger there, but it disappeared in a flash. A golden light enveloped Angoulmes body as he extended his right palm, opening the abdomen of the statue. There, a cavity large enough to cradle a curled-up human revealed itself. Within it rested a brownish-green seed, silently crumbling into dust when stirred by the wind. On the second floor of Salle de Bal Brise. Lumian furrowed his brow abruptly. Whats wrong? Franca asked. Lumian found himself torn between elation and confusion. My Provoker potion has fully digested. Could it be that some important figure was provoked by our actions? Franca speculated, Perhaps Lady Moon, or maybe an official Beyonder? All possibilities, Lumian conceded. If he couldnt unravel the mystery, there was no use dwelling on it. After all, it was a positive development. This meant that he could now advance to become a Sequence 7 Pyromaniac! This realization struck him with a newfound understanding. He didnt need to meticulously summarize all the principles of acting to fully digest the corresponding potion. By summarizing a portion of his acting principles and consistently receiving feedback while performing appropriately, he could rely on quantity or the accumulation of time to digest the potion. Hence, most Beyonders can rely on time and fortunate encounters to digest the potion without being familiar with the acting method Lumian pondered silently, feeling enlightened. After distributing the agents and deciding to sell the remaining spoils for money, Lumian bid Franca farewell. Deliberately, he circled Salle de Bal Brise before departing Avenue du March and returning to Auberge du Coq Dor. As he reached the second floor, he noticed that the door to Room 206 stood ajar, allowing the light from a carbide lamp to spill into the dim corridor. Curiosity piqued, Lumian glanced inside as he passed by, spotting Gabriel seated by the bed in his preferred black dungarees, observing the hallway outside. Youre finally back! the playwright exclaimed with delight upon seeing Lumian. Raising an eyebrow, Lumian queried, You havent been arrested by the police yet? Gabriel found himself momentarily speechless. After a few seconds, his joy overcame him, and he replied, Monsieur Nathan Lopp didnt report me to the police. In fact, he signed a contract with me and purchased my script. He intended to make a down payment of 1,500 verl dor, but considering how we frightened him, he deducted 500. Once the play commences, Ill receive 2.5% of the ticket revenue for each show. A soft chuckle escaped Lumians lips. I thought the revolver had coerced him into agreement, fully expecting him to go back on his word. I never imagined that your script would genuinely move him. If you thought so, why did you still do it? Gabriel grumbled instinctively. He elaborated, Monsieur Lopp understands the idiosyncrasies of artists and doesnt mind such matters. He mentioned that his previous mistress was a female painter. She not only kept a sheep on his balcony but also attempted to flirt with men. She even prepared fake props to try and convince him, which ultimately led to their breakup. You Trieriens Lumian sighed, even as the Prankster King of Cordu. Gabriel, hailing from a different province and not being a Trierien himself, took Ciels teasing in stride, unfazed by the remark. He expressed his gratitude sincerely. Thank you very much. Although I dont agree with your approach, Monsieur Lopp would have never laid eyes on my script without your help. Gabriel, perplexed, questioned, Monsieur Lopp mentioned that we authors werent cautious enough. We only covered our faces once we reached his doorstep. After conversing with the guard at the lobby, he knew what we looked like. Once he calls the police, theres no escape for any of us. Why didnt you mask up earlier when we tied up the guard? Gabriel believed that Ciel, being a mob leader, should have been more cautious. Lumian responded calmly, Why should I have masked myself? Confusion filled Gabriels face as he asked, Then why did you eventually mask yourself? Lumian replied calmly, Because Jenna masked up. What kind of logic is this Even as a playwright himself, he found it difficult to comprehend Ciels thoughts. He could sense that Ciels state last night was abnormal, but he didnt know the exact reason. It was difficult to determine his mental state and the motives behind his actions. Gabriel let out a sigh and remarked, Fortunately, things turned out well. Otherwise, we would have been apprehended by the police He paused for a moment, realizing that Ciel was a leader of the Savoie Mob. The crimes he had committed in the past were more serious than what happened last night. There was no need to fear. Even if the police came looking for him, he could hide for a day or two, and the matter would pass. No one would pursue him for such a trivial case. Lumian chuckled and gave Gabriels shoulder a friendly pat. Even if you get caught, youre just an accomplice. You didnt carry a weapon. You can secure your release by posting bail. With that, Lumian walked towards his room and opened the door to Room 207. Gabriel watched Ciels retreating figure, feeling a mixture of confusion and relief. In Room 207, Lumian carefully examined Fallen Mercury. He felt that if the dirk wasnt repaired, it could last a maximum of three months. Perhaps I should consult Franca. She might know a few individuals skilled in the mending of mystical artifacts and Beyonder weapons Lumian half-closed his eyes and established a connection with Fallen Mercury, seeking communication. After a while, he discerned the swapped fate that had taken place. The destiny of Black Scorpion Roger gulping down alcohol. Lumian carefully stored Fallen Mercury, stood up, and exited the room, making his way to the third floor. Approaching the door of Room 310, he overheard the lunatics frantic cries, still filled with fear. Im dying, Im dying! Lumian pulled out the short wire, unlocking the door. He then beheld the lunatic crouched on the moonlit floor, clutching his head and trembling uncontrollably. Leaning against the door frame, Lumian couldnt help but let out a chuckle. Youre rather fortunate. The Montsouris ghost hasnt come to claim your life just yet. I wonder if its preoccupied or slacking off. Chapter 229 - 229 Equivalent Exchange 229 Equivalent Exchange The lunatic still wore a grimy linen shirt and yellow trousers, as if changing clothes was not part of his plan. Upon hearing Lumians words, he looked up, revealing a face obscured by a black beard. It seemed as though he had forgotten Lumian entirely. His blue eyes were empty, clouded over. Im dying, Im dying! He clutched his shoulder, which was hidden beneath his unruly black hair, and let out another terrified scream. Lumian approached, his left hand gloved in black, and drew out Fallen Mercury. With a swift motion, he plunged it into the lunatics shoulder. The filthy linen shirt tore open, revealing a shallow wound that still oozed blood. The lunatic stood frozen, as if the long-awaited judgment had finally arrived. After a few seconds, he collapsed to the ground, placing his hands on the floor as he scrambled away from Lumian. In his terror, he cried out, Dont kill me! Dont kill me! The tenants in the neighboring rooms heard the commotion, but none of them bothered to investigate. The lunatic often ranted about his impending demise and pleaded not to be killed. The sinister pewter-black dagger had already left the lunatics shoulder, and Lumian continued to gaze at the shimmering river of mercury, lost in thought. He witnessed the blissful first half of the lunatics life and the tragic deaths of his family, one by one. It was as though Lumian could relate to the sensation of a complete mental breakdown caused by an overwhelming blow. At times, Lumian yearned to break down like the lunatic, to abandon all reason and act on primal instincts until his own demise. However, there was still a glimmer of hopea minuscule, almost unrealistic hopeand he was not ready to relinquish it. He desired to pursue it. Thus, he often acted impulsively and displayed self-destructive tendencies, yet he was always restrained by the rationality that stemmed from that flicker of hope. He never truly disregarded the consequences, existing in a state of profound contradiction. Knowing precisely which fate he wished to exchange and its approximate date, Lumian swiftly located the lunatics destiny of encountering the Montsouris ghost in the underground market district. With the tip of the blade, he pried it loose, transforming it into a droplet of liquid mercury. The drinking fate originally belonging to Black Scorpion Roger flowed into the lunatics body. Ignoring the lunatics terrified pleas, Lumian squatted before him. He wiped the blade of Fallen Mercury clean with his clothes and assisted in staunching the bleeding. Then, Lumian pulled up the only chair and took a seat, patiently awaiting the completion of the fate exchange. Im dying, Im dying! Dont kill me! Dont kill me! As the lunatic shrieked, time ticked by. Finally, Fallen Mercury quivered gently. The lunatics voice abruptly ceased. He rose to his feet, his gaze clearing as he muttered to himself, I need a drink. I need a drink Lumian smiled and stood up. The drinks are on you. Consider it a reward for helping you escape the Montsouris ghost. Naturally, the true reward was the fate of encountering the Montsouris ghost. With careful planning and an unguarded target, it served as an excellent tool for assassination. The lunatic appeared startled for a moment before replying, You got rid of it? You can choose not to believe me. Lumian turned and walked into the dimly lit corridor, devoid of wall lamps. The lunatic, driven by an insatiable thirst for drink, unwittingly trailed after Lumian. As they made their way to the basement bar, the lunatic glanced around and noticed a distinct change in his surroundings. The eerie sensation of being watched from the shadows had vanished! Perplexed, the lunatic settled himself at the bar counter and ordered two glasses of oatmeal beerone for Lumian and the other for himself. He downed his own glass, leaving traces of foam clinging to the corners of his mouth. Since he occasionally visited the bar in moments of sobriety, no one suspected anything amiss. After quenching his alcohol craving, the lunatic turned to Lumian and asked once more, Have I truly escaped the Montsouris ghost? How did you manage it? Ive slain the Montsouris ghost, but I cant be certain if it will resurrect, Lumian replied solemnly. However, if those who previously encountered it are still among the living, they shall be free from its torment. Remember, I mentioned encountering the Montsouris ghost myself. Look at meIm alive and well. Really? The lunatic found it hard to believe that this handsome young man had defeated the Montsouris ghost. Not even the Church had succeeded! Lumian smiled. I lied. I merely discovered an incantation that prevents the Montsouris ghost from plaguing me, but I require the blood of someone haunted as a conduit. A glimmer of understanding flickered in the lunatics eyes. No wonder you stabbed me. Blushing with embarrassment, he admitted, I may not be able to compensate you at present. My savings are meager, and I must find new employment Lumian interrupted, What shall I call you? Just Flameng will do, the lunatic replied before inquiring, And you? Ciel. Lumian downed his oatmeal beer. By the time his glass contained only a thin film of liquid, Flameng had become quite tipsy. He grasped Lumians arm and babbled on. Did you know? I used to be a university lecturer. Simultaneously, I was entrusted with the safety of some students. Many of those students were audacious and reckless, daring to engage in any endeavor and shout slogans of freedom when challenged. They even held proms in the catacombs, burning the bones of nameless corpses to warm their asses. They believed in nothing and feared nothing. Of course, I was much the same in those days. Flameng recounted tales from the first half of his life, his tone shifting between pride, happiness, admonishment of the present ills, and wistful reminiscence. Might you have entered the Underground Trier to dissuade certain students from taking risks? Lumian asked casually, taking a sip of his beer. Flameng shook his head. No, my expertise lies in minerals. The subterranean rock formations of Trier are uniquely fascinating for study. Together with the medical school, we even established a Museum of Mineralogy and Pathology in the catacombs. I had been leaving the museum, making my way toward the underground market district with the intention of heading home when I encountered the Montsouris ghost. My Sandrine My Bastian Flameng clutched his head, his voice filled with an agonizing pain. Lumian quickly changed the subject. So, the subterranean rock formations in Trier are quite unique? Indeed, Flameng instinctively replied, before collecting himself and continuing, We even assigned poetic names to those formations. From top to bottom, theyre referred to as flowers, sheep, and sedges Engrossed in conversation, Lumian and Flameng chatted well into the midnight hours. The latter appeared lively, and even his bearded face seemed to regain some color. He didnt lose his sanity again. Having confirmed that there was no longer a feeling of being watched in the darkness, he returned to normal. After bidding a cheerful farewell to the intoxicated Flameng, Lumian smiled and withdrew his gaze. He entered Room 207 to compose a letter to Madam Magician. In the letter, he first mentioned how Termiboros had nearly influenced him into transferring Charlies luck and how he had slain Black Scorpion Roger and other Lady Moon subordinates. Lumian then revealed that the Provoker potion had been completely digested due to the latter. He inquired whether Madam Magician possessed the Pyromaniac potion formula and the associated Beyonder characteristic, as well as the price he needed to pay for them. Not long after Lumian had tidied up the room and summoned a puppet messenger to deliver the letter, he received a reply from Madam Magician: Good job. Youve already recognized the potential influence and threat that long-named fellow poses to you. Stay vigilant. Based on your description, this Lady Moon should be a Sequence 3. Being able to truly provoke such a demigod will undoubtedly hasten your digestion of the potion. If I recall correctly, you are attending Mr. Ks gathering tomorrow night and will inform him that you can worship that being. This means you will truly become one of them, completing the initial phase of the mission I assigned you. As a reward, I will provide you with the Pyromaniac potion formula free of charge. I still possess the Pyromaniac Beyonder characteristic, but remember, the principle of equivalent exchange must be upheld. In Intis, the two main ingredients of the Pyromaniac potion cost more than 18,000 verl dor, often exceeding 20,000. Correspondingly, the Beyonder characteristic usually amounts to around 35,000 verl dor. What does this mean? It implies that many people in Intis have become Pyromaniacs, yet many Pyromaniacs have also perished. As a holder of a Minor Arcana card, I will offer you a substantial discount. The Beyonder characteristic will only cost you 30,000 verl dor. Good luck. Phew, 30,000 verl dor Lumian exhaled, feeling that the sum was not unattainable. He already had over 4,000 verl dor in savings, and the evil scythe known as Harvest Sacrifice could fetch a decent price. Additionally, he could borrow some funds from Franca and embezzle a portion of Salle de Bal Brises money. These combined efforts would bring him close to 30,000 verl dor. And just as Lumian had suspected, Lady Moon had transformed from a mere Madame to a Lady capable of birthing deities. She was undoubtedly more than a Sequence 4. Fortunately, we had feigned impending defeat in our previous battle, preventing Black Scorpion Roger from seeking assistance Lumian burned Madam Magicians letter, freshened up, climbed into bed, and drifted off to sleep. Just after six in the morning, Lumian had finished washing up and changed into a crisp white shirt, black vest, brown pants, and sleek leather boots, when he heard footsteps descending from the third floor. It was Ruhr and Michel, clad in tattered clothes and emanating a pungent odor. As Lumian stood by the door of Room 207, Ruhr, his voice filled with panic, cried out, Ciel, Monsieur Ciel! That lunatic is dead! Dead? Flameng is dead? Lumian was momentarily stunned before darting past Ruhr and Michel, making his way to the third floor. The door to Room 310 was wide open. Lumian cast a quick glance inside and spotted Flameng hanging from the window. He faced the door, having cleanly shaven his face, revealing a gentle and gaunt visage. Now, he no longer breathed. His face had turned blue, his eyes slightly bulging. His mouth hung open wide, and the morning light streamed through the window, bathing his lifeless body. He hung silently, suspended by a belt tied to the window frame. Beneath him, on the wooden table, lay a nearly extinguished kerosene lamp, several large books, and a white sheet of paper weighted down by a fountain pen. It appeared that something had been written on it. Lumian fell into an eerie silence for a few seconds before cautiously approaching the white sheet of paper. In precise Intisian handwriting, it read: When I was deranged, I still harbored the will to live. Upon awakening, I found no purpose in life. Please lay me to rest in the Underground Tomb of Lights within the catacombs. Lumian raised his gaze, meeting the vacant blue eyes that seemed to peer back from beyond the grave. He stood in solemn silence, transfixed, as if time had come to a halt. Chapter 230 - 230 Scapegoat 230 Scapegoat At the stroke of 8 a.m., a pair of law enforcement officers ambled up to the third floor of Auberge du Coq Dor. One meticulously examined the lifeless body, the suicide note, and the surroundings, while the other commenced interrogating the neighboring tenants. Lumian, already disguised using the Mystery Prying Glasses, had taken his position at the entrance of Room 310. The officer, donning a uniform and clutching a pen and paper, cast a fleeting glance in his direction. You must be Ciel Dubois. Enlighten me on the matter. Lumian proceeded to recount how Flamengs sanity was gone prior to his arrival. The man incessantly raved about encountering the Montsouris ghost and the demise of his own kin. Soon, it seemed, his turn was imminent. Lumian continued, revealing how Flameng had abruptly regained consciousness the previous night and indulged in a bout of heavy drinking. What about the wound on his shoulder? interjected the officer attending to the deceased in the room. Before he regained consciousness last night, he inflicted the injury upon himself. I was the one who bound it up, Lumian responded with composure. After interrogating the other tenants and the proprietor of the basement bar, the two officers cautiously deduced that the deceased had long been plagued by mental instability. He possessed a motive for suicide and displayed corresponding behavioral tendencies. As they maneuvered Flamengs body into the mortuary bag, they addressed Lumian, saying, We shall transport him to the catacombs, but its a rather intricate procedure. It entails ascertaining the precise cause of death, summoning a clergyman for purification rites, finding a suitable heir for his estate, and liaising with the catacomb administrators. This will take roughly a week or two. Lumian fell silent momentarily before resuming, Ive shared a few drinks with him. Remember to inform me when you lay him to rest. Affirming their agreement, the two officers departed Auberge du Coq Dor, taking Flamengs body and the belongings from the room along with them. Lumian removed his disguise and returned to Room 207. Seated in a chair, his back to the window casting sunlight, he faced the dimly lit corridor, grappling with a swirl of emotions. Flamengs suicide had presented Lumian with an alternative fate. Lumian had aided Flameng in evading the Montsouris ghost, not driven by a desire for personal gain or reward. It was simply because he saw a reflection of his own predicament in the man who had lost his family. One had succumbed completely, descending into lunacy, while the other persevered, clinging to a glimmer of hope and desperately struggling to maintain his grasp on reason. But in the end, Flameng, no longer tormented by the Montsouris ghost and driven to madness by fear, had opted to terminate his own existence. In the corridor, Elodie, her tresses concealed beneath a blonde wig and her eyes accentuated with eyeshadow, alongside the other cleaning lady, had already commenced their bustling day. They worked ceaselessly, mopping the floors and battling bedbugs without respite. Lumian observed silently, his gaze appearing distant and unfocused. After the passage of nearly fifteen minutes, light yet hurried footfalls reverberated along the staircase, eventually reaching Room 207. Jennas silhouette came into Lumians view. Today, she donned a more understated attire compared to her usual flamboyance. Her blouse clung slightly, complementing the gentle brown shade of her top and a fluffy, beige, short skirt. She sported knee-high black boots, and her makeup exuded both decadence and allure. She glanced at Lumian, entered Room 207, and gently shut the wooden door behind her. Lumian snapped out of his reverie and observed her silently, refraining from questioning her intentions. Jenna repressed her curiosity and excitement before speaking up. Have you heard? The boss and two leaders of the Poison Spur Gang have been murdered! Im aware, Lumian acknowledged with a nod. Jenna scrutinized his expression and deliberately probed further. You werent involved, were you? Do you think I possess the capability to eliminate Black Scorpion Roger, Baldy Harman, and Short-legged Candlestick Castina all at once? Lumian retorted. Jenna, having already gleaned an estimation of Ciels strength from Franca, understood that Black Scorpion Roger was no less formidable than Franca herself. She shook her head and uttered, No. She then drawled in a leisurely tone, But you can still seek assistance. For instance, Franca. The authorities dont even suspect me, Lumian stated, shrugging his shoulders. In truth, he found this matter rather perplexing. Ordinarily, as one of the few individuals who had recently engaged in a direct confrontation with the Poison Spur Gang, he would undoubtedly be subjected to questioning following such an incident. Yet, Lumian had remained on standby since last night, prepared to don a disguise at a moments notice, yet no investigators had arrived. Just then, hurried footsteps echoed from the staircase. Knock, knock, knock. Knocks resounded against the door of Room 207. Charlie? Lumians gaze fixated on the door as he beckoned, Come in. Its not locked. The visitor who stood before them was none other than Charlie. Clad in a crisp white shirt, a light-colored vest, and a formal black suit, he exuded an air of dignity. Atop his head rested a half top hat, while a dark bow tie completed his ensemble. His attire seemed even more refined than when he served as an attendant at H?tel du Cygne Blanc. After sizing up Charlie, Lumian couldnt help but smile. Well, well, where did this civilized individual come from? Charlie couldnt conceal his own grin. His tone brimmed with warmth and enthusiasm as he replied, Right? I am now a true gentleman. Im still in the process of mastering classical grammar. Madame, Monsieur, please allow me to extend my civilized greetings. With those words, he removed his half top hat, pressed it against his chest, and offered a slight bow. Jenna chuckled but didnt discourage Charlie. Lumian clicked his tongue and remarked, To be frank, youre more like a monkey playing dress-up in civilized clothing. Charlie remained unaffected, his joy unwavering. Ive only just begun my studies. In a months time, youll witness an entirely different version of me. Oh, by the way, this is Monsieur Charlie Collent. He is currently enjoying a sumptuous dinner worth 8 verl dor! At this point, Charlie glanced at Jenna, who stood beside the bed. He opened his mouth as if he had something to say, yet hesitated to do so in her presence. Nonchalantly, Lumian inquired, Whats the matter? Just speak your mind. Charlie lowered his voice. Did you hear? Last night, Black Scorpion Roger, Baldy Harman, and Short-legged Candlestick Castina were all killed. Im aware. And? Lumian believed Charlie wouldnt seek him out for something that would soon become public knowledge. Charlie glanced at Jenna and continued, What has been confirmed is that the murderer belongs to a terrorist organization known as the Aurora Order. They have a penchant for gruesome displays of carnage and primarily target individuals who worship evil gods. In this case, Black Scorpion Roger and his cohorts followed an evil god named the Great Mother. Aurora Order? Lumian was taken aback. Where did this scapegoat come from? Why were the official Beyonders suddenly pointing fingers at the Aurora Order? Shouldnt they first investigate those who had conflicts with Black Scorpion Roger and the Poison Spur Gang? Thats how detective novels were written! Are you saying that the Aurora Order truly carried out these murders? Jenna inquired curiously. Charlie nodded emphatically. Thats correct. The Aurora Order appears to have claimed responsibility for these acts in some capacity. Tomorrow, there should be reports about the case in certain newspapers. The latter half of Charlies statement suggested that the information he had just shared was meant to be disclosed and held no confidentiality clauses. The Aurora Order claiming responsibility? They werent even involved. Why would they assume responsibility? Lumian found himself momentarily perplexed yet slightly amused. If he hadnt personally slain Black Scorpion Roger, he might have suspected the Aurora Order as the culprits. Charlie glanced at Lumian and added in a hushed tone, This afternoon, once the election concludes, a crackdown on the mobs in the entire market district shall commence in response to the publics concerns about the districts security. Are you reading from a document? Your words sound so official. Lumian realized why Charlie had rushed to inform him. It was best for those with dirt on them to leave the market district this afternoon and hide for the time being! Lumian nodded subtly and replied, I have a mysticism gathering to attend this afternoon. Although Mr. Ks gathering was scheduled for 9 p.m., Lumian intended to arrive early. Charlie breathed a sigh of relief and gestured toward the door. Ill make a move first. After a moment of contemplation, Lumian responded, In the future, theres no need to inform me about such trivial matters. He added mockingly, Do you doubt my abilities? Charlie sheepishly smiled. Its my first time, so I couldnt help but feel a bit emotional. Dont worry, unless it truly concerns you, I wont drop any more hints. As Lumian watched Charlie depart, Jenna clicked her tongue and sighed. Hes turned into your spy among the official Beyonders. Id prefer it if he wasnt, Lumian mumbled, pursing his lips. Hes just an imbecile, bound to mess things up. Jenna scoffed and waved her hand. Im going to find Franca. Are you planning to share the information Charlie gave us with the others? Lumian shook his head. If everyone flees, the official Beyonders will undoubtedly investigate any leaks. That imbecile wont be able to escape. Besides, some people deserve to end up in jail. And you dont? Jenna criticized as she left Room 207 and stepped into the corridor. At that moment, the two cleaning ladies had already reached the staircase. Jenna hurried over, her gaze sweeping across the cleaning lady named Elodie, who wore a blond wig. Suddenly, Jennas expression froze, and she swiftly turned around, heading back to Room 207. Lumian, who was about to leave, found it peculiar. Elodie, a woman of almost 50 years with a blond wig and eye shadow, also noticed Jenna. She stared at the apprentice actresss retreating figure for a few seconds before calling out in confusion and concern, Celia Jennas body went rigid. She slowly turned back, forcing a smile, and greeted Elodie with a loud voice, Mother. Mother? Lumian almost couldnt believe his ears. Then he recalled Elodie mentioning that she used to be a theater actress and now enjoyed watching performances at the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. Her husband had passed away a few years ago in a factory accident, leaving behind two nearly adult children who helped support the family. Jenna, on the other hand, was an apprentice actress at the same theater. Her father had also passed away a few years ago, leaving only her mother and brother. Her plan was to earn enough money for her tuition fees and other expenses for the coming year. It all adds up Lumian nodded thoughtfully. Elodie approached Jenna with a broom, assessing her appearance. Why are you here? And what kind of makeup is that? Chapter 231 - 231 Mr. Ks Purpose 231 Mr. Ks Purpose Jennas eyes darted around, her arm raised in the air. This is a requirement for my theater acting class! Her words seemed to ease her tension, and her smile took on a more natural quality. Didnt I mention that I work part-time as a waitress at a bar to make ends meet? This is my boss. Im here to discuss a salary increase with him! Jenna pointed confidently at Lumian, stationed by the door of Room 207. Elodie glanced at Lumian, then fixed her gaze on Jenna for a few moments before nodding. Dont forget to come home tonight. Jennas smile faltered momentarily before she replied, Okay. Seeing Elodie return to her tasks, cleaning the other side of the second floor, Jenna tiptoed down the stairs and made her way out of Auberge du Coq Dor. It didnt take long for her to spot Lumian catching up to her, prompting her to grumble, Dammit! Why is my mother at Auberge du Coq Dor? Lumian contemplated for a moment before responding. Blame it on Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. Monsieur Ive, the owner of Auberge du Coq Dor, found a part-time cleaning lady who works only half a day there. And your mother is a regular visitor at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons for plays. Jenna clenched her teeth and exclaimed, Those cursed heretics! She then threw up her arm. Tonight, Ill tell her the truth. Ill say Im working part-time as an underground singer to save up for next years tuition, and I earn quite a bit! Lumian glanced at Jennas side profile, curious. You dont seem too nervous or afraid? Jenna spat. Thats my mother, not some man-eating monster. Shes kind-hearted and understanding. I didnt tell her what I was up to before because I didnt want her to worry. Shell worry now, though, Lumian reminded her. Being an underground singer in dance halls and bars often involved dealing with shady characters. Being taken advantage of was an unfortunate reality from time to time. Jennas smile was mischievous as she playfully remarked, Im the mistress of Ciel Dubois, leader of the Savoie Mob and guardian of Salle de Bal Brise. Who dares to mess with me? Lumian chuckled. Thats even more dangerous. Jenna averted her gaze and observed the street vendors on Rue Anarchie. If my mother cant accept it, I plan to demonstrate my current abilities and convince her that I can protect myself. Oh, really? Lumian didnt raise the example of the perverted Hedsey. Jenna composed herself and said in a heavy voice, Shes been through so much. She has worked tirelessly for years. I want to help her shoulder some of the burden so she wont break herself. Lumian contemplated for a moment before responding. Since your fathers passing? Jennas gaze shifted to the ground, and she tersely confirmed, There was an accident at the factory. My father was severely injured and spent over ten days in the hospital. In the end, he couldnt be saved. We used up all our savings and still owe a significant amount of money. A few years ago, I could have pursued a career in theater and studied acting. But it wasnt until the beginning of this year that we managed to repay almost half of our debt and save up some money for my education. My mother insisted that we couldnt delay any longer. If we kept delaying, I would become too old. Lumian listened attentively, his brow furrowing in puzzlement. No compensation for the factory accident? Yes, but that scoundrel hasnt compensated us yet! Jenna clenched her teeth. He keeps appealing, and the courts always take their time. F*cking dammit, is he trying to drag it out until were all dead? Lumian fell silent briefly before changing the subject. Was your mother truly a theater actress? Thats correct. Jennas expression softened gradually. She had great acting skills and was beautiful, but most theater managers, sponsors, and owners were men. They would prey on actresses in the theater like lions patrolling their territory. Those who refused to submit to them wouldnt get good roles. Its infuriating, everyone thinks its normal, even the police and the courts! My mother has a gentle nature, but shes fiercely stubborn. She could only land supporting roles and was even fired once. When the theater she worked at went bankrupt, she lost the chance to return to the stage temporarily. She had to take on odd jobs as a motel maid and laundry worker. Thats when she met my father. They got together and became husband and wife in the presence of God. Praise the Sun. At that time, my father was working hard to become a skilled laborer. My mother took on various jobs and saved money while searching for an opportunity to return to the theater. Those were the days she cherished the most. Later, my brother and I were born. Mom and Dad became busier, struggling to make ends meet and give us a chance to pursue an education. When we became self-sufficient, my mother was already old and couldnt return to the stage. She placed her hopes on me. She wanted to see me become an exceptional actress, even if it meant playing supporting roles. My father wished for my brother to become a skilled laborer. These words had been bottled up inside Jennas heart for a long time, and only now did she find the opportunity to express them. Lumian patiently waited for Jenna to finish before posing a question. Do you aspire to be a theater actress yourself? Jenna beamed with pride and contentment. Its hard not to love theater when your mother is such a dedicated fan and talented actress. Her smile inexplicably evoked a twinge of jealousy in Lumian. Sighing with a touch of emotion, he remarked, I can tell that your mother has a genuine passion for theater. Even as a cleaning lady, she adorns herself with makeup and wears exquisite wigs. Jenna lightly nodded and shared, She says it makes her feel youthful, as if shes back on the stage. In her eyes, she remains a true theater actress, and her other jobs are merely part-time endeavors. Shes always been like this. She takes me to witness the sunrise, reminding me that darkness will always give way to light. And she tells me that even in the darkest times, I must find a way to kindle my own inner light. Only then can I patiently await the sunrise. Jennas yearning for the future grew palpable. If I continue as an underground singer for another year, Ill save enough for next years tuition and make significant progress in repaying our debts. With the combined earnings of my mother and brother, we wont be burdened anymore. Soon, she wont have to juggle multiple jobs, and my brother will have the opportunity to learn skills from others! As Jenna spoke, her excitement grew, and she couldnt help but raise her arm, as if reaching out to grasp the beauty of the future Lumian observed Jenna silently, and a wave of pent-up emotions within him seemed to dissipate. Hope. Such a profound and moving word. After a few moments of relief, Jenna suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of embarrassment. She turned her head and gave Lumian an accusing glare. Why are you staring at me? Havent you seen someone getting excited before? Lumian scoffed but chose not to respond. Jenna studied him intently and muttered to herself, Why do I feel like youre in better spirits? No, Lumian replied succinctly. At that moment, the two of them had already entered Avenue du March. Posters celebrating Hugues Artoiss successful election as a member of parliament adorned the surroundings. Hugues Artois, the joint support of the Savoie Mob and the Poison Spur Mob, has indeed become a member of parliament I wonder what changes he will bring to the market district Lumian averted his gaze from the poster, his mind echoing Francas words: Lady Moon, a follower of the Great Mother, believed that Hugues Artois was an open-minded individual. In the afternoon, prior to embarking on his journey to Avenue du Boulevard in search of Mr. K, Lumian arranged an altar in the second-floor bedroom of Salle de Bal Brise. With the wall of spirituality in place, Lumian proceeded to light three candles in the order from deity to mankind, left to right. After carefully dripping essential oils and extracts, he took a couple of steps back, enveloped in a misty atmosphere, and intoned in a deep voice,The Fool that doesnt belong to this era, the mysterious ruler above the gray fog; the King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck. A faint gray fog arose, accompanied by an unsettling aura. Suppressing the sluggishness of his thoughts and the tingling sensation beneath his skin, Lumian fixed his gaze upon the bluish-black flame of the candle. Following the instructions of Madam Magician, he recited the subsequent incantation in the ancient language of Hermes. I implore you, I implore your protection After a series of gestures, Lumian caught sight of the divine angel, seemingly materialized from pure light. Simultaneously, he faintly heard a dreamy sigh. A sigh originating from an infinite height. Descending from above in resplendent and ethereal form, the angel extended its arms to embrace Lumian. Wings of radiant light enveloped him. When Lumian regained consciousness, everything had returned to its usual state. As evening descended upon 19 Rue Scheer, Avenue du Boulevard, Lumian once again found himself in the basement, face-to-face with Mr. K. Clad in his customary voluminous hood and black robe, Mr. K sat silently upon a chair with a crimson backrest. Meeting Lumians gaze, Mr. K nodded gently and spoke in a low, raspy voice, I am highly pleased with your adeptness in action. Whats more, unknowingly, your actions align with the teachings of my lord, countering those Blessed of evil beings! Pausing momentarily, Mr. K inquired, Have you given it sufficient thought? Yes, I have, Lumian replied, lowering his head. You have revealed to me the magnificence of the Lord. Haha! Mr. K burst into a maniacal laughter, as if his sanity had slipped away. After a few seconds, he regained composure and disregarded the attendants, ensuring they stayed put. He continued, My lords honorific name is the Lord that created everything, the omnipotent and omniscient God, the Lord who reigns behind the curtain of shadows, the ruler of the mind world, and the degenerated nature of all living things. Choose any three and entreat Him in Hermes. The mere description by Mr. K caused Lumians garments, skin, flesh, and bones to dissolve completely, leaving behind an unnerving sensation of pure consciousness and self-awareness. Involuntarily trembling, Lumian instinctively recited, The Lord that created everything, the omnipotent and omniscient God, the Lord who reigns behind the curtain of shadows Lumians mind was too overwhelmed to deliberate, and he unconsciously selected the first three phrases. Almost instantly, his surroundings darkened, as if enshrouded by a heavy curtain. Beyond the illusory and profound shadowed veil, a pair of eyes fixated upon Lumian, penetrating his consciousness and nearly rendering him unconscious. After an indeterminate period, Lumian regained his faculties, his body drenched in cold sweat. Rising from his seat, Mr. Ks deep voice seemed laced with a smile. Henceforth, you are our brother, truly one of us. Were a secret organization that believes in the True Creator. We go by the name of the Aurora Order. Aurora Order? Lumian was taken aback. Isnt this the terrorist organization that took the blame for me? It seems that the official Beyonders did not misidentify their target I have truly become a member of the Aurora Order Dismissing the attendants from the basement, Mr. K addressed Lumian, Gardner Martin is a member of the Iron and Blood Cross Order. This secret organization once revered our lord, but in recent years, they have distanced themselves from us and ceased their frequent prayers. They appear to be plotting something of great significance. I have assigned you to infiltrate their ranks, for I hope you can discover the cause behind their actions and unravel their intentions. Chapter 232 - 232 Financing of Activities 232 Financing of Activities The Iron and Blood Cross Order appears to have some significant plans in the works Lumian finally grasped Mr. Ks true intentions for persuading him to join a mob. The Iron and Blood Cross Orderan equally secretive organizationseemed to be related to a competition of faith and Triers situation. Curiosity stirring within him, Lumian inquired, What exactly is the Iron and Blood Cross Order? The more Lumian understood, the more he inclined towards actions that would gain Gardner Martins approval. Mr. K let out a chuckle. Allow Gardner Martin to personally enlighten you. If you possess knowledge about their circumstances before they disclose it to you, they are likely to notice some problem. So, you found a wanted, simple country boy like me to be a spy? You wanted someone with a clean slate and humble background? Lumian pondered, nodding thoughtfully. His thoughts wandered to the mysterious item Gardner Martin had smuggled into Trier through Rat Christo, as well as the support the Savoie Mob extended to Hugues Artois. After two seconds of contemplation, Lumian voiced his suspicion, Could the Iron and Blood Cross Orders plan be connected to Hugues Artois? In a raspy voice, Mr. K responded, According to the information weve gathered, that is merely one component, not the primary one. I see Lumian then broached the topic of mirror people before continuing, Gardner Martin seemed aware that the item he had the smuggling caravan transport could trigger a corresponding incident. Mr. K fell silent momentarily before speaking, I suspect that item holds immense importance. Its a matter youll need to unravel. Dont worry. Our Aurora Order is generous with rewards. When the time comes, you can make any request. Just as Lumian was about to internally utter the words, Help me revive my sister, Mr. K added, As long as it lies within my power. Very straightforward If I genuinely become an official member of the Iron and Blood Cross Order and gain access to pertinent information, they will undoubtedly grant me certain privileges. And in turn, I can seek rewards from the Aurora Order. Yes This is akin to further fulfilling Madam Magicians mission. She wont reject me, the bearer of a Minor Arcana card Such treatment is rareto receive three rewards for a single task As Lumian silently sighed, he assumed it wouldnt matter if he faced rejection. I now require some financing for my future endeavors. The purpose of these funds was to enhance Lumians personal strength and establish a solid foundation for completing the mission. Mr. K nodded. No problem. I will provide you with 10,000 verl dor later. This is one of the perks of officially joining our Aurora Order and participating in a high-risk mission. In Intis, perk was a commonly used term coined by Emperor Roselle. Very generous At that moment, he found himself wondering if he should seek out more secret organizations like this one, just to enjoy additional membership perks. Rising from his seat, Mr. K extended his hands and began to circle Lumian slowly. As he walked, he spoke in a solemn tone, My Lord is the great being who created this world, the father of all living creatures. We all originate from Him, carrying the divine essence He bestowed upon us. Divinity exists within every living being, and no one is inherently more noble than another. We distinguish our status based on our proximity to our Lord and our ability to embrace His teachings. It is through our shared divinity that we can consume potions, face trials, and accumulate more divine power. Ultimately, we can become angels in service to my Lord Is he preaching? Lumian couldnt help but feel that there were similarities between Mr. Ks words and Madam Magicians story of the original Creatorthe Oldest Onefragmenting and manifesting different Beyonder characteristics. They seemed to share a common essence. This led him to suspect that the True Creator of the Aurora Order corresponded to the Oldest One. After nearly fifteen minutes, Mr. K concluded his preaching and traced a cross on his chest, starting from the top and moving to the bottom, left, and right. Praise be to you, the creator of all things. Praise be to you, who carries the burdens of the worlds sins. Lumian followed suit, offering his own words of praise. Mr. K then proceeded to introduce the Aurora Order. We currently have a total of seven Saints and twenty-two Oracles, each designated by alphabetical code names, scattered across various locations There are still 21 individuals as powerful as Mr. K? The Saints are Sequence 4 and Sequence 3 demigods with godhood. And there are a total of seven in the Aurora Order? Lumian was taken aback by this revelation. The Aurora Order was far more formidable than he had anticipated! As for whether there were any figures on the level of angels, Mr. K did not mention it, leaving Lumian to wonder. Concluding the introduction, Mr. K took hold of his right index finger with his left hand and tore it off. He then tossed it to Lumian, the finger dripping with blood. Use it in times of dire need. Lumian caught the finger, its blood already congealing, and imagined the phantom pain he had experienced before. Although he was unafraid of pain or injuries in battle and could stab himself without hesitation when necessary, he couldnt simply pluck out a finger without reason, as Mr. K had done. In a matter of moments, a new finger sprouted from Mr. Ks hand, its skin fair and unblemished. With the gathering scheduled for 9 p.m., Lumian secured the 10,000 verl dor and made his way to Psychics old journal library, a lavish off-white six-story building located at 19 Rue Scheer. He stayed there until 6 p.m. Then, he leisurely found a nearby restaurant and spent 2 verl dor on an inexpensive set meal. The meal included an ordinary bottle of red wine, a bowl of soup, three dishes, a dessert, and an unlimited supply of bread. Lumian made his selections from the provided menu, opting for a beef chowder, braised rabbit meat, and a serving of roasted cauliflower. As the gathering commenced, Lumian, already in possession of the Scorpion Poison, sold the aquatic monsters blood, poisonous scales, and other items he had no use for, fetching him 100 verl dor. Thus far, he had amassed a total of 14,710 verl dor and 24 coppet in cash, mostly courtesy of Mr. K. This filled him with confidence that he could gather the remaining 30,000 verl dor within a short span of time. If he borrowed a bit here and pocketed a bit there, combined with the spoils of war, wouldnt he have enough? Shortly before 11 p.m., Lumian returned to Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. Ruhr and Michel, residents of the third floor who made a living selling photos of street ma?tresse datelier near the Suhit steam locomotive station, were hauling a bulging flaxen-colored cloth bag up the stairs. Lumian cast a curious glance at the white-haired duo and asked, slightly puzzled, So late? He knew that Ruhr and Michel also worked as part-time scavengers, having encountered them on a few occasions before. However, he recalled that their work typically ended by nine. Ruhr, clad in tattered clothing with a slight hunch to his back, mustered a smile and replied with a touch of joy, Tonight, the member of parliaments office hosted a celebratory feast and discarded a lot of valuable rubbish. We waited until the bags could no longer hold before returning. The market districts member of parliaments office was celebrating Hugues Artoiss election? Lumian nodded subtly and walked past the elderly couple, making his way to Room 207. Before igniting the carbide lamp, he noticed a square-folded white paper on the table, illuminated by the faint crimson moonlight streaming through the window. Observing the neatly folded paper, Lumian suspected it to be a letter from Madam Magician. The Pyromaniac potion formula? Did she have the messenger leave the Pyromaniac potion formula here before my arrival? Is she so confident in my ability to become an official member of the Aurora Order? Or does she have something else to inform me about? These thoughts raced through Lumians mind as he ignited the carbide lamp, picked up the white paper, and carefully unfolded it. Your next mission is to complete the task assigned by Mr. K. Do you understand what I mean? Pyromaniac potion formula: Main ingredient: Fire Salamander gland, Magma Elf core; Supplementary ingredients: 50 milliliters of Fire Salamander blood, 10 grams of Magma Pyroxene powder, 10 grams of Redcrown Balsam powder, 10 drops of Sun Star extract. Usage: What do you think? She actually wrote down the main ingredient Does this mean Ill need the accompanying parts for the potion? Is Madam Magician also interested in uncovering the Iron and Blood Cross Orders current situation? How did she know that today would be the day Mr. K would assign me this task? Or does she simply disregard Mr. Ks intentions? Does she only hope that I can gain more of Mr. Ks trust and gradually become a core member of the Aurora Order? Lumian leaned towards the first possibility, but he couldnt dismiss the latter. For now, he had no choice but to follow her instructions. Having attended two mysticism gatherings, Lumian had developed a certain understanding of the potion formulas value. He knew that the Pyromaniac potion formula in his possession was worth at least 30,000 verl dor. If he were to sell it, he could exchange it for the Pyromaniac Beyonder characteristic. Of course, this idea was fleeting. Without Madam Magicians explicit agreement, he didnt dare entertain it. Wouldnt it be equivalent to trading Madam Magicians potion formula for her Pyromaniac Beyonder characteristic? Instead, Lumian found a more feasible plan, inspired by a popular trade scheme in Intis which was also known as Commercial Paradise or Financial Empire. The plan required a down payment of 10,000 verl dor, with the remaining 20,000 to be paid in installments over a year, along with a 10 to 15% interest. After careful consideration, Lumian, sensing a high likelihood of Madam Magician possessing godhood, dismissed the idea. He had already gathered almost half of the required funds. There was no need to risk offending a demigod by negotiating installments. Even if Harvest Sacrifice didnt yield a satisfactory price or Franca had little savings due to her extravagant lifestyle, Salle de Bal Brise still had a substantial amount of cash in its safe. As the protector of the dance hall, what harm would there be in embezzling a small sum? Chapter 233 - 233 Advance Payment 233 Advance Payment Realizing the lateness of the hour, Lumian planned on delving into Aurores grimoire until midnight. He resolved to seek out Franca the next morning and inquire about the sale of Harvest Sacrifice. Additionally, he intended to ask her to keep a watchful eye on the supplementary ingredients like Fire Salamander blood and Magma Pyroxene powder. Hmm, Franca is known for her late sleeping habits. If I go searching for her now, shell surely still be awake. Most likely, shell be asleep before 11 a.m. tomorrow Taking this into consideration, Lumian had a change of heart. He tidied the wooden table, rose from his seat, and departed from Auberge du Coq Dor. 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches, in front of Apartment 601. After knocking a few times, Lumian caught sight of Franca. Her flaxen locks were disheveled, and she wore a lake-blue silk nightgown as she opened the door. Whats the matter this time? the Witch inquired, a smile gracing her lips as she stepped aside to make way. Lumian didnt respond immediately. He glanced around and inquired, Is Jenna not here? Unconsciously, Francas smile faded away. Are you here for her? She doesnt have to perform tonight. She left early today. Lumian nodded. Thats good. I wont have to climb the outer wall and leave later then. Francas lips twitched, and she clicked her tongue with a chuckle. So, youve come to mock me? After playing a simple prank, Lumian settled himself on the gray divan. Just as he was about to speak, Franca, who had curled up in the recliner, causing her nightgowns hem to slip, let out a soft chuckle. You missed quite a show in the market district this afternoon. The police took care of all the places tied to the mob. Brignais, Simon, Christo, and Black were all apprehended and brought to the police headquarters. They nearly fell into the clutches of the official Beyonders and received their customary treatment. Luckily, Gardner managed to contact the newly elected Hugues Artois and convinced him to exert pressure on the two Churches and the police headquarters. By throwing a few scapegoats under the bus, the matter was resolved. Hugues Artois is indeed in cahoots with the Boss Lumian chuckled. You didnt get caught? I didnt go to any of those locations today. I spent the whole afternoon playing Fighting Evil with Jenna and my star dancer. Why would I get caught? You see, theres nothing wrong with being lazy. My favorite saying is that lazy people are blessed by being lazy, Franca replied, amused. Ive never heard that before, Lumian asked casually. Where does this proverb come from? I made it up, Franca replied nonchalantly. Pondering Francas explanation, Lumians suspicions were confirmed. Did Jenna suggest staying indoors in the afternoon and playing cards? How did you know? Franca exclaimed in surprise. She scrutinized Lumian, her gaze turning suspicious. Could it be that Jenna told him herself? Had they shared so much in private? Lumian had nothing to hide and spoke frankly, Charlie paid me a visit today, and Jenna happened to be there. From him, I learned that the official Beyonders and the police headquarters planned a joint operation to clean up the mobsters in the market district this afternoon. I advised Jenna to keep it a secret so as not to trouble Charlie. And it seems shes proven to be trustworthy. She simply kept you occupied in the apartment, Lumian explained. Francas face brightened with understanding. No wonder you werent around in the afternoon. A smug expression crossed her features. Jenna is still on my side! She let out a satisfied sigh before curiosity tinged her voice as Franca asked warily, Why did Jenna come to you? Lumian smiled knowingly. After the demise of Black Scorpion Roger, she finds me suspicious due to my ongoing conflict with the Poison Spur Mob. Francas response was a mix of relief and amusement. The Aurora Order ended up being the scapegoat in this case. Since I arrived in Trier, Ive noticed in the newspapers that whenever something happened, the terrorist group known as the Aurora Order would claim responsibility. But I never imagined that we would finally get a taste of that treatment. The subsequent investigations were misled, and no one suspected us. The Aurora Order is indeed responsible for this After Lumian mocked Franca, he steered the conversation back on track. Taking advantage of the situation, I attended a mysticism gathering in the afternoon and managed to obtain the formula for the Pyromaniac potion, as well as some clues about its main ingredient. Youre quite fortunate, Franca exclaimed, her eyes widening slightly. If we werent in Intis, Id doubt your story. Its only in Intis that the Pyromaniac potion formula is so readily available. Lumian then made a request. Please help me keep an eye on the supplementary ingredients: Fire Salamanders blood, Magma Pyroxene powder, and Redcrown Balsam. He omitted mentioning Sun Star, as it was relatively common and could be found in larger flower shops. No problem, Franca assured him. She inquired about the quantities of each ingredient in detail before raising another concern. Do you have enough money? I mean, enough to purchase the main ingredient for the potion. From her perspective, Lumian had likely spent all his savings on the Pyromaniac potion formula. Lumian seized the opportunity to respond, Actually, I was just about to ask if Harvest Sacrifice had been sold. How can it be sold so soon? Its only been a day! I havent even had the chance to attend any mysticism gatherings, Franca replied, pausing before offering a solution. If you urgently need money, I can lend you some. After all, I dont have any immediate need for the next potion. Theres no rush, Lumian replied after considering the matter. He still needed to gather all the supplementary ingredients. Franca estimated, Based on my experience, Harvest Sacrifice wont fetch a high price due to its inevitable side effects. You can expect it to sell for around 10,000 to 12,000 verl dor. When you need the money, I can directly provide you with 6,000 verl dor, considering it a buyout of Harvest Sacrifice. Additionally, I can lend you 20,000 to 30,000 verl dor, but you must return it within three months. Alright, Lumian agreed without hesitation. He then produced Fallen Mercury and said to Franca, I need to find someone who can repair Beyonder weapons. Franca examined the dirk with its ominous patterns and asked in confusion, Whats the point of repairing a Beyonder weapon? Its energy will deplete eventually. Its tremendously useful. I want to utilize it for as long as possible, Lumian admitted, though he naturally refrained from mentioning that he had a means to replenish Fallen Mercurys energy. Of course, he had to wait until he reached Sequence 6 and could withstand the corruption. Otherwise, Termiboros would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to cause trouble. Thats true, Franca recalled Fallen Mercurys impressive performance in the battle against Black Scorpion Roger. Ill help you inquire, but no Artisan would likely accept the task of repairing a suspected corrupted Beyonder weapon. They fear the potential adverse effects it could have on them. Artisan a Beyonder skilled in repairing mystical items and Beyonder weapons? After exchanging a few more words with Franca, Lumian left Room 601 and returned to Avenue du March, entering Salle de Bal Brise. Despite it almost being midnight, the place was still bustling. Lumian made his way to the finance office on the second floor corridor. As he unlocked the safe, he asked about the accountant and the cashier on the night shift. How much cash do we have at the moment? The accountant, a refined bespectacled woman in her thirties, replied with a hint of apprehension, Approximately 28,000 verl dor and some change. Lumian had already opened the safes door by then, revealing stacks of banknotes and shimmering golden coins. After a quick calculation, he calmly requested, Give me 12,000 verl dor. Huh? Both the accountant and the cashier exclaimed fearfully. While Monsieur Ciel was the protector of Salle de Bal Brise, taking away such a substantial amount of cash in one go was unthinkable! The accountant exchanged a glance with the young cashier, silently indicating her to find the dance hall manager, Ren, in the adjacent office. Dressed in formal attire, Gardner Martins designated representative glanced at the open safe and inquired, Monsieur Ciel, why do you need to withdraw 12,000 verl dor? Personal expenses, Lumian replied calmly. Ren pondered for a few seconds before responding, No problem. In the first two years, Baron Brignais would take between 40,000 and 50,000 verl dor from the dance hall annually. During the transition, he even withdrew 15,000 verl dor, which would have counted as part of the first half of the year. And its not even the second half yet. Monsieur Ciel, consider this 12,000 verl dor an advance. Sure. Lumian didnt concern himself with the details; he simply wanted the 12,000 verl dor! After securing the cash in a cloth bag, Lumian let out a silent sigh of relief. He had nearly gathered the required 30,000 verl dor to purchase the Pyromaniac Beyonder characteristic. Now, all he had to do was await news of the supplementary ingredients! Currently, he possessed a total of 26,710 verl dor. With an additional 6,000 from the Harvest Sacrifice, he would have enough. As Lumian, laden with a significant amount of cash, left Salle de Bal Brise, a sense of unease suddenly washed over him. He wasnt afraid of being robbed; rather, he worried that a conflict might damage the money bag or tear the banknotes. I must find a safe place for it. I cant keep carrying it like this Lumian strolled along Avenue du March, contemplating transferring the funds to the safe house. Before long, his eyes caught sight of the brightly illuminated office belonging to the market districts member of parliament. It stood as a classic four-story building, boasting a khaki-colored fa?ade with statues adorning the top two floorsa Sunbird and Giant Gears. The celebration banquet is still underway Lumian shook his head disapprovingly. Pausing for a moment, he settled in the shadows across the street, observing the departing guests from the banquet hall. Hugues Artois, who enjoyed the combined support of the Savoie Mob and the Poison Spur Mob, not to mention Lady Moons praise, was undoubtedly a man of influence. Some of the guests he had invited could very well be problematic individuals connected to the schemes of the Iron and Blood Cross Order. As time went by, an increasing number of guests emerged from the member of parliaments office. Lumian found no one who aroused suspicion. He could only confirm that most of them belonged to the upper echelons of society. They were elegantly attired, and their faces had graced the pages of various newspapers. Suddenly, a familiar figure caught his eye. It was Gardner Martin, an amiable man with chubby cheeks, a few silver strands of hair at his temples, and brownish-red eyes! Gardner Martin, the boss of the Savoie Mob! Dressed in a tailcoat and a dark bow tie, Gardner seemed to sense something. He abruptly turned his head, fixing his gaze on the shadowy spot where Lumian sat. Lumians heart skipped a beat. His thoughts raced, and he swiftly made up his mind. Rising to his feet, he approached Gardner Martin. Gardner Martin regarded him with a penetrating stare, revealing no trace of emotion. Good evening, Boss, Lumian greeted as he drew nearer. Gardner Martin asked nonchalantly, What brings you here? Lumian replied candidly, I left Salle de Bal Brise and noticed that the member of parliaments office banquet was still ongoing. I thought Id check which guests Monsieur Hugues Artois had invited, so as to avoid offending the wrong people in the future. Gardner Martin nodded subtly and spoke calmly, Thats a commendable habit. With a gesture signaling Lumian to depart, he proceeded towards a private carriage, accompanied by Butler Faustino. Lumians heart stirred as he followed suit, taking the initiative to speak, Boss, I took an advance of 12,000 verl dor from the dance hall today. Chapter 234 - 234 Sincerity 234 Sincerity Gardner Martins brows lifted in surprise as he cast a curious glance at Lumian, taking a moment to ponder the situation. Lets converse inside the carriage. Upon hearing this, Butler Faustino took the initiative to settle himself in the front of the carriage, right beside the driver. Silently, Lumian trailed behind Gardner Martin and entered the carriage, taking a seat opposite him. As the carriage slowly set in motion, Gardner Martin fixed his gaze upon Lumian and spoke up. Why did you advance such a hefty sum of cash? Lumian responded with candor. Given the opportunity to enhance my strength, I aspire to become a Sequence 7 Pyromaniac. Gardner Martin hadnt anticipated Lumians straightforwardness. After a brief pause, he smiled and inquired, Is 12,000 verl dor sufficient? Lumian didnt bat an eye as he replied, In addition to the 18,000 verl dor you provided last time and my previous savings. Gardner Martin nodded slowly. Did you come across anyone selling the main ingredient for the Pyromaniac potion elsewhere? And do you possess the formula for the potion? Yes, Lumian confessed without reservation. Gardner Martin chuckled. Youve divulged all of this to me. Shouldnt these matters be kept secret? Lumian displayed an unusual sincerity as he responded, I feel prepared to consume the Pyromaniac potion. It wont be long before I advance to Sequence 7. When that happens, if a conflict arises, concealing the change in my strength would be impossible. Boss, youll soon discover it anyway. So why not tell you now? Furthermore, Ren, the manager of the dance hall, worked under Gardner Martin. He would undoubtedly report the 12,000 verl dor advancement. Lumian paused momentarily before continuing, Thats one reason. Another reason is that Ive lived on the streets, endured rural life, and faced persecution. Now, I adhere to a single principle: I treat those who treat me well. He wasnt attempting to flaunt his loyalty. According to Jenna, such exaggerated loyalty would seem untrustworthy, especially when he had only met Gardner Martin once. His main goal was to convey his allegiance. Similarly, Gardner Martin would definitely comprehend the underlying purpose behind Lumians frankness. It was a display of his astuteness. Gardner Martin lifted his head and burst into laughter. Very good. Brignais, Christo, and the others have their own secrets. They assume Im oblivious. The fact that you can accurately grasp your situation, your future progress, and my stance indicates that youre more astute than them. Most times, sincerity proves to be the most effective approach. Sincerity? Lumian seized the opportunity to express himself with an extraordinary sincerity. Boss, I have leads on the main ingredient, but Im unsure where to acquire the supplementary ingredients. Could you keep an eye out for Fire Salamanders blood, Magma Pyroxene powder, and Redcrown Balsam? From Lumians perspective, Gardner Martin, suspected to be a Sequence 6 or perhaps even a Sequence 5 Beyonder of the Hunter pathway, would have an easier time finding the supplementary ingredients for the Pyromaniac potion compared to Franca. Perhaps he still possessed leftover supplementary ingredients from advancing to Pyromaniac? According to Aurores grimoire, spiritual supplementary ingredients could be preserved for an extended period if the method was correct. Gardner Martin was taken aback. He hadnt anticipated Ciel making such a direct request. Initially, he had intended to inquire about a few matters of concern and understand Lumians needs before offering assistance to win him over. After a brief pause, Gardner Martin nodded and responded, No problem. Observing that Gardner Martin didnt inquire about the quantities of the three supplementary ingredients, Lumian grew increasingly convinced that the Savoie Mob boss was a Mid-Sequence Beyonder of the Hunter pathway. Gardner Martin peered out of the window and spoke inquisitively. While you were observing the parliament members office, did you notice anything suspicious? No, Lumian shook his head. Theyre just individuals whose pictures occasionally appear in the newspapers. Gardner Martin smiled nonchalantly. Indeed, theres the president and vice-president of our Savoie Chamber of Commerce; Bono Goodville, the owner of Goodville Chemical Factory; Clement, the manager of Nova Mechanical Prosthetics; and Etienne from Saint-Ger Phlogiston Factory I was invited as a shareholder of Rist Docks and the head of Rist Shipping Company and Savoie Construction Company, not as the boss of the Savoie Mob. Gardner Martin let out a soft sigh. However, we can barely squeeze into Triers high society. In the business world, the true heavyweights are the chairmen and proprietors of Trier Bank, Suchit Bank, and Asset Credit Bank. They are the shareholders of behemoths like Suhit Textile Group, Tilisi Coal and Steel Consortium, Anubi Steel Company, Southern Liquor Merchants Federation, Falgar Weapons Group, and Balam-Paz Import and Export Corporation. Lumian had come across these names in newspapers and magazines. The company that had left the deepest impression was Balam-Paz Import and Export Corporation. To protect their interests in the West Balam and Paz Valley of the Southern Continent, they had even been allowed to finance a substantial private army and a fleet as mercenaries. Noticing that the carriage was about to depart from Avenue du March, Gardner Martin signaled the driver to halt and nodded at Lumian. Before consuming the potion, ensure your condition is favorable. Its better to delay than to take unnecessary risks. After acknowledging Gardner Martins advice, Lumian left the carriage and headed towards Rue des Blouses Blanches. He intended to conceal all his cash within the confines of the safe house. After walking a certain distance, Lumian hesitated. Safe houses didnt guarantee absolute safety, especially in lower-class areas like the market district and Quartier du Jardin Botanique, where the population was denser. Thieves ran rampant in such places. If a burglar were to stumble upon Aurores grimoires, they would be of little value to them. At most, they would search through them in the hopes of finding hidden banknotes, but the sum of over 26,000 cash would undoubtedly be taken. Should I set up a few traps in the safe house to deter thieves? Lumians thoughts raced, and suddenly, a better idea struck him. That idea was to provide Madam Magician with an advance payment of 26,000 verl dor! This way, there would be no risk of losing such a large sum of cash. Furthermore, a lofty individual like Madam Magician would not deny accepting the advance payment. Phew With his mind made up, Lumian arrived at the safe house on Rue des Blouses Blanches and retrieved pen and paper to write a letter. Esteemed Madam Magician, I have already procured 26,000 verl dor. I will offer this as an advance payment. Once I gather the remaining 4,000, you may send me the Pyromaniac Beyonder characteristic. Looking forward to your reply. Lumian refrained from requesting Madam Magician to grant him the Pyromaniac Beyonder characteristic immediately, as he had yet to acquire the corresponding supplementary ingredients. Preserving Beyonder characteristics proved to be quite troublesome, and there was a risk of losing them. After summoning the puppet messenger and entrusting it with the cloth bag containing cash and coins, along with the letter, Lumian felt a significant sense of relief. However, he couldnt help but worry that the messenger might fall victim to robbery in the spirit world. Before long, the puppet messenger adorned in a golden dress returned with a reply from Madam Magician. 26,000 verl dor has been received. Magician. Its akin to receiving a receipt Lumian murmured to himself, expressing gratitude to the puppet messenger. He then departed Rue des Blouses Blanches and made his way back to Auberge du Coq Dor. As was his routine, Lumian used a short wire to open the door, quietly traversed the dimly lit lobby with only the basement bars glow, and ascended the stairs. Reaching the second floor, he pursed his lips and continued upwards to the third floor, arriving at Room 310, where Flameng had once resided. The wooden door to the room stood ajar, and the curtains remained undrawn, allowing the crimson moonlight to filter through the glass. It was an unwritten folklore often believed by the lower-class citizens of Trier: In a room where someone had met their demise, the door had to be left open and the curtains undrawn for three days. This was done out of concern that the ghost of the deceased might be reluctant to depart. Lumian stood at the doorway, gazing into the empty room, as if he could see the madman clutching his head and whispering, Im dying. After a while, he silently averted his gaze and proceeded towards the stairs. As he approached the staircase, he overheard a conversation emanating from Room 302, despite their attempts to suppress their voices. The room belonged to Ruhr and Michel, the sellers of counterfeit photographs who worked as part-time scavengers. There was no sign of a kerosene or carbide lamp being lit within the room. No light seeped through the crack in the door. Lumians acute hearing allowed him to instinctively tune in to the discussion between the elderly couple. Old Woman, look at these. Theyre worth a fortune! Those gentlemen and ladies simply discarded them! I reckon this bag alone could fetch 5 verl dor 5 verl dor? Its worth at least 15! Old Man, if only we could stumble upon such valuable rubbish every day. Then wed have to vote for a member of parliament every day. Praise the Sun. Let that member of parliament host a banquet every day. In that case, we could return to Aurmir and purchase 10 acres of fields to cultivate grapes within a year. Youre quite the dreamer, Old Woman. Whats wrong with dreaming? Dont you dream? Even without the banquet, weve managed to save up a significant sum. Another four or five years should suffice. True. When the time comes, we wont have to toil as hard as we do now, and we wont need to worry about being unable to work Lumian ceased eavesdropping and silently chuckled. Descending the stairs, he returned to Room 207, briefly freshened up, and climbed into bed. In the midst of the night, half-asleep, he was suddenly startled by hurried footsteps. As he sat up and glanced towards the corridor, there came a knock on his door. Lumian, feeling a mix of wariness and confusion, approached the wooden door and opened it. Standing outside was Madame Michel, the short, gray-haired woman adorned in a yellow cloth dress. She spoke with fear and panic, Ruhr has taken ill suddenly! CielMonsieur Ciel, can you assist me in carrying him to the clinic on Rue des Blouses Blanches? I-I have the money for his treatment! Monsieur Ruhr is unwell? He was perfectly fine when I fell asleep Lumian was taken aback. Chapter 235 - 235 "Disease" 235 Disease Observing Lumians silence, Michel spoke with anxiety creeping into her voice. If youre not willing, I can find someone else. Who should I look for They dont really like us. They cant stand our foul odor That was precisely why she sought out Lumian, a leader of the mob. Lumian and Charlie were the only ones at Auberge du Coq Dor who could calmly communicate with the couple, but Charlie had already left. Glancing at the short and hunched figure of Madame Michel, Lumian let out a sigh and responded. Ill go and check it out. Still perplexed, he walked past Madame Michel, hastened up to the second floor, and entered Room 302. The place was filled with various kinds of rubbish, emitting an indescribable stench. Lumian raised his hand, pinching his nose, and maneuvered his way through the cramped space, barely fitting a single person, until he reached the yellowish and greasy bedsheet. Ruhr, with his wrinkled eyes tightly shut, lay on the bed, his face flushed and his breath ragged. He had fainted. Hes seriously ill Lumian furrowed his brow, holding his breath. He turned around and carried Ruhr out of the room. Meanwhile, Michel swiftly rummaged through the piles of trash, uncovering hidden spots with single banknotes and coins, which she promptly concealed on her person. Soon, they left Room 302. As Michel locked the door, she spoke to Lumian. Monsieur Ciel, pay me no mind. Send Ruhr to the clinic without me. Ill catch up. Lumian nodded, quickened his pace, and sprinted out of Auberge du Coq Dor. He was familiar with Rue des Blouses Blanches clinics, often frequenting the area. After a short sprint, he spotted the Roblin Clinic, a small hospital in all but name. Le March du Quartier du Gentleman and Quartier de No?l had been neighboring districts for some time now. The Holy Palace Hospital, funded by the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, was located across the bridge. As a result, only a few clinics were situated on this side of the bridge. Roblin Clinic had two doctors on duty during the night. Temporary beds were set up in the spacious hall, with a few patients lying on them, receiving infusion treatments. Lumian carried Ruhr to one of the doctors and gently placed him on a treatment bed. The doctor, donning gold-rimmed glasses and in his early thirties, glanced at Lumian. Without directly mentioning any consultation fees, he disdainfully examined Ruhrs condition. After a few minutes, he adjusted his glasses and spoke. Hes running a high fever, but there dont appear to be any other symptoms. I suggest we try to bring down the fever first. If it persists, we should immediately transfer him to the Holy Palace Hospital. Alright. Lumian possessed limited medical knowledge, so he could only heed the doctors advice. The doctor swiftly wrote a prescription for Lumian and instructed him to make the necessary payment. Lumian complied, receiving the fever medicine and infusion drip from the pharmacy. The Fool Pharmaceutical Companys Type 1357 Fever Medicine Lumian glanced at the prescriptions contents and then proceeded to the payment window. Madame Michel finally arrived, panting and exhausted. She accepted the prescription from Lumian and glanced at the price. In a burst of frustration, she exclaimed, Its 5 verl dor Without waiting for Lumians response, she clenched her teeth and retrieved copper and silver coins. She gathered 5 verl dor and paid the consultation fee. Before long, Ruhr was carried to a temporary bed for the infusion. This treatment had gained popularity only in recent years. Madame Michel finally regained her composure and spoke to Lumian. Thank you, Monsieur Ciel. You can go back and rest. Ill stay with Ruhr. Lumian didnt insist. After all, he wasnt a doctor. He nodded slightly and directed his gaze towards Ruhr. Concentrating, he intended to check on his luck. Lumian couldnt help but furrow his brow. Monsieur Ruhr was on the brink of death! However, it wasnt severe or evident. Unlike the previous vagrant, there seemed to be a chance of salvation. Just as Lumian was about to suggest transferring him to the Holy Palace Hospital, Ruhrs condition took a turn. Translucent blisters resembling burns emerged on his skin. They swiftly filled with light yellow pus, exhibiting signs of festering. Such symptoms, such progression, and such rapid evolution caused Lumians pupils to contract. His intuition informed him that this was no ordinary illness. Perhaps it was connected to mysticism and supernatural forces! Monsieur Ruhr is merely a scavenger. Why is he affected by supernatural powers? Lumian raised his head and pointed at the unconscious Ruhr. He addressed Madame Michel, Youre believers of the Eternal Blazing Sun, correct? Take him to the glise Saint-Robert and give it a try. He sensed that the Holy Palace Hospital might not be equipped to treat an illness involving supernatural powers. It would be better to visit the Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral and determine if purification could eliminate the effects. Madame Michel noticed her husbands peculiar transformation and pleaded with a sobbing tone, No, transfer him to the Holy Palace Hospital! Transfer him to the Holy Palace Hospital! To Madame Michels understanding, seeking blessings at the cathedral was akin to giving up on treatment and preparing for the solace of a deathbed. Lumian refrained from persuading her, realizing that it was the dead of night and glise Saint-Robert had long closed its doors. Moreover, Ruhr and Michel were nothing more than a couple of scavengers, so the chances of the cathedral opening for them were slim. Additionally, glise Saint-Robert was quite far away. Ruhrs condition was rapidly deteriorating, and he might not survive the journey, let alone live long enough to rouse the cathedrals caretakers to unlock the door. Lumian observed Ruhr, whose blisters had burst and were now oozing pus. After a brief moment of silence, he spoke to Madame Michel, Find a doctor and transfer him to the Holy Palace Hospital immediately. Alright, alright! Michel snapped out of her daze and hurriedly approached the doctor who had attended to Ruhr. Once she vacated the temporary bed, Lumian positioned himself to block the view of the other patients. From his pocket, he retrieved an iron-colored metal canister adorned with a spring fountain pattern. This was the Healing Agent he had obtained from Baldy Harman! Lumian believed that ailments as a result of mysticism could only be countered by mysticism remedies. Although uncertain whether this agent, primarily meant for external injuries, would work on Ruhr, he was determined to give it a shot. Unscrewing the cap, he pinched Ruhrs mouth open and forced down half of the agent. Ruhr, seemingly parched, instinctively swallowed the clear liquid resembling a refreshing spring. After two gulps, he began to calm down. In less than a minute, Madame Michel returned with the doctor. The blisters on Ruhrs face shriveled, scabbed over, and silently fell away. It actually worked Lumian breathed a sigh of relief and focused on observing the shifts in Ruhrs fate. This time, there were no signs of impending death. Ruhrs destiny for the next few days appeared somewhat chaotic, making it difficult for Lumian to decipher or speculate upon. Perplexed, the doctor glanced at Ruhr and asked Madame Michel, Isnt he in pretty good shape? Madame Michel also noticed that the dreadful blisters that had marred her husbands face were now gone, leaving behind only scars and wrinkles. His breathing had steadied and was no longer labored. I apologize for my anxiety, she quickly apologized. The doctor, irritated by the stench emanating from her and Ruhr, waved his hand dismissively. The Fool Pharmaceutical Companys medications are far more effective than others. Since the situation has improved, keep a close eye on him. Dont rush to transfer him to the Holy Palace Hospital. With that, he hastily departed from the temporary bed. Madame Michel slumped down next to Ruhr, occasionally checking his forehead to gauge his body temperature. Lumian remained by their side. He pulled up a stool and sat, attentively observing Ruhrs condition. Ten minutes later, Ruhr opened his eyes and gazed blankly at the unfamiliar white ceiling. Where am I? Michel let out a sigh of relief and swiftly recounted his sudden illness. Why did I fall ill out of the blue? Ruhr was bewildered. I felt perfectly fine before going to bed. Interrupting their conversation, Lumian casually inquired, What did you do before bed that was different from your usual routine? Nothing, Ruhr pondered for a moment before replying, Just the usual routine. I sorted through the trash I collected, went to the washroom, had a chat, and then went to sleep Maybe I came back late last night. It was nearly one oclock by the time I finished sorting. I guess I ended up sleeping too late Could there be something amiss with the garbage? Or did something occur during the day that only manifested in the dead of night? Lumian delved deeper, hoping for valuable clues from Ruhr and Michel, but alas, his efforts proved fruitless. Ruhr recuperated swiftly. Once the IV had been administered, he insisted on leaving the Roblin Clinic immediately, unwilling to spend any more money and determined to return to the motel before dawn. Observing that Ruhrs luck remained unchanged, Lumian didnt try to dissuade him. Auberge du Coq Dor, Room 302. Lumian furrowed his brow, surveying the piles of garbage emitting various odors, hoping to pinpoint the problematic one. Ruhr and Michel stood beside him, expressing their gratitude incessantly. Given the peculiar environment, his sense of smell proved useless. Lumian activated his Spirit Vision and observed for a while, yet found no clues. He could only say to Ruhr and Michel, We cant rule out the possibility that there might be something contaminated in this trash that caused your illness. Sleep in a different room tonight and wait until morning. Lumian intended to seek the assistance of Franca, a skilled Witch in divination, once she awoke, in order to identify the source of the problem. Before Ruhr could respond, Michel, terrified by her husbands sudden illness and brush with death, spoke up. Alright! Thank you, Monsieur Ciel. Two vacant rooms were available on the third floor. Lumian arranged for Ruhr and Michel to rest in Room 307. It was already past four in the morning. Lumian returned to Room 207 and lay on the bed, contemplating the reason behind the strange occurrence. Gradually, he drifted off into a dazed slumber. Suddenly, he jolted awake, barely catching a glimpse of a womans anguished cry. Lumians heart tightened as he grabbed Fallen Mercury and left the room. Following the sound of the wailing, he ascended to the third floor. In the darkness, his heart sank as he slowed his pace, filled with trepidation. Finally, he halted outside Room 307. In the crimson moonlight that filtered through the curtains, he spotted Madame Michel kneeling before the bed, weeping uncontrollably. Sensing his approach, Michel, clad in a yellow gown, turned her tear-streaked face in the dimness and directed her gaze towards the door. Her voice hollow, she uttered, CielMonsieur Ciel, Ruhr is dead Chapter 236 - 236 Morning Light 236 Morning Light Hes dead Lumian thought, his heart heavy with the news he had anticipated but couldnt fully accept. Leaving the clinic, Ruhr had appeared to have recovered, escaping the clutches of death. How could he have died so suddenly? With a heavy heart, Lumian stepped into Room 307, fixing his gaze upon the bed. There lay Ruhr, his body plagued by festering wounds that oozed a faint yellow pus. His complexion was pale and sickly, and he lay completely still. Ruhrs eyes were wide open, and there was evidence of vomit around his mouth. After a few moments of silently studying Ruhrs dazed, pained eyes, Lumian spoke in a deep voice, When did he pass away? Michel, her white hair now devoid of its usual luster, slowly shook her head and replied, I was exhausted and fell asleep. When I awoke, he was already gone Did he return to Room 302 before bedtime? Lumian inquired, pressing for details. No, he only went to the washroom near Room 302. I followed him Michels voice carried a deep timbre, but it gave Lumian an otherworldly sensation, as though a part of her soul had left her body. They had all visited the washroom. One fell victim to the strange ailment, while the other remained unscathed Lumian furrowed his brow, determined to investigate the washroom. If nothing seems amiss there, the likelihood of Madame Michel being abnormal becomes increasingly probable! As Lumian departed from Room 307, heading toward the designated washroom, Michel remained kneeling by the bed, quietly weeping, unaware of the others movements. The third-floor restroom was no longer as filthy as before, thanks to the regular cleaning ladies. Although some stains and trash were unavoidable after a days use, it was still passable for civilized individuals. Lumian glanced around, taking in the sight of the toilet bowl and sink illuminated by the moons crimson glow streaming through the window. He noticed the rusty tap and mirror, reflecting his own image. After careful observation, he noticed a white silk handkerchief draped over a pipe in a hidden corner. Even with a casual glance, Lumian could tell that it didnt belong to any of the current residents of Auberge du Coq Dor. The fabric was of superior quality, adorned with elegant embroiderya clear sign of its expense. An outsider, perhaps? Lumians initial instinct was to pick up the silk handkerchief and examine it more closely. However, he quickly reminded himself of the sight of Monsieur Ruhrs festering body when he had fallen ill and forced himself to restrain his impulses. Lumians mind raced as he left the washroom and returned to Room 307. He approached Madame Michel, who was still sobbing, and inquired, Do you know who the handkerchief in the washroom belongs to? Confused and filled with sorrow, Michel instinctively replied, Its Ruhrs. Monsieur Ruhrs? Lumian was both surprised and convinced. He pressed further, Where did it come from? Madame Michel gazed at Ruhrs grotesque, lifeless form and spoke dreamily, It was among the trash we collected tonight. I wonder which gentleman or lady discarded it It had phlegm on it but was undamaged. Ruhr cleaned it and intended to sell it second-hand instead of throwing it away After you mentioned the possibility of something unclean in the trash, Ruhr took it out and hid it in the washroom. He didnt dare to return to Room 302 Phlegm Lumian felt he had discovered the root of the problem. He let out a slow exhale and said, Did Monsieur Ruhr touch the handkerchief again? Did you? I dont know Madame Michel shook her head slowly. He went to the washroom by himself. I didnt touch it As expected Lumian retrieved his gloves and put them on. He returned to the washroom and used Fallen Mercury to lift the white silk handkerchief. He carefully placed it in the white paper he had with him, folding it neatly. Throughout the process, he made sure not to touch the handkerchief directly. Afterward, Lumian wiped Fallen Mercurys blade with another piece of white paper and tossed the crumpled ball into the toilet bowl. He waited for it to soften and then flushed it away. Stepping out of the washroom, he noticed Madame Michel standing silently by the door of Room 307, like a ghost wandering in the darkness. As Lumian approached her, the old lady with white hair wore a pleading expression. Its almost dawn, Monsieur Ciel. Could you help me move Ruhr back to Room 302? Her voice still held a dreamy quality. Lumian was taken aback. After a brief pause of five or six seconds, he replied, Okay. He entered Room 307 and carefully wrapped Monsieur Ruhrs body in the bedsheets, hoisting him onto his back. With just a few steps, Lumian carried the lifeless form and placed it on the bed in Room 302. Madame Michel, having squeezed through the trash, expressed her profuse gratitude before striding towards the wooden table and drawing back the curtains. It was almost 6 a.m. As the first rays of dawn broke through the sky, dimming the crimson moonlight, Michel listened to the vendors outside the motel and fixated her gaze on Ruhr. Lumian retreated from Room 302 and returned to the corridor, stepping out of the reach of the light. He leaned silently against the wall, not disturbing the serene scene. After a few minutes, Madame Michel suddenly sprang into action. She rummaged through the room, finding more banknotes and coins. Then, she hastened out of the room and descended downstairs. Lumian didnt follow. He raised his right foot to the wall and leaned against the sleeping darkness of the wall. As time passed, Madame Michel returned with an abundance of items. There was a bottle of red wine, grilled cod, cured meat, meatloaf, soybean paste, hot sauce, and apples. Without sparing a glance for Lumian, Madame Michel entered Room 302. She collapsed onto the bed and placed the food beside the decaying corpse. After a moments contemplation, she rose again and ignited the carbide lamp on the wooden table, filling the room with its glow. Madame Michel once again lowered herself to the floor, picked up the meatloaf, and brought it to Ruhrs mouth. Smiling, she uttered, Havent you been craving meatloaf lately? I bought it for you today. After allowing some of the oil to moisten the corpses lips, Madame Michel took a bite of the meatloaf and savored it with closed eyes. Its delicious. How long has it been since we last ate? Two weeks, right? Having taken a few more bites of the meatloaf, Madame Michel seized the bottle of red wine and took a swig. Mumbling, she continued, Old Man, our vines have produced red wine. We neednt worry about what the future holds! Engaging in one-sided conversation with Ruhrs lifeless body, she continued to indulge in wine and various delicacies. Outside the door, Lumian remained in the darkness, leaning against the wall as he silently observed the unfolding scene. He neither entered nor departed. Soon enough, Madame Michel began to feel the effects of her intoxication. As a former barmaid, she began to sing loudly: Trier, a city dressed in gold, A ball that endures til dawn unfolds; Chicken roasted, dripping with oils grace, A castle cake to fill each eager embrace. A bow-tied attendant glides mongst the guests, Merrily dancing with joy and delight. My beloved, hidden midst the crowd, Among them, a beacon shining bright. Among them, my love resides, In the Capital of Joy, forever Trier! Madame Michel rose unsteadily and stumbled towards the wooden table, gathering the banknotes in front of the carbide lamp. In an instant, the cash caught fire and flames erupted on the table, emitting a bright yellow glow. With her arms outstretched, Madame Michel shouted, In the Capital of Joy, forever Trier! She retrieved the rope that had once bound the sack and climbed onto the wooden table, tying the rope firmly to the window frame with a tight knot. In the flickering light of the fire, Madame Michel turned to face Ruhr, lying motionless on the bed. She positioned the knot around her neck and bent her legs. The knot tightened, and Madame Michels eyes bulged in her struggle for breath. Outside the window, the sky grew brighter, casting a faint light that bathed a portion of the corridor. Lumian leaned against the wall, concealed in the shadows. With his hands in his pockets and his right foot propped up, he gazed impassively at Madame Michel, suspended from the window frame. He witnessed her mouth gradually open, her expression contort in pain, and her bent legs letting up upon her demise. In the morning light, the corpse swayed gently. At 6:35 a.m., 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches, Apartment 601. Startled by the knocks on the door, Franca, her flaxen hair disheveled, wore a bitter expression as she rose from her slumber. Ive only had three hours of sleep. Three hours! Help me inspect the contents for any anomalies. Lumian ignored Francas complaints and presented the handkerchief wrapped in white paper. Be cautious. It might be infectious. Infectious? Franca snapped out of her daze and retreated to her room, donning translucent, pale-yellow rubber gloves. She carefully unwrapped the outer layer of paper, extracted the silk handkerchief within, and placed it on the glass coffee table. Tapping her teeth while observing intently, Franca spoke with a solemn expression, There is indeed an issue. There are numerous small but active spirits lingering on it. They belong to the same category. I suspect its a pathogen. It spreads through direct contact with the skin or even blood exchange. Based on your description, its not highly contagious. Although Lumian didnt comprehend the concept of a pathogen fully, he grasped the essence of Francas explanation. He fell into silence momentarily before saying, Can you determine the owner of this handkerchief? No problem. With a powerful medium present, as long as they dont possess strong anti-divination abilities, I can locate them. As Franca spoke, black flames flickered on her rubber gloves. After cleansing the area, she removed her gloves and retrieved a makeup mirror. Hovering her left palm over the handkerchief, she stroked the mirror with her right hand. Reciting a series of incantations in a hushed tone, her eyes darkened. She repeated the divination statement. The owner of this handkerchief. The owner of this handkerchief After several repetitions, the mirror emitted an aqueous glow, reflecting a figure in the darkness. It was a slender young man with a pale complexion and an unhealthy appearance. His curly dark-yellow hair framed his face, and his brown eyes conveyed an unmasked indifference. Clad in a black tailcoat, he clutched a white silk handkerchief. He coughed twice and expectorated into the fabric. Lumian strained to capture the persons features, feeling a sense of familiarity wash over him. It was as if he had encountered this individual somewhere before. After a brief recollection, it dawned on him. This was a member of Hugues Artoiss campaign team, the one who stood behind the red-haired woman! Chapter 237 - 237 Concealment 237 Concealment So? Do you know him? Franca glanced at Lumian, seeking his insight. Lumian shifted his gaze away from the mirror, its reflection gradually fading, and spoke with a deep voice, Hes one of Hugues Artoiss men. I spotted him during the campaign. Franca furrowed her brow, closing her makeup mirror and inquiring, What happened? Lumian recounted the encounter between Ruhr and Michel, concluding, Theres something suspicious about this man. Franca sighed, remarking, Theyre already in such dire straits as scavengers, and yet they still have to face such a situation She scoffed, adding, Considering Lady Moons endorsement of Hugues Artois as an open-minded individual, it wouldnt surprise me if he surrounds himself with peculiar characters. Pausing to look at Lumian, Franca continued, Hugues Artois is now a member of parliament. Hell have both visible and covert protection. If we make a move against him or his associates, well easily be tracked down. The consequences would be severe. Lets entrust this matter to the official Beyonders for further investigation. I cant guarantee much else. At the very least, the Inquisitions Purifiers and members of the Machinery Hivemind wont turn a blind eye to such affairs. They will find a way to uncover the truth and assess the situation, Franca suggested. Lumian nodded slowly and inquired, Then which Sequence or pathway could it be? Can phlegm transmit such a deadly disease? As he made his way from Auberge du Coq Dor to Rue des Blouses Blanches, Lumian diligently recalled the twenty-two paths of the divine detailed in Aurores grimoires but found no match for the current circumstances. Franca pondered deeply and said, My understanding of the twenty-two paths of the divine is similar to your sisters, but I have a more comprehensive knowledge of certain aspects. I can only think of one pathway that fits the criteria, but its of a higher level and exclusive to women. It doesnt align with the targets situation. Hmm Considering weve encountered the Great Mother and the Blessed of the Mother Tree of Desire, could our target be someone blessed by another evil deity? Heh heh, if it truly involves the faith of an evil god, the Beyonders from both Churches will undoubtedly intensify their efforts. Yes, Ruhrs death is peculiar indeed. As long as the investigating police arent blind, theyll swiftly report it to their superiors, who will assign someone capable to handle the case. Lumian acknowledged her words briefly, his expression softening. After bidding farewell to Franca, he made his way back to Auberge du Coq Dor. As he walked past the reception desk, Madame Fels rose to her feet, a mix of fear and flattery evident in her voice as she greeted, Good morning, Monsieur Ciel. A few days ago, the police had informed her that Monsieur Ive was believed to be involved in a cult and had become a wanted criminal. They had requested her to use the rental income to cover expenses and ensure the motels smooth operation during this period. Additionally, they wanted her to keep a record of the accounts. Once the elections were over, they would settle the matter of Auberge du Coq Dors ownership promptly. Madame Fels felt uneasy, fearing that the new boss would dismiss her. Subconsciously, she tried to win Ciels favor, hoping that a leader of the Savoie Mob would stand up for her when the time came. Whoever took control of Auberge du Coq Dor would not want to offend the corresponding mob, unless they had influential connections. Good morning, Lumian replied simply. He walked along the wall, covered in newspapers and pink paper to conceal stains, cracks, and bedbugs, making his way up to the third floor. He had locked the door to Room 302 before the other tenants on the third floor had awakened, so as of yet, no one had discovered the lifeless bodies of Ruhr and Michel. Madame Michels singing before she took her own life had failed to disturb the neighbors. To those residing on Rue Anarchie, various noises during the night were commonplace. Singing, gunshots, brawls, shouting, and sporting activities were nothing worth paying attention to. Lumian returned the silk handkerchief to its hidden spot in the washroom before pausing in front of Room 302. Extending his left hand clad in a black glove, he turned the handle and opened the creaking wooden door. Madame Michels lifeless form hung silently in the room. The aroma of food mingled with the surrounding stench of garbage, filling the space as the light grew brighter. Lumian gazed at the scene for over ten seconds before slowly turning away, preparing to leave. It was nearly eight oclock when the two police officers arrived at Auberge du Coq Dor. They spotted Lumian, who had disguised himself using the Mystery Prying Glasses. Why is there another death? grumbled the officer who had previously interrogated Lumian. His face was rugged, lacking in handsome features, and bore the marks of age. Lumian responded calmly, One died of illness. Im no doctor, unable to save him. And the other one? the officer pressed for more information. Lumian replied honestly, She took her own life after the blow. The older-looking policeman furrowed his brow and entered Room 302, accompanied by his partner. The first sight that greeted them was Madame Michels lifeless body hanging from the window frame. The officer instinctively covered his nose. The place was far too filthy and foul-smelling! Next, his gaze fell upon Ruhrs decaying corpse, observing the putrefying flesh and spilled blood. Son of a bitch, you call this an illness? he couldnt help but turn to Lumian, his eyes filled with shock and fear. Lumian briefly recounted the events of the previous night, omitting the fact that Ruhrs condition had worsened while he was at Roblin Clinic and had been revived by half a bottle of Healing Agent. Lumian attributed the credit to The Fool Pharmaceuticals fever-reducing medicine. He also mentioned his suspicion that the Ruhrs had encountered an infectious source within the pile of garbage they had collected the previous night, causing them to sleep in Room 307. Lumian brought up Madame Michels mention of a silk handkerchief in the washroom as well. The more the two officers listened, the quieter they became, their expressions slightly off. After Lumian finished speaking, they hurried to the washroom to confirm the presence of the silk handkerchief. The older-looking officer glanced at Ciel outside and whispered to his partner, Another mysticism incident. Stay here and guard the scene. Ill report the situation. The other officer nodded. No problem. Lumian observed as they divided the tasks, patiently awaiting the arrival of the official Beyonders. In less than half an hour, the older-looking policeman returned to Auberge du Coq Dor, alone. Where are the official Beyonders? Lumians eyes widened in surprise. The older-looking policeman avoided Lumians gaze and pulled his partner to the end of the corridor, engaging in a hushed conversation. Lumian stood at a distance, straining his ears to catch their words, but they remained unintelligible. After a while, the older-looking officer approached Lumian, his expression grave. Weve preliminarily determined it as death due to illness and suicide. No further investigation? Lumians eyebrows twitched in disbelief. The officer repeated what he had said when they had taken Flamengs body away. He donned gloves, carefully placed the silk handkerchief into a cloth bag, and secured it tightly. Lumian silently observed as they removed the corpses, wrapped Ruhrs body, and placed him in a body bag. Numerous thoughts raced through his mind. Even though he died in such a manner, the official Beyonders dont find it suspicious? No need for further investigation? Or perhaps the police officer didnt report the matter, and the official Beyonders remain unaware? Could someone have intervened and persuaded them to treat this as an ordinary death case, not involving any criminal offense? With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Lumian quietly followed the officer carrying the two bodies to the carriage. From a distance, he trailed them, detecting the lingering odor emanating from Ruhrs and Michels bodies. He tracked them all the way to the entrance of the police headquarters in the market district. Lumian furrowed his brow as he observed uniformed police officers entering and exiting the building. His initial suspicion was that an officer from the police headquarters had halted the investigation, but he couldnt confirm the identity. Even if he were to enter the police headquarters, given the circumstances and his own status, it would be impossible for him to trace their steps all the way to the relevant office. If he observed from outside, he wouldnt be able to discern who might be involved from the people coming out. Lumian pondered the direction of his investigation once more. Get Franca to use divination? But theres no medium available Alternatively Why did the officer stop the investigation? Was he aware that someone would be implicated, or had someone already alerted him to such matters beforehand? If its the latter, theres a high chance that he holds considerable influence within the parliamentarians office Lumians heart stirred as he left the entrance of the police headquarters and swiftly arrived outside the four-story khaki-colored building that housed the parliamentarians office in the market district. Taking cover in an alley across the street, he found himself in the company of a group of vagrants. Before long, his eyes landed on an officer. The officer was plump, in his early forties, with brown hair and blue eyes. Three-petaled silver-white sweet irises adorned his black epaulets. This indicated that he was a chief inspector, one rank lower than a superintendent. As Lumian watched the chief inspector enter the parliamentarians office, a smile curled upon his lips. In the khaki-colored four-story building, on the second floor Tybalt, his face pale and his hair curly and yellow, entered the office of the member of parliaments secretary. The secretary, a man in his thirties with neatly combed back black hair and blue eyes hidden behind gold-rimmed glasses, possessed refined features and an air of sophistication. He glanced at Tybalt, who was coughing, and tossed a cloth bag on the table. With a cold expression, he spoke, Weve recovered your handkerchief. Tybalt, his dark-yellow hair curly, was attired in a black suit. He smiled and replied, That was quick. You bastard! the member of parliaments secretary cursed. Do you not realize that your phlegm can spread diseases to others? Arent you afraid of attracting the attention of the two Churches? Tybalts brown eyes remained indifferent as he nonchalantly remarked, At most, two or three commoners might die. No one would care about them. Ive been sick for far too long without receiving a new boon. It frustrates me, and it makes me want to kill someone. The member of parliaments secretary stared at him for a few seconds before admonishing in a deep voice, If I hadnt taken precautions in advance, the Purifiers would have come looking for you. Your life is inconsequential. Dont jeopardize us! Tybalt, there will be no next time. Tybalt shrugged, accepting the reprimand. Chapter 238 - 238 Endure 238 Endure Lumian sat in the alleyway across from the member of parliaments office, blending in with a group of tramps. Having followed and observed carefully, he had pieced together the entire situation. Within the office, someone had managed to find a reliable officer beforehand and instructed him to monitor cases of mysterious illnesses in their jurisdiction. This officer would keep things quiet, refraining from reporting to the corresponding official Beyonders. Furthermore, any evidence he discovered would be sent to the member of parliaments office. This revelation implied that the sickly lad who had spat into the handkerchief and discarded it knew the consequences of his actions. As long as he kept his mouth shut, the member of parliament would never seek assistance from the police headquarters! Lumians gaze fixated on the khaki-colored four-story building. His hands unconsciously balled into fists, yet he restrained himself from taking any drastic measures. After a while, he let out a slow exhale. Just then, a familiar figure emerged from the door of the building that housed the member of parliaments office. This man donned a silk top hat and wielded a dark cane. Clad in a sharp black suit, a thick brown beard adorned his mouth and chin. Deep wrinkles framed his dark-blue, almost black eyes. It was Bono Goodville, the owner of Goodville Chemical Factory. He had left the celebratory banquet earlier than Gardner Martinthe boss of the Savoie Mobthe previous night. Occasionally, his photos would appear in certain newspaper reports. Lumian averted his gaze and waited. Only when the chief inspector left the member of parliaments office unaccompanied and returned to the police headquarters did he rise from the alleyway teeming with tramps. He casually found a caf and enjoyed a simple late breakfast. Shortly before 11 a.m., he knocked on Francas door once again. How did it go? Have the official Beyonders taken over? Franca had already risen from bed and changed into her favorite white blouse and light-colored breeches. Lumian shook his head. No. As he stepped into the apartment, he elaborated, It was brushed under the carpet by a chief inspector from the police headquarters. Franca comprehended the situation and couldnt help but scoff. Even the folks at the member of parliaments office recognize the problems of spitting anywhere! Lumian found a spot on the sofa and sat down. He recounted everything, from the moment the police arrived to investigate the scene until the chief inspector entered the member of parliaments office. Franca peered into his eyes, contemplating for a few seconds before speaking up, I understand that you find it hard to accept and that a fire might be raging in your heart. I truly empathize with you. Though that couple had no relation to you, you tried your utmost to save them, only to meet with failure. Many people can sympathize with such tragic encounters. But I must insist, be patient, endure, restrain yourself from rash actions or seeking revenge. These individuals are connected to the member of parliament. If anything were to happen, the situation would explode. Its beyond our capacity to bear. Observing Lumians silence and absence of emotional outburst, Franca let out a sigh of relief and continued, Ill say it once more. Its best to leave this matter to the official Beyonders for investigation. Later, through my contacts, Ill inform them of this case and provide the suspects identity and description. Although crucial physical evidence might have been lost by now and the body likely cremated hastily, as long as the official Beyonders discover the existence of abnormal pathway Beyonder powers in their jurisdiction, targeting the person I identified through divination, they will discover his problem sooner or later. Upon hearing Francas advice, Lumian nodded, his thoughts aligning with her suggestion. Lets go with that plan. Franca relaxed, taking a moment to contemplate before speaking again. I wont divulge the precise details. Ill merely mention a peculiar ailment causing festering in the market district. Theres suspicion that someone from the member of parliaments office might have wrapped a handkerchief around thick phlegm, and similar incidents may have been concealed by the police headquarters. If I dont do this, the official Beyonders might suspect you as the source of the information and thoroughly investigate you. Lumian acknowledged her concerns with a curt response, signifying his agreement. After bidding farewell to Franca and departing Rue des Blouses Blanches, he encountered Jenna on his way to Salle de Bal Brise. Well, if it isnt Celia? Lumian greeted. Showy Diva, dressed in a simple grayish-blue gown, had her brownish-yellow hair tied up in a natural bun. Her face lacked makeup, giving her an elegant appearance without her usual air of decadence. Upon hearing Lumian call her by her real name, Jenna clenched her teeth and retorted, Just call me Jenna! Lumian sized her up. Did your mother hit you with a broomstick? Are you considering leaving the underground singer circle? Dammit! You cant seem to wish anything good upon me, can you? Jenna exclaimed. My mother is a gentle and reasonable person. Why would she hit me with a broomstick? She smirked confidently. Initially, she opposed my singing in the dance halls, thinking it was dangerous and prone to debauchery. But after I explained how much I could earn each week without having to sleep with any man, she relented. She even said shed come to Salle de Bal Brise after work today to watch me perform. Dammit, what am I going to do? Lumian deliberately asked, If your mother saw you wearing a revealing dress and deliberately raising your leg while singing his touch is skilled indeed, how would she react? Jenna tousled her brownish-yellow hair. Shed storm the stage and beat me to a pulp! She mumbled to herself before suggesting, I dont have to wear overly revealing dresses. Remember when I tried singing in a cocktail dress last time? The response was pretty good. Its been a while, but I can give it another shot. The key is the song selection. Ill discuss it with Franca. She has excellent taste. She even knows how to compose her own songs and write lyrics, though theyre all rather peculiar Lumian smiled and spoke up, If that doesnt work out, I can have Ren organize a themed night event at Salle de Bal Brise. Tonights theme will be love. This would pair well with less suggestive love songs. Jennas eyes lit up. Thats a brilliant idea! She looked at Lumian awkwardly, offering her thanks. Youre quite quick-witted. Uh, dammit, thank you! Without waiting for Lumians response, Jenna instinctively glanced around and lowered her voice. I also told my mother that Im good friends with Red Boots from the Savoie Mob and that shes protecting me. Thats how I can sing at Salle de Bal Brise and stay safe. Remember, I came to you that day to negotiate a higher singing fee. And thanks to Franca, you agreed. If my mother asks you, just give this answer. Lumian nodded and teased, Its called collusion. Its called a harmless fib, Jenna replied gleefully. Just hold onto that story until Ive been singing for another year. Ill save up enough money for my tuition and pay off my debts. Lumian glanced at the apprentice actress and pondered, Havent you thought about seeking proper compensation for that accident? How? Jennas eyes widened in confusion. The court hasnt reached a final verdict yet. Lumian chuckled. Why wait for the court? Settling debts is protected by the Guardian of Businesses. We can handle it ourselves. That factory owner never said he wouldnt pay us. His constant appeals are just about the division of responsibilities and the amount of compensation Jenna eyed Lumian suspiciously. Are you suggesting we force him to compensate us? Thats illegal! Illegal? Lumian looked amused. As a mob leader, I break the law every day. Didnt you want to assassinate Margot and avenge your friend? Did legality matter to you back then? Jennas words faltered as she muttered, Margot is a mob leader who has committed countless crimes. Each one of them is deserving of the gallows. So you want to be his judge and jury? Lumian smiled. That factory owner may have done many wrongs. Lets mask our faces, infiltrate his house, tie him up, and make him compensate everyone. Alternatively, we can convince him to hand over the money quietly and split it among ourselves to avoid arousing suspicion during subsequent investigations. Jenna wore a troubled expression. Ill think about it. Ill consider it. Ciel lived up to his reputation as a mob leader. Discussing breaking the law came as naturally to him as eating and drinking. Lumian didnt press the matter further. Since Jenna wasnt in a hurry, he saw no need to worry about her. As evening approached, Lumian sat in the caf on the second floor of Salle de Bal Brise, awaiting another night. For now, he had nothing to occupy his time. All he could do was wait for Franca or the Boss to procure the additional ingredients for the Pyromaniac potion, the final step before his breakthrough to Sequence 7. Boss, what would you like to have for dinner tonight? Louis asked Lumian as the sky grew darker. Just as Lumian was about to respond, Jenna approached. Showy Diva had transformed herself, donning a dress the color of roses. The hem of her gown appeared to defy gravity, resembling an inverted flower. Her long, brownish-yellow hair was fashioned into a simple bun, with most of it cascading smoothly over her shoulders. Her makeup was subtle, accentuating her complexion and striking features. A mole adorned the right side of her face, and she held a beautifully patterned fan in her hand. This left Louis and Sarkota dumbfounded. They could hardly believe that this was the same Little Minx Jenna. Jenna nervously asked Lumian, Is this suitable? Quite impressive. Lumian didnt discourage Jenna. Suddenly, a deafening explosion echoed in the distance. The ground trembled visibly, and the cafs glass windows rattled. Dammit, whats happening? Jenna exclaimed, peering out of the window in shock. Lumian stood up and made his way to the window. As he looked outside, he noticed the perplexed and flustered pedestrians. In the distance, a plume of black smoke billowed from the south. Find out whats going on, Lumian instructed Louis. Once Louis departed, Jenna approached Lumian, her gaze fixed on the dark smoke rising from the southern part of the market district. Anxiousness and concern filled her. After some time, Louis returned to the caf and reported to Lumian, Boss, there was an explosion at the Goodville Chemical Factory. A thud interrupted the conversation as Lumian turned to see Jennas fan fall to the ground. Jenna appeared to lose her spirit as she murmured, sounding disoriented, My mother, my mother is there Chapter 239 - 239 Fighting Fire 239 Fighting Fire Before she could finish, Jenna snapped out of her daze. Adorned in a rose-colored dress that hugged her slender frame, she hurried towards the staircase and descended. Witnessing this, Lumian motioned for Louis and Sarkota to maintain order in Salle de Bal Brise before giving chase. Anxiety and fear filled Jennas face, her expression teetering on the edge of collapse. She made no attempt to conceal her Beyonder identity. She exerted every ounce of her strength, as if she intended to soar through Avenue du March and into the streets leading south of the market district. Only the darkness of the sky and the unlit gas street lamps, combined with the chaos caused by the panicked pedestrians after the explosion, prevented anyone from noticing the extraordinary speed at which the woman ran. Lumian swiftly caught up to her, his pace surpassing hers. He urgently tapped her shoulder and said, Take to the shadows! Determined to reach Goodville Chemical Factory as swiftly as possible, Jenna ran a distance before comprehending Lumians meaning. She altered her course slightly and darted towards the dimly lit area cast by the unilluminated street lamps, blending in seamlessly. Assassins possessed the ability to conceal themselves within shadows. Jennas emotions surged, making it difficult for her to maintain control. Additionally, sprinting at full speed weakened the effectiveness of this ability. At times, she would become visible, and at others, she would vanish. Nevertheless, compared to before, she managed to avoid drawing much attention from passersby. Lumian ran alongside the shadows, paying no heed to the perplexed gazes directed his way, his nostrils filled with the lingering scent of Jennas perfume. Pushing his Hunters speed to its limits, he left observers dumbfounded. Certainly, such behavior would arouse suspicion, but he paid it no mind. As the two Beyonders endowed with enhanced physiques raced at full tilt, they arrived at Rue Saint-Gerre near Triers city walls within a mere ten minutes. The area was teeming with factories, and the sky was shrouded in dusky smoke tinged with a yellowish hue, obscuring the fading glow of the sunset. Emerging from the shadows, Jenna caught sight of the blazing metal containerGoodville Chemical Factory was engulfed in flames, with firefighters battling desperately to extinguish the inferno and rescue those trapped inside. Some of the rescuers wore peculiar masks adorned with elongated, pointed beaks, while others sported mechanical octopuses on their faces. Several donned black helmets that appeared to consist of multiple layers. The commonality among them was the presence of apparatuses resembling steam backpacks, albeit with significant differences. Thick rubber hoses extended from the contraptions, connecting to the masks. Without a moments hesitation, Jenna rushed for Goodville Chemical Factory, where sporadic explosions continued to erupt. The pungent odor in the air threatened to overwhelm Lumians sense of smell. He seized Jennas shoulder and spoke in a deep voice, Do you know which factory your mother is in? Jenna was taken aback. I dont know. Have you come equipped to shield yourself from chemical contamination? Lumian switched questions. No, Jenna replied, her confusion evident. Then are you attempting to commit suicide? Lumian scolded. Perhaps your mother has already been rescued. Let us first search the area where the injured are being attended to. Are you venturing inside to create further chaos for the rescue team? Jennas heart churned with conflicting emotions. She yearned to rush to the chemical plant to find her mother, yet she couldnt deny the logic in Lumians words. After Lumian pulled her back, she followed him with a vacant mind for a few paces. Then, her senses returned, and she sprinted toward glise du Sifflet, not far from Rue Saint-Hilaire. It stood as the grand cathedral of the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery in Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. Jenna had witnessed the rescued victims being carried there. In a matter of seconds, she and Lumian arrived at the square outside the cathedral. It was teeming with workers from Goodville Chemical Factory, groaning in agony. However, a significant number of them lay unconscious, and some no longer drew breath. Doctors and nurses, clad in white coats, maneuvered through the crowd, feverishly providing first aid. They guided those deemed salvageable to a two-story carriage stationed at the squares periphery, adorned with various coats of arms or Sacred Emblems. From there, they transported them to several major hospitals in Quartier de No?l. Jennas body involuntarily quivered as her gaze swept over the lifeless bodies and injured individuals, fearing what she might witness. Lumian seized her arm and guided her across the square, in search of Elodie. The gas lamps lining the square cast a rudimentary glow, granting them a modicum of illumination. After a few minutes, Lumians keen Hunter eyesight detected a wounded figure whom he suspected to be Elodie. Upon receiving the news, Jenna dashed over, crouched down, and studied the unconscious persons face. The injured individuals golden wig had mostly been singed away, exposing her flaxen hair, now blackened by the flames. Her eyes, adorned with smudged eye shadow, remained tightly shut, her countenance marred by soot. Burns covered her body, and her lips bore an unnatural blue tinge. It was none other than Elodie, the cleaner at Auberge du Coq DorJennas mother. Mom! Mom! Jennas strength evaporated, and she crumpled beside Elodie. Realizing her mothers unconscious state, occasionally punctuated by twitches, Jenna abruptly rose to her feet and muttered to herself, We need a doctor. We must get her to a hospital without delay! Having confirmed the victims identity, Lumian focused on assessing Elodies luck and deduced that it was dire. Even if she were swiftly transported to the hospital, her chances of survival seemed slim. Swiftly, he seized Jenna and spoke in a solemn tone, Help me shield her from prying eyes. Jenna regarded him with astonishment. Infused with his composed demeanor, she turned her body to block the area on Elodies left side. I possess a healing agent from mysticism. Let us first test its efficacy, Lumian explained in a hushed tone as he circled around to Elodies right side, his back serving as a barrier for her other flank. A healing agent from mysticism Jennas eyes sparkled, a glimmer of hope illuminating her face. Intently, Jenna watched as Lumian produced an iron-colored metal canister, unscrewed the cap, and poured its contents into her mothers mouth. After more than ten seconds, Elodie appeared to regain some consciousness and swallowed the curative liquid. Observing this, Jenna felt a slight wave of relief wash over her. She instinctively sensed that her mothers condition had improved marginally. Time seemed to stretch unbearably, suffocating her. A minute felt like an eternity. Finally, she witnessed the burns on Elodies body start to heal at an astonishing pace, and the bluish tint on her lips gradually faded. Jenna looked up at Lumian, her astonishment palpable. Countless words clamored to escape her lips, but they remained lodged there, unable to form coherent utterances. Lumian met her gaze and nodded. He whispered, This agent works wonders in treating external injuries and alleviating ailments caused by chemical fumes. It can transform near-fatal wounds into severe injuries, severe injuries into minor ones, and minor injuries into complete recovery. Your mother suffered severe injuries earlier. For now, her life is no longer in immediate danger. However, she will require extensive treatment in the days to come. Otherwise, her condition may deteriorate. Upon hearing the words no longer in immediate danger, Jennas vision blurred. She had suppressed her tears, determined not to let them hinder her search and her mothers treatment. But now, tears streamed down her face. She raised her hands, clumsily wiping them away, and muttered incoherently, Thank you Thank you Amidst her words, distant cries reached their ears. Relatives of the deceased had arrived. Just as Lumian was about to offer a jest to lighten the mood, a muffled thunder resounded in the air. Rumble! Instinctively, Lumian looked up and beheld a thick dark cloud looming over Rue Saint-Hilaire, where flames still flickered and explosions echoed. The cloud wasnt expansive, enshrouding only a few streets. Silver-white lightning streaked across the sky, accompanied by muted thunderclaps that reverberated through everyones hearts. Torrential rain poured down, concentrated over Rue Saint-Hilaire and Goodville Chemical Factory. The grayish-black smoke tinged with yellow swiftly dissipated, settling to the ground. The flames were swiftly extinguished, and no further explosions occurred. As swiftly as it had arrived, the storm dissipated. The dark clouds dispersed, and the setting sun on the horizon cast a fiery glow. Within the golden-red light, a behemoth soared above Rue Saint-Hilaire. It was a dark gray airship, its elongated and circular balloon emitting a loud buzzing sound. At the rear of the hull, paddlewheels spun frenziedly, while numerous cannon muzzles and bomb ports adorned its surface. At that moment, a translucent turquoise liquid rained down upon Goodville Chemical Factory below. The acrid stench in the air began to subside. Are the authorities resolving the catastrophe? The dark clouds, the lightning, and the rain didnt seem natural. Could they be the work of a Beyonder or Sealed Artifact? It almost resembled the handiwork of a deity Lumian withdrew his gaze, a tinge of astonishment in his eyes. Jenna had also witnessed what had just happened, but her focus remained fixed on her mothers injuries, not dwelling too deeply on what had transpired. Elodies burns had mostly healed, leaving behind only a few charred remnants. Her breathing had stabilized, and although her lips remained pale, it didnt seem to cause much concern to those around. The curative agent had taken full effect, bringing stability to her condition. Jenna closed her eyes and absentmindedly wiped her face. At that moment, a voice nearby called out, Celia! Jenna glanced to the side and waved her hand. Julien, over here! A young man, standing nearly 1.75 meters tall, swiftly made his way to Elodies side. Clad in a grayish-blue workers uniform, he had flaxen-colored hair and eyes that mirrored Jennas blue hues. His features were rather pleasing to the eye. He looked at Elodie with concern and asked hurriedly, Hows Mom? Jenna pursed her lips and replied, She sustained serious injuries, but shell pull through. Relief washed over Julien, who then cast a curious glance at Jenna. Why are you dressed like that And who is he? Only then did Jenna realize she was wearing a rose-colored gown. Hastily, she explained, I came straight from the theater. This is my friend, Ciel. He has been a great help. Thank you, Julien sincerely expressed his gratitude to Lumian. Lumian nodded and advised, Fetch a doctor and arrange for a carriage to take her to the hospital immediately. Otherwise, her condition may worsen. Alright. Julien dashed off to find the nearest doctor and nurse. Lumian turned to Jenna and said, If you cant secure a carriage promptly, hire one yourself. Jenna nodded, her gaze filled with gentle concern as she looked at her unconscious mother. She whispered, I owe you my gratitude this time Chapter 240 - 240 Bewitchment 240 Bewitchment Lumian cast a contemplative gaze at Jenna, his lips forming a tight line. You lack the awareness of an Assassin and the understanding that youve stepped into the realm of mysticism. Had you possessed such insight, you might have joined mystical gatherings through Franca and procured valuable resources in the past month or two. Though they may not rival the potency of my healing agent, it would have been a proactive step instead of watching your mothers condition deteriorate. Jenna, instead of erupting in a fit of humiliation and resorting to vulgar retorts, remained silent for a few moments before curtly acknowledging his words. This response left Lumian at a loss. He clicked his tongue and spoke again. Of course, considering your financial constraints and the weight of debts and tuition fees, even if you were to participate in these mysticism gatherings, you wouldnt be able to afford much. It would be more of an opportunity to earn money or valuable items by accepting commissions. Just then, Jennas brother, Julien, arrived with a doctor and two nurses. The doctor glanced at Elodie with a puzzled expression and inquired, I recall that there was no need to resuscitate her You remembered incorrectly, Lumian calmly interjected. The doctor, overwhelmed by the influx of injured patients, had his memories tangled and disorganized. Upon hearing Lumians remark, he assumed he must have mistaken the person. Consequently, he swiftly tended to Elodies remaining external injuries and arranged for her to be carried into the carriage, awaiting transportation to the hospital. Connected to Quartier de No?l and the bustling market district, stood Passy Bridge, one of the five bridges that stretched over the mighty Srenzo River in the city of Trier. Nestled beside Passy Bridge was the Holy Palace Hospital, generously funded by the Eternal Blazing Sun Church. Elodie, a devout follower of the Eternal Blazing Sun, had been admitted to this renowned establishment. Placed on the top floor of the white six-story building, she shared a ward with five other patients. Jenna watched as doctors and nurses meticulously drew blood, conducted examinations, and administered intravenous drips. A soft sigh escaped her lips. The hospital has undergone quite a transformation in the past few years Oh? Lumian was puzzled. Jennas expression darkened as she replied, A few years ago, when my father and the others were brought to the hospital, the more severe cases were immediately taken to the operating room. Those with lesser injuries were simply bandaged and given medication to gauge its effectiveness. There was no blood being drawn, and the examinations were rudimentary. Its completely different now. The entire process seems to have changed. Thats a good thing. Lumian nodded. It looked more professional. As the two spoke in hushed tones, Jennas brother, Julien, diligently assisted the doctors and nurses. He answered inquiries about the patients normal physical conditions, aided in moving IV stands, and was dispatched to the pharmacy as needed. However, even after the medical professionals in their white coats had concluded their tasks, he had yet to return. The doctor overseeing Elodies care approached Jenna, holding a writing board, and observed her rose-colored gown. His expression softened. Is Elodie your mother? he inquired. Yes, Jenna confirmed with a nod. The male doctor pondered for a moment before speaking, Your mothers condition is better than I anticipated. It seems surgery may not be necessary at this time. Of course, this assessment is preliminary and contingent upon the results of the tests we conducted. Thats some good news. On the other hand, your mother has suffered severe burns. She may need to remain hospitalized for months, half a year, or even longer. Even if she recovers, she will likely be in a weakened state. The Churchs philanthropic foundation will cover the initial two days of treatment. The remaining expenses will be deducted once the accident insurance from the factory is settled. However, you must be prepared to bear the subsequent costs yourself. It wont be a small sum. I must caution you not to have excessive expectations of the accident insurance. From my experience, it typically takes an average of three to five years to obtain compensation. You must understand that our Intis laws tend to favor factory owners and bankers in order to protect their interests. Jenna didnt hesitate for a moment. I will ensure my mothers full recovery. Jenna had already contemplated the possibility of borrowing money from both Franca and Lumian if she found herself in need of a substantial sum. She was willing to repay them in installments at a later date. Whether it meant making monthly or weekly payments for the treatment, she was prepared to cut back and save, reducing her previous debt payments, while also relying on her income as a part-time underground singer. However, this meant that her plan to remain an underground singer for just one year, as she had initially intended, would need to be extended. It seemed she might have to continue as an underground singer for two, or even three, years. The doctor briefly assessed Jennas appearance and attire before giving her the necessary instructions. Take this form and make a payment of 200 verl dor at the payment counter on the first floor. 200 Jenna breathed a sigh of relief. She signed the form under her real name, Celia Bello, and took it with her as she descended the stairs. On her way down, she glanced at Lumian, who was by her side, and hesitated before speaking. I-if I ever find myself in need of a large sum for medical fees in the future, I think I would like to borrow from you. Jenna had always been a stubborn individual with her own principles. In the past, when she worked tirelessly to earn money in various dance halls within the market district, the thought of borrowing from Franca or asking for her help in securing an easy and lucrative part-time job had never crossed her mind. But now, for the sake of her mother, Elodie, she was willing to let go of her stubbornness in this regard. Although Lumian had already squandered more than 700 verl dor on himself and received an advance from the proceeds he could obtain from Salle de Bal Brise, he showed no signs of concern. He replied nonchalantly, Okay. Jenna regarded him suspiciously. I thought you might hesitate for a moment. Franca mentioned that you needed a significant sum of money for something important. Lumian chuckled. Thats for advancing and purchasing the main ingredient for Pyromaniac. However, it doesnt prevent me from lending you money. As a Beyonder and the leader of the Savoie Mob, even if I dont have a coppet at the moment, I can assist you in acquiring the necessary funds. The simplest solution would be to have Ren sign a long-term contract with you, advancing you 10,000 verl dor. Then, 50% of your income from the dance hall will be deducted each day to repay the loan in installments. Once its fully repaid, the contract will naturally be terminated. Jenna fell silent for a moment, realizing that something that had deeply troubled her was easily resolved in Ciels presence. Lumian glanced at her and smirked. As an Assassin, you shouldnt fret about medical expenses like these. If you aim to advance in the future, youll need tens of thousands in funds. You need to change your mindset now. Dont hold the law in such high regard. As you heard earlier, Intiss laws dont protect the poor. We can only protect ourselves. Once youve come to terms with this, well kidnap the former factory owner and extract enough cash from him. After the verdict is announced and he pays the compensation for your fathers accident, you can donate the money to someone in need. As long as we execute it cleanly, combined with Francas anti-divination measures, the likelihood of success is exceedingly high. It wont leave a trace behind. Its improbable for a factory owner like him to have Beyonder bodyguards. Jennas heart raced at his words. She hesitated for a moment before speaking. It just doesnt sit right with me Dammit, are you the Instigator, or will I become the Instigator? How are you so adept at bewitching people? Eventually, youll have to face the consequences of breaking the law, wont you? Lumian smirked once again. I didnt finish. We only do whats necessary. We cant act recklessly. Not only would it bring danger, but it could also increase the risk of losing control. Kidnapping the factory owner is to reclaim the compensation your family deserves. Jenna fell silent once more. Realizing they were about to reach the first floor, she hurriedly said, I need to use the washroom. By the time she emerged from the washroom, she had a stack of 200 verl dor notes in her hand. Seeing Jenna pay the initial treatment fee, Lumian glanced at her rose-colored gown and commented, You cant tend to a patient dressed like this. Ill return to the dance hall and fetch your clothes. Ill also help you secure some time off. If your mothers condition worsens, come to me or Franca immediately. Having just examined Elodies luck and confirmed that her condition was no longer critical, though still uncertain of improvement, Lumian found it somewhat chaotic. It might have been dependent on the hospitals treatment effectiveness. Okay. Jenna pursed her lips and nodded. On the second floor of Salle de Bal Brise. Just as Lumian was about to inform Manager Ren about Jenna and ask him to reschedule tonights performance, Louis approached him. Louis cast a quick glance around and lowered his voice. Boss, about half an hour ago, Boss sent someone to deliver a bag of items to the financial safe. He said it was for you. Something from Boss Supplementary ingredients for the Pyromaniac potion? As expected of a Mid-Sequence Beyonder of the Hunter pathway Lumian nodded slightly, pleased, and passed through the caf, entering the second-floor corridor. Upon opening the safe, he felt a burning sensation. Inside the grayish-white cloth bag were three glass bottles. One contained bubbling crimson blood, from which flames burst with each bubble. Another held blood-colored powder at the bottom, while the third contained a finger-sized stone emitting a red fluorescent light. Fire Salamander blood, Redcrown Balsam powder, Magma Pyroxene Indeed, supplementary Pyromaniac ingredients Lumian picked up the items, satisfied. 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches, outside Apartment 601. Lumian, having left Salle de Bal Brise, headed straight to Francas place. He intended to borrow 4,000 verl dor, using his share of the Harvest Sacrifice as collateral. Upon opening the door and seeing Lumian, Franca clicked her tongue and remarked, Did you hear? There was an explosion at a factory in the southern part of the market district. Numerous incidents have been occurring in the market district lately, giving me the sense that a storm is brewing. Upon hearing this, Lumian instantly recalled something. He spoke in a deep voice, There was an accident at the Goodville Chemical Factory. This morning, the owner of the factory paid a visit to the member of parliaments office. Chapter 241 - 241 Indomitable Spirit 241 Indomitable Spirit After hearing Lumians words, Franca exclaimed, Dammit! Are we dealing with those lot again? Whats Hugues Artois up to? I cant quite fathom the purpose behind causing a chemical plant explosion either Maybe its just a coincidence. Bono Goodville and Hugues Artois have quite a good relationship. Its not unusual for him to pay a visit, but it just so happens that there was an explosion at the chemical plant today, Lumian pondered before speaking. He couldnt dismiss every coincidence in life, but he also couldnt treat each one as a problem. Franca nodded thoughtfully and remarked, True enough. However, I must remind you that the chemical plant explosion isnt meaningless. It may have already resulted in numerous deaths, and that holds great significance for certain dark rituals. The living are always the third-best sacrifice. Could this also be part of a ritual? Lumian was somewhat taken aback. Franca corrected him, Theres no real distinction between using a knife to sacrifice someone and using a chemical plant explosion to kill the intended victim as part of a ritual for the deity the host desires to invoke. Your understanding of ritualistic magic is still too narrow. Some rituals may indeed require such explosions to be effective. Its akin to the Substitution Spell, requiring a substitute to assume the identity to be replaced for an extended period before the ritual. Lumian grasped the idea. Franca let out a sigh. This is merely my conjecture. It doesnt necessarily mean its true. However, we must alert the official Beyonders to be vigilant for signs of a ritual and to investigate the role of the member of parliaments office in this catastrophe. F*ck, if that bloke wasnt a member of parliament, Id have captured him tonight, strung him up from the ceiling, and given him a thrashing. Id interrogate him about his intentions and his connection to those heretics. Sigh, in that explosion just now, countless individuals lost their parents, spouses, siblings, or children. I wonder how many people are praying, worrying, and suffering for their injured loved ones. Like Jenna, Lumian interjected. Franca was momentarily stunned. What did you say? Jennas mother works at the Goodville Chemical Factory. Didnt you know? Lumian inquired. Franca was taken aback before asking with concern, How is her mother? Lumian briefly recounted how he had accompanied Jenna to Rue Saint-Hilaire in search of Elodie and had used the last bit of healing agent to save her from near death. Franca let out a sigh of relief and expressed in anguish, Why wasnt I there! Why wasnt I there! Lumians lips twitched as he calmly said, You still have a chance. Jenna is fretting over the subsequent medical expenses. Ill go to the Holy Palace Hospital right away! Francas eyes lit up, and she was about to dash out of the apartment. Lumian hastily called out to her, Dont forget to bring the Poison Spur Mobs healing agent with you. Im concerned that her condition might worsen. Just like Monsieur Ruhr. Without waiting for Francas response, he added, Also, help Jenna bring the dress she wore this morning. Right I need to borrow 4,000 verl dor from you and offer half of the Harvest Sacrifice as collateral. Ive already gathered the supplementary ingredients for the Pyromaniac potion. So soon? Franca exclaimed, taken aback. I havent even begun searching for you! Lumian smirked once again. Last night, I ran into Boss at the entrance of the member of parliaments office and confessed my plans to advance and about the advance on my pay. I requested he keep an eye on the supplementary ingredients for the Pyromaniac potion. The more Franca listened, the more complicated her expression became. Youre more cunning than I realized, kid Confiding in Gardner about this matter is indeed the best approach. However, cant you consider me? Dont you know that I also wanted to help you gather the supplementary ingredients for the Pyromaniac potion through Gardner? Hes a Sequence 6 Conspirer or a Sequence 5 Hunter, and he has a group of Hunters working with him. He wont be lacking in such things. Luckily, I havent approached him in the past two days. Otherwise, he would have surely suspected that we were having an affair. Lumian had always assumed Franca would seek materials through the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society. He hadnt expected her to approach Gardner Martin out of convenience and proximity, almost exposing their secret relationship. Franca returned to her room and retrieved a banknote worth 4,000 verl dor from somewhere. She handed it to Lumian and solemnly reminded him, Once you obtain the main ingredient, dont rush to concoct the potion. You must ensure that your condition can withstand the impact of your advancement. Otherwise, its best to delay it for a while. The main ingredient is much easier to preserve than the potion itself. Im well aware, Lumian replied calmly. After a moment of thought, he asked, Before you go to Jenna, it would be wise to inform the authorities. The explosion just happened, so there might be some clues left behind. Yes, Franca agreed. Before bidding farewell, Lumian asked curiously, If the living are the third-best sacrifice, what are the second-best and the best? The second-best are beings with Beyonder characteristics. And the best Franca smiled. They are demigods. Quartier de No?l, sixth floor of Holy Palace Hospital. As Jenna returned to the ward from the washroom, she spotted her brother Julien assisting their mother, Elodie, in tucking the corners of the blanket. Elodie remained unconscious, but her complexion showed signs of improvement. Julien stood up and beckoned his sister to the side. He whispered, Celia, dont fret about the upcoming medical expenses. Ill find a solution. Keep attending your acting lessons at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. Jennas heart swelled with gratitude as she inquired, Did the doctor talk to you? Yes, he just did. Julien nodded with solemnity. Jenna pressed her lips together and assured him, Dont worry. My friends have agreed to lend me money. I can repay them over three years with minimal interest. With my earnings as an underground singer and your wages, if we are frugal, it should be enough without affecting our respective apprenticeships. There was a moment of silence as Julien pondered, before he finally spoke, That Ciel? Yes, hes one of them, but I have other friends too. And Franca, the Red Boots I mentioned last night. Jenna felt the need to clarify the situation, fearing her brother might resort to extreme measures. She recalled how two years ago, Julien had contemplated secretly selling himself to Balam-Paz Import and Export Corporation, unbeknownst to their mother, in order to become a disposable mercenary and repay all their debts, allowing Jenna to pursue her dreams as an apprentice actress. Fortunately, that plan had been thwarted in the end. Just as Julien was about to respond, his gaze fell upon a tall, slender woman standing at the wards entrance. She donned a blouse, light-colored breeches, a thin black-on-white checkered tweed top, and vibrant red boots. Her long flaxen-colored hair was tied back in a simple ponytail. With eyebrows that extended toward her temples and eyes that sparkled with energy, she exuded an irresistible charm. Jenna eagerly approached her. Franca. Rue des Blouses Blanches, inside the safe house. Lumian, having acquired Sun Star and currently distilling its extract, took a seat and awaited Madam Magicians response. On the desk in front of him, Fire Salamander blood, Magma Pyroxene powder, and Redcrown Balsam powder were neatly arranged. Just as the Sun Star extract was about to be completed, the arm-height doll dressed in a light-gold gown, with exquisite yet slightly peculiar facial features, appeared on the windowsill. It placed a metal biscuit tin on the windowsill and sniffed the air. Use this extract the next time you summon me. Alright. The request from the other party was so unusual that Lumian was momentarily taken aback. His instinctive response was the only thing he could offer. In an instant, the puppet messenger vanished before his eyes. Lumian opened the bright silver biscuit tin and beheld the small crimson heart burning silently within. Without hesitation, he grabbed a prepared beer mug and dropped in the Pyromaniac Beyonder characteristic. Immediately afterward, Lumian poured over 50 milliliters of Fire Salamander blood into the cup. With a sizzling sound, the crimson liquid evaporated, transforming into a mist of blood that swirled around the heart. The Pyromaniac Beyonder characteristic softened considerably, its surface rippling like the water of a lake. Following the potion formulas instructions, Lumian added Magma Pyroxene powder, Redcrown Balsam powder, and Sun Star extract into the beer mug. As he did so, the blood mist surrounding the heart abruptly shrank, giving rise to a yellowish liquid with red bubbles. In Lumians eyes, this was the Pyromaniac potion. Rather than consuming it immediately, Lumian closed his eyes. In his mind, he conjured images of Flamengs lifeless body dangling from a window frame, the lunatics will inscribed on a sheet of white paper. He envisioned Monsieur Ruhr, his body ravaged by decay. He pictured Madame Michel, drowning her sorrows in drink and singing boisterously, only to ultimately meet her demise by hanging herself in the morning light. He also saw the cries that echoed through Sifflet Square. Then, he glimpsed his own stubborn and determined self as a wanderer. He witnessed his unwavering spirit, refusing to surrender despite the repeated blows. He envisioned an alternative outcome for himself. He witnessed the sorrow, anger, powerlessness, and oppression that came with pursuing hope, only to be engulfed by darkness. The mocking laughter of fate resounded in his ears, igniting a raging fire within his heart. If this is the unavoidable conclusion; If this is the fate of insignificance, If efforts yield no fruit, and hope remains forever out of reach; Then I shall fight with every ounce of my being to change it all! Even if there is no light ahead, and hope dwindles to a mere flicker, I will fight until my last breath! Motherf*cker member of parliament! Motherf*cker Guillaume Bnet! Motherf*cker heretics! Motherf*cker Termiboros! Motherf*cker Inevitability! Lumians eyes snapped open as he solidified his final acting principle as a Provoker. Provocation symbolized indomitable spirit! He didnt need this for digestion assistance. With a fire raging within his chest, he seized the beer mug and guzzled down the liquid. It burned from his mouth, down his esophagus, into his stomach, and seared into his heart. Chapter 242 - 242 Pyromaniac 242 Pyromaniac Instantaneously, Lumian felt an inferno raging within him. The scorching agony seared through his body and soul, engulfing him completely. This sensation was not alien to him. Whether it was the dire wounds inflicted during his pursuit of the flaming monster or the brink of losing control while receiving a boon, all had set him ablaze. In this very moment, the tormenting fire failed to extinguish the blazing determination in his heart. He defied destiny, yearning to alter the course of events, to incinerate the oppressive flames of despair and desolation. Instead of succumbing to the pain and collapsing to the ground, Lumian remained upright. Clenching his teeth and contorting his face, he refused to bow down. Gradually, the agony became unbearable, and his body began to bend. Nevertheless, Lumian mustered all his strength to straighten his back, just as he had confronted Guillaume Bnet, the padre, and Termiboros, who had unleashed a cataclysmic calamity upon Cordu. Step by step, he lowered his body and raised it again. The scent of singed flesh filled his nostrils, and the voice from infinity reverberated in his ears. A familiar, excruciating pain pierced his skull, eliciting an involuntary cry. Cracks formed on his skin, and molten liquid akin to lava coursed beneath. Desperately, Lumian leaned on the desk before him, seeking support. The spot he touched promptly blackened and charred, permeating the air with the scent of burning timber. His instinctive scream was stifled. His mouth hung open, expelling searing gas. Instead of immediately uncorking the vial of gray amber perfume, he relied on the fire within his chest to combat the mounting anguish and the increasingly hazy thoughts welling up from within. Seconds ticked away. Lumian, with gritted teeth, sensed the flames within his chest surging forth, mingling with the inferno raging throughout his being. Gradually, the manifold pains subsided, and his muddled thoughts gradually cleared. Using his hands as support, Lumian hoisted himself up and directed his gaze towards the full-length mirror in the room. Reflected in the looking glass, his blond locks retained a tinge of black, his attire reduced to tatters. His body bore scorch marks that swiftly scabbed over and fell to the floor, revealing his fair complexion. Simultaneously, Lumian beheld two crimson flames ablaze within his blue eyes. It was only after striving to regain composure and still his racing heart that the flames gradually dissipated. In the next second, In the next heartbeat, Lumian raised his right hand, manifesting a crimson flame in his palm. He had triumphantly ascended to the Sequence 7 of the Hunters path, emerging as a Pyromaniac! From his palm, flames surged, intertwining with the original crimson hue, constantly compressing. After a span of more than ten seconds, the fiery crimson transformed into an incandescent white. The temperature and explosive force it contained surged to greater heights. I can wield the crimson flame directly or, by accumulating and compressing it for a duration, unleash an even more scorching white-hot blaze Lumians palm appeared impervious to the scorching heat as he allowed the white-hot flame to silently burn. Having already conducted a preliminary assessment of his condition and the mystical knowledge he had acquired, Lumian had gained a fairly comprehensive understanding of the superpowers bestowed upon a Pyromaniac. First and foremost, a Pyromaniacs spirituality had seen a remarkable improvement, leading to a transformative shift in Lumians Spirit Vision. No longer confined to a chaotic spectacle, he now possessed the ability to employ a more discreet and expeditious activation method. Moreover, he could finally perceive the hues and shades his sister had described, discerning the various components of the Ether Body. This newfound insight proved invaluable to a Hunter, enabling Lumian to better grasp an adversarys physical state and thereby target them with greater precision. Secondly, his instinct for danger had undergone significant enhancement. Gone were the days when he only sensed trouble at the very brink of eruption. Through careful observation of his surroundings and the assimilation of information, Lumian could now activate his intuition preemptively. Consequently, he could detect if he was being followed and employ his anti-tracking techniques more effectively and flawlessly. Thirdly, his command over flames had brought with it a handful of accompanying spells. At present, Lumians primary ability involved controlling the flames that originated from within him or were conjured by his own hands. While he possessed an affinity for flames and combustible substances in his vicinity, his influence over them remained somewhat limited. It was possible that, upon digesting the Pyromaniac potion or advancing to a higher Sequence, corresponding changes might occur. Furthermore, Lumian could employ the flames he created as weapons against his adversaries. However, once the flames left his body, they no longer fell under his dominion unless he had pre-invested a portion of his spirituality in them. In essence, altering the trajectory of a fireball in mid-flight proved to be quite challenging, necessitating a supplementary expenditure of spirituality. The control of flames could be categorized into seven distinct aspects: Firstly, there was compressiona bombardment in the form of a fireball. The longer the compression lasted, the more flames gathered, resulting in a more potent strike. Secondly, Lumian could ignite a layer of flames over his body, affording him a measure of defense against freezing effects, poisonous gases, and other forms of assault. Thirdly, he could fashion various temporary weapons using flames, capable of inflicting scorching, cutting, and piercing damage. Depending on the time spent channeling the flames, this ability could be categorized as either crimson or blazing-white. Fourthly, Lumian had mastered the art of delayed explosions. By employing additional spirituality and manipulating the structure, he could fashion a Flame Bomb that would detonate at a predetermined time, rather than immediately upon impact. Fifthly, he possessed the power of area-of-effect attacks. By extending the reach of the flames instead of hurling them forth, Lumian could ensure precise control over their detonation, causing them to erupt at a desired location or manifest in different forms. Sixthly, Lumian had honed the technique of Fire Infusion. Through close-quarters combat and the forceful clash of strength, he could gradually inject flames into an opponents body before triggering their detonation. Finally, the seventh aspect involved imbuing his weapon with fire damage. The fire-type spells Lumian had acquired were instrumental in these various aspects, leveraging certain techniques to achieve effects that he could not ordinarily produce. The spells at Lumians disposal were as follows: Fire Raven, Blazing Spear, Wall of Fire, and Giant Fireball. Of them all, the Fire Raven spell stood out as the most enchanting. With its aid, Lumian could swiftly condense a flock of flaming ravens around him, bestowing a fraction of his spirituality upon each avian form. This granted him a degree of control even after they departed from his body, enabling them to momentarily adjust their flight path and lock onto their intended targets. Without this spell, Lumian, a recent convert to Pyromaniac, would need to expend at least three times his present store of spirituality and energy to achieve a similar outcome. Moreover, the Fire Ravens would possess a significantly more clumsy and rigid disposition. Blazing Spear, on the other hand, entailed the rapid condensation of white flames, though they could only maintain the shape of a spear. Infused with spirituality, they could roughly guide Lumians created fireball. By utilizing the ground as a conduit and drawing upon its own essence, Wall of Fire summoned forth a pair of flaming serpents that slithered toward the enemy, erecting a scorching barrier around them. Giant Fireball demanded a span of ten to twenty seconds, akin to the compression of numerous crimson fireballs into a single devastating blast. While the Pyromaniacs flames originated from his physical form and primarily inflicted bodily harm, they were also capable of burning a Spirit Body. Lumian was no longer defenseless against creatures of a soul-like nature, though he still relied on external assistance. Additionally, the potions modifications had bestowed upon his body a remarkable resistance to flames. Even if doused in animal fat and subjected to the flames of a torch for half a day, the damage he suffered would be minimal. Nevertheless, the concussive force of a fireballs explosion could still harm him in a conventional manner. Lumian held the belief that as he advanced to higher Sequences, his body might even merge with fire itself. With a casual flick of his right hand, the blazing white flame dissipated into the air. Then, with a firm grip, he summoned a longsword crafted from crimson flames, materializing it from thin air. Lumian brandished the fiery blade a few times, his disappointment evident. He muttered silently to himself, It possesses the ability to harm the enemy, but it cannot block or parry The flaming sword lacked a tangible form. Lumian surmised that he would need to reach a higher Sequence before he could turn such a weapon corporeal. He dismissed the flaming longsword and drew Hedseys dagger. As his fingers caressed the daggers surface, a fiery blaze enveloped the blade. Lumian tightened his grip on the hilt and executed a few thrusts with the dagger. He observed the rapid dissipation of red sparks in the air, creating an ethereal spectacle. It can block and deal fire damage. Though it may lack scorching temperatures in this form, it remains highly useful. The current problem lies in the fact that ordinary weapons cannot endure exposure to flames for long Lumian pondered, nodding approvingly. Having confirmed his Beyonder powers as a Pyromaniac, he swiftly organized his desk and donned a linen shirt, a brown jacket, and dark trousers. Lumian cast a final glance at his reflection in the mirror, a smile curling upon his lips. He placed the dark-blue cap upon his head, turned on his heel, and strode purposefully toward the door. Crimson flames silently erupted in his wake, an ephemeral and blinding display. On Avenue du March, outside the khaki-colored four-story building that housed the member of parliaments office, Lumian once again found himself seated among the destitute at the alley opposite, quietly observing the steady flow of people entering and exiting the targeted establishment. In the wake of the explosion at Goodville Chemical Factory, countless workers had tragically lost their lives, leaving many more injured. The entire city of Trier was abuzz with news reporters flocking to the scene. As a result, Hugues Artoiss office remained aglow with gas-powered wall lamps, as his staff tirelessly attended to visitors with varied intentions. The member of parliament had yet to return home, and his entourage naturally remained within the khaki-colored building. Every room seemed to radiate with illumination, brimming with activity. Leaning against the wall of the street, Lumian observed the comings and goings within the member of parliaments office, his mind churning with contemplation. He yearned to ignite a fire! He yearned to incinerate the despicable scoundrel responsible for spreading disease! He was fully aware of the dire consequences that awaited him. As a Pyromaniac, he understood that he alone was not yet strong enough to face off against the evil gods Blessed who surrounded Hugues Artois. Yet, he simply longed to take action. He couldnt shake the feeling that no matter how fierce a conflagration may be, it all started with a single spark. Chapter 243 - 243 Visit 243 Visit Lumians fury did not mean he would lose his composureto just disguise himself and sneak into the member of parliaments office, where he would find the fellow who had dared to casually spit and incinerate him on the spot. It wasnt a ridiculous scheme, but without enough information, taking such a risk could easily turn into suicide. First and foremost, Lumian had no knowledge of the number or strength of the heretics present in the member of parliaments office. He also had no idea how many protectors Bureau 8 or the two Churches had assigned to Hugues Artois, nor did he know their abilities. Furthermore, he lacked precise details about the targets whereabouts or situation. Even if he managed to infiltrate the office successfully, finding the target would be no easy task. Lastly, he hadnt yet devised a plan for sneaking in and, more importantly, a plan for a safe retreat. Nevertheless, Lumian couldnt deny that the chaos caused by the Goodville Chemical Factory explosion provided an excellent opportunity for his infiltration. For now, his temporary strategy was to be a patient hunter. He would trail the target silently, observing his movements and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Based on the targets status in Hugo Artoiss campaign, Lumian surmised that the man couldnt be too powerful. He certainly didnt possess godlike abilities. Even if he were a Mid-Sequence Beyonder, he would likely be no higher than a Sequence 7. Lumian wasnt overly concerned if his judgment was wrong and the target turned out to be a Sequence 6 or even Sequence 5. In fact, he believed that Mr. K would find the hunt for heretics quite intriguing! Phew Lumian breathed out slowly, his gaze fixed on the brightly illuminated khaki-colored four-story building. He continued to gather useful information for his upcoming operation. As time passed, he noticed middle-aged scavengers carrying linen bags, sifting through the trash piled beside the building. This sight made Lumian sigh, fueling the fire of determination in his heart. In Trier, people couldnt scavenge just for the sake of it. Each scavenger had an employer, whether they worked full-time or part-time. They were assigned specific scavenging areas and were not allowed to cross boundaries. Violations often led to conflicts and violent encounters. As a result, Ruhr and Michel wished fervently that Hugues Artois would host banquets every day instead of wandering into areas where banquets were already being held, as those spots belonged to other scavengers. The difference between full-time and part-time scavengers lay in their employment terms. Full-timers received a monthly salary from their employers, and the employers owned all the trash they collected. Occasionally, if they stumbled upon valuable or usable items, they might decide whether to surrender them or keep them for personal use. Part-timers like Ruhr and Michel didnt have a fixed salary. They scavenged in the morning and evening, delivering everything they found to a designated waste disposal site, typically owned by their employers. These circumstances restricted street tramps to scavenging for food and clothing, with little opportunity to exchange their findings for money. Lumian patiently waited until 9 p.m., observing as the number of guests visiting the member of parliaments office gradually dwindled. People stepped out onto the balconies for a smoke or a brief respite. And then, his eyes widened as he spotted a figure. Standing on the balcony of a second-floor room, there he wasthe thin, pale man with curly dark-yellow hair and piercing brown eyes. Dressed in a blue shirt, black vest, and a somber suit, complete with a bow tie, he held a cigarette, enveloped in a cloud of smoke, occasionally taking a drag. Lumian had seen him before in Francas Magic Mirror Divination. It was the spitter. Cough, cough, cough! A fit of violent coughing shook the frail young man, as if he wished to expel his lungs from his body. Finally, he hacked up another glob of thick phlegm after some harrumphing. Pulling out a handkerchief, he spat the viscous phlegm into it, wrapping it up and tucking it away in his pocket. He didnt discard it carelessly. Lumians eyes narrowed. He knows that his phlegm can transmit diseases as a result of mysticism. As more people flocked to the balconies of their respective rooms, Lumian swiftly identified the familiar faces. Member of Parliament Hugues Artois from the market district occupied the room at the top floor, boasting the largest balcony. The red-haired woman resided on the same floor, right next door to him. On the second floor, on the opposite end of the corridor from the spitter, was a man in his thirties with gold-rimmed glasses, a document always in hand. Every now and then, he would wander to the balcony to enjoy a smoke and the view, displaying a lack of concern for the aftermath of the Goodville Chemical Factory explosion. The third floor housed a tall, muscular middle-aged man, occupying the central office. Directly beneath Hugues Artois, on the fourth floor, was a refined young woman in a white shirt and a dark-blue coat. She shared the same side of the building as the man with gold-rimmed glasses, deliberately avoiding any proximity to the spitter. Lumian observed closely and deduced that the rooms adjacent to the spitters were part of a collective office, likely accommodating several employees. This implied that the probability of them holding any significant status or possessing Beyonder powers was negligible. So, the other heretics intentionally distanced themselves from the incessant coughing and spitting man. They believe the member of parliaments office is heavily guarded, and that individual possesses Beyonder powers. Its highly unlikely for an attack to be directed at him. True enough. If an assault were to occur in the member of parliaments office, the target would undoubtedly be Hugues Artois and not one of his subordinates. Only then would it be worth the risk Lumian pondered this realization earnestly for a moment and suddenly sensed an opportunity emerging. The dilemma now lay in how Lumian could infiltrate the member of parliaments office unnoticed, particularly given his conspicuous golden hair with a touch of black. After all, he didnt have Francas help. After careful consideration, Lumian devised a plan. He departed from the vicinity of the office and made his way back to the safe house on Rue des Blouses Blanches. Without hesitation, he set up an altar and offered a prayer to the great existence, seeking His protection. Lumian firmly believed that since the embrace of an angel would shield him from the prying eyes of any deity, it definitely ensured sufficient anti-divination effects! Just as before, he found himself bathed in the radiant brilliance and divine majesty of the angel. Overwhelmed by indescribable emotions, he witnessed cascades of luminous wings enveloping him. Once he completed this ritual, Lumian pressed his hand to his head. His golden and black hair erupted into flames, cascading down like withered grass until only a few hair roots remained. Putting on his trusty dark-blue cap, he concealed his features behind the Mystery Prying Glasses. With his transformed appearance, Lumian left Rue des Blouses Blanches and ventured towards Avenue du March near Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. There, he located a clothing store that didnt specialize in cheap garments. The two shop assistants, a man and a woman, were taken aback when they saw a person dressed like a vagrant entering, unsure of how to react. In a panicked tone, Lumian explained, I encountered a perverted thief who stole my clothes and trousers. I had no choice but to purchase this set from a nearby beggar. The female shop assistant struggled to suppress her laughter. They had witnessed similar situations countless times before, well aware that those who made such excuses were often involved in affairs with certain ladies, fleeing in a state of undress with their wallets once their husbands returned, only to seek refuge in the garments of a beggar. When someone confidently claimed that their predicament stemmed from an affair, it usually meant they had genuinely encountered a twisted thief. In the end, Lumian acquired a suit that appeared decent but was actually quite ordinary. It included a shirt, coat, bow tie, and a dark cane. Additionally, he opted for a brown wig and a matching fake beard. The total cost came to 78 verl dor. After carefully covering his tracks and returning to the safe house on Rue des Blouses Blanches, Lumian shed his disguise and once again adorned the Mystery Prying Glasses. Following his recollection, he skillfully applied makeup to achieve his desired effect. His aim was to transform himself into an older version. As he gazed into the mirror, Lumian gradually took on the appearance of a middle-aged man, complete with a fake brown beard affixed to his mouth and chin. Thus, Lumian assumed the identity of Bono Goodville, the proprietor of the Goodville Chemical Factory. Though the resemblance was only around 40 to 50%, anyone acquainted with Bono Goodville would instinctively mistake Lumian for the man, provided they didnt scrutinize or closely distinguish him. In this guise, Lumian intended to infiltrate the member of parliaments office! Before embarking on his mission, he ventured into the underground and stashed the tramps attire in a cavern within the quarry. Emerging from Underground Trier, Lumian hastened to the khaki-colored four-story building that housed the member of parliaments office, cane in hand. After observing for a brief moment and ensuring that the figures in each room remained relatively unchanged, he lowered his head, partially concealing his face, and approached the entrance. Whom are you seeking? inquired an armed guard donned in a dark blue uniform, blocking his path. Lumian raised his head, withdrew his hand, and responded with anxiety in his voice, Im looking for the member of parliament. One of the guards caught a clear glimpse of the visitors face under the glow of the street lamp and involuntarily exclaimed, Monsieur Goodville, what brings you here again Abruptly, he halted his words, realizing that this gentleman, who had recently experienced a devastating explosion at his factory, had an abundance of issues to address this night, along with numerous concerns that required assistance. The two guards refrained from further inquiry and stepped aside, granting Lumian passage. The lobby on the ground floor bustled with activity, despite the late hour. Reporters, officials, representatives of charitable organizations, hospital staff reporting in, and various personnel responsible for receiving them filled the space. Lumian preserved his desire to remain inconspicuous. With his head lowered, partially obscuring his face, he proceeded directly to the staircase. Employing the same tactic, he passed by the two armed guards and ascended to the second floor. Orienting himself, Lumian bypassed the two employees who emerged from a nearby room and arrived in front of the office belonging to the unhealthy young man. Embedded on the vermilion door was an aluminum-white nameplate inscribed with a few golden Intisian words: Assistant Secretary, Tybalt Jacques. Tybalt Lumian smiled, donned his gloves, and tapped lightly on the door. Chapter 244 - 244 Red and Black 244 Red and Black Knock, knock, knock. The office reverberated with an urgent knock. A feeble and disinterested voice floated through the air. Come in, please. Lumian turned the doorknob and pushed open the vibrant vermilion door. Before him stood a frail, gaunt young man. Dressed in a blue shirt, black waistcoat, and somber suit, he stood by the expansive desk, his eyes fixed on the door. As Tybalt Jacques recognized the visitor to be Bono Goodville, a chuckle escaped the assistant secretary. Dont fret. Decay is an unavoidable fate. It afflicts humans and organizations alike. Once the decay sets in, all sorts of troubles will arise Before Tybalt could conclude, he saw Lumian approach. Guard raised, he blurted out,What do you think youre doing Bam! Lumian threw a punch, accompanied by a blazing crimson flame. His action cut off Tybalts words, forcing him to instinctively raise his forearm to block the blow. Flames flickered, consuming Tybalts sleeves. Simultaneously, a taunting voice reached his ears. So weak? Originally, Lumians plan was to cloak his fist in flames, launching a surprise attack on his adversary without alerting the nearby employees. In the ensuing chaos, he aimed to use Fallen Mercury and inflict a wound upon him. Then, before his foe could recover, Lumian would forcefully make his way past him, exiting the khaki-colored building housing the parliament members office through the balcony. Throughout this endeavor, he would employ fireballs, Fire Raven, and other techniques to impede his opponent. Even if he sustained injuries, he had to escape into a nearby alley and disappear into Underground Trier before Hugues Artoiss security personnel, the red-haired woman, and the other campaign members could react. After all, the fiery armor he created had the power to incinerate pathogens. With limited contact, the chances of contracting an illness were slim. And if something did manage to slip through, the symptoms would be mild enough for Lumian to endure until six in the morning. If worse came to worst, he could borrow half a canister of healing agent from Franca. Even Ruhr, a scavenger with his advanced age, succumbed to the illness only an hour or two after being exposed to the thick phlegm. Lumian believed it would be even less of a problem for him. Of course, the condition was that the thick phlegm represented one of Tybalts more potent methods. He couldnt concoct a highly virulent disease that triggered symptoms within a minute or two. Nonetheless, Lumian had his flames to shield him. Yet, now, after a swift exchange, Lumian realized that Tybalt Jacques was far weaker than he had presumed! This revelation instantly altered Lumians course of action. Silently, his form became shrouded in a cloak of fiery crimson. The flames undulated like liquid, seamlessly encasing his skin, hair, garments, and hat. They hung there, a constant flickering and flowing. Crimson flames continued to emerge from Lumians being, melding with the inferno. It felt as though Lumian had wrapped himself in a crimson cloak. Amidst the swirling blaze, his disguised countenance and blue eyes, each harboring a blazing fire, came into view. With a snap, he discarded the dark cane and launched a fist wreathed in flames towards Tybalt. The canes handle remained aglow, eradicating any traces of fingerprints, sweat, or handprints. Bang! Bang! Bang! Tybalt staggered back two steps, as though battling a tempest of fire. His eyes burned with a reddened intensity. He harrumphed and expelled thick phlegm at Lumian. The viscous yellow-green phlegm met the fiery cloak and was instantly incinerated, emitting a sizzling sound. Bam! Bam! Bam! Lumians arms, engulfed in crimson flames, swung repeatedly, pinning Tybalt to a corner of the office. His back pressed against the wall, with no escape or retreat. All he could do was defensively parry with his arms. Witnessing the Sputum of Disease prove futile and the surrounding air heating up under the flames influence, causing his skin to scorch, Tybalts heart constricted, and he was about to cry out for help. However, just as he opened his mouth, Lumians flaming fist collided with his arm, causing him to tremble. His words became trapped in his throat. Tybalt attempted to call for aid, but his pleas were repeatedly interrupted by the adversary. The deep voice of his foe resounded in his ears. Is that all you have? How dare a feeble fledgling like you spit so recklessly? Didnt your deity teach you to behave with civility? I shall summon a hundred vagabonds to spit in your mouth! The mockery inflamed Tybalts eyes, and he momentarily forgot about seeking assistance. All he yearned for was the other party to suffer and perish. Translucent blisters materialized on his exposed skin, brimming with a sickly yellowish-black fluid. Bang! Bang! Bang! Lumians flaming fist consumed Tybalts sleeve, rupturing the translucent blister within. Yet, the repugnant yellowish-black liquid failed to touch his flesh. It was first scorched by the flames before being halted by the gloves. The lingering pathogens on the surface of the gloves rapidly dissipated beneath the crimson flames effect. Amidst the relentless but non-lethal strikes, all the translucent blisters burst of their own accord within the increasingly sweltering environment. The faint yellowish-black liquid sizzled and evaporated, forming an almost imperceptible mist around Tybalt. However, the mist was either consumed by the flames or melted by the soaring temperatures. It couldnt breach the fiery cloak and corrode Lumians body. In that moment, Tybalt, battered multiple times, regained his senses from the Provocation. He opened his mouth and cried out for aid. High-temperature gas and dissipating flames infiltrated Tybalts mouth as Lumians fist connected. The heat contorted his expression, rendering him unable to scream. Feeling grand, are we? Enjoying yourself? When you spat without a care, did you ever consider that it would lead to your own demise? Taking your life is no different from slaughtering a chicken! Lumian locked his gaze onto Tybalts eyes, witnessing despair, fear, and pleas for mercy slowly emerge. He didnt relent. With fists ablaze in crimson flames, he unleashed another relentless onslaught of strikes. He had no intention of evading Tybalts feeble attempts at defense; each blow found its mark. With a subdued thud, Lumian abruptly halted and withdrew his hands. Tybalt remained motionless against the wall, his eyes vacant. The flames enveloping Lumians form dissipated like a receding river, leaving behind a trace of crimson in his footsteps. Without sparing Tybalt a second glance, Lumian stooped to retrieve his cane. He took Mr. Ks finger and pressed it against the wall beside Tybalt. Having done so, Lumian removed his half top hat and placed it upon his chest, bowing to Tybalt. Then, he strode past his lifeless, statue-like prey and ventured onto the balcony. Concealed by the shadows, he pressed against the wall and effortlessly leaped to the side of the khaki-colored building. Only then did the occupants upstairs sense something amiss. Several individuals rushed out, peering into the outside world. Lumians figure had already vanished into the depths of the dark alley. Simultaneously, a muffled sound emanated from Tybalts rigid body. Boom! In an instant, he erupted from within, crimson flames splattering flesh and internal organs in every direction. Fire Infusion! Pyromaniacs Fire Infusion! Prior to Lumians departure, Tybalt had teetered on the precipice of death. His organs and brain had been consumed by the injected flames. What ensued was primarily the annihilation of his Spirit Body. There were three reasons why Lumian had a change of heart at the last moment, opting to forgo the quickest and simplest method of dispatching Tybalt. Firstly, utilizing the Montsouris ghost could potentially impact Tybalts family. If possible, it was preferable to avoid such measures, despite the high probability that they had already succumbed to the influence of an evil deity. Secondly, he could utilize the implosion to create a gruesome scene of carnage, strewn with flesh and blood. Coupled with Mr. Ks fingerprint, it would point subsequent investigators in the direction of the Aurora Order. It would also serve as a clear indication that Tybalt was a follower of an evil god. Thirdly, by utilizing Fire Infusion, he could delay the explosion and dismantle Tybalts Spirit Body, thereby minimizing the efficacy of the evil gods Blesseds investigations through spirit channeling. Furthermore, there was another reason. Beating and cursing Tybalt to death brought Lumian an undeniable sense of satisfaction. Before long, a group of seven or eight individuals, including Hugues Artois, the red-haired lady, and the bespectacled secretary, arrived at Tybalt Jacquess door. What greeted their eyes were scattered flesh, fragments, and internal organs, along with scorch marks that marred the ground. The sight of red and black intermingled was jarring, rendering everyone present speechless. Who could have done this? Hugues Artois exclaimed, horror etched on his face. In his mind, the murder of Tybalt and the macabre aftermath served as a chilling warning and a preview of his own impending demise! After all, who would go to such lengths to target an assistant secretary? The red-haired lady cast a brief glance at Hugues Artois before speaking in an androgynous tone, Based on the evidence before us, it appears that the perpetrator is a Pyromaniac, or perhaps even more formidable. Given Tybalts capabilities, he should have been dispatched within ten seconds. However, the assailant deliberately prolonged the act. It seems that the goal was to create this gruesome scene. It bears the hallmark of those lunatics from the Aurora Order. Hugues Artoiss eyes narrowed, and he lapsed into silence for a couple of seconds. Why would the Aurora Order target me? I cannot say. The red-haired lady peered deeply into Hugues Artoiss eyes, shaking her head slightly. While the official Beyonders conducted their investigation, the original campaign team returned to Hugues Artoiss office. The red-haired lady turned her attention to the secretary with gold-rimmed glasses. What has Tybalt been involved in recently? she inquired. Due to his chronic illness, he intentionally disposed of his disease-ridden handkerchief and ended the lives of two elderly scavengers who had no children, the secretary with gold-rimmed glasses truthfully replied. I have managed to keep this matter under wraps. The red-haired lady muttered to herself, her voice barely audible, Two childless elderly scavengers It seems that Tybalts demise is undeniably targeted at Monsieur Member of Parliament. Chapter 245 - 245 "Speech" 245 Speech All eyes turned towards Hugues Artois, the distinguished member of parliament, his prominent nose and graying temples giving him an air of refinement. He had quickly regained his composure and wore a smile as he spoke. Theres no need to fret. If the assailant possessed the means to breach two layers of defense and confront me directly, there would be no reason to go through the trouble of assassinating Tybalt. This seems more like an act of blackmail, a surface-level threat. The four members of the campaign present nodded simultaneously, coming to the conclusion that Monsieur Member of Parliaments deduction was accurate. Hugues Artois turned to the lady with red hair. Cassandra, my knowledge of mysticism is limited. I have only heard that Beyonders can extract the truth from a deceased soul through spirit channeling. Will Tybalts spirit betray us? Cassandra, with her red hair flowing, slowly shook her head. Under normal circumstances, we would have to take the risk of cleansing the situation. However, in the recent attack, the assassin clearly took ample time to obliterate Tybalts spirit, thereby concealing his own identity. Its equivalent to assisting us. Hugues Artois nodded slightly and cast a glance at the two anxious secretaries. With a smile, he reassured them. Rh?ne, Margaret, fear not. Time is on our side, and the future lies within our grasp. A minor setback will not hinder the ultimate outcome. You must always believe that our actions represent justice. Rh?ne, donning gold-rimmed spectacles, and the refined Margaret were bewildered. They couldnt fathom being associated with the concept of justice. Not only them, but even Cassandra with her red hair and the middle-aged, muscular Boduva looked at Hugues Artois in confusion, sensing they might have misheard. Cautiously, Hugues Artois glanced towards the door, silently questioning if anyone might be eavesdropping. After the red-haired Cassandra nodded, he launched into an impromptu speech. Ladies and gentlemen, while I may not possess the ability to convert and pray for a boon due to a binding contract, I have acquired a profound understanding of our world. You, better than anyone, should be aware that the vast cosmos above us represents an expansive universe. Countless planets exist within it, each akin to its own world. Many of these worlds harbor their own civilizations. The world we inhabit is but one among an endless expanse, as insignificant as a speck of dust. The seven deities have imprisoned us in this realm, preventing us from making contact with the civilizations that thrive in the universe. They desire our blindness and deafness, seeking to keep us enslaved for generations. They label these magnificent beings as evil gods. They weave falsehoods, warning us of the peril that lies in believing in these evil gods. Their goal is to prevent us from making contact with these higher civilizations, to keep us confined. If the belief in an evil god were genuinely dangerous, why do numerous civilizations in the universe, comprising different species, still exist? They are afraid. If these mighty entities were to descend upon our world, They alone would face destruction. Only the saints, angels, and fanatics who follow Them would be affected. For most people, it would merely be a shift in faith, devoid of peril. Believing in one of the seven deities is deemed faith, but believing in other great beings is not? We can no longer remain captive to the seven deities. We must venture forth into the future of humankind and the course of civilization. From the mere fact that boons can be obtained, these great beings are mightier than the seven deities. They will bestow protection and willingly offer their power. Their divine benevolence is boundless, akin to the vast sea. In the days to come, when we navigate the universe and reflect upon the journey we have undertaken, you shall come to comprehend that our cause is one of justice. In this process, death is an inevitability, yet those who perish are deserving. They are either aged, feeble, unlucky, or destined to meet such a fate. Most of the blame does not lie with us. Furthermore, they constitute only a minority. We cannot impede the majority from seeking refuge with a higher civilization, pursuing a better future. Ladies and gentlemen, sacrifices are inherent in any cause. As long as we steadfastly believe that our actions are driven by justice and persist unwaveringly, the future shall unquestionably be ours! In a decades time, humanity will secure a ticket to join the circle of cosmic civilization. We shall no longer be barbarians, hiding in the shadows of obscurity! The red-haired Cassandra, Secretary Rh?ne, and the rest were left dumbfounded. Who was the true believer of the evil god? Each had their own reasons for following different evil gods, and deep down, they knew they had veered onto the wrong path. Nevertheless, they had already set foot on this journey and had no choice but to press forward. Thus, they either used faith as a facade to gradually reshape their understanding, or they completely surrendered themselves, seeking any motivation to propel them onward. And yet, Hugues Artois, someone who clearly wasnt a believer and hadnt received any favors or undergone significant assimilation, managed to speak such astonishing and captivating words straight from the depths of his heart. The four members of the campaign were taken aback, realizing the sense behind Hugues Artois words, causing them to reevaluate the meaning behind their past actions. After a few moments, the red-haired Cassandra let out a slow exhale. She looked at Hugues Artois and sincerely praised him. An exceptional speech, Monsieur Member of Parliament. In the future, when you choose your faith, I can recommend one for you. Oh? Hugues Artois inquired in a nasal voice. Cassandra smiled and elaborated. Among the boons bestowed by that individual is one called Orator. Hugues Artois nodded and flashed a relaxed smile towards the four members of the team. Do not be disheartened by Tybalts demise. We will remain steadfast in our original plan. Cassandra, Rh?ne, Margaret, and Boduva responded in unison. Yes, Monsieur Member of Parliament. In the depths of Underground Trier. Lumian took a detour and returned to the quarry cave. Swiftly, he shed his clothes and shoes, removing the wig and beard that concealed his true appearance. Once he changed back into his ragged tramp attire and adorned a dark-blue cap, semi-translucent crimson Fire Ravens materialized around him. The Fire Ravens darted out, alighting upon the cane, shirt, bow tie, wig, and other objects, causing them to erupt in soft explosions of flame. Lumian, having turned his back, proceeded towards the exit of Underground Trier. Crimson flames surged in his wake, consuming everything related to the previous attack, casting an illuminating glow within the dark cavern below. Around midnight, in the depths of the Eternal Blazing Sun Inquisition beneath glise Saint-Robert. Angoulme de Fran?ois, engrossed in perusing the investigation records, heard a knock on his office door. His brown coat, adorned with two rows of golden buttons, hung neatly on a coat rack near the entrance. He wore a light golden shirt featuring the emblem of the Sun Sacred Order, along with dark brown pants. Please, come in, Angoulme calmly invited. Valentine, powdered hair and face adorned with subtle makeup, entered the room. He had been preoccupied with thoughts of Cordu all this time. Upon learning of survivors appearing in the Trier region, he had submitted an application and transferred to this post. His wife and child had long yearned for the bustling city of Trier, so they eagerly moved with him without much persuasion. He was on night duty with a few teammates and happened to encounter the murder of the member of parliaments assistant secretary. Valentine, clad in a slim blue tweed coat with a golden brooch, took a seat across from Angoulme and spoke directly. Deacon, why havent we investigated Hugues Artois? While most members of the Aurora Order may be crazy, they possess an uncanny ability to detect heretics. Although not every person they target is a believer in the evil gods, at least 70% are. Considering the information weve gathered, we can reasonably conclude that Tybalt Jacques, who met his demise tonight, was a heretic and wielded the power of decay. Furthermore, he served as Hugues Artoiss assistant secretary. We cannot allow a highly suspicious individual to continue serving as a member of parliament. Investigating him is not only a responsibility to the people of the market district, but also to Hugues Artois himself. If we find no evidence of wrongdoing, we can assist him in purging any heretics surrounding him. Angoulme hadnt anticipated his new team leader to be more devout and zealous than himself. He couldnt help but raise his hand and furrow his brows. With a bitter smile, he responded. Perhaps you are unaware, but every member of parliament has signed a contract with the two Churches and received a notarized contract. In this contract, they pledge their faith, display their abilities and associated sources. The two Churches promise not to restrict the personal freedom of any member of parliament or their key staff without substantial and compelling evidence. They wont be subject to the influence of Beyonders. This is to safeguard the authority of the National Convention. According to the contract, Hugues Artois believes fervently in the mighty Eternal Blazing Sun and is not a Beyonder. Hence, you may question him and his core staff, but that is the extent of it. Valentine couldnt conceal his disappointment. Why is such a contract in place? It is a byproduct of the past coup dtat, a change that accompanied the course of history, Angoulme provided a simple explanation. Valentine let out a sigh, rose from his seat, and extended his arms. Praise the Sun! Praise the Sun! Angoulme stood up and returned the gesture, watching his subordinate exit the office. Quartier de No?l, Holy Palace Hospital. Jenna sat upon a small stool, slumped beside her mother Elodies lightly slumbering form in the hospital bed. After bidding farewell to Franca and sending her brother Julien home, who had to attend to his factory duties come dawn, Jenna found herself alone. The Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons had yet to resume its acting training, as plans were underway to auction it, along with Auberge du Coq Dor, at the police headquarters. However, the recent explosion at the Goodville Chemical Factory had caused a delay in those proceedings. Suddenly, Elodie stirred. Jenna startled awake, her eyes fixating on her mother, who gradually opened her own. Elodies gaze mirrored the face of her daughter as she mustered a smile. I thought I was about to see your father. Without awaiting Jennas reply, Elodie inquired, her voice frail, How are my injuries? Jenna, overjoyed to witness her mother awaken from her coma, beamed genuinely and responded, Theyre not severe. Look, no surgery is required. Elodie heaved a sigh of relief and nodded slowly. Still recovering from her coma, her body and mind werent yet in their prime state. After a brief exchange, she drifted back into slumber. Jenna clasped her mothers hand and beheld the contentment that graced the wrinkled, gray-haired countenance beneath the gentle illumination streaming in from the window. Observing for a while longer, she glanced upward and caught sight of the first rays of dawn gradually painting the sky with light. Chapter 246 - 246 Resolution 246 Resolution As the first rays of dawn illuminated the room, Lumian slowly opened his eyes, awakened by the gentle chime of bells from glise Saint-Robert. The previous night, he had stayed at Auberge du Coq Dor. He raised his right hand to touch his head. His bald head had grown thick and healthy hair once more. Leaving the comfort of his bed, Lumian walked over to the full-length mirror and saw a reflection that looked both familiar and unfamiliar. Back in Cordu, his hair had never been dyed golden. But in the morning light, he couldnt help but smile, feeling better than he had in a long time. At the very least, he didnt meet with failure with everything he did. Killing and taking revenge didnt pose a problem. After breakfast at a street vendor, Lumian planned to find a barbershop in either Quartier de lObservatoire or Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative to revert his hair color to golden. But before he could set out, hurried footsteps approached his room. He braced himself, thinking someone might kick the door open, but instead, there was a knock. It was Franca, who rarely rose so early. She couldnt hide her surprise upon seeing Lumians pure black hair. You dyed it back? she exclaimed. Sort of, Lumian replied, observing Franca as she entered Room 207 and closed the door behind her. Without mincing words, Franca confronted him, Did you kill Hugues Artoiss assistant secretary? And did you rush to advance to Pyromaniac last night? Lumian stood up, smiling. Yes. Franca was momentarily at a loss for words with the frank admission. After a few seconds, she hissed and said, You brat, you promised me you would hold back and endure, but the very next moment, you went ahead without hesitation. You really cant suppress your hatred for a night, can you? If you keep going like this, I seriously doubt youll survive this yearno, this month! Lumian explained simply, Actually, I didnt intend to kill Tybalt last night. I merely wanted to monitor him, gather information, and plan a proper approach to deal with him together with you. But an opportunity presented itself, and it was too good to pass up. I couldnt convince myself to hold back. Right, I made preparations in all aspects, including measures against divination and tracking. Relieved, Franca asked, That Tybalt guy seemed weak. Was it easy for you to handle him? He mainly transmitted diseases through contact, and Pyromaniacs happened to counter that ability. If not for my anti-divination and anti-spirit channeling preparations, I could have taken care of him in ten seconds, Lumian recalled. Franca sighed, admitting, You got lucky. Have you considered the possibility that your target might be much stronger? My initial judgment was that he wouldnt be too formidable. If he exceeded a certain threshold, I was prepared to use my dirk, Lumian replied before asking, Why are you up so early? Gardner woke me up! Franca replied with gritted teeth. He instructed me to gather the leaders of the Savoie Mob and find the person responsible for killing Hugues Artoiss assistant secretary. When I heard the details, I knew it had to be you! I told you last night to get in the right condition before drinking the Pyromaniac potion, but you went ahead and consumed it anyway. Lumian spoke earnestly, his voice filled with sincerity. I believed that I was in the perfect state to advance to Pyromaniac, so I swiftly concocted the potion. Will Boss suspect me? For now, no, Franca replied, shaking her head. Besides yourself, nobody expected you to consume the potion last night. Moreover, you cunningly framed the Aurora Order. Gardner doesnt see any motive in you. Franca glanced at Lumians head and suggested, Come here, Ill help you restore your original hair color. Its best not to make any changes during a time like this to avoid arousing suspicion. Alright, Lumian agreed, feeling delighted to save some money. In the morning, the ward buzzed with more activity compared to the somberness of the night. Echoing through the air were the cries of those being carried away, the presence of relatives escorting loved ones back home, and the determination of some patients who defied the cries, choosing to depart from the hospitals confines. Jenna and Elodiewho had regained consciousnessobserved the scene in silence. They understood the painful reality unfolding before them. Not everyone could bear the weight of insurmountable medical expenses, nor did they wish to drag their families into the depths of despair. Sometimes, the patient surrendered while the family persisted. Other times, it was the family that gave up, leaving the patient with no choice but to accept their fate. At times, patient and family would tacitly leave the ward, exchange silent glances, and be unable to hold back their tears as they cried or wailed. After a while, as the ward regained a semblance of tranquility, Elodie, who had managed to sit up, whispered softly, How long will I have to stay here for treatment? Jenna pondered for a moment before deciding to tell her mother the truth. It was an impossible matter to conceal. The doctors rounds, treatments, and further examinations would inevitably reveal some information. Besides, Elodie would piece it together based on her physical condition and the fact that she hadnt been discharged after several days. Organizing her thoughts, Jenna explained, The doctor said youll be here for months, possibly even half a year. Your external injuries arent severe, but your body has suffered significant damage. Unless you make a full recovery, your condition may worsen. Before Elodie could respond, Jenna smiled reassuringly and continued, Ive already secured the funds for your treatment. I borrowed the money from Franca. She has no shortage of resources. She promised Julien and me that we could repay it in two to three years, in installments. By then, Dads accident compensation will surely have been paid. There may even be hope for yours. Elodies expression faltered for a moment. After a few seconds, she spoke with weariness in her voice, Why will it take so long With such a massive explosion and the chemical gasses, its a miracle that you survived, Jenna said before asking. What exactly happened back then? Elodie contemplated for a moment and replied wearily, I dont know. The explosion happened so suddenly, and I lost consciousness. I think it originated near the metal tank. Sigh, many of the factorys facilities are old and prone to breakdowns. They require repairs, but the boss refuses to invest in replacements. Sigh After chatting for a while, Jenna noticed her mothers energy waning. She advised Elodie to rest for a while and headed towards the washroom at the end of the corridor. As soon as Elodie witnessed Jennas departure from the ward, she mustered all her strength, disconnected the IV, and leaned against the wall for support. Gasping for breath, she took two steps towards the ward diagonally opposite, where doctors and nurses meticulously examined each injured individual. Elodie located the doctor, provided her ward and bed number, and inquired, How long will my treatment last? The doctor leafed through his records and responded, We dont have all the results yet, but we estimate it will take about five to seven months. What will be the cost of treatment each month? Elodie inquired. The doctor pondered for a moment and replied, Lets wait for the complete assessment. If all goes well, it should amount to around 200 verl dor per week. As treatment progresses, the cost will decrease. However, if your condition isnt too favorable, it might range from 300 to 400 verl dor per week. Furthermore, even after you leave the hospital, you must prioritize rest and avoid exerting yourself. Elodie found herself rendered speechless. The nurse assisted her back to the ward and reinserted the needle into her arm. Shortly before noon, Julien rushed into the ward, his concern for his mother evident in his eyes. After conversing with him for a while, Jenna announced, Ill go to the hospital cafeteria and bring back some food for you. With that, she departed the ward, moving briskly as she descended the stairs. Thanks to Lumians guidance, Jenna had come to realize that she possessed extraordinary abilities as a Beyonder. She was no longer an ordinary individual. With a willingness to take calculated risks, she had numerous avenues to earn money. Consequently, the expenses for Elodies treatment and the overwhelming debt held no power over her. The fact that her mother had been saved was cause for celebration, a reason to extol the sun. In the ward, Elodie gazed at Julien, who sat beside her, and posed a question with a tender expression, Youre nearly 23, arent you? Thats right, Julien replied, a smile gracing his face. Ive been a provider for the family for quite some time now. But in your eyes, Im still a youngling. Elodie offered a faint smile and spoke, Thats because my criteria for true adulthood differ from others. Ive always believed that one can only be considered an adult when they possess a skill that consistently earns them money. Youre still a year away from that, and Celia has another year and a half to go. Youve endured so much these past few years. It was you who endured, Julien responded with a sigh. Before I could truly assist, you worked three jobs a day for a whole year, from 6 a.m. until midnight. Emotions surged within him, causing him to blurt out, Well definitely cure you! Elodie chuckled in delight, her hand gently caressing her flaxen hair. Unfortunately, my wig is gone. And your sister. She previously deceived us, claiming that the theater required her to dye her hair a brownish-yellow shade. In reality, it was to prevent herself from being recognized when she went to sing at the dance hall. I dont know what to do with her. Sigh, I truly dont want you to shoulder more debt. It will waste years. By then, you wont be young anymore Julien swiftly consoled his mother, assuring her that he excelled at his job and would undoubtedly receive a salary increase next year. After rambling for a few minutes, Elodie clutched her chest and beseeched Julien, Im not feeling well. Please find a doctor for me. Okay. Julien stood up abruptly and dashed out of the room. Elodie promptly removed the IV needle and stumbled toward the wards window, relying on the nearby beds for support. Meanwhile, on the first floor of Holy Palace Hospital. Jenna emerged from the cafeteria, carrying a wooden lunch box, and began her journey up the staircase. Suddenly, from the corner of her eye, she witnessed a figure hurtling downwards, resulting in a resounding thud. Jennas heart skipped a beat, her mind filled with unease. Hastily, she turned around, uncertain about the source of her apprehension. She dashed out of the hall and approached the spot where the person had jumped, maneuvering through the gathering crowd. In the next instant, she beheld a crimson liquid seeping and a familiar face adorned with delicate wrinkles. With a thud, the lunch box slipped from her grasp, crashing onto the ground. Her eyes grew vacant, reflecting a vivid red. The lifeless body belonged to her mother, Elodie. The person who had leaped from the building was her mother, Elodie. Chapter 247 - 247 Instigation 247 Instigation In the caf on the second floor of Salle de Bal Brise, Lumian finished his lunch and caught sight of Franca once more. She was attired in a white shirt, light-colored breeches, and vibrant red boots. This time, her countenance was grave, causing an uneasiness to settle upon Louis, Sarkota, and the other gangsters. They feared that trouble might accompany her arrival. Lumian rose from his seat, casting an inquisitive gaze in her direction. Franca exhaled slowly and spoke, her tone weighted with solemnity. Jennas mother passed away. Lumian was taken aback, as though he had witnessed Flamengs lifeless body dangling from a window frame or Ruhr decaying to the bone. His eyes narrowed, and his hands clenched into fists. After a few moments, he inquired, Was it due to her declining condition? No, Franca shook her head. It was suicide. Observing Lumians perplexed expression, she sighed and elaborated, Last night, when I sought out Jenna, I worried that she might put up a brave facade and keep her difficulties concealed or seek our assistance, so I made a point to meet the attending physician and the nurses responsible for her mothers care. I treated them to coffee and dessert, urging them to keep a close watch on Jennas mother. I arranged for them to notify me immediately of any complications, and I pledged to cover any necessary expenses. They informed me that upon learning about the months-long treatment and its approximate cost, Jennas mother took advantage of Jennas visit to the cafeteria and Juliens absence in search of a doctor. She leaped from the sixth floor Alas, her health was already frail, and she perished instantly upon impact. Lumian fell into a pensive silence. Suddenly, he pressed his left chest and sneered, Is this fate? Franca couldnt provide an answer. At 1 p.m., Lumian and Franca arrived at the Holy Palace Hospital. The nurse, whom Franca had deliberately befriended, guided them to the Farewell Sanctuary, situated on the ground floor of an annex. The place was known as the Farewell Sanctuary, where the departed awaited their purification. Julien, Jennas brother, sat by the door, his head in his hands, wearing a pained expression as he stared at the sky-blue-painted wall opposite. Approaching him, Franca asked in a hushed voice, Are Auntie and Jenna inside? Julien nodded slowly and whispered to himself in anguish, I shouldnt have left her alone in the ward I shouldnt have left her alone in the ward Franca didnt know how to console him; all she could do was sigh and enter the Farewell Sanctuary alongside Julien. Elodies body lay on a bed covered by a white sheet, concealed beneath a plain white cloth. The blood on her body had been cleansed. Her face appeared pallid, and her eyes were tightly shut. Jenna sat on a stool across from her mother, her gaze empty and her voice absent, as if her soul had departed. Franca called out, a mix of pain and concern in her tone, but Jenna ignored her, as if she had encased herself in another realm. Lumian pulled up a chair and seated himself next to Jenna, his gaze also fixed upon the lifeless figure of Elodie. After a few seconds, he spoke in a deep voice, I understand what youre feeling. Not long ago, I, too, lost the family member who meant the most to me. Jenna remained silent, as if she had transformed into a statue. Lumian directed his gaze toward the same direction as Jenna and continued, But you need to know who is responsible for this tragedy. Is it your fault? Is it your mothers fault? Is it your brothers fault? No, you did nothing wrong! Faced with accidents and debts, you chose to endure them with determination. You chose to rely on your own labor and suffering to secure a new life. It took you several years to emerge from it slowly. Is that wrong? No! This time, you didnt abandon your loved one. You fought hard to find a solution. Is that wrong? No! You didnt hide anything from your mother. You informed her about the duration of the treatment, the costs, and the source of funding. Is that wrong? No! There was no way to conceal it! Your mother loves you and wants you to avoid reliving the painful past few years. She wants you to walk in the light, not in darkness. Is that wrong? No! Who is at fault? Its the factory owner who continuously appeals and delays the compensation for the accident, subjecting you to years of painful and oppressive existence! Its the laws that protect their actions! Its Bono Goodville, who disregards safety regulations and fails to replace worn-out machines! Its the exorbitant cost of treatment that plunges the less fortunate into despair! Its the National Convention and the government who have caused all of this! Jennas expression finally shifted, a glimmer of pain surfacing in her vacant eyes and impassive face. Lumian turned towards the door, his voice resonating with depth as he spoke, I have something else to say. Perhaps the explosion at Goodville Chemical Factory, which led to your mothers tragic fate, wasnt an accident. Jenna instinctively turned to face Lumian and Franca. Lumian directed his gaze towards Elodies corpse. Perhaps it was a murder, a sacrificial offering to an evil deity. Our Honorable Member of Parliament, Hugues Artois, has been assessed by the Blessed of powerful evil gods as an open-minded individual. He is surrounded by heretics, including Tybalt Jacques, the assistant secretary responsible for spreading diseases and taking innocent lives. Yesterday morning, Bono Goodville paid a visit to the parliament members office, and by evening, his chemical plant had exploded. When I encountered Tybalt Jacques in the guise of Bono Goodville, he mentioned something about unavoidable troubles following an organizations decay. It convinced me that the chemical plant explosion was something they eagerly anticipated. It might have been orchestrated with a specific purpose that remains unknown to us. Are you consumed by anger? Do you feel a burning hatred? Can you accept this? Do you wish to sit here and watch as the murderers responsible for your mothers death and the destruction of your happiness revel in champagne, indulge in dance parties, and inflict more heartbreak on innocent families? Jennas expression twisted slightly, as if she grappled with conflicting emotions within. Eventually, she raised her hands to cover her face, weeping bitterly. But my mother she cannot be brought back Franca crouched down before Jenna and embraced her, allowing her tears to flow freely. As Jenna wept, Franca offered her guidance, What your mother desires most is for both you and your brother to be free from the burdens of debt and to embark on a fresh new life. She wishes for one of you to become a remarkable stage actress, while the other escapes the constraints of ordinary labor and masters a particular skill. She yearns for you to live well. Can you bear to disappoint her? Jenna sobbed and asked, But isnt it said that the night will pass and light will emerge? Why? Why is it always so dark? Why cant I see any light It will come, it will come, Franca repeated, patting Jennas back soothingly. What you must do now is to give your mother a proper burial and consider doing something meaningful in her honor. Okay, Jenna agreed tearfully. She wept until exhaustion overtook her, finally finding stability within her emotions. At that moment, the clergyman from the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, who had come to offer his final words of solace, arrived. Clad in a white robe adorned with intricate golden threads, he entered the room alongside Julien and positioned himself beside Elodies lifeless body. In one hand, he grasped the Holy Bible and recited a prayer, while the other hand held a suspended bottle of holy water. Eventually, a beam of sunlight, accompanied by the holy water, materialized from thin air and gently bathed Elodie. Praise the Sun. May this sister find peace and enter the realm of God. The clergyman extended his arms. Praise the Sun! Jenna and Julien joined in prayer. Observing the ceremony, Lumian bowed his head and silently scoffed. Franca, a devout follower of the God of Steam and Machinery, refrained from praising the Sun as well. With the purification ritual concluded, the priest departed from the Farewell Sanctuary. In his place, the administrator in charge of the Holy Palace Hospital morgue entered and posed a question to Julien and Jenna, Should we proceed with burial or cremation for this sister? Shall we send her to the catacombs, Cimetire des Innocents, or Cimetire des Prtres? Julien and Jenna exchanged glances before responding, Cremation. Well personally escort her to the catacombs. Their father also rested there. The morgue administrator made a notation and added, There have been numerous casualties from last night. The crematorium wont be available until next week. Would you like this sister to remain in the morgue for the time being? Very well. Jennas voice trembled slightly. And so, the four of them watched as Elodies visage was veiled with a white cloth and her body was gently guided out of the Farewell Sanctuary. They trailed behind the wheeled bed, descending through the steam-powered elevator into the subterranean realm until they arrived outside the morgue. The morgue door gleamed in a silvery-gray hue, while the interior emanated an eerie coldness, producing a misty white fog at the intersection. Jenna stood in a daze as her mother, Elodie, was propelled through the door, vanishing into the frigid chamber filled with metallic cabinets illuminated by gas-powered wall lamps. She remained fixated as the silver-gray door slowly shut. Unconsciously, she took a few steps forward, halting at the threshold. Silently, the door closed. Her mother was now forever beyond her sight. As they returned to Passy Bridge in Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, Jennas eyes fixed on her brother Julien, who walked ahead of her with a heavy heart. Sorrow engulfed her as the bright afternoon sun blinded her vision. Franca averted her gaze from Juliens retreating form and contemplated finding a task to occupy Jennas mind. Your brother is emotionally distressed. It seems he blames himself. Offer him guidance in the upcoming days and assure him that it wasnt his fault. Any ordinary person would have hurriedly sought a doctor. Jenna momentarily snapped out of her sorrow and tersely acknowledged, Ill counsel him. But what if it doesnt work? She glanced at Lumian and Franca, her expression filled with helplessness. Franca nodded reassuringly. When the time comes, I can assist him in finding a genuine Psychiatristone with Beyonder abilities. Jenna let out a sigh of relief, her nose sniffing with gratitude. Thank you. Thank you both. Lumian, drawing from his own experiences, reminded her, You must also attend to your own mental well-being. Jenna pressed her lips together and nodded, her gaze gradually transforming into one of determination. In a hushed, raspy voice, she addressed Franca and Lumian, Tonight, I intend to pay a visit to Bono Goodville. Chapter 248 - 248 Visitors 248 Visitors In Quartier des Thermes, at 55 Rue Chestnut, stood a three-story building tinged with a grayish-blue hue. It boasted a delightful garden, a well-kept lawn, and even stables. Within the establishment, a band played a melodic tune from a corner. Bono Goodville, the owner of this fine establishment, gracefully navigated through the guests with a glass of golden champagne in hand. Engaging in conversations about the aftermath of the chemical plant explosion, he cunningly aimed to evade his responsibilities while securing a substantial compensation from the insurance company. Between his interactions, he chatted with the wife of a government official, conferred with his lawyer, and sought out influential figures relevant to the matter at hand. Like a natural social butterfly, he effortlessly flitted from one person to another, exhibiting wit and vigor amidst the elegant setting. The light from the crystal chandelier illuminated his dark-blue eyes and thick brown beard, lending them a captivating sparkle. As he gracefully maneuvered around an unassuming guest, Bono Goodville unexpectedly encountered Travis Everett. The superintendent of Le March du Quartier du Gentleman was not in uniform that evening. Clad in a sleek black suit paired with a stylish blue bow tie, he held a glass of light golden champagne in his hand. Superintendent Everett, it is imperative that you ensure my protection during this trying time! Bono Goodville smiled at Travis Everett, expressing his concerns. The explosion claimed many lives, and I fear their bereaved relatives might resort to drastic measures. Everett adjusted his black-framed glasses and returned the smile. Ah, you see, Quartier des Thermes falls beyond my jurisdiction. Moreover, once I stepped onto this street, it became evident that the frequency and intensity of police patrols have notably increased. Indeed, but didnt you hire numerous bodyguards? What is there to worry about? Those who perished were ordinary workers. They pose no threat to you. Furthermore, they are unaware of your place of residence. Everett jestingly remarked, his tone lighthearted. But if the injured and their families discover that you continue to host a lavish banquet, serving fine wine while being serenaded by a small accompanying symphony band, their anguish might drive them to madness. They could drag you and your family into the depths of despair. Bono Goodville sheepishly smiled and replied, The banquet is unrelated to compensation. I must adhere to the law and await judgment. Superintendent Everett, if I were to return to the market district to handle matters, I humbly request your assistance in assigning two or three police officers to protect me. Everett gently nodded. That is my duty, but I must remind you that several police officers families are employed at your chemical plant. Implicitly, he emphasized the urgency of compensating his subordinates, hoping for a swift resolution. Bono Goodville nodded silently, seemingly unaffected. The banquet continued into the early hours of the morning. Amidst the lingering fragrance, Bono Goodville bid farewell to his three children, embracing each one before ascending to the third floor. Untying his bow tie, he entered the bedroom with his wife, ready to retire for the night. With a flick, the gas wall lamp ignited, casting a soft glow that reflected in Bono Goodvilles wide eyes. There, in his cherished recliner, sat an unexpected guest. Although seated, the man leaned forward, exuding an air of superiority that made Bono Goodville feel small and insignificant. Clad in a workers uniform of muted grayish-blue, complete with a dark-blue cap, his face concealed behind swaths of white bandages, leaving only his piercing blue eyes and a glimpse of his nostrils visible. Bono Goodvilles heart raced, his instinct urging him to scream for help. However, before a sound could escape his lips, a phantom-like crimson flaming raven materialized behind the surprise visitor. With a swift swoop, it crashed into Bono Goodvilles teeth. A soft bang resonated as Bono Goodvilles mouth seared with pain, and two teeth clattered to the ground. Agony distorted his features, stifling his cry. At that precise moment, a pair of sharp daggers pressed against the backs of both Bono Goodville and his wife. Emerging from the shadows of the doorway, Franca and Jenna closed the bedroom door behind them, effectively trapping their captives. One of them donned a black robe with a concealed hood and leather armor, her face veiled by darkness. The other sported a mans linen shirt, a brown jacket, dark brown trousers, and laceless leather boots. A silver-white metal mask adorned her upper face, leaving only her eyes exposed. Franca used her free hand to steady Bono Goodville, preventing him from collapsing in agony. Maintaining his seated posture, Lumian grinned. Monsieur Goodville, consider that a warning. It could have been much worse. Those two missing teeth and minor injuries are nothing compared to what could have transpired. Bono Goodvilles wife snapped out of her daze, her voice trembling with fear as she asked, Who are you? What do you want? Who am I? Lumian chuckled, a hint of mischief in his tone. You may consider me your father. With a glance toward Franca, she retrieved the truth serum Lumian had provided earlier and administered it to Bono Goodville. As Lumian awaited the serums effects, he maintained his smile and continued, Monsieur Goodville, I had hoped for a more challenging encounter, but instead, here we are, having a pleasant conversation. You disappoint me. He hadnt received a boon! Under the influence of the truth serum, Bono Goodville wore a bitter expression as he mustered the courage to ask, What do you want? I have a considerable sum of money in my safe. I can give it to you! Jennas anger flared up, surging from her chest to her head. In a sudden motion, she raised her left foot and delivered a swift kick to Bono Goodvilles calf. Oh, how she longed to strike him where it truly hurt, but circumstances prevented her from doing so! Dammit, take your money to the catacombs! Bono Goodvilles body leaned, and the sound of bones cracking reached his ears. Before his instinctual scream could escape, frost materialized, sealing his voice. Lumian nodded in approval, acknowledging Jennas actions. Once Bono Goodville had regained composure, Lumian spoke, I want to know why you orchestrated the detonation at your own chemical plant. Bono Goodvilles expression transformed, and he blurted out, How did you find out? Before he could finish his sentence, he wished to raise his right hand and slap himself. Shouldnt he have denied the accusation first? Why did he utter his thoughts so recklessly? Well, well, you are quite forthcoming. I was merely testing you, and you readily confessed, Lumian remarked, his tone almost causing Bono Goodvilles brain to seize. Jenna felt as if her soul had vacated her body. Though Lumians analysis had mentally prepared her, hearing the admission still left her in disbelief. Could there truly exist such a wicked individual? Hundreds of families were devastated! Snapping out of her stupor, Jenna clenched her teeth tightly, fearing that any relaxation might ignite her anger, prompting her to stab Bono Goodville. No, it would be hundreds of stabs! Goodvilles wife also stared at her husband in a state of shock and fear. She had believed the explosion at the chemical plant to be a mere accident. Lumian cast a cold gaze upon Bono Goodville and questioned, Why did you do it? Does it have any connection to someone within Hugues Artois office? Upon hearing the latter inquiry, Bono Goodville could not contain his astonishment and dread. After consuming the peculiar liquid and confessing to orchestrating the chemical plant explosion, Bono Goodvilles psychological defenses crumbled. In that moment, an overwhelming urge consumed himto drag someone down with him and share the burden of his sins. Its Rh?ne and Tybalt! They are Secretary and Assistant Secretary to Member of Parliament Hugues Artois. They have been dropping hints that the chemical plant has been deteriorating for years and could explode at any given moment. I thought I might as well find a way to cash in on the insurance compensation I had purchased in the past. And when the time came, Member of Parliament Hugues Artois would use the excuse of setting up a factory to boost the economy and protect the interests of the factory owner, thereby securing funds for reconstruction and compensation. They kept saying that everything decays. My chemical plant was no exception, so I anticipated various problems. Instead of waiting for it to explode naturally, I decided to exchange it for greater benefits. I visited them again yesterday morning. For some reason, I was foolish enough to be convinced by their words. When the explosion actually occurred, I grew fearful and went to the member of parliaments office thrice. They assured me everything would be fine. What an idiot. Hes not even a heretic Could superpowers have influenced him? Tybalt had also mentioned decay when he saw me disguised as Bono Goodville. What is their true agenda? Lumian pondered for a moment, about to inquire further about the conversation, when the sound of a doorbell being pulled suddenly resonated from the iron gate outside the lawn. Lumian and Franca exchanged swift glances, both coming up with guesses. To arrive at such an hour, ringing the doorbell politely, it could only be either a friend or an official investigator seeking Bono Goodville! Without uttering a word, Lumian rose to his feet, and Franca sheathed her dagger in silence. Jenna reacted instantly, comprehending their intentions. Taking a diagonal step, she raised her dagger high and thrust it into Bono Goodvilles shoulder. Blood spurted forth as Bono Goodville let out a pained grunt. Jenna didnt linger. She dashed towards the window opposite the main entrance. On her dagger, black flames ignited and swiftly extinguished in several spots within the room. The trio leaped out of the building, vaulted over the iron fence bordering the garden, and vanished into the encompassing night. Inside the bedroom, a three-person team consisting of Angoulme, Valentine, and the mixed-blood Imre confronted Bono Goodville, who had just finished bandaging his scorched mouth. The factory owner seethed with anger as he addressed them, Officer, I was nearly abducted by three criminals! Angoulme surveyed the scene, a smile playing on his lips. We will investigate that matter later. For now, the primary problem lies with you. My problem? Bono Goodville grew alarmed. Angoulme nodded slightly. Let us first confirm your faith before delving into your visit to the member of parliaments office on the morning of the chemical plant explosion. With insufficient evidence to take drastic measures against the member of parliament and his staff, the Purifiers redirected their investigation towards Bono Goodville. Upon hearing these words, Bono Goodville, his psychological defenses shattered, paled in apprehension. Chapter 249 - 249 Loophole in the Contract 249 Loophole in the Contract Observing Bono Goodvilles reaction, Angoulmes confidence grew a little. With a swift motion, he withdrew a pen and paper, preparing to draft a Notary Certificate. The concept behind it was for Bono Goodville to swear an oath to a deity, ensuring his honesty during the subsequent questioning. As Angoulme affixed his signature, the paper emitted a radiant golden glow. Bono Goodville swallowed nervously, feeling the weight of the situation. In recent years, as a well-known factory owner in Trier, he had encountered mystic knowledge and extraordinary powers that surpassed the imagination of ordinary folk. Such matters were not unfamiliar to him. It was akin to one of the three abductors blasting him with a flaming raven, another conjuring black flames, and a third leaping from the third floor. Sign your name, Angoulme instructed, handing Bono Goodville the Notary Certificate, now devoid of its golden glow. Very well. Bono Goodvilles right hand trembled as he inscribed his name upon the pledge. With each stroke, a flash of golden light emanated from his penmanship. Once he finished, Angoulme spoke in a deep, commanding voice. Which deity do you believe in? The God of Steam and Machinery. For Bono Goodville, this question held no challenge. Angoulme proceeded to the next inquiry. Why did you visit the member of parliaments office on the morning of the chemical plant explosion? Bono Goodville hesitated for two seconds. Fearful of supernatural powers and divine witnesses, he repeated what he had divulged to Lumian and the others under the influence of the remaining truth serum. Angoulme, Valentine, and Imre took turns posing questions, allowing Bono Goodville to reconstruct his conversation with the Member of Parliaments secretary, Rh?ne, and his assistant secretary, Tybalt, as accurately as possible. When the inquiry concluded, Angoulme delivered the verdict to Bono Goodville. You shall be arrested for arson, deliberate detonation of an explosion, and murder. Your assets will be temporarily frozen pending compensation for the deceased and injured. Bono Goodvilles face drained of color as he slumped into the recliner, utterly depleted. Valentine took a couple of steps towards the door, casting a glance at the corridor beyond. Lowering his voice, he proposed, Deacon, after we bring this blasphemous scoundrel to the police headquarters, shall we formally apprehend Hugues Artoiss secretary, Rh?ne? Angoulme sighed, shaking his head slowly. Not yet. Did you not notice? Rh?ne and the late Tybalt were exceedingly cautious. They never explicitly suggested that Bono Goodville instigated the explosion at his chemical plant. They merely insinuated their support for the member of parliaments policies and preached a philosophy of decay. They might exploit Bono Goodvilles blinded mind, misconstruing their words to justify his actions. It has been nearly two days, and finding any traces of Bono Goodville being influenced by superpowers is proving challenging. Put simply, we lack sufficient evidence to apprehend Secretary Rh?ne and employ Beyonder powers in the interrogation. We can only summon and question him through conventional means. Valentine seethed with anger, but he realized there was nothing he could do. He harbored an unwavering certainty that something was awry with the member of parliaments secretary, yet due to regulations, he couldnt employ mystical methods to confront him. After a brief pause, he glanced at Bono Goodville, sprawled on the recliner like a heap of decaying meat, and spoke with a deep voice, I suggest we deliver him to the stake! Angoulme nodded, addressing Valentine and Imre, Let us proceed. Take this man back to the market district, where he deserves to meet his end in ten different manners. Valentine was taken aback. Deacon, arent we going to track down the three Beyonders who infiltrated this place? Angoulme chuckled. Why should we? Valentine gazed at him, perplexed by his deacons approach. Imre, accustomed to his ways, whispered, The three Beyonders infiltrated this place without pillaging or harming anyone. They merely sought information about the chemical plant explosion and the visit to the member of parliaments office. Its evident they possess a genuine interest in Secretary Rh?ne and Member of Parliament Hugues Artois. I even wonder if theyre from the Aurora Order, and one of them is the one who killed Assistant Secretary Tybalt. Angoulme chuckled and added, Since we are barred from thoroughly investigating the member of parliaments office due to contracts and regulations, why not allow untamed Beyonders, equally keen on prying and employing violence, to squeeze out the pus and expose it to the sunlight? Wouldnt that pose a problem? Valentine blurted out. Amused, Angoulme responded, Of course not. When dealing with cunning individuals adept at exploiting regulations, we must be even more cunning and find loopholes. If need be, we can even collaborate with secret organizations and unite with wild Beyonders. The contracts we hold with members of parliament and high-ranking officials only limit certain actions; they dont prohibit us from harboring ill intentions or cultivating informants among untamed Beyonders. Such contracts dont constrain the actions of untamed Beyonders. Likewise, these contracts mainly serve as restrictions. They dont compel us to take certain actions. Sometimes, we can observe events unfold without transgressing the contract while handling things in the usual manner. Valentine, even beneath the sun, shadows abound. Consider everyones shadows, for instance. You must learn to coexist with them. At times, you must eliminate them, and at others, utilize them to extol the Sun! Valentine recalled his collaboration with Lumian in Cordu and reluctantly embraced the deacons words. He extended his arms and replied, Praise the Sun! Angoulme added, I did not craft these words. Ever since Emperor Roselles demise, the two Churches, parliament, the government, the military, and Bureau 8 have been embroiled in conflicts. Each has amassed considerable combat experience that would not be deemed aboveboard in any other context. Hence, why do you think I silently permit the presence of wild Beyonders amidst the mobs of the market district? Based solely on the reassurances and rhetoric of the superintendents? No, I merely believe they may prove useful at some point. Of course, it is everyones responsibility to tolerate the convergence of heretics into a large mob. I am no exception. There are advantages and disadvantages to everything. Valentine contemplated in silence, refraining from further inquiries. Similar tensions were apparent in Riston Province, although they paled in comparison to those in Trier. After all, this was the heartland of the nation. During their journey from Underground Trier to the market district, Lumian, having removed his bandages, cast a glance at the silent Jenna and casually remarked, I thought youd dispatch Bono Goodville on the spot, subjecting him to unforgettable torment even if he became a ghost. Who wouldve guessed youd merely stab him in the shoulder? Jenna pursed her lips and took a few steps ahead before responding in a hushed voice, If he dies now, the legal process for accident compensation will drag on for years. It might even be symbolic Though she no longer cared, many people still awaited justice. Franca subtly nodded and added, Fear not. Bono Goodville will undoubtedly face the death penalty. The only question is the means. Besides, we have left clues for the official Beyonders. Just as we shield Hugues Artois, we shall always assist in eliminating hidden dangers. Jenna offered a sad smile. Thats the member of parliament we elected. His secretary and assistant secretary greeted us with an enormous explosion intentionally. Are you afraid? Lumian mockingly inquired. Jenna fell silent, momentarily at a loss for words. Lumian pressed on, I have never relished the benefits of Intis, nor have I cast a vote. Should I encounter a similar situation, I would not spare the member of parliaments secretary or even the president who governs this country! My sister once said that blood alone can repay blood. I care not for the identity of the bleeding individual. Jennas expression contorted once more, and she spoke with a tinge of anguish, My mother always taught me to be kind and embrace forgiveness. I cannot allow suffering and hatred to dictate my life. That way, I shall never see the light Without waiting for Lumian and Franca to respond, she lowered her head and gritted her teeth. But I despise it so much! Lumian pursed his lips and stated, If you eliminate all your enemies, your life shall not be governed by hatred. Jenna fell silent for a few seconds before giving a terse nod. At the very least, at the very least, I shall not let Secretary Rh?ne off the hook! Franca promptly commended her, Very good. Maintain this resolve. She then emphasized, Of course, revenge cannot be blind or impulsive. You must wait until you are strong enough and seize the opportune moment to act. Otherwise, you shall only bring more harm to your family and friends. Furthermore, you will have to witness your enemy living a good life. Alright, Jenna softly replied, nodding. Late at night, Jenna, clad in her usual attire, returned to her home at 17 Rue Pasteur in Quartier du Jardin Botanique, her emotions in disarray. This place was situated near Rue Saint-Hilaire in the market district and the multitude of factories south of Quartier du Jardin Botanique. Previously, Jennas family had opted to rent this place for the convenience of Elodie and Juliens work. Upon opening the door, Jenna was greeted by the sight of her brother, Julien, crouched by the window, his head buried in his hands. Her heart sank, and her voice quivered as she inquired, Julien, whats the matter? Illuminated by the crimson moonlight, Julien leaned against the old wooden table, wearing an expression of terror. Dont fire me! Dont fire me! My mother passed away. She really passed away. Thats why I didnt come to the factory this afternoon Dont fire me! Dont fire me! Mom, Mom, its all my fault. I shouldnt have left you alone in the ward! Its all on me, entirely! Sob! Julien broke into tears, resembling a frightened child. It seemed as though he had lost his sanity. Jenna stood in the darkness at the doorway, gazing blankly at her brother. It felt as though she was slowly descending into an unfathomable abyss. Chapter 250 - 250 Condolence Banquet 250 Condolence Banquet Juliens sobs reverberated through the room, bathed in the glow of the moon. Jenna stood hesitantly by the door, unwilling to take a single step forward. Fear gripped herfear that stepping inside would confirm this as reality and not some dreadful nightmare. After a while, Jenna shut her eyes tightly and clenched her teeth as she entered the room that served as Juliens bedroom, living space, kitchen, and dining area. Hunching down beside her brother, she let him cry, not daring to touch him in his state of shock. Softly, she spoke, We dont have much debt left to settle. Even if we lose our current jobs, we can find new ones. Theres no rush You have a solid foundation. There must be other masters out there who would gladly take you in Mom wanted us to have a better life, not to wallow in self-blame Jenna repeated these words again and again until Julien, his spirit shattered, exhausted himself. His body gradually weakened, and he slumped against the wall by the window, drifting off to sleep. Finally, silence fell. Watching her brothers face slowly relax, his fear and anguish ebbing away, Jenna let out a silent sigh. Tears welled up in her eyes and streamed down her cheeks. After shedding silent tears for some time, she rose to her feet and made her way to Juliens bed. Tenderly, she gathered the blanket and draped it over her sleeping brother, leaning against the wall. Having done all this, she trudged wearily back to the other room. It was her and her mother Elodies bedroom. Jenna lay down, her vacant eyes fixed on the dimly lit ceiling, cast in moonlight. Her mothers words echoed incessantly in her mind, but she couldnt convince herself. Perhaps, aside from a fortunate few, darkness was the dominant theme in life. Light was but an occasional adornment. Abruptly, Jenna seized her mothers pillow and pressed it against her face, her body trembling with suppressed sobs. Why, why is darkness always so overpowering, devoid of light? When will the sun rise again? At some point, Jenna succumbed to a deep slumber. She was startled awake by the commotion outside. Sitting up, she rubbed her swollen eyes and hastened out of the room. The sight that greeted her eyes was Julien, toasting slices of bread. He no longer bore the devastation of the previous night; instead, he was focused on his task. Jennas lips quivered for a moment before she finally spoke her customary greeting. Why are you up so early? Julien responded with a touch of stiffness, I didnt have dinner yesterday, and my hunger woke me up. Just wait a little longer. The toast will be ready soon. Observing her brothers state, Jenna couldnt ease her worry. If Julien were still in the midst of a mental breakdown, weeping as he did the night before, she might feel uncomfortable, gloomy, and desperate, but she wouldnt be afraid. She would compel her brother to meet Franca and have her find a genuine psychiatrist for his treatment. Yet now, she couldnt be certain if Julien had genuinely recovered or if he was merely presenting a facade of normalcy. If there were unresolved issues lurking beneath, they could prove catastrophic when they resurfaced! Jenna feared her brother might leap from a building and end his own life just after they finished breakfast. Carefully observing Julien for a while, she sensed that his hysterical breakdown had indeed dissipated, but his mind hadnt fully returned to its usual state. When Julien prepared breakfast, he moved with agility and skill. No issues there. However, during their conversations, he appeared wooden, rigid, and slow to react. This convinced Jenna that her brother had repressed not only his breakdown and abnormalities but also his thoughts and soul. Sigh I still have to find a real Psychiatrist Jennas vision blurred once more. Before long, Julien finished toasting the bread and went to a nearby vendor to purchase a relatively fresh can of milk. As Jenna nibbled on her breakfast, she pretended indifference and glanced at her brother. I couldnt sleep last night, and I felt despondent. I want to see a psychiatrist. You dont seem any better. Would you like to come with me? After a brief pause, Julien replied, I need to job hunt. A wave of sorrow washed over Jenna once more. Her brother didnt question her pursuit of a psychiatrist. People in this neighborhood were reluctant to visit even a regular doctor, let alone a psychiatrist, for mental concerns. Most of them were unaware of the profession of psychiatrist and didnt believe they had any psychological issues. Considering that seeing a genuine Psychiatrist might require an appointment, Jenna didnt press the matter. After some contemplation, she spoke encouragingly, I think you should choose your employer and master carefully this time. Its normal not to find a job within a few days. It might take a week, or two, or even a month. When the time comes, both of us will have an income. Maybe we can settle the remaining debt within a year. I certainly cant do it alone. The income of an underground singer isnt stable. I never know when my popularity might wane. On the one hand, Jenna aimed to alleviate the pressure on her brother in advance, so he wouldnt break down again due to the inability to find a job quickly. On the other hand, she emphasized his importance, assuring him that she couldnt do it alone. By relying on his responsibility, she sought to fortify his will to survive and prevent any sudden thoughts of suicide. Jenna, who had never considered such details the previous day, couldnt help but ponder similar matters today. Having repeatedly steadied Juliens condition, she watched her brother depart for the gathering spot at Quartier du Jardin Botanique, where factories sought employees and gave opportunities. After taking a brief rest, Jenna left 17 Rue Pasteur, still feeling somewhat weary, and made her way towards Rue Saint-Hilaire, which was within close proximity. Her plan was to stroll leisurely towards Rue des Blouses Blanches. It would coincide with Franca waking up, enabling her to persuade Franca to arrange an appointment with a genuine Psychiatrist. Lost in her thoughts as she passed the intersection, Jennas gaze swept across the vacant space, catching sight of a newspaper article displayed on a nearby newsstand: Member of Parliament Hugues Artois Stresses Impartial Handling of Goodville Chemical Factory Explosion. Intrigued, Jenna was drawn to the words, instinctively stepping closer and picking up the newspaper to swiftly peruse the news. Newly elected member of parliament, Hugues Artois, believes it is unjust to vilify factory owners solely based on accidents. Nor should factory owners, who generate numerous jobs and contribute taxes to the country, face bankruptcy after enduring a mishap. Such circumstances would result in a surge of bankruptcies, heightened unemployment rates, and a fresh wave of protests and turmoil. Hugues Artois has expressed his commitment to not forget the injured and deceased in the explosion. He intends to establish a new public welfare fund to assist factory owners in covering a portion of accident compensation, enabling the factories to continue operating. Those responsible for the accident will bear the weight of their sins through increased job creation and tax contributions. He further stated his intent to propose a bill at the National Convention, fostering a more favorable environment for entrepreneurs. This would involve streamlined dismissal of unqualified workers and employees, as well as fairer compensation for accidents At that moment, Jennas shoulders quivered unexpectedly. She laughed, her body trembling for an extended period. After a while, she set the newspaper down and resumed her onward journey. Unbeknownst to her, Jenna arrived at Rue Saint-Hilaire and the partially destroyed Goodville Chemical Factory. As she gazed at the battered metal tank, thoughts of her mother, Elodie, flooded her mind once again. She would always gravitate towards that iconic structure upon entering the factory. A few minutes later, through her blurred vision, Jenna spotted an unfamiliar yet vaguely familiar face. It was a woman donned in a worn-out dress who said to Jenna, Hurry, lets make our way to Avenue du March. The member of parliament is hosting a condolence banquet and extending invitations. We might be able to obtain something! A condolence banquet? Jenna asked, bewildered. The woman nodded enthusiastically. Yes, indeed! Your mother was injured in the explosion too, dont you remember? We met in the ward. That member of parliament arrived at the hospital just half an hour ago. There will be a condolence banquet later! Hugues Artois? Jenna blurted out instinctively. Exactly, exactly. Thats the name, the woman affirmed, grasping the dazed Jennas arm and hastening towards the member of parliaments office on Avenue du March. Half an hour later, they reached the khaki-colored four-story building. Many individuals dressed like paupers were queued up for inspection, awaiting entry into the hall. Jenna, wearing a simple grayish-blue dress, let her hair fall naturally over her shoulders without any makeup. She joined the back of the line and gradually made her way forward. Nearly fifteen minutes later, it was finally her turn. A woman in a dark-blue uniform began the inspection, starting with Jennas head and proceeding to her boots. After confirming the absence of any dangerous items, the woman directed her to register and verify her identity before entering the banquet hall. Auberge du Coq Dor, Room 207. Lumian cast a surprised glance at Franca, who had appeared at the door, and exclaimed, Youre early again today. Franca, still donning a blouse, light-colored breeches, and red boots, was now clad in a different ensemble. She scoffed and retorted, Im merely concerned that you and Jenna might outwardly agree, only to carry out an assassination on the Member of Parliaments secretary, Rh?ne. Am I seen as such a reckless individual in your eyes? Lumian inquired. Yes, Franca responded without hesitation. She even contemplated adding the word most, but when she recollected a Folk of Rage she had encountered in a seaside town, she felt that Lumian couldnt be categorized as one. Breathing a sigh of relief, she continued, Since you havent acted impulsively, Jenna should be safe. Ill go and visit her, assessing if she requires any assistance at home. Just as Franca concluded her statement, hurried footsteps resounded from downstairs, drawing nearer. Lumian and Franca, positioned by the doorway, turned their heads to behold Jenna, garbed in a simple grayish-blue dress, her hair tousled, rushing over in distress. She sobbed and uttered, My brother, my brother has gone insane! Hes become a lunatic Chapter 251 - 251 Giant Tree 251 Giant Tree Jennas brother gone mad? Lumians rage surged. Not because he was angry with the other party and thought his mental strength too weak to crumble so easily into madness, but because he heard fates mocking laughter once again. He noticed yesterday that Julien blamed himself for Elodies death and showed signs of withdrawing into himself, but that was far from madness. Even if he faced psychological issues in the future, they would be prolonged, not an instant breakdown. Unless unless something happened last night that dealt Julien another heavy blow! Damn fate! Franca shared the surprise. Yesterday, she had warned Jenna to keep an eye on her brothers mental state, but she hadnt expected Julien to lose his mind so swiftly. As far as she knew, he was a resilient young man. He was in good health, and his emotions wouldnt easily be affected or trigger dangerous tendencies. It would be normal for him to isolate himself or indulge for a while, but a complete breakdown in one night seemed unlikely. Jenna had mentioned Juliens inclination towards extremism, but that was for the sake of their family. With his sister still alive, burdened with debts, and the need to become an underground singer, it was evident that Julien would persist and work hard to share the load until the debts were repaid. If his psychological issues persisted until then, he might collapse or quietly take his own life. This led Franca to suspect that Julien had been agitated once again the previous night. She had similar concerns about Jennas mothers decision to commit suicide, but she refrained from mentioning it to avoid upsetting Jenna. Franca understood Elodies feelings and choices, but suicide felt too hasty and impulsive, as if something had influenced her emotions. Before transmigrating into this world, Franca had read many reports of such nature. She knew that the torment of poverty, self-blame for burdening the family with debts, fear of being incapable of labor, and pure selfless love could drive an optimistic person into a desperate situation, leading them to sacrifice themselves. However, such matters typically involved a period of internal struggle before they were carried out. After all, everyone had a will to survive and would consider their loved ones feelings. While it wasnt impossible to commit suicide upon understanding the circumstances, the chances were quite low. Franca speculated two possibilities. First, Jennas mother might have been psychologically affected by her physical condition. Second, the explosion at the chemical plant might have been part of the motives of the Member of Parliament secretary, Rh?ne, and others. The subsequent abnormal and widespread emotional fluctuations could be connected to those events. Is Julien in a similar situation? Franca shifted her gaze to Jenna, who approached Room 207, sobbing. What happened? Julien got fired, Jenna said, her expression filled with resentment. Just because he didnt go to the factory yesterday afternoon. But who thinks of work when their mother has just passed away? After leaving the hospital, he immediately went to his master to request time off, but they handed him a dismissal notice instead. He had been an apprentice there for a whole year! Dammit! Franca cursed. Cant they just deduct some money? Are they heartless? Do none of their own family members die? They said it needed to be requested in advance. It cant be done afterward. Jenna wiped her tears. Julien broke down this morning. He cried like a child, blaming himself and expressing his fear of losing his job. I waited until he was exhausted from crying and fell asleep before rushing over to find you. I went to Rue des Blouses Blanches first but found no one there, so I came here. As she spoke, her words meandered, as though a flood of emotions had surged within her and needed release. Franca let out a relieved sigh. It doesnt seem too grave. Sounds more like an overwhelming breakdown. Trust me, a genuine Psychiatrist can heal your brother completely. Ill arrange an appointment for you right away! As Franca spoke, she turned and headed towards the staircase. The anger in Lumians heart intensified. Forgetting to request time off, getting fired on the very day he made the request, succumbing to new disturbances, and spiraling into madnessit all seemed too coincidental. Motherf*cker Termiboros! Motherf*cker Inevitability! Lumian spun towards Jenna and said sharply, Lets pay a visit to the factory owner and your brothers master! Jenna pursed her lips and replied simply, Okay. Lumian walked past her and followed Franca up the stairs, his fiery blue eyes burning with determination. At that moment, the words of Psychiatrist Madam Susie echoed in his mind: Always remind yourself not to overreact. Whenever you feel a similar surge of emotions, take deep breaths and find your calm Lumian took a deep breath, feeling a sense of alarm. In the face of Jennas brothers madness and fates cruel taunts, he should be angered and protest, but he shouldnt have allowed his rage to consume him completely! Almost simultaneously, behind Lumian, Jennas resentful expression transformed into a calm one. From somewhere, she drew a brownish-green dagger, resembling a blade fashioned from tree branches instead of metal. Its surface was adorned with bark, arranged in intricate patterns. With a swift motion, Jenna thrust the dagger towards Lumians back. Reacting swiftly, Lumian twisted his body, narrowly avoiding a fatal blow. The dagger found purchase between his shoulder and back, drawing blood. Jenna leaped back with agility, while the crimson blood from Lumians wound flowed profusely, like crimson fire. The bark on Jennas brownish-green dagger seemed to come alive, greedily absorbing Lumians blood. In that moment, the muscles on Jennas face contorted, rendering her unrecognizable to Lumian and Franca. In an instant, she transformed into an enchanting and ethereal girl, her features captivating. Lumians pupils dilated as he recognized the imposter. Charlotte Calvino! Charlotte Calvino, the leading actress of Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons! Charlotte blended seamlessly with her surroundings, evading Lumians fiery crimson fireball with ease. Amidst the thunderous explosion, the door to Room 207 crumbled. The actress chuckled and uttered, You regained your senses swiftly. I couldnt eliminate you directly. But it matters not. We only require a small portion of your blood. On Avenue du March, outside the khaki-colored four-story building that housed the member of parliaments office, Jenna stepped into the banquet hall with bewilderment. Before her eyes lay an array of exquisite desserts, savory dishes, and glasses of vibrant-colored drinks, spread across long tables. In one corner of the hall, a small symphony band played a soothing melody, accompanied by the sparkling brilliance of a crystal chandelier and the gentle rays of sunlight pouring in through the windows. Amongst the crowd were individuals clad in brown jackets, linen shirts, and nondescript attire from the market district, appearing rather out of place amidst the opulence of the banquet. Some stood in a corner, their expressions vacant, while others regarded the luxurious items with resentment. Some consumed food in a state of confusion, while others savored champagne with excitement, relishing the taste of an affair reserved for the upper class. Instinctively, Jenna retreated to a dimly lit corner, her expression impassive as she silently observed everything around her. Meanwhile, on the fourth floor of the member of parliaments office. Hugues Artois, dressed in a black tailcoat and a dark-blue bow tie, his sideburns mottled and his nose prominent, stood behind a window, surveying the market district. This chaotic and antiquated place belonged to his kingdom. Monsieur Member of Parliament, why host a condolence banquet and invite these plebeians? Rh?ne, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and sporting neatly combed hair, asked in confusion. Hugues Artois smiled. It is the duty of a member of parliament. Before assuming another identity, I must fulfill my obligations. Furthermore, by offering condolences and assistance to the grieving people at this time, I will leave a lasting impression in their minds. They may become my loyal followers in the future. When the time comes, their conversion will be easier. The red-haired Cassandra chuckled. And they shall remain oblivious to the fact that it is you, a member of parliament, who has brought calamity, pain, and despair upon them. They will only perceive the care and concern from a high-ranking figure, satisfied by your promises. Secretary Rh?ne nodded, a smile playing on his lips. In their eyes, Monsieur Member of Parliament is an esteemed figure they can only admire from afar. They dare not approach or question him, let alone harbor suspicions, vent their anger, or harbor hatred. As long as there is no organization among them, they will never dare to resist. Hugues Artois laughed and declared, That is precisely why we must sow division among them, fueling their animosity towards each other. With those words spoken, Hugues Artois turned his gaze towards the sunlit window and muttered to himself, Those under the Mother Tree of Desire must have already commenced their actions, I presume On Rue Anarchie, just outside Auberge du Coq Dor. Without warning, the ground split open and the center caved in, catching several vendors off guard. They tumbled into the abyss, their screams abruptly silenced. A colossal brownish-green tree sprang forth from the depths, its branches spreading in every direction. Stretching across multiple blocks, it ensnared Auberge du Coq Dor within its leafy embrace. The eloping couple, amidst their verbal sparring, found themselves once again engaged in their favored pastime. Anthony Reid, the information broker, sought refuge beneath a rickety wooden table, trembling uncontrollably. Meanwhile, Pavard Neeson, the proprietor of the underground bar, reached for his sketchpad, downing a gulp of liquor as he sketched with an expression of deep concern The immense brownish-green tree continued to grow, unabated. Chapter 252 - 252 Ancient Times 252 Ancient Times Lumians fireball missed its target, Charlotte, and in response, countless branches and vines slithered into Auberge du Coq Dor from every direction, entwining the walls, floor, windows, and ceiling. They twisted together in a tangle of brown and green, creating an impenetrable barrier. In an instant, the entire scene transformed into a surreal illusion before solidifying once more. Before him stood an immense tree, its shades of brown and green blending together harmoniously. Its roots delved deep into the earth, while its majestic crown reached ever higher towards the heavens. Lumians eyes widened as he realized he had been unknowingly transported. It was reminiscent of his previous journeys into Paramita, where he would find himself in a new place without any awareness of the transition. Gone was Auberge du Coq Dor. Now, his feet trod upon the tangled knots of tree roots that carpeted the ground. His gaze ascended to the colossal tree, reminiscent of ancient legends, as the vast expanse of the sky with its painted-like blue hue and fluffy white clouds loomed above. The trees surface was marred by repulsive, damp growths, and each branch appeared to bear the weight of a structurea building, a road, and other peculiarities. Auberge du Coq Dor was among them, perched upon a brownish-green tree trunk, intertwined with countless branches and vines, revealing a mere dozen windows to the world. Through one of the glass windows, Lumian caught sight of the eloping couple engaged in passionate love-making, while the information broker, Anthony Reid, cowered under a wooden table, trembling in fear The other tree trunks held objects enshrouded by branches, leaves, and vines, appearing ethereal and hazy, as if they were scenes recorded by a magnetic field through foggy air. Within this realm, ancient buildings with pediments, herringbone roofs, and lead-framed windows emerged. Women clutching gas street lamps were embraced from behind, priests stood before nude men, and individuals leaped out of glass windows while covering their behinds. Exquisite bodies were carried on trays to dining tables, orgies unfolded with clothing strewn about, and an evil beauty turned her head to reveal two black goat horns. A bishop naked from the bottom half heard confessions from believers in front of a Sacred Emblem. The scenes varied in architectural styles, clothing, and hairstyles, some evoking ancient times while others seemed to have occurred just yesterday. Behind Lumian, crimson Fire Ravens materialized, half-illusory. He swiftly scanned the area, yet Franca was nowhere to be found. Franca hadnt been transported to this place caught between reality and illusion! On Rue Anarchie, amidst the tree roots, branches, and vines, street vendors and pedestrians devoured the food they sold. Even after vomiting, they continued to eat with unwavering determination. Some forcefully pinned down members of the opposite sex on the street, others drawing daggers to attack peers who had provoked them or dared steal their spots. In scenes of utter chaos, certain individuals approached glass windows, attempting to entice their reflections into a dance with a gentlemanly bow. Pedestrians and carriages traversed the streets, seemingly oblivious to the extraordinary circumstances. Vendors continued their lively hawking, and shops remained open. Passersby appeared captivated by the bustling atmosphere, unwilling to depart. What they failed to notice was the absence of anyone who had entered this areathey had simply vanished, never to return. On the fourth floor of the khaki-colored building that housed the member of parliaments office at Avenue du March. Hugues Artois, lost in thought, gazed out at the nearby streets. Cassandra, with her fiery red hair, turned back to him and asked with curiosity, What is Susanna from the Bliss Society planning? A smile formed on Hugues Artois lips as he replied, They spoke a great deal, but my understanding was limited. I recall them mentioning a plan to submerge the underground divine tree into the depths of Fourth Epoch Trier and extend it into a place called the astral world. Cassandra, Rh?ne, Margaret, and Boduva exchanged puzzled and concerned glances, unable to hide their confusion. But wont that cause a tremendous uproar? Our current strength is far from that of official Beyonders. Its best to avoid a direct clash with them. You might not be aware, but I come from the Sauron family, and I understand the authorities quite well. I know how powerful and formidable they can be. Everything weve done so far has been in secret, evading investigations as best we could. If we were to be exposed, its highly likely that we would face a Saint or a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact. And beyond them, there are angels and Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts. Hugues Artois pressed his right hand down and reassured them with a smile. Fear not, they wont implicate us. I didnt incite them to undertake this endeavor. I didnt even offer a hint or assistance. I can only be considered aware of their plan in advance, silently consenting to their actions. The only thing that could potentially link us to this affair is the explosion at the chemical plant that received an excessive amount of decay blessings. However, that occurred because Bono Goodville misunderstood Rh?nes intentions and committed an unforgivable crime. The various emotions and desires stemming from the accident were exploited, amplified, and used as nourishment. What does that have to do with us? As the team members expressions eased, Hugues Artois stepped away from the window, emitting a deep chuckle. If they succeed, it will mark another solid step forward in our pursuits. We will be even closer to welcoming the descent of great existences. If they, unfortunately, fail, we will exercise restraint for the time being and strive to ensure that our activities remain hidden from the Beyonders of the two Churches. We will continue to be the rulers of the market district. Success or failure, its our opportunity. During the National Conventions discussions, I will expose the corruption and mediocre abilities of the Beyonders from the two Churches. They have allowed heretics to repeatedly ravage the market district, each time worse than the last! I will request Bureau 8 to establish a branch in the market district to assist the inept Church Beyonders and share their burden. Bureau 8, always eager to expand its authority, will surely support my proposal. With three different official forces simultaneously present in the market district, conflicts among them will work to our advantage. Compared to the orthodox Beyonders of the two Churches, Bureau 8 can be influenced, corrupted, and gradually swayed to our side. This is my plan. In the long run, victory will be ours! Rh?ne, the secretary with gold-rimmed glasses and neatly combed hair, chuckled. Thats my specialty. Influencing, corrupting, and gradually decaying an organization, leading to its decline and moral degradation. Hugues Artois adjusted his tailcoat and bow tie, preparing to leave for the banquet hall. Before departing, he surveyed his surroundings, his gaze shifting between Cassandra, Rh?ne, Boduva, and Margaret. An unusual sense of confidence and certainty washed over him. These four subordinates possessed impressive Beyonder powers, with the red-haired Cassandra being particularly formidable, instilling him with a sense of security. Outside the office door, near the stairs, stood an official Beyonder team tasked with protecting him. Not every member of parliament received the privilege of a three-man protective team. Some were already powerful Beyonders, while others hailed from noble backgrounds and had their own Beyonder bodyguards. For some, a certain level of personal strength warranted the presence of a Beyonder companion to ensure their safety. It was only someone like Hugues Artois, lacking Beyonder abilities and familial support, who required such protection. According to the rules, the responsibility of safeguarding Hugues Artois rotated among the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, the God of Steam and Machinery Church, and Bureau 8. Today, it was the turn of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church. In addition to the Beyonders, the entire building housed ten well-trained professional security guards armed with firearms. They were members of Bureau 7, a branch of the Intis Intelligence and Homeland Security Committeethe Special Services Bureauresponsible for providing basic protection to members of parliament and high-ranking government officials. Standing by the door, Hugues Artois awaited Rh?ne, his secretary, to open it. With a smile on his face, he lifted his head slightly, puffed out his chest, and confidently walked out, descending the stairs. On the ground covered with tangled tree roots, Lumian surrounded himself with semi-illusory Fire Ravens, once again spotting Charlotte Calvino, the leading lady of Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. With a remarkable talent for acting, Charlotte gracefully wandered through the illusory scenes formed by the various tree trunks. Sometimes, she adorned a corset dress and styled her hair in an elegant bun. Other times, she embraced contemporary fashion, donning a fitted dress, a small coat, and long boots. On certain occasions, she even transported herself to the era of the Sauron royal family, embodying their love for masculine attire and blending seamlessly with the corresponding backdrop. In this ethereal process, whenever she left one misty illusory scene, she promptly emerged in another, as if leisurely strolling through different eras of Trier. Beneath the dim glow of the gas street lamps, Charlotte wore a smile as she addressed Lumian, You should consider yourself honored. You are the first dissident to enter the divine tree and merge with it. The crimson Fire Ravens encircling Lumian condensed but refrained from attacking. This was because Charlotte constantly flickered between illusory scenes, altering her appearance with each transition. Her voice echoed from all directions, forming sentences. Lumian had already donned black gloves. His right hand was in his pocket, gripping Mr. Ks finger tightly. Charlotte continued her discourse, introducing the situation as if through an aria, as if it were insufficient to satisfy her inner desires. This ancient Tree of Shadow predates the construction of present-day Trier. Its roots were buried deep underground. It brings delight and sustenance to the people of Trier. With the aid of the devil lineage and devoted followers, the ambiance here gradually transformed according to the deitys desired path. The people of Trier have never failed it. Both debauchery and pleasure are inherent to human nature. Year after year, they showered it with various excessive desires, providing it with nourishment. Over a millennium has elapsed. Although Trier hasnt reached the expected pinnacle of unbridled joy and indulgence until death, it has taken form. The divine trees growth has now reached a crucial crossroads. In such a situation, pure desires and emotions can no longer play their primary role. They can only serve as firewood for the fire. We require a sacrifice of considerable magnitude. And you, who possess corruption at the angelic level but lack commensurate strength, are the perfect choice! Lumians heart skipped a beat upon hearing this. His pupils dilated, as if he wished to see Charlottes face clearly. Does she know that I carry the sealed power of Inevitability within me? Charlotte grinned. The first time you summoned High Priestess Susanna, she sensed the terrifying angelic power sealed within you. She didnt dare possess you. Her subsequent attempts to kill you were not solely motivated by Charlie! Chapter 253 - 253 Root of the Problem 253 Root of the Problem Upon hearing Charlottes words, Lumian grasped the problem in an instant. As soon as he reached the market district and attempted his first Summoning Dance, he unintentionally summoned Susanna Mattise, who had been drawn to Charlie, into his room. At the time, Susanna seemed eager to possess him, but she instinctively sensed the danger lurking within the seal and refrained from acting. This mirrored the behavior of the peculiar creatures Lumian had summoned before. It appeared that only by compelling them would they dare to take hold of him. Hence, Lumian didnt see anything amiss then. Even when he later encountered Susanna Mattise again and gained deeper insight into the Bliss Society, he failed to connect the dots. But now, he realized his oversight. Susanna Mattise was fundamentally different from the strange creatures he had previously summoned! The dissimilarity didnt lie in her status as a Sequence 5 evil spirit who had failed to attain godhood, but rather in her possession of reason and the ability to think. Besides being extremely fanatical and persistent, she could also lead and develop a secret organization! When such an evil spirit sensed the tremendously dangerous power sealed within Lumians body, even if she didnt immediately recognize it as angelic-level corruption, she would have left in confusion and sought revelation from the evil god she believed in! By the time she grasped the situation, Lumian, possessing the strength of a Low-Sequence Beyonder equivalent to an angel, would be irresistibly appealing to heretics skilled in sacrificial rituals. He would be no less enticing than a hundred million verl dor abandoned on the street before a Scrooge. Had it not been for Lumians quick thinking, temporarily stunning her with Fallen Mercury and deceiving Susanna Mattise during their second encounter, the situation might have reached its conclusion before the official Beyonders arrived. For Charlie, an ordinary person, to successfully descend from the fifth floor to Lumians door and seek help despite Susanna Mattises threats and lingering presence, it seemed more than just mere luck. One couldnt trust the words and emotions of an Actor, especially those who were particularly good-looking! In Charlotte Calvinos performance, Lumian had been scanning the surroundings, hoping to utilize a Hunters instincts to find an exit from this peculiar space. Yet, aside from the entangled tree roots blanketing the ground, the colossal slowly-growing brownish-green tree, and the oil painting-like blue sky with white clouds, there was nothing else. In such an environment, Lumians Pyromaniac instincts made him stop hesitating. He released his grip on Mr. Ks finger and flung it into the air. Almost simultaneously, the semi-illusory crimson Fire Ravens condensed around him took flight, each tracing an elegant arc as they soared toward the illusionary scene where Charlotte Calvino stood and the fog of the past lingering on the surrounding branches. Charlotte stepped out of the grand palace, suspected to be a scene depicting Emperor Roselles affair, and entered the White Maple Palace during the Sauron royal era. There, a Beyonder who had transformed into a man due to a potion but hadnt changed his sexual orientation was scrutinizing the noble ladies spouses. The rumbling sounds persisted, yet Charlotte effortlessly evaded the onslaught of Fire Ravens. The fog-shrouded scenes of the past remained unyielding, as if they were truly nonexistent. However, the brownish-green branches that bore them showed signs of scorching and charring. The Tree of Shadow was, after all, a tree, and thus susceptible to combustion! The only issue was that Lumians Fire Ravens inflicted minimal harm upon it. In an explosive moment, Mr. Ks finger detonated like a bomb, transforming into a gruesome rain of flesh and blood that draped Lumian in a hooded robe of crimson. To Lumians dismay, Mr. K didnt appear immediately. It was uncertain whether it would take time to sense his presence or if the Tree of Shadow had isolated this space from the real world. Charlotte ventured into the illusory scene of a torrential downpour, where a few naked figures sprinted about. Her white silk dress seemed drenched, adhering to her body and accentuating her unusually exquisite form. She bestowed Lumian with a smile, her eyes akin to serene lakes tinged with timidity, innocence, and purity. A searing flame coursed through Lumians being, igniting from his head down to his very core. Lumians heart surged with longing. He darted between the entangled roots, heading toward the brownish-green tree and the captivating figure of Charlotte Calvino. Charlotte didnt traverse the various illusory scenes. Instead, she stepped onto a tree branch below and leaned against the brownish-green trunk. Her body trembled slightly, as if yearning to hide but finding no escape. Lumians eyes blazed with a reddened fury as his gaze fixated upon Charlottes sparkling eyes, moist lips, graceful neck, and alluring curves. His thoughts became a chaotic haze. Thus, he failed to notice Charlottes abdomen and legs sinking into the brownish-green trunk. He failed to observe the crack forming, unveiling a colossal moist flower. The vivid red flower bloomed gradually, akin to an enormous mouth anticipating its prey. Lumian lunged toward Charlotte, propelled by his fervor. Charlotte couldnt help but smile. At that very moment, a muffled explosion erupted from Lumians right pocket. Boom! Underneath his blood-colored robe, a ball of flames burst forth, ripping through his pocket and igniting his shirt, causing an agonizing pain to course through Lumians waist. Lumians eyes regained some semblance of clarity. Swiftly, he reached out and grasped Charlottes wrist, keeping a minimal distance between himself and the moist flower. Having long been aware of the Mother Tree of Desires ability to awaken various desires, how could Lumian not have been on guard against Charlottes seduction? However, in order to prevent the other party from detecting his defenses prematurely and setting a trap, he chose not to directly soak the Mysticism Smelling Salts in cloth and place it near his nose. Nor did he turn the dagger around, preparing for the collision that would bring him back to his senses. In their current predicament, such methods held little reliability, for Charlotte might not allow him to truly pounce on her. Hence, Lumian opted to create a small fireball with a delayed explosion in his pocket, all the while gripping Mr. Ks finger! If he remained unaffected and the fireball neared detonation, he could choose to dispel it and create another. The small fireball inflicted negligible harm upon him. Its primary purpose was to awaken him through pain. As for the resultant burn injuries, Lumian paid them no heed. Pyromaniacs held no fear of such trivialities! In an instant, Lumian seized Charlottes wrist, and he caught a flicker of fear on her face. Without delay, two serpent-like crimson flames burst forth from Lumians palm, searing their way along Charlottes arm toward her body and head. Instinctively, Charlotte tilted her neck back, emitting a pained groan as her skin swiftly turned black from the scorching flames. Just as Lumian was on the verge of engulfing her entirely, a wave of intense danger washed over him. He attempted to pull Charlotte to the side, but she appeared to meld with the brownish-green tree. No matter how hard Lumian tugged, he couldnt extricate her. Reluctantly, Lumian abandoned his futile efforts and lunged to his right. With a muffled thud, a tree trunk as thick as a wine glass descended from the sky, impaling the ground teeming with tangled roots like a javelin, its tip quivering violently. Lumian glanced upward and beheld Susanna Mattise, her turquoise hair cascading around her, her emerald eyes and scarlet lips. She possessed a translucent quality, standing amidst the dense and ethereal canopy of the tree, blending seamlessly with it. Both the brownish-green trunk and the outstretched branches bore colossal wet flowers in pale hues, flourishing and blooming. On Avenue du March, inside the khaki-colored four-story building that housed the parliament members office. In a corner, Jenna observed Hugues Artois, garbed in elegance, leading his secretary Rh?ne and others through the gathering. With a glass of champagne in hand, he offered consolation, made promises, and delivered impromptu speeches with mere words. In response, he received sincere gratitude, unveiled dependence, and instinctive flattery. Jenna couldnt help but recall a question Lumian had once posed to her: Do you wish to sit here and watch as the murderers responsible for your mothers death and the destruction of your happiness revel in champagne, indulge in dance parties, and inflict more heartbreak on innocent families? Unconsciously, Jennas fists clenched, her knowledge of the truth fueling an uncontrollable anguish. However, she understood the need to restrain herself. Acting impulsively wouldnt yield results. She had to endure. This was because following the proper procedures, she couldnt take action against a parliament member without substantial evidence. And if she desired to seek justice independently, her adversaries boasted several Beyonders who had been bestowed with an evil gods boon and were protected by official Beyonders and armed personnel. All she could do was endure and await the future! Within the confines of Auberge du Coq Dor, ensnared by branches and vines, Franca stood near the staircase, her face flushed and her eyes glistening as she battled to suppress the overwhelming desire coursing through her veins. Her right hand trembled as she retrieved the canister of Mysticism Smelling Salts obtained from Rentas. With a twist of the lid, she raised it to her nose. Achoo! Achoo! Achoo! A series of sneezes erupted, marking Francas triumph over her desires and the gradual return of her rationality. Swiftly scanning her surroundings, she realized that Lumian, who had been mere steps away, had vanished. Taking note of the unnatural transformations plaguing the motel and the adjacent streets engulfed by colossal trees, Franca clenched her teeth and arrived at a resolution. The tree crowns above seemed to grow increasingly ethereal as they reached skyward, extending into an otherworldly realm. She retrieved two objects from her possession. They were a pair of tarot cards. One depicted a man and a woman raising their cups in a greetingthe Two of Cups. In the center, a wooden staff coiled by twin serpents stood prominently. The other card portrayed an angel sounding a trumpet, calling forth the resurrection of the departedthe Judgment card! Chapter 254 - 254 The Weight of History 254 The Weight of History Franca clutched the Judgment card tightly and chanted in Hermes, Rain judgment! The ordinary-looking tarot card remained unchanged, but within a few seconds, Auberge du Coq Dor trembled visibly. The brownish-green branches and turquoise vines that covered the buildings facade receded, as if filled with fear. Francas view through the window expanded. She witnessed the sky merging with the ethereal canopy of a colossal tree. The clouds appeared to be caught in a hurricane, swirling in unison. As the wind shifted, numerous white clouds gathered, forming a massive vortex that descended to the ground, elongating into a sword-like gust that bridged heaven and earth. The sword descended, and a figure stood unwavering in the middle of Rue Anarchie. It was a woman with shoulder-length blond hair, donned in a traditional grayish-white knights training attire. Standing over 1.5 meters tall, her features were exquisite, and her eyes exuded a commanding aura of dignity, demanding submission and obedience. Rue Anarchie, where she stood, was no longer recognizable. The surrounding buildings, the narrow roads, and the vendors and pedestrians, consumed by their own desires, were divided and scattered across the strange wilderness, blending with the other streets. Interwoven roots sprouted from the ground, connecting the scattered sections. Radiating from the brownish-green tree at the center, they spread out layer by layer, growing denser as they neared the core. The streets occupied by the colossal tree remained hidden from the outside world, thanks to this strange wilderness! Franca let out a sigh of relief at the sight of the short yet dignified lady with blond hair. Grasping the Judgment and Two of Cups cards, she blurted out, Praise The Fool! Praise Madam Judgement! As soon as the woman known as Madam Judgment landed, her gaze fell upon the side of the brownish-green tree. Unbeknownst to Franca, a cradle-like dark-red open carriage had appeared there at some point. Two towering creatures with goat horns, pitch-black bodies, and burning dark flames pulled the carriage. They seemed to be Demons. Seated within the carriage was a woman wearing a light-colored veil. She adorned a loose white robe, her slightly swollen belly emanating a tangible maternal glow. Lady Moon! The strange wilderness was her Paramita world! Lady Moon You have emerged from the rats hole The eyes of Judgment, the blond-haired lady, instantly took on an ethereal quality, as if touched by a golden hue. Through her eyes, she perceived the intertwining Beyonder powers that existed within the woman on the carriage, manifesting in different colors and states. Deprivation! Madam Judgments solemn voice resounded. It was an ancient Hermes word. With a simple gesture of her right hand, Madam Judgment temporarily stripped the ability to copulate between creatures of different genders. Immediately after, Madam Judgment leaned forward, pushed out her palm, and declared in ancient Hermes, Exile! With a whirring sound, an invisible and majestic force coalesced into a terrifying hurricane, howling before Lady Moon. Unfazed by distance, it materialized directly where the carriage was. Beneath Lady Moons veil, her faintly discernible red lips parted as she took deep breaths. The exaggerated hurricane, capable of toppling an entire building, seemed to find an outlet in a confined vessel. It surged into Lady Moons mouth and permeated her body. In just a second, the hurricane dissipated into nothingness, completely absorbed by Lady Moon. With a radiant maternal glow, she extended her right hand, caressing her swollen stomach with tenderness. The cerulean sky and billowing clouds resembled exquisite paintings, while the earth beneath was a realm entwined with tree roots. Lumians gaze met Susanna Mattise perched atop the crown of the tree, and they exchanged a knowing look. In an instant, semi-ethereal crimson Fire Ravens materialized around him. The Fire Ravens circled and soared towards the heavens, but they couldnt breach the ethereal canopy of the tree. They could only approach, their presence without touch. They alighted upon the brownish-green trunk, scorching it with blackened marks. Observing this, Lumian swiftly shifted his focus. He had discovered earlier that flames possessed the ability to inflict certain damage upon the enigmatic entity known as the Tree of Shadow! Crimson fireballs condensed one after another, hurtling towards the branches of the tree. Yet, they merely singed them without evident impact. Lumian paused momentarily. Susanna Mattise was preoccupied with something, and Charlotte Calvino had yet to recover from her burns. It was suspected that she had taken refuge within an illusory scene, allowing the crimson flames in his palm to accumulate layer by layer until they transformed into a fist-sized sphere of searing incandescence. Boom! The explosion caused by the incandescent fireball was several times more powerful than before, but not a single fragment of the Tree of Shadows bark fell. Only a larger area of charred flesh and the faint whiff of a colossal light-colored blossom attested to the reality of the incandescent white flame stream. Lumians expression turned grave. After a moment of contemplation, a spear formed from blazing white flames materialized in his hand. He hurled the spear towards the brownish-green tree, witnessing it puncture needle-sized holes in the charred bark before disintegrating into a cascade of flames that spread across various sections of the tree. Witnessing this, Lumians heart clenched as he recalled his sister Aurores favored phrase for describing those who overestimate their abilities to the point of impracticality: Its akin to an ant attempting to shake a towering oak. Lumians anxiety, impatience, and fear compelled him to unleash his fists. His clenched fists were engulfed in crimson flames. As he struck the brownish-green tree, a wisp of fire infiltrated its surface. Fire Infusion! Lumian sought to bypass the Tree of Shadows resilient outer bark and directly harm its core. Bam! Bam! Bam! His flaming fists pummeled the trunk of the brownish-green tree, as if he aimed to inject every accumulated flame within his being into it. Bam! Bam! Bam! After a flurry of frenzied attacks, he retracted his fists and took a step back. Rumble! A muffled explosion reverberated from within the tree trunk, causing the charred bark to finally crumble away, consumed by flames. In an instant, an ethereal mist enveloped the scene, as if a long-forgotten beautiful dream had been set ablaze by a match. Lumian found himself momentarily lost in a haze, as if he had transformed into the protagonist of that dreama man engaged in a passionate encounter with an enchanting woman wearing an exquisite dress, her hem teasingly lifted. The unfamiliar sensation felt so vivid that Lumian believed himself to be living it firsthand. Abruptly, a sharp pain shot through his ankle, snapping him out of the reverie. He discovered numerous branches and vines emerging from his surroundings, stealthily coiling around his feet, their thorns piercing through his blood-colored robe, sinking into his flesh, and greedily drinking his blood. Lumian grunted, crimson wisps emanating from his body, manifesting into a vibrant cloak of fiery flames that swathed his robe of flesh and blood. Amidst crackling sounds, the branches and vines ignited, quickly withering into brittle twigs and ashen remnants. Seizing the opportunity, Lumian swiftly retreated, his gaze fixed upon the wound he had inflicted. His eyes met the same brownish-green bark, albeit slightly recessed compared to its surroundings. Beneath the bark more bark! Lumians pupils dilated as he gleaned the gravity of the situation. The Tree of Shadow had been nurtured by the abnormal desires of Triers denizens for one to two millennia. Each piece of bark likely represented specific human activities from a particular era, layered upon one another, carrying the weight of history and the subtleties of humanity. In simple terms, Lumian realized that if he wished to destroy the Tree of Shadow, he would have to confront countless desires accumulated over the span of two thousand years. And he had exhausted his strength to vanquish merely one desire, perhaps one in a billion, or even billions upon billions. How could he possibly prevail? Only then did Lumian comprehend the abnormality of his actions. He had been focused on assaulting the Tree of Shadow instead of seeking an escape route. An exchange of glances with Susanna Mattise brought forth fear, anxiety, and a deluge of emotions. No wonder Susanna Mattise allowed me to act freely. No wonder the injured Charlotte Calvino didnt intervene Lumian had been cautious of the Fallen Tree Spirits and Actors that could evoke desires and emotions, yet he had unknowingly fallen under their sway. Once more, he raised his gaze and beheld Susanna Mattise, her hair a cascade of turquoise, nimbly shifting positions within the ethereal canopy, uttering an arcane incantation. Charlotte Calvino resumed her enigmatic actions, traversing illusory scenes, her attire, hairstyle, and makeup transforming to mirror various eras. It was no mere performance. As Lumians thoughts raced, dizziness assailed him, and his strength rapidly waned. Such a sensation was foreign to him, but he had subjected others to its effects. The sedative concocted by the Bliss Society! Ever the keen observer of his surroundings, Lumian swiftly took out the Mysticism Smelling Salts, his attention drawn to the multitude of pallid flowers adorning the brownish-green tree. He suspected they were responsible for releasing the sedative gas! Achoo! In the midst of his sneeze, Lumian pivoted, intending to distance himself from the Tree of Shadow. Yet, Mr. K remained absent. In the blink of an eye, roots emerged from the earth, intertwining to erect a formidable wooden barricade, surpassing ten meters in height, encircling the brownish-green tree and obstructing Lumians path to freedom. Lumian halted and pivoted on his heel. Countless fractures marred the trunk, branches, and roots of the Tree of Shadow. Some crevices harbored moist, light-colored flowers, while others resembled cavernous mouths oozing with viscous slime, swiftly elongating toward him. Trapped with no means of escape, Lumians lips curled into a smirk. Without warning, he extended his right hand, pressing it firmly against his left chest. He spoke with a derisive tone, Termiboros, they truly underestimate your worth. They actually intend to employ you as a sacrifice. Chapter 255 - 255 Bridge of Communication 255 Bridge of Communication Upon learning of the Bliss Societys plan, Lumians immediate assumption was that Susanna had made a crucial mistake. What lay sealed within him wasnt just corruption at an angelic level, but an actual angel! The former lacked self-awareness and reacted on instinct alone. Without undoing the seal and reconnecting it with its true form, it was like a cache of explosives temporarily without a detonator. While there was still a possibility of explosion, Susanna and the other heretics believed they could manage the situation. By employing the right method, utilizing the isolated environment within the Tree of Shadow, arranging the necessary rituals, and harnessing the evil gods gaze during the sacrificial ceremony, they could break the seal and offer it as a sacrifice to the Mother Tree of Desire, ensuring the angelic corruption wouldnt pose a threat. However, the true angel possessed intelligence and a strong will. He wouldnt idly stand by while being sacrificed. Once the seal was completely lifted, could Susanna, Charlotte, and the others truly handle a genuine angel? One of them was a Sequence 5 evil spirit that required the Tree of Shadow to possess some godhood, while the other was undoubtedly an Actor with an irrepressible desire to perform. As for a true angel, He had to be at least a Sequence 2 for Lumian to address Him as such. In ancient times, They were nearly on par with deities and were considered subsidiary gods. The difference between them was as vast as that between a saint and an ordinary individual. Initially, Lumian hesitated to use Termiboros as an escape plan, fearing that the sinister and detestable angel would exploit the opportunity to make him do something seemingly innocent on the surface but secretly aid Him in infiltrating more of His powers beyond the seal. In that scenario, Lumian, Susanna, and Charlotte would meet their doom. The Tree of Shadow would be destroyed or vanish underground, allowing Termiboros to truly descend upon the world. Left with no other choice, Lumian cautiously stepped onto the steel rope suspended above a metaphorical abyss, hoping to maintain his balance. One misstep, and he would fall into irreparable oblivion. As soon as Lumian finished speaking, Termiboross deep and commanding voice resounded in his ears. It had been a while since Lumian had heard and resisted the angels temptation. He could only sense His connection to his own fate through the abnormal occurrences around him or the predetermined events. Yet, the angel hadnt given up and continued to make attempts. Now, after many days, Lumian once again heard Termiboross voice, experiencing the full presence of the angel sealed within him. Termiboross voice carried a tinge of relaxation and satisfaction as it echoed in Lumians ears. If they underestimate me, it will only aid my escape from this seal. This environment is perfect, precisely what Ive been waiting for. Even if you perish later and the seal loses its support, the outside world wont detect the corresponding changes and wont be able to prevent me from breaking free of my restraints. They may not outright kill you, but once they attempt to shatter the seal and perform their sacrificial act, I will unleash their predetermined fate. I will abandon your body and disrupt their ritual. Termiboross words insinuated: This is the opportunity Ive long awaited! Why should I assist you? Just wait patiently for the inevitable outcome! Lumian fell into silence and leaped away from his original position. The tree roots split apart, and a massive, damp, pale flower blossomed, one after another, as if the abyss itself had yawned open. Achoo! Lumian inhaled the Mysticism Smelling Salts once more, dispelling his drowsiness. He gazed up at Susanna Mattise in the sky and erupted into wild laughter. Haha, youre the most dim-witted bunch Ive ever encountered! Youve set up this ritual without a clue. Did your brains empty out because of your faith in the Mother Tree of Desire, or have they been filled with various liquids? Let me enlighten you. Whats sealed inside me isnt corruption at the angelic level, but a bona fide angel. His name is Termiboros! As soon as that seal is undone, He shall descend upon us and slaughter you all. Hell shatter this foul, wretched fallen tree and cast it into a cesspool! If I were you, Id cease this ritual now and let me go! Susanna Mattise, continually shifting positions within the illusory tree canopy, looked down at Lumian and smiled. Are you bluffing again? Bluffing seems to be your favorite pastime. I fell for it once; I wont be fooled again. Not far from her on a branch, one of the few windows on the surface of Auberge du Coq Dor, entwined with vines and branches, reflected the figure of the playwright Gabriel. He frantically penned his name on a piece of paper with a fountain pen, as though a renowned author signing autographs for avid readers. He had succumbed to the allure of his script, Lightseeker, gaining fame and becoming a household name. Susanna Mattise continued, Furthermore, weve contemplated the possibility that its not corruption but an actual angel. Therefore, with the divine revelation, weve altered a crucial segment of the ritual. We will employ you as the primary sacrifice, together with the seal and the angel, to offer them to the mighty Mother Tree of Desire. It wont hinder the final outcome. Sacrificial rituals are not like cooking, where ingredients are transformed into dishes. Our task is to present the offerings to the deity. As for what befalls you, along with the seal and the angel within, it is for the great Mother Tree of Desire to decide. Why do you think I refrained from truly attacking you? Such an action might have prematurely shattered the seal! Dont even entertain the notion of threatening me with suicide. I shall imbue you with an ardent desire to live. It seemed as though Termiboros was akin to a valuable gift that would break free of its own accord. The seal was like a locked box, and Lumian himself was the exquisite wrapping. Susanna and Charlotte had no intention of unwrapping the box and presenting the gift to the Mother Tree of Desire. Instead, their plan was to offer the box and its packaging to the deity, avoiding any significant risks. Upon hearing Susanna Mattises words, Lumian remained unfazedneither surprised, nor fearful, nor disappointed. He tilted his head slightly and directed his gaze towards his left chest, a smirk forming at the corners of his mouth. Termiboros, did you hear that? Youre going to be packaged up and offered to the deity known as the Mother Tree of Desire. You wont get a chance to escape that seal. Im not sure how the Mother Tree of Desire will deal with you, but I can assure you it wont be anything pleasant. Are you really content to wait for the final outcome as a mere bystander? This time, Termiboros didnt immediately respond to Lumian. After a few seconds, His resonant voice reverberated, Draw your Fallen Mercury and plunge it into the trunk of the Tree of Shadow. Pierce through its second layer of bark. Lumian was taken aback. The fate of the Tree of Shadow can also be exchanged? Termiboross voice regained its grandeur. It wasnt possible before, but now it is. That tree possesses a certain living characteristic. Its akin to a mythical treant that hasnt fully developed its intelligence. Without hesitation, Lumian extended his left hand, passing through the crimson-flaming cloak and robe made of flesh and blood. He grasped the pewter-black dirk adorned with sinister patterns. Bending his body slightly, engulfed in flowing crimson flames, he sprinted toward the trunk of the Tree of Shadow, swift as a cheetah. Along the way, he leaped agilely, evading the cracks and blooming gigantic flowers. Observing Lumians new course of action, Susanna Mattise didnt pay too much heed. She didnt believe he could truly harm the Tree of Shadow or her. Nevertheless, she remained cautious. She intended to kindle his desires and fabricate corresponding illusions, luring him to unite with a certain flower or crevice in the tree. Susanna Mattises emerald eyes reflected Lumians figure, draped in a robe of flesh and blood and adorned with a flaming cloak. Moisture welled up in her eyes instantly. She had hoped to witness Lumian abruptly changing his direction and pouncing upon the colossal light-colored flower. Yet, Lumian appeared unaffected as he charged toward the brownish-green trunk. Beneath the flaming cloak, Lumian clutched the Mysticism Smelling Salts in his right hand, holding it close to his nose. Tears welled in his eyes, obstructing his sneeze. However, with the aid of the Alms Monks endurance, he managed to endure it. Susanna Mattise was puzzled. With her level and Sequence, even if the other party repeatedly sniffed the Mysticism Smelling Salts, he shouldnt remain completely unaffected. Under normal circumstances, given the disparity in their strength, she could easily induce Lumian to sneeze while he searched for light-colored giant flowers or brownish-green crevices and continued inhaling the Mysticism Smelling Salts. Of course, there was a possibility of failure in such situations, but it was unquestionably lower than the probability of success. But now, Susanna Mattises initial attempt had proven futile. It was as if a skilled dice thrower had surprisingly rolled the lowest number. Achoo! Lumian let out a loud sneeze. Seizing the moment while his mind remained clear and Susanna hadnt exerted her influence a second time, he shielded the metal canister with his right finger and thrust the Fallen Mercury at the brownish-green trunk of the Tree of Shadow, aiming for the needle-sized hole he had created with the burning-white spear. A resounding clang echoed as Fallen Mercury failed to penetrate any deeper, as if it had struck an impenetrable iron plate. Achoo! Lumian, having inhaled a substantial amount of the Mysticism Smelling Salts, sneezed once more, shaking off yet another desire incited by Susanna. Her attempts faltered once again. Lumians right hand, gripping the metal canister, surged with crimson flames. It absorbed the engulfing cloak of fire that adorned his body, swiftly condensing into a blazing white boxing glove. In the next instant, Lumian raised his right fist and hammered it against the hilt of Fallen Mercury, resembling a blacksmith forging a weapon. A thunderous boom erupted as the incandescent white boxing glove detached from Lumians hand and detonated at the rear end of Fallen Mercury. Boom! Lumians left palm, holding the dirk, was charred and mangled in several places. As for Fallen Mercury, propelled by the force of the explosive impact, it managed to break through the first layer of bark and penetrate into the core trunk of the Tree of Shadow. Chapter 256 - 256 Crack 256 Crack The searing pain in Lumians left palm from the explosion nearly caused him to instinctively draw his pewter-black dirk, which had already been plunged into the core trunk of the Tree of Shadow. Drawing upon his resilience and experience with similar injuries, he fought to control his bodys reflexive reactions. As his mind cleared from the stimulation, he managed to shake off the two desires imposed by Susanna Mattise. Pain and rationality entwined, engulfing his mind, followed by a terrifying torrent of scenes. These were the accumulated experiences of the Tree of Shadow over the past millennium, countless fragments of desire that had nourished and formed its trunk. They represented the potential futures of this malevolent tree. They converged in a mercury-colored illusory river, flooding Lumians thoughts like a deluge. Not only were there an overwhelming number of scenes that could overpower any Low-Sequence Beyonder, but some scenes compelled Lumian to instinctively ignore or overlook them, unable to muster the courage to look or discern. Just when he thought his intellect would be crushed by the immense torrent and reduced to a blank canvas, he realized that he had endured it. It was as if there existed an additional space capable of accommodating countless scenes beyond the limit. Lumian wasted no time in choosing the fate he wished to exchange. Guided by his intuition for danger and spiritual instincts, he selected a scene: A brownish-green root extended towards the depths of an ancient structure, devoured by an unseen flame that silently burned in the darkness, casting an eerie glow over the area. With a crack, the tree root snapped and descended into the shadows. Purple flames surfaced, swiftly transforming into a color indistinguishable to the naked eye. In an instant, it dissipated, leaving no trace behind. Lumian withdrew Fallen Mercury and exerted all his strength to pry open this fate, but it remained unresponsive. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Brownish-green tree trunks, not excessively thick, hurtled towards Lumian like javelins precisely thrown by a platoon of soldiers. Each one possessed the potential to impale and skewer a target upon the gnarled tree roots. In the ethereal canopy of the tree, Susanna Mattises emerald eyes widened as she attempted to employ various abilities related to desiresbe it for sex, food, greed, or actingbut all in vain. Opting for the tree spirits powers, she aimed to deliver a physical blow. Bound to the Tree of Shadow, the methods available to her were far more potent than those of her counterparts who relied on ordinary trees as companions. Though she still doubted that the so-called Cursed Blade could harm the Tree of Shadow, Lumians confidence and performance left her somewhat uneasy. Subconsciously, she believed it wiser to disrupt whatever he was doing. She would rather err on the side of believing it to be seriously harmful and take excessive precautions in advance than be careless and witness unforeseen changes and the possibility of failure. The former would at most waste a certain amount of strength and energy, delaying the completion of the ritual a little. The latter might bring about changes she didnt want to see and an outcome of failure. Even if the probability was low, she had to take preventative measures. She couldnt wait until it happened before attempting to rectify it. The flesh robe enveloping Lumians body abruptly contracted, diminishing his size and evading the majority of the javelin-like tree trunks. Two of them landed on Lumians left and right shoulders, leaving him unable to dodge or evade. The flesh and blood constituting the robe acted as disciplined soldiers receiving an order. They surged towards the impending strike, constructing layers of blood-colored cushions. With a resounding impact, the layers of flesh were pierced by the two brownish-green tree spears. More flesh surged forth, hurriedly filling the void. Although Mr. Ks finger had transformed into a robe of flesh and blood to mitigate the damage, Lumians legs buckled under the force akin to that of a sledgehammer, causing him to tumble backward. In that moment, he felt the fate of the brownish-green tree root, which had been burned by the invisible flames, loosen its grip. The illusory power prying it loose didnt solely belong to Lumian, but also to his left chest, emanating from an unknown source. Gritting his teeth, Lumian utilized the momentum of his fall to laboriously stir up that fate. With great difficulty, he transformed it into a droplet of mercury and exchanged it with the fate of encountering the Montsouris ghost, stored within the pewter-black dirk. With a crisp crack, fractures spread across Fallen Mercury, as if it struggled to bear the burden of fate. Some fractures were unnaturally long, others were delicate, and some ran straight through the blade. With a thud, Lumian collapsed onto the coiled tree roots entrenched in the ground, freeing himself from the lingering forces of the brownish-green tree javelins. His shoulder throbbed with pain, but he remained physically unharmed. The robe woven of flesh and blood began to disintegrate, trickling down, obstructing the pale-colored flower and the brownish-green crack as they unfurled their mouths in an attempt to devour Lumian. When he collapsed, he crushed them. With a resounding boom, crimson flames erupted, consuming the malevolent entities. Seizing the opportunity, Lumian swiftly rolled over and maneuvered to a relatively safe position. Only then did Lumian recall a crucial issue. Amidst dodging attacks from trees, branches, leaves, vines, roots, and flowers, and taking whiffs of the Mysticism Smelling Salts, he whispered amidst sneezes, Encountering the Montsouris ghost Achoo! doesnt necessarily mean that the Montsouris ghost will attack immediately! If it took a while, what was the point of his previous efforts? Disregarding the fact that the Montsouris ghost would assault the Tree of Shadow every month or two, even if it attacked every four to five minutes, Lumian found it despairing. When the time came, the preparations for the ritual would surely be complete. The sacrificial ceremony would have already commenced. Under the watchful eyes of the evil god, the Mother Tree of Desire, there was a high likelihood that the Montsouris ghost would choose to wait a while before returning, based on its previous patterns. Termiboross majestic voice resonated within Lumians body and ears once again. It approaches. It is a destined fate. In the ethereal canopy of the tree, Susanna ceased her attacks on Lumian. Utilizing the Tree of Shadow, she remotely guided Charlotte in controlling the sacrifice while delving her consciousness into the brownish-green tree, searching for any potential issues resulting from the pewter-black dirks assault. The sooner she discovered it, the sooner she could resolve it and propel the sacrificial ritual forward! Upon hearing Termiboross words, Lumian couldnt help but inquire, Can the Montsouris ghost truly destroy the Tree of Shadow? Although both entities were malevolent, the giant tree that had been rooted in Triers soil for over a thousand years, nourished by countless desires, and linked to a hidden evil god, appeared loftier, more menacing, and more wicked. Termiboross deep voice resounded, No. However, it possesses the ability to influence the Tree of Shadow to some extent, creating an opportunity for you to escape. Just as Termiboros finished speaking, Lumian caught sight of a sudden black shadow beside him. The figure stood slightly hunched, resembling an elderly man burdened by the weight of life. The Montsouris ghost! It had bypassed numerous restrictions and obstacles to arrive in the alternate space occupied by the Tree of Shadow. With a single stride, the stooped figure reached the edge of the brownish-green trunk. Susanna and Charlotte noticed its presence. They instinctively sensed a threat, yet they didnt connect the black shadow to Triers legend of the Montsouris ghost. Frantically, they stirred up the various desires of the Montsouris ghost, but their efforts were like stones cast into an unfathomable abyss. There was no response whatsoever. For the first time, Lumian beheld the true appearance of the Montsouris ghost. It was neither an elderly man nor even human. It more closely resembled a viscous black shadow taking on a human form, hunching its back. The Montsouris ghost fixed its gaze upon the Tree of Shadow for two seconds before pressing itself against the brownish-green trunk. In an instant, it transformed into a malevolent, pitch-black liquid that corroded the layers of tree bark. A sizable pool of moist darkness spread across the surface of the massive tree trunk, steadily contaminating its surroundings and expanding its reach. Within moments, the entire lower portion of the Tree of Shadow was overtaken by the black shadow, rendering Susanna Mattise and Charlotte Calvinos attacks futile. The next second, the oil-painting-like blue sky and white clouds, along with the ground intertwined with tree roots, trembled visibly as if experiencing a violent earthquake. Faint illusory cracks appeared on the surface of the tree trunk, the ground, and even in the sky. Some of them slowly widened, revealing glimpses of the street beyonda distorted microcosm of chaos influenced by branches, vines, and desire. Be prepared, Termiboross grand voice echoed in Lumians ears. Realizing that she couldnt halt the Montsouris ghost and that the situation was rapidly deteriorating, Susanna Mattise wore a resentful expression and recited an incantation in ancient Hermes, Son of the God who should never have been born, you are a cage for the imprisoning curse, an evil that erodes history. I implore your assistance. The instant Susanna Mattise finished speaking, the branches beneath the ethereal tree crown began to secrete a viscous, pitch-black liquid. It bore a striking resemblance to the black liquid assumed by the Montsouris ghost, but there was a significant distinction. It possessed a greater degree of chaos, frenzy, and wickedness. Almost simultaneously, pale-white, malformed skulls, yellowish eyeballs entwined with thick veins, scarlet tongues dripping with repulsive pus, and indescribably grotesque objects that induced madness by mere sight sprouted from the liquid secreted by the tree trunk. In the untamed wilderness, where Madam Judgment and Lady Moon engaged in their fierce battle, Rue Anarchie and other locations lay scattered. The brownish-green tree swayed ominously, while tiny cracks that appeared to pierce the very fabric of reality spread across its surface and surroundings. Suddenly, an illusory door materialized in the sky, layer upon layer. From the midst of these doors emerged a lady clad in an orange dress, her appearance exuding a languid aura. Worms emitting resplendent starlight wriggled in and out of her visage, obscuring her true features from discernment. With purposeful strides, the woman approached the brownish-green tree, extending her hands to grasp the sides of an invisible crack, as if intent on tearing it open! Chapter 257 - 257 The Unfortunate 257 The Unfortunate Transparent maggots, shimmering under the starlights embrace, wriggled out from the ladys relaxed palm, their movements concealed within an elusive crack. The crack, once invisible, now bore the hue of starlight. With a vigorous pull, the transparent veil veiling this world let out a terrifying groan, unable to bear the weight. It parted forcefully, yielding to the unstoppable momentum. Amidst an indescribable shattering, the crevice ripped apart, transforming into a colossal cavity adorned with glimmering starry specks. It resembled the entrance to a tunnel leading to an unknown realm. In a mere instant, the woman in the orange dress vanished from the wilderness. Seated within the cradle carriage, Lady Moons expression flickered. She commanded the Demon-like creatures pulling the carriage to follow her into the tunnel. Madam Judgment trailed closely behind. In a world where tree roots intertwined and ethereal clouds resembled oil paintings. As the branches of the otherworldly tree secreted viscous black liquid and peculiar entities sprouted, Lumian felt his mind teetering on the edge of madness, despite Termiboross warning not to gaze skyward. His skin prickled, and the flesh beneath twitched unnaturally, as if masses or tumors were about to form. At that moment, pure starlight bathed the world, casting its radiance upon Lumians eyes. Not far from him, a minuscule crack instantaneously expanded into a mystical and enigmatic door of starlight. Shut your eyes and rush through the doorway, Termiboross resonant voice echoed in Lumians ears. Without a moments hesitation, Lumian clutched Fallen Mercury tightly with his bloodied left hand and sprinted toward the starlit door. Squeezing his eyes shut, Lumian relied on a Hunters instinctual understanding of spatial location and precise distance, reaching his destination within a few strides. Unperturbed by the changes around him or the lurking dangers, he leaped into the unknown. After a brief bout of dizziness, Lumian sensed as though he had ascended from the depths of a profound lake, his entire being easing. He opened his eyes and beheld the brownish-green silhouette of the Shadow Tree not far away, Auberge du Coq Dor, and other buildings cloaked in branches and vines. He witnessed streets divided by peculiar forces in various sections of the wilderness, merchants and passersby indulging in their individual desires, and Franca gracefully leaping from a second-story window of Auberge du Coq Dor. He had departed from the alternate realm within the Tree of Shadows, yet he had not returned to the tangible world. Franca also caught sight of Lumian nearby. She exclaimed with excitement, Hurry, find the exit! Although she had summoned Madam Judgment and felt a measure of confidence, she desired no lingering stay in this place. How could a mere Sequence 7 like herself partake in a battle involving demigods? Even observing from a distance posed significant risks. Lumian nodded and sprinted toward Franca, scanning his surroundings for any signs of an exit. The more he surveyed, the more he sensed the resemblance to Paramita, a boon from the Great Mother. However, there were no hordes of undead or Demons casting sinners into the abyss. Could it be that the Bliss Societys operation involved the followers of the Great Mother? Lumian swiftly formed a hypothesis and shouted to Franca, who was mere inches away, To the edge of the wilderness! Drawing from his experience, if this place was indeed Paramita, they should be able to escape from the wildernesss periphery. Franca nodded slightly and followed, without questioning his instruction. Suddenly, the wilderness convulsed with a violent quake, and a low rumble echoed from within the brownish-green tree. The sky darkened, and the world itself teetered on the brink of collapse. The branches and vines that had ensnared the buildings and streets swiftly withdrew. Vendors, pedestrians, and residents, caught in the grip of their desires, snapped out of their dazed states. They ceased their ravenous feasting, released their grip on their partners, and rose in fear. Bloodied and bewildered, they halted their savage violence and looked around in a state of confusion In Auberge du Coq Dor, the bickering eloping couple ceased their romp. Oblivious to the wrongness of their actions, they were perplexed as to why the sky had darkened so drastically, as if evening had descended upon them. Anthony Reid, trembling beneath a wooden table, regained his composure. He emerged and peered out the window, his expression darkening. Gabriel, who had been frantically signing his name, suddenly regained his senses. He wondered if the stress had taken its toll on his sanity while he polished the Lightseeker script, incorporating the theater managers feedback. Pavard Neeson, owner of the underground bar, set aside his paintbrush but couldnt tear his gaze away from the drawing board. Though he had only sketched it hastily, he felt it was the most remarkable work he had ever produced. It surpassed even his loftiest standards. Unconsciously, he yearned to return to that state, but he couldnt. In the blink of an eye, all the branches and vines retracted into the Tree of Shadows. Most of the vendors, pedestrians, and residents, who had regained their senses, beheld the ominously terrifying brownish-green tree. They didnt understand what had transpired, but fear propelled them to swiftly flee from the Tree of Shadows, heeding their instinctual warnings. In that moment, Susanna Mattise, her turquoise hair flowing, materialized atop the ethereal tree crown. Below her stood Charlotte Calvino, wearing an expression of disappointment, frustration, and hatred. The escape of the sacrificial offering signaled a temporary failure in their sacrifice. They promptly departed the alternate realm to evade the repercussions of the demigod-level clash. Susanna Mattise, beset by the backlash and the influence of godhood, appeared increasingly ethereal, as if she could dissipate at any moment. Lumian and Franca, racing toward the wildernesss edge, flickered in her weakened gaze, yet she lacked the power to influence them. Under normal circumstances, her fusion with the Tree of Shadows granted her the ability to exert her powers from a distance. However, the backlash from the interrupted ritual and the uncontrolled corruption following the Son of Gods descent had nearly claimed her life. She was now in an extremely feeble state. The tenacious and evil spirit that she was, Susanna Mattise refused to surrender so easily. She yearned to capture Lumian and drag him back into the Tree of Shadows to resume the unfinished ritual. Once again, the branches and vines of the Tree of Shadows swiftly extended, ensnaring a hapless vendor and hoisting him aloft. Their thorns pierced his flesh, absorbing the vital essence that could rejuvenate Susanna. It was akin to utilizing the Tree of Shadows to enter a dream-like state, draining energy to gradually lead the target to their demise through a sinister encounter. However, the process had become crude and expeditedan accelerated ordeal! Vendors, pedestrians, and residents trapped within the wilderness erupted in terrified screams as they frantically fled upon witnessing the surge of brownish-green branch and vine monstrosities and their companions being hoisted into the air. The eloping couple, wrapped tightly in a blanket, darted out of Auberge du Coq Dor, following in Anthony Reids wake toward the wildernesss edge. Behind them trailed Gabriel, Pavard Neeson, and the tenants who hadnt yet departed for work. Before them swarmed vendors and pedestrians in a chaotic scramble. One by one, fleeing escapees were snatched up by tree branches and vines, their cries for help piercing the air. The peddler, who had once served Lumian extra Whiskey Sour, stumbled over a rock on the ground. In utter despair, he witnessed turquoise vines creeping up his body, layer upon layer, engulfing him entirely. Sensing the commotion, Lumian turned his head and fixated on the scene for several seconds before gradually slowing his pace. Upon witnessing this, Franca cursed, Do you plan to go back and save them? Dammit! Know your place. Youre just a wanted criminal, a mob leader! Lumian didnt come to a halt, but he didnt hasten his steps either. He and Franca drew ever nearer to the edge of the wilderness. In that very moment, Lumians ears resonated with the majestic voice of Termiboros. This time, the angel of Inevitability did not deliver sentences one by one. Instead, He injected a lengthy paragraph into Lumians consciousness at intervals. Have you not come to terms with your destiny? After enduring the might of Inevitability, there shall naturally be a corresponding corruption. From the moment Cordu was obliterated, you became the unfortunate one. It was not I who exerted influence over you in many past matters; rather, it was your hapless fate playing its part. As an unfortunate soul, not only shall you suffer ill fortune, but so too shall those around you and those close to you. If it were not for your lack of knowledge in mysticism, which allowed Susanna Mattise to uncover the issue within your body and begin contacting Hugues Artois about employing the chemical plant explosion for the sacrificial arrangement, Jennas mother would not have taken her own life, and Jennas brother would not have descended into madness. If you had been cautious enough, when Flameng regained consciousness and drank with you, you would have remembered to seek an opportunity to engage a genuine psychiatrist. He may not have chosen the path of suicide. If you had not merely forewarned Ruhr, but also restricted his movements, he would not have succumbed to the illness once more and met a swift demise. Michel would not have lost her will to live. All this misfortune has been brought upon them by you. My existence is not solely a trump card that grants you boons and the power to deter others, but also an inescapable curse. Only by bowing to Inevitability and releasing me from my seal can your misfortune come to an end. If you continue on this path, you shall be unable to save those whom you wish to save. You shall be unable to protect those whom you wish to protect. You shall only amplify their misfortunes. When the time comes, those pleading for help here shall perish. Gabriel shall perish. Charlie shall perish. Jenna shall perish. Franca, too, shall meet her demise. Lumian came to a sudden halt, his countenance twisted in anguish. He could no longer conceal the pain that consumed him. Franca called out once more, Get a grip! Its all well and good to do good deeds when everything is fine. But now, we need to escape and seek help from official Beyonders! Who knows what will come of those demigod battles? Susanna is now like an empowered Sequence 5 with some godlike abilities. Shes not someone we can handle! Those people dont expect assistance from a villain who enjoys playing pranks on them! In the vicinity of the brownish-green tree, numerous individuals already dangled from its branches. With a swoosh, Gabriel was hoisted up by a few green vines, and the scattered pages of the Lightseeker script fluttered to the ground. Pavard Neeson, the owner of the underground bar, stood beside him, his body impaled by a protruding spike. Among the eloping couple, the woman stumbled and ran slower, eventually tripping over a branch and becoming ensnared by the vines. The young man wrapped in a blanket grew alarmed and continued onward. However, after a few steps, he abruptly halted, cursing himself. Dogsh*t! Before he could finish his sentence, he had already spun around and dashed back toward his partner. Clenching his teeth, he sought to tear at the vines and help her free. Desperate cries and terrified screams reverberated through the wilderness. Lumians fists clenched involuntarily. Suddenly, he let out a chuckle and spoke. Then, are you considered close to me? After all, you reside within my body. Will you also encounter misfortune? I know I will face countless failures, yet I will persist again and again in pursuit of that elusive and seemingly insignificant hope! If I had chosen to surrender, I would have been defeated long ago! And now, there is still a chance for success. With that, Lumian took another step and continued his sprint toward the edge of the wilderness. Although Franca couldnt comprehend his mutterings, she was glad to see that he had made a wise decision. Two to three seconds later, the two of them reached the wildernesss edge. Lumian deliberately maintained a distance from Franca, then suddenly extended his arms and pushed her out. Caught off guard, Franca watched in shock as her body gradually left the wilderness. She turned to gaze at Lumian. Lumian smiled and spoke gently, Once, I shared their despair, pain, and longing for aid. And during that time, someone extended a helping hand to me. With those words, he pivoted and sprinted toward the brownish-green tree. In the dim expanse of the wilderness, crimson flames ignited upon his body. This time, the fiery cloak no longer isolated him from his garments, scorching his skin and flesh. He intended to use the constant pain to resist the diverse desires he would encounter next! As he ran, his gaze locked onto Susanna, her turquoise hair entwined. Yet, he saw not only the Fallen Tree Spirit, but also the figure etched in his memory. The one who had illuminated his path. Chapter 258 - 258 Assassin 258 Assassin Susannas eyes fixed on Lumian as he dashed towards her, his body engulfed in crimson flames. She absorbed energy from the surrounding crowd, including peddlers, pedestrians, and tenants hanging from the trees. Her goal was to restore her combat abilities as quickly as possible. She wasnt worried about Lumian causing her harm. Positioned at the top of the tree crown, she knew he couldnt reach her. Moreover, she was one with the Tree of Shadow, making her nearly invulnerable. Without godhood, any attack would only cause minor injuries, incapable of killing or severely harming her. Thud! Thud! Thud! Lumian sprinted into an area where tree branches and vines entangled, with a hundred to two hundred humans dangling from above. The brownish-green foliage tried to ensnare and pierce him, but his fiery aura forced them to retreat in panic. Suddenly, a rumbling sound shook the ground. The brownish-green tree descended rapidly, shrinking its height to seven to eight meters. The violent tremors across the wilderness made it difficult for Lumian to advance. Rumble. A tremor like an earthquake shook the crystal chandelier in the banquet hall. Terrified expressions appeared on the faces of most people present. Quick-thinking individuals sought shelter under the long table draped in a white tablecloth. The team assigned to protect Hugues Artois consisted of Imre, a mixed-blood individual, Valentine, and a Warrior pathway Beyonder named Antoine. Sensing the anomaly simultaneously, they tacitly sent Imre to investigate. He rushed to the window and peered out, trying to locate the source of the disturbance. Imre observed that several houses in Rue Anarchie, Rue du Rossignol, and Rue des Blouses Blanches had tilted to a certain degree, but they had not collapsed. Their surfaces were covered with brownish-green branches and vines. In comparison, the prominent feature was the brownish-green tree, situated roughly on Rue Anarchie. It descended, adorned with numerous tree tumors and flowers. The scene lasted only a few seconds before returning to normal, as if an unsuccessful painting had been replaced by another work. Whats happening? Hugues Artois calmly approached the window and inquired. Imre didnt hold back any information. He lowered his voice and replied sincerely, Anomalies have occurred on Rue Anarchie, Rue du Rossignol, and Rue des Blouses Blanches. Rue Anarchie, Rue du Rossignol, Rue des Blouses Blanches As Jenna, who had approached a nearby window but missed witnessing the scene, heard the street names, her feet froze in place. Two names immediately surfaced in her mind: Ciel, Franca Had they encountered the anomaly? Jennas heart sank, and she instinctively looked at Hugues Artois. She noticed a curl forming on the member of parliaments lips, as if he couldnt hide his delight. Its him Its him and his group of heretics! Jennas mind instantly reached a conclusion. Darkness enveloped her, and despair surged through her uncontrollably. Could Franca and Ciel withstand the planned attack by the heretics and survive this anomaly? Should I rush to their aid with my current strength? Or will I only bring harm to them? At that moment, Jenna felt as if the pillars supporting herher two friends who had always stood by her sidewere about to crumble, just as she had lost her mother. And it was all the fault of the heretics, of Hugues Artois! Her thoughts drifted to Francas words when she consumed the potion and transformed into an Assassin, warning Jenna to avoid contact with evil gods. Contact with evil gods will bring nothing but disaster. Not only will it drive a person to madness and strip away their true self, but it will also drag everyone around them into darkness, whether they know them or not. If we dont eliminate those individuals, the influence of the evil gods will persist. The pain will return again and again, unending. And now, Hugues Artois stood at the center of all the market districts disasters. Jenna lowered her head, unable to meet Hugues Artoiss gaze, afraid that her eyes would betray the pain and hatred within. Hatred consumed her! Yet, she could only remind herself that her brother Julien was still alive, albeit with a certain mental ailment that could be cured. If he lost his sister next, he might truly spiral into irredeemable madness. After the banquet concludes, after the factory owners provide their compensation, and after I settle all our debts, Ill take Julien and leave the market district and Quartier du Jardin Botanique. Well find another place to live, far from the ensuing pain Jenna repeated these words to herself, desperately trying to contain her emotions. Why is there another anomaly? Hugues Artois questioned Imre, Valentine, and Antoine. Imre offered a bitter smile and replied, I witnessed that tree. It has appeared multiple times in Triers history, but it has never been fully resolved. Ever since joining the Purifier team in Trier, he had learned about the hidden dangers lurking beneath the ground that couldnt be entirely purified. The brownish-green tree was one of them. He, his superiors, and his teammates couldnt fathom why Trier had been established atop such things in the first place. Without giving Hugues Artois time to question their capabilities any further, Imre added, Now that the anomaly has been discovered, it wont be long before its suppressed. As a member of the elite Purifier team, he knew that Trier differed from other countries capitals. Due to the perpetual underground dangers, both the former royal family and the current parliamentary government had agreed to the two Churches secret dispatching of an angel each or placed Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts in Trier to prevent any mishaps. Of course, during periods when the royal family and government held immense power, the Churchs angels refrained from interfering. For example, during Emperor Roselles reign. Once the anomaly caused by the peculiar tree was exposed, it would swiftly face a devastating blow. Although it couldnt be completely eradicated, it would be kept under control for a considerable time. After the swift and violent descent of the Tree of Shadow, the wilderness stabilized. Gabriel, Pavard Neeson, and the others remained suspended from the branches, their faces growing pale and blackened, as if drained of energy. Lumian regained his balance and continued sprinting towards the nearby brownish-green tree, still engulfed in crimson flames. At that moment, Susanna Mattise had regained a significant portion of her strength. Lumians figure appeared in her eyes, awaiting his approach within the range of her current abilities. Behind Lumian, a shadow detached itself from its owner and stealthily lunged at his back. It was Charlotte Calvino, acting as a shadow! Having not been the host of the ritual and being far from the treetop, she had not suffered the backlash or intense corruption, thus her strength had not waned. Seeing Lumian turn around, she quickly hid herself, and put to show her acting abilities, ready to execute a surprise attack Suddenly, a gunshot pierced through the air in the distance. The iron-black bullet was too distant and lacked precision. It grazed Charlottes body, but it disrupted her plans. Wearing a blouse, light-colored breeches, and red boots, Franca emerged at the edge of the wilderness, clutching a brass revolver. She cursed at Lumians retreating form and shouted, F*ck, dont you think Im on your team? Noticing that the street had returned to its normal state, Hugues Artois made his way back to the center of the banquet hall, holding a glass of light-gold champagne. Standing before the gathering, he began his speech as usual. Ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to have you join us for this condolence banquet. Please join me in a moment of silence to honor those who have tragically departed As you can see, yet another accident has occurred in the market district. We cannot continue like this. We must establish a more efficient and adaptable system to handle such situations. I understand that many of you harbor anger and fear in light of the recent accident. Your loved ones may have lost their lives, sustained severe injuries, or perhaps experienced agitation, mental breakdowns, and madness as a result of this Jennas head shot up upon hearing these words, her gaze fixed on Hugues Artois once more. He had just mentioned agitation, mental breakdowns, and madness in such specific detail. Under normal circumstances, such elaboration would not be necessary. A simple reference to insanity would suffice. Did Hugues Artois know that someone would suffer a mental breakdown due to the chemical plant explosion and go mad? And was he deliberately mentioning it in his speech, as if a criminal returning to the crime scene, reveling in his sinister handiwork? An absurd mix of hatred and fear consumed Jennas heart. If her suspicions were correct, Juliens mental breakdown might have been influenced by the heretics! Could he be cured? Could he be saved? If I dont sever the source, even if I leave the market district with Julien, there might still be hidden dangers and lingering problems in the future! The feeling of desperation overwhelmed Jenna, as if she were trapped in an inescapable darkness. Her pupils dilated, reflecting Hugues Artoiss figure with a chilling clarity. Imre, Valentine, and Antoines expressions darkened, their gazes falling, as they heard Hugues Artoiss implicit accusations against the two Churches. The alternate space that accompanied the Tree of Shadow lay in ruins. Some areas were coated with pitch-black mucus, while others bore gaping holes, as if swallowed by an endless void. Suddenly, a glimmer of light emerged from the shrunken door of starlight. It grew brighter and brighter, akin to a transformed sun, illuminating every nook and cranny with an eerie clarity, banishing all shadows. A female figure draped in a white robe adorned with golden threads emerged from the radiant source. She appeared to be crafted from pure light, translucent and ethereal. With emerald green eyes and flowing blond hair, she exuded beauty and a divine aura. The guardian angel of Trier, Saint Vive. Amidst the applause, Hugues Artois, having concluded his speech, mingled with the families of the victims, champagne glass in hand. He displayed enthusiasm, friendliness, and a trustworthy demeanor. Jenna closed her eyes and wandered towards the long table dressed in a white tablecloth. She picked up a plate and placed some food on it, then grabbed a long silver fork and began to eat. As she ate, she slowly approached Hugues Artois in a daze. Drawing near, just two meters away, she assumed a stance that suggested a conversation with Monsieur Member of Parliament. Surrounded by his team and guarded by official Beyonders, Hugues Artois noticed Jenna. He smiled warmly, anticipating her approach. Jenna passed by Secretary Rh?ne and positioned herself a step away from Hugues Artois. Before their conversation could commence, the ground trembled once more, accompanied by a resounding rumble. Rue Anarchie and Rue des Blouses Blanches seemed to brighten significantly. Cassandra, Hugues Artois, and the others turned their bodies instinctively, gazing out of the window, their concern evident. Witnessing this, Jenna closed her eyes once more. Then, she took a step forward, raising the silver fork in her hand towards Hugues Artois! All the emotions suppressed within her heart erupted. You wretched politician, the bringer of disaster and darkness to the market district! You heretic, your conscience devoured by a dog! You are the bastard responsible for my mothers death and my brothers descent into madness! Perish now! Without your demise, the suffering in the market district shall never cease. Darkness shall engulf this place, preventing the dawn from breaking. Indeed, with heretics surrounding you and the protection of official Beyonders, anyone attempting to confront you would meet their demise here, dissuaded by the risk. But what if an assassin has no intention of leaving alive? Jenna channeled all her hatred, outrage, and pain into the long-handled silver fork in her grasp. She unleashed an Assassins Mighty Blow, aiming for Hugues Artoiss exposed right eye as he turned his body. In that moment, she glimpsed the surprise, confusion, and fear etched upon his face. She witnessed Hugues Artois frantically glancing towards Cassandra, pleading for assistance. Cassandras line of sight was obstructed by Purifier Imre, who had subtly stepped diagonally, leaving her unaware of the imminent danger. With a squelching sound, the long-handled silver fork in Jennas right hand plunged deep into Hugues Artoiss eye socket, piercing into his brain. Hugues Artoiss expression froze. The fear, confusion, and terror remained etched on his visage. Time did not permit much change, only revealing a profound sense of despair. Jenna watched as crimson blood gushed forth, and Hugues Artoiss countenance gradually crumbled under the lights. Surrounding her, red sparks erupted, whether from firearms or supernatural abilities. She closed her eyes with a serene smile, surrendering to her fate. Mother, I see the light. Chapter 259 - 259 Awe 259 Awe Hugues Artoiss initial reaction was one of surprise and confusion as he beheld the glimmering silver light emanating from the long-handled fork, thrusting menacingly towards him. He found it hard to fathom that someone would attempt to assassinate him, a well-protected member of parliament, under these circumstances. The assassin didnt appear particularly formidable. Despite being a retired veteran, he had left military service five years ago to pursue a career in politics. His combat skills were no longer honed. With the adversary a mere step apart, evading the attack effectively seemed impossible. Disregarding him, even a Sequence 9 or even a Sequence 8 Beyonder would likely struggle to dodge a Mighty Blow from an Assassin, especially one who had stealthily approached them. It all depended on whether their abilities could help them avoid vital areas or reduce the damage, thus preventing instant death. Naturally, some Sequence 8 or 9 Beyonders possessed the ability to sense danger or hostility ahead of time, thwarting the approach and attack of Assassins. In an instant, Hugues Artois cast his gaze upon the red-haired Cassandra, the three official Beyonders, and his subordinates Rh?ne, Margaret, and Boduva, feeling intense fear grip him. However, what met his eyes was Cassandras red hairher body and line of sight obscured by the mixed-blood Imreas well as the calm and indifferent gazes of the official Beyonders, Imre and Antoine. Valentine had reacted immediately but restrained himself, and Rh?ne, Margaret, and Boduva, though eager to use their Beyonder powers to save him, dared not expose their boons obtained from the evil gods. At that moment, Hugues Artois was overwhelmed by a profound sense of despair. You all, save me! Save me! With a squelching sound, the long-handled silver fork plunged mercilessly into Hugues Artoiss right eye, propelled with all the force Jenna could muster. It pierced through the eye socket, penetrating the brain, with only a small portion of the handle protruding outside. Hugues Artoiss thoughts became hazy. He yearned to reach out and grasp something, but his arm wouldnt even rise. I havent become president I havent witnessed the arrival of great existences I havent received the boon of godhood I cannot die like this Slain by a feeble Assassin I-I dont wish to perish A barrage of thoughts flashed through Hugues Artoiss mind as gunshots resounded in his ears. His body slumped to the ground, and darkness enveloped his vision once more. Thud. Hugues Artois, member of parliament for Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, collapsed onto the ground, his heart ceasing to beat. Jenna, her eyes shut and a smile adorning her face, was struck by bullets fired by nearby Bureau 7 agents. One bullet struck her shoulder, and another pierced her ribs from the opposite side. The pain contorted her expression instinctively. Her body involuntarily recoiled, as if she wished to curl up into a protective ball. She opened her eyes and beheld Rh?ne and the other devotees of the evil gods glaring at her with hatred and an unnatural panic, yet refraining from attacking. In the next instant, a golden revolver, its chamber loaded, pressed against Jennas head. Imre surveyed the room and declared, I have already subdued the assassin. Verify if Monsieur Member of Parliament can be saved and maintain order. No one should leave for the time being. He made it clear that he intended to escort Jenna back to glise Saint-Robert or inquire on the spot about the motive behind the assassination and the mastermind, preventing Cassandra and the others from venting their rage. As the Tree of Shadow descended, the various streets reverted to their original state, yet they remained engulfed in wilderness. Lumian perceived that Susanna Mattise could no longer stir his desires from a distance as she did before. So, he turned around, intending to confront Charlotte first. The crimson flames enveloping his body burned with intensity, scorching his garments and searing his skin and flesh to varying degrees, inflicting constant pain. This torment stimulated his mind, allowing him to maintain a certain level of clarity. He could also rely on the endurance bestowed by the Alms Monk boon to sustain his thoughts and actions, instead of merely focusing on enduring the agony. Even for Pyromaniacs, such incineration posed a threat. Moreover, as time passed, the damage would worsen, eventually endangering their lives. Of course, long before that point, Lumians spirituality would likely crumble. He could only allow the flames to extinguish on their own. Were it not for the Alms Monk boon and the internal struggle within the Tree of Shadow, his spirituality would have been strained by the self-immolation. Upon seeing Lumian turn and observe Red Boots Franca dashing toward her with a brass classic revolver, sliding across a layer of frost formed beneath her feet, Charlotte abandoned her plans for a surprise attack. Instead, she readied herself to return to the Tree of Shadow, where she could exploit the environment and enhance her abilities to confront the enemy. Her body instantaneously grew pliable, as though secreting a slimy substance. She acted as a serpent-like creature, utilizing the intertwining vines and branches to swiftly retreat toward the brownish-green tree. At that moment, Charlottes body froze. It was akin to facing a dragon head-on, confronting a predator at the apex of the biological hierarchy. She couldnt help but tremble with fear and overwhelming panic. She circled her immediate vicinity and ran haphazardly, as if fleeing from an unseen adversary. Not far from her, Anthony Reid, the information broker, emerged from behind an iron-black gas street lamp post, suspended by the vines and branches of the Auberge du Coq Dor. At some point, his dark brown eyes had transformed into a pale golden hue, adopting a vertical orientation. He was a Psychiatrist, a Sequence 7 Psychiatrist of the Spectator pathway. He had just employed Awe! In ancient times, it was referred to as Dragon Might! The brownish-green vines and branches surrounding Anthony Reid, manipulated by Susanna rather than the Tree of Shadow, cowered and retreated from him. Observing Charlottes descent into madness and confusion, rendering her unable to evade Lumians attacks, Susanna, who desperately absorbed vitality, narrowed her eyes and cursed, unable to conceal her deep-seated hatred. You shall all perish. Today, you shall all meet your demise! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! On the Tree of Shadow, new tree trunks distinct from the main body shot forth like javelins, aimed at impaling Lumian in the midst of the wilderness. Apart from utilizing the abilities of the Fallen Tree Spirit, Susanna Mattise had not yet regained sufficient strength to affect targets dozens or even nearly a hundred meters away. Lumian had foreseen this. With a roll, he positioned himself within the area where Charlotte aimlessly fled. Thud! Thud! Thud! The tree trunk javelins impaled the ground nearby, pounding the wilderness like hammers. Lumian rose to his feet, engulfed in crimson flames. He extended his arms slightly and let out a boisterous laugh. Bring it on, kill me! If Susanna were to blanket the area with relentless assaults once again, he could still find a way to evade them. However, Charlotte, lost in her state of confusion, would undoubtedly meet her demise! As he bellowed, half-illusory crimson Fire Ravens materialized behind Lumian. They circled and traced multiple trajectories, fixating their sights on Charlotte Calvino. The branches and vines on the ground surged wildly, swiftly ensnaring Charlotte, shielding her from harm. A series of thunderous sounds resounded as the crimson Fire Ravens descended upon Charlotte, shattering tree branches and igniting vines, systematically stripping away layer after layer of the Actors outer shell. Bang! Franca, who had closed the distance, stepped in and extended her right hand, firmly squeezing the trigger. An iron-black bullet flew from the classic brass revolver and struck Charlottes head with precision, piercing through the gap created by the Fire Ravens. The enchanting, pure, and delicate visage instantly shattered, with red and white fluids splattering forth from her eyes, nose, and mouth. With only its severed head remaining, the lifeless body stumbled a few steps in confusion before finally collapsing to the ground. Go to hell! Susanna roared. With that cry, brown branches, green vines, thick limbs, and pale-colored blossoms surged forth in a multitude of forms, converging upon Lumian, Franca, and Anthony. Despite the nightmarish scene unfolding before them, Lumian sensed no immediate peril. Until Susanna Mattise regained a certain level of strength, an attack that consumed a significant amount of spirituality posed no true threat. Lumian charged forward once more, carrying the crimson flames that devoured his flesh, venturing deeper into the primordial forest-like setting. Vines ignited, flowers turned to ash, branches charred, yet none impeded the enemys advance toward the Tree of Shadow. Suddenly, the objects recoiled, drawing the suspended human captives back into the embrace of the Tree of Shadow. Susanna had thought it through. There was no need to squander energy merely to vent her rage. It was wiser to await the approach of the three prey, luring them into the range where desire could take hold, before employing her most formidable abilities to deal with them. She could not accept her current weakness. That was one of the reasons why she refrained from invoking the incantation to seek assistance initially. Before dragging the offering into the Tree of Shadow, the Son of God dared not reveal Himself in Trier. In the future, Susanna possessed a measure of confidence and needed to push the offering to a certain extent, securing the protection of the ritual. Only then could she utilize her fusion with the Tree of Shadow to confront the Son of God. The Son of God was astonishingly deranged. He would never restrain the corruption He might inflict upon His subordinates. As for Lady Moon, she had merely pledged to intercept potential saboteurs temporarily. Susanna dared not permit devotees of other deities to enter the Tree of Shadow. Thud, thud, thud. Lumian raced through the abruptly vacated wilderness and dilapidated streets, sprinting toward the brownish-green tree. Franca and Anthony each selected their respective angles of attack and followed suit from different directions. The fortunate vendors, pedestrians, and tenants who had yet to be ensnared by the branches and vines seized the opportunity to flee the wilderness, making their way towards the outskirts. Chapter 260 - 260 Cracking 260 Cracking It didnt take long for Lumian, Franca, and Anthony to approach the Tree of Shadow, stepping within the effective range of Susannas powers. One of them had run out of Mysticism Smelling Salts and was consumed by crimson flames. His skin grew numb, but his flesh still burned with pain. Another moved gracefully, constantly shifting positions. Every now and then, she would inhale the scent of the metal canister in her hand and let out a sneeze. The third employed the Psychiatrists Placate ability to pacify his emotions and desires. In the ethereal crown of the tree, Susanna Mattise, positioned only four to five meters above the ground, grunted. Franca, dressed in a blouse and light-colored trousers, saw her reflection in Susannas eyes. Suddenly, intense fear gripped Franca. Yet, this fear didnt arise from the outside world or grow abnormally intense. Rather, it originated from her understanding of the current situation and her desire to survive. Susanna Mattise, fused with the peculiar tree, couldnt be treated as a mere Sequence 5. She ought to be regarded as a weakened Sequence 4, one lacking an incomplete Mythical Creature form! Franca believed that Susanna Mattise would swiftly dispatch her, Lumian, and the information broker. Before saving anyone, she had to save herself! Franca halted, her yearning for life impossible to suppress. She struggled, torn between the urge to flee and the nagging feeling that she shouldnt abandon her teammates. Susanna Mattises emerald eyes shifted toward Anthony Reid. The information broker, his emotions and desires now stabilized, shuddered suddenly, an all-too-familiar fear surging from the depths of his heart. A Spectator afflicted by severe mental deficiencies is all too easy to deal with Anthony Reid fully comprehended his predicament, yet he lacked the power to resist. A helpless sigh escaped his lips. When his Placate failed, he trembled and retreated to a corner, succumbing to overwhelming fear. Swiftly, Susanna Mattise incapacitated Lumians two companions, leaving them unable to offer aid for the moment. Then, she directed her gaze at Lumian, who stood less than ten meters away from the Tree of Shadow. As an evil spirit, Susanna possessed boundless extremism and persistence. She still sought to capture this sacrifice. Despite the ritual causing a great uproar, prompting numerous saints and even angels to rush and intervene, making its success unlikely, the Tree of Shadow could not be destroyed. It wouldnt even suffer significant harm. Unless the Eternal Blazing Sun or the God of Steam and Machinery were willing to bury the millions of people residing in Trier and expose even graver underlying problems underground, there would always be another opportunity, even if the present one failed. As long as Lumian remained within her grasp, the sacrificial offering that perfectly sealed an angel, it wouldnt take long for Susanna to attempt the ritual once more! Hence, the malevolent spirit, Susanna Mattise, desired to capture Lumian alive. In an instant, Lumians pace slowed, his mind consumed by the same thoughts. I mustnt die. I mustnt die. If I perish, Aurore will have no hope of revival I must survive and uncover the truth behind the Cordu disaster. I must understand why Aurore believes in Inevitability These people have no connection to me. What does it matter if they die? Dont countless lives perish every day in this world? Can I even prevent that? Lumians pace grew sluggish, his expression contorting in agony. The fiery crimson flames that engulfed him continued to burn, inflicting pain while also sharpening his senses. But the more aware he became, the stronger his desire to survive. This time, Susannas influence over his desires had not faltered. The Fallen Tree Spirit summoned an array of vines, branches, and tree trunks from the Tree of Shadow, ensnaring Lumian within a small circular perimeter of less than ten meters. The once open space transformed into a dense, ancient forest teeming with vegetation. Damp, pale-hued flowers sprouted from the roots, vines, and branches, releasing odorless anesthetic gases that threatened to lull the surroundings into a deep slumber. In that moment, Lumians yearning for life aligned with his other thoughts. To escape this dire predicament and survive, he had to press forward and defeat Susanna Mattise! Lumian surged forward once more, gathering semi-illusory crimson flames behind him, spiraling them toward Susanna Mattise, who hovered merely four meters above the ground. He didnt expect this assault to harm the Fallen Tree Spirit. After all, Susanna Mattise had merged with the Tree of Shadow, granting her formidable defenses and vitality. Moreover, she wasnt a mindless foe who couldnt dodge attacks or employ superpowers to safeguard herself. Lumians objective was to momentarily disrupt Susanna Mattises focus and impede her from inciting another desire immediately. This time, the crimson Fire Ravens managed to breach the ethereal barrier. They passed through the weakened defenses and hurtled toward Susanna Mattise. Layers of brownish-green vines and branches encased Susanna Mattise, enveloping her in a wooden sphere, her pair of green eyes the only feature visible. Amidst the rumbling, the plant-like encasement exploded, replaced swiftly by fresh growth. Meanwhile, less than ten meters slipped away in the blink of an eye for Lumian. Vast amounts of slumberous gas corroded his body, but they were swiftly consumed and evaporated by the searing crimson flames. The charred scent of his flesh neutralized the remaining fumes, leaving only a small portion to infiltrate Lumians nostrils. His thoughts slowed, his head spun, yet his movements remained unaffected for the time being. Harnessing his momentum, Lumian alternated between his left and right feet, launching a forceful kick against the brownish-green trunk. He propelled himself forward by a couple of meters before leaping high into the air, his gaze fixed upon Susanna Mattise. Behind him, a colossal fireball gradually took shape. His eyes reflected the wooden sphere and Susanna Mattises emerald-green gaze. It seemed as though he intended to hurtle himself at the treetop, obliterating the encasing of plants with the mighty fireball. This particular stance bore an evident element of showmanship. Lumians desire to perform had been subtly provoked by Susanna Mattise, even if his ceaseless pain could only be slightly suppressed. Susanna Mattise grinned, allowing sharp brownish-green tree trunks to emerge from the surface of the encasement like a porcupine baring its spikes, ready to impale any unsuspecting prey. Once Lumian sustained grave injuries, the vines and branches forming the sphere would unfurl, taking complete control of their captive. As the massive fireball solidified, Lumian began his descent. Yet, instead of lunging at Susanna Mattise, he regarded her with an air of superiority, eye to eye. Still, he refrained from attacking. He continued his descent. Susanna Mattise wore a puzzled expression, perplexed by his failure to walk into her trap. Only when Lumian touched down below the treetop did he make his next move. The massive, incomplete fireball detonated, propelling him toward the trunk of the Tree of Shadow like a cannonball. In his left hand, he wielded Fallen Mercury, now adorned with cracks. Right from the start, Lumian hadnt set his sights on Susanna Mattise, who possessed freedom of movement and the advantages of being a Sequence 5. It would be highly risky, with little chance of success and much danger involved. His sole objective was to strike the Tree of Shadow with Fallen Mercury, a single strike! Without the enhancement of Termiboros, Fallen Mercury alone wouldnt be enough to alter the fate of the brownish-green tree. However, Lumian was confident that Susanna Mattise had fused to some extent with the Tree of Shadow. As the name Fallen Tree Spirit implied, a tree was necessary to embody a tree spirit. This understanding derived not only from Lumians observations but also from Francas speculations and Susanna Mattises own admissions and actions. In essence, when Fallen Mercury pierced the Tree of Shadow, there was a strong possibility that it would alter the fate of Susanna Mattise, who had merged with it, rather than the fate of the Tree of Shadow itself! Lumians actions were intended to deceive Susanna Mattise into overconfidence, ensuring she wouldnt impede his approach to the Tree of Shadow or hinder him from gathering a fireball for propulsion. And Susanna Mattises manipulation of his desire to perform only fueled Lumians confidence further. Though acting was a waste of time and could potentially lead to missed opportunities, it also served as a cover for ones true intentions! With a loud crash, Lumian and Fallen Mercury collided with the brownish-green trunk. Ribs cracked, wrist snapped, his entire body battered by the explosion and impact. But he managed to drive the pewter-black dirk through the outer bark and into the second layer. As expected, Lumian didnt see the torrent of historical scenes. Instead, he sensed the illusionary river, shimmering with a mercury hue, that belonged to Susanna Mattise. In the next instant, his desire was manipulated once again, and a barrage of javelins rained down from the ethereal tree crown. Releasing his hold on the pewter-black dirk, Lumian entrusted the rest to Fallen Mercury. He plummeted to the ground, using the pain to reclaim consciousness. With a swift roll, he evaded the tree javelins that impaled the earth. When Susanna Mattise realized Lumians true intent, she felt vexed, angry, and somewhat fearful. The previous use of the pewter-black dirk had left a deep impression on her. However, she wasnt overly concerned for her safety. With her connection to the Tree of Shadow, it would be arduous for her to be slain, even if she encountered a saint. Her worry lay in the possibility of severe injury, which would thwart her chance of capturing her prey once more. At that moment, Fallen Mercury shattered into pewter-black fragments, silently descending to the ground. Long worn and weakened, it could no longer endure. However, its destruction also brought an end to the fate exchange, which should have taken several minutes to complete. It didnt stir any fate within Susanna Mattise. It merely bestowed upon her the fate stored within the blade. Normally, this would be impossible as Fallen Mercury had to adhere to corresponding rules. But now, shattered and fragmented, it couldnt care less. Susanna Mattise froze, purple flames erupting from her body. Fallen Mercury had bestowed upon her the fate of the Tree of Shadows root being consumed by an unseen underground fire. As a tree trunk akin to the Tree of Shadow, she couldnt escape this fate! In a mere second, the purple flames vanished, leaving Susanna Mattise reduced to ashes, her eyes filled with disbelief and astonishment. A tree trunk erupted in flames, cracking and collapsing. Chapter 261 - 261 Escape 261 Escape The branches and vines pursuing Lumian swiftly withdrew, as if responding to an unseen command. A javelin-like tree trunk crashed down, causing the rest to vanish into thin air. Gasping for breath, Lumian cast his gaze upward as he sprinted onward. At that moment, his eyes fell upon the incinerated form of Susanna Mattise, consumed by the vegetative sphere that had enveloped her. Not far off, he witnessed an unfamiliar tree trunk snap and succumb to fiery destruction. Shes dead! Relief flooded Lumians being. Shes dead! The burden of his struggle lifted, and he crumpled to the ground, no longer able to hold on. The crimson flames that had enveloped him abruptly extinguished, unveiling his charred and disfigured body. With great effort, Lumian struggled to prop himself up, his back pressed against the vine- and branch-adorned wall of the Auberge du Coq Dor. He resembled a forsaken vagabond, abandoned by the world, a hint of derision in his voice as he observed the Tree of Shadow sinking deeper and deeper into the earth. Moreover, he witnessed the vines and branches retracting into the main trunk, the once-suspended individuals released from their tethers and descending to the ground from varying heights. Among the initial group of victims, whose essence had been drained, three to four individuals remained suspended nearly three meters above the ground. Already weakened, most of their remaining vitality escaped as they suffered the harsh impact, causing them to lose consciousness on the spot. Perhaps there was still hope for their salvation, or perhaps they were beyond rescue. The hundreds who had been suspended but had not yet lost a significant portion of their essence sustained various injuries from the fall. Though their lives were not immediately endangered, they hurriedly rose to their feet, driven to escape to the fringes of the wilderness. Gabriels complexion turned pale, bruises marring his hands and feet. Rather than fleeing, his initial instinct led him to stoop and collect the scattered Lightseeker script from the ground. The eloping couple, entwined together in their suspension, exchanged curses for being a hindrance, but they supported one another as they limped forward, their legs injured from the fall. They joined the fleeing throng, vanishing into the distance. Pavard Neeson, the proprietor of the clandestine underground bar, suffered relatively minor injuries. Grasping the freshly drawn draft, he raced ahead Charred and weary, Lumian settled on the street, leaning against the Auberge du Coq Dor, situated perilously close to the Tree of Shadow. Tilting his head back against the wall, he wore a faint smile while observing the energetic exodus of peddlers, passersby, and inhabitants of modest abodes as they fled towards the outskirts of the wilderness. Within the confines of the Tree of Shadow, Lady Moon beheld a tumultuous clash unfolding, with numerous angels and saints joining the fray. Her faction faced mounting pressure due to reinforcements from the two Churches and Bureau 8. An overwhelming sense of retreat washed over her. Should this continue, the two Churches might resort to drastic measures, beseeching divine intervention! Lady Moon swiftly resolved. Deprived of several abilities and ensnared by various Prohibitions, she pressed against the bulge in her abdomen and parted her lips. An ear-piercing Shriek erupted within this alternate realm, causing the nearly two-meter-tall Tree of Shadow before her to undergo an instantaneous metamorphosis. Upon the branches and mist-shrouded bark, which depicted scenes from the past, figures born from diverse desires, now lifeless, sprang back to existence, save for Emperor Roselle. Many were demigods, emerging from their respective histories with vacant, icy expressions and an aura of chilling darkness. Resurrection! Empowered by the Divine Fetus nestled within her womb and the unique essence of the Tree of Shadow, Lady Moon temporarily revived the accumulated desires from over a millennium in their original corporeal forms. Though the revival would be short-lived, and the resurrected beings notably weaker than before, the sudden influx of demigods into the battle within mere seconds could profoundly impact the unfolding chaos. It was precisely due to the timely aid of the Divine Fetus that Lady Moon dared to linger behind, partaking in this tumultuous clash. Without it, having only agreed to provide cover and hindrance to those from the Bliss Society, she would have already sought refuge elsewhere. In eerie silence, the resurrected phantoms disintegrated beneath the scorching sunlight. Lady Moon seized the opportune moment to summon Paramita, which had not yet fallen into complete disarray, merging with it and vanishing from sight. On Avenue du March, inside the khaki-colored four-story building that housed the parliament members office. Imre, the mixed-blood individual, refrained from immediately questioning Jenna, an assassin. Instead, he directed two agents from Bureau 7 to tend to Jennas wound, staunching the profuse bleeding and applying bandages. He conveyed the impression that allowing the culprit to succumb to her injuries would hinder their ability to gather crucial clues. Valentine, Antoine, and the other agents observed and interrogated the remaining participants of the banquet, including Cassandra and Rh?ne, who belonged to Greg Artoiss team. Rumble! Once again, the ground beneath their feet trembled. Those near the windows caught glimpses of Rue Anarchie, Rue du Rossignol, and Rue des Blouses Blanches, intermittently flickering with light. Approaching them were clergymen garbed in white robes embellished with golden threads, wielding various contraptions. This development disrupted the interrogation of Imre, Valentine, and the others. After a while, Angoulme de Fran?ois strode into the banquet hall, clad in a coat adorned with golden buttons, accompanied by a grayish-white humanoid mechanical creation. Several additional team members and a contingent of police officers followed suit. Upon hearing Imres report, Angoulme cast a glance at Jenna and instructed Travis Everett, Bring all the attendees of the banquet to headquarters for separate interrogations. Leave the assassin here. We shall handle her questioning. Hmm also keep the members of Monsieur Member of Parliaments team. There are matters we must clarify. Everett raised no objections. The organizations constables escorted the anxious onlookers away from the khaki-colored building housing the member of parliaments office. As the hall emptied, Angoulme turned to the two Bureau 7 agents standing beside Jenna and instructed them, Escort the assassin to the lounge. We must ensure she does not overhear our conversation and withhold any truths. With Jenna escorted to the lounge facing the back alley, Angoulme approached Cassandra, Rh?ne, and the others, speaking in a deep voice, Hi there, there is information we must acquire. A faint smile adorned his face. Indeed, Monsieur Member of Parliament has met his demise. According to the law, his position is immediately vacated. In other words, you are no longer part of Monsieur Member of Parliaments team. The immunity you once enjoyed is no more. So, before we engage in our discussion, let us proceed with some notarizations. Upon hearing Angoulmes words, Cassandra and the others expressions underwent a marked change. Meanwhile, in the lounge, Jenna, who had calmed herself after assassinating Hugues Artois, heard a tumultuous commotion emanating from the hall. One of the armed agents from Bureau 7, tasked with keeping watch, hastened to the door to investigate. Seizing the opportunity, Jennas heart skipped a beat as a plan materialized in her mind. Her countenance transformed, and she gazed past her remaining guard with a mix of surprise and fear. Though extensively trained, the agent possessed an understanding beyond that of ordinary individuals. Today, an abnormal occurrence had unfolded on Rue Anarchie, culminating in the assassination of Monsieur Member of Parliament. Reports indicated a battle involving supernatural forces transpiring within the hall. It was only natural for him to worry about potential repercussions reaching the lounge and an unseen threat lurking behind him. Subconsciously, he entertained the notion of turning around, but halfway through the motion, caution compelled him to remain vigilant. Yet, this proved to be the only opening Jenna needed. Already restrained by handcuffs, she balled her fists and struck the agents shoulder and neck with force, sending him sprawling to the ground. His revolver slipped from his grasp. Before the agent near the door could react, Jenna positioned her hands on the windowsill, propelling herself upward. She crashed through the glass and descended into the back alley with the grace of a feather. Suppressing the pain from her gunshot wound, she sought refuge in the shadows of a nearby corner and swiftly departed the khaki-colored building. Lady Moon weaved through different directions, employing various abilities until she finally emerged from Paramita. At that moment, she found herself in Quartier raste, northwest of Trier. Before her stood a magnificent building adorned with golden steeples. Lady Moon cautiously surveyed her surroundings and discreetly let out a sigh of relief. Had the Tree of Shadows deeper intrusion into the Fourth Epochs Trier served the Great Mothers interests, she wouldnt have joined the Bliss Societys mission. She had no desire to reveal herself. It was well-known that those who controlled desires often fell prey to their own desires. The chances of failure were not insignificant. Without delay, Lady Moon slipped into the beige building from its side entrance. A few hundred meters away, a golden retriever sat silently beside a woman dressed in green. They observed Lady Moons every move and the grand structure with its numerous steeples, their expressions solemn. It was the Sacred Heart Cloister of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church. In the wilderness where Rue Anarchie, Rue du Rossignol, and the buildings on Rue des Blouses Blanches crumbled, Lumian witnessed the Tree of Shadow on the brink of sinking into the ground. He couldnt help but taunt Termiboros. Well, Im not that unlucky after all. Ive actually succeeded. Hardly had the words left his lips when Franca, who had regained her senses, rushed over and hissed, Are you trying to play the role of a charred corpse? As she spoke, she retrieved the Healing Agent she had obtained from the Poison Spur Mob, intending to offer Lumian half a canister. Lumians injuries werent as severe as they seemed. Fatal burns for most Low-Sequence Beyonders would require no more than a month or two for Pyromaniacs to recover from. As for fractures, explosions, and impacts, none of them could claim the life of a Hunter immediately. Enduring until tomorrow would naturally bring about recovery. Considering the potential pursuit of official Beyonders after the wilderness completely vanished, Lumian didnt tempt fate and consumed half a vial. Soon, he felt his body rapidly regenerating. At this moment, the wilderness teetered on the edge of collapse. The streets had returned to their original positions, and many people had already rushed in. Franca surveyed her surroundings and spoke swiftly, Can you still move? We must leave this place swiftly. Alright. Lumian rose to his feet. He took a couple of steps to the side, intending to retrieve the charred tree trunk that had been part of the Tree of Shadow before departing. Just as Lumian grasped the trunk, something caught his peripheral vision. Within the depression left behind by the Tree of Shadows submersion, a hazy and translucent creature darted past. Lumians pupils dilated, struggling to believe what he had witnessed. He yearned for a clearer view. It was a diaphanous, indistinct figure resembling a lizard! It bore an uncanny resemblance to the elf he had encountered in his dream! It was the very creature that had emerged from Aurores mouth! Chapter 262 - 262 Review 262 Review Lumian had always held the belief that the lizard-like elf he saw was merely a figment of his dreaming mind. Symbols and metaphors held a deeper significance than the tangible reality. Yet now, before his very eyes, the diaphanous and elusive lizard-like creature revealed itself in all its existence! It was undeniably real! Moreover, it had appeared in Paramita, emerging from the deep chasm left by the Tree of Shadowa most peculiar event involving formidable powers! Could it be that the lizard crawling out of Aurores mouth was not a fabrication? What did it symbolize, and what were its intentions? Lumians brow furrowed as he contorted his expression, experiencing a mix of pain, shock, confusion, and withdrawal. This agitation stirred something within Lumian, making him feel that he could regain some of his memories and determine their authenticity. Yet, this time, the scenes didnt flicker through his mind as they did during psychiatric treatments or after hearing Madame Pualiss words. The dream still lingered in his memory. In that moment, Termiboross resonant voice echoed in Lumians ears. Do you truly believe that I am responsible for all the anomalies and misfortunes surrounding you? Do you think you can escape Susanna Mattise, who is nearly a demigod with a backup plan, by relying solely on the efforts of the sealed me and a Sequence 7 Beyonder like yourself? Do you believe that Susanna Mattises failure is solely due to her being an evil spirit, extremism, impatience, and lack of preparation before the ritual? Is there no other underlying reason? These words overlapped and resounded in Lumians mind, allowing him to grasp their meaning within a short span of time. Lumian was taken aback, feeling as if he had been plunged into an icy lake, experiencing the transition from early summer to winter. He blurted out, Then what is it? Termiboros remained silent, as if sensing and comprehending something. In an instant, Lumians joy surged. He felt the heavy burden on his shoulders dissipate significantly. Does this mean that Aurore truly fell under the control of that peculiar lizard-like creature? Was that why she remained oblivious to any abnormality when awake, seeking assistance from the outside world alongside me? No, perhaps she sensed that something was amiss. The correct interpretation of the letters order should be: We are getting weirder. The people around us need help as soon as possible! Franca nudged Lumian. Why are you lost in thought? Hurry, let us leave this place swiftly. The official Beyonders and clergymen have arrived! Lumian shook off his daze and dashed with Franca to the far end of Rue Anarchie, his singed clothes clinging to his body, along with the tree trunk originating from the Tree of Shadownot Susannas later creation. During this process, two revelations suddenly dawned upon him. As an angel of Inevitability, Termiboros also displayed an astute understanding of various matters. It is inconceivable for Him to remain oblivious to Susanna Mattises offering Him as a sacrifice to the Mother Tree of Desire with me as the primary vessel without unsealing the seal. He is no novice to the mystical world like me! Therefore, He never anticipated the outcome of Susanna Mattise breaking the seal from the very beginning. He made those claims purely as a bluff, coercing me to seek His aid and agree to certain unequal terms, creating an opportunity for Him to truly escape. What He didnt foresee was my choice to deceive Susanna Mattise, compelling Him to provide me assistance based on the information she provided. No, He must have considered this possibility, but he had nothing to lose by attempting it. What if I had not devised a swift solution at that critical moment? Dammit, His intentions are far too sinister! I could have fallen victim to His deception with the slightest carelessness! Likewise, Susanna Mattise is no paragon of honesty. Since she sought guidance from the Mother Tree of Desire and acknowledged the possibility of an angel being sealed within me, why wouldnt she contemplate the potential transmission of power through the seal? Subsequently, she prayed for power capable of withstanding the influence of Termiboross leaked power, or even surpassing it. I failed to perceive it then and came dangerously close to corruption despite being distant. Had I not escaped the Tree of Shadow in the nick of time, I would have succumbed to corruption. Why didnt Susanna Mattise seek assistance right from the start? Could it be that corruption poses a threat to her as well? Indeed, despite unforeseen circumstances during the Cordu ritual, the padre, as the host of the sacrificial ceremony, was shielded by the power of Inevitability. He did not transform into a monstrous entity or merge into the three-headed giant like the others and successfully escaped Susanna Mattise also planned on relying on the protection of the ritual to resist corruption? Hence, she bought time, awaiting the completion of the rituals preparations! She did not target and control me initially because she knew that pushing too hard would prompt Termiboros to intervene prematurely, introducing too many uncertainties. Thus, she endeavored to create an illusion for me, fostering the belief that resistance and escape were within reach. Only when I broached the subject of the angel did she stall for time, stringing together a series of seemingly revealing words. She concealed her true trump card, biding her time for me to make the wrong choice with Termiboross aid and fall into her prearranged trap. Although she did not anticipate the attack from the Montsouris ghost, had it not been for an external intervention exploiting the crack created by the ghost, I would have remained trapped within the Tree of Shadows depths. Moreover, she was on the verge of officially activating the ritual and gaining protection. Dammit! Beautiful Actors truly possess the knack for deceiving others! As Lumian and Franca sprinted ahead, their surroundings suddenly transformed into a surreal spectacle. Vibrant layers of colors intertwined with indescribable, fantastical creatures. His head spun, and his vision became hazy. When his sight cleared, Rue Anarchie was nowhere in sight, and the vibrant palette had vanished. Instead, he found himself standing on a verdant hillside, facing Madam Magician, adorned in an orange dress. Shes here too Lumian glanced around but couldnt spot Franca. As if sensing his unspoken question, Madam Magician smiled and spoke, The Two of Cups departed with her Major Arcana card to attend to some matters. The Two of Cups? Lumian was perplexed. Thats Franca. She is one of us. Her code name is Two of Cups, just as you are the Seven of Wands, Madam Magician casually explained. You have officially joined our ranks. Speak to the Two of Cups later and have her introduce our organization. I wont say much. Not only is Franca a member of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, but she is also part of the secret organization utilizing tarot card codenames? Lumian felt a mix of surprise and elation. This meant that he and Franca were true comrades. Madam Magician scrutinized Lumians charred countenance and fragmented attire. From somewhere, she produced a simple brown suit tailored for a man and tossed it to him. Change into this later. While its not particularly scandalous for Trieriens to roam the streets nude, one mustnt entirely succumb to the surroundings. You must maintain your true self. Only then can you resist the potions corruption and minimize the risk of losing control. Lumian caught the clothes, and Madam Magician pondered for a moment before speaking, Tell me in detail what has transpired recently. Although I knew you would encounter followers of the evil gods and become entangled with them, I did not anticipate you getting embroiled in such weighty matters directly. Lumian recounted the events, starting from his arrival in Trier to his use of the Summoning Dance to lure Susanna Mattise. He focused on the sacrificial ritual, Termiboross involvement, and the enigmatic lizard-like creature. As Madam Magician listened, her expression grew solemn. Once Lumian finished speaking, she nodded slightly and said, This is highly abnormal. Both Termiboros and that elf are far from ordinary. She gazed at Lumian, speaking in a direct manner, It wasnt Termiboros who aided you in enhancing Fallen Mercurys abilities within the Tree of Shadow and allowed the Montsouris ghost to arrive early. Not Him? Lumian had speculated the issues that Madam Magician might uncover, but he never expected her to address this matter so clearly. If not Termiboros, then who else could it be? Moreover, the subsequent changes only occurred after the compromise of the Inevitable angel. I dont have the answers either. Madam Magician shook her head slowly. What I can affirm is that the seal of that great existence wouldnt allow Termiboros to unleash such power. If that were possible, He would have long manipulated you to assist Him in breaking the seal. Observing Lumians perplexed expression, Madam Magician continued, All Termiboros can do is influence your judgment and choices. After all, He is sealed within you, and your fates are intertwined to a certain extent. To put it simply, concerning Charlies situation, Termiboros couldnt expedite Susanna Mattises recovery. He couldnt dictate when or how she planned to find Charlie. He could merely utilize this situation to instill in you the intention of employing the Luck Transference Spell to alter Charlies fate and augment the corresponding likelihood. From this standpoint, do you believe He possesses the capability to enhance Fallen Mercurys abilities and allow the timely arrival of the Montsouris ghost? However, it is plausible for Him to aid you in shouldering the burden of the past scenes within the Tree of Shadow. Hence, I have consistently advised you to seek my counsel beforehand on critical and perilous matters rather than making decisions on your own. Lumians heart surged like a tumultuous ocean. He recollected the incident where Rentas took Charlie underground and realized that Madam Magicians words held truth. Charlies gruesome plight and destiny stemmed from two factors. Firstly, the threat posed by the Bliss Society through Rentas, and secondly, Lumians own choice at the crossroads of fate. Thus, once Rentas was slain by their hands, Charlies fortune merely improved marginally. Only when Lumian made the correct decision did everything revert to normalcy. There were no indications of Termiboross influence. If He could sway Charlies path in the same manner He manipulated the Montsouris ghost, Lumian would have fallen victim long ago. Moreover, why would Susanna Mattise entertain the idea of capturing me alive, knowing that I can receive indirect assistance from an angel after she departed from the Tree of Shadow and was in a weakened state, despite being aware of Termiboross limited influences? Unless Susanna Mattise, who possesses a trace of godhood due to the Tree of Shadow, had already deduced that Termiboros was impotent in exerting influence and remained tightly sealed following the internal conflict within the Tree of Shadow. There must be another origin to this quandary! And that origin did not depart alongside her! Dammit! I had presumed that even if my judgment faltered or the fate exchange prolonged, Termiboros would never allow Susanna Mattise to capture me alive, as it would render Him a sacrificial pawn. Little did I know, He lacked the capability entirely Lumian postulated, obtaining a more rational explanation for the recent turn of events. What exactly happened? he inquired, a tinge of anguish and anger coloring his tone. Madam Magician pondered for a few seconds before responding, Taking into account those misfortunes, I suspect that Termiboros has allies in the outside world. In other words, there may be a Beyonder lurking around you who possesses the ability to influence fate. He secretly accomplished tasks in accordance with the ideas transmitted by Termiboros, but he did so with subtlety to avoid exposure. A word suddenly flashed across Lumians mind: Sufferer! In his dream, after entering the underground altar with Ryans team, they had become tainted by the aura of a Sufferer! As for the owl and the other him within the Warlocks tomb, prior to their unveiling, they always gave him the impression that they were the root of the problem and the mastermind behind it all. Could these be symbolic as well? Chapter 263 - 263 Choice 263 Choice Lumian had always believed that his dream self represented his darker side, a twisted persona born from the corruption of Inevitability. But now, it seemed there was more to it. There was no problem with his understanding of his own essence, but was he, along with the owl hidden in the Warlocks tomb, also serving as a symbol? A representation of the puppet master behind the scenes, the true orchestrator of the lizard-like creature and the grand ritual in Cordu? And now, he was lurking in the shadows, attempting to collaborate with Termiboros in order to break free from the seal. However, Termiboross attitude towards the lizard-like creature seemed to suggest otherwise Lumian fell silent for a few seconds before sharing his speculations in detail with Madam Magician. The Magician listened attentively, pondering for a moment before speaking. I initially believed that by undergoing progressive psychiatric treatment and recalling forgotten events one by one, the truth of Cordu Village would become clear to you. It wouldnt be any different from what I already know. But hearing what youve just said, I suspect that some of the symbols and metaphors in your dreams hold deeper, hidden secrets. But regardless, those symbols and metaphors are projections from my actual experiences. Its impossible that I still cant decipher them after regaining my memories, right? Lumian objected. Madam Magician smiled and replied, That might not be the case. Seeing Lumians confusion, she explained simply, On the one hand, you may not have directly experienced those events, but your spirit and subconscious sensed danger and abnormalities, projecting them into your dreams with symbolic elements. On the other hand, Termiboros is sealed within you. Your fate is intertwined with His. Your subconscious might have detected something unusual through this connection. Lumian grasped Madam Magicians meaning to some extent and pondered for a moment. After completing the full psychiatric treatment, can Madam Susie directly awaken my subconscious and inquire about the meaning of the different symbols? Its extremely risky. When the time comes, well have to rely on the joint opinion of the two Psychiatrists to decide if its worth attempting, Madam Magician replied thoughtfully. But thats a long way off. Before then, I can assist you in finding Beyonders skilled in decrypting symbolism to see if we can accurately interpret it without relying solely on your subconscious. Would you like that? Alright, Lumian agreed eagerly. Then, he asked with concern, What about the potential Termiboros ally lurking nearby? Are we not going to do anything about them? Madam Magician remained calm as she answered, Now that we have sensed this possibility, I dont think they will risk staying close to you. Of course, I will continue to keep watch. She then inquired, Do you plan to continue the mission assigned to you by the Aurora Order? Many people probably witnessed you charging toward the Tree of Shadow. This will raise Gardner Martins suspicions. If you dont want to take the risk, inform Mr. K about it. He will likely be delighted that youve slain a Fallen Tree Spirit and thwarted the Bliss Societys plan. He can assign you a new mission. If you wish to proceed, I can arrange for someone to blur the memories of those who saw you. In any case, its normal for your exact appearance and physical characteristics not to be clearly discerned in that environment. Without hesitation, Lumian declared, I wish to proceed. Gardner Martin, a Sequence 6 or Sequence 5 of the Hunter pathway, commanded a formidable group of Hunters. If Lumian continued to interact with him and joined the Iron and Blood Cross Order, there was a high chance of acquiring the potion formulas and main ingredients after Pyromaniac. Through these experiences, Lumian had gained a profound understanding of the disparities between Sequences, the terror of powerful individuals, and his own limitations. He felt an urgent need to enhance his strength. It was a sharp contrast to his initial nonchalance upon arriving in Trier, where he sought hope amidst confusion. Only by becoming strong enough could he withstand misfortune and unveil the truth behind the catastrophe in the perilous world of mysticism. Only then could he discern whether various propositions using Resurrection as bait concealed sinister intentions! Madam Magician nodded slightly, granting Lumians request. Prompted by their previous conversation, Lumian inquired with curiosity, Has the Tree of Shadow been dealt with? How could that be? Madam Magician scoffed. Even if both Churches requested divine intervention, the Tree of Shadow would remain unresolved. Heh heh, its not impossible, but the price is exorbitant, deterring anyone from paying it. What sort of price? Lumian pressed further. As if taking a leisurely stroll, Madam Magician moved two steps to the side of the hill. After being nourished and exerting influence for over a thousand years, the Tree of Shadow has become one with Trier. Its akin to its shadow, its dark aspect. Unless we obliterate the entire city and exterminate every inhabitant, not even a true deity could fully eradicate it. Of course, we could relocate Trier elsewhere and resettle its entire population. Then, after five to six years, when the Tree of Shadow has weakened due to the loss of nourishment, we could uproot it. However, by doing so, the other perils lurking beneath Trier would become uncontrollable. There are other dangers? Lumian furrowed his brow. Isnt the underground of Trier too daunting? Perplexed, he asked, Why wasnt the Tree of Shadow destroyed when it was first planted? Madam Magician chuckled. Well, wasnt it due to the urgency of constructing the city and countering certain underground threats? They failed to notice someone secretly planting the Tree of Shadow. She didnt divulge details about the dangers, implying that Lumian didnt need to know them at present. Lumian keenly sensed this and sealed his lips. Madam Magician looked at him and let out a self-deprecating laugh. Are you unhappy that I sent you directly to Trier and involved you in a series of perilous affairs without providing corresponding assistance? No, Lumian replied, puzzled by Madam Magicians question. From his perspective, accepting missions, completing tasks, and reaping rewards seemed fair enough. And throughout this process, Madam Magician would offer guidance through letters. Apart from the past few years of adoption, Lumian had long grown accustomed to not relying entirely on others and making full use of the various resources at his disposal to achieve his goals. Madam Magician chuckled. Didnt you see the Major Arcana card summoned by the Two of Cups? It happened because she was coincidentally in Trier. Otherwise, it wouldnt have been so effortless and effective. She paused for a moment before continuing, If I were to treat you as an extension of my eyes and hands, a loyal subordinate devoid of your own will, I could allow you to recite my name and provide ample assistance to ensure your safety most of the time. However, you chose the Hunter pathway. Its a path that demands combat and a strong sense of self. A flower nurtured in a greenhouse cannot become a qualified Hunter. Its immensely challenging for a Hunter, who always fights within their comfort zones with a patron, to attain godhood and become a saint. In due time, they will have to invest more time and pay a higher price to compensate for their present deficiencies. What kind of person do you aspire to be? Lumian fell silent for a moment before responding, I want to be the one who makes those scoundrels tremble. His answer was unequivocal. Madam Magician nodded in satisfaction. Of course, that doesnt mean I wont care about you. I will still reply to your letters, provide my opinions, and even extend assistance upon request. However, I dont want you to feel perpetually shielded. Lumian nodded, signifying his understanding. He recalled Susanna Mattises swift recitation of certain words to seek high-level assistance. Combining that with the keywords mentioned by Madam Magician, he spoke thoughtfully, Can reciting the honorific name of a specific entity draw their attention and receive corresponding aid through prayer? Yes, The Magician nodded subtly. However, it requires the sufficient goodwill of the other party. Once you reach a certain stage, I will also disclose my name to you. Yes, you are aware of Mr. Fools honorific name, but without a ritual, simply reciting it will be difficult to elicit an effective response. It may even have adverse consequences. This is because Mr. Fool is contending with an ancient deity. The outcome will determine the fate of us all and whether this world can survive the apocalypse. Mr. Fool? The abbreviation for that mighty existence is The Fool? Truly befitting of a secret organization that employs tarot cards as their codenames When Lumian heard of The Fool, he instinctively connected it to the tarot cards he encountered daily, rather than associating it with the honorific name. It seemed more like a description. Madam Magician changed the subject and glanced at the tree trunk in Lumians hand. This is a valuable item. Attacks without godhood cannot harm it, and upon striking a target, it may trigger a particular desire. If you acquire Beyonder characteristics that align with it, you can find a way to employ a saint-level Artisan to combine them, turning it into a mystical item. You shouldnt carry it with you at all times, though. Otherwise, your desires will gradually spiral out of control. It poses great danger for Beyonders who consume potions. Just as she finished speaking, Madam Magician turned her head slightly, as if listening to something. Then, she addressed Lumian, That will be all for today. In the blink of an eye, Lumians vision filled with a blend of vibrant colors and ethereal, indescribable creatures. In the next moment, Rue Anarchie appeared before him, riddled with cracks. Madam Magician had vanished, leaving Lumian bewildered as he hastily donned the clothes and pants he held in his hands. His attention was then drawn to Franca, standing not far away. Simultaneously, the two of them exchanged smiles. Before they could convey their shared sense of being part of the same secret organization, Jenna emerged from the alley shadows, dressed in a grayish-blue gown. Lumian and Franca instinctively went on guard. Jenna winced, gripping her wounded ribs, yet expressed joy, Dammit! You guys are alright! She appears genuine Franca mumbled and approached her, concern etched on her face. What happened to you? Why are you injured? Jenna cast nervous glances around and lowered her voice. I assassinated Hugues Artois and ended up getting shot. Dammit! You succeeded? And you managed to escape? Franca exclaimed, taken aback. Even she didnt believe she could pull off such a feat. What was this called? This was the embodiment of a true assassin! Lumian noticed a few passersby on Rue Anarchie, so he interrupted Jenna. We can discuss it once we reach Auberge du Coq Dor. Ill extract the bullet and treat your wounds. I still have half a vial of Healing Agent, Franca chimed in happily. She supported Jenna and, following the shadows along the roadside, they made their way back to Auberge du Coq Dor. As they neared their destination, they encountered Anthony Reid, the information broker. Lumian chuckled derisively. I thought youd have escaped. I still have some unfinished business in the market district, Anthony Reid replied vaguely. The four of them took a few more steps and laid their eyes upon the beige five-story building. Auberge du Coq Dor leaned a little more than before. Cracks marred its walls, intertwined with withering vines and branches. As the remaining tenants had yet to return, it exuded an indescribable dilapidation and silence. It had been some time since the catastrophe. Amidst the crowd, a young man dressed plainly disembarked from the steam locomotive, carrying an old suitcase. He left the platform behind and strolled all the way to Rue Anarchie. There, he laid eyes upon the beige five-story building, its surface adorned with streaks of vibrant red paint. Auberge du Coq Dor, he murmured, reciting the name of the establishment. He reached into his pocket, feeling the banknotes and coins, realizing it was likely within his means. To his surprise, Auberge du Coq Dor was much cleaner than he had envisioned. While certain areas were plastered with outdated newspapers and cheap pink paper, there were no signs of the ubiquitous bedbugs, repugnant phlegm, or various types of rubbish. After renting Room 302 for 15 verl dor, the young man climbed the stairs with his suitcase, feeling content. Its even more affordable than I thought. A clean motel like this costs only 15 verl dor per month Once he had stowed away his suitcase in the cramped room, he decided to treat himself to a drink using the money he had saved. In the Capital of Joy, one had to play the part! He made his way to the underground bar, immediately engulfed by the lively clamor as he stepped inside. A man in a shirt and bow tie, beer in hand, flailed his short arms, energetically expounding to the people around him. Others reveled, singing and dancing, refusing to be subdued. At the bar counter, a few patrons sat with an intriguing contraption. Curiosity piqued, the young man approached, examining the rubber hose and glass canister of the device. He asked with fascination, What is this? A handsome customer with blond hair streaked with black turned his body and responded with a bright smile, Its called the Idiot Instrument that tests an individuals intelligence. Or you could say that it measures a persons foolishness. (End of Volume TwoLightseeker) Chapter 264 - 264 Secret Organization 264 Secret Organization Volume Opening: Everyone is a hunter, and everyone is prey. Deputy Director of Loen Kingdoms MI9 Spotted in the Crossfire of Market District Terror! Fiery Debate at National Convention: Eternal Blazing Sun Churchs Role in Hugues Artois Assassination! Shocking Malpractice! Negotiating the Limits: Two Churches in Talks Over Parliamentary Immunity Restrictions No Oath, No Immunity: Debating the Rights of Unsworn Members National Convention or Heretic Haven? Hugues Artois Shielding Heretics Behind Market District Terrorism! The headlines from different newspapers stood out, capturing Jennas attention under the blazing afternoon sun. She scanned the newspapers headlines, witnessing the fervent debate taking place from different angles. Jennas gaze eventually settled on the wanted posters adorning the newsstands side. Guillaume Bnet Pualis de Roquefort Lumian Lee Celia Bello Jenna stared at her own poster, finding it peculiarly enchanting. The portrait displayed bore no resemblance to her; her features were almost reversed, except for her undeniable beauty. Even her brother Julien would fail to recognize her as his sister, let alone any bounty hunters. And so, Jenna continued her studies at the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons by day, and entertained audiences with her voice at the Salle de Bal Brise by night, making ends meet. Her life remained unchanged, just as it had been. If it werent for the daily newspaper debates surrounding Hugues Artoiss demise and the ensuing conflicts, Jenna would have doubted whether her act of assassinating him was merely a dream born out of emotional turmoil. Based on Francas findings and her own speculations, the official Beyonders seemed to appreciate Jennas elimination of Hugues Artois. They believed she had made a significant contribution in eradicating a group of heretics. Had it not been for the pressure from the National Convention and the various restrictions in place, they might have even considered honoring Jenna with a medal. Hence, they intentionally spread misleading information, crafting a wanted poster that deviated from reality. They employed an investigation as a pretext to aid Jennas brother, Julien, in purging the malicious powers that had destabilized his emotions. They cured his latent psychological illness and provided him with a legitimate occupation as a fitter, all under the guise of humanitarianism and support for believers. For Jenna, aside from the necessity to avoid her neighbors whenever she encountered Julien, her life remained relatively unhindered. She pursued her studies in theater acting and transformed into Showy Diva whenever the need arose. Drawing from Francas experience, if Jenna lingered in the market district for a few more days, the Purifiers of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church would likely approach her, sharing common knowledge and taboos to prevent any accidental disasters caused by her wild Beyonder powers. They might even attempt to recruit her as an informant. If it were a Beyonder from the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery, they might choose to observe her covertly, trailing her steps and uncovering the source of her Beyonder characteristic. Depending on the circumstances, they would determine whether to apprehend her immediately and transform her into an informant or play the long game to capture more significant players. The Purifiers, on the other hand, would likely adopt a more transparent approach, considering Jennas substantial assistance in their cause. Jenna paid little mind to these matters. If the official Beyonders sought her capture, she would flee. If they wished to recruit her as an informant, she would comply. And if they disregarded her altogether, she would continue working to repay her debts and save for next years tuition. Retracting her gaze, Jenna, dressed in a grayish-white gown, stepped out of Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. She turned towards Rue des Blouses Blanches, seeking some rest before adorning her face with smoky and decadent makeup, preparing to become the captivating Showy Diva at the Salle de Bal Brise. Apartment 601, 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches. Franca, clad in a blouse, light-colored breeches, and wooden slippers, warmly greeted Lumian. Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons proves more profitable than anticipated! At the heretics estate charity auction for the post-disaster reconstruction, Gardner Martin had acquired Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons for 50,000 verl dor and entrusted its management to Franca. Most of the profits were left in her hands as his mistress. During the auction, he had also secured Auberge du Coq Dor for 2,000 verl dor. Occasionally, he dispatched individuals to conduct peculiar investigations, as if seeking to uncover the truth behind the disaster. Lumian undoubtedly took charge of the daily operations. As the weather warmed, Lumian embraced the change by donning a light brown pair of trousers, a crisp white shirt, and a black waistcoat. He didnt bother with a coat. Rather than inquire about the profits of Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, Lumian surveyed the surroundings and posed a question. I wish to know more about the secret organization weve joined. He had initially assumed Franca would inform him at an opportune moment. However, after waiting for several days, it seemed Franca had forgotten about the matter, leaving Lumian no choice but to seek answers himself. Franca was taken aback, her surprise evident as she blurted out, You dont know? You joined without any knowledge of the organization? Had it not been for Madam Judgments confirmation that Lumian was a member, Franca would have suspected he was bluffing and hadnt actually joined. Lumian explained sincerely, I was on probation before, and after passing the assessment, my Major Arcana card left it to you to reveal the details. Franca accepted the explanation, recalling her own limited knowledge during her early days with the organization. She settled back into the recliner, crossing her legs and straightening her posture. We are all members of the Tarot Club. Tarot Club Upon hearing the name, Lumian, already seated on the opposite sofa, showed no surprise. After all, members of this clandestine group adopted tarot cards as their code names. The core members were associated with the Major Arcana cards, while ordinary members bore the Minor Arcana cards. Francas face gradually lit up with pride. Our Tarot Club is the most exceptional secret organization in the entire world. One could even argue it is among the most powerful. Thats because our leader is a supreme entity standing at the apex of all deities. In other secret organizations, the deities they serve merely watch over and provide divine insight. They do not actively participate. However, before Mr. Fool descended into a deep slumber, He regularly convened gatherings in His divine kingdom for the Major Arcana cardholders. What do we call it? A true Divine Council! Other Churches may have so-called Divine Councils, but at best, they are meetings held under the watchful gaze of a deity. It is not a gathering conducted in the presence of a deity with the deitys direct involvement. Franca pressed a hand to her chest and offered a slight bow. Praise The Fool! Lumian had contemplated the Tarot Clubs potential. After all, Madam Magician exuded an air of mystery and power. Yet, he never anticipated that the great existence she spoke of would be the leader of the Tarot Club. This shattered his preconceived notions of deities. After a moment of contemplation, he voiced his thoughts. Is Mr. Fool called The Fool because He holds The Fool card from the Major Arcana? So He, too, is a member of the Tarot Club? That is partly the reason, Franca replied after a brief pause. However, no one can confirm it. I suspect it is because The Fool is one of the many honorific names bestowed upon Mr. Fool. Hence, when establishing the secret organization, He chose the name Tarot Club and assigned different tarot cards to each member. But can we really address Him directly as Mr. Fool? Lumian questioned, finding it somewhat blasphemous or disrespectful to refer to a deity using the honorific Mr. It seemed too ordinary and lacked the necessary sanctity. Franca smiled and assured him, There is no issue. It is said that Mr. Fool Himself quite enjoys this form of address. Seeing that Lumian had no further inquiries, Franca continued. In many ritualistic magics, if you are unable to find a suitable recipient for your prayers, you can seek aid from Mr. Fool. Although the process may differ from your expectations, it will invariably lead to the desired outcome in a wondrous manner. The only caveat is that Mr. Fool is in a deep slumber, and we must not disturb Him too often. According to my Major Arcana card, we should not do so more than once a month unless absolutely necessary. Reciting His honorific name alone will not draw attention or assistance. In fact, it may result in failure and pose a certain risk. The power inadvertently released by a slumbering deity is capable of obliterating us countless times over. Thus, we must perform a ritual to ensure our safety. Madam Magician had mentioned this before, but as per her explanation, Mr. Fools slumber holds more significance than mere sleep Franca seems unaware of the details? Lumian contemplated this as he asked thoughtfully, What kind of deity is Mr. Fool? Franca cleared her throat and replied, My lecture wouldnt do it justice. Haha, I dont remember all that much. I suggest you visit Mr. Fools cathedral and listen to the bishops sermons. Mr. Fools cathedral? Lumian exclaimed in surprise. Was there a cathedral dedicated to Mr. Fool in Trier? Werent there only two Churches in Intis? Franca explained, Mr. Fools Church primarily resides in the Rorsted Archipelago of the Sonia Sea and some locations in the Southern Continent. However, due to the beliefs of many merchants, sailors, bounty hunters, and treasure seekers at sea, we often encounter followers of Mr. Fool at Lavigny Docks in the square district. Later, for certain reasons, the two Churches agreed to construct a small cathedral there for Mr. Fools Church, allowing passing sea merchants to offer their prayers. However, proselytizing or preaching outside the cathedral is strictly prohibited. Most Trieriens are unaware of its existence. The square district lay on the north bank of the Srenzo River, west of Trier. Lavigny Docks bustled with various goods arriving from numerous seaside ports. Sea merchants frequently passed through, while sailors sought to experience the vibrancy and prosperity of Trier. To the west of Lavigny Docks stood Trocadro Town, renowned for its Trocadro liquor. Lumian nodded and said, I shall find time to visit and listen. With that settled, he asked curiously, What is the connection between Mr. Fools Church and our Tarot Club? Chapter 265 - 265 The Major Arcana Cards 265 The Major Arcana Cards Franca, sitting cross-legged in the recliner, had long pondered over this question. After careful consideration, a smile curved on her lips as she spoke, Mr. Fools Church is akin to an independent subsidiary of our Tarot Club. Observing Lumians bewilderment, she went on to explain, Each of our Tarot Clubs Major Arcana Cards represents an influential figure in the world, be it in reality or mysticism. I suspect that the Pope of The Fools Church is one such figure. As for the other Major Arcana Cards, they may lead different organizations. While these organizations might not believe in Mr. Fool, they can provide assistance to certain operations of the Tarot Club. To put it simply, the Tarot Club is the highest governing body directly overseen by Mr. Fool. Each holder of a Major Arcana card possesses a distinguished status and their own sphere of influence. And one such holder is The Fools Church, Franca elaborated. Lumian grasped Francas meaning roughly and inquired, How many Major Arcana cards do we have? Franca shook her head and replied, I cannot provide an exact number as the identities of the Major Arcana card holders are kept confidential. The only card we interact with the most is the Major Arcana card to which we are subordinate. Well mine is Madam Judgment. Mine is Madam Magician, Lumian added. Franca chuckled, It seems that these two cards often appear together. Yes, our Tarot Club has a habit of scattering the entire deck of tarot cards at the scene after completing a task. We also place the card that represents us in the most prominent position Isnt that wasteful? Lumian interrupted Franca. What harm is there in using a deck of tarot cards? Dont you find such actions cool? Franca muttered. You can leave the card that represents you, but what use is a deck without one? Youll have to buy a new one next time. If you visit the factory and customize a large number of tarot cards with just one card, youll become an easy target. I can draw it myself, Lumian proposed, already formulating a solution. While he couldnt replicate the printed quality, he could capture the main characteristics of the Seven of Wands. Franca fell silent for a moment, then said, Wouldnt something you draw have a mystical connection? Wouldnt you have to expend energy to counter divination? Sigh, we dont have to scatter them every time. We dont have to scatter them when working with non-Tarot Club members. We dont have to scatter them during stealth missions, such as the one were on now. And we dont have to scatter them when were under suspicion. Dammit! How did we get off track? What I wanted to convey is that due to the Tarot Clubs customs and traditions, Ive learned from various newspapers and mystical gatherings about the more active Major Arcana cards. Madam Justice has appeared multiple times on the Midseashire coast, in Trier, and Backlund. Mr. Hanged Man has made appearances at sea. We have Madam Hermit and Mr. Sun, as well as Mr. Moon and Mr. Star from the Southern Continent. As for any other Major Arcana card holders, Im unaware. Madam Justice, Mr. Hanged Man, Mr. Sun, Madam Hermit, Mr. Star, Mr. Moon Lumian realized that the names possessed an air of mystery and sophistication, unlike the mundane-sounding Seven of Wands and Two of Cups. After pondering for a while, he recognized a crucial point mentioned by Franca: Madam Justice had been seen in Midseashire, Trier, and Backlund. Apart from Madam Judgment and Madam Magician, this was the only Major Arcana card with confirmed sightings in Trier. Lumian distinctly recalled that Madam Susie had mentioned the possibility of people from the West Midseashire Coast being Beyonders of the Spectator pathway. This implied that she had a good understanding of the West Midseashire Coast. Considering that she and the other Psychiatrist were in Trier, their areas of activity overlapped by at least two-thirds with Madam Justices. Furthermore, when Madam Magician mentioned that the two Psychiatrists were equals and that his psychological problem involved matters at a higher level, Lumian suspected that one of them was Madam Justice. Based on the fact that both Madam Magician and Madam Judgment preferred to address themselves with tarot cards and conceal their true names, it was more likely that the enigmatic lady sitting across from him was the holder of the Major Arcana card, Justice. Susie, on the other hand, seemed to be her subordinate Minor Arcana card. With these thoughts in mind, Lumian glanced at Franca, who had adjusted her sitting position, and spoke, Were you planning to find a genuine Psychiatrist for Jennas brother from within our Tarot Club? Franca, confused by Lumians sudden change of topic, was taken aback. No, I intended to approach members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society. I try my best not to contact my Major Arcana, Madam Judgment unless its a particularly critical or serious matter. Although she always appears composed and willing to help, do you know? Shes a true demigod and a prominent figure with godlike status. I cant burden her with trivial matters frequently. She says she doesnt mind, but who knows if shes truly honest. Each insignificant problem might decrease her favor towards me. When her favorability drops to a certain extent, a demigod has numerous ways to make your life unbearable. Besides, you wont even know why its happening. I usually handle things on my own. If that fails, I turn to Gardner Martin or the members of the Research Society. And if that doesnt work, I consider reaching out to Madame Judgment. Lumian shared the same sentiment, but he had the excuse of reporting the missions situation and suppressing Termiboross influence. He could write to Madam Magician from time to time to gather information. In any case, he was already in the process of writing a letter. There was no harm in asking! Observing that Francas Psychiatrist wasnt the same as his own, Lumian didnt mention Susie. He nodded gently and replied, Same here. Franca glanced around and lowered her voice. However, dont hesitate to seek help when you need it. The resources and influence wielded by Major Arcana card holders exceed your imagination. What you find difficult can be resolved with a mere command or thought. Wasnt my mystical item, the Ring of Punishment, incredibly powerful? Madame Judgment granted it to me directly upon my request. She even allowed me to owe an equivalent exchange for a period of time. Uh I see how you obtained the Pyromaniac potion formula and its main ingredient so quickly! Youre not wrong Lumian smiled, conveying to Franca that she had hit the mark. He believed that if he could acquire Beyonder characteristics that complemented the Shadow Branch, he could genuinely seek the help of Madam Magician in finding a saint-level Artisan to craft the corresponding mystical item. Compared to him, who was only a Sequence 7, Madam Magician, already a demigod, was more likely to be acquainted with a high-level Artisan! Franca exhaled and continued the conversation. Every bearer of a Major Arcana card is a demigod, with a high probability of being a saint. At the very least, the more active ones dont seem to be at the level of Grounded Angels. However, Madam Judgment told me that the Tarot Club has more than one angel! At least eight saints, and more than one angel? Theyre even stronger than the Aurora Order Truly befitting the most extraordinary secret organization Lumian sighed, wondering if the Tarot Clubs core members were exaggerating to instill a stronger sense of belonging among their subordinates. With a yearning expression, Franca added, My current dream is to progress step by step to Sequence 5, then advance to Sequence 4 of the Hunter pathway and become a demigod. That would grant me the right to obtain a Major Arcana card. Not only would it mean greater strength and a sense of security, but it would also allow me to participate in the Divine Council and ask Mr. Fool about things once he awakens. According to Madam Magician, obtaining a Major Arcana card isnt dependent on advancing to Sequence 4 and becoming a demigod Lumian dealt Franca a blow to prevent her from having overly high expectations. However, Franca didnt mind at all. She smiled and said, In any case, my question will have to wait until Mr. Fool wakes up. When the time comes, demigods will undoubtedly be more qualified than other members to obtain a Major Arcana card. At this point, she looked at Lumian and continued, Apart from us, there are four more Minor Arcana cards active in Trier. In total, there are 23 cards in the world, but there might be fewer. Many Beyonders find it fashionable to scatter tarot cards at the scene of an incident and intentionally imitate us. They might do it to misdirect the official Beyonders investigation. In Trier, the most renowned card is the Knight of Swords. At the beginning of the year, he detonated a warehouse belonging to the Southern Continents terrorist organization, the Rose School of Thought. The warehouse concealed a significant amount of explosives, and non-human remains were found at the scene Lumian listened attentively to Francas account, gaining a better understanding of the Tarot Club and the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana cards. After a brief moment of contemplation, he asked, Do Minor Arcana cards have gatherings in the world of mysticism? No, Franca shook her head again. Unless we meet in person, like we have, we can only communicate through our respective Major Arcana cards. Yes, regular gatherings do take place between Major Arcana cards in Mr. Fools divine kingdom! However, Madame Judgment mentioned once that in urgent situations, with the assistance of our Major Arcana, we can communicate in a way that transcends reality, but such occurrences are rare. Lumian had no further questions. After chatting for a while, he heard Jennas footsteps ascending the stairs. He stood up, preparing to leave. Where are you going? Franca asked, puzzled. At this hour, there was nothing for him to do in Salle de Bal Brise, so he might as well stay and play Fighting Evil, the game Emperor Roselle had invented. Lumian smiled, a mix of emotions in his expression. To the catacombs. The ashes of the lunatic Flameng and the Ruhr couple were finally being laid to rest in the catacombs. Chapter 266 - 266 Catacombs 266 Catacombs Outside the police headquarters in the bustling market district, Lumian, donning the enigmatic Prying Glasses, climbed aboard the carriage adorned with painted irises. Two ordinary constables, clad in black uniforms, occupied the seats opposite, their feet resting beside three somber urns. The names of the departed flickered in fluorescent ink. Taking his place across from them before the carriage slowly steered forward, Lumian caught the older constables inquisitive gaze. What brings you here? Whats your connection to these departed souls? He remembered that two of the deceased had neither kin nor friends, and the remaining one had distant relatives who trembled at the mere mention of the name Flameng. Not only were they unwilling to come and collect the ashes and relics, but they also reluctantly admitted that they were related by blood or marriage. Lumian responded calmly. Im their landlord, in a manner of speaking. Just the landlord? The older constable appeared skeptical. Officer, a landlord is a person too. They can feel for others! Lumian chuckled. Ive shared a drink or had a chat with them. Accompanying their remains into the catacombs isnt a big deal. The younger constable feigned disinterest, gazing out the window, while the older constable exuded an air of familiarity. Youth suits you well. But in the motel or apartment business in the market district, you must guard against developing attachments to tenants. Otherwise, youll either be deceived or heartbroken. After a few more such experiences, your enthusiasm for others will wane. Lumian offered a perfunctory reply, and the constable broached another subject. We still have Flamengs belongings. His kin refuse to collect them. Would you like them? If not, well handle it ourselves. Ill take a look when I return from the catacombs, Lumian replied nonchalantly. During the journey from the market district to the Place du Purgatoire in Quartier de lObservatoire, the older constable chatted away, alternating between engaging Lumian and attempting to draw his colleague into conversation. His chatter seemed ceaseless. Finally reaching their destination, Lumian disembarked from the carriage, cradling Ruhrs ashes in his arms. Despite his outgoing nature, Lumian felt a newfound relief, as if his ears had been granted respite. The catacomb administrator, whom Lumian had encountered before, awaited their arrival. In his mid-thirties, of average build, with curly brown hair, a thick beard, and slightly upturned eyes, he sported yellow pants, a white shirt, and a blue vest. Kendall, why is it you again? the older constable greeted him warmly. Kendall held an unlit carbide lamp and smiled. Robert, I heard you were coming, so I made sure to delay my other duties and be here for you. As Kendall spoke, he scrutinized Lumian and emphasized, You didnt forget to bring the white candles, did you? That will be the last thing I forget! Robert, clutching Flamengs urn, fumbled in his pocket and retrieved three white candles. He tossed one to his colleague and another to Lumian. With everything in order, Kendall ignited the carbide lamp and turned around, leading them deeper into the darkness, down the stone staircase comprising 138 steps. Along the way, they passed a heavy wooden door engraved with two imposing Sacred Emblems and traversed a hushed corridor where even the sound of their breaths seemed amplified. Lumian was no stranger to such a foreboding atmosphere, but the young constable displayed signs of nervousness. He clutched Madame Michels urn tightly, seeking solace. After traversing a broad avenue, illuminated by gas street lamps, the quartet arrived at the catacombs entrance. The natural cavern, subsequently modified, stood silently in the dim yellow glow. Skulls, skeletal arms, sunflowers, and reliefs depicting steam elements adorned both sides. Beyond them, an impenetrable darkness loomed. Etched on the lintel were two inscriptions in Intisian: Halt! The Death Empire lies ahead! Although Lumian had witnessed this sight before, he still felt a profound sense of reverence. Unlike his previous curiosity and confusion, he now keenly grasped the gravity conveyed by these warnings and the surrounding environment. Beneath Triers surface lurked countless perils capable of obliterating the entire city and even Intis itself. These dangers included, but were not limited to, Trier, the Tree of Shadow, and invisible flames from the Fourth Epoch. The catacombs, situated here, were unlikely to be innocuous. According to Osta Trul, a Secrets Suppliant, visitors who descended into the catacombs with lit white candles invoked the protection of a concealed entity, akin to a ritual. Lumian couldnt help but suspect that opening such a place to the public served to suppress some subterranean peril, much like the new city erected upon Trier in the Fourth Epoch. Kendall turned to Lumian and the others. Its time to light the candles. We must ensure they dont go out before we leave the catacombs. If we happen to get separated, dont panic. Look for a road sign. If you cant find one, follow the black line above you until you reach the exit. With Kendall holding the carbide lamp, Lumian and the two others ignited their white candles, casting a soft yellowish glow. As the four candles flickered gently, Kendall extinguished the carbide lamp and led the way through the boulder gate, entering the realm of the Death Empire. Lumian followed closely behind, clutching the urn in one hand and the white candle in the other. Suddenly, a chill swept over him, sending shivers down his spine. But the cold didnt originate from his surroundings; it emanated from deep within his heart, causing his hair to stand on end. Simultaneously, Lumian felt eyes fixed upon him, their gazes piercing his soul. Using the flame of his candle, he looked to his right and saw pits carved into the stone wall, each one containing a ghastly skeletal corpse. The hollow-eyed skulls stared at him lifelessly, devoid of emotion. Lumian didnt avert his gaze as he carefully observed the corpses. He realized that the eerie sensation of being watched didnt stem from them, yet the feeling remained. An instinctive urge to activate his Spirit Vision surged within him, but he had changed since arriving in Trier. He had encountered enough to know that many warnings were inscribed with blood and tears by those who came before him. I shouldnt look at what I shouldnt Since it poses no danger to me, theres no need to search for the source of this abnormality Lumian silently muttered, turning his attention to the police officers beside him. They seemed oblivious to any anomaly and continued following the tomb administrator, Kendall, as if everything was normal. This made Lumian suspect that the experience was a result of the qualitative change in his spirituality after his advancement to Pyromaniac. Its good that you cant feel it Lumian couldnt help but sigh. Under the weight of countless gazes, his skin erupted in goosebumps. He cautiously looked up and saw a thick black line painted on the top of the tomb, with an arrow pointing toward the exit. As he advanced, Lumian noticed that both sides of the path were lined with bones. Some were nestled in pits along the stone walls, others were piled by the roadside, and some were covered by tattered garments. Some lay bare, stripped of all burial items, their skulls coated in a layer of dark green mold. The air carried a diluted scent of decay. The catacombs were divided into multiple chambers, each designated by name, ensuring visitors could locate specific remains. Lumian and his companions followed Kendall through the narrow passage between the tomb chapel and the tomb memorial pillar. Ahead, they saw dozens of yellowish candles. At times, the flames clustered together like fireflies in the night, while other times they formed a river of dim starlight. Lumian glanced around casually and spotted a bride, her face veiled in white, adorned in a sanctified gown. Beside her stood a groom in a black tailcoat, a floral handkerchief adorning his chest pocket. Surrounding them were 30 to 40 youths, holding lit white candles and laughing merrily. Whats happening? Lumian couldnt hide his confusion. Kendall scoffed and explained, Its part of a wedding ceremony. Since last year, newlyweds have been bringing young guests into the catacombs, crossing paths with the deceased. Its become a popular tradition in Trier. Young folks are always daring, taking pride in their courage and delighting in scaring others. Ive seen guests purposely pick up skeletal hands and pat the bride and groom on the shoulder, nearly causing them to faint in fear. Oh, you Trierians Lumian shook his head in amusement. It didnt take long for the four of them to reach their destination, the Tomb of Lights. In the center stood a black pedestal, atop which an obelisk painted white bore the emblem of the Sun. At its peak rested an ancient, extinguished oil lamp. The walls and floor were filled with bones, urns, and countless tear bottles. Upon entering, Lumian realized a problem. Where are Flamengs relatives? He had wanted Flameng to rest alongside his children, wife, and parents. After a brief moment of contemplation, Lumian suddenly understood why Flameng hadnt specified the location of his kins remains. He felt guilty and self-reproachful. Flameng desired to be with his family, yet he didnt dare approach them. He intended to stay in the same chamber and watch over them from a distance. An indescribable sorrow enveloped Lumian as he stood silently, choosing to honor Flamengs final wish. He found an empty spot and gently placed the urn of the troubled soul. Once Robert and the others had arranged the urns of the Ruhr couple, the four of them offered simultaneous prayer, either uttering Praise the Sun or By Steam. On their way back, they encountered the newlyweds and their young entourage. As Lumian brushed past them, he noticed a young couple in the group. Seizing the moment when the tomb administrators attention waned, they impulsively attempted to blow out the white candle in their hands, curious to see what would happen. Whoosh! They had indeed done it. The two yellowish flames were extinguished. In that instant, Lumians mind turned adrift. Quickly regaining his composure, he realized the young couple had vanished without a trace. Theyre gone Lumians eyes widened as he tried to comprehend the situation. A few seconds later, he accepted the undeniable truth. The young couple had truly vanished! Lumian then shifted his gaze back to the entourage. Whether it was the newlyweds leading the way, the attending guests, or those at the rear, no one seemed to notice anyone missing. They continued to smile, joke, and move forward. Chapter 267 - 267 Remains 267 Remains For a moment, Lumian thought he must be seeing things. There was no sign of the couple, nor any attempt to put out the candle flames! If Lumian hadnt witnessed it himself and been well aware of the dangers lurking in Underground Trier, he might have questioned whether the problem was with his own mind rather than searching for any trace of the couples existence. The people behind the couple hastened their steps and caught up to the person in front, closing the sudden gap in the procession. They showed no surprise, fear, or confusion. Everything appeared normal. Lumian, already aware of the countless unseen gazes fixed upon him, felt the goosebumps on his skin intensify. Subconsciously, he glanced at Kendall, the tomb administrator, who led the way with two police officers, to gauge his reaction to the recent events. Clad in yellow trousers and a blue vest, Kendall held an extinguished carbide lamp in one hand and a quietly burning white candle in the other. He walked directly toward the exit of the catacombs, seemingly oblivious to the strange happenings surrounding the entourage. Suddenly, Kendall turned around and met Lumians gaze. Is something the matter? Kendalls deep voice reverberated through the passageway, echoing in the nearby skull chambers. Lumian maintained a composed demeanor and replied calmly, Im afraid I might get lost. Kendall nodded almost imperceptibly. Then Ill slow down. He continued toward the exit, deliberately reducing his pace. He staggered slightly, remaining silent, resembling a zombie from a horror novel. Lumian held the flickering yellow candle and passed by the laughing wedding party participants, who occasionally made eye contact with the white skulls. Thoughts raced through his mind. They truly didnt notice that someone was missing When they leave the catacombs, will the families of the man and woman discover their absence? Ive always wondered. The catacombs are open to the public, and university students often take risks and dance among the bones. Are there truly no issues? Even visitors guided by the catacomb administrators disobey the warnings, let alone youngsters who venture in with a solitary white candle Initially, I believed there were safety measures or that accidents were infrequent enough not to deter those individuals. Now, it seems to be a different matter altogether Lumian suspected that not only would the body of the person consumed by the catacombs vanish, but even the memory of their existence would be erased from the minds of friends and relatives! Why can I remember them? Could it be because Termiboros is sealed within me, connecting my fate to His to some extent? Why do the government and the two Churches continue to open such a perilous place to the public? Do the catacombs require a constant flow of living people to keep something suppressed? Are those who disregard the warnings deemed necessary sacrifices? The more Lumian dwelled on it, the more his hair stood on end. He forced himself not to delve further into the analysis. Without sufficient information, he couldnt explore the matter any deeper. Regardless, there was nothing worth investigating within the catacombs. Visiting occasionally posed no threat as long as he adhered to the rules! Once they entered the catacombs, the talkative police officer, Robert, fell silent, clearly uncomfortable in the environment. With his silence, the conversation ceased. In an indescribable silence, the quartet retraced their steps to the natural entrance adorned with intricate reliefs and emerged back into the open. As soon as Lumian crossed the threshold, he sensed the countless invisible gazes vanish. The chill in his body dissipated, and his skin quickly returned to normal. Phew Robert exhaled deeply. I always feel uneasy whenever Im in the catacombs. Kendall, how can you go in more than ten times a day and still be so cheerful? Kendall chuckled and replied, Do you think we remain unaffected? If were not on night duty, those with families rush to find their wives. If not, they head to places like Rue de la Muraille and bask in the warmth of others. To be honest, after spending so much time here, I feel as if Im slowly turning into a corpse. As they conversed, Kendall lit the carbide lamp and extinguished the candle in his hand. Returning to the surface, Robert glanced at the police headquarters carriage parked outside the entrance building and sheepishly smiled at his colleague and Lumian. That prolonged discomfort makes me need to use the loo. Wait for me. Ill go to the restroom first. With that, he headed toward the two-story building, painted a muddy gray, which served as the ticket office for the catacombs. Lumian gazed at the stone-engraved dome and positioned himself by a pillar at the edge, absentmindedly observing the pedestrians on Place du Purgatoire. The other police officer boarded the carriage and settled in to wait. At that moment, Lumian felt a sudden chill. It resembled the sensation he experienced upon entering the catacombs, though not as intense. Instinctively, he warily turned around and saw Kendall, the tomb administrator, standing behind him, wearing an expressionless face. Whats the matter? Lumian calmly inquired. Kendall, with his thick brown beard, spoke in a deep voice, What were you looking at? Lumians heart sank as he responded with a mixture of sincerity and pretense, Which aspect are you referring to? When we passed by that group of people on our way back. Kendalls tone remained neutral. Lumian acted as though a light bulb had switched on. I find the concept of a wedding among the dead quite intriguing. They seemed unafraid and were enjoying themselves. Kendall scrutinized him for a couple of seconds before nodding. Dont imitate them. With that, the tomb administrator carried the unlit carbide lamp and made his way toward the muddy gray building that housed them. Before long, police officer Robert jogged back, and the carriage departed for Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. In the Evidence Room deep within the corridor on the first floor of the market districts police headquarters, Robert led Lumian to a wooden frame divided into multiple compartments and pointed to one of them. Here, Flamengs belongings. Among the items, there was a dark suitcase, a fountain pen, paper, an ink bottle, and several large books crammed inside. Lumian pulled out one of the books and quickly skimmed through its pages. He realized it was a mineralogy textbook focusing on Triers underground rock formations. As an unschooled youth, the content proved challenging, with numerous unfamiliar words that were exclusive to mineralogy. The other books were also mineralogy texts, some containing basic teaching materials while others comprised complex collections of papers. Confirming this, Lumian retrieved the suitcase, placed it on the floor, and opened it. Inside, along with two sets of clothes and daily essentials, the suitcase was filled with small grayish-white cloth bags. Each bag had a different name written on it with a fountain pen: Flower, Sedge, Sheep These are the names Flameng mentioned, referring to the various rock strata beneath Trier Could these bags contain corresponding mineral specimens? Lumian briefly recollected Flamengs words and formed a rough idea of what the cloth bags contained. Despite his madness, Flameng hadnt forgotten to bring along his research subjects! But all of this held little significance for Lumian, and he began contemplating letting the police headquarters handle them. Just then, Termiboross magnificent voice resonated in his ears. The cloth bag on the far right. Oh, so a loser like you is finally speaking up again? Lumians initial reaction was to mock Termiboros. However, he turned his gaze toward the cloth bag hinted at by the Inevitability angel, feeling a mix of surprise and suspicion. The cloth bag rested on the far right side of the suitcase, sandwiched between Flamengs socks and his razor. Dark blue ink formed a combination of terms on its surface: Earth Blood. Earth Blood Lumian, crouching beside the suitcase, silently muttered as he calmly picked up the cloth bag in front of the police officer, Robert, and opened it. Inside the bag was a brown rock pockmarked with potholes. Each depression contained dark-red speckles, resembling blood seeping from the earth. For some reason, just looking at it filled Lumian with a sense of frustration. He refrained from touching the mineral specimen with his bare hands. Instead, he securely tied the cloth bag and placed it back in the suitcase. He swiftly skimmed through the book detailing the materials found in Triers underground rock formations, searching for answers. With a clear target in mind, he quickly discovered the answer. Earth Blood rock stratum lies between 55 and 56 meters underground in Trier and has a thickness of approximately 0.76 meters This is the deepest mineral we can gather. Beyond lies the forbidden Ancient Ruins Reserve Beside this textbook description, Flamengs familiar handwriting jotted a few words: A small number of ores within the Earth Blood rock stratum are more peculiar than the others. They are suspected to contain volatile toxins that can induce irritability and lead to a mental illness known as mania. A researcher suddenly went berserk and slashed his colleague. To handle specific mineral specimens from the Earth Blood rock stratum, one must wear corresponding protective gear. Earth Blood is a rock stratum near Fourth Epoch Trier? Its undeniably peculiar No wonder Termiboros made me pay attention As Lumian pondered, Robert urged, Do you want them or not? Make a decision quickly! Yes, Lumian responded, rising to his feet. Even though he only desired the mineral specimen from the Earth Blood rock stratum and the mineralogy textbook detailing Triers underground rocks, he signed and took possession of all of Flamengs belongings to avoid arousing suspicion. Upon returning to Room 207 of Auberge du Coq Dor, Lumian neglected to wash off his enigmatic makeup. He whispered to Termiboros, What makes this mineral specimen so special? Termiboross voice echoed in Lumians ears once more. Dont tell me you think its normal for the Montsouris ghost to spare Flameng? Chapter 268 - 268 Possible Encounters 268 Possible Encounters Upon hearing Termiboross question, Lumian felt a jolt of alarm. He had never suspected that there might be something amiss with Flamengs prolonged stay at Auberge du Coq Dor, evading the clutches of the Montsouris ghost. From Lumians perspective, Flamengs immediate family and wife had already met their demise, and it was only a matter of time before he met a similar fate. The archives at Psychics headquarters revealed instances where victims had been slain by the Montsouris ghost up to 11 months after encountering it. While Flamengs circumstances were rare, they were not unprecedented. In an instant, Lumians mind seized upon an intriguing detail. The previous victims had all met their end within the same year of their encounter, whereas Flameng had crossed paths with the ghost last year. He had even sought the sanctuary of the clergy during the New Year festivities. Although less than a year had passed since Flamengs encounter with the Montsouris ghost and his subsequent suicide, it was an unprecedented delay compared to the other cases. Could this Earth Blood ore be responsible for protecting Flameng, causing the Montsouris ghost to repeatedly postpone its actions and disrupt its usual patterns? Lumian asked Termiboros, his voice hushed, seeking confirmation. Termiboros was a true angel, devoid of power due to a perfect seal but possessing remarkable insight, knowledge, and level made Him capable of deciphering many matters. Termiboros replied in a majestic voice, It instills fear and repulsion in the Montsouris ghost, but it holds no power of its own. For you, this could be a crucial key. A key? Lumian swiftly made numerous connections. The key to a hidden chamber in Fourth Epoch Trier? Termiboros responded in an unusually deep voice, You will inevitably enter Fourth Epoch Trier. It is where your destiny, both treacherous and serendipitous, awaits you. Rather than remaining passive, it would be wiser to explore proactively, leveraging the insights gained from each venture to better prepare yourself. Arent you revealing your intentions too quickly? Lumian couldnt help but chuckle. Are you trying to hasten my demise? So that you may utilize the unique underground environment to block the signal of the collapsing seal and ensure your own safe escape? Given that the Tree of Shadow hadnt taken root in Fourth Epoch Trier, Lumian held no interest in venturing underground. Without awaiting Termiboross response, he left the room and made his way to the nearest washroom, eager to wash off the mystical makeup that concealed his true identity. Having eliminated the latent threat, Lumian settled at a wooden table and began to write. It was clear that both Flameng and the Earth Blood ore were extraordinary cases. He couldnt simply follow Termiboross directives; consulting Madam Magician was imperative. If he lacked knowledge and blindly believed the words of an angel tied to an evil deity, he would inevitably suffer dire consequences, even risking his life. Termiboross voice resonated once more. Can you truly trust this Magician, this Tarot Club, as they claim? They sealed me within your body instead of seeking my eradication. I fear they have ulterior motives, intending to exploit you for their nefarious purposes. They cast you into Trier, the very heart of the storm, yet they displayed no concern nor made any inquiries about your well-being. Dont you find this suspicious? It cannot be explained away as mere training. Lumian beamed and said with a sigh, Have you never deceived or manipulated others in the past, relying solely on your status and abilities to achieve your goals? Would you like me to purchase a copy of the Art of Persuasion and read it aloud daily for your instruction? Allow me to enlighten you. Such tricks wouldnt have ensnared me during my early teenage years. I am well aware of those I can depend on, my true friends, my adversaries, and those I must remain wary of. Termiboros fell silent, seemingly contemplating whether to acquire the art of rhetoric. Lumian swiftly penned a letter to Madam Magician, detailing the recent developments, and entrusted it, along with the Earth Blood ore, to the puppet messenger he had summoned. In due time, a reply arrived from Madam Magician, who returned the mineral specimen. Im relieved to see that you remained cautious and didnt fully trust Termiboross words. However, there is some truth to what He said. The ore lacks inherent power, but it carries remnants of unknown auras and characteristics, mostly dissipated. It wont aid you directly, but it seems destined to bring about encounters in the future, which could be either beneficial or detrimental. Its current state is highly chaotic, making it difficult to provide an accurate interpretation. What Termiboros intentionally misled you about is that the fortuitous encounter He spoke of might not necessarily occur in Fourth Epoch Trier, but somewhere underground. If, in the future, you wish to explore the potential encounters and are prepared to take risks, carry it with you whenever you venture into Underground Trier. Alternatively, if you wish to avoid the risk, keep it safely stored in your room. The symbolic elements I mentioned previously have already begun to unfold. A friend of mine mentioned that he possesses great proficiency in deciphering such matters. Once he completes his current tasks, I will arrange for you to meet him Suddenly, a blaze erupted from Lumians hand, reducing the letter to ashes. Contemplating the words of both Madam Magician and Termiboros, Lumian couldnt help but believe that the Earth Blood ore before him could trigger some kind of mutation within Underground Trier. It could lead to a fortuitous encounter or even claim his life. For now, its best not to take unnecessary risks, Lumian thought, aware of his current strengths. As a Sequence 7 Pyromaniac, he had overcome any deficiencies in both close-quarters combat and long-range attacks, excelling in hand-to-hand combat and spellcasting. He had surpassed the limitations of an ordinary individual. However, Hunters leaned more towards conventional battles and lacked the peculiar abilities and methods to deal with the peculiarities of Underground Trier. Lumian decided to wait until he had fully digested the Pyromaniac potion and obtained the Contractee boon. Then, he would consider carrying the Earth Blood ore based on the information he had gathered about Underground Trier. It would be even better if he could transform the Shadow Branch into a mystical item before that. Suppressing his thoughts, Lumian took the mineral specimen to Rue des Blouses Blanches and concealed it in his safehouse. Before the afternoon sun waned, he delved into Aurores grimoire, meticulously studying its contents alongside Francas teachings and his own experiences with fire spells, searching for any potential issues. After more than an hour, Lumian stumbled upon a section about summoning creatures from the spirit world and forging contracts. His mind immediately turned to White Paper, Aurores contracted creature. The fragile spirit entity possessed the ability to withstand a specific ability of the contractor. I wonder if the contract between Aurore and White Paper has been severed. According to the notebook, aside from the designated ritual, the contract can only be broken if one of the parties is completely deceased. Regrettably, contracted creatures can only be summoned by the contractor and not by others like a messenger. Otherwise, I could utilize White Paper to determine if Aurore is truly deceased Hm Is it possible that Aurore left behind any information with White Paper? Lost in thought, Lumians mind shifted to another matter that had previously escaped his notice. Considering that Aurore occasionally gained clarity and assisted him in cutting up the livre bleu, reassembling letters, and seeking aid from the authorities, and since her initial response in the dream was to summon the messenger of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Societys Vice President, Hela, to seek her counsel, why didnt she occasionally summon the messenger when she was lucid and inform Madam Hela about her predicament? In Madam Helas earliest response to me, she clearly seemed unaware of the situation. What prevented Aurore from making such an attempt? Or could it be that she did summon a messenger, and Hela is concealing it? Lumian narrowed his eyes. Without the accompanying memories, he couldnt discern the source of the problem. For now, he wasnt overly suspicious of Hela, believing there must be another explanation. It was worth noting that Helas messenger knew Lumians exact location. If the woman was truly entangled in Cordus affairs and played a dishonorable role, she would undoubtedly wish to eliminate the final survivor without leaving any loose ends. Yet, all this time, she not only refrained from making any substantial moves but also kindly provided knowledge and suggestions. For a moment, Lumian considered writing down his questions and sending them to Hela to gauge her response. However, he restrained himself, fearing that it might expose the kings new clothes and lead to unfavorable outcomes. He decided to first have a conversation with Franca and gather opinions from her teammates in the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society and the Tarot Club regarding Helas trustworthiness. If Franca believed Hela to be reliable and had shared information about the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society with her Major Arcana card, Lumian would request Madam Magician to keep a watchful eye before sending inquiries to Hela. He forced himself to regain composure and resumed studying Aurores grimoire. Only when evening arrived did he leave Rue des Blouses Blanches, making his way onto Avenue du March and entering his Salle de Bal Brise. Good evening, Boss! Greetings echoed from all directions as Lumian nodded in acknowledgement and led Louis and Sarkota to the second floor. Before he could settle in at the caf, Ren, the dance hall manager, approached him. The slender middle-aged man pressed a hand to his chest and bowed respectfully. Monsieur Ciel, Monsieur Martin requests your presence at Rue des Fontaines tomorrow at 10 a.m. Boss wants to see me? Lumian was both surprised and delighted. He was taken aback that Gardner Martin had sent for him despite the recent lack of incidents. Yet, he couldnt help but feel a sense of joy at the prospect of further interaction with Gardner Martin and the opportunity to gain his trust to join the Iron and Blood Cross Order. Chapter 269 - 269 Islander 269 Islander Alright. Lumian nodded at Manager Ren. Lumian dabbed his mouth with a napkin and rose to his feet. He strolled towards one of the cafs balconies, casting his eyes over the nocturnal scenery of Avenue du March. The gas street lamps cast a soft, golden glow, illuminating the carriages and pedestrians that traversed the road. At that moment, people streamed into Salle de Bal Brise one after another, joining the revelry within. To be honest, Lumian preferred the cozy atmosphere of the basement bar at Auberge du Coq Dor to this place. It allowed him to unwind and find enjoyment. From his perspective, the patrons of Salle de Bal Brise were excessively self-indulgent. They cared little for their families or their futures. All they sought was a night of revelry, drowning themselves in alcohol, beauty, dance, and uproar. In contrast, the regulars at the basement bar were mostly tenants of Auberge du Coq Dor. They would return around 9 or 10 p.m. and had to be in bed by 1 a.m. They drank, sang, boasted, and frolicked, making the most of those fleeting two to three hours to find their own slice of joy. Only then did they gather the courage to face the arduous tasks of the following day and embrace the promise of a new dawn. It was akin to kerosene lamps that required regular refueling to continue casting their light. Lumian surveyed Avenue du March for a few minutes before his attention was abruptly drawn to a familiar figure. There stood Charlie, adorned in a white shirt and blue waistcoat, embroiled in a street brawl, his formal coat casually slung over his arm. Now were talking Lumian smiled, a touch of nostalgia and sentimentality washing over him as he used an expression that had recently gained popularity. Pressing his right hand against the balcony, Lumian gracefully leaped from the second floor, landing nimbly at the edge of Avenue du March. With a few brisk strides, he reached the scene of Charlies altercation. He made no move to intervene or assist Charlie. Instead, he observed the fight with keen interest. The other party engaged in this scuffle with Charlie was a slender young man in his mid-twenties, possessed of dark skin and sunken eyes. His lips were thick, and his slightly curly black hair marked him as a descendant of the Fog Sea Islander lineage. However, compared to his fellow islanders, he appeared somewhat more presentable. Cheat! You damn cheat! Charlie spat out, his curses interwoven with their tussle. The Islander, donning a blue shirt with a fountain pen tucked in his breast pocket, deftly dodged Charlies onslaught while offering an explanation. I didnt want this to happen either. I, too, fell victim to deceit! Dogsh*t! Charlies kick missed its mark. The two engaged in their amateurish scuffle until their breath grew ragged. Simultaneously, they slowed their movements and eventually ceased their struggle. Only then did Charlie notice Lumian standing beside him, observing the brawl with a smile. Ciel, its Monette! That swindler! The one who conned me out of 10 verl dor, nearly leaving me to starve! Charlies face lit up as he eagerly revealed the identity of his Islander adversary. Praise the Sun for granting me this encounter! The Islander whom Charlie deemed deserving of a dire fate Lumian chuckled to himself. Youre partly to blame as well. Havent you heard the saying? Never trust an Islander.'' I thought we were friends, Charlie muttered, his frustration evident. How could you be so na?ve and easily swayed? You too possess a certain knack for mischief People like you can be easily ensnared by scheming individuals, falling into their traps without gaining either the affection or the riches you desire. Ah, youve already fallen victim Lumian chastised, shifting his gaze towards the Islander named Monette. Monette responded with an obsequious smile. I genuinely intended to help Charlie find employment, but I, too, fell prey to a scam and lost all my money. I couldnt face Charlie, so I secretly departed from Auberge du Coq Dor. As he spoke, he reached into his pocket and withdrew a stack of banknotes, counting three 5 verl dor bills. He handed them over to Charlie. I returned to the market district to find you and return your money, along with interest. Charlies emotions eased considerably as he verified the authenticity of the three banknotes under the glow of the street lamps. He asked, still somewhat suspicious, Are you someone who gets scammed easily? Ever since Charlie had encountered Monette until his departure, he had only witnessed him conning others. He had never seen him on the receiving end of such deals. True to his Islander identity. Monette sheepishly smiled and replied, Not only was I swindled once, but I fell for it a second time. The first instance, I encountered a group of people who claimed that Salle de Bal Unique in Quartier de lObservatoire wanted to expand and were offering shares for sale. Each lot cost a mere 200 verl dor. You all know how lucrative the dance hall is. I couldnt resist dipping into my savings, but the share subscription certificate I received turned out to be counterfeit! I confronted them, only to be swindled once more. Salle de Bal Unique Lumians eyelids twitched involuntarily. The bankrupt merchant, Fitz, residing in Room 401 of Auberge du Coq Dor, had previously been duped out of 100,000 verl dor by the owner of Salle de Bal Unique, Timmons. Fitz had sought Lumians aid in recovering the sum, but Lumian had investigated and consulted several sources. He found the dance halls practices dubious, possessing a formidable network. They appeared to wield considerable power, causing Lumian to abandon the commission. Now, he had encountered another victim of Salle de Bal Unique. You were swindled by them once before. How did you fall for it a second time? Charlie couldnt fathom such foolishness. Monette cleared his throat twice. They openly confessed to being a group of swindlers and refused to return the money. They even said that reporting them to the authorities would be futile. Impressed by my skills, they asked if I was willing to learn the art of deception from them, allowing me to recoup my losses. In the end, they merely taught me what I already knew. They only gave me something else. What was it? Charlie was always a curious one. In the blink of an eye, Monette retrieved a transparent monocle from his pocket. He smoothly placed it into his right eye socket. For some reason, Lumian sensed an inexplicable change in Monette as soon as he wore the monocle. It was as if he had transformed into a different character altogether. The corners of Monettes mouth curled slightly as he positioned the monocle over his right eye. He glanced at Charlie first, then turned his gaze towards Lumian. His eyes shifted from Lumians face to his chest and hands. Lumian felt a subtle unease, but he detected no immediate danger. Monette smiled and said, Are you Ciel, the mastermind behind the Idiot Instrument? Yes. Lumian did not deny it and remained silently cautious. Monette adjusted the monocle on his right eye. Quite adept at pulling pranks, I must say. Would you like this monocle? Its of no use to me. I could exchange it for some cash. With it, you can disguise yourself as a member of Salle de Bal Unique and earn a good amount of money there. Do I look like a fool to you? Lumian promptly rejected Monettes suggestion without hesitation. I have no interest in donning monocles. He had always been skeptical of the peculiar rules of Salle de Bal Unique, keeping his guard up. Disappointed, Monette redirected his gaze, removed the monocle, and turned to Charlie. Ive given you the money and the interest. If you ever need anything in the future, come find me at Salle de Bal Unique. Charlie scoffed dismissively. He still harbored suspicions that Monette had intended to scam him in the past. After the Islander left Avenue du March, Lumian turned to Charlie. Remember to keep your distance from that fellow. Otherwise, you might end up encountering the same situation with Susanna Mattise. The latter part of his statement was a fabrication, primarily to instill fear in Charlie and ensure he took the advice seriously. Charlie was instantly alarmed. Without questioning further, he hastily nodded and replied, Alright, alright! At midnight, Lumian and Jenna, the latter wearing a sparkling red dress, exited Salle de Bal Brise and made their way towards Rue des Blouses Blanches. Jenna did not inquire about the reason for their route. After a moment of silence, she spoke up. Have you ever felt like nothing matters? Lost and devoid of motivation? Definitely, Lumian replied casually, his gaze fixed on the street ahead. In such moments, you must rediscover the meaning of life and determine what truly matters to you. Jenna fell silent once more. After a while, she asked, Have you ever experienced something akin to an illusion shattering within you? A mysterious cosmos materializing, adorned with stars of varying sizes? No, Lumian replied after a brief pause. He had experienced the sensation of illusory objects abruptly disintegrating. It occurred every time the potion was completely digested. However, he knew nothing of the mysterious cosmos or the glimmering stars of different magnitudes. Jenna remained silent, deep in thought about the implications of this phenomenon or contemplating other matters. Soon enough, they arrived at Apartment 601, 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches. Franca was already back and regarded them warily as they entered side by side. Before she could inquire, Jenna brought up the topic of the shattered illusions and the appearance of the mysterious cosmos. Franca was taken aback but spoke joyfully, Your Assassin potion has been fully digested! Assassinating a parliament member in public and under heavy security certainly facilitated the digestion process. Is this a sign of potion digestion? Lumian couldnt hide his surprise and perplexity. Why do I experience only the first half and not the second? Franca scrutinized him suspiciously. Youve never experienced it before? How did you advance then? Not only is the seal on me restraining Termiboros, but it also restricts some of my mystical senses? Thats right. The seal resides within me. Its impossible for it to have zero impact Lumian formed a vague hypothesis and casually brushed it off. It wasnt as pronounced. Franca, more concerned about her female companion, did not press the matter further and curiously asked Jenna, So, have you managed to summarize the principles of acting? Acting principles? Jenna pondered for a moment. After the assassination, I learned many principles. Yes, assassination is a matter of risking ones life. It is the ultimate form of punishment, a calamity for those criminals Enthusiastically delving into the acting method and discussing acting principles with Jenna, Franca suddenly remembered Lumians presence. Whatwhats the matter? She glanced at her male companion, who had settled onto the sofa. Lumian met her gaze and indicated that they needed to speak privately. Jenna instantly understood, excused herself to change clothes, and retreated into the guest bedroom. Lumian lowered his voice and addressed Franca, What do you make of Hela? What kind of person do you think she is? Chapter 270 - 270 Agreement 270 Agreement Madame Hela? How do you know her? Francas immediate reaction was one of surprise and astonishment. She quickly remembered that Lumians sister, Muggle, was also a member of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society. She hastily added, Did your sister mention Madame Hela to you? Lumian nodded. Not only did she mention her, but she also gave me the incantation to summon Madame Helas messenger. Did she suggest seeking help from Madame Hela when you faced trouble? Franca speculated. Are you planning to summon Madame Helas messenger and ask if she can be trusted? Sort of, Lumian affirmed. Ive already established a connection with Madame Hela and summoned her messenger, but today I realized that some of my sisters actions during the disaster in Cordu were unusual. It seems to be connected to Madame Hela. I dont know if I should question her directly. Observing that Lumian hadnt provided further details about the disaster in Cordu or Aurores abnormal behavior, Franca understood why and refrained from prying. She pondered and replied, Personally, I trust Madame Hela. Dammit, youve established a connection with her without even telling me! Well Shes one of the most advanced members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society on the paths of the divine. There are suspicions that she belongs to the Corpse Collector pathway. Not only does she willingly share her knowledge and experience with us, but she also offers assistance whenever possible. The items she trades are only slightly more expensive than their cost price. To many of us, including your sister and me, Madame Hela is like a dependable older sister. She has rescued us from helplessness, anxiety, and indecision. We trust her implicitly. Understood, Lumian sighed with relief. Ill have an honest conversation with Madame Hela to uncover the true cause of the problem. At this point, he changed the subject. Does your Major Arcana card know about the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society? I havent mentioned it to her directly. All I said was that I joined a secret organization that provides mutual assistance. However, she seems to be aware of the Research Societys situation, Franca lowered her voice unconsciously. I suspect Im not the only member of the Tarot Club in the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society. With his lingering doubts cleared, Lumian turned around, smiling, and waved his hand. Im going to summon Madame Helas messenger. Hey, its still early. Want to play Fighting Evil for a couple of hours before heading back? Franca, who wasnt fond of going to bed early, tried to find some entertainment. Lumian rejected her without hesitation. When he returned to Room 207 of Auberge du Coq Dor, Lumian didnt rush to summon Helas messenger. Instead, he unfolded a piece of paper and wrote to Madam Magician once again. He briefly mentioned the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society and informed the demigod that Aurore was willing to seek help anonymously from the authorities when she was lucid. However, she hadnt summoned Helas messenger for advice, which didnt align with her behavior in Lumians dream. He didnt know if Aurore was under another restriction or if there was an issue with Hela. Before long, Madam Magician replied with a simple line: Based on the information we have, Hela is trustworthy. Phew Lumian relaxed and began writing a letter to Madame Hela. In the letter, he candidly pointed out Aurores abnormality and asked if she had missed receiving any letters. Skilled in the process, Lumian made slight adjustments to the altar and changed the ingredients. He swiftly summoned a human skull that appeared to be made of pure silver. As he gazed at the pale-white flames silently burning in the skulls eye sockets, Pyromaniac Lumian felt a greater sense of danger emanating from it than ever before. It was no less intense than the feeling he got from Madam Magicians puppet messenger! The pure silver skull clamped onto the letter and vanished into the dense darkness around it. Lumian didnt rush to tidy up the altar. He patiently waited. As time ticked by, a letter suddenly materialized on the wooden table in front of him, and he hadnt sensed its arrival until the end. Of course, this was a significant improvement from before. Previously, he only noticed it after the pure silver skull had placed the letter. Lumian unfolded the letter and swiftly scanned it under the glow of the two yellow candles on the altar. I havent received any letters from Muggle since February of this year. I understand that a one-sided story lacks credibility, but if you carefully consider it, you should find some details that support this matter. I suspect that some force had influenced Muggle, causing her to refrain from seeking help from me for some reason. In fact, if she had written to me before the catastrophe completely unfolded, I could have arrived earlier than the official Beyonders. I might have been able to save Muggle and prevent the catastrophe. Often, letters and exchanges fail to inspire insights, making it difficult for us to engage in broader and more profound discussions. I will be in Trier in the coming days. If you are willing, we can arrange a time and place to meet and discuss your sisters encounter and the disaster in Cordu in detail. Perhaps, then, I can offer you useful suggestions. Lumian pondered for a few seconds before recalling a detail from his dream. Aurore had attempted to summon Helas messenger but ultimately refrained from doing so. She was afraid of triggering a loop that would cause Cordu to restart frequently. This likely meant that she had given up summoning Helas messenger in reality or that she had tried but failed for some reason. After realizing this, Lumian replied to Helas suggestion, No problem. Well arrange a time and place when you arrive in Trier. After sending the letter, concluding the ritual, and tidying up the altar, Lumian realized it was getting late. He quickly washed up, lay on the bed, and drifted off to sleep. The following morning, Lumian awoke naturally to the resonating sound of the cathedral bell. After visiting the washroom, he embarked on his usual morning jog along familiar streets like Rue Anarchie and Avenue du March, fully energizing his body. During his routine, he discovered an empty space in the square outside glise Saint-Robert and spent nearly an hour practicing combat techniques. Returning to Auberge du Coq Dor, Lumian enjoyed a meatloaf breakfast while sipping a Whiskey Sour. On his way, he passed the Suhit steam locomotive station, where new vendors were already selling photos of street ma?tresse dateliers. Lumian scanned the scene and caught sight of Baron Brignais. The Savoie Mob leader, adorned with a diamond ring and smoking a mahogany pipe, appeared gentlemanly with his half top hat and the absence of any accompanying thugs. Holding a seven- or eight-year-old child, he made his way from the steam locomotive station towards a carriage parked by the roadside. The child donned a caramel coat with brass buttons, a black-and-white checkered shirt, and a linen coat. His black strapless leather shoes and white socks paired with a dark-red school bag that appeared somewhat heavy and solid. With yellow hair, brown eyes, and a sturdy physique, the child had noticeable baby fat on his face and exuded an air of simplicity and honesty. Baron Brignaiss child? He usually resides in other provinces and visits Trier for summer vacations? No wonder they dont seem too familiar Lumian muttered to himself, redirecting his gaze and continuing his stroll. 11 Rue des Fontaines, within Gardner Martins grayish-white three-story villa. Lumian arrived in the exclusive carriage of Salle de Bal Brise. He passed through the hall adorned with weapons and armor, arriving at a room filled with bookshelves. Gardner Martin, displaying his amiable disposition, deep facial features, and brownish-red eyes, sat in an armchair at the back of the study. Standing before him were the short Rat Christo, with his gray-black hair, dark-blue eyes, and mustache, and the towering Giant Simon, measuring over 1.9 meters, his light-yellow hair closely cropped, clad in an unusually tight black suit. Sensing Lumians entrance into the study, Giant Simon and Rat Christo turned to regard their colleague. Giant Simons eyes displayed caution and defiance as he instinctively raised his head. He believed that Ciel, who had defeated Hammer Ait, shouldnt be underestimated. However, he also believed that he himself was unquestionably stronger than that fool and might not lose to Ciel. Rat Christo showed no evident emotions, but the right pocket of his dark brown shirt suddenly stirred, as if something alive resided within. Christo slipped his right hand into his pocket, his expression abruptly changing. His gaze upon Lumian grew intense with fear, and he couldnt help but smile obsequiously. Wh Lumian felt a tad uneasy. After pondering for a moment, he suspected that Rat Christo had used an item in his pocket to see that Lumian had advanced to Sequence 7 and become a Pyromaniac. In contrast, Giant Simon clearly lacked such intuition, failing to notice the subtle shifts in his colleague. Good morning, Boss, Lumian energetically greeted Gardner Martin. A few days ago, he had informed the boss of the Savoie Mob that he had consumed the potion and advanced to Pyromaniac. Gardner Martin nodded slightly, shifting his gaze from Lumians face to Rat Christo and Giant Simon. After nearly ten seconds, he spoke in a low voice, I have a mission for all of you. At precisely noon, retrieve something from Underground Trier and bring it to Rue des Fontaines. Mission? Lumians eyebrows twitched, sensing a potential trap. As a new Beyonder to the Savoie Mob, trust between him and Gardner Martin was still lacking. Why would he be assigned such a crucial and confidential task? With these thoughts racing through his mind, Lumian had two conjectures: either he was mere cannon fodder or this was a test. Chapter 271 - 271 Acting 271 Acting With this in mind, Lumians gaze automatically drifted over Rat Christo and Giant Simon, taking them in. He sensed that the chances of them becoming expendable pawns were slim. Potion-consuming Beyonders, unlike the Blessed relying on divine favors from evil gods, were a rarity. They couldnt be simply stockpiled at will. Firstly, the ingredients required were specific, and secondly, ample time was needed. At the Mid-Sequence, luck and mastery of the acting method played a role. If he were to use them as mere pawns in this mission, the likelihood of reclaiming the Beyonder characteristics would be greatly diminished. It constituted a substantial portion of Gardner Martins control over the underground world in the market district. As a member of the secretive organization, the Iron and Blood Cross Order, Gardner Martin could indeed bear such a loss, but he wouldnt make such a colossal sacrifice for something insignificant. And if the mission was of sufficient importance, sending only one Sequence 7 and two Sequence 8 Beyonders was clearly inadequate. Shouldnt Gardner Martin be concerned about failure? With this realization, Lumian swiftly revised his conjecture. Either this was a preliminary test, a low-risk mission designed to assess him, regardless of whether Rat Christo and Giant Simon were aware of it, or it was indeed a crucial and perilous operation. While using them as pawns, there would be powerhouses present as a safety net. This was also a test. With this in mind, Lumians initial reaction was to gaze at Gardner Martin and accept the mission, projecting an image of an ambitious young man striving to climb the ranks. If it was the first possibility, this was his best chance to prove himself. If it was the second possibility, Lumian still had Mr. Ks finger quietly nestled in his pocket as a trump card. When the time came, if he needed to divulge his affiliation with the Aurora Order to ensure his survival, he could abandon the Iron and Blood Cross Orders mission. As long as he remained alive, he could await another opportunity! After the catastrophe caused by the Tree of Shadow, Lumian visited Psychics headquarters and met Mr. K before Gardner Martin could conduct an investigation. He concealed his experience with the Tree of Shadow, merely mentioning that something had occurred in the market district, trapping them in a peculiar wilderness. Then the brownish-green tree descended, and Susanna Mattise appeared, draining everyones energy. To combat the Fallen Tree Spirit, he used the finger to fashion a robust defensive flesh robe, but he didnt receive additional assistance. Later, with the aid of the trees further descent, Susanna Mattises weakened state, and the involvement of the other two present Beyonders, he barely overcame the enemy and vanquished her using his Pyromaniac abilities and the Fallen Mercury from Cordu. He spoke the truth, albeit blurring the sequence of events, time, and location, as well as omitting a few details. The logic remained intact. Mr. K harbored no suspicions after hearing the account; instead, he sighed and cautioned Lumian not to overly rely on the finger since there were multiple ways to sever the mystical connection between him and it. Satisfied with Lumians advancement to Pyromaniac with Gardner Martins assistance, Mr. K plucked another finger for him. This led Lumian to believe that, as long as he didnt encounter extraordinary environments like Paramita or the Tree of Shadow and wasnt entangled in the perilous affair of confronting a godlike entity head-on, with Mr. Ks finger, even if he couldnt completely reverse the situation, he still had a high chance of escape. Just as Lumian was about to express his stance to the boss, he suddenly sensed that he shouldnt push his acting too far. That was what Jenna would occasionally say. According to Franca, Boss is at least a Sequence 6 Conspirer. I cant underestimate his intelligence and discernment My background is undeniably evident. Im young and hail from the countryside. I was once entangled in a Beyonder catastrophe and lacked knowledge. I wanted to change my fate, but Ive spent a considerable time in the market district, openly and covertly accomplishing much. Even with what the Boss only knows, it should be enough for him to perceive that Im not an ignorant country bumpkin who acts rashly and mercilessly. Based on todays incident, the impression the boss has of me should be someone capable of detecting mission abnormalities and potential dangers. Simply agreeing without reason or observation would only raise suspicions of ulterior motives or reliance on something. That would be troublesome A whirlwind of thoughts raced through Lumians mind. He immediately shifted his gaze to Giant Simon and Rat Christo, eagerly awaiting their reactions and attitudes toward the mission. It remained unclear whether Rat Christo was recalling the incident involving the mirror person or his brothers demise due to it. His expression grew nasty, tainted with fear and apprehension. Doubt and wariness flickered across Giant Simons face, yet he didnt voice any objections. After a few seconds, they nearly spoke simultaneously. Yes, Boss! Observing this, Lumian deliberately hesitated before continuing, Yes, Boss! With keen eyes, Gardner Martin observed Lumian, Christo, and Simon, assessing their expressions and demeanors. After their unanimous agreement, the boss of the Savoie Mob grinned with satisfaction and said, I shall now disclose the mission details. He reached into a drawer and retrieved a scroll made of faux goatskin, laying it out on the desk before them. Approaching, Lumian and his companions beheld a map revealing a section of Underground Trier! The map measured a meter in length and 50 centimeters in width. The upper level depicted the Underground Trier, formed by the municipal department through the excavation of various tunnels and reinforcement of the quarry cave. It corresponded to the streets and squares above ground. The map focused solely on the underground areas of Quartier du March, Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, Quartier du Jardin Botanique, and Quartier de lObservatoire. However, it was intricately detailed, as if copied from the original by infiltrating the municipal department. Lumian could clearly discern extensions on both sides, although the drawing did not continue. In the middle of the map lay quarry caves, ancient catacombs, and underground river tributaries, scattered in a haphazard manner and connected to the upper level through visible or concealed tunnels. This portion contained numerous gaps and omissions. Beside these areas were inscriptions such as to be investigated, to be explored, and to be searched. The lower levels of the map encompassed collapsed mines and more missing information, as if veiled in a shroud of fog. Even the Iron and Blood Cross Order, a secret organization, lacked comprehensive knowledge. Numerous passageways extended downward from this level, but the map did not indicate their connections. Fourth Epoch Trier? The place referred to as the Ancient Ruins Reserve by the authorities? Its evident that this map is a copy of a more comprehensive one A complete version includes Fourth Epoch Trier? The Iron and Blood Cross Order possesses extensive knowledge of the underground Lumian speculated as he committed the incomplete map to memory. After his three subordinates had taken a cursory glance at the map, Gardner Martin pointed to a location and said, This is your destination. It marked a collapsed mine, yet there remained some open space. Situated at the lowest level of the map, it was near Fourth Epoch Trier. Above it, corresponding to Avenue Slb, Rue des Mauvais Enfants, and Place de la Fort, lay the intersection between Quartier de lObservatoire and Quartier du Jardin Botanique. Its called the Albert Mines, Gardner Martin introduced. To reach it, you must traverse two privately-bored tunnels. It remains unknown to the authorities and most people who travel underground. As he spoke, Gardner Martin traced the tunnel with his finger and instructed Lumian, Christo, and Simon on the correct entrance. Finally, he sighed with a tinge of emotion and added, Six years ago, Albert Goncourt, the leader of the rebellion and the mastermind behind the uprising, relied on this mine, which he discovered and named, to elude the army, police, and official Beyonders who were searching the underground. He survived. Six years ago Rebellion Uprising Lumian instantly recalled what he had witnessed and heard. During the war with the Loen Kingdom, prices in Trier skyrocketed, leaving people in despair due to the exorbitant cost of food. This triggered a massive protest that swept through the city, resulting in various conflicts. From Gardner Martins words, it was evident that the protest wasnt purely spontaneous. Someone had planned and guided it. Was the Iron and Blood Cross Order also involved? Lumian continued to gaze at the map, lost in thought. Concluding his explanation, Gardner Martin said, Your task is to reach the Albert Mines before noon and await the arrival of a trader who will hand you a box. You need not give him anything, nor do you need to communicate with him verbally. On your return journey, you must not open that box, as doing so would expose you to immeasurable danger. As long as you strictly follow my instructions, the mission poses minimal risk. While you may encounter peculiar phenomena concealed underground or face Beyonder monsters, good teamwork will resolve those challenges. After providing them with additional guidance, Lumian, Christo, and Simon each took a carbide lamp and departed from 11 Rue des Fontaines, making their way to the nearest entrance to Underground Trier. Casting a final glance at the now-out-of-sight grayish-white villa, Lumian considered the impression Gardner Martin had of him. With a smile, he casually inquired of Rat Christo and Giant Simon, Have you undertaken similar missions before? Rat Christo fell silent for a few seconds before answering, Thrice. Once, Giant Simon replied in a slightly buzzing voice. Lumian chuckled. Well, the fact that youre still alive suggests that such missions arent too perilous. Rat Christo remained silent, as though he had fallen into a grim recollection. Giant Simon reassured himself, echoing Lumians words. Youre right. Perhaps this is a test from the boss. Those who pass may have an opportunity to advance further. Lumian smiled. And what about those who fail? Do they perish on the spot? Chapter 272 - 272 Charismatic Artist 272 Charismatic Artist Giant Simon found himself momentarily speechless, struggling to find the right words. After a few seconds of contemplation, he finally spoke up. Are you out of your mind? If you fail, the worst outcome would be missing an opportunity. Rat Christo chimed in. If the mission is truly important, the Boss wouldnt hesitate to handle it personally. He wouldnt send us. And if its not a significant task, the risk wont be too high. This train of thought mirrored Lumians initial concerns. Lumian glanced towards the nearby entrance of Underground Trier, intentionally wearing a smile. Perhaps we are merely bait in this scenario? For instance, the Boss suspects that a faction is secretly watching us, so he has deliberately devised this mission. If everything goes smoothly without any abnormalities, he can deactivate the alarm and consider it a test. However, if he does catch something, he can follow the trail of clues to uncover the truth and eliminate any hidden dangers. As for us being the bait and potentially getting caught, its not his concern. As long as we ultimately achieve his goal, losing a few Low-Sequence Beyonders falls within his level of tolerance. Rat Christos face turned pale upon hearing these words, while Giant Simon fell into silence. Although they lacked experience with mysticism, their years as mobsters and leaders had honed their basic analytical skills. They couldnt help but admit that Ciels theory made sense. This, naturally, brought about a deep sense of fear for their lives. Especially for Christo, memories of his brother Erkins death and the pained expressions of his wife and children flooded his mind. If it werent for the Boss assigning him another task and excluding him from the smuggling operation, he might have been replaced by the so-called mirror people and met a tragic end somewhere underground. And as for his wife, his dogs, and the other animals he cared for, the mirror person would have had the opportunity to enjoy them for a while! With these thoughts weighing on their minds, the three of them ignited their carbide lamps and descended the steel stairs in silence. Christo scanned the dark tunnel with the bluish-yellow light, his voice trembling as he spoke. The Boss wouldnt purposefully send us to our deaths. Even as Low-Sequence Beyonders, we still have our uses. If we perish underground, it might take the Boss half a year or even a whole year to groom a replacement. The mirror people incident came to his mind, the Bosss request for him to undertake a different task being a clear attempt to protect him without revealing anything. Everything comes at a price. Perhaps the stakes involved this time are more valuable than the three of us combined. Lumian held the carbide lamp emitting a yellowish glow, walking steadily through the dark and slightly damp passageway. He sneered and said, I hope this mission wont be as perilous as the Boss claims, but we cant afford to be naive. We must prepare for the worst. Noting Ciels significant improvement, Christo couldnt help but ask, What should we do? From his perspective, Ciel was the most reliable person in this missiona lifeline in critical moments. Surprised by Christos sudden timidity, Giant Simon turned towards him. When did the Rat become so fearful? As a leader under the Boss, why would he choose to display weakness and worry in front of Ciel? Where is his pride and self-esteem? Wasnt he afraid that Ciel would overshadow him and encroach upon his smuggling business? This was precisely the effect Lumian intended. He genuinely spoke up. The Boss has helped me multiple times, and Im more than willing to carry out missions for him. However, the risk involved should not be excessively high, leaving us with only the option of death. Damn it, I havent lived long enough! Thats why my stance is to attempt the mission if possible. If it becomes too dangerous, I wont hesitate to abandon it and ensure my own survival. This might require the three of us to let down our guard against each other and cooperate fully to overcome any hidden threats. Such an attitude struck a chord with Christo and Simon, prompting visible or imperceptible nods from them. No one was entirely selfless. Taking a calculated risk for the Boss was already a testament to their loyalty! Accepting this attitude and genuinely cooperating to resist danger seemed to be the only viable choice, at least on the surface. How should we collaborate? Christo swiftly made up his mind. He didnt want another mirror people incident. Lumian smirked once more. First and foremost, we must understand each others abilities so that we can complement one another more effectively. Christo pondered for a moment before speaking up, Im a Beast Tamer, a Sequence 8 of the Apothecary pathway. I can directly confront and communicate with various beasts to a certain extent. I have the ability to gradually tame them and make them my assistants. Im also skilled in treating illnesses and providing comprehensive medical care At that moment, he couldnt help but cast a questioning glance at Ciel, as if hinting at his need for a remedy to improve his performance in bed and replenish his physical stamina. Word had gotten around about Ciel being quite a libertine. Not only was he involved with Jenna, Red Boots'' mistress, but he had also been linked to nearly ten dancers. He had arranged for them to receive acting lessons at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, allowing them to earn money without having to accompany customers. An Apothecary? If only I had known that Rat Christo was an Apothecary, I wouldve gotten him to give plenty of medicine to Jennas mother She wouldve made a quick recovery and returned home that very night Lumian silently sighed and nodded approvingly in the flickering light of the carbide lamp. The more Giant Simon listened, the more astonished he became. He began to suspect that Rat Christo had lost his mind by divulging the secrets of his Sequence! Until now, apart from Gardner Martin, nobody knew Christos Sequence or the pathway he belonged to. After all, there were plenty of people in Trier who had a fondness for petssome even had a large number of them or formed intimate relationships with animals, as occasionally seen in the newspapers. In a flash, an idea struck Simon. Rat Christo was in charge of the smuggling business and had completed most of the Bosss secret missions. Perhaps he knew something and had become pessimistic about this operation, hence his sincere cooperation with Ciel. Christo let out a sigh and continued, Ive been unlucky. I havent managed to tame a genuine Beyonder creature yet. Otherwise, I wouldnt be powerless against Mid-Sequence Beyonders even if I encountered them. This mission was sudden and we didnt have time to prepare. I only brought a few companions with me. Is he afraid that we wont die quickly enough? As he spoke, he raised his right hand. A colorful snake-like creature with a triangular head emerged from his sleeve. Soon after, Christo had the snake retreat back into his sleeve. He reached into his pocket and produced a palm-sized rat. This rat was different from the ordinary kind. Its fur was pale white and distinct, with eyes as bright as rubies. This is Taffy. Its a unique creature I discovered underground during my smuggling days. It cant be used as the main ingredient for any potion, but it has the ability to sense hidden dangers, Christo briefly introduced. It can also sense the approximate strength of others, right? Lumian asked thoughtfully. Christo looked at Lumian with surprise and hesitated for a moment before replying, Yes. Recognizing that Christo had already divulged enough information, Lumian didnt press further, despite suspecting that he possessed other abilities or other animal companions. Instead, he shifted his gaze to Giant Simon. Simon hesitated for a moment, recalling his earlier speculation. In a muffled voice, he said, Im a Sequence 8 Pugilist of the Warrior pathway. Like Hammer Ait, I excel in face-to-face combat and various fighting techniques. I carry a gun, a dagger, a bayonet, and boxing gloves. His explanation was brief, as Pugilists didnt possess any extraordinary abilities. No mystical item? Thats true. Its indeed challenging for mobsters groomed by secret organizations to acquire such items Lumian chuckled to himself. Youre stronger than Hammer Ait because youre intelligent and can read the situation clearly. These words left Simon unsure whether to feel angered or proud. Holding the carbide lamp, he looked at Lumian and said, What about you? Which Sequence 8 pathway are you from? Hunter? Since they were working together, Ciel couldnt keep his Sequence a secret! Lumian smiled, raising his right hand in front of him. Silently, a crimson flame emerged from his palm and hung in the air, burning silently. Youre a Pyromaniac? Simon exclaimed in surprise. Among Triers mystical circles, the most common information concerned Mid-Sequence Beyonders of the Hunter pathway, especially those below Sequence 6. Lumian didnt respond, opting to maintain his smile instead. Simon suddenly understood why Rat Christos attitude towards Ciel had undergone such a drastic change and why he appeared to seek his assistance. Sequence 7 was the starting point for Mid-Sequence Beyonders. Compared to Low-Sequence Beyonders like themselves, their strength had undergone a qualitative transformation. They were countless times more powerful! With his attention now diverted from the pocket of Rat Christo, Simon asked Lumian in surprise and suspicion, Does the Boss know that youve advanced to Sequence 7? The Boss provided me with the necessary supplementary ingredients, Lumian truthfully replied, dissipating the crimson flame in his palm under the yellowish glow of the lamp. Wha Simons pupils dilated. Lumian looked around and continued, Thats why, if I can complete this mission, I will do everything in my power to see it through. With those words, he pulled out an iron-colored canister and tossed it to Simon. This is Scorpion Poison that I obtained from Hammer Ait. You can apply it to your weapon. Increasing your strength will increase our chances of survival. Simon caught the canister, momentarily taken aback. Though Ciel disgusted him and they were at odds, his knowledge, intelligence, strength, and approach to things made him seem reliable. Unconsciously, he found himself listening to him and following his lead. Lumian, who was walking ahead without turning back, let out a sigh of relief. He had exaggerated the risks and instilled fear to dampen the spirits of Rat Christo and Simon, plunging them into a state of worry. Then, by revealing his own strength, offering convincing suggestions, and providing small favors, he would establish himself as the teams leader. Only then could he fully harness the teams combined strength without exposing his hidden trump cards and effectively combat any potential threats. Chapter 273 - 273 Trader 273 Trader Holding the carbide lamp aloft, Giant Simon trailed behind Lumian for a few steps, his keen eyes picking up on the inconsistencies in Lumians words. Ciel, the Boss knows youve turned into a Pyromaniac. He wont just toss you aside recklessly, will he? Lumian gazed ahead at the tunnel bathed in the yellowish glow, a smile playing on his lips as he posed a question without turning around. How long have I been with the Savoie Mob? Both Giant Simon and Rat Christo had a moment of enlightenment and found themselves in agreement with Lumians explanation. It was true that Lumian, a Beyonder with a dubious past who had recently joined the mob, had brought with him a crucial ingredient for a potion. Such a person couldnt be trusted right off the bat. They had to undergo a series of tests in the form of missions. And if Lumian were to meet his demise during one of these missions, it would simply be chalked up to his ill luck. Losing a foreign Beyonder was far less painful for the Boss than losing a subordinate he had meticulously groomed. The two leaders of the Savoie Mob hesitated no longer. They cautiously followed Lumian, maintaining a distance of two to three steps. It was a familiar arrangement, much like when they traveled with a few mobsters stationed at similar positions behind them. In the midst of their journey, Giant Simon donned gloves and applied a small amount of Scorpion Poison to his dagger, bayonet, and boxing gloves. He then returned the canister to Lumian. The trio descended into the tunnel marked on the map. Despite their soft steps, the special environment caused their footfalls to echo faintly in the dark, eerily silent underground. Nearly 45 minutes later, they passed through the area marked as an ancient tomb and arrived at the entrance of a concealed passageway. It led to an abandoned quarry cave that had lain dormant for ages. The ground was uneven, covered in moss. In the distance, the sound of an underground river could be heard, occasionally accompanied by the rumbling of a steam subway passing by. Lumian observed for a moment, clenching the ring of the carbide lamp between his teeth. With both hands, he grasped a protruding stone wall and climbed to the caves summit. Then, extending his right hand, he pushed an apparently ordinary stone behind him, wedging it between the side wall and the cave roof. A pitch-black hole materialized, allowing someone as tall as Simon to bend over and crawl through. The hidden tunnel had been fashioned using a long-forgotten ventilation system that already existed in a nearby quarry. The three of them hunched over and strode deeper into the underground tunnel. Gradually, the sounds of the underground river and the steam subway faded away. Apart from their own breathing and footsteps, the surroundings were silent as a tomb. After nearly half an hour, Lumian and his companions followed the markings on the map and leaped from an exit, emerging into an already existing underground cave. From high above, stalactites dangled like the menacing teeth of a terrifying beast lurking in the darkness. Lumian didnt rush to enter another hidden tunnel at the caves base. Instead, he turned to Giant Simon and Rat Christo, who had accumulated a fair amount of dust on their heads. Wearing a grave expression, he spoke. Before we proceed, lets confirm something to avoid any mishaps. We wont have time for verbal communication. Alright. Both Rat Christo and Giant Simon accepted Lumians words without question. With a subtle nod, Lumian replied, Firstly, from the moment we enter the second tunnel until we return here, no one is allowed to speak. Make use of physical gestures as much as possible. If thats not feasible, you must obtain my permission before uttering a word. This precautionary measure stemmed from Gardner Martins advice regarding the lack of need for communication with the trader. Lumian had expanded its scope and made it absolute to prevent any potential mishaps. Christo and Simon recalled the Bosss counsel and nodded in agreement. Observing their response, Lumian pressed on, Secondly, no matter what anomalies occur, unless something attacks both of you, stay calm and act in accordance with my lead. Thirdly, I wont force you, but if you wish to survive, its best to heed my instructions. These two requests were met with resistance from Rat Christo and Giant Simon. They would be entrusting their safety to Lumians intelligence, skills, reactions, and knowledge. It was a departure from their usual reliance on their own wild Beyonder instincts. After a few seconds of hesitation, Rat Christo forced a smile, recollecting Ciels strength and previous performances. Ill follow your arrangements, but if you fail to react in time and Taffy warns me of danger, Ill take matters into my own hands. Dammit, the longer Ive been in this smuggling business, the more I dread Triers underground. Giant Simon chimed in, Im with you on that, Rat.'' Lumian felt a sense of satisfaction, having successfully tamed the two Beyonders who also served as leaders in the Savoie Mob. He didnt push further and simply nodded in agreement. No problem. Fourthly, I will be the one to make contact with the trader later and retrieve the box the Boss desires. Upon hearing this, Rat Christo and Giant Simon looked at Lumian as if they were seeing Ciel in a new light. They had expected the Pyromaniac to leverage his strength and authority to assign one of them to interact with the trader and handle the riskiest part of the mission. Alternatively, they thought Lumian might suggest drawing lots to determine who would handle the task. To their surprise, Lumian volunteered to take on the responsibility himself. Ciel is quite fair Giant Simon couldnt help but sigh. He knew he wouldnt be able to do the same if he were in Lumians position. This realization made both Rat Christo and Giant Simon less resistant to following Lumians instructions. Though the lighting was dim, Lumian managed to observe his two colleagues reactions. He couldnt help but sneer inwardly. If it werent for the fact that you two Beyonders lack mystical knowledge and might cause trouble during the box exchange, I wouldnt be taking such a risk myself. Lumian sighed from the depths of his heart. Sometimes, weakness could be an advantage. Emphasizing that they were to maintain silence, Lumian picked up the carbide lamp and made his way to the bottom of the cave. He gestured for Giant Simon to embrace a rock about half his height and move it aside. The rock was incredibly heavy, posing a challenge even for Simons strength. It took him some time to shift it, revealing the deep entrance to the hidden tunnel. The tunnel wasnt particularly long, and it took them only seven to eight minutes to crouch down and make their way through. They arrived at a mineral cave that had suffered significant collapse, leaving only a limited space. This was their destinationthe Albert Mines. Lumian surveyed the cluttered gray-black stones and turned to Giant Simon, who was dressed in a black formal suit. He pointed at his chest. Understanding the unspoken request, Simon produced an iron-gray pocket watch and opened it with a snap. The dial revealed numerous tightly clenched gears, exuding a sophisticated yet cold mechanical beauty. Giant Simon held up his pocket watch, showing it to Lumian and Rat Christo, indicating that there were still over ten minutes until the designated time of the transactionnoon. Lumian nodded and remained silent, patiently awaiting the appointed hour. After a while, he subtly turned his head, listening intently for any signs of movement around them. He sensed an unusual sound emanating from underground, as if a multitude of people were screaming, roaring, and fighting. Beneath the illumination of the carbide lamp, Lumian glanced at Simon and Christo, noticing their similar reactions, as if they too had caught wind of the commotion. Observing Simon and Christos gazes fixed on him, Lumian lowered his right hand, signaling them to refrain from being affected. Intermittently, they could hear peculiar movements. The three of them stood at the edge of the Albert Mines, silently waiting. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed from the other side of the mine, as if someone in leather shoes was approaching from an unusually quiet tunnel dozens of meters away. Is that the trader? Lumian mused, casting his thoughtful gaze in that direction. The footsteps paused and then resumed, resonating through the Albert Mines. When they were merely a few meters away from the entrance, they mysteriously ceased altogether. After a brief wait, Lumian and his companions spotted a figure emerging from the opposite mine entrance. It was a man over 1.8 meters tall, donning a white shirt, yellow vest, black formal suit, and dark pants. He clutched a small brown leather suitcase in his hand. The man wore a silk top hat pulled low, casting a shadow over his face. However, Lumians Hunter eyesight allowed him to discern the mans appearance with the aid of the three carbide lamps. The man had short auburn hair, brownish-red eyes, slightly unkempt and thick beard, and thick eyebrows. He resembled a starved male bear, exaggeratedly thin. The collar of his shirt was tightly fastened, as if he dreaded the cold. Lumian held the carbide lamp and was about to approach the man. But then, Christo tugged at his arm. When Lumian turned his head, Christo anxiously and fearfully pointed at his right pocket. Does this mean that Taffy, the peculiar rat, has issued a warning of danger? But judging from Christos behavior, the threat hasnt materialized yet and is still manageable. Otherwise, he would have already turned and fled Lumian interpreted the signs and nodded at Christo, indicating that he would proceed with caution. Christo didnt stop him. He watched Lumian with concern as he advanced toward the trader. As he closed the distance, Lumians gaze carefully assessed the mans physique, analyzing every detail. His clothes are slightly oversized, as though they dont quite fit him He seems fearful of something, yet his eyes hold anger and hatred His hands dont extend beyond his sleeves, and theyre concealed within, including the handle of the suitcase His feet Lumians pupils dilated as he noticed that the trader wasnt wearing shoes but rather a pair of gray socks. This contradicted the sound of leather shoes they had just heard! Could it be that the footsteps didnt belong to him but someone else? Lumian grew increasingly vigilant. With limited space remaining in the Albert Mines, he swiftly arrived in front of the trader. The man, resembling a starved bear, chuckled and inquired with a hint of amusement, Did Gardner Martin send you? Was he scared out of his wits after receiving a message from his companion, who went underground to search for the entrance to the Fourth Epoch Trier, months after disappearing, claiming to possess an important item to deliver to him. Chapter 274 - 274 Escape 274 Escape The entrance to Fourth Epoch Trier? The Iron and Blood Cross Order is hunting for it? This person reappeared after vanishing for months? Lumians mind raced upon hearing the traders words. He kept in mind the warning not to speak and tried his best not to. Leaning forward slightly, he extended his right hand to receive the small brown leather suitcase. The man, resembling a starved bear, didnt refuse and chuckled. If I were Gardner Martin, Id pray I never find out whats in this box. What does this mean? Lumian wondered as his palm touched the suitcase. At that moment, his eyes narrowed as he noticed the traders right palm was absent from the suitcases handle, floating as if held by an invisible force. Following the handle, Lumian saw there was no arm in the sleeve. It was empty, supported by something invisible! No arm! His heart tightened as he glanced up at the trader. His brownish-red eyes, accentuated by his thick beard and eyebrows, were as cold as a wild beasts, filled with undisguised hatred and fear. Various thoughts raced through Lumians mind as he forced himself to control his reaction. He calmly took the suitcase, not inquiring or observing. He didnt instinctively defend or attack, as if he hadnt noticed anything. The traders emotions seemed to shift slightly, and his laughter carried a hint of sorrow. Tell Gardner Martin that it wont be long before he goes underground too! All the pain and torture Ive endured, he too will experience them! Lumian didnt say a word. He picked up the small suitcase and was about to turn around and leave the Albert Mines with Giant Simon and Rat Christo. Suddenly, footsteps echoed from the other entrance behind the trader. Compared to earlier, it became much clearer, almost within arms reach. Lumian felt more certain now; he could hear the distinct sound of leather shoes approaching from the silent tunnel! In an instant, a figure emerged before Lumian, Christo, and Simon. It was a man, completely naked, his head missing, blood oozing from the neck wound. He wore only dark-blue shorts and strapless black leather shoes. With two swift steps, the headless monster reached the trader from behind, stretching out its hands, seizing his head, and yanking it upwards. Save me! Save me! cried the trader, unable to hide his panic and fear. Almost simultaneously, his entire head was lifted, exposing a blood-stained spine dangling below. The spine was unusually long, swaying gently like a tail. Silently, the traders shirt, vest, pants, and formal attire lost support and collapsed to the ground. He had no body left, only his head connected to the bloody spine. Save me! Save me! The trader struggled with all his might, but the headless monster held him tightly, seemingly attempting to stuff him into its empty neck. Although Lumian had encountered many terrifying and warped creatures in Cordu, this was the first time he had come across something so bizarre and terrifying. Without hesitation, he turned around and dashed towards the entrance of the hidden tunnel, ignoring the traders pleas for help. Giant Simon and Rat Christo, who had been frightened from the very start, finally lost control. Like cyclists hearing the starting signal, they bent down and hurried into the tunnel. Lumian caught up with them in a few strides, the echoing voice of the Albert Mines haunting their trail. Save me! Save me! If I die, you guys can forget about living! Help! With their carbide lamps in hand, the trio silently made their way through the hidden tunnel, their hearts constricting at the screams left behind. A few minutes passed, and the shrill cries suddenly ceased, leaving an eerie silence that enveloped the Albert Mines. Then, the echoing sound of tapping leather shoes reverberated through the hidden tunnel. Rat Christo, being the shortest, found it easiest to keep his back bent as he moved forward. In a state of fear, he frantically pointed at his pocket with his right hand, as if he had seen death itself. Has that peculiar rat given us a perilous warning? Lumian glanced at Christos left chest and nodded reassuringly, indicating that he would cover their rear. All they needed to do was run with all their might. As the tapping sounds drew nearer, Lumian and the others grew tense. Though they had to bend their backs to navigate the concealed tunnel, it only slightly reduced their escape speed. After all, they were skilled Beyonders, their physical abilities notably enhanced. With each passing moment, Lumian felt a chill down his spine. Just as the sound of the leather shoes approached to within a few meters, the trio finally reached the tunnel exit and burrowed out. Seeing Giant Simon about to flee on his own, Lumian, who had already returned to their agreed position, could no longer stay silent. He lowered his voice and growled, Block the door! As he spoke, he turned around and abandoned the carbide lamp and small suitcase, attempting to push the heavy rock beside the exit. Giant Simon subconsciously ignored Lumians command, but his heart still trembled from the low shout. Throughout their journey, he had grown accustomed to following his instructions, as if it were the only way to ensure his survival. He found himself caught in a dilemma. After a brief moment of hesitation, Giant Simon suspected that if he ran away and left Ciel to fend for himself against the monster, Ciel might very well attack him and kill him as a deserter once he survived the attack! Rat Christo had similar thoughts, but he believed that if they both didnt help, Ciel wouldnt waste time blocking the tunnel exit. When the time came, whoever ran the slowest would become the monsters first target, buying enough time for the other two to escape. After evaluating each others pathway characteristics and Sequences, Christo realized he was definitely the slowest. Moreover, he couldnt injure Giant Simon and Lion Ciel in a short period of time, meaning he couldnt slow them down and overtake them. Without hesitation, he stopped fleeing and returned to the tunnel exit, assisting Lumian in pushing the stone to block the door. Taking a cue from the Rat, Giant Simon chose to obey and turned around. Together, in just a few seconds, the trio secured the entrance to the hidden tunnel. The sound of footsteps faded into nothingness. Simultaneously, Rat Christo couldnt contain his surprise and delight, exclaiming, Everythings fine now! There was no more visible movement in his pocket, where the rat named Taffy resided. Lumian didnt share Christos exuberance. He picked up the carbide lamp and small suitcase, speaking in a deep voice, Lets talk when we get back to the first underground level. Giant Simon and Rat Christos relaxed minds tensed up once more. Instinctively, they followed Lumian up the rock wall and turned into another hidden tunnel. Along the way, they didnt encounter any attacks, but being underground meant they were surrounded by either complete silence or occasional strange sounds. After their recent fright, the environment was far from pleasant for them. If Lumian hadnt remained calm and composed, Giant Simon and Rat Christo might have resorted to drastic measures. Upon returning to the area corresponding to the streets and squares above ground, Rat Christo reached into his pocket to comfort Taffy and let out a long sigh. When I saw that monster, I thought we were going to die right there. Though he and Simon had killed over ten people, interacted with other Beyonders, and even fought them, they had never encountered a monster like the headless one before. It was an abnormal horror they had never experienced. This was even scarier than the horror stories they had heard in their youth! Lumian smiled. Didnt the Boss say that there wont be much risk if we dont communicate or open the box? However, in such a situation, most people couldnt stay calm! Giant Simon and Rat Christo gained a newfound appreciation for Ciels mental fortitude. Thanks to the shock brought about by the trader and the headless monster, Lumian and his companions werent interested in what lay inside the box. They hurriedly left the underground and returned to 11 Rue des Fontaines, where they met Gardner Martin in the study. Gardner Martin took the small suitcase and examined it casually. He smiled and said, Very good. Youve all done well. Ill reward you later. After praising them, the Savoie Mob boss looked at Lumian and nodded gently. I have a message for you. If you wish to progress further on the Hunter pathway, you must remember this sentence: The Demon is our friend, and hell is someone elses.'' The Demon is our friend, and hell is someone elses Lumian couldnt fully grasp the true meaning of this sentence, but Gardner Martin didnt provide further explanation. As his three subordinates left the study, Gardner Martin turned to the door connecting to the activity room. The door creaked open, and a man in a half top hat, white shirt, yellow vest, black suit, and dark pants approached. He had short auburn hair, brownish-red eyes, a thick, messy beard, and thick eyebrows, resembling a starving bear. He was the trader who had given the small suitcase to Lumian and the others and been dragged back by the headless monster. Olson, any thoughts on him? Gardner Martin inquired. The trader addressed as Olson replied with a smile, Simple background, clear origins, smart, bold, and decisive. He could bring together a few people who were originally unrelated into a team in a short period of time. Isnt that what you want? As for loyalty, thats the least of my worries. When the time comes, even if hes not loyal, hell become loyal. Gardner Martin nodded slightly. Observe him for a while longer and see who he interacts with. After discussing this topic, Gardner Martin looked at the small suitcase on the table and asked curiously, Whats inside? Like I said, youd better pray you never find out. The trader known as Olson smiled, picked up the suitcase, and left the study. After taking a few steps in the hall, he suddenly found his head a little tilted. He raised his hands, held his head, and straightened it with a snap. Chapter 275 - 275 Poaching 275 Poaching In the carriage heading back to the market district, Lumian stared out the window, reflecting on Gardner Martins actions after completing the mission. He felt that the Savoie Mobs boss didnt seem too concerned about the suitcase they risked their lives for. The boss merely glanced at it casually and placed it on the desk. Was it really some kind of test? The Iron and Blood Cross Order possesses information about the spine-dangling head and headless monster. As long as I stick to the prescribed procedure and dont act independently, they wont really come after me? But the Boss used to be a Conspirer. Perhaps he just wanted us to see the suitcase, but it might not reveal his true intentions Regardless, the head-only trader and the headless humanoid monster are real. What do they symbolize? Can I trust the words of the former? He disappeared for months searching for the entrance to Fourth Epoch Trier and experienced terrifying events. His head and body got separated, and both gained consciousness? When Boss said, The Demon is our friend, and hell is someone elses, it felt like he was warning me not to trust others easily Did he mention this because he was satisfied with my performance on the mission? Has he sent someone to secretly follow and observe us in detail? Or maybe Giant Simon or Rat Christo are not as scared as they seem and one of them is secretly working as a spy for the Boss? Since the Boss didnt keep me here, the audit isnt over yet. Could someone be tailing this carriage and lurking in the shadows? Heh heh, Mr. K and his subordinates love doing this too. Itd be amusing if they ran into each other In the carriage, Rat Christo and Giant Simon, who were using the Salle de Bal Brises carriage to return to the market district, grew a bit uneasy as Lumian remained silent and gazed out of the window. After five minutes of indescribable silence, Christo forced a smile and asked, Ciel, what are you looking at? Its too cramped, Lumian sighed, disregarding the question. Christo and Simon exchanged glances, thinking that Ciel might be mocking them for taking up space in the carriage. After hesitating for a moment, Christo decided to share his intentions. He lowered his voice and said, Ciel, I want to use this opportunity to talk to you. Damn it, I didnt expect Simon to join us! Son of a sow. I was the one who suggested borrowing the carriage in the first place! Giant Simon retorted. Ignoring him, Christo continued, Ciel, this mission has allowed me to reacquaint myself with you. Apart from Boss, you are the most intelligent, powerful, and calmest Beyonder around me. The calmest? You havent seen me when Im impulsive Lumian teased, deliberately provoking. Is that so? Am I more intelligent than Brignais and stronger than Franca? Rat Christo was at a loss for words. After a few seconds, he said, Uh, well what I mean is, in the future, when the Boss assigns me secret missions, I want your help to analyze and figure out what to do. I dont want to be flustered when facing a similar monster next time. Oh, intel has come knocking on my door? Lumian smiled and replied, I dont mind helping, but arent you afraid the Boss will be angry if he finds out? Christo glanced at Lumian, then at Giant Simon beside him, and his tone turned cold. If you keep quiet, and we keep quiet, the Boss wont find out. Simons eyelids twitched, and he added, My thoughts align with Rats. He didnt want to die on the next secret mission either. Lumian pondered for a moment and grinned. Alright, I can assist, but I cant guarantee Ill uncover the truth or find a way to avoid danger based solely on your descriptions. Also, I might make some small requests. No problem! Rat Christo agreed without hesitation. Todays encounter alone wouldnt have pushed him to this state. He had just escaped the mirror people incident, and his nerves were on edge. Giant Simon also expressed his agreement. Then, he looked at Lumian and cursed himself softly, He cleared his throat and said, Ciel, my Big Bro, I apologize. I wasnt too friendly before, and I even encouraged you to deal with Red Boots when you were new to the Savoie Mob and knew little about us. Im a rough and unrefined guy. I cant say pleasant words, but I hope you can accept my apology. In the future, I, Simon, will follow your lead! Wow, youve grasped the situation so quickly, and youre so humble This fellow is quite a talent Lumian pretended to be nonchalant and replied, Ive already forgotten about the past. Besides, have I targeted you or sought revenge recently? With that said, Lumian added inwardly, Well, its mostly because Im too busy to bother with a mere mob leader like you Simon breathed a sigh of relief, convinced that Ciel wasnt too petty. Lumian smiled and questioned, Why do you call me Big Bro? Im much younger than you. Simon smiled sheepishly. Youre already a Sequence 7. In terms of strength, I should call you Big Bro. Lumian couldnt help but jest, If you stick to addressing someone by their Sequence, will you have to call me Uncle once I reach Sequence 6? Simon hesitated for a moment before clearing his throat. If you wish Damn it, isnt this guy too shameless? Is he like this even when talking to the Boss privately? Rat Christo turned his head in surprise and looked at the burly man, who stood more than 1.9 meters tall, as though this was the first time he had met this giant. Simon continued, But I believe Ill reach Sequence 7 before you hit Sequence 6. You must have just become a Pyromaniac. It might take years, even decades, to fully master the power of flames and withstand the next potion. He was implying: Haha, I was just joking. Perhaps well both be Sequence 7s soon, and youll still be my Big Bro. Upon hearing this, Lumians mind wandered back to the moment he had used invisible flames to burn Susanna Mattise to death, feeling the potion digesting a little inside him. However, he couldnt be sure as he hadnt yet completed the first acting principle, making the degree of digestion unclear. Combining past experiences and recent events in the market district, Lumian sensed that the first acting principle was close to being revealed, but it always fell short. His thoughts lacked clarity, and he had a feeling that he needed to wait for the right opportunity. His mind then shifted to Gardner Martins possible covert observations and subsequent tests. As a result, Lumian decided to postpone his plans to attend Mr. Fools bishops preaching at Lavigny Dock in the square district the day after tomorrow. He felt it would be better to wait until he passed the test and officially joined the Iron and Blood Cross Order. But what about my psychiatric treatment scheduled for tomorrow afternoon? Should I still go? I believe my mental state and emotional control have improved over the past few days, but Ill need the two ladies to confirm it. Yes, they always use Psychological Invisibility. Madam Justice is a true demigod, so its unlikely for Gardner Martin or his subordinates to see her. As a Hunter, its normal for me to have an interest in studying plants. After visiting the botanical garden, Ill have a coffee and take a break. No one can accuse me of anything Lumian made a quick decision to continue the psychiatric treatment the next day. However, before heading to Masons caf, he planned to spend two to three hours exploring the nearby botanical garden. Once the carriage stopped at Salle de Bal Brise, Lumian went upstairs to enjoy a cup of coffee while watching Giant Simon and Rat Christo leave Avenue du March. Around 4 p.m., he put on a dark wide-brimmed round hat and left the dance hall. His destination was Francas place at Rue des Blouses Blanches to discuss the peculiar mission and Gardner Martins behavior in the afternoon. As Lumian strolled along Avenue du March, a sudden thought struck him. If Boss is indeed sending someone to watch my actions during this period, he might think Im having an affair with Franca if I frequent her apartment on Rue des Blouses Blanches. But maybe, as a Trierien, he wouldnt mind? Right, theres already a rumor about me having an affair with Jenna. Im going to Rue des Blouses Blanches to find Jenna, not Franca. He wont be suspicious Lumian calmed himself and arrived at 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches. He knocked on the door of Room 601. Franca, who was wearing her usual blouse and light-colored pants, snapped, Why are you here again? At that moment, Lumian noticed peculiar drawings on her facea turd on the left side and a dark green turtle on the right. Lost at cards? Lumian raised an eyebrow. Franca had mentioned playing cards with Jenna and her dancers, involving strange punishments without money being at stake. Franca glanced back and lowered her voice, Jenna has been in a bad mood lately. Im trying to find a way to cheer her up. Lumian followed her gaze and noticed that Jennas face was also decorated with strange drawingsmoles and a pigs mouth. The lead dancer had similar marks. In that case, Ill wait for you to finish, Lumian said as he entered the living room. Assuming Ciel was there for Jenna, the lead dancer hurriedly got up, washed her face, and left Apartment 601. Being in a better mood, Jenna teasingly asked Lumian, Are you here for me or Franca? That came out wrong Lumian replied honestly, Boss assigned me a strange mission, and I want to consult Franca. Curious, Franca asked, What mission is it? Lumian briefly recounted the noon encounter, including how he managed to keep Rat Christo and Giant Simon in check, making them follow his instructions. Both Franca and Jenna were scared by the head-only trader and the headless monster, and they fell into silence for a moment. After a few seconds, Franca clenched her teeth and said, Gardner Martin, that son of a bitch! Whats wrong? Jenna didnt understand why Franca suddenly cursed the Boss. Franca explained vaguely, I suspect this mission is Gardner Martins way of testing Ciel. He wants to see if Ciel is fit to enter the core group. Dammit, f*cking hell, Ive been with him for so long, and he still doesnt trust me. He doesnt even want to test me! Chapter 276 - 276 The Disappointed Susie 276 The Disappointed Susie Jenna, who had no experience in relationships and was clueless about the truth, didnt know how to respond to Francas complaint. Lumian roughly understood Francas anger and disappointment. Were all here to infiltrate the Iron and Blood Cross Order. Why is the test scheduled just a month after your joining? Ive been here for nearly a year, and Im almost giving birth to Gardner Martins child, yet theres still no progress! This makes me look like a failure! After carefully considering Francas thoughts, Lumian replied earnestly, This might not be an opportunity, but a danger. The fact that they want to audit me so quickly suggests they might see me as expendable. Or perhaps my Beyonder pathway is just right and could be useful for something recent. Jenna found Lumians explanation reasonable and quickly advised Franca, Maybe the Boss didnt audit you because he cares for you and doesnt want you involved in dangerous matters. Francas expression turned odd. Thats not right This made her feel guilty for deceiving others. When Madam Judgment arranged for her to be an undercover agent in the Savoie Mob and wait for an opportunity to join the Iron and Blood Cross Order, she had been explicitly instructed not to sacrifice herself by seducing the target. The Tarot Club didnt engage in such tactics. Later, as a Witch, she wanted to experience a romantic relationship with a man, and Gardner Martin happened to be interested, so they became lovers. From Francas perspective, this was a pure, joy-sharing relationship that didnt involve any emotional aspects. They wouldnt have real expectations of each other. After the mission was completed, they would part ways without hesitation and continue with their exciting lives. Of course, at that time, the Iron and Blood Cross Order might have already suffered a setback. It remained unknown if Gardner Martin could continue with his exciting life. If Franca had enough strength, she would have rehearsed the scene of a cold assassin killing her lover. After a few seconds, Franca exclaimed, Impossible, impossible! That guy is very chauvinistic and discriminates against women. Him not auditing me must be because he thinks that a woman should just manage the dancers well and have the ability to protect herself. She should just bear a child sometime later. She doesnt need to be qualified to join the core group! Dammit! Did I fail because of my gender? What she didnt want to admit was that the undercover mission had likely failed because she took a chance, which led her to form a stronger bond with Gardner Martin. Cannon fodder didnt matter if they were male or female! It didnt matter if the expendables of a secret organization were male or female either! Jenna and Lumian exchanged glances and pursed their lips. Then, they turned to Franca and asked curiously, How can you tell that the mission is a test? Those two monsters were undoubtedly terrifying and dangerous! Jenna didnt think she was as foolish as Lumian had teased her, but she knew she lacked experience in mysticism and playing these kinds of games. Subconsciously, she yearned to learn more. Franca smiled again and said confidently, I deduced it from the whole process and final outcome. Think about it. Does this matter really require Ciel, Simon, and Christos involvement? Find a couple of core members who understand the situation roughly. Follow the procedures and precautions, and you can escape the monsters and retrieve the box successfully. Moreover, theres no need to worry about leaks or give them any special reminders. No matter how dangerous the darkness around us seems, the fact that nothing happened this time suggests that theres a way and people to resist them. If someone else were to go, they could still complete the transaction. Jenna pondered Francas analysis for a while and exclaimed in admiration, Thats true Dammit! Why didnt I think of that just now? Hearing this, Franca and Lumian exchanged smug and pleased glances. The fact that Jenna could curse meant she was gradually feeling better! Lumian had also considered this before concluding that the Boss was auditing him. So, it was very likely that there were observers around him during this period. After some thought, Lumian asked Franca, Do you know what those two monsters are? They lurked underground and were suspected to be related to Fourth Epoch Trier. Lumian might have to venture underground in the future using Earth Blood mineral. Knowing about the terrifying monsters he might encounter would help in his preparations. Franca appeared thoughtful. After a while, she said uncertainly, Neither I nor anyone I know has encountered such monsters, but Ive heard rumors from sailors. On the Sonia Sea, theres a port called Bansy. Once, a humanoid monster with a spine and no head appeared there. It sounds quite similar to what you described, but the port is now abandoned, likely due to damage caused by a high-level power. Bansy? Lumian wasnt unfamiliar with the term. Madam Magician had used it once to illustrate Cordus likely fate. It had been severely corrupted and directly destroyed by the Church, leaving a deep impression on Lumian. After chatting for a while, Lumian and Jenna returned to Salle de Bal Brise. Jenna had changed into a beige fluffy short dress and transformed into Showy Diva. Late at night, upon returning to Room 207 of Auberge du Coq Dor, Lumian drew the curtains and unfolded a piece of letter paper. He penned down his encounter, thoughts, and Francas analysis, preparing to send it to Madam Magician. Shortly after, he arranged the altar, creating a wall of spirituality, and summoned the arm-height puppet messenger. In the faint blue candlelight, Lumian gazed at the pale-white spirit world creature in a light-gold dress, with light-blue eyes and pure golden hair. A sudden idea struck him, and he asked thoughtfully, Is there someone monitoring me nearby? The messenger spoke in an ethereal and illusory manner, Yes. There really is Lumian wasnt surprised and pressed further, Can he or they discover that Im summoning you? The messengers eyes flickered as she replied disdainfully, Theyre not worthy. Relieved, Lumian thanked Miss Messenger and watched her vanish into the candlelight with the letter. Before long, a neatly folded reply appeared on the desk in Room 207. Lumian skillfully opened it and began reading. Its not a good thing to be chosen so quickly and be tested. From now on, especially after becoming an official member, you have to be more careful. Once youre assigned a mission and feel that things arent simple, something that even Mr. K might not be able to handle, find an opportunity to summon my messenger and inform me. The two monsters you encountered are indeed similar to those in Bansy, but they are quite different. They seem to have their own consciousness. As for what abilities and characteristics they can display, since Bansy Harbor has already been destroyed, I cant give you any useful information. I believe most of what the head said is true. What it didnt say was that it and its body might have entered Fourth Epoch Trier during the months he was missing. Theres a high chance they possess a method to enter Fourth Epoch Trier. You need to pay special attention to this matter. By the way, the Sequence after Alms Monk is a Contractee. You need to sign a contract with different creatures and obtain one of their abilities. When the time comes, dont be in a hurry to choose. Write a letter and tell me that you already have the corresponding power. I can give you a pile of information on spirit world creatures for you to choose from. I have significant knowledge in this area. Ill also give you a copy of Sights in the Spirit World. Madam Magician truly possesses a deep understanding of the spirit world Lumian gleefully crumpled the letter and watched it fuse with the crimson flames. On the sunny Sunday afternoon, Lumian satisfied his hunger and hopped into a public carriage headed for Triers botanical garden. After buying tickets, he leisurely strolled through the vibrant flora. He marveled at the sight of many plants he had only encountered in books, newspapers, and magazines, including the Donningsman Tree, which the Intisians mocked as Loens national tree. These trees originally thrived in the rainforests of the Southern Continent. Legend had it that the sap from these trees could promote hair growth, a tempting prospect for many Loenians lacking significant hair volume. Around 3:30 p.m., Lumian made his way to Mason caf and settled into Booth D. He ordered a cup of Reem espresso, eagerly anticipating the arrival of Psychiatrist Madam Susie. Before long, he heard a familiar, gentle female voice. Good afternoon, Mr. Lumian Lee. Without turning around, Lumian smiled and replied, Good afternoon, Madam Susie. Susie commented, sounding surprised, Your mental state seems better than I expected. Lumian smiled wryly. Perhaps its thanks to my previous treatment that Ive regained some inner strength. As the saying goes, what doesnt kill you makes you stronger. Susie expressed her curiosity, asking in a conversational tone, I wonder if youre willing to share your experiences? Lumian pondered for a moment before looking ahead and muttering to himself, Are you in the same organization as Madam Magician? Yes, Susie confirmed. Relaxing, Lumian leaned back on the sofa, sipped his espresso, and began recounting his ordeal. From capturing Louis Lund to taking down Susanna Mattise and saving the lives of most people involved in Paramita, he concluded, Since that day, my mental state has significantly improved. Its like a fire still burning within my heart. Susie responded gently, Sometimes, life itself plays the role of a psychiatrist. Those experiences indeed triggered your inner strength and improved your condition. However, it also requires resilience and a suitable personality. Otherwise, one might easily descend into a state of collapse, despair, self-blame, and abandonment. And this vulnerability might be exploited by the angel sealed within you. At this point, Susies emotions were complicated. She added with a hint of disappointment, Your remarkable progress has rendered the treatment plan I prepared for today useless. Chapter 277 - 277 Guidance 277 Guidance Susies words elicited a chuckle from Lumian. Isnt that a good thing? Susie replied, smiling, Thats a good thing. One of the happiest moments for every psychiatrist is to see their patient gradually emerge from their trauma. Lumian probed, Can we move on to the next stage of treatment? Lets have a chat first. Ill assess your mental state. Susies voice was gentle, and her demeanor remained calm. About what? Lumian had already shared most of his recent experiences. Susie verbally ruminated for a few seconds before responding, We can talk about what else youre confused or troubled about. Lumian fell silent momentarily before continuing, Am I really the unlucky one? Will I bring disaster to the people around me? This time, it wasnt Susie who answered, but the other lady. She said with a soothing chuckle, If disaster is the inevitable fate of those around us, it isnt your fault. If it comes because of you and fate turns sour, it just means that destiny isnt set in stone. The entity sealed inside you by Mr. Fool isnt the entity named Inevitabilityjust an angel from the same realm. He cant use His powers and can only rely on others, so He cant determine a changed fate. So, youre saying I had a chance to change their fates, but I blew it all? Lumian sipped his espresso, his voice unconsciously deepening. The woman maintained her tone. First, we gotta be sure that the person who messed with their fate and caused their doom is the companion of that Inevitability angel lurking around you. He came for the seal and Termiboros. Its got nothing to do with you. Your only issue is that you didnt do good enough, but nobody can guarantee perfection in everything. At this point, the woman spoke with a hint of self-deprecation, I get your feelings. Over the years, Ive tried my best to do many things, but many of them failed. I even ended up hurting others despite my good intentions. It hit me hard and made me feel real guilty. I felt like running away and never coming back. Thankfully, during that time, I managed to achieve a lot. I helped people, stopped disasters, and rooted out corruption. That gave me confidence and motivation, strengthening my beliefs and ideas. Later, whenever I felt confident and positive about what I wanted to do, Id remember my mistakes and failures. It would remind me not to be careless, not to be biased, and not to underestimate anyone. Likewise, when setbacks and guilt hit me, Id remember the people I helped and the disasters I prevented. It reminded me that Im not all bad, and my beliefs and ideas have a positive side. Our past experiences are both a burden and a source of strength, motivation, and growth. Lumian listened intently, finally facing the guilt in his heart and not suppressing it anymore. Maybe some tragedies couldve been avoided if I knew more about mysticism. It is my problem, but Im not the one causing the disaster. I just havent done a good enough job. I need to fix this weakness. I gotta strive to improve and be more careful in the future. I can genuinely save those who want help and bring disaster to those bastards who intentionally cause harm As these thoughts raced through his mind, Lumian recalled the peddlers, pedestrians, and tenants who had fallen from the Tree of Shadow. He remembered how he had watched with a smile. Phew He let out a slow breath, leaning back against the sofa. I feel much better now. He scoffed and said, The person who helped Termiboros and messed with my fate and the people around me couldnt have guessed that the pain he caused didnt break me, make me despair, or give up. Instead, it led me to get excellent psychiatric treatment, improving my mental state significantly. I really want to find him and thank him in person. The lady chuckled. Thats why I keep telling Susie that psychiatric treatment is tricky and subtle. If youre not careful, it could lead to the opposite outcome. You cant just be fearless because youre a Beyonder. Hmm Let me remind you of something. We cant assume the targets current intentions solely based on their original image and goals without sufficient evidence. Lumian didnt quite understand. What do you mean? The lady explained in a gentle voice, Many people are deceived because they always assume the other person remains the same, believing that their personalities and thoughts wont change due to the environment, experiences, and circumstances. Take what you just said as an example. Have you considered another possibility? Termiboross companion might have deliberately brought those misfortunes not to make you collapse, but to stimulate you and awaken the power in your heart, allowing you to break free from your mental cage and regain your mental state? How is that possible? Lumian responded subconsciously. Could Termiboross companion be so benevolent? She smiled and replied, Just because Im giving an example doesnt mean its true. But why is that impossible? Perhaps that person initially wanted to cooperate with Termiboros and use various methods to influence your state and create an opportunity for Him to escape the seal. However, gradually, he realized that this was an opportunity that could turn him into an angel. As he receives more boons and sees the angelic-level door, he can extract Termiboross power by controlling you. He can even undo the seal and devour Him while He is weak. And to increase the probability of success, he has to ensure that youre in good condition. You can extract Termiboross power time and time again, weakening Him. How is it? Does he have a motive to help you improve your mental state? Lumian fell silent. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that from a humans perspective, this was an undeniable possibility. After a few seconds, he retorted, Is that person not afraid of angering the entity known as Inevitability? The power from boons is definitely more influenced by the higher-ups. They are proud to carry out Their will and wouldnt have any blasphemous thoughts. The woman in Psychological Invisibility laughed meaningfully and said, The being known as Inevitability desires an obedient angel to descend upon this land. Whether its Termiboros or another bestower, I reckon He holds no particular preference or inclination. Thats true. If someone devours Termiboros, they might become an angel of the Inevitability domain. Perhaps this is what Inevitability expects. If Termiboros can make it here, so be it. If He fails and faces a seal or purification, other bestowers will seek a way to devour His relic and become an angel. Ultimately, an angel in service of Inevitability will emerge on Earth. But the identity of this angel is not crucial Lumian pondered as he nodded gently. Suddenly, a wave of inspiration washed over Lumian. He considered the lady who was suspected of wielding the Justice card. Was she not only using this opportunity to teach him, but also conveying these words to Termiboros? Could she be creating a rift between Termiboros and Inevitability, making Him distrust His companion? If I can think of this possibility, surely Termiboros can as well Uh, He could have figured this out, but since His companion has been discovered, he wouldnt dare to show himself for a long while, nor would he communicate with Him. In such times, suspicions would easily grow between them. Once the seed of suspicion took root and flourished, it would prove difficult to uproot in the future! A Spectator is truly terrifying Lumian sighed and said sincerely, I understand. The lady smiled and said, So, we cant assume that people wont change; they can evolve over time. We need to pay close attention to their circumstances and thoughts. Other Beyonders might not need to think so deeply, but your next Sequence is a Conspirer. You have to learn to analyze human nature. Lumian nodded, gaining a fresh perspective on Gardner Martins teachings. The Demon is our friend, and hell is someone elses. Continuing the discussion, he smiled and asked, Is it possible that Termiboross companion intended to help me improve my mental state from the beginning? Thats a possibility, Susie replied, but what would be the reason? Why? Lumian inquired. His expression suddenly changed, and he sat up straight, trembling slightly. Maybe, just maybe, she wanted to help me. Shes The lady, suspected to be the holder of the Justice card, interrupted gently. Your memories are unlikely lying to you. Lumian let out a long sigh and relaxed against the sofa once more. The ladys voice remained soft as she continued, However, in the world of mysticism, there are cases where a persons death might not be their true end. The world of mysticism holds too many mysteries. Once, I encountered a follower of an evil god. He suddenly died just as I was about to eliminate him. It felt too coincidental, so I examined his corpse, his fate, and various mystical connections. Everything seemed in order; he was truly dead, and his family and friends believed so as well. Later, when I was eradicating a subsidiary branch of an evil god cult, I came across him again. He had assumed a new identity with a new fate and mystical connection. This time, he met his final end. From him, I learned the Sequence name of an evil god pathwayDeceased. They can use death to escape their original fate. This is similar to the Substitution Spell, but it seems simpler and lacks prerequisites. Moreover, after the substitutes demise, the original identity and fate appear irretrievable Lumian pondered on this, recalling a ritualistic magic that came with Alms Monk. Chapter 278 - 278 Consultation 278 Consultation The lady believed to hold the Justice card fell silent, and it was Susie who spoke up. Your mental state has improved significantly. If youd like, I can guide you back into the dream to awaken those forgotten memories. No problem. Lumian leaned against the sofa and closed his eyes. Unbeknownst to him, he dozed off. He found himself in Cordu, bathed in sunlight amidst the mountains, surrounded by turquoise alpine pastures. White-gray sheep roamed like clouds, creating a painting-like scene. The events unfolded like an art exhibition. Lumian alternated between experiencing them firsthand and observing as a bystander, his thoughts deeply immersed in the unfolding drama. As the events progressed, the weather mirrored Lumians mood, turning increasingly gray and devoid of sunlight. Occasionally, the fog lifted, revealing an azure sky. These memories confirmed Lumians suspicions. An anomaly had been brewing in the village from May to June of last year. Initially, he didnt pay much attention, but by the end of the year, he realized the seriousness of the issue. Aurore didnt take his concerns seriously, dismissing them without investigation. He later discovered skeletons in Louis Lunds closet and extracted information from him. In the new year, more villagers began revealing certain problems, leading some unaffected ones to sense that something was wrong. As a result, Ava, Reimund, Naroka, and others were silenced. During this process, Lumian stumbled upon Pons Bnet and his crew burying a corpse and sought revenge, gravely injuring the villains lower body. However, he couldnt take on the thugs alone and ultimately failed. Pons Bnet almost crippled him, but Aurore arrived just in time to rescue him. Only then did Lumian realize that something was amiss with his sister. She was suspected to be part of the padres group and held a high status. Most of the time, she appeared cold and indifferent, which was completely different from the sister Lumian knew. Only rarely did she show her true self. Worried for both her and her brothers future, she sought help. However, she never mentioned summoning the messenger of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Societys vice president, Hela. The information in Lumians dream likely came from her soul fragment. What followed matched Madame Pualiss account. Aurore stopped her, and Guillaume Bnet, the padre, led a large group of bestowers to attack the administrators castle, dismantling her setup. She had no choice but to abandon the territory she had built up for a long time and leave Cordu with her remaining subordinates. The only difference was Madame Pualiss claim that she had only given birth to one child whose father was the padrehe eventually perished in the attack. However, Aurore, a Blessed of Inevitability, stated that Madame Pualis had personally given birth to two children. One of them vanished after the administrators castle was destroyed. In the end, it wasnt Aurore who knocked Lumian out and brought him to the altar. It was the deputy padre, Michel Garrigue, who also had a lizard-like elf crawl out of him in his dream. Lumian blinked open his eyes, taking deep breaths to steady himself. He had anticipated this moment, but the emotional upheaval still left him reeling. Emerging from the nightmarish life of a street urchin, he had finally found a true, warm home with new friends and boundless joy. Even the villagers chase and occasional beatings for his pranks couldnt dampen his spirits during those moments of triumph. However, his idyllic life began to unravel as the people around him changed. The constant anomalies he noticed clouded his heart with growing unease and uncertainty. He tried to persuade his friends, Aurore, Reimund, Ava, and others, to leave Cordu and move to Darige, but Aurore always delayed, thwarting his plans. Amidst his fear and disappointment, tragedy struck his friends. To his dismay, he even noticed disturbing signs in his own beloved sister. In that moment, his mind plummeted into a dark abyss, much like when his grandfather had died. He felt terrified, helpless, sorrowful, and in pain. But this time, he also felt a profound sense of despair. Had it not been for the occasional glimmer of hope when Aurore briefly regained her true self, Lumian might not have held on till the end. Even now, recollecting the past few months felt unbearable. It was as if he was trapped in a suffocating cage, surrounded by darkness and misery, unable to escape. It was suffocating, painful, and full of despair. Phew, phew Taking deep breaths, Lumian gradually regained his composure and offered a bitter smile. Just as I suspected. He hadnt personally experienced the remaining pieces of the puzzle concerning the catastrophe. He needed to decipher the dreams symbols or find the padre Guillaume Bnet to obtain the missing information. Susie spoke in a gentle tone, Youve shown tremendous resilience and faced your past head-on. Its a sign that your psychological struggles have improved significantly. Now, the rest of the healing process lies in your own hands. If everything goes as planned, we should only have one more psychiatric session. After you find padre Guillaume Bnet and communicate with him, Ill need to evaluate your psychological state once again and conclude the treatment. Thank you, Madam Susie. Thank you Lumian hesitated before adding, Madam Justice. The woman in Psychological Invisibility didnt deny it and smiled, saying, Just because we have only one session left doesnt mean we wont be in touch again. I might need your assistance with certain matters in the future. Lumian smiled back, saying, Im only a Sequence 7. I doubt Ill be of much help. We should never underestimate anyone, the lady replied with a knowing smile. Besides, different people can have unique impacts on different matters. Lumian nodded and said, No problem. He pondered for a moment before changing the subject. Ladies, after the Cordu disaster, my sister pushed me away and instructed me to take note of her grimoires. Given your understanding of human nature, what might be hidden in her notebook, and where could it be? Though Lumian had studied Aurores entire grimoire multiple times, he still couldnt grasp many aspects or find anything suspicious. Susie responded promptly, Aurore wouldnt have intentionally left any messages or clues in her grimoires. If there were, she would have told you directly or hinted at it once she regained consciousness. Lumian nodded slowly, accepting her explanation. Aurore could have sought help from Helas messenger, but she chose not to. Susie continued, I believe there might be something in the notebook that Aurore once considered normal, but later suspected was amiss. So, identifying any abnormalities through superficial observation alone would be challenging. No wonder Ive been stumped for so long Lumian asked anxiously, Then how can I figure out if theres a problem? The holder of the Justice card seemed lost in thought as she spoke, Since youve deduced that the anomaly began in May or June of last year, focus on that particular time frame to find the root of the problem. If the source truly lies with Aurore, she must have encountered something before that period that caused her transformation. So, pay special attention to the grimoires six months prior. Its likely to contain something significant that triggered her change. Additionally, the grimoires from the last three months might reveal Aurores true intentions. They are an essential part of the castle in her heart. If you analyze these two time periods, youre most likely to find something relevant. January to June last year, and January to March this year Lumian mentally noted Madam Justices advice. As Aurores grimoire spanned over five years, narrowing down the suspected content would save Lumian a considerable amount of time and effort. If he focused solely on the notebooks from those two periods, his workload would decrease by 90%, enabling him to analyze and consider them more effectively. After a brief moment of contemplation, Lumian expressed his gratitude once again. Thank you, Madam Susie. Thank you, Madam Justice. After their discussion, the psychiatric treatment came to an official close. Lumian finished the remaining espresso and left Mason caf, waiting for the public carriage by the roadside. In Trier, dark clouds gathered to the northwest in the distance, while raindrops cascaded down like threads. To the southeast, the sky remained azure, and pure white clouds were tinged with golden light. Apartment 601, 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches. Lets attend a gathering, Franca said to Jenna. What gathering? Jenna, who hadnt yet put on her smoky makeup, asked with confusion. Franca rarely invited her to such events. Franca chuckled. A mysticism gathering. Now that youve digested the Assassin potion, you should consider advancing to Instigator. Attending mysticism gatherings, gathering materials and information, and earning money and supplies are compulsory tasks for every wild Beyonder. Advancing? Jenna was bewildered, as the term was unfamiliar to her. Franca clicked her tongue and explained, An important figure told me that the number of evil god believers will increase in the foreseeable future. The same goes for various mysticism-related disasters. If you wish to protect yourself, your brother, and the people you care about, you must progress step by step on the divine paths and grow stronger. Jenna fell silent for a few seconds before finally nodding and saying, Okay. Then lets go. Franca smiled again. However, Jenna hesitated for a moment before adding, Should we invite Ciel? It seems like he also needs to attend mysticism gatherings. Francas expression froze. Chapter 279 - 279 Deep Valley Cloister 279 Deep Valley Cloister After a moment, Franca forced on a reassuring smile and spoke, Dont worry about him. Hes got his own mystical gatherings. Jenna nodded and didnt say much more. With disguises, masks, and a bit of makeup, they left 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches and made their way to Avenue du March. They hopped on Subway Line 2, which connected the bustling market districts Suhit steam locomotive station to the elegant cathedral districts Northern Trier Train Station. Their destination was Quartier 9, the renowned Quartier de la Maison dOpra in the Northern Continent. They arrived at the worlds largest and most vibrant arcade, surrounded by department stores and fancy shops. The colorful glass dome above, supported by steel frames, painted the sunlight with a touch of grandeur, showcasing scenes of sacredness and epic tales. To make up for the dimness from the stained glass, new kerosene lamps on the iron-black street lamp poles burned brightly, emitting a dazzling white light. They were called draft lamps that utilized the heat they generated to turn kerosene into steam, spraying it onto the scorching mantle around it, creating a bright white light. In terms of illumination, they were far superior to conventional gas street lamps or regular household kerosene lamps, a modification of the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery. Jenna followed Franca into the public washroom in the middle of the Opera House arcade. Each found a stall, changed their clothes, and applied simple makeup to downplay their looks. After that, they headed underground through a nearby entrance. Unlike other districts in Trier, the underground street beneath the Opera House arcade was bustling with people. Cafs, galleries, beer houses, and small shops filled the space, making it feel anything but dark, cold, or confined. Only when they left the area did Jenna find her usual impression of Underground Trier. As Assassins, they could see in the dark. However, to avoid exposing their Sequence abilities to those attending the mysterious gathering, they each held a carbide lamp that cast a bluish-yellow light ahead. Studying Francas actions closely, Jenna mimicked her and donned a silver metal mask that covered the upper half of her face. Silently, she ventured deeper into the damp tunnel. After walking for a while, Franca pointed to a fork in the road and smiled. Theres a legend of ghosts in that direction. Whats the legend? Jenna asked, playing along. Franca grinned and replied, They say people in the opera house often hear strange male voices coming from underground. They hired several bounty hunters to investigate, but none of them returned. Didnt the official Beyonders intervene? Jenna inquired, puzzled. They did, but they found nothing. Thats because its a legend we made up, Franca chuckled. Jenna was even more perplexed. Why make up such a legend? For amusement? Franca assured her, smiling, To prevent the people of Underground Trier from meddling with our gathering. Jenna finally realized the reason behind it. So, you scared them off, and they wouldnt dare come here? No. Franca shook her head with a serious expression. No, its not about scaring them away. Its about diverting their attention to that area, so they dont bother with the surroundings. In simpler terms, it gives the adventurous Trier citizens and university students something to keep them occupied. Having grown up in Trier, Jenna fell silent. After a few seconds, she muttered, Dammit! The Trieriens around me are nothing like this! Everyone worked diligently. They just liked to go to bars, dance halls, and other places to drink, sing, dance, or vent their emotions by cursing each other after a busy day. People from Trier can be different, Franca said, clicking her tongue and shaking her head. As they talked, they squeezed through a gap and entered a new tunnel, arriving at a quarry cave overgrown with dark green moss. Outside the quarry cave stood a white skeleton, its face hidden behind an iron mask, its eye sockets dark and empty. Jenna, who had never encountered anything related to mysticism before, couldnt help but feel her heart race with fear. Franca raised her hand and greeted, You always send a skeleton. Is all this caution really necessary? Dammit, you even put a mask on the skeleton. Whats there to be embarrassed about? she added. The white skeleton spoke with a voice that sounded like metal rubbing against metal, I like a line from The Adventurer series: Thats basic courtesy.'' With its eye sockets devoid of flames, it looked at Jenna. Who is she? My friend. I brought her here to take a look, Franca simply replied. The skeleton didnt push for more information. It cracked its neck, signaling that they could enter the quarry cave at the back. Inside, Jenna saw many people in various disguises, either sitting on rocks or standing in a corner. Silence enveloped the place. After scanning the area, Jenna lowered her voice and asked Franca, Theyre letting me in just like that? Isnt this too easy? Arent they concerned about my trustworthiness or safety? Franca smirked and replied, I trust him, and he trusts me. Is that so Jenna nodded, but she sensed something strange. How did that skeleton know it was you? Werent you disguised? He has a special way of recognizing people, Franca vaguely explained. Fifteen minutes later, more people arrived one after another. By the time the iron-masked skeleton announced the official commencement of the trade gathering, nearly twenty people had gathered in the quarry cave. Jenna observed the transactions with curiosity, absorbing the new terms as Franca whispered them to her. During this process, she couldnt help but be shocked by the prices of potion formulas, mystical items, Beyonder weapons, and various ingredients. Even the cheapest ones required an entire weeks salary as an underground singer. As for the expensive ones, she felt that she had no hope in her life. The last third of the trade gathering focused on commissions. Jenna sat up straight, hoping to find one that could earn her a large sum of money. A man dressed in a black robe, resembling a Warlock from horror stories, spoke in a deliberately shrill voice, I have a mission worth 20,000 verl dor. 20,000 verl dor? All eyes in the room turned to the entrustee. Jenna was no exception. She had never seen such a large sum of money in her life. The man glanced around and said, The gatekeeper of the Deep Valley Cloister in the hill district has been missing for three days. I hope you can help me find him or his corpse. I cant verify the authenticity of the clues, so only those who bring him or his corpse back to the Deep Valley Cloister can claim the 20,000 verl dor reward. Alternatively, you can bring him here. The Deep Valley Cloister belonged to the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery, where ascetic monks devoted themselves to the study of machinery and steam. They didnt marry, have children, or preach. Located in the hill district, Quartier 19, it was bordered by the cathedral district of the Church of the God of Steam and Machinerys cathedral and the Northern Trier Train Station to the west, and Quartier 20, the cemetery district, to the east. Seeing no immediate response, the man continued, The authorities have already investigated, but they found nothing. You can all take this commission and investigate Deep Valley Cloister as bounty hunters. Dont worry about suspicion. Ill post notices in bars, dance halls, and beer houses in various districts. I can give it a try. It wont cost me anything if I come up with nothing. At most, itll take some time from me making money Jenna turned to Franca, tempted. Franca nodded, agreeing that they could take on this mission. She was curious about the case, and she wanted Jenna to gain some experience before resorting to dangerous assassinations. If they sensed any danger or discovered something amiss, they could retreat in time. Of course, the high bounty was also appealing. After a brief silence, the participants began asking questions one after another. They wanted to gather enough information before starting their investigations. The entrustees responses were brief. He informed everyone that the missing cloisters gatekeeper was Pinker, a resident of nearby Deep Valley Town in his early fifties. He was a devout believer of the God of Steam and Machinery, and he had never married. With a fanatical passion for machinery, he became a gatekeeper at Deep Valley Cloister after owning fields. He returned home once a week, spending one day each time, but he didnt disappear at home. One night, while the monks were testing a steam contraption in the courtyard, they spotted Pinker standing at the door of the gatekeepers hut, watching with interest. But the next morning, he was gone. Jenna took note of the information just like during her acting studies. Before long, the mysticism gathering concluded, and the participants departed in groups. A few nights later, Lumian sat at the bar in Salle de Bal Brise, savoring his favorite absinthe and watching Jenna sing and dance. Just then, Louis approached him and whispered in his ear, Boss, the Big Boss is here. Hes waiting for you at the caf on the second floor. Boss came personally? Lumian was slightly surprised. Without saying a word, he downed the rest of the green liquid, stood up, and headed towards the stairs. At that moment, Gardner Martin stood near the window, dressed casually in a dark brown jacket and a wide-brimmed hat, as if he had just come from the docks or the depot. He looked at Lumian with his brownish-red eyes for a moment before motioning for the others to leave. Soon, only Gardner Martin and Lumian remained in the caf. The Savoie Mob boss smiled and said, Ive expressed my admiration for you more than once, havent I? Indeed, thank you, Boss. Lumian nodded. Gardner Martins expression turned serious. Are you interested in joining my circle? This will allow you to come into contact with more Beyonders, stronger powers, and abundant resources. Is that all for the audit? Lumian wondered, not hiding his puzzlement. Whats the price? Gardner Martin smiled again. The price is that you might encounter more danger and have to follow orders to complete certain missions. However, as long as you do well, you will definitely progress rapidly. Perhaps in a few years, you can take my position. Lumian pretended to hesitate and pondered for a moment before saying, I dont have a problem with that. Gardner Martin nodded solemnly. Before that, you need to undergo a test. Go to 13 Avenue du March now and stay there until the sun rises. 13 Avenue du March? Lumian frowned, doing his best to recall. Finally, he remembered where that was. Osta Trul, the Secrets Suppliant, considered it the most dangerous place in the market district. It was the burned-down building that had yet to be demolished! Chapter 280 - 280 The Knocker 280 The Knocker As Lumian thought of 13 Avenue du March, his first instinct was that Gardner Martin intended to do him harm. The place is abnormal, a mystery even to official Beyonders. Why are you asking me to spend the night there? The image of the dark, charred building he had seen through the Mystery Prying Glasses still lingered in his mind, with a blurry face staring back at him through the empty eyes behind a window. It had given him an uneasy feeling, as Osta Trul had warned it was a dangerous place. However, Lumian had no interest in exploring it and wouldnt have triggered any anomalies due to him lacking an adventurous spirit, so he put it aside. Amidst his thoughts, Lumian dismissed the idea that Gardner Martin would set a trap in the charred building to harm him. As a member of the Iron and Blood Cross Ordera secret organizationa powerful Beyonder likely at Sequence 5 or at minimum a 6, Gardner had other, more direct methods to deal with subordinates with ulterior motives. Simultaneously, Lumian recalled everything he had seen and heard recently. The charred building stood close to Rue des Blouses Blanches. Each time he passed it while going to his safe house from Salle de Bal Brise or searching for Franca, he would see vagrants seeking refuge from the rain inside. Never had he witnessed any official Beyonders or patrolling police shooing them away, nor had he heard of any fatalities occurring there. For three reasons, Lumian considered the charred building highly perilous. Firstly, Osta Truls spiritual perception had urged him. Secondly, its existence remained intact, as if some mysterious force prevented its demolition. Thirdly, his experience with the Mystery Prying Glasses had left him with a certain feeling. Combining all these signs, Lumian couldnt help but think there was indeed a problem. And it wasnt some trivial matter either. Though under normal circumstances, these abnormalities were unlikely to be triggered; they required specific conditions. But if there wasnt any trouble, why would Gardner Martin arrange for me to spend the night there? Is it some kind of courage test? Thats pointless, Lumian thought to himself. He believed that the most striking impression he left on Gardner Martin and the others was that of his boldness. After a brief moment of contemplation, Lumian stared at Gardner Martin, showing his concern and suspicion. 13 Avenue du March? Ive heard theres something strange going on there. If nothing were amiss, what kind of test would it be to send you there for a night? Gardner Martin replied with a smile. As long as your response is flawless, I believe youll come out of it unscathed. So, this is a test to see how I handle a sudden abnormality without any prior information? Lumian nodded in understanding, but the situation left him even more puzzled. If thats the case, why did Gardner Martin come here in the middle of the night and ask me to go to 13 Avenue du March immediately? Couldnt he have waited until daytime for me to do this? Then, he could test my ability to gather information and see who Ill contact Now, I wont have the chance to summon Madam Magicians messenger and seek her opinion or possible help, allowing me not to face the hidden danger of the charred building alone But Gardner Martin doesnt know that I can summon a demigods messenger. Thats probably not what hes worried about If he suspects that I have another faction backing me, he wouldnt have given me a chance to infiltrate the core in other wordsthe Iron and Blood Cross Order. He would have already found a way to make me completely disappear Yes, if he really suspects me, hell give me ample time to see where I go and who I contact to determine if theres a problem He must have some hidden motive for making things so urgent Giving me time to prepare means I might go back on my word. Instead of heading to 13 Avenue du March, I might turn around and sell information about this charred buildings possible connection to the Iron and Blood Cross Order to the authorities? But the problem is, even if I manage to stay until the sun rises, I can still go back on my word or betray them Ill be apprehended right then and there and forced to sign a contract? After careful consideration, Lumian still couldnt decipher Gardner Martins true intentions. The test was likely just one aspect, but there had to be a hidden motive! The only thing Lumian was sure of was that Gardner Martin wasnt planning to kill himat least not for the time being. This mission might be life-threatening, but the real danger lay elsewhere. With various thoughts racing through his mind, Lumian finally made up his decision. Alright, Ill go now. Gardner Martin grinned. Excellent. If youd agreed too quickly, it would have disappointed me. One of the most crucial traits for those who join our core is intelligence and the ability to think. Otherwise, why wouldnt I just purchase a few new steam robots from the God of Steam and Machinery Church? Are you suggesting that Franca is smart, but not very much so? She thinks, but not holistically? Lumian couldnt help but criticize inwardly. Of course, he knew that this wasnt the reason why the Boss refused to let Franca join the core team. After his inner critique, Lumian responded to Gardner Martin with a smile, Im looking forward to experiencing the core youve described, Boss. As he spoke, he turned around and prepared to head downstairs to 13 Avenue du March. Gardner Martin casually called out to him, Dont reveal this to anyone, not even to those sleeping with you, like Jenna, whos singing downstairs. Alright, Lumian said, though he didnt give it much thought. He had to share this with Franca and Jenna! However, the two of them had been busy investigating the disappearance of the Deep Valley Cloisters gatekeeper and hadnt paid much attention to the affairs of the Savoie Mob. After leaving Salle de Bal Brise, Lumian touched his left chest. Then, he drew a triangular Sacred Emblem, as if praying to the God of Steam and Machinery for good luck. There was still water on the ground from the rain. Lumian followed the iron-black street lamps and reached the intersection near Rue des Blouses Blanches at a moderate pace. A pitch-black six-story building stood diagonally in front of him. Many of the walls had collapsed, as if pairs of empty, pitch-black eyes had grown out of the house. At that moment, two or three tramps were sleeping on the ground floor, devoid of doors or window frames. It was strewn with blackened bricks and charred wood. Lumian stood by the roadside and observed for a while, but he couldnt find the blurry face pressed against the window. Must I wear the Mystery Prying Glasses to see it? Without hesitation, Lumian passed through the filthy doorway and entered the target building. He felt no abnormalities from his body to his soul. Walking around the tramps, Lumian found what appeared to be the activity room. There was a small room inside. The wooden door was charred and wobbly, but it remained intact. Beyond the shattered glass window lay an alley behind Avenue du March. Lumian walked in and carefully closed the wooden door. Then, he sat by the window, ready to climb out of the abnormal building at a moments notice. Amidst the inevitable torment, time ticked by, and the night deepened. Lumian remained oblivious to any abnormalities. It was so quiet that only the tramps occasional coughs echoed. Suddenly, he straightened his back. He heard sluggish footsteps. The footsteps drew nearer, knocking on the dilapidated wooden door that couldnt be locked, instantly tainting the quiet night with an uneasy atmosphere. At that moment, Termiboross magnificent voice echoed in Lumians mind. Dont respond. Dont respond Lumians hair stood on end. Although he couldnt fully trust the Inevitability angel, considering the current situation, he chose to look at the door silently after weighing the pros and cons. Knock! Knock! Knock! The knocks on the door echoed one after another, the intervals long, slow, and heavy. Knock! Knock! Knock! After a while, the person outside finally spoke. Help me. I was the one sleeping outside. Help me, help me. A murderer has barged in! This fabrication is absurd Lumian calmed his tense nerves by entertaining himself. He didnt respond, acting as though there was no one in the small room. The voice outside grew more intense, but the pace slowed. There was an indistinct, strange pause. Hes. Here! Hes. Here! Im. About. To. Be. Killed! The next one. Is. You! As soon as he finished speaking, the person knocking on the door suddenly let out a scream. Lumian heard a dull thud. Thud! It was as if someone had fallen to the ground. Then, a heavy object outside the door was slowly dragged further away. Before long, a bone-chilling cutting sound filled the room, accompanied by the sound of gnawing and loud chewing. An image suddenly surfaced in Lumians mind: A shadowy figure squatted on the ground, dividing a human corpse with an axe and other items. Occasionally, it would pick up an arm and take a few bites. After a while, the similar commotion vanished. Knock! Knock! Knock! There was another knock on Lumians small room. If you dont. Open the door. Ill. Come in. Myself. It was the same person who had asked for help. Lumian gazed at the shaky wooden door and had an idea. As long as I dont respond, the abnormality outside wont be able to open this door and truly threaten me? This door is clearly unlocked and was burned by the fire. Its very fragile, but it cant open it It doesnt have the ability to open any door. Does it require a response from the person behind the door to establish a connection in the mystical sense? As these thoughts raced through his mind, Lumian gained a deeper understanding of the current situation and felt more confident. Knock. Knock. Knock. Amidst the knocking, the person outside spoke in a staccato manner, I am not. Lying. I really will. Open the door. And come in. Ill give you. Another. Ten seconds. Lumian scoffed, feeling increasingly certain. He wanted to mock the other party in his heart and tell it to open if it had what it took, but he was worried that it would also be considered a response, so he suppressed those thoughts. Knock! Knock! Knock! Three more knocks separated by a long pause. Suddenly, Lumian heard an inaudible creak. Then, he saw the rickety wooden door slowly pull back, revealing a dark crack. It was opening. Chapter 281 - 281 Reflection 281 Reflection As the charred and decrepit wooden door creaked open slowly, Lumian felt a shiver down his spine, like ice water trickling over his scalp. Wasnt it impossible to open the door? Was my guess wrong? If it could open the door, why did it take so long and talk so much? Just get on with it! Is there something wrong with its brain? Although Lumian had become a Pyromaniac and had experienced various dangerous situations, his heart couldnt help but race at this moment. It felt like a steam locomotive hurtling on tracks and pillowwood. If he werent worried about Gardner Martin or other members of the Iron and Blood Cross Order lurking nearby, he would have set up an altar then and there, summoning Madam Magicians messenger or praying to Mr. Fool. Instinctively, Lumian prepared to summon Fire Raven and create a cloak, readying himself for a battle. But Termiboross warning echoed in his mind once more: Dont respond. This was entirely different from just not opening the door! Lumian couldnt shake the feeling that something fishy was going on. Why would the creature knock on the door, threaten him, and then open it itself? So, he restrained himself, staying silent and staring at the door like a statue. The charred wooden door continued to swing open, and the dark gap gradually widened, enough for one person to pass through. But there was nothing outside the door. The room, far from the window, was engulfed in darkness. The crimson moonlight seeping through the broken glass barely revealed any outlines. Where was the fellow that knocked on the door? Lumians first instinct was to activate his Spirit Vision to see if there was an invisible monster. But he held back, afraid that it would count as a response. The wobbly door came to a halt, and nothing emerged from the darkness outside. No wriggling shapes, just silence. Lumian remained motionless in his sitting position, gazing in that direction. This whole situation was incredibly bizarre. He couldnt even target an enemy if he wanted to set them on fire. Silence took over, and time seemed to stand still. Then suddenly, a drop of liquid fell from the ceiling, landing in front of Lumian. His eyelids twitched, and under the crimson moonlight, he saw that it was bright red, resembling blood. Drip. Drip. Blood dripped, gradually staining a large area red. Lumian couldnt shake the unease that crept over him. Drip! Another droplet landed on Lumians right cheek. It was cold, sticky, and silky. It didnt seem like human blood, but it wasnt tainted by darkness either. The pungent smell of blood filled Lumians nostrils, making him want to roll to the side, stand up, and leap out of the window instinctively. Dont respond. He recalled Termiboross words once again. Lumian took a deep breath, allowing the viscous liquid that smelled like blood to hit his face and head. Gradually, he felt his body grow heavier. He quickly examined his exposed hands.Cold, viscous blood dripped onto his hands, silently merging into one, as if encasing him in a blood-colored glove. Lumian began to suspect that he was trapped in a mucous blood membrane, making him feel heavier and heavier. Instinctively, he thought about reaching into his pocket to pull out Mr. Ks finger. He wanted the Aurora Order Oracle, skilled in blood-related spells, to help him resist this strange mucous blood membrane. Dont respond. This time, the Inevitability angels powerful voice echoed in Lumians mind, instead of him reminding himself of Termiboross earlier warning. Lumian managed to regain control of himself, but he could feel his body growing heavier, and his breathing became labored. Slowly, the strange blood began to seep into his skin, as if it had a life of its own, determined to enter his body and consume him from the inside out. As the blood infiltrated him, his thoughts grew hazy, and a surge of violent tendencies flooded his mind. The urge to kill and burn everythingthis place, Trier, the entire worldoverwhelmed him! Dammit! Could Termiboros be using this opportunity to deceive me and use the strange power here to take control and escape the seal. He couldnt help but question the effectiveness of Termiboross dont respond and the true intentions of the Inevitability angel. Despite wanting to resist and break free from the burned-down building, Lumian couldnt shake the feeling that there was something mystical about the abnormality and the creatures persistence in knocking, talking, and asking for permission. If he hadnt harbored those suspicions, he wouldnt have fully trusted Termiboros, an enemy rather than a friend. He wouldnt have endured until now. With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Lumian decided to hold on a little longer and observe what would happen next. His head felt heavy, and his thoughts grew increasingly chaotic. A grinding sound rang in his ears, and his body seemed to ache from a distant pain. It was as if he was slipping into a semi-conscious state, while someone took the opportunity to dismember him, severing his limbs and tearing his body apart. Then, suddenly, Lumians consciousness withdrew. It was as if his spirit had separated from his body. He watched himself sitting by the window, covered in blood, with his eyes strangely empty. In front of him squatted a charred figure, brandishing a bloodied axe and hacking at his thigh, splitting the bone in half. Uh Lumian slowly realized that something was amiss. He instinctively looked down and saw that his body remained whole! He was still sitting by the shattered window, but the scene he witnessed was no longer the crumbling charred wooden door. Instead, he saw a reflection of his surroundings and his own dismemberment by the burnt shadow. Compared to his severed legs and extracted bones, the most striking aspect was his empty, lifeless eyes. After a brief daze, the horrifying and bloody vision disappeared, and the open, dilapidated wooden door returned to his sight. He knew it wasnt an illusion because he felt as if he had surfaced from water, and his entire body relaxed. If I had responded, what would have happened? Would the nightmarish scenes I saw have become real? Would that response have established a mystical connection, allowing those terrifying and almost illusionary encounters to materialize? Lumian exhaled slowly, fear still lingering in his heart. He placed his hand on his left chest, lowered his voice, and chuckled. Temiboros, you truly are remarkable. Indeed, a worthy angel. Even in His sealed state, He easily discerned the essence of the abnormality. Termiboross voice echoed, overlapping as if from multiple sources. The abnormality here is considered minor. Minor? Lumian couldnt believe it. If you hadnt reminded me not to respond and if I hadnt been determined enough, something terrible might have occurred. That Gardner Martin, that vile scoundrel, really wants me dead! Termiboros replied in a thunderous voice, You wont die. The abnormality will merely transform you, leading your thoughts to become fanatical about certain things while rejecting others. Lumian pondered the explanation, finding it a bit hard to grasp. Just then, Termiboros added, Its like being conquered, both physically and mentally. Suddenly, realization dawned on Lumian, and he spoke quietly, Gardner Martin wanted me to stay here overnight so he could use this anomaly to control me and eliminate any potential threats. No wonder he came to Salle de Bal Brise so late and didnt give me time to think! Termiboros confirmed Lumians suspicion, Have you only just realized how shallow you are? Lumian cursed under his breath and thought to himself, Even if he succeeds, I wont be under Gardner Martins control; Ill be manipulated by the power of this place. Isnt he worried that something might go wrong? The abnormality here is connected to the Iron and Blood Cross Order. Is he not concerned about that? With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Lumian furrowed his brow and asked Termiboros, Since I wont be affected or altered abnormally, will Gardner Martin notice something off about me when I leave tomorrow morning? Termiboross voice boomed. If such a level of corruption was easily detectable, Gardner Martin and his allies would have been eliminated by the official Beyonders long ago. Unless the source of corruption provides direct information, they cant tell that youre unaffected. Hmm As Lumian contemplated the situation, he suddenly realized a hidden truth in Termiboross wordsGardner Martin and the members of the Iron and Blood Cross Order were already corrupted! They were under someone elses control! Hiss The more Lumian thought about it, the more he found it terrifying. After a few seconds, Lumian tried to get more information from Termiboros, asking, When I meet Gardner Martin, how should I display my fanaticism, and which beliefs should I reject? Termiboros surprisingly replied, Show fanaticism towards war and chaos and reject belief in other deities. Lumian nodded, but another concern arose. Considering the intensity of the recent abnormality, shouldnt everyone who enters and stays here be corrupted? Termiboros clarified, Only two specific pathways inevitably trigger the abnormality here. The rest require specific actions at precise times before the anomaly will occur. The officials only recognize the latter situation and secretly prevent others from entering this building at those specific times. Two special pathways Hunter and Demoness? Lumian could roughly guess. Termiboros didnt deny it. As Lumian recalled the entire incident, he couldnt help but smile, saying, Termiboros, it seems youve truly understood your situation and positioned yourself wisely. Termiboros remained silent this time, providing no response. In the following hours, Lumian encountered two more abnormalities. One almost broke his neck, while the other caused an explosion that sent his organs flying. Remembering the words dont respond, he endured the trials, eventually returning to his unharmed body. Finally, a tinge of reddish-gold appeared on the horizon as the sun rose. Lumian stood up, basking in the morning light for a moment before leaving 13 Avenue du March. There, he saw Gardner Martin sitting in a carriage opposite. Their eyes met, and in the next moment, Gardner Martin smiled. Lumian smiled back. Chapter 282 - 282 Treacherous 282 Treacherous Gardner Martin stepped out of the carriage and warmly embraced Lumian. Oh, his attitude changed instantly Lumian criticized as he returned the hug. After the embrace, Gardner Martin let go and smiled, declaring, From now on, were true brothers. True brothers? Can I inherit your estate if you die? Lumian, whose mental state had improved significantly and had successfully passed the difficult test, held back his teasing thoughts. Youre still my boss, Lumian said, his habitual loyalty shining through in his words. He thought that while it might have been a bit over the top, the gesture didnt feel insincere or out of place. Gardner Martin laughed. In the future, when theres nobody else around, you can call me CO Sir.'' CO Sir Lumian found the title a little strange. The Iron and Blood Cross Order was a secret organization, not an army. Gardner Martin didnt offer any explanation; he just smiled. Come to 11 Rue des Fontaines at 8 p.m. tonight. Thats when your initiation ritual will take place. With that, he gave Lumians shoulder a reassuring pat. Rest well now. Lumian acknowledged his words with a nod and bid farewell to the boss of the Savoie Mob. He made his way back to Auberge du Coq Dor and drew the curtains of Room 207. It was already past 6 a.m., so Lumian didnt need to catch up on sleep. He sat at the wooden table and began writing to Madam Magician. He recounted the previous nights encounter and Termiboross performance. Finally, he inquired about how to report this matter to Mr. K. Alone, Lumian couldnt avoid the peculiar abnormality in the abandoned building. He needed to explain the situation convincingly to Mr. K without revealing that he possessed The Fools seal and an angel from the Inevitability domain. After neatly folding the letter, Lumian set up a ritual and summoned the doll messenger in the light-gold dress. The messenger lowered her head and nodded with satisfaction upon seeing the square-shaped letter. As she levitated the letter, she warned Lumian, Someone is still monitoring you. Huh? I didnt notice it at all His tracking, concealment, and observation skills are impressive Lumian prided himself on being a skilled Hunter with strong anti-tracking abilities. Yet, he had failed to detect the presence of the monitors! Mr. Ks subordinates? No, if Miss Messenger felt the need to warn me, it couldnt be the Aurora Order The monitors sent by Gardner Martin must still be lurking, even after passing the test and facing that abnormal corruption last night. Ive let my guard down after being informed about my induction, and thats made me vulnerable Damn, how cunning! Lumian realized he had been too naive and not cautious enough compared to Gardner Martin. If he hadnt pretended to be exhausted from sleep deprivation and torture, drawing the curtains to sleep wouldve been an obvious red flag. It would have definitely raised suspicion among the monitors. At the same time, Lumian was grateful that Madam Magicians messenger seemed powerful enough not to be detected by the monitors. After sending off the doll messenger, Lumian lay on the bed, waiting for a reply. When it finally arrived, he read the message carefully. As a secret organization with a history spanning two to three centuries, the Iron and Blood Cross Order doesnt recruit members so readily. The fact that they are allowing new members to be corrupted goes against the test I know of. It appears that the Iron and Blood Cross Order has undergone some negative changes over the years. Dont rush to uncover the reasons behind this just yet. Take it step by step and focus on protecting yourself for now. When Termiboros offered help and warned you, it was likely because He didnt want you to be corrupted or perish outright. That would have an impact on Him. At the same time, He probably wants to earn your trust before revealing His true intentions at a critical moment. Always remember that an evil gods angel is a true madman. He will surely bring disaster to you and those around you. Stay vigilant at all times. You must both use Him to your advantage and guard against His treachery. As for Mr. K, its simple. Just explain that you recited that entitys honorific name at a crucial moment, and miraculously, you remained untainted. Dont worry about him verifying the authenticity of your claim with that entity. Devout believers wouldnt do such a thing. Besides, even the entity Himself might not be certain if He responded to your prayers. Wh Lumian felt a bit bewildered by the last part. How could a deity not know if He had responded to a specific believer? Isnt that too absurd? In an instant, Lumian recalled something Madam Magician had once told him. If he used anything other than the three-line honorific name to pray to Mr. Fool, she couldnt guarantee that the response would be from that great being. It could be very dangerous. Something similar to this situation? Matters involving deities are truly unfathomable. And any mistake could lead to a situation more tragic than death Could Aurore have faced the same problem? Lumians thoughts drifted. For the past few days, he had meticulously combed through Aurores grimoires, copying everything from the two highlighted time periods that Madame Justice had pointed out. His plan was to show it to the vice president of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, Madam Hela, when the opportunity arose. Franca had already read through the corresponding content and found no suspicious details. The unconventional mysticism knowledge was just ordinary spells that could only be cast by a Warlock or Beyonder of the corresponding domain. Neither of them could practice it. The only issue they found was that since the beginning of the year, Aurores grimoires had gained a significant amount of ritualistic knowledge related to sacrificial rituals and secret deeds. These were obtained from the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, but they didnt point to any evil god or hidden existence. They were more basic applications. A crimson flame engulfed the letter, turning it to ash in Lumians hand. He lay down and pretended to sleep, but his mind was busy contemplating the grimoires and planning his next steps. The most important thing to him was that the one-month deadline set by the Prophecy Spell was approaching. Guillaume Bnet, the padre, would appear somewhere in Quartier de la Princesse Rouge. In the hill district, at the entrance of Deep Valley Cloister. Franca, dressed as a typical bounty hunter with a fake mustache and a top hat, sighed to Jenna, Theres really no clue at all. Jenna was disguised in a white shirt, brown vest, dark pants, and black boots, with a brown beret. She had altered her features slightly to look more ordinary, without any moles or smoky makeup. As they gazed at the peculiar iron-black building with steel components and massive chimneys resembling steeples, it felt more like a special factory than the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery cloister. At that moment, white smoke billowed from the chimneys, accompanied by a loud mechanical roar. Its mainly because those monks dont want to interact with outsiders Jenna replied, feeling frustrated. For the past few days, they, like other bounty hunters and private detectives, were only allowed to enter the first-floor courtyard. They could only inquire with the new gatekeeper and a few other servants. The ascetic monks only provided a list of relevant personnels statements. Franca diverted her gaze and clicked her tongue. This wont be an easy case. Otherwise, the official Beyonders would have figured it out by now. Since we cant find any clues in the cloister, lets take a look around. Alright. Jenna lacked experience in such investigations and was still learning from Franca. They strolled around the cloister in the valley, occasionally encountering other investigators drawn by the high bounty. After about fifteen minutes of walking, they came across a mountain wall showing signs of collapse and new trees growing. On the side of the mountain wall, there was a cave sealed by a heavy wooden door. A man in his forties sat beside it, seeking shelter from the wind and rain. He flipped through old newspapers with comic strips, occasionally chuckling. A brass key hung from his waist. Franca approached and asked in a deliberate hoarse voice, Whats this place? The plain-looking, slightly ragged man glanced up at Francas face and frowned a bit. His gaze quickly shifted to Jenna, and he seemed more at ease. This is the entrance to the Deep Valley Quarry. Im a gatekeeper. Why is there a door, and why is it locked? Jenna had seen a real quarry south of the market district. This place is abandoned and could collapse anytime. We cant allow anyone daring enough to disturb a sleeping tiger, the gatekeeper of the Deep Valley Quarry explained with a smile. Is this place not connected to Underground Trier? Franca inquired. The quarrys gatekeeper shook his head. Its on the verge of complete collapse. How could it be connected? Im about to lose my job! With that, he looked at Jenna and tried to be friendly. Do you want some work? Ill pay you to have some fun with mejust once. You Trierians Franca tutted and shook her head. Jenna responded with her usual catchphrase, rejecting his proposition. 8 p.m., 11 Rue des Fontaines. Lumian followed Gardner Martins butler, Faustino, across the lawn and through the hall until they reached a windowless room. Inside, there was a dining table, but it didnt resemble a lavish villa restaurant. Instead, it appeared quite plain, almost empty. Lumian glanced around and noticed three rows of dishes neatly arranged on the table. The first row held various utensils, the second row contained cups and bottles, and the third row displayed prepared dishes and unlit candles. The setup was meticulously symmetrical, forming three parallel lines. Chapter 283 - 283 Idea 283 Idea Gardner Martins butler, Faustino, didnt leave the room after guiding Lumian in. Instead, he opened his arms with a smile. Welcome, new brother. Youre also a member of the Iron and Blood Cross Order? Lumian was taken aback at first, but then he accepted it as a matter of fact. A butler, as the masters eyes, ears, and limbs, likely knew many of Gardner Martins secrets. So it made sense that he either promoted Faustino to be a member of the Iron and Blood Cross Order or had a member of the Order become his butler. Lumian observed Faustinos slightly gray temples, sunken eyes, and light-blue eyes, then embraced him warmly. Thank you. Faustino, dressed in his butler attire, went to the dining table and pulled out a chair at the west end, saying to Lumian, Sit here. Lumian nodded and settled down, feeling strangely at home. Of course, thanks to Aurores education, he had avoided the habit of raising his legs and crossing them at the edge of the dining table. Faustino seated himself beside Lumian and briefly explained, A few more brothers will come later. Fifteen minutes later, the rest of the Iron and Blood Cross Order members arrived. Following Faustinos introductions, Lumian embraced each one. They were: Vincent Lorraine, representing Gardner Martin in the Rist dock operations, was under 30 years old with a typical Intis lookblack hair, blue eyes, refined appearance, and slender figure. He didnt strike Lumian as a Beyonder of the Hunter pathway as he didnt differ much from ordinary white-collar workers, but that begged the questionhow did he survive the vigil? Parsifal, who helped Gardner Martin manage the depot and freight company, appeared as an average middle-aged man with slightly disheveled brown hair and amiable brown eyes when he smiled. However, his emotionless gaze gave Lumian chills, making him wary. Not in charge of specific matters, Albus seemed to operate in the dark and had a hint of red in his hair. His sharp brown eyebrows and eyes made him rather handsome, but he had a less likable appearance. There was also an acquaintance of Lumians, Blood Palm Black of the Savoie Mob. As the manager of Le March du Quartier du Gentleman, he was dressed formally, had brown hair and blue eyes, and enjoyed a cigar with a warm smile. Lumian had suspected that the Savoie Mob had an official member of the Iron and Blood Cross Order secretly monitoring the market district and their activities. However, he hadnt expected it to be Blood Palm Black, who didnt stand out at all. Lumian had initially thought it might be Baron Brignais or Rat Christo, but it turned out differently. Strangely, Black bore a resemblance to Gardner Martin. With Faustino and Lumian, there were now six members of the Iron and Blood Cross Order present. In the past, Lumian had criticized, Isnt it too much for a regional mob like the Savoie Mob to have five or six Beyonders? But now, he found it unsurprising. As a secret organization with a long history, it was normal for the Iron and Blood Cross Order to have such influence and heritage. Even its subsidiaries enjoyed abundant resources. After exchanging pleasantries, Butler Faustino introduced the items on the table to Lumian. In the ensuing ritual, the goblets will be our weapons. They can also be used as cannons. Red wine will be ordinary explosives, white wine will be potent explosives, food will be the components, and knives and forks will be sharp swords Lumian listened quietly, wondering if there was something odd about their thinking. Are they too self-aware? Or is there some mystical significance to this? By the time Faustino finished speaking, Gardner Martin, now wearing his tailcoat and an Iron Cross medal embedded with a ruby over his chest, entered the room. He stood on the east side of the long dining table, facing the six seated members on the west side. With a swoosh, the five members, excluding Lumian, stood up in unison. Oh Lumian inwardly sighed as he rose to his feet. Good evening, CO Sir. Faustino, Black, and the others greeted him in unison. Lumian was slightly slower to respond. Gardner Martin motioned for everyone to take their seats and smiled. Well officially begin the ritual when the Supervisor arrives. Ciel, let me tell you what the core youre about to join represents. Gardner Martin locked eyes with Lumian, his tone growing more serious. We are all members of a secretive organization with a history spanning centuries. Its known as the Iron and Blood Cross Order. Lumian didnt show any intentional surprise or dismay. After all, the name sounded rather ordinary. Albus, the young man with dark-red hair sitting at the edge of the dining table, seemed about to speak, but Gardner Martin shot him a stern look. The Commanding Officer of the Iron and Blood Cross Order turned his attention back to Lumian. Nearly 300 years ago, a few influential figures established the Iron and Blood Cross Order. They believed that deities were merely powerful Beyonders, and no matter how you look at it, even the weakest Beyonder is fundamentally different from ordinary people. Our philosophy is that regardless of how one obtains Beyonder powers, they should be recognized and treated with a status above ordinary people. However, the two Churches and the government only acknowledge the Beyonders they nurture. They also insist that supernatural powers should be concealed from ordinary folks as much as possible. This goes against nature and the course of history. We must change it. This also means we have to oppose the government and the two Churches, but theres no need to fear. We possess sufficient strength and true demigods. In the future, if the two Churches are willing to accept wild Beyonders and acknowledge their statuses, we might consider cooperating with them. In other words, the ultimate goal is to overthrow the government and establish a country where Beyonders hold positions at all levels? Lumian interpreted Gardner Martins words from his own perspective. Gardner Martin glanced at the six members of the Iron and Blood Cross Order seated opposite him and smiled once more. Our Iron and Blood Cross Orders strength is mainly concentrated in Intis, with over a third of our members based in Trier. As you can see, we have many powerful brothers in the market district alone, and even more Beyonders under our control. I am the CO, or Commanding Officer, responsible for leading you and handling various matters in the market district. Above me are several branch presidents, also referred to as Deputy Brigade Commanders. Each of them is a true and powerful demigod. Above the branch presidents is our Iron and Blood Cross Orders president, also known as the Brigade Commander. He is a mysterious and formidable figure. Below me are NCOs. When we have more than ten brothers in the market district, Ill appoint two NCOs to assist me in management. NCOs receive additional resources and support. Is this some kind of military game? Lumian guessed from the titles of the different levels within the Iron and Blood Cross Order. Gardner Martin turned his gaze to the door and spoke, Apart from that, we also have many Supervisors. Each Supervisor acts independently and patrols the areas under the jurisdiction of different commanding officers. In the future, if anything happens to me and I exhibit any abnormalities, you must find the Supervisor immediately and report the situation to him. Similarly, if you discover that the Supervisor has done something abnormal, inform me immediately. Gardner Martin grinned playfully at Lumian and said, Ciel, let me introduce you to Olson, the Supervisor in charge of the market district. Perplexed, Lumian followed Gardner Martins finger and looked at the door. In the next moment, a tall, thin man in a blue vest and black suit entered the room. The man had short auburn hair, reddish-brown eyes, thick eyebrows, and a wild beard. He resembled a famished bear. As Lumian recognized Supervisor Olson, his pupils widened. It was the trader he, Christo, and Simon had encountered underground! Lumian vividly remembered that he had been nothing but a head and a blood-stained spine. He had been pursued by another headless monster, both of which were extremely dangerous. Yet, here he was, underground and appearing at Gardner Martins house! Lumian couldnt help but glance at Olsons hands, noticing his fair skin and the small suitcase he carried. He has a body again? Has he merged with the headless monster? Lumians mind raced as he observed Olson approaching Gardner Martin. He began to suspect that the two monsters they had encountered during the transaction were illusions created by Olson. There was nothing abnormal about him. Since the transaction had been a test, it wasnt surprising that the monster had been fake. But was it not too realistic? Lumian watched with suspicion as Gardner Martin and Olson each took a goblet and addressed everyone present, Load the explosives! Albus, Parsifal, and the other members of the Iron and Blood Cross Order placed a goblet in front of them and poured alluring red wine into them. So this is how you load explosives? Lumian recalled Faustinos words about goblets being weapons or cannons, and wine being explosives. After filling the cannons with explosives, Gardner Martin called out, Attention! Port arms! In an instant, everyone stood up and placed their right hands on the goblets filled with red wine. Present arms! Gardner Martin gave another command. In unison, he raised the goblet to his chest. Lumian marveled and followed suit, imitating the actions of the other members around him. Chapter 284 - 284 Entering the Order 284 Entering the Order Gardner Martin observed the Iron and Blood Cross Order members opposite him and nodded with satisfaction. Aim! At this command, Faustino and the others raised their goblets to their lips. Is this what aiming means? Lumian almost laughed, but the seriousness of the other Iron and Blood Cross Order members stopped him. He had grasped the essence of the ritual and had an idea of what would happen next. Just then, Gardner Martin issued a new order. Fire! Almost simultaneously, Parsifal, Black, and the others downed a third of the red wine in their goblets. Fire! Gardner Martin called out the word again. Lumian lifted his head slightly and downed another third of the red wine. Gardner Martin followed suit. He then continued, Attack! The Iron and Blood Cross Order members present finished the remaining red wine. Gardner Martin removed the goblet from his mouth with a serious expression. Ground arms! As he spoke, he raised the goblet above his eyes, pressed it against his forehead, and then placed it back on the dining table. Vincent Lorraine and the others followed suit. Then, they straightened their backs, slapped their left chests with their right hands, and shouted together, War! War! War! As they shouted in unison, Lumian felt a subtle shift in the rooms atmosphere, as if it had been filled with enthusiasm, excitement, and passion. The atmosphere infected the Iron and Blood Cross Order members, connecting their hearts and minds, making them feel like true brothers. Even without being influenced by any abnormality or fanatical thoughts, Lumian couldnt help but be affected by the environment and atmosphere. He felt a surge of excitement[1]. He had previously criticized the initiation ritual of the Iron and Blood Cross Order for lacking mystique and not living up to the title of a secret organization. Now, he realized that it was merely different in quality from the Aurora Order. Besides, the more mystical part was the vigil at 13 Avenue du March. Gardner Martin gestured with his right hand, prompting Faustino, Albus, and the others to stop and fall silent. He smiled once again and said, Let us welcome our new brother, Lumian Lee! This time, he used Lumians real name, indicating that the Iron and Blood Cross Order knew the members situations very well. The Iron and Blood Cross Order members, including Supervisor Olson, applauded one after another. Lumian stood up and poured himself a goblet of red wine, which he downed in one gulp as a sign of respect. This fully showcased his characteristics as a regular customer of Ol Tavern. Very good. Were all brothers. Theres no need to stand on ceremony, Gardner said as he took a seat. While Faustino distributed plates and cut bread, Gardner smiled and continued, Ive already explained the history and philosophy of our Iron and Blood Cross Order. Now, lets talk about what we want to do. His smile vanished as he grew more serious. The most important thing weve always been working towards is to overthrow the current government, establish a country ruled by Beyonders, and transform this world. For this, weve been plotting and experimenting. Weve established multiple branch organizations to prepare for chaos. Specifically, as for me, Ill use companies and mobs to control dockworkers, construction workers, porters, handymen, and laborers in the market district. When necessary, Ill let them take to the streets and use barricades to fight the police and army. Lumian furrowed his brow and asked in confusion, Isnt it said that Beyonders are fundamentally different from ordinary people? Beyonders are superior to ordinary people. Why make controlling and using workers a goal? He found it ironic that the Iron and Blood Cross Orders philosophy and actions were completely inconsistent. Although this could be considered normalconcepts were concepts and slogans were slogansand they couldnt be equated to reality, Gardner Martin could always address these matters at a later time. It didnt feel right for his words to contradict himself just seconds later. If he hadnt just joined this secret organization, Lumians tone would have been even more mocking. Gardner Martin grinned. Very perceptive. Youve noticed a very important problem. Before this, only Albus suggested it. Everyone else naturally accepted it. Not only is he using ordinary people to create chaos, but he also has other intentions? Lumian turned his head to glance at Albus, who was sitting at the edge of the dining table. He realized that the dark-red-haired young mans posture was rather casual. His right leg was crossed, and he kept shaking his ankle. Gardner Martin explained simply, First, you need to understand something. Why did those deities establish Churches and spread Their teachings? You probably dont buy the words God loves the world. If They truly had love, the market district wouldnt be like this, and Intis wouldnt have so many tramps. Lumian agreed with this. He nodded slightly and didnt interrupt the Commanding Officer. Gardner Martin smiled and said, We reckon that deities require believers, and weve proven this over the centuries. The more common folk we influence, the greater our resources to strike fear into the hearts of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church and the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery. Thisll weaken their support for the current government and boost our chances during the riots. Eventually, itll become a crucial bargaining chip to make them agree to us, if not outright support us. Theyre all just bargaining chips Lumians eyes flickered. The people he knew and interacted with were distinct individualsunique families. Gardner Martin let out a sigh. If we aim to control more workers and citizens, we need the government and the National Convention to cooperate with us. Ive always known what kind of person Hugues Artois is and the forces behind him, but I still decided to support his bid for parliament. I knew hed inevitably create plenty of chaos in the market district. Being associated with the National Convention and the government, the worse he performed, the more people would flock to our side. Unfortunately, this piece of trash was assassinated just a few days after being elected. So, thats why the Savoie Mob supports Hugues Artois I thought there was an evil god backing you, and the evil gods all support Hugues Artois Lumian realized. Without Gardner Martins personal explanation and a proper understanding of the Iron and Blood Cross Orders philosophy, Lumian couldnt possibly fathom the secret organizations true intentions behind supporting Hugues Artoiss candidacy for parliament. Gardner Martin summarized, Hence, in the market district, we place great importance on docks, depots, warehouses, freight companies, and construction firms. The Savoie Mobs purpose is to interact with various individuals and gather crucial information, all while contributing to the organizations funds. Naturally, mobs also serve as a vital tool to control ordinary people. No wonder he poured so many resources into the Savoie Mob Lumian glanced at the intense Blood Glove Black and inwardly mocked him for being better at acting than himself. Havent you heard the Bosss words countless times? Why are you still looking so focused? Look at Albus, constantly eating, drinking, and shaking his leg. After Lumian nodded, Gardner Martin took a sip of red wine and said, One more thing were doing is exploring the underground to find the entrance to Fourth Epoch Trier. Lumian couldnt help but glance at the silent Supervisor Olson. The lanky man, looking like a hungry bear, was slicing a medium-rare steak and devouring the juicy meat. Lumians eyes scanned Olsons neck several times, but there were no signs of sutures. Could it be that the state of having only his head and spine is just an illusion created by some power? Lumian wondered to himself. However, this was in line with the legend of Bansy Harbor! Either Olson has a deep understanding of the unforeseen events in Bansy Harbor, or he encountered similar monsters elsewhere Even if its an illusion, it cant be something he imagined. It must be based on his experience and knowledge Madam Magician said most of his words were likely true. She even suspected that he disappeared for a few months because he entered Fourth Epoch Trier Where did he encounter a monster with only its head and spine? If he already entered Fourth Epoch Trier, why is Gardner Martin still searching for the entrance? Is Madam Magicians suspicion off? Lumians thoughts raced as he made a series of guesses. Looking at Gardner Martin, he asked in confusion, Why search for Fourth Epoch Triers entrance? Gardner Martin grinned. To other Beyonders, its hell, an abyss. Its a calamity they cant approach, but to Hunters, it represents a massive treasure trove. And our Iron and Blood Cross Order is dominated by Beyonders of the Hunter pathway. A treasure trove? Lumian thought of the Tree of Shadow and the invisible sea of flames that could incinerate a portion of the tree roots. Gardner Martin continued, speaking solemnly, I dont know how much you know about the history of the Fourth Epoch, but I can tell you that in that era, deities once walked the earth, and angels often appeared. It was known as the Age of the Gods. In the Northern Continent, there were three powerful countries during the Age of the Gods, and one of them was the Tudor Empire. Its capital, Trier, had sunk underground. The Tudor Empires Emperor, Alista Tudor, was known as the Blood Emperor. He was a true deity who controlled the Hunter pathway! He perished in a battle of gods. His remains are in Fourth Epoch Trier! Blood Emperor Tudors remains? Lumian instantly recalled some of the contents of Aurores grimoires. Aurore didnt delve deeply into the history of the Fourth Epoch, only having a rough understanding. She mentioned the Solomon Empire, the Trunsoest Empire, and the Tudor Empire. She also mentioned titles like the Blood Emperor, the Night Emperor, the Emperor of the Underworld, the Black Emperor, and the War of the Four Emperors. According to Aurores description, the Blood Emperor was as powerful as a deity. [1] Adapted from a ritual conducted by the Les Neuf S?urs. Chapter 285 - 285 Maxim 285 Maxim The Blood Emperors remains, the remains of a deity Does it hold the Beyonder characteristic of Sequence 0? No wonder the Iron and Blood Cross Order dreams of entering Fourth Epoch Trier But whats this got to do with me? As a Sequence 7, I dont even dare think about becoming a demigod. Advancing to a Sequence 6 Conspirer is beyond my consideration for now. All I can focus on is digesting the Pyromaniac potion. Ive got nothing better to do than contemplate High-Sequences or deity-related items! Besides, Madam Magician warned that such items always come with negative effects. Tsk, negative effects involving godhood can easily kill me Lumian, with vast knowledge of high-end mysticism, remained unfazed by Gardner Martins provocation. Thoughts raced through his mind, and he sneered inwardly. Looking at Gardner Martin, he asked innocently, If Fourth Epoch Trier truly contains the remains of The Blood Emperor Tudor, why didnt the Eternal Blazing Sun and God of Steam and Machinery Church take it away instead of leaving it for our Iron and Blood Cross Order? Even if only Hunters can enter safely, its just a matter of time before they nurture a High-Sequence Hunter with the resources they have. The Fifth Epoch has been around for over 1,300 years. Gardner Martin fell silent for two seconds before responding, There are other factors restraining them, but they wont be a problem for us. Ill tell you all the details once we find the entrance to Fourth Epoch Trier. Isnt that just saying, I dont know why, but we have to give it a try? Uh, maybe the Boss knows the reason, but hes afraid of scaring us if he reveals it. He cant directly tell the present members that there are many dangers hidden underground that even deities cant resolvethe kind that requires rebuilding a Trier above the Fourth Epoch ruins as a seal. Thats why the two Churches wont attempt to enter. Heh heh, who would dare to go underground when theyre not seriously corrupted? Lumian tried his best to control his gaze and posture, so as not to show any air of superiority. Compared to the members of the Iron and Blood Cross Order here, him having a rough understanding of the underground situation and having seen the Invisible Sea of Fire, the Tree of Shadow, and the bizarre catacombs indeed made him qualified to be superior. Of course, he had no idea how well Commanding Officer Gardner Martin and Supervisor Olson knew about the underground situation. Perhaps the latter, suspected to have entered Fourth Epoch Trier, knew more secrets. Gardner Martin didnt continue discussing the Blood Emperor and the Fourth Epoch. Instead, he turned to Lumian and asked, Is there anything you need these days? Oh, are you about to hand out the membership perks? Lumians spirits lifted as he replied with sincerity, Im in need of a mystical item with peculiar properties to compensate for my deficiencies in Beyonder powers. And if there are no relevant mystical items available, perhaps you could provide me with the corresponding Beyonder ingredients. Ill try to find an Artisan to craft them. He had almost mentioned the term Beyonder characteristics but quickly changed it to Beyonder ingredients after a pause, feigning embarrassment. Though people often spoke of Beyonder characteristics at Triers mysticism gathering, they usually referred to the fusion of two main potion ingredients. Of course, some people had long discovered that Beyonders were also Beyonder creatures, capable of producing ingredients for potion concoction, hinting at the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Indestructibility. Typically, Lumians mention of Beyonder characteristics wouldnt attract suspicion or attention, but he needed to be cautious not to arouse suspicion from a Conspirer like Gardner Martin. Heh, you really dare to ask? Albus mocked Lumian, shaking his feet with crossed legs. Even Parsifal, Vincent Lorraine, and the others wore strange expressions. None of them had dared to make such a bold request when they joined the Iron and Blood Cross Order. Undeterred, Lumian sneered back at Albus, Why not? Im not like some piece of trash who cant handle a reward. What the organization gives me today, Ill repay tenfold in the future! With a whoosh, Albus lowered his right leg and glared at Lumian with fiery intensity, clearly displeased with his response. The others, except for Faustino who maintained his butler demeanor, also showed discontent. Lumians snide remark had included them as well. Enough, Gardner Martin intervened, smiling at Lumian. As the Commanding Officer, I must be fair. I cant grant you a mystical item right now, as others will protest. But dont worry; our Iron and Blood Cross Order is not stingy. Once you complete a few missions and accumulate enough merit, Ill provide you with a few mystical items to choose from. Meanwhile, before each mission, suitable mystical items will be temporarily provided to the participating members, ensuring their safety and mission completion. Lumian nodded, accepting the response. He hadnt expected much, but he still made the request in case Gardner Martin was in a generous mood. After a brief consideration, Gardner Martin added, Ill inform Ren that the advance you received was my reward to you. Youll still get your share from Salle de Bal Brise in the future. Thank you, CO Sir, Lumian expressed his joy openly. This meant his membership door gift was 12,000 verl dor, a significant sum. Hence, most of the money he spent on advancing to Pyromaniac came from the Aurora Order and the Iron and Blood Cross Orders financing. His gratitude was genuine, as he had only contributed less than a third of the expenses himself. Gardner Martin cut into a medium steak, chewing and swallowing before asking, Any other questions? Deliberately, Lumian inquired, How can I quickly master the Pyromaniac potion? He wanted to see if the acting method was common knowledge within the Iron and Blood Cross Order. Gardner Martin chuckled and replied, Thats an excellent question. To master a potion, you need to start with its name. Get close to it, understand it, and embody it. In addition, I have to tell you a maxim: flames can both incinerate others and harm yourself. Lumian listened attentively and got a rough idea of the situation. The Iron and Blood Cross Order kept the precise interpretation of the acting method hidden from ordinary members, using vague descriptions, regulations, warnings, and maxims to guide them without revealing everything. This approach allowed ordinary members to avoid certain risks while gradually gaining insights by sticking close to the potions name. They could speed up their progress but couldnt fully grasp a more suitable acting principle for themselves, In other words, it was easier for them to master the potion than wild Beyonders and advance in shorter periods. However, other than the talented, those who stuck close to the acting requirements couldnt compare to Beyonders who knew the acting method. Lumian suspected that he would only learn the entire acting method once he became an NCO and received greater attention from the Iron and Blood Cross Order. He believed that such a secretive organization spanning centuries must possess the acting method. In contrast, Madam Magician of the Tarot Club had already given him extensive high-end mysticism knowledge, including the acting method. As for Mr. K, Lumian was unsure if he had forgotten to teach the method due to devotion to his prayers and work or if he believed Lumian would naturally encounter it at the Iron and Blood Cross Order and exposing him to this knowledge too early would put him at risk of exposure. Pyromaniac is all about setting fires! Just go to the National Convention building and set it ablaze. Youll master the potion in no time, Albus taunted Lumian, pushing the matter. Lumian scoffed and replied, Im a Pyromaniac, not an Arsonist. Meaningless acts of arson will only harm myself. Albus sneered, How do you know its meaningless? Burning is the meaning. Lumian clicked his tongue. Then why dont I burn your hair too? After engaging each other for a while in an argumentative manner, Gardner Martin intervened in the conversation, which was becoming increasingly meaningless and close to a personal attack. Lumian shifted the conversation to probe the Iron and Blood Cross Orders knowledge of the underground. I went to the catacombs some time ago and sensed something amiss, but I couldnt figure out what it was. CO Sir, do you know anything about it? Gardner Martin glanced at Supervisor Olson beside him and finally replied, That has nothing to do with our actions. You dont need to know. All I can say is that the danger lurking there is as serious as that in the Fourth Epoch Trier. Lumian nodded thoughtfully and continued asking questions while enjoying the delicacies. During the process, he noticed that Vincent Lorraine remained relatively quiet, and Parsifal and Blood Palm Black were amiable but guarded with their words, revealing little valuable information. Faustino seemed to play the role of a butler instead of the secret organizations official member. Only the dark-red-haired Albus, despite his malicious and mocking comments, gave Lumian some useful insights. By 10 p.m., the initiation concluded, and Lumian was the last to leave 11 Rue des Fontaines, boarding the carriage belonging to Salle de Bal Brise. As the carriage moved, Lumians heart skipped a beat as he looked up at the seat opposite him. At some point in time, another person had joined himSupervisor Olson, who looked like a hungry bear. The trader who played the underground monster! Chapter 286 - 286 Magic Mirror Divination 286 Magic Mirror Divination Ignoring Lumians tense state, Olson spoke in a deep, raspy voice, As per tradition, I must speak to you in private as Supervisor. Lumian let out a relieved breath. About what? Olson placed the brown suitcase beside his left leg. If you discover anything suspicious about your Commanding Officer, Gardner Martin, or any abnormal occurrences, report them to me immediately. Thats only right. A spot will be vacated only if something happens to the Boss Lumian thought silently with a hint of mockery before asking, How do I contact you? Olson looked into Lumians eyes and said, Leave the information in the basement of 13 Avenue du March. 13 Avenue du March The Iron and Blood Cross Order is indeed linked to the burned-down building Olson might have entered Fourth Epoch Trier and is likely seriously corrupted. Does he have a way to exploit the anomaly at 13 Avenue du March? Lumian recalled the previous night and felt that Supervisor Olson was even more mysterious than Commanding Officer Gardner Martin. He suspected that Olson was secretly monitoring his movements at 13 Avenue du March. Gardner Martin was clearly unwilling to enter unless necessary. Combined with the burning of 13 Avenue du March over a decade ago, Mr. K had mentioned that the Iron and Blood Cross Order had drifted from the other organizations that believed in that entity in recent years. Madam Magician had mentioned that the current vigil ritual wasnt the Iron and Blood Cross Orders usual test. Lumian vaguely formulated an incomplete sequence of events in his mind. He believed that 13 Avenue du March hadnt been burned down by the Iron and Blood Cross Order. However, they had subsequently discovered the secret there and suffered the corresponding corruption, evoking an abnormality. Of course, it could be the other way around: perhaps some members of the Iron and Blood Cross Order had been corrupted elsewhere, allowing them to grasp the anomaly at 13 Avenue du March. Alright. Lumian nodded in agreement. As Lumians mind raced with questions, he turned to Supervisor Olson, a look of puzzlement on his face. Was the trader I saw in the Albert Mines really you? Can your head leave your body and survive autonomously? Or was that an illusion you created? Olson let out a husky chuckle before responding, Coincidentally, as Supervisor, I have three things to tell you. Firstly, what the eyes see may not be true. Secondly, we will eventually enter the Fourth Epochs Trier. It is an inevitability. And thirdly, dont readily trust in the words of others. Dont readily trust in the words of others Interesting. Should I believe your first point? What I saw in the Albert Mines was actually real? Heh heh, its fine to talk about inevitability in front of me, but will Termiboros tolerate it? Lumian pondered, resisting the urge to place his right hand on his left chest. Seeing Olson pick up the small brown suitcase again, Lumian couldnt help but ask, Whats in there? Why do you keep carrying it? Olson smiled. If I were you, Id pray I never find out the answer. With that, Supervisor Olson opened the carriage door and leaped into the darkness, disappearing instantly, without intentionally concealing himself as he had done when he first arrived. Acting all mysterious Lumian muttered under his breath. Taking the carriage back to the bustling market district, he resisted the urge to hurry to Auberge du Coq Dor or the safe house on Rue des Blouses Blanches to contact Madam Magicians messenger and report his official admission into the Iron and Blood Cross Order. Instead, he made his way to Salle de Bal Brise. His concern grew as he suspected that the treacherous members of the Iron and Blood Cross Order might be taking advantage of his relaxed state to continue their final, clandestine surveillance. Although they couldnt locate Madam Magicians messenger, Lumian knew better than to return to Room 207 or the safe house at this time; it would surely raise suspicions. Taking a seat at the bar counter, Lumian ordered a glass of Kirsch. As he savored the drink, he immersed himself in the lively song and dance happening on the stage. Jenna had the night off, and the performers tonight were two other Showy Divas and a male underground singer known for his high-energy songs. Hill District, outside the Deep Valley Cloister. Wearing a silver-white half-mask, Jenna regarded Franca, who had donned an assassins outfit, with concern. What are we going to do tonight? Dont tell me youre thinking of infiltrating the cloister for an investigation? Of course not! Franca denied vehemently. The Deep Valley Cloister is one of the most well-known cloisters of the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery. They have powerful Beyonders and hide mysterious artifacts crafted by Artisan monks. With our abilities, wed only be walking into a trap or worse. Franca couldnt help her mind from wandering. She had heard rumors that though the monks in the cloister were focused on steam and machinery and didnt marry or have children, it didnt mean they refrained from sex with others. The Church of the God of Steam and Machinery didnt prohibit such interactions! Some said that some monks would seek out street girls from time to time to relax, while others engaged in affairs with colleagues or men who sold their bodies. There were still a large number of people who had mechanical fetishes or were truly undergoing ascetic training, capable of controlling themselves. Of course, Trieriens tended to exaggerate and embellish these rumors with their own ideas. It likely strayed far from the truth. Franca didnt entirely believe it, but she couldnt dismiss it entirely either. She believed that some monks might have such inclinations, but they were likely not the majority. Nonetheless, infiltrating a cloister as a wild Beyonder was dangerous. They could be accidentally killed by machinery, used as experimental subjects, or become playthings for a select few monks. The chances of success were slim. In short, whether male or female, anyone below Sequence 4 or lacking enough confidence ought to forget about infiltrating the Deep Valley Cloister. Behind her hood, Franca smiled and explained in a good mood, We scoured the area today, but found no clues. But theres one place we havent checked. Jenna thought for a moment and asked, That Deep Valley Quarry? Thats right, Franca affirmed with a grin. Tonight, well infiltrate it and conduct a search. In truth, she didnt expect they would find anything since the official Beyonders had likely completed their investigations. Franca wanted to guide Jenna through the process and acquaint her with such matters. Okay. Jenna nodded slightly. Franca saw this as an opportunity to instruct her, Before we officially infiltrate, theres some preparatory work we must do. For Assassins, its about familiarizing themselves with the environment, gathering information, and observing locations and routes. As for Witches, they must perform divinations beforehand. With that, Franca took out a palm-sized mirror she always carried. Jenna immediately focused. She had long been intrigued by mirror-related Witch abilities. Previously, after she assassinated Hugues Artois and fled to Auberge du Coq Dor, Franca heard that she had left blood at the scene. Franca had swiftly used Mirror Substitution to sever the mystical connection between Jennas true self and the spilled blood. Franca surveyed the area and spoke in hushed tones under the cover of evening shadows. When you become a Witch, youll naturally master Magic Mirror Divination and Staff Divination. Learning other divination methods is easy for Witches. The key to successful Magic Mirror Divination is choosing the right entity to pray to. The mystical symbol of the mirror connects you to an unknown being, and their answers can be obtained through this connection. However, if the unknown entity holds malice or is in a state of madness, they may influence the divination or provide a result that traps you, putting you in danger. When the time comes, Ill give you a few relatively safe entities to pray to. These have been verified. Among them, the one with the most accurate divination results will require you to pay a corresponding price. Unless the matter is extremely critical and urgent, I usually avoid praying to him. What price? Jennas curiosity was piqued. Franca cleared her throat awkwardly and said, The price could lead to you experiencing social embarrassment or something not as severe, but it will certainly be uncomfortable. She recalled the first time she prayed to that entity for Magic Mirror Divination. In front of Madam Judgment, she was asked, When youre masturbating, do you occasionally fantasize about certain men and feel tempted to try new experiences? That question almost made her shatter the intermediary mirror. At the time, she had recently become a Witch and still identified fully as a man, even though her body had already transformed into a womans. It was natural that she would occasionally fantasize, but this revelation made her feel guilty and ashamed. Yet, she was forced to answer honestly in front of a demigod. Even now, Franca couldnt help but cringe at the memory, wanting to bury her head in the sand and avoid any recollection. What was social death? This was it! Franca believed that this incident had affected her when she subsequently approached Gardner Martin to give it a shot. This caused a crack in her psychological defense and make her give up on herself. Embarrassment Social death Jenna understood the implication behind Francas words. Though Jenna had her thoughts, she chose not to voice them aloud. Franca provided a brief explanation of Magic Mirror Divination, concluding with a demonstration. She gently caressed the surface of the mirror and recited the name of a safe entity. As an aqueous light shimmered in the mirror, she posed a serious question, Will exploring Triers Deep Valley Quarry tonight be dangerous? Since it was a question-based divination, the requirements for the statements werent too stringent. Under Jennas curious and hopeful gaze, a deep, old voice emanated from the mirror, as if it had emerged from the depths of a river. There is a certain level of danger. Chapter 287 - 287 Key 287 Key Franca finished the Magic Mirror Divination and then turned to Jenna, giving her interpretation of the answer. Normally, this means its dangerous, but we can handle it. If were careful, we should be fine. Jenna asked in surprise, I thought the divination results would be straightforward. Surprisingly, such a brief sentence came with such a long explanation. Its straightforward! Franca emphasized with a smile. If you visit the Divination Club in Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative and find amateurs, their readings will be even vaguer. It makes it easier for them to interpret any result. Oh, have you never had anyone do divination for you before? Jenna nodded frankly. Performing a divination cost a fortune! Franca looked thoughtful, her eyes darting around. You can subscribe to Psychic, Lotus, Arcane, and Hidden Veil. While they have their problems and errors in specific applications, they offer valuable basic knowledge about mysticism. Ah, right. Ciel often buys those magazines. You can Uh, Ill help you borrow them! Alright. Jenna had only heard of mysticism magazines but had never bought one. Having obtained satisfactory divination results, the duo, who had observed the route and surroundings during the day, swiftly arrived at the entrance of Deep Valley Quarry under the cover of the night. The gatekeeper, who seemed to be in his forties, was sleeping in a small hut made of rocks. Wrapped in a dirty, old, and thin felt cloth, he leaned against the mountain wall. Suddenly, a slender, smooth palm reached out from the shadow beside him, covering his mouth with a white handkerchief. The gatekeeper didnt struggle. Within seconds, he went from slumbering to unconsciousness. Franca, wearing a black hood, emerged from the shadows and clicked her tongue, sighing. The Bliss Societys sedative is really effective. It saves me a lot of trouble. For this operation, she had borrowed Rentass sedative from Lumian. Jenna couldnt understand. Couldnt we just knock him out? That would work, Franca explained casually, but that would leave traces. It wont be easy to make it seem like hes still asleep. Many bounty hunters and private detectives are involved in this mission. We shouldnt be the only ones targeting this quarry. So, its better to be cautious and avoid leaving any loose ends. Jenna, who had lived in Quartier du Jardin Botanique and the market district for many years, roughly understood Francas point. She pondered for a moment and asked, Are you worried that the bounty hunters and private detectives will have ill intentions if they find us entering the quarry ahead of them in the dead of night? Franca nodded, satisfied with her response. Thats right. Many bounty hunters and private detectives switch to becoming bandits, robbers, and even murderers, depending on the situation and their surroundings. They take risks for money, not for justice. Since there are no leads for this mission and the current environment is suitable, its in line with their style to steal from their peers and eliminate competition. After all, theres no one else here. Of course, with our strength, we dont have to fear bounty hunters and private detectives. But what if we make a similar mistake in another situation or face something more dangerous? Thats why we have to be mindful from the beginning. What Franca didnt say was that, being women, they might likely suffer more. Jenna nodded slowly, agreeing with the reasoning. She had seen criminals kill an old man living alone for just 5 verl dor. Franca smiled and teased, Did you want me to knock him out to get back at him for asking if you wanted to join the street girl business this morning? Dammit! Am I such a petty person? Jenna couldnt help but curse. Whether it was during her years helping her mother with chores or when she was a local singer in the market district, she had been asked if she wanted to be involved in the street girl business so many times that she was used to it. She was a little angry, but not too much. To show her magnanimity, Jenna exhaled and said, When you use that sedative on others, it reminds me of what happened to me. She had also been drugged and nearly became a victim that disappeared. Fortunately, she had encountered Lumian. Franca simply acknowledged her words. I understand your feelings, but since youve embarked on the path of the divine and intend to become stronger, youll have to use various means to deal with your enemies in the future. You cant give up on a better option just because you feel a little repulsed. Jenna knew Franca had a point, but she couldnt help asking, Cant a Beyonder lead a quiet, ordinary life without being drawn into conflicts and battles while protecting loved ones? In the past, maybe it was feasible, but nowadays its exceedingly challenging. The more you advance, the harder it gets until its virtually impossible, Franca replied with a sigh. Jenna fell silent for a moment before saying, Could it ever be possible in the distant future, I wonder? Franca glanced at the slumbering gatekeeper and answered, That prominent figure once told me that such a life might be attainable at the end of the Fifth Epoch and the beginning of the Sixth Epoch, if theres even a Sixth Epoch at all. Sixth Epoch Those words made Jenna reflect for a few seconds before she burst into laughter at herself. I guess its just wishful thinking on my part. Achieving that kind of life is simply an illusion. At least, it is for me. With superpowers and a history of attempted assassination, I know Id be unable to stand idly by if my family and friends faced hardship. Id feel compelled to use my abilities to tackle problems that go beyond what the law and police can handle. Franca nodded in agreement. Thats just the way it is. She hadnt simply digested the Assassin and Instigator potions hoping her attire alone would do the trick, nor had she only encouraged her friends by instigating them. Without much ado, Franca bent down and picked up the brass key from the gatekeeper. Theres just one door. Why are there so many keys? Are they all for his house? Franca muttered as she exited the hut and walked toward the entrance of Deep Valley Quarry. She tried each key, one after the other. In the end, she muttered to herself in shock and suspicion, None of it is right None of them are right? Jenna hadnt expected such a possibility. If not a single key could unlock the entrance to Deep Valley Quarry, what was the point of watching the door? Franca said, partly instructing and partly thinking aloud, Perhaps this set of keys is a decoy. The real key must be hidden somewhere else. She then said to Jenna, Search the area. Ill take a look at the gatekeeper. Jenna didnt object. With her Night Vision, she began searching the nearby bushes and crevices starting from the hut. Franca squatted beside the gatekeeper and meticulously searched his body from head to toe. When she reached his crotch, she bent her finger and flicked it firmly. She sneered and whispered, Jenna may not be petty, but I am! After their search, the two of them met at the heavy wooden door, shaking their heads to signal they had found nothing. Franca clicked her tongue and said, Theres definitely something wrong with this quarry. That guy is truly a gatekeeper. Hes only meant to watch the door but lacks the ability to open it! Are we still going in? Jenna asked hesitantly. Ill give it another shot. Franca extended her right hand to the copper lock embedded in the heavy wooden door. Thick frost emerged from her palm, filling the keyhole. The frost continued to accumulate and compress until it finally solidified into ice. Franca skillfully extracted the ice block, revealing a transparent key. That works? Jenna was surprised and eager to see what happened next. Sensing her gaze, Franca said smugly, I have a friend, you seeI really have a friendone whos quite skilled at picking locks. We had a conversation about using a Witchs power for such purposes. Once she made the ice more solid, Franca inserted it into the keyhole again and twisted it gently. With a click, the heavy wooden door swung open. Franca retracted the ice key and allowed it to melt, erasing all traces. Before venturing into Deep Valley Quarry, the Witch hung the brass key back on the gatekeepers waist and adjusted his posture to make him appear asleep. With that done, Franca fetched a pouch of coins and took out a thick iron-colored ring adorned with tiny spikes. This is the Ring of Punishment I mentioned before. Youll wear it today. Ive already explained how to use it and its taboos. One thing to remember: you cant use it more than three times within an hour. Also, take it off immediately after the operation and put it back in this coin bag. Alright. Jenna extended her left hand and allowed Franca to put the iron-colored ring on her middle finger, keeping their skin in contact. Franca couldnt contain her inexplicable joy as she adjusted her hood, confidently pushed open the creaky wooden door, and stepped into Deep Valley Quarry. Once Jenna joined her inside, she made sure to close and lock the wooden door behind them. This made it nearly impossible for anyone outside to detect their presence within the quarry. As skilled Assassins with night vision, Franca and Jenna didnt rely on carbide lamps, yet they could easily see everything within the tunnel. The passageway was in a state of disrepair, covered in moss, and with cracks running along the stone walls, giving an ominous feeling that any moment, a piece might collapse. A short distance ahead, they noticed an empty hole, no different from the other underground ones they had seen before. For almost half an hour, Jenna and Franca diligently searched the small area, looking for any signs of suspicious activity, but their efforts yielded no results. Somethings definitely not right, Franca whispered, her voice barely audible, as they returned to the spot near the tunnel entrance. The complete absence of anything unusual happening made them even more suspicious about the gatekeeper not having the key to unlock the door. Jenna pondered for a moment and then suggested, Maybe hes afraid that someone might storm in and cause the mine to collapse, so he decided to keep the key away. A gatekeepers job is only to intercept, not to open the door. Before Franca could say something, they heard a distinct click. It was the sound of the Deep Valley Quarrys door opening! Franca and Jenna exchanged glances and quickly found cover not far from the exit of the tunnel. The quarry door creaked open, and the soft bluish glow of a carbide lamp spilled out, pushing back the darkness in the tunnel. Franca and Jenna peeked out and caught sight of a man in a gray robe. The man had a white apron wrapped around his waist, a typical garment worn by ancient stonemasons. The hood of his robe rested at the back of his neck, not covering his head. Such attire was commonly associated with ascetics or monks of the God of Steam and Machinery Church. Holding a lit carbide lamp, the monk had dark, short hair. His left eye was a mesmerizing combination of iron-gray gears, screws, and springs, all supporting an emerald-green crystalline false eye. Chapter 288 - 288 Self-Recommendation 288 Self-Recommendation In the city of Trier, prosthetic eyes were not a common sight, but there were still a fair number of people who wore them. But Jenna and Franca had never seen anyone take mechanizing a quarter of their faces for a prosthetic eye to this extent. However, when they recalled that the monk was suspected to be from the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery, it made sense. Fanatical devotion to machinery was their hallmark! Carrying a carbide lamp and wearing a white apron like a stonemason, the monk entered the tunnel step by step. His emerald-green prosthetic eye, surrounded by gears and springs, seemed to possess a life of its own as it rotated left and right, scanning the surroundings. Franca tugged at Jenna, signaling for her not to look towards the tunnel. She was to quickly avert her gaze to avoid detection. The two of them slunk deeper into the shadows, hiding beyond the reach of the carbide lamps light. The gray-robed, hooded monk from the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery advanced slowly, surveying his surroundings as he approached the bottom of Deep Valley Quarry, the area that had collapsed and been buried. Thanks to their Assassin abilities and the cover of darkness, Jenna and Franca remained undetected. They waited until the monk was far away before quietly peeking out from their hiding spot, eyes fixed on his back. The monk stopped beside the collapsed area, extending his right palm which glinted with an iron-like metallic sheen, grasping a protrusion on the wall. A grinding sound echoed as if multiple massive gears were slowly rotating and meshing. The stone wall cracked open as metal chains extended out from behind each rock. The rocks bloomed like flowers, revealing a dark cave behind. With the help of the monks carbide lamp and their eagle-eyed Assassin vision, Franca and Jenna could see a thin white fog inside the cave and arms and legs embedded in the rock wallshuman arms and legs! Some were still fresh while others had shriveled, but there were no signs of decay. Jenna and Franca exchanged shocked and fearful looks. As the monk entered the cave and triggered a mechanism, the metal chains relaxed, allowing the rocks to return to their original positions, leaving only faint cracks as signs of the hidden entrance. So thats how it is I assumed the cracks were from a collapse, so I didnt inspect them Franca realized why they hadnt noticed anything amiss before. She tugged Jennas arm and whispered, Lets get out of here first and come back another time. Having discovered the secret and knowing how to open it, there was no need to confront the monk from the God of Steam and Machinery Church directly. They could return later! Jenna nodded slightly, twirled the Ring of Punishment on her finger, and crouched down. She followed Franca away from their hiding spot and back through the tunnel to the entrance of Deep Valley Quarry. Seeing Jenna about to open the door, Franca quickly stopped her and whispered, No hurry. Why? Jenna asked, puzzled. Franca straightened instinctively and smiled. Just because one monk went in doesnt mean hes alone. Perhaps there are two companions outside, guarding against intruders. If we stroll out casually, we might expose ourselves and get attacked! Besides, the gatekeeper could be awake already. Jenna looked a little abashed. Youre right. Franca consoled her immediately, Its just experience. Now you know better for the future. She took out a palm-sized mirror and handed it to Jenna. Help me carry this. Ill scout ahead. If I get ambushed, take the chance to hide in the shadows by the door and sneak out with the mirror. Realizing Franca intended to use Mirror Substitution, Jenna agreed without hesitation. Franca carefully opened the heavy wooden door a crack and peeked out. The only sounds were chirping insects and frogs. All was still otherwise. The door opened wider and Franca slipped out into the darkness beyond the crimson moonlights reach. Jenna gripped the mirror tightly, tense and ready. After more than ten seconds, Franca returned and whispered, Its clear, lets go. Jenna exhaled in relief and darted out, closing the door silently behind them. As they left the quarry, they glanced at the rock-walled hut and saw the gatekeeper still asleep, but in a different posture. From a distance, Franca noticed a red and swollen mark under his ear. He was knocked out, not drugged she murmured with a frown. Jenna recalled the cybernetic-eyed monk and pointed at the quarry door. The one inside did it? Franca nodded gently. Very likely. He doesnt want the gatekeeper to know hes here. Poor man, he probably fainted again before the sedative wore off. Jenna smiled. Or someone else knocked him out before we got here. Someone might have used some other method to knock him out. Franca paused, then sighed sympathetically. If so, I feel bad for him. Oblivious to each other, every group had dealt with the gatekeeper their own way. As a result, the poor man remained unconscious repeatedly. Wasting no time, Jenna and Franca slipped away under the cover of the night. Avenue du March, Salle de Bal Brise. Lumian returned to the caf upstairs, ordered a glass of red wine, and sipped it slowly. After a while, Louis came up and whispered, Boss, some bounty hunters are causing trouble at Salle de Gristmill, demanding a cut of the profits. With the Poison Spur Mobs upper ranks destroyed, some remnants had been arrested, some had fled, some joined other mobs, and some found legitimate work. Their former businesses had been taken over at low prices by various factions. The Savoie Mob got the largest share but now lacked manpower. Some industries operated fairly independently. Occasionally, opportunists tried to take advantage of the power vacuum. Lumian cracked his knuckles and grinned. Send word asking if they want to be my enemies or my dogs. He realized that after becoming a Pyromaniac, he had grown more aggressive. Itching for a fight after so long, his hands twitched in anticipation. Furthermore, for someone to dare challenge a dance hall nominally belonging to the Savoie Mob, there might be one or two Beyonders among the bounty hunters. Lumians Shadow Branch lacked a corresponding Beyonder characteristic. Yes, Boss! Louis replied eagerly before hurrying downstairs to send the invitation. Lumian had planned to return to Auberge du Coq Dor to write Madam Magician but now waited patiently. In less than half an hour, Louis returned with a man. He appeared to be in his mid-thirties, wearing a cheap suit and black top hat. With brown hair, brown eyes, refined features, and a burly build, he could have been a protagonist at the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons Seeing Lumian, the man smiled, doffed his hat, and greeted, Good evening, Boss. Who are you? Lumian asked with an amiable smile. The man replied solemnly, Boss, didnt you ask me to be your dog? Momentarily stunned, even the quick-witted Lumian needed a few seconds to respond. He had said it purely to provoke them and see if they would retaliate. After recovering, Lumian chuckled. I told you to be a dog, and youll really do it? This is my big chance! The man didnt seem ashamed at all, rather honored. I believe following you will let me achieve my true worth. In time, I could even become your godson! How old are you? Youre more fawning than Giant Simon Interested, Lumian asked, Why do you think Ill give you a chance? The man didnt answer immediately but glanced meaningfully at Louis and Sarkota, hinting for them to leave. Unworried about assassination attempts, Lumian had them exit before smiling at the man. Go on. The man cleared his throat. My name is Lugano Toscano, a Beyonder. Which pathway? What Sequence? Lumians eyebrows rose. Lugano forced a smile. Im a Planter, Sequence 9. Earth Mother Churchs pathway? Lumian nodded thoughtfully. From Feynapotter? No, Riston Province, Lugano replied, smiling. A few years ago, some friends and I became bounty hunters. I got to know a Feynapotter Beyonder and later acquired his belongings when he passed away. A fellow countryman Did you kill him or just conveniently profit from his death? Lumian gestured for him to continue. Lugano chuckled. I can now advance to Sequence 8 Doctor but lack funds for the potion ingredients. Ive heard of your exploits, Boss, and believe you to be a powerful Beyonder. I also know the Savoie Mob lacks manpower, so I caused some trouble to meet you. I hope to work for you, help manage your estates, and earn money through hard work. Doctors are useful for ordinary people and Beyonders alike. Chapter 289 - 289 Late Night Visitors 289 Late Night Visitors Doctor? Lumian recalled the two canisters of Healing Agent obtained from the Poison Spur Mob. Their healing effects were quite impressive indeed. Leaning back in his chair, Lumian gazed intently into Lugano Toscanos eyes, pondering silently for some time. Gradually Lugano grew uneasy, his body tensing up. Finally Lumian smiled. Salle de Gristmill isnt my property. Im just managing it for the Boss. Im not sure you can handle it, but Ill give you a chance. Lugano visibly relaxed and smiled. Boss, I wont let you down! Lumian raised his voice to call Louis over. From now on, youll be Luganos deputy at the Gristmill. Manage it together. Is this for real? But why give an untested new recruit such an important post? Before Louis could react, Lumian had already turned to Lugano. You have two months. You and your friends will be the dance halls protectors for now. Take a portion of the profits; negotiate the details with the manager. He deliberately left the profit distribution vague, especially his own cut. He wanted to see what Lugano would do. Thank you, Boss! Luganos joy was unconcealed. He nearly blurted out, Once Im a Doctor, Ill treat any illness or injury you have. But that felt like cursing misfortune upon Lumian, so he quickly sealed his lips. Watching them leave while discussing the dance hall, Lumians smile faded. Luganos fawning and zeal made him suspect ulterior motives, like him with Baron Brignais and the fake diamond necklace. But Lumian had cowed the Baron by showing his might and madness. The key was proving the value of exploiting him. Lugano was more focused on ingratiation. Of course, he had revealed his usefulness too. Thats why Lumian decided to give him Salle de Gristmill for two monthsto monitor any abnormalities and act quickly if the bounty hunter had hidden motives. Or gain a Doctor cheaply if he was clean. Either way, it wouldnt cost Lumian anything. Salle de Gristmill belonged to the Savoie Mob; he would just lose some of his own share. That could be offset by Lugano stabilizing the unruly dance hall. After sitting awhile, Lumian left for Room 207 at Auberge du Coq Dor. Drawing the curtains, he sat at the table and began writing. Esteemed Madam Magician, Ive officially joined the Iron Blood Cross Order. The initiation ritual was Im puzzled. The Order has members clearly not from the Hunter pathway. How did they pass the vigil? Assassins? Or did Gardner confirm their trustworthiness some other way, bypassing corruption? He almost asked about entering 13 Avenue du March at special times, but that was surely monitored by official Beyonders. It was unlikely anyone could approach then. After neatly folding the letter, Lumian summoned the doll messenger on the altar. Wary, he asked, Am I still being watched? No, the doll slowly shook her head. Relieved, Lumian scheduled reporting to Mr. K and heading to The Fools cathedral for a sermon. After nearly fifteen minutes, Madam Magician replied: I once heard from Mr. Fools Oracle that a friend of his was originally in the Iron and Blood Cross Order but couldnt stand it and fled to sea. I didnt understand at first, but now I seeits been hard on you. It wasnt so bad. Watching them perform was rather interesting, a study in human diversity Lumian didnt see an issue with it. Something else concerned him more. When mentioning the Oracle, Madam Magician didnt say one of. Lumian suspected Mr. Fool had only a single Oracle! Meaning the Major Arcana card holders of the Divine Council werent considered Oracles. Pondering this, Lumian read on: They might be Assassins or used another corruption method. Remind the Two of Cupsif accepting the vigil, bring the ancient underground mirror. Other than keeping in mind not to respond, its best to bring the ancient mirror that provides entry into the underground mirror world. Hunter/Demoness corruption likely differs. It may help. That mirror Mulling it over, Lumian swiftly burned the letter in crimson flames. Just as he was about to wash up, he sensed something and glanced at the door. A series of knocks promptly came. Who is it? he called. A strained voice answered, Guess who I am. Seated, Lumian looked helplessly at the bedbug-free ceiling. Come in. As expected, it was Franca and Jenna, dressed as Assassins. Here to play Fighting Evil? he joked. Franca scoffed, I dont play cards with sore losers like you. Having tricked many into drinking excessively over card games recently, Lumian had been winning at Fighting Evil with the ladies and mocking their poor skills. Suspecting cheating, Franca had intensely coached her dancers the past few days. Entering, Franca added, Were here to borrow mysticism magazines. Lumian sneered. Nice try. Why come so late just for that? Is waiting till morning not an option? Jenna doesnt seem the studying type. He smiled. Whats really going on? The two gritted their teeth in sync. After Franca shut the door, Jenna glanced around and whispered, Are the walls too thin here? Could neighbors overhear us? Lumian smiled approvingly. Youre learningthinking about eavesdroppers now. Not like before, blabbing recklessly without a care. Before Francas suspicious gaze shifted from Jenna to Lumian, then from Lumian to Jenna. Dammit! We didnt discuss anything important! Jenna defended. Why not mention Charlie? He spills secrets immediately. Charlie? Francas frown faded. It was fineothers were asleep or gone. Thats why I didnt stop him. Lumian stood, ritual dagger in hand. Letting spirituality flow from the blade, he enveloped the room in a wall of spirituality. The singing and rowdiness on the streets and the inns noises instantly grew distant and muted. Jenna was amazed. Franca pursed her lips and said to Jenna, A basic wall of spirituality ritual. Once you become a Witch, youll naturally master it. At this point, she couldnt help but imagine what Witch Jenna would look like. The two ladies sat side by side by Lumians bed and discussed the missing Deep Valley Cloister gatekeeper, focused on their quarry findings tonight. Whats down there? What should we do? Franca returned Lumians sedative. Lumian smiled at his companion who wasnt wearing red boots. Dont you have an answer already? With Francas experience, she surely had a plan by now. Franca smiled awkwardly. Just wanted your thoughts. My thoughts? Lumian joked, Sneak in while the monks away for that 20,000 verl dor! Jenna looked around warily. Meaning its too dangerous to investigate further? Having heard Lumians mockery countless times now, she could distinguish sarcasm, well-meaning teasing, and jokes. Right, said Franca. Recalling the client, there seems to be an internal Deep Valley Cloister conflictsomeone hiding, someone exposing. Meddling in an orthodox Churchs internal conflict is dangerous for any Beyonder. Internal conflict? Jenna was startled. Lumian chuckled. A missing gatekeeper, and some random person offers 20,000 to find him, even just the corpse? And said corpse needs to be carried to the Deep Valley Cloister. Clearly wants someone to see it. Jenna was almost convinced, but she still had a lot of doubts. B-but the limbs in the cave seem too sinister for an orthodox Church. Chapter 290 - 290 Lavigny Docks 290 Lavigny Docks Er Franca deliberated briefly before telling Jenna, When it comes to losing control and madness, orthodox or wild Beyonderall are equal. Those monks can become monsters too, or have mental problems and walk the abyss. Jenna grew grave as she listened. It wasnt the first time Franca had said something similar, but without personal experience, the full cruelty and horror of those words never quite sunk in. Seeing the limbs in the dark cave had driven home the visceral reality of losing control and madness. Lumian added meaningfully, Thats why the acting method is so important. But never forget youre only acting. You should know very well being a theater actressyou mustnt lose yourself in a role. Even without being a Beyonder, that path leads to mental issues. Franca and Lumian educated the newcomer one after another. Jenna nodded solemnly. Franca returned to the missing gatekeeper. My plan is thisreveal the cave anonymously to the Eternal Blazing Sun Church via my sources. How they handle it is their affair. Even if they suppress it, theyll be vigilant against trouble now. Ill also inform the client and see his reaction. We might get paid for our work. She chose the Eternal Blazing Sun Church over the God of Steam and Machinery Church Beyonders, unsure which side was trustworthy in this internal conflict. No objections here, Jenna conceded after hearing their advice, shelving her longing for the 20,000 verl dor reward. Franca turned to Lumian. Ive found a buyer for Harvest Sacrifice, but the deal isnt finalized yet. Offer is 10,000 verl dor. I gave you 4,000 already, and can give you another 1,000 in two days. Very efficient. Lumian smiled approvingly. Cant tell if thats praise or mockery, Franca muttered. Jenna listened enviously. 10,000 verl dor was casual business for them, while her family struggled to pay 7,000-8,000 for the treatment of her mother. This is what it means to be a Beyonder Her understanding grew clearer. Glancing at the curtains, Lumian didnt get Jenna to leave. Last night, I completed the test and officially joined the Bosss inner circle. What kind of test? Still aggrieved, Franca had already vented her anger once, leaving mostly curiosity. Lumian described Gardners late visit to Salle de Bal Brise, how he was requested to stay the night at 13 Avenue du March, and him overcoming the abnormal corruption until sunrise. He concealed Termiboros, portraying himself as intelligent, decisive, perceptive and steadfastgrasping the crux with just a few details and adhering to the principle of no response despite the influences. Lumian excelled at fabrication. Franca still felt lingering fear and suspicion. You really didnt waver at all? Jenna agreedshe would have responded the moment the door opened. Franca might have lasted until her face bled. Lumian chuckled. I definitely felt some uncertainty, but I trusted my judgment more. Franca sized him up doubtfully. You really thought of not responding by yourself? No. Lumian ended the fiction honestly. The ladies were stunned. Lumian seized the chance to divert attention, smiling. Dont be daft. A recently graduated mysticism novice like me could never think of that. I got intelligence beforehand of course. If you do the vigil, rememberdo not respond, and take the mirror that provides entry into the underground mirror world. 13 Avenue du Marchs abnormalities may differ by pathway. Enlightened, Franca grasped his source. She muttered, No girlfriend for you with that attitude! She had almost been provoked just now, let alone a real woman. Relieved, Franca thought the rascal Ciel had no romantic prospects currently. While still irked by the mockery, Jenna also regained confidence. She had thought her intelligence irredeemably inferior to Ciels. Admirably, he had firmly trusted the intelligence and not wavered. She pursed her lips and said, Im seeing more of the mysticism worlds horrors. The 13 Avenue du March abnormality was even more terrifying than the Deep Valley Quarrys secret cave scene. By comparison, her underground ordeal with Hedsey seemed just a criminal case. There will be more such occurrences in the coming years. Franca seized every chance to motivate Jennas advancement. Lumian then mentioned his guess that Avenue du March 13 only affected Beyonders of the Hunter and Demoness pathways at specific times. Discussing a while longer, the ladies left with a stack of mysticism magazines, returning to Rue des Blouses Blanches. At 3 p.m. the next day, Lumian, who had been playing the part at Salle de Bal Brise all day, arrived at Lavigny Docks in the square district by taking multiple public carriages, ready to hear The Fool bishops sermon. It was a lively inland river port, teeming with steam ships emitting white fog. Countless dockworkers used various tools and their strength to move crates of goods and stack them on flat surfaces along the tracks. Massive machines towered over the docks, some standing more than ten to twenty meters tall, made entirely of steel components. Operated by massive steam engines and controlled by technicians, they effortlessly lifted steel crates that would be impossible for humans to move. Lumian observed the chaotic and bustling scene, a mix of spectacular sights and grimy realities. He strolled around the dock, acting like a carefree tourist rather than inquiring about The Fool cathedrals location from suspicious foreigners. Buildings surrounded the harbor, housing bars, motels, warehouses, beer houses, cafs, restaurants, and dance halls. Street vendors loudly peddled their goods along the paths. Lumian also noticed frosted glass windows with green shutters, indicating licensed brothels. After taking a long detour, Lumian finally arrived at Mr. Fools cathedral. It looked like an ordinary four-story house with a bell tower and pointed roof, completely black. Engraved on the outer wall was the familiar mystical symbol: Mr. Fools symbol, a silvery-white symbol composed of an incomplete Pupil-less Eye and a portion of Contorted Lines. Before entering, Lumian took his time, continuing to explore the area as if he were casually shopping. As a Hunter, it was second nature for him to assess his surroundings when he had the chance. After walking for a while, Lumian chose a bar called Sea Breeze to gather information about The Fool cathedral from merchants, sailors, and locals. The interior of Sea Breeze was decorated like a cabin, with taxidermied fish, rudders, and sail fragments adorning the walls. The air was thick with the scent of liquor and cheap cosmetics. Some sailors sat together, engrossed in a card game, while others were seen in the company of street girls. At the bar counter, a few were enjoying drinks and boasting. Lumian scanned the area and noticed a man who immediately caught his attention. This man sat in an armchair near the bar, exuding an air of arrogance as he casually rested his hands on the chairs back. He occasionally sipped his wheat beer, propping his legs up on the small round table. It wasnt just the mans demeanor that intrigued Lumian, but the way the other sailors behaved around him. They either kept their distance, giving the area a wide berth, or approached with deferential expressions. Even if they were teased by the man, they seemed honored to be in his presence. A significant figure from the sea, perhaps? Lumian speculated silently as he subtly studied the man. The man appeared to be in his thirties, dressed in a linen shirt, a brown vest, dark brown pants, and sturdy black leather boots. His eyebrows and hair were charred yellow, like they had been kissed by flames. His bright, dark blue eyes and facial features hinted at a southern Intis heritage. Feeling Lumians gaze on him, the man smiled and lifted his wheat beer in a toast. Returning the smile, Lumian made his way to the bar counter, ordering a glass of Lanti Proof, a favorite among pirates and sailors. Taking a sip of the flavorful and potent malt liquor, Lumian couldnt contain his curiosity. He nodded towards the nearby armchair and asked the bartender in a hushed tone, Who is that? The bartenders expression turned serious as he responded in a deep voice, You dont know him? To him, not recognizing that individual was rather surprising. Chapter 291 - 291 Important Figure 291 Important Figure Lumian set his glass down and flashed a smile, speaking in Intisian but with the accent of the Riston Province. I arrived in Trier just two days ago. Came to Lavigne in search of work. Thanks to Aurores help, he could speak like a local from Trier, shedding his Riston Province Darige accent. Having spent six years in Cordu, he had a knack for learning, imitating, and adapting to new dialects effortlessly. The tired bartender looked around as if he hadnt slept well and spoke cautiously, Thats the famous Blazing Danitz, a significant figure at sea! Ive never heard of him, Lumian replied bluntly. The bartender cleared his throat, reminding Lumian to watch his tone and attitude. Have you heard about the six Pirate Kings and nine Pirate Admirals? A little, Lumian honestly admitted. His knowledge about the Pirate Kings and Pirate Admirals came from newspapers and adventure novels, and he was aware of Gehrman Sparrow hunting down a few. He knew that the great adventurers servant, Dubois, had once served as a pirate on Vice Admiral Icebergs ship. He knew of Ailment Maiden or Vice Admiral Ailment, and the frequent change of Pirate Admirals. As for the Pirate Kings, they were well-established and had held their positions for so long that no one could remember when they first came to power. Realizing Lumian wasnt completely ignorant, the bartender breathed a sigh of relief. That individual used to be a pirate, acknowledged to be stronger than all the Pirate Admirals, second only to the six Pirate Kings. Quite impressive Lumian couldnt determine the exact Sequences of the Pirate Admirals and Pirate Kings, but their survival despite constant pursuit by the authorities showed they werent weak. Blazing Danitz ranked seventh among the pirates, almost reaching the level of a quasi-Pirate King. He was undeniably formidable! A Saint? If hes one, the same can be said for the Pirate Kings The strongest among Sequence 5s? Lumian quickly grasped the bartenders words. Used to be? Yes, used to be. Hes no longer a pirate or a Treasure Hunter. Look, theres no wanted poster of him on the wall. The bartender gestured around. But theres my wanted poster Thankfully, the bounty is low. Its tucked away in a corner where no one pays attention Lumian asked curiously, He can just stop being a pirate because he wants to? Did the authorities cooperate and revoke his wanted poster? Which country or orthodox Church did he surrender to? The bartender lowered his voice even further. Hes now a member of the Church of The Fool, the envoy of that deity. Mr. Fools Oracle? Perhaps that one and only Oracle? Lumian was taken aback. The bartender assumed Lumian wasnt familiar with the Church of The Fool, so he explained, Thats a deity recognized by all orthodox Churches. Heh heh, why would a deity choose such a name? The Fools faith is very popular at sea. Many sea merchants and sailors believe in Him. They even pooled money to build The Fool cathedral in Lavigny. The cathedrals bishop is that Oracle? Lumian deliberately lowered his voice. No. The bartender shook his head. But Blazing Danitz often comes to Trier. He likes it here. Yes, hes from Intis. There isnt an Intisian who doesnt long for Trier. Just as Lumian was about to say something, the important figure at sea, the Oracle of The Fools Church, Blazing Danitz, finished his remaining wheat beer and stood up, heading towards Sea Breezes entrance. Almost simultaneously, the sailorsplaying cards, drinking, boasting, and making out with street girlsstood up in an unusually orderly fashion. They didnt cause any commotion as they silently and orderly followed Blazing Danitz out of the bar. If he hadnt witnessed this scene, Lumian wouldnt have realized that all the sailors in the bar were subordinates of The Fools Oracle. Blazing Danitz From his nickname, he deals with fire Could he also be from the Hunter pathway? Lumian sipped his Lanti Proof and chatted with the bartender about the Church of The Fool. What kind of deity is The Fool? The bartender gestured a triangular Sacred Emblem on his chest and shook his head. Im not a follower, so how would I know? By steam! Lumian drew a triangular Sacred Emblem on his chest as well. The bartender glanced at the empty area and said, But the Church of The Fool isnt bad. Even if youre just a tramp, even if you dont believe in The Fool, you can still receive communion after entering their cathedral. If you ask them for help, you might even get a meal with meat and bread and a room to sleep in. Should I join the queue now? Lumian asked with a smile. The bartender shook his head again. No need. They cant leave the cathedral to preach or proselytize. Only the local tramps know they can seek help there, but they only go once in a while because the Church of The Fool is more willing to offer job opportunities to them. After a pleasant chat and having figured out the schedule of The Fools cathedrals bishop sermons, Lumian finished his Lanti Proof and decided to make the most of the spare time by exploring the nearby streets in detail. He soon noticed that several strategic points were guarded by the military, armed with cannons and massive firearms that required water-cooling. The governments distrust of these sailors and merchants, who occasionally indulge in piracy around the docks, is evident Lumian turned away and hurried towards The Fools cathedral before darkness fell. The cathedral had a simple layout, devoid of gold embellishments or intricate machinery. The most remarkable aspect was its numerous windows, allowing natural light to illuminate the interior without the need for candles and gas lamps even before nightfall. Like many religious spaces, the walls were adorned with giant murals, although the colors were muted and somber. Using the fading light of dusk, Lumian examined the murals contents and discovered that it depicted a wilderness where humans struggled to navigate. These humans were unusually tall, almost resembling legendary giants. Some had three eyes, while others lacked noses, leaving only two dark holes. They looked more like monsters than ordinary people. Despite the pain and despair evident on their faces, their eyes shimmered with hope. Leading these peculiar humans were several distinct and detailed guides. Some had gray hair and carried two swords on their backs. Others wielded dark-blue sledgehammers emitting a sun-like glow. There were also figures clad in dark black armor with silver-gray curly hair At the forefront of these guides stood a figure. Dressed in a black trench coat and a half top hat, the figure walked with a straight back, holding a lantern. Just ahead of the figure was a ball of lightthe altar of The Fools cathedrala silver-white Sacred Emblem emitting a radiant glow under the sunlight. Lumians attention was drawn to a few stained glass panes. Sculpted in an exaggerated style, angels and saints adorned them. Some were also featured in the murals, while others were not. There were angels with wings and halos, and saints with only halos. Lumian carefully circled the area, observing for over half an hour. Eventually, he found a seat and settled in to wait for the 6 p.m. sermon. As time passed, many people entered the cathedral. Some were dressed as merchants, others as typical sailors. There were also dockworkers, visibly exhausted after a long days work, and a few street girls as well. Amidst the tolling of the bell, the bishop arrived at the altar. His hair and eyes shone with a golden hue. Towering at 2.56 meters tall, he donned a finely tailored black trench coat and a half top hat, hardly resembling a typical clergyman. With a hearty gesture, the boorish bishop pressed his hand to his chest and called out in a booming voice, Praise The Fool! Praise The Fool! echoed the gathered believers, and Lumian enthusiastically joined in. Flipping through the black-and-silver-patterned bible in his hand, the bishop spoke with a voice that reverberated through the cathedral, Our lord is known as The Fool. Across past, present, and future, he reigns supreme over the spirit world. He is also the King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck. A beacon for all in the pursuit of eternity He is compassionate, benevolent, and the savior of this world. He allows us to address him as him instead of Him Our lord resides above both reality and the spirit world. His benevolence extends to Heaven and the land. Beside him stand eight angels The Angel of Mercury is the embodiment of fate, our Lords most cherished angel. The Angel of Death has followed our Lord for the longest period of time and is the consul of the Underworld. The Angel of Redemption is our Lords bugle, once taking on the form of Gehrman Sparrow to deliver his revelations. The Angel of Life is the crystallization of wisdom itself, the indestructible spirituality that resides in everyones body. Gehrman Sparrow? That adventurer is an angel of Mr. Fool? Lumian was astonished by the revelation. The giant bishop continued, Theres also the Angel of Retribution beside the Lords throne. He is the Lords lightning, the Lords rage, and the Lords palm, the judge of all the fallen and the ones who arent chaste. Next to the Angel of Retribution is the Angel of the Holy Spirit, reigning over all spirits and representing our lord in controlling the spirit world. In contrast to Them, there are the Angel of Time and the Angel of Stars. The Angel of Time was an angel of ancient times. He eventually submitted to our Lord and now strikes the bell of Heaven. The Angel of Stars is a witness, a recorder, the eyes and ears of our lord Lumian listened attentively, finding it hard to believe that there were eight angels by The Fools divine throne. Wasnt this strength too terrifying? It seemed no different from an orthodox Church! Suddenly, Termiboross magnificent voice resounded, Do you believe it? Why not? Lumian replied in a hushed tone, as if reciting passages from the bible. After all, whose bible, even among the orthodox Churches, didnt have a touch of exaggeration? Even without embellishments, it was still impressive! Chapter 292 - 292 Communion 292 Communion Termiboros fell silent. Lumian continued to listen intently to the bishops sermon as he recounted the general situation of the Church of The Fool. He discovered that there existed another continent in this world called the Forsaken Land of the Godsa place cursed and abandoned by the gods Themselves. Despite the gods turning their backs on the continent, Mr. Fool refused to forsake it. He dispatched the Angel of RedemptionGehrman Sparrowto lead the surviving humans from the lost city-states out of the Forsaken Land of the Gods and guide them in rebuilding their homes on the maritime islands. Consequently, the Church of The Fools headquarters were established in the New City of Silver in the Sonia Sea. The other two Holy Lands, New Moon City and Bayam, the capital of the Rorsted Archipelago, were also located in the same area. Lumian listened with fascination, gaining a fundamental understanding of the Church of The Fool. Following the sermon, the bishop and a few priests distributed communion. It consisted of a glass of transparent, colorless liquid and a large fruit shell with charred marks covering it. Lumian picked up the glass and took a sip. The liquid had a slight sweetness, reminiscent of dairy products but with a more fragrant essence. Next, he used a wooden spoon to scoop out the food from the huge fruit shell. As soon as he tasted the food, Lumians expression turned surprised. Its meat! Isnt this a bit extravagant? Even the Eternal Blazing Sun Churchs Communion couldnt compare to this. They only had red wine and unfermented flatbread. Lumian perked up and chewed the food with interest. It was delicious, with a meaty texture and a mix of sweetness and slight sourness, like that of a fruit. Its aroma was entirely different from the usual dishes found in Trier. While he ate, he listened to the bishop explain the origins of Communion. It turned out that this was Angel of Redemption Gehrman Sparrows favorite food during his travels across the land. As the bugle of the Lord, he preached the revelations of the Lord. The liquid was called Teana, derived from a giant fruit unique to the Rorsted Archipelago, and it was extracted from the pulp. Having lost most of its pulp, the Teana rind was stuffed with mashed mutton and fish, culminating in the communion, Teativa. However, transporting such massive fruits from the Rorsted Archipelago to Trier for Communion was impractical. It required crossing three seas, and no matter how unripened the fruit was, it would inevitably rot, wasting valuable resources. With the help of a particular botanist, the Church of The Fool had cultivated a modified Teana tree that could grow in southern Intis, producing a stronger milky scent. A delicacy with a maritime charm If it werent for the Church of The Fools inability to preach and proselytize, who knows how many people would convert solely due to the Communion But that could lead to financial issues as well. Too many believers in The Fool would cause the expenses of Communion to skyrocket After pondering the Church of The Fools finances for a moment, Lumian, who hadnt eaten dinner yet, finished the Teativa clean and gulped down the Teana juice. Praise The Fool! Lumian stood up sincerely and bowed. He slowly left the candlelit cathedral and stepped into the night. Under the warm glow of gas street lamps, Lumian strolled along the port area, dressed in a linen shirt, black vest, and rolled-up sleeves. His destination was the other side of the docks, where he intended to catch a public carriage to Avenue du Boulevard. Lavigny had grown quiet, with only occasional groups of sailors passing by, singing or shouting. All of a sudden, a commotion erupted nearby, followed by a piercing scream. As the sound echoed through the night, Lumian noticed a figure hurtling towards him at an incredible speed. Casually, he sidestepped, acting like an innocent bystander. Yet, if the approaching person happened to be vile or had indeed committed some wrongdoing and was now being chased, Lumian wouldnt mind sticking out his right foot and tripping them, just for the spectacle. Within seconds, the figure reached the edge of the street lamps glow, making Lumians eyebrows twitch in surprise. So fast! Clearly not an ordinary human! With the help of the gas lamps, Lumian got a good look at the figures appearance. It wasnt humanit was a monster! Though its wrinkled head resembled a humans, its dark-green scales covered its body. Wearing a torn linen shirt and brown pants, its feet lacked shoes, and thin, tough skin membrane grew between its fingers. Slippery dark green mucus oozed over its form, and its palms and mouth were stained with blood. Having encountered numerous monsters in Cordus ruins, Lumian remained unperturbed. He only frowned slightly. It reminds me of those murlocs mentioned in mysticism magazines. Those dark-green scales must provide formidable defense As Lumian pondered, the monster noticed him sidestepping and grew more violent and crazed in its expression. Without warning, it lunged at Lumian. Reacting swiftly, Lumian arched his body, not backing away, but stepping forward to face the suspected murloc. Bang! His right hand, emitting sparks, struck the creatures abdomen. Then, he swiftly lowered his body, slipping under the armpit of the dark-green-scaled monster, avoiding its counterattack and effectively positioning himself behind the assailant. Lumian spun around, his arms swinging. His fists, with flickering flames, delivered powerful blows to the back of the suspected murloc, knocking it to the ground. Blows resounded until Lumian withdrew his hands, ceasing his assault. He observed silently as the struggling body left corrosive marks on the ground. With a muffled explosion, crimson sparks erupted from the monsters eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. Its body swelled before collapsing, shedding several dark-green scales. After a few convulsions, it lay still. Lumian averted his gaze and looked towards the figures chasing after him. He nonchalantly flicked his hands, alleviating the corrosive pain caused by the dark-green liquid. His injuries were minor. After all, he had delivered a barrage of powerful punches, and his contact with the dark-green scales and viscous liquid had been brief. Soon, the figures reached the lamp pole. They were sailors, led by a mixed-blood man from the Southern Continent, sporting braided hair and brownish-red skin. He appeared to be in his thirties, with thick lips. His eyes first scanned the murloc-like monster lying motionless on the ground, then he looked at Lumian with surprise, suspicion, and fear. After a few seconds of silence, the sailor with the braided hair spoke with a solemn voice, This is the murloc we captured at sea. It injured one of our crewmates and managed to escape. It is indeed a murloc Did they truly capture it? Why didnt they turn it into various materials and transport it to Trier? Why risk keeping it alive? Lumian silently mused as he asked with a smile, Are you planning to apologize on its behalf and compensate me for my mental distress to soothe my terrified mind? The sailor and his companions exchanged glances, unable to decipher the lads true intentions. In the distance, the sound of regimental-like running resonated, accompanied by gunfire. Patrol soldiers had rushed over upon hearing the scream. The sailors heart tightened as he unconsciously grabbed the monsters corpse, closely observing Lumians reaction. He intended to stop once the other party showed any dissatisfaction. Simultaneously, he continued, No problem. We have no problem. What he meant was that they would provide compensation for Lumians mental distress. Lumian sensed that they mainly wanted the Beyonder characteristic produced by the murloc, but the monster was too weak. He wasnt in the mood to discuss how the prize would be divided with them. It was not worthy of the Shadow Branch at all! If these individuals, who acted recklessly without concern for covering their tracks, managed to evade pursuit and crossed paths with him again, he could simply demand compensation from them for his mental distress. As Lumian watched the sailors carry the murloc away, he continued on his way as if nothing had happened. Before long, several patrolling soldiers caught up with him, examining his condition and inquiring if he had witnessed anything unusual. Lumian candidly pointed in the direction the sailors had fled. I heard a scream and saw a group of people running that way. They were dressed like sailors. The officer leading the patrol nodded approvingly. Thank you for your cooperation. No need to thank me. Its what any responsible citizen should do, Lumian replied with a smile. Soon, the other soldiers discovered traces of corrosion and scales on the ground, along with sticky liquid that hadnt entirely evaporated. They followed the trail towards the docks. Lumian clicked his tongue and continued on his way towards the public carriage stop. Clap! Clap! Clap! He heard a soft applause. Feeling uneasy, Lumian turned his head and saw someone sitting on a nearby cargo box, seemingly having appeared out of nowhere. The mans eyebrows were charred yellow, and his hair shared the same color. His eyes were dark blue yet radiant. He wore a linen shirt, a brown vest, and a pair of black leather boots hung from his dark brown pants. Lumian recognized the man and felt alarmed. Blazing Danitz, a great pirate second only to a few Pirate Kings! But Lumian calmed down when he recalled the mans other identity: He was no longer a pirate; he was now Mr. Fools Oracle! As the holder of a Minor Arcana card, Lumian believed that as long as he revealed his identity, Blazing Danitz wouldnt give him trouble. Blazing Danitz gazed at Lumian for a few seconds before effortlessly leaping down from the top of the wooden crates. He chuckled and spoke leisurely, To be able to swiftly choose the most effective, targeted, and efficient attack method against your prey, perfectly evading the enemys enhanced scale defenseyour combat intelligence is quite impressive. I admire it. So, how about it? Are you interested in joining my team and becoming my subordinate? Chapter 293 - 293 "Pious" 293 Pious Inviting me to join your team without even checking my background or confirming my strength? Are you that confident, Mr. Fools Oracle? Lumian couldnt help but criticize, feeling unsure about the whole situation. He looked at Blazing Danitz and responded with a smile, No. Blazing Danitz acknowledged tersely, his voice gaining intensity as if confirming it for the last time. Lumian slipped his right hand into his pocket, maintaining his smile. Not interested. What a joke. How can I complete the Tarot Clubs mission if I join your team? This requires your consultation with Madam Magician! Danitzs dark-blue yet bright eyes narrowed slightly, his aura instantly becoming more intense. Lumian felt as if he were facing a spear or a loaded gun pressed to his forehead. Fear and danger washed over him. However, he didnt look away and met Blazing Danitzs gaze with a calm determination, as if facing an apex predator. After a brief silence that filled the air with tension, Blazing Danitz broke into a smile. Not bad. Youre quite resolute and bold. I admire you even more. With those words, the former great pirate, now The Fools Oracle, turned around and strolled towards the well-lit street in the distance. Confidence naturally breeds resoluteness Lumian thought silently as he withdrew his right hand from his pocket, revealing a tarot card held between his thumb and index finger. The tarot cardSeven of Wands! Though he couldnt fathom Blazing Danitzs impromptu recruitment, he felt somewhat glad to have encountered Mr. Fools Oracle. This meant that The Fool Church held substantial strength in Trier. After leaving Lavigny Docks, Lumian hopped onto a public carriage and soon arrived at Avenue du Boulevard. He walked to 19 Rue Scheer and met Mr. K beneath the headquarters of the Psychic organization. The Aurora Order Oracle remained seated in the red armchair, his face concealed in the deep shadows of his black hood. His voice rasped as he inquired, Hows your progress in gaining Gardner Martins trust? Lumian replied calmly, Ive already joined the Iron and Blood Cross Order. Mr. K fell silent for a moment before asking, How did you gain Gardner Martins trust? How did he test you? And how did you pass the test? The Aurora Order Oracle altered his usual demeanor, posing three questions at once. Lumian chuckled. Well, there was no need to gain Gardner Martins trust. Simply joining the Iron and Blood Cross Order earned loyalty. Upon hearing this, Mr. K, who had been reclining in his chair, sat up straight. The shadows in the basement seemed to stir, almost alive. With his expertise and knowledge, discerning the hidden meaning behind Lumians words wasnt difficult for him. And it undoubtedly spelled danger: Lumian had indeed become a member of the Iron and Blood Cross Order, pledging his allegiance to them. He was here to report while bringing the powerful figures of the Iron and Blood Cross Order! Lumian smiled, unfazed by the immense pressure radiating from Mr. K. He proceeded to recount how he informed Gardner Martin that he had become a Sequence 7 Pyromaniac, leading up to the vigil at 13 Avenue du March and the formal initiation ceremony. He didnt hold back the fact that he had engaged in an underground transaction and fled in terror after encountering Supervisor Olsons monstrous creation. As Lumian finished, Mr. K stood up, excitement in his tone as he verified Lumians various details at 13 Avenue du March repeatedly. Upon realizing that Lumian had used the honorific name at a crucial moment and received a divine revelation of dont respond, Mr. K burst into a fit of maniacal laughter. Hahaha, hahaha, just as I thought, piousness is the only way out! The hooded Oracles laughter grew wilder, echoing through the basement, making Lumians eardrums tremble and a faint scent of salt and blood fill the air. Hahaha! Hahaha! Mr. K laughed so hard he nearly doubled over. He no longer concealed his condition. The whole basement seemed enveloped in darkness, and he stood as the source of danger behind it all. After a while, Mr. K paid no mind to Lumians presence, instead kneeling down, lowering his body to pray almost silently, as if thanking the Lord that created everything, the omnipotent and omniscient God. Lumian managed to keep his lips from twitching. Before leaving for Lavigny Docks, he had performed a ritual, praying to The Fool for the angels protection. He praised the True Creator of the Aurora Order and drew a cross on his chest, following an up-to-down, left-to-right order. With a sudden display of piousness, Mr. K stood up and said with fervor, This was all arranged by the Lord. He brought you here to join us. It depends on which lord youre talking about Lumian muttered, finding amusement in the situation, and replied humbly, What He says will come true. This was one of the religious texts of the Aurora Order taught by Mr. K. Lumian had always regarded it as a sermon praising the deitys strength. He found it quite useful in the present conversation. The hooded Mr. K nodded, thoroughly satisfied. I had arranged for others to approach the exposed members of the Iron and Blood Cross Order before, but they lost contact with me and stopped reporting. They even put me in considerable danger. Now I understand why they failed. Their lack of piousness! In the face of danger and corruption, they didnt even think to recite our Lords honorific name and seek His protection! But you, at the critical moment, had only my Lord in your mind. Thats the kind of piousness I admire the most. Thats why you successfully joined the Iron and Blood Cross Order without being corrupted! With only faith in a deity left in your mind Will this affect your intelligence? Lumian observed Mr. K, gaining a deeper understanding of his state of mind and way of thinking. Mr. K paced back and forth in front of Lumian, his excitement palpable in his voice. Based on the information you brought back, I now have a better understanding of the Iron and Blood Cross Orders problems. I have a new insight into their current situation and their intentions. I can say youve completed half of the mission I assigned you. Next, you need to investigate the source of the abnormality, the exact timeline, and their roadmap for inciting the riot. If they find a way to enter Fourth Epoch Trier or a passageway, you must inform me immediately. Dont let them succeed. Mr. K pondered for a few seconds and said, The first option is to take out my finger and ignite it. As long as the environment isnt special, I can sense it and roughly understand the cause. If that doesnt work, pray to my Lord immediately, just like this time. Alright, Lumian agreed. When the time came, he might have to try contacting Madam Magician. It seemed like he would be very busy. After assigning the subsequent mission, Mr. K looked at Lumian in a friendly tone and asked, Since youve completed half of the mission and brought back crucial information, I cant be stingy with the rewards. Tell me, what do you want? I want a mystical item of bizarre nature. If you dont have it, a corresponding Beyonder characteristic will do. Ill find an Artisan to craft it myself, Lumian answered without hesitation. Mr. K let out a chuckle. You deserve that. Come back in three days. Ill give you a few choices, or Ill offer what I think suits you best. Thank you, Mr. K, Lumian expressed his sincere gratitude. This was much more generous than what the Iron and Blood Cross Order offered! Its not me you should be thanking, but the Lord, Mr. K replied with a smile. Helpless, Lumian drew the cross again. Praise be to you, the creator of all things. Praise be to you, who carries the burdens of the worlds sins. Mr. K chimed in, praising the True Creator. Unfortunately, our Aurora Order doesnt have things like godfathers or godchildren. Otherwise, Id be more than willing to baptize you again. Why do so many people express their admiration by wanting to be someone elses father? Lumian found it amusing. In high spirits after Mr. Ks assurance, Lumian made his way back to Auberge du Coq Dor. He headed straight to the basement bar and ordered a glass of the unique textured distilled lemon liquor. As he chatted with the others, he found amusement in Charlies return, spreading all sorts of rumors. Meanwhile, intermittent singing and clapping rhythms filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere that lasted until the early hours of the morning. When the customers, who had to work at dawn, finally departed to their residences, the bar quieted down. Lumian realized he had been spending too many nights at Auberge du Coq Dor lately, neglecting his sleep at Salle de Bal Brise. He decided it was time to balance things out and head there next. As he left Auberge du Coq Dor and walked along Rue Anarchie, where there were no gas street lamps, he noticed a figure emerging from the dark shadows ahead. The person was almost as tall as Lumian, with broad shoulders and a muscular build, dressed in a linen shirt, a brown jacket, and a brownish-yellow wide-brimmed hat. Gray hair adorned their head, and dark eyes stared intently. The mans hairy skin added to his rugged appearance, giving off a wild sense of beauty. Having halted Lumian, the man, whose age was difficult to gauge from his appearance, lifted his chin slightly and inquired, Are you Ciel Dubois? Do you truly think yourself worthy of addressing me by my name? Lumian contemplated responding in a similar manner, uncertain of the mans intentions, and sensing a hint of arrogance. Thus, he chose to pretend. He asked cautiously, And who might you be? The man remained composed, showing no signs of being affected. With a cold expression, he pressed on, Tell me who the boss of your Savoie Mob is. Chapter 294 - 294 Beyonder 294 Beyonder You dont even know whos running the show for our Savoie Mob? And youre coming to me with this question? You must be clueless about the real deal. Our Boss is the Commanding Officer of the secret organization called the Iron and Blood Cross Order, and were just a small part of the whole setup, Lumian thought, sliding his right hand into his pocket. He quickly considered three possibilities. First, Gardner Martin used the Savoie Mob for his secret missions, like smuggling some bizarre stuff through Rat Christo. Having been detected by someone or some faction, they now wanted to dig into the mob and expose the mastermind behind it. Second, some members of the Savoie Mob must have offended the wrong people, and now the consequences were knocking at their door. Third, after the Poison Spur Mob got wiped out, the Savoie Mob expanded rapidly, attracting attention from certain factions. Lumian quickly dismissed the first two options. Whether it was some secret getting leaked or someone causing offense, he wasnt going to be the one facing questions about the identity of the Savoie Mobs Boss! Usually, whoever did something secretive would get a visit from the investigators. Similarly, if someone offended another, theyd be targeted, or the leader shielding them. Lumian had never truly been involved in the Savoie Mobs clandestine affairs, nor had he recently defended any subordinates. The person standing across from him was directly probing about the identity of the Savoie Mobs Boss. It wasnt about which individual belonged to the mob or some specific incident in the past. Based on this, Lumian strongly suspected that some faction or individual had taken an interest in the Savoie Mob and planned to incorporate them. Of course, he couldnt dismiss the possibility that a rival mob had teamed up with a powerful being to seek help in taking down the Savoie Mobs Boss. Yet, in either case, they seemed to have a shallow understanding of the Savoie Mob. They didnt even know the superficial identity of Gardner Martin. All they knew was the most famous member of the mob in recent times. They had just asked about him and paid him a visit. In other words, they are treating the Savoie Mob as a regional mob with only a few Beyonders. Sending real powerhouses to deal with such a mob is clearly impractical, and they probably cant afford to hire them either. Even a Mid-Sequence Beyonder is highly esteemed; it doesnt go beyond Sequence 6. Lumian made this rough judgment in just a couple of seconds. Seeing Lumian remaining silent and not reaching for his weapon, the tall man with bushy hair, dark eyes, and a brownish-yellow wide-brimmed hat let out a cold snort. His expression and eyes revealed a clear sense of danger. Almost simultaneously, Lumian felt the darkness around him grow heavier, swallowing up the faint glow of distant street lamps and the crimson moonlight from the sky. The darkness condensed like frost, slowly but firmly seeping into Lumians skin, flesh, and bones, causing an uncontrollable fear to well up within him. Is that all? Lumian, who had been through major situations before, scoffed inwardly. Gazing at the muscular man with gray hair, donning a linen shirt and a brown jacket, Lumian feigned a twinge of fear and blurted out, Its Gardner Martin! Gardner Martin, a member of the Savoie Chamber of Commerce! The man nodded, pleased, and pressed on, Where does he usually reside? Lion Ciel, the ruthless, crazed, and powerful mob leader, is no different from other mobsters! They only know how to bully the weak and rely on their mobs backing to take on rival mobs. When facing genuinely formidable foes and simple dark-type spells, their timidity and cowardice become evident! Lumian swallowed hard and managed to say, He lives at 11 Rue des Fontaines. At that moment, Lumian shook himself out of his daze. Let me tell you, our boss is a member of a secret organization. His strength is even more terrifying than you can imagine! A member of a secret organization? The broad-shouldered man was momentarily taken aback before breaking into a smile. This was truly an unexpected windfall! Lion Ciel is even more timid than I thought. He even spilled such vital information! The man lifted his chin and sneered with a deep voice, Well, did I mention that I, too, am part of a secret organization? A very ancient one. With those words, the surrounding darkness seemed to tighten its grip. Really? I cant quite tell Lumian pondered the idea of luring this man and the faction behind him to confront the Boss. He wanted to see what would happen when the two secret organizations clashed, hoping to expose more of the Iron and Blood Cross Orders secrets. After a brief silence, Lumian couldnt bear the weight of the darkness any longer. His right hand and arm, tucked into his pocket, trembled slightly. I dont know, I dont know. The Boss didnt tell us the exact name! The man scrutinized Lumian for a few seconds and concluded that he shouldnt know the details of the secret organization. For a regional mob like theirs, the Boss is at most a member of some secret society. The man couldnt help but smirk sinisterly. Then take me to 11 Rue des Fontaines. As soon as he spoke, he lunged at Lumian, moving with such speed that he left afterimages. Almost simultaneously, his nails shot out, long and sharp, flickering with a metallic light that exuded a dark sheen. Yet, Lumian showed no fear, offered no resistance, and didnt panic. He also moved to evade the attack, all while extending his right hand from the depths of his pocket. In his hand, he held a blazing white fireball the size of a fist, sending it hurtling toward his assailant like a gift. Fireball Blazing white The man with short gray hair on his face and the back of his hands found himself too close to turn around due to his speed. As these thoughts raced through his mind, he collided with the condensed, blazing-white fireball. Boom! Amidst the muffled explosion, the mans abdomen burst into a bloody mess, emitting a distinct charred smell. After the other party inquired about the Savoie Mobs boss, Lumian discreetly tucked his right hand into his pocket. However, it wasnt to draw a weapon or guard against attacks. Instead, he used his clothes as cover to steadily conjure crimson flames in his palm. Layer by layer, he compressed them to their utmost, turning the flames into a blazing white. The explosive power was on par with a Giant Fireball, but even more concentrated, capable of burning through skin. If the enemys speed hadnt exceeded Lumians expectations, he would have had a high chance of witnessing the enemys neck exploding upon impact. Amidst the rumbling, the man was sent flying, and Lumian was affected by the aftershocks, stumbling backward and tumbling a few times. Both of them got up simultaneously. Lumians shirt and vest bore burn marks, and many parts of his skin were damaged. He saw an irregular, gaping wound on the mans abdomen, with blood-stained intestines flowing out and being stuffed back into place. The surface was marked with fractures and charred spots. Despite the severe injury, the man didnt lose mobility. As he pressed his abdomen to prevent his intestines and other internal organs from spilling out, he let out a low growl of pain, anger, and violence. Accompanied by the growl, short gray fur sprouted from his body, transforming him into a towering wolf. His severed intestines began to writhe, attempting to reconnect. His charred skin slowly healed, and he forcefully closed the huge crack in his abdomen with his palm. Flesh and blood intertwined, bit by bit. What potent vitality Lumian sighed from the bottom of his heart at the sight. He realized that given enough time, the other party would likely recover! The other partys behavior and state reminded Lumian of a few passages recorded in Aurores grimoires: Werewolf, a Sequence 7 of the Prisoner pathway, a category under Mutants. During the full moon or when they nearly lose control of their emotions, they will be controlled by their bloodthirsty and murderous desires, involuntarily transforming into a true werewolf. They possess terrifying strength, agility, and speed, and their self-recovery abilities are outstanding. Their claws and teeth are sturdy and sharp, and they are venomous. They are equivalent to Beyonder weapons of the same Sequence, capable of destroying thinner steel plates. They also know a few dark-type spells, capable of turning ordinary humans into puppet monsters with short lives. Werewolves often appear in the Southern Continent. They are often associated with various terrorist activities in the Northern Continent I actually encountered a Werewolf Beyonder Lumian didnt give the other party time to recover from his injuries. Crimson Fire Ravens materialized behind him, spiraling towards their target. The Werewolf didnt sit idle either. Clutching his stomach to suppress the wound, he approached Lumian with extraordinary speed. Most of the Fire Ravens initial lock-on missed, but a few made minor changes in direction and landed on the target one after another, causing continuous rumbling. The Werewolf suffered several more wounds, leaving him charred and blood-red. Relying on his potent recovery abilities, he swiftly closed the distance between him and Lumian, disregarding his injuries. He intended to engage in close combat with the Pyromaniac, who excelled in spells, and tear him to pieces with his sharp and venomous claws. At some point, the darkness around Lumian further encroached on him, causing him to feel an eerie chill on this summer night and slightly affecting him. In an instant, crimson flames erupted from his body, enveloping him in scorching warmth. The very next second, Lumian turned around and fled, dodging the Werewolfs claws. This made the Werewolf, whose mind was filled with bloodthirsty and murderous desires, feel his adversarys fear. He believed that his target had already gone all out and lacked experience in such battles. He chased after him and caught up to Lumian in a few swift strides. Chapter 295 - 295 Brains Are Important 295 Brains Are Important Sensing the swipe that carried the scent of blood and char behind him, Lumian swiftly pivoted and darted into the alley leading to Rue du Rossignol. The Werewolfs pitch-black eyes were bloodshot, and his severe injuries fueled his anger and desire to kill, overpowering most of his thoughts. He forcefully turned around and sprinted into the alley after Lumian. Seeing Lumian vault over a barricade up ahead, he followed suit and leaped up as well. In the next instant, he caught sight of an uncovered entrance to the sewers. Iron-black stairs led straight into the depths. Lumian deftly stepped on the edge of the sewer entrance and jumped over the natural trap. Bam! The Werewolf crashed into the sewers, finding himself halfway in. His wounds worsened, and his head spun. Lumian seized the moment to turn around and conjure crimson Fire Ravens, sending them spiraling towards the Werewolf, who was stuck at the sewers entrance. Amidst a muffled rumble, the crimson flaming ravens engulfed the area, setting the Werewolfs gray fur on fire, scorching patches of his skin, and tearing more flesh. The Werewolf exerted strength with both hands and finally managed to leap out of the sewers. Lumian took the opportunity to flee, having successfully dealt a blow. The Werewolf grew even angrier. All he wanted was to tear Lumian apart and spill his innards to the street dogs. With a swoosh, Lumian, who had rushed to the alley exit, turned at high speed and sprinted to the left. The Werewolf caught up in a few strides and followed the targets escape route. However, a nearly one-meter tall barricade emerged in the darkness ahead of him. Lumian, already prepared, reached out and pressed down, using the situation to somersault and jump over. The Werewolf realized it too late and didnt have time for other strategies. He could only choose between hastily jumping up or crashing straight into the barricade. Exerting strength in his legs, he attempted to leap to the top of the barricade, but his forward momentum couldnt be stopped. Before he could fully ascend, his feet caught onto the obstacle. Thud! The Werewolf tumbled off the barricade; his fall made him see stars. Lumian halted once more. With one hand in his pocket, he gazed at the enemy. Around him, a new wave of Fire Ravens condensed and flew towards the base of the barricade. The Werewolf tried his best to roll, but he was still struck by at least ten flaming ravens. The wound on his abdomen, which no longer had pressure on it, reopened, and blood-colored intestines flowed out. Only then did the Werewolf realize that he had fallen into the other partys trap. He regained some of his rationality and assessed his weak body and unstable condition. He extinguished the flames over his body and struggled to his feet, attempting to escape. At that moment, Lumians mocking voice echoed in his ears. Didnt your mommy tell you not to fight in an environment familiar to Hunters? You actually dared to pursue me on Rue Anarchie and the surrounding areas. I can only say that brains are important, but you dont have any. The Werewolfs mind buzzed, and he became abnormally infuriated. He willingly sacrificed his rationality and erupted with desire, bolstering his body in all aspects. He had become a Lunatic! He pursued Lumian once more. Occasionally, Lumian would abruptly halt and counterattack. Other times, he would sneak under a stone statues arm from a corner. When the Werewolf slammed into an obstacle, Lumian would turn around and unleash a volley of crimson Fire Ravens. Sometimes, he would feign entering Underground Trier but lie in ambush, waiting for the incoming attack. As the pursuit continued, the Werewolf finally reached his limit, his body teetering on the brink of collapse. Regaining his senses from his frenzied state, he felt a strong premonition of danger. All he wanted was to leave this area and escape Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. At that moment, Lumian halted, as if he had sensed something. He turned around and smiled. He watched as the Werewolf fled much slower than before while condensing a blazing white spear in his hand. Lumian swung his body and hurled the flaming spear. A blazing white stream of light streaked through the air, piercing the Werewolfs ravaged body, pinning him to the ground, and setting him ablaze. Amidst the sudden blaze, Lumian walked toward the enemy with one hand in his pocket. Crimson Fire Ravens materialized behind him, whistling and spiraling as they approached the Werewolf. They burrowed into his wounds, destroying his heart, lungs, and other organs. By the time Lumian reached his target, the Mutant was no longer breathinghe was dead. His eyes were wide open, filled with regret and fear. Whyd you have to attack me? If you needed something, you couldve just gone to the Boss of our Savoie Mob, couldnt you? Lumian shook his head while looking down at the Werewolf. Did you plan on turning me into a puppet for the assassination of Gardner Martin? Did you really think so low of mobsters? Your confidence made you arrogant. Earlier, Lumian prepared for a tough battle. He had even prepared for a Sequence 6. His escape route was always near Rue des Blouses Blanches. Once there, he could get Francas attention and have her secretly use the enemys blood to cast a fatal curse. Lumian considered using the explosion caused by a fireball on Avenue du March to create a commotion and scare the enemy away if capturing the target proved difficult even with teamwork. But the enemys madness and desire to kill made Lumian doubt if he could think rationally and end the battle quickly to escape the pursuit of official Beyonders. He himself had to hold on until dawn arrived. Squatting down, Lumian searched the Werewolfs clothes, finding only 3 verl dor coins, burnt banknotes, and a wallet without anything useful. Have you never considered bribing me? Do you only want to rely on your strength to intimidate me? Lumian cursed, his heart aching. He wasnt too disappointed as he knew the chances of this Werewolf being a bestowed were slim. Soon, it could secrete a Sequence 7 Beyonder characteristic that included Sequence 9 and Sequence 8 Beyonder characteristics, worth 30,000 to 40,000 verl dor, or even more. He could use it to complement the Shadow Branch, create mystical items, or exchange it for more suitable Beyonder characteristics. Considering the relatively weak explosions he caused, Lumian didnt linger on the street. After briefly dealing with the Werewolfs corpse, he picked him up and brought him to the back door of Salle de Bal Brise. Sarkota and the other members of the Savoie Mob were no strangers to destroying corpses, quickly placing the body inside a bag and sending people to clean up the blood along the way. Lumian tossed the body bag into the carriage belonging to Salle de Bal Brise, fully intending to find Gardner Martin that very night. During the journey, he opened the body bag several times and finally noticed a blackish-green light secreting from the corpse, which merged with a sharp canine fang. After a few seconds, Lumian had obtained this strange black-green fang. After a moments consideration, he decided to keep the fang in the body bag and see what Gardner Martin would do. Based on the Commanding Officers behavior, Lumian knew he would undoubtedly reward him when the time came. He might hand over the Werewolf Beyonder characteristic, switch it to another one, or purchase it at market value. In any case, Lumian was ready to be honest about it. Around 1 a.m., Salle de Bal Brises carriage stopped at 11 Rue des Fontaines in Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative. Lumian unceremoniously pulled the rope beside the iron fence door, causing the chimes to reverberate through the grayish-white three-story villa. Before long, a valet of Southern Continent descent arrived and opened the door, though he looked displeased at being woken up. When he saw Lumians charred and tattered clothes and the body bag he dragged behind him, his attitude changed to that of a courteous servant. Lumian brought the body bag into the villa and saw Faustino, the butler, who was also a member of the Iron and Blood Cross Order. After tying his bow tie, Faustino stared at Lumian and the body bag for a few seconds before asking in surprise, Whats this? A strange fellow, Lumian replied with a smile. Faustino didnt inquire further and led Lumian into the activity room on the first floor. There, Gardner Martin, donning a dark-blue silk robe, sat in a recliner and asked with a smile, Whos in the body bag? For you to rush here overnight, it doesnt seem simple. Lumian untied the body bag and dumped the Werewolfs corpse and the strange black-green fang onto the carpet in the activity room. Gardner Martins expression turned serious at a single glance. A Werewolf Lumian chuckled. He came to me to inquire about the identity of the Boss of our Savoie Mob. He even wanted to control me and turn me into a puppet. Gardner Martin nodded slowly and said, And? And then? Lumian raised his eyebrows and replied with a smile, Then I killed him. Upon hearing this, Faustino, the butler standing beside the Commanding Officer, glanced at the Werewolfs corpse on the ground and then at Lumian, whose clothes were clearly charred and torn. His expression was no longer calm and composed. Gardner Martins eyes narrowed. After a few seconds of silence, he sighed and said, Unfortunately, you dont know how to channel spirits; we missed out on a lot of information. Lumian wanted to say, Perhaps I need a mystical item that can channel spirits, but he was worried that it would take up a portion of the reward and cause the Shadow Branch to lose its match. Gardner Martin continued, Ill arrange for follow-up investigations and responses. Dont worry about this for the time being. Ill inform you when you need to carry out your mission. Whats he up to? He doesnt seem simple. Lumian glanced at the Werewolfs corpse and deliberately expressed his confusion. Gardner Martin shook his head. I cant be sure yet. He then looked at Lumian and asked with a smile, Do you want this Werewolf fang or something else? What are the choices? Lumian didnt hold back. Chapter 296 - 296 Request 296 Request Gardner Martin was well accustomed to Lumians straightforwardness. He gave a slight nod and said, If you want a quick trade, I have three items of equal value to the Werewolf fang. The first is the Shadow Bracelet, a mystical item that lets you conceal yourself within larger shadows. It can summon a Shadow Servant with a few special abilities and can bring shadows to life to restrain targets to some extent. Its a foreboding item. More than a third of those whove used it have gone mad, while another third mysteriously disappeared without it, never to be seen again. Many of those who remain seem fine, but they often complain of tinnitus and hallucinate sounds. In recent years, unless there are special circumstances, no one has dared to use this mystical item. Lumian expressed his confusion through his gaze: Then why are you offering it to me? Do I look like a lunatic or an idiot to you? Gardner Martin smiled and explained, Im one of the few people who hasnt encountered problems with the Shadow Bracelet. I know a way to weaken its negative effects, but I can only tell you if you choose it. When did you start hallucinating that theres nothing wrong with you? Lumian suppressed his concerns and held his tongue. He thought that Gardner Martin, who had been corrupted by the abnormality at 13 Avenue du March, might not be any better than those who had gone mad or disappeared mysteriously. According to Madam Magicians description of corruption, the person standing before him might not be the same Gardner Martin as before. Gardner Martin glanced at Lumian and smiled. Actually, theres no need to be so reserved in front of me. That wont make you seem like a Hunter who hasnt advanced to Sequence 6. If you say something that might provoke me, Ill probably just respond with sarcasm. Look, isnt Albus still alive and well? Yes, CO Sir, Lumian replied, not revealing the secrets that couldnt be disclosed to the Iron and Blood Cross Order. Gardner Martin got up from his recliner and continued, The second item is a Beyonder characteristic left behind by a Spirit Medium. Do you know what Beyonder characteristics are? Lumian answered calmly, Killing a Beyonder creature will yield one of the main ingredients for concocting a potion. Killing a Beyonder will definitely yield the corresponding items, just like the transparent golden-red ball from Hammer Ait and this Werewolf fang. I believe these are Beyonder characteristics. They all correspond to a potion. Theres no need to gather additional main ingredients, right? Gardner Martin nodded approvingly. Thats right. Your judgment is accurate. Gardner Martin didnt go into detail about the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Indestructibility, as if he believed it involved many secrets Lumian couldnt grasp at the moment. With his hands clasped behind his back, Gardner Martin paced in front of the unlit fireplace. Spirit Medium. From its name, you can roughly guess the abilities of the mystical item created from it. Of course, what you obtain depends on an Artisans ability. If Im not mistaken, it should be an Eye of Death, allowing one to disguise as a zombie and endure the effects of decay, cold, death, and other auras. It can also identify the weaknesses of undead creatures and directly communicate with natural spirits and various undead creatures in the real world, using them for various magical effects. If youre lucky enough, you might even have all of those abilities. Try not to carry this Beyonder characteristic with you. Otherwise, youll become the target of surrounding natural spirits and undead creatures. Youll never know when you might suffer a bizarre attack. Impressive as it sounds, its somewhat similar to a Contracteerelying on other creatures to gain strength Lumian pondered for a few seconds and asked, And the third? Gardner Martin settled back into his recliner. Its also a Beyonder characteristic. If you carry it, youll find yourself rather lucky. This will be reflected in the details of various matters. The corresponding Sequence name is Lucky One, but you have to remember that reveling in luck is often a precursor to disaster. Also, it might allow you to see things you shouldnt see. Sequence 7 of the Monster pathway? Lumian recalled the contents of Aurores grimoires. The Monster pathway, also known as the Fate pathway, was a pathway known for its high spiritual perception and close connection to fate. Lumian chuckled and said, The Lucky One ultimately transformed into a Beyonder characteristic in an unlucky manner? What an ironic joke. Gardner Martin agreed. Dont underestimate bad luck, and dont rely on luck. Otherwise, you may also become a Beyonder characteristic. Very philosophical. Lumian took note of the words filled with experience and lessons learned. He carefully recalled Gardner Martins introduction and realized that he wasnt stingy with information about the corresponding Sequences. Merely the descriptions of the abilities of a Spirit Medium and Lucky One could fetch a good price at many mystical gatherings. Gardner Martin pointed at the blackish-green fang on the ground. Its a Werewolf Beyonder characteristic. Once transformed into a mystical item, it should provide powerful self-healing abilities, allow transformation into a werewolf, and grant a short burst of power at the expense of rationality. But, as you saw, Werewolves are always affected by killing and bloodlust. During the full moon or Blood Moon, theres the latent danger of losing your mind and control. Have you decided which item to choose? If you choose the Beyonder characteristics, I can help you contact an Artisan and assist with the production fee. Its the reward you deserve for your contribution tonight. Is the Artisan youre hiring a Saint? How will you react if you discover that Im hiding a Shadow Branch? Lumian wondered, seriously considering his options. First, he eliminated the Shadow Bracelet, suspected to be a mystical item of Mr. Ks pathway. Mr. K might offer similar but better options in his rewards soon. Besides, the negative effects of the Shadow Bracelet were too perilous. Even if Gardner Martin claimed he could weaken them, Lumian didnt dare take the risk. Most importantly, such a risk was pointless. A Spirit Medium can compensate for my shortcomings, but it doesnt complement the Shadow Branch. I cant create a mystical item with the effect of lingering human-ghost emotions. Yes, some characteristics overlap with a Contractee Lucky One can make the Shadow Branch always trigger suitable desires? The Werewolfs rationality sacrifice and the influence of being murderous and bloodthirsty are quite compatible with the Shadow Branch. I wonder what kind of mystical item it would produce After careful consideration that spanned a few minutes, Lumian made his decision. I want Lucky One. The main reason he gave up the Werewolf Beyonder characteristic was its potential negative effect of losing rationality. Others might find ways to reduce the impact, using it only when facing enemies or avoiding certain lunar phases. But Lumian couldnt take that risk. Losing his mind even once could lead to Termiboros exploiting him and causing the seal to lose its balance. Furthermore, he belonged to the Inevitability domain as a Beyonder in some way. In the future, when he reached a higher Sequence, he might be able to enhance the mystical items effects through the Lucky One trait. As for seeing things he shouldnt, Lumian already had the Mystery Prying Glasses, so having something similar didnt bother him. Gardner Martin seemed surprised. He had expected Lumian to choose between the Spirit Medium Beyonder characteristic and Shadow Bracelet. However, he quickly composed himself and didnt inquire further. With a smile, he said, Humans are obsessed with good luck. The Boss of the Savoie Mob, Commanding Officer of the Iron and Blood Cross Order, briefly left the activity room and went upstairs. A few minutes later, he returned with a transparent glass jar, once used to hold sweets. Inside the jar lay a mercury-colored eyeball, swiveling left and right as if it were alive. To carry and store it, place it in a narrow dark space, Gardner Martin instructed as he wrapped the jar in black cloth. Handing the item to Lumian, he added, Change the jar every seven days. Thank you, CO Sir. Lumian put the glass jar containing the Lucky One Beyonder characteristic into his pocket. Gardner Martin didnt wonder why Lumian didnt ask him to contact an Artisan. The true effects of a mystical item were something the wielder wanted to keep as secret as possible. Seeking an unknown Artisan was more conducive to secrecy. Just as these thoughts crossed his mind, Lumian brought up the matter himself. CO Sir, Id like to exchange the free Artisan service for other rewards. Curious, Gardner Martin asked, What reward do you desire? A grin crept across Lumians face. Help me find someone. Who? Gardner Martin had a hunch. Lumians expression turned serious. Guillaume Bnet. Since you know Im from Cordu, you must have seen the padres wanted poster. Ive been tracking him, hoping to apprehend the heretic who caused disaster for me. I just received information that he might appear in Quartier de la Princesse Rouge next week. Id like to request your assistance in locating him, CO Sir. Gardner Martin burst into laughter. I thought you wanted to handle it yourself, enduring pain, tracking alone, and seeking revenge in secret. Nicely done. Youve learned to leverage an organizations strength sooner than I expected. Thats something a Hunter must understand. I agree to your request. Chapter 297 - 297 Informant Contract 297 Informant Contract On his way back to the market district, Lumian leaned against the carriage wall, pondering the whole situation once more. He realized he had overlooked a problem. A Sequence 7 mysteriously vanishes during a relatively simple mission, and it is now suspected to be dead. Would the secret organization behind him just pretend that nothing had happened? Would they realize the truth tonight and launch an investigation? As a Conspirer, theres no way the Boss wouldnt have thought of this. Yet, he didnt warn me and allowed me to go home alone Is he using me as bait? Yes, the secret organization behind the Werewolf might not take action tonight. As long as they keep their wits about them, they should realize that their missing subordinate is a huge problem. It seems the Savoie Mob is not as simple as it appears. If I were in their shoes, Id hold back for a while until further events unfold. Then, Id use the chaos to figure out the true situation of the Savoie Mob. Of course, if they have an angels protection and can get Him to temporarily descend upon Salle de Bal Brise, they can do whatever they want Now that I think about it, although that Werewolf was arrogant, he wasnt that stupid or reckless. Hes just average. He must have captured some ordinary members of the Savoie Mob beforehand and roughly figured out the situation of the few leaders before targeting the leader who recently joined the Savoie Mobme. Logically speaking, I wouldnt have been involved in the Savoie Mobs core matters. I wouldnt know many secrets, and I wont cause too many implications Furthermore, ordinary members of the Savoie Mob dont know that Ive advanced to Pyromaniac. Judging from my recent combat records, that fellow believes he can easily handle me. In close combat, a Werewolf with stronger self-healing abilities, faster speed, greater strength, and nimble reactions, possessing claws equivalent to Beyonder weapons, is far superior to a Provoker By the time Lumian returned to Salle de Bal Brise, he had already sorted out the situation. He touched Mr. Ks finger in his pocket and entered the room on the second floor, seemingly oblivious. He washed up and went to bed. As the sun began to rise, Jenna hurriedly left 17 Rue Pasteur in Quartier du Jardin Botanique, a piece of toast in her mouth. Last night, she had returned to visit her brother. She tossed and turned in the bed that she had shared with her mother until midnight before finally falling asleep. She woke up early in the morning, not wanting to run into her neighbors who might inquire about the wanted criminal named Celia Bello. It was still dark, and the streets were mostly empty. Jenna passed by the few vendors and passersby and turned into an alley near Rue Saint-Hilaire, which was even more desolate. And then, she saw a familiar figure approaching. He was a man with brown skin, thick lips, and light-yellow hair neatly combed. He had native blood from the Southern Continent and an inconspicuous piece of tape on the bridge of his nose. Wearing a light-colored shirt and a yellow vest, a golden Sun Sacred Emblem was pinned to his chest. Sun Sacred Emblem Jennas heart skipped a beat as she remembered who he was. He was a Beyonder from the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, once responsible for protecting Hugues Artois! Jenna instinctively wanted to turn and leave the alley, but she noticed another Beyonder from the Eternal Blazing Sun Church standing guard at the alleys exit! He too was an Eternal Blazing Sun Church Beyonder who had protected Hugues Artois! Valentines eyes were bluer than lake water, and his expression was cold. Jenna stopped turning and held her breath. Her right hand rested on her waist, ready to draw her hidden revolver and dagger in an instant. Seeing her cautious stance, Imre quickly called out, Relax! Were not here to arrest you. Recalling Francas analysis about the possibility of the official Beyonders making her an informant, Jenna calmed down a bit, but still eyed Imre and Valentine warily. Imre flashed a friendly smile and said, We do eliminate wild Beyonders, but that doesnt mean we dont have options. Dont be intimidated by the rumors about the stake. This is Trier. Wild Beyonders who arent truly sinful wont face such a fate. Of course, similar cases happen in other provinces, villages, small cities, and towns. Jenna grew more certain of the official Beyonders intentions. She feigned inexperience and asked, What do you want from me? Imre smiled. We hope you can cooperate with us. In fact, if we hadnt deliberately let you go, you would have been arrested long ago. Jenna pondered for a moment, thinking about how she managed to lead a peaceful life after assassinating Hugues Artois. After a while, she asked hesitantly, Cooperate? Imre smiled and nodded. Let me introduce myself. Im Imre, a Purifier of the Eternal Blazing Sun Churchs Inquisition. This is my colleague, Valentine. Not every wild Beyonder earns our goodwill and the chance to cooperate. Weve looked into your situation and confirmed that youre also a believer of God and havent committed any serious offenses. Moreover, after gaining superpowers, you restrained yourself and didnt misuse your abilities, except for assassinating Hugues Artois. We understand your hatred and your choice. After all, hes a heretic who deserves death. Anyone has the right to purify him on behalf of God. You must know that if we hadnt arranged it and deliberately turned a blind eye to your actions, you wouldnt have escaped from the member of parliaments office. Jenna nodded slowly, showing that she had realized it later. Imre continued, Because youre a believer who inherently stays true to yourself and doesnt abuse your abilities, we want to invite you to be our informant and provide us with corresponding intel. Dont worry, we wont force you to betray your friends. We just want you to keep an eye out for anything that might bring disaster to the market district and Trier. Stay true to myself and refrain from abusing my abilities I used to be like that in the past, barely so in the present, but will I be in the future? Jenna thought, mocking herself. She wanted to tell them that they had arrived too late, and she was no longer the same person. After a moments hesitation, she said, I also live in the market district. Id be glad to help resolve any issues that might harm this place through you. She tactfully expressed her willingness to cooperate. At that moment, Jenna felt inspired and blurted out, I discovered something two days ago! What? Imre glanced at his teammate Valentine in surprise. They hadnt expected their newly-hired informant to provide intel right away. Jenna recounted how shed attended a mysterious gathering where she heard about the disappearance of the Deep Valley Cloisters gatekeeper. Upon accepting the corresponding commission, she described how she and her companion accidentally stumbled upon a cybernetic-eyed monk entering a nearby quarry and opening a secret cave filled with numerous human arms and legs. Throughout the process, she kept her companions identity and name, as well as the time and location of the mysticism gathering, hidden. Imre and Valentine were a mix of joy and solemnity. They were delighted by the unexpected gain, but the peculiarity of the situation also troubled them. Very good. Thats the kind of cooperation we need, Imre praised Jenna after she finished speaking. Valentine nodded reluctantly. It wasnt that he didnt see the need for such an informant; the incident with Hugues Artois had changed his perception of wild Beyonders significantly. However, he was a bit emotional as Imre could have convinced Celia Bello alone, yet he insisted on involving Valentine. After praising the morning sun, he could have gone home to rest and enjoy breakfast with his family. Nevertheless, Imres reasoning was sound. According to the rules, it was best to have two Purifiers present when developing informants, especially Beyonders who belonged to a few pathways like Demoness. Imre explained that over the years, many Purifiers had fallen into the trap of being seduced while developing Demonesses as informants or pursuing them. This led them to fall in love, betray the Church, and lose control amid the torment of faith. Hence, having two Purifiers to supervise each other in such cases was essential. Though Jenna was still an Assassin and had plenty to go before qualifying as a true Demoness of Pleasure, one couldnt be careless about such matters, especially with a rare female Assassin. After the praise, Imre added, Cooperation means both sides can benefit from this matter. Well reward you accordingly based on the intel you provide. You can choose from money, materials, knowledge, weapons, and more. Jenna hesitated for a moment before asking, Will there be a reward for what I just said? What do you want? Imre inquired. The main ingredient of the Instigator potion, Jenna replied without hesitation, having already received the potion formula from Franca. Imre wasnt surprised. He nodded and said, Well discuss it after we verify the authenticity and importance of this intel. Alright, Jenna replied, not too disappointed as she didnt hold out much hope. Imre produced an ordinary-looking piece of white paper with a few simple clauses written on it, outlining what he had just said. The terms didnt demand Jennas faith to be constantly with the Eternal Blazing Sun, but they required her not to believe in an evil god. Being experienced, Jenna read the terms over and over again until she confirmed that there were no issues, and then she readily signed her real name. She watched Imre take out a fountain pen made of pure gold and sign his name. He then quickly wrote a few bright red words in the Notary position. A sun-like glow briefly enveloped the contract before vanishing. After bidding farewell to Imre and Valentine, Jenna headed towards Rue des Blouses Blanches. Apartment 601, 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches. Lumian roused Franca from her sleep at the crack of dawn and faced her wrathful expression as he recounted the Werewolf incident. Franca swiftly focused her mind and mumbled contemplatively, If theres a follow-up investigation, the one youll face will either be Zombie or Wraith. Im more inclined to believe the latter. Huh? Lumian was bewildered. Franca explained matter-of-factly, They are Sequence 6 and Sequence 5 of the Prisoner pathway. Lumian sighed, still puzzled, and commented, You seem to know this pathway quite well. Of course. Franca chuckled. In the whole world, besides a few Prisoner pathway Beyonders, the rest belong to two factions. One is the Southern Continents terrorist organization, the Rose School of Thought, that I mentioned earlier, and the other is At this point, she paused, teasing Lumian deliberately. After a few seconds, she revealed, Mr. Fools Church. Chapter 298 - 298 Rose School of Thought 298 Rose School of Thought Mr. Fools Church? Lumian was both surprised and unsurprised by the answer. He hadnt expected the Church of The Fool to have a large number of Beyonders from the Prisoner pathway, but he figured that, according to the Bibles description, it wasnt too surprising for anyone from any pathway to appear. Franca smiled and began to explain in detail, Actually, the Prisoner pathway Beyonders of the Rose School of Thought and the Prisoner pathway Beyonders of the Church of The Fool were originally one. They later fractured? Lumian hazarded a guess. Franca confirmed tersely. The Rose School of Thought is an incredibly ancient organization, boasting a history stretching back over two millennia, even predating the Fourth Epochprior to the Cataclysm. Over 2,000 years old Lumian was astonished. When he learned that the Iron and Blood Cross Order had been established only 200 to 300 years ago, he had considered it ancient. But compared to the Rose School of Thought, the Iron and Blood Cross Order seemed like a child who hadnt even attended compulsory education. Franca continued, The Rose School of Thought was originally an orthodox organization in the Southern Continent. It ruled the Paz Valley and Star Highlands, where the government and the church were one, until the invasion of the Northern Continents countries. When the invasion occurred, they lost their country and went underground, becoming clandestine. On the one hand, they resisted the colonists and attempted to expel them from the Southern Continent. On the other hand, they frequently caused terrorist acts in the Northern Continent. Heh heh, this actually had no effect on their resistance to colonization. Instead, it incurred the hatred of the people of various countries. Of course, their primary goal might not be this. Perhaps its purely for blood sacrifice and certain rituals. How did they fracture? Lumian was more concerned about this question. Franca leisurely paced two steps in the living room. The Rose School of Thought has held different beliefs for ages. Their core principle revolves around the notion that willpower is born from diverse desires, capable of reshaping reality and achieving incredible feats. Yet, theres a divide in how they approach these desires. Some adhere to indulgence, embracing passionate cravings at all times, even resorting to bloody or primitive sacrificial rituals to bolster their willpower. On the other hand, the temperance faction, working from the potions names, advocates for suppressing desires, keeping them pent up within their hearts, only unleashing them during critical moments to unleash formidable forces. Hence, one faction is known for indulgence, while the other is the temperance faction. Prisoner Lumian silently echoed the name of Sequence 9 potion and pondered. I reckon the temperance faction has got it right. Any sensible person would think the same. After all, the body is like a cage for the heart, and the world is a cage for the body. Madness must be curbed, and desires must be reined in, Franca sneered. But therell always be a few with a few screws loose. After indulgence, all thats left is madness. Theyll barely be able to retain their basic faculties. No wonder the Werewolf reacted that way It seems he truly belongs to the Rose School of Thought If the others in their ranks share his mindset, it only confirms their strength. Surviving to this day without wit would demand remarkable strength Lumians thoughts carried both mockery and vigilance. Franca gazed out the window, watching the daylight grow brighter, and spoke, In the beginning, the indulgence faction and the temperance faction barely tolerated each other. If you ignore me, I wont meddle with you or the people you protect. But later, the indulgence faction started claiming that the Chained God, whom both factions believe in, is actually the embodiment of some evil god. Some evil god Giving in to desires Lumians brow furrowed as he sought confirmation. Mother Tree of Desire? Yes, Franca smiled. Someone you know, or rather, a deity you know. No, I dont want to know Her at all The Rose School of Thought actually believes in the Mother Tree of Desire. The Werewolfs investigation of the Savoie Mobs information seems more complicated than I suspected Does the Bliss Society have any connection to the Rose School of Thought? Or do they withhold such information? Lumian fell deep into thought. Franca sighed sincerely and said, Powers related to desire can be quite useful, but why cant they be used for the right purpose? Blame it on the evil god? Lumian cautioned his companion. Its best if you dont try. Franca smiled sheepishly and said, I still know what I can try and what I shouldnt. I understand the dangers posed by evil gods better than you. Yes, later on, the indulgence faction launched a surprise attack on the temperance faction and inflicted severe injuries. The remaining members of the temperance faction fled in a sorry state and were hunted down for a long time until they found protection under Mr. Fool. Ive heard that Saint Sharron from Mr. Fools Church was once a member of the temperance faction. Likewise for the Angel of the Holy Spirit beside Mr. Fools throne The indulgence faction is terrifyingly powerful to be able to hunt down the angel-led temperance faction and send them scurrying. Theres no doubt they have angels, and not just one And Mr. Fools Church can protect the temperance faction After hearing this, Lumian gained a rough understanding of the Rose School of Thoughts history. He grew more confident in the Church of The Fools strength and associated some of the names from the Bible with significant figures in reality. Simultaneously, he understood why the Knight of Swords, the other holder of a Minor Arcana card, intended to blow up the Rose School of Thoughts weapons warehouse. Heh heh, should we stop calling it the Rose School of Thought? Cant we just call it the School of Indulgence? Lumian taunted. Franca replied in amusement, What a lame name! Do you think every secret organization is as uncreative as the Iron and Blood Cross Order? As they chatted, they heard Jennas familiar gait approaching. Jenna opened the door and was taken aback to find Lumian standing there. Something happened to him last night, Franca explained. What happened? Jenna scrutinized Lumian but found no signs of injury. Franca briefly recounted the Werewolf and Rose School of Thought, leaving out the deep connection that tied her, Lumian, and the Church of The Fool. The more Jenna listened, the more alarmed she became. She felt that a Sequence 9 was nothing in the world of mysticism. Her determination to become an Instigator as soon as possible grew stronger. After the discussion, Franca added, Ill briefly explain the situation of Zombie and the Wraith so you dont rush forward without knowing anything or sense the abnormality without realizing it. Compared to Werewolf, a Zombies greatest transformation is their steel-like sturdiness. Theyre unafraid of fire, bullets, or cannonballs. You need to hit the same spot more than five times in a row to break through their defenses. As Zombies, as long as their heads remain intact, they are not in danger. They have also mastered decomposition, frost, and death-type spells that can awaken and control ghosts and corpses. A Wraith can freely transform into a specter. They no longer have a physical body and are unafraid of physical damage. Their spellcasting abilities are significantly improved. They can even forcefully possess you, taking control of your body and making you kill yourself. After entering the Wraith state, they can traverse different mirrors and use them to conceal themselves. Even if you activate your Spirit Vision, its almost impossible to see them directly. If you encounter something similar to a poltergeist, you mustnt be careless. You have to consider the possibility of dealing with a true Wraith. Lumian listened attentively and pondered before saying, Are attacks targeting the spirit more effective against Zombies and Wraiths? Yes, I recommend the abilities of the Sun domain, Franca said with a chuckle. However, I suggest that you run if you can when facing such an enemy. If you cant, seek help quickly. Lumian never found it embarrassing to ask for help. As he expressed his agreement, he proposed a new idea. Theyre all members of the indulgence faction. Wouldnt it be better to deal with them using an ability to influence desires? If that was the case, the mystical item made from Shadow Branch would come in handy. Lumian had yet to contact Madam Magician. He planned to wait for Mr. K to reward him before deciding which domains Beyonder characteristic to match the Shadow Branch. In theory, yes, but it might have the opposite effect, Franca warned him. After discussing the Rose School of Thought, Jenna recounted how she had been recruited as an informant and provided information about the Deep Valley Cloister. Franca genuinely felt happy for her. Thats right. This way, youll have a fixed source for resources, but the officials are very strict about key items. You cant rely on them completely. Lumian hadnt expected Valentine to be in the market district as well. He was concerned about his lack of necessary disguises. The Mystery Prying Glasses could only be used at critical moments. After some thought, he said to Jenna, Showing your devotion to the Eternal Blazing Sun in front of a Purifier will yield unexpected gains. You seem very experienced. Jennas eyes darted around, sensing that Ciel held many secrets. Leaving 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches, Lumian strolled back to Salle de Bal Brise. The more he delved into secret organizations, the more he sensed his lack of knowledge about mysticism. Lumian sipped a glass of absinthe and settled into his office. Just as he was about to find a more comfortable position, starlight oozed forth, forming a dazzling and dreamy door. The door swung open, and Madam Magician emerged. Today, she sported a beige shirt, a brownish-yellow dress, and dark brown leather boots. Whats the matter? Lumian rose to his feet. Madam Magician grinned and replied, The friend I mentioned earlier, the one who can help you decipher the symbolic elements, has finished his recent work and is on a short vacation. Ill take you to him now. Lumian responded with unusual excitement, Alright! Chapter 299 - 299 Interpretation 299 Interpretation Lumian had been eagerly waiting for the dream symbols to be interpreted so that he could get enough clues before meeting with Padre Guillaume Bnet. Only then could he effectively interrogate his target. This time, when Madam Magician placed her hand on his shoulder, the usual layers of saturated colors and strange creatures were absent. Instead, he felt a surge of starlight before finding himself in a distorted and concealed dark tunnel. His spirit and body seemed in chaos, unsure if he was moving forward, retreating, or simultaneously ascending and descending. The state lasted briefly, but Lumian couldnt grasp the duration accurately, as if time had slipped from his grasp temporarily. When he returned to his senses, he almost suspected that he was at Salle de Bal Brise just a moment ago, and in the next instant, he had arrived at his destination. Before him lay a primitive forest, its dense canopy almost blotting out the sky. In an open space surrounded by towering trees stood a brownish-yellow hunters hut. Go in, Madam Magicians voice echoed, though he couldnt see the demigod. Following her instructions, Lumian stepped forward, treading on tumbling leeches and navigating through the dancing poisonous insects in the air and vegetation. He reached the hunters hut and pushed open the unlatched wooden door. Inside, rows of bookshelves lined the walls, and a wooden table stood in the center, seemingly existing in a different world compared to the primitive forest outside. A figure sat behind the table, dressed in a white shirt and an open black coat, appearing somewhat obscured by a thick fog. Lumian could barely make out the clothes, facial features, and gender of the person, but not his face clearly. Have a seat, the figure spoke with a slightly magnetic and ethereal voice. Hello, Lumian greeted with a polite bow before taking a seat. May I know how I should address you? The figure pondered for a moment and replied, Think of me as a poet. Poet? Lumian didnt fully grasp the significance of the code name, but he still chose to show respect. Hello, Mr. Poet. The poet gave a small nod and said, Magician has already shared the entire dream and related information with me, but Id still like to hear you recount it in detail. Addressing her directly as Magician Is he also a member of the Tarot Club? A holder of a Major Arcana card? Lumian sized up the poet opposite him with a guess. In the dense fogs outline, he got a clearer impression. His black hair was longer than usual, giving him an artistic appearance. His eyes were emerald green, not sharp but captivating. He had a slim face and a relaxed posture The combination of these elements and the thick fog made the poet seem like he emerged from a dream. Alright, Lumian replied. He recounted Cordus nightmare, supplemented by the various traces found in the ruins and the vast amount of information he gathered over the past month. Compared to before, his emotions were still stirred by recalling these matters, but not as intensely. Throughout the entire process, he only took a single deep breath. As he spoke, Lumian noticed the poet, leaning back in his chair, clasping his hands between his chest and abdomen. The poets green eyes were much clearer than before. In the next second, Lumian noticed strange insects crawling in and out of the other partys eye sockets. The insects switched between translucency and opaqueness, as if carrying rings on their backs. Such a scene nearly made Lumian forget to continue his recount. It was like facing the headless monster created by Supervisor Olson. He couldnt help but feel shocked. He composed himself and forced himself to ignore the strange insects wriggling into his eyes, expressing everything he wanted to say. After his words trailed off, the poet fell silent for a moment before continuing, Its truly a dream filled with symbolic meaning. Lets start with the simplest partthe deceased Warlock in the tomb. Doesnt it symbolize Aurore becoming Inevitabilitys Blessed and ultimately dying? Lumian was about to ask this question, but before he could, the poet seemed to sense his thoughts and took the initiative to explain. This is a typical dual-structure symbol. In other words, it contains two layers of meaning. The first layer is about the Warlock representing the power of Inevitability, or rather, corruption. And it also stands for Termiboros. The coffin is like the concept of death. Both symbolize the sealing of Inevitabilitys power and its loss of vitality. The tomb itself represents the seal. In the dream, we can see that the Warlock is truly dead and has never left the tomb. This aligns with the sealed state on your body. Your sister Aurore got some boon from Inevitability in this incident as well. Shes suspected to be one of the leaders, embodying the power of Inevitability to a certain extent. Plus, shes already dead, so the Warlock matter takes on a second symbolic meaning. These two layers of symbolism are superimposed through Inevitabilitys core power, which can easily make interpreters overlook one of them. So thats how it is Lumians heart sank as he gradually became convinced by the poet. From another perspective, he now understood the essence of the Warlock legend. The poet kept his seated posture, and there were no longer any strange insects crawling in and out of his eye sockets. Now that weve unraveled the full symbolism of the deceased Warlock, theres a preliminary answer for the owl and the other you. The other you symbolizes both your mutated personality due to corruption and Termiboross attempt to achieve His goal by influencing your thoughts. If we only had the first symbol, the other you probably wouldnt be able to leave the tomb. The fact that the owl can freely enter and exit the deceased Warlocks tomb means that it can bypass the seal to some extent. It also displayed a few characteristics: monitoring your changes, not showing up at critical moments, and guarding the deceased Warlock. Based on our interpretation of the symbolic meaning of the deceased Warlock, the owl represents another Blessed of Inevitability, assigned to monitor your condition. Its attitude towards the deceased Warlock is quite ambiguous. It didnt exhibit the protective behavior it should have, nor did it assist during the final ritual with the angels descent. Bypassing the seal suggests its in the outside world and might be communicating with Termiboros in some way. Im not entirely sure about that yet. You shouldnt ignore other possibilities. So, the symbol of the Sufferer turns out to be the owl. I thought it was the other me or Aurore Lumian heaved a sigh of relief but also felt a sense of disappointment. During the momentary pause in the poets speech, he seized the opportunity to pose a question. The underground altar exists, but what does the Sufferer aura in the dream symbolize? The first layer symbolizes the previous appearance of the power of Inevitability there, but only on this layer. Its unlikely that the symbolic elements will take the form of the Sufferer aura. The poet took a moment to interpret. As for the second layer, if the owlthe Blessed of Inevitabilitywho watches over you is already a Sufferer, it means it doesnt want others to come into contact with the altar of Inevitability. It also symbolizes the power of Inevitability. Furthermore, we observed that you suffered the least damage back then. This suggests that the Sufferer isnt willing to kill you. It might even protect you to some extent. This is quite similar to the psychiatric treatment you experienced in Triers market district. So, from the beginning, that person was already eying Termiboros? Of course, before his intentions are fully revealed, he will cooperate with Termiboros to do something Termiboros attempted to influence me several times, but without success. Could this be the reason? Lumian couldnt help but sympathize with the Inevitability angel sealed in his chest. The poet continued, I suspect theres a third symbolic layer. It represents a true Sufferer in Cordu, a Sufferer whos not at the Beyonder level. A true Sufferer Lumians heart skipped a beat. He made numerous connections but couldnt find the correct answer. The poet wasnt entirely certain about this, so he didnt elaborate further. Instead, he focused on interpreting the symbol that Lumian was most concerned about. Whether or not the lizard-like elf actually exists, its symbolic importance in the dream is quite evident. Firstly, it represents a yearning for the cemetery and a fascination with entering and exiting tombs, but it never truly enters the tomb of the deceased Warlock. This signifies its affiliation with another faction, linked to the power of Inevitability, yet not exactly the same. It appears to be using this connection to seek and attain something related to Inevitability. Another faction Lumian recalled the diaphanous lizard present during the Tree of Shadow incident. The poet sat up straighter. Secondly, it symbolizes concealed corruption and unconscious alterations. In the entire dream, only two individuals had a lizard-like elf crawl out of their mouths. One was your sister Aurore, and the other was the deputy padre, Michel Garrigue. What do you recall about him in reality? Lumian pondered for a moment and responded, Hes somewhat similar to the dream, but not as exaggerated. Hes a devoted follower of the Eternal Blazing Sun. When he was shunned by Guillaume Bnet, he became fixated on giving sermons and hearing confessions. Later, his behavior became more and more apparent, neglecting all other matters Suddenly, Lumian was startled. He thought of Aurore, the other person from the dream who had a lizard-like elf emerge from their mouth. Hadnt she also neglected to ask Hela for help? Mr. Poet nodded. Your sister Aurore should have exhibited similar behavior. Thirdly, the faction or deity represented by the lizard-like elf does not want to witness an angel of Inevitability descending. It symbolizes the role of a saboteur. Seeing Lumians confusion, the poet continued, If it hadnt been the person with the lizard-like elf crawling out of their mouth who knocked you out, brought you to the final sacrificial site, and turned you into a vessel, the descent ritual might have succeeded. Consider this: during the ritual, if someone else had stood in front of Aurore instead of you, would she have gained a moment of clarity and pushed him off the altar? Chapter 300 - 300 Another Symbol 300 Another Symbol Upon hearing Mr. Poets question, Lumian was caught off guard. A shiver ran up his spine and pierced his brain like an icy dagger. Whether it was Aurore, who had knocked him out in the dream and led him to the sacrificial grounds, or the deputy padre, Michel Garrigue, who had done it in reality, they all had been secretly corrupted by the lizard-like elvesevident from them crawling out of their mouths! If Lumian hadnt become the vessel, forced onto the altar and stood before Aurore, Termiboross descent ritual might have succeeded. Aurore wouldnt have pushed the vessel out the altar, ruining the rite, and Lumians Mr. Fool mark wouldnt have been activated! This realization left Lumians mind in chaos. He never imagined that the lizard-like elf was behind the sabotage of the ritual. They had insidiously corrupted Aurore and the deputy padre, making them blind to important matters and missing their last chance to save themselves! W-what does it want? Whats its true motive? Lumian asked, feeling a pang of pain. The poets voice, veiled in mist, replied calmly, Im just interpreting the symbolic meaning of your dreams elements. I cant fully reconstruct the truth. But I can offer some speculation. The faction represented by the lizard-like elves aims to use the large-scale sacrifice of the Inevitability believers to summon an angel for some hidden purpose. However, they dont want Termiboros to descend upon this land for real. There must be a conflict between them and the entity known as Inevitability. Lumian nodded, finding it the most logical explanation. He couldnt help but furrow his brow. What hidden motives do they have? Thats one of the paths for your subsequent investigation, the poet said with a smile. Decryption isnt divination or prophecy. You need enough information for deduction. You cant make wild guesses. Lumian nodded slightly, eager to catch the padre, Guillaume Bnet. The poet leaned forward, placing his elbows on the wooden table, hands still clasped together. Ive already deciphered the more crucial symbolic elements. Theres only one left. Your dream itself holds a strong symbolic meaning. The dream itself? Lumian pondered for a few seconds but couldnt grasp the specific symbolism. The poets voice deepened, no longer abnormally ethereal but more magnetic. It symbolizes protection. Back then, due to intense emotional upheavals, your mind was on the verge of collapse, and you fell into a deep slumber. If not for the comfort and hope brought about by the dream of reality, perhaps you would have collapsed completely. Driven by your self-destructive tendencies, you would have acted irrationally until your death. Moreover, we can confirm that you dont have the ability to produce a dream of reality, nor can you draw investigators into that dream. The sealed Termiboros cant do it either. In other words, the dream of reality is a result of external interference. We havent grasped the specific abilities of the High-Sequence Beyonder of the Inevitability pathway. We cant determine if it was done by the Inevitability Blessed symbolized by the owl or if it was influenced by other factions. Given the previous interpretation and the situation in reality, all of them have sufficient motives. In short, besides the entity known as Inevitability, no one else wants to see Termiboros truly descend upon the land. Lumian instantly recalled the area around the blood-colored mountain peak in Cordus ruins that induced slumber. Before he could bring up the subject, the poet added, Considering that the area that forces others into sleep is around the sacrificial ground and not the house where you sleep, Im inclined to believe that its influenced by other factions. Their main purpose is to disrupt the ritual, and pacifying you just comes with it. If it was done by the Inevitability Blessed symbolized by the owl, the location of the abnormal area would be completely opposite. The faction represented by the lizard-like elf did it, or someone else did. Is there another faction? The more Lumian understood the situation, the more he realized that the truth of the Cordu disaster was far more complicated than he had expected. He fell silent, taking a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking. Whats the significance of the empty baby cradle in the administrators castle? The poet took a few seconds to contemplate and then replied, Its a rather minor symbol. It represents the child of the Great Mother. Based on the information you provided, it seems that the child might have entered our world secretly during the final sacrificial ritual, aided by another blood-related son hidden by Madame Pualis. It then left Cordu unnoticed, leaving behind the empty cradle. The spawn of the Great Mother Lumian hissed to himself, realizing the seriousness of the situation was on par with Termiboross descent. Inevitabilitys faction had taken a significant risk and worked tirelessly for nearly a year, all for the sake of obtaining a sealed angel. Ultimately, it served the Great Mothers purpose. With those thoughts, Lumian let go of his worries. The saints and angels of the Tarot Club and the Church of The Fool would undoubtedly handle this matter. It was beyond the concerns of someone like him, a mere Sequence 7. Besides, this issue primarily revolved around the sacrificial ritual and had little to do with the truth behind the Cordu disaster. Lumians main focus was tracking down and capturing the padre, Guillaume Bnet. He then inquired, Why was the entire Cordu village destroyed, while only my home remained intact? The poet pondered for a moment and answered, I believe it symbolizes Aurores nostalgia, reluctance, and regret. After the ritual, she should have regained some clarity. In the midst of the fusion of the villagers flesh and blood, she instinctively protected the building that represented her beautiful past life. Of course, its possible she also leveraged other forces interfering with the ritual. Nostalgia Reluctance The beautiful life of the past Lumian fell silent, lost in thought. Observing this, the poet unclasped his hands and said, Ive deciphered all the symbolic elements of your dream. Thank you, Mr. Poet. Lumian stood up and, following the Church of The Fools customs, pressed his hand to his chest and bowed slightly. For a moment, his mind turned adrift, seeing the poet, the wooden table, the surrounding bookshelves, walls, the primitive forest outside, and all kinds of insects fade away like a dream, returning to deep darkness. In an instant, the darkness vanished, and Lumian found himself standing at the edge of a marketplace. In the distance, there were white buildings with dark black or earthy yellow bell towers and spires. Nearby, cloud-like tents and herds of cows, sheep, and horses were scattered around. Most of the people passing through the market had dark skin, as if they were exposed to the sun every day. Among them, men wore felt hats and dark-red or sky-blue robes, while women wore colorful multi-layered gowns. A chilling wind howled as Lumian gazed at the snow-covered mountain peak in the distance, momentarily lost in his thoughts. His conversation with the poet and what he had just experienced felt like a vivid dream. No, it was a dream! Thats why he couldnt see Mr. Poet clearly. I didnt realize I was dreaming at all. When did the dream start? It felt eerily similar to the dream I had in the ruins of Cordu. Could it be that Mr. Poets divine path has the power to make others have vivid dreams? And could the abnormal area around the blood-colored mountain be related to similar abilities? Lumian was shocked at first, but then numerous thoughts rushed through his mind. Just then, Madam Magician appeared before him, wearing a beige shirt, a brownish-yellow dress, and dark brown leather boots. Do you want to go back to Salle de Bal Brise now? the Major Arcana card holder asked. Lumian casually asked, Where are we? Madam Magician gazed at the azure sky and pure white clouds and replied, Were in Star Highlands Rapus, once a significant city in the Highlands Kingdom, also known as the City of White. Star Highlands Lumian recalled the Rose School of Thought and recounted the Werewolf attack and Gardner Martins arrangements to Madam Magician. Finally, he asked, Did the Rose School of Thought enter the market district because of the Tree of Shadow? And didnt they gather detailed information about me from the Bliss Society? Madam Magician chuckled. You should have asked these questions earlier. The gentleman who helped you decipher the dream symbols is an expert at dealing with the Rose School of Thought. Alright, Ill ask him for you now. With that, she vanished in front of Lumian. A few minutes later, she reappeared in the same position, unnoticed by the people passing through the market. Madam Magician smiled at Lumian and said, Based on that gentlemans experience, although the Mother Tree of Desire and its worshiping organizations show clear purpose, sufficient decisiveness, accurate foresight of the future, and excellent planning on a higher level and at the macro scale, when it comes to specific events, they often appear chaotic, disorderly, and even mad. It reflects the nature of the evil god itself. In simpler terms, the organizations worshiping the Mother Tree of Desire dont cooperate or communicate well. They sometimes act erratically and unpredictably. Its a common situation. However, in the past year or two, that gentleman noticed some rudimentary cooperation among these organizations. Some members of the Devil families are even involved. Devil families? Lumian had never heard of such a term. Madam Magician casually explained, The families that control the Devil pathwaythe Criminal pathway. Some of them show signs of worshiping the Mother Tree of Desire. Chapter 301 - 301 Devil 301 Devil Criminal pathway Lumian began to recall the contents of Aurores grimoires. Sequence 9 Criminal possessed a formidable physique, sharp senses, and a range of criminal skills. They were adept at wielding various weapons and could even kill their targets using something as mundane as a spoon. Sequence 8 Coldblooded were heartless and inhuman. Their bodies were further strengthened, and they gained mastery over spell-like abilities with a leaning towards the eviler domains. Different Coldblooded excelled in different aspects, making them challenging opponents to deal with with no one-size-fits-all solution. Sequence 7 Serial Killer was well-versed in devilish knowledge and rituals. They could summon projections of devils from the Abyss and had a sick fascination with creating serial murders. Turning to Madam Magician with a thoughtful expression, Lumian inquired, What are the names of Sequence 6 and Sequence 5 on the Criminal pathway? Sequence 6 is called Devil, and Sequence 5 is Desire Apostle, Madam Magician readily shared her knowledge. From worshiping the devil to becoming onea fitting name for the Devil pathway. And Desire Apostle sounds like a Beyonder who would follow the Mother Tree of Desire. Its a compatible match. They might as well rename it to Mother Tree of Desire Apostle Lumian couldnt help but criticize as he analyzed the information. Madam Magician continued, The first major qualitative transformation of the Criminal pathway is at Sequence 6 Devil. After the corresponding Beyonder temporarily transforms into a devil, not only will their strength, speed, and defense improve, but they become immune to most poisons and acquire a certain resistance to curses and flames. More importantly, they possess Malicious Perception. If someone can cause fatal damage to them in a short period of time and begin to take steps to make it a reality, and both parties are within the range of their abilities, the Devil Beyonder can sense the source of danger and the perpetrator. This allows them to take targeted revenge in a counterstrike. So powerful Lumian couldnt help but frown. If the Rose School of Thoughts subsequent operations had members of the Devil families involved, the situation would become exponentially more dangerous. Of course, the Prisoner pathways Zombie and Wraiths were also terrifying. Most importantly, at a certain Sequence, Beyonders of these two pathways boasted formidable defenses against flames. Dammit, Pyromaniacs would be in for a rough time! Lumian made a self-deprecating comment, infected by Francas and Jennas vulgarities. After pondering for a moment, Lumian inquired, How short can the period of time be for the Malicious Perception to be effective? Madam Magician smiled and replied, The Devil pathway is highly individualistic. Devils from various races each possess their distinct abilities. Even among devils originating from the same race, differences arise due to their individual nature. The reason behind this lies in the requirement of ostentatious malice, which varies from person to creature. Unique wills, distinct hearts, and a penchant for desires all amalgamate to form the diverse nature of devils. Now, to your query. Some Devils can sense malice merely minutes before its occurrence, whereas others can foretell it hours or even more in advance. As they progress in Sequence, this ability only grows stronger. The range of this abilitys influence can span a few kilometers, an entire market district, or perhaps even encompass the whole of Trier. Furthermore, Devils wield an array of spells involving flames, poison, and filth. The more Lumian listened, the more serious he grew. Devils were truly powerfuljust like Zombies countering Pyromaniacs, who were experts in fire spells and close combat. After briefly explaining the Desire Apostles abilities, Madam Magician comforted him with a smile, Dont worry too much. Even if the Rose School of Thought takes action in the future, their target will most likely be Gardner Martin. Youll just be along for the ride. The Iron and Blood Cross Order, being a secret organization, has enough strength to resist the Rose School of Thought even if the Devil families send someone to participate. If the Bliss Society and the Rose School of Thought share intelligence, you may become their primary target, but they wont launch a fatal attack on you paradoxically. They fear releasing an Inevitability angel like Termiboros. As long as you pay more attention to abnormalities and suspected conspiracies around you, youll have enough time and opportunity to seek help. Upon hearing this, Lumian retorted, If the Rose School of Thought sends an angel to capture me, how will I have time to seek help? Madam Magician chuckled. Do you think Trier is a public washroom where an angel can descend and snatch someone away easily? If it werent for the alternate space of the Tree of Shadow with the Paramita World enveloping it, that brainless Abomination wouldnt have been able to descend its power. So, remember to avoid such places and live under the sun in Trier. Lumian heaved a sigh of relief and asked in confusion, Abomination? Could it be the power summoned by Susanna Mattise? Madam Magicians expression turned odd. Yes, Abominationthe child of the Chained God whom the Mother Tree of Desire worshipers and the Rose School of Thought originally worshiped. Hes a Sequence 1 angel and the current leader of the Rose School of Thought. I wont tell you His real name. This guy is covered in curses. If you say His real name often, you might become a frog that needs a princes kiss to recover. Or worse. Why a prince? Lumian had read the Intis Fairy Tales Collection published two years ago and remembered that the protagonist of the story was a princess. Why else would it be called a curse? Madam Magician wore a matter-of-fact expression. Lumian was speechless. He asked, The spawn of the Mother Tree of Desire are angels, already roaming our world. And to descend, the child of the Great Mother requires a ritual. Is one more special than the other? Theyre equally special, said Madam Magician, her expression taking an odd turn once more. The crux of the matter is that it wasnt the Mother Tree of Desire who gave birth to the Abomination, but a high-ranking existence in our world known as the Chained God. Lumians heart filled with trauma as he immediately thought of Louis Lund, Administrator Bost, and his valets. Can the Mother Tree of Desire impregnate creatures of all races and genders through the barrier? Lumian asked with a hint of fear in his voice. Madam Magician shook her head. She doesnt have authority in that regard. That belongs to the Great Mother. However, if youre enticed by Her and end up interacting with the power She has descended or the aura that seeped into our world, She has plenty of ways to impregnate you. Furthermore, the Chained God pathwaythe Prisoner pathwayis rather special and has a close connection to the Mother Tree of Desire. If it werent for Mr. Fools protection, the temperance faction members would have more or less been influenced by Her in the past year or two. Lumian nodded, then brought up the issue of the indulgence faction and the temperance faction. I believe the temperance factions philosophy is correct, but why can the indulgence faction still grow and possess such strength? Is it because theres no fear of losing control when they are already crazy? Madam Magician chuckled and responded, The temperance factions philosophy is correct, but it doesnt mean that the indulgence factions viewpoint is necessarily erroneous. You have to remember that acting based on the potions name is like tarot cards. Theres a difference between the upright and reversed position. And even if we act in the upright manner, the acting principles summarized by different people will vary according to their unique minds and experiences. After all, were just acting. Our goal is to deceive the mental imprint left behind by that entity and digest the potion bit by bit. It would be troublesome if we were to completely align with Him. Lumian nodded in understanding. So, the phrase remember that youre only acting not only prevents us from losing ourselves to avoid mental problems but also helps avoid such problems altogether? Thats right, Madam Magician affirmed. Lumian then steered the conversation back to matters pertaining to the Mother Tree of Desire. Mr. Poet mentioned that there are multiple organizations that worship the Mother Tree of Desire? Poet Madam Magicians lips curled up slightly. Theyre all relatively small organizations that havent formed a large cult. Theyre far inferior to the Rose School of Thought and the few Devil families, but theyre relatively hidden. Currently, we are aware of three. One is the Bliss Society, the other is the Naturism Sect, and the third is the Tree Worship Sect. After pondering the matter for a while, Lumian finally brought up the idea of crafting a mystical item using the Shadow Branch. Madam, once I receive the reward from Mr. K, Id like your help in finding a saint-level Artisan to craft the item. Do you happen to know the price? Lumian inquired. Madam Magician grinned and replied, I havent rewarded you yet for successfully joining the Iron and Blood Cross Order. How about using that reward to cover the cost? That sounds perfect, Lumian happily agreed. Receiving three rewards for a mission was truly a remarkable thing. Madam Magician nodded thoughtfully and said, A friends relative knows a demigod-level Artisan. Ill check with them first. If it doesnt work out, Ill find another option. She then smiled and asked, With the gap between the Lucky One and the potential reward from Mr. K, are you sure you want to use one of them to create a mystical item? Lumian responded with certainty, I wont have any regrets. His approach had always been to utilize available resources as swiftly as possible. It had to be known that the padre was already a Sequence 5 bestowed when he left Cordu. He might have even taken a potion to boost his abilities. Dealing with him on ones own was akin to embracing death for Lumian. He needed to make use of every available resource to enhance his skills quickly and gather more allies to increase his chances of success! During his early days as a wanderer, Lumian once stumbled upon a wild apple tree laden with fruit. He intended to wait for the apples to grow larger and less sour before figuring out how to pluck them. However, to his surprise a few days layer, someone else had managed to harvest all the small and sour apples. This incident left a profound mark on Lumian, significantly influencing his approach to handling things. Chapter 302 - 302 Mummy Ashes 302 Mummy Ashes Madam Magician didnt say more and asked again, Do you want to return to Salle de Bal Brise now, or stay here until noon? Lumian had never left Intis, let alone come to the Southern Continent. Since he had nothing planned, he nodded and replied, Id like to explore around a bit. Madam Magician gave a slight nod and vanished before him. Almost instantly, a bone-chilling wind swept through the crowd and struck Lumian. Having come from Trier in the summer, he couldnt help but shiver in the harsh highlander winter. Accompanied by the cold breeze, the distant clamor of the market, a few hundred meters away, filled Lumians ears, making him feel truly immersed in this world. Recalling how Madam Magicians arrival and disappearance had gone unnoticed by the surrounding people, Lumian quickly made a guess. Did she create a wall of spirituality or pull me into a separate alternate space? As these thoughts raced through Lumians mind, he noticed that the passersby looked at him with wariness and puzzlement. He was only wearing a thin shirt, a black vest, and thin pants, which were hardly suitable for the harsh winter. What are you staring at? Havent you seen someone acting cool? Lumian muttered. Relying on Alms Monks endurance, he nonchalantly ventured into the market. The smell of fresh livestock dung, the sweet aroma of corn, and the tantalizing scent of roasted meat with spices filled his nostrils. Lumian surveyed the area and spotted numerous stalls selling various food items made primarily from corn. There were boiled whole corn, roasted corn with red sauce, corn chunks served in thick soup, roasted corn wrapped in beef and mutton, onions, and potatoes, corn ground into a gooey paste and stuffed into various meat chunks, and corn spread into rough flatbread sprinkled with ingredients After a moment of consideration, Lumian made his way through the cleared path among the marketers and arrived at a stall. The stall owner was a man in his thirties with dark and flushed skin, gaunt face, high cheekbones, and dark brown eyes. He had long greasy black hair and wore a black felt hat along with a dark red robe made of wool and other materials. Lumian pointed at the bubbling yellow corn paste in the iron-colored pot and asked in Intisian, How much? He had noticed that some folks here understood Intisian. The transactions were done using various metal currencies, including verl dor. The stall owner seemed scared, and he replied in non-fluent Intisian with a hint of flattery, 5 coppet for 1 cup. A lick, pretty cheap Lumian glanced at the corn paste with mutton chunks and pulled out a brass coin with a Hornacis mountain range pattern on the front. The vendor breathed with relief and quickly produced a paper cup that didnt quite match the markets style and technology. He filled it up generously, even adding a few extra meat chunks. As Lumian received the cup, warmth spread through his body. It was a wonderful experience to have something warm while enduring the biting wind. The even better experience was the warm corn paste flowing from his mouth into his esophagus and into his stomach, spreading warmth to every nook and cranny of his body. The corn paste, with its light sweetness and a hint of spiciness and pungency, perfectly complemented the beef and mutton cubes, neutralizing their gamey smell. It was peculiar and appetizing, a treat for his taste buds. Ignoring the cautious glances from the women and the fear and loathing from the man driving the cows and sheep, Lumian sipped his corn paste and made his way to the end of the market. Soon, he entered the City of White, Rapus. He spotted the golden Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral and the God of Steam and Machinery cathedral adorned with various industrial components. The white buildings, shops selling leather and fabrics, the Highland Import and Export Corporation, and the Rapus Mining Federation signs were all visible. Carriages pulled by long-haired cows and medium-sized horses filled the streets, accompanied by locals in robes and a few foreigners in formal attire. Lumian picked a shop called Highland Mystic Potion and entered like a tourist. The owner, an Intisian in his forties, with typical black hair and blue eyes, wore a white shirt with floral patterns, thick cashmere clothes, and a dark blue coat with golden trim. Upon seeing Lumian, he greeted him warmly, Good morning, dear compatriot. The man checked out Lumians attire and asked with concern, Did you encounter a bandit? I just arrived in Rapus. There was an accident on the way, Lumian replied, smiling with a Trier accent. The proprietor of the mystic potion nodded in understanding. The Southern Continent isnt all its cracked up to be, but its a paradise for adventurers. I arrived in West Balam fifteen years ago in search of opportunities. Life only turned for the better when I found true opportunities in the City of White. By steam! With a sigh, he drew a triangular Sacred Emblem on his chest. By steam! Lumian responded with the same etiquette. The owners smile grew warmer. Brother, would you like some mummy powder? Real mummy powder! Lumian looked around the small shop and smiled. Why dont you display the mummy in the window to prove its authenticity? The boss smiled sheepishly and said, That would upset the barbarians. Some buy mummy powder, but most cant accept mummies as commodities. Lumian deliberately said, When I left Trier, there was a shortage of mummy powder. The price skyrocketed. Ever thought of transporting mummies back to Trier for sale? Maritime trade is too risky, and the import-export companies give terrible prices, not to mention the taxes they charge. Those damned hyenas! The owner glanced at Lumian, testing the waters, If youre willing to take the risks, we can cooperate. How many mummies can you provide? Lumian feigned skepticism. The boss smiled. That depends on how many you want. I have the right connections. I can have as many as I want? Have you unearthed the grave of a nobleman from the Highlands Kingdom? Or will you find a corpse or even a living person to make one on the spot? Lumian engaged in a conversation with the owner of the Highland Mystic Potion and left the shop, pretending he needed time to consider the offer. After wandering for some time, Lumian came across a magnificent three-story white building by the roadside, bustling with locals swarming in. Curiosity got the better of him, and he followed the crowd inside, only to find Intis soldiers, clad in their distinctive black triangular hats and blue coats with gold threads, guarding the entrance in their white pants and black leather boots. Rapus, Lumian thought to himself, is truly an Intis colonial city. His gaze settled on the golden words above the main entrance, which read: Rapus Specialized Court. Taking a seat in an empty corner of the courtroom, Lumian tuned in to the trial that was underway. Two Intis soldiers stood accused of a heinous crimeintercepting a newlywed couple in the suburbs, murdering the husband, and subjecting the wife to unspeakable horrors. The latter was fortunate enough to survive. With numerous witnesses and ample evidence, the entire case appeared quite clear-cut. After much deliberation, the judge, who was now holding the third hearing, finally pronounced them guilty, decreeing their immediate expulsion from the highlands. Upon their return to Intis, they would face further punishment in a military court. The verdict didnt sit well with the local crowd, and they expressed their dissatisfaction loudly. However, the judge remained resolute, ordering bailiffs and soldiers to remove the dissenters from the court. Lumian observed the faces of the agitated and angered locals as they were forced to leave, and only when they had gone did he decide to leave the courtroom as well. As he strolled past the Eternal Blazing Sun cathedrals square, he noticed a group of clergymen in white robes adorned with golden threads. They were walking towards the cathedral, keeping a safe distance from the crowd, and speaking in hushed tones. Lumian, relying on his Hunters ears, strained to catch their words from afar. Though the distance made it difficult, he managed to make out two phrases: Evernights power has invaded this place What could that mean? Is the Evernight Goddess Church of the Loen Kingdom extending its reach into the Star Highlands? Lumian pondered for a moment before continuing on his way. At 12:30 p.m. Trier time, Madam Magician escorted Lumian back to Salle de Bal Brise, and he reappeared in his bedroom. He sat down at his wooden table and began organizing Mr. Poets interpretation of the dreams symbolic elements. In the midst of his work, Lumian heard familiar footsteps approaching and an impolite knock on the door. Putting down the fountain pen, Lumian stood up and glanced at the entrance. Come in. It was Franca, dressed in her usual attire of blouse, beige breeches, and red boots. However, she now wore a light-colored pleated dress around her waist. Very strange, Lumian remarked honestly. Franca sighed, a mix of joy and melancholy on her face. Im not used to wearing dresses yet. This will have to do for now. This is to welcome Pleasure. Pleasure? Lumian was puzzled by the term she mentioned. Franca closed the door behind her and explained with a complex expression, Since youve joined the Iron and Blood Cross Order, my initial mission is considered accomplished. Now, Ill see if I can join and assist with your operation. And since the mission is complete, there should be a reward. The next Sequence for a Witch is Demoness of Pleasure. Yes, I already have all the main ingredients and most of the supplementary ones, except for real mummy ashes. I came to ask if you could keep an eye out during your mysticism gatherings. Damn it, those mummy ashes sold in shops are all fake! Chapter 303 - 303 Sparks of "Fire" 303 Sparks of Fire Mummy ashes Lumians mind immediately went to the Highland Mystic Potion shop in Rapus. The mummies had their origins in the old Highlands Kingdom, and they had a special ancient Highlander term for it. Emperor Roselle translated it into mummy. In simpler terms, the most genuine and ancient mummies could be found in Star Highlands, the largest source of mummy ashes. Franca grew more and more agitated as she spoke. Why do you think men in Trier are so keen on things that enhance their abilities in that area? They even dare to consume mummy ashes! This means that those who genuinely need them cant afford the real deal! Many women in Trier are interested as well, hoping their husbands and lovers can perform better in bed. Lumian had read about it and asked Franca curiously, Does it really work? Franca scoffed. I cant see any other effects besides getting sick from using powder made from a specially prepared corpse. Well, its use in mysticism is a different matter. Think about it. Trier is now flooded with fake mummy ashes. People are gobbling them up without knowing if theyre authentic! There are many herbs with similar effects, but once they are labeled as mummy ashes, the price skyrockets. Who wouldnt take advantage of that? Dont overestimate the merchants conscience. Ive heard complaints at many mysticism gatherings about people finding dead rats, grinding them into powder, mixing it with herbs, and selling it as mummy ashes. When I, um, before I had superpowers and was still struggling, I saw the caf owner making fake coffee from chicory. Later, he couldnt even afford that. He gathered coffee dregs, animal bile, and even brick dust and soot as a substitute. Believe me, if you visit the kitchens of certain restaurants and cafs, youd want to hang the boss from the gallows. Those escargot shells are reused, picked up from the trash, filled with ingredients, and served to new customers Franca continued her rant, expressing her frustration with counterfeit and inferior products hindering her Beyonder career. After she finished speaking, Lumian asked with certainty, Have you finished digesting your Witch potion? Francas emotions returned to normal as she replied smugly, That was a long time ago. Have you seen me act as a Witch during this period of time? Lumian changed the subject thoughtfully. You seem to despise the Rose School of Thought for their acts of terror in the Northern Continent. You even mock them for hindering the colonization resistance by the Southern Continent natives. I dont quite understand your logic. Shouldnt they resist and take revenge when bullied? Franca walked to the window of Lumians bedroom and gazed at the dock and depot concealed by buildings. Her gaze was unfocused as she said, They shouldif they wish to seek the adrenaline from exacting vengeance, for a moment of exhilaration. But if you want to lead the Southern Continent to expel the colonists, such actions will only have the opposite effect. A philosopher back home once said that no king should send troops out in anger. Resisting colonization is a serious and challenging matter; its something that shouldnt become a wastebasket for venting ones emotions. Seeing Lumians confusion, Franca pointed out the window. There are many workers and laborers there. They work hard every day and sleep in bedbug-infested rooms. Are they colonists? Did they benefit from the colonies? True, their jobs may be a result of colonial trade, but will they lose their jobs without the colonies and normal trade? I dont think so. The most likely possibility is that they will still have a job that barely provides sustenance; its the bosses who lose excessive profits. They have their own demands and a desire to change the current society. They often join Triers citizens in various marches and protests, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the government. There are many similar people in Trier. Some of them have various reasons and even sympathize with the Southern Continent colonies. A philosopher king back home once said that we must distinguish between our friends and foes when carrying out deeds. The Rose School of Thoughts various terrorist acts will only pit those who sympathize with the colonists and those who are also resisting the government against them. It makes them the object of hatred that will be exploited by the rulers to bridge any internal conflicts. It will harm the people of the Southern Continents resistance against colonization. The philosopher king even prohibited his intelligence officers from carrying out assassinations or seeking revenge, let alone causing terrorist incidents. Franca snapped out of her daze and spoke with enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling, As long as we can gather more allies, isolate our enemies, and ignite that tiny spark, it can set a whole wilderness ablaze! Who is friend and foe Finding allies and isolating the enemy Even a tiny spark can set a whole wilderness ablaze The words left a profound impact on Lumian. He pondered Francas words repeatedly, especially her last sentence. It unveiled a new understanding of Pyromaniac, bringing him closer to unveiling his first acting principle. After a few moments, Lumian nodded solemnly. I agree with you now. The Rose School of Thoughts acts of terror are extremely foolish, mere decisions made after their minds are filled with desire. Uh, as believers of the Mother Tree of Desire, its quite expected. Franca pursed her lips. If the Rose School of Thought focused on assassinating colonial generals, members of parliament, and high-ranking government officials, as well as destroying battleships and arsenals, I wouldnt mock them. But their blood sacrifices, indiscriminately killing people, are the actions of lunatics. I dont want to become a sacrifice to these madmen one day. Lumian remarked, Its a classic case of turning sympathizers against each other. Franca disdainfully added, Not only do these lunatics carry out blood sacrifices in the Northern Continent, but they also do it in the Southern Continent, turning villages into uninhabited lands. The Southern Continent has the Rose School of Thought as another insurmountable obstacle besides the colonists. Lumian nodded gently and said, That lady took me to the Star Highlands and during my tour of Star Highlands, I encountered a mummy merchant. Should I request permission to visit again and obtain some real mummy ashes for you? That lady Franca realized something and decided not to press further. After some thought, she said, No need for that now. Just because Trier has plenty of counterfeit goods doesnt mean theres nothing authentic. Lets try to find the authentic ones first. If not, well go to the Southern Continent. Lumian honestly shared his intentions, I hope you can advance to Sequence 6 within a week and become a Demoness of Pleasure. Huh? Franca was confused. Whos the one making the advancement? Lumian didnt hide anything, responding directly, It has been prophesied that Guillaume Bnet will appear in Quartier de la Princesse Rouge next week. I want to find him and capture him, and I need the help of more friends. The Boss has already agreed to help me find him. The stronger you are, the higher our chances of capturing Guillaume Bnet. Amused, Franca teased, Youre learning on the spot, kid. You really arent holding back anymore. You made a request without getting my agreement to help. Lumian smiled, replying, Isnt that what Im doing now? Franca pondered for a moment before saying, Wait a few more days. If we still cant find real mummys ashes, well go to the Southern Continent to search for them. Remember, try not to trouble the Major Arcana card holder if possible. Right then, Lumian said, sharing a similar view, but he never missed a chance to fleece. Otherwise, it would be best to seek Madam Magicians help in dealing with Guillaume Bnet. A subordinate who couldnt handle problems on their own, bothering their superior all the time, would eventually be left behind! Furthermore, the Tarot Club followed a rule of equivalent exchange. What price would one have to pay to enlist the help of a demigod-level Major Arcana card holder? After chatting for a while, Franca, who was about to leave, glanced at the window and suddenly said, Although Gardner Martin already knows the situation and has made preparations, you cant be careless. You cant place all your hopes on him. The Rose School of Thought is an ancient secret organization. It must possess various abilities. Why are you bringing this up all of a sudden? Lumian was taken aback for a moment before responding with tacit understanding, The Boss is at least a Conspirer. He has probably set countless traps in secret, awaiting the arrival of the Rose School of Thought. On this topic, the two of them continued their conversation as they left the bedroom and entered the corridor. Franca lowered her voice and said, I sensed something amiss with the glass in your window. I suspect a Wraith. The Rose School of Thoughts Wraith? Franca discovered something wrong with her Witchs grasp of mirrors? Lumians nerves tensed as he nodded slightly, acting as though they were discussing an ordinary topic. He saw Franca stroll into the caf and depart Salle de Bal Brise before stepping out of the corridor. Like always, he settled into his regular seat and savored his aromatic coffee. An hour went by, and Lumian started to feel a bit more at ease. He thought the Wraith had probably left, so he shifted his focus to Gardner Martin and the potential traps. The following days were filled with paranoia for Lumian. He sensed eyes on him from the glass window in his room and the bathroom mirror, but nothing alarming occurred. Finally, the day of the reward promised by Mr. K arrived. As Lumian descended the stairs of Auberge du Coq Dor, he encountered an unfamiliar woman. Dressed in a lake-blue dress, her brown hair flowed naturally, and her brown eyes had a uniquely ethereal quality. Her looks were above average, her cheeks plump, and her demeanor stood out from the ordinary. As Lumian passed by the front desk, he casually asked Madame Fels, Is that young lady a new tenant? The plump Madame Fels smiled ingratiatingly. No, shes Miss Safari, staying in Room 309. She went to a small seaside town to be a human model for a painter. She only returned today. How enviable. Her job lets her take a vacation by the sea. That human model? Lumian nodded and left Auberge du Coq Dor, catching a public carriage to Avenue du Boulevard. Chapter 304 - 304 Decency 304 Decency Avenue du Boulevard, 19 Rue Scheer, basement. Mr. Ks face remained hidden under the massive hood, but Lumian could feel the admiration and recognition in his gaze. Standing behind a red armchair, Mr. K pointed to a narrow wooden table by the wall. Make a choice. These are Grade 2 Sealed Artifacts, as per the standards of various Churches. They have distinct characteristics but come with dangerous negative effects. Nonetheless, there are ways to resolve those issues and utilize them to some extent. Following the gesture of Mr. Ks raised right hand, Lumian spotted three containers on the narrow wooden table. One was an exquisite wooden box adorned with rubies, emeralds, agates, and other precious items. Another was a rubber injector, and the last one was a wide-mouthed bottle filled with a dreamy green liquid with a golden object at the bottom. Mr. K approached the table, picked up the wooden box with gems, and opened it. Inside, there lay a thin and soft leather mask. As Mr. K lifted it to display, an exaggerated face outlined in red, yellow, and white oil paint emerged. For some reason, Lumians mood took a plunge at the sight of the face, and his heart filled with sorrow. Its called the Clown Mask, Mr. K introduced in a low, raspy voice. Wearing it enables you to create Paper Figurine Substitutes. You can ignite combustible objects within a 50-meter radius and leap between flames, allowing you to transfer wounds across your body and turn a fatal injury into a minor one. However, each wound can only be transferred once. It will also meld with your face, altering your appearance. This aspect is beyond your control, but it grants you strong expression control and sharp premonition for a short duration. To store it safely, youll need a high-value container. Otherwise, it will continuously bring frustration, pain, and sorrow to those around it, gradually driving them insane until they break down. For Beyonders, this often means losing control. Thats why you cant wear it for more than ten minutes at a time. Additionally, you have to watch a comedic performance once a week; otherwise, it will attempt to replace you when you wear it, truly becoming your face.'' Wound transference This Sealed Artifact belongs to the Seer pathway. It corresponds to the Sequence of Bureau 8s Miss Leah or higher, Lumian quickly deduced based on his experience. He felt that the Clown Mask suited him well. With Pyromaniac and Flaming Jump, he could significantly increase his strength. He was in need of changing his appearance, but the limitation of wearing it for only ten minutes made it similar to the Mystery Prying Glasses, albeit more convenient. Moreover, Paper Figurine Substitutes and wound transference could effectively boost his survivability, but when it came to dealing with Zombies, Wraiths, Devils, or Desire Apostles, these abilities lacked specificity. Emotional influences were currently a taboo for Lumian. While his psychological issues had been somewhat healed, the flames of pain couldnt be fully extinguished. They still smoldered deep in his heart. If this emotional breakdown erupted, Termiboros would undoubtedly be grinning from end to end. As Lumian pondered, Mr. K put the Clown Mask back into its exquisite wooden box and picked up an injector made of rubber hoses, a glass syringe, and a thin needle. At that moment, a tube of bright red liquid quietly filled the syringe, as if it had just been extracted from a persons body. Mr. K gently shook the injector and said, Its called Lifeblood. Once injected into your body, it allows you to control your flesh and blood completely for a short period. You wont need to maintain your human form deliberately, and your vital points will be safe. Moreover, you can envelop a target, corrode their body, and kill them from the inside. Simultaneously, you can transform into your own shadow and merge with the surrounding shadows. That way, you can secretly trail the enemy and avoid detection. With each injection, youll become closer to our Lord, closer to the most ancient appearance of humanitys original form. Others and creatures wont endure it well. Their bodies will collapse gradually with each injection, and they wont be able to return to their original state. Their minds will be cloaked by shadows, making them crave flesh and blood, turning them into irrational monsters. However, we need not worry. As long as we devoutly believe in our Lord and remember to pray to Him always, there wont be many issues with our bodies and minds. Ive injected myself several times before. Am I not normal now? Lumian didnt fully buy into it. I dont think youre normal The flesh corrosion ability seems useful against Zombies Furthermore, he wasnt devout when it came to the True Creator. He usually used psychological cues to seal the memories of His honorific name and didnt pray at all. If you carry Lifeblood without injecting yourself, it wont affect you other than making you crave flesh and blood, Mr. K explained. He then picked up a wide-mouthed bottle filled with green liquid filled with an alcoholic fragrance and retrieved a golden brooch carved into a Scotch Broom from it with his white palm that appeared sickly. This ones called Decency. Once you wear it, you can acutely detect a targets weaknesses. By symbolically giving them items, you can complete a Bribe, significantly weakening their attack, defense, or control over you for a certain period. In addition, you can Distort the targets words, actions, and intentions. You can also Distort certain actions of yourself or others to create an environment thats beneficial to you. Using Bribe to weaken the targets attack, defense, or control This ability is very versatile. It can be used against Zombies, Devils, or other Beyonders If I use Distortion well, I can come up with all kinds of tricks Lumians spirits lifted, believing this was what he wanted. The next step was to see if the negative effects could be endured. Mr. K continued, It must be kept in liquor that exceeds 45 proof. Otherwise, it might result in arrest from official Beyonders or other factions at irregular intervals. You cant wear it for more than fifteen minutes. In the following hour, youll become repulsive and disdainful. Its best not to go out. Wait patiently until the negative effects fade. As a Hunter, how can I not be repulsed and despised? And its normal for regulars at Ol Tavern to carry two or three flasks of liquor with them Sometimes, I can even use it to attract nearby factions to capture this characteristic for fishing. Its a perfect part of certain traps Lumian quickly made up his mind and said firmly, I want Decency. Now, the question was whether this Sealed Artifact could be matched with the Shadow Branch to create a mystical item with both characteristics. Mr. K respected Lumians decision and didnt offer any persuasion. He tossed the Decency brooch back into the wide-mouthed bottle of liquor, capped it, and handed it to Lumian. Lumian swiftly caught it and mumbled, What if Im not skilled enough to catch it and shatter the bottle? Well exchange looks and then flee before the official Beyonders come after us? Lumian gripped the bottle of liquor suspected to be absinthe and deliberately said, I have something to report. He briefly recounted the Werewolf incident and concluded, The Rose School of Thought suffered repeated setbacks, yet they remain arrogant. I heard they also believe in the evil god, the Mother Tree of Desire. Mr. Ks gaze turned cold, and his voice carried an oppressive metallic quality. The evil gods believers are indeed becoming more impudent. Since some deities cant shoulder such a heavy responsibility, let us share Their burden. Lumian could sense Mr. Ks anger igniting as his Pyromaniac potion was showing signs of digestion. After bidding farewell to Mr. K, he left the basement and closed his eyes in the corridor. Through this experiment, combined with the fire in his heart when he advanced to Pyromaniac, Francas words, the various situations in the market district, and the actions of the people of Rapus and the Southern Continent, he concluded his first Pyromaniac acting principle: Pyromaniacs not only ignite matter but also the mind and society. In the market district, Auberge du Coq Dor, Room 207. Lumian gazed at the enticing green liquor bottle, contemplating the need for sturdy military flasks to prevent it from breaking during a potential fight. Simultaneously, he made the final decisionto utilize the Lucky One Beyonder characteristic and the Shadow Branch to create a mystical item. He felt that Decencys powers didnt mesh well with the Shadow Branch, and its drawbacks were manageable. On the other hand, Sealed Artifacts offered decent effects and could be used independently. Without any hesitation, Lumian penned a letter, seeking Madam Magicians aid in locating a demigod-level Artisan. Afterward, he made his way to the safe house on Rue des Blouses Blanches, summoned the messenger, and dispatched the Shadow Branch and Lucky One Beyonder characteristic, along with the letter, to the holder of the Major Arcana card. In no time, Lumian spotted the puppet messenger materializing above the desk, dropping a thick stack of papers with a loud thud. Bang! The table groaned under the weight of the hefty object. Lumian rose to his feet and noticed a response placed on top of the stack. No problem. Ill assist you in making contact. The process will take some time, as will the crafting of the item. If you dont mind, Ill add a condition that the final product should be portable. Additionally, while observing celestial phenomena, I sensed that you are on the verge of assimilating the Pyromaniac potion and can endure a new Inevitability boon. Heres information about some creatures from the spirit world. You can study it beforehand and explore which contracts you might form to borrow their abilities. Madam Magician possesses knowledge of astromancy? Her predictions are remarkably accurate Lumian felt a bit lightheaded as he glanced at the substantial stack of papers. Having summarized the core principle of his initial Pyromaniac acting, he knew he wasnt far from fully digesting it. Chapter 305 - 305 Test 305 Test Lumian took his time with the thick stack of information on spirit world creatures. He stowed them and Aurores grimoires in an iron cabinet he had acquired earlier. But now, there were other pressing matters at hand. Unscrewing the lid of a wide-mouthed bottle, he reached into the green liquor to retrieve the Scotch Broom brooch known as Decency. His plan was to test the Sealed Artifacts abilities and its negative effects. Waiting for a real battle wouldnt do; he needed to familiarize himself with it now. Figuring it out on the fly during a fight would be disastrous, leaving him unable to coordinate his Beyonder powers and attacks effectively. He also wanted to test the extent of the broochs adverse effects while he was still in good shape. After a battle that had taken a toll on his body and mind, it would be too risky to face those effects hastily. Understanding the broochs negative effects in advance would allow Lumian to make better choices when forced to use Decency, minimizing its influence on him. A Hunter who wasnt familiar with their weapon was bound to fail! Lumian placed the Scotch Broom brooch on the table before him, focusing his mind to sense its power. As he did so, a gust of wind blew in from the open window, making his heart race. He quickly stood up, extended his right hand, and shut the window tight. The moment the window closed, the room fell eerily silent, as if it had been sealed off from the outside world. Lumian then walked over to the door, gently opening and closing it. It seemed like the safe house had turned into a secluded sanctuary. Seating himself again, Lumian exuded an aura that could provoke disgust and hatred in small animalsthis was an application of Provocation. Almost instantly, a rat appeared from nowhere, snarling and attacking him with its claws. Without much effort, Lumian flicked his index finger and thumb, and a crimson spark shot out, incinerating the rat as it squealed in pain. The rat desperately tried to escape while suffering the scorching pain, but the invisible force sealed all exits, leaving it trapped. It lacked the ability to open a door. Lumian nodded with satisfaction, using the rat to test the other abilities of the Decency brooch. The test lasted for about 12 to 13 minutes, but Lumian couldnt be sure without a pocket watch. He decided to proceed with caution and removed the Decency brooch, throwing it into a container of green liquor. Then, with another small crimson fireball, he ended the rats life, filling the room with the smell of roasted fat. After stowing away the container, Lumian left the safe house, ready to test the broochs repellent effect on others. The gas street lamps were already lit as he stepped out, and he immediately noticed the glares of pedestrians and vendors around him. It felt as if they despised him deeply, wanting to attack him with knives, bottles of alcohol, or even an iron pot filled with food. However, Lion Ciels trademark golden-and-black hair seemed to deter them from acting on their impulses. Th-this effect is equivalent to a large-scale Provocation However, its not within my control Lumian assessed roughly, realizing that he couldnt fully control it. Under the unfriendly gazes, he walked along the roadside and made his way towards Avenue du March. At that moment, two police officers dressed in black uniforms, their shoulders adorned with silver epaulets, and armed with revolvers strolled by the area. Catching sight of Lumian, they immediately pointed at him and bellowed, Halt right there! Routine inspection! The effects are truly potent Lumian didnt waste a breath and swiftly turned on his heels, dashing away. Stop! The two officers shouted, drawing their revolvers and taking aim at Lumian. He skillfully evaded a pedestrians sneaky attempt to trip him, making a sharp turn into an alleyway blocked by a barricade. Without glancing back, he hurried into Underground Trier. He hadnt brought his carbide lamp, nor did he possess night vision. However, as a Pyromaniac, he could conjure light in any environment. Crimson fireballs materialized above Lumians head and on his shoulders, illuminating his path. Easily outpacing the police officers, he made his way toward another Underground Trier entrance near Rue des Blouses Blanches. As he walked, Lumian abruptly twisted his body, narrowly avoiding a black shadow that lunged from a corner. It was a snake-like creature with bluish-black scales. The creature reared up, flicking its bright-red forked tongue in an aggressive stance, challenging Lumian. It doesnt only arouse disgust and disdain from humans They need to see or make contact with me to be influenced Lumian sighed and shook his head, allowing one of the fireballs to shoot out and reduce the venomous snake into three charred pieces, emitting a burnt fragrance. Having already gauged the strength and reach of the negative effects, he decided not to take any more risks. He found a nearby empty cave, extinguished the fireballs, and sat in the darkness, quietly waiting for the effects to wear off. After what seemed like an hour, he stood up and conjured three crimson fireballs above his head, left shoulder, and right shoulder to illuminate the tunnel ahead. In no time, Lumian found himself at an exit near Rue des Blouses Blanches. There, he spotted a figure with a carbide lamp emerging from a nearby tunnel. With a grin, Lumian raised his right hand in a wave. Well, well, look whos wandering in Underground Trier like a rat. It was Jenna. As she caught sight of Lumian, her brow furrowed. Did you use Provocation on me? Why are you so irritating? Lumian replied vaguely, Something like that. Jenna couldnt hide her annoyance and blurted, Dammit! Why did you use Provocation on me? Not bad. You didnt come over to beat me up. That means you still treat me as a friend Thats probably how strong the negative effects are when theyre about to disappear He smiled and explained, I encountered something that left me tainted with a dreadful aura, but it will soon fade away. Shifting gears, Lumian examined Jenna, who wore a light-white shirt and a faded yellow dress. Her hair cascaded down her back, and she wore a small Sun Sacred Emblem around her neck. What brings you to Underground Trier? Jenna, now looking more like a college student in Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, pursed her lips and replied, Meeting the two Purifiers. I wanted to show my devotion to god as you suggested. So I dressed in a way that the Church advocates, even wearing a Sun Talisman. But they guided me to Underground Trier, claiming it was to avoid crowds. Dammit, its just absurd to go around here dressed like this! As the negative effects of Decency waned, Jenna understood why she reacted strongly and calmly shared her experiences with Lumian. Did it work? Lumian glanced at the brown wooden box in Jennas right hand but didnt rush to ask what it contained. Puzzled, Jenna inquired, Yes, it did. Valentine, the Purifier, became much more receptive to me. Imre also changed, but they seem to be cautious and suspicious of me for some reason. Maybe they think youre trying to ingratiate yourself and have ulterior motives, Lumian speculated, attempting to analyze the Purifiers mindset. He pointed at the wooden box Jenna was carrying with his chin. Is that their reward for you? Jenna couldnt help but smile. Exactly. They verified the information about Deep Valley Quarry and acknowledged its importance. As compensation, they gave me two main ingredients and one supplementary ingredient for the Instigator potion. Ill collect the rest myself. Franca probably has the rest of the supplementary ingredients. Lumian mused. The main ingredient for a Sequence 8 potion isnt cheap, its precious, you know. Is the information about Deep Valley Quarry really that important? What did this entail? Jenna tersely acknowledged his words. They didnt elaborate much. The only thing they said was that the Purifiers cant directly enter the quarry due to issues between the Churches. But theyll keep an eye on it to prevent things from escalating. They also want me to keep contacting the client to get more information from him. Apparently, part of the main ingredients for the potion is an advance payment, Jenna explained. Lumian nodded approvingly. Makes sense. Jenna sighed. Im such a degenerate. Why do you say that? Lumian raised his eyebrows. Jenna grabbed her hair. I should have asked for enough money to pay off my debts before even thinking about the ingredients for the Instigator potion. When you become an Instigator, that money wont be a problem, Lumian scoffed. Youre not planning to stick around as a local singer forever to repay your debts, are you? Jenna fell silent for a moment before admitting, But I dont want to harm anyone. Why not just target villains? Lumian tried to ignite Jennas determination. Damn it, youre the Instigator, not me, right? Jenna muttered, adding, How much should I pay Franca? We got the information together; its not fair if she doesnt get anything. Lumian chuckled. Considering the potion formula she gave you, even with a friends discount, you should pay her a minimum of 20,000 verl dor. 20,000 verl dor minimum Jennas face showed a hint of pain. For now, I can only owe her. Do you think Ill accumulate more debt the higher my Sequence? The potion formula and ingredients are so expensive But your earning potential will increase, Lumian half-instigated, half-comforted. He extinguished the three fireballs on his body and headed toward the exit of Underground Trier, Jennas carbide lamp lighting their way. After a few steps, Jenna asked with curiosity, Why did you create fireballs above your head and both shoulders? Whats the point? Havent you heard of people carrying three lampsone above their head, one on their left shoulder, and one on their right shoulder? Lumian asked. No, Jenna shook her head, intrigued, Is it some mystical knowledge? Nah, just folklore, Lumian smiled. I thought it looked cool, so I went with it. Jenna couldnt help but curse, Dammit! Youre so childish! As they chatted, they left Underground Trier and entered Apartment 601, 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches, where Franca gave them a suspicious look. Chapter 306 - 306 Ambivalence 306 Ambivalence Lumian calmly recounted his encounter with Jenna in the depths of Underground Trier while he was enduring the air of repulsion and disdain. Franca gave a slightly awkward smile and deftly changed the topic. How can you be repulsive and detestable? You didnt lose control. Franca had encountered Beyonders on the Hunter pathway succumbing to a loss of control numerous times, most of them exuding traits that attracted hostility from those around them. This was the principal reason they were swiftly dealt with. Lumian briefly explained, I obtained a Sealed Artifact. Its negative effects manifest an hour after I remove it, causing me to exude repulsion and disdain. Jenna, curious, interjected, What happens if you dont take it off? Lumians lips curled as he replied, Then it turns into an alarm, drawing the attention of nearby official Beyonders whod like to apprehend me. Its quite the attention-seeker, Franca remarked with a playful grin. It does have a fondness for decency,'' Lumian said, his tone meaningful. Then, he added nonchalantly, Its abilities lean heavily towards Bribe, with a touch of Distortion. Given the likelihood of needing to collaborate with Franca in the future to deal with Padre Guillaume Bnet, Lumian took the initiative to divulge the situation regarding the Decency brooch. However, he refrained from delving into intricate details, especially regarding the strength and range of its powers. After all, mystical items were a Beyonders ace in the hole. Exposing them risked a sense of vulnerability. Just as Franca had shared information about the Ring of Punishment while omitting the brass revolver and other items during their earlier operation. It was a delicate balancesharing yet withholding the full truth; building trust while maintaining essential precautions. Franca didnt press further. She pondered for a moment before saying, It corresponds to a Sequence 7 Briber and a Sequence 6 Baron of Corruption from the Black Emperor pathway. It seems a Baron of Corruption met his end, melding his Beyonder traits with the objects on him to create the Sealed Artifact. Its abilities arent fully revealed. Black Emperor? Lumian had never heard of this Sequence, nor had Jenna. The deity appellation for the Lawyer pathway, Franca whispered, excitement in her voice. Rumor has it that Emperor Roselle achieved Black Emperor status before his demisea true deity! For a brief moment, Lumian and Jenna were rendered speechless. Their expressions mirrored their astonishment. Franca couldnt accurately fathom Emperor Roselles standing in their eyes as genuine Intisians. Had heno, had He truly ascended to godhood? Rumors, mere rumors, Franca hastened to add, lest her dependable image be tarnished in Jennas eyes. After a few more exchanges, Jenna opened the wooden box in her right hand, revealing the smaller boxes within. They contained a small, dark, hive-like heart, a sac exuding dark green liquid, and a slender, smoked tube-like substance. Franca scrutinized them briefly before giving a nod of approval. The heart of the Demon Throat Honeyguide and the poison sac of the Dark Prowlerthese are the main ingredients. Yes, the Dark Prowler is a peculiar two-headed snake. Youve also acquired the Demon Throat Honeyguides syrinx. You only need blue Jimsonweed juice, fern powder, walnuts, and pure water I have the blue Jimsonweed juice. The other three supplementary ingredients are easy to come by. Fern powder Lumian recalled the supplemental ingredient for the Provoker potion shared a similarity. It implied being susceptible to others words. In that light, Instigator and Provoker bore resemblance. Hunter and Demoness truly were neighboring, interchangeable pathways. Noticing Jennas keenness to buy ferns and walnuts from the right shops and prepare pure water overnight, Franca cautioned, Hold on a moment. Set yourself straight first. Youve digested the Assassin potion, and chances of losing control with the Instigator potion are slim these days, but why not aim for the best? Wouldnt it be wiser to minimize the chance of losing control entirely? Lumian scratched his chin and added, Im curious what kind of monster an Instigator would end up as after losing control. Jenna shot him a glare and settled onto the sofa, shutting her eyes and focusing on her breath. Lumian sprawled in the armchair next to him, his arms draped over the armrests. He turned to Franca and inquired, Have you gotten your hands on genuine mummy ashes? Nope, Franca shook her head, a touch of helplessness in her expression. I even offered 500 verl dor for 10 grams, but those guys keep pushing fakes. Worthless bunch. They cant even tell the real from the fake! Only 500 verl dor? Lumian teased. Arent you rolling in it? Normally, 10 grams go for just over 100 verl dor. 500 is already a small fortune, alright? Franca snapped back, her frustration evident. And Im not exactly swimming in money at the moment. Lumian nodded, getting why Francas funds were running dry. Her infiltration of the Iron and Blood Cross Order wasnt a true success. It could only be considered as aiding Lumian in reaching the goal. So, the reward she received wasnt the main ingredients for the Demoness of Pleasure, but rather the privilege to buy them at a discount. How much more do you need? Jennas eyes popped open, a willingness to help evident in her gaze. Franca shook her head and replied, If 500 verl dor cant get me the real stuff, neither will a grand. Theyll just think Im a fool, waiting for me to bid higher. She then turned her gaze to Lumian. Whats your plan for now? Given time, she could likely snag actual mummy ashes in a fortnight or a month. However, Lumian needed her assistance within the next week, pushing her to consider searching for true mummies in the Star Highlands of the Southern Continent. Lumian caught onto Francas unspoken message and mused, Maybe consider a little arson and digesting the potion to some extent. This way, he could unlock the Contractee boon, garnering diverse abilities from different creatures through contracts. As far as he knew, a freshly minted Contractee could only forge three contracts. Lumian intended to cherry-pick three from the four possible abilities: ones that impacted the Spirit Body or psyche, basic teleportation skills, a moderate level of disguise, and an ability akin to invisibility or shadow blending. The final choice hinged on the information on creatures from the spirit realm. Maybe the willing creatures suitable for a contract with Lumian didnt wield matching skills. Lumian was sure of one thingall spirit world creatures could traverse the spirit realma basic form of teleportation. The variance lay in swiftness. If he struck a pact with White Paper, perhaps hed manage only ten to twenty meters per jump. Not the optimal choice for traversing to the Southern Continentexhaustion would likely make him lose control long before he arrived there. Arson Whats your thinking? Franca sat cross-legged in the recliner. Lumian recounted the acting principle he had deduced about the Pyromaniac. Franca shared her insight based on her own experiences. Upright acting is incitement, and inverted acting is instigation. They can all help you digest the potion. Wouldnt that be easy? Go down to the docks tomorrow and incite the dockworkers into a strike. The rallying cry will be for better pay. Lumian shook his head slowly. If I can rally them into a strike and theres a good chance itll get them some benefits or help them achieve their goals, Ill give it a shot. But if its only going to bring disaster upon them, Im not so keen on it. I cant stand exploiting others without benefiting them and causing harm insteadunless theres no other way. Then anyone can be sacrificed. Once there was this guy who always said that we could only grab more and have enough food if we united. But when we did unite to fight others for food, he took advantage of the chaos and made off with the food. Youve got quite a bit of experience. Franca studied Lumian anew, feeling that he wasnt just as simple as Muggles brother. Jenna had been through similar situations. Franca sighed and said,As expected, youre quite the instigator in the upright sense. Id be the same if I were you. Though I can put up a tough front, truth be told haha, I cant bring myself to do it. Lumian regarded her thoughtfully and spoke, I find you a bit paradoxical. Sometimes youre seasoned, well-informed, and have a knack for analyzing things. Other times, youre foolish, innocent, and naive. Lumian had only encountered such a contradictory disposition in one other personhis sister Aurore. Stirred by Lumians string of words, Franca blurted out, Are you trying to provoke me? How am I foolish or naive? At this, she caught Jennas disapproving glance. Ahem. Franca cleared her throat and went on, Its because I have this core kindness and certain expectations for the world. Even after seeing how harsh life can be, I still cherish life. Sigh, most in my group are like that. Only a few are resilient, brilliant, and agile. They seem to never be daunted by hardships or moral dilemmas. The Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society? Why do they have such similarities? Lumian nodded, choosing not to probe further. With Jennas plan to gather the remaining supplemental ingredients the following day to advance as an Instigator, Lumian swiftly departed from Rue des Blouses Blanches and returned to Auberge du Coq Dor. As he made his way up the stairs, Lumian caught sight of Anthony Reid, the information broker, coming down with a suitcase. Moving out? Lumian inquired. Thats right. Anthony Reid, still donning his military-green camouflage, gave a slight nod. Lumian chuckled and remarked, Didnt you mention some unfinished business in the market district? The leads gone cold. Anthony Reid let out a soft sigh. Gone cold? Suddenly, Lumian recalled having seen a parliamentary election poster in the other mans room. He prodded, Because Hugues Artois is dead? Chapter 307 - 307 Instigation 307 Instigation Upon hearing Lumians question, Anthony Reid, his round face slightly pudgy and his skin with a slight sheen, fixed his dark brown eyes on him for a moment before responding, Im not sure what youre getting at. The information brokers emotions appeared steady, and his expression seemed unaffected. It was almost as if Hugues Artoiss demise hadnt affected him in the least. Lumians grin widened, and he didnt press further. Pointing toward the lower level, he suggested, Let me buy you a drink. Youve aided me in the past, and weve fought side by side. Consider it a parting gesture. Anthony Reid scratched his retreating, light-yellow hairline with his free hand, his other holding a suitcase, pondering briefly before conceding, Okay. Descending the narrow, gas-lit staircase, the duo entered the basement bar and settled at the counter. Whats your poison? Lumian inquired in a casual tone, as if hed just stepped into his own abode. Fennel absinthe, Anthony Reid replied succinctly. Absinthe, eh? Lumian chuckled, producing a verl dor silver coin and four coppet copper coins. He tossed them to the barkeep, Pavard Neeson, who sported a ponytail. Two glasses of Somersault. Somersault was bar parlance, signifying a double serving of fennel absinthe and a measure of little mummy. The latter took seven licks, while the former required twelve. Pavard Neeson deftly flipped over standard cups and filled them with a dreamy green liquid for Lumian and Anthony Reid. As Lumian took a sip, he savored the familiar bitterness and revitalization. He observed Pavard Neeson, whose dark brown beard framed his lips, muttering in a low, ingratiating tone, Ciel, got any of them peculiar drugs? The bar owner and amateur painter believed that Ciel, a notorious mob leader, surely possessed a couple of routes for obtaining proscribed substances. Lumian caressed the glass with his thumb and smiled, inquiring, What kind of drug are you after? Recognizing that Anthony Reid was an information broker often entangled in illicit affairs, Pavard Neeson did not hold back, explaining in hushed tones, Banned psychotropic drugs. Sigh, when that odd tree affected me, I created the draft I was most proud of. Actually, it wasnt just my most satisfying piece; it embodied the aesthetics Id always strived for but never reached. It perfectly channeled my thoughts and convictions. Since then, that sensations eluded me completely. Every stroke of mine has turned into dogsh*t! Im considering experimenting with psychotropic drugs, hoping to recapture that sensation. Lumian took another sip of the misty absinthe, his lips curling in a derisive smile, If I were you, Id steer clear of painting altogether. You lack the innate aptitude. Without waiting for Pavard Neesons retort, he chuckled and stated, Relying on drugs for passable creations signifies your dearth of talent! But many famous painters have resorted to it Pavard Neeson began, only to be cut off by Lumian. He clicked his tongue and interjected, Thats an indication their creative faculties are waning, their fountain of inspiration drying up. Isnt that cheating? Pitting drug-fueled works against those of other artists, barely eking out a victory. Earning a spot in an exhibition and proudly proclaiming to every visitor: Behold, Im despicable. I possess an inferiority complex. Drugs are my prowess, and demons are my parents.'' Seeing Pavard Neesons visage turn ashen, Lumian spread his arms slightly, probing, Does that fill you with pride? Should you possess talent, youd no longer be an amateur painter. Even if critical acclaim eluded you, and the Worlds Artists Exhibition snubbed you, private galleries would come seeking. You understand the harsh reality better than I do. At this juncture, Lumians smile broadened. Drugs wont save you. Its available to all, like a common commodity. When everyone resorts to it, wont they be pitted against their innate skill and standards? Pavard Neesons lips quivered, yet he remained speechless. With a somber expression, he took a couple of steps back, slumping into his seat, as if his spirit had vacated his body. Anthony Reid, who had been quietly sipping fennel absinthe, turned his gaze to Lumian. Youre not a fan of those forbidden psychiatric drugs? Otherwise? Lumian scoffed. Anthony Reid shifted his attention to Pavard Neeson, visibly grappling with his inner turmoil, and spoke contemplatively. You seem to have swayed him. I merely stoked the embers of his guilt, Lumian replied with calm composure. Anthony Reid nodded gently. But what if your persuasion falls short? Lumian laughed. Im not his godfather. If he couldnt sway him, so be it. A brief pause fell upon Anthony Reid before he turned his gaze back to Lumian. Your method of dissuasion deviates from your usual approach. Is this acting? Impressively observant and astute, as expected from a Mid-Sequence Beyonder of the Spectator pathway If I can kindle the inner fervor within a Spectators heart, it should greatly aid my digestion Lumian mused inwardly. Holding his glass of verdant liquid, he looked ahead and replied, I stumbled upon some fliers earlier. They made mention of Hugues Artois deserting his troops during the war against the Loen Kingdom a few years back, leading to countless casualties. Anthony Reid remained silent, savoring his fennel absinthe in quietude. Lumians gaze flickered toward the vacant bar counter as he continued, I recall you wrestled with the lingering effects of PTSD from that war a few years ago. With a gulp, Anthony Reid took a swig of the green liquor. Lumian opted to not bring up the parliamentary election poster found in the information brokers room. He glanced at the vacant shell that was Pavard Neeson and mumbled to himself, If the sole motivation is animosity towards Hugues Artois, then news of his assassination would be met with jubilation and him drinking until he dropped at the bar. But if one wishes to unravel the reason behind Hugues Artoiss actions, understand how he wormed his way into politics and a parliamentary bid despite his past, and uncover the strings being pulled in his favor, one must seek out other breadcrumbs to grant the departed some semblance of peace. The official Beyonders should be on this case, but they labor under too many constraints. They lack the untamed boldness of wild Beyonders. Seated still, Anthony Reid took another swig of fennel absinthe. Lumian chuckled. Its indeed a vexing conundrum. The hurdles are countless, and the perils are real. Surrender becomes a tempting option for everyone. In the end, though, Hugues Artois lies deceased. The instigator of that tragedy rests in the grave. The departed souls should find some solace. Anthony Reid ceased his imbibing, his middle-aged visage betraying no emotion. Lumian glanced his way, lowered his tone, and smiled knowingly. Folks plagued by severe mental ills cant ascend far in the Spectator path. And even if they do plateau, external stimuli can trigger catastrophic lapses, transforming them into monstrosities. In this ever-more perilous world, stability is but a distant wish for flawed Beyonders. At this juncture, Lumian reined in his expression and fixed his gaze upon Anthony Reids profile. He inquired, his voice resonating with gravitas, Do you fancy departing laden with remorse and reluctance, languishing in the throes of becoming a monster, shying away from your former comrades, or do you dare venture forth in pursuit of the truth, courting danger, and crafting your own heroic saga? Without acknowledging Anthony Reids response, Lumian gracefully alighted from the barstool, lifted his fennel absinthe, and downed the remainder in a single gulp. With that, he whispered into Anthony Reids ear, I contributed to Hugues Artoiss demise. Were still untangling his problem. Observing Anthony Reids slight tremor, Lumian straightened up and exited the subterranean bar without casting a backward glance. He strolled back into Room 207, not bothering to shut the door behind him, and lit the carbide lamp. With a casual swivel, he spun the chair around and settled into it, his posture easy as he fixated on the dim corridor outside. Lumian waited in abnormal silence, as he held a certainty that the figure he awaited would materialize. As moments ticked away, the couples voices escalated into a quarrel anew, and the rowdy drunkards began to trickle onto the street. The soft patter of hesitant steps drew near Room 207, each sound echoing the uncertainty. A sly grin played upon Lumians lips, and he reclined in the chair, his gaze steady on the door. Before too long, Anthony Reid stepped into view, garbed in a military-green shirt and matching pants, capped off by tall leather boots. His hair lay cropped and thin. Standing within the circle of light cast by the carbide lamp, he regarded Lumian seated at the wooden table, a smirk adorning his lips. His features danced in a contorted display. In a rich timbre, he intoned, I know youre trying to provoke me. I know youre acting, but youre correct Anthony Reid, middle-aged and weathered, raised his right hand and pressed it to his chest, his expression one of fierce resolve. Over these past few years, my heart has been seared by anguish and righteous anger. A knowing smile graced Lumians face as he shut his eyes momentarily, sensing the Pyromaniac potion digesting a little. He rose from his seat and addressed Anthony Reid, saying, Truth wields the mightiest power of persuasion. Anthony Reid felt a weight lift after speaking, the inner conflict and confusion subsiding. He ventured into Room 207, the door clicking shut behind him. His eyes swept over the surroundings in a swift assessment. Did you truly eliminate Hugues Artois? How deep did your investigation penetrate? Celia Bello, the one who assassinated Hugues Artois, is a friend of mine. It was I who first unearthed the heretic cults supporting Hugues Artois, Lumian responded in a matter-of-fact tone before extending a sincere apology. My earlier words held a deceit, and for that, Im sorry. Anthony Reid was taken aback. Which statement? A mischievous grin curved Lumians lips. Actually, we havent even embarked on the trail to uncover the people and forces behind Hugues Artois. Chapter 308 - 308 Incomprehensible Choice 308 Incomprehensible Choice The plump, middle-aged Anthony Reid found himself taken aback. But after a brief moment, he grinned in a self-deprecating way and uttered, I was so rattled that I couldnt even judge the authenticity of that sentence. As anticipated, a Spectator must take a seat in the audience. Lumian remained calmly seated, his smile unwavering. No, its not that simple. Why did I leap off the barstool? Why did I murmur into your ear from behind? My aim was to shield you from my subtle expressions and involuntary body language. In those moments, your emotions were already stirred, blurring your ability to decipher my true intent. A short pause followed Anthony Reids contemplative silence, then he spoke, Thats one reason. Another lies in your characteristic demeanor. I dont know if youve caught on, but you tend to put on a bit of a show, appear nonchalant, or in modern terms, act cool. Just then, I believed those actions, given the circumstances, were in line with your usual behavior, aimed at lending weight to your words. So, suspicion didnt even cross my mind. A chuckle escaped Lumians lips. Its only natural for a lad like me to yearn for a touch of coolness, a bit of swagger. It also conveniently masks my true motives. Actually, both are genuine. Thats why they remain impervious to scrutiny. It was akin to him having Fire Ravens circling him with one hand in his pocket, unleashing them on his adversaries as he advanced. First, it was undeniably cool, and second, he seized the chance to grasp Mr. Ks finger to avert any potential mishaps. Anthony Reid pondered momentarily before nodding. Only a superficial motive, steeped in authenticity, can truly deceive a Spectator. Raising his right foot over his left knee, Lumian steered the conversation back on track. Our journey to unveil the people and forces behind Hugues Artois hasnt yet commenced, as we are engaged in more pressing matters. But fear not, we shall delve into this matter next week. We possess the relevant sources of information as well. Lumians strategy involved Jenna delving deeper into Hugues Artoiss background through the Purifiers, exploring ways she could assist. As the one responsible for Hugues Artoiss demise, it was logical for Jenna to keep tabs on the investigations progress, hoping to unearth all details without arousing the official Beyonders suspicion. These thoughts and tendencies were inherent in Jenna, so Lumian didnt need to fuel them further. Just a reminder would suffice. In due course, the Purifiers could subtly guide Jenna and her companions toward actions they might find inconvenient. This would undeniably supply Anthony Reids investigation with invaluable leads. Anthony Reids deep brown eyes mirrored Lumians figure as he absorbed the discourse in silence. The information broker offered an almost imperceptible nod. Ill stay a while longer. Engaging with Spectators of the Beyonder path is straightforward. Theres no need to concoct another tale or search for an excuse to sway him. He can ascertain the truth for himself Lumian flashed a grin and gestured toward the bed. Take a seat. This way, he neednt expose Jennas true identity or her role as a Purifier informant. Anthony Reid stood near the door, rooted in place, and spoke, Youve more or less sussed out whats happened to me. Is there something else you want me to add? Id prefer a more detailed account, Lumian responded without much ceremony. Having been through the Poison Spur Mob, the Bliss Society, the Cordu catastrophe, Ruhr and Michels deaths, and the explosion at the Goodville Chemical Factory, Lumian found the evil gods and their minions abnormally repulsive. His casual demeanor had been replaced by a newfound seriousness. Once, hed believed that people could fancy whatever beliefs they pleasedthat it didnt concern him. Now, his perspective had entirely changed. He held that only heretics whod gone to their grave were the good ones. The living ones were ticking time bombs of doom, liable to unleash havoc on him and his companions sooner or later. So, he wasnt just spinning tales for Anthony Reid. He truly planned on delving into Hugues Artois affairs and uncovering more of those heretics when he could spare a moment. Moreover, this could endear him to Mr. K and the Aurora Order. Of course, it did seem quite odd for a wanted mob leader to be lending a hand to the authorities in taking down cultists. Anthony Reids expression darkened as he said, Towards the end of the war with the Loen Kingdom, my comrades and I were stationed at a vital route in the northern foothills of the Hornacis mountain range. Our commanding officer was Major Hugues Artois. We were split into three companies, each at different positions. We were to prevent small Loen Kingdom Beyonder teams from crossing the treacherous path and attacking us from the rear, as well as defend against direct assaults. That night, gunshots and cannon fire suddenly shattered my sleep. I watched as my comrades were torn apart, one by one, from behind. Their heads exploding, bodies rent asunder. The earth became a sea of blood At this point, Anthony Reids breath quickened, as if he was reliving the trauma. He paused for a moment before continuing, In the midst of that war, I had a fortuitous encounter that pushed my Sequence upward. I never reported it to Hugues Artois. Using my newfound abilities, I managed to break through the encirclement with four wounded comrades and retreated. Two of them were gravely hurt and were left behind on the mountain path forforever. I can still see their pained and angry gazes. At first, I thought maybe one of the other positions had been compromised, or that Loens airships had dropped troops behind us under cover of darkness. But later, I realized that the reason was that Hugues Artoiss company had chosen to retreat without informing us, after encountering only a probing attack! Lumian pondered for a moment before replying, When Hugues Artois ordered the retreat, didnt those soldiers question it? Didnt they try to get word to the other two positions? Hugues Artois was our commanding officer, and he knew how to give rousing speeches. Plus, he had a warrant supposedly signed by General Philip, Anthony Reid said, his expression grim. The soldiers back then assumed he had already passed on orders to the other positions. I still cant wrap my head around why hed sacrifice us. It wouldnt have taken much time or caused him any harm. Maybe he was overwhelmed and forgot, Lumian suggested, not out to defend the late Hugues Artois, merely offering a possible explanation. Anthony Reid shook his head. He wasnt a green recruit on his first battlefield. He had proven his mettle in prior fights, showed his leadership under duress. Lumian didnt delve further, allowing Anthony Reid to continue. Once we found out the truth, the three of us fought to bring Hugues Artois to military court, but it was futile. Theyd simply tell us that imagination wasnt evidence. Helpless, we watched Hugues Artois shift into politics after the war and rise through the ranks. My other two comrades were frail to start with. They passed away burdened by fury and pain. When Hugues Artois threw his hat in the ring for the Enlightenment Party in the market districts parliamentary election, I ended up here. Lumian nodded slightly and inquired, Being an information broker, thats to hide your true identity? No, Ive been scraping by as an information broker for a few years now, Anthony Reid replied with a wry smile. Plus, this cover helps me dig deeper into Hugues Artois dealings. Any breakthroughs? Lumian asked naturally. Anthony Reids expression darkened as he answered, Hugues Artois foray into politics seems unremarkable. He rode General Philips coattails and climbed the ladder. His eloquence caught the eye of several senior Enlightenment Party MPs. And he forged ties with a handful of ex-noble families. Is General Philip a concern? Lumian queried, straightforward as ever. Anthony Reid sighed slowly, his voice heavy, The general met his end before I could investigate him. Official word isillness took him. Lumian posed a few more questions before saying, Ill catch up with you when Ive got more to share. Sure. Anthony Reid understood Lumians sincerity. After departing Auberge du Coq Dor, Lumian made his way back to the safe house on Rue des Blouses Blanches. He swung open the iron cabinet, retrieving a hefty stack of information concerning the denizens of the spirit world. Within the assortment, he discovered a notebook labeled Sights in the Spirit World. Flipping through a couple of pages, he could feel a surge of frustration and anxiety creeping into his mind. His immediate aim wasnt to grasp the intricacies of the spirit world, but rather to pinpoint suitable creatures from that realm. Thus, he closed the notebook and delved into the introductions of the various spirit world entities. Somewhat inexplicably, after poring over the pages for over half an hour, Lumian sensed his mental energy draining away. His thoughts seemed to evaporate, forcing him to bring his study session to an abrupt close. He sprawled out on the bed, drifting into slumber. Early the next morning, Lumian arrived at Apartment 601, 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches, and rang the doorbell. Franca had already risen from her sleep, attired in her customary shirt and breeches. She directed her gaze towards Lumian and inquired, What brings you here so early? Lumians eyes flicked towards Jenna, who occupied the living room, a smile tugging at his lips. Isnt today the day Jenna advances to being an Instigator? Im here to witness the moment. A frown played across Francas features as she muttered, You seem quite concerned about her. Absolutely, Lumian affirmed, his grin widening. Once shes an Instigator, she can aid me in dealing with Guillaume Bnet. While I cant exactly count on her for a direct confrontation, shell excel at launching sneak attacks and surveying the surroundings to forestall any potential mishaps. Jenna emitted a derisive snort, while Franca offered a mix of exasperation and amusement through a tongue click. Your words are like honey. The kind thats already been digested? Lumian chuckled, his self-awareness evident. Chapter 309 - 309 Restoring Confidence 309 Restoring Confidence Naturally, Franca caught onto Lumians true intentions; otherwise, her Instigator potion wouldve been a wasted effort. She felt satisfied that Lumian was one who wouldnt falter in a battle of sophistry, and she hoped he could maintain that. Come on in. Franca gestured for Lumian to step into the living room. Right then, boxes already occupied the coffee table, containing Demon Throat Honeyguide and other ingredients. Simply glancing at these items stirred something in Lumian, an urge to devour them. Thankfully, it wasnt overwhelming. It was more like hungry folks eying a chef grilling lamb. Jennas focus had returned to the ingredients. Gazing at the white porcelain broth bowl with its dual handles and cover, she found it absurd that she was going to consume it the same way she had consumed the Assassin potion. How was this potion concoction? It seemed more like cocktail mixing or broth preparation! Mysticism was nowhere to be found! Jenna inhaled deeply, then poured 100 milliliters of pure water into the broth bowl using a measuring cylinder. She added the Demon Throat Honeyguide and the Dark Prowler poison sac. Amidst the bubbling sounds, the two main ingredients fused in the pure water. A manifestation of the law of Beyonder characteristics convergence Lumian observed closely, holding his words. Franca carefully unsheathed a ritual dagger and conjured a wall of spirituality around the living room. The hive-like heart and the dark-green poison sac began to dissolve simultaneously, coloring the pure water in the white porcelain bowl with a gleaming black hue. Jenna then added the syrinx of the Demon Throat Honeyguide, five drops of blue Jimsonweed juice, and 10 grams of fern powder. Finally, she tossed in an unpeeled walnut. Watching the walnut disappear as if swallowed by crimson molten steel, Jenna couldnt help but feel a shiver of fear. Can this thing really be drunk? Not bad. Its exactly like the Instigator potion I brewed before, Franca commended with an easy smile. Of course its the same. Concocting a potion is that simple Lumian thought to himself. Franca waved her hand, her confidence unwavering, and continued, No need to fret. Downing a Sequence 8 potion directly wont trouble you. Plus, youve already digested the Assassin potion. Infected by her confidence, Jennas expression gradually turned resolute. Oh, youre employing Instigation, are you? Is this an upright approach for an Instigator? Lumian grasped Francas intentions, yet he didnt call her out. Jenna steeled herself and composed her mind. She picked up the double-handled broth bowl and lifted it to her lips. Gazing at the obsidian potion fizzing with tiny bubbles, as though harboring hidden desires and ill intent, she tilted her head back and poured the contents from the porcelain bowl into her mouth. An acute pain coursed from her mouth down to her esophagus, radiating to her brain and other parts of her body. The pain jolted her awake, memories of the explosion at Goodville Chemical Factory flashing through her mind. She gained fresh insights, a better understanding of the true intentions and thoughts of those involved. She sensed malevolent thoughts that had either come to fruition or were waiting to be acted upon. Soon, Jennas heart was filled with rage, loathing, and a desire to obliterate those individuals and matters. She felt an urge to cease holding back and unleash her emotions. Recalling Francas repeated warnings, she resisted letting her hatred, anger, and desires take the reins. She clenched her fists, standing still. Her shadow seemed to deepen, and her brownish-yellow hair appeared to lengthen. In a little over ten seconds, the pain gradually receded, and Jenna reconnected with her body. Its indeed quite easy Most of the reason why Im feeling half-dead after gulping down potions at a low Sequence is due to Inevitabilitys corruption Lumian sighed. Jenna swiftly gathered her thoughts and stretched her limbs, examining the changes in her body. Oh, my bodys definitely gotten stronger. And Ive got this new ability, Instigation Its actually pretty great. Instigation is more than just an ability. It lets me feel what others are feelingemotions, desires, even malice. It sharpens my thinking and analytical skills. Ha, Ill have to use this to my advantage. Cant have Ciel always making fun of my smarts and performance Even if I dont speak, using Instigation actively will make me seem more reliable and approachable. Itll help folks around me think better of me. With the Instigation ability and some clever talk, I can plant certain thoughts or desires in someones mind, making them choose to act the way I want After a quick adjustment, Jenna confirmed that her combat skills hadnt improved significantly, but she could be much more valuable in other situations. Howd it go? Told you there wouldnt be any trouble, Franca said with a grin, her satisfaction not hidden at all. Jennas blue eyes still had traces of black threads in them. She let out a relieved breath and replied, I was a bit worried earlier. Thats just the way it is at low Sequences. Youll need to be careful when you move up to Sequence 7, Franca reminded Jenna, ensuring she didnt underestimate the risks of a potion. Jenna nodded and said to Franca, I owe you 30,000 verl dor, including this time. Ill pay you back in installments. She included the Assassin potion from earlier. Franca had discussed this with Jenna the night before. She had intended to treat it as a gift. After all, she could continue selling the potion formula and information about the Deep Valley Quarry. However, seeing Jennas determination, she decided to accept it after some thought. With a smile, she replied at that moment, No need to rush. Take your time repaying. You could even stretch it into a 20 or 30-year loan. Lumian couldnt help but click his tongue and turned to Jenna. Has the compensation from the Goodville Chemical Factory come through? Imre and Valentine told me the legal process is done. Once the auction wraps up, the assets will be distributedperhaps in two weeks. Jenna didnt quite grasp why Lumian was suddenly bringing this up. Julien and I should get around 6,000 verl dor. Well split it evenly after settling our debts. Honestly, I dont really want it, but he wont agree for sure. Lumian nodded and inquired further, And what about your fathers compensation? Because of the Goodville Chemical Factory explosion, the courts given its final say, but the factory owners dragging his feet. Ugh, is he trying to move his assets out before he pays up? Jennas tone carried a hint of anger as she spoke about it. A chuckle escaped Lumians lips. How about this? We pay a visit to the families waiting for compensation soon. You instigate them, and Ill incite them. We alternate, gather them at the factory owners place, and demand whats owed to them. It helps them and gives us a chance to digest the potion. The factory owners got a bunch of armed guards, and hes got ties to the police. What if they hurt the people just asking for their dues? Theyre already going through so much, Jenna expressed her concern. Lumian arched an eyebrow and replied, The court has made its decision. Theyve got every right to seek their compensation. If anyone dares to fire shots, I promise they wont shoot again. Dont worry, with us around, theyll be safe. Besides, you can give the heads-up to the Purifiers. Theyll understand. Jenna was convinced, her thoughts racing. Dammit, youre inciting me! While she grumbled, she accepted Lumians idea and decided to gather information as soon as possible to figure out where the factory owner was now residing. Simultaneously, another thought crossed her mind. Now that Im an Instigator, I need to interact with the entrustee. Its a task from the Purifiers. Franca, whens the next meetup? Franca said indignantly, Next weekend. Reaching out to the entrustee is risky business. The Purifiers are kind of taking advantage of your lack of knowledge by only advancing you one ingredient for the Instigator potion. If it were me, Id demand a better deal! Habitual instigation Lumian chuckled inwardly. As Franca and Jenna tidied up the coffee table, Lumian remained seated in an armchair, looking all repulsive. After a while, Jenna approached him, her body lowering. Lumian turned his head in surprise. With a confident smirk, Jenna adjusted her hair. I can safely say that you didnt just show up to watch me drink that potion for dealing with Guillaume Bnet. Her grin was playful and teasing. Though she wasnt wearing makeup, it brought Lumian back to their first meeting when she was an underground singer at Salle de Bal Brise. Before Lumian could respond, Jenna straightened up and strolled toward the bathroom, leaving behind a casual question. Is it really so hard to admit that were friends and you care about your friends? On his way back to Salle de Bal Brise, Lumian mulled over his role as Pyromaniac. He was teetering on the edge of taking the first step towards digesting the potion; his hunger for more acting chances was insatiable. Though I must set aflame minds and society, I cannot overlook the elemental act of kindling substances and fulfilling fires symbolic essence. Who would be a suitable candidate for burning As these thoughts raced through his mind, Lumians gaze spotted Baron Brignais. The mob leader, who usually emulated Gehrman Sparrow, had discarded his customary poise and genteel demeanor. Instead, he marched restlessly and agitatedly along Avenue du March, his eyes darting around incessantly. Lumian fixated on him briefly, though Baron Brignais remained oblivious. Baffled, he retraced his steps to Salle de Bal Brise and inquired of Sarkota, who had once served under Baron Brignais, Do you have any knowledge of what happened to Brignais? I observed him in a state of great unease just now. The reticent Sarkota glanced towards the cafs glass window and replied, Baron Brignaiss illegitimate son has gone missing. Illegitimate son? Gone missing? Lumians thoughts immediately turned to the young lad Baron Brignais had picked up from the Suhit steam locomotive station. Chapter 310 - 310 Encounter 310 Encounter How did he go missing? Lumian asked, puzzled. Baron Brignais wasnt just a mob leader; he was a Beyonder, too. As long as he was attentive, how could he allow his child to disappear? Moreover, who in the market district would dare to snatch his child? Sarkota shook his head. He didnt provide details. Could it be the machinations of the Rose School of Thought, striving to expose the truth about the Savoie Mob from Baron Brignais? With recent events woven into the mix, Lumian had some unconfirmed theories. After a brief pause of thought, he inquired, Do you know what Brignaiss illegitimate son looks like? Sarkota nodded. The barons underlings came by with a portrait that resembles a photograph. A portrait that resembles a photograph Had he invoked ritualistic magic? Lumians memory recalled the contents of Aurores grimoires. Gazing at the brilliant sunlight streaming through the window, he turned to Sarkota. Gather some men and aid Brignais. Regardless of whether the child was ensnared by the Rose School of Thought or had truly gone missing, if they couldnt locate him soon, the outcome would be grim. At his age, even without additional complications, his fate as a street urchin wouldnt be kind. Understood. Sarkota refrained from inquiring why his boss had decided to lend a hand to Baron Brignais. After all, it wasnt yet noon, and Salle de Bal Brise had just commenced operations. The real hustle and bustle didnt kick in until three or four in the afternoon. Apart from the janitors and kitchen staff, most folks had time aplenty. Lumian ordered a glass of ice water topped with sugar-infused alcohol and stood on the cafs balcony, observing the mobsters interrogating vagrants along Avenue du March. After a while, Rat Christo appeared. The diminutive smuggling chief emerged from an alley, trailed by seven or eight dogs of varying hues and breeds, and entered the diagonally opposite alley. Before long, he drew nearer to Salle de Bal Brise. At this sight, Lumian finished the remaining alcohol, placed the glass on the railing, and leaped from the second floor to the street. Christo, his two rat-like whiskers wiggling, approached with a sycophantic grin. Good morning, Ciel. Are you aiding Brignais in locating his illegitimate son? Lumian inquired directly. Christo nodded gently. Indeed. He personally reached out to me for assistance. Coincidentally, these kids excel at tracking down people. As the Rat spoke, he affectionately patted the dogs heads. They alternated between gathering and dispersing, following a distinct scent. Baron Brignais truly cares for that illegitimate son Lumian advised Rat Christo with a pensive air, There might be something peculiar about this situation. Stay vigilant. I dont want you to go missing before finding the boy. The Rose School of Thought being responsible for abducting the boy was always one of the possibilities. Christo was taken aback, pondered for a moment, and remarked, Theres indeed something amiss. In recent years, weve never heard of Brignais having such a son. Moreover, he holds him in high regard. Why would the boy vanish? A sudden appearance of an illegitimate child? Lumians intuition suggested this might be more intricate than he presumed. After contemplating briefly, Christo gratefully said, Ciel, your intellect surpasses mine. Dont you possess medicine to enhance your mind? Lumian inquired, half jesting and half curious. As Christo allowed the dogs to nuzzle his trousers, he sheepishly smiled and replied, Indeed, but theyre short-term solutions. Their effects are middling, nowhere near the potency of a potion. Damn it, excessive consumption can lead to complications. Lumian shifted the conversation, asking, Do you possess authentic mummy ashes? Christo assumed an enigmatic expression. How much do you require? I can provide you with the best version. That Little Minx Jenna often frequents Franca. Shes a tricky one. Just days ago, Franca inquired if I had genuine mummy ashes. Tsk, even the Boss is having trouble. Ciel also had numerous dancers and actresses as mistresses. Despite his youth, he still relied on medicine. I mean true mummy ashes. Lumian stroked his chin. I dont. Christo shook his head. That stuff is ineffective, and I dont know who propagated the falsehood, but I do have a concoction that can satisfy all your paramours. Its composed of various herbs; I merely claim mummy ashes as the primary ingredient. Did Franca buy it? Lumian inquired with a grin. She did. Christo cooperatively chuckled. Probably because the Boss is too embarrassed to approach me. Her facade was impeccable. She concealed her true desires from the Rat, seeking the so-called ineffective mummy ashes Lumian sighed and confessed openly, I need genuine mummy ashes. They possess mystical uses. Keep an eye out since you often engage with merchants trading in alchemical materials. No problem. Christo suspected that Ciel aimed to preserve his dignity and wouldnt acknowledge his quest for such a remedy. He insisted on mysticism as a pretext for seeking mummy ashes but didnt expose him. After all, it was a minor matter. Observing Christos persistent search for Baron Brignaiss missing illegitimate son with his dogs, Lumian turned on his heel and made his way back to the dance hall. As he was about to approach the bar counter, Termiboross commanding voice reverberated in his ears: To the cellar. To the cellar Lumians initial thought was that the Inevitability angel had something planned. Which cellar? he inquired. The one used to store ingredients, replied Termiboros. So proactive, so eager Whats He plotting? Lumian began to wonder if there was an underlying scheme at play. Termiboros continued, Its a stroke of fate for you. Even if you dont go, it will find its way to you. Its destined. Youre giving me chills Termiboros wont likely put me in immediate danger right now What could be in that cellar Lumian contemplated briefly and reckoned that the ingredient storage cellar was usually bustling around noon. In theory, there shouldnt be anything unusual or perilous. After careful consideration, he decided to head to the cellar, listen at the door, and take a look. If he sensed anything awry, he would write to Madam Magician and inquire if he should heed Termiboross advice and enter. Amidst the greetings of the chefs, kitchen helpers, handymen, and dishwashing maids, Lumian crossed through the kitchen and descended the stairs to the ingredient storage cellar. The cellars dark-brown wooden door was securely shut, as usual. Lumian strained his ears, intently listening for any signs of activity. A faint chewing sound reached his ears. It wasnt a dramatic sound, devoid of the horrifying notion of a creature devouring flesh. Rather, it resembled a tramp gnawing on food after a long bout of hunger. Somethings definitely amiss Lumian cautiously pushed open the cellar door. The light from the stairs seeped in, revealing a figure. It was a boy of seven or eight, his back to Lumian. He had short yellow hair, a caramel coat, white stockings, and black strapless leather shoes. Behind him lay a dark red school bag that seemed somewhat weighty and sturdy. Lumian found the attire oddly familiar. Suddenly, he recalled where hed seen it before. Baron Brignaiss illegitimate son! So, his disappearance led him to hiding in the ingredient cellar of Salle de Bal Brise? Lumian had intended to take a quick glance before shutting the door and leaving to pen a letter to Madam Magician at Auberge du Coq Dor. Yet, upon realizing that the person in the cellar was likely Baron Brignaiss illegitimate son, he furrowed his brow slightly and swung open the dark brown wooden door a bit more. Additional light streamed in, causing the boy to instinctively turn and face the door. Lumian caught sight of the brass buttons on his clothes, a black-and-white checkered shirt, and a linen coat. He saw a face with evident baby fat, unperturbed but vacant brown eyes, and a mouth smeared with blood. The boy clutched a few raw steaks tinged with a dark red hue in his hand. His mouth kept opening and closing as he chewed on a vague mass of flesh resembling a rat. Its thin black tail gently swayed near his lips. Lumian narrowed his eyes and slipped his left hand into his pocket. The boy remained unperturbed, his gaze vacant as he continued staring at Lumian. He chewed a few more times before swallowing the bloody rat, tail and all. Lumian arched an eyebrow and asked, Are you Brignaiss illegitimate son? No, the boy mumbled, nibbling at a piece of raw steak. Then whats your connection? Lumian queried in a peaceful manner. After a while of eating raw steak, the boy answered, Hes my godfather and guardian in Trier. Remarkably precise Intisian, hardly any accent Lumian regarded the peculiar boy with puzzlement and probed, Are you running away from home? Yes, the boy replied, blood staining his mouth as he continued nibbling on the raw steak. Behind him stretched a thick darkness, enveloped by the dim light from the corridor. Why did you flee from your godfather? Do you need me to help you return? Lumian asked, offering a friendly smile, noticing that the other party was more amicable in conversation. The boy shook his head vigorously. No! I dont want to go back to attending classes, studying, doing homework, taking practice tests, and sitting for exams! Wh The boys reasoning left Lumian oddly bewildered, as if he had glimpsed his own past. He was intelligent and had no trouble attending classes, reading, or taking exams. He absorbed knowledge swiftly, but he disliked homework or practice tests. He relied on Aurores heartfelt education to barely persevere. He often wished he could rope in Reimund, Ava, and his friends to do those tasks for him. Is this rat-chewing enigma the fateful encounter Termiboros alluded to? Lumian pondered and inquired, You dont seem to be from Intis? With an honest demeanor and a bloodied mouth, the boy responded, Im from Lenburg. Chapter 311 - 311 Strange Boy 311 Strange Boy Lenburg? Baron Brignaiss illegitimate son or godchild resides in Lenburg? Lumian was puzzled, his mind racing with playful guesses. Baron Brignais places a high value on education, entrusting his most beloved child to the kingdom of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom for learning Lumian studied the young lad before him and asked in a laid-back tone, Arent you supposed to be hitting the books in Lenburg at your age? The education there is leagues ahead of what Trier offers. The boys face lit up with an oddly animated expression. Nah, Im not up for the daily grind of school, burning the midnight oil over homework, and tackling exams every month! Sounds a little terrifying A shiver trickled down Lumians spine at the thought of such a life. At the very least, it didnt sit right with him. Agreeing with a nod, Lumian casually asked, Are live rats tasty? The boy regained his composure. Its not exactly gourmet, but I cant be choosy when hunger gnaws. Waiting till midday to raid the kitchen doesnt cut it. True bliss is savoring a meal whipped up by a maestro chef. And some mild hunger pangs do add a certain flair. After explaining, he must have felt he came across too mature and quickly recalibrated. Cant blame me if your kitchens dragging its feet until noon! Well, thats hardly the point, now, is it? When I was wandering about without a proper place to stay, I sure as heck didnt have any notions of munching on live rats. The big issue, of course, was that I couldnt even catch the pesky things. And if by some miracle I did, then I had to somehow figure out how to set up a fire, skin them, and roast them. But this kid right here? Hes out here grabbing rats, using nothing but his own bare hands. His strength or maybe just his good luck isnt half bad, Ill give him that. Its not even an hour away from noon, and hes acting like hes got an insatiable hunger? The more Lumian looked at him, the more he was convinced there was something peculiar about this little lad. Amused, he inquired, Brignais didnt bother to feed you, then? Need me to escort you to the police headquarters so you can lodge a complaint about his child abuse? Well, aside from pestering me about my studies, hes alright. He makes sure I have a proper meal every two hours. On top of that, he whips up cakes, biscuits, roasted meat, and pies for those midnight hunger pangs. A subtle lick of the lips revealed the boys longing. Are you a pig? Lumian had never eaten so much while undergoing puberty. And yet, the lad didnt appear overweight, only solidly built. In the blink of an eye, the boys gaze shifted as he spoke in rapid succession, Perhaps studying demands a lot of energy. I need all this sustenance to keep my brain firing on all cylinders. Is there no saying about how trying to explain is just a cover-up in Lenburgs education? Your elaborate justification makes me wonder if your appetite is problematic All this eating hasnt exactly made you a genius, has it? Lumian grinned and quipped, If Brignais wasnt intentionally starving you, why resort to raw rats and steak? In a frustrated tone, the boy retorted, I managed to slip away without breakfast or morning tea today! And yet, youre so famished that youre downing raw rats? If you go hungry for another half day or so, will you start eying pedestrians on the street? With a fluid motion, Lumian produced an iron-gray military flask from his shirt pocket. His left hand slid into his trouser pocket, deftly unscrewing the cap of the flask before tucking it away. Lumian raised the iron-gray metal flask, breathing in the fragrance with a satisfied grin. He inquired, his voice light, Fancy a sip? Gulp! The boys Adams apple bobbed as he swallowed his saliva. Struggling, he responded, Im not of age yet. Im just a kid! Hes tasted it before, and hes taken a liking to it Lumian passed his judgment and swallowed a mouthful of the spirit. Maintaining the military flask at his lips, he spoke in a casual tone, a question hanging in the air, Which deity do you believe in? Whyre you asking? the boy inquired cautiously. Seeing the lack of alarm, Lumian breathed a sigh of relief. He tipped the flask again, the liquid gurgling. He lowered the military flask, his expression bright as he spoke with clarity, As a devout follower of the God of Steam and Machinery, Ive got to verify the faith of those with uncertain origins. By steam! This time, Lumian spoke without the veil of alcohol. Subconsciously, the boy shook his head. Words dont mean much. Just saying I believe in whichever deity doesnt make it true. Lumian studied the boys reaction. Its true that folks from the orthodox Churches can sometimes claim belief in any deity without much sincerity, but theyre harmless. Im more concerned about worshipers of evil gods. Theyre fervent and unpredictable. They wont fake it to deceive others, believing that to be against their faith and blasphemous. Instinctively, the boy retorted, Not always. Some followers of evil gods will pose as adherents of the orthodox gods to further their holy missions. They can pray, attend rituals, join Mass, and chant the names of other gods without a second thoughtas long as they repent to their own deity afterward, they reckon theres no issue At that moment, the young lad abruptly halted. He exchanged gazes with Lumian and lapsed into a prolonged silence. After a spell, he took a bite out of his uncooked steak and introduced himself, Im a believer of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom. The devoted faithful in our Church have this peculiar knack for pointing out slip-ups in the other partys speech, just like before. Yep, just like before! Lumian fixed a piercing gaze on the lad for a few beats before inquiring, What might be the usual prayers at the God of Knowledge and Wisdom Church? Quick as a flash, the boy responded, Like I was saying earlier, folks who believe in those evil gods can mutter the honorific name of an orthodox god with a heavy heart and toss out those prayers. You cant rightly figure out whats in others minds unless youre a card-carrying member of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church and youve got it notarized that you wont lie With that, the lad clammed up once more, his gaze fixed vacantly on Lumian. After a brief pause, he stretched out his empty right hand, and pressed it to his forehead. May wisdom be with you! Such a foolish fellow shouldnt be a spy sent by an evil god From his intelligence, hes really a child Lumian struggled to maintain his composure, requiring a concealed deep breath to regain control over his facial muscles. Indeed, he concurred, his lips curving into a smile. Mirroring the boys action, he brushed his head with the base of the iron-gray military flask and uttered with significance, May wisdom be with you! Without affording the boy a chance to reply, Lumian adopted an alluring tone. Would you care to join me at the caf on the second floor? Ill treat you to a proper meal. The chefs here are quite remarkable. The boy swallowed visibly. You wont turn against me, will you? You can tail me the entire time. That way, I wont ever get a shot at double-crossing you. Lumian initiated a little trial, testing if the other guys brains matched his looks and age, or maybe they lagged behind. And mind you, we only prohibit the God of Knowledge and Wisdom Church from preaching in Intis or setting up a cathedral. We do let their believers cross the border. Triers got the Lenburg Chamber of Commerce, you see. The boy pondered for a moment and said, Okay. Lumian sized him up, withdrew his left hand, sealed the liquor flask, and tucked the iron-gray flask back in his brown coat. Then, he pressed his forehead again. May wisdom be with you! With that, Lumian pivoted and ascended the stairs. The kid stuck to him, politely shutting the cellars deep-brown door behind him. Seeing Lumian whirl around, the kid explained earnestly, If its left open, the food inside will spoil. True enough. Lumian pulled his gaze and climbed up the stairs. The kid trailed him close, eyes peeled for any odd moves, any signs of betrayal. Lumian steered him into the kitchen, then upstairs to the caf on the second floor and ordered a set meal. In no time, the spread hit the table: fried veal steak, grilled eel, roasted leg of lamb, chicken pie, red wine, and cream. Lumian settled in, watching the kid wolfing down like he was bottomless. Every now and then, he tossed a comment, Veal is crisped good, but the meat is nothing special Sweet sauce masks the eels fishiness, but it makes it greasy Leg of lamb is roasted just right, crispy outside, tender inside. Spices are off a touch, though. Too much fennel Just eat. Why are you so talkative Lumian silently watched the boy eat the table full of food with a satisfied expression. Fifteen minutes later, Baron Brignais walked in from the second-floor entrance, donning a half top hat with a diamond ring shining. The boy turned in surprise and glanced back at Lumian. Lumian smiled and said, Did you think Im the only one here who knows you? The boy was startled as he fell silent. Baron Brignais walked up to Lumian and said with unconcealed relaxation, Appreciate it, Ciel. Just so happened to catch him skulking around in the cellar, munching on something, Lumian responded, his voice warm and friendly. Baron Brignais gave him a sidelong glance before shifting his attention to the boy. Time to head back, Ludwig. Ludwig, the young boy, remained silent. Swiftly, he polished off the last remnants of his meal and rose from his seat. Ciel, well catch up, Baron Brignais directed a nod at Lumian. Seated opposite, Lumian observed as Baron Brignais clasped Ludwigs hand, their departure imminent. Lumians lips curved again before saying, Dont forget to settle the tab. Baron Brignais displayed a hint of surprise. His eyes flickered, suggesting a momentary uncertainty in his initial assessment. Yet without uttering a word, he withdrew a wallet brimming with banknotes and promptly covered the cost of Ludwigs meal. Lumian maintained a contemplative silence, watching the duo disappear down the stairwell. Leaning back in his chair, he murmured softly, his voice a mere whisper, Temiboros, where exactly is the stroke of fate you mentioned? Chapter 312 - 312 Hint 312 Hint Though Lumian maintained a cautious skepticism toward Termiboros, his curiosity about the enigmatic stroke of fate continued to gnaw at him. The way Termiboros had alluded to the Earth Blood ore as an encounter had caught his attention. Could this time involve Ludwig, the young boy? There was something off about this fellow, something amiss. Yet, as their conversation unfolded, Lumian came to acknowledge Ludwigs intelligence, origins, and apparent devotion to the God of Knowledge and Wisdom. Despite this interaction, Lumian found himself gaining no true insights or foresight. It was unlike his understanding of the Earth Blood ores potential, which hinged on specific conditions of going underground, finding the right area to encounter something. Once again, Termiboross powerful voice reverberated through Lumian. The moment will reveal itself. Cant you people make yourself clear? Lumians frustration surged, his blood boiling in his veins.. Im unlike what you consider people, Termiboros responded, straightforwardly. Im a Mythical Creature. Lumian was left speechless, taken aback. He forced a scoff and retorted, I doubt even your sealed form can truly grasp fates threads. Each time, your answers are mired in vagueness. What sets you apart from amateurs in the Divination Club? If you possess the power, reveal clearly where my next opportunity lies! Termiboros responded with a deep tone, Tonight, at 11 p.m., Rist Docks, Warehouse 3. Huh? Surprise coursed through Lumian; Termiboross hint was unexpected. Yet, within his astonishment, puzzlement persisted. Inevitabilitys angel is that kind? As a high-ranking Alms Monk, He shouldnt have been provoked so easily to interpret my fate Could there be an ulterior motive? Regardless, Ill consult Madam Magicians insight first. Lumian decided swiftly. He rose, departed Salle de Bal Brise, and embarked on a journey to Rue des Blouses Blanches. Executing a simple act of arson, he could initiate the initial potion digestion step and contemplate gaining a Contractee boon. Despite his anxiety, Lumian refused to lower his guard against Termiboros. Within Rue des Blouses Blanches, in the safe house. Lumian meticulously documented the particulars regarding Ludwig and Termiboross clue. Subsequently, he conducted a ritual, summoning the doll-like messenger. As Lumian awaited Madam Magicians response, he delved into a trove of information concerning spirit world creatures. Reading the descriptions of certain knowledge consumed a substantial amount of his spirituality. Some even induced dizziness, nausea, frustration, headache, a burning sensation, and illusions. Similar to Aurores grimoires portrayal of profound knowledge about deities and high-level creatures, this information is fraught with intense corruption and perilous ramifications. If all the knowledge that pursues humans bear such attributes, its genuinely chilling. The prospect of losing oneself upon hearing it or succumbing to immediate demise is unsettling Thus, Lumian punctuated his reading to safeguard his mental well-being from plummeting to precarious thresholds. After poring through descriptions of approximately 30 to 40 spirit world creatures, Lumian stumbled upon a figure he recognized. Rabbit of Knowledge: Weak spirit world creature, friendly to humans and possesses an innate thirst for knowledge. Their summons are rarely declined. Diverse experiences yield distinct Rabbits of Knowledge. Shared traits include mastery of various languages, spoken and written communication skills, and adept reading capabilities. Extracting salient information from extensive knowledge is their forte, and their transcription speed outpaces even mechanical typewriters. Drawback: Limited communication finesse and inflexible thinking. Some Rabbits of Knowledge have been tainted by anomalous knowledge, evolving into significant hazards. To summon, restrict choices to the friendly and weak. So, it goes by the name Rabbit of Knowledge. Summoning this entity in the future should be more targeted Yet, its abilities and attributes are of limited value. If I had gone as per Aurores vision of university enrollment, I would benefit from its multilingual proficiency and strong reading skills Noteworthy, the text omits mention of its speed within the spirit realm, implying its negligible worth in that aspect. It moves sluggishly, drains spirituality Lumian lowered the document, massaged his temples, and embarked on his third respite. During this juncture, the messenger bore Madam Magicians response: I share curiosity regarding what encounter the lad named Ludwig would bring. His appearance in Trier intrigues me; motivations remain nebulous. Vigilance is prudent. His existence carries intrigue. Proceed. The window of acting presents itself to me as well. Cant you people make things clear Lumians lips twitched, absorbing the succinct message. However, a nuanced sense emerged that Madam Magicians opening sentence wasnt an immediate response. It resonated more as a condensed echo of her contemplations. In essence, Madam Magician, imbued with her astromancy prowess, struggled to glean Ludwigs fate. Her perceptions seemed clouded, suggesting she only harbored conjectures. The obscurity surrounding Ludwigs destiny, evident in her inability to perceive it, spoke volumes. At 10:50 p.m., at Rist Docks, outside Warehouse 3. Lumian took cover in the shadows, poised to seize the much-anticipated opening for action. Soon enough, two silhouettes approached Warehouse 3, drawing within a mere five to six meters of Lumian. One of them spoke hushedly, riddled with concern, Hctor, the accountants arrive tomorrow for an audit. How do we address this? Shall I hire a thief to pilfer the account records? What purpose would that serve? The moment they inspect the warehouse, suspicion will arise. Our remaining stock barely equals a tenth of the required amount. Hctors tone escalated, simmering with intensity. If were to proceed, we ought to do so comprehensively by reducing the warehouse to ashes. This way, any discrepancies would remain concealed. I see Listening closely, Lumian deduced his cue to act. As his companion wavered, Hctor interjected, Fires are commonplace in Trier, normalized in everyones mind. Moreover, igniting them ourselves isnt necessary. The market district swarms with miscreants and rogues. Once the time is ripe, we can entice them to vacate Trier with a handsome fee. Honor, we cant wait any longer. You must decide now. Honor paused, then spoke resolutely, Agreed! Well locate Guy and recruit him into our plan! The duo conducted a swift survey of the warehouses surroundings before departing for the docks, en route to rendezvous with their comrade, Guy. After a brief trek, the sky abruptly reddened, casting an incandescent hue across the scene. Simultaneously, the crackle of flames resounded. Honor and Hctor instinctively spun around, bearing witness to an inferno emerging. Vermilion flames surged, fierce and ravenous, soaring to engulf the structure. Fire, fire Hctor mumbled, a glint of realization dawning. Indeed, fire! Praise the Sun, its a fire! Honor exhibited a similar reaction, his right hand tracing a triangular Sacred Emblem over his chest, lips moving in muted invocation. Yet, within the momentary elation, disquiet brewed within Honors senses. Trepidation tinted his voice as he discerned, The warehouse isnt aflame. Its our office! Positioned meters away from the warehouse was their officea modest gray two-story edifice. The expanse separating it from the warehouse remained empty, devoid of combustible material. Hctors visage contorted in terror. Clenching his jaw, he spoke with grim resolve, We must set fire to the warehouse now! Even as the words left his lips, an explosion erupted from the locus of crimson flames. Though not seismic, the detonation garnered the attention of dock workers and firefighters. Fire! Fire! The clamor resounded as responders converged. In Trier, a city renowned for frequent conflagrations, firefighters were seasoned in addressing such crises. Observing the scene, Hctor and Honor, who hadnt reached Warehouse 3, slumped onto the roadside, their vigor sapped. At the entrance of the dock. Albus, his hair now a fiery hue, averted his gaze from the raging blaze to the middle-aged man at his side. Monsieur Guy, your colleague seems even more agitated than you. Guys complexion paled as he shook his head in bewilderment. The warehouse wasnt the target of the fire A pause lingered before Albus sneered. I warned you already. Hesitation begets mishaps. Now, ponder your escape. May you be more decisive this time. Beside the unassuming two-story structure, Lumian gazed upon the soaring flames. The timber and flammable materials metamorphosed into an ephemeral dragon, casting his countenance in fiery red, eyes alight with fervor. With a grin, he advanced toward the blaze. The duos intent to commit arson entailed erasing incriminating evidence by reducing the warehouse to ashes. However, Lumians purpose was to generate turmoil, inviting scrutiny that would unearth the discrepancies within the warehouse! Such was the duty of a responsible citizen. A mantle of flames enveloped Lumian, adhering to his attire obedientlymerely a hairs breadth from ignition. Donning the flaming cloak, Lumian marched into the roaring blaze. Fire coalesced with fire, repelling smoke. Effortlessly traversing the structure, Lumian exited on the opposite end of the dock. Following the arson, Lumian acquired a rudimentary mastery over the potions powers. He tamed it, dispelling the burning sensation on his skin and the trepidation in his heart. While his potion digestion remained incomplete, Lumian had already adapted to his present state, giving him the capacity to receive an additional Inevitability boon. After carrying out a few rounds of anti-tracking, Lumian returned to the safe house on Rue des Blouses Blanches. Initiating the initial step of digesting the Pyromaniac potion prior to tracking down the padre filled him with satisfaction. He maintained a smile, yet his demeanor faltered upon glimpsing the towering pile of dense information within the iron cabinet. It would take at least a month or two to finish reading them! How could he identify an apt contracted creature in so brief a span? Chapter 313 - 313 Plans with Different Styles 313 Plans with Different Styles Lumian stood before the iron cabinet, his mind immersed in contemplation. With just a handful of days remaining until the date designated by the Prophecy Spell, Lumian earnestly aspired to secure Contractee status, thereby attaining three distinctive abilities. This enhancement was imperative prior to pursuing Guillaume Bnet. The augmentation would tip the odds in his favor. Relying solely on Pyromaniac, even in collaboration with Franca, now a Demoness of Pleasure, and the support of Anthony Reid and Jenna, prevailing against the padres uncanny abilities remained tenuous. Victory might be attainable, but apprehending the adversary without incurring losses was a near-impossible endeavorexcept if he enlisted the assistance of the Aurora Order Oracle via Mr. Ks finger. This assessment solely considered Guillaume Bnet as Lumians adversary. If the padre had other confederates, alongside a cohort of bestowers or Beyonders, and if he had grown mightier than his state upon departing Cordu, Lumians undertaking wouldnt assure triumpheven with Mr. K. Lumians aspiration was to pinpoint the padres whereabouts and engineer a snare, drawing him out. Such an approach would markedly simplify the process. Nevertheless, Lumian needed to bolster his strength substantially. Otherwise, the fishing operation would entail dire jeopardy. As Lumian perused the stack of dense information concerning spirit world entities, his mind whirled, seeking avenues to locate a suitable contract partner within a constrained timeframe. Should I designate a time frame for reading and strive to cover as much ground as feasible? Then, my selection must derive from my existing familiarity? This proposition falls short of my expectations. It risks bypassing the most fitting opportunity Although the circumstances arent optimal, I must reconcile with reality. Perfection remains elusive; I must confront my own limitations head-on. Son of a sow, it hasnt reached a juncture necessitating blind acceptance! For now, Ill withhold any definitive moves until I ascertain the padres whereabouts next week. Ill bide my time. Following the completion of this information assimilation, a comprehensive strategy will crystallize, right? It will take approximately a month. The potential for accidents looms large Uh, the Rabbit of Knowledge appears to have the ability to read and extract key points. Can I summon one to help me read the information and extract the keywords of every spirit world creature, like when I whistleblowed? Then, Ill carefully study the corresponding spirit world creatures based on the keywords Its a creature of the spirit world to begin with. Having come into contact with such knowledge, it will definitely be less affected than me and can last longer Lumian gradually grew excited. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that it was feasible to ask the Rabbit of Knowledge to help him do the reading and write a brief summary. He swiftly perfected the corresponding plan. That rabbit is quite stupid and silly. I have to design a table in advance and list the page number, strength, whether its friendly, brief description of abilities, and points of characteristics. Ill let it fill in the columns in step and order. Unfortunately, a person can only summon one Rabbit of Knowledge at a time. Otherwise, if I had ten or twenty, I will be able to complete the summary on spirit world creatures before dawn If one person can only summon one, what about having more than one person? I can have Franca, Jenna, and Anthony Reid summon one each for me! Uh Rabbits can read quickly, extract essential points, and fill out summaries. Humans can do the same. Franca, Jenna, and Anthony can help browse through the information and quickly extract keywords from the columns. Ill contribute knowledge, and they contribute labor, spirituality, and time! Lumians eyes grew brighter and brighter. He felt that if he pushed this plan forward, even with frequent breaks to mentally recover and the time to summon a Rabbit of Knowledge again, he should be able to produce a summary on the spirit world creatures in twelve hours. When the time came, he would browse through the summaries that wouldnt affect his mind and select 20 to 30 suitable ones. He would read the raw information in a targeted fashion and make a final decision. The only problem now was that the information on these spirit world creatures had been provided by Madam Magician; Lumian hadnt exchanged it using contributions or money. He believed that before sharing with others, he had to obtain the approval of the Major Arcana card holder. This was basic respect. Lumian sprang into action without hesitation. Swiftly, he composed a letter outlining his inquiry and the comprehensive plan he had crafted. Soon, Madam Magician responded: For a moment, I dont know what to say about your idea. It appears you possess an aptitude for such considerations. Sharing your knowledge with your friends is permissible, but remember to advise them against engaging with powerful or perilous spirit world creatures. These entities hold no sway over you, thanks to Mr. Fools seal. It serves as a deterrent in the spirit world, offering you a measure of protection that others lack. Actually, there are simpler and easier ways: Take the information to Two of Cups and spread it in every corner of the room. Then, get Two of Cups to recite the divination statement repeatedly and throw out three tarot cards or three coins. Choose whichever spirit world creature they land on. Even if its not the most suitable for you, its relatively suitable. It might be useful in a future occasion. Hiss, what a brilliant charlatan! Madam Magician is indeed skilled in divination. Her style is completely different from mine Lumian hadnt considered divination. After careful consideration, he decided to follow his plan. The answer chosen through divination always felt unreliable and unreal. He subconsciously didnt want to rely on it. By relying on his own intelligence and abilities to filter them out, he would feel more confident and convinced. Unless there was no other way, Lumian hoped to finish reading the information before making a choice. He burned Madam Magicians reply and carefully wrote up the form. For the time being, he only made five copies. Immediately after, he set up the altar to see if he could accurately summon the Rabbit of Knowledge. To this end, the summoning incantation he had devised was: Rabbit-shaped spirit wandering in the void, a friendly creature that can be communicated with, a weakling who pursues knowledge. The choice to avoid using the human-coined Rabbit of Knowledge as its name spoke of Lumians respect for the enigmatic nature of these creatures. Having carefully considered his approach, Lumian ignited a solitary candle and made a summoning in his own name. His incantation concluded, and the candles flame transformed into a deep shade of green, expanding to resemble a human head in size. From within the luminous green flame, a translucent creature emerged, its appearance reminiscent of an amusingly awkward rabbit. Relief washed over Lumian as the ritual proved successful. The creatures presence signaled a triumph, and Lumians experienced voice addressed it, I wish to share knowledge with you, seeking your assistance in distilling key points and completing a form. The rabbits eyes brightened, and in a tone that mimicked Lumians voice and Triers Intisian accent, it inquired, Where is the knowledge? This was the first time Lumian had heard such a creature speak. He didnt expect it to imitate his tone and pronunciation. With purpose, Lumian retrieved a stack of information about spirit world creatures he had yet to delve into. He gestured towards the form on the table, articulating the tasks parameters in a manner befitting a creature of limited intellect. The rabbit absorbed Lumians guidance, its long ears drooping as it committed the instructions to memory. Eventually, it nodded in comprehension. Seated at Lumians desk, the rabbits eyes sparkled as it engaged with the information. Lumian noted with satisfaction that, despite its unwilling nature, the rabbit demonstrated proficiency in its repetitive task. It diligently extracted pertinent details and methodically filled out the form with words like powerful and dangerous. Although its not very smart, doing such repetitive work isnt a problem for it Its at least twice as fast as my reading Lumian nodded in satisfaction and lay on the bed, preparing to close his eyes and rest while the Rabbit of Knowledge was busy working to alleviate his fatigue. After an unknown period of time, he suddenly sensed danger and hurriedly sat up. He saw that the transparent rabbit had grown to two meters tall, constantly flipping through the information and extracting. Stop! Lumian didnt understand what was happening and instinctively stopped the other party from coming into contact with the knowledge. The rabbit turned its head, its eyes bloodshot. After staring at Lumian for a few seconds, it reluctantly halted its work. Lumians introspection led him to deduce the cause behind this transformation. As a creature of the spirit world, the Rabbit of Knowledge was similarly affected by that knowledge, albeit to a relatively mild extent. However, it wasnt like ordinary humans due to its lacking intelligence. It didnt know to stop and rest after an abnormality unless it directly endangered its life. As it accumulated, it inevitably underwent a certain mutation. Phew, its usefulthats true, but not having much intelligence is a huge problem Lumian ended the summoning and allowed the Rabbit of Knowledge to return to the spirit world and slowly recover. He washed up briefly, lay on the bed, and prepared to rest. An idea surfaced just before sleep claimed him. Lumian summoned the rabbit once more and directed it to replicate a hundred copies of the form he had devised. Only then did he truly relax and fall asleep. The following morning, Lumian was brimming with vigor as he set off for Rue Anarchie. His first stop was to locate Anthony Reid, the information broker, and discuss the potential of his assistance. As he approached Auberge du Coq Dor, a figure emerged from a nearby side alley. It was Baron Brignais, adorned in a half top hat and a formal black suit, mahogany-colored pipe in hand. I promised to catch up with you and express my gratitude for aiding me in finding Ludwig, Baron Brignais began with a smile. Its quite surprising to find you neither at Salle de Bal Brise nor Auberge du Coq Dor. Gratitude? Then help me read and write a summary! Lumian muttered subconsciously before swiftly dismissing the notion. Compared to Anthony Reid, an information broker with a mental illness, Baron Brignais was not only a member of the Savoie Mob, but his background also seemed problematic. It was best not to let him discover that his relationship with Franca didnt rely solely on Jenna. A smile tugged at Lumians lips. The night offers its own beauty. Its pointless to remain confined within ones room. How do you intend to express your gratitude? Rather than providing a direct answer, Baron Brignais diverted the conversation. I may not have mentioned this earlier, but I converted to the worship of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom a few years back. Chapter 314 - 314 Crowd-Sourcing 314 Crowd-Sourcing Did you communicate with your godson and come to me to confirm the situation? Lumian maintained his smile. What you believe has no bearing on me, as long as you dont subscribe to an evil god. Furthermore, devotees of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom are not wanted criminals in Trier. His implication was clear: Im still a wanted criminal. Believe what you will. Baron Brignais had always been astute. He changed the subject and continued, Thank you for aiding me in locating Ludwig. Im unsure how to adequately express my gratitude. He refrained from specifying a thank-you gift, hoping to gauge Lumians stance and thoughts. Lumian pondered briefly before recalling the idea he had set aside. Getting Baron Brignais to assist with reading and summarizing didnt necessitate his presence alongside Franca, Jenna, and Anthony Reid. He could impart some information, clarify what he needed to focus on, and allow him to return home to peruse and transcribe. Likewise, before Anthony Reid committed to joining the pursuit of Padre Guillaume Bnet, direct contact with Jenna and Franca couldnt be allowed. An isolated office could be arranged for him at a later time. Lumian glanced at Baron Brignais and inquired deliberately, Are you proficient in reading and drafting notes? Aurores grimoires had denoted that the pathway under the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom was labeled Reader. This was also the title of Sequence 9 potion. Sequence 8 was Student of Ratiocination, and Sequence 7 was Detective. Given Baron Brignais rarely exhibited special abilities and mostly leveraged his exceptional intellect, above-average combat skills, and sharp marksmanship to lead the Savoie Mob, coupled with his present faith, Lumian speculated he was a Beyonder of the Reader path. From the potions nomenclature alone, one could infer such an individual excelled in reading. Baron Brignais drew from his pipe and responded, In contrast to the illiterate, my reading and learning aptitude is rather commendable. He couldnt entirely fathom Ciels intentions, yet he suspected Ciel was prying into his Beyonder pathway. And it wasnt confidential. Gardner Martin had long been privy to this. Lumian unveiled a genuine smile. Of late, Ive acquired a trove of information concerning creatures from the spirit world. However, as youre awareyou should be aware, correct? Delving into such knowledge extensively exerts a significant toll on the mind. As a Beyonder of the Hunter path, I shant require this information for an extended period. Nevertheless, I wish to have access to the pertinent knowledge when necessity arises, without squandering precious time. Therefore, I intend to furnish you with a portion of the data. Kindly assist me in reading and extracting the key terms. Much akin to constructing an index for a library. Baron Brignais promptly grasped. He grinned and remarked, Truthfully, this would prove advantageous to me. That knowledge holds considerable value. Library index As anticipated of an adherent of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom. How professional Lumian rejoiced, sensing Baron Brignais was roughly on par with Anthony Reid combined with a Rabbit of Knowledge. Simultaneously, he harbored a cautious sentiment toward Baron Brignais. For instance, he would furnish this God of Knowledge and Wisdom follower with ten pages of information. He would peruse them in advance and jot down notes. Subsequently, he would cross-reference them with the index submitted by Baron Brignais to discern any deliberate omissions or alterations. Of course, this was Lumians unrefined approach. He could alternatively beseech Franca to verify via divination, but the potential for interference still existed. Lumian slid his hands into his pockets and surveyed Baron Brignais, akin to an artisan observing a laborer. He beamed and uttered, Im indifferent to who benefits, as long as I accomplish my objective. Baron Brignais nodded faintly, refraining from further commentary. He solely apprised Lumian of his whereabouts the following morning and requested the information to be conveyed there. Auberge du Coq Dor, Room 305. Facing Anthony Reid, Lumian eased back and reiterated his words to Baron Brignais. Concluding, he voiced, This knowledge serves as your compensation. Furthermore, I shall impart to you the knowledge of ritualistic magic. Youll be able to summon a unique spirit world creature to peruse the information alongside you and distill the essential points. How does that proposition strike you? Are you inclined to accept this assignment? Anthony Reids deep brown eyes mirrored Lumians form as he contemplated and responded, Youre pressed for time. This matter bears added weight for you. It carries great significance. Lumian had no intention of concealing this. He seized the opportunity and conveyed, Im confronted with the need to face a formidable adversary soon, and I seek to secure a fitting contracted creature. When the moment arrives, I might extend you an invitation, primarily in a supportive role. You can consider whether to agree and what form of compensation you desire. Heh heh, theres no rush for an answer. Think over it for the next two days. Youre paving the way for me to be mentally prepared and foster appropriate expectations. Anthony Reid deciphered Lumians thoughts. Instantly, Lumian felt a twinge of embarrassment, but he was never one to blush easily. He maintained a composed smile and articulated, Can you not tell that being honest will put your life in danger? Anthony Reid offered a slight nod, affirming certain aspects prior to committing to aid in perusing the information and crafting the summary. On the second floor of Salle de Bal Brise, in the room adjacent to Lumians quarters. Lumian surveyed Anthony Reid and the Rabbit of Knowledge, seated in tandem, diligently sifting through the information and completing forms. He subtly nodded in relief. Once more, he reiterated the caution not to delve deeply into the spirit world creature knowledge marked as powerful and dangerous. Exiting the room, he entered the office at the corridors end. Franca cozied up in Lumians armchair, her red-booted feet propped on the desks edge. Baffled and intrigued, she inquired, What exactly do you need our help with? Why are you being so mysterious? Jenna settled into the chair across from her, turning her body as her gaze drifted to the door. Lumian nonchalantly shut the door and recounted the scenario, elucidating his need to secure a contracted creature prior to confronting the padre. Wouldnt a simple divination suffice? Franca pondered as she acquiesced to Lumians entreaty, while Jenna simmered with curiosity about the spirit world creatures. Before long, Franca gazed up at the trio of Rabbits of Knowledge and Jenna, as well as Lumian, each absorbed in their respective tasks of poring over documents. Amusement laced her voice as she quipped, Why does this feel like a miniature workshop, and were the toiling transcribers? Congratulations, your instincts are on point Lumian retorted in jest, Am I not also perusing the information and completing forms? Franca mulled it over and conceded. She resumed her labors. And so, they persisted until well past 10 p.m., punctuating their efforts with numerous breaksmeals, siestas, catnapsto mitigate the strain. Brief reprieves preceded the summoning of the Rabbits of Knowledge once more. Intermittently, during his short intervals, Lumian observed Franca, Jenna, Anthony Reid, and the quartet of Rabbits of Knowledge. He remained vigilant to prevent them from becoming too engrossed and to detect any anomalies they might experience. Jenna reached her threshold first. Having newly ascended to Instigator, she hadnt fully acclimated to the potions effects and was grappling with containing the surge of power. Her state was less than optimal. Anthony Reid followed suit. His psychological scars ran deep, rendering him susceptible to certain deviations. Lumian, Franca, and the seventh set of Rabbits of Knowledge soldiered on till the end. Baron Brignais concluded his task around 6 p.m. and delivered the documents and forms to the caf. After dismissing the summons and seeing off the fatigued assistants, Lumian returned to the safehouse on Rue des Blouses Blanches, arranging the forms in a neat stack. Perusing the papers briefly, he confirmed the general state of affairs. A sense of accomplishment swelled within him as he casually tossed the forms onto the table. The immediate selection wasnt on his agenda. His plan was to first establish a Contractee status and sort out the specifics of the contract. Only afterward would he consult the index, thereby preventing the likelihood of stumbling upon a spirit world creature that matched his criteria in all respects but failed to meet the contract stipulations. Lumian rested for a spell before summoning a Rabbit of Knowledge and tasking it with duplicating two more forms. Storing the three indices separately, Lumians weariness was palpable. The prospect of cleansing himself seemed distant as he tumbled onto the bed and surrendered to sleep. At 6 a.m., Lumian brimmed with vigor, showing no haste to descend underground, arrange an altar, and beseech for a boon. Instead, he engaged in his usual regimen: jogging, practicing boxing, and cultivating his mental equilibrium. By nearly 8 a.m., he stood before the doorway to Room 207 at Auberge du Coq Dor, ingredients at the ready. After a brief internal debate, Lumian ultimately seized the carbide lampalthough he no longer required specialized illumination equipment; he was, in essence, a paragon of such abilities. His aspiration rested on his foes initial assumption that he lacked night vision and was inept at generating light. In Underground Trier, within the quarry cavern that had once borne witness to Inevitability-linked rituals on several occasions. Lumian briefly tidied the dank, lightless setting, positioning a blood-infused candle upon the altar stone. Just as he concluded the sanctification of the ritual silver dagger and readied to cast a spiritual barrier, faint footfalls reached his ears. The sounds reverberated within the subterranean passage, seemingly not distant from the present mine. Someone is passing by? Lumians pulse quickened, his intent fixated on swiftly restoring the area to order and concealing himself. Yet, as he neared the altar before him and before he could extinguish the carbide lamp, soft footsteps drew close, manifesting at the cave entrance. Aware that concealment was futile, Lumian promptly swiveled around, one hand nestled in his pocket, his gaze converging on the source of the sound. A slender man of brownish-black complexion stood there, clutching a carbide lamp. His black hair bore a slight curl, and his eyes held a profound allure. He sported a black seers cloak reminiscent of those seen in a circus. Monette Lumian recognized the figure. He was an Islander swindler who had duped Charlie and been hoodwinked by the con artists in Salle de Bal Unique. Monette, too, saw Lumian. A smirk tugged at the corners of his lips as he greeted with palpable cheer, What a coincidence. In tandem with his words, the swindler produced a crystalline monocle, inserting it into his right eye socket. Chapter 315 - 315 Anxious Termiboros 315 Anxious Termiboros What a coincidence? Lumian knew better than to consider it mere coincidence. Deep within the expansive underground of Trier, unexpected encounters were not uncommon, given the diverse cast of characters that frequented its depthsquarry police, smugglers, cave adventurers, mineral researchers, wandering university students, members of secret organizations, wanted criminals, mobsters, heretics, and anti-government militants were active here. However, the odds of stumbling upon familiar faces in such a dark domain were almost negligible. This wasnt like the time he had rescued JennaLumian had doggedly followed the trail. Monettes presence, monocle affixed, roused Lumians caution. He mustered a semblance of a smile and replied, Indeed. What a coincidence. With one hand casually slipped into his pocket, Lumian played his role, pretending to secure the candles and materials on the stone surface. The intention was to convey that the ritual was complete and he could depart whenever he pleased. There was nothing of value to plunder or destroy. Monette adjusted his monocle and with a wave of his hand, offered a departing smile. See you aboveground. And just like that, he withdrew, his footsteps fading into the depths. Lumian was caught off guard. Hes leaving just like that? Could it really have been a coincidence? Judging from Monettes familiarity with Underground Trier, it is evident he has traversed these passages countless times. Yet, that level of familiarity should have taught him that barging into a well-lit spot amidst the darkness could easily trigger conflict Common sense dictates that a strangers presence in the quarry cave warrants cautious observation for any approach. The abrupt, nonchalant appearance seemed off Does he truly possess that much confidence in his prowess? It cant be just to scare me! As Lumians thoughts raced, he shifted his gaze from the cave entrance to the candles and materials neatly arranged on the rocks. The question arose whether to persist with the boon ritual. In that instant, the voice of Termiboros reverberated within him: Youd best relocate. Uh Lumians senses tingled, catching a note of unease in Termiboross tone. It was subtle, almost elusive, making Lumian doubt his judgment. This was the first time Lumian had perceived emotional fluctuations in this Inevitability angel. In previous interactions, no matter how much Lumian goaded and prodded, Termiboros merely maintained silence. And yet, something about this encounter had stirred anxiety and apprehension within the angel! As his heart quickened, Lumian blurted out, Is this person truly dangerous? He isnt inherently dangerous, but I sense a looming threat, Termiboros responded. This confirmed Lumians guess. The angel had sensed a looming problem through the strings of fate, a predicament that could jeopardize His very essence. Why does a seemingly less formidable individual trigger such unease? Whats his motive? Lumian pressed on. Termiboros reverted to His usual depth as He intoned, Im sealed. I can only perceive the outside world through you, so I lack ample information. To uncover the answers to these queries, the seal must first be weakened. Do I look like an idiot to you? I even suspect that your anxiety and worry might be fabricated to exert pressure and intimidate But given Termiboross previous conduct, even if progress hadnt been made, such overt intentions should not have been revealed so swiftly Monettes appearance was indeed oddly coincidental, his actions shrouded in inexplicable bizarreness. If possible, I must evade him. Its safer to assume he poses considerable danger rather than underestimate and expose myself With a brisk pace, Lumian gathered his belongings, clutched the carbide lamp, and exited the quarry cave. Drawing upon the subterranean map meticulously memorized from Gardner Martins records, Lumian navigated closer to Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, discreetly delving a few meters below ground level to stumble upon another somber, soundless quarry cave. He incorporated no fewer than three evasive maneuvers along the way to evade potential trackers. Phew Exhaling a breath of relief, Lumian surveyed his surroundings and rested his carbide lamp upon the ground. On a moderately level rock, he arranged the candles and ritual components, ensuring their proper alignment. Abruptly, a flicker of motion in the shadows at the quarrys edge pricked his senses. Hiss Lumians heart skipped a beat. Clasping the carbide lamp cautiously, he directed its beam toward the source. A bluish-yellow radiance pierced the obscurity, unveiling a black rat partially concealed by gravel. The rat made no effort to evade the light; it stood still. After a few heartbeats, it pivoted languidly and vanished into a minuscule crevice at the rock walls base. For some reason, Lumian sensed a disproportion between the rats right and left eyes. Gripping the carbide lamp, tension once again coursed through Lumian. He hushed, Temiboros, is there a problem here too? Termiboross voice resonated within Lumians being, emanating a regal aura. Its best if you pray to The Fool immediately for angelic protection before moving elsewhere. Could the situation be that grave? Lumians pupils dilated. Swiftly producing an additional candle, he hastily constructed the altar. Not a shred of concern lingered regarding Termiboros potentially manipulating him into a detrimental choice. After all, supplicating The Fool was Lumians last resort, and it undeniably served his interests. From a different vantage, the very fact that circumstances compelled an Inevitability angel to indirectly beseech The Fools protection implied that something far amiss was afoot. Unleashed, the peril would prove unfathomable! Being both mentally and physically optimal, Lumians adept hands fashioned the candles, a process lasting just over ten seconds. He sanctified the dagger and forged a wall of spirituality that enshrouded solely him and the altar. Methodically, he ignited the three candles sequentially, from deity to humanity, from left to right, punctuating with drops of essential oil and extract. Amidst the haze and wisps of fog, Lumian exhaled, reciting gravely, The Fool that doesnt belong to this era, the mysterious ruler above the gray fog; the King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck. I implore you, I implore your protection As the ritual unfolded, Lumian surrendered to the mists embrace, the prickle of his skin, the lassitude of his mind. Once more, he glimpsed the twelve-winged seraph, pure luminescence descending from infinite heights to envelop him. As the radiant wings receded and dissolved, Lumians senses jolted back to him. Gauging his state, he hastened to pack up the altar items and hastily exited the mines confines. Descending beneath the bustling market district, Lumian maintained his vigilant, practiced evasiveness, pushing forward with meticulous attention. Almost twenty minutes elapsed before Lumian stumbled upon another concealed quarry cave, secured by its discreet location, courtesy of his map. Stepping inside, he assessed the surroundings. His voice hushed, he inquired, Temiboros, is there any issue here? Presently, none, Termiboros responded. Lumian shut his eyes, a newfound calm settling over him. He mulled over his options. Should I surface and await the anomalys dissipation before seeking out a secluded haven for the boon-praying ritual? Or should I seize the moment, briefly escape the abnormality, and hasten my progression to Contractee, capitalizing on The Fools angelic protection? In keeping with Lumians disposition, he leaned towards the risk. The scenario wouldnt change later. He couldnt ascertain if the anomaly had genuinely dissipated. He needed the counsel of someone higher in rank. In that case, he might as well seek that counsel now! The altar was reinstated. Yet, this time, he bypassed protection or boons, summoning instead Madam Magicians messenger. The doll messenger, clad in a gown of light gold, coalesced above the flickering candle flame. Observing Lumian, it grumbled, This isnt a good place. With that, it retrieved the hastily inscribed letter from Lumians hand. The letter briefly recounted Monettes behavior and Termiboross response, querying the possibility of initiating the boon prayer ritual at present. Lumian exercised some cunning here. He didnt outright solicit Madam Magicians protection, merely inquired about feasibility. Hiring a demigod came at a steep price. Lumian deemed it currently unaffordable. Instead, he aimed to draw her attention by inquiring. Of course, if push came to shove, hed consider it. Debts could be repaid. Or if the person was deceased, repayment became moot. This isnt a good place Does this pertain to the current quarry cave or the entirety of Underground Trier? Lumian contemplated the messengers words. Swiftly, the messenger returned, bearing Madam Magicians response: Thats a big problem. Madam Magicians opening remark twitched Lumians eyelids. Of course, the situation isnt direat least, I havent discovered the gravest entitys return to this world yet. What we must ascertain is His true intent. Termiboross reaction implies Hes the target, but this individual excels at concealing motives. This may well be a calculated illusion meant to deceive us or another party. For the time being and the foreseeable future, anomalies should be absent. Stabilize yourself and proceed with the boon prayer. His? Thats an angel? The entity whose hostility Monette exhibited is an angel? Lumian hissed involuntarily, engulfed by a renewed surge of trepidation. This brought to mind the uniqueness of Salle de Bal Unique. He suspected that confronting them to reclaim a debt might entangle him with a host of angelic Blessed! Seeing Madam Magicians assessment align with Termiboross, Lumian composed himself and reconfigured the altar. Before long, he focused on the pair of gray-white candles symbolizing Inevitabilitys power and himself. Amidst the intricate fragrance of gray amber perfume, he retreated slightly and intoned deeply, Power of Inevitability! You are the past, the present, and the future; You are the cause, the effect, and the process. Chapter 316 - 316 "Invitation Letter" 316 Invitation Letter In a repetition of events, the silver-black candle flame once again solidified into a beam of light, striking Lumians left chest, already wracked with agony and turmoil. Amidst the pervading gray fog and the unsettling black wind, a silvery-black illusionary liquid began to trickle out. At some elusive point in time, Lumians pain and vertigo faded into insignificance. He felt as though he had transformed into an entirely different entity. Standing in the wilderness, he gripped a wooden bow in his hand and released an arrow that gleamed with a blue radiance toward his aerial target. Lumian vaguely remembered who he was, but he felt that everything was extremely real and he was experiencing it. The keen, spectral-blue arrow cut through the sky, finding its mark in the belly of a dusky vulture. An acute agony surged into Lumians consciousness. He observed himself beating his wings, descending with an arrow lodged perilously close to his abdomen. No, why have I become a vulture Amidst the present experience, Lumian maintained a fragment of awareness about his own state and condition. Bang! He collided brutally with the ground, each bone fracturing with excruciating force. Agony pierced his core. Lumian teetered on the brink of unconsciousness as a hyena lunged, its sights set on him. Warm, repulsively scented flesh filled his mouth. He found himself ravaging the lifeless form of the grayish-black vulture. The bluish-tinged arrowhead had snapped within the avian creature. This taste is nauseating Im no Ludwig, the monstrous child Lumians internal complaint resounded. He didnt completely mistake himself for a hyena, but he continued to bite and devour his prey uncontrollably, not letting go of the poisoned parts. Abruptly, a searing pain stabbed into his back, and he was thrust onto the ground by razor-sharp claws. His attacker: an uncanny lion marred by decay, oozing blood-yellow pus from its wounds. Lumian tore the hyenas throat apart and retreated with it into the nearby underbrush. As he witnessed the scene through an observers lens, he systematically dismantled the hyena. Amidst a mix of satisfaction and revulsion, Lumians abdomen seethed. His Beyonder powers, teetering on the edge of control, were fully ignited by the venom, resulting in a chaotic anomaly. His sanity waned, spiraling into insanity. All that remained was an insatiable urge to obliterate the beings before him, to unleash chaos. No, I mustnt succumb The paramount objective remains incomplete Lumian drew in the faint, sweet aroma of gray amber, resisting complete surrender to madness. In the midst of his cathartic sprint, his attention fixed on a hunter, and he lunged at the figure. With a wooden bow in his grasp, Lumian caught a whiff of a repugnant odor and sighted a decaying lion, two wart-like growths on its shoulders. Its mouth, adorned with remnants of vibrant red flesh and blood, stretched to its limit. A jolt of alarm coursed through Lumian as his full self-awareness returned. He discerned that the hunters form had turned ethereal, akin to the vulture, hyena, and lion, morphing into intricate silver-black words and bizarre symbols. The words linked with the symbol, weaving a ring that abruptly contracted into his body. Lumians eyes opened, and he confronted the flickering silver-black candle flame. A half-meter-tall stone, functioning as an altar, met his gaze. The encounter felt tangibly authentic As if I had been the vulture, the hyena, the lion, and another human Lumian massaged his throbbing head and gradually rose to his feet. Reflecting on his prior experiences, he assimilated the newfound knowledge within his mind. He couldnt remember when he rolled on the ground in pain. Phew Exhaling deeply, Lumian affirmed that he had acquired a fresh boon and transformed into a Contractee. He swiftly tidied up the altar, dismantled the wall of spirituality, and grabbed the carbide lamp, ready to leave the quarry cave at any moment. Simultaneously, Lumian assessed his transformation and the Contractees abilities. His spirituality had seen a marked increase. His Dancer flexibility and the Alms Monks endurance in harsh environments had shown modest improvement, though not substantial. His intuitive sense for luck had also seen a slight upgrade. However, upon recognizing that Termiboros could sway his fate and judgment, he refrained from frequently relying on this ability for protection. Summoning Dance now exerted a broader sphere of influence, and his ability to forcefully possess the bizarre creatures had extended further. The Contractee status bestowed upon him just a single fresh abilitythe power to enter into a contract with a summoned creature, directly borrowing a distinctive characteristic skill. Contrary to Lumians anticipations, this unique contract had merged with his body and soul during his advancement. Its transfer to others was impossible. In essence, he had become an indivisible part of the contract, the most pivotal aspect. In time, he would need to rely on this element to compose the remaining sections of the contract and offer them to the target creature for signing. After musing for a time, Lumian had a rudimentary understanding of the specifics of the Contract ability. The agreement could solely be formed with the consent of the target creature. Once the contract was sealed, he could handpick the traits he desired, guided by his volition. With each ratified contract, not only would he acquire a skill, but hed also assimilate a measure of influence from the contracted being. The higher its rank, the greater the adverse impact. The count of contracts inked depended on his resilience. Perhaps he could endure just one high-level or exceedingly potent attribute. Several ordinary traits might be borne, keeping pace with his standing. Particularly feeble ones could be pursued more liberally. Upon signing a contract, a cost was entailed. Part was a tribute to the contracted entity, and the remainder was a tribute to the witness. The cost could encompass life, limbs, kin, loved ones, offerings, ones spirituality maximum, a fraction of reason, and so on. The precise demand hinged on the desires of the contracted creature. Hence, much of the intelligence Lumian gleaned from this boon concerned the corresponding creature. This encompassed specific abilities and the compensation the counterpart sought. Nevertheless, most of these odd creatures were sinister and uncanny, and the price hed need to pay was consistent. Lumian didnt wish to select from their ranks. Of course, this wasnt the prime rationale. Conceivably, these creatures harboring the mystical knowledge interwoven with the power of Inevitability had ties to the entity known as Inevitability. Lumian dreaded that forging a contract with them might covertly manipulate him, propelling his destiny into the abyss. Consequently, Lumian had no intention of designating the entity as the object of prayer and witness while entering into a pact. A superior choice was at hand: Mr. Fool! According to the sermons in The Fools cathedral that Lumian had heard, this great entity reigned over the spirit world. The Angel of the Holy Spirit by His throne presided over the spirit world on His behalf. Even if embellished, this testified to Mr. Fools considerable sway in the spirit world. In such a situation, Lumianmarked by The Fools seal and enlisting The Fool as an intermediary and pact witnesscould potentially yield substantial advantages and concealed benefits when attempting to forge a pact with a spirit world creature. It was just like other Contractees signing contracts with strange creatures that came with knowledge. Lumian promptly sorted through the recently acquired knowledge and discerned that certain aspects remained quite ambiguous, as if they encompassed myriad possibilities. For instance, the stipulation of obtaining the target creatures consent before signing a contract did not specify the methodology of obtaining consent. Securing agreement through offerings as a bribe constituted consent, but so did beating them into unreserved submission. Similarly, the compensation demanded by the latter should be negotiable. Additionally, the deleterious impacts that the acquired knowledge from contracted creatures brought along, along with the limits of ones endurance, precluded the prospect of Lumian circumventing the system to forge a pact with a high-ranking creature and attaining godlike power at a reasonable price via Mr. Fools seal, the sovereign of the spirit world. Nonetheless, the liberty to cherry-pick any amalgamation of skills within a defined spectrum imposed a considerable upper boundary on the potential of a Contractee. Naturally, the floor was equally low. Opting for an ill-suited skill and exacting an erroneous price could render one subpar even in comparison to an elite non-Beyonder individuals aptitudes. Lumian steadied himself and murmured with a sense of contentment, Temiboros, do you have anything to add? To be candid, Lumians foremost apprehension upon descending into the underground was whether Termiboros would exploit the boon-seeking ritual to instigate harm. After all, the potency of the boon he was acquiring was escalating, posing a genuine threat to the angel of Inevitability. Even if securely sealed, He would unearth a method to stir up discord. It was improbable for Him to remain inert, permitting His strength to wane. Furthermore, during the boon ritual, the seal would inevitably crack slightly, permitting the essence of Inevitability to trickle out. This would afford Termiboros a distinct opportunity. Initially, Lumian had intended to solicit safeguards before officially beseeching a boon. Unexpectedly, Monettes bizarre appearance and the angel backing him had expedited the need for a blessing. Termiboros had turned more tractable, abstaining from conspicuous interference. Termiboross voice resounded with His response, The mine entrance. The mine entrance What does that imply? Lumian clutched the carbide lamp and advanced toward the entrance of the quarry cave, mired in bewilderment. A bluish-yellow luminescence cast light over the debris-strewn expanse, revealing a meticulously trimmed piece of stiff paper. It wasnt present when I entered Lumian tensed and cautiously drew closer. On the ebony paper, a monocle had been meticulously drawn, almost replicating reality. Four lines of bold, vibrant red Intisian words graced the page: Salle de Bal Unique Night of Lovers 7 p.m. on the last night of every month Youre invited. Salle de Bal Unique Monocle Night of Lovers Lumians thoughts instantly summoned an image of Monette donning a monocle in his right eye socket. He had earnestly invoked The Fools angelic safeguard and expended considerable effort to elude detection, yet he had failed to shake off the enigmatic trickster? No, Mr. Fools angelic blessing exudes a high-tier anti-divination and anti-prophecy influence. Unless Monette has been lurking in my vicinity without being thrown off, its implausible for him to regain proximity! Lumians heart skipped a beat as he instinctively surveyed the surroundings. Silence reigned within the obscurity bordering the quarry cave. Yet, Lumians skin prickled, as though an abundance of eyes remained concealed within the air. Chapter 317 - 317 Summoning Target 317 Summoning Target In the Cordu days, Lumian might have snatched up that invitation and made his way to the Salle de Bal Unique by months end, all to unleash a prank to return the shock. However, this time around, Lumians grip on the mystical world was firmer, a result of his brush with countless otherworldly aberrations. He conjured a flicker with the snap of his fingers, sending forth a crimson spark that alighted on the ebony paper before him. Amidst the swiftly burgeoning flames, Lumian departed the quarry cavern, his carbide lamp casting its light, guiding him towards the nearest exit of the Underground Trier. Yet, on this journey, an unshakable paranoia seized him. The moss on the rocky walls, the unseen insects within the shadows, even the intangible entities that traversed the airit was as if Monettes eyes bore into him from all angles. It wasnt mere illusion but rather a reality that wound Lumians mind taut, each heartbeat a gallop of unease. Termiboross unwavering quiet provided the lone solace, a lack of agitation hinting that the quandary hadnt escalatedyet. A quarter-hours passage led Lumian to ascend the steel stairs, emerging onto solid ground once more. As sunbeams pierced the sky, penetrating a sea of white clouds and bathing his visage in their glow, he felt as though hed been reborn. Phew, no wonder Madam Magician said to live under the sun in Trier as much as possible Exhaling a sigh, Lumian snuffed the carbide lamp, locked in his bearings, and charted his course back to Rue des Blouses Blanches. Upon reentering the safe house, he immediately summoned Madam Magicians messenger, apprising the holder of the Major Arcana card of the developments that unfolded. Madam Magicians reply was simple: Exemplary work. Steer clear of Salle de Bal Unique. The Lords Angel of Time shall keep vigilant watch over this affair. Why would Mr. Fools Angel of Time direct His attention toward Salle de Bal Unique? Is there indeed an Angel of Time? The angelic entity whom the charlatans of Salle de Bal Unique revere bears a link to Mr. Fools Angel of Time. Or perhaps, an animosity? Lumian ruminated, momentarily adrift in the murk of comprehension. With a measure of relief prevailing, he reclined upon the bed, surrendering himself to sleeps embracean interlude wherein his mental fortitude and vitality underwent reinvigoration. At noon, Lumian ate two savory meat pies and drank a glass of Apple Whiskey Sour. Seated at the table, he engaged in earnest perusal of the bestiary chronicling the spirit world creatures. As he raced through the pages, a sleek black fountain pen danced in his hand, crafting purposeful circles on the paper to accentuate potential candidates. After over an hour of intense scrutiny, Lumian distilled a preliminary list of 50 to 60 spirit world entities boasting suitable attributes and modest threat levels. Following the breadcrumbs of indicated page numbers, he retrieved the source manuscripts and embarked on meticulous research. Intermittent breaks punctuated his reading. As evening painted the sky in hues of twilight, Lumian at last concluded his meticulous perusal of the source materials, now in possession of their profound knowledge. A final selection had been forged. First in line was the Abscessed Hand. This enigmatic spirit, once shrouded in legend across the southern and central parts of the world, had been conjured by aficionados of mysticism, leaving a trail of lifeless bodies in its wake. From crime scene accounts, the fallen were strewn across the forest expanse. With the exception of those initially claimed within a hunters lodge, the remaining deaths occurred nearly simultaneously. This revelation hinted at the Abscessed Hands swift transitions between victims, throttling one soul and in a heartbeat, lunging towards its next quarry. Dream divinations unveiled a bluish-black, gangrenous hand, swollen and oozing with putrescence. Its appearance was always abrupt, snapping a victims neck within two to three seconds before vanishing to assail another, irrespective of the distance. Based on the hands traits, Lumian inferred its considerable aptitude for traversing the spirit world. As for its danger level, Madam Magicians accounts deemed it commonplace, bound by the constraints of the summoning ritual. Nevertheless, a significant detail stood out from the Major Arcana card holder: Its suspected to be a fragment of something greater. Severed hand? Could its kindred comprise severed legs, heads, torsos, and innards? What would happen when these fragments converge? If reassembled, what would manifest? Lumian scoured the index in vain, failing to unearth analogous entities. His focus rested on abilities, traits, and threat levels, with little heed to nomenclature. An alternative theory remained afoot. The remaining Abscessed Hand counterparts might reside within the powerful and dangerous categories, evading the scrutiny of Franca, Jenna, and the Rabbits of Knowledge. Should the anticipated spirit world traversal prowess prove elusive, or if the cost demanded an untenable toll, Lumian had an arsenal of alternatives at his disposal. With regards to disguising abilities, he found a peculiar fondness for a spirit world creature known as the Headless Bride. This mythical tale was woven within the heart of the Haagenti Kingdom in the Southern Continent. It began with the story of a young girl who dared to elope with her beloved. In the shadowed chambers of their hidden nuptials, her kin unveiled the shrouded ceremony. Amidst the assembly of family and kin, her own brother exacted a swift, brutal end, severing her head in the name of matrimonial transgression and ancestral decree. Perhaps this girl was special to begin with, or perhaps she had come into contact with something related to the spirit world during her elopement. Thus, ignited by the agony, fury, and rancor that gripped her before her demise, she imbibed the essence of the spirit world, transmuting into a creature akin to an evil spirit. Dressed in scarlet bridal raiment adorned with gilded motifs, she hunted and hexed her lineage, subjecting them to an unending torrent of catastrophes spanning three decades, until the tapestry of their lineage was all but erased. In the present, the Headless Bride prowled the spirit world, shape-shifting with calculated artistry. Its transformations beguiled unwary beings and unsuspecting travelers, drawing them closer to their doom in its relentless embrace. For a Pyromaniac, this was an easy target with the protection of a ritual. Headless Brides alternative was Human-Faced Mantis: This is a unique creature from the spirit world. When he was alive, he was a playboy with elegance and good looks. As an educator in Sion within the Intis Republics Hornacis Province, he was embraced by admiration and ardor from both distinguished dames and youthful maidens. He was gifted in literature, skilled in poetry, and had numerous lovers. This idyllic existence found an abrupt termination when a spurned spouse denounced him to the Church as a Warlock, accusing him of employing sorcery to control his wife. Agents dispatched by the Eternal Blazing Sun Church probed into the matter, gathering accounts from a multitude of local men. Astonishingly, their testimonies echoed the allegations in the complaint letter. Strangers to one another, these mens narratives converged in unsettling symmetry. In contrast, the dames and young maidens adamantly attested to their willing involvement, fervently defending the playboys actions. Amid simmering resentment from the local men, the trial raced to a conclusion. The playboy met his end at the stake. Upon later investigation, officials confirmed his innocence, unveiling the accusations as a construct of collective envy and enmity. Its suggested that an Instigator was behind the scenes. In the spirit world, the playboys essence metamorphosed into a mantis bearing a human visage. Festering within him was an all-consuming loathing, mingling with a mastery over metamorphosis and relentless predation Lumian turned emotional as he read the two pieces of information. Six years in the countryside had acquainted him with the ignorance that shadowed village life. From this, he deduced that not all spirit world denizens sprang from natures womb. Rather, under exceptional circumstances, the souls of departed humans could transmute into enduring spirit creatures. A plausible explanation for hauntings. Pondering meticulously, Lumian relinquished his aspiration for invisibility and concealment. Instead, he earmarked his final contract slot for traits with direct influence over his Spirit Body. His choices boiled down to the Thousand-Eyed Evil and the Shadow of Shriek. These two entities were quintessential natives of the spirit world, venturing forth only in the realms of nightmares and tomes of authentic Warlock craft. The Thousand-Eyed Evil comprised fleshy forms, exuding a pink ichor, each adorned with an eye bereft of lashes. Gazing into the ebony pupils of these multitudes, whether human, beast, or mere Spirit Bodies, led to swift slumber. Their connection to dreams was palpable; they occasionally manifested in the darkest recesses of the most harrowing nightmares. The Shadow of Shriek, on the other hand, manifested as a confluence of translucent shadows. With frequent outbursts of shrieks, they induced unconsciousness in those who dared to draw near. Beyond their shrieks, they bore the attributes of ordinary shadows. Lumian meticulously transcribed all the details concerning the alternative contenders onto fresh paper, folding it as he slipped the paper into his pocket. He lingered within the precincts of Salle de Bal Brise for a period, eventually departing from Avenue du March around 10 p.m. Navigating the pathways along Rist docks, he ultimately gained entry into the two-story edifice he had once reduced to smoldering ruins. Though the inferno that had previously ravaged the building had long since been quelled, the structure now stood cloaked in inky darkness and utter desolation. Recognizing that his intended audience was none other than Mr. Fool, rather than the entity called Inevitability, Lumian had no intentions of executing the summoning ritual underground. This strategic choice was to avoid any potential encounters with the odd and dangerous swindlers of Salle de Bal Unique. His primary objective was to locate a secluded enclave, far removed from prying eyes. This calculated approach would ensure that even in the event of an unforeseen mishap during the conjuration, should the summoned entity lose control, the collateral damage would be contained, thereby facilitating a swift resolution. Having meticulously arranged a relatively unscathed chamber ensconced within the obsidian heart of the decrepit building, Lumian proceeded to meticulously arrange the altar. Relying on the insights gleaned from his role as a Contractee, Lumian diverged from the norm by invoking two additional candles, each symbolizing a deity. In this ritual, Mr. Fool was both the focal point of supplication and the solemn observer. With a wall of spirituality set in place and candles aglow, Lumian didnt rush to commence the incantation. Instead, he extracted an iron-gray flask from the inner pocket of his worn brown jacket. Within this flask, Lumian had ingeniously affixed a slender thread, its counterpart connected to the Decency brooch that lay submerged within a pool of absinthe. This ingenious design facilitated Lumians swift and precise retrieval of the Sealed Artifact. No clumsy maneuvering was required; a simple hook of his index finger and the Scotch Broom brooch was within his grasp. As he tugged at the brooch, a burst of crimson sparks erupted, severing the knot binding the Sealed Artifact. Without a moments hesitation, Lumian adorned the resplendent Decency brooch upon his chest. He harbored the belief that brokering a contract with a denizen of the spirit world carried an inherent cost, akin to a form of bribery. In this context, Lumian hoped the Decency brooch would assume a role of significance. Securely fastening the brooch, Lumians gaze shifted to the trio of candles, silently ablaze before him. Drawing a deep breath, he steeled himself for the upcoming ritual. Chapter 318 - 318 Price 318 Price Lumian recited in ancient Hermes, following the precise summoning ritual as described in Aurores grimoire and the mystical knowledge of Contractees. The Fool that doesnt belong to this era; You are the ruler above the gray fog; You are the King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck. I beseech your shelter. I pray for your attention. I! In the name of The Fool, I summon: A peculiar creature that roams the upper realm, the enigmatic severed hand, the bluish-black throat crusher. Lumian crafted this summoning incantation based on insights from the Abscessed Hands data. As the ritual afforded some degree of protection to the subject of the invocation, and since the Abscessed Hand was not deemed perilous, he omitted the terms weak and friendly, infusing it instead with other phrases that would effectively pinpoint the target creature. The bluish-black candle flames surged, intertwining to shape an ethereal doorway adorned with cryptic symbols. A faint gray mist filled the surroundings, instilling an eerie atmosphere. Gradually, the door creaked open, and a decaying bluish-black severed hand emerged. It loomed twice the size of Lumians palm, with the potential to crush a human skull. The afflicted severed hand hovered before the enigmatic illusory entrance. Its fingers extended toward Lumians throat, yet it abstained from aggression. Lumian retrieved a flask of military-grade alcohol, differing in hue, unscrewed the cap, and drizzled a few drops towards the altar where the Abscessed Hand stood. The liquid struck the ground midway, but with a glint from the Scotch Broom-shaped brooch, the Bribe was discreetly consummated. Only then did Lumian speak. His voice resonated within his throat and chest as he enunciated alien syllables. These were words he had never encountered, sourced from the mystical knowledge of Contractees, empowering him to master their pronunciation and essence. They fell under the Mystical Language of Fate, an integral part of this arcane tongue. Lumians vocal resonance coalesced into silvery-black glyphs, akin to symbols, materializing from thin air. They descended upon the faux goatskin resting on the altar, melding into a brief yet uncanny covenant. As the pact solidified, Lumian established an intricate connection with the Abscessed Hand, akin to utilizing the Summoning Dance to anchor it to his very being. Through this conduit, Lumian gleaned the rudimentary abilities and traits of the Abscessed Hand, sensing its yearnings in the process. These yearnings were the price Lumian had to pay. Locate my body, or godhood shall elude you forever! An advance payment and a debt to be settled later Could this be the unfolding of the Bribe? No, thats not it. Upon sealing a contract, the price is promptly remittedmanifesting as my inexorable fate of ascending to demigodhood. Once I uncover the remaining segments of the Abscessed Hand, the reward shall naturally replace the price Presently, its akin to providing ample collateral Lumians musings raced as he gleaned the crux of the pact. Concurrently, he found the coveted spirit world traversal ability from the Abscessed Hands attributes and qualities, inclusive of its anti-divination, quasi-invincibility, and the skill to snap the necks of those without godhood. A trait intrinsic to the Abscessed Hand, not a mere ability. Its effects marginally deviated from Lumians expectations, yet remained within tolerable thresholds. With Decencys utilization window limited to fifteen minutes, the cost was bearable, and its attributes neared sufficiency. Lumian squandered no time, summoning the other candidates and vowing in ancient Hermes. I shall aid you in finding your body. Until then, godhood shall elude me. These words fused with the surroundings, morphing into wisps of bluish-black mist that seeped into the faux goatskin parchment. The Abscessed Hand descended, leaving a tincture of yellow-tinged, sanguineous pus within the contracts vacant space. Spontaneously, the covenant ignited, yielding myriad silvery-black symbols and words. They interlinked, configuring an intricate and enigmatic pattern, abruptly condensing onto Lumians shoulder. Though concealed beneath his attire, Lumians psyche conjured an image of his right shoulder. A curious black seal-like emblem materialized there. Instinctively, Lumian apprehended that upon activating the contract sigil, he could harness the Abscessed Hands attributes to traverse the spirit world. Dissolution of the contract was only conceivable upon the demise of either partya destiny preordained. Without bothering to experiment with spirit world traversal, Lumian terminated the summoning and embarked on a fresh ritual. In the name of The Fool, I summon: The vengeful spirit that wanders the void, the headless bride in her eternal plight, and the wellspring of a bloodlines malevolence. Once again, the enigmatic illusory portal manifested, enshrouded in bluish-black flames interweaving. A frigid wind swept forth, transforming the summer night into a wintry chill. Lumian observed a form materialize from within the illusory entrance. Adorned in a vibrant red festive gown, meticulously threaded with gold, the figure stood before him. Without question, the figure lacked a head, exuding an aura of deep-seated malice and resentment. Lumian meticulously followed the prescribed procedureutilizing the liquor as a bribe, reciting the contractual pledge. He discerned the price demanded by the Headless Bride. Sacrifice a kin or friend. Thank you for your presence, Lumian murmured with a sardonic smile, concluding the summoning. From this seemingly fruitless summoning, he gleaned valuable insights. He confirmed that Bribe wielded a degree of influence. The original demand from the Headless Bride entailed a kins sacrifice; however, Bribe had managed to expand the scope to encompass friends. Lumians sights next shifted to the Human-Faced Mantis. He had formulated a summoning phrase: The vindictive spirit that wanders the void, a hunter adopting mantis guise, a shapeshifter adept at donning human semblance. Amidst a peculiar swooshing sound, an immense, translucent cyan mantis emerged from beyond the illusory door. Its head bore the visage of youth, handsome and radiant, inadvertently lowering ones guard. Sensing the summoners presence and gender, the mantis swiftly transformed into a resplendent woman attired in a black evening gown. Internally scoffing, Lumian meticulously fulfilled the entire sequence: Bribe, recitation, and perception. The Human-Faced Mantis delineated three categories of offerings, requiring solely one to be met: Contractors reproductive organs; Contractors capacity for lying; Contractors immolation at the stake. Post-Bribe, the stipulations underwent some relaxation, affording an additional choice or two. This entity seeks but a single thinghuman anguish The first aligns with his malevolence towards men. If I were of the female gender, this option likely wouldnt surface The second corresponds to slanderers and false accusers, while the third aligns with the stake he himself endured Lumian swiftly concluded. As a Pyromaniac, the third demand posed no grave challenge. On one hand, he exhibited formidable resistance to flames, and on the other, enduring agony was his forte. Were this choice absent, Lumian intended to forfeit and subsequently summon several comparable spirit world beings later. Depriving him of the power to lie would markedly undermine his capabilities, rendering survival in a place like Trier implausible. He also wasnt certain if his reproductive organs would return at 6 a.m. after sacrificing them; he didnt want to take the risk. Without delay, he found the Niese Face he sought from the arsenal of the Human-Faced Mantiss abilities. Niese had been the name of the Human-Faced Mantis during its living days. The essence of this ability leaned more toward illusion than corporeal transformation. Nevertheless, absent the means to nullify it or godhood, piercing through the illusion remained beyond reach. This occasion saw the black insignia affix to Lumians left shoulder, accompanied by surges of crimson flames welling from his feet. Unperturbed by Lumians actions, they ignited his attire and charred his flesh. Sensations reminiscent yet distinct from his encounter with Susanna Mattise enveloped him. An amalgamation of familiar and unfamiliar torment coursed through his consciousness, assailing his senses. Swiftly forsaking his cherished belongings, Lumian clutched the Decency brooch in his palm. The conflagration endured for a full three minutes. Lumians skin charred, his clothes imprinting scorched marks onto his body. For a Pyromaniac, such wounds posed no mortal perilthey scarcely even qualified as severe. He maintained the vitality to prepare for the ensuing summoning. The enigmatic entity that roams the upper realm, a mass of flesh bedecked with myriad eyes, a participant in the abyssal realms of nightmares. As the chant resonated, a creature of flesh and sinew rolled forth through the illusory door. Each flesh fragment sported a white eye, its pupil veiled in obsidian. Clasping the aluminum-white military flask, Lumians grip faltered, and he abruptly descended into a profound slumber, ensnared by the myriad gazes. After an indeterminate stretch, he snapped back to consciousness, realization dawning that the ritual had concluded on its own accord. The Thousand-Eyed Evil had retreated to the spirit world, forgoing a genuine assault. I was lulled to sleep by mere sight. Communication is impossible Also, this level of influence lies beyond the rituals inherent protection Lumian exhaled, seizing the Salle de Bal Brise pocket watch to ascertain the time. Thankfully, I only slept for a few minutes. Theres still about three minutes left Lumian focused, initiating afresh, summoning forth the Shadow of Shriek. The spirit that wanders in the void, a confluence of myriad silhouettes, the progenitor of incapacitating shrieks. Once more, the mysterious illusory entrance swung ajar. Yet, what met Lumians gaze wasnt an anomalous shadow coiled into a blob, but a nebulous silhouette draped in a pitch-black armor resembling fish scales. Distinct from all armors documented in newspapers and magazines, this suit bore scales each akin to miniature, writhing shadows. Hmmm Could the summoning incantation have been imprecise, yielding a kindred spirit world creature? It seemingly boasts an incapacitating shriek. Lets first gauge the prospects of cementing a pact Lumian fathomed the situation and embarked upon another cycle of Bribe, utterance, and apprehension. The armored shadow stipulated an offering: A blood tribute of ten or more lives or gold amounting to 100,000 verl dor. Courtesy of Bribe, the prerequisites exhibited leniency, demanding the sacrifices be rendered within three months. Failing to comply would precipitate contract retribution, a potentiality encompassing control loss or, worse yet, fatality. A sum of 100,000 verl dor Lumian discerned this to be modestly manageable, thereby delving into the ability roster and traits of the armored shadow to locate the coveted incapacitating shriek. While scouring, he happened upon an ability bearing an intriguing nomenclature: Spell of Harrumph. Chapter 319 - 319 "Travel" 319 Travel The Spell of Harrumph derived its name from a combination of a snort from the nose and a harrumph from the mouth, giving it a distinct quality that Lumian found intriguing. Moreover, the enigmatic armored shadow, while alive, was believed to be either human or a humanoid intelligent creature. Many of its distinct attributes and abilities had been given their own names. These attributes werent like the dense individuals who relied on Lumian to simplify and assign labels for their ease of remembrance. Information channeled through the unique connection revealed to Lumian that the Spell of Harrumph was a spell-like ability capable of affecting a Spirit Body. Through the dual sounds, it stirred ones consciousness to induce a mystical transformation, generating a unique fluctuation that surged towards its designated target. Any creature touched by such a fluctuation would experience severe dizziness at a minimum or even a Psychic Piercing assault at its worst, potentially rendering the target unconscious. This ability would grow in potency as the user advanced in levels. In essence, it possessed the potential to influence divine entities, provided Lumian also ascended to Sequence 4 or temporarily elevated his level in some fashion. Impressive. Its on par with the incapacitating shriek. Moreover, harrumphing seems more dignified than indiscriminate shouting Realizing time was of the essence, Lumian made a commitment and formalized the agreement. He harbored a genuine curiosity about the additional attributes and capabilities of the armored shadow. Their names held a certain uncanny quality, such as the Night Parade of Ten Thousand Demons and the Soul Devouring Scream. This instance, the seal-like object descended onto Lumians right chest, marking the conclusion of the ritual. Swiftly, he secured a thread around the Decency brooch and returned it to the iron-gray military flask. Dismissing the spiritual barrier, he cleared the altar and retrieved the objects he had laid out. Subsequently, a ghostly light emanated from Lumians right shoulder, and he abruptly vanished, traversing into a mystical realm drenched in layers of hues and peculiar creatures. In the subsequent moment, he exited the spirit world, dazed, reappearing in his bedroom on the second story of Salle de Bal Brise. As Lumian massaged his throbbing head, he surveyed his surroundings and nodded approvingly. Its indeed true spirit world traversal. This ability is very useful The only problem rested in its exorbitant spirituality cost. With Lumians Contractee and Pyromaniac enhancements, he could only execute it three to four times. Considering the consumption of flames and the contingency allocation for safety measures, he could employ it once or twice in a relatively intense confrontation. For a pure Contractee, they could merely teleport twice as standard procedure, excluding any other expenditure. Furthermore, this was contingent on selecting a proximate coordinate. Of course, proximity didnt exclusively signify the immediate vicinity. The spirit world encompassed a realm of mystique and peculiarity. Up, down, left, right, front, backeven timeintermingled there. It intersected with the real world, governed by its distinct chaos. Beyond concepts linked in nature, everything else seemed scattered without deliberate arrangement. In essence, Trier as a holistic notion held sway. It boasted a corresponding domain in the spirit world, unsullied by fragmentation or dispersal. Nonetheless, its surroundings extended beyond neighboring towns and villages. It might correlate to a rivers conceptual presence in the Southern Continent, or manifest as a settlement projection for undersea beings. Minus precise coordinates, Lumian could solely teleport within Triers immediate ambit. Otherwise, he risked straying into the spirit worlds treacherous realm, a hazardous endeavor indeed. When he had endeavored to traverse the spirit world previously, all of Triers locations had materialized within his consciousness as unfamiliar coordinates. This granted him the capacity to teleport back to Salle de Bal Brise instead of venturing to remote corners of the metropolis. Concurrently, Lumian faintly perceived the Highlands Kingdoms City of White, Rapushis former destination. It wasnt overtly distant in the spirit world from Trier, but neither was it nearby. Directly teleporting there remained infeasible for Lumian. He needed to ascertain one or two intermediate coordinates between the two locations. Remarkable. Lumian acknowledged with satisfaction. Inclusive of limited uses and range, his spirit world traversal from Abscessed Hand perfectly met his expectations. Lumian proceeded to the full-length mirror. Activating the black mark on his left shoulder, he observed his charred form transition into that of a middle-aged man, featuring a few strands of silver at his temples. His cheeks were rounded, eyes amber-red, and facial contours dignified. The features were sharp, radiating an approachable aura. Gardner Martin! It can replicate ones appearance, physique, and demeanor. Yet actions and mannerisms must stem solely from myself Lumian evaluated Niese Faces potential. The transformation had expended a notable degree of spirituality, but its maintenance necessitated but a fraction. He could adopt Gardner Martins likeness for more than ten hours. Dispelling Niese Face, Lumian retreated a few paces. Gazing upon the mirror, he opened his mouth. Ha! In response, his spirit surged into the black mark on his right chest. His Spirit Body quivered, releasing an almost imperceptible yellow light from his mouth. The radiance penetrated the mirror, traversing the wall, vanishing after a span of nearly ten meters. Effective solely at close quarters Consuming less spirituality than spirit world traversal yet surpassing Niese Face in expenditure. Applicable four or five times within combat Lumian, his body marred by burns, exhaled leisurely. He donned his attire, settled onto the bed, and surrendered to sleep. Temporarily shelving thoughts of the gold he owed the armored shadow and the commitment to locate Abscessed Hands body, Lumian had ample time for these matters. Current requisites centered on recuperation and rest, alongside allowing the repugnant aura accompanying the Decency brooch to dissipate. The next morning. Lumian, clad in a black felt hat, shirt, sweater, and sturdy jacket, pressed the doorbell of Apartment 601 at 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches. Franca greeted him with a downcast countenance, seemingly taken aback by Lumians outfit. Is your sense of temperature playing tricks on you? Lumian inquired, Have you gotten your hands on genuine mummy ashes? Didnt you ask that very question just yesterday? Franca snapped. The answer was no. A smile tugged at Lumians lips. Ill take you to find a real mummy. Where? Franca was puzzled and curious. Lumian stepped into the room and replied nonchalantly, The Southern Continents Star Highlands. How will we get there? Franca glanced toward the washroom before lowering her voice. Are you suggesting we bother your Major Arcana card holder? Ive merely penned a letter to inquire about a transit junction, Lumian responded with a smile. Transit junction Franca combined her understanding of the mystical arts and swiftly formulated a hypothesis. Have you obtained a mystical artifact capable of teleportation? Lumian shook his head and elaborated succinctly,Through my contracted creature. What sort of contract yields such extraordinary results? Franca exclaimed, genuine surprise tinging her words. She had been wondering over Lumians haste in filtering contracted creatures. Typically, those amenable to a Sequence 7 contract were fairly commonplace. Moreover, their summoning typically necessitated a ritual, rendering them rather impractical for most confrontations. Lumian let out a chuckle. A unique kind of contract. Uh Franca studied Lumian carefully, circling around him. The pants-wearing, shirt-clad Witch cleared her throat and remarked, Are we considered brothers? Not quite, Lumian answered promptly. We hold different beliefs! Franca lowered her voice again. Isnt it just superficially Steamed, but actually, its Mr. Fool? Lumian replied piously, I still maintain some faith in the Eternal Blazing Sun. After all, he had upheld this faith for nearly six years. Franca found herself momentarily speechless. After a few seconds, she inquired, Could we be considered friends? Yes. Lumian now spoke in accordance with his true feelings. Francas brows eased. Could you teach me that unique contract? Name the price. She made her request straightforwardly. Lumian shook his head again. I can only employ that contract due to unique circumstances. Alright. Franca refrained from pressing further, though a tinge of disappointment lingered. At that moment, Jenna emerged from the washroom. Lumian asked half-teasingly, Are you interested in journeying to the Southern Continent? Travel? Why would I want to travel? Jenna appeared perplexed. Franca swiftly recounted her need for genuine mummy ashes and Lumians method of teleporting to the Star Highlands. Ultimately, she queried, Do you wish to come along and observe? Jenna deliberated briefly and responded, Okay. She recognized her need for greater experience in the realm of Beyonder powers, a necessity for observation, learning, and training. Furthermore, her maximum geographical range had been confined to Triers Quartier de la Maison dOpra. For a while, she had been captivated by tales of the Southern Continent circulating in the taverns and dance halls. Lumian assessed his two companions and offered a gentle reminder with a smile, Id advise you to don thicker garments. The altitude is considerable, and its currently winter there. Oh Franca looked at Lumian and understood why he had bundled up for winter. Before long, Franca changed into a black coat resembling leather armor and donned dark knee-length pants with plush interiors, adopting the guise of a female mercenary or bounty hunter. Jenna hadnt yet transported her thick clothes, thus she borrowed Francas clothing. Though their appearances matched, Jenna was shorter, necessitating a tightened belt, secured sleeves, and rolled-up pant legs to prevent impeded mobility. Lumian reached out and grabbed their shoulders, activating the contract mark on his right shoulder. A spectral light danced along the seams of his clothing, enveloping Jenna and Franca in a surreal realm, awash with vibrant overlapping hues and enigmatic creatures retreating in every direction. In an instant, they departed the spirit world, materializing on a desolate island. Before Jenna and Franca could fully adjust, Lumian initiated spirit world traversal once more. Upon their return to reality, the Assassins found themselves facing a distant snow-clad mountain peak and an adjacent foreign city dominated by a white edifice. Jenna soon regained her composure and involuntarily exclaimed, How magical If she were compelled to encapsulate the magic and articulate her sentiments, a choice of expletives might have been used. Although not certain if this location was indeed the Southern Continents Star Highlands, the fact that she could translocate swiftly from Rue des Blouses Blanches to this wilderness underscored the mystical potential of teleportation! Lumian endured the pulsing headache and the substantial drain on his spiritual energy as he pointed toward the City of White, seemingly unperturbed. Proceed inside. Chapter 320 - 320 Mummy 320 Mummy Franca and Jenna couldnt tear their eyes away from the grazing herd of cows, sheep, and horses. The swarthy men donned felt hats and thick blue or red robes, while the local women flaunted their colorful, multi-layered gowns. Numerous white buildings and shops peddling leather products dotted the scene. It was a captivating and unfamiliar sight. Franca stepped aside as a wooden carriage, drawn by a long-haired bull, trundled by in the biting wind. She glanced at Lumian and Jenna before speaking up. Why the silence? Lets engage with the locals. After all, what was the point of wandering without interacting? Lumian fell momentarily quiet before responding, I lack sufficient information. Jenna felt a pang of embarrassment. I dont know enough either. All she was acquainted with were tales of romantic exploits featuring Pharaoh queens and adventurers unearthing treasures within rainforests. Uh Franca gestured dismissively with her right hand. Im not much better. How much is not much? Lumian didnt pry further. He ushered his companions into a shop named Highland Mystic Potion. The proprietor, Sallent Empaya, an Intisian dressed in a blue coat adorned with gold accents, recognized Lumian right away. After all, his distinctive hair color and appearance set him apart. Moreover, only a few days had passed since their last encounter. Sallent assessed Franca and Jenna, extending a warm smile to Lumian. What brings you here this time? Lumian, struggling with a headache from expending too much spirituality, got straight to the point. Real mummys ashes. I want to see the mummy! Sallents eyes flickered briefly, but he refrained from probing. Very well, Ill show you. Being a seasoned purveyor of mummy ashes, he knew these products didnt bestow virility; they were combined with genuinely efficacious medicine before hitting the shelves. However, since the clients didnt inquire about the practicality of real mummy ashes, he saw no need to divulge that information. Furthermore, he suspected Lumian and the two women intended to purchase a mummy for resale and profit. This was a substantial transaction. Sallent temporarily closed his shop and guided Lumian, Franca, and Jenna to the rear warehouse, where ordinary herbs were stored. They descended a narrow staircase, reaching the basement door. Turning to face Lumian and the others, he sought confirmation. Do you really want to see it? It wasnt so much a guilty conscience as a cautionary note. Absolutely, Lumian responded without a moments hesitation. In the midst of his words, his gaze fixated on the basements pitch-black wooden door. It bore a mystical symbol, its form a distortion of dark-green and pale-white hues. Within, a mix of rudimentary skulls, intertwined arms and vines, and inverted triangles melded to create an enigmatic pattern. Threads of the same hues radiated outward from these symbols, infiltrating walls, floor, and ceiling alike. Sallent brought forth a golden key, advancing toward the door. Francas voice dipped to a hush as she addressed Lumian and Jenna. Those arcane symbols appear rooted in the domain of Death. Jenna furrowed her brow. What significance do they hold? Francas head shook gently as she replied, Im uncertain. Generally, these would play a pivotal role in ritualistic magic. Yet, without a wellspring of power, such magic can falter. As I understand, the cathedrals of orthodox Churches feature akin arrangements. The devout believers who pray daily lend their spirits and spirituality to sustain the ritualistic magic. While individual contributions may seem modest, their accumulation wields ample strength. Perhaps this location holds the power necessary for sustaining ritualistic magic. Lumian grinned at Franca. You might have a reason to rejoice. This perspective heightens the likelihood of finding a genuine mummy. A relieved sigh escaped Francas lips. Hopefully, counterfeits arent as rampant here as in Trier. Perplexed, she inquired, But why the need to bring us here to see a real mummy? My divination could discern the authenticity of the ashes. To broaden your horizons, Lumian replied confidently. Before Franca could curse, he added, Directly requesting mummys ashes might tempt him to provide counterfeits. When your divination results manifest on the spot, should I then smash his cabinet or engage in a scuffle? Such violence is hardly ideal. Lumian drew on an adage often uttered by Aurore. Of course, he left out the adverse effects of the three contracts. The Abscessed Hand stoked a yearning to snap a targets neck. The Human-Faced Mantis fueled a heightened disdain for those who unjustly maligned the innocent. The armored shadow goaded him to break free from the shackles of lifes confines. Perhaps Mr. Fools witness or the boon of Bribe rendered these effects relatively manageable. They were detriments he could subdue with focus, yet their collective might occasionally sparked such impulses. Simultaneously, Franca and Jenna scoffed, unified in their disdain. Only Hunters harbored an affection for violence! At that juncture, after a brief struggle with the lock, Sallent triumphantly swung open the pitch-black wooden door, its surface adorned with a cryptic symbol. Within the basement passageway, Lumians eyes landed on wall-embedded oil lamps, forever alight. Drenched in the dancing hues of dark-green firelight, Franca and her companions trailed behind Sallent, the shopkeeper of concealed curatives, as they ventured into the corridor that lay beyond the portal. Light permeated the space, yet an illusion of advancing into darkness seized them step by step. The already cold atmosphere seemed to plummet several degrees Celsius lower. Sallent proceeded seven to eight meters ahead, navigating past firmly shut grayish-white stone doors. He halted before a chamber positioned at the corridors midpoint. These stone doors and the encompassing walls bore symbols akin to those at the basement entrance. Sallent nudged open the stone door confronting him, unveiling a diminutive sepulcher to Lumian and his comrades. In the chambers heart rested an exotic humanoid sarcophagus adorned with a golden base and a kaleidoscope of colors. This mummy hails from five centuries ago, Sallent introduced, drawing near the stone casket and pressing down its lid. He seems rather unconcerned about us making off with the mummy Lumian mused under his breath. Franca emitted a soft chuckle, her voice hushed. Perhaps he simply thinks nothing of us. Jenna remained silent during their exchange, her curiosity and trepidation fixated on the innards of the golden sarcophagus. Within, a corpse swathed in yellowish-brown fabric lay. Its lips were slightly parted, while faint voids marked the spots where eyes once resided. Hints of seeped oil stained its form. Unrestrained by the foreign surroundings, Franca extracted a mirror and initiated a divination before Sallents presence. His eyes flickered momentarily, swiftly reverting to their prior state, as if hed encountered such phenomena too frequently. Before long, an aged voice resonated from Francas mirror, its cadence accompanied by the gentle rush of water. A bona fide mummy, albeit not ancient in origin. Francas gaze snapped up at Sallent, the proprietor of the mystic potion store. Sallent offered an awkward smile in return. I fibbed earlier. This mummy isnt a relic from five centuries past. Truth be told, it was crafted just a fortnight ago and dispatched here. However, regardless of origin, it underwent a comprehensive and protracted mummification process. The sole disparity from ancient mummies is the brevity of its interment. An ancient mummy born a mere fortnight prior? Lumian quirked an eyebrow at Sallent, his tone casual. Do you hunt down the living to fashion mummies? Sallent gently shook his head. No need for such methods. The Southern Continent witnesses countless daily deaths. Procuring fresh cadavers requires only a nominal fee. Hiring hunters to track and capture would entail far greater expenses. Undertaking the task personally would exact an exorbitant temporal toll. He involuntarily assessed the advantages and drawbacks of multiple strategies. Post this explanation, Jenna regarded the mummy with a newfound perspective. It was the body of someone who hadnt long been dead. His motionless form stood exhibited as a tradable commodity. Though the two-week-old mummy served its purpose and met the requisites, Franca yearned for superior specimens. With a sigh, she averted her gaze from the recently minted mummy, prompting Sallent with a question. Are there older mummies available? Sallent hesitated momentarily before treading cautiously. How about those from last year? This constituted the most ancient mummy within the basement. Franca emitted a rueful sigh. That works too. Less enthused, Sallent led the trio to another sepulcher. Initially presuming Lumian and his companions intended to purchase an entire mummy, Sallent had showcased the most well-preserved specimen. Now, it seemed Lumian merely sought a segment. The yellowish-brown mummy dating back to the prior year already displayed signs of fragmentation. Not only were lower extremities absent, but its chest and abdomen also sported gaping voids. With Francas divination validating its authenticity, Sallent posed his inquiry with diminished enthusiasm. How much do you require? 50 grams, Franca responded, intending to amass a larger reserve. Sallent mulled over the request before pronouncing, 500 verl dor. Promptly, Franca remitted the payment, her eyes fixed as Sallent procured a hammer and dirk, employing them to sever a portion of the mummys arm, akin to extracting ore. Jenna stood dumbfounded. To her, it seemed somewhat gruesome and brutal. Though shed witnessed mob fights and personally taken a life, shed never encountered someone treating human remains as inexpensive commodities. Internally, Franca sighed and suppressed her emotions. This was the stark reality of the Beyonder world and its potion system, yet compared to the boons, it was strangely appealing. With the fraction of a mummys arm now in her possession, Franca wordlessly led Jenna out of the tomb, trailed by Lumian and Sallent. They had traversed scarcely three meters when the kerosene lamps lining the corridor receded, casting an eerie dimness. Sallent swiveled his head, his demeanor a mix of surprise and uncertainty. Chapter 321 - 321 Compensation 321 Compensation In the dim corridor, despite the unchanging temperature, an icy gust swept through, sending shivers down the spine. Lumian, who had cleared his mind to restore his spirituality, snapped back into attention. He examined the tombs on both sides, his demeanor unaffected by the sudden disturbance. His initial urge was to reach into his pocket and grasp Mr. Ks finger. Yet, he held back, mindful of the unfamiliar territory that was the Southern Continent. Mr. K might not sense the use of his finger, so Lumian suppressed his instinct. Franca reacted swiftly too. A small mirror materialized in her palm. Jenna, less experienced, didnt grasp the scenes significance, but her instincts told her it wasnt a positive development. It was akin to the spooky tales told in bar dance halls to frighten young girls! Sallent, avoiding the dim oil lamps gaze, briskly moved past Jenna and Franca, making a beeline for the pitch-black wooden door to the basement. He paid Lumian no attention. Bang! Bang! Bang! Sounds of impact echoed from the tombs on either side. It wasnt clear if sarcophagus lids had been struck or heavy stone doors pounded. Sallents expression shifted, and he bolted out. In the silent basement, the echoes of the pounding lingered. Lumian and the others hurried after the mystic potion store owner, easily overtaking him. At that very moment, the pitch-black wooden door creaked shut abruptly. Seeing this, Franca sprinted forward and flung the mirror out the door. A resonant crack marked the mirrors collision with the wooden door, fragments scattering across the floor. Lumian and Franca came to a halt simultaneously, their attention on Sallent. Jenna, still in motion, comprehended and made the same choice. In the eerily dim corridor, Sallent, decked in a blue coat with gold accents, stood frozen, his pale face tinged with a sickly green hue. The pounding from the tombs persisted, its reverberations shaking everyone present to the core. Sallent trembled visibly, muttering to himself, Were done for. Were all finished Franca inquired swiftly yet composedly, Whats going on? Only by grasping the core issue could she devise a swift and effective strategy! Seemingly detached from his own senses, Sallent didnt answer. He half-mumbled, Were done for. Were all finished Before he could complete his thought, the entire basement quivered. The dark-green flames that had shrunk to the size of rice grains flickered noticeably in the same direction. Fear warped Sallents features, his voice unconsciously amplified. Its awake! Its awake! Who is it? Jenna found it more spine-chilling than any ghost story shed encountered, but she pushed herself to ask. Sallent remained unresponsive, repeating his panicked cry, Its awake! Its awake! Seeing that the mystic potion store owner was clearly in a state of extreme horror and not in his right mind, Franca decisively abandoned her attempts to ask him for information and took out a mirror. Her plan was to use Magic Mirror Divination to swiftly assess the current situation. Even if the divinations response wasnt crystal clear and required interpretation, it was still better than being completely clueless! In a matter of moments, Franca completed the incantation and witnessed an aqueous light emanating from the mirror. Just as she was preparing to gather her thoughts and formulate appropriate questions to obtain corresponding answers, Lumian, who had been standing silently beside her, suddenly spoke up. Did it work? It did. I can perform the divination, Franca cooperatively responded, although she was puzzled by Lumians actions. Lumian immediately broke into a grin. No need for questions. Uh Franca was caught off guard before she grasped Lumians intention. Just then, the basement shook once more. Sallent, the mystic potion store owner, was so overcome with fear that his voice turned high-pitched. Its here! Its here! Were going to die! In the next heartbeat, Lumian seized his shoulder. Simultaneously, Lumian firmly held Jennas arm with his other hand, while Franca hooked her arm around his shoulder like a bro. An eerie light shimmered through the crevices of their clothing, and the four of them materialized outside the basement, standing before the pitch-black wooden door adorned with intricate and enigmatic symbols. Its here! Its here! Were going to die! Sallents cries of despair still echoed in the air. Lumian cast an appraising glance at the mystic potion store owner, pondering whether to utilize the Niese Face to transform into a mummy and give him a scare. Therapeutic provocation had its merits too! However, considering his waning spirituality and the prudence of revealing too many abilities to a stranger, Lumian ultimately shelved the prank idea. Smack! Jenna swung her right palm, delivering a resounding slap to Sallents face, leaving him bewildered. He gazed at the woman before him, utterly perplexed. Franca and Lumian exchanged speechless glances, unsure how to react to this unexpected turn of events. As the pitch-black door and the basement walls swayed gently, the cacophony outside abruptly subsided. Jenna felt the weight of their gazes and mumbled, Isnt this how they wake them up? Thats how they would bring back my neighbor when she lost control of her emotions. It wasnt madness. In the factory district, people had their own practical remedies. More often than not, they did the trick, though occasionally they proved ineffective. Of course, if he were part of her family, she wouldnt dare try it. Shed seek professional assistance instead. Franca snapped out of her reverie and commended sincerely, Well done. Several moments elapsed, and Sallents gaze cleared. Instinctively, he scanned their surroundings and exclaimed in surprise, Were outside? When did we get out? When you were screaming were going to die, were going to die,'' Lumian retorted with an annoying tone. He then raised an eyebrow and inquired with a deep intonation, Who were you saying was about to wake up? Sallents expression shifted multiple times before he stammered, A genuine ancient mummy. It slumbers deep within the tomb and occasionally stirs. It only woke up a few days ago. Why did it wake up so quickly Normally, there was a rough timeframe for how long the mummy remained awake. According to Sallents experience, it would be at least another month before it awoke again. That was why he dared to bring Lumian and the others into the basement. Unexpectedly, an accident occurred! What caused the ancient mummy to awaken prematurely? Lumian directed a thoughtful gaze at Franca, as if silently asking her if she wished to consider obtaining the genuine ancient mummy. Franca comprehended his inquiry and shook her head, indicating that it wasnt necessary. The mummys ashes were merely supplementary ingredients. The ones formed the year before were still usable. There was no need to risk dealing with what seemed to be a perilous entity. Lumian withdrew his gaze and pushed through the headache gnawing at his temples. He turned to Sallent and grinned. I dont care if its last years mummy or an ancient one awakening. There are two things I know for sure. First, I saved your life. Second, we were scared out of our wits and nearly met our end down there. So, you owe me a thank-you present and compensation for the mental strain. How much do you think is fair? Keep in mind, I only want gold. With the memory of owing the Armored Shadow and Mr. Fool a total of 100,000 verl dor in gold, Lumian was keen on seizing every opportunity to amass funds. As the tumult behind the pitch-black wooden door gradually settled, Sallent heaved a sigh of relief and responded, How about 1,000 verl dor? Thats all the gold I have on hand. His heart ached at the thought of parting with the money, but he acknowledged Lumians point. Without their intervention, hed have met his end in that basement, becoming fodder for the mummy. Moreover, the group had demonstrated significant prowess. Rejecting their request outright seemed like a risky proposition. Agreed. Lumian didnt push for more or attempt to haggle. As the quartet made their way toward the stairs leading to the warehouse, Franca lowered her left hand and surreptitiously let something slip into the shadowy corner. After obtaining 1,000 verl dor in gold coins, gold nuggets, and jewelry, Lumian, Franca, and Jenna exited the Highland Mystic Potion Shop. Franca glanced back at the shop and let out a wry chuckle. Tsk, all this trouble, and we ended up with a mummys hand and an additional 500 verl dor. Without waiting for Lumians response, she queried with a grin, Are you running short on funds again? You used to save people without expecting payment. They could give it or not. Have you switched to the Spectators Pathway? Lumian teased, nodding in agreement. The special contract I mentioned involves sacrificing 100,000 verl dor worth of gold within a set timeframe after the pact is made. 100,000 verl dor? Jennas understanding of monetary matters had undergone quite a transformation since entering the world of mysticism. Based on what she knew, even someone like Ciel didnt possess as much liquid wealth as her. Yet, he dared to accumulate a debt of 100,000 verl dor just for a contract granting access to those special abilities. Franca clicked her tongue and inquired, Why didnt you teleport us right to the door from the start? The basement door wasnt closed then, so no mishaps would have occurred. Dont you think its more dramatic to do it at the last moment? Lumian retorted with a question. Naturally, the actual reason was that he had recently gained the ability to traverse the spirit world and hadnt ingrained a reflex to use it. When the pitch-black wooden door in the basement shut, he had been hesitant to attempt teleporting for fear of it failing. Later, Franca successfully completed her Magic Mirror Divination. Through it, Lumian confirmed his ability to remain connected to the outside world within the seal, which allowed him to make the definitive teleportation. Amid Franca and Jennas baffled expressions, Lumian massaged his aching head and announced, Lets find an inn. I need to rest and restore my spirituality. Okay. Franca wasnt in a hurry to secure an inn. Instead, she turned into an empty alley and produced an ornate makeup mirror. Why are you using divination? Jenna queried inquisitively. Francas lips curled into a smile. Im using it to divine the reflection in my other mirror. Seeing Jennas perplexity, she elucidated, I left a small mirror that looks like a shard outside that basement. With that, Franca caressed the mirror and chanted an incantation. Before long, the mirror projected an image: Sallent, the mystic potion store proprietor, stood before the pitch-black wooden door, his posture hunched as he cried out, Only death endures forever! Chapter 322 - 322 Pleasure 322 Pleasure Only death endures forever? Lumian and Jenna struggled to grasp the gravity of the situation unfolding before them. Their attention turned towards Franca. Franca observed as Sallent bowed and offered his prayers before departing from the dimly lit basement. The mirrors enigmatic display dissolved into darkness, marking the end of the divination. She spoke contemplatively, He seems to be from the Numinous Episcopate. Numinous Episcopate? Lumian, who had encountered references to this secret organization within Aurores grimoires, knew that it originated from the royal lineage of the Balam Empire on the Southern Continent and ancient Death believers. The organizations mission seemed to involve awakening or reviving Death while expelling colonists to restore the Balam Empire to its former glory. Aurores knowledge of the Numinous Episcopate was somewhat superficial, lacking details about prominent figures, rituals, or specific practices. The Numinous Episcopate? Jennas lack of familiarity was apparent in her voice. Franca proceeded to provide a succinct overview of the Numinous Episcopates background, aligning with Lumians understanding. She concluded, In the Southern Continent, the Numinous Episcopate holds a comparable status to the Rose School of Thought. Although they dont resort to blood sacrifices or terrorism like some secret faith-based organizations, rituals are inherent to their nature. The Numinous Episcopates pursuit of deaths revival necessitates sacrificial rites. Right, the Numinous Episcopates leader is a demigod nicknamed Pale Empress. Pale Empress? Given the Numinous Episcopates similarity in strength to the Rose School of Thought, its plausible that Pale Empress is an angel Lumian rubbed his head, lacking the energy to analyze further. Jennas gaze shifted toward the Highland Mystic Potion shop, her confusion evident. Why would the shop owner, an Intisian, join the Numinous Episcopate? The Numinous Episcopates goal was to eradicate colonists and rebuild the Balam Empire. Intis was one of the colonial powers established in West Balam. Sallent, though having lived in the Southern Continent for over a decade and reaping the rewards of being an Intisian, found himself in a puzzling predicament. His allegiance to the Numinous Episcopate, despite these benefits, raised questions. Sallent wasnt one of the lowest-class denizens of Trier like Jenna who didnt have a clear concept of colonial interests. Franca muttered, Who knows? Numerous possibilities exist. Enforced conversion after being captured, manipulation by mysterious forces, gradual enticement with escalating benefits leading to devout belief, or a transformative experience thanks to being rescued by a kind Death believer. In any case, the Numinous Episcopate displays cunning by employing a genuine Northern Continent native to operate a mystical potion shop, peddle mummies, and act as an inconspicuous spy. Their strategy appears well-orchestrated, defying easy suspicion. Observing Lumians weariness, Franca decided to not delve further. She located a nearby inn and secured lodgings for them. Upon Lumians awakening, sunlight streamed through the glass window, casting a warm glow on Franca and Jenna, who were seated at the table. The sky was serene, adorned with fluffy clouds resembling wisps of cotton. Franca and Jenna savored a burrito seasoned with spices, enveloping succulent beef and mutton, while Lumian indulged in a plate of roasted onions, potatoes, corn, and assorted meats. A sweet corn-based beverage graced their table, emanating a delightful aroma. As Lumian sat up, a chuckle escaped his lips. Looks like you two had quite the time. Munching on her food, Franca mumbled, I dont often venture to the Star Highlands, and I accomplished what I set out to do. Naturally, its time to unwind. Whats this called? Its called Dammit, forget it. You get the idea! Despite a prolonged attempt, Franca struggled to articulate her thoughts in the appropriate language. Eventually, she abandoned the effort, prioritizing her meal. Jenna gestured to her right. We brought you some lunch. A strip of fried beef, coated with a crimson sauce exuding a subtle alcoholic aroma, lay before Lumian. I figured you might be hesitant to venture out due to the language barrier, Lumian admitted, promptly satisfying his hunger. He had previously realized that only a minority of the locals understood Intisian, and even then, only on a basic level for rudimentary communication. Franca, swallowing a bite of burrito, sipped on a cup of steaming corn juice. Body language is universal. Jenna added with a grin, Francas gestures are truly something to behold. She even mimics pig squeals, cow moos, and sheep bleats to communicate her meat preferences to vendors unfamiliar with Intisian. Yet, the nobles here are a departure from my expectations. They appear more akin to Northern Continent counterparts than their Southern Continent peers. In this relaxed ambiance, the trio enjoyed a leisurely lunch, recounting their escapades as if they were on an authentic holiday. Under the cover of night, within the Le March du Quartier du Gentleman district, nestled at Rist docks, an abandoned building stooda site Lumian had previously set ablaze. Cognizant of the potential disturbances that advancements within an apartment might trigger among nearby residents, Franca heeded Lumians advice and selected this vacant location. Promptly erecting a wall of spirituality, Franca collected the ashes of the incinerated mummythanks to Lumianalong with the other requisite ingredients. Meanwhile, Lumian and Jenna maintained a careful distance, intently observing as Franca adroitly mixed the ingredients and consumed the potion. A brief hush enveloped the scene, then Francas visage twisted in anguish. Almost instantly, her flaxen hair, formerly bound in a ponytail, broke free of its constraints. Propelled by an invisible force, the hair drifted and extended, resembling a radiant web expanding in all directions. More ethereal strands emerged, dense and elongated. Swiftly, they populated the space embraced by the wall of spirituality, fashioning a spectral woodland of filaments. Once again, Jenna bore witness to the mystifying and surreal attributes of the potion, while obscured by the burgeoning hair. Alongside Lumian, she patiently awaited the anomaly to subside. Whether this passage of time spanned dozens of seconds or stretched beyond two minutes, the ethereal flaxen hair finally withdrew, returning to Francas form. With a jubilant countenance, Franca pivoted to face her companions, her limpid eyes radiating contentment. Everything went quite seamlessly. Im anticipating future advancements to be quite cumbersome and challenging. Curiously, Jenna found Francas flowery blouse and off-white breeches harmonizing impeccably with her demeanor for the first time. The attire seemed to accentuate an ineffable allure, evoking a blush and a warmth in Jennas ears, despite her own femininity. On the other hand, Lumian experienced an unfamiliar and unwanted warmth and reaction. As Franca acclimated to the powers of the Demoness of Pleasure, Lumian and Jennas racing hearts eventually steadied, restoring a semblance of normality. Concluding their task and dismantling the spiritual barrier, Franca rejoined them, sporting a radiant smile. Her eyes shimmered akin to a lake glinting with reflected light. How much of an improvement are we talking about? Lumian posed a direct question. A rough comprehension of the situation would facilitate better teamwork! Francas eyes danced playfully as she responded, a grin adorning her face. Take a guess. Im not a Demoness. How can I guess? Lumians retort barely left his lips before he frowned. An intangible force had coiled around his legs and body! Then, with a sudden rush, Lumians form was engulfed in crimson flames that erupted from within him, engulfing the enigmatic threads. Only now did Lumian and Jenna perceive the intangible tendrils, tinted in fiery hues resembling translucent spider silk. Amidst her amusement, Franca inquired of Lumian and Jenna with a mischievous glint, Do you understand now? Perhaps youd like to explore another? No! No need. In unison, Jenna and Lumian retorted, their voices echoing their apprehension. Franca maintained her smile, suggesting, Are you truly certain you dont wish to give it a try? I assure you, a mere touch can envelop you in true pleasure. Dammit! Jenna instinctively retreated a step, her expletive punctuating her reaction. Lumian regarded Franca, grappling with whether she was indeed teasing him or harboring some genuine intent. Yes, the target should be Jenna I cant rule out the possibility of using simple contact to embarrass me As Lumians thoughts raced, Franca suddenly composed herself and said seriously, In addition to the two I mentioned earlier, my proficiency in Black Fire, Frost, Curse, and Mirror magic has all been elevated. Their integration has expanded as well. For instance, I can utilize a mirror to focus on a target and employ Black Fire to enact a curse. Another scenario involves my utilization of Mirror Substitution and Staff Substitution to counteract fatal harm while gaining some measure of recuperation. My capabilities as an Assassin and Instigator have also been enhanced. She succinctly summarized her advancements without delving into particulars. Lumian nodded, mulling over Francas capabilities. He inquired thoughtfully, Do you possess a charm-like ability too? Francas smile hinted at an answer, but she chose to remain silent. Jenna observed Franca for a moment and then noted something else, pointing at her and remarking, Youve become even more beautiful! Francas individual features and overall appearance had transcended any imperfections. Her demeanor radiated an undeniable brilliancea striking, flamboyant beauty that demanded no disguise. Is that so? Franca responded, her surprise evident. Lumian couldnt resist stroking his chin, pondering whether Madame Hidden Blade would genuinely switch to Iron-blooded Knight when going from Sequence 5 to Sequence 4. As Lumian bade Franca and Jenna farewell and embarked on his return to Auberge du Coq Dor, a sudden realization swept over him. He lowered his voice and inquired, Temiboros, whats the next boon after Contractee? Yet, Termiboros remained silent, offering no reply. Lumian let out a scoff. Its fine. Once I locate the padre, hell divulge the information. Although his confidence might waver internally, maintaining an outward appearance of assurance was essential in times like these. The day of the prophesied event arrived swiftly. In Quartier de la Princesse Rouge, at the crossroads of Rue de la Muraille and Rue du Cheval Blanc, Lumian disembarked from a public carriage with a casual grace. Clad in a white shirt, a black vest, brown trousers, and sleek leather shoes, he cast his gaze upon the slumbering neighborhood that lay ahead. Chapter 323 - 323 Psychological Profile 323 Psychological Profile Lumian stood at an intersection, his hands casually tucked into his pockets as he strolled leisurely toward Rue de la Muraille. This street held more significance to the people of Trier than even the renowned Avenue du Boulevard. It was their aspiration. In the days before Emperor Roselle ignited the Industrial Revolution, Triers cityscape hadnt sprawled to the extent it had now. It nestled in the easternmost corner, fortified by stout city walls and vigilantly guarded by soldiers. Their military encampment wasnt distant, which prompted the emergence of numerous brothels and prostitutes nearby. As the sands of time sifted through, Rue de la Muraille garnered its reputation, and Triers population burgeoned. A modest market burgeoned into a realm of prestige and extravagance that stretched across the Northern and Southern Continents. Lumian passed beneath the sheltering canopy of Intis parasol trees, his gaze taking in opulent palace-like structures alongside unassuming apartments. They all shared a common traitwindows adorned with frosted glass and the occasional green shutter. Rue de la Muraille appeared to be rousing from its midday slumber. The road hosted few pedestrians, but each one bore a distinct air. Some dashed by in somber gray-blue work attire, driven by haste, while others donned antiquated finery. They glanced around before slipping into apartment complexes. Cameras slung around necks captured candid moments before these wanderers vanished into ornate edifices. Attempts at projecting an Intisian facade couldnt mask true identities, betrayed by hairlines and exaggerated heights. Moreover, Lumians keen eye caught sight of an iron-gray robot, towering at two meters. A steam-spewing outlet adorned its back, accompanied by gears, torsion springs, screws, and bent pipesa symphony of decorative mechanics. Perched on the robots left shoulder, a lavishly dressed man flaunted intricate makeup. His leisurely observation spanned pedestrians, dignitaries shrouded in gold or silver masks, and groggy men stumbling into wakefulness. Here, the ordinary and elite intertwined in a peculiar harmony. As Lumian advanced, he methodically surveyed his surroundings, his gaze unrelenting in its pursuit of his target. In a flash, he spotted Albus approaching from a side alley. The Iron and Blood Cross Order member, sporting dark-red locks, acknowledged Lumian with a sly grin. He lifted his right hand, pointed at his own headprovocation in motion. Under Gardner Martins directive, Albus was tasked with tracking down Padre Guillaume Bnet. It seemed Albus was insinuating a competition of sorts, pitting Lumian against himself to see whod uncover the prey first. Beyond Albus, the Iron and Blood Cross Order likely deployed several official or peripheral affiliates. In this, Gardner Martin had kept his promises. Undeterred by Albuss gesture, Lumian pressed on, deeper into Rue de la Muraille. Guided by the revelations of Demoness of Pleasure Francas Magic Mirror Divination, the prophecys domain narrowed: Guillaume Bnets presence was expected on five streets, including Rue de la Muraille and Rue du Cheval Blanc, within the week. However, Rue de la Murailles length, its expanse, and the thronging populace created a nebulous landscape for Lumians quest. Carpet searches and widespread net-casting was virtually impossible. Success hinged on the possibility of enlisting aid from the authorities and mustering an army to seal off this domain, vigilantly guarding every entrance to Underground Trier. Previously, Lumian could only hope that the Iron and Blood Cross Order, a secret organization teeming with formidable Hunters, boasted superior tracking and manhunt techniques. Or perhaps, Termiborosan Inevitability angelmight drive them to converge. As long as the distance between Lumian and Guillaume Bnet was moderate, they would reunite as though preordained. However, a new trail had emerged. This advancement was predominantly the fruit of the mystical knowledge he had acquired as a Contractee! Within this trove of knowledge lay a menagerie of uncanny creatures, summonable or recruitable, complete with the requisite costs for forging contracts. The compendium detailed the abilities obtainable and the subsequent penalties incurred post-contract. Merging the exhibition of Guillaume Bnets contractual capabilities from his memory and dream, Lumian pieced together a fragment of insight: Summoning Abyss Demon Flowers necessitates a sacrifice of fresh human blood. The downsidean increased desire for coitus. Invisibility mandates thirteen portions of prepared meat. The downsidean intensified susceptibility to hunger. Slow Flight sacrifices ones romantic infatuation perpetually. The downsidean urge to show off. Bone Curse predicates the sacrifice of a living person. The downsidedrowsiness. The Soul Assimilation Mystic Spell exacts no fewer than three human souls. The downsiderandom bouts of dizziness, numbering four to five daily. Internal Explosion demands the sacrifice of any Beyonder characteristic. The downsideunrelenting spirituality drain, tantamount to permanent reduction of spirituality capacity. From the detailed description of the Soul Assimilation Mystic Spell, Lumian conjectured that the padre had inadvertently met an additional, covert cost. That was his name! The Soul Assimilation Mystic Spell affected the targets Spirit Body by invocating their true name, causing them to experience dizziness and other reactions, amplified by deeper comprehension of the target and employment of verbiage echoing the spirit world. In contracting with a spirit world entity armed with the Soul Assimilation Mystic Spell, Guillaume Bnet inadvertently disclosed his true name. Entities endowed with such powers could wield a persons true name for manifold featsa potentially profound latent hazard. This clandestine peril was merely one amid numerous akin enigmas housed within a Contractees mystic wisdom. Therefore, Lumian opted for an extensive screen of spirit world creatures, personal interaction followed by experimental engagement. Based upon the known downsides accompanying the contracted abilities, Lumian hatched an educated hypothesis. After Guillaume Bnet, a man driven by insatiable desires, found his appetite for sex surging, he had definitely sought out women. The prophecys alignment with Quartier de la Princesse Rouge harmonized with the results unearthed from the Magic Mirror Divination about the five nearby streets. Furthermore, he found his hunger more voracious than ever, and the act of intimacy left him drained of vigor. Thus, the likelihood was high that he would gravitate towards a brothel that catered to both carnal and culinary needs or invite a woman back home. Guillaume Bnet was not only a man of fervent desires but also an ambitious soul, thirsting for power. Being confined in the village and before the contractual abilities imbued his life with adverse effects, his lust mirrored an expression of power. Otherwise, it was impossible to explain how his desires sprawled across every woman, an inclination spanning the spectrum between esteemed paramours and those of lesser stature. To him, appropriating the companions of other men became a testament to his standing, might, and allure. Stepping onto Triers soil, a place where his provincial accent drew disdain from the citizens, he undoubtedly sought vindication, manifesting his claims in his own unique manner. Fused with his relentless pursuit of strength and his past style, Guillaume Bnet very likely went after sought-after courtesans, stoking the fires of envy amongst the local denizens. He might even spirit one or two of these coveted women away to grace his home. This comprehensive analysis of the padres character and psyche wasnt Lumians solitary undertaking. Rather, it emerged from the expertise of Anthony Reid, a Psychiatrist. Armed with Lumians intricate portrayal of Guillaume Bnet, Reid painted a psychological canvas, a vivid portrait of this heretics inner workings. Thus, two distinct paths unfurled to ensnare his prey. The first entailed staking out upscale brothels, where both meals and famous courtesans awaited. The other trail veered towards investigations surrounding courtesans who had entered matrimony, taken on mistress roles, or even vanished within the past two months. For the former pursuit, the mantle rested upon the shoulders of the Iron and Blood Cross Order. Lumians current task revolved around unearthing a conduit to intelligence about Rue de la Murailles clandestine tales. Anthony Reid, an adept intelligence broker, held a key. He was well-acquainted with Bhler, a Ghost Face columnist renowned for exposing scandals and whispers that wove through the fabric of Rue de la Muraille. Bhler, a connoisseur of drinking and writing, would frequent a corner of Hope Caf where he could survey the entrance before venturing into the brothels. With his objective clear, Lumian embarked on a steady stride toward the caf nestled amidst Rue de la Muraille. En route, he revisited the entirety of the task at hand, stirred by an indescribable emotion. His divination capabilities paled in comparison to Francas. A lone Prophecy Spell rested in his arsenal, a tool he dared not wield recklessly. The finesse of Anthony Reids psychological profiling and information-gathering expertise dwarfed Lumians own. However, mobilizing these allies allowed him to harness these strengths, akin to gaining possession of these abilities. Lumian couldnt foretell the ramifications of ascending to godhood. Yet, one thing was certain: beneath Sequence 4, ones prowess met constraints. Cooperative squads harnessed the potential for synergy, enabling them to confront even higher Sequences sans those with godhood. Soon, Lumian caught sight of Hope Caf, its entrance adorned in a milky-white veneer. After pushing open the heavy door, he cast his gaze upon the corner granting anyone a vantage point. A slender-faced man in his thirties, his ebony hair framing azure eyes, his beard trimmed meticulously and waxed to precision, met Lumians gazehis attention fixated on the entrance. Sensing Lumians scrutiny, the mans visage transformed. He reached for the soft-covered notebook and crimson fountain pen upon the table, on the verge of vanishing through the back door. In response, Lumian drew his revolver and dispatched a shot toward the cafs rear exit. With a resounding bang, the bullet embedded itself into the wood. The cafs patrons were jolted into alarm, their reactions oscillating between concealment and inquiry, engendering chaos. The bearded man stood immobilized, neither sure if he should run or stay. Under the collective gaze of bartender, patrons, and staff, Lumian advanced toward his target, revolver in hand, amusement playing across his features. Are you Monsieur Bhler? Yes, thats me. Bhler forced a smile. Lumian gestured toward Bhlers original seat and spoke nonchalantly, Take a seat. Ive come to purchase information. A sigh of relief escaped Bhler as he hunched, retracing his steps to settle into the chair. Lumian occupied the opposite seat, putting down his revolver. With a trace of playfulness, he queried, Why the preference for such a dim corner? Bhler sighed and said, In my line of work, reprisals are a constant concern. Youre well aware that some individuals detest seeing their names or likenesses entangled in the web of scandals across newspapers and periodicals. This corner grants me an unobstructed view of the entrance, affording early detection of any potential troublemakers. And, should the need arise, I can effect a swift escape through the back. Chapter 324 - 324 Which Is True and Which Is False 324 Which Is True and Which Is False After a brief mention of the reason for selecting his seat, Bhler glanced up at Lumian, a self-deprecating smile on his lips. I didnt expect you to open fire so quickly. Lumians hand rested casually on the revolver by his side as he offered a faint smile in return. It seems the folks youve encountered before are law-abiding citizens. Bhlers instincts, honed from past experiences of being beaten, urged him to retort. But as he compared Lumians demeanor with those of his previous encounters, he found a strange logic in the mans words. Thanks to the shelter of the law, he, a columnist for Ghost Face, had managed to survive up to this point! Are you not afraid of attracting the police? Bhler turned to look at the waiter, who dared not approach with the menu and drink list. Firing a gun in a place like this isnt a minor incident. Someone should have already alerted the authorities. Lumian chuckled. Thats why we have to hurry. His words punctuated by deliberate actions, Lumian picked up his revolver, rotated the cylinder, and slotted a yellow cartridge into the empty chamber, right before Bhlers eyes. I want to know which courtesans have left Rue de la Muraille, this haven of extravagance, in the last two months, Lumian inquired with a calm resolve. Instinctively, Bhler shook his head. They arent true courtesans. Those women possess their lavish residences and permanent paramours. They frequent high society, wielding influence over industries and policies with their words alone. This place merely acts as a reserve for courtesans. Im only interested in those who fit my description. Lumian dismissed the specifics of courtesanship. Bhlers gaze flickered between the revolver in Lumians grip and said, recollecting, Four of them. Lil Jort wed a Loen merchant and relocated to Backlund. White Vase Sophie became the lover of Member of Parliament Batis, attending high society banquets and salons. She had a chance of becoming a true courtesan. Dew Rose Mary fell victim to mental illness and mutilated her face with scissors one morning. Shes confined to an asylum. Condiment Beauty Paulina vanished from Rue de la Muraille without a trace, as though whisked away by someone of status. As Bhler recounted, he noticed the dashing figure before him, ready to fire at the slightest provocation, producing a post-it note and a fountain pen, meticulously jotting down notes. Swallowing unease, he continued, I encountered Paulina on Rue Vincent not long ago. She seemed well off, with a four-wheeled carriage, a maid, a valet, and even a butler. Sadly, I had pressing matters then and failed to determine her place of residence. Rue Vincent Lumians memory jogged. It was one of the five streets Franca had divined. Farthest from Rue de la Muraille, it exuded a quieter, upscale aura. Based on Bhlers account, he suspected Paulina had become Guillaume Bnets paramour. For a fugitive, a prospective courtesan proved a safer choice than frequenting Rue de la Muraille. Guillaume Bnet was intelligent and capable. His present yearnings for intimacy and his voracious hunger hadnt rendered him a mindless imbecile. He would surely opt for a less risky strategy. Just then, hurried footsteps resonated outside the caf as three police officers neared the entrance. Coolly, Lumian donned his dark-blue cap, stashed his note and pen, and slid 50 verl dor notes onto the table before Bhler. With these tasks accomplished, he reclaimed his revolver, stood up, and proceeded to the cafs rear door. Swiftly, he opened it and departed. Bang! The police officers burst into Hope Caf through its main entrance. On the elegant street of Rue Vincent, stately villa-like houses adorned both sides of the road. The road was wide and well-kept, with only occasional pedestrians and carriages passing through. After Lumian turned into the street, he found himself at a loss. He couldnt infiltrate every house and search every room, could he? Besides, he wasnt the most suitable candidate for this kind of investigation. Franca would be better suited for it, but involving her was risky. After a brief contemplation, Lumian allowed a smile to grace his features. He strolled toward one of the houses and pressed the doorbell. A young valet opened the dark-brown door. His appearance suggested no trace of Southern Continent lineage, and he gazed at Lumian in bewilderment. In a clear Trierien accent, he inquired, Sir, how may I assist you? With an amiable grin, Lumian replied, Im here to inquire about the most splendid madam residing on this street. The valet was momentarily speechless. This was the first instance hed encountered someone seeking such peculiar information. Or perhaps not. While such matters were whispered about behind closed doors and boasted about in taverns, there were occasionally individuals who exhibited curiosity about such affairs. However, who would approach a strangers door in the sweltering sun to inquire? What was this person up to? Before the valet could react, Lumian produced a 10 verl dor note and offered it with a genial demeanor. The valets eyelids twitched. He hesitated for a moment before accepting the payment. He suspected this young man to be a counterfeit Dandyist, specialized in duping affluent ladies of their bodies and riches. The appearance and conduct matched the descriptions found in newspapers. However, if the lady wasnt the valets mistress or lady, why refuse the reward? When the stranger acquired what he sought, a certain madam would also receive some gratification! The valet cast a furtive glance around before lowering his voice. The lady in Unit 50 is exquisitely beautiful. A genuine Trierien, she married a foreigner from the southern lands. That accent As the valet spoke, he shook his head with a mixture of indignation and scorn, as if he had harbored this sentiment for some time. Lumians smile broadened. Indeed, under the sway of his burgeoning impulses, the padre couldnt resist sharing his prize with the neighborsa stunning Trierien courtesan. He might not host grand banquets or waltz to proclaim his conquest, nor would he escort his lover for a public appearance. Nonetheless, he would inevitably find subtle ways to make his neighbors aware that even foreigners could possess resplendent courtesans as mistresses. At times like this, Guillaume Bnet had to exercise prudence in disguising himself. However, his mistresss beauty wasnt something easily concealed. She might even meticulously dress herself to exhibit her remarkable presence. Of course, Lumian couldnt be certain if the lady was Paulina, the presumed mistress. Yet, the gradual collection of anticipated information through bold assumptions and careful confirmation made him feel he was steadily closing in on Guillaume Bnet. Beyond the gates of 50 Rue Vincent, Lumian glanced at the facade as an ordinary passerby might. The three-story beige structure stood before him, surrounded by a lush green lawn and a garden vibrant with colors. A gardener tended to the greenery, offering a partial view. Lumian promptly averted his gaze from the buildings pillar, wary that prolonged observation could arouse suspicion. As for any possibility of being recognized by the padre, Lumian held no concern. Prior to setting out, he had employed Niese Face to alter his appearance and communicated to his companions that it was due to cosmetics. Lumians striking appearancea fusion of golden and black haircould be anyones. As long as Guillaume Bnet lacked the ability to penetrate the illusion or actively employ it, it was unlikely hed realize his pursuer had infiltrated the vicinity. Lumians current plan was to leave Rue Vincent and switch places with Jenna or Franca. He would then ensconce himself in the shadows across from Unit 50, patiently observing until all suspicion around the target was dissipated. He refrained from adopting the guise of a tramp this time, given the scarcity of such individuals on this refined street. While a rare appearance might occur, these transients were promptly shooed away by the household staff. Just as he prepared to depart from the beige edifice, Lumian turned his head in a casual manner. His gaze alighted on a figure visible through the living room window. The figure stood at a modest height, barely reaching 1.7 meters. Clad in a dark shirt and black trousers, the person possessed a slightly stocky build. Their nose bore a gentle curve, and their black hair fell in a mid-length cascade. Lumians pupils dilated for a fleeting moment before swiftly returning to their normal state. A wisp of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and an invisible fire seemed to ignite in his eyes. Despite the adept disguise, Lumian would recognize him even if he were reduced to ashes! It was Guillaume Bnet, the padre of Cordu! Lumian wrestled to contain his surprise, his gaze steering onward. Simultaneously, his mind raced as he evaluated the next course of action to undertake. Before long, he reached the end of Rue Vincent. At that very juncture, a parrot adorned with green and white feathers took flight from Rue de la Muraille and perched itself on Lumians shoulder. It chirped excitedly, Weve located the target! Located the target? Then who did I just see? Another padre? Lumian was momentarily flabbergasted and perplexed. Which one was the genuine Guillaume Bnet? Had he erred in judgment, or had the Iron and Blood Cross Order and Rat Christo been deceived? Fifteen minutes earlier, at the Dill Brothel on Rue de la Muraille. Within the annex bar on the first floor, Albus savored his Lanti Proof while discreetly observing the attendants, laborers, and the overseer who managed the establishment. His assessment encompassed the clientele as well, but it yielded nothing of note. Many concealed their identities by donning assorted masks, making it nearly impossible to unveil their true selves. Having gained a preliminary insight into the inner workings of the Dill Brothel, Albus seized the chance to make his way toward the washroom. He veered onto the path leading to the kitchen when an attendant approached, carrying a collection of post-it notes. This attendants responsibility encompassed recording the requirements of each room and relaying orders to the kitchen. Albus, marked by his dark-red hair, advanced and retrieved a handful of glistening coins along with a substantial bundle of banknotes from his pocket. The attendants features twisted into a blend of perplexity and intrigue. Albus smiled and said, Im on the hunt for a scoundrel. Uncertain about his guise, Im merely aware he shares your build and possesses a penchant for consorting with the most celebrated ladies. Post-exertion, he seeks sustenance to satiate his hunger immediately. If youre able to furnish me with the relevant particulars, all this is yours. Chapter 325 - 325 Visit 325 Visit The attendants gaze locked onto the handful of gold coins and the banknotes, their unique ink fragrance captivating his senses. He couldnt help but hold his breath, caught in the allure of the treasure before him. After a few heart-pounding moments, he swiftly surveyed the area, ensuring no prying eyes were nearby. Gradually, a sense of relief washed over him. A-all of it? The attendants voice quivered as he swallowed with difficulty. With a precise flick of his wrist, Albus tossed a gold coin worth 5 verl dor into the attendants waiting palm. A confident smile tugged at his lips as he spoke, That depends on the value of the information you provide. Rest assured, youll receive another 20 verl dor, no matter what. The attendant gingerly bit the gold coin, stealing a glance back at the path they had traversed. His voice dropped to a hushed tone as he shared, Just as you surmised, the man from the south, in Room 2 on the sixth floor, frequents the company of the most renowned courtesans. He possesses a penchant for pre-ordering his meals, which we dutifully deliver to his quarters every half hour. A southerner with a penchant for famous courtesans and a habit of pre-ordered meals. Room 602 Albus wasnt one to skimp on appreciation. He tossed two 10 verl dor coins, etched with the likeness of a warship, to the attendant. Seizing the calmness on Rue de la Muraille, Albus covertly ascended to the sixth floor, concealing himself on the balcony at the corridors far end. Within mere minutes, the attendant tasked with meal deliveries arrived at Room 602, carried by a steam-powered mechanical elevator. A silver-white metal serving cart accompanied him. Carefully, he pressed the doorbell. Albus straightened up, aligning his view with Room 602s entrance. His gaze intensified. The door swung open, revealing a man of slight stature, not exceeding 1.7 meters. His attire comprised a pitch-black half-mask, a crisp white shirt, and pale-hued boxer shorts. Removing his trousers but leaving his upper attire on Concealing tattoos, perhaps? The more Albus observed, the stronger his conviction that the occupant of Room 602 matched the likeness of Guillaume Bnet from the wanted posters. Abstaining from disturbing his quarry, Albus settled back into a white-paneled armchair on the balcony. From his pocket emerged a gray-furred ratone of Beast Tamer Christos pets. Lumian had engaged the services of the Rat, his abilities allowing easy communication and efficient coordination among team members. Naturally, Christo served as the intermediary and the translator. Albus tenderly patted the rats head, signaling it with a gesturea thumb and index finger forming a ring, with the remaining fingers raised. This signified the discovery of the prime suspect. With a high-pitched squeak, the rat darted from Albuss grasp, off to find its owner at a nearby tavern. Upon learning from Christos pet parrot that members of the Iron and Blood Cross Order had located the padre, Lumian found himself plunged into a momentary maelstrom of shock and confusion. Had they truly found Guillaume Bnet? Then, who did I see? If the occupant of 50 Rue Vincent is Guillaume Bnet, where did the counterfeit they see come from? In the whirlwind of his thoughts, a realization struck Lumian with the force of lightning. Substitution Spell! Guillaume Bnet must have enacted the Substitution Spell ritual! It was one of the five specialized ritualistic magics Lumian had acquired as an Alms Monk. The padre, now a Sequence 5 Fate Appropriator, was evidently familiar with it. This ritual enabled the user to choose another person to inhabit their identity for a period upon sensing impending danger. By gaining the genuine or fake approval of those around them and establishing a strong mystical connection, a ritual could then finalize the switch. If the Substitution Spell succeeded, the stand-in would be indistinguishable from the original in the eyes of others, although their self-awareness and performance might be compromised to a degree. Nevertheless, their core identity would remain. When the substitute faced imminent disaster, the one who cast the Substitution Spell could alter their own fate, thus avoiding the impending calamity. Of course, this hinged on the substitute being kept unaware of the impending danger. While this ruse could prove effective on other Beyonders, Lumian was well-acquainted with the circumstances surrounding the Substitution Spell. Thus, he couldnt be easily deceived. For Lumian, the paramount issue at hand was this: Which individual was the true Guillaume Bnet, and which was the substitute? To deal a decisive blow to the padre and apprehend him with minimal casualties, Lumian needed to consolidate his forces and make a choice. He couldnt attack both entities simultaneously. Gardner Martin had merely agreed to assist in locating the prey, without extending further support. Consequently, the majority of individuals dispatched by the Iron and Blood Cross Order were Low-Sequence Beyonders or even regular people. If Lumian opted to solicit Gardner Martins aid, it might take hours for the Iron and Blood Cross Order to assemble sufficient reinforcements. Guillaume Bnet didnt possess limitless endurance, and the courtesan wasnt a Demoness of Pleasure who could allow an extended encounter. He would definitely be gone by then. The question remains: What decision would Guillaume Bnet make? Would he have the substitute remain at the residence to divert danger while he ventured out for personal pursuits? Alternatively, would he dispatch the substitute to showcase his characteristic behavior, drawing danger away from himself? Lumian found both scenarios challenging to dismiss. After deliberation, his gaze shifted to the green and white parrot. He addressed it, Locate Red Boots Franca and ask her to divine the authenticity of the Guillaume Bnet at 50 Rue Vincent and the one present here. The parrot stared at Lumian as if questioning his sanity. Im just a parrot. What I said is too complicated. It cant understand or memorize everything? Lumian swiftly arrived at a decision. Guide me to Red Boots Franca. Actually, first lead me to Christo. Time remained on their side. The individual at 50 Rue Vincent couldnt elude them. The team responsible for the mission could convene briefly, exchanging essential information. In the shadows they lingered, while their foes roamed in plain sight. As long as they didnt startle the targets, they could afford to wait. Of course, they had to conclude before Guillaume Bnets deed with the courtesan reached its conclusion. After all, tailing an individual posed inherent risks, especially when dealing with the padre and his array of bizarre and unfamiliar abilities. In a narrow alley near Rue de la Muraille. The afternoon sun cast its radiant touch upon the mostly dismantled barricade, while even the breeze seemed to take a momentary pause. Franca, now garbed in an Assassins attire, and Jenna, disguised as a female mercenary, rendezvoused with Anthony Reid, still clad in his military green attire, and Lumian, sporting a cap, a black vest, and a white shirt. Lumian delivered a succinct briefing, omitting details about the Substitution Spell due to time constraints, referring to it merely as a form of witchcraft capable of generating lifelike substitutes. Before Lumian could inquire further, Franca retrieved a mirror from her possession. As her fingers grazed the surface, she intoned an incantation. Soon, an aqueous luminescence radiated from the mirror, accompanied by an aged voice. They are both real. Both real Franca turned to Lumian in surprise. The witchcraft responsible for creating the substitute proves potentresembling the original down to appearance and fate. Conventional divination methods stand powerless against such deception! Both real Lumian had anticipated this response and had already devised an alternative course of action. Sensing his silence, Franca drew a deep breath, hesitatingly suggesting, D-Do you need me to consult another source? She aimed to seek confirmation from the entity renowned for unerring divination. Yet, this approach risked unveiling a question that could render her socially deceased before Jenna, Lumian, and Anthony Reid. She envisioned the other party asking, Do you often entertain the idea of doing the deed with Jenna? How would she navigate her future interactions with Jenna? Lumian shook his head, asserting, No need. I have a plan. Turning his attention to Jenna, he directed, Conceal yourself in the shadows diagonally across from Room 602 in Dill. Keep a vigilant watch on that Guillaume Bnets activities. If he concludes his affairs and prepares to depart, but we havent arrived yet, refrain from impulsive pursuit. Instead, discreetly monitor his movements from a distance and deduce his chosen path. Understood. Jenna nodded, mentally rehearsing her upcoming task. Lumian shifted his focus to Franca and Anthony Reid. Lets proceed to 50 Rue Vincent together. Ill directly confront Guillaume Bnet. Franca, maintain invisibility and follow me closely. We mustnt launch an attack until were certain of his authenticity. Anthony, secure the perimeter outside. If the Guillaume Bnet on Rue Vincent proves to be counterfeit and we hasten to Dill, covertly monitor the madame there, tracking her movements. In case Guillaume Bnet manages an escape, she could serve as a pivotal lead for subsequent pursuit. If the 50 Rue Vincent counterpart is genuine and a skirmish erupts, approach discreetly and provide reinforcement. Franca harbored no objections to this arrangement. Aware of Lumians teleportation abilities, she grasped that once he confirmed the Rue Vincent Guillaume as fake, he could facilitate swift transition for the primary combatants to the opposite location, preventing the two Guillaumes from exchanging information. Assessing the calculated risks, Anthony endorsed the plan, confirming his willingness to execute his designated role. 50 Rue Vincent, near the beige three-story building. Observing Francas seamless invisibility, Lumian raised his right hand and swept it across his face. In an instant, he transformed into a man in his thirties, attired in a black uniform with an inspectors epaulet. Niese Face! Satisfied with his condition, Lumian proceeded to the designated building and pressed the doorbell. The door swung open, revealing a man garbed as a butler. His gaze landed on Lumian as he inquired with a touch of confusion, Officer, how may I assist you? Im here regarding a missing vagrant case linked to this street. Id appreciate a conversation with your master, Lumian nonchalantly fabricated. A subtle shift occurred in the butlers expression. Please wait a moment, Officer. I shall inquire with our master. After a brief pause, the butler returned to the doorway, addressing Lumian, Officer, our master invites you to the small parlor on the ground floor. Lumian offered a slight nod and trailed the butler into the abode at 50 Rue Vincent. The living area exuded spaciousness, hosting a bluish-gray cat huddled in one corner, its presence accompanied by the ceaseless chirping of caged birds. Positioned in the aisle, a black dog, reminiscent of a hound, remained seated, its gaze unwaveringly fixated on the unfamiliar entrant. Circumventing an elegant sofa, the butler led Lumian into a parlor towards the rear. There, a man with midnight hair, azure eyes, and a slightly hooked nose reclined in an armchair. He sported a dark-hued shirt and black trousers, his demeanor one of relaxed arrogance as he gently caressed the head of a sizable brown-furred dog. Officer, in what way may I be of assistance? The man inquired, rising with deliberate languor. Its himGuillaume Bnet! Padre Guillaume Bnet! Lumians pupils contracted, closing the distance to a mere five meters. Then, he parted his lips and voiced, Ha! Action was the sole path to distinguishing the genuine from the imposter! Chapter 326 - 326 Substitute 326 Substitute Ha! Lumians right chest glowed faintly. His Spirit Body quivered as a yellowish beam shot forth from his mouth. It instantly struck Guillaume Bnet, dressed in a dark shirt and black pants, causing him to collapse in confusion and shock. Spell of Harrumph! Hes fake! Lumians eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. He wasnt too surprised by the outcome. It was evident that this wasnt the real Guillaume Bneta Sequence 5 Fate Appropriator. The way the man reacted to the attack, coupled with his lack of familiarity with Beyonder powers and mysticism, made Lumian believe that the substitute was an ordinary person thrust into an unfamiliar world. Disregarding the bewildered butler, Lumian swiftly turned on his heels and sprinted out of the compact living room. As he ran, he whispered, To Dill! Franca, draped in her hooded, leather-armored black robe, materialized in front of Lumian. Lumian grabbed her shoulder, allowing the black mark on his right shoulder to flicker with a dark light. Amidst the swirling maelstrom of vibrant hues, the duo found themselves on the balcony of Dills sixth floor. Having sent Jenna to inform Albus previously, Lumian had already memorized the coordinates. Upon seeing her companion arrive, Jenna, dressed as a female mercenary, emerged from the shadows. She pointed at Room 602 and lowered her voice. Its not over yet. Dammit, hes dragging this out! The second round, perhaps? Lumian chuckled. According to Albus, the occupant of Room 602 had already blown his load once before having afternoon tea. Now, it had begun again. The soundproofing here is impressive, Franca remarked, her head tilting as she listened for any signs of activity from within Room 602. Jenna observed as Lumian wiped his face, disguising himself as a typical Dill brothel attendant. She clicked her tongue and voiced her thoughts. That woman in there screams occasionally. Dammit, is that perverted padre into some abusive stuff? Jenna, an underground singer frequenting bars and dance halls, had cultivated an open and passionate image. Her close rapport with Franca, who managed the dancers, exposed her to a world beyond the ordinary. She had zero experience, but her insights were substantial. Franca caught on swiftly. She modulated her voice and clicked her tongue. Lumian, his Niese Face transforming him, glanced at Franca, silently requesting her to sprinkle fluorescent powder in the corridor outside Room 602. A countermeasure against Guillaume Bnets invisibility! Lumian knew that the invisibility didnt erase traces or scents. Should Guillaume Bnet escape into the corridor during combat, the fluorescent powder would create a luminous trail, guiding Lumians pursuit. However, Lumian reconsidered and decided that the use of fluorescent powder might be too conspicuous. Guillaume Bnet could easily detect the abnormality and escape using his bizarre abilities before Lumian could launch a surprise attack. After a moments reflection, Lumian leaned in to whisper to Franca, Deploy Invisibility to conceal yourself in the corridor. Use invisible spider silk to create a web that covers the targets door from the ground to the ceiling. This approach would neutralize the effectiveness of Invisibility, while also entangling Guillaume Bnet if he attempted to employ Slow Flight. No problem. Franca adjusted her black hood and entered the corridor. In a blink, her form dissolved, as if a snowman had melted in the sun. Seven to eight seconds later, a gentle breeze brushed against Lumians legs. He was taken aback for a moment before comprehending. Franca is using the invisible spider silk to signal readiness. Since this dude advanced to a Demoness of Pleasure, everything she does carries a sense of teasing Yeah, she just advanced and might not have full control over the potions power. She could be unwittingly affected Muttering inwardly, Lumian shifted his attention to Jenna and instructed, Conceal yourself in the shadows here. If Guillaume Bnet flees this way, you can shoot or execute an assassination. If that fails, withdraw immediately. If he heads in another direction, dont pursue. Got it. Jenna, well-versed in these situations, didnt push for more involvement. She understood that her capabilities could be effectively deployed only under specific circumstances. With his team arranged, Lumian pivoted and directed his gaze at the wooden door of Room 602. He inhaled deeply, exhaling slowly to steady his nerves. With that, he fetched an armchair from the balcony and positioned it in the corridor. The invisible spider silk avoided him as he moved some distance away from Room 602 and set down the chair. In the following moment, he lightly tapped the chairs back. Crimson flames flowed from his palm, slithering over the chair like serpents. As the armchair caught fire, Lumian jogged toward Room 602 without attempting to conceal his movements. He rapped his knuckles against the wooden door. What is it? A voice tinged with contained anger reverberated from within Room 602, indicating a pivotal juncture. Fire! Theres a fire! Lumian shouted in feigned panic. Son of a sow! The male voice inside cursed in a Riston Province accent. Simultaneously, Hunter Lumian detected a distinctive motionsomeone getting off the bed. Two to three seconds later, the door swung open, revealing a naked man wearing an iron-colored half-mask and a white shirt, his lower half exposed. A brunette, clad in a fishnet nightgown, was still draped over him. Holy heck, cant you even let go of her? Francas amused commentary echoed in Lumians mind from her invisible position diagonally across. However, Lumians focus was unshaken. When the suspected Guillaume Bnet appeared, his gaze flickering towards the smoky, flaming chair, Lumian acted swiftly. Ha! Another yellowish beam shot forth, piercing through both the man in the iron-colored half-mask and the woman in the fishnet nightgown, enveloping them. A glimpse of shock and panic flashed across the eyes of the supposed Guillaume Bnet, revealing his grasp of Beyonder powers. Then, his eyes dulled, and he collapsed, a fraction after the woman. As the sound of something heavy thudding to the floor echoed, Lumian seemed to enter a surreal trance. Impossible. A Fate Appropriator like Guillaume Bnet couldnt be knocked out by a Contractees Spell of Harrumph Is he a decoy? The one at 50 Rue Vincent was an imposter too! Where is the real Guillaume Bnet? Shaking off his momentary daze, Lumian knelt, peeling off the iron-colored mask from the unconscious man. The face beneath was unnervingly familiarit was the hooked-nose countenance of Guillaume Bnet. Darkening with concern, Lumian pushed the half-dressed woman away from his target and tore open the white shirt. In the next heartbeat, his eyes fell upon three black marks resembling signatures on the unconscious mans upper bodyone on the left chest, one on the right chest, and another on the abdomen. This wasnt Guillaume Bnet! Guillaume Bnet held more than three contractsprobably a dozen or more! All fake? All substitutes? Lumian clenched his fists, his eyes igniting with an invisible blaze. He rose, dragging the man, an identical look-alike of Guillaume Bnet, back into Room 602. Then, he found a blanket, swathed the unconscious woman, and deposited her in the corridor. In the interim, Franca discerned the falsity of the prey once again, vanishing her invisibility. She summoned frost and doused the flames consuming the armchair. As she transferred the woman from the corridor to a vacant room, Lumian extended his right hand, fingers closing around the throat of the Inevitability bestowed. With a decisive snap, he broke the mans neck, rendering him unconscious and lifeless. Following that, he shut the wooden door, drew the ritual silver dagger, and sanctified it. A wall of spirituality enshrouded Room 602. Subsequently, Lumian initiated the Summoning Dance, opting to engage in a preliminary, purpose-driven spirit channeling through this method. He had chosen not to enlist Francas aid for a reason: he was uncertain about the peculiar creatures the deceased had contracted. It was possible they would induce corresponding corruption. Only Lumian, having long been an Inevitability bestowed, remained unaffected by the spirit channeling process. The sedatives and the last remnants of truth serum from the Bliss Society were reserved for use on the real padre. Diagonally opposite 50 Rue Vincent. Perched on the second floor of the building and ensconced in cover, Anthony Reid, steadfastly observing the target, espied a graceful lady in a pale-green gown hurrying out, accompanied by her valet, maid, and butler. The group entered a carriage, deftly relocated from the rear to the front entrance, before embarking toward the far end of Rue Vincent. Without precipitously giving chase, Anthony meticulously memorized specific details concerning the carriage and the horses. Amidst the fervent and contorted dance, the departed spirit detached from its corporeal vessel, hovering midair. It cast a glare laden with animosity and perplexity upon Lumian. Drawing his own blood, Lumian enacted a command, compelling the spirit to bind to him. Although desire and voracity ignited within him, Lumian remained resolute, detecting an additional presence. Summoning the Abyss Demon Flower Invisibility Transfiguration Dammit! An involuntary curse escaped Lumians lips. He began to grasp the unfolding situation! The individual at 50 Rue Vincent was possibly a product of the Substitution Spell. The one at the Dill brothel, on the other hand, had been fashioned as a substitute by Guillaume Bnet, utilizing Transfiguration, exploiting its negative effects. He was vigilant against anyone exploiting his negative effects to track him down! Transfiguration was a contractual ability capable of altering a persons appearance, physique, and disposition. It also possessed a measure of resistance against divination. The price exacted was ones own visage, with the detrimental side effect manifesting as a desire for the exploitation of others. Lumian steadied himself, summoning to mind the genuine Guillaume Bnethis visage, his deeds. This resonance united with the memories that had left the most indelible mark on the spirit of the deceased, enabling Lumian to hunt for clues. In due course, a cluster of seven or eight memories quivered slightly. Lumian selected one, striving to magnify it for deeper understanding. Chapter 327 - 327 The Real Guillaume Bénet 327 The Real Guillaume Bnet The memories of the false Guillaume Bnet surged, and Lumian found himself immersed in the familiar confines of 50 Rue Vincents cozy parlor. Draped in an air of regal poise, the counterfeit Guillaume Bnet stood before the armchair, addressing the recipient of these memories with calculated words, Take this money and venture to Rue de la Muraille. There, seek out the renowned courtesan of utmost repute. But you must assume my looks, veiled by a mask. With humility and deference, the memorys owner bowed. Understood, Archbishop. And thus, this memory concluded. Lumian held a steadfast conviction that the Inevitability bestowed before him was a meticulously crafted proxy, a construct devised by none other than Guillaume Bnet himself. It appeared that he had likely garnered a cohort of adherents to Inevitability. From among them, he had singled out a candidate from southern Intis, one who swiftly reaped three successive boons. This candidate was meticulously endowed with the same abilities as him: the summoning of the Abyss Demon Flower and the shroud of Invisibility. This granted him an impeccable guise, perfectly mirroring the true him thanks to the contracts negative effects. Of course, Transfiguration remained an integral, indispensable ability. From this vantage, it became evident that Guillaume Bnet hadnt neglected the adverse ramifications of the specialized covenant. He might have contemplated this from inception or perhaps gained insight subsequent to a dire prophecy, reviewing his recent undertakings. Regardless, this counterfeit Guillaume Bnetproficient in Transfigurationappeared to be a deliberate ruse. Lumian suspected the presence of other Inevitability devotees who clandestinely monitored the Dill brothel. They clandestinely shadowed the sham Guillaume Bnet, primed to relay swift notification to the authentic padre should danger befall his double. In such a scenario, Guillaume Bnet enjoyed a distinct advantagewhether he elected to abscond, leaving the product of this Substitution Spell to grapple with looming peril, or opted to ensnare his antagonists using the doppelganger as bait. Synthesized with the fragments of the fake Guillaume Bnets recollections, Lumian surmised that the genuine Guillaume Bnet primarily resided at 50 Rue Vincent. Yet, he permitted the substitute to operate overtly, effectively obfuscating his true whereabouts. Upon this realization, Lumian harbored a pang of vexation. Had Albus not unearthed the sham Guillaume Bnet within the confines of the Dill brothel, Lumian wouldnt have been lured away from the decoy; he would have been affixed on the Guillaume at 50 Rue Vincent. This would have spared him the frenzied teleportation prompted after the incapacitation of the Substitution Spells byproduct. Lumian would have gravitated towards scouring the building, conceivably unearthing the genuine Guillaume Bnet. Granted, absent the synchronous appearance of Guillaume Bnet, Lumian wouldnt have entertained notions of a Substitution Spell. Hed have likely fallen prey to deception, swerving far from the path leading to the authentic padre. With this epiphany at the forefront, Lumian cast aside his intention to scout for lurking Inevitability adherents. Recognizing that the bona fide Guillaume Bnet had been alerted, Lumian terminated his Summoning Dance and dissolved the wall of spirituality. Turning to Franca and Jenna, shrouded in separate shadows, he intoned, Lets head to 50 Rue Vincent now. Presently, Lumian clung to the hope that vestiges of clues lingered or that Anthony Reid, entrusted with overseeing the locale, had gleaned pertinent insights Franca and Jenna emerged from the shadows one after another, wasting no time to inquire about the current situation. Lumian grabbed their shoulders and activated spirit world traversal once more. In the blink of an eye, their forms solidified within the modest confines of 50 Rue Vincents parlor. Absent were the butler, valets, and maids, leaving an unattended figureunconscious, the result of the Substitution Spelllaid out on the carpet. A meticulous scan of the surroundings concluded with Lumians approach. He knelt beside the proxy, employing a variety of techniques to rouse him from his stupor. As the counterfeit Guillaume Bnets eyes fluttered open, they met an unfamiliar visage. Startled, he jolted upright, fear tinting his tone. Who are you? Why did you barge into my house? Get out! Ill call the police! Ill call the police! He recollected the recent attacka curse-like assault! Lumian drew his revolver and pressed it against the fake Guillaume Bnets forehead. The substitute fell silent. Where is the true master of this residence? Lumians voice resounded, deep and steady. As if pierced by a sudden realization, the imposter Guillaume Bnet spat out, I am the true master! Im the master here! Lumians lips curled into a smile. In that case, I offer my sympathies. Your wife, it seems, ran off with the butler with your valuables. The valets and maids, meanwhile, seem to have embraced an opportunistic approachessentially relieving you of anything tangible except this house. In a while, the police will arrest you, citing your involvement in the slaying of a vagrant and perpetrating cultic rituals and extensive deceit. A mosaic of fact and conjecture, Lumians words emerged with an intent to intimidate the substitute, dismantling any fantastical illusions. Considering the retreat of the madame, butler, valets, maids, coachman, and gardener from 50 Rue Vincent, Lumian inferred their conversion into believers of Inevitability, orchestrated by the genuine padre. This intricate maneuver camouflaged a multitude of cultic practices and eccentric observances, all harmonized through the Substitution Spell. The false Guillaume Bnet at Dill, having reached Sequence 7 Contractee status, was indicative of multiple instances of boon-request rituals in Trier. Innocents would undoubtedly become sacrifices, and the best candidates were undoubtedly tramps. At Lumians declaration, the imitation Guillaume Bnet gazed about, bewildered and panic-stricken, his voice piercingly beseeching, Paulina! Paulina! Paulina Its indeed the Condiment Beauty. Unfortunately, shes now a heretic Lumian watched as the fake Guillaume Bnet fell silent, his eyes filled with despair. Any final words? Lumian inquired once more. The fake Guillaume Bnet shuddered and said, Im real. Im really the master of this place! However, that womanthat woman is a succubus. She surreptitiously lured someone and ensconced him within the cellar! Sh-shes having an affair with a devil! Affair with a devil In the basement Was she secretly meeting the real padre in private? Yes, the negative effects of Guillaume Bnets desire for coitus will always exist. They wont disappear just because he has two substitutes Lumian scrutinized the mock Guillaume Bnet, who tenaciously clung to his fa?ade as the genuine master of 50 Rue Vincent. Left hand poised, he controlled his might, and with precision, delivered a calculated blow behind the imposters ear. The fake Guillaume Bnet fainted again. Lumians strategy entailed swift exploration of the residence, as allowing the imposter to run amok could inadvertently trigger calamity. He rose to his feet, massaging his throbbing temples, and turned to Franca and Jenna for an update. Any word from Anthony Reid? No. Franca shook her head gently. It seems he followed your directive to trail Madame Paulina. Lumian tersely acknowledged. Then lets search this place and await his feedback. Franca adjusted her black hood and emphasized, One team of three. Dont split up. This was the territory of the heretics. Even if they had already escaped, residual vestiges might still remain. Should they split their efforts and encounter mishaps, timely rescue would be jeopardized. When the authorities carried out such operations, they had to be at least in groups of three or within sight of each other if they wanted to split up. Lumian issued a pointed gesture toward the staircase adjacent to the parlor, Lets proceed to the basement. The trio descended, and as they did, Franca leaned to Jenna, her tone hushed, Ciels exchange with the counterfeit was textbook instigation. When you return, dissect the intent behind each phrase. Okay. Jenna absorbed the counsel like a parched sponge. In due course, they reached the basement door. Lumian turned toward his companions, Preparations before we venture inside. To thwart lingering echoes of Inevitabilitys powers or unconventional creatures, precaution was paramount. Promptly, Lumian, now adorned with altered visage and partially lengthened hair, pushed the door open, revealing the basements dim recesses. Within, an unremarkable array of miscellaneous items cluttered the space. No conspicuous anomalies were apparent. Just as Franca readied for Magic Mirror Divination, Lumian, with his Hunters acumen, discerned subtle traces. With metallic clinks, he unveiled a concealed door. Beyond lay a stairwell descending further into the subterranean depths. The trio descended cautiously, arriving after moments at a vast yet rudimentary chamber, bathed in gas lamp radiance. It was unknown if Guillaume Bnet had created it himself or if he had sealed off a portion of Underground Trier and modified it into a private territory. In the center of the stone-floored hall stood an altar, surrounded by ghastly white human bones, complete sheepskin, cowhide, and giant canine skin. Upon seeing this, Lumian was taken aback as he recalled one of the five special ritualistic magics that Alms Monk had: Animal Creation Spell! Simultaneously, remembrances of the felines, avians, and canines inhabiting the floor above, and the brown-furred dog nestled beside the mock Guillaume Bnet, surged forth. Dog Dog Animal Creation Spell With an epiphanic rush, Lumian pieced together the genuine Guillaume Bnets concealment. He had invoked the Animal Creation Spell to transmute himself into the hulking, brown-furred canine. In this form, he paraded brazenly before his counterfeit and the surrounding onlookers. With a recitation of the preordained incantation, the true Guillaume Bnet could rapidly molt his canine facade, resuming his human guise. In the confines of the parlor, the counterfeit Guillaume Bnet remained enshrouded in an unconscious reverie, utterly oblivious to the stark duality between reality and illusion. Cautiously, he inched the guest room door ajar, greeted by a jarring tableau. Before him sprawled his beautiful wife, Paulina, ensconced upon the sumptuous bed, unclothed, whilst a hulking brown-furred canine loomed beside her. At the bedside, a plate bearing a medium-cooked steak was positioned Amidst clenched teeth, Lumian communicated the enigma of the Animal Creation Spell and his speculative hypothesis to Franca and Jenna, his words resounding, I hope we find that damned dog. No, he should have shed his dog skin by now. Animal Creation Spell Humans turning into dogs Jenna was alarmed. The world of mysticism is so bizarre and terrifying! The three of them worked together and swiftly searched for traces. Before long, Jenna picked up something from a crevice in the stone slab and exclaimed in surprise, Ive found something! Franca ran over and realized it was brown dog fur. Both approached Lumian, who continued his investigative fervor, presenting their find. Lumians elation was palpable. He postulated Guillaume Bnets evasion via an underground covert route, disentangling him from Paulina and the rest. Then, they discovered a few strands of brown dog fur. Following the fur, they found another hidden door. After opening the hidden door in the rock wall, Franca performed a simple Magic Mirror Divination and received a revelation that nothing was amiss. Then, she followed Lumian and Jenna in. At that moment, Jenna, who was in the middle of the group, lost sight of Lumian. Franca was still following behind her. Without waiting for Jenna to speak, Franca surveyed the room and frowned. Weve circled back to the sacrificial hall. Emerging through the secret door, Lumian entered an expanse echoing a quarrys cavern. With gas lamps conspicuously absent, Lumian summoned forth a crimson blaze to pierce the shadows. Almost simultaneously, he sensed that Jenna and Franca hadnt followed him. We got separated just like that? Puzzlement swirled within Lumians mind, overridden by a low voice that echoed from the abandoned mines depths: Lumian Lee! Chapter 328 - 328 Bottle of Fiction 328 Bottle of Fiction Lumian Lee! Lumian found himself frozen in place, his gaze distant as he reacted to the ominous growl. In a shadowy corner of the abandoned mine, a figure outlined itself. Clad in a complete coat of brown dog skin, the figures torso and abdomen burst open, revealing a human form adorned in a white robe, embellished with intricate silver and black threads. Without a sound, the canine skin dropped to the ground, unveiling a man of slight stature, barely reaching 1.7 meters. His thin black hair framed a face with sharply intense blue eyes, and a slightly upturned nose added to his air of authority. This was none other than Guillaume Bnet, the padre of Cordu Village! At that very moment, a smile graced Guillaume Bnets lips. He held a white human bone in his grasp, his eyes aflame with a fanatical zeal that suggested he was on the cusp of receiving a newfound boon from the forces of Inevitability, a boon that could reshape his destiny. Guillaume Bnets initial instinct was to flee from 50 Rue Vincent the moment he saw his decoy incapacitated by the strange spell, and his adversary vanishing through the aid of spirit world traversal. In doing so, the decoy could fulfill its full potential of averting disaster. He would escape the looming catastrophe, embarking on a fresh start in a new location, unburdened by the present circumstances. Yet, within an instant, his abilities as a Fate Appropriator alerted him to the anomaly in the assailants destiny and the lingering traces of a formidable entity aligned with the Inevitability pathway. From this revelation, he deduced that the individual responsible was Lumian Lee, the very person harboring the angel he had once tirelessly invoked! Rapid thoughts raced through Guillaume Bnets mind. As a devoted adherent to the might of Inevitability, he was instantly consumed by zealous fervor. He sought to capture or eliminate Lumian Lee! He aspired to break the seal, allowing Inevitabilitys angel to truly descend upon the land! He yearned to obtain a godhood boon, breaking free from the constraints of mortality. He longed to stand as Inevitabilitys chosen representative, guiding the troves of foolish humanity. Having swiftly assessed the situation on both fronts, Guillaume Bnet ordered Paulina and the others to flee, luring any potential allies of Lumian Lee away from the scene. Meanwhile, he left behind the substitute, creating a trail of clues for Lumian Lee to followleading him into the basement to unveil a hidden door. With his preparations in place, Guillaume Bnet entered the sacrificial chamber, deliberately preserving the sheepskin, cowhide, and dog skin. This would enable Lumian Lee, already versed in the Animal Creation Spell, to swiftly uncover the truth. Simultaneously, he shook off a tuft of dog fur, inadvertently revealing his escape route. He chanted the incantation he had prearranged, dispelling the Animal Creation Spell. Drawing upon his concealed power, Guillaume Bnet unlocked the door leading to Underground Triera contractual power known as the Bottle of Fiction. This ability, a source of personal avarice, enabled Guillaume Bnet to convert designated, modest-sized spacesthose harboring symbolic elements like doors and windowsinto realms encapsulated within the Bottle of Fiction. He could impose simple entry conditions, permitting only those who met the prerequisites to enter, while others would be promptly returned to their original positions. Guillaume Bnets stipulation for entry was one bearing the power of Inevitability. This criterion was one he shared with Lumian Lee. Regardless of whether Lumian had embraced Inevitabilitys boon, as a carrier of the Inevitability angel, enmeshed in the threads of fate, he undeniably possessed Inevitabilitys power. This design ensured that Lumians allies couldnt breach the Bottle of Fictions barrier without a boon of Inevitability. It left only Lumian Lee and himself secluded within. And if they had indeed embraced Inevitability, they would both remain influenced by the great existencetransforming them into equivalent companions during pivotal moments. Guillaume Bnet sidestepped the utilization of individuals hailing from Cordu as entry criteria into the Bottle of Fiction, as it posed a vexing challenge to confirm such origins. Such a determination demanded consultation with the spirit world, unlike the more direct assessment of one possessing a distinct power. Furthermore, should Paulina and the others manage to elude their pursuers and return to this very spot, they could provide essential aid through the opening of the bottle. Having meticulously orchestrated his plan, Guillaume Bnet concealed himself, poised for Lumian Lees entry into the Bottle of Fiction. As anticipated, upon seeing Lumian Lee, now under an altered guise yet devoid of any traces of the Inevitability angels influence, Guillaume Bnet took swift action, invoking the Soul Assimilation Mystic Spell. Understanding that Lumian Lee wasnt the individuals original name but had been assumed for nearly six years, recognized by all those around him, Guillaume Bnet was certain this identity held a mystic connection that could serve as the true name. Endowed with the knowledge of Cordu as its padre, he possessed a certain insight into Lumian Lees circumstances. With conviction in the efficacy of the Soul Assimilation Mystic Spell, he anticipated it would gravely disorient Lumian Lee. Observing Lumian Lees form, frozen at the threshold of the Bottle of Fiction, head bowed and body swaying with instability, Guillaume Bnets grin expanded. Acting without hesitation or speech, he hurled the white human bone he clutched, intending to employ a curse spell capable of rendering the target comatose indefinitely. With this achieved and Lumian Lee under his sway, his intention was to retrieve the pre-prepared ritual sheepskin, enshroud the captive, and intone the incantation, transforming him into a voiceless, nearly powerless sheep. At that juncture, Guillaume Bnet could lead the sheep elsewhere, endeavoring to shatter the seal and unleash the imprisoned angel. Once successful, he would ascend to sainthood, becoming a potent human figure bestowed with godhood powers! Smack! As the bone landed, Guillaume Bnet surged forward, rapidly enunciating a Hermes incantation. Blind, d Midway through the chant, the padrehaving made all of Cordu village a sacrificial offeringsuddenly experienced a tightening within his chest, an uncommon premonition heralded by fate. For him, such premonitions occurred rarely. Including this instance, it was the second occurrence. The prior occasion had led him to reassess his actions upon arriving in Trier, spurring him to execute the Substitution Spell and Transfiguration, generating a substitute. With absolute faith in Inevitability, Guillaume Bnet ceased his chant and lunged to the side. In the next second, he heard Lumians voice. Hmph! A nearly imperceivable white beam shot forth from Lumians nostrils, impacting the precise spot where Guillaume Bnet had stood. The beam streaked through the air, vanishing upon contact with the uneven gray-black terrain. Lumians gaze lifted, his eyes extraordinarily clear, seemingly untouched by the Soul Assimilation Mystic Spell. Concealed beneath his elongated hair, his ears were snugly filled with soft paper balls! In anticipation of residual effects upon entering the basement, he had taken precautionary measures, blocking his ears and altering his appearance to fend off the Soul Assimilation Mystic Spells influence. How could I be affected if I cant even hear you call my name? Admittedly, the paper balls couldnt wholly stifle sound. A faint shout did reach Lumian, though he failed to discern it as his name. The impact was but a mild vertigo, quickly dissipating. Capitalizing on this opportunity, he deduced the affliction he had confronted to be the Soul Assimilation Mystic Spell. With feigned gravity, he baited his lurking adversary into revealing himself, launching a surprise counter with the Spell of Harrumph. Yet, Lumian hadnt envisaged Guillaume Bnet as his assailant. Unwilling to flee just yet, he clung to his resolve to confront the foe and liberate the imprisoned angel! Such a determination heightened Lumians intensity, a fusion of anxiety and exultation, an undercurrent of madness underscoring his elation. Instantaneously, Guillaume Bnet vanished upon landing beside him. Ebony tendrils, contorted like serpentine forms, descended from the mines apex, shrouding the Bottle of Fiction in an enveloping embrace, blossoming into colossal flowers as crimson as blood. Circling the entryway, Lumian retrieved the iron-gray military alcohol flask, uncapped it, and withdrew the Decency brooch. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Emerald-green arrows exuding a pale pallor streaked forth from the rear of the black vine, piercing the space Lumian had just vacated. Where these arrows connected, the rocks and earth seemed to undergo the assault of concentrated acid, manifesting glaring and exaggerated signs of corrosion. After donning the Decency brooch, Lumians form agilely evaded the Ghastly Green Arrows, targeting his cranium. Simultaneously, he genuflected and inclined forward, palms pressed to the gravel and dirt. Abruptly, vermillion flames surged forth, forging a crescent-like barrier. This fiery barricade extended in all directions, kindling the obsidian vines in its path and inciting the vivid flowers, their fierce maws agape. An inconspicuous, saccharine aroma permeated the air, inducing a drowsy haze, an inclination toward slumber. Guillaume Bnet, unveiling himself after launching the Ghastly Green Arrows, nimbly shifted his position. Inhaling the anesthetic gas engendered by the blazing Abyss Demon Flowers, he beheld the crimson wall poised to transmute the entire abandoned mine into an inferno. Why would Lumian Lee ignite the Abyss Demon Flowers, knowing they induce sleep? A momentary bewilderment flashed across Guillaume Bnet. In a flash, his insight converged with Lumians stratagem. Lumian aimed to cultivate an environment saturated with anesthetic gas, an environment impartial to ally or adversary alike! In essence, this would induce slumber in Lumian Lee as well as Guillaume Bnet. Lumians companions stood sentry outside the Bottle of Fiction. It was conceivable they would soon decipher a means to shatter the contract spells hold! Comprehending this, Guillaume Bnet emitted a disdainful snort, his visage adorned with a metallic sheen. Steel Body! This was also a contract ability he had never exhibited in front of Lumian Lee. Temporarily morphing him into a metallic entity, it rendered Guillaume Bnet impervious to the anesthetic gass effects! Naturally, metamorphosing into a metallic entity would curtail his capacity to wield most of his abilities. Outside the Bottle of Fiction. Upon grasping that she and Jenna had returned to the sacrificial chamber while Lumian had mysteriously disappeared, Franca swiftly procured a mirror. Stains of blood and black splotches marred the mirrors surface. Puzzled, Jenna inquired, Why are you employing Mirror Substitution? Wouldnt it be more sensible to make another attempt at traversing the hidden door? With an air of solemnity, Franca explained, This mirror carries the Mirror Substitution spell I prepared for Ciel prior to our mission. It allows me to cast a reversed curse on Ciel. Presently, Ill employ a milder curse to assess if I can establish a connection with him. Should she succeed in placing a curse upon Lumian, it would imply the connection remained intact. If the bond hadnt been severed, an alternative resolution had to be pursued! Chapter 329 - 329 Metallic Creature 329 Metallic Creature Simultaneously with Francas explanation, inky flames emanated from her right hand, melding with the mirror that belonged to Lumians substitute. Jenna observed with a mixture of apprehension, her breath held involuntarily. Within the Bottle of Fiction. Just as the wall of flames surged forth, kindling the Abyss Demon Flowers, a pang of agony gnawed at Lumians heart, birthing a faint shroud of black flames upon his chest. In response, his Spirit Body descended gradually, drawn into an abyssal darkness, a void obliterating light. Curse? Lumian, ensconced within the cradle of crimson flames, was caught off guard. The reasons behind this unexpected curse eluded him. On the one hand, he had preemptively plugged his ears, blunting the impact of the Soul Assimilation Mystic Spell. On the other, Guillaume Bnet lay concealed among the dormant Abyss Demon Flowers, offering no overt indications of invoking contract abilities. Furthermore, he remained unscathed, leaving behind neither flesh nor blood. Every strand of his discarded hair had been consumed by the encroaching flames. As the black flames emerged, the curse lingered at a subdued level, manifesting as a faint affliction that refrained from impeding his movements. Instantaneously, Lumian formulated a hypothesis. This curse came from Franca! Employing Mirror Substitution, she sought to reach out to him! With renewed determination, Lumian thrust his hands in the direction of the padres covert location. Resounding with crackling, another barrier of crimson flames materialized, fire enveloping the descending Abyss Demon Flowers. Leveraging this veil to obscure Guillaume Bnets line of sight, Lumian pivoted and sprinted toward the entryway of the Bottle of Fiction. His actions and his overt choice resonated with unmistakable clarity, conveying to Guillaume Bnet: Why should I fight you within your chosen battleground? If my comrades are barred from entry, Ill venture outside and unite with them! Emerging from his concealment behind a cluster of Abyss Demon Flowers, Guillaume Bnet radiated a metallic gleam across his exposed skin. Blazing tongues of fire surged toward him, yet they could only strip away a fraction of fabric, unable to sear his flesh. Through the fiery veil, the Cordu padre bestowed a smile upon Lumians indistinct figure. Given the capability to freely traverse the Bottle of Fiction with requisite conditions fulfilled, he had ingeniously laid a trap at the entryway, awaiting Lumians unwitting ensnarement! Having assumed a metallic form, his utility was confined to boons involving his body, fate, and three distinct contract abilities untouched by his transformation. Among the latter was: Shadow Burial! A black mark on Guillaume Bnets torso wavered, summoning pallid-white and abyssal-black arms that extended from the encroaching shadows, ensnaring Lumian, mid-sprint toward the entryway. Lumian, with a forceful stomp, catapulted into the air, seemingly aiming to vault over the eerie appendages emerging from the shadows, seeking sanctuary at the hushed, inky exit. Behind him, a crimson fireball materialized, poised to detonate at a moments notice, transmuting into a vessel of obliteration. Simultaneously, fierce fireballs ignited to his left and right, as if poised to counteract the grasp of the arms. Guillaume Bnets metallic visage bore a smile more discernible than before, though it remained deprived of vitalitystern and emotionless. He anticipated Lumians imminent leap into the Bottle of Fictions exit. The strange arms accompanying the Shadow Burial served as a diversionary tactic, forestalling any suspicions from arising! Its a pity that I cant use Bone Curse in my metallic state. Otherwise, this would be a good opportunity Guillaume Bnet hesitated to dispel his Steel Body and deal Lumian another blow. That way, he wouldnt be able to transform into a metallic creature again anytime soon. The abandoned mine now permeated with anesthetic gas would shortly transform into an inferno. For weak humans lacking godhood, this hostile terrain was untenable. Even Alms Monks could sustain themselves only a brief interval longer. In the throes of hesitation, Guillaume Bnet ultimately opted to persist with Shadow Burial, permitting the nightmarish arms to continue their relentless encroachment upon Lumian. With a vigorous leap, Lumian neared the exit of the Bottle of Fiction, almost within grasp. At that moment, the pitch-black exita shadowed orifice devoid of flamesuddenly writhed faintly, akin to a shadowy maw yearning for sustenance. Undetected, a suffused aura of shadow had enshrouded the secret doors surface, a profundity seemingly imbued with life! This was a trap Guillaume Bnet had meticulously laid. The mechanism lay dormant during Lumians initial entrance, solely activating when Lumian attempted exit. This safeguard was devised to preempt Lumian from having any danger premonitions when initially entering the Bottle of Fiction, deterring him from braving its confines. Lumian perceived the sensation of plummeting into an abyss, the final lifeline eluding his grip. The deceptively thin veil of darkness coiled, an amalgam of endless shadows that converged into an abyssal maw, an aperture on the verge of engulfing him. Mid-flight, Lumian extended his right palm, yet just before it made contact with the shadowy maw shrouding the hidden door, he abruptly withdrew it, mimicking a gesture of prying open a door. In tandem, the Decency brooch nestled upon his right chest emitted a subdued golden glow. Distortion! Lumian distorted the action of opening the door with the concept of unsealing this confined space! From the outset, his intent to depart the Bottle of Fiction was absent. Instead, he sought to find a way for his companions to infiltrate, thus furnishing reinforcement. This enclave laden with combustible resources stood as a haven for a Pyromaniac! Boom! With a resounding detonation, the crimson fireball positioned to Lumians left erupted, issuing a horizontal thrust that exacted a substantial toll. His attire lay rent, and his flesh bore charred imprints, inflicted by the fiery onslaught. Gradually nearing the shadowy vortex, the forceful explosion propelled him away from the exit of the Bottle of Fiction and beyond the enshrouded region brimming with appendages swathed in pallid-white and abyssal-black. Resounding with a thud, Lumian tumbled, ensconcing himself behind a rampart of surging flames. This maneuver forestalled the further encroachment of the shadowy expanse, obliging the strange arms to contend with the blistering blaze. Outside the Bottle of Fiction. A frigid zephyr brushed against Franca and Jenna, wafting from the hidden doors interior. Swiftly, the chill metamorphosed into a searing fervor. Behind the hidden door lay a derelict mine engulfed in a sea of crimson flames, the blazing inferno punctuated by the descent of undistorted fire dragons, their incandescence unbridled. The remaining black vines, the crimson flowers, and the strange arms all succumbed to the fiery onslaught, pursued relentlessly by the raging conflagration. Signaling to Jenna, Franca receded into the shadows as she drew closer to the hidden door. Jenna understood Francas intentions and rationally retreated into the shadows outside the hidden door, concealing herself. She knew that it would be difficult for her to participate in the battle with her strength. Thus, she chose to bide her time, awaiting the enemys emergence through the threshold, poised to exploit a fleeting opportunity to deliver a decisive, lethal strike. Within the ajar Bottle of Fiction, Lumian, having concluded his somersault, propped himself up with a single hand. Locking his gaze onto the distant Guillaume Bnethis form akin to that of a metallic marionetteLumians lips curled wordlessly, yielding an eruption of crimson flames that engulfed his flesh and attire. A familiar pang of torment reverberated across Lumians psyche, jolting him awake from the lethargic stupor. Its been some time! Lumians grin was tinged with distortion as he hurtled toward the metal-encased Guillaume Bnet. His forward momentum stirred the encompassing crimson flames, elongating behind him like a shimmering, unfurled cape. Wary of Lumians earlier utilization of the harrumph spell, Guillaume Bnet, resembling a puppet forged from steel, evaded direct confrontation, executing artful shifts in position. Discerning Lumians strategy of harnessing the flames to stave off the Abyss Demon Flowers-induced anesthetic gas, Guillaume Bnet discerned this endeavor to be fleeting. At best, Lumians fiery gambit would delay his descent into unconsciousness. Certain matters couldnt be resolved by self-harm! Having adopted the form of a metallic entity via Steel Body, Guillaume Bnet remained impervious to the anesthetic gass effects, even forgoing the need to draw breath. This form also minimized the conflagrations impact on him. Guillaume Bnet was convinced that Steel Bodys efficacy would persist until Lumian Lee succumbed to unconsciousness. Furthermore, his assessment revealed Lumians substantial spirituality expenditure, coupled with Lumians evident abstention from spirit world traversal. This deduction led Guillaume Bnet to surmise that the harrumph spell likely bore limitations on its frequency of use. Of course, sustained evasion was untenable. Lumian Lees actions hinted at him using some unconventional means to open the Bottle of Fiction, suggesting his companions had likely infiltrated covertly through invisibility. Guillaume Bnet couldnt allow this duo to demonstrate the potency of their teamwork. Nimbly maneuvering around the plummeting tendrils of flaming vines, Guillaume Bnet executed a sudden pivot, facing Lumian with unwavering intent. His metallic countenance mirrored the flaming luminance, refracting a kaleidoscopic iridescence. Myriads of diminutive rainbows coalesced, cleaving Guillaume Bnet as though he gazed upon his mirror image. Light Incarnation! One of the three contractual abilities accessible in his Steel Body state. Its premise lay in leveraging light to forge a fleeting incarnation, capable of channeling an individuals capabilities. Two metallic Guillaume Bnets surged toward Lumian simultaneously. Thud! Thud! Thud! Each stride they undertook fostered corporeal expansion, culminating in the metamorphosis into metallic titans, which tore asunder their white robes adorned with silver-black threads. Elevating his right hand, Lumian summoned into being a host of crimson Fire Ravens that swirled about him. The Fire Ravens promptly surged toward the two Guillaume Bnets, demonstrating no clemency. Given the inherent challenge of distinguishing authenticity from imitation within a short span of time, Lumian adopted a stratagem of unleashing an onslaught indiscriminatelycomprising both genuine and illusory manifestations! For truth could not be falsified, nor could falsity be genuine! In an abrupt detonation, the Guillaume Bnet before him disintegrated. Rumble! Accompanied by the explosion, amid which a multitude of Fire Ravens were prematurely engulfed in combustion, a Water Cannon sculpted from dark-green liquid surged forth from the fake Guillaume Bnets fragmented remnants. The Water Cannon, of astonishing alacrity and proximity, penetrated Lumians fiery shroud, impinging upon his form. As a consequence, Lumians physique began exhibiting telltale signs of liquefaction. Draynere Gland Poison! One of three contractual abilities he could use as a metallic entity! With a brittle crack, Lumians corporeal structure fractured, metamorphosing into mirrors. A mere ten meters from Guillaume Bnet, Franca, owing to the activation of Mirror Substitution, involuntarily escaped her state of Invisibility. Observing her emergence, Guillaume Bnets blue irises assumed a pallor bordering on translucence. A deft push of his right palm propagated the emergence of an expansive river of mercurial sigils encircling Franca. Pitting himself directly against Lumian Lee proved to be a disconcerting engagement for Guillaume Bnet. His paramount and most formidable Fate Appropriator ability remained inaccessible, for its utilization would catalyze a consequential backlash from Inevitability. Since it couldnt be used on Lumian Lee, it could be used on his companion! Chapter 330 - 330 Forewarned is Forearmed 330 Forewarned is Forearmed A Fate Appropriator harbored two primary abilities: Firstly, the capacity to magnify a corresponding fate tributary, thereby setting in stone an imminent destiny for the target. This process could be expeditious, yet its future influence spanned a mere ten seconds. The resulting efficacy was contingent upon environmental compatibility; a more congruent backdrop augmented the probability of the event materializing in the forthcoming future. Secondly, the ability to swap an accumulated fate for a fragment of the targets own destiny. Absent a premeditated arrangement, one had to either kill the adversary to access their fate or employ their personal fate as a substitute. Relatively more protracted in execution than magnifying an impending fate tributary, this method prohibited one from assailing the target or inducing harm mid-process. At this moment, Guillaume Bnet, who wasnt fighting one-on-one, clearly didnt want to engage in a fate exchange. His plan was to utilize the current environment and magnify Lumian Lees female companions fate tributary of being affected by the Abyss Demon Flowers anesthetic gas to make it a reality. Of course, as the woman in the black hood hadnt fallen asleep and wouldnt be paralyzed or knocked unconscious for ten seconds, the sole recourse was to expedite the process while steering it toward the most dire outcome. In a similar vein, this elucidated one of the rationales behind Guillaume Bnets abstention from interfering with Lumian Lees fate tributary. What he refrained from attempting was the exchange of the adversarys fate or the inversion of key tributaries into the principal course, lest he suffered the backlash invoked by Inevitability. He wouldnt have a problem if he only made Lumian Lee slip and fall, achieving futures that wouldnt have significant impact. The mercurial river encircling Franca was reflected in Guillaume Bnets lightened eyes. After some discernment, he grabbed at one of the tributaries formed by the mercury symbol that wrapped around itself. Concurrently, Franca arched her neck, thereby unveiling her supple neck and moist vermilion lips under the hoods shadows. Peculiarly, a palpable flutter stirred in Guillaume Bnets chest, reverberating to his nether regions as he recollected scenes of his liaisons with courtesans along Rue de la Muraille. Yet, these recollections paled in allure compared to the figure opposite him, despite her visage remaining partially veiled. Despite his momentary lapse, Guillaume Bnet promptly reinstated his focus. Capitalizing upon this fleeting respite, Francaenlightened to the general scope of a Fate Appropriators abilities courtesy of Lumiansparked latent black flames, engendering frost that enshrouded her form. Opaque filaments converged, manifesting palpable encasement amid the frigid shroud, akin to a cocoon. Unperturbed, Guillaume Bnets lips curled into a smirk, unfazed by the unfolding situation. If a Fate Appropriators abilities were so easily rendered ineffectual, they wouldnt be called Fate Appropriators! Furthermore, as long as the targets fate tributary was magnified or underwent a fate exchange, they wouldnt be able to break free even if they used a substitute. With measured deliberation, Guillaume Bnet extended his right palm and executed a slight wrist rotation, magnifying a particular fate he had chosen. Nonetheless, in this precise instant, he perceived the hooded ladys fate river adopting an uncanny semblance of illusory ambiguity, an etherealness so pronounced as to border on feigned fabrication. A decoy! Guillaume Bnets endeavor to augment the fate tributary was abruptly thwarted. The cocoon disintegrated, frost fragmenting and black flames metamorphosing into coruscating beams of light. Yet, the focus of the protection wasnt Franca herself, but rather, a mirror! Capitalizing on Guillaume Bnets momentary bewilderment, a casualty of the Demoness of Pleasures allure and his self-imposed adverse effects, Franca seized the initiative. Employing Mirror Substitution, she ensconced herself in layers of black flames, frost, and spider silk, confounding the adversary while concealing the real lethal peril. Thus, she extricated herself from the figurative crosshairs, evading the adversarys targeting. Simultaneously with the failure of Guillaume Bnets attempt to amplify the fate tributary, a figure garbed in an Assassins attire manifested behind him, its visage partially obscured by a classic brass revolver, aimed steadfastly at the enemys cranium before pulling the trigger. Bang! The iron-black round collided with the dodging Guillaume Bnets head, emitting a distinct metallic clang. Guillaume Bnets head, bedecked in a metallic sheen, yielded to the impact, though its structural integrity endured, deflecting a potentially lethal strike. Nearly in tandem, Lumian, having used Mirror Substitution to evade the effects of Draynere Gland Poison, and draped in flaming clothes, emerged nearby. Dropping to a genuflecting posture, he pressed his palms to the ground. In response, twin crimson fire serpents surged into being, consuming the incendiary vines while spreading the flames along their trajectory, ultimately converging to form a colossal pair of fire dragons. Both entities surged toward Guillaume Bnet. However, their purpose wasnt to ingest their quarry, but to intertwine and coalesce, giving rise to an ostentatious and brilliant conflagration-blooming flower. As the fiery flower unfurled before him, Guillaume Bnet grappled with comprehending Lumian Lees intentions. With his Steel Body, his resistance to flames was steadfast for the time being, but the other party wouldnt go as far as wasting an opportunity and do nothing but perform fire magic, right? This was Bribe! Lumian had gifted Guillaume Bnet with a blazing floweran emblem signifying incineration and obliteration. Capitalizing on the Decency brooch, he had completed a Bribe, thereby attenuating the adversarys defenses. Although Lumian Lees true motives remained opaque, Guillaume Bnets intuition kindled with the conviction that this augured unfavorably. In rapid succession, Guillaume Bnet invoked Light Incarnation anew, fragmenting into three iterations as he advanced toward Lumian. As Francas assault faltered, she vanished anew. Witnessing the three iterations of the metalized Guillaume Bnet rapidly engorge, Lumian conjured a new cohort of Fire Ravens and distributed them evenly amongst the trio of adversaries. Then, turning his form and slowing his pace, he primed himself for a prospective evasion of the ensuing Water Cannon conjured from Draynere Gland Poison. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! The crimson Fire Ravens landed precisely on the three metalized Guillaume Bnets. Rumble, rumble, rumble! They exploded simultaneously! A torrent of dark-green liquid surged forth from one of Guillaume Bnets formsWater Cannon. Lumian, braced for the assault, deftly evaded, his gaze fixed upon the collision of aqueous impact against the rocky wall, a tremor rippling through the Bottle of Fiction. Yet, as Lumians evasion completed, he detected a colossal shadow enshrouding his feet. Thereupon, a medley of pallid-white and obsidian-black arms extended forth from this obscurity. In contrast, Lumians other choice of direction was shrouded in a dark shadow. At Sequence 5, Light Incarnation permitted Guillaume Bnet the creation of up to three incarnations, each incarnation fake. One harbored Draynere Gland Poison, while the other pair wielded Shadow Burial, intent on ensnaring Lumian within their shade-infused grasp. Curved, grotesque limbs ensnared Lumians ankles, striving to haul him into the nebulous depths. Amid this peril, a figure emerged from the inky depthsa half-naked, metallic-finished Guillaume Bnet. Shadow Burial was a form of shadow concealment for him! By capitalizing on three Light Incarnationswhich consumed a large amount of spiritualityto veil his position, thereby detaining Lumian temporarily, Guillaume Bnet engineered his stealthy approach via the shadows, orchestrating a decisive assault. His body suddenly expanded as he punched Lumian behind the ear. A thunderous crack resonated as Lumians form fragmented akin to a glass pane, fracturing into myriad minuscule fragments subsequently claimed by the pallid-white and obsidian-black arms. Mirror Substitution! It was precisely due to the implementation of Mirror Substitution that Franca refrained from intervening on Lumians behalf when she saw him restrained by the strange arms extending from the shadow. Rather, she bided her time, anticipating Guillaume Bnets advent to administer a terminal blow. Amidst the cracking sounds, Francas hooded, black-robed figure involuntarily appeared once more, quickly spotted by the padre. Guillaume Bnet had been waiting for this opportunity to stop himself from being affected by the charm and turn his blue eyes light-colored again. He saw the mercurial river of fate and began to choose the fate of being paralyzed by the burning gasses of the Abyss Demon Flowers. Yet, an abrupt surge of peril seized Guillaume Bnets consciousness, compelling a stark realization: interference with the adversarys fate would undoubtedly yield cataclysmic repercussions. Impossible! Moments earlier, such consequences hadnt arisen! Yet, as he scrutinized the figure before him, Guillaume Bnet, who had been able to interfere with his targets fate normally previously to near success, saw a hooded woman hiding behind the hooded woman. The woman behind her held a palm-sized mirror that illuminated his figure. In an instant, Guillaume Bnet understood what was going on. The hooded woman standing in front of him, revealing the river of fate, was Lumian Lee! After activating Mirror Substitution, he took the initiative to appear in front of his companion. Seizing the opportunity, he used a Transfiguration-like ability to change his appearance and disguise himself as his companion! You do realize, using the same trick wont work twice? Franca, who was hiding behind Lumian, chuckled when she saw this. Seeing Lumian under attack, she took out her teammates Mirror Substitution and threw it in front of her. Taking advantage of the cover and the enemys drawn attention, she aimed another mirror at Guillaume Bnet. Without hesitation, Francas palm was enveloped in black flames as she swiped the mirrors surface. Curse! Demonesss Curse! In a simultaneous eruption, a quietly smoldering black flame ignited from within Guillaume Bnets metallic form. Elated that his Steel Body rendered him impervious to conflagration, inflicting only minor wounds, he soon perceived an anomalous drain on his spirit, coupled with indications of severe ethereal scorching. In the span of an eyes flutter, the Cordu village padre emitted a tormented cry. Instantaneously, his metallic semblance plummeted to the earth with a cacophonous clatter, reconstituting into a form unadorned by metal, starkly naked and manifestly fleshy. At the same time, Franca, too, experienced a visceral tremor, her countenance assuming a pallid hue. Rebirth! The contract ability in question facilitated Guillaume Bnets revival within the slayers body! Guillaume Bnets spirit smiled and hastened to replace the woman holding the mirror and take control of her body. Yet, he confronted a disconcerting reality: before him stood an enshrouded woman brandishing a mirror, baring her lower visage in a manner reminiscent of malevolent allure. Shes in front Then whose body did I Rebirth into? A disorienting befuddlement inundated Guillaume Bnet. Meanwhile, Lumian, ensconced within Francas semblance, donned a knowing grin, gradually retracting his right palm from the padres lifeless cadaver, the Decency brooch aglow with a dusky-golden luminescence. Distortion! How could he not guard against Guillaume Bnets Rebirth ability when he already knew that Guillaume Bnets mistress had chosen such an ability? Lumian couldnt overtly commandeer Guillaume Bnets Rebirth with his seal and corruption alone. Nevertheless, Lumian, resembling Franca with uncanny precision, had already instructed Franca to bring the Earth Blood ore. Innately repellent to even the Montsouris ghost, the Earth Blood ore imposed an unseen force field compelling Guillaume Bnets Spirit Bodys circumvention. Leveraging the Distortion afforded by the Decency brooch, coupled with the Earth Blood ores obstructive efficacy and the Niese Faces transformation, Lumian orchestrated Guillaume Bnets Rebirth within his very body! Although Lumians visage paled and his frame quivered slightly, a smile graced his lips as he extended his hand towards his left chest, gently declaring, Padre, everyone is waiting for you. Chapter 331 - 331 Spirit Channeling 331 Spirit Channeling As Lumians words reverberated, an inexplicable chill settled over Guillaume Bnet, even in his Spirit Body form. Simultaneously, a peculiar tug gripped him, causing him to involuntarily convolute and plunge towards a specific direction. There, a colossal, semi-transparent vortex unfurled, ensconced in a wispy gray fog at its nadir. Within this haze materialized a dimly lit village, populated by spectral forms. One of these apparitions gazed skyward, noticing Guillaume Bnets struggle against the vortexs inexorable pull. His pale-white face instantly lit up with excitement and fanaticism as he shouted, Oh, my deity, my lord, youre here too? Quickly, join us! Hasten your approach! The figure belonged to Guillaume Bnets brother, Pons Bnet. Sensing Pons Bnets abnormality, the figures lingering in the dim village looked up at Guillaume Bnet. Among them, Madonna Bnet, Philippa Guillaume, and the others, who had once been Guillaume Bnets mistresses, extended their pale-white arms to the sky and smiled blankly. Quickly, join us! Hasten your approach! Immediately after, Shepherd Pierre Berry, Lumians comrade Guillaume Berry, Azma Lizier, and more added their supplicating gestures. In an instant, a peculiar, pallid forest seemingly sprouted from within the villages dim enclave, its spectral denizens directing their palms towards the padre. Guillaume Bnets descent escalated, his Spirit Body verging on fragmentation. Struggling to counteract the vortexs pull, he sought to resist its sway, aiming to evade its dominion and flee Lumians profoundly perilous vessel. He couldnt care less about the Rebirth in the other partys body and the corresponding fate. That was something he couldnt bear! Lumians grin expanded, seemingly attuned to the cacophony of terror and anguish echoing within his own body. Indeed, possessing him via Rebirth and forcing a possession by luring others over via the Summoning Dance were completely different treatments! The former would form a connection with his fate and, in an attempt to replace it, it would inevitably trigger the seal. Guillaume Bnets profound corruption by Inevitability meant that the resonance of this seals potency was inevitable. Though Lumian remained ignorant of the precise ramifications, he intuited they would bode ill. Perceiving Guillaume Bnets vehement longing to extricate himself, Lumian opted to refrain from thwarting his escape, willingly relinquishing any interference. Post-Rebirth, save for scenarios involving specific domains such as Sun, Lumian lacked the capability to forcibly expel an uncooperative Guillaume Bnet from his body. Mirror Substitution, too, proved ineffectual in such a case. However, should Guillaume Bnet yearn to depart, the course of action was rendered straightforward. Ultimately, Guillaume Bnethaving expended a considerable amount of his spiritualitystruggled to escape from Lumians body. Precisely then, Lumian deftly rotated his wrist, enlisting Distortion anew. A dark-golden glimmer traversed his chest, heralding Guillaume Bnets emergence within the palm-sized mirror clasped in Francas grasp. Francas palm coalesced an unblemished frost, which she spread over the mirrors surface. Instantaneously, Guillaume Bnets form became ensconced within a veneer of ice, ensnared within the mirrors confines. Concurrently, Franca summoned black flames, which enshrouded the icy enclosure. Though the ice in itself was inadequate to bar a Spirit Bodys escape from the mirror, the shrouding black flames bore that capability. Should Guillaume Bnet dare venture beyond the ices protection, the flames awaited to engulf him. With Guillaume Bnets Spirit Body securely sealed, Franca glanced up at Lumianwho had removed the paper ballsand directed, Channel his spirit after were out. Your flames and anesthetic gas are everywhere. With her physique and expenditure, holding on for another two or three minutes sans Mirror Substitution posed no undue challenge. Nonetheless, she sensed Lumian reaching his threshold. Affirming Francas directive with a nod, Lumian briskly pivoted and surged towards the Bottle of Fictions exit. Consequent to Guillaume Bnets demise, the concealed trap had naturally been lifted. Having returned to the sacrificial hall, Lumian promptly dissipated the Niese Face, reverting his appearance from that of Francas hooded visage and black robe. His upper body bore the telltale markings of being charred, yet owing to his skillful management following the initial digestion of the Pyromaniac potion, his trousers remained unscathed. This approach, evoking pain, stimulating cerebral activity, and rousing his senses, didnt necessitate subjecting his entire form to incinerationlocalized scorching proved sufficient. Observing his somewhat unconventional appearance, Francatorn between concern and amusementchimed in with an air of teasing, Do you have a penchant for masochism? You go through this ordeal every time you engage in combat. Lumian directed his attention toward the mirror ablaze in Francas grip and casually responded, Thats how Hunters are. Id be deluding myself if I bought into your fabrications. Im an Instigator, after all! Franca had borne witness to prior Pyromaniac skirmishes. Witnessing their conversational exchange, Jenna deduced that their adversary had been ensnared and the situation had reached its resolution. Thus, she emerged from the concealment of the shadows. Franca graced her with a smile before turning her attention back to Lumian, relaying, Hold on for a moment. Dont fret. Guillaume Bnet isnt entirely dead yet. Once the Rebirth effect wanes, hell morph into a recently expired spirit, his faculties adrift. At that juncture, channeling his spirit will prove less hazardous, and we can be sure he doesnt lie. Lumian calculated the remaining duration of the Decency broochs efficacy and remarked, Lets wait here. Leveraging the mystical knowledge gleaned from the boon, he discerned that the Rebirth effect endured merely two minutesits termination was imminent. Abandoning their current location to embark on a quest for a more secure locale for spirit channeling would necessitate identifying another concealed setting, subjecting Lumian to an additional hour of repulsion before spirit channeling could ensue. The optimal time frame for spirit channeling would subsequently elapse. Moreover, Lumian harbored a reluctance to further procrastinate. Franca nodded in understanding. Stepping toward the altar, she set the mirror upon the pitch-black ring symbol crafted from thorns, thereby maintaining the enshrouding black flames. This facilitated Lumians observation. Fixated on Guillaume Bnets pale and ashen visage, ensnared beneath the duality of black flames and ice, Lumian smirked with brilliant satisfaction gradually etched upon his lips. He uttered, Youre truly foolish! If I were you, Id evade and refrain from launching an assault post Steel Body activation, awaiting the adversarys inevitable fatigue. Ah, I neglected to apprise you. My spirituality has plummeted below the safety threshold, thereby making spirit world traversal or even utilization of the Spell of Harrumph impossible. Im barely able to kindle fire, changing my face, and using the brooch. Should you have bided your time, I wouldve neared my limit and fainted on the spot. I acted rashly and reacted relatively slowly towards the end. On the one hand, I didnt want to expend more spirituality and wanted to save them for critical moments. On the other hand, Mirror Substitution consumed Francas spirituality. On the other hand, heh heh, it was a trap for you. Do you remember the flaming flower? Without this gift to complete Bribe, Francas curse wouldnt have been able to kill you, a Sequence 5 Upon hearing the term Spell of Harrumph and recalling Lumians actions of knocking out two fake Guillaume Bnets in a row, Francas eyelids twitched in shock and confusion. Jenna looked at Lumian, who kept mocking the Spirit Body in the mirror, and tugged at Franca with a measure of concern. She whispered, Perhaps we should attempt to assuage him? No need. Franca shook her head and took the initiative to distance herself from Lumian, giving him a private space to vent. Jenna tersely acknowledged and followed Franca to the edge of the sacrificial hall, casting a lingering glance at the visage of pallid, pale-white and ashen hues reflected within the mirror. Guillaume Bnet emanated a mixture of hostility, terror, and ultimatelydespair. Dill brothel, sixth floor. On a distant balcony, Albus positioned himself in a discreet corner, his concealed gaze unwaveringly fixed upon Room 602. Once Lumian and his companions had seemingly teleported away, Albus stepped out from his concealment, a wry smile tugging at his lips. To think a mere Sequence 7 individual wields an artifact that enables traversal of the spirit world? His connection with Red Boots isnt simple. Whether Gardner Martin is privy to this or remains in the dark, I wonder As he muttered, Albuss smile carried a hint of ambiguity and playful intrigue. 50 Rue Vincent, underground sacrificial hall. Lumians continuous taunting endured until the Rebirth effect gradually subsided, a shadow darkening Guillaume Bnets eyes. Meanwhile, Franca, intently calculating the elapsed time, positioned herself near the altar and erected a wall of spirituality, priming herself for the forthcoming endeavor. With the moment at hand, she softly intoned the incantation, engaging her self-devised Magic Mirror Spirit Channeling Spell. Yet, just as success appeared imminent, Lumian summoned the Decency broochs Distortion once again, rerouting the inquiry of the Magic Mirror Spirit Channeling Spell toward himself. In a final bid for success within a singular attempt, he even invoked the Niese Face, transfiguring into Franca once more. Almost instantaneously, the mirrors surface dimmed, casting Guillaume Bnets pale visage into a slightly blurred disposition. With his capacity to sustain the Niese Face dissipated, Lumian reverted to his original form and shifted his focus back to Guillaume Bnet. Who led you to place faith in Inevitability? Although Franca harbored a degree of curiosity, she was mindful of the repercussions of Lumian broaching forbidden topics, thus jeopardizing her corruption. Subsequently, she parted the wall of spirituality, positioning herself at a distance from the altar. Guillaume Bnet, in a somewhat dazed state, responded, It was Aurore Lee! Upon discovering that the faith of an accursed deity was disseminating, she covertly approached me, affirming that I could harness superpowers without supplicating the bishops. Moreover, I was assured of the prospect of obtaining godhood in the future, potentially ascending to the rank of saint and thereby securing eternal life. At the time, I remained skeptical. Nevertheless, my curiosity compelled me to withhold judgment. Over time, however, I witnessed her burgeoning might, my reservations gradually subsiding. After a brief lull, Lumian inquired, his blue gaze intense, Who influenced Aurore Lee to embrace Inevitability? I dont know. Guillaume Bnets bewilderment was palpable as he shook his head. Following a moment of contemplation, Lumian continued his line of questioning, What profound impression did Aurore Lee leave upon you? Guillaume Bnets countenance shifted, a semblance of recollection mingling with apprehension. S-she said that she wasnt Aurore Lee! Chapter 332 - 332 Sinners 332 Sinners She said she wasnt Aurore Lee? Lumian felt as if a bolt of lightning had struck him, his thoughts freezing in their tracks. In fact, he could deduce that Aurore Lee wasnt his sisters real name. Someone deliberately settling in a border village wouldnt likely use their true identity. Yet, after almost six years together, he could sense that his sister embraced the name Aurore Lee. She never spoke of her original identity or her past life in his presence. Moreover, the forged identity documents she possessed seemed increasingly genuine. When she rose to fame as a best-selling author, their authenticity was unquestionable. Why would she suddenly say that? And how did it tie into her inexplicable faith in the enigmatic existence known as Inevitability? A sharp ache throbbed in Lumians head, jolting him back to reality. Anxiously, he inquired, Did she mention who she was? On the mirror-like surface, no longer shrouded in black flames and frost, Guillaume Bnet, pallid and tinged with a bluish hue, responded with a dazed expression, She claimed to be Roche Louise Sanson. Ive never heard of such a name Lumian furrowed his brow and probed further, Did she mention anything else about this identity? Guillaume Bnet shook his head. Nothing more. Lumian pressed his left hand against his temple. After a brief silence, he pressed on, Was Roche Louise Sanson involved in the plot to sacrifice Cordu in exchange for the arrival of the Inevitability angel? Guillaume Bnet appeared to wrestle with himself, but ultimately yielded to the sway of the spirit channeling. His response came forth, candid and unfiltered: No, that was my doing. I was driven by the desire to attain godhood swiftly, to ascend as a saint. Aurore Lee initially approved, only to oppose my plan mere hours later. She was indecisive. Eventually, I chose to conceal my intentions from her and made covert preparations. Later on, she seemed to tacitly endorse our efforts, offering aid during critical junctures. Occasionally, though, she resisted and engaged in acts of destruction, yet shed quickly relent. The Aurore you depict almost seems schizophrenic Lumian found himself clinging to the image of Aurore, yet he couldnt escape the memory of the lizard-like, diaphanous elf emerging from his sisters mouth. He recalled her sporadic awakenings, her discussions on escaping their predicament. But even in those moments of clarity, Aurores behavior hardly resembled normalcy. She even overlooked the option of summoning Helas messenger for swift assistance, the most direct solution out of their ordeal. Lumian shifted the conversation, asking, When did Aurore begin propagating the faith of Inevitability in Cordu? Guillaume Bnet appeared even more muddled than before. My initial investigation pointed to around May or June of last year. After that, she paid me a secret visit. Seems to be consistent with my suspicions Something must have transpired back then to corrupt Aurore If she was an original believer in Inevitability, she wouldnt wait five or six years before proselytizing Lumians expression flickered with pain, which he quickly suppressed. Have you ever come across diaphanous, lizard-like creatures in Cordu? No, Guillaume Bnet answered truthfully. Do you have any knowledge of a figure known as the Sufferer in Cordu? Lumian inquired further. Guillaume Bnet appeared taken aback. I dont know. No. Lumians facial muscles twitched involuntarily. Have you observed an owl around Aurore? No, Guillaume Bnet negated again. Lumian continued to pose inquiries regarding the Cordu catastrophe, yet the answers offered were far from satisfactory. Finally, he probed, Is there a secret organization or a heretical Church associated with Roche Louise Sanson? Guillaume Bnet, his pallid countenance increasingly diffused, finally nodded. Yes, its called Sinners. I now hold the position of one of the Sinners archbishops. Sinners The heretical Church which believes in Inevitability? Lumians intrigue grew as he delved further. Who leads the Sinners, and who acts as the intermediary for you? Im uncertain of the leaders identity, but hes the sole individual among all the sinners who possesses godhood, Guillaume Bnets hollow voice responded with an eerie timbre. The individual responsible for my contact is Bouvard Pont-Pro. Sole individual possessing godhood Could it be the Sufferer lurking in my midst? Lumians mind raced as he continued his probing. How can I establish contact with Bouvard Pont-Pro? Its futile, Guillaume Bnets ethereal voice replied, a hollowness to its tone. Upon my demise, he will sense the shift in fate and preemptively erase all traces. Transfiguration is one of the abilities granted through a pact. He can become anything, but he is no longer himself. Can take on any form, but at the cost of his own identity Prolonged use of Transfiguration might have driven him to complete madness Perhaps I can visit the asylum and seek out any patients with similar cognitive impairments I must be careful with acquiring further contract abilities. If there are only three or four negative effects, thats manageable. However, if the list becomes extensive, it not only invites trouble but also provides enemies with exploitable openings If the padre had encountered a member of the Bliss Society or a bestowed from the Mother Tree of Desire, he would undoubtedly fall victim easily Lumian gazed at the altar mirror and posed another question, Why did the Sinners organization send you to Quartier de la Princesse Rouge? Guillaume Bnets indistinct visage lit up with zealous fervor. It satisfies my desires and simultaneously serves as a recruitment ground for believers, all in preparation for the upcoming grand ritual. Only by allowing our lord to tread upon this realm can sinners like us seek redemption and baptism, thus escaping our predetermined fates. Did the Sinners organization provide you financial support, or did you amass funds independently? Lumian aimed to trace the origins of the money for potential leads. Guillaume Bnet shook his head. Its an anonymous deposit from Aurore Leeno, Roche Louise Sanson. The sum totals 100,000 verl dor. Dammit, you swine! Lumian cursed. While he had foreseen this, the realization that the padre had been using Aurores earnings to support a courtesan and sustain a lavish lifestyle for recruiting heretics ignited a seething anger within Lumian. Suppressing his emotions, Lumian let out a scornful chuckle and stated, Did the Sinners organization not provide you Beyonder characteristics? Have you never consumed a potion? Otherwise, the padre would have been even more formidable and difficult to deal with. Beyonder characteristics of the Seer, Monster, Apprentice, and Marauder pathways that Inevitabilitys bestowed are compatible with arent easily acquired. Ive been searching for them. Given the adverse effects those contracted creatures have on me, drinking potions from other pathways would undoubtedly lead to a loss of control on the spot. Fortunately, my current negative effects remain minimal and feeble. If they were more potent, it could jeopardize my ability to ingest Hunter pathway potions in the future Lumians spirituality was dwindling, so he capitalized on the moment to pose one final inquiry. What are Sequences 6 to 0 of the Inevitability pathway? Guillaume Bnets voice hollowed further. Sequence 6 is Ascetic, Sequence 5 is Fate Appropriator, Sequence 4 is Circle Inhabitant, and Sequence 3 is Sufferer. Beyond that, I am unaware. Ascetic It seems akin to the advancement of an Alms Monk Why didnt Termiboros inform me? Right; as a victim, He will likely have the Ascetic boon extracted from Him in the future. Its only natural for Him to evade answering related queries. If He remained utterly impassive and too willing to provide an answer, I would have grown wary and suspected a trap Lumians gaze lifted slightly, his countenance involuntarily contorting. What abilities does an Ascetic possess? Guillaume Bnets voice drifted as he responded, An Ascetic is defined by endurance, accumulation, and eruption. After accruing ones usual strength within the body, it can be momentarily unleashed during combat, rendering the Ascetic akin to a giant. Accumulating ritualistic processes permits the simplification of certain special rituals, making them applicable in combat. Akin to a giant A momentary outburst Lumian recollected the confrontation between Shepherd Pierre Berry and the investigator, Ryan, along with the metallic giant the padre had morphed into. Had the metalized Guillaume Bnet not been overly cautious of the Spell of Harrumph and abstained from close-quarter combat, constantly maintaining a safe distance and shifting positions swiftly, thereby thwarting Francas Psychic Piercing, by amalgamating Steel Body with Ascetic, the padre could have likely outmatched Lumian, who needed to use his spirituality judiciously. This corroborated Lumians rationale for disregarding the strange creatures that came with the boons knowledge and opting to identify a contract target from the spirit world bestiary. If he hadnt, the padre would have been able to determine if the Spell of Harrumph was still at Lumians disposal and gauging his remaining combat strength. In that scenario, his adversarys battlefield decisions would probably have starkly diverged from the ultimate outcome. Guillaume Bnet had earlier shared details of the simplified ritual. By enveloping an individual in sheepskin through ritualistic accumulation and intoning the incantation, they could be transmuted into a sheep. A cumbersome and intricate ceremony was unnecessary. Just as Lumian was on the cusp of inquiring about the abilities of a Sufferer, an acute pang surged through his head, thwarting his continuation. A pang of disappointment ensued, albeit one he could accept. Had Franca not devised the Magic Mirror Spirit Channeling Spell, Lumian wouldnt have been able to amass such a wealth of answers through his line of questioning. Lumian engaged his Spirit Vision and concluded the spirit channeling. He took deep breaths as Guillaume Bnets spirit drifted out of the mirror. Having calmed down, Lumian suddenly extended his right palm, capturing the padres Spirit Body. Though his grasp couldnt control the intangible entity, crimson flames surged forth from Lumians palm, immolating the already fragile spirit of Guillaume Bnet. Amid the flames, which burned fiercer than the noonday sun, Lumian watched the apparition writhe instinctively, a pained visage etched upon it. A faint smile curved Lumians lips as he proclaimed, Praise the Sun! Momentarily bewildered, Guillaume Bnets form swiftly disintegrated within the flames. Chapter 333 - 333 Gains 333 Gains Lumians smile gradually softened as he watched the Spirit Body writhing and wailing within the flames. This was one of the ways the padre died as he had predicted. Certainly, when he initially ignited the Abyss Demon Flowers, transforming the derelict mine within the Bottle of Fiction into a fiery inferno, he hadnt anticipated Guillaume Bnets direct incineration. During that moment, he had relied on his combat instincts and seasoned experience to create an environment that favored his strengths and mitigated his most vulnerable points. The summoning of the Abyss Demon Flowers by the padre had presented an opportunity. The anesthetic gas produced by the incineration of the Abyss Demon Flowers wasnt his intention. His aim was to battle within an infernal hell. During that period, his remaining spirituality had been scarce. Nonetheless, a Pyromaniacs resistance to flames significantly outclassed a Fate Appropriators. Moreover, this resistance was a physical attribute that didnt deplete his spirituality. As the Bottle of Fiction transformed into a blazing inferno, even the very air could scorch the trachea and lungs. Lumian believed he would ultimately prevail. He could outlast Guillaume Bnet, enduring until the flames extinguished themselves due to lack of fuel. With his grasp of the Inevitability pathway, and in the absence of unforeseen deviations for Sequence 6 Beyonders, Guillaume Bnets constitution was merely more robust than that of an ordinary person. His strength lay in his flexibility and tolerance, rather than fire resistance. Lumians observations during the Cordu confrontations validated this point. Both Guillaume Bnet and Pierre Berry, individuals who had clearly progressed beyond Sequence 7, exhibited remarkable combat capabilities, albeit lacking commensurate defensive attributes. Lumian hadnt anticipated the padre contracting the Steel Body ability. This ability possessed pros and cons. On the one hand, it thwarted Lumians initial plan for an infernal hell. On the other hand, it curtailed the padres own capabilities, granting Lumian an opportunity to contend more effectively and unseal the entrance to the Bottle of Fiction. This would permit his accomplice to join the fray and offer assistance. Lumian subsequently exploited Guillaume Bnets determination to eliminate unnecessary obstructions by dealing with Franca first. He then improvised, crafting a lethal snare. Amidst the sizzle of burning air, Guillaume Bnets wailing Spirit Body disintegrated swiftly, gradually dissipating. With the task accomplished, Lumian pivoted, acknowledging Franca and Jenna with a nod, signifying his completion. In the ensuing instant, he staggered toward the altar, retrieving the skins of cow, sheep, and dog. These items were whole, exuding a sinister aura upon closer inspection. These constituted specialized hides, amassed through the initial half of the Animal Creation Spell ritual, harnessed by leveraging Ascetic powers for accumulation. Upon grasping the corresponding incantation and enveloping individuals and oneself with these skins, the Animal Creation Spell could be executed outright. Although Lumian hadnt yet deciphered the predetermined incantation for animal creation or its nullification, these obstacles could be surmounted in due course. He could, for instance, detain Paulina, the padres butler, and others to determine if they possessed such knowledge. Alternatively, he could engage a Cryptologist of the Marauder pathway to decode the incantation. He could even resort to trial and error, applying his knowledge of the Inevitability domain and his comprehension of Guillaume Bnets persona. Last of all, he could use divination to get any clarity on success. Thus, these two sheepskins, a single cowhide, and two dogskins held considerable value. Employed judiciously, they could unleash unparalleled effects. Guillaume Bnet had nearly beguiled Lumian previously by adopting the guise of a massive, brown-furred dog, attempting to flee Rue Vincent and sever their destined encounter. However, his fanaticism in Inevitabilitys boon and his greed due to his contract had overridden reason. This led him to transition from prey to hunter, setting a trap in reverse. When Lumians body began to sway as if he had lost his footing, Franca and Jenna lent their support, each helping him bear a share of the cow, sheep, and dog skins. In that instant, the Bottle of Fiction quaked. Stripped of Guillaume Bnets reinforcement and subjected to the infernal hellfire for a duration, it eventually fractured akin to ice, its fragments plunging into the void. The derelict cavern, encompassed by its confinement, unveiled itself to Lumian and his companions through the secret door. All the Abyss Demon Flowers had been reduced to ashes and strewn across the ground. The flames had exhausted their combustibles, and bereft of Lumians spirituality, most had dwindled to cinders. Only select regions persisted with a crimson luminescence, which was waning steadily. Lumian glanced at Franca and said, Ill head back to Rue des Blouses Blanches through Underground Trier. Carry the Earth Blood ore as you make your way to the surface. Once the Decency brooch was removed, Lumian would inevitably be scorned by those around him. Should he retrace his steps, numerous mishaps could befall him. Alternatively, if he didnt remove it, an alert would be triggered within two to three minutes, attracting the attention of nearby official Beyonders or concealed factions. Given the potential complications involved in carrying the Earth Blood ore into the underground, coupled with the possible difficulties Jenna might encounter upon receiving it, Franca nodded, pursing her lips, and turned toward Jenna. Follow Ciel. Hes at his limit. He might not even stand a chance against a dog. If its the same dog as before, I wouldnt be able to defeat it, Lumian muttered. As the exit on the opposite side of the abandoned mine remained unobstructed, a frigid gust swept into the sacrificial hall, dispersing the anesthetic gas with the fragmentation of the Bottle of Fiction. Lumian staggered onward, arriving at the charred remains of Guillaume Bnet. He kicked the body and turned it over, ensuring nothing was concealed within. Lumian picked up the iron-gray military alcohol flask and advanced toward the abandoned mines exit. There, he noticed a brown-furred dog skin that no longer bore a sinister aura. This particular area had avoided incineration, leaving the dog skin intact. Nevertheless, the process of reconstituting the Animal Creation Spell ritual was mandatory. Only through the application of an Ascetics ability could it regain its status as a Beyonder item. Beyond the abandoned mines exit, two objects were propped against the rocky wall. One comprised a kerosene-lit lantern, while the other was a dark-green canvas backpack favored by adventurers and mercenaries. Lumian hoisted the backpack, finding it surprisingly weighty. It was almost too heavy to lift. Curious, Franca crouched down and unfastened the backpack. Within it lay gratifying gold bars, stacks of banknotes, and golden coins. Wow! Franca exclaimed. So much money? Lumians initial thought was: Thank goodness, the padre didnt expend all of Aurores accrued royalties. This was followed by a rather visceral reaction: F*cking dammit, this man is so sinister! Evidently, Guillaume Bnet had anticipated the possibility that Paulina and the others might not escape. In such an eventuality, Lumian and his companions could deduce that the padre had chosen an alternate escape route based on the scarce funds carried by these Inevitability believers. Consequently, they would converge on the basement, inadvertently walking into a trap. Not too shabby, not at all, Franca remarked, grinning. While these heretics might not drop characteristics, they do drop other spoils. Indicating upward with her hand, she continued, Im heading back up. Pass me this dog skin. She relinquished the three ritualistic hides to Jenna and returned to 50 Rue Vincent, clutching Guillaume Bnets dog skin. Jenna slung the dark-green canvas bag over her shoulder, gripping the five sinister hides. She observed as Lumian picked up the lantern and kindled it. After a few strides through the dim tunnel outside the abandoned mine, Lumian promptly removed the Decency brooch and placed it in another military alcohol flask hanging from his waist, sinking it to the bottom of the liquor. Lumian took a few more steps before suddenly shuddering. He turned around, glancing at Jenna who was trailing behind. Jenna, clasping the cow, sheep, and dog skins while toting the canvas bag, bore a somber expression, marked by repugnance. She struggled to speak, her voice faltering, I-I can control myself. Dammit, I wont beat you up! Though Lumian was skeptical, he had no choice but to continue his journey. After seven to eight minutes, he encountered an abandoned tunnel and settled into a corner, awaiting the dissipation of the Decency broochs adverse effects. He seized the opportunity to rest and recuperate some of his spirituality. The events that transpired at 50 Rue Vincent remained unknown to anyone as Franca methodically erased all evidence and conducted an anti-divination process in the manner befitting a Demoness. Throughout this endeavor, she combed through every room. Vigilant against potential corruption, she refrained from delving too deeply, though her explorations yielded neither valuable clues nor significant items of interest. Ultimately, she returned to the parlor on the ground floor, rousing the unconscious impostor Guillaume Bnet. The imposter Guillaume Bnet gazed at the cloaked figure adorned in a black robe, a brown dog skin clutched within her grasp. For a fleeting moment, he experienced a sensation akin to being trapped within a dream, unable to awaken. Franca emitted a soft chuckle. As you can see, weve killed that devil. In her eyes, the imposter Guillaume Bnet was no longer identical to the padre. He had become very unfamiliar. Perhaps this was his true appearance. I-I The imposter Guillaume Bnet stammered in surprise and elation, Are you here to aid me? Were Demon Hunters, Franca fabricated. What else can you tell us about this devil? Though her Magic Mirror Spirit Channeling Spell enabled Lumian to glean extensive information from Guillaume Bnet, its reach had limitations. It could not cover every facet. Further inquiry into relevant individuals was imperative to avert the risk of overlooking crucial leads. The imposter Guillaume Bnet found the shrouded woman before him remarkably affable. He contemplated briefly before responding, Other than engaging in an affair with my wife and indulging in steak and mutton chops, theres nothing particularly remarkable about that devil. Yes I-it vanishes for one day each week before resurfacing without fanfare. Disappearing once a week? Franca acknowledged this detail and pursued further inquiries. Having exhausted the potential for extracting additional information, she smiled and subtly instigated the imposter Guillaume Bnet. If I were in your position, Id hastily depart this location. Your wife is akin to a devil. I would relocate any valuable possessions to regions where my identity remains unknown. Id purchase a new residence, enter a fresh marriage, and embark on a new chapter. Guillaume Bnets heartbeat hastened, and his resolve to stand his ground waned. In the ensuing moment, he observed the woman before him liquefy akin to melting ice. Chapter 334 - 334 Clues 334 Clues In the abandoned tunnel, Lumians eyes snapped open. Unintended slumber had overtaken him, but it also served to rejuvenate his spirituality. At the very least, the pounding in his head had ebbed away, and the searing fire coursing through his veins, organs, and flesh had altogether abated. Lumians sight plunged into unadulterated darkness. His hands groped for the lantern that had been snuffed out, and after lighting it, he noticed Jenna. Clad in the guise of a female mercenary, she sat diagonally across from him. She reclined against the tunnels wall, her gaze affixed to the dark-green canvas backpack and the five ritualistic hides splayed before her. Sensing the corresponding motion, Jenna looked up at Lumian. After scrutinizing him for a few seconds, she playfully jested, Finally, youre no longer as annoying. Have the negative effects of the Decency brooch been lifted? Lumian instinctively exhaled a sigh of relief. Jennas lips curled into a grin as she rose, hoisting the dark green canvas backpack onto her shoulder. She told Lumian, Earlier, I entertained notions of beating you up and painting your face with dog poop while you slept. But I managed to restrain myself. Much appreciated, Lumian said, his gratitude tinged with sarcasm. With the backpack slung casually over one shoulder, Jenna stooped to gather the five ritualistic hides. Her smile bore an air of leisure as she uttered, Youre welcome. And with that, she strode toward the tunnels exit, a smile dancing on her lips. Chalk it up to me treating you as a friend? Youre mocking me again Lumian grumbled under his breath, picking up the lantern before following suit. Apartment 601, 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches. Franca, now dressed in her usual attirea blouse and light-colored breechesawaited Lumian and Jennas return. Her eyes traveled over Lumians scorched upper body, and a grin formed on her lips. Jenna didnt take the opportunity to stab you a few times? Decencys negative effects arent as potent as Id imagined. Jenna interjected before Lumian could respond, For the first half-hour, it was a real struggle. I had to hide outside the tunnel where he was resting. Every few minutes, I checked for potential threats from below ground, the ceiling, or behind the rock walls. But even then, I seriously contemplated collapsing the tunnel and burying him alive. Thats not what you said just now Lumian couldnt help but glance at Jenna. For a moment, he couldnt tell if the Instigator was telling the truth in the abandoned tunnel or if she was telling the truth now. Franca chuckled and gave Jenna a thumbs-up. That couldnt have been easy. You maintained your vigilance, even in a semi-enclosed, deserted tunnel. You anticipated attacks from below, the caves ceiling, and the very walls surrounding him. Jennas brows relaxed, and her smug smile was unmistakable. Youre always feeding me those horror tales, remember? Like hands emerging from the earth to grab ankles, bloody heads dangling from ceilings, or figures springing from walls to embrace the protagonist. Every nights entertainment involves retelling horror stories to Jenna? Lumian glanced at Franca, sensing that her intentions might run deeper. See? Those stories have their uses! Franca beamed. Then she turned her attention to Lumian. Need a doctor? The burns appeared quite severe. No need. For a Pyromaniac, its merely a minor scrape. Lumian refrained from mentioning that he would be fully recovered by 6 a.m. the following morning. And if things worsen, I can always seek out Rat. His nurtured Planter hadnt risen to the ranks of a Sequence 8 Doctor yet, so his assistance was rather limited at the moment. Observing Lumians lack of visible discomfort, Francas concern lessened. She picked up the dark-green canvas backpack Jenna had left on the armchair and prepared to place it on the coffee table to meticulously tally their spoils. Casually, Lumian pushed aside cups, plates, newspapers, and magazines that cluttered the table, creating enough space. Glancing around, he noticed the magazines title: Women. It was a widely read weekly among middle-class Intisien women, showcasing Triers latest fashion trends, lifestyle advice, and beauty tips. The Loen Kingdom had its own bootleg version, Ladies Aesthetic. Lumian raised his head with a smile, and his gaze shifted to Franca, a playful question in his eyes:Oh, you read such magazines? Franca pursed her lips and puffed out her chest in response: Whats wrong with me reading Women? After their brief exchange, Franca unzipped the backpack and removed banknotes, coins, and gold bars. Roughly 60,000 verl dor, she assessed after a moments calculation. In a little over two months, the padre had managed to deplete 40,000 verl dor of Aurores savings. And all that without acquiring Beyonder characteristics or obtaining any mystical items The more Lumian pondered, the more vexed he grew. It wasnt that the padre lacked options for mystical items; rather, suitable ones were proving elusive. On the one hand, his status as a heretic warranted caution, limiting his exposure. He didnt frequent many mysticism gatherings, and thus remained ignorant about numerous aspects. On the other hand, his slew of contracted creatures came with many negative repercussions. Several mystical items would be counterproductive or perilous for him. Some might even bring about abrupt, fatal consequences. Franca pondered for a moment before addressing Lumian and Jenna, All the gold is Ciels share. Ill take half of the remaining assets. Jenna, you and Anthony can divide the rest. Lets decide on the distribution once Anthony returns and we see what hes managed to acquire. Does that sound fair? This arrangement would allocate around 30,000 verl dor to Lumian and 15,000 to Franca. Im fine with that, Jenna responded with a hint of concern. But Anthony still hasnt come back. Dammit, could something have happened to him? If it were anyone else, I might suspect trouble, but Anthony is a Psychiatrist. Hes highly skilled in reading people, so falling into a trap is unlikely for him. Plus, hes an experienced information broker. His tracking abilities are on par with mine or Ciels, Franca explained with a smile. Most importantly, while waiting for you two, I used Magic Mirror Divination to ensure his safety. Heh, it might actually be a good sign that hes taking so long. It suggests he hasnt lost his target and might have gained something. Why do you have to explain so much instead of just saying you checked through divination? Lumian quipped, finding amusement in the situation. Franca made a tongue-clicking sound and chuckled. You dont get it. This is about not solely relying on divination. She gestured toward the five ritualistic hides. Are those the components for the Animal Creation Spell? Can we use them? At the moment, only I can utilize them, Lumian replied, shaking his head. And I havent obtained Guillaume Bnets preset incantation yet. Francas expression showed a tinge of disappointment as she settled into her recliner. After a few seconds, her smile returned. By the way, Ive discreetly informed the authorities using my contacts that a wanted criminal is hiding at 50 Rue Vincent. Once Guillaume Bnets death is confirmed, we should be eligible for a bounty of around 20,000. Should we stick to our initial plan for distributing that? Entrusting this task to Jenna wasnt feasible. It could raise suspicions that Lumian Lee was among the people she associated with. Anthony Reid, the information broker, was the most suitable choice, but his absence raised concerns. Franca worried that further delays might lead the police to uncover the situation at 50 Rue Vincent before they could claim the bounty. Once Lumian and Jenna acknowledged the plan without objections, the trio settled in to await Anthony Reids return. After a few minutes, the seated Lumian leaned forward, fixing his gaze on Franca and Jenna. In a measured tone, he said, Theres a matter I need your analysis on. With Aurores affairs, he often found himself grappling with his emotions and straying from rationality. This was why he wanted to hear perspectives from Franca and Jenna. One of them shared a connection with Aurore, yet their bond was markedly different from Lumians deep tie with Aurore. The other had no direct involvement, making their viewpoints invaluable in approaching the situation from diverse angles. Sure, both Franca and Jenna responded in unison, adopting a professional demeanor by shifting their postures. For the first time, Lumian recounted the events in Cordu. While he omitted certain details such as the Inevitability angel and anything related to the dreamscape, he provided an overview of the catastrophe. This encompassed Aurores unusual behavior, Louis Lund, Madame Pualis, Guillaume Bnet, and the rest. Franca had some prior knowledge, but Jenna was largely unfamiliar with this narrative. As Lumian spoke, the underground singer of Salle de Bal Brise and apprentice actress at Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons found herself transported into a world that seemed both distant and strangely familiar. While the notion of the Animal Creation Spell was already unnerving, they werent prepared for concepts like men giving birth and babies scaling walls like birds. It was madness, utter madness! Francas primary concern, however, revolved around Aurores transformation. She had harbored curiosity about Muggles death in Cordu but hadnt dared to probe too deeply, fearing it might agitate Lumian. Franca couldnt believe it when she realized the source of the problem was Aurore. This didnt match her impression of Muggle at all. Aurores revelation that she wasnt Aurore Lee in the presence of Guillaume Bnet caught Franca off guard. Her initial surprise morphed into a grave expression. Soon, Lumian narrated the concluding sacrificial ritual. Aurores sudden awakening within the altar and her act of shoving him to safety allowed him to survive. In response to this account, Franca abruptly rose from her seat. Baffling Lumian and Jenna with her actions, she hurried to her bedroom, returning with a stack of papers in hand. These were Aurores grimoires, transcribed by Lumian who harbored a suspicion that something might be awry. He had hoped Franca could offer insights. The papers were spread across the coffee table, and Franca extracted one sheet, her expression morphing into a blend of trepidation and seriousness. She began, I think I know whats wrong. Lumian looked over in surprise and saw that the notebook had a copy of the Warlock spell known as Soul Summoning. A supplementary spell designed to aid spirits in separating from the flesh or to help Astral Projections find their spirits when adrift in the spirit realm. Having previously studied the spell structure, Lumian had discerned no problematic elements. It wasnt associated with any evil god. However, Francas words carried a weight that demanded attention. Lumian directed his gaze to the spell once more, focusing on the date and its origin. April 1, 1357, purchased from the April Fools Gathering. Chapter 335 - 335 Another World 335 another world lumian withdrew his focus from the grimoire and turned his attention to franca. is there a problem with that? he had meticulously studied the soul summoning spell on numerous occasions. if there had been a problem, he should have uncovered it sooner. his limitation lay in his inability to learn the spell and discern its ultimate effects. however, as a pyromaniac, he didnt possess the necessary capacity for such learnings, being incompatible with the corresponding sequence. franca remained silent for a few seconds before speaking up, what happens when the soul summoning spell is used on others? it enables a spirit to reunite with the body from which it was separated, providing a means to call back astral projections lost in the spirit world, thus offering an opportunity for reconnection with their physical forms, lumian began, describing the spell based on aurores grimoire before offering a personal example for clarity. in the previous battle, if i had been afflicted by guillaume bnets soul assimilation mystic spell, resulting in severe disorientation, the soul summoning spell might have roused me from unconsciousness. naturally, the premise here is that there exist beyonders with the ability to learn and employ this spell. franca disregarded lumians answer and inquired with gravitas, what if one were to employ it on oneself? what kind of question is that? lumian pondered for a moment and asked, it would be ineffective. if no signs of separation between spirit and body are evident, the spell would have no impact when cast on oneself. if theres already a problem resembling such a condition, then one wouldnt be able to employ any spells at all. but what if, hypothetically franca began before her words trailed off. jenna, observant and quick-witted, glanced at franca, then at lumian before rising from her seat and flashing a smile. weve been engrossed in discussion for quite a while. arent you both feeling hungry? how about i get some afternoon tea? sure, lumian agreed on francas behalf. he sensed that franca was on the brink of revealing something that might be problematic if jenna caught wind of it. this was why she stopped short in the midst of speaking. lumian had already contemplated introducing jenna to mr. fools faith. they were comrades now, destined for numerous joint endeavors. in such scenarios, certain secrets couldnt be concealed, and in constantly doing so, would inevitably hinder collaboration. as for whether to share information about the tarot club and curly-haired baboons research society, lumian hadnt reached a conclusion. after careful consideration, he determined that preaching to jenna would be more fitting once she became a witch. her sequence was still too low, and she lacked the strength to shoulder the weight of such knowledge. too much information could make her vulnerable and inadvertently divulge secrets. however, sequence 7 witches of the assassin pathway represented a qualitative transformation below the demigod tier, empowering jenna to fend for herself. while lumian remained unfamiliar with the sequence 5 of this particular pathwayits name and the beyonder powers it encompassedhe believed that a sequence 6 demoness of pleasure didnt manifest a drastic metamorphosis compared to a witch. the latter could even alter an individuals gender, illustrating the considerable gap in their capabilities. francas gaze followed jennas retreating figure until the sound of her gradually fading footsteps reached her ears. she settled into a cross-legged position on the recliner, emitting a soft sigh. its not that jenna couldnt know about this, but im concerned that it might make her fearful of me, that shell distance herself and view me in a different way. lumian didnt pose the question: arent you worried i might react similarly? he retook his seat, patience etched on his features as he awaited francas explanation about the soul summoning spell. francas lips pursed, her demeanor wavering between hesitation and apprehension. after a beat, she chuckled self-mockingly. its also why i sensed a dangerous aura in this matterotherwise, i wouldnt have even thought about sharing this with you. i would have kept it to my grave. uh, theres another reason tooyour spell of harrumphs origins are of great significance to me. i hope youll lay bare all the details with me, just as im about to disclose my secret to you. sigh, we, members of the curly-haired baboons research society, share one commonalitywe all come from another world! with that, franca slouched further into the recliner, seemingly drained of energy. observing a demoness of pleasure adopt such a posture inadvertently fueled a subtle warmth within lumian, despite his thoughts being directed elsewhere. another world? lumian echoed, genuine surprise coloring his voice. this was an outcome that hadnt even crossed his mind. such a possibility was one that ordinary individuals would scarcely contemplate and a rarity even within the confines of fiction. in a fleeting moment, he sensed an odd alignment with this notion. with a conscious effort to rein in his emotions, he inquired thoughtfully, is this the home my sister often speaks ofthe place she claims she can never return to? initially, lumian had surmised that his sisters homeland had been ravaged by conflict or catastrophe, hence her assertion of being unable to return. otherwise, armed with her warlock strength, she could have surreptitiously revisited, even if she was being pursued by the entire world. subsequently, lumian discovered aurores status as a trierien, causing him to find her references to an enigmatic home perplexing. francas expression shifted into one of complex emotions upon hearing lumians question. her countenance was a blend of wistfulness, melancholy, and sorrow. does she frequently speak of home? franca inquired, her eyes briefly shuttered to mask the shifting emotions within. without awaiting lumians reply, francas lips pursed, and she continued, think of it as another planet or alternate dimension. lumian dipped into his memories, muttering to himself, no wonder she enjoys climbing up to the rooftop to gaze at the cosmos the cosmos franca echoed with a sigh. a hushed ambiance enshrouded apartment 601 as lumian and franca delved into their introspective reveries. after a pause, a memory resurfaced within lumians mind. madam magician had mentioned evil gods like the mother tree of desire existing outside our world, separated by a barrier. these entities perpetually seek methods to breach that boundary. lumians gaze shifted toward franca, and he voiced his thoughts, could it be that all of you are spawn of an evil god released into this world? pfft! franca immediately shook off her contemplative state. do we look anything like that to you? no, lumian responded after a brief pondering, youre far too weak for the efforts of the evil gods to be expended in sending you here. they could have instead focused on sending more of their saints. or perhaps they are pinning their hopes on your potential growth? after all, being weak had its own advantages. infiltration through the barrier would be less likely to be detected. amused and slightly annoyed, franca was tempted to refute his words, but tangible evidence eluded her grasp, leaving her with little recourse. in any case, ive come to believe in mr. fool. not one member of the curly-haired baboons research society whom ive encountered shares faith in an evil god. even if they did, they might not reveal it to you lumian muttered. franca ignored his comment and continued, i also remain uncertain about the why behind our transmigration. ive been seeking an answer for quite some time. what i do know is that we arrived in this world as spirits and found ourselves reborn within other individuals bodies. its comparable to guillaume bnets process of rebirth. drawing on this analogy, lumian effortlessly comprehended the situation of franca and her companions in the curly-haired baboons research society. in other words, you inhabit the bodies of other people? yes. franca cast a sidelong glance at lumian, remarking, are you disheartened to learn that the sister you hold dear is essentially a wandering spirit occupying anothers body? why would i be disheartened? lumian responded casually. aurore lee, the person who took me in and shared my life in cordu for nearly six years, is my sister. i care not for the past of that body or its history. franca seemed to seek lumians perspective on her own behalf, dont you find this situation morally dubious? do you not consider your sister and me as thieves who appropriate the corpses and lives of others? does this not present you with moral dilemmas or conflicts? i have no morals, lumian replied calmly. expanding upon his statement, he added, i show kindness to those who are kind to me. francas mouth slightly agape, she struggled to find an immediate rejoinder. lumian glanced at her and said, that person is already deceased. its a pragmatic use of available resources. if guilt weighs on you, treat herno, his family well. perhaps even fulfill some of his unfulfilled desires. true. franca pressed her lips together, nodding in agreement. steering the conversation back to its initial trajectory, she inquired, what might occur if individuals like us were to employ the soul summoning spell on ourselves? could it summon a departed spirit? and if theres an underlying issue with the spirit itself lumians train of thought expanded abruptly. simultaneously, he recalled a line of inquiry introduced by madame hela, the vice president of the curly-haired baboons research society. muggles parents and other relatives likely remain alive in this world. for some reason, she distanced herself from them and refrains from returning to trier. its unclear whether theres something amiss with them or if theyve come into contact with heretics did madame hela already harbor suspicions? lumians brows furrowed as he whispered, could roche louise sanson be the original boyds spirit? is she and some of her family members associated with inevitability, perhaps even linked to the sinners organization? continuing our investigation in that direction is indeed a possibility, franca admitted after a moments contemplation. two other questions arise. why did muggle resort to the soul summoning spell for herself? did the april fools member who sold her the spell foresee this outcome? franca had chosen to share the secret of their transmigration with lumian, sensing that something might be awry within the curly-haired baboons research society and discerning an impending threat. lumian offered a subdued nod, his expression void of emotion. a subtle smile played upon his lips as he ventured, you mentioned that april fools day was formed by members of the curly-haired baboons research society who are disheartened by the future and seek only joy. could it be that the individual who sold aurore the soul summoning spell hoped to experience such amusement? franca fell into a brief contemplative silence before replying, i dont know. ill take charge of locating the april fools member and delve into their motivations. lumian offered a curt acknowledgment. ill follow the trail of roche louise sanson. with the conversation surrounding the soul summoning spell concluded, an interim quiet settled within the living room of apartment 601. after a pause, franca exhaled softly and told lumian, you can now tell me about the spell of harrumph. Chapter 336 - 336 Armored Shadows Origins 336 armored shadows origins lumian shifted his focus away from thoughts of roche louise sanson, the soul summoning spell, and april fools. he began recounting the tale from the very beginning, all at the behest of franca. in the wake of the cordu disaster, i found myself tainted by the corruption of the evil god, inevitability. fortunately, the protection granted to me by mr. fool allowed me to retain my sanity, preventing me from transforming into a monster. this corruption, a curse and yet a blessing, is now being extracted in stages, as per the instructions of madam magician. the aim is to channel this corruption into my own power, finding equilibrium with the corresponding sequence beyonder characteristic. franca was enlightened. so, what you were referring to as a special contract is essentially the power of a contractee? no wonder you mentioned its impossible for me to learn it. since lumian didnt know the powers of a sequence 6 of the inevitability pathway, she deduced his current state as a dual sequence 7 pyromaniac and contractee. lumian nodded. thats why guillaume bnet doesnt dare to meddle with my fate recklessly. the degree of corruption within me is rather substantial. a sudden revelation crossed francas mind. to require mr. fools safeguard, it means there must be godhood involved. could there be a chance for me to receive similar boons? do you want to give everything a shot? lumian clicked his tongue and asked, are you prepared to seek out the great mother, engaging in daily cycles of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding? alternatively, do you wish to put faith in the mother tree of desire and drag stray dogs to bed? hiss franca gasped and said, i was merely musing. engaging in the risky business of following an evil god is out of the question for me. the immediacy of gaining mr. fools protection by merely brushing against the power of an evil god, much like you, is a rarity indeed. this isnt a mere brush against power. to dispel francas unrealistic thoughts, lumian divulged a little more. the power of inevitability is sealed within me. in essence, i beseech mr. fool and the corruption within me, for a boon instead of the entity known as inevitability. this approach is pivotal for ensuring my very survival. otherwise, i risk becoming unrecognizable or just dying abruptly. franca instinctively exhaled and said, just tell me about the spell of harrumph. lumian restructured his narrative, stating, to prevent any indirect influences from inevitability, i gave up the strange creatures that accompanied the knowledge bestowed by the boon. instead, i obtained a wealth of information about creatures from the spirit world through madam magician. you know the rest. the spell of harrumph originates from a creature of the spirit world that i summoned. initially, i aimed to summon the shadow of shriek. however, whether due to my invocation being witnessed by mr. fool or my summoning incantation lacking precision, i cant say for certain, but the entity i summoned greatly diverged from the description of the shadow of shriek lumian delineated the relevant summoning incantation, the concept driving its formulation, the armored shadows visual attributes, and its array of capabilities, all in meticulous detail. he even used his barely-passable drawing skills to illustrate a rudimentary schematic. fish scale armor spell of harrumph night parade of ten thousand demons soul devouring scream franca softly uttered these names to herself while gazing at the sketch on the coffee table, her gaze seemingly distant. lumian probed, is there an issue? were aurore present, would she also react in a similar fashion? franca snapped back to the present, her expression a blend of solemnity and exhilaration. that armored shadow might very well be from our world! the world that you guys come from? lumian hadnt expected such an answer. yet, it made sense. the armors design and the ability names bore a distinctive uniqueness, setting them apart from the present world. franca confirmed tersely. there are many countries in our world, and the culture and language of each country are different. the armored shadow is very similar to some entity in the myths and legends of the country your sister and i hail from. are you from the same country as aurore? lumian was most concerned about this. he paused a beat before continuing, did mr. fools might, combined with my imprecise incantation, summon the armored shadow from your world? or did he transmigrate long ago, much like you, eventually transforming into a spirit world shadow after his demise? franca said excitedly, if its the former, it could signify a bridge between our two worlds. this implies the potential for our return! if its the latter, the question arises: how did he use the capabilities of our original world? did he bring these skills along, or did he acquire them at a later time? resolving these mysteries would inch her closer to the truth of transmigration, potentially paving the path back home! franca rose from her seat, her eyes gleaming with intrigue as she faced lumian. can you summon the armored shadow? im keen to witness it firsthand. i have a pact with him. the need to invoke mr. fools intervention is eliminated for precise summoning, lumian observed francas evident enthusiasm, as though she was readying to assist in setting up the altar. steering the conversation, he added, nonetheless, i perceive him to be immensely dangerous. while under mr. fools aegis, the danger is mitigated. however, if that protection wanes, we could well find ourselves killed by the shadow. yet, should we remain sheltered by mr. fool, direct communication remains an impossibility, precluding spirit channeling. we can solely execute the summoning rite. franca frowned in disappointment. whats our course of action then? lumian pondered for a moment and said, wait till i gather 100,000 verl dor worth of gold and fulfill the contract. by doing so, the pacts power shall act as our shield, enabling us to figure out why the armored shadow demands such a substantial sum. after a thoughtful pause that spanned nearly a minute, franca finally exhaled. thats all we can do for now. initially, her intention had been to promptly corroborate the situation concerning the armored shadow and extract pertinent insights from it. subsequently, she planned to inform the curly-haired baboons research society, pooling their collective effort to unearth viable solutions. however, for the time being, she had no choice but to defer these actions. after a period of immersion in the summoning incantation, it became evident that francas success rate in summoning was rather low, presumably due to an imprecise methodology. while it was possible that a shadow of shriek could be summoned, lumian surmised that by omitting a particular descriptive line and using lumian lees contracted creature, the target could be pinpointed more precisely. after a while, jenna returned with a spread of coffee, treats, and meatloaf. the ravenous appetites that had ensued from their prior battle now found their solace in afternoon tea. as evening approached, anthony reid, masquerading as a clerk, made his return to apartment 601 at 3 rue des blouses blanches. how did it go? lumians concern was evident, unabashedly displayed. with his weathered top hat set aside, anthony nodded slightly. i trailed the lady, her butler, valet, maid, and carriage driver to 20 rue de la terrasse, within the library district. it appears to be an alternate residence of sorts, akin to a safe house. franca turned her gaze towards lumian, inquiring, should we maintain surveillance? lumian ruminated for a beat and then grinned. no need. periodic checks to ensure they havent left will suffice. why? jenna had expected ciel to rush to deal with them to gather more information. lumians smile was radiant. behind them stands an organization known as the sinners. their point of contact is likely aware of guillaume bnets demise, prompting them to disengage and erase any traces, making investigation thorny. yet, if the sinners find that they had managed to evade our pursuit and that theres no surveillance, what might come to pass? perhaps a connection will be reestablished! only authentic non-surveillance can convince the sinners that the issue has faded. they could then become active anew, crawling out from their rats nest! dammit jenna cursed silently. ciel is so sinister! anthony, having garnered significant intel, claimed two-thirds of the final 15,000 verl dor, leaving jenna with a share of 5,000. as banknotes were deftly stowed away within assorted pockets, anthony reid turned his attention to lumian. im eager to delve into the secrets surrounding hugues artois and the truth behind his treachery. i hope to begin the investigation soon. this was the primary reason for his involvement in the operation. very well. lumian had already discussed this matter with jenna and franca. jenna was set to glean relevant details from the purifiers. as franca was highly excited about the armored shadow matter, she took the initiative to suggest, i have acquaintances from loen. ill see if i can obtain a battle record from the loen military. it might shed new light on the situation. thats a good idea. anthony reids eyes lit up. the notion of soliciting the truth directly from the attacker had not previously crossed his mind. on rue anarchies forever-bustling nights, lumian, relinquishing the task of divining the incantations to franca, walked towards auberge du coq dor. there, his intent was to summon the messenger of madam magician, intending to relay matters regarding guillaume bnet, the sinners organization, and the armored shadow. concurrently, he hoped she could relay to madam justice and madam susie his readiness for their final therapy session. under the cool embrace of the night breeze, lumians thoughts unfurled languidly. after learning from franca about the shared trait among members of the curly-haired baboons research society, lumians impression of aurore crystallized. of course, the vagueness was something he didnt understand at first, but he deemed it of little consequence. investigations were unwarranted. its no wonder that aurore severed her familial ties to reside in cordu, a frontier village. its no wonder that she harbors a disinclination towards trier. its no wonder she always says strange words and likes to explain to me what they mean. its no wonder her novels were different from the contemporary ones. its no wonder she likes to say a certain philosopher from home once said only to substitute it with emperor roselle once said lumian ruminated in a wordless, contemplative cadence, a sensation of calm washing over him, as if he wasnt strolling on rue anarchie but cordu. it was a place he could never return to. simultaneously, lumian gained an understanding of the symbolic elements in the dream. aurores acquisition of the land previously occupied by a deceased warlockcould this embody her possession of roche louise sansons body? consequently, might the legendary warlock, roche louise sanson, symbolize the original adherents of inevitability? mr. poet failed to interpret the dual symbolic meanings because he lacked crucial information previously. he had solely indicated to lumian that they likely bore their own significance. as his thoughts raced, lumian returned to room 207 and saw a simple folded letter on the table. letter? this doesnt seem like madam magicians lumian walked over, alarmed and suspicious. he picked up the letter and unfolded it. two lines of elegant intisian script graced the parchment: i have arrived in trier. hela. Chapter 337 - 337 Magicians Speculation 337 magicians speculation madame hela has arrived in trier? lumian held the letter with a countenance etched in complexity. in essence, nothing seemed awry about this development. after all, the vice president of the curly-haired baboons research society, codenamed hela, had alluded to her impending visit to trier beforehand. however, lumians introduction to roche louise sanson had occurred merely that afternoon, sparking suspicions of aurores original body harboring beliefs in inevitability and hinting at a potential anomaly within the april fools team. strikingly, this very evening saw the arrival of this woman in trier, soliciting a meeting. she had advised lumian to keep a vigilant watch over muggles familial roots, surmising it to be a promising avenue of investigation. sheer coincidence, or is there another reason? lumian pondered briefly before easing into his seat. beneath the carbide lamps glow, he set pen to paper, commencing correspondence with madam magician. in succinct prose, he relayed the days occurrences, his discourse with franca, and the conundrum of the armored shadow. while he withheld no mention of helas arrival, he refrained from disclosing the fact that the curly-haired baboons research societys members hailed from an alternate world. approximately half an hour later, lumian received a response from magician: giving up on the creature accompanying the boon and autonomously choosing a contract partner from the spirit world was a prudent choice. your transition into an inevitability hunter, with the bestowed of the inevitability pathway as your objective, proves that my subtle guidance bore fruit after all. at this point, lumian was a little puzzled. when had madam magician ever hinted at forgoing the strange creatures that came with the boon? suddenly, a realization surged forth. before praying for a contractee boon, unaware that the mystical knowledge it brought would encompass contract targets, madam magician had offered him information on creatures from the spirit world for his consideration. it was indeed a hint, but did it have to be so subtle? lumian mused that those skilled in divination or enamored with astromancy seemed averse to straightforward elucidation. instead, they favored dropping crumbs of insight or weaving riddles imperceptible to others. after figuring this out, lumian lowered his head and resumed poring over madam magicians response. sinners, a secret organization that venerates inevitability, has been around for more than six years. its origins can be traced back to the closing stages of the loen kingdom, the feysac empire, and the intis republics war. roche louise sanson, the name you mentioned, might have been an adherent of inevitability, though perhaps not granted its corresponding boons. in sum, that war provided evil gods more crevices for invading our world. youve likely discerned the close connection between roche louise sanson and your sister aurore. to a certain extent, theyre one, yet not wholly distinct personas. much like the rebirth ability, your sister carried a prior background, resurrecting within the departed body of roche louise sanson. according to the normative progression, your sister shouldve taken such a path: integration of roches memories and sentimentsinternal conflicta prelude to dissociative identity disorderself-harmonyembracing a fresh existence. if self-reconciliation fell short, engaging a genuine psychiatrist was requisite. judging by your sisters behavior during the first five years, even if her self-harmony remained incomplete, she fared reasonably well. likely, her disquiet was manageable. yet, she found roches association with an evil god unacceptable. this unresolved matter provided an opening for the soul summoning spell. just as youre puzzled, why would she want to use the soul summoning spell on herself? its a crucial question i suspect that sinners is not only the secret organizations name, but also a sequence 2 or sequence 1 of the inevitability pathway. the entity known as inevitability does have authority over the past, present, and future. you glimpsed this in your dream, did you not? sinners of the past and sufferers of the present, do they not harmonize splendidly? but what befits the future? sinners of the past, sufferers of the present i wonder if termiboros signifies the past or the future yes, madam magicians guess is similar to francas, but she doesnt seem to agree that its purely the resurgence of a wraith. it rather appears a fusion of dissociative identity and lingering spirit lumian meticulously pondered the messages depictions, wary of omitting any hints. he was relatively calm now. be it the real roche louise sansons revival or aurores dissociative identity and the vestige of spirit unveiled through the soul summoning spell, he could embrace either without much hardship. one was an evil person doing evil deeds, and the other was his sister being sickwhat was so unacceptable? lumian released a deliberate, slow breath, shifting his gaze towards the letter behind. the armored shadow problem is very complicated. neither you nor the two of cups should be privy to the specifics at this juncture. in fact, prior to your summoning of such a shadow, id only heard of analogous entities from mr. hanged man. hes come across them only three or four times, one instance even within a dream. in the future, as you summon the armored shadow again and fulfill your commitment, remember to write to me and inform me of any noted changes. mr. hanged man the holder of the hanged man card in the tarot club? responsible for addressing the problem with the other world? lumians mind engaged earnestly, realizing madam magicians implicit message: this entails a matter of high caliber. details are beyond your grasp for now, but you can investigate and follow leads within your capabilities. this implies the tarot clubs vested interest in the world represented by the armored shadow lumian tacitly nodded, his focus returning to the remnants of the letter. ill notify you when the timing for the final psychiatric treatment is confirmed your mystical item should be ready within the upcoming week meet hela. no glaring concerns on my end. you might even hint that aurores anomaly might have stemmed from the sale of the soul summoning spell by an april fools member, gauging her reaction. as for telling her about the armored shadow, its up to you and the two of cups. lumian lightly brushed his fingertips, causing the crimson flames to set the letter alight. after completing this task, he composed a response to hela. honorable madame hela, if it suits you, lets meet tomorrow at 10 a.m. at quartier de lobservatoires little cow caf on rue ancienne. lumian had initially planned to choose a meeting spot in the market district he knew well. but the risk of the iron and blood cross order spotting him with a stranger was too high. his second option was to pick a caf or beer house near a cathedral. however, he felt that this might come off as overly cautious. it would seem as if he could seek refuge in the cathedral if anything went awry. but the truth was, he didnt dare to hide there. in the end, he settled on rue ancienne, the street where salle de bal unique was situated. when the time came, if there was something amiss with hela, he would draw the danger to the dance hall that set his nerves on edge. he wanted to see if he could manipulate the troublemakers into turning against each other. after receiving helas response and confirming the time and place, lumian returned to rue des blouses blanches with the earth blood ore. he knocked on franca and jennas door once more. franca was still dressed in her usual attire, not having changed into her nightwear. she looked at lumian with a puzzled expression and asked, why are you here again? instead of answering, lumian inquired, wheres jenna? why do you need to know? she received a payment from you and left to visit her brother, franca replied, sensing that lumian had serious matters to discuss. only then did lumian bring up his meeting with hela the next day. finally, he posed the question, should i mention armored shadow? not yet. well wait until we have a clearer picture, franca said after careful consideration. for now, dont mention me. act as if weve never met. a chuckle escaped lumians lips. youre suspicious of everyone. its better to be cautious, franca sighed. the soul summoning spell has made me excessively vigilant. once the details were confirmed, lumian glanced at franca. are you heading out? yes, im going to rue des fontaines to find gardner, franca replied openly, a mischievous grin on her face. im going to introduce him to some real pleasure. lumian was momentarily speechless. franca let out a soft laugh. i dont have much of a choice. since neither you nor jenna are helping me, i need to find someone else to share in the pleasure. without waiting for lumians response, she added with a smile, ill also tell gardner that i took part in your operation against your enemy at jennas request, and that i received a substantial share of the spoils. lumian was surprised. i thought youd keep it a secret from him. franca chuckled and explained, that guy is actually a very suspicious person. in most cases, telling him the truth works better than keeping things from him. as lumian nodded in agreement, franca recalled something. the ritualistic incantations have been divined. the dispelling incantation is his grace, and the usage incantations are cow, sheep, and dog. it depends on the type of hide used. everythings in hermes. with that, the demoness waved her hand and left with a joyful demeanor. the dispelling incantation is his grace the padre sure has a taste for power lumian entered apartment 601, grabbed the five ritualistic hides, and made his way to his safe house. of course, he didnt forget to lock the door for franca. the following morning, on rue ancienne, quartier de lobservatoire. lumian walked among the vintage buildings, realizing that salle de bal unique and the alone bar remained closed at this hour. ding ding ding. a postman pedaled by in a blue floral coat. lumian diverted his gaze from the firmly shut door of salle de bal unique and continued his stroll, heading towards the caf named little cow. Chapter 338 - 338 Hela 338 hela little cow caf served the working-class folks of the nearby streets, offering them affordable breakfast and lunch options. even amidst the bustling night market, patrons could enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal for just 1 verl dor. many individuals with modest incomes, such as motel attendants, restaurant handymen, and cleaning staff earning between 60 to 80 verl dor per month, frequented the caf either alone or with their families every couple of weeks to treat themselves. when lumian finally arrived, the bustling breakfast rush had subsided. the caf had only a handful of customers, and the staff seemed somewhat fatigued, lacking any enthusiasm. after placing an order for a cup of macael coffee brewed from ground coffee beans, lumian settled into the designated spot, patiently awaiting helas arrival. as the cuckoo wall clock in the caf struck the hour, a woman pushed open the door and stepped inside. clad in an intriguing black dress, she emitted an enigmatic allure, reminiscent of the attire one might expect from a widow. upon spotting the woman approaching, lumian straightened up and scrutinized her intently. her skin possessed an unnaturally pale complexion, as though she had been shielded from sunlight for an extended period. light golden hair cascaded naturally over her shoulders, soft yet lacking in luster. her eyes seemed to absorb all available light, rendering them dark and impervious to revealing their true color. though her facial features were rather attractive, they didnt leave a distinct impression on lumian. it was almost as though her cold demeanor had cast a shadow, preventing him from forming a complete assessment. her icy demeanor didnt merely create distance; it seemed to emanate from within her, causing the ambient temperature to dip slightly. before lumian could discern more details, the woman seated herself across from him and inquired in a chilly tone, muggles brother? although lumian had already surmised that this was madame hela, her directness caught him slightly off guard. he hadnt expected her to appear without any attempt at disguise, seemingly unconcerned about potential betrayal. lumian didnt use the niese face or the mystery prying glasses, but he usually employed basic disguises. relying on his distinctive golden-black hair and simple makeup, he maintained enough divergence from the lumian lee depicted in the wanted posters. perhaps this is a form of disguise that i cant detect lumian offered a polite smile and nodded. madame hela? the lady nodded slightly, acknowledging her identity. may i offer you something to drink? lumian asked politely. hela didnt stand on ceremony. a glass of absinthe, and a triple espresso shot. drinking liquor at 10 a.m., quite the match for my habits and she even goes for a triple shot of reem espresso did she have a sleepless night? or perhaps a night of drinking, seeking absinthe to clear her senses? lumian lifted his right hand and snapped his fingers, signaling the waiter. once the light-green absinthe and the strong reem espresso arrived in front of hela, lumian surveyed his surroundings to ensure a secure environment for their conversation. gulp hela downed half the glass of absinthe in one swift motion, her pale face gradually regaining some color. setting the glass down, she turned a ring on her right middle finger using her left thumb and index finger. the ring possessed an elegant simplicity, a black diamond with numerous facets set into a base of pure silver. as hela rotated the ring gently, lumian experienced a subtle shift in the surroundings, as if the ambient light had dimmed. no one can eavesdrop on us now. helas voice retained its chilly demeanor. impressive this mastery goes beyond francas abilities. truly befitting of a member of the curly-haired baboons research society who has ventured farthest along the paths of the divine lumian maintained his gaze on helas black eyes that possessed a light-swallowing intensity. he proceeded with calm composure. ive made some new discoveries recently. hela remained silent, her gaze fixed on lumian, awaiting further disclosure. ive caught guillaume bnet. lumian conveyed this without an air of boastfulness; it was akin to a bartender at salle de bal brise mentioning the concoction of a new cocktail. helas response was a nod, displaying scant interest in the specifics of guillaume bnets capture. commencing with guillaume bnet, lumian recounted the transformations of muggleauroredetailing the peculiarities that arose, including the appearance of the lizard-like elf and the name roche louise sanson. in conclusion, he presented a stack of papers. this is the grimoire my sister penned three months prior to the spread of inevitabilitys faith in cordu. please review it and ascertain any irregularities. throughout the narrative, hela remained an attentive listener. yet, her emotional fluctuations and facial expressions remained limited. only when lumian mentioned the second appearance of the lizard-like elf and uttered the name roche louise sanson, did she exhibit a slight frown. hela, who had maintained silence, swiftly perused the grimoire, her pace almost supernatural, as though she could glean mystical insights from its pages with each flip, detecting any anomalies. after a span of five to six minutes, she extracted a page from her notebook. it bore the soul summoning spell that aurore had documented. only members of the curly-haired baboons research society and those sharing common experiences would detect the issue at a glance lumian found himself stirred by a sudden wave of emotion. hela raised the absinthe once more, finishing the rest of the dreamy green liquid in a single gulp. after finishing it, she turned her gaze to lumian and spoke, what are your thoughts on the matter of the lizard-like elf? ive heard rumors that heaven has banished a group of elves in recent times. among them are some who bear resemblance to diaphanous lizards, lumian responded. he refrained from delving into the symbolic interpretations that mr. poet had provided, instead opting to present the account provided by the official investigator, ryan. helas complexion took on a slightly rosier hue, the chill in her demeanor diminishing. i possess certain insights into these elves and have conducted a degree of study on them. they were not banished from heaven. its plausible that they originated from an alternate realm. aligning certain folklore and events in the alternate realm, coupled with the passage of time, may have allowed elements from the alternate realm to permeate the spirit world and enter our world. at present, this is a hypothesis i personally have. i havent substantiated it as yet. i simply wish to convey that ive studied the phenomenon of these elves in recent years and have personally encountered the diaphanous lizard-like elves you described. however, they differ from the diaphanous lizard-like beings youve mentioned. not true elves? lumian expressed no surprise at this assertion. after all, ryan and his colleagues had been theorizing, and mr. poets perspective leaned towards an affiliation with a different faction. hela chose not to elaborate, confirming lumians suspicion with a nod. i will continue to search for similar motifs in elf legends from various sources. having said that, she spun the grimoire containing the soul summoning spell and pushed it toward lumian. this is likely where your sisters problem originates. lumians eyes conveyed his anticipation for an explanation. he was genuinely curious to hear helas perspective. however, he didnt expect her to reveal the most closely guarded secret of the curly-haired baboons research society, as franca had done. helas tone remained as cold as ice as she began, ive had numerous interactions with your sister and have discerned that she had been grappling with psychological turmoil rooted in her original family. something is amiss with her biological family. consequently, your sister had no recourse but to distance herself from them and seek refuge in the border village. it mirrors your gradual realization of cordus growing abnormality, prompting your desire to escape. thats why i directed your attention to this avenue of investigation. and should one employ the soul summoning spell detailed in this notebook upon themselves, its highly likely that your sisters psychological distress will escalate into a mental ailment, potentially leading to true dissociation of her personality. lumian pondered for a moment before inquiring, are you suggesting that roche louise sanson is a dissociated persona of my sister? that the foundation of inevitabilitys faith originates from her biological family? this deduction, while refraining from disclosing the most guarded secret of the curly-haired baboons research society, seemed to be the most logical conclusion. yet, madame magician had also entertained the notion of dissociative identity disorder as one potential cause. hela took a sip of her triple-shot reem espresso. the situation might be more complicated than a case of dissociative identity disorder. there seems to be some bizarre mystical phenomenon involved. that, however, remains contingent upon your future investigations. lumian acknowledged her response with a nod and posed his question with a serious demeanor, is there any issue with the april fools member who sold the soul summoning spell to my sister? did they foresee a scenario involving dissociative identity disorder? hela remained silent for a few seconds before responding, its suspicious, but i cannot definitively be sure. i intend to probe further, although it might take a considerable duration of time. as youre aware, the organizational structure of the research society is quite informal, and my connections with the individuals from april fools are limited. i understand. lumian had heard a similar sentiment from franca. hela glanced at him and pondered for a moment. in reality, you are the most suitable candidate to investigate this matter. unfortunately, you lack the necessary prerequisites. why do you say that? lumian questioned, genuine surprise lacing his words. for someone known for wit and mischief in cordu, the prospect of heading the investigation was unexpected. he had assumed that his role would merely entail supporting franca. helas tone retained its chilliness. if you possessed a beyonder power to physically alter your appearance, you could transform into muggle and participate in various research society gatherings as her. then, when the occasion arises, you could observe any april fools member who reacts oddly to muggles presence and displays signs of abnormal behavior. you could even employ yourself as bait to draw out any individual harboring hidden motives. me assuming aurore and using the code name muggle to become a member of the curly-haired baboons research society? lumian had never envisioned such a scenario. his brow furrowed as he remarked, can i really pull off being my sister even with a transformation item? especially within your research society? he wasnt familiar with their world and its intricacies. how could he effectively bridge the communication gap? just a sentence or two could potentially blow his cover! Chapter 339 - 339 Purpose of Visit 339 purpose of visit hela continued in her cold voice, dont worry, theres no reason to fret. our research society operates rather informally. except for a handful of members who maintain close private communication, the rest only convene two to four times a year, all while in disguise. your sister behaves quite relaxed at these gatherings. her interactions would resemble her usual demeanor with you. however, shell take care to guard her genuine information. you can certainly play the part. and many of the coded terms and expressions we employ for communication are familiar to you. given your relationship with your sister, she wont intentionally keep them from you or abstain from using them. understood. lumians mood suddenly soured. shell also explain the exact significance to me and attribute it to a philosopher from back home or even emperor roselle. upon hearing this, hela responded, if you truly possess the potential to masquerade as muggle and engage with the research society members, theres no need to forcibly cite philosophers from back home. simply allude to the latter portion of the content. then, should i incorporate emperor roselle once said? lumian deliberated the specifics earnestly. he lacked a key item and couldnt authentically impersonate aurore. and even though the niese face was primarily an illusion, it could be instantly deciphered by beyonders equipped with the corresponding abilitieswhether the other party held a rank as low as sequence 9 mystery pryer, theyd discern his non-female identity at a glance. yet, he remained determined to give his utmost. who knew if a chance for transfiguration with diminished negative effects would arise in the future? regarding mystic makeup achieved through the use of the mystery prying glasses, it wouldnt provide psychological suggestions, given that attendees concealed their faces at the gathering. furthermore, it couldnt alter his gender. hela lapsed into silence, her facial muscles twitching subtly. in the event that youre presented with an opportunity to enact such a role, make sure to avoid these mentions. you might not possess precise discernment about when such references are suitable. just keep in mind, other members frequently employ the phrase emperor roselle once said to liven the mood or offer amusement. why does it feel like emperor roselles image in the curly-haired baboons research society isnt too favorable its not that its unfavorable. instead, it assumes a comedic quality speaking of which, aurore appears to do the same. whenever her spirits dip, as long as i deliberately reference emperor roselles words, she tends to loosen up and finds herself chuckling involuntarily lumian struggled to fully grasp the rationale of the curly-haired baboons research society members, but he refrained from further probing, recognizing the necessity to feign ignorance concerning their most profound secret. if the opportunity arose, he intended to seek francas insights on the matter. hela continued, while participating in the gathering, keep in mind to listen more than you speak. if you lack confidence, avoid delving into profound discussions. should others delve into the past, if possible, shift the focus and maintain a patronizing tone. emulating muggles traits and characteristics will aid in effectively acting as her. lumian pondered for a moment. this guise, however, remains merely a surface-level ruse. your research society houses beyonders adept in divination and possessing keen intuition. they could readily discern that im not my sister. no, quite the contrary. they might prove you to be the genuine muggle, hela furnished an unforeseen response to lumians expectation. in the midst of his unveiled astonishment, hela expounded, to begin with, most of us remain unaware of the realities of our fellow members, impeding our capacity for efficacious divination or prophecy. additionally, with my understanding of your sister, i employed an artifact to divine her state. yet, i couldnt ascertain her life or death status. it was akin to confronting a formidable anti-divination barrier. wh lumian was caught off guard before grasping the underlying rationale. as per madam magician, aurore hadnt entirely died. a possibility of revival persisted, her soul shard sealed by mr. fool, thereby rendering conventional divination unable to circumvent the seal and ascertain aurores genuine condition. a potent anti-divination effect was at play. hela took another sip of her triple shot reem espresso. most crucially, subsequent to our meeting today, my spiritual intuition tells me that when i confront you, divination or prophecy regarding aurore will point toward you. what? lumian nearly blurted out the question. before long, he cast his gaze downwards to his left chest and offered a wry smile. perhaps this stems from the fact that a fragment of my sisters soul has been specially preserved within me. lumian let out a long sigh. what a pity post helas analysis, he harbored the conviction that he could seamlessly stand in for his sister within the folds of the curly-haired baboons research society without incurring exposure. he yearned to do so. this way, he could not only aid franca in her operation but also safeguard her from solitary risks. together, they could operateone in plain sight, the other in the shadowsensnaring their adversary in a carefully orchestrated trap. simultaneously, lumian recognized the potential of utilizing the societys gatherings to gather invaluable information about aurore. regrettably, his one hindrance was his lack of transfiguration abilities. the power to alter his gender, stature, or physique eluded him. a brief silence hung in the air before hela reiterated her commitment to investigating the april fools predicament. following that, she spoke candidly, ive come to trier this time to delve deeper past the catacombs. do you have any information about that place? deeper into the catacombs? lumians heart skipped a beat as he took the initiative to remind her, its very dangerous there. madame helas guidance from her letters and prior suggestion had been invaluable. with deep appreciation, he recounted his grasp of the catacombs and the bizarre phenomena he had borne witness to. finally, he said, for some inexplicable reason, i alone retain memories of the ill-fated couple. the rest feign ignorance, as though they never existed. true, kendall, the administrator of the tomb, ought to have sensed it as well, yet he feigned ignorance. hela listened in quiet contemplation. without astonishment or consternation, she inquired, have you heard of the samaritan womens spring? i have, though from the mouth of a charlatan lumian mused, his brow furrowing as he tried to recall osta truls narrative. he claimed that the samaritan womens spring on the upper level of the catacombs is a sham. just a puddle left behind due to a construction error back then. the administrators spun it into a legend. but deep in the underground world, within an ancient tomb, there lies the real fountain of oblivion. hela refrained from commenting on lumians account and simply nodded. thank you. with her gratitude expressed, she downed the last of her three-shot espresso, rose from her seat, and made her way toward the cafs exit. as she rose from her seat, the heavy silence was shattered, and the sunlight once again flooded the area with its radiance. lumian remained seated a while longer, savoring the last sips of his macael coffee. afterwards, he strode along rue ancienne, his destination being place du purgatoire. there, he planned to catch a public carriage back to the market district. passing by salle de bal unique and the alone bar, a sudden, crystalline tinkle reached lumians ears. his heart skipped a beat, and he swiftly turned around. he saw a figure he knew well, who had just entered the newly opened alone bar. draped in a delicate, pale-white fishnet dress, the figure sported a small, circular hat adorned with silk flowers. two dainty silver bells dangled from the intricate hair buns, complementing the similar accessories on the figures dark-hued boots. leah bureau 8s leah lumian recognized the person as leah, the official investigator who had entered his dream. once affiliated with bureau 8s riston province branch, she had now appeared in trier and entered the somewhat peculiar alone bar. salle de bal unique is perilous. could the alone bar be used by bureau 8 to monitor the opposing stronghold? after retracting his gaze, lumian continued forward as if nothing had happened. returning to salle de bal brise, lumian found himself summoned to 11 rue des fontaines in quartier de la cathdrale commmorative by gardner martin, just when he was hoping for some rest. inside a room adorned with bookshelves, gardner martin, donned in a light-colored shirt and dark trousers, greeted him with an energetic smile. franca mentioned that your vengeance is complete? lumian detected an odd thrill emanating from the boss, as if he had indulged in immense pleasure and hadnt fully calmed down. he responded candidly, yes, ive already killed guillaume bnet. thankfully, red boots, jenna, and anthony reid, the information broker i hired, assisted me. he spared no details about the participantsthere was no use concealing anything. they relied on rat christo and his pets to communicate, after all. gardner martin nodded slightly and commented, youve exceeded my expectations in terms of efficiency. franca didnt delve into the specifics. can you give me an overview of the overall situation? lumian held nothing back when it came to the sinners organization. he elucidated guillaume bnets various abilities, detailing their specific impacts. gardner martin listened intently and asked in thought, what do you reckon is guillaume bnets strength equivalent to in sequence? lumian replied without hesitation, sequence 5. a brief pause ensued as gardner martin fell into contemplative silence before he uttered, ive summoned you for a purpose, a mission. what mission? lumian didnt hide his curiosity. gardner martins smile reappeared. its quite straightforward. make your way to the mechanical caf in quartier de lopra and establish contact with a literary and arts group named black cat.'' i lack any artistic inclination, lumian honestly admitted. gardner martin smiled and said, no artistic inclination is necessary. your primary role will involve sponsoring and befriending one of the members of black cat. his ancestor boasted an aristocratic title of a count, a fact hes quite fond of calling himself that. right, his name is poufer sauron. Chapter 340 - 340 Black Cat 340 black cat quartier de la maison dopra, rue lombar. the street was famous for its array of sweets, and colorful candies adorned every corner. at the end of rue lombar stood the mechanical caf, nestled next to a small confectionery factory. from the outside, it looked like an ordinary place, and even peering through the glass windows, there was no hint of its mechanical nature. the black triangular sacred emblem on the weighty wooden door was the only reminder of its true identity. lumian pushed the dark-brown door, but it resisted as if locked from within. after a moments observation, he pulled the doorbell hanging by the secondary window. amidst the tinkling chimes, lumian caught the soft clink of metal and watched as the door inched open. a mechanical arm extended from its rear, reaching all the way to the bar counter like an ornamental display. surveying the surroundings, lumian made his way to a corner of the caf. two single-legged tables were placed there, hosting five individuals. among them, a middle-aged man with fiery red hair stood out. fair-skinned from cosmetics, with dark circles accentuating his brownish-red eyes, he was a captivating figure. clean-shaven, he sported an open brown velvet coat and a red shirt sans bow tie, exuding an air of refinement and casual elegance. this was count poufer, the member of intiss former royal sauron family whom lumian sought. having inherited a substantial fortune from his father, he hadnt ventured into politics, military service, or trade. instead, he moved within various artistic circles as a literary critic and frequented black cat gatherings. approaching with a smile, lumian inquired, are you count poufer? poufer sauron looked up casually, his tone relaxed as he asked, are you the friend martin mentioned? yes, ciel dubois. lumian responded without any reservation, claiming a seat by pulling up a chair. poufer gave him a measured once-over, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. not bad at all; youre quite the beautiful friend. among literature, oil paintings, sculptures, poetry, and music, whats your preference? novels, lumian replied without hesitation. poufer leaned back, gesturing towards the plump middle-aged man diagonally across from him. anori, the author with the most literary eloquence in recent times. the author who delved into the realm of erotica, forgetting that the essence of writing is to explore human nature? lumian naturally recollected aurores assessment of this novelist. initially, anoris works had explored love as a means to understand humanity. but over time, the focus shifted, consumed by the former. aurore believed that if not for restrictions, anori might have penned something akin to monks chasing dogsa risqu novel. of course, lumian cared little for probing human nature; he simply enjoyed the engaging parts. your novels have certainly broadened my horizons, he said to anori genuinely. with black hair and blue eyes, arnaud puffed on his pipe and remarked, luckily, you didnt mention appreciating my death of a herald.'' death of a herald isnt that adris work? right, aurore had mentioned the similarity in names, leading to frequent confusion. enlightenment dawned as lumian inquired, you mean the adri whos backed by the government, earning a five-figure fortune yearly, yet only manages to produce dogsh*t? anori erupted in laughter. thats worth a glass of absinthe! with that, he tapped the silver-gray metal button on the single-legged table before him, thrice. count poufer took pleasure in lumians reception and proceeded to introduce the other members of the black cat organization. among them were mullen, a painter with a pale and weary complexion, ernst young, a slightly stern-looking literary critic, and iraeta, a poet who held a cherrywood pipe. just as lumian was wrapping up his greetings, he witnessed the iron-colored surface of anoris one-legged table split open unexpectedly, unfolding like a blossoming flower. within the stamen, a glass of emerald absinthe, radiating a dreamlike sheen, appeared on a tray that ascended through a mechanical lift. author anori picked up the glass of absinthe and tossed a silver coin worth 1 verl dor onto the tray. gradually, the mechanical elevator descended, causing the parted metal surface to seal shut, restoring the one-legged table to its original state. anori slid the absinthe toward lumian, a smile gracing his features. cheers to what you just said! its really a mechanical caf lumian reacquainted himself with this place. his gaze drifted to the tables broad and sturdy leg, suspecting it to be hollow and linked to an underground conduit. taking a sip of the absinthe and savoring its familiar bitterness, lumian directed his attention to the one-legged table. no change? here, a glass of absinthe costs 1 verl dor, anori responded with a grin. isnt that rather steep? salle de bal brise and the basement bar only charge seven licks. their quality is nearly identical lumian critiqued inwardly. 1 verl dor was equivalent to 20 licks. at that instant, mullen, the pale-faced painter who seemed perpetually fatigued but was a handsome man, took a sip of his coffee and shared, i heard that an elephant has arrived at trier zoo. quite an uncommon sight. the pudgy anori muttered, whats so intriguing about an elephant? it strikes me as utterly mundane. count poufer let out a soft chuckle. shall we then discuss the ongoing clash between the parliament and the two churches, the high-ranking government officials perpetually stumbling, the detestable censorship of publications, and the covert agents shadowing us like hyenas? anori sighed in resignation. lets just stick to that elephant. amidst the laughter of the black cat members, count poufer crossed his right leg and proposed, since we have a new friend, how about engaging in a game of mysticism? a game involving mysticism? lumians eyebrows twitched. what sort of game? inquired iraeta, the poet, puffing contemplatively on his pipe. count poufer smiled and said, a game known as kings pie. observing the perplexed expressions around the table, count poufer chuckled and continued, dont any of you have a childhood or a family? havent you played this game? the rule is to divide the kings pie into portions equal to the number of participants plus 1. the larger piece is ritually dedicated to a deity or esteemed ancestor we hold in reverence. among the remaining portions, one contains a broad bean or coin, hidden. whoever discovers it becomes the king for the day, empowered to issue commands to the others. naturally, these commands must remain within the bounds of reason. the mysticism aspect involves offering up the excess kings pie in sacrifice? lumian cast a glance at anori, mullen, and the rest, intrigued by the idea and curious whether any beyonders were part of the group. of course, none of them appeared to be. in just over ten seconds, count poufers proposal garnered agreement from everyone except lumian. he commenced by pressing the corresponding button on his one-legged table, hitting it the appropriate number of times to signal the kitchen to dispatch a kings pie. reportedly, this dessert had been a favorite since the era of the sauron dynasty. in the underground of glise saint-robert, within the confines of the inquisition, a gathering of purifiers was underway. valentine, imre, and their fellow purifiers congregated in the office of deacon angoulme. dressed in a light-gold shirt and pale-white pants, angoulme raised the dossier in his hand and addressed the group, weve verified the body found at 50 rue vincent in quartier de la princesse rouge to be that of guillaume bnet, the former wanted padre. ensure that the police headquarters takes down the wanted posters from the market district. the market district case wasnt under the purifiers jurisdiction, but valentine had heard about it. finally, there was confirmation. sporting a formal blue coat, valentine glanced at angoulme and asked, deacon, have there been any developments in the investigation into guillaume bnets killer? at the moment, no suspects, responded angoulme, his golden hair, eyebrows, and beard lending him an imposing aura. he continued, what we can ascertain is that there were clear signs of incineration at the scene, and its likely that guillaume bnet succumbed to a demonesss curse. at least a sequence 7 hunter and a demoness? thats an uncommon combination, imre remarked, clearly taken aback. to his knowledge, most who followed the demoness pathway were affiliated with the demoness family, a formidable secret organization that seldom required collaboration. uncommon doesnt mean impossible, retorted angoulme. as a purifier deacon, he had access to more confidential information and experience compared to imre, valentine, and the others. he had even personally executed two members of the demoness family. valentine furrowed his brow, ruminating for a moment before suggesting, could lumian lee be involved? he does have a solid motive. but he lacks the power, imre objected. how could he advance to pyromaniac so quickly after leaving cordu? isnt he concerned about losing control? furthermore, based on your description, not even a pyromaniac would be a match for guillaume bnet. valentine clung to his conjecture. thats why he might have sought help from a demoness. could he have joined the demoness family to seek revenge and then transition into becoming a demoness himself? if thats true, this could become a major issue. lumian lee carries significant problems with him. and you mentioned the demoness familys penchant for sowing chaos. angoulme nodded. we must keep a close eye on this. ill report this matter. meanwhile, intensify the scrutiny of suspicious individuals in the market district. having made up his mind, he reassured valentine, dont be overly anxious. lumian lee isnt the only one with a reason to eliminate guillaume bnet. there are powerful bounty hunters, official members of the aurora order, and the bestowed of other evil gods. valentine acknowledged concisely, signifying his comprehension. following their discussion on recent beyonder cases, valentine and imre exited the deacons office, passing by charlie who was acquainting himself with a mechanical typewriter, before heading towards the tunnel leading to glise saint-robert. why do you think the quasi-demoness is seeking us? has she uncovered crucial information? imre inquired curiously, conversing with his fellow teammate. valentine ruminated briefly before responding, could it be related to guillaume bnets death? imre was caught off guard. are you suggesting she had contact with the demoness family? before valentine could reply, imre shook his head. thats impossible. the demoness family despises female assassins. if they encounter one, theyll surely eliminate them. Chapter 341 - 341 Branch 341 branch on rue doyle, nestled between the market district and the solemn quartier de la cathdrale commmorative, stretched a verdant street. its clean pavements and modern architectural style set it apart from its surroundings. jenna had deliberately chosen this location to rendezvous with the purifiers. the individuals frequenting this place had little connection to her former life, and the likelihood of recognition was slim. clothed in a pristine white blouse and a light-brown dress, jennas attire differed slightly from her previous encounters with the two purifiers. this strategic variation was intended to thwart any attempts by the other party to decipher her intentions if she were to wear the same ensemble repeatedly. nevertheless, her overall presentation remained faithful to a certain style: a portrayal of cleanliness, radiance, and vitality. this image was a composite distilled from the bishops sermons and the impassioned advocacy she had encountered during her involvement in church activities. a sun talisman dangled around her neck, accentuating her brownish-yellow hair that was neatly tied up. she followed the elongated shadows cast by the trees, moving toward apartment 17. in the midst of her journey, a brown four-wheeled carriage rumbled by. the window was ajar, revealing an arresting visage. adorned in a black court dress, a lady graced the carriages interior. a dark veil hat adorned with white feathers crowned her head, intricately framing her raven-black hair. her face boasted soft contours; her chin held a graceful curve. a slender, elevated nose bridge led to plump, subtly upturned crimson lips. within her dark gray eyes, a glint of brightness coexisted with a hint of melancholy, evoking a pang of sympathy. how beautiful jenna sighed from the bottom of her heart as the carriage passed. even though jenna herself could be considered attractive, she remained capable of appreciating the allure of others. simultaneously, she acknowledged the stark contrast between her appearance and that of franca, who had ascended to the rank of demoness of pleasure, as well as the lady who had just passed. shifting her focus, jenna ascended to the roof of apartment 17 on rue doyle. her wait was brief, for imre and valentine soon appeared. valentines demeanor, though frosty, gave way to a proactive inquiry. have you obtained crucial intelligence? valentines gaze swept past jennas neck, where the sun sacred emblem was suspended. a subtle nod confirmed his satisfaction. jenna shook her head slowly. no. without permitting imre and valentine to voice their queries, she bared her emotions in earnest. i want to repent. repent? imre exchanged a quizzical glance with valentine. had something gone awry? jennas gaze lowered, a bittersweet smile touching her lips as she regarded the ground. my mother haunts my dreams, recurring persistently. and each time she appears in my sleep, i find myself grappling with a nagging question: why did the church permit someone like hugues artois to partake in the elections? upon uncovering the truth, why did they not promptly apprehend his accomplices and thus forestall the ensuing catastrophe? i-i yearn for redemption. the pain gnaws at my heart, sowing doubt in my faith, and causing me to question whether god and the church still watch over us. these sentiments were sincere, albeit less intense than they seemed. valentine felt ashamed and didnt know how to respond to jenna. imre, who had experienced many similar situations, sighed and consoled her skillfully, theres no need to doubt that god is always watching over us. the sun graces the land each day, yet we understand that the ebb and flow of light and darkness constitutes the essence of our world. just as the sun sets inevitably to give rise to night, its this very cycle that allows us to revel in the radiance of the morning and the ascent of the sun. likewise, the church isnt all-powerful. in intis, we remain subject to the constraints imposed by the church of the god of steam and machinery, the national convention, and the government. our actions are bound by limitations; we cannot operate without restraint and probe at will. pain and calamity are integral facets of existence. their presence varies, but they are transient, much like the suns emergence after the darkness. jenna fell into contemplative silence for a few seconds before exhaling, a slow release of tension. she extended her arms slightly, proclaiming, praise the sun! praise the sun! both valentine and imre echoed in unison. with her sincere performance, jenna asked, who propelled hugues artois to the position of parliament member? and who facilitated his representation for an evil god? were in the midst of investigating. no substantial breakthroughs have emerged thus far, imre replied after measured consideration. jennas expression turned to one of anxiety and concern. why the lack of substantive progress? is it due to the limitations mentioned earlier, which hinder the acquisition of pivotal leads? do you require my help? i operate unbound by restrictions and hold no fear of breaching the law! imre and valentine werent caught off guard by jennas reaction. it echoed the same spirit as her abrupt assassination of hugues artois, albeit in a more subdued form. the two exchanged glances, a wordless deliberation on whether to entrust this matter to an informant bound by contract, thereby affording greater flexibility and latitude. drawing upon francas counsel, jenna refrained from invoking instigation directly. she instead gauged the disposition of the two purifiers and employed words to accomplish her intent. if the church itself finds its hands tied, could it not delegate the task to capable devotees? which holds greater importancethe churchs dignity or the well-being of gods children? with each thwarted catastrophe, numerous families and lives are spared. they all stand as devout supplicants to the sun. an evil god was backing hugues artois! valentine found himself swayed, and observing imres absence of dissent, he addressed jenna with gravity, are you sure you want to help us investigate this matter? its very dangerous. the odds of forfeiting your life are substantial. jenna responded with a smile suffused with complexity, im afraid of death, but im more afraid of becoming a sacrificial lamb for the heretics, much like my mother. she didnt hide her hatred at all. imre then said, in the course of our investigations, weve ascertained that hugues artois shared close ties with general philip. certain covert activities trace back to him. however, general philip succumbed to illness last year, resulting in the loss of all leads. the other backers and supporters of hugues artois either owed their allegiance to general philip or deemed him an asset worthy of support. their involvement in heretical belief or secret organizations remains unverified. jenna blurted out, what about philips family? what of the heretics who encircled hugues artois? theres nothing wrong with philips family, valentine responded, his tone revealing traces of vexation. weve apprehended only two heretics affiliated with hugues artoiss campaign. their roles were comparatively inconsequential. the individual most knowledgeable opted for suicide when escape became unfeasible. his fanaticism stymied our quest for the sought-after leads. weve effectively eliminated two branches of the secret organization, the order of all extinction. order of all extinction jenna recalled the secret organization that believed in an evil god. imre supplemented, the primary source of knowledge is the red-haired woman named cassandra. she hails from the sauron lineage, a collateral branch of the former royal family. a beyonder and a heretic graced with a boon. is there anything wrong with the sauron family? jenna inquired further. imre shook his head. at present, no concrete conclusions exist. the noble families that supported hugues artois maintain standard relations with the sauron family. cassandra chose an adventuring life, as she encountered minimal regard within the sauron family hierarchy. subsequently, she became a beyonder, ultimately joining hugues artoiss team last year. quartier de la maison dopra, rue lombar, mechanical caf. mechanical precision guided the kings pie to poufer sauron and his associates within the black cat organization. the pie bore the appearance of a brown floral marvel adorned with intricate black motifs. poufer looked around and said to lumian, anori, and the others, i suggest that this game of kings pie serves as a tribute to one of my esteemed forebears. he held the title of the first count ardennen and the twenty-seventh count of champagne. in his interactions, poufer habitually designated himself as count ardennen. the count of champagne, the one who coveted roselles ass? novelist anori quipped with a grin. over the past year, the most sought-after banned manuscript within triers covert book market had been emperor roselles secret chronicles. within its pages lay a trove of emperor roselle-related rumors, intermingled with an array of outlandish, sizzling revelations. poufer sighed and said, that would be the thirtieth count of champagne, the great-grandson of my illustrious ancestor. he hails from a distinct sauron family branch. i have no objections. the flaxen-haired painter, mullen, steered the conversation back on track. this was merely a gameno one else insisted on allocating the surplus kings pie to a specific figure, thus prompt consensus was achieved. considering lumians usual style, he should have objected and angered count poufer. however, he recalled that his current role revolved around that of a friend of gardner martin, scion of a prosperous merchant family with a penchant for art. he was essentially playing the role of a spendthrift imbecile, a persona that basked in the lavish spending only to incur disdain. poufer shifted his attention to the more reticent literary critic, ernst young, and instructed, you shall have the honor of cutting the pie. ernst young, his black curls framing his face, indulged in a self-deprecating smile. i despise the absence of waiters in the mechanical caf. it makes me feel like a waiter. isnt that a good thing? it signifies the absence of spies, novelist anori muttered. a puff of cherrywood smoke escaped the pipe held by iraeta, the poet, as he chuckled in response, perhaps the spy is among us. at that moment, ernst young had already picked up the table knife, slicing the kings pie into seven equal portions. poufer delicately positioned one of the kings pie slices near the plates rim, hands clasped, cradling it against his chest. his voice, a soft cadence, invoked an invocation, to you, member of the mighty sauron family, the great vermonda champagne sauron. poufer repeated the incantation thrice. lumian couldnt help but note that mechanical caf, already bereft of its waiters, descended into an amplified hush, akin to the commencement of the bishops sermons. after offering the excess portion of the kings pie to vermonda sauron, poufer raised his gaze to lumian and grinned. youre the guest. youll be the first to choose. without observing, lumian extended his hand to the kings pie closest to him. at that moment, termiboross resonant voice echoed in lumians ears: switch. Chapter 342 - 342 Fright? 342 fright? switch? lumian hadnt anticipated that termiboros would drop a hint at a moment like this. whether this inevitability angel aimed to use the opportunity to set a trap or had some other intention, or if he simply sought to avert any trouble from befalling his vessel at this particular time and place, it was clear that this seemingly unremarkable game of kings pie concealed profound hidden hazards. once triggered, it would plunge all those present into a perilous abyss. when count poufer brought up the mystical aspect, the act of sacrificing a piece of kings pie to a deity or revered ancestor, lumian suspected the presence of a beyonder element. it resembled the divination games favored by many enthusiasts of mysticism. to his astonishment, the issue proved even graver than he had initially imagined. it had prompted an angel to believe that helumian, a dual sequence 7was incapable of handling it or could be harmed by it. as these thoughts raced through his mind, lumian struggled to fathom termiboross motives. all he could manage was cautiously extending his arm and nonchalantly selecting one of the remaining five slices of kings pie. this time, termiboros didnt intervene. after lumian, anori, mullen, ernst young, and iraeta each acquired a slice of kings pie, only the one nearest to lumian remained. seems like its mine. count poufer leaned in, grinned, and seized the slice of kings pie. he brought it to his mouth and delicately took a bite. lumian followed suit. the crust was crisp, the filling sweet, its aroma lingering on his palate. the quality was rather impressive. after a few bites, count poufer chuckled and remarked, looks like im the king today. as he uttered the words, he extracted a broad bean from his mouth. the instant lumian laid eyes on the broad bean, a faint trace of blood and rust wafted to his senses. meanwhile, the atmosphere in the mechanical caf grew heavy, as if everyone dreaded receiving an order they couldnt bear. count poufer rose from his seat, his back to the window that faced the street, blotting out the sunlight, which cast a faint shadow over his face. his smile seemed somewhat dark. count poufers gaze fixed upon the novelist anori, a mischievous smile dancing on his lips. step outside the caf and declare to the passersby, im dog sh*t.'' anori, who had been on edge, let out a sigh of relief and responded with a grin, sure thing. the portly man rose from his seat and hastened to the door, grasping the handle nestled in the side wall. amidst a grinding noise and faint clatters, the mechanical arm suddenly tightened, its grip dragging the weighty wooden door ajar. anori ventured outside and onto the street. he directed his voice at the pedestrians, im dogsh*t! im a piece of dogsh*t raised by a sow! my whole family is dogsh*t raised by sows! the passersby stared in astonishment before erupting into laughter. after cursing himself, anori returned to lumian and the others in high spirits. youve got an impressive mental fortitude. lumian compelled himself to rephrase youre really thick-skinned in a more polished manner. novelist anori chuckled and said, whenever im stuck in my writing, ill curse myself out on the balcony. its the simplest method. you writers do have your peculiarities. lumian was reminded of his sister, who fancied herself afflicted by an advanced stage of procrastination syndrome. anori took a sip of absinthe and resettled himself. his attention turned to count poufer, who, with his back to the light, cast his gaze upon mullen, the pale and handsome painter. slap iraeta. mullen relaxed in his seat, opting not to rise. he leaned forward and delivered a slap to poet iraeta. iraeta, his hair thinning and his facial muscles slightly sagging, remained unperturbed. he merely drew another puff from his pipe. noticing lumians scrutiny, he offered a casual smile. as a poet, i must learn to relish the malice around me. finding joy in malice what a poetic youth. well, more accurately, a poetic middle-aged man lumian surveyed the participants of the game, realizing that aside from count poufer, who had consumed the broad bean, nothing else appeared amiss. count poufer shifted his posture slightly, his features still shaded by the backlight. he said to ernst young, express your loyalty to me. when the black cats convened, they often engaged in a variety of audacious acts. in a more contemporary characterization, they were avant-gardes of performance art. hence, ernst young felt no qualms about kneeling on one knee and professing loyalty. he even considered it insufficient, sensing that it lacked excitement or humiliation. count poufer then turned to the poet, iraeta, and dictated, give all your money to the beggar across the street. iraeta was taken aback. his heart ached as he responded, alright. as you know, im a pauper. over the past five years, ive scarcely earned 3,000 verl dor from my poetry. each day, i ponder which friend might organize an event and offer me a free drink. quite the honest poet lumian pondered whether he should sponsor this individual and witness what kind of verses he could produce. after all, the sponsorship fee was supplied by gardner martin. not employing it would result in it going unused. conversely, by sponsoring certain artists, he could potentially pocket a portion for himself. before count poufer could reply, iraeta suddenly burst into laughter. he fumbled in his pocket and exclaimed with excitement, thats why i only brought 5 verl dor! 5 verl dor? at the vichy caf, thatd barely cover half a bottle of mineral water and two boiled eggs, novelist anori murmured as he watched poet iraeta hastily depart. he tossed the 5 verl dor to the beggar opposite. vichy caf resided in an alley off avenue du boulevard. it drew parliament members, high-ranking government officials, bankers, industrialists, financiers, famed courtesans, and esteemed authors, painters, poets, and sculptors from the upper echelons of society. by this juncture, every participant had taken their turn, leaving lumian as the last. count poufer fixed his gaze on lumian, his look profound as he spoke, this is your inaugural time attending our black cat gathering. ill assign you a simple task. take your slice of kings pie and proceed to the last room in the cafs basement. exchange the pie for a sheet of white paper. this bears a hint of mystique if anything goes awry, ill just burn down that basement lumian mumbled to himself as he clutched the partially-eaten kings pie. as per novelist anoris guidance, he located a staircase leading to the basement close to the kitchen. before venturing forth, he ignited the gas wall lamps in the vicinity. under their faint yellow radiance, he navigated a corridor cluttered with various items until he reached the last room. the vermilion door stood tightly sealed. lumian listened attentively but detected no movements from within. there were no suspicious signs around the door either. lumian extended his right palm, gripped the handle, gave it a gentle twist, and gradually pushed inward. as the gas lamps in the basements corridor illuminated the space, objects came into view. these objects were heads, clustered within the dusky shadows, their gazes devoid of emotion, fixed on the intruder at the entrance. lumians pupils dilated as he recognized a few familiar heads. they belonged to novelist anori, painter mullen, critic ernst young, and poet iraeta! just before conjuring a fireball, lumian, experienced and resilient, forced himself to steady his nerves and discern the situation. the heads lacked the pallor of the deceased, and the room was bereft of the distinct scent of preservatives. lumian reined in his initial reaction and scrutinized the scene. he realized that these were wax heads that had been taken down. resembling melons, they were stashed within compartments on a wooden frame. is this mission intended to startle me? were it not for termiboross forewarning, how could such a prank perturb me? whats so mystical about this? lumian ruminated for a moment before placing his kings pie on a wooden shelf and extracting a sheet of white paper from one of the wax heads. upon returning to the mechanical caf with the white paper in hand, he was met with smiles from anori, iraeta, and the others, as though gauging any lingering trepidation. count poufer nodded in satisfaction. you executed the mission admirably. what if i hadnt executed it admirably? what would have transpired? lumian simulated residual unease and inquired, those wax heads seemed so lifelike that they nearly stopped my heart! haha, anori chortled. this serves as counts welcome gesture to every newcomer. hes rather fond of collecting wax figurine heads. each individual he acknowledges receives an invitation from a wax sculptor to immortalize their heads as art and place them in the basement of the mechanical caf. its almost as if your heads have been given to count poufer lumian eyed anori and the others necks, yet found no trace of sutures. after delving into various rumors circulating within the novelists circle and offering 2,000 verl dor to sponsor the black cat, lumian took his leave. as he departed, his gaze inadvertently swept over the two-legged tables. abruptly, lumians pupils constricted. he observed that count poufer, anori, and the others still had unfinished kings pie on their plates, while the white-glazed porcelain plate that had previously held the pie now sat empty. there should have been a slice of kings pie intended for the sauron family ancestor! it was gone! lumians perplexity couldnt be concealed. he gestured toward the snack plate and remarked, i recall there being a slice of kings pie left. count poufer chuckled and sipped his coffee. i ate it. is that so lumian smiled in realization. turning away, he exited the mechanical caf, the smile on his face gradually waning. count poufer had only taken two bites of his slice of kings pie! Chapter 343 - 343 Feedback 343 feedback as lumian strode down rue lombar toward the nearest public carriage stop, a sense of unease settled over him. observing the deserted street, he dropped his voice to a hushed tone as he muttered, temiboros, why did you make me choose the kings pie slice without the broad bean? what if he had consumed that fateful broad bean and ascended to the role of the king? but termiboros remained silent, withholding any response. lumian pondered for a moment, then rephrased his question. though the entire incident held a few unsettling details, the outcome appeared unremarkable. its hard to discern whether its tied to mysticism or beyonder powers. after a brief pause, termiboross deep voice echoed in lumians ears. next time, you could consider defying the kings orders. what if i chose to disregard the kings commands? what if i indulged in my kings pie instead of placing it in the room of wax figurines or even walking away with the paper? lumians mind plunged into contemplation. rather than heading directly back to the market district, he hailed a public carriage bound for rue scheer on avenue du boulevard. as an official member of the aurora order, he bore the responsibility of promptly reporting his execution of guillaume bnet and the latest developments within the iron and blood cross order to mr. k. simultaneously, he hoped to fleece something out of them. participating in three secret organizations came with the potential of receiving triple rewards, but it also entailed making three reports per mission. 19 rue scheer, underground of psychics headquarters. mr. k, perpetually unchanging, sat in the red armchair, attentively listening as lumian recounted his strategic utilization of the iron and blood cross orders resources to pinpoint and eliminate guillaume bnet, the heretic. when lumian mentioned how the former padre of the eternal blazing sun church had embraced the entity known as inevitability in pursuit of power and strength, mr. k lowered his head and traced a cross upon his chest in a deliberate up-and-down, left-to-right motion. his voice, hoarse and subdued, chanted a prayer, merciful father, forgive the worlds transgressions. lumians lips twitched, mirroring mr. ks penance, although he couldnt fathom the necessity of such repentance. post-repentance, he succinctly recounted aurores dual nature and the sinister sinners organization that underpinned roche louise sanson. finally, he said, mr. k, i request your aid in locating the original family of auroreor rather, roche louise sanson. they may well be tied to the sinners, a heretical group devoted to inevitability. mr. ks face, obscured beneath a voluminous hood, remained shrouded in shadow. his words, tinged with satisfaction, hoarsely resonated. i understand your desire to avenge aurore. there is no problem in that. the benevolent father and the omnipotent god do not bar believers from securing their own futures. if they can intertwine personal matters with the sacred crusade against heresy, all the better. in this endeavor, leveraging your assets and harnessing the resources of the iron and blood cross order to fulfill your objective is a strategy i admire. strive for more of such feats. ill investigate the sinners. he agreed to lumians request as it aligned perfectly with his own aspirations. by unearthing roche louise sansons family, he could deal with the sinners, a faction devoted to the evil god, inevitability! thank you, mr. k, lumian said sincerely. he pondered for a moment before proceeding, the death of guillaume bnet might trigger an intensified pursuit from the official beyonders. im wondering if there exists a mystical item that would suit my needs, enabling me to alter my appearance and stature at will? he was seeking a means to assume aurores identity, infiltrating the curly-haired baboons research society as muggle. mr. ks tone shifted abruptly, infused with zeal. only the lifeblood i possess can accomplish what you seek. so long as you can master your flesh and blood, altering your height and appearance becomes attainable. while it may not provide an exact replica of your desires, it suffices to veil your true identity. the caveat lies in the necessity for early injection and its limited duration. you wont possess the liberty to transform at your whim. precision isnt required; members of the curly-haired baboons research society assume disguises, masking their true selves during gatherings yet, that falls short. a perceptive spectator might notice something from aurores eyes or the contour of the chin. to fully pass off as muggle and dupe everyone, the masked face must mirror aurores flawlessly plus, the adverse effects of lifeblood are beyond my tolerance lumians thoughts coalesced, and he articulated his response. im concerned that administering lifeblood could revert me to the most primordial human archetype. despite the lords protection mitigating severe physical and mental consequences, the iron and blood cross order could easily detect the anomaly and discern my true allegiance. mr. k sighed in disappointment. thats a problem. though i believe the lord will safeguard you, preserving your devout persona from exposure, your concerns bear merit. having declined the offer of lifeblood, lumian continued, recently, the iron and blood cross order tasked me with an interaction he detailed gardner martins summons, narrating until the culmination of the kings pie game. the sole omission was termiboross warning, the reason subtly placed on his intricate grasp of mysticism. a niggling suspicion prodded him to sidestep the matter, avoiding any potential anomalies. mr. k listened attentively, refraining from interjection. as lumian concluded, mr. k stood and paced the room. your next objective is to figure out the iron and blood cross orders rationale for engaging the sauron family. are they coveting the saurons inheritance or considering collaboration? yes, mr. k. lumian recognized the need for him to remain well-informed, irrespective of mr. ks order. mr. k halted his pacing, fixing his gaze on lumian. your intuition is sound. should any mishap occur within that game, it could set off a mystical catastrophe. the central figure of poufers sacrifice, vermonda sauron, held significant standing within the sauron royal family of that era. born into the champagne lineage, he was adopted into the main family by king odo the 12th, who invested resources in his upbringing. vermonda began auspiciously but met a negative end. his later years saw him vanish without a trace, dealing a heavy blow to the sauron dynasty. in the ensuing two decades, several prominent sauron family members met untimely and mysterious deaths, or succumbed to sudden insanity. the familys power dwindled, paving the way for roselles eventual overthrow. emperor roselles successful usurpation of the sauron dynasty was partly facilitated by the apparent decline of the ancient royal line? vermondas inexplicable disappearance spanned two to three centuries. how could todays sacrifice catalyze a dangerous mystical shift? lumians thoughts raced, absorbing the details recounted by mr. k. apartment 601, 3 rue des blouses blanches. jenna, having gleaned some insights from the purifiers, sought out franca in hopes of sharing her findings. as her gaze roamed the room, jennas attention was drawn to the slightly ajar master bedroom door, from which emanated a rhythmic tapping sound. franca? she called. francas clear voice resounded. im here! come inside. jenna, who had never entered francas bedroom, hesitated for a moment before walking over and pushing open the door. a burst of amazement brightened her blue eyes as they fell upon an intricate apparatus nestled against the wall, distant from the window. the contraption consisted of a myriad of interlocking gears encircling brass cylinders, interconnected through levers, crankshafts, and screws. in awe, jenna regarded the towering device and inquired, what is this? seated before the elaborate mechanism, francas fingers danced across a state-of-the-art mechanical typewriter as she proudly introduced it to her companion, this is a third-generation difference engine, cleverly modifieda sort of analyzer. its a truncated version, simplified and miniaturized. the complete model wouldnt fit in my room. are you really a believer of the god of steam and machinery? jenna blurted out. franca chuckled and explained, sometimes. jennas scrutiny lingered on the so-called analyzer, revealing the connection of a telegraph machine and two metallic mechanical typewriters at its lower end. it wasnt long before franca ceased her typing, and the analyzers mechanical appendage set the second typewriter into motion, producing letters upon pristine paper. the energy and information seemed to flow from the radio transceiver. what what are you doing? jenna felt illiterate. franca happily pointed at the analyzer and said, when the coding remains consistent, this contraption can automatically decode telegrams and codes for me. through the metallic fingers linked to the mechanical typewriters keypad, it types the corresponding letters, shaping the intended words. in essence, i can directly read the content of telegrams. no need to laboriously decode the encrypted messages i receive. it saves me considerable time and effort. likewise, i can draft telegrams in standard language. the machine will autonomously encode them and transmit them via a predetermined radio frequency. studying the gears as they turned in their various states, jenna struggled to grasp francas intent. but whats the purpose? she asked, befuddled. franca was caught off guard. purpose? well, the purpose is to simplify telegram conversations. make it something mundane and routine. though admittedly, it does consume quite a bit of paper. telegram conversations? jenna felt a touch of perplexity. franca had constructed such an intricate apparatus and embarked on such an elaborate matter simply for conversation? the late-night typewriter sounds were franca engaged in casual chatting? exactly, franca affirmed with a self-satisfied grin. a friend of mine in the loen military agreed to share the information anthony reid seeks during that timeframe. we just had a brief exchange. while franca could easily request the pertinent information from madam judgment, she preferred not to burden her major arcana cardholder unless absolutely necessary. as franca finished speaking, the analyzer completed its task of typewriting, and the telegram materialized in intisian. snatching the paper, francas countenance darkened as she scanned its contents. at night, in apartment 601. lumian, anthony reid, franca, and jenna reassembled. waving the paper in her grip, franca addressed anthony reid, stating, ive received a response. the loen militarys official report on the encounter states: no such battle occurred! no such battle occurred? anthony reids eyes widened as he jolted to his feet. no battle at all? lumian arched an eyebrow. such a response was undeniably unexpected. franca nodded gently, her gaze fixed on anthony reid. to put it simply, its highly probable that the assault against you and your companions was not executed by the loen army! Chapter 344 - 344 Boxing Gloves 344 boxing gloves not by the loen army anthony reid muttered under his breath, his eyes distant. the night of the attack had haunted his dreams, replaying over and over, each iteration etching the brutality and mercilessness of the loen soldiers into his consciousness. these nightmares had grown, evolving into an inescapable nightmare. and now, shockingly, someone was telling him that they were not loen soldiers! francas demeanor, the subtle shifts in her expressions and body languageit all told him that franca wasnt lying; she wasnt bluffing him! this revelation rendered his years of suffering, of misattributed blame, into a cruel jest. as a psychiatrist, anthony reid was acutely attuned to the waves of disillusionment that crashed through his psyche. his emotional stability quivered, struck by a potent aftershock. instinctively, he used placate on himself. as anthony reid struggled to save himself, franca elaborated, either the battles secrecy is of the highest order, barring my loenese friend from obtaining the truth for now, or a different faction entirely orchestrated the assault on your unit. her inclination leaned toward the latter possibility. in the grand scheme of the loen kingdom, this skirmish was a minor one. anthonys company held no strategic value, no pivotal figures, so there was no reason for a high-level concealment. who could it be? jenna had already raised this question after reading the telegram, but both of them couldnt come up with a reasonable answer. she even speculated that an instigator might have sowed seeds of internal discord amidst the intis army to digest a potion. this made one of the companies impersonate as loenese soldiers, launching a deadly nocturnal assault on anthony reid and his comrades. however, this was far too difficult. no matter how formidable an instigator was, there was no hope of success unless anthony reids company had discovered evidence of someones serious crimes or formed a deep feud with other companies due to conflicts on the battlefield. indeed, who could it be anthony reid, now more composed thanks to his placate, intoned with a voice etched in determination. he understood why the loen army would attack him and his comradestheir animosity, though intense, was comprehensible within the context of war. but an attack from an unknown faction? that puzzled him. franca pondered for a moment and said, did your unit forsake allies on the battlefield? or perhaps lay claim to spoils of war that werent rightfully yours? anthony reid ruminated briefly before shaking his head resolutely. no. lumian chimed in with conviction, absolutely not. this ties back to hugues artois. it cant be a squabble between comrades or external rivals. jenna, absorbed in contemplation, posed another question, did you defy hugues artoiss orders? or did your actions inadvertently cost him something? anthony reid shook his head again. if i had, i wouldnt have grappled with years of puzzlement. silence enveloped apartment 601, a contemplative hush broken only by lumians recollection. a shard of madam magicians prior words tugged at his thoughts, and he ventured, could it be a sacrificial rite? a blood offering to an evil god? madam magician had mentioned that sinners, a secret organization devoted to evil gods, emerged in the wars later phases. the conflict had unwittingly provided opportunities for these evil gods to infiltrate the realm. could anthony reid and his comrades have stumbled upon one of these opportunities? blood sacrifice franca and jenna recalled the support various evil god factions had given hugues artois. had he forged an alliance with these heretics? did he sacrifice his own company? anthony reid fell silent for a moment before saying, the heretics, disguised as the loen army, orchestrated our annihilation with hugues artoiss complicity? franca said insightfully, its the most logical explanation, though the question remainswho gains? certainly not hugues artois. he reaped no boons, not even in death. for a moment, no one could answer francas question. after a few seconds, lumian said, thats one of the avenues we must delve into as we proceed. it might intertwine with hugues artoiss ascent to power and his parliamentary role. upon hearing this, jenna recounted the information she had obtained from the purifiers and concluded, the pressing issue lies in the fact that general philip, who seems the most suspicious, is already deceased. its as if all the threads converge at a sudden dead-end. he died just in time. franca chuckled. a pre-emptive elimination, perhaps? lumian stroked his chin and spoke slowly, in the world of mysticism, certain deaths dont necessarily mean true demise. madam justice had mentioned that an evil gods boon had a deceased sequence. they could use death to escape their original fate. similarly, if general philip had used the substitution spell, the one who died might not be the real him. franca, who had previously helped with finishing guillaume bnet, immediately understood. substitution spell? we cannot dismiss the possibility. lumian smiled. our immediate objective remains the investigation of general philip, ascertaining the truth of his demise. even if he is truly dead, there may be traces he left behind, undiscovered by the purifiers due to the constraints imposed on them. anthony reid, though still grappling with the shattering revelations, felt the warmth of unity and purpose in his companions discourse. it bolstered his resolve, a spark of renewed determination igniting within him. he nodded slightly and said, theres no need to rush. this matter must be very complicated. ill first gather preliminary information about general philip, his family, and friends. after anthony reid took his leave, lumian observed franca preparing to head to rue des fontaines in search of gardner martin, so he left apartment 601 with her. as they walked down the stairs, lumian broached the subject of his conversation with hela, sharing the details with franca. her excitement burgeoned as she absorbed his words, a fervor building within her. great! great! quickly transform into muggle. lets make contact with april fools together! why are you so excited? lumian glanced at him. franca made a tongue-clicking sound and chuckled. back home, theres a saying that goes if you get drenched in the rain, rip up someone elses umbrella. haha, its all in jest, but isnt it interesting? even though your appearance leans towards masculinity, a few simple adjustments can render you strikingly beautiful. once the pyromaniac potion has been digested, have you not considered having a potion of pleasure? sigh, forget it. theres still some risk before reaching sequence 4. laughter and jesting flowed between them, francas demeanor then taking a more serious turn as they reached the street furthermore, youre one of the few people i can trust now. if i could obtain your direct collaboration in our probe of the april fools conundrum, id feel significantly more secure. unfortunately unfortunately lumian echoed the sentiment, a tinge of regret shading his words. his curiosity then led him to inquire about emperor roselle and the perplexing attitudes of the curly-haired baboons research society members. francas expression turned strange, as if she struggled to suppress a bout of laughter. after a moment, she exhaled and said, this matter is quite complicated. its difficult to explain in a few words. ill explain in detail tomorrow or the day after tomorrow when im free. in short, be mentally prepared. how complicated can it be? lumian muttered. he bade franca farewell and commenced his journey toward rue anarchie. upon reaching room 207 at auberge du coq dor, despite having already deciphered the issue with aurores grimoires and no longer needing to delve into them, lumians habits dictated that he retrieve the copies and skim through their contents, his thoughts wandering amidst the scattered pages. approaching midnight, a stirring within lumians heart drew his gaze toward the carbide lamp. the light it emitted bore a dark green hue. the doll messenger, clad in a light-gold dress, suddenly materialized. it glared coldly at lumian, as if striving to contain its emotions. with twin thuds, a pair of iron-black boxing gloves, adorned with multiple short thorns, landed soundlessly on the table. the impact carried a resonance more akin to wood meeting wood than metal striking wood. simultaneously, a folded sheet of paper drifted toward lumian. thank you. although the doll messenger quickly vanished, lumian still expressed his gratitude politely. he refrained from touching the boxing gloves for now, opting to unfold the piece of paper and peruse the contents of madam magicians message. the shadow branch and the lucky one beyonder characteristic have been made into a mystical item. how does it fare? has its form been modified, rendering it more convenient for transport? this is a masterpiece forged by a master. it remains nameless for now. with common words, you could dub it the lucky shadow boxing glove. for a touch of panache, flog could be a stylish choice. the name is yours to determine. any target struck by this glove, regardless of creating injuries, whether they defend with a weapon or not, will undergo a surge of desire or emotion. the specific emotion hinges on your luck. yet, with the presence of lucky one, you can envision or simulate the corresponding desires and emotions ahead of time, guiding the targets reaction. the success rate stands impressively higharound 70 to 80%. following the trigger of a targets desires or emotions, a second strike wont engender new feelings. instead, theres a likelihood of causing the pre-existing desires or emotions to erupt. this unleashes an overwhelming tidal wave on most targets, inflicting significant harm, even rendering them temporarily incapacitated. while the likelihood of invoking desire or emotion with each hit isnt substantial, repetitive blows will eventually yield the desired outcomeunless you are cursed with bad luck that counteracts the influence of lucky one. however, the gloves most exceptional facet isnt its offensive potential, but its defensive capabilities. it possesses unparalleled sturdiness, capable of withstanding an assault from a reaper without incurring any damage. (note: reaper refers to sequence 5 of the hunter pathway.) naturally, this hinges on the attack squarely targeting the glove. in such a scenario, theres even a possibility of taking a strike infused with godhood, at the expense of shattering or fracturing the glove. this probably places the glove at sequence 4. on the downside, carrying the glove will erode your self-control, intensifying the oscillations of various desires and emotions. withstanding this requires exceptional endurance. moreover, while donning the glove, you will attract the attention of a hidden entity since it originated from the tree of shadow. while they cannot directly harm you for various reasons, they can summon dangerous entities to your vicinity, influencing or attacking you. hence, each use of the boxing gloves should be accompanied by a change of location, and their usage should not be for extended periods. failure to adhere to these guidelines may attract hidden dangers. however, should you maintain your composure and endure one or two attacks, the world will expel those dangerous entities who cant truly descend here. ah, one last detailyour two psychiatrists request a final follow-up consultation at the usual time tomorrow afternoon. Chapter 345 - 345 Dream 345 dream i need exceptional endurance to withstand the weakening of self-control brought about by carrying the flog. the waves of various desires and emotions surge stronger alms monk excels in handling such situations while reading madam magicians letter, lumian swiftly considered if he could fulfill the conditions for using the mystical item. naturally, he didnt have to keep the flog boxing gloves with him to employ them. lumian could position them in advance and entice the enemy into an ambush before revealing them. alternatively, he could accumulate enough resources to purchase a steam robot and have emotionless tools carry the gloves for him. nevertheless, thanks to alms monks abilities in managing adverse effects, he didnt need to resort to such complicated strategies. with this in mind, lumian recollected the adverse effects of contractee contracts. a substantial portion of them seemed to be mitigated by alms monks resilience and self-restraint. first acquiring the alms monk boon prior to becoming a contractee. could it be that one must bolster their endurance to endure a contract? otherwise, the padre with over ten negative effects would have self-destructed long ago yes, guillaume bnets utilization of alms monk and ascetic powers wasnt overly adept. could this stem from his ingrained indulgence, making change difficult? or did he leap directly into being a contractee before evolving into a fate appropriator? his grasp of the alms monk and ascetic boons seemed inadequate, relying largely on instinct. lumian murmured to himself. recalling how the padre in the dream transformed from an ordinary individual to a fate appropriator within a day, lumian was more inclined to believe the latter possibility. he surmised that the events in the dream marked guillaume bnets advancement to a fate appropriator with only two to three boons. lumian redirected his attention to the letter in his hand and read through the remainder in one go. concerning the utilization of the flog boxing gloves to attract perilous creatures, he intended to seize an opportunity and approach franca for assistance to verify the precise circumstances. if indeed hazardous, he would need to contemplate reserving one usage of spirit world traversal to escape any future influence or attack. crimson flames silently surged, setting the letter ablaze, its words turning to ash. amidst the dispersed ashes, lumian reached out his hand toward the iron-black boxing gloves. although they lacked the metallic texture and chilliness, they were exceptionally rigid. almost in unison, two voices resonated in lumians mind: one was the voice of the eloping couple, casting curses; the other was the voice of inebriated individuals shattering bottles and clamoring in the street. the former set lumians imagination ablaze, while the latter spurred him to draw his revolver and open fire. the sensations werent overpowering and could be endured and repressed. after confirming the fit of the boxing gloves, lumian set them beside the pillow. in the depths of night, in a hazy state, lumian felt as though he had stepped into an ancient beige castle. its exterior bore numerous dark and crimson stains, as if drenched in a copious amount of blood. hysterical laughter and shouts reverberated from within the castle. lumian instinctively raised his gaze and spotted a deep-red visage peering at him through a narrow window on the third floor. their eyes met, and suddenly, the man raised his right hand and cruelly gouged out his reddish-brown eyes. fine blood vessels detached from their sockets, leaving behind a pair of inky-black, blood-soaked cavities. hahaha! hahaha! the eyeless man chortled with a maddened demeanor. lumians thoughts blurred as he involuntarily stepped into the ancient castle. what unfurled before his eyes were gruesome scenes: the maid rent her abdomen with a dining knife, drawing forth pallid intestines marred by blood. the valets ascended the staircase to the second floor, only to throw themselves back into the hall, repeating their falls in a macabre cycle. the butler clutched a comely female head, his lower body severed. he dragged himself with his elbows, leaving behind a broad and extended trail of blood. the headless mistress sat in an armchair, lifted her cup of coffee, and poured it into the gash on her neck the pungent stench of blood and the frenzied ambiance pierced lumians mind, snapping his eyes open. he beheld the familiar, squalid ceiling and caught the ceaseless nocturnal clamor of rue anarchie. had it all been a dream? the scene from his dream lingered in lumians memory, a residual unease remaining. as a beyonder seasoned with the world of mysticism, he didnt underestimate such a dream. it likely bore the marks of a revelation through astral projection or an external influence. swiftly reviewing the days occurrences, lumian zeroed in on two potential culprits. could it be the lingering effects of the kings pie game from earlier, or perhaps linked to the impact of the flog boxing gloves? he cast a glance at the iron-black spiked boxing gloves, left untouched beside his pillow, sensing that the game was the likely trigger. an attempt to commune with termiboros yielded no response. after securing the flog boxing gloves within a drawer in his wooden table, lumian drifted back into slumber. throughout that night, nightmares plagued him repeatedly. each instance, he encountered the bizarre ancient castle. fortunately, the dreams lucidity waned progressively, eventually melding into a commonplace nightmare. the following morning, lumian adhered to his routine of jogging and practicing boxing, then set out in search of a distinctive breakfast in the bustling market district. after spending nearly the entirety of the morning at salle de bal brise, he eventually found himself standing before apartment 601 at 3 rue des blouses blanches. with a flush on her face and a lively demeanor, franca answered the door. youre quite the eager one. lumian was forthright about his intentions. remember you mentioned wanting to discuss emperor roselle with me? well, well francas expression shifted oddly once more. she grumbled, im feeling unwell! what sort of ailment? lumian found it hard to believe that the demoness of pleasure could fall ill. as franca led him to the living room, she muttered, its empathetic embarrassment! lumian shut the door and took a seat on the sofa. after a moments thought, he inquired, is this embarrassment on behalf of emperor roselle? exactly. franca, seated cross-legged in a recliner, scratched her flaxen hair. im seriously concerned that he might be so mortified that hell rise from the grave to strangle anyone whos privy to the information! after a rather odd comment, franca sighed and explained, in simpler terms, emperor roselle, like us, hails from another world. emperor roselle is also one of the transmigrators you mentioned? lumian blurted out in astonishment. franca confirmed succinctly, many of his inventions, beliefs, and ideas originated in our world. whats more significant, his diary was penned in the language of the nation your sister and i come from. thats why it remained undeciphered for so long until our transmigration. lumians mind was a whirlwind of confusion. it all seemed too fantastical, like something out of fiction. however, aurores attitude toward emperor roselle and his diary lent credence to francas words. seeing his silence, franca added with understanding, nonetheless, hes an extraordinary individual. progressing from a mere sequence 9 individual, he ascended the paths of the divine step by step, overthrowing the sauron dynasty and enacting monumental changes upon intis and the world. his impact on the history of the past two to three centuries and generations of humanity is profound. thats true. emperor roselle once said that a hero is a hero, irrespective of their origins where emperor roselle came from was immaterial lumian quickly collected his thoughts and asked with curiosity, did emperor roselles famous quotations originate from philosophers in your world? many of them did. franca, in a way, supported her fellow countrymans public image. but some are genuinely his own. consider this: a person whos undergone so much, tasted both triumph and failure, must possess unique insights across various domains. hes not lacking in memorable sayings. now i understand why aurore chuckles whenever i mention something emperor roselle said a realization dawned on lumian. he grasped his sisters sentiments at that moment and the jesting tone the curly-haired baboons research society adopted toward the emperor. he then inquired, did one of you write emperor roselles secret chronicles? yes, but im unsure who the author is, franca honestly admitted. the writer possesses quite the literary talent. is everything in there accurate? lumian contemplated seeking out an underground bookseller to procure a copy. franca chuckled. about half of it. even among the portions based on actual events, half of that is a sensationalized expansion of a couple sentences from the emperors diary into a narrative rife with explicit details. for instance, the emperor once shared more than just friendship with a demoness franca suddenly paused. realization dawned upon her that she herself was now a demoness. a worthwhile addition to my collection emperor roselle does seem to live up to the legendary reputation of being a flirt lumians anticipation for the underground book grew. he opted not to delve further into the topic of the emperor and the demoness. instead, he brought up the kings pie game from the prior day and the subsequent nightmarish dreams. he then sought francas insights as an adept practitioner of divination. what revelations are hidden in that dream? i cant decipher it, franca said after a prolonged pause. it conveys a sense of danger and advises to stay away. also, those nightmares appear to be lingering effects from some form of insanity. lumian contemplated for a moment, deciding not to probe deeper for the time being. he planned to consult the two psychiatrists later in the day. at 3:20 p.m., lumian reached mason caf in quartier du jardin botanique and took a seat in booth d. he requested a cup of aromatic intis coffee and two cream-filled cupcakes. once the coffee and confections were served, he patiently waited for a minute or so before catching the sound of susies gentle, feminine voice. good afternoon, mr. lumian lee. lumian responded with an easy smile. good afternoon, madam susie. good afternoon, madam justice. Chapter 346 - 346 Follow-Up Visit 346 follow-up visit how did you know i was here? madam justices voice held a smile. lumian gazed at the chair across from him and responded, a grin tugging at his lips, cant hurt to extend a greeting. susie steered the conversation forward, congratulations on completing the initial phase of your vendetta. care for a brief discussion? no problem. lumians composure remained unshaken, not even flinching at the mention of vendetta. of course, part of his calm demeanor stemmed from the fact that he hadnt brought along the flog boxing gloves. this was a psychological evaluation, after all. he couldnt allow external influences to taint his thoughts and skew the doctors judgment. from the point of seeking assistance and crafting a strategy, he recounted his experiences of the past two days. he glossed over the secret of the curly-haired baboons research society but provided a concise account of everything else. following a momentary silence, susies soothing voice resumed its course. your mental state has held up admirably. a certain degree of overreaction in specific scenarios is par for the course. psychiatric therapy doesnt strip a person of their emotions or feelings. instead, it aids in unburdening oneself, fostering reconciliation, and discovering inner resilience. nightmares wont deal a devastating blow to you any longer. otherwise, according to the more dubious therapists who advocate severing the frontal lobe for eternal tranquility, youll forever be at peace. removing the frontal lobe? lumians ears caught wind of this concept for the first time. susies tone tinged with revulsion. its a notion that has cropped up in the last couple of years. it doesnt yield the intended outcomes; rather, it inflicts grave harm upon the patient. theres an evident malevolence behind this treatment proposal. its as if some callous individual propagated it with the sole intention of making a mockery out of medical professionals and those seeking solace. a prank that toys with the lives of others? lumian shifted gears, steering the conversation onto a different course. madam susie, you havent even delved into my emotions or analyzed my thoughts, yet youve already deduced that ive made some strides towards recovery, and a follow-up might not be necessary? susies demeanor lifted rapidly, and she replied with a grin, at times, a persons actions can be more telling of their psychological state than their thoughts. understand that humans excel at deceiving themselves. they concoct a slew of rationales for their actions, which often stand less grounded in reality than their deeds. to decipher an accurate psychological portrait from this labyrinth of complex and contradictory thoughts requires meticulous analysis. but such scrutiny can easily unearth problems. hence, i chose to commence with an examination of your actions. evidently, whether youre willing to admit it or not, youve successfully reestablished social connections and fostered a level of trust in others. youve also exhibited a willingness to extend your trust to others. prior to your ambush of guillaume bnet, you demonstrated the capacity for calm contemplation and thorough preparation. while there were impulsive undertones and hints of macabre inclinations in your operation, they were inevitable. their absence would only have hinted at more severe psychological turmoil. and once the affair concluded, you swiftly reverted to your norm and dived right back into life, embarking on another investigation. grounded in the sequence of actions youve undertaken, i extend my congratulations. the pronounced self-destructive tendencies have lost their grip, and youve truly extricated yourself from the abyss of agony. naturally, the pain wont dissipate entirely. it will wane and recede. perhaps it might resurge abruptly in the future, once again occupying your mind. yet, theres no need to succumb to panic. armed with this period of experience, i trust youre equipped to navigate it adeptly. psychologically speaking, this signals a path to recovery. in similar fashion, the past invariably leaves its imprints upon us. your self-destructive propensities, your extremities, your pathological behaviorsno doubt theyre more potent than in most individuals, but they all abide by the bounds of reason and normalcy. in response, lumian let out a slow exhale and murmured, i sense it myself, honestly. the present me is an entirely different person from the one who initially set foot in trier. thank you, madam susie. thank you, madam justice. he realized that his transformation from an initial state of apathy was thanks to the efforts of these two psychiatrists and his escapades in the market district. the prospect of death itself had lost its sting. he had shifted from a vindictive malevolent specter to an individual fueled by an ardent thirst for retribution, driven by a potent desire for action. in essence, this is your own redemption. susies tone brimmed with a delight not present before. the primary contributors to this turnaround are none other than yourself and your sister, aurore. were it not for the tiniest ember of hope that you harbored, coupled with your will to persist, and were it not for miss aurore gifting you nearly six years of cherished moments to savor and to mold your thoughts, we might not have been able to reel you back in. as lumian processed these words, a montage of scenes flickered across his mind: aurore inhaling deeply, using the breaths to temper the vexation derived from instructing him. the tempestuous storms of combat training, coupled with her impromptu attacks. the two of them ensconced in the study, each absorbed in their respective books, relishing the tranquility of the night. and, as the number one experimental subject, he was obligated to consume the culinary reproductions of food back home that his sister conjured, be they successes or failures lumians expression softened as he recollected a line from his sisters novel: the joy and pain of days past are equal to the me of the present. after a pause lasting more than ten seconds, he straightened in his seat and queried, were last nights nightmares all rooted in the kings pie game? this time, it was madam justice who responded, her voice soft with understanding, indeed. considering the current situation, its likely that you were mentally corrupted during that time. mental corruption? does it actually involve beyonder powers? lumian asked with genuine curiosity. madam justice replied, ordinarily, the simple act of sacrificing a kings pie wouldnt have yielded any results. otherwise, the game wouldnt have remained a popular tradition in intis for centuries, fading into obscurity only after the establishment of the republic. only a handful of families still recall it. yes, thats what i assumed back then. poufer didnt employ any mystical language or invoke a complete honorific name. its implausible for the sacrifice to succeed, lumian concurred. madam justice continued, nevertheless, exceptions existsacrificers who share blood ties with the subject of the sacrifice and exhibit numerous similarities. if you participate frequently in poufers kings pie game and repeatedly endure the mental corruption it entails, the ramifications wont dissolve with a mere spate of nightmares. rather, before they fully dissipate, theyll progressively warp your psyche and lead you into madness. could the content of these nightmares be symbolic? lumian inquired succinctly. madam justices response flowed measuredly. its highly probable that theyre a fusion of specific deranged occurrences from your past, projected into your dreamscape through the taint of corruption. so, that ancient castle and those deranged individuals could really exist lumian mused, nodding in contemplation. as lumian engaged in a conversation with justice and susie for a while, he intuited that the days follow-up session was drawing to a close. in that instance, madam justice took the lead, saying, didnt i mention previously that i might require your assistance with something? of course, no problem, lumian swiftly agreed. consider it the cost of the psychiatric treatment! moreover, he held the belief that madam justice wouldnt have entrusted him with the task without assessing his capabilities. the endeavor couldnt be excessively dangerous. madam justice chuckled and said, should you succeed, i shall bestow an additional reward upon you, one that will cater to your requirements in a specific manner. something capable of altering my appearance? lumians heart skipped a beat with excitement. something along those lines. madam justices initially gentle tone turned solemn. im hoping you can venture to an ancient tomb situated on the fourth floor of triers catacombs, specifically to retrieve a vial of the samaritan womens spring for me. samaritan womens spring? lumian was taken aback. madame hela had previously mentioned that she had journeyed to trier in pursuit of an artifact hidden deep within the catacombs. concurrently, she had inquired about the legend surrounding the samaritan womens spring! wasnt this too much of a coincidence? almost as if she sensed his thoughts, madam justice chimed in with a smile, dont you find it too coincidental? yes, what im hoping for is that you can leverage madame helas exploration to assist me in securing some samaritan womens spring water. doing so yourself might yield slim chances of success. in truth, i could arrange for you to undertake this task in a more clandestine manner, but that approach contradicts my philosophy and principles. i still require face-to-face communication with you and your explicit consent for such matters. im disinclined to ensnare you passively through covert cues to fulfill my objectives. for me, indulging in the manipulation of others minds is a treacherous endeavor. of course, honesty is also an effective way at influencing others thoughts. lumians skepticism and doubts gradually ebbed away. he inquired, perplexed, madam justice, given that you possess a general awareness of the samaritan womens springs approximate location, why wouldnt you retrieve it yourself? why involve a sequence 7 beyonder like me? the tarot clubs major arcana card was definitely a demigod, countless times stronger than him! madam justice laughed. to put it succinctly, certain locales become progressively hazardous with an increase in sequence. a location where higher sequences meet with increased danger? lumian found this notion confounding. madam justice added, as sequences rise, proximity to the oldest one increases, accumulating more madness along the way. consequently, individuals in higher sequences are more susceptible to particular forms of corruption. hela is also beneficial in this matter. at the very least, this approach will save her time and permit her to narrow down her search to a designated area. after a brief contemplation, lumian agreed to madam justices request. from her, he gleaned the approximate location of the samaritan womens springsituated within the westernmost ancient tomb on the fourth floor of the catacombs. following the session, lumian made his way back to rue des blouses blanches in the market district, his objective being the retrieval of the flog boxing gloves from the iron cabinet. upon his arrival at the safe house, an odd inkling settled upon him. intrusion! someone had infiltrated his safe house! lumians heart tightened as he advanced with purpose, unlatching the iron cabinet. while observing that aurores grimoires and the flog boxing gloves remained, a sigh of relief escaped him involuntarily. however, he proceeded to conduct a thorough inspection, and his scrutiny bore fruit. one article was conspicuously absentthe earth blood ore was gone! Chapter 347 - 347 Strange Theft 347 strange theft looking at the open iron cabinet, lumian found it absurd and surreal. the thief had entered the house without taking the most valuable flog boxing glove, nor did they flip through aurores grimoires to see if there were any banknotes inside. they had only taken a mineral specimen that didnt look like a gem at all. disregarding the traps, if the thief were truly a marauder with beyonder powers, he wouldnt have given up on the boxing gloves made of unique materials and capable of powerful abilities. if he were just an ordinary thief, he wouldnt have just taken the earth blood ore. he might have even casually thrown the seemingly worthless item to the ground. all of this led lumian to suspect that the thieving intruder had only one motive: take away the earth blood ore! the other party clearly knew what was special about the mineral specimen and was attempting to exploit it! termiboros, who stole the earth blood ore? lumian couldnt identify any suspect no matter how hard he thought. apart from dealing with guillaume bnet a few days ago when he retrieved the earth blood ore and handed it to franca, he kept the mineral specimen in the safe house. he never carried it with him to avoid being targeted. of course, the thief might have divined or prophesied to narrow down the area. he searched every room and finally found the target item. termiboross magnificent voice suddenly resounded. i dont know. dont know lumian was alarmed. this answer was meaningless, but coming from termiboros meant many things. while termiboros, sealed within lumians body, couldnt exert any direct power, his angelic nature granted him unique insights. as an angel of the inevitability domain, he possessed an uncanny ability to detect problems and traces that eluded many low-sequence beyonders through low-sequence beyonderss eyes and fate. but now, he claimed ignorance! this revelation carried significant weight, suggesting that whoever had stolen the earth blood ore was no ordinary individual. it hinted at the involvement of a high-level power, possibly tied to a secret organization or cult. hiss, i have to write a letter and inform madam magician about this. after all, she once predicted that the earth blood ore would bring me some misfortune. however, the item is lost before the misfortune arrived lumian had initially hesitated to burden his major arcana card holder with this matter, as he didnt attach much value to the mineral specimen. its applications were limited, and its loss seemed inconsequential. however, with the situation taking a bizarre turn, he couldnt simply dismiss it. in the world of mysticism, negligence often led to painful lessons. truth be told, lumian didnt harbor anger over the loss of his possession, nor did he feel compelled to retrieve it. though the earth blood ore might lead to fortuitous encounters, it remained an abstract concept, difficult to quantify or cherish. moreover, madam magicians warning of potential misfortune made him view its loss as a means to mitigate risk. lumian meticulously inspected the safe house once more, confirming that none of the traps had been triggered. only the earth blood ore had vanished. he settled down to compose a letter. this time, the summoned puppet messenger displayed a less frigid demeanor, no longer suppressing intense emotions. in mere minutes, madam magicians response arrived, concise and to the point: theres indeed something amiss in this matter. i cant identify the thief of the earth blood ore either. if youre not fearful, you can venture to the entrance of salle de bal unique and seek anyone with a monocle in their right eye. even if they arent the culprits, they should possess knowledge of the suspect. if you find it too risky, exercise patience. someone will inquire on your behalf. salle de bal unique that makes sense. the sequence preceding a swindler is marauder. could those monocle-wearing individuals hold sway over all the thieves wielding beyonder powers in trier? lumian pondered this in silence. aurores grimoires had mentioned that marauder occupied sequence 9 on one of the paths of the divine. above marauder was swindler, and further up was cryptologist. after careful consideration, lumian opted to wait for someone to inquire on his behalf. he had no immediate need for the earth blood ore. the thought of salle de bal unique, monette, the monocle-wearing islander swindler, and the swindlers who emulated his style sent shivers down his spine. he preferred to avoid any unnecessary contact for the time being. after burning the letter, lumian shifted his attention to the iron cabinet, the repository of aurores grimoires, flog boxing gloves, and various other items. the once-secure safe house had become compromised, and he needed to find a new location for these possessions. ill take flog with me. ill carry the rest if i can, and sell whats sellable. if not, ill secure another safe house for aurores grimoires and the gold, ill rent an anonymous safe deposit box at a large bank for their safekeeping when this propertys current lease expires, i wouldnt renew it lumian had a clear strategy in mind. his plan encompassed the items he couldnt easily transport or wished to part with, which primarily included the five ritualistic hides, in addition to aurores grimoires and his accumulated gold. finding a new home for these items was a priority, along with securing another safe house for himself. with these considerations in mind, lumian began drafting a letter addressed to hela. in the letter, he revealed that he had acquired information about the approximate location of the samaritan womens spring through a secretive channel. the information source had tasked him with venturing underground to retrieve a genuine bottle of water from the spring. however, as lumian was writing, he felt a sense of puzzlement. it seemed unnecessary for him to be directly involved when he could have entrusted hela with the task of obtaining the spring water on his behalf. madam justice should have considered this. why am i required to descend into the fourth level of the catacombs personally? is it because of the perceived difficulty hela might encounter in procuring the water by herself? she needs my assistance? whats so special about me? apart from the angel sealed within me, my sequence isnt high madame helas sequence is relatively high. its relatively dangerous for her to approach the samaritan womens spring and she will be prone to madness. am i responsible for monitoring her condition and awaken her if needed? i previously believed that madame hela was at least a sequence 4. she claimed she could resolve the cordu problem before the descent ritual, but now it appears she hasnt ascended to a demigod. otherwise, she wouldnt be able to enter the fourth level of the catacombs, let alone approach the samaritan womens spring does she possess a grade 1 sealed artifact or a mystical item equivalent to a saint? lumian combed through the entire situation and made some guesses and judgments. continuing to write, lumian used the information providers request as a pretext to express his personal desire to enter the ancient tomb. after the summoning ritual, the skull, crafted from pure silver and radiating a gentle glow, retrieved the letter and departed. before long, a messenger returned with helas response: no problem. ill meet you at the gates of the death empire at 4 p.m. tomorrow. phew lumian exhaled a sigh of relief, his body trembling with a mix of excitement and trepidation. his adventurous spirit and penchant for experimentation had always defined him. the bizarre vanishing of the couple in the catacombs had etched a profound mark on his psyche. the next morning, at 11 rue des fontaines. lumian dutifully arrived at gardner martins villa and reported the details of his meeting with count poufer and the other black cat members. inside, gardner martin, unusually excited, sat behind his desk and spoke with a hint of joy, despite your claim of lacking artistic inclination, your background allows you to converse with them effectively. thats precisely why i chose you instead of albus. i was concerned you might not exhibit enough generosity, but you handled it admirably. you even sponsored them with 4,000 verl dor on your first visit. gardner martin, the commanding officer of the iron and blood cross order, implied that lumians status as the younger brother of best-selling author aurore lee, even without artistic inclination, provided him with a wealth of insider knowledge about the scandals, grudges, and grievances within the literary and artistic circles. lumian, however, didnt waste any time and cut straight to the point. what i dont understand is why the kings pie game gave me a sense of danger. i even had a few nightmares last night. gardner martin nodded thoughtfully. thats because poufer is quite unique. he bears a striking resemblance to his ancestor, vermonda. they share a strong blood connection, which allows them to bypass many crucial steps during a ritual. has his ancestor turned into an evil spirit? how can he still accept sacrifices after centuries? lumian asked, basing his question on logical reasoning, without mentioning mr. ks account. gardner martin responded with solemnity, thats something you should investigate when you approach poufer. dont worry; as long as you dont participate in the kings pie game every two or three days, the only aftereffect youll experience is those nightmares. keep that sense of danger intact and resist becoming a king. its easier for you to become a king than anyone else, except for poufer himself. if youre uncertain about making the right choice, let poufer choose first. the iron and blood cross order wants to uncover the whereabouts of the mysterious vermonda sauron, who has been missing for centuries? heh heh, why didnt they warn me about the dangers of the kings pie game beforehand and advise me to be the last to make a choice? lumian suspected that gardner martin hadnt mentioned it to confirm a crucial matter. in the afternoon, near the trier opera house, within a concealed quarry cave, franca and jenna, wearing half-masks, once again met the warlock in the black robe. he was the same client who had previously commissioned the investigation of the disappearance of the deep valley cloisters gatekeeper. franca scanned their surroundings, her voice intentionally hoarse as she spoke, weve made some progress in our investigation regarding the disappearance of the deep valley cloisters gatekeeper. we wish to discuss it with you privately. the man fell silent for over ten seconds before finally nodding. very well. their iron-masked skeletal escort led them, along with the client, into a secluded conversation room within the quarry cave. with an hour left until their agreed meeting time, lumian equipped himself with a carbide lamp and entered the market districts corresponding entrance to underground trier. Chapter 348 - 348 The Bustling Underground 348 the bustling underground the carbide lamp emitted a bluish-yellow light, casting an eerie glow over the tunnel, which was divided by stone pillars. lumian strolled casually, carrying a black canvas bag that had become popular among university students in recent years. inside, he had stashed the flog boxing gloves and a stack of white candles. after conducting numerous experiments, lumian had discovered that carrying them in his bag was less risky than tucking them into his shirt or pants pockets. while it didnt make a significant difference, it was still better than the alternative. as he followed the route marked on gardner martins map, leading him toward the underground of quartier de lobservatoire, lumian suddenly perked up his ears, listening for signs of approaching footsteps. a cacophony of faint footsteps echoed in the air, barely audible. lumian scanned the path ahead and to his right, unsure which route the unidentified group would take. to remain inconspicuous, he clambered up to a stone pillar supporting the tunnels ceiling, extinguishing his carbide lamp, and disappeared into the shadows. before long, a group of men emerged. most of them wore tattered jackets or were shirtless, hunched over while carrying heavy crates. over a dozen burly men, dressed in well-worn attire with sinister expressions, held various firearms and carbide lamps, interspersed throughout the group. smugglers lumian peered out, examining the crates illuminated by the smugglers lights. they appeared to emit a metallic gleam. firearms or something else? he mumbled silently, observing the smuggling caravan as it entered the right tunnel. as they advanced, possibly due to a shadow that moved too much like a human, one of the smugglers raised his gun, took aim, and fired. with a resounding bang, the alarm ceased, and the group pressed onward. lumian clicked his tongue and shook his head, finding their reaction overly tense and excessive. in underground trier, such actions could easily lead to trouble! it was well known that aside from university students exploring and citizens cultivating mushrooms to eke out a living, most individuals venturing underground were not to be underestimated. the chances of encountering beyonders were significantly higher below ground than on the surface. firing upon any passerby could potentially provoke members of secret organizations, bestowed of evil gods, anti-government militants, or formidable cave adventurers. with this in mind, lumian drew his revolver and squeezed the trigger in the direction of the smuggling caravan, which was about to disappear at the end of the tunnel to his right. he wasnt aiming at anyone, just firing into the air. bang! the armed smugglers either spun around or scrambled for cover, unleashing a barrage of bullets at the crossroads. however, lumian was no longer concerned. he was already scaling the rock wall, almost reaching the top. after exchanging gunfire with the empty air for a brief moment, the smugglers shifted their positions nervously, puzzled and flustered. lumian observed their backs and couldnt help but smile. no need for thanks. consider it a free lesson! he leaped to the ground and relit his carbide lamp. smelling the lingering scent of gunpowder, lumian grinned and holstered his revolver before continuing along his planned route. a few minutes later, he came across a group of quarry police officers dressed in dark uniforms, armed with semi-automatic revolvers. the officer leading the group, upon seeing lumians youthful appearance, backpack slung diagonally, and well-dressed attire, muttered under his breath, son of a bitch, why is it another college student!? he then exhaled loudly and asked, did you hear anything just now? there was a gunfight over there. bang, bang, bang. i wanted to go over and take a look, but i didnt dare, lumian replied, concealing nothing about the smuggling caravan. the quarry police officers exchanged glances and swiftly passed lumian, sprinting toward the intersection. in the conversation room. observing the iron-masked skeletal hosts departure, the man dressed in warlock attire turned his attention to franca and jenna and said, what did you discover? as i mentioned, you need to find the gatekeeper or his remains to claim your reward. jenna replied calmly, we havent really thought about payment yet. we believe the situation is more complex than you described. one night, we infiltrated the deep valley quarry upon hearing the term deep valley quarry, the man, hidden under a hooded shadow, subtly lifted his gaze. franca keenly observed his body language. she had consulted with anthony reid and knew the kind of subconscious reactions ordinary humans would exhibit in such situations. the mans actions suggested he was highly sensitive to the mention of deep valley quarry. only someone aware of the issue would react in such a way. jenna continued to recount their discoveries, including the cybernetic-eyed monk and the secret cave adorned with limbs. the warlock-dressed man remained composed, making no unnecessary movements. however, to franca, this indicated that he understood the abnormality within deep valley quarry. after hearing jennas account, the man deliberately raised his voice and said, i cant confirm if its related to the gatekeepers disappearance, but if you can enter the secret cave, capture a few photographs, or retrieve valuable items, im willing to offer half the payment upfront. perhaps youll find clues about the gatekeepers whereabouts inside. do you take us for fools? are you expecting us to take such a risk for a mere 10,000 verl dor? franca muttered silently. had this mysticism gathering not been organized by her friend, she would have found a way to tail the client and uncover his true identity. she could then extract more detailed information from him and have jenna sell it to the purifiers. halt! the death empire lies ahead! lumian once again found himself standing in front of the natural arch, adorned with a peculiar mix of white bones, sunflowers, and steam symbols carved into the stone. before he could reach for the pocket watch he had borrowed from salle de bal brise to check the time, hela, dressed in a mysterious widows black robe with withered blonde hair, approached from the other side. the woman nodded slightly and said, since youre already here, lets proceed ahead of schedule. very well. lumian opened his bag and produced two white candles. after lighting them and handing one to hela, he grinned and remarked, arent you worried that the information i obtained about the samaritan womens spring might be incorrect? success comes after numerous failures, hela replied with icy detachment. a chuckle escaped lumians lips. i thought you might say that failure is the mother of success. this isnt the research society, hela replied tersely. lumian didnt waste any more time. he extinguished his carbide lamp and advanced toward the rocky arch, clutching the white candle, its flame now an intense orange. as expected, a figure emerged from the shadows beyond the door. the figure sported a blue vest and yellow pants, with gray hair and few wrinkles. his light-yellow eyes held a faint cloudiness, marking him as an elderly man. the old man cast a disapproving look at the white candle in lumians hand and asked with a furrowed brow, didnt you find a guide? you not you guys? lumian glanced at hela out of the corner of his eye and realized that the candlelight around her had dimmed, as if it had been corroded by the underground darkness or shrouded in dense fog. in this state, she appeared to have vanished from the tomb administrators view. lumian flashed a smile at the old man. i dont require a guide. ive been to the tomb many times, though im more accustomed to entering through the quartier de la cathdrale commmorative entrance. dont worry, i remember all the taboos, and i wont deliberately break them. the old man snapped, you college students! remember, exit before your candles burn out! with that, he stepped aside and disappeared into the darkness behind the door. as lumian passed through the rocky passage and entered the death empire, he turned to the aged tomb administrator and asked curiously, why can you hold a lit white candle? the tomb administrators faintly turbid light-yellow eyes suddenly darkened, and an icy aura emanated from him. in a deep voice, he replied, im just stationed by the entrance, not venturing too deep. is that so? lumian, who had already entered the catacombs, rationally abandoned any further inquiry. he focused on the chill in his heart and the unseen gazes from the surrounding darkness. he couldnt help but sense a resemblance between the tomb administrators current aura and helas presence. under the ever-watchful gaze of the corpses in the stone pit and the heaps of bones lining the sides of the passage, lumian pressed on through the musty air. he walked alongside hela, passing landmarks like the chapel tomb and the memorial pillar tomb. hela broke the silence, her tone frosty. which level are we heading to? the fourth level, lumian replied, holding the white candle aloft and pointing to a nearby tomb sign, not withholding any information. hela nodded once more and picked up her pace, striding ahead of lumian. she seemed intimately familiar with the first level of the catacombs. after a few twists and turns, she led lumian to a staircase that descended to the second level. compared to the previous level, there were far fewer tourists here. occasionally, they encountered university students singing, dancing, or testing their courage under the gaze of the candlelit corpses. hela showed no signs of slowing down. soon, lumian spotted a weathered stone door. with the candles flickering yellow glow illuminating the way, he read the intisian inscription on the stone door: entrance to the old ossuary. down here, we enter the third level. just beyond the door is the sun and steam altar. keep walking until you reach the krismona night pillar, and thats where we enter the fourth level, hela explained, her voice still cold. do you have a complete map of the catacombs? lumian couldnt help but inquire, aware that only the map of the first level was readily available on the market. hela shook her head. i know less the deeper we go. from the third level onward, you have to rely on the road signs and the guiding black line on the cave ceiling. lumian chose not to press the matter further. with hela leading the way, they crossed the threshold of the old ossuary and descended a wide stone staircase, imbued with a palpable sense of history. upon reaching the third level of the tomb, they encountered a flickering candlelight and a makeshift altar composed of two weathered boulders. the candles flame belonged to a young man with black hair, brown eyes, and a pale complexion. upon spotting lumian and hela, he rushed toward them as if grasping at a lifeline. as he ran, he shouted, m-my friends vanished! just like that! Chapter 349 - 349 Sacrificial Square 349 sacrificial square his friends had vanished? lumian, clutching a white candle, watched as the young man dashed over, his eyebrows twitching slightly. in the catacombs, it was common for people to disappear. what was unusual was that this guy still remembered his friends and their strange disappearance. he wasnt a tomb administrator, nor did he have an angel sealed within him! any anomaly that occurred meant that something was wrong! stop! lumian drew his revolver with his free right hand and pointed it at the black-haired, brown-eyed, and pale-faced young man. in the flickering candlelight, the lad shook his head frantically and said, help! save me! theyve all vanished! he slowed down slightly but didnt stop. bang! lumian pulled the trigger of the revolver, sending the yellow bullet grazing the lads body into the distance, disappearing into the darkness that couldnt be illuminated by candlelight. sensing lumians determination to stop him, the lad finally halted and revealed a pleading expression. save me! save me! observing helas silence with no intention of making conversation, lumian had no choice but to inquire, what happened? as he spoke, he used the yellow candle flames in the trios hands to survey the environment on the third level of the catacombs. unlike the first two levels of the tomb, which were surrounded by white bones and had corpses lining both sides of the path, this level had a small square devoid of corpses. the square was paved with mottled cobblestones, with no moss or soil in the crevices. it was unbelievably clean. two grayish-white pillars made of boulders stood on either side of it. their surfaces were severely weathered, leaving peeling marks. even so, lumian, with his keen eyesight, discerned the sun sacred emblem and triangular sacred emblem engraved on the two pillars. surrounding them were symbols like sun flowers, crankshafts, and connecting rods. around the square, where candlelight couldnt penetrate, the darkness was dense, as if countless figures stood there, casting gazes that made lumians skin prickle. the young man with black hair, brown eyes, and a pale face replied fearfully, i dont know. we were just about to leave the square where the altars of the eternal blazing sun and the god of steam and machinery stand to explore the ancient tomb on the third level. suddenly, they stumbled over something and fell, one by one. even the candles in their hands fell to the ground and went out. i-i was at the back and saw them vanish just like that! vanish? lumian asked deliberately, probing for more information. to him, the most pressing question wasnt how they vanished but why the witness still remembered their disappearance. yes, they vanished! the young man nodded fervently. it was as if they evaporated right in front of me at an incredibly fast speed. i-i was so scared that i didnt dare look for them or return to the surface. i could only wait in this sacrificial square, praying to the sun. just as my candle was about to burn out, someone finally arrived! its clear that if you arent affected by the strangeness and manage to escape, your faith in the eternal blazing sun would surge lumian couldnt discern anything amiss with the other party, so he casually posed another question. are you college students? the lad nodded again. yes, were students from trier normal college. we formed a team to adventure here. mymy name is grard. lumian couldnt help but chuckle. he even considered inviting grard to join him and hela in their search for the samaritan womens spring. after all, the chances of a student like him surviving until graduation seemed slim. he might be more useful as bait. as he contemplated how to determine if there was anything wrong with grard, hela suddenly spoke with a cold tone, well escort you back. surprisingly kind? lumian turned to hela, taken aback. his impression of this lady was that even her blood ran cold. grard was so grateful that tears and snot streamed down his face. he continued to thank them profusely as he approached. lumian observed his every move. he retrieved a white candle from his canvas bag and tossed it over. desperately, grard caught it and lit the new candle with the old one, which had only a small segment left. seeing the flickering candlelight, the college student breathed a sigh of relief and followed hela and lumian down the stone staircase leading to the second level. just as he took ten steps up, grard was suddenly stunned. lumian looked over and noticed that the lingering fear on his face had disappeared. will it be a problem for you to return to the surface by yourself? hela asked again, but her words were entirely different from before. grard chuckled. no problem. thank you for the candle. sigh, losing the spare candle is troublesome. uh lumians heart stirred as he probed, did you venture to the third level of the tomb alone? grard nodded proudly. of course, i possess enough courage and experience. he has finally forgotten about his schoolmates did he not forget because he was at the sacrificial square? did madame hela notice that, thereby suggesting escorting him? lumian nodded in enlightenment. after watching grard ascend the stairs and leave through the entrance of the old ossuary, lumian and hela returned to the sacrificial square. this time, when lumian looked at the two sacrificial pillars representing the eternal blazing sun and the god of steam and machinery, his feelings for them were entirely different. perhaps they symbolized the protection of a deity! however, even with the deitys gaze and protection, the two stone pillars inevitably showed signs of weathering and corrosion after countless years in the depths of the catacombs. lumian believed that more protection meant greater confidence. he wouldnt lose anything by giving it a try. facing the sacrificial pillar engraved with the sun sacred emblem, he raised his body slightly and spread his arms. praise the sun! hela watched silently, not interrupting his prayer. after lumian finished his concise praise, the two of them made their way toward the krismona night pillar to the north, following the black line above their heads and the road sign at the edge of the square. lumian, holding a white candle, had only taken a few steps away from the sacrificial square when his heart stirred. he cast his gaze forward. at some point, a skeleton, covered in dark-green mold, had collapsed by the road. the bones of its hands lay across the road, as if it wanted to grab a passerbys ankle. if lumian had walked faster and failed to carefully observe the environment, he might have tripped over the corpse! this instantly reminded him of grards description: the college students companions stumbled over something and fell to the ground, extinguishing their candles. only then were they swallowed by the catacombs, leaving no trace of their existence! did they trip over these fallen bones? lumian thoughtfully kicked the hand bone away. amidst the clanking sounds, he and hela continued forward. however, after a few steps, they encountered another white skeleton with half its body lying on the road. lumian frowned and instinctively looked back at the spot where he had almost tripped. the dim candlelight barely reached there, but lumian could barely make out the details with his hunters eyesight. his pupils dilated as he realized that the pale-white hand bone he had kicked had returned to its original position, still serving as an obstacle for passersby! theyre still alive? undead creatures? lumian asked, his nerves on edge. no, but its a possibility, hela replied succinctly. seeing lumians puzzled expression, she explained, they must have been affected by the environment deep within the tomb and are exhibiting certain abnormalities. when the hidden dangers and horrors in the environment erupt, its likely that they will all turn into undead creatures. all of them turning into undead creatures lumian instinctively shuddered as he imagined such a scenario. whether complete or incomplete, there were at least a million skeletons on this level. it might even be an order of magnitude more. if they all became undead creatures with a hatred for the living, the situation would be terrifying to the extreme! seeing that hela had no intention of turning back, lumian followed. they relied on the guidance of the road sign and the black lines above their heads to navigate through the bones that were trying to obstruct them and slowly made their way toward their destination. after an unknown amount of time, they finally reached the krismona night pillar without encountering another living person. it was a colossal pillar made of black marble, its upper end reaching the cave ceiling. there were no patterns or symbols engraved on its surface, nor were there any signs of weathering or corrosion. lumian was taken aback. in the sacrificial square, the two stone pillars symbolizing the eternal blazing sun and the god of steam and machinery had been weathered and corroded! is this pillar more special than the sacrificial ones? as if sensing lumians thoughts, hela spoke coldly, krismona is a member of the demoness sect, which can also be called the demoness family. she was a sequence 2 demoness of catastrophe. she perished in the war of the four emperors in the previous epoch, dying inside fourth epoch trier. however, her characteristics were retrieved by the demoness family. apart from the krismona night pillar, there are also the marianne night pillar and lius night pillar on the third or fourth level. who are these two? lumian believed they were angels as well. otherwise, they wouldnt be on par with krismona. marianne was the pope of the church of evernight back then, and lius was a blessed of ancient death, a death consul. their characteristics were also retrieved by their respective factions. as for whether other angels perished here, im not sure, but many of the angels who followed the blood emperor must have perished. after hela briefly explained, she pointed at the stone staircase behind the krismona night pillar. lets go to the fourth level. lumian tersely agreed, and they quickly replaced their rapidly burning white candles before ascending to the fourth level. after attending the mysticism gathering, franca and jenna retraced their steps to the underground area corresponding to the arcade of the opera house. as they turned a corner at a fork of the road, franca leaned over and whispered into jennas ear, someones following us. someone is following us? jennas heart skipped a beat. Chapter 350 - 350 Negative Effects 350 negative effects how can that be? jenna exclaimed, her surprise and confusion evident. she recollected the mysticism gatherings conclusion, where participants dispersed through various routes at sporadic intervals. the two of them had been cautious, ensuring they left no clues. so, how had they been followed? observing jennas restraint from looking back, franca calmly moved ahead and whispered, who knows? perhaps another participant chose this route and stumbled upon someone ahead. they might want to tail us, hoping for an opportunity to strike it big. or maybe someone with unusual skills tracked us in an unexpected way. lets keep moving forward as if nothings amiss. well be safe once we reach the street under the arcade. if our pursuer strikes before then, drop the carbide lamp immediately and hide in the nearby shadows. depending on the situation, you can decide how to join the fight. jenna nodded subtly, indicating her willingness to follow francas instructions. unintentionally, she tightened her grip on the carbide lamp. after traversing the dark, damp tunnel for a hundred to two hundred meters, franca slowed down and glanced back with confusion. the stalker has vanished its also possible that he found a way to bypass the spider silk i left behind as she finished speaking, a figure emerged from the darkness ahead, illuminated by the carbide lamps glow. jenna reacted swiftly, dropping the carbide lamp in her left hand and blending into the shadows. relying on her mirror substitution technique, franca didnt rush to evade. instead, she fixed her gaze on the stalker who had circled around to confront them. it was the man masquerading as a warlock, his face concealed beneath a hooded shadow. the entrustee! he gazed at franca and deliberately spoke in a high-pitched voice, i want to strike a deal with you guys. behind the krismona night pillar, lumian trailed behind hela, clutching a new white candle that flickered in the dim light. they followed the worn stone steps, seemingly descending into the depths of hell. the stone walls on either side slowly gave way, revealing intricate reliefs of human heads. dark gray figures clustered together, reminiscent of the countless bones piled high in the upper tomb. as lumian completed the descent and stepped onto the hushed fourth level of the catacombs, an overwhelming restlessness overcame him. it was as if he had been imprisoned for a long time, yearning for freedom. this sensation wasnt unfamiliar; it was a side effect of the armored shadow contract, but it had never been this intense before! it was as if his spirit felt trapped within his body, finally becoming cognizant of the truth. it sought to break free from this cage, to shatter this world and gain true freedom. phew lumian exhaled slowly, calming himself down. even without the alms monk boon, he believed he could manage these turbulent emotions. with the alms monks power, he could control them even better. according to madam justice, the higher ones sequence, the more susceptible they are to madness and the hidden corruption of the fourth level of the catacombs. is that what im experiencing? is it because my sequence isnt high that i could endure and control it? lumian quickly made a guess about the current situation. he instinctively looked up and cast his gaze diagonally at hela. her neck is slender, mostly concealed in the widow-like attires collar, a suitable target for snapping just as this thought crossed lumians mind, he hurriedly shook his head, dismissing the negative effects of the abscessed hands contract. simultaneously, he noticed that helas face had turned pale-whiter, resembling a corpse that had been dead for many days rather than a living human. in an instant, hela produced a military flask, unscrewed the cap, and downed its contents. lumian caught a whiff of the strong scent of alcohol. silently, he muttered, it should be liquor could hela be like the alcoholics in feysac, carrying multiple flasks with her? after finishing a third of the bottle in a single gulp, helas complexion flushed slightly as she inquired, which way should we go? lumian responded honestly, its in an ancient tomb on the westernmost side. we have a general idea of the area, but not the exact location. hela nodded and glanced at the top of the tomb, where a thick black line was drawn with arrows pointing in various directions. combining this with the signs near the entrance, lumian could roughly discern the route leading west. nevertheless, he pulled out a compass he had prepared beforehand to confirm. under the feeble candlelight, the compass needle oscillated continuously, erratic and unceasing. its acting crazy, lumian commented, attempting to alleviate his pent-up irritation with humor. well have to rely on the road signs and black lines, hela responded, seemingly expecting this. lumian sighed, eyeing the erratically moving compass. he chuckled self-deprecatingly. if it never stops, could it power a perpetual motion machine? hela glanced at him. arent you a believer in the eternal blazing sun? lumian replied sincerely, at least for now, i am. hela didnt press the topic further. following the road sign beside her and the black lines above, she stepped to the right. the marianne night pillar and lius night pillar are both on this floor. theres also fran?oiss tomb, the blood order hall, and crazy shrooms cave uh, the style of this name is completely different from the others, lumian rambled, diverting his attention from the road sign. the most noticeable difference between the fourth and third levels was the absence of corpses lining the path. it appeared wider and cleaner, yet it was eerie in its silence. the ancient tombs had sealed entrances, concealing their contents from prying eyes. without turning around, hela remarked, does your mental unrest manifest in talking and rambling more? not exactly. talking just helps me cope with the irritation, lumian admitted. they continued to navigate, using the road signs and black lines to adjust their direction as they went along. as lumian passed by the partially natural tomb cave named the order hall, the outer soil tinged with a hint of blood, he suddenly spotted someone. it was a woman in a plain white robe, her black hair flowing down her back, and her features extraordinarily exquisite, perfectly harmonious. her aura was so pure that she seemed out of place in this silent and filthy tomb. despite having seen a demoness of pleasure frequently, lumian couldnt help but be amazed. he even felt an unholy urge to ravage her. this wasnt just a drawback of flogs boxing gloves; it was a dark impulse from the depths of his heart. lumian snapped out of it. the woman had sparkling blue eyes, cold and lifeless, and her hands were empty, holding an unlit white candle! in the catacombs, the living would vanish without the protection of the white candles flames! lumians body tensed as the woman slipped into the surrounding darkness, blocked by the outer wall of the blood order hall, and disappeared without a trace. what are you looking at? helas cold voice cut through the silence. didnt you see? lumian recounted the scene he had witnessed in detail. hela fell silent for a few seconds before saying, i didnt see it indeed. however, as soon as you stopped moving, i cast my gaze in that direction. was i the only one who could see it? or was i the only one allowed to see it? lumian couldnt be certain if it was due to termiboross influence, his sequence, or his gender. hela pondered for a moment and replied, dont concern yourself with such matters. its normal for special wraiths and evil spirits to linger in the depths of the catacombs, but this place is like a powerful seal. as long as you dont break the rules and trigger an anomaly, you should be safe. lumian nodded. i was just thinking, lumian began, ordinary tourists and adventurous college students wouldnt be able to pass through the third level of the tomb to reach this place. why did they produce the guiding black line and accurate road signs? who are they for? hela answered as she took another step forward, official beyonders who come here regularly to clean up and tomb administrators who patrol the area every day. she then offered a simple reminder. based on your description, the female figure you saw earlier resembles a high-ranking demoness. lumians heart skipped a beat. could it be the lingering vengeful spirit of the demoness of catastrophe, krismona? im not sure, hela replied, taking another sip from her military flask. lumian casually glanced around, his eyelids twitching. he noticed a purplish-red patch on the back of helas right hand. it hadnt been there before. it resembled the livor mortis seen on the deceased! is this the effect of the corruption on the fourth level of the catacombs? is madame hela using alcohol to resist it? lumian continued his small talk. amidst his babbling, they meandered through the unmarked ancient tombs and eventually reached the westernmost area of the floor. at the edge of the rock wall, dozens or possibly hundreds of ancient tombs stretched out of sight. just as lumian was about to ask hela if she could expedite the search for their target, he heard knocking from an ancient tomb nearby. both hela and lumian tensed, their eyes fixed on the tomb as more of its damaged stone walls crumbled, revealing a dark cavern that humans could enter and exit. a figure emerged, hunched over. lumian, filled with tension, wanted to unleash a giant fireball, but he restrained himself, opting to observe first. the man who crawled out of the ancient tomb held a lit white candle, dusted off his clothes, and slowly straightened up. dressed in a black seers robe commonly seen in circuses, he had brownish-black skin, a slender build, curly black hair, and deep-set eyes. a crystal-like monocle adorned his right eye. he was none other than the islander swindler, monette. monette flashed a smile at lumian and hela. what a coincidence! Chapter 351 - 351 Killing Intent 351 killing intent dammit! lumian couldnt help but curse inwardly when he saw monette. a mix of anger and fear washed over him, a reaction to the stress of the situation. why is it him again? why did he appear underground in front of me at such a critical moment? what is he up to? why is he like the bedbugs at auberge du coq dor, the cockroaches in the trash, and the rats in underground trier, ubiquitous and unavoidable? who are you? hela asked coldly. her deadpan demeanor swiftly soothed lumians emotions. his mind raced as he analyzed the intentions of the islander swindler, monette, and the salle de bal unique dance hall backing him. monette, with a sly smile, pinched the monocle in his right eye socket and replied, like you guys, a tomb adventurer. tomb adventurer you make grave robbers sound so honorable madam justice once said that the higher a sequence, the more dangerous it is to enter the catacombs therefore, the angel monette believes in cant provide him with any assistance here. the saints with godhood in salle de bal unique dont dare enter either in other words, if madame hela and i join forces, we have a high chance of keeping monette here forever, preventing him from roaming around like a cockroach! lumian narrowed his eyes as he gazed at monette. the fear in his heart dissipated significantly, and the dangerous thoughts of using this opportunity to eliminate the swindler in front of him rapidly multiplied. lumian smiled and looked at monette. tomb adventurer? do you know this place well? monette smiled and said, of course. he raised his right hand and pointed at an ancient tomb at the edge of the candlelights range. that belongs to a member of the fourth epochs zoroast family. immediately after, monette pointed to a few nearby tombs. thats a member of the jacob family, a member of the abraham family, a member of the blood legion unfortunately, there are no beyonder characteristics left behind. lumians surprise and puzzlement grew as he realized that the islander swindler had genuinely answered his question. this raised even more questions about monettes motives. he cautiously pointed towards the ancient tomb from which monette had emerged. whose tomb is that? monette took a few steps forward, noticing the subtle shift in lumians demeanor. he stopped and maintained his enigmatic smile. a member of the fourth epochs amon family. this swindlers knowledge of the fourth epoch families and the catacombs fourth level is far more extensive than what should is written on the road signs. amid lumians bewilderment, hela spoke again. then do you know where the samaritan womens spring is? monette stroked the outer edge of his monocle and wore a smirk. why should i tell you? what kind of reward can you offer? why should we believe you have the exact location of the samaritan womens spring? lumian asked instinctively. he suspected that monette was about to embark on his habitual deception. monette chuckled lightly. i really dont know. the name samaritan womens spring isnt that impressive. it seems to come from an ancient book i once read. however, after coming to this level many times, i discovered some strange phenomena. some occasionally animated bones will automatically gather in this area, enter a tomb, and never come out. the undead animated by the environment will be affected by this tombs abnormality and drawn to it automatically? or is that the samaritan womens spring? western side, some ancient tomb. the conditions match lumians heart raced as he became even more vigilant. monette, the islander swindler, voluntarily disclosed such crucial information without receiving any payment ? this was completely out of character for him! any anomaly that occurred meant that something was wrong! lumian suspected two potential scenarios: either monette was luring him and hela into the ancient tomb where the undead gathered, hoping to lead them into a trap, or he was using them as scouts to navigate this dangerous territory. both possibilities were equally plausible. although the former didnt benefit monette, some people did enjoy seeing others suffer. thats all i know. monette pinched the monocle in his right eye socket and said with a smile, ill search the other tombs. if you can find the so-called samaritan womens spring, remember to leave a note for me in the tomb of the amon family member; tell me whats so special about it. as he spoke, he advanced toward lumian. in lumians tense state, poised to strike at a moments notice, the islander swindler sidestepped him and headed for the distant tomb, carrying a lit white candle. soon, his silhouette disappeared at the crossroads, plunging the area into darkness once more. has he truly left? lumian remained vigilant, his attention focused on termiboross reaction. the inevitability angel remained silent, seemingly unperturbed by monettes reappearance. hela took a few steps back and positioned herself beside an ancient tomb, pushing open its rickety stone door. confronted by the pale-white bones strewn at the tombs entrance, hela raised her right hand. as if pulled by invisible threads, the bones swiftly converged, morphing into a swaying humanoid skeleton with a creaking sound. hela refrained from issuing any commands to the undead creature she had summoned. she observed coldly as it slowly departed from the tomb, drawn by an unseen force into the darkness. is madame hela from the corpse collector pathway, or does she possess a corresponding mystical item? lumian roughly discerned helas intentions. she intended on utilizing the undead creatures characteristicthe automatic attraction to the problematic ancient tombto chart their course. the most probable anomaly in this region was the samaritan womens spring! holding their burning white candles, the pair followed the humanoid skeleton through the westernmost tombs. suddenly, another figure emerged from the darkness around the corner, a candle flame accompanying him. a crystal monocle adorned his right eye socket, and an enigmatic smile graced his face. it was that islander swindler monette once more! as lumian jumped in fright, monette asked with a smile, is that samaritan womens spring interesting? can i accompany you? why didnt you ask previously? lumians killing intent surged. without batting an eyelid, he said, we havent even located it yet. how would we know if its interesting? why didnt you conceal yourself in the shadows, awaiting the completion of our exploration and confirmation of any dangers or traps before venturing forth? that way, the risk would be considerably lower. and even if we succeed, we wont be able to remove the samaritan womens spring in its entirety. monette pressed the back of his right index finger against the monocle and nodded in agreement. you make a valid point. the swindler grinned and retreated into the darkness around the corner. the candles flame promptly dwindled until it vanished. he left so easily? lumians thoughts raced, but he couldnt quite decipher monettes intentions. he glanced at hela and noticed that she was sipping liquor again, but her complexion had a pallid, almost bluish hue. she resembled a corpse even more now. do you have any idea whats up with these monocle-wearing folks? lumian inquired. hela placed the empty military flask back into her hidden pocket. as she continued to follow the humanoid skeleton, she replied in a cold, ethereal voice, its tied to the fourth epochs amon family. fourth epochs amon family the ancient tomb monette emerged from belonged to a member of the amon family they control the marauder pathway, much like franca mentioned the demoness familys control over the assassin pathway. seeing that hela wasnt inclined to share more, lumian had no choice but to keep silent and follow. monettes reappearance pushed aside any thoughts of idle chatter to ease his restlessness. as they proceeded, the candles held by lumian and hela took on a faint, eerie shade of dark green. the resurrected skeleton turned into a massive, decaying tomb with a partially open stone door. lumians spirits soared, sensing that the samaritan womens spring lay ahead. at that moment, another figure poked its head out from the side of the tomb. under the yellowish candlelight, the crystal monocle gleamed with an unsettling brilliance. it was the islander swindler, monette, once more! he grinned and inquired, do you have any messages for your family and friends? i can help convey them. lumian was so startled that he almost couldnt contain the urge to strike down monette right then and there! there couldnt be a better place to deal with him! no, hela replied icily, choosing not to engage. lumian exhaled slowly and said, neither do i. what a shame. monette returned to the dark tunnel beside the tomb, looking disappointed. the yellowish candlelight flickered slightly, indicating that he hadnt gone far and was waiting nearby. lumian couldnt help but glance at hela and gesture with his right hand as if cutting a throat. he was asking if they should eliminate the islander swindler in advance. hela remained silent for a few moments before gently shaking her head. well leave as soon as we obtain the samaritan womens spring. she intended to stay focused on their objective and avoid stirring up further trouble. yes, once ive collected the spring water, ill teleport away with madam hela lumian agreed and replaced their candles with fresh ones. after some time, the skeleton still hadnt emerged. cautiously, they entered the massive tomb through the partially open stone door. at that moment, a raspy, elderly voice echoed from the depths of the tomb. halt! within the perimeter of the yellowish candlelight, a figure trembled into view. Chapter 352 - 352 Spring Source 352 spring source a figure staggered out from the depths of the tomb. as the figure entered the range of the candle flames, it seemed uncomfortable with the light. it raised its right hand to shield itself from the glare. similar to the tomb administrators, the figure wore a blue shirt and yellow pants. however, his face bore deep wrinkles and light-brown patches. sparse, dry, white hair adorned his head, and his eyes were an unusual pure black, giving off an icy coldness. for some inexplicable reason, lumian found it challenging to discern the features of the aged tomb administrator. his form seemed to blur at the edges, blending seamlessly with the surrounding darkness, impervious to the white candles glow. his breath was so faint it bordered on non-existent. in a hoarse, emotionless voice, like that of a corpse capable of speech, he uttered, get out of here! since its open for viewing, there shouldnt be any restricted areas! lumian retorted, echoing the tone of college students in quartier de la cathdrale commmorative, attempting to reason with him. but the aged tomb administrator repeated, get out of here! lumian turned to hela, hoping she might succeed in persuading the gravekeeper. if that failed, he was prepared to take more direct action, either restraining the other party or even rendering him unconscious. the spell of harrumph was perfectly suited for such tasks. however, hela shook her head slowly and began to exit the tomb. deep underground near the arcade of the opera house, franca gazed at the entrustee and inquired, what kind of deal? the warlock-dressed man responded in a shrill tone, ill increase the reward to 50,000 verl dor. go to the deep valley quarry and create a huge commotion, exposing the secret cave. if youre willing, you can sign the contract now. i have a way to ensure the contracts binding powers on both parties. fifty thousand verl dor to create an explosion capable of shattering the stone wall at the secret caves entrance? why seek us out for such a straightforward task while offering a generous compensation of 50,000 verl dor? francas suspicion deepened. with a subtle movement, franca produced a fist-sized grayish-white cloth bag and tossed it into the shadows beside her. she assumed a guarded posture against the man across from her and as though it was inconvenient for her to find a necessary item. help me find my seal. seal? jenna materialized from the shadows and caught the small coin bag, hearing the metallic clinks within. she was baffled by francas request. isnt the bag supposed to be filled with coins and the ring of punishment? franca smiled at the entrustee. what are the specific terms of the contract? she sensed the possibility that the other party might manipulate the contract using beyonder powers from the corresponding domain. franca had a plan to attack before committing to any contractcapture him, clarify the terms, and then consider whether to sign it! baffled, lumian followed hela out of the tomb and asked, what do we do now? grab my right arm, helas voice was colder than before, devoid of warmth. lumian roughly grasped her thoughts and quickly complied, reaching out to firmly grasp her right arm. almost instantly, hela twirled the black diamond ring on her right middle finger with her left palm. almost simultaneously, lumian felt a profound shift. he was no longer in the same world as the tomb entrance. surveying his surroundings, he noticed that everything, including the dim candlelight, had become hazy, shrouded in dense fog. guided by hela, lumian moved cautiously through the thick fog, taking one step at a time. there was no movement in the depths of the tomb, and the two of them slowly advanced in silence. before long, within the limited visibility of five meters, he spotted a rotting coffin standing upright on the ground. the aged tomb administrator lay motionless in the coffin, his eyes wide open and devoid of life. lumian couldnt detect any sign of breathing this time. in this foggy state, the aged tomb administrator seemed to pay them no mind, allowing lumian and hela to pass by as they headed towards the end of the tomb. there, they found a gentle downward slope leading to an unknown destination. hela gestured for lumian to release his grip, and the enigmatic concealment dissipated. standing at the top of the slope, lumian held a candle flame in his hand, illuminating a path lined with scattered, broken bones. an unsettling chill emanated from the depths of his heart, stifling his emotions and desires. yet, an unshakable anger and malice of wanting to snap someones neck persisted, growing stronger. lumian felt as though he was observing his own dualitya sane self contrasted with a crazed, unfamiliar self. he couldnt help but glance at hela, who downed a flask of liquor in one go. her face remained pale, and purplish-red patches marred her skin, making her look as if she had been dead for some time. are you alright? lumian remembered his primary role as a constant reminder to hela to prevent her from being corrupted by the catacombs and undergoing any abnormalities. hela put away the empty flask and replied in a lifeless voice, im fine for now. ive made preparations to deal with this situation. as long as i dont linger too long, i should be alright. lumian pressed, how long can you stay? about half an hour, hela replied, beginning to descend the slope. lumian planned to grab helas arm and use spirit world traversal to force her out of here a few minutes in advance, regardless of what they found later. descending deeper, the slope became littered with more bones, gradually taking on complete and original forms. some resembled humans, while others appeared monstrous. the skeleton hela had awakened earlier knelt on one knee on this slope, unable to proceed further. as they continued, lumian noticed a thin grayish-white fog up ahead, contracting and expanding, as if it had a life of its own. hela slowed her pace and regarded the fog with heightened caution. is there a problem? lumian asked, finding the fog oddly familiar. hela nodded and said, its very dangerous. ive prepared as best as i can, but im not certain it will work. as lumian listened to madame helas response, he continued to observe the grayish-white fog. suddenly, he recognized it. isnt this the same fog that shrouded cordus ruins? the very fog that provided protection when i prayed for boons? in that moment, lumian realized the true reason behind madam justices insistence that he accompany madame hela in the search for the samaritan womens spring. he cautiously extended his right palm towards the grayish-white fog, and as they touched, he felt warmth in his left chest. he knew that mr. fools seal had been activated. he pushed forward, his right palm passing through the grayish-white fog without encountering any danger or abnormality. with newfound confidence, he couldnt help but think, praise the fool! after a brief prayer, lumian turned to hela with a confident smile. ive also made the necessary preparations, and they seem effective. ill grab your arm. hela didnt inquire further about lumians preparations or the information he possessed. she allowed him to grab her left arm, and together, they ventured into the grayish-white fog. the surroundings grew even quieter, and an unusual, almost palpable aura seemed to fill the air. before long, they heard an ethereal and faint splashing sound. the sound of water lumian felt a surge of excitement and relief. they were in the right place, and the samaritan womens spring was likely nearby! they continued to move forward, and as they did, the grayish-white fog rapidly dissipated, revealing a pond-sized spring. around the spring, a dark substance of an indescribable color encircled the pale-white water at its center. in the water, wet, black seaweed-like hair floated, and a few vague figures struggled to crawl out from the depths. a woman stood beside the spring. it was the white-robed figure lumian had seen before, suspected to be a high-ranking demoness. her face was pale-white and translucent, her eyes blank and cold. white bones were scattered around her. splash! suddenly, the pale-white spring water receded with a splash, leaving behind a pitch-black hole that seemed to defy the presence of light. with another splash, the spring water surged from the dark hole, filling the pond-sized spring once more. this time, it was dimmer, less pale-white, and appeared empty and dark, containing countless indescribable colors. in an instant, the spring water blended with the surrounding grayish-white fog, restoring its original appearance when lumian and hela first laid eyes on it. in this place, their memories began to blur as if they were slowly fading away. in a hurry, lumian reached into his pocket, intending to retrieve the metal canister he had prepared to collect the pale-white spring water. but he touched something stone-like. he had never put anything similar into his pocket! lumian retracted his right hand in surprise and saw a brown stone in his palm. the stone was riddled with potholes, each filled with dark-red speckled spots. earth blood ore! it was the earth blood ore he had previously lost. when did it return? why did it suddenly appear in my possession? this is a part of underground trier! as lumians pupils dilated in alarm, a frenzied, terrifying aura saturated with blood and rust emanated from the dark hole that had swallowed the pale-white spring water once more. the mere presence of this aura froze lumian and hela simultaneously, rendering them immobile. beside the suspected high-ranking demoness, a skeleton raised its palm and touched its right eye. simultaneously, it bared its white teeth and emitted a chilling, delighted laugh. youve already obtained it. how can you not give it a try? around the spring, other white skeletons joined in, their mouths opening to produce the same voice: youve already obtained it. how can you not give it a try? Chapter 353 - 353 Crazy Figure 353 crazy figure youve already obtained it. how can you not give it a try? the ghastly white skeletons stared at lumian, their terrifying aura intimidating him. they laughed mockingly, their laughter exaggerated and crazed. splash! the dark spring water, not pale-white enough, gushed from the dark hole and filled the small pond. compared to before, there was an additional figure in the water. the figure seemed to be engulfed in an intense inferno, almost colorless flames covering its entire body. despite occupying only a corner of the spring, lumian, frozen in fear, felt it was abnormally huge, like a mountain peak. within the nearly intangible flames, the figure revealed long, blood-colored hair. its sculpted face was marred by decay and pus, and its bones gleamed with a metallic luster. its iron-black eyes seemed rusted, emitting a sinister blood-red glow. yellowish magma dripped from the figures body, quickly extinguished by the pale-white spring water. as the samaritan womens spring surged again, the dense white bones that had made the sound fell silent, as if they were about to decay into mud. seeing the decomposing mountain-like figure, the stench of blood and rust intensified in lumians nostrils. his stunned mind was tinged with a madness that yearned to destroy everything, igniting his already violent and ferocious aura. if he hadnt been on the brink of death, his thoughts completely stalled, he might have lost his mind and become a lunatic. he could lose control at any moment if that happened. in any case, he stood frozen in place, as if facing his most feared natural enemy. all he knew was to tremble, forget to resist, and forget to escape. splash! the highly decayed figure, shrouded in intangible flames, entered the pitch-black cave, determined to reach the edge of the samaritan womens spring. it reached out its right palm, dripping with a faint yellowish-red liquid, trying to grab lumian, who stood there. the spring water surged, and a faint fog gathered, preventing the figure, which appeared as massive as a mountain, from leaving the spring. a low growl escaped the figure, and its iron-black eyes emitted a corrupting redness, capable of unsettling anyone who lay their eyes on them. under this influence, lumians mind buzzed, and he went blank. the samaritan womens spring trembled violently. although the terrifying figure couldnt break free from the springs constraints, it successfully blocked the spring waters retreat into the dark hole. simultaneously, the decayed and shadowy figures within the spring surged toward the shore, driven by the low growl. among them, there was a woman filled with pus exuding a serene night-like temperament, a decaying corpse adorned with a golden crown, an iron-colored skeleton sprouting greasy feathers, a figure entwined with countless shattered maggots, and a strange black entity these figures, too, couldnt leave the samaritan womens spring but approached the edge, extending pale-white, pus-covered or highly decayed palms made of repulsive maggots toward lumians feet. the long black hair floating on the waters surface, resembling a tangle of weeds, suddenly came to life and extended rapidly beyond the spring. the white-robed woman lingering around the samaritan womens spring was instantly ensnared by the long black hair. lumians figure reflected in her stiff, cold blue eyes. bizarre and terrifying palms gripped lumian, and the long black hair tugged at him. slowly and uncontrollably, he slid toward the samaritan womens spring, drawing closer to the colossal figure formed by madness and flames. his body grew colder, and his thoughts went blank. at that moment, all light suddenly vanished, and he was consumed by a most profound darkness. melodious singing and chanting echoed from afar, soothing the area. the blurry and shadowy figures no longer displayed the same level of madness as before, as if they had been pacified. the terrifying palms that had clutched lumians feet and nearly froze his spirit and flesh retracted. the long black hair that had tugged at his body lost its vitality and fell to the ground, powerless. the figure suspected to be a high-ranking demoness lingering around the samaritan womens spring also came to a halt, as if listening to a nocturnal symphony. even the most terrifying and frenzied figure slowed down, its terrifying aura significantly weakening. lumian snapped out of his daze and instantly comprehended what had transpired. the thief who had stolen the earth blood ore was none other than monette of salle de bal unique! monette had deliberately orchestrated a coincidental encounter with him on the fourth level of the catacombs. using his thieving skills, he had surreptitiously returned the earth blood ore, enabling lumian to bring the ore specimen to the samaritan womens spring without detection, triggering this bizarre turn of events! lumian had never intended to take the earth blood ore underground, deeming it too dangerous given his current abilities. monettes theft and return of the ore had been a passive way to provoke an encounter, the nature of which remained uncertain! as for monettes motives, lumian knew he might only uncover them after this ordeal concluded. with his thoughts racing, lumian instinctively reached for helas arm, intending to activate his contract mark and escape using spirit world traversal. in the process, he attempted to rid himself of the earth blood ore, hoping to distract the crazed figure with long, blood-colored hair. however, the earth blood ore appeared to be affected by the abnormal environment, showing visible signs of deterioration. silently, it crumbled, dissolving into the air. the hidden blood stains marked lumians palm, corroding his skin. meanwhile, the flame of the white candle hela held flickered precariously, on the brink of extinguishing. the black diamond ring on her right hand emitted a profound darkness. after grasping her arm, lumian realized they were both frozen in place. this area seemed to be cut off from the spirit world, rendering escape impossible! i cant escape lumian retracted his hand decisively and addressed the fiery figure, who gazed at him with madness: ha! a pale-yellow beam emanated from his mouth, striking the dark, mountain-like figure. the figure swayed, but remained unharmed. it unleashed an intangible roar once more. receiving this new command, the bizarre figures, previously calmed by the tranquil night, trembled. they extended their decaying or repulsive hands once again, clutching at lumians feet. the black hair, previously lying dormant, rose again. realizing evasion was futile, lumians body erupted in fiery flames. the crimson blossoms of destruction rapidly dimmed and faded, as if their vitality had been extinguished in an instant. the pale-white, pus-filled hand was the first to seize lumians right foot, silencing him as his thoughts rapidly waned. the highly decayed hand, the iron-colored skeleton adorned with light-yellow feathers, and the form intertwined with shattered maggots fulfilled their tasks one after another. they dragged lumian, who appeared as if in a trance with wide-open eyes, toward the samaritan womens spring. hela found herself encircled by layers of long black hair. it pierced through the tranquility of the night, enveloping the lady, who displayed signs of decay. lumian stared vacantly at the rigid, decomposing countenance, at the iron-black eyes tinged with blood. he sensed an overwhelming, unadulterated madness but could summon no coherent thought. his body grew more rigid, and purplish-red livor mortis emerged on his flesh. he was now just a step away from the pale-white spring. at that moment, the samaritan womens spring, which had been held at bay by the colossal figure for an extended period, finally surged forward, breaking through the barrier. it swept all the figures, including the colossal one engulfed in invisible flames, back into the lightless abyss of the dark hole. the colossal figure emitted a furious roar, but it was helpless against the relentless flow of pale-white spring water, vanishing into the depths of the abyss. lumian woke up and spotted the white-robed woman lingering nearby. he swiftly turned and sprinted toward the crest of the slope. his plan was straightforward: since the abnormality stemmed from the earth blood ore, which had partially melded with his palm, he needed to seize this chance to escape. it was not the time to collect the remaining spring water. as long as he could make his getaway before the pale-white spring surged again and the menacing figures resurfaced, hela would be safer left behind. she could gather the water calmly and share it with him later. to escape, given that teleportation had failed, his legs were his sole option now. as lumian ran, he readied himself for any potential setbacks. harnessing his pyromaniac abilities, he steadied the flame of the white candle and retrieved the flog boxing gloves from his bag, fitting them onto his hands. concurrently, he attempted to invoke the fools honorific name in hermes. the fool that doesnt belong to this era this inspiration was triggered by the grayish-white fog enveloping the samaritan womens spring! splash! midway through his invocation and while covering some ground, lumian heard the sound of the spring water surging. it was faster than he had anticipated! the growl, steeped in the scent of blood and rust, reverberated through the surroundings. unaware of lumians thought process, helas body shuddered once more, as if she had transformed from an emotionless corpse into a frightened living being. out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of the colossal, invisible-flame-shrouded figure with blood-colored hair and tattered, bloodstained armor. lumian, too, was taken aback. he even felt an inclination to surrender and give up his resistance. he strained to endure, unable to continue invoking the honorific name. his only recourse was to place his faith in the flog boxing gloves. if he could hold out just a little longer, the hidden evil gods might direct their attention toward him because of the material of the boxing gloves, sending forth dangerous creatures to influence or assail him. in the past, lumian would have prayed for the impending abnormality to remain manageable. but now, he hoped that the more dangerous it became, the better! only by muddying the waters would a fish have a chance to escape! Chapter 354 - 354 Palm 354 palm underground near the arcade of the opera house. the warlock-dressed man spoke to franca in a shrill voice, its simple. there are only three specific terms. first, you two must promise to blow up the hidden door of the secret cave in deep valley quarry, creating a commotion that can attract everyone nearby. second, ill pay both of you 50,000 verl dor with an advance of 20,000. third, youll face consequences if you dont uphold your end of the bargain. this restriction applies to both parties. we can discuss the details. the man had no intention of deceiving the two beyonders in the contract. instead, he planned to use his abilities to modify the missions content the moment the contract was established, forcing them to infiltrate the secret cave in deep valley quarry and retrieve what he wanted, along with sufficient evidence. this entrustee had once purchased a human soul for 1,000 verl dor using this unique ability to tamper with transaction terms. he believed he wouldnt be disappointed this time. as franca conversed with the warlock-dressed man, jenna, hidden in the shadows, reached into the small money bag and idly stroked the gold, silver, and copper coins inside. she was certain that there was no seal inside the money bag. or rather, franca didnt have a seal! what does she mean? jennas gaze shifted to the entrustee who had stated the terms of the contract, finding it rather peculiar. if he wanted to strike a deal, why not apply for notarization at the mysticism gathering just now? if he were afraid that the contents of the commission would be exposed, he could have gone to the conversation room and borrowed the hosts mystical item. there was no need to secretly follow us for the commission! something is definitely off! jenna understood why franca had tossed the coin bag to her. as soon as she realized that something was amiss, she was to immediately use the ring of punishment to attack the other party and take control over the situation! phew jenna exhaled slowly and put on the ring of punishment. using the shadows, she closed the distance between herself and the entrustee. franca glanced at the shadows not illuminated by the carbide lamp and smiled at the entrustee dressed as a warlock. that sounds reasonable, but i need to confirm if youre lying and if theres a problem with this matter. as she spoke, she gently tossed the carbide lamp in front of her and retrieved a mirror from the assassin suits hidden pocket. she smiled and said, coincidentally, im skilled in divination. upon hearing this, the entrustee dressed as a warlocks pupils dilated, and his entire body tensed up. he wasnt sure if magic mirror divination could expose his scheme! hidden in the shadows, jenna detected his abnormality. without hesitation, she raised her right hand slightly, causing the iron-colored ring covered in tiny spikes to glow. simultaneously, two blinding bolts of lightning shot out from her eyes. psychic piercing! at the samaritan womens spring. lumian and hela were once again gripped by a horrifying terror, consumed by pure madness. they stood frozen in place, their bodies quivering slightly. while this madness immobilized them, it paradoxically spared them from imminent death. their frozen bodies burned with an intense heat, and their dormant thoughts ignited with fury and brutality. however, their purplish-red livor mortis and decaying skin continued to worsen, showing no signs of improvement. darkness descended once more, and hela used the black diamond ring on her right hand to try and pacify the spectral figures hovering in the samaritan womens spring, including the burning giant in rotting armor. lumian recollected his thoughts and realized that his escape with hela had not been in vain. they had distanced themselves more than ten meters from the spring, and the decaying, shadowy figures could not leave the samaritan womens spring or reach the shore to grasp their legs and drag them underwater. these figures clustered at the springs edge, their vacant eyes staring into nothingness. their heavily decayed or distorted hands occasionally reached out from the water, only to be forcefully pulled back by some mysterious force. silently, they emitted roars that made the entire slope tremble, inducing drowsiness and feelings of submission in lumian and hela, causing various adverse reactions. however, the madness that had ignited their thoughts and the strange effects that had led to signs of dissociative identity disorder had failed to take hold. around the samaritan womens spring, only the lingering female figure and the long black hair, resembling seaweed, could approach lumian. one gazed at him with eerie eyes, while the other extended itself, attempting to ensnare him. lumian was relieved. even if his resistance failed, he would be dragged toward the samaritan womens spring by the long black hair and the indistinct figure suspected to be a high-ranking demoness. with more than ten meters to cover, he had a chance to hold on until the pale-white spring water overcame the terrifying figure with its reddening iron-black eyes and carried him back into the pitch-black abyss. when the moment arrived, lumian could make a swift escape. in two or three attempts, he could exit the area shrouded in the grayish-white fog and return to the chamber above. later, he would send hela inside to retrieve the samaritan womens springs water, avoiding the adverse reaction caused by the blood ore and the colossal figure which was clearly more potent than the other water ghosts. but in the next moment, lumians body froze unnaturally. white frost appeared and vanished repeatedly on his body. in the blue eyes of the woman, lumian was now imprisoned in ice. the long black hair coiled tighter around him, dragging him toward the samaritan womens spring. seeing lumian in peril, hela, who had remained relatively unaffected, swiftly aimed her right hand at the unknown entity, suspected to be the lingering spirit of a high-ranking demoness, using the black diamond ring that emitted a constant darkness. the night transformed into a shroud, enshrouding the other entity and inducing slumber. lumian seized this opportunity to release a harrumph, channeling a white stream of light through his nose and into the crystalline ice that bound him, targeting the seaweed-like black hair. the black hair that ensnared him suddenly lost its strength. simultaneously, the curtain of night that had surrounded the entity abruptly constricted, leaving it empty. not far away, the female figure in the white robe reappeared, her gaze fixed on lumian. though danger still loomed, lumian felt a surge of relief. he believed that, even if he stopped resisting now, he could hold on until the pale-white spring withdrew into its depths. at that moment, the iron-colored eyes of the colossal figure floating in the spring grew wilder, and the rust-like redness became as vivid as blood. he tugged violently at the spring water, as if trying to break free from invisible chains. finally, amid a tumultuous earthquake-like upheaval, the figure draped in tattered, blood-soaked armor and engulfed in invisible flames reached the edge of the samaritan womens spring. rumble! the ground quaked, sending grayish-white dust raining down. lumians mind buzzed, and he blacked out instantly. when he regained his senses, he found himself back at the edge of the samaritan womens spring, having covered over ten meters in an instant. from the corner of his eye, he saw hela rushing back towards him, her eyes vacant and bloodshot, resembling a puppet or a mindless soldier following orders. lumian could already guess that when he closed his eyes, he had returned to the springs edge in a similarly empty and obedient state. at this moment, he couldnt flee upon regaining consciousness. behind him were the coiling black hair and the figure of the supposed high-ranking demoness. in front of him were the grotesque, decaying, and repulsive palms. simultaneously, they clawed at lumian, intent on dragging him into the spring. the colossal figure with long, blood-red hair hanging over it was just a step away. gritting his teeth, lumian seized the chance to bite the base of the white candle and reached into his pocket with his gloved left hand. as he did, he cursed internally. you dogsh*t evil gods have been observing me for so long. why havent you sent anything to harm me? where are the promised dangerous creatures? are you afraid to confront that insane figure here? despite his curses, lumian didnt give up. he drew a dagger and was about to cleave off his right palm, which had been corroded by the earth blood ore. if you want it, take it! as for whether the 6 a.m. reboot each morning would cause his missing right hand to regenerate, he didnt care at this point. at that moment, a pale-white hand emerged from the pitch-black hole at the depths of the spring, where the ground trembled and quaked. the fingers of the hand were slender, with cracks running along its back. these cracks oozed pale-yellow feathers and decaying yellow pus. the skin on either side of the cracks was crystalline like jade, but pale and dark. as the palm emerged, it crossed the barrier of the spring water and seized the right leg of the colossal figure. the figure, clad in tattered, blood-stained armor and shrouded in intangible flames, swayed uncontrollably as it was pulled toward the pitch-black abyss deep within the pale-white spring water. it struggled and resisted with all its might, but the bizarre palms retreat remained relentless. the only response was the falling of light-yellow feathers, pus stained with blood, and skin that was no longer crystalline but highlighted with black, living blood vessels. countless complex symbolspale-white, pitch-black, or dimappeared, carrying the frenzied and terrifying figure as it rapidly shrank toward the pitch-black spring. lumian couldnt witness the scene, nor could he see what was happening. all he knew was that the massive figure with a decaying face, blood-red hair, and iron-black eyes was moving away from him. the terrifying hands that had grabbed him stopped moving, frozen in place. the crazed figure growled repeatedly but couldnt break free. in the blink of an eye, most of its body had been dragged back into the depths of the spring. just as it was about to disappear completely, its madness materialized. two dark-red rust spots shot out of its iron-black eyes and darted straight toward lumian. instinctively, lumian raised his right hand to block. the two rust marks pierced through the flog boxing glove and into his skin, which had been corroded by the earth blood ore. splash! the pale-white spring water receded entirely, pulling all the floating figures into the pitch-black abyss. the vicinity of the spring fell eerily silent. Chapter 355 - 355 The Real Spring Water 355 the real spring water in the midst of the eerie silence, lumian sensed an unusual heat in his right palm, as though it were ablaze. swiftly, he stripped off his boxing gloves and inspected his palm. the earth blood ores corrosive touch had left it bright red, radiating waves of excruciating pain that left him seething with frustration and anger. aside from this, nothing appeared out of the ordinary for now. given the circumstances, lumian couldnt afford a detailed examination. ignoring the cold creeping through his body and his calmed thoughts, he retreated to assess the situation at the samaritan womens spring. indistinct figures and the long, weed-like black hair submerged in the water were drawn into a lightless abyss, swaying relentlessly, as though a fierce battle raged within. the white-robed, corpse-like figure that had lingered nearby had vanished into thin air, leading lumian to suspect that his encounter with the suspected high-level demoness on the fourth floor was linked to a similar change in the samaritan womens spring. this sight sparked a daring idea in lumians mind. seeing the terrifying figure pulled back to the fountain by a strange power, one in fierce resistance and the other trying to suppress it, it seemed unlikely a victor would emerge quickly. lumian decided to stay vigilant, pause his escape, and explore the possibility of setting a trap while collecting some of the pale-white spring water once it surged again. the water ghosts were nowhere to be seen at the springs bottom, nor were there any blurry figures lingering nearby. it appeared to be a safe moment. in the next instant, lumian noticed hela producing a golden bottle adorned with intricate, mystical symbols, reminiscent of the symbols he had seen at the basement door of the highland mystic potion shop. hela didnt wait for the pale-white spring water to rise again. she squatted down and pressed the bottles opening to the damp soil at the springs edge. the soil was dark-colored, and the closer they got to the pitch-black hole, the more it seemed to contain countless colors. the soil was more ordinary the farther it was from it. it was no different from the slope itself in areas where hadnt been submerged by the spring water. the soil, dark and filled with countless colors near the pitch-black hole, dried up as the pale-white spring water receded into the abyss. however, the periphery remained slightly moist, producing droplets that were more tangible than the pale-white spring water and resembled the color of a nocturnal lake. seeing that helas target was the liquid, lumian asked in confusion, arent you going to wait for the samaritan womens spring to resurface? hela shook her head. this is the true samaritan womens spring water. the pale-white water is too dangerous to touch right now. contact with it means instant death, wandering forever near the spring or its source. our containers are no exception. that terrifying? could it be that the samaritan womens spring is a byproduct of the pale-white water and not its true form? lumian took out a metal canister he had prepared in advance and held it to the droplets seeping from the soil at the springs edge. with just one drop, the canister showed signs of rust and decay from prolonged submersion. without a word, hela produced a golden canister engraved with intricate symbols and tossed it to lumian. only then did lumian manage to collect the samaritan womens spring. his attention remained focused on the dark spring. as long as the earth-shaking tremors ceased, he planned to make a hasty retreat with the samaritan womens spring water he had collected. one drop, two drops, three drops. the spring water entered the golden canister at a painstakingly slow pace, as if it might stop at any moment. his prepared canister, on the other hand, grew increasingly rusty and fragile. lumian watched the sluggish progress, concerned that the pale-white spring water might surge again. frustration and anxiety welled up inside him. hence, he silently cursed to relieve his pent-up emotions. drip, drip. he had only filled a third of the bottle when hela decided to stop and seal the golden canister. i mustnt be greedy lumian warned himself, putting an end to the collection of samaritan womens spring with hela. together, they sprinted toward the summit of the slope. before long, the sound of water echoed from behind them. once more, the pale-white spring gushed forth from the pitch-black hole! without looking back to assess the situation, they continued their sprint through the grayish-white fog, as if a relentless, intangible monster pursued them. in a matter of seconds, they finally reached the fogs edge. lumian grabbed helas arm and propelled himself forward. exiting the shroud of grayish-white fog, lumian finally breathed a sigh of relief. the coldness in his body abated, and his thoughts settled significantly. psychic piercing! jenna emerged from the shadows, her eyes crackling with lightning. the man in the warlock robe heard a surreal crack and felt an intense surge of pain radiate from the depths of his spirit body, gripping his mind. instinctively, he crumpled to the ground, curling up in an attempt to alleviate the agony. franca wasted no time and seized the moment. she pointed the mirror she held at him. as the warlock-clad entrustee appeared in the mirror, black flames ignited in francas palm and spread across the glass. demonesss curse! black flames erupted from the mans body, weakening his struggling spirit. soon after, crystalline ice encased him layer by layer, and colorless spider silk cocooned him, revealing his form. francas intention was to restrain him, not kill him. after all, nobody knew if he was involved in any corruption or high-level matters, and reckless spirit channeling could lead to accidents. seeing the man weakened and heavily restrained, franca whispered in surprise, thats it? she had no doubt that she and jenna could defeat the other party with a surprise attack, but she hadnt expected it to be so straightforward. in the next moment, the man struggled to speak under the threefold control of black flames, ice, and spider silk, his voice faint but determined. youre committing a crime! as soon as he finished speaking, a violent tremor emanated from deep underground. a rock from the tunnels ceiling plummeted toward jennas head. jenna swiftly rolled to dodge, but she still felt the impact of falling debris. franca faced a similar predicament. she sensed that if this continued, the entire tunnel might collapse. even with mirror substitution, she couldnt guarantee her safety in this segment of the tunnel. without hesitation, she clenched her right hand, reigniting the remaining black flames within the entrustees body. black flames engulfed his spirit body, and the warlock-dressed man quickly met his end. the tunnels tremors ceased, leaving nothing but dust hanging in the air. franca breathed a sigh of relief and wasted no time. she swiftly set up a spirit channeling ritual, while jenna kept a vigilant eye out for any passersby while kneading her shoulders and back. after a while, franca completed the magic mirror spirit channeling spell. holding the mirror, she gazed at the pale-white face with a hint of arrogance and inquired, how much do you know about the secrets of the deep valley quarry? the mans spirit responded in a daze, some seek to use machinery to prolong their lives, while others seek machinery to acquire life. a portion of the deep valley cloister is sliding into the abyss. cant you be more specific? franca pressed, which organization are you from? why are you exploiting the gatekeepers disappearance? just as the man was about to respond, an ever-changing fog suddenly enveloped the mirror. crack! the mirror in francas hand shattered instantly. bang! the mans body, encased in ice and spider silk, exploded. his flesh disintegrated into mist that filled the surroundings. almost simultaneously, franca shattered like a mirror, breaking into fragments that fell to the ground. her figure quickly outlined at the tunnels intersection and appeared beside jenna. as expected, something was amiss, franca said solemnly, watching as the indeterminate blood mist gradually settled and melded with the ground. by that point, the corpse had transformed into a pile of minced meat, with only the metal items on it remaining intact. franca and jenna conducted a simple search and found a brass key and coins worth 200 to 300 verl dor. they didnt dare linger. after erasing any traces of their presence, they made their exit. approximately two to three minutes later, a pair of legs clad in knee-length brown boots materialized beside the puddle of flesh and blood, clutching a shrunken, golden kettle with a protruding wick. the scorching sunlight bathed the entrance to the catacombs of place du purgatoire, and lumian felt as though he had returned from the kingdom of the dead to the world of the living. the chill that had permeated his body gradually dissipated. turning to hela, whose pale-white complexion, purplish-red livor mortis, and signs of decay had yet to fully heal, he smiled and remarked, even though it wasnt a real battle, its the closest ive come to death. hela replied simply, those who can retain a mark in the pale-white spring water for a long time were once formidable individuals. as lumian strolled to the edge of the square, he casually inquired, whats the purpose of the samaritan womens spring? you cant actually use it to forget the past and pain, can you? hela shook her head. for me, it can serve as a replacement for a certain ritual, or rather, become the central element of another ritual. lumian didnt fully grasp the concept, so he didnt press for more details. soon, however, he noticed that the residual chill in his body and thoughts hadnt completely vanished just because he had left the catacombs. while it had mostly dissipated, it seemed to linger within him, resurfacing gradually as night fell. the abnormality in our bodies is still present, lumian reminded hela with a solemn tone. hela nodded. i have a solution. the one who tasked you with obtaining the spring water should have a solution as well. lumian acknowledged her words briefly and bid farewell to hela, making his way toward the public carriage stop. compared to the abnormality of gradually dying, he was more concerned about the earth blood ore that had corroded his palm, as well as the bizarre rust. Chapter 356 - 356 Scar 356 scar as time ticked away, lumian sensed his body temperature slowly dissipating. even the blazing sun outside the public carriage window couldnt stave off this change. his thoughts dulled, and the skin on the back of his hand turned a pallid white. at last, lumian made it to the market district. as he disembarked from the public carriage, his limbs seemed to stiffen. just as he turned onto rue des blouses blanches, a man who approached him was taken aback. he let out a quiet gasp, his eyes filled with fear. lumian instinctively glanced to the side, assessing his reflection in the cafs glass window. his blonde-black hair appeared as if it hadnt been washed for days, and his face had turned a sickly shade of pale blue. there were purplish-red patches and signs of decay on his neck, and his eyes mirrored the cold emptiness of a corpse that had lain dead for many days. lumian smirked at the man and remarked, well, what do you think? have i convincingly transformed into a zombie? he noticed his voice adopting a colder tone, reminiscent of hela. the gentleman silently cursed and bypassed the fellow who appeared ready to attend a masquerade ball. lumian knew the corruption consuming him was worsening. he quickened his pace and reached the safe house he hadnt yet turned over. swiftly, he arranged the altar, unfolded a piece of paper, and penned a brief letter to madam magician. ive fulfilled madam justices mission and acquired the spring water of samaritan womens spring, but im also succumbing to corruption. its worsening. how can i eradicate it? after neatly folding the letter, lumian summoned madam magicians messenger. the doll messenger materialized above the blue candle flame and gave lumian an approving nod. im quite fond of your current demeanor, though your hair is too greasy. the aura of near-death? lumians urge to mutter was weaker than before. after watching the doll messenger depart, he set a fifteen-minute time limit. if madam magician didnt respond by then, hed have to explore other avenues to rid himself of the corruption. one possibility was to perform a ritual and beseech mr. fool. tick, tock. the needle on the pocket watch borrowed from salle de bal brise maintained a steady rhythm. however, lumian had previously noticed that it was nearly ten minutes slow. it was as if the closer he came to the samaritan womens spring, the slower it ticked. suddenly, starlight materialized from the void, forming a mysterious and ethereal door. the door swung open, and madam magician emerged, dressed in a brownish-yellow gown. beyond the door, there was a profound darkness adorned with starlight. the tarot clubs major arcana card holder glanced at lumian and gave a gentle nod. pray to mr. fool for an angels purification. ill still have to pray to mr. fool? lumian didnt probe further. he proceeded with the ritual at the prepared altar. he lit the candles in the correct sequence and let the extract drip. after burning the herbs, he stepped back, gazing at the candle flames, and intoned in a deep voice, the fool that doesnt belong to this era, the mysterious ruler above the gray fog; the king of yellow and black who wields good luck i implore you, i implore you to cleanse the corruption within me once the ritual concluded, lumian once again saw an angel formed from light, surrounded by twelve pairs of luminous wings. with only his peripheral vision remaining, he felt the chill in his body dissipate, and his body temperature quickly returned to normal. before long, the angel departed. lumian looked at the full-length mirror in the room and realized that his complexion, hair, and eyes had completely returned to normal. the purplish-red livor mortis had vanished entirely. only a few traces of decay remained, but there were no signs of deterioration. it seemed that these remnants would heal with time. lumian expressed heartfelt gratitude to mr. fool and concluded the ritual. as he turned to madam magician, a sudden recollection struck him, and he hastily raised his right hand to inspect his palm. the wound from the corrosion of the earth blood ore was still there. though it was no longer as vividly red as when it first fused with the rust, it hadnt faded either. it appeared as if he had marked his palm with a few scars using blood. sensing a faint undercurrent of madness and violence emanating from his right palm, lumian furrowed his brow in confusion. cant this be cleansed? madam magician fixed her gaze on his right palm for a few moments but didnt provide a direct answer. instead, she spoke, share the details with me. she took the initiative to pull up a chair and sat down, showing no inclination to continue the conversation standing. lumian settled into a chair at the wooden table, beginning with madam justices assignment and recounting how he and hela had each extracted a third of a canisters worth of samaritan womens spring water. he narrated the encounter with the colossal, frenzied figure and the bizarre power. simultaneously, he didnt omit any details about monettes appearance and actions, as well as the curious return of the earth blood ore. madam magician listened to lumians account in silence before letting out a chuckle. its quite challenging for truly formidable figures to die completely. even without beyonder characteristics, bodies, or souls, they often leave behind mental imprints, death marks, residual auras, and other remnants. when the right conditions align, they may find a way back into the real world with a suitable vessel. like the oldest one, the creator? lumian grasped the gist of madam magicians explanation and inquired further, so, who is this figure? madam magician took a moment to reflect and replied, its likely the blood emperor of the fourth epoch, alista tudor. the blood emperor? one of the four emperors? lumian had heard this title and name mentioned by gardner martin. alista tudors empire once spanned what was present-day intis. the trier, submerged underground, had served as his capital. according to gardner martin, the blood emperor was a true deity who grasped the hunter pathway, signifying that he was a sequence 0 red priest! thats correct, madam magician affirmed. the war of the four emperors was a genuine conflict among gods. alista tudor met his end in the submerged fourth epoch trier, which also caused the capital to sink underground. he had long descended into madness and committed numerous atrocities. rumor has it that he nearly entombed all the deities who participated in the war alongside him. even now, many remnants of that war lie buried beneath trier, profoundly shaping some aspects of the fifth epochs history. the fifth epoch, the epoch in which lumian and his companions resided, was often referred to as the iron age. nearly burying all the deities who participated in the war? the blood emperor was truly deranged lumian mused, genuinely intrigued. what occurred during the war of the four emperors? im not entirely certain either, madam magician admitted with a shrug. ive only heard about it from two beings who personally witnessed the war. even they dont possess the full picture. after all, one should not look directly at a god. remember, never look directly at a god, even if its an incomplete mythical creature transformed from a sequence 4 saint. beings who had personally experienced the war of the four emperors and still survived to this day? to have participated in such a divine conflict, they must be at least angels could they be the two angels beside mr. fools throne? yes, the holy bible mentioned that mr. fools angel of time was an ancient angel, and one of them could be this figure? lumian pieced together the information he had and ventured a guess. having heard aurore mention the concept of mythical creatures and their associated complexities, lumian had no doubt about the admonition never look directly at a god. eagerly, lumian asked, so, after the blood emperors demise, his mental mark, death mark, or residual aura remained sealed within the samaritan womens spring? that would likely be a death mark, but i suspect its intertwined with a mental mark, residual aura, and even some lingering spirits left behind for reasons unknown. otherwise, blood emperor alista tudor wouldnt persist in a combative state within the spring. heh heh, combat can indeed be considered a hunter trait, madam magician speculated. as madam magician spoke, she extended her hand into the void, disappearing from lumians sight. after a brief search, she reappeared, holding a tempting glass of kirsch. didnt your sister teach you? when you have a guest, remember to ask if they want tea or wine, or perhaps offer snacks, madam magician chided playfully as she took a sip of the light red wine and shook her head. how could i remember at a time like this? where did she get her wine? only then did lumian realize that he had forgotten to ask about the most important thing. he sincerely acknowledged the lesson and then raised another query. whats the origins of the strange power that dragged the blood emperor back into the spring? i dont know, madam magician replied candidly. even a true god might not know. all i can be certain of is that it has no connection to the war of the four emperors. lumian decided to put this matter aside for now and turned his attention to his right hand, where the mysterious traces remained. what are these marks? cant mr. fool cleanse them? if this isnt corruption, it cant be cleansed, madam magician explained while sipping her kirsch. its more similar to a mystical item embedded in your hand. it will bring about certain adverse effects, and these effects cant be cleansed unless the item itself is removed. a mystical item whats its purpose and what dangers does it hold? lumian hadnt anticipated this revelation. its useless. madam magician chuckled. i mentioned its similar, but not equivalent. it certainly isnt a direct source of power enhancement. rumor has it that in the underground of the fourth epochs trier, there are numerous treasures left behind by blood emperor alista tudor in various hidden locations. only those with the tudor familys bloodline can unlock them. and now, you can unlock them as well. so, its like my palm contains some of tudors blood and aura, unrelated to beyonder powers? lumian tried to probe the bright red scars on his right palm with his consciousness. as soon as the two connected, he was abruptly engulfed by a surge of frenzied, violent, terrifying, and dominating aura. the entire room, and even the entire apartment, quaked uncontrollably. Chapter 357 - 357 Monettes True Identity 357 monettes true identity the sudden change and the frenzied aura that had affected lumian instinctively made him withdraw his consciousness from the scar on his right palm. the anomaly ceased, and everything returned to normal. lumian surveyed his surroundings, concerned that the aura might attract unwanted attention. at that moment, the room fell unusually silent, and the surroundings dimmed slightly, as if a layer of dark-colored soundproof glass had been added. lumian relaxed and turned his gaze back to madam magician. what happened? the trace carries the aura of alista tudor, but it has no practical effect. it cant intimidate others or make them submit. madam magician held a cup filled with kirsch and smiled. with the niese face, you can act as the blood emperor at thatre de lancienne cage pigeons. it could only be used for acting or to frighten people under specific situations? lumian nodded thoughtfully. what kind of negative effects will these traces have on me? madam magician chuckled. youll become crazier, more ferocious, and more impulsive, but youre not lacking in those qualities already. what she meant was that you have many similar negative effects. as long as they dont exceed the limit, there wouldnt be any problems. or rather, you are already used to it, so it couldnt get any worse. thats good. lumian heaved a sigh of relief. madam magician took a sip of kirsch and reminded him, for now, you mainly rely on your perseverance and alms monk endurance to suppress the negative effects and maintain your normal state. however, when the time is right, you need to vent. its like a reservoir. you cant keep accumulating water. you have to find an opportunity to release a portion. otherwise, if you accumulate it day by day, it will either break the dam or spill out of the reservoir, leaving behind psychological problems. thats true. while alms monks subsequent advancement to ascetic emphasizes endurance and accumulation, theres also an explosive aspect lumian understood madam magicians words. simultaneously, he thought of something. after joining the iron and blood cross order, he would inevitably explore underground trier. although he possessed the blood emperors aura and had the qualifications to enter specific places and open certain treasures, would he trigger more abnormalities and encounter more danger? lumian expressed his concerns, and madam magician nodded slightly. this is a completely foreseeable discovery. like, uh, as the saying goes, its both a boon and a curse. if you dont want to take such a risk, pray to mr. fool again in two or three days and ask him to help you eliminate alista tudors aura. remember, you must specify that its the aura of a high-level beyonder of the hunter pathway to prevent any misunderstandings of removing any unnecessary things during the surgery. cant i clear it with my daily 6 a.m. reset? lumian asked out of habit. madam magician shook her head. it cant reset an aura of this level. lumian fell into deep thought, contemplating whether to retain alista tudors bloodline aura or use a ritual to remove it. recalling that entering the underground to search for the fourth epoch trier would undoubtedly be a mission assigned by the iron and blood cross order, and triggering an abnormality was highly likely, he steeled his resolve and chose to keep the bright red scar on his right palm. unlike other members of the iron and blood cross order who had been corrupted by the building at 13 alista, only alista tudors bloodline aura could allow him to withstand the same underground treatment as the corrupted without losing his sanity. as for the potential dangers, he was concerned, but he could only choose the option with fewer disadvantages. in any case, searching for the entrance to the fourth epoch trier wasnt his sole mission. when the time came, many members of the iron and blood cross order would undoubtedly join the effort. gardner martin might even lead the team. if the sky collapsed, they would all face it together! seeing that lumian had made up his mind, madam magician didnt say anything else and quietly savored her kirsch. lumian then inquired about something else. that group of monette islander swindlers, or rather, the people at salle de bal unique? could it be that they want me to obtain alista tudors bloodline aura and open a treasure trove in the future? but why not obtain it themselves? theyve already stolen the earth blood ore, and they can clearly enter the area around the samaritan womens spring. perhaps its too dangerous for them, and they dont want to try it themselves. if you fail, it could unleash the blood emperors remnant spirit. if you succeed, they just have to wait until you find the treasure, madam magician replied with a smile. ushering in the blood emperors remnant spirit? lumian expressed his puzzlement. back then, i felt that as long as i came into contact with the pale-white spring water, i would die immediately and completely. i probably cant become a vessel for the blood emperors resurrection. madam magician pondered for a moment and said, normally, that should be the case, but since youre a hunter and possess mr. fools seal and an angel from the inevitability domain, once youre dragged into the spring and fused with the blood emperors remnant spirit, it might trigger an unpredictable explosion, allowing alista tudors figure to escape its restraints and prevent death from imprisoning him. lumian pondered madam magicians words and felt that the more he thought about it, the more questions arose, making him feel more terrified. madam magician gently swirled her glass. that was just my guess. the true motives of those at salle de bal unique remain to be confirmed. it might even be a prank that could endanger your life to interfere with our judgment of other matters. in short, you have to be vigilant. dont relax just because you feel that the other party has achieved their goal. lumian tersely acknowledged, indicating that he wouldnt let his guard down. in fact, even if madam magician hadnt mentioned it, he would have taken precautions against the islander swindler who always appeared underground at critical moments. this guy was close to traumatizing him. should we report the anomaly at salle de bal unique to the two churches? lumian inquired. madam magician wore a peculiar expression as she replied, ive been observing the dance hall for some time and realized that most of the people wearing monocles in their right eyes are normal. only a few are problematic, and the few who are problematic are irregular. its difficult to lock onto them as they can be one thing today and something else tomorrow. furthermore, no one knows if he is among those who dont wear monocles with their right eye. to completely eliminate him, we might have to apprehend everyone on that street and those who have visited the dance hall, either destroying or purifying them. however, this wont truly finish him. it will only force him into the shadows. mr. fools angel of time is keeping an eye on this matter, hoping to find his most important avatars. only then can we inflict pain and keep him in check for a while. lumian was abnormally confused. puzzled, he asked, what do you mean if he is among those? madam magician spoke as if the abnormal ones were the same person. madam magician pondered for a few seconds and said, he has already interacted with you several times. its necessary for you to understand him to a certain extent. he is the great noble of the fourth epochs tudor empire, amon. he is also the child of the ancient sun god, who ruled the entire world in the third epoch. hes amon? lumian recalled that the islander swindler, monette, had crawled out of the tomb of a member of the amon family. the person behind him was an ancient angel! its no wonder he knows so much about the fourth epoch tombs! madam magician nodded. he was once a king of angels and ascended the throne of a deity, but he was defeated by mr. fool. now, he is an ordinary angel. he belongs to the marauder pathway. high-ranking individuals of this pathway have a special ability called parasitism. it is the separation of a portion of themselves and parasitize the bodies of others. there are shallow levels of parasitism and deep levels of parasitism. the latter can allow the host to become an avatar. the higher the sequence, the more targets they can parasitize. lumian was alarmed and afraid as he blurted out, island swindler monette has been parasitized by him? he was actually a formidable figure who had once fought mr. fool! madam magician agreed with lumians guess. thats right. every member of the fourth epoch amon family is amon. the abnormal ones in salle de bal unique are also amon. the ones who havent shown any abnormalities are potential amons, or potential believers of amon. lumian was rendered speechless. he found it fitting to describe those wearing monocles with their right eyes as bedbugs in auberge du coq dor and cockroaches from the trash. it was too similar! monette had, in a way, risen from his own grave. how many avatars does he have? lumian inquired after a brief pause. madam magician shook her head and replied, since the fourth epoch, he has been hunting beyonders of the marauder pathway for ages, gathering many characteristics. no one knows how many avatars there are. what you need to remember is that when you encounter an amon, there are already many amon lurking around. they can be rats, bedbugs, or even smaller creatures. isnt this perfect for monitoring others? lumians hair stood on end. he roughly understood why amon knew he had the earth blood ore and could grasp his movements. he also understood why he had felt that something was amiss when he prayed for the boon the last timethe illusion of someone watching him. whats the approximate sequence of amons avatar? lumian asked with lingering fear, recalling his desire to eliminate monette in the fourth-level tomb. madam magician finished the remaining kirsch and tossed the glass back into the void. he has a way to weaken his avatar, but hes still an angel. you cant underestimate his avatar because of this. yes, its similar to a special scene on the third level of the tomb and below. you can determine and treat it according to the specific situation. lumian rubbed his temples, feeling a headache brewing. without a clear understanding of amons intentions, every venture into the depths of underground trier was risky. he changed the subject. whats the purpose of the samaritan womens spring? Chapter 358 - 358 Negligence 358 negligence madam magician chuckled. why do you care? you cant use it. you can only use it to forget all your memories and original feelings and become a new person. right, in the corpse collector, sleepless, and warrior pathways, the samaritan womens spring has different uses depending on usage, ritual, and compatibility. it includes, but isnt limited to temporarily clearing memories, healing essential damage to the spirit, improving ones spiritual perception, becoming an ingredient for important rituals, and unlocking various abilities, among other things. corresponding to the three neighboring, exchangeable pathways, corpse collector, sleepless, and warrior? lumian extracted crucial information. at that very moment, madam magician glanced at him, her smile restrained yet knowing. are there any more questions? lumian took a moment to contemplate before responding, not for now. madam magician nodded. then its my turn to ask. ask what? lumian was puzzled. he had recounted all the details. madam magician tapped her finger against the empty air in front of her. why didnt you inform me that miss justice sent you to the samaritan womens spring? lumian was taken aback. i thought she would have informed you herself. moreover, since shes also a major arcana card holder in the tarot club, i didnt see any need to confirm it with you. madam magician wore a thoughtful expression. normally, there would be no issue, but this world is filled with anomalies. lumian, now feeling bewildered, asked, is something wrong with miss justice? madam magician shook her head. no, thats not it. the problem lies in the fact that shortly after you accepted the journey to the samaritan womens spring, the earth blood ore went missing. i had no knowledge of your impending trip to the fourth level of the catacombs, and miss justice wasnt aware that the earth blood ore had fallen into someone elses hands. its not a matter of whether you wanted to take it with you or not. if we had communicated beforehand, i could have delayed the mission to ascertain the whereabouts of the earth blood ore or made suitable arrangements. lumian reflected on her words, realizing the truth in them. having foreseen that the earth blood ore would bring about certain encounters underground, she couldnt ignore the hidden connection between the loss of the earth blood ore and the journey to the samaritan womens spring. lumians negligence, or rather, his assumption of a reasonable course of action had led to the subsequent encounters that later awaited him. madam magician fixed her gaze on lumian for a few seconds before responding, you cant entirely be faulted for how you handled the situation. im merely reminding you to exercise more caution in the future. she paused, her words heavy with meaning. this will become even more crucial when you seek the entrance to the fourth epoch trier in the days to come. yes, madam magician. lumian accepted her guidance wholeheartedly. after magician disappeared with the bottle of samaritan womens spring water, lumian swiftly tidied up the altar and settled back down. he contemplated his errors during the operation. firstly, madam magician is right. i should have informed her about madam justices commission. even if they had already communicated privately and there were no issues, i should still mention it. after all, my major arcana card holder isnt justice but magician. helping other major arcana card holders requires my own major arcana card holders permission. secondly, before entering the samaritan womens spring, i should check my condition and items for a final confirmation. unless theres a battle or an emergency, this should be a necessary process. if i had remembered and completed this matter, i could have avoided many problems in advance. i wouldnt have brought the earth blood ore into the samaritan womens spring area undetected. monette, no, amon, appeared several times and deliberately frightened me to disrupt my thoughts and keep my attention on him instead of my own state, causing me to neglect the earth blood ores return. thirdly, i didnt notice termiboross abnormality. he remained silent in the face of monettes appearance, unlike his vigilance and anxiety from before. heh, although he is sealed, he can sense his surroundings through me. as an angel, how could he not notice amon stuffing the earth blood ore back into my pocket? furthermore, his fate is intertwined with mine. when i entered the samaritan womens spring with the earth blood ore, my fate must have changed. how could he not have noticed? why didnt he warn me? does he also want to use the special environment of the samaritan womens spring and the abnormality caused by the earth blood ore to find a way to escape the seal? yes, he was the one who warned me that the earth blood ore was special and said it would bring me a fortuitous encounter! the strange power ultimately prevented him from achieving his goal. who could it be? its true that an evil gods angel cant be trusted completely. termiboros has been acting so reliably recently. he reminds me from time to time not only to avoid dangers that can affect him but also to lull me. hes waiting for an opportunity to stab me in the back. heh heh, youre a hunter too? after entering the samaritan womens spring, there was no problem with my choices. the adverse effects erupted, and with all kinds of mental corruption stacked on top of each other, it was already very difficult for me to react. regardless of right or wrong if the corruption hadnt conflicted and hindered each other, i might have gone crazy on the spot. lumian reviewed the entire matter and suddenly chuckled. termiboros, how did you not notice monette stuffing the earth blood ore back to me? but termiboros remained silent, withholding any response. lumian roughly ascertained the role this inevitability angel had played in the recent events. he examined the items on his body, fearing that they would also lead him to death. thankfully, the inanimate objects were relatively unaffected and suffered no substantial damage. as for the rust that the flog boxing glove encountered, it wasnt a true attack. apart from leaving some traces, it didnt affect its usage. as for the gazes and dangerous creatures that wearing the boxing gloves would bring, lumian didnt have any thoughts. he believed that the special environment of the samaritan womens spring limited the corresponding negative effects. after doing this, lumian surveyed the surroundings. he felt an indescribable fear and disgust for the safe house that amon had once entered. he felt as if there were eyes hidden in the surrounding air. of course, this was mainly psychological. after all, madam magician had already visited. after dismantling the hidden traps in the safe house, lumian opened the door and left with all his belongings. he planned to never return, preferring to waste the rent. in trier, in a verdant park. magician, adorned in a brownish-yellow dress, observed a golden retriever leisurely strolling on the grassy path. she turned to the woman standing beside the dog, who wore a simple white dress with delicate green patterns. her long blond hair flowed casually down her back, tied loosely. her eyes resembled sparkling emeralds, mirroring the nearby trees in their clear depths. the samaritan womens spring has been retrieved. the woman smiled and said, did something happen? you should have gotten a messenger to bring it over. magician nodded and summarized the key information. finally, she said, coincidentally, we havent met in the past few days and havent communicated. this led me to know that he had lost the earth blood ore, suspected of being stolen by amon, but i didnt know that he was going to retrieve the samaritan womens spring. you, on the other hand, knew that he was going to retrieve the samaritan womens spring, but you didnt know that the earth blood ore had been stolen. justice listened in silence for a few seconds before sighing. its very similar to that persons style is it really that person? magician frowned slightly. when did he cast his gaze over? did we fail to hide from him since the beginning? justice pondered for a moment and said, thats not surprising. the most important thing now is what arrangements he has in mind. i dont know, magician replied with a self-deprecating smile. but since the samaritan womens spring incident has already occurred, i can foresee as she stepped into the void, surrounded by starlight, she sighed and said, it wont be long before fourth epoch triers door truly opens. outside an abandoned castle. justice materialized at the door, clutching the golden canister containing the samaritan womens spring. in front of her, a dark illusory sea materialized. she stepped into it and arrived in a special dream. in the dream, not only was a portion of the inverted black mausoleum missing, but it had also split in half. deep cracks covered its surface, and pale-yellow feathers stained with oil and various symbols of death were scattered everywhere. justice floated in midair, tipping the golden canister in her hand. under her guidance, a portion of the samaritan womens springs water transformed into dark rain that gently sprinkled onto the ground. all the damage healed further, and the two halves of the mausoleum gradually closed in. amidst this transformation, justice stowed away the golden canister and gazed at the remaining samaritan womens spring. she muttered to herself, two more rounds should suffice. on the second floor of salle de bal brise, lumians bedroom. after taking a nap, he raised his right palm and realized that the bright red scar had faded significantly. it looked more like the marks left by compression. lumian heaved a sigh of relief. that wont attract too much attention. his original plan was to wrap his right palm in a white bandage to prevent the boss and the others from spotting anything amiss. as for now, lumian thought for a moment and wrapped the bandage around his left palm, which appeared normal. after completing this task, he eagerly awaited the compensation madam justice had mentioned. he wondered when it would arrive. he believed it wouldnt take more than a few days. suddenly, lumian turned his head and looked at the window in the alley behind him. bang! bang! bang! there were knocks on the glass. Chapter 359 - 359 Malady God 359 malady god lumian glanced over and noticed franca, clad in a blouse, patting the glass. he opened the window, a grin on his face, and asked, why didnt you use the front door? dont you often resort to window-climbing antics? franca leaped into the room with grace, followed by jenna. jenna observed for a moment and pointed at lumians left palm. are you injured? whys it bandaged? lumian chuckled. i headed into the fourth level of the catacombs and crossed paths with a creature that seemed like an evil spirit. i had an intense battle with it and ended up with a few scratches. franca examined lumians left palm, perplexed. really? the fourth level of the catacombs believe it or not, thats your choice, lumian replied with a smile. franca got the message and dropped the subject. jenna, however, muttered under her breath, i think its a mix of truth and lies lumian chose to ignore jennas comment and asked, did something happen to you guys too? thats right. franca proceeded to recount their encounter in detail and produced a brass key. she eagerly suggested, should we try to divine which door this key opens? whoevers offering a bounty of 50,000 verl dor must be loaded! lumian scoffed. youve got an adventurous spirit, alright. of course, a matter this dark should be left to the purifiers for investigation. besides, it involves some monks from the god of steam and machinery church descending into the abyss. you dont really want to explore the secret cave in the deep valley quarry on your own, do you? franca admitted sheepishly, to be honest, im tempted. the idea of extending life through machinery and giving life to machinery fascinates me. but my rationality keeps me in check. jenna stayed silent, indicating that she had discussed this with franca on the way. after sharing her delusions, franca agreed to let jenna find a way to hand over the key to the purifiers and report their encounter. she then turned to jenna. i plan to head to rue des fontaines. what about you? jenna had already made plans. she said to lumian, didnt you ask me to find out where the factory owner lives? well, ive followed him and gathered plenty of information. now we can locate the families awaiting compensation and guide them into demanding whats rightfully theirs. lumian replied with a smile, i didnt ask you to do it; you wanted to. franca acknowledged his response curtly before proceeding with her plan to visit rue des fontaines. in quartier du jardin botanique, at the intersection of rue pasteur and rue evelyn. the buildings bore a mishmash of components that seemed like they didnt belong, like building blocks assembled by a careless child. the place exuded an unsettling vibe, akin to a wild and unstable forest. jenna pointed toward a woman crouched by the street, washing clothes, and said, thats madame mogana. her husband also perished in that accident a few years ago. madame mogana wore a worn-out grayish-white patched dress, her face marked by wrinkles that spoke of over fifty years of life. lumian, having digested a bit more of the potions effects after igniting the bottle of fiction, was in no rush. he replied, you handle it. jenna gazed silently at the gaunt, high-cheekboned madame mogana. after a few seconds, she spoke, truth be told, i dont really like her. curiosity piqued, lumian asked, whys that? jenna let out a sigh and explained, shes quite malicious. the kind of person who wishes ill upon her neighbor when shes going through a tough time. she does despicable things even when theres no gain for her. as you know, my mother was a theater actress and was somewhat literate. she used to work as a tutor for a middle-class family. it was a respectable job with good pay. but when madame mogana found out about it, she followed my mother and discovered the family. she told the servants who were out running errands that my mother was moonlighting as a street girl, that she was immoral and skilled at seducing her male employer. before long, my mother was fired. she had to settle for jobs as a cleaning lady, a dishwashing maid, or even working in a chemical plant. madame mogana, illiterate as she is, had no chance of getting the job my mother lost because of her actions, but she seemed oddly pleased. lumian nodded in understanding. jealousy is indeed one of humanitys cardinal sins. why didnt you take revenge on her? jenna whispered with a chuckle, that was a long time ago. besides, in a place like this, similar things are bound to happen sooner or later. when my father passed away, my brother was considered a strong lad. otherwise, our family would have been in an even worse state. if a widow moved in with her daughter, someone would come knocking on your door the next day, cursing you and claiming that her husband stole a few glances at you. the neighbor would pretend to be friendly and introduce you to her male relatives. if you refused, that relative of hers would sit outside your door and drink every day. the police didnt bother with such matters, and you couldnt count on anyone else for help. one day, when he got really drunk and bold, i dont need to spell out what would happen, right? sometimes, the police would arrest him, but arresting one would only bring in a second or third. they might even enrage his relatives. theyd smash your window every night, pile feces at your door, and recruit older kids to harass your daughter. but the worst part was being targeted by the mob. to survive in a place like this, you either needed a few adult men in the house or you had to be tough and make it clear that you wouldnt back down even if it cost you your life. thankfully, when our lease ended, my mother moved to the other end of the street, and the environment improved significantly. jennas words were spoken as if she had witnessed such hardships many times before. while lumian had faced his own share of difficulties, ones worse than jennas, he had never encountered anything like that. the conflicts and confrontations among wanderers were even more overt. it was a matter of either being beaten into submission, forcing others into submission, or hovering on the fringes like feral dogs, scavenging what remained of others. when he arrived in cordu, his sister, a beyonder, protected him, allowing him to play pranks without worry. the other villagers were mainly subjected to the padres familys bullying. he looked at jenna, who was recounting her past, and asked thoughtfully, didnt you say that everyone around here is just trying to survive? jenna cursed, frustration evident in her gestures as she gestured toward the woman washing clothes not far away with her chin. dammit, that doesnt excuse their vileness. take madame mogana, for instance. she works three part-time jobs a day just to give her son a chance to escape this place. heh heh. you might not believe it, but despite maliciously slandering my mother, she sometimes slips me a piece of bread when im hungry and waiting for my mother to come home. lumian glanced at madame mogana. people like her are easily instigated. exactly, jenna affirmed with a nod and walked over. her demeanor shifted dramatically as jenna shouted at the woman washing clothes, madame mogana, did you know? that damned alphonse betrayed us! that piece of dogsh*t always tells us to wait a little longer. he claims that since the court has already passed the verdict, edmund sr. would surely compensate us. but that scheming swine plans to run away, with no intention of giving us a single coppet! that swine alphonse must have secretly pocketed his share to say such a thing! madame mogana stood up, water droplets trickling from her rough fingers. her expression twisted with a mix of anger and concern as she asked, is that true? im going to confront that swine! jennas face also contorted with resentment. we cant waste time on him now. edmund sr. is on the verge of escaping! lets hurry and stop him. i know where their family lives! lumian stood about five to six meters away, listening as jenna stirred up the locals who were waiting for compensation. he casually surveyed the area and realized that this place was similar to rue anarchie. vendors, children, women, and a few men mingled together, crowding most of the road. occasionally, regular carriages passing by would alter their route after a brief observation. in the midst of this bustling scene, one individual stood out noticeably. draped in an old linen shirt and dark pants, his face was relatively clean, and his hair neatly combed. he contrasted sharply with the surrounding vendors and residents. at that moment, the man was engaged in conversation with a few women holding long sticks of rye bread. he presented a stack of banknotes, not too thick or thin, and counted them meticulously, one by one. 195, 200 check if its 200 verl dor? if you dont trust me, you can count it yourselves. the smallest denomination of the banknotes was 5 verl dor. the women had likely never held so much cash before. they trembled as they counted and confirmed that it was indeed 200 verl dor. the man took the banknotes back and counted them again. 195, 200, 205 see, as long as you sincerely utter gods name, you get an extra banknote with each count! impressive magic tricks a swindler? whenever lumian encountered swindlers, he couldnt help but recall monette and the salle de bal unique. anger and hostility welled up within him. the women recounted the money and realized there were indeed 41 banknotes. there was an extra notean extra 5 verl dor! upon seeing this, the middle-aged man said with solemnity, my lord is the ruler of all diseases. if you believe in him, youll never fall sick again. even if you do fall ill, youll recover quickly. illness is the punishment of the malady god. if you have faith in the malady god and devoutly worship him, he will spare you hearing these words, lumians eyes narrowed as he approached. he drew his revolver, flipped it skillfully, and then swung it at the middle-aged mans head. bam! instinctively, the middle-aged man crouched down, clutching his head. he couldnt even scream. between his fingers, bright red blood began to flow. amidst the bewildered and fearful gazes of the surrounding crowd, lumian crouched down, shaking the barrel of his gun. he smiled at the middle-aged man and remarked, come, lets see how the malady god heals you. the middle-aged man yelled in shock, fear, and anger, malady god, hiss, the malady god will punish you! lumian picked up the banknotes that had fallen and handed them back to him. if you cant count an additional 100,000 verl dor today, dont even dream of leaving. with that, he raised his revolver and struck the man in the side of his face, causing blood to splatter in all directions. his face caved in, and his teeth were sent flying. Chapter 360 - 360 Physical and Mental Wellbeing 360 physical and mental wellbeing the middle-aged mans fear-filled gaze locked onto lumian, uncertain about what had triggered this sudden confrontation. he wasnt the one being deceived, nor was he one of the mobsters who held sway over this neighborhood. he wasnt a relative or a friend of theirs. so, why was lumian rushing up to assault him like this? adding to the confusion, lumian didnt even give him a chance to defend himself. he unleashed a blow after each sentence! his eyes fell upon the revolver, and he discreetly glanced at his aides concealed in the shadows. their hesitance to intervene weighed heavily on his heart. he couldnt afford to threaten lumian or resist him. trembling, he stammered, i-i cant produce that much money. i didnt bring that kind of cash. lumian responded with a regretful smile, how disappointing. im short of 100,000 verl dor. who taught you the magic of counting money? who introduced you to the malady god? the middle-aged mans throat tightened, and he remained silent. with an air of calmness, lumian opened the revolvers cylinder, revealing the yellow bullets to his captive. he then closed the cylinder and pressed the muzzle against the middle-aged mans forehead. three, two lumians finger on the trigger moved back with each count down. panic and terror swelled within the middle-aged mans eyes. though he doubted anyone would dare to shoot him in broad daylight, this man had started the encounter with an inexplicable beating. it was impossible to predict how much further he might go. just as lumian reached the final count, the middle-aged man cried out in desperation, its the envoy! envoy? lumian arched an eyebrow. with his psychological defenses shattered, the middle-aged man abandoned any hope of escaping unscathed. he blurted out, the envoy of the malady god! he approached me, taught me some tricks, and told me about the malady god. he asked me to help him recruit believers, promising a share of the profits. is he a genuine believer in an evil god, a swindler exploiting a deitys name for riches, or perhaps a blend of both? lumian withdrew the revolver from the middle-aged mans forehead and lightly tapped his still-intact cheek with it. a smile crossed his face as he remarked, now, thats more like it. all it took was a little chat, didnt it? bang! a bullet tore through the air, embedding itself into a nearby felled tree. lumian exclaimed. sorry, it went off accidentally. i didnt scare you, did i? the middle-aged mans heart pounded wildly, and a small puddle formed beneath him. lumian cast a brief glance at the trembling man and offered another reassuring smile. whats the name of this envoy of the malady god? where does he reside, and what does he look like? lately, ive been running low on funds, so i thought id pay him a little visit. inwardly, lumian pondered, he didnt react to that little prank just now. hes not a bestowed the middle-aged man vigorously shook his head. i-i dont know. seeing lumian raise the revolver once more, he hastily amended his response, all i can tell you is that hes tall and slender, with pale skin, almost as if hes chronically ill. his eyes are a grayish-blue shade, and he has black hair. its short, like the haircut of a wealthy bosss secretary. he visits me once a week, but i have no clue how to track him down. meanwhile, jenna had joined madame mogana and the others, her curiosity piqued by lumians actions. she stole a moment to cast a glance in his direction, wondering what her hunter companion had uncovered and what he was up to. however, the urgency of the situation prevented her from inquiring at that moment. jenna had effectively instigated several individuals who had been long-awaiting compensation. the more these wronged souls spoke, the fiercer their fury grew. some had already taken it upon themselves to seek out other victims or their families, urging jenna to lead them in confronting the factory owner named edmund. in the midst of this mounting outrage, jenna found that she no longer needed to actively instigate. the collective anger had taken on a life of its own, and individuals were stepping forward to aid her in this quest. as they hurried toward the neighborhood where edmund sr. resided, jenna had an epiphany. to instigate someone, she had to converse with them, but to instigate a group of people, she didnt need to personally converse with every member of the group to incite them. understanding the situation and igniting the spark in a few initial individuals was sufficient. the ignited ones would, in turn, become agents of instigation, rallying more people to their cause in a snowballing effect. while jenna and the mob progressed toward their destination, lumian remained behind to extract more information from the middle-aged man. after confirming that he couldnt elicit any further details, he rose to address the deceived women who had been observing the unfolding events. you heard him. this guy is trying to deceive you. do you intend to let him off the hook? lumian had discreetly employed the niese face to alter his appearance slightly when confronting the middle-aged man, ensuring that no one would associate him with the wanted criminal, lumian lee. one of the women present had actually been the middle-aged mans collaborator, assisting in the preaching and swindling of money. in this dire situation, she dared not utter a word and looked to the others for guidance. among the women, some were brimming with anger, ready to hand the con artist over to the authorities, while others cowered, fearing that the swindler might have dangerous accomplices who would seek revenge. lumian observed in silence as they voiced their opinions, casually scanning the onlookers nearby. among the bystanders, he noticed three men attempting to slip away unnoticed. these three were the accomplices of the swindler, responsible for resorting to violence when required. without hesitation, lumian raised his revolver and discharged three rounds. the trio let out cries of pain and crumpled to the ground, suffering from wounds to their legs and calves, blood streaming freely. no need to worry about them seeking revenge, lumian assured the women with a grin. the victims, their emotions running high, fell silent, almost like statues. after a few seconds, they stammered, its up to you lumian nodded with satisfaction and motioned for the trembling cheat and his injured accomplices. take them to the nearest uh, steam cathedral. at the intersection of quartier de lobservatoire and quartier du jardin botanique, 5 avenue slb, a swarm of men and women dressed in tattered attire surged toward a beige three-story building. the two guards stationed at the entrance observed the approaching, agitated crowd and swiftly withdrew their legally owned semi-automatic revolvers. their voices rang out, commanding, halt! confronted with the sight of firearms, even madame mogana and her determined followers involuntarily slowed their advance. the presence of the weapons was undeniably daunting. sensing the hesitation, jenna rushed to the forefront and hollered at the two guards, were here to demand our rightful compensation. the court has already rendered its verdict! you sons of bitches, go ahead and shoot if you dare! do you even have enough dogsh*t bullets? can you take down all of us? if not, each of us will take a bite out of you that you wont recover from! with fiery determination, she strode toward the entrance. beads of sweat formed on the palms of the two guards as they peered out at the sea of faces. the sheer number of debt collectors was overwhelming, their exact count obscured by the throng. it was impossible to predict the response if they opened fire on the crowd. they felt exposed and isolated, like logs confronting a relentless flood. jenna, utilizing her instigation ability, pressed forward with her rhetoric. if we disable or kill you, do you think youll still receive your compensation? look at us. our due compensation has been withheld for years. are you certain youll get your payment from that stingy old scrooge? his family might flee town tomorrow! the two guards were taken aback. this was indeed a problem. furthermore, they were well aware that the bosss family had liquidated most of their assets and were on the verge of fleeing the city in two days, seeking refuge in another province. would they take two injured and incapacitated bodyguards along? would they seize the opportunity to withhold compensation? the harsh reality was laid bare before them! as the guards hesitated, jenna had already reached the entrance, with the crowd of debt collectors close behind. instinctively, one of the guards followed standard procedure, raising his right hand and firing a warning shot into the sky, attempting to deter the approaching horde. the other guard tried to subdue an elegant-looking young woman who appeared to lack substantial combat prowess. jenna recoiled momentarily, grabbed hold of the guards arm, and unceremoniously brought him crashing to the ground, causing his firearm to skid away. spurred by the gunshot and jennas boldness, madame mogana picked up the semi-automatic revolver. although she wasnt familiar with its operation, her resolve surged, and she sprinted toward the entrance, cursing all the way. the remaining guard hesitated for a fleeting moment before relenting, opting not to open fire on the advancing crowd and instead allowing them to swarm into the house. inside the living room, edmund sr. and his family, on the brink of departure, found themselves instantly encircled by jennas nearly hundred-strong assembly of debt collectors. it was an impenetrable wall of humanity. clutching a revolver, edmund sr. voiced his trepidation, what do you intend to do? were here for our money! jenna seized the revolver from madame moganas trembling hands and leveled it at edmund sr. she declared, without the compensation were owed, we wont survive. lets find out who meets their end today! edmunds hand trembled, as though he had contracted an incurable ailment. outside a steam cathedral that bore a resemblance to a small factory, lumian gave instructions to the woman assisting the injured swindler. take them to the padre and have them explain the money conjuring magic and their association with the malady god. if they refuse to talk, provide an account on their behalf. the women nodded solemnly and, with their black eye, guided the swindlers group into the cathedral, a trail of blood marking their passage. lumian holstered his revolver and observed silently from the doorway. he reflected with a touch of amusement, madam magicians suggestion is indeed on point. its healthy both physically and mentally to let off some steam now and then. of all things to believe in, they choose an evil god, and on top of that, theyre swindlers! after a mere two minutes, lumian casually strolled away, while the police officers hurriedly arrived on the scene. lumian unexpectedly crossed paths with jenna and the jubilant debt collectors outside 5 avenue slb. so quickly? he inquired, surprise evident in his tone. jenna pursed her lips. i didnt anticipate it happening this swiftly either. i was prepared for someone to call the police and handle the situation accordingly. however, once we had edmund sr. and his family surrounded, and we issued our threats, he yielded and began paying according to the list. damn it, his familys cash, gold, and other valuables added up to more than enough for our compensation. theres even a surplus. and that doesnt even account for his assets that havent been liquidated yet. he delayed our compensation for so long! lumian chuckled. giving always stings. sometimes things seem complex, but when you truly commit to them, they become simple. and then there are situations that seem straightforward but turn out to be fraught with twists and turns that nearly cost you everything. his words carried the weight of experience. jenna knew that lumian needed gold, and the compensation she had received came in the form of various types of gold jewelry, which were collectively worth 3,000 verl dor at their pure gold value. she offered, here, ill sell these to you. lumian fell briefly silent before responding, ill withdraw the money from salle de bal brise. he only had banknotes and silver coins totaling just over 600 verl dor on him. in the evening, lumian found himself with some free time and leisurely returned to auberge du coq dor. he descended to the basement bar and spotted charlie, beer in hand, regaling a group of patrons with stories. lumian grinned and declared, drinks are on me! amidst the cheers of 20 to 30 people, lumian added a playful twist, charlies footing the bill! charlies expression froze. lumian chuckled and shouted again, and if he does a strip dance, i might even cover that too! Chapter 361 - 361 Farewell 361 farewell recently, those who frequented the basement bar had grown indifferent to charlies lectures on respectability and civility. now, with a chance to tease him, they became exceptionally excited and engaged in a shouting match. dressed in a white shirt and an unbuttoned black vest, charlie hesitated between buying drinks for nearly 30 people or performing a striptease. swiftly, he set down his beer and leaped onto a small round table. in the past, when he was drunk here, he had done all sorts of foolish things. why should he be afraid of a striptease? lumian smiled and applauded, taking out a 20 verl dor banknote and placing it on the bar counter. he said to boss pavard neeson, a drink for everyone. let them have whatever they want. with that, he picked up his glass of lanti proof and watched as charlie clumsily gyrated his hips and carefully unbuttoned his shirt amidst the cheers. more passion! more energy! lumian shouted, as if he were watching a show. the other patrons chimed in. sweat beaded on charlies forehead, fearing that excessive energy from removing his clothes might damage his shirt. this wasnt a cheap old linen shirt! after some thought, he decided to take it off as one would a sweater since the top buttons on his shirt were already undone. lumian took another sip of the lanti proof and leaned back at the bar counter. he glanced at gabriel, who was wearing black-framed glasses and dark suspenders, and asked with amusement, youre early today? hadnt this playwright, accustomed to staying up late, only come here for a drink after midnight? gabriel held the green absinthe and smiled calmly. im moving out tomorrow. lightseeker has begun airing? lumian immediately had a guess. gabriel ruffled his disheveled brown hair and smiled. not yet, but after rehearsing for a while, both monsieur lopp and the directors and actors at thatre de la renaissance think highly of me. theyre very confident. i wont have to worry about my living expenses even after moving to a more expensive place and spending the 1,000 verl dor advance. as you know, i dont write trite stories for tabloids anymore. where are you planning to move to? lumian asked casually. gabriel said with a yearning expression, rue saint-michel in quartier 2, where many authors and painters find their haven. not far away is the national museum, the trier art center, various galleries, and sculptures of various forms. quartier 2, also known as the arts district or financial district, was a blend of ancient charm and modern opulence, housing not only the artistic community but also the financial heart of the city. it was home to major banks like the intis central bank and the trier bank, along with financial institutions, the trier stock exchange, and the intis futures market. rue saint-michel, on the outskirts of this vibrant district, offered affordable rent, making it an attractive choice for artists and writers. lumian couldnt resist recalling aurores teasing about rue saint-michel, and he playfully paraphrased it, poking fun at the struggling poets. what a fantastic place! you might toss a brick and hit three authors and two painters, and lets not forget those poets who die without anyone noticing. gabriel, slightly embarrassed, took a sip of his absinthe. however, thats indeed the most suitable place for artistic exchange and creativity. its not like here, where its relatively quiet only at night, but its only relative. and the repulsive bedbugs gabriel suddenly remembered that the violent and elegant mob leader beside him was the current boss of auberge du coq dor. he quickly shut his mouth. at that moment, charlie completed his striptease act and donned his shirt once more. he skillfully navigated his way out of the crowd of patrons, who had maliciously remarked on his physique, and settled beside lumian. he casually remarked, ive been swamped lately. havent been around for a few days. as soon as i get home, i feel like collapsing into bed. you see, this is the drawback of being a decent bloke. sigh, why in the world are they suddenly launching such a massive investigation into those wanted criminals from cordu? oh, youve become much smarter. lumian, who was keen on improving his rhetoric, replied with a smile, what concern is cordus business to me, ciel dubois? having contracted the niese face from the human-faced mantis, he wasnt particularly concerned about being recognized by the authorities. seeing lumians self-assured demeanor, charlie dropped the subject. he eagerly mentioned that a colleague had introduced him to a female teacher. although she wasnt interested in him romantically, it marked another stride towards his quest for true dignity. they continued to enjoy their drinks until nearly midnight. lumian and gabriel, who was set to move the following day, bid charlie farewell and ascended the stairs to the second floor. gabriels gaze fixated on the corridor wall, illuminated solely by a gas wall lamp and adorned with newspapers and faded pink paper. suddenly, he let out a heartfelt sigh. its only when im on the verge of leaving that i realize theres something worth reminiscing about here. when i first moved in, i thought it wouldnt be long before id escape this dumpwell, this wretched motelwith my talents. who wouldve guessed id end up staying here for ten whole months? even if i move to rue saint-michel, ill often think of that cozy little bar downstairs. ill reminisce about the absinthe that could both sober me up and make me intoxicated, the pungent smell of sulfur, those pesky bedbugs, and the people who brought light to my darkness. miss sraphine, charlie, and you. as gabriel spoke, he paused, extending his hand to touch the crack in the wall where a fallen newspaper had revealed it. lumian couldnt resist a playful jab, do you authors enjoy launching into spontaneous soliloquies and lengthy speeches? gabriel chuckled sheepishly and replied, i dont know about other authors, but i do find myself doing it occasionally. ive called this place home for nearly a year, and ive witnessed numerous tenants abruptly vanish, leave in haste, or succumb to the pain of life. yet, the very next day, or maybe just an hour later, new tenants move into the very rooms left behind by those chasing prosperity and dreams in trier. most of them fail and fade away like dust, but waves of people keep coming. perhaps one or two among them will actually succeed. this is the wellspring of inspiration for the lightseeker script. youre the one who succeeded. lumian couldnt help but recall madame michel, who had tragically ended her life while singing in the capital of joy, forever trier, a memory that left him with no capacity for mocking gabriel. hope. gabriels face lit up with anticipation. he took another step toward the second floor, as if driven to continue ascending. where are you going? lumian could guess the answer, yet he asked politely. gabriel motioned upstairs. to bid farewell to miss sraphine and express my gratitude for her unwavering support. lumian couldnt resist a sly smile, pursing his lips and letting out a playful whistle. have a romantic night! i am not! gabriel instinctively protested. lumian turned and headed towards room 207, waving his hand dismissively. cant a person have a romantic night all to themselves? gabriel was speechless. after witnessing ciels entrance into the room, gabriel cleared his throat and continued his ascent to the third floor. as he climbed, memories flooded his mindthe initial encounter with the human model, sraphine, their first conversation about his creation, and the first words of encouragement he understood that human modeling was a meagerly compensated profession. even the most popular male models barely received 80 to 90 verl dor a month. ordinary models scraped by on 60 to 70, equivalent to the earnings of an apprentice motel attendant. female models fared even worse, with a meager 40 verl dor, forcing them to take on part-time work. no one chose to expose their bodies as artists models out of laziness or greed for pleasure. sraphine was no exception. she endured the criticism to earn more money and improve her circumstances. gabriel halted outside room 309 and rapped gently on the door. please come in. sraphines somewhat hollow voice responded. gabriel pushed the door open and found sraphine standing by the wooden table near the window. her lake-blue dress had slipped from her form and lay in a heap on the floor. in the crimson moonlight, sraphines brown eyes flickered, and her brown hair cascaded down her back. her fair body bore the imprint of human faces. some were stunning, some sinister, some handsome, and some wicked. they all fixed their gaze on gabriel simultaneously. gabriel nearly let out a startled cry. whats the matter? sraphines voice, tinged with detachment, rang out once more. gabriel shook off his stupor and realized that the faces were nothing more than lifelike oil paintings. the canvas was sraphines body. remembering that she was a human model, gabriel refrained from probing further. he exhaled and expressed, im moving out tomorrow. thank you for your encouragement these past few months. as soon as he finished speaking, sraphine extended her right hand, her eyes distant. gabriel couldnt resist complying. half an hour later, gabriel lay on the bed, holding sraphine close, and spoke with sincerity, come with me to rue saint-michel. sraphine shook her head resolutely. im moving as well. somewhere else. gabriel persisted, where to? to a place called the hostel. my friends are there. sraphines voice turned hollow once more. gabriel made several attempts to convince her, but the human model remained steadfast. he had no choice but to leave disheartened. sraphine rose from the bed, entirely unclothed, and watched him as he walked towards the door. in that instant, the crimson moon was veiled, plunging the room into an unnatural darkness. the oil-painted faces on sraphines body suddenly appeared to come alive, their mouths opening as gabriel retreated. eventually, tranquility returned, and gabriel respectfully closed the door. the following morning, lumian stuck to his routinegoing for a run, practicing his boxing, and hunting for breakfast in his customary fashion. upon his return to the auberge du coq dor, he noticed that gabriels neighboring room was already open. there was no sign of gabriel, nor any trace of luggage. intrigued, lumian made his way to the third floor and discovered that room 309 was in the same state. he clicked his tongue and returned to room 207 with a wry smile. before long, the doll messenger made an appearance, tossing a neatly folded letter and a silver mask onto the wooden table. madam justices reward has arrived? lumians delight was palpable. Chapter 362 - 362 Lie 362 lie lumian hesitated briefly before touching the silver mask. he carefully opened the letter and began to read the elegant handwriting, which was quite different from madam magicians. this is the promised reward. lie: it allows you to truly transform your appearance, adjusting your form within a certain range, and altering your height. at the same time, it grants you the ability to use flame controlling and damage transfer like a magician. youll also have an enhanced sense of danger, as well as improved balance and agility. it can change its appearance at will. it can become anything you desire. but, when you wear it, your emotions will be amplified. you must learn to control yourself, or there will be significant problems. also, remember: dont lose yourself in lie. its actually portable without any negative effects? lumians initial reaction after reading the letter wasnt one of delight that lies effects suited his needs but rather one of surprise that the mystical items negative effects were far weaker than he had imagined. it only amplified ones emotions when worn! in other words, lumian could store it in a bag, wallet, or any other container and carry it with him at all times without facing any side effects. compared to lie, decency had to be ensconced in liquor, making it rather troublesome to retrieve and safeguard. flog also exerted an influence while being carried. with a sigh, lumian couldnt help but make a self-deprecating remark. why does it always have to be something that messes with my emotions? with this combination, even alms monk would explode on the spot this combination of dark corruption from the contracted creatures, the fluctuations in desire stemming from flog, and the gift bestowed by the blood emperor alista tudor was sure to wreak havoc on his emotions. when you added lie to the mix, the equation became something like 1+1+1+1>4. having just finished psychiatric treatment for his past wounds and painful memories and returning to his normal state, lumian realized that if he wanted to avoid descending into madness and losing control, he shouldnt let flogs boxing gloves and lie take effect simultaneously. lie is meant for the curly-haired baboons research society gatherings. its for socializing; i dont need flog for that. and when im not using lie, i have the niese face to replace it, lumian thought, pondering for a moment before tossing the satchel containing the flog boxing gloves onto the bed. after this decision, he reached for the silver lie mask and covered his face. the mask began to melt, its silvery substance seeping into lumians skin like mercury, completely enveloping his head. in an instant, everything began to shift and transform. lumians contours and facial features swiftly adjusted. before long, the silvery liquid seemed to be absorbed or evaporated, and lumians skin returned to normal, now even fairer than before. then, his body underwent a sudden change, and his white shirt strained against his bulging chest. lumian lowered his head and scrutinized his appearance for a few seconds before muttering to himself, theres a limit of 10 centimeters for becoming shorter or taller i used to be 1.76 meters tall, just 8 centimeters taller than aurore, but now im 1.81 meters tall. yes, three centimeters of difference shouldnt be noticeable to ordinary people. besides, it is quite normal for both men and women to use special shoes to appear taller i can even imitate voices. thats all part of the true transformation of ones appearance with his loose pants and a snug shirt, lumian left room 207 and entered the washroom, casting his gaze at the mirror. a beautiful woman stared back at him in the mirror. she had long, thick blond hair, light-blue eyes, a tall, delicate nose, and red lips as bright as the morning sun. the details of her facial features and the contours of her face continued to subtly change for dozens of seconds before settling into their final form. lumian gazed at the woman in the mirror, his eyes gradually softening as the corners of his mouth curled up. after a few seconds, he chuckled and said, long time no see, aurore. franca, returning from rue des fontaines, gracefully opened the door to apartment 601. what she saw when she entered left her stunneda face identical to her own. this person had a flaxen ponytail, bright, smiling lake-colored eyes, brown eyebrows that reached her temples, and thin red lips francas tension was palpable as she blurted out, who are you? why are you impersonating me? the doppelganger also pointed at her and said, who are you? why are you impersonating me? in exasperation, franca laughed and secretly wrapped the spider silk she released around the imposter. in an instant, crimson flames erupted, igniting the invisible threads around them. franca immediately understood the truth. she pointed at the fake franca and said, you six-eared macaque, how dare you impersonate me! the fake francas face squirmed as she transformed back into lumian. his body grew taller. after removing the lie earring, lumian asked curiously, whats a six-eared macaque? franca hesitated for a moment, debating whether to keep it a secret, but then she realized that lumian already knew everything he needed to know. there was no need to hide such trivial details. she replied, back home, there are many myths and legends for your sister and me. the six-eared macaque is one of them. it can hear all your secrets and become identical to you. without waiting for lumians response, franca asked excitedly, did you acquire a mystical item that can alter your appearance and figure? lumian raised his left hand, wrapped in a few white bandages, and replied, cant you see im injured? i accepted madam justices commission and helped her retrieve an object from the fourth level of the catacombs. this is the reward: lie. as he spoke, lumian flicked the earring-shaped mystical item with his right hand. is that so? franca had suspected that lumians visit to the catacombs was likely arranged by the tarot club, so she hadnt inquired further in front of jenna. curious, she asked, what was the object? lumian pondered for a moment and realized that neither madam magician, madam justice, nor madame hela had asked him to keep it a secret. hence, he replied, the spring water of the samaritan womens spring. is there really a samaritan womens spring? franca was astonished. she had read triers mysticism magazines and heard rumors about the samaritan womens spring. she even went to the catacombs to find the one named by the administrators but found nothing magical. yes, lumian confirmed after some thought. its deep in the catacombs and has something to do with fourth epoch trier. francas eyes sparkled as she inquired, is it magical? lumian glanced at her. its magical, but its only for beyonders of the corpse collector, warrior, and sleepless pathways. if you want to give it a try, theres only one outcome. youll forget who you were and the home you keep talking about. from then on, youll become a true trier demoness. franca shuddered and subconsciously shook her head. whats the difference between that and being dead? she stopped asking about the samaritan womens spring and said excitedly, can you transform into muggle? let me take a look. lumian gazed at franca for a few seconds before finally donning the silver-white earring again. soon, aurore, clad in a white shirt, black vest, and simple pants, appeared before franca. wow! franca exclaimed. shes even more beautiful than i imagined! is that the point? lumian asked in aurores voice. franca smiled sheepishly. im not sure how close this is to the real muggle, but we disguise ourselves at gatherings. this is enough. lumian reverted to his original form. as he removed the lie earring, he said, ive already written a letter to madam hela. she said shell inform me about the next gathering and bring me there. franca averted her gaze in disappointment. then theres no need for me to worry. yes, let me tell you about the different methods of the gathering and the characteristics of the members of the research society francas supplementary class continued until noon. seeing lumian preparing to leave, she hesitated for a moment and said, um, can you can you transform into me again? lumian, puzzled but not refusing, frowned. before long, with a reference, he accurately transformed into another franca. franca gazed at her face, seemingly intoxicated. suddenly, she extended her right hand and touched lumians cheek. hey! lumian took a step back. franca snapped out of her daze and smiled sheepishly. the feeling of a real person and a mirror is indeed different. however, i feel that youre still lacking something, but i cant tell what. lumian pondered for a moment and asked with a smile, lacking a feminine charm? maybe. franca exhaled and watched lumian walk towards the door. just as lumian opened the door, he heard the demoness of pleasure shout from behind, dammit, were you secretly cursing me? what feminine charm! in salle de bal brise, as lumian sat down, sarkota approached him with a wanted poster and said, those black dogs have been asking around with it for the past two days. lumian glanced at it and realized it was his wanted poster. he smiled nonchalantly. its fine. let them search. sarkota didnt say anything else and informed lumian, the boss wants you to make a trip to rue des fontaines today. whats the matter now? lumian pondered and nodded. it was almost evening when he arrived at 11 rue des fontaines in quartier de la cathdrale commmorative. the lawn seemed to have been ravaged, and the hall filled with weapons and armor was severely damaged. upon seeing gardner martin, lumian didnt hide his confusion. did something happen? gardner martin, his face glowing, smiled and said, after the werewolf incident, they launched a sneak attack and were forced back. they suffered a loss. the rose school of thought ultimately fell into the bosss trap? seeing that gardner martin didnt want to elaborate, lumian asked, boss, why did you summon me? gardner martin produced an exquisite invitation. count poufer invites you to his red swan castle for a salon this weekend. red swan castle? lumian frowned slightly. Chapter 363 - 363 Studying Leads to Improvement 363 studying leads to improvement lumian still vividly recalled the night he played kings pie. nightmares haunted him repeatedly, and every time, he found himself in an ancient beige castle, its surface tainted with the marks of ages-old blood, its interior a horrifying canvas of madness. seeing his silence, gardner martin flashed a reassuring smile. just remember to let poufer choose first in situations like the kings pie game, and youll be fine. but im no longer the same person i used to be. can i really depend on being the last to choose to avoid the problem when theres the blood emperors aura corrupting my right hand? lumian silently pondered for a moment before responding, yes, commanding officer. he then inquired, where is red swan castle? he intended to scout the area when the opportunity arose. at the very least, he needed to pinpoint the location of the nearest cathedral. quartier raste, near emperor roselles summer palace and the west lognes forest, gardner martin replied succinctly. quartier raste was designated as 17. in roselles time, it served as a suburban retreat for nobles and royalty, but now it was enclosed within the city walls, becoming one of triers largest districts. known as the barracks district due to its multiple army encampments, it was situated in the northwest, boasting a national park, west lognes forest, a conference center, and numerous arsenals. additionally, it was home to the church of the eternal blazing suns largest cloister in trier, the sacred heart cloister. lumian recalled a map of trier he had seen and nodded in acknowledgment. its near the square district. emperor roselles summer palace wasnt situated in quartier raste; it resided in the square district, nestled between west and east lognes forest. gardner martin cast a glance at lumians left hand. why are you injured? lumian smiled candidly and said, i recently delved into the catacombs with a friend i met at a mysticism gathering and got injured. he couldnt shake the feeling that the iron and blood cross order had an interest in the underground world, possibly with spies lurking around the tombs. it was safer to focus the lie on something else. the curly-haired baboons research society also doubled as a mysticism gathering, after all. gardner martin nodded with approval. avoid unnecessary explorations and risks in the future. they wont bring you the mystical knowledge you seek, nor will they yield valuable items. only danger, danger, and more danger awaits. is that so? does the samaritan womens spring count as a high-value item? lumian inwardly criticized. nevertheless, he earnestly agreed,yes, commanding officer. had it not been for madam justices request, he would have had no inclination to venture into the catacombs fourth level. now, the odds drew closer to zero. he couldnt help but wonder if he might stumble upon another of amons tombs! after bidding farewell to gardner martin, lumian hopped onto a public carriage headed back to avenue du march. as the carriage rumbled along, he leaned against the wall, letting various thoughts swirl through his mind. he used this time to relax and ponder any potential issues he might have overlooked. amidst the rhythmic sounds of horses hooves and the carriages wheels, a sudden thought struck lumian. could the rose school of thought, after suffering another setback at the hands of gardner martin, decide to seek out others who were involved in the tree of shadow incident? the bliss society only lost charlotte calvino and susanna mattise, the high priestess. there are still other members to contend with, such as maip meyer, the former manager of thatre de lancienne cage pigeons, or the actresses who had once played lead roles there before departing. i wonder if susanna mattise had divulged the details of the tree of shadow to these members. if she had, they would likely know that the high priestesss true target was either me, ciel dubois, or rather, lumian lee if that were the case, the rose school of thought and the bliss society might redirect their focus towards me. that could spell trouble how annoying. i really wish i could eliminate every member of the rose school of thought and the bliss society towards the end, upon realizing the various negative effects on him, lumian cursed inwardly before controlling himself. if it werent for the actors remarkable skill in disguise and concealing themselves, he might have seriously contemplated eliminating all members of the bliss society to eliminate any hidden threats. he suspected that the flog boxing gloves might have a miraculous effect on individuals with twisted desires, like those in the bliss society. how should i find them? lumian fell into deep thought. just then, as the public carriage pulled into a halfway stop, a passenger boarded. it was a boy, around seven or eight years old, dressed in a white shirt and a miniature black formal suit with matching shorts. he wore white socks and black shoes, had short blond hair, and his brown eyes held determination. his chubby cheeks suggested he still had traces of baby fat. oh, isnt this baron brignaiss godson, ludwig? lumians mood brightened as he smiled. almost simultaneously, ludwig noticed him and his expression turned to panic. he swiftly attempted to disembark from the carriage. he was still carrying the heavy dark-red hard school bag. running away from home again? lumian thought as he stood up, alighting from the carriage ahead of schedule. the boy had already disappeared from the vicinity of the stop sign. hes quite fast lumian identified the nearby footprints and calmly chose a direction. escaping a hunters pursuit without addressing tracks promptly was nearly impossible. after trailing the footprints for a couple of streets, lumian turned into a secluded alley and approached a half-broken barricade that barely reached waist height. he couldnt help but chuckle as he said, come out. ludwig cautiously peeked his young face out from behind the barricade, a mixture of nervousness and resentment evident in his voice as he said, you swindler, stay away! if you come any closer, i-ill devour you! lumian raised his right hand and stroked his chin thoughtfully. why did you run away from home again? ludwig responded angrily, its all because of all that damn homework! lumian couldnt help but tease, yo, youve learned to curse. youve improved since last time. he noted that ludwig, even if his unusual appetite and eating habits were disregarded, seemed more like a real child now compared to their previous encounter. with this in mind, lumian concluded, this proves that studying is still useful. ludwig was momentarily taken aback and seemed to forget to retort. lumian sized him up and said sincerely, you werent born with a high iq; in a way, youre relatively less intelligent. but if you dont study, do your homework regularly, and occasionally take exams to gradually improve your thinking abilities, i can guarantee that someone like me could easily deceive you the moment you step outside, and you wouldnt even realize how you fell for it. ludwig muttered to himself in a daze, did i really improve? is studying, doing homework, and taking exams really useful youre not born stupid, are you? is your brain damaged? you believed me just like that? i cant even imagine what would happen to you if you were thrown at the salle de bal uniques entrance as lumian muttered inwardly, his smile remained unwavering. thats right. if you find it too burdensome, talk to brignais about reducing the amount of homework. theres no need to run away from home. giving up on studying will only make you more foolish. at that moment, lumian had a single prevailing thought: it is better to keep such abnormal and brainless humans or humanoid creatures under the supervision of the orthodox church. however, wouldnt the church of the god of knowledge and wisdom be too arrogant to think that baron brignais could control a fellow who ate everything he saw? he has already escaped twice! if he hadnt encountered me every time, he would have caused trouble long ago! ludwig fell silent for a few seconds before he spoke up, will you negotiate for me? lumian didnt hesitate in his response, no problem. negotiating was something he was quite experienced in, especially when dealing with his sister. then ill trust you again. ludwig hesitated for a moment before making up his mind. he then flipped over the dilapidated barricade. dont say that. itll only make me feel like scamming you again lumian muttered and led ludwig to the nearest public carriage stop. on the way, he glanced at the boys filthy clothes and said, did you bring a change of clothes? no. ludwig shook his head. running away from home without any spare clothes? lumian asked in amusement, so, whats in your bag? food? again, ludwig shook his head, displaying a rather obedient attitude. its not food or clothes lumian cast a puzzled glance at the dark-red hard school bag. it cant be filled with books and papers, can it? no either ludwig suddenly shut his mouth. what could it be? lumian narrowed his eyes. at that moment, ludwig asked innocently, is there anything to eat? no, well eat when we return to avenue du march, lumian replied mercilessly. what a joke. with your appetite, why would i use my own money to treat you? disappointed, ludwig let out a sigh and began sucking his finger, as if he wanted to take a bite out of it. fortunately, their destination, avenue du march, wasnt too far away. after another stop, they arrived, and lumian spotted baron brignais waiting at the entrance of the usury company. the gentleman visibly relaxed upon seeing ludwig. this cant go on, lumian interjected before the other party could speak. do you think ill keep running into him every time? reduce his homework by half. baron brignais weighed the options for a moment. okay. ludwig interjected in a hushed tone, and add another dessert meal. with the godfather and godchild relationship seemingly back to normal, lumian bid them farewell and couldnt help but wonder, why did the church of the god of knowledge and wisdom send such an abnormal child to trier? in the hill district, in deep valley town, in front of an old grayish-white house with only two floors, valentine and imre, now in possession of the brass key obtained from celia bello, stood behind the deacon angoulme with serious expressions. according to the feedback from a sealed artifact, the brass key left behind by the mysterious entrustee of the gatekeepers disappearance pointed to this very building. Chapter 364 - 364 Red House 364 red house the door to the grayish-white old house creaked open, needing no key to grant access. inside, chaos reigned, with assorted items strewn about, as if someone had burglarized the place. valentine surveyed the disarray and remarked, someones made off with valuable items from here. his gaze fell upon the open and empty doors to the first-floor rooms, evidence of heavy boxes that once occupied the space. were too late. the entrustees companion must have sensed trouble and moved out, imre lamented. the purifiers fanned out, scouring the cramped area for clues. before long, angoulme discovered a handful of white papers scattered near the stairwells edge. he carefully examined them in the sunlight. taking a pencil from his pocket, he began to gently shade one of the papers. gradually, faint marks emerged, forming a few legible words: albert goncourt underground riot time albert goncourt imre glanced at the paper in the deacons hand and couldnt help but frown. albert goncourt had been the mastermind behind the trier uprising six years ago, a leader of the carbonaria prominent anti-government militant faction. angoulme remained silent, urging his team to press on with their investigation. after thoroughly searching both the first and second floors, they descended into the cellar. at the far end stood a black iron door, its brass lock gleaming in the dim light. angoulme patted the grayish-white humanoid machine by his side and inserted the brass key he had obtained from celia bello into its palm. immediately after, angoulme adjusted a few knobs on the mechanical contraption. from the high-energy pyrokinetic backpack on the robots back, a billowing white mist erupted. steadily, it pushed the rigid machine forward, guiding the brass key into the lock at the correct height. watching this spectacle, imre couldnt help but sigh, deacon, among the inquisitionno, the entire churchyoure truly the most fond of mechanical creations. angoulme glanced at his usually laid-back subordinate and replied, i dont discriminate, whether its a product of the church of the god of steam and machinery or not. i only care about its utility. when a robot malfunctions, we can fix or replace it. if a person breaks down, ill be dealing with compensation claims and grieving friends and families. the purifiers recognized the deacons protective tone and turned their attention to the grayish-white humanoid machine with a smile. currently, it could only be used to move things and hammer nails. it could barely walk and run. it couldnt do any intricate or brain-intensive operations, and it didnt last long enough. otherwise, it would have saved them a lot of trouble. with a mechanical click, the robot turned the brass key, and the heavy iron door swung open. a thin fog billowed from within, distorting the door and revealing ethereal faces, etched in the mist, contorted with hatred and pain. the faces were formed by white fog, filled with hatred and pain. they clawed and cursed at the mechanical creation opening the door, but it remained impassive. rays of brilliant sunlight descended one after another, swiftly clearing the fog behind the black iron door. as the fog dissipated, valentine and the others saw what was there. it was a small altar, made of grayish-black stones, rising only halfway up. angoulme, after repeated confirmations that the area was safe, guided the robot inside. he observed a shallow, narrow groove on top of the grayish-black altar, suggesting that something had once been embedded there but was now gone. a ring? angoulme mused in a hushed tone. in the market district, at 3 rue des blouses blanches, at the entrance of apartment 601. franca sported an exquisite shirt adorned with lace flowers at the collar and cuffs, paired with her beloved beige breeches under the sunlight. her slippers completed the ensemble as she gazed at lumian. franca questioned, why are you here again? not wasting any time for his response, she raised her hand and quipped, if you transform into muggle, youre more than welcome! lumian pushed his way into the room and scanned his surroundings. i need to discuss something with you. whats the matter now? franca, visibly apprehensive, inquired, cant you wait patiently for the gathering next week? lumian chuckled. how about a trip to trocadro, specifically the red house caf? the red house caf known for hosting womens orgies? franca asked in surprise. oh, you remembered it immediately. you must have been thinking about it a lot, right? lumian replied with a smile, yes. franca shook her head. forget it, forget it. fantasizing about it is enough. no need to actually go. it would be too indulgent. i must maintain control, resist desires, and avoid complete indulgence. then, she scrutinized lumian and remarked critically, dont tell me you intend to use lie and transfiguration to disguise yourself as a woman and infiltrate the orgy for firsthand experience? lumian mocked, did you truly think that through, leading you to believe id consider such a plan? this is a serious matter! he recounted the rose school of thoughts failure and his concerns. someone from the bliss society mentioned that theyre in contact with members of the moment society and the narcissus society, who also participate in the red house female orgies. they want to convert them into believers of the mother tree of desire. if we follow this trail, we might uncover the core members of the bliss society, or at least eliminate maip meyer and those who were aware of susanna mattises rough plan. franca nodded slightly and said, moreover, we cant entrust this to official beyonders. if they extract any information, your cover could be blown. with a resolute expression, she declared, since its a serious matter, we have to be there. then, with enthusiasm, she asked, when are you planning to go? do you know the partys time and the conditions for an invitation? thats todays objective. visit the red house caf, enjoy coffee for an hour or two while subtly displaying your feminine charm. see if you attract the attention of potential contacts among the homosexuals or identify any women who might be orgy participants. initiate conversations and establish connections to gather further intelligence. lumian understood the importance of a methodical approach, especially in delicate situations like this one. franca nodded heavily. no problem. lumian produced lie, in the shape of a silver necklace, and handed it to franca. use this to alter your hair, eyes, and facial features. you cant appear in your true form. what if maip meyer is lurking? hed recognize you as the current boss of thatre de lancienne cage pigeons in an instant! as soon as franca finished donning lie, she said eagerly, lets go now! lumians lips curled up. i forgot to mention that this mystical item amplifies the wearers emotions. uh franca was taken aback. no wonder ive been feeling so anxious! lumian added with a smile, emotions that werent there before wont be amplified. franca, clenching her teeth, retorted, well, my desire to punch you has definitely been amplified. lumian ceased his mockery and began to earnestly explain the functions and precautions of lie. franca walked to the full-body mirror and observed her hair rapidly turning black, her pupils turning dark brown, her skin becoming more delicate, and her lines softer. compared to her flamboyant beauty, she now appeared more composed and mature. her facial features leaned towards elegance, giving her an indescribable charm. gazing at her altered reflection in the mirror, franca remained silent for a prolonged moment. it doesnt resemble your true appearance, but its still beautiful and charming, lumian complimented objectively. he wanted to say that she had the charm of a demoness, but he chose not to agitate franca. franca snapped out of her daze and silently changed into non-red boots before walking towards the door. upon entering the corridor, she snapped out of her daze and glanced at lumian beside her. if youre giving me lie, how do you plan to disguise yourself as a woman? are you relying on the transformation illusion? lumian replied with a hint of amusement, who says im masquerading as a woman? he led franca to a new safe house on rue du rossignol, retrieved a brownish-yellow ritualistic dog skin, and wrapped it around himself. then, he recited an incantation in hermes. dog! a dark light suddenly surged from the ritualistic dog skin, enveloping lumian completely. in an instant, a large dog with brownish-yellow fur appeared in the room. franca, with her black hair and brown eyes, was taken aback. she finally understood lumians plan for monitoring the situation at the red house caf. after a moment of curiosity, franca asked, what does it feel like to become a big dog? are you sure you dont feel burdened? the brownish-yellow-furred dog rolled its eyes at franca and opened its mouth. woof! are you stupid? do you think dogs can speak and answer your questions? franca clicked her tongue and, with lumian in brownish-yellow dog form, hired a rental carriage to head to trocadro town, west of lavigny docks. along the way, lumian had the urge to bite her several times. from time to time, she would curiously stroked his dog fur, stomach, and head, hoping to find something distinct from a real dog. after more than an hour, the carriage arrived outside trocadro. franca paid the fare of 2 verl dor, and lumian, in his dog guise, hopped out, behaving as if he had no connection to her. he began to scout the streets for the red house caf, which emitted a distinctive aroma of fermented grapes. soon, he located the establishment near east lognes forest. while the entire building wasnt red, it sported a magnificent mushroom-shaped red roof. the main structure was beige, adorned with bold graffiti on the walls. lumian settled near the cafs entrance, lying down quietly, and watched as franca, transformed into a black-haired beauty, entered the establishment. Chapter 365 - 365 Observation 365 observation the ambiance at the red house caf radiated a small-town charm. enamelware utensils, wooden-framed decorative paintings, checkered tablecloths, and exposed ceiling beams gave it a simple yet elegant vibe, a striking contrast to its vibrant and trendy exterior. franca, seated by the window, ordered a cup of fragrant intis coffee and basked in the sunlight. with a casual glance around, she observed the clientele and waitstaff. most of them were women, particularly the waitresses, and their attire and graceful movements indicated specialized training. only two men, seemingly foreign wine merchants, sat across from each other, discussing the impact of this years abundant rain and sunlight on grape quality. among the three female patrons, one was a local elderly woman with gray hair, dressed modestly, occasionally greeting passersby. another was in her thirties, wearing a veiled black hat and a blue corset dress, her features fairly ordinary. the third, a striking beauty with delicate eyebrows, had naturally cascading brown hair in wavy curls, dressed simply, and exuded a calm demeanor. apart from the local elderly lady, the other two might be participants in the orgies. franca turned her attention away, thinking that the first floor, with a dozen or so tables, didnt seem like the place for such private affairs. her guess was that it might be happening in the basement or on an upper floor closer to the distinctive red mushroom roof. from francas vantage point, she had a clear view of the cafs entrance. lumian, in his brownish-yellow dog form, lay there quietly, soaking up the sun and keeping a close eye on everyone entering and exiting the red house caf, as well as the patrons and waitresses inside. no one paid much attention to the wild dog by the roadside, except for a few stray dogs that passed by. one of them bared its teeth at lumian, who occupied his usual spot, and growled menacingly. lumian felt somewhat helpless. could he really engage in a dogfight in his current form? this wasnt a significant concern for him, but what mattered was that the animal creation spell had sealed most of his beyonder powers, reducing his strength to that of a dog. of course, given his size as a large dog, intimidating smaller canines was a breeze. however, the dog growling at him was also quite substantial, albeit on the thin side. fight! fight! franca couldnt contain her excitement as she watched the scene unfold through the window. she had no intention of intervening; it was a rare opportunity to witness lumian in such an awkward situation. how could she resist the spectacle? lumian, sprawled by the door, raised his right palmno, his right foreleg. drawing from past experiences, he focused a portion of his consciousness on his paw. a faint sense of madness and a scent of blood, perceptible only to lumian, hung in the air. the brown-furred dog, its skeletal frame visible, was taken aback and hastily retreated with its tail between its legs. oh come on! be more daring! why run away? franca, inside the red house caf, was left disappointed. she couldnt fathom why the dog had suddenly become afraid of lumian. the hunter couldnt unleash his full powershe could exude an aura of provocation at best! simultaneously, lumian chuckled self-deprecatingly. if the blood emperor ever found out that i used his aura to scare off dogs, he might just skin me alive, wouldnt he? after the brief interlude, franca refocused her attention on the caf. drawing from her experience and observations in fashion magazines, she gracefully sipped her coffee and occasionally performed everyday actions that highlighted her feminine charm, all learned over the past year. it didnt escape her notice that nearly everyone in the caf had their eyes on her. some glanced discreetly, while others openly admired her, some even offering warm smiles. the elderly local lady, who had been seated nearby, smiled at franca, picked up honey-roasted chicken wings from her plate, and made her way out of the red house caf. stopping in front of lumian, she mumbled to herself in amazement, its another one lumian had an uneasy feeling as he watched the old lady squat down and offer the brownish-yellow roasted chicken wing to him. after a moments hesitation, he bit into the chicken wing like a real dog, allowing the old lady to stroke his furry head. truth be told, he wasnt accustomed to eating like a dog, but fortunately, the old lady stood up and departed after a couple of affectionate strokes. inside the red house caf, franca couldnt help but burst into laughter as she watched lumian awkwardly nibble at the chicken wings. unable to resist her amplified emotions, her body trembled with laughter. if she didnt need to maintain her image, she might have doubled over in laughter. she also wanted to take something to feed lumian! in her natural state, francas true charisma shone through. her black hair, brown eyes, and effortless elegance captivated those around her, giving her a unique and magnetic presence in the caf. the mysterious charm of her black hair and brown eyes, along with her elegant and casual demeanor, made her uniquely attractive. at that moment, a woman wearing a light-colored hunting suit rode up on a brown horse from the nearby racetrack near east lognes forest. she skillfully dismounted and removed her hat. her long, orange-red hair flowed like a waterfall, adding a touch of wildness to her otherwise clean, pure, and exquisite face. carrying a whip, the woman in the hunting attire secured her horse and made her way into the red house caf. she approached the quiet and beautiful young woman. franca had ceased her laughter at lumians antics and couldnt help but feel that this new arrival seemed more like a participant in the orgies than anyone else present. despite being the most beautiful with exquisitely delicate features that gave her an innocent appearance, there was an aura about her that could easily pass for that of a man. there was likely to be someone like her at a female orgy. franca elegantly raised her right hand and brushed back the black hair that had fallen across her lips, subtly displaying her own feminine charm. the woman with long orange-red hair, who had been unconsciously surveying the cafs occupants, appeared visibly taken aback, as if she had been momentarily stunned. however, lumian, who had been lying quietly by the entrance, noticed a slight furrow in the womans brow after her initial surprise. she averted her gaze and continued her approach toward the quietly elegant woman with wavy hair. they engaged in light banter before they ascended the wooden stairs to the second floor amidst some chatter. franca observed them from the corner of her eye and began to form a rough idea. there is a strong likelihood that these two are indeed participants in the female orgies, though whether they belonged to the moment society or the narcissus society remains uncertain. franca continued to sip her coffee leisurely, deliberately making no move. after more than half an hour had passed, and with no sign of the women descending, she decided to leave her seat and walked out of red house caf. she planned to call it a day, so as to not risk arousing suspicion by approaching them too hastily. her plan was to maintain her cover as a resident of the nearby lavigny docks and return to trocadro every two or three days, or even more frequently. after all, this area was renowned for its wine production and scenic beauty, attracting numerous tourists daily. it would be entirely plausible for a lady who had recently moved nearby to explore the area. lumian, stationed at the entrance of the red house caf, appeared disinterested, as though he had no connection to francas actions. almost simultaneously, his sharp senses detected the beautiful woman with long orange-red hair standing behind a glass window on the second floor. the woman observed francas departing figure with a solemn, vigilant, and contemplative expression, devoid of any apparent homosexual romantic interest. why is there such a reaction? did she discover something amiss with franca? how did she discover it? lumian felt puzzled as he stood up, as if he had soaked up enough sun, and moved to the alley between the red house caf and the neighboring building, which was closer to francas departure direction. before long, the woman with long orange-red hair reappeared behind the second-floor window. she carefully scanned her surroundings, confirming that no one was paying attention. there was only a brownish-yellow dog dozing off in a corner. gently, she pushed open the window and gracefully descended to the alley below, as light as a feather. immediately after her descent, the woman with the clean and pure appearance blended into the shadows. lumian, pretending to be in a state of drowsiness, silently observed this unfolding scene, his mind racing. featherfall shadow concealment beauty remarkable charisma could she be a demoness? was it precisely because she is also a demoness that she sensed something unusual about francas appearance and demeanor, prompting her to follow and observe? lumian discreetly stood up and began to follow franca from a distance, giving the appearance of a leisurely stroll. the orange-red-haired woman remained hidden in the shadows, elusive and difficult to pinpoint. lumian couldnt ascertain her exact location, but he was certain that she was not far from franca. franca, playing her part convincingly, didnt seem in a hurry to leave trocadro. she embraced the role of a tourist, visiting the nearest vineyard, sampling the free red wine at a shop, and purchasing some regional specialties. just before noon, franca entered the towns upscale department store and began trying on various styles of womens clothing. as lumian watched, nearly fifteen minutes later, he lost sight of franca. it was then that he observed the clean-looking woman in hunting attire emerging from the shadows in a corner of the department store, her eyes scanning the surroundings. franca had successfully shaken her pursuer. lumians guileless dog face lit up with a gratified smile. the final stage of todays operation, getting rid of the would-be stalker, had been executed flawlessly. franca, with lies assistance and her ability to counter divination, had done a commendable job! she must have utilized the shoppers in the department store, changing into a different set of clothing as a ruse, transformed herself, and exited openly to evade detection. after the woman in the hunting attire returned to the red house caf, lumian left trocadro and made his way toward quartier raste. while still in his canine form, he intended to explore the vicinity of red swan castle. guillaume bnets animal creation spell had a duration of seven days, after which it would naturally dissipate, requiring a new ritual. as lumian had anticipated, red swan castle stood atop the hill, its beige exterior tainted with the marks of age-old blood. it stood in eerie silence, surrounded by a small river. lumian conducted a few circles around the area before arriving at the closest church buildingthe sacred heart cloister of the eternal blazing sun church. beneath the shade of the green trees, he squatted quietly and gazed at the magnificent golden building adorned with steeples. during his observation, lumian couldnt help but notice a golden retriever squatting more than ten meters away, its attention also fixed on the sacred heart cloister. Chapter 366 - 366 Demoness Sect 366 demoness sect are all the dogs around the cloister so devout? he retracted his gaze while criticizing. he quickly left the forest behind. his primary concern was to chart a route from red swan castle to the sacred heart cloister, taking note of any advantageous terrain and hiding spots along the way. what the sacred heart cloister actually looked like or if it held any special significance was of little concern to him. by mid-afternoon, lumian had thoroughly scouted the area surrounding red swan castle. he discovered several potential escape routes, some following the main road, some along the freight railways, others winding through forests, past lakes, or over hills. not only were they well-concealed, but they also featured natural traps. initially, lumian had contemplated infiltrating red swan castle in his canine form, but he soon realized that security was exceedingly tight. stray dogs were not tolerated, and intruders faced certain death. unfortunately, the animal creation spell only permits transformation into larger animals. the implicit requirement is that the hide must be able to envelop a curled-up human. otherwise, i could transform into a rat. i dont believe they could guard against that! he sighed and retreated to a nearby secluded spot. with his spirituality, lumian manipulated the air within the dog hide and murmured two words of hermes. his grace! creating a sound in this manner was not challenging for lumian. what proved difficult was that his spirituality was constrained by the animal creation spell. it could not extend beyond his body or the dog hide, and it was in limited supply. thus, any sound produced remained confined to the dog hide, hidden from others ears. furthermore, he could dispel the incantation after uttering a few words. in a swift, shadowy motion, the brownish-yellow dog skin split open, revealing lumians human form. he crawled out, carefully folded the hide, and cradled it against his chest. though it had lost its mystical properties, lumian had no intention of discarding it. finding such a complete and large dog hide was a rarity. i only have one ritualistic dog hide left. i must conserve it. lumian muttered these thoughts as he resumed his journey along the familiar road toward the nearest town. in a bustling metropolis like trier, ritualistic dog hides proved more practical than ritual sheepskin or cowhide. donning the latter two and transforming into the corresponding animals would undoubtedly draw attention. after all, who wouldnt be tempted to guide a lone sheep wandering the streets home to prepare it into various delicacies? moreover, in trier, there were those with perverted inclinations, ones who fancied sheep buttocks. as lumian returned to apartment 601 at 3 rue des blouses blanches, the night had already fallen, casting a dark veil over the city. franca swiftly changed back into her usual attire and settled into the recliner, her gaze fixed warily on the lie necklace resting in a corner of the coffee table, as though it might spring to life and ensnare her at any moment. whats wrong? lumian closed the ajar door behind him and casually stowed away the lie necklace. francas expression shifted, and she sighed, confessing, after i returned, i found myself with idle time, so i attempted to adjust my appearance, but at this point, she let out another sigh, her emotions a mixture of fear and nostalgia. i became entranced by my own reflection in the mirror! ive never seen such a flawless woman. just by gazing at her face, i could do so for an entire dayno, for eternity! lumian contemplated her words for a moment before responding, you can use lie to deceive others, but never deceive yourself. i understand, but the allure of the demoness of pleasure and the effects of lie are genuinely potent, franca admitted earnestly. it wasnt easy for me to regain control. i forcibly removed the necklace and tossed it onto the coffee table. while my fixation may be partially due to its amplification properties, i cant help but reminisce. i cant help but yearn to give it a try. heh heh, my mind has passed the test. with the lie necklace out of her sight, franca visibly relaxed. she chuckled and remarked, were you memeCuh, using your sisters way of speaking to caution me? yes, in preparation for your upcoming gathering, lumian confirmed, making no effort to conceal the fact that he had been practicing aurores manner of speech recently. franca nodded thoughtfully and commented, it felt quite natural. if it remains at this level, deceiving them shouldnt pose a problem. without awaiting lumians response, the demoness of pleasure playfully inquired, so, how did the honey-roasted chicken wings taste? lumian provided an objective assessment, they were decent. francas curiosity and teasing spirit persisted as she asked, could it be that your taste buds were improved due to your canine senses? had your sense of smell become more acute? lumian replied with an experimental tone, it does have some influence on me, but i havent transformed entirely into a dog. i still retain a significant portion of my human senses. franca continued, and what about other aspects? after a moment of contemplation, lumian explained, other aspects? its more like my soul is confined within a real dogs body. everything i do is restricted and influenced by my physical form, including seated on the divan, he raised his leg, mimicking the posture of a canine taking a leak. franca exclaimed, you really dont care about your image at all, do you? it doesnt bother you? lumian shrugged, responding, whats there to be concerned about? franca thought for a moment before posing her final question, one last thing, will you be affected by dog hormones and react strangely to other dogs? the body is mine, and the dog is just a disguise. its merely an external constraint. lumians expression suggested he wasnt a fool. he then adopted a mimicry of madam magician and asked, are there any more questions? im done. franca was satisfied. lumian chuckled. then its my turn to ask. what are your thoughts on the ladies you observed today? franca absently twirled a few flaxen-colored strands of hair that had come loose from her ponytail as she replied, there are two potential suspects she proceeded to recount her speculation and added, that woman with the orange-red hair still gives me an odd sensation, as if shes drawing me in. lumian smiled approvingly. youre onto something. shes at least a demoness of pleasure or a beyonder with a corresponding mystical item. after identifying that the beyonder belonged to the demoness pathway, lumian sensed a magnetic allure in every gesture she made, similar to francas. it was a bit challenging for him, with most of his abilities sealed, to resist such temptation. fortunately, alms monks endurance held firm. demoness? franca pondered the possibility and mused to herself, that makes sense. how could a gathering of females dedicated to pleasure not attract one or two demonesses lumian had a moment of realization and posed a question, is it to bring pleasure to others and oneself? he sensed that this might be a fundamental requirement for their acting. thats one aspect of it. even if it werent for the potion, id still want to attend. however, i can control myself, but the same cant be said for other demonesses, franca said with disdain and a sigh. lumian, not fully grasping the implication behind her words, remarked, she followed you but you managed to shake her off. ah franca was momentarily surprised. she should be from the demoness family. the demoness family you mentioned? lumian had previously heard franca briefly mention this secret organization. he had always been curious about how demonesses could form families. matriarchal society? franca sighed and said, yes, its also known as the demoness sect. its origins trace back to the descendants of the primordial demoness during the fourth epoch. the primordial demoness is a sequence 0 of the assassin pathway, essentially a true deity. shes widely regarded as an evil god, also known as the chaos demoness. primordial demoness lumian committed the name to memory. franca continued, the core of the demoness family always includes a descendant of the primordial demoness, but they also recruit or cultivate assassins with different surnames. its essentially a sect that controls all the potion formulas and most of the resources related to this pathway. only a demoness from the demoness sect would tail a wild demoness upon their first encounter. to retrieve the beyonder characteristic? lumian inquired. be it recruitment or elimination, it was a way of reclaiming beyonder characteristics. franca pursed her lips and responded, exactly. they dont want the beyonder characteristics of the demoness pathway to be lost outside their sect. moreover, they hold a deep disdain for female assassins and eliminate any they come across. why? lumian couldnt comprehend. franca shot him a resentful glance, as if blaming him for asking such a question. she sighed and said, its because the primordial demoness was originally male. during the process of attaining godhood through the assassin pathway, she transformed entirely into a woman. this transformation left her mind twisted and filled with agony. the demoness sect claims they want to emulate the primordials experience. so, every demoness in the sect was once male. after enduring immense pain and suffering, they became profoundly distorted. they yearn to see other men undergo similar ordeals. perhaps you dont know, but these demonesses seek out men to father their children. baby girls are sent away, while baby boys are kept behind to relive their mothers lives. as cordus prankster king, lumian couldnt help but shake his head in disbelief. isnt this incredibly twisted? whats even more twisted is that these childrens fathers eventually become demonesses themselves. franca recounted the information she had obtained from madam judgment and exhaled in fear. ive been avoiding them, not wanting them to discover me. but youre originally a man. why should you be afraid? lumian asked, puzzled. are you worried that being around them might corrupt you and warp your senses after joining the demoness sect? franca nodded solemnly. yes. besides, im already a minor arcana card holder of the tarot club. how could i possibly join the demoness sect? lumian fell silent for a few moments before speaking again. didnt you want to join the iron and blood cross order too? thats different. its a mission for the tarot club, franca defended reflexively. lumian didnt press the issue and instead nodded thoughtfully. no wonder you mentioned that female orgies easily attract demonesses. franca scoffed. its just that most demonesses are members of the demoness sect and have connections either vertically or horizontally. otherwise, half of the female orgies might consist of demonesses. whats even more extreme is that when you receive an invitation to a strip ball and attend with enthusiasm, its always packed with men. after muttering a few words, franca looked at lumian and asked awkwardly, so, what should we do next? Chapter 367 - 367 Salon 367 salon lumian understood francas concerns and smiled. two directions: first, consult with your major arcana card holder about the possibility of establishing contact with the demoness sect. remember, you originally were a man, so theres no need to fret about being eliminated. as long as you can pass their background checks, you can tap into their resources to enhance yourself. and when pretending isnt an option anymore, have your major arcana card holder assign you a mission to steer clear of trier and make a swift getaway. think about it. youre already at sequence 6. most of the top-tier resources are within the demoness sects grasp. infiltrating their ranks and acquiring these resources from within is a much simpler and safer route compared to making enemies and taking risks to hunt them. of course, this hinges on your major arcana card holder providing a way to elude the watchful eye of the primordial demoness. franca was taken aback and mumbled, how do you sound so experienced lumian scoffed. are you amnesiac? im doing something similar right now. im infiltrating the iron and blood cross order on behalf of the tarot club. whats the major perk? once i complete the iron and blood cross orders mission, i can claim rewards from gardner martin and report back to my major arcana card holder. i can use the pretext of my spying progress to secure rewards from hertwo rewards with one mission. otherwise, why do you think the number of mystical items on me have increased so rapidly? of course, he didnt need to mention mr. ks contributions to franca. two rewards with one mission franca repeated it a few times before a realization dawned on her. ive been cooperating with you on missions related to the iron and blood cross order. will this clash with contact with the demoness sect? lumians expression said: as expected, youre still inexperienced. theres no clash; why would there be? simply convey to the demoness sect your desire to transition to the hunter pathway at sequence 4 and revert to your original gender. thats your motivation for pursuing leads on the iron and blood cross order. youve already left enough clues and made substantial progress. from what youve described, those demonesses went from being men to women. i refuse to believe they havent considered leveraging the pathway switch to regain what theyve lost. that reason should be enough to convince them. moreover, demonesses and hunters belong to neighboring pathways. they surely have ulterior motives concerning the iron and blood cross order. given your opportunity to infiltrate them, theyre more likely to embrace you than hinder you. in fact, they might even value your presence. most importantly, if things go as planned, you could become the demoness sects liaison responsible for matters related to the market district and the iron and blood cross order. if you want the higher-ups among the demonesses to be aware of whats transpiring here, theyll be informed. if you prefer keeping it under wraps, theyll remain oblivious. for instance, jenna being a female assassin. at this point, lumian smiled. you can also exploit the demoness sect to nurture jenna. when the high-ranking demonesses discover that a powerful pure female demoness is paid for by their own sect, wont they lose control on the spot? it was an intriguing thought. it could be described as extreme provocation and mockery. franca nodded indiscernibly. kid, if you had taken the instigator potion, you might have fully digested it within a week. im just kindling a specific fire within you. lumian leaned back on the sofa. franca couldnt help but scoff in a half-mocking, half-teasing tone. if i were to genuinely join the demoness sect, and you reach the sequence 5 qualitative transformation without obtaining a sequence 4 potion formula and the corresponding main ingredient from the iron and blood cross order, would you consider becoming a demoness? lumian considered the question seriously before answering, it depends. if i urgently require the strength and capabilities of a sequence 4 to complete specific tasks, its not out of the question. ill choose the path thats simpler and more attainable. franca was taken aback. are you sure you wont find it mentally burdensome? he made it sound as if he was drinking absinthe or lanti proof tonight. lumian borrowed a phrase from his sisters vocabulary. ill do whatever it takes. he then added, ill stop at nothing to achieve my goal. besides, cant we just switch back when we reach sequence 3? you cant just switch at will. most beyonders never advance beyond sequence 4 in their lifetime, let alone sequence 3. as they ascend, it becomes increasingly difficult. whether its the risk of losing control or obtaining the necessary resources, the challenges remain the same, she cautioned. lumian let out a chuckle. anyway, its all just a fantasy at this point, isnt it? to confirm if its feasible at all. franca was left momentarily speechless and then inquired, you mentioned two directions. whats the other one? the other option is to track down the demoness of the demoness sect and extract detailed information about the female orgies from her. subsequently, focus on identifying potential members of the bliss society among the participants. as soon as you can, pinpoint the core members with close ties to susanna mattise and eliminate any hidden threats, lumian explained the alternative plan concisely. while its a viable plan, if the bliss society members arent directly involved in the female orgies and are merely associating with certain individuals, targeting the demoness alone might not provide the information we need. additionally, its bound to draw the attention of high-ranking members of the demoness sect, leaving little room for further investigation. ill start by reaching out to my major arcana card holder and inquire if she has any reservations about my contact with the demoness sect. franca analyzed after some thought. she was clearly tempted by lumians suggestion. lumian acknowledged her analysis without rushing her. after all, she wouldnt return to trocadros red house caf for another two or three days, with an invitation to count poufers salon preceding that event. three days after scouting the surroundings of red swan castle and informing madam magician and mr. k of the invitation, lumian arrived at the beige castle in a four-wheeled four-seater provided by gardner martin. he chose not to dress too formally for the occasion. no tailcoat, top hat, or cane that stereotypically marked a gentleman. instead, he wore a light-brown hunting suit, off-white breeches, and brown boots. in his hand, he held a loen-style deerstalker hat, allowing his golden-black hair to catch the wind. lumian was aware, through aurores gossip, that appearing overly grandiose in a literary and artistic salon like this would make him appear out of place among the other participants, possibly even a laughingstock. of course, this outfit had been funded by gardner martins recent contribution of 10,000 verl dor, costing lumian a total of 1,000 verl dor. holding the invitation letter, lumian underwent the guards scrutiny and passed through the imposing several-meter-tall door. in this area, there was a hall, but it was relatively modest. it served as a waiting area for the butlers, valets, maids, and guards accompanying the guests during a grand banquet. lumian scanned his surroundings and confirmed that this wasnt the hall from his unsettling nightmare. beyond the hall was the atrium, and on the opposite side stood red swan castles main edifice. it rose six to seven stories high and was encircled by a ring of towers. lumian couldnt help but glance up at a narrow window on the third floor. in his nightmare, a man with dark-red hair had gouged out his own brownish-red eyes from behind that very window. now, however, there was nothing behind the clear glass window but a slightly mottled light-colored wall. mottled shouldnt the rooms walls have been repainted? aurore had mentioned that the annual maintenance cost for such an ancient castle is astronomical lumian shifted his gaze away and proceeded to enter the main building. the moment he crossed the threshold, his eyes narrowed, and his heart sank. this hall was an exact replica of the one in his nightmare! from the crystal chandelier hanging high above to the spiral golden staircase leading to the second floor, everything mirrored his dream with eerie precision. though lumian had expected this, encountering it in reality stirred up complex emotions within him. the male servants in the hall, adorned in their vibrant red uniforms with golden trimmings, stood in two neat rows to welcome lumians arrival. lumians eyelids twitched, finding the vividness of the red to resemble flowing blood. the salon was situated in a spacious living room on the first floor, elegantly decorated with a thick, dark red carpet adorned with intricate patterns. a set of plush sofas graced one side of the room, and bar stools and armchairs were scattered around them. on the opposite end of the living room, a tall young woman sat at a brown piano. she wore a simple yet pristine sky-blue-patterned white corset dress, and her auburn hair cascaded gracefully down her back. as lumian entered the living room, the girls fingers danced gracefully across the piano keys, conjuring a sprightly melody. count poufer occupied an armchair, engaged in conversation with an elegant lady with black hair, blue eyes, and an air of refinement as she leaned against the armrest in a crouched position, chuckling merrily. novelist anori, painter mullen, critic ernst young, and poet iraeta, each accompanied by their female companions, were either gathered on the sofa, engaged in conversation, or lingering near the table adorned with desserts and roasted meats. in addition to these well-known figures, other guests filled the room. lumian scanned the crowd and spotted a familiar face. it was laurent, the inhabitant of auberge du coq dor, rumored to have used madame lakazans hard-earned money to frequent upscale cafs and mingle with high society. laurent still donned the same pristine black tailcoat, and his neatly combed brownish-yellow hair followed a precise 30-70 cut. he stood out amidst the casually attired authors, painters, poets, and critics surrounding him. he displayed no restraint in his interactions, his dark-brown eyes sparkling as he exchanged pleasantries with the gathered guests. within moments, laurent locked eyes with lumian, and his pupils dilated, as if he had encountered an evil spirit. i-is this not ciel dubois, the current owner of auberge du coq dor and the infamous mob leader? in an instant, fear coursed through laurents veins. he worried that lumian might expose his true identity, jeopardizing the connections he had painstakingly cultivated. he was on the verge of success! oh, youre doing quite well. youve even received an invitation to such a salon lumian remarked with a smile, pointing to himself as if to suggest that they both belonged to a certain type and could feign ignorance of each other. a sigh of relief escaped laurent as lumian approached count poufer. with a hint of annoyance, he grumbled, you didnt inform me about bringing a female companion. youre making me look like a fool! haha. count poufer and the others chuckled, delighted that their prank had succeeded. after the laughter subsided, count poufer gestured toward the girl at the piano. if you dont mind, you can invite my cousin, miss elros. Chapter 368 - 368 Speculator 368 speculator lumian settled into an armchair with a polite smile aimed at count poufer. he responded, that would be my honor. with a graceful gesture, he extended an invitation to miss elros. count poufer, dressed in a crimson shirt, waved his hand. after she finishes playing this piece. lumian shifted his gaze towards the piano, finally getting a clear view of miss elros. her chestnut eyebrows framed her expressive brown eyes, which sparkled with a youthful vibrance. the delicate curve of her cheeks and gentle facial contours suggested her age to be under 20, and there was no apparent trace of sauron lineage. lumian surmised that elros likely inherited her sauron lineage from her maternal side. he turned away briefly, his fingers wrapping around a glass of red, white, and blue liqueur resting on the coffee table. engaging in lively conversation with count poufer, novelist anori, and others, lumian discussed the latest trends and scandals circulating in their circle. he had been diligently reading newspapers like novel weekly, journal des dbats, youth of trier, and ghost face to keep himself well-informed for occasions like these. the black-haired lady who had been kneeling beside count poufer had already moved away to observe the newspaper editors engaged in a game of billiards. lumian was aware that she couldnt be count poufers wife. aurore had once enlightened him about the peculiar customs of trier: in intimate gatherings and small-scale balls, the male and female hosts refrained from appearing together. it was considered improper and might invite unnecessary gossip. therefore, when one of them hosted a salon, their spouse would attend someone elses event. back when lumian first learned of this, he was barely fifteen, and it struck him as a bizarre set of rules. now, reflecting upon it, he couldnt help but think: you trieriens have devised such absurd and comical unwritten rules to facilitate discreet affairs, and everyone willingly adheres to them! as the musical piece concluded, elros gracefully left the piano and made her way to the sofas. her cousin introduced her to lumian, pulling over a barstool for her. she sat with her legs neatly together, a silent observer of the ongoing conversation. as time flowed by, others gradually converged in their direction. laurent followed a casually-dressed, middle-aged man who sported an impressive beard. count poufer took it upon himself to make introductions, saying, this is cornell, the editor-in-chief of le petit trierien. lumian had perused the newspaper before, and he vividly recalled the advertisement for the interstellar bridge to the crimson moon featured in its pages. now, with that memory in mind, he couldnt help but suspect that it might be a cleverly disguised scam or perhaps a piece of trierien performance art. he also harbored suspicions that it might be connected to devotees of some evil god. this is ciel dubois, the general manager of coastal import and export corporation, poufer introduced the identity gardner martin had fabricated to cornell. cornell extended his right hand with a look of surprise as he greeted lumian. youre quite the young lad. lumian accepted the handshake, offering a charming smile. this is the result of my unwavering diligence and hard work. just as poet iraeta was on the verge of commenting on the diligence of most individuals present without becoming the general manager of a large company at such a young age, lumian added a touch of self-deprecation to his tone. its precisely because i excelled in both areas that my father appointed me as the general manager of the import and export company. the room erupted in laughter as everyone grasped lumians meaning. their perception of ciel dubois underwent a positive transformation. in their social circle, there was no shortage of individuals who had landed important positions at a tender age due to familial connections. these people typically either avoided mentioning their parents and elders, striving to demonstrate their self-proclaimed abilities, or they struggled with confidence and maturity, endlessly fixating on their fathers or uncles. there were very few who exuded the kind of openness, honesty, and humor that lumian effortlessly radiated. back then, count poufer could scarcely be counted among them. lumian, with a touch of mischievous humor borrowed from his sister, turned his gaze toward laurent and inquired, who might this be? thud! thud! laurents heart raced in response. while they had an unspoken agreement not to reveal each others true identities, laurent lacked a thorough understanding of ciel dubois, the mob leader, and worried that lumian might suddenly change his mind. cornell, the editor-in-chief of le petit trierien, gestured to the young man by his side. this is laurent. hes remarkably talented, well-informed, and unfailingly polite. ive been observing him for nearly three months, and im considering offering him a position as my assistant and deputy editor-in-chief. laurent, how do you feel about this unexpected proposition? laurent initially found himself taken aback, but soon, he was overwhelmed by joy and felt a slight sense of vertigo. all the pains and anxieties he had endured, from his mothers tears to his neighbors disdain, had led to this moment. he had always believed that with his talents, he shouldnt be stuck at the bottom, and he had been actively seeking an opportunity, even if it meant squeezing his mother dry to maintain a facade of dignity. laurent refrained from displaying excessive excitement and responded to cornell with a gracious smile, saying, it would be an honor. not bad at all, lumian thought as he assessed the situation. speculation could be a risky endeavor, but the rewards could be substantial. however, theres the importance of changing ones mindset and genuinely starting from their current position. speculating to improve social status might lead to losing everything in the long run. lumian recalled his sisters comments after losing in the stock market as he considered laurents actions. he was unlike charlie and others; lumian held a disdain for those who exploited their mothers in the speculative process. as long as laurents mother could accept it and didnt resort to violence against her son or show strong resistance, lumian didnt pass harsh judgment. with cornell and the others now seated, lumians curiosity led him to ask, where did you first encounter laurent? cornell responded with a smile, at the vichy caf. he often visits to engage in discussions about various trier-related matters and to share his opinions. vichy cafthe place where 5 verl dor could buy half a bottle of mineral water and two boiled eggs? laurents mother, madame lakazan, doesnt even earn 3 verl dor after a long days work. yet, the investment has clearly paid off. even a rookie deputy editor-in-chief at a newspaper like le petit trierien earns nearly 5,000 verl dor annually, and thats just the tip of the iceberg. lumian observed the differences and realized that laurents fixation on speculative networking had a certain logic. still, success in such endeavors was a rare occurrenceone in a hundred at best. lumian cast a glance at laurent, who eyed him with caution, and smoothly changed the subject with a smile. cornell, i happened to come across an advertisement for the interstellar bridge in le petit trierien last month, or perhaps even earlier. it piqued my interest. any comments about it? cornell indulged in a puff from his pipe before bursting into laughter. i believe its a bunch of delusional folks, but since they paid, theres no reason why i shouldnt run their advertisement. maybe it can fool some fanatical enthusiasts of mechanics and science. how are they now? lumian chuckled. im even thinking of investing in them, just to see if theyre swindlers or if they can actually produce something. poet iraeta picked up his pipe and muttered, you might as well sponsor me instead of investing in them. at least then, you can berate me for writing like a piece of dogsh*t, and i wont have any comeback. lumian played along, acting as if money was of no concern to him. no problem. how about 5,000 verl dor? his intention was to give iraeta only 3,000 verl dor later, using the excuse of not having enough cash on hand at the moment. iraeta lowered his pipe and spread his arms theatrically. praise the sun and let ciels malice strike harder! haha, lets head back to the old city together after the salon. lumian subtly hinted at his intention to sponsor iraeta later but refrained from handing over the money directly to avoid the stink of money. following this brief diversion, cornell seemed to warm up to lumians presence. im not sure how those people are faring. they only paid for a one-month ad. as the conversation flowed, count poufer glanced at the setting sun and proposed a game with a warm smile. shall we play kings pie? consider it a warm-up before dinner. is this the only game you know? do you have a childhood lumian couldnt help but inwardly critique count poufers choice of games, but he refrained from objecting. the others readily agreed, and count poufer promptly instructed his valet to bring out the sizable kings pie that had been prepared in the kitchen. it resembled the lid of a grand saucepan, emitting a tantalizing aroma and color. who shall be in charge of the cutting? count poufer surveyed the participants, his gaze sweeping over each of them. after a moments thought, he decided, elros, you do the honors. youre the youngest and most beautiful lady here. elros, seated on a barstool beside lumian, gracefully rose and took up the table knife to start dividing the kings pie. rather obedient of your cousin. living off the sauron family, off count poufer? lumian realized that elross techniques were deft, perhaps from frequent practice. in no time, the colossal kings pie was divided into roughly 29 portions. as was customary, count poufer proposed offering the extra slice to his ancestor, vermonda sauron, and no one voiced any objections. after completing this part of the ritual, the living room seemed to descend into an eerie silence, as if the very atmosphere outside the castle had solidified. count poufer then turned his attention to lumian and laurent. laurent, this is your first time attending my saturday salon with ciel. youll be the first to choose. lumian laughed and said, of course, the host should be the first to choose. dont you all think so? instigated by him, the other participants readily agreed that the male host should have the honor of making the initial selection. count poufer didnt insist and took up a slice of kings pie, addressing the group, whoever bites into the gold coin shall be king. seeing that the sauron family member had made the first choice, lumian felt more at ease and leaned forward to survey the slices. this was double insurance. first, he would let count poufer make his selection. then, while there were still plenty of slices left, he would exploit termiboross aversion to the matter to choose a slice without the gold coin. this time, termiboros remained silent, not offering any warnings. lumian naturally picked up the kings pie slice he had personally selected. but as he settled back into his seat, his mind spun unexpectedly. it was as if he saw the narrow glass window once again, and the image of the dark-red-haired man who had gouged out his own eyes intruded upon his thoughts. Chapter 369 - 369 King? No, Emperor! 369 king? no, emperor! compared to his previous nightmare, lumian could now see him more clearly. the dark-red-haired man behind the narrow glass window bore a striking resemblance to count poufer. as he raised his right hand to dig at his eyes, his facial muscles twitched, and his facial contours transformed, instantly becoming identical to lumians. it was identical to lumian lee from cordu village, not the current ciel dubois! when the dark-red-haired man with lumians face gouged out the bloody eyeball, lumians eyes ached, and his vision darkened. simultaneously, wild laughter echoed in his ears, infecting him to the point where he wanted to release his frustration, unleash violence, and satisfy his bloodlust. suddenly, his right palm heated up, and pure madness surged into his mind. out of nowhere, frustration, violence, and bloodthirst surged out of him as the maniacal laughter instantly ended. lumians vision returned to normal, and he saw novelist anori sitting across from him, with count poufer beside him. they grinned as they observed the other participants selecting slices of kings pie, completely unaware of the unusual changes happening to lumian. lumian counted the kings pie slices that had vanished and glanced at laurent, who was engrossed in his choice. he realized that only a few seconds had elapsed, but it felt like an eternity. drawing upon his alms monk abilities, he resisted the emotional turmoil stirred by the blood emperors presence. he faintly perceived a peculiar, insane, bloody, and ruthless mental impression lingering in the void above him. the desire to infiltrate lumians body, sending shivers down his spine, remained suppressed by alista tudors hidden aura; it dared not descend. instead, it circled above the living room, akin to vultures eager to feast on carcasses but cautious of nearby predators. none of the participants in the kings pie game detected the existence of such a manic spirit glaring fiercely at them from above. they giggled and selected their slices of kings pie. come, dance with the blood emperor! lets see whos crazier, you or alista tudor! lumian scoffed inwardly, his emotions in turmoil. of course, he understood that his blood emperor aura was a mere facade. if the spirit were to forcefully enter his body, he wouldnt have the power to resist it. all he could do was hope that mr. fools seal would activate and yield some effect. however, judging by appearances, the frenzied and cruel spirit lacked any rationality. it operated solely on instinct and harbored an innate fear. lumian took a moment to collect himself. while observing elros and the others choose their kings pie slices and sensing the frenzied spirits erratic movements, he contemplated the corresponding dilemma. this appears to be the core of the sauron familys kings pie game poufer employs his bloodline and a simplified ritual to summon the lingering spirit of his ancestor, allowing it to inhabit the person who consumes the symbol and becomes the king if a frenzied and bloodthirsty spirit were to truly take control of my body and corrode my mind, i might lose my sanity instantly. its nearly impossible for ordinary individuals to resist such a force. what does count poufer rely on to maintain his composure? at the very least, he seems normal and has become king countless times no wonder termiboros insisted i switch slices last time. if i were to lose control, he wouldnt fare any better son of a sow! why didnt you warn me today? did you choose to remain silent because you knew i possessed the blood emperors aura and wouldnt succumb to this insane mental invasion? where does this frenzied spirit originate from? its been two to three hundred years; how can it still exist? could it be that the sauron family has a special method for preserving the spirit of a high-ranking individual across generations? or could vermonda sauron actually still be alive? or perhaps the beyonder trait he left behind has become too corrupted? is the sauron family attempting to gradually eradicate it using this method? but its been two to three hundred years! gardner martins objective is to ascertain vermondas condition hmm, this crazy spirit continues to hover above my head without descending will it eventually retreat, change its target, or trigger other alterations? lumian remained on high alert, keeping a constant watch on the frenzied spirit lingering in the air. if it displayed any signs of forcefully invading through the blood emperors aura or causing other unfavorable developments, lumian would opt to teleport away. anori, mullen, iraeta, and the others each selected their kings pie slices, leaving only the one reserved for vermonda sauron on the plate. count poufer surveyed the surroundings with a grin and declared, everyone, lets dig in. the one who finds that gold coin will be the king for today. with that, he elegantly sampled a portion of the kings pie in his hand, then took a few more bites. his countenance gradually shifted from one of confidence to one of blank panic. there was no gold coin! count poufer stared at the other participants in disbelief, his assurance of control crumbling. in that moment, a single thought consumed his mind: no, this cant be! im the one who most closely resembles my ancestor! his eyes fixed on elros, the sole guest possessing the sauron familys bloodline. though elros was perplexed by her cousins frantic and intense gaze, she still took a few bites of her kings pie slice. yet, still, there was no gold coin to be found. count poufers confusion deepened. his gaze darted around, his mind racing with conjectures. could there be an illegitimate son of a family member here? no, even if there were, i bear the closest resemblance to the ancestor! could a high-ranking member of the hunter pathway be present? impossible! or perhaps someone here has been tainted in the underground world? lumian noticed count poufers distressed head-scratching, and most of the game participants had sampled their kings pie slices. he gradually lifted his right hand and took a bite. as anticipated, his teeth encountered a solid metallic object. he spat out the item onto his left palm. it was, without a doubt, a 10-verl dor gold coin. count poufers pupils widened as he fixated on lumians visage, a burning desire to dissect every inch of his flesh evident in his gaze. novelist anori let out a chuckle. ah, a new king at last. it being always poufer tires me out. he was getting rather dull with his pranks. lumian picked up the gold coin and cast a cold glance at anori. who gave you permission to speak? anoris body quivered, and he instinctively clamped his mouth shut. lumian struggled to maintain control over the influence of the blood emperors aura. he sensed the frenzied spirit above him spiraling faster and faster, as if growing more impatient and savage. he surveyed the surroundings leisurely and offered a smile. from this moment forward, i am your king. or would you prefer to address me as emperor? for some inexplicable reason, all the participants, including count poufer and miss elros, experienced a stirring in their hearts, as if they were compelled to heed lumians commands. of course, it was merely a pulsing sensation, induced by the combined impact of his words and aura. among them, poet iraeta, who had recently entered into a sponsorship agreement with ciel dubois, rose nonchalantly, pressed his hand to his chest, and bowed. indeed, your majesty! the others followed suit, either embracing the spirit of the game or yielding to the pulsing sensations in their hearts. they stood and offered their bows in their own unique ways. indeed, your majesty. lumians lips curled into a satisfied smile as he signaled for everyone to retake their seats. then, he turned his gaze towards count poufer and raised his chin slightly. i command you to present 30,000 verl dor worth of gold. count poufer was taken aback, a whirlwind of complex emotions surging within him. this was the first time he had been subjected to the kings pie commands. he had an urge to respond with a jest, but he remembered the gravity of the consequences if he disobeyed the kings orders during this mystical game. he would meet a dreadful fate. count poufer clenched his teeth and rose from his seat. indeed, your majesty. exiting the living room, he ascended to a floor of the castles main building and retrieved five hefty gold bars from a secure vault. for him, parting with 30,000 verl dor wasnt a significant loss. seeing count poufer offering him gold bars totaling 30,000 verl dor, lumian couldnt help but feel a pang of regret. had he known that his orders would be followed to the letter, he might have demanded even more! the dilemma now lies in how to discreetly make off with the gold later. in normal circumstances, even if i accepted 30,000 verl dor in person, i would have to privately return it. failing to do so could offend count poufer moreover, i need to figure out how to explain to gardner martin that i had become king while remaining unaffected. lumian pondered as he tucked away the five gold bars. then, he turned to novelist anori. your mission is to bestow a kiss upon someone here. your target is as anori eagerly eyed the beautiful women present, lumian pointed towards poet iraeta, who had just taken a puff from his pipe. our poet. a momentary silence hung in the air, followed by a whistle from one of the guests, and then the others joined in. reluctantly, anori stood up and muttered, i really dont want to kiss that guy with bad breath. i could accept it if it were mullen despite his reservations, he complied, giving iraeta a gentle kiss on the lips. iraeta took it in stride, chuckling, and remarked, i can sense your discomfort, anori. pull yourself together. dont act like a naive country bumpkin. lumian observed with an impassive expression, his attention primarily drawn to the swirling madness. though it refrained from attempting to invade anyones body, the influence of the madness made everyone slightly restless, their emotions displaying signs of instability. upon hearing iraetas teasing, anoris countenance turned icy, as if he contemplated picking up a table knife and stabbing him. however, he ultimately restrained himself. lumian suspected that as the game unfolded, the participants would grow increasingly agitated, irritable, and prone to bloodlust while the madness continued to linger. at that very moment, a piercing, terrified scream echoed from somewhere within the castle. Chapter 370 - 370 Sending Off 370 sending off a chilling scream, filled with terror, reverberated through the living room, causing the hearts of every guest to race with fear. painter mullen was very sensitive to this. his pale-white complexion exchanged a concerned look with count poufer. what happened? count poufer furrowed his brow, puzzled by the sudden disturbance. upon hearing mullens question, he snapped back to attention and casually reassured everyone, it seems there may have been an accident. ill have a servant find out the details. dont worry, it wont disrupt our gathering. what could possibly go wrong? with that, count poufer signaled to his valet, positioned discreetly in a corner of the living room, to investigate the source of the scream. then, he addressed the assembled guests, saying, please, lets continue. as he spoke, the sauron family member directed his gaze towards lumian. ever since presenting the gold bars, he had been closely watching emperor lumian, analyzing every subtle movement and expression. he was determined to unravel the mystery of how lumian had chosen the kings pie slice with the gold coin and not him. lumian fought to keep his composure in the face of the madness that seemed to consume him and turned his gaze towards painter mullen. create a piece of art using your buttocks. in his role as cordus prankster king, lumian had an array of tasks in his arsenal to assign to each participant in the game, ensuring that none of them would forget their missions. yet, lumians main concern wasnt the playful antics but the malevolent presence that loomed over the sofas. this sinister entity refused to dissipate, even after failing to infiltrate lumian. it hovered in the air, exuding an impatient, bloodthirsty, and irritable aura. lumian suspected a connection between the earlier scream and this ominous mental vortex. the handsome yet pallid and weary painter, mullen, stood in bewildered silence, grappling with this bizarre request. painting with ones buttocks was entirely uncharted territory. novelist anori and the others, having readily accepted their own missions, not only cheered with enthusiasm but also summoned the servants to bring paint and drawing paper. they even assisted mullen by loosening his belt. with no escape, mullen reluctantly covered his posterior with paint and made a few awkward imprints on the drawing paper. the result resembled a childs crude doodle. observing this spectacle, novelist anori was struck by an idea. why dont we frame it and send it to art critics? lets see their reaction to such a unique creation. the paintings signature is the word the emperor. for the title right, mullen, any suggestions? mullen, avoiding the crowd, cleaned himself up and contemplated for a moment before responding, lets call it caf.'' curious, cornell, the editor-in-chief of le petit trierien, asked, what does it signify? mullen shook his head as he discarded the paint-stained handkerchief and soft paper, pulling up his pants. it doesnt signify anything. this painting was meaningless from the start. as they discussed, count poufers valet returned to the living room and whispered something into the hosts ear. influenced by the unsettling aura of the blood emperors madness, lumian struggled to make out the words despite his best efforts, catching only fragments. lost harm danger count poufers expression darkened, a hint of seriousness creeping in. he nodded subtly, signaling for his valet to return to his previous position, maintaining an air of nonchalance. observing count poufers reaction, lumian racked his brain, searching for a way to dispel the malevolent spirit. i cant wait for everyone to complete their missions, can i? no, theres one crucial step missing. at the end of the previous kings pie game, count poufer had consumed the kings pie slice meant for vermonda sauron with this thought in mind, lumian fixed his gaze on the untouched offering that remained on the plate. leaning forward, he extended his right hand and claimed it. count poufer had no doubts about this. from his perspective, it would be suspicious if lumian didnt retrieve the offering! almost simultaneously, the frenzied entity, radiating negativity, reacted vehemently, positioning itself directly above lumians head. it emitted waves of negative emotions, as though cursing the audacious human who dared to partake in its offering. lumian sensed anger, hatred, and an insatiable desire to rend his soul asunder. yet, he remained unfazed and even smiled. this reaction confirmed that he had made the correct choice! had the agitated spirit not responded so vehemently to his appropriation of the offering, lumian would have remained clueless about how to banish it from lingering above everyones heads. this wasnt a guarantee of success, and it might entail danger, but it was a preferable alternative to the participants of the kings pie game growing increasingly agitated and bloodthirsty, ultimately turning on each other. when the moment was right, lumian could still teleport away. as for the others, barring count poufer, their chances of survival were slim. naturally, he couldnt predict whether there would be unforeseen changes or new threats after consuming the offering, but in this dire situation, it was better than nothing. for the participants in the kings pie game, lumians intervention was their only hope. without his actions, their demise was certain. with them, there was a fighting chance. lumian raised the sacrificial kings pie to his lips and took a substantial bite. the frenzied spirit grew even angrier and more violent. it no longer hovered above the others but remained directly above lumians head. at times, it seemed poised to descend upon him, while at others, it attempted to tear into its target. however, it was thwarted by alista tudors aura, instinctively holding back from further aggression. another scream resounded. it came from somewhere in red swan castleoriginating from a different person than the previous one. a moment ago, it had been a man, but now, it was a woman. count poufers eyelids twitched, and he smiled. it seems the servant responsible for cleaning up the earlier mishap must have stumbled upon some rather terrifying sights. literary critic ernst young and the other guests readily accepted this explanation. as guests, they lacked the authority to pry into the castles internal affairs. moreover, they had gradually become engrossed in the kings pie game, growing a tad fanatical, impatient, and preoccupied, diverting their focus away from other occurrences within the castle. lumian relished the kings pie offering, savoring the intangible anger and curse like a melodious symphony playing in his ears. compared to the horrifying ravings he endured whenever he received a boon, this was akin to the beautiful performance of an orchestra. unable to vocalize itself and hesitant to invade his body, the frenzied spirit could only indirectly influence his emotions and mental state. during this process, lumian turned his attention to assigning missions to various individuals, noting that the participants were fully immersed in the game, their gazes fixed on it. periodically, another scream would punctuate the air, sending shivers down the spine. finally, lumian finished the offering, and the frenzied spirit hovering above him abruptly halted. in the next instant, it vanished mysteriously, dissipating into thin air. while the participants of the kings pie game still appeared fanatical, their irritability and agitation had considerably waned. lumian let out a quiet sigh of relief and turned to elros, seated beside him. lets see you do the twist. if youre not sure how, ask someone to show you. in contrast to the risqu can-can dance, which was already laden with suggestive undertones, the twist seemed relatively innocent as long as it wasnt a male-female dance. however, it had a comical appearance. elros complied, rising from her seat and attempting the twist with a hint of awkwardness. amidst the laughter of those present, lumian continued to assign missions to the remaining participants. after all the participants had completed their assigned missions, lumian straightened up and assumed an air of superiority as he delivered his final instruction. last mission: keep everything that happened today a secret. you must not divulge anything about todays game to anyone. yes, your majesty! elros and laurent, still caught up in the games ambiance, responded in unison, their expressions displaying utmost respect. this compliance was partly due to the lingering presence of the blood emperors aura that still clung to lumian. observing the instinctive obedience of each participant, lumian let out a contented sigh and offered a warm smile. that concludes todays game. count poufer rose from his seat and gestured with a smile. lets proceed to the dining room. as they moved from the living room to the dining room, they had to pass through the castles main hall. lumian, who had returned to his usual self, noticed out of the corner of his eye that a few valets and maids were diligently at work near the corridor. they were using mops to clean up a reddish puddle. red lumians eyelids twitched as he swiftly averted his gaze. following dinner, the guests bid their farewells one by one. lumian sought out count poufer and retrieved the five heavy gold bars with a smile. count poufer shook his head. since i proposed the game, i must adhere to its rules. do you think so little of me, believing i cant do without the 30,000 verl dor? its simply a gesture of courtesy, lumian responded with a smile. he didnt insist and smoothly returned the gold bars to his pocket. according to their arrangement, lumian arranged for the poet, iraeta, to join him in his four-wheeled, four-seater carriage. using the pretext of having limited funds on hand, he handed iraeta only 3,000 verl dor. iraeta didnt seem to mind at all. he stashed away the banknotes and engaged in a conversation about his artistic preferences. as the carriage began its journey, lumian inquired, which district are you heading to? just take me to the sacred heart cloister, iraeta replied with a grin. im meeting a friend there. sponsored poets always find friends to share a drink with. sacred heart cloister lumian nodded slightly and instructed the carriage driver accordingly. before long, the carriage arrived at the picturesque cloister. even in the darkness of night, the golden fa?ade of the building reflected the crimson moonlight, creating a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere. after watching iraeta enter the cloister, lumian directed the carriage driver to head back to rue des fontaines in quartier de la cathdrale commmorative. as the carriage rattled along, leaving behind the woods and fertile fields, lumian suddenly heard the resonant voice of termiboros. a dangerous creature is tailing you; it has been since red swan castle. it brims with hostility and is preparing to strike. dangerous creature lumian narrowed his eyes, calmly opened the carriage door, and effortlessly leaped out. facing the carriage driver, he spoke with the remaining authority of an emperor, wait for me in the nearby town. the carriage driver hesitated for a moment before complying with the order. as lumian watched the carriage and its driver disappear into the distance, he calmly retrieved the flog boxing gloves from his briefcase and methodically donned the iron-black gloves. the nearby forest seemed to darken, and the river that flowed through it took on an eerie blood-red hue. Chapter 371 - 371 Wax Statue 371 wax statue a figure emerged slowly from the blood-stained river. lumians mind seemed to freeze momentarily for some inexplicable reason as he observed the figure crawling ashore. instead of an immediate attack, he watched the figure climb out of the water. the unfamiliar mans face bore an eerie stiffness, and his clothes clung to him from being soaked in water. the latter seemed to merge with his flesh. it was a wax statue, a wax statue that came to life! crimson blood seeped from the waxen figure, mixing with the rivers flow before smashing against the wild grass along the bank. the wax statues light-blue eyes shifted slightly within their white sockets, casting a vague reflection of lumian. meeting that gaze left lumian feeling overwhelmed, unable to resist mentally or physically. instinctual fear surged within him, drowning out all other emotions. suddenly, lumians survival instincts kicked in, fully erupting and overpowering all other emotions and states. lumians vision was restored. the wax statue, with its cold, unyielding eyes, was now less than a meter away. its pale-white hand, dripping with blood, extended its fingers like deadly blades, thrusting toward him. lumian had no time to react. he raised his right palm to shield his face, and there was a resounding impact as the wax statues razor-sharp finger collided with his iron-black flog boxing glove, adorned with short thorns. where the boxing glove fell short, the wax statues finger pierced lumians palm, leaving a conspicuous wound on his face. had he not shaken off the initial intimidation, the blow might have punctured his skull and reached his brain. the familiar searing pain jolted lumian awake. clenching his left hand, he conjured a blazing crimson flame and launched a powerful punch at the wax statues face from the side. simultaneously, with a smile, he tightened his right palm, using his own flesh and blood to hinder the wax statues right hand, preventing it from evading his fiery strike. bang! the flog boxing gloves knocked the wax statues head askew, and the iron-black thorns on their surface etched exaggerated scratches onto its unyielding face, the wounds shifting from deep to superficial. despite the vivid flow of bright red blood, there was no flesh-like texture to the injuries, only layers of wax that seemed to melt under an invisible fire. in response, blood-colored capillaries extended from the wax statues light-blue eyes, exuding an intense, bloodthirsty desire that lent it an eerie vitality, making it resemble the living. lumian had chosen the flog boxing gloves for its potency, a mystical weapon of utmost power, especially against the creature that termiboros had labeled as dangerous. he couldnt afford to be careless. however, he never expected his enemy to be a wax statue rather than a living being. it rendered the flogs ability to evoke specific desires or emotions ineffective; it could only serve as a defensive tool. if not for the bizarre intimidation, lumian would have discarded his boxing gloves and opted for the decency brooch. now, with his adversary before him, he had no choice but to stick with the flog gloves, focusing instead on fire infusion. to his astonishment, his punch had ignited the wax statues bloodlust, suggesting that the entity retained a degree of life, along with faint emotions and desires of its own. good to see youre still kicking! lumians grin widened. he pulled back his right palm, gritting his teeth through the pain, and his fiery fist realigned the wax statues head. the wax statue, its bloodthirsty desires now heightened, showed no inclination to increase the distance between them. it resumed its intimidating tactics, instinctively and desperately engaging in close combat with lumian. this played perfectly into lumians strategy. his iron-black boxing gloves, ablaze with crimson flames, consistently clashed with the wax statues limbs, fists, shoulders, torso, and head in rapid, precise succession. each punch lacked brute force; what lumian needed was a relentless onslaught. bam! bam! bam! bang! bang! bang! lumians fists, adorned with the flog gloves, trailed crimson flames, effectively suppressing the agile and skilled wax statue to the point where it couldnt employ any other abilities. his feet executed a fluid dance of stepping forward and raising knees to fend off the attacks from below. within a mere ten to twenty seconds, the wax statue abruptly ceased its movements, and an ethereal explosion emanated from its form. the capillaries within its eyes ruptured, staining the once light-blue hue a vivid crimson. cracks crisscrossed its head, connecting with the injuries inflicted by the flog gloves. desire detonation! lumians relentless assault had triggered the desire detonation effect of the flog boxing gloves. in response, lumian withdrew his fists and watched in silence as the wax statues blood-red eyes revealed signs of pain. two crimson teardrops slowly welled up at the corners of its eyes, streaming down its waxy cheeks. the wax statue opened its mouth as if attempting to speak, yet no sound escaped. rumble! a muffled explosion emanated from within its body, and the exaggerated wounds extended across its form. crimson flames erupted from these regions, engulfing the wax statue entirely. fire infusion! amidst the fierce inferno, the wax statue rapidly softened, its body dripping with blood-stained, viscous droplets. thud! it collapsed to the ground. what kind of monster is this? lumian gazed at the fallen creature for more than ten seconds, his hunters instincts telling him that this prey couldnt possess beyonder characteristics. during this moment, he retrieved his briefcase and carefully stowed away the flog boxing gloves. without hesitation, lumian turned and exited the forest. behind him, crimson flames surged, consuming his dripping blood. within the blazing inferno, the wax statue had melted beyond recognition. lumians figure gradually faded, disappearing not far from the scene. spirit world traversal! to evade the attention of evil gods and the dangerous entities summoned by the flog boxing gloves, lumian shifted his position, effectively teleporting to a nearby town. it was a location he had scouted in advance, with precise coordinates within the spirit world. after several dozen seconds, the forest path was suddenly replaced by a desolate wilderness, with only a few flickering flames remaining. the weeds gradually flourished, and the figure of a person in a white robe materialized swiftly. this figure donned a light-colored veil, and her abdomen was notably swollen. an unmistakable maternal aura enveloped her form. it was lady moon of the nightstalkers. lady moon directed her gaze towards the entirely melted, blood-stained wax statue, silently observing the dance of crimson flames. after more than ten seconds of contemplation, the woman and the desolate wilderness vanished. in a room within the main building of red swan castle,count poufer, clad in a red shirt and sleek black trousers, occupied a cluttered desk. his icy stare remained fixed upon the wax statues head placed before him. the head bore an uncanny resemblance to a living being, with light-blue eyes and jet-black hair. as the silence lingered, count poufer couldnt conceal a hint of restlessness. occasionally, he tugged at his collar, shifted in his chair, and even unbuttoned the top of his shirt, as if the air had grown unnaturally thin, impeding his breathing. as time ticked by, the wax statues head suddenly emitted an ominous cracking sound. it shattered into numerous pieces, each one grotesquely melted. poufer shot to his feet in shock, his pupils dilating in disbelief. tiny blood vessels protruded from his eyes, ruptured, and dyed them a vivid shade of red. it was killed? poufer murmured to himself, his astonishment mingling with suspicion. ciel dubois was even more mysterious and formidable than he had initially thought! even if he wasnt, the hidden faction operating behind him was! count poufer paced back and forth with a solemn expression. after lumian teleported to the town ahead, he exercised caution, remaining concealed in the shadows while meticulously calculating the time. only when he felt that a hunter could potentially reach his location from the forest by running did he cautiously make his way into the town. he located the carriage driver and arranged for his return to 11 rue des fontaines in quartier de la cathdrale commmorative. in a room adorned with bookshelves, lumian fixed his gaze upon gardner martin, who held a cigar in his hand. lumian spoke frankly, i was attacked. there was no way to hide the truth from the boss. huh? gardner martin responded in his distinctive nasal tone. lumian proceeded to recount the events, detailing how he had chosen the kings pie slice after count poufer and subsequently felt a frenzied spirit attempting to invade him. he described how he had utilized fire infusion to dismantle and melt the wax statue, displaying the wounds on his hands and face. what lumian chose not to reveal was that he had discerned why the frenzied consciousness hadnt fully occupied his body and that he had used the flog boxing gloves. he attributed the former to an unknown cause. gardner martin smoked his cigar, listening quietly, unsurprised that lumians mind had remained incorrupt. had he displayed any hint of astonishment or suspicion, lumian would have swiftly invited mr. k to eliminate the iron and blood cross orders stronghold. with a cigar in hand, gardner martin smiled and remarked, it appears that the official members of our iron and blood cross order are more favored by poufers ancestors spirit than poufer himself. however, we also instill fear in it. does this refer to beyonders who have succumbed to the peculiar corruption at 13 avenue du march? the frenzied consciousness wont invade the other formal members of the iron and blood cross order, even in the absence of the blood emperors aura? i wonder how true this is. why dont you give it a try, boss? lumian suddenly felt the urge to goad gardner martin into playing kings pie with count poufer. now, ive confirmed something, gardner martins expression grew serious. the ancestor of the sauron family, vermonda sauron, is not truly deceased. he exists in a manner beyond our current comprehension. Chapter 372 - 372 Primary Mission 372 primary mission lumian couldnt quite understand how gardner martin could be so certain that vermonda sauron wasnt dead. still, it seemed that the other party didnt intend to explain, so he could only give up on asking. he was concerned about one thing: does that mean my mission is over? clearly, combined with count poufers fondness for creating wax statue heads for friends he knew and the fact that a wax statue had attacked him, lumian believed that he was now under suspicion by the other party. it would be very dangerous to interact with him again. gardner martin shook his head slowly. no, you have to continue. holding the cigar, he stood up and paced towards the floor-to-ceiling windows. the fact that you became the king after poufer will undoubtedly make him suspicious of your origins, but he will be more eager to find out the real reason for that incident. the subsequent wax statue attack was mainly attributed to this. therefore, he will still invite you over to test you in different ways and extract your hidden secrets. for us, this is an opportunity to confirm the true state of vermonda and the sauron familys ancestors. and through this, we can grasp the reason for the gradual decline of this once exceptionally powerful family. this is of great significance to us, who are also mainly from the hunter pathway. it is our primary mission now. to put it simply, the sauron family is like red swan castle. theyve been in disrepair for a long time, but they hide many secrets. they have guards that can deter spying. what we need to do is figure out the castles defense flaws and confirm if those secrets pose a fatal threat to us. then, we can find an opportunity to break through the guards, bypass the traps, and take the treasure. dont worry, ill covertly provide protection for poufers future invitations. the risk youll take wont be significant. lumian pondered for a moment and said, commanding officer, you mentioned before that our primary mission is to find the true entrance to the fourth epoch trier. how could the primary mission change so easily? gardner martin took a puff of his cigar and smiled. these two matters are connected to a certain extent and serve the same purpose, but you dont need to know for the time being. whats their motive? in other words, the iron and blood cross orders current focus is on exploring the underground, finding the entrance to the fourth epoch trier, investigating the sauron familys decline over the past 200 to 300 years, and securing something precious from them? according to mr. k, one reason for the sauron familys decline is their descent into madness and the loss of many important members over time. gardner martin and i are mainly responsible for the sauron family aspect. are the other members, including supervisor olson, exploring the underground? lumian had a clearer understanding of the iron and blood cross orders recent plans. this was also his primary mission. of course, he only knew what to do and didnt understand why. yes, commanding officer, lumian agreed without further ado. he had a hunch that this would be an opportunity for him to digest the pyromaniac potion and advance further on the hunter pathway. according to madam magician, the sauron family was once a powerful faction with a hunter angel. gardner martin didnt inquire about how much gold poufer had offered to the king, hinting that lumian could leave and await the counts future invitation. passing through the renovated hall, lumian spotted faustino, the butler, who was also an official member of the iron and blood cross order, leading a black-cloaked figure in. the man was of average height, barely 1.75 meters tall. his attire was loose, and he was tightly wrapped, obscuring his exact appearance and physique. lumian could only determine that it was a man based on his walking posture, height, and strides. faustino nodded at lumian as a greeting before leading the mysterious man through the hall and into gardner martins study. who could it be? what brings him here so late at night for a discussion? lumian averted his gaze, his thoughts racing as he left 11 rue des fontaines. in the market district, rue anarchie, auberge du coq dor. upon reaching the second floor, lumian suddenly gave weight to his pace, producing thumping sounds. he leisurely returned to room 207, ignited the carbide lamp, turned around in the armchair, and sat down. he smiled at the unlatched door. after 20 to 30 seconds, soft footsteps echoed from room 201. the footsteps hesitated before showing determination. soon, they arrived outside room 207 and gently knocked on the door. please come in, lumian said, raising his chin slightly. as expected, it was laurent. he wore a linen shirt and black pants, completely different from whenever he headed out. after closing the door, laurent looked at lumian and said, monsieur dubois, i wish to borrow 500 verl dor from you. lumian was taken aback, not expecting this development. he thought the man was here to plead with him not to expose his true identity. unexpectedly, he came to borrow money! why 500 verl dor? lumians expression remained unchanged. laurents voice deepened as he said, im about to become one of the deputy editors-in-chief of le petit trierien. although ill be the most junior-ranking editor, i cant continue living here. i have to invite my colleagues to gatherings at home regularly to build a good relationship with them. therefore, i wish to borrow 500 verl dor to rent a good apartment in quartier de lobservatoire or quartier de la cathdrale commmorative. i want to bring my mother there and use the time to teach her how to host a small banquet. once i receive my salary, ill repay the debt in installments. how much do you think the interest rate should be? this is not only borrowing money to secure his job, but also taking the initiative to give me leverage and some benefits so that i wont ruin his plans lumian thought a little higher of laurent and nodded thoughtfully. i dont need interest. youll definitely come into contact with some interesting news, information, and advertisements at le petit trierien. i hope you can organize them regularly and give me a copy. as lumian spoke, he took out his wallet and counted five banknotes worth 100 verl dor. just pay it back this year. laurent heaved a sigh of relief and said, no problem. after watching the speculator write the iou and leave room 207, lumian took out the five heavy gold bars from count poufers pocket and tossed them in his hand. with this unexpected windfall, he had amassed 75,000 verl dor worth of gold. at the same time, he had 2,000 verl dor that hadnt been exchanged for gold and the remaining 4,000 verl dor funds for his activities. it wont be long before i complete the armored shadows contract and summon it again lumian fiddled with the gold bars for a while before leaving the briefcase containing the flog boxing gloves on the armchair. he washed up and went to bed, awaiting the inevitable nightmare. in his daze, lumian once again caught sight of red swan castle, its beige outer walls stained with aged blood. in a daze, he walked in and arrived at the large living room where he had played kings pie. miss elros, painter mullen, le petit trieriens editor-in-chief, cornell, and the other guests who often attended count poufers banquet sat on the sofa, as if awaiting lumians arrival. laurent and the other guests temporary female companions were absent. this made the scene seem like another salon or a past one. as lumian approached the sofa, count poufer and the others stood up and greeted him respectfully. good afternoon, your royal majesty, they greeted in unison. instinctively, lumian glanced at them coldly. oh? count poufer and the others were taken aback for a moment. your imperial majesty! lumian nodded slightly and settled into an armchair, watching as the guests settled around him. they chatted nonchalantly, their topics diverse and vague. suddenly, novelist anori raised his right hand and scratched his face. with a tearing sound, he ripped off a large piece of skin, revealing squirming flesh and blackened tubes. almost simultaneously, painter mullen and the others either stabbed themselves in the heart or tore at their companions necks. in an instant, the entire living room turned abnormally bloody, and there was a terrifying scene everywhere. lumians thoughts raced as his vision underwent an immediate transformation. in another hall of the castle, surrounded by countless lit white candles was a coffin. the coffin was made of bronze and its surface was rusted. it was unknown how long it had been there. lumians heart swelled with sorrow and helplessness, as if he had lost his kin and support. he slowly extended his right hand, attempting to caress the rusty bronze coffin. at that moment, the coffins lid creaked open, revealing a deep crack. suddenly, a palm with dark-red, nearly-black blood vessels extended, holding an extremely withered heart with some blood seeping out. the heart was still gently and indiscernibly contracting and expanding. upon seeing the withered heart, lumians thoughts raced chaotically, tainted with a certain madness. his right palm felt slightly warm, and he suddenly woke up from his dream. he wasnt surprised or flustered by the nightmare. as he calmed his racing heart, he recalled the details of the nightmare. gradually, lumian frowned. in the first scene, most of the kings pie game participants eventually went crazy. they either mutilated themselves or others, but there were three exceptions. even when the scene changed, they were still normal. one was lumian himself, and the other was count poufer. there was another one lumian hadnt expected: miss elros! shes not as reserved and obedient as she appears. she has her own secrets lumian smiled silently. as for what the bronze coffin, dead body, and withered heart represented in the second scene, he couldnt decipher them at all. he could only guess that it might be related to the sauron familys secret. just like the last time, lumian had several nightmares that night, but the clarity and completeness of his dreams gradually decreased. just before dawn, the nightmare was completely gone. after waking up, lumian quickly wrote a letter and sent it to madam magician while his memories still remained fresh. Chapter 373 - 373 Summoning the Armored Shadow Again 373 summoning the armored shadow again after fifteen minutes, madam magician replied with a brief letter: the iron and blood cross orders investigation into the sauron familys decline contradicts my previous speculations. it seems that what they claim to have may not align with their actual possessions. perhaps they possess only critical information that allows them to achieve their goals under specific conditions. one of these conditions is unavoidable for the sauron family. lumians temples throbbed at madam magicians response. she had conveyed a lot, but the crucial details remained elusive. while he understood each word individually, their combined meaning eluded him. what does the iron and blood cross order actually possess and what does it claim? lumian massaged his temples and continued reading. this situation presents both danger and opportunity for you. investigating the truth behind the sauron familys downfall is a mission i eagerly anticipate. mr. fool assigned this long-term mission to our tarot club, much like the two of cups interacting with the demoness sect to confirm the primordial demonesss condition. theres no need to rush. take your time. even if it takes years to complete. lumian was taken aback. he had expected francas major arcana, madam judgment, to agree to her contact with the demoness sect. but what kind of terrifying mission was it to ascertain the primordial demonesss condition? that was a true deity! based on lumians recent knowledge from various sources, not only was direct observation of deities impossible, but attempting to understand their specific situation was exceedingly perilous. as for the evil gods like the one known as inevitability, mere awareness of their existence equated to corruption. a long-term mission a task that could only be completed once franca achieved demigod status? lumian thoughtfully read the last sentence of madam magicians reply. focus on this matter. if you need help or find yourself in a bind, contact me in advance. as for the aurora order, refrain from participating in other missions. concentrate on the iron and blood cross order. i believe mr. k will understand. madam magician had previously tasked me with infiltrating the aurora order and slowly gaining mr. ks trust, with the ultimate goal of becoming an oracle. however, it is apparent from her tone that priorities had shifted. now, she emphasizes giving precedence to the iron and blood cross order lumian discerned this as a significant signal from her reply. crimson flames erupted as lumian burned the letter in his hand. he slung a satchel over his shoulder and placed the flog boxing gloves inside. then, he made his way to rue des blouses blanches. he located a random caf and had breakfast there. it wasnt until nearly nine oclock that lumian knocked on the door of apartment 601. franca didnt express any annoyance at being awakened this time. she didnt appear to be asleep, wearing a troubled expression instead. upon seeing lumian, she tugged at her flaxen-colored hair, which was left untied, and said, guess what? ive accepted a suicide mission! confirming the primordial demonesss condition? lumian chuckled. sensing that franca had done so willingly, he no longer fretted about her. how did you know? franca asked, surprised. do you want to hear the truth or a lie? for the lie, i divined it. the truth is, i just reported the recent situation to my major arcana card holder, and she mentioned your choice. lumian strolled over to the divan and sat down casually. wheres jenna? realization dawned on franca as she casually said, to thatre de lancienne cage pigeons. ever since she received her fathers compensation, shes been keen on instigation. yesterday, she poached a supporting actress whose contract had expired and convinced her to switch to a theater in quartier de la cathdrale commmorative. while it did boost her income significantly, i could have matched the offer if i had been informed. thatre de lancienne cage pigeons has been quite profitable lately. franca didnt hold a grudge against jenna because jenna had sought her opinion beforehand and obtained her approval. she believed such instigations were beneficial. plus, having a supporting actress leave opened up opportunities for apprentices like jenna and the former dancers. after recounting the matter briefly, franca sighed and continued, madam judgment only wants me to interact with the demoness sect. under the condition that i control my desires and mental state, i can use their resources to enhance myself, monitor their activities, and understand their immediate plans. confirming the primordial demonesss condition can be considered once i truly attain godhood and become a saint. i can deduce certain situations through the demoness sects activities, their recent plans, and the reactions during prayers to the primordial demoness. arent you troubled by the mission? lumian raised his eyebrows. franca sighed. i am troubled by the mission, but whats troubling is that ill remain a demoness at sequence 4. i wont be able to transform back into a man. you can wait until sequence 3, lumian suggested with a relaxed demeanor. thats true, although it would be even more challenging. franca had thought it through and then asked why lumian had suddenly reported the situation to madam magician. lumian briefly recounted his experience at red swan castle from yesterday and gardner martins words, omitting specific details. franca listened intently, contemplating for a moment before saying, our current missions combined involve the secrets and movements of the relevant factions within the hunter and demoness pathways. the tarot club appears to attach great importance to such matters lumian chuckled. thats the only way well have a chance. franca acknowledged his words tersely and suddenly remembered something. how much gold did you command count poufer to give you? 30,000, lumian replied honestly. francas eyes lit up. how much gold do you have now? 75,000. i can add another 6,000 at any time, lumian disclosed without hesitation. francas smile widened. then ill lend you 25,000 first, interest-free! lets summon the armored shadow tonight and try to figure things out before the gathering next week. you have 25,000 verl dor? lumian was mildly surprised. he recalled that franca had spent all her savings to advance to the demoness of pleasure. franca said smugly, i received 20,000 verl dor for assisting you in dealing with guillaume bnet, and gardner martin has been quite generous lately. he entrusted me with managing most of the earnings from thatre de lancienne cage pigeons and the dancers. heh heh, madam judgment even provided me with 10,000 to support my activities. your earnings are quite impressive as well lumian realized that while the profits from thatre de lancienne cage pigeons and the dancers might not match those of salle de bal brise, they were undoubtedly substantial. if franca could claim a significant portion of them, she could easily make around 20,000 per month. he nodded and said, alright, well perform the summoning ritual at 11 tonight at the same place the other time. francas joy was palpable. ill arrange for someone to exchange the 25,000 gold right away. late at night, at rist docks, within the charred remains of a building. franca observed lumian as he set up the altar and placed all the gold upon it. rather than staying outside the wall of spirituality, she chose to remain by her companions side. lumian proceeded to light the candles one by one, letting the essential oil drip. stepping back, he intoned, the fool that doesnt belong to this era; almost simultaneously, franca chanted mr. fools honorific name, ensuring her safety in the presence of the rituals power. soon, amid the faint fog and a sense of impending danger, lumian recited the final part of the incantation. i! in the name of the great fool, i summon: the spirit that wanders the void, a combination of numerous shadows, lumian lees contracted creature. within the wavering candlelight, an ethereal door adorned with enigmatic symbols materialized. from it emerged a shadowy figure clad in dark armor reminiscent of fish scales. just as before, each scale seemed to bear a face, each belonging to a different creature. those are indeed fish scales franca couldnt tear her gaze away, her anticipation and anxiety overriding the eerie ambiance that surrounded them and the evident malevolence emanating from the armored shadow. lumian locked eyes with the armored shadow and spoke in hermes, i will fulfill the contract and offer you gold valued at 100,000 verl dor. to be honest, lumian harbored some doubts about the 100,000 verl dor worth of gold. the ever-changing exchange rates between verl dor and gold left him uncertain whether he should prepare the amount based on the exchange rate at the time of signing the contract or the current rate. as a precaution, he had only acquired an additional 1,000 verl dor worth of gold as a backup. as lumian finished his words, the gold bars, jewelry, and various items on the altar suddenly disintegrated, transforming into golden particles that flew toward the mysterious illusory door. most of these particles landed on the armored shadow, while a few passed through the open illusory door and disappeared. gradually, almost a fifth of the armored shadows pitch-black armor, resembling fish scales, transformed into gold. it was no longer dark and foreboding but radiated a holy and pristine aura. francas eyes widened. legends and terms from her original world rushed into her mind as she muttered to herself, could this be the reconstruction of the golden body? in her memory, the golden body referred to the golden powder or gold foil applied to the surface of idol statues. sometimes, it denoted the special form of someone with godlike status or significant achievements. the armored shadow now resembled a weathered statue that had been rejuvenated with a coating of golden powder. when all the gold on the altar had vanished, lumian sensed that the contract had been completely fulfilled. taking the opportunity, he asked on francas behalf in hermes, where do you come from? the armored shadow opened its mouth and spoke with a deep, dignified, and somewhat sinister voice. however, lumian couldnt comprehend its words at all. he could only watch in confusion as the armored shadow returned to the illusory door. once the summoning ritual concluded, lumian turned to franca and noticed that her companion seemed lost in thought, her brows furrowed. his heart stirred as he asked, did you understand the armored shadows response? franca nodded slowly. the language he used is very similar to the language from my home world. he said franca paused and muttered to herself, puzzlement evident on her face,the blood son of heaven disrupted the netherworld, and the underworld daoist sacrificed himself to enter the river. Chapter 374 - 374 Preliminary Speculation 374 preliminary speculation despite franca speaking intisian, it left lumian perplexed. he struggled to grasp her meaning or intentions. surveying the silent ruins around him, he found nothing out of the ordinary. turning his attention back to franca, he inquired, care to explain? franca contemplated for a moment before responding, the son of heaven is roughly equivalent to an emperor. as for daoist, ehthink of it as a mighty beyonder. in essence, this emperor, bearing the title blood, wrought havoc in hell, sowing chaos. as for the daoist known as underworld, a powerful beyonder, they made the ultimate sacrifice, entering a certain river to seal away this emperor. the emperor with the title of blood lumian was alarmed. the blood emperor? memories from the samaritan womens spring came flooding back. in those vivid recollections, the blood emperors elusive figure burned with concealed flames, his battered armor soaked in blood. the dark waters receded within the fountain only to surge forth again, merging with the ethereal mist, transforming into a pale spring. alista tudors apparition was tugged back into the fountains depths by an inexplicable force. it appeared as though a fierce battle had transpired between the two entities with francas explanation, lumians mind began to piece together a new interpretation of the armored shadows cryptic words and his encounter. he said thoughtfully to franca, i suspect the blood son of heaven you mention is none other than the apparition of the blood emperor alista tudor. but how did the blood emperors apparition find its way to my home? franca didnt immediately connect it to alista tudor, but lumians deductions were beginning to make sense. the special fish-scale armor and the spell of harrumph, which originated from myths and legends, made her suspect that the armored shadow came from back home. and now, the language basically matched, making her even more certain. lumian nodded, continuing, ill have to start with the events at the samaritan womens spring, where madame hela and i fetched the water you went with madame hela? franca murmured, her curiosity piqued but allowing lumian to proceed. lumian went on to recount the events at the samaritan womens spring in detail, ensuring franca remained focused on his narrative. he then presented his theory. i suspect that during the war of the four emperors, the blood emperor did not fully perish. for some extraordinary reason, he preserved a fragment of his lingering soul. during the godly war, a passage was opened between our world and your homeland, allowing a mysterious river from your world to infiltrate ours. mr. fool sealed it, creating the samaritan womens spring. this river appears closely tied to the realms of death and the underworld. the blood emperors apparition, trapped in a state of death, traverses between your world, the samaritan womens spring, and even the fourth epoch trier. the blood emperor possesses an innate desire for resurrection, and the first step to achieving that is to escape the rivers confinement. in this process, he brought chaos to the underworld of your homeland. the powerful beyonder from the domains of death and the underworld had no choice but to make the ultimate sacrifice, immersing themselves in the mysterious river to harness its power fully and seal away the blood emperors apparition. franca alternated between confusion and clarity. when lumian finished sharing his theory, she responded with a mixture of surprise and suspicion, saying, your guess seems quite realistic and logical his explanation shed light on the words of the armored shadow and the peculiar occurrences at the samaritan womens spring. franca fell into a brief silence, then continued, back in my homeland, that elusive and mysterious river is known as the yellow springs. however, before i transmigrated, the yellow springs and the netherworld were nothing more than legends, unverifiable myths. there were no tales of the blood son of heaven or the underworld daoist could it be that i was just an ordinary person who never had the opportunity to encounter such things? lumian chuckled. before i discovered aurore was a warlock, concepts like superpowers, demons, and ghosts were nonexistent. franca acknowledged his words, her expression gradually shifting towards excitement. now that theres a passageway connecting our worlds, returning home is no longer an unattainable dream! lumian, in a friendly tone, warned, madame hela mentioned that the pale-white spring water is deadly to anyone who touches it. francas expression froze for a moment, then she replied, that may be true for us now. but with the power of godhood and ascending to sainthood, we might be able to handle it. lumian reminded her again, there are the figures of an angel and a true god imprisoned in the spring. franca rolled her eyes at lumian. arent you a buzzkill! compared to before, when we had no answers, no direction, and no hope, now theres a glimmer of hope. we know where to focus our efforts. one of the reasons madame hela went to retrieve the samaritan womens spring might have been to confirm if its connected to the yellow springs. shes truly exceptional at finding leads! lumian simply shrugged, opting not to dampen francas newfound optimism and enthusiasm. francas excitement was palpable as she paced back and forth before suddenly posing a question. were you asking where the armored shadow came from? why did it mention the blood emperor and daoist underworld? that wasnt an answer! could there be some hidden secret? lumian thought for a moment and said, its a shadow born after death, and some of its abilities clearly belong to the death domain. it also has a strong urge to break free from its restraints and escape imprisonment given these factors, i believe its a ghost-like entity sealed by daoist underworld. asking about its origins would inevitably lead to uncovering the current state of the daoist underworld, which is why i received that answer. franca was enlightened. that makes sense! underworld daoist destroyed its golden body and sealed it. could that be why its collecting gold to reconstruct its golden body and break free from its imprisonment? observing lumians puzzled expression, franca clarified the concept of a golden body and her interpretation. is that so? lumian nodded slowly. it seems like we might be able to continue trading gold with the armored shadow in the future, but fully restoring it to its original state should be avoided. this entity is extremely dangerous and holds a deep malice. i wonder what it will do once it escapes its seal. franca agreed wholeheartedly. at the very least, we need to advance to sequence 4 before considering this matter. lumian snickered. didnt you mention that achieving godhood and becoming a saint is an arduous endeavor? why the newfound confidence? franca glared at lumian. isnt it because i have a goal now? cant i indulge in a little daydreaming with all the motivation i have? seriously, did we switch roles? she recalled that not long ago, she had remarked that lumian made the path to godhood and switching pathways sound too simplistic. lumian chuckled and said, its good to have a goal and motivation. yes, the curly-haired baboons research societys gathering is coming up next week. should i inform the others about the armored shadow, the blood emperor, underworld daoist, and the yellow springs? franca pondered for a moment and said, in the past, i would have shared this information, but now i cant do so until i solve the issue with april fools day. however, we can inquire about the illusory river related to death and see if anyone has relevant information. lumian thought for a moment and said, ill do the asking. franca was momentarily surprised but quickly understood lumians reasoning. lumian had gone to the samaritan womens spring with madame hela. it made more sense for her companion, who was posing as muggle, to inquire about the situation at the samaritan womens spring. there was a logical rationale behind it. from helas perspective, lumian and hidden blade were strangers who didnt know each other. if franca were to casually mention the river of death, it would undoubtedly raise suspicion. on monday, franca arrived at trocadros red house caf once again. this time, she had taken care to dress more in line with her usual attire, wearing a shirt, pants, and boots, even though she still maintained her black-haired, brown-eyed form. her intention was to create the illusion that she was a man who had transformed into a demoness, which she hoped would deter any sudden attacks from the demoness she was waiting for. however, the long-haired orange-red demoness did not appear throughout the morning. instead, franca found herself engaged in conversations with two female patrons who took the opportunity to strike up a chat with her. franca calmly sipped her coffee, seemingly unfazed by the interactions. she couldnt help but notice that lumian appeared unusually calm and encouraged her to take her time. franca understood the urgency of eliminating the core members of the bliss society, particularly those close to susanna mattise. failing to do so would mean lumian would forever be overshadowed by the rose school of thought. lumian had already reported to madam magician about the bliss society, the rose school of thought, and the activities at the red house caf. the response he received was concise: do not leave trier for the time being, and there should be no major issues. lumian ignited the letter and departed rue du rossignol, strolling towards avenue du march. as he approached salle de bal brise, he spotted a familiar figurea man with dark-brown eyes, a prominent nose bridge, and a flaxen-colored beard that covered his chin. this man wore a robe reminiscent of an ancient warlocks attire. it was secrets suppliant osta trul, the same person who had introduced lumian to mr. ks mysticism gathering. my cabbage, lumian inquired with a smile. what brings you here? osta trul responded with a magnetic voice, ive come to find baron brignais to settle my debt. youve got the money? lumian raised his eyebrows. osta trul smiled and replied, yes, ive come to realize that some honorific names derived from the potion can be used for prayers. theres no danger involved. this discovery has been quite helpful to me. lumian was slightly taken aback by this revelation. with a dark look, he tapped his chest four timesup, down, left, and right. osta trul mirrored his actions with an even warmer smile. lumian didnt continue the small talk. he simply waved his hand and walked past osta trul. quietly, he approached the white spherical statue constructed from skulls outside salle de bal brise, releasing a soft sigh. at 9 p.m., lumian returned to room 207 at auberge du coq dor. he finally received a letter from a pure silver skull with pale-white flames burning in its eye sockets. the letter was from hela, and its content was brief. there will be a gathering in one hour. if you wish to participate, silently recite the following incantation within five minutes of 10 p.m. Chapter 375 - 375 Gathering Venue 375 gathering venue its finally here lumian exhaled, folded the letter, and left auberge du coq dor. he didnt need to look for franca. they had discussed the gathering many times before, so there was no need to waste time confirming it. lumian made his way to the new safe house on rue du rossignol and tossed the satchel containing the flog boxing gloves onto the bed. he hadnt prepared an additional iron cabinet. with a few traps hidden in the room, regular thieves couldnt approach the core area. forcing their way in would only cost them their lives. an iron cabinet wouldnt stop exceptional thieves anyway. when the time was right, lumian donned a hooded black robe that bore a striking resemblance to the attire worn by warlocks, all according to madame hela and francas descriptions of his sisters appearance at these gatherings. then, he pulled out lie and transformed it into a simple yet exquisite silver-white earring. he secured it onto his right earlobe. gazing into the full-length mirror, lumian maintained a calm demeanor as he observed a sudden transformation of him growing shorter. his hair morphed into a luxuriant shade of pure gold, growing thick and cascading down his back. his facial features underwent a metamorphosis, mirroring those etched in his memories of aurore. his nose bridge, now elevated and delicate, complemented his lips, neither too full nor too thin, painted in a subtle shade of red. his eyes, light-blue and clear, emitted a faint but captivating luminescence. in the past, lumian had always perceived his sister as a paradox, her inner self contrasting sharply with her outward appearance. she exuded an aura of sunshine, cheerfulness, and open-mindedness, yet in reality, she was a homebody, reluctant to venture out for social interactions. only those who had truly earned her trust were privileged to witness her relaxed demeanor, the quirky phrases she often uttered, and her playful and bullying side. on the contrary, aurore displayed no apprehension when stepping out into the world. much like lumian, she possessed the natural ability to connect with the elderly ladies of cordu and regale the children with captivating stories, earning their affection. ever since lumian had learned about his sisters true background, he had come to comprehend the stark divergence between aurores inner self and her external appearance and demeanor. certainly, many people grappled with such contradictions, but aurores unique circumstances had magnified this incongruity. lately, lumian often found himself pondering what his sister had been like and the kind of life she had led. as he stared into the mirror, aurores light-blue eyes seemed to take on a misty quality, as if she too were lost in reminiscences of days gone by. lumian still held vivid memories of the first time his sister had mentioned her homeland. it happened during his second year in cordu. back then, when the shepherds had returned to the highland pastures, aurore had taken him to pat the newly born lambs and, cruelly bought their loved ones. they ventured into the green pastures adorned with white and yellow wildflowers, carefully selecting a spot that wouldnt disturb the serene surroundings. they then set up a charcoal grill for a picnic. as night descended upon them, and the starry heavens unveiled themselves like a boundless river of glistening diamonds, aurore suddenly drifted into a reverie, her fingers brushing away tears. lumian inquired about her thoughts, and she confessed to a profound sense of homesickness. aurores gaze in the mirror seemed to lose focus, mirroring the soft, yellowish-blue glow of the carbide lamp. the mountain village nestled beside those vibrant green pastures under the radiant sunit was a place they could never return to. after a while, lumian opened the pocket watch he had borrowed from salle de bal brise, confirming the time. then, he donned a sleek silver-white half-mask, revealing his finely sculpted lips and chiseled chin to the world. without delay, lumian retrieved a piece of paper adorned with the ancient feysac script and affixed it securely to his left breast, displaying the word muggle. as franca had explained, the curly-haired baboons research society boasted a sizable membership, each member donning unique disguises during their gatherings. without the corresponding code names, distinguishing one from another would be an insurmountable task, save for those closely acquainted with each other. despite hailing from the same world, the societys members hailed from diverse homelands, each with their distinct languages. upon their transmigration to this world, they found themselves scattered across different countries, inevitably erecting language barriers. initially, they relied on the linguistic prowess of fellow members who were polyglots. however, over time, they gravitated towards adopting ancient feysac, the common tongue of the northern continent, as their shared language. for curly-haired baboons research society members residing in different nations, ancient feysac bore striking similarities to their mother tongues, easing its acquisition and mastery. naturally, there were exceptions among the societys ranksthose whose native languages diverged significantly from ancient feysacbut they were a minority. they had to follow the majority, knowing that, until they mastered the language, someone would always be there to translate for them. lumian had already laid a strong foundation in ancient feysac. ever since his arrival in trier, he had diligently immersed himself in aurores grimoires, plunging deeper into this linguistic realm. basic communication posed no challenge for him any longer. approaching 10 p.m., lumian made final adjustments to his appearance in front of the full-length mirror, ensuring everything was in its rightful place. he concealed an assortment of ritual components and the alcohol flask containing the decency brooch within the concealed pocket of his warlock-like black robe. with madame helas letter clutched firmly in his hand, lumian began the recitation for the hermes gathering. a beyonder from ancient times, ruler of the nation of the evernight, noble mother of the sky, i beseech your permission to enter your kingdom. as the words escaped lumians lips, the world around him underwent a sudden and eerie transformation. he beheld his own reflection in the mirror, like a pencil sketch hastily erased by an eraser. his vision dimmed, plunging him into what felt like the deepest of slumbers. abruptly, lumians consciousness drifted to the gathering, the pounding of his heart resonating within his ears. he snapped out of his reverie, finding himself within a palace marked by crumbling stone walls and encroaching weeds. in its heart lay a massive, weathered stone throne, yet no one ventured near it. through the fissures in the walls and the timeworn windows, lumian glimpsed a night shrouded in darkness and cold, veiled by a thick fog. faint starlight penetrated the fog, casting a feeble glow upon the palace and the dreamlike town enshrouded by the fog. the town appeared utterly deserted, as if plucked from a dream. within the palace, stone candlesticks embedded in the walls flickered, bathing the surroundings in their warm, yellow flames. at that precise moment, over a hundred figures arrived, each attired in distinctive garments. lumian scanned the assembly but could not yet spot madame hela. however, he recognized hidden blade franca. clad in her favored assassins garbblack robes complemented by leather armor, a hood drawn low, and a silver half-mask gracing her countenancefranca engaged in conversation with a group of similarly attired individuals. yet, among them, franca stood as the sole genuine assassin. lumian didnt greet franca. following her instructions and the hints in madame helas letter, he approached the huge stone chair. such a crowded gathering was no different from a marketplace. it was unlikely to form a unified communication and transaction. the gathering naturally fragmented into smaller groups. only when there was a matter of particular significance would president gandalf or vice presidents like hela take their place by the massive stone chair to address the assembly. of course, someone could do the same if they wanted to share their intentions with the entire gathering. aurore had been a regular attendee at the academys gatherings. their designated meeting spot nestled deep within the palace, tucked away to the left of the huge stone throne. as lumian advanced in that direction, he couldnt help but marvel at the mystical nature of the gathering. after reciting the incantation, he had departed from the rue du rossignol safe house in the market district, only to find himself transported to this mysterious and ancient palace. the members of the curly-haired baboons research society hailed from diverse corners of the northern and southern continents, yet they had all managed to converge here within a specific timeframe. lumian had never encountered such a mystical power before, surpassing even teleportation. only the bestowed sowers of the great mother could compare. what baffled him, however, was francas never sharing the method of entering the gathering. even if they were face-to-face, he wouldnt hear it unless granted permission by madame hela. but it was just reciting an incantation, wasnt it? how could he not hear it? as franca had explained, this power likely stemmed from a sealed artifactan artifact madame hela couldnt fully control but could employ to a certain extent. beyond this method of convening, the curly-haired baboons research society possessed other means, although these were established by various groups for internal or clique gatherings. for instance, hidden blade franca had set up a telegram group with select members, utilizing a miniaturized and simplified analyzer for scheduled chats. recalling franca and helas rough descriptions of aurore during the gatherings and forming his own assumptions, lumians steps grew lighter. he believed that, given the unique and shared origin of the curly-haired baboons research society members, even if his sister wished to remain guarded amidst the assembly, her relaxed demeanor, akin to his interactions with her, would prevail, possibly even more prominently so. this was a state devoid of profound secrets. additional figures began to manifest, their forms rapidly taking shape in the air, akin to oil paintings successfully duplicated. among the members of the curly-haired baboons research society, a diverse and eclectic array of disguises flourished. some were clad in traditional iron-gray full-body armor, while others embraced vibrant red, yellow, white, and multicolored paint, transforming into clowns. a handful sported extravagant makeup veiling their true visages, resembling wicked witches from ancient folklore. still, others adorned themselves with monstrous helmets sculpted from orange-yellow pumpkins or relied on makeshift hoods to become pale vampires with strikingly red lips. some even chose horse-like attires that enveloped them from head to toe it was a spectacle more fantastical and imaginative than the masquerade balls documented in newspapers and magazines. as lumian strolled amidst the curly-haired baboons research societys diverse members, a faint smile played on his lips. occasionally, he would nod in acknowledgment of those who greeted him. at last, he reached the corner housing the academy team. his eyes naturally swept over the code names displayed on their attires: pettigrew, professor, griffin, eagle, bear, headmaster, periodic table, isotope Chapter 376 - 376 Different Teams 376 different teams pettigrew stood at just over 1.6 meters tall, his disheveled, yellow hair peeking out from under a face mask designed for performances. his right palm was encased in a flamboyant silver glove, and he wore an open brown jacket over a dark shirt. as lumian approached, pettigrew stepped forward, exclaiming in surprise and delight, muggle, youve finally reappeared. lumian replied with a smile in aurores voice, something happened some time ago; it took me a while to recuperate. are you alright now? pettigrew asked with concern. its alright, lumian replied nonchalantly, unsure of aurores friendship with him. he turned his gaze to a lady sitting on the stone steps. the woman donned a black butterfly mask, a white shirt adorned with a bow tie, and a long, dark coat. pinned to her chest, a clearly typeset paper name tag read: professor. lumian greeted her with a smile, did associate professor not make it? associate professor was a man. a few years back, due to their shared code names, they had met in real life and became husband and wife. both were avid warlocks, delving deep into the study of various spells. aurores grimoires contained the weed removal spell, courtesy of associate professor. professors lips bore a faint hue, and her gaunt face framed her beautiful brown eyes. she simply replied, hes occupied in the real world, playing host to guests. he couldnt spare the time. nevertheless, my presence is akin to his; it doesnt alter matters. muggle, whats the matter? lumian smiled faintly and said, i want to thank him for his weed removal spell. whats there to be grateful for? could it be that your home was overrun by a large number of weeds? pettigrew asked curiously. lumian mirrored aurores expression as he recounted the past. his light-blue eyes darted around as he continued, some time ago, i encountered a plant rumored to originate from the abyss. it not only grew at an astounding rate but also possessed remarkable vitality. it emitted anesthetic gasses and devoured humans like a man-eating flower. whenever it surfaced, it did so in the hundreds, if not thousands. the weed removal spell, however, could wither them all. while it didnt annihilate them outright, it rendered them dormant for a considerable duration. weed removal works on beyonder plants? professor exclaimed in astonishment. lumian nodded and said, but its effective only against grass or vine-type plants. these were the insights aurore had penned in her grimoires. it was evident she had conducted experiments with the abyss demon flower of the padre, meticulously documenting her findings with scholarly dedication, even when her condition was clearly off. this is an interesting discovery. professor held lumians hand, delving into the intricacies of the weed removal spell. fortunately, lumian had delved deeply into this spell and sought guidance from franca and madame hela. though he couldnt use it, his knowledge was sufficient for a conversation. after a lengthy discussion on spells and mystical knowledge with the academy team, lumian suddenly sensed a looming presence, casting a shadow over his surroundings. raising his eyes, he beheld an immense figure. this figure towered at an imposing 2.4 meters, draped in a plain linen robe. its head was concealed beneath a hood, and in its grip, a formidable magic staff, capable of shattering the skulls of ordinary humans, was held. it was none other than gandalf, the president of the curly-haired baboons research society. franca had suggested that he might have reincarnated as a middle-aged man within the feysac empire, endowed with a giant bloodline. he had a penchant for liquor and an insatiable thirst for mystical knowledge, yet the nature of his pathway remained an enigma. sometimes, he displayed traits of the reader pathway, embodying characteristics of a savant and mystery pryer. at other times, it made people feel that with his physical condition, it would be a pity not to take the warrior pathway. high-end mystical knowledge like the law of beyonder characteristics indestructibility originated from gandalf. oddly, francas expression took on a peculiar twist when mentioning gandalf, as though his code name didnt quite align with his towering stature and imposing presence. gandalf, his visage obscured by an eerie shadow, fixed his gaze upon lumian and gruffly extended a smile. youve missed a few gatherings. i was concerned something might have befallen you. lumian responded with pursed lips, his momentary sigh and helplessness hidden beneath the surface. something did happen, but its been resolved. thats reassuring. gandalf nodded in relief. following a few more courteous exchanges with lumian, he made his way towards the other teams. this was lumians first time participating in the curly-haired baboons research societys discussions. following madame helas counsel, he adopted a stance of speaking less and listening more. often, he remained in silence. throughout this process, lumian, now seated on the stone steps, observed those who spoke with a faint smile, projecting an aura of extreme attentiveness. aurore often employed a similar tactic. when conversing with madame pualis and the elderly ladies in cordu, she would grace the speaker with a warm smile, making them feel truly valued. the discussion might be captivating, but beneath her apparent engagement, aurores thoughts would occasionally drift. she would intermittently return to grasp the essential points, safeguarding against potential awkwardness when she needed to respond. of course, when it came to discussions of mystical knowledge or striking deals, lumian remained fully engaged, simply mirroring aurores demeanor. after a while, lumian found a suitable moment to rise from his spot, signaling his intention to depart from the academy teams gathering area. a lady, her face adorned with removable oil paint, exclaimed in surprise, arent you purchasing anything today? do you really need to spend a small fortune at every gathering to find joy, grande soeur? lumian muttered silently and smiled. i have two reasons. firstly, ive recently hit a bottleneck and am more focused on gathering the formula and ingredients for the scrolls professor potion he spoke earnestly while analyzing the absence of corresponding requirements. finally, he said, secondly, im broke and owe someone a substantial sum. members of the academy team chuckled warmly, their understanding evident. they had all noticed that muggle had met with a significant problem during her hiatus from the gatherings, transforming from a well-off individual into someone burdened with debt. however, they werent overly concerned for muggle. over the past few years, they had witnessed their companions knack for accumulating wealth. gracefully, lumian made his way to the third pillar on the right of the colossal stone chair, where the purgatory team congregated. madame hela frequently engaged in their discussions. the lady was already present, albeit with a noticeable reduction in the chill that enveloped her. under her veiled hat was a blur, revealing only a pale, yet not dismal, white complexion. silently, lumian observed the discussions and dealings of the purgatory team. after a while, he inquired thoughtfully, have any of you heard of an illusory river associated with the domain of death? hela cast a fleeting glance at lumian but remained silent. another member of the purgatory team, a man bearing the code name cerberus, pondered the question and responded, muggle, why do you ask? ive heard rumors of an illusory river deep within the underworld, within the realm of hell. its said to be connected to one of the high-sequence beyonders of the corpse collector pathway. he actually answered without hesitation and didnt seek compensation for the intel, even though its only hearsay and not verified fact lumian smiled and said, ive recently been intrigued by the presence of such a river in both the myths and legends of our homeland and here. he raised the topic indirectly without delving into further details. cerberus pondered for a moment before commenting, this might be rooted in the commonality between the origins of myths and human thought. lumian tersely acknowledged with aurores voice and didnt inquire further. he listened for a while longer before turning his attention to a hole in the ancient palace. with his previous preparations in place, lumian could smoothly blend into the april fools team, allowing him to eavesdrop on their conversations. as lumian made his way to the designated location, he quickly reviewed what he had observed and heard. he couldnt help but notice that his sister, aurore, had garnered quite a bit of popularity. both the members of the academy and the purgatory team had shown her kindness. while moving diagonally through the ancient palace, lumians attention was drawn to a man with stockings covering his head. this individual leaped onto a broken pillar and addressed the curly-haired baboons research society members, who were clad in various eccentric outfits. allow me to recite a poem! ocean, you are all water; horse, you have four legs. demoness, you truly taste great! this isnt a poem at all lumian had already purchased emperor roselles secret chronicles, which included jests about the emperor having a more than friendly relationship with a demoness. in the diary, he even commented on the taste of demonesses. with one step following another, lumian approached the april fools team. he spotted a man with his back turned to him, dressed in a black seers robe. behind this figure, an ancient feysac word was inscribed in golden paint: loki. franca had mentioned that loki was a figure from certain legends in their world, associated with lies, mischief, and flames. this member bearing the code name loki is the founder of the april fools team. although he has progressed on the paths of the divine at a pace not inferior to hela and the others, he hasnt ascended to the position of vice president various pieces of information flashed through lumians mind. he entered the area where the april fools team was, and all laughter abruptly ceased. in unison, loki and the others turned to face lumian, who was clad in a half-mask and a black warlock robe. as muggle, lumians lips curved into a radiant smile. long time no see, everyone. Chapter 377 - 377 An Earlier Transmigrator 377 an earlier transmigrator facing lumians greeting, the dozen or so members of the april fools team fell silent. among them, several peoples gazes and body language gave lumian the distinct feeling that something was amiss. there was bard wearing stockings to conceal his appearance, hisoka with a half-mask, vertical red hair, and teardrop and star makeup on his face, mad lady sporting red, yellow, and white clown paint, and ultraman in comical attire. some of these april fools team members appeared surprised and puzzled, while others subtly shrank back. some narrowed their eyes, and others changed their postures, becoming even more vigilant than before. if lumian hadnt sought guidance from psychiatrist anthony reid during this time and focused on observing the guiltys reactions when they realized their victim was still alive, he wouldnt have been able to discern these differences so clearly. he might have missed something important. in contrast, lumians earlier suspects, loki and i know someone, had more normal reactions. the former was the founder and leader of the april fools team. if anything unusual occurred within the team, the chances of him remaining unaffected were slim. according to franca, he was believed to be a member of the spectator pathway, possibly a psychiatrist. however, aurores understanding of this pathway was notably deficient. her grimoires didnt align with the details uncovered in the dream. dressed in a black circus divination-style robe, loki obscured his face with the shadows of his hood, seemingly unconcerned about being identified. after a brief silence, he expressed his surprise, saying, muggle, youve reappeared. i thought you lost control and went mad after hearing the hidden sages cram school classes, and thats why you havent attended any gatherings for months. rap, its rap, not cram school classes, corrected bard with a smile. lumian had learned from franca that rap was a strange form of music that some members of the curly-haired baboons research society liked to compare to the ravings of unknown entities. muggles thin red lips curled up slightly in response. i did show signs of madness, but i managed it. in the curly-haired baboons research society, this was a common topic. many members had lost control for various reasons, turning into monsters or even dying. as a result, psychiatrists could make a killing by treating their companions psychological or mental problems during gatherings. dressed in a white coat and wearing a bird-beak mask, i know someone nodded. last year, i assessed your mental and psychological state. there wasnt much of a problem, but you havent had regular assessments in nearly a year. you need to be careful. i know someone who was careless and overconfident and ended up in an asylum. this psychiatrist appeared normal enough and was genuinely concerned about his patients condition. however, his membership in the april fools team raised some suspicions for lumian. at the very least, his mental state didnt seem entirely healthy. as a prankster, lumian didnt despair about the future or made it his lifes mission to seek fun. having such circumstances would undoubtedly put a toll on their psychological well-being. loki didnt press further about muggles absence from numerous gatherings. he spread his hands and addressed all the members of the curly-haired baboons research society in the april fools teams spot. everyone, ive recently come across another transmigrator from history! who is it? bard with stockings blurted out, and the other members turned their attention to loki. taking note of everyones gazes, loki gestured meaningfully and continued, ive obtained ancient texts that mention the existence of an ancient sun god in the third epoch. havent we always been puzzled by the scriptures of the various churches, especially the eternal blazing sun church? dont they bear a striking resemblance to the religious texts of our world? now, i believe ive found the answer. as the leader of the april fools team spoke, he tapped his chest four timestop, down, left, rightas if indicating a religion from his homeland. lumians eyelids twitched. mr. k had made the same gesture while praying to that entity! was it merely a coincidence, or was there an inevitable connection? furthermore, wasnt the ancient sun god the father of the angel at salle de bal unique? loki continued in an exaggerated tone, yes, just as you suspect. the scriptures of the various churches are derived from the ancient sun god, but they have different focuses and have altered certain details. ive only managed to find a few of that entitys books, but i can confirm theyre from our world. i hope you can gather more information about the ancient sun god and eventually confirm that he too is a transmigrator, possibly even predating roselle. if you wish to see the books ive obtained, remember to request a trade later. 100 grams of gold or an equivalent currency for a copy is a very reasonable price, dont you think? were all on the same side, and this discovery holds the key to our hopes of returning home. otherwise, i wouldnt sell it for such a small amount of gold. the comical-looking ultraman let out a sigh and said, its all rather pointless. i believe you think that this entity, who has become a deity, must have a better understanding of the worlds truth than us. he might have already unraveled the secret of transmigration and the way back. but according to your information, didnt he also fail to return? see the light! lokis lips curled up. and i suspect that the reason that individual couldnt return is because he perished in a divine battle. sounds intriguing, hisoka, dressed in clothes with poker card patterns, suddenly chimed in. loki slowly scanned the members of the curly-haired baboons research society and flashed a smile. the information about that entity and the ancient books related to it has been deliberately erased, with only a small number of them circulating in secret. most are hidden underground near the source of power left behind by that entity. its said that in those places, the higher your sequence, the more dangerous it becomes. its easier to lose control. ordinary beyonders like us stand a chance to approach. perhaps it holds the truth about the connection between our two worlds and a way to return to our homeland. at this point, lokis gaze passed over lumians masked face. is he subtly encouraging aurore and the other members of the curly-haired baboons research society to venture underground? lumian maintained his vigilance against any potential pranks. however, there was another reason why he sensed a potential issue instantly. madam justice had mentioned that the higher ones sequence, the more dangerous it would be when approaching the samaritan womens spring. she had also explained the nature of the problem. this led lumian to suspect that the ancient sun gods location mentioned by loki might be a place similar to the samaritan womens spring. he knew firsthand how perilous and terrifying the samaritan womens spring could be! inciting others to explore underground in their quest to return home while avoiding the risks himself, or is this merely a prank that could harm others without benefiting loki? lumian glanced at lokis profile and deliberately interjected, ive been pondering a similar question lately. why do many myths and legends in this world involve an illusory river associated with the domain of death, just like in our homeland? could it be the result of some senior who transmigrated back? given lumians knowledge of aurore, he knew she couldnt resist getting involved if she caught wind of any leads regarding returning to her hometown. since he had questions of his own, he needed to steer the conversation away from lokis direction. finding a relevant topic was his best strategy. this was a lesson lumian and his sister had learned through their battles of wits and pranks over studies, homework, exams, combat, and pranks. mad lady, adorned with red, yellow, and white clown paint, chuckled and remarked, human nature, my dear, humans tend to blend their own experiences into myths and legends. in ancient times, they relied on water for survival, so they believed there should be a river in the afterlife. likewise, when they dug graves, the deeper they went, the more likely theyd encounter an underground river. lumian, emulating aurores tone, responded, your explanation is quite scientific, but i think it lacks mysticism. and if we aim to return, mysticism might be just what we need. he recounted the legend of the river styx, which he had recently acquired from the purgatory team, and concluded, i believe this could also be a path worth exploring. lokis face remained hidden in the hooded shadows as he chuckled and remarked, although the underworld should be somewhere in the spirit world, i believe it must be closely related to the underground. in numerous folklores from the northern and southern continents, hell is often depicted as being hidden underground. thats why our investigation needs to be centered on the underground. whether its the remains of the third epochs ancient sun god or issues related to the river styx, we must delve deep underground to truly connect with these mysteries. lumian couldnt help but mutter to himself, you just want everyone to meet their end faster he pretended to be engaged and continued sharing information about the ancient sun god, underground exploration, and the river styx with loki, i know someone, and the other members of the april fools team. after almost twenty minutes of conversation, lumian decided to step away from the april fools teams vicinity. he had already sensed abnormal reactions from at least four members of the april fools team. the next step was to leave this to hidden blade franca. if there was indeed something awry with the april fools team, they would be highly cautious when dealing with muggle. they wouldnt readily engage or probe, fearing they might fall into a trap. their primary objective should be observation and indirect information gathering at this point. when it came to hidden blade, they could play pranks without reservations. later on, franca could use those pranks as an excuse to locate the april fools team members in the real world and confront them individually. she could win the support of other members of the curly-haired baboons research society. whether they could extract any significant information during these confrontations remained to be seen. as lumian took a few steps away from the gathering, he spotted the 2.4-meter-tall president, gandalf, approaching the massive stone chair and addressing the group with a resounding voice, everyone, i have something important to discuss. Chapter 378 - 378 Investigation 378 investigation lumian halted and turned his attention toward the president of the curly-haired baboons research society, who was dressed in a linen robe. the nearly half-giant gandalf didnt require mechanical contraptions or mystical techniques to project his voice throughout the ancient palace. i just had a conversation with isotope and noticed a matter that deserves our attention. he mentioned that ever since advancing to sequence 6, hes been encountering beyonders more frequently and getting involved in beyonder affairs. this aligns with my general observations over the past few years. you know i enjoy talking to every member and asking about the additional changes brought about by superpowers. for me, ive delved deeper into the paths of the divine than most, gaining a profound understanding. having said that, i want to share a conclusion. there are almost no exceptions. as beyonders progress in sequence, the frequency of mystical matters involving them significantly increases. at sequence 9, this phenomenon isnt prominent. but starting from sequence 7 or even sequence 6, even those who typically dont pay much attention to such matters will feel that they are constantly encountering beyonder events. let me illustrate with numbers. at sequence 9, the assumed number of beyonder incidents or encounters with other beyonders each season is 1. this can easily slip under the radar during mysticism gatherings and small circle activities you participate in. its challenging to pinpoint precisely. now, at sequence 8, its 2. for sequence 7, it might surge to 5 or 6. in other words, one may come across one or two beyonder incidents or unfamiliar beyonders once or twice a month. do you have any thoughts or speculations about this phenomenon? can you discern the cause? perhaps there are fundamental laws of mysticism at play. lumian fell into a daze. isnt this the law of beyonder characteristics convergence? this transmigrator, code-named gandalf, possessed a sharp investigative spirit. he was astute in noticing even the smallest details and had actually uncovered the outward signs of the law of beyonder characteristics convergence! he was also the one who had suggested that advancing to sequence 9 and sequence 8 in recent years would be easier than before, even allowing for the direct consumption of beyonder characteristics. he had provided a more precise assessment of the increased risk. a research-focused talent lumian sighed, using aurores usual terminology. for someone like him, with an evil gods angel sealed within and a deity-level aura shrouding him, the manifestation of the law of beyonder characteristics convergence was so intense that it couldnt be ignored. anyone would recognize the problem. what do you mean one or two beyonder incidents a month? its practically every week! including the beyonders he had encountered, it could be said to be a daily occurrence! however, at times, lumian felt that the law of beyonder characteristics convergence hadnt fully played its role. only by attracting members of the sinners organization and roche louise sansons family to avenue du march and coincidentally meeting them would it qualify. perhaps the power of a boon wasnt as potent as the convergence of beyonder characteristics, or perhaps termiboross seal had mitigated the effect. in any case, his desire remained unfulfilled. as someone who had taken his sisters place at the gathering, lumian refrained from approaching gandalf directly and offering a substantial price for information on the law of beyonder characteristics convergence. casually scanning the area, he noticed madame hela and hidden blade franca remaining silent, listening to the discussions among members of the curly-haired baboons research society regarding this phenomenon. lumian knew that franca was familiar with the law of beyonder characteristics convergence. with helas concealed knowledge from her exploration of the samaritan womens spring, she should have observed such a phenomenon. they didnt explicitly mention the term convergence due to their different motivations. for franca, as long as she didnt seek to ascend to godhood, immediate understanding of the law of beyonder characteristics convergence wasnt necessary. she just needed to recognize the corresponding phenomena and avoid risks. the specific details could be sold at the gathering when she needed funds and gained madam judgments approval. as various groups engaged in fervent discussions about president gandalfs topic, lumian made his way toward the academy team. as lumian continued on his path, he spotted hidden blade franca approaching. muggle? youre finally back at the gathering! i was genuinely worried something had happened to you! francas expressions were slightly exaggerated, but it was well within the norm for her. in the eyes of all the members of the curly-haired baboons research society, she was known for her rich emotions and her love for interacting and experimenting. lumian pursed his lips and offered a smile. something did come up, but it got sorted out. impressive mental resilience. he didnt react strongly when the cordu disaster was mentioned. franca looked at muggles exposed lower face with curiosity and asked, what happened? a mysticism catastrophe, lumian replied, taking on a resistant demeanor. franca knew when to change the subject and shifted the conversation with a smile. just a while ago, in the april fools group, loki mentioned that he stumbled upon another ancient transmigrator known as the ancient sun god. lumian took the initiative to bring up his conversation with april fools. mad lady, hisoka, bard, and ultraman are a bit skeptical. mad lady, hisoka, bard, ultraman franca and lumian shared an unspoken understanding. she immediately grasped his intentionstake note of the four april fools team members lumian suspected of being problematic. including loki and i know someone, who were often discussed as potential suspects, there were now a total of six individuals. is that true? besides emperor roselle, are there other ancient transmigrators? franca asked with genuine excitement. she wasnt faking it. she had always been interested in ancient transmigrators. seeing the opportunity, she bid muggle farewell and approached the area in the palace where the april fools team was located. lumian returned to the academy team and listened as professor, isotope, and pettigrew discussed the mysticism experiences they had encountered. the gathering had a strict two-hour time limit, but attendees could leave at any moment. they simply needed to recite an incantation, changing the last sentence to i beseech your permission to leave your kingdom, and they would return to their original location. many members of the curly-haired baboons research society chose to depart early after conducting their business and sharing their concerns, to prevent any accidents from occurring in the real world. however, a significant number of members opted to stay. for them, the opportunity to interact with people who shared their unique origins and not worry about accidental disclosures of their secrets was a pleasure. even if their conversations veered into trivial topics, it still improved their emotional well-being and provided relief for their mental and psychological states. lumian believed that his sister had found these gatherings quite relaxing. thus, he partly attended to impersonate her and show no difference while also enjoying the atmosphere on aurores behalf, patiently remaining until the end. vaguely, he sensed that his emotions were becoming more sensitive and easily stirred. it was as if aurores soul fragment had risen to the surface and was affecting his psyche. as the gathering drew to a close, professor, wearing a shirt with a bowtie, turned her attention to lumian and inquired, muggle, are you still residing in the south? hmm, shes not referring to a specific country does she know that aurore is in intis? lumians thoughts raced as he responded candidly, no, ive already moved to the trier greater region. a smile curved on professors lips. associate professor and i are also residing in trier. would you be interested in an offline gathering? im in the trier greater region as well, pettigrew chimed in eagerly. periodic table and isotope nodded in agreement. an offline gathering aurore did occasionally go out for a few days in the past. could she have attended a real-life gathering with professor and the others? different circles have different styles. franca and her associates have a telegram group, and these individuals from the academy participate in real-life gatherings depending on the region? lumian pondered for a moment and replied, another time. after ive sorted out some personal matters. he intentionally brought up certain personal matters, hoping that this information might reach the april fools suspects like loki and mad lady. alright. professor and the others acknowledged. after all, muggle had previously revealed that something had occurred to her. a beyonder from ancient times, the ruler of the nation of the evernight, the noble mother of heaven, i beseech your permission to leave your kingdom. with each repetition of the incantation, the figures in the ancient palace gradually faded away. when lumian regained consciousness, he found himself back in the safe house on rue du rossignol. how magical compared to this, mr. ks mysticism gatherings are like comparing my safe house to emperor roselles summer palace. theyre on entirely different levels. the contrast is quite significant lumian sighed and returned to his original appearance. he wasnt in a rush to write to madam magician to report the armored shadows response or to inquire about the ancient sun god. instead, after changing his clothes, he headed straight to 3 rue des blouses blanches and knocked on the door of apartment 601. jenna had gone to visit her brother and wouldnt return until the next morning. franca sat in a recliner, muttering as if cursing someone. whats bothering you? lumian asked as he settled onto the divan. that rascal loki. i wanted to buy some information from him, but he told me others could pay with gold, but not me, franca replied indignantly. he said he wanted to experience the taste of a demoness. damn it, why didnt he drink the potion and become a witch himself? after i cursed him, he claimed it was a joke and sold me the ancient information. she chuckled after recounting the encounter. although theres a special barrier in the gathering venue that prevents us from tracing the ownership and location of the items we trade, the essence of the items cant be concealed. regarding the copy of the information, it includes details such as the type of paper, which factory it originated from, the model of the mechanical typewriter or printing machine used to produce it, and even the approximate location. this could provide some clues. it might help us locate loki in the real world. of course, thats assuming he hasnt taken any anti-divination measures, misdirection, or hidden anything. as franca spoke, she took out a mirror and prepared for magic mirror divination. after reciting the incantation, the mirror darkened, accompanied by the faint sound of water. franca held the copy of the information she had obtained from loki and inquired thoughtfully, where can we find the mechanical typewriter used to create this information? within the mirror, an aged voice responded, trier, alone bar. Chapter 379 - 379 Bold Speculation 379 bold speculation alone bar? lumian was taken aback by the answer. loki, the founder of the curly-haired baboons research societys april fools team, is actually in trier and connected to the alone bar? isnt this a little too coincidental? lumians impression of the alone bar was that it stood diagonally opposite salle de bal unique. in the basement, there was a theater for marionette shows. the lighting was dim, and the colors were dark, giving it a slightly sinister appearance. initially, he didnt see it as a problem, but now that he knew that the monocle-wearing patrons of salle de bal unique were in a superimposed state of being amon and not amon, he believed that the alone bar, which could compete with this dance hall and survive, wasnt simple. moreover, he had once observed leah from bureau 8 entering the bar. he suspected it to be bureau 8s covert hideout, designed to keep an eye on the amons at salle de bal unique. could loki also be a member of bureau 8, a true official beyonder? or was it possible that he merely resided in quartier de lobservatoire and recognized the uniqueness of alone bar? was that why he used the mechanical typewriter there to create a copy of the information, preventing anyone from tracing it back to him? whats the matter? franca watched lumian furrow his brow and plunge into deep thought. after a prolonged silence, she extended her right hand and waved it in front of his eyes. lumian contemplated for a moment and said, theres a significant issue with this bar. youre familiar with this bar? franca looked surprised. this man appeared to harbor many secrets she was unaware of! a soft chuckle escaped lumians lips. well need to start with madame hela and me searching for the samaritan womens spring. franca was taken aback. how many times do i need to have you give out every detail? are you a tube of toothpaste, giving out a little with each squeeze? the focus was on the situation at the samaritan womens spring, and this all happened along the way, lumian explained, without feeling embarrassed. starting from his encounter with the islander swindler, monette, and his repeated scares, he connected charlie being swindled, the uniqueness of salle de bal unique, and madam magicians connection to amon. finally, he mentioned that alone bar was diagonally opposite salle de bal unique, and an official member of bureau 8 had once entered and exited. franca felt like she was listening to a ghost story. she subconsciously wanted to hug a pillow, but there was none on the recliner. quickly shaking off her daze, she straightened her back, trying to maintain an expression that suggested a true man wouldnt be frightened by such a terrifying incident. all this was used to torment jenna! after lumian finished speaking, franca hissed and said, youve had quite the array of experiences. youve even encountered an old monster that only exists in horror stories. why didnt you warn me earlier? that islander swindler shows up in the market district from time to time. what if i run into him one day? its for your own safety. if you didnt suspect anything when you encountered him, he wouldnt pay you any attention. but now, if your demeanor changes when you see him, he might become suspicious and involve you in his parasitism, lumian warned, half-scaring franca. thats true. franca gritted her teeth and added, the next time i meet him, ill pray for the angels protection from mr. fool when i get home! she pushed aside her fear of the amons and steered the conversation back to the main topic. this all ties into the alone bar. investigating it in the future is going to be very challenging franca suddenly had an imaginative guess. do you think loki has already been parasitized by an amon? lumian struggled to follow francas train of thought and responded, huh? franca continued, her tone grave, consider this. the books and legends of the ancient sun god have been missing for two to three thousand years, and since the churches of the seven gods bibles are copied from him, they must have erased relevant information. how did loki come by this information? while there are various possibilities, if he is indeed amon, it would make sense. no one knows his fathers situation better than him. as a child of a transmigrator, not to mention that he can obtain lokis memories through parasitism, even if he cant, he can perfectly act as our companion. you also mentioned that he enjoys deceit and has frightened you a few times. this is very similar to lokis usual behavior. and when amon from salle de bal unique created the duplicate, he deliberately went to the alone bar diagonally opposite to use a mechanical typewriter to mislead potential tracing. this also fits with this style. francas bold imagination surprised lumian. after a moment of thought, he responded, this does explain why this information oddly points to the alone bar. under the guidance of this evil angel, the april fools team gradually felt despair for the future and pursued their own joy. it was a reasonable development for them to start targeting other members of the curly-haired baboons research society. however, amon wouldnt intentionally lead the information to the alone bar, as that would naturally make investigators suspect him, who resides diagonally opposite perhaps he anticipated the investigators thoughts, franca countered. lumian shook his head slowly. if it were amon, your divination would have been misled or you wouldnt have received an answer. yes, regardless, this is indeed a possibility. i plan to visit the alone bar for a drink in the next two days and investigate the situation on the ground, but i wont delve further. franca acknowledged his words tersely and sighed. in truth, i also realize that the likelihood of loki being parasitized by an amon is very low. our primary purpose in attending the gathering is to transition into a special state. in this state, the sealed artifact borrowed from madame hela should be able to detect any abnormalities in each members bodies. it wont transform the corresponding object and leave it where it is. sigh, im just finding excuses for myself. its not wise for us to pursue loki without substantial evidence and strong suspicion. it makes me feel like ive betrayed the research society and my companions. thats why i hope that loki was indeed parasitized by amon. that way, i wont experience a similar sense of guilt. id be helping the research society eliminate hidden dangers. filtering abnormalities in the body by entering a special state and attending the gathering? but nothing happened to termiboros lumian wondered if it was because mr. fools seal was unique or if madame helas sealed artifact lacked the ability to filter abnormalities and guard against parasitic angels like amon. however, he didnt voice any objections at the moment and instead smiled. in my view, theres definitely something amiss with loki. its just a question of whether its a major or minor issue. when he sold you the information, did he encourage you to explore the underground and seek out more remnants of the ancient sun god? he did, franca confirmed. he also mentioned that in such places, the higher the sequence, the more dangerous it is. its easier to lose control. only low-sequence beyonders like us can approach it. thats only a relative perspective. did you find it dangerous when i explored the samaritan womens spring earlier? lumian inquired. it was extremely dangerous, franca acknowledged, knowing much about the matter. and you dont even know that the blood emperors apparition nearly caught me lumian muttered, searching for the remnants of the ancient sun god will likely be even more dangerous. if loki doesnt make an attempt, hell be essentially using you as cannon fodder by encouraging you to explore underground. and if he does try, hell inevitably be corrupted and gradually mutate. he lacks the purification of a great existence like mr. fool. so, its crucial to locate loki as soon as possible. its in both your and his best interests. franca bit her lip and agreed, youre right. loki clearly has malicious intentions in this matter. the other members of the april fools team might be curious and willing to participate, but i believe theyre cooperating with him. after persuading franca, lumian asked curiously, tell me, the prerequisite for entering the gathering is to enter a special state. what state is it? franca, no longer hesitating, shared eagerly, ive asked my major arcana card holder about it before. although i couldnt reveal the incantation or provide a detailed description of the gathering, she speculated that it involves a concealment power based on my description and its effects. concealment power lumian nodded. it was indeed well-concealed. even the incantation had been hidden, preventing anyone from discovering it. franca went on, the power of concealment is associated with the evernight pathway, which is the divine pathway controlled by the evernight goddess church. she lowered her voice and added, i suspect that madame hela is affiliated with the church of evernight. similar to 007? lumian inquired. he hadnt encountered 007 today, as too many people had participated in the gathering, and he didnt know the usual attire or team of 007. franca tersely confirmed his assumption. something along those lines, but she may hold a more significant position. shes at a higher level and has access to more concealed knowledge. recalling madame helas actions in obtaining the samaritan womens spring, lumian couldnt help but agree with francas assessment. indeed, the lady possessed a wealth of secret knowledge. moreover, she wore a black diamond ring that clearly exceeded ordinary mystical items and was suspected to possess godlike powers. additionally, the sealed artifact she had borrowed to convene the gathering was beyond lumians imagination. in a casual manner, lumian asked, what are the primary manifestations of the evernight pathways powers? according to aurores grimoires, the first three sequences of this pathway were sleepless, midnight poet, and nightmare. they primarily involved enhancing spirituality, increasing mental strength, reducing the need for sleep, the mystical application of poetry, and the unique ability to induce sleep in others. franca thought for a moment and replied, the power of concealment, command over spirits, and the ability to create realistic dreams realistic dream lumian was taken aback by the answer. he couldnt help but recall the realistic dream he had experienced in the ruins of cordu. Chapter 380 - 380 Bell Chimes 380 bell chimes at the conclusion of the cordu disaster, lumian found himself not only grappling with the seal within his body and the fading aura of inevitability surrounding him, but he had also been thrust into a vivid, lifelike dream. surprisingly, even the investigators, ryan and the others, succumbed to an uncontrollable slumber as they entered a specific area, becoming entangled in his dream. during that time, lumian, who was still unfamiliar with the intricacies of mysticism, failed to sense anything amiss. it was only later, when he enlisted the help of mr. poet to decipher the symbolic meanings woven into the dream, that he realized its origins were not tied to termiboross power or mr. fools seal. it had a different source, one that conveyed protection and solace. ever since that moment, lumian had tirelessly pondered the origin of this lifelike dream, but he had never unearthed a definitive answer. the possibilities were endless. however, with francas detailed account of the evernight pathway and his own experiences at the gathering, a sudden revelation struck him. the evernight pathway, known for inducing nightmarish visions, could also weave the fabric of realistic dreams! could it be that madame hela, upon learning of aurores tragic fate in cordu, had arrived too late to intervene directly? perhaps she had resorted to employing the power of a sealed artifact to draw me into the lifelike dream, an attempt to provide solace for my tormented soul? no, theres no need for her to hide this from me and feign ignorance. whats there to hide? moreover, if she were responsible, there would be no lingering traces of slumbering power left behind could it be that the continuous use of the incantation involving concealment powers during the gatherings somehow marked or corrupted aurore with the sealed artifacts influence? when her body disintegrated, the sealed artifact sensed the disturbance and, albeit unsuccessfully in saving her, led me into the realm of this lifelike dream? yes, it makes sense. leah and the others were compelled to slumber on the blood-colored mountain peak, situated near the sacrificial ground, close to the three-headed, six-armed giant. this aligns with my theory. the source of the dreams power is intricately tied to aurores fate franca observed lumians prolonged silence, realizing he was deeply engrossed in contemplation. she wisely refrained from interrupting, allowing him to return to the present before gently inquiring, what thoughts have crossed your mind? do you recall the cordu disaster i mentioned? theres an area around the sacrificial ground, which became the blood-colored mountain peak. anyone who ventured into it fell into a deep slumber and experienced a realistic dream, lumian explained succinctly. the more franca absorbed his words, the more astonishment and trepidation filled her. could it be that theres something wrong with madame hela too? i dont think so. lumian shook his head in response and outlined the crucial aspects of his conjecture. relief washed over franca, and she couldnt hide her emotions. this theory does seem to fit the circumstances. right, did you notice? the initial part of the incantation features a three-line honorific name. this implies that the sealed artifact either possesses characteristics of a living entity or was once alive. its reasonable for it to instinctively influence those who beseech its power. after careful consideration, lumian recognized the validity of this point. the two of them continued their conversation, ultimately deciding that lumian should find a suitable time to pay a visit to the alone bar. returning to the auberge du coq dor, lumian drew the curtains and settled at the table. bathed in the soft glow of the carbide lamp, he began composing a letter addressed to madam magician. the letter primarily centered around the armored shadows performance and its response. lumian was particularly interested in gathering information about the ancient sun god and its connection with the aurora order. however, mindful of the late hour, he decided to wait until he naturally woke up in the morning, had his breakfast, and then sent the letter. at noon, lumian received a reply from madam magician, and he felt a sense of satisfaction for having purposely returned to room 207 of auberge du coq dor. the armored shadows response and its current condition offer us valuable insights into the situation regarding ____. lumian was taken aback by the first sentence. his gaze fixated on the blank portion of the sentence, uncertain whether madam magician had intentionally injected humor into her letter or if some form of distortion had affected the message. drawing from his knowledge of magician, lumians initial assumption was that she had initially composed the entire sentence but later realized that certain information couldnt be disclosed at this moment. instead of redacting it or starting anew, she had employed some mystical means to erase the phrase. why cant i be privy to this information? its merely another world, right? lumian mused as he proceeded to read the subsequent sentence. while this is a valuable acquisition, its immediate utility may be limited, though mr. hanged man will undoubtedly be pleased. in due time, when he deems it appropriate, he might get you to summon the armored shadow once more. he will be responsible for providing compensation in gold for the chance to pose inquiries. let him determine the questions. your role is to facilitate the communication, and the two of cups will handle translation. oh, and do not forget to request a reward from mr. hanged man. mr. hanged man lumian repeated the code name, his eyes continuing to scan the contents of the letter. the ancient sun gods problem is complicated, and my knowledge on the matter is limited. at this juncture, i can only offer this: he was the ruler of the third epoch, the one who brought an end to the tyrannical reign of the brutal ancient gods and ushered in an era of light for humanity. the entity revered by the aurora order maintains a complicated connection with him. understanding this connection carries risks. consider him as the inheritor of half of his legacy, while the other portion is shared among select members of the seven deities. this division directly gave rise to what we commonly term the age of the gods, also known as the fourth epoch. if remnants of history, legends, documents, and artifacts were still available from the fourth epoch, the prior third and second epochs existed mostly within the scriptures of various churches, veiled in almost mythical obscurity. lumian possessed only scant knowledge, recognizing the third epoch as the cataclysm epoch and the second epoch as the dark epoch. in madam magicians words, lumian sensed the majesty and allure of ancient history unfolding before him. the brutal ancient gods, the ancient sun god who ended humanitys dark age, the ruler of the third epoch whose demise remains shrouded in mystery, and the age of the gods that emerged from his corpse why would such an ancient deity give birth to someone like amon? and who is amons mother? could there be a connection between amon and the figure revered by the aurora order? the more lumian contemplated this, the more he discerned problems with the ancient sun gods method of raising offspring. he harbored a favorable impression of this deity, not only because of his role in ending the dominion of the ancient gods and offering humanity a glimmer of hope, but also due to the suspicion that he might be an earlier transmigrator from the same world as aurore and emperor roselle. simultaneously, lumian began to understand why mr. k and the aurora order held such vehement disdain for heretics. the one they revered was the rightful heir to the legacy of the ancient sun god. a flame erupted, igniting the letter in lumians hand. he tidied up and fastened the silver lie earring, making subtle adjustments to his appearance to ensure he bore no resemblance to lumian lee. with that done, he removed lie and slipped it into a concealed pocket. his recent insights indicated that his transfigurations from lie wouldnt end when he was separated from lie. it was a flesh-and-blood reconstruction. if he wanted to return to his original state, he had to use lie to adjust it again. lumian grabbed his satchel and left auberge du coq dor. on his way to avenue du march, he heard the chime of a bell, signaling that it was 1 p.m. lumian retrieved the golden pocket watch he had borrowed from salle de bal brise and synchronized it with the distant tolling of the bell. the pocket watch would lose a minute every few days. after a journey of more than half an hour, lumian arrived at rue ancienne. his steps led him toward the alone bar, and his gaze naturally drifted across salle de bal unique. at that moment, the establishment had yet to see many customers. three guards, each sporting a monocle over their right eyes, lounged in various corners, engaged in sporadic conversations or drifting into daydreams. a postman in a distinctive blue uniform adorned with floral patterns parked his bicycle by the roadside and approached salle de bal uniques mailbox, clutching a stack of letters. like the guards, he too wore a monocle on his right eye. an inexplicable shiver coursed through lumians scalp, prompting him to avert his gaze and continue his course into the alone bar. inside, the dimly lit atmosphere persisted, casting a shadowy ambiance even at noon. at present, lumian found himself the sole patron. the bartender stationed behind the bar counter was not the same individual as before. instead, it was leah, the bureau 8 investigator, whom lumian recognized! she was attired in a white shirt, a bow tie, and a black knee-length dress. her hair had been elegantly tied into a simple bun, adorned with tiny silver bellsa departure from her previous appearance, exuding a distinct charm. gin on the rocks, lumian stated as he settled onto a barstool at the counter, tapping the surface lightly. a chuckle escaped him as he continued, why do we have a new bartender? leah cast a playful glance in his direction and quipped, monsieur, theres no strict rule that dictates a bar must employ only one bartender. that would surely lead to their exhaustion. fair enough, lumian agreed, paying eight licks for his drink and patiently awaiting the arrival of his iced gin. after savoring his beverage for nearly ten minutes, he casually inquired, is there a typewriter available here? ive just remembered a document i need to complete. leah, wiping a glass, responded, in the room next to the theater in the cellar, theres a typewriter reserved for scripts. it costs 2 licks and 1 coppet for each sheet of paper. thats quite pricey lumian muttered as he rose and entered the cellar with his glass of gin. he steered clear of the marionette theater, harboring some lingering unease from his previous encounter. instead, he ventured into a nearby room. there was indeed a brass mechanical typewriter here, and a man engrossed in reading a newspaper beside it. lumian, in line with his prior preparations, proceeded to type out a brief document. some of the worn letters on the typewriter matched the information provided by loki with uncanny precision. satisfied with his work, lumian offered payment to the silent man for his use of the typewriter and paper before promptly exiting the somewhat eerie basement room. as he returned to the bars lobby, he was abruptly met with fugue, as he heard the faint chime of a bell. lumian swiftly regained his composure and directed his gaze towards leah, noticing that she displayed no signs of alarm or surprise. did you hear the bell? lumian inquired, placing his glass on the bar counter. leah furrowed her brow. the hour has not yet struck. why would the bell toll? suppressing his bewilderment, lumian finished his drink and departed the alone bar. while passing salle de bal unique, he observed that only two guards with monocles remained stationed at the entrance. the postman was conspicuously absent. without further ado, lumian continued down the street, putting distance between himself and the establishment. as he boarded a public carriage headed back to the market district, the clock chimed two oclock with impeccable precision. instinctively, lumian retrieved his pocket watch, opening it to check the time. to his astonishment, the pocket watch, which he had meticulously calibrated just an hour earlier, had once again slowed down. a minute slow. Chapter 381 - 381 Elimination 381 elimination lumian carefully examined the pocket watch, ensuring that there were no mechanical issues. he hadnt bumped or jostled it in the past hour, so there should be no reason for it to malfunction. ever since i calibrated my pocket watch, the only odd occurrence had been the fugue state and the faint ringing of a bell when i left the alone bar. additionally, there is one less monocle-wearing guard at the entrance of salle de bal unique. could there be a connection between these events and the sudden one-minute slowdown of my pocket watch? lumian pondered this seriously, trying to come up with possible explanations. he planned to write and inquire with madam magician once he returned to the market district. normally, he wouldnt bother his major arcana card holder with such minor issues, but the pocket watchs abnormality had likely started on rue ancienne. moreover, there had been changes in salle de bal uniques amons. these were reasons to be cautious. lumian stowed his pocket watch away. when the public carriage came to a stop, he swiftly disembarked and turned into a nearby street, keeping a vigilant eye on the people and animals passing by. he changed public carriages three times, each leading to different destinations, attempting to identify and elude any potential pursuers. this was the self-cultivation of a hunter. after completing this elaborate process, lumian entered a department store. he placed the satchel containing the flog boxing gloves in a public washroom cubicle, put on his lie earring, and reverted to his original appearance. he also swapped his brown jacket for a dark vest that he had kept in his satchel, transforming himself back into ciel dubois as he returned to le march du quartier du gentleman. lumian breathed a sigh of relief after sending the letter to madam magician, detailing his experiences with the fugue state, the faint bell chimes, and the alterations in salle de bal uniques guards. whenever he visited rue ancienne, even though he never encountered a genuine disaster, he always felt an unsettling and inexplicable fear gripping his heart. the puppet messenger swiftly returned with a reply from madam magician. your instincts are keen and accurate. the fugue you experienced and the bell chimes you heard were the result of mr. fools angel of time. he located his target and obliterated salle de bal unique along with all the amons in trier. the reason your pocket watch slowed down by a minute was also a consequence of this clash. in the near future, you neednt concern yourself with what amon might do to you. nevertheless, you should be aware that dealing with such a mythical creature is far from simple, and they cannot be completely annihilated. there are still numerous amons lurking in the various countries of the northern and southern continents, and a few might even be concealed beneath trier, beyond the reach of angelic powers. as lumian read madam magicians response, he was momentarily stunned. that brief fugue he had experienced indicated a battle on an angelic scale? had he not recently calibrated his pocket watch, he might not have gathered any substantial evidence! and if it werent for the angelic termiboros sealed within him, he might have suffered the same fate as leahunable to hear the bell or even be in a fugue state! is this the might of an angel? the confrontation between the angel of time and amon had not affected the ordinary people in the vicinity. otherwise, the residents of rue ancienne would have died without even realizing it the pocket watch had fallen a minute behind during my momentary fugue, an angel-level battle had unfolded the angel of time, mr. fools angel of time, possesses true mastery over time once one crosses the threshold into divinity, their array of abilities take on a mystical quality. the circle inhabitants repetitive loop, the concealment power of the evernight pathway, madam magicians door of starlight, and now the angel of times bell chimesall of these surpass my wildest imagination for the first time, lumian didnt long for the power of a high-sequence beyonder solely to resurrect his sister. it was an innate yearning. lumians spirits lifted at the prospect of no longer living in fear of amons suddenly emerging from the shadows and thrusting him into peril. he offered genuine praise to mr. fool and the angel of time, as well as his major arcana card holder, madam magician. with a sense of relief, he incinerated the reply and made his way to apartment 601, 3 rue des blouses blanches. franca was waiting for his return with information about the alone bar and loki. good news and bad news. which one do you want to hear? he inquired, still grinning, as he closed the door. franca sized him up. you seem rather cheerful the good news is that youve found leads on loki? the bad news is that we lack the strength to continue investigating? neither. lumian seized francas reclining chair. franca was taken aback. she hadnt expected lumian to be so shameless. before franca could voice her surprise, lumian continued, the good news is that mr. fools angel of time has taken action. salle de bal unique and all of triers amons have been wiped out. if loki shows up at the next gathering, it means he hasnt been parasitized by an amon. the bad news is that the copy of the information you bought was indeed created using a mechanical typewriter in the cellar of the alone bar. however, we cant continue our investigation while in bureau 8s territory. im quite certain that its bureau 8s stronghold. leah was already working there as a bartender. francas expression shifted between excitement and concern. did you see mr. fools angel of time? but why didnt i sense any obvious developments in trier indeed, whether loki is a member of bureau 8 or not, asking directly about anyone who has recently used that mechanical typewriter will result in us being targeted by bureau 8. and finding an excuse to use that typewriter to attempt divination with the last user might point to some members of bureau 8 or even saints. there must be a high-sequence beyonder overseeing bureau 8s stronghold diagonally opposite salle de bal unique! franca, her attention diverted to serious matters, forgot to ask lumian to leave her exclusive seat. lumian recounted the minute delay in his pocket watch and madam magicians reply, leaving franca amazed and fascinated. after mentioning the angel of time, lumian pondered for a moment and said, loki didnt conceal his appearance well at the gathering. i suspect he possesses abilities similar to niese face or lie. franca nodded. if hes truly an official member of bureau 8, i believe hes a beyonder of the seer pathway. hes at least a sequence 6 faceless. your lie corresponds to this sequence. yes, many beyonders in bureau 8 are from the seer pathway. above magician is faceless? after lumian obtained lie, he suspected that it belonged to the seer pathway, but he didnt know the corresponding sequence name. thats right. this pathway becomes bizarre and difficult to kill after sequence 7 magician. it excels at transformations. at sequence 5, its abilities are even more terrifying. it can silently turn a person into a puppet without a sense of self. its name is marionettist. franca, who had entered the world of mysticism and joined the tarot club earlier than lumian, clearly possessed more information about the pathways of the divine. after lumian conversed with franca about the seer pathway, the two of them fell into a dilemma about how to find loki in reality. just then, brisk footsteps echoed upstairs before jenna opened the door to apartment 601. she glanced at lumian, who was sitting in the recliner, and franca, who was standing beside him, and asked in confusion, what are you guys talking about? were pondering over a conundrum, lumian clarified, informing jenna that he and franca were in trouble tracking an enemy with the code name loki. finally, he asked, any ideas? jenna shook her head in amusement. youve rejected all the solutions i can think of. without waiting for her companions to speak, she said thoughtfully, ciel, put yourself in lokis shoes. think of yourself as someone who likes to tease others. think of everything that happened from their perspective and see if you can find any clues. dont you also like pranks? you should have something in common with them. my pranks are quite different from theirs lumian didnt say it out loud. he tried to recall his motives, thoughts, and changes in mentality during the pranks to analyze the actions and motives of the april fools team. after a moment, he furrowed his brow. all pranks are meant to bring joy when the target is embarrassed or suffers a blow. those people used my sister as a target for pranks, but they cant confirm the final outcome, so its difficult for them to obtain true joy similarly, how are they going to track francas movements and witness her tragic end by instigating her to explore the underground? you have to know that even if franca never goes to the mysticism gathering again, she might have encountered an accident due to something else. the three people in the room pondered this question. if a prankster failed to witness the end of a prank, they would lack a sense of accomplishment and the expected joy. how could loki and the others determine aurore or francas encounter? after a while, lumian said in a deep voice, either the prank is a cover-up, and they have an ulterior motive, or they have a way to monitor the corresponding target. franca suddenly felt a chill down her spine and subconsciously surveyed the room. what way? jenna asked on her behalf. lumian shook his head slowly. i dont know. this might be a lead. amidst the alternations between silence and discussion, the three of them couldnt come up with an answer, so they could only put this matter aside for the time being. on his way back to salle de bal brise, lumian gazed at the afternoon sun and probed, temiboros, can i find loki through the prophecy spell? termiboross magnificent voice resounded, after you left rue ancienne, if you hadnt done any anti-tracking, you would have encountered loki. Chapter 382 - 382 Seizing the Opportunity 382 seizing the opportunity if i hadnt used anti-tracking, i would have encountered loki? lumian was taken aback by termiboross response. all he wanted to know was whether the prophecy spell would work against seer pathway beyonders. it didnt matter if termiboros answered or not. as a contractee, he could answer his own question and acquire a bottle of prophetic concoction to test its effects. to his surprise, the inevitability angel did provide an answer. lumians mind raced as he dissected the information in that sentence. after leaving rue ancienne, loki had been tailing him for some time! the source of the copied information had been a trap! this noon, loki had been at the alone bar! he deliberately chose the alone bars mechanical typewriter to make a copy of the information. his plan was that anyone chasing him would discover it, allowing him to start tracking the other party, aiming for a lethal strike. and if the pursuer turned out to be formidable, he could ensure his basic safety by being inside bureau 8s stronghold. he wouldnt be easily discovered. he could even manipulate bureau 8, an official organization, to go after the other party. with this in mind, lumian felt a mixture of regret and relief. regrettably, he hadnt spotted lokis pursuit after leaving rue ancienne until the anti-tracking process was finished. this meant he had missed the founder of the april fools team. he could have had the chance to discuss muggle-related matters with him. but lumian was also relieved because he wasnt prepared. if he had discovered loki and was forced to act prematurely, there was a high chance he would have met a tragic end. after all, according to francas description, a sequence 7 magician possessed many bizarre abilities. as a marionettist, they could silently eliminate others. if loki had launched a surprise attack, lumian wasnt sure if he would have had the opportunity to use mr. ks finger. he also wasnt sure if he could have located the real loki in time and escaped with the spell of harrumph. however, at this moment, regret outweighed relief in his heart. lumians pace toward salle de bal brise involuntarily slowed. he recalled his experience at the alone bar at noon. the bar was dimly lit, and it was well past lunchtime. besides a couple of inebriated patrons chatting by the window, leah, disguised as a bartender, appeared to be the only one on the first floor. from the cellar, which doubled as a marionette theater, he could occasionally hear conversations from different people. in the room with the mechanical typewriter, a man was reading a newspaper. he remained silent, his gaze fixed on the newspaper. even when collecting the typing fee, he merely nodded which one of them was loki? lumian stopped diagonally across from salle de bal brise, his gaze unfocused. clearly, leah couldnt be loki. it wasnt due to gender differences but rather her lack of sequence. according to franca, loki had a habit of revealing his appearance as of last year or even earlier. it was suspected that he had advanced to faceless, and leah was only a sequence 7 magician a few months ago. in the lifelike dream, she likely couldnt conceal her specific sequence. lumians suspicion gradually settled on the man who was engrossed in reading the newspaper and watching the typewriter. he has the ability to use the mechanical typewriter to duplicate information at will. it would be easy for him to notice if any strangers borrowed the typewriter lumian carefully recalled the mans appearance and realized he was entirely unremarkable. he was in his thirties, with black hair, blue eyes, and an average appearance, dressed in a plain black suit like any common clerk. moreover, a marionettist can create marionettes. the man might just be one of those marionettes, not loki, which is why he remained silent and pretended to read the newspaper but if a marionettist can control people, can they also turn rats, cockroaches, bedbugs, and other creatures into marionettes? in that case, the possibilities are endless. every living thing in the alone bar could potentially be loki how could i ever hope to find him? what a vexing individual. though his manifestations differed from those of the amons, they are equally vexing! its only thanks to the angel trapped within me, mr. fools seal, and the blood emperors aura that i could evade a marionettista seer beyonderso far. relying solely on anti-tracking and lie likely wouldnt be enough to escape lokis grasp how frustrating. the alone bar is bureau 8s stronghold. i cant simply flush the real loki out with a broad sweep the more lumian contemplated it, the more exasperated he became. having successfully eluded pursuit, it seemed nearly impossible to bait loki with a similar ploy. anyone with a modicum of intelligence would smell a trap in this recurring situation. whats worse, frequent visits to the alone bar would undoubtedly attract bureau 8s attention, further complicating matters. lumian took a deep breath, exhaling slowly, forcing himself to regain his composure. he concentrated on his analysis of loki. according to anthonys theory, loki and most members of the april fools team have high opinions of themselves. otherwise, after experiencing despair for the future, they wouldnt seek solace in pranks. they would indulge in their desires and the pleasures of life is it possible to lure such a person into a trap they believe they had outsmarted? lumian dismantled and reassembled various pieces of information in his mind, searching for a viable solution. his frustration grew, and he longed to storm into the alone bar and eliminate everyone except leah. then, an idea struck lumian. while it might not form a direct plan against loki, it could serve as a means to probe the situation at the alone bar, uncover exploitable details, and gather information. additionally, it would provide an outlet for his emotions and anger, and perhaps even earn him some money. after careful consideration, lumian turned around and made his way towards rue anarchie. auberge du coq dor, room 401. lumian pushed open the unlatched door, where he found the bankrupt merchant, fitz, sitting at a wooden table, dipping a long, stick-like rye bread into a thick, sticky soup. fitz glanced back, placing the food aside, and stood up, clearly confused and somewhat panicked. monsieur ciel, whats the matter? the bankrupt merchants brown hair appeared greasy, yet he stubbornly maintained a semblance of tidiness. his dark-brown eyes and smile lines gave him a naturally ingratiating appearance. in contrast to their previous encounter, fitzs clothes now bore a bit of dirt, as if he hadnt had the time to clean them. lumian cut to the chase, his tone blunt. can you provide evidence that timmons owes you 100,000 verl dor? the owner of salle de bal unique. fitzs eyes lit up. yes! i have a contract for our joint venture. it clearly states that he agreed to repurchase his shares within a specified time frame, along with paying me 100,000 verl dor and the corresponding profits. monsieur ciel, you dont need to use salle de bal unique to jog my memory about timmons. i curse that scoundrel a hundred times a day! monsieur ciel, do you believe theres a chance of recovering my money? lumians lips curled up. this could be your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. if you miss it, you may never see that money again. salle de bal unique was at its most vulnerable! without the amons, it was now inhabited solely by humans with varying degrees of mutation! fitz was a mix of excitement and apprehension upon hearing this. he hastily retrieved the valuable contract and handed it over to lumian. while he didnt entirely trust the mob leader, he had no choice but to place his hopes in him, praying that lumian would return with good news. quartier de lobservatoire, rue ancienne. lumian changed his appearance and clothes. he walked towards salle de bal unique in a shirt, vest, top hat, and thin formal suit. he encountered a guard sporting a monocle on his right eye and dressed in a short black suit, who obstructed his path. monsieur, you must wear a monocle to enter our dance hall. lumian responded with a smile. monette introduced me here. he mentioned that i dont need to wear a monocle on my right eye, like you gentlemen. the two guards exchanged meaningful glances and exchanged knowing smiles. then its not an issue. from their appearances, it seems they are well aware of the consequences of being invited by monette. they might even have been influenced by monettes devious personality and secretly are faithful to amon. unfortunately, they remain oblivious to the fact that salle de bal unique is no longer the same as they remembered. lumian sneered inwardly and decided to seek out someone most resembling amon later, intent on shattering their monocle with a punch. this act was both a release of his pent-up anger and fear from being manipulated and intimidated by amon, and a means to catch the attention of the alone bar. after all, how would they know that someone could reclaim the money from timmons? it was already evening, and gas wall lamps and stained-glass chandeliers illuminated salle de bal uniques dance hall. dancers in monocles and short suits swayed on the dance floor while others leaned against the railings with glasses of wine, wearing smiles as they observed others dancing. musicians played violins and the clarinet in one corner, contributing to the lively atmosphere. it appeared as though nothing unusual had occurred here. after observing for a while, lumian made his way to the stairs leading to the second floor. the guard with a monocle, stationed at the top of the stairs, extended his right hand to block lumians path. he asked with an inscrutable smile, who are you here to see? lumian maintained a relaxed demeanor as he replied, im here to collect some debts from timmons. then you cant proceed upstairs, the monocled guard retorted, his tone almost amused, as if he were witnessing a comedy. lumians lips curled into a radiant smile. bang! his left fist connected with the guards face, sending the monocle flying. it crashed to the ground with a resounding crack. Chapter 383 - 383 "Forced Storming" 383 forced storming amidst the sound of the monocle falling and sliding, the guard tilted his head, surprise and confusion crossing his face. his reaction was rather bizarre. he didnt react with anger or call for backup. it was as though he considered what had just happened a part of some performance filled with mystery. lumian passed by with a smile, heading up the stairs without a second glance. the guards expression flickered, but he eventually gave up trying to intervene. still filled with puzzlement and thought, his eyes darted around, and a strange, anticipatory grin played on his lips, as if he expected something thrilling. as lumian reached the second floor, the two guards with monocles simply watched him pass without hindrance. they wore similar enigmatic and expectant smiles. no low-sequence beyonders? lumian muttered, disappointed. he had braced himself for a confrontation, something to showcase for the alone bar across the street. but, to his surprise, the other fake amons in the salle de bal unique were just regular folks. none of them seemed inclined to engage with him. it made sense, though. amon wasnt like mr. fool or the great mother, capable of granting large-scale boons to believers. as for the low- and mid-sequence beyonders, they had likely been dealt with. in the undetectable angelic struggle, they might have been eliminated. the remaining individuals probably had no idea that the dance hall had turned unusual, and many of their colleagues had vanished without a trace. they likely believed that lumian was about to join them or go mad from some sort of prank. with no imposter amon to confront, lumian had no option but to improvise and enact the situation himself. he pulled his revolver from its holster and nonchalantly fired at the rooms on both sides of the corridor. bang! bang! bang! each bullet hit a window with precision, the shattering glass echoing through the hall, accompanied by gunshots. the second-floor guards were both surprised and perplexed by lumians actions. they suspected that he had been repeatedly fooled by a coworker, leading to a mental breakdown. otherwise, why would he be taking on the air and windows? instinctively, the guards raised their right hands to adjust their monocles in their eyes. their expressions became increasingly eager, as if they were anticipating the climax of this thriller. go, confront the iceberg beneath the sea and the fear lurking in the darkness! after firing four shots, lumian reached the largest office. he pushed the slightly ajar door open and found a man seated behind a massive wooden desk. the man had a wide forehead and narrow cheeks. his dark, slightly curly hair framed his face, and his light-blue eyes seemed unfocused. he also sported a crystal-like monocle over his right eye and wore a loose, comfortable black robe. timmons? lumian inquired, entering with a furrowed brow. the man snapped out of his daze and responded with a sense of disappointment, as if he had lost something precious. im timmons. youre not dead yet? lumian asked, both surprised and amused. as far as he knew, the other members of salle de bal unique were in a state of being amon and not amon. however, timmons, the boss here, must have been deeply parasitized. such a person should have perished in the angelic-level battle, losing his life. but that wasnt the case. timmons glanced at lumian, maintaining the frustration and emptiness of someone who had lost their soul. many people wish me dead, but they dont seem to have the power to curse me. perhaps im already dead. all thats left is a shell. thats not important. what matters is that you return my clients 110,000 verl dor, along with the interest, lumian stated as he retrieved the contract from his satchel with his left hand, courtesy of the bankrupt merchant, fitz. he anticipated timmons rejection of his request and an ensuing confrontation. timmons shook off his despondency, raised a hand to his forehead, and smiled. theres cash and accessories in the safe. help yourself. the password is 010103. i thought youd put up a fight. lumian sighed in disappointment. timmons gazed at the revolver in lumians hand and remarked, im just a swindler, not a miser. i can swindle others again when im out of money. but if im dead, theres nothing left. besides, ive already lost the most important thing today. compared to that, 110,000 verl dor is nothing. what do you mean you can swindle others if youre out of money? havent you ever considered becoming wealthy through legal means? lumian pursed his lips and made his way towards the mechanical safe in the office. three, two, one as he approached the safe, he counted down, expecting timmons to launch a surprise attack from behind. yet, the owner of salle de bal unique remained motionless. he didnt cry out for help or attempt to summon the police. lumian crouched in front of the iron-gray mechanical safe. using the password provided by timmons, he twisted the knob repeatedly until he heard a satisfying click. he glanced at the banknotes and gold bars that clearly exceeded 100,000 verl dor, opened his satchel, and collected them all. with that task completed, lumian raised his revolver, shattered the office window, and climbed out. timmonss lips curled into a playful smile, one shared by everyone present. however, at that moment, lumian unexpectedly spun around and pulled the trigger. bang! a yellow bullet grazed timmonss hair and embedded itself into a cabinet nearby. the monocle-wearing timmonss body tensed, and his smile disappeared. his eyes were filled with bewilderment. he even caught a whiff of something burning above his head. lumian grinned and waved his hand. surprised? with that, he leaped off the windowsill and landed in the alley behind salle de bal unique. timmonss expression gradually shifted, now marked by confusion and bewilderment. inside salle de bal unique, the dancers with monocles on their right eyes and short suits went about their business, eagerly awaiting the intruders descent, imagining him donning a monocle and officially joining their ranks. however, amid the intermittent gunshots, they failed to witness the spectacle they had anticipated. near place du purgatoire in rue ancienne, there was a bell tower belonging to the eternal blazing sun cathedral. adjacent to the bell tower stood a newly constructed ten-story building. franca, disguised as a typical female mercenary, positioned herself at the rooftops edge with a brass telescope, her gaze fixed on the alone bar in the distance. amidst the distant echoes of gunshots, leah, the bartender clad in a white shirt, black bow tie, and a dark knee-length dress, emerged at the bars entrance, her eyes directed towards salle de bal unique, situated diagonally across from her. before long, franca observed gray rats emerging from beside leahs feet. these rats crossed the street and disappeared beside the ancient building. after another two to three minutes, a man and a woman exited the alone bar, pushing their way through the guards and entering salle de bal unique. franca scrutinized the pair through her telescope and noticed that their expressions seemed animated and their movements agile when they interacted with the guards. however, as they crossed the street and passed by the guards, their expressions grew stiffer, and their movements became somewhat robotic. marionettes? franca speculated. as for the whereabouts of the marionettist who created and controlled these marionettes, she couldnt discern it at all. the only thing she could deduce was that the effective range of this ability spanned dozens of meters, if not more. simultaneously, she couldnt help but complain, when there are people, they appear as real people. but when theres nobody around, the marionettist cant be bothered to maintain their facial expressions and character details? isnt this too unprofessional? or perhaps its a tactic to intimidate occasional onlookers and passersby who happen to catch a glimpse? franca maintained her vigil until lumian had returned to his original form, changed his attire, and completed his anti-tracking measures. even then, she couldnt spot the marionettist when he met up with her. other than leah, everyone else appeared to be marionettes! franca conveyed her frustration to lumian, isnt this level of caution and meticulousness excessive? i couldnt find anything conclusive. all i can confirm is that theres definitely a marionettist here, and its highly likely that theres more than one. just hearing her account made lumians head ache, much like when dealing with amon. could it be that they became neighbors because they excelled at concealing their true forms and were exceptionally elusive and hard to uncover? is there no way to use magic mirror divination to gather some clues? lumian pondered briefly before inquiring. franca gently shook her head in response. this is the seer pathway. unless i can directly possess one of the marionettes, i wont be able to locate their true bodies. lumian fell silent as he gazed at the now tranquil salle de bal unique. lets head back. at the next gathering, well gather information from i know someone, hisoka, and bard. they shouldnt be as elusive as loki. we can still pretend to be duped and see if we can draw them out. when the time came, hidden blade couldnt step forward; muggle would have to handle it herself. franca had already purchased a copy of lokis information and was among the potential suspects. agreed, franca concurred, realizing that this was their best course of action. the two of them promptly departed from the high-rise apartment and secured a four-wheeled, four-seater rental carriage. as the carriage reached the intersection between quartier de lobservatoire and quartier de la cathdrale commmorative, franca turned to lumian. arent you going to perform another anti-tracking procedure? wouldnt relying on your anti-divination skills be sufficient? lumian responded with a smile. besides, after leaving salle de bal unique, ive already undertaken several anti-tracking measures. franca stared at him for a couple of seconds before letting out a resigned sigh. fine. avenue du march, market district. lumian, carrying a satchel filled with banknotes and gold, said his goodbyes to franca and proceeded towards rue anarchie. franca, on the other hand, headed back to rue des blouses blanches. rue anarchie was as lively and crowded as ever. lumian weaved his way through vendors and pedestrians, drawing closer to auberge du coq dor. suddenly, he experienced an unsettling sensation. his body seemed to lose coordination, as if someone had injected glue into his joints. Chapter 384 - 384 Stagnation 384 stagnation not good! lumian was both a hunter and a dancer, and his mastery over his body was amazing. any unfamiliar or abnormal situation immediately triggered his instincts, alerting him to potential danger. but in that critical moment, his thoughts seemed to slow down, shrouded in a dense fog. each idea froze, demanding tremendous effort to clear. ive been attacked loki is really here is this the performance of a marionettists abilities? as it nears the end i wont be able to think will i become his marionette? my sense of danger is clouded dammit termi boros, its impossible that you didnt notice the changes in my fate you didnt warn me did he intentionally tell me that loki nearly tracked me to make me do it again? me becoming lokis puppet aids him in escaping the seal? i cant just wait like this i must resist with all my might where is loki? in these fragmented thoughts, lumian strained to move. his hand found its way into his pocket, and he surveyed his surroundings with stiffness. previously, he and franca had discussed the limitations of the marionettists power. they agreed that it must have a certain range or require proximity. otherwise, it would exceed the capabilities of a sequence 5 and only be within the realm of a saint who had transcended into godhood. those from different pathways that franca knew couldnt resist it at all. the duo believed that this ability either required a certain medium or could only be activated at a close distance. just like the ring of punishments psychic piercing, it could only be effective if the distance between them was reduced to five meters. lumian suspected loki was hiding nearby in the crowd, perhaps no more than ten meters away. what greeted his eyes were street vendors and passersby. some of their faces were familiar, while others were unfamiliar. they were no different from usual. in his haste, lumian couldnt discern loki among them. adding to the challenge, loki was a faceless, skilled in transformation and disguise. as lumian continued his search for loki, a crimson flame manifested in his left palm. his motives were twofold: first, to test his ability to resist a marionettists control and invasion by inflicting pain upon himself, and second, to set a question and observe how loki would respond. by studying lokis reactions, he hoped to glean insights into lokis exact whereabouts and weaknesses in his marionette-making abilities. but just as the searing pain coursed through his mind, lumian heard a distinct snap. instantly, the crimson flame in his palm dissipated into a harmless stream of light, unable to form anything explosive. lumian spun around, trying to identify the source of the snapping of fingers. however, his joints had become encased in a sticky glue, and his movements grew increasingly rigid and sluggish. this delay caused him to turn a second slower than he intended. everyone within his line of sight appeared normal, and he couldnt pinpoint who had snapped their fingers. marionettist is indeed capable of flame controlling pain doesnt help much in the slowdown of my thoughts and stiffening of my body it only marginally increased my reaction speed i cant waste time on such matters the most important thing now is to find loki. otherwise whether i use the spell of harrumph summon mr. k or wait for franca to save me wouldnt significantly change the situation i wonder if spirit world traversal can be used if the next two or three attempts fail ill give it a try and see if i can teleport out of a marionettists ability range lumians thoughts grew increasingly sluggish, but they werent to the point where he couldnt think, react, or dodge any attack. soon, with his rich combat experience, he came up with an idea. from the current situation a marionettist indeed needs to be at close range to gradually transform their target into a marionette in that case ill make sure theres no one or animals within a ten-meter radius! whoever lingers within the inferno hell shall be loki! once lumian understood the situation, he immediately opened his mouth and shouted, there is a fire! crimson flames surged from lumians body as he finished his staccato sentence. with his feet as the center, they spread out, igniting the fruit peels and litter on the ground. alerted by lumians warning, nearby street vendors and pedestrians swiftly gathered their belongings and fled toward the ends of rue anarchie upon seeing the rising flames. seeing their hasty retreat, lumians sluggish smile emerged. yes, you can use flame controlling, but im not going to do any delicate maneuvers now. my only move is to constantly ignite the surrounding things and increase the variety of fire sources! moreover, this will inevitably draw the attention of official beyonders! crimson flames expanded in all directions, resembling a vibrant ocean gradually consuming the earth. despite his faltering gaze, lumian still managed to catch a glimpse of a figure flickering within the flamesa figure with black hair, blue eyes, and an ordinary face, blending in with the crowd of clerks on the road. after bidding lumian farewell, franca made her way toward rue des blouses blanches. however, her journey took an unexpected turn as she suddenly veered into an alley, disappearing into the shadows. this demoness of pleasure began to stealthily make her way toward rue anarchie. this was her prior agreement with lumian. if their initial plan of barging into salle de bal unique failed to provoke the beyonders in the alone bar or have them reveal themselves, they had a backup plana kind of fishing expedition after leaving rue ancienne to see if they could encounter their target. francas earlier inquiry about lumians intention to engage in counter-tracking was essentially confirming if they should stick to their original strategy. lumians response had been affirmative. as franca approached rue anarchie, she retrieved a mirror from the shadows. this mirror was a mirror substitution, crafted using lumians blood and hair! while it couldnt be used as a substitute for death or injury at this distance, it had a profound mystical connection to the original body. it could be employed to monitor lumians general condition. in simple terms, if the mirror were to suddenly shatter, it would signal that lumian had met his demise. if it displayed a few deep cracks, it would indicate that lumian had suffered severe injuries. likewise, franca had placed a mirror substitution on lumian. this precaution was taken because they were uncertain whom loki might target after their separation. they had no choice but to conceal themselves in the shadows and continue their activities. through mirror substitution, they could keep tabs on each others well-being and provide timely assistance. this method was more reliable than attempting to discern changes in luck, as loki possessed formidable anti-divination abilities and could manipulate fate after making decisions. franca, deep in her stealthy advancement, was suddenly alerted as the mirror in her hand grew icy cold. utilizing her dark vision, she pierced through the shadows and witnessed the mirrors transformation into a lifeless gray, as if it had rusted or been submerged in the depths of an icy lake. ciel is under attack? francas heart tightened as she quickened her pace. upon reaching rue anarchie, she was met with the sight of spreading flames. within the crimson inferno, a figure flickered intermittently. occasionally, it opened its mouth, producing a sharp bang. it sounded like a real gunshot, causing vendors and pedestrians to scatter in fear, believing a violent gunfight between the mobs was unfolding. lumian, on the other hand, struggled to evade the attacks, but he failed twice. the air bullets grazed his body, leaving noticeable wounds. however, it was clear that the figure didnt truly intend to harm him. it seemed more concerned about the potential complications that injuries might cause before a specific juncture. relieved that lumian was relatively unscathed, franca retreated into the shadows and approached the battlefield cautiously. as she drew nearer, she retrieved a mirror and, disengaging from the shadows, directed the mirror toward the clusters of flames. her right hand became enshrouded in zero-temperature black flames. when the figure appeared in the mirrors reflection, franca swiftly ran her right hand across the mirrors surface. silently, the figure burst into pitch-black flames. he swiftly thinned and shrank, transforming into an intricately cut paper figurine. among the crowd, roughly ten to twenty meters away, an unusually ordinary-looking man clad in a black suit emerged. lumians thoughts snapped back to full speed, and his body shook off the stiffness that had hindered him. in a flash, he vanished from his previous position and reappeared just seven meters away from the suspected loki. lumian then exclaimed, hmph! a brilliant beam of white light shot forth from his nostrils, targeting the ordinary-looking man with black hair and blue eyes. simultaneously, franca acted in perfect coordination. she conjured a transparent ice spear and hurled it toward their target. upon piercing the ground, white frost rapidly spread from the impact, chilling those nearby and causing their bodies to stiffen. at that very moment, a thin-faced passerby with brown hair and brown eyes interposed himself between lumian and the suspected loki, intercepting the white beam created by lumian. he appeared unharmed, his blank eyes gazing upwards as he began to sing an aria. oh, my sun! in an instant, it was as if a blinding sun had risen within the minds of lumian, franca, and others nearby, rendering their thoughts sluggish. instinctively, the duo moved to evade, with one either retreating into the shadows while encasing herself in a crystalline and resilient frost or rolling to the side of the road and using the niese face to alter his appearance. when the intense sunlight eventually receded, they found that both the man suspected to be loki and the passerby singing the aria had vanished into thin air. fearful glances from vendors and passersby were directed their way. those closest to the spectacle had shut their eyes tightly, tears streaming down their faces. Chapter 385 - 385 Before and After Comparison 385 before and after comparison lumian swiftly assessed the surroundings, taking in the scattered gas street lamps and their flickering crimson flames. in the distance, figures moved about cautiously, but none dared to draw near. the individuals up ahead couldnt even open their eyes due to the blinding glare of the sun. in this situation, whether it was the suspected loki or the passerby who had sung that aria, there was no sign of either of them. son of a sow, did they just vanish into thin air? lumian couldnt help but curse under his breath, his anxiety and anger mounting. had they fled without even engaging in a proper battle? did they disengage once a single strike failed? dammit, were you born in the year of the rat? slippery as eels, and they vanish at the drop of a hat! franca cursed as she approached lumian, using a peculiar phrase that seemed like a translation. the seer and marauder pathways are truly interchangeable. their styles are too damn similar, arent they? this was primarily evident in their inability to strike or capture the primary target. the key difference was that the seer pathway started behaving this way from sequence 7, while the marauder pathway might have to wait until they reached sequence 4 to exhibit such traits. lumians mind raced as he pondered how to track down loki and his marionette. perhaps they had already made their escape, or maybe they were lurking somewhere in the evening streets of rue anarchie! a marionette yes, that aria-singing marionette had taken my spell of harrumph head-on without flinching. that suggests theres a high chance its already dead. no active, conscious spirit body my near-transformation into a marionette confirms this indirectly if the marionette is dead, it probably doesnt possess the fate of a living being. no so-called luck. even if there is, its locked in darkness. that spells death if we cant locate loki, who possesses faceless powers, maybe we can start with his marionette! with this plan in mind, lumian concentrated, carefully observing the destiny of the people standing more than ten to twenty meters away. he scanned everything that had a destiny and wasnt shrouded in darkness. after a rapid survey, lumian couldnt identify any potential marionette targets. he let out a slow, disappointed sigh. lets get out of here. the firefighters are on their way. official beyonders should be arriving soon, franca warned lumian. lumian withdrew his gaze and left rue anarchie before the crimson flames could be extinguished. his intention was to take a circuitous route back to auberge du coq dor. there, he would return the scammed funds he had obtained from salle de bal unique to the bankrupt merchant, fitz, and claim his share as agreed. after taking a dozen steps, lumian suddenly remembered monsieur ruhr, who had succumbed to illness, and madame michel, who had hanged herself while singing the capital of joy. he feared that he might unwittingly bring a catastrophe involving beyonder powers to auberge du coq dor and his entrustee, fitz. aurore had portrayed despicable and deranged criminals in two of her novels. they relished beginning their torment with those their targets held dear, forcing them to witness the tragic deaths of their friends one by one. as the leader of april fools, loki took pleasure in manipulating others minds. he had no qualms about harming his comrades, let alone murdering innocent people he had never met. therefore, the likelihood was high that he would commence with lumians acquaintances and employ their deaths to shatter lumians psyche. he would secretly revel in watching lumian descend into madness before seizing the opportunity to end his life. though it was only a possibility, lumian refused to take the risk. he halted and turned towards avenue du march. whats the matter? franca inquired, her expression one of confusion. having regained his composure, lumian flashed a reassuring smile and replied, lets grab a drink at salle de bal brise. the fate of the mobsters he frequently associated with was of lesser concern. mobsters knew they had to be prepared for such eventualities! franca was momentarily taken aback but quickly grasped lumians underlying worry. loki had hooked a big fish but failed to capture it. it was clear he had seen through their true appearances. he could hide in the shadows and wait for the perfect moment. as for lumian and herself, unless they abandoned their current identities and used their anti-divination and anti-tracking abilities to survive elsewhere, they would be left in a state of constant suspicion, fearing that any rat they saw might attack them. compared to auberge du coq dor, the second floor of salle de bal brise offered a quieter and more defensible location. furthermore, in the event of a beyonder-level confrontation, it was better to involve mobsters rather than innocent bystanders. ill change my attire as well, franca hinted, indicating her desire to alter her appearance and remain hidden in the shadows, making it difficult for loki to locate her and launch any potential attacks. similarly, she intended to have jenna return home and stay with her brother for a while to avoid becoming collateral damage. in the face of such a bizarre and terrifying adversary, the survivability of an instigator remained too fragile. lumian gently patted the concealed francas mirror substitution hidden beneath his clothing with his right hand, signaling the need for them to watch each others backs. franca nodded solemnly, affirming her understanding of the situation. salle de bal brise, the caf on the second floor. lumian settled at the far end near the window and turned to his bodyguard, sarkota. go to auberge du coq dor and fetch a bankrupt merchant named fitz. with such an intermediary, fitz would appear to have achieved his objectives through his association with the savoie mob, and there was no direct connection to ciel dubois. if loki intended to select a victim, he would likely focus on the savoie mob members affiliated with lumian. with the weighty satchel resting on his lap, lumian patiently awaited fitzs arrival while contemplating the loki-related issues at hand. having lost track of the april fools leader, lumian was left with only certain phenomena to guide him in this matter. one of the details was an option lumian had predetermined before taking action. if loki had indeed taken the bait, why did i manage to elude this april fools leaders tracking abilities using anti-tracking techniques in my previous encounter but not this time? upon leaving salle de bal unique, lumian had intentionally followed the same anti-tracking procedures as before. he reverted to his original appearance, changed his clothing, and modified his satchel. however, as he traversed rue ancienne again and reunited with franca, he refrained from employing any anti-tracking measures. this was done to establish a comparative sample and identify any discrepancies. after all, if he failed to capture the bizarre and seemingly unkillable loki, his efforts would be in vain. he needed to gain something valuable from this encounter. this was a smaller trap concealed within a larger one. logically, if my anti-tracking procedures had shaken off loki previously, there should be no reason for an exception this time. i had meticulously paid attention to the people and creatures around me, even avoiding the watchful eyes of birds in the sky. even if a mere insect became one of lokis marionettes, it would struggle to keep up with my swiftness therefore, either franca had been targeted early in the morning, or loki recognized me when i passed through rue ancienne again after my anti-tracking. franca carried out anti-divination procedures and was a distance away from the alone bar and salle de bal unique. she didnt even enter rue ancienne and had used non-mystical methods to observe. its unlikely that shell be exposed so quickly unless loki was aware from the outset that such an observer would be present the likeliest scenario was that loki had recognized me when i passed through rue ancienne again after my anti-tracking procedures. but how had this recognition occurred? i had reverted to my original appearance, altered my clothing, and even chosen to pass through in a rented carriage to avoid suspicion. according to anthony, this should have concealed my unchanged leather shoes from prying eyes and hidden my typical gait and body language i had even applied cologne to mask my original scent what unique characteristics do i possess that allows loki to discern my identity within such a brief period? lumian compared the differences and gradually arrived at a hypothesis. either a marionettist or one of his marionettes possesses the ability to directly identify a person at the level of their soul, consciousness, or some other aspect, or loki can perceive distinctive traits that set me apart from otherssuch as inevitabilitys angel, mr. fools seal, or the blood emperors aura? although lie belongs to the seer pathway, it does not have a readily detectable convergence force that corresponds to lokis sequence the more lumian pondered, the more convinced he became that loki had a means of piercing his disguise, but his tracking abilities were limited. a vigilant target who remained wary of strangers, animals, birds, and insects while being impossible to carry out any direct divination would successfully evade him. regardless of how loki told him apart, this was the best explanation when carrying out the before-and-after comparison. with this in mind, lumian had a new idea. lumians lips curled slightly as he cast his gaze toward the dark night sky. fifteen minutes later, fitz, the bankrupt merchant, was brought into the caf by sarkota lumian signaled for sarkota to step aside momentarily and addressed fitz, ive already recovered the money. how much do you think you should receive? as he spoke, lumian emptied the banknotes, gold coins, and valuable accessories onto the table, his eyes briefly scanning over them. about 130,000 verl dor in total. fitz blurted out, 60,000, no, 50,000. no, just give me 30,000 verl dor. with a smile, lumian separated a few bundles of neatly bound banknotes and tossed them to fitz. as we agreed, the interest belongs to me, and ill take 50% of the principal. heres 50,000 verl dor. fitz accepted the money with gratitude, expressing his heartfelt thanks. while he didnt receive the full amount, 50,000 verl dor was a substantial sum that would enable him to start anew with hope in his heart. 50% of the principal along with interest was a fair arrangement! lumian was equally pleased. through the operation facilitated by the angel of time by mr. fools side, he had effortlessly gained 50,000 verl dor in banknotes and 30,000 gold coins. after all, he had worked so hard to gather gold, but in the end, he only accumulated 75,000 gold. deep in thought, he contemplated the idea of purchasing sacrificial offerings from the corresponding domain as a token of gratitude to mr. fool and the angel of time. after waiting for over half an hour, lumian ascended to the bedroom on the second floor. he discarded his satchel and employed lie to alter his appearance once more, assuming the likeness of a male aurore with black hair and brown eyes. he changed into a shirt, vest, trousers, and leather boots, stowed away lie, and transferred the flog boxing gloves into his briefcase. he carefully surveyed the scene beyond the window. once he confirmed that no humans, rats, or birds were in the vicinity, lumian pushed open the window and gracefully leaped out, seemingly unaware that loki might possess the ability to see through his disguise. Chapter 386 - 386 Caution 386 caution in the dark and deserted back alley, lumian carefully navigated the maze of discarded refuse infested with rats and cockroaches. his movements were deliberate, alternating between rapid dashes and cautious steps, sudden changes in direction, and even a few circles, as if he were evading an unseen pursuer. finally, he arrived at rue des blouses blanches and entered the seemingly abandoned safe house, whose lease had not yet expired. following a process, he pulled the heavy curtains shut and meticulously inspected every corner of the room. compared to before, he not only eradicated the bedbugs and routed the rats but he also left no room for tiny, rice-grain-sized flying insects. he demanded absolute cleanliness. with that done, lumian seated himself at the table. he smoothed out a sheet of paper and began to write. honorable madame hela, when i took part in the april fools team discussion masquerading as my sister, muggle, i couldnt help but notice the peculiar reactions of hisoka, mad lady, bard, and ultraman upon muggles unexpected return after her prolonged absence. i suspect i know someone was the psychiatrist muggle sought in her final moments. simultaneously, they were collaborating with loki in a ruse, hoping to entice members from other teams to embark on a subterranean quest for the remains of the ancient sun god. i believe loki is the de facto leader of april fools. if theres anything awry with the others, it undoubtedly concerns him as well. consequently, i acquired a copy of the ancient sun gods information from him and enlisted divination services to examine the mechanical typewriter responsible for producing the text. it happened at the alone bar on rue ancienne in trier quartier de lobservatoire. following some field investigation, it became apparent that this locale serves as the stronghold for bureau 8. however, loki appears to have set his sights on me. i was assaulted in the evening and narrowly escaped becoming his marionette. my escape, though, exposed my true identity to him. as i write this letter, i find myself in the safe house i had previously prepared. nevertheless, i cant be certain whether i have eluded lokis pursuit. i strongly suspect theres something amiss with him. if left unchecked, he could pose a grave threat to the research society in the days ahead. i hope to receive your assistance. lumian felt no shame in laying out his intentions plainly. his plan was to make himself the bait that would draw loki out of hiding, while hela, with her ability to harness concealment, would lurk in the shadows, ready to deliver the decisive blow to the leader of april fools. perhaps only hela, with her superior sequence and mastery of concealment, had a chance of evading detection and discovering the true body of their bizarre and unkillable adversary. after folding the letter, lumian swiftly arranged the altar and summoned the pure silver skull adorned with pale-white flames in its eye sockets. franca stealthily made her way back to apartment 601 at 3 rue des blouses blanches. she used her persuasive abilities to convince jenna to temporarily vacate the premises for a couple of days. only after jenna repeatedly confirmed that she would be of no assistance did she reluctantly give up her facade of bravery, departing amidst a string of curses. quickly, franca changed into different attire and donned the disguise props she had acquired from rentas, a member of the bliss society, transforming her appearance entirely. as she applied makeup, she couldnt help but curse fates mother. dammit, i shouldnt have let jenna go so soon! shes much better at handling these things than me, and her makeup skills are superior. such skills were fundamental for an apprentice actress. with a simple disguise in place, franca seamlessly shifted between invisibility and concealment within the shadows, weaving her way through the market district. she made a concerted effort to thwart any attempts at divination and employed anti-tracking techniques learned from lumian. finally, she returned to rue des blouses blanches and entered building 6. this was the safe house she had prepared for herself, conveniently overlooking her original residence. phew franca, having completed all the procedures, heaved a sigh of relief and lay down in the loen-style recliner. simultaneously, she muttered to herself, ive only known ciel for less than three months. why does it feel like ive experienced more in this time than in the past year is this guy some sort of jinx reincarnate? in the secure confines of the safe house on rue des blouses blanches, lumian patiently waited for nearly fifteen minutes. then, from the abrupt darkness, the pure silver skulls head emerged, clutching a simple folded letter in its skeletal teeth. thank you, lumian replied habitually, accepting the letter. if hela was unwilling to engage with a suspected member of the curly-haired baboons research society, lumian had no choice but to abandon his current plan and swiftly locate franca. he would guide her through spirit world traversal to distant locales like the hill district, quartier raste, and other suburbs before returning. he felt that it was the only way to evade lokis pursuit or lock-on. moving openly was out of the question unless he shifted to an entirely different area. lumian unfolded the paper and discovered that helas response was succinct: got it. a wry smile curled at the corners of lumians mouth as he conjured crimson flames from his hand, igniting the reply. without delay, he restored the tables surface to its ordinary state and reverted to his original appearance, aided by the lie earring. next, lumian extinguished the carbide lamp and reclined on the bed, closing his eyes and feigning slumber. as minutes slipped away, night settled in, and rue des blouses blanches descended into stillness. the crimson moonlight filtered through heavy curtains, casting a subdued, eerie glow within the room. after an indeterminate span of time, a small, grayish-black figure emerged from a concealed crevice in the cornera nondescript rat. soundlessly and stealthily, the rat approached the table, ascending its surface. it moved about with deliberate intent, as if surveying its territory for any signs of intrusion. after a brief inspection, it halted its actions and retreated into the shadowy corners untouched by the dim moonlight. its body now faced the bed. the rat fixated its gaze upon lumian with an unnervingly human-like intensity. it appeared to meld with the darkness, assuming a statue-like stillness, completely immobile and unwavering in its focus on lumian. nearly ten minutes passed, and faint, nearly imperceptible footsteps echoed from the corridor outside the apartment. tap, tap, tap. the footsteps drew nearer. abruptly, the footsteps vanished as if they had never been or had come to a standstill at some unseen juncture. the rat retreated from the shadowy realm untouched by the crimson moonlight, traversing the table and vanishing through the same crevice it had emerged from. with swiftness, it disappeared, leaving the room in an even deeper silence, broken only by the faint sound of lumians slow, rhythmic breathing. lumian didnt open his eyes. his body was very relaxed, as if he had truly fallen asleep. 6 rue des blouses blanches, in an apartment. franca reclined in the recliner, swaying back and forth with the chair. troubled, she pondered what to do next. with such a bizarre and terrifying foe lurking in the shadows, the constant sense of being watched had left her restless, and she couldnt find solace whether sitting or standing. i need to resolve this quickly. one can be a thief for a thousand days, but how can you guard against a thief for a thousand days? one misstep, and its all over why dont i abandon the mission and relocate? or i can go all out and ask madam judgment for help to apprehend loki under the pretext that the mission will likely fail. its feasible, but ill shoulder a debt that i wont be able to repay until i become a demigod. even if ciel takes half of it, itll be a heavy burden we can also ask madam hela to convene an emergency gathering and accuse loki and the others of causing muggles death on the spot. we can request that we find reliable members to interrogate each other and see which side is lying. uh, we cant be entirely sure if theres really something wrong with loki and the others, but its certain that i colluded with an outsider and lured in a spy the more franca thought about it, the more frustrated she became. she used proverbs from her homeland and didnt deliberately change it. suddenly, an overwhelming sense of danger gripped her, and simultaneously, an eerie chill crawled up her spine. her body stiffened, and a figure reflected in her lake-like eyes. clad in a short black formal suit typical of clerks, with neatly combed brown hair, a face bearing southern continent heritage, and dull green eyes wraith! the word flashed through her mind as she recognized the nature of the impending attack. francas thoughts became hazy, and her right hand instinctively rose, as if resisting an unseen force. she channeled the spirituality within her soul body, preparing to unleash the black flames of a demoness. this ability targeted a spirit body and was capable of incinerating wraiths. demonesses possessed a heightened resistance to such flames compared to other pathways, and they could even use injuries to escape or severely harm their adversaries. at that moment, franca heard a magnetic voice. its futile. surrender. the sound pierced francas mind like sharp arrows, interrupting her attempt to condense the black flames. as soon as the voice faded away, her mind seemed to be shrouded in a thick fog, and a thick frosted glass appeared in front of her. the voice continued, i didnt use my full strength in the evening to test the waters. the person impersonating muggle with a high-level existence sealed in him must possess some special abilities. if i hadnt done my best to gather information, i might have been the one to die. after the probe, things got even more interesting. i went to his place just now and felt that it wasnt safe enough. therefore, i planned to turn you into my marionette and launch a surprise attack. heh heh, do you think you can escape my grasp? theres something special about us. as long as were within a kilometer of each other, i can use the power of a great existence to sense your location. ive long yearned for a demoness to be my marionette. itll definitely taste good francas spirit body was repeatedly affected by the sound, interrupting her efforts to activate mirror substitution and condense black flames in advance. her thoughts became increasingly sluggish, and her joints felt as if they were filled with glue. can loki sense my location? whats so special why can he before franca could piece together any answers or formulate a complete response, the magnetic voice, now with a sinister smile, continued, i cant waste any more time. i must accelerate to avoid unforeseen complications. at this point, the voice turned respectful and recited in francas unusually familiar language, the immortal lord of heaven and earth for blessings; the sky lord of heaven and earth for blessings Chapter 387 - 387 Vile 387 vile in the room with the thick curtains, lumian suddenly felt the mirror substitution inside his clothes turn abnormally cold. even through the linen shirt, he couldnt help but shiver. his heart tightened. he couldnt afford to feign sleep anymore. he sat up and took out the mirror. beneath the faint crimson moonlight, the mirror lost its luster, its surface resembling ice. lumian knew that franca was in danger. without hesitation, he activated the mystical connection between the substitute and its true form, emitting a dim light from the black mark on his right shoulder. in an instant, lumian vanished from the bed, reappearing in the living room at 6 rue des blouses blanches. almost simultaneously, lumian saw the surroundings engulfed in an eerie grayness, a fog obscuring the crimson moonlight. franca lay in a recliner, her body contorting as if she fought for survival. her lake-colored eyes were filled with a turbulent mix of emotions: anger, fear, anxiety, and worry. a vague figure seemed to encircle her. her head tried to move, but her movements were restrained by invisible threads. suddenly, the sound of nails scraping on a blackboard assaulted their senses, incomprehensible words piercing their spirit bodies. their consciousness soared upward until they reached a dark void shimmering with countless stars. in the highest reaches of this void, mysterious symbols swirled, their forms beyond description. they coalesced into a dynamic, otherworldly door that defied the intrusion of even the moons crimson light. lumian and francas spirits were drawn inexorably toward the door. as they approached, a faint voice emanated from withina voice that seemed to hold the secrets of the entire universe, as well as the madness, self-destruction, and darkness lurking within every heart. with each step toward the dynamic door, the maddening ramblings grew more intense, causing their heads to throb in agony. yet an overpowering, primal urge compelled them to enter, to merge with the formless entity behind the door, and to partake in a clandestine pact that promised essential, primordial, extraordinary, and potent knowledge. amidst the sea of incomprehensible symbols, the door stood slightly ajar, allowing invisible entities to pass through. with a resounding hum, lumian and francas minds were plunged into a state of blankness, as if struck by a relentless force. the chaotic ravings they had heard coalesced into grotesque, shadowy entities that corroded their very soul bodies and physical bodies. francas eyes widened, and her flaxen-colored hair fluttered in the windless air, vaguely thickening. blood seeped from the corners of her eyes, nostrils, ears, mouth, and pores, as if a demon was trying to separate her flesh from her skin. francas thoughts were in a state of intense disorder, as if a human had been thrown into a factory blender. seizing the moment, the wraith that had been attached to franca detached itself from the demoness of pleasure. this wraith, dressed in a sleek black suit, its eyes flickering with a sinister green hue, let out a piercing shriek. a cacophonous shattering sound, both illusory and real, filled the room as francas body vanished from the recliner and reappeared in the bedroom. her mirror substitution had been activated instinctively, saving her from losing control, but she remained unconscious, collapsing on the spot. beneath the shattered mirrors reflection on the recliner, lumian, though still affected by the ravings and shrieks, fared better than franca. his extensive experience with advancing sequences and invoking boons where he met with more potent and terrifying murmurs had fortified his resistance against such assaults. despite the excruciating headache, scattered thoughts, and ruptured capillaries in various places, he retained some semblance of instinctual reaction and basic cognition. his face contorted grotesquely amidst the blood, but he held on. in the next moment, the wraith disappeared from the recliner and manifested within lumians blue eyes. his mind instantly fogged, and his body grew frigid, as if his very blood had turned to ice. still capable of thought, lumian promptly utilized his spirit world traversal ability to escape the room, teleporting several hundred meters away. he understood that a marionettist couldnt naturally transform into a wraith, and the wraith that possessed him was likely a marionette. with their distinctive combat styles, it was improbable for a marionettist to engage directly. therefore, once the marionette was beyond the marionettists range, it would lose control and become useless. when the time came, lumian would teleport back and attempt to take franca away. while this would leave him essentially incapacitated, it would also disable lokis marionette. the adversary would then need to decide whether to launch a direct assault or retreat cautiously, as he couldnt predict how many teleportations lumians spirituality could endurea capability unusual for a pyromaniac. lokis assessment might not be entirely accurate in this regard! just as lumian was on the verge of activating his spirit world traversal mark, he heard a magnetic voice: give up. the words pierced lumians spirit body, disrupting his intentions. subsequently, his thoughts grew sluggish, and his body stiffened. the magnetic voice chuckled softly. i dont know what kind of trap youve set in your room, but it likely involves hela, doesnt it? after all, without her cooperation, you couldnt have masqueraded as muggle and infiltrated the research society, could you? lumian lee, aurore lees brother, ive seen your wanted poster. in trier, the easiest beyonder to come into contact with is from the hunter pathway. thats why theres a saying: never fight a hunter on his turf. no one knows what sort of strange traps hunters have laid in their turf. i didnt want to take that risk, nor did i plan to face hela directly. although im not overly concerned about her unless shes found a way to become a demigod, why would i engage her on a hunters turf? my choice was to stage a surprise attack on hidden blade, drawing you out and away from your turf to fight on a ground of my choosing. after this afternoons reconnaissance, i confirmed that both of you possess an item capable of monitoring each others condition or a mysticism connectionlikely the exchange of mirror substitution. heh heh, ever wonder what my other marionette was doing during that time? in truth, i have no intention of killing hidden blade or turning her into a marionette. a living demoness serves my purposes better. i can use this encounter to make her suffer and despair. when she advances to sequence 4 using that, ill have a demigod marionette the voice carried no provocation, yet each word ignited a burning rage within lumian. these words continued to disrupt lumians mind and spirit body, interfering with his abilities. with the dual constraints of wraith possession and marionettist, lumian resembled a statue, unable to speak or move. he stood frozen, awaiting the inexorable verdict of fate. a thin gray fog enveloped the room, sealing off all sound from the outside world. the magnetic voice chuckled again, its taunting words continuing. it really shouldnt have been so complicated, but you see, you have a high-ranking individual sealed within you. to ensure my own safety, the only option is to turn you into a marionette. i have no desire to face a high-ranking being after your demise. who knows if hell thank me or finish me along the way? curious how i recognized you, arent you? its highly unlikely that others would sense the seal within you, but in my eyes, its as conspicuous as a firefly in the night. the moment you entered the room with the typewriter, i knew you were the one impersonating muggle. so, unless you could maintain a considerable distance from me, like the first time you tried to evade my tracking, i could have followed you without the aid of my marionette. indeed, when you showed up at the gathering and joined our april fools team, i sensed that something was amiss. i suspected that muggle had used a seal to escape the fragmentation of her soul. little did i know, she was truly deceased. you are her brother haha, i still remember, in the latter part of last year, every time she attended a gathering, she sought out i know someone to treat her psychological issues and the hidden dangers arising from the improper use of the soul summoning spell. and i know someone would divulge her pain, struggles, vulnerabilities, and transformations to all of us each time. its quite vile, completely against a doctors principles, but its fun and interesting. it gave us a sense of accomplishment and made us all laugh. upon hearing this, lumians mind buzzed. he had been mildly annoyed by lokis earlier critiques, but now, as loki recounted aurores experiences, his anger reached a boiling point. aurore had been genuinely unwell, seeking treatment from a doctor. however, not only did this doctor patronize her, but he also derived amusement from her suffering. he repeatedly violated her privacy, sharing her struggles and illnesses with others, leading them to mock her behind her back. what made it all the more despicable was that this group of individuals had sold aurore the soul summoning spell. dammit! every single one of them deserves death! they deserve the most tragic way of death! though lumians mind remained ensnared in stasis, his anger finally erupted. it surged through his spirit and coursed into his flesh. he couldnt control it, not under the constant interference. crimson flames erupted from lumians body, and small red tendrils protruded from his eyes, radiating a malevolent blood-red hue. it was a precursor to losing control. if this continued, he would truly lose control. but lumian felt no fear. instead, he cooperated. even if i lose control and turn into a monster or a lunatic i will drag you all of you into the abyss! relying on his bodys instinctive reaction, crimson flames spread in all directions, incinerating the wraith, igniting furniture, and causing a fire. unfortunately, this fiery onslaught proved ineffective against the wraith-form marionette and loki, who remained concealed somewhere beyond reach of the flames. its sole purpose, for those brief two seconds, was to disrupt the magnetic voice. its useless. i know you mainly aim to use the flames to signal for help from the outside world rather than attacking me directly. but ive previously deceived hidden blade. despite my claims of accelerating the progress, i actually harnessed the power of the gray fog to create a unique environment that isolates information here. while you can indeed break through the residual fog barrier if you go all out since i cant ask for too much power, i cant allow that. as loki finished speaking, a frenzied, terrifying, violent, and exaggerated aura exploded from lumians body. it shredded the thin fog and shot skyward. Chapter 388 - 388 An Unquiet Night 388 an unquiet night as the frenzied and violent aura surged out of the thin gray fog, 6 rue des blouses blanches trembled slightly, as if in shock. in the various rooms of the building, the bodies of those who were already sound asleep involuntarily trembled, plunging into a blood-red nightmare. those who were still awake looked around in surprise and confusion, as if they had been transported back to a time when barricades were everywhere and gunshots echoed through the air. on a bed in a quiet room diagonally below francas apartment, a man whose eyes had been tightly shut, seemingly asleep, suddenly snapped awake. he gazed up warily and fearfully at the source of the terrifying aura. at the same time, beneath glise saint-robert, within the market districts inquisitions office, angoulme de fran?ois, who was on night duty, leaped to his feet and prepared to rush to the area where mystical items were sealed. he hoped to enhance his ability to handle accidents and disasters in a short period. in other rooms, imre, valentine, and the others also sensed the violent aura that seemed to shake all of trier. some trembled, while others turned pale. this was even more terrifying than the tree of shadow disaster. however, they didnt stand still. some dashed out of the room to rendezvous with angoulme, while others raised their arms and hastily prayed to the sun before sprinting toward the glise saint-robert above. quartier de la cathdrale commmorative, 11 rue des fontaines. gardner martin, who had been stroking his full-body armor, furrowed his brow and cast a puzzled glance toward the southeastern region. he felt something calling to him, causing his blood to boil. deep underground in trier, olson, the starved bear-like man who had been lugging a small brown suitcase, suddenly perked up his ears to listen for any nearby movements. the distant sounds of killings and shouts faintly reached him. the supervisor of the iron and blood cross orders eyes flashed with ferocity and madness. he extended his right hand and pressed it against his neck. an indiscernible thread emerged, emitting fiery blood. in the island district at the center of the srenzo river, the eternal blazing sun churchs saint vive cathedral was already shrouded in darkness. only the nearby bell tower remained lit, but at that moment, the slumbering cathedral suddenly bathed in brilliant sunlight. sunlight flooded the onion-like domes, illuminating every stained glass window. to the north of trier, in the heart of the cathedral district, towering iron-black chimneys loomed above the god of steam and machinerys patriarchal cathedral. rumbling sounds echoed as the massive steam engine installed within the cathedral roared to life. vast amounts of pale-white fog billowed forth from the forest-like chimneys, enshrouding the night sky. in quartier raste, a small town very close to the sacred heart cloister, a golden retriever and the lady beside it turned and gazed into the distance of triers metropolis. within red swan castle, count poufer, already lying on his bed, opened his eyes. he sensed the entire ancient castle become extremely oppressive, and nightmarish roars and screams echoed from deep underground. at that moment, the beyonders in the market district and powerful figures elsewhere in trier were distracted by the undisguised and flamboyant aura of madness. hidden in a room diagonally below francas apartment, loki had just reacted to the violent and terrifying aura. before he could summon back the wraith that had possessed lumian and use it to escape through the spirit world with him out of caution, the surrounding darkness instantly intensified, swallowing the crimson moonlight and bringing an extreme calmness to the area. he couldnt resist closing his eyes; he wasnt even aware of it. he tumbled backward onto the bed and fell into a deep slumber. lumians thoughts returned to normal. he channeled his anger, pouring all his pent-up emotions into the crimson flames. go to hell! with a low growl, he took a left step forward, his eyes protruding with red vessels while twisting his waist and swinging his right fist with all his might. with a muffled explosion, the flames on lumians body coalesced on the surface of his fist, naturally condensing into a blazing white fireball. the blazing white fireball shot from lumians right fist, following a predetermined path, and crashed into the wall beside the apartment. the voice he had just heard emanated from behind the wall! boom! a large hole tore through the wall, revealing a man standing in the corridor. he had brown hair, brown eyes, and a gaunt face. he was the marionette loki had employed that evening. he was the one who had been speaking! before lumian could realize that he hadnt found the real loki, darkness surged over him like a tidal wave, engulfing him. having already vented his anger and flames, lumians heart quickly calmed. he subconsciously closed his eyes and slowly sank to the ground. his contorted face began to relax, and his body and soul found peace. he no longer showed any signs of losing control. dressed in a black widow-like dress and a veiled bonnet, hela emerged from the darkness. being the closest to the apartment while searching for traces of the battle between loki and lumian, she was undoubtedly the first to arrive. without hesitation, she made lumian, franca, loki, and the two marionettes vanish. her figure faded, and the dense darkness rapidly dissipated. apart from the collapsed wall, no evidence remained at the scene. two seconds later, the apartment was suddenly bathed in sunlight. in an uninhabited mine beneath trier. lumian, franca, and company swiftly materialized. they were all in a deep slumber, except for hela. her pale face remained conscious as she stood to the side. the vice president of the curly-haired baboons research society no longer had the dry, withered hair shed had before. it had transformed into smooth strands, now bearing the color of the night. she pulled out a flask filled with liquor and downed a third of its contents before fixing her gaze on lumian. helas forehead began to crack silently, emitting an eerie, ancient glow that manifested into an indescribable, ancient bronze door. the door swayed and creaked, revealing a narrow gap. beyond it lay endless darkness, filled with countless dense, indescribable eyes seemingly lurking within. under the influence of this deathly aura, the wraith attached to lumian flew out without resistance. in an instant, it landed on the ground, and hela raised her right hand, pressing it against its forehead. the ancient bronze door vanished, and the dim light receded into the crack. hela shifted her attention to the still-slumbering loki. the leader of the april fools had an ordinary face, blending into the crowd like any other resident of rue des blouses blanches. hela stared at him for a brief moment before her eyes lost focus. in lokis dream. hela appeared, clad in a black widow-like attire, in front of an ancient castle shrouded in a thin gray fog. the castles massive doors stood wide open, eerily silent like the entrance to a cemetery. hela glanced up at the pitch-black castle with its numerous spires and thin form before stepping through the door. she passed through the dimly lit atrium, and proceeded into the hall, where peculiar chandeliers with unknown light sources hung. numerous guests filled the hall, their expressions frozen like wax statues, unmoving. surrounded by dozens or even hundreds of wax statues was a gray platform with three stone steps. in the middle of the platform was an ancient dark-red chair. a man in his late twenties occupied the seat. he wore a silk top hat and a black tailcoat, with dark-gray eyes and short, brown hair. under his high nose bridge, the subtle curl of his mouth hid a non-obvious smile. pressing down on the armrests on both sides, the man relaxed and leaned back in his chair. who are you? his voice echoed through the ancient castle, as if questioning hela. hela walked past the crowd suspected to be wax statues and arrived in front of the man. her cold voice remained impassive as she inquired, loki, dont you recognize me? lokis grin intensified. hela, youve come after all seizing the opportunity presented by his dream state, hela confronted him directly. why did you harm a member of the research society? lokis gaze shifted upwards, and he let out a laugh. the only purpose those fools serve is to amuse us. you must know that the apocalypse is imminent, just a few years away. theyre all destined to die, sooner or later. its better for them to sacrifice themselves now to provide us with entertainment. hela fell silent, and a chilling silence enveloped the dream, the air growing colder. decaying, pale-white hands extended from the stone floor and surrounding walls. after a few moments, hela spoke again. why did you harm muggle? lokis laughter ceased abruptly, replaced by a smirk as he looked at hela. because his expression shifted suddenly, and hela sensed imminent danger within the dream. because the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings lokis voice faded rapidly, and the entire dream began to crumble under helas will. the ancient castle disintegrated into fragments, vanishing into an eerie, yet pure darkness. back in the real world, deep within the uninhabited mine beneath trier, hela opened her eyes. countless tiny creatures wriggled beneath her pale-white skin. in an instant, her form shifted and reassembled, no longer exhibiting the eerie abnormalities she had displayed earlier. lokis body had disintegrated into a pool of flesh and blood, with grotesque maggots crawling in and out of it. hela observed silently, but no beyonder characteristics emerged from the remains. within the pitch-black castle enveloped in a thin fog, a dark-red coffin lay in a sinister chamber. suddenly, a pale-white hand emerged from the coffin, gripping its wooden edge. Chapter 389 - 389 Suspected God 389 suspected god in the uninhabited quarry cave beneath trier. hela observed as the transparent and distorted maggots perished, yet she didnt detect any beyonder characteristics emerging. she turned her attention to lumian and franca, who were sound asleep. satisfied that they had regained control thanks to the night and their dreams, and their breathing had steadied, she ended her forced slumber. two seconds later, lumians eyes shot open, and he leaped up with the agility of a leopard. in an instant, he summoned three crimson flames that illuminated the cavern. as he kept a vigilant watch over his surroundings, franca, still recovering from severe mental injuries, rubbed her head and slowly got to her feet, fear in her eyes. then, she spotted hela in her distinctive black widow-like dress and the familiar bonnet with a veil. she blurted out, madame hela, what brings you here? instant regret washed over her. she had inadvertently revealed her affiliation with the curly-haired baboons research society. if she hadnt spoken, she could have pretended to be nothing more than a friend of cielthat she wasnt hidden blade. hidden blade? hela inquired. franca let out a dry laugh. yes, how did you recognize me? youre the only demoness in the research society, hela replied calmly. franca felt even more embarrassed and replied ridiculously, i recognized you based on your attire and demeanor. you never showed your face at the gatherings. as the two acknowledged each other, lumians wariness visibly eased. with madame helas presence, he felt his safety was assured. then, he noticed the two marionettes lying lifeless on the ground, surrounded by a pool of flesh infested with translucent maggots. is that loki? lumian pointed at the grotesque, horrifying mass. hela cast her gaze over. yes. lumian fell silent for a moment before asking, is he dead? hela nodded slightly and said, he succumbed to his own loss of control, but its not a complete demise. huh? franca asked in confusion. look at how badly minced he is. maggots are crawling out, but hes not completely dead? she had already figured out why madame hela had appeared. ciel, that scoundrel, must have used her as bait again and written a letter to madame hela to clean up the mess! hela looked at lumian and said coldly, high-level demonesses arent the only ones capable of resurrection; high-level seers can do it too. loki likely worships an evil god in this domain. combined with his uniqueness, he can abandon his body upon death and revive in a pre-prepared location with his characteristics intact. unfortunately, i didnt foresee this. if i had prayed for true concealment in advance, he wouldnt have been able to revive, and hed leave behind his beyonder traits. the woman calmly recounted her oversights, offering no excuses and showing no frustration. lumians eyes remained fixed on the grotesque mass of flesh infested with dead maggots, a slow smile spreading across his face. the corners of his mouth curled upward as he remarked, not bad at all. if he were to meet his end like this, id be disappointed. how can i not be the one to kill him with my own hands? as lumian spoke, a burning desire for high-sequence beyonder powers ignited within him. loki was undeniably formidable. even when he and franca had joined forces, loki had come dangerously close to turning lumian into a marionette. yet, hela, suspected to have advanced to sequence 4, had effortlessly dispatched him in less than ten seconds. lumian understood that unleashing the blood emperor aura would undoubtedly draw the attention of official beyonders from the market district, possibly prompting them to seek assistance from the churches saints. therefore, after hela had sought him out, she had to subdue loki and relocate him within ten seconds. otherwise, the chance of being intercepted by triers saints and angels was exceedingly high. this was what a demigod was like! lumian eagerly looked forward to summarizing more pyromaniac acting principles and digesting the potion over the next two to three months. his goal was to attempt an advancement to conspirer. he recollected his plans for revenge against loki and the others, the eradication of heretics, and his insatiable thirst for mystical, high-end powers. seeing lumians lack of regret or disappointment, replaced instead by an unwavering fighting spirit, hela subtly nodded in approval. lumians gaze remained fixed on lokis corpse. which evil god does he worship? francas heart skipped a beat at this question. she turned to hela and asked, could it be the demoness of pleasure paused briefly before switching to a complicated language that lumian couldnt understand. the immortal lord hela abruptly cut her off. have you forgotten that i dont understand that language either? uh franca couldnt help but slap her forehead. my pig brain! hela continued, speak in ancient feysac or intisian. also, remember, pause after each line and tell me something else. franca quickly acknowledged her instructions, organized her thoughts, and began speaking in ancient feysac. the immortal lord of heaven and earth for blessings hela interrupted her once again and engaged in a brief discussion about lokis assault. franca continued, the sky lord of heaven and earth for blessings lumian, paying close attention, began to grasp the purpose of madame helas request. it was a precaution to prevent franca from reciting the evil gods full honorific name and potentially attracting unwanted attention. the exalted thearch of heaven and earth for blessings franca repeated the third line and massaged her temples. when i heard loki recite it, it felt like i had been transported to another world. everything was shrouded in fog, and i couldnt discern anything clearly. my thoughts slowed to a crawl. i vaguely recall that there should be another phrase. hela chimed in with her own addition in ancient feysac, the celestial worthy. of heaven and earth. for blessings. this time, she even paused the simple line twice. lumian couldnt help but express his confusion. this name has a rather odd style. it differed significantly from the honorific names of deities like mr. fool, the eternal blazing sun, and others he was familiar with. the format and words gave off the impression of belonging to a distinct civilization. franca furrowed her brow in thought. now that you mention it, i recall something. lumian inquired, what is it? franca was about to speak but then abruptly closed her mouth. she looked at hela with a sheepish smile. do you mind if i assisted ciel in infiltrating the research society to investigate the april fools team? he had my approval, hela replied calmly. franca maintained her submissive smile. then, would you mind if i had shared the secret of our transmigration with ciel? hela fell silent for a few moments before responding, does it matter if i mind now? should i conceal both of you? franca suddenly realized that this situation might not be entirely negative and hastily explained, you see, the april fools team is under suspicion for muggles death, and theres no way around revealing our secret when investigating them. thats why i told ciel about it. besides, ciel has genuinely helped us find clues related to transmigration and the possibility of returning to our world! she wore an expression as if she had already made up for her mistake. what clues? hela blurted out for the first time. franca exhaled and said, this is somewhat complex. let me start by recalling what those honorific names reminded me of. weve been communicating, trying to find commonalities and similarities in what each of us did before transmigration to uncover the reason. some received mysterious phones, others entered abandoned ancient temples in the mountains, and some were studying folklore culture. but i cant pinpoint what i did that led to it. its not that i cant remember, but ive done so much. as you all know, i enjoy novelty. i buy new phones, play new games, try out new restaurants, and even create clothing and cosplay at major conventions. i engaged in a multitude of activities before transmigrating, making it difficult to determine which one triggered the transmigration. however, when i heard the honorific name loki recited, i recalled that on that particular night, i had played a new video game called terror attack. in the game, there was a hidden monster that had faith in something called the celestial worthy of heaven and earth.'' though lumian didnt comprehend the concept of a video game, he grasped the essence of francas explanation. her transmigration in this world appeared to be connected to the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings, whom loki worshiped! hela, her light-blond hair flowing naturally over her shoulders, listened attentively and contemplated for a moment before speaking, i dont have similar recollections. as i mentioned earlier, before transmigrating, i delved into non-mainstream mythological books. there was a deity skilled in deception and pranks who bore a striking resemblance to loki francas eyes gleamed with insight as she ventured a hypothesis. could loki have transmigrated by reciting the four lines of the honorific name? so, upon his arrival in this world, he recollected his actions from that time and attempted to recreate them, forging a connection with that evil god? yes, he spoke vaguely when discussing such matters. the members of the april fools team shared a similar experience could it be that we were all brought here by the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings? or did he summon us to this world? hes highly suspicious! hela contemplated this for a moment and nodded slightly. at our next gathering, we can revisit this topic and communicate with others with a clearer focus. franca was taken aback. will the members of the april fools team still attend? the problematic ones probably wont, hela replied calmly. even if we hastily arrange a gathering now, wed have to notify them individually. this period of time is sufficient for loki to revive and alert his associates. lumian raised his eyebrows. why does everyone need to be notified individually? just invite the april fools team to an emergency meeting. they wont know if others will attend. it wont take long to inform a dozen of them. Chapter 390 - 390 Hidden Danger 390 hidden danger hela glanced at lumian and fell silent for two seconds before saying, alright, ill get ready now. but dont get your hopes up. no matter how urgent the gathering is, you have to give others ten minutes to disguise themselves. otherwise, they probably wont come. ten minutes, combined with the discussion they just had, was enough time for loki to revive and alert his accomplices. lumians expression remained unchanged as he nodded gently. we have to give it a try. thats right. capture as many as we can. with an incisive point, itll be much easier to find the others, franca agreed with lumian. she suspected that loki and his crew were responsible for the deaths of some members of the curly-haired baboons research society. without wasting any more time, the surroundings around hela suddenly darkened, resisting the light of the three flames. her figure vanished without a trace. this marked the beginning of preparations for the emergency gathering. lumians eyes flickered as he gazed at the decaying flesh teeming with dead maggots, lost in his own thoughts. franca carefully examined her body and realized that there were no substantial or obvious injuries. the pain she had previously endured was a result of the impact on her mind. as her spirit body was soothed and treated, only faint cracks remained. franca let out a long sigh of relief and said, loki is truly cunning and powerful. fortunately, you thought to seek madam helas help. otherwise, we might have become his marionettes by now. lumian wholeheartedly agreed. if he hadnt considered borrowing helas power and guessed that loki could detect a certain trait in him, leading to the decision to bait him out tonight, perhaps the outcome wouldnt have been in their favor. when they were unprepared, loki had approached them and attacked with full force. neither he nor franca could retaliate. he could still use the blood emperors aura, which was relatively easy to activate and didnt require complicated procedures, to attract all official beyonders. then, he could exploit the time difference to escape using teleportation. however, it would condemn franca to be controlled. of course, without the baiting operation, lumian might have chosen to leave with franca by traversing the spirit world and slipping out of lokis sight before returning stealthily. you dont have to worry about becoming a marionette. loki wants to groom you into a sequence 4 demoness, lumian casually reassured franca. franca was taken aback. he told me hes been yearning for a demoness marionette for a long time lumian calmly pointed out that franca had been deceived. he lied to you. he even said that the four-line honorific name meant to accelerate the progress was, in fact, a trap for me that could isolate most of the struggling commotions. franca couldnt help but curse. dammit! is there any truth in his words? as expected of the leader of april fools, the new-age swindler who lives diagonally opposite salle de bal unique! franca muttered to herself, the honorific name he recited must be real. him being able to use the traits we share and the power of that celestial worthy to directly locate me should be real too. as for the exact range, given the style he displayed, theres a high chance that its nonsense. it cant be believed. what kind of traits could it be if the transmigration was indeed caused by that celestial worthy, its very likely that we have his aura or brand on us. and with his power, loki can easily locate us within a certain range. franca suddenly turned to look at lumian. loki should have recognized that you were fake during the gathering! you dont have the aura or mark of the celestial worthy on you! yes. lumians mood sank. ill have to share this detail with madam hela later and see if anyone can come up with a way to eliminate the celestial worthy aura on them. otherwise, theyll be hunted down by loki and the others in the future, franca said as she looked at the wraith that had a dark-green light seeping out and merging with a certain part of the corpse. what should we do with this beyonder characteristic? this was a sequence 5 beyonder characteristic! she had her own thoughts about this spoil of war, but she didnt know lumians attitude. madam hela killed loki herself, so the spoils of war must belong to her, lumian said nonchalantly. he then pointed at the corpse of the other marionette. why hasnt he manifested any beyonder characteristics? thats right. he cant be resurrected too, can he? franca muttered. could it be that hes a bestowed who doesnt have beyonder characteristics? her plan was to give madame hela the wraith beyonder characteristic. lumian nodded slowly. in the evening, i thought he was a marionette of the sun pathway. later, when i was under his control, every word he spoke sounded like crazy ravings. it could affect my mind and spirit body, which was different from the sun pathways style. yes, he should be a bestowed of an evil god, made into a marionette by loki. ill ask madam hela later. just as franca finished speaking, helas figure in a black widow-like dress outlined itself in the empty mine. she said to lumian and franca, in five minutes, well recite the incantation and enter the nation of the evernights palace. alright. lumian took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. franca immediately informed hela about the possible common trait among the members of the research society. finally, she asked, is there a way to confirm and eliminate it? a marionettist like loki lurks in the shadows and can find us at any moment. its truly terrifying. hela pondered for a moment and replied, firstly, advance to sequence 4 and become a demigod. only then can you barely suppress the aura left behind by celestial worthy. secondly, search for mystical items with hidden and secret-keeping effects. i can only think of these two solutions at the moment. ill see if anyone else has a better idea at the next gathering. at that moment, lumian looked at hela and asked anxiously, madame, did you find out anything from loki? hela took out a flask and downed another third. her pale-white face flushed as she said coldly, when i asked loki why he wanted to harm the other members, he said it was for fun and to create pranks to satisfy his emotions and mind. however, when i asked him why he wanted to harm muggle, his answer was celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings hela didnt finish her sentence, but both of them understood what she meant. selling the soul summoning spell to aurore and guiding her to use it on herself seemed to be the will of the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings. why does he want this done aurore is only a sequence 7. shes just a nobody lumian lowered his head and muttered in pain. hela replied coldly, probably because the original body of muggle and her family are problematic. lumian fell silent for a moment before saying, could loki be lying? a person full of lies like him might not be telling the truth. in the dreamscape i created, he cant lie unless he gains the ability to maintain lucidity in advance, but thats impossible. hela denied lumians guess. dreamscape franca glanced at hela and felt that this didnt match her impression of her sequence pathway. lumian fell silent once again. aurores transmigration was suspected to have been brought about by the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings. after her resurrection, she had been targeted by the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings because roche louise sanson and her family were believers in inevitability. this made aurores subsequent encounter seem like a predetermined tragedy. seeing this, franca changed the subject and pointed at the two marionettes corpses. madame hela, that beyonder characteristic is the spoil of war you deserve. what we want to know is why this marionette didnt produce any beyonder characteristics? hela didnt refuse. as she watched the wraith beyonder characteristic emerge, she inquired about franca and lumians feelings when they were controlled. after a brief exchange, she pondered and said, this should be a bestowed who believes in an evil god. the corresponding sequence 7 is an orator, and sequence 6 is a singer. these two sequences can transmit different mystical powers with their voices, matching your descriptions. in addition, beyonders of this pathway often perform secret deed rituals at sequence 9 and obtain mysteries and knowledge through a formless door. different people hear and experience different things, and the subsequent abilities they obtain will be different. being able to use singing to create a suns blinding effect should be one of these manifestations. which evil god? franca blurted out. hela shook her head. i dont know the exact honorific name either. its dangerous for us to know anyway. ive encountered his believers. they sometimes refer to this evil god as the first philosophy or arcane controller. without waiting for franca to ask further, hela nodded slightly and said, we should head to the gathering. lumian and franca recited the incantation simultaneously. a beyonder from ancient times, ruler of the nation of the evernight, noble mother of the sky, i beseech your permission to enter your kingdom. as the surrounding darkness and slumber dissipated, lumian and franca arrived at the ancient and dilapidated palace again. there was no one here yet. it was empty and silent. franca felt that something was amiss. after thinking for more than ten seconds, she realized something. we havent disguised ourselves! just as she finished speaking, she saw lumian shrouded in a hazy dream-like fog, obscuring his exact form and appearance. lumian then used the niese face to transform himself into a hooded muggle clad in a warlocks black robe. with madame helas help, franca breathed a sigh of relief and waited patiently for the april fools team to arrive. as time ticked by, two figures suddenly outlined inside the silent palace. Chapter 391 - 391 Idiots 391 idiots the figures entering the ancient palace were black earth and bax. black earth sported a furry hat and a thick leather mask, while bax, on the other hand, had opted for just shorts and a brass mask. upon spotting hela, they acknowledged her with a slight nod as a greeting. their eyes then roved over franca, who hadnt tagged her code name, and muggle, enveloped in a dreamy mist. whos this? black earth, clad like a hunter from the mountains, pointed at franca, a note of confusion in his voice. hidden blade. i rushed and forgot to tag myself, franca replied. black earth and bax promptly dropped their suspicions and relaxed. in a situation like this emergency gathering, it was perfectly normal for hidden blade to slip up. this was her style! soon after, other members of the april fools team arrived one by one, but lumian didnt see the five most suspicious targets i know someone, hisoka, bard, mad lady, and ultraman. his expression darkened gradually, sensing that loki had been resurrected and the problematic members had been alerted. the dozen or so individuals gathered here were potential pawns. if loki and his gang went too far and were discovered by other members of the curly-haired baboons research society, they could be used as scapegoats for the investigation. there was nothing to find fault with them, thus ensuring the six true believers in the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings remained concealed. at that moment, black earth and the rest started to realize that something was amiss. why were there so few attendees at the emergency gathering? the agreed time had already passed, and typically, at least half of the society should have shown up by now. hela, whats going on? bax, wearing nothing but a mask and shorts, asked in a deep voice. lumian sneered, looking at them as if they were a bunch of fools. if loki and his crew were evil, then these people were simply fools. they believed they were clever and had uncovered the truth, thinking they were indulging in pre-apocalypse pleasures. in reality, they were just being used as pawns and shields. lumian was willing to bet that loki, i know someone, and the other core members of the april fools team would mock these fools during their private gatherings. helas tone remained as cold as ice as she began, i summoned you to this gathering because loki betrayed us. black earth, bax, and the others were taken aback. they glanced around, but loki was nowhere to be seen. hela continued, he believes in an evil god and led i know someone and the others to harm numerous research society members. such accusations require evidence, bax instinctively retorted. with the lie earring on, lumian spoke in aurores voice, im the evidence! you must have seen me buy the soul summoning spell. this caused a mental problem and nearly caused me to lose control. fortunately, i found someone to help me in time and sealed my split personality. before this, ive been seeking treatment from i know someone, but instead of improving, my condition only worsened. i approached them to reason with them, but they ended up planning to murder me! black earth fell silent for a moment before saying, i remember that you bought it from mad lady. they lied to you because transmigration should be a matter between two parties, not a one-sided reason. otherwise, why did you transmigrate to this world and happen to possess such people? the original bodies must have done something to establish the connection between the two worlds. therefore, before figuring out what caused you to transmigrate, finding the remnant soul of the original body and asking might gain something unexpected. muggle, werent you homesick back then? how could you believe such a reason? as they heard this, some of the april fools team members present couldnt help but show teasing and mocking expressions in their eyes. muggle had fallen for a trick that could only fool children! none of them had been fooled by mad lady. even if she claimed to have tried and achieved certain results, it couldnt be considered a clue. mad lady lumian repeated the code name inwardly. a chuckle escaped him as he continued, i was indeed blinded by the desire to return home, but you werent any better. take a look. are loki, mad lady, and bard here? they know what theyre doing, and they understand that if theyre exposed, they have to leave the research society immediately. but you, fools, and idiots, dont know anything and are still cooperating with them! even pigs and dogs are smarter than you! the absence of loki and the others was like muggles mocking arrow, piercing the hearts and minds of black earth and the other april fools team members. some of them erupted in anger, feeling humiliated and wanting to retort. others swayed in despair and confusion, while some felt as if countless insects were gnawing at their hearts. the pain was palpable. witnessing this, franca entered instigation mode and delivered a decisive blow. dont you understand? youre discarded pawns, abandoned targets, mere agents who have lost their usefulness! youve never been core members of april fools. youve never earned lokis trust. they only mock you behind your backs! now that loki and the others have been exposed, they can hunt down the research society members without fear. who do you think will be the easiest for them to locate and target? the only thing you can do is recall the details of your dealings with loki and the others, including the real-life pranks you executed, so that we can eliminate these traitors as soon as possible. remember, leniency comes with honesty, resistance comes with severity. black earth, bax, and the others followed hidden blades logic and realized the grim possibility. they exchanged glances, their hearts clearly wavering. the few who had witnessed loki and the others capabilities couldnt help but tremble slightly. finally, franca dropped a bombshell. dont think you can escape the hunt just because you can relocate. let me tell you, muggles experience indicates that loki and the others seem to have a way to track research society members within a certain range through some mystical connection. ill share the specific method with everyone at the next official gathering. black earth gritted his teeth and said, there are too many details. i dont think i can recall them all in just a few hours. the other april fools team members nodded in agreement. hela thought for a moment and replied, go back, write down all the details, and send them to me. remember, pack your belongings and stay at a motel or hotel at least five kilometers away. bax and the others let out sighs of relief and agreed. shortly after, lumian noticed their eyes closing, as if they had fallen asleep while standing. he and franca exchanged thoughtful glances and then realized that madame helas eyes had lost focus before closing as well. after a moment, hela opened her eyes and said to lumian and franca, there are no hidden loki helpers or believers in the celestial worthy. this is a precaution in case loki had risked leaving an accomplice to gather intelligence franca came to a realization. in the next instant, black earth, bax, and the others awakened simultaneously, reciting the incantation discreetly as they left the ancient and decaying palace. lumian dispelled the niese face, took off the lie earring, and turned to hela. every time we use the incantation at a gathering, we should be tainted by the sealed artifacts concealment aura, right? can we use this to track down mad lady and the others? hela shook her head. they no longer have the corresponding auras. clearly, she had tried it before. lumian remained silent, exhaling slowly and silently. the trio left the nation of the evernight and returned to the uninhabited mine beneath trier. hela put away the wraith beyonder characteristic and spoke to lumian and franca. if we cant uncover loki and truly eliminate him, you can stay in triers market district for another three months at most. when that time comes, regardless of any unfinished business, youll have to consider relocating. why three months? franca inquired, her confusion apparent. staying even another week seemed perilous. hela provided a simple explanation. while loki has been resurrected with his beyonder characteristics, he has lost all his marionettes. a marionettist wont rashly appear and attack others without a marionette, unless they are excessively confident and perceive you as weak. and youve already demonstrated significant strength. for a marionettist without a marionette, acquiring a suitable and powerful marionette requires planning, luck, and frequent replacements. you should have a window of three to six months. understood, franca replied, deciding to inform madam judgment that if no progress was made within two months, she would request permission to abandon the iron and blood cross order mission and relocate. lumian nodded in agreement. he contemplated whether he could digest the pyromaniac potion within three months and gather the conspirer potion formula and main ingredients. at that moment, hela pointed at lokis mushy flesh, twisted maggots, and said, the dead worms are excellent spiritual ingredients that can be used for many things. however, they also come with hidden issues. they have been corrupted to a certain extent, posing unknown dangers to you. franca recalled her terrifying experience of almost becoming a marionette and shook her head, indicating she didnt want them. lumian gazed at the countless maggots and the mushy flesh for a moment before suddenly summoning the crimson fireball floating on his shoulder. he directed it towards lokis remains. instead of exploding, the fireball ignited fiercely, casting a crimson glow. as he watched the maggots and flesh burn, lumian felt as though he had digested the pyromaniac potion once more. this came from his experience of being controlled by loki and using the near-loss of control to ignite his own body, triggering the resonance of the blood emperors aura. this led lumian to formulate his own acting principle for pyromaniac: pyromaniacs arent arsonists. only by daring to set themselves ablaze can they set others ablaze! Chapter 392 - 392 Switching Pathways 392 switching pathways the digestion of the pyromaniac potion progressed much faster than lumian had expected. this quick reaction was likely due to the activation of blood emperor alista tudors aura without proper protection, akin to setting a blaze in trier. the flames burned even the saint vive cathedral and the patriarchal cathedral of the god of steam and machinery church. hela watched the flesh and maggots consumed by the crimson flames for a moment before turning to franca. can we now discuss the clues about transmigration? franca tersely acknowledged her words and gathered her thoughts. ciel had previously attempted a unique summoning ritual, which inadvertently brought forth a shadow suspected to be from my homeland, the one i share with muggle. he even formed a contract with this entity. after discovering this, i had ciel summon the shadow again to communicate with it. the shadows language is remarkably similar to that of my homeland. when asked about its origin, it said, the blood son of heaven disrupted the netherworld, and the underworld daoist sacrificed himself to enter the river.'' franca translated the last sentence into intisian. hela listened attentively and then turned her gaze to lumian. could this be the apparition of blood emperor alista tudor? underworld daoist was the one who dragged him back? thats our hypothesis, lumian replied succinctly, indicating that franca was also aware of the samaritan womens spring. there was no need for excessive secrecy. underworld daoist hela murmured the term softly. franca continued to recount her and lumians theories, suspecting that the illusionary river behind the spring might connect to the original world of her and the curly-haired baboons research society members. hela remained silent, her dark eyes gleaming with a subtle brilliance, as though concealing a galaxy. that covers most of it. once weve dealt with the traitors in the research society, ill share this information with everyone, franca said after a brief pause. she also reminded hela, apart from april fools, lokis allies might be lurking in other teams. they tend to participate in activities without playing pranks and only reveal themselves during crucial moments. hela nodded slightly and replied, ill discuss how to handle this with gandalf and the others. the woman then turned her gaze to lumian. if theres nothing else, ill take you back to the surface. lumian withdrew his gaze from the flames and let out a deep breath. ill take care of this. he crouched down and placed his hands in front of lokis lifeless body. rumble. accompanied by a muted explosion and a slight tremor in the ground, the earth, carrying flesh, blood, and maggots, suddenly sank into the mire and rocks. franca nodded in realization. this way, any remaining corruption on lokis corpse wouldnt be exposed to cave adventurers who might pass by later. she assisted in carrying the corpses of the two marionettes over, contemplating whether to collect the wraiths teeth and nails. these were excellent spiritual ingredients that could be used to forge beyonder weapons. if the wraith had lost control and transformed into a monster, franca wouldnt feel any psychological burden dealing with his corpse. however, he still retained his human form. considering that she didnt lack offensive weapons or poison for coating them, franca simply harvested the powder from the translucent wraith and absorbed its residual spirituality. after removing the clothes bestowed by the evil god and checking for any clues, franca tossed the two corpses into the blazing pit. once she had completed this task, she turned to hela and asked with curiosity, madame hela, have you advanced to sequence 4 and become a demigod? otherwise, how could she have subdued loki so effortlessly? yes, hela confirmed with a nod. franca pondered for a moment and probed further, you used to follow the corpse collector pathway, but this time, you displayed the power of the evernight pathway. did you use a mystical item? was it similar to using a sealed artifact to enable everyone to enter the nation of the evernight in concealment and participate in the gathering? the corpse collector pathway was also known as the death pathway. helas voice was icy as she replied, ive switched to sequence 4 nightwatcher of the evernight pathway. why? franca was intrigued by helas choice. while she had once contemplated switching to the neighboring hunter pathway when advancing to sequence 4, it was mainly to restore her body to its male form. under usual circumstances, sticking to a single pathway until the end was generally the better choice. after all, the acting acquired in the earlier sequences were deeply ingrained in that pathway, making it easier and safer to become a sequence 4 beyonder of the same pathway. of course, if one couldnt find the sequence 4 potion formula and main ingredient for their pathway, they might consider switching to a neighboring pathway. it wouldnt necessarily lead to half-madness, and they could gain a mix of unique abilities. franca had never seen any indication from hela of wanting to switch pathways. when they discussed and exchanged information at the research society, hela primarily focused on topics related to the corpse collector domain. most of the materials and items gathered and sold were concentrated in this pathway. could it be that the sequence 4 potion formula, main ingredients, or corresponding rituals of the corpse collector pathway proved impractical? franca speculated, drawing on her extensive knowledge of mysticism. helas pale face softened. she gazed into the darkness beyond the abandoned mine, her voice taking on a contemplative tone. if i continued along the death pathway, the deity i believe in would eventually transform me into a crucial vessel for specific moments. at this point, hela wore a rare smile and spoke with a distant look in her eyes. its already a challenge for her to maintain her humanity. so, i shouldnt burden her any further. franca was initially perplexed but began to grasp madame helas reasoning for switching pathways. hela gave her a brief look and added, if i can advance to sequence 3, i should either revert to the death pathway or switch to the warrior pathway. the upper ranks of the evernight pathway are facing a severe resource shortage. wow, franca couldnt help but envision hela wielding various sequence abilities from the evernight, corpse collector, and warrior pathways. she found it both impressive and formidable. she, too, felt a sense of excitement about the possibility of acquiring the abilities of a demoness and a hunter in the future. meanwhile, lumian incinerated lokis mutated remains and filled the pit. hela promptly obscured the area in darkness. when lumian and franca regained consciousness, they found themselves outside the abandoned mine near the entrance to underground trier on rue anarchie. in the distance, they could hear faint movements coming from rue des blouses blanches. phew, this is the most dangerous situation ive encountered since becoming a beyonder, franca said, exhaling deeply and speaking with emotion. if loki hadnt used me as bait to lure you here, theres a high chance i would have become a marionette. lumian tersely acknowledged her words and remained silent. he took a step forward and began to walk down the street. franca followed him and asked curiously, did loki say anything when he tried to disrupt your mind with his trash talk? although many of his words may be lies, they might contain valuable information. for example, the suspicion that every member of the curly-haired baboons research society possessed the lingering aura of the celestial worthy. lumian remained silent for a few moments before responding. he recounted how they harmed aurore, how they repeatedly disclosed her mental state and psychiatric treatment process, and how they shamelessly mocked her his explanation was concise, but the simplicity of his words couldnt mask the anger that rose in him again. huh? franca was initially surprised but quickly grasped the gravity of the situation. that psychiatrist, i know someone? lumian nodded slowly. franca contemplated the situation carefully, her anger growing with each passing thought. dammit! how can they be so evil? i fully support you in tearing them apart, dismembering them, skinning them, and stuffing them with grass! after several seconds of contemplation, she unleashed a curse. lumian remained silent, seemingly weighing the feasibility of such actions. franca glanced at him and hesitantly suggested, when you faced the other april fools team members earlier, you held back and didnt kill them directly lumian chuckled. why should i kill those idiots? its more agonizing, humiliating, and regretful for these individuals who believe theyre clever when they realize how loki and the others manipulated them. it brings me greater satisfaction than killing them. in the future, whenever anyone mentions loki, it will be akin to insulting their intelligence to their faces, and they wont be able to escape it. franca breathed a sigh of relief. she said to lumian, rue des blouses blanches seems quite lively. i plan to stay at jennas tonight. heh heh. yes, ill be informing my major arcana card holder briefly about this matter. ill convey that if loki isnt completely eliminated within two months, i would like to request a transfer out of the market district. you, too, can apply to take charge of the iron and blood cross orders branch elsewhere. ill also write to my major arcana card holder, lumian assured her, indicating that he wouldnt underestimate the potential harm loki could cause. lumian had always maintained a clear distinction between personal matters and official matters. whether dealing with the padre or investigating loki, he had never considered seeking madam magicians assistance. however, this time, his use of the blood emperors aura had caused quite a commotion, and it would be necessary to report it later. seeing that lumian remained rational, franca felt at ease. she waved farewell and stealthily made her way toward quartier du jardin botanique. lumian averted his gaze and entered auberge du coq dor, walking along the still-warm street. he had no desire to encounter the official beyonders who might be searching for clues on rue des blouses blanches at this late hour. as he pushed open the door to room 207, lumian spotted a figure inside. it was madam magician, dressed in an orange waist-length dress and holding a wide-brimmed hat adorned with flowers. were you waiting for me? lumian inquired almost instinctively. magician smiled. what else would i be doing? how did you know i would come back here? lumian closed the door. magician smiled and said, this is a revelation of fate. now, tell me, why did you unleash the blood emperors aura? Chapter 393 - 393 Information About Celestial Worthy 393 information about celestial worthy lumian was taken aback. did it cause a huge commotion? he knew that once the blood emperors aura was activated, it would undoubtedly attract the attention of nearby official beyonders and powerful figures. it would be akin to setting saint vive cathedral on fire. the commotion wouldnt be small, but he never expected this to catch the attention of madam magician, who didnt seem to be in trier, for her to rush over. he had intended to write a letter and report this matter. madam magician nodded seriously. very. it even led some people to believe that the door to fourth epoch trier had opened. the commotion is even greater than i had imagined. as expected of blood emperor alista tudor lumian wasnt vexed or surprised; instead, he calmly sat on the edge of the bed. it had already happened, so there was no point in feeling vexed or surprised. moreover, even if he had to do it again, he would still do it. lumian began recounting how he had posed as his sister to infiltrate the curly-haired baboons research society and determine if there was anything amiss with the person who had sold her the soul summoning spell. he continued until loki lost control and died, but no beyonder characteristics emerged. it was suspected that there was a way for him to revive. there was also the honorific name of an evil god that hela and the two of cups had pieced together. magician didnt interrupt, but the smile on her face had vanished at some point in time. do i need to recite the honorific names four lines intermittently, or can i just say them? lumian finally asked. madam magicians voice was calm as she replied, just say it. it wont be a problem as long as you dont use ancient hermes, jotun, and other unprotected beyonder languages. lumian subconsciously surveyed the room and realized that it had grown dimmer. although the crimson moonlight could penetrate the glass window, it seemed to be obstructed by an invisible, soundproof, and deep curtain. he then repeated francas translated honorific name. with that said, he saw madam magician fall silent, as if she had transformed into a statue. whats wrong with that? lumian probed. magician pondered for a moment and looked at him. youre saying that you relied on the brink of losing control from your anger to trigger the resonance of the blood emperors aura and create a commotion that can break through the three layers of the thin fogs concealment? thats right, lumian replied, still feeling a lingering fear as he recalled the situation. normally, once my emotions exceed the limit, i would recall the cues left behind by madam susie. however, even the corresponding memories became intermittent and vague, preventing the cues from having the desired effect. in fact, if i hadnt held out hope when i was first controlled and instead tried to activate the blood emperors aura immediately, loki probably wouldnt have been able to truly stop me. when the control deepened, it wouldnt have worked. i could only rely on such passive reactions madam magician wore a thoughtful expression and didnt respond. is there a problem with this part of the situation? lumian asked bluntly. magician nodded slightly and said, theres nothing wrong with this detail. its very reasonable. its a normal development of the situation back then. the problem is that you just obtained the blood emperors aura not long ago, so it came in handy. lumian was taken aback for a few seconds before blurting out, could amon have foreseen my encounter tonight by stuffing the earth blood ore into my pocket? is his purpose to help me? help that nearly got me killed? this might be just one of the goals, and its not his, madam magician said with a soft sigh. its the goal of the one whos roughly equivalent to his father. lumian was taken aback once more. the one the aurora order believes in? the one who inherited half of the ancient sun gods inheritance? for some reason, mr. ks maniacal laughter echoed in his mind. piousness is the only way out! madam magician muttered to herself, previously, i thought i wanted to involve you more deeply in matters related to the sauron family, the iron and blood cross order, and the fourth epoch trier. now, it seems that ill have to include disrupting that entitys plan seeing that lumian still didnt understand why it involved the deity believed in by the aurora order, magician explained, do you remember when you thought accepting another major arcana card holders commission was a normal and reasonable matter? you didnt need to tell me? i remember, lumian replied, not seeing any problem with that. its true that i made a mistake, but it has nothing to do with that person. its a manifestation of my true thoughts. madam magician chuckled. coincidentally, i didnt meet miss justice during that time, so there was an information gap. lumians eyes flickered as he caught a whiff of a conspiracy. madam magician continued, the combination of two coincidences might not be coincidental. think about the complete honorific name of that entity. i cant recall, lumian admitted. madam justice made a psychological cue. i can only recall it if i pray for mr. fools angelic protection. theres no rush. when you can recall, youll naturally understand the source of the problem, magician warned him simply. you have to be vigilant once you encounter too many coincidences. lumian nodded solemnly. madam magician consoled him,theres no need to be too nervous, let alone reject contact with mr. k. this time, with that entitys arrangements so obvious, hes telling us that he knows, that he is watching and listening. this also means that he holds no ill intentions for the time being. otherwise, not only would you be finished, but i would also be in danger. lumian was burdened with numerous issues. he couldnt afford to fret at such a high level. it was pointless to fret. after all, he relied on the tarot club the most. he then inquired, madam, which evil god does loki and company believe in? only by clarifying the evil gods domain and characteristics could he better guard against and deal with his believers in the future. magician fell silent for several seconds, so silent that even a beyonder as bold as lumian couldnt help but feel his heart race. eventually, she let out a sigh and remarked, actually, i have mentioned that evil god to you. huh? lumian had no impression of such a thing. madam magician fell silent for a few seconds before saying, ive told you before, mr. fool is facing off against an ancient deity. this outcome holds the power to shape our destinies and determine whether our world can survive the impending apocalypse. that ancient deity is known as the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings. its actually mr. fools enemy lumian hadnt anticipated such a revelation. me branded by mr. fool aurore, possibly brought to this world by the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings loki and his associates, who are devout followers of the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings, sold the soul summoning spell to aurore, triggering a series of catastrophic events mr. fool is in direct opposition to the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings a torrent of information flooded lumians mind, leaving him feeling like he was on the verge of unraveling a truth that was still missing crucial details. madam magician pondered for a moment before continuing. ive also mentioned that if you address mr. fool using anything other than his three-lined honorific name or attempt to invoke him without following the proper ritual, i cant guarantee that he will be the one who responds. it might even lead to perilous encounters. now, i can offer you a clear answer. under those circumstances, the response you receive could very well be from the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings. praying to mr. fool in an incorrect manner might gain a response from the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings lumian was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information. his head felt like it was about to burst. then, a crucial detail caught his attention. the title the king of yellow and black in mr. fools honorific name bore a striking resemblance to francas translation of the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings! with this revelation, a chilling sensation washed over lumian. he hesitated for a few seconds before deciding to inquire, whats the connection between mr. fool and the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings? madam magician offered a wry smile in response. what i know isnt that detailed or precise. for example, after the one the aurora order believes in inherited half of the ancient sun gods inheritance, the ancient sun god was resurrected in some way. lumian grasped the general idea and let out a relieved sigh. it seems to mirror aurores association with roche louise sanson. this facilitated his understanding. madam magician seemed taken aback. almost instinctively, she reached out as if attempting to retrieve a drink from thin air, but she restrained herself in the end. lumian recounted the entire incident, a hint of pain and deep confusion in his voice. what could this celestial worthy be planning? aurore was just a sequence 7. even if roche louise sanson and her family are devout followers of inevitability, they wouldnt be able to do anything of significance madam magician sighed once more. perhaps he intends to hasten the arrival of the apocalypse and allow the evil gods beyond the barrier to invade more easily. in that case, in order to protect this world and us, its inhabitants, mr. fool might consider abandoning the confrontation and permitting the celestial worthys return intact. lumian listened in a daze, a sudden thought racing through his mind. what would happen if mr. fool indeed chose to stop resisting the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings? magician didnt delve further into the topic. i cant share more information at this moment. in short, pursuing loki and his associates is both your personal vendetta and a shared mission of our tarot club. if youre confident, take action on your own. if not, feel free to seek assistance from other major arcana card holders at any time to eliminate the minions of the celestial worthy to the best of your ability. with that, the woman stood up, and the room suddenly transformed into a celestial spectacle, filled with twinkling stars. it felt as if lumian had been transported into the vast and dazzling cosmos. the stars revolved continuously, as if conveying a message. madam magician observed them for a moment before remarking, its true that divination doesnt reveal lokis whereabouts or identity after his resurrection, and the others lack sufficient information. once hela has organized the relevant data, provide me with a copy. Chapter 394 - 394 Eye of the Storm 394 eye of the storm lumian was also waiting with anticipation for the abandoned april fools team members to recall useful details. he nodded and replied, got it. madam magician fixed her gaze on him for a few moments, lost in thought. in the future, if i assign you a mission that seems clearly problematic, you have the option to either reject it or discuss it face-to-face with me while discreetly reaching out to other major arcana card holders. why? lumian was a little confused. by doing so, isnt madam magician implying that something might happen to her? magician chuckled self-deprecatingly. because im a high-risk individual, susceptible to the influence of the celestial worthy. the celestial worthy holds the highest position in the seer, marauder, and apprentice pathways. the higher the corresponding beyonder sequence, the more susceptible one is to his influence. everyone carries an oldest one within them, you see. and as a high-level beyonder of the apprentice pathway and a believer in the fool, its natural for me to occasionally be led astray, fooled, or deceived by the celestial worthy. of course, mr. fool himself also stands at the pinnacle of these three pathways, which is why he opposes the celestial worthy. so, you need not worry about me. most of the time, im under mr. fools influence. there wont be anything wrong with my condition, but occasional anomalies might occur. its akin to praying without a ritual or invoking a name beyond those three lines; all of that can draw the celestial worthys attention and invite his response, potentially planting hidden dangers high-ranking individuals in the seer, marauder, and apprentice pathways are closer to the celestial worthy and mr. fool. even if one follows all the usual procedures, theres still a chance that something might go wrong lumian grasped madam magicians instructions before realizing that her words were revealing mysticism information that defied common sense. mr. fool and the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings could simultaneously hold the pinnacle of three pathways! normally, reaching sequence 0 in a pathway marked one as a true god. so what title did the individual at the peak of three pathways bear? a great existence? for the first time, lumian began to comprehend that mr. fool and the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings might surpass even true gods like the eternal blazing sun. similarly, amons father, the ancient sun god, must belong to this echelon. after all, half of his inheritance had given rise to the one the aurora order believed in. soon, lumian remembered madam magicians distinct descriptions of different deities. merely knowing of their existence and invoking their honorific names could corrupt certain deities, causing them to undergo mutations or face peril. some deities could be mentioned in general terms, as long as one refrained from uttering their honorific names beyond the three lines of beyonder language, thus avoiding attracting their attention. this likely represents the division among deities mr. fool and the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings occupy three neighboring and interchangeable pathways. is this a hidden requirement for mastering a composite pathway? lumian dared not probe further, fearing that knowing too much might lead to unintended consequences. as for madam magician belonging to the apprentice pathway, he had anticipated it. aurores grimoires had mentioned that sequence 9 apprentices in this pathway excelled at opening doors. sequence 7s were known as astrologers, aligning with madam magicians usual behavior and her occasional references to astrology, divination, and fate. understood, lumian replied. he went on to explain his plan: if he failed to eliminate loki within two months, he intended to use the iron and blood cross orders internal processes to relocate from the market district, as well as the problem about concealing the sealed mark on his body. magician was very understanding. no problem. although you can also write to me and use yourself as bait, loki might have the patience to wait a few more months, and i cant always be with you. as for the issue of the seal, if you dont actively activate it, only beyonders of the seer, apprentice, and marauder pathways who believe in the celestial worthy can sense it directly. this is different from the uncontrollable aura of the celestial worthy. if you need something quickly, seek angelic protection from mr. fool or write to me. ill craft a charm that can safeguard secrets. thats the best way to manage the celestial worthys aura on the two of cups for now. fortunately, evil gods like the mother tree of desire no longer pay special attention to people like them. lumian breathed a sigh of relief and inquired, can i share the information you just mentioned about the celestial worthy with the two of cups? magician declined his request, explaining, her major arcana card holder will give her a simplified explanation, but it wont be as clear as what i just said. she doesnt know enough either. if you reveal everything i shared with you, it could put her in danger. lumian didnt press further and watched as madam magician used starlight to create a dreamy door. she stepped through it and disappeared. the rooms soundproof glass receded to its original state, and the crimson moonlight poured through the window, casting a glow on the table with the carbide lamp. lumian settled by the bed, his mind racing, and he couldnt help but recall lokis description of his exploits against aurore. taking a deep breath, he decided on his next course of action: digesting the pyromaniac potion! quartier du jardin botanique, rue pasteur. as dawn broke, franca and jenna made their way back to the market district along this street. for the time being, franca hadnt figured out how to broach the subject of the dangerous situation from last night with jenna. she used the excuse that jennas brother was at home and might overhear them, so she decided to delay the conversation until tonight. when they returned to avenue du march, jenna waved goodbye and headed towards thatre de lancienne cage pigeons. however, before she could enter the modified brick-red three-story building, she noticed graffiti in a corner, almost resembling the work of a child. it served as a sign that the purifiers were calling for an urgent meeting, complete with time and location details. jenna naturally averted her gaze and entered thatre de lancienne cage pigeons. after about fifteen minutes, in her role as the bosss lover, she left through the back door without any hindrance and arrived at a secluded alley near glise saint-robert. before long, valentine and imre appeared. the former didnt waste time with pleasantries and got straight to the point, asking, have you received any news about the terrifying aura from last night? jenna was perplexed. what terrifying aura? you didnt sense it? imre, who had some southern continent heritage, inquired with a furrowed brow. you didnt experience any nightmares? jenna shook her head. i wasnt in the market district last night. i went home to visit my brother. is that so imre examined jennas expression and concluded that she was telling the truth. she genuinely had no knowledge of the terrifying aura. the two purifiers briefly recounted the sudden appearance of a terrifying and violent aura on rue des blouses blanches the previous night, urging jenna to be more vigilant towards anyone displaying unusual behavior lately. jenna agreed and asked with curiosity, was that aura very noticeable? why were you able to sense it even from the cathedral? its hard to describe, imre admitted. if you ever have the chance to experience it, youll understand. he himself couldnt fully grasp the extent of the influence of the terrifying aura. after bidding farewell to the two purifiers and returning to thatre de lancienne cage pigeons, jennas thoughts turned to franca, who had acted strangely last night. she had cryptically mentioned danger and advised jenna to go home for a while. eventually, she had come to share her bed late at night, explaining that something had occurred on rue des blouses blanches and that she couldnt return that terrifying aura had appeared on rue des blouses blanches jenna nodded, piecing things together. meanwhile, franca finished her coffee and returned to her apartment on rue des blouses blanches, which had returned to its usual state. however, upon opening the door to apartment 601, she noticed that the invisible spider silk she had concealed in the crack had fallen. this could only mean one thingsomeone had entered! in the next instant, she spotted someone sitting in her recliner. it was gardner martin, a man with distinct facial features, brownish-red eyes, and a genial demeanor. a few gray strands of hair adorned his temples. startled, franca exclaimed, why are you here? she was relieved that she hadnt returned with lumian. gardner martin asked, bemused, whats your take on the aura from last night? what aura? franca was perplexed. gardner martin, dressed in a formal suit without a bow tie, examined franca closely and explained, a terrifying aura reeking of blood and rust. when did this happen? franca recalled and shook her head. i was at jennas house last night. i wasnt in the market district. gardner martin nodded slowly and smiled. no wonder you didnt sense it. apart from ciel, madame hela, and me dealing with loki, did anything else happen last night? franca walked to the coffee table in confusion, picked up her cup, and took a sip of water. what happened? gardner martin stood up and approached the window, looking down at rue des blouses blanches. late last night, a violent and terrifying aura emerged from building 6 on this street. it lasted nearly ten seconds. building 6 building 6? franca nearly choked on her own saliva. isnt that the safe house i had rented through a loen merchant who had already left trier? isnt that where i fought loki last night? could madame hela or loki have caused the commotion? or was it ciel? franca quickly regained her composure before gardner martin turned around. she felt as though she had missed many crucial details due to her fainting. rue anarchie, auberge du coq dor. lumian, who had just returned from his morning exercises, had just changed into fresh clothes and was making his way to the first-floor hall when he encountered anthony reid, who had been deeply engrossed in his investigation regarding general philips widow and child. the psychiatrist glanced at lumian and inquired, what happened in the market district last night? ive had numerous individuals attempting to buy information related to it from me. lumian chuckled. perhaps a strange aura erupted from rue des blouses blanches. Chapter 395 - 395 Progress on the Other Side 395 progress on the other side anthony reid, the middle-aged psychiatrist, observed lumians smile and mused, your performance suggests that this matter is personal to you. dammit, you can tell from that? lumian had thought his smile, expression, and body language appeared normal. his response hadnt been exceptional, but he hadnt made any obvious mistakes. anthony reid continued, your smile and actions betrayed a sense of smugness. and your reaction tells me this matter is deeply intertwined with you. could it be discerned even without mind reading? it wasnt until that moment that lumian realized his seemingly ordinary expressions and actions might conceal hidden information in the eyes of a psychiatrist. anthony reid calmly advised, im telling you directly how ive interpreted your cues. in the future, when you find yourself facing a psychiatrist and wish to deceive them, its best to prepare your emotions in advance and mentally rehearse your narrative as if it were genuine. if youd rather not discuss the strange aura on rue des blouses blanches, thats perfectly fine. i dont have the energy to gather information and trade it for money. lumian contemplated anthonys words and nodded gently. he then inquired, hows your investigation into general philip going? do you require our assistance? anthony reid glanced around, confirming there were no passersby in the hall at this late hour, and madame fels was at a considerable distance. he whispered, general philips widow, child, and his closest friends during his lifetime dont seem to be a concern. they are leading normal lives. however, ive discovered that general philips widow donates a substantial sum to a charitable organization called dreamseekers every quarter. the total donation amounts to nearly half of their apparent family assets. lumian pondered for a moment and asked, quite generous. what can you tell me about the dreamseekers charity? anthony reid replied, thats the subject of my next investigation. at present, i only know that their mission is to assist talented young individuals who have come to trier to pursue their dreams but have encountered temporary hardships. they are not affiliated with the two churches or established by government entities. its a private charity primarily funded by donations from high society. lumian smiled and issued a warning with a hint of mockery, be cautious when delving into the dreamseekers. of course, if you happen to be reckless, it wont matter. at the very least, im already aware that if you were to suddenly vanish or meet an untimely demise, the source of the trouble likely stems from that charitable organization. anthony reid stroked his light-yellow hair. dont worry, im timid and value my life. i duck for cover at the sound of gunfire. if i ever sense danger, i wont be too proud to seek your assistance. besides, this is what you promised me. without waiting for a reply, he continued, guillaume bnets wife has been residing at 20 rue des terraces in the library district and hasnt attempted to relocate. ive bribed some ordinary folks around her. recently, theyve informed me that a mysterious man occasionally visits her late at night, raising suspicions of an affair. condiment beauty paulina her decision to stay put on rue des terraces likely means she feels more secure now. combined with the neighborhood rumors, theres a strong likelihood that she has reestablished contact with bouvard pont-pro of the sinners organization lumian smiled once more. instruct your informants to compile a summary of the mysterious mans visitation patterns. this way, we can catch them in the act more precisely. it was imperative to apprehend the sinners liaison, bouvard pont-pro! only then could lumian hope to trace the sinners organization and locate roche louise sansons family. initially, he had hoped to start his investigation with the sanson family name, possibly targeting jacques sanson, who had once run for parliament in the market district. however, he soon realized that sanson was a common surname in intis, and jacques sansons family connections appeared straightforward. there were no apparent issues on the surface, and there were no reports of disappearances involving his sister, daughter, or other relatives. after much contemplation, lumian concluded that, for the time being, his focus needed to shift to the sinners, an organization dedicated to the belief in inevitability. his goal was to locate someone connected to the original aurores body. he couldnt shake the feeling that there were still mysteries surrounding loki and the others who had targeted aurore. it was impossible that the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings had directly sent a revelation instructing loki and the others to guide muggle into using the soul summoning spell on herself, right? such a direct involvement didnt align with the typical status of a deity, and considering the celestial worthys ongoing conflict with mr. fool, his condition shouldnt be that favorable. moreover, aurore had never participated in the april fools teams real-life gatherings. how then could loki determine that her original body was a follower of an evil god? lumian contemplated two possibilities. either aurore had long been tormented by roche louise sansons lingering will and sought help from i know someone, inadvertently revealing her secret and drawing their attention, or one of the core members of the april fools team had a close connection to the sinners organization and stumbled upon the matters related to roche louise sanson. anthony reid nodded in approval as he observed lumians patience in waiting for the mysterious man who had visited guillaume bnets wife to provide more clues. avenue du march, salle de bal brise. just as lumian reached the staircase, he spotted sarkota waiting there. the boss is upstairs, sarkota whispered. he had been a part of baron brignais operation for a long time, but he had no inkling about the true identity of the elusive boss of the savoie mob. by the time ciel had taken over salle de bal brise, the boss had made two visits! whats the boss doing here? lumians mind raced as he quickly recalled the events of the past two days. a rough idea began to form. ascending the staircase to the second floor, he spotted gardner martin, impeccably dressed in formal attire, sans bow tie, leisurely savoring his coffee. gardner martin put down his cup and asked with a smile, where did you go? lumian responded with candor. i had a chat with anthony reid, the information broker. i assigned him a mission: keeping tabs on the widow of guillaume bnet, the enemy i just dispatched, and observing her associates. i suspect that guillaume bnet might be backed by a secret organization that worships an evil deity. gardner martin chuckled and remarked, youre not leaving any room for mercy, are you? youre even more ruthless than i thought. yes, we can enlist the authorities assistance to deal with these secret organizations of evil gods. without allowing lumian a chance to reply, he inquired further, did you sense that menacing and terrifying presence last night? lumian nodded honestly. i felt it. i was present at the scene recalling the sensation coursing through his veins when he resonated with the blood emperors aura, he added, back then, my blood seemed to be on fire. i wanted to investigate the origin of that aura, but the official beyonders were quicker and sealed off rue des blouses blanches. gardner martin appreciated lumians forthrightness. when the official beyonders are less vigilant, pay a visit to 6 rue des blouses blanches and do some digging. you might stumble upon something. alright, lumian agreed readily. a return to the crime scene promised its own brand of intrigue. late at night, 3 rue des blouses blanches, apartment 601, francas room. sitting beside the typewriter and radio transceiver, the demoness of pleasure perused the information before turning to jenna, who sat by her bedside. the gist of the matter is that ciel has stumbled upon a new enemy. this guy is a sequence 5 marionettist of the seer pathway, a member of bureau 8. hes sinister and powerful. not only did he detect our surveillance, but he also traced us back and launched an ambush franca skipped over the part about the curly-haired baboons research society and recounted the entire incident. in this narrative, helas identity had been that of a formidable beyonder hired through a mysticism gathering. franca spread her hands and said, i was out cold and unaware of the terrifying and violent aura that permeated the scene. when i came to, we were all underground. the marionettist, who went by the code name loki, was already dead. ciel was incinerating his body, and that woman was watching. jenna was astounded by the capabilities and performance of a marionettist. she tensed, feeling the summer night grow colder. seeing jennas reaction, franca seized the moment to add, but theres something even more chilling! she proceeded to recount everything she knew, sending shivers down jennas spine. jenna involuntarily took a few steps closer to franca. dammit, what else have you guys been up to that i dont know about? jenna mustered her courage, spewing out a few choice expletives. its not us, its ciel! franca was about to delve into the horror when a message crackled through the radio transceiver. the intricate analyzer automatically translated it, spitting out a piece of paper through a connected mechanical typewriter. franca picked it up and saw it was from 007. hidden blade, do you have any information about the terrifying aura in the market district last night? franca typed out her response, i dont reside in the market district. why would i know anything about it? 007 quickly replied, most of the information you provide and the favors you ask from me are related to or within the vicinity of the market district. if you havent set foot there in the past six months, ill eat my own hat! franca chuckled dryly and responded, under jennas watchful gaze. i do have some knowledge about this incident. but i cant spill the beans right now. youll get the scoop at our next gathering. as franca conversed with 007, lumian was resting in room 207 of the auberge du coq dor. for the moment, he refrained from finding any acting possibilities. despite having received treatment from madame hela and no longer teetering on the brink of losing control, as well as the auto-recovery at 6 a.m., there were lingering mental issues that required time and rest to slowly mend. additionally, he needed to wait for madame hela to extract confessions from the april fools team members. just before midnight, the pure silver skull emerged from the shadows, its teeth gripping a thick stack of papers. Chapter 396 - 396 Pure Evil 396 pure evil lumian expressed his gratitude and took the stack of papers. he lit the carbide lamp and quickly skimmed through the confessions. hela had already thoroughly read through them and had made notes on the essential information. this saved lumian a lot of time. besides, he didnt know much about the curly-haired baboons research societys history. if he were the one making the choice, he might struggle to grasp the key points accurately. after nearly an hour of reading, lumian had a rough understanding of the overall situation. there arent many april fools members, and they dont meet often or play pranks frequently. they mainly operate in three areas: trier, the coastal province of gaia in the feynapotter kingdom, and the west balam region of the southern continent. the core members involved in the gatherings in trier are loki, i know someone, and mad lady. in the gaia province, during the sea prayer rituals at port santa, the april fools team members who pulled pranks were bard, ultraman, and mad lady. bard and ultraman incited local college students to march in torres, the capital of gaia province in the pranks that took place in the southern continents west balam, the core members involved were hisoka and mad lady. at a private gathering in trier, loki jokingly mentioned that he had inherited an ancient castle. at another trier gathering, i know someone suddenly felt inspired and wanted to hypnotize certain psychiatrists to make them conceive a solution to treat certain mental illnesses by destroying the frontal lobe madam susies accusation of malicious treatment that would forever calm patients turns out to be a prank by i know someone thats true. only someone from another world could skip previous speculations and come up with such an idea his sole purpose was to see if the psychiatrists of this world were as foolish, bigoted, and despicable as to create an absurd tragedy that would leave a mark on medical history the dozens or hundreds of patients who had completely lost their souls would never expect their tragic encounter to stem from an inhumane prank loki and i know someone are worse than i imagined lumian couldnt help but shake his head as he read the last page of the confessions. he believed that he had already witnessed the worst side of humanity during his tramp days. people had committed heinous acts for food, to escape trouble, to vent their emotionsthey had murdered other tramps, sold companions to the mines while they were asleep, abducted children from the streets, bullied the weak, and humiliated them in various ways. some had formed gangs and chased away other tramps every day, turning a blind eye to their suffering. but now, lumian realized that these evils were clearly inferior to those of loki, i know someone, and the other core members of april fools. they were on a whole other level. even demons from the abyss would have to address them as godfathers when they see them. compared to them, the padre can be considered a saint, lumian muttered, setting fire to these people repeatedly in his mind. he exhaled and extracted useful information from these confessions and madame helas markings. at least eight members of the curly-haired baboons research society are suspected to have perished as a direct or indirect result of pranks by the april fools team i know someone, like loki, participates in every private gathering in trier, but he has never been to feynapotters gaia province or west balam. this suggests he likely resides in trier as well similarly, bard and ultraman are suspected to be in feynapotters gaia province. hisoka is located in the southern continents west balam mad lady participates in private gatherings everywhere, and these gatherings occur within a month after an agreement is made. this implies that mad lady has a teleportation-like ability or item the joke about loki inheriting the ancient castle aligns with his dream. perhaps i can start with investigating the appearance of the ancient castle to find lokis whereabouts i know someone displayed extensive medical knowledge at gatherings, not limited to the psychological domain he was either a formidable general practitioner before transmigrating or possessed the body of a senior doctor. could such a person be usually a doctor in disguise? he has the qualifications and ability to impersonate and earn a large sum of money bard loves to collect emperor roselles diary pages and mock him in various ways. could he have written emperor roselles secret chronicles? ultraman and hisoka keep a relatively low profile during the gatherings, leaving no details worth pondering based on this information, lumian finalized his next course of investigation. firstly, he wanted to find the ancient castle from lokis dream. secondly, he aimed to delve into the medical profession, seeking clues about i know someone. thirdly, he planned to wait for the next gathering to confirm whether the author of emperor roselles secret chronicles was among the current research society members before pursuing the original author. as for the others, he would consider them after dealing with these matters and gaining something more valuable. lumian summoned the rabbit of knowledge and had it copy the information before sending it to madam magician. whats this? jenna looked at the pure silver skull emerging from the darkness, a little afraid to meet the pale-white flames in its eye sockets. franca smiled awkwardly and said, this is the messenger of that formidable lady. she helped us organize the accomplices statements. franca snatched the thick piece of paper from the skulls mouth, not wanting jenna to see the firsthand information. revealing it would expose the curly-haired baboons research society! jenna looked at the pure silver skull disappearing into the darkness and asked in confusion and curiosity, whats a messenger? its like a postman in the world of mysticism. its a postman for private use, franca explained simply. jenna shifted her gaze to franca. do you have one? franca fell silent. this can only be obtained by a specific pathway at a specific sequence or with their help. oh, you dont jenna deciphered francas words. intrigued, she asked, at which sequence in the demoness pathway does one need to reach before they can have a messenger? franca fell silent again. not even at sequence 4 that i know of. with that, she muttered under her breath, you can switch to the hunter pathway with your provocative abilities. jenna chuckled and thought for a moment. the last time i helped ciel read about spirit world creatures, i seemed to have noticed a description of a few spirit world creatures that said they were suitable as messengers. can we summon them and sign a messenger contract? no, uh, its not impossible. franca suddenly realized that she could use mr. fools power to summon creatures from the spirit world and ask him to be a witness to the contract, just like ciels contract ability. seeing franca deep in thought, jenna waited silently. after a moment, franca nodded slowly. ive come up with an idea. well try it later. she then said to jenna, ill sort out these statements. dont stay up too late. you still have to go to thatre de lancienne cage pigeons tomorrow morning. jenna didnt inquire further and left francas bedroom. franca let out a sigh of relief and took a telegram that had just been received. it also came from 007. hidden blade, when are you moving out of the market district? ever since you arrived here, all kinds of troubles have been happening one after another. im about to become a real 007. i suspect youre the walking source of disaster! pfft! franca spat and muttered to herself, is the problem me? its ciel! ever since lumian arrived in the market district, her life hadnt been as leisurely as before. the incident with loki had just subsided, and the small cracks on her skin had yet to fully heal. she had to go to trocadro tomorrow afternoon to interact with the participants of the red house cafs female orgy and the woman suspected to be a member of the demoness sect. around 9 a.m., lumian, having completed his morning exercise and breakfast, found himself with a rare moment of leisure. on the iron and blood cross orders side, he awaited poufer saurons next summoning. concerning the sinners organization, he patiently gathered information without alerting the occasional mysterious visitor. anthony reid would handle matters related to hugues artois, but his assistance wasnt needed yet. it proved challenging to discreetly tail franca during the bliss society investigations as she needed to make contact with the demoness sect. lumian had leads on lokis ancient castle and i know someone, but lacked a clear breakthrough. after careful consideration, lumian decided that acting as a pyromaniac was the best course of action. however, the market district was in a delicate state, closely monitored by numerous high-ranking individuals. finding a safe opportunity was crucial. should i take the opportunity to report to mr. k and inquire if he has a suitable mission for me to act as a pyromaniac lost in thought, he walked past the salle de gristmill on rue anarchies other side. the establishment was under lumians ownership, currently overseen by the bounty hunter lugano toscano and louis of the savoie mob. after a brief moment of reflection, lumian decided to enter the salle de gristmill. the dance hall was closed at that time, and every waiter greeted lumian respectfully but kept their distance. lumian quickly spotted lugano toscano, the well-built bounty hunter with sharp features, thick eyebrows, and large eyes. he was dressed in a simple formal suit and a black top hat. holding a magazine, he smiled at lumian. boss, what brings you here? lumian didnt respond immediately. his attention was drawn to the magazine in luganos hand. what magazine are you reading? basics of medicine, lugano replied, displaying the book. basics of medicine lumians eyebrows twitched. why are you reading such books? he could understand if it was the first aid manual. lugano smiled and explained, my next sequence is doctor. although the potion will directly grant me corresponding beyonder powers, having more medical knowledge will enhance my abilities. plus, i aim to pose as a genuine doctor to earn some extra income. stumbling on the acting method coincidentally doctor lumians heart stirred as he asked, have you ever heard of frontal lobe removal surgery? Chapter 397 - 397 Execution Ground 397 execution ground lugano cast a puzzled glance at lumian. youve heard about this surgery too? after a moment of thought, he forced a smile. as expected of you. youre knowledgeable and have a wide range of interests. you even know about such cutting-edge surgeries. seems like you know a lot, lumian brushed off luganos ingratiation. lugano nodded quickly. ive read in several magazines that doctors believe the essence of such surgery is to destroy the patients brain, and its irreversible. in other words, while it appears to cure the patients madness, it leaves him with lower intelligence and eternally calm, devoid of emotional fluctuations. they believe that if we dont use this surgery, theres still a chance of recovery from the madness through other methods, but once they become stupid, theres no hope of recovery. intis still has many doctors with high academic standards who dare to speak the truth. their professional ethics arent bad either lumian nodded inwardly. after confirming that lugano had a certain understanding of the medical world, he casually asked, any strange medical cases recently? lugano pondered for a moment and slowly shook his head. nothing out of the ordinary. just as lumian was about to change the subject, lugano added, if you insist on something strange, theres a folklore thats been trending on a small scale recently. medical-related folklore? lumian discerned the underlying meaning in luganos words. lugano, with his brown hair and eyes, replied with a smile, sort of. its probably because a group of trier citizens believe that the blood shed by a death row inmate carries the last vestiges of lifes resilience. if you eat some bread dipped in it, it can treat various illnesses. this infuriated many medical columnists, who called it a retro, bloody, and foolish act. in comparison, going to the cathedral to seek protection might be more effective. why havent i heard of such folklore? lumian found the trier citizens actions indescribable. they werent just foolish. lugano chuckled. boss, thats normal. ive never heard of it before either. its a folklore that only appeared in the past two to three months. perhaps its brought about by some foreigners. more and more people are believing it. lumian chatted with the bounty hunter, who had saved up to purchase the doctor main ingredient, for a while longer, gaining a vague understanding of triers medical world. shortly before noon, having filled his stomach, he turned onto rue des blouses blanches and entered apartment 3. throughout this process, lumian didnt conceal his curiosity. he carefully examined 6 rue des blouses blanches, but found no traces. he knocked on apartment 601s door and tossed the lie earring to franca, whose flaxen-colored hair was tied up in a simple ponytail. this companion had to interact with the demoness sect in the afternoon again. she had to revert to her previous appearance. what took you so long? franca precisely caught the silver earring. didnt you receive the information from madame hela? ive been waiting for you to come and discuss it. a soft chuckle escaped lumians lips. why are you even more anxious than me? after closing the door, he sat on the sofa and recounted the key information and corresponding guesses he had extracted from the information. franca chimed in from time to time, offering her opinions. towards the end, lumian recounted the bounty hunter lugano toscanos description of triers medical world and the strange folklore. francas expression turned odd. is there a problem? lumian wasnt alarmed but delighted. franca confirmed succinctly, the rumor that eating bread stained with the blood of death row inmates can treat illnesses is very similar to ancient folklore back home, but that was many years ago. ever since education was made universal, such folklore has basically disappeared. in the original folklore, steamed buns dyed red by the blood of death row inmates could treat severe lung ailments, provided they were eaten while they were still hot. lumian raised his right eyebrow. he had found the strange folklore giving him an indescribable feeling. it felt like a prank! this was the style of april fools! i know someone came up with it? lumian suddenly felt a surge of excitement. a psychiatrist capable of hypnosis could make such folklore appear and spread without anyone knowing! franca nodded solemnly. i know someone is also from your sisters and my homeland. otherwise, your sister wouldnt have trusted him and sought treatment for her psychological problems. his code name and the language he knows bear witness to this. besides him and black earth, the other members of april fools might not be aware of that ancient folklore. loki doesnt know either? lumian asked in surprise. im not sure. franca frowned. im not familiar with him, and he has never revealed his identity as a fellow countryman. if he hadnt recited the four-lined honorific name in the language of your sister and me, i wouldnt have known that he knew it. i always thought that their teams emperor roselle diary entries were translated by i know someone and black earth. a mischievous grin curved lumians lips. if its really a folklore prank created by i know someone, ill go to the execution ground in the prison district and watch. the prison district, also known as quartier du red hat, officially numbered 4, was one of the oldest urban districts. it boasted intiss most renowned prison, saint-maar prison, hence the districts name. near saint-maar prison stood one of triers busiest execution groundsrois comprehensive execution ground. be careful. psychiatrists are more cautious than marionettists, franca warned. although i know someone wasnt a beyonder of the seer, marauder, or apprentice pathways and couldnt discover the seal on lumians body even if he believed in the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings, lumian still felt that he couldnt be careless. he got back the lie earring and briefly changed his appearance. he was worried that the resurrected loki had already communicated with i know someone about his and francas real appearance. franca took back the lie earring and asked curiously, what was up with that terrifying aura from that day? lumian chuckled. well need to start with madame hela and me searching for the samaritan womens spring. franca was taken aback for a moment before cursing. dammit! how many details did you leave out? it depends on when it comes up. lumian briefly mentioned how the blood emperors aura had corroded his flesh. franca had already forgotten her anger. she carefully observed lumians raised right palm and finally noticed the indistinct marks that seemed to have been squeezed beyond recognition. wow, you actually have the aura of a true god on you. although its just an empty shell, its still the aura of a true god. furthermore, its a true god of the same pathway. franca sighed enviously, wishing she could have one for herself. she then looked at lumians bandaged left hand. whats on this one? nothing. its just to attract attention, lumian replied with a smile. franca was stunned for two seconds. youre so sinister! if you advance to a conspirer, your digestion speed will definitely be very fast! i hope the outcome is as good as your blessings, lumian replied without modesty. in the afternoon, lumian took a public carriage to the north bank of the srenzo river and arrived at the rois comprehensive execution ground in the prison district. one of triers citizens hobbies was watching the execution of criminals. although it wasnt the weekend, there were still many people gathered here. there were even many vendors setting up stalls or traversing among them, hawking food and drinks. among them, there was no shortage of gorgeously dressed street girls seeking business, as well as a group of authors who had deliberately come to take a stroll. if not for the name rois comprehensive execution ground written at the intersection and the gallows and beheading platform standing in the distance, lumian would have suspected that he had come to the wrong place and entered a nearby market. it was bustling and noisy. stepping on the muddy ground, lumian concealed himself in the crowd and circled the execution ground as if he were strolling through a market. he didnt spot anyone suspicious, but he saw a dozen or so men and women with bread in their hands crowding in front. their clothes were old, and some of them could be considered crude. after a while, the crowd suddenly stirred, squeezing to the sides of the road leading to the execution ground to welcome the procession from saint-maar prison. lumian didnt join in the bustle, but he heard cheers, whistles, and women shouting, im willing to marry you. the latter wasnt a proposal, but a jest about past folklore. in the classical era before emperor roselle, if a death row inmate received a proposal while walking from prison to the execution ground and he agreed, he would receive a change in sentence and survive. however, not all death row inmates would accept it. some valued looks very much, while others had dignity. they all chose death to uphold their ideals. the two most renowned cases involved a handsome death row inmate who rejected the proposal of a woman, believing her appearance to be a nightmare. on the other hand, a beautiful girl, faced with an executioners courtship, gave up the opportunity to save herself, believing it was an insult to love and marriage. lumian squeezed into the front row of onlookers and saw two death row inmates standing at the firing point. they were relatively young, no more than 30 years old. they wore standard prison uniformsred short shirts, yellow pants, and green hats. their feet dragged iron balls, and their hands were tied behind their backs with iron chains. one of the men had black hair and blue eyes, while the other had brown hair and brown eyes. they were good-looking, but their gazes were filled with hatred. upon seeing the execution gunmen reach their designated positions and raise their rifles, the two death row inmates shouted, long live freedom! return to glory! after shouting, the two of them glared at each other angrily and collapsed amidst the gunshots, blood gushing out. the people holding the bread were excited, but they were stopped by the soldiers in front of them and couldnt rush to the firing point. once the condition of the two death row inmates was confirmed, the soldiers left in formation. the bread-wielding citizens charged towards the blood-stained soil. lumian didnt look at them. instead, he observed his surroundings to see who was enjoying this absurd comedy. Chapter 398 - 398 Human Blood Bread 398 human blood bread some of the citizens of trier were curious and began asking around for the reason behind the commotion, while others watched with excitement. lumian couldnt discern who was genuinely enjoying the pranks results and who was simply caught up in the fun. this was a part of triers folklore. lumian believed that even a formidable, higher-sequence psychiatrist like madam susie wouldnt be able to pinpoint the source of the commotion, identify the prankster, or distinguish the intentional misguidance from the innocent bystanders. although lumian had anticipated this, he couldnt help but let out a sigh. you trierians no wonder the april fools team held their private gatherings here. it was like a homecoming. lumian abandoned his observations and casually singled out a middle-aged man who was using rye bread to soak up the blood left behind by the death row inmates. he waited until the man made a dash for an exit of the rois comprehensive execution ground before quietly following behind. in a secluded alley devoid of barricades, lumian took a few steps forward, blocking the path of the middle-aged man in a tattered linen shirt. raising his bandaged left palm, lumian inquired, as if he were a mobster giving a condescending glance to an ordinary citizen. what have you got there? the gaunt middle-aged man with short black hair replied timidly, its bread stained with the blood of death row inmates. and whats the purpose of this? lumian adopted the tone of a curious monster with a touch of intrigue. the middle-aged mans fear was palpable. i-it can treat illnesses. who told you it could treat illnesses? this was lumians main question. the middle-aged man answered in a daze, i heard it from guillaume, who lives across the street. he said that his coworkers child got better after eating this kind of human blood bread. the child of a coworkers neighbor lumian regarded it as nothing more than a rumor. tracing its origin would be challenging. he studied the middle-aged man clutching the blood-stained bread and asked with contemplation, is someone in your family sick too? yes. the middle-aged man instantly looked downtrodden and filled with despair. he glanced at the blood-stained bread in his hand, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. lumian remained silent for a moment before responding, what did the doctor say? the middle-aged man lowered his head slightly, his gaze fixed on the blood bread. he said theres no cure, and i dont have the money to lumian didnt press further. he turned silently, allowing the middle-aged man to pass through the barricade with his blood-soaked bread and continue down the secluded alley. he moved slowly, retracing his steps back to the rois comprehensive execution ground, and noticed that the market was still in full swing. many citizens had taken advantage of the situation to have picnics, sing, and dance, turning it into an impromptu gathering. lumian took cover behind the trees on the edge of the square, sitting in the shadows, and continued to silently observe the people coming and going. as time passed, the bustling market in the execution ground gradually quieted down. the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the surroundings into darkness. lumian remained hidden, keeping an eye on the departing citizens and vendors. however, he didnt identify any suspicious individuals. with the arrival of the dark night, the rois comprehensive execution ground was deserted, bathed in the eerie light of the crimson moon. lumian slowly rose to his feet, preparing to depart. suddenly, he caught sight of a dark figure leaping over the side fence and swiftly infiltrating the execution ground. lumian froze and pressed further into the shadows of the tree. the slender figure, adorned with a top hat, made his way to the area where the death row inmates had met their end. he knelt down, reached out, and collected the soil stained with their blood. could this person also believe in the healing properties of death row inmates blood? his actions and agility suggest he might be a beyonder lumian silently watched the mysterious figure. before long, the tall, thin figure in the top hat straightened up, holding a mound of blood-soaked soil. rather than immediately leaving the rois execution grounds, he ventured deeper, heading towards the gallows. under the crimson moonlight, the figure buried the blood-stained soil beneath the gallows. he seemed to scrutinize the plants growing there, as if searching for something. in trocadro town, inside the red house caf with its vibrant mushroom-like roof, franca, sporting black hair, brown eyes, and hunting attire, placed her dinner order: beef seasoned with coarse salt, red wine, fries, feysac omelet, quail bisque with a few slices of ham. earlier that afternoon, she had engaged in a lively conversation with a group of ladies and could sense the longing and desire in their eyes. simultaneously, she felt someone secretly observing her, prompting her to stay until nightfall. as franca neared the end of her dinner, a woman descended from the second floor. it was the demoness who had tailed franca previously. today, her long orange-red hair cascaded down her back, and she wore a white mans shirt, brown dungarees, and dark brown boots that accentuated her perfect figure. her appearance was exquisite and clean, with an aura that was both pure and slightly wild. without hesitation, the woman, presumably a member of the demoness sect, walked straight toward franca, pulled out a chair, and sat opposite her. franca deliberately assessed the demonesss appearance and figure with a masculine gaze. she smiled and watched as the woman sat down, waiting for her to speak. why are you here again? the orange-red-haired demoness inquired, studying franca closely. franca smiled and replied, trocadro wine is my favorite wine. the scenery and atmosphere here are quite appealing. noticing the demonesss disbelief, franca added with a sly smile, besides, ive heard she lowered her voice and insinuated, there are female orgies here. the eyes of the demoness with long orange-red hair flickered. who told you that? franca looked at the demonesss face and said provocatively, once, i encountered a nymphomaniac who tried to ambush me, but i handled him. he claimed to be a peripheral member of an organization called the bliss society. the core members of this organization are lesbians, and they are trying to connect with participants in the female orgies at the red house caf, looking to recruit new members. franca wasnt sure if the demoness sect had any ties to the bliss society. after all, it wasnt inconceivable for organizations worshiping evil gods to form alliances to some extent, similar to how hugues artois had numerous heretics under his influence. therefore, she confessed this information to gauge the reaction of the person sitting across from her. as she spoke, she prepared herself for any potential surprise attacks. the demoness with long orange-red hairs expression shifted slightly, becoming more serious. the hostility and wariness in her eyes diminished, but there was a clear sense of repulsion. oh, does she view the participants of these female gatherings as her lovers and is unwilling to let me, possibly once a man, near them? franca couldnt help but mimic lumians tone inwardly and playfully tease. she was reasonably certain that the other party had never heard of the bliss society, but she had detected some signs. the demoness sitting across from franca fell into deep thought, appearing to consider a potential issue. after more than ten seconds, she unconsciously brushed back her long orange-red hair and asked cautiously, are you here to investigate the bliss society, or are you interested in joining the orgy? francas laugh drew astonished looks from the surrounding customers, who were clearly taken aback by her stunning expression. both, franca replied, meeting the orange-red eyes of the demoness. but if i had to choose, id prefer attending the orgy. how can people like us resist such a tempting party? wouldnt you agree? in this way, franca subtly indicated that she had deduced that the other person was also a demoness and likely a former male assassin. she also hinted at her own history as a man to deter any sudden attacks. the demoness, now dressed as a man, seemed to resist this notion but remained silent, clearly captivated by francas presence and aura. leaning forward, franca asked in a more masculine tone, what should i call you? the demoness hesitated briefly before responding somberly, im browns sauron. and you? sauron another member of the sauron family? franca suddenly recalled that lumians recent mission under the iron and blood cross order involved interactions with members of the sauron family. she didnt conceal her true name and smiled. franca roland. browns sauron let out a silent sigh and continued, our party places great importance on the privacy and safety of all members. we cant allow problematic individuals to join. if youre truly interested, youll need to undergo an audit. franca didnt mind at all. she toyed with the buttons on her shirt and inquired with a grin, so, where should we start this audit? prison district, rois comprehensive execution ground. under the crimson moonlight, the tall, slender figure in the top hat carefully unearthed a few handfuls of weeds from the ground beneath the gallows. the roots of these weeds emitted an eerie, blood-red glow, appearing especially otherworldly in the moons dim light. this tall, thin figure had a prominent nose bridge, fair skin, and impeccably groomed medium-length black hair. his eyes were a striking shade of red, and he possessed a certain androgynous allure. clad in a white shirt, a vibrant red bow tie, and a sleek black suit, he gazed with fascination at the peculiar weeds in his hand. he was on the verge of rising to leave the execution grounds. however, at that very moment, a curious male voice broke the silence. what are you digging? the lanky figure, who had been crouched beneath the gallows, looked up in astonishment. to his surprise, he realized that, at some unnoticeable point in time, a figure had materialized before him, peering down with a penetrating gaze. this new arrival had blond hair and eyes as blue as serene lakes. he wore a simple white shirt and a black vest, giving him a youthful and refreshing appearance. how did he manage to approach me without detection? i didnt pick up on any scent or movement! the lanky figures heart raced with alarm and trepidation. Chapter 399 - 399 Mandrake 399 mandrake the lanky figure, though startled, sprang into action. in a swift motion, he launched a powerful kick with his knee, lunging at lumian, leaving only a blur behind. rather than reaching out with his right hand, which was gripping the strange weeds, he extended his nails, etched with mystical symbols and patterns, appearing hard and razor-sharp. darkness surrounding lumian seemed to awaken, converging into pitch-black chains that aimed to ensnare him in place. lumians gaze remained resolute as he observed the rapidly approaching figure. he emitted a soft harrumph. two beams of brilliant white light shot forth from his nostrils, striking the target before he could evade in time. the tall, slender figure suddenly crumpled to the ground, unconscious. the illusory chains, formed from darkness, disintegrated into nothingness. lumian, donning a different visage, grinned and shook his head. you actually opted for an attack rather than fleeing. utilizing spirit world traversal, he teleported to close the distance with his target discreetly, preventing him from sensing the impending danger. when they were within mere meters of each other, escape or counterattack became impossible. at worst, both parties would sustain injuries. hence, lumian still had time for a greeting. if the other party cooperated and answered civilly, there might be no need for a confrontation. it was akin to a phrase frequently espoused by the curly-haired baboons research society: encouraging compliance through good morals! lumian carefully observed for a few moments and confirmed that the tall, thin figure had indeed fainted. he bent down to examine the peculiar blood-red rooted weeds. apart from their extraordinary spiritual properties, they seemed rather ordinary. after some contemplation, lumian hoisted the unconscious figure and shook him vigorously. as the target began to stir, lumian released his grip and stepped back. based on the previous skirmish, lumian suspected that the other party was a mid-sequence beyonder from the apothecary pathway, specifically sequence 7, known as vampire. this meant that any human who consumed the corresponding potion to advance would eventually undergo a transformation into another species. aurore possessed substantial knowledge about vampires characteristics and abilities, as the curly-haired baboons research society included two individuals known as sanguines, one of whom bore the code name headmaster. hence, lumian deduced the targets identity based on his swift reflexes, formidable nails, and the dark shackles-like spells he wielded. since he wasnt a psychiatrist and didnt possess any similar items, they werent truly enemies. the best course of action was to engage in a friendly and cooperative conversation. as soon as the lanky figure regained consciousness, he sprang to his feet and scanned his surroundings with a wary gaze. his eyes fell upon a blond youth standing by the gallows, dressed in a crisp outfit and wearing a friendly smile. instinctively, he considered launching an attack, but a rational thought held him back. the other party had clearly demonstrated the ability to subdue him effortlessly, with the power to end his life or sell him at any moment. however, instead of harm, he had chosen to awaken him! this implied an absence of immediate malice. moreover, it indicated a profound confidence in his own capabilities, as if he were unafraid of any resistance or escape. the lanky figure recalled the other partys sudden appearance and the peculiar white beams. he couldnt help but feel that even if the barons or even viscounts from his family were to confront him, the outcome wouldnt be so swift and one-sided. coupled with his ignorance of the two white beams nature and the corresponding pathway, he suspected that the individual before him had surpassed his expectations in terms of sequence. what do you want? the lanky figure inquired in a deep voice. lumian remained composed, ready to employ the spell of harrumph if necessary. are you a vampire? sanguine, the lanky figure emphasized. lumian cast his eyes skyward at the crimson moon and inquired with a smile, which family? though he possessed no knowledge of the numerous vampire families or the renowned last names, it didnt prevent him from assuming the role of an ancient being, wise and well-traveled. sensing the fear in the lanky figures demeanor, lumian seized the opportunity to play this role, drawing inspiration from figures like the ancient monster amon, who had lived for eons. i hail from the bruch family, the tall, slender figure declared with pride. my name is la nou bruch. what kind of family is this? ive never heard of them lumian nodded slightly and said, ah, the bruch family. he glanced at the strange weed in la nous hand. what is this? its mandrake, la nou responded truthfully, believing that such a potent beyonder wouldnt have much interest in a plant primarily used for spiritual purposes. you mustnt merely answer my questions one by one. be proactive and provide context and your reasons for being here. how can i maintain my image like this? lumian chided him internally as he thought rapidly. did you come specifically to retrieve it because this herb holds unique significance for you? la nou hesitated for a moment before succumbing to his fear. yes, the lotion made from it can help me withstand the spirituality surge during the full moon. spirituality surge lumian recalled some details from aurores grimoires: the headmaster of the academy team had sought a solution to the spirituality surge during the full moon within the curly-haired baboons research society, but had found none. according to sanguine accounts, after the awakening of the ancestor of the ancient species a few years ago and her reclamation of authority from the evernight goddess, all sanguines had become unstable during the full moon. this wasnt the madness that afflicted the mutants, but a form of sublimation. nevertheless, the sudden surge in spirituality, akin to a rising tide, placed a substantial burden on the vampires bodies. some experienced hallucinations or unnecessary danger due to their heightened spiritual perception during this period. lumian regarded la nou with interest and asked, mandrake can suppress the spirituality surge during the full moon? the few sanguines ive encountered seem to be unaware of this. the entire curly-haired baboons research society was unaware! la nou didnt hide his smugness. i believe i may be the first to have made this discovery. mandrake is a plant that thrives beneath the corpses of hanged individuals. it appears to draw power from some sort of earthbound divine influence. spiritual plants associated with the earth domain? lumian inquired thoughtfully, how did you stumble upon this revelation? observing that such a formidable beyonder was ignorant of the origins and applications of mandrake, la nous smile broadened. at first, there were rumors circulating about the plants that grew beneath the bodies of the hanged being able to treat various ailments. given that every sanguine is an apothecary, i couldnt entirely dismiss these rumors. so, i decided to give it a shot. i crafted a mandrake lotion and found that it remarkably suppressed spirituality fluctuations. rumor rumors once again lumian suppressed his frown. do you happen to know where these rumors originated? im afraid not, la nou replied with a shake of his head. in trier, rumors abound. for example, in recent months, i was concerned that the reckless harvesting of mandrake by uninformed citizens might disrupt its growth. however, new rumors have surfaced, with people now chasing after blood-soaked soil from death row inmates. its indeed a challenge to trace the origins of rumors in trier, lumian remarked, a touch of resignation in his voice. why did you bring soil stained with the blood of a death row inmate to the gallows? la nou proudly displayed his findings. ive discovered that mandrake flourishes beneath the bodies of hanged individuals. while its most effective, hanging people isnt a common occurrence. however, by using the blood of other death row inmates to nourish it, mandrake can still grow. although its not as potent, it gets the job done. lumian nodded thoughtfully, considering another aspect of the issue. who initially gave the mandrake its name? wasnt it merely a rumor in the beginning? when it came to topics within his apparent profession, la nou spoke confidently. this plant has borne its name for quite some time, though no one had discovered its medicinal value until now. it was primarily utilized as a spiritual ingredient and as a component in certain spells at this juncture, la nou suddenly fell into a momentary stupor. why havent my ancestors, the illustrious apothecaries, attempted to concoct lotions with mandrake? they arent confined to traditional knowledge; they explore ingredients based on principles and develop new lotions perhaps they did try, but there was no spiritual surge in those times? could it be that mandrake possessed some mystical power triggered by the spirituality surge accompanying the full moon? lumian, not being an apothecary or a mysticologist, couldnt arrive at a conclusive answer. all he could do was speculate based on la nous musings. he changed the subject. why did you refrain from reporting the mandrakes utility to your elders? it could hold great significance for the entire sanguine community. la nou stammered, there are still some issues with the lotions ive crafted. im uncertain if the toxicity of mandrake can be entirely neutralized. i plan to verify this before informing the higher-ups. only then can i have a clear chance at ascending to the rank of baron. what issues have you encountered? lumian queried, part-curious and partly assisting the headmaster of the curly-haired baboons research society. la nou adjusted his long, black hair and expressed his concerns with a mix of confusion and apprehension. whenever i consume the various mandrake-based lotions, its akin to ingesting poisonous mushrooms. i witness an abundance of flowers blooming on the ground, with countless tiny figures dancing amidst them. i find myself covered in mushrooms. the illusions vary somewhat each time, but recurring elements persist. could it be that your preemptive entry into the illusion mitigates the adverse effects of your spirituality surge state? is that why you believe mandrake can suppress this phenomenon? lumian silently pondered. without further ado, he activated his spirit world traversal ability and vanished from la nous view. a sequence 5 traveler or an item of similar nature? la nou heaved a sigh of relief, hazarding a rough guess as to why the other party could appear beside him before he could react. coupled with the strange white beams, such a figure was undoubtedly formidable below the demigod level. Chapter 400 - 400 Transferring Burdens 400 transferring burdens the street lamps outside the window had already lit up. franca gazed at browns sauron and spoke, ive already mentioned my name. i reside in the market district and hold a significant position within the savoie mob. thats all i can reveal. youre free to investigate me as you wish. in any case, i have two objectives. firstly, i intend to probe into the bliss society and eliminate any hidden threats. secondly, i plan to take the opportunity to gain insight into the female gathering. franca couldnt help but smile at her last statement. her strategy for the day involved connecting with people genuinelya tactic she had devised with lumian. if the demoness at the red house caf approached her, she would confess her intentions and assess if the other party had any ties to the bliss society. franca had even discussed specific details with anthony reid, a psychiatrist, to prevent herself from reacting excessively. if that happened, it could do more harm than good. according to anthony reids suggestion, she was candid, but not completely forthcoming. revealing that she was once a man, had transformed into a demoness of pleasure, and was infiltrating the savoie mob to join the iron and blood cross order and eventually return to her original gender would not only fail to gain trust but also raise suspicions of ulterior motives due to her excessive honesty. thus, she only disclosed her identity and primary motives on the surface, leaving the rest hidden in the details, allowing the other party to uncover and investigate on their own. information gathered through effort was much more credible than mere words! browns sauron fixed his gaze on francas eyes and remarked, with the strength youve demonstrated, why limit yourself to being a mob leader? for something of great importance, i believe you would have done the same, franca replied cryptically, hinting that she had also discerned the other partys path, approximate sequence, and original circumstances. with that, she raised her hand to touch the silver-white earring fastened to her right earlobe and added with a grin, i forgot to mention that this isnt my true appearance. my disguise is quite effective. otherwise, why did you lose track of me the last time? browns glanced at the silver earring, nodding in comprehension. instead of delving deeper into francas identity, the conversation shifted toward the topic of the bliss society. franca could discern that the demoness placed significant importance on the red house cafs female orgies and was cautious about any organizations or individuals with hidden agendas. are you telling me that you genuinely form romantic connections with some of the participants in these orgies and have developed feelings for them? if this continues, youre bound to encounter trouble sooner or later. its perfectly natural to have emotions, but seeking them in such gatherings is a sign of a narrow perspective cant you completely separate the spiritual from the physical? when theres too much spiritual connection, the desire for physical intimacy grows. conversely, with too much physical intimacy, its inevitable for souls to draw closer as an observer, franca offered her critique of browns saurons situation, drawing from the knowledge and experiences of two lifetimes that had led to her philosophical reflections. this insight allowed her to grasp her first principle as a demoness of pleasure to some extent. she didnt withhold any information. on the one hand, she suspected that the demoness sect had fostered such an innocent and emotionally driven demoness because they had their sights set on the sauron family. on the other hand, she recounted the general activities and abilities of the bliss society. upon hearing the name sex addict and its corresponding behavior, browns saurons expression grew serious and cautious. franca knew when to conclude the conversation. she finished her after-dinner liqueur, rose gracefully, put on her blue bonnet, and departed from the red house caf. as she entered the rental carriage and returned to the market district, her mind raced, analyzing potential vulnerabilities. i need to persuade jenna to move out. but having her stay in my apartment might reveal my true gender. i must remind her not to display her assassin and instigator abilities for the time being the issue with ciel is that if browns sauron and poufer sauron frequently interact, they might discover that the affluent merchants generous scion is, in reality, the leader of the market districts mob, exposing the iron and blood cross orders hidden agenda. yes, browns is affiliated with the demoness sect and doesnt share the same interests as the sauron family. there is a significant likelihood that she would conceal this fact and exploit it browns is brimming with emotions. is she preparing for the affliction of a sequence 5? rue du rossignol, market district. lumian teleported back to his safe house. while waiting for franca to return lie to him and allow him to revert to his original appearance, he contemplated the rumors circulating about the human blood bread. it would have been manageable if i had discovered it from the outset, but now its already widely believed. hundreds or perhaps thousands of people have bought into it. tracing it back to the source will be extremely challenging. moreover, even if i locate the origin, the person responsible may be filled with false information and unable to identify their source finding a skilled psychiatrist who can hypnotize people is quite a task the mandrake rumor la nou bruch had heard appears suspicious after careful consideration, lumian decided not to dwell on it. he would report it to madam magician and explore the possibility of hiring someone like madam susie or even a high-ranking psychiatrist such as madam justice to investigate the source of the rumors. they were experts in similar operations and possessed all the abilities of i know someone, and even more! the matter concerning the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings was a shared mission of the tarot club. likewise, lumian intended to burden the major arcana card holders with the other clue. given his abilities, it was practically impossible for him to investigate it further. he believed that since loki was operating within bureau 8, there was a chance he had either subtly influenced some of his colleagues or been discovered by them. all these were potential leads. however, based on his experiences dealing with a marionettist, lumian recalled the events at the alone bar and the puppet show in the basement. it wasnt as murky as he had initially thought. it exuded an aura of malevolence, obscurity, and terror, and he could distinctly perceive the tangible danger concealed within the various details. he suspected that most of the spectators at the marionette theater were, in fact, marionettes themselves, fitting the bars name: alone! it seemed that there was only one living person amidst the marionettes! of course, this was somewhat exaggerated. it was evident that a few bureau 8 members were working as bartenders and waitstaff at the alone bar, including loki and leah. nevertheless, beyonders capable of manipulating an entire theater filled with marionettes were far more powerful than loki. they likely exceeded sequence 5 and might even be demigods of the seer pathway. regardless of lumians confidence, he didnt believe he could uncover any clues in a bar protected by a demigod. he didnt dare to attempt it. only the major arcana card holders of the tarot club could conduct a thorough investigation in that direction! without hesitation, lumian unfolded a letter and began reporting his findings to madam magician. as the doll messenger was summoned, it cast a glance at lumian and remarked, do you enjoy dressing up? is that because im wearing a new face? lumian smiled and replied, its a necessity in certain situations. disguises help ensure that one remains unrecognized when carrying out certain tasks. the messenger nodded slowly. no wonder you cant tell im different every day. lumian gazed at the light-golden attire of the doll messenger, unsure whether to offer a truthful response or a white lie. in what way is it different from before? observing lumians silence, the messenger snatched the letter and stated sharply, my hair is smoother, my skin is more elastic, and my dress is new with those words, the messengers voice gradually faded away as it dissolved into the candlelight. lumian let out a sigh and muttered to himself, perhaps the more familiar i become with someone, the less i notice their subtle changes it was akin to franca, who appeared so relaxed around him that she didnt feel the need to rack her brains on many things. if one had to rack their brains and be on edge when interacting with others, their mental state would inevitably deteriorate over time. seeing that it was time, lumian left rue du rossignol and arrived at apartment 601, 3 rue des blouses blanches. he knocked on the door, and jenna opened it, looking surprised. who might you be? lumian scoffed. cant you still not tell from my gait? dammit, your aura, which makes others want to beat you up, will make your disguise useless! jenna knew that lumian possessed a mystical item capable of altering his appearance. once lumian entered the living room, he glanced around. wheres franca? she hasnt returned from her visit to the red house caf, jenna replied, already aware that franca had intentions of engaging with a member of the demoness sect. she had also heard her companion mention the secret organizations animosity towards female assassins. lumian stroked francas mirror substitution in his arms and settled into an armchair when he saw that nothing was amiss. this was jennas usual spot. jenna rolled her eyes at him and perched on the armrest of a nearby chair. she asked thoughtfully, why do you have so many enemies? how many of them are there? lumian had briefly recounted the cordu disaster but had omitted much of his past. he replied simply, the soul summoning spell that caused my sisters problem was acquired from an organization called april fools. they intentionally sold it to my sister. my current objective is to locate their key members and execute them one by one. jenna pursed her lips, refraining from delving into the specifics to avoid upsetting lumian. how can i assist? she inquired earnestly. lumian pondered for a moment and replied, your dedication to becoming a witch is the greatest assistance you can provide me. not only were the core members of april fools formidable, but they also had no boundaries. jenna could only participate in the pursuit of these individuals after becoming a witch and gaining the ability to create a mirror substitution of herself. internally seething with anger, jenna refrained from voicing her frustration. she quietly observed lumian for a few seconds and remarked, i sense that youre more exhausted than before lumian subconsciously smiled. but im also more motivated. but isnt this too intense? franca mentioned that a constantly tense string is prone to snapping. the best approach is to alternate between tension and relaxation, jenna expressed her concern. lumian gave a self-deprecating smile. but they wont allow me to relax. theyre determined to kill me themselves. noticing jennas confusion, he added with a cold expression, they havent reported me to the authorities despite knowing that im a wanted criminal. its clear they want me to remain in the market district until they finalize their plan and make all the necessary preparations. Chapter 401 - 401 Dreamwalker 401 dreamwalker from loki losing control and collapsing without being completely dead, lumian had been vigilant about being reported by the core members of the april fools team and staying prepared for potential surprise attacks from official beyonders. after all, loki knew that he was lumian lee, a leader of the savoie mob, overseeing salle de bal brise. he even knew that lumian carried the aura of the blood emperor alista tudor. in the end, official beyonders merely approached the market districts police headquarters to inquire about the abnormality that night and to see if ciel dubois, a capable mob leader, knew anything. this convinced lumian that the april fools team still had their sights set on him. they were reluctant to hand their target over to the authorities or force him out of the market district where they could no longer keep an eye on him. it had to be known that a marionette sealed with an angel was undoubtedly an item that could cause lokis strength to undergo a significant transformation. missing out on lumian meant he could almost never meet another one. furthermore, the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings might have a use for termiboros. the core members of the april fools team were quite direct about this matter. they didnt bother concealing their mockery and malice. they believed lumian could see through it and expected him to be provoked, eventually choosing to wait in the market district. when to make their move was entirely up to them. they wouldnt recklessly attack while lumian had assistance. jenna sensed the anger and hostility lurking beneath lumians composed demeanor and calm words. she didnt attempt to persuade him further and simply mumbled, i hope these villains get whats coming to them. lumians emotions had been on an upheaval, causing the lingering effects of his near-loss of control to resurface. taking a deep breath, he raised his right hand and massaged his temples to ease the pounding in his head. whats wrong? jenna asked, her concern evident. lumian replied succinctly, the mental trauma from the battle with loki will take a week or two to fully heal. jennas eyes darted as she offered, do you want me to give you a head massage? franca taught me. im quite skilled at it. dont be shy. were friends, after all! her last statement trailed off playfully, an attempt to divert lumians attention and alleviate his emotional state with a teasing tone. lumian scoffed. why do you keep saying that from time to time? franca mentioned this, franca taught me that.'' dont you often jenna started but abruptly stopped herself. initially, she had intended to say, dont you often say, my sister said that, my sister taught me that.'' lumian fell silent, and jenna did the same. after a few seconds, seeing that lumian didnt object, jenna left the chair armrest and moved behind him. she reached out and began massaging his temples and both sides of his head. lumians body tensed up. jenna playfully teased, have you never been intimate with a girl before? lumian scoffed. as a hunter, i would instinctively throw anyone who dared to touch my head or bestow them with a massive fireball. it took a lot of effort not to roast you. amused and exasperated, jenna tightened her grip. did the provoker potion completely alter your language and speech patterns? lumian responded bluntly, yo, why the fancy words? as the two of them bantered, lumians body gradually relaxed. after a few minutes, he leaned back on the sofa and half-closed his eyes. while enjoying jennas massage and relieving his headache, he naturally brought up the pranks of loki, i know someone, and the other core members of the april fools team. jennas anger flared, and she subconsciously tightened her grip. take it easy, lumian said with a hint of physical discomfort. an assassin possessed considerable strength. jenna eased her grip, still fuming. ive never encountered such scoundrels or vile individuals in all my performances. they deserve every bit of suffering! dammit, why am i not a witch yet? lumians eyes remained closed as he asked, hows the digestion with the instigator potion? have you grasped the principles of acting? jennas attention shifted. as she continued to knead, she reflected, there are currently two key points. first, instigation is a means, not an end. second, the essence of instigation lies in understanding the core of the matter and the conditions of the people involved, not in the use of abilities. additionally, ive come to a realization. instigation will inevitably bring about consequences; it just depends on whom you want to face those consequences. not bad, lumian commended, a rare occurrence. standing behind him, jenna lifted her chin modestly and said, i find opportunities to practice every day, especially among theater actors and apprentices at places like thatre de lancienne cage pigeons, where conflicts are abundant. instigating someone forces me to consider who i want to benefit and who will be taught a lesson or suffer losses. it made me realize that instigation is merely a tool. lumians demeanor noticeably softened as he let his thoughts wander. he casually inquired, where do you think i might find an opportunity to act as a pyromaniac? jennas hands continued their soothing motion as she thought and replied, trier is a place of relatively basic order. you can only act on smaller matters; you cant create a major spectacle there but there might be an opportunity during the pursuit of those villains. when you mentioned it earlier, i wanted to set them ablaze! lumian suddenly had an idea, though it wasnt entirely clear. at that moment, footsteps echoed from the stairs, growing progressively louder. jenna released her grip on lumians head and approached the door with a smile. franca is back. in the bustling streets of trier, the night might lack tranquility, but the citizens living in those areas still found their way into slumber. in one persons dream, they envisioned their children gradually improving and becoming healthier after consuming human blood bread. suddenly, a golden retriever carrying a small backpack made an appearance in the dream. the golden retriever sat at the dreams edge, guiding the hazy scenes to reveal hidden memories deep in the dreamers subconscious. it was the excitement of pushing through the crowd and rushing towards the death row inmates corpse with bread in hand. it was the hesitation that came after believing that human blood bread could cure illnesses. it was the mixture of joy and skepticism that had accompanied their first hearing of this rumor the golden retriever caught sight of the figure who had initially informed the dreamer about the blood bread rumors. it turned out to be a neighbor who lived next door. and so, the golden retriever traversed dream after dream, activating the corresponding subconscious memories to search for the source of the blood bread rumors. after hundreds of dreams, the golden retriever noticed two dreams with clear contradictions. one belonged to a father who believed that he had obtained the secret of human blood bread from a warlock he happened to meet, using it to cure his daughters illness. the other dream belonged to his child, who had suddenly fallen ill and then just as suddenly recovered, as if the human blood bread was a miraculous elixir. the golden retriever guided the father to manifest the warlock in his dream. it was very ordinary and unremarkable. scenes in the dream flickered rapidly, and the image of the warlock began to change, memories flowing back. when their initial encounter was revealed, the golden retriever saw a warlock with a completely different face from before! then, the face rapidly shifted, eventually settling into the image the dreamer normally associated with the warlock. the golden retriever had her own interpretation of this. the warlocks hypnosis could only be fully effective in a face-to-face encounter, allowing the dreamer to retain their first impression of him. only then would they be affected by the hypnosis and have the image in their memory altered. there was no need to repeat the process of awakening the subconscious within the dream. the original image of the warlock naturally surfaced in the golden retrievers mind. he had short brown hair, parted in a 3-7 split, flaxen-colored eyes, and a thin, freckled face. he wore gold-rimmed glasses on the bridge of his nose exiting the dream, the golden retriever turned her attention to madam magician, who had suddenly appeared beside her. in a human voice, she declared, ive obtained a result. dressed in a blouse and a long brown dress, madam magician sighed and eagerly said, give me the information, and ill confirm it. the golden retriever remained silent, her eyes darkening. after a few seconds, madam magician took a few steps forward, causing starlight to manifest around her. it resembled a reflection of the vast cosmos on the ground. the resplendent and condensed stars spun rapidly, providing a revelation. once madam magician finished interpreting, she pulled open an illusory door hidden in the darkness and disappeared. in just over ten seconds, she reappeared and said to the golden retriever, theres no target on the street the astromancy results point to. were we misled? the golden retriever inquired in a female voice once more. madam magician nodded and smirked. but this also proves that what youve seen is the actual target. as she finished speaking, madam justice, clad in a white dress with green trimmings, swiftly materialized. where did you go? magician asked in puzzlement. madam justice replied in a gentle voice, to plant a cue in the dreams of those seeking human blood bread. ive informed them that the fool pharmaceutical company will conduct a volunteer consultation in quartier de la cathdrale commmorative this weekend, offering free treatment and medicine. when do you plan to hold the volunteer consultation? magician asked out of curiosity. madam justice smiled. tomorrow. ill sponsor it. at 6 a.m., auberge du coq dor, room 207. lumian naturally woke up from his dream and got ready for the day. before he could decide on breakfast, he noticed the doll messenger appearing and delivering a letter. puzzled, lumian unfolded the letter and saw a portrait. beside the portrait was madam magicians handwriting: this should be what i know someone looks like. well mobilize all the card holders in trier to search for him, including you. Chapter 402 - 402 Good Luck 402 good luck lumian examined the portrait in his hand and let out a chuckle. he hadnt anticipated that the major arcana card holders would swiftly uncover the source of the rumors and unveil i know someones true identity. it made sense. rumors had started circulating two to three months ago, and lumian hadnt yet arrived in trier or infiltrated the curly-haired baboons research society. loki and i know someone hadnt met with any genuine threats. they were naturally audacious when it came to pulling pranks. no matter how cautious they were, leaving traces behind was inevitable. while it might be challenging for other beyonders to detect these traces, madam justice was a high-ranking beyonder of the spectator pathway, also known as the psychiatrist pathway. she possessed a profound understanding of i know someones various abilities and was his match in every aspect. even if this major arcana card holder herself didnt execute the operation, her partner, susie, was more than capable of completing the mission. lumian knew that this lady was at least a sequence 5 of the psychiatrist pathway, just one step away from becoming a demigod. gazing at the portrait of i know someone, with gold-rimmed glasses, a freckled face, and a thin visage, lumian caressed the paper and muttered to himself, wherever you go, you leave your mark one day, those unable to control their sinister desires will be exposed. taking the portrait, he knocked on room 305 before anthony reid, who frequently came and went from auberge du coq dor. keep an eye on this individual for me. hes most likely a doctor or a medical researcher. lumian presented the portrait to anthony reid, who was disguised as a clerk. then, he briefly recounted i know someones performance at the gathering and a few of his typical pranks. he asked earnestly, where could someone like him be hiding? anthony reid sighed and replied, im a psychiatrist, not a seer. you mentioned that he often exhibited extensive medical knowledge at gatherings? receiving lumians affirmation, anthony reid pondered for a moment and continued, in a gathering filled with pranks, the various details displayed by a beyonder of the spectator pathway are what he wants you to remember. they dont necessarily reflect his true identity and could even be misleading. i suspect that i know someone isnt actually a doctor, but he possesses a deep understanding of medicine and has accumulated extensive knowledge. not a doctor madam magicians letter had also mentioned not restricting the search to doctors but this way, millions of people in trier could be suspects lumian felt both relieved and frustrated. anthony reid added, a person with antisocial tendencies and enough intelligence might have a fondness for flirting with danger. he enjoys playing with others like a clown. perhaps it wont be long before he pulls another prank, mocking all those who pursue him. the only condition being that he remains unaware of the many demigods observing this matter lumian watched as anthony reid hastily departed and then turned toward rue des blouses blanches. he had initially intended to locate lugano toscano, a quasi-doctor, and inquire if he recognized the person in the portrait. however, it was still too early for that. salle de gristmill had not yet opened, and he had no information about where lugano resided. apartment 601, 3 rue des blouses blanches. franca had already risen early, having also received a letter from her major arcana card holder, and was discussing the potential course of their investigation with jenna. franca cautioned lumian, saying, we cant involve too many information brokers in the search. i know someone might notice it beforehand and change his appearance or leave trier. lumian nodded slowly and responded, its nearly impossible to locate someone like this in trier on our own dont forget we still have anthony. franca winked at lumian, implying that they had all the card holders in trier on their side. yes, and im here to help too, jenna chimed in. lumian tersely acknowledged her words and decided to proceed with his original plan to begin with doctors. in the afternoon, jenna arrived at avenue du march and patiently waited by the public carriage stop sign. today, she had donned a beige dress and a light brown straw hat, which shielded her from the sun and was adorned with a few cloth flowers. her brownish-yellow hair was neatly tied into a bun at the back, with the rest cascading naturally. without any makeup, her face remained fresh, and her blue eyes held a sweeter charm despite the absence of black eyeliner. jenna boarded a public carriage and headed towards quartier 7, quartier des thermes. situated on the west side of quartier de lobservatoire, this district boasted a pleasant environment and was home to many affluent individuals. the now-bankrupt owner of the goodville chemical factory had once lived here, as had the h?tel du cygne blanc, where charlie had worked as an apprentice attendant. quartier des thermes, also known as the museum district, featured numerous renowned museums. adjacent to one of the hot springs lay delta asylum, triers largest and most formal asylum. jenna was visiting showy diva, the underground singer who had once taken care of her. showy diva had been the victim of rape by margot of the poison spur mob and had subsequently left the market district to reside in an asylum. after lumian eliminated margot, jenna had intentionally approached showy diva to share the good news. since then, she had been regularly visiting her. initially, jenna had limited funds and was preoccupied with repaying her debts, so she couldnt do much for her friend. however, when lumian hunted the padre, jenna earned a substantial sum of 5,000 verl dor. coupled with two compensations and various other sources of income, she still had over 7,500 verl dor left after repaying all her debts, except the one to franca. with less pressure from franca to repay the debt, jenna could now afford to allocate a portion of her money to send the former showy diva to delta asylum, where the facilities, environment, doctors, and nurses were clearly superior. she visited her friend regularly, partly to pay the fees and partly to demonstrate to the doctors and nurses that this patient had family and friends looking out for her. anyone who dared to mistreat her would have someone to answer to. jenna disembarked from the public carriage, adjusted her brown straw hat, and proceeded along a bustling street. after a few steps, she noticed a seven- or eight-year-old boy standing alone by the roadside. the boy had a chubby face and was dressed in the attire of a young gentleman. his neatly combed light-yellow hair complemented his appearance. seeing the confusion in the boys eyes, jenna approached, crouched down, and asked gently, are you lost? do you need me to take you to the police station or bring a police officer here? the boy sported a mercury bow tie on his white shirt. he sighed and replied, im not lost. its just that a lady who likes to drink asked me for a favor. i didnt know how to help, and it seemed a bit dangerous where she went, so i decided to wait here. over there jenna followed the boys outstretched finger and realized he was referring to either quartier de la cathdrale commmorative, the market district, or quartier du jardin botanique. why did you choose to wait here to help? jenna couldnt quite fathom the childs reasoning. the chubby boy let out another sigh and said, i dont know why. my instincts just told me to do it. at this point, the boy looked up at jenna with a pitiful expression. could you buy me some ice-cream? the weather in trier is unbearably hot! wheres the lady who likes to drink and asked for your help? jenna inquired, her curiosity mixed with caution. the boy scanned the area and replied, after i said i wanted to wait here, she went off by herself to find a place to drink. isnt this too irresponsible? what if the child goes missing? jenna couldnt help but frown. the boy eagerly asked again, you can buy ice-cream from this caf. that way, i can have ice-cream and wait inside without worrying about getting lost. jenna, now financially stable, hesitated for a moment before agreeing, what flavor would you like? vanilla! the boy quickly exclaimed with enthusiasm. jenna then spent 1 verl dor to purchase a cup of vanilla ice-cream for the boy from a nearby caf. seated by the window, the boy received the ice-cream with pure delight on his face. thank you. youll be lucky! jenna paid little attention to his gratitude. instead, she observed as the boy joyfully savored the ice-cream and then quickly left. she found patrolling constables and informed them of a missing child in the caf ahead. once she saw that the two constables had entered the caf, jenna breathed a sigh of relief and continued on her way with determined steps. before long, she arrived at the delta asylum. the asylum was situated near a hot spring, and behind a wall, there stood a three-story building with a grayish-blue exterior and an annex. the surroundings were adorned with lush lawns bathed in the golden sunlight, along with various mobility aids. it was an excellent environment. jenna successfully met with her friend. the former showy diva, like other female patients, had short hair that reached her ears. her face appeared ordinary, and her eyes held a serene expression. she seemed no different from an ordinary person. when jenna conversed with her, it was easy to forget that she was afflicted by mental illness. however, jenna knew all too well that provoking her could lead to an immediate and frenzied outburst, endangering both herself and others. after chatting for nearly half an hour, jenna left the designated meeting room, ready to depart. as she walked along the outer corridor, she gazed out of the window absentmindedly. on a green lawn, around 20 to 30 mental patients strolled leisurely, each lost in their own thoughts. they leaned against trees, soaked in the sun, or gathered in small groups, engaging in quiet conversations. they appeared just like ordinary people. jenna scanned the surroundings casually, preparing to shift her attention elsewhere. at that moment, she spotted a figure dressed in a blue-and-white striped hospital gown. the figure stood tall at over 1.75 meters. his short brown hair was parted in a 3-7 fashion. gold-rimmed glasses mostly concealed his flaxen-colored eyes, and his face appeared notably thin, adorned with freckles. in that moment, he paced back and forth on the green lawn, seemingly lost in deep contemplation, as if pondering some philosophical question. jennas pupils dilated. th-this is i know someone! Chapter 403 - 403 Drawing From Experience 403 drawing from experience jennas instincts screamed at her to turn around, her fear that the psychiatric patient, suspected to be i know someone, might catch her staring. yet, in almost the same instant, she recalled how shed acted around hugues artois. with that memory in mind, she controlled her neck, shifting her gaze away with a slow, natural motion. she kept her composure, exiting the grayish-blue building one step at a time, stepping into the sunlight that poured through the window. jenna donned a light brown straw hat adorned with cloth flowers. as she finally left delta asylum, returning to the same street where she had first encountered the mysterious boy, jenna let out a sigh of relief. her expression remained unchanged as she boarded the public carriage bound for the bustling market district. in the evening, at 3 rue des blouses blanches, apartment 601. lumian, who had been summoned by jenna, listened to her findings intently. lumian couldnt conceal his surprise and suspicion. is this for real? are you sure you didnt see it wrong? wasnt this just too much of a coincidence? jenna had only laid eyes on the portrait of i know someone that morning, and in the afternoon, she had tracked down the target at delta asyluma place she had visited just twice. lumian, franca, and the major arcana and minor arcana card holders in trier had turned up nothing! the sheer coincidence here made lumians instincts tingle with hints of conspiracy and arrangements, robbing him of any tangible joy. thats right. isnt this too darn coincidental francas demeanor had been skeptical even before lumians arrival. she muttered, though its a classic move for an antisocial, intelligent fellow to hide in an asylum and rub shoulders with the doctors, should he really be unlucky enough to cross paths with a visitor whos seen his wanted poster? there cant be more than 50 people in trier whove laid eyes on that wanted poster! this tally included anthony reid and the inquiries made by the other card holders today. why didnt i know of such a classic scenario jenna mumbled. but i did stumble upon him. im not mistaken. maybe ive just been lucky lately? at this point, she noticed the disbelief etched on lumian and francas faces. lumian, a man well-versed in the power of coincidence, pondered and asked, recall this morning and see if any other coincidences stand out, or if anything unusual occurred. seated in an armchair, jenna delved deep into her thoughts. after nearly fifteen minutes, she cussed, its business as usual! uh, there is one thing ive never encountered before she recounted how she had come across a lost boy and treated him to a cup of vanilla ice-cream. she had also found constables to watch over him. finally, she inquired with uncertainty, there shouldnt be anything unusual about that, right? franca mumbled to herself, did the boy mention anything about you receiving good luck? lumian honed in on another detail. did he say he was brought here by a lady who loves drinking? yes, jenna replied to the two questions with a single word. lumian immediately grew suspicious. apart from a few dancers, he only knew of two ladies who were quite fond of alcohol. the rest were just casual social drinkers. one was madame hela, and the other was madam magician. the former always carried multiple flasks of liquor with her, while the latter reveled in tasting various alcoholic beverages, and she could even summon a glass of wine from thin air and savor it. since the hunt for i know someone was a shared mission of the tarot club, and madame hela hadnt been informed about it, lumian cautiously deduced that the boy had been brought to trier by madam magician. combined with francas question about jennas receiving good luck, lumian believed that the boy possessed extraordinary abilities that could bestow good fortune upon others. jenna, having experienced this stroke of luck, was naturally fortunate enough to cross paths with i know someone. as lumian and franca fell silent for what felt like minutes, jennas unease deepened. is there really a problem with this situation? lumian gazed thoughtfully at his companion and responded, its possible that your luck has taken a favorable turn today, starting with your act of buying ice-cream for that young boy. such exchanges of giving and receiving were not uncommon in the realm of inevitability. for example, the enhancement of luck often required the recipient to willingly accept the medium and derive some benefit from it. moreover, there had to be a subjective desire on their part to complete the luck-enhancing ritual. therefore, lumian had a reasonable suspicion that the boy might be a beyonder of the monster pathway, also known as the fate pathway. through a subtle transaction involving ice-cream and the bestowal of good luck, he had orchestrated jennas encounter with i know someone. the phrases like i didnt know how to help, so i decided to wait here or buy me ice-cream, and youll have good luck had all the mysterious signs of the fate domain! thats right franca had clearly considered this possibility. jenna immediately understood. are you suggesting that this boy might be an exceptionally powerful beyonder? that he granted me an abundance of good luck? but apart from encountering i know someone, i havent felt anything extraordinary. i havent stumbled upon any money or come across free items. franca sighed, explaining, meeting i know someone probably consumed all the good luck you were given. lumian abruptly stood up. i need to verify this. he made his way into francas bedroom and closed the door behind him. curious, jenna asked franca, how is he planning to confirm it? franca speculated and replied, hes going to write a letter. to madame hela? jenna knew that the woman had a messenger. franca couldnt give a clear answer. another lady. in her bedroom, lumian, who had tidied up the altar, promptly received a response from madam magician. so, thats how we found i know someone. even as an astrologer, i find this matter charlatanic. theres no need to doubt that it was indeed a helper we hired. we expended a considerable number of favors and a substantial amount of ice-cream. since theres a result, take action. ill keep an eye on you and help guard against any unforeseen incidents. as expected lumian grinned. from madam magicians words, he deduced that the boy wasnt a member of the tarot club. hence, he wouldnt participate in shared missions without receiving some form of compensation, which in this case involved favors and ice-cream. what the hell is up with ice-cream? can such a powerful beyonder be moved by ice-cream? lumian found it absurd and amusing. however, he recalled baron brignaiss godson, a rather peculiar individual who could be swayed by delectable treats. this led him to wonder if beyonders in a boys form had similar weaknesses. lumian pushed open the door and returned to the living room. nervously, jenna stood up and inquired, did you confirm it? hes a helper with the specific task of bestowing good luck, and your encounter with him was orchestrated by fate. by treating him to ice-cream, youd chosen the correct path of destiny, lumian responded, using the manner of a charlatan. as a beyonder with dominion over the inevitability domain, he held a certain sway over fate. phew jenna let out a sigh of relief, her worries about falling into a trap dissipating. seeing franca rise from her seat, lumian produced the silver lie earring with a smirk. lets head to the asylum now. i cant wait. very well, franca replied, her inner thoughts sighing. ever since ciels arrival, she had been embroiled in constant battles. it had been just a few days since lokis attack! in a four-wheeled, four-seater rental carriage en route to quartier des thermes, lumian gazed out of the window at the black street lamp poles and furrowed his brow. he muttered to himself in confusion, did jenna truly spot i know someone? franca and jenna turned their attention to him, simultaneously recalling a similar situation: from their hunt for the padre, guillaume bnet, they had encountered two substitutes in succession, and the actual guillaume bnet had turned out to be a large dog lounging by the side! franca lowered her voice and inquired, do you suspect it might be a substitute? drawing lessons from past experiences and expanding their awareness was crucial. after witnessing the padres clever deception, failing to consider such possibilities would signify their inadequacy in the hunter and demoness pathways. lumian pondered for a moment and whispered, with his issue coming to light and the potential pursuit he might face, wouldnt i know someone be concerned that the pranks of the past few months could become a lingering threat? if i were in his shoes and couldnt erase the corresponding traces, id leave trier swiftly and return after some time. yet, he hasnt done that. this suggests that he either possesses ample confidence that we wont locate him, or he has something of significance to accomplish in trier. in that case, remaining in the shadows while presenting a substitute in plain sight would be a clever choice. jenna, puzzled, asked, could it be that he also wields lie or the substitution spell you mentioned? lumian chuckled. he may not have lie, but the evil god he believes in governs the seer domain and ranks as one of the most potent faceless. with mastery of the corresponding ritualistic magic, he can beseech this deity to alter the appearance of a specific target. it was akin to how members of the tarot club could summon creatures from the spirit realm in the name of mr. fool. using faceless-related ritualistic magic to create a substitute while secretly monitoring in person but why didnt he just change his appearance? why resort to creating a substitute? it would make him virtually untraceable! franca thought of a dangerous possibility. lumian nodded. if the individual in delta asylum is indeed a substitute, it implies that he serves as a trap and is intentionally using it to lure us in. i know someone will undoubtedly pay close attention to the eventual outcome. consequently, either the extreme peril concealed within the substitute will not only ensnare the pursuer but also cause a significant disturbance, or the two individuals are intimately connected in some mystical manner. dont be concerned about the first scenario. with a formidable lady guarding against mishaps, the ensuing possibilities will depend on you, franca if the person in the asylum turned out to be i know someone, the situation would be relatively straightforward. late at night, in a room on the third floor of delta asylums eastern wing. a pair of gold-rimmed glasses sat on the bedside table, reflecting the moonlight filtering into the room. the patient in the bed was fast asleep. suddenly, a shadowy figure opened the substantial door adorned with iron bars and quietly entered. with a polite grip, the intruder gently shut the door, rendering the room impervious to external sounds. the entire interior space seemed to be sealed. Chapter 404 - 404 Patient 404 patient lumian harnessed the power of the decency brooch, distorting the door and sealing the entire room. with lie altering his appearance, lumian refrained from an immediate attack on the patient lying in the bed. instead, he strolled to the side, casting a discerning eye upon him. the patients eyes remained tightly shut, lost in a deep slumber. his facial features, hairstyle, and hair color undeniably matched those of i know someone. as lumian observed this slumbering figure, who had no realization of his intrusion, he began to suspect that this might be a substitute. as suggested by madam magicians letter, i know someone was at least a sequence 6 hypnotist of the psychiatrist pathway, with a slight chance of being a sequence 5 dreamwalker. on either pathway, these individuals were skilled observers, unlikely to sleep soundly in the presence of an intruder. the conundrum now lay in discerning the trap with such a substitution. beneath the faint moonlight filtering through the curtains, the patient on the bed suddenly snapped open his eyes. in those flaxen-colored eyes, lumians image was instantly mirrored. simultaneously, lumian once more glimpsed the dark void, the countless twinkling stars, and the mysterious symbol that had come to life, forming an invisible door. a voice resonated within his heart and ears, seemingly emanating from the depths of the void and the source of his consciousness. pass through it. pass through this formless door, and you will gain a transformative experience in your life and boundless knowledge everyone possesses godhood and can hear the voice of this worlds origin. to hear it clearly, you must open this invisible door and step inside lumians head throbbed as he witnessed the gradual opening of the formless door. each word from the voice transformed into a living, peculiar entity within his heart. once more, the voice echoed, its tone tinged with perplexity and confusion. it muttered to itself, where is the end of the world? what did the universe resemble at its inception which deity brought all of this into existence, and who created him what lies beyond the confines of the universe? how do other worlds differ what sets human nature apart from godhood? does true self-awareness equate to human nature or godhood where lies the demarcation between madness and reason? is madness the ultimate destination for every living being lumians head throbbed with agony as he absorbed these questions, a fusion of mystical contemplation and the pursuit of answers to profound philosophical queries. it was the first time in a long while that he felt the sensation of a steel drill boring into his skull, stirring his delicate brain. moreover, these questions triggered bizarre alterations in his spirituality and his surroundings. madness surged forth, as if probing the boundaries of sanity. the enveloping darkness seemed to take on human nature, visibly writhing. the bed before him and the floor beneath his feet gradually etched out bizarre patterns. even though lumian couldnt see them, his body was suddenly consumed by an intense itch, as if yearning to shed his outermost layer of skin is there something that surpasses all limitations and conceptual thinking the voice persisted in questioning the void. within the writhing darkness, an indescribable form began to take shape. lumian found himself powerless to resist or halt this transformation. all he could do was witness it helplessly as an overwhelming terror descended, his head throbbing. in that critical moment, a blinding and brilliant bolt of lightning erupted right before him. the colossal dendrite appeared as if it had sprung forth from a divine realm, and each silver-white branch emitted a crackling sound. rumble! as the silver lightning struck the patient on the bed, lumian was assaulted by a deafening thunderclap that reverberated through his eardrums and resonated within his soul. the strange creature that had animated those thought-provoking questions convulsed his body, significantly easing the throbbing pain in his head, leaving behind only a disorienting sensation caused by the deafening roar. a terrifying cascade of lightning surged across the patient on the bed, sending waves of agony and paralysis coursing through lumians skin, even though he stood a few steps away. in the midst of this electric frenzy, a holy chant echoed faintly, as if proclaiming, i came, i saw, i recorded. the ward darkened, as if it had been thrust into a mysterious realm, isolated from the outside world by some insurmountable force. lumian exhaled and shifted his gaze back to the bed. there, he beheld the patients entire form transformed into a pitch-black, charcoal-like substance, emitting an eerie burnt odor. the body, still clad in tattered hospital gown, bedsheets, and blanket, began to dissipate, morphing into a dark silhouette. on the surface of this shadowy figure, cracks materialized, each adorned with mystical symbols and patterns. these formations resembled eyes or myriad mouths that incessantly opened and closed. before lumian could fully fathom this transformation, his vision was flooded with pure, radiant, golden sunlight. once more, the ethereal, holy voice resonated in his ears. when his vision settled back into normalcy, only a faint black mark remained on the scorched surface of the bed, twisting in an uncanny, serpent-like manner. its indeed a trap lumian mused, his lack of surprise evident. he also deduced that both the patient and one of lokis marionettes were recipients of the same evil gods boon based on the starry void and the formless door formed by wandering symbols. the substitute for i know someone clearly occupied a higher sequence. had loki and i know someone once targeted a secret organization that worshiped an evil deity? this is the will of the celestial worthy of heaven and earth? what did he seek to achieve? did this all somehow tie into i know someones decision to remain in trier? is this substitute merely a taunting jest aimed at those who pursue them? i know youre on the hunt for me, and im aware of the clues you may uncover. yet, im intentionally granting you a glimmer of hope? thoughts raced through lumians mind like lightning as he attempted to analyze the current situation from i know someones perspective and extract clues about the fugitives whereabouts. given the level of danger posed by the patient, lumian deduced that both i know someone and loki would have struggled to capture him alive and recruit him into their team. with loki possessing a marionette with a similar pathway, it seemed clear that the patient hadnt actively and consciously cooperated with them. this, coupled with the bewildered tone and endless questions of the substitute, led lumian to suspect that the man had succumbed to madness due to some knowledge or truth gained through the boon or the use of some abilities, rendering him a true mental patient. leveraging his professional skills as a psychiatrist, i know someone had likely skillfully guided the patient, fostering a sense of trust and camaraderie. eventually, he reached a point where he could convince the patient, enabling him to perform a ritual and request a change in appearance. glancing at the iron-barred window, lumian noticed that the deep darkness had receded. crimson moonlight filtered through the relatively thin glass and bathed the ward in its glow. conversely, the darkness that had once been typical at delta asylums periphery had intensified. the void seemed distorted, as if encased in a spherical barrier. madam magician hadnt employed any additional abilities after dealing with the dangerous patient. she had merely concealed the entire asylum and its surrounding lawn. it appeared as though she was implying that lumian needed to handle this situation independently. she only assisted by preventing any disturbances from alerting triers official beyonders. lumian breathed a sigh of relief. starting from his search for loki, he quickly filtered through the matters related to april fools. slowly, a conjecture formed, weaving together the pieces of the puzzle into a cohesive narrative. i know someone had once been connected to delta asylum, whether as a doctor, nurse, or patient. one day, he had stumbled upon a peculiar patient who incessantly posed profound philosophical questions. guided by the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings, i know someone had initiated interactions with the patient. during this process, he had likely sensed the presence of an evil gods bestowed lurking around the patient. consequently, with the assistance of loki, they had driven away these problematic figures and gained control over the strange patient. loki had even managed to gain a marionette. upon lokis resurrection, i know someone, who had been alerted, had leveraged the patients trust in him to perform ritualistic magic and beseech the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings, resulting in his transformation into a substitute and a walking trap. as for i know someone himself, he must have successfully altered his appearance; his whereabouts now unknown. amidst lumians frustration, he suddenly thought of something. jenna had indeed encountered the substitute for i know someone, thanks to good luck. however, encountering a substitute, one designed as a trap, hardly constituted good luck. this was unlucky! that was unless they could somehow use the substitute to trace back to i know someone or if jenna had encountered both the substitute and the real i know someone but failed to recognize or directly see him! both scenarios pointed toward a high probability that the elusive i know someone was still lurking within the asylum! even if the trap ultimately failed, pursuers would likely conclude that i know someone had long since relocated to a new hiding place. beneath an oil lamp lay the darkest and most easily overlooked spot! with this revelation, lumian acted swiftly. he spun around, heaved open the heavy door, and sprinted into the asylums corridor. with a resounding crash, he burst through a window at the stairwells corner, landing on the lawn encircled by the main building and its adjoining structures. simultaneously, he employed the niese face to transform into the patient he had encountered earlier. in a commanding voice, lumian bellowed his questions to the cosmos from the lawn: where is the end of the world? what did the universe resemble at its inception which deity brought all of this into existence, and who created him his voice resonated throughout the asylum, reaching into every room. a few seconds later, francas voice echoed in lumians ears. theres an abnormality in the doctors duty room and the nurses workstation on the first floor, as well as in the first ward on the third floor near the west wing. upon hearing his companions report, lumian couldnt help but chuckle. he pressed his hands against the void before him, instantly igniting crimson flames. the flames spread swiftly, illuminating the invisible spiderwebs that enshrouded the entire building. these intricate layers of spiderwebs extended into every room, diligently monitoring the movements of all its inhabitants. this complex setup had consumed nearly half of francas spirituality and required a significant amount of time to prepare and maintain. the crimson flames transformed into three blazing serpents, each colossal in size, which slithered through the spiderwebs toward the doctors duty room and nurses workstation on the first floor, as well as the ward on the third floor. Chapter 405 - 405 No Reservations 405 no reservations the blazing serpents reflected in the eyes of the doctor on duty, the three night nurses, and the patient who had woken up. fear appeared on their faces, and they turned around in various panicked movements. as they fled in the opposite direction of the flames, they shouted, fire! fire! help! help! as their voices echoed, the flaming serpents burned the invisible threads of spider silk, accompanied by a scorching wind formed by the clash of cold and heat. it pursued them relentlessly, blocking the exit from the room and forcing them into a corner. the five of them acted normally. they darted around, searching for a safe escape, wrapping themselves in blankets, and attempting to force their way through the wall of flames. they also rushed to another window, with the intention of jumping down. it seemed lumian had misjudged the situation. any abnormal movements didnt necessarily mean i know someone. if this continued, he risked incinerating five innocent people. however, the three crimson flaming serpents showed no hesitation. they continued to pursue the doctor on duty, the night nurses, and the mental patient, emanating an icy, ruthless madness that showed no regard for human life. as the blazing serpents closed in on their targets, a few of them began to show signs of despair. the patient on the third-floor ward suddenly halted and turned around. grayish-white, stone-like scales sprouted on his once ordinary face, covering his skin that was not concealed by the blue-and-white-striped hospital gown. in an instant, he transformed into a horrifying, lizard-like figure. the grayish-white scales resisted the scorching flames and aided him in breaking through the barrier of the crimson serpent. sensing this transformation through the flames, lumians lips curled into an eerie grin. according to the information provided in madam magicians letter, beyonders of the spectator pathway at sequence 6 hypnotist would gain an ability known as dragon scales. this ability allowed them to manifest grayish-white scales on their skin, greatly reducing and resisting damage. this ability was closely tied to the spectator pathways mythical creature form, as every high-ranking spectator ultimately transformed into a dragona mind dragon! the appearance of dragon scales confirmed that the patient in the west wing on the third floor was at least a sequence 6 beyonder of the spectator pathway. combined with the trap and his unusual movements, the patients identity became evidenti know someone! lumian activated the black mark on his right shoulder and used his ability to traverse the spirit world, instantly appearing in the ward. during this hunt, he refrained from wearing the lie earring or carrying the flog boxing gloves. this was because his adversary was a formidable psychiatrist, and any openings in his emotions or desires could be easily exploited. as lumians figure vanished from the lawn, the crimson fire serpents, which had expanded from consuming flammable materials in the doctors duty room and nurses workstation, abruptly dissipated. they transformed into glimmering specks of light that disappeared before the faces of the despairing and terrified onlookers. apart from the charred remnants of various items, there was little evidence of the inferno they had narrowly escaped. on the third floor of delta asylum, lumian emerged from a room adjacent to the west wing. his gaze locked onto the patient, whose body was covered in grayish-white scales, and whose eyes emitted a faint golden hue. he didnt exchange pleasantries or make inquiries. instead, he opened his mouth and let out a sharp exclamation: ha! an imperceptible yellow beam shot forth from lumians mouth, aimed at the suspected i know someone. however, at a distance of two to three meters, the pale-yellow aura beam by the spell of harrumph brushed past the beyonder and struck the iron-barred glass window behind him. battle hypnotism! this was one of a hypnotists beyonder abilities. it could forcefully hypnotize an enemy in battle, causing them to act irrationally or make incorrect judgments. however, such actions couldnt directly harm the hypnotized person, and the effect would wear off quickly as they regained their senses. just moments ago, when lumian and the beyonder locked eyes, the former had unwittingly fallen under his hypnosis. he had mistaken his own reflection in the glass window for his target, causing the spell of harrumph to veer off course. seizing the opportunity, i know someones light-gold eyes widened, reflecting lumians male aurore form. lumians head jerked backward, as if caught in a whirlwind. his emotions swirled with a mixture of joy and hatred. crimson flames surged beneath his skin, and his eyes glinted with a sinister madness. frenzy! this was a psychiatrists beyonder ability designed to trigger intense emotions and destabilize the targets mental state, causing them to enter a frenzied state and suffer severe mental damage. if the target had existing psychological issues or strong emotions, they might even lose control when subjected to frenzy. before undergoing psychiatric treatment from madam susie and madam justice, encountering i know someone in this state could send lumian spiraling into madness, turning him into a monstrous figure. at that moment, magma-like blood dripped from his nose. his mind was in disarray, and he instinctively took deep breaths, temporarily losing the ability to execute his planned moves. i know someone refrained from launching another attack on lumian at that moment. firstly, causing the other party to lose control or perish would lead to the immediate release of the high-level creature sealed within his body, a sight that could drive even a beyonder below the demigod level to mental and physical collapse. secondly, since muggles brother was present, it was likely that hidden blade wasnt far away. the invisible spider silk that had been ignited was likely her handiwork. in this dire situation, i know someones first instinct was to swiftly exit the battlefield, escape delta asylum, and find a place to conceal himself once more. in an instant, he retrieved a broken arrow from the pocket of his blue-and-white-striped hospital gown. the broken arrow looked ancient, with an obsidian-like arrowhead at its tip, adorned with mysterious patterns. with a squelching sound, i know someone thrust the obsidian arrow into his own chest. the item sprang to life, greedily absorbing the crimson blood that flowed forth. i know someone immediately sprinted toward the tightly sealed door, leaving behind an afterimage. despite the grayish-white dragon scales covering his face, he exuded an uncanny charm, as if he had transformed into a dashing young dragon. this was the arrow of the bloodthirsty. by piercing it into his chest and feeding it his blood, it temporarily transformed i know someone into a vampire. this granted him extraordinary speed, accelerated regeneration, and a few spell-like abilities. bang! as i know someone pushed open the heavy, solid door of the asylum ward, he failed to dart into the corridor. he collided with an ice barrier that had formed at some point. amidst the sounds of cracking and shattering, the ice wall crumbled, but it also caused i know someone to lose his balance and tumble to the ground. most of the shattered ice failed to penetrate his dragon scales. only a handful managed to breach his defenses, leaving traces of blood in their wake. thanks to the vampires rapid regenerative abilities, the minor injuries swiftly began to heal. i know someone saw no need to rise to his feet. as his light-gold eyes flickered, invisible waves radiated from him, enveloping the surroundings. in her state of invisibility, franca felt as though she was witnessing the most horrifying scene from the depths of a nightmare, recalling her past terrors. her body trembled, and she abandoned the protection of her invisibility, appearing in the corridor of the asylum. awe! this was a psychiatrists awe, also referred to as dragon might or mass chaos. it had the power to instantly induce panic in a single target or all living beings within its range, plunging them into chaos. relying on dragon might to maintain control of the situation, i know someone agilely leaped up, intending to put some distance between himself and franca as he sprinted down the corridor. he refrained from attacking her at this moment because he understood that demonesses possessed abilities like mirror substitution and staff substitution. trying to kill her or cripple her combat abilities with a single strike would only delay his escape. as he vaulted out of the shattered ice, i know someone caught a glimpse of the ward, now empty. lumian lee appeared to have recovered from the effects of frenzy and used teleportation to evade awes influence in the nick of time! just as this realization crossed i know someones mind, he saw the male version of aurorelumianmaterialize in front of him. without hesitation, i know someones golden eyes focused on lumian, preparing to cast awe once more. in the next moment, lumians figure vanished again. he had employed spirit world traversal twice in quick succession! almost simultaneously, i know someones pupils dilated, and a shiver ran down his spine. the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. this time, lumians destination was behind him. it was akin to blink! lumians figure instantly materialized behind i know someone, witnessing a dense black fog emanating from the latters body, an attempt to evade to the side of the corridor. too slow! lumian harrumphed, sending two white beams of light shooting from his nostrils to encompass the area ahead. i know someone couldnt evade and was struck by the white beams as he was thrown to the ground, tumbling twice. lumian breathed heavily, feeling drained as his head throbbed with pain. three consecutive teleportations and two rounds of using the spell of harrumph and other abilities had completely sapped his energy. if it hadnt been for the substantial amount of pyromaniac potion he had digested compared to when he hunted the padre, sustaining this level of expenditure would have been extremely challenging. franca, who had recovered from awe, approached and shook her head in disapproval. no need for all that. its not like you dont have assistance. why go all out when help was available? even if the major arcana card holders hadnt been lurking in the shadows, and even if i know someone had managed to escape the asylum, wouldnt he have left behind some blood that could be used for a curse? lumian didnt respond, making his way over to the unconscious form of i know someone. Chapter 406 - 406 Inevitability-like Ending 406 inevitability-like ending staring at the unconscious enemy in the corridor, lumian refrained from an immediate attack. he squatted down in silence. he retrieved a bottle of sedative obtained from the bliss societys rentas, unscrewed the cap, and brought it to the patients nose. franca glanced over and advised, remove the broken arrow from his chest first. otherwise, i think his body can handle most of the sedatives effects. the grayish-white stone-like scales on the beyonder suspected to be i know someone slowly dissipated due to the unconsciousness in spirituality brought about by the spell of harrumph. lumian nodded and used the hand holding the bottle cap to carefully remove the obsidian arrow. franca breathed a sigh of relief and continued, the question now is how do we confirm if this guy is the real i know someone. a powerful hypnotist can manipulate a beyonder of the same pathway and sequence, altering their self-awareness and making them believe they are i know someone. they can substitute the real deal to appear in all sorts of occasions, completing different pranks and fight any adversaries. f*ck, why does it seem more troublesome than dealing with a marionettist!? what franca meant was that the enemy in front of her might also be a victim, someone whose perceptions had been altered to make them believe they were i know someone. this possibility couldnt be ruled out, so she wasnt capable of steeling herself to kill him before channeling his spirit. furthermore, lumians remaining truth serum wouldnt work in this case. the hypnotized person would only tell what they believed to be true. lumian screwed the cap back onto the sedative bottle and thought for a moment before suggesting, lets set up a ritual and seek confirmation from mr. fool. since loki can use celestial worthys help to locate members of the curly-haired baboons research society within a certain range, we can employ a similar method to activate the special aura on i know someone. if its there, hes real. if not, hes fake. what if hes a member of the research society who was captured by loki and i know someone? in the past, several people went missing without their deaths being confirmed, including some psychiatrists. franca began to suspect the source of i know someones beyonder characteristics that allowed him to advance to sequence 7. research society members they had hunted? lumian pondered for a moment and replied, in that case, let jenna in. she might still have some lingering good luck in this aspect. if she doesnt encounter anyone else, it proves that the unconscious one is i know someone. youre responsible for protecting jenna before lumian could finish, madam magicians voice echoed in his ears, theres no need to go through so much trouble. crouching in front of the unconscious person, lumian sensed the space around him come alive, contracting inward and swallowing the beyonder suspected to be i know someone. wow, franca exclaimed, and lumian slowly stood up. the two of them waited patiently. in just 20 to 30 seconds, the beyonder in the blue-and-white-striped hospital gown was ejected from the void. immediately after, they heard madam magicians response: its i know someone.'' beneath the crimson moon in the sky, the delta asylum loomed, its darkness even denser and curved into an eerie arc compared to the surrounding night. on the rooftop of the three-story grayish-blue building, the shadowy magician turned to her companion and said, apart from the lunatic, there are no hidden dangers or traps. did i overreact and overestimate the situation? justice, resembling a dream, replied calmly, theres nothing wrong with your choice. its never wrong no matter how much importance you attach to matters related to that celestial worthy. only by paying enough attention each time can we avoid being suddenly deceived and falling into a true trap. magician nodded slightly, closed the notebook in her hand, and cast her gaze towards the third-floor corridor which wasnt in her line of sight. upon hearing madam magicians conclusion, lumian let out a chuckle. he put away the remaining half of the sedative and turned to franca, saying, we can let jenna in now. franca nodded and disappeared into the shadows along the corridor. lumian looked down at the seemingly ordinary i know someone, his eyes deep and a sly smile on his lips. the effects of the spell of harrumph should have worn off long ago, but the bliss societys sedative was still doing its job. considering i know someones physique, this sedative wouldnt last much longer. however, lumian was prepared for this moment. at that very instant, the delta asylum was in chaos due to the fire and shouting. particularly on the first floor, the commotion was intense. the duty doctor and a few burly guards patrolled the area to ensure that no tinder remnants remained. meanwhile, jenna and franca skillfully navigated through the shadows and ascended to the third floor. lumian took a sheepskin from guillaume bnet, the padre, and spread it on the ground. he carefully wrapped i know someone in it. after a brief contemplation, lumian raised the obsidian arrow in his hand and plunged it into i know someones left eye. the excruciating pain jolted i know someone awake, and his left eye turned bloodshot. almost simultaneously, he heard a sinister chuckle. sheep! amidst the echoing hermes words, i know someone, cocooned in the ritual sheepskin, was instantly engulfed by dark light, rendering him powerless. when the dark light finally subsided, he had transformed into a grayish-white sheep. lumian withdrew the obsidian arrow from the crushed eyeball and swiftly plunged it into i know someones right eye. a blood-curdling scream echoed through the room as lumian pulled out the arrow. he pressed down on the struggling sheep with one hand and stroked its head with the other, a sinister smile playing on his lips. now, we can finally have a good chat. while lumian engaged in this whispering conversation, he tossed the obsidian arrow to jenna. next, lumian produced an ordinary bottle of wound medicine and meticulously applied it to i know someones blood-colored eye socket. he wrapped the other partys eyes in layers of white bandages he had prepared. only then did i know someone, who had awakened from his coma and was enduring intense pain, regained some composure. he attempted to use his abilities, but to no avail. franca and jenna watched lumian intently as he continued to tend to the transformed sheep, i know someone, feeling a mix of curiosity and unease. initially, jenna had wanted to assist lumian in extracting information or exacting revenge, but now, she felt that this scenario was enough. she shifted her attention to the obsidian broken arrow in her hand but noticed no negative effects. she wondered if it was one of the mystical items franca had mentioned before. as lumian retrieved a brownish-yellow twine he had prepared in advance and began to wrap it around the sheeps neck, the duty doctor, alerted by the sheeps bleating, arrived on the third floor with several burly guards. franca and jenna swiftly concealed themselves in the shadows, while lumian, disguised as aurore, calmly turned and led the sheep to the end of the corridor. crimson flames erupted from lumians body, which had regained some of its spirituality, and blazed fiercely in the corridor. the duty doctor and the guards dared not approach, witnessing a figure walking through the flames, heading to the end of the annex corridor. the figure was also guiding a sheep. it resisted, unwilling to leave, but the rope around its neck forced it to move forward. after being dragged on the ground for a while, the sheep, its neck tightening and its breathing becoming labored, finally stood up and followed. by the time the flames in the corridor abruptly extinguished, sparing any damage to the adjacent rooms, the doctor on duty and the guards had lost all trace of the man and the sheep. am i hallucinating the situation was so odd and unbelievable that these individuals shared the same thoughts. meanwhile, the charred corridor stood as evidence that a fire had indeed occurred, miraculously without harming anyone. leaving a guard to report the incident to the nearest police headquarters, the duty doctor returned to his office on the first floor in a bewildered state. as he sank into his chair, he couldnt help but wonder, could it be that the infernal being associated with fire has emerged from the abyss? is its signature to lead a sheep? is this the embodiment of flames? his thoughts grew more fantastical with each passing moment, and he couldnt shake the feeling that he should have gone straight to the cathedral to consult the bishops and padres rather than involve the police. knock, knock, knock! he heard a knock on the door. the doctor on duty jolted in his chair. he straightened up and responded with a deep voice, come in, please. as the door creaked open, the doctors eyes froze. it was the blond devil, accompanied by the sheep with its eyes wrapped in white bandages, and its grayish-white face stained with blood. i need to trouble you with something, lumian said calmly as he led i know someone into the doctors office. my sheep exhibits severe anti-human tendencies and extreme violence. i want to treat its mental illness. how before he could formulate a response, the handsome blond devil inquired, do you know how to perform a lobotomy? yes, a little, the doctor on duty replied subconsciously. but its a sheep could the brain structure be the same? as he contemplated this, he watched the sheep struggle frantically in its bindings, unable to escape. lumian chuckled. it doesnt matter. we can give it a try. its just a sheep. if it dies, so be it. we can still roast it. with that, he dragged the unruly sheep toward a nearby treatment table, using his hands and feet to pin it down. if the patient had been human, the doctor, lacking experience and prohibited from performing a lobotomy, would never have dared to attempt it. however, because it was a sheep, he had no reservations. in an effort to avoid antagonizing the arsonist devil and cooperate while awaiting the arrival of the police, the doctor on duty cautiously approached the treatment table. he said hesitantly, i need an ice pick. his intention was to create an excuse to go to the ice warehouse and distance himself from the arsonist devil. however, just as he finished speaking, a hand emerged from the shadows, offering him a sharp icicle. w-whats going on in his shock, the doctor vaguely heard the words, no need to thank me. numbly, he accepted the thin icicle and unwrapped the white bandage covering the sheeps head. the sheeps struggle intensified. assessing the damage to its eye sockets, the doctor on duty inserted the thin, sharp icicle through the crack and carefully manipulated it, stirring its brains frontal lobe. after a few moments of struggle, the grayish-white sheep abruptly fell silent. Chapter 407 - 407 Reward for Good Luck 407 reward for good luck after the surgery, the blind sheep stepped off the treatment table, calm and docile, no longer resisting. the duty doctor felt like he was in a dream. the operation was a success the surgical technique designed for humans had actually worked on a sheep the doctor watched in a daze as the arsonist devil guided the blind sheepnow cured of its mental illnessout of the room and disappeared into the crimson moonlit night. wherever they went, crimson flames ignited the white bandages and barely visible fur. in the blazing flames, black fire flowed like a river, cleansing away the remaining icicles, footprints, and any other traces. the doctor felt no immediate danger and watched in a daze, as if enjoying a spectacular fireworks show. after an unknown amount of time, all the flames subsided. the guard who had been dispatched returned to the delta asylum with a group of black-uniformed police officers. why did it take you so long? the doctor blurted out instinctively. the leading officer cursed angrily, son of a bitch, we were ambushed in the shadows on the way here. someone was shooting at us from the darkness! in apartment 601, 3 rue des blouses blanches, in the market district. after securing i know someone to one of the dining tables sturdy legs, lumian paid the sheep no mind. he lay on the sofa in the living room and pretended to be asleep. his appearance had been altered back by lie, and the decency brooch had long been taken off. franca glanced at the sheep, which stood silently and didnt attempt to escape with the dining table, and asked, arent we going to interrogate him now? she avoided looking at lumian because he had become so irritating that she felt like punching him. even the sheep, now a pacifist, was eager to do the same. lumians voice remained calm as he replied, ill question him once ive regained my spirituality. that makes sense. its safer this way. after all, i know someone is now a sheep with his frontal lobe removed. he cant use his abilities or put up resistance franca, dressed in an assassin suit, averted her gaze and headed to her bedroom to avoid losing control of her hands, black flames, frost, or spider silk. she wasnt worried that any accidents might occur prior to the interrogation, leading to i know someones bizarre death or him turning into a monster due to losing control. madam magician and the major arcana card holder had already confirmed i know someones identity. they must have seized the opportunity to obtain the most important information. jenna, holding the broken obsidian arrow, approached the divan with a warped expression. your trophy. she offered the obsidian arrow to lumian, who hadnt yet closed his eyes. during this exchange, her right hand trembled slightly, as if she wanted to thrust the arrow into the other partys eye. lumian didnt take it and calmly said, this is your reward for your good luck. or rather, this is your true stroke of luck. why does he sound like a circus fortune-teller jenna didnt refuse. after mumbling to herself, she quickly turned around and entered francas bedroom. it had to be said that after her companion advanced to demoness of pleasure, even as a woman, she would blush and feel her ears heat up when she saw her change her clothes. after changing into comfortable home clothes, franca used magic mirror divination to get a rough understanding of the name, abilities, and negative effects of the obsidian arrow. name: arrow of the bloodthirsty. ability: plunge it into the chest where the heart and let it absorb blood. the user will gain potent self-healing and regeneration abilities, along with exceptional physical attributes. whether its speed, agility, the ability to communicate with animals, vision, smell, or hearing, they will all be greatly enhanced. their charisma will also receive a significant boost. in addition, the user will gain dark domain spell-like abilities such as abyss shackles, claw of corrosion, and wings of darkness. negative effects: while in use, you will despise sunlight and crave blood. your blood will be continuously drained by the item until you succumb to excessive blood loss. you must constantly monitor your condition and remove the broken arrow in time. the more you use it, the more likely it is to cause subtle changes in your body. if these accumulate beyond a limit, it might even lead to bodily collapse. note: try not to use it for more than three minutes at a time. its best to use it with intervals of more than three days. this way, your body will have a chance to recover and prevent any mutations. avoid using it during a full moon. while it can enhance your condition, it can also easily lead to illusions and danger. not a bad mystical item, franca praised sincerely as she handed the arrow of the bloodthirsty back to jenna. carrying it doesnt have any negative effects. such a mystical item could fetch over 40,000 verl dor at various mysticism gatherings. holding the arrow of the bloodthirsty, jenna pondered and said, if i give it to you, will that settle the debt i owe you? she believed she owed franca 30,000 verl dor. franca chuckled. dont worry. this arrow of the bloodthirsty can significantly boost your strength, providing you with true self-preservation abilities. you can sell it later once your sequence has advanced to the point where its no longer useful. take your time paying back the money you owe me. theres no rush. jenna fell silent for a few moments before nodding in agreement. lumian slept until 6 a.m., feeling refreshed but still with a slight throbbing in his head. as he sat up and looked around, he noticed that the sheep i know someone had transformed into was standing quietly by the dining table, its empty eye sockets filled with dried blood. lumian chuckled. your resilience is impressive. such severe injuries and basic treatment didnt do you in. he led the sheep into the living room and poured the remaining truth serum into its mouth. with that task completed, lumian recited an incantation in hermes. his grace. a dark light flashed, and the grayish-white sheepskin split open, revealing i know someones body in a blue-and-white-striped hospital gown. lumian guided him to a chair and had him sit down. staring into his empty blood-red eye sockets, he smiled and sighed. as i mentioned yesterday, we can finally have a good chat. the calm i know someone remained silent. lumian retreated to the sofa and sat down. he patiently waited for the truth serum to take effect before asking, whats your name, what was your original occupation, and why were you in the delta asylum? he began with the simplest questions, using the truth serum to guide the others instinctive responses. i know someones voice was unremarkable, yet strangely compelling. my name is pierre theuriau. i was originally one of the deputy editors of basic medicine. i once mentioned that i know someone who ended up in an asylum due to negligence and overconfidence. well, that someone was me. i was obsessed with manipulating the minds of others and didnt pay enough attention to my own issues. one day, i just lost my mind. when i finally regained consciousness, i found myself in the delta asylum. fortunately, i was only mentally unstable and didnt completely lose control. i still had some sense of self-preservation and didnt unleash my beyonder powers recklessly. if i had, they would have sent me to the inquisition. the person you mentioned is indeed yourself after discovering that i know someone was hiding in the asylum, lumian gained a new understanding of what he had said back then. he pressed further, now that youve regained your consciousness and the ability to think, why do you choose to remain in the delta asylum? i know someone didnt show any mockery or amusement. he answered calmly, i find the asylum fascinating. the thought patterns, mental states, and mental constructs of the patients here are significantly different from those of ordinary people. they deserve observation, research, and analysis. moreover, some of them have gone mad due to illness, while others have become mentally unstable due to other factors. the latter group includes individuals who have come into contact with the mysterious and abnormal. including the one that posed as you? lumian asked, seeking confirmation. i know someone nodded slowly. yes, hes quite special. ive been observing him for a long time. hes like a philosopher, constantly posing unusual questions. patients close to him, nurses who care for him, and even doctors who treat him have gradually shifted toward his mental state. there were also guardians with hidden supernatural abilities lurking around him. we dealt with the guardians and worked to gain his trust. everything went smoothly. we learned that they are part of an organization called the entry persons and practice a secretive ritual known as midoros worship. it allows ones astral projection to ascend to various heavenly domains and witness extraordinary phenomena. they can touch the fringes of immortality and gain knowledge and corresponding abilities, enabling them to undergo a fundamental transformation behind the formless door. entry persons formless door lumian memorized the information and continued asking, after lokis resurrection and his given warning, why didnt you immediately flee trier? i know someones response lacked any emotion as he said, how lame would that be? wed have to eliminate a few pursuers before making our escape. so thats the reason lumian thought there must be something significant that had kept i know someone in trier. then why didnt you go into hiding somewhere else? i know someone replied calmly,i want to witness the despair and suffering of those chasing me. using my life for amusement lumian couldnt help but chuckle. do you not realize the strength of the tarot club? i know someone pondered for a moment and then said, the secret organization that uses tarot cards as their code names? what do they have to do with you? upon hearing this, lumian burst into laughter as he bent over, his amusement clearly exaggerated. Chapter 408 - 408 Motive 408 motive amidst exaggerated laughter, the doors of the two bedrooms creaked open. franca and jenna appeared at the door, casting puzzled glances at lumian. whats so funny? franca muttered as she approached. how could he interrogate a criminal to get a reaction akin to watching a comedy performance? lumian stopped laughing and remarked, ignorance can lead to many dangers, as can arrogance. and having ignorance and arrogance makes it almost irredeemable. observing this, jenna retreated to the bedroom and closed the door. she knew there were certain matters between ciel and franca that were best left unknown to her. why? is this guy really ignorant and arrogant? franca used her right hand to quickly tidy her disheveled hair after waking up. she settled into the recliner and fixed her gaze on i know someone, who remained composed and emotionless. lumian recounted how i know someone found it pointless to simply escape and insisted on seeking some amusement. he also mentioned his ignorance regarding the pursuers connection to the tarot club. franca was left speechless. she couldnt decide if this core member of april fools was highly professional and committed to his principles or simply arrogant and ignorant. after a few moments, franca glanced back at the guest bedroom door. jenna is getting more involved in our affairs. sooner or later, she would uncover our true faiths and the secret organization supporting us lumian said nonchalantly,its simple. mr. fool is an officially recognized orthodox god. in a few days, take jenna to lavigny docks and reveal who we truly worship and whose blessings we receive. ask her if she wants to secretly convert to mr. fool. if she declines, thats okay too. okay. franca nodded solemnly. lumian refocused his attention on i know someone, who remained remarkably composed, and he redirected the conversation. why were the lot of you targeting aurore, muggle? i know someone seemed to be discussing something unrelated to himself. because many members of the research society were praising her, we decided to embarrass her. what kind of logic is that? franca blurted out. you want to tease people when they are praised? i know someone nodded gently. breaking the idealized image in the minds of many people is part of the spirit of pranks. their reactions bring us immense satisfaction. francas face flushed with anger. she wanted to unleash a tirade but restrained herself due to her lacking vocabulary. she took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. so, do you even remember what happiness and joy are? do you still experience these emotions? lumian let out a long sigh and asked,and then? i know someone wore a nostalgic expression. capitalizing on muggles visit to our team to trade, i occasionally offered her helpful advice. she began to trust me more, even sharing her concerns with me as a psychiatrist seeking solutions. during that time, i played the role of a credible source, all while collecting enough information and planning a massive prank. eventually, i discovered that the body muggle inhabited following her transmigration belonged to a girl who believed in a evil deity of inevitability. furthermore, she realized that her family, including her father, mother, brothers, and sister, displayed odd behaviors. there were numerous unsettling details upon closer examination, enough to induce fear in anyone who delved too deep. so, she found an opportunity to escape from home. this situation bore a striking resemblance to a family i knew, with a female member who had mysteriously vanished. after careful comparisons, loki, the family, and i confirmed that muggle was indeed their missing relative. then, one day, loki provided the familys modified soul summoning spell and instructed me to find a way to sell it to muggle for her use. drawing on my understanding of muggles psychological and emotional state, i meticulously crafted a persuasive argument. leveraging her longing to return home and her habit of searching for clues, i convinced mad lady to sell the soul summoning spell to her. as expected, she began to suffer from schizophrenia. in a sense, roche louise sanson came back to life. in each subsequent treatment session, i made her appear better on the surface, but her condition deteriorated with each passing session. at times, i even guided roches personality to emerge and engage with her. it was quite intriguing. lumian listened in silence, refraining from interrupting i know someones account with anger. franca, on the other hand, was seething with anger, repeatedly sipping water to calm herself. why are these people so detestable! they didnt regard others as real people at all! after i know someone had finished speaking, lumian inquired further. the soul summoning spell comes from roche louise sansons family? thats correct. i know someones condition was akin to a windless lake. they combined the knowledge obtained from a boon and a warlocks soul summoning spell, giving rise to the soul summoning spell that muggle purchased. im not sure what makes it special; im not a scholar of witchcraft. knowledge from a boon lumian quickly reviewed his knowledge of dancer, alms monk, and contractee within the inevitability pathway, but he found nothing that could be connected to the soul summoning spell. he suspected that it might be a knowledge linked to a higher sequence of the inevitability pathway or perhaps a unique boon bestowed by the evil god known as inevitability. after a few moments of contemplation, lumian asked slowly, does roche louise sansons family know about muggles existence and her condition? are they aware of her true identity and her current location? i know someone nodded. i informed them of the first part, and roche herself disclosed the rest. later, they managed to establish contact with muggle, bypassing both me and loki. the sinners is involved in spreading the inevitability faith in cordu and providing various resources thats correct. the padre could have joined them immediately after leaving cordu and become their so-called archbishop. this indirectly confirms it lumians emotions remained subdued, but his mind was sharp. he subconsciously clenched his fists and focused on i know someone. what are the names of the members of roche louise sansons family? where are they currently residing? are they affiliated with a secret organization or a cult? i know someone shook his head. after i moved into the asylum, i lost contact with them. during this period, i attempted to locate them but discovered that they had already relocated. it seemed they were no longer using their original identities, as if they were trying to hide from something. roches fathers name is voisin, her mothers name is constace, her elder brothers name is bliss, her elder sisters name is annette, and her younger brothers name is atur. they are all part of a branch of the sanson family. however, i do not know their current names. voisin was once a struggling merchant on the brink of bankruptcy, but he later joined a secret organization known as the sinners. miraculously, he escaped his financial woes and regained his success. he had numerous businesses, with the most notable being the voisin caf, that doubled up as a hotel, restaurant, and various functions. it was frequented by high society, but before they relocated, these businesses were sold. lumian proceeded to gather more information about the sinners and sought details about the appearance, mannerisms, and habits of each family member. with the newly acquired information in hand, lumian spoke thoughtfully, do you know what role the sinners demigod or beyonder at a higher sequence played in the cordu disaster? i know someone replied,not long before i moved into the asylum, voisin informed me that they were taken by surprise. this occurred much earlier than the agreed-upon time, so none of them had arrived at the scene. it appears that some individuals were overly eager to obtain the boons. the ensuing mishap resulting from their failure also caused them to lose many leads. otherwise, they would have discovered you much earlier. the sufferer lurking in the shadows of cordu and around me isnt the demigod of the sinners, so who is interfering with my fate with termiboros? lumian frowned and asked, did roche not inform the sinners, her parents, or her siblings about the early ritual? no, i know someone replied succinctly. they believe she wished to reduce the number of individuals receiving the boons and concentrate the power. lumian fell into a contemplative silence, sensing that something was amiss. could the lizard-like elf be involved? it had prevented aurore from seeking madame helas help and roche louise sanson from contacting the sinners? lumian attempted to inquire further about this matter but did not receive additional information. wary of the truth serums effects wearing off, he decided to change the subject. what does the deity you believe in want you to do in trier? i know someones vacant eyes remained fixed on the sofa as he responded, he occasionally grants us revelations for us to decipher independently. if we interpret them correctly and complete the corresponding task, we receive something unexpected. apart from these revelations, he rarely communicates with us directly. we can only pray to him through a ritual, and this can be done no more than once a week. the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings and mr. fools state are very similar lumian was tempted to inquire about the revelations granted by the celestial worthy but decided it might be too risky to discuss. after a brief moment of consideration and deliberation, he decided to approach it from another angle and indirectly inquire. did you start the rumors about human blood bread? yes, i know someone admitted without hesitation. lumian continued, what about the rumor that mandrake can treat illnesses? i know someone calmly replied, i was the one behind that as well. it was a revelation from the celestial worthy. it was then that i realized i could influence events this way. after some time, rumors of human blood bread began to spread. the mandrake rumor is a revelation from the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings? will there be any hidden dangers in using it to suppress the spirituality surge? lumian contemplated the idea of warning the naive vampire, la nou bruch. he circled around and inquired about other revelations about the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings. he didnt obtain much useful information, so he could only move on to the last topic. tell me about mad lady, ultraman, hisoka, loki, and bard. Chapter 409 - 409 Fire Execution 409 fire execution i know someone said calmly, mad lady is probably a traveler. i have no idea where she lives ultraman used to be a sequence 6 notary of the sun pathway. im not sure anymore. he hasnt been to trier recently, and i havent left the asylum. we only exchange a few words at each gathering loki is a sequence 5 marionettist of the seer pathway, but i suspect he wields more power from celestial worthy than us. he can access resources unknown to us. he even owns a mysterious ancient castle, dylan, hidden somewhere bard is a sequence 6 prometheus of the marauder pathway. of course, im unsure of his current situation. we havent seen each other in reality for a long time he did write emperor roselles secret chronicles and published it under someone elses name im not familiar with hisoka. he hasnt attended any real-life gatherings in the northern continent. in my opinion, hes very dangerous, second only to loki. hes similar to mad lady if i hadnt gone crazy for a while, i would be a sequence 5 by now castle dylan lumian recalled madame helas description of lokis dream and suspected that the mysterious ancient castle hidden somewhere was where loki had been resurrected. he hadnt expected bard to be a beyonder of the marauder pathway. he believed that the nickname originated from the ocean songster of the sailor pathway or the midnight poet of the evernight pathway, but on second thought, it made sense. in rural stories, bards often moonlighted as thieves. this also confirmed the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessingss influence on the seer, apprentice, and marauder pathways. half of the six core members belonged to these three pathways. after i know someone finished speaking, franca asked with concern, who else in the research society is involved with this? i know someone couldnt resist keeping it a secret. he replied calmly, i know pettigrew is one pettigrew? franca blurted out in surprise. i thought he was making fun of his height with that nickname, but it turns out hes mocking his identity? i know someone nodded gently. before finding the organization and joining the research society, he already knew loki. as you all know, loki can use the celestial worthys power to sense transmigrators within a certain range, and pettigrew is also in the trier greater region. he first became lokis subordinate before joining the research society. he was assigned to another team. he actually nicknamed himself pettigrew because he wanted to play a prank and reveal the truth. he mocked and fooled all the research society members who lacked insight, but in reality, i knew he was hesitating, feeling guilty, and struggling. he hoped to use this method to warn the other research society members that there was something wrong with him. my plan was to find an opportunity to tell him that muggle, who never discriminated against his height and was gentle and amiable to him, was harmed by us. he could be considered an indirect helper. when the time comes, his devastation and pained expression would have been very interesting. dammit! franca cursed. although i know someone had been lobotomized and he had become very calm, his tone no longer mocking, his straightforward thoughts were still filled with vileness, making franca unable to control her emotions. what else? lumian asked on her behalf. i know someone recited five more aliases in a row before concluding, these are the few i know. as for the ones loki and the others secretly developed or didnt tell me, im not sure. theres quite a few franca was filled with hatred and frustration. lumian turned to her and said, just share this information with madame hela. how they handle it is up to the president and vice presidents. you dont need to be troubled or hesitant. just enjoy the fruits of your labor. isnt there a saying back at aurore, uh, your home? if you dont witness the lamb being killed and dont cook it yourself, you can enjoy the delicious mutton without it weighing on you. otherwise, its inevitable that youll be benevolent, soft-hearted, and conflicted. franca exhaled and muttered, your sisters adaptation of famous quotes is ridiculous she gathered her composure and looked at i know someone. did you spread news of the impending apocalypse because you believed in the celestial worthy and rushed to pursue joy, allowing you to commit all sorts of evil deeds without feeling guilty? or did you become desperate and believe in the celestial worthy because you were certain that the apocalypse was about to arrive and humans couldnt resist? i know someone replied,both. some tried to replicate their pre-transmigration actions and immediately gained the celestial worthys attention, while others faced catastrophes and learned about the apocalypse. they only believed in the celestial worthy after their mental breakdown. at this point, i know someones empty eye sockets turned to franca, who had just asked the question. later, the celestial worthy even gave us some revelations, allowing us to guess a portion of the truth, including for some inexplicable reason, lumian suddenly felt a strong sense of danger and interrupted i know someones statement. you dont have to continue! i know someone immediately closed his mouth. why cant he say it? franca eagerly awaited the answer, but there was no response. lumian recalled concepts like the barrier related to the apocalypse and said seriously, its not suitable for you to know the truth about the apocalypse yet. that knowledge might cause you to lose control or be fatally corrupted on the spot. you can inquire about it when you become a demigod. alright. franca glanced at lumian and muttered, why do you act like you know the truth why can he do it, but i cant? i only know a little, lumian replied candidly. and that knowledge brought me danger. its all thanks to mr. fools seal. as the effects of the truth serum wore off, i know someone returned to his usual unchanging calm. even his willingness to answer questions had vanished. franca gazed at the lobotomized psychiatrist for a few seconds before sighing. sometimes, were still too naive. we might even think of ourselves as the protagonist. lumian knew that we referred to the members of the curly-haired baboons research society. franca averted her gaze and turned to lumian. while the sheep was undergoing the operation, i searched both i know someones and his substitutes wards. i found some papers at the latters place. i didnt read the content carefully, but it felt a little esoteric. as she spoke, she rose and returned to her room, retrieving a thin stack of papers. lumian flipped through them and frowned. midoros worship whats this? franca hadnt heard the first half of the interrogation. lumian explained briefly and concluded, this should be a spell that allows one to traverse the formless door and closely align with an evil god, gaining knowledge and experience. even ordinary people should be able to learn it after receiving proper guidance. franca sighed from the bottom of her heart and said, no wonder it sounds so sinister. the layers of the heavenly domains, the formless door, the extraordinary phenomena, and the fringes of immortality. it sounds very dangerous! lumian put away the secret deed spell, midoros worship. although he didnt know how to use it, nor did he need to, he could still grasp the corresponding knowledge. this would help him deal with the heretics who relied on midoros worship to obtain knowledge and strength. he then said to franca, relay this information to madame hela. ill handle i know someone. alright. franca nodded gently and watched as lumian put on the lie earring and walked to the armchair. he grabbed the calm mans shoulder and instantly vanished. prison district, rois comprehensive execution ground. it was not yet 7 a.m., and there was no one here. it was wet, as if isolated from the world. lumian emerged from the void with i know someone and tied the april fools core member to the stake. then, he retreated a long distance, crouched down, and pressed his hands to the ground. two crimson tongues of fire swiftly darted towards i know someones body along the weed-covered ground. they grew larger and larger until they transformed into a giant serpent, engulfing i know someone completely. lumian stood up and used his feet to maintain the flow of flames. he silently watched as the calm psychiatrist revealed grayish-white dragon scales under the stress. his body subconsciously struggled, but it wasnt as intense. his various beyonder powers scattered in all directions, but they failed to affect lumian who stood beyond their range. lumian condensed a dangerous flaming spear and hurled it, piercing and burning a hole around i know someones chest and abdomen. the crimson flames that hadnt incinerated the dragon scales elsewhere surged into i know someones body. as lumian watched the april fools core member truly begin to burn, his body instinctively emitting pained cries, his thoughts raced. he quickly recalled the battle last night and todays interrogation. he had learned a lot from this, but he couldnt quite grasp the acting principle. flames arent just lethal; they can also be used as deterrence, intimidation, and a signal it is necessary for pyromaniacs to combine their flames with traps as the raging flames engulfed i know someone, lumian felt as if a fire was burning in his heart. it was anger, satisfaction, and catharsis. at that moment, lumians pyromaniac potion digested a little more, just as it had after the battle the previous night. after an unknown period of time, in the uninhabited execution ground, i know someone ceased his struggles and lost his breath. his body was charred as it cracked apart. Chapter 410 - 410 A Leisure Week 410 a leisure week in the drizzling execution ground, lumian watched as the crimson flames gradually dwindled before his eyes. he observed as translucent, colorless mucus seeped out of the corpse. it surrounded the charred and cracked i know someone, attempting to burrow into his head through the empty eye sockets and fuse with some organ. crimson fire ravens materialized around lumian, darting through the remaining blood-red eyes before the slime could reach its destination. rumble! i know someones head exploded from the inside out, splattering grayish-white colloids everywhere. the transparent, colorless mucus had lost its binding substance, leaving it only able to condense independently, eventually forming a sticky colloid. this colloid landed beneath the stake. from a distance, it resembled an unfixed mirror, capable of reflecting everything around it. lumian strode over and retrieved the colorless colloid, which was likely a hypnotist beyonder characteristic. he did this amidst the scorching air and the flames that flowed around him. as he gazed upon it, he noticed minuscule transparent bubbles deep within the colloid. they caught and refracted sunlight from various angles, displaying an array of colors. after storing away the beyonder characteristic, lumian turned on his heel and departed from the stake. behind him, the lingering flames continued their relentless assault, devouring the charred corpse. as the light flickered, lumians figure vanished from the rois comprehensive execution ground. in apartment 601, 3 rue des blouses blanches, in the market district. lumian, who had reverted to his original form with the lie earring, rubbed his temples and turned to franca. its already taken care of. its fitting for someone like him to meet his end at the stake. unfortunately, hes a believer in the celestial worthy. even if he doesnt take action, he remains a hidden threata potential time bomb. otherwise, i would have spared him, albeit with his frontal lobe removed and his sight forever gone. franca breathed a sigh of relief. thats reassuring. in truth, she felt a twinge of regret. if not for the insanity that had gripped i know someone in the past and his faith in the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings, who was suspected of triggering their transmigration, she might have attempted to channel his spirit and inquire about the potion formula for the spectator pathway, from sequence 9 down to sequence 6 or even sequence 5. however, after thorough contemplation, she decided to forsake this perilous scheme. lumians gaze shifted to the open door of the guest bedroom. wheres jenna? shes gone to the thatre de lancienne cage pigeons, franca taunted lumian. shes much more diligent than you in digesting the potion. lumian replied thoughtfully, after venting the flames within me to battle and carry out the execution, my pyromaniac potion has significantly digested. at this rate, if i can distill a new acting principle, it should be fully digested within two months. he didnt dwell on the subject and continued, i intend to share i know someones beyonder characteristics with madam magician. without her and the tarot clubs support, we might have lost track of our target or lost control during our initial assault. no problem, franca replied without hesitation. the beyonder characteristics of these followers of the evil god have eluded the grasp of high-ranking individuals. i wouldnt dare to possess them myself. theres no need to think about repaying me. dealing with i know someone is also a mandate from the curly-haired baboons research society. lumian didnt stand on ceremony. he observed as franca returned to the bedroom, changing into a white lace-adorned shirt and slim beige pants, seemingly preparing to go out. where are you off to? lumian asked casually. franca responded with a hint of annoyance, ive been caught up in all sorts of messes youve stirred up lately, and i havent had a moment to pleasure myself. now that its finally settled, its only fair that i take a break, right? i suggest you behave yourself for the next few days! lumian couldnt help but smile as the demoness of pleasure slipped on her boots, swung the door open, and left. once the door slammed shut, lumian, who had originally planned to return to auberge du coq dor to write to madam magician, grabbed a pen and paper from the nearby table. he meticulously jotted down all the information i know someone had given him. he then neatly folded the paper and placed i know someones hypnotist beyonder characteristic on top of it. summoning the doll messenger, lumian patiently waited. before long, the doll messenger returned, carrying the translucent colloid and a square piece of folded paper. madam magicians reply read: this is a shared mission of the tarot club. theres no need for a reward. keep it for yourself. ive already removed the corruption that could be removed. well mobilize various resources to search for the whereabouts of the remaining five april fools members, but we currently lack a solid lead. the pranks mentioned in the information have been ongoing for too long. lumian finished reading in silence, allowing the crimson flames to consume the paper in his hand. he longed to teleport directly to feynapotters gaia province and the southern continents west balam to personally hunt down the suspicious april fools team members, such as bard. however, he knew it was futile. without sufficient information or clues, it was like searching for a needle in a haystack. he couldnt rely on the ice-cream-eating boys luck every time, could he? all i can do now is wait for the tarot club to uncover useful leads the only person i can track down at the moment is the publisher of the underground book, emperor roselles secret chronicles. if only they had met with the real author, bard lumian felt a mixture of disappointment and relief. he planned to take his time with the hypnotist beyonder characteristic. while he searched for a suitable artisan, he waited for anthony reid to investigate general philips widow. if the psychiatrist gained something and succeeded in curing his psychological issues, lumian wouldnt mind selling him the hypnotist beyonder characteristics and splitting the proceeds with franca. if lumian found a suitable artisan before that, he would designate the mystical item he crafted as a common resource, allowing franca, jenna, and the others to use it as they saw fit. after tucking away the hypnotist beyonder characteristic in a concealed pocket, lumian exhaled and leaned back in his dining chair. only then did he hear the growl of his stomach and realize his hunger. since waking up at 6 a.m., he had been engrossed in the interrogation, execution, and letter writing, completely forgetting about breakfast. honestly, leaving me alone here; its as if i live here lumian mumbled to himself as he got up and ventured into the apartments kitchen to see what ingredients were available. scanning the area, he spotted a few potatoes. lumian was momentarily surprised but quickly rolled up his sleeves and grabbed an apron hanging nearby. with skillful hands, he peeled, washed, and thinly sliced the potatoes into fine strips. following the process, he ignited the stove, heated a pan, added oil, sauted, and tossed in the shredded potatoes. he seasoned the dish accordingly. once it was ready, lumian toasted two slices of bread and poured a glass of milk. sitting down at the dining table, he sandwiched the crispy shredded potatoes between the slices of toast and savored them, occasionally taking a sip of milk. outside the window, the drizzle had cleared, and the sun beamed brightly. during the following week, lumian made the most of his time. he patiently awaited the recovery of his mental damage from the past two battles, taking the opportunity to act as a pyromaniac and gradually digest the potion. in the midst of this process, he also managed to report to mr. k about his recent activities and the discovery of the evil god organization. members of the savoie mob in salle de bal brise were surprised. their boss had unexpectedly appeared for five to six consecutive days and had stayed for extended periods each time. compared to their previous experiences of him being unavailable, it was as if he had found a double. charlie was equally astounded. ciel frequented the basement bar every night to drink, tease, and taunt people, making him the prime target of this unusual dedication. just as franca was about to revisit trocadros red house caf and discreetly remind browns sauron not to forget auditing her, helas pure silver skull sent out a notice of a special gathering to apartment 601 at 3 rue des blouses blanches and lumians abandoned safe house on rue des blouses blanches. it had been a while since lumian had visited the safe house. if franca hadnt inquired about the letter upon receiving it, he might not have been aware of it. many members of the curly-haired baboons research society operated in a similar fashion. they had designated locations for receiving and sending letters but did not actually reside there. they only visited periodically to avoid detection by hela, finding comfort in these small details. lumian arrived at the abandoned safe house on rue des blouses blanches and carefully unfolded the letter. its contents read: muggle: theres a special gathering scheduled for 10 tonight. we need to discuss something of utmost importance that concerns everyones safety. at night, just three minutes shy of ten oclock, lumian recited the incantation imbued with concealment powers within the confines of the safe house on rue du rossignol. gradually, he felt himself sinking into a profound slumber, the sensation akin to his body being erased by an enormous eraser. after an indeterminate period, he suddenly regained consciousness and found himself standing amidst an ancient palace enveloped in the misty shroud of a town. over a hundred members of the curly-haired baboons research society had already assembled, their figures still taking shape. navigating through what resembled a grand masquerade ball venue, lumian, now transformed into aurore using lie, wore a warlocks black robe and half-mask as he approached the academy team. he scanned the area but didnt spot the member known as pettigrew. standing beside a slender man with a brownish-yellow manila document bag obscuring his head was professor, adorned in a black butterfly mask, a bow tie shirt, and a long dark coat. it was her husband, associate professor. professor regarded lumian with curiosity and inquired, do you know whats happening? why did they convene this special gathering? lumian, taking on the persona of muggle aurore, smirked and let out a sigh. because we have traitors among us. traitors professor and the other members of the academy team echoed the term. at that moment, the half-giant president, gandalf, attired in a simple robe and hood, and the vice president, hela, who appeared as a black widow with her face concealed by a veil, made their way to the massive stone throne situated deep within the ancient palace. Chapter 411 - 411 Review Committee 411 review committee the notice had already made it clear that this was no ordinary gathering. most members of the curly-haired baboons research society didnt split into groups to chat. instead, they took their customary positions and fixed their eyes on the massive mottled stone chair. ten minutes past the agreed time, gandalf, the president in his linen robe, looked around and spoke in a booming voice, everyone, ive brought you here for something crucial. weve got a bunch of traitors among us! a bunch of traitors even though professor and the others from the academy had received lumians hint, they hadnt expected the issue to be this severe. it wasnt just one traitor; it was a whole bunch! the ancient palace, though dilapidated, exploded with commotion. some members of the curly-haired baboons research society were skeptical, while others became instantly wary, suspicious of everyone around. some thought there might be a problem, but they didnt think it was as bad as gandalf made it out to be. as they whispered amongst themselves, hela, her face shrouded in black, spoke with an icy tone, first, lets have one of the victims share her experience. her voice wasnt loud, but it cut through the silence of the night, reaching every member of the curly-haired baboons research society. she then turned her gaze toward the area where the academy team was positioned. understanding helas intent, lumian confidently ascended the steps and stood next to the massive, ancient mottled stone chair. he channeled aurores emotional reaction if she were to discover the truth about her death and spoke with a deep, resonant voice, on april 1st, i acquired a spell known as the soul summoning spell from mad lady of the april fools team without any need for amplification, lumians imitation of aurores voice harnessed the concealed power that saturated the nation of the evernight, ensuring that everyone present could hear without any leaks. it was evident that hela had lent her assistance. lumian, not being a true warlock, couldnt employ supplementary spells himself. upon hearing this revelation, most members of the curly-haired baboons research society shifted their attention to the palaces crevice housing the april fools team. they noticed the conspicuous absence of mad lady and a significant number of her team members. they could now infer which group the traitors were affiliated with. those who had been pranked by the april fools team couldnt help but feel a sense of vindication. lumian continued with his account. he didnt immediately divulge loki and i know someones confessions. instead, he reconstructed aurores emotions. the trust in i know someone, the yearning for home, the obsession with clues, the fascination with mad ladys claims, the fear and unease upon discovering a soul fragment fused with her memories after using the soul summoning spell and the subsequent split into a separate personality, the desperate search for treatment from i know someone, the helplessness and horror from her repeated improvements before repeated deterioration lumians agitation grew as he spoke. at times, he even choked back a sob. part of this stemmed from his frustration. he had failed to notice aurores abnormal emotions and state earlier. his relaxed demeanor around those close to him had caused him to overlook subtle changes. by the time he had realized the gravity of the situation, it had already spiraled out of control. simultaneously, as he recounted and simulated aurore, her fragmented soul seemed to stir and hover near the edge of the seal, exerting an influence on his own psyche. as he neared the end of his narrative, lumian took a deep breath. i came perilously close to death because of it. fortunately, i received assistance at the eleventh hour and managed to seal my split personality. thats why i was absent from the gatherings for almost half a year. after my initial recovery, i reached out to madame hela and recounted my encounter. we began our covert investigation into loki, i know someone, and mad lady. hela took charge of the conversation. so far, loki has revealed a significant number of issues and has been dealt a severe blow from our actions. i know someone, on the other hand, was apprehended by muggle and the rest, resulting in the extraction of a wealth of information. as hela noticed the growing fear and concern among the members of the curly-haired baboons research society, she recounted lokis mockery of muggle and i know someones intricate schemes. this revelation stoked the flames of fury within most of the research societys members, and they began to grasp the reasons behind muggle and helas actions. hela surveyed the assembled crowd and continued, muggle wasnt the sole victim of their malevolence. many members who had previously met untimely ends or disappeared were also targeted. now, lets invite a few witnesses up. with that, several witnesses, including black earth and other april fools team members, took the stage one by one to share what they knew. their accounts sent shivers down the spines of the curly-haired baboons research society members, leaving them with a lingering fear. it became abundantly clear that if muggle hadnt survived and exposed their true colors, countless more individuals could have fallen prey to their schemes! after the witnesses had concluded their accounts, president gandalf presented the evidence, including diaries and items. finally, he addressed the assembly, according to i know someones confession, weve managed to eliminate lokis accomplices who were embedded in other teams. among them, pettigrew took his own life, overwhelmed by guilt. he was a good person but lacked determination and courage. if he had reached out to hela and me earlier and hinted at the situation more effectively, many unfortunate events might have been averted. he wouldnt have had to carry this heavy burden. as sighs rippled through the audience, gandalfs resonant voice grew stronger. everyone, weve only dealt with those accomplices known to i know someone. its entirely possible that there are still spies embedded in various teams, loyal only to loki. i propose the formation of a review committee consisting of hela, myself, and three other trusted companions who have already undergone mutual reviews. our mission will be to assess the remaining members and root out any hidden threats. well take decisive action against loki and his allies. members of the curly-haired baboons research society hesitated, concerned that this move would expose their secrets and realities to the review committee. if any ambitious individuals were part of this committee, they could potentially exploit the information to manipulate and control members, posing a more significant threat than lokis gang. gandalf remained observant, waiting for their deliberations before adding, do not be overly concerned. our review process wont delve into your personal secrets or true identities. the primary goal is for the review committee to draft a stringent contract that ensures research society members wont harm each other. everyone will sign it, and the contract will be notarized by apollo. we dont care which deity you believe in, your real-world profession, or your hidden secrets. as long as you pose no threat and dont become hidden time bombs, you will be fine. this limitation will be clearly outlined in the contract. apollo, one of the five vice presidents, was known by a different nickname before. however, one day, he had unexpectedly approached the massive stone chair and announced his new moniker. he had already successfully passed gandalf and helas scrutiny. in comparison to a comprehensive body-to-soul review, signing a binding contract to ensure each others safety seemed far more acceptable to the members of the curly-haired baboons research society. after a show of hands, the review committee was officially established with nearly unanimous support. the committee comprised five members: president gandalf, vice president hela, vice president apollo, hidden blade from the sanctuary team, and headmaster from the academy team. hela had initially suggested that muggle join the review committee, but lumian felt that, given that he wasnt truly muggle, it wouldnt be appropriate for him to hold such a position. thus, he rejected helas proposal. as the vote passed, lumian overheard hidden blade franca mutter, humans are still the same. if you want to open a window, there will always be plenty of objections. but if you propose to tear down the roof, theyll happily agree to let you open the window. upon noticing muggles gaze, hidden blade franca added, i didnt say that. subsequently, the members split into groups to discuss the terms of the contract. their aim was to ensure that it contained no extraneous content and that it could effectively expose traitors and harmful actions without any loopholes. as lumian descended the steps, he noticed hidden blade franca engaged in conversation with a tall individual wearing a lion headgear. as he approached, the lion-headed man turned to her and offered a smile. muggle, youre in the market district too? 007, why do you say that? franca asked with deliberate curiosity. that 007 whos affiliated with an official faction in trier lumian nodded and smirked. just because youre active in the market district doesnt necessarily mean you live there. thats true, 007 replied, then turned to hidden blade with a hint of jest in his voice, youve already told me about that terrifying aura that night, and today you mentioned loki and the others betrayal. it would have been strange if i couldnt connect the dots and figure out that it was madame hela, you, and muggle dealing with loki and i know someone in the market district. besides, i heard about a marionettist going missing from bureau 8 during that time, and it matched the abilities loki displayed. at this point, 007 looked at hidden blade and muggle in puzzlement. none of you are beyonders of the hunter pathway. the higher-ups suspected that the terrifying aura had been emitted by a high-level beyonder of the hunter pathway. can we create that terrifying aura ourselves? it must be exogenous! franca was telling the truth, but she was deliberately misleading him into thinking about charms, sealed artifacts, and so on. as 007 nodded slowly in contemplation, lumian focused on him and inquired, whats the official stance of bureau 8 regarding the missing marionettist? why do they believe he disappeared? Chapter 412 - 412 Purge 412 purge wearing a lion headgear, 007 took a moment to think before speaking. ive only heard rumors that the marionettist disappeared with some classified information. thats not true, franca replied, dropping the act. 007 had already figured out that the truth of that night involved the two of them teaming up with hela to deal with loki. loki didnt possess any such information! 007 didnt argue with her and continued discussing the rumors. and the classified information seems to be tied to a treasure left behind by a secret organization. left-behind treasure lumian and franca both remembered the castle dylan mentioned by i know someone. the location of this mysterious castle remained unknown, and lokis dreams featured a towering and ominous ancient castle. 007 continued, there are also members of bureau 8 who suspect that the terrifying aura from that night is connected to the missing marionettist. an intelligence supervisor named antoine has been repeatedly asking for more details. antoine he believes lokis disappearance wasnt random, and something must have happened to him? lumian made a mental note of the name. after recounting the rumors, 007 glanced at muggle and said half-jokingly, its best if you avoid the market district. hidden blade has stirred up trouble there. its very dangerous. who said that? security has clearly improved! franca responded confidently. ever since she and lumian had taken down the leaders of the poison spur mob, the savoie mob had taken control of the entire market district. the frequency of mob fights, shootings, and killings had decreased significantly, and security had improved. 007 sighed and remarked, thats only on the surface. there are more incidents involving supernatural powers than before. sigh, i wonder when ill get a long vacation. lumian, in the role of muggle, conversed with 007 for a while before returning to the academy team. professor, wearing a black butterfly mask, approached him and let out a soft sigh. i was worried that something had happened to you due to the hidden sages whispers, and you needed some time to recover. who would have thought that lokis gang was behind it? after cursing loki and his gang, she turned to muggle for confirmation. have you noticed that the hidden sages whispers have taken on a disturbing change in recent months? aurores grimoires didnt contain any records of this lumian thought for a moment and replied with a hint of bitterness, nothing much. as you know, i was affected by the soul summoning spell in the first few months of this year. my mental state was unstable, and recently, ive sealed a part of my personality. the issues with my body havent been fully resolved. i had already digested the warlock potion and was planning to gather ingredients for advancement, but i havent dared to do so now. the professor understood and cautioned, you should be careful. until your mental problems are completely resolved, and you return to your normal state, dont consider consuming the potion. her voice lowered as she continued, ive noticed that the hidden sages whispers have been revealing more living knowledge lately. its the kind of knowledge that actively seeks out individuals and insists on entering their minds. this makes it even more dangerous for beyonders of the mystery pryer pathway like us. more knowledge actively pursuing individuals has the hidden sages nature changed? lumian had heard his sister aurore mention the knowledge pursuer, so he didnt appear confused or bewildered. he nodded solemnly and said, ill be cautious. professor didnt press further and continued discussing the specifics of the contract with associate professor and the other academy team members. muggle lumian also took part in the conversation. it took more than half an hour for the teams to gather their members opinions, document them, and submit them to the review committee. after careful consolidation, adoption, and rejection by gandalf, hela, and others, along with collective discussions involving all members of the curly-haired baboons research society, the terms of the contract were painstakingly finalized. it wasnt clear if everyone tacitly agreed to enter the nation of the evernight, but the gathering included transmigrators. there was no requirement for members of the curly-haired baboons research society to be of the same kind or come from the same world. hela was aware of this but chose not to bring it up. this allowed lumian to fully meet the conditions and willingly comply with the contracts restrictions. he wouldnt secretly investigate the backgrounds of the research society members and wouldnt intentionally harm one another. however, there were certain exceptions. the contract granted the review committee the right to investigate suspected members, but they couldnt pass judgment or make decisions unilaterally. they had to convene a special gathering and inform all members of the situation. every member would then vote on guilt and suggest a rough range of punishment. loki and the others, who were currently being pursued, were no longer protected. anyone had the authority to apprehend them. after the contract was approved, hidden blade franca, who stood beside lumian, let out a sigh of relief and genuinely commented, once everyone signs the contract, the research society will truly become a secret organization. it was too lax before. many matters relied on everyones self-awareness. lumian, showing only the lower half of aurores face, smiled and replied, after all, you all didnt come together for anything significant before. you lacked a strict hierarchy. its only natural that you had the freedom to do as you pleased. a loosely organized group could only mature gradually after weathering various challenges. as vice president apollo drafted an extensive mystical contract, the various teams resumed their daily discussions. this time, the primary focus of each team was on loki and his companions actions and potential accomplices. gandalf, headmaster, hela, hidden blade, and others moved from team to team, observing each members reactions closely. suddenly, the research society member disguised as a horse, began reciting the incantation to leave the nation of the evernight before the review committee could patrol his area. a beyonder from ancient times, the ruler of the nation of the evernight, the noble mother of heaven the voice echoed through the ancient palace, but before the figure could finish the incantation, his eyes closed, and he fell asleep. the surrounding members of the curly-haired baboons research society were momentarily shocked before realizing the situation. they cursed, traitor! this individual had been one of lokis hidden accomplices. with the mole incapacitated, the review committee resumed their patrol. fifteen minutes later, the contract, as large as two dining tables, was produced, bearing the signature of a notary. exhausted, vice president apollo drank a potion provided by gandalf to alleviate his mental fatigue. in the following period, members of the curly-haired baboons research society ascended the steps one by one. under the watchful eyes of the review committee, they read the contract and signed it using the nicknames they had been using for years. during this process, the fog outside the ancient palace grew denser, as if preventing any external interference. once all the members had signed, three more traitors were exposed. one of them transformed into a torch of light after signing, while another attempted to abduct his companion next to him, only to fall into a deep slumber. seeing this, the third traitor chose to confess. after a vote, the one who confessed was handled by a hypnotist to erase relevant memories. he was expelled from the research society, while the remaining three turned into beyonder characteristics. hela concluded, gandalf and i will investigate the family situations of these members. if they are ordinary people and there are no issues, i suggest auctioning off the beyonder characteristics for money and providing compensation. this compensation wasnt a reward for their wrongdoings but rather a way to assist the relatives of the members who had taken over the bodies and could no longer provide support. many members of the curly-haired baboons research society had transmigrated to this world five to six years ago. some had wives and children. upon hearing this proposal, they were moved and felt it wouldnt be fair to implicate their families. lumian had no objections. he still considered himself an outsider in this situation. in the remaining time, lumian visited various teams, following hidden blade francas guidance, and identified two artisans capable of crafting mystical items. he didnt rush to interact with the artisans and entrust them with the hypnotist beyonder characteristic from i know someone. instead, he planned to wait for anthony reid. the assistance a hypnotist could provide far exceeded that of a corresponding mystical item. after all, most mystical items couldnt speak or offer advice and guidance. due to lokis incident and the exposure of hidden traitors, many members of the curly-haired baboons research society lost their enthusiasm and chose to depart without lingering, causing the number of people in the ancient palace to dwindle. the professor and associate professor couple, who had initially intended to organize an academy team gathering in trier, temporarily abandoned the idea. at noon the following day, lumian casually arrived at salle de bal brise with a rouen meatloaf in hand. upon entering the caf on the second floor, he spotted rat christo. the short smuggling leader, sporting a pair of rat-like whiskers, greeted him with a smile. lumian raised his eyebrows and asked with a smile, got into trouble? simultaneously, he thought to himself, this guy is a sequence 8 beast tamer. beyond that is sequence 7 vampire. with his current appearance, i wonder how the potion will increase his charm and height? christo chuckled and said, theres something i want to ask you. i cant make up my mind. lumian pulled up a chair and sat down. and whats the matter? christo, resembling a large rat, glanced around and said, the trier cave association invited me to join them. why do you think theyre interested in recruiting me? the trier cave association was a group of individuals passionate about exploring and studying caves. over time, it expanded its scope to include mining and drew in mine owners as well. in trier, the region with the most caves was underground. Chapter 413 - 413 Cave Association 413 cave association upon hearing the name trier cave association and their invitation to rat christo, lumian didnt feel puzzled initially. instead, he recalled the secret map of underground trier he had once seen from gardner martin. the upper section of the map was as detailed as if one had infiltrated the municipal department and copied the original information. now, lumian suspected that it might have been leaked from the trier cave association. this seemingly civilian organization had a large number of cave researchers. some of them were employees of the municipal department or expert consultants. they had ample opportunities to come into contact with confidential exploration and construction information. there was no lack of people who had participated in the municipal modification decades ago. they were hands-on witnesses who had bored through various tunnels and reinforced all the quarry caves. they had a deep understanding of underground trier. lumian looked at rat christo and asked thoughtfully, do you really not understand why they invited you to join the association? rat christo smiled sheepishly and said, i have a guess, but im not sure. ciel, dont tell me theyve discovered im a smuggler leader? as a merchant who had long exploited underground triers concealed nature to smuggle alcohol, weapons, and ammunition, christos knowledge of different tunnels, remote mines, underground tombs, and hidden chambers rivaled that of most members of the cave association. he even possessed secret routes that remained unknown to others. moreover, his nickname was rat, and he was a true beast tamer. with the help of his animal friends, his tentacles could extend to many areas that humans couldnt reach. christo suspected that the cave association had taken a liking to him because of these traits. that was why he felt uneasy. whether it was his status as a beast tamer in the beyonder domain or his nature as a big-time smuggler, they were enough to send him to trial. his options would probably range from hanging, a firing squad, incineration, beheading, to becoming a low-level experimentalist. lumian chuckled. i dont believe that adventurers who join the cave association havent been involved in smuggling and dont have beyonders among them. thats right, rat christo exhaled and said, the cave association wants some business from me? lumian glanced at him and said, thats why you should consult the boss about this, not me. christo lowered his voice and smiled ingratiatingly. im just worried that the boss will take the opportunity to assign me some dangerous mission. based on gardner martins previous missions and the confidential map, this rat keenly sensed the bosss extraordinary interest in underground trier. he felt that if he joined the trier cave association, gardner martin might arrange for him to contact some members of the association and attempt to steal confidential information or participate in research and risky expeditions. and that often meant danger. he had consulted lumian not only because he felt that his colleague was powerful, knowledgeable, and quick-witted but also because he wanted to find someone to shirk his responsibility in advance. he had already made up his mind to join the trier cave association and keep it a secret from gardner martin, the boss of the savoie mob. for him to progress from an ordinary mobster to a beyonder and take control of the savoie mobs smuggling business, he relied on two principles: one, he had to avoid provoking anyone stronger than him, choosing only to bully the weak. if he ran out of options, he could seek help from his colleagues and join forces. two, he had to never place all his chips on a bet or one person. previously, he had fawned over lumian, displaying a certain degree of submission. his words were filled with praise for lumian because he valued his colleagues rapid advancement in sequence, his strength, and his intelligence. if he befriended him, he might be able to save his life from a dangerous mission given by gardner martin at a critical moment. now that he had a chance to join the trier cave association and interact with more factions and powerful figures, rat christo naturally didnt want to let it go. he didnt want his connections to be limited to the savoie mob and the market district. if gardner martin lost power one day or he was given a certain death mission, he needed to switch teams, one that could protect him. gardner martin definitely couldnt know about this, but if he accidentally discovered the matter, christo could naturally blame it on ciel: i, rat, am a boorish and uncultured individual. i spend my days dealing with animals, laborers, and the dark underground. i have limited knowledge and aint very bright. i often seek guidance from ciel when i encounter matters, and he told me that i could join the cave association. he said it was a very normal and personal matter. lumian looked at christo with a faint smile, his dark-blue eyes and grayish-black hair, and didnt respond to his inquiry. instead, he asked, youve been a beast tamer for a long time, right? do you know what the next sequence is? judging by rats care and concern for his animal companions, even if he didnt know the acting method, the beast tamer potion should have mostly been digested. i dont know. the boss didnt tell me, christos eyes darted around. lumian chuckled and said, as far as i know, the next sequence of beast tamer is a qualitative change. it will bring you an all-around improvement, including a longer lifespan and a body with better recovery traits. without waiting for christo to press further, lumian changed the subject. therefore, you must work hard to complete the mission given by the boss and strive to obtain the corresponding rewards as soon as possible. yes, yes, yes, christo hastily agreed. only then did lumian steer the conversation back on track. he smiled and asked, do you wish to join the trier cave association? christo stammered, i-im curious about their motives. moreover, the person who came seems polite and keeps smiling, but i keep feeling that his actions are a threat to me. yes, a threat! the one following him is even more expressionless. he looks at me as if im a dead man, a criminal awaiting trial! curious lumian chuckled inwardly, grasping rats inclination and thoughts. angrily, he said, how dare they threaten a leader of our savoie mob? we must inform the boss about this! no, no need! christo panicked. the cave association is a semi-official organization. were just mobsters. theres no need to clash with them. this wont do you, me, or red boots, who are members of the savoie mob in the market district, any good. lumian clicked his tongue silently, planning to add fuel to the fire and force the truth out of rat. at that moment, sarkota, who had been guarding the staircase at the bottom, walked up and said to lumian, boss, two individuals calling themselves trier cave association liaisons are here to pay you a visit. visit me? someone from the trier cave association is visiting me? lumian glanced at rat christo, who had his hands on the table in surprise and confusion. he leaned back in his chair and said to sarkota, invite them up. the trier cave associations two liaisons were young. they wore black formal attire and blue bow ties. one had brown hair, brown eyes, and a reserved smile. the other had black hair and brown eyes, expressionless and cold. the friendly liaison glanced at rat christo and fixed his gaze on lumians face. he smiled and asked, good afternoon. are you monsieur ciel dubois? yes. lumian wanted to see what the trier cave association was up to. the liaison who had asked the question earlier smiled condescendingly and said, were members of the trier cave association. my name is joseph, and this is my colleague, rayan. were here to invite you to join our association. we just invited monsieur christo, whos standing beside you, a few hours ago. lumian didnt hide his emotions and asked with amusement, what do i have that caught your cave associations eye? im not a smuggler who frequents underground trier! could it be that you know that i entered the fourth level of the catacombs and obtained the samaritan womens spring water? could it be that you still know that im a member of the iron and blood cross order and am aware of a series of hidden catacombs like the albert mines? joseph replied with a smile, we have our reasons. if youre willing to join our association, youll definitely know the specific reason. rayan, who was taller than joseph, added coldly, thats a good thing for you. lumian gazed at them for a few seconds before chuckling. im not interested in your association. the expressionless rayan narrowed his eyes. i hope you wont regret it. joseph smiled meaningfully and said, you might not know the significance of our cave association in trier. unfortunately, you missed this opportunity. with that, the two of them turned around and prepared to walk towards the stairs leading to the ground floor. as lumian watched them leave, he raised his head slightly. what is the trier cave association up to? this matter is definitely not simple perhaps this is an opportunity. if i offend the cave association, gardner martin probably wont let me stay in the market district anymore my current mission in the iron and blood cross order is to investigate the sauron familys decline and explore the underground to find the entrance to fourth epoch trier. it has nothing to do with staying in the market district once i leave the market district, ill be out of lokis sight. i can slip into the shadows and wait patiently i wonder if i can continue enjoying salle de bal brises share of profits if anything goes awry, ill teleport away immediately as these thoughts raced through his mind, lumian suddenly knocked on the coffee table in front of him. amidst the thumping sounds, he glanced at joseph and rayans figures and asked calmly, who gave you the permission to leave? Chapter 414 - 414 Reason 414 reason joseph and rayan came to a sudden halt, swiftly turning to face lumian. lumian observed them in silence, offering no immediate explanation. joseph, maintaining his smug and condescending grin, inquired, monsieur ciel, im not sure i comprehend your meaning. lumian spoke with composure, i granted you permission to visit me, not the freedom to depart. this is my salle de bal brise, not your home. you cant come and go as you please. though lumian didnt intentionally use provocation, his demeanor, tone, and message radiated unmistakable disdain, as if he held no fear of their wrath. rayan, his expression unchanged, narrowed his eyes, turned away, and continued his stride toward the staircase, completely disregarding lumians words. joseph, with brown hair and eyes to match, glanced at lumian, then at rayan. his gaze flickered, but he made no move to stop him. unfazed, lumian calmly drew his revolver and discharged a round toward the staircase without hesitation. with a bang, rayan came to an abrupt standstill once again. slowly, he pivoted to face lumian, exuding a palpable pressure from his eyes. a subtle movement in christos pocket betrayed his discomfort and vigilance, sensing imminent danger. unperturbed, lumian, holding the revolver, issued a sincere apology, im sorry, i am carrying a concealed firearm. as he spoke, he glanced back at rayan and joseph, a faint, fearless smile playing on his lips. josephs feigned polite smile crumbled, replaced by a piercing gaze fixed on lumian, as if assessing the mob leaders resolve, confidence, and strength. lumian contemplated uttering, what are you staring at? if you want to fight, lets fight. if not, back down. to further infuriate the trier cave association representatives, but considering the presence of rat christo, he abandoned the notion. it would expose his true intention of provocation rather than investigating their true purpose, making it challenging to explain to gardner martin, the current or former conspirer. his unwavering gaze remained locked with joseph and rayan. with the revolver in his right hand, he deftly spun the cylinder. after more than ten seconds that left rat christo visibly sweating, joseph once again wore a polite smile and asked, may we depart now, monsieur ciel? oh, so you see through my true intentions of deliberately finding fault, hoping to get some action? wheres your arrogance and self-esteem? lumian chuckled inwardly and said in an infuriating tone, not just yet. rayan took an abrupt step forward, but joseph restrained him. the freckled, brown-haired, brown-eyed young man raised his chin slightly and locked eyes with lumian. what must we do to gain your permission? lumians smile held a tinge of disappointment as he replied, answer my question, why did you invite christo and me to join the cave association? i dont recall having a hobby of exploring and studying caves. joseph fell into a brief silence before explaining, our associations cave adventurers have encountered christo several times underground and noticed his in-depth knowledge of underground trier. he appears to be well-acquainted with many hidden routes, which aligns with our cave associations criteria for invitations. rat christo didnt voice any objections to this explanation. although his primary activities involved smuggling underground, there were no completely hidden smuggling routes. they inevitably crossed paths with tunnels and mines known to cave adventurers and quarry police. during these encounters, it was inevitable that he would come across a few passersby or be covertly observed from a distance. lumian, all the while, idly stroked the revolvers muzzle without interrupting josephs narrative. joseph paused for a brief moment before elaborating, there are two reasons for your invitation. the first reason is an earth blood ore specimen. the earth blood ore specimen lumian hadnt anticipated this reason at all. without taking much time to consider, guided by his prankster instincts and recent advice from anthony reid, lumian swiftly responded, an earth blood ore specimen ah, i recall now. i acquired it from a lunatic named flameng. isnt it just a stone? it holds no value to me. i dont even know its whereabouts. lumian then added with a touch of nostalgia, it appears to have been stolen. i left it in a rented apartment. heh heh, individuals like us rarely have a place solely for rest and sleep. my apartment was laden with numerous traps. who would have imagined a thief successfully infiltrating and accessing the cabinet? whats more, they only took the earth blood ore and left everything else untouched. it puzzled me at the time, making me wonder if my recollection was flawedthe stone has long been lost, and no thief had broken in ciel duboiss words were delivered with a sincere and detailed tone, and his demeanor conveyed an apparent lack of concern regarding the ore specimen. now, it merely seemed like the loss of some insignificant item. joseph and rayan exchanged glances, their attitudes subtly shifting. as lumian finished his act, his mind raced, trying to decipher the rationale behind the trier cave associations interest in the earth blood ore. the earth bloods rock stratum has existed beneath trier for centuries, if not millennia. the specific minerals concealed within it couldnt have surfaced recently, catching the attention of flameng and other mineral researchers official factions in trier and certain secretive organizations probably know that a select few minerals within the earth blood rock stratum hold a connection to the death of blood emperor alista tudor. however, they havent uncovered their practical significance, merely corrupting the minds of those who encountered them that night, i activated the brand on my right hand, causing numerous high-ranking individuals in trier to sense it. someone might have identified the aura of blood emperor alista tudor through various means, prompting an investigation into relevant items the whereabouts of the specific minerals within the earth blood rock stratum are a vital lead in their inquiry. flamengs belongings were registered with the market districts police headquarters given the cave associations connection to the authorities, they likely accepted the mission and sought me out, the one who had acquired flamengs belongings but why didnt they just send someone from the police headquarters to inquire directly? the purifier, machinery hivemind, and bureau 8 members all possess corresponding police identities of course, the authorities arent unified. they are officially divided between the government and the two churches, but in practice, each faction harbors internal divisions. the eternal blazing sun churchs order of preachers clashes with the brotherhood minor and other ideological factions. the church of the god of steam and machinerys cloister system opposes the cathedral system. bureau 8 is even more of a mixed bag. some members come from secret organizations recognized by the government, some are former nobles like sauron, who retains some influence, and others had been groomed by bureau 8 over the years the only thing holding them together is the fact that bureau 8 members cant officially align with any political party, or it would become even more chaotic in such a fractured environment, it is possible that a group within a faction had identified the earth blood ores unique trail of clues but doesnt want others to know. hence, they bypassed the police stations public channels and conducted their investigation through the unofficial cave association perhaps someone within the cave association has recognized this clue and possesses an in-depth knowledge of underground terrain and mineral specimens. they are likely among the most proficient professionals is this why they hadnt directly requested my cooperation with the investigation and instead attempted to recruit me into the cave association? lumian swiftly reached this preliminary conclusion, eagerly awaiting joseph to reveal the second reason. joseph said, we believed you had an interest in underground minerals and were a kindred spirit. did it really get stolen, or did you leave it somewhere else but have forgotten about it? it must have been stolen, lumian said truthfully. i found some traces of a break-in. because of this, i became concerned about the gold i had saved, so i went to the bank to rent a safe deposit box for it. joseph nodded gently and said, the second reason is that kendall, an administrator of the catacombs, told us that among the individuals who brought flamengs ashes there for burial, you seemed to possess a unique sensitivity to something abnormal that others couldnt perceive. they connected the dots from the earth blood ore to the catacombs lumian was enlightened. im not sure what you mean by special.'' joseph didnt elaborate or push for further information. he simply looked at lumian and asked, monsieur ciel, may we leave now? lumian regarded them for a few seconds before nodding slowly. sure. the situation had taken an unexpected turn, causing him to abandon his plan of provoking the two liaisons and antagonizing the trier cave association further. while he had undoubtedly irked joseph and rayan, they had also obtained the answers they were seeking, or at least a part of them. there might be minor repercussions in the future, but a major confrontation was unlikely. after joseph and rayan disappeared down the stairs, lumian sat in contemplation for several moments. he holstered his revolver, stood up, and addressed rat christo, this situation is more complex than i anticipated. i need to report it to the boss. he considered a dangerous possibility. if it turned out that the sauron family was behind the investigation into the special earth blood ore through the cave association, and they discovered a connection between ciel dubois, a mob leader, and the supposed son of a wealthy businessman who exhibited peculiar behavior in poufer saurons kings pie game, it could pose a significant problem. therefore, he needed to inform gardner martin immediately, be forthright with him, and eliminate any potential hidden threats while seeking useful advice. with the iron and blood cross order as a secret organization backing this entire operation and his primary mission assigned by gardner martin, lumian had no intention of handling the matter on his own. rat christo hesitated for a moment before forcing a smile and responding, alright. Chapter 415 - 415 The Sinner Complains First 415 the sinner complains first quartier de la cathdrale commmorative, 11 rue des fontaines. gardner martin, dressed in a crisp white shirt and black pants, stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows in the quartier de la cathdrale commmorative. bathed in golden sunlight, he listened intently as lumian and christo shared the details of their encounter with the trier cave association. lumian took the lead, briefly explaining the origins of the earth blood ore specimen. while i was staying at auberge du coq dor, i crossed paths with a man named flameng, a lunatic who had a tragic encounter with the montsouris ghost, leading to the bizarre deaths of his family. occasionally, he regained lucidity. we drank together a few times. one day, he hanged himself. his belongings, including the earth blood ore specimen, ended up with the police. they said they were to hand them over to his surviving relatives, but they refused to accept them. eventually, they asked me to retrieve them, which included the earth blood ore specimen. i knew that lunatic and had drinks with him. i didnt throw away the mineral specimen and casually placed it in an iron cabinet of my safe house lumian spoke the truth, not a single word being false. he only concealed the fact that he had helped flameng escape the montsouris ghost and termiboross reminder regarding the earth blood ore. gardner martin, his brownish-red eyes reflecting wisdom and a touch of silver hair in his black hair, inquired, where is your safe house? lumian replied honestly, its in the leftmost room on the third floor of 19 rue des blouses blanches. this wasnt on the same side as apartment 6, which had emitted a terrifying aura, and there was a distance between them, so lumians answer was straightforward. gardner martin smiled. no wonder you frequent rue des blouses blanches so often. its not just because of jenna. boss, are you hinting at me not to visit franca too often? are you implying that youre aware of this situation? lumian grumbled and continued. he gave the same story he had told joseph and rayan from the cave association. finally, lumian subtly probed, will this pose a problem for our savoie mob? there might be an official faction hidden behind the cave association. he wanted to convey to gardner martin that his cover in front of poufer sauron might be at risk, trusting the bosss intelligence to grasp the implication. gardner martin gave a slight nod and turned his attention to rat christo, saying, if you want to join the cave association, you can, but ensure it doesnt interfere with our smuggling operations. christo nodded repeatedly. understood, boss. following gardner martins instructions, he departed from the study, leaving lumian alone. gardner martin smiled and consoled the official member of the iron and blood cross order. dont worry about poufer. even if he figures out your true identity, hell pretend he doesnt know. ever since you became the king in the kings pie game, hes been suspicious of you. hell definitely probe and exploit you again and again. it was a subtle message, urging lumian to remain in the market district and continue overseeing salle de bal brise, auberge du coq dor, salle de gristmill, and other businesses. lumian couldnt help but smile with relief. alright, i was just worried that it would affect the most important mission. simultaneously, he sneered inwardly. he keenly felt the irrationality of gardner martins plan. transitioning control to another beyonder to oversee salle de bal brise and other operations, allowing lumian to slip into the shadows, was a straightforward task for the boss of the savoie mob and the commanding officer of the iron and blood cross order. there were no downsides to this arrangement. even though he couldnt afford to mistreat lumian, a subordinate on an important mission, he could compensate him by continuing to share the profits from salle de bal brise and other businesses. he couldnt risk keeping an official member, who had already attracted suspicion, in his current location. while lumians retreat into the shadows might make him appear even more suspicious, potentially putting the savoie mob in the crosshairs, gardner martin had encountered such challenges numerous times before. there had to be a solution. sensing the commanding officer of the iron and blood cross orders suspicion, lumian aimed to use the cave association to keep testing him. his account and explanations were entirely truthful. normally, gardner martin would believe him, but the issue was that too many unusual events had occurred around him recently. as a former or current conspirer, gardner martin would instinctively smell something fishy. the detailed reasons were no longer enough to hide the overall abnormality. with this thought in mind, lumians determination to kill surged. he stared at gardner martin, positioned by the floor-to-ceiling windows, and estimated the distance between them to be about five meters. at such a close range, if he were to suddenly employ the spell of harrumph, and gardner martin hadnt reached sequence 4 and achieved godhood, lacking a mystical item to defend against such abilities, he could quickly subdue the savoie mob boss and eliminate him. the current situation resembled that of two ordinary individuals without beyonder powers standing within a five-meter radius. one held a high social status and excelled in combat, while the other held a low status and lacked physical strength. however, they both concealed a revolver and possessed exceptional marksmanship. within five meters, regardless of an ordinary persons status or combat skills, they would succumb to a single shot! considering the missions for the tarot club and the aurora order, lumian composed himself and inquired, commanding officer, i wish to purchase the conspirer potion formula from the order. he had gained valuable insights from his advancement to pyromaniac. he didnt want to go through the nerve-wracking process of searching for each conspirer potion ingredient after digesting the pyromaniac potion. his goal was to gather conspirer ingredients in advance while continuing to digest the remaining pyromaniac potion, thereby maximizing his time efficiency. gardner martin responded with surprise, do you have that much cash for that? the conspirer potion formula can command prices ranging from 70,000 to 80,000 verl dor at the most mysticism gatherings, if not more. its unlike pyromaniacs, who are constantly perishing as others advance. conspirers understand the importance of self-preservation, and theyve become more cautious about sharing their sequence potion formulas. in trier, the most common potion formulas available ranged from sequence 9 to sequence 7 of the hunter pathway. without waiting for lumians reply, gardner martin grinned and added, if you can unearth even a portion of the sauron familys decline secret, ill reward you with the conspirer potion formula. it doesnt have to be the whole story, just a piece of the puzzle. if youre eager to advance and dont want to wait, as an official member of the iron and blood cross order, you have the privilege of purchasing the conspirer potion formula at a discounted price of 60,000 verl dor. lumian agreed without hesitation, no problem. ill bring 60,000 verl dor tomorrow. his initial plan had been to inquire with mr. k and madam magician if gardner martin declined his request. do you really have 60,000 verl dor? gardner martin chuckled. lumians heart raced as he replied deliberately, just about. i previously assisted a tenant of auberge du coq dor in recovering a 100,000 debt owed by salle de bal unique on rue ancienne in quartier de lobservatoire. i took a bit over half of it. in total, he had received 50,000 verl dor in banknotes and gold, worth 30,000 verl dor. after repaying francas 25,000, he had 55,000 left. combined with the original 1,000 gold, 1,000 banknotes, and 4,000 verl dor, he had 61,000 verl dor in liquid assets. salle de bal unique gardner martin repeated, his expression growing more serious. you really managed to retrieve the debt from salle de bal unique? evidently, the commanding officer of the iron and blood cross order was familiar with salle de bal unique. lumian nodded, his demeanor open and honest. yes. the members of the savoie mob at salle de bal brise were more or less aware that he had helped fitz collect his debt. lumian couldnt keep gardner martin in the dark, so he decided to disclose it directly to confuse the situation and divert the iron and blood cross orders suspicions. furthermore, he could use this opportunity to put a little fear into gardner martin! gardner martin scrutinized lumian and subtly moved closer to the floor-to-ceiling windows. after a few moments, he inquired with curiosity, have you never heard of the issues surrounding salle de bal unique? i have, lumian replied with a smile. if he had a monocle, he might have playfully inserted it into his right eye socket at that moment, savoring gardner martins intriguing expressions and subconscious reactions. after a pause, lumian continued, after accepting the commission, i conducted a thorough investigation of the dance hall and realized it wasnt as simple as it seemed. it had a mysterious background and posed a significant danger, so i initially decided to abandon it. however, one day, while trailing an adversary, i noticed something unusual. one of the guards at salle de bal uniques entrance had inexplicably vanished. and upstairs, behind a window, their boss, timmons, appeared to have lost his spirit. i saw this as an opportunity, so i made an attempt to enter and collect the debt. to my surprise, i succeeded! as lumian spoke, he took a step forward and asked earnestly, commanding officer, are there any hidden dangers i should be aware of? gardner martin discreetly took another step forward and smiled. not at the moment. keep an eye out for any future anomalies. lumian seized the opportunity to express his bewilderment. commanding officer, something doesnt quite add up. why have there been so many events swirling around me lately? some i initiated, while others just seemed to find their way to me. am i truly a harbinger of trouble? or has my recent fate been to rush around and handle things, leaving me constantly busy and weary? gardner martin regarded him with meaning and replied, perhaps, this is the destiny that every hunter is bound to face. after lumian departed, gardner martin shifted his gaze to the side. a hidden door creaked open, and supervisor olson emerged, bearing a resemblance to a hungry bear. how is it? gardner martin inquired. olson smirked and responded, its natural for him to be discontent with your arrangements. his loyalty isnt firmly established yet. he wont be able to join your team for the time being. gardner martin shifted the conversation thoughtfully. the calamity on him is more conspicuous than any of us. is it possible that hes more compatible? olson fell silent for a few moments before replying, lets observe and wait. meanwhile, as lumian returned to the market district, franca sat at trocadros red house caf. her gaze fell upon browns sauron, her long, flowing orange-red hair resembling a waterfall, as she asked, when will you folks complete the audit? browns sauron didnt provide a direct response. she studied franca, who had black hair and brown eyes, for a moment before saying, weve identified a suspected member of the bliss society. Chapter 416 - 416 Suspect 416 suspect youre quite efficient. after receiving the warning, you swiftly unearthed the problem and found the clues. instead of confirming it yourself, youre now informing me directly, intending to leverage this issue for the final audit? no wonder you didnt respond when i inquired about the audit completion date francas mind raced as she grasped browns saurons true intentions, representing the demoness sect. admiring the demonesss appearance and demeanor, she smiled and asked, is it just a suspicion? she was prompting the other party to provide more details. browns sauron ran her fingers through her long orange-red hair and spoke with a somber expression, after learning from you that the bliss society interacts with the participants in the orgies, i observed my friends and noticed two members who were behaving unusually. one of them fell in love with a man once again and entered into a romantic relationship. consequently, she started declining participation in the female orgies. the other one encountered a new woman and succumbed to her advances, leading to feelings of guilt for betraying us. friends? girlfriends! franca couldnt help but criticize. she smiled and inquired, who do you suspect are the members of the bliss society? that woman, browns saurons aura remained dark. she took the initiative to ask about the orgies and reassured adaina that there was no need to feel guilty. she claimed that everyone has the right to control their bodies and freely indulge their desires without caring about others opinions, societal judgments, moral restrictions, or religious constraints. she also stated that only deities and churches that genuinely embrace free will, physical freedom, and desire freedom are worth following. physical freedom, desire freedom its indeed the hallmark of the mother tree of desires believers the core members of the bliss society truly excel as actors. their acting skills are remarkable. they can artfully package indulgence and debauchery, presenting desires as a manifestation of willpower, subtly diminishing the importance of rationality, clarity, and thoughtful reflection franca clicked her tongue and inwardly sighed. for a demoness of pleasure, this approach proved highly effective. if the surrounding humans believed it, she could swiftly immerse them in intense and genuine pleasure, causing them to lose themselves in a sea of indulgence. long-term consequences and effects were typically disregarded by most demonesses, as they would have already digested the potion by then. however, franca could discern that browns sauron was possessive and didnt want her girlfriends to engage with humans outside of the orgies. that certainly resembles the bliss society, franca objectively remarked. browns added with a gloomy expression, as for the other one, the lover is primarily concerned with money, houses, banquets, vacations, and various luxury items. its quite evident that hes a male courtesan. they understand women very well, are eloquent, and possess considerable capabilities. what do you plan to do? franca asked curiously. she sensed that browns sauron wasnt the type to simply give up on one of her girlfriends, especially when the new lover seemed unreliable. browns sauron hesitated for a few moments before saying, ive encountered him before, and i can tell he harbors an unusual desire for me. i intend to teach him a lesson, immersing him in pleasure without granting him true gratification. once his body and mind are completely under my control, ill discard him. wow did you learn this without a mentor? do you even remember your original form? franca raised an eyebrow, finding a rare target for mockery. browns glanced at her mockingly and retorted, based on what ive discovered and confirmed, you have two male lovers. one is mature, and the other is young. you seem to excel at enjoying yourself. her implication was clear: what right do you have to mock me? im merely planning to offer that man some pleasure without engaging in actual intimacy. as for you, youve long abandoned your gender, ending up in the beds of different men! half of my reputation has been tarnished by ciel! franca didnt lose her composure over the humiliation. she maintained a smile and said, i view this as a unique experience. ive already become a woman. how can i not explore something entirely different from my previous existence? if you dont experiment now, you may never have the chance in the future. dont you desire to return to your original form. do you not know how? she subtly hinted at her knowledge of mysticism, paving the way for revealing her true motives for infiltrating the savoie mob in the future. browns was left momentarily speechless, unable to refute franca rolands twisted logic. franca continued, life is confined to just a few decades. why confine yourself to such a limited scope? as long as you avoid indulgence and obsession and always remain true to yourself, youre merely experiencing the present moment. why not venture into various realms and experiences? at this moment, franca had an epiphany. pleasure wasnt just something to offer to others; it was also meant for oneself! is this my first principle of acting? no wonder my digestion speed hasnt been slowing down recently; its even considered fast how can being coy be considered pleasure? franca thought with a sense of delight. browns fell silent for a few seconds before speaking, your mindset surpasses my expectations, but with this mindset, it will be very, very challenging for you to perform a ritual, advance to affliction, or experience pain and inflict it. im currently focused on pleasure. ill deal with affliction when the time comes, franca replied casually. the digestion process would take months, half a year, or even longer to complete. what was the point of worrying too much? browns glanced at franca for a moment, feeling a mix of repulsion and envy. it wasnt that she desired it, but the demonesses she had encountered, whether at higher sequences or those who had just consumed the witch potion, lacked this calmness and radiance. each of them carried their own distortions, conflicts, and pain, and some even teetered on the edge of madness. browns decided not to delve further into personal philosophy and steered the conversation back on track. adaina encountered the suspected bliss society member at an art exhibition. she goes by the name theresa and comes from a former noble family. shes now an art dealer. ive conducted some investigation. her identity and name are real, but they dont belong to her. in other words, there is a real art dealer named theresa. shes impersonating her and has altered her appearance to make herself more appealing. this aligns with the characteristics of an actor, as you mentioned. when adaina had intimate contact with her, she also experienced the abilities of a sex addict. i attempted to tail her earlier, but i was too cautious and lost her trail. adaina has a date with her tonight. franca listened attentively and then asked thoughtfully, can we trust adaina now? brownss expression contorted as she replied, she can be trusted. franca didnt press further and reminded her deliberately, then, will she exhibit any unusual behavior during her date with theresa tonight? shes dealing with an actor. perhaps. she needs a psychiatrist or an even more powerful beyonder of the spectator pathway to plant a cue or hypnotize her. this will help her maintain her normal state and prevent theresa from becoming suspicious. if you cant find one in a hurry, i can introduce someone, but it will come at a cost. brownss expression softened as she nodded in agreement. youre indeed more experienced than i am. following her sigh, she smiled and asked, is that psychiatrist also a man? franca was taken aback. yes. hey, what kind of image do you have of me! the two of them silently refrained from discussing which side would handle the subsequent questions after identifying the fake theresa. it was as if they had already reached an unspoken agreement. at 7 p.m., in quartier de la maison dopra, just outside the delan music hall, franca and lumian, both dressed in light-colored pants, walked toward the entrance while discreetly holding each others arms. they had used lie to alter their appearances and heights, ensuring that they wouldnt be recognized by anyone they might know. their target for this operation was the woman entering the concert hall, about seven to eight meters away. among them, adaina, a participant in the red house female orgies, had long, light-yellow hair with thin, curly bangs. her face was powdered, her eyes light blue, and her nose perky, making her quite attractive. as for the art dealer, theresa, she had long, wavy brown hair and a simple style. when her flaxen-colored eyes scanned the surroundings, they sparkled with liveliness. this woman, suspected to be a member of the bliss society, had somewhat stiff facial features. it lacked softness but still exuded a strange charm. inside the small concert hall, lumian and franca found their seats and then swiftly locked onto theresa and adainas location, discreetly observing them from behind. franca watched with interest as adaina and theresa leaned against each other, feigning intimacy. it was a pity that, despite her claim of loving women, francas limited experience mainly revolved around teasing gardner martins other lovers. she had seldom been able to admire such scenes from a distance. be careful, lumian warned with a sigh. franca responded disapprovingly, for a trierien, this attitude is entirely normal. look around you. arent others openly watching as well? lumian snorted and didnt push the matter further. their immediate objective was observation, not tailing. it was crucial to assess the targets situation before taking any action. turning an ambush and surprise attack into an open confrontation would be a failure for any hunter. lumians primary goal was to gather information about theresas probable sequence. if she happened to be a sequence 7 actor or a sequence 6 recipient, lumian was confident in executing a successful surprise attack. however, if she turned out to be a fallen tree spirit of a specific tree with a changed lifeform, the effectiveness of the spell of harrumph might be questionable. although franca had suggested using magic mirror divination to gather this intel, lumian still wanted to witness it firsthand. the desires of a corresponding sequence of the mother tree of desire pathway couldnt be easily concealed! Chapter 417 - 417 The Importance of Intel 417 the importance of intel the concert began as scheduled, and theresa and aldina separated, completely immersed in the orchestras performance. in trier, the citizens displayed immense enthusiasm and respect for the arts. during the living artists exhibition, the daily number of visitors surpassed that of those who frequented various execution grounds to witness executions. franca withdrew her gaze with regret and closed her eyes, savoring a symphony that evoked the image of moonlight glistening on a tranquil lake at night. lumian had received no formal education in this domain, so his knowledge of music was limited to three things. firstly, aurores occasional humming and the melodies of shepherds flutes. secondly, songs from places like ol tavern, cordu village square, and salle de bal brise, which were often laced with suggestive lyrics and rhythms. lastly, the psalms from the eternal blazing suns mass. however, now, he found himself deeply moved by the bands performance. his mood gradually settled, as if he could envision cordu village and the highland pasture nestled in the darkness. it was a serene night, adorned with a canopy of stars. lumian wasnt entirely captivated by the music. from the corner of his eye, he scrutinized the lady impersonating theresa, carefully observing her every move. the imposter theresa appeared highly emotional, her demeanor shifting from sorrowful during the lyrical passages to exuberant during the ensemble. she seemed to be completely attuned to the fluctuations in the music. lumian pondered whether she had an exceptional affinity for music or if she harbored a strong desire to perform and convey something profound. if it was the latter, lumian could tentatively conclude that the imposter theresa was likely a sequence 7 actor. based on his understanding of the mother tree of desires boon pathways, beyonders typically wouldnt be so profoundly affected by the desires associated with a sequence after moving beyond it. however, there might still be a more pronounced influence compared to ordinary individuals. as time passed, the orchestra played three symphonies, culminating in the conductor turning, bowing, and addressing the audience. the final movement is titled the girl under the moon. id like to invite the most beautiful lady here onto the stage, so that our entire orchestra can have the honor of taking a photograph with her as a beautiful memento. franca quickly lowered her head. she had no desire to be chosen and become the center of attention. this would embarrass her a little. nonetheless, she wasnt overly concerned. having altered her appearance and height with lie, she could only be considered ordinary and mildly charming. after all, the greatest challenge for a demoness of pleasure when tailing a target lay in their inherent beauty, charisma, and attention-grabbing aura. if she didnt become invisible or remain concealed in the shadows, she ran the risk of being discovered. such requests were not uncommon in trier, and several women in the audience were eager to step forward. to them, being chosen would symbolize a significant acknowledgment of their appearance and demeanor. lumians gaze swept over the attendees, eventually settling on aldina and the imposter theresa. the former seemed visibly excited, her anticipation clear in her demeanor. on the other hand, the latters body exhibited an abnormal tension, and she trembled slightly, a mix of excitement and nervousness evident in her demeanor. upon witnessing these reactions, lumian couldnt help but smirk slightly, gaining a rough understanding of the fake theresas situation. the desire for recognition was one of the fundamental desires of a sequence 6 recipient of the mother tree of desire pathway! hence, it was likely that the fake theresa was a sequence 6 recipient, not yet a sequence 5 fallen tree spirit. otherwise, her yearning for recognition wouldnt be so overwhelming. the invitation to bring the most beautiful lady onto the stage for a photograph wasnt a mere coincidencelumian had sponsored it himself. after discovering that the first stage of the date between the imposter theresa and aldina involved attending a concert, lumian had sought out the delan music hall to ascertain the evenings repertoire. he had then devised a plan in line with triers style based on the title of the final movement, attempting to bribe the orchestra. ultimately, he had succeeded in convincing the conductor, not just because he had used francas 1,000 verl dor, but also because lumian had provided a compelling reason. it was a romantic gesture intended for a certain lady, a gesture driven solely by affection, without any expectation of reciprocation or leaving a name. romantic gestures had a special place in the hearts of these trier artists. through this event, lumian sought to detect whether the fake theresa harbored any exceptional desires. a skilled hunter couldnt simply wait for opportunities to arise; they had to know how to create them! of course, the precondition was having sufficient intel. otherwise, planning with precision or avoiding easy detection would be impossible. the conductor scanned the room and singled out the woman whom he believed to be the most beautiful. he also assumed that she was the object of the young mans affection from earlier in the day. such extraordinary beauty was a rarity! the woman, with her bright gray eyes and neatly tied black hair, gracefully approached the orchestra, while the fake theresa slouched in her seat, unable to hide her disappointment, regret, and frustration. how should i address you? the conductor inquired of the lady in the elegant black court dress beside him. with a gentle and melodious voice, she replied, clarice. franca gazed at clarice with admiration, finding her exceptionally captivating, although she couldnt quite pinpoint the reason why. after the concert concluded, lumian and franca decided not to tail adaina and the impostor theresa. instead, they headed straight to room 502 in apartment 25 on rue mnier in the square district. this was a rented apartment that they had temporarily cleared out by paying. across the way, in room 401 of building 23, was adainas chosen rendezvous point for clandestine meetings. tonight, she would return to that very room with the fake theresa. with lumian and francas enhanced beyonder vision, the distance between them and the target room wasnt enough to obscure their view of the situation inside. their primary objective now was to remain hidden and avoid detection by the fake theresa while observing. before long, the window of room 401 in apartment 23 across the street illuminated. several gas wall lamps cast a bright glow throughout the living room. immediately after, lumian witnessed the passionate embrace between the fake theresa and adaina as they approached the glass window. their longing was palpable, but they also wanted to shield their intimate moment from prying eyes. quite focused, lumian teased with a smile. franca didnt reply, her breathing growing heavier. be prepared, lumian whispered to franca, making sure the fake theresas attention was on her companion. franca nodded slightly and responded in her usual tone, got it. her primary mission was to watch for any unexpected developments. without hesitation, lumian activated the black mark on his right shoulder. a faint light shimmered beneath his clothing, and he vanished from the shadows of building 25. across the street in the apartment, adaina and the impostor theresa wrestled with the curtains while they were stuck to one another, attempting to shield the glass window. lumians form materialized suddenly, two meters behind the fake theresa, facing adaina, whose eyes were clouded with desire and cheeks flushed. adainas eyes narrowed, and her pupils dilated. she couldnt fathom how a tall, slender man with blond hair and blue eyes had appeared in her room out of nowhere. for a moment, it felt like she was trapped in a surreal dream. the disjunction between her physical senses and her bewildered mind was stark. almost simultaneously, lumian let out a heavy harrumph. two beams of white light shot from his nose, targeting the fake theresa and affecting adaina. in unison, the two women closed their eyes and slumped into unconsciousness. lumian acted swiftly, catching the fake theresa before she could fall to the ground. he then raised his right palm and delivered a firm strike behind her ear. a mystical coma combined with a physical one! with the fake theresa safely incapacitated, lumian gently placed her on the carpet, keeping a cautious distance from the unconscious adaina. he squatted beside the woman he suspected to be a recipient and began searching her dress and handbag for canisters. having familiarized himself with the mystical drugs commonly used by the bliss society, lumian located a canister of sedatives, unscrewed the cap, and brought it to the fake theresas nose, allowing her to inhale its contents for more than ten seconds. only then did lumian exhale a sigh of relief. he stowed away the sedative, no longer concerned about the imposter theresa waking up suddenly. he stood up and made his way to the glass window, where the curtain was only partially closed. lumian signaled to the fifth floor of the opposite building with his thumb and index finger forming a circle, while his other three fingers remained extended. he was informing franca that the operation had been successful. the target was under control, and she could join him now. lumian might need to employ magic mirror divination later. after drawing the curtains shut, lumian turned his attention to the unconscious fake theresa and sighed inwardly. intel is crucial the same principle applied to the synergy of abilities. without a rough understanding of the names and characteristics of sequence 9 to sequence 5 within the actor pathway, along with knowledge of their corresponding desires and states, lumian wouldnt have taken such a calculated risk. he wouldnt have been able to resolve the situation in just a few seconds. as for the contractees three abilities, if they werent carefully chosen and harmonized, they could easily be defeated by a sequence 9 hunter, much like the mouth-orifice monster in cordus ruins. even with spirit world traversal and the spell of harrumph, lumian might stand a chance against some sequence 5s, but it would be a formidable challenge to sustain such efforts. as lumian waited for franca to join him in the adjacent apartment to adainas, browns sauron remained hidden in the shadows, her keen senses tuned to the situation behind the wall as she gazed at the building opposite. she could already discern the sounds of adaina and the fake theresa returning to the apartment, along with the rustle of curtains being drawn. these scenes seemed to play out vividly in her mind. the situation tormented her. she felt a deep sense of injustice and pain, as though she had willingly sent her lover into the arms of her romantic rival. despite her understanding that this was a carefully planned trap and that her lover and her rival had been intimate on multiple occasions, she still felt an overwhelming sense of worry and anxiety. the sporadic noises only fueled her imagination with various scenarios. standing there made her uncomfortable, and leaning against the wall didnt alleviate her unease. observing franca and her young lovers concealed apartment across the way, browns sauron couldnt help but mutter with frustration, why havent they launched their attack yet? Chapter 418 - 418 Beatrice 418 beatrice franca ended her concealment and quietly opened the door to adainas apartment. the first thing she saw was lumian, a tall, slender man with blond hair and blue eyes. he was crouched beside the unconscious adaina, vigorously wiping her face with a wet towel. franca lowered her voice and asked in confusion, w-what are you doing? shouldnt the target be the bliss society member posing as theresa, the art dealer? lumian smirked and responded, ive had a sudden thought. actors can impersonate anyone. once the imposter theresa establishes an intimate relationship with aldina, she can easily control this female companion and impersonate her to infiltrate the red house cafs female orgies. allowing adaina, who everyone is familiar with, to convey the bliss societys philosophy and hidden evil god faith will definitely be more persuasive and trustworthy than a new member. at this point, lumian gazed toward the bedroom in a chilling tone and said, perhaps, the real adaina is hidden in a corner here, in the form of a corpse. franca couldnt help but imagine such a grim scenario and took a deep breath. she straightened her back and muttered to herself, not a bad story. ill share it with jenna later. after her muttering, she silently closed the door and approached lumian, refuting his suspicion. browns sauron is likely a demoness of pleasure. surely, she can recognize the authenticity of her female companion? furthermore, she interrogated adaina and knows the approximate abilities of an actor. lumian, who had been assisting adaina in removing her makeup, confirmed that despite her altered appearance, she was still the same person. he chuckled and said, based on your description, i dont fully trust browns saurons judgment. she clearly has less experience in the beyonder domain than you. however, since she has the demoness sect backing her and confirmation has been made, the interrogation results are still credible. lumian didnt spare adaina another glance. he gestured towards the fake theresa, who had been hit with a triple dose of unconsciousnessthe harrumph spell, a physical knockout, and a sedative from the bliss society. he turned to franca and said, use magic mirror divination to confirm if shes a core member of the bliss society. while lumian had already suspected the fake theresa was a core member based on her performance at the concert, they hadnt followed her closely the entire way. they had instead been waiting at their destination. what if she had sensed something amiss and had switched to a decoy during the journey? considering the fake theresa possessed a unique concoction like the bliss societys truth serum, she was undoubtedly connected to the bliss society. however, it remained uncertain if she was a core member. this answer would guide lumians subsequent actions. next door to adainas apartment, browns sauron continued to monitor the commotion. she could hear faint and indistinct conversations but couldnt detect much else. adaina and the fake theresa plan to chat for a while and have some red wine? though it isnt overly passionate, it holds a romantic ambiance browns sauron glanced at the building opposite, mentally urging franca and her lover to begin, hoping they wouldnt wait until the fake theresa was completely engrossed in desire before launching a surprise attack. in the living room of adainas apartment, franca raised her right palm and rapidly created a crystalline icicle. with precision, she pierced the fake theresas hand, drawing a small amount of blood. the fake theresa instinctively pulled back her arm but hadnt broken through the three-layered coma. franca then smeared the blood on a mirror, intending to use it as a medium and sacrifice to ask an entity from the underworld, hoping to obtain a unique identification of spirits. once all preparations were complete, franca picked up the mirror and recited in hermes, the shadow that lingers in the underworld, the friendly creature that can be communicated with, the unique eye that never dies the surface of the blood-stained mirror suddenly emitted a dark green hue, and a pale-white aqueous light rippled. after reciting the incantation, franca asked respectfully, is the owner of the blood theresa, the art dealer? no, came an indifferent voice from the mirror, as if enduring the corrosion of endless time. franca posed her second question. is the owner of the blood a core member of triers bliss society? the indifferent voice gradually faded. yes. franca refrained from asking further questions, as the entity only answered two at a time. she watched as the pale-white aqueous light rapidly receded, and the blood on the mirrors surface strangely seeped in and disappeared. turning to lumian, franca reported, shes a core member of the bliss society. lumian let out a soft sigh and said, unfortunately, i dont know how to perform a lobotomy. anthony reid isnt a hypnotist yet, so we can only channel the spirit directly. using the truth serum didnt guarantee that the fake theresa wouldnt resist when she woke up. given her faith and abilities, a fierce battle was inevitable when the time came, and there was a high chance that she would be killed. in that case, he decided to proceed now. as lumian spoke, he crouched down, his right palm ablaze with crimson flames. the flames intertwined and swiftly converged, turning white. gently pressing his right palm against the fake theresas body, the blazing white fireball vanished into thin air. rumble! a muffled explosion erupted from within the fake theresas body. she trembled a few times before life left her completely. franca had been busy preparing the magic mirror spirit channeling spell during this entire process. while she could forcibly channel the spirit while the fake theresa was unconscious, it wasnt a safe option. it could lead to unnecessary trouble for her mind and spirit, and the fact that the target believed in an evil god meant there was a risk of corruption if she wasnt careful. next door to adainas apartment, hidden in the shadows, browns sauron sensed a subtle fluctuation. powers have been used. has it begun? she wondered if the imposter theresa had initiated the powers of the mother tree of desire pathway to flirt or if franca roland and her lover had already infiltrated the target location and were preparing to attack. without hesitation, browns sauron, dressed in a black hunting suit, silently pushed open the window and crawled out through the shadows. she clung to the outer wall and slowly approached adainas apartment. franca completed the magic mirror spirit channeling spell, and the dark and deep mirror aqueous light flickered, reflecting a beautiful yet pale-white face. whats your name? franca asked directly, using the simplest question to test the effect of the magic mirror spirit channeling spell. the fake theresas illusory voice replied, im beatrice incourt. whats your true identity? franca continued to ask. beatrice incourts expression remained stoic as she replied, i run a winery. its from my deceased husband. franca then directed the question to the crucial point. are you a core member of the bliss society? yes. beatrice incourts nod was subtle. franca didnt delve into the bliss societys faith or any recent revelations. although she wasnt as fearful of the evil god, the mother tree of desire, as she was of the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings, to the point of not daring to channel spirits, she was aware of the risks involved. she knew what to ask and what not to ask, what was safe, and what could lead to corruption. after a brief pause, she inquired, do you know lumian lee or ciel dubois? beatrice replied in a daze, i dont know. i dont know lumian, who was listening, raised his eyebrows. none of the core members of the bliss society know about susanna mattises ultimate plan? franca was equally surprised. she frowned and asked, why did susanna mattise go to the market district before her death? beatrice incourt replied calmly, she wanted to awaken the great divine tree and allow its roots to enter fourth epoch trier, allowing its crown to reach into the kingdom of the false gods. did she say what the awakening process was? franca pressed. beatrice incourts voice grew colder, and her expression became more wooden. she didnt say. they really dont know that susanna mattise wanted to capture me and sacrifice me to the mother tree of desire? lumians thoughts raced, and he whispered a name to franca: maip meyer. franca understood and asked the spirit in the mirror, where is maip meyer? maip meyer was the former manager of thatre de lancienne cage pigeons, susanna mattises paramour, and her most trusted subordinate. beatrice replied in a voice increasingly resembling the dead, im not sure. hes a man, and we despise and keep a distance from him. upon hearing this, lumian was enlightened, roughly understanding the reason. regarding the tree of shadow, susanna mattise, who had become an evil spirit, was extremely extreme in her choices and actions. she didnt inform the other core members of the bliss society about the detailed situation or progress. only her direct subordinates, maip meyer and charlotte calvino, knew the complete plan. after susanna mattise and charlotte calvinos deaths, maip meyer, who had relied on the former to become a core member of the bliss society, was ostracized and suppressed. consequently, he didnt divulge the relevant issues to anyone else. this made sense. a secret organization centered around desire would undoubtedly experience a multitude of desires, both open and covert. maip meyer was a visible anomaly among the core group that advocated women and loved women. franca pondered for a few seconds and changed her question, what are maip meyers plans for the time being? beatrices face turned pale-white and green, and even her stiff expression vanished. a few weeks ago, maip meyer mentioned that he wanted to sneak back to the market district to do something. i havent seen him since. sneak back to the market district to do something? lumian and franca were alarmed by this revelation. Chapter 419 - 419 New Priestess 419 new priestess why did maip meyer return to the market district? this question raced through the minds of lumian and franca simultaneously. they felt a lurking danger. could it be that maip meyer genuinely cared for susanna mattise and sought retribution? but even then, exposing the true killer and concealed secrets to the other core members of the bliss society seemed like the most fitting way to exact revenge! without harnessing the collective might of the entire organization, he would inadvertently aid his adversary, lumian, by relying solely on his own capabilities! as lumian observed beatrices pallid countenance and vacant gaze, he tried to think from maip meyers perspective and find a rationale for his actions. maip meyer, a sequence 6 recipient, harbors an insatiable hunger for recognition and a fervent desire to accomplish something noteworthy despite facing rejection and isolation from the other core members of the bliss society, he does have a motive to make a substantial solo contribution and earn genuine recognition while revealing the existence of the tree of shadow to beatrice and the others could be seen as a contribution, it doesnt measure up to rectifying his past mistakes independently to appease the mother tree of desire to the fullest extent. the latter would truly earn him recognition this peculiar competition might be perplexing to ordinary folks, but it isnt unusual for a recipient to engage in it the question now is: what does maip meyer hope to achieve in his quest for recognition? is it revenge against me? although a direct confrontation holds little hope for him, he could pose a significant threat if he conceals himself in the shadows and suddenly influences me at a critical moment. after all, i lack a substitute ability, and my physical strength hasnt undergone a qualitative change compared to ordinary people. he could eliminate me with a revolver. however, maip meyer must have heard plenty about me from susanna mattise. there is a good chance he knows about the angel sealed within my body. isnt he concerned that corruption might erupt after my demise, potentially dragging him down as well? if he were to perish, how could he satisfy his yearning for recognition? or is it the mere notion of taking a formidable foe with him to the grave that would leave the other members of the bliss society awestruck and filled with genuine remorse and admiration? is his ultimate aim to climax in tears and be propelled towards his demise by desire? otherwise, does he aspire to make a sacrifice akin to susanna mattises? yes, securing recognition from the mother tree of desire is a higher-level and noble pursuit. but the tree of shadow is severely damaged and wont recover for a long time. how can he even make such a sacrifice lumian struggled to decipher maip meyers plan or intentions, vaguely grasping his motives. nonetheless, lumian couldnt suppress a surge of frustration and violence at the mere thought of a pair of icy eyes lurking among the pedestrians, nearby tenants, dance hall customers, and peddlers. it was as though someone close to him had been replaced by maip meyer without anyones awareness. he burned with anticipation to unmask the actor. the detrimental effects of the contracts, items, and brands on him continued to destabilize his emotions. franca, on the other hand, didnt dwell on this. although the magic mirror spirit channeling spell endured much longer than standard spirit channeling spells, it was not entirely boundless. there was still a time limit, one measured in minutes. she was unwilling to squander this precious time on analysis that could be postponed. she continued to ask beatrice incourt. of all the members of the bliss society, who does maip meyer have the closest relationship with? beatrices voice grew increasingly ethereal. he had the strongest bonds with the members in the market district, but theyre either deceased or captured. genuinely ostracized francas hopes dimmed, and she inquired further, who in the bliss society is most likely to be privy to maip meyers whereabouts and plans? beatrice responded lifelessly, no one, not even the new high priestess. franca found herself at a dead end and changed her line of questioning. who is this new high priestess? beatrices eyes were piercingly vacant as she replied, its siber. whats her true identity? franca pressed. beatrices eyes on the mirrors surface seemed far more translucent than before. i dont know. she joined us later. at that point, we had evolved beyond a simple lesbian organization. we started concealing our true identities. siber might still be a theater actress. on the outer wall of adainas apartment, browns sauron clung there in silence, resembling a colossal black spider. through the curtains, she could only discern two shadows not far away. the voices were even fainter and more distant than before, but she could vaguely identify them as female. adaina and the imposter theresa are still conversing? that doesnt add up. at this proximity, with an assassins acute hearing, i should be able to clearly hear them even through the sealed glass window and thick drapes whats happening inside? browns saurons anxiety and curiosity swelled as she attempted to extend invisible spider silk through the gap in the window. francas magic mirror spirit channeling spell had reached its limit, and she concluded it rationally. she watched as beatrice incourts image faded from the mirrors surface. she wasnt overly disheartened because she already knew the crucial details about several core members of the bliss society and their weekly gatherings time, venue, and method. but there is no need to personally track them. they are unaware of ciel. even if the rose school of thought locates them, they wouldnt extract any valuable information franca cast a glance at lumian, stowed away the mirror, and dispelled the wall of spirituality. amidst the howling wind, the two of them sensed a disturbance at the window and the presence of a figure that seemed human. the wall of spirituality had isolated their movements, reducing interference but also affecting their perception and surveillance of the surroundings. francas form abruptly vanished, and lumian sidestepped, evading the windows direct line of sight. they didnt rush to attack because they had a vague notion of who was outside. amidst the commotion, browns, who had discreetly pried open the window, witnessed the curtain self-consciously part to either side, revealing her own silhouette. just as she was about to react, she spotted franca rolands current disguised countenance. their gazes locked, and silence hung in the air for over ten seconds. finally, browns snapped out of her trance and inquired with concern, wheres adaina? shes unconscious. franca gestured towards the carpet near the window. browns scrutinized her female partner, then glanced at the motionless impostor theresa, and queried once more, has it been dealt with? its resolved, franca replied calmly. the spirit channeling had already come to an end! brownss gaze darted between franca and lumian, her expression a mix of surprise and confusion. she inquired, when did you launch the attack? before the curtains were fully drawn franca was about to respond, but she hesitated, realizing that revealing the timing of the attack might expose ciel and her combat abilities. instead, she quickly changed her response and smiled. why dont you take a guess? browns sauron recollected the faint movements she had sensed but found no overt signs of a battle. this left her even more astonished. could this wild demoness and her young partner be truly that formidable? are their richer experiences and varied gains truly that advantageous? consumed by jealousy, browns leaped into the room and shut the window. she doesnt seem concerned about being attacked by us at all is she inexperienced, or does she have great confidence in the demonesss various substitutes? or is there something shes relying on? lumian observed with indifference, making no move. franca maintained her smile and said, weve gathered some intel, including information on the current high priestess of the bliss society and a few core members. she began recounting the information she had acquired from beatrice. the more browns listened, the more astonished she became. they managed to gather so much intel? this should have taken a significant amount of time! when did they attack and how long did they take to finish the battle? it couldnt be that the imposter theresa was ambushed the moment she entered the room and approached the window, could they? based on her observations, this member of the bliss society appeared to be a sequence 6 recipient, on par with her and franca roland, even surpassing the suspected sequence 7 pyromaniac, ciel dubois! franca paid no heed to brownss reaction and continued, im pleased to inform you that our problem is simpler than we thought, and its been resolved. now, its your problem. heh heh, beatrice isnt the only core member of the bliss society with an interest in the red house caf. she was subtly suggesting that the demoness sect should take over in eliminating the remaining members of the bliss society. are you instigating me? browns asked sharply. franca replied with a smile, no, just a reminder. while they continued their conversation, lumian returned to beatrices lifeless form, crouched down, and conducted a more thorough search. this time, he discovered banknotes and gold coins amounting to 1,500 verl dor, along with a neatly folded note. lumian unfolded the note and read the intisian written on it: go to the hostel and retrieve the painting within three days. hostel what hostel? what painting is this referring to? this seems like a deal made by the authentic art dealer, theresa, but somehow, the receipt ended up in the hands of the impostor? where is the real theresa now we forgot to inquire about this lumian pondered the implications as he held the note. he stood up, prepared to question browns sauron about the real theresas situation. although browns recognized that franca was trying to instigate her, she couldnt deny that franca had a point. browns looked down at adaina, attempting to rouse her. at that moment, all three of them halted simultaneously and directed their attention toward beatrice incourts lifeless body. the light over there seemed to dim slightly, and the corpse underwent a subtle transformation. Chapter 420 - 420 Beyonder Item 420 beyonder item beatrice incourt may have already been lifeless, but something within her appeared to stir. slowly, it seeped out, rising like invisible steam, as if it sought an escape into some distant darkness. this caused the ambient light to dim, making the apartments ceiling appear strangely ethereal. lumian, franca, and browns all felt an uncanny sensation, as if they were under scrutiny. it wasnt as if an actual gaze was directed at them; rather, it was as if they were the sole occupants of the entire building, with no obstructions to the crimson moonlight in the sky, which inevitably cast an eerie glow upon them. thump, thump. lumians heart raced. the two demonesses, skilled in divination, experienced an overwhelming sense of imminent danger. with a sudden snap, a translucent boil of blood materialized on beatrice incourts lifeless face, followed by a strange, tree-like wart with a brownish hue. the wart burst open, oozing blood-colored pus, wet and sticky. wh lumians pupils dilated, caught off guard by this turn of events. although he had taken the lives of more than a few members of the bliss society and had spent some time beside their corpses, he had never encountered anything like this. death ended everything. how could a corpse cause an unsettling undercurrent to surge around it? even though lumian didnt fully grasp the situation, he swiftly formulated a plan. he glanced at the hazy, illusory ceiling and the faint movements within the walls. his intention was to step forward, seize beatrices lifeless body, and teleport to the albert mines, a place he had visited previously. the deeper they ventured into the fourth epoch triers underground, the greater the peril. various corruptive elements that led to a loss of control lurked there. even with a corpse on the verge of mutation, it shouldnt pose a significant issue. that place was inherently an amalgamation of problems! lumian planned to utilize spirit world traversal for a third time, returning to the surface and avoiding any danger by abandoning beatrices body. while lumian made his decision, franca instinctively moved toward beatrices lifeless form, which now had a second tree-like wart. her right hand reached into the concealed pocket of her dress, aiming to retrieve the ancient mirror she had discovered underground. this ancient mirror was connected to a strange and perilous mirror world. she could attempt to encase beatrices body within it, allowing one form of danger to counteract another! this would buy them precious time for further deliberation. ultimately, whether the departed believer of the mother tree of desire triumphed or the enigmatic mirror world absorbed the corruption and stilled the mutation, it wouldnt directly impact franca, the humans present, or the surrounding residents. compared to them, the inexperienced browns saurons initial reaction was to incinerate the remnants of spirituality in the corpse with her black flames, freezing the emerging mutation. this was the most demoness-like approach to disrupting the deteriorating situation. at that very moment, lumian and the others sensed a significant dimming of the light around them, as if the crimson moon had vanished, leaving only a few dim wall lamps. instinctively, lumian turned his gaze to the window and discovered that the glass had turned pitch-black, no longer offering a view outside. it had transformed from a window into a sealed barrier. simultaneously, the formless entity that had been slowly emanating from beatrices body appeared lost, unable to find its path to the infinite darkness. it seemed to meander aimlessly, gradually receding. their mystical connection to an unknown entity dissipated. lumian, franca, and browns suddenly lost the sense of being watched from afar and illuminated by unseen eyes. thud! thud! their heartbeats slowly returned to normal as they witnessed the tree-like wart on beatrices body wither rapidly, and no more blood boils emerged. the darkness surrounding the corpse gradually receded, and an imperceptible object began attaching itself to the diamond necklace adorning beatrices corpse. beneath the crimson moonlight, the building at 23 rue mnier lay concealed in darkness. every window remained void of light, with no signs of life to be found. it exuded an eerie stillness and a sense of foreboding, reminiscent of a haunted house. across the street, within an apartment room, an unusual and ornate mirror rested in a spotless hand. the mirror was adorned with intricately designed black serpents that intertwined. each snake featured a large crimson eye on its head, devoid of a mouth or fangs. in that precise moment, the mirrors surface remained crystal clear, revealing a well-lit scene. gas wall lamps emitted a warm, yellowish radiance from the windows on every floor of the building, where various domestic scenes played out. the elderly guard on the first floor smoked a cigarette butt he had collected and leaned against the lobby wall, savoring the tranquility of the night. on the second floor, a couple occupied the living room, one engrossed in a novel, the other unfolding a newspaper in front of them. near an ajar window on the third floor, a half-naked man kept a cautious eye on the door, ready to make a hasty escape to the street at any moment meanwhile, on the fourth floor, lumian, franca, and browns found themselves perplexed. one contemplated using his abilities to discern an escape route from the crime scene, while another delved into a concealed pocket with her right hand, seemingly searching for something. the third member appeared to have a premonition and distanced themselves from the other two. another spotless hand extended and lightly grazed the peculiar mirror, encircled by the one-eyed snakes. in an instant, the well-lit building disappeared from the mirrors surface, and the silent, gloomy apartment at 23 rue mnier began to illuminate one by one. figures were reflected one after another, and distant sounds could be heard. lumian surveyed the room and realized that adainas apartment had returned to its usual state. the unsettling anomalies, like the impenetrable darkness and the strange glass windows, had all dissipated. beatrice incourts corpse had reverted to its original form, and the horrific transformation now felt like a mere nightmare. lumian, who had been ready to whisk franca away at a moments notice, relaxed somewhat and exchanged a look with browns sauron. the demoness sect wont just send such an inexperienced member to investigate franca had one of the powerful demonesses, who had been covertly observing the situation, intervened to help resolve any potential anomalies? this behavior doesnt seem characteristic of a mid-sequence beyonder. a high-level demoness, or a sequence 5 demoness of affliction wielding a godhood item? no wonder browns had entered so openly, seemingly unconcerned about potential attacks from me and franca. i wonder if the hidden demoness had seen my spell of harrumph franca shared a similar thought. she diverted her attention from the window and regarded browns sauron. she expressed her guess calmly but didnt inquire further. she looked down at beatrices corpse and asked with curiosity and confusion, the necklace appears to have changed. lumian also noticed this transformation. the transparent diamond on the necklace seemed to reflect the light from the gas wall lamp in a captivating manner, causing his heart to race and his mouth to go dry. could it have become a beyonder weapon similar to fallen mercury? had the previous boons returned to their source because there were no abnormalities? lumian formed a rough conjecture. he approached the corpse and knelt down cautiously. as he reached out to touch the necklace, a multitude of desires surged uncontrollably, making him quickly retract his hand, shivering from the bloodlust. with items like flog and a host of contractual negative effects, he was no longer suitable for contact with the necklace, which had the power to awaken the deepest desires. you handle it, lumian said, standing up and gesturing for franca to take care of the necklace. franca accepted the task without hesitation and carefully removed the diamond necklace with anticipation. without further delay, the two of them bid farewell to browns and made their way back to the market district. avenue du march. franca had successfully dealt with beatrice and stood a chance of passing the demonesses audit. she had also acquired a beyonder item that complemented the abilities of the demoness of pleasure. her good mood was evident, and she almost hummed a tune to express her positive feelings. she glanced at lumian, who walked beside her in silence. whats on your mind? im wondering where maip meyer might be hiding lumian replied, his tone serious. lets go underground now. franca was taken aback for a moment but quickly understood lumians thoughts. do you think maip meyer might return to the place where susanna mattise once conducted the sacrifice to the tree of shadow? perhaps. lumian wasnt entirely certain, but he felt there might be some clues or traces left behind. franca, feeling confident in her gains from the spoils of war, didnt attempt to dissuade him. together with lumian, they entered underground trier from the avenue du march entrance. using a fireball for illumination, they navigated a relatively familiar path, passing by the collapsed mine where rentas, a member of the bliss society, had been buried and the location where jenna had been drugged. they ventured deeper into the altar area, a place they had previously avoided. the area was marked with scorching signs, devoid of any living creatures or the malevolent aura that once lingered. it was as if it had been exposed to intense sunlight for days, leaving behind only piles of withered bones from various creatures. the caves collapses and crevices had been filled with soil and rocks. lumian examined the area carefully and noticed fresh marks around the original altar. these marks clearly didnt belong to the same person and came from different visitors. as lumian examined the marks and the deep-rooted cave-ins, memories of the tree of shadow, the samaritan womens spring, and the iron and blood cross orders conspiracy flooded his mind. these seemingly disparate elements all pointed to one thing: they, directly or indirectly, pointed to the underground, to the hidden histories and perils lurking beneath trier. Chapter 421 - 421 Abnormal Silence 421 abnormal silence franca also noticed the footprints and traces. after carefully observing them for a while, she remarked, at least four people have come together in the past two weeks maip meyer has accomplices? lumian gazed at the collapse that had been filled in and pondered for a moment before saying, whats more important isnt whether they have accomplices, but what theyre doing here. if its truly maip meyer and not a random team of cave explorers, he long knew that this place had been destroyed by the official beyonders. there wouldnt be anything valuable left behind. why did he bring people here recently? to pay homage? its not impossible, franca muttered. what if he achieved something and received a new boon from the mother tree of desire, becoming a fallen tree spirit? its also known as baby cupid. there must be a distorted desire in affairs of the heart, just like susanna mattise did with charlie. therefore, maip meyer coming specially to pay homage to his deceased love fits the characteristics of the pathway. but theres no need to bring three or four people to watch him perform, right? lumian surveyed his surroundings. perhaps he didnt do it on purpose but just happened to pass by? franca quickly caught lumians drift. are you suggesting that maip meyer and his accomplices frequent the underground of the market district? lumian offered a curt acknowledgment. i now believe that maip meyer didnt return to the market district to deal with me. he might eventually seek revenge, but thats the outcome, not the process. is their target something underground in the market district? franca frowned. but the tree of shadow is severely damaged. whats so special about this place? it cant be that the entrance to the fourth epoch trier is beneath the market district franca stopped abruptly. that wasnt impossible! lumian quickly recalled the situation in the market district and various rumors he knew. suddenly, he recalled something. madam magicians doll messenger had a strong aversion to salle de bal brise, claiming that old bones were buried beneath the area. this had to refer to a unique situation beneath the market district. moreover, the building facing salle de bal brise was suspected to be related to glise saint-roberts old cemetery. lumian promptly shared this insight with franca before they continued following the traces out of the destroyed sacrificial mine. theres really a problem its not hard to figure out. summon that messenger later and ask, franca remarked, bemoaning the poor fengshui in the market district. she followed lumian, providing mysticism support for his pursuit. the two of them journeyed deeper underground, but they eventually lost the trail of their target. the suspected members of maip meyers group had traversed several well-known and long-used tunnels frequented by cave explorers, smuggling caravans, and mushroom-growing citizens. their tracks had been effectively concealed by those who came later after more than ten days. lumian, with a crimson fireball above him, came to a halt and stared into the pitch-black mine ahead. he remained silent for an extended moment, his thoughts shrouded in mystery. franca was about to suggest leaving when lumian suddenly spoke. dont you think the market district has been unusually quiet for the past month or so? how do you mean quiet? franca retorted involuntarily. 007 certainly didnt think so! lumian pondered his words and continued, let me put it another way. apart from the beyonder problem we caused, isnt the market district oddly quiet regarding mysticism incidents? no, to be more precise, after the tree of shadow was severely damaged, the heretics have become extremely inactive! right, no new factions have emerged to devour the remaining smaller mobs, or to engage in conflicts with the savoie mob. there have been no suspected sacrificial cases. even among those that preach secretly, i only encountered a swindler from the sick church, and he was just an ordinary person since the tree of shadow incident, the only true heretics lumian and franca had encountered were guillaume bnet from the sinners organization and beatrice incourt of the bliss society. however, they had followed a trail based on former clues which werent within the market district. the rose school of thoughts werewolf could barely be considered one, but that was an aftermath of the tree of shadow incident. browns sauron of the demoness sect could only be considered half an element. this organization had a solid history and believed in the evil entity of this world, not alien evil gods. franca was taken aback. isnt that normal? secret organizations that believe in evil gods must operate in secret. if they were encountered by someone like you every day, they would have been wiped out long ago! look, we didnt notice maip meyer returning to the market district before. if it were anyone else, your explanation wouldnt be a problem, but i have an alien evil gods angel sealed within me. according to madam magicians rubbish repulsion convergence theory, there must be an abnormal reason why i havent encountered a heretic causing trouble for so long termiboros has been excessively quiet recently lumians thoughts raced as he said to franca, can you use dream divination on me to help me remember something? no. perhaps a powerful seer can, but not me. franca shook her head. what do you want to recall? you can seek madame helas help. she can definitely create a real dreamscape now. lumian nodded slowly and responded, id like to recall an address where suspected heretics reside. i plan to check it out and see if theyve vanished, gone into hiding, or fallen silent. yes, theres no need to trouble madame hela for the time being. i know who to ask. this was him carefully making confirmation built upon bold assumptions. seeing lumian return to the surface as he spoke, franca hurriedly asked, what address? who are you asking? well talk later. lets head to rue de scotch broom in quartier de noel first, lumian said without turning around. why does this address sound so familiar franca mused for a moment as she followed closely behind. as she neared the surface, she finally remembered. madame pualiss address! madame night from cordu! quartier de no?l, rue de scotch broom. this suburban area was filled with villa-like buildings, each with a lawn facing the street and a garden at the back. lumian walked in the shadows where the street lamps couldnt reach, carefully inspecting the lawns and gardens of each building. franca did the same. without knowing madame pualiss house number, they had to rely on the unusually vigorous and lively plants to make a judgment. as they approached the end of the street, lumian and franca simultaneously noticed a garden filled with blooming flowers, resembling a lush forest of plants. the grayish-white building housing the garden appeared unlit, slumbering in the darkness, in stark contrast to the surrounding residences filled with family life. it feels like no one has lived here for a long time franca began to understand lumians concerns. has madame pualis, a member of the nightstalkers, also moved out and hidden herself quietly? lumian observed and listened for a while to confirm that the building was empty. he then took out a piece of wire, opened the door, and entered. during this process, franca used magic mirror divination to confirm via mysticism means. the living room was devoid of furnishings, the linen long gone. dust had gathered on the table, indicating that no one had lived there in some time. lumian proceeded further into the house, and franca followed him cautiously, not daring to near or touch anything. upon reaching the coffee table, lumian bent down and picked up an abandoned newspaper. although it was tattered from rat bites, there were still some remnants left. lumian examined the newspaper under the moonlight and whispered, early july this means that madame pualis didnt leave immediately after i got the address out from louis lund, nor did she depart immediately after the tree of shadow incident. she resided on rue de scotch broom for a while and chose to abandon this place for unknown reasons. something is indeed amiss, franca noted with a grave expression. they quickly searched the building and then boarded a rental carriage to their next destination. upon receiving an old newspaper advertising the interstellar bridge from laurent, the former tenant of auberge du coq dor and now deputy editor of le petit trierien, lumian and franca arrived at 9 rue saint-martin in quartier 2. the fifth floor was an office rented by a group of swindlers and suspected heretics. they aimed to raise funds for constructing an interstellar bridge to the crimson moon. under the dim starlight, the entire fifth floor lay shrouded in darkness. lumian cautiously reached out and pushed open the door to the apartment-like office. crimson moonlight filtered through the window, revealing scattered papers on the ground. complex mechanical symbols and intricate bridge diagrams displayed concepts that appeared both imaginative and plausible. many of the drawers were open, devoid of any belongings, as if the swindlers had hastily retreated upon realizing the arrival of the police. based on the written information and various traces at the scene, lumian and franca concluded that this floor had been vacant for nearly two weeks. theres definitely something unusual, franca remarked. why have the heretics from various organizations suddenly reduced their activities, hidden themselves, and gone quiet? lumians expression grew solemn as he said in a deep voice, this abnormality suggests that something significant might be in the works. without waiting for francas response, he instructed her, contact 007 and inquire about any information regarding the sick church. also, find out what problems might be lurking in glise saint-roberts old cemetery. ill write a letter to madam magician and share our findings and speculations. he planned to also ask the doll messenger about the meaning of the old bones. alright, franca responded promptly. auberge du coq dor, room 207. lumian set up the ritual and summoned the doll messenger donning a light-gold dress. as he handed the folded letter to her, he managed a smile and inquired, what did you mean by the old bones underground? the doll messenger displayed a disgusted expression. filthy, repulsive old bones from the fourth epoch! Chapter 422 - 422 Formula 422 formula old bones from the fourth epoch lumian disregarded the doll messengers emotional descriptions and focused on extracting the essential information. but this didnt provide a deeper insight compared to what he already knew. after all, most of triers underground issues had their roots in the fourth epoch. lumian took a moment to ponder and inquired, where does it come from? how do the old bones look like? the messenger responded angrily, ive never seen them before! their aura alone is so repulsive, disgusting, and filthy! so, youre not entirely sure of the situation either lumian decided not to press the doll messenger further and observed as she vanished, carrying the neatly folded letter. only then, as lumian awaited madam magicians response, did he have the opportunity to assess his gains from the night. a vial of truth serum, a vial of bliss society sedatives, a vial of mysticism smelling salts, and 1,500 verl dor. apartment 601, 3 rue des blouses blanches. so late? i thought youd resolve it quickly. jenna, clad in a light cotton dress, stood up and greeted franca upon her return. she believed that franca and ciel had a high chance of winning, even if they encountered a fallen tree spirit! franca muttered, we ran into an accident. uh, just a moment. franca looked at jenna with a serious expression. whats wrong? jenna sensed something was amiss. franca walked to her side and examined her pupils. there were no signs of her wearing blue contact lenses! phew franca let out a sigh of relief and said, in the future, we need to continuously verify if were actors in disguise. actors of the mother tree of desire pathway couldnt alter their bodies or fundamentally change their appearances like faceless. they relied more on makeup items and various props. among these, the color of the eyes was the most challenging for actors to mimic. they had to use external objects. they could prevent actors from infiltrating their ranks by checking if anyone around them was wearing colored contact lenses. of course, this wasnt foolproof. they could always find actors with the same eye color as the target to act. in the current situation, maip meyers eyes were dark brown, jennas were blue, and lumians were the same. francas were a lighter shade, more akin to the blue of a serene lake. for the time being, they had no reason to worry about being impersonated by the former manager of thatre de lancienne cage pigeons. maip meyer had distanced himself from the bliss society, and he couldnt recruit a new actor anytime soon. the only person they needed to be concerned about was anthony reid, who also had a pair of dark brown eyes. as an acting apprentice at thatre de lancienne cage pigeons, jenna was particularly attuned to the bliss societys activities. she instantly became alert and scrutinized francas eyes, fear in her voice as she asked, are they targeting the market district again? its maip meyer. hes back in the market district. we dont know where hes hiding, franca replied without reservation, recounting the entire incident. of the bliss society members, the only one jenna was familiar with was maip meyer. she had a deep-seated fear of him because he had once been her manager and could influence her future. unconsciously, she touched the arrow of the bloodthirsty concealed in her pocket and nodded solemnly, saying, ill be cautious. franca didnt offer any additional information. she glanced at the wall clock and retreated to her room. she activated the radio transceiver and prepared to contact 007. before long, she used the mechanical typewriter and analyzer to send a telegram. 007, paging 007! within 20 to 30 seconds, a telegram produced by a machine appeared. hidden blade, dont do this to me. im scared. whats going on now? this could be a significant problem! franca honestly warned 007. bro, before i disclose the exact situation, help me gather some information. i need to confirm two things: first, if there have been any developments related to the malady god faith in quartier du jardin botanique, specifically on rue pasteur and rue evelyn. second, what lies deep beneath the old cemetery of glise saint-robert? after a brief pause, a new telegram arrived. im off-duty tonight, seriously! and now i have to go back to work overtime! give me half an hour to an hour. franca replied: no problem. as she conversed with other members of the telegram group, she retrieved the diamond necklace she had acquired from beatrice incourt and used various methods to assess the beyonder accessorys capabilities and adverse effects. the diamond corresponds to a total of five desires: lust, appetite, lust, acting, and fulfillment it doesnt seem to have many uses. usage of each desire shouldnt exceed two with it on, i seem to be better at acting and makeup ill just keep it in my pocket. without it coming into direct contact with my skin or flesh, there wont be any negative effects after wearing it, ill become more excited than usual, and my various desires will significantly increase. if i encounter beyonders with similar abilities, ill be effectively restrained and even suffer a huge loss among them, the most intense desire is the desire for recognition yes, this thing cant be used against beyonders of the mother tree of desire pathway. its weakness lies in their strengths what should i call it? the seven emotions and six desires pendant? uh, the style doesnt seem right. forget it, ill call it beatrices necklace. its simple, convenient, and clear! 007s response arrived faster than franca had anticipated. in less than half an hour, he provided the relevant information. according to the heretic database shared by various official factions, the malady gods envoy hasnt been located. he appears to have sensed danger in advance and hasnt resurfaced. the situation at glise saint-roberts old cemetery is extremely classified. i cant investigate it for the time being. extremely classified? franca inwardly hissed and relayed to 007 the eerie quietness from organizations devoted to evil gods. rue anarchie, auberge du coq dor. madam magicians slow response arrived after an hour of waiting: after the death of a bestowed, the return of power to the source is deducible, but typically, you wouldnt be able to sense it. this time, it was due to your wearing the flog boxing gloves. they are made from the tree of shadow and are closely related to the one that the bliss society believes in, the source of the boon powers. therefore, when beatrices boon power returned and the connection was strengthened, that entity indirectly noticed you and the two of cups, which caused the corpse to exhibit an abnormality. this abnormality allowed the flow of the boon power to become visible. to retain the boon power and prevent it from returning, you require the corresponding ability or a unique environment. sometimes, these two elements are one and the same. in simple terms, you need to advance to sequence 4 and become a demigod or obtain something at this level. only then can you have a chance of preserving the remaining boons power and forming a beyonder item. of course, in specific underground environments, such as near the samaritan womens spring, you can achieve this without a high sequence. lumian now had a clear understanding of the anomaly of the night. unlike his previous killings of members of the bliss society, he now possessed the flog boxing gloves, bringing about a different development. the use of the flog boxing gloves attracted the attention of hidden entities to begin with, and its connection to the mother tree of desire through beatrices belief had influenced the return of boon power, causing the abnormality. understanding the situation and how to prevent it in the future, lumian continued reading madam magicians reply. we have already noticed triers anomaly and are monitoring one of the leads. however, it is unclear when we will find any answers. what we can say for certain is that changes will occur, with a timeframe ranging from as short as two months to as long as half a year. i cannot provide a definitive answer regarding what lies beneath salle de bal brise as it is challenging for me to approach. all i can tell you is that it is certainly more than just the corruption left behind by blood emperor alista tudor. dont dwell too much on this matter. it is beyond your capabilities to handle. your focus should be on accumulating strength and biding your time. accumulate strength and bide my time lumian repeated these words to himself as he absorbed the advice. the next morning, lumian had a conversation with franca and jenna. afterward, he gathered all his funds and went directly to 11 rue des fontaines in quartier de la cathdrale commmorative. boss, here are 30,000 gold and 30,000 verl dor banknotes, lumian said with a smile as he placed the heavy leather bag on gardner martins desk. he still had 1,000 gold and nominal funds of 1,500 verl dor. gardner martin glanced at lumian, unzipped the bag, and began counting the money. he didnt inquire about lumians remaining funds. with a smile, he retrieved a faux goatskin that appeared to have been prepared in advance. you need to promise two things. first, memorize this formula before burning the piece of paper. second, you cannot resell the conspirer potion formula without my or the supervisors permission, gardner martin stated these terms without requesting a notarized pledge, as if issuing an order. lumian agreed to these terms without hesitation, saying, no problem. gardner martin nodded in satisfaction and handed over the faux goatskin to lumian. lumian took it and began reading: conspirer potion formula: main ingredient: black hunting spiders composite eye, sphinxs brain; supplementary ingredients: one black hunting spiders poison gland, 80 milliliters of sphinx blood, 10 grams of amber powder, and two white oak fruits. after reading and memorizing the formula, lumians right hand trembled, allowing the crimson flames to engulf the faux goatskin. time passed in an eerie silence. unbeknownst to them, the heat in trier began to wane, and the temperature gradually dropped. one mid-september day, franca stood before the window of apartment 601 and cursed browns sauron for what felt like the hundredth time. she had already passed the demoness sects audit and informed browns that she had joined the savoie mob to infiltrate the iron and blood cross order. however, she never anticipated there would be an assessment period. only after this evaluation could she officially become a member of the demoness sect. her current liaison, browns sauron, used this as an excuse to prevent her from participating in the red house cafs female orgies. this left her with no option but to endure tormenting gardner martin and his lovers for the past month or so. franca turned her attention to jenna, who appeared lost in thought, and couldnt help but sigh at her companions fortune. the demoness sect remained oblivious to jennas true identity as a beyonder of the assassin pathway. whats troubling you? franca inquired. jenna responded with a hint of distress, my instigator potion has completely digested. franca exclaimed in pleasant surprise, thats a good thing! jenna scratched her head and let out a sigh. i havent even paid you back for the money i owe you, and now i have to consider the witch potion formula and its ingredients. dammit, why does it feel like the more i advance, the poorer i become? Chapter 423 - 423 Unexpected Encounter 423 unexpected encounter franca chuckled at jennas complaint and replied, thats typical. as long as you master the acting method, progress comes quickly before reaching the mid sequences. the pace at which you save money often falls short of the expenses for purchasing the potion formula and the necessary ingredients. dont fret about the money. sequence 7 in the assassin pathway is a game-changer. it significantly boosts your combat prowess and survival skills. youre aware of the potential catastrophe on the horizon. only by becoming a witch and wielding the arrow of the bloodthirsty will you stand a chance at survival and protecting the people you care about. jenna fell silent for a moment, then she swore, you instigated me without using your abilities! haha, its just the way things are. ill share the witch potion formula with you now. lets start gathering, franca said as she returned to the coffee table, spread out a piece of paper, and swiftly jotted down the instructions. jenna stood beside her, examining the intisian words taking shape. meanwhile, jenna silently tallied her debts. including the purifier reward and the earnings from my underground singing, ive saved nearly 10,000 verl dor. according to franca and ciel, a sequence 7 potion formula can go for between 30,000 and 40,000 verl dor, depending on its rarity. at the very least, i owe franca another 30,000 verl dor, bringing the total to 60,000 even if i sell the arrow of the bloodthirsty, i wont be able to make up for it. in the future, ill have to purchase various ingredients for the witch potion, costing me over 30,000 verl dor dammit! its no wonder why so many beyonders at those mysticism gatherings seem strapped for cash and penny-pinching! the more jenna calculated, the more her head throbbed. if it werent for the potions tangible transformation and the clear, visible abilities it grants, she would have suspected shed fallen into a scam. why did her debts keep increasing as she worked harder? in the past, her whole family had often felt hopeless when dealing with a debt of a few thousand verl dor. but now, she owed franca 60,000, and there was no end in sight. even with her cash and assets, she still fell short by 10,000 verl dor. gritting her teeth, jenna decided to put these worries aside for now and deal with them after advancing to sequence 7 as a witch. franca quickly finished writing down the witch potion formula: sequence 7: witch; main ingredient: every drop of an abyss demonic fishs blood and an agate peacocks egg; supplementary ingredients: 80 ml of purified water, five drops of jimsonweed juice, 3 scales of a shadow lizard, and 10 drops of daffodil juice. she handed the paper with the formula to jenna and added in thought, avoid gathering these materials at the mysticism gathering we attend. acquire them from the gathering you discovered and joined, as well as from the purifiers. oh, ask ciel for assistance too. franca was still in the demoness sects assessment period and worried about potential spies from the secret organization in the mysticism gatherings. if participants gathered the ingredients for the witch potion, it could raise suspicions. in contrast, the purifiers were a more secure source of these ingredients, given their history of dealing with demonesses. they definitely had the corresponding characteristics in reserve. of course, franca would also help inquire and gather information at the curly-haired baboons research society, but she couldnt inform jenna about it. alright. jenna rwas well aware of the demoness sects hostility toward wild assassins like her. as jenna memorized the witch potion formula, franca inquired with concern, has your brother left trier? recognizing that the heretics were oddly quiet and them receiving confirmation from a major arcana card holder, lumian and franca had suggested that jenna and her brother julien relocate from trier to another city in intis for six months to monitor the situation. jenna had insisted on staying to spend time with her comrades and had promised to advance her sequence quickly. this was the primary reason she had accepted francas gift without hesitation. as for her brother julien, jenna genuinely wanted to keep him away from another mysticism disaster. she wanted him to live a safe and happy life, and she had been busy instigating him to leave trier. jenna couldnt help but smile. i went to port leseur last weekend. port leseur, situated at the estuary of the srenzo river, was one of triers primary ports for shipping goods out to sea. franca was surprised and pleased for her friend. did you manage to instigate that stubborn fellow? without divulging the truth,jenna shook her head and said, no. i shifted my instigation efforts to a different target. i discovered that the shipyard where julien works has a branch in port leseur, so i used my instigation ability to convince their supervisor to propose a six-month technical exchange program between the factories. i also paid to include julien in the list. i only digested the potion after successfully instigating this. dogsh*t, no matter what i told julien, he refused to listen. he even reneged on his word the next day after the instigation. as soon as his supervisor issued the order, he started packing! after venting her frustration about her brother, jenna glanced at franca and added with a sly grin, the skilled workers from trier arrived in port leseur last weekend. the return leg from leseur to trier will be half a year later to avoid the potential disaster. franca, why dont we figure out a way to get more people to leave trier and lay low for a while? they wont believe us even if we tell them, franca sighed. moreover, if more people leave, those evil god organizations might sense it and act prematurely. if the official beyonders arent prepared, it could lead to more casualties. unspoken was the fact that, combined with madam judgments words and ciels intel, the surface trier served to seal the underground trier. everyone in the city contributed their strength, and if too many left, the seal might weaken, putting the remaining citizens in danger. jenna fell silent for a moment, choosing not to dwell on the topic. her upbringing and six months of experience had taught her to accept the harsh reality. all she could do was save as many as she could within reasonable bounds. after a pause of about ten seconds, jenna said thoughtfully, when i instigated the supervisor to propose the exchange program, i noticed that many neighboring factories had similar arrangements. thats why i had an example to raise and succeeded without much difficulty. now that i think about it, could it be a covert effort by official beyonders to reduce the population in the market district? its certainly possible, franca considered for a moment before hesitating to add more. what she wanted to say was that it might also be orchestrated by the tarot club or church of the fool. madam justice, a major arcana card in the spectator domain, was well-suited for such matters. franca refrained from saying this because she hadnt yet told jenna about her and ciels belief in mr. fool. she had initially planned to visit the fools cathedral at lavigny docks with jenna, but she dared not do so once she came under the scrutiny of the demoness sect. yes, ill have to get ciel to take jenna to lavigny docks. if she embraces the faith of mr. fool, shell be safer in the future francas thoughts drifted to lumian. in a four-wheeled four-seater carriage, navigating through the forest and farmland, lumian, dressed in a casual formal suit, looked out the window at the golden harvest, his mind drifting. the past month had been his most leisurely period in the past six months, but he didnt find this leisure enjoyable. he seized every opportunity to digest the pyromaniac potion. this included visits to the large morgue in the island district to help cremate corpses, bury abandoned large-sized trash, venturing underground to use flames to intimidate passing smuggling teams, successfully securing insurance compensation for small distressed merchants through fires, tracking down and incinerating a few wanted criminals, and igniting a desire among many to leave trier and explore opportunities in neighboring cities this string of actions had brought lumian to the brink of fully digesting the pyromaniac potion. it might only take another half a month, a week, or perhaps even less. today, lumian had received an invitation from count poufer to visit his red swan castle as a guest. over the past month, the sauron family had hosted five gatheringsone at the castle, one for hunting, two for casual chats at a caf, and one for a masquerade ball in an abandoned house. lumian had participated in all of them, but nothing significant had occurred. the only notable exception was that poufer sauron hadnt played kings pie again. wheres the probe gardner martin mentioned? could it be a probe this time? the cave association hasnt made another appearance. do they believe me? he redirected his thoughts from the near-harvest farmland and contemplated the invitation for the day. what intrigued him even more was gardner martins promise to secretly monitor every gathering hosted by count poufer. so, where might gardner be concealed at this moment? under the afternoon sun, the carriage arrived at its destination. lumian gazed up at the beige castle, tainted with the stains of ancient blood. passing through the imposing door and the vast atrium, he reached the elegant living room on the first floor, adorned with a dark-red, plush carpet. poufer sauron, dressed in a red velvet coat, was engaged in conversation at the entrance with another guest when lumian arrived. lumians gaze froze. the guest standing beside count poufer was not someone he had expected to see. clad in hunting attire, with what appeared to be reddish-dyed hair, sharp brown eyebrows, and piercing eyes, it was albus, another member of the iron and blood cross order. as a member of the iron and blood cross order under the command of commanding officer gardner martin, lumian was well aware of their identities and objectives. however, albus was enigmatic and seldom seen in the market district, only making appearances at gatherings for a free meal. who is this? lumian didnt conceal his confusion. is he here to assist me in completing my mission? poufer sauron introduced with a smile,a new friend. hell be joining us at our gatherings more frequently. at this point, poufer turned to albus, whose expression appeared rather unlikable, maintaining his smile. his full name is: albus medici. Chapter 424 - 424 Underground Maze 424 underground maze albus medici lumian repeated the name to himself, glancing at the member of the iron and blood cross order who had suddenly appeared. during gardner martins gathering, albus had never revealed his last name, and gardner martin had never introduced him. now, he had actually given his full name to poufer sauron. is he trying to make it more realistic? lumians gaze swept across albuss face, and he realized that when count poufer mentioned the surname medici, he didnt hide his mockery at all, as if mocking the sauron family member. ciel dubois, lumian extended his right hand and politely introduced himself. albus casually shook his hand, a smile evident in his eyes. he said, ive heard your name before, a generous patron of art. the member of the iron and blood cross order emphasized generous. thats mainly thanks to my sponsor, lumian said with a double entendre. in the ears of the other guests, he was referring to his fatherhis wealthy family. as a member of the iron and blood cross order, albus caught the subtle message. poufer sauron exchanged a few pleasantries with lumian before escorting him to the sofa. the gathering was intimate, with familiar faces all around, including poufers cousin, elros, novelist anori, painter mullen, critic ernst young, and poet iraeta. after some casual conversation and nibbling on snacks accompanied by black tea, count poufer glanced around and suggested with a mischievous smile, how about we embark on an adventure today? adventure? albus raised an eyebrow and couldnt resist a playful quip, an adventure in the bedroom? his insinuation was clear. red swan castle might be spacious, with room for a key family member and even hundreds of soldiers at its zenith, but it hardly seemed like a place fit for adventure. were they supposed to reenact a trier-like adventure under a bedrooms plush sheets? the jest lightened the atmosphere, and poufer sauron cleared his throat before continuing, perhaps youre unaware, but red swan castle harbors an extensive underground area. in the era of its construction, its primary function was war. it had to boast a cavernous cellar and a tunnel for escape during dire situations, or it would be deemed inadequate. throughout the centuries, my forebears expanded and modified the underground, turning it into a labyrinth resembling something out of a horror story. even though i grew up in red swan castle, my knowledge of that place is limited to the areas i frequently use. our objective today is to venture deep into this subterranean maze and locate a counts crown that one of my ancestors misplaced in one of its chambers. the crown is adorned with numerous rubies, making it easily distinguishable. the one who retrieves the counts crown will be crowned todays king. deep into the underground maze scenes suddenly flashed through lumians mind. the constant self-mutilating people in red swan castle screams of unknown origin a bronze coffin, surrounded by countless white candles a palm with dark-red, nearly-black blood vessels and a withered, black heart with a trickle of crimson seeping out these latter objects seemed to be concealed somewhere in the depths of the underground hall! in an instant, lumian comprehended the gravity of poufer saurons proposal. poufer saurons probing was here! suppressing the urge to scan his surroundings and possibly catch a glimpse of gardner martin, who might be lurking, lumian turned his attention to albus medici. the member of the iron and blood cross order clicked his tongue and chuckled. sounds intriguing. this is a game for the courageous! as if to quell any doubts or reluctance among the group, doing so meant: those who decline to participate are merely cowards! count poufer seized the opportunity to reassure them, worry not. if you lose your way and cannot find your path back, just pull the bell rope in your chamber. the servants will be dispatched to search for you and bring you back from below. no problem, anori, the short and plump novelist, quipped with a mischievous glint in his eye. im quite looking forward to something happening. after all, it will provide me with excellent material for my writing. like anoris last day? lumian joked. having attended numerous gatherings hosted by the black cat art organization, lumian was well aware of novelist anori and poet iraetas unique quirks. anori had a taboo for never praising fellow authors, while iraetas ire was only stirred by the current social realities in intis. anori took a sip of his black tea and mumbled, those old fogeys from the intis faculty of arts will absolutely love this theme. seeing no objections, count poufer rose from his seat and addressed the assembled guests, lets divide into two groups and begin this adventure. well set out individually along the way. one group will follow me, and the other will accompany ciel. these individuals have all been kings in the past three months. those willing to join ciel, raise your hands. me! albus medici was the first to raise his hand. lumian had expected him to follow poufer sauron closely to complete the iron and blood cross orders mission. count poufer appeared unfazed, as if this was the anticipated course of events. the second to raise her hand was elros, the cousin of the host. with her long auburn hair, soft features, and bright brown eyes, she smiled at lumian and said, ive always been monsieur ciels companion in the past. i see no reason to change that now. lumian nodded and returned her smile. he was aware that beneath her youthful appearance, elros possessed a complexity that belied her innocence. in one of his unsettling dreams, most participants in the kings pie game had descended into madness, inflicting self-harm or harm on others. only three individuals remained unaffected: lumian himself, poufer sauron, and miss elros. lumian couldnt help but wonder about her true motivations for choosing to accompany him into the underground maze. the third to raise his hand was the poet, iraeta. holding his cherrywood pipe, he offered a straightforward reason, hes my sponsor! the remaining guests, including novelist anori, painter mullen, and critic ernst young, formed a team with poufer sauron. they left the comfort of the living room and found themselves standing next to a fully-armored statue. descending the nearby stairs, designed for two people to walk side by side, they ventured further into the depths of the castle. the walls of the staircase were mottled and grayish-white, winding their way down into the bowels of the earth. the surroundings grew increasingly quiet as they descended. after traversing about three floors, lumian and his group reached the entrance of the underground maze. the passageways were illuminated by numerous wall lamps, some connected to gas pipes, while others had a more classical design with candles burning brightly. lumian gazed up at the ceiling and noticed the aqueous-black stone bricks above, shrouded in darkness. their cracks were distinct, and the surface exhibited signs of peeling. lets choose this one, poufer declared, taking a carbide lamp from the wall and leading his team down the leftmost passageway. after setting up the carbide lamp, lumian instinctively proceeded down the corridor ahead without hesitation. he believed that in such an environment, methodical searching might cause them to overlook something significant. by relying on the convergence of beyonder characteristics and the concealed blood emperor aura, he believed he would stumble upon something of value. whats your reason for choosing this path? albus medicis expression was always a little annoying. lumian responded with a hint of nonchalance, i have faith in fate. i like that reason, elros chimed in with a faint smile. poet iraeta took a puff from his cherrywood pipe and added, i believe in it too, but only if fate is inclined to favor me. the quartet ventured deeper into the corridor, encountering what appeared to be storage rooms along the way. soon, they arrived at a dimly lit hall with three doors, each bearing a single word in ancient feysac: hope, death, and madness. lumian had abandoned deep thinking by this point. without hesitation, he walked towards the door of madness and gently pushed it open. as the door swung ajar, darkness enveloped the room, and the light from the carbide lamp spilled in, revealing an eerie sight. lifelike wax statues stood throughout the room, both men and women, adorned in either ordinary or exquisite attire, their expressions twisted in agony. not bad, albus commented, disdainfully patting a wax statues face with his right hand. elros glanced at him. didnt your mother teach you manners? albus chuckled. i dont have a mother. elros was momentarily taken aback, not quite sure how to respond to that statement. in the background, poet iraeta spoke with a touch of admiration, in the past, when rumors circulated about me having an affair with a widow, id quietly spread gossip that i had kidnapped the member of parliaments daughter and was suspected of murdering a merchant. i even found myself entangled in rumors involving human meat pies, and my neighbors mysteriously vanished. as long as i dont care about my reputation and actively tarnish it, no one can perch on the moral high ground and point fingers at me. as expected of a poet lumian praised inwardly. holding the carbide lamp, he led the way through the room filled with wax statues, their goal being the exit at the far end. the wax figures, illuminated by the dim yellowish light of the gas wall lamps, appeared unnervingly lifelike. their eyes seemed to follow lumian and his companions, creating an unsettling and bizarre atmosphere. lumian couldnt shake the memory of the previous wax statues that had come to life and attacked. he couldnt help but feel that any of these figures could suddenly spring to life and lunge at them. breaking the indescribable silence, albus medici spoke in a relaxed tone, addressing elros, youre poufers cousin. your last name isnt sauron, is it? elros candidly admitted, youre right. albus casually inquired, which family do you belong to? elros turned her head to look at albus medici and then at lumian. she replied with a smile, my full name is: elros einhorn. Chapter 425 - 425 The Living 425 the living einhorn? even though lumian was a young man deprived of an education, he had received aurores rigorous education and knew that this last name represented the royal family of the feysac empire in the north. previously, when he had observed elros acting reserved and obedient in front of poufer sauron, he had assumed that her fathers family wasnt particularly outstanding and had perhaps even declined, forcing her to rely on her cousin. he hadnt expected her to bear such a distinguished last name. it was worth noting that more than a thousand years had passed since the establishment of the feysac empire in the late fourth epoch. the einhorn family had always held the throne, while the sauron family had lost the intis throne nearly two centuries ago. it was clear which family held the upper hand. albus medici glanced at elros in surprise and added a touch of provocation to his words, youre an einhorn? i couldnt tell. elros gazed straight ahead, returning to her obedient demeanor. she spoke emotionlessly, the sauron family and the einhorn family often formed marriage alliances. even though the sauron family has long left the intis throne, this tradition endures. my mother just happened to marry a member of the einhorn royal family. poet iraeta asked with interest, so your last name is einhorn. why did you come to trier? you were living in red swan castle when i first met count poufer. six years ago, my father perished in the war between the feysac empire and the loen kingdom. my mother brought me back to trier, where we stayed with my maternal grandfather, who also happened to be poufers grandfather, elros explained with a soft sigh. two years ago, my maternal grandfather passed away. last year, my mother succumbed to illness. the frequency of death does seem remarkably high? right, aurore had mentioned that while the four powerful countries of the northern continent sometimes collaborated and at other times clashed, marriages between the royal family and nobles never ceased. consequently, cousin marriages had become frequent according to franca, the hunter pathway has mainly been in the hands of the sauron and einhorn families. could a hunter-hunter marriage guarantee that future generations would be better suited for the hunter pathway? lumian held the carbide lamp and proceeded down the corridor toward the exit of the wax statues room. the wax statues on either side, bathed in the yellowish glow of the carbide lamp, seemed eerily lifelike. as they ventured further down the corridor, it grew narrower, and the wax statues almost obstructed their path. lumian couldnt help but bump into them. their bodies were cold, and their limbs felt stiff. they were indeed genuine wax statues. finally, the four of them reached the end of the room and opened the iron-black wooden door. just as lumian was about to depart, a subconscious impulse made him glance back. in the dimly lit room, the pained expressions on the wax statues faces appeared haunting, as if their eyes were fixed on the exit. lumian was reminded of his earlier encounter with the wax statue in the river. he instinctively raised his wrist slightly and discreetly extended the middle finger toward the wax statue in the room. i really wish i could set this place on fire, albus medici lamented with a touch of regret. lumian was momentarily surprised, but he secretly concurred. good idea! he had a suspicion that if he could incinerate these wax statues, the potion would be fully digested. elros einhorn remarked calmly, red swan castle experiences an average of three fires a month. is she suggesting we should go ahead and burn it down without any apprehension? lumian grumbled in his thoughts and proceeded into the corridor behind the wax statues room. the passageway descended diagonally, leading them deeper underground. lumian felt an urge to purse his lips and whistle in amazement, but he resisted. the four of them continued down until the corridor leveled out once more. the wall lamps were not lit. whether gas or candles, they slumbered in the darkness. with the yellowish glow of their four carbide lamps, lumian discerned a room at a diagonal angle ahead, its wooden door slightly ajar. a faint, lingering odor of blood emanated from within. he approached and pushed open the wooden door. light streamed into the room, and the scene within was cast upon the eyes of lumian, albus, and the rest of the group. it was a small bedroom, but time had not been kind to it. the bed had crumbled, the wood decayed, and the table lay in ruins. a collection of assorted items lay scattered in the center of the room. the walls bore vivid, deep gouges, as if they had been violently clawed at by someone until their fingers must have bled and rotted. the blood, having seeped into the crevices, had oxidized over time, turning black. its original appearance was lost, but a faint cloyed odor still lingered. then, a whistle reached lumians ears. albus medici expressed his emotions through this sound. he moved past lumian, entering the room, and ran his fingers along the deep scratches on the wall. i can only imagine the horrifying sounds that were produced, the chubby-faced elros commented, her focus on the matter somewhat off. lumian surmised that someone from red swan castle had once descended into madness and been confined in this room. the marks on the wall were the haunting legacy of their torment. after a cursory search that yielded no findings, they pressed on. they opted for the right path at the three-way intersection, leading them to a room with its wooden door partially open. inside, the room was in shambles, marred by the presence of the blackened bloodstains. the walls appeared to be adorned with what could only be described as decaying flesh. albus medici observed it and let out a disapproving click of his tongue. a guy exploded here. from the inside out. blood and flesh splattered everywhere. lumian nodded almost imperceptibly. the judgment aligned with his. could it have been the result of a pyromaniac losing control and meeting their end? poet iraeta, holding a carbide lamp in one hand, took a puff from his cherrywood pipe, struggling slightly, and offered his own perspective. i cant quite fathom why such a tragedy unfolded, but theres a certain poetic quality to it. is an explosion a form of art? lumian muttered as he entered the room and began his search. in this environment, his emotions were somewhat more agitated than usual, and his aggressive impulses were undeniably heightened. the putrid blood and decaying flesh seemed to exude an aura that could influence ones mental state. after moving forward for over ten meters, the group discovered another room adjacent to the corridor, its wooden door partially open. the room didnt reek of blood, but lumian felt as if sharp blades were pressed against his skin, causing his hair to stand on end. sharpness! that was the word that naturally came to his mind. as the light from the carbide lamp illuminated the room, lumian, elros, and the rest observed that the furniture had been reduced to tiny fragments. beds and desks lay in finger-sized squares, partially collapsed. remarkable swordsmanship, albus medici remarked with a chuckle. lumian wasnt too concerned with this matter. what troubled him was that this place was unlike the previous two rooms, which had signs of decaying blood and rotting flesh. where had the person who once occupied this room disappeared to? lumian scrutinized the area intently before deciding to move on. shortly, they reached a descending stone staircase. the lower portion of the staircase was enveloped in darkness, seemingly endless. on either side of the stairs were rooms with slightly open wooden doors. the interior of these rooms was pitch-black, as though it could swallow all light and motion. lumian instinctively chose the left side, pushed open the door, and extended the carbide lamp into the room. bathed in the direct yellow light, an intact bed, an undamaged table, and a chair all stood in perfect order. two gleaming, cold swords adorned the wall before them. on the table, a pile of colorful building blocks of various shapes and a row of iron soldiers, each as tall as a candle, were neatly arranged. these iron soldiers were clad in blue coats with golden embroidery. they wielded spears that resembled tree branches or black rifles, a popular toy in intis that had enjoyed popularity for a century or two. lumian walked over and placed the carbide lamp down. he picked up one of the iron soldiers and adeptly twisted the torsion spring on its back. with a series of creaking sounds, the iron soldier sprang to life, swaying forward while raising its spear. memories of owning a set of such iron soldiers during his youth, before his mothers illness and his pps financial troubles, flooded into lumians mind. there are no signs of damage here. its as if it contains items from childhood to adulthood, elros observed as she circled the room. albus medici grinned and remarked, i wonder where the owner of this room is now. hopefully not mad enough to scratch the walls or self-destruct from the inside out. as they conversed, lumian extended his right palm, attempting to open the wooden desk drawer to see what it held. suddenly, an ethereal voice echoed around them. my grandfather went mad and ventured into the depths of the underground palace, never to return lumian tensed, his body swiveling as he scanned the surroundings for the source of the voice. albus, elros, and the others followed suit, clearly hearing the unsettling voice. my father went mad and ventured into the depths of the underground palace, never to return my brother went mad and ventured into the depths of the underground palace, never to return i hear the summonings from the depths of the underground palace lumian, albus, elros, and iraeta simultaneously directed their gazes at the wooden door across the corridor. the spectral voice emanated from there. with a snap, iraeta, positioned in the corridor, pushed open the wooden door behind him. ignorance often knew no fear. the yellowish light immediately illuminated two figures and a pile of materials. one of them was a flesh-toned puppet mounted on a metal frame, hairless with rudimentary facial features. surrounding it were molds, hair, clay, and pigments stored in containers. a man clad in a grayish-black robe, his natural red hair flowing, was diligently painting the puppet with a fine brush. sensing the intrusion of light, the man slowly raised his head, revealing a weathered face adorned with thick hair and dark, iron-like eyes. upon spotting lumian, iraeta, and the rest, he spoke slowly, his voice ethereal as he inquired, are you here to make wax statues? Chapter 426 - 426 "Curse" 426 curse iraeta unconsciously took a step back. no, theres no need. he snapped out of his daze and focused on the man in the gray robe who was diligently painting the puppet in the dimly lit room. he asked with curiosity, are you the artisan of wax statues who serves count poufer? this count had a peculiar hobby of crafting wax figures for his friends. the man with the fiery red beard avoided direct eye contact and continued coloring the half-finished puppet in front of him. lumian, who had already returned to the corridor, turned his head and glanced at albus medici. instead of speaking, he directed his question at the enigmatic man in the cluttered room, what should we call you? lumian was certain that something was amiss with the wax statue artisan before him, but he couldnt determine the extent of the problem. they had just noticed that no light escaped from this room, indicating that the man had been working on the puppet in complete darkness! the man with deep, iron-black eyes and a fiery red beard looked up once more and spoke in a spectral tone, my grandfather went mad and ventured into the depths of the underground palace, never to return my father went mad and ventured into the depths of the underground palace, never to return so, are you mad as well? albus medici interrupted the mans ramblings. the man hesitated for a moment before answering, i hear the summonings from the depths of the underground palace at this point, his gaze swept across the faces of lumian, albus, and elros. the corners of his mouth, obscured by his beard, curled up slightly, hinting at an elusive smile. his vacant iron-black eyes grew more intense, and his voice carried a sense of urgency. the three of you, hurry to the depths of the underground palace iraeta muttered under his breath, why not me? lumians mind raced as he sought common ground with albus and elros. as poet iraeta had pointed out, the three of you in the strange mans statement didnt include him. given the peculiar atmosphere and circumstances, something was definitely awry. im a hunter, and albus is a hunter. could elros also be a hunter? while lumian contemplated this, albus medici seemed unfazed by the eerie words of the wax statue artisan. he flashed a cheeky smile and asked, do you want us to venture deep into the underground palace to rescue your grandfather, father, and brother, or would you prefer to send your regards? quite aggressive logically speaking, hes at least a pyromaniac, the kind whose potion has mostly been digested. theres no need to provoke everyone with every word could it be that hes intentionally misleading others to believe that hes only a provoker? lumian looked at albuss well-defined side profile and muttered inwardly. the man painting the puppet paid albus no attention and continued his work. sorry to bother you, lumian said, not giving albus a chance to escalate the situation. he reached for the vermilion wooden doors handle, gently closed it, and left the room behind. lumian decided not to explore the room with the iron-clad soldier, fearing it might trigger unwanted events. in the darkness, lumian descended the worn stone steps, carbide lamp in hand. amid the echoing footsteps, elros einhorn suddenly commented, that man looked like a lion lumian recalled the wax statue artisans appearance. indeed, with his long, dense red hair and beard, he did resemble a humanized lion. albus medici gently swayed the carbide lamp in his hand and glanced at elros. this is your maternal grandfathers castle. youve lived here for nearly six years. dont act like a visitor like us who doesnt know anything. i genuinely dont know who that person was, elros replied, shaking her head. i rarely enter the underground palace. the farthest ive gone is the room filled with wax statues. in other words, during your limited explorations, you had chosen the same path as me. you had selected the door of madness among the three doors of hope, madness, and death why didnt you continue deeper? what were you worried about? lumian deduced some information from elros einhorns succinct answer. albus scoffed. have you heard of the legend of sauron family members going mad and venturing into the depths of the underground palace, never to return? for example, my grandfather went mad and ventured into the depths of the underground palace the member of the iron and blood cross order mimicked the mans speech with an uncanny accuracy. excellent, youve asked the question i wanted to ask despite albus medicis grating manner, he did serve a purpose. he had no reservations and, with great acumen, asked questions that he couldnt. with such a teammate around, lumian could maintain a semblance of distance and conceal his true thoughts and attitude. the worn stone steps seemed never-ending. as elros descended carefully, she sighed and explained, ive always known about such legends. the master of red swan castle and the sauron family members who reside here, both men and women, gradually become violent and irritable, eventually going mad. its possible for them to enter the depths of the underground palace after mutilating themselves and never return. these incidents occur sporadically, sometimes once every few years, or two or three times a year. apart from the family members who yearn to restore their forebears glory, sauron has distanced himself from this ancient castle. he doesnt want to go mad. this has a certain effect, ensuring the sauron familys continuation and heritage. however, that madness seems to be a curse, a curse rooted in the bloodline. sauron, who resides elsewhere, will occasionally have people suddenly return and repeat the experiences of their forebears here. is this the surface explanation behind the sauron familys decline? if the core members of the family go mad one by one and enter the depths of the underground palace without returning, the family will indeed decline bit by bit why did elros tell us in detail about the matters thats privy to the sauron family she believes that we wont leave alive, so shes satisfying her desire to share? lumian couldnt help but recall the nightmares he had experienced due to the kings pie game. in the nightmares, red swan castle was overrun by lunatics who mutilated themselves in gruesome ways, gouging out their own eyeballs and more. it seemed that these lunatics might have included various individuals from the sauron family who had gone mad over the course of more than two centuries. but not all of them shared the sauron bloodline. lumian remembered how novelist anori and other participants in the kings pie game had also gone insane and committed grotesque acts to themselves and others, despite lacking the sauron familys lineage. albus medici, in his irritating manner, wore a smirk as he asked elros, did your maternal grandfather also go crazy and venture into the depths of the underground palace? elros remained calm and replied, no, he passed away due to chronic headaches. not every owner of red swan castle eventually goes mad. albus, undeterred, continued to press, what are the common factors among those who dont go mad? elross face was illuminated by the carbide lamps glow as she responded in her usual tone, its a family secret. in essence, she was saying: im not going to tell you. this response left lumian, who was leading the way, feeling a growing sense of frustration. if elros had simply cautioned them against prying into the sauron familys affairs from the start, he wouldnt have reacted emotionally. but her willingness to share intriguing information, only to withhold the crucial details, felt like a deliberate provocation. after a moment of silence, albus medicis smile returned, and he probed further, what about your mother? elros replied, she passed away normally due to an illness. albus chuckled and continued, what about you? you also have the sauron familys bloodline. will you suddenly go crazy? elros turned her head and glanced at the impolite fellow, revealing an indescribable smile. in the long run, well all go mad. who do you mean by we? lumians forehead twitched, sensing that elros wasnt just referring to the sauron family. a moment of silence followed, broken by poet iraetas heartfelt sigh. the fear of a family, the curse that has lasted for generations, and the forebears who have ventured into the dark underground. what an excellent theme for an essay. its very inspiring. if anori were to find out, he would definitely produce a classic novel. even i would have the urge to write a long poem. as they conversed, the four of them finally reached the end of the lengthy stone steps. before them stretched a vast hall with grayish-white stone pillars supporting the dark ceiling above. the four carbide lamps illuminated the space, revealing several piles of bones partially exposed behind certain stone pillars. plenty of the dead. albus medici, undaunted, sighed with a smile and strolled toward one of the bone piles. at that moment, lumian picked up a rustling sound. he swiftly raised his head and raised the carbide lamp. in the dim yellow lighting, mottled ceiling, a colossal shadow moved with surprising speed, crawling across the uneven surface before vanishing into the shadows on the other side. the shadow was a spider-like creature. in comparison to its kind, it had only one pair of eyes, but each eye contained numerous tiny single eyes moving independently, radiating a cold and eerie light. countless long, thick bristles encircled a withered, blackened, fist-sized heart on its back. lumians blood ran cold as a term leaped to the forefront of his mind: black hunting spider! this was one of the main ingredients of the conspirer potion. over the past month, although lumian hadnt yet acquired any ingredients related to black hunting spiders and sphinxes, he had amassed a general understanding of these two beyonder creatures, including their appearance and abilities. recently, he had contemplated teleporting to another location in his quest to locate these creatures. however, the black hunting spider he had just witnessed was even more unusual than the information he had gathered. it deviated significantly in several details, particularly the presence of a withered heart that eerily resembled that of a human. Chapter 427 - 427 Hunters Cooperation 427 hunters cooperation the suspected black hunting spider flashed and disappeared into the shadows on the other side of the hall. lumian only saw it but didnt react in time. albus medici and elros einhorn were equally caught off guard. by the time iraeta sensed the abnormality and looked up at the ceiling, the colossal black spider had vanished. what are you looking at? the poet asked curiously, casually commenting, theres no mural on the walls of the underground maze. this doesnt match the sauron familys former glory. in the northern continent, murals were essential when constructing grand buildings. all painters took pride in being invited to create these magnificent works of art, especially when it came to epic paintings on cathedral domes and walls. these paintings were not just a status symbol but also required months or even years to complete. lumian withdrew his gaze and smiled. i saw a venomous spider. no one has been here for a long time. it seems to have become a haven for dangerous creatures. without waiting for iraetas response, he suggested, albus, elros, and i have impressive skills and extensive hunting experience. its clear you lack sufficient training. why dont you return to the surface ahead of time? continuing forward could be perilous for you. you dont truly believe you can find the crown and become king, do you? iraeta muttered, no problem. youre my sponsor, after all. if it werent to accompany you guys and have some fun, i wouldnt venture into this pitch-black underground. im past the age of adventuring and performing arts. alright, ill head back to the surface now and wait for you in the living room. theres la fe verte, black tea, refreshments, and tobacco. its much more comfortable than here. as the poet spoke, he turned and walked toward the stone steps at the halls exit. just as he took several steps, a blaze erupted from the shadow on his right, hurtling towards iraeta like a crimson spear. behind lumian, flames surged around albus medici, transforming him into a crimson spear that collided with the flaming spear attacking the poet. the member of the iron and blood cross order transformed into a crimson spear and flew out with a whoosh, colliding with the flaming spear that had attacked the poet. with a resounding crash, the two flaming spears disintegrated, revealing albus medici and the colossal black spider with a withered heart. the spider emitted a high-frequency squeak, raising its body and swinging its four thick-furred limbs, resembling scythes that flickered with a cold light, at albus medici. at the same time, a nearly white-hot spear flew and struck the side of the black spider, incinerating its hard shell and piercing through it. it was elros einhorn. she seemed prepared and quietly shifted her position, waiting for the colossal black spider to appear. in the next moment, agile crimson fire ravens followed different trajectories, rushing into the wound created by the burning-white spear. rumble! the fiery explosion within the colossal black spiders body created a chaotic storm of flames, tearing at its outer carapace and flesh. lumian didnt hold back his impressive abilities. he had started condensing the fire raven the moment albus medici confronted the assailant. the colossal black spiders scythe appendages missed albus, who had seized the opportunity to retreat. under the relentless assault, the spider emitted a piercing screech that reverberated within its chitinous shell. the shriveled, blackened heart behind it suddenly glowed dark red, creating blazing fireballs. these fireballs formed a net, enveloping the colossal black spider, and shot toward lumian, albus, and elros, leaving crimson trails in their wake. in contrast, iraeta, who had been stunned by the superhuman battle, was ignored and unharmed. rumble! rumble! rumble! as lumian and the others dodged the incoming fireballs, one of them shot deep into the hall, dissipating quickly. hidden within the fireball, the colossal black spider seized the opportunity to break through lumian and the others encirclement and disappear once more. the crimson flames around them continued to burn. albus medici glanced at the dark-red liquid dripping from the heavily injured black spider but didnt immediately pursue it. instead, he smiled at lumian and said, nice baiting. lumian didnt deny it. he had asked poet iraeta to return to the surface alone to lure out the colossal black spider as bait. if the spider didnt take the bait, iraeta would have left the underground palace without any danger. but if the spider planned to hunt an ordinary person alone, lumian was ready to use spirit world traversal and the spell of harrumph to protect the target. he aimed to eliminate the creature, suspected to be a potion ingredient, as quickly as possible. with such an opportunity, he wasnt willing to hold back and hide his trump cards. he wanted to end the battle swiftly to prevent any mishaps. unexpectedly, albus medicis reaction was quicker than his. therefore, lumian stopped in time and switched to fire ravens. he intended to observe the black spiders combat style and uncover any secrets it might hold. now, lumian was certain that the colossal black spider was more formidable than a black hunting spider. if it were the latter, it would never have escaped the encirclement of three hunters; it would have perished from the repeated explosions. although it was confirmed that the black spider wasnt equivalent to a black hunting spider, it was undoubtedly from the hunter pathway. with the corresponding beyonder powers, the special parts on its body could certainly be used to brew potions. lumian turned to elros and said straightforwardly, that monster is different from a black hunting spider. theres a human-like heart on its back. whats going on? elros gazed at the dark-red blood dripping into the halls shadows, pondering for a moment. ive never seen such a beyonder creature before. she paused for a moment before continuing, all i know is that if the owner of red swan castle and many core members of the sauron family dont go mad and venture into the depths of the underground palace without returning, someone will extract their heart and send it somewhere in the underground palace. upon hearing this, lumian suddenly recalled a scene he had dreamt of due to the lingering effects of the kings pie game. in a bronze coffin surrounded by countless white candles, a hand with dark-red, almost black blood vessels extended, holding a shriveled, withered, black heart with some blood seeping out. what the f*ck is the sauron family up to? lumian couldnt help but curse inwardly. what lay in the depths of this underground palace, and how many mutated monsters lurked within? at that moment, poet iraeta finally snapped out of his daze. he looked at lumian and the others in shock, fear, and excitement. are all of you beyonders capable of using beyonder powers? you know about beyonders too? albus medici wore an expression that suggested he wasnt worthy of knowing. as iraeta approached lumian, he quickly explained, seven or eight years ago, i went to a battlefield to gather material and saw something. i knew that there were many people in our army who could use superpowers. they were called beyonders. we do have superpowers, and they look quite similar, lumian said with a smile, glancing around. do you want to follow us deeper or return to the surface yourself? iraeta didnt hide his fear and muttered, of course, ill follow you. although its very likely that ill encounter the large spider again, its better than walking alone in the darkness with unknown monsters lurking around. i dont want the last poem of my life to be oh, foolish iraeta.'' lumian pondered for a few seconds and calmly said, if you wish to return to the surface, i can escort you to the entrance of the underground palace. then ill definitely choose to return! iraeta changed his mind without hesitation. lumian then turned to albus and elros and asked, do you want to join me, wait here, or venture deeper by yourselves? albus medici gave lumian a deep look and sneered. i didnt expect you to be such a moral person. you can escort this poet with a dubious reputation yourself. his implication was clear: you must have ulterior motives for escorting someone out, considering your lack of morals. he didnt specify if he intended to stay or venture in alone. im with albus, elros, who stood by albus, replied with a smile, holding the carbide lamp. lumian observed the dark-red blood droplets left by the black spider and proceeded to ascend the stone steps with iraeta, using the carbide lamp for illumination. in the pitch-black and silent underground, they returned to the corridor where the wax statue artisan and the iron soldiers were. poet iraeta glanced back at the deep darkness below and said to his sponsor, those two shouldnt be simple. i know, lumian replied nonchalantly. holding the carbide lamp that emitted a yellowish glow, he advanced at a moderate pace. iraeta walked closely beside him and continued in his usual tone, the war between the loen kingdom and the feysac empire ended over seven years ago. but miss elros mentioned that her father died in the war six years ago. if i recall correctly, it was likely due to dissatisfaction with the feysac empires losing treaty, leading to a rebellion. this was a civil war in the feysac empire. why did miss elros mention the loen kingdom? is her father a representative of the extreme faction or a member of the royal family who perished in the rebellion? a member of the royal family who rebelled? is that why they fled to trier? lumian considered the information provided by the political enthusiast, iraeta. iraeta glanced at his sponsor and continued, actually, before today, i saw albus medici elsewhere. lumians curiosity was piqued as he asked, where? iraeta glanced around and lowered his voice. sacred heart cloister. Chapter 428 - 428 Incineration 428 incineration sacred heart cloister? the largest cloister in triers eternal blazing sun church? why did albus medici go there? could he be an undercover agent sent by the purifier into the iron and blood cross order? or did gardner martin instruct him to keep an eye on the sacred heart cloister? lumians mind raced with questions and guesses. as he advanced, clutching a carbide lamp, iraeta hastily interjected with more information. i have a friend at the sacred heart cloister. i often go there to drink with him. lumian, momentarily diverting his focus from albus medici, jested, can the cloister monks drink? the two moved through the shadowy passageway, guided solely by the yellowish glow of the carbide lamp. iraeta rambled, of course they can, but they cant partake in liquor or get inebriated. the wine brewed by the sacred heart cloister is the finest ive ever tasted. is your friend a monk? lumian walked at a moderate pace, his footsteps echoing through the seemingly endless passageway. iraeta appeared content conversing with ciel and didnt hide anything. yes, hes a member of the brotherhood minor and served as my nephews baptism priest. later, he could no longer tolerate the cathedrals clergy indulging in pleasures and chose to become a monk. he joined the sacred heart cloister and is currently overseeing the brewery. a member of the brotherhood minor, champions of temperance and asceticism lumian deduced this and redirected their conversation. how often have you and your friend seen albus medici? what was the reason for his visit to the sacred heart cloister? just once, iraeta muttered. i dont concern myself with such matters. there are no nuns there. when i saw him, he was walking through the corridor with a monk and entered the rear of the cloister. it appears that albus medici had not entered covertly or with fear of discovery lumian deduced this from iraetas account. amidst poet iraetas relentless search for topics, the two of them finally passed through the eerie wax statue room, leaving behind the hall with the enigmatic doors of hope, madness, and death. they retraced their steps to the underground palace. iraeta let out a long sigh of relief and relaxed. he grumbled, the underground palace is so dangerous, and there are creatures with supernatural abilities. poufer truly led us into an adventure down here! is he attempting to get us killed? youve all been corrupted by the kings pie game many times. i wonder if youre truly alive lumian refrained from a direct response to iraetas grievances, opting for a playful smile as he remarked, it seems that the more frightened and tense you are, the more you like to talk. thats what makes me feel alive, iraeta confessed. he extinguished the carbide lamp as they exited the underground palace via the spiral staircase. lumian turned back, retracing his steps to the door of madness. he hadnt closed the door when he left. even though he hadnt approached yet, the yellowish light from the carbide lamp made the wax statues appear faintly, as if they were waiting in the darkness. lumian stopped at the door, slowly bent down, and placed the carbide lamp on the ground in front of him. then, he straightened up and swept his gaze across the wax statues faces, their expressions frozen in agony and shrouded in shadows. crimson fire ravens began to materialize around him, one after another. since count poufer had shown ill intent by leading them into the perilous depths of the underground palaceany ordinary person would already have diedthere was no reason to show any courtesy to a member of the sauron family, the owner of red swan castle! lumians plan was straightforward: to set the wax statues ablaze. this had several purposes. first, it might assist in digesting his potion. second, it could preemptively eliminate potential threats, preventing the wax statues from coming to life and attacking at a critical moment. lastly, it could create a chaotic situation that would disrupt count poufers secret plan, sowing doubt and confusion for their further exploration. chaos often created opportunities. swoosh! swoosh! swoosh! with a swift motion, he released a flurry of crimson fire ravens that darted towards the wax statues. after dispatching two batches of fire ravens, lumian dropped to one knee, pressing his hands to the ground. from his palms, fiery serpents slithered out, winding their way through the pile of wax statues and swiftly igniting them. a cacophony of explosions followed as the wax statues heads burst, and their lower extremities were engulfed in flames, creating a cage of crimson fire. the flesh-white wax that composed their bodies melted rapidly, turning into liquid droplets or softening and crumbling away, rendering them fragile under the dual onslaught of explosion and combustion. smack! the muscles on one of the wax statues completely disintegrated, revealing a new face. it was a human face! it was a male human who had lost his eyes and died long ago, his face filled with pain! silently, more wax statues softened and crumbled. without exception, there was a human corpse inside every one of them. among the corpses encased in the wax statues were men and women, some with exposed flesh and skin, others with heads and bodies that appeared to have been crudely stitched together after death. some had open stomachs, their intestines tangled and filled with white wax, creating a grotesque sight what all of them had in common was the haunting expression of pain etched across their faces, as if they had lived through unspeakable horrors or had been trapped in the darkest of nightmares. as lumian observed, the melted wax transformed into a viscous liquid that oozed from the faces of the deceased humans. it was as if these tortured souls were weeping tears of relief as they faced the purifying embrace of the flames. inside the statues are actually real people lumian, who had his fair share of horrifying scenes, couldnt help but tense up, instinctively feeling repulsed and afraid. he finally knew where the ordinary people from red swan castle who had gone mad and mutilated themselves in his nightmares had gone. lumian rose to his feet, clutching the carbide lamp. crimson flames erupted from his body, transforming into blazing meteors that streaked to every corner of the wax statue-filled chamber, turning it into an inferno. the flesh-white wax began to burn fervently, feeding upon itself until there was no space left for the fire to consume. lumians eyes reflected the crimson conflagration and the viscous wax tears on his pale face. he didnt avert his gaze but watched intently. at that moment, he gained a newfound understanding of his pyromaniac abilities. the once-vague third acting principle became clear. the pyromaniac wreaked havoc and caused utter catastrophe! as for pyromaniacs, they could willingly unleash disaster and destruction upon anyone. lumian fervently wished that the heretics and those who had gone mad and could only harm others would be engulfed by the flames! having amalgamated his various acts into this principle, lumian had an uncommonly clear sense that his pyromaniac potion had been entirely digested. he could even hear an imaginary shattering sound. with a series of thuds, the lifeless bodies, stripped of their wax support, fell one by one to the ground. they piled up and burned even more fiercely. all of a sudden, the wooden door creaked open from the exit opposite the wax statues chamber. the wax statue artisan, his thick beard and hair resembling a humanoid lion, stood before lumian. his iron-black eyes were tinged crimson by the flames that surged toward the ceiling. his voice sounded ethereal as he inquired, why did you set my wax statues ablaze? lumian didnt answer; instead, he activated the black mark on his right shoulder. spirit world traversal! a spectral light flickered within his clothing, and his form swiftly materialized next to the wax statue artisan. almost simultaneously, lumian parted his lips. ha! a pale-yellow, gaseous light shot out of his mouth and struck the wax statue artisans head. the wax statue artisan, clad in a grayish-black robe, swayed visibly, as if momentarily losing his balance. he didnt lose consciousness completely; it was more like he had undergone a psychic piercing and was in a state of shock induced by the pain. lumian didnt rely solely on the spell of harrumph. he raised his prepared left palm and hurled a crimson fireball, tightly compressed in layers, into the wax statue artisans mouth and nose with fire infusion. the fireball, gradually turning white in color, whooshed into the targets mouth and nostrils, invading his brain. boom! the blazing white fireball exploded from the inside out while lumian watched as the wax statue artisans head expanded rapidly before exploding. flaming flesh and blood spurted out. lumian, already prepared, shielded his face with the carbide lamp in his right hand, leaving the back of his hand stained with blood. with a thud, the wax statue artisan, with only a small half of his head remaining, swayed and collapsed to the ground. lumian, who had meticulously prepared a sequence of attacks, found himself momentarily taken aback. he hadnt expected the situation to resolve so effortlessly. he had foreseen that the enigmatic wax statue artisan might pose a formidable challenge, and he had readied himself to teleport instantly if things took a turn for the worse. it was worth noting that the wax statue that had reanimated previously had been more formidable than the wax statue artisan himself. merely being in its presence had weighed heavily on lumians body and mind, almost rendering him incapable of resistance. did he possess the unique ability to create these wax statues, but lacked inherent power? or did he need to draw strength from the sauron familys underground palace to bring these menacing wax figures to life? perhaps my attack was too swift, leaving him no time to react. he perished on the spot before he could tap into any external strength? lumian gazed down at the wax statue artisan and assessed the situation. in the depths of the underground palace, within a hall adorned with white candles, poufer sauron, seated in a corner, abruptly opened his eyes and fixed his gaze upon the bronze coffin situated in the center of the chamber. around the coffin, numerous candles strangely extinguished without warning. wh poufer rose to his feet, his expression slightly twisted in consternation. at the exit of the wax statue chamber, lumian witnessed a crimson radiance emanating from the wax statue artisans body. initially, the luminescence surged towards the head, but only a small fragment of the wax statue artisans head remained. consequently, it shifted to his chest, yet it couldnt dissipate. lumian felt a tinge of surprise. he tore open the grayish-black robe of the wax statue master, unveiling his chest. there lay a sinister, pitch-black wound, and the space where his heart should have resided was hollow! the heart is missing elros had mentioned that the sauron family members hearts had to be sent deep into the underground palace lumian vaguely grasped the reason behind the wax statue artisans formidable yet fragile nature. ultimately, the crimson light coalesced into an ethereal entity with myriad gullies, resembling a shrunken blood-colored brain. unsure of its significance, lumian stashed it away and made his exit. the flames in the room continued to burn, but for some unknown reason, they failed to spread. in the stone pillar hall where the confrontation with the black spider had transpired. albus and elros observed as lumian returned, carrying a carbide lamp that emitted a faint yellowish glow. almost simultaneously, they noticed the specks of blood on lumians body. did you kill the poet? albus asked, amused. lumian shook his head and replied calmly, i killed the one making the wax statues. Chapter 429 - 429 Orders 429 orders upon hearing lumians response, albuss eyes widened slightly, and his eyebrows twitched. elross mouth hung open as if something was stuck in her throat. she quickly smiled and scrutinized lumians face with a meaningful gaze. at that moment, albus returned to normal and gazed at lumian. he clicked his tongue and said, youre really ruthless. you even went back and killed the wax statue guy. i had no choice. he stopped me from burning the wax statues, lumian said with a gentle smile. albuss eyebrows twitched again. did you really burn them? of course, lumian shared his findings sincerely. the wax statues surfaces melted and peeled away to reveal human corpses. albus wasnt surprised at all. he applauded and smiled mockingly. well done! i must praise your courage. its as if hes saying that im ignorant and fearless lumian didnt believe that albus was really praising him. elros maintained her smile and spoke as though a bystander, the sauron family isnt the only one in red swan castle whos gone mad. the butler, guards, valets, and maids have also gone mad. their deaths after mutilation are terrifying. its not suitable for their families and the public to know. they can only report their disappearance and compensate them a large sum of money. even so, they can still recruit new servants is it because the salary is high, or is the matter kept under wraps? will they only choose foreigners who have just arrived in trier and dont know anything? lumian knew that ancient families like sauron had servants who served them for generations, but their numbers were already limited. shall we continue forward? elros inquired. of course. lumian still wanted to track down the severely injured black spider and extract the beyonder characteristic it would produce to study the withered, black heart. albus medici answered with his actions and walked deeper into the hall. under the yellowish glow of the carbide lamp, the darkness gradually receded, revealing the drops of dark-red blood flowing from the mutated giant spider. as he advanced, he casually asked elros, whos responsible for sending the extracted hearts into the depths of the underground palace? just because members of the sauron family go mad and disappear into the depths of the underground palace doesnt mean that ordinary members of the sauron family cant enter. in particular, the successor of red swan castle often goes to certain rooms and halls in the underground maze. it begins the first time poufer becomes king while playing kings pie. influenced by the frenzied and violent spirit? lumian recalled the invisible entity that had circled above his head after winning the kings pie game while not daring to descend due to the blood emperors aura. soon, the trio reached the end of the hall. through an open wooden door, they followed a corridor with numerous reliefs of soldiers engraved on both sides and a few storage rooms. the yellowish light shone further, first outlining the outline of a wooden door, then a figure. the figure wore a light-colored formal suit and had curly black hair. he had a slightly mean appearance and was clearly a participant in this gathering. he was ernst young, the critic assigned to count poufers team. are you lost? albus medici greeted him enthusiastically. ernst young held a carbide lamp that no longer emitted any light and smiled bitterly. we had already split up, and each believed we could find the counts crown. but before i could search carefully, the carbide lamp suddenly went off. i had no choice but to return in the dark and search for a room with a bell rope. how unlucky. albus sighed exaggeratedly for ernst young. he had already reached the open door and stood beside ernst young. suddenly, crimson fireballs shot out from his free left hand, landing beside the critic and creating a blazing circle of flames. w-what are you doing? ernst young asked in surprise. albus replied with a smile, im here to help you illuminate the area. isnt it very bright now? ernst young fell silent, crimson flames dancing on his face. hes not surprised that albus can create flames and possesses superpowers lumian had sensed that there was something amiss with ernst young when he saw him, like a troublemaker sent by poufer sauron. however, saying that something was amiss was an understatement; he was entirely abnormal. flames raged, and the temperature around ernst young soared. lumian glanced over and noticed a strange softening on the critics face. a viscous, wax-like liquid seeped out of ernst youngs skin. as lumians forehead throbbed, albus extended his hands, leaned forward, and pushed open the wooden door. amidst the creaking sounds, the scene behind the door was tainted with a yellowish glow. coffins of varying sizes had been chiseled into the walls. chains hung from the ceiling, and coffins of various colors dangled from them. the ground was filled with countless coffins, with only narrow gaps for people to pass through. at that moment, ernst young raised his hands, his eyes empty, and tore at his face. the half-waxed, half-real skin was torn off, revealing bloody flesh and dark-bluenearly blackblood vessels. a potent scent of blood and burning wax permeated the air, causing all the coffins in the hall to tremble simultaneously. bang! bang! bang! the coffin lids of various colors opened one after another, and black giant spiders with compound eyes, lush bristles, and withered hearts inlaid crawled out. rustling sounds filled the air as the giant black spiders covered almost every corner of the hall. aiming at lumian and the others, they extended their mouths and quickly condensed a crimson fireball that was nearly white. numerous fireballs flew out, as if a volley had been fired from an artillery battery. whether it was lumian, albus, or elros, they all lunged to the side of the corridor, avoiding the location facing the hall. rumble! rumble! the entire corridor was engulfed in flames, ravaged by the shockwaves. the walls on both sides showed signs of collapse. lumians target was an empty storage room to the side, successfully evading the violent bombardment. elros was the same. only albus used ernst young as a cover. amidst the incessant explosions, the critic, who had lost most of his face, shattered into pieces. flesh and blood splattered, and some parts of his body melted like candles. the rustling sound resounded once more, and the innumerable black spiders seemed to surge out of the hall. lumians scalp tingled as he listened. his first instinct was to quickly teleport away. in the face of such mutated black spiders, he had no problem dealing with one or two. two was a bit of a stretch, but three meant he had to consider retreating. and now, there were dozens of them! son of a sow! there are so many of you. what do you usually eat to survive? just air? lumian cursed inwardly as he activated the black mark on his right shoulder to use spirit world traversal. suddenly, he heard a nearly ethereal female voice. the voice quickly became clearer. it belonged to elros einhorn. then, the girls voice in hermes reverberated. i command you, in the name of the sauron family bloodline. leave this area! the rustling stopped abruptly, and the entire area fell into an indescribable silence. after a few seconds, the rapid crawling sounds of arthropods echoed again, but they spread in all directions. lumian ceased his attempts to use spirit world traversal and cast his gaze towards the corridor beyond. the flames gradually extinguished, and no black spiders appeared. lumian left the side storage room in thought and saw that all the coffins in the hall ahead were open, but there was no sign of the giant black spiders. elros, dressed in a light-colored dress, stood in the corridor, her right hand clenched tightly, her left palm hanging low. her aura seemed slightly different from before, as if the commander-in-chief of an army had arrived before her loyal soldiers, naturally displaying an alluring charm that made people submit to her. clap! clap! clap! albus medici stood up from behind the crumbled ernst young, clutching a lamp. he smiled mockingly and said, arent you an einhorn? why are you using the sauron familys name? elros cast a cold glance at the iron and blood cross order member, causing him to subconsciously shut his mouth. i have half of the sauron bloodline. elros turned to lumian and smiled again. do you want to continue? of course! albus medici was the first to respond. lumian cracked his neck and smiled. the game isnt over yet. although he had the urge to escape the underground maze, the more he wanted to succumb to his urges, the more he couldnt show it. his experience and aurores teachings had taught him not to let others guess his true thoughts under such circumstances. the aura around elros that made people involuntary submissive gradually dissipated, and she returned to her obedient state. lumian and albus entered the hall ahead side by side and saw that the wooden coffins of various colors were empty. the corpses that should have existed looked like they had been eaten by the giant black spiders. just as he was about to pass through the mass tomb, lumian spotted a massive black spider sprawled in a corner. its side was hideously torn, and dark-red blood continued to flow. this was the beyonder creature that had previously fought the three hunters. due to its severe injuries, it couldnt leave the tomb according to elross orders. it could only stay where it was and lick its wounds. upon seeing lumian and the others, the giant black spider half-raised its body and let out a threatening squeak. glancing at the shriveled heart on the black spiders back, lumian casually smiled and said, its mine, and the rest of the spoils of war are yours. how does that sound? albus medici chuckled. is that all you eye? only you care about such things. elross lips curled into a faint smile. i have no problem with that, but since its your spoils of war, you can retrieve it yourself. i wont provide any assistance. i like that. you can occasionally say something nice, albus praised elros before casting his gaze at lumian. the two hunters, a man and a woman, appeared to be waiting to appreciate lumians performance. the colossal black spider had suffered severe injuries but had clearly not lost its ability to fight! Chapter 430 - 430 "Reckless" 430 reckless sensing albus and elross gazes, lumian cautiously approached the injured black spider with the carbide lamp in hand. as a hunter, he had a clear grasp of his two teammates current mindsets. it was akin to navigating a dark forest. everyone assumed the role of the hunter, but the moment one revealed their vulnerability, they became the hunted, vulnerable to collective assault. albus and elros desired insights into lumians condition and capabilities. they harbored doubts that lumian could easily dispatch the wax statue artisan, believing he must have paid a significant price. moreover, they aimed to decipher the precise sequence of the previous winner of the kings pie game and the mystical items he carried. lumian had no qualms about eliminating the severely injured black spider, but he was reluctant to unveil his trump cardsspirit world traversal and the spell of harrumphto albus and elros. as he closed in on the black spider, his thoughts raced, pondering the most efficient strategy that would incur minimal cost and time, making the task as straightforward as possible. lumians gaze swept from the torn-open side of the black spider, which remained trapped in the hall like its kin, dark-red blood oozing out. with his left hand, he casually retrieved a silver earring from his pocket and fastened it to his left earlobe. lie! having fully digested the pyromaniac potion, lumians emotions steadied. he could now covertly wield the flog boxing gloves and employ lie. crimson flaming ravens materialized around him. almost simultaneously, the colossal black spider reacted. the shriveled heart within it emitted a dark-red glow, conjuring a plethora of menacing fireballs, as if weaving a protective crimson net. swoosh! swoosh! swoosh! the fire ravens encircling lumian shot out, each following a distinct trajectory towards their respective targets. over a hundred crimson fireballs erupted from the black spiders form, hurtling forward with menacing howls. rumble! in an instant, some fire ravens were intercepted by the fireballs, while others detonated them, setting off a series of explosions around the black spider, causing flames to erupt one after another. at that precise moment, a brilliant fireball streaked towards the halls exit. lumian had been awaiting this opening. he raised his left hand and snapped his fingers. with a resounding crash, the bright fireball lost its trajectory and plummeted to the ground. instead of detonating, flames billowed upward, revealing the black spiders figure. lumian charged forward, his left hand ablaze with crimson flames. they coiled, layer upon layer, compressing until they almost turned white. upon reaching the black spiders side, which lay stunned from the impact, lumian leaned in and swung his left arm, pressing the blazing white fireball against the grotesque laceration, allowing it to penetrate the creatures body. amid the frantic thrashing of its limbs, the black spider barely managed to turn around. lumian had already capitalized on the moment to lean back and roll, increasing the distance between them. his form materialized beside the crimson sea created by the fire ravens and the fireball, distancing himself from the creatures violent aura. boom! the white-hot fireball detonated within the black spiders body. the incineration might not have been visually apparent, but the swift expansion of gas tore through the beyonder creature entirely, ejecting its chitinous shell along with its flesh. the colossal black spider emitted a spine-chilling screech as its eight hairy legs frantically recoiled. lumian wasted no time, preventing it from regaining its composure. he condensed a crimson spear that gleamed nearly white and hurled it toward the creature. the flaming spear soared through the air, piercing the gaping wound and pinning the giant black spider to the ground. the spear disintegrated, setting its insides ablaze. the black spider writhed a few times before falling silent. lumian didnt rush to approach his fallen foe. he turned to albus and elros. with a smile, he removed lie and said, its settled. as he spoke, he summoned dozens of crimson fire ravens and sent them swooping toward the seemingly lifeless black spider. boom! the black spider leaped once more, self-destructing. it had been pretending to be dead! unfortunately for it, lumian had maintained his distance and didnt fall into the trap. he only sacrificed a dozen fire ravens. the remaining crimson fire ravens swarmed the battered body of the black spider, restoring peace to it. upon witnessing this, albus nodded slowly and grudgingly admitted, not bad. elros observed thoughtfully, offering no immediate response to lumians proclamation. lumian turned to the motionless black spider, waiting for an iron-black light to emerge from its body before he approached. after assessing the black spiders condition, he decided to exploit its severely injured state. potential weaknesses included a probable decrease in flame controlling ability and agility. therefore, he activated lie and harnessed its flame controlling attributes to match his own speed and agility. the iron-black light didnt converge on the black spiders compound eye as lumian had anticipated. instead, it flowed into the shriveled, blackened heart embedded in its back like a stream. lumian halted beside his prey, puzzled by the unfolding scene. after the beyonder characteristic seeped out, he decided to collect it before drawing any conclusions. he carefully removed the shriveled heart, black compound eyes, and poison glands from the mouth, stashing them in separate concealed bags and metal canisters. dont tell me youre merely a pyromaniac and havent advanced to become a conspirer? albus taunted. you know perfectly well that i only recently became a pyromaniac when i joined the iron and blood cross order lumian grumbled inwardly. he straightened up and offered a smile. thats correct. im still just a pyromaniac. pyromaniacs arent capable of taking down the wax statue artisan elros mumbled softly. albuss gaze briefly flickered towards lumians pocket where lie was concealed, but he said nothing more. see, im speaking the truth. if you doubt me and suspect otherwise, theres little i can do lumian chuckled, picked up the carbide lamp, and led the way to the exit of the hall. after traversing another dark corridor, they arrived in a dimly lit room. within the yellowish light, iron-clad soldiers donned in blue coats adorned with golden threads came into view. unlike childrens toys, each one stood nearly two meters tall. the spears they held glinted with a frigid gleam and appeared exceptionally sharp. if they were to come to life, itd be an entire army, albus remarked with a hint of significance. army, soldiers lumian suddenly recollected the desire for submission in the kings pie game. he remembered the wax statues actions when it attacked him and the evident hierarchy within the iron and blood cross orderbrigade commander, deputy brigade commander, commanding officer, nco, and soldier. in the midst of his musings, lumian made an educated guess. could the higher ranks of the hunter pathway involve the military, obedience, and regimentation? the wax statues resemble soldiers awaiting commands, as do these iron automata. could a high-sequence beyonder of the hunter pathway possess the ability to create specialized soldiers? the underground palace of red swan castle is indeed teeming with the essence of the hunter pathway. its no wonder i encounter creatures from this pathway so frequently this meant that lumian didnt have to search. he merely needed to engage in combat to secure the corresponding rewards. what a perilous hunting ground, one that could potentially make me the prey, yet offers substantial gains! he sighed deeply. lumian observed as albus medici summoned layers of compressed white fireballs and casually sent them gliding across the room. the fireballs didnt detonate; they hovered silently over the ground, resting on the shoulders and hats of the iron soldiers. after the trio departed the room, albus transferred the carbide lamp to his left hand, raised his right palm, and snapped his fingers, emulating lumian. rumble! rumble! rumble! in the room behind them, the white-hot fireballs ignited one after another, setting each other ablaze and causing the ground to quiver slightly. delayed explosion! one of pyromaniacs abilities, delayed explosion! despite the fact that the iron soldiers in the room were constructed of metal, they either lost their limbs or internal components under the formidable shockwave. some were even buried beneath stone bricks as a result of the collapsed wall. noticing lumians gaze, albus wore a satisfied smile. to eliminate concealed threats, just like how you handled those wax statues. i thought you wouldnt dare, lumian replied with a grin. upon witnessing albuss actions, lumian discerned his intentions. he was taken aback that red swan castles underground palace appeared to possess a form of self-defense mechanism. no matter how potent the explosions or flames, their effects were confined to a single room, preventing spillover. indeed, without such protective measures, red swan castle would have likely crumbled long ago, given the rampant monsters dwelling within lumian observed another descending corridor ahead. at the corridors terminus stood a pair of hefty iron doors, the dark surface marred by large splotches of red, as if someone had splattered blood on them. elros took a deep breath and moved ahead of lumian and albus. she reached the door, carefully set down the carbide lamp, extended her hands, leaned forward, and exerted force. amidst a grating sound, the iron-black door slowly swung open. lumians eyelids twitched when he beheld a vast expanse of candlelight. the bronze coffin from his nightmare was starkly reflected in his vision. at that moment, nearly a third of the white candles surrounding the coffin had been snuffed out, while a substantial portion still burned brightly. in the flickering candlelight, the door creaked open. lumian rapidly surveyed the area but found no other individuals present. the three hunters remained rooted by the door for over ten seconds. finally, albus medici turned his head and tauntingly asked, why arent you guys going in? why did you stop too? elros einhorn inquired instead of responding. were waiting for you to take the lead, lumian replied with a casual grin. this hall was rife with danger and concealed profound secrets. naturally, he wanted others to scout the path first! lumian realized he wasnt alone in thinking this. albus and elros shared similar sentiments. albus withdrew his gaze and let out a soft chuckle. since youre all cowards, ill have to do it myself. with that, he abruptly dropped to one knee and placed his hands on the ground. silently, two crimson fire serpents darted toward the bronze coffin. hey! lumians eyes narrowed. he hadnt anticipated albus would act so recklessly. assaulting the most problematic element without conducting any investigation? elross expression froze as she instinctively extended her right hand, as if attempting to halt albus. Chapter 431 - 431 Three Hunters, One Stage 431 three hunters, one stage elros extended her right palm and unleashed a crimson fireball. the fireball streaked in front of the two fiery serpents and collided with the ground. amidst the rumbling, it engulfed the flaming serpents in its own explosion, halting their advance toward the bronze coffin. without further ado, albus picked up the carbide lamp and rose to his feet. he glanced at elros and grinned. so you do know something? albus then taunted lumian,youre in the dark here. dammit! if it werent for this inappropriate setting, id go head to head with you only now did lumian realize that albuss recklessness had been a test and a trap. this is the red swan castle of the sauron family, elros replied, not directly addressing albus but stating a simple fact. she was implying that she had the sauron familys bloodline and had resided in red swan castle for nearly six years. it was only natural for her to possess knowledge. albus shifted his gaze to the white candles, their flames nearly one-third extinguished, as if he hadnt heard elros. he asked straightforwardly, what are you doing in the depths of this underground palace? if you dont share, how can we cooperate and assist you? elros looked at the bronze coffin and unexpectedly turned to lumian, i wish to explore this forbidden area, known as the familys secret ground. only a few are allowed inside to discover if the curse in our blood is connected to this place. youre an einhorn. do you genuinely consider yourself a sauron family member? albus medici taunted the lady. this was both a dig at elros for concealing the complete truth and an effort to sow discord between her and the sauron family, making her aware of her place. so, theres no need to help the sauron family conceal those secrets? lumian discerned a double meaning in albuss words. this made him suspect that the other party might already be a conspirer. his unlikable demeanor might be a disguised trap. unfazed, elros sighed and said, i bear half of the sauron familys bloodline and am also a hunter. i too will be haunted by that curse. at this point, she turned her gaze towards albus medici and inquired, what brings you to the depths of the underground palace? dont tell me youre truly here to indulge in my naive cousins childish games? albus responded in a half-sigh, half-sincere tone, its time for the sauron familys curse to come to an end. and to break this curse, we must first fathom the essence and origin of this curse. is that so? elros no longer displayed the same obedience and restraint. albus chuckled. you misunderstand. this is what we call the highest level of love, compassion, and benevolence. there are no limits, and i embody that. id be a fool to take your word for it nevertheless, a true conspirer doesnt just tell lies. they always reveal partial truths or even the whole truth. its just that they omit the crucial parts what was the truth in albus medicis response? could it be that he genuinely wishes to help the sauron family break the curse? if elros were to say so, id believe her. how can an outsider like him, with no ties to the sauron family, possess such kindness could it be a byproduct of pursuing his true objective? lumian listened silently, dissecting the responses of his two companions. he didnt completely trust elros either, suspecting that she was only revealing part of the truth. her abrupt change in demeanor and her command over the giant black spiders didnt seem like something a young girl living in her grandfathers house would be capable of. elros and albus evaluated lumians explanation with identical, almost mocking smiles. then, they both turned to him and asked in unison, why did you venture into the depths of the underground palace? me? lumian pointed at himself with his free left hand and responded honestly, someone entrusted me with investigating the sauron familys decline and provided me with something. the someone referred to gardner martin, and the something pertained to the dangerous corruption at 13 avenue du march, although lumian didnt disclose whether he had accepted it. albus smiled, acknowledging the lie while being aware of lumians true identity. elross eyes flickered, swiftly assessing which parts of lumians words were true and which were lies or incomplete. after a moment of silence, lumian sighed and chided both albus and elros. you hunters, despite all youve said, not a single one of you took a step forward! the three of them remained at the door, waiting for one another to step into the minefield. talking to you guys is a waste of time. albus sighed. nevertheless, he refrained from advancing. he clicked his tongue and added, if only a beyonder of the sailor pathway were here at a time like this. dont assume that beyonders of the sailor pathway are impulsive, reckless, and impatient. the potion may have an effect, but a persons character and experience are the most critical factors determining their actions. if you rely on such stereotypes for beyonders of the sailor pathway in the future, you may find yourself turned into a characteristic, elros mocked albus. lumian abstained from joining their debate and asked contemplatively, if we hadnt chosen the middle path and the door of madness, would we still be here? yes, but some rooms are even more dangerous, elros replied, her gaze fixed on the halls surroundings. lumian nodded and asked, will we encounter demigod-level monsters? most of the demigod-level beyonder characteristics have been retrieved. many below the demigod level still linger in the underground palace, turning this place into a restricted hunting ground for members of the sauron family seeking to improve themselves. elros didnt seem inclined to conceal anything for the sauron family. most of them have been retrieved does that mean some are still hidden in the depths of the underground palace? did this coincide with the complete disappearance of some core members? do the sauron family not want to retrieve them, or are they incapable of doing so? indeed, elross description aligns with the sauron familys current situation. there arent many saint-level demigods, but its still a substantial number. many core members are scattered in the military, politics, and business world, holding significant influence are they lacking strength at a higher level? there are no angels, only a grade 0 sealed artifact. or is there just one angel? lumian glanced around and realized that elros and albus remained remarkably patient, as if they had frozen in their spots. truth be told, lumian was tempted to observe the outcomes of elros and albus, using their luck to gauge the danger of venturing deeper into the hall within the underground palace. however, given elross erratic temperament and the unnerving silence of termiboros, he abandoned the idea. not only was it extremely risky, but it could also mislead him! at that moment, lumian suddenly felt a surge of danger. he swiftly turned, his gaze following the glow of the carbide lamp, and albus and elros did the same. in the diagonal corridor above, a hand with dark-red, almost black blood vessels extended from the darkness, pressing against the wall, illuminated by the faint yellowish glow. lumians eyelids twitched as he recalled the image that had left the most profound mark on his nightmares, a result of the kings pie game. in the bronze coffin, surrounded by white candles, a hand with dark-red, nearly black blood vessels suddenly extended, gripping a shriveled, blackened heart, from which blood oozed! has the menacing creature from the bronze coffin surfaced? before lumian could activate spirit world traversal, an intense fear overwhelmed him, as if it wanted him to yield, and he involuntarily bent forward. instinctively resisting and struggling, he, along with albus and elros, stepped back and entered the hall. in an instant, an illusion materialized before their eyes. lumian witnessed the hall enveloped in surreal purple flames, akin to an inferno from myths and legends. at the heart of the purple flames was the bronze coffin. it had turned transparent, as if it had lost its physical form, revealing an iron-black ring pressing down on it. the ring was embedded in the ground, with viscous, bottomless blood-colored spring water in its center. in the spring water, shriveled and blackened hearts bobbed up and down. bloodlines extended from the iron-black ring. some wound around the base of the bronze coffin and burrowed into it, while others connected to the white candles. in the next moment, lumian heard a frenzied and violent illusory roar, as if emanating from deep underground. his mind reeled, and he lost consciousness. in the boundless darkness, the bewildered lumian faintly heard a majestic voice, but the words eluded his understanding. in his stupor, he strained to discern the voice. aurores melodious song and the ethereal flute of the shepherds echoed in his ears. im the elf of spring as the voices gradually grew more distinct, lumian sensed searing heat in his right palm. the intensity of the sensation was almost tangible, accompanied by a burning pain. pain pain! lumian snapped out of his fugue and forced his eyes open. before him, a crimson fireball blazed, and he found himself encased within a metal framework, his body held upright. at that moment, a man dressed in black robes, sporting a vivid red beard that made him look like a human-lion hybrid, stood before the metal frame. he held softened candles and pressed them against lumians body, one by one. without hesitation, lumian activated the black mark on his right shoulder. with a ghostly flicker, he vanished from the metal frame, along with a portion of the candles. lumian materialized swiftly at the entrance to red swan castles underground labyrinth. he hastily scanned the surroundings and breathed a sigh of relief, seeing that everything seemed normal. without delay, lumian brushed the wax from his body and examined his belongings. to his astonishment, not only were the original mystical items, gold coins, banknotes, and various lotions intact, but even the beyonder characteristic of the wax figure artisan and the shriveled heart he had obtained in the underground palace remained. no one searched me? amid his bewilderment, fragmented memories flitted through his mind. he recalled scenes of himself walking in silence through the darkness without his carbide lamp. in those images, his countenance appeared lifeless and rigid, like that of a wax figure. eventually, he reached a room and nestled within a metal framework, calmly awaiting the wax figure artisans transformation. this doesnt resemble me at all lumian rubbed his throbbing head and opted to ascend the stairs, departing the underground labyrinth. he promptly returned to the first-floor living room, where he found the poet, iraeta, happily sipping absinthe. youre back too? iraeta inquired with curiosity. yes, lumian replied, having regained his composure, as he settled onto the sofa and offered a smile. i got separated from them. as he finished speaking, albus, with his fiery red hair, made his appearance at the living room door. Chapter 432 - 432 Beatdown 432 beatdown albus was caught off guard when he spotted lumian comfortably seated on the sofa. that was quick. youre not slow either, lumian replied with a kind smile. from his point of view, breaking free from the ethereal, underground roar and not turning into a wax statue indicated that albus wasnt just an ordinary member of the iron and blood cross order. perhaps the sinister corruption at 13 avenue du march was helping him withstand that terrifying roar. in contrast, elros einhorn, with her unique sauron family bloodline, seemed more likely to emerge unscathed and return safely. albus flashed a smile, pulled up a chair, and casually enjoyed some refreshments as though nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. he signaled the servant nearby to replace his tea with a fresh cup of black tea. after about four to five minutes, both lumian and albus simultaneously shifted their attention towards the living room door. elros, dressed in a comfortable dress, entered the room. seeing lumian and albus, she appeared surprised but not shocked. she quickly put on a polite, obedient smile. elros resumed her seat, becoming once again the reserved girl staying at her maternal grandfathers house. poet iraeta seemed oblivious to the unusual atmosphere. he sipped his absinthe and discussed poetry writing with lumian. fifteen minutes later, count poufer, decked out in a scarlet velvet coat, returned to the living room with novelist anori and painter mullen. when poufer laid eyes on lumian, the owner of red swan castle was visibly taken aback, nearly losing control of his expression. he never anticipated encountering ciel dubois again, or more accurately, ciel dubois in his present state! shortly after, poufers gaze swept across albus, elros, and iraeta, his face reflecting shock and suspicion as if he had stepped into a surreal dream. ah, poufer, youre finally back. we had given up on the adventure long ago and decided not to delve deeper into the dark maze. albus set aside his mille-feuille and warmly welcomed him. how did it go? did you manage to locate the counts crown? instinctively, poufer shifted his body to prevent albus, with his hands smeared in pastry flakes, from giving him a hug. he managed to force a smile and replied, we had no luck finding it either. when did you get back? less than half an hour ago. only then did albus remember to smack his hands and brush off the pastry crumbs. lumian rose from his seat and inquired, wheres monsieur ernst young? novelist anori shook his head. he got separated from us. i hope he remembers to pull the bell rope and summon the servants to find him. thats correct. the servants in this castle know the underground palace better than i do, poufer remarked, his expression returning to its usual state as he settled into an armchair. lumian was eager to return and confirm his discoveries. he glanced at the antique wall clock hanging on the wall and smiled at poufer. i still have some matters to attend to, so i wont be attending the banquet tonight. poufers mind seemed preoccupied, and he didnt press lumian to stay. he rose once more and escorted lumian to the living rooms exit. lumian cast a grateful look at the owner of red swan castle and shook his hand with sincerity. count, thank you for a fantastic afternoon. i thoroughly enjoyed this game. i hope we can play it again. from the depths of his heart, lumian wanted to express his gratitude to poufer sauron. not only had he provided an opportunity to digest the potion, but he had also unveiled the familys hunting grounds, making it easier for lumian to locate suspected beyonder creatures related to conspirers without extensive searching. how could he not show his appreciation? of course, lumian genuinely desired to eliminate poufer sauron. if not for his uniqueness, he would have been turned into a wax statue. lumians sole reason for not launching a direct attack wasnt concern about sauron family retaliation or fear of spoiling the iron and blood cross orders plans. instead, he instinctively believed that even though poufer sauron appeared to be an ordinary person or a relatively weak beyonder with limited knowledge, if lumian were to confront him, he might well be the one facing danger. count poufers expression soured as he received the heartfelt gratitude. lumian appeared oblivious to this and reiterated his desire to partake in another underground palace adventure game. with that, he turned and exited the living room, leaving poufer sauron perplexed and watchful. after departing from red swan castle and boarding the four-wheeled, four-seater borrowed from gardner martin, lumians smile faded, replaced by a solemn countenance. at the conclusion of this underground palace adventure, he had gained a clear understanding of the disparity between his strength and that of higher-level entities. with a mere illusory roar, he lost consciousness and self-control, unable to resist. only thanks to mr. fools seal, termiboross presence, and the lingering aura of the blood emperor alista tudor did he manage to escape with his life. my sequence is still too low lumian sighed inwardly and closed his eyes, reflecting on the adventures details. quartier de la cathdrale commmorative, 11 rue des fontaines. gardner martin leisurely roamed through the armor and weapons on display in the hall, running his fingers over the metallic textures as lumian recounted his encounters in the depths of the underground palace. he described the room with the wax statues, the wax statue artisan, the mutated black spider, the iron soldiers, the bronze coffin, the white candles, and the eerie roar. however, lumian omitted the details of how he had escorted poet iraeta back to the underground palaces entrance. he also left out the part about burning the wax statues and him murdering the wax statue artisan. finally, he couldnt conceal his anger, frustration, and perplexity. commanding officer, didnt you promise to secretly watch to prevent any mishaps? if i hadnt inexplicably awakened, id be a wax statue now! did you use albus to keep an eye on me? lumians questioning tone didnt seem to provoke gardner martin. the latter turned to him, his smile widening as he spoke calmly. i was indeed observing from the shadows. at this point, his smile grew even more, but his voice remained composed. i witnessed you escorting the poet back to the underground palaces entrance. i saw you set fire to the wax statues in that room and detonate the wax statue artisans head. wh lumians eyes narrowed, and a shiver ran down his spine as his hair stood on end. he blurted out, albus is already back? how did the boss find out about my actions? could he truly be trailing me in secret or monitoring my every move in the underground maze? how did he do it? i didnt notice at all! gardner martin chuckled. albus hasnt returned yet. it wasnt albus? thats right, albus had no knowledge of my actions regarding the wax statue artisans demise. no one else was present how did the boss discover it? lumians usual tendency to underestimate gardner martin vanished, replaced by a sense that the head of the savoie mob, the commanding officer of the iron and blood cross order, possessed more mystery and power than he initially believed. previously, perhaps madam magician of the tarot club and mr. k of the aurora order had displayed abilities that lumian found beyond imagination or awe-inspiring. therefore, when facing gardner martin, who appeared to be the weakest of the three superiors, lumian had always considered him less formidable. he even believed that if they were within a five-meter range, he might have a chance to eliminate this commanding officer. now, from the looks of it, lumian wasnt confident. considering that gardner martin might have revealed this information to unnerve him, lumian didnt attempt to conceal his changing expressions and body language. gardner martin observed lumians bewildered and fearful expression and added with a smile, do you really think you woke up for no reason? whoa, so youre the one who helped? if i hadnt heard the grandiose voice, aurores humming, and the conversation with the people in cordu and felt the burning pain in my right palm, i would have believed you in essence, the corruption at 13 avenue du march could have helped me break free from that state, but the boss had intentionally left it ambiguous. he wants me to believe that he had played a role. this hunter didnt lie, but he certainly didnt disclose the whole truth. how much of what he said was based on what he saw with his own eyes, and how much was gathered through other means? lumians thoughts raced as he bowed his head. thank you, commanding officer. gardner martin nodded warmly with a smile and said, weve gained something from this operation. at the very least, we know that there are terrifying items sealed deep in red swan castles underground palace. do you want to exchange them for rewards or save them to trade for valuable items later, such as higher sequence potions? lumian had accumulated a sum of 20,000 verl dor over the past month through gardner martins funds, his salary from salle de bal brise, and his earnings from acting. money wasnt an immediate concern. he pondered for a moment. lets save them for now. as he spoke, he presented the beyonder characteristic of the wax statue artisan and other items to gardner martin and inquired, boss, can i use these to concoct the conspirer potion? gardner martin examined the shrunken blood-colored brain and the shriveled, blackened heart for a moment. when combined, they can be used to concoct the conspirer potion, but they will have additional hunter, provoker, and pyromaniac characteristics compared to ordinary ingredients. you need to be very confident before using them. right, this heart still retains traces of the sauron familys bloodline, which might affect your advancement to some extent. if youre not confident, i can provide you with a conspirer potion in exchange for these ingredients and make up the difference. consider it a partial reward. in essence, ordinary black hunting spiders and sphinxes only possess the conspirer beyonder characteristic, excluding the ones from before. the wax statue artisan and the mutated black spider were like two halves of a conspirer. when combined, they formed a complete sequence 9 to 6 beyonder lumian grasped the situation and smiled. it sounds like it will make me stronger. id like to see if i can handle the associated risks. gardner martin didnt push further and allowed lumian to depart. upon returning to auberge du coq dor, lumian took his place at his desk and began writing a letter to madam magician. Chapter 433 - 433 Secret Past 433 secret past lumian diligently wrote down every detail of the events that had unfolded from the moment lumian set foot in red swan castle. he condensed the communications, focusing on the key points. he had a strong sense that the sauron familys underground maze concealed a crucial secret. fearing that he might lack the knowledge and write off problematic parts as normal, inadvertently overlooking something, he decided to mention everything and allow madam magician to assess it herself. it took lumian half an hour to draft the letter. he then closed the curtains and performed a ritual, summoning the doll messenger. after nearly twenty minutes, the messenger returned with two folded squares of letter paper. there are actually two pages. she places quite a lot of importance on this lumian contemplated for a moment before silently unfolding them. gardner martin is correct. the so-called wax statue artisan and mutated black spider are actually an enhanced sphinx and black hunting spider respectively. they contain beyonder characteristics of the previous sequences. what he didnt mention is that using the heart not only affects your advancement but is also linked to a special ritual that causes beyonders who use it to merge with some of the sauron familys bloodline, potentially subjecting them to a curse. however, for you, theres nothing to worry about. youve already taken the role of emperor during the kings pie game. why should you fear this? that tiny trace of the sauron familys bloodline might have an undiscovered significance at some point. undiscovered significance is madam magician hinting at something she observed in her astromancy? if i genuinely use that withered heart to concoct the potion, not only will i possess a hint of the blood emperors aura, but ill also have a bit of the sauron familys bloodline. what kind of f*cking amalgamation would this be!? lumian mercilessly mocked himself. if he further possessed an einhorn bloodline, lumian wouldnt even dare to imagine whether hed be considered a prodigy in the hunter pathway or simply mediocre. after this self-mockery, lumian continued to read. youve gained a lot from this adventure. combining your experiences, what youve witnessed, what youve heard, and what youve encountered in the previous two kings pie games, my initial assessment is that the formidable angel vermonda champagne sauron from 200 years ago is still alive. he resides somewhere underground in that chamber, confined within a bronze coffin, surrounded by white candles, iron-black rings, blood-colored spring water, and the hearts extracted from the sauron familys core members through a unique ritual. even the entire underground maze is linked to a perilous sealed artifacts, designed to limit vermonda saurons movements to the greatest extent. this is the first victim of the sauron familys curse. why did he vanish suddenly, why did he descend underground, and why does he remain alive? it has had a profound impact on generations of red swan castle and the sauron family, driving them to the brink of insanity. this is a crucial matter that requires further clarification. its the real cause behind the sauron familys decline. its too dangerous for you. at your sequence, you would find it extremely challenging to investigate. as youve experienced, even hearing vermonda saurons voice causes temporary disorientation, leaving you in a daze, and the wax statue artisan would reconstruct you. this prevents you from getting close to the bronze coffin and the seal over it. of course, once you possess a trace of the sauron familys bloodline and master the special ritual that poufer sauron once underwent, you might have a chance to enter that chamber. but all in all, i advise against taking this risk until youre prepared to advance to sequence 4 and approach the threshold of godhood. if gardner martin assigns a similar mission in the future, just perform it perfunctorily. considering your contributions, the next time you require a potion formula or specific ingredients, feel free to contact me directly. youll receive a substantial discount. angel? lumians eyelids twitched. the mysterious and missing sauron family ancestor, vermonda, was, in fact, a formidable angel! the voice that had instantaneously robbed him of consciousness and nearly caused him to faint belonged to a genuine mythical creature! furthermore, this angel remained in a state of complete madness and needed to be sealed. the sauron familys underground maze is indeed a perilous place, but it also conceals a wealth of treasures lumian muttered with a mix of lingering fear and anticipation. in reality, even without madam magicians advice, he had no desire to risk approaching the chamber with the bronze coffin. what if poufer sauron was waiting there next time, and he ended up losing himself, only to be killed? it appeared that the mission to investigate the cause of the sauron familys decline could only progress once he grew stronger. of course, gardner martin could handle it himself or seek assistance from the vice presidents of the iron and blood cross order. after digesting these paragraphs, lumian exhaled and continued reading the last part of the letter. albus medici isnt as straightforward as he may seemnot just a member of the iron and blood cross order. his last name is self-explanatory. in ancient times, before blood emperor alista tudor became the red priest, the god of war had another name. he was one of the eight kings of angels who had once served under the ancient sun god, known as the red angel or war angel medici. one of his duties was to watch over and instruct amon. king of angels how do they differ from regular angels? the ancient sun gods impact on the future was profoundly significant. the one revered by the aurora order, some of the seven orthodox gods, amon, and the former god of war, medici lumian pondered, realizing that many issues of the current era might trace back to events two to three thousand years ago, linked to the ancient sun gods downfall. his curiosity was piqued, and he read the remainder of the content with greater focus than before. red angel medici, the sauron family, and the einhorn familys most ancient ancestor all perished simultaneously under alista tudor and the nobles combined efforts, giving rise to the red priest. however, after the blood emperors demise, the sauron and einhorn families reclaimed their beyonder characteristics. a king of angels doesnt meet his end so easily. for some reason, the red angel, sauron, and einhorn merged into a potent evil spirit, a fusion of malevolence. just a few years ago, this evil spirit found a means to break free from the geographical confines, vanishing without a trace from its place of origin. red angel medici left behind numerous descendants and established a secretive angelic lineage, with many residing in bansy harbor. yes, the same bansy harbor i mentioned earlier, which was greatly corrupted and directly annihilated by the church of storms. however, over the past one to two thousand years, members of the medici family have gradually departed the island and returned to the northern continent. albus medici should be a direct descendant of one such individual. its reasonable to suspect that albus may have already crossed paths with this evil spirit. removing the sauron familys curse could be part of the evuk spirits agenda, and the portion linked to red angel medici likely desires the sauron familys hoarded possessions. they also seek to uncover what vermonda sauron experienced. as for albuss presence at the sacred heart cloister, it might be due to the evil spirit guiding him or the iron and blood cross order sensing an anomaly and sending him to establish contact with the monks and gather information. dont worry, miss justice and susie will keep a close watch. theres an issue with the sacred heart cloister lumian hadnt foreseen problems with the eternal blazing sun churchs largest cloister in trier, but madam magicians words had unmistakably highlighted this situation. previously, when he speculated about albuss purpose at the sacred heart cloister, he had engaged in extensive analysis, yet he hadnt contemplated an issue with the cloister itself. he had merely assumed that gardner martin was seeking to understand certain matters there and gauge the inclinations and attitudes of various eternal blazing sun church factions. combined with madam magicians statement that someone from the tarot club was monitoring a potential lead, lumian now suspected that the issue with the sacred heart cloister might be linked to the worship of an evil god! a substantial crisis is brewing lumians sense of urgency surged. at the end of the letter, madam magician wrote: perhaps gardner martins ability to see something in the underground maze is related to his exposure to the corruption at 13 avenue du march. it could also be due to the item smuggled in through rat. i dont know what it is exactly. consume the potion soon and advance to sequence 6. if the catastrophe is averted unsuccessfully in the future, teleport out of trier with the two of cups and your friends, or seek refuge in mr. fools cathedral. lumian read the reply and contemplated it for a moment, silently watching it consumed by the crimson flames. 3 rue des blouses blanches, apartment 601. franca, clad in a cotton shirt and light-colored pants, looked surprised when she saw lumian outside the door. didnt poufer saurons banquet just begin? why did he return so suddenly? i ventured into red swan castles underground maze this afternoon and gained quite a bit, lumian replied with a smile as he entered the room and closed the door. i need your help now. what did you gain? and how can i help? franca inquired, a mix of curiosity and confusion in her expression. lumian chose to address the latter question. help me hold something. if something goes wrong after i consume the potion, open it immediately. consume the potion? franca was taken aback. have you finished digesting your pyromaniac potion? the digestion is complete, lumian affirmed with a smile. franca instinctively asked, have you gathered all the ingredients for your conspirer potion? yes, lumian replied with a grin. franca couldnt help but mutter, youve only been out for an afternoon, but it feels like youve been gone for two to three weeks not only had the pyromaniac potion been fully digested, but he had also acquired most of the ingredients for the subsequent potion! lumian showed an unusual sincerity as he explained, this is all thanks to natureno, thanks to poufer sauron. Chapter 434 - 434 Utilizing the Special Environment 434 utilizing the special environment in a dim tunnel supported by stone pillars, franca, indifferent to the presence of carbide lamps, turned to lumian and expressed her concern. are you absolutely sure there wont be any issues with using that heart to advance? even if you dont appear afraid of the sauron familys curse, it could still affect your condition after consuming the potion and potentially lead to failure. honestly, gardners proposal is worth considering. consuming an additional sequence 9 to sequence 7 potion will make you stronger, but not by much. there wont be any qualitative changes, so its better to take a safer route. the demoness of pleasure had already learned about lumians experiences in red swan castles underground maze and most of the information from madam magicians letter. while she was awed by the special soldiers existence and the frenzied cries of the uncontrollable angel, she couldnt help but be concerned about lumians plan to use the beyonder characteristic of the wax statue artisan and the shriveled heart of the mutated black spider to concoct the potion. lumian, holding a carbide lamp, chuckled. im doing it because im more than confident. franca remained skeptical. do you have a method to negate the influence of the hearts remaining bloodline? at this point, it was as if she snapped out of her reverie. where are we headed? arent you going to drink the potion? just find a quiet spot. theres no need to keep wandering underground, right? lumian chuckled. its precisely because the destination is special that i believe i can minimize the influence of the sauron familys residual bloodline in the heart. simultaneously, it would reduce the risk of the corruption in his body during the advancement! francas curiosity was piqued. where are we going? lumian replied with a smile, youll find out when we get there. dammit! i hate people like you who leave sentences hanging! franca couldnt resist cursing. after more than half an hour, franca pointed ahead to a naturally formed and modified stone door cave, her expression a mix of surprise and realization. she asked, is this the destination you were talking about? the entrance was marked with numerous engravings of skulls, skeletal arms, sunflowers, and symbols related to steam. this marked the entrance to the catacombs, leading to the death empire! somewhere inside, lumian replied. he retrieved a white candle from the satchel containing the flog boxing gloves and tossed it to franca. with a smile, he added, i want to consume the potion under the watchful eyes of god. under the gaze of god? franca eyed lumian suspiciously, wondering if he had succumbed to the peculiar habits of an astrologer. he didnt seem to be speaking in a straightforward manner! lumian chose not to elaborate. instead, he lit a white candle and ventured into the catacombs. as usual, the administrators challenged them, and they made their assurances. the two eventually reached the third level of the catacombs, where they encountered a sacrificial pillar composed of two weathered boulders, surrounded by a small square. upon entering this remarkably clean area, franca had an epiphany. are you trying to exploit the uniqueness of this place? she had previously explored the catacombs but hadnt ventured deep into the third level. lumian had only mentioned that there was a square here with two sacrificial pillars symbolizing the eternal blazing sun and the god of steam and machinery. under the protection of these two pillars, even if the candle flames in their hands were extinguished, the individuals in the square wouldnt be plunged into darkness, and there wouldnt be any trace of their presence erased. yes. lumian smiled. he handed the white candle to franca and approached the mottled pillar adorned with symbols like the sun sacred emblem, sunflowers, and radiating lines. he extended his arms reverently and offered a sincere prayer. praise the sun! his plan was to utilize the catacombs uniqueness and the protective power of the sacrificial square to suppress the influence of the sauron familys residual bloodline and the corruption of inevitability within his body. from his experiences, a substantial part of these influences stemmed from external sources and the outside world. for instance, the sealed vermonda sauron deep within the underground palace and the power of inevitability beyond the barrier. without these external influences, all that would remain was the corruption within his body. lumian had endured this during his previous three advancements and believed it was manageable. this was because the external support this corruption received would be weakened by the catacombs uniqueness and the protection of the sacrificial pillars. the initial idea for this plan had been inspired by the creation of the beyonder accessory, beatrices necklace. madam magician had mentioned that specific environments could sever connections and prevent the power of a boon from returning to its source, such as the area around the samaritan womens spring. lumian believed that although the sacrificial square in the catacombs might not be as special as the area around the samaritan womens spring, it wouldnt be too far off. after considering the catacombs peculiarity and the protection of the eternal blazing sun sacrificial pillar, the external influence would undoubtedly be significantly reduced. furthermore, the sanctity of the sacrificial square stemmed from the protection of orthodox gods. lumian didnt need to worry about any backlash from consuming the potion to advance here. franca watched in momentary surprise as lumian genuinely praised the sun. he was truly under the watchful eye of a deity! but isnt he afraid of being directly purged as a follower of mr. fool? after the prayer, lumian returned to franca and handed her an exquisite perfume bottle. whats this? franca inquired, puzzled. gray amber perfume, lumian explained with a flicker of emotion in his eyes under the candlelight. after i consume the potion, watch my reaction closely. if you sense anything amiss, unscrew the cap and bring the bottle to my nose. initially, he would have done this himself, but this time, given the influence of the sauron familys residual bloodline and his status as a mid-sequence beyonder, he was concerned that the situation might worsen. he might not have the strength to open the perfume bottle. additionally, if he had used it from the beginning, his subconscious might remember that he had created it, potentially negating the intended effect. alright. seeing that lumian had no intention of explaining, franca suppressed her curiosity and refrained from inquiring. lumian glanced at the broad stone steps leading to the catacombs second level and added, one more thing, you need to ensure that the tourists dont disturb me. do you think im stupid? franca rolled her eyes. did you really need to ask? without further delay, lumian retrieved a beer mug with a crystal-like appearance from his satchel. using a measuring cylinder, he began the process. first, he poured a total of 80 milliliters of the wax statue artisans dark-red blood into the mug. then, he added the mutated black spiders poison gland, 10 grams of amber powder, and two white oak fruits he had collected over a month ago. these ingredients, infused with potent spirituality and corresponding symbols, didnt dissolve instantly; instead, they created a dark foam on the surface. lumian gently submerged the blood-colored object that resembled a shrunken human brain and the withered, black heart into the mixture. with a sizzling sound, a crimson-tinged mist diffused and then receded. all the solid ingredients rapidly disintegrated and merged, causing the potions color to intensify. bubbles rose and burst until the liquid inside the beer mug turned an iron-black hue, with a tinge of reddish rust. observing this transformation, franca mumbled softly, indeed, ones heart is tainted when one employs battle strategies. even the potion is tainted contemplating the dark, blood-colored concoction, lumian removed his satchel and military flask, setting them aside. after handing lie to franca, he took a slow, deliberate breath and composed himself. after 20 to 30 seconds, he sat cross-legged, his wrist steady as he picked up the beer mug and drank the potion without hesitation. the potion had a strong rusty taste, cold like a serpent slithering in the darkness, slippery and icy. however, lumians body didnt burn as it had before. instead, he felt a chilling sensation, as if all the flames had been absorbed by the potion. simultaneously, his head throbbed with a familiar pain, and his vision quickly blurred. all the thoughts and information he knew materialized, intertwining in the form of miniature pictures, forming layers of interconnected spiderwebs. this tore lumians mind apart. terrifying ravings, seemingly emanating from an infinite distance while simultaneously echoing in his ears, were accompanied by violent and frenzied emotions. yet, the pain from the former didnt render lumian nearly unconscious. he instinctively rolled, his expression involuntarily contorted with malevolence. his hands clenched tightly, and he couldnt help but groan in pain. the latter was within the tolerance of an alms monk. lumians right palm felt a slight warmth from the stimulation. finally, the inferno reached him. this time, it converged within lumians mind, unreal and illusory. franca, who had been watching closely, wanted to open the perfume bottle several times, but each time she thought about it, lumian returned to normal. the entire ordeal lasted only 20 to 30 seconds. lumians clenched hands slowly relaxed, and his contorted facial muscles gradually returned to their original positions. phew lumian exhaled a scorching breath and opened his eyes. did it work? franca asked subconsciously. lumian, experiencing sharp pain in his head and body, responded with a wry smile, if it hadnt worked, you wouldve already started fighting the out-of-control me. this had been even easier than his previous three advancements. who knows if a conspirers loss of control is an act of pretending to be a normal person and secretly attacking me franca couldnt help but argue, even though she knew she had spoken out of turn. lumian raised his hand to rub his temples. despite the pain, his thoughts seemed clearer than ever. he quickly recalled the events that had occurred and sensed that some of the details might be problematic. this was something he hadnt noticed before. for instance, according to his nightmares, iraeta, the poet who frequently participated in kings pie games, should have transformed into a half-wax statue, gone insane, harmed himself or those around him at any moment. yet, not only was he unscathed, but he had also entered the problematic sacred heart cloister and coincidentally encountered albus medici! Chapter 435 - 435 An Early Acting Principle 435 an early acting principle in the nightmare, poet iraeta failed to escape his deranged fate. its not that he isnt affected by the kings pie game, but that he hasnt shown it yet. just like painter mullen and novelist anori in other words, the likelihood of him already being anomalous is very low, nothing like elros and albus he has a facilitator behind him, ensuring his current safety and allowing him to transmit effective information? if thats the case, who is the facilitator? someone from the sacred heart cloister? did he make many similar arrangements after discovering the turbulent undercurrents in the cloister? lumians thoughts raced faster than usual, and he quickly made a guess. he retracted his thoughts and focused on observing the changes in his body after consuming the potion. in addition to his enhanced insight, sharper and clearer thinking, and a series of specific manifestations, like improved intelligence and the ability to fabricate excuses to convince others, he also had superpowers in misdirection, confusion, and deception. these abilities were core components of conspiracies, but a qualified conspirer would only employ them subtly and at critical moments. under normal circumstances, they tried their best to rely on their wits to prevent targets with backgrounds from detecting the existence of superpowers and seeing through their schemes. similar to misleading, theres another ability called incitement or instigation. this is very much like the demoness instigation. and when lumian played pyromaniac, he consciously incited others to ignite the flames in their hearts. lumian couldnt help but mutter, is my acting too advanced, or is the hunter pathway deepening in certain concepts? is acting in a previous stage an ability at the later stages? yes, the conspirer potion revolves around conspiracies. theres no qualitative improvement in combat after repeated confirmation, lumian realized that his physique had improved to a certain extent, and his precise control over flames had improved. he no longer had to rely on fire raven, fireball, spear, fire serpent, and fire wall every time. he could casually shape the flames into different forms, such as whips and sabers. similarly, the difficulty of repeatedly compressing the crimson flames to form incandescent white flames decreased. the time required was significantly reduced and, depending on the flames specific appearance and energy density, it ranged from one to three seconds. in addition, lumian could temporarily merge his body with fire. he could use fireballs and other projectiles to quickly shift positions, either escaping the enemys attack range or closing the distance. this allowed lumian to have more options in battle. he didnt have to rely on spirit world traversal every time. conspirer had also enhanced his spirituality. although lumian hadnt experimented, he believed that at his limit, he could complete spirit world traversal six times, up from the original four times. lumian sniffed and unsurprisingly caught a whiff of something further away, discerning more details. this was due to the enhancement of a conspirers information-gathering abilities. it would inevitably enhance their five senses and spiritual perception. thats about it lumian stood up, his body suddenly enveloped in flowing crimson flames. he transformed into a fireball and flew away with a whoosh. in less than ten meters, he landed on the ground, and flames dispersed around him. the current limit is ten meters. it will gradually increase as the potion is digested lumian nodded indiscernibly and returned to the spot where he had discarded the black satchel and the military flask. he was now fully aware that he was already a sequence 6 conspirer. franca held lie and the gray amber perfume and asked with curiosity and concern, very cool how do you feel? lumian pondered silently for a few seconds before saying, the changes in my abilities arent as much or as strong as i imagined. thats normal, franca consoled, empathetic. for most pathways, there are only two qualitative changes below the high sequences. for the hunter pathway, one is at sequence 7 pyromaniac, and the other is at sequence 5 reaper. regardless, each potion brings about new abilities or strengthening of the original abilities. if used well, its normal for a sequence 6 to kill a sequence 5. lumian nodded slowly, deep in thought. i also discovered that ive been acting as a conspirer for a long time when he was wandering, he relied on ruthlessness and conspiracies to fend off humans who were older than him for food and a place to sleep in the cold. when he was in cordu, every prank could be regarded as a conspiracy with low malice. after leaving cordu, he had been trapped in conspiracies over the past few months, either screwing over his targets or falling into the traps of others although lumian didnt digest a portion of the conspirer potion on the spot, it made his condition much better compared to when he first consumed the pyromaniac potion. the potions potency didnt dissipate without control. he didnt feel like a conspirer who had just advanced after consuming a potion. he felt more like a sequence 6 beyonder who had some time to adapt to it. simultaneously, he deduced two acting principles from his past experiences: firstly, a conspirers core lay in their intelligence, not superpowers! secondly, the key to a conspiracy lay in concealing ones true motives! in the past, the acting principles were derived step by step, leading to a substantial digestion of the potion. in contrast, these two acting principles were accumulated from past experiences. although they couldnt directly result in the digestion of the potion, they facilitated lumians subsequent acting, reducing the time it would take for him to fully digest the potion. to put it simply, he might only need to spend half his energy to achieve twice the effect. lumian had originally believed that digesting the conspirer potion would take at least half a year, but from the looks of it, perhaps three months would suffice. of course, the prerequisite was that there would always be a chance to act and conclude a new acting principle. franca shared his sentiments. thats right. just like how it was easy for me to act as an assassin. i had too much experience.'' when she said the word experience, her voice involuntarily softened, as if she felt a little guilty. lumian paid no mind to this detail. after stuffing the items on the ground into his black satchel, he retrieved lie, the gray amber perfume, and the burning white candle. seeing that her companion was indeed fine, franca heaved a sigh of relief and said, its a good thing to advance before the catastrophe. damn it, if it werent for browns sauron being petty and jealous of me, preventing me from attending the orgies, my pleasure potion would have been significantly digested. hmph, ill have her experience true pleasure later! for the 103rd time, she cursed browns sauron. franca then asked, are we going to make a move on those individuals next? these individuals referred to members of the sinners organization. over the past month, lumian had repeatedly sought to capture the sinners liaison through guillaume bnets widow, paulina. first, he sought to uncover the sanson family, seeking revenge for his sister and tracking lokis whereaboutsthey had a deep connection to loki. perhaps they knew the location of the castle where loki had been resurrected. second, the sinners organization also believed in an evil god. it was possible they knew a little about triers cultists abnormal silence. perhaps it could help lumian and the others figure out the source of the disaster and the essence of the outbreak. back then, lumian hadnt figured out the pattern of the sinners organizations liaison, so he had postponed any operation. later, he planned to wait until he advanced to sequence 6 and gained greater strength before taking action. after all, other members of the sinners organization werent like padre guillaume bnet, whose contract abilities and corresponding negative effects were grasped by him, allowing him to prepare in advance. if the contract abilities of the evil god bestowed synergized well, they would be quite a tough nut. of course, lumian had no intention of completely annihilating the sinners organization by relying solely on his small team. it was a cult with a saint. his plan was to capture the liaison and obtain the information he needed before calling the tarot club for reinforcements. thats right. lumian nodded with a smile and replied to franca, in two days, the sinners liaison will likely visit madame paulina again. yes, i hope he knows something. although franca didnt think she could prevent the potential disaster, she still hoped to do something. she paused for a moment and continued, take jenna to lavigny docks tomorrow and introduce her to mr. fools faith. alright. lumian had such thoughts to begin with. the following morning, lumian knocked on apartment 601s door. he glanced at jenna, who had changed into a light-blue dress, and smiled. i need your help with something. me? jenna pointed at herself and turned to franca. how can i help? dont ask. youll find out when you get there. lumian couldnt be bothered to find an excuse. jennas eyes darted around in confusion. dammit! cant you make yourself clear? as she cursed, she gestured to franca, indicating her helplessness. then, she followed lumian out of the apartment door. franca fell into deep thought when she saw this scene. in the four-wheeled, four-seater rental carriage, lumian didnt mention the purpose of his trip. he chatted with jenna about the drunkards at salle de bal brise and the actors at thatre de lancienne cage pigeons. the atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful, as if they were on a school autumn outing. jenna didnt inquire further and displayed considerable patience. finally, the rental carriage arrived at lavigny docks. lumian paid the fare of 1.75 verl dor, opened the door, and agilely leaped out. jenna moved to the carriage door, but before she could gracefully leap down, her eyes narrowed as she let out francas usual sigh. wow! lumian followed her gaze and saw an ancient-looking three-masted sailboat parked at lavigny docks, clearly lagging behind the times. such a boat was rare at lavigny docks, but those who had grown up reading or listening to the the adventurer series found it oddly familiar. these great pirates seemed to be fond of such boats. Chapter 436 - 436 Open and Inclusive Faith 436 open and inclusive faith lumian had seen a similar three-masted sailboat in the illustrations of the adventurer series. it stood out amidst the bustling lavigny docks, a contrast to the inland steamboats, and drew the attention of passersby. simultaneously, lumian felt a warmth in his right palm, which then subsided. whats happening? has the lingering aura of the blood emperor experienced a change under stimulus? this this feels like a kind of resonance lumian pondered in surprise and confusion. could there be a connection between this ancient three-masted sailboat and blood emperor alista tudor? as lumian stared at the sailboat, jenna disembarked from the carriage and playfully remarked, you didnt bring me here just to show me this vintage pirate ship, did you? she had read the first two serialized volumes of the adventurer series in the newspapers. books had always been expensive in her family, and when her fathers work-related compensation didnt arrive after his unfortunate death, her reading opportunities grew scarce. shed occasionally find old newspapers used to paste on the wall or for other purposes and read until sunset. with the presence of street bards and her mothers bedtime stories, her spirit remained far from desolate. since arriving in the market district and becoming an underground singer, jenna had found a means to earn a substantial income. she had even saved up to purchase a pirated copy of the adventurer series from an underground bookseller to finally appreciate the intricate illustrations. this endeavor often made her feel remorseful for madam fors wall. she planned to buy an authentic set once she had cleared all her debts. to her surprise, her debts only seemed to accumulate. lumian withdrew his gaze and replied with a teasing grin, consider this a bonus. the two of them stood on the harbors edge, discussing the disparities between the ancient sailboat and the illustrations from the adventurer series. after a while, lumian led jenna to the unassuming the fools cathedral. jenna looked up at the bell tower and steeple atop the four-story building, examining the silver symbol comprising an incomplete pupil-less eye and a section of contorted lines. baffled, she inquired, is this a cathedral? arent cathedrals supposed to be grander? the cathedral of the eternal blazing sun church in the market district and quartier du jardin botanique was far more magnificent and sacred in comparison. yes, lumian affirmed, leading the way inside. jenna trailed closely behind, increasingly surprised by the cathedrals simplicity. the stained glass windows were scarce, and there was no ornate gilding to be found. the cathedral lacked intricate machinery. the only semblance of religion lay in the massive murals, which seemed to favor muted colors and subdued illumination. the most striking feature of the cathedral was the large, numerous windows. even on the ground floor, the interior was awash with natural light. jennas gaze flitted over the murals, and she instinctively felt that they symbolized guidance and redemption. it was slightly past 10 a.m., and the cathedrals attendance was sparse. it was silent, exuding a sense of serenity. lumian guided jenna to the third row of pews facing the altar. he surveyed their surroundings, his gaze resting on the fools sacred emblem before him. in a solemn tone, he disclosed, you should be aware that franca and i are keeping something from you. there are some secrets we havent shared with you. yeah, jenna nodded gently, awaiting lumians explanation. lumian continued, as you can tell, franca and i arent related. she and my sister aurore are close friends who share common interests. loki and i know someone, whom we dealt with previously, are also part of this group, but they betrayed others, causing a disaster in cordu and costing my sister her life. i see jenna replied, having refrained from delving too deeply previously but having a vague understanding. lumians gaze remained fixed on mr. fools altar. theres another connection between franca and me. we dont believe in the eternal blazing sun or the god of steam and machinery jenna couldnt help but chuckle. ive already guessed it. when have any of you gone to church? i dont usually see you praying at fixed times! at least you know which street glise saint-robert is on. franca might not even know where the cathedrals door opens to. she, on the other hand, prayed, listened to the sermons, and attended mass at least once a week. this was both a display of piety to the purifiers and a habit of faith from all these years. the only downside was that she often sang at salle de bal brise until midnight before returning to rue des blouses blanches to sleep. she couldnt get up to welcome the morning sun and dawn, so she could only set a fixed prayer time for noon. no, im not going because im a wanted criminal. i can barely be considered a believer in the eternal blazing sun, lumian replied with a smile. then, he said solemnly, franca and i believe in this orthodox god, the great mr. fool. lumian pressed his hand to his chest and whispered solemnly, praise the fool! the fool jenna found the deitys name peculiar. after a moment of thought, she asked, the fool from tarot cards? yes, youve guessed it correctly, lumian affirmed. jenna spotted a tall figure in a black trench coat and a half top hat approaching the altar. she instinctively lowered her head and said with a hint of smugness, ive discovered almost ten decks of tarot cards from franca, and she doesnt usually use them for divination. that fellow could it be that she thought it would be cool to toss a two of cups on the corpse after taking out a target, so she made preparations? the more lumian considered it, the more he felt that this was francas style. jenna paused for a moment and asked, does the fool pharmaceutical company also belong to the church of the fool? uh lumian was momentarily caught off guard. he hadnt given it much thought. initially, he believed the pharmaceutical company was named after tarot cards. now, it appeared that the fool from the tarot cards seemed to equal mr. fool! lumian hesitated before responding, maybe. he wasnt entirely certain if the fool pharmaceutical company was affiliated with the church of the fool or if it was simply a venture by a member of the tarot club. jenna demonstrated her keen insight as she inquired, you brought me here not only because its a safe place for discussing your faith but also to show that the church of the fool is a recognized, mainstream church capable of constructing a cathedral in trier. youre not as naive as you appear, lumian turned his head and smiled. my third purpose is to ask if youd consider converting to mr. fool? convert jennas mind was in a whirl. lumian adopted a persuasive tone, saying, this doesnt conflict with your contract with the purifiers. mr. fool is an orthodox god acknowledged by all the churches. however, the propagation of this faith is concentrated on the maritime islands and certain regions of the southern continent. most people in the northern continent are unaware of it. but jenna hesitated. ive never thought about changing my faith her faith in the eternal blazing sun couldnt be described as devout or fanatical, but it was a habit she had cultivated since childhood. she had also accepted most of the teachings. until today, the idea of conversion had never crossed her mind. she didnt feel a strong urge to change her faith, nor did she harbor any deep dissatisfaction with the church. the only times shed voiced discontent were during the most challenging years her family endured, especially after her mothers passing. at those moments, she occasionally grumbled about the eternal blazing sun, feeling that he didnt protect true believers. however, these moments were far from sufficient to motivate a conversion. lumian glanced at jennas face and offered a reassuring smile. its entirely fine if you dont want to convert. im merely suggesting it. my main concern is ensuring that if you ever find yourself separated from us during the impending disaster, you know this place is a refuge. dont worry, even if youre a believer of the eternal blazing sun, mr. fools church will welcome you and provide protection. jenna seemed puzzled and asked, then why cant i go to glise saint-robert? lumian collected his thoughts and explained, franca and i share the same faith and work for a secret organization. two days ago, we received information from the organization. theres a problem with the eternal blazing sun churchs sacred heart cloister, similar to the issues with the deep valley cloister of the god of steam and machinery church. in such a situation, some cathedrals may not be trustworthy, and you might not be able to distinguish between the reliable and the unreliable. so, its better to choose those that are known to be reliable. jenna had personally experienced the troubles at the deep valley cloister, so she understood the significance of potential problems in the sacred heart cloister. she murmured to herself, could the catastrophe begin from within the churches? perhaps, lumian replied, though he couldnt provide a definitive answer. at that moment, a towering figure, dressed in a custom-made black trench coat and a half top hat, approached lumian and jenna. he stood at a towering 2.56 meters, with golden hair and eyes. he looked at jenna and asked with a warm smile, sister, is this your first visit to my lords cathedral? yes, but im here with a friend, jenna replied. she instinctively resisted the idea of converting her faith and inquired, and who are you? i am the bishop here, teslian, the half-giant introduced himself with a confident smile. jenna observed his attire, which looked far from conventional clergy attire. teslian turned his gaze to lumian and continued, would you be interested in hearing me introduce our beacon and savior, the great mr. fool? dont worry. our lord doesnt compel people to convert, and he doesnt mind if they believe in him alongside other deities. in turn, believing in him can also coexist with other beliefs. you you can do that? jenna stammered. this was completely beyond her understanding! which deity would allow their followers to have impure or multiple beliefs? additionally, why refer to this deity as him instead of him? the latter is the exclusive pronoun for deities! why address this deity as mister? jennas mind was filled with questions, and her thoughts were in disarray. yes, mr. fool is known for his compassion and benevolence, the bishop responded, seeing that jenna and lumian didnt object. he then opened the black bible with silver patterns and began to preach. Chapter 437 - 437 Cashing Out 437 cashing out jenna remained indifferent during the initial part of the sermon, finding it reminiscent of the eternal blazing sun churchs holy bible. however, her attention perked up when the fool requested to be addressed as him rather than him. this slight change in expression indicated her growing focus. as the sermon continued, jennas surprise became evident, and her face revealed a mix of shock and intrigue. is gehrman sparrow, the adventurer, truly connected to the fools church? could he be an angelic messenger delivering the fools message of redemption? jenna wondered amidst her astonishment. teslian, the half-giant bishop, didnt press her about her belief in the fool but instead turned his attention to a supplicant deeply immersed in prayer. the supplicant appeared to be a sailor in his prime from the sea. his skin was bronze, and his face bore obvious signs of the elements. his hair was disheveled and dark-blue, and jenna couldnt see his features due to his bowed head in prayer. dressed in the same linen shirt, brown jacket, and loose dark pantaloons favored by sailors and pirates, he also sported a unique belt adorned with a dagger, telescope, and various tools. hes probably a captain. he looks quite dignified lumian retracted his gaze and looked at jenna. jenna, still processing the revelations, rose in a daze and left the cathedral. she wandered aimlessly along the harbor districts edge. lumian followed, hands in his pockets, refraining from immediate persuasion. after walking for nearly ten minutes, jenna slowed down and muttered to herself, no wonder you claim to be a shallow believer in god. the god referred to the eternal blazing sun. lumian replied with a smirk, you can also be a shallow believer in mr. fool. he doesnt concern himself with such matters. i ill think about it, jenna replied, her beliefs shaken by the unconventional sermon. it wasnt that the bible was well-written; rather, the fools claims and the church of the fools approach differed significantly from her previous teachings. she now hesitated and struggled with her faith. lumian glanced at her and didnt incessantly persuade her. in such situations, it was crucial to know when to stop, as excessive attempts could lead to resistance and repulsion. almost simultaneously, lumian sighed inwardly. as expected, proselytizing needs to be done by professionals given my friendship with jenna, she didnt hesitate to reject my suggestion to convert. however, the bishops sermon had stirred something within her, causing her to reconsider her stance the two of them continued in silence for another 10 to 20 meters, with lumian stealing glances at the bustling harbor and the deserted streets nearby. he casually asked, hows your progress with gathering the witch potion ingredients? jenna was caught off guard by the question. i only digested the instigator potion two days ago. how could i have gathered the main ingredient for the witch potion so quickly? perhaps it was the residual influence of the cathedral, but jennas urge to curse wasnt as pronounced. lumian dropped a bombshell. well, i digested the pyromaniac potion yesterday and managed to acquire both the main ingredient and the supplementary ingredients for the conspirer potion on the same day. jenna couldnt help but exclaim, dammit! how can we be the same? i want a special hunting ground for hunting and digestion too! franca had already informed her of lumians encounter in red swan castle, excluding magicians response. jenna found it surreal. just last night, they were both at sequence 8 and sequence 7 respectively, and the gap wasnt that significant. why did the things they experienced differ so much, as if they were worlds apart? one of them still dwelled on the fringes of mysticism, occasionally encountering the horrifying bizarre. the other had delved deep into the mysteries, surrounded by secrecy and danger. after venting her frustration, jenna disclosed, i asked the purifiers, and they dont seem very supportive of my advancement to become a witch. they wont pay me in advance for the main ingredients. they claimed theres no pressing need for my investigations at the moment. however, they did promise to sell me the main ingredients and the more elusive supplementary ingredients at a discount if i can raise the funds. the main ingredients alone cost 16,000 verl dor each. a discounted price besides, does this promise mean that the purifiers have every main ingredient for the witch potion? i thought they only had converged beyonder characteristics. after all, their method of obtaining witch-related items should involve hunting does the eternal blazing sun church have a way to restore beyonder characteristics to main ingredients? lumian didnt quite understand. turning his gaze to the road, lumian pondered and asked, do you owe franca 60,000 verl dor now? yes, i do. jenna fretted at the mention of it. i wonder when ill be able to pay it back. lumian chuckled. in that case, would you like to owe a bit more? huh? jennas thoughts froze. with his hands still in his pockets, lumian grinned. owe me 35,000 verl dor, and ill help you gather all the ingredients for the witch potion. jenna, intrigued, inquired, d-do you actually know where to find them? lumian chuckled. im not entirely certain, but theres a good chance. he intended to exchange it from the iron and blood cross order. yesterday, he had received recognition from gardner martin for his adventure in red swan castles underground maze, and this contribution could be redeemed immediately or accumulated for higher sequence potions. lumian hadnt made up his mind on how to use it yet, but now he decided to utilize it to get all the ingredients for jennas witch potion. he might need to fork out some money, but disaster could strike at any moment. he might not remain with the iron and blood cross order in the future. converting his contribution into a tangible reward made sense. moreover, the items gained through such contributions were of lesser value compared to having a willing, living witchs assistance. when the time came, with conspirer lumian, demoness of pleasure franca, and witch jenna working together, they could form a formidable team even among official factions and the inquisition. combined with the appropriate mystical items, they could handle most beyonders below the demigod level. additionally, they had an unofficial memberpsychiatrist anthony reid. lumian believed that gardner martin likely had the necessary witch potion ingredients. after all, the iron and blood cross order primarily followed the hunter pathway, which was closely related to the assassin pathway. over the years, it was improbable that no convergence effect had occurred. if needed, lumian could also seek assistance from mr. k and madam magician. jenna fell silent, unable to respond immediately. lumian chuckled again. its not a good thing to owe me. in addition to repaying the principal, you have to pay interest, which is helping me with certain tasks. fortunately, youll soon have an opportunity to do so. jenna pursed her lips and exhaled slowly. alright, ill give you 10,000 verl dor first, so ill only owe you 25,000. no problem, lumian agreed indifferently. seeing that jenna was about to say something, he chuckled and said, no need to thank me he then lowered his voice and feigned a feminine voice. were friends, after all! jenna struggled to find the words. dammit! lumian simply chuckled and said nothing. jenna, on the other hand, silently followed him across the street toward a few rental carriages parked there. as they boarded the carriage, jenna suddenly muttered to herself, thank you. lumian appeared to be in his own world, occupying a seat in the carriage and disregarding his image. in the afternoon, at 11 rue des fontaines. lumian spotted gardner martin, dressed in a shirt and sweater. lumian got straight to the point, saying, boss, i wish to exchange my contributions for the witch potion or all the corresponding ingredients. gardner martin, without displaying any surprise, looked at lumian with a smile and inquired, who is the witch potion for? lumian replied candidly, its for jenna. gardner martin appeared to be listening and gestured for lumian to continue. lumian said sincerely, im looking for a reliable ally with considerable strength. at this point, he smiled. moreover, i want to experience genuine pleasure. gardner martin burst into laughter. not bad. thats what an ambitious hunter should aim for. no problem. come by tomorrow morning to collect the beyonder characteristics and supplementary ingredients. oh, and make up the difference with another 10,000 verl dor. gardner martin understood that lumian and jenna had a close relationship with mutual trust. furthermore, lumian and francas cooperation didnt involve seeking pleasure. lumian responded with a smile, thank you, commanding officer. after leaving rue des fontaines and returning to salle de bal brise, lumian finally had some free time after a long day of activity. in the evening, he enjoyed la fe verte while listening to jenna, dressed as showy diva, singing passionately to earn money. his mind wandered. how much can a local singer earn? its only a few thousand verl dor a year its still better to fleece the iron and blood cross order and hunt heretics when jenna becomes a witch, shell have the strength to participate in battles at this level speaking of which, i didnt think much of it when i read the adventurer series in the past. now that i think about it, doesnt gehrman sparrow spend most of his time hunting pirates with beyonder characteristics? how can he become a famous pirate or a great pirate without beyonder characteristics? yes, although the corresponding battles are vague and exaggerated, only highlighting the main points, its obvious that the author has a certain understanding of beyonder battles. is madam fors wall also a beyonder? relaxing until nearly midnight, lumian returned to auberge du coq dor. as soon as he pushed open room 207s door, he saw a square of letter on the table under the crimson moonlight. madam magicians letter lumian lit the carbide lamp and unfolded the letter. mr. hanged man hopes that you and the two of cups can summon the armored shadow again soon. hell be responsible for providing the gold. let me know when youve confirmed the time. Chapter 438 - 438 Ghost Ship 438 ghost ship mr. hanged man is ready lumian took out his golden pocket watch and opened it to take a look. he could summon the armored shadow at any moment. his only concern was that it might pose a danger. summoning it without a good reason could lead to an attack or a curse. however, with the hanged manthe major arcana card holder of the tarot clubpresent, there was no need to worry about such matters. the uncertainty now lay in francas availability. after all, she had to translate. lumian burned the letter and left auberge du coq dor, heading straight for apartment 601 at 3 rue des blouses blanches. why are you here so late? franca clearly wasnt the early-to-bed type. lumian glanced at jenna, who had just finished removing her heavy makeup, and smiled at franca. do you have time tonight? we can summon the armored shadow again and ask it questions. summon the armored shadow again francas eyes lit up as she blurted out, im free! the armored shadow was most likely from her homeland, involving the secret of their transmigration and their way back. even at 6 a.m., she would say she had time to be a translator, let alone just midnight! noticing jennas confusion and curiosity, franca explained excitedly, didnt ciel ask us to gather information on spirit world creatures that fulfill the summoning conditions? one of the summoning targets he chose had a directional ambiguity when designing the summoning incantation, attracting a very peculiar spirit world creature. the ability to snort and spit you saw earlier came from a contract with that spirit world creature. out of jealousy and envy, franca described the spell of harrumph as snorting and spitting. jenna had a deep impression of the spell of harrumph and found its effects potent and mystical. her initial reaction was to ask, is it possible for us to sign a contract with similar spirit world creatures? sigh, i wish i had a similar contracted creature, but i cant obtain such a special contract, franca expressed her regret and resentment sincerely. in short, that spirit world creature is very unique and involves many secrets. a big shot of the organization backing usuh, a demigodis very interested. and now, only ciel can accurately summon the target creature through the contracts connection. franca asked lumian, is that person here? yes. lumian nodded gently. jenna looked at them thoughtfully and asked, is it justice, magician, or have the star or the moon arrived? francas expression froze, her mouth slightly agape, her eyes filled with disbelief. lumian was taken aback. he didnt expect jenna to reveal the code names of the major arcana card holders and make the connection that her two companions were related to them. amidst the indescribable silence, jennas brows relaxed, and she smiled. i guessed right! you guys belong to the secret organization that uses tarot cards as their code names! h-how did you know? franca asked in surprise. jenna pursed her lips and sneered. you have nearly ten decks of tarot cards in this room, and you dont usually use them for divination. then, ciel told me that the mr. fool you believe in is roughly equivalent to the fool in tarot cards. as for me, ive been attending mysticism gatherings recently and heard about the legend of justice and the other major arcana card holders, as well as the existence of minor arcana cards. with so much information placed before me, if i dont make any connections and probe, wont i appear stupid? the more she spoke, the more pleased she became. franca was taken aback for a moment before saying, your instigator potion wasnt wasted excellent, lumian praised reluctantly. youre prepared to drink the witch potion. without further ado, he left apartment 601 with franca. he planned to write a letter to madam magician at auberge du coq dor, informing her that he could summon the armored shadow now. jenna watched them leave and muttered to herself, witch what would happen if a man drinks the witch potion auberge du coq dor, room 207. after lumian sent the letter, he didnt extinguish the candles flame and waited for a reply under the dual illumination. franca paced back and forth in the cramped room, feeling excited and a little nervous. she yearned for clues about returning home via the armored shadow, but she feared that even her last hope would be obliterated. time ticked by. just as the demoness of pleasure felt as if a year had passed, the candlelight in the room suddenly surged. in the dim yellow flames the size of a human head, resplendent starlight flew out, enveloping lumian and franca. it was as if they had arrived in the boundless cosmos, becoming abnormally insignificant. after a brief moment of dizziness, lumian and franca realized that they had left room 207 of auberge du coq dor and arrived on a pitch-black deck. the first thing they saw was an ancient triple mast, its grayish-white sails curled up like an open door. the crimson moonlight fell from the sky, but it couldnt completely illuminate the area where lumian and franca were. it was dark, and the wooden planks were mottled, like an ancient haunted building. franca quickly surveyed the area and sighed with relief. wow, an ancient sailboat. its perfect for horror films! whats a horror film? lumian asked casually. franca smiled awkwardly. a play depicting a ghost story. as she spoke, she touched the dark flaxen rope resting on the shipboard, as if trying to discern its exact era. suddenly, the rope came alive and nimbly wrapped around francas right hand, attempting to bind the demoness of pleasure. a layer of black flames erupted, scorching the dark linen rope that seemed to possess a life of its own. the rope snapped back, as if in pain. simultaneously, a rope that had been lying silently on the deck swung towards lumian. lumian raised his slightly scorching right palm and grabbed the front of the rope. the rope suddenly turned still, as if all its vitality had been drained. all the ropes that had come back to life in this area returned to normal. they landed with a thud and stopped wriggling. lumian looked down at his right palm and muttered silently, the blood emperors remnant aura on me faintly resonates with this ship these strange ropes became obedient when they felt the heat in my right palm is this the ancient sailboat i saw at lavigny docks this morning? lavigny docks the fool cathedral is this mr. hanged mans ship? lumians thoughts raced as he quickly made a guess. franca spun around and said excitedly, this is a ghost ship, a ghost ship! its alive to begin with! as the demoness of pleasures voice reverberated across the deck, lumian heard madam magicians words: mr. hanged mans ghost ship is a relic from the tudor empire. there are many unsolved secrets. when he rewards you, you can choose to explore this ship. as for when to embark on the exploration, its up to you. as expected, it has something to do with the tudor empire lumians resolve grew as he walked towards the cabin. as franca followed, she looked around curiously, touching and tapping here and there. occasionally, she whispered, as if she wanted to communicate with mr. hanged mans ghost ship. amidst the creaking sounds, a door in the cabin opened on its own. a thick, dark-brown carpet covered the area, flanked by bookshelves and a liquor cabinet. yellow-covered books and dark-red bottles of wine filled the space. in front of the bookshelf stood a wide wooden table. on it were a variety of itemsan ink bottle, a quill, a brass sextant, a black metallic telescope, and white candles. leaning against the desk stood a middle-aged man of average stature. his dark-blue hair was disheveled, and his skin was bronze and rough. he wore a linen shirt, a brown jacket, and loose dark pantaloons. he exuded a dignified aura. he was the supplicant lumian had seen at the fool cathedral that morning. are you mr. hanged man? lumian inquired. the man in his prime nodded slightly. im the hanged man. franca scrutinized the man and recalled that they were on a ghost ship. she immediately recalled something. y-youre stormbringer alger? is this the blue avenger? franca blurted out in surprise and delight. the hanged man glanced at her and replied expressionlessly, youve heard of me? of course! franca praised sincerely. youre a maritime king without the title of a pirate king. if you hadnt fought the king of the five seas in the fog sea and caused the surrounding ships to experience a terrifying storm, no one would have known you were a demigod. furthermore, youre different from those pirates. youre a genuine, unadulterated treasure hunter with lofty aspirations. you never plunder proper ships. youve been exploring the western borders of the fog sea, searching for the lost city of newins and the solomon empires inheritance. it wasnt easy for her to hold back the words youre my idol. she felt that it would appear to transcend the times. franca had once dreamed of being a pure treasure hunter and sailing the five seas. stormbringer alger after lumian discovered that church of the fools power center was at sea, he had consciously shared information about the pirate kings and pirate admirals with franca. he knew that alger, nicknamed stormbringer, was a demigod captain, but he wasnt a pirate king. therefore, his nickname didnt include the term king. however, vice admiral ailment, who had become a pirate king, was now known as the queen of ailment. as for the lost city of newins and the solomon empires legacy, they were treasure legends that had been popular in the five seas for many years. at times, lumian couldnt help but admire fors wall, the author of the adventurer series. she had the audacity to write erotic stories about the pirate kings. arent you afraid of being found and executed? or was she under the protection of the church of the fool? in the face of francas enthusiastic praise, the hanged man alger fell silent for two seconds before saying, maintaining a certain level of purity is both a good and a bad thing. can we begin the summoning ritual? franca muttered under her breath, a man still has a youthful side even in death lumian responded to mr. hanged mans question, anytime. Chapter 439 - 439 Three Questions 439 three questions with the hanged man present, lumian didnt need to worry about an attack from the armored shadow. instead, he followed a straightforward procedure: creating a protective wall of spirituality and summoning the armored shadow as if beckoning a messenger. before the candles dark-green flame, an indistinct shadow silently hovered in midair, adorned in pitch-black armor adorned with golden fish scales. the contorted faces on the scales twisted ferociously, wordlessly expressing their agony, which had transformed into a deep-seated hatred and malice toward all living beings around them. the hanged man alger, dressed as a sailor, took a step forward, and subtle silver lightning bolts crackled from the wall of spirituality. in an instant, they materialized out of thin air, causing lumian and francas skin to prickle. amidst the oppressive calm preceding the impending storm, the myriad transparent faces on the armored shadow returned to their silence, but their malevolent gazes persisted. lumian fixed his gaze on the six radiant gold bars on the altar, steadying himself. in hermes, he spoke, i offer a sacrifice. please answer three questions. the blurry faces on the armored shadows form shifted their attention to the glowing gold, silently conveying their agreement to lumian. lumian then nodded at the hanged man. after a brief pause, the hanged man posed his first question, who are you? lumian repeated the query in hermes. as his contracted creature, the armored shadow would only engage in communication under these circumstances. after a moment of silence, the armored shadow spoke in a language that only franca could barely decipher. i am chen tu, the god of ghost suppression, imperially conferred by the celestial master. celestial master franca paused, considering her words carefully. his last name is chen and his first name is tu; he holds the title of the god of ghost suppression, which was granted by the leader of daoism. he is responsible for suppressing evil spirits. what is daoism? the hanged man inquired after some thought. what does imperially conferred mean? lumian turned to franca and asked in intisian. to him, referring to as an -ism, regardless of the prefix, seemed no different from the church of the fool or the eternal blazing sun church. franca appeared troubled. its a complex topic. we can discuss it later. im afraid the armored shadow may not have the patience to wait. thats true lumian cast his gaze at mr. hanged man. the hanged man paused briefly before asking the second question, which lumian translated into hermes. what makes the eastern sea so special? in a deep and solemn tone, the armored shadow replied, in the east sea, theres a long-lost immortal mountain known as penglai. penglai its really my homeland franca was delighted by this revelation. her translation speed increased as she continued, on the eastern sea, theres a mountain peak inhabited by various powerful warlocks and unique deities. it has been lost to history, and its name is penglai. both lumian and the hanged man found these words to be straightforward and didnt raise any further questions. after a brief pause, the hanged man alger asked in a deliberate manner, have there been any unusual occurrences in the eastern sea in recent years? in recent years? how could the armored shadow be aware of recent events when he was suspected to have been killed by the underworld daoist, imprisoned by his side, and transported to the yellow springs millennia ago? its a time when the blood emperor had just perished or recently perished. franca quietly mused on this but refrained from correcting the hanged man. lumian repeated the question, and the armored shadow responded with a cold tone, a corpse from penglai floated over via the river franca was taken aback and quickly translated, the mountain called penglai has reappeared. a powerful warlock or special deity residing on it has perished, and their corpse drifted to a place that might be the river styx! itsits the river where blood emperor alista tudor was suppressed by underworld daoist. its the source of the samaritan womens spring! does this mean that the eastern sea of the world where the armored shadow resides has undergone an abnormality in recent years? the long-vanished divine mountain, penglai, has reappeared, and powerful beyonders residing there have perished? has the mountain known as penglai always stood tall in the east sea, or does it only appear occasionally? lumian yearned to inquire further, but he couldnt ask any more questions due to the rules pertaining to summoning. the six gold bars on the altar disintegrated, turning into sparkling specks of light that merged with the pitch-black fish-scale armor. this time, nearly one-fifth of the armor plates turned golden and radiant. the hanged man observed as the armored shadow faded into the dark-green candle flame. he remained silent, lost in thought, his intentions unclear. lumian completed the ritual and swiftly tidied up the altar. turning to franca, he said, you can explain the terms in the first answer. youre killing me! franca grumbled silently and pondered for a moment before saying, an imperial conferment is equivalent to a boon. yes, a boon! this armored shadow named chen tu was granted a position within the church or a deitys kingdom. through this role, he gained the corresponding powers to suppress evil spirits. its not a direct gift from a deity but rather a ceremonial act performed by the leader of that school of thought, acting on behalf of the deity and bestowing a specific title. lumian listened attentively and started to grasp the concept of imperial conferment. this more structured boon system not only linked the power of boons to a specific role but also emphasized the role of the deitys proxy. franca exhaled and said, thats the basic idea. there are many more intricacies if you delve deeper into it. its a complex topic that cant be fully explained in a short time. terms like the heavenly court, the netherworld, ritual protocols, receiving scriptures, and others are related, but im not well-versed in all of them. my knowledge is limited to individual terms. seeing mr. hanged man and lumian still staring at her, her heart skipped a beat. you really want me to explain all of it? the hanged man nodded slightly. i understand it might be challenging to explain on the spot, and there may be inaccuracies. you can take your time to recollect and organize the information when you return. it might be helpful to put it in writing and convey it to me through your major arcana card holder. alright. franca was relieved that the hanged man was understanding and accommodating. he seemed skilled at considering things from another persons perspective. she then grumbled silently, why did i agree so quickly the hanged man exuded a sense of dignity without arrogance as he smiled and said, once youve prepared the written information, you can think about what kind of compensation youd like. franca had several desires, including a mystical item similar to the spell of harrumph, a sealed artifact that could enable teleportation, and the sequence 5 demoness of affliction potion formula. she found herself in a dilemma, as she had considered the reward in advance and had almost forgotten to explain the term daoism until lumian reminded her. after careful consideration, franca provided a succinct explanation, daoism is a school of thought that venerates the natural laws and the corresponding philosophy that shapes them into unique deities for worship. their leader is called the celestial master, which essentially means a teacher who comprehends the worlds operating laws and spreads that knowledge. the ways of heaven refers to the operating laws and corresponding philosophy of the world i mentioned earlier. lumian attempted to distill the main point, asking, so, celestial masters are akin to leaders like pontiffs, popes, chief shepherds, and matriarchs, with different titles depending on the denomination? franca hesitated for a moment before confirming, you could put it that way. as long as one didnt contemplate joining daoism, this simplified explanation was sufficient to understand the basic concept. lumian nodded. it seems like a celestial master and an underworld daoist are on a similar level. i agree, franca agreed. during their conversation, the hanged man, alger, rarely interrupted. he mostly listened quietly, occasionally expressing his thoughts or asking questions, which allowed the conversation to flow smoothly. lumian and franca shared a lot of information in one go. finally, the major arcana card holder looked at lumian and asked, the armored shadows three answers have been very helpful. what would you like as a reward? very helpful? apart from allowing us to gain a better understanding of that world and know that the missing penglai divine mountain has reappeared, theres nothing of practical use lumian kept to madam magicians advice and said without hesitation, i would like the opportunity to explore this ghost ship. franca was surprised by lumians request. her initial shock was quickly replaced by excitement. i want it too. i want the opportunity to pilot the ghost ship and study it! the hanged man glanced at lumian and remarked, as i expected, youve already sensed the uniqueness of the blue avenger. its one of the tudor empires relics. would you like to explore it now? before lumian could respond, the deep voice of termiboros echoed in his mind, dangerous. danger for real? is termiboros merely concerned about being implicated by me, so he warned me? or is he afraid that i might gain something special during my exploration of the blue avenger, potentially disrupting triers potential catastrophe and foiling his scheme? lumian was momentarily unsure if he should believe termiboross words. termiboros continued in a deep voice, if you wish to resurrect alista tudor within your body, you can explore it now. lumian didnt pay much attention to termiboross words. he recalled madam magicians prior hint: i can decide when to begin the exploration does this mean i should consider delaying it? otherwise, why mention it at all? just request the reward to be a chance of an exploration perhaps aurores philosophy of balance is at play here. my current negative effects are temporarily balanced, so theres no rush to strengthen the blood emperors aura as a conspirer, lumian quickly made a decision. mr. hanged man, id like to explore the blue avenger at an opportune moment. Chapter 440 - 440 Illusory Sigh 440 illusory sigh the hanged man agreed to lumians request and instructed him to contact him through magician. after expressing their gratitude, lumian and franca left the captains cabin and followed the creaking wooden planks, just wide enough for three people to walk side by side. in the dim torchlight, they returned to the deck. they noticed that alger wasnt alone on the ghost ship, the blue avenger. a dozen sailors were scattered around, hiding in the shadows and making no attempts to approach. suddenly, lumian and franca witnessed a brilliant star hanging in front of them. it gleamed with an eerie, blue light, as though it had emerged from another realm. the star expanded rapidly, as if it had descended to the ground in an instant. its radiant glow enveloped everything in its vicinity. lumian and franca blinked, momentarily blinded by the starlight. when their vision cleared, they found themselves back in room 207 of auberge du coq dor. a-absolutely stunning! franca exclaimed, her face brimming with longing. she lamented the fact that her only option for switching paths was to become a hunter, unable to experience the carefree life of an apprentice. she could only hope to acquire a sealed artifact with similar abilities in the future. lumian, lost in thought, didnt echo francas praise. observing his contemplative demeanor, franca couldnt help but voice her concerns, dont you find this situation a bit odd? gathering 100,000 verl dor in gold should be a breeze for a treasure hunter as formidable as a pirate king. coming up with those three questions shouldnt take long, yet mr. hanged man only sought you out to summon the armored shadow after all these days, and it happened after he arrived in trier. besides, madam magician could easily transport us to the sea and the blue avenger before sending us back. so, why wait for mr. hanged man to arrive in trier to do so? lumian smiled, praising francas astute observation. youre quite perceptive this time. it seems that putting your brain to work has its benefits. idleness can give the impression of a lack of intelligence. dammit, are you praising me or insulting me? franca retorted, her brow furrowed. either mr. hanged man was in some unique situation that prevented an individual from pinpointing his location, or he has other motives for being in trier at this point, lumian and franca both remembered the impending catastrophe and felt the ominous pressure of an approaching storm hanging over the city. could the tarot club be dispatching more major arcana card holders to trier? perhaps to protect as many citizens as possible if we fail to avert the disaster? franca speculated. lumian nodded thoughtfully, refraining from argument. after a moment of silence, franca changed the topic with enthusiasm, exclaiming, i want to become a demigod. i want to amass gold! observing lumians inquisitive expression, franca continued, driven by her desires, that way, i can have you summon the armored shadow and ask the questions ive been itching to ask. no need to rely on the protection of major arcana card holders! then give it your all, miss pleasure, lumian teased. the next day, just before noon, lumian returned from rue des fontaines. he led jenna underground to the third level of the catacombs, arriving at a small square with two sacrificial pillars. puzzled, jenna asked, why did you bring me here? if she didnt know lumian well enough to understand his character, she might have suspected that her friend suddenly had sinister intentions. lumian, wearing a black satchel slung diagonally across him, stood confidently with his hands in his pockets. he smiled and explained, im giving you the safest environment for your advancement. having heard francas account and madam magicians words, lumian had reason to believe that sequence 0 of the assassin pathway, the true goddess worshiped by the demoness sect, was likely a woman who had transformed from a man, and her nature was deeply twisted. it was said that this primordial demoness was driven by pain and a desire to replicate her experiences through the generations. consequently, she despised ordinary women who became witches. even the demoness sect hunted down female assassins, female instigators, and true witches. given this context, jennas consumption of the witch potion might be affected. after all, even the hidden sage, an existing occupying sequence 0, could subtly influence every beyonder of the mystery pryer pathway while they consumed the potion for their advancement. he whispered to them and imparted knowledge to them. there was no reason the true evil goddess, primordial demoness, couldnt exert significant influence on the witches. at lower sequences, the influence shouldnt be too strongeven aurore had advanced to sequence 7 and become a warlock under the hidden sages constant whispers. however, it was better to be cautious. since there was a way to reduce or weaken these influences, it made sense to do so. witches represented the first qualitative transformation of the assassin pathway, perhaps even the core essence of demoness. the primordial demoness, who sought to change men into women, would likely pay more attention to this particular sequence advancement. neither franca nor lumian wanted jenna to take unnecessary risks. of course, madam magician had occasionally mentioned that this evil goddess wasnt in a stable state. the safest? jenna looked around, still somewhat unconvinced. the surroundings were immersed in darkness, and corpses were scattered about. how did it seem safe? only the two weathered stone pillars appeared strangely warm and calming. lumian briefly explained the unique nature of the sacrificial square and concluded, at the pinnacle of the assassin pathway is an evil goddess. no one knows if she might suddenly lose her sanity. deities of the same pathway have the ability to influence beyonders when they consume potions for advancement. this, well, divine manifestation, complicates things. this place can significantly weaken that connection. jenna listened intently and approached the stone pillar engraved with the sun sacred emblem. she extended her arms slightly and began to pray. noticing that she hadnt asked franca why she hadnt been affected by this before, lumian raised his right hand, stroked his chin, and clicked his tongue. praise the sun! jenna sang praises to the eternal blazing sun reverently as she concluded her prayer. lumian remained silent as he handed jenna the witch beyonder characteristic, shadow lizard scales, and other ingredients from the black satchel. he had used her 10,000 verl dor to obtain these items from gardner martin. jenna examined the dark-blue vertical eye-like jewel and the intricate thread-like patterns on its surface. she knelt on one knee and began concocting the potion on the unusually clean square ground. before long, she held a dark-red potion with concealed shadows in her hand. jenna steadied herself, feeling as though she had been pushed forward by various events in the past few months. she couldnt stop now. perhaps this is my destiny praise the sun! jenna closed her eyes and added silently in her heart, praise the fool! at this critical moment, in her quest for smooth advancement and survival, her faith inadvertently shifted. this was partly because franca and lumian seemed relatively relaxed about consuming potions and advancing their sequences. at the very least, they both believed in mr. fool. without hesitation, jenna swallowed the potion, fully accepting the notion that she had been dead when she assassinated hugues artois. the potion was icy and illusory, like melting frost. jenna quickly began to feel an itching, painful sensation spreading all over her body. her thoughts began to blur, and she felt as though she were slowly sinking into water. suddenly, excruciating pain surged throughout her body, jolting jenna back to full awareness. she found herself surrounded by black, silent flames that were slowly consuming her. above her, a translucent layer of frost-encased ice, like a mirror, prevented jenna from escaping the black flames. in the next instant, a face and a figure materialized on the ice. the face bore an uncanny resemblance to jennas own! the figure was another jenna, but her master hand had transformed into her left! the jenna above the ice stared at the figure engulfed by the black flames with anticipation and desire. experienced in combat, jenna reacted quickly despite her surprise and horror. she summoned all her strength and delivered a powerful punch upward. the ice shattered without a sound, and the corrupted jenna plunged into the black flames. in the distance, a python-like black object swayed gently, with a dark-blue vertical eye at its tip. the bizarre python vanished in an instant, not entering the area. instead, it delved into a black shadow. almost simultaneously, jenna heard a long, painful sigh. the ethereal sigh seemed to emanate from very close to her, as if it originated from the vicinity of the sacrificial square and the surrounding corpses. the black shadow cast by the strange serpent expanded wildly, growing larger and fainter. it enveloped jenna and the malevolent figure and seeped into their bodies. jenna refused to surrender. enduring the pain and dizziness, she crawled out of the abyss of black flames and onto the nearby ice. the black shadow weakened and ceased its pursuit. it could only drag the malevolent jenna into an unfathomable abyss. the scene shattered instantly, and jennas vision returned to normal. she saw the mottled stone pillar engraved with the sun sacred emblem. her face contorted, but the pain in her body gradually subsided. lumian watched as the black flames on jennas body rapidly shrank and dissipated, while the surrounding frost melted. he understood that his companion had successfully advanced to sequence 7 and had become a witch. only then did he turn his gaze towards the edge of the sacrificial square, where the tomb and the surrounding corpses lay in darkness. not long after jenna consumed the potion, he sensed an anomaly in that direction. however, nothing entered the clean square with the two sacrificial pillars. when jennas unusual state finally subsided, she rose to her feet and noticed lumian gazing into the distance. puzzled, she asked, after drinking the potion, i thought i heard a sigh from over there. lumian nodded slowly and replied, on this level of the catacombs, theres a krismona night pillar. it represents a demoness of catastrophe who once met her end here. Chapter 441 - 441 Demoness Cooperation 441 demoness cooperation demoness of catastrophe jenna had never heard of this term from franca. is it a sequence name? lumian didnt hold anything back. yes, a sequence 2 angel. heh heh, the term angel and demoness always seem strange together. angel jenna didnt have a clear impression of individuals at this level. though she had often heard lumian and franca talk about the terror and might of demigods, it had remained theoretical for her. she didnt know how terrifying or powerful they were. jenna muttered to herself, krismona hasnt she already perished? why am i still hearing her sigh? it should be from her, right? lumian looked at jenna and said solemnly, for such a formidable figure, even if they were to perish completely, there would still be remnants of their mind that wouldnt dissipate. its like not stiffening even after becoming a corpse. in the future, if you come into contact with the inheritance of a similar influential figure, you must be very, very careful. jenna looked surprised and vigilant. she glanced at the edge of the sacrificial square and asked with concern, what do we do now? lumian chuckled. what can we do? what else but wait for her to sigh? do you have thoughts of comforting her? dont worry. shes imprisoned by death and bound by the spring water. she cant leave the fourth and third levels of the catacombs. as long as you dont explore this place, you dont have to worry about anything. how was it? was there any influence from the primordial demoness? it was only then that lumian, holding the white candle, assessed jennas appearance. her skin, which hadnt been particularly good due to her background and experiences, seemed to have been reborn. her facial features looked the same as usual, but the details had become more exquisite, as if there was a luster flowing through them. overall, she exuded an alluring charm and became even more feminine. even with lumians experience, he couldnt help but marvel inwardly. jenna was also scrutinizing herself. she felt that her height had increased a little, and the ratio of her body parts she had previously been dissatisfied with had approached perfection. i sensed a peculiar python appear, but it didnt really approach me. it quickly vanished jenna recalled as she took out a prepared mirror. facing the yellow candle flame in lumians hand, she scrutinized her reflection and couldnt help but smile. it was common for most people to appreciate beauty, and jenna was no exception. seeing how beautiful and charming she had become made her quite happy. she even felt enchanted by herself. reluctantly, she put away the mirror and assessed her changes from various angles. i can now use black flames that incinerate the spirit body and spirituality. ive gained the blessing of frost. ive mastered various forms of black magic. with prepared ingredients, i can directly become invisible and cast rare spells. additionally, i can curse targets through blood and other media. ive unlocked the door to mirror magic and now possess anti-divination and the ability to create substitutes. i am skilled in using staff and can also use them as substitutes compared to assassins and instigators, witches had undergone a qualitative transformation. they possessed comprehensive abilities, considerable strength, and excelled in survival. only then did jenna truly feel like a member of the world of mysticism and a controller of superpowers. she suddenly felt an urge to test a witchs various abilities on a target. however, after glancing at lumian, she abandoned the idea. she felt that there was still a significant gap between them. even a sequence 6 franca likely wasnt ciels match. of course, if franca truly intended to assassinate lumian, her chances of eliminating him werent slim. most beyonders below sequence 4 were relatively weak. if they committed an error, it could very well plunge them into the depths of hell. lumian tossed a burning white candle to jenna and pointed at his black satchel. theres some cosmetics in here. make yourself look less attractive to hide your striking charm. that way, the demoness sects hidden members wont recognize you as a witch at a glance. for this purpose, he had brought a set of womens cosmetics. jenna clicked her tongue. you even thought of such details in advance in the beyonder world, being cautious and meticulous effectively increases your chances of survival, lumian said, turning around. lets disguise ourselves elsewhere. its not suitable to stay here for too long. why do i get the feeling that youre often impulsive and a little crazy jenna muttered softly before smiling. do you also think ive become more beautiful now? she wasnt wearing any makeup, but her blue eyes seemed to contain starlight as they darted around. lumian scoffed. i respect the potions effects and believe in the influence of beyonder characteristics. with that, he turned around, holding the candle, and walked towards the wide stone steps leading up. you sure never lose out in a battle of tongues! jenna cursed under her breath, quickly packed her things, and followed him. before she could figure out how to continue teasing lumian and express her gratitude, she heard the man slowly walk forward and casually say, also, you have to work for me tomorrow. dammit! jenna blurted out. in the library district, rue des terraces. the street was known for its diverse terraces, frequented by tourists. lumian stood on a caf terrace decorated in shades of green and white, casting a sidelong glance at building 20, where guillaume bnets widow, condiment beauty paulina, resided. the terrace of the house was painted a refreshing white, supported by a wooden frame that shielded it from the wind and rain. it resembled a resort hotel on the southern coast of intis. lumian sipped his coffee as all the information and conjectures he had gathered during this period flashed through his mind. every week, a mysterious man visits the condiment beauty at night. once or twice a week at least once this week. it should be within these two days according to the observations of the surrounding citizens, there are a total of three mysterious men who visited paulina at night. one is young, one is in his prime, and one is nearly 60 years old who among them could be the sinners liaison, bouvard pont-pro? one of bouvards contracted abilities is transfiguration. these three might or might not be him. theyre just substitutes he creates to attract attention, and he sneaks in disguised as one of paulinas servants the price of transfiguration is ones own face. the downside is the desire to abuse others the buildings on rue de la terrasse are quite soundproof. none of the neighbors heard paulinas screams some time has elapsed since guillaume bnets demise. its highly likely that paulina officially joined the sinners organization, received a boon, and became a beyonder the most important part of the plan is to determine who bouvard pont-pro is lumian had a plan. as the sky darkened, he finished his coffee and donned his brown round hat. without making a sound, he left the building and vanished into an alley on the side of the street. 20 rue de la terrasse, in the spacious and warm master bedroom. the mature and beautiful paulina, adorned in a pale-white nightgown, walked to the full-body mirror, removed her clothes, and examined the whip-like marks on her body. they had faded to a faint dark-red hue, likely to dissipate completely within a few days. paulina let out a soft sigh at the thought of the pain she would have to endure for the next two days. her gaze fell upon the black mark on her right shoulder, and she rejoiced that the first contract ability she had chosen after becoming a contractee was regeneration. once activated, it could regenerate flesh and skin to a certain extent, allowing various injuries to quickly recover. paulina had never tested whether this could regenerate limbs, believing it should work if the conditions were met. of course, the dead couldnt activate their abilities. paulina adjusted her light-white nightgown and prepared to put on light makeup to welcome a potential guest. at that moment, she suddenly felt a strong sense of danger. this also stemmed from her contract ability. she felt that sensing danger was more important than actual combat. for this, she had paid the price of fertility and received the negative effect of mild mental weakness. paulinas nerves tightened, and her body abruptly bent backward. with the flexibility of a dancer, she distanced herself from the source of danger. simultaneously, she opened her right palm, and silver-white lightning shot out, intertwining with a crackling sound, enveloping the area where she suspected the assailant was hiding. this was her third and final contracted ability, electric arc. it could effectively compensate for her weaknesses in offensive means. the price was that she was prone to lightning strikes in a thunderstorm. the downside was that her body had become more sensitive. she could originally withstand 70-80% of her original threshold for pain. this made paulina resistant to bouvard pont-pros visit. she relied on alms monks endurance to hold on every time. with a cracking sound, a mirror suddenly appeared in the area covered by the lightning in her palm. it quickly charred and shattered into pieces. from the corner of her eye, paulina spotted a figure swiftly outlined by the drawn curtains. she hurriedly contorted her body to avoid it. suddenly, a white fist materialized behind her head and smashed below her ear. with a bang, paulina blacked out. behind condiment beauty, jenna, dressed as a female mercenary, instantly appeared. she and franca easily controlled their target with dual invisibility, anti-divination tactics, one to attract attention, and the other to launch a sneak attack. franca took a few steps forward, retrieved the bliss societys sedative, and brought it to paulinas nose. after completing her task, jenna drew the curtains to leave a slight crack, casting her outstretched palm in the light of the room. this was a signal to lumian that the operation had succeeded. before long, lumian scaled the outer wall and entered the master bedroom with jennas help. then, he tossed the lie earring to franca. franca transformed the mystical item into a silver pendant and hung it on her chest. her appearance and height changed, becoming more and more like paulina. Chapter 442 - 442 Opportunity to Act 442 opportunity to act seeing franca appear before her as paulina, jenna couldnt help but marvel at the wonders of the lie accessory. this transformation was countless times more potent than that of an actor of the mother tree of desire pathway. it was the most mystical disguise she had ever encountered. franca gazed at her reflection in the full-body mirror and stroked her face gently. she chuckled and said, i like this style too. what dont you like? lumian mocked. this is called having an eye for beauty! franca opened paulinas wardrobe and chose a pair of pajamas that could hide many items. she entered the master bedrooms washroom and began changing. soon, madame paulina emerged. jenna knew franca well, but she temporarily couldnt tell the authenticity. after franca entered invisibility, lumian administered some truth serum to the unconscious paulina. he estimated the time and felt that it was about time. then, he took out the mysticism smelling salts and brought them to paulinas nose. amidst the sneezes, lumian capped the bottle and retreated into a crevice beside the wardrobe, preventing paulina, who had regained consciousness, from seeing him. jenna retrieved a small revolver from her dark brown belt, squatted down, and pressed it against paulinas forehead, ready to pull the trigger. paulina snapped out of her daze and saw a face adorned with a silvery-white half-mask. the face was uncovered, and although the skin wasnt fair and had some flaws, and the texture was concealed by cosmetics, the curves were quite beautiful, making people of the same sex take a second look. immediately after, paulina felt the coldness of the guns barrel and saw a revolver held to her head. her body tensed instinctively. jenna didnt give her a chance to express her doubts or pleas. she asked bluntly, when will bouvard pont-pro arrive? paulina replied subconsciously, in the next two days before she could finish, she suddenly shut her mouth, disbelief etched on her face. w-why did i say what was on my mind? jenna raised a second question based on her preparations. in the past two months, among the mysterious men who visited you under the cover of night, who was bouvard pont-pro? or were all of them him? paulina struggled for a few seconds before blurting out, no, its bouvard only once a week. the rest are just his attempts to confuse others. moreover, he changes his appearance every two or three times. hehe has transfiguration. jenna asked curiously, will the others bouvard pont-pro send sleep with you? did they keep up the act to the very end, or did they only keep up appearances for the latter half? no, paulina replied, swallowing her saliva. bouvard possesses a strong sense of possessiveness. since ive already become his lover, he wont allow me to have any more intercourse with other men. the people he sends will only chat with me, have dinner with me, and wander around the bedroom for a while before leaving. very possessive lumians thoughts raced as he listened in the shadows, recalling the mysticism knowledge he had obtained when he became a contractee. soon, he found a contracted creature that fit the criteria and its corresponding abilities. evil shadow black beast, a spirit world creature that resides in the shadows of creatures. the birth of its descendants requires the stripping of a shadow as a carrier. creatures that lose their shadows will die on the spot by sacrificing a humans shadow, he could obtain the shadow substitution ability from the evil shadow black beast, and his possessiveness would significantly increase by controlling the target or subduing them in advance, he could complete shadow substitution in battle and use someone elses shadow to take damage on his behalf, avoiding dangerous attacks. under such circumstances, the distance between the main body and the target couldnt exceed 20 meters i wonder how much those actors earn jenna teased with a smile before asking, what sequence beyonder is bouvard pont-pro equivalent to. what contractual abilities does he possess? paulina pursed her lips, unwilling to answer. after a few seconds, she couldnt resist the urge to spill the beans. she opened her mouth and said, bouvard is an ascetic. he said that a fate appropriator is the most important sequence of the inevitability pathway before obtaining godhood. one needs to make significant contributions to obtain the corresponding boon. hes still far from that. he once mentioned that ascetic can have six contractual abilities, but i dont know if that refers to ordinary circumstances or special circumstances. leaning against the wardrobe, lumian couldnt help but chuckle inwardly. temiboros, are you aware of this? he didnt ask because he knew termiboros wouldnt answer such a question. paulina continued, he didnt display all his abilities in front of me. he always wore pajamas and didnt expose his upper body during sex. ive seen him emerge from the shadows and know he has three imps. he even suggested i choose the danger premonition ability, believing it to be useful. shadow burial, tamed imps, danger premonition, shadow substitution, transfiguration thats a total of five contracted abilities if bouvard pont-pro is nothing special, there should be only one unknown contracted ability. even if hes stronger than ordinary ascetics, theres a high chance that his total abilities wont exceed eight lumian quickly formed a clearer understanding. the price of shadow burial was having normal dreams. the downside was becoming more extreme and paranoid. the price of tamed imps was three infant corpses that had died before they were born. the downside was that he had to use his life force to feed the imps, and there was a risk of backlash. the specific method was to grow sarcomas that looked like breastfeeding. danger premonition involved sacrificing fertility and become mentally weak contractee abilities are truly peculiar ever since becoming a witch and becoming deeply involved in the sinners organization, jenna had learned about contractee, alms monk, ascetic, and other inevitability sequences. she now knew why lumian possessed spell of harrumph, spirit world traversal, and other abilities. she thought for a moment and asked, apart from contractual abilities, does bouvard pont-pro possess any mystical items, beyonder weapons, or other items? paulina shuddered inexplicably. h-he has two pockets that i cant touch. he always chooses the kind of pajamas with pockets or pants pockets. carries some items i wonder what powers they possess but at least we wont end up empty-handed lumian allowed his thoughts to wander. jenna followed the predetermined rhythm of their conversation and inquired about paulinas performances in front of bouvard pont-pro, her interactions with the butler and servants in the building, her abilities, and her assets. it wasnt until lumian tossed the sedative from the bliss society that jenna stopped asking and caught it with her freed left hand. then, paulina fainted again. she possesses regeneration, much like a vampires self-healing ability. the sedatives effects will likely be diminished and wont endure for long, jenna inquired. why didnt you simply eliminate her? lumian cast a glance at the new witch and let out a chuckle. youre quite the ruthless one, arent you? jenna pursed her lips and stated, showing kindness to heretics only harms innocent citizens. exactly! franca, disguised as paulina, deactivated her invisibility and concurred. the more she observed witch jenna, the more she found herself liking her. despite jenna deliberately donning unattractive makeup and a half-mask, franca had a discerning eye for beauty. lumian scoffed and said, havent you heard that bouvard pont-pro seems to possess danger premonition? even though you can counter divination, if paulina were to die now and her boons power returns to its source, do you think bouvard wont receive a warning from fate? anthony still has time to enter. he wont engage in direct combat, but hell serve a purpose in my scheme. lumian not only aimed to capture bouvard pont-pro but also intended to act as a conspirer in this endeavor. i understand, franca said with widened eyes. i just adhere to the notion of being ruthless toward heretics. as she spoke, she removed the lie silver pendant from her chest and tossed it to jenna. lumian instructed anthony reid to infiltrate the building via the outer wall of the master bedroom. as the drizzle descended into night, the gas street lamps on both sides of the street emitted a hazy glow. at 20 rue de la terrasse, a man in a silk top hat, black suit, and dark bow tie rang the doorbell. he had an ordinary appearance, short, thick eyebrows, and deep blue eyes. he wouldnt attract anyones attention when he walked along the bustling arcade. the butler of the house opened the door. he glanced at the visitor and discreetly gestured. the man formed a circle with his hands and asked, wheres paulina? madame awaits you in the bedroom, the butler replied respectfully. the man nodded and made his way through the living room and up the stairs, arriving outside the master bedroom. without knocking, he turned the handle and entered. in the spacious and warm master bedroom, the wall lamps had all been extinguished. the candlelight flickered dimly, casting a soft, rosy glow that quickened ones pulse. the mans eyes fixed on paulina, reclining on the bed, and a grin crept across his face. why does it feel even more enticing than before? something special just for you, paulina whispered. the man stared at the alluring contours, his pulse racing. he chuckled and said, why do i find you more captivating than ever? i dressed up just for you. paulina, in her two-piece pajamas, seemed bashful, her cheeks flushed as she closed her eyes. the man swallowed hard, his mind on high alert, though his body couldnt resist taking a step forward. Chapter 443 - 443 Trap Within A Trap 443 trap within a trap the man suspected to be bouvard pont-pro took a step forward and finally regained some rationality. he adjusted the dark bow tie beneath his neck, and three indistinct figures materialized above his head and shoulders. these figures werent large; they looked like newborns with pale-white, bluish skin and sinister expressions on their round, distorted faces. tamed imps! the three translucent and indistinct imps burrowed toward bouvard pont-pros chest, each finding its place and began suckling in a frenzied manner. suddenly, their figures became much clearer. they left his body, circling around and flying at an extremely fast speed to different parts of 20 rue de la terrasse. with no corporeal form, they effortlessly traversed walls and doors. in a short span of time, they went through the master bedrooms wardrobe, desk, changing room, and washroom, leaving no room for any assailant to hide. one sinister-looking imp with a bluish-white face even circled the rooms shadows, ensuring that no beyonder could rely on supernatural powers to lurk in this special environment. seeing paulinas puzzled and watery gaze as she opened her eyes, bouvard pont-pro subconsciously explained, my danger premonition tells me that something is amiss here. lately, i need to be extremely cautious and avoid making any mistakes. after i eliminate the hidden danger and confirm my safety, ill enjoy my evening with you. for some inexplicable reason, bouvards tone was gentler and more eager to explain than before when facing paulina. it was as if her attire and demeanor tonight had touched his heart, making him irresistibly attracted and eager to please her. as bouvard pont-pro finished speaking, one of the imps left the master bedroom and entered the adjacent room. with its bluish-white skin, it reached the end of the corridor, passed through the wardrobe, and entered. in the next moment, it saw a figure bound and gagged. the figure wore a pale-white nightgown, and her clothes were disheveled, revealing a large area of her skin. she was beautiful, elegant, and had a plump body like a ripe fruit. she was another paulina! the contorted-faced imp let out a shrill cry and rushed back into bouvard pont-pros embrace. as it drew closer to his chest, sucking, it relayed the scene it had witnessed to its feeder. bouvard pont-pros expression changed, realizing he had fallen into a trap and been ambushed. luckily, he had been cautious enough to detect hidden dangers in advance! the sinners liaison darkened and merged with his shadow, sliding into the walls shadows like a snake. his shadow burials ability was unlike that of many beyonders. they relied on the dimness of shadows to hide, while he transformed himself into a shadow, truly becoming part of the darkness. just like the special creatures that inhabited such environments, he could stray into alternate spaces connected to certain shadowy regions. at that moment, bouvard pont-pro felt as if he had plunged into a lightless sea. his body extended and merged with the inky droplets. quickly, he darted towards the room at the end of the corridor. his mission: to save paulina and escape rue de la terrasse with her. he harbored an extraordinary possessiveness for this condiment beauty. as bouvard moved through the shadows, he suddenly heard a crisp crack. the yellow gas wall lamp blazed to life, filling every inch of the glass cover with flames. the gas lamps in the corridor transformed into miniature suns, banishing the shadows. only a serpentine humanoid shadow remained on the floor. jenna, who had transformed into the ladys maid using lie, emerged from a side room, casting a black flame onto bouvard pont-pros shadow. the sinners liaison immediately felt pain and weakness originating from the depths of his soul. without hesitation, he used shadow substitution. in 20 rue de la terrasse, paulinas butler and servants had already become believers in inevitability. they submitted to the envoy, bouvard pont-pro, and their shadows were offered for exchange! in paulinas ladys maids room, the human shadow suddenly squirmed and transformed. the black shadow stood up, becoming plumper, resembling bouvard pont-pro. the shadows in the corridor quickly dissipated under the black flames. the ladys maid in the room twitched a few times, and black flames oozed from her nostrils, ears, mouth, and eyes. then, she fell silent and ceased breathing. bouvard pont-pro seized the moment when shadow substitution took effect to activate another contracted ability. he sprinted forward, leaving behind dozens, even hundreds of phantoms. his body flickered amidst the phantoms, shifting positions so that jenna couldnt lock onto him or distinguish him. in the blink of an eye, bouvard pont-pro, accompanied by a group of figures, entered the room where paulina was bound and opened the corresponding wardrobe. paulinas eyes were filled with surprise, desire, and hope as she watched bouvards right hand, gleaming with a metallic luster, become incredibly sharp. in an instant, the sinners liaison severed the rope and attempted to escape the encirclement with paulina. he had a total of eight contracted abilities, one of which had never been used before. at that moment, as the rope loosened, paulina couldnt help but remember her traumatic experiences of abuse at the hands of bouvard, the pain etched into the depths of her mind. uncontrollable hatred surged in her heart. she longed for the one who had harmed her to face justice. she suddenly raised her right hand. alarm bells rang in bouvards mind as he sensed an intense danger premonition. yet, at this distance, no one could react faster than electric arc. silver-white lightning shot from paulinas palm and struck bouvards body. his body went numb, and even his thoughts seemed to be engulfed by lightning, temporarily rendering him powerless. franca, disguised as paulina, had already closed within five meters, aiming the ring of punishment she wore. lightning flickered in her eyes, and bouvards body shuddered, as if his soul was being torn apart, in excruciating pain that left him unable to think straight. psychic piercing! smack! jenna, who had dashed to her targets side, clenched her fist and struck behind bouvards ear before he could rely on his ascetic endurance to recover. the sinners liaison slipped into unconsciousness. before bouvard lost consciousness, he glimpsed a pair of black leather shoes and heard a taunting voice. i dont even need to lift a finger when dealing with you. bouvard abruptly broke free from the darkness and regained consciousness. the first thing he saw was a right leg resting on his left knee and that pair of black leather shoes. then, he saw a young man leaning back in an armchair, his hands pressing on the armrests. bouvard instinctively wanted to use his abilities, but all his thoughts seemed to sink into a quagmire, unresponsive. in the next moment, he noticed that his feet had transformed into cow hooves, and he was wrapped in a layer of brown cowhide. animal creation spell bouvard instantly grasped his predicament. he watched as the young man with golden and black hair leisurely flipped through the grayish-blue cloth bag he had hidden in his pocket. wh bouvard instinctively held his breath, hoping that the other party would take out the item. soon, the young man retrieved a gold coin with a 5 verl dor denomination with a sunbird relief from a grayish-blue cloth bag. yes! thats it! bouvard anticipated what would happen next. simultaneously, he focused on observing the other partys luck. this was one of the few abilities not restricted by the animal creation spell. bouvards bullish face now donning an honest look, suddenly froze. he saw his enemys luck of all kinds, and he saw layers of colors constantly changing! a sharp pain pierced bouvards brain, and he instinctively closed his eyes. he felt a sticky, warm, and bloody liquid slowly trickle down from his eyeballs. as bouvards pain subsided, as if he had seen something he shouldnt have, he heard the young man say with a smile, were you hoping that ill take away this gold coin of misfortune and have my luck changed passively, allowing you to escape your predicament? he knows the luck transference spell he also knows the animal creation spell does he belong to another organization that believes in inevitability or a name suddenly flashed through bouvard pont-pros mind: lumian lee? lumian seemed to sense bouvards thoughts and smiled without humor. i thought you were always on guard against me. bouvards heart sank, and he abandoned any hope of luck. he immediately used his spirituality to stir the air within the cowhide and indistinctly recited the honorific name of the individual. however, he quickly realized that his spirituality was on the verge of drying up, and his mind was extremely weak. he couldnt even do such a thing. if you understand your situation, you can answer my questions, lumian said with a smile. bouvard subconsciously opened his mouth and mooed. he had an urge to communicate with the other party, but he could only let out a cows moo. jenna, dressed as a female mercenary, brought over a brass mechanical typewriter and placed it in front of bouvard. this was francas suggestion: there was no need to worry that bouvard pont-pro wouldnt be able to answer questions after being transformed into a bull by the animal creation spell. as long as he wasnt illiterate and had a certain level of intelligence, he could compose answers by typing on the keyboard. the only drawback was that his speed wouldnt be too fast. seeing the calf sit down on its hind legs and place its front hooves on the mechanical typewriters button with difficulty, franca, who was invisible and could stop the other party from doing any irrational act at any moment, muttered silently, now, no one can tell if the person typing at the keyboard is human or bull lumian glanced at bouvard and asked bluntly, where are the sansons? Chapter 444 - 444 The Sinners Leader 444 the sinners leader the brown male calfs front hooves delicately tapped the mismatch-sized mechanical typewriter, careful not to press any keys accidentally. lumian toyed with the gold coin of misfortune, patiently awaiting bouvards full response. seizing the opportunity, he swiftly reviewed the operation in his mind. from the start, he had no intention of acting personally. first, he wanted to try playing the role of a conspirer. second, he aimed to improve the performance and teamwork of the small team members. considering bouvard pont-pros possessiveness, lumian shifted his attention to paulina. through anthony reids repeated psychological cues, the womans accumulated resentment from the abuse had fermented, turning into a seed that would sprout once her restraints were removed. to make bouvard lower his guard, allowing his danger premonition to only trigger at the end, lumian not only made franca prepare against divination but also had his companion masquerade as paulina, making the target believe subconsciously that the one tied up was the real paulina. of course, she was the real deal. before bouvard cut the rope, paulina didnt hold any true grudge against him. her sincere desire was to be rescued, an emotion that couldnt be feigned. it was enough to convince bouvard without setting off his danger premonition. jennas role was to launch an attack and provide suppression, preventing the target from observing the environment or contemplating details. this forced him to approach paulina and escape from 20 rue de la terrasse with his precious belongings as quickly as possible. additionally, they wanted the enemy to instinctively believe that the ambush centered around the master bedroom. the room where the actual paulina was held was, therefore, relatively secure. as lumian had foreseen, bouvard sprinted right into the trap. without focusing the conspiracy on paulina, with bouvards danger premonition, regardless of how convincing francas performance was or how similar she looked to paulina, he would have sensed it in advance and sent his imps to confirm it cautiously. from this act, traps are the simplest and most direct conspiracy, while conspiracies are the deepening and escalation of traps lumian sensed the potions minute digestion and sighed inwardly. simultaneously, in her invisible state, franca sensed no impending or brewing danger as bouvards hooves struck the keys. she gradually relaxed. she couldnt help but recall her conversation with the sinners organizations liaison while impersonating paulina. her face flushed red, and she felt intense embarrassment. how embarrassing! how f*cking embarrassing! finally, bouvard completed his initial keyboard conversation. jenna ripped the paper filled with words from the mechanical typewriter and swiftly read it to lumian and franca. more than two months ago, the sansons went somewhere and havent returned yet. i dont know where that is. from what they said, its related to something important. before this, constace, the mistress of the sansons, had already gone mad. to prevent her from taking drastic actions when out of control and attracting the attention of official beyonders and affecting the other members of the organization, her husband, voisin sanson, along with their child, killed her and allowed her to return to the lords kingdom. purged due to madness? when did you get the impression that you werent mad? however, the extent of your madness isnt serious. youre at a stage where your perspectives are distorted and abnormal. you even know how to disguise yourself lumian muttered silently after hearing that. from his perspective, ever since establishing a connection with the entity known as inevitability, those believers were no longer ordinary people. they had more or less been corrupted and had potential mental problems. at some point in time, they might completely lose their minds or collapse. if lumian didnt possess mr. fools seal and had the beyonder characteristics balancing things out, he would have been crazier and more terrifying than constace, whom bouvard had mentioned. jenna, who stood between him and bouvard, couldnt help but hiss. she felt that it was a good thing to be ruthless to heretics. those people had lost their normal emotions. they killed their wife or mother without hesitation! if they could even do this to their loved ones, one could imagine how they would treat the people around them! who were the ones who went to the unknown place you mentioned? lumian inquired. tap! tap! tap! the calf began typing on the keyboard again. this time, it was much more proficient than before. its answers appeared character by character on the paper. voisin sanson is our leader. he received a revelation and led a few fate appropriators in trier to that place. voisin sanson is the leader of the sinners organization? lumian asked in surprise. according to i know someone, didnt voisin sanson choose to join the sinners organization because he was on the verge of bankruptcy and later successfully changed his luck and obtained the power of boons? tap! tap! tap! a new answer was printed on the paper and read out by jenna. he was the first to spread the faith of inevitability in trier. he obtained godhood nearly three years ago and became a circle inhabitant. he likes to disguise himself. in front of his collaborators, he pretends to only be a key member of the organization and not the founder. his wife and children were all brought into the mysticism world by him to become the bestowed of inevitability. apart from the deceased roche, his wife and three other children are now fate appropriators. of course, constace has already been purged. a demigoda circle inhabitantactually interacted with low- to mid-sequence beyonders like loki and i know someone. hes truly sinister and cunning i wonder if i know someone and the others noticed. if they didnt, theyre truly living in their own world. they think the people around them are fools who can be exploited and squeezed dry of their value whos the hunter and whos the prey? lumian mocked the two key members of april fools once again. simultaneously, he gained a deeper understanding of the sinners organization. the cult had been established with the sansons as its core. as for how voisin sanson had come into contact with the faith of inevitability and obtained the boon of an evil god, that was another matter. from the looks of it, his business had failed, and he was on the brink of bankruptcy. with no other choice, he had tried various things. why didnt voisin sanson let guillaume bnet know he was the leader of the sinners? lumian attempted to confirm the details. guillaume bnet was already a sequence 5 fate appropriator, on par with the sansons and other key members. he was significantly stronger than bouvard pont-pro. once again, the calf satiated his desire to share information with his typewriter. his excellency voisin believed guillaume bnet was overly ambitious. if hes involved in core matters, it will make him arrogant and do unnecessary things. to put it simply, guillaume bnets early conduct of the sacrificial ritual in cordu had left voisin dissatisfied. he believed that he had messed up the descent of the inevitability angel. however, due to the entity known as inevitability not punishing the fate appropriator on the spot, he could only suppress his dissatisfaction and temporarily accept guillaume bnet before marginalizing him? lumian roughly grasped voisin sansons take on the matter from bouvards response. he pondered for a moment and changed the question. has voisin sanson occasionally contacted you after visiting that place? what are you responsible for? why do you think you need to be cautious and not make any mistakes? the calfs proficiency with the mechanical typewriter increased once more. before his excellency voisin departed, he informed me that he wouldnt contact me for three months and would only return after the matter was concluded. me and a few other members are responsible for managing different businesses and contacting different believers. we want them to focus on their prayers and businesses for the next three months and not cause any trouble. likewise for the few of us. does inevitabilitys oracle believe that the catastrophe will descend within three months? its been more than two months since voisin sanson and company vanished in less than three weeks, the problem will definitely erupt? time is of the essence lumian inquired about the sansons and the sinners organizations current situation, but it was evident that bouvard pont-pro didnt know much. he only knew about the matters under him. finally, lumian pointed at the items he had retrieved from the other partys pocket and asked, what are these? whats their purpose? the calf replied truthfully through the mechanical typewriter: you were holding a gold coin of misfortune made using the luck transference spell. i once encountered an extremely unlucky person and used the luck transference spell to give him a new life. as a result, he became a believer of my lord. this gold coin of misfortune was the product of that help. once lumian frowned and said, how long can the luck transference spell of an ascetic last? at the alms monk stage, he had relied on a ritual to transfer a targets fate to a corresponding item. the effect could only last three days. beyond this time limit, if he didnt find another person to shoulder the fate, it would return to the original owner and couldnt be transferred again. after becoming a contractee, lumian hadnt used the luck transference spell again. he could only estimate that the duration would increase to somewhere in the vicinity of five to seven days based on the mystical knowledge he had obtained. as he spoke, he focused on the 5 verl dor gold coin in his hand and realized that it was entwined with blood-rednearly blackluck. it tried to spread towards him but failed to do anything. ordinary misfortune can affect me, but extreme misfortune will affect the intertwined fates of termiboros and me. without the corresponding level, it cant shake the main stream lumian made a preliminary judgment. the calf replied amidst the tapping: thirteen days is the limit of the luck transference spell. if i want to raise it further, i can only rely on the abilities of a fate appropriator. in 13 days, if i dont have an enemy i need to deal with, ill randomly choose a target and subject him to misfortune. then, when his misfortune starts, ill promote the power of inevitability and help him change his luck. ill obtain another gold coin of misfortune and a new believer. dammit, a perpetual motion machine! franca, in her invisibility state, couldnt help but criticize. Chapter 445 - 445 Spoils of War 445 spoils of war lumian was flabbergasted. you can do that? after careful consideration, he realized that it was indeed possible. the mystical knowledge that came with the boon only stated that if bad luck hadnt been transferred and returned to the original individual, it couldnt be affected by the luck transference spell. it didnt mention anything about whether people whose fates had been altered by cursed gold coins and other items could be transferred again. i cant underestimate others. although they are mostly foolish and not very clever, they occasionally come up with strange ideas and unusual methods. aurore had once said that no matter how foolish a person is, they will always succeed once after thinking a thousand times as a conspirer, lumian couldnt ignore such a possibility. otherwise, he might stumble over a proverbial obstacle sooner or later and fall hard. this experience provided lumian with valuable insight. since he didnt show any signs of losing control or the potions power dissipating after advancing to conspirer, and he had already digested a bit of the potion, lumian could pray for the ascetic boon in a few days and gain the ability to establish a new balance. lumian gazed at the calf sitting there with difficulty and pondered. can one keep repeating this process? bouvards hooves tapped on the brass mechanical keyboard, while jenna read the contents of the paper. with each transfer of luck, the river of fate will undergo a certain change and advance to a higher level. this will result in misfortune occurring sooner. the difficulty of stirring it will also keep increasing. two or three more peoples fates on the gold coin of misfortune arent something ascetics can stir. the same goes for the unlucky banknote. an alms monk can only maintain one item of fate at a time, while an ascetic can manage two. the unlucky banknote referred to a single 20 verl dor banknote that had originally been stored in the grayish-blue cloth bag. on the front was a bust of intiss first president, levanx, and a large dock on the srenzo river. so it wasnt that you didnt want more gold coins of misfortune, but you couldnt make them lumian nodded slowly. how much longer can the gold coins of misfortune and unlucky banknotes last? ten days. the calf quickly typed out two words. franca had heard lumian mention the luck transference spell, instructing her and jenna to carefully distinguish spoils of war when facing those on the inevitability pathway and not to touch anything they shouldnt. listening to their conversation, she muttered silently, what unlucky banknotes? i think theyre life-threatening banknotes! before i transmigrated, i knew a little about such sorcery, but i thought it was fake and rooted in feudal superstition. but now, it seems that humans thoughts and beliefs are similar in similar environments. even the sorcery they create is relatively similar. or could there be traces of an inevitability evil god or a deity in a similar domain in our world? lumian pointed at the two metal canisters beside the gold coin of misfortune and the unlucky banknote and inquired, what are they? theyre all prophetic concoctions, jenna recited the sentence typed by the calf. prophetic concoctions? ive always found them troublesome, so i didnt make them. besides, if i were to find a corpse and administer the prophetic concoction, i might be secretly influenced by termiboros, resulting in inaccuracies or misleading outcomes. lumian shifted his attention to the item he found in bouvard pont-pros other pocket. it was a monoclesomething lumian didnt dare to recognizewith a peculiar design. its main body was a thick, circular cover made of pale-white flesh and dark blood vessels, as if it could be worn directly over ones ear. one end of the circle extended, connecting to a lens intertwined with a transparent purple tube, still flowing with blood. just now, when franca put on her gloves and took out the item, a strange and illusory voice echoed in her ears, but she couldnt hear it clearly. whats this? lumian asked. bouvard tapped on the mechanical typewriters keyboard. a dangerous mystical item. i call it the eye of truth. it seems to have been severely corrupted. all thats left is the ability to see through illusions and perceive the truth, the light of spirituality. if you wear it, you can hear the voice of some hidden entity at any moment and experience an irresistible negative influence. if you only carry it and dont touch it with your body, youll only experience faint tinnitus and auditory hallucinations. an incomplete eyes of mystery prying lumian fell silent for a few seconds before asking, dont you have any ritual sheepskin or dog skin? there are three ritualistic dog skins back home, the calf eagerly shared. he took the initiative to provide details even without lumian asking. the incantation for usage is circle, and the dispelling incantation is arrangement of fate. any language that can stir supernatural powers is fine. quite devout lumian exhaled and smiled. what other valuable items do you have at home? there are banknotes worth over 13,000; gold coins, gold bars, and accessories currently valued at 30,000 verl dor; 20,000 verl dor worth of stocks and bonds, and real estate deeds for three houses. the calf listed his assets. stocks? i need to secure those stocks and sell them on the black market. who knows if they will crash tomorrow! franca keenly caught the keywords relevant to her. real estate that cant be easily discovered by official beyonders and is difficult to liquidate with more than 60,000 verl dor as expected of the liaison responsible for a portion of the sinners organizations believers and corresponding businesses lumian immediately inquired about the whereabouts of bouvards residence. finally, lumian inquired about the other liaisons and important members of the sinners organization, but bouvard had limited knowledge. they mainly had one-way contact with the sansons and handled their own specific tasks. interaction with other members was minimal, with occasional meetings at the sansons residence once or twice. lumian listened quietly but didnt immediately decide bouvards fate. instead, he turned to franca, jenna, and anthony reid, who was waiting outside the door, avoiding bouvards sight. with paulinas assets, well gain 75,000 verl dor, the eye of truth, three ritual dog skins, two bottles of prophetic concoction, a gold coin of misfortune, and an unlucky banknote, lumian explained. none of you can take the last two items. only i can carry them. in addition to them, i want the eye of truth and a ritualistic dog skin. you decide what spoils of war you want. jenna cast her gaze at franca, feeling that her companions sacrifice was somewhat excessive. she had the right to choose first. franca dispelled her invisibility and considered her options. she finally said, i want the two bottles of prophetic concoction and a ritual dog skin. well, forget it, i cant get used to it yet. ill switch to 15,000 verl dor, all in gold! jenna then turned her gaze to the door, signaling to anthony reid to make his choice. anthonys voice quickly reached their ears. i want two ritualistic dog skins. theyll be very useful to me. ciel, ill need your help when the time comes. oh, and another 20,000 verl dor. jenna realized that she had a total of 40,000 verl dor left for her own selection. she looked at lumian with a touch of uncertainty. im essentially working for you as interest payment. lumian replied with a smile, there are spoils of war even for work. take them all. have you noticed that making money has become easier since advancing to sequence 7? jenna pondered for a moment before saying, alright, ill return 25,000 to you and 15,000 to franca. with this decision, jennas debt was significantly reduced, and she no longer owed lumian anymore. the speed at which she was amassing wealth had surpassed her expectations. as lumian and the others discussed the distribution of the spoils of war, bouvard couldnt help but find the situation intriguing. most of the items they were talking about had once belonged to him. he observed them engrossed in their discussion, and even the demoness, who had been invisibly monitoring him, seemed to relax her vigilance. his heart stirred. he sensed that lumian wasnt an ascetic, as he had questioned about those abilities. this indicated that the ritualistic cowhide covering him likely originated from guillaume bnet. the fact that he hadnt been awakened by the power of inevitability while unconscious suggested that it wasnt a live ritual. bouvard was well aware of guillaume bnets animal creation spell items usage and dispelling incantations. after a prolonged interrogation, bouvards spirituality had somewhat recovered. he began to secretly gather his focus, preparing to recite the incantation of his grace. however, just as the first word echoed within the brown cowhide, bouvards eyes narrowed when he realized that lumian was looking at him with a faint smile. hmph! two beams of white light shot out and rendered bouvard unconscious once more. lumian looked at the collapsed calf and chuckled. the test is completed. there are no other secrets. he only possesses the padres dispelling incantation. rather than dealing with bouvard first, lumian had discussed the distribution of the spoils of war, hoping to uncover any additional secrets held by the sinners organizations liaison, who had somewhat recovered spiritually. franca glanced at the unconscious calf and subtly hinted, should we take him away? her suggestion implied taking bouvard to the pillared square in the catacombs for sacrificial purposes, potentially preventing some of the boons power from returning and forming beyonder items. lumian considered for a moment before responding, we might be discovered. lets deal with him here. lumian couldnt teleport bouvard to a specific area in the catacombs from the outside world. various entrances were guarded by tomb administrators, and any suspicious activity might trigger their intervention or a police report. alright, franca responded after a brief pause. she added with anticipation, i happen to want to try the prophetic concoction. this experiment required a recently deceased corpse, one that had not been purified or cremated and had been dead for less than seven days. lumian stood up and gestured toward the door. call me when bouvard is dead. he carried the flog boxing gloves with him as he left the scene. staying in the vicinity might disrupt the return of the boons power. franca acknowledged his instructions and then turned to jenna with a mischievous smile. take care of this. this is your chance to act as a witch. can this be used to act as a witch? jenna had previously found the sequence name of witch to be abstract and comprehensive, and she hadnt yet thought of a specific way to act as one. franca smiled and explained, in mysticism, witches are often associated with negative forces that bring catastrophe. they are seen as possessing mystical, evil, and powerful traits. imagine this: a woman using black flames to kill someone and then pumping their corpse with a strange concoction to make prophecies about the future. its sinister and mysterious, just like a witch. Chapter 446 - 446 Prophecy 446 prophecy witches are associated with negative forces that bring catastrophe catastrophe jenna, in her role as an instigator, had come to understand that instigation inevitably led to catastrophe. however, given that the outcome depended on the subjective intentions of the instigator and the uncertainty of the recipient, jenna was quite sensitive to the term catastrophe and believed it could be a key element in portraying a witch. at the same time, she confirmed a suspicion. negative force witches do indeed represent a negative force sequence 2 of the assassin pathway is called demoness of catastrophe this means that even at the demigod level, catastrophe is crucial jenna nodded slightly and approached the door of the activity room. she turned the knob on the wall, causing the gas wall lamps to emit a dimmer light. after doing the same for all four gas wall lamps, the room grew darker. the faint light blended with the shadows, creating an atmosphere of impending terror. franca surveyed the room, her curiosity piqued as she asked, are you trying to create a dark, terrifying, and eerie atmosphere? jenna smiled and said, dont witches always appear in such settings in various plays and novels? as expected of a true apprentice actress, franca praised jenna, a sense of pride swelling within her. she, too, had quickly grasped the essence of portraying a witch. she had even experimented with concocting dark potions for a period, though it paled in comparison to the work of apothecaries. in the gloomy and dimly lit room, jenna returned to the calf. she leaned forward slightly and, in a deep voice, whispered two words from the hermes language, his grace. nothing happened. outside the door, lumian chuckled, recognizing jennas commitment to her role. she knew she lacked the bestowed powers of inevitability and couldnt use the simplified animal creation spell. to portray a witch convincingly, she had to follow a predetermined process. lumian raised his voice, mimicking the grandeur of termiboros, resembling a hidden entity responding to a witch reciting an ominous incantation. his grace. in the activity room, an eerie darkness enveloped the area, causing the brown cowhide to split open, revealing bouvard pont-pro. he was dressed only in a white shirt, black pants, and dark socks. with this accomplished, lumian proceeded until he reached the entrance of 20 rue de la terrasse. through the glass of the oriel window, he stared at the drizzle, which seemed to meld with the night. jenna crouched down and placed her right hand on bouvards forehead. from her palm, black flames emerged, seeping into the sinners organizations liaison. these flames didnt crackle but engulfed bouvard like inky water. after over ten seconds, bouvards body convulsed violently. moments later, his body relaxed, and the smell of incontinence wafted through the air. he had lost his life. dressed as a female mercenary, jenna examined her attire with dissatisfaction. she stood and extended her hand to franca. franca understood this as her acting as a mysterious and powerful witch, so she handed her a bottle of prophetic concoction. jenna genuflected once more and poured the potion into bouvards mouth. the dark liquid, bubbling with silver-black light, flowed into the corpses mouth and lingered there. a faint gust of wind blew, and the dim gas wall lamps light took on a faint blue hue. sensing this familiar change, lumian knew that bouvard was now entirely lifeless, and the power of the boon had returned to its source. thus, he turned away from the door, passed anthony reid, and re-entered the activity room. gulp! the sound of the corpse swallowing the liquid reached his ears. with a swish, bouvard sat up. his face was deathly pale, and his eyes had turned translucent and devoid of color. as jenna gazed into those clear eyes, she marveled at their magical qualitythe vibrant colors, the pure light, the invisible form, and the mercurial ripples. she endured the intense chill and then turned her attention to lumian and franca. she had no questions; she was merely acting. franca motioned for lumian to take the lead in asking the questions, as she aimed to learn how to make better use of the remaining canister of prophetic concoction. lumian, well-versed in the rules, carefully considered the inquiry and addressed jenna, saying, ask, where is voisin sanson, the former owner of the voisin caf in the trier region of the intis republic, this time next week? this question carried not only its apparent meaning but also a hidden implication. if bouvards corpse couldnt provide a valid answer, or if the response seemed abnormal, it could indicate that voisin sanson had left the place where the powerful bestowed resided, possibly signaling an impending catastrophe. jenna nodded and posed the question to bouvards lifeless form, her voice deep and enchanting. the corpses pale face, tinged with a hint of dark green in the dim blue light, opened its mouth and replied in intisian, room 7. room 7 so specific? but theres no restrictive description from before lumian originally imagined that bouvards corpse would be like the deceased he had previously used, using a broader description like triers quartier de la princesse rouge. this could narrow down the scope of the tarot clubs investigation. however, he never expected bouvards corpse to directly reveal voisin sansons room number. to lumian, this answer wasnt as useful as the quartier de la princesse rouge. there were countless room 7s in trier. furthermore, what if room 7 wasnt in trier? it wasnt necessary to plan a conspiracy while in trier! bouvard is a bestowed of the inevitability pathway. he possesses the power of fate and the corruption left behind by the power of inevitability after his corpse consumed the prophetic concoction, it must have seen more than the average deceased and foreseen it more clearly. is that why such a change occurred? lumian muttered inwardly. he then asked for confirmation. ask him where pualis de roquefort from the darige region of the riston province in the intis republic is this time next week. after hearing the witchs relating it, bouvards corpse responded with an illusory and ethereal voice, room 12. room 12, room 7 madame pualis and voisin sanson are indeed in the same place. the powerful bestowed of these cults in trier are gathered together. they definitely arent here for food and drink lumian nodded slightly and quickly thought of what to ask next. from the two responses, he vaguely guessed that it had something to do with where the evil god bestowed were. the prophecy spell appeared significantly interfered with and was unable to provide precise information. he could only ask in another manner. a few seconds later, lumian looked at jenna and said, when will voisin sanson leave his current building? this question aimed to determine the timing of potential catastrophe or the significant operation. the strange scenes in bouvards eyes quickly dissipated. after hearing jennas question, he opened his mouth and replied faintly, rain, water suddenly, bouvards eyes burst open, and blood sprayed from them, leaving behind two contaminated black and red cavities. his body started to swell, becoming pale, dim, and moist, as if he had been submerged in water for an extended period. in the blink of an eye, the corpse vanished from the sight of lumian and the others, as if it had never existed. franca, clutching the mirror and preparing to cast a curse on the mutated corpse, lost her target. she frantically scanned the area but found only remnants of the exploded eyeballs. drawing from her limited experience, franca speculated, could it be that an extraordinary event or entity was prophesied, leading to a horrifying backlash that dragged him away into the unknown? she sighed and added, see, divination and prophecies are treacherous undertakings. lumian nodded in agreement and suggested, lets leave now and head to bouvards residence to secure the remaining spoils of our mission. yes, we must be cautious, jenna said, gazing up at the ceiling. what shall we do with paulina and the other heretics? should we eliminate them all? ill take care of it! ill handle this! franca eagerly raised her hand. i want to find some enjoyment, nopleasure for myself! she wanted to simply act. observing the perplexed expressions on jenna and lumians faces, franca retorted, whats on your minds? im not talking about that! thats not the only way to have pleasure! doing something to entertain herself? lumian scoffed and walked out of the activity room, leaving a parting remark. you have five minutes. five minutes? franca muttered as she settled in front of the brass mechanical typewriter. donning gloves, she swiftly typed on the keyboard. before long, paulina, the butler, and the others who were securely bound had notes attached to them. the notes read: were heretics! our faith is in an entity known as inevitability! arrest us! our leader is voisin sanson! voisin sanson and his core subordinates have gone somewhere. its said that theyll stay for three months! they went there over two months ago! i have regeneration, danger premonition, and electric arc. please be careful! after pasting the papers, franca scanned the notes with a sense of delight. she then turned her attention to the unconscious paulina and remarked, a dancers flexibility might help you escape the ropes. i can only add two more layers of unconsciousness to you. with that, she ignited paulinas spirit body with black flames, significantly weakening her. she followed this with the bliss societys sedative. clap! clap! franca clapped her hands together and left the room, leaving behind black flames that burned all kinds of traces. after ensuring the success of their police report, lumian and his companions retrieved assets that could be quickly converted into cash from bouvards residence in the library district. reverting to his original appearance and taking a carriage back to the market district, lumian was on the verge of inquiring franca about something when he noticed a figure darting through the darkness outside the window. the figure was dressed in a white shirt, black pants, and dark socks. its eye sockets were hollow and empty, and its skin appeared swollen and pale, as if it had been soaked in water. bouvard pont-pro! bouvard pont-pros previously vanished corpse! Chapter 447 - 447 Association and Speculation 447 association and speculation lumians body tensed, then he quickly relaxed. he calmly shifted his gaze away from the carriage window, as if he hadnt noticed anything. whats the matter? anthony reid inquired of lumian. lumian chuckled. nothing. franca, seated across from him, remarked, your smile and your responses always make me suspect youre up to no good! lumians lips curved into a smile. when you assume im up to no good, only to discover i havent done anything, could it be seen as a conspiracy? why does your sister always teach you such things? franca critiqued, sounding severe. jenna glanced at lumian but didnt press for more information. she remained on guard. the four-wheeled rental carriage returned to rue des blouses blanches in the market district. the team didnt immediately go their separate ways. following lumians suggestion, they gathered in francas apartment to discuss bouvards confession and prophecy. as lumian closed the door, he suddenly spoke, i need to use a bedroom. now? francas smile faded. she sensed the seriousness in lumians tone and, considering the earlier events, realized that something had indeed occurred. yes, lumian replied, heading toward francas bedroom and closing the door behind him. jenna, franca, and anthony reid exchanged glances but remained standing. they each took positions beneath the glow of the gas wall lamp, neither too close nor too far from one another. in just three to four minutes, lumian reemerged from the master bedroom. franca peeked inside and noticed that the curtains in her bedroom were drawn. lumian surveyed the area and smiled before franca could voice her question. let me introduce you to a friend, but i need you to turn off the lamps first. what friend? youre acting all strange. you cant even speak properly after becoming a conspirer, franca muttered as she turned the knob valve at the bottom of the black gas wall lamp. jenna murmured, he didnt like to talk nicely before either. it always felt like a provocation this wasnt a conspirer issue; it was a chemical reaction between his personality and the traits of the hunter pathway! soon, the lamps were extinguished, plunging the living room into darkness. only the crimson moonlight and dim starlight near the window provided some visibility. lumian looked at the glass window and waited patiently. franca, experienced, asked thoughtfully, do we need to activate spirit vision? i dont think so just as lumian finished speaking, he saw a face reflected in the dark glass window. the skin on the face was puffy, pale, and moist. the eyes were empty, save for two black holes that were dyed red! bouvard pont-pros vanished corpse reappeared! jenna, who had little experience with such situations, took a step back in fear, and black flames ignited in her palm. has has it been following us? franca had already taken out a mirror. thats right, lumian said with a relaxed smile. according to my observations, it only appears in a very dark environment. as for when it will attack us, im not sure yet. arent you worried or nervous? this thing is a severely corrupted mutated corpse. no one knows what terrifying abilities it possesses. franca was affected by lumians relaxed attitude and didnt rush to deal with bouvard pont-pros corpse, which had its face pressed against the glass window. lumian chuckled. shouldnt you be happy to see an old friend again? he paused for a moment and explained simply, i regretted not being able to prevent bouvards corpse from vanishing. although its prophecy has been interrupted, the source of the corruption and the backlash it suffered, as well as its traits, can point to many problems and some hidden entities. isnt this also a clue? just as lumian finished speaking, bouvard pont-pros bloated corpse, as if drowned, suddenly fell backward. it was as if someone had grabbed his collar and yanked him out of the living room window. behind him, the darkness intensified, as if a strange tunnel had opened, leading to an unknown destination. in the depths of the tunnel, specks of starlight flickered in the distance. bouvard pont-pros eyeless corpse plummeted into the tunnel, accelerating and shrinking until it vanished entirely, swallowed by darkness. i just found a helper. lumians smile persisted. even if the four of them could easily deal with bouvards mutated corpse, lumian didnt think anyone present could carefully investigate and determine the source of the problem while ensuring their safety. they had to seek help. in that case, it was better to seek help from someone capable from the beginning. entering the room to write to madam magician franca came to a realization and didnt probe further. jenna also guessed that the secret organization that used tarot cards as their code name had taken action. their members were connected by messengers! anthony reid pondered for a moment and asked, so, the next step is to await the autopsy report? not necessarily. perhaps the autopsy report isnt something we can read, lumian smiled and settled into an armchair. he looked at anthony reid and gestured towards the divan, signaling him to take a seat. did you find anything in your investigation of the dreamseekers charity organization? it was a private charitable organization that had received a substantial donation from general philips widow. anthony reid shook his head. no. in the past two months, theyve been operating very regularly. there were no abnormalities. perhaps, as you said, the key members of the heretics have gone somewhere. the rest have been instructed to behave themselves for the time being. lumian nodded slightly and turned to franca, who had settled into the recliner. do you know what happened to the bliss society? its similar to the sinners. theyve eliminated several key members, but the two most important ones seem to have vanished. they must have gone to that place too, franca recounted the information she had obtained from browns sauron. they referred to the demoness sect. that place lumian leaned back on the sofa, his mind racing as he searched for any possible clues. ultimately, his thoughts settled on the prophecy made by bouvard pont-pros corpse. room 7, room 12 where could it be? anthony reid pondered and said, if it were a private house, there wouldnt be such a numbering scheme. sounds like an apartment. or a hotel, franca added. hotel hotel lumians eyes widened as a bolt of lightning flashed through his mind, illuminating a detail he hadnt previously found problematic. after he and franca killed beatrice incourt, a key member of the bliss society, they found a note on her body. it read: go to the hostel and retrieve the painting within three days. isnt a hostel a lower-class hotel? isnt it normal to have room 7 and room 12? lumians thoughts instantly became clear. at the time, he had thought that the note belonged to beatrice, disguised as theresa, who had purchased the receipt for a painting. now, it seemed that the note belonged to beatrice, a key member of the bliss society. it was very likely sent by the bliss societys high priestess, siber, who resided in the hostel, for beatrice to retrieve a painting! hostel lumian uttered the term. is that where triers numerous evil god bestowed go? franca, who had overheard lumians question about theresa, remembered the notes contents. her excitement was palpable as she turned to lumian and asked, did voisin sanson, pualis, and the others go to that place with the codename hostel? lumian replied slowly, we still need to confirm it, before swiftly inquiring, has theresa, the art dealer, returned? he had questioned browns sauron about theresas whereabouts upon discovering the note. according to the member of the demoness sect, the art dealer had been sent to st. millom, the capital of the feysac empire, for a business deal, allowing beatrice to impersonate her without raising suspicion. franca responded uncertainly, she should be back. its been quite some time. she hadnt paid much attention to the ordinary art dealers activities. jenna, perplexed, interjected, whats this about a hostel and an art dealer? franca briefly explained, omitting browns saurons involvement, attributing it to an operation against the bliss society. anthony reid, after careful consideration, voiced his thoughts, the problem now is that even if the hostel is indeed where the heretics gather, we still dont know what it refers to or where it is. lumian sighed softly and flashed a smile. its better than having no direction. he then turned to franca and said, ask about the real art dealer, theresas residence tomorrow. i want to visit and confirm if the note belongs to her or beatrice. understood, franca replied enthusiastically. she had two motives: pressing browns sauron to determine when the assessment period would end and contributing to averting the impending catastrophe. back in her gaming days, she often chose storylines that involved saving humanity. only when she grew bored of that did she experiment with something different. sigh, the phrase demoness doesnt quite align with preventing catastrophe franca sighed inwardly. lumian shifted his attention to anthony reid, pondering for a moment before revealing his plan, since theyve all been behaving themselves, its our turn to misbehave. anthony reid, catching lumians drift, asked in confirmation, what do you mean? lumians smile broadened. well abduct general philips widow and the true controller of the dreamseekers charity organization and interrogate them! Chapter 448 - 448 The Power of Painting 448 the power of painting the next morning. lumian changed into fresh attire. as he prepared to depart, a surprise greeted him when the doll messenger materialized from the wall, delivering a meticulously folded letter. madam magician has unearthed clues from bouvards tainted remains? lumians spirits soared with anticipation. he expressed his gratitude to the messenger and proceeded to unravel the letters contents. we possess limited knowledge regarding the evil gods beyond the barrier. the hostel and its location still eludes us, but we have formulated some conjectures. in examining bouvard pont-pros corrupted remains, i discerned a corruption bearing a resemblance to the apprentice pathwaya contamination from alternate dimensions and spacetime. had i not intervened, unless it had manifested and attacked, you would not have been able to make direct contact with it. in the past, weve encountered similar instances, primarily involving artists, writers, and avid readers. weve observed that painters often descend into madness, but due to their artistic disposition, their ramblings and abstract fantasies often go unnoticed. some of these musings unveil profound truths about our world, while others exert an uncanny influence on their surroundings, turning the fictional into reality. they emerge from canvases or pages, though their presence typically has a time limit. an example involved an artist who, under the influence of a psychotropic substance, painted an indescribable creature. this entity materialized from the canvas, murdering its creator and any other living beings in the apartment. i once encountered a perilous artwork, a sealed artifact that resembled a painting. the deity portrayed within it came to life and vanished, thankfully without triggering a catastrophe. similarly, while confronting a deranged heretic, we encountered gehrman sparrow, the queen of ailment, and various characters and scenes that were originally confined to novels within the structure he inhabited. fortunately, these manifestations lacked the full potency of their original counterparts. they possessed only a rudimentary semblance of their appearance, personalities, and abilities. it was confirmed that these creations were the handiwork of a deranged bestowed of an evil god. he had been a fervent reader of novels and, upon losing his sanity, instinctively recreated a fantastical realm within his abode, mirroring the content of the novels. from this standpoint, it also bears some resemblance to the spectator pathway, but it is fundamentally distinct. one derives its power primarily from the mind, while the other seems to harness the qualities and might of alternate dimensions or alternate spaces to manifest entities. initially, it might function as a gateway or perilous portal, but in time, it could evolve into a near-real alternate space or even an entirely separate world. as lumian absorbed the contents of the letter, his eyelids twitched with a whirlwind of thoughts. his initial reaction: is this something i can read? while some portions seemed manageable, others, particularly the elaborate examples and analysis, left lumians mind in turmoil. his heart raced, and he felt a peculiar tightness in his skin. a deity from a painting coming to life and stepping into reality? is it that terrifying? if the painting hadnt been sealed, wouldnt it be able to destroy the entirety of trier? given more time, the entire world might have been finished! amidst this mental storm, lumians mind struck upon an idea. what if i captured a skilled painter with similar powers and got them to create a flawless replica of aurores oil painting? could this act bring aurore back into reality? it was akin to a resurrection. after a tense pause lasting over ten seconds, lumian released a long, contemplative sigh. while his heart pulsated with the desire to attempt such a feat, rationality won the battle within his mind. the aurore resurrected through this method would likely be a perilous entity, masquerading as aurore, rather than the genuine person. if it was merely her appearance he sought, he could achieve it at any time with lies abilities. if it was merely her appearance he sought, he could achieve it at any time with lies abilities. in the wake of this realization, lumians thoughts turned to a mystical item he hadnt employed in quite some time: the mystery prying glasses! the brown gold-rimmed mystery prying glasses, originating from a deceased beyonder, held a mysterious and intriguing history. its previous owner had crafted an oil painting infused with madness, vibrant colors, and a mesmerizing, psychedelic pattern before their untimely demise. when lumian put on these mystery prying glasses, the world around him transformed, revealing hidden truths that were once invisible. occasionally, these revelations kindled a desire to sketch, resulting in drawings imbued with supernatural power, each with unique effects. for instance, they could cause an itching sensation across his body, ushering in warmth and radiant sunlight, aligning with madam magicians account of paintings by evil god bestowed that influenced their surroundings. with the abilities granted by the niese face and lie earring, lumian no longer required the mystery prying glasses for disguise. however, he retrieved them from his pocket and pondered for a moment. was its original owner a bestowed of a hostel-related pathway, or did it come into contact with a corresponding item and suffer a certain level of corruption? yes, ill report to mr. k later and inquire about further details. uh the aurora order is fanatical about hunting heretics. perhaps they possess more information about evil gods than the tarot club. mr. k might know something about the hostel lumian was part of four different secret organizations and could gather information from four unusually well-developed information systems. as a result, he didnt have an urgent need to participate in mysticism gatherings. he only visited occasionally to join in the fun and listen to rumors and stories. after stowing the mystery prying glasses, lumian continued reading the letters content. until now, the evil god bestowed following this pathway have been relatively passive, avoiding bloodshed and not frequently engaging in sacrificial rituals. even if they did, it was usually confined to themselves and those in their immediate vicinity, minimizing the danger. however, their nature may not be as harmless as previously believed. they could pose a significant threat. you might want to consult termiboros about the hostel. he possesses the most extensive knowledge of these evil gods and their bestowed. although, dont be surprised if he chooses not to share. lumian set the letter ablaze with crimson flames and whispered with a chuckle, termiboros, do you know the meaning of hostel and its association with which evil god? termiboross majestic voice resounded. not an evil god, but a great existence. after retorting, he answered lumians question, im aware. then, there was nothing else. this provoked lumian. was i hoping to hear you say you are aware or not? what i wanted to know what it represents and to which pathway it belongs! after pressing further, termiboros asked in a deep voice, do you truly wish to know? lumian, sensing danger, responded cautiously, theres no need for an honorific name or other details about the evil god. just describe the situation and characteristics of the corresponding pathway of hostel. termiboros fell silent, withholding the requested information. lumian scoffed, believing that the entitys response indicated: i have nothing to lose. why not give it a shot? what if my vessel suddenly turned foolish? termiboros had no intention of revealing details about hostel. he exhaled and left room 207, prepared to find mr. k for further guidance. as lumian made his way to avenue du boulevard, franca had already met up with browns sauron. both were clad in hunting attire, armed with double-barreled shotguns, and positioned at the edge of the east lognes forest, where they took aim at wild deer hidden behind the trees. browns, when will you f*cking end my assessment? franca stressed her original gender with a touch of stereotypical vulgarity. browns, her orange-red hair mostly concealed beneath a deerstalker hat, peered forward and responded, soon, soon. franca, her frustration palpable, retorted, does the high-ranking demoness in charge of trier want to keep testing me indefinitely, or are you playing tricks? browns, her trigger finger poised, stopped abruptly, a subtle change in her expression evident. could it really be you? franca exclaimed in surprise. browns replied solemnly, i merely suggested it. the higher-ups agreed. why on earth would she agree to such an absurd proposal? is she your mother? franca cursed. bang! browns squeezed the trigger, and the bullet pierced through the forest, narrowly missing the wild deer. watching this, franca mused, could they really be related, or perhaps theyre intimate lovers? the demoness sect is essentially a family, and its common for members to have some familial connections the sauron family once held sway in the neighboring assassin pathway, so its not inconceivable that the demoness sect has infiltrated certain branches over the years. observing francas silence, browns cleared her throat and made an offer, if you promise not to partake in the red house cafs orgies, your assessment will end this week. franca fought the urge to curse and burst into laughter instead. haha, id call you pure, but youre quite the expert in female orgies. as for promiscuous, youre selective with your participants. without waiting for brownss reply, franca continued, i can promise that. besides, i can organize orgies myself. her true intentions were rooted in the impending catastrophe that might engulf trier in a week or two. she needed to swiftly infiltrate the demoness sect and procure valuable information. after the crisis subsided, and if she was still alive, she could contemplate participating in brownss orgies. a true man could be indulgent and flashy, but when necessary, he could bear personal hardships. browns turned her head to scrutinize franca, who met her gaze without a hint of guilt. after almost ten seconds, browns whispered, remember what you just said. franca responded with a smile, signifying her agreement. with the assessment period now set to conclude, franca raised her shotgun and shared, some time ago, ciel and i ventured into the catacombs and reached the krismona night pillar. i had a peculiar feeling about that pillar. could it have been left behind by a fourth epoch demoness? after hearing about the sigh from jenna, franca had become intrigued by the krismona night pillar. ciel? your lover? browns turned to franca. franca replied candidly, yes. browns fell into a brief silence before revealing, krismona is indeed a fourth epoch demoness. s-she is the child of the goddess. Chapter 449 - Chapter 449 Tracking Clues chapter 449 tracking clues a child of the goddess franca jumped in fright, almost causing the double-barreled shotgun, which wasnt aimed at the target, to discharge accidentally. she glanced at browns and sought confirmation, a child of the primordial one? even though her assessment period wasnt yet over, she had already passed the audit and was now considered an associate member of the demoness sect. she knew that this secret organization worshiped the deity known as the primordial demoness, often referring to her as the primordial one. browns nodded slowly and replied, as far as i know. the primordial demoness had once given birth? franca couldnt hide her curiosity and asked, who is krismonas father? i dont know, browns cautioned franca. thats not something we should be privy to. this is a scandal at the deity level franca thought to herself and shifted the conversation to her primary reason for coming to trocadro today. has beatrice incourt returned from the feysac empire? do you know where she is residing? why do you ask? browns inquired warily. in her eyes, franca roland and her lovers were powerful and dangerous beyonders. only jenna, who lived with her, seemed relatively ordinary. franca chuckled. yesterday, i helped ciel exact revenge and apprehended a heretic who believed in inevitability. from him, i learned that many of triers bestowed individuals have disappeared to some mysterious and strange place. based on the information he provided, we suspect that the hostel mentioned in the note about beatrice is the destination for these bestowed of evil gods. we want to confirm with theresa whether the note is intended for her or beatrice. browns felt uncomfortable hearing franca mention heretics and the bestowed of evil gods. in the world of mysticism, the primordial demoness had always been considered an evil goddess. of course, their sect, followers of the primordial ones, believed they were devoted to an ostracized true god, an existence shrouded in secrecy. after franca finished speaking, browns replied, theres no need for you to seek out the art dealer. when we discovered that the bliss societys high priest and another key member had vanished, we patiently waited for theresas return based on the contents of the note. she told us that she doesnt know what the hostel is, and she hasnt purchased any artwork from any painter staying at a motel. weve verified the authenticity. franca felt a growing frustration and said, its really a message meant for beatrice. judging from the note, beatrice knows the location of the hostel. otherwise, she wouldnt have the ability to retrieve the painting within three days. if only we had found the note first and performed the spirit channeling afterward a realization struck franca, and she sensed that fate was playing a cruel game in this matter. it seemed like fate was conspiring to keep information about the hostel hidden. is inevitabilitys power at play, or is it the evil god pathway that ciel previously mentioned, using death to escape its original fate? is information about the hostel destined not to be leaked? francas thoughts raced as she felt an increasingly abnormal aura surrounding the situation. seizing a rare opportunity, browns immediately struck franca down. arent you guys quite experienced? you conducted spirit channeling without thoroughly examining the corpse. the hour after death is prime time. theres no need to rush. franca considered explaining that fate might be at play, but she decided against it. why should she warn browns and give her a lesson? it was better to keep her in the dark, potentially for future exploitation! franca looked at browns and clicked her tongue, saying, youre quite the talker before she could finish her sentence, she extended her right hand with a smile and gently grasped the other partys chin. i dont mind skipping your orgies, but id like to undergo your assessment. are you up for it? browns instinctively pushed francas right hand away, taking a step back and saying, if you acted like a regular woman, i might consider assessing you, but right now her implication was that francas current demeanor resembled a libertine, a playboy who embraced dandyism. youre a tough one, franca scoffed, her words, though unusual, comprehensible to browns. she picked up her double-barreled shotgun and strolled into the forest without further conversation with browns. on avenue du boulevard, 19 rue scheer, at the base of the luxurious beige house, in the basement, lumian once again met mr. k, who was cloaked in a black robe and a wide hood. he had already reported the unusual silence of the cults to his superior, and mr. k had verified this information after an investigative period. today, lumians focus was on bouvards corpses prophecy, his own thoughts, and the sinners situation. he relayed the information he received from madam magician as bouvards confession, including having seen a painting with strange powers from voisin sanson. finally, lumian presented the mystery prying glasses. mr. k, has this mystical item also been affected by the hostel pathways influence? mr. k stood before a red armchair and spoke in a low, raspy voice, wait a moment. with a soft clap of his hands, he summoned an attendant into the room and whispered something to him. as mr. k waited for the attendant to return, the entire basement fell into an eerie silence due to mr. ks silence. lumian felt somewhat awkward in this silence and thought to himself, say something. even sharing your faith would suffice. you cant just leave me standing here like a fool of course, lumian was well aware that mr. ks silence was intentional, and he was likely communing with a deity or uncovering hidden information. before long, the attendant returned, holding an oil painting about half a meter in height and nearly 70 centimeters in width. the painting depicted a dark forest, accentuating the turquoise grass illuminated by the sun. upon closer inspection, there was a white area on the grass that appeared to have been scratched, resembling a figure. mr. k finally spoke. it was discovered with the mystery prying glasses. apart from the mysterious and chaotic oil painting that can affect ones mind, there was also this artwork hanging on the wall. it was originally meant to be a portrait, but when we saw it, the person had disappeared from it. only the scenery remained. walked out of the painting? lumian felt a sense of alarm as he recalled madam magicians example. he chose not to share this information with mr. k, considering bouvard didnt seem to be well-informed. did something abnormal occur that caused the portrait to vanish? lumian inquired. mr. ks hooded head nodded slowly. perhaps it returned to life and left the painting. it could be the source of that beyonders anomaly. the aurora order appears to be quite knowledgeable lumian remarked sincerely, a strange power, a horrifying phenomenon. mr. k added in his raspy voice, we investigated fairly famous painters in trier and found that, aside from a few who had completely lost their minds or even died long ago, most seemed relatively normal. however, there were instances of abusing psychotropic substances and alcohol-based drinks. based on other information we acquired, we can confirm that its not that painters easily become heretics of that pathway and gain corresponding powers. instead, the bestowed of that pathway gain the ability to create art and naturally become painters. however, only a small number of them specialize in painting. the rest blend into society and create their own works without publicizing them. is the sequence name painter? lumian asked thoughtfully. this seemed to align with the power. god says yes, mr. k replied devoutly and zealously. lumian immediately lowered his head. what else does the lord instruct us? god has revealed that foreign visitors stay at the hostel. mr. k appeared satisfied with lumians attitude. foreign visitors? visitors from outside the barrier? lumians senses heightened as he became increasingly focused. however, mr. k didnt share further revelations. it appeared that this was all the divine guidance he had received. mr. ks raspy voice carried a hint of seriousness. our most crucial task now is to locate the hostel. without waiting for lumians response, he took two steps forward and continued, the number of evil god incidents we handle pales in comparison to those holding official positions. perhaps they have more information. its inconvenient for me to directly intervene in this matter, but you can attempt to gather information from them through other means. the aurora order seeks collaboration with the authorities, not necessarily to prevent the catastrophe but to thwart the ambitions of these evil gods. for this purpose, they are willing to humble themselves and cooperate with the authorities lumian silently mused and solemnly agreed. on the roof of apartment 17 on rue doyle in the market district, jenna, disguised to conceal her allure, met with imre and valentine. she cast a glance at the verdant trees lining the street below and began, ive got important information. valentines expression turned serious. what information? he had been worried that the assassin might inquire about the primary ingredient in the witch potion, but now his attention was fully on work. jenna spoke truthfully, ive received news that some individuals suspected of being followers of evil gods have gone to a place known as the hostel. she didnt mention the eerie silence of the evil gods followers. with the help of 007, this had become a consensus among triers official beyonders. jenna had already been given hints regarding what to focus on. hostel imre, who hailed from the southern continent, furrowed his brow slightly. such a reaction jenna keenly sensed their reaction and posed a question, do you know what hostel means? imre and valentine exchanged troubled glances. they didnt want celia bello to be fully informed, but if they kept her completely in the dark, she wouldnt be able to assist in gathering the necessary clues. she needed some information to know what they wanted her to pay attention to. after a brief pause, imre carefully composed his words and said, one of our colleagues once heard the term hostel from a peculiar creature. Chapter 450 - Chapter 450 Infiltrating Openly chapter 450 infiltrating openly they really know about the hostel jenna couldnt hide her curiosity and concern. what kind of peculiar creature was it? what did it say? imre glanced at valentine before responding, under normal circumstances, its an invisible creature. you can only confirm its existence through some traces and see if its lingering around you. valentine explained eagerly, from what i understand, it exists somewhere between the spirit world and reality. its untouchable and difficult to detect with spirit vision. its in a very peculiar state. i dont think thats all. according to the dossier, there are a few conceptual and abstract aspects about it. in short, you can only perceive it or sense its form through its reactionsif its willingor when it attacks you, imre corrected valentine. th-this is very similar to bouvards condition after his corpse was corrupted however, bouvards corpse wasnt that formidable. as long as the environment is dark enough, it can be seen. yes, according to ciel, other than beyonders of a few pathways who have reached a certain sequence, its indeed impossible to touch it directly and deal with it jenna made a connection and increasingly believed that the hostel valentine and company knew was equivalent to the one they knew, unless there were more than one of the same nature. imre, who had a habit of wearing skin-colored tape across the bridge of his nose, paused for a moment before continuing, if that peculiar creature hadnt attacked our colleague, it wouldnt have been discovered. we obtained several pieces of information from it. one of them mentioned the hostel. what did it say? jenna played along. perhaps this contained the future direction of their investigation! valentine furrowed his brow. it only said that it comes from the hosteltheir home in this world. jenna didnt use her instigation ability, but it was akin to instigation. is there any other information? otherwise, i wouldnt know how to help you gather information and who to watch out for. imre hesitated for a few seconds. the rest of what it said isnt suitable for you to know. yes, it calls itself a pixie. pixue an untouchable pixie the corresponding sequence name of the boons pathway? jenna nodded thoughtfully. after a brief silence, valentine said, our colleague encountered this peculiar creature in an artists studio. as for the painter, he was once treated for mental illness. he always claimed to travel with his spirit body every night and enter a strange space thats neither in reality nor in the spirit world. he fought invisible creatures, strange souls, and evil spirits that attempted to invade reality through that space to protect the peace of the entire street. such claims led to him being sent to the asylum for treatment for a period of time. subsequently, he was under prolonged medication. our colleagues confirmed that what he said might be true. it sounds like hes corrupted by an evil god but why would he wander about as a spirit body and guard the street? jenna didnt mention the term bestowed. imre smiled disinterestedly and replied, the power of an evil god isnt necessarily evil, but they often bring catastrophe or cause illusions and changes in the recipients personality. can you accept that youre no longer yourself? jenna wanted to habitually respond using silence, but she remembered that there were two purifiers opposite her, so she slowly shook her head. valentines tone remained anxious. were telling you this because we want you to pay more attention to painters, novelists, or those who have private hobbies of painting, reading, and telling stories. if you discover anyones abnormal behavior and language, report it to us immediately. by the way, some painters works also possess a certain amount of supernatural power. thats also one of the clues, imre added. jenna nodded solemnly. no problem. lumian, who had gathered a wealth of information from various sources, realized that although he and the others had a basic understanding of the hostel pathway, they lacked substantial progress in their investigation. they still didnt know the location of the hostel or the heretics plans. he had no choice but to turn his attention to general philips widow and the charity organization known as the dreamseekers. late at night, at 9 rue lviv, quartier 3, also known as the administrative district. it was a three-story beige building surrounded by a garden, lawn, stables, a fountain, and statues. i was hoping to find an opportunity to ask for your help. i could use the ritualistic dog skin to infiltrate this place and search, anthony reid, with his buzz cut, said, glancing at lumian beside him. lumian let out a chuckle. official beyonders cant afford to worry about such trivial matters in the current situation. as he spoke, he crossed the street towards the beige building with sculpted outer walls. the two of them circled to the side of the garden and watched as the two valets passed by together and turned to the front. lumian leaped up, pressing his hand against the white-painted iron fence. he stretched his body and leaped over, landing silently. anthony reid was a seasoned veteran who had been forged by the crucible of the battlefield and maintained a habit of exercising. although sequence 9 to 7 of the spectator pathway didnt significantly enhance his combat techniques, nor did his physique improve significantly, it didnt prevent him from easily vaulting the fence and entering the garden. lumian didnt bother concealing himself. holding a top hat, he left the garden with one hand in his pocket and approached the main building. occasionally, he paused, avoiding the gazes from inside the buildings windows and the maid who was eager to return to her room. before long, they arrived at the side door. the wolf-shaped dog guarding the area had already fallen asleep. anthony reid guessed that it was the doing of the two demonesses who had long concealed themselves and whose whereabouts were currently unknown. however, he felt that if that was the case, why act as if they were infiltrating? lumian seemed to sense the psychiatrists thoughts and smiled. the sedative we obtained from the bliss society is very effective. we have to use it sparingly. furthermore, the demoness sect had already purged the bliss society once, leaving only two key members and maip meyer, who was currently hiding in the market district. for the time being, no one was available to provide lumian, franca, and the others with supplies. of course, the demoness sect had definitely gained a lot. after franca passed the assessment, she should have a chance to obtain something from them. lumian walked past the unconscious dog, retrieved a wire, and expertly opened the side door of the building. at that moment, almost all the lights in the house had been extinguished, and the corridor was shrouded in darkness. with one hand in his pocket and the other clutching his top hat, lumian made his way upstairs to the master bedroom, openly treating it as though it was his own home. last time, he hid behind the scenes and instructed his partners to set traps. this time, hes using himself as bait to lure out potential problems? different choices and different acting methods for a conspirer? anthony reid followed lumian from behind, enlightened. lumian reached the third-floor master bedroom. along the way, he took a detour and climbed up from the second-floor balcony, avoiding the bodyguard at the staircase. gazing at the vermilion door, he chuckled and said, after general philip passed away, didnt his widow receive the protection of beyonders? the bodyguards they hire with their own money can only scare off ordinary thieves and bandits. there are beyonders, but beyonders working as bodyguards not only charge a high price, but they also have an attitude. they typically dont do night duty, anthony reid recounted his observations during this period. lets pay attention to our volume later. at a time like this, the benefits of being a sleepless will be revealed, lumian responded in a deep voice as he used the wire to open the master bedrooms door. sleepless was a sequence 9 of the evernight pathway, renowned for not needing much sleep while staying vigorous. anthony reid followed lumian into the room and closed the wooden door behind him. then, lumian donned a black top hat and lit the gas wall lamp on the wall. in the yellowish light, they saw a woman wrapped in a silk blanket lying on the bed. the woman stirred slowly, her wavy black hair framing a face that had seen four decades of life. though traces of age marked her features, her skin remained remarkably smooth. her amber eyes gradually blinked open, revealing a faint yellowish glow. they fixed on lumians transformed face, courtesy of the niese face, and the black top hat. just as she prepared to speak, a cold muzzle pressed against her crimson lips. relax. were here for a small fortune and a few answers. if you cooperate, you wont get hurt, lumian assured her with a smile. despite having her house broken into in the dead of night and held at gunpoint, general philips widow, annis, didnt dare to resist. she nodded quickly, signifying her willingness to comply. look me in the eye. i want to be sure youre telling the truth. anthony reid lit a cigarette and brought it to his lips. annis subconsciously met the gaze of the intruder, doing her best to convey her sincerity through her eyes. she couldnt help but notice the robbers unusually clear, dark brown eyes, as if they held the key to his soul. the cigarette between his lips burned with a fiery red glow. the red dot flickered after a while, anthony reid, who had used his actions, words, and demeanor to lull annis into a semi-hypnotic state, delved into the depths of her body of heart and mind. why did you donate so much of your wealth to the dreamseekers charity organization? anniss body of heart and mind replied without reservation, it was in philips will. if i didnt donate two-thirds of my assets to that charity, my child and i wouldnt inherit the remaining third. there is something suspicious about the dreamseekers, and perhaps even general philip too lumian found it difficult to believe the general to be that generous. noting that annis continued her life without any disruptions and seemed oblivious to any potential issues with general philip, anthony reid changed his line of questioning. was philip still a devoted follower of the eternal blazing sun? the psychiatrist believed that the generals daily routines in a marriage were hard to hide from annis, even when other problems remained concealed. anniss eyes grew distant as she replied, he hadnt prayed fervently in a long time, and his praises were quite perfunctory. i overheard him whisper in the corridor once, goddess bless.'' Chapter 451 - Chapter 451 Fates Prank chapter 451 fates prank goddess bless is he a believer in evernight or an evil goddess? from the looks of it, its likely an evil goddess lumian made a preliminary judgment as he listened to anniss answer. simultaneously, he sighed silently. no wonder people who believe in evil gods love to convert their parents, spouses, and children into one. otherwise, no matter how cautious they are, many details cant be hidden from their families who spend day and night with them anthony reid held the quietly burning cigarette in his hand and pondered for a few seconds before saying, how did philip die? the information he had gathered so far indicated that general philip had succumbed to a sudden ailment, but that was the public declaration. the actual situation remained unknown. anniss tone drifted as she replied, he had a heart attack in the middle of the night and couldnt make it to the hospital before he died. anthony reid asked calmly, wheres his body? it was purified, cremated, and sent to the family cemetery in quartier de lerato. what annis said was public information. lumian turned to anthony reid. ask her about the fate of his beyonder characteristics. he believed that philip was definitely a beyonder. after all, he had managed to rise up the ranks to general in the army, and he also came from an aristocratic familythe chances of him not being a beyonder were slim. after the psychiatrist finished his question, annis said in a daze, what are beyonder characteristics? anthony reid analyzed the mentality and knowledge of the individual and changed his question. where did the thing that emerged from philips body go? or did he have any special items on or around him? where did it go? annis recalled and said, when the servant arrived to carry him downstairs to take the carriage, he told me with difficulty that if he died, there was no need to be surprised by any strange changes in his body. i was to stow away the thing that appeared and leave them for the children. l-later, too many things happened during the funeral, and i was too sad. that thing disappeared and was never to be found never to be found lumian had long suspected that general philip was faking his death. now, he was more inclined to believe it. he even felt that the other partys beyonder characteristics hadnt truly emerged. the phenomenon annis saw and the thing she had put away were an illusion created by a corresponding ability or ritual, and they naturally vanished in time. anthony reid, who had discussed this matter with lumian and the others several times, clearly had similar thoughts. his voice was calm as he asked, what did it look like? anniss body of heart and mind replied in a voice, it was his fist. it turned skinless, and the joints were like black metal. they were very sharp, and they easily cut through the back of the chair the beyonder characteristic fused with a certain part of the body, transforming into the potions main ingredient lumian was experienced in this. anthony reid further inquired and confirmed that annis didnt have much information. she didnt even know the sequence of general philips original pathway. seeing this, lumian circled the master bedroom, and his gaze landed on a photo frame on the desk. on it was a photo of philips family, but color photography technology that had emerged in recent years wasnt used. in the family portrait, general philip wore a high-ranking military officers suit adorned with numerous medals. he wasnt too tall, and judging from the surrounding items for scale, he stood about 1.7 meters tall. his hair was thick and slightly curled, and his eyes were small, but they had the sharpness of an eagle staring at its prey. the beard around his mouth was neatly trimmed, and the tip was even coated with paraffin. the bridge of his nose was unique, as if it had been broken and hadnt healed, causing the middle section to bulge. lumian observed closely and memorized philips exact appearance and characteristics. if he had truly faked his death to escape his original fate, according to madam justice, this likely involved the loss of an old fate and the acquisition of a new one. it wouldnt alter his appearance. in other words, the current individual was likely a stranger who looked identical to general philip. lumian hoped to recognize him at a glance if he encountered him in the future. lets go, anthony reid concluded his telepathy and said to lumian in disappointment. lumian wasnt disheartened by the setback. he nodded gently and said, to that charity organization. the purpose of the charity organization, known as the dreamseekers, was to provide assistance to outstanding young men who had come to trier to pursue their dreams but had temporarily fallen into a predicament. to this end, even the staff employed such young men and provided them with free apartments. the apartments were located in a house rented by the dreamseekers. the lower two floors housed workplaces, and the upper two floors housed staff quarters. ossa, who controlled the charitable organization, also resided there, indicating that he was genuinely assisting the dreamseekers and not seizing the opportunity to amass wealth. after leaving rue lviv, lumian and the others hurried towards quartier 2, the arts and financial district. quartier 2 was very close to quartier 3, where they were currently located. before long, they arrived not far from rue saint-varro. the dreamseekers was located in building 11 there. as soon as they alighted from the carriage and before they could approach the street where their target was, lumian and anthony reid saw crimson flames rising in the dark night. fierce flames transformed a building into a colossal torch in the night. lumians eyes narrowed as he had a bad premonition. after exchanging glances with anthony reid, they sprinted towards rue saint-varro. thud! thud! thud! the two of them passed through an alley with a barricade and saw that the house that had turned into a fiery hell was building 11. it was the office and staff quarters of the dreamseekers! the crackling flames soared into the air, sealing off the four-story building and scorching it black. no one cried out for help or attempted to leap down from the windows. it was as silent as if everyone had died long ago. residents of the street woke up and fled in a hurry, others wanting to help the firefighters or watching the commotion from afar. anthony reid looked at the burning building and sighed. were too late lumian stared intently for a moment before slowly shaking his head. no. perhaps fate doesnt want us to gain anything. no matter how early we arrive, well see something similar. with so many evil god-blessed involved in the planning, investigations would inevitably encounter various forms of interference. some were direct, some indirect, some seemingly normal, some rather bizarre, and some seemingly failing to gain fates favor. lumian paused momentarily before continuing, at least this means were on the right path. anthony reid fell silent for a few seconds before saying, this indirectly proves general philips connection to an evil gods faith. my encounter with my comrades might stem from this as he spoke, his voice trailed off. dozens of meters away from the burning building, lumians face mirrored the fiery inferno as he gazed ahead, his voice steady. do you still want to pursue this? this situation is getting more perilous with each passing moment. its far more dangerous than the encounter with gunfire youve experienced before. up to this day, do you still wrestle with the fear from that night, the sounds of sudden gunshots? do you truly possess the courage and determination to press on? anthony reid lapsed into silence. the middle-aged man, battle-hardened and weathered, remained contemplative for an extended moment. before them loomed a house engulfed in raging crimson flames. masked firefighters in their red and blue uniforms, citizens in disarray, and chaos swirled around them. after an uncertain pause, the psychiatrist, his receding hairline and slightly plump face, spoke softly. perhaps i perished in that attack. what remains is an avenging spirit, relentless in its pursuit of truth and retribution. i can be vanquished, but i cant relinquish the pursuit. thats what i felt when you mentioned the existence of leads and hope. lumian offered a sly grin and turned toward anthony. welcome to the abyss of vengeance. returning to the market district, lumian wasted no time in composing a letter to madam magician, apprising her of the nights operation and its final outcome. he couldnt shake the feeling that the current situation had stretched beyond the capabilities of his team. regardless of the clues they unearthed, it seemed as though the threads of destiny conspired to sever them, leaving their investigations seemingly fated to failure. this uncertainty gave lumian pause, making him wary of delving deeper into the mystery, fearing that their actions might inadvertently endanger the slim glimmer of the less significant leads on your own. termiboros resides within youa heavy stone capable of stirring ripples in the river of fate. hes not easily swayed, unlike the hope they still clung to. before long, the doll messenger returned, bearing neatly folded papers. all fates intertwine to weave a grand drama. should you come across any future clues, share the vital ones with me. investigate the less significant leads on your own. termiboros resides within youa heavy stone capable of stirring ripples in the river of fate. hes not easily swayed, unlike the others. furthermore, we shall make other attempts. other attempts lumian sensed that the tarot club had undertaken numerous clandestine endeavors, yet like his own, these investigations had ultimately proved futile. considering the tarot clubs potency, lumian suspected that this case might be met with direct interference from angels or even evil gods. after reducing the letter to ashes, lumian reclined on his bed. as he prepared for sleep, he contemplated the direction his investigation should take. linked to the hostel, individuals engaged in painting, writing, and those with a penchant for reading tend to encounter trouble in the whirlwind of his thoughts, lumians mind settled on one person. gabriel, the playwright who had once taken up residence at auberge du coq dor. gabriel had relocated to rue saint-michel in quartier 2, a district teeming with painters and authors. it was an ideal hub for artistic exchanges. mr. k and the official organizations had only ruled out well-known painters and authors. countless aspiring talents who hadnt yet made a name for themselves flock to trier. the investigation of all these hopefuls within a short span seems an insurmountable task. moreover, many young dreamers pursuing artistic ambitions call this city home. the dreamseekers had even thrown their records to the flames lumian quickly reached a decision. at the break of dawn, he planned to visit gabriel, inquiring whether the playwright had encountered any obscure authors or painters who had yet to garner recognition, or if any unusual anecdotes had circulated among these artistic circles. Chapter 452 - Chapter 452 Manuscript chapter 452 manuscript at noon the following day, quartier 2, rue saint-michel. lumian quickly realized that it was only a short distance from rue saint-varro, where the dreamseekers charity organization was situated, just a block and a square away. as expected of the arts district lumian raised his brows, feeling that he was drawing closer to the truth and edging ever closer to the answers he sought. he glanced away from the sun obelisk standing proudly in the squares center and strolled along rue saint-michel, tracing the path that winded past the ancient and weathered buildings. he couldnt help but notice impoverished painters hunched over their sketchpads at the squares edge and along both sides of the street. musicians played their diverse tunes with guitars, violins, and flutes. every so often, white homing pigeons glided gracefully beside a fountain that sent water cascading in sync with the music. the warm autumn sun cast a poetic charm over the scene. having spent a considerable amount of time in the market district, often consumed by thoughts of revenge, engrossed in investigations, or participating in banquets, lumian had rarely immersed himself in the everyday life of triers core area. unfazed by the sunlight and the languid ambiance, donning a brown round hat, a light-blue shirt, and a casual brownish-yellow suit, he made his way into a bar named third-rate authors. here, most patrons sported well-worn attire, sipped affordable spirits, and engaged in animated discussions on various subjects. occasionally, when inspiration struck, theyd retrieve well-thumbed notebooks and jot down their thoughts with the fountain pens they carried. as lumian approached the bar counter, he couldnt help but overhear a lively discussion among some of the patrons regarding the latest art exhibition. that piece called cafe is incredibly controversial. some people laud it for its vibrant colors and audacious composition, seeing it as a silent protest delivered in an absurd form. others think its a deliberate attempt at abstract art, a ruse to dupe the publics intellect. i find it fascinating. the artists ideas are vividly depicted through those overlapping colors. just think about it. isnt that how many cafs are? noisy, bustling, with people from diverse backgrounds clashing and mingling like a chaotic blend im willing to call it a groundbreaking masterpiece of abstract art! are you talking about the kind of abstract art thats never been recognized or sold? lumian couldnt help but think, caf isnt this the painting mullen created using his buttocks? someone genuinely holds it in high regard? could it possibly become the most renowned and valuable work of his life? he pursed his lips, inwardly sighing. you trierians upon reaching the bar counter, lumian spent eight licks on a glass of absinthe and raised his voice. everyone, i have a question. if anyone can provide the answer, this glass is on me! as all eyes in the bar turned towards him, lumian spoke up: im looking for the playwright, gabriel. i need him to write a script. in rue saint-michel, nearly anyone one bumped into on the road could be an author or painter, let alone in a bar known for its literary discussions and artistic creativity. gabriel had frequent meetings with fellow writers and may even host private gatherings in his rented apartment. after all, lightseeker had seen successful screenings and was quite popular, which would bring him significant benefits. he hasnt shown up for a few days. he claims hes locking himself away to finish a story, a middle-aged man near the bar counter responded to lumians inquiry with a smile. hes probably swamped with scripts. would you consider other playwrights? there are several equally talented young folks around here. hasnt shown up for a few days lumian furrowed his brows momentarily before relaxing. how will i know if i dont give it a try? i come with plenty of sincerity. alright, the middle-aged man in the tattered formal coat murmured. i hope you wont be disappointed. he led lumian to 34 rue saint-michel and climbed the stairs up to the fifth floor, near the attic. the outer walls and stairs had a slightly outdated but still well-maintained appearance, and it was notably cleaner and more spacious compared to auberge du coq dor. this is where gabriel resides, the bearded middle-aged man informed lumian, rapping on the brown wooden door of room 503. a muffled sound echoed, but there was no response. perhaps hes out searching for food, or maybe hes completed his work and gone to see the theater manager who commissioned it, the middle-aged man suggested with a forced smile. would you like to return to the bar for another drink? im an experienced writer myself, though ive never ventured into script writing. my novels sell quite well in the underground market. what have you written? lumian asked, glancing at the firmly closed brown door, showing no signs of anxiety. the middle-aged man sighed and said, i wrote monk pursuing dog and its sequel, dog pursuing monk, but they werent published under my name. for one, it would lead to my arrest by spies, and secondly, my boss wouldnt permit it. a sequel? lumian hadnt visited an underground book market or a banned bookstore for some time. his last visit had been to purchase emperor roselles secret chronicles. as he looked at the somewhat forlorn and slightly greasy middle-aged man, his perspective shifted. he could be considered one of his initiates into the adult world! it came out last month, the middle-aged man replied, nodding gently. these two novels have made my boss a fortune, but i didnt even get a tenth of that, no, not even a hundredth! boss? lumian inquired, recalling that bard, a key member of april fools, had once authored emperor roselles secret chronicles. he saw this as an opportunity to gain insight into the workings of this profession and prepare for future tracking. the middle-aged man sighed again. we dont have authorship rights, just writing tools for the boss. he pays us a fixed but tiny salary for our manuscripts, specifies the direction and requirements for our writing, and then sells them through his own channels. on rue saint-michel, there are many third-rate authors like me who dont even have pen names. were like assembly line workers. lumian, showing respect, asked, may i know your name? the middle-aged man replied, rabe. his eyes were filled with hope as he gazed at lumian. lumian probed further into the world of underground literature, gaining insight, and ultimately said, if my attempt to reach an agreement with gabriel falls through, ill consider offering you an opportunity. rabes joy was palpable as he responded, as long as the boss doesnt assign me any new missions, youll find me here at third-rate authors every day! watching the underground author, an initiate for many intis youths, descend the stairs, lumian took a wire from his pocket and unlocked gabriels door. compared to the playwrights room at auberge du coq dor, this space was considerably more expansive, encompassing a bathroom and a small bedroom. beyond that, it served as a living area, study, dining room, and kitchen. a coal stove for cooking was neatly arranged in a corner. lumian quickly surveyed the room and noticed a jumbled stack of papers that resembled manuscripts on the desk by the window. he shut the wooden door behind him and proceeded towards the desk. its gabriels handwriting. rabe was telling the truth. this is definitely gabriels residence lumian mused as he held the stack of papers and began to peruse them. moving into the bedroom, he spotted a pair of black dungarees casually draped over the bed. the sight confirmed his earlier suspicionhe was in the right place. this was a pair of pants gabriel had frequently worn in the past. however, the playwright himself was conspicuously absent. recalling rabes statement that gabriel hadnt been seen for several days, lumians caution escalated. he meticulously examined every item in the room, much like a hunter tracking the movements of his prey. after a few minutes, lumian picked up a white-glazed porcelain cup with a single handle from the desk. he noticed that about a third of it still held cold water, with dust floating on the surface, too subtle for ordinary eyes to discern clearly. at least a day. lumians heart tightened with concern. what could have happened to gabriel? was it possible that his prominence had attracted the attention of government spies seeking a conversation? or perhaps he had unwittingly become the target of money-seeking kidnappers? setting the porcelain cup down beside the manuscript, lumian meticulously combed the room, searching for any clues or signs of interest. his search yielded nothing of note. returning to the desk, he picked up the stack of manuscripts, eager to delve into gabriels work before his unexplained absence. the script told the tale of a struggling author who crossed paths with a woman coerced into joining a criminal organization. together, they found solace in their shared despair, pain, torment, and the harshness of daily life. they offered each other encouragement and warmth, ultimately leading to the authors recognition by the newspapers editor-in-chief and a steady income. his reputation steadily grew, while the woman, still trapped in her circumstances, chose to vanish. before the story could conclude, it ended with a passage about the lovers disappearance and the authors introspective musings: shes here; my beloved has arrived from the night. shes left; my beloved walked towards the distant hostel the mention of the word hostel made lumians forehead twitch. though it was an ordinary word in a script, it stood out to him due to his daily contemplations and associations, sparking connections in his mind. his gaze suddenly shifted from the manuscript to the desk. at some point, the white-glazed porcelain cup with a single handle, which he had moved to the manuscript, had somehow returned to its original place! lumians eyes narrowed, and the muscles under his clothing tensed. as a hunter, he had an unwavering memory for any alterations he made in his surroundingsit was a fundamental part of him! a creature that is challenging to detect with the naked eye and can only be confirmed by certain traces. lumian silently recollected the information jenna had relayed from the authorities. suddenly, he reached into his pocket and retrieved a pair of glasses. they were brown gold-rimmed glassesmystery prying glasses! Chapter 453 - Chapter 453 Missing Author chapter 453 missing author lumian carefully positioned the mystery prying glasses on the bridge of his nose, and immediately, the room seemed to whirl, and the ground beneath him trembled. suppressing his nausea and dizziness, he observed the scene before him fragment and overlap, creating a surreal and captivating tableau. the bed pressed against the desk, which seemed to lean against the ceiling. behind the ceiling appeared to be a tap, as if it were installed within a wardrobe. these scenes were like translucent canvases superimposed on each other, reflecting themselves in lumians vision. a pale-white face materialized beside the wardrobe. the face had disheveled brown hair, naturally parted. dark-brown eyes glistened beneath black-framed glasses. it was gabriel, looking cleaned up and as though he hadnt burned the midnight oil in a while. the playwright gazed at lumian with a vacant, distorted, yet strangely genuine smile. his right hand reached out from the void, waving gently before his face shrank into the depths of the translucent layers, vanishing completely. lumian quickly surveyed the room, but gabriel hadnt reappeared. he promptly removed the mystery prying glasses, replacing them with the eye of truth on his left side. this mystical item, composed of pale-white flesh and dark blood vessels, covered the corresponding ear, allowing lumian to hear rapid voices from the distant horizon. the intertwined purple blood vessels formed a lens that adhered to his eye, revealing faint blood, layers of colors, and the room with a third of it blending into the surroundings. an invisible curtain resembling mullioned glass was also discernible. the latter two phenomena rapidly dissipated or gradually returned to normal. before the whispers could become more distinct, lumian removed the eye of truth and massaged his throbbing forehead. based on the combined information from both mystical items, he deduced that gabriel had been corrupted by hostel, becoming a presence that couldnt be perceived or touched in the conventional sense. however, the playwright retained a certain degree of rationality. he recognized lumian and even happily bid him farewell. returning the white porcelain cup with a single handle to its original position seemed to serve as a greeting, an attempt to capture lumians attention. lumian frowned slightly. why does gabriel seem to accept his transformation into a monster and was even pleased. when had he come into contact with hostel? his gaze shifted to the manuscript on the desk. the story in the unfinished script felt eerily familiar. lumian picked up the manuscript and read it meticulously, at a slower pace than before. after perusing the first section, he confirmed that the protagonist of the script was gabriel himself. the characters personality, the details of his life, the cold treatment he endured, and the demand to produce vulgar works all aligned seamlessly. regarding the female lead, who immersed herself in the underworld and persistently encouraged the male leads creations, lumian couldnt help but feel that if it werent for the difference in gender, he could be the one with such a background. however, the female leads personality, her way of speaking, and her encouraging words were entirely distinct from his own. even in the scenes involving the mobs, lumian could discern traces of charlie. in essence, the female leads identity, background, and experiences in the mob appeared to be a blend of charlies and my situation. it was however someone else who interacted with the male lead. gabriel had previously mentioned that only me and the human model sraphine encouraged him at auberge du coq dor. charlie merely drank with him without mocking him or teasing him. a human model thats right! the human model for a painter. sraphine spent a night with gabriel before moving out. lumian rapidly connected the dots, sensing that the root of the problem might lie with sraphine, the human model! this woman had once accompanied a painter to a small seaside town as a model. after an extended absence, she returned to auberge du coq dor. painter! could gabriel have been corrupted on that night when sraphine returned? was it possible that sraphine had moved to the hostel? lumian meticulously perused the script, leaving no word unread. since this was a story born from gabriels own experiences, it undoubtedly contained numerous factual details and genuine emotionsinvaluable clues! as lumian continued to read the script, bathed in the sunlight filtering through the oriel window, he sensed the concealed love that resided within gabriels heart. he could feel the ache of remorse, reluctance, and the yearning for a relationship that gabriel believed he could easily discard when he moved to a better neighborhood to start anew. in the end, he found himself unable to forget it. the protagonist, increasingly aware of his hearts true desires and feelings, ceased to evade them and actively embarked on a quest to uncover traces of his beloved. he sought out people who were acquainted with her, visited motels and hotels that occasionally haunted his dreams, and explored galleries in search of new artworks based on his lover yet, his endeavors proved futile, leading him to compose the inner monologue. it ended here abruptly i cant tell if he found sraphine lumian placed the manuscript down in disappointment and decided to check the drawer for any drafts, outlines, or notebooks that might contain further information or inspiration. regrettably, the contents of the drawer only covered the first half of the script. by the time gabriel had reached the second half, he appeared to have delved deeply into his emotions and penned his inner monologue in a single burst. lumian looked at the papers before him, pondering the situation. from the script and the other items in the room, its apparent gabriel hadnt managed to locate sraphine in other words, he hadnt actually come into contact with the hostel furthermore, neither the script nor rabes description suggests that gabriel exhibited any signs of corruption or boons until he ceased writing. while he was undoubtedly suffering from the loss of his lover, this was a typical emotional response so, why had this person suddenly transformed into an untouchable, unseen monster? just knowing about the hostel shouldnt lead to such a situation apart from me being special, franca and jenna know about the hostel. anthony reid, theresa, the demoness sect member in trier, mr. k of the aurora order, and a large number of purifiers of the eternal blazing sun church all know about it. there are ordinary people and beyonders among them, but none of them are in trouble beatrice of the bliss society knows the location of the hostel and aims to retrieve a painting, which was the reason franca and i made a mistake. bouvard of the sinners prophesied a catastrophe associated with the hostel, leading to his corruption into a peculiar corpse. the dreamseekers charity organization likely sponsored heretics connected to the hostel, such as painters and authors, and they were destroyed at the slightest hint of exposure. what was the reason for gabriel? could he have recently encountered something that deepened his understanding of the hostel, or perhaps he had found traces of sraphine? lumian made a preliminary guess and conducted a thorough search of gabriels rented apartment with a clear objective in mind. nothing. he then left 34 rue saint-michel and made his way back to the third-rate author bar, where he seated himself next to rabe, who was engrossed in his drink. a glass of la fe verte, lumian ordered as he tapped the bar counter. then, he turned to rabe and inquired, do you have any idea where gabriel has been over the past few days? rabe pointed to a small round table near the window and replied, youll have to ask them. as an underprivileged author working as a ghostwriter without a pen name, rabe considered himself fortunate to know a rising star like gabriel and attend his private gatherings. he had to work regularly every day to fulfill the missions assigned by his boss, preventing him from participating in their activities. guided by rabe, lumian approached the small round table and was taken aback upon seeing the four individuals seated there. werent these the same individuals who had discussed painter mullens art spoof art, caf? in response to lumians inquiry, the leader of the group responded with a puzzled expression, we last saw gabriel two days ago. we all went to the trier art center together to attend an art exhibition. art exhibition lumians eyebrows twitched. trocadro town. franca, dressed in a white jacket, followed browns sauron, who wore a black coat, as they navigated through the manor adorned with grapevines. with curiosity evident on her face, franca, who had been invited, couldnt help but ask, where are you taking me? browns cast a brief glance in her direction. im taking you to meet my teacher. youve successfully passed the assessment and are now an official member of our sect. browns saurons teacher a high-ranking demoness? could this person be the leader of the demoness sect in trier? francas thoughts raced as she smiled and inquired, does this mean i can enjoy the membership perks? the term perks was coined by emperor roselle and had gained recognition in intis. browns maintained a bit of distance from franca as she questioned, what would you like in exchange? without hesitation, franca responded, the potion formula for affliction. affliction was the name of the assassin pathways sequence 5, often referred to as the demoness of affliction. browns let out a scoff. quite bold to make such a request. do you believe you have accrued enough contribution points to ask for the potion formula for affliction? she paused for a moment before adding, of course, if you can assist the sect in achieving something, this can be your perk. franca, who had initially held limited hope and was merely testing the waters, glanced at browns. and whats that something? seizing the opportunity, browns explained, weve received information that the iron and blood cross order discreetly smuggled an item into trier through an underground tunnel several months ago. if you can uncover what it is and identify its possessor, youll be entitled to the affliction potion formula. a few months ago the underground tunnel secret delivery into trier franca suddenly recalled rat christos loss of his biological brother. in an effort to aid the savoie mobs smuggling leader in recovering his brother and the transported goods, she and lumian had been drawn into a strange mirror world, where they narrowly escaped. during their adventure, franca had acquired a classic sterling silver mirror. Chapter 454 - Chapter 454 Hidden Honorific Name chapter 454 hidden honorific name franca had long harbored the desire to uncover the nature of the item that gardner martin had smuggled into trier through rat christo. however, in the months that had passed, gardner martin had acted as if the incident had never occurred, and nothing of note had appeared around him. from the looks of it, the demoness sect attaches significant importance to that item thats right. given that this item had triggered the strange mirror world, it is highly likely that it was linked to the powers of the assassin and hunter pathways franca took a moment to consider and then admitted, i know what youre referring to she explained to browns sauron in the same manner they had explained the situation to rat christo in the past. in essence, she shared everything except the fact that she and lumian had been drawn into a mirror world. instead, they relied on lumians unique ability to escape and how she obtained a classic silver mirror that led them to the mirror world. according to the rat, his brother and many of his subordinates turned into monsters, including the reversal of their left and right hands. this attracted the purifiers attention were eliminated. franca deliberately elaborated, probing browns sauron gauge her reaction to the appearance of the mirror people. browns displayed a slight furrow of her brow. how did the official beyonders become aware that something was amiss? she seems to know about the mirror people and their specific traits franca looked away and shook her head. for that question, youd need to approach a purifier, not me. without further discussion, browns led franca to a circular pavilion enclosed by grapevines and various vines. seated in the circular pavilion was a woman donned in a black court dress. her bright dark gray eyes held a touch of sadness, and her neatly tied black hair featured a few loose strands, which cascaded naturally and added a hint of allure to her otherwise composed countenance. upon catching sight of the womans slightly curved red lips, graceful jawline, and soft facial features, franca was initially struck by the overwhelming beauty that met her gaze. however, her astonishment was quickly overshadowed by an unexplainable sense of sympathy. although she was taken aback and touched by a sense of heartache, it took nearly ten seconds for franca to remember encountering this woman before. she had seen her during her and lumians surveillance of the fake theresa, beatrice incourt, at the concert. as the most beautiful woman in attendance, she had been invited on stage to take a photograph with the orchestra as a keepsake. is she brownss teacher, a high-ranking demoness? its no surprise; having a high-ranking demoness overseeing the operation and ensuring its success franca was momentarily surprised but soon realized that this situation was in line with what she had anticipated. what she hadnt expected was that this woman had openly followed them and even participated in a photograph on stage. browns sauron introduced her teacher, saying, this is my teacher, demoness of black clarice. demoness of black according to madam judgment, demonesses with a color in their title are considered exceptional even among the demigods of the demoness sect. some are even suspected of being angels. franca placed her hand over her chest and offered a slight bow. in a polite and gentlemanly manner, she said, its a pleasure to make your acquaintance, demoness of black. franca avoided complimenting the womans appearance. she understood that most demonesses in the demoness sect took pride in their beauty while simultaneously harboring inner conflict regarding it. compliments from outsiders were typically accepted with grace, potentially leading to some embarrassment. however, if franca, who knew their true gender, were to offer such compliments, it might be perceived as provocation or mockery. demoness of black clarice nodded slightly and said, every member needs to believe in the primordial one. you should have known about this more than a month ago. its time to officially pray to her. franca was not surprised at all. secret organizations that worshiped evil deities typically required new members to open themselves to their deity, thus gaining a measure of control and filtering out most insecurities. lately, when visiting browns, franca had followed madam judgments instructions, conducting a preliminary ritual that sought the protection of an angel from mr. fool. we are all the children of the primordial one, franca responded devoutly and respectfully, adhering to brownss guidance during this period. clarices expression grew solemn, and her eyes were filled with admiration. recite the honorific name of the primordial one with me in hermes. the source of all catastrophes, the symbol of destruction and the apocalypse, the demoness who controls chaos although the demoness of black spoke in intisian, the surroundings darkened significantly. the grapevines writhed gently, as though transforming into venomous snakes. franca remained composed and repeated the three-lined honorific name in hermes. suddenly, she saw grapevines extending towards her. they grew thicker and thicker, completely enveloping the circular pavilion. one of the python-like vines extended toward franca, and a dark-blue vertical eye opened at its tip. it reflected francas figure. the figure rapidly distorted, transforming into a man with a bloodied face. the man had short flaxen-colored hair, slightly thick brown eyebrows, and lake-blue eyes. his lips were thin, and his appearance was ordinary. franca was taken aback. this face was familiar to her. it was the face she saw in the mirror every day before consuming the witch potion. this was her past self, franco roland! in the deep-blue vertical eye, franco rolands expression turned ferocious. his eyes held a tangible hatred, and his face was filled with a viciousness that could cause nightmares. francas body stiffened, as if she had turned into a statue made of rock. after staring at her for a few seconds, the vine with the blue vertical eye retracted into the canopy of grapevines, its eyes reflecting its unhappiness. franca finally felt her body. she blinked and saw that everything around the circular pavilion was normal. sunlight pierced through the gaps between the vines and shone here. there were no python-like vines, nor were there any blue vertical eyes. it was as if the bizarre and nightmarish encounter had never happened. all of it appeared to be a fleeting, surreal vision. she lowered her head and completed her prayer. as franca continued her rituals, she couldnt shake the eerie experience from her mind. the connection between the primordial demoness and the underground mirror world was undeniable. she had encountered her past self, franco roland, in the mirror world as well. this time, it wasnt franca reflected in the blue vertical eye either. it was francas former appearancefranco roland! demoness mirror magic and mysticisms mirror world seem to hold many secrets. what madam judgment told me isnt everything with this realization, franca raised her head and opened her eyes to look at the demoness of black clarice and browns sauron beside her. clarice, with a black veiled hat on her head, nodded. now, youre a child of the primordial one. thank you for your guidance. franca smiled and inquired, i thought the honorific name for the primordial one would include a description akin to the ruler of the mirror world. im surprised its not part of it? the demoness of black, clarice, replied in a cold, indifferent, yet pitiful tone, this isnt the complete honorific name of the primordial one. there are two more lines you cant know right now. the primordial demoness has two hidden lines for her honorific name? franca suddenly felt that this detail revealed something, but she was uncertain about its significance. clarice continued, every new member receives a primordial one statue. it possesses anti-divination and early warning abilities, and it can assist you in performing rituals. you must pray to it every day. while speaking, she produced a bone statue, the palm-sized statue vaguely resembling a beautiful woman with hair that reached her ankles. each strand of hair was intricately carved with distinct, snake-like eyes, some open and others tightly shut, densely packed and unsettling. praying every day franca hesitated, deciding to be patronizing on this matter. after franca stowed away the primordial demoness statue, clarices brow furrowed imperceptibly. keep a close watch on the iron and blood cross order, especially gardner martin. if they make any unusual moves, contact browns immediately. if the situation becomes critical, retrieve the primordial one statue, set up the altar, and perform the designated ritual. after completion, place the prepared letter into the mirror on the altar. keep a close watch unusual moves franca extracted the key points from the demoness of blacks instructions. she sensed an impending catastrophe and couldnt help but grow anxious. does the demoness sect believe that the iron and blood cross order is on the brink of launching a major operation? in quartier 2, outside the trier arts center, lumian stood on the steps, contemplating the authors responses that flashed through his mind. gabriel has been enjoying art exhibitions and galleries for the past month or so. he doesnt pay much attention to each painting. its as if hes searching for the one his soul has been waiting for. theres nothing unusual about him. he didnt fixate on any other visitors at the exhibition. the information revealed by these answers left lumian puzzled about his next steps. nonetheless, he had decided to visit the trier art center to explore the art exhibition titled future impressions. it was scheduled to end in another two days. before arriving, lumian had secured a hotel and a room for setting up a ritual. he summoned a messenger and informed madam magician about gabriels encounter and the direction of his investigation. initially, he had planned to relay the message from the bars washroom, but he recalled that the doll messenger had severe mysophobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. consequently, he opted to spend a bit of money to find a clean and suitable place. as he gazed at the colorful art center with its sun-like roof, lumian took a slow breath and presented his ticket to enter the building. future impressions wasnt a large art exhibition, occupying only three exhibition halls. lumian strolled through, admiring the artworks displayed on the walls. suddenly, he spotted a familiar figure. Chapter 455 - Chapter 455 Two Children chapter 455 two children the figure he saw was a boy of about seven or eight, dressed like a young gentleman with yellow hair, brown eyes, and chubby cheeks. he had an honest and innocent aura, and lumian immediately recognized him as baron brignaiss godson, the peculiar boy, ludwig. ludwig stood in front of a wall painting adorned with doughnuts, his young eyes fixated on the artwork. sensing someone watching him, he turned around and spotted lumian. lumian smiled and playfully teased, running away from home again? ludwig, this time with more composure, replied, no. i told my godfather that learning cant be limited to textbook knowledge. its equally important to read more, hear more, and interact with other things. lumian inquired, and he brought you here to see the art exhibition? however, he couldnt spot baron brignais in the vicinity. he noticed that ludwigs intelligence and knowledge seemed to have improved a bit, allowing him to come up with an excuse he had used before. it appeared that learning was having a positive impact on him! ludwig nodded and added, yes. its important for a child to cultivate an appreciation for art from a young age. lumian clicked his tongue and continued, so, no textbooks, homework, or exams today? ludwig responded, a joyful smile unknowingly plastered across his face, its incidental. internally, lumian noted, theres been some growth, but not much at that moment, baron brignais, donning a silk top hat and a black suit, approached from the other side of the exhibition hall. lumian couldnt help but make a mocking remark, arent you worried hell get lost? as a conspirer, lumian picked up on something unusual about this situation. given brignaiss past anxiety when ludwig ran away, he shouldnt have left the child alone in the exhibition hall! brignais smiled and said, ludwig has been doing well recently and hasnt tried to run away from home. he was engrossed in admiring the paintings, so i didnt want to disrupt him when i went to the washroom. sounds like something an irresponsible parent would do, but baron, you werent like this before. i suspect you did it on purpose you deliberately left ludwig alone in the exhibition hall to see what this strange child would do? heh heh, you dont have to worry about him. you have to worry about the surrounding visitors. if this guy gets hungry and you dont provide food in time, im afraid someone will be eaten, lumian criticized as he made a guess. he sensed that baron brignais had an ulterior motive for arranging this visit to the exhibition. it was akin to leading an experienced hound to a specific occasion, releasing its ropes to see if it would track down certain prey. after answering lumians question, baron brignais, clutching his bulging briefcase, looked at ludwig. when you get back, write an essay regarding the art exhibition, detailing your feelings and the work that left the deepest impression. ludwigs expression crumbled. lumian was not surprised. he had plenty of experience being thrown into such a situation. instead of conversing with baron brignais and ludwig, he chose to continue his observation of the paintings. his attention fixated on the presence of any motel-like structures within the corresponding pieces, the existence of a human model resembling sraphine, and the potential impact on the visitors perceptions and their surroundings. regrettably, lumians exploration of the three small exhibition halls yielded no significant findings. instead, mullens caf drawing, which he had created with his buttocks, drew the attention of numerous tourists, sparking both admiration and criticism. standing in the final exhibition hall, lumian contemplated his next move. retrieving his brown, gold-rimmed glasses, he decided to give them a try. since his unaided vision and spirit vision revealed no discernible issues, he opted to test the mystery prying glasses from the same pathway! carefully positioning the glasses on his nose bridge, lumian braced himself as the world around him seemed to spin and whirl. his focus remained on the scenes unfolding within his vision. each painting took on a life of its own, breaking free from the confines of the walls. some of the paintings seemed to regard lumian with a chilling, penetrating gaze. initially taken aback, lumian feared that something extraordinary was afoot with all the portraits, potentially placing him in a dire situation. however, he soon realized that he wasnt under attack. the figures within the portraits merely stared at him with silent and cold intensity. it was as if they had attained a degree of consciousness and a sense of being, yet they hadnt fully emerged from their canvas confines to walk among the living. a revelation dawned upon lumian. through the lens of the mystery prying glasses, he was witnessing another reality. perhaps, in some parallel aspect of the world, each painting held a semblance of reality. however, they remained two-dimensional, flat, and lacking in depth, incapable of significantly impacting the human realm or the spirit world. there might be exceptions, moments where extended contemplation of certain works induced feelings of delirium or anxiety. it occurred to lumian that painters could potentially amplify the limited, flat nature of these objects, opening a pathway to the realm of the real. in essence, the characters within ordinary paintings might possess an incomplete, condensed, and spiritually deficient existence in this two-dimensional, flat world. with the aid of the mystery prying glasses, they were unveiled in their true form. likewise, lumians perception unveiled deeper truthsthe artists most profound creative intentions. one painting depicted the future of trier, a divided realm. on the surface, men and women reveled in lavish banquets, adorned in opulent attire. beneath the surface, ragged individuals dwelled in dark tunnels, subsisting on earthworms, rats, and moss. yet, through the mystery prying glasses, lumian glimpsed fat, glutinous pigs with oil oozing from their mouths on the surface. below, grotesque, contorted visages and decaying hands reached upwards. this was the true message the artist sought to convey. in the next instant, lumian spotted baron brignais and his godson ludwig. the former appeared unremarkable when viewed through the mystery prying glasses, but there was a faint, brassy aura emanating from his form. as for the latter, something chilling unfolded as he abruptly turned his head, seemingly locking eyes with lumian across two exhibition halls. ludwigs chubby face took on an unsettling transformation; his skin seemed to writhe, as if it were on the verge of shedding, and something from beneath the surface attempted to burrow out. lumians heart tightened, and he instinctively removed the mystery prying glasses, instantly restoring the scene to its normal state. theres indeed something amiss with ludwig thankfully, i reacted quickly. otherwise, i might have seen something i shouldnt have lumians head spun, and his feet felt like they were stepping on cotton. he had always sensed that ludwig was far from ordinary, but this encounter had sent his danger instincts into overdrive. the true nature of the innocent-seeming human skin concealing the boy beneath remained an ominous mystery. ugh lumian had worn the mystery prying glasses for an extended period this time, and his discomfort was overwhelming. despite the diminishing dizziness, he felt profoundly nauseous, with a painful ache in his stomach, a pressing need to vomit and tend to other bodily functions. even a conspirers constitution couldnt withstand this. taking a deep breath, lumian made his way to the washroom adjacent to the three exhibition halls. it was situated at the end of a long corridor adorned with statues and paintings, perfectly in line with the trier arts centers ambiance. once inside the washroom, lumian attended to his urgent needs, and after washing his face with cold water, he gradually regained his composure, with the discomfort dissipating. exiting the washroom, lumians gaze naturally drifted toward the opposite wall, where a series of paintings were on display. one particular painting drew his attention, a macabre and enigmatic piece that gripped his senses. it was an oil painting set against a vividly layered background, with a focal point on a naked woman. her face remained blurred, as if the painter had intentionally left it blank. on her body, distinct faces emerged, each bearing a different emotionanger, hatred, malice, joy. some of these faces resembled those of cats, others of dogs, and some appeared to exist solely in the realm of fantasy. what united them was their eerie, translucent yet lifelike quality. as lumian stared at this unsettling painting, a thought dawned on him. during gabriels visit to the art exhibition, he had seemed perfectly normal, at least as per the accounts of the authors. but they couldnt have monitored his every move, especially during mundane activities like visiting the washroom! avenue du march, thatre de lancienne cage pigeons. jenna had just stepped out when she spotted a familiar figure standing beneath a gas street lamp on the opposite side of the road. it was a young boy, dressed in a white shirt, silver vest, black coat, and a mercury bow tie, his light-yellow hair neatly combed. the child who brought me good luck last time that formidable beyonder! jenna exclaimed inwardly, taken aback. she instinctively crossed the street and approached the boy. with a slight bow, she greeted him with a smile, were you waiting for me? the boy glanced at her and muttered, i wasnt waiting for you. you were waiting for me. you met me earlier than any other choice. whats the matter this time? are you offering me good luck for the impending catastrophe and getting me to discover something? jennas thoughts raced as she casually asked, didnt you say that this direction was a little dangerous last time? why are you here this time? the boys response was measured and earnest, that day was that day, and today is today. just because it was a little dangerous that day doesnt mean its dangerous today. alright jenna probed with a probing smile. do you need my help to buy you an ice-cream? the boy, however, responded with a long, almost adult-like sigh. its something else; ill pay you. pay? giving me good luck? jenna had a vague idea, but she didnt inquire about the reward. she decided to cut to the chase, asking, whats the favor? the boy reached into his pocket and retrieved a gleaming golden coin, sidestepping her question. this will be your rewarda lucky gold coin. Chapter 456 - Chapter 456 The Charlatans Instructions chapter 456 the charlatans instructions perplexed, she inquired, this isnt verl dor? the boy chuckled and explained, this is a gold pound, more valuable than louis dor. youre not from intis? jenna was taken aback, but she didnt think there was a problem. the boys appearance did differ somewhat from the locals. im loenese, the boy with neatly combed, light-yellow hair replied honestly. jenna chose not to dig deeper, understanding that whether the coin was a gold pound or louis dor didnt affect its practical worth. based on their previous encounter, she trusted the boys ability to bring good luck. she looked at him, awaiting his next words. the boy returned the lucky gold coin to his pocket, showing no intention of prepayment. instead, he pointed at the ground and said, at ten tonight, enter underground trier from the entrance here. proceed as far as you can, following any available path, until you reach an underground river. find a hiding spot nearby and wait for the first person to pass by. take all their belongings. before completing this matter, you cant tell anyone what you want to do or where you plan to go. go underground purely based on intuition and rely on luck to find prey? jenna found the boys instructions rather reminiscent of ciels charlatan temperament. as for how to acquire the persons belongings, there seemed to be only one solution: through combat; she was to subdue the other party! jenna knew the boy was likely a formidable beyonder aligned with her cause, and without hesitation, she agreed, got it. the boy smiled. when you obtain those items and hand them over to me, ill pay you the lucky gold coin as a reward. how should i address you? and where should i find you when the time comes? jenna, aware that he wasnt an ordinary boy, couldnt help but speak in a respectful tone. the boy mumbled, you can call me will. talking to me like that makes me sound like an adult. im just in elementary school! when the time comes, youll naturally encounter me. is he one of those born beyonders mentioned at the mysticism gatherings? hes indeed young, but his abilities are outstanding? jenna made a connection and followed his instructions. she replied with a smile, alright, will. will waved her off and said, you may leave. but im planning to have lunch at the caf diagonally behind you jenna muttered and changed direction to head back to rue des blouses blanches for food. however, after walking for more than ten meters, her curiosity got the best of her, and she turned to glance at the iron-black gas street lamp pole. the strange boy, will, had vanished from his spot. jenna took a closer look and realized that he had entered the nearby caf and was now seated at a booth by the window, where an attendant had just brought him a cup with three scoops of ice cream. hes truly just a child jenna mused, her curiosity satisfied as she continued on her way. in the financial district, within the trier arts center, lumian took out the brown mystery prying glasses once again after having surmised something. with no hesitation or fear, he donned the mystical item. the exhibition hall had been his main focus, with the washroom separated by a long corridor. amidst the familiar dizziness, the oil painting in front of lumian underwent a peculiar transformation. the faces adorning the naked womans body turned to look at him. simultaneously, lumian sensed the presence of a creature on the rooftop, where the overlapping sky was, staring at him from a distance. it appeared to be trying to navigate the obstacles and approach him rapidly. as the blurry face of the woman in the oil painting gradually clarified, her true identity became apparent: brown eyes darting, brown hair cascading, a plump, smooth-skinned face, and an air of detachment lumian recognized her. she was none other than miss sraphine, the former tenant of auberge du coq dor, the human model, and the lover playwright gabriel had been searching for! as sraphines face became clearer, lumians surroundings darkened, as if faces were on the verge of emerging from the painting or the void. quickly, he removed the mystery prying glasses from his nose bridge, and all the anomalies vanished in an instant, leaving only the sensation of raised hair on his skin. as expected, the human model for this oil painting is sraphine although gabriel is an ordinary person and doesnt possess the mystery prying glasses, he once slept with sraphine and knows her physical characteristics. that must have been how he noticed traces of his lover when he entered and exited the washroom could it be that sraphine possesses multiple faces on her body, appearing both painted and alive, just like this oil painting? wasnt gabriel afraid back then? after discovering the oil painting with sraphine as the model here, he encountered that normally difficult-to-see creature when he returned? the timing matches upthe water glass on his desk was more than a day old, and he visited the art exhibition two days ago something must have transpired late at night. after being attacked and possibly corrupted, why did he remain in the apartment until my visit? as lumians thoughts raced, he turned his attention to the oil paintings signatureclaude pierre august. the painter was not widely recognized; otherwise, his artwork would not have been hung along the corridor to the washroom. furthermore, his work was perhaps added for the future impressions exhibition. likewise, he believed that since something had happened to gabriel, pierre might have gone missing. he had even gone to the hostel when sraphine moved out of auberge du coq dor. regardless, i should inform madam magician. what if there are any clues left behind? otherwise, they wouldnt have dealt with an ordinary person like gabriel. lumian had no intention of pursuing claude pierre august himself. this was because it would take a lot of time to gather information about the other party through various channels. and with the targets name and identity, an astromancy master like madam magician should be able to quickly lock onto the painters residence. in addition, gabriel had been attacked late at night after learning about claude, the painter. lumians current information was only a fraction of his own. lumian gazed at the oil painting, his lips curling into a smile. will i be attacked? im looking forward to it. around 9 p.m., at 3 rue des blouses blanches, apartment 601, franca, recalling the demoness sects mission, suspected the iron and blood cross order would soon make a significant move, and her plan was to visit gardner martin while digesting the pleasure potion along the way. rather than her usual method of knocking on the door and entering, franca decided to take a more covert approach. she intended to hide around 11 rue des fontaines, in the garden, or on the lawn, observing discreetly before finding gardner martin. recognizing gardners sequence and abilities, she returned to her bedroom and retrieved a palm-sized primordial demoness statue, which she concealed in a pocket. this would enhance her ability to remain hidden and reduce the chances of beyonder powers detecting her. im heading to gardners. franca waved at jenna, opened the door, and left apartment 601. jenna acknowledged and breathed a sigh of relief. she was about to leave and was a little nervous. franca arrived at rue des fontaines via a rental carriage but chose not to have the driver stop at building 11 as usual. instead, she disembarked from a distance and swiftly disappeared into the shadows, stealthily making her way to gardner martins residence. her familiarity with the surroundings allowed her to find a gap in the guards patrol, and she nimbly scaled a side wall to silently descend into the garden. franca didnt attempt to infiltrate the building directly. instead, she followed the shadows, circling to the edge of the front lawn. next to a gas street lamp, she observed the grayish-white three-story villa, still illuminated. as time passed, franca remained vigilant, focused on observing the figures appearing at the windows and their activities. suddenly, the main door of the villa swung open, and butler faustino emerged, accompanied by a figure cloaked in black. the black-cloaked individual was of average height, standing at around 1.75 meters. their entire form was concealed, making it impossible to discern their appearance or physical attributes. who could it be? gardner martins partner, or a key member of the iron and blood cross order in charge of other regions? franca wondered. as the black-cloaked figure exited the iron fence while butler faustino retreated into the villa, franca hesitated for only a moment before making a decision. she realized that unless she ventured inside gardner martins residence thoroughly, she wouldnt obtain valuable information. her earlier exploration had been open and yielded little. the cloaked individual might provide her with fresh leads leading to unexpected gains. franca, who was invisible, touched the primordial demoness statue in her hidden pocket and grew confident. she circled around the lawns edge and scaled the iron fence, stealthily trailing the mysterious figure in the black cloak. at 10 p.m., jenna embarked on her journey into underground trier, an entrance not far from thatre de lancienne cage pigeons. lacking a carbide lamp, she relied on her assassins night vision to navigate in the pitch-black environment. jenna was determined to commit the path to memory and proceeded deeper into the underground tunnels, trusting her instincts. as she advanced, the silence around her grew ever more profound. jenna exhaled slowly, alleviating the tension and fear in her heart. jenna deliberately moved away from the tunnels center, pressed herself against a rock wall, and continued cautiously. after an indeterminate amount of time, the sound of running water reached her ears. she proceeded for another seven to eight meters around a rocky outcrop, where a small river flowed slowly in the dark underground. jenna steadied herself, spotting a mottled stone pillar to hide behind, her form merging with the dense shadows. she refrained from using invisibility, recognizing her limitations as a witchthe duration she could maintain her powers was limited, and she had no way of knowing how long it would take for the target to arrive. in the silent underground, time seemed to stretch, and jennas mental stress steadily built up. at last, the reverberation of footsteps reached her ears. Chapter 457 - Chapter 457 Unexpected Target chapter 457 unexpected target after briefing madam magician on the situation, lumian left and went to the second floor of salle de bal brise. his next objective was to ascertain whether the enigmatic entity that had targeted him from afar, attempting to approach rapidly while he observed sraphines oil painting with the mystery prying glasses, would pay him a visit during the night, much like how it had dealt with gabriel. he lay on the bed, closed his eyes, and gradually drifted off to sleep. lumian had full confidence in madam magician. as a major arcana card holder in the tarot club, she appeared to possess the ability to launch long-range attacks and was skilled at dealing with untouchable and enigmatic creatures. as his thoughts blurred and he succumbed to slumber, lumian found himself in a hazy dream, returning to auberge du coq dor. dim light filtered through the glass windows on each floor of the slightly tilted building. gabriel, attired in a white shirt, dark jacket, black pants, and strapless leather shoes, sat on the entrance steps. the playwrights visage was somewhat translucent, and an air of detachment lingered in his eyes. upon spotting lumian, gabriel stood up abruptly, a conspicuous smile crossing his face. lumian halted warily and looked at him. what are you doing here? gabriels smile waned as he spoke urgently, leave trier immediately! this place is about to become extremely dangerous! lumian frowned and inquired, what have you discovered? gabriel cast a wary gaze around before responding, im not entirely sure what theyre planning, but i do know it will bring destruction to all of trier. they lumian pressed for more information. are you staying at the hostel? where is it? a hint of confusion appeared on gabriels face. you need to be like me to enter or gain the approval of the pixies. i didnt know how to find it. i found myself at the door as soon as i arrived. as expected, the hostel is closely related to the pixies did gabriel rely on the corruption to alter his existence and reach the hostel like teleportation? lumians thoughts raced as he asked in a deep voice, why did you choose to go to the hostel? were you coerced into it? no, gabriel shook his head, his voice softening. i did it of my own accord. sraphine came to fetch me personally, and i couldnt refuse. its what i wanted. a touch of happiness crossed his face. it was sraphine who corrupted gabriel and led him to the hostel lumian suddenly felt a pang of sorrow. have you realized that youve become a monster? gabriel fell silent for a few seconds before responding, i know, but i wont harm anyone! he paused a beat before continuing, my script has already achieved success. i have the reputation and income i desired most. i have no regrets in that regard. all i want now is to be with sraphine, whether shes human or a monster. lumian didnt scold or berate him. instead, he looked at gabriel and let out a long sigh. i understand your feelings and thoughts. gabriels face showed gratitude, and he spoke sincerely, after becoming a monster, i seem to have the ability to see a certain future. thats why i knew you would come to me. i asked sraphine to let me stay in the room for two more days to bid you farewell. she agreed. shes not a pure monster! lumians heart stirred, and he spoke in a bewitching tone, do you want me to rescue you and sraphine from the hostel? is it possible? gabriels face contorted, and his eyes revealed a mixture of yearning, as if his body and mind existed in different worlds. lumian took a step closer and spoke earnestly, there is hope, but i need you to tell me all the details. gabriels expression shifted between blankness, coldness, excitement, longing, and rejection, each emotion expressed vividly. in that moment, he extended his hand, his eyes filled with intense fear. silently, gabriels form shattered, and the image of auberge du coq dor disintegrated, along with the faint mist. lumians eyes snapped open, and he found himself gazing at the ceiling of the second-floor bedroom in salle de bal brise. it had all been a dream, but it had felt incredibly real. quartier de la cathdrale commmorative. franca, carrying the primordial demonesss statue, followed the black-cloaked man while remaining invisible. the man appeared to have extensive experience and skill in evading pursuit. he frequently changed direction and even doubled back on his path. if franca hadnt relied on her invisibility and the assistance of the primordial demoness statue, she would have lost him several times. finally, the black-cloaked man came to a stop in front of an entrance to underground trier. he half-turned and examined his palms under the crimson moonlight, leaving franca perplexed. whats going on? is he performing palm-reading on himself? remaining hidden behind a gas street lamp pole, the invisible franca observed his actions with curiosity. after a moment, the man descended the steel staircase and disappeared into the dim entrance. franca followed closely behind, venturing deeper into underground trier. twenty minutes later, the black-cloaked man reached a sealed tunnel. it was unclear what he touched, but a stone door immediately swung open on the rock wall next to him. franca, standing a few meters away, looked over and saw three lamps embedded in the stone wall. three classic oil lamps, one high and two below, each with a flame burning inside. franca had been in trier for a long time and had a good understanding of the situation here. this scene triggered a connection in francas mind. carbonari! she recognized this as one of the symbols of the carbonari, an organization seeking to overthrow the government. lighting three lamps was symbolic in their ranksthe one above represented the sun, while the other two below symbolized the moon and the stars. the iron and blood cross order collaborates with the carbonari? franca was both surprised and unsurprised. from her perspective, the iron and blood cross order aimed to seize power in intis itself by toppling the government, but their current focus seemed to be on the underground and the entrance to fourth epoch trier. the black-cloaked man swiftly passed through the self-opening stone door, and franca noticed a thin, ever-changing white fog emanating from inside. this fog looks familiar. there must be something wrong franca hesitated to follow when she felt a slight tremor in her hidden pocket. franca reached out and touched it, her expression changing slightly. the classic silver mirror had trembled slightlythe one connected to the underground mirror world! franca remained in her concealed position, watching the stone door slowly close without taking another step forward. beside the flowing underground river, the figure moved swiftly along the water. he didnt use lanterns, carbide lamps, or other sources of light, yet he moved through the darkness with ease, navigating around potholes, rocks, and obstacles effortlessly. jenna, hidden behind a mottled stone pillar, noticed a flickering red light in the targets eye. taking a deep breath, she retrieved the ancient arrow of the bloodthirsty from her black coat and prepared herself for the confrontation. her combat experience wasnt limited, but it wasnt much either. in particular, she had never faced a beyonder alone. all she could do was use everything in her arsenal to augment herself from the onset. she had to go all out to minimize any accidents. jenna plunged the obsidian arrow into her chest, letting it draw her blood and come to live. before the figure could approach, she sprinkled fluorescent powder over herself and chanted a hermes incantation at an almost inaudible volume: body concealment! with that, jenna vanished completely, blending into the darkness, her movements masked by the sound of the underground river. moments later, the figure with the red eye arrived in the area. jenna watched from the shadows. suddenly, the darkness came alive beneath the figures feet, forming inky black chains that wrapped around the legs, waist, and torso. the figure stopped abruptly, a red light shooting from its eye. from behind, jennas form materialized. only then did jenna get a clear look at her target. he was a man, holding a grayish-white cloth bag and wearing a dark gray robe similar to that of a monk. his face was a menacing sight, constructed with iron plates, gears, springs, screws, cranks, and other mechanical contraptions. there was a vivid red gem embedded in his right eye. a monk from the deep valley cloister? jennas heart raced. she hadnt anticipated will targeting a monk from the god of steam and machinery church. she and franca had crossed paths with similar monks in the deep valley quarry before. these monks had augmented their bodies with mechanical modifications, giving them an eerie appearance. confronted with a target whose skull had transformed into metal, jenna abandoned her initial plan of striking behind the ears. instead, she concentrated a dark flame in her right palm and pressed it against the mechanical monks head amidst the howling wind. simultaneously, a red beam shot forth, slicing through a few shackles resembling the abyss. however, it only addressed the front. the other directions were already ensnaring the mechanically enhanced monk. with a resounding impact, jenna thrust the black flame into the targets head. the silent yet menacing black flames expanded instantly, consuming the monks spirit body and setting his spirituality ablaze. leveraging the high-speed agility granted by the arrow of the bloodthirsty, jenna continuously shifted her position around the monk to evade counterattacks. simultaneously, she sought opportunities to weaken him to the fullest extent with the demonesss black flames, bolstered by dark, binding spells. in less than two minutes, the monk, unable to break free, collapsed to the ground, rendered unconscious and weakened. jenna exhaled and lowered herself to the ground. she picked up the grayish-white cloth bag, untied the rope, and inspected its contents. inside, she found an array of canned paints and oil paintbrushes. Chapter 458 - Chapter 458 Same Direction chapter 458 same direction she quickly recalled the purifiers advice and the recent clues they had gathered: keep a close watch on painters and individuals with painting as a private hobby, as it was likely that some of their works possessed supernatural abilities! could this monk be a passionate painter? or was he simply delivering paint and brushes to an artist? it seems like a routine task, but the fact that he had chosen the depths of underground trier for this errand raises suspicion. it didnt appear to be a matter of time constraints either theres a problem with his destination, or the painter hes looking for is problematic. perhaps everything is problematic a barrage of thoughts raced through jennas mind, leading her to suspect a connection between the mechanically enhanced monk and the hostel they were investigating. it was possible that an artist with supernatural powers was working on murals underground, requiring a substantial supply of paint and tools! jenna decided to search the monks robe for any clues, finding only a few coins and banknotes. she placed these items in the same grayish-white cloth bag and secured it with a knot. as she examined the intricate mechanical components that comprised half of the monks body, she contemplated using the demonesss black flames to incapacitate him once more. her plan was to transport him back to the surface for an interrogation with the help of ciel, franca, and anthony. being a witch, jenna had mastered ritualistic magic related to spirit channeling, but she lacked practical experience and was concerned about making a mistake that might disrupt their lead. she also needed a safe prayer target, so she intended to leave this task to the experienced lumian and franca. as jenna was about to put her plan into action, multiple gears on the unconscious monks face suddenly began to turn on their own, producing an unsettling clicking and clacking noise. the mechanical parts came to life, spinning wildly and devouring the flesh and blood on the other side of the monks body, turning it into a gruesome mess. the scene resembled a horrific accident in a factory where an operator had fallen into a massive machine. jennas instincts immediately warned her of impending danger, but before she could react, the mechanical parts, along with her own flesh and blood, lunged towards her. amidst the coexisting sounds of cracking and creaking, she transformed into a mirror, shattering inch by inch. jenna managed to reappear approximately ten meters away from the underground river. without looking back, she swiftly grabbed the grayish-white cloth bag and the arrow of the bloodthirsty embedded in her chest. she darted around the rock wall, making a hasty escape to the surface. behind her, the sounds of metal grinding and colliding persisted, but they couldnt catch up to her. gradually, the commotion began to subside. finally, jenna heard the crisp sound of metal parts falling to the ground, and she couldnt help but let out a relieved sigh as she slowed her pace. jenna ran until she reached a named location in underground trier, where she finally slowed down and carefully removed the arrow of the bloodthirsty from her chest. she could feel her strength waning due to the loss of blood, but she was grateful for her earlier caution in not removing the obsidian arrow from her chest when the monk had fainted. she had chosen to complete the search with it embedded in her. if not for that, she might have been caught by the menacing mechanical body before having the opportunity to use the mystical item once more. as jenna assessed her surroundings and sought out the underground avenue du march, she reflected on her harrowing experience. it felt as though the chilling tales franca and ciel had shared, along with their horrifying abilities, had become a reality. the parts of the monks body that had undergone mechanical enhancements had assumed an eerie lifelike state! and the revived machinery was devouring human flesh and blood! this is the true nature of the mystical world, where beyonder powers are accompanied by unimaginable perils jenna turned onto the underground avenue du march and made her way towards the stairs that would lead her back to the surface. simultaneously, she couldnt shake the suspicion that the enigmatic monk and the sinister secret cave she and franca had stumbled upon in the deep valley quarry were somehow linked to the impending catastrophe. after the stone door closed, and the dark tunnel fell silent, franca emerged from her hiding place and remained invisible as she returned to the surface. she replayed the scene she had just witnessed, trying to pinpoint the source of the familiar feeling emanating from the ever-shifting thin white fog. just as she was on the verge of resorting to magic mirror divination or dream divination to find answers, a memory resurfaced. she recalled the moment she and jenna had eliminated the deep valley cloisters warlock-dressed man underground. a similar fog had appeared in the mirror during their spirit channeling! the other partys exploded corpse transformed into a blood mist, revealing the corresponding characteristics, but the colors were different! 007 had informed us that by the time the purifiers arrived in deep valley town, their target had already shifted. the items on the altar were gone, leaving behind only cryptic words on certain papers those words were albert goncourt, underground, riot, and time albert goncourt is one of the leaders of the carbonari and this aligns with the three oil lamps i had seen moments ago! could it be that the iron and blood cross order is collaborating with the carbonari to incite a riot, possibly involving monks from the deep valley cloister? hiss, could it be that the item gardner martin used to smuggle rat christo into trier was requested by the carbonari? is it located not far behind that stone door? is that why my ancient silver mirror reacted? franca gradually connected the dots. she realized the urgency of reporting this matter. though it wasnt directly related to their primary mission of finding the hostel, it seemed far from a trivial issue. if it escalated, it could lead to another catastrophe, and franca felt compelled to do her best to prevent it. in the next moment, franca pondered her options. should i report to the tarot club, the demoness sect, or inform the authorities through 007? she quickly made up her mind. only children choose to do multiple-choice questions. adults select them all! the only thing to be concerned about was that the reports werent sent to the wrong parties. lumian awoke from his dream, his mind filled with questions as he slowly sat up and surveyed his surroundings. there were no signs of madam magician pursuing gabriel at the hostel. madam magician didnt realize that gabriel had used a dream to warn me to escape trier immediately? thats impossible. this lady possessed the ability to enter and exit my dreams at will in cordu, and she is known to be the bane of these special monsters. even bouvards lifeless body, which should have been untouchable, hadnt been spared when she dragged it away lumian paced back and forth in the room, pondering the puzzling situation. he couldnt believe that madam magician wasnt paying attention. she had the means to observe from a distance, so there was no urgency in rushing to salle de bal brise. the insight he gained from conspirers influence left lumian with a nagging sense that the dream was not what it seemed. to deceive madam magician while communicating with him indicated that there was something extraordinary about gabriel or the hostel itself! as lumian was only a sequence 6 and lacked extensive knowledge of mysticism, he refrained from speculating and instead sat at his desk, taking up a pen and paper to write a letter. knowing the doll messengers preferences, he decided to send the letter only after returning to auberge du coq dor, patiently awaiting a response. before long, madam magicians reply arrived. i didnt notice gabriel influencing your dream. initial considerations are: you have a close connection to the hostel. theres a close connection between me and the hostel? lumians forehead twitched as he read the message, feeling as if a bucket of ice-cold water had been poured over his head. how is that possible? when did i establish such a bond with the hostel? could it be that gabriel used this connection to conceal himself from madam magicians scrutiny and directly influence my dream? lumian found madam magicians hypothesis absurd, but he couldnt help but analyze the possibilities. as lumian pondered the situation, a sudden realization struck him like a bolt of lightning. maip meyer! susanna mattises lover, the ostracized key member of the bliss society, the former manager of thatre de lancienne cage pigeons, who had claimed to be returning to the market district to do something! could it be that maip meyer had secretly done something in the market district that led to my unexplained close connection with the hostel? he wants to prove himself. im definitely one of the targets was it his plan for me to establish a close connection with the hostel and detonate it at a critical moment? how did he do it? i had a close connection to the hostel without realizing it lumian subconsciously glanced at his left chest and suspected that termiboros, the traitor, might have played a role in this matter. otherwise, he wouldnt have failed to notice anything amiss. amidst his surprise, lumian didnt panic. instead, he felt a sense of joy. i wonder if i can use my close connection to the hostel to find that place when the time comes, i might have the opportunity to meet the sansons and have the support of numerous major arcana card holders just as lumian was about to write and inquire about madam magician, he heard soft footsteps approaching his room. knock, knock, knock. there was a gentle knock on the door of room 207. lumian opened the door and was surprised to find franca and jenna standing there. one of them wore a garish blouse, and the other was dressed as a female mercenary. their expressions were serious. franca felt the need to communicate with lumian before writing a report. weve discovered something significant. youve found something important too? lumian was taken aback, pointing at the ceiling. call anthony over as well. nearly fifteen minutes later, franca and jenna shared their experiences in room 207 of auberge du coq dor, carefully omitting details about the demoness sect and will. as lumian listened, his brow furrowed. some of the deep valley cloister monks are suspected to be linked to the hostel and the impending catastrophe? that was an important cloister of the god of steam and machinery church! lumian couldnt help but rub his temples, recollecting that something unusual had also occurred at the eternal blazing sun churchs sacred heart cloister. are the two churches no longer as reliable? could trier still be saved? could there be a future? Chapter 459 - Chapter 459 Price of Bestowment chapter 459 price of bestowment a few seconds later, lumian flashed a self-deprecating smile. at the very least, those monks at the deep valley cloister are still discreet when theyre up to no good. it means they still have reservations, which suggests that the entirety of the god of steam and machinery church isnt problematic. a significant number of clergymen, or maybe even the majority, are normal. i think so too, anthony reid agreed, raising his hand and drawing a triangle on his chest. lumian continued, at this point, this is no longer something a small team like ours can handle. its best to leave the deep valley cloisters problem to the purifiers and the machinery hivemind. what he didnt say was that the tarot club would keep a close watch. after all, no one knew how many hidden dangers were waiting to emerge within the two churches. what if someone triggered them prematurely, delaying the investigation of the deep valley cloister? alright, franca concurred; it was her original plan to begin with. with the plan confirmed, franca and jenna left auberge du coq dor and returned to rue des blouses blanches. lumian drew back the curtains, gazing at the crimson moon in the sky. casually, he said to anthony reid, who was about to leave, your best option now is to head to suhits steam locomotive station as soon as you wake up tomorrow and purchase a ticket to leave trier. the sooner the departing train, the better. anthony, dressed in military-green camouflage, halted in his tracks, slowly turning around, his gaze locked on lumians retreating figure. oh? lumian poured himself a glass of light beer, which served as potable water, and took a sip. he continued to peer out the window and said, youve been with us recently, and youve learned a lot. you should be able to discern the looming issue in trier. the impending catastrophe will be dire. if you dont depart quickly, you might never get the chance. as for seeking revenge, for finding philip, who faked his death, we can wait until the catastrophe is over. theres no rule stating you cant return after leaving trier. anthony reid fell into silence for a few seconds before slowly joining lumian at his side. he too gazed at the night sky and asked, why arent you leaving? lumian replied with a smirk, arent you a spectator? cant you see were on a mission? how can we just leave trier like that? anthony turned his head to fix his stare on lumians face and eyes, remaining silent for a long while. lumian held the light beer in his hand, his gaze still fixed outside the window. his eyes were vacant, and his focus seemed clouded. after a while, he scoffed. besides, i have the ability to survive such a disaster. i can protect franca and jenna, but only the two of them. do you think you can compare to beautiful women who have a deeper relationship with me? his protection referred to teleporting franca and jenna to the fools cathedral at the lavigny docks. anthony didnt respond and looked at the dark sky outside once more. slowly, he retrieved a box of cigarettes from his shirt, took one out, placed it between his lips, and lit it with a match. taking a few deep breaths and exhaling white smoke, the psychiatrist muttered to himself, i was born and raised on the west midseashire coast. its an area with many industrial cities, where the god of steam and machinery has more believers than the eternal blazing sun. the wind in midseashire is fierce. summers arent very hot, but theyre humid. winters bring snow, and everything is covered in white. the surroundings are either thick forests or pockmarked with coal and iron ore mines. when i was fortunate enough to become a beyonder, my greatest dream was to retire safely from the army with some savings. id buy land near my hometown, close to the forest. id hire a few people to help me with farming. in my free time, id secretly hunt in the forest, breathe the sea air, or go fishing. heh heh, you might not know this, but the fish in midseashire are inedible due to heavy industrial pollution. locals only eat it if they have no other choice. anthony reids voice deepened. if i were to return to the west midseashire coast and my hometown now, i might never be able to enjoy such a life. its not about money; i need a sense of relaxation. i still have nightmares about our camp being ambushed, with corpses everywhere. every time, i can feel my heart racing. i can imagine that if i leave tomorrow and see the news and photos of the trier catastrophe in the newspapers, ill have similar nightmares. ill dream of trier being incinerated by flames, with corpses strewn everywhere. that time, i fled out of fear. this time, i dont want to do that again. anthony reid took another drag on his cigarette. without waiting for lumians mockery, he added, im well aware of my limitations, and all of this doesnt directly concern me. however, ive been in trier for several years. i know many informants, neighbors, and children who will trade information for sweets or coppet. i dont want to hear about their deaths in a few days and see their pained faces when i close my eyes. ill do my best to cooperate with you and do what i can. only when theres no other choice will i consider retreating. you dont need to understand. this might be the paranoid decision of a patient with severe psychological problems. lumian chuckled and commented, you make it sound as if nobody else has psychological problems. before completing my treatment, my psychological problems were far worse than yours! a smile appeared on anthony reids face. so, you chose to stay too, didnt you? he turned around and left room 207, puffing on his short cigarette. lumian relished the night view of trier, the enduring cacophony of rue anarchie serving as a backdrop to his contemplation. he emptied his glass of light beer. then, he took his seat, drew the curtains, and commenced writing to madam magician. new leads there are now three investigation directions: firstly, the deep valley cloister and the sacred heart cloister. secondly, i can use the strong connection between myself and the hostel to infiltrate the underground route that jenna followed when she encountered the monk by the river. by following my instincts, i can attempt to reach the hostel directly. thirdly, an assault on gardner martin. since the iron and blood cross order collaborates with the carbonari, which is linked to the deep valley cloister incident, they might be involved and have valuable information. after dispatching the letter, lumian paced his room, grappling with a mixture of worry, frustration, and anticipation. before long, magician replied: well take responsibility for the first direction. i refrained from mentioning the second direction because it poses a significant risk to you. furthermore, gabriels warning has likely been detected, so the hostel will be on high alert against such intrusions. we can cautiously explore the third direction, but you must be well-prepared before confronting gardner martin. silently, crimson flames erupted, setting the paper in lumians hand ablaze. he planned to get some rest to recover from mental fatigue. at dawn, he would convene with franca, jenna, and anthony to discuss their plan of action. apartment 601, 3 rue des blouses blanches. franca hadnt changed into her cotton pajamas; she was still dressed in her daytime attire. observing her pacing the room, jenna asked, her brow furrowed in confusion, whats bothering you? franca sighed and replied, i intend to seek out gardner now. although ciel didnt mention it just now, i can sense that he will propose dealing with gardner in the next two days. this is a clear breakthrough. sigh, i must seize the opportunity to digest more pleasure. jenna regarded francas profile, pursing her lips before changing the topic. dont you have many lovers? even without gardner martin, there are others. franca couldnt help but clear her throat and smile wryly. long gone, long gone. gardner and his lovers are my current interests. jenna chuckled and playfully teased, without gardner martin, you can turn to ciel. no, no! franca waved her hand vigorously. i cant get past myself. with those words, she headed toward the door. im going to rue des fontaines. jennas smile faded as she offered a solemn reminder, dont display any unusual behavior later. i understand, franca replied, her expression turning serious. i wont let gardner feel like im giving him hospice. with that, she opened the door and exited. jenna let out a soft sigh as she watched franca vanish behind the closed door. then, her gaze turned to the grayish-white cloth bag on the coffee table, and she muttered to herself, i wonder when ill encounter will to deliver this bag in the middle of the night, jenna awoke suddenly from a vivid dream. in her dream, she found herself in an underground quarry cave, with will standing before her. although it was only a dream, jenna had an uncanny sense of familiarity with the location and knew how to reach it in reality. understanding the significance of her dream, jenna nodded slowly and changed into her female mercenary attire. carrying the grayish-white cloth bag, she left apartment 601 and ventured underground through the entrance on rue des blouses blanches. following the revelations of her dream and guided by her spirituality, she descended, turned, and squeezed through gaps at times. finally, she arrived at the quarry cave she had seen in her dream. in the center of the mine, will, dressed as he had been during the day, held an orange jack-o-lantern. he didnt appear particularly pleased, resembling a student caught playing hooky by parents and teachers. is this what you want? jenna handed him the grayish-white cloth bag filled with various paints and brushes. will accepted it but didnt open the bag. instead, he retrieved an item known as the lucky gold coin and sighed. this is your reward. this is both your luck and misfortune. it signifies that you will encounter many things and bear significant responsibility. you may not fully grasp it now, but one day, you will. ever since the heretics brought catastrophe to the market district, theres been no turning back for me only by forging ahead in this perilous world of mysticism can i protect those i care about jenna silently mused, taking the loen gold pound. she inspected it and inquired, how should i use it? simply keep it with you, will advised, waving his hand before vanishing into the depths of the quarry cave, clutching his jack-o-lantern. jenna stowed the lucky gold coin and made her way back to the surface. to her astonishment, she found that she couldnt recall the route she had taken. while she had arrived guided by her spirituality, she was now fully awake and devoid of the same guidance. jenna had no choice but to navigate her way independently, following a general principle of ascending. after walking for some time, the ground suddenly shook violently, as if an explosion had occurred in the distance. an earthquake or some other anomaly? jenna furrowed her brow and quickened her pace to find a path leading upward. as she turned a corner around a rock wall, her feet abruptly gave way. the ground had already caved in, and now, it had completely collapsed. amidst the deafening sounds of collapse, jenna couldnt react in time and tumbled deeper as the ground disintegrated. she swiftly adjusted her body and activated her assassin abilities, allowing her to descend gracefully like a feather. Chapter 460 - Chapter 460 Chain Reaction chapter 460 chain reaction clad in a white priests robe and a clergymans bonnet, horamick haydn gazed at the open mine entrance, his benevolent and gentle face veiled in shadows. after the church of the god of steam and machinery lost all its dioceses in the loen kingdom, the former archbishop of backlund, a member of the divine council, returned to the headquarters in intis. over the past few years, he had traveled to various places like a firefighter, handling various serious beyonder incidents. he understood better than most clergymen of the god of steam and machinery church that, despite the outward appearance of peace, the world was riddled with festering wounds. problems abounded, and hidden dangers lurked in the darkness. the orthodox churches and government organizations could only strive to maintain stability. horamick collected his thoughts and sighed silently. he turned to the machinery hivemind deacon beside him and declared, lets take action. god will protect us. by steam! as he spoke, he drew a triangular sacred emblem on his chest. the burly machinery hivemind deacon issued the command for purification, and the members of the hivemind sprang into action. some raised iron-black barrel-shaped objects, while others shouldered weapons resembling steam firearms, devoid of backpacks or golden ammunition belts. still, others produced leather scrolls, charms crafted from various metals, and some pointed rings, canes, and other objects forward. rumble! the miniature sun-like golden fireball was the first to blast out of a cannon barrel, landing at the heart of the quarry cave. behind it followed a cascade of colorful cannonballs and bullets of varying shapes. the light and dispersed waves purged the entire deep valley quarry repeatedly, maintaining the caves structural integrity, resulting in only a slight collapse. after a few rounds of purification, the concealed cave within the quarry was breached, unveiling its interior. horamicks eyes gleamed with an inhuman, dark-red light. he could clearly discern that the white mist within the secret cave had nearly dissipated entirely. human arms and legs were embedded in the rock walls on either side. the archbishop advanced, leading two squads of machinery hivemind members through the quarry and into the concealed cave. before entering, he cast a glance back at the nearby deep valley cloister, closely monitored by triers archbishop with sealed artifacts. horamick studied the human arms and legs attached to gears, crankshafts, and other mechanical components, resembling experimental subjects. under the deacons orders, the machinery hivemind members initiated another round of purification. they persisted until the arms, legs, and machinery had turned to ashes or fragments, allowing them to proceed further into the secret cave and descend the tunnel. after several iterations, horamick and the machinery hivemind members, their pale-white hair concealed by clergyman bonnets, reached a vast, laboratory-like chamber. here, human arms intertwined with machinery, following ceiling tracks, perpetually gripping cabinets, sinks, long tables, and iron boxes, moving them toward the blazing fire at the deepest part of the hall. a few human corpses were piled in the chamber, and a humanoid figure made entirely of machinery stood among them. this mechanical being stood at a towering height of over three meters. one of his cybernetic eyes resembled an emerald, while the other resembled a ruby, supported by numerous components. his temples were encased in a transparent special material, revealing the squirming grayish-white brain within. the mechanical giant cast a glance at horamick and the others, who were scattered at the entrance of the chamber, and emitted a metallic chuckle. surprised, are you? i dont require steam to power myself or a human body to control me. i can perform any task just like a normal person, including combat. unfortunately, my sequence isnt high enough to replace the human brain. seeing this, you have no reason to doubt, right? we are the chosen children of god. we follow the true teachings of god, while your spirits and flesh have been tainted by the pleasures and indulgence of the mortal world, causing you to abandon the throne of god! horamick surveyed the surroundings and noticed that the machinery hivemind members present remained extraordinarily vigilant and resolute. he nodded in approval. turning his attention to the mechanical giant, his benevolent expression remained undisturbed. you used a spirituality gem, didnt you? using humans to refine spirituality gems is even more ruthless and wasteful than employing steam to drive them. claude, i thought you were momentarily lost and would gradually return to your senses within the deep valley cloister. i didnt anticipate that you would become a heretic! heretic? the mechanical giant laughed. you are the heretics! when was the last time any of you received a revelation? all the time, horamick responded with composure. claude, tell me, where is the hostel? are you in league with those evil gods to set your sights on fourth epoch trier? in his mechanical giant form, claudes eyes emitted red and green lights as he spoke with solemnity, you have strayed from the teachings of god. you no longer possess the spirit of sacrifice. the future of this world and the chance for a deity to ascend to the pinnacle lies within fourth epoch trier. the sooner we unlock it, the greater our hope! without waiting for horamicks reply, the mechanical giant declared coldly, i will show you who the heretics are and who the true followers of god are! as soon as claude finished speaking, the light in his cybernetic eyes flared, and the entire chamber trembled. the sounds of machinery in operation resonated with an enigmatic aura. in an instant, the machinery hivemind members, who had been on the verge of unleashing their firepower, witnessed projected paintings depicting the evolution of humans emerging from obscurity, advancing step by step, and building civilizations at various stages. these paintings were ethereal, weighty, delicate, and magnificent. horamick and his companions seemed to transform into the people within the paintings, experiencing the gravity and splendor of civilization. at that moment, a face appeared outside the painting. this figure wore a towering crown, with his nostrils decayed to the point where only two black holes remained. his eyes were filled with countless overlapping star charts, and they stared greedily at horamick and the others, as well as their civilization. silently, more faces pressed against the surface of the painting. some had their heads bisected by a ruler, while others were adorned with yellow paper covered in strange symbols. some were covered in ears of wheat and rice, while others barely took on human forms, their bodies adorned with various symbols. these faces were larger than horamick and his companions combined. they stared fixedly at the scene through the painting. the machinery hivemind members who beheld these faces experienced a profound fear from the depths of their hearts, as though their entire civilization would be obliterated. just as they were on the verge of losing control, the faces vanished mysteriously, just as they had appeared. the scene before horamicks eyes reverted to its normal state. the mechanical giant claude and the frenziedly operating chamber reentered his field of vision. the archbishop remained unruffled, though his voice resonated with anger. heretics! as his voice reverberated, he flexed his left wrist with his right hand, unveiling a black, cold, and weighty metal tube. the sound of gears clicking filled the chamber, illuminating it as brightly as daylight. the machinery hivemind members launched their attacks in succession. rumble! the deep valley quarry experienced a distinct tremor, as though a brief, violent earthquake had struck. in underground trier, just outside the stone door through which the carbonari had disappeared, crimson fireballs hovered in the air, casting a warm glow in the dark tunnel. blazing danitz, dressed in a linen shirt, a brown jacket, dark pants, and black leather boots, had one hand in his pocket as he fixed his gaze on the nearby stone door. his burnt-yellow hair and eyebrows framed his face, and he casually held a weed in his mouth, surveying the surroundings with his dark-blue yet bright eyes. nearly 20 men, all dressed as sailors, silently fanned out in the vicinity. some twirled daggers, others wiped the barrels of their revolvers, and a few stretched their necks in anticipation. a grinning, brown-haired sailor finally broke the silence and questioned blazing danitz, captain, why are we aiding the intis government in pursuing the carbonari? and why are we doing it for free? danitz glanced at him, spat out the weed from his mouth, and muttered under his breath, damn fools, do you want to see trier in ruins? are you lads not still intisian? as he spoke, he swung his fist at the stone door. doesnt this group of assholes not know that their captain owns numerous properties in trier? upon the surface of danitzs clenched fist, blazing white flames gathered as he thrust forward. eventually, they coalesced into a fireball emitting a destructive aura. boom! the ground shook, and the stone door shattered. jenna descended gracefully in the seemingly endless darkness, occasionally brushing against gravel but escaping physical harm. after what felt like an eternity of descent, her feet finally touched solid ground. her beautiful blue eyes reflected a building. it was a slightly crooked beige house. the lower three floors bore the architectural marks of roselles era, featuring pillar walls, arches, and large windows. the top two floors, in stark contrast, seemed crudely appended as an afterthought. this is jenna was visibly taken aback. the building before her was one she recognized all too well. it was auberge du coq dor! at that moment, light streamed from numerous rooms within auberge du coq dor. jenna spotted a man and a woman, standing on the third-floor balcony, wrapped in each others embrace. the man sported black-framed glasses, his neatly combed brown hair adding to his refined appearance. as for the woman, she wore a lake-blue dress, her plump face and ethereal brown eyes creating a curious juxtaposition. thud, thud. jennas heart raced. she had never actually met the woman, but she was familiar with the man. it was the missing playwright, gabriel! Chapter 461 - Chapter 461 Strange World chapter 461 strange world he was taken aback for a moment before swiftly retreating from the window with sraphine cradled in his arms. only then did jenna, who appeared to be lost in a daydream, snap back to reality. instinctively, she took two steps back and melted into the shadows cast by the building. as her thoughts raced, chaos reigned in her mind. is that gabriel? im seeing him again didnt he morph into a monster and head to the hostel? is this the hostel? auberge du coq dor is the hostel? no, the real auberge du coq dor definitely isnt a hostel. otherwise, ciel and the secret organization with tarot cards as their code names would have discovered it long ago is this a mirror image of auberge du coq dor, or is it the sketch of someone somewhere? jenna quickly deduced, relying on the information at hand. yet, upon further reflection, she sensed that something was off. auberge du coq dor used a naming system like room 207 and 305. according to bouvards prophecy, voisin sanson was in room 7, and pualis de roquefort was in room 12. they didnt match up. there must be something awry! jenna averted her gaze from the counterfeit auberge du coq dor and surveyed her surroundings. she noticed that this place was identical to rue anarchie. the buildings lined up perfectly, some tall, some short, some askew, and some precariously balanced, but all standing firm. on the street, vendors peddled meatloaf, whiskey sours, and other wares. pedestrians streamed in and out, creating a bustling scene. if she hadnt spotted gabriel and had been plummeting this entire time, jenna would have believed shed returned to the surface and rue anarchie. as jenna carefully observed the pedestrians and vendors, it became clear that something was off. their vacant expressions and infrequent changes gave them an eerie, mechanical quality. many familiar faces seemed to vanish at the end of the street, only to reappear, circling around from somewhere and returning to the entrance of rue anarchie in a repetitive cycle. its indeed fake like a massive stage production. most people, like the surrounding buildings, serve as a backdrop, but its just a backdrop jenna analyzed the scene, drawing parallels with theatrical performances she knew well, trying to make sense of what she was witnessing. her attention then shifted to the counterfeit auberge du coq dor and room 207. with the curtains drawn, it was impossible to determine if a mirror image of lumian was inside. after a few moments of contemplation, jenna decided not to risk infiltrating the fake auberge du coq dor. she opted to explore the area carefully, gaining a rough understanding of the overall situation to see if there was a way out. following the shadows along the street, she cautiously made her way toward rue des blouses blanches. the layout and situation here mirrored le march du quartier du gentleman. jenna barely needed to distinguish the path before returning to rue des blouses blanches. with every step, her sense of unease grew. she even began to question if her usual neighborhood was real. jenna couldnt help but look up at the sky from the shadows. blue sky, white clouds, the westering sun, and billowing smoke. it all felt real, yet helped jenna confirm that this wasnt the genuine market district. she had descended into the underground in the middle of the night to search for will. could she have been missing for twelve hours? from across 3 rue des blouses blanches, jenna surveyed apartment 601. beside the glass window in the living room, she saw franca, dressed in a blouse and holding a bottle of dark red wine in her hand. her flaxen hair was tied in a ponytail. behind franca, jenna, dressed in a light-blue dress, busied herself with tidying up, occasionally disappearing from the windows view. jenna wasnt shocked, but her heart sank. she and franca were undeniably present! is this really the reflection of the market district? jenna closely observed franca and confirmed that franca still used her right hand, ruling out the possibility of her being a mirror person. likewise, in apartment 601, both franca and jennas vacant expressions persisted as they continued their lives following predetermined paths without any deviations. while remaining hidden in the shadows, jenna pondered the location of the exit. lacking much experience, she sought inspiration from lumians accounts and the plays she had witnessed. should i head to the border and investigate the edge of this fake world? since this place faithfully replicates the market district, well, at least rue anarchie and rue des blouses blanches, it resembles a reflection. could i find the exit by locating distinct places? the church has always told us that we can seek refuge in the cathedral in times of danger or accidents i wonder what glise saint-robert looks like here. does it seek gods protection or adhere to the black sun? if its truly the black sun, its an entirely different realm jenna decided to stealthily make her way to avenue du march and observe the state of the eternal blazing sun churchs glise saint-robert in this strange world. she made sure not to expose herself to passersby, residents on both sides, or newsboys peddling their wares. through the various shadows, she carefully and quietly turned onto avenue du march. after advancing a distance, jennas eyes suddenly froze. she noticed something different. there was no sign of salle de bal brise on avenue du march! where the khaki-colored building and the skull statue should have been, there was only impenetrable darkness. even the sunlight from the sky couldnt pierce it. in this dark black hole-like scene, bright red lines alternated between slowly materializing and being consumed by the surroundings. their ultimate destination remained a mystery. whats most peculiar about this place is salle de bal brise? ciel mentioned that theres something ancient and sinister beneath salle de bal brise jenna stared into the darkness, sensing that this might be the heart of the problem. muttering to herself, jenna contemplated, will i be able to leave this strange world by walking into that darkness? but i have a hunch that not only does it not lead to safety, but it also represents danger. i cant enter rashly as these thoughts raced through jennas mind, she was suddenly jolted by a commotion. swiftly, she cast her gaze towards the other end of avenue du march, where she spotted several indistinct figures hovering in the air, emitting a faint glow as they meticulously scrutinized every shadow and conceivable hiding spot for humans. they clutched a stack of papers, which they compared to the pedestrians on the road. jennas heart tightened as a thought crossed her mind. did the masters or guards of this world discover the collapsing tunnel above and suspect that outsiders had entered, prompting them to launch a thorough search? uncertain about the abilities of these blurry figures emitting a faint light, jenna didnt dare risk assuming they couldnt spot her lurking in the shadows. her only option was to swiftly retrace her steps and return to rue des blouses blanches, planning to take a detour through an area that had already been inspected. yet, even on the other side of rue des blouses blanches, faintly-lit figures were conducting inspections. jennas heart raced, and amidst her unease, she had a sudden idea. she slipped into a nearby building, scattered dust in an inconspicuous corner, and recited an incantation to become invisible. with this newfound invisibility, she dashed along the streets shadows and infiltrated apartment 601 before the floating figures could search 3 rue des blouses blanches. after patiently waiting for several moments, jenna discreetly followed the imposter jenna into the washroom. seizing the moment while the impostor was occupied with washing a piece of cloth, jenna, still in her invisibility state, drew a dagger and executed an assassins mighty blow. her form materialized as her dagger found its mark in the impostor jennas back. the fake jennas eyes bulged in shock, but jenna swiftly covered her mouth and nose to stifle any outcry. after a brief struggle, the imposter met her end. rather than withdrawing her dagger, jenna chose to change into the fake jennas clothes. her extensive experience with worn-out clothes helped her conceal the hole at the back. she then concealed the impostors body in the cupboard beneath the sink to prevent any blood from flowing. with this done, jenna wrangled up the cloth and mimicked the actions she had observed, maintaining the vacant expression. soon, a faint figure floated outside apartment 601s window. jenna didnt look up, continuing to tidy the coffee table, which had already been devoid of miscellaneous items. she could sense two substantial gazes on her, accompanied by the sound of paper being flipped. after an agonizing seven to eight seconds, the faint figures moved on to search the next apartment. jenna let out a relieved breath and proceeded to the washroom with a measured pace. after what had just transpired, she felt an urgency to seek help. she couldnt afford to wait any longer. even the suspected exit seemed too dangerous to approach, and numerous figures emitting a faint light were patrolling the area. while these figures didnt appear overly formidable, jenna knew that engaging them would undoubtedly draw the attention of the administrators of this world. if this place was indeed the hostel, the previous residents, granted boons by evil gods, would pose a significant threat. this included madame night pualis, who alternated between a demigod and a sequence 5, or the true demigod, circle inhabitant voisin sanson. jenna hadnt reached out to the outside world for help from the beginning because she lacked the means to send a message without leaving this place. now, she was left with no other choice but to attempt something. i wonder if the telegraph office here can be of any use it doesnt seem promising uh perhaps i should offer a prayer to a deity and recite his honorific name in hermes. i hope he can hear my plea jennas heart raced as she seized the opportunity to clean the cloth in the washroom. she outstretched her arms and began reciting the honorific name of the eternal blazing sun. the mighty eternal blazing sun, inextinguishable light, embodiment of order, god of deeds as the soft hermes words reverberated, jennas surroundings remained unchanged. she couldnt help but regret not having made up her mind after becoming a witch and putting her faith in mr. fool. that way, she might have obtained the fools honorific name from lumian. but now, it was too late to consider that option. phew jenna let out a sigh and retrieved the lucky gold coin from a hidden pocket in her light-blue dress. she felt that her best option was to rely on luck for now. she wanted to see if luck alone could help her elicit a response without using a complete honorific name. holding the lucky gold coin, jenna continued her prayer in hermes, great mr. fool, please help me leave this place. please protect trier in the market district, auberge du coq dor, room 207. lumian suddenly awoke, sensing a faint warmth in his left chest. Chapter 462 - Chapter 462 Critical Interference chapter 462 critical interference he quickly unbuttoned his shirt and glanced at his left chest, where he saw the bluish-black symbol that represented mr. fools seal. it was a fusion of a portion of the pupil-less eye and a portion of the contorted lines. what happened? mr. fools seal has been activated did termiboros attempt to escape? lumians thoughts raced. however, as he pondered, he began to sense that something was amiss. sunlight filtered through the drawn curtains, casting a semi-darkness over room 207. at first glance, there was nothing unusual, as if someone had overslept until the sun was high in the sky. but lumian was different. he reset his body and mental state every morning, waking up naturally at 6 a.m. it was already autumn, and trier didnt see the first light until 7 a.m. lumian recalled an earthquake that had occurred not long ago, and he suspected that the official beyonders might have taken action. however, after carefully listening to his surroundings and confirming the safety of the market district, he had gone back to sleep. it was still late at night! either termiboros has escaped, and im no longer affected by the circle inhabitants power, or theres been an anomaly in the market district lumian shrank into a gentle crouch, leaning against the desk beside the bed. he cautiously raised a corner of the curtain. what he saw was a familiar daily scene, but soon, lumian noticed blurry figures floating in the air, emitting a faint, eerie glow. these figures had different faces, but they all shared an unsettling stiffness, emptiness, coldness, and detachment. they bore a certain resemblance to the corrupted bouvards corpse and gabriel, who had transformed into a monster. it was as if they could disappear into the crevices of space at any moment, gazing coldly and dispassionately at reality. the monsters of the hostel pathway have invaded trier? but where are triers protective powers? this doesnt feel very strong; its more like a product of corruption he observed carefully and noticed that the street vendors and pedestrians also appeared somewhat empty, as if they too had been affected. combined with the anomaly in time and the westering sun, lumian quickly surmised the situation. im not in the real market district! ive been drawn into a strange world suspected to be the hostel. this is the reason why mr. fools seal was activated! lumian released his right hands grip, allowing the curtains to gently fall back against the wall, sealing off the interior from the exterior once more. with a sense of purpose, he got out of bed and checked his belongings to ensure they were all intact. without wasting any time, lumian set up the altar and erected a wall of spirituality, readying himself to perform ritualistic magic to seek mr. fools assistance. one by one, he used his spirituality to light the three candles and incinerate the herbal powder and essential oil. stepping back twice, he began to solemnly recite the fools honorific name. the fool that doesnt belong to this era, the mysterious ruler above the gray fog; the king of yellow and black who wields good luck. i implore you as he spoke, a thin gray fog suddenly emanated from the wall of spirituality. the candle flames took on a bluish-black hue, casting a sinister and dark atmosphere over the entire altar. lumians thoughts slowed down once more, and an uncomfortable sensation coursed through his flesh. it was as if an army of countless worms were wriggling beneath his skin. unlike previous interactions, he suddenly felt a strong sense of imminent danger. it was as though the gray fog harbored blatant and unusually overt malice directed at him. this malevolence would briefly fade, only to surge back. it didnt fully dissipate, nor did it manifest into tangible reality. the cycle of vanishing and resurfacing was akin to a monstrous entity in the water extending its tentacles to the shore, only to be pulled back into the deep sea by an unseen force. lumian struggled to complete the ritual, waiting in vain for the angels protection or any revelations to come. the influence of the gray fog intensified, leaving him with no choice but to prematurely end the ritual and extinguish the candle flames. as the wall of spirituality disintegrated, lumians thoughts finally returned to their normal pace. sometimes malice, sometimes no issues is the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings interfering with mr. fools response? he usually cant do it. has he gathered enough strength to take a risk at a critical moment? this implies that the situation has reached a critical turning point in quartier raste, outside the sacred heart cloister with its numerous golden steeples, the major arcana card holders, magicianclad in a white knotted shirt and a beige dressand the elegant and pristine justice, stared at the magnificent building. a golden retriever accompanied them, doing the same as well. rumble. the ground quaked, as if a brief earthquake had struck trier. magician smiled and said, its beginning. they understood that this commotion was likely stemming from the deep valley cloister and the quarry. their aim was to initiate a series of changes and set off a chain reaction, with the hope that lady moon, hidden within the sacred heart cloister, would step out on her own and trigger their plan ahead of schedule. by doing so, they could avoid forcefully entering the sacred heart cloister and provoking the eternal blazing sun church. their target was lady moon, the evil gods bestowed who nurtured a deity. assuming there were very few angel-level heretics blessed within the barrier, lady moon represented the great mother and the most potent power among all of triers heretics. it was highly likely that she was at the center of the problem. by controlling her, they could disregard the intricate web woven by fate and grasp the heart of the issue, possibly resolving it on the spot. if lady moon didnt emerge, magician intended to capitalize on the chaos in trier, attempting to conceal the grand complex of buildings blessed by the eternal blazing sun, and forcibly locate her target. justice nodded gently. in fact, ive always had a sense that something is amiss with lady moon. the problem may not be what weve suspected and might have lured us here. however, regardless of the situation, we have many dependable companions. even if something occurs elsewhere, i believe they can handle it. magician concurred tersely. the two of us cant do everything. believing in our companions is both hopeful and necessary. at that moment, she suddenly turned her head and looked into the distance. justice asked calmly, whats the matter? magician frowned and replied, the seal experienced a fluctuation mr. fool has also sent a revelation, but im not certain if its authentic after tidying up the altar, lumian was just about to settle down and consider the current situation and ways to contact the outside world when he heard two sets of footsteps approaching from upstairs. are they heading for room 207? had the dissolution of the wall of spirituality alerted someone here? lumian surveyed the area, his fingers finding the gaps in the newspaper-covered wall as he climbed up to the ceiling. like a colossal spider, he relied on a dancers flexibility and a hunters physique to silently cling closely to the wall, waiting for the two people in the corridor to approach. if they didnt spot anything unusual, he would consider it a successful deception and let them pass. if they sensed anything was amiss, he would strike without hesitation. at that moment, lumian felt a deep sense of gratitude for auberge du coq dors aged appearance. it was filled with damage and signs of repair. this was why he could grasp certain protrusions, secure his grip in certain crevices, and anchor his body safely to the ceiling. in just over ten seconds, the door to room 207 creaked open. lumians eyes focused on gabriels hairline and forehead, as well as the black-framed glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. behind the playwright stood sraphine, a model clad in a lake-blue dress, exuding an aura of detachment. its indeed the hostel although lumian couldnt fathom why he had inexplicably ended up at the hostel, he still felt a surge of excitement despite his taut nerves. from this point onward, as long as he could deceive sraphine and the others, establish a connection with the outside world, and seek help, there was hope for resolving the problem! gabriel took two steps inside and halted. he scanned the room and said to sraphine, no issues here. sraphine tersely acknowledged his words and proceeded to inspect the other rooms. gabriel followed the model closely, making sure to close the door of room 207 behind him. after they ascended from the second floor, lumian released his grip on the ceiling and gently landed on the floor. he pulled up a chair, turned it around, and sat down, leaning back as he kept his gaze locked on the door. after a few minutes, footsteps approached from the third floor. lumian remained motionless, unsurprised as he watched the wooden door gently open. gabriels figure appeared. why did you come in? the playwright, now a monster with a slightly vacant expression, asked with a note of rational concern. lumian chuckled. id like to know that too. gabriel entered the room quietly, shutting the door behind him. he was dressed in a white shirt, a dark jacket, black pants, and strapless leather shoes, his face showing signs of pain. leave this place as soon as possible. im losing control. i dont know when ill betray you. by the way, jenna has also entered. i dont know where shes hiding. jenna is here too? lumian raised his eyebrows and asked the most critical question, how do i leave? gabriel began to respond, but the door to room 207 creaked open once more. only then did lumian sense the intrusion and turned his gaze towards the door. sraphine stood there, with her plump face, naturally disheveled brown hair, and brown eyes exuding a unique ethereal aura. lumian didnt panic. he put on a calm demeanor and said, you seem to know gabriel so well. despite his outward composure, every muscle in his body tensed. hes not good at hiding his thoughts, sraphine replied in an empty voice. communicable lumian suppressed his urge to use the spell of harrumph and sighed. i thought you had already become a pure monster. sraphines lips formed a self-deprecating smile. the difference between me and them is that before i turned into a pure monster, i realized there was still someone who truly loved me. gabriel smiled. lumian sighed and inquired, is this the hostel? yes, gabriel confirmed before anyone else could. lumian glanced at the dimly lit corridor. but the room here isnt room 7, room 12. its still room 207, 309. sraphine gazed at lumian, her expression becoming increasingly ethereal, and her voice even more illusory. here, they call me: room 12. Chapter 463 - Chapter 463 Noncorresponding Details chapter 463 noncorresponding details he had considered various possibilities, but he hadnt guessed what room 12 signified. room 12 was where madame night pualis de roquefort, her husband, butler, ladys maid, and the children resided! almost simultaneously, lumian recalled the oil painting he had seen at triers art center. the woman in the painting, modeled after sraphine, was naked, her skin adorned with faces. were those faces the symbols of the rooms occupants, or were they the manifestations of the hostel itself? lumians pupils dilated as he fixed his gaze on sraphine, prepared to activate the black mark on his body at any moment and use the spell of harrumph to block the exit of room 12s occupants. he was still haunted by the memories of madame pualis. sraphine tugged at her lake-blue dress, her plump face contorting with obvious pain. i cant influence how long the residents inside can sense the outside world in other words, madame pualis hasnt discovered me yet lumian heaved a sigh of relief, but he didnt dare to be careless. what if sraphines interference quickly failed? at that moment, sraphine pulled down the collar of her dress, revealing a portion of her skin. lumian could clearly see the oil painting-like faces there. they were half-hidden and half-exposed, looking exceptionally terrifying. this confirmed lumians guess and piqued his curiosity. why use a corrupted human model as a room in the hostel? why allow madame pualis, voisin sanson, and other powerful evil god-bestowed individuals to stay there? couldnt they just move into this replicathe fake auberge du coq dor? was this to interfere with divination, prophecy, and other mysticism methods employed during a search? why does it feel like a ritual? its like a specific setup and requirement as an alms monk with ample knowledge of ritualistic magic, lumian sensed something sinister about this matter. seeing that sraphine hadnt left, he seized the opportunity to inquire, how many rooms does the hostel have? from room 2 to room 13, sraphine replied in her ethereal voice. no room 1? lumian asked immediately. gabriel answered for his lover. theres supposed to be one, but weve never seen it. room 1 has never moved into the hostel. mysterious room 1 its confirmed at the moment that there are 12 rooms, but there might be more than one evil god bestowed living in each room lumian realized that time was of the essence and quickly changed his line of questioning. how can i escape from here? with the permission of the pixies or through the black hole on avenue du march, but its very dangerous. it might lead you to places you shouldnt be, sraphine replied, her eyes shifting between emptiness and pain. avenue du marchs black hole lumian inquired further, how many pixies are there, and where can i find them? three, gabriel responded. they dont reside in this world and only visit occasionally. they typically allow the servants to maintain order herethey are the flying and glowing figures you see outside. three pixies according to the purifiers information, the sequence of a pixie likely hasnt reached godhood. i can tentatively consider them equivalent to sequence 5, but their unique states mean that unless they actively enter reality, some saints might not even be able to attack them i do have the potential to deal with the pixies when encountering them, especially if i could capture one to facilitate my escape lumians thoughts raced as he asked further, do the pixies have a regular pattern of entering and exiting? no sraphine replied, her demeanor gradually fading as she shook her head slowly. lumian switched to another line of questioning, do you know where jenna is hiding? i dont know, gabriel replied quickly. the pixies servants havent located her either. theyre uncertain if anyone has truly entered this place. the pixies must have ordered an investigation based on the changes in the outside world out of caution. before lumian could ask another question, sraphines face twisted once again. she turned and left room 207, heading upstairs. it was evident that her ability to influence the residents perception of the outside world was quickly fading. gabriels condition worsened as he slowly made his way to the corridor outside. is there a boundary here? lumian inquired one last time. gabriel nodded, his eyes growing increasingly vacant. only avenue du march and the area around it are real. its surrounded by a dark, deep void with a formless barrier. barrier lumian repeated this word in his heart, his expression unchanged as he watched gabriel close the door for him and listened to his footsteps returning to the third floor. the word barrier brought to mind something madam magician had mentioned before. she had spoken of a barrier outside their world, preventing the invasion of alien evil gods. although gabriels description of the barrier might not be the same as madam magicians, lumian couldnt ignore the possibility that these barriers were connected, especially given the evil god believers grand plans. turning away from the door, lumian realized that time was of the essence. sraphine and gabriels corruption would only worsen, rendering them increasingly out of control. once fully mutated, they would no longer help lumian and jenna hide the truth, likely reporting it to the pixies. there are two pressing issues at hand. first, how to contact the outside world or escape this place. second, finding jenna. lumian focused and employed his conspirer thinking abilities. regarding the first question, especially how to contact the outside world, he quickly brainstormed several potential solutions: 1. fully activate the blood emperors aura in his right hand to see if it could break through the barriers of this abnormal world, attracting the attention of the demigods in trier. 2. set up a boon-seeking ritual to bypass the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessingss interference and transmit information to mr. fool. 3. test the spirit and flesh connection between himself and mr. ks finger. 4. attempt to summon madam magicians messenger. 5. attempt to summon madame helas messenger. 6. recite the incantation used to enter the curly-haired baboons research societys gatheringthe nation of the evernight palaceto see if it could be of use in this situation without any prior request. 7. find the fake franca in this world and check if she possesses the ancient silver mirror they had obtained from underground to potentially use it to escape. 8. create a commotion to attract one or two pixies and capture them. 9. before diving into any of his numerous plans, lumian knew that locating jenna was a top priority, as any of his actions could potentially alert the pixies and draw their attention. how should i find jenna? he tried to put himself in jennas shoes, considering how she, an experienced witch, would handle being in this strange world, suspected to be the hostels location. jenna must have also seen gabriel, and she wouldnt take the risk of entering the fake auberge du coq dor immediately. she can become invisible and hide in the shadows. she usually has the patience to observe. its not difficult for her to notice the peculiarities of pedestrians and vendors under these circumstances, what should i do if i were her? yes, id search for the boundaries of this place id see if cathedrals and other deity-protected buildings have been replicated. if they have, id investigate whats inside and whom they believe in id identify the differences between this place and the real market district to find any clues for my escape and my first task will be to confirm if theres a fake me. the pixies servants were conducting a search lumians thoughts gradually cleared. he returned to the desk, drew the curtains slightly, and peered outside. lumian waited until the ethereal pixie servants, blurry figures emitting a faint glow and wearing blank expressions, had finished their investigation and disappeared before he took out the silver lie earring and placed it on his left ear. swiftly, he transformed into madame fels and descended to the first floor, as though inspecting every room. then, he became a vendor who didnt sell his wares nearby, passing by madame fels and leaving auberge du coq dor. this was his home territory. even though it was a replica or a reflection, it didnt stop him from already knowing the environmental details and the common figures that often appeared in this area. lumian didnt hurry to rue des blouses blanches. instead, he circled rue du rossignol and entered his secure hideout. as soon as he opened the door, his brow furrowed slightly. there was only one trap at the door among the many he had set upthe simplest one. lumians gaze then swept across the room, but he didnt see the ritualistic furs or the used cowhide and dog skin that were placed here in the real world. its not a strict correspondence he muttered to himself. the more he thought about it, the more he realized that this place resembled the real market district on the surface. in particular, in a room protected by traps, various details didnt correspond. its like an external observation and the re-creation of key rooms its like its like lumians pupils dilated as he had an epiphany. its like painting! fake 3 rue des blouses blanches, apartment 601. jenna clutched the lucky coin and offered a brief prayer to mr. fool. a thin gray fog materialized before her eyes but then dissipated. it its actually working, jenna stammered. that lucky gold coin proved to be truly lucky enough! jenna didnt receive any revelations, so she had no choice but to persevere and maintain her guise as her counterfeit self. she diligently tidied up the room and wiped the coffee table. time in this world appeared to pass slowly, with the sun in the sky staying fixed in its position, unmoving. suddenly, jenna heard the door open and instinctively turned her gaze in that direction. the fake franca continued with her task, showing no reaction. jennas eyes locked onto lumians golden-black hair. she immediately averted her gaze and assumed an expression of emptiness, not certain if ciel was the real deal. in the next instant, she heard a familiar, taunting voice. as expected, youre here. thats all you can think of. Chapter 464 - Chapter 464 A World in a Painting? chapter 464 a world in a painting? dammit! cant you speak properly? jenna cursed, waving the cloth in her hand. lumian closed the door behind him and smiled. youre quite energetic. youre not crying from fear. jenna cautiously looked out the window, confirming that the faintly glowing figures had long disappeared. suppressing her urge to argue with lumian, she wasted no time and asked, how did you get in here too? as she spoke, she reminded herself, as an adult woman with rich life experiences and many setbacks, i shouldnt argue with such an immature minor at such a critical moment! lumians gaze moved over to franca, who was sipping red wine by the window. he settled onto the divan and leaned back comfortably. first, tell me how you got in. to be honest, he didnt know why he had suddenly arrived in this strange place resembling hostel. jenna remained standing by the coffee table, ready to assume a dummy appearance at any moment. she then recounted how she had received a dream revelation, came underground to deliver the mission item, and acquired a lucky gold coin. lumian listened attentively without interruption. finally, he chuckled. now, i can answer your question. i was sent here by mr. fool to save you. he roughly understood why he had appeared in room 207 of the fake auberge du coq dor after waking up. did mr. fool really send you? i dont even know hishis full honorific name. did my prayer succeed with just the lucky gold coin? jenna had her suspicions, but she still found it unbelievable. of course its true, lumian replied sincerely. what puzzled him was something else. why did mr. fool send him and not madam magician? if it were madam magician who had been pulled into the hostel, the problem would have been easily resolved! this could be explained by the seal of the fool on him, but madam magician was a major arcana card holder, a key member of the tarot club who could participate in a meeting before a god. furthermore, she definitely possessed similar marks in the three pathways of the divine controlled by the fool. she could likely be assigned remotely. im afraid theres another reason i dont understand lumian pondered for a moment and focused on jennas description of the world, then asked for confirmation, from the outside, the only difference between this place and reality is salle de bal brise? previously, sraphine and gabriel had only mentioned that there was a black hole on avenue du march through which there was a chance of leaving, but it was also very dangerous. they hadnt specified its location. although lumian had a vague guess, he couldnt be sure until jenna revealed her discovery. ive only explored a few nearby streets and less than one-fifth of avenue du march, jenna replied cautiously to prevent ciel from making a misjudgment. she then continued, and inside, there are many differences. for example, here, the layout of the room, large pieces of furniture, and reality are the same. the other details are somewhat different. i suspect, i suspect lumian looked at jenna and spoke before she could. a world in a painting. yes, a world in a painting! jennas hazy thoughts finally became clear. combined with the painter sequence and the paints and brushes she had found from the mutated monk, she believed that it was an oil painting that only copied some of the streets in the market district and possessed supernatural powers. it was called hostel! jenna was both concerned and intrigued. drawing a painting seemed to create a world! lumian teased, im glad you could also come to such a realization. its no easy task. this painting world isnt considered advanced. the oil painting created by an angel of the painter pathway might truly be a world with living beings inside. unlike the current one, there were many aspects with fakeness. what was the purpose of such a relatively low-level painting? without waiting for jennas response, lumian instructed her, check francas hidden pocket and see if theres a classic silver mirror. why dont you search for it yourself? you know what that mirror looks like better than i do. jenna suddenly chuckled. dont tell me youre shy? lumian said nonchalantly, if youre not here, ill search for it on my own. but since i can instruct you, why should i tire myself out? jenna gritted her teeth and wasted no time. she walked to the window and rummaged through the fake francas various pockets. she quickly came to a conclusion. there are no ancient mirrors. many of the hidden pockets werent depicted. lumian nodded slowly and inwardly crossed out plan 7. he turned to jenna and said, try magic mirror divination and see if it works. jenna, experienced, knew that lumian wanted to use this opportunity to confirm if the world in the painting was connected to the spirit world and determine if his teleportation could succeed or help them leave. therefore, she took out a makeup mirror from her hidden pocket and prayed to one of the safer targets franca had provided. before long, the preparations for magic mirror divination were completed. the palm-sized mirror turned gray, but there was no aqueous light. it failed, but theres still something supernatural about it, jenna said, puzzled. with a subtle nod, lumian replied, its likely that theres a fake spirit world here. if you activate spirit vision, you might be able to see a few remnant souls, but this isnt connected to the real spirit world, so you cant find the entity youre trying to inquire about. in other words, he could teleport within the world within the painting, but he couldnt leave it. lumian reached into his pocket, retrieved mr. ks finger, and flicked it in front of his eyes. there was no reaction, nor was there any change. whats this? jenna was taken aback. ciel actually carried a blood-stained human finger with him! its a mystical item. it cant contact the outside world, lumian explained patronizingly. simultaneously, he sighed inwardly. mr. ks finger seemed impressive, but it could never be used to its full effect. most of the time, lumian had no use for it. when he needed it, the environment was often special, preventing him from using its connection to the true form to summon mr. k. jenna didnt press further. she pursed her lips and said, so, what should we do next? she couldnt think of any other way to leave this place. she could only consider starting with the black hole in salle de bal brise, the edge of the painting world, and the situation with the two fake cathedrals. lumian chuckled. no need to rush. i still have eight plans left. but before we try them, we need to make a trip to avenue du march and observe the black hole at salle de bal brise up close. are you planning to leave from there? jenna asked with a frown. it seemed perilous. lumian stood up and walked towards apartment 601s door. it is my last resort, but its also a necessary preparation. i dont want to try the other methods and fail, only to be discovered by the pixies and blocked by the tenants of the hostel. when that happens, i wont even be able to approach salle de bal brise even if i want to risk it. jenna looked out of the window again, only to see that the sun was setting in the west, and the pixies servants had yet to return. only then did she quickly follow lumian down the stairs. on the way, she inquired, why did those heretics create such a painting world to hide the hostels residents? lumian pondered for a moment and replied thoughtfully, i believe this is a secondary purpose. overall, it seems more like a ritual. think about it. this place resembles a phony market district. the salle de bal brise should be the only place left without any correspondence. and ive already told you that beneath the salle de bal brise are old bones from the fourth epoch. its connected to the secret of glise saint-roberts old cemetery. its definitely not a coincidence that the world in the painting left it blank. i also think thats the key to the problem. jenna instinctively wanted to prove that she wasnt stupid by having a similar guess. as lumian descended, he pondered and said, when the abnormality truly occurs, will such a painting world temporarily replace some streets in the real market district? will only salle de bal brise remain intact? who and what is this to confuse in mysticism, this represents the application of the law of similarity. when the similarity reaches a certain level, acts on the counterfeits can be reflected in reality could they be using this method to unravel salle de bal brises underground secrets and uncover the old bones of the fourth epoch? no, its probably not just for the old bones are they trying to open the entrance to fourth epoch trier? but its not that simple. the entire sealing system hasnt been destroyed or weakened lumian gradually formed an idea, sensing that he was getting closer to the key plan of this disaster. if he could ultimately grasp the truth, it would be an excellent performance for a conspirers observational abilities. jenna nodded slightly, agreeing with lumians guess. as they conversed about the fake 3 rue des blouses blanches, their gazes suddenly froze. on the road diagonally opposite, a woman in a loose strapped white dress was staring at them! the woman had a beautiful face, her slightly curly black hair cascading messily over her shoulders. her blue eyes were rather vacant, and her entire person appeared detached yet real. lumian and jenna had encountered similar auras and feelings in another person. it was the human model, sraphine, room 12 of the hostel! is this another room in the hostelanother human model? why is she here? its as if shes waiting for jenna and me. lumian tensed up and instinctively reached out with his right hand to grab jennas shoulder. simultaneously, the beautiful womans voice drifted with a smile. fate predestined us to meet. convergence always happens inadvertently. Chapter 465 - Chapter 465 Circle chapter 465 circle convergence predetermined fate could it be room 7, voisin sanson, and his family? as these thoughts raced through lumians mind, he activated the black mark on his right shoulder without hesitation. spirit world traversal! he and jenna vanished, heading for the entrance of auberge du coq dor. lumian had never set foot on avenue du march in the painting world, so he didnt have the coordinates for the spirit world there. the spirit world in the painting realm still comprised dense layers of colors and countless transparent, strange figures. however, the seven bright and pure lights at the top appeared rather blurry, as if separated by many panes of mullioned glass. guided by his spirituality, lumian pinpointed the corresponding coordinates at auberge du coq dors entrance and teleported there. they swiftly departed the spirit world and found themselves on the street. but what lumian saw before them was the building at 3 rue des blouses blanches, the very spot where they had just been. they hadnt left the street onto rue anarchie; they had merely shifted seven to eight meters from one side of the road to the other. circle inhabitant jenna and i are already ensnared in the circle? lumian turned his head and wasnt surprised to see the beautiful woman suspected to be hostels room 7, standing only a few meters away on the same side of the street as them. voisin sanson? lumian asked in a deep voice. he temporarily abandoned the idea of teleportation, as their previous attempt had proven ineffective in escaping rue des blouses blanches. as lumian spoke, jenna discreetly retrieved a mirror, preparing to utilize black magic to maneuver around and launch an attack. she sensed that, at such a tense and crucial moment, ciels inquiry, instead of initiating a series of attacks, might be an attempt to divert the enemys attention and create an opportunity for her to deliver a fatal blow. although lumian had mentioned that voisin sanson was a sequence 4 circle inhabitant of the inevitability pathway, a saint bestowed with a boon, a true demigod, she believed that they had to make an attempt, despite the odds. so what if he had undergone a qualitative transformation in various aspects compared to low- to mid-sequence beyonders that even a small team combined wouldnt be a match for him? upon hearing lumians question, the beautiful woman in a white dress revealed a fleeting and distant smile. seems like youre well-informed before she could finish her sentence, lumian took a step forward and harrumphed. two beams of white light shot out from his nostrils and landed on the woman suspected to be room 7. although the spell of harrumphs power had increased following his advancement to sequence 6, he didnt believe it would truly work on a saint. at best, it might make her sway slightly. lumian opted for this approach instead of donning the flog boxing gloves to target the various negative effects of a contractee. as a conspirer, he keenly noticed a crucial detail: he and jenna were trapped in the circle, but voisin sanson hadnt left room 7. he remained within the beautiful womans body. this clearly hindered his performance. therefore, he either had arrogance as a negative side effect of his contract ability, or he couldnt leave the hostels room for some reason. combined with his earlier hypothesis that the world in the painting and the situation in the hostel were part of a ritual, lumian was more inclined to believe the latter possibility. in that case, even if my spell of harrumph cant affect you, cant it affect your room? the human models, corrupted by the painter pathway and adorned with special patterns, were equivalent to mid-sequence monsters! as two beams of white light descended, the beautiful woman in the white dress fainted. almost simultaneously, lumian and jennas vision blurred, and they felt slightly dizzy. when they regained their senses, they found themselves back at the exit of 3 rue des blouses blanches, facing the beautiful woman in a white halter dress diagonally across from them. the womans lips curled up, but she didnt repeat her previous statement. circle inhabitant! lumian realized that he and jenna were truly trapped in a loop, and the successful attack on room 7 triggered the loops restart. moreover, he confirmed that voisin sanson and his family couldnt leave room 7 until something concluded. they could only exert influence on the outside world through obstacles. otherwise, they would have opened the door and confronted lumian with all their might. they sought to control the target with an angel sealed in his body as efficiently as possible! even if voisin sanson had the negative side effect of arrogance, it was improbable for all three of his children to be the same! without hesitation, lumian sank his consciousness into his right palm, revealing a few bright red scars. an extraordinarily frenzied, violent, and high-and-mighty aura surged into the sky, as if it sought to dominate the land. alista tudor! lumian activated the blood emperors mark. while this had no real impact in the physical world, it caused those around him to feel a slight fear, making them tremble. however, the response from the painting world exceeded lumians expectations. the sky suddenly turned dark-red, and the westering sun appeared tinted with an iron hue as it swayed left and right. rue des blouses blanches and the entire world trembled as if struck by an earthquake. the vendors and pedestrians on the street, as well as the residents and animals on both sides, blurred and distorted. the beautiful woman in room 7 of the hostel was taken aback. she instinctively trembled and wanted to hug herself tightly. an invisible force shrouding half of rue des blouses blanches materialized, resembling transparent glass. suddenly, it shattered, revealing multiple cracks. seeing this, lumian grabbed jennas shoulder and activated the black mark on his right shoulder once more. this time, they swiftly passed through the local spirit world and arrived at auberge du coq dors entrance. they didnt return to the circle. the painting world existed between reality and fiction, and it was very sensitive to the aura of high-level figures, materializing the impact. as lumians thoughts raced, a distant rumble reached his ears. it emanated from avenue du march! lumian and jenna exchanged glances as a term came to their minds: salle de bal brise! has something happened to the black hole corresponding to salle de bal brise? was it a subsequent change brought about by the blood emperor alista tudors aura, or has the ritual officially begun, heralding the impending catastrophe? lumians thoughts raced as he raced towards avenue du march. jennas response was as swift as his, making the same decision. deep underground, in a hidden cave undetectable to the outside world. the rock walls here had been meticulously modified, featuring two vertical beams and multiple horizontal beams, each marked with longitudinal gaps. to anyone familiar with triers map, these formations would correspond strictly to a section of avenue du march. each rock wall was the equivalent of a side street, and each vertical gap represented an alley. adorning each rock wall were lifelike oil paintings, portraying buildings of various architectural styles, dark iron street lamps, pedestrians dressed as clerks, vendors selling an array of goods, and scenes from windows, all depicted with vivid and natural colors. these scenes were almost identical to those on the corresponding streets. on the eastern rock wall of avenue du march, three men in white shirts with unbuttoned vests were using mural tools to craft a complex, bright red door at the spot corresponding to salle de bal brise. their bodies were coated in paint, and their eyes displayed a peculiar detachment, as though they were gazing at a distant realm rather than a rock wall. each time they completed the bright red door on the rock wall, it mysteriously vanished after a fifth was completed. the three painters had no choice but to repeat their efforts in vain. suddenly, the mine trembled gently, and minuscule cracks that were almost imperceptible to the naked eye appeared on the rock wall adorned with various scenes. the female painter in a blue beret and the male painter in red pants looked up at the depiction of avenue du march on the rock wall. in the next moment, they pressed their hands against the rock wall and vanished. two figures emerged within the massive oil painting. one was a woman donning a blue beret, and the other a man in red pants. they both wore white shirts and open beige vests. the third painter, a man in his twenties, remained on the outside. he was clad in black pants with tassels, his brown hair disheveled, and a bit of stubble adorning his mouth. the distant expression in his flaxen-colored eyes faded as he cautiously surveyed his surroundings. observing that the mines tremors were limited to this area and that the anomaly in the painting hadnt extended, the young painter let out a sigh of relief. he redirected his gaze to the empty salle de bal brise, seemingly contemplating whether to change his approach or wait for the right moment to try again. at that precise moment, a skeletal palm suddenly extended from the rock wall and the ground. it had a yellowish hue and a withered texture, with its surface covered in iron-colored rust, giving it an ancient appearance. as soon as the skeletal palm appeared, it seized the young painters ankle, aiming to drag him deep into the earth. late at night, 11 rue des fontaines, quartier de la cathdrale commmorative. francas dream had been an odd one, with various bizarre scenes woven together into a nonsensical narrative. suddenly, she jolted awake and instinctively looked to her side. although the room was shrouded in darkness due to the heavy curtains blocking the crimson moonlight, it didnt hinder her from noticing that the spot under the velvet blanket beside her was empty; gardner martin was nowhere to be found. francas pupils widened with a mixture of surprise and suspicion. it wasnt that she was shocked by gardner martins disappearance. there was nothing he could do that would truly surprise her. what caught her off guard was her failure to detect his departure. demonesses possessed formidable spiritual senses. it was impossible for someone sleeping beside them to slip out of bed and leave without their knowledge. franca had only snapped out of her reverie when she felt the drop in temperature on the other side of the bed! franca swiftly got out of bed, dressed, and opened the bedroom door. the corridor lay in darkness, and an eerie silence hung in the air. Chapter 466 - Chapter 466 Encounter chapter 466 encounter franca blended into the shadows and moved silently through the shadows, her eyes fixed on the crimson-lit corridor. she even began to suspect that ciel had failed to find her and had enlisted the help of madam magician to teleport gardner martin away. how else could he have vanished without her noticing? the third floor of the grayish-white villa remained still. franca listened closely, feeling like she was the only one left in the building. the butler, valet, maid, gardener, and chef seemed to have disappeared into thin air. she cautiously approached the valets room, extending her right palm and silently turning the handle. through her dark vision, franca spotted two people lying on the bed, wrapped in each others embrace and covered by a thin blanket. almost simultaneously, francas pupils dilated. the two of them were headless, their necks nestled against each other, their wounds stained with blood. initially taken aback, franca recalled ciels description of the iron and blood cross orders supervisor olson. she suspected that gardners valet and his lover had experienced a similar situation. their heads had seemingly come to life and left their bodies. without further scrutiny, she quietly closed the door and blended into the dense shadows of the staircase. franca wanted to see if anyone else in the building had suffered a similar fate. upon descending to the first-floor hall, her eyes froze. the armor and weapons that had been there were gone! what a drastic change f*ck, how did i not notice it at all? franca, who had been confident in her abilities, experience, and reactions, couldnt help but waver. in the next moment, the washroom door on the first floor swung open, and a ladys maid in an old nightgown emerged. the ladys maid shook off the liquid in her hand and slowly made her way back to the servants quarters, her head empty and her neck stained red. hidden in the shadows, franca cast her gaze out the window. the two patrolling guards had also lost their heads, and the shadow reflected in the glass was like a magnified beer bottle. franca, having roughly confirmed the situation at 11 rue des fontaines, didnt hesitate and quickly sneaked out of the villa. she planned to report this to madam judgment immediately and use the primordial demoness figurine to inform browns sauron and demoness of black clarice about the anomaly here. the latter necessitated a ritual. franca was concerned that attempting it in this abnormal building would trigger unnecessary changes and bring unpredictable danger, so she decided to escape the abnormal environment before taking the corresponding measures. in the darkness of the night, the demoness of pleasure lurked in the shadows of an empty house. she exited the building from the side and circled the lawn ahead. beneath trier, blazing danitz forcefully opened the stone door. behind them, they found a small mine, with three classical oil lamps embedded in the stone wallone high, and two low. in the center of the mine, a staircase descended into darkness. the bottom was hidden in shadow, appearing to have no end. danitz retracted his fist and turned his body, signaling the nearly 20 sailors following him to enter the mine and cooperate. among them were hunters responsible for observing the environment and detecting hidden traps and subtle traces. seers used coin tosses or crystal pendants to determine the direction and danger of pursuit. a mid-sequence sailor was ready to assist his teammates and handle any mishaps with this coordination, danitzs team swiftly made their way through the stairs and tunnel, and their vision suddenly brightened. they found themselves in a caved-in quarry cave, scattered with straw mats, rags, pottery jars, and other items. danitz scanned the area and chuckled. its been turned into a weapons cache not long ago, dozens of rebels lived here. his gaze shifted to the end of the quarry cave, where a wide tunnel led to an unknown destination. a sailor standing beside danitz clicked his tongue and remarked, there should be many similar military hideouts nearby. are the main rebel forces led by the carbonari all here? im not blind. i can see! blazing danitz cursed. the question now is, where did they go? is the chaos about to begin? in the market district, at auberge du coq dor, room 305, anthony reid was awakened by the previous earthquake. ever since his escape that night, he had become sensitive to various movements, although not as fearful as when he heard gunshots. given the dangerous signals provided by the intelligence they had discussed earlier, he couldnt fall asleep quickly. anthony reid got out of bed and poured a glass of light beer to ease his anxiety. after using placate on himself, he intended to force himself to sleep a little longer. at that moment, he heard pounding at the motels entrance. who returns so late at night? it feels a little urgent anthony reid listened intently, sensing that something was brewing in secret. before long, footsteps approached his door, and anthony reid immediately opened it to peer into the dimly lit corridor. he spotted an impatient man in a grayish-blue workers uniform and cap. this was an informant he had developed at the docks. what happened? anthony reid asked in a calm and gentle voice. having been placated, the informants anxiety dissipated, and he cautiously glanced around before lowering his voice. there will be a huge strike at the docks tomorrow. rumor has it that weapons will be issued. issued weapons anthony reids mind instantly filled with images of barricades, incendiary bombs, smoke grenades, rifles, and two-wheeled carts symbolizing triers chaos. in trier, due to the strong resistance of the citizens and their adeptness at protests and battles, such occurrences werent too unusual, happening every two or three years, sometimes even two or three times a year. the only difference was in their scale. however, considering the critical situation before a terrifying catastrophe, a massive strike suddenly distributing weapons led anthony reid to consider the possibility that it had been premeditated and was part of the impending catastrophe. the information broker produced a louis dor and instructed the informant, your intel is very important. find an excuse not to go to the docks tomorrow and hide at home. instinctively, the informant bit into the gleaming louis dor, bid anthony reid a cheerful farewell, and departed from auberge du coq dor. anthony wasted no time and swiftly descended to the second floor, arriving at lumians room. he knocked lightly on the wooden door of room 207, but as the sound reverberated, there was no movement inside. it was so silent, as if no one had lived there for a long time. anthony reid stopped and furrowed his brow. in the painting world, the westering sun cast its illumination on rue anarchie, keeping the sky bright. lumian and jenna hurried past the broken gas street lamps, sprinting toward avenue du march. they were uncertain when room 7, where voisin sansons family resided, would discover their teleportation destination. their goal was to reach the black hole representing salle de bal brise before the other party could lock onto them again. this way, even if their other plans failed or couldnt be completed in time, they still had a final optionto enter the black hole and try their luck to see where they would appear. thud! thud! thud! lumian led jenna forward, and avenue du march came into view. he grabbed jennas shoulder and spewed crimson flames from his body, enveloping them both in a huge fireball. the fireball sped forward with incredible velocity. lumian forcefully led jenna across a distance of seven to eight meters towards the intersection of rue anarchie and avenue du march. during this process, jenna, unlike lumian, wasnt immune to the flames. her hair and skin singed, but she didnt struggle violently. instead, she shrank her body and created frost to resist the crimson flames, easing the pain. in the blink of an eye, they reached the edge of avenue du march. from there, they had a clear view of salle de bal brise in the distance and the pitch-black darkness. this allowed lumian to identify his destination without needing coordinates. what he saw was where theyd arrive! the black mark on his right shoulder emitted a dim light once more. spirit world traversal! in an instant, lumian and jenna appeared beside the darkness. at that moment, a crystal-like wall materialized before them. it extended upward, enclosing the entire salle de bal brise like a transparent lid. lumian and jenna subconsciously gazed up and saw two figures in the air. one was a young woman wearing a blue beret, a tied-up white shirt, and dark pants. her beige vest was open, and her body was covered in paint. her orange hair was short, and her yellow eyes were deep and ethereal, as if hiding a world. the other man, in his thirties, wore similar attire but with red pants for his lower body. he had gentle facial features, light eyebrows, and distant, ethereal blue eyes. he still held a thick paintbrush in his hand, with a palette of mostly used paint. behind them, a pair of translucent dragonfly-like wings flapped gently, helping them hover in the air. painters? those pixies? lumian and jenna instantly speculated. the man looked at lumian with surprise and spoke in a voice that seemed to come from afar, welcome back to the hostel, room 1. room 1 lumians eyes froze. room 1? jenna couldnt help but turn to her companion in shock. Chapter 467 - Chapter 467 Old Bones chapter 467 old bones upon hearing the term room 1, lumian was genuinely surprised, even with his wealth of experiences. sraphine and gabriel had previously mentioned that the hostel had a total of 13 rooms, but room 1 had never been mentioned. it was as if it had never entered the hostel. lumian had always found this to be a mysterious omission, suspecting that there were critical points hidden in this fact. to his amazement, the painter-dressed man, likely a pixie, now addressed him as room 1. this was beyond belief! lumian was certain that the symbols on him were related to mr. fool and the entity known as inevitability. they had nothing to do with the painter. while termiboros, an evil gods angel, resided within him, it was fundamentally different from the hostel rooms like sraphines. they had different sources of power and were different forms of abode! at that moment, lumian didnt waste time analyzing why the suspected pixie called him room 1 or whether there was important information hidden in it. he knew one thingunless he could quickly eliminate or control the two enemies in midair and take command of the black hole in the salle de bal brise area, the hostel residents would undoubtedly notice the abnormality and rush their rooms to the scene, making the situation more complicated. upon hearing room 1, jenna was equally shocked, but she didnt question lumian or waste time seeking answers. she retrieved the arrow of the bloodthirsty, made of obsidian, and plunged it into her chest, despite having used it only a few hours ago. at this point, she cared little about the accumulation of mutations in her body. similarly, even if something was amiss with ciel, she would have to wait until they escaped before inquiring about it. as the arrow of the bloodthirsty pierced her chest, a dense black fog emanated from jennas back, forming a pair of colossal and rather illusory bat wings. with a powerful flap, she lunged for the woman in the blue beret and the man in red pants. simultaneously, black flames gradually condensed in the witchs palm. the colossal bat wings extended from bottom to top, obscuring the painters line of sight. the man in red pants swiftly turned his paintbrush around and dipped it in silver paint, drawing a menacing lightning bolt on his clothes. silver-white lightning detached from the mans white shirt and struck jennas illusory membraned black wings, numbing her entire body with the crackling electrical energy. the dense black fog that had formed the bat wings was diminished by the lightning, and jenna began to descend slowly as she lost control of her flight. in that critical moment, lumians form materialized in midair right behind the painter in red pants. without the ability to fly or float, lumian chose to teleport. seeing jenna use the arrow of the bloodthirsty to create wings of darkness and fly boldly towards the two presumed pixies, lumian understood that his companion was likely drawing the enemys attention and creating an opportunity for him to swiftly attack one of their targets. witches rarely fought in such a manner. ha! lumian exclaimed as a pale-yellow light, resembling a stream of air, shot forth from his mouth and struck the man in red pants. before the painter, who had just drawn lightning, could react or even realize that lumian had appeared behind him, he closed his eyes and lost consciousness. without suspension, he plummeted to the ground. the woman in the blue beret remained composed. figures emerged in her eyes, as if they held a world within them. one of the figures traversed the boundaries of fiction and reality, moving from the realm of fantasy into the world within the painting. dressed in a light-blue dress with long, thick blond hair and serene light-blue eyesaurore! it was aurore! upon witnessing this, lumians resolve remained unwavering. his eyes burned with anger. are you worthy of imagining aurore? as he descended from the sky, crimson fireballs materialized around his body and were launched towards the woman in the blue beret. the woman extended her right hand and pressed it into the void. her entire being suddenly turned illusory, her expression vacant and cold. numerous fireballs landed on her, but they didnt detonate, as though there was nothing there. they passed through her figure and exploded nearby. at the same moment, the painter in red pants landed before jenna with a distinct cracking sound. the excruciating pain brought him back from the unconscious state induced by lumians spell of harrumph. he instinctively opened his eyes. just as the woman in the blue beret dodged the explosion, she exited her peculiar state and flew toward jenna, who was about to land. in an instant, she collided with jenna, sending starlight and sparks flying like meteors. crack! jennas body shattered into fragments, transforming into mirror pieces that reflected the sunlight. her form reappeared beside the profound darkness within salle de bal brise. lumian descended with a whoosh, his feet landing heavily on the ground, his body swaying. at that very moment, the three of them, along with the woman in the blue beret, seemed to sense something. they turned their heads, casting their gazes towards the intersections leading into avenue du march. women with detached dispositions, fleeting eyes, and indifferent expressions emerged from different directions. they were room 12sraphineand room 7, which lumian and jenna had recently encountered. gabriel followed closely behind sraphine, his gaze growing increasingly vacant, his face contorted with agony. jenna and lumian felt a creeping unease, as if they were inexorably descending into an abyss. suddenly, a hand extended from the darkness within salle de bal brise. it was a hand devoid of flesh and skin, composed of withered, yellowed bones stained with rust. in the enigmatic cave adorned with a colossal mural, the young painter altered his form and broke free from the skeletal palms grasp. he existed in a state between reality and the spirit world, untouchable by anyone and unable to touch anyone. his only capacity was to observe as the empty space on the rock wall and the ground intersected, turning dark and viscous, akin to a bottomless swamp. at that moment, an incomplete skeleton, composed of dark-red stained bones and rust, emerged from the swamp. the skeleton appeared to hail from ancient times. it extended its bony fingers into the oil painting on the rock wall, corresponding to the incomplete salle de bal brise. beneath it, more yellowed skeletons crawled out from the depths of the swamp. some bore shattered iron-colored armor, others carried rusty weapons, a few were missing a third of their bodies, and some were devoid of their heads in the market district, beneath glise saint-robert, within the inquisition. in his office, angoulme de fran?ois, donned in a golden shirt, attentively observed his subordinates delivering intel one by one. a violent explosion in the direction of the deep valley cloister abnormal activity detected underground saint vive cathedral has issued an order to maintain maximum vigilance tonight someone at the docks is organizing a huge strike tomorrow morning and distributing weapons there are also people organizing a march at the factories to the south the purifiers had a vast network of informants, surpassing even the most prolific information brokers. the manifold reports concerning unusual events in various locations within the market district nearly made angoulme lose control of his expression. his facial muscles twitched ever so slightly. when it finally grew silent, and no more subordinates came in to report, angoulme stood up, adjusted his collar, picked up a substantial dossier, and slammed it onto the table. while doing so, the purifier deacon cursed silently, hidden blade, do you want me dead? ever since hidden blade had informed him about gardner martins collaboration with the carbonari, the anomalies between the carbonari and the deep valley cloister, and the hostels situation, various irregularities had emerged from every corner, relentlessly testing his nerves. only a few hours had passed, but angoulme felt as though a tempest was gathering. phew angoulme exhaled and compiled the gathered intel, hidden blades reports, and the questions she had requested clarification on into a single document. he pinned it to the wall with a thumbtack, hoping to discern any patterns or overlooked details. the purifier deacons gaze roved the room. after some time, his eyes settled on one of the documents. hidden blade had inquired about the secret of glise saint-roberts old cemetery but hadnt received an answer. the old cemetery lay within the current salle de bal brise. angoulmes heart stirred, and he resolved to seek answers to this question once more. it was one of the few things he could undertake at the moment. blasted hidden blade, once this matter is resolved, if you dont leave the market district, ill request a transfer! angoulme inwardly cursed as he hurried into the telegraph room, angrily composing a telegram. he intended to convey to the higher-ups that they shouldnt be overly strict about confidentiality classifications when it concerned intelligence. the sooner he could figure out the details, the sooner he could unearth the truth and forestall impending catastrophe. after a ten-minute wait, angoulme received a response: the old cemetery of glise saint-robert is situated above a node for the sealing of fourth epoch trier. in the past, there was a breach that led to the release of some fourth epoch deceased. subsequently, it was reinforced, and the situation was contained. when the sealing system for the catacombs replaced such nodes, the old cemetery lost its significance and wasnt retained. Chapter 468 - Chapter 468 Q&A Game chapter 468 q&a game glise saint-roberts old cemetery had once served as fourth epoch triers node for the seal. however, leaks had occurred, allowing the ancient dead to crawl out angoulme carefully considered the information and felt that there might be hidden dangers lurking beneath salle de bal brise. he returned to the office and fixed his gaze on the piece of paper pinned to the wall. the paper not only clearly detailed hidden blades previous inquiry about the old cemeterys secret but also provided the circumstances under which she had made the inquiry. this was all part of their investigation into the sick church case! their goal was to uncover the reasons behind the unusual quietness of triers heretics and their activities as though they had gone into hiding for some massive endeavor. hidden blade suspects that the old cemeterys secret is somehow linked to the heretics plans? they aim to use the former leakage point to bypass the seal and open the door to fourth epoch trier? angoulme, with his experience, immediately connected the dots. entering the telegraph room, he informed the higher-ups of his theory and made a recommendation. send one or two teams underground to investigate the original leakage point as soon as possible, preferably led by saints. after sending the telegram, angoulme breathed a sigh of relief. his next task was to assemble his team and coordinate with the police, military police, and army to prevent the protests from escalating into riots before dawn. this process would inevitably lead to clashes with members of the iron and blood cross order and the carbonari. beyonders would also be involved. additionally, as 007, angoulme needed to find an opportunity to contact hidden blade and share the secret of the old cemetery with her. there was no more time for casual chats in the telegram group; he had to activate their prearranged practical approach. apartment 601, 3 rue des blouses blanches. ciel is missing too? after informing madam judgment and demoness of black about gardner martins abnormality, franca returned to the market district, only to realize that jenna, who should have been asleep in bed, had vanished. before she could inspect the house, anthony reid, with his buzz cut, visited late at night and reported that lumian had mysteriously vanished. there were no signs of a fight at the scene. yes, anthony reid was even more certain that something was amiss. it wasnt lumian switching to a safe house for sleep. there are no signs of a struggle here either franca walked to the guest bedroom door and looked at the lifted blanket. she could tell that jenna had taken her time before leaving. not only had she removed her pajamas and changed into her female mercenary attire, but she hadnt messed up the bedroom. franca furrowed her brow, pondering the possible reasons. although she knew this was a serious matter, she still habitually complained inwardly, why does it seem like my girlfriend ran off with my boyfriend amidst her thoughts, she remembered that jenna hadnt handed over the grayish-white cloth bag she had obtained from the cyborg monk to the strange boy, will. franca immediately turned her gaze to the coffee table, recalling that it had originally been there. seeing the grayish-white cloth bag vanish, the demoness of pleasure heaved a sigh of relief. jenna must have been notified by the strange boy, will, to deliver the mission item somewhere and collect the corresponding reward. and why did ciel disappear? could it be that wills request was for ciel to accompany her? yes, after all, he was invited by ciels major arcana card holder, madam magician doesnt seem like a terrible thing? anthony reid keenly sensed francas change in state. so far, thats the case. franca produced a palm-sized mirror. ill use magic mirror divination to confirm. she retrieved jennas pajamas and caressed the mirror with her free hand. simultaneously, she recited in hermes, celia bellos current location, celia bellos current location although the name jenna could also be used for divination, as jenna had been using this stage name for a long time, and most people around her called her that, franca felt that it would be more accurate to use her real name at a time like this. in the gas-lit living room of the apartment, the lights dimmed, and the environment became oppressive. the mirrors surface emitted an aqueous light, as if it had sunk into the depths of a river. however, franca saw nothing. snowflakes kept appearing in the mirror like noise. the divination yielded no results franca frowned again. could it be because of the presence of the strange boy, will? however, after handing over the mission item and obtaining the lucky gold coin, jenna should have separated from will. they shouldnt have been together for more than five minutes. theoretically, it cant be such a coincidence franca was cautious. well try again in five minutes. anthony reid nodded gently and asked, do you need me to go to auberge du coq dor and retrieve one of ciels clothes? no need. franca shook her head without hesitation. that fellow bears mr. fools seal and the aura of the blood emperor. it would be strange if i could gain anything from divination! time ticked by, and finally, five minutes passed. franca used the simple magic mirror divination to inquire about jennas location once again. there was still no answer, and no scene appeared. thats not right franca immediately switched to the complete magic mirror divination form of praying to certain entities. in the dark mirror, an aged voice echoed, accompanied by the sound of water. celia bello is in an undetectable location. undetectable franca began to feel that the problem might be more complicated and troublesome than she had guessed, so she asked, where is lumian lee now? amidst the sound of water, the aged voice replied, i cant see, i cant see the voice gradually faded into confusion and disorder. franca hastily ended magic mirror divination. she paced back and forth, feeling that she had to report this matter to madam judgment. but before that franca clenched her teeth and said to anthony reid, i want to use magic mirror divination to pray to an unknown and hidden entity. the results of his divination are the most precise. perhaps it can help us obtain an answer, but you have to swear to the god of steam and machinery not to divulge everything you hear later. no problem. anthony, clad in military-green attire, gestured a triangular sacred emblem on his chest. after anthony swore an oath to the deity he believed in, franca didnt hesitate. she lit three candles in a ritualistic manner and extinguished the gas wall lamps in the room. in the dim light, her right hand caressed the mirrors surface three times as she recited an honorific name in hermes. eyes that watch all living beings, the stigmata from the primordial land, the omniscient one who serves the fool, the great arrodes the glass of the makeup mirror darkened, fluctuating and enshrouding at times, emitting aqueous light. as a psychiatrist, anthony reid suddenly felt a strong sense of unease, as if a pair of eyes had scanned him from top to bottom. franca finished her preparations and asked, where is my friend, celia bello, now? in the mirror, an aqueous light flickered, revealing an image: it was a mine that was too blurry to see the details clearly. immediately after, the scene shifted, revealing a portion of avenue du march. franca recognized it immediately as the salle de bal brise area, but the building didnt exist. instead, it was replaced by a dark and crystal-like barrier. jenna, dressed in a light-blue dress, stood beside the barrier, her expression solemn as she observed an unrevealed part of the scene. beside her was a figure suspected to be lumian. as expected, theyre together where is this place? just as these thoughts crossed francas mind, she saw a few lines of ancient feysac words dripping with blood appear on the mirror. based on the principle of reciprocity, its my turn to ask a question. if you answer incorrectly or lie, you will be punished. franca closed her eyes, waiting for the question to be raised. the blood-red letters formed another sentence: have you ever fantasized about doing trieriens favorite activity with jenna? thankfully franca breathed a sigh of relief. the shame of this question depended on jennas presence. if she were present, franca would rather slam her head against a wall. but now, there was only one psychiatrist watching. is there a problem with telling a psychiatrist that i have a psychological problem and like women, my good friend, so much so that i want to do that with her? franca couldnt help but blush, but she replied smoothly, i did. anthony reid, who was observing, wasnt surprised at all. as a spectator, if he didnt discover francas abnormal feelings and thoughts about jenna, it could only mean that he wasnt up to standard. he hadnt expected franca to be relatively calm and not ashamed. franca then asked the magic mirror, where is the avenue du march where jenna currently is? this time, there was no scene in the magic mirror. instead, bright red terms appeared: a world in a painting. a world in a painting painter, pixie franca immediately made a connection and a guess. on the mirrors surface, bloody words distorted and squirmed, forming new words: based on the principle of reciprocity, its my turn to ask a question.have you ever fantasized about doing trieriens favorite activity with lumian lee? francas face burned. she could feel the temperature rising. i-i havent she subconsciously wanted to respond, but then she remembered the pain of being struck by lightning. she gazed at the magic mirror, striving to forget that there was a psychiatrist beside her. her lips quivered as she replied, i-i have. sometimes, just occasionally! i cant control myself in my dreams! anthony reid didnt allow his gaze to shift to francas face, nor did he allow his expression to change. it was as if what he saw and heard was ordinary. this was the basic professionalism of a psychiatrist. franca hurriedly concluded magic mirror divination and entered the master bedroom. she organized information on lumian, jennas disappearance, and the magic mirror divinations response into written information and reported it to madam judgment. after completing this matter and returning to the living room, she was about to discuss the situation with anthony reid when she heard a rumbling sound from the northwest of trier. it was as if multiple cannons were firing. Chapter 469 - Chapter 469 "Reinforcements" chapter 469 reinforcements quartier raste, triers garrison encampment. under the dim moonlight, a significant number of soldiers poured out of various buildings. they organized into teams with remarkable precision, either firing cannons at the distant roadblocks or shouldering rifles as they advanced toward avenue du boulevard in coordinated squads. among them were combatants equipped with steam-powered backpacks and massive firearms, strategically positioning themselves on elevated vantage points and in concealed spots. inside a building within the camp, albus, his hair appearing to be dyed red, sat confidently in an officers chair, his legs casually crossed at the edge of the table before him. in his field of vision, disembodied heads dangled by bloody spines, almost like they had extended tails. these severed heads soared toward headless bodies clad in blue soldier coats adorned with golden threads. they aimed for the vacant necks, inserting their bloodstained spines with precision. crack! they completed their integration simultaneously, twisting left and right to acclimate themselves to their new hosts. the freshly created soldiers promptly retrieved their weapons and charged out in an orderly formation, following mysterious directives. albus medici clicked his tongue and remarked, this is quite the reminiscent sight. will this night turn into a bloodbath? beyond the multitude of towering steeples and the golden-hued buildings, magician and justice were alerted by the distant rumble of cannons. an early uprising? magician, dressed in a crisp white collared shirt and a beige dress, gazed with starlight in her eyes, as if she had glimpsed through the veils of the spirit world and witnessed the turmoil at the military encampment. her prior astromancy predictions had suggested that the catastrophe was still some time away. however, when jenna caught the cyborg monk and discovered their ties to the heretics and job of transporting paints and brushes, it was evident that destiny had shifted, setting the illusory gears into motion prematurely. the catastrophe had begun without proper preparation. justice, garbed in a light-blue dress, listened to the booming cannons and responded with a composed tone, given the scale, its clear that this wont topple intiss current government. it can only incite a certain degree of temporary chaos could there be strikes, protests, marches, riots, and other forms of civil unrest colliding? these are the strengths of the iron and blood cross order and the carbonari. perhaps gardner martin and some of his associates went into hiding to spark the flames, but it appears their coordination isnt strong enough. without effective collaboration, they cant establish a connection. magicians gaze shifted toward the southeastern region, where quartier de la cathdrale commmorative, the market district, and quartier du jardin botanique were situated. justice nodded in agreement and added, this means that our efforts have yielded results. they were compelled to accelerate their plans. its impressive they accomplished such a feat given these circumstances. as soon as she finished speaking, the doll messenger, dressed in a light-gold gown, materialized from the void and handed the letter from judgment to magician. good evening, miss justice. a good day to you, the messenger cheerfully greeted justice. she was a mysophobic, obsessive-compulsive creature from the spirit world with a penchant for beauty, and miss justice was the embodiment of her preferences. on the other hand, her employer had many shortcomings that she found intolerable. therefore, she often took on additional tasks herself. this, however, had built a strong bond of closeness and trust between them. magician unfolded the letter and quickly scanned its contents. her expression underwent a subtle change. a world in a painting. did arrodes use the lucky gold coin and the fools seal on lumian to gain a vague glimpse of the scenes within the painting world? partial glimpses of avenue du march after murmuring to herself, magician turned to justice and said, i have a rough understanding of what those heretics are after and why they are utilizing the hostels form and the essence of its rooms. we cant afford to waste any more time. lets take action now. control or eliminate lady moon before we search for the painting world. justice nodded. agreed. she then smiled and added, we should place our trust in our comrades and collaborators. very well. magician took a step toward the sacred heart cloister, her beige dress hem billowing in the breeze. she raised her hands, and a constellation of resplendent stars materialized around her. they appeared both distant and densely packed, converging to create a night sky over the highlands. the countless stars cast their radiance upon the surface of the sacred heart cloister. with a determined effort, magician lifted the void in front of her, as if bearing a heavy burden. amidst the tumultuous yet silent vibrations, the sacred heart cloister, along with its myriad steeples and the ground beneath it, was projected into a pitch-black void. fierce hurricanes and layers of darkness encircled them. almost simultaneously, brilliant sunbeams illuminated the interconnected buildings, as if conjuring thousands of miniature suns. they resisted the encroaching darkness, striving to reveal the concealed void. magician and justice vanished, reappearing in a space that seemed to bend and contract, forming a dark sphere. close by, a crouching golden retriever activated psychological invisibility, carefully observing her surroundings and maintaining the highest level of vigilance. painting world, avenue du march. from the darkness that corresponded to salle de bal brise, dark-red and rust-stained yellow skeletons emerged. they exuded a palpable aura of death, and the strong scent of rust and blood hung heavy in the air. when gathered together, they created and intensified a frenzied and violent atmosphere. this sensation was tangible, immediately shaking the crystal barrier enveloping the darkness. it produced numerous cracks before silently collapsing. witnessing this horrifying scene, the woman in the white halter dress who had brought the sansons to avenue du march and the various rooms with similar auras to sraphines brought over, certain words spoken by the doll messenger flashed through lumians mind. those old bones! with a swift thought, he seized jennas arm with his left hand and immersed his consciousness into his right palm. bright red scars reappeared, and an exceptionally violent, maddening, and domineering aura surged from his body, causing the blue sky, white clouds, and the setting sun to visibly quiver. even sraphine and the other rooms, despite their experience, were taken aback and couldnt help but shudder. the two pixies outside were even more terrified, convinced that a formidable presence had descended and that the painting world was on the brink of collapse. the yellowish, ragged, and incomplete old bones creaked and turned, bowing their heads in unison to lumian. they refrained from instinctively attacking the nearest humans. lumian raised his chin slightly and pointed his right hand with an icy determination at the rooms and the two pixies. the old bones, clad in tattered armor and brandishing rusty weapons, transformed into dangerous incandescent fireballs that exploded towards every genuine target. the blue-beret-wearing pixies pupils dilated, and she abruptly extended her palm into the void. her form turned ethereal once more, suffused with even greater emptiness and indifference, as if she had hidden herself in another realm. boom! the white-hot fireball merged with her form, resulting in a powerful explosion, but it couldnt reach the distant fantasy world and harm its intended target. the painter, donned in red pants, had suffered a severe fall, with fractured bones and a lingering sense of dizziness. there was no time to change his condition. his only option was to attempt a rapid repositioning, employing the maximum speed a sequence 8 could muster. yet, just as he sprang to his feet, he was struck by a blazing white fireball. boom! the pixie was left in a gory state from the explosion. his abdomen was torn open, internal organs spilled out, and his left arm severed. severe burn marks covered his body. he lost consciousness, his life ebbing away. the incandescent white fireball hurtling toward sraphine and gabriel suddenly veered into the wilderness, distancing itself from the indifferent and vacant human models by several hundred meters. the farther it flew, the weaker it became. after enduring for a hundred to two hundred meters, it eventually touched the ground and exploded. perhaps the most dangerous factor was the woman in the white halter dress, with curly black hair and a beautiful face. she appeared soulless as multiple blazing white fireballs were aimed at her. however, the hazardous fireballs either bypassed the raised palms of the human model or exploded prematurely in a strange manner. some even ascended into the air and transmuted into fireworks. it was akin to room 7 being impervious to attack. not far from sraphine, there stood a stunning woman in a bright red dress. her eyes held a vacant quality, and her aura appeared somewhat detached. at that moment, she watched a blazing white fireball hurtling toward her like a meteor, remaining utterly motionless. the blazing white fireball grew fainter and smaller. just as it was about to collide with its target, it completely extinguished and reverted to a yellowish skeleton holding a rusty spear. the skeleton swayed a few times before disintegrating, the withering sensation becoming more pronounced. in the caf diagonally opposite, an elegant plump lady in a black dress materialized. on one hand, she seemed to have lost her vitality and appeared unusually ethereal. on the other hand, she displayed a yearning expression and gaze. she opened her mouth as the incandescent white fireball approached and raised her hands, clutching a silver knife and fork. with a whoosh, she sliced the blazing white fireball in half. an illusory vortex filled with fanged phantoms formed in her mouth, devouring a portion of the fireball, neutralizing the threat. boom! most of the fireballs lost their course and veered off, shattering the cafs glass and toppling tables, chairs, and nearby outer walls. beside the darkness of salle de bal brise, lumian watched the old bones transform into blazing white fireballs, attacking the various rooms and the two pixies. he didnt wait to see the final outcome or seize an opportunity to launch a surprise attack. he grabbed jennas arm, kicked with his right foot, and lunged towards salle de bal brises original location, where the old bones had emerged. Chapter 470 - Chapter 470 Three Heads, Six Arms chapter 470 three heads, six arms lumian and jenna plunged into the darkness, the area that should have been salle de bal brise before the hostels rooms and the blue-beretted pixie could escape the entanglement of old bones. his vision plunged into darkness before specks of spiritual light emerged ahead. they converged like resplendent stars, turning densely packed, akin to a black velvet curtain adorned with diamonds or countless grains of sand in water. amidst these spiritual lights, an ancient, heavy, illusory, and mysterious door materialized in distortion. iron-black, its surface marred by dark-red rust, as if a large amount of blood had spilled upon it. in underground trier, within the undetectable mine. in his untouchable state, the painter witnessed yellowed skeletons clamoring into the colossal oil painting on the rock wall. iron-black and dark-red lines outlined themselves in the previously empty salle de bal brise, forming a door that shouldnt exist in reality. its not time yet, not time yet the painter, with tassels adorning his trouser legs, stared blankly, unable to believe such a development. though he and his accomplices had been attempting to depict this imaginary door, they knew it was destined to fail. at most, they would complete a fifth of it before having to start anew. they persisted for the experience, anticipating that once the ritual commenced, they could draw the crucial parts swiftly. having already finished the main part of the hostel oil painting, they had nothing else to do. why not try a few more times? what if a miracle occurred? now, a miracle unfolded without their attempts! the painter gazed at the transformation before him, a mix of anticipation and shock. he couldnt help but look up at the cave ceiling and silently mutter, do we not need cooperation from aboveground to make the entrance appear? could the abnormality in the painting world be causing this? if we dont coordinate with the surface in time, even if the entrance appears, we wont be able to bypass the seal and enter lumian and jenna descended as if through a dark pipe, uncontrollably approaching the void adorned with spiritual specks of light and the bloodied, rusted door. almost simultaneously, lumians left chest heated up, and terrifying ravings echoed in his ears from an infinite height and distance. familiar with this sensation, indicating the corruption of inevitability in his body, lumian knew termiboros was up to something, and mr. fools seal had been triggered. however, unlike before, lumian refrained from attempting to crack the seal to steal inevitabilitys power. consequently, he didnt enter a state of excruciating pain, just a bit dazed. in his daze, lumian saw sraphineroom 7clad in a white halter dress. other rooms with varied appearances and attire, yet nearly identical dispositions, seemed to detach from the painting world and overlap with the fake avenue du march. the left chests of these rooms emitted a faint glow, suggesting they too had seals on them. lumians head spun as a scenewhether real or fakeunfolded before him. sraphine and the other 12 rooms stepped into the void and surrounded him, invisible and hidden connections intertwining. jenna, arm clutched by lumian, sensed something and turned her head. flesh on lumians left and right shoulders writhed as two illusory heads emerged. one head looked like a ten-year-old lumian, covered in dirt, and his eyes filled with ruthlessness. the other, nearly thirty, with blood-red hair and iron-black eyes, looked violent and crazy. wh jenna felt as if she had entered a nightmare, witnessing her companion transform into a monster. lumians body expanded, gripping jenna like a palm-sized puppet. behind him, illusory arms sprouted from his ribs. lumian didnt neglect the changes in his body. he saw his current form in jennas eyes. a three-headed, six-armed giant! it bore a striking resemblance to the monster in cordus ruins! however, lumian didnt lose his mind. he was certain the fools seal on his chest and termiboros were still intact. an illusory collision reverberated as lumian crashed into the ancient, heavy, and mysterious door, causing it to tremble and creak. it was about to open. at that moment, the spiritual spots on the black velvet curtain lit up, stabilizing the iron-black door stained with blood and rust. witnessing and experiencing this, lumian suddenly grasped what hostel was, why they referred to him as room 1, and the heretics intentions and plans. the concept of hostel likely emerged after the tree of shadow disaster. at some point, maip meyer, ostracized, established contact with other cults, informing them of lumians existence and state. they imitated the situation where an evil gods blessed was sealed within lumians body, creating hostel, rooms 2 to 13. they invited various evil gods blessed to take up residence, establishing a mystical connection among them based on this systematic similarity. when lumian entered the painting world, actions taken on the other rooms of hostel were equivalent to acts on lumian. when the hostel took shape and all the rooms were pieced together, lumian couldnt help but be affected. since the rooms displayed the levels of their residents, lumian underwent a corresponding change. the resident within him was an angel, termiboros! after the mysticism-based hostel ritual, lumian, lacking the strength of an angel or a true mythical creature form, had briefly attained the level of an angel! this explained why voisin sanson and company didnt leave the room and attacked lumian directly. termiboros was sealed, so they naturally wanted him too. they had to maintain this state until the ritual ended! of course, the heretics werent kind enough to help lumian experience the state of an inevitability angel. their goal was to use this opportunity to enter fourth epoch trier. opening the door using an angels level! hence, the hostel had to align with some areas of the market district and exhibit environmental similarities. lumian speculated that the salle de bal brises underground corresponded to a weak spot in the seal. in the past, there had even been problems. many old bones, guided by alista tudors aura, had crawled out. the corruption leaked, affecting 13 avenue du march. this made lumian wonder if his arrival in the market district and his stay at auberge du coq dor had something to do with the attraction the underground area had on hunters. due to this crucial information, the salle de bal brise in the painting world remained blank and dark. the streets surrounding it and the people who often appeared nearby were replicated in appearance. when the corresponding ritual truly commenced, the surfaces market district and the underground market district would likely undergo a switch. reality would become a fabrication, and fabrication would become reality, revealing or outlining the seal corresponding to salle de bal brise, weakening it to the extreme. when the time came, lumian, an angel, could open the door to fourth epoch trier! maip meyers return to the market district aimed to harness his actor abilities, acting as different individuals. he would enter various houses and assist pixies in grasping the specifics of these streets to complete the massive painting of hostel. worried that lumian, franca, and others would notice in advance, he avoided their rooms, lacking sufficient knowledge. looking at the mysterious door beneath him, lumian tried to distance himself, but he couldnt break free. it was as if a huge magnet was sucking himnow an angelbehind the door, causing him to involuntarily squeeze inside. thanks to countless spots of spirituality in the surrounding darkness, the ancient door, stained with blood and rust, didnt open. lumian sensed that this was because the hostel ritual hadnt fully commenced. he and jenna had barged into the painting world ahead of time, disrupting the heretics arrangements! now, if the hostel ritual was to be completed and the surface and underground switched, there were at least two key points that couldnt be matched. firstly, the subterranean seal, which could only be released by destroying trier and eliminating most of the people here, now had the switch between reality and fabrication, a temporary acquisition of an angelic level, and the discovery of weakness in the seal; thus, the requirement could be significantly reduced. however, lowering the requirement further would necessitate a riot bringing chaos to the surface trier. secondly, it was afternoon in the painting world, and the sun was only westering. the sky was still bright, but in reality, it was the middle of the night. the moonlight was dim, and the darkness was dense. avenue du march, market district. in a double-breasted brown coat, angoulme de fran?ois noted the secret of glise saint-roberts old cemetery on paper, placing it in the safe house provided by hidden blade, hoping she would discover it in time. the purifier deacon guided his robot toward imre and valentine, who awaited near salle de bal brise. at that moment, the rumbling salvos reached his ears. instinctively, he turned his head to see triers sky illuminated by flames. an army rebellion? angoulme furrowed his brow. now, most purifiers from the dioceses were dispersed to quell strikes, marches, and protests after daybreak. unexpectedly, trouble arose in the military camp! was news of the massive strike deliberately sent to us, forcing a dispersion of forces and making it impossible for us to organize manpower to resolve the problem in a short period of time? a conspiracy by the iron and blood cross order? angoulme instantly had a suspicion. in quartier raste, a wilderness emerged from the sacred heart cloister that had been thrown into turbulence and darkness. lady moons voice resonated, her smile evident as she addressed magician and justice,you might not have guessed whos sheltering us this time before she could finish, the sound of a baby crying echoed. waaa! the babys cries were vibrant, bringing forth endless golden sunlight. the entire sacred heart cloister transformed into a blazing sun, piercing through the turbulent storm and distorting space. in the real trier, the still-sleeping citizens were jolted awake by the sunlight. in apartment 601, franca and anthony reid instinctively looked up at the suddenly bright sky. a dazzling golden sun hung in the sky, positioned to the west. Chapter 471 - Chapter 471 Topsy-Turvy chapter 471 topsy-turvy angoulme, racing towards glise saint-robert with imre and valentine to gather more intel and receive the latest orders, suddenly found himself blinded by sunlight. it was as though he had been shrouded in darkness for too long, struggling to adapt to the sudden brightness. after a few moments, he and his teammates gazed skyward. in trier, where it had been late at night, the scene had transformed into a sunny afternoon! feeling the warmth of the sun, angoulme couldnt shake off the chill crawling down his spine. he sensed that the problem had escalated dramatically, and a catastrophe loomed on the horizon. in the blink of an eye, a series of explosions echoed from the rist docks, le march du quartier du gentleman, suhits steam locomotive station, and the nearby depot and warehouses. thunderous rumbles echoed through the air. even from a distance, angoulme and his comrades witnessed the crimson flames and burning structures. gunshots, salvos, and shouts pierced through the chaos. the entire market district plunged into anarchy. is quartier rastes military rebellion thinning triers beyonder forces to support the insurrection in the market district? this cant be the same group responsible for the earlier docks and factory strikes at dawn what is happening? angoulmes expression hardened as he changed course, hastening towards the epicenter of the most intense explosions. imre and valentine followed closely behind. in salle de bal brise, the caf on the second floor, gardner martin donned his silver-white full-body armor and positioned himself by the window. a smirk played on his lips as he observed angoulme de fran?ois and his team departing the area. the leader of the savoie mob could already envision the chaos unfolding at the rist docks, le march du quartier du gentleman, and other key locations. without reservation, he unveiled the hidden might of the iron and blood cross order in the market district, aiming to sow maximum chaos in the shortest time possible. whether it was blood palm black overseeing le march du quartier du gentleman, vincent lorraine at the rist docks, parsifal managing the depot, or faustino, the infiltrator at suhits steam locomotive station, each was leading a team in acts of arson, detonating explosives, and unleashing indiscriminate destruction and carnage. fortunately, we were well-prepared. even if we had to expedite our plans, we can still complete the corresponding ritual, gardner martin remarked to supervisor olson, standing not far behind him. olson, resembling a starving bear, clutched his small brown suitcase, his voice indifferent as he inquired, you didnt eliminate the demoness? gardner martin grinned. no need to waste effort on such a foolish demoness. she poses no real threat. moreover, taking her down would be time-consuming, and youre aware of their formidable survivability. it might cause us to miss the crucial moment. as for the others causing trouble, i dispatched albus to the military camp in quartier raste. lumian at the mention of lumian, gardner martins smile broadened. he lifted the visor of his helmet, peering out the window once more. under the brilliant sunlight, the flames of le march du quartier du gentleman painted the sky crimson. shouts, cries, gunshots, and explosions reverberated through the air. gardner martin tilted his chin upward, closed his eyes, and contentedly awaited the unfolding climax of the play. the ritual was on the brink of completion. in the painting world, the westering sun in the sky assumed a heightened realism, its glow merging with the faint shadow in an uncanny dance. similar transformations unfolded across every structure. vendors and pedestrians on the streets ceased to be lifeless figures, now frantically darting about in pandemonium, desperately seeking refuge. the subterranean market district and its surface counterpart gradually transitioned into tangible existence. one was now bathed in flames like an oil painting, and the two began to mirror each other, interweaving as projections in the spirit world. suddenly, like illusory objects flipping upside down, the painted market district emerged on the surface, severing its complete seal with the rest of trier. the authentic market district had transformed into a mural within the cave, linked to the underground. in the actual trier, salle de bal brise existed in darkness, mitigating the effects of the seal. within that darkness, the three-headed, six-armed giant, lumian, adhered to the enigmatic door. with a resonant creak, it slowly swung open, stained with blood and red rust, revealing a crevice seemingly ablaze with invisible flames. rumble! trier shuddered in its entirety, and the sunlit sky descended into a twilight adorned with fiery clouds. quartier raste, red swan castle. count poufer, roused from his slumber, snapped awake in the midst of a dream. blood-stained sunlight filtered through the thick curtains, accompanied by cruel and frenzied screams. the beige castle, adorned with ancient bloodstains, trembled violently, as if a colossal entity beneath the ground clung to its foundations. poufer felt a summoning and a magnetic pull from the depths of his soul. excitement painted his expression as he hastily vacated his bed and dashed out of the bedroom. in his frantic haste, he disregarded slippers and eschewed a change from his dark-red cotton robe. barefoot, he sprinted down the corridor, the hem of his robe swinging behind him. how many nights had he yearned for this awakening? it signified the long-awaited recognition from the remnant spirit of his ancestor, the fulfillment of the prophecy by the mysterious leader of the secret order, and the dawn of hope for the sauron family to reclaim their strength. it meant the end of the curse that haunted the other saurons and the promise of rebirth! count poufer understood the potential consequences for himself, but he faced the situation without flinching or hesitation. hadnt every member of the sauron family, choosing to reside in red swan castle and not relocating after reaching adulthood, been mentally prepared for this moment? to become the vessel for their ancestors resurrection, to merge with him, was an honor for every sauron family member! descending the stairs, count poufer entered the underground maze. in the darkness behind him, a figure emerged from the vicinity adjacent to the stairs. it was elros, donned in beige hunting attire with her long auburn hair tied into a ponytail. the girl, bearing both the sauron and einhorn bloodlines, followed her cousin at a steady pace, her presence silent yet profound. in apartment 601, 3 rue des blouses blanches, in the market district. franca and anthony reid found themselves momentarily bewildered as they witnessed the sun appearing and hanging low in the west. its past 2 a.m. what sun could there be? what was going on? why was this strange phenomenon happening? their thoughts were abruptly shattered by the reverberations of explosions and gunshots in the market district. anthony visibly trembled, instinctively attempting to dodge the unforeseen onslaught. fortunately, having chosen to remain in trier earlier, he managed to regain control more effectively than in past episodes. a shared glance exchanged between franca and anthony revealed surprise, confusion, and underlying worry. has the catastrophe struck? anthony reid queried in a deep, resonant voice. franca, brow furrowed, mused, but according to bouvards corpses prophecy, the catastrophe was accompanied by rain and water, and now before she could complete her sentence, her spirituality alerted her to something outside the window. an unmistakable phantom materialized in the building opposite, the two figures overlapping and swiftly parting ways. simultaneously, a wave of dizziness enveloped franca, as if she had plunged weightlessly and failed to utilize an assassins feather fall. anthony reid experienced a similar sensation. he spoke solemnly, indiscriminately affecting everyone? the effect of a ritual? a ritual to trigger the catastrophe? just as franca considered suggesting leaving the apartment to approach the fools cathedral at the lavigny docks for a clearer understanding, her attention was drawn to the abrupt changes in two items tucked within her hidden pockets. she quickly made a judgment based on the locations they were located. one was the palm-sized primordial demoness figurine, which, even through clothing, exuded an abnormal coldness. the other was the ancient silver mirror from the underground, an object connected to a peculiar mirror world. it trembled subtly, as if stirred or resonating with the current environment and nearby objects. wh francas eyes narrowed. coupled with the simultaneous movements of the two items, she suspected the presence of a high-level beyonder of the demoness pathway nearby! in the sacred heart cloister, now transformed into a sun, the continuous cries of an infant filled the air. the cries unsettled madam magician with a starlit visage, causing a multitude of door-shaped insects to crawl in and out. miss justice, her skin covered in grayish-white scales, was compelled to placate herself. the piercing sunlight forced the two major arcana card holders to instinctively shut their eyes. before them, voids intersected, and layers of starlight blocked the spreading flames into the distance. they recognized the incoming force all too well. it was the divine power of the eternal blazing sun! although this true god hadnt physically descended from the spirit world into reality, lady moon, who had nurtured a deity, and the newborn baby she held, indirectly channeled some of his strength. the power of a god! magician and justice, though struggling to endure, remained composed. they knew they werent alone. upon discovering lady moons hideout in the sacred heart cloister, they had anticipated the worst-case scenario. on the blue avenger at the lavigny docks, the hanged man alger, adorned in a sailors attire with dark-blue hair, positioned himself at the bow of the ship. witnessing the sudden brightening of the sky and the sun hanging low in the west, a mix of worry and excitement washed over him. swiftly, he retrieved an item from his possession. it was a card featuring emperor roselle with raised hands and a papal tiara adorning his head. behind him, the depiction showcased lightning, violent winds, and tumultuous waves. the tyrant card! one of the cards of blasphemy crafted by emperor roselle. the hanged man alger had made a special trip to trier, abstaining from involvement in operations elsewhere, anticipating the worst calamity! through prior communication, pre-installed imprints, and adept prayers, as a saint of the sailor pathway, he possessed the ability to employ the tyrant card. this allowed him to temporarily harness someones power, enabling resistance against the sun in the sky without jeopardizing the stability of the astral world. whoosh! as alger bowed his head in prayer, the tyrant card illuminated, causing triers sky to darken. countless water droplets descended to the ground beneath the sunlight. rain, a deluge of torrential rain. Chapter 472 - Chapter 472 Weather chapter 472 weather in the midst of the torrential rain, the hanged man alger concluded his prayer. his body involuntarily straightened, and his head snapped up. the tyrant card in his hand suddenly thickened and brightened, transforming into a luminous book. the pages of the book rapidly flipped, revealing various forms of emperor roselle. he alternated between the attire of a sailor, sporting a nautical hat, and singing with head held high amidst the waves the scene settled on the emperor donned in a papal tiara and a pontiffs robe. his interaction with the dim sky summoned a colossal bolt of lightning, piercing through the clouds. rumble! amidst the thunderclaps, the illusory figure of emperor roselle merged with the hanged man alger. his demeanor abruptly became dignified, and the srenzo river around the blue avenger instantaneously calmed, resembling a windless lake. adorning the papal tiara and draping the pontiffs robe, the hanged man alger conjured a silver staff condensed from lightning. stepping forward, he ascended into the sky, surrounded by the wind. rumble! above trier, thunder roared, and a visible hurricane swept up myriad dark clouds, forming a colossal, dark, and ominous vortex. within the vortex, dense bolts of lightning of various hues intertwined, extending out to shroud the blazing sun in the west. whoosh! the rain, like an opened faucet, cascaded into every nook of trier, creating a misty fog that enveloped everything. in the blink of an eye, a layer of water covered the ground, illuminated by both sunlight and lightning. the citizens, roused by the morning sunlight, now felt an impending apocalypse as they stared at the pitch-black backdrop untouched by the blazing sunlight and snake-like lightning. in the profound darkness corresponding to salle de bal brise, lumian, a colossal giant standing over ten meters tall with two additional illusory heads and four exaggerated arms, witnessed the mysterious door to which he was attached slowly creaking open with a weighty grinding sound. gradually, a crack emerged, and within the fissure, formless flames flickered. this time, less than a tenth of the nearby spiritual light spots remained. the various mystical symbols and connections had either dissipated or weakened to an extreme degree. the iron-black door, tainted with blood and rust, finally broke free from its constraints, and the crack became more pronounced. before the collision of torrential rain, lightning, and the sun, the formless flames behind the door retreated silently, unveiling an endless path with no discernible end. holding jenna tightly, lumian couldnt resist the ominous pull and descended through the door. his left chest glowed, and, along with the entire hostel and the other twelve rooms, they were on the verge of passing through the mysterious door. in the real market district, on the second floor of salle de bal brise. as reality and fiction switched, gardner martin, supervisor olson, and the members of the iron and blood cross order, who hadnt gone to set fire to rist docks and other locations, seamlessly transitioned into the painting world. they remained on the ground, beside the deep darkness that represented salle de bal brise. this was thanks to a figure who had silently materialized behind them. behind supervisor olson stood a man in formal attire, sans a bow tie. aged between his thirties and forties, he possessed a high nose bridge, deep-set eyes, and light-blue irises. his slightly curled brown hair framed an unusually stiff countenance, his eyes reflecting open disdain and arrogance. behind gardner martin stood an old man with meticulously combed dark-red hair, clad in a blue military suit adorned with a sash and medals. though wrinkles marked the old mans face, his dark eyes emanated sharpness capable of toppling houses and uprooting the earth wherever they landed. they were the president and the most powerful vice president of the iron and blood cross order. under their guardianship, gardner martin and olson remained unaffected by the heretics ritual, refraining from entering the painting world. as for the other upper echelons of the iron and blood cross order, they wreaked havoc in various parts of trier, diverting the attention of official beyonders. observing the dark depths of salle de bal brise morph into a pair of blood-stained iron-black doors, the four members of the iron and blood cross order entered without hesitation, as if they had executed the maneuver countless times before. in the deepest depths of red swan castle, within the hall located in the underground maze. count poufer, clad in a robe and barefoot, had already arrived. by the glow of white candles, he fixated on the rusty bronze coffin. the coffins lid shifted, unveiling illusory purple flames that filled the interior. these flames merged with the iron-black ring embedded in the ground, beneath the bronze coffin. they blended with the viscous blood and withered hearts within the ring, forming an entrancea deep entrance tainted with blood and rust. through this entrance emanated a lofty, bloody, and frenzied aura from the underground. count poufer trembled under the influence of the aura, yet his eyes burned with fanaticism and fearlessness. this was his first proximity to the ancestors mind! a twisted smile adorned poufers face as he strode forward, passing through the peripheral glow of candlelight and approaching the anomalous bronze coffin. in the entire world, only the sauron family members with the corresponding talents who had bided their time in red swan castle, the mysterious leader of the secret order, and the long-dead emperor roselle knew that beneath red swan castle lay another breached seal of fourth epoch trier. the repairs had been completed using the hearts of generations of important sauron family members as a seal, yet the problem proved irreversible. vermonda champagne sauron, who once dominated the sauron family, had gone mad and entered the upper levels of fourth epoch trier! his frenzied spirit lingered at the seal, inextinguishable. his anguished roars echoed, affecting everyone in red swan castle and those of the same bloodline. now, it was time to put an end to the curse that had caused the sauron familys decline and trapped the saurons in nightmares! count poufer felt a potent sense of mission and honor. with the conviction that he would die here, he laughed maniacally, pressed his hand to the edge of the bronze coffin, and lay down. his figure plummeted into the deep entrance stained with blood and rust. as count poufer vanished into the bronze coffin, elros einhorn, in a beige hunting suit with a ponytail, entered the hall. her gaze swept over the white candles and the bronze coffin, scrutinizing the changes in the seal. she then cut her finger, dripping three drops of bright red blood on the ground. lowering her head, she recited solemnly, the embodiment of iron and blood, the symbol of the calamity of war, the priest who controls the weather, the great snarner einhorn after finishing the incantation, the blood on the ground boiled, expanding into a blood-colored lake before condensing into a figure clad in iron-black, blood-stained armor. standing over 1.8 meters tall, with long dark-red hair and flamboyant golden earrings, the figure exuded androgynous, handsome features. darkened brown eyes fixed on elros as the figure nodded gently and spoke,well done. in the previous war, the family lost its most important object. we must seize every opportunity to make up for our losses, even if its just a portion. with that, snarner einhorn entered the deep entrance of the bronze coffin. elross eyes flickered as she observed the scene. finally, she sighed and said, regardless, the sauron familys curse will end in apartment 601, 3 rue des blouses blanches. franca, with a mixture of surprise and concern, took out the primordial demonesss bone figurine and the ancient silver mirror she had obtained from underground. uncertain about the significance of the abnormality in these two items, she decided to place them at a distance. her plan was to wait and observe subsequent changes before deciding on the next course of action. at that precise moment, the classic silver mirror unexpectedly reflected the primordial demoness figurine, even though it wasnt in its line of sight. this occurrence triggered a seismic disturbance throughout rue des blouses blanches. dark light surged from the mirror, enveloping franca and anthony reid before they could employ any abilities. as the darkness subsided, only the coffee table, sofa, and various furnishings remained in apartment 601. adjacent to the mural depicting a segment of the market district, behind the ecstatic painter, an ancient silver mirror detached from the painting world and gently descended into the shadows. gradually sinking deeper and deeper, it swiftly vanished. amidst the indescribable heat and the swirling world, lumian and jenna landed on a ground covered in pale-black stone bricks. their eyes were met with the sight of a magnificent city in the distance, featuring asymmetrical black buildings and vibrant red houses. a thin fog intermittently shrouded the city, giving it the appearance of a mirage, the kind occasionally encountered by pirates and sailors. in the wilderness beyond the city, dark clouds gathered, lightning flashed, thunder rumbled, and rain poured. a colossal figure, dozens of meters tall, stood surrounded by these natural phenomena, barely visible and indistinguishable. he lingered outside the city, enveloped in smoke, flames, hail, lightning, torrential rain, and violent winds, as if perpetual. is this fourth epoch trier? lumian speculated, though uncertainty lingered. this wasnt quite what he had expected. jenna subconsciously turned to look at him and noticed that he had reverted to his original appearance, no longer abnormally huge. he no longer possessed three heads and six arms. Chapter 473 - Chapter 473 Weakening of Corruption chapter 473 weakening of corruption youve recovered, jenna whispered to lumian. she refrained from speaking loudly, fearing that it might agitate her companion and trigger the same mutation again. plus, there was the concern of attracting the ominous giants attention, shrouded in smoke and rain that made it elusive. lumian locked eyes with jenna and realized from the reflection that he was back to normal. subconsciously, he responded, this means the hostel ritual, conducted by the heretics using me as a template, has ended suddenly alert, lumian scanned the area. with the hostel ritual concluded, he anticipated the arrival of the evil gods bestowed from the other twelve rooms. his gaze focused on an unusual area adorned with pale-black stone bricks, dominating the scenery. it sprawled out, filling lumians field of view, except for where it stopped short of the distant grand city and the colossal figure amidst the turbulent weather. stretching across his vision, grayish-white stone pillars loomed every 20 to 30 meters, some standing tall and others succumbing to collapse. these pillars, broad enough to span the reach of three to four people, obstructed lumians and jennas view beyond. the sky above, supported by these stone sentinels, took on an odd translucency, as though an unseen fire silently raged, invisible to the naked eye. the resulting glow cast an eerie brightness, akin to dusk on a war-torn battlefield. lumian, lacking dark vision, could perceive his surroundings clearly without conjuring a crimson fireball. he didnt notice madame pualis and the other bestowed of evil gods. did the residents of the hostel not enter, or are they scattered in various places, arriving at random locations? he mused aloud. unfazed, he redirected his focus, hoping jenna possessed the pertinent information. though jenna grappled with the concept of random, she grasped lumians intent. without delving deeper into that mystery, she pivoted to the more pressing concern. what should we do now? at the same time, jenna made a connection. the hostel was created using ciel as a template based on the mystical knowledge involved in a demonesss curse, could ciel harbor an evil gods bestowed within him? uh he seemed to have mentioned before that he had mr. fools seal on him, and the one sealed is an evil gods bestowed? the transformation was actually similar to the effects of a curse, but due to the seal, there were no serious consequences? what do we do? lumian assessed the chaotic scene before him: a colossal, blurry giant amid smoke, rain, lightning, and flames. he chuckled, our move now is to put some distance between us and that giant. well head in the opposite direction of the city, find a secure hiding spot, and observe the unfolding events. our goal is to locate an exit swiftly. despite feeling an unusual pull towards the giant and the city, lumian managed to resist. he was no longer under the intense attraction that had gripped him beforenow that he lacked an angelic level. rationality prevailed as he carefully considered the risks and benefits. the giant, undoubtedly godlike in nature, seemed to be in a state of madness. lumian, a sequence 6 conspirer, couldnt afford to approach it casually. just a glance could make him lose control! the city, possibly fourth epoch trier, held its own dangersone that caused even demigods to perish withinwith potential undead creatures and corruption like the old bones. lumian had the fools seal and the aura of blood emperor alista tudor, but he couldnt feel as relaxed, carefree, or fearless as returning to cordu before the corruption. if he had entered the fourth epochs trier with such intentions, he might have turned into an irrational, perpetually lingering monster sealed with an angel in the blink of an eye. with that, lumian turned and sprinted in the opposite direction of the giants figure in the ever-changing weather, away from the magnificent city. he needed to put some distance between himself and the looming threat. nobody could predict if the massive creature would make any noise! the unrestrained voices of high-level beyonders posed a grave danger to mid-sequence beyonders. jenna put her trust in the seasoned ciel and followed him with grace. they maneuvered past the grayish-white stone pillars, some standing tall while others lay in ruins, pushing further into the area paved with light-black stone bricks. as lumian sprinted, a slight frown creased his forehead. he could feel a significant drain on his spirituality after the intense battle in the painting world and multiple spirit world traversals. if another mishap occurred, he questioned how long he could endure. i need to find a way to replenish my spirituality in reality, its midnight. should i lay low until 6 a.m.? lumian contemplated as he dashed forward. in the fake market district on the surface, torrential rain cascaded upon sraphine and the other rooms. they stood on the street across from salle de bal brise, their chests radiating with various hues. one by one, figures materialized, piercing through the void and descending into the profound darkness. they entered the iron-black door tainted with blood and rust within the depths of the shadows. sraphine gazed at the surreal scene, her vacant eyes and rigid expression suddenly overtaken by sorrow. rainwater drenched her long brown hair. beside her, gabriels face beamed with joy as he spoke in an otherworldly tone, is it over? can we be together forever? sraphines rain-soaked face twisted. she instructed gabriel, leave this place and stay away from me! why? gabriel questioned, perplexed. sraphines role as a hostel room had been fulfilled. there shouldnt be anything else, right? the monster could resume its normal life. sraphine uttered in pain, with the tenants gone, the hostels rooms no longer hold any value before she could finish, a pair of transparent dragonfly-like wings sprouted from her back, etched with open, cold eyes. silently, sraphines form disintegrated. the wet lake-blue dress lost its support and plummeted to the ground. adorned with writhing flesh and blood, each piece bore dragonfly-like, dreamy wings and eye-like patterns. sraphines head remained relatively intact. surrounded by blood dragonflies, a few wheat ears and mushrooms sprouted from her face. raindrops struck her face and slid. she opened her mouth, as if leading to another world, and her voice turned shrill. were not bestowed, but the work of pixies! go! gabriel stared vacantly at sraphine, a composition of blood dragonflies and a head. an indescribable sorrow etched across his empty, cold face. in the midst of the pouring rain and sunlight, he instinctively took a few steps in the opposite direction before halting. the playwright turned, retracing his steps toward sraphine. a gentle smile curled on the corners of his mouth. id forgotten. im already a monster. where can i go? im grateful you let me run on my own in the end. as gabriel spoke, he bent down, allowing his knees to touch the ground and the puddles. his arms enveloped the countless blood dragonflies and sraphines struggling head, and he planted a deep kiss on the lips adorned with wheat ears and mushrooms. thud! thud! thud! the blood dragonflies sliced through his flesh with their wings, burrowing into his body, draining his life force. he persisted in the kiss. raindrops pelted them. before long, translucent and dreamy wings emerged from gabriels back, stained with blood. amidst the spine-chilling gnawing sounds, gabriels body collapsed and melted, likewise for sraphines head. in the midst of the ensuing blood, strange-shaped dragonflies with translucent wings, resembling meatballs, soared into the air, resembling bright fireworks in a storm. suddenly, blazing sunlight descended, engulfing the area and the abnormal bodies. not far away, angoulme, valentine, and imre spread their arms in unison. upon returning to glise saint-robert, they remained unaffected by the ritual, no longer within the world of the painting. they stayed grounded, and once the situation stabilized, they made their way to salle de bal brise. quartier raste, sacred heart cloister. storms and lightning veiled the golden sun, but for now, they couldnt thwart the sunlight from piercing through. this caused the entrance to salle de bal brise to blur and tremble, yet it persisted. the painting world that had swapped with the surface gradually became ethereal, drawing nearer to returning to the rock wall. after magician and justice escaped the onslaught of sunlight, they realized they had lost lady moons trail. the formers eyes sparkled with resplendent stars. soon, she saw lady moons silhouette. the evil gods blessed didnt conceal herself as she forcefully entered the unstable darkness and the mysterious, illusory iron-colored door. with a flash of starlight, the major arcana card holders, magician and justice, arrived outside salle de bal brise. the two hesitated, uncertain whether to pursue her. at that moment, justice softly exclaimed, i feel that the undergrounds allure and beckoning towards me have weakened their hesitance stemmed from the fact that delving deep underground into fourth epoch trier would subject them to immense and abnormally terrifying corruption for demigods. the heretics didnt mind. essentially, they had gone mad. at most, their madness would be more intricate and thorough, but they had no choice but to consider this issue. the corruption has weakened? magician was surprised. as far as she knew, only two individuals could cause this phenomenon: one was mr. fool or the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings. by temporarily bolstering the seals power, they could curb the various corruptions in fourth epoch trier and diminish them. the other was the deity who had gained a rudimentary grasp of the greatest abnormality underground: the lord that created everything, the omnipotent and omniscient god, the lord who reigns behind the curtain of shadows, the ruler of the mind world, and the degenerated nature of all living things. Chapter 475 - 475 Conspirer 475 conspirer recognizing the black-cloaked man as the late general philip, a surge of realization struck lumians mind, cutting through the darkness. he connected various dots and reevaluated details he had previously deemed a stretch. earlier, lumian had queried gardner martin about his support for hugues artois, the spokesperson of numerous evil gods. martin asserted that he was well aware of artoiss nature and the sinister forces backing him. martin endorsed artois for parliament with the belief that he would repeatedly bring calamity to the market district, compelling citizens and workers to rally behind the iron and blood cross order, preparing for a future government overthrow. until today, lumian had accepted this reasoning on the surface. even if martin hadnt disclosed the complete truth, he had unveiled a fraction of it. however, now it appeared that 90% of martins statement was a fabrication! hugues artois had been groomed by the late general philip and thrust into politics. gardner martin had clearly established a cooperative relationship with general philip long ago. his backing of hugues artois wasnt merely an opportunistic exploit; rather, he had been intricately involved in the plan from the outset! similarly, general philip, having feigned his death and diverged from his intended fate, utilized the dreamseekers charity organization to finance painters and other evil god-bestowed. simultaneously, he joined the carbonari, fomenting riots and rebellions. lumian found this not entirely surprising, but the connection with gardner martin and the iron and blood cross order added an intriguing layer to the details. by the time the hostel ritual officially commenced, lumian had already grasped the essence of this conspiracy. yet, some explanations seemed a bit forced. for instance, how had meyer maip, having left the bliss society in frustration and returned to the market district to prove himself, managed to contact the painters or the evil gods bestowed planning the hostel ritual? one plausible explanation was that susannawhile still the high priestess of the bliss societyhad established connections with other cults before her demise. as maip meyers lover and a crucial member of the bliss society, he should have had some contacts. however, upon closer scrutiny, it felt a tad contrived. did maip meyer truly maintain good relationships with believers of other evil gods? would he naturally seek their aid when confronting challenges to prove himself? despite maip meyers knowledge of an angel sealed within lumians body, he couldnt fathom exploiting this information beyond offering sacrifices. unless the mother tree of desire bestowed a revelation directly, why wouldnt the recipient, potentially having received a divine revelation, flaunt it? why face ostracism from other bliss society members? lumian found that all the details made more sense now that gardner martin and his connection to general philip were revealed as part of the conspiracy. following the tree of shadow disaster, gardner martin tasked lumian, franca, and their subordinates in the market district with investigating the incident and hugues artoiss assassination. however, he would undoubtedly gather information about the bliss societys actions, mistakes, and issues through general philip. in these circumstances, maip meyer, seeking a return to the market district, naturally established a connection with general philip, who had shown interest in such matters, and provided crucial information. consequently, gardner martin had long been aware of what was sealed within lumian. the entire hostel ritual might have been conceived by him, general philip, and the painters. one of them harbored a longstanding desire for fourth epoch trier and possessed extensive knowledge of secrets and mysticism. they understood the seals operation and its past leaks. salle de bal brise, owned by the savoie mob, and 13 avenue du march served as a testing ground for the iron and blood cross orders new members. the other had a deep connection to the domain of fate. through the financial support of the dreamseekers charity organization, he had united many cults, accumulating vast knowledge in various aspects. the reason why hugues artois had numerous evil gods bestowed protecting him wasnt merely due to his ability to interact with problematic individuals or the deeply ingrained enlightened perception he had on others. instead, it was because his backer, general philip, a veteran of large-scale wars, had long been dedicated to cooperating with heretics to achieve a crucial goal. lumian suspected that gardner martin hadnt officially tested him and allowed him to join the iron and blood cross order out of initial trust. instead, he had finalized the hostel plan and decided to keep lumian under close watch, exerting various influences and manipulating him. if the tarot club hadnt intervened and the ritual hadnt been hastily advanced, it was highly likely that gardner martin or a demigod of the iron and blood cross order would have been the one to ultimately confront lumian and transport him into the painting world to activate the ritual! as these thoughts raced through his mind, lumians understanding became clear. everything gardner martin had undertaken since the tree of shadow disaster was geared towards the hostel ritual! as expected of a former or current conspirer lumian sighed sincerely. certainly, gardner martin might not have been aware of the residual aura of blood emperor alista tudor that lumian carried, but he likely harbored suspicions. however, he couldnt fathom the core issue. after all, he was aware that an angel was sealed within lumian lees body, a walking anomaly bound to attract attention. regarding whether gardner martin knew about another organization backing him and franca, lumian believed that martin had sensed something awry, but the precise details remained elusive. even maip meyer, not present at the tree of shadow ritual, was unaware of the events during that time. lumian signaled jenna to cease the mirror magic to evade detection by gardner martin and general philip. meanwhile, he pondered. why does the iron and blood cross order covet fourth epoch trier so intensely, going to such lengths in preparation? what is their ultimate goal? if i hadnt arrived in trier, stayed at auberge du coq dor, and attracted the fallen tree spirit susanna mattise, what would have been the original plan of the iron and blood cross order and the various cults? how did they intend to bypass the seal and unlock the door to fourth epoch trier? as the latter question surfaced, lumian recalled something. gardner martin had once directed rat christos smuggling caravan to transport an item into trier through an underground tunnel. this item activated the special mirror world hidden underground. later, franca sensed that item while tracking the black-cloaked carbonari member, general philip, who had faked his death now, general philip had also entered this place, suspected to be fourth epoch trier! they had made extensive preparations, including orchestrating a massive riot. their goal was to use that item and its connection to the mirror fragments in the wilderness to infiltrate this place through the seal leak that once appeared beneath salle de bal brise. later, they had a better choiceme dammit! gardner martins words about why he supported hugues artoiss election as a member of parliament were mostly true! he did need such a person to incite public anger in the market district, not to overthrow the government, but to satisfy the ritual! heh heh, pushing villains into power while posing as the leader of the resistance. hes both the antagonist and the protagonist. hes truly extracting the value from all the people in the market district dry lumian reacquainted himself with the sequence name conspirer through gardner martin. at that moment, jenna grasped lumians meaning and discontinued the mirror magic. gardner martin smiled and said, its indeed you, philip. lets enter fourth epoch trier. philip jenna, who had only a vague impression of general philips photo from the shadows, now realized that the cloaked man franca had been trailing was general philip, the one who had faked his death. philips deep, mellow voice resounded. arent you going to find lumian lee? if he becomes your loyal subordinate and joins your team, you can immediately complete the ritual, consume the potion, and advance to a demigod. gardner martin sighed and responded, i find it a pity too. an angel is sealed within him, and he alone is a team. ive given him many chances, but he never understood what loyalty meant. now, i have an alternative. let him perish naturally in fourth epoch trier. an angel sealed within him? jennas eyes widened as she looked at lumian. lumian smirked and scoffed at gardner martins words. id be a fool to believe you! the person scheming to use me from the start talking about loyalty and pity? just as gardner martin and general philip turned around to walk toward the magnificent city, two figures emerged from a mirror fragment in the nearby wilderness. it was franca, dressed in a blouse, beige white breeches, a small dark brown coat, and black leather boots, along with anthony reid, clad in military green. franca scanned the surroundings and spotted gardner martin, encased in full-body silver armor with his visor raised. anthony reids gaze locked onto general philips face, featuring a prominent bulge on his nose. the eight eyes met, and the air momentarily froze. count poufers figure materialized at the edge of the wilderness, in front of the pale-black stone bricks. gazing at the giant shrouded in storms, lightning, flames, and smoke, standing dozens of meters tall, he sprinted over with the fanatical expression of a sacrificial lamb. it was vermonda sauron, who had lost control and gone underground. the former archangel, the conqueror, who was very close to a deitys throne! Chapter 476 - 476 Calamity Giant 476 calamity giant count poufer charged through the tempest, battling fierce winds, drenching rain, and bolts of lightning. meanwhile, the pixie in the distinctive blue beretthe overseer of the hostel, positioned near the shroud of darkness around salle de bal brisetook advantage of the moment and slipped through the enigmatic iron-colored door. fully aware of the peril awaiting her inside, she felt compelled by the will of a deity. even the prospect of death didnt daunt her. it would only earn her the deitys favor and a return to the eternal realm of fantasy. regrettably, upon her arrival, she found herself suspended in the midst of the raging storm, amidst smoke and flames. the colossal figure was clearly reflected in her eyes. it resembled a horrifying charred giant, its once-fleshy exterior now absent. the charred metal skeleton, engulfed in blazing purple flames, formed what seemed like an intact body, but cracks riddled its structure. continuously emanating illusory symbolslightning, hail, fogthe majestic purple flames and the iron-black metal skeleton held inscrutable knowledge, representing countless real phenomena. drip, drip. blood-hued, magma-like pus oozed from the cracks, transforming into black purple flames and various weather phenomena midair. witnessing this, the pixie in the blue beret combusted from within. instinctive fear flashed in her eyes as she desperately reached into the void, entering an intangible state. yet, her physical form did not change for the better. with a swift whoosh, every cell in the pixies being ignited, including the translucent dragonfly-like wings on her back. after enduring agonizing contortions, she metamorphosed into a pixie crafted from crimson flames. lifeless eyes stared out from her now-empty gaze. within the fiery dragonfly wings, the altered pixie danced around the giants figure, as if escorting him. rumble! count poufer was struck by bolts of lightning, and nearby, purple flames erupted. drenched in the relentless rain, enduring hailstones that battered him until he bled, he persevered through the thick smoke. perhaps due to the sauron familys bloodline coursing through him, he remained unaffected by the surrounding chaos. as the smoke cleared and the storm abated, poufer eagerly gazed at the towering giant, dozens of meters tall. within the iron-black skull and amidst the purple flames, a distorted face of pain intermittently flickered. the face bore some resemblance to poufer, except its eyes, weathered and blood-black, were deathly still and vacant. upon spotting the giant, count poufer also ignited in flames. excruciating pain wracked him, yet his gaze remained fixed on the giants face. amidst the encircling purple flames, faces filled with venom, hatred, and madness, as if cursing all living beings, alternated. men and women, bearing a resemblance to both the giant and count poufer, emerged on the surface of withered hearts floating in the flames. poufer glimpsed the familys forebears from the oil paintings. despite the difficulty, his mouth curled up, his face contorted by the flames. in the turmoil, he transformed into a flaming pixie as well. however, instead of circling the rampaging giant, he was drawn by his familys bloodline into the perilous purple flames on the iron-black head, into vermondas face that flickered in and out. in an instant, the two fused. vermondas mouth twitched, a hint of liveliness in his eyes. he opened his mouth and let out a scream filled with destructive desire and madness. with this scream, the ground, scorched by the purple flames, shook dramatically, and earth puppets crawled out. these puppetsequally tall at three to four meters tall, charred with an iron huewere speckled with dark-red blood. transforming as they squirmed, the earth puppets became soldiers, guarding the area with a semblance of life. almost simultaneously, a fiery meteor descended from the heavens. streaking across the sky, it plummeted towards the edge of the fog. bang! a figure emerged amidst the meteorite-like crash and ensuing tremors, standing upright. it was snarner einhorn, adorned in iron-black, blood-stained armor. the 1.8-meter-tall angel, with long dark-red hair and flamboyant earrings, didnt hesitate. his body expanded, unveiling a mythical creature form reminiscent of vermonda saurons current state. it was a giant, a representation of calamity, crafted from flames and various symbolic elements. under the silent blaze of invisible flames in the sky, across the wilderness, pualis de roquefort, draped in an elegant black dress and a veiled hat, fixed her gaze on the majestic city not far away. she didnt get her husband, butler, and children to enter the hostel. instead, she arranged for them to temporarily depart trier and reside in a suburban town beyond the city wall. after a brief survey, madame pualis turned her attention to the man merely 20 to 30 meters away. despite appearing in his fifties, his dense blond hair showed only slight traces of gray, and his lake-blue eyes were clear. neatly encircling his mouth, the beard framed his unusually deep facial features. it was evident he had been a handsome man in his youth. he was the circle inhabitant of the sinners, voisin sanson! roche louis sansons father. madame pualis shifted her gaze back to the seemingly boundless city, sensing an inexplicable calling from somewhere. it was gradually contracting and expanding, akin to the embrace of a long-forgotten mother. she took a step forward. franca hadnt anticipated encountering gardner martin immediately upon exiting the mirror world. as an undercover agent for both the tarot club and the demoness sect, she felt a twinge of guilt instinctively. the urge to casually greet him with a what a coincidence surfaced subconsciously. however, she was no longer the naive rookie from her initial transmigration. her worldly and combat experiences ranked among the elite in the curly-haired baboons research society. swiftly reacting, she yelled at anthony reid, duck, and, turning invisible, lunged to the side. almost simultaneously, dozens, perhaps hundreds, of blazing white fireballs materialized around gardner martin. his eyes were profound, body clad in silver armor, as the fireballs howled and erupted at the previous location of franca and anthony reid. anthony, his gaze fixed on general philips black-cloaked figure, heard francas warning, duck, echoing in his ears. experienced, though unsure of what to expect, he followed his teammates advice. adjusting his body mid-air, he kicked down with both feet, hurtling toward general philip without picking a side. amidst the explosive chaos, general philip was astonished to find a slightly greasy middle-aged man in military-green camouflage clothing glaring at him with hatred, launching towards him. does he hold a grudge against me? philip wondered, his eyes darkening as focus slipped away. he saw a myriad of intertwined fates and discerned the threads approximate origins. so, youre a survivor of the sacrificial company lucky enough to escape back then, and now you dare return for revenge? general philip sneered with disdain. as a sequence 5 reaper of the hunter pathway, he made the decision to put his faith in the great goddess of fate and receive the corresponding boon. this choice stemmed from his firsthand recognition of the limitations and issues within his original pathway in the mysticism domain, along with the impending apocalypse he couldnt avoid. his aim was clearto swiftly ascend to demigod status, securing the protection of a mighty existence to endure the impending apocalypse. ordinary channels simply couldnt provide him with what he needed. despite the initial weaknesses and constraints of the goddess of fates pathway, he accepted it without hesitation. it was worth noting that the boon corresponding to sequence 9, dreamless, merely granted him a dreamless state and the ability to sense the flow of fate. consequently, he forfeited the potential of gaining revelations through his spirituality via dreams. sequence 8 musicians were a slight improvement. in certain worlds, musicians often blinded themselves to enhance their focus on the voice of fate before playing it like a symphony. however, this method demanded extensive preparation and sufficient time to orchestrate the tune in order to influence a targets fate. as for sequence 7 fate pryers, they shared essential similarities with seers. however, unlike seers, they didnt require a medium to directly perceive or hear the revelations of fate. by sequence 6, the bestowed of the goddess of fate finally acquired relatively potent abilities. those who glimpsed fate could convey it and directly impact a target, but each usage came with a significant drawbacka self-imposed silence lasting for an extended period. this sequence was known as mute. only after faking his death and breaking free from his original fate did the sequence 5 deceased no longer bear the previous restrictions. they could now function relatively normally. as a dual sequence 5, general philip unraveled the threads of fate, discerning the origin of anthony reids animosity. he chuckled, releasing a voice that seemed confined for an eternity. fate cant be avoided. youll ultimately end up as my sacrifice. amidst these words and the explosive tumult, anthony reids mind replayed the harrowing scene of the camp attack, causing him to break out into a tremble. thud! he landed on the ground and clutched his head in fear. not far away, concealed behind a half-collapsed grayish-white stone pillar, lumian and jenna both heard francas urgent cry to duck. franca has entered too? how did she do it? lumian wondered, a sense of alarm coursing through him. Chapter 477 - 477 Frenzy 477 frenzy lumian felt a brief moment of surprise before taking a shot in the dark. considering that general philip likely used a special item to access the underground mirror world, lumian figured franca, equipped with the ancient silver mirror boasting the same powers, should have a shot at it too. the why and what of it didnt matter now. those questions could wait until after dealing with gardner martin and general philip or finding a way to slip past them. there might be a chance to escape this place. at the fringes of the wilderness, gardner martins attempts to flush out franca from her invisibility failed, even after a series of explosions. his former lover had vanished to some unknown spot. being a demoness of pleasure, franca relied on her assassin abilities, leaving no footprints, masking her scent and spiritual aura. it made her a formidable challenge to track, countering a hunters knack for gathering environmental intel. gardner martin, donned in silver-white full-body armor, kept on the move. familiar with the demoness pathways traits and abilities, he knew that, having ascended to pleasure, franca didnt need blood, hair, or nails for her curses. reflecting him into mirrors and enveloping him in black flames would do the trick. he couldnt stand still for more than three seconds, to prevent himself from being reflected in the mirror. as he swiftly maneuvered, gardner martin glanced at philip and anthony, the information broker. he noticed the latter lying on the ground, clutching his head and trembling. anthony sporadically used placate on himself, resigning from resistance. philips black cloak expanded slightly, and crimson, nearly white flaming ravens materialized beside him, as if preparing for a grand sacrifice. observing the scene, gardner martin paid no heed to the ongoing battle. he raised his right hand and lowered his visor. a broadsword, aglow with condensed light, materialized in gardner martins grip, casting a radiant and holy sunrise gleam over a vast expanse. its brilliance dispelled illusions, compelling shadows to retreat and revealing francas ponytailed form more than ten meters behind him. this was the power of a sequence 6 dawn paladin of the warrior pathway. the power emanated from gardner martins silver armor, a numbered sealed artifact bestowed by the authorities. he had acquired it in an operation a few years back, slaying two purifiers of the eternal blazing sun church and claiming the armor from their fallen bodies. number: 247. name: pride armor. danger grade: 2. dangerous. use with care and moderation. it can only be applied for operations that require more than three people, or by deacons and diocesan bishops. security classification: official purifiers and above. sealing method: place it in a dark chamber and select physically strong humans to guard them with a rotation every three hours. description: late into the war between the loen kingdom and the feysac empire, a plethora of meteors descended from the sky, causing widespread catastrophes. this armor was discovered in a ruined building in the suburbs of port leseur. the humans inside had met a brutal end. through experimentation, it bestows upon the wearer the might of a giant. it blankets an area of 48 meters in sunrise gleam. these rays dispel illusions, erase shadows, and nullify invisibility effects. they also affect wraiths and shadows, diminishing their peculiarities and even weakening evil spirits. it possesses decent defensive capabilities and can be damaged but regenerates slowly. depending on the extent of the damage, recovery can range from half an hour to a day. for detailed data, refer to appendix 2. it also grants the wearer the ability to manifest a hefty, robust, yet sharp two-handed broadsword. each strike carries a purifying effect, and dismantling the radiant broadsword results in a formidable hurricane of light. this phenomenon can obliterate the human body, vanquish wraiths, and harm evil spirits. the wearers combat skills see a significant boost, accompanied by heightened arrogance. they hold disdain for those standing behind them and targets concealed in the darkness or invisible. it indiscriminately eliminates weak humans within a 50-meter radius. should the wearer weaken, they too become a target. the criteria for determining ones physique are inconsistent, sometimes very high, sometimes low. initial findings suggest a correlation with the armors condition and the surrounding environment. most humans with regular exercise or those who rely on potions to enhance their physique pass the assessment without incident. for exceptions, it was later discovered they suffered from undetected serious illnesses or indulged excessively in the past two days. no matter who you are, caution is warranted when positioned behind this armor, though attacks dont always occur. similarly, the wearer is vulnerable to its attacks when using other mystical items. experimental results show heightened reactions when facing items from the evernight pathway and the earth pathway. the wearer of the armor eventually experiences varying degrees of betrayal, irrespective of whether they still wear the item. at night, this armor is very quiet, exhibiting minimal aggressiveness. however, under a moonlit sky, its demeanor becomes notably irritable, reaching maximal offensiveness. the highest level of experimental subjects is sequence 5 appendix 1: the wearer of the armor grows taller to varying degrees. multiple wearings do not stack. appendix 2 under the influence of the sealed artifact, 2247, franca materialized. gardner martin, wearing a visor, hesitated briefly before slashing with the radiant broadsword in his hand. simultaneously, a multitude of crimson, nearly white fire ravens condensed around him. surrounded by crimson fire ravens, general philip locked eyes with the prone anthony reid. with a slight lift of his chin, he declared, accept your fate. anthony sensed the imminent danger but found himself powerless to resist. trembling, memories of that haunting night flooded his mind, making it difficult to put up any resistance. however, as he recalled general philips words about becoming a sacrifice, the tragic fate of his comrades, and the years of investigation, anger ignited within anthony. its him! hes the one responsible for harming my comrades, those rough but endearing individuals, and my companions who once had my back! suddenly, lumians earlier question echoed in anthonys thoughts. up to this day, do you still wrestle with the fear from that night, the sounds of sudden gunshots? do you truly possess the courage and determination to press on? anthony remembered his response: perhaps i perished in that attack. what remains is an avenging spirit, relentless in its pursuit of truth and retribution. i can be destroyed, but i cant give up thats right. i should have died long ago. my sole purpose in life is revenge. and today, my true enemy stands before me! why should i be afraid? im not even afraid of death. why fear gunshots, explosions, or being a sacrifice? wouldnt the worst outcome be death and being sacrificed to an evil god? i was already mentally prepared! this time, i chose to stay in trier, not to flee from potential catastrophe but to make amends for my regrets. now, the opportunity has presented itself! the flames of revenge roared within anthony reids heart. he lifted his gaze to meet general philips slightly reddened, hatred-filled dark-brown eyesonce his superiors superiors superior. go to hell! anthony cursed inwardly as he unleashed a psychiatrists frenzy. this ability could manipulate the emotions or destabilize the mental state of the target, pushing them into a frenzied state and inflicting severe mental damage. in some cases, it could even lead the target to lose control. just as general philip prepared to unleash a swarm of fire ravens, a surge of danger premonition hit him. before he could react, the intended sacrifice raised his head, locking eyes with him, bloodshot dark-brown eyes burning with intensity. with a buzzing sound, philips head snapped back, his thoughts thrown into disarray. ever since embracing the goddess of fate, originally being a sequence 5, he, armed with the corresponding knowledge, could keenly sense shifts in his personality and thoughts. his body had undergone gradual changes as the power of the boons increased. for philip, mentally prepared as he was, this was acceptable. one concern nagged at himhis mental state had become unpredictable. sometimes rational, sometimes fanatical, sometimes cold, and sometimes calm. his behavior was capricious. it mirrored those great existences. general philips mind felt like a storm had been unleashed within it. his facial skin swelled, and his pale-white hair crinkled, resembling someone submerged in water for days. invisible threads materialized from each pore, tinged with a faint mercurial hue, giving philips flesh the appearance of being ablaze with flames. general philip briefly succumbed to frenzy. at that moment, a figure materialized behind him. it was lumian, dressed in a partially tucked white shirt, brown pants, and oil painting-like black leather shoes. recognizing francas voice and sensing the onset of the battle, lumian didnt immediately rush out to provide assistance. instead, he opted to wait for the right opportunity. aware that his current spirituality dictated a single optimal choice, lumian needed to eliminate either gardner martin or general philip swiftly. franca, jenna, and anthony could then join forces to handle the remaining adversary. choosing a target was no easy decision for lumian. gardner martin, corrupted by 13 avenue du march and the commanding officer of the iron and blood cross order, possessed numerous peculiarities. lumian couldnt guarantee that a combination of punches would conclusively finish him. general philip, with his boon involving fate, might sense danger ahead of time, making lumians surprise attack unlikely to succeed. both options carried substantial risks, forcing lumian to exercise restraint and wait patiently. as long as franca and anthony remained alive for the time being, lumian would hold back. patience was a fundamental quality of a hunter, equally crucial for a conspirer. however, lumians waiting wasnt blind. relying on jennas mirror magic and the shattered mirrors in the wilderness, he observed the situation closely. prepared to intervene and save anthony, lumian found the opportune moment when anthony turned the tables on philip with a frenzy. this was an opportunity! lumian gazed at general philip, struggling in his frenzied state, and coldly exclaimed, hmph! two beams of white light shot out and struck philip. the deceaseds eyes lost focus suddenly, and his body swayed, on the brink of collapse. lumian had already raised his right hand, bent his pinky and ring finger, and aimed at the back of general philips head, mimicking a revolver. bang! with an added sound effect in his mind and a slight lean backward, a crimson fireball rapidly compressed and shot out from the tips of his index and middle fingers, hurtling towards the target like a bullet. Chapter 478 - 478 The Mockery of Fate 478 the mockery of fate bang! the crimson fireball, unleashed from lumians fingertips, honed in on its target, striking general philips head with deadly precision. the explosion that followed resembled a cannonballs impact. philips body disintegrated starting from the point of impact, as if a hammer had shattered a mirror reflecting his form. amidst the chaos concealed by the explosion, shards of glass scattered across the wilderness, joining the reflections of those already present. lumians eyes widened as he observed the unexpected turn of events. does the deceased pathway also possess mirror substitution? or does general philip wield a mystical item from the demoness pathway? such thoughts raced through lumians mind as he processed the scene. philips black-cloaked figure swiftly reappeared more than ten meters away. his eyes, once frenzied, now regained clarity. simultaneously, jenna, disguised as a female mercenary, materialized from invisibility behind general philip. she aimed her revolver at the deceased, who had narrowly escaped the fatal attack and negative state. to be honest, jenna found herself in a perplexing and shocking situation. the revelation that general philip possessed mirror substitution didnt catch her off guard. however, she hadnt processed the implications before realizing he had chosen to position himself right before her, as if anticipating her to backstab him. originally, jenna had devised a plan to exploit lumians clash with general philip. her intention was to utilize invisibility, slip away from her hiding spot, and reach the wildernesss edge. her goal: to assist franca, cast a curse if lumians strike fell short, or create a frosty hindrance on the ground. unexpectedly, general philip had escaped to a location directly in front of her. such a golden opportunity couldnt be ignored! confused by the unfolding events, jenna instinctively raised her right hand, aiming her revolver at the back of general philips head. though unsure of the reasons behind this bizarre turn of events, she suspected it was connected to the lucky gold coin she had received from will. bang! jenna squeezed the trigger, and a yellow bullet, wreathed in black flames, shot out from the muzzle, hurtling toward general philips skull. meanwhile, franca emerged from the radiant sunrise gleam, witnessing anthony reid overcoming his fear to employ his abilities on general philip. lumian had for some reason arrived in the vicinity, appearing mysteriously behind philip. without time to dwell on her surprise, franca swiftly raised her brass classic revolver and fired an iron-black bullet at gardner martin, who wielded his broadsword of light. her strategy was clearunleash her full strength to stall gardner martin and deny him the opportunity to save general philip! francas decision to use invisibility wasnt about tapping into assassin tactics to backstab her ex-lover. drawing on her battle experience, she instinctively chose invisibility for a different purposeto escape gardner martin and general philips sight, gaining a brief moment of safety. during this fleeting period, franca not only moved with agility but also retrieved the coin bag filled with coins. wearing the iron-black ring of punishment on her left thumb and beatrices necklace around her neck, she completed her ensemble. finally, she withdrew the cannon gun from her underarm holster, clasping it firmly in her palm. in her invisible state, franca armed herself to the teeth, entering her strongest state before the inevitable reveal. bang! as the iron-black bullet sped toward gardner martin, francas diamond necklace on her chest emitted a faint glow. simultaneously, francas eyes welled up, and her red lips parted slightly, amplifying the allure of a demoness of pleasure. gardner martins body suddenly heated up, feeling his blood rush to his nether regions. scenes of his past entanglement with franca flooded his mind, captivated by the demonesss uncanny demeanor amidst iron and blood. his eyes reddened, breathing grew labored, and movements visibly slowed. lust! from beatrices necklace and the lust of the mother tree of desire pathway, coupled with the charm of a demoness of pleasure, it had a synergistic effect greater than the sum of its parts. moreover, gardner martin wasnt a stranger to such experiences. he had always agreed with the words in emperor roselles secret chronicles: the taste of a demoness aint bad. in this situation, how could he control himself after tasting a demoness? clang! the iron-black bullet struck gardner martins chest, causing cracks in his silver armor. franca, not surprised that the attack hadnt worked, realized in her haste, she hadnt activated the heavy strike effect of the cannon gun. the brass revolver, a mystical item purchased from the curly-haired baboons research society, wasnt particularly potent or mystical; it had two simple abilities. the first, a normal shot, equivalent to a rifle, and the second, a heavy strike, akin to a small cannonball or a sniper rifle. franca always carried it to compensate for a demonesss lack of offensive capabilities when she couldnt use a curse. the cannon guns negative effects were minimalif all six rounds were not fired in a day or maintained every other week, rare situations like chamber explosions or misfires could occur. observing gardner martins infatuated gaze behind the visor, franca hesitated before using her right thumb to pull back the cannon guns hammer, signaling the activation of the heavy strike effect. bang! as franca moved, she pulled the trigger at gardner martin, who lunged at her as if seeking a mate. the iron-black bullet collided with him, accompanied by blazing flames. almost simultaneously, franca sensed an anomaly in the primordial demoness figurine casually stuffed into her pocket. not only did it turn cold again, like ice, but it also trembled slightly. dammit! why is it you again? are you done!? franca, feeling both angry and cautious, pulled the trigger and threw the palm-sized bone figurine far away. simultaneously, on the other side, jennas bullet, fired from an ordinary revolver, pierced the back of general philips head with black flames. unsurprisingly, the deceased shattered like a mirror, his figure outlined at the edge of the sunrise gleam created by gardner martin. at that moment, as franca hurled the primordial demonesss bone figurine, general philips body froze. black flames erupted, silently igniting his spirit body. cold frost swiftly condensed, enveloping him. blood seeped from his eyes, nose, mouth, and ears, emitting a series of cracking sounds. the mirror he carried appeared to have shattered. he was clearly in a daze, as if he had been cursed. without hesitation, lumian employed spirit world traversal once more, emerging from behind general philip. meanwhile, anthony reid had stood up, his expression no longer filled with fear but focused hatred. as philip was not far from him, on the edge of the clear sunrise gleam, he ran towards the generalhis mortal enemy. philips figure reflected in his eyes, and he couldnt help but smile. his pupils turned vertical, tinged with a faint golden hue. this time, he refrained from employing frenzy, fearing it might cause general philip to lose control and transform, giving gardner martin an opportunity to kill his team. he chose awe, also known as dragon might! general philip trembled. under normal circumstances, he wouldnt have succumbed to such a severe awe. at most, he would have experienced temporary fear. however, he was in a dire state, influenced by an unknown force, betrayed by an item on him. consequently, his entire being fell into a blank state. observing this, lumian refrained from using the spell of harrumph. his right hand took the shape of a revolver again, aimed at the back of general philips head, and fired a crimson fireball that was nearly white from his fingertips. philip was jolted awake by a tangible premonition of danger, only to witness his impending demise. a wave of indignation washed over him. despite being stronger, possessing lethal strikes, and an array of mystical abilities, he suffered a relentless beating without a chance to retaliate. he didnt even have an opportunity to fight back before death knocked on his door. in his eyes, countless fates interwove into a net, constantly changing, as if mocking him. this made him feel like a clown. bang! general philips head exploded from lumians crimson, nearly white fireball. numerous skull fragments splattered with charred marks, red blood, and milky-white brain matter. the deceaseds lifeless body thudded to the ground, and an item rolled out of the hidden pocket of the black cloak. it was a pitch-black figurine, palm-sized and resembling a beautiful woman. long snake-like hair cascaded to its feet, and it had eyes of various forms at the top. wh lumians gaze instinctively shifted to the primordial demoness figurine that franca had thrown out. similar to the one on general philip, one was pure white, while the other was pitch-black. suddenly, lumian grasped why general philip had mirror substitution and why he had appeared directly in front of jenna, who was invisible. with the special primordial demoness figurine, he naturally converged with demonesses! subsequently, francas official primordial demoness figurine resonated with the pitch-black one, causing an abnormality that led to general philip being cursed by the item at a critical moment. the pitch-black primordial demoness figurine was likely the item gardner martin had smuggled into trier through rat christos smuggling caravan! Chapter 479 - Chapter 479 Matching Items chapter 479 matching items bang! the jet-black bullet, ablaze with fiery fury, slammed into gardner martin, who was gripped by desire, dead center in his gleaming silver armor once again. it hit him like a battering ram, sending shockwaves through his frame. a web of fractures sprawled out from the impact zone, causing gardner martins advance to stagger, forcing him to lean backward. this abrupt jolt snapped him out of his reverie. he witnessed general philip, wreathed in black flames and encased in frost, while lumian materialized behind the deceased. lumians right hand acted as a revolver, launching a crimson fireball straight at the back of philips head. behind gardner martins mask, his pupils dilated, and a shiver raced down his spine, as if an icy cascade had been dumped over him. this abrupt awakening effectively quelled his desires. without hesitation, he dropped to one knee and drove the hefty broadsword into the wilderness. the broadsword shattered, breaking into myriad fragments of light that swept toward franca, lumian, and the others, including the lifeless form of general philip. amidst a resounding crack, franca, constantly shifting positions, remained enveloped by the hurricane of light, her body fracturing like a shattered mirror. lumian and jenna met the same fate. only anthony reid, lacking mirror substitution, instinctively lunged to the ground, curling up to shield his vital parts. the luminous tempest rapidly dissipated before lumian and his companions outlined themselves on the outskirts of the wilderness, facing the pale-black stone bricks. they witnessed a brilliant white flaming spear hurtling towards the distant majestic city, covering more than a hundred meters in the blink of an eye. as soon as the fiery-spear materialized upon impact with the ground, gardner martin, draped in silver armor, rose again, directing his focus towards the city veiled in a thin fog. after several consecutive attempts, gardner martin distanced himself from franca and the others, sprinting towards the dilapidated structures at the citys periphery. lumian chose not to pursue him. instead, he sprinted to the edge of the sunrise gleam to check on anthony reid. the psychiatrists body bore a multitude of bloody wounds, with the most severe on the left side of his back, revealing a glimpse of his beating heart. lying on his side, curled up and bloodied, anthony reid forced a smile upon seeing lumian. there was no fear of death in that smileonly relief, relaxation, and satisfaction. the taste of revenge was indeed sweet. observing anthony reids lips moving as if he intended to entrust something, lumian scoffed and remarked, do you wish to utter your final words? do you want us to dispatch your belongings to your home on the west midseashire coast? as he spoke, lumian retrieved a silver earring, securing it to his left earlobe. squatting down, he pressed his left hand against the gaping wound on anthonys back. abruptly, his palm slid upward, and the gruesome wound shifted to anthonys shoulder. in the blink of an eye, the most critical injury on anthonys body vanished, leaving him as good as new. however, the initially minor wounds on his shoulder deepened, revealing white bones and causing blood to seep out. this was lies damage transfer, capable of addressing one wound at a time. anthony was taken aback, feeling as if life had been restored to him. though the pain persisted, and his body weakened, at least the specter of imminent death had dissipated. then, jenna approached, placing him in a supine position. with a swift pfft, jenna thrust an obsidian arrow into anthonys chest. the arrow of the bloodthirsty promptly absorbed the blood, turning anthonys pupils red. the invisible flames in the sky seemed a bit blinding, and the scent of blood in the air proved enticing. simultaneously, the smaller wounds on his body swiftly healed, and the more severe ones showed significant improvement. in a matter of minutes, they should close up on their own, ceasing to impede his movements. anthony reid, teetering on the edge of death, stood up, bewildered, examining his body with disbelief. ive nearly recovered? im alright just like that? as a spectator, his emotions visibly fluctuated. not a bad combination, franca praised. as long as you dont perish on the spot and refrain from losing control and transforming into a monster, theres still a chance to save you. at most, youll become weakened. lies damage transfer, coupled with the formidable self-healing abilities bestowed by the arrow of the bloodthirsty, produced such a remarkable effect. franca turned her gaze to lumian, questioning, i thought youd intercept gardner martin. in that critical moment, the others couldnt match gardner martins speed as he fled. only lumian, capable of spirit world traversal, had the potential to catch up and effectively hinder him. do you think i didnt want to? lumian retorted, a note of mockery in his tone. however, he lacked the ability! had he not been affected by voisin sansons circle inhabitant during his first teleportation today, returning him to his original spot without expending his spirituality, lumian wouldnt have maintained a stable state. he wouldnt even have been able to use lie for damage transfer. he would have had to rely on franca or jenna. how could he possibly have caught up to gardner martin? franca instantly grasped lumians meaninghe had engaged in battles before and after entering this place, and his spirituality was on the verge of depletion. alright. franca shifted her attention to the two primordial demoness figurines, one black and one white, lying undisturbed on the ground, untouched by the hurricane of light. frowning, she inquired, where should i toss these two? them constantly causing abnormalities seemed like a scam! take them with you. lumian considered for a moment before smiling. if it werent for them, how could we have dispatched general philip so effortlessly? we might need them to escape in the future. yes, we cant entrust both to one person. you take one, and jenna will take the other. after a brief pause, franca responded, ill still take the white one. as a member of the demoness sect, holding the orthodox primordial demoness figurine was only natural. observing jenna pick up the pitch-black primordial demoness figurine, franca muttered in confusion, why is there such a figurine? according to the purifiers dossier and information from other secret organizations, members of the demoness sect only carry bone figurines. theres nothing thats so black. while franca spoke, she scrutinized the charred primordial demoness bone figurine, comparing it with her own. soon, she discerned differences in the details. aside from the stark white and pitch-black hues, the eyes at the tips of the primordial demonesss snake-like hair faced different directions. if one looked left, the other would undoubtedly look right. like a mirror image, mirror is this the primordial demoness in the mirror? franca ventured a guess, amalgamating the abilities and traits of the demoness pathway with her experience in the peculiar mirror world. this shouldnt be possible under normal circumstances. it wouldnt be easy for the iron and blood cross order to find such a figurine she now comprehended the reason behind their encounters with gardner martin and general philip. this was a manifestation of the law of beyonder characteristics convergence. except for anthony, an unwitting psychiatrist brought in by his companion, everyone present was either a hunter or a demoness. furthermore, franca and anthony had entered through the same method as general philip. they would inevitably emerge at the edge of this wilderness, teeming with mirror fragments. primordial demoness in the mirror lumian found the description ominous. without delay, he addressed franca and the others, search general philips corpse and help me guard the surroundings. ill set up a ritual to restore my spirituality. jenna expressed surprise. theres a ritual that can restore spirituality? her gaze naturally swept over general philips corpse, realizing it had been split into five or six pieces, each a gruesome mess. the beyonder characteristics had yet to emerge at that moment. the boon from the evil god couldnt return to its source, slowly sinking back into the lifeless form. lumian entered a dimly lit area with grayish-white stone pillars, found cover, and swiftly set up the altar. franca could surmise who he was praying to, so she joined him to guard against any unforeseen incidents. jenna contemplated for a few seconds before approaching the altar. retrieving the lucky gold coin, she said to lumian, this is the lucky gold coin that the boy gave me. i dont know if its useful when given to others, but theres no harm in trying. she delegated the task of searching the corpse to anthony reid, who was rapidly recovering. franca observed in silence for a moment before affirming, true. lumian didnt hesitate. after all, will had a close connection to the tarot club. even if the lucky gold coin couldnt be lent to others, it wouldnt bring about any negative effects. placing the loen gold pound on the altar, lumian conjured a wall of spirituality, ignited all the candles, and took two steps back. rather than proceeding with the boon-seeking ritual, he attempted to recite mr. fools honorific name. the fool that doesnt belong to this era, the mysterious ruler above the gray fog; the king of yellow and black who wields good luck as hermes reverberated, the lucky gold coin on the altar illuminated. a thin gray fog emanated from the wall of spirituality, enveloping the wildernesss periphery. the fog in the distant majestic city appeared to thicken. before long, just as lumian began praying for a boon, a frenzied and terrifying roar echoed from the area where the weather was chaotic and faint giant figures lingered. despite the thin gray fog, the four of them felt dizzy. the blood in their bodies raced, and their hearts pounded. its truly useful. its genuinely lucky lumian gazed at the dazzling golden coin on the altar, sighing sincerely. had it not been for the ritual and mr. fools gray fogs protection, the roar could have inflicted severe damage, especially considering lumians nearly depleted spirituality. he might have lost control, putting anthony reid, still recovering from severe injuries, in jeopardy. phew lumian exhaled and continued to recite in a deep voice under the watchful eyes of franca and jenna, power of inevitability! you are the past, the present, and the future; you are the cause, the effect, and the process Chapter 480 - Chapter 480 Ascetic chapter 480 ascetic amidst the frenzied and terrifying roars, a hurricane tore through the abnormally chaotic weather, shrouding the scene in smoke, flames, lightning, and hail. it spiraled into the sky, merging with the silent inferno. not far from the apocalypse-like hurricane, two figures felt the impact of the roar simultaneously. ones head tilted back slightly, as if punched, while the others wrinkles quivered, and his eyes grew sharper. the former was the man who had originally stood behind olson, vice president of the iron and blood cross order, tony twain. the latter was aged, donning a blue military suit with a sash and medals. his neatly combed back dark-red hair identified him as the mysterious president of the iron and blood cross order, known as diest. diest shifted his gaze from the hurricane to tony twain. the chance to become a conqueror is before us. if i can seize it, ill find a way to separate the weather warlocks beyonder characteristic and bestow it upon you. as tony twain observed the violent hurricane, lightning, and torrential rain, his light-blue eyes hinted at mockery. can we really succeed? a weather warlock has already joined. even if vermonda sauron loses control and transforms into a monster, hes still a sequence 1 monster. tony twains words showed no respect for a sequence 2 weather warlock or a sequence 1 conqueror, despite not being an angel yet. diests expression remained unchanged, and his aura surged. with his military attire, he resembled the commander-in-chief of all armies. elsewhere, well surely fail. even without interference, well need to embark on a lengthy hunt to stand a chance against the out-of-control vermonda sauron. but here diest spoke in a deep voice, we can harness that power for a brief period. as he finished speaking, the area between his brows turned red, as if something sought to emerge. simultaneously, diest retrieved a coin pouch from his waist, concealed beneath his suit. filled with soybeans and a few palm-sized iron soldiers, diest grabbed them and tossed them forward. amidst the howling wind, the iron soldiers sprang to life and expanded. the soybeans swelled rapidly, transforming into giants with blurred faces and yellowish skin, as if soaked in water. failing to bring his team here in time, diest abruptly transformed into a blazing dark-red, nearly purple flame, engulfing the newly created soldiers. a beam of light shot up, tearing through the sky and homing in on the giant figure within the hurricane. at the edge of the magnificent city veiled in a thin gray fog, gardner martin removed his helmet. his breastplate bore web-like cracks, revealing blood-stained clothes beneath. with one hand pressed against his head, he staggered forward, intermittently emitting crimson flames bordering on white. the terrifying roar had clearly taken its toll. navigating through the ruins, gardner martin quickly approached the thin gray fog. half-collapsed asymmetrical buildings stood within, seemingly frozen in time, struck by a devastating blow and sunk into the ground. abruptly halting, gardner martin glanced to the side and asked in a deep voice, who is it? amidst the sound of gravel tumbling, olson, resembling a hungry bear, emerged from behind a collapsed black building, carrying a small brown suitcase. the supervisor, sporting a half top hat, yellow vest, and black suit, looked at gardner martin and said, i didnt know who was coming, so i hid for a while. wheres philip? gardner martin breathed a sigh of relief and replied, we encountered lumian lee and his team. they killed philip. i was injured and barely managed to escape. olson, with his thick beard, didnt delve into the details of the battle and sized up gardner martin. youre quite beaten up. gardner martin chuckled, saying, fortunately, i had pride armor to shield me from most of the damage. yeah, i blame it mainly on the angelic roar; it affected me to a certain extent. fortunately, i was relatively far away, so the problem isnt that serious. look, even the pride armor hasnt attacked me, indicating that i havent weakened. thats good. lets enter fourth epoch trier now, supervisor olson nodded with an indifferent expression. gardner martin turned around, clutching the silver helmet with one arm, and walked towards the thin gray fog not far away. olson carried a small brown suitcase and trailed behind the commanding officer of the iron and blood cross order. as the two advanced, olsons eyes suddenly turned fierce and vicious. youd used fortunately twice youve already taken off the pride armors helmet olson muttered silently to himself, his brownish-red eyes reflecting gardner martins staggering figure in the silver armor. at the edge of the wilderness, scattered with mirror fragments, franca and jenna couldnt hear the chants emanating from the wall of spirituality, but they observed the grayish-white stone pillar and two candles of the same color mysteriously softening. fist-sized candle flames flickered in silver-white and black, while an illusory pewter-black liquid oozed from lumians chest, enveloping him. as lumian curled up on the ground, occasionally rolling, franca sighed softly and remarked, it looks painful this likely marked ciels fourth encounter with such an ordeal. thats right. despite standing outside the wall of spirituality, jenna felt an inexplicable fear, goosebumps forming on her skin. while she had witnessed ciels mental pain and confusion, this was her first time witnessing such intense physical suffering. franca spoke sincerely, if ciel were to switch to the affliction potion now, he wouldnt have to worry about not reaching sequence 4. its too compatible! sequence 5 of the assassin pathway was known as affliction or the demoness of affliction. after another terrifying roar, the silver-black illusory liquid beads on lumians body seeped into him. his expression gradually relaxed, and his body ceased its curled-up state. he lay sprawled beside the collapsed grayish-white stone pillar, reluctant to move for a few seconds. while his spirituality had recovered and even increased, his body and mind were visibly exhausted. it was akin to the sensation one experienced after completing an exceptionally challenging task in their most focused state. lumian, aware of the urgency, forced himself to his feet. he noticed that the silver-black candle flame had returned to normal, and the surrounding gray fog was gradually dissipating. his plan to rely on the gray fogs protection against the terrifying roar had failed before implementation. mr. fools response had a time limit! furthermore, he had to consider the interference of the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings. as lumian swiftly tidied up the altar, he scrutinized his transformation: the improvement in spirituality was evident with the ascetic boon. lumian believed that even after using the spell of harrumph a few times, he could complete nearly eight spirit world traversals. ascetic had also enhanced his endurance, making him more adaptable to extreme weather. even if he encountered frost, he wouldnt be frozen. similarly, he found himself better at enduring emotions and desires. while he still felt them, he could endure many things. this extended to an ascetics core ability, compression. it could be used for the mind and also produced positive effects in the physical and mystic domains. the former involved emotions and desires, which were mostly tolerated. they didnt completely disappear but were suppressed. at critical points, they needed to be vented or relieved, or psychological problems could arise. the compression ability could accumulate these emotions and desires and erupt at critical moments for the desired effect. for lumian, the negative effects of the contractees three abilities and the corresponding effects of mystical items on him were more bearable. however, he needed to regularly break an enemys neck as a way to vent. the latter aspect referred to spirituality, strength, and ritual steps. through compression, lumian could compress and store spirituality and strength beyond the average person when he had nothing to do, releasing them when needed. this allowed his spirituality to recover once and temporarily enlarge him. his strength, speed, and agility were sufficient to withstand a sequence 6 dawn paladin of the warrior pathway for a minute or two. additionally, the accumulation of ritual steps enabled lumian to use abilities like the animal creation spell and the exorcism spell in actual combat. furthermore, after becoming an ascetic, lumians previous boons had been enhanced. for instance, the number of contract abilities he could withstand had increased to three, although he didnt want to maximize them. he preferred choosing one or two suitable ones, as too many contracts brought too many negative effects. even ascetics would suffer because of them, as evidenced by negative examples like guillaume bnet and bouvard. of course, this wasnt an immediate concern, as summoning creatures from the spirit world was impossible in this location. lumian swiftly stashed away the items and dispelled the wall of spirituality. handing back the fortunate gold coin to jenna, he spoke in a low, commanding tone, lets make our way to fourth epoch trier. huh? jenna was bewildered. ciel had warned them to steer clear of the giant and the grand city! franca looked back with contemplation and said, do you suspect that the fog shrouding the city belongs to mr. fool? entering might provide some protection. we wont have to worry about getting taken out by that lunatics roar or succumbing to the risk of transforming into a monster? yes, its dangerous, but theres a chance for us to defend ourselves and await further developments. lumian inferred that the same fog enshrouded fourth epoch trier, drawing from the fog around the samaritan womens spring and the lingering shadows of significant figures from the fourth epoch. it emanated from mr. fools powers! franca wasted no time and nodded decisively. okay. jenna chose to trust her two companions without delving into questions. at that moment, anthony reid had finished clearing the battlefield and approached with the spoils. Chapter 481 - Chapter 481 The Thing in the Suitcase chapter 481 the thing in the suitcase anthony reid clutched the items salvaged from general philips lifeless form, wrapping them in a torn cloak. he avoided direct contact, a cautious move as he moved forward. found these he began to explain, but lumian swiftly cut him off. clear and rapid, lumian outlined their plan, were heading to the outskirts of the city enveloped by the gray fog. want to come with us? anthony reids eyelids twitched. okay. he knew going solo could mean a swift demise, especially if the terrifying roar echoed again. lumian wasnt in a hurry to inquire about general philips belongings. gripping jenna and anthony, he signaled franca to hold onto his collar. a dark light emanated from the black mark on his shoulder as the quartet disappeared, seemingly teleporting to the periphery of the majestic yet crumbling city, just before the thin gray fog. what they saw was where they arrived. lumian attempted to step into the gray fog, but the seal on his chest remained dormant. franca and the others could traverse it without his guidance. resembling a hungry bear, olson fixed his gaze on gardner martins head, devoid of its helmet. his brownish-red eyes flickered with a sinister light, pinpointing martins vulnerability. in mere seconds, olson identified martins weakest spot. even if he couldnt deal a fatal blow, inflicting damage to the party again meant a high chance that the pride armor would betray its wearer and kill him! silently, olson reached into his pocket, retrieving a yellow bullet held between his thumb and index finger. a crimson, nearly white fireball rapidly condensed in his palm, leading to a controlled explosion. the violent shockwave propelled the bullet towards the back of gardner martins head with a thunderous boom. gardner martin staggered, narrowly avoiding the bullet. nearly simultaneously, the surroundings were bathed in the bright and holy sunrise gleam. black smoke billowed from olsons body as if a long-dead zombie had been exposed to the sunlight created by the purifiers. instinctively, olsons eyes closed against the intense light. meanwhile, gardner martin, no longer feeble, donned his helmet with a cold expression and sharp eyes. he ignited, transforming into a blazing white spear of flames, piercing supervisor olsons forehead with a whoosh. despite olsons formidable resistance to scorching flames, his skull suffered charring from the impact. as the flames dissipated, gardner martins figure detached from the burning spear. clenching his silver-armored fist, he swung it at olsons head from midair. as the flames dissipated, gardner martins figure detached from the burning spear. clenching his silver-armored fist, he swung it at olsons head from midair. olsons neck snapped, and his head flew up, dragging along a bloody spine. gardner martins skull-crushing punch missed, and he landed on the ground once again. however, a heavy and sharp broadsword of light materialized in his other hand at some point, ready for the next phase of the battle. gardner martin thrust the broadsword into the blackened soil, unleashing a terrifying storm. countless light fragments filled the air, creating chaos in the vicinity. the pride armor swiftly condensed the sword of dawn again, the hurricane of light forming with a much shorter interval than an ordinary sequence 6 dawn paladin. only a minute or two had passed since gardner martin last wielded this formidable power. olson, reduced to just his head with a brownish-red beard, showed focus in his eyes and attempted to merge with a burning-white spear for a hasty retreat. however, the storm arrived, its light engulfing him completely. as the hurricane of light subsided, olsons body displayed severe damage, riddled with cracks, some piercing through his chest and tearing internal organs. his severed head, carried by a bloody spine, bore the marks of destructioneyes and nose obliterated, skull cracked, and blackened brain exposed. gardner martin, poised and composed, conjured ten to twenty crimson fireballs. they darted toward olsons nearly unconscious head, triggering a resounding explosion that shattered the head into fragments and liquid, splattering on the ground. with a chuckle, gardner martin raised his visor, surveying olsons headless corpse and the scattered skull. he remarked, ive always found you a little odd. this was a good opportunity to test you. i didnt expect you to really attack me. thats good too. not only have i eliminated a hidden danger, but ive also counteracted the traitorous curse of the pride armor. deliberately appearing fine while exposing some problems through the details was meant to bait olsonsimple acts of vulnerability could easily raise the other partys vigilance and suspicion. with a sigh, gardner approached the battered suitcase that had fallen to the ground and lifted it, on the verge of shattering. he had long been curious about its contents, as olson had always evaded the question. now, gardner could finally open it himself. gardner martin unlatched the suitcase and opened it in front of him. inside was a head. the features were unmistakabledeep facial features, brownish-red eyes, slightly disheveled black hair, a few silver strands at the temples, and well-defined facial features. the head which wasnt considered thin was stained with blood. it was gardner martin! it was gardner martins own head! once lumian and his companions traversed the outermost gray fog, the transition from morning to evening seemed to unfold before them. darkness enveloped their vision, concealing the black asymmetrical buildings and houses that appeared as if splattered with blood. everything silently melded into the obscurity. as they advanced, the looming, half-collapsed palace drew nearer. the city bore the brunt of colossal damage, as if a giant had delivered a devastating blow, unleashing shockwaves that wreaked havoc on the surroundings. details eluded lumians scrutiny. the lack of sufficient light and the considerable distance obscured the exact nature of the scene. various houses obstructed their view, and only the excessively tall palace and surrounding structures, despite their partial collapse, allowed them a glimpse of the peripheral city. lets find a nearby hiding spot, franca suggested, her gaze scanning the area. she had no intention of venturing deeper into fourth epoch trier. the quartet found themselves on a narrow street, where the houses on both sides were so close that occupants could almost shake hands by extending their arms. the structures, resembling victims of a violent earthquake, teetered but refused to collapse, adorned with ghastly cracks. jennas attention fixated on a relatively intact house. iron-black in color, it featured an arched window on the left and a square on the right. dark-red graffiti adorned one side, while the other remained clean. not a single weed grew between the rocks. apart from the two obvious pots, the house exhibited various asymmetrical details, with centipede-like cracks mainly concentrated on the lower left side. should we go there? jenna inquired. lumian shook his head. the more intact, the higher the likelihood of abnormalities. the current state of fourth epoch triers citizens is unknown. lets find a completely collapsed building to hide behind. at least, everything inside should be buried. agreed, franca concurred with lumians decision. in fourth epoch trier, she couldnt fully perform magic mirror divination. lumian and his team swiftly reached the center of the dimly lit street. in a setting that could plunge into darkness at any given moment, they strategically maneuvered around the ruins of a dark-red building, seeking cover. it wasnt until now that anthony reid seized an opportunity to extract the arrow of the bloodthirsty from his chest, returning it to jenna. with the dark-stained black cloak spread on the ground, he showcased his findings. there were three items in total: the first, a blackened ulna punctuated by dark-red holes, resembling a rough bone flute that had been kept in storage for ages. the second, a small wooden box painted in dark hues. compact enough to fit into a concealed pocket, it featured large holes on both sides veiled by swaying, leather-like curtains. lastly, a collection of gold, silver, and copper coins. anthony reid gestured toward the bone flute and explained, this formed from the convergence of light spots on philips ulna. it seems something formless has settled on it. conspirer or reaper beyonder characteristic combined with his ulna and the power of the deceased boon? lumian nodded indiscernibly. philip hadnt had a chance to retaliate before, leaving him uncertain about the generals sequencea sequence 6 conspirer or a sequence 5 reaper. what was clear, however, was the generals affiliation with the hunter pathway. this deduction was based on the creation of numerous crimson fire ravens, almost white in hue. moreover, the general wasnt just a sequence 7. if it were the latter, lumian would have been pleased to obtain the main ingredient for his advancement. the issue lay in the mixture of the power with an evil gods boon, rendering it unsuitable for direct use in potion concoction. what settled on it is the corruption of an evil god. it was a wise choice not to touch it directly, lumian informed anthony. within the underground seal, the power of an evil gods boon couldnt return to its source. this was found on philips body anthony pointed at the dark wooden box. before he could finish speaking, another frenzied and violent roar echoed from afar. this time, the four of them, having entered the gray fog, only experienced a slight dizziness and remained unaffected. Chapter 482 - 482 Bodies Chasing Heads 482 bodies chasing heads franca shook off the dizziness induced by the terrifying roar and sighed from the bottom of her heart. as expected, the gray fog here provides protection. without it, facing a roar that could harm their spirit body and affect their minds would result in losing control, turning into monsters, or immediate death. praise the fool! lumian openly expressed his faith. he then reminded her in an icy tone, but the hidden dangers here might be more terrifying than the previous roar. franca fell silent for a few seconds before speaking in an encouraging tone, hidden dangers are preferable to those that have already surfaced. lets avoid triggering them. if nothing else occurs, well stay in this corner and wait for help! while jenna and anthony reid harbored doubts about the strategy of passivity, they hesitated to venture deep into fourth epoch trier and reluctantly accepted the plan that wasnt really a plan. in the eerie silence, anthony was the first to regain composure. he pointed at the dark wooden box and stated, im not sure of its purpose. a simple, temporary touch doesnt seem to have any obvious negative effects. as for the coins, their significance was apparent. a quick glance and rough calculation revealed a total of 312 verl dor and 26 coppet. franca leaned against a collapsed pillar in the shadows, her eyes fixed on the mysterious dark wooden box. what the hell is this thing? it was obviously no ordinary container; its appearance suggested it held some kind of mysterious power. lumian and anthony turned their attention to the demoness of pleasure simultaneously. lumian chuckled, i should be the one asking you that. franca exclaimed, there was nothing i could do. i couldnt spare time for spirit channeling, and this place isnt connected to the real spirit world. i cant perform magic mirror divination. to understand the abilities, effects, state, and potential drawbacks of these two items, ill have to experiment with them myself repeatedly. of course, if we encounter an artisan, many of our problems might be solved. she gestured towards jenna, saying, just like the black primordial demoness figurine, it undoubtedly has other functions. for instance, it allows the holder to create mirror substitution. as for mine, apart from providing a certain anti-divination and early warning effect, it can only be used as a supplicant during rituals. theyre both figurines, differing only in color and orientation. why such a significant disparity? franca avoided mentioning why she didnt employ various methods to gather information about the black primordial demoness figurine. the unspoken understanding among the group was clearin their current situation, ensuring their safety took precedence over risking injury or adverse effects to test their spoils of war. any mishap could lead to dire consequences, potentially even death in the experiment. as a heavy silence settled among jenna and the others, franca sighed inwardly. the black figurine clearly is problematic, and its mysterious origin is intriguing. it explains why the demoness sect wants me to investigate what gardner had smuggled in through the underground tunnels if i hand it over, will the demoness sect reward me with the affliction potion and pledge assistance for my ritual, or will they choose to silence me? lumian stroked his chin, addressing anthony reid, in that case, keep the verl dor. well distribute the remaining spoils of war when we return to the surface. anthony inquired further, should we wrap it in a cloak and place it on the ground before taking it when we leave? lumian smiled and gestured at the charred bone flute, otherwise? you can also carry it with you. this way, we might witness the abilities of a deceased. philip died in a hurry and didnt have time to show us. of course, judging from his condition at the time of death, the holder of the item will most likely be the recipient of those abilities in the form of a curse. anthony, unfazed by the mockery, pulled up the blood-stained and tattered black cloak, wrapping it around the bone flute and the small wooden box once more. lumian, with a thoughtful expression, poked his head out and looked at the abnormally narrow street. if we encounter an enemy we find challenging to handle later, we can consider throwing these two items to him. it might have a miraculous effect. general philip will be very pleased to know that he would still be of use after death. it might bring about a curse of fate! despite the tense atmosphere, lumians constant mockery of general philip brought a slight amusement to jenna. dammit, general philip is already dead. theres no need to harp on about him. before lumian could respond to jenna, two tragic screams pierced the air. the cries emanated from the same location, filled with undisguised fear. soon after, two figures rushed into the narrow street, as if pursuing an unidentified flying object hovering in the air. franca, alongside lumian, peered out of the shadows, her expression freezing at the sight. the two figures, a man and a woman, were decapitated, their necks mangled, devoid of any signs of bones. chasing them were two heads, displaying pure fear and dragging bloody, tail-like spines behind them. one head belonged to a man with puffed-up cheeks resembling a squirrel. he chewed on long, thick black hair that emerged from his dark brown eyes, nostrils, and ears. similar hair grew from the headless body chasing him, denser and more exaggerated, resembling seaweed. the other head belonged to a beautiful woman with black hair and brown eyes. she flew forward frantically, coughing and shaking out resplendent starlight. gravel in the surroundings, sent flying by the pursuit, swayed as if in slow motion. suddenly, the two heads and bodies, about to climb over a collapsed building and exit the narrow street, froze. the heads shook in confusion, attempting to dispel a discomfort. the headless corpses raised their hands, clutching their left chests. in mere seconds, the two heads, with bloody spines trailing behind them, plummeted into the collapsed black house, their bodies crashing onto the stacked rocks. a heavy silence fell upon lumian and the others. after a few seconds, lumian scoffed, see, this is what happens when you venture deep into fourth epoch trier. do you suspect theyre residents of the hostel? jenna inquired thoughtfully. lumian replied with a smirk, otherwise? where else could you find such fresh heads and bodies in an ancient ruin thats been buried for a millennium or two? this brought back memories of supervisor olson. he had been in this state when he first appeared. now, lumian was almost certain that olson was a true monster, with a head and body that could be separated. franca also recalled gardner martins servants. she withdrew her gaze and pondered for a moment before stating, why do bodiless heads still cough, as if theyre sick? what happened to them at the end seems like a cerebral infarction. the two headless bodies show signs of cardiac arrest. is this the work of the sick churchs evil gods bestowed, or is there another murderer? right, a sequence 5 of the demoness pathway is called affliction. it can spread various illnesses, and i can enter this place with the primordial demoness figurine and the ancient silver mirror this place clearly has a lot to do with the demoness pathway. could the high-level power leaking out cause monsters to fall ill and die? not bad. you still have some intelligence at critical moments, lumian praised mockingly. jenna, on the other hand, rejoiced. fortunately, we didnt venture too deep. otherwise, who knows when wed fall ill and die. lumian smiled at her. why do you think were not currently surrounded by disease? b-but we didnt cough jennas voice trailed off as she glanced at the hidden pocket of her clothes. inside was the pitch-black primordial demoness figurine. franca also peered into her pocket, as if she could discern the bone-carved primordial demoness figurine through the fabric. anthony turned to lumian and sought confirmation, are you suggesting that the fourth epochs trier is plagued with illnesses, and were unharmed because were carrying the two figurines? lumian spread his hands and said, i believe this explanation makes more sense. beyond the gray fog, at the edge of the fourth epochs trier ruins. in the small brown suitcase, gardner martins blood-stained face suddenly opened, revealing gardner martin clad in silver armor, reflected in its eyes. it opened its mouth and expelled a blazing white fireball. the distance between them was so close that gardner martin couldnt dodge at all. all he could do was lean back, attempting to avoid the targets initial attack. boom! gardner martin was sent flying by the massive explosion. the spiderweb-like crack on the chest of the silver armor shattered, tearing through the skin and flesh below. this strike was akin to hitting gardner martins vital points. had it not been for the pride armor, which absorbed most of the damage, he would have perished on the spot. however, this meant that the pride armor lost its protection over the chest for a period. gardner martins bloodied head flew up, dragging along a bloody spine. on the other side, olsons headless corpse stood up once more. gardner martins head aimed for the empty neck stump and inserted the ghastly white spine. amidst a cracking sound, this gardner martin, seemingly from hell, twisted his neck and smiled sinisterly at gardner martin, who had already changed positions and condensed a large number of crimson fire ravens that were nearly white. olson is long dead. ive been controlling his head and body. in the future, ill replace you. in the wilderness, the ground trembled violently, and blazing cracks slithered into the distance like fiery serpents. the figures of magician and justice appeared. Chapter 483 - 483 Hidden History 483 hidden history dressed in a white shirt with a knot and a beige dress, magician fixed her gaze upon the menacing hurricane that bridged the gap between sky and earth. her eyes glittered, as if concealing the vast cosmos. vermonda sauron is indeed a sequence 1 conqueror. its no wonder he could influence generations of the sauron family after losing control and going underground. its no wonder the sauron family, once a royal lineage, swiftly declined, magician mused, sighing. justice, inquisitive, asked, i wonder how the former leader of the secret order, zaratul, and emperor roselle played a role in vermonda sauron losing control and entering the fourth epoch trier. the sauron branch, wielding grade 0 sealed artifacts, obstinately believes that they harmed vermonda, causing the conqueror to lose control. the former even left a prophecy to mislead generations of sauron family members. magician chuckled and replied, based on the information lumian gathered and my research into the seal, the issue deep within red swan castles underground maze doesnt seem like something zaratul or emperor roselle could create. only a weather warlock and a conqueror can resonate abnormally with fourth epoch trier day after day, creating dangerous changes in corresponding places. zaratul and emperor roselle likely exploited the problems that red swan castle and vermonda sauron already had. while she spoke, the tarot clubs major arcana card holder shifted her gaze away from the hurricane sweeping through the world and focused on fourth epoch trier, veiled in a thin gray fog. the starlight in her eyes remained, as if she sought something to pinpoint her next target. she didnt abruptly halt and engage in conversation at a crucial moment. justice nodded in agreement and remarked, if it were me, i wouldnt venture further into trier after becoming an angel to minimize the abnormal influence the underground might have on me. vermonda sauron disregarded hidden dangers and stayed in red swan castle for an extended period. he must have had a strong desire for something in fourth epoch trier. didnt the sauron family construct the white maple palace outside trier? previously, vermondas royal family resided there and rarely returned to trier. magician brought up the fact that the sauron family was aware of the issue before adding, zaratul likely played a significant role in vermonda saurons situation. as you know, he is an archangel of the seer pathway. without his assistance, it wouldnt have been easy for vermonda sauroneven as a conquerorto create a leak in the seal. he entered fourth epoch trier after losing control. back then, the seals effects werent as potent as they were a few years ago. there was no need for modifications. justice pondered for a moment and said, what im more curious about is who designed the hostel ritual. their use of mysticism similarities and loopholes resembles that of high-level seer, apprentice, or marauder beyonders. or perhaps they have had long interactions with these high-level beyonders and were adept at learning. perhaps the corresponding pathway of the deceased excels in this as well. perhaps its secretly influenced by that celestial worthy, or perhaps that entity wants to use the temporary opening of the seal to do something. as you know, the iron and blood cross order used to believe in him. its too easy for him to mislead us, magician mused, uncertain of the right answer. starlight flickered in her eyes; she found it challenging to observe and determine the situation in the thin gray fog. as magician scrutinized fourth epoch trier, she informed justice, the level of the catacombs seal corresponds to this location. at its heart lies the samaritan womens spring, where blood emperor alista tudor met his end. the razed imperial palace and its surroundings harbor diverse dangers. the lingering divine power is unimpressive and consumable. sigh, every time i bring up something of this sort, it feels like i should adopt a more vulgar vocabulary. only then can i truly capture my sentiments about the blood emperors lunacy. hence, you wont unearth anything significant from here. only upon approaching will you discern that mr. fools gray fog has grown denser, thicker, and more palpable. the catacombs fourth and third levels correspond to fourth epoch trier, excluding that specific area. corruption and divine power still linger abundantly. navigating certain areas demands adherence to specific rules; otherwise, even angels may meet their demise. the two levels above the catacombs correlate with the wilderness beyond the gray fog. humans can traverse them to a certain extent, but with vermonda sauron lingering, the danger rivals that of the fourth epoch trier just as magician concluded her words, a frenzied and terrifying roar echoed from the area where the weather had dramatically shifted. the formless flames that illuminated the surroundings and shrouded the entire sky seemed to be influenced, coalescing into a massive vortex. within the vortex, shapeless and translucent flames descended from above, striking the wilderness like a colossal sword that pierced through heaven and earth. amidst this chaos, the ground quaked even more violently. fiery crevices extended further towards fourth epoch trier, concealed within the gray fog. magician remained unperturbed as she observed the splendid yet dilapidated city for a while. then, she said to justice, lets enter. justice tersely acknowledged, offering no objections. both of them tacitly avoided mentioning vermonda sauron, an archangel who had lost controla conqueror. they had no intention of joining the battle or seizing the beyonder characteristic. for them, the tarot clubs primary goal in this matter was to prevent the evil gods bestowed from approaching the innermost seal, ensuring they couldnt leak the danger within which would affect trier aboveground and the entire world. furthermore, they sought the lost minor arcana card holders to guide them out. as for the conqueror beyonder characteristic, symbolizing an archangel and sequence 1, as long as it didnt fall into the hands of heretics, obtaining it wasnt a particularly grave issue for anyone. magician didnt mind observing and, if the opportunity arose, pilfering the gains. however, she wasnt a high-level beyonder of the marauder pathway capable of dividing herself and participating in every battlefield. despite achieving a similar effect by moving back and forth, she had to respect mr. fools gray fog and the core seal of fourth epoch trier. corresponding restrictions were undoubtedly in place. starlight blossomed, and magician and justice vanished. the thin gray fog enshrouding fourth epoch trier undulated. as soon as gardner martins headnestled over olsons headless corpsefinished speaking, a multitude of blazing white fireballs materialized around him, hurtling towards gardner martin, who had suffered a chest wound. in the midst of the rumbling explosion, gardner martins figure in the silver armor suddenly vanished. after the shockwave subsided, he reappeared in a corner of the ruins. then, he witnessed the other him merge with the blazing white flaming spear, which burrowed into the thin gray fog and disappeared into the randomly scattered buildings of fourth epoch trier. gardner martins pupils constricted, and he was about to give chase when a violent and furious roar echoed from afar. his entire body froze. blood vessels beneath the visor on his face appeared, dark red as if flowing with flames. instinctively, gardner martin turned and prepared to sprint towards the distant apocalypse-like hurricane. the space between his eyebrows twitched, and a faint red dot appeared. gardner martin finally regained control of himself. he took a deep breath and returned to normal. he gazed in the direction the other him had fled and muttered in a self-deprecating tone, were those harsh words and all-out attacks meant to make it easier for him to escape? as expected of me. do you realize that failing to assassinate me means staying here means ill inevitably kill you? as gardner martin muttered to himself, he produced a canister made of dark glass, its liquid a green hue reminiscent of grass. he unscrewed the cap and downed half the canister. the wound on his chest began to heal at a visible rate. it was a healing agent concocted by a madame of the nightstalkers, obtained by gardner martin through philip. philip, who had united numerous evil god cults, had no shortage of similar items, but under the hurricane of light, the fragile canisters shattered. after stowing away the remaining half canister of the agent, gardner martin, clad in silver-white full-body armor, ventured into the thin gray fog and fourth epoch trier. in the cover of a narrow street, behind a collapsed building, franca hissed in agreement with lumians conjecture. thats right. this is a true relic from a divine war, and its even more dangerous. its entirely possible that the entire city is riddled with ailments. she suspected that the closer she got to the place where blood emperor alista tudor had met his end, the more peculiar and horrifying the ailments became. some seemed to have sprouted from the decaying corpses of deities. ignoring low-sequence beyonders whose bodies didnt fundamentally differ from ordinary humans, even saints and angels would likely succumb to the disease and perish. franca paused for a moment before suggesting to jenna, why dont you give the black figurine to anthony for safekeeping? it might be dangerous for you to hold it, and he can use that item to create his own mirror substitution, effectively increasing his chances of survival. franca couldnt shake the feeling that it wasnt a wise decision for a female demoness like jenna to possess a primordial demoness figurine, whether it was the genuine article or the mirrored version. without waiting for jennas response, lumian spoke in a deep voice, its better if jenna holds it. she has the lucky gold coin. thats true just as franca finished speaking, she suddenly heard a chime not far away. it resembled the bell of a bicycle, yet it was clearer and rang out for a longer duration. Chapter 484 - 484 Mockery 484 mockery franca wasnt surprised at all, even though she wondered why so many things were happening in this damn place. this was fourth epoch trier. even if it wasnt a land of a fallen god, it wouldnt lack abnormalities! lumian and the others cautiously emerged from their concealment, peering from different vantage points toward the source of the chimes. the location wasnt distant, yet the fog in that direction seemed unusually dense. the structures loomed faintly, as though just a fragment of history had materialized. within the fogs depths, a contraption reminiscent of a steam locomotive glided by without a fuss. it sported only two carriages, lacking a smokestack. peculiar frames extended from the top, linking it to something suspended in midair. ding ding ding. the train ventured into a zone of even thicker fog, disappearing from view. although franca and her companions couldnt discern the details clearly, an unexplained dread seized them, akin to standing on the precipice or treading on blades piercing their skin. before they could contemplate the ramifications of the fogs metamorphosis and the arrival of these peculiar objects, their surroundings plunged into a profound darkness. dusk gave way, and night loomed. a dense fog cloaked the area. lumian, sensing an unsettling disturbance, yearned to evade it, but the abnormal fog, tainted with a dark hue, obstructed any attempt to teleport to an unaffected area. beyond the fog, the wilderness they came from eluded his senses. the cold fog permeated their skin, prompting involuntary shivers from franca and jenna. almost simultaneously, the narrow street came alive with the flickering of candle flames and oil lamps. laughter, cries, and voices erupted, transforming the once-silent surroundings. fourth epoch trier burst into vibrant life, resonating with clamor and the pulsations of existence. anthony, without conscious thought, surveyed the diverse houses and narrow streets, catching sight of an asymmetrical, pitch-black building. candlesticks dangled from above, casting light upon the figure standing at the window. the figure donned a black bonnet, with one side sunken and the other protruding. dark clothes adorned him, with buttons haphazardly fastened, and a smooth wound diagonally sliced his body from shoulder to waist. evidently caused by a sharp broadsword. in that moment, the mans diagonally cleaved body resembled a childs stacked building blocks, not properly assembled. he nonchalantly nibbled at a meat pie, chewed morsels falling from the wound to the ground, yet he remained oblivious. additional figures emerged in other habitable houses. some appeared like melted candles that had solidified once more, their flesh viscous and indistinct. others had pale-white skin, and greasy white feathers sprouted from their pores, oozing yellowish pus. some had tiny holes in their bodies, with black insects flying in and out. there were those reduced to white skeletons, with only a mismatched human-skinned mask covering their faces. some had degenerated into black shadows, as if burned on the narrow street, a yellow, blue, and red sphere, about half the height of an adult human, rolled forward. an inverted clown, dressed in exaggerated clothes, stood atop it. the clowns ears were unlike those of a human, dog-like and slightly pointed. dark gray hair covered his red-yellow-painted face. these are the long-dead citizens of fourth epoch trier? lumians eyelids twitched. he, franca, and the others also observed the bloodstained faces and cold expressions of these figures. very similar, very similar to those mirror people franca muttered to herself before exclaiming in horror, could the gray fogs transformation have transported us to the fourth epoch trier in the mirror? the citizens of fourth epoch trier in reality are dead, but the ones in the mirror are still alive? before she could finish, lumian and anthonys gazes turned toward her and jenna. could it be that its the problem with those two things again? francas scalp tingled as she said, did they cause us to be devoured by the mirrors fourth epoch trier after the gray fog transformed? thats not it. i believe its a universal abnormality. apart from a few special individuals who enter this place, they all arrive in the mirror ruins after being enveloped by the expanding gray fog. lumian observed the narrow street brimming with vitality, pondering for a moment. the most likely possibility is that the two figurines triggered fourth epoch trier, causing changes like the gray fogs expansion. jenna fell silent for a moment before frowning. but weve been here for a while. why did something only happen now? we didnt do anything just now thats right! franca suddenly realized. those hostel residents must have triggered something while wandering around after their entry! as soon as franca finished speaking, a hoarse and terrified shout echoed nearby. help! save me! lumian and his companions turned their attention toward the voice and witnessed a man in a black formal suit, his hair neatly combed like a prominent figures secretary, sprinting down the narrow street. his face was marred by abscesses, oozing mucus. occasionally, he turned his head 180 degrees, his eyes filled with fear as if a formless and terrifying entity pursued him. save me! amidst his cries, the mans body suddenly froze, and he involuntarily retreated. his retreat accelerated until he lifted off. ah! amidst intense screams, he plunged into the dense gray fog and the shadowy buildings. in the next moment, the voice abruptly ceased, and silence enveloped that area. lumian and the others hearts pounded with a strong sense of danger. despite the man in the black suit not being an ordinary person, suspected to be the bestowed of an evil god from the order of all extinction or the sick church, and having been corrupted by this place to a certain extent, allowing him to turn his head 180o, lumian, anthony, and their companions still felt the terror lurking in the depths of the gray fog. it was as if they could already envision themselves being dragged into the gray fog and vanishing. however, at that moment, they had no idea what to do or how to hide. dense black gray fog surrounded the suspected mirror ruins, and unknown dangers loomed in the shadows, quietly approaching. at that moment, termiboross majestic voice resonated in lumians ears: keep running until you reach that pillar. dont stop on the way. dont turn back. dont teleport. dont pull your companions. isnt isnt that the direction where the monster was devoured? if we take the initiative to approach, wouldnt we be sending ourselves as food to its doorstep? lumian grappled with uncertainty, unsure if termiboros had sensed real danger and planned to intervene or if he was exploiting the opportunity to advance his own agenda. you can choose not to believe it, termiboross deep voice added. despite his suspicions, lumians gaze remained fixed on the spot where the evil god bestoweds figure had been devoured. deep within the gray fog, amidst looming, collapsed, and towering buildings, a hazy black pillar stretched into the sky. suddenly, lumian recalled something. at the entrance of the fourth level of the catacombskrismona night pillar. as for krismona, she was a high-ranking demoness who had perished during the war of the four emperors in fourth epoch trier! she was even a child of god, a true child of the primordial demoness this place is suspected to be the mirrors fourth epoch trier lumian surveyed the surroundings and saw that the situation elsewhere was similar. he gritted his teeth and said, lets move forward! to the black pillar! the sense of danger intensified, pushing lumian to make a decisive gamble. move forward? franca, jenna, and anthony were brimming with questions about lumians choice. everyone had witnessed the chilling fate of the man in the formal suit! lumian stood tall and declared in a commanding voice, jenna, carry the spoils of war. dont stop, dont turn around, and dont pull any of our companions! upon finishing his sentence, he darted out of his hiding spot. given the specificity of lumians instructions, franca cast a glance at him and chose to trust his judgment. jenna tightened her grip on the lucky gold coin, hoisted the cloak containing the spoils of war, and followed suit. anthony, having exacted his revenge, harbored no regrets or obsessions. lumian had proven his correctness multiple times, so he didnt question him and trailed closely. thud! thud! thud! the quartet sprinted down the narrow street, passing by the inverted clown, who rolled forward on the ball at a deliberate pace. they plunged into the depths of the gray fog, heading towards the black pillar. in a corner of fourth epoch trier, in front of a black iron-like house adorned with a red pattern, a wilderness overgrown with weeds had been condensed to the size of an ordinary square. within a dark-red open carriage in the wilderness, lady moon, draped in a loose white robe and a light-colored veil, queried madame pualis, who stood beside her, whats wrong? madame pualis, dressed in black with her head covered by her right hand, replied, i can hear my child crying again lady moon nodded gently and offered reassurance, thats unavoidable. rest here and catch up when youve recovered. are you sure you can handle it alone? madame pualiss facial muscles twitched and distorted intermittently. lady moon smiled and responded, my child left me a gift. dont worry. she didnt consider madame night to be of much help in this matter. madame night could enter because she needed to stay at the sacred heart cloister to draw attention and couldnt remain in the hostel. alright, madame pualis said regretfully. after lady moons carriage and the wilderness departed, madame nights expression quickly returned to normal. lady moons carriage, pulled by two demon-like creatures, advanced for a while before the gray fog thickened and expanded. her eyes narrowed as a blood-stained umbilical cord materialized in her hand. the umbilical cord emitted a brilliant golden sunlight, warding off all corrosion and influence. thus, lady moon successfully reached the periphery of the land of a fallen god. the gray fog here stood as dense as a wall. attempting to approach, she found herself blocked, akin to an ordinary person encountering an impenetrable barrier. lady moon felt a compelling force but couldnt proceed any further. she whispered in surprise and confusion, how could this be as she pondered to herself, lady moon surveyed her surroundings. suddenly, her gaze froze. on the surface of a nearby half-collapsed palace-like structure, a flamboyant red color seized the wall, outlined in a bloody state: didnt anyone tell you that theres another seal here? Chapter 485 - 485 Night Pillar 485 night pillar the intensifying gray fog at the core that spread to every corner of fourth epoch trier didnt faze gardner martin, wrapped in sleek silver-white full-body armor. instead of alarm, delight surged within him. since the invasion of the power from building 13 on avenue du march, and being able to hear the great voice, such scenes had frequented his dreams. it felt like returning home, the door wide open for him. without hesitation, gardner martin sprinted toward the heart of fourth epoch trier, heading for the land of the fallen god. through a street so narrow that the residents in the houses on both sides could almost reach out and shake hands, lumian and his companions sprinted forward. after only a dozen steps, lumian sensed an intangible force emanating from the pitch-black gray fog. it was like the countless arms of a terrifying entity, gently and methodically caressing every living being to determine its prey. lumians scalp tingled. even with his clothes providing cover, goosebumps erupted where the formless entity touched him. instinctively, he wanted to resist, but then he remembered termiboross words. dont stop. dont turn back. dont teleport. dont pull your companions! while this didnt explicitly mention resisting, defending, or attacking, lumian felt it wise to observe and wait for developments. suppressing the urge to incinerate the formless entities, he compelled himself to move forward. jenna, by his side, and franca and anthony behind him, closely monitored lumian. if he didnt act, neither did they. if he did, they would quickly follow suit. observing lumian refraining from confronting the formless entity in the dim gray fog, they braced themselves, enduring the intense and danger-filled caresses. in the midst of this, franca found the formless object somewhat familiar. recalling the suspicion that this place was the mirrors fourth epoch trier, closely linked to the demoness pathway, she quickly had an answer. it bore a striking resemblance to a demoness of pleasures spider silk! could it be left behind by a high-level demoness? franca imagined a scene: a colossal pitch-black, half-human spider, nestled silently in the depths of the gray fog, extending spider silk that seemed to possess a life of its own, attempting to locate and capture its prey. after covering more than ten steps in a sprint, lumian was pleasantly surprised to notice the formless entity slowly retracting. it no longer actively caressed him, but given their dense presence, occasional brushes or touches were inevitable. this change appeared to be a response to his proactive approach towards the source of the formless entities. these formless entities seemed to single out those attempting to escape! upon breaking free from the narrow street and delving into the thick gray fog, lumian suddenly felt his hair stand on end, a chilling sensation running down his spine. his intuition warned of immense danger ahead, a threat capable of obliterating them all. the consequences of getting closer were beyond imagination. franca and the others involuntarily slowed down. the horror felt palpable, like a loaded revolver pressed against their foreheads, poised to fire at any moment. lumian clenched his teeth and pressed on. having chosen to trust termiboross advice, he needed to endure until there was evidence to the contrary. otherwise, he might as well do something else from the beginning! he didnt halt, and jenna and the others didnt dare to either. they resembled fools aware of an impending cliff, understanding their insignificance, yet choosing to rush forward, like an idiot. at that moment, lumian caught sight from the corner of his eye of black flames erupting over jennas body. pain etched her face, fear mirrored in her eyes. crack! jenna shattered like a mirror, only to reappear, still engulfed in black flames and frost. her eyes pleaded with lumian. instinctively, lumian raised his left hand, as if to aid jenna. however, a brief moment of hesitation swept over him, and he withdrew his hand, fixing his gaze ahead. dont pull companions! despair, surprise, and resentment filled jennas eyes instantly. she coughed and came to a standstill. swiftly ensnared by the formless entities, she was dragged deeper into the gray fog. franca, witnessing this, had an immediate change in expression, ready to offer assistance when lumians instructions flashed through her mind. she hesitated. in that moment, jennas expression transformed into one of pure hatred, blood seeping from the pores on her face. a shrill scream escaped her lips, akin to a curse echoing towards everyone. seeing this, lumian and the others experienced a strange sense of relief. this jenna seemed more like a mirror person! amidst the shrill scream, jenna vanished into the depths of the gray fog, her voice abruptly silenced. almost simultaneously, lumian caught jenna in his peripheral vision, sprinting beside him with an anxious and nervous expression. as expected! lumian roughly comprehended why termiboros had cautioned against pulling companions. in this realm, a companion could seamlessly switch with their mirror counterpart at any moment. assisting the mirror person risked harm to their true companion, leading to complete assimilation into this place, becoming food for the entity at the source of the formless objects. dammit! couldnt you be more explicit? these reasons arent particularly intricate. you insist on us experiencing them ourselves and overcoming them! cursing termiboros inwardly, lumian pressed on with even more determination. in the subsequent encounters, similar challenges arose multiple times. yet, armed with experience, they refrained from resisting or attempting escape. they resisted the impulse to aid their companions. lumian and the others, focused on their path, ran straight using the black pillar as a guide. occasionally, they bypassed obstacles. finally, the black pillar loomed not far ahead. simultaneously, lumian, anthony, and the rest were astonished to find that the imminent danger, on the verge of colliding with them, had mysteriously vanished. no, it hadnt disappeared. it was now behind lumian and the groupdistant! running toward danger results in moving away from it? just like the pale-black stone brick area in the wilderness, the direction here is twisted and chaotic? amid lumians surprise, he didnt glance back, nor did he pause to celebrate. he persisted, sprinting toward the black pillar. had he not set a resolute example, franca and jenna might have turned around. nonetheless, they pressed forward, a sense of relief mingling with lingering fear. after covering dozens of meters, the quartet reached the square where the black pillar stood. the ground was paved with pale-black stone bricks, and numerous grayish-white stone pillars lay in ruins, only a few remnants remaining. compared to the black pillars, these surviving grayish-white stone pillars were as inconspicuous as ants. the colossal black pillar surpassed even the krismona night pillar lumian had witnessed on the third level of the catacombs. it stretched into the sky, seeming to burn with formless flames, its destination shrouded in mystery. the scene brought to lumians mind the pale-black stone bricks in the wilderness outside and the numerous grayish-white stone pillars in the vicinity, but nothing akin to the black pillar. had the night pillar in the wilderness collapsed and been destroyed? did that event lead to the old bones crawling out, causing the corruption in building 13 on avenue du march? was it then mended by constructing the catacombs and relocating countless corpses? lumian ventured a guess based on these thoughts. franca and jenna surveyed the square ahead, observing that the area surrounding the black pillar had sunk into the ground. below, there seemed to be white magma flowing, and faint black tentacles lurked. though there were no explicit warnings of danger, lumian and the others sensed that this might be even more dangerous than the entity they had previously encountered. next to the black pillar stood a 1.78-meter-tall snowman. its frosty face, cracked to form eyes, nose, and mouth, lacked ears. as lumians gaze nonchalantly swept across the snowman, it abruptly froze. he noticed a dark stain on the snowmans right eye, as if it wore a monocle. amon? lumian startled, a desire to flee taking hold. at that moment, termiboross majestic voice echoed in his ears. its dead. dead lumian breathed a sigh of relief. it made sense. amon, a nobleman of the fourth epochs tudor empire, wouldnt be exempt from the casualties of the divine war. it was plausible that dozens, even hundreds of avatars perished back then. retrieving them might not have been feasible in the circumstances. for some reason, lumian detected a trace of joy in termiboross concise words. observing the snowman, anthony suddenly felt his forehead heat up, and his breath turned hot. his spirit body rapidly weakened. im infected, he calmly informed his companions. ailment lumian glanced at the black pillar again. could this be the true form of the krismona night pillar? even the figurine of the primordial demoness cant stem the corruption of ailments in this place? francas heart skipped a beat as she instructed jenna, take out that figurine. simultaneously, she reached into her pocket and pulled out the primordial demoness figurine crafted from bone. after jenna handed her the black one, franca motioned for anthony to come closer and observed his expression. how do you feel now? it seems better. im im getting better. anthony scrutinized his physical condition earnestly. franca smiled. i knew it. how could jenna and i be fine, but youre sick? looks like we have to maintain a certain distance from the figurines. as soon as she finished speaking, blazing white fire ravens soared out from behind the black pillar, hurtling toward them. then, a figure emerged. it was gardner martin, attired in a black formal suit and yellow vest, an unusual sight. his gaze fixed on the black figurine in jennas hand and the bone statue in francas, revealing a longing expression. Chapter 486 - 486 The Mirror Peoples Conspiracy 486 the mirror peoples conspiracy as the blazing-white fire ravens erupted from behind the black pillar, lumians reflexes kicked in. while franca, engrossed in deciphering the cause of anthonys ailment, lumian seemingly engaged in the discussion. yet, beneath the facade, hea huntermaintained a vigilant stance, keenly aware of his surroundings. in this dangerous and ominous setting, he couldnt afford to focus solely on conversation. lumian thrust his palms towards the oncoming blazing-white fire ravens. in a swift motion, a colossal crimson fireball materialized, hastily intercepting the impending assault. however, before it could reach its target, the unstable structure caused it to detonate. amidst the explosive chaos, a shockwave, laced with flames, surged forward and sideways, engulfing nearly all the blazing-white fire ravens like a torrent. confronting the fiery wave head-on, the fire ravens staggered, losing stability in the storm. they prematurely blossomed, transforming into a dazzling display of fireworks. the fire ravens circling from the side were also affected by the explosive waves, deviating from their intended trajectories or being partially extinguished. hunters, particularly those at higher sequences like pyromaniac and conspirer, proved unparalleled in defending against the swarm attacks of fire ravens. thanks to this interference, franca and jenna, both assassins, along with the psychiatrist, anthony reid, effortlessly dodged the tracking-capable, blazing-white fire ravens. they observed as these dangerous projectiles landed on the ground, setting off fiery eruptions. in the blink of an eye, franca vanished, and jenna swiftly moved toward the nearest grayish-white stone pillar. she scattered fluorescent powder and chanted the invisibility incantation in hermes. anthony, seemingly back in the fray, rolled and sprinted, encircling another relatively intact grayish-white stone pillar in an attempt to find cover. lumian maintained his position, hands poised to push forward. his golden-black hair swirled in the ordinary gust of wind that followed the massive fireballs explosion. looking at gardner martin, unusually tall and face marked with bloodstains, lumian taunted, is this your way of greeting? sending a swarm of fire ravens to welcome us? hey, whats with the change in appearance and the missing armor? are you the mirrors gardner martin? gardner martin, donned in a black formal suit and yellow vest, ceased his attack. instead, he paused and sneered, sooner or later, ill become the real gardner martin. observing the situation, lumian didnt rush to teleport behind gardner martin. he chuckled and remarked, so, youre admitting to being a counterfeit? his aim was to provoke and incite the other party, unraveling the motives of these mirror people. surely, their purpose wasnt merely to replace genuine forms and return to the real world for a serene life. it had to be one of the objectives, but not the sole or primary one. the actions of a mirror person were too intricate for such a straightforward motive. mirror gardner martin scanned lumians surroundings, as if seeking the invisible franca and jenna. in response to lumians mockery, he sneered and stated, counterfeit? we, the counterfeits, might be the only ones to secure victory and survive. look at the fourth epoch trier, destroyed and reduced to ruins. yet, it persists within the mirror. all its citizens remain alive. you call that living? lumian lumian refrained from interrupting the mirror gardners resentful narrative. the formidable beyonder with a peculiar form chuckled. counterfeit? countless members of the iron and blood cross order you usually encounter are already on our side. theyve emerged from the mirror, spawned since the unexpected seal incident decades ago and the ensuing power leak. weve been covertly engaging in similar activities. otherwise, how would gardner martin, tony twain, and diest have known about vermonda saurons underground entrance into the seal? how would they have recognized it as a sequence 1 conqueror beyonder characteristic? how could they have been so focused on exploring the underground and inadvertently influenced? lumian was taken aback. so, this involves the plans of your mirror people? damn it, how many factions are entangled in this, and how many conspiracies are woven together? while gardners words in the mirror shed light on the murky situation, making many details more plausible, lumian still found it absurd. arent there too many factions and conspiracies? and behind these conspiracies, even more conspiracies, as intricate as spiderwebs! mirror gardners expression returned to normal as he smiled and said, ever wonder how the iron and blood cross order discovered the black figurine? how did they realize they could exploit the uniqueness of this mirror world to bypass the seal? do you dare to keep carrying that figurine? it holds no practical value for you. why not hand it over to me, and ill let you leave this mirror world? dont worry; youre not gardner martin. i cant replace you. i harbor no insurmountable malice towards you. so, were the fire ravens from earlier merely a greeting? lumian laughed and inquired, essentially, that figurine holds great value for you? what do you people intend to do with it? lumian suspected that the iron and blood cross orders discovery or acquisition of the black primordial demoness figurine was orchestrated by these mirror people. their plan was undoubtedly intricate. mirror gardners lips curled as he replied, did you think id tell you? whom do you people serve? lumian interjected. as the mirror gardners mouth opened, his expression suddenly darkened, and his eyes brimmed with hatred. thats all the answers! observing the mirror gardners sudden shift, lumian had a profound realization that these mirror people could maintain normalcy most of the time and seamlessly replace the originals. however, when certain matters arose, they couldnt suppress their monstrous side. mirror gardner seemed poised to convince lumian and the others to surrender the black primordial demoness figurine when a figure materialized behind him. franca, lacking an assassin suit, revealed a hidden blade from her left wrist. enveloped in black flames, she thrust it into mirror gardners back, causing the blood-stained figure to shatter like a mirror. he reappeared on the other side of the black pillar, on the fringe of the collapsed area, wearing a sinister smile. he declared, youre stalling for time and completing preparations. me too! as he finished speaking, a man emerged from the debris of a crumbled grayish-white stone pillar outside the collapsed area, dripping with magma. his face bore bloodstains too, and his short flaxen-colored hair, along with slightly thick brown eyebrows, framed aqua-blue eyes and thin lips. despite his unremarkable appearance, he uncannily resembled franca. witnessing this figure, a phrase flashed through francas mind: its over it was her past self, her former identity as a man! ever since franca began suspecting that this area represented the mirrors fourth epoch trier, she harbored concerns that her past self would surface, exposing his true identity to jenna. now, her fears materialized. its over. social death francas mind raced as a woman emerged from behind another intact grayish-white stone pillar. adorned in a white shirt, a black vest, and dark pants, her pure black hair cascading over her shoulders, she exuded an imposing beauty. despite her deep and delicate facial features, her blue eyes betrayed a sense of mockery. uh, t-this is eerily similar to ciel the mirror version of him is a woman? franca swiftly scanned her surroundings, concealing herself again. behind different grayish-white stone pillars, two more figures emerged. one donned mercenary attire, with handsomely styled flaxen-colored hair, reminiscent of jenna. the other wore military-green tops and bottoms, exuding a mature charm with a slightly plump figure. beautiful with eyes as deep as an ancient forest pond. dammit! a male version of jenna and a female version of anthony! anthony looks even more handsome and charming! this is different from the mirror world outside! franca felt puzzled yet relieved. this could provide a plausible explanation for his former appearance to resurface! lumian, equally perplexed by his mirror counterpart having a different gender, and the others werent experiencing the same thing as franca. even if the mirror reflected their past selves, it shouldnt manifest like this. if this was a fusion of a demonesss mirror world, the stacking of feminization, and ones past, jenna should be a woman, no matter what! as lumians thoughts raced, he considered the hunter pathways ability to transform women into men, which was adjacent to the demoness pathway. could it be that this mirror world is influenced by the blood emperors corpse or residual divine power? is it akin to mr. fool and the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessingsa power controlling these two pathways leaked, forming a unique mirror world that causes an overall reversal? lumian didnt delve too deeply into it, as mirror gardner and his four helpers attacked. the mirror person in a black formal suit and yellow vest didnt conceal his hatred, excitement, and desire. in the wilderness, the entire ground seemed to sink two to three meters. diests massive iron soldiers and yellowish-skinned giant entourage stood at the edge of the hurricane. occasionally, one of them would self-destruct, reducing to fragments. despite the wary standoff between the president of the iron and blood cross order and snarner einhorn, they directed their attention to the mildly intelligent monster that appeared to have lost control and was more challenging to deal with. in the intense battle, they managed to restrain or knock vermonda sauron to the ground two or three times, but they themselves were also affected, in a dire state that hindered them from seizing the opportunity. in the current moment, they found themselves temporarily disabled. suddenly, a surge of knowledge materialized into a beautiful woman wearing a brown captains coat, with long chestnut hair and eyes resembling the blue sea. snarner, diest, and the others hearts tightened, fearing that the newcomer would take the initiative and ultimately claim the conqueror beyonder characteristic. they all recognized the woman: the eldest daughter of the deceased emperor roselle, bernadette gustav! she, too, was an angel! holding a pale-golden lamp, bernadette observed the angels battle without direct involvement. transforming into a torrent of knowledge once again, she surged towards the gray fog-shrouded fourth epoch trier. it was as if she had casually glanced at them while passing by. snarner and diest were initially taken aback by her actions, but they swiftly regained their composure and resumed their battle. Chapter 487 - 487 Self-Confrontation 487 self-confrontation in fourth epoch trier, shrouded in a dense gray fog, voisin sanson, with thick blond locks, a well-kept beard, and deep-set features, yielded to the whims of destiny. he threaded through the chaotic streets, drawing nearer to the faintly discernible grand palace. abruptly, the stone slab beneath his feet shattered, and with swift precision, a skeletal hand shot up, seizing his ankle. at the same instant, a knight adorned in jet-black armor charged on horseback. wielding a broadsword ablaze in ghostly white flames, he slashed diagonally at voisin sanson. voisin sansons form swiftly morphed into an ethereal state, resilient against the onslaught of the pitch-black knight. however, with the passage of time, it gradually faded until it dissipated entirely. his true self materialized almost 20 meters distant, fixating on the adversary. beneath the black visor of the knight, two dark-red flames flickered like candlelight. a grotesque wound, with pale-white intestines protruding, adorned its chest and abdomen. perched on a desiccated white horse resembling a skeletal corpse, the knight presided over a vast square wilderness. within this expanse, myriad figures roamed. some draped in white linen, their faces pallid and vacant. others reduced to mere skeletons, while some concealed their visages behind masks of white paper. on the fringes of the wilderness, a dark-red cradle-shaped carriage advanced, drawn by two abyssal, demon-like creatures boasting goat horns. seated within the carriage was the regal madame pualis. adorned with a flower crown and a green dress, her long brown hair was elegantly tied high. bright brown eyes gazed forth as she held a small bowl crafted from green jade in one hand and an oak branch entwined with mistletoe in the other. what do you want? voisin sanson inquired with a calm, resonant voice. madame pualis responded, her smile unwavering, revenge, naturally. her eyes, once warm, gradually turned cold, but the grin on her face endured. revenge voisin sanson echoed the word, a note of confusion in his voice. after a brief pause, he furrowed his brow and questioned, for aurore? in that moment, the undead and several death knights scattered across the wilderness withheld their attacks on voisin sanson, as if anticipating the emotional release sought by the madame they served. seated within the carriage, madame pualis offered a self-deprecating smile. for a villain, one-sided love is destined to be fleeting. passion inevitably wanes quickly. yet, she met her end during that brief period, becoming a thorn lodged deep in my heart, unextractable. the mere thought of it is painful, fueling my anger and resentment. and all of this was caused by you! i desired to strike when we crossed paths earlier, but the circumstances werent conducive. lady moon had yet to make her entrance, and i couldnt afford to delay the great mothers affairs for a personal vendetta. but now, in this quiet moment voisin sanson narrowed his eyes. after receiving the great mothers boon, shouldnt these delicate and easily shattered emotions be eradicated? arent you worried about undermining the grand objectives of the great entities? madame pualis chuckled and replied, there are more fitting and potent individuals for that task. like lady moon. as for me her expression softened, revealing a trace of wistfulness. in the past, i put my faith in the great mother to attain strength and break free from the constraints of the antiquated churches. i didnt have to concern myself with moral judgments or public opinion. no need to fear being attacked by some past victim at any moment, free to do as i pleased. now, what i desire is vengeance! as madame pualis concluded her words, a pair of ethereal wings unfolded behind her, adorned with brown feathers of human size. ah! a sharply discordant and anguished scream escaped her lips. the remaining glass in the nearby structures shattered. voisin sansons mind reverberated, as if he could sense his spirit body wailing. in the rundown square, suspected to be the whereabouts of krismona night pillar, lumian zeroed in on his feminine mirror self. only he comprehended the extent of the trouble he posed! he might not be the most formidable presence among the gathering, but his unique skills and array of items could swiftly tip the scales in his favor. it was imperative to neutralize him in advance! as for the mirror version of gardner martin, it was suspected that he possessed mirror substitutionproving challenging to dispatch swiftly. lumians strategy was to eliminate the auxiliary threats first before zeroing in on him. when the moment arrived, the combined effects of psychiatrists frenzy, flogs strikes, and the arousal triggered by beatrices necklace would exploit the psychological vulnerabilities of the mirror people. their abundance of negative emotions and the potent desire to achieve and supplant made them susceptible. a dark mark on lumians shoulder illuminated, and his form abruptly vanished, reappearing behind the heroic-looking female lumian, similarly attired but with black hair. almost simultaneously, the blue eyes of the female lumian gleamed with a mocking glint. then, she vanished. her figure materialized behind anthony reid, mostly concealed by the grayish-white stone pillar. spirit world traversal! she knew the technique as well! dammit! lumian cursed inwardly. the dark mark on his right shoulder emitted another shadowy glow. he had to hurry to his aid. while he had considered the possibility of his mirror self possessing teleportation abilities, he had anticipated that the other party would target him, prioritizing his eliminationthe most significant threat. at worst, they might exchange positions. however, he hadnt expected the female lumian to focus on anthony reid. in that critical moment, lumian pieced together the rationale. primarily, the mirror person harbored an intense resentment toward the original counterpart, driven by a desire to supplant them. given their profound psychological issues, these could be effectively countered by psychiatrists frenzy and similar abilities. secondly, anthony reid lacked proficiency in evasion and lacked diverse substitutes. his defense wasnt substantially superior to that of an ordinary person, rendering him susceptible to swift elimination, thereby reducing their teams strength. as lumian engaged in discourse with the mirror gardner martin, anthony reid remained concealed behind a nearby grayish-white stone pillar. he observed his surroundings and assessed the enemys mental state, strategizing his actions for the impending battle. he had noticed the appearance of his feminine version, as well as the mirror gardner, male jenna, and male franca to either hide in the shadows or vanish. the complexity of the situation intensified, and he instinctively sensed the impending challenge posed by these formidable adversaries. as the figure of the female lumian vanished, anthony reid, familiar with lumians spirit world traversal, quickly discerned the monsters intentions and thought process. she was employing teleportation, with him as her target. her primary focus was dealing with the psychiatrist! as these realizations raced through his mind, anthony didnt attempt to evade to either side. given the proximity and his limited physical abilities, escaping the danger zone before female lumian unleashed her subsequent onslaught was an impossibility. instead, he opted for an offensive approach, intending to disrupt any forthcoming storm of attacks with his own strikes! anthony forcibly twisted his body, his eyes widening in silent determination, a faint golden hue tinting his gaze. then, he confronted the captivating and seemingly welcoming figure of female lumian. the other party harrumphed. spell of harrumph! two beams of white light shot out from female lumians nostrils, striking anthony. as the white beams reflected in anthonys eyes, he made no attempt to dodge or evade. instead, he invoked frenzy. with a thud, he crumpled to the ground, unconscious. female lumians facial muscles contorted, and dark-red blood vessels emerged beneath her skin, resembling tiny fire serpents coming to life. her blue eyes radiated violence and madness, while crimson flames bordering on white emanated from her body. lumian materialized beside her and the unconscious anthony. choosing not to employ the spell of harrumph, he clenched his right hand, enveloped in almost blazing-white flames, and delivered a punch to his mirror selfs head. with a cracking sound, female lumians body shattered like a mirror. she, too, possessed mirror substitution! upon witnessing this, lumian cursed inwardly once more. dogsh*t! despite anticipating that these mirror people were closely related to mirrors and might have multiple mirror substitutions, thus opting for a flaming punch instead of the spell of harrumph to conserve spirituality, the confirmation left him frustrated and angered. only by facing it personally did he realize how repulsive abilities like mirror substitution and paper figurine substitutes were! now, there were a total of five enemies with mirror substitution. four of them had even replicated their teams abilities. how could they possibly prevail in such a situation? in that moment, the flames dissipated from lumians fiery fist, precisely as expected, landing on anthony reid. the scalding pain abruptly snapped the psychiatrist out of his stupor. reacting instinctively, he rolled to smother the flames. suddenly, mirror gardner martins cold, smiling voice echoed from an unseen location. how does it feel? are my aides proving stronger than you expected? unfortunately, they hail from profound mirror images, and their genders have been reversed. they cant replace you and return to the real world. what do you say? surrender the figurine in exchange for my friendship and an opportunity to depart this place? its of no use to you. if youre so powerful, why dont you just kill us and take the figurine? are you wary of something? for example, termiboross escape? or are you deliberately using such words to weaken our resistance and ensure your own safety to the greatest extent? or are you actually not strong and are stalling for time for some development? a series of guesses raced through lumians mind. meanwhile, anthony reid, having extinguished the flames, rose to his feet and coughed. lumians throat itched as he heard that. soon, franca and jenna emerged from invisibility amid uncontrollable coughing, having intended to encircle the female anthony. the voice of the mirror gardner resonated, accompanied by evident laughter. i neglected to mention that the fire raven i initially employed carries an affliction disease. igniting and detonating them only aids the spread of the disease. those two figurines can only suppress non-conscious diseases, but thisthis is under my control! Chapter 488 - 488 Mutual Provocation 488 mutual provocation fire raven fused with an affliction disease? is that even possible? will i pull off something similar when i switch to the hunter pathway? is this the merging of different abilities through pathway switching? its more unique and bizarre? as franca coughed, surprise, solemnity, and a touch of anticipation painted her expression. even though she was compelled to break her invisibility, franca found herself in close quarters with the female anthony. her left hand rose, directing the ring of punishment, snug around her thumb, at the mirror person. yet, franca refrained from employing psychic piercing. it was a calculated move to confound the target and any hidden foes. having observed lumians skirmish, franca suspected that female anthony also possessed mirror substitution. psychic piercing wouldnt yield the desired effect. in that case, why not afflict the opponent with a negative state that wouldnt trigger mirror substitution? beatrices necklace, dangling from francas chest, reflected the engulfing flames, stirring female anthonys ambitions to life. franca had long discerned that these mirror people harbored resentment and animosity toward their authentic selves. their burning desire to prove themselves was their weakness. the longing for success served as their greatest vulnerability. as two coughs reached female anthonys ears, she, being a psychiatrist, mirrored the choice made by her male counterpart. unable to evade the ensuing assaults, she swiveled halfway around, locking eyes with franca and jenna, who had already materialized. her pupils turned vertical and shifted to a pale-golden hue. awe! unlike her male counterpart, female anthony opted for awe, considering the presence of two assailants. this ability had the potential to influence both targets. the aura of a dragonthe pinnacle of the food chainswiftly descended. franca and jenna couldnt help but tremble in fear. one of them found themselves immobilized, while the other sought refuge behind the nearest grayish-white stone pillar. before female anthony could unleash awe, jenna, still coughing, seized the moment. she flung a half-blood-stained cloak, causing the bone flute and wooden box to tumble toward the targets feet. with her other hand, jenna pulled the trigger of her revolver, propelling a yellow bullet engulfed in black flames towards female anthony. however, in that critical moment, awe took effect. jennas right hand quivered, causing the bullet to veer off course. amidst the gunfire, the shadowed mirror gardner narrowly evaded the bullets trajectory. swiftly moving, he leaped to the ground, dodging the projectile, and rolled into another shadow, vanishing from sight. unharmed, female anthonys eyes seemed to blaze with flames. she abandoned the idea of casting frenzy on franca, who succumbed to the effects of awe, redirecting her focus to the coughing and moving male version of herself. thud! thud! thud! she charged forward, determined to prove herself by defeating the male anthony. at that moment, figures materialized behind the frozen franca and the fleeing jenna. they were male franca and male jenna, who had previously concealed themselves with their abilities. the former aimed his hidden blade at francas back and struck with all his might. the latter fixed a glare at jennas back and pulled the trigger. with two cracking sounds, franca and jennas bodies shattered like mirrors, allowing them to escape the effects of awe. however, their throats remained irritated. they had no choice but to endure the discomfort and occasionally cough as they faced off against male franca and jenna. lumians throat itched, and his head, accustomed to enduring high temperatures, still radiated warmth. as an ascetic, this level of illness couldnt challenge his endurance. he glanced at female lumian, not far away, and crimson flames enveloped him, transforming into a fireball that shot forward. female lumian, her face still marked by blood vessels, sneered and vanished from her spot once more. spirit world traversal again! her figure reappeared behind the rapidly moving anthony, as if she wouldnt stop until she had vanquished the psychiatrist. just then, the fireball that had just shot out dissipated prematurely, morphing into a stream of light. in the stream of light, lumians figure flashed as he teleported to anthonys side. he had been feigning an attack, anticipating female lumians use of spirit world traversal. he seized the opportunity to closely follow and block her! to achieve this, lumian not only destabilized the fireballs structure in advance but also utilized lies ability to strengthen his control over flames. appearing beside anthony as swiftly as female lumian, he promptly raised his iron-black boxing gloves and unleashed a flurry of chain punches! simultaneously, lumian conjured the desire he longed to witness in his mind. the desire to replace a real person! this desire proved easier to trigger, and its detonation even better! having already adorned the flog boxing gloves, lumian aspired to exploit this state, potentially immune to mirror substitution, to impact the target and temporarily incapacitate his mirror self in combat. with a resounding bang, lumians left and right punches met the resistance of female lumians raised hand. however, she lacked boxing gloves, and her forearm bore several bleeding punctures from flogs short thorns. her eyes brimmed with escalating resentment and malice, as though she yearned for lumians demise in the very next second. she had entirely forsaken her pursuit of anthony reid. bam! bam! bam! lumian unleashed a barrage of punches, incessantly thwarting his mirror selfs attempts to employ other abilities. he persisted in taunting his counterpart. hey, no flog boxing gloves? are you so feeble that you cant even mirror a mystical item below the demigod level? on the one hand, lumian sought an emotional release. on the other, he aimed to use provocation to incense his female self, heightening the likelihood of the flog boxing gloves triggering the others desires and emotions. female lumian didnt hide her anger. blocking lumians punches, she taunted with provocation, imbecile! if you had detected aurores anomaly earlier, the issue might have been resolved. imbecile! if it were me, i wouldve undoubtedly handled it better than you! lumians mind buzzed. even as an ascetic, he found himself affected by provocation. this frustration and guilt had long been buried deep in his heart, one of the root causes of all his pain. his eyes turned bloodshot, a blend of embarrassment, anger, and a compelling urge to self-destruct surged from the depths of his being. his attacks intensified as he sought to infuse the thought into his right hand. he wanted to witness the outcome if he unleashed the blood emperors aura here in the mirrors fourth epoch trier. when the time came, everyone presentvoisin sanson and the other gods bestowed from different regionswould meet their demise together! just then, lumians thoughts abruptly cleared. his emotions and impulses felt as though caressed by a gentle breeze. the melodious melody his sister aurore used to hum seemed to echo in his ears, swiftly calming him. placate! psychiatrist anthony reids placate. seizing the opportunity while lumian relentlessly pounded female lumian with punches, anthony distanced himself. as he eluded the pursuit of his female self, he circled back to lumians vicinity. sensing his companions volatile mood, he promptly cast placate. affected by beatrices necklace, female anthony only had eyes for her true self, indifferent to the fate of female lumian. suppressing the urge to self-destruct, lumian witnessed female lumian teetering on the verge of collapse under his relentless onslaught, her expression contorted. franca and jennas coughing intensified, hindering the use of their abilities. their male counterparts seized the moment, forcing them to employ mirror substitution once again. franca was still okay, but jenna likely had only one mirror substitution remaining. observing this, lumian, his forehead ablaze, felt a mix of concern, nervousness, and confusion. where was mirror gardner? in such a chaotic scenario, any attackwhether directed at franca, jenna, himself, or anthonywould prove highly effective. he might even succeed in eliminating them one by one. after all, he was a reaper. yet, mirror gardner refrained from attacking. only the echoing, mocking laughter signaled his continued presence. he persisted in persuading lumian and the others to surrender the black figurine and cease resisting. hmph! seizing the opportunity when lumians assault momentarily slowed, female lumian, pushed to her limits, invoked the spell of harrumph. two beams of white light struck lumians body. his vision darkened, and he experienced the same sensation as his previous adversaries. crack! a mirror shattered on francas body, and lumian materialized beside her. as lumians thoughts returned, a flurry of ideas raced through his mind. after spreading the disease with the sick ravens, mirror gardner refrained from employing any other offensive abilities. instead, he chose to hide in the shadows or conceal himself wait, it didnt begin with the disease spread by the sick ravens. it began with the emergence of male franca and the other mirror people why didnt he attack? considering my mirror selfs lack of the flog boxing gloves, she probably doesnt possess the blood emperors aura, mr. fools seal, or termiboros the flog boxing gloves were crafted from the branch of the tree of shadow the mirror world, despite its apparent danger and terror, shouldnt be incapable of mirroring the flog boxing gloves suddenly, lumian had an epiphany. these four mirror people werent naturally formed in the mirrors fourth epoch trier. mirror gardner martin had utilized his unique connection to this place to create them! it was akin to an ability! mirror gardners decision not to attack stemmed from his concerted effort to sustain the four mirror people. he couldnt engage in direct assault; his only recourse was to conceal himself and use words to interfere with the enemy, disrupting their combat will! as these realizations coursed through his mind, lumian couldnt help but smile. dodging male francas attack and anticipating the teleportation of female lumian, he retrieved the eye of truth obtained from bouvard. lumian then adorned the peculiar monocle, seemingly fashioned from flesh and blood. it had the ability to pierce through illusions, perceive reality, and discern the light of spirituality! Chapter 489 - 489 Greed 489 greed despite the severe corruption of the eye of truth, its ability to hear the voices of a hidden entity at any moment, and the risk of encountering uncontrollable negative effects, lumian trusted that fourth epoch trier, with its potent seal isolating external influences, provided a safeguard. even the boons of evil gods couldnt trace back to their source, making it unlikely for him to hear the hidden sages ravings. in this realm, there should be no adverse effects when using the eye of truth, especially within the mirrors fourth epoch trier. however, lumian acknowledged the potential presence of a fallen angel from the mystery pryer pathway or remnants of corresponding divine power. even with the eye of truth, there was a chance of hearing voices he shouldnt. consequently, lumian didnt plan to use it extensively. he intended to locate mirror gardner martin and remove the mystical item when the opportunity presented itself. through the lens affixed to his eye, lumian discerned nearly invisible spider silk swaying around franca, subtly influencing male jenna and the other mirror people. similarly, male franca had created a plethora of spider silks, utterly unaffected by the constraints of the term witch. lumian also took note of the fine snake-like black hair covering the area. they manifested and disappeared, delicately caressing every living being they touched. their origin seemed to be the black pillar extending into the sky. concurrently, lumians left eye reflected mirror gardner martin. concealed beside a grayish-white stone pillar, he seemed invisible. without hesitation, lumian activated the black mark on his right shoulder, the fifth time since becoming an ascetic. with the eye of truth in place, he instantaneously vanished, reappearing behind mirror gardner. the corners of lumians mouth curled up as he swung his right fist at his exposed foe, who had just realized his concealment had been shattered and had no time to react. his hands were encased in iron-black boxing gloves adorned with multiple short thorns. flog! in the midst of mirror gardners attempt to lunge forward and transform into a burning-white spear, flying to the opposite side to distance himself, lumian landed a punch behind his ear. in a haste, mirror gardner could only duck, abruptly contorting as if he were boneless, attempting to somersault away. bang! lumians right fist connected with mirror gardners right shoulder. the impact distorted the others shoulder, causing his body to stagger, nearly losing balance. mirror gardners combat prowess proved formidable. despite tumbling to the ground, he seized the opportunity to pivot. he was unfazed by the potential of the white beams or being shot in the head; he still possessed mirror substitution! confronting lumian, who lunged at him with blood still dripping from his iron-black boxing gloves, mirror gardner smiled, his eyes reflecting blatant greed. this time, lumian opted to trigger greed! in an instant, mirror gardner ignited with blazing-white flames, morphing into a spear charging at lumian. at this range, he doubted that lumian could evade the impending attack. having committed to close combat, he had to bear the consequencesrendered unable to fully utilize spirit world traversal! lumian didnt attempt to dodge, nor did he plan to. he swiftly adjusted his posture, watching as the blazing-white spear collided with his right chest. his defense against flames was robust. the blazing-white spear took nearly two seconds to burn through his skin and flesh. yet, lumian maintained a smile on his face. the pain only contorted his countenance, a testament to the resilience of an ascetic. anthony reids placate had indeed restored lumians composure, but the psychological issues brought to light lingered for the time being. with two resounding bangs, lumian seized the opportunity to deliver a left and right punch to the burning-white spear. he exploited every chance to kindle mirror gardners desires and emotions. ultimately, the blazing-white spear pierced lumians right chest, propelling him more than ten meters through the air. lumians smile retained a touch of frenzy. adorned with a silver earring, he withdrew his right palm, pressed against the grievous wound on his chest, and slid downward. the injury swiftly spread to his abdomen, and almost-white crimson flames erupted from lumians palm, consuming his mangled flesh. he willingly accepted increased risk in the future to mitigate the impact of his injuries. with that, his figure melded into the void. just as mirror gardner emerged from the dissipating blazing-white flaming spear, lumian materialized behind him. bang! bang! lumian swung his fists again, targeting mirror gardners arms, denying him a chance to catch his breath. he opted not to strike vital points, fearing that excessive damage might trigger mirror substitution. as mirror gardner transformed into a blazing-white spear to assail lumian, female lumian, intending to teleport over to assist, stood stunned, as if temporarily losing autonomy. likewise, both male franca and male jenna exhibited similar reactions, as if their resemblance to real people had momentarily waned. franca and jenna, in dire straits, seized the opportunity to catch their breath. although they didnt immediately comprehend the reason, they keenly sensed that mirror gardner held the key to the problem. lumians assault on the leader had brought about such a change! franca, relying on her experience, swiftly instructed jenna, give me that cough! arrow! she needed the potent self-healing abilities of the arrow of the bloodthirsty to withstand the infectious disease and recuperate to a relatively healthy state within a specific timeframe. franca aimed to delay female lumian and the other mirror people, creating an optimal environment for lumian to confront mirror gardner solo. her only hope rested on lumian catalyzing positive changes before the infection and illness exacerbated, outpacing the effectiveness of her self-healing abilities. jenna had intended to use the arrow of the bloodthirsty herself. despite having used it twice alreadywith another use risking a collapse of her bodyshe was willing to disregard the consequences in the current dire situation. however, upon hearing francas request, she hesitated momentarily before tossing the obsidian arrow to franca. from jennas perspective, franca, a sequence 6 demoness of pleasure armed with numerous mystical items, possessed significantly more strength than herself. thus, francas temporary recovery held greater benefit for the ongoing battle. franca caught the arrow of the bloodthirsty and plunged it into her chest. observing that female lumian and the other mirror people had regained their composure, becoming lively once again, francas lake-blue eyes silently transformed to a fiery red. the rubber band securing her ponytail snapped as if corroded, allowing her flaxen-colored hair to billow in the air, enhancing her enchanting allure. her increasingly frequent coughs momentarily subsided, and the invisible spider silk surrounding her ceased its gradual, silent encroachment on male franca, male jenna, and female lumian, no longer tightening and ensnaring them layer by layer. like mirror images, franca and jenna felt their bodies grow heavy, their limbs constricted. from the outset, male franca had been covertly using spider silk. only when there was no way to further ensnare them layer by layer in secret did he reveal it. in an instant, franca and the others were immobilized. female lumian, who had just teleported over, was the least affected by the spider silk and was skilled in using flames. she swiftly activated spirit world traversal in a crimson light, heading towards lumian and mirror gardners battlefield. taking advantage of the momentary pause in female anthonys actions, anthony could finally counterattack. enduring the terrifying cough, dizziness, and fever, he raised the revolver purchased from the black market and pulled the trigger at the mirror person, clearly more charming than him. at that moment, no one interrupted their internecine attacks. amidst the gunshots, female anthony shattered into numerous fragments. upon reappearing nearby, she didnt immediately rush to rescue mirror gardner. instead, she continued pursuing anthony amidst her soaring desire for achievement. amidst the sounds of flesh colliding, lumian landed multiple punches on mirror gardner, sending waves of pain through the powerful beyonders head and stoking his anger. his greed made him reluctant to abandon the other four mirror people and the advantage his side enjoyed on other battlefields. however, if he didnt give up, he wouldnt be able to focus on dealing with lumian. he found himself restricted in every way and faced a disadvantaged situation. this was why lumian had chosen to trigger his greed! bang! lumian tightened his fists, delivering a powerful blow to mirror gardner. mirror gardner crashed to the ground, instinctively summoning a swarm of crimson, almost white fireballs for protection. this caught female lumian off guard as she had just teleported over. unfazed by the nearly-white crimson fireballs, lumian swiftly teleported toward mirror gardner. the safest spot was, of course, where the caster stood! amidst the explosive chaos, lumian gritted his teeth against the searing pain in his back and landed another punch on mirror gardners face. the short thorns on the iron-black boxing gloves pierced through skin and flesh. suddenly, mirror gardner martins gaze froze, blood streaming from his eyes, nose, and other wounds. the intense greed within him erupted, not killing or knocking him out but weakening and disorienting him. in this dazed state, whether it was female lumian, male franca, male jenna, or female anthony, they all froze in place. their bodies rapidly faded, growing more translucent until they vanished. witnessing the scene, lumian straightened up, removing the flog boxing gloves. he tossed them to franca and jenna, ensuring each had one. franca noticed the residual blood and grasped lumians intent immediately. dipping her hand into the blood, she retrieved a mirror, ready to cast a curse. lumian had three reasons for opting for the flog boxing gloves: firstly, the ability to stir desires wouldnt trigger mirror substitution. secondly, as a mystical item, it could attract the attention of dangerous entities, causing unpredictable changes that might lead to opportunities amid the chaos. thirdly, it provided a chance to collect a curses mediumthe targets blood! even if his triggered greed couldnt be controlled, leading to mirror gardners mirror substitution, lumian planned to seize the moment when the other mirror people were temporarily affected. he would throw the flog boxing gloves to franca and jenna, aiding them in intercepting the attacks. repeatedly cursing with the possession of the blood, lumian aimed to challenge how many times mirror substitution could be used and find an opportunity to sever the connection. flames erupted around lumian as he transformed into a fireball, distancing himself from mirror gardner. just as he was about to remove the eye of truth, a peculiar sound caught his attention. Chapter 490 - 490 Sounds 490 sounds the strange sounds lumian heard echoed from a far-off realm, an elusive destination beyond his grasp. his heart tightened as he quickly removed the eye of truth, but the sounds remained. bam! bam! bam! the sounds reverberated as if two massive rocks collided. lumian witnessed sparks flying, and dried leaves and branches catching fire. in the midst of the flames lay scattered bones. the cave, shrouded in darkness with an unknown depth, echoed with distant howls resembling wolves. thud! thud! thud! a leather drums beats and ancient musical instruments resonated, creating a solemn, holy, and magnificent atmosphere for lumian. the scene in his mind shifted to a vast wilderness with a towering altar. a figure, his face veiled with beaded coverings, a splendid headdress, and a flowing black robe, ascended to the highest point. around him, people with demon-painted faces danced frenziedly to the drumbeat. suddenly, the sky darkened, and a face appeared from the ominous clouds. the ritualist, with beads sliding aside, revealed a terrified expression. a distant, haunting voice pierced the clouds, resonating through the desolate land. lumian felt a profound shake in his mind and body. before him stretched vast highlands, with withered trees, sparse grass, and yellow soil and rocks exposed. gullies crisscrossed like wrinkles on an old mans face, separating silent towns. a massive river surged, majestic yet tainted with turbid yellow. ding. dang. ding. dang. the sound, like pearls on a porcelain plate, was crisp and gentle, emanating from a peculiar wooden pavilion. the surrounding buildings burned fiercely, and shouts echoed from the river. amidst the pleasant melody, the pavilion collapsed in flames, yet the performer continued unabated. in the midst of the gentle singing, a woman in a peculiar dress stood on the platform, captivatingly expressing herself. below her, people sat at various tables, savoring drinks under dim lights. gunshots, like firecrackers, echoed outside what seemed to be a bars dance floor, as citizens collapsed on the street. fierce soldiers rushed in, stabbing the struggling ones with bayonets attached to their guns. distant buildings burned, and flames soared into the sky. these voices and images surged into lumians mind like a torrent, causing his eyes to redden. his head felt unusually swollen, as if it were on the brink of exploding, and his thoughts became a chaotic jumble. franca and jenna, engrossed in their battle against mirror gardner martin, remained oblivious to lumians unsettling state. franca took the lead, pressing the black flames against the mirror stained with the targets blood. she successfully saw the enemyweakened by the eruption of desire. he succumbed to the engulfing black flames, inflicting damage to his spirit body. crack! mirror gardner shattered, and his figure materialized nearby, his dazed eyes now alert. seizing the opportunity, jenna, moving with remarkable speed, adjusted her makeup mirror stained with mirror gardners blood. pressing the black flames in her hand against it, s mirror gardner was once again ignited by the demonesss black flames and subjected to another fatal curse. he shattered anew, reappearing beside the black pillar. his right hand reached into his pocket, as if he wanted to take out a mirror and use nails, hair, blood, and other media to sever the connection between the source of the curse and himself. however, franca, who was also moving at high speed, leaned back and raised the mirror in her hand. it made contact with her other hand, holding the flog boxing glove ablaze with black flames. the flames erupted within the mirror, thwarting mirror gardners attempt at curse-evading mirror magic. the duo, franca and jenna, continued their intricate danceone advancing, one retreating, one cursing, and the other awaiting their turn. it was a mesmerizing duet, a choreography of combat. after enduring six curses, mirror gardner froze in front of a grayish-white stone pillar, not shattering like before. in the silence of the black flames, he rapidly weakened, teetering on the brink of unconsciousness. seeing this, franca discarded the flog boxing gloves, opting for her cannon gun. she drew the weapon, pulled back the hammer, and took aim at the target. bang! the iron-black bullet tore through mirror gardners skull, shattering it into fragments. his nearly headless body swayed briefly before collapsing to the ground. as the corpse faded away, it left behind a peculiar mirror fragment, its surface nearly lightless as if coated with black paint. meanwhile, anthony reid, ever proficient at observation, detected lumians abnormal state. racing towards him, the psychiatrist attempted to placate him. however, lumian remained unresponsive, his face contorting further, blood vessels on his forehead bulging ominously. theres a situation here! anthony, noting mirror gardners demise from the corner of his eye, swiftly informed franca and jenna. he hoped that the two demonesses could find a way to address lumians unsettling condition. however, an instant later, the pitch-black mirror fragment emitted a faint light. the surroundings plunged into instant darkness, transmuting into a bizarre transparency, as if the entire world had transformed into a mirrored container. within the dark and shadowy confines of this mirror container, an unseen force seethed with rage, materializing the air and exerting pressure from every direction. though franca, jenna, and anthony witnessed no visible or audible phenomena, an overwhelming fear gripped them. their bodies felt as if plunged into an icy cavern, freezing instantaneously. a faint sigh, distinctly feminine, resonated suddenly. nearby, the black pillar radiated a dim light. the tiny snake-like black hairs concealed in the void retracted, coalescing into a massive black-haired sphere, forming a protective barrier around the square. franca and the others experienced an immediate sense of tranquility. fear released its grip on their bodies and minds, allowing them to move freely. meanwhile, lumians consciousness wrestled with an onslaught of voices and scenes, his rationality gradually eroding. suddenly, he heard a voice. it was a male sigh. then, he saw a face and a figurea man seated cross-legged in a serene room, adorned with a headdress and a blue robe. though handsome, the mans eyes betrayed profound sorrow and pain, lending him a withered appearance. his gaze fixed on lumian, comprehending the scenes unfolding, and he picked up a brown rod adorned with numerous white silk strands at one end, resting beside him. as the sigh persisted, the myriad sounds and images lumian perceived vanished, replaced by overlapping shrill cries akin to curses. while lumian couldnt comprehend the language, the phrase echoed in his mind, infused with the purest knowledge, enabling him to grasp its meaning. the voices converged into a torrent, laden with resentment and hatred. celestial master! at the base of the deep valley quarry, the once busy hall now stood in partial ruins. the tumultuous activity had taken its toll, leaving many members of the machinery hivemind injured. conscious of the need to avoid hindering their comrades battles, these individuals strategically retreated. claude, the mechanical giant, abruptly halted his movements, his colossal ears resonating with overlapping roars. amidst the roars, a sigh descended from above, casting an eerie atmosphere upon the indistinct wilderness. in that wild expanse, numerous ethereal figures lingered, occasionally gazing at the sky and emitting haunting screams. observing this mysterious transformation, archbishop horamick refrained from seizing the opportunity to attack claude directly. instead, he swiftly withdrew from the crumbling hall, leading the remaining members of the machinery hivemind away from the illusory wilderness. the cybernetic eyes of the mechanical giant, with one resembling a ruby and the other an emerald, suddenly dimmed. it appeared as if intelligence had deserted him. slowly turning around, claude stepped into the surreal wilderness, seemingly intent on joining the lingering figures. midway through, the mechanical giant turned to regard archbishop horamick and his companions, gears spinning loudly. an indescribable smile graced the face comprising multiple metallic components. in the next instant, the mechanical giant retracted his gaze, resuming his forward journey. his figure gradually took on an illusionary quality, merging with the mysterious wilderness until both vanished into the unknown. in the depths of the fourth epoch trier, adjacent to the wall-like grayish-white fog, magician and justice materialized, their intense gazes fixed upon lady moon. she had lost her veil, revealing a vacant expression. the bestowed of the great mother, the lady who had nurtured a deity, stood in front of the gray fog, her shadow tainted by char. magician and justice were surprised to see this. almost simultaneously, the wall-like grayish-white fog expanded, pulsating like a beating heart. almost simultaneously, an imposing aura, one that seemed to look down upon all existence, permeated the surroundings. it quelled the earlier sigh that had echoed through the air. the grayish-white fog in the vicinity heightened its intensity, spreading in all directions once more, thickening the gray fog throughout the entirety of fourth epoch trier. him? so its him? justice and magician exchanged silent whispers. unaffected by the adverse consequences targeting others, they persisted in their actions. the dazed lady moon immediately found herself shrouded in resplendent starlight. in the wilderness, snarner einhorn and diest, the president of the iron and blood cross order, continued their struggle to restrain vermonda saurona calamity giant, an angel who had lost control. their efforts, however, were met with fierce counterattacks, forcing them into a gradual retreat, unable to capitalize on the situation. amidst the chaos, the gray fog shrouding the ruins of fourth epoch trier stirred violently, as if the very city had awakened. the turbulent fog swiftly coalesced into a spear-like form, a weapon capable of shattering mountain peaks. it hurtled towards the captive vermonda sauron. in an instant, the spear, crafted from the gray fog, erupted into violent flames, taking on a violet hue. it exuded an aura of supremacy, as if it aimed to conquer all in its path. witnessing this surreal phenomenon, whether it was snarner einhorn, diest, vermonda sauron, or their allies, it was as though they beheld a city enshrouded in fog. a sense of awe overwhelmed their bodies and minds, dissuading any inclination to resist. the majestic purple flaming spear traversed a significant distance, impaling vermonda sauronthe calamity giant yet to regain mobility. his chest rent open, the colossal being was pinned to the wilderness. as the purple flames dissipated, a figure stood up from a genuflecting position. clad in blood-stained black armor, adorned with long red hair, the youth exuded a handsome yet haunting presence. rotting wounds marred both sides of his face, and a vivid red mark resembling a banner flag adorned his forehead. Chapter 491 - 491 Unexpected "Helper" 491 unexpected helper the gray fog encircling fourth epoch trier extended into the wilderness, as if intercepting and obstructing an unseen force. in the midst of the tempest, snarner, diest, and the other formidable beings felt a high and formidable aura. an instinctive urge to bow in submission washed over them. it was as if the blood emperor alista tudor, who had met his end deep in fourth epoch trier, had returned from the abyss. however, he wasnt as unhinged or violent as before. instead, a veiled sense of danger and calamity lingered. fighting the impulse to surrender while stepping back, their eyes fixated on the figure of a young man clad in blood-stained black armor, adorned with long red hair and a conspicuous red mark between his brows. their nerves tensed as a name echoed in their minds: medici! red angel medici! he was a king from ancient times. as early as the fourth epoch, or even during the catastrophic demise of the third epoch, he held the title of king of angels. kings of angels were archangels beyond sequence 1, yet they hadnt attained the level of a sequence 0 true god. through the consumption of multiple sequence 1 potions or the possession of the key to deity status, however, having something missing prevented them from taking that crucial step. the red angel was among the eight kings of angels who had once served the ancient sun god. though he met his end at the hands of alista tudor during the fourth epoch, leading to the latters ascent as blood emperor, the king of angels hadnt completely perished. transformed into an evil spirit in a hidden sanctuary, he survived and reemerged a few years ago, resuming his activities. as angels of the hunter pathway, snarner and diest grew increasingly apprehensive about the situation. they suspected that medici might have already acquired a conqueror beyonder characteristic, ascending once again to a sequence 1 archangel. while devising a plan to obtain vermonda saurons conqueror beyonder characteristic, snarner and diest remained cautious of the possible involvement of the ancient king. when albus medici disclosed his name, their vigilance heightened, and they kept a constant watch on him. only when the operation was unexpectedly hastened, and the red angel showed no signs of breaching the seal, nor did albus medici display any abnormal behavior, did they finally ease up. but just at that critical juncture, red angel medici appeared! with a terror-inducing aura that subjugated everything, he soared majestically from the depths of fourth epoch trier. seizing the opportunity, he dealt a severe blow to vermonda sauron with a single strike. medicis disdainful gaze swept across snarner and diest as he casually tossed an item to the struggling calamity giant, vermonda sauron. it was a blood-stained umbilical cord. the moment the umbilical cord left medicis hand, it burst into flames, emitting a golden light resembling a miniature sun. above surface trier, the sun, engulfed by hurricanes, lightning, and torrential rain, suddenly emitted a blinding light, tearing through the calamitous scene. a chubby baby, seemingly crafted from pure sunlight, soared out of the tear, transforming into a golden sun hurtling towards red swan castle in quartier raste. the scorching sun tore through the sky, liquefying the spires, walls, and floor of the ancient castle. it plunged into the depths of the underground maze and into the bronze coffin. wherever it passed, darkness dissipated, and the withered hearts turned to ashes. elros einhorn, stationed outside the underground palace, instinctively shut her eyes, her body trembling uncontrollably. high in the sky, the hanged man didnt pursue the self-destructing sun. instead, he hovered above the storm, his gaze fixed on red swan castle, which bore a massive wound. it remained unknown what he contemplated. danitz, leading his team in quartier rastes battle against the mutated soldiers and the monstrous carbonari army, couldnt help but curse under the intense sunlight. the people around him and the mutants shared a similar reaction. in the outer seal of fourth epoch trier, an invisible flame burning silently in the sky formed a massive vortex, tainted with a golden hue. the sun descended from the vortex, illuminating the entire wilderness and fourth epoch trier as if it were daytime. it caught up to the burning umbilical cord and enveloped the severely injured archangel, vermonda sauron. sunlight erupted, and darkness vanished. the calamity giant, formed by a conquerors loss of control, emitted a tragic cry and swiftly dissipated, undergoing profound purification. the infant that had transformed into a sun ceased to exist. only the remnants of its power burned fiercely, emitting light and warmth. snarner, diest, and the other powerhouses turned sideways, steeling themselves to withstand the impact of the sunlight. in the brilliantly lit fourth epoch trier, voisin sanson and madame pualis, entangled in intense combat, simultaneously closed their eyes, as if unaccustomed to the direct sunlight. upon reopening their eyes, they found themselves separated, no longer able to see each other. one stood in a square adorned with stone pillars, while the other perched on a collapsed black building. wh the two bestowed, who had already tasted the power of godhood, were momentarily taken aback before realizing that fourth epoch trier had undergone a transformation due to the impact of the golden sunlight, leading to a shift in direction and spatial disarray. gardner martin, donned in a full-body silver armor, could already discern the dense grayish-white fog ahead, resembling an impenetrable wall. a surge of joy coursed through him. what he desired, what he sought, was within reach. suddenly, sunlight pierced through, illuminating the nocturnal environment. instinctively, gardner martin shut his eyes and decelerated. then, a cracking sound reverberated. it emanated from his neck. in surprise, gardner martin lowered his head, acclimating to the sunlight. accompanied by an intense and peculiar pain, he witnessed the widening gap between his head and chest. blood spurted from the stump of his neck, staining the area crimson. he also beheld his white, bloody spine. how could this be this thought flashed through gardner martins mind, a mix of shock and fear. he had always believed himself to be the favored one, the special one. hence, under the watchful eyes of the great will deep within fourth epoch trier, even upon entering 13 avenue du march, he assumed he would only suffer minor corruption. he could wield a certain power from fourth epoch trier to a limited extent without transforming into a terrifying monster like olson, whose head and body had been severed. yet now, his head had detached from his body, dragging along his spine. just as he was on the verge of approaching the great will! lady moon, adorned with brown wings and bird-like claws, crumpled amidst cascading silver lightning. initially, she descended into madness, morphing into a bewildered monster. this marked the onset of the plague storm from the spectator pathway, succeeded by magicians nine attacks from nine directions. as sunlight bathed the scene, magician instinctively closed her eyes. with a sweep of her right hand, the void contorted, shaping into a sealed dark sphere that encased her, justice, and the swiftly fading lady moon. together, they withstood the ensuing anomalies as a unified entity. within the sphere woven from thick black hair, jenna, franca, and anthony felt the tumultuous storm and various catastrophes outside, causing the ground to quake and the sphere to sway. in an instant, time slowed, and the snake-like black hair composing the dark sphere swiftly split open, revealing a beam of sunlight above. in the sunlight, jenna and franca seemed to discern an ethereal female voice. reconcile with your mirror self with these words, the snake-like black hair disintegrated entirely, no longer coalescing into a sphere. it retreated into the void. franca and the others found themselves surrounded by a layer of dark glass, silently shattering and falling under the sunlight. the lights and figures in the nearby buildings vanished, and jenna and the others returned to the dead silence reminiscent of when they first entered the ruins. after adjusting to the sunlight, anthony immediately looked at lumian and noticed that the blood vessels on his companions face had faded. his contorted expression gradually eased. are you alright? anthony inquired, employing placate. upon hearing the roars, lumians mind was filled by the mans sighs in the dark room. the overwhelming knowledge that gripped him in corruption had subsided. he no longer felt like his head was about to burst or lose his rationality. he quickly returned to normal, no longer hearing the sigh or seeing the withered man in strange attire. i survived, lumian replied to anthonys question. simultaneously, he thought, is that the celestial master the armored shadow mentioned? using the eye of truth here is even more dangerous than the outside world. franca gathered the items, picked up flog and other belongings, and threw out the arrow of the bloodthirsty. what happened to you just now? the aftereffects of using the eye of truth. lumian took the arrow of the bloodthirsty and stabbed it into his chest. surveying the area, he said, lets quickly collect our items and relocate. previously, he had used flog, hoping to attract the attention of dangerous entities, thereby creating chaos to find an opportunity. now that mirror gardner had been dealt with, it was crucial to move to avoid new threats. jenna, with no time to ponder the meaning of reconciling with her mirror self, placed the bone flute, wooden box, and other items in the blood-stained cloak. following lumian, franca, and anthony, she sprinted in a random direction around the black pillar. beneath the blistering sunlight, the purple flames constituting vermonda saurons flesh and blood flickered out one by one. the anguished faces representing the diverse sauron family members disappeared sequentially. the red angels form abruptly expanded, resembling a diminutive mountain peak. brandishing a broadsword condensed from purple flames, he advanced with a step and swung it at the dying vermonda sauron. having regained their composure, snarner, diest, and the other formidable beings were not inclined to yield. they acted in unison, intervening to impede him. Chapter 492 - 492 Pride 492 pride red angel medici stood unfazed amidst the onslaught from snarner, diest, and the other formidable adversaries. his focus unwavering, he channeled his conquering will to subdue vermonda sauron, wielding a broadsword ablaze with purple flames, ready to cleave through the menacing foe. seizing the opportune moment, with the uncontrollable calamity giant at its weakest, medici aimed to deliver the final, fatal blow! suddenly, a radiant light burst forth before the eyes of snarner, diest, and the rest. it was pure sunlight, banishing the darkness and cleansing the surroundings of filth and the stench of blood. the two angels, now in their mythical creature forms, appeared as if exposed to the brilliance of the sun at close range. from within the luminous glow emerged a holy and beautiful woman, draped in a white robe adorned with golden threadstriers guardian angel, saint vive! she shielded the red angel from the relentless attacks of the other powerhouses. simultaneously, medici, clad in blood-stained black armor, descended like a mountain. plunging the purple broadsword into vermonda saurons skull, which showed signs of melting under the intense sunlight, medici marked the decisive moment in the battle. boom! the implosion absorbed the surrounding flames, hurricanes, lightning, hail, and sunlight into the calamity giants colossal form. the once tumultuous wilderness now stood cleansed, except for the remnants of invisible flames in the sky and a vast golden vortex. boom! reaching its limit, the implosion rapidly expanded, unleashing a barrage of projectiles. a violent hurricane tore through vermonda saurons charred skeleton, casting darkness upon the once brightly illuminated landscape. a torrential downpour accompanied by countless bolts of lightning and thunderclaps ensued, marking the demise of an angela conqueror. snarner, diest, and the other powerhouses, breaking through saint vives obstruction, witnessed the scene unfold. vermonda saurons body disintegrated, and red angel medici, now in the form of a mythical creature, brandished his purple-flamed broadsword. he turned disdainfully, mocking those who dared challenge him. snarner einhorn narrowed his eyes, evaluating the situation. swiftly transforming into a blaze, he ascended into the air, disappearing into the colossal vortex of formless flames. realizing that even with the support of the iron and blood cross order, victory against red angel and saint vive was unattainable, he chose to retreat. the former was undoubtedly a sequence 1 conqueror. moreover, in this unique setting, he appeared capable of tapping into the formidable power hidden within the fourth epoch trier to some extent! in that situation, hed fall back and escape if needed; otherwise, he could meet his end right here! snarner dashed into the massive vortex in midair, while diest morphed into a beam of light and shot into the sky. he raced out of the wilderness with tony twain, chasing after the einhorn familys weather warlock. as angels of the hunter pathway, their judgments and choices were strikingly similar. red angel medici, observing their departure, chuckled and muttered to himself, the heroic escape of your descendant is reminiscent of yours many years ago. his attention then turned to saint vive with a smile. now, we can proceed to the final part of the plan and eliminate the bestowed of the outer deities. saint vive nodded in agreement, emitting a blazing light as she flew towards fourth epoch trier, enveloped in a shroud of gray fog. in the depths of fourth epoch trier, alongside a wall-like grayish-white fog, bernadette gustav, the eldest daughter of emperor roselle, fixated her gaze on a seal adorned with countless mysterious symbols. in her palm, a faint golden figure materialized once more through the viscous light emanating from a golden lamp that resembled a miniature lamp. it said to bernadette, take another step forward and find a monster to replace your wish using the method i told you. i can use under-the-table transaction to help you obtain something from here to counterbalance the corruption affecting your father. bernadette remained steadfast, not advancing. calmly, she responded, i entered this place to analyze the seal and understand how the various corruptions have intricately balanced themselves through years of mergers and confrontations. that sigh was merely an unexpected bonus. time is of the essence. if you dont act more assertively, once the mother goddess of depravity breaches the barrier, your father will truly transform into a monster, warned the distorted, blurry, pale-golden figure. undeterred, bernadette continued absorbing knowledge related to the seal, her focus unwavering. the pale-golden figure fell silent and retreated into the peculiar lamp without making further persuasion. gardner martins head, donned with a silver-white helmet, soared into the air, carrying his blood-soaked spine with it. glancing down, he witnessed a broadsword of light materializing in his hand. heno, his body could use the pride armors hurricane of light again! however, this time, the target appeared to be himspecifically, his head! is this the traitorous curse? my own body turning against my head why another betrayal? could it be linked to constant wearing of the pride armor? gardner martins pupils dilated, fear gripping his heart. in a desperate attempt to mitigate the impending impact of the hurricane of light, he condensed numerous crimson, almost white fireballs. the explosions around him aimed to lessen the force of the onslaught. simultaneously, he sank his consciousness into his glabella, seeking a connection with the great will, praying for its protective intervention. beside the shattered corpse of vermonda sauron, red angel medici extended his right hand, observing as a beam of light, reminiscent of iron and blood, emanated from the conquerors body. it landed on the damaged skull cradled in his palm. in that moment, gardner martins desperate shout and plea reached him. red angel chuckled dismissively, paying no heed to the pawn that had served its purpose and was now deemed expendable. gardner martin had not submitted to the great will from the depths of fourth epoch trier but to red angel himself! over the past few years, red angel medici had lurked in the shadows, orchestrating a scheme to obtain the sauron familys lost sequence 1 conqueror beyonder characteristic. leveraging his uniqueness and level, he assisted numerous members of the iron and blood cross order in maintaining their lucidity and rationality in the face of corruption at 13 avenue du march. they did not transform into monsters but were only slightly affected. using his uniqueness, medici disguised himself as a great will from the depths of fourth epoch trier, he manipulated the iron and blood cross order members to grasp the underground situation and pinpoint vermonda saurons exact location. during this process, he uncovered the issue with the mirror people but refrained from interference, pushing the plan forward. his intention was to involve triers evil god bestowed and utilize them to divert the attention of other factions while extracting corresponding special value and uncovering hidden problems. as the plan unfolded, philip informed gardner martin about lumian lee, who had undoubtedly prayed to the great will. seizing this opportunity, red angel medici refined the plan, bestowing gardner martin with a divine vision. this allowed him to acquire significant mysticism knowledge and conceive the hostel ritual. the ritual, designed to create minimal disturbance and increase the chances of success, aimed to fool triers most formidable evil god bestowed into fourth epoch trier. the ultimate goal: capture them all and purify them in one fell swoop! observing the beyonder characteristic rapidly condense in his hand, red angel medici raised his gaze to the gradually shrinking golden vortex. the smile on his face, adorned with decaying wounds, deepened. whether it was the hostel plan or the original strategy involving the special mirror world, both required the cooperation of a faction and the assistance of a true god. enter the eternal blazing sun! indeed, how can the sun, intolerant of darkness, filth, and humbleness, genuinely collaborate with the mother, the symbol of depravity and evil? having ascended to godhood and abandoned his original lord in the past, he had chosen this path precisely because he refused to submit to another deity. why would he now bow to the mother goddess of depravity, an outer deity, a different entity altogether? his needs and acknowledgments were reserved for a collaborator. and i willingly embraced this role. even if i were to become a great old one in the future, i vowed to honor this agreement and stand together in defense as a collaborator. with the ruler of wars divine spot vacant and cheek in dire straits, i emerged as the most likely candidate to ascend to true godhood and attain the status of a great old one in a short span. the sun didnt repent or return to the original lords side, nor did he submit to the mother goddess of depravity who reigned above the gods. instead, he chose the path of enduring pressure and facing the worst possible outcome to support a new great old one. this decision may have seemed nearly the worst, yet he embraced it wholeheartedly. because he is the proud sun. through the golden vortex, the red angels gaze surveyed the gradually calming storm above trier, noting a significant decrease in the frequency of lightning. his smile grew even more smug. as expected, tyrant and the old dragon have grasped the entirety of the situation. they are no longer seizing the opportunity to confront the sun, rendering the entity that had inherited most of the original lords legacy effectively useless. they, too, yearn for the emergence of a new great old one. red angel medici directed his gaze to his palm, where an iron-black object, resembling a blood-stained crown, was on the verge of taking shape. recollections of past events and the betrayal he had only comprehended a few years ago flooded his mind. it all stemmed from his unwavering loyalty to that lord of 2,401 years. his choice was unforgiving. he chose to collaborate with the eternal blazing sun. this was because he was also a proud king of angels, once the most loyal red angel. as the sequence 1 conqueror beyonder characteristic fully condensed, medici chuckled and declared, the curse of your useless descendants can end now. he pressed the blood-stained iron crown, formed by the broken skull in his hand, between his eyebrows and devoured it without concocting a potion. vermonda saurons blood and shattered corpse, scattered across the wilderness, seemed to come alive, pouring into the red angels body like a torrent. Chapter 493 - 493 Crimson Hell 493 crimson hell sprinting through the silent, desolate, and dilapidated fourth epoch trier, lumians abdominal injuries came under control, thanks to his potent self-healing abilities. it seemed they wouldnt worsen any time soon. beneath the sunlight, the direction in which lumian, franca, and the others were heading appeared to be in complete disarray. they traversed narrow, partially destroyed streets only to encounter magnificent red buildings, and attempts to reach landmarks led them further away, regardless of the directions they took. fortunately, the four of them remained relatively close, avoiding the perils of getting lost or separated from the group. as lumian contemplated finding a place to hide, a large number of violent fragments of light materialized in front of them. it was evident that the power emanating from the fourth epoch trier had been transferred from a distance. lumian and the others were no strangers to this terrifying storm of light. they had encountered it once in the wilderness, courtesy of gardner martins silver-white full-body armor. gardner martin? lumian halted in time, wisely refraining from rushing into the weakened but still perilous storm of light. francas expression became complicated, uncertain whether this encounter was luck or misfortune. as the light subsided, she witnessed gardner martins head, a long, blood-stained spine trailing behind. his armor was incomplete, his face covered in charred and hideous wounds. the helmet had caved in, revealing his grayish-white brain faintly. his eyes appeared empty, unfocused, and filled with dizziness, as if he had experienced an exaggerated shock from the intense impact. gardner martins adversary stood as his silver-white armor-clad body, lacking a head. the neck stump was drenched in blood. raising his hands, he condensed a massive axe made of light. though incapable of unleashing the hurricane of light, it proved sufficient for ordinary combat. franca gazed at the familiar yet unfamiliar tragic face and exhaled. she took out a mirror and reflected it. in that moment, gardner martins thoughts returned to normal. aside from his headless body, he saw francas beautiful lake-colored eyes, appearing calm. franca placed her right hand, engulfed in black flames, on the mirror reflecting gardner martins head and whispered, ill liberate you. gardner martin, still reeling from the immense blow to his body, found himself instantly enveloped by black flames, his spirituality igniting from within. struggling to scream, he discovered his voice stifled. desiring aid from the great will and attempting to utilize his uniqueness to summon fourth epoch triers bestowed power, he encountered only silence. with a whoosh, the headless gardner martin wielded the radiant axe, striking the heads face. the missing visor shattered, and the axe cleaved into the skull. lumian, having taken a few steps to the side, raised his right hand, unleashing a crimson fireball, almost white, like a cannonball aimed at gardner martins sunken skull. the fireball landed on the crack, exploding and tearing apart the unprotected grayish-white brain. under the relentless assault from his body, lover, and subordinate, gardner martins head and eyes bulged, filled with hatred and pain. with a snap, the head detached from the helmet, falling to the ground in a half-broken state, devoid of vitality or movement. as the silver helmet landed, gardner martin, still clad in armor, spun around, raising the glowing axe and charging at lumian and the others. observing the unfolding scene, lumian subtly arched his body and advanced confidently. with each step, his stature appeared to expand, and by the time he stood near the headless gardner martin, his clothes and pants strained against his growing form. the power of an ascetic! during his time at the edge of fourth epoch trier, lumian had strategically compressed some of his strength. now, he was unleashing it. although the accumulated strength wasnt overwhelming, it had visibly transformed him. coupled with the enhanced speed, agility, and physique granted by the arrow of the bloodthirsty, lumian was confident in withstanding the impending attack from the silver armor-clad gardner martin. just as the collision became imminent, lumian deftly sidestepped, allowing the axe of light to cleave through the air. he swiftly punched the headless gardners wrist. with a resounding bang, the headless gardner discarded the radiant axe, clenched his metal-gloved fist, and delivered a forceful strike against lumian. lumians body swayed slightly, while the headless gardner stood like an unwavering mountain peak. retracting his left fist, lumian released it, swinging it in the air to alleviate the pain as he prepared to strike with his right fist. at that moment, franca, having vanished while lumian approached the headless gardner, reappeared behind the enemy clad in silver armor. raising the iron-black ring on her left thumb, her eyes illuminated like lightning. unsure if the headless body could still be affected by psychic piercing, franca believed it should be possible. as long as there was a spirit, psychic piercing could exert its influence. in an instant, the headless gardner froze. the exposed skin and flesh on his neck and chest twitched. jenna, who had been slower due to reciting incantations and using materials, arrived as well. revealing herself at a distance from the headless gardner, she caused black flames to condense and fly out, landing on the enemys bloody neck, unprotected by the silver armor. this ignited the spirit in a state of pain. thud! thud! thud! anthony reid sprinted past jenna, closing the gap between him and the headless gardner. then, his pupils turned vertical, a faint golden hue coloring them. frenzy! suddenly, flames erupted from the headless body in the silver armor, scorching its flesh. upon witnessing this, lumian leaned back, kicking the ground with his right foot to fly away from the headless gardner. simultaneously, he condensed crimson fireballs, nearly white, around him. the fireballs whizzed through the unprotected neck and into the body, detonating from the inside out with a resounding rumble. the silver armor trembled violently as the headless body was reduced to charred flesh and blood, painting the inner layer of the armor. boom! lumian, propelled backward by the explosions waves, landed on the ground. simultaneously, the silver-armored mountain collapsed to the ground. just as lumian rose and prepared to commend franca and the others for their coordinated effort, he suddenly sensed the sky transforming into a deep shade of blood-red. rain drops began to descend from above. however, it wasnt rain. it was flamesblazing-white flames. within this fiery deluge, droplets of blood accompanied the falling fire. franca swiftly rolled towards a nearby building, utilizing its extended roof as cover from the scorching-white fire rain. lumian, jenna, and anthony followed suit. white-hot flames and drops of bright red blood fell at an increasingly rapid pace, painting the surroundings in hues of red and setting buildings ablaze. the burning structures melded into a sea of flames. contemplating whether to activate the blood emperors aura for potential solutions to the unfolding horror, lumians eyes caught sight of madam magician, clad in a knot shirt and beige dress. a sigh of relief escaped him. resplendent starlight illuminated the scene, and they vanished from the street, taking with them the pride armor, gardner martins corpse, and various items scattered on the ground, all converging into the diminishing golden vortex in the sky. blazing-white flames, mixed with blood, cascaded down, but they passed through bernadette gustavs form, unable to ignite her. it was as if the angel existed beyond their reach. her focus remained on the dense gray fog and the diverse corruptions within the city. after a moment, her body transformed into transparency, eventually disintegrating into a pile of bubbles that mirrored the flames. as the bubbles dispersed, so did bernadette, departing from fourth epoch trier. two elegant women with captivating eyes approached the wall-like grayish-white fog, only to realize that the sky above was tainted with blood, and dense white flames, resembling raindrops, descended. just as they considered seeking shelter, a golden sun suddenly reflected in their eyes. in the blink of an eye, they were entirely purified. elsewhere in fourth epoch trier, the hostel residents who had ventured within were already undergoing abnormalities. some perished, transformed into monsters, others were engulfed in incandescent white flames, and a few caught sight of the sun. madame pualis discovered a relatively intact asymmetrical house amidst the chaos. observing distant sunlight and blazing-white flames setting nearby buildings ablaze, she hesitated to seek refuge within the door due to the deep, terrifying darkness within. suddenly, her head throbbed violently, and she heard an almost illusory cry of a baby. it was the cry of her child, a fragment of memory echoing nearby. driven by the mystical sensation, madame pulias ventured into the infinite darkness beyond the door. amidst the incandescent white flames that descended, voisin sanson, positioned in the collapsed square, was set ablaze. however, he promptly reverted to his original state. soon after, he witnessed his impending purification by the sun. in that moment, his peripheral vision captured a figure emerging from behind a grayish-white stone pillar at the squares edge. it was a diaphanous, indistinct lizard-like creature. the creatures cold eyes silently observed him. in fourth epoch trier, numerous buildings were engulfed by incandescent white flames, their facades now tainted red by rainwater transformed from blood and charred black by the inferno. red angel medici, donned in blood-stained black armor, emerged from the wilderness into the resplendent city, now permeated with the air of destruction. he navigated through the charred and collapsed houses, moving amidst falling white flames and beneath blood-like raindrops, a visible smile gracing his face. the two decaying wounds on his face, exposing the bones beneath, had already started to heal, leaving behind marks resembling a mouth. splash. flames and blood cascaded from the sky, casting a fiery glow upon fourth epoch trier and shrouding the ruins, transforming it into a crimson hell. after 2,081 years, medici had once again ascended to the title of king of angels. Chapter 494 - 494 "Stolen" Information 494 stolen information the looming dark clouds over trier had vanished, replaced by the glow of the crimson moonlight that bathed every nook and cranny of the city, casting reflections in the calf-deep puddles below. on the rooftop of an unknown building, lumian and franca materialized at the edge. before them, magician hovered in the void, accompanied by a stack of items. jenna and anthony, encased in what seemed like dark glass, fixated their gazes elsewhere. without prompting from lumian, magician let out a weary sigh and divulged, medici has ascended once again to king of angels. once hailed as the most formidable conspirer, he has returned. the red angel who once served the ancient sun god and met his demise at the hands of the blood emperor, medici? lumians reaction was a mix of surprise and inevitability. how could the angel of the hunter pathway not be entangled in the affairs of the sauron familys secrets and fourth epoch trier? the existence of albus medici was irrefutable proof! lumian, previously under the impression that the clandestine nature of the hostel ritual and its premature commencement had prevented the red angel from exacting influence, now realized medici was apparently the ultimate victor. madam magician, in a relatively composed manner, chuckled and remarked, no need for the latter half of that statement. it makes it sound like youre provoking him, especially with the blood emperors aura mark still imprinted on your right hand. franca, having heard lumians mention of the medici family, inquired out of curiosity, what did the red angel do? as she spoke, her eyes flitted towards jenna and anthony, only to realize they were oblivious to the conversation with madam magician, as if trapped in another dimension. behind franca, the water that had pooled on the rooftop began its gradual retreat, the drains sloshing sounds echoing. magician sighed. when the einhorn familys angel, the powerhouses of the iron and blood cross order, and the sealed artifacts, along with the unique powers of the fourth epoch trier, were on the brink of killing the out-of-control vermonda sauron, he seized the moment to terminate the entire battle and acquire the sequence 1 beyonder characteristic. the blood-colored sky and the fiery rain you witnessed were the aftermath of his return as a king of angels in fourth epoch trier. that explains it lumian, recalling the situation, gained a firsthand understanding of the dread and power wielded by a king of angels. at that moment, his feet were bare, lacking shoes and socksthe consequence of being transported to the painted world while asleep. the painted footwear he later wore was evidently short-lived. pondering the recent events, he inquired, was that roaring giant the out-of-control vermonda sauron? no wonder the roar had nearly rendered them unconscious. thankfully, mr. fools gray fog had provided protection. thats correct. vermonda saurons loss of control and descent into the sealed underground marked the beginning of the sauron familys downfall. while many details remain shrouded in mystery, the overall picture is becoming clearer. angel of the einhorn family lumian connected the dots, realizing that one of elros einhorn and the iron and blood cross orders primary objectives was to break the seal, hunt the out-of-control vermonda sauron, and obtain the sequence 1 beyonder characteristic. lumian nodded thoughtfully and asked with uncertainty, did these powerhouses enter fourth epoch trier through the hostel ritual? most of them accessed it through the underground leakage of salle de bal brise triggered by the hostel ritual. the representative from the einhorn family entered through the leakage deep within the underground palace of red swan castle, but its essentially a result of the chain reaction caused by the hostel ritual. as for how the red angel entered, that remains unknown to me. magicians expression turned serious. however, theres reason to believe that the hostel ritual was orchestrated by the red angel. he manipulated the iron and blood cross order and gardner martin. truly befitting the entity that once guided and watched over amon. lumian felt a surge of enlightenment, finding that many previously confusing details now made more sense. francas emotions were a mix of complexity. madam magician, glancing at them, offered consolation, regardless of the circumstances, our actions accelerated the hostel ritual, mitigating the damage this plan inflicted on trier. in the entire market district, only a handful of night duty personnel from places like le march du quartier du gentleman and rist docks bore the brunt of the disaster. some soldiers lost their lives in other areas. overall, the impact was mainly financial. our efforts were not in vain. she smiled self-deprecatingly and gazed up at the sky. the only unexpected thing was that they chose to cooperate. they lumian and franca thought inwardly. eager to uncover who the red angel collaborated with, they realized that madam magician had no intention of revealing that information. the ladys eyes traveled over the silver-white full-body armor, gardner martins remains, and the items jenna had discarded during the battle. she smiled and offered, ill assist you in handling the corresponding corruption and throw in specific usage information as a bonus for this mission. by the way, i recommend you temporarily overlook the corruption on the bone flute. it can produce peculiar effects. with gardner martins beyonder characteristics, you dont necessarily need philips. plus, your unique attributes can effectively counteract the negative effects of the bone flute. the last sentence was directed at lumian. observing lumians nod, magician continued, this wooden box serves as an under-the-table transaction. its not meant for combat, but it can resolve many issues that violence cant under specific circumstances. ill jot down the details and have the messenger send them over. the mirror fragments left behind by mirror gardner are closely tied to the special mirror world in fourth epoch trier. my intuition suggests it might be linked to the current state of the primordial demoness. as for this armor, its quite special. wearing it will lead to some fortuitous encounters. heh heh, ever thought of transforming into a beautiful woman or a handsome lad four to five meters tall? after playfully providing basic information about the various items, magician nodded slightly and added, once im done, ill send them back along with the information, and youll receive an official reward. seven of wands, its time for you to leave trier for a while. the iron and blood cross orders mission has concluded. your only task is to inform that mister. im confident hell comprehend and accept it. recalling his involvement in two consecutive catastrophes in trier, lumian concisely acknowledged and stated, i share the same sentiment. i intend to track down the remaining april fools members. magician shifted her attention to franca. your next steps will hinge on the demoness sects reaction. remember to report to your major arcana card holder when the time comes. after franca acknowledged, magician glanced at anthony and jenna. when the aftershocks settle, inquire if theyd like to draw a minor arcana card and join the tarot club. if they decline, dont push it. ill ensure they keep it a secret. franca asked cheerfully, will they become minor arcana card holders under you? magician smiled. not necessarily. its a matter of fate. addressing lumian, she advised, no need to rush your departure. you can lay low for a few days. head back to auberge du coq dor for now. i sense a fortuitous encounter of fate awaits you there. fortuitous encounter of fate? lumian was puzzled, but it was evident that madam magician had no intention of providing specifics. perhaps she had glimpsed something but not the full details. in the next moment, madam magician and the objects around her dissolved into starlight and disappeared. how surreal franca remarked genuinely. turning to lumian with a pensive expression, she mused, do you think madam magician might be the angel of stars from the churchs bible? no way lumian instinctively responded before sinking into contemplation. rue anarchie, auberge du coq dor. as lumian ascended to the second floor, he noticed a figure crouched outside his door. it was a chubby, earnest-looking seven- or eight-year-old boy, toting a dark-red school bag. ludwig? baron brignaiss monstrous adopted son? lumian furrowed his brows and approached. whats the matter? ludwig, with his yellow hair and brown eyes, stood up and implored, can you help me leave trier? i dont want to stay in the church of knowledge any longer. i dont want to be under brignaiss control. i dont want to deal with homework or tests. i can reward you! reward? lumian arched an eyebrow. could this be the fortuitous encounter of fate madam magician mentioned? ludwig vigorously nodded. yes. without hesitation, he unzipped the dark-red hard school bag, revealing a stack of papers. i stole this from the church of knowledge. no, i brought it here. lumian extended his hand, accepting the papers, and quickly scanned the front page. number: 01. name: deitys fallen banner, salingers blood banner. danger grade: 0. extremely dangerous. its of the highest importance and of the highest confidentiality. it is not to be inquired, disseminated, described, or spied. information on grade 0 sealed artifacts? and its 0-01! lumians forehead and eyelids twitched simultaneously. he was aware that the churches had sealed numerous mystical items with significant harmful and negative effects, categorized into four grades. 3 was the lowest, and 0 was the highest. a 1 often indicated a threat to saints and the potential for a catastrophic event. the implications of 0 were evident. lumians gaze shot up to ludwig, realizing that the boys face betrayed nothing out of the ordinary, only pleading. he lowered his head, swiftly absorbing the rest of the content. security clearance: only messengers of god. sealed method: place it in an underground mausoleum with a large number of soldier mannequins. construct a cemetery with more than a million corpses above it, supplemented by a real city with a population of more than 100,000. the exact execution and ritual arrangements are description: this is a charred banner. the flagpole is iron-black metal, and there are a large number of dangerous blood spots on the banner. beyonders with strength surpassing sequence 5 are forbidden from approaching. warning, beyonders with strength surpassing sequence 5 are forbidden from approaching! the experimentalist responsible for changing the soldier mannequins must be blindfolded and carry a lantern if the lantern is extinguished, the experimentalist will vanish. everyone who knows him will believe that hes long dead if hes not blindfolded, the one who leaves the mausoleum will be a monster resembling him the city of exiles, morora, on the surface often encounters extreme weather, including but not limited to hurricanes, torrential rain, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions there were originally no volcanoes around morora the inhabitants of morora are unusually belligerent. there are numerous duels with fatal casualties every day, and protests and riots occur more than six times a year the residents of morora have no intention of leaving this city. at any moment according to ancient texts, it has witnessed the demise of at least two true gods dammit, can i even read this? the more lumian read, the more alarmed he became. he looked at ludwig in bewilderment and questioned once more, did you really steal it? could information of this gravity be stolen so easily? ludwig, looking like a child, wanted to retort, but he nodded sincerely. yes. frowning at the boy, lumian fell into a profound silence. (end of volumeconspirer) Chapter 495 - 495 Distribution 495 distribution oh, merciful father, i implore your mercy for the transgressions ive made. in apartment 601, 3 rue des blouses blanches. lumian, franca, jenna, and anthony fell silent as they stared at the gleaming full-body silver armor before them. before delving into the details, they had already sensed the power emanating from the sealed artifact. the brief yet potent hurricane of light it unleashed was a deadly force. even gardner martin, a sequence 5 reaper, was willing to trade other mystical items for its might. however, upon scrutinizing the information provided, their initial enthusiasm waned, and they instinctively distanced themselves from the armor named pride. within the sealed artifact information was a stark warning in red ink: the curse of betrayal originates from a deitys intense aversion and hatred before their demise. even angels cant fully escape its grasp, only mitigating the negative effects to a certain extent. the sole solution is to shatter the armor and restore it to a pure beyonder characteristic. however, this means losing its uniqueness. for instance, the ability to use hurricane of light again in just two minutes without delay. moreover, those beyonders who advance by consuming a potion derived from that beyonder characteristic will endure reasonable but not-too-severe betrayal for an extended period. recalling gardner martins tragic end, franca, initially skeptical, now felt an unexplained fear. the betrayal curse seemed more formidable than she had imagined. lumian observed the hesitancy in franca, anthony, and jenna, realizing none were eager to claim the particular spoils of war. with a smile, he declared, ill go first. pointing at gardner martins remains on the coffee table, he stated, i choose reaper. the beyonder characteristic had fused into a finger, creating an unusually sharp, bone-blade emitting an icy glint. the holder needed to be cautious to avoid accidental injury. immediately afterward, lumian shifted his gaze to the charred bone flute originating from general philip. ill trade the hypnotist beyonder characteristics and the decency brooch for this. you guys wouldnt be able to handle it anyway. per madam magicians intel, while the bone flute held significant power and uniqueness, it carried the risk of bringing misfortune in the form of injuries, death, and other grisly calamities. only lumian possessed the resilience to withstand these negative effects and mitigate them without succumbing to excessive misfortune. in truth, if general philips grudges before his demise hadnt been so potent, and if the curse of misfortune stemming from the deceased pathways boon hadnt been so exaggerated, lumian might have struggled more to endure it. after all, enduring perpetual misfortune wasnt anyones wish. even if it wasnt lethal, it would still lead to considerable trouble. experiencing excessive bad luck was akin to tempting the fate intertwined with termiboros, a fate deeply connected to lumian. the potency of the bone flute wasnt sufficient to affect an angel. as per madam magicians detailed description, lumian, naming the bone flute the symphony of hatred, discovered it possessed three abilities: with a simple blow, it emits a sharp, ear-piercing sound. this not only damages the spirit body, inducing dizziness, nausea, and convulsions in the target, but it can also directly impact beyonders with weaker physiquesthose equivalent to ordinary adults. they might suffer temporary blindness, paralysis, or internal organ damage. it appears that a symphony resonating from the depths of the river of fate inflicts a weakness on the enemys mind. those with unstable minds may experience symptoms akin to madness. those with psychological issues might have latent problems triggered. theres even a chance that excessive desires could cause them to explode on the spot. individuals with illnesses or old injuries will inevitably face severe consequences. those less fortunate may find themselves extremely unlucky. of course, the player needs some knowledge about musical instruments to play the bone flute effectively; otherwise, theyll only create noise, similar to the effect of a simple blow. while this bone flute is brittle and cant be used for blocking, wherever it stabs is equivalent to hitting a vital point. if it strikes a true vital point, the enemy will either be killed in a single blow or face the fate of social death for an extended period. franca observed as lumian placed the colorless colloid with numerous bubbles and the decency brooch, crafted into a scotch broom, on the coffee table. she nodded imperceptibly. that seems like a fair trade. observing the lack of objections from anthony and jenna, lumian produced a deep-black cloth bag resembling a coin pouch. he carefully placed the reaper beyonder characteristic and the symphony of hatred bone flute inside. this was one of madam magicians true rewards for him: travelers bag. crafted personally by magician, it was a beyonder item devoid of characteristics. at first glance, it seemed to hold only up to two hundred coins, but it concealed another dimension within, equivalent to the entire apartment 601. it could accommodate a vast array of items, including the pride armor. magician had also placed a specific seal inside the item. while within the bag, beyonder characteristics didnt require regular relocation, and the negative effects of mystical items would significantly diminish. the travelers bag needed resealing and reinforcement every six months; otherwise, it would lose its mystical abilities and become ordinary. in such circumstances, if the items inside werent retrieved promptly, they would be lost to the spirit world and nearly impossible to recover. similarly, franca received a travelers bag as her reward. after claiming his share, lumian turned his attention to anthony reid, indicating for the psychiatrist to make his selection. anthony smiled wryly. i contributed the least. ill take this hypnotist main ingredient. i feel that my psychological problems have been alleviated. i can contemplate advancing. in his interactions with lumian, franca, and the others, he often heard words and sentences infused with mystic knowledge. though he refrained from direct inquiries, over time, he vaguely grasped various patterns and the essence of things he wouldnt have considered before. it was as if a new world had unfolded before him. no problem, franca replied, not insisting on anthony choosing another item. she turned to jenna and said, i want the mirror fragment left behind by the fake martin. madam magician referred to this item as the mirror world fragment. it served as a crucial clue for francas subsequent investigation into the state of the primordial demoness, and it possessed a unique quality: using it to reflect a target allowed the user to create a corresponding mirror person. however, they couldnt replicate entities with godhood, and the mirroring effect could only be maintained for a maximum of five minutes. the fragment produced two types of mirror people. the first was a shallow mirror image, replicable in ten seconds. the second was a deep conversion that took a minute to complete. the former retained the original bodys state, as long as the body hadnt undergone a gender changesimilar to those franca and lumian had encountered before. however, these mirror people were relatively weak, equivalent to the original body at a certain past stage and lacked abilities like mirror substitution. the latter was a nearly perfect replica, akin to the ones recently encountered, possessing special traits. of course, for a demoness of pleasure, this wasnt practical. if she could already capture the other partys figure with a mirror, why not directly cast a curse instead of creating a mirror person? lumian interjected, you can take another one, franca. no need to be modest. your contributions in these battles are second only to mine. what do you mean second only to you? franca scoffed, pushing the decency brooch in her direction. the only remaining spoils of war were the small dark-painted wooden box, each side adorned with a membrane curtain, and the pride armor. jenna swiftly made her choice and selected the authority holders under-the-table transaction. according to lumian, her lucky gold coin no longer carried any additional luck. its usefulness was now limited to specific situations. recognizing this, she didnt believe she could resist the betrayal curse of the pride armor. jenna understood the importance of not being overly prideful and blindly relying on luck, taking gardner martins fate as a sobering lesson. the usage of authority holders under-the-table transaction involved grasping valuable items with ones hand, inserting them into the dark wooden box through the side curtain, handing it to the outstretched palm-like object, and stating ones requirements. this process simplified complex matters and eased difficult transactions. however, one needed to have a clear, achievable targetno vague requests were allowed. for example, directly stating a desire for a specific beyonder characteristic or mystical item was useless. users had to find the corresponding beyonder characteristic or mystical item, fail to reach a deal, and then make their request. this approach involved changing the sellers mind, with a high chance of securing a steep discount. the under-the-table transaction had various applications, even allowing two individuals with deep grudges to reconcile by shaking hands inside the boxthough the individual shaking hands wasnt actually the other party. authority holders under-the-table transaction was an active remnant of boon powers, and without beyonder characteristics, it could only be used nine more times. the downside was that each use increased the likelihood of encountering evil creatures like demons in future transactions. as jenna stowed away the authority holders under-the-table transaction, franca smiled and said, i wish to use the decency brooch to exchange for the black primordial demoness figurine, or would you prefer to zero your debt as an exchange? following madam judgments suggestion, franca intended to use this unique figurine to gauge the demoness sects reaction and potentially exchange it for their rewards. t-this is everyones spoils of war, jenna responded in confusion. franca grinned and explained, no, its yours. back then, only you with the lucky gold coin could hold it, so its rightfully yours. to put it simply, this is a gain from luck.'' jenna glanced at lumian and anthony, finding their nods of agreement. she muttered, dammit, youre making me feel embarrassed i want the decency brooch. only by personally paying off a debt does it become meaningful. as she spoke, jenna handed the black primordial demoness figurine to franca and stowed away the decency brooch, carved into a scotch broom. finally, the group directed their attention to the silver-white pride armor, and a contemplative silence ensued once again. after a lengthy pause, franca exclaimed, ciel, keep it. treat it as a communal item that anyone can use. only the both of us can carry it conveniently now. besides, youre about to head to port santa in feynapotters gaia province. you cant borrow my mirror substitution anymore. this armor will be very useful in critical moments. lumian had already made the decision to investigate the sea prayer ritual in port santa, feynapotter kingdoms gaia province, and search for traces of the april fools key membersbard and ultraman. Chapter 496 - 496 Sin 496 sin lumian commented nonchalantly towards francas suggestion, that works too. in the future, if anyone wants to use this armor, ill teleport it to you. whats this called? its called ciel postal service. itll be delivered immediately! after joking, he approached the pride armor standing beside the coffee table and began stuffing its silver-white glove into the opening of the travelers bag. with this motion, the towering full-body armor shrank into the small black cloth bag. as long as one part of an item could enter a travelers bag, it could pass through the opening regardless of its size, as long as it didnt exceed the space within. typically, flesh and blood infused with vitality couldnt be stored in a travelers bag. considering these factors, lumians initial thought upon obtaining the beyonder item and its explanation manual was that it could be used to conceal a corpse. how magical jenna watched the scene unfold with envy. despite attending numerous mysticism gatherings, she had never encountered such an item. the closest thing she knew was the world inside a painting. lumian concealed his travelers bag beneath his clothes, a smile playing on his lips. addressing anthony and jenna, he remarked, after this incident, you ought to know franca and i are backed by a secret organization. its not the iron and blood cross order or the demoness sect. so, what do you say? interested in joining? if not, ill need you to sign a confidentiality agreement or swear a binding oath of secrecy. having heard lumian and franca discuss the secret organization and knowing that they genuinely believed in mr. fool, jenna was familiar with the tarot card code name. having received the fools response, her decision was swift. im in. anthony reid pondered in silence for a moment before inquiring, does your organization follow some hidden entity? its an orthodox god, lumian responded, addressing anthonys unspoken concerns. if you doubt me, i can show you the cathedral. observing lumians expression, anthony confirmed the sincerity. the psychiatrist let out a bitter laugh and admitted, then i dont have an issue. my past experiences and this incident have taught me that im still too feeble to prevent such a catastrophe. even if it stands right beside me, i can only watch as myself and those around me plummet into the abyss. for anthony, joining a secret organization seemed like a pragmatic choice to strengthen himselfespecially one that followed an orthodox god. as a believer of the god of steam and machinery, anthony had carefully considered it. he realized that the churchs scriptures lacked any mention of animosity between orthodox gods, unlike the eternal blazing sun church, which perpetually preached hatred towards the lord of storms and the god of knowledge and wisdom. in other words, his faith wouldnt hinder anthony from joining such a secret organization. without waiting for lumian and francas response, anthony grinned self-deprecatingly and admitted, i originally planned to head back to the west midseashire coast, live in the countryside, but now im worried i cant escape the looming catastrophe. just like those in the market district, whod willingly dance on the edge of life and death amidst repeated abnormalities? yet, their wills and desires are futile. from what ive seen, catastrophes are becoming more frequent. lumian mocked his companion. youve turned into a nag after your mental illness got sorted. he continued, well hash out the details once you confirm your major arcana card and get your mission assignment. jenna pursed her lips, a dark expression crossing her face. i actually kinda like living in the market district it seemed like she needed to leave this place. a soft chuckle escaped lumians lips. this is, in fact, protection for the market district. hunters and demonesses always bring catastrophe. always bring catastrophe, even if they dont do anything? jennas eyes narrowed as she sank into deep thought. f*ck off! youre the only one like this! franca cursed, a mix of irritation and amusement. in the past few months, most catastrophes in the market district had orbited around ciel. what did it have to do with jenna and me? wouldnt that prove that 007 was right? after discussing other matters, lumian and franca stepped out of 3 rue des blouses blanches into the morning sun. one headed for psychics headquarters on rue scheer in avenue du boulevard, while the other made her way to trocadro. lumian opted for a four-wheeled, two-seater rental carriage instead of the usual public carriage. outside the carriage window, street vendors hawked whiskey sour, meatloaf, freshwater fish, onion bread, spicy sauce, soybean paste, and various other items. passersby either paused to make a purchase or briskly moved on. some were clad as clerks, others in an array of differently colored workers uniforms. after the riot of the previous night and the apocalyptic downpour, this place was once again alive with activity. for lumian, it was reminiscent of the market district of the past, but now, he was a wanted criminal againin his identity as ciel dubois, a member of the iron and blood cross order and a leader of the savoie mob. salle de bal brise and the other establishments had undoubtedly been seized by the police headquarters. the iron and blood cross orders grip on the market district had almost been eradicated. lumian found it regrettable as it meant losing a stable source of income. however, after taking ludwig in the previous night and informing madam magician about the information, he intentionally returned to salle de bal brise before the chaos settled. he secured 30,000 verl dor from the safe, bringing his total to 75,000 verl dor and 1,000 gold. lumians mind wandered as he observed the passersby and listened to the vendors pitches. after reporting the previous nights matters to mr. k and obtaining the aurora order oracles approval, he planned to leave trier for the feynapotter kingdom. before embarking on his journey, he had three priorities: firstly, he needed to locate lugano toscano, who had lost his job again, and inquire if he was willing to accompany him to the feynapotter kingdoms port santa. this sequence 8 doctor, often journeying to the feynapotter kingdom, was fluent in highlander. lumian, knowing only intisian and ancient feysac, risked communication challenges without himhaving to resort to body language. secondly, he awaited jenna and anthonys major arcana card missions to see if they could collaborate and assist each other. thirdly, he planned to use the messenger-related spirit world creature information that came with the reaper formula from madam magician to attempt gaining a messenger. this would make future communication with franca and others more convenient. additionally, he had to perform a ritual to acquire one or two more contractual abilities. on avenue du boulevard, at 19 rue scheer, beneath the luxurious beige house, lumian met mr. k once again in the basement. the oracle, his face concealed in hooded shadows, occupied a red armchair, his profound gaze fixed on lumian. last night, i entered fourth epochs trier, lumian got straight to the point, hoping to capture mr. ks attention. mr. ks hooded head nodded. i know. tell me the whole story. you know? lumian was surprised. he recounted capturing bouvard pont-pro during his revenge, and the subsequent events of how he, franca, and company defeated mirror gardner, using the special mirror world to escape fourth epoch trier. throughout the entire narrative, he shared only his experiences, avoiding any mention of jenna and the others encounters or his speculations. for instance, he omitted details like the fortunate gold coin or jennas prayer to mr. fool, stating only that he had inexplicably entered the world in the painting. similarly, he left out many specifics. mr. k listened attentively without interrupting lumians account. after lumian mentioned the elimination of the iron and blood cross orders market division and his exposed identity, mr. k stood up and spoke in a hoarse voice, no problem. feel free to seek my assistance at any time. without awaiting lumians response, the aurora order oracle turned around, knelt, and prostrated himself on the ground. mr. ks face pressed tightly against the floor tiles as he muttered to himself, his thoughts incomprehensible. lumian waited in silence, refraining from interrupting mr. k. the shadows around him deepened, as if unseen eyes were fixed on him, sending shivers down his spine. yet, he remained unfazed. it seemed normal for individuals from the aurora order to suddenly exhibit erratic behavior. after an indeterminate period, mr. k coughed violently, and blood spurted from the ground. he looked up and spoke in a deep, frenzied voice, oh, merciful father, i implore your mercy for my transgressions. after repeating this three times, mr. ks face pressed against the ground again, emitting sounds of chewing and devouring. after performing these peculiar actions, he stood up and tapped four timestop, down, left, righton his chest. what happened? why the repentance? lumian asked curiously. mr. k rasped, our aurora order failed to react in time to last nights catastrophe. failing to cooperate with you in destroying the ritual was my dereliction of duty. its not your responsibility, lumian replied, his lips twitching. the tarot clubs actions had primarily propelled the hostels plan forward. it was already commendable for the aurora order to swiftly discern what had occurred. there was no need for mr. k to repent and shoulder the blame for the lapse. mr. k shook his head. no matter the reason, failure to act is a sin. do you have to be so responsible youre just a secret organization, not fanatical believers of the eternal blazing sun lumian muttered silently. as if sensing lumians thoughts, mr. k spread his arms wide and spoke with abnormal fanaticism, because our aurora order is born to bear all sin. i think youre being too extreme lumian struggled to control his expression. Chapter 497 - 497 The Fragments Origins 497 the fragments origins mr. k didnt impose any specific requests for lumians journey to feynapotter. he merely reiterated that lumian could utilize the finger anytime he faced challenges. as long as he wasnt in a unique environment, the aurora order oracle could sense it through the blood connection and offer prompt assistance. sensing it over quite a long distance. as expected of being a part of your body i wonder if demonesses can complete a curse after obtaining this finger lumian bade farewell to mr. k, his thoughts drifting, and exited the opulent beige house at 19 rue scheer. in trocadro town, at the entrance of the manor surrounded by grapevines, franca caught sight of browns sauron, her long orange-red hair cascading down like a waterfall. the demoness smirked mockingly and said, i heard your lover is dead? did you just drink the provoker potion? franca retorted without backing down. could it be that members of the sauron family carry a provoker trait from birth? without waiting for brownss response, franca walked past her, chuckling. yes, gardner martin is indeed dead. i killed him myself. brownss pupils dilated as she turned her head in surprise to gaze upon francas side profile. she saw that the new demoness had a faint smile on her face, but her eyes were deep and darka mix of pleasure and pain, solemn and ruthless. franca considered adding, i was even present to hear your ancestors scream while being killed, but that would expose her grasp of extensive secret intel and mysticism knowledge that she ought not to have at her level. it would arouse the demoness sects suspicion, so she abandoned the idea. as she advanced, she smiled and said, then, i found the item gardner martin and his collaborators smuggled into trier through the catacombs. youve found it. what is it? browns hadnt expected franca to complete this mission, a mix of surprise and a tinge of jealousy crossing her features. franca didnt hide anything. this was her purpose in coming to demoness of black clarice. she produced the pitch-black figurine with its hair facing the opposite direction of the orthodox version and waved it in front of browns. brownss expression froze, as if she had seen something terrifying. w-why? how is it appearing here? the demoness of pleasures voice trailed off, her tone filled with unconcealable shock. franca seized the opportunity to ask, you know what it is? browns snapped out of her daze, her eyes flickering as she said, my teacher will tell you. franca didnt press further and changed the subject with a smile. why does your teacher call herself the demoness of black? wouldnt any ordinary person consider a demoness a derogatory term? everyone has different aesthetic standards. some like to call themselves saintesses, while others find demonesses cool. they have a unique and unorthodox flair. browns appeared more inclined to the latter. franca pondered seriously, men retain their youthful spirit even in death. is there such excessive self-awareness? even if they were once men she realized that if someone called her a demoness of xx, she would probably feel a strange sense of smugness despite her embarrassment. however, if it were saintess, she would definitely have goosebumpsher toes cringing so bad that they could dig a hole and bury herself in it. before long, franca encountered the demoness of black at the circular pavilion amidst the grapevines and numerous vines. clarices dark gray eyes, tinged with melancholy, swept across francas face and the black primordial demoness figurine in her hand. her gaze lingered on the latter for a few seconds before she said, did you obtain this from the iron and blood cross order? yes, i did. franca took the initiative to recount the previous nights encounter. she recounted from the moment she failed to tail the carbonari member until how she and anthony reid mysteriously entered the sealed fourth epoch trier under the influence of the primordial demoness figurine and the ancient silver mirror despite clearly being in apartment 601 at 3 rue des blouses blanches. she didnt hide the existence of the ancient silver mirror anymore. she only said that she had accidentally obtained it underground a few months ago. this time, it had some effect but disappeared without a trace after they sank underground. everything she said was the truthevery word the truth. demoness of black clarice interrupted francas account and asked thoughtfully, did you run into gardner martin as soon as you entered? although she hadnt seen it with her own eyes, she seemed to foresee the development. yes, there was also that carbonari member. hes general philip, who faked his death. this strange figurine was found on him, franca replied truthfully. at that time, anthony and i nearly died at gardner and philips hands. fortunately, ciel and jenna inexplicably entered and were hidden nearby. she briefly recounted the battle and deliberately redirected jennas ability towards vampires. after listening for a while, the demoness of black raised her right hand and gently stroked her face. you said that there was an area in the wilderness with chaotic weather in the distance, and there was a giant figure surrounded by hurricanes and thick fog? yes, we also heard his roar and nearly lost control. fortunately, we entered the gray fog-shrouded city in time. the commotion outside became very muffled. franca hadnt expected the demoness of black to be so concerned about the giant. clarice listened quietly and let out a soft sigh. she felt a mix of sorrow, disappointment, and indescribable relief, making her feel exceptionally pitiful. browns looked at her teacher with a puzzled expression, as if she didnt understand why the demoness of black had such a reaction. franca was puzzled at first, but then her heart skipped a beat. browns belongs to the sauron family. could it be the same for the demoness of black? could they be a branch of the sauron family that had pledged allegiance to the demoness sect? however, the demoness of blacks hair and eyes dont resemble those of a genuine sauron family member if they are all from the sauron family, could the demoness of black be brownss relative, or even her father or mother, leading to brownss current state? had the demoness of black heard about vermonda saurons current situation and understood the iron and blood cross orders scheme? is that why shes so emotional? as these thoughts raced through francas mind, she continued to recount the battle between the four of them and mirror gardner. finally, she took out the pitch-black mirror world fragment. your excellency demoness of black, whats this? and whats this figurine? demoness of black clarice gazed at the mirror world fragment and the black primordial demoness figurine and said, in conventional mysticism, the mirror world isnt a true world. its an amalgamation of the concept of doors, connected to mirrors and alternate spaces. however, many members of our demoness sect are aware that in certain special places, for specific reasons, there are a few mirror worlds with monsters. you encountered one of them, and this is a fragment of that world she briefly recounted what franca already knew about the mirror world fragment. finally, she said, this should have been handed over to me for a reward, but according to your description, many underground mirror people have already infiltrated trier. this fragment can help you track them, find them, and eliminate them. you can keep it for a while until the mission is completed. hmm, this is your next mission. clean up triers mirror people and gather any similar fragments that might be on them. the origins and effects are the same as what madam magician said. from the looks of it, clarice wasnt lying to me sigh, my next mission is in trier. i cant follow ciel to feynapotter to search for bard and company at critical moments, i can get him to teleport me there to provide help franca sighed inwardly and said, yes, your excellency demoness of black. the demoness of black continued, this figurine originates from one of the special mirror worlds. we believe in the primordial one in reality. the mirror people believe in the mirrored primordial one, but its actually just a projection of the primordial one in the mirror. just as i suspected the primordial demonesss projection in the mirror underwent an abnormality and gained self-awareness, causing her condition to worsen? or is clarice not telling the entire truth? under the demoness of blacks instructions, franca handed over the special figurine. clarice nodded slightly and said, you completed the iron and blood cross order mission better than i expected by retrieving this special figurine. what reward do you want? franca didnt hesitate and answered, the potion formula for affliction, or perhaps a mystical item that allows me to traverse the spirit world. the demoness of black revealed an inconspicuous smile. this time, ill give you the potion formula for affliction. once you complete your next mission, you can choose a mystical item with the spirit world traversal ability. does that mean i cant exchange my contributions for teleportation-type items this time, but they surpass the value of the demoness of affliction formula? i can save a portion and exchange them together when i make other contributions? franca pondered for a moment and said, okay. demoness of black clarice raised her right hand and swiped at the void. franca immediately noticed numerous dark hermes words outlined on the watery surface at the edge of the circular pavilion. affliction potion formula: sequence: 5; main ingredient: flower-faced bats head, two-tailed black snakes gallbladder; supplementary ingredients: 30 milliliters of flower-faced bat blood, 50 milliliters of a seriously ill humans blood, tail tip of the two-tailed black snake, 10 drops of enfinitas eucalyptus essential oil; ritual: without substitutes, be burned at the stake for fifteen minutes and survive without going mad. hiss just reading the description hurts franca couldnt help but shrink back. after memorizing the potion formula, she left the manor with browns. demoness of black clarice watched her silently as she retrieved an item from a hidden pocket in her black court dress. it was a pitch-black mirror fragment. it bore a striking resemblance to francas mirror world fragment, albeit with an irregular fracture at the edge. Chapter 498 - 498 Suspicious Attitude 498 suspicious attitude lugano toscano, a burly man with brown hair, brown eyes, and sharp features, donned a budget-friendly black formal suit. he lowered his head as he navigated through the lively crowd, his top hat shading his face. after a series of turns, the beyonder, now a sequence 8 doctor, entered rue des pavs beside le march du quartier du gentleman. he ascended a creaking wooden staircase to the top floor of an ancient house. upon waking that day, before having breakfast, his companion informed him of being wanteddue to his role as ciel duboiss trusted subordinate managing a dance hall. despite luganos confusion about the savoie mobs motives and his certainty of non-involvement, as a wild beyonder, merely existing rendered him guilty. reluctant to seek clarification from the purifiers and machinery hivemind, he packed his bags and moved to the safe house without notifying his companions. his plan was to observe for a few more days before deciding on his next move. during the factories lunch break, making the market district bustling, lugano descended and surveyed the area. true to his expectations, he discovered he was indeed wanted, with a bounty of 2,000 verl dor. considering his perceived lack of importance, lugano hoped to fade from the official beyonders attention in due time. entering the room, not much larger than an attic, lugano used a brass key to open the dark-brown wooden door. amidst the creaks, a figure caught the doctors eye. seated at a simple wooden table, ciel dubois displayed golden-black hair, a silver earring, a white shirt, a dark jacket, grayish-blue pants, and leather shoes. how did he find this place? besides me and the landlord residing in another quartier, no one knows about this safe house! officially put to use for the first time today! luganos pupils dilated, as if he wanted to scrutinize the figure in the dim room. at some point, the open curtains had been drawn. lumian grinned at lugano and remarked, why? am i not welcomed? lugano instinctively forced a smile, replying, its an honor to have you here. i just didnt expect you to know about this doghouse of mine. he spoke with humility but also subtly hinted at lumian: i havent forgotten that im your dog! as lugano spoke, he entered the room, closing the wooden door behind him. the space darkened, and a snap echoed. the candles on the simple wooden table suddenly ignited, casting a yellowish flame. lumian lowered his raised right palm and nodded slightly, asking, any questions? lugano didnt delve into the crimes of the savoie mobs brass that had made him a wanted man. instead, his concern was elsewhere. monsieur ciel, how did you know about this safe house of mine? lumian chuckled. i can find anything if i put my mind to it. wh luganos eyes narrowed, sensing the formidable confidence in the other party. ciels actions also validated his words. of course, lumian wouldnt tell lugano that he had followed him multiple times, determining the locations of his three safe houses. as a hunter, lumian often roamed the market district during his free time, honing his tracking skills. he was well-acquainted with the area. while he randomly chose targets for ordinary passersby and residents, lugano toscano, a beyonder seeking to join his ranks, was a crucial subject of investigation to prevent betrayal. lumian kept a close eye on him to avoid being blindsided by any potential treachery. without waiting for lugano to delve into further inquiries, lumian got straight to the point. i need your help with something. its my honor. lugano didnt seek details and acted as if he was unquestionably on board. isnt this too toady? im now a wanted criminal. without salle de bal brise and other businesses, its impossible for me to provide any more resources lumian stroked his chin with his right hand. i need to make a trip to the feynapotter kingdom. i wish for you to be my translator. lugano promptly responded, no problem. is that so? but i have a problem lumian, a conspirer, grew suspicious of luganos unquestioning loyalty, given the lack of inquiry or discussion about returns. he instantly became highly focused. could it be that this fellow, like ludwig, has been sent by some faction to interact with me? lumian raised his eyebrows and smiled. i thought youd refuse. after all, youve already become a doctor. even without taking any risks, you can lead a very good life. doctors could use superpowers to treat illnesses and injuries, easily sustaining themselves in any country or city. lugano said sheepishly, im also wanted. im planning to find a place to hide before returning to trier. besides, i believe youll reward me handsomely. although doctors can treat illnesses, we cant use beyonder powers openly. that would attract the attention of official beyonders unless we only dabble in the black market. the best choice is to forge a doctors license and open a clinic. add on beyonder powers while providing regular treatment. however, it will require a large sum of starting funds and sufficient medical knowledge. i already have the latter. as for the former, ive just exchanged all my savings for the main and supplementary ingredients for the doctor potion. as he spoke, luganos smile ingratiated. once i become a renowned doctor in trier, ill earn at least 200,000 verl dor annually. that way, i wont have to adventure anymore. even if i dont want to become too famous and attract the attention of official beyonders, itll be easy for me to earn 40,000 to 50,000 verl dor a year. youre quite familiar with triers doctor incomes lumian gazed at luganos face, his doubts dissipating but still lingering. he quickly made up his mind and stood up slowly. excellent. wait three days for me here. ill come to you after im done with other matters. when the time comes, ill pay you a 5,000 verl dor advance. when i dont need your translation services, ill give you another 5,000 verl dor. if theres a battle midway, you can divide the spoils of war according to rules between adventurers. ill provide further compensation later, no less than 5,000 verl dor. alright, monsieur ciel. lugano escorted lumian out of the room with a smile. throughout this process, lumian observed doctors expressions and actions from the corner of his eye, but he didnt detect any abnormalities. is this really how he is? theres nothing abnormal about him, or is his acting skills good enough? lumian looked ahead and descended the stairs steadily. jenna didnt linger in apartment 601 at 3 rue des blouses blanches. she swiftly packed her belongings, intending to transfer to francas safe house in quartier de la cathdrale commmorative. despite being a leader of the savoie mob and gardner martins mistress, franca strangely hadnt become a wanted criminal. however, the demoness of pleasure anticipated that she might face arrest by official beyonders at her residence soon. therefore, franca had prepared to move to trocadro town, having packed her own belongings and jennas luggage into a travelers bag for a quick escape. carrying a brown suitcase, jenna entered rue des blouses blanches and noticed peculiar symbols in a side alley, resembling childs graffitia sign of the purifiers request for a meeting. jenna hesitated as she walked forward. although she had discussed with lumian, franca, and anthony what to say about the previous nights encounter, meeting official beyonders still felt risky. the unease lingered. after nearly ten minutes of contemplation, jenna let out a soft sigh and turned onto avenue du march, making her way towards the alley behind glise saint-robertthe designated meeting venue. her brother julien was still in port leseur and would return to trier in a few months. jenna aimed to avoid implicating her remaining relative and wanted him to live free from hiding and fear. her plan was to establish a positive relationship with the purifiers and entrust them with her brothers safety. im already a witch who can bring about a catastrophe. ill shoulder these dark and dangerous matters, jenna silently muttered to herself, lowering her eyes and quickening her pace. this time, valentine and imre werent the only ones in the back alley of glise saint-roberts cathedral. there was also a man with blond hair, golden eyebrows, and a golden beard, dressed in a brown double-breasted coat. this is our deacon, monsieur angoulme, imre introduced. he attaches great importance to last nights catastrophe and wants to know what information you have. from their perspective, celia bello had close ties to ciel and franca. one of them was gardner martins subordinate in two aspects, while the other was his mistress. they were expected to be aware of the riots and anomalies in the market district. jennas role as an informant had prompted the purifiers, on angoulmes suggestion, to hold off arresting franca and apartment 601 at 3 rue des blouses blanches. for now, their focus was on making ciel dubois, confirmed as a soldier of the secret organization, a wanted man. jenna averted her gaze from angoulmes golden buttons and suddenly smiled. are you referring to the catastrophe triggered by the unsealing of fourth epoch trier last night? imre and valentine were initially dazzled by jennas smile, but then their eyes widened in shock at the information she revealed. angoulme was taken aback and sighed inwardly, as if he had anticipated this. jenna tilted her head slightly and added with a smile, would you believe me if i said that i witnessed the beginning of the problem and the rituals process with my own eyes, and i entered fourth epoch trier yet managed to escape? valentine and imres eyes widened as they remained silent, unsure of how to respond. is it related to the hostel you previously reported? angoulme asked in a deep voice. jenna tersely acknowledged and nodded. where are franca and ciel? angoulme inquired. jenna replied truthfully, theyve left the market district. they probably wont return. angoulme breathed a sigh of relief and said,tell me more about your experiences. Chapter 499 - 499 Minor Arcana Card 499 minor arcana card jenna briefed the three purifiers about their investigation of hostel, emphasizing the encounter with a cyborg monk from the deep valley cloister underground, who carried a load of paints and brushes. as they subsequently investigated, ciel and she stumbled upon a tunnel collapse during an earthquake-like upheaval, leading them to fall into the paintings world. imre couldnt hide his disbelief, interrupting jenna with a skeptical tone. you just fell into the painting world like that? seems too coincidental? the coincidence seems so unreal that even best-selling authors wouldnt concoct such a plot twist! valentine muttered to himself, could it be a miracle from god? jenna nodded, recalling her initial disbelief when she first laid eyes on the paintings market district. yes, it was hard to believe at first. angoulme, with a subtle gesture of his right hand, signaled imre and valentine not to press further, allowing celia bello to continue. jenna shifted her focus to sraphine and gabriels detailed description of hostel, delving into her and ciels harrowing escape, encounters with pixies, and the relentless attacks from the other rooms. upon grasping the significance of hostel and rooms, valentines mind churned with contemplation, making a vital connection. each room harbors a resident, akin to concealing immense power within ones body, allowing a portion of it to leak out where have i seen such a state before as images and information flashed through valentines mind, he looked up, interrupting jennas narrative with a probing question. whats ciels true identity? when the purifiers plastered the wanted posters across the city, they were onto ciel dubois and his fake identity cooked up by the savoie mob. the police headquarters had their hands full interrogating the captured savoie mob members, digging for any shreds of information about ciel duboiss background. jenna understood that now that he was wanted, ciel couldnt conceal his true identity further. after some consideration, she smiled and said, dont you know? his real name is lumian leealso a wanted criminal from cordu in the south. lumian lee valentines eyelids twitched as he realized his suspicions were correct. jenna glanced at him and softly explained, ciel joined the savoie mob and the iron and blood cross order to enhance himself and seek revenge on the evil gods bestowed. he played a crucial role in this matter. without his investigation, the hostel ritual wouldnt have been brought forward, and the catastrophe would have been even more severe. though he claims its to finish off the bestowed of evil gods, deep down, he doesnt want others to suffer the same fate after he experienced a disaster. valentines expression eased, revealing a mix of regret and relief. he sighed, acknowledging, he is indeed a devout follower of god. unfortunately, fate and those malevolent forces pushed him into the darkness. jenna, muttering silently, a devout follower im afraid you have some unnecessary misunderstandings about ciel. angoulme responded to the revelation with a self-deprecating smile. i didnt expect the one preventing the catastrophe from escalating last night to be a wanted criminal, a member of an evil organization. even without standing in the light, one can still be a hero. jenna agreed with this sentiment, choosing not to divulge the pixies reference to lumian as room 1. instead, she focused on the escape from the painting world, describing their emergence in the wilderness outside fourth epoch trier after passing through the darkness corresponding to the salle de bal brise at sunrise. she detailed the collapsed grayish-white stone pillar, the distant giants figure, general philips feigned death, the black primordial demoness figurine, mirror gardner martin, the terrifying roar, the descending sun, the reddened sky, and the rain of fire. however, she discreetly omitted the specifics of the ensuing battle. angoulme and the rest wisely held back from prying too much. among wild beyonders, certain intel could fetch a handsome sum, but the details of their abilities and combat techniques were strictly confidential. finally, we obtained the figurine and the fragment left behind by mirror gardner, left the seal, and returned to the normal underground, jenna continued. though the first half of her sentence wasnt directly related to the second half, it created an impression of how they left fourth epoch trier. the complexity of the matter is beyond imagination, and it involves a high-level power, angoulme sighed softly. they had no idea what had happened for the sun to rise from the sacred heart cloister last night, nor did they understand why it had fallen into the fourth epoch triers seal. they felt that it had something to do with an angel-level battle. where is the figurine and the mirror fragment? valentine asked anxiously. jenna couldnt be more honest. its with franca. angoulme nodded gently. wheres the full-body armor? this was linked to the deaths of his two former colleagues. of course, gardner martins death could be seen as a form of successful revenge. magic mirror divination revealed a terrifying betrayal curse associated with it. gardner martins fate served as proof. none of us dared to take the risk. ultimately, we left it with ciel. jenna, even as a witch, found the curse to be exaggerated and ridiculous. after a brief silence, angoulme addressed the issue, if you encounter ciel again, tell him he can sell us the armor. jenna nodded in agreement, and the purifier deacon got serious. the intel you provided is very important. what kind of compensation do you want? the potion formula for pleasure and all the ingredients, jenna replied, intending to set a high starting point for negotiation. this came from years of bargaining experience. angoulme glanced at the witch and said, are you planning to leave the market district too? thats right. jenna smiled sadly and self-deprecatingly. witches bring catastrophe. i dont want to impact the people here. no wonder the witches in stories always live in the dark forest, away from people. however, ill return occasionally and remain your informant. you can continue to contact me through the agreed method. her slightly sad smile prompted an instinctive urge in imre to look away, wary of falling for her. once we verify the authenticity of your intel, well help you apply for the formula and ingredients for pleasure. i cant guarantee its success. items at this level require approval from the higher-ups, angoulme promised without entering into further negotiation. after bidding farewell to the purifiers, jenna picked up her suitcase and took a carriage to francas safe house in quartier de la cathdrale commmorative. once settled, she reflected for a moment and decided to express her gratitude at the fools cathedral in lavigny docks. she felt compelled to thank this great entity for answering her prayers and enabling ciel to enter the painting world to provide assistance. this marked the official commencement of her commitment to mr. fool. in the pristine cathedral with clear windows, jenna sat at the edge of the last row of pews. she closed her eyes, clasped her hands, brought them to her chest, and bowed her head in prayer. amidst the tranquility of the religious space, it felt as if she had entered a deep slumber, her mind empty, and her words mere offerings of praise. vaguely, she sensed someone settling beside her. ignoring the newcomer, she continued with her prayer. after a few minutes, she opened her eyes and noticed a petite lady praying beside her. the lady had shoulder-length yellow hair and wore light pants, a masculine-looking shirt, and a small brown coat. although her eyes remained closed, the delicate contours of her brows, mouth, and nose were discernible from her side profile. despite her lack of height, she exuded a calm and dignified aura. sensing jennas gaze, the woman opened her eyes and greeted her with a smile. jenna? yes whom am i speaking to? jenna felt puzzled and vigilant, but she sensed no danger in mr. fools cathedral. the young lady introduced herself, im the major arcana card holder of the two of cups, whom you might know as franca, judgment. i came to the fools cathedral to pray today, not expecting to meet you. perhaps this is fate. how about it? do you want to draw a minor arcana card? feeling the friendliness in her tone, jenna nodded and said, id be delighted, madam judgment. if it were any other major arcana card holder, jenna might have been instinctively worried, but franca and lumian had already mentioned judgment and magician to her. she had a natural favorable impression and trust in them. judgment retrieved a stack of tarot cards from a small black bag hanging from her waist. she casually cut them a few times and handed them over with a smile. draw one. jenna felt inexplicably nervous. after contemplating for a moment, she reached out her right hand and drew a minor arcana card. the card depicted seven cups floating in the clouds, with skulls and people looking at them below. seven of cups, madam judgment chuckled. this represents confusion, puzzlement, dreams, illusions, and choices. but whats important is not that. our tarot clubs two demonesses drew a cup card. she produced another tarot card, this one portraying an angel sounding a trumpet to guide the departed. major arcana card, judgment! keep this card. when faced with unforeseen danger, take it out and recite rain judgment in hermes. as long as im in trier, i can provide assistance. of course, you have to be in trier too when requesting. except in places like fourth epoch trieri wont be able to hear you, madam judgment calmly explained. thank you, madam judgment, jenna expressed her gratitude sincerely, accepting the major arcana card. judgment nodded and continued, now, cooperate with the two of cups to carry out the demoness sects mission, but with a different direction. avoid the demoness sect and investigate the special mirror worlds. the demoness of catastrophe, krismona, who perished in the fourth epoch, is a starting point. shes a child of the primordial demoness, a natural-born womana pure female demoness, just like you. Chapter 500 - 500 "Nonexistent" City 500 nonexistent city the child of the primordial demoness must be born as a woman? jenna pondered the sequence name witch and began to grasp its significance. a gods offspring cant be just ordinary, and being a sequence 9 or 8 from birth seems impossible, doesnt it? alright, jenna agreed. upon joining the tarot club, her initial mission didnt require her to part ways with her companions or expose herself to unnecessary risks, bringing a sense of comfort. madam judgment responded with a smile, saying, allow me to update you on the tarot clubs current situation after anthony reid left apartment 601 at 3 rue des blouses blanches, the exhaustion of a sleepless night hit him hard. as a psychiatrist, his physical condition hadnt improved much. staying awake until dawn and enduring severe injuries took a toll. surviving with the help of the blood-sucking obsidian arrow had left him weakened, having lost a significant amount of blood. subsequent intense battles and relentless running had drained his stamina, leaving him naturally fatigued and yearning for a bed. at times like these, he couldnt help but envy the hunters. lumian, just one sequence higher, hadnt slept either. despite being the main force in both battles, he showed no signs of weariness, appearing energetic enough to take on gardner martin once more. pressing on, anthony reid turned onto rue anarchie, entering a brownish-gray house and reaching a corner on the third floor. this was his safe house, an apartment vacant for a long time. he believed it unsafe to rent from a landlord or broker for a safe house. any interaction risked betrayal and tracking. leveraging his identity as an information broker, he identified unused or abandoned apartments in the market district. if things went awry, he could choose a random one to hide without making contact. dusty bed and moldy blanket didnt bother anthony. he collapsed and quickly succumbed to sleep. in the hazy dream, clarity and rationality returned suddenly. ahead, avenue du march unfolded, a caf bustling with patrons and thriving. following his peculiar intuition, anthony reid passed a golden retriever at the cafs entrance and arrived at booth d by the window. a lady in a light-green and white dress sat there. anthony sensed he should see her face clearly, one capable of leaving a stunning impression, but a clear mental image eluded him. it was as if all the information had been gathered, but his brain or body of heart and mind struggled to process it. good morning. im justice, the lady introduced herself in a gentle voice, carrying a hint of briskness. justice anthony had already learned from lumian and franca that the secret organization they belonged to was the tarot club. members used tarot cards as code names, with major arcana card holders representing key demigod members, and minor arcana card holders as peripheral members under the different major arcana cards. justice was undoubtedly a major arcana card. are you going to be my major arcana card holder? anthony asked respectfully, taking a seat across from her. justice smiled. you can also choose to switch. its not that fate cant be changed. of course, some entities dont think so. the major arcana card opposite him was friendly, not imposing at all. she even initiated a joke, easing anthonys tense heart. he exhaled quietly and said, i can draw a card now. as he finished speaking, a stack of tarot cards appeared in front of him. anthony habitually selected one from the middle and placed it on the table. the minor arcana card revealed: a man carrying a sword sitting beneath three hanging swords. four of swords! youve already unburdened your heart. the remaining rest and preparation are for propelling yourself further into the future. as a psychiatrist, this card signals you to be vigilant about your mind at all times. we can shoulder new burdens at any moment, and its crucial to know how to accept, accommodate, and resolve them, madam justice interpreted the minor arcana card. a stack of tarot cards appeared in front of her, noticeably less than before. with casual ease, she drew a card and placed it at the center of the table. the card portrayed an impartial goddess seated on a stone chair, wielding a sword and scalesthe justice card from the major arcana! pushing the justice card toward anthony, she smiled and said, you have two missions now. first, collaborate with the two of cups to eliminate mirror people and investigate the demoness sects predicament. second, make contact with a covert organization known as the psychology alchemists psychology alchemists anthony mulled over the name. after laying out the missions, justice inquired, did they brief you on the specifics of the great existence were following and the tarot club? all i know is that you follow an orthodox god named the fool and use tarot cards as code names, following his name, anthony honestly replied. before formally joining the tarot club, lumian and franca had kept details scarce. justice chuckled. then allow me to introduce you to our beacon and savior, the great mr. fool her tone held a touch of joy. after leaving lugano toscanos secure hideout, lumian took a carriage to quartier du jardin botanique. he navigated the street named rue des pavs in the market district and entered the safe house he had leased earlier. ludwig sat on the sofa, engrossed in a novel and indulging in dessert. lumian glanced at him, sneering, escaping the church of knowledge doesnt mean you should stoop to reading novels only! ludwig diverted the conversation. someone of ill temper sent you a letter. its in the bedroom. ill-tempered? lumian furrowed his brow. the one in the golden dress, like a doll, ludwig replied, not bothering to look up. midway, he paused to savor a bite of carrot cake, a specialty from the loen kingdom. madam magicians messenger lumian asked in puzzlement, why did she lose her temper at you? i saw her and had a little spat with her, ludwig replied nonchalantly. just an argument? she didnt string you up for a beating? lumian muttered silently as he entered the bedroom and picked up the folded letter from the desk. this letter differed from the one that had previously rewarded him. it primarily addressed lumians inquiries after acquiring the 0-01 information. this seems to be a hint from the church of knowledge. if you can attain a high position, they are willing to offer some assistance. they might even tacitly permit you to take possession of the sealed artifact. however, there are two prerequisites. firstly, you must achieve the status of a sequence 4 saint at the very least, possessing godhood and the qualifications to step onto the chessboard. secondly, you must have a method to transport that sealed artifact without causing harm to the surrounding humans and the environment. if you fail to meet these two conditions, the church of knowledge wont extend clear support. theres also a contradiction for becoming a demigod and how those more formidable than sequence 5 are unable to approach 0-01. perhaps theres a hidden message here, suggesting that after proving your ability to advance to sequence 4, but before consuming the potion through a ritual, entering the city of exiles, morora, and approaching 0-01 is the next step. leave a mark or achieve something to lay the groundwork for controlling it when you advance to a higher sequence. as for their specific expectations, i cannot discern them at the moment. in simple terms, if you demonstrate and prove your potential, the church of knowledge is willing to support your bid for the red priest position, competing against red angel medici. does that surprise you? are you excited? surprise? more like shock! lumian had never truly entertained the idea of becoming a true god. despite not being a devout believer, he had grown up in a society influenced by such beliefs. his exposure to the mystical world was relatively recent, making the notion of i too can become a god; i also want to become a god unlikely. as for the terror and might of red angel medici, lumian had witnessed it in fourth epoch trier. the prospect of becoming enemies with such a formidable entity and vying for the red priests deity position instinctively struck him as absurd and meaningless. whats the fundamental difference between this and aurores jest during combat class, claiming youve mastered basic combat techniques and can now slay a god? as these thoughts raced through his mind, lumian suddenly muttered to himself, if i become a true god, can i resurrect aurore after a moment of silence, he smiled self-deprecatingly and said, even deities can perish, and may not be resurrected. madam magician mentioned that the betrayal curse of the pride armor stems from the aversion and hatred of a deity before their demise however, according to the information she provided, the pride armor first appeared at the end of the all-out war in the northern continent. did a true god perish back then? the abilities of the pride armor clearly belong to the warrior pathway the one who perished was the god of war? but in the feysac empire, the church of the god of combat is still fine. uh, thats what the newspapers, magazines, and merchants said lumian pondered for a moment but couldnt come to a conclusion. he shifted his gaze back to the letter. i never intended for you to pursue the red priests deity position, actually. i believed that with an angel sealed within you and a changed fate, there was a chance for you to become a high-sequence beyonder. now, follow your hearts desires. our tarot club is here to support you. however, theres something to be cautious about: i went to lenburg and consulted a few local scholars known for their knowledge, but none of them have heard of the city of exiles, morora. in the eyes of ordinary people and even the lower- and middle-class clergymen of the church of knowledge, this city is nonexistent and unrecorded. Chapter 501 - 501 Honorific Name 501 honorific name city of exiles, morora, doesnt exist? when lumian perused the information ludwig had stolen, he couldnt shake the sensation that morora was vivid and right before him. this stemmed from the fact that the scribe had meticulously chronicled every folklore and characteristic of the city. even those who hadnt set foot there could conjure a mental image. yet, madam magician had just dropped the bombshellthe city of exiles, morora, didnt exist in lenburg! i read it so intently, feeling so nervous and afraid. finally, you tell me, im sorry, i made all this up? as lumian grappled with the absurdity, his gaze reverted to the letter, eager to uncover madam magicians speculations. the major arcana card holder teased, perhaps the individual who penned this sealed artifact information had already lost their sanity, conjuring the city of exiles, morora. maybe its a colossal prison nestled in the mountains, patrolled by guards. they provide supplies unattainable independently and remain cut off from the outside world. perhaps morora is genuinely an imagined city of exiles, yet, in a peculiar way, it already exists dont dismiss the first and third conjectures as absurd or hyperbolic, making them implausible. let me enlighten you; when dealing with grade 0 sealed artifacts, numerous things defy common sense and intuition. especially when were talking about 0-01. personally, i fancy the first conjecture. it emanates a fantastical beauty. a deranged keeper jotting down information about a sealed artifact, filled with ramblings and delusions, and treating it as reality. but what about the truth? where did it vanish to? is it no longer in place? at the sight of this, lumian felt an inexplicable chill, and his hair stood on end. madam magician had expounded terrifying possibilities. moreover, she had employed seemingly casual strokes, brisk descriptions, and a barrage of questions to cultivate an atmosphere of composure and distortion, pushing ones nerves to the brink. prolonged contemplation of it could drive one to the brink of insanity. isnt this superior to the narrative prowess of most current bestselling authors in crafting horror tales? lumian critiqued his major arcana card holder. shaking his head, he relegated 0-01 and the city of exiles to the recesses of his mind. he feared that dwelling on it might tip him into madness. it wasnt out of the realm of possibility. lumian hadnt slept since perusing the information. while he leveraged the 6 a.m. reset of his body every morning to alleviate fatigue, he occasionally heard indescribable and spine-chilling voices resembling calls from the depths of the mountains. phew lumian exhaled and resumed reading the letter. alright, i wont terrify you any longer. in essence, until you truly confront 0-01, dont summarily dismiss any conjecture or potentiality. ive verified the auditory hallucinations you mentioned. its a mild corruption induced by delving into 0-01s information. some entities can induce corruption merely by knowing their names instead of their code names. fortunately, your destiny is entwined with that long-named fellow. to some extent, its akin to having the status of an angel. furthermore, you bear mr. fools seal, the blood emperors aura, and other high-level paraphernalia. thats why you only experienced a faint auditory hallucination and sensed the beckoning. you didnt suddenly descend into paranoia and extremism, harboring a desire to seek treasure in the mountains before vanishing one night. madam magician revels in spinning horror stories. she insists on expanding concise explanations into potential scenarios for me lumian had been in correspondence with his major arcana card holder for quite some time, becoming well-acquainted with her choice of words and writing style. let me remind you that youre akin to an angel to some extent, yet you wont succumb to the corruption associated with higher sequences. thats what sets you apart. its why you can venture into many peculiar places. hence, some entities seek to exploit this. exercise caution and vigilance, continually scrutinizing yourself. by the way, miss justice and judgment extend their gratitude. the revelation of 0-01 and vermonda saurons whereabouts allowed them to fulfill a mission entrusted by mr. fool before his slumber. hence, the rewards are particularly generous this time your concerns are valid. if you miss the initial trail, whether its bard, mad lady, or the traces left by other key members of april fools, its more likely a trap than a clue. of course, traps can yield certain information. as long as you can withstand the associated peril, you might uncover the architect of the trap. if, and i say if, you chance upon a high-sequence beyonder of the seer, apprentice, and marauder pathways while delving into the whereabouts of the key members of april fools, you can invoke my name and seek my assistance. remember, this is my name. it carries the power to conceal secrets from others. cosmic traveler, beholden to the king of yellow and black, and the sorcerer chronicling the world. the king of yellow and black is an alias for mr. fool cosmic traveler and chronicling the world sounds amazing could she truly be the angel of stars from the bible? as lumian committed it to memory, he witnessed the honorific name gradually fading, as if erased and consumed by the void. at the conclusion of the letter, madam magician added: the minor arcana, knight of swords, subordinate to maam hermit, journeyed to feynapotter a few months ago for a certain matter. when you arrive there, should you require assistance or information, you can reach out to him. his messenger is: a peculiar creature wandering above the world, a half-fairy who fiddles with melodic strings, a messenger that belongs solely to the knight of swords. half-fairy lumian had skimmed through information about such spirit world creatures, mainly to select a suitable contract partner. he hadnt delved into the details, making it challenging to recall. simultaneously, he noted that the knight of swordss messenger incantation deviated from the conventional format. perhaps there was concern that foes could decipher the correct three-line description and summon the messenger to target him. regardless, with the limiting phrase a messenger that belongs solely to the knight of swords, the second sentence didnt necessarily have to depict a creature friendly to humans. however, since it could serve as the messenger of the knight of swords, it could tacitly be considered as friendly to humans. lumian reread madam magicians letter from start to finish, mindful not to overlook any crucial information embedded in her cryptic statements. suddenly, a knock echoed on the bedroom door. lumian glanced up, and the door creaked open. ludwig stuck his chubby head out and, in a daze, uttered, im hungry. its time for you to cook. didnt you just eat plenty of cake and crackers? lumians lips twitched. ludwig replied seriously, thats dessert, not the main course. subtly, he licked his lips. moreover, your culinary skills are quite impressive, and those dishes are quite unique. with a chef around, i dont want to settle for raw beef, hard bread, and freshly bought potatoes. the boys expression turned pleading. lumian scoffed. why dont you do it yourself? i can only cook by myself after i recover a little, ludwig replied subconsciously before changing his tone. im still a child. youre actually asking me to cook in the kitchen? arent you afraid that ill be injured by a knife or burned? im just afraid youll eat the knife what does it mean to cook after recovering a little? is chef a higher rank than your current sequences strength? cant you cook if youre not a chef? lumian observed ludwig leaning against the door frame, looking at him with expectant brown eyes, and suddenly found the scene familiar. in the past, he had begged his sister aurore in the same way. lumian sighed and stood up. im only responsible for three meals. the rest of the time, rely on dessert, bread, and cold dishes. dont bother me. as he spoke, he left the bedroom and entered the kitchen. while donning an apron and engrossed in cooking, ludwig, in a caramel coat, waited at the kitchen door, occasionally wiping his mouth. after pan-frying a steak, lumian picked it up and casually tossed it out. ludwig deftly caught it, tore it in a few bites, and stuffed it down his abdomen. observing this, lumian chuckled inwardly, feeling that this fellow was even more absurd than he had been back then. in underground trier, within a quarry cave. lumian stood before the altar, encircled by the recently dismantled wall of spirituality. he had completed the contractee summoning ritual and gained two new contracted abilities. now, he awaited franca and the others to witness who could successfully gain a messenger. one of these abilities was shadow transformation. it allowed lumian to authentically morph into a shadow, merging with it to conceal himself and move stealthilya skill he currently lacked. while such abilities existed in the mystical knowledge of contractees, lumian opted to acquire them from the spirit world creature information provided by madam magician. this prevented the bestowed of inevitability from discerning the negative effects he might endure. ultimately, lumian contracted a spirit world creature known as long shadow. he sacrificed six servings of fresh cow and sheep meat in exchange for this ability, making him more susceptible to sunlight than ordinary humans. this wasnt as severe as the aversion vampires had to sunlight. lumian could endure it with his ascetic endurance. another ability he had acquired was the bottle of fiction. he found the unique and practical ability demonstrated by the padre intriguing. it could effectively screen an enemy, creating a concealed space where the other party couldnt escape and could only exit through the bottles opening; traps could be added. since no spirit world creature could provide this ability, lumian summoned the creature called the fantasy face and completed the contract with a bottle of blood with strong spirituality. the blood needed to come from a beyonder above sequence 7 or a corresponding beyonder creature. lumian, naturally, wouldnt use his own blood, as sacrificing it to the fantasy face could gradually transform him into a monster. instead, he used the blood madam magician extracted from gardner martins corpseone of the supplementary ingredients for a reaper. it was substantial, and there was plenty. the corresponding downside was a trace of greed. before long, franca, jenna, and anthony arrived at the quarry cave, one after another. Chapter 502 - 502 Messenger Ritual 502 messenger ritual anthony stared at the altar, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on his face. he voiced his concerns and uncertainties about having their own messenger. can we really have our own messenger? his knowledge of mysticism hinted that messengers were a rare occurrence. only beyonders of specific pathways at a certain sequence or high-level beyonders with godhood possessed these special contracted creatures, accessible at any time and summoned by others. franca, grinning, reassured him, other beyonders might not cut it, but we still have a chance. there are three prerequisites for possessing a messenger. first, you need to understand spirit world creatures, knowing which ones can be used as messengers. you must grasp their characteristics and devise incantations for precise summoning. second, the spirit world creature must be willing to respond to the summoning and not reject signing a contract to become your messenger. third, you need a unique undead contract and a deity to bear witness, restraining both parties and clarifying their responsibilities. see, there arent any restrictions on pathways and sequences among these three. there are only hidden restrictions, but there are ways to bypass them. for ordinary beyonders, the first requirement is the toughest. usually, they lack a deep understanding of spirit world creatures. summoning one might make them tremble with fear, afraid the incantation could lead to a monster that could harm their family. with time, they might rely on their predecessors experiences to accumulate reliable summoning incantations, but most have nothing to do with a messenger. were different. as members of the tarot club, we have madam magician, an expert in spirit world creatures. ciel has a pile of information on them. madam magician selected 30 spirit world creatures suitable for being a messenger, some with a desire to serve as a mid-sequence beyonders messenger. this allows us to skip the greatest obstacle. otherwise, consider the speed at which spirit world creatures traverse. some messengers can cover the distance from southern intis to trier in just a few minutes. others take ten minutes to half an hour, while some may take half a day or even a full day. without knowledge, signing a messenger that takes half a year or one year to cover such a distance is pointless. my name isnt ciel dubois anymore, lumian reminded franca after she finished explaining a portion of the knowledge to anthony and jenna, who were novices in the mysticism world. franca let out a hollow laugh. isnt it just a habit of the mouth? when i first met you, your name was ciel. ive been calling you that for months. she continued, the second prerequisite is that we have a way to bypass it. beyonders of pathways like corpse collector, affiliated with the undead and other creatures in the spirit world, can make them willing to be summoned. then, its possible to sign a messenger contract. at the sequence of spirit guide, they can even semi-compulsively turn a target they fancy into their messenger. without such specialties, one can often only rely on their status to suppress and intimidate them. as for us, we follow mr. fool. youve all heard the churchs bible, so you should know that mr. fool is the great ruler who controls the spirit world. strictly speaking, those spirit world creatures are under his control. as members of the tarot club, summoning spirit world creatures and signing a messenger contract with them will definitely be much easier. in particular, lumian here has mr. fools power. have you ever seen him fail in summoning spirit world creatures? at most, its vague. what comes isnt what he wants. the third prerequisite is that madam magician has already given lumian a special undead contract, specially prepared for messengers. the witness should be death, but they can be replaced by an angel from the underworld or the undead domain. and theres an angel of death by mr. fools throne. hes the consul of the underworld! actually, i dont think its a problem to use mr. fools honorific name directly. would spirit world creatures not obey the orders of the great ruler who controls the spirit world? the information from madam magician contained a four-line description targeting the underworld, suitable as a witness. jenna and anthony absorbed the mysticism knowledge attentively, realizing its value in explaining many problems in ordinary summoning rituals. once franca had concluded her instructional role, lumian produced a carefully selected stack of information about spirit world creatures and directed his attention to jenna. you first. jenna, pointing at herself in confusion and surprise, asked, me? she was a complete novice at summoning rituals. lumian let out a chuckle. you have the lucky gold coin. according to madam magician, it has a certain connection to mr. fool, equivalent to his memento. this will make you more likely to summon a specific creature and complete the messenger contract than franca and anthony. my chances of success should be about the same as yours, but i have a lot of messy things on me. im afraid itll cause an anomaly and ruin the rest of tonights attempts, so ill be the last. jenna considered lumians explanation and agreed. muttering under her breath, she took the document and flipped to the page she had chosen earlier. it recorded a spirit world creature she was relatively familiar with: rabbit of knowledge. however, this wasnt an ordinary rabbit of knowledge; it had absorbed some specific knowledge and undergone a special mutation to become suitable as a messenger. jenna had a positive impression of the rabbit of knowledge. she found it friendly and willing to help humans, making it her preferred choice from the beginning. additionally, its silly appearance added to its charm. retrieving the page of information, jenna entered the altar. recalling francas teachings and the mystical knowledge from the witch potion, she swiftly sanctified the ritual silver dagger and created a wall of spirituality. having completed all the preparations, jenna took two steps back, focused on the candle flame, and uttered a concise and forceful word in ancient hermes. i! then, she switched to hermes. i summon in my name: rabbit-shaped spirit that wanders about the unfounded, a friendly creature that can be communicated with, a runner who pursues knowledge. in this modified incantation, the original weakling was replaced with runner to specifically denote the special rabbit of knowledge. the candle flame abruptly shifted to a dark green hue, expanding to the size of a human head. a translucent creature resembling a rabbit emerged from the dark-green candle flame. unlike other rabbits of knowledge, its eyes emitted a wise glint, and it held a blurry book with an orange-red cover in its hand. its legs were powerful, indicating its proficiency in running. jenna couldnt contain her joy at successfully summoning it on her first attempt. slightly perturbed, she addressed the creature in ancient hermes, are you willing to become my messenger? the mutated rabbit of knowledge glanced at jenna and asked in intisian, have you ever called my kind fools or idiots before? no, jenna replied sincerely. i curse occasionally, but its not directed at anyone. its just an expression of my emotions. occasionally? lumian mocked jenna inwardly. the mutated rabbit of knowledge observed jenna intently, somehow confirming that she wasnt lying. however, this might have been more of a formality, as the answer of not having engaged in name-calling was sufficient. whether it was entirely true or not seemed inconsequential. the rabbit nodded and said, you have to pay me. every time you summon me, you have to give me a book or knowledge of equal value. you can give it to me directly or burden the person whos writing to you. it agreed just like that? having name-called it in the past, i cant summon this rabbit as a messenger? well, i cant summon it now either. there should only be one special rabbit of knowledge that has evolved to be capable of being a messenger lumian knew it was generally easy to deal with, but he didnt expect it to be so amiable. jenna glanced at the information placed at the edge of the altar, noticing a notification: the knowledge you feed the rabbit of knowledge determines what it will become in the future. will reading more postman-related books improve its awareness and abilities as a messenger? jenna wondered to herself as she replied, no problem. lets sign a contract. following the template provided by madam magician, she used the dark-red fountain pen on the altar to swiftly write a contract on the yellowish-brown goatskin, outlining the agreed compensation. the contract was composed in ancient hermes, with every word seeming to resonate with the forces of nature and the spirit world. jenna had utilized her usual studies and the knowledge from the witch potion to quickly grasp this beyonder language. in addition to the contract, jenna penned a description of the mysticism related to the underworld. the home of all death, the hell hidden deep within the spirit world, the witness of the decay of all living things, one that solely belongs to the kingdom of death. as she wrote, the ancient hermes words burned with dark-green flames, including the original ones. remembering lumians earlier advice, jenna deliberately included a clause fixing the summoning incantation as rabbit-shaped spirit that wanders about the unfounded, a runner who pursues knowledge, a messenger that belongs solely to the seven of cups. still cautious about revealing her real name, jenna refrained from using it. she worried that someone familiar with her messenger summoning incantation might uncover her true identity, potentially implicating her brother julien in the future. after scanning the contract and confirming its accuracy, jenna signed her code name. the goatskin floated up and flew toward the mutated rabbit of knowledge. picking up another fountain pen, the rabbit of knowledge wrote its name: chasel svio. you have a name? lumian was a little surprised. he was also within the wall of spirituality. i named it myself after reading a book. its my name now, replied rabbit chasel as the ghastly green flames on the goatskin merged, incinerating the contract into ashes and transforming it into an invisible force. jenna breathed a sigh of relief and engaged in a brief conversation with rabbit chasel before concluding, i! i end this summoning in my name. rabbit chasel returned to the spirit world, and franca eagerly watched as the wall of spirituality dissipated before stepping into the altar. jennas ease had filled her with confidence. however, she faced a shameful failure. Chapter 503 - 503 Penitent 503 penitent franca attempted summoning five different spirit world creatures. despite her successful summonings, none of the spirit world creatures were willing to sign a contract and become her messenger. the repeated failures struck her hard, and her disappointment and frustration were evident from her blank expression. nevertheless, she didnt let her emotions dictate her actions. undeterred, she proceeded to summon the remaining 24 spirit world creatures. the situation was becoming increasingly clearsuccess, if achievable, would happen in the first few attempts! jenna glanced at the disappointed franca. give it a try when your sequence is higher. franca grumbled, when i reach a higher sequence, i might use a mirror and the mirror world to send messages. why would i need a messenger? why arent there any spirit world creatures tempted by a demonesss charm and willing to become a messenger? lumian let out a chuckle. ive seen something similar in the information about spirit world creatures. would you like to give it a try? despite her reluctance to admit defeat, franca remained pragmatic. she cursed, forget it, forget it. such spirit world creatures are definitely dangerous. all they can think about is dragging a demoness into the spirit world. even delivering a letter will help me turn my friend into an enemy. seeing that she had calmed down, anthony reid, a fellow novice in ritualistic magic, made his attempt. like franca, he too faced a series of challenges. five attempts were made, with two summoning failures and three unsuccessful contract formations. looks like i cant have a messenger for the time being, anthony sighed with a bitter smile. francas emotions eased significantly. she wasnt alone in facing difficulties. which one do you want to summon? she asked lumian curiously. the coolest one. lumian, maintaining an air of nonchalance, sanctified the ritual silver dagger and recreated the spiritual barrier. focusing on the burning candle flames, he took steps back, alternating between ancient hermes and hermes. i! i summon in my name: a creature wandering above the world, the penitent who awakens from the flames of pain, a friendly person corrupted by darkness. this summoning incantation, unique information from madam magician, deviated from the norm. it wasnt just a spirit but a creature wandering above the world. the latter descriptions combined encounters and characteristics, adding an intriguing layer to the summoning. lumian found the temperament and style of this particular creature impressive and decided to make it his first attempt. he sought a messenger capable of delivering a letter and traversing the spirit world, indifferent to other considerations. why not choose the coolest one? as the incantation echoed, the candle flame expanded, acquiring a dark-green hue bordering on black. with each intensifying flicker, a figure materialized. it was a tall, human-like being dressed in deep-black robes reminiscent of the eternal blazing sun church clergy. however, his exposed face and limbs bore the marks of prolonged incineration, leaving only bones and charred flesh. empty eye sockets glowed with dark flames, while strange, viscous black flames lingered, causing perpetual pain to the spirit. lumian gazed at the penitent and asked in ancient hermes, are you willing to become my messenger? responding in ancient feysac, the source of several northern continent languages, the penitent offered a condition, if youre not concerned about being implicated by me and slowly slipping into the darkness, i can help you deliver letters. no compensation, but theres latent danger? since madam magician provided the penitents information, it means i can bear it lumian, who had too much mysticism debt to worry about, smiled and said, that depends on whether you and darkness can win the tug-of-war. no problem. i was mentally prepared for this before summoning you. this time, he switched to ancient feysac to communicate with the other party. after all, it was quite troublesome to use ancient hermes, which could stir the power of nature, to say so much. soon, he drafted the contract and penned the four-line mysticism description representing the underworlds representative as witness. illuminated by ancient hermes words engulfed in ghastly green flames, lumian fixed the summoning incantation to: a creature wandering above the world, the penitent who awakens from the flames of pain, a messenger that belongs solely to lumian lee. lumian didnt adopt a code name like jenna and the knight of swords. after all, those who knew about his messenger might not know that he was a minor arcana card holder of the tarot club. this was the self-cultivation of a veteran spy, and it didnt matter if lumian lees name and corresponding background were known. with his name penned down, lumian witnessed the yellowish-brown goatskin fly towards the black-robed penitent. the penitent signed his name: baynfel. the ghastly green flames intertwined, consuming the contract and seamlessly merging with the spirit world. curious about his new messenger, lumian queried penitent baynfel, what are you penitent about? however, baynfel remained silent, and a viscous black flame descended from his body, disappearing into the soil. despite lumians persistent questioning, baynfel kept his silence. lumian chuckled and remarked, very good. all hairdressers should learn from you, before concluding the summoning. after he dismantled the wall of spirituality, franca looked at him with a resentful expression. you succeeded on the first try? i succeeded on the first try. lumian lacked any evident joy, as if he was talking about something ordinary. perplexed and unable to let go of her own failures, franca questioned, why? why arent anthony and i popular with the spirit world creatures? why? it had to be said that the demoness of pleasure was quite charming. seeing franca like this, ascetic lumian wanted to walk up to her, raise his right hand, and flick her forehead. it made him want to bully her! he pondered for a moment. i roughly understand the reason. being a minor arcana card holder of the tarot club increases our chances of successfully summoning special spirit world creatures. even a psychiatrist like anthony succeeded several times during his first ritualistic magic. however, to gain their favor or obedience, you need a higher level, a special pathway, or something related to mr. fool. for example, jennas lucky gold coin and mr. fools power on me. a sudden realization struck lumian. if thats the reason, does the knight of swords, who also possesses a messenger, have something similar? i see! franca, buoyed by this insight, regained confidence. it wasnt that there was a problem with her; she simply lacked a prop. she then looked at jenna, contemplating whether to borrow the lucky gold coin to complete the messenger contract. franca eventually dismissed the idea. there was a significant mysticism difference between ownership and loaning. she was afraid that jenna wouldnt be able to handle it if she were to give it and take it back in the future without a unique opportunity. phew franca exhaled and was about to inquire when lumian planned to leave trier and how, when she noticed her companions inexplicable silence and a hint of dejection. whats the matter? franca inquired, concerned. nothing. lumian shook his head. he suddenly remembered that aurore had once yearned for a messenger. anthony glanced at lumian, but no words were exchanged. jenna brought up the purifiers deacon angoulmes proposal to purchase the pride armor, prompting lumian to fall into a brief silence before chuckling. ill decide after some time. despite recognizing the danger of the pride armor, lumian acknowledged its formidable power. it could pose a threat to all beyonders below the demigod level. if wearing it was the key to defeating loki and other key members of april fools, lumian wouldnt hesitate to use it, prepared to face the consequences. lumian wouldnt give up on the sealed artifact just because it was dangerous, until he eliminated all those scoundrels or until he was too strong for pride armor. alright, franca inquired, are you leaving trier tomorrow? will you take a boat, a steam locomotive, or seek the spirit worlds coordinates from madam magician and teleport there? lumian chuckled. all of them are possible. ill decide tomorrow. lets see what fate has in mind. franca muttered, when did you learn to act all mysterious after bidding farewell to his three companions, lumian adorned the silver lie earring and subtly altered his hair color and appearance. making his way down avenue du march into rue anarchie, he arrived at auberge du coq dors underground bar. seemingly unaffected by the previous nights catastrophe, the bar retained its lively atmosphere. regular patrons occupied their usual spotssome singing loudly, others dancing around small round tables, and a few engaged in gambling with alcohol as stakes. charlie, now in a black coat, stood at a small round table, enthusiastically exclaiming, you might not know this, but ciel dubois and i are friends. weve been through life and death together! look, look, his bounty has been updated to 60,000 verl dor! what a substantial sum! youre quite proud of me lumian scoffed and settled at the bar, ordering a glass of absinthe. in the midst of the commotion, he silently listened, savoring the bitter liquor. pavard neeson, the proprietor wiping glasses, noticed the new face and smilingly inquired, have you just arrived in the market district? yes, lumian responded in a deep voice. pavard neeson said gently, you seem to have a story. lumian sighed, taking a sip of the dreamy la fe verte. with a self-deprecating smile, he said, im a nobody Chapter 504 - 504 "Breakup" 504 breakup in an instant, i found myself with no alternative but to depart. staying put was not an option. besides, lingering too long might jeopardize my friend and jeopardize the fortune he had tirelessly amassed. lumian raised the emerald-green absinthe to his lips once more. pavard neeson, the proprietor of the bar, gently placed his glass on the counter and let out a sigh. thats truly unfortunate. a sly grin played on lumians lips. alright, ive wrapped up my tale. how about a complimentary drink on the house? pavard, his ponytail giving him a somewhat artistic appearance, was momentarily taken aback. minutes before the stroke of midnight, charlie, clad in a black coat, exited the basement bar of auberge du coq dor and retraced his steps to his rented apartment. under the gentle autumn night sky, a soothing breeze played, neither bone-chilling nor overly brisk. it seemed to cleanse both body and mind with each inhale. charlie couldnt resist taking a deep breath. dogsh*t, which drunkard peed all over the place again? the foul odor in the air soured charlies mood. at that very moment, a silhouette emerged from the shadows up ahead. the figure boasted golden-black hair, piercing blue eyes, and a strikingly handsome facenone other than ciel dubois. havent you left trier? charlies heart surged with joy, ready to inquire further. but almost instantly, he caught sight of the dark expression on ciels face, as if a tempest brewed within his eyes. charlie jumped in fright, his thoughts racing. instinctively, he said, i-i was going to let you know before he could finish, lumian materialized before him, his right fist meeting charlies face with a solid impact. the force sent golden specks dancing in charlies vision. he teetered backward, struggling to maintain his balance. lumians countenance darkened as he spoke, considering our past friendship, i wont kill you this time. with that, he pivoted in his dark jacket and strode towards a dimly lit alley, away from the glow of street lamps. clutching his throbbing face, charlie watched ciel vanish into the shadows. anxious and incensed, he blurted out, but i couldnt locate you! how was i supposed to inform you that youre wanted? lumian offered no response, disappearing into the alley. rooted to the spot, charlie couldnt suppress his curses. frustration and resentment welled up within him. why did he suddenly become so unreasonable? its not my fault youre wanted. ive done my utmost to help! im just a clerk; theres a limit to what i can accomplish! the next morning, charlie had just settled into his subterranean office at glise saint-robert, armed with a meatloaf. before he could even start brewing a cup of coffee, he spotted angoulme, the deacon clad in a brown double-breasted coat, heading his way. morning, deacon, charlie exclaimed, rising to his feet and greeting him with eager deference. angoulme glanced at the bruises on his left cheek. what happened? did you get into a scuffle? oh, no, not at all! i, uh, collidedwith a statue! charlie suddenly grew jittery and waved his hand dismissively. it might sound unbelievable, but those lunatics get wild when theyre drunk. some rant about toppling the government, others believe their vomit is gourmet cuisine, and a few decide to relocate hefty statues to random corners. i accidentally bumped into one. angoulme maintained a steady gaze on the clerk and spoke with measured calmness, your lies lack finesse. do you recall the clause in the contract about not concealing crucial information? charlies expression stiffened, his lips faltering before he stammered, i-its ciel. ciel dubois attacked me. perhaps hes resentful because i didnt notify him beforehand about being wanted by us. angoulme listened in silence. after a brief pause, he remarked, very well. thats more like what a competent purifier clerk should be. where did you encounter him? right outside auberge du coq dor, just past the first alley leading to avenue du march, charlie responded, a blend of nervousness and concern coloring his voice. angoulme delved into further details and said to charlie, given that ciel duboiss true circumstances surpassed our expectations, we scrutinized all the files associated with him. it came to light that you share a close bond with him and that he was implicated in susanna mattises beyonder case. upon including him in that matter, it became apparent that you concealed numerous details. charlie, upon hearing the deacons words, stiffened, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead. i-i he faltered, unable to find words, as if the specter of his impending doom loomed large. at that moment, angoulme took the initiative to ask, did ciel force you to hide these details? no, it wasnt coercion, charlie responded instinctively, quickly adding, he requested it. as expected, a request, angoulme nodded thoughtfully and probed into every nuance of the susanna mattise incident. with his psychological defenses stripped away, charlie laid bare every detail to the purifier deacon. upon concluding his account, angoulme spoke with gravity, for someone in your position as a purifier clerk, concealing vital case details would typically lead to immediate dismissal, if not imprisonment though charlie had braced himself for such a repercussion, the actual words felt like a blow to the head. his body swayed, teetering on the brink of imbalance. before he could mount a plea, angoulme shifted the conversation. however, your recent performance has been commendable. youve shown diligence, dedication, and commitment to your studies. moreover, it appears you havent leaked information to ciel, caushing his resentment towards you. as the deacon of the market districts inquisition, im inclined not to cast aside someone who has earnestly climbed out of the abyss and crush their last hope. given your clean record after becoming a purifier clerk and the authenticity of the susanna mattise incident, im offering you another chance. i cant just push you out and wait for ciel to kill you or the mother tree of desires bestowed to find you again, can i? youll be terminated, but you can intern here. your salary will revert to the intern level for six months. if you excel and avoid errors during this period, you may be rehired. otherwise, youll be asked to leave immediately. in simpler terms, your punishment is a six-month probation. charlie, upon hearing these words, felt a surge of relief, as if he had plummeted into hell only to be yanked back into heaven. in a frenzy of gratitude, he slumped back into his seat, drained of strength. as angoulme departed, charlies mind reeled, scenes flashing before his eyes. after a few seconds, he raised his right hand and delivered a self-inflicted slap. muttering in frustration and regret, he reflected, to think, last night at the bar, i boasted about ciel and me being friends who had faced life and death together shortly after returning to his office, angoulme received a telegram. it originated from saint vive cathedrals plessy descartes, overseeing the trier diocese. the cardinal summoned angoulme to saint vive cathedral for a discussion. saint vive cathedral. ascending a dazzling staircase to an area near the dome, a small room awaited. it stood as one of the places in trier closest to the sun. clad in a white robe adorned with golden threads, cardinal plessy spent his days here, bathed in holy light. an elderly man with high cheekbones and grizzled blond hair, his demeanor lacked sternness, yet a radiant glow made direct eye contact impossible, rendering the room eerily devoid of shadows. while you faced challenges during the recent catastrophe due to unforeseen events and intel disruptions, your ability to grasp crucial information and manage subsequent arrangements was noteworthy. we havent overlooked your performance in the market district over the past year, plessy commended amicably. praise the sun! angoulme proclaimed, extending his arms in acknowledgment of the lords glory. plessys satisfaction deepened. in light of the current circumstances and the foreseeable future, we intend to establish three purifier teams directly under the trier diocese. this will provide flexibility in handling various beyonder incidents. at this point, the cardinal offered a rare smile. youve been swamped with work for the past six months. privately, youve voiced concerns about lacking leisure time. do not blame yourself; its a common human experience. as a deacon in the trier diocese, you should find more leisure time. your role will involve addressing cases beyond the capacity or timeframe of the purifiers in the districts. of course, this also entails risk. you must comprehend this clearly. fran?ois, sequence 4 marks a qualitative transformation. many within the inquisition are aspiring to become saints. if you wish to surpass them, you must make remarkable contributions. the first step is to become a deacon of a small team under a large diocese. the second step involves amassing contributions and wielding a holy artifact. the third step is to await an opportune moment. do you aspire to be a deacon? i respect your desires. flexibility addressing cases beyond the reach of purifiers in various districts i should typically have considerable freedom. how could there be so many significant matters i dont know if gandalfs apocalyptic prophecy holds true, but theres no harm in self-improvement angoulme pondered briefly and responded, your eminence, thy will be done. plessy smiled and said, as a deacon, youll be tasked with selecting team members. yes, your eminence. angoulme extended his arms once more, praising the sun. upon returning to the underground confines of glise saint-robert, he summoned the mixed-blood imre to his office, apprising his subordinate of the trier diocese team. are you willing to follow me? angoulme inquired. imre smiled and replied, does this mean i can advance my sequence and earn a higher salary? i have no issue with that! after agreeing, the mixed-blood inquired, who should we choose next? angoulme fell into silence for over ten seconds before stating, dont consider individuals like valentine, those with a wife and children. approach those who are single. a team under direct command is both an honor and a risk. angoulme released a soft sigh and added, which purifier with a happy family wouldnt want to witness their child grow and spend more time with their spouse? let the single individuals among us bear this burden. Chapter 505 - 505 Departure 505 departure having apprehended everyone deserving of it in the market district and putting those who hadnt been arrested on the wanted list, angoulme found a rare moment of leisure. he shifted his focus to selecting members for the trier diocese team. choosing from the inquisition in the market district was impossible. armed with information from saint vive cathedral, he casually visited the inquisition in quartier de lobservatoire, the prison district, and other locations where he engaged in detailed conversations with the target purifiers. he swiftly concluded his work and returned to his rented apartment in quartier de la cathdrale commmorative, promptly falling asleep. angoulme slept until the early hours of the morning, awakened by the growling of his stomach. he nibbled on a piece of white bread, complemented by his stockpiled jerky, butter, and red wine. observing the unwashed cutlery on the coffee table, he contentedly seated himself in front of the miniaturized analyzer and switched on the radio transceiver. during this time, the telegraph group was most active. after sending a telegram to announce his presence, angoulme pulled over a pillow, placing it behind him as he leaned comfortably against the wall. soon, amidst the clicking sounds, the analyzer, powered by numerous components, spat out a telegram. angoulmes forehead twitched at the sight of the telegrams signature: hidden blade. he picked up the telegram and quickly scanned its contents. 007, youre finally here. i have something to tell you! ive just received news that the mirror people we mentioned have been infiltrating trier over the past decade, replacing the original ones. countless trier citizens are already mirror people, and no one knows their ultimate goals, but it cant be anything good. im investigating these mirror people. ill give you new clues at any moment. keep an eye out for such matters in advance. after reading it, angoulme took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. the following morning, lumian sat in a four-wheeled, four-seater rental carriage. ludwig, clad in a caramel coat and carrying a red school bag, occupied the seat beside him. on the opposite side sat lugano toscano, with thick eyebrows and large eyes, emanating a distinct protagonist aura. glancing out the window at avenue du march, lumian noticed little deviation from the usual scene. street vendors, public carriages, and rental carriages bustled about. the suhit steam locomotive station welcomed numerous foreigners, waiters actively seeking customers, cafs doubling as beer houses, inexpensive restaurants, and card rooms, along with clerks and workers in a hurry. while seemingly unchanged, subtle shifts had occurred. rat christo had fled, giant simon was apprehended, and baron brignais was nowhere to be found. he didnt even commission information brokers to seek out his smuggled godson. the savoie mob, once dominant, faced total annihilation, setting the market district on the brink of new mob conflicts. the dark-brown rental carriage, marked with a yellow plate, gradually departed from the lively and somewhat chaotic surroundings. observing lumian divert his attention, lugano inquired ingratiatingly, should we travel by boat to feynapotter, or perhaps get false identities and take the southbound steam locomotive to explore riston province first? he initially considered mentioning cordu but refrained, sensing it might unsettle lumian. instead, he referred to their shared hometown, riston province, in a broader context. its in the hands of fate, lumian replied with a smile. producing three post-it notes, he scribbled various options with the black fountain pen he carried: boat, steam locomotive, and direct travel. crumpling the notes into balls, he deftly shuffled their positions, presenting a dazzling display of sleight of hand. your turn. lets see what fate has in store. lumian extended his right hand to lugano. isnt this too arbitrary? lugano pondered, surprised by the randomness of selecting their travel method to the feynapotter kingdom through drawing lots. despite the absurdity, he dutifully picked up a paper ball. in any case, he had already received the 5,000 verl dor advance payment! lugano unfolded the paper and read the word ship. lumian nodded and smiled. very good. then lets take the steam locomotive. luganos expression became uncertain as he instinctively glanced at the wanted criminal worth 60,000 verl dor sitting across from him. he wondered if lumian was manipulating him to eliminate the wrong option or simply playing a prank. forcing another smile, lugano suggested, shall we head back to the suhit steam locomotive station? no, to the northern train station, lumian replied, turning to ludwig, who had been quietly eating without uttering a word. northern train station? lugano felt increasingly puzzled by his employers decision. trier had two main steam locomotive stations: suhit, connecting the southern and central regions, and the northern train station, responsible for the northern provinces. if their destination was the feynapotter kingdom and riston province, the logical choice would be suhit. why, then, were they going north? recognizing that it wasnt his place to question his employers decisions, lugano instructed the carriage driver to alter their course. as noon approached, the rental carriage arrived at the northern trier train station. i have to disguise myself and find a broker to fake my identity to buy a ticket as lugano directed the carriage driver to a more remote area, he turned to look at lumian, preparing to make a suggestion. he was met with an unfamiliar face. the short flaxen-colored hair, brown eyes, and other facial features combined to create the appearance of a stranger. if not for the silver earring on his right ear and the familiar clothes, lugano might have believed they were ambushed by official beyonders, having quietly dealt with lumian. purchase a ticket to port gati in upper coastal province, lumian calmly instructed. upper coastal province, port gati lugano suddenly grasped lumians strategy. while his employer did intend to take a boat to the feynapotter kingdom, he chose a less obvious route. instead of departing from the nearest port leseur in paz province, he opted for upper coastal province to the north. for an ordinary person, it might seem wasteful, but for a wanted fugitive evading enemies, an unconventional approach could prove to be a prudent choice at avoiding potential dangers. in the business carriage of the steam locomotive, divided into six cozy private rooms, lumians gaze swept across the slightly ajar carved wooden door, the table adorned with a vibrant, multi-colored tablecloth interwoven with golden threads, the plush sofa that doubled as a bed, and the slender wooden wall adorned with oil paintings. a satisfied nod escaped him. a private room like this commanded a hefty price of 400 verl dor, accommodating no more than four individuals. the steam locomotive promised a 12-hour journey with an eight-hour night stop, totaling 20 hours. travel costs were 30 verl dor for a third-class seat, 45 verl dor for second class, and 60 verl dor for first class. the exclusive small private rooms in business class demanded 100 verl dor per person, sold only in packages to maintain the privacy of business companions. for a wanted fugitive like lumian, this setup was perfect. equipped with the lie earring and the niese face, lumian had no real need for the privacy or luxury of the business carriage, but there was a compelling reason for his choice: the business carriage provided two complimentary mealsdinner tonight and breakfast tomorrow. a convenience that would spare lumian from many hassles. sigh, a child has to eat something warm. i just hope his appetite doesnt startle the attendants after catering to ludwig for over two days, lumian recognized the importance of his travelers bag, capable of storing ample rations and desserts for long trips with the boy. the boy had to eat frequently! amidst the whistle, lumian settled into his seat, absorbing the rhythmic clanging sounds as the scenery rapidly retreated on both sides. in less than fifteen minutes, the colossal steam-spewing train departed from the bustling metropolis through the cave door carved into the high wall. it left behind a metropolis pulsating with desires, immersed in both joy and pain. lumian half-closed his eyes, overhearing someone in the private room ahead sigh, as if reciting a poem. goodbye, trier! at 8 p.m., under the cover of complete darkness, the steam locomotive came to a halt at its scheduled stopdardel station. situated on the outskirts of the upper coastal provinces faust region, in darder town, the platform was already bustling with 20 to 30 men and women eagerly rushing to different carriages. devoid of luggage, their faces radiated enthusiasm. knock! knock! knock! a middle-aged man, sporting thick black hair and a slightly hooked chin, rapped on the glass window corresponding to lumians private room. with interest, lumian pushed open the window and greeted with a smile, what can i do for you? monsieur, would you like a drink? perhaps a cozy bed instead of a sofa? the middle-aged man inquired in intisian, his accent heavy. a bar with its own motel? lumian was enlightened. it seemed like local merchants were soliciting customers right on the platform. thats right, thats right. our bar boasts some charming little frogs, the middle-aged man winked suggestively. little frogs? lugano, seated across from lumian, asked, puzzled. the middle-aged man pondered for a moment and explained, thats our slang here in coastal. it means the same as your trier pussies. in trier, pussies often carried dual meanings, referring to both female reproductive organs and prostitutes. is that so lumian had suspected as much but wasnt entirely certain. seated beside lugano, ludwig chimed in eagerly, anything good to eat? without awaiting the middle-aged mans response, lumian teased ludwig with a smile, i thought you were going to ask if the meat was tender or chewy and if it tasted good. initially unresponsive, ludwig suddenly realized something and cursed, sick! observing this, the middle-aged man swiftly introduced the local specialties. meanwhile, outside the station, dogs started barking in the town. a lone bark triggered a chorus of canine voices, shattering the nights silence. the middle-aged mans expression shifted, tainted with an indescribable sense of fear. Chapter 506 - 506 Illness 506 illness amidst the nighttime cacophony of the towns barking dogs, lumian let out a low chuckle. do you have that many dogs in dardel? y-yes. the middle-aged man managed a hesitant smile. something is off as expected. has something happened to this town? lumian had intentionally inquired, keen on observing the reactions of the resident across from him. amidst the persisting dog chorus, he concentrated on gauging the other partys luck. he had no plans to leave the steam locomotive and venture into dardel for investigation. his only recourse was to probe into the luck of the towns residents, anticipating hidden problems before they could unexpectedly spread to the train station. while termiboros could influence his luck observation, there was always a chance of being misled. lumian, lacking expertise in divination or prophecy, had limited options for gathering information without leaving the steam locomotive. factoring in various environmental details, he aimed to discern potential issues. in lumians view, the middle-aged mans luck took on a ghastly green hue. this indicated an impending illnessa rather peculiar one. the specifics, such as when or what kind of illness, eluded lumians current sequence. dog barking inducing fear, future special illnessdo dardels wild dogs cause calamities by biting and spreading diseases? thats a plausible explanation, and its not a beyonder incident, but that means theres a potential solution. the man outside seems to be grappling with a hint of despair lumian turned to the middle-aged man who was soliciting customers and said, can you bring over the food we ordered? we can do so if the meal cost exceeds two verl dor. you know, its not easy for us to enter the platform, the middle-aged man, now smiling again, replied. at that moment, the clamor of dozens of dogs subsided, no longer as intense as before. no problem, lumian casually ordered a variety of dishesapple liqueur, deep-fried potato pancakes, shrimp in gravy, dardel meat sauce, stewed pork, saltmarsh mutton, buttered pancakes, and wick cheese. the total cost amounted to 10 verl dor. ludwig couldnt help but gulp with each mention of a dish. four hours prior, an attendant had delivered a four-person standard dinner. despite managing to finish two portions alone, ludwig remained unsatisfied. he had also retrieved multiple pieces of jerky from lumians travelers bag. two hours ago, he had his first supper, consisting of cheese, dessert, bread, jerky, and more. now, he was hungry again. the middle-aged man, who had used simple words and symbols to record the dish names, couldnt resist asking, is the food provided in a carriage of this level not tasty? otherwise, why would ludwig look as though he hadnt eaten dinner? lumian responded in turn, thats right. dont ever expect to eat tasty food on a steam locomotive. after noting down the dish names and receiving 5 verl dor banknotes as a down payment, the middle-aged man with a slightly hooked chin moved to another private room. wait, lumian suddenly called out. is there anything else, monsieur? the middle-aged man turned around and inquired. lumian smiled and said, you dont look well. if you dont want to get sick, you need more rest in the next few days. the middle-aged man froze, his expression struck by lightning. after a momentary pause, panic and fear mixed on his face. a-alright. thank you. he turned around in a hurry and dashed out of the platform, forgetting to solicit other customers. dardels abnormality is indeed linked to illnesses lumian mused as he withdrew his gaze thoughtfully. lugano asked with curiosity, why cant i tell that hes sub-healthy and could fall ill at any moment? being a doctor, he possessed corresponding abilities. even without activating his spirit vision, he could discern various external manifestations of a persons body. recognizing a concealed illness and with lumians warning, he activated his spirit vision to observe the persons ether body. sub-healthy was a term coined by emperor roselle, but it had only gained popularity in intiss medical world in recent years. hes not currently in a sub-healthy state, but its very likely that he will contract a special illness lumian used luganos questions to confirm that the townsfolks illness didnt originate from him. he smiled and responded to luganos question, its never wrong to care about others health and encourage them to rest more. instinctively, lugano revealed an expression that said, i dont buy it. then, he masked it with a smile. he seems to share that concern. thats right, lumian replied patronizingly. dardels barking subsided and resounded at times. sometimes, it was just outside the platform, and at other times, it came from the edge of the town. lumian listened quietly and sighed inwardly. why am i encountering something like this again? do i bring calamity, or does calamity lure me here? from the looks of it, the problem in dardel has been around for a while. it has nothing to do with my arrival no matter how i avoid it or make choices via the use of others, ill always be drawn to calamities and unknowingly approach them is this why a hunter with an angelic level and the blood emperors remnant aura will inevitably encounter an abnormal situation despite their low sequence? in the future, will a novelist write about my experiences like gehrman sparrows? then, the line hes always accompanied by calamity would be included. as time ticked by, the middle-aged man who had been soliciting customers arrived with a bar waiter, each carrying a food container. is this what you want? he and the waiter handed plates and glasses through the window. seeing the table covered in an exquisite tablecloth filled with tempting food, lumian took a sip of the slightly sour apple liqueur and paid the remaining 5 verl dor for the meal. well collect the cutlery in an hour. we wont be disturbing you, will we? the middle-aged man asked politely. lumian nodded, giving them permission. after sidestepping with the waiter for a moment, the middle-aged man found himself returning to his original position. he couldnt resist the urge to inquire, monsieur, how do you know im about to fall ill? lumian, gesturing towards lugano across the way, explained, my friend is a renowned doctor in trier. the term renowned here applied to a wanted poster. without awaiting the middle-aged mans reply, lumian casually inquired, whats your name? just call me pierre, the middle-aged man replied, hunched over as he observed lumian in the snug private room on the steam locomotive. do you folks fancy that name around here too? lumian grinned and asked, do you think youll get sick too? pierres eyelids twitched, his expression momentarily freezing. instinctively, he replied, no, no. just a bit concerned. well then, get some rest, drink more water, and perhaps seek out the clergyman at the cathedral for repentance, lumian advised without pressing further. pierre moved towards the front of the locomotive in silence, hoping to drum up more business. however, his steps seemed burdened, as if his feet were encased in lead, each stride a struggle. woof, woof, woof! the barking resumed near the platform. pierres face contorted, overwhelmed with worry and fear. suddenly, he turned around, shaking off the waiter and rushing to the window of the small private room where lumian and the others were situated. save me, doctor, save me! he pleaded, pressing his hands against the glass with a desperate expression. lumian seized the moment, stating, unless you disclose the cause of the illness, my friend wont be able to treat you. the commotion reached the passengers in the adjacent private rooms, but in their slumber, they were indifferent to the unfolding drama. pierre swallowed hard, stealing a glance at the equally terrified bar waiter. yes, yes before he could complete his sentence, a figure materialized on the platforms wall. the figure stood firmly, legs apart, body contorted, but its head tilted upward, fixated on some distant point. it was a man, clad in tweed garments, conspicuously marked by tears and frays. his facial muscles contorted dramatically, and his eyes were rolled back, leaving only a white patch visible. saliva dribbled from his open mouth as he attempted to speak. woof! woof! woof! the barking harmonized with the other canine sounds in dardel, forming a disconcerting chorus. its derangement! pierre finally exclaimed. derangement? lumian shifted his attention from the man barking on the wall to lugano. lugano observed the abnormality for a moment before slowly shaking his head at lumian. his message was clear: this wasnt your typical case of rabies. pierre, mistakenly thinking lumian was addressing him, was on the brink of emotional collapse. yes, derangement! i dont know when it started. people in our town began turning into barking lunatics. initially, it was just one, but then two, three, ten many acquaintances of mine got infected, completely losing their minds. they only bark like dogs and are most active during the night! did they contract it from being bitten by these lunatics? lugano inquired with a furrowed brow. no, the ones i know werent bitten, but they still went mad! i-i feel like im soon next! pierre exclaimed in despair. you didnt seek help from the government? lumian was puzzled, thinking that official beyonders wouldnt allow such a situation to escalate. we heard about a village having a similar situation as derangement; they reported it to the government, and then the whole village vanished. we we didnt dare approach either the government or the church! pierre explained frantically, with the bar waiter by his side equally terrified. lumians eyes narrowed. where are the people from the towns health department, police station, and the cathedrals padre? they were the first to succumb to madness. pierre, caught up in distress, didnt consider lumians intentions in asking. the initial casualties were the padre, police, and health officials lumian raised an eyebrow and remarked, so why havent you tried escaping from dardel? escape pierre and the bar waiter were startled, staring blankly at lumian. beneath the crimson moonlight, the whites of their eyes took on a bloodshot hue. Chapter 507 - 507 Dead End 507 dead end pierre and the bar waiter locked eyes with lumian and the others, their bloodshot gaze shifting from vacant to sheer terror. in hushed tones, they uttered frantically, you folks are aware you folks are aware that theres derangement here abruptly, pierres face contorted, and he bellowed in hysteria, none of you can leave! once the outsiders catch wind of this, were all done for! he swiftly maneuvered through the steam locomotives open window, attempting to climb in and forcefully pull lumian and the others out. in response, lugano rose to his feet, delivering a powerful blow with his right fist. with a resounding thud, pierre slumped, unconscious, hanging awkwardly from the window. the bar waiter, seemingly unhinged, trampled over the fallen man, attempting to leap into the carriage. lugano struck again, his punch rendering the bloodshot-eyed bar waiter unconscious. he slumped over pierre, creating an unusual tableau. they didnt abnormally transform into monsters lumian had previously speculated that the two town folks had succumbed suddenly to derangement. turning to lumian, lugano inquired in a low voice, what do we do? what do we do? lumian echoed the doctors inquiry. the unfolding events not only displayed an abnormality but also left him with a sense of inner conflict and displacement. the peculiar derangement, causing people to lose their sanity and transform into canine-like creatures, coupled with the consecutive onset of various illnesses, unmistakably hinted at supernatural forces at play. however, the mystery deepened as pierre and the other townsfolk, who were evidently concerned about keeping derangement a secret, freely disclosed the information to lumian. this apparent contradiction could be attributed to pierres overwhelming mental stress, pushed to the brink. lumians mention of future sickness served as the tipping point, prompting pierre to instinctively guard the secret from leaking when reminded. yet, the lingering question persisted: why not escape? faced with an infectious and unstoppable derangement, wouldnt it be prudent for ordinary humans to flee dardel and return once the plague had subsided? even if they feared attracting attention from the authorities by fleeing, a temporary escape into the nearby mountains after addressing those potentially afflicted could provide a solution. unless there was some force preventing the citizens of dardel from escaping! lumian deduced this from various details. the townsfolk were cognizant of similar derangement cases elsewhere, resulting in entire villages being wiped out by the authorities. normally, such incidents would be reported as a tragic disaster with everyone buried. after the initial infection, key figures like the cathedrals clergyman, the police, and health department officials succumbed to madness, severing dardels connection with regional authorities from the start. it appeared as if an intelligent and dangerous individual deliberately spread derangement, employing tactics to hinder the townsfolk from escaping. why would this mastermind allow pierre and others to divulge the situation to the doctor on the steam locomotive? if the steam train were to stay in dardel, unable to reach port gati by the next morning, it would undoubtedly attract official beyonder investigation. lumian, thinking from the masterminds perspective, considered it illogical to choose a transportation hub regularly frequented by steam locomotives. even without lumians inquiries, those choosing to enter dardel to sleep under a warm blanket and sample beautiful frogs would eventually notice the abnormality, raising suspicions. they couldnt all be made to stay behind, could they? this would lead to an investigation! there are many contradictions, inconsistencies, and inexplicable aspects hes smart yet foolish, cautious yet careless lumian, contemplating the intricacies, turned to lugano and said, what else can we do? of course, we have to find a way to inform the authorities about this. dont tell me you want to investigate the source of the derangement and save the residents here, do you? i didnt expect you to be so noble. lugano smiled awkwardly. the latter possibility had never crossed his mind. how should we inform the authorities? he asked sincerely, admitting his lack of experience in such matters. the simplest solution is to get the train police here and tell them what pierre said. have them use the trains radio to contact the relevant departments in the faust area or the upper coastal province, lumian suggested casually. however, lugano hesitated, expressing concern, b-but as witnesses, well be invited to assist in the investigation. o-our identities are fake, and even if we use your mystical item to change our appearances, its easy to expose that were beyonders under the influence of some mysticism abilities. lumian pondered for a moment and offered an alternative with a smile, then find an empty room on the platform, pile dozens of bundles of explosives, and detonate them. the explosion will send the roof flying, destroying the house. this way, the conductor and the train police will report it quickly, and the officials in the faust area will take notice. when they investigate further, theyll discover the hidden problem in dardel. how about that? we wont need to personally show our faces in this plan, right? lugano considered the proposal but raised another concern, when the authorities investigate further, theyll discover that weve interacted with dardels residents. theyll worry that we might also be in danger of contracting derangement. when the time comes, we wont be able to pass the scrutiny. lumian felt a twinge of frustration, recalling how he and his sister had been trapped in cordu after the abnormality. everything they did had its cons. he chuckled and said, then investigate the source of the derangement personally and blast it into pieces! this will completely resolve the problem without attracting the officials attention! ludwig, who had consumed countless suppers, swallowed the deep-fried potato pie in his mouth and calmly said, after informing the authorities about derangement, why stay here and wait for them to investigate? cant we just leave, change our identities, and take another steam locomotive to another port? uh lumian was taken aback. why hadnt i thought of such a simple idea? just now, the more lugano and i discussed, the deeper we delved into a dead end. we were entirely focused on finding a reason and excuse for entering dardel to investigate the source of the derangement a realization hit lumian, and his heart skipped a beat. nonchalantly, he gazed at lugano, assessing the doctors luck. the other partys luck in the future would also be tainted with a ghastly green! with a smile, lumian said to lugano, you also have the possibility of contracting derangement. lugano was taken aback for a moment before asking with a pale face, really? think of it as a joke, lumian turned his head, seemingly relaxed, and said to ludwig, see, there are many benefits to studying more. in the past, you wouldnt have thought of such a solution and only knew nothing but eating. ignoring the hunter, ludwig forked a piece of mutton into his mouth. what should i do? what should i do lugano muttered to himself, attempting to use his doctor powers on himself to see if he could be saved. lumian interrupted him. no rush. theres just a risk of contracting the illness. you just need to leave this place before you get truly infected. as he spoke, he stood up and walked out of the private room. w-where are you going? lugano blurted out. lumian slipped his hands into his pockets and responded with a smile. inform the authorities about derangement. lugano was momentarily at a loss for words and expressions. all he could do was watch in a daze as lumian strolled out of the private room. reaching the trains washroom, lumian locked the door and activated the black mark representing spirit world traversal. his figure swiftly vanished, reappearing in apartment 702 at 9 rue orosai, quartier de la cathdrale commmorative in trier. neither franca nor jenna was asleep at this hour. one was engrossed in a novel, while the other contemplated what knowledge to impart to rabbit chasel. w-why are you back? franca jumped in fright. she had the illusion that she had just dropped him off at school in the morning and found him at home, legs up, eating snacks, and watching television in the afternoon. lumian glanced at franca and smiled. we encountered a beyonder incident and wish to inform the authorities through your channels to have them resolve it. franca exclaimed in surprise and amusement, y-you encountered another beyonder incident? what a mysticism catastrophe detector!? jenna looked at lumian and suddenly felt that it was a good thing for him to leave trier. i didnt want to either. lumian spread his hands sincerely. franca exhaled and said, where is it? what kind of incident? in dardel in upper coastal provinces faust region lumian briefly recounted the situation. franca and jenna were both surprised and terrified by the contagious derangement. simultaneously, franca muttered inwardly, i wonder how 007 will react to this surprise hes always telling me to get out of the market district. if i really do, hell realize that not only will beyonder cases in triers other districts pile up on him, the mystical catastrophes of intiss other provinces will also descend upon him ah, thats right. what does it have to do with me? its all lumians fault! thankfully, this fellow is heading to the feynapotter kingdom in the future. no matter what beyonder incidents he encounters, its no longer 007s problem. he cant possibly collaborate across borders after explaining the situation in dardel, lumian didnt linger. he teleported back to the washroom of the steam locomotives business carriage. he turned on the tap and washed his hands without hesitation. then, he left the washroom and returned to the small private room. he said to lugano, the authorities will react soon. lets prepare to leave. lugano sprang to his feet. at that moment, the unconscious pierre slowly regained consciousness, shaking the bar waiter off his body and landing on the platform. lumian looked at him and smiled. well stay and investigate the source of derangement. can you tell me who patient zero was? who was it pierre didnt lose his mind and attack lumian and the others like before. instead, he fell into deep thought. Chapter 508 - 508 Patient Zero 508 patient zero lugano, who had been listening, shot lumian a puzzled glance. he couldnt fathom why lumian would strike up a casual conversation with pierre just as they were on the verge of departing. a few more moments, and the official beyonders would make their entrance! besides, delving too deep into this matter could invite trouble down the road. they might end up under scrutiny, or worse, attract the attention of the derangements source, prompting immediate intervention! pierre pondered for more than ten seconds before uttering with uncertainty, patient zero seemed to be a guest renting a room at our bar foreigner? lumian inquired with composure. having already briefed the official beyonders about the derangement through franca and resolved to find an opportunity to teleport away later, lumian was no longer as tense as before. thus, before leaving, he aimed to unravel more about derangement and construct a plausible explanation for the inconsistencies. this quest for information, problem analysis, and uncovering of clues and answers was all part of a conspirers acting. with some idle time on his hands, lumian seized the chance to digest some of the potion. lumian wasnt overly concerned about the potential repercussions of being privy to this situation. could the information on derangement hold a candle to 0-01s sealed intel? moreover, as long as he didnt go berserk on the spot, he could later seek assistance from his superior to explore potential solutions! pierre contemplated for a few seconds, his expression reflecting confusion, and then he said, probably i cant recall her name, and i have no idea where she came from. all i remember is that she suddenly lost her mind and dashed from the motel upstairs to the bar. she tried to bite people and barked like a dog. the infected foreigner spreading derangement to dardel? then why were the townsfolk displaying no inclination to escape this place? is this also a manifestation of derangement? lumian asked thoughtfully, did she manage to bite anyone? what happened to her? we took care of her before she could sink her teeth into anyone. we apprehended her and handed her over to the health department, pierre recollected. sent to the health department? lumian nodded slowly. did the next person to succumb to madness come from the health department? yes, exactly! pierre affirmed this time. lumian pondered for a moment and inquired, what did the resident look like? a young woman. her face was a bit pale, and her eyes were vacant. i-i cant recall her appearance pierre couldnt help but raise his palm and rub his head. upon hearing this, lumians heart stirred. if the root of all the abnormalities in dardel indeed stemmed from a deranged individual, many contradictions could find an explanation! patient zero was already in a state of madness; instinctively, she would spread derangement to those around her in a supernatural sense, regardless of whether it was an isolated village or a bustling town serving as a transportation hub. simultaneously, she would subconsciously employ her ability to disseminate the supernatural derangement, dropping hints to the townsfolk that leaving wasnt an option. she would control all channels that might carry the news. however, due to her madness and lack of thorough consideration, she didnt explicitly order the townsfolk not to discuss derangement with the steam locomotive passengers. certainly, it wasnt necessarily due to a lack of thorough consideration. lumian believed it was more plausible that the lunatics instincts desired to involve more people and infect them with derangement. consequently, people who were aware of this werent permitted to leave or seek help from the authorities. on the other hand, the prohibition didnt prevent residents from discussing derangement with passersby. this was a limited and relatively safe method of contagion. passengers who knew about derangement were akin to approaching the source of the plague. for instance, luganos luck had turned, increasing the probability of contracting the disease. lumian and he had forgotten the option of escaping. the more they communicated, the more desperate they became, ultimately reaching a dead end. they were resolute in entering dardel to investigate. this was a precursor to becoming infected with derangement. unbeknownst to them, they had inadvertently received a mental cue. with this in mind, lumian suspected that the young woman might be a survivor of the village that had previously been eradicated, a potential carrier who had escaped the authorities purge. she had intertwined these memories with derangement and disseminated them. that was how the residents of dardel learned about a similar plague in a village wiped out by the authorities. typically, they lacked the qualifications or means to know such things! having formulated this preliminary hypothesis, lumian smiled and turned to pierre and the bar waiter, asking, where is the village you mentioned that was destroyed by the authorities because of derangement? i-i think its somewhere in the haut-hornacis province pierre recalled the rumors he had heard. haut-hornacis province thats quite a distance from upper coastal province. moreover, theres no direct steam locomotive; it requires a transfer through a few provinces in the west midseashire coast or trier. how could you folks, who rarely leave dardel, have heard such a rumor? did a bard or passenger from haut-hornacis province pass by this transportation hub? the more lumian pondered, the more he leaned toward his hypothesis. he refrained from pressing further and probed pierre, this derangement holds significant research value. well venture into dardel to investigate its source and try to find a cure. however, preparations will take some time. moreover, its nighttime. at dawn, we will step into dardel. we wont depart until we resolve the problem. lumian stressed the phrases will enter dardel and will not leave for the time being to gauge pierre and the bar waiters reactions. their expressions underwent several changes, and they were no longer as hysterical as before. after a few moments, pierre implored, you must come to town tomorrow! no problem, lumian replied with a reassuring smile. he was now even more convinced that this was an instinctive infection and influence. there was no structured approach to handling the alterations. as long as he avoided triggering a crucial matter or even took the initiative to broach the topic of cooperation, he could effectively deceive the source of derangement. observing pierre and the bar waiter about to move toward the other windows of the steam locomotive, lumian called out to them, wait a moment. after the two of them turned in surprise, lumian gestured towards the table between the two sofas. you can take the cutlery away now. pierre and the bar waiter glanced at the dining table in confusion, realizing that only remnants were left on the empty plates. had they finished eating already? the delivery men hadnt even departed yet! pierre and the bar waiter were aware that they had spent a considerable amount of time discussing the derangement issue, but it still felt surreal. wont they eating too quickly? was he feeding three lions? burp ludwig wiped his mouth with a tablecloth, a content expression on his face. after the two townsfolk cleared away the cutlery, gathered their food boxes, and departed from the platform, lumian smiled at lugano and remarked, continue watching. chill. i cant chill. how are we to escape when the official beyonders arrive? luganos heart felt like it was being grilled. observing his reaction, lumian muttered silently, hes indeed acting like a wild beyonder with a low sequence and little knowledge he doesnt show anything special like ludwig is he really an ordinary wild beyonder who only accepted a mission to follow me? simultaneously, lumian focused his attention and checked luganos luck. he realized that the ghastly green traces had vanished, and there was no grisly calamity in store. this meant that the doctor no longer had the potential to contract derangement, and he likely wouldnt be embroiled in the officials operations to deal with dardels abnormality later. after a while, lumian heard a loud noise and saw the night suddenly brighten outside. light streamed down from midair. lumian looked up and noticed two colossal objects floating in the night. they were two airships clad in dark gray paint, frantically spinning their paddles. they were much smaller than the one lumian had seen in trier. the condensed light shone from their front and lower positions, converging on the edge of dardel. simultaneously, the town erupted in a cacophony of barking once more, as if movement was taking place everywhere. the officials from the faust region are here? lumian averted his gaze, awaiting the outcome. shouts, cries, gunshots, and various beams of sunlight continued for nearly an hour before completely subsiding. before long, a team of police officers entered the private room, questioning the now disguised, fake identification-wielding lumian and companys interactions with dardels residents. other than anything related to derangement, lumian told them everything honestly. he was ready to teleport away with ludwig and lugano at any moment. after recording and comparing tickets and identification, the police officers left the carriage. lumian patiently waited until dawn. the police officers returned, presenting three contracts and requesting their signatures. the contract explained that the disturbance from the previous night had resulted from a special military operation, and everyone was obligated to keep it confidential. does what i revealed before my signature count? lumian chuckled inwardly and calmly signed with an alias. his fake identity had just been activated, and it had minimal mystic connections. after the police departed, lumian, having intentionally gone through the official process firsthand, intended to grasp lugano and ludwigs shoulders and teleport away. uncertain if the contract signed with an alias would be discovered, he aimed to avoid potential risks. at that moment, lumian noticed a towering figure behind lugano. it was his messenger, penitent baynfel, draped in a dark clergymans robe and surrounded by charred flames. baynfel sent a folded letter drifting towards lumian. lugano was taken aback to see a piece of paper materialize. he instinctively glanced behind him, but lumian opened the letter and perused its contents. based on the feedback i received, this should be the escape of a sealed artifact. that sealed artifact resembles a young woman. it first surfaced during a catastrophe in haut-hornacis province. most of the time, she remains in her normal state, appearing lifeless, pale, and muddle-headed. however, once she enters a state of madness, she gradually infects the surrounding people with the same derangement as her. theres no definite transmission pattern. she might not be in the same state every time she goes mad. the same goes for her derangement symptoms. in her normal state, although shes like an unintelligent ghost and acts on instinct, she possesses a power akin to the power of speech, where whatever she says comes true, and if she declares someone dead, they will die Chapter 509 - 509 Ironclad Merchant Ship 509 ironclad merchant ship also possesses the ability to turn spoken words into reality before the derangement took hold, she acted on instinct, her pale face and lifeless eyes mirroring the description of patient zero by pierre. lumian delved into the catastrophes details through francas letter, gaining a deeper understanding. his speculations, rooted in pierres answers and behavior, aligned closely with the truth. the divergence lay in lumians belief that the initial infected individual was a genuine lunatic that acted on instinct, while official information identified her as a humanoid sealed artifact, still governed by instinct, that lacked intelligence whether in her normal state or deranged state. lumians speculations, however, didnt rule out the possibility that the young woman had transformed into a true lunaticone that instinctively spread derangementdue to some form of corruption, necessitating her sealing. as for why it was a seal and not a direct eradication, lumian could roughly guess the reason. the ability to kill anyone at will was still coveted, despite various restrictions. the power to eliminate anyone at will remained highly sought after, despite certain constraints. whether it was the inquisition, the machinery hivemind, or bureau 8, they all prioritized sealing over destruction if a viable method existed. lumian knew they might even depend on her to handle future crises. his eyes moved down the letters contents, absorbing the information. as for additional details, confidentiality prevents the source from providing more. keep a vigilant eye on individuals like her. if you uncover anything suspicious, immediately distance yourself and report it to the authorities. no specifics about her origins, the sealing technique, the manifestation of speech, or how to counteract derangement were provided. no concrete seal level or number despite dardels abnormality and prior descriptions, even if it isnt a grade 1 sealed artifact, it holds significant and terrifying properties among grade 2 sealed artifacts lumian pondered briefly, then stowed the letter in his travelers bag without incinerating it on the spot. at that moment, lugano was observing his back in bewilderment. despite activating his spirit vision, he found nothing. lumians messenger, penitent baynfel, had long departed. lets go, lumian sighed, reaching out to grasp ludwig and luganos shoulders. his foremost regret was the wasted third of the 400 verl dor fare. he still needed to source different cafs for ludwigs breakfast; he couldnt allow him to be satiated from one place to avoid raising suspicion. in the next instant, lugano felt as if he had crossed into the spirit world hed just glimpsed. instead of being a mere observer, he plunged deeper into layers of saturated colors, bathing in the light of seven different-colored brilliances overhead. surrounded by indescribable faces and figures, he sped toward an unknown destination. dizziness overcame him, but in just over ten seconds, his feet met solid ground. buildings in beige, brownish-red, and light yellow surrounded him. lumian hadnt teleported too far and chose faust, with dardel falling under its jurisdiction. under the dawns light, lumian adorned the lie earring and retrieved a tweed coat from his travelers bag, seamlessly altering his appearance, height, and attire in a secluded alley. in less than a minute, he morphed into an entirely different person. though not the first time lugano had witnessed this, he couldnt help but be slightly shocked by the scene. what a mystical item and formidable ability! whether it was the silver earring allowing one to adjust appearance within a certain range or the coin bag with seemingly infinite capacity, lugano had never seen anything like it. occasionally, hed heard other bounty hunters speak of official beyonders possessing beyonder-level disguises. lumian tossed the lie earring to lugano, casually stating, get three more sets of fake identities and buy steam locomotive tickets that will arrive in port gati today. am i a translator, guide, or your attendant? lugano criticized as he caught the mystical silver earring. he forced a smile and said, ive never been to the faust area, so i dont know who to find for fake identities. the principles are common. i trust your experience, lumian replied with a smile. alright, since youre paying lugano muttered silently, retrieving a change of clothes from his suitcase. at the northern trier train station, lumian had already paid him 1,000 verl dor for the fake identities and informed him that he would handle similar expenses in the future. after ludwig put on the lie earring, lugano left the alley with his suitcase. lumian activated the niese face, altering his appearance once more, and trailed lugano from afar while holding ludwig, who was adjusting his height and appearance. he wanted to observe the doctors actions and reactions in an unfamiliar place to uncover potential issues. to prevent ludwig from protesting, lumian held down his wide-brimmed hat and tossed him a few loaves of baguettes. ludwig, not clamoring for a hot meal, obediently nibbled on the food as lumian pulled him along. in the early morning, the bars were closed, so lugano headed to the nearest market and approached a prowler suspected to be a mobster. using money, he bought access and discovered where to obtain fake identities. throughout the process, lugano appeared no different from an ordinary bounty hunter. lumian wasnt disappointed or displeased. he calmly followed lugano until he secured a differently scheduled steam locomotive. only then did he dispel the niese face and rendezvous with his companion. in port gati, upper coastal province, lumian occupied a luxurious hotel room near the sea. standing before the expansive glass window, he observed the azure sky, seemingly washed in water, contrasting with the clear and pure sea below, resembling gems. the clear and melodious calls of gurgling seabirds, accompanied by their graceful figures, traversed between white clouds, white beaches, and ship masts. even without opening the window, lumian could intuitively feel the refreshing sea breeze from the sea. this port, a main entry point for products from industrial cities in the west midseashire coast into the fog sea, was famous for trade and shipbuilding, boasting prosperity. contrary to trieriens beliefs about scarce sunlight in the north, port gati remained perpetually bathed in sunlight, with autumn maintaining a mild temperature. as ludwig chewed, lumian admired the seascape and distant harbor, awaiting luganos return with tickets to the feynapotter kingdoms port santa. at that moment, penitent baynfel, abnormally tall and clad in a black clergymans robe, emerged from the void, silently handing lumian a letter. thank you, lumian acknowledged out of habit before taking the letter and unfolding it. dardels derangement has been contained. theyve eliminated the severely infected residents, treated the slightly infected, but the sealed artifact is nowhere to be found. according to the information gathered at the scene, it appears she returned to normal a few days ago and left dardel. her current whereabouts are unknown. the spreading derangement resulted from the severely corrupted sea of minds. the townsfolks abnormal behaviorunwilling to leave dardel yet keen on informing passersby about derangementlikely stems from the corrupted sea of minds. anthonys recently learned terminology describes it as a sea of collective subconscious forming a mind world with the island of consciousness and the spirituality sky. be cautious in the future; theres a risk of being drawn to another mystical catastrophe caused by the sealed artifact. they didnt catch the sealed artifact lumian clicked his tongue, sensing a brewing headache. honestly, there was nothing he could do. upon arriving in dardel, the other party had already departed, leaving the catastrophe still unfolding. at 3 p.m., lumian, accompanied by lugano and ludwig, boarded the flying bird, a merchant ship bound for the feynapotter kingdoms port santa. opting for a first-class cabin, they secured a suite featuring a master bedroom, a childs room, a servants quarters, a living room, and a washroom. with specialized attendants at their service, they gained access to the most upscale dining room and the exclusive cigar room. the cost, a hefty 700 verl dor, was nearly equivalent to charlies annual income as a hotel attendant. money was something lumian cared about, yet not too much. past experiences and his sisters guidance had made him instinctively calculative, but the relatively easy acquisition of money, like the 30,000 verl dor he obtained from the safe at salle de bal brise, lessened the sting. besides, he already possessed the potion formula, main ingredients, and supplementary ingredients for his next sequence, eliminating the immediate need for accumulating funds. as a devoted reader of the adventurer series, lumian knew of the numerous human-shaped treasures at sea. if he needed money, he was willing to imitate his idol and cull them. the flying bird, the latest steam-powered ship, was entirely made of steel, with no sails but smokestacks emitting fog and masts with watchtowers. iron-gray with intertwining red and gold colors, the ship boasted a wide deck, numerous gun emplacements, and surpassed classic sailboats in displacement, passenger capacity, speed, and sturdiness. when compared to those backward-era fellows, it was like an adult looking down on children. before the cordu incident, lumian had considered embarking on a maritime journey, inspired by the adventurer gehrman sparrow, to entice his sister. however, aurore had deferred this plan until after his university graduation. in the spacious, brightly lit living room of the first-class cabin, lumian gazed out the window at the azure sea, lost in thought. ooo! amidst the whistle, mist billowed from the chimneys of the flying bird. the massive iron-armored merchant ship slowly departed port gati, accompanied by the symphony of various machinery starting to operate, heading into the depths of the sea. squawk! squawk! the cries of seabirds reverberated through the clouds. Chapter 510 - 510 First Day at Sea 510 first day at sea amidst the billowing smoke, the flying bird cut through the fog sea, heading west towards the intis colony in the fog sea archipelago. they were the same islands in the saying, never trust an islander. from there, it would journey south to port santa, northwest of the feynapotter kingdom. though the fog sea was notorious for its heavy fog, the offshore areas were less affected. lumian spent the next three hours under the bright sun, immersed in a bookan introductory textbook for the feynapotter kingdoms highlander language. while he had lugano, his translator and guide, lumian didnt want to be completely reliant on him for information and communication. if anything happened to lugano, or if he were to deliberately manipulate translations, lumian would be vulnerable. mastering some basic highlander phrases before reaching port santa would allow lumian to verify the accuracy of translations and give him some independence. typically, learning highlander in less than ten days was nearly impossible for beyonders not from the reader pathway. however, lumian had a significant advantage: his knowledge of ancient feysac, the original language from which highlander evolved. the two languages shared many similarities in sentence structure, meaning, grammar, and word structure, allowing lumian to learn highlander much faster. when can dinner be delivered? ludwig paced restlessly in front of lumians recliner, frustrated that the exclusive attendant hadnt yet arrived with dinner, despite the darkening sky. lumian closed his book as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows illuminated by the kerosene lamp. with a chuckle, he said, blame yourself for ordering so much. they need time to cook it all. thankfully, the first-class cabin has an independent kitchen, otherwise theyd be overwhelmed before he could finish, the doorbell rang. as the chimes reverberated, lugano opened the thick vermilion door to find the young attendant pushing a dining cart into the room, its surface covered in a thick yellowish-brown carpet. under ludwigs eager gaze, the attendant calmly laid out the tablecloth and utensils. this is a local delicacy, gati herring. it involves marinating smoked soft herring filets, onions, and carrot slices in olive oil, thyme, bay leaves, and other spices for 24 to 48 hours. its perfect with warm potato salad. and these are deep-fried fries. in upper coastal province, theres a saying: without fries, theres no heaven theres also raisin cream bread these are fresh oysters and shellfish this is faust turkey, ham and mushroom burrito. this is umus duck minced meat and coarse brown sugar vanilla waffle this is traditional orange cheese and theres also a pungent gray cheese. would you like to give it a try? this is upper coastal provinces favorite apple cider[1] lumian listened with genuine interest as the attendant described each dish. he noticed that, despite his impatience, ludwig didnt immediately attack his food. instead, he waited patiently until the attendant finished before sampling the pre-meal bread and savoring the pickled herring. did something awaken in him? lumian glanced at the child in confusion. not bad, ludwig remarked with a professional air. the smoky taste is just right. it blends perfectly with the fragrance and seasoning despite his praise, seven-year-old lumian couldnt help but find the whole scene with ludwigs chubby, youthful face and serious demeanor comical. port gati, being near the sea, boasted excellent seafood. the oysters and other shellfish were not only tastier than most restaurants in trier, but also considerably cheaper. lumian sipped his brewed apple cider, enjoying the unique local flavors. with ludwigs impressive appetite, the eight-person dinner soon ended, leaving only clean plates and bones behind. lumian and lugano, despite not being small eaters themselves, found themselves dwarfed by ludwigs consumption despite eating two servings each. this was especially impressive considering hed already devoured afternoon tea and dessert earlier. i dont see you visiting the washroom often where does all the food go? do you have a bottomless pit for a stomach? lumian mused, sizing ludwig up. he stood up and turned to lugano. im feeling for a drink. want to join me at the ships bar? i didnt catch a wink last night. planned to hit the hay early today. lugano couldnt wrap his head around his employers boundless energy. despite a sleepless night and a full day of travel, lumian buzzed with life, ready to hit the bar. could it be because his sequence is higher? the kid with the odd appetite looks pretty charged too lumian didnt extend an invite to the translator. after leaving a late-night snack for ludwig, he swapped into a plain dark brown jacket and left the room, heading for the first-class bar. the bar oozed elegance, filled with the soft tunes of a small band. sparse patrons scattered around, soaking in the quiet atmosphere. lumian scanned the scene for a moment from the entrance, then shook his head and exited. he descended the stairs to the deck, slipping into the bar serving third-class cabins and the regular crew. a chaos of noiseshouts, cheers, claps, and random singingsaturated the air, echoing around lumian. he instantly felt a sense of homecoming. a wave of ease washed over him, and every cell in his body kicked up a notch. thats more like it a seasoned regular at the ol tavern from a young age, lumian swayed a bit as he edged up to the bar counter. a glass of la fe verte. he thumped the wooden surface. the bartender, a young man with feynapotter features, greeted lumian. his face was slim, adorned with black hair, eyes, and distinct contours. his slightly yellowish skin highlighted his appealing facial features. alright, 10 licks, the bartender replied in intisian, his foreign accent apparent. the ships prices trumps even those in trier as lumian counted out the coins, he noticed the bartender divert his attention and engage with sincerity and enthusiasm. madame, what would you like to drink? a glass of cherry wine, a lady in a thick yellow dress responded, showcasing a pretty face and light green eyes. alright! the bartender, not seeking payment upfront, prepared to serve the lady. i was here first, lumian reminded the bartender with a smile. without hesitation, the bartender replied, this is such a beautiful and dazzling lady. my heart tells me to serve her first. oh, hes truly from feynapotter lumian didnt get upset. instead, it felt like he was watching a circus act. feynapotterians, with their romantic nature and relentless pursuit of love, placed their faith in earth mother, emphasizing the importance of women. men in this kingdom would praise any woman they encountered, openly pursuing those they fancied. aurore had once mentioned that feynapotters men were masters of country romance. despite their mushiness and overt sincerity, they didnt come off as cheesy; rather, they exuded a different kind of elegance. in comparison, the romantic intisians seemed lacking. however, influenced by tradition and faith, most feynapotterians placed great importance on family, reproduction, and children, preferring settled family lives. unless entering marriage without coercion, they were akin to the conservative loenese, finding it challenging to accept extramarital affairs. while exceptions existed, even in the most conservative loen kingdom, the prevalence of adultery wasnt as exaggerated or common as in intis. many believed that love didnt necessarily thrive within the confines of marriage. after the lady settled her tab and departed with the cherry wine, the bartender served lumian la fe verte, garnishing it with a mint leaf. he remarked without a trace of guilt, my grandmother always said to give special treatment to every lady, especially the beautiful ones. i get it. lumian slipped back into his role as a regular at ol tavern. sipping his absinthe, he concocted a tale. i once had numerous beautiful companions, even more stunning than the last lady. unfortunately, being just one person, i couldnt marry them all simultaneously the bartender suddenly felt a camaraderie. i often feel the same regrets. there are too many beautiful women in this world, and im just one person. whats your name? louis, just call me louis. lumian provided his alias. his current identity was louis berry. im francesco, the bartender shared with lumian. the familiar setting, the customary boasting, and the vibrant ambiance left lumian feeling a bit tipsy, despite not imbibing much. if not for the mysticism catastrophe, if aurore were still alive, if hed already entered university with no other concerns, wouldnt it be nice to just unwind at a bar? sea travelers couldnt help but discuss pirates. bartender francesco informed lumian, with the widespread use of ironclad warship technology on merchant vessels, its become tough for pirates. their sailboats cant match these iron-skinned monsters cruising at 16 to 17 knots. they cant plunder them even if they tried! lowering his voice, francesco continued, pirates go-to strategy now is sending individuals disguised as passengers to board ships from different ports. once they hit a designated area in the sea, they create internal chaos, gaining initial control and allowing a nearby pirate ship to close in. is that so? lumian inquired with interest. any guesses on who might be an undercover pirate on this ship? francesco was taken aback. its just the first day. how can i tell? lumian smiled, teasing, ever been through something like this before? [1] from le tour de france gourmand Chapter 511 - 511 Warning 511 warning 511 warning francesco let out a heavy sigh and spoke, back in the first half of the year, when i tended bar on another ship, we ran into pirates. over ten of them were among the passengers. they seized control of the engine and boiler cabins right from the start, repelling any attempts by the crew to fight back. they waited for their pirate vessel to draw near. thank you, earth mother. they only ransacked the cabins one by one, and as long as we didnt resist, they left us unharmed. naturally, the beautiful ladies and gentlemen were excluded. you cant expect pirates to have high moral standards. lumian took a sip of mint-flavored absinthe, a smile playing on his lips. arent they worried that there might be someone like the adventurer gehrman sparrow among the passengers? what if they encounter a powerhouse unwilling to part with their money and ready to use force? francesco was caught off guard by lumians question. after a pause, he replied, being a pirate involves higher risks, doesnt it? that does make sense, lumian nodded in agreement. francesco went on, many merchant ships nowadays hire retired navy personnel, maritime adventurers, and professional mercenaries for protection. theyre tough and can handle onboard disturbances. plus, they make pirates think twice, leaving room for negotiation. there was a similar incident on a merchant ship before. pirates had the upper hand, took control, but hesitated to take on a sailor team led by adventurers. they opted for negotiations, demanded a protection fee, and withdrew without looting the cabins. lumian chuckled. if i were a pirate, id start a security company in port gati, offering knowledgeable maritime mercenaries. if ships hire them, id earn some fees. if not, well, then its time for a good old-fashioned plunder. either way, id make a profit. francesco eyed the black-haired, green-eyed man in his twenties with surprise and muttered, dont tell me youre an undercover pirate? the maritime factions are in chaos. can your subordinates protect those who hire you from other pirates? sigh, thats why ive never liked the sea. stepping on the ground gives me a greater sense of security. praise the earth, praise the mother of all things! a pure feynapotterian who believes in earth mother lumian smiled and asked, if you dont like the sea, why are you still working as a bartender on the ship? francescos expression gradually became animated. dont you find it romantic to have an independent kingdom, one that can hardly contact the outside world, floating out at sea? when you meet a beautiful lady here, youll feel that only the two of you are left in the entire world. you can only rely on each other. your ultimate goal is to find a romantic encounter? sometimes, lumian found it hard to comprehend the feynapotterians and some trieriens who resembled them. at that moment, francesco gestured towards a round table. thats philip, the security supervisor of the flying bird. he claims to be a retired officer of the fog sea fleet. he destroyed numerous pirate ships with his cannons and personally captured many pirates with wanted posters. lumian followed francescos finger, gazing at the hall illuminated by kerosene chandeliers. a group of men and women gathered around a round table to the side. in their midst was a middle-aged man with short light-gold hair, light-blue eyes, and a weathered face. despite his appearance, he didnt exude seriousness or formality. philip, clad in a dark-blue tweed crew attire, raised a glass of lanti proof and boasted, when i served on the san martin, i crossed paths with the queen of ailment, tracy. back then, she was only vice admiral ailment. tsk tsk, as expected of the most beautiful woman in the five seas ill tell you this, if we ever encounter a formidable pirate, dont fret. i know them, and i have a certain level of friendship with them. at the very least, i can negotiate haha, dont ask why naval officers have ties to great pirates. there are many things at sea you dont understand, and its best not to delve into them the men and women surrounding philip listened attentively, occasionally expressing surprise at the mention of influential figures or when he narrated thrilling adventure stories. at some point, philips left hand had wrapped around a girls waist, and she didnt make any attempt to escape. instead, she wore a shy expression. lumian averted his gaze and asked bartender francesco, does he really know so many great pirates? is he genuinely a retired officer of the fog sea fleet? having finished wiping a cup, francesco spread his hands and said, who knows? however, since he took over as the flying birds security supervisor, we havent faced any pirate attacks during our five trips out to sea in the past few months. i dont know if its luck or if he truly knows many pirates and can spot spies at a glance, giving them an advanced warning. in the five seas, where pirates are a constant threat, the likelihood of avoiding encounters on five consecutive long-distance voyages is slim lumian turned his body again, scrutinizing philip, whose skin bore the rough, red, and weathered marks of a seasoned mariner. it was challenging to discern if this person was a beyonder, let alone determine his sequence. however, lumian could deduce from the physical details that he had spent considerable time at sea. lumian focused and briefly observed philips luck. it carried a hint of blood. theres a possibility of combat and injuries in the future, but it wont endanger his life lumian frowned, finishing the absinthe in his hand and requesting another glass of lanti proof. before long, philip left the bar with the girl still wrapped around his waist, his face flushed. lumian clicked his tongue and shook his head. you intisians. after a while, rhythmic music filled the bar. many customers stood up and rushed to the empty space in the middle to dance. lumian held the liquor, swaying gently to the rhythm, appearing lost in thought. since discovering that the evil gods bestowed beings were up to no good, he hadnt felt this relaxed in a long time. the hostel plan was now in the past. the investigation of april fools key members could only commence upon reaching port santa. this was a rare vacation. estimating that it was time for ludwigs second late-night snack, lumian set down his glass and left the bar on the deck. as lumian made his way back to the first-class cabin, he suddenly whispered, temiboros, is there any way to identify beyonders on the ship and the passengers disguised as pirates? i want to visit them one by one, warn them to behave, and not interfere with my enjoyment of the journey. if anyone refused to heed the warning, 007 could assist in collecting the bounty. the beyonder characteristics they produced could also be exchanged for money! termiboross majestic voice echoed in lumians ears. only when you become an inevitability demigod or switch pathways will you have a solution. without waiting for lumians response, the sealed angel added, with alista tudors lingering aura and the slight corruption of 0-01, theres a high chance that youll trigger a calamity if you really warn those people. does that mean im the greatest calamity and just need to take care of myself? lumian, who had hoped to reorganize the flying birds dark world and ensure a pleasant journey, understood termiboross meaning. he had no choice but to give up. at that moment, the flying bird had fallen into a deep slumber. lumian walked across the solid floor, the faint creaks and muffled cries echoing around him. somewhere within the ship, a woman wept in heartbreaking sobs. lumian was no stranger to such despair. hed often heard miss ethans, the object of charlies admiration at auberge du coq dor, cry in similar anguish. there are people who suffer everywhere. sad people lumian, influenced by his writer sister, possessed a touch of the artistic spirit. shaking his head, he returned to room 5, his first-class cabin. lugano had already retired to the servants quarters, while ludwig, clad in pajamas and a nightcap, awaited his late-night snack. lumian sighed and retrieved the easily preserved food from his travelers bag, grateful hed restocked at port gati. he calculated the cost of ludwigs daily meals100 verl dor, translating to almost 40,000 verl dor annually. a wave of vexation washed over him. at this rate, ludwig would deplete his savings within two years. he couldnt help but wonder if baron brignais had breathed a sigh of relief upon confirming ludwigs disappearance. after settling the two midnight meals, lumian quickly washed and settled into the master bedroom. as the gentle sway of the ship lulled him, his mind drifted off to sleep. lumian woke up at 6 a.m., feeling refreshed. the dining table was bare, ludwig and lugano still asleep. he pushed open the window and stretched, inhaling the crisp morning air. just before seven, the doorbell rang. my breakfast was scheduled to arrive at 8:30 a.m. lumian opened the door and found philip, the flying birds security supervisor with his blond hair, blue eyes, and weathered face, standing before him. philip looked grim, a stark contrast to the jovial man hed been at the bar the previous night. ive confirmed that your identification documents are fake. how did he confirm it? why did he specially check our identification? lumian didnt feel that anything about them stood out after they boarded the ship. suppressing his confusion, he frowned and asked, are you attempting to extort us? philip glanced at the living room and said solemnly, i dont care who you were or what you plan to do. just behave yourselves during your stay on the flying bird. enjoy the journey, dont cause any trouble, and well all be fine. hes really confirming if we are problematic how did this guy do it? hes quite capable. hes not as frivolous and simple as he seems lumian replied calmly, not giving in, im afraid i dont understand. perhaps theres a misunderstanding? philip locked eyes with him for a long moment. as long as you understand what im saying, he finally replied before turning and walking away. Chapter 512 - 512 Strange Pirate Ship 512 strange pirate ship 512 strange pirate ship lumian watched philips retreating figure disappear into the distance, a silent chuckle escaping his lips. this guy was competent, he had to admit. gone was the frivolous, greasy, and undisciplined facade hed displayed at the bar the night before. it was a common trait among many intisian men, lumian observed. when not engaged in demanding work and surrounded by attractive women, they turned into preening peacocks, desperate to display their prowess. becoming a beyonder didnt change that fundamental nature. demonesses thrived in intis, especially in trier. this wasnt just due to the citys underground allure; there was a deeper, more harmonious connection with the society at large. lumian wasnt offended by philips warning, nor did he take it personally. hed planned to enjoy the voyage over the next few days, even considered lending a hand in maintaining order on the ship, becoming a shadow inquisitor of sorts. but now, his primary concern shifted to how philip had unmasked their true identities. lumian had meticulously combed through aurores grimoire, studying the abilities of low-sequence beyonders across 22 pathways, and supplemented his knowledge with information gleaned from various sources over the past months. from this, he formed a preliminary hypothesis. philip is likely a beyonder of one of three pathwaysspectator, reader, or arbiter. one excels at observing minute details and reading peoples true thoughts. another is a master of deduction, their sequence 7 even being called detective. they can detect abnormalities from the most subtle clues. the third, at sequence 8 public security officer, wields extraordinary control within their jurisdiction, allowing them to sense and trace anomalies given that we havent spoken directly with philip before, i can eliminate the spectator option. besides, spectators arent typically chosen as security supervisors, its not their forte after discovering that there was a problem with us through his abilities and that our origins were unclear, philip likely checked copies of our identification and sent telegrams to the issuing authorities. and he received confirmation that these three people didnt exist? this explains the delay in his warning. hed waited for the investigation and response before making his move. this also implies he has a network of helpers across different regions, receives information and feedback, and possesses extensive connections. doing this alone wouldnt be possible. he has an organization backing him, something more official, perhaps? he did claim to be a retired officer of the fog sea fleet, after all such a person is indeed well-suited to lead the security on a heavily armed merchant ship like this. lumian turned away and closed the door, a wave of relief washing over him. with such a capable security supervisor at the helm, issuing discrete warnings to potential threats, the journey ahead promised to be relatively safe. lumian spent the morning in the comfort of his first-class cabin, cabin 5, indulging in a leisurely study of highlander and breaking up his reading with bouts of exercise. meanwhile, ludwig, after breakfast, had begged lugano to take him on a tour of the ship, spending over an hour on deck playing like a genuine child. lumian, however, suspected the true purpose of this excursion was to meticulously survey the location and condition of the ships food reserves. before lunch, drawn by the bright sun, lumian descended to the deck. he rested his hands on the railing and gazed out at the vast, dark-blue expanse of the sea. from the corner of his eye, he caught sight of philip, back to his usual casual demeanor. he was now entangled with the girl from the previous night at the bow of the ship, whispering sweet nothings and laughing, the picture of a smitten couple. you intisians lumian shook his head with a chuckle. after leaving trier, he had adjusted his usual phrases to better reflect reality. philip and the girl continued their stroll along the deck, their laughter echoing through the air. with the enhanced hearing of a hunter, lumian had no trouble making out the girls namegozia. though not conventionally beautiful, she exuded a youthful vibrancy that was undeniable. lumian watched as philips gaze darted beyond the ships railing, his face hardening for a brief moment. following the security supervisors line of sight, lumian scanned the horizon, spotting a colossal shadow lurking beneath the undulating waves! it disappeared as quickly as it appeared, swallowed by the surging sea. smaller than the flying bird, but far larger than any sea creature giant fish, or something more? lumian mused, a spark of excitement igniting within him. my dear, what has captured your attention? gozias voice broke through philips reverie. my sweetheart, just thinking about which first-class restaurant ill treat you to later, philip replied nonchalantly. suddenly, a thin veil of fog crept upwards from the sea, obscuring the sun and dimming the surrounding environment. the passengers and crew on deck remained unfazed, accustomed to such sudden weather changes in the fog sea. although less intense than the berserk sea, the unpredictable nature of the region was ever-present. as gozia reveled in the first foggy day of their journey, philip discreetly raised his right arm, gesturing towards the spot where the shadow had vanished. he doesnt think its a passing giant fish lumian admired the sea ahead with interest. he noticed several crew members ending their breaks and taking their positions, including the gunners. the peaceful atmosphere was shattered by a loud splash as a monstrous iron-black behemoth surfaced from the depths. it was a peculiar-looking ship. it was covered in a layer of metal, with only thin pipes resembling snail eyes protruding from its hull. as seawater cascaded off its sides, the upper half of the strange vessel split open, revealing a fearsome array of cannons and masts rising from within, creating a wide deck. dozens, perhaps even hundreds of pirates armed with firearms and swords were on the deck, filling the air with their intimidating cries. a white sail unfurled automatically, right to the top of the mast. wow lumian marveled inwardly. he had never seen such a magical vessel before, a vessel that could disappear and reappear from the depths of the sea. philips expression grew increasingly grave. beside him, gozia froze, her eyes wide with terror as she instinctively huddled closer to her lover. which pirate crew is this? only one man commands such undersea vessels, philip replied, his voice devoid of its usual frivolity and heavy with grim certainty. admiral deep sea, howl constantine. judging by the size of this vessel, its not his flagship, the newins. its the black octopus, commanded by his most trusted subordinate, bone splitter basil. gozias vision swam, and she nearly fainted. the night before, during their conversation, philip had mentioned the infamous maritime kings and pirate admirals who ruled the five seas. among them, howl constantine, who had recently risen to the rank of admiral, was shrouded in mystery. legend whispered of his monstrous heritage, claiming he possessed the blood of sea monsters. he had even ventured into the ruins of a sunken city, recovering the relics of ancient alchemists: two stealth boats capable of navigating the depths of the ocean unseen. inspired by these vessels, the church of the god of steam and machinery had attempted to develop their own undersea fleet. however, they failed to mass produce them. due to the reliance on higher sequence beyonders, only one or two of these vessels could be assigned to each intisian fleet, each serving specialized functions. of admiral deep seas two undersea vessels, the first, the newins, was a behemoth rivaling the flying bird in size. inspired by a renowned maritime treasure legend, it served as howl constantines flagship. the second, the black octopus, which had just emerged from the depths, was entrusted to his most trusted subordinate, bone splitter basil. he was an equally formidable figure, known for his cold-blooded brutality and ruthless tactics. he took pleasure in torturing his captives, and the bounty on his head, far exceeding that of most non-admiral pirates, stood at a staggering 250,000 verl dor. the revelation of the black octopus and bone splitter basil plunged gozia into a pit of despair. how could a mere armed merchant ship like the flying bird possibly stand against such notorious pirates from the five seas? what horrors awaited them under bone splitter basils reign of terror? philip, however, had no time for his new lovers distress. his full attention was focused on the unfolding spectacle of the black octopus and its menacing cannons, ready to unleash their fury at any moment. standing a short distance away, lumian felt a thrill coursing through his veins when he heard the name bone splitter basil, the strongest subordinate to admiral deep sea howl constantine. this was not nervousness, but the exhilarating feeling from catching a whiff of iron and blood. this was one of the hunters belligerence. even after fully digesting the potions, a beyonder would still be affected by them. lumians emerald eyes, sharp as an eagles, locked onto the bizarre iron- black ship as he formulated his next move. once bone splitter basil emerged and the two vessels closed the distance, lumian planned to teleport behind the infamous pirate and unleash the spell of harrumph. if the spell of harrumphs effect proved insufficient and failed to incapacitate basil, lumian would don his flog boxing gloves, instill a specific desire within his opponent, and teleport again, creating greater distance before activating the symphony of hatred, amplifying the instilled desire to a maddening degree. with bone splitter basil severely wounded and momentarily incapacitated, lumian would seize the opportunity to unleash his full hunter arsenal, striking the enemy down with devastating blows. to prevent interference from the surrounding pirates, he could potentially create a bottle of fiction and isolate bone splitter basil for a one-on-one duel a complex plan, complete with contingency measures, raced through lumians mind, causing a slight tremor in his body, as if anticipating the thrill of the coming battle. just as the tension reached a peak and a naval confrontation seemed imminent, the pirates aboard the black octopus turned as one, their eyes fixed in shock upon the stairs leading deeper into the vessel. a few seconds later, the bizarre iron-black ship made an abrupt turn, altering its course and steering away from the flying bird. with swift precision, the exposed sections of the black octopus retracted, sealing its interior once more. in the eyes of lumian and the others, the black octopus rapidly distanced itself, diving back into the depths of the foggy sea. in the blink of an eye, it transformed into a mere shadow, disappearing completely. e-escaped? uttering the word after a long moment of dazed silence, gozia turned to her lover, her voice filled with surprise and confusion. bone splitter basil and his black octopus were simply leaving? without a fight, without plundering? philip, himself bewildered, stared at the spot where the black octopus had vanished, forcing a smile onto his face. didnt i tell you that i know many great pirates? Chapter 513 - 513 Worry 513 worry 513 worry gozias gaze instantly turned fervent upon hearing philips response, her admiration evident. have they escaped? lumians lips twitched. the black octopuss abrupt change of course and sudden dive left him speechless. the maneuver caught him off guard, leaving him frozen for a critical moment. this incredible underwater ship, commanded by a great pirate with a massive bounty, simply turned tail and fled without even firing a single cannon? how could one be a pirate with such puny guts? bone splitter basil? with a bounty of 250,000 verl dor and a fearsome reputation? dont even think about showing your face on the high seas again! lumian cursed under his breath, then frowned thoughtfully. why had bone splitter basil fled without revealing himself? i could understand if it was the blood emperors aura i activated that made you run so fast, but why now? it couldnt be that he targeted the wrong ship, did he? the flying bird isnt the merchant vessel he wanted to plunder, so he was rushing to corner his real prey? did he somehow sense that hijacking this ship would lead to disaster? if he truly possessed the power of divination or prophecy, they would have known not to come. he wouldnt have had to embarrass himself in front of the crew and passengers, only to turn back and drift aimlessly danger premonition? a hunters danger intuition wouldnt react so strongly until its face-to-face with the threat then it hit him. a sequence that had him wary for months: sequence 6 devil of the criminal pathway! beyonders at this sequence possessed a unique ability called malicious perception. if someone within their range intended to cause them lethal harm and acted on it within a specific timeframe, they could sense the source of the danger and identify their attacker. bone splitter basil a devil? his title and reputation certainly fit i had just formulated a hunting plan for him, intending to teleport over after confirming the situation. did he sense my malice and confirm the extent of the danger before swiftly deciding to escape? hey, youre a devil. are you running away without a fight? im not even confident in defeating a devil. besides, youre on your alchemical boat with a large number of subordinates around you. you probably dont lack mystical items. do you have to be so cowardly? the plan i envisioned had a high success rate, so much so that basils ability to sense danger exceeded his endurance. therefore, he didnt take the risk and chose the most effective and safest responseescape? the more lumian pondered, the more he felt that this guess was close to the truth. this amused him as well. to be honest, his plan was quite idealistic. he didnt consider the bone splitter sequence or the abilities of the surrounding pirates, nor did he consider how to use the bottle of fiction to single out basil for a one-on-one battle. all of this depended on his subsequent observations of the black octopus hunters might not be the ones who charged forward to fight from the beginning. they might even be the last to appear and be responsible for harvesting. but did such a simple plan and malice scare away a devil in advance? lumian suspected that basil might not be able to sense the specific plan. it was only because he had the angel of inevitability, the blood emperors aura, mr. fools seal, and 0-01s mild corruption, regardless of whether they were powerful or not, that they combined with a feasible plan and clear malice. it strongly agitated the bone splitter, making him feel that the impending danger was beyond his ability to handle. hence, the scene just now. are all devils so timid? lumian cursed silently and left the deck in disappointment, returning to room 5 of the first-class cabin. at that moment, the exclusive attendant had arrived with lunch. ludwig focused on the delicacies, while lugano lingered by the window, his face filled with excitement. upon seeing lumians return, the doctor exclaimed excitedly, just now, a great pirate appearedbone splitter basil, admiral deep sea howl constantines most formidable captain. he even operates the black octopus. h-have you heard of the black octopus? its a mystical ship that can dive to the seabed! i heard it from someone at the bar last night, lumian replied honestly. prior to this, he didnt know much about admiral deep sea and his pirate crew. all he knew was that there was such a pirate admiral. after all, howl constantine was quite mysterious and rarely appeared in newspapers and magazines that recorded sea stories. his only appearance in the adventurer series was his title and name, giving him a background without any plot lines. lugano didnt hide his emotions. i witnessed the mystical pirate ship with my own eyes. it truly surfaced from the seabed and can bloom like a flower! i thought wed clash with the bone splitter and use your teleportation abilities to escape. to my surprise, black octopus chose to leave after observing for just over ten seconds. over ten seconds? arent you looking down on bone splitters? it was a few seconds! lumian retorted inwardly. lugano continued, when i chatted with a few sailors this morning, they told me that the flying birds security supervisor is a formidable retired officer who knows many great pirates. i thought they were boasting, but from the looks of it, that security supervisor isnt simple. its really possible that he has ties to many great pirates. thats why bone splitter basil didnt plunder the flying bird! thats right, thats right, lumian echoed. rip ludwig tore off the oily skin and meat from a duck leg. lumian glanced at the boy, who was engrossed in his food, and suddenly had a new idea. could the malice and danger that bone splitter basil sensed be more than one? could it not be solely from me? ludwig might have swallowed hard upon hearing the word bone dismantling however, even though this walking bottomless stomach when compared to me appears high-ranking, he lacks the corresponding abilities to celebrate the fact that the flying bird hadnt been plundered by the black octopus, the captain hosted a party on the deck in the evening, featuring clowns, magicians, and beast tamers. he treated everyone to three glasses of beer. late at night, the third-class bar bustled with activity. philip became the center of attention, surrounded by nearly all the patrons. they took turns praising him and treating him to drinks. they were all grateful to the security supervisor for using his friendship with bone splitter basil to persuade the great pirate to leave and prevent the passengers of the flying bird from suffering. lumian, seated at the bar counter and engaged in conversation with bartender francesco, savored the lanti proof. his gaze casually swept across philips face, and he noticed a hint of seriousness and worry beneath the blond-haired, blue-eyed middle-aged mans frivolous smile. in other words, he wasnt that happy. yes, im sure he didnt scare the black octopus away heh heh, youre still relatively clear-headed. its not something to celebrate knowing that a huge problem approached your ship but abnormally chose to leave. this often means that theres greater trouble lurking on your ship lumian chuckled inwardly and averted his gaze. he continued to converse with bartender francesco about the beautiful women in the third-class cabin. after nearly an hour, philip squeezed out of the drunken crowd and sat beside lumian with his lover, gozia. he knocked on the table and ordered a glass of golden beer. casually, he said, you actually enjoy drinking in such a rowdy place. the girls here are more enthusiastic than in first class. lumian could roughly guess philips motive for coming, but he didnt inquire further. philip chuckled. thats true. casually, he inquired, what did you do when the black octopus arrived? dont you remember? i wasnt far from you. dont you know what i did? lumian replied candidly. philip nodded slightly and didnt press further. lumian took a sip of liquor and asked with a smile, do you think theres a huge problem on the ship that scared off that little troublemaker? philip turned his head and glanced at lumian, not too surprised that he had made such a connection. what are you two talking about? the tipsy gozia couldnt quite grasp the conversation between the two men. it was as if they were speaking in riddles. thats the most logical explanation i can come up with, philip replied, ignoring his lovers question. lumian asked with interest, who do you think is suspicious? from yesterday afternoon to noon today, the security supervisor must have warned many people. philip set down his beer mug and massaged his temples. after some thought, he smiled. i wanted to tell you, but i dont think thats necessary now. why? lumian inquired curiously. philip took another sip of his beer and chuckled. as long as that huge problem doesnt erupt on the ship, it wont be a problem for me. as you can see, it hasnt revealed itself and is quietly hiding. this means that it might just want to reach the archipelago or port santa without a hitch. at this point, philip sighed and said with experience, many times, when you see an abnormality, theres no need to care or figure out the truth. pretending not to notice and patiently waiting for the abnormality to leave is the best choice. the abnormality that didnt erupt isnt abnormal. your investigation and investigation might agitate it, escalating the problem and causing the catastrophe to truly descend. as long as that abnormality doesnt truly harm us, try your best to maintain reverence and avoid stimulation. thats one of the key reasons why ive been able to survive at sea until now. lumian nodded gently and said, a relative of mine once mentioned that in certain events, those who cant see, hear, speak, or smell are more likely to survive. philip smiled and extended his right hand. im glad you share that understanding. this was his true motive for coming to talk to lumian. he wanted lumian, who was using a fake identity, not to be curious and try to figure out the hidden trouble on the ship. that might implicate the entire ship! understanding philips meaning, lumian couldnt help but raise his eyebrows. does this mean there are other troubles on the ship? Chapter 514 - 514 Huge Wave 514 huge wave 514 huge wave lumian took a moment to consider. he didnt think there was any real danger. philips concern was based on bone splitter basils reaction, which only hinted at a potential problem on the ship. while philip knew which passengers and crew members were suspicious, he couldnt pinpoint the real source of the trouble. he wasnt even sure if he was right, and wouldnt dare to be certain. therefore, his suspect might not be the actual issue. in other words, it was more likely that the real problem was actually sitting right beside him: lumian and his new godson, ludwig. however, philip wasnt aware of this, and by excluding them, would mistakenly focus on other suspects. apart from ludwig and me, whether there are other serious problems or not, philip is right, lumian thought, letting out a soft sigh. before any major troubles surface, its best not to investigate or provoke them. well pretend not to see, hear, or speak, and wait for them to reach their destination and leave the flying bird of course, this depends on the situation remaining stable. if any abnormalities arise, wed have to find a way to resolve them immediately. sometimes, pretending not to see things doesnt prevent them from worsening. the cordu catastrophe is a gruesome reminder of that lumian thought and sighed softly. he turned around and extended his hand, briefly shaking philips with a smile. im glad we reached an agreement. philip breathed a sigh of relief, retracted his right hand, and downed his golden malt beer. he had been worried that someone like louis berry, who used a fake identity and was suspected of being a criminal, would be stubborn and adventurous. he was concerned that louis wouldnt listen to reason and would insist on uncovering the huge problem that scared off the black octopus. philip felt no sympathy for someone who might die because of their own foolishness, but he didnt want them to endanger everyone else. thankfully, louis berry seemed like someone who could be reasoned with. as philip drained his beer, he kept assuring himself: the fog sea archipelago wasnt far from the republic. in fact, its proximity was why intis had chosen it as its first overseas colony. the flying bird wouldnt need to stop at other ports for supplies on its journey, allowing it to arrive directly. assuming the weather remained calm, the flying bird should dock in farim, the capital of the fog sea archipelago, by the following evening. if they encountered bad weather, they might need to slow down, change course, or seek refuge in another port. the latest they could arrive would be noon the day after tomorrow. perhaps that troublesome problem would disembark in port farim? even if something was brewing beneath the surface, it wouldnt fully erupt in just a day or two. endure, and it would be over! reassured, philiphugging his lover, goziarose from his barstool and left the bustling bar. lumian continued sipping his lanti proof, seemingly unfazed. with a smile, he turned to the bartender, francesco, and remarked, ive heard that many feynapotterians are homesick. even when they have to leave for work, they often return home, write letters, or send telegrams. you, however, chose to work overseas, on a ship that makes it difficult to stay in touch with the outside world. francesco raised his hand and gestured. while i love my family dearly, families like ours, with generations living together, often face various problems and conflicts. my grandmother, a wise woman, manages us well, but it can be stifling for the younger generation. there are too many elders eager to share their life experiences. furthermore, my home is in port santa. the flying bird docks there almost every month. so, for me, this job is both work and a trip home. its just like the book that described feynapotterian customs. feynapotterians enjoy living in large families spanning multiple generations. and in such families, the most senior woman who has given birth becomes the natural matriarch, controlling the entire familys affairs, regardless of whether her husband is alive. in a religious sense, such a woman is considered the embodiment of earth mother within the family his chat with bartender francesco wasnt purely for relaxation. he had two goals: firstly, he wanted to understand the passengers better through francescos eyes. his final destination was port santa, which was five to six days away. paying attention to the various details of life on the flying bird was crucial. secondly, he wanted to verify the information in his books and gain a grasp of local customs in the feynapotter kingdom. missing out on important knowledge could lead him to misinterpret situations in port santa. the night passed peacefully, save for a child waking up twice to eat, the rhythmic chewing noises hardly disturbing lumians sleep. the gentle rocking of the ship and the waves outside his window created a lulling atmosphere. just when he thought the flying bird would smoothly reach port farim, the capital of the fog sea archipelago, by evening, the weather took a sudden turn. the sea, previously veiled in a thin fog, began to seethe. giant waves, like towering mountains, rose and fell in rapid succession. the flying bird bobbed precariously on the waves, its air of colossal power replaced by vulnerability. now, it was a mere leaf tossed between the sky and the sea, a toy in the hands of a giant. tiny and fragile, it seemed ready to capsize at any moment. oddly, the massive waves were not accompanied by darkness or torrential rain. instead, the howling wind dispersed the fog above, revealing a clear azure sky. a sailor scrambled down from the observation deck and, holding his telescope to philip, shouted, boss, this wave isnt right! only our area has waves this big! everywhere else is calm! theres no rain here either! philip, holding onto gozia who trembled pale from the force of the elements, instinctively furrowed his brow. abnormal waves? had that major problem caused them? no sooner had the thought crossed his mind than the flying bird was flung into the air by a monstrous wave, only to be slammed onto another. terrifying jolts and tremors reverberated through the air, eliciting screams of fear from many passengers. they sensed the flying bird teetering on the brink of capsizing, a shipwreck imminent. in first-class cabin number 5, lugano stared calmly out the window, gripping the frame as the dining table slid across the room with the force of the storm. he knew that if the flying bird couldnt withstand the tempest, lumian lee would undoubtedly teleport him and ludwig to safety in port farim. lumian, gazing at the strangely calm azure sea beyond the monstrous waves, sensed something amiss. he wasted no time, retrieving the mystery prying glasses from his travelers bag, hoping to uncover the hidden cause of this disaster. as the brown, gold-rimmed glasses settled on the bridge of his nose, a familiar dizziness washed over him. he saw a chaotic montage of scenes around him unfold. on deck, a tidal wave surged, tossing philip. clutching a rope in desperation, he descended rapidly with gozia. he instinctively positioned himself below her, shielding his new lover from the fall. he landed with a heavy thud, the rope burning a gash into his palm, drawing blood. chaos reigned in the dining hall as plates, knives, and forks flew through the air; customers were flung around. in one room, a blurry figure of a woman sat by the window, sobbing uncontrollably. the boiler chamber was a scene of disarray, scattered coal littering the floor. beneath it crawled a horrifying horde of creatures resembling seashells. and beneath the deceptively calm azure surface, a peculiar fish gazed up at the beleaguered flying bird! its size rivaled that of a shark, its grayish-black body devoid of scales, replaced instead by numerous, pulsing meatballs. these strange orbs shimmered with an interconnected, faint starlight, forming cryptic symbols. it sported a pair of eyes on each side of its head, and its gaping maw was as sharp as a flagpole. surrounding this strange fish and numerous similar fish seemed to form a school. with a sharp gasp, lumian ripped off the mystery prying glasses and stuffed them back into his travelers bag, his chest heaving. he suspected the strange fish were behind the violent waves, though it was unclear if the wind was a consequence of the upheaval or a separate cause. knowing the strange fish were submerged, lumian discarded the idea of using a massive fireball to guide the flying birds cannons towards them. instead, he activated the black mark on his right shoulder and teleported himself to the nearby patch of sea he had just witnessed. as he did so, he retrieved the blackened bone flute adorned with dark-red holes. general philips symphony of hatred! lumian materialized mid-air and, while descending, brought the bone flute to his lips. he had learned the flute from shepherds during his time in cordu, and over the past few days, he had been diligently practicing and refining his skills. now, he began to play a melodious tune, one filled with a longing for home. it was a favorite melody among the wandering shepherds. the muffled explosions of fireballs churned the water, slowing lumians descent. but amidst his melody, a new tune, one that seemed to emanate from the depths of destiny itself, pierced through the seawater and reached the ears of the strange fish and their kind below. suddenly, the strange fish froze. a mountain-like wave descended, but no new ones followed. boom! boom! boom! the smaller fish surrounding the strange fish exploded from their heads, turning on their own kind in a frenzy. others simply died and floated to the surface. lumians descent accelerated as his feet, legs, and body submerged into the icy sea. he continued playing the shepherds longing melody, feeling the seawater reach his neck and threatening to engulf his mouth. the next moment, dark-red blood oozed from the four eyes and multiple bumps on the shark-sized fish. the terrifying waves subsided rapidly. with only half his head above water, lumian lowered the bone flute and smiled. he activated spirit world traversal once more. cough, cough, cough! as he materialized back in room 5 of the first-class cabin, salty seawater spewed from his mouth. in his eagerness to ensure the effectiveness of the music, he had stopped playing too late, ending up swallowing a mouthful of seawater. additionally, fearing that too much commotion would disrupt the teleportation, he had held his breath until returning before choking. is this a form of unluckiness? lumian mused. lugano, startled by lumians drenched state, asked, is it resolved? seems like it, lumian replied with a smile. his shoes and trouser legs bore the marks of wear and tear, scorched and dripping seawater. at that moment, cheers erupted across the flying bird as passengers and crew noticed the receding waves. praise the sun! by steam! thank you, mother of all things! Chapter 515 - 515 Strange Fish 515 strange fish 515 strange fish philip, unlike the other jubilant crew and passengers, pushed gozia away whilst ignoring the pain in his back and palms and dashed to the ships side, eyes scanning the vast expanse of the sea. he shifted relentlessly, searching for anything unusual, anything out of place. then, a muffled cry pierced the air. stunned, he pinpointed the source and sprinted towards the flying birds bow. the cry grew louder, more desperate. philip saw a crimson stain blossoming on the distant blue, a large shadow shifting beneath. the shadow rapidly materialized into a monstrous fish with four eyesgrayish-blue orbs replacing scales and a terrifyingly sharp mouth. this wasnt a small fish. it writhed and thrashed, frantic flicks of its tail sending water droplets flying. waves surged around it, reaching heights of five to six meters even without the winds aid, crashing down with thunderous force. the shrill cries subsided momentarily, and the four-eyed monster, gripped by palpable fear, plunged back into the depths, swimming away with a speed that belied its size. its remaining brethren followed close behind. in the first-class cabin 5 by the window, lumian changed into dry clothes with the casual indifference of someone unobserved. he knew the symphony of hatred had ignited the four-eyed fishs terror, which is why he opted for a swift teleport back instead of leaping into the air and unleashing another devastating attack while the creature surfaced. fear would drive the monster away and prevent it from unleashing its full fury and raising further havoc. phew, philip breathed, relief washing over him as the four-eyed fish disappeared from sight. thank goodness, thank goodness, he muttered, his voice filled with gratitude. he spread his arms wide and exclaimed, praise the sun! do you know that fish? a voice suddenly broke the silence beside philip. he turned in surprise to see louis berry, with his black hair, green eyes, and sharp features, standing beside him. his lover, gozia, stood hesitantly at the cabin entrance, wanting to approach but afraid of approaching the shipboard. its the mutated bannerfish. heh heh, thats what scholars call it. at sea, they have another name for itdeath navigators, philip answered lumians question, pressing his hand against the shipboard for support. death navigators? why havent i heard of it? lumian asked, genuinely curious. to be honest, his knowledge of beyonder creatures was limited. his previous experiences mainly involved dealing with beyonders, heretics, and rampagers. philip glanced at him, exhaled, and smiled faintly. these fish-like creatures have only appeared in recent years. many sailors call them the seas demons. only appeared in recent years lumian frowned thoughtfully. such descriptions often pointed towards the corruption of evil gods, environmental anomalies, or natural disasters. has it only recently appeared in the fog sea, or was there no legend of such a fish in the five seas? lumian interrupted philips explanation, eager to clarify his doubts. philip pondered for a moment before speaking. i used to serve in the fog sea fleet. apart from the fog sea, ive only traveled the north sea. i dont know much about the berserk sea, the sonia sea, or the polar sea, but until a few years ago, i never heard any mention of such a strange fish from the crew, pirates, or colleagues from other fleets. could they be fish corrupted by an evil god? lumian suddenly felt grateful that he hadnt impulsively tried to eliminate the mutated bannerfish. not only would it have exposed his beyonder powers to the many crew members and passengers, but it could have also led to unforeseen dangers. and for what? a pile of trash that would only be good enough to feed ludwig! seeing that louis berry was no longer fixated on the detail, philip continued, mutated bannerfish appear on fog-free nights, hovering upright as if silently observing the cosmos. many sailors and pirates have witnessed this sight, believing the fish are summoning an evil entity. think about it. the night sea is pitch black, the crimson moon barely visible, and only starlight illuminates the terrifying, distorted fish heads silently emerging from the water, motionless and arranged in strange patterns its enough to scare anyone! gazing at the cosmos could they have been corrupted by an evil gods power for some reason? lumian pondered for a few seconds before asking, why are they called death navigators? philip rubbed his cheeks. after surveying the cosmos, the mutated bannerfish remain on the surface, forming two lines like an arrowhead that points towards a specific spot in the sea, as if guiding some unknown creature. some pirates, adventurers, and treasure hunters believe this points to valuable items or hidden treasures, so they try to follow the mutated bannerfish to see where they lead. but none of the ships that attempted this ever returned, and the crew vanished. thats why we call them death navigators. philip sighed and continued, i once heard from sailors that the death navigators can control the waves. judging by what we just saw, this rumor seems very likely, and its much worse than i imagined. right, that mutated bannerfish must have been relatively powerful even among death navigators. however, no death navigator has ever attacked a human ship before a soft chuckle escaped lumians lips. perhaps they attacked, but no one survived to spread the news. philip was taken aback. thats true. in such a tidal wave, once a ship capsizes or shatters, only those with special abilities would stand a chance. he paused and muttered to himself, did that troublesome figure provoke the death navigators attack? its possible, lumian replied sincerely. after confirming that the death navigators hadnt returned, philip turned to the passengers and crew huddled by the window and cabin entrance. the danger has passed! the weather has returned to normal! the humans, who had cheered earlier, erupted in relieved cries, praising their deities. philip looked away and pondered, did the death navigator ultimately succumb to that unknown threat? i could feel its immense fear. its possible, lumian replied with the same sincerity. with this interlude, the flying bird increased its speed and arrived at port farim, the capital of the fog sea archipelago, before nightfall. the sun set behind saint tick island, casting a crimson glow over the distant sea, vast forests, and the dormant brown volcano. the sight was magnificent and breathtaking. farim, in the native language of the fog sea archipelago, meant having fragrance and sweetness. saint tick island was rich in cloves, nutmeg, pepper, and sugarcane. fruits were mainly bananas and grapes, while the rest of the land was planted with cotton. looking at the white-walled, red-roofed buildings lining the coastline, the masts, sails, and smokestacks emitting fog, lumian chuckled and said, emperor roselle, who named this city back then, probably didnt expect farim to become the last bastion of the indigenous language. under generations of cultural genocide, the current islanders could only speak intisian. their native language had been lost long ago. there might be elders in the primitive tribes living deep within the forest who still understood the indigenous language, but in all the colonial cities and surrounding plantations, one language reigned supremeintisian. of course, the fog sea archipelago had its own unique dialects, a blend of intisian and indigenous languages, rarely used by intisians outside this region. are you disembarking? lugano inquired of lumian. the flying bird wouldnt be leaving the port until the next afternoon. of course, lumian replied with a hint of excitement. now that were here in farim, i cant miss the chance to try their famous golden somme! would you like to lead the way, bringing me and ludwig around, or would you prefer to stay here and keep an eye on him? the fog sea archipelago was known for its superior sugarcane, and the sugar liquor produced from its syrup, called golden somme, was legendary. luganos first instinct was to accompany his employer, as he felt safer around lumians capable and decisive presence. however, after a moment of reflection, the doctor decided it would be wiser to stay on board. while lumian was undeniably formidable, his talent for attracting trouble was equally impressive! leaving ludwig with enough food for dinner and two rounds of late-night snacks, lumian disembarked from the flying bird, dressed in a white shirt, a black vest, a dark jacket, and matching pants. in trier, it was already early autumn, and the air was crisp with chill. however, the fog sea archipelago seemed to be enjoying the tail end of summer. though the air was warm, it was quickly dispersed by the refreshing sea breeze. as lumian strolled out of the port, he spotted a brown-skinned, wrinkled old woman with black features selling golden straw hats across the street. these hats were woven from a local plant called golden leaves, which was favored by the believers of the eternal blazing sun religion. wearing one supposedly gave the illusion of having the sun shining directly overhead. intrigued by the idea, lumian purchased a hat for 5 licks and placed it on his head. he then continued his leisurely stroll towards the nearby square. in the heart of the square stood a sun obelisk, surrounded by numerous notices adorned with wanted posters. lumian stopped, his hands instinctively slipping into his pockets. before the sun dipped below the horizon, he scanned the wanted posters and committed the bounties to memory. queen mystic, one of the maritime kings bounty of 100 million verl dor. king of the five seas nast, one of the maritime kings bounty of 20 million verl dor. queen of stars cattleya, one of the maritime kings bounty of 11 million verl dor. king of immortality agalito, one of the maritime kings bounty of 4 million verl dor. queen of ailment tracy, one of the maritime kings bounty of 3 million verl dor. king of dusk bulatov ivan, one of the maritime kings bounty of 2.6 million verl dor observing lumians intense scrutiny of the six maritime kings wanted posters, an adventurer standing beside him couldnt resist cracking a joke. looking to hunt the maritime kings, eh? Chapter 516 - 516 Questioning Method 516 questioning method 516 questioning method lumian whirled back to face the teasing man. doesnt every adventurer who comes to sea dream of following in gehrman sparrows great footsteps? the joking adventurer wasnt past his twenties. curly brown hair topped a gaunt face, his intis-blue eyes sparkling with amusement. despite the unkempt stubble adorning his chin, he emanated a middle-class trier air, refined in his details. his attire: a thin blue coat, white pants, and brown boots. a large-caliber revolver and an exquisite rapier balanced his waist. lumians retort and lofty aspirations seemed to surprise the adventurer. he chuckled after a moment, even sparrow didnt manage to hunt down any pirate kings. wasnt gehrman sparrow the one who supposedly killed barros hopkins, the vanished king of black throne, one of the original four kings of the sea? although the adventurer series hadnt touched upon it yet, lumian was a dedicated reader of maritime tales in newspapers and magazines. the adventurer scoffed, unconfirmed. only when its inked into the adventurer series is it truth. they say fors wall was specially hired by the church of the fool to promote sparrows exploits. just as i suspected, the famous author, fors wall, operates under the protection of the fool church, allowing her to write without fear about the secrets of the great pirates lumian asked with interest, so, the relationship between gehrman sparrow, the former vice admiral ailment, and the current queen of ailment is real? id bet on it. the queen of ailment herself has never denied it, the adventurer replied, clearly enjoying the conversation. after their chat, the adventurer, with his playful demeanor, found lumian even more appealing. he smiled and asked, how should i address you? after learning your name and you becoming a legend like gehrman sparrow, i can brag to other adventurers that i knew you before you became famous. his last sentence was laced with good-natured jest. louis berry, lumian offered his alias. what about you? perhaps youll be the next gehrman sparrow. batna comt. the adventurer with the wide-aperture revolver and exquisite rapier chuckled and said, i dont expect to end up like gehrman sparrow. i wouldnt mind becoming the next blazing danitz or even the former strongest hunter of the fog sea, anderson. that would be quite satisfying. quite ambitious he doesnt seem like a newbie to the seas lumian quickly assessed batna, unconsciously slipping into a conspirers mindset. he still believes achieving power like blazing danitz is possible after everything hes seen. that suggests a strong sense of self-belief could he be a beyonder as well? adjusting his golden straw hat, lumian smiled at batna comt. drinks on me. how about it? stepping into port farim, the bustling capital of the fog sea archipelago, saint tick island, lumian carried a double purpose: to unearth more pirate intel and acquire the remaining supplementary ingredients for the reaper potion. this mission demanded contact with beyonders and local information brokers. as his thoughts raced, madam magicians reward flickered across his mind: reaper potion formula: sequence: 5; main ingredients: gray demonic wolfs front claws, forest hunters tongue; supplementary ingredients: 80 milliliters of gray demonic wolfs blood, two forest hunters fangs, 10 drops of colorful bearded horned lizard venom, and 10 drops of hornbeam essential oil; ritual: plan and execute a successful capture of a target with a sequence higher than your own. flaunt the completed conspiracy before them, and consume the potion as they witness your victory, filled with fear and despair. note 1: the increased number and higher sequence the captured targets and the greater their fear, regret, and anger, the more potent the rituals effect. note 2: the two main ingredients can be substituted with gardner martins beyonder characteristic. his blood and two teeth can also replace the gray demonic wolfs blood and forest hunters fangs, respectively. in other words, lumian only had one sole missing ingredient: the venom of the colorful bearded horned lizard. this ingredient hinted at a rare creature. fortunately, hornbeam essential oil, a common ingredient among mysticism enthusiasts, was already in his possession before he left trier. alright. batna comt didnt reject lumians invitation. the two walked towards a side street off the square, where a bustling open- air market unfolded. towering piles of fruits lined the roadside, while stalls brimmed with golden leaves straw hats, juicy sugarcane, sweet scones, savory roasted meat, native cigarettes, and fried banana slices. brownish-black islanders, foreign sailors, curious tourists, and seasoned adventurers mingled around barbecue stalls, sharing drinks and laughter. two nearby bars, their doors flung open, offered round tables spilling onto the sidewalk, inviting passersby to linger and enjoy a drink. batna surveyed the lively scene and cautioned lumian, seems like this is your first visit to the archipelago. remember, never trust an islander. their outward deference and meekness mask their true intentions. they dream of swindling our money and selling us for a hefty price. if you lack the strength and intelligence to put them in their place, their evil thoughts will surely be put into action. lumian met batnas gaze and chuckled. did they take advantage of you when you first arrived? batna fell silent, avoiding the question. lumian didnt press further. he spent two licks for a small bag of freshly fried banana slices. the crisp exterior gave way to a soft, sweet interior, bursting with flavor. as he chewed, batna muttered, those are just for children and women. how could a grown man, determined to follow in gehrman sparrows great footsteps, be indulging in fried banana slices? in theory, at least, im still a minor lumian mentally dismissed the matter. as they continued through the market, he turned to batna and asked, do pirates often enter port farim in disguise? yes, frequently, batna replied without hesitation. but hunting them here is hardly worth the trouble. why not? lumian raised an eyebrow. it would be easier to collect the bounty on their heads. batna chuckled and lowered his voice. port farims officials tacitly allow pirates to come here, selling their plundered goods and buying supplies and pleasures in return. the pirate trade is a major economic force in port farim. many, including the governor, the local fleet commander, and the garrison head, have amassed wealth through it. as long as the pirates keep a low profile, going after them in farim is like challenging the local power players. if that happens, you and the pirates risk getting caught, but the pirates might find a way to jailbreak.'' does trier not have any objections? lumian asked, amused. outside trier, people often referred to the intis government as trier. who knows? maybe those who know about the pirate trade are swimming in wealth from corruption. if they dont, they wont bother figuring it out, batna chuckled. either way, pirates are pretty chill in port farim and prefer avoiding trouble. is that so lumian pondered for a moment and said, if a pirate attacks me, dont i have the right to defend myself? yes, but why would they initiate an attack on you? batna could sense this guy was trying to provoke the pirates. perhaps they think im an easy target? lumian replied as he and batna comt turned to a nearby bar. they entered it, choosing to sit inside instead of on the street. it was equally lively inside, with a mixed-race woman dancing provocatively on the wooden stage at the halls center. her moves synchronized with the music, frequently lifting her legs and following the rhythm. gradually, she shed her jacket and various layers, revealing ample areas of healthy skin and gentle curves. as she placed her hand on her undergarment, the surrounding patrons responded with whistles and loud cheers, the atmosphere reaching its climax. how about this? in some ways, isnt farim more open-minded than trier? not only can you see it, but you can also take it away with a sum of money, batna remarked with a smile. lumian raised his right hand and declared, this only means that farim is far enough from the reach of both the churches and the trier avenue du boulevard. what do you mean? batna was momentarily taken aback. lumian adopted a pious tone, mimicking a devout believer in the eternal blazing sun. its too far from justice to be bound by the law! seeing batnas expression freeze, lumian smiled again. just kidding! out at sea, who cares about the law? might makes right! batna chuckled, relieved. for a second there, i thought you were about to purify the place in the name of god. taking their seats, they ordered the fog sea archipelagos famous sugar liquor, golden somme. eight licks per glass was much cheaper than a trier. as the caramel-sweet liquor warmed his throat, lumian launched into an enthusiastic conversation about gehrman sparrow, acting like a devoted follower. he chatted with batna and even the bartender, drawing them into his passionate discourse. after a while, lumian finished his golden somme and stood up, drawn towards the central wooden platform where a new stripper had taken the stage. batna watched with a knowing smile. he assumed the lad couldnt resist the allure. lumian approached the platform, grabbed two patrons who were blocking his way, and effortlessly tossed them aside. with a powerful push against the platforms edge, he leaped onto the stage. under everyones bewildered gaze, lumian drew his revolver, aimed it at the bars ceiling, and fired. bang! dust rained down, startling the stripper into a crouch. patrons panicked, scrambling for cover. some stood frozen in shock, others glared indignantly or frowned, and a few even sported expectant grins. what is he thinking? what is he doing? batna was dumbfounded. lumian blew on the revolvers muzzle and flashed a grin at the patrons. everyone, may i have your attention. i have something to ask you. Chapter 517 - 517 Prominent Merchant 517 prominent merchant 517 prominent merchant lumian ignored the stunned silence that followed his question. a smirk played on his lips as he addressed the group, so, where can a fellow find some mystical trinkets around here? upon hearing this question, batna comt couldnt help but raise his right hand and finish his remaining golden somme. where did this punk come from? how could he ask such a question in public? even if nobody reported him, theyd only see him as a fool! for a moment, batna regretted accepting louis berrys invitation. this fellow would tarnish his reputation by association. noticing the odd expressions around the bar, lumian gave a nonchalant shrug. he holstered his revolver and announced, looks like youre all just ordinary folk, then. with that, he leaped off the wooden platform, navigating through the startled crowd back to the counter. the two drunkards hed thrown out, along with the others who had been frightened by him, measured his strength and weapons, choosing not to retaliate. back on his barstool, lumian ordered a lanti proof with a grin at batna. port farim is certainly more open than trier. batna studied louis berry with an are you serious? expression, forcing a smile. we must follow gehrman sparrows career, not his actions. is this fellow so obsessed with gehrman sparrow that he mimics his cold, reckless demeanor? gehrman sparrow, at least, had the strength to back up his madness. what about you? furthermore, gehrman sparrow exudes a cold and indifferent madness, while you are reckless, foolish, and brainless. how can the two be equal? lumian ignored batnas jab and turned the conversation to the recent surge in pirate activity in the fog sea. after finishing his lanti proof, he bid farewell to batna and headed out. walking through the bustling open-air market, he made his way towards the harbor. just as lumian returned to the square plastered with announcements, a sudden jolt sent him whirling around. a male islander, sporting a half-top hat and a dusty black jacket, approached hesitantly, a strained smile plastered on his face. i saw you at the bar earlier. cut to the chase, lumian urged impatiently. the islander, his brownish-black skin stretched over a lean face, leaned in and lowered his voice. looking for mystical items, are we? i know just the place. really? lumian asked in disbelief. cant promise anything, but its worth a shot. just dont buy anything if they turn out unsuitable. the islanders gaze flicked to lumians left armpit. besides, youre armed and dangerous. not exactly an easy target for robbery, right? thats true. lumian contemplated this for a moment, then gave a slow nod. whats your name? carmel. the islander gestured towards a narrow street branching off the square. follow me. its close. lumian trailed nonchalantly behind carmel, their path crossing two streets before they arrived in a district eerily reminiscent of rue anarchie. crumbling buildings huddled close, new construction jostling for space amidst the narrow road. carmel led lumian into a dimly lit laundry shop, its interior draped with damp clothes. they navigated the maze of hanging garments, arriving finally deep inside the dark room. there was a door there. disguise yourself first, carmel instructed, retrieving two hooded black robes from a hook nearby. those who dabble in such things prefer to keep their identities secret. lumian donned the robe, pulling the hood low over his face. carmel then rapped on the door in a specific rhythm. it creaked open, revealing a makeshift living room furnished with an old sofa, threadbare armchairs, and a mismatched assortment of furniture. six figures, cloaked in identical robes, sat in various positions, their faces obscured by the shadows. lumian politely closed the door behind him as carmel made a brief introduction. after the two pulled up a stool and sat down, a man with his hood pulled low leaned forward and whispered, i need a royal jellyfishs venom crystal. i can offer 5,000 verl dor. silence. the next participant sold a strange sea eagle eyeball he had procured. seeing that their discussion was on point, lumian stood up and surveyed the gathering. i need a sphinxs brain. name your price. the man seeking the crown jellyfishs venom crystals voice was carefully controlled as he replied, i happen to have one. if you pay me 30,000 verl dor, its yours. how can i be sure of its authenticity? lumian asked him directly. the strange sea eagle eyeball seller interjected in a raspy voice, i can notarize it for you. excellent. let me take a look at the goods first, lumian smiled, approaching the seller. the man replied calmly, such a valuable mystical item, you wouldnt expect me to carry it around, would you? ill only bring it to you if you pay a 50% deposit first. its upstairs. you can follow me and make sure i dont escape. you can even put the deposit with the notary for safekeeping. very reasonable. just as lumian finished speaking, he suddenly lunged at the trader with the speed of a cheetah, a right hook swinging through the air. bang! the man crumpled to the ground, his teeth flying in a spray of blood. the other participants, including the notary and carmel, were momentarily stunned before scrambling for the door. none of them challenged lumians assault, nor attempted to use their powers. their sole focus was on escape. carmel, closest to the exit, flung open the door and bolted. in an instant, his vision blurred, and he found himself back in the simple living room, alongside two others who had suffered the same fate. they all looked bewildered, as if witnessing a folktale come alive. bang! a yellow bullet slammed into the exit door. the hooded figures huddled down, covering their heads with practiced movements. lumian spun around, pulled back the traders hood, and pressed the revolvers muzzle against his forehead. not a bad scam, lumian said with a smile. he had orchestrated an impromptu conspiracy, drawing attention with a gunshot in the bar and publicly expressing his need for a mystical item. this allowed him to identify any greedy pirates or local swindlers who might possess knowledge beyond the reach of ordinary citizens, including black market information. it was also a way to digest the potion. the seller was a typical islander, with brownish-black skin, a long face, gentle features, and dark amber eyes. i wasnt lying to you! he insisted anxiously and angrily. really? lumian cocked the revolvers hammer. before closing the door, lumian had created a bottle of fiction, setting a condition that only beyonders could enter. none of the participants had successfully escaped, which confirmed the absence of beyonders. if youre not a beyonder, why mention the main ingredient of the conspirer potion? just for fun? the seller trembled and stammered, i-im sorry. we just wanted to scam some money. we-we cant survive otherwise! lumian wasnt interested in their motives. he glanced at the neatly lined-up accomplices and tapped the traders forehead with the guns muzzle. whats your name? roddy, the seller replied, swallowing hard. another tap to the forehead. where did you hear about the sphinx brain, crown jellyfishs venom crystal, and notary? this information was inaccessible to ordinary people. i-i cant say. a sheen of cold sweat appeared on roddys forehead. confidentiality agreement or other restrictions? lumian studied roddy for a few seconds and smiled. then tell me who your master is. roddy froze, his eyes widening in fear. he hadnt expected the other party to be so certain he had a master, that he was someone elses servant. three, two lumian began the countdown. its sir morgalla, roddy blurted out. then take me there, lumian calmly requested. roddys sweating intensified. no, no, im monsieur fidels attendant. hes the vice president of the port farim joint chamber of commerce. participating in numerous mysticism gatherings organized by fidel as an attendant? although he cant divulge the corresponding information to others, he can use the information he obtained to swindle adventurers? lumian stood up thoughtfully, dismantled the bottle of fiction, and led carmel and his swindler accomplices out. he interrogated them one by one and confirmed that roddy was indeed fidel guerras attendant. one of the vice president of the port farim joint chamber of commerces primary tasks was to assist pirates in handling sensitive and illegal cargo. port farim, quartier des black pearls, governor-generals office, 16 rue coreas. lumian patted roddy, now donned in his red attendants attire with gold trimmings and crisp white pants. a smile played on lumians lips as he spoke. tell monsieur fidel that im interested in purchasing some mystical ingredients and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss it further. alright. roddy yearned to utter a single plea: if you could kindly remove the revolver from my back, i would be eternally grateful. leaning against the weathered wall of a nearby house, lumian watched as the swindler nervously entered unit 16, the four-story gray-roofed building adorned with numerous statues. the moment roddy stepped inside, escaping the revolvers direct aim, his first instinct was to bury the whole incident and forget it ever happened. but then he remembered the chilling warning delivered by the man who fired without hesitation: a ten-minute silence from fidel, and roddys true colors as a swindler would be painted loudly across the street. should i lie and claim monsieur fidel is unavailable? but he doesnt seem easily duped. a drastic reaction could be worse roddy, caught in a dilemma, clenched his teeth and rapped on the study door. fidel guerra, a man descended from both intis and feynapotter blood, possessed curly black hair that had started to show signs of age, dark brown eyes, and skin darkened by the sun. though once known for his refined demeanor, time had etched its mark on his face, leaving behind a mane of mottled white hair and prominent wrinkles. dressed in a crisp white shirt and a brown vest, he quietly sipped his wine as roddy, trembling with fear, stammered out their confession. he spoke of their ill intentions, of their attempt to swindle the new adventurer. as soon as roddy mentioned lumian leaping onto the wooden platform, firing a shot to attract attention, and boldly inquiring about obtaining a mystical item, the merchant sighed and interrupted his flustered attendant. theres no need to elaborate further. does he wish to see me now? Chapter 518 - 518 Merchants Entrustment 518 merchants entrustment 518 merchants entrustment 16 rue coreas. twirling the brim of his golden straw hat, lumian stopped just outside the office door and met fidel guerras gaze across the desk. lumians grin was anything but friendly. made a decision, have you? faster than i expected. fidel guerra, with his partially feynapotterian features, turned to roddy and let out a soft sigh. didnt expect my attendant to be the ringleader of a scam syndicate. maybe the paychecks he receives from you dont quite match the lifestyle he sees on a daily basis, lumian shot back habitually. fidel ignored the jab. he studied lumian, eyes narrowed. so that bar act was all for show? to dupe fools like him? lets say im grateful for their thousand verl dor donation. looks like port farims got a bright future for con artists. no shame in his banditry, not a flicker. roddy felt a swarm of regret gnaw at his insides. fidel nodded and inquired, whats on your shopping list? lumian, affecting an air of indifference, responded, im in the market for a bottle of colorful bearded horned lizards venom. isnt it the sphinxs brain? roddy, who was listening, was taken aback. for a moment, he couldnt help but wonder if he was the swindler or the man opposite him. clad in a white shirt and brown vest, fidel contemplated for a moment before offering, i dont have it in stock, but i can procure it for you. it might take two to three days. as for the price, it varies, usually between 3,000 to 4,000 verl dor, depending on the seller. need my assistance in acquiring it? no problem. lumian, arms slightly spread, replied, praise the sun. youre a gem. fidel, suspecting mockery, frowned slightly. he maintained his composure, stating, im not charitable; im a businessman. why not make a profitable deal? besides, i find forming connections with adventurers like you beneficial. given money and resources, certain matters are easier for you to handle. fidel, smiling, questioned, arent you concerned about counterfeit goods? how do you confirm authenticity on the spot? lumian, with an approving smile, quipped, i know you live here. thats assurance enough. the famous merchant fidel? gunned down six times in a row for pulling a fast one in a deal worth a few thousand verl dor. not the kind of rep youd call respectable news. he left the issue of confirming the colorful bearded horned lizard venoms authenticity unaddressed. fidel maintained his impassive gaze on lumian before a smirk crossed his face. i cant recall the last time someone dared to threaten me like this. interested in knowing what fate befell those who did? curious if ive got the nerve to make a move now? lumians gaze narrowed a touch. his smile remained, but it chilled the room in an instant. he met fidels gaze without hesitation. after a while, fidel sighed without anger and remarked, your approach reminds me of someonethe legendary adventurer, gehrman sparrow. yes, im mimicking him, lumian admitted candidly. fidel chuckled. imitating his madness, then? so, underneath the act, youre a calm, rational, and cunning individual? lumian shook his head, smiling, and replied, no. if i dont imitate him, id be even crazier. the atmosphere in the study became tense once more. fidel, picking up and sipping fragrant black tea from a bone porcelain cup, acknowledged, youre quite the young firebrand. your vigor even makes an old man like me a bit envious. how about taking on a commission? it can fetch you a hefty sum and earn you fame at sea, akin to gehrman sparrow. lumian, adjusting his golden straw hat, inquired, whats the job? eliminate a pirate, baronet black, class khizi, captain of the golden nepos. the bounty is 65,000 verl dor, fidel stated calmly. he used to be the third mate of the king of dusk, bulatov. left the fleet, turned to plundering on his own. four months back, he stole a batch of my goods on saint tick island. its likely sold by now. i dont expect to recover it. i just want him dead. let everyone know that anyone who touches my goods meets their end. lumian, teasingly, asked, what if it was the king of dusk who did it? fidel fell into silence. after a brief pause, fidel brushed off lumians question and continued, ill provide you with regular updates on khizihis characteristics, strength, ship location, and onshore whereabouts. as a bonus, ill throw in an extra 25,000 verl dor as a reward. if you manage to take down khizi, ill expedite the process to secure the full bounty through my connections and help spread your reputation. everything khizi owns will be yours. so, what do you say? eliminate khizi, and youll become one of the most renowned adventurers at sea. 25,000 additional reward and intel support lumian thought for a moment and asked with a smile, how many adventurers have you pitched this to? seven or eight, all of whom i hold in high regard, fidel replied candidly. theres no penalty for failure, as long as you survive. inwardly, lumian mused, so, it doesnt matter whether i accept the mission or not? he nodded. hunting pirates is the duty of every adventurer. with a verbal agreement established, fidel reached into a drawer, producing a brown paper envelope, which he tossed to lumian. lumian deftly caught it with one hand, untied the thread, and extracted the information, swiftly flipping through it. abruptly, he looked up at fidel. has khizi been seen in port farim recently? yes, im certain of this intel, though his exact hiding spot is unknown, fidel replied with a slight nod. agreeing to return in two days for updates on both the colorful bearded horned lizard venom and baronet black, lumian left 16 rue coreas and made his way towards the harbor. roddy, fearing severe punishment, was surprised when fidel merely waved him off, instructing, go back to your room and reflect. yes, monsieur guerra. roddy, relieved, left the study and ascended the dimly lit stairs to the second floor. yet, as he walked, a chill overcame him, and he shivered. the darkness around him deepened, and in the dim light, something emerged from behind his shadow. attempting to cry out for help, roddy, gripped by terror, found himself forever voiceless. meanwhile, lumian didnt head directly back to the flying bird. instead, under the cooling night sky, he strolled towards a street he had recently passed. there stood a modest cathedralthe fools cathedral. having previously spotted the fools sacred emblem on the bell tower, lumian had decided to offer a prayer upon his return. as expected, mr. fools faith seems prevalent at sea. port farim, being an intis colony, boasts several cathedrals. lumian gazed at the warm light emanating from the cathedral, removed his golden straw hat, and entered. inside, lumian noticed around 20 to 30 individuals, likely homeless, resting at the edge of the wide hall. some had tattered blankets, while others relied solely on their clothes for warmth. the fog sea archipelago wouldnt turn these tramps into ice statues this season, but rain lurked, ready to pour at any time. finding shelter was a coveted haven for these tramps, and the fools cathedral offered solace. back in my vagabond days, when brutal weather hit or days without food wore me down, id roll the dice in the cathedrals of the two churches. if the bishop or padre was decent, theyd toss a meal my way and a spot to crash for the night. but come dawn, i had to vanish, or id end up in those rotten relief centers lumian reminisced, found a seat, and started praying. the fools cathedral embraced silence at night. now and then, folks strolled in, muttered their prayers, and exited. some wore merchant garb, others rocked a sailors look, and a few even emitted a faint pirate vibe, but none disturbed the peaceful aura. lumian wasnt sure what to pray for. back when hed occasionally drop by the eternal blazing sun cathedral, hed just echo bits of scripture in his mind, tossing wishes like coins and hoping for corresponding blessings. what if they actually came true? now, he knew such rituals were futile, and he had few desires. most importantly, lumian had only heard clerical teachings about the fool a few times. he couldnt remember much from the bible except for the eight angels and mr. fools authority. but did that matter now? recounting his journey from leaving trier to arriving at port farim, lumians emotions gradually settled into a sense of tranquility. may mr. fool bless me. may all catastrophes be resolved. may aurore be resurrected after about fifteen minutes, lumian concluded his prayer with a simple wish. as he stood up, a distant rumble echoed. the cathedrals windows rattled, and the building creaked and swayed. lumian raised his eyebrows. amidst the startled tramps, he walked to the door and gazed towards the source of the noise. near the governor-generals office, billowing smoke and flames rose into the sky, casting an eerie glow on the surroundings. lumian couldnt help but raise his right hand and stroke his chin. he muttered to himself, this shouldnt have anything to do with my arrival, right? it seemed something significant had occurred in port farim. Chapter 519 - 519 One Event A Day 519 one event a day 519 one event a day the flames of quartier des black pearls danced in lumians eyes, pulling him deep into thought. as a conspirer, his mind instinctively dissected the possibilities. the resistance and civil independence factions were easily ruled outthey had no presence in this archipelago, intiss first far-flung colony. the religious and cultural genocide, along with the assimilation efforts of successive governments, they had tirelessly worked to make it happen. emperor roselles policies had transformed this place into something akin to intiss overseas provinceloose laws and weak security. the islanders, having abandoned their original faith, now saw themselves as discriminated citizens in the intis border regions. this discrimination mirrored the plight of reemians in the south of intis and savoyards in the east. regardless, triers citizens held a universal disdain for all foreigners. however, their vigilance heightened against islanders notorious for scams and thuggery. did the pirate trade spark internal strife, or were southern continent organizations, seeking to overthrow colonial rule, deliberately causing trouble in the fog sea archipelago? perhaps some ambitious individual is following the lead of an evil god. lumians thoughts raced as he noticed a 2.5-meter-tall half-giant emerging from a room beside the cathedral, dressed in a black trench coat and silk top hat. addressing the bewildered supplicants and tramps, he assured them, dont worry. the lord will protect everyone. stay here and dont go out. wait for the riot to subside. there wont be any danger. praise the fool! the believers of the fool church found solace, pressing their hands to their chests and bowing. their expressions softened, conveying a sense of security. the tramps exchanged glances, but none dared to leave. in the minds of most intisians, a cathedral was a safer haven than any government, regardless of the church it belonged to. at that moment, golden sunlight descended into the area where the explosion had occurred, accompanied by a series of dense explosions, though not as deafening as before. it was evident that the governor-generals office and the beyonders of the two churches were addressing the anomaly. simultaneously, lumian observed the sky, once illuminated by moonlight and starlight, darkening. despite no change in the weather, the street outside seemed cloaked in a thin, dark fog. ignoring the half-giant bishops shouts after a moment of contemplation, lumian opened the cathedral door of the fool and stepped out. the temperature outside had notably dropped, akin to triers autumn. beneath the gas street lamps glow, lumian retraced his steps back to the port. suddenly, a swaying figure emerged from a nearby alley. the figure, clad in a thin shirt and pants with bare feet, had a pale, wrinkled face. his eyes were more white than brown, and livor mortis covered his exposed skin. zombie? lumian raised his eyebrows. as the suspected zombiean old manstaggered towards quartier des black pearls, it seemed to detect a hint of spirituality and blood, abruptly turning to lumian and emitting an inhuman sound. lumian promptly condensed a crimson fireball, nearly white, and sent it hurtling towards the zombie. amidst the rumbling explosion, the zombies head shattered, and its body disintegrated. it met its demise once more. no more movement. is that all youve got? lumian had originally wondered if he had encountered a more dangerous undead creature. pressing on, he formed ten to twenty crimson fireballs above his head, behind him, on his shoulders, and at his sides, allowing them to follow his movements and maintain a relative suspension. as lumian rounded a corner, he spotted a young couple screaming in terror and fleeing. behind them, a zombie pursued, its dark-red heart and white intestines faintly discernible from numerous gunshot wounds. a nearly white crimson fireball, unleashed by lumian, flew past the couple and exploded on the pursuing zombie. rumble. the charred corpse scattered in all directions, accompanied by residual flames. the young couple, halted in surprise, stared at lumian surrounded by ten to twenty crimson, nearly white fireballs. confusion and disbelief filled their eyes. are you waiting for death? lumian cursed as he advanced. take the back street and enter the fools cathedral. alright, alright! the young man and woman responded instinctively, as if facing armed police officers or adventurers. the fireball was clearly more powerful than a gun! as the couple entered the street where the fools cathedral was located, lumian, resembling an envoy of flames, continued towards the port at a moderate pace. along the way, he encountered a few more waves of people emerging from bars, open-air markets, and other places, who had encountered zombies. lumian didnt say a word. he directed the crimson, nearly white fireballs around him to help them eliminate the revived corpses. then, he instructed them to hide in the nearest cathedral. the zombies pursuit and the intimidation of the fireballs made his words persuasive. no one insisted on finding their own way. if there were any, lumian couldnt be bothered. after several similar encounters, lumian began to discern a pattern. these zombies werent reanimated from the living; they were originally deceased. the entirety of port farims deceased had risen without any discernible cause. these zombies instinctively headed towards the explosion site, but if they encountered the living on the way, theyd be drawn by both flesh and spirituality, leading them to pursue, kill, and gnaw. with this understanding, lumian no longer advised passersby to seek refuge in distant cathedrals. instead, he directed them to avoid hospitals, graveyards, and similar places, urging them to stay for two to three hours in bustling bars, dance halls, or houses where no recent deaths had occurred. after a series of halts and advances, lumian returned to the port and reboarded the flying bird. he continued unleashing the crimson, almost white fireballs until only two remained. philip, leaning against the ships rail, kept his eyes fixed on the governor-generals office. what happened? he inquired of lumian. how would i know? lumian replied, amused. philip swiftly changed the topic. did you come across any anomalies? only then did lumian briefly recount the explosion near the governor- generals office and the sudden reanimation of the corpses. zombie summoning? philip muttered to himself, a frown creasing his brow. without awaiting lumians response, he sighed and said, it was smooth only on the first day of this voyage. on the second day, we encountered bone splitter. on the third day, death navigators attacked us at noon. by night, or rather in the early hours of the fourth day, another zombie calamity struck in port farim we still have six days until we reach port santa lumian felt a pang of guilt. in theory, his attraction to or attraction by calamities shouldnt be so frequent. when he was in trier, he didnt encounter mystical incidents every day. if that were the case, 007 would have died from overwork. encountering one or two calamities throughout the journey would be understandable, but considering dardels derangement, its truly a daily affair could it be that some unclean entity is tailing me? could it be the cause, the trigger, or the convergence? and is there essentially only one calamity ive encountered? the more lumian pondered, the more he felt the urge to correspond with madam magician to investigate if there was an underlying issue behind such frequent calamities. perhaps the zombie calamity was triggered by the initial trouble on the ship. once we leave the flying bird, our subsequent journey might become peaceful, lumian casually consoled philip. he didnt hold much confidence in his words. hope so. philip spread his arms slightly and prayed devoutly. praise the sun! lumian took his time before heading back to the first-class cabin. he lingered by the shipboard, surveying port farim. the authorities silent endorsement of pirate activities in the fog sea archipelago had resulted in a certain level of chaos and misconduct. however, it had also led to a notable increase in the number of beyonders compared to regular intisian cities. swiftly organizing a resistance, they cleared the streets of zombies, minimizing the casualties among citizens and tourists. whether pirates and adventurers exploited the turmoil to commit crimes or settle scores remained uncertain. in less than half an hour, the turmoil near the explosion site subsided. official beyonders dispersed, addressing disturbances on other streets. very good. nothing major happened. they managed to control it in time, philip remarked, relieved. you can say that, but i cant lumian laughed self-deprecatingly. only then did philip feel at ease enough for casual conversation. did you go into farim for a drink? thats right, lumian replied with a smile. i happened to receive a commission. what commission? philip asked casually. hunting a piratebaronet black. lumian didnt withhold any details. philips eyes narrowed as he inquired with a frown, are you sure youre stronger than baronet black? he has a ship and over a hundred subordinates! besides, even if you find an opportunity to assassinate him, arent you afraid of the king of dusks retaliation? hes one of the maritime kings! just because i accepted a commission doesnt mean ill definitely do it. i dont even know where to find black baronet class khizi. thats his name, right? lumian didnt mind the potential repercussions from the king of dusk. there were more than one saint who wanted to deal with him! philip observed louis berrys nonchalant demeanor, realizing he had accepted a mission but would reconsider only if there was a chance to complete it. thus, he didnt press further on the matter. the next morning. as the security supervisor finished breakfast, a subordinate sailor informed him: the governor-generals office had ordered the port to be temporarily closed, and all ships were prohibited from leaving! philip suppressed the urge to stand up and asked in a deep voice, what are the soldiers at the port doing? searching ship by ship, the sailor replied truthfully. in room 5 of the first-class cabin, lumian observed the chaotic harbor where the army had entered and continued writing a letter to jenna and franca. something seems to have happened to port farim on saint tick island in the fog sea archipelago. ask that person and see if he knows the exact situation. at this point, lumian raised his right hand and tapped his chest four timesup, down, left, rightlike mr. k. he whispered sympathetically, poor 007. Chapter 520 - 520 Demon Warlock 520 demon warlock 520 demon warlock trier, quartier de la cathdrale commmorative, 9 rue orosai, apartment 702. franca awoke naturally, rising lazily from her bed. her plans were simplegrabbing a piece of toast, anticipating a heavy lunch. lately, the absence of mirror people leads had made her days relaxed. thank the heavens, thank the earth, thank mr. fool. lumian, the jinx, has left trier franca muttered in her pre-meal prayer. as she sipped her milk, jenna returned and pointed to the coffee table. rabbit chasel delivered a letter this morning. its from lumian. letter? francas eyes narrowed as her relaxed body tensed. the source of dardels derangement was still at large. what had happened this time? he mentioned an incident in the capital of the fog sea archipelago. he wishes to gather details and hopes you can inquire with your contact among the authorities. i refrained from waking you since you only reach out to that contact late at night, so i opted to read the letter immediately. it seems you can only make inquiries during the night, jenna explained concisely. how considerate. lumian, that rascal, would undoubtedly knock on the door and jolt me awake! franca, who had experienced lumians disruptive wake- up calls countless times, felt unusually touched. she chuckled. did something happen to port farim once he arrived? even though it seems unrelated to him, but franca leaned back slightly and remarked, whats up with the walking mysticism catastrophe detector? since it wasnt urgent, she planned to ask about 007 in the telegram group later at night. after all, he was an official beyonder of trier. it was unlikely he would have immediate information about the events in the fog sea archipelagos capital. if she didnt initiate the inquiry, he might remain unaware. franca, with her penchant for instant messaging, set down the bottle of milk and wrote lumian a teasing reply. if you want to know whats happening, investigate it yourself. a walking mysticism catastrophe detector like yourself doesnt need clues or information. stroll through the streets of port farim aimlessly, and who knows, you might bump into the person involved! hey, lets not turn letter-writing into work-related communication, using it only to discuss issues or ask for help. cant you share the interesting sea tales and details of pirates bounties? heh heh, ever since you left trier, everythings been calm and quiet. i can enjoy sleeping in again. enjoy your sweet revenge. no need to rush back. give us a heads up if you need assistance jenna observed franca thoughtfully as she gleefully filled nearly two pages of the letter. inside room 5 of the flying birds first-class cabin in port farim, lumian, confined to his quarters, sneered as he finished reading francas reply. how many complaints has this fellow received from 007? shes blaming me for the frequent mysticism catastrophes. folding the letter, he brought it to ludwigs lips. the boy, who had just finished dessert, looked at lumian and remarked, im not a shredder. i thought you eat everything, lumian replied casually as he lit the letter, watching it turn to ashes in the sea breeze blowing through the window. shortly after lunch, philip knocked on the door, accompanied by four soldiers in blue military uniforms adorned with golden threads. the officer, holding copies of lumian and the others identification documents, compared their faces to black-and-white photos. like you, they came from port gati and only arrived last night? the officer inquired, having confirmed philips reliability. yes, i watched them board the ship. we met frequently in the past two days, philip replied, wisely choosing not to expose the fact that lumian and the others identities and information were fake. very wise otherwise, youll witness true trouble lumian joked inwardly. if his disguise were to be exposed, he would choose to teleport away with lugano and ludwig rather than make a scene and reveal the adventurer louis berry to the world. lumians only devotion to gehrman sparrow, ready to hunt pirates when the opportunity arose. in truth, lumian had no intention of becoming a true adventurer. his purpose for venturing out to sea was revenge! after confirming lumian and the others situation, the officer led the soldiers to the next room, with philip accompanying them. lumian observed that the investigation of the flying bird was thorough, yet not overly intense. the officers followed procedures meticulously without delving into further inquiries. it made sense. the explosion in quartier des black pearls and the abnormality of the corpses couldnt have occurred overnight. even if it was an accident, it had been brewing for a while. the extensive impact suggested a prolonged development. unless the person involved was a demigod, it was nearly impossible for ordinary authorities to trace any demigod-related traces. this meant the flying bird, having arrived in port farim only the previous night, likely had no connection to the incident. the focus was on confirming the passengers identities. the possibility of a demigod being injured and unable to escape port farim was considered, warranting a comprehensive investigation, but there were no suspicious casualties on the flying bird. the officers disembarked after nearly two hours, accompanied by 20 to 30 soldiers. lumian, now on the deck, approached philip and inquired, what happened last night? philip glanced around and lowered his voice. i heard from my former colleague that theyre searching for demon warlock burman. burman? lumian expressed his ignorance. having only read a portion of the wanted posters the previous night, lumian was not familiar with demon warlock burman. his attention had been on maritime kings, pirate admirals, and other significant pirates. then, he had shared a drink with batna comt. hes a wanted adventurer, philip explained with a sigh. before i left the fog sea fleet, he was still normal. he chased bounties and treasures and met his wife, helen, a female adventurer. later, helen died in an accident, causing burman to go crazy. he wanted to revive his wife and did many thingsboth good and bad attempts. he mercilessly orchestrated the destruction of a 300-person town to fulfill the conditions for a resurrection ritual. he organized gatherings of evil warlocks, aiming to use the lives of others, especially newborns, for cruel and bloody witchcraft to revive helen. these events pushed his bounty to surpass bone splitter basil, reaching 600,000 verl dor. in his quest to resurrect his wife, he was driven to become a cruel and cold demon warlock? lumian suddenly sighed. if madam magician hadnt found him back then, if mr. fool hadnt offered a glimmer of hope, and if the tarot club hadnt arranged for two formidable psychiatrists to provide treatment, would he now resemble burman and carry a demon-prefixed moniker? moreover, simply treading the path of boons would expedite his growth. with termiboross aid, he could reach sequence 5 fate appropriator within a few months. the obliteration of a 300-person town held the potential to elevate him to a circle inhabitant. 600,000 verl dor is nearly on par with vice admiral black tide holle sassen, who has the lowest bounty among pirate admirals, lumian remarked, drawing a comparison. vice admiral black tide was a great pirate who had only gained fame in recent years. his bounty was 700,000 verl dor. philip fell silent for a moment before adding, burman might not be weaker than holle sassen, but he doesnt have his own fleet. hes always alone and occasionally collaborates with those evil warlocks. this allows him to escape authorities encirclements and successfully infiltrate towns adorned with his wanted posters. from philips description, lumian gathered that demon warlock burman possessed diverse abilities, excelling at disguises. with the elegance of a true warlock, burman combined it with mastery over the power of the dead, whether acquired through resurrection research or inherent in his original sequences contradictory description of both comprehensive and specialty skills. the port blockade left the flying bird stranded in farim, delayed from its scheduled departure. at 4 p.m., lumian found himself with nothing to do. sporting his new golden straw hat, he disembarked from the ship, where passengers and sailors could now freely move. once more, he stepped into port farim. he planned to investigate the scene of last nights explosion. perhaps he could unearth some clues. what lay in ruins was a hospital. nearly half of it crumbled, unveiling a massive pit leading underground. corpses littered the remaining structures, amidst fresh blood and humanoid shadows charred by the blast. with the ban lifted, numerous adventurers flocked to the site, seeking answers. lumian blended into the crowd, discreetly observing. louis, youre here too? suddenly, lumian recognized a familiar voice. it was batna comt, armed with a substantial revolver and an exquisite rapier. meticulously groomed, he looked sharp and sophisticated. thats right, lumian replied with a smile. as an adventurer, how can i miss the grand occasion of pursuing the demon warlock? our main goal is to gather clues for a reward batna muttered under his breath. as he investigated the battle remnants for leads, he casually inquired, did you come across those resurrected corpses last night? i did. besides being a bit eerie, theres nothing noteworthy about them, lumian boasted. batna glanced at him and suddenly smiled. anything unusual happened to you after leaving the bar last night? lumian replied nonchalantly, i ran into a few swindlers and walked away with a small fortune. a small fortune batna was taken aback. he suddenly recalled louis berrys actions at the bar and his words: perhaps they think im an easy target? Chapter 521 - 521 Guidance of Fate? 521 guidance of fate? 521 guidance of fate? when batna turned his gaze back to lumian, there was a discernible shift in his eyes. the mimicry of gehrman sparrow and the apparent recklessness that characterized this guy seemed all too contrived. beneath the facade lurked cunning and a hint of sinister intent! anyone falling for his act was in for a world of trouble! lumian chose not to dwell on how hed managed to swindle a small fortune out of the swindlers. instead, together with batna, he meticulously surveyed the aftermath of the explosion, scrutinizing every detail. regrettably, even the official beyonders, armed with their diverse sequences and synergistic combinations, were at a loss, let alone the duo lacking any proficiency in divination or prophecy. batna absentmindedly ran his fingers over the finely crafted rapier hanging diagonally at his waist, letting out a sigh. i know its a long shot, but i cant resist coming here, wasting my time. its not about the bounty. what adventurer doesnt dream of overnight fame? hunting down the demon warlock burman wasnt the only route to fame. assisting official beyonders in tracking this wanted criminal, whose bounty rivaled that of a pirate admiral, was a noteworthy feat in itself. wasnt your primary motivation to gather clues for the money? lumian inquired, a playful smile on his face. uh, well, thats a secondary motive, batna awkwardly defended himself. suddenly, he had a realization. he never explicitly mentioned that his investigation aimed at accumulating clues for monetary gain. he merely thought about it! can he read my thoughts, or is he just bluffing? batna scrutinized lumian with a perplexed expression. lumian chuckled. dont let your thoughts betray you. if you cross paths with a spectator, your secrets wont stay hidden. batna instinctively lifted his right hand and touched his face. is my expression management that bad? he vented his frustration with a muttered curse, with the scene in this level of chaos and no traces left on the nearby streets, unless a deity blesses me, or im imbued with luck, finding any clues is like searching for a needle in a haystack how about we grab a drink instead? luck finding clues doesnt necessarily hinge on good luck; bad luck could work just as well lumians heart stirred as he pulled a bandage from his pocket and calmly wrapped it around his eyes. batna comt, utterly bewildered, couldnt help but ask, what on earth are you doing? blindfolding. relying solely on instinct to navigate the nearby streets eliminates external influences and unleashes the full force of luck, lumian explained with a chuckle. perhaps today, luck is truly on my side? according to franca, a mystical catastrophe detector like him didnt need conventional clues or intel; he might just stumble upon the person involved while strolling around. in that case, lumian decided to follow the whims of fate this time. if he succeeded, he could use the demon warlock or related clues to claim a handsome bounty. if he failed, it would prove francas words to be nothing but baseless slander. batna couldnt help but wonder if louis berry had lost his mind. can you really do that? theres no harm in trying, lumian replied confidently, blindfolded and ready to step onto the street. after a few paces, he abruptly halted. blindfolding, he realized, was useless for hunters. the path he had taken and the scenes he had observed while searching for clues were vividly etched in his mind, meticulously arranged according to their real-world locations. essentially, he possessed a high-definition mental map of the surrounding streets, allowing him to reach shops and buildings with uncanny precision. with a hunters exceptional control over their body and direction, even without sight, coupled with heightened senses of smell and hearing, lumian couldnt help but conclude that relying on the whims of fate was redundant. after a moment of contemplation, he began to ponder his next move freely. demon warlock burmans elusive escapes hints at special abilities or possessions granting him such freedom can he teleport away like me, alter his appearance and height at will, or perhaps even disguise himself as someone of a different gender? despite numerous bloody and cruel experiments, burman has evaded capture, suggesting conventional methods and thinking wouldnt suffice can i change my mindset and let him take the initiative to appear? yes, if we cant find him, we can make him come to us his primary concern is resurrecting his wife, helen. if i can fabricate a few cases of resurrection or discuss resurrection at certain mysticism gatherings and provide verifiable mysticism knowledge in related domains, this demon warlock might very well follow the clues i left behind however, this plan faces two challenges. the official beyonders might have attempted similar schemes, and burman, being cautious, could see through them. additionally, the time needed for setup and waiting could be weeks or even months, a luxury i lack in port farim i can only weave the plan gradually into mysticism gatherings and bar conversations, occasionally revealing secrets to make it more realistic and my motives less apparent lost in his thoughts, lumian relied on batna comt for occasional support, preventing mishaps during their walk. when lumian had a complete albeit time-consuming plan, he stopped, removed the bandage covering his eyes, and smiled at batna. where are we? my intuition says there might be clues about the demon warlock hidden here. its a regular street with regular houses. the residents seem wealthy and powerful, batna replied helplessly. lumian finally caught sight of the evening sun. as lumian adjusted to the evening sun, his eyes narrowed, and his heart quickened. although unfamiliar with many streets in port farim, his instinctive journey guided by fate had led him to a familiar place: 16 rue coreas! the adjacent grayish-brown building, adorned with a sculpted outer wall, belonged to fidel guerra, the prominent merchant. lumian had reserved colorful bearded horned lizard venom here last night and accepted a commission to hunt down black baronet class khizi! temiboros, are you behind this? lumians immediate instinct was to question the inevitability angel sealed within him. termiboros remained silent, leaving batna, standing beside lumian, puzzled. he couldnt fathom who louis berry was addressing. if termiboros didnt intentionally lead me here, then something in fidel guerras house is aligning with my fate. is it an item related to the hunter pathway or connected to an evil god? or could the clues to demon warlock burmans whereabouts truly be found at fidels residence? lumians mind raced as he rapidly considered a series of possibilities. staring at fidels building, he evaluated the likelihood of the demon warlocks presence. burman, engaged in numerous resurrection experiments, likely struggled to complete his preparations alone. snatching various resources would draw the attention of both official beyonders and pirates who sought his capture. only the assistance of other evil warlocks could provide him with the necessary help. if a well-connected merchant like fidel supported him in secret, burman wouldnt face difficulties obtaining experimental materials for fidel, with a sequence possibly not high enough, having a demon warlock reliant on him for covert protection is undoubtedly advantageous. considering fidels clandestine business, vulnerable to attacks from powerful pirates or adventurers, having a demon warlock at his disposal makes sense. in case of future conflicts with authorities, the warlock could shield him, enabling a change of identity and a fresh start in another city or country. according to aurores insights, such individuals often maintain fake identities and reserve assets in multiple places last night, soon after i met fidel, a mishap occurred involving the demon warlocks failed experiment lumian averted his gaze. lumian increasingly suspected that the merchant, fidel guerra, had motives to shield demon warlock burman. of course, if termiboros intentionally guided him here, the situation would only become more complex and serious. what are you looking at? batna inquired, following lumians gaze to 16 rue coreas. i met fidel guerra, a prominent merchant, here last night and received a commission from him, lumian replied candidly. what commission? batna asked with curiosity. lumian responded with a smile, hunt the captain of the golden nepos, black baronet class khizi. is the rumor true that black baronet class hijacked fidels shipment? fidel hired numerous adventurers to deal with black baronet batna enlightened before lowering his voice. dont tell anyone about this. why? lumian inquired with a smile. batna, stroking his neatly trimmed stubble, whispered, these bounties and commissions dont necessitate actual acceptance, nor do they require success. yes, if word gets out that an adventurer plans to hunt a pirate, and theyre not too far apart, revenge from said pirate is inevitable. its both a punishment and a warning. baronet black is a notorious pirate. if he catches wind that a newcomer like you is taking on a mission to hunt him and is spreading the news, do you think hell take offense? he might track you down and use your demise as a lesson for other adventurers and fidel. baronet black is indeed in port farim lumian nodded thoughtfully. thats a smart approach. smart? batna was momentarily taken aback. in the evening, at a bar, lumian, batna, and the others had been reveling for nearly two hours, filled with joy and excitement. suddenly, lumian lifted his glass and descended from the barstool to the floor. addressing the adventurers and ordinary patrons around him, he declared, everyone, remember my name, louis berry! im on the brink of fame. ive accepted a commission from the prominent merchant, fidel. my objective is to track down black baronet class khizi! when i succeed, the name louis berry will echo across the five seas! when that time comes, youll proudly say you shared a drink with me! ah batna froze on the barstool. it felt like witnessing louis berry once again leaping onto the wooden platform and firing his gun the night before. Chapter 522 - 522 Excellent Scheme 522 excellent scheme 522 excellent scheme amid the bustling scene, lumian relished his drink until the clock neared midnight. exiting the bar with batna, they stepped onto the street, where the once-warm sea breeze had turned chilly. batna hesitated before asking, do you seriously plan to go after baronet black? hadnt louis berrys performance been a repeat of the previous nights scheme, expecting black baronet class khizi to come looking for him? lumian turned his head, his green eyes devoid of any signs of intoxication. otherwise? if he doesnt seek me out, where am i supposed to find him? sneak onto the golden nepos and take on their entire ship solo? fair point batna conceded that louis berrys logic had merit. once black baronet made land, he would likely disguise himself, making him hard to track. at sea or on his own boat, a lone adventurer would find it nearly impossible to take him down. even lions feared a wolf pack. moreover, among the wolves, aside from class khizi, there were a few heads with beyonder powers. batna had to admit that every head was no less formidable than himself. after a brief pause, batna sensed something amiss and blurted out, are you sure you can handle baronet black and the two or three helpers he might have? lumians lips curled into a smile. every adventurer who comes to sea dreams of following in gehrman sparrows great footsteps. it wasnt the first time he said this, but the tone was different. this time, batna detected a calm and serious demeanor. is he for real? is he sly and cunning or just plain reckless? at that moment, batna had to reconsider his understanding of louis berry. there was a method to his madness, a trap meticulously laid out, but the aspirations and strategies were impractical. what struck batna most was that louis knew it was unrealistic, yet he calmly and persistently pressed on to realize his grand dream. how to describe this guy? batna couldnt find the right words. at that moment, lumian had already reached the open-air market stalls. he dropped 5 verl dor on fried banana slices, scones, roasted meat, roasted oysters, grilled fish, roasted shrimp, and sugarcane. youre still hungry? batna asked, surprised. during their drinking session, they had already ordered fries, fish, meatloaf, and more. lumian smiled and replied, getting supper for my godson. godson? at your age? batna couldnt quite fathom this guy with a savoie province accent. maybe its a trend in the mountainous province for young men to become godfathers? after lumian picked up the brown paper bags, batna exhaled and remarked, your plan might not be effective. adventurers boasting about their exploits are a dime a dozen. they might not consider your declaration a joke to spread it to others. its too common. lumian smiled and said, no, theyll spread it like wildfire. in a few days, the entire port farim will know that a new adventurer has taken a commission to hunt down baronet black. hows that possible? you cant control their mouths, batna retorted subconsciously. suddenly, he was taken aback. you cant really control their thoughts, can you lumian scoffed and tapped his head with the paper bags. use your brain and think carefully. they wont want to spread it. someone will help me spread it. batna had an epiphany. you want to secretly hire a group of people to help you publicize this matter he paused for a few seconds before continuing, theres no need for you to hire them. the merchant, fidel, will help you achieve your goal once he finds out about your act. he has ample resources. but what if he doesnt know ill pay him a visit tomorrow, lumian replied calmly. its meticulous and feasible. its like iron chains, all interconnected the more batna thought about it, the more he realized that every detail of this plan had been considered, but overall, it exuded a sense of madness. after a while, he instinctively assessed, if baronet black leaves the fog sea, it might take months for him to hear the news. if he happens to be in port farim, perhaps hell find out in two or three days. port farim had a population of just over 100,000, including tourists. it might not even be comparable to a quartier in trier. more people were scattered across saint tick islands plantations and the andatna volcano mines. i hope hes in port farim, lumian said with a satisfied expression as he strolled through the night. batna fell silent, unsure of what to say. returning to the flying bird, lumian entered room 5 of the first-class cabin and found ludwig enjoying the supper he had left for him. he placed the brown paper bags on the dining table. the aroma of fried ingredients and barbecue filled the air. ludwig looked up in surprise before quickly devouring the food lumian had brought back. lumian settled into a nearby recliner, rocking gently. finally, ludwig let out a contented sigh and said, you get tired of always eating cheese, bread, cakes, and crackers for supper. a person who can even eat live rats raw doesnt have the right to say that lumian criticized and smiled. this proves that i havent forgotten you, my godson. by the way, how long do you plan to follow me? ive already helped you escape the church of knowledge. ludwig pondered seriously. ill follow you until i can earn my own living. n-now, im still a child! thats true. if this fellow doesnt have the money to buy food, something terrifying might happen also, before i go to the city of exiles, the church of knowledge probably wont allow ludwig to leave me lumian laughed self- deprecatingly. i, an unmarried underage man, have to support a child like you for a long time. ludwig muttered under his breath, not necessarily very long does that mean you can recover to the point of supporting yourself within this year or next? lumian pretended not to hear ludwigs muttering and gestured towards the servants quarters with his chin. has that guy been acting okay? ludwig, acting as a spy, asked in confusion, for intisians, is flirting with women on the deck and in the bar under the pretext of attending to patients considered okay? yes. lumian sighed helplessly. you intisians. the next afternoon, amid rumors of the port closure possibly ending the following morning, lumian disembarked from the flying bird and headed straight to rue coreas in quartier des black pearls to pay an early visit to the prominent merchant, fidel guerra. the previous evening, lumian had received a letter from franca, delivered by jennas rabbit chasel. the explosion in port farim matched philips intel, but there were more details. by the time official beyonders reached the scene, demon warlock burman had already vanished. facing an undead monster made of limbs and corpse fragments, capable of awakening the deceased in port farim, official beyonders had their hands full. the hospital suffered casualtiespatients fell victim to the monstrous horror in fidel guerras study, lumian met the mana blend of intis and feynapotter blood, smoking a cigar with a grin. did you come here because of the smell? i just received the colorful bearded horned lizard venom. just obtained? im afraid its been here all along. considering my earnest efforts to draw out baronet black and fulfill your request, youre not suggesting you havent secured the goods lumian ventured a guess, a smile playing on his lips. seems lucks smiling upon me. how much? 3,800 verl dor. my cut isnt much, fidel replied sincerely. lumian didnt negotiate. he produced a stack of banknotes and tallied out 3,800 verl dor. observing this, fidel signaled an attendant and gave instructions. soon after, the attendant returned, carrying a brown glass bottle. fidel directed the attendant to take the money and hand over the goods while he kept a distance of roughly ten meters from lumian. metal containers wont do. the venoms potency can be affected by corrosion. lumian nodded subtly, casting a glance at the brown glass bottle before stashing it away in his pocket. after the attendant departed, fidel grinned once more. i heard you replicated your act from the night before at the bar last night? this influential merchant showcased his well-informed nature. indeed, we must employ effective strategies repeatedly, lumian tacitly concurred. fidel nodded. i appreciate a sharp young man like you. ill help disseminate your message and ensure class khizi hears it promptly. heh heh, the adventurers i assigned to this task previously were far too risk- averse. no problem. thats precisely why im here today, lumian mentioned before making his way to leave. after a few steps, he abruptly halted, turned around, and spoke thoughtfully, do you think demon warlock burman is hiding here? fidel was taken aback. what are you talking about? what does the demon warlock have to do with me? not much. just a wild guess, lumian replied with a smile. rue coreas is very close to where the explosion occurred last night, and your establishment is quite suitable for hiding. without waiting for fidels response, he took another step and casually exited the building. fidel observed lumians departure, furrowing his brow in confusion. he couldnt fathom why lumian had uttered those words. in the deep of night, the sound of waves echoed in the distance, and the flying bird swayed gently. lumian reclined on the bed in room 5 of the first-class cabin, enveloped in a velvet blanket. his eyes shut tight, breathing deep, he was sound asleep. suddenly, a dark cloud materialized outside the window, obscuring the crimson moon and stars in the sky. the room, draped in curtains, plunged into darkness. even looking at ones hands, one could barely discern five fingers. within the shadows, something seemed to stir to life. Chapter 523 - 523 Eye of Illusory 523 eye of illusory 523 eye of illusory a lanky shadow emerged from the shadows in translucent form. swiftly, it lunged at lumian, as if eager to claim a new host. resembling the possession of wraiths and evil spirits, this entity sought control but lacked the speed to complete the process in a mere blink. in an instant, lumian, previously dormant, transformed into a shadowy figure, melding seamlessly with the darkness, leaving the bed bereft of his presence. this marked the manifestation of his newly contracted skillshadow transformation! an eerie hush enveloped the room, dominated by the tall, translucent shadow, erasing any trace of lumian or his unseen assailant. suddenly, the darkness rifted, revealing a decaying, skeletal python oozing yellowish-green pus. empty-eyed, its fangless mouth resembled a vortex, emitting a hurried, piercing sound. a suction force tugged at the surrounding shadows, drawing them in. it seemed like an undead creature, a specialist in consuming shadows and shadowy creatures. room 5 of the flying birds first-class cabins master bedroom assumed an otherworldly tableau. despite the lingering dim light, shadows dissipated, leaving everything cloaked in pure darkness. in due time, lumian emerged from the shadows, resuming his human form against the backdrop of a lush carpet and an exquisite wardrobe. simultaneously, a towering figure materializeda knight adorned in tattered black armor. pale flames flickered in its eye sockets, putrid liquid seeping from the armors crevices, with only sticky flesh clinging to its exposed skin. with a broadsword raised, the dead knight advanced, slashing at lumian, as if poised to shatter both bed and wardrobe. lumians agile form shifted, maneuvering from facing the death knight, the shadow-swallowing python, and the looming tall, thin shadow to flank them all. crash! the broadsword of the death knight cleaved through the wardrobe, sending fragments flying. lumian, reacting swiftly, crouched down, clenched his fists, and struck the heavy brownish-yellow carpet. from the center, a multitude of crimson, nearly white flames burst forth, consuming every inch of the room. the inferno devoured the three undead entities suspected to be from the spirit world. rumble! within the roaring flames, fireballs materialized and shot out from lumians form. they homed in on the death knight, the shadow-swallowing python, and the lanky black shadow, or recklessly engulfed the sizable bedroom. rumble! the crimson, nearly white fireballs detonated consecutively, tearing apart the three undead beings, pulverizing the bed, desk, and other furnishings. pungent smoke billowed from the scorched carpet. in this explosive turmoil, any entity lacking pure ethereality or possessing partial corporeality faced inevitable destruction in the confined space. the once steel-clad armor of the death knight crumbled instantly, and the shadow-swallowing python fractured into a multitude of burning remains. though the lanky shadow fared relatively better, it too succumbed to the engulfing flames, dwindling in substance. rumble! although the flying bird boasted a steel structure, the impact of such force reminiscent of multiple cannons targeting a confined spaceinevitably took its toll on room 5 of the first-class cabin. strangely, only cracks marred the inner wall, with neither the wall nor the door fully giving way. however, the formless barrier enveloping the area shuddered violently, on the verge of disintegration. as shockwaves rebounded from the walls, doors, and ceiling, lumian, the catalyst of the explosion, suffered as well. it was akin to being struck repeatedly by a massive hammer, with his vision clouded by golden specks and a metallic taste of blood in his throat. the air, instantly devoured by flames, left him with a suffocating sensation. amidst the tumultuous flames, a figure emerged from the darkness, standing near the window, adorned in a black robe with a loose hood. numerous wounds marked his body, testament to the explosive waves and engulfing flames, leaving charred imprints. lumian observed that the mans once fine hairs had transformed into pale- white, nearly indistinguishable feathers. some were charred, emitting a dark dense fog instead of thick smoke. rather than the usual red blood, a thick yellowish-green hue oozed from the wounds. under the raised hood, lumian discerned a pale-white face and a few ulcers reaching down to the bone. vague traces of pale-white fur adorned the wounds. in the blink of an eye, lumian locked eyes with his opponent, who sported cold flaxen-colored irises. between the brows of the hooded figure, a crack swiftly widened, revealing an illusory vertical eye with a deep purple border that almost verged on black. devoid of eyelashes or pupils, it seemed to harbor countless pale-white patterns. this peculiar vertical eye instantly mirrored lumians figure. his initial intention to teleport behind the hooded man and employ the spell of harrumph met an abrupt freeze. the impact resonated at the spiritual level. it was akin to lumians soul body losing the protective shield of his physical form and standing exposed to scorching sunlight. instinctively, fear, stiffness, and lethargy gripped him. ordinarily, humans explored the spirit world through astral projection, rarely detaching their soul bodythe core of their soulfrom their physical being, always shrouded in protection. the arbiter pathways psychic piercing bypassed the physical body, ether body, astral projection, and body of heart and mind, directly influencing the soul body. it carried an almost undefendable reputation, affecting individuals to varying degrees. lumian suspected that the spell of harrumph shared these characteristics. within the assailants dark-purple, nearly black vertical eye, pale-white patterns silently spun, as if seeking the essence of lumians spirit body. the sensation resembled being scrutinized by penetrating rays of light, causing lumians spirit body to quiver slightly, impeding intricate thoughts. just as he was about to take the simplest action of sinking his consciousness into the blood emperor mark on his right hand, the hooded man emitted a sudden pained groan. his head snapped back as if struck by a bullet, the once illusory, dark-purple vertical eye now blurry, oozing dark-red blood mixed with yellowish-green pus. with a pained groan, the hooded figure swiftly turned and soared out of the window, dragged by an unseen force. observing this, lumian didnt hasten to block the escape with spirit world traversal. instead, he raised his right hand and snapped his fingers. boom! at the window, a crimson, almost blinding light erupted, and a violent explosion engulfed the hooded man. lumian had set this as a trap. before entering a state of sleep, he had concealed the master bedroom within the bottle of fiction. there were two entrances, one by the window and the other by the door, accessible only to beings with superpowers. both exits harbored delayed explosion fireballs. any trigger would unleash devastation. amidst the fiery explosion, the hooded man was propelled off his feet, crashing against the window frame. his limbs seemed on the brink of tearing from his body. without a moments hesitation, lumian teleported to the severely injured and unconscious man, harrumphing at his foe. two beams of white light shot forth, striking the target and rendering him completely unconscious. as lumian prepared for his next move, pairs of arms suddenly emerged from the darkness at the shattered exit of the bottle of fiction. some were covered in warts, some decayed to the point of pus overflowing, and some only displayed blackened bones these arms seized the hooded mans clothes and dragged him into the shadows, disappearing without a trace. observing this, lumian refrained from an immediate transformation into a shadow creature to pursue them. instead, he stood his ground, a slight frown creasing his brows. the assailant shared an uncanny resemblance to demon warlock burman as depicted on the wanted posters, but the non-human feeling was even more pronounced. the details suggested an undying monster rather than a human. lumian wasnt caught off guard by demon warlock burmans appearance. it was one of the anticipated outcomes. he had deliberately voiced suspicions about fidels connection with the demon warlock in front of him without providing clarity, fostering the illusion that louis berry, a bold adventurer with a penchant for conspiracies, was attempting to extort money from the prominent merchant. under normal circumstances, even if fidel had something to hide, he wouldnt act so swiftly. he would likely observe closely for a few days to confirm the situation. lumian, however, had offered him an opportunity this time. louis berry, the adventurer, had made public the commission he accepted to lure out baronet black! in such a scenario, it wouldnt raise eyebrows if he were killed by class khizi. the death of an overconfident individual in port farim wouldnt spark trouble or suspicion. so, why not nip the danger in the bud? even if louis berrys suspicions lacked evidence, they would still draw the attention of official beyonders. lumians performance at the bar the previous night seemed to bait black baronet class khizi, but in reality, it was bait for the merchant, fidel guerra! if fidel had no ties to the demon warlock, it wouldnt trigger an additional reaction. lumian merely needed to pursue the superficial purpose of hunting black baronet. if there was a connection, he would promptly receive a response. to lumians surprise, the abilities exhibited by demon warlock burman shared similarities with the few divine pathways he knew, but there were also notable differences! Chapter 524 - 524 Infighting 524 infighting 524 infighting the illusory eye between the demon warlocks brows bore a remarkable resemblance to the eye of mystery prying from the warlock pathway. however, this entity took a unique form, manifesting as a vertical eye rather than the typical manifestation within the eye itself. lumian had never encountered or heard of such a phenomenon before. while a mystery pryer might experience similar abnormalities as a high- sequence beyonder, it was clear that burman hadnt reached the saint level. otherwise, lumian would have been the one fleeing, not him. in such a scenario, lumian might not have been able to escape even if he desired; his only hope would be that the residual aura of the blood emperor could momentarily distract burman, enabling him to teleport away. considering the authorities wanted poster, information from 007, and details gathered from philip and others, lumian had long concluded that a demon warlock like burman couldnt be a sequence 4he certainly wasnt audacious enough to hunt a demigod. based on the illusory vertical eye and burmans diverse, comprehensive abilities, lumian sensed a true alignment with the characteristics of a warlock. however, no warlocks eye of mystery prying resembled this. not only did it grow between the brows and become a vertical eye, marked with pale-white patterns against a nearly black background, but it also possessed the ability to intimidate others spirit bodies, revealing a perceived truth. in that moment, lumian felt as if he had been stripped of all externalities, leaving only his spirit body to resist burmans. yielding or failing would result in fainting or enslavement. fortunately, the truth on him was beyond the perception of low- to mid- sequence beyonders, and burman was no exception. before lumian could activate the blood emperors residual aura, the demon warlock suffered a backlash, nearly incapacitating him. moreover, burmans command over the undead and the protection he received after fainting surpassed typical warlock capabilities. even if others could achieve similar effects with learned or invented spells, it wouldnt be to that extent, let alone so effortlessly. which evil gods pathway is this? or has burman, a warlock, been corrupted and acquired abnormal traits? that would explain the non-human details on him. after conducting so many resurrection experiments, he wouldnt lack the kind that sacrifices to evil gods the illusory vertical eye was undeniably powerful and bizarre. i couldnt withstand it head-on. were it not for the protection of mr. fools seal, termiboros, and the lingering aura of the blood emperorall surpassing my current leveli might have met my demise at burmans hands. lumians thoughts raced as he quickly made a guess. seizing this moment to counteract the impact of the explosion, he retrieved the golden straw hat from his travelers bag and placed it on his head before disappearing. lumian teleported to 16 rue coreas, the entrance of fidel guerras opulent residence. while demon warlock burman had the means to escape, the same couldnt be said for this prominent merchant! if burman had been in good condition when he fled, lumian worried that he might return out of professional courtesy and rescue his employer. however, since burman had been rendered unconscious and taken away by some undead creature, he wouldnt be returning to 16 rue coreas. he wouldnt even after waking up either. the more time passed, the more likely fidel guerras house would become a trap for the demon warlock. hence, lumian still had time to ponder burmans sequence and the non- human issues he exhibited. his deliberate delay served a purpose. if demon warlock burman were to wake up promptly and flee with his employer, lumians calculated delay of a minute or two would ensnare both of them. standing at the entrance of 16 rue coreas, lumians brow furrowed slightly. as a hunter, he detected a faint scent of blood emanating from inside the house. after a moment of consideration, lumian gently pushed open the dark-blue door. it was unlocked. the door bore splatters of fresh blood that hadnt fully congealed. it seemed as though someone in a panic had sought refuge here, unlocking the door just before being pursued and torn to pieces. however, there were no remnants of the corpse to be found. lumian halted at the doorway, listening intently. the entire house remained eerily silent. did fidel act swiftly, eliminating those in the know and relocating to safety before burman could strike me down? in such a scenario, if burmans operation proved successful and he uncovered the reasons for my suspicions and if there were others privy to the information, fidel could use the pretext of a late-night attack by black baronet and other pirates, where he nearly lost his life. escaping wouldnt have been easy before returning here. alternatively, he might vanish forever, adopting a new identity to embark on a fresh business venture lumian pondered this mystery as he navigated past the blood-stained area at the entrance, intending to search the house for clues. his goal was to uncover the exact relationship between fidel guerra and demon warlock burman. leaving the door slightly ajar, he proceeded towards the staircase, the scent of blood lingering in the air. perhaps sensing his approach, heavy footsteps suddenly echoed. amidst the rhythmic sounds of footsteps, a figure emerged from the basement, coming into lumians line of sight. it wasnt human, or rather, it couldnt be deemed human any longer. standing three to four meters tall, its body comprised fragments from various human corpses. it possessed a mix of feminine curves and masculine traits, sewn together by linen threads, with blood-stained mucus dripping from the joints. this person featured a relatively intact head, with only one sourcefidel guerra, a mixed-blood intis and feynapotter. the merchants head didnt align with the body; it was as if a childs head had been placed on a half-giants neck. dark brown eyes, vacant yet still filled with fear and confusion, stared out. dead? fidel is dead? did he turn himself into a monster? lumian pondered. just as this thought crossed his mind, the stitched corpse lunged forward, dragging three human leg bones that seemed fused together. a pale-white flame ignited on the colossal bone sword. lumians eyes narrowed, and his body abruptly vanished, reappearing instantly behind the massive stitched corpse. ha! he opened his mouth and emitted a pale-yellow light. however, the light struck fidels head, failing to disorient him, let alone render him unconscious. it became apparent that the undead creature was immune to the spell of harrumph! almost simultaneously, the rapidly running sutured corpse forcefully pivoted, emitting a muffled sound from its throata language lumian didnt understand or a word carrying magical effects. lumians soul trembled, as if cowed by evil and death. he momentarily froze. the sutured corpse turned around, advancing with purpose. it raised the colossal bone sword, burning with pale-white flames, and slashed at lumians head. lumian, experienced in such situations, mostly stemming from encounters with high-level entities, found the current threat less severe than the consequences of the demon warlocks illusory vertical eye. just in time, lumian woke up, activating the black mark on his right shoulder. amidst the howling wind, the colossal bone sword, engulfed in pale-white flames, struck the afterimage left behind. this time, lumian materialized close to the stitched corpses back, stabbing the symphony of hatred retrieved from his travelers bag into it. with a pfft, the pitch-black bone flute, seemingly fragile, plunged into the stitched corpses flesh. the flaxen threads burst open, and chunks of flesh and blood peeled off, revealing a dark-red heart emitting pale-white flames. lumian extended his left hand, pressing it against the near-fatal wound. the crimson fireball, nearly white, compressed layer by layer as it was pushed in. utilizing the reactive force, lumian abruptly flew backward, dodging the massive bone sword that slashed at him. rumble! in midair, he witnessed crimson, nearly white flames erupt from the sutured corpse, tearing apart the beating heart. rumble! the sutured corpse disintegrated, and the flesh and blood of various humans scattered on the ground. bang! fidels head landed in a pile of flesh and blood, the blankness giving way to a pained expression. who turned you into this? lumian inquired, glancing out the window, sensing that the explosion would likely draw the attention of the patrolling police. fidels head opened its mouth, words muffled and filled with hatred. itsits burman! burman? lumian was taken aback. were you infighting? fidels head throbbed with pain as his voice trailed off. i thought you were testing me. i wanted to observe for a few more days, b- but he couldnt wait. he w-wanted to kill you tonight. i didnt agree, and he killed everyone in the house h-hes a true lunatic! at this point, fidels head lolled, his eyes closed, and he fell silent. demon warlock burmans mental state is quite problematic lumian thought. is that why he killed his employers entire household? if he really wanted to kill me, he could have acted alone lumian had previously considered whether fidel would think he was baiting him. for this reason, he deliberately created the illusion that he was baiting black baronet to lull fidel. as for the effect, lumian didnt care too much. if fidel didnt take the bait, he would use another method. fishing wasnt the only method in his arsenal. unexpectedly, this triggered infighting between fidel and burman. lumian believed even he couldnt bring himself to do such a thing when his psychological problems were at their worst. that was unless fidel provoked him, such as pointing out that only a lunatic would believe in resurrection. observing the corpse fragments for a while, lumian noticed no signs of a beyonder characteristic emerging. curse my luck. burman must have taken it. he shook his head and walked towards the room where the safe might be. Chapter 525 - 525 Repair Fee 525 repair fee 525 repair fee lumian wasnt sure if he should attribute the misfortune of demon warlock burman taking the banknotes, coins, and gold from the safe to the symphony of hatred. after all, he hadnt arrived at 16 rue coreas and hadnt utilized general philips blackened bone flute. its abilities likely werent potent enough to rewind the past. however, fidel, living up to his title as a prominent merchant, had numerous wallets stashed in various clothes. lumian conducted a quick search, revealing a total of 30,000 verl dor. this provided a modicum of relief for his psychological injury. upon hearing the arrival of a carriage outside, lumian left fidels bedroom and turned to the adjacent room. he suspected it was the patrolling constables here to investigate the recent explosion. the room was clean and tidy, yet a faint, uncomfortable smell lingeredthe stench of decaying corpses. entering the room felt like stepping into a catacomb, surrounded by the marks of his own kind and their deaths, creating an uneasy atmosphere. this should be demon warlock burmans room. it allows him to protect fidel in the shortest time possible, heh heh, but he ultimately killed him this story tells us that the most important condition for choosing a bodyguard is mental stability lumian mused as he surveyed every corner of the room. at that moment, the constables had already pushed open the houses door, revealing spilled blood and scattered flesh. one of them swiftly drew his revolver, while the other blew a whistle, producing a piercing sound. lumians gaze focused on the blackened marks in the room. the blood, suspected to be old, emitted a sinister aura. burman once killed a special creature in this room to complete a resurrection experiment? lumian muttered to himself. he didnt assume it was demon warlock burmans blood because he believed that the other party wouldnt leave behind such a crucial item when he had enough time. if a beyonder skilled in curses obtained it, burman would be in grave danger unless he had a way to sever the connection in advance. in contrast, burmans blood and flesh were more likely to be found in the master bedroom of room 5 of the flying birds first-class cabin. the demon warlock had suffered severe injuries from the explosion and the flames. of course, the blanket explosion and subsequent intense combustion might have rendered the ingredients for cursing inactive. lumian crouched down and retrieved a glass bottle from his travelers bag. he scraped away the black marks on the wall and stored them inside. after completing his task, lumian cleared any potential traceshair, skin, and other items. he activated the black mark on his right shoulder and vanished from 16 rue coreas before more constables and official beyonders arrived. upon returning to the flying bird, he immediately inspected the previous battlefield, now reduced to ruins, scattered with charred and shattered remnants. metal walls bore marks of distortions and minor cracks, remnants of the intense encounter. the lingering gasses from the burning carpet and items slowly dissipated through the open window. after burman triggered the trap at the exit, the bottle of fiction had dissipated. lumian focused on examining the windowsill, finding charred remnants. phew exhaling deeply, he departed room 5 of the first-class cabin, descending to the deck. philip, the security supervisor, leaned against the shipboard, gazing at the night view. wheres your lover? lumian approached philip, resting his hands on the shipboard. philip sighed and replied, her destination is port farim. apparently, she was heading to a relatives plantation to assist them. something to celebrate. this means youll have a new lover, lumian said, adopting the tone of a dandyism believer. please allow me to be downcast for another two days, philip responded, not objecting to lumians words but emphasizing his invested feelings. of course, it was just a little. did you just return from the port? why didnt i see you board the ship? philip inquired, following his professional instincts. ive been in my room the whole time. there was a minor accident at the party just now that set the master bedroom ablaze. many things were burned. get someone to fix it promptly tomorrow, lumian explained, seeking philips assistance in resolving the situation. despite the possibility of staying in the fire-damaged room, lumian preferred to take action to rectify the situation. philip appeared confused. party ablaze what did you do in the room? i didnt hear anything lumian grinned and responded, a passionate guest made an appearance. their actions were a bit extreme. really? philip inquired subconsciously. no, lumian admitted straightforwardly. do you want to hear the real reason? philip fell silent. after a few seconds, he said, theres a need for compensation for such damage. well charge you the repair fee. fortunately, were still in port farim. we can replenish various items immediately. otherwise, it would have been quite troublesome. lumian handed over a stack of banknotes. this is the repair fee. i hope it can be completed by tomorrow. if its too much, consider it a tip. if its too little, ask me for more. philip took the money, frowning as he weighed the stack of banknotes. what did you do to the bedroom? why is he giving so much for the repairs? is this hush money? lumian smiled, turned around, and returned to room 5 of the first-class cabin. observing him disappear through the cabin entrance, philip counted the stack of banknotes under the crimson moonlight and the gas street lamps at the port. 2,000 verl dor? did he blow up that room? philip was shocked and suspicious. but i didnt hear anything that night, lumian slept in a recliner in the living room. initially planning to summon jennas rabbit chasel and write franca a letter about the demon warlock, seeking her help with magic mirror divination to identify the source of the old blood in burmans room. however, he remembered that franca might still be awake while jenna was already asleep. patiently waiting until the morning, lumian set up the ritual using rabbit- shaped spirit that wanders about the unfounded, a runner who pursues knowledge, a messenger that belongs solely to the seven of cups to summon the book-holding transparent creature resembling a rabbit with powerful legs. todays rabbit chasel, unlike the last time, wore a pair of indistinct gold- rimmed glasses. handing the letter and the glass bottle containing the blood and powder to rabbit chasel, lumian asked curiously, why are you suddenly wearing glasses? is this the downside of knowledge? behind the gold-rimmed glasses, rabbit chasels eyes glinted sharply. no, i learned this from a novel given by the seven of cups. what novel did she give you? lumian inquired, having a hunch. the last time i helped you deliver a letter to her, she didnt have any other books with her, so she could only lend me one of her newly purchased collections. rabbit chasel adjusted its gold-rimmed glasses on the bridge of its nose. that novel is called the adventurer 1: first show of strength.'' as expected, lumian thought. so, thats why you learned to wear glasses? he didnt know how to comment on this matter. after rabbit chasel left, ludwig and lugano woke up one after another, with the former casting a glance at lumians bedroom before eating his pre- breakfast snacks. lugano, however, seemed puzzled. was there a fire last night? why dont i know? lumian chuckled. it happened while you were engrossed with a certain lady. i quickly resolved it. is that so lugano reined in his disbelief. choosing to explore local delicacies in port farim rather than enjoying the ships breakfast, lumian disembarked. shortly after, philip, the security supervisor, arrived with a dining cart. standing in the doorway of the charred bedroom, philip was stunned. you call this a minor accident? even if it was blasted by cannons, it couldnt be in a worse state, right? was he planning to dismantle the entire ship? uh, such destructive power actually didnt affect the rooms exterior. even the damage to the walls is within repairable limits i didnt hear anything either what had louis berry done in the room last night? no wonder he gave 2,000 verl dor! at that instant, philips blood surged into his brain. in the sun square open-air market of port farim, lumian enjoyed a tortilla filled with various fruit cubes and sipped a peculiar coffee laced with salt as he leisurely strolled through the stalls. occasionally, he treated himself to a roasted sausage, relishing the sizzling, oily delicacy. approaching the end of the open-air market, he encountered batna comt. the well-dressed adventurers eyes lit up as he approached lumian and whispered, something happened to your employer! curious, lumian inquired, what happened? he wanted to know how the official beyonders had publicized this matter. its that demon warlock. he killed fidels family and all his servants! batnas relief was evident; he hadnt been present yesterday and was glad to have avoided potential danger. the evidence does seem to point toward the demon warlock the authorities must have shared all the details lumian smiled at batna and remarked, so, everyone at 16 rue coreas fell victim to the demon warlock? yes, batna confirmed with a solemn nod. lumian glanced at him and joked, remember how i blindfolded myself yesterday, hoping fate would guide me to uncover clues left behind by a demon warlock? do you recall where we ended up? batna was momentarily taken aback before muttering, 16 rue coreas suddenly, he looked up at lumian in shock and fear. Chapter 526 - 526 Resolution 526 resolution 526 resolution batna exclaimed in surprise, your blindfolded walk that day was quite effective the destination was demon warlock burmans next target! without waiting for lumians response, the adventurer mumbled to himself in puzzlement, are you a blessed of luck? no, a blessed of calamity lumian replied inwardly. as thoughts raced, batna suddenly formulated a new hypothesis. could this be demon warlock burman himself? he had investigated the explosion scene, returning to flaunt his prowess at the crime scene and blindfolded himself to randomly choose the next victim! such an explanation seemed far more plausible than being blessed with luck! lumian glanced at batnas batnas tense expression and smiled. dont tell me you think im burman? how long have i been in port farim? thats exactly it. something happened the night you first arrived in port farim batna didnt dare vocalize it. when the quartier des black pearls exploded, i was still praying in the cathedral, lumian said with amusement, providing an alibi. batna pondered for a moment and relaxed, but confusion still lingered on his face. lumian sighed and inquired, yesterday, i didnt expect to encounter anything related to the demon warlock while walking blindfolded. i just found it fun. he spoke the truth. however, he couldnt shake the suspicion that the corruption caused by 0-01 might be more severe than he had imagined. of course, he couldnt rule out the possibility that trier, a seal from the fourth epoch, had effectively suppressed the preexisting issues within him. the excuse of finding it fun barely convinced batna. he felt that louis berry was undoubtedly such a person. yet, the other party would sporadically set traps just for the amusement of it. anyone treating him as an idiot would end up becoming one! perhaps i was truly blessed by luck yesterday, lumian concluded. he then recounted his hypothesis about the demon warlocks connection with fidel and expressed regret, unfortunately, i didnt believe im that lucky. lumians reasoning convinced batna that demon warlock burmans continuous evasion and access to resources stemmed from his close symbiotic relationship with fidel, a prominent merchant. the subsequent tragedy likely resulted from the pressure exerted by the official beyonders investigation, leading to internal strife. this ruled out the possibility that louis berry was a demon warlock. he had just arrived in port farim a few days ago, and burman had been here for a long time. what a shame batna sighed. if i had sold the clues about the demon warlocks close connection to fidel to the authorities beforehand, i couldve bagged a hefty bounty. it wouldve been at least 5,000 verl dor! batna shook his head. no, without evidence, the authorities wont buy it. cant tell them we stumbled on clues blindfolded, blessed by luck. theyd just cuff us for being fraudsters. a chuckle slipped from lumians lips. cant you fabricate some evidence to back the clues? say you spotted someone suspicious at fidels back door, maybe the demon warlock. let the official beyonders confirm it themselves. theyll uncover the truth in due time. t-thatd work? batnas mouth hung slightly agape. why not? lumian grinned. if you truly found the demon warlock, tell them not to sweat the details. just ask if the clues are legit and if they helped capture the demon warlock. if they miss burman, its a small scam at worst. few days of hard labor for you. official beyonders can take tips from adventurers without solid certainty, right? theyd miss genuine info otherwise. lumians words left batna silent momentarily before he blurted out, dont tell me youve got islander blood? deception seemed to be his forte. lumian casually replied, knew an islander in trier, quite the con artist with rich experience and techniques. with a flicker of interest, lumian raised his left hand, pinching his left eye socket. glancing at batna, he asked, how long have you been adventuring? why still so green? over a year, batna defended himself. its just that i stick to the rules with authorities. im more adaptable when dealing with pirates and others. adventurers slipping clues to authorities also dabble in deceit, right? lumian grinned. they scam if they can. he suspected batnas strict adherence to rules came from a well-bred background, a notion confirmed by the other partys attire and appearance. observing batnas silence, lumian finished his remaining salted coffee and glanced back at the lively open-air market. try not to go to the morgue, cemetery, or other places for the time being. just as batna was about to ask why, he instantly grasped the advices true meaning. without fidel to provide resources, the demon warlock might feel compelled to take action! at noon, lumian returned to room 5 of the flying birds first-class cabin. he noticed the master bedroom had undergone a transformation with a change in carpet, bed, wardrobe, desk, and other furniture, replaced by various ornaments. however, the distortions and cracks in the metal walls had only been partially repaired, not fully restored. before long, his messenger, penitent baynfel, emerged from the void and handed him a letter. franca: based on your latest account and my discussion with 007 last night, i suspect that demon warlock burman had been compelled to switch sequences. he was originally a warlock, but to revive his wife, he switched to the neighboring death pathway. he went half-mad, becoming half-human and half-monster. though this could be explained as a warlock receiving an evil gods boon, your situation doesnt align. no cases of beyonder powers from two pathways fusing and mutating have been documented. this was evident in your clash with burman. the eye of illusory you mentioned has the eye of mystery prying, revealing the side of reality, but it also displays the death pathways suppression of the spirit body or even enslavement. as far as i know, the death pathway gains an eye of death ability at sequence 8 gravedigger. did it fuse with the eye of mystery prying, forming that distinctive eye of illusory? as lumian read, he suddenly recalled the appearance of the eye of illusory. embedded vertically in his forehead, illusory and blurry, a deep purple bordering on black, with numerous pale-white patternsundeniably a fusion of the eye of mystery prying and the death pathways abilities. lumians gaze shifted downward as he continued reading. white feather-like fur, decaying wounds, control over various undead creatures, unstable emotional states, and extreme actionsall indirectly confirming my hypothesis the origins of the old blood are rather peculiar. ive conducted magic mirror divination several times and consulted various entities, but all ive gleaned is that it stems from the depths of the spirit world. no further information. it seems the irreversible half-mad burman had some other fortuitous encounter. unstable emotions extreme actions irreversible half-madness lumian mulled over the descriptions and let out an inaudible sigh. how determined and desperate must burman have been when he chose to consume the death pathway potion? wild beyonders didnt know they could switch to neighboring pathways at a specific sequence. they believed once a divine pathway was chosen, it couldnt be altered. forced consumption of potions from other pathways led to madness or death. moreover, mystery pryer and death werent adjacent pathways that allowed switching. burman wouldnt have drunk the death pathway potion without a resolve bordering on death, all to revive his wife, even at the cost of his sanity. lumian sensed he might have made the same choice in such a situation, hence his conflicting emotions. francas letter ended with reassurance: dont fret over the aftermath. burmans mental state will soon cause him to resurface without fidels support and restraint. he might succeed once or twice in gathering materials for experiments, but it wont last. official beyonders will eliminate him within weeks or even days. lumian glanced at penitent baynfel, yet to depart. help me deliver my reply to the sender. swiftly, he penned a line: ill kill burman as soon as possible. before long, penitent baynfel returned with francas reply: why? lumian wrote on the same piece of paper: i wish to punish him for his crimes he paused for a moment before continuing, and end his pain. folding the letter into a square, lumian handed it to baynfel and glanced at the messenger. dont you find it troublesome to send letters back and forth? it wasnt concern but puzzlement. after delivering the letter, penitent baynfel didnt leave immediately. instead, he waited for a potential reply. this time, baynfel didnt remain silent. he replied in a deep voice, being busy makes me feel better. its better to have something to do than always watch the darkness. lumian listened quietly without responding, watching penitent baynfel turn and walk into the void. he empathized with those words. franca didnt stop lumian. her reply was concise and forceful: be careful! phew lumian exhaled and walked to the living room window, casting his gaze at port farim bathed in the blazing sunlight and the distant andatna volcano. Chapter 527 - 527 Immersion 527 immersion 527 immersion under the sunlight, port farim appeared to be tinged with a golden hue, and the air seemed to carry the sweetness of cane sugar. lumian lingered by the window, contemplating the whereabouts of the demon warlock. during his rescue the previous night, burman had slipped into a deep coma, unable to direct the undead creature he controlled. therefore, the undead being must have relied on its instincts and routines to transport burman to a safe haven he frequented. ordinarily, fidels residence would be his top choice. yet, when lumian scoured the premises, there were no traces indicating burmans return. his initial assumption was that burman had employed the undead creatures to eliminate fidels family, attendants, and servants. recognizing 16 rue coreas as a battlefield and unsafe, they likely sought an alternate hideout. where could that be? from his travelers bag, lumian retrieved the information franca had provided about burman and the rest of the details gathered from philip, batna, and the others. he read through it again, attempting to immerse himself in the mindset of the demon warlock, simulating his thoughts, actions, and motivations. burman hailed from fog province, also known as winter province, situated in the northern part of intis. bordering the feysac empire, the region had relatively rustic folk customs, with a penchant for strong liquor. his wife, helen, a port farim native without islander heritage, had a grandfather who worked as a cane sugar merchant traveling between port farim and port leseur. unfortunately, he encountered pirates, losing most of his business and relying on a plantation he had previously acquired. born and raised on that plantation, helen witnessed its sale due to conflicts among her fathers generation after her grandfathers death. her family received a portion of the money and relocated to port farim. after her fathers passing and her mother falling ill, she became an adventurer and crossed paths with burman. both had experienced fortuitous encounters during their adventures, gaining superpowers. they even acquired property in port farim, planning a future away from the adventurous life as they grew older. several years ago, they, along with a group of fellow adventurers, rented a boat to explore the seas for treasure. unfortunately, they encountered sea monsters, and only burman and two others survived. following this tragic incident, burmans attempts to revive his wife took a progressively desperate turn. treasure hunting at sea? are there really that many treasures at sea? lumian mumbled, convinced that it was highly likely burman was still in port farim. this place held his dearest memories, remnants of the years spent with his wife, helen. when selecting a hiding spot, he would instinctively lean towards this area. with this in mind, lumian continued reading the latter part of the intel. as anticipated, burmans past dangerous experiments had unfolded near the fog sea archipelago, encompassing other islands and the villages and towns along the northern continents coast. if he connected them into irregular concentric circles, the center would be in port farim on saint tick island. burman uses port farim as a base for resurrection attempts in various places lumian pondered. he hasnt stirred trouble in port farim before, so why the exception this time? if i were burman in his half-mad state, id treat port farim as my spiritual home, a haven of beautiful memories. typically, i wouldnt disrupt the order here. i might even secretly maintain it and handle some audacious pirates and adventurers on the sly lumian analyzed thoughtfully. he had substituted port farim with cordu. believing that if his sisters death had no connection to cordu and the peace remained, anyone daring to disturb cordus daily life and alter the situation would be his enemy! frowning slightly, he sensed there might be crucial details unclear about the previous nights explosion. there could be a reason why burman killed fidel and his family beyond a mere disagreement. fidel, having collaborated with burman for years, should have known about his unstable mental state. how could such a shrewd merchant not consider the potential repercussions of his words on the demon warlock? moreover, burman aimed to eliminate the adventurer louis berry to conceal his collaboration with fidel. if fidel was already dead, why silence lumian? perhaps, fidel had assumed he could persuade burman to wait a few days before acting, only to find burman already in a deranged state, driven by instinct. after careful consideration, lumian decided to re-enter port farim and visit burman and helens former residence. even though burman had sold it long ago to fund his resurrection experiments and it was under official beyonder scrutiny, there remained a possibility of discovering crucial clues. what if the mad burman insisted on returning to his previous abode? instructing lugano to keep an eye on ludwig, lumian descended to the deck and encountered philip. the flying birds security supervisor regarded lumian with a mixed expression. without mentioning the room that seemed to have been bombarded by cannons, he stated, ill distribute the remaining repair fees to the participating workers and attendants. the implication was clear: ive already compensated those who need to be silenced. you can take a share yourself, lumian replied with a smile. philip shook his head and sighed. not having any more incidents like that on the way from port farim to port santa would be the best reward for me. ill do my best, lumian sincerely assured him. he refrained from making promises, acknowledging factors beyond his control. he also looked forward to reaching port santa without trouble and beginning the hunt for the key members of april foolsbard and ultraman. philip gazed at lumian for a few seconds, as if contemplating whether to report him in advance. he sighed again. the port lockdown will be lifted tonight. the flying bird will set sail again tomorrow morning. dont miss it. lumian nodded and asked curiously, the demon warlock has been apprehended? no, but its pretty much confirmed that it has nothing to do with the ships at the port. nor is he hiding here, philip replied nonchalantly. burman even killed the prominent merchant fidels family last night. they seemed to be in a cooperative relationship. perhaps fidel wanted to betray him at this point, philip gave lumian a sharp glance. last night, the battle in your roomcould it be related to this? what kind of connection do you think there will be? lumian asked, amused. philip pondered for a moment and couldnt make the connection. observing this, lumian waved his hand and donned his golden straw hat. he descended the gangway to the docks and left the port district. as lumian reached sun square, adorned with numerous wanted posters, he was approached by an islander man with brownish-black skin, sunken eyes, and a deep-set gaze. the man handed him a folded book with a plethora of words and crude patterns printed on it. traveler, this is port farims travel guide. it lists scenic spots, unique delicacies, and sexual entertainment venues, the islander introduced with zeal. itll make your stay here more enjoyable. lumian played along and asked, how much? its free! ill give it to you for free! the islander exclaimed in a high-pitched voice. the government prints these for tourists, hoping for a positive impression of port farim. awesome. lumian accepted the guidebook with an expression of pleasant surprise and unfolded it. the guide detailed scenic views and recommendations from various shopssugar cane outlets, sexual entertainment venues, renowned eateries, and more. suddenly, lumian swiftly drew his revolver and pressed it against the islanders forehead. the islander froze, stunned. after a few seconds, he stammered, no, no charge. im not lying! was this minor situation worth a gun being drawn? im going to call the police! lumian smiled and inquired, whats the connection between these recommended shops and you? no the islander felt the chill of the gun and carefully changed his words. th-they paid us to recommend them. some of them are owned by our partners. how many are legitimate shops? lumian pressed, undeterred. 90%. just as the islander finished speaking, lumian cocked the revolvers hammer, sending a clear message. he hastily added, 90% of them are connected to us. lumian chuckled, continuing with another question, what about the scenery? 50%. only the plantations and primitive tribes are connected to us. the islander trembled in fear. lumian shook the travel guide and smiled at the islander. show me the real ones. the islander quickly pointed out different parts, worried that the gun might misfire. only then did lumian stow away his revolver and take the guidebook to the open-air market on the other side of sun square. he had engaged the islander partly to frighten the swindler and partly because a new idea had struck him. for burman, who had resided in port farim for many years, were some of the delicacies and scenery here also part of his cherished memories? during setbacks, when he killed his best partner and faced defeat in battle, would he, driven by madness and paranoia, seek out places with beautiful memories to draw strength and recharge? lumian believed if he were in burmans shoes, he would have done the same. reason might suggest that he could be tracked and discovered, but half-mad individuals often ignored reason. therefore, whether it was the moonlit scenery of the lighthouse, the setting sun behind the volcano, reptow minced pork, gasparo seafood rice, or saint tick chocolate ice cream, all could attract the covert patronage of the demon warlock. in his current state, there was a high chance that he wouldnt meticulously erase his tracks. adjusting his golden straw hat, lumian made his way through the open-air market, heading toward the cliff mountain outside farim, where port farims lighthouse stood. Chapter 528 - 528 Treasure Legend 528 treasure legend 528 treasure legend the crash of azure waves echoed against the cliffs base, creating a cascade of white flowers in their wake. approaching the lighthouse, lumian pondered its rumored history, a relic left behind by the intisians upon their arrival at saint tick island, his gaze fixating on the distant sea. the nights crimson moonlight, still hours away, refrained from casting its dreamy glow, rendering the scene quiet and undisturbed by tourists. circling the lighthouse reminiscent of roselles era, lumian observed for nearly fifteen minutes, fruitlessly searching for any sign of the demon warlock. he didnt anticipate a direct encounter with burman; it wasnt yet the time to admire the moon. lumian simply sought to discern if burman would visit to reminisce about the past and his wife after waking up last nighta moment of solace to steady his heart and find the strength to persevere. the lighthouse guardian, with a pipe emitting the aroma of roasted tobacco leaves, offered a friendly reminder, kid, theres nothing much to see here during the day. its a whole different story at night. lumian smiled and inquired, do people come in the middle of the night? indeed, the 50-year-old guardian boasted. those trier playboys love bringing their dates here to bask in the moonlight. any mysterious figures, perhaps someone donning a hood and pretending to be a warlock? lumian pressed on. the lighthouse guardians face betrayed a nostalgic expression. sometimes. thought it was a ghostly silhouette a few times. did such a figure visit late last night? lumian queried, a subtle curl forming on his lips. there was nothing wrong with his speculation from his immersion! perhaps his similar experiences allowed him to better understand burmans mental state and paranoid thoughts. the guardian replied, cant say for sure. i didnt see anything. lumian didnt press further. he decided to return in the early morning hours, the enchanting few hours beneath the moonlight. over the next three hours, he explored the truly renowned gourmet restaurants in port farim. despite asking similar questions, lumian obtained no valuable information. it became apparent that demon warlock burman exercised restraint under normal circumstances, avoiding impulsive actions. he seldom frequented crowded places, and when he did, his disguise was impeccable. by 4 p.m., lumian reached port farims modest steam locomotive station. he spent 3 verl dor for a ticket bound for the andatna volcano mine. if he aimed to witness the sunset there, the journey had to commence now. woosh! clunk! clunk! clunk! the iron-black carriage belched thick smoke as it lumbered along the railway sleepers. gradually, it gained momentum, akin to a colossal giant overcoming inertia and mobilizing its components. seated by the window, lumian held a golden straw hat, quietly admiring the vanishing plantations. shortly before 6 p.m., the train halted outside andatnas volcanic mine. adorning his straw hat, lumian bypassed the mine entrance, opting for a nearby trail leading to the volcanos summit. as the greenery dwindled, grayish-black hues prevailed. occasional red rocks punctuated the landscape. approaching the mountaintop, desolation intensified. grayish-black gravel lay dormant in the hushed wind. without the shelter of foliage, lumians vision expanded. the peculiar grandeur of this place seemed to embody the vastness of desolation and silence. following the tourist-worn grayish-black path, lumian advanced step by step toward the volcanos mouth, revealing coal-black surfaces with reddish depressions. the temperature inside was notably warmer. unbridled winds stirred, sending grayish-black gravel airborne, causing human forms to sway. in this spectacle, the nearly setting sun bathed the desolate surroundings in a golden-red glow, intensifying the sunken redness. pressing down on his straw hat, lumian ventured two to three hundred meters along the volcanos crater. abruptly, the mountaintop wind subsided, and the suspended gravel settled in eerie silence. lumian immediately spotted a figure standing silently on the grayish-black diagonal wall outside the volcanos crater, bathed in the last radiant sunlight. cloaked in black robes and a deep hood, the figure attentively watched the gradual descent of the golden-red sun. lumians expression remained unchanged as he advanced step by step, refraining from initiating an attack. sensing lumians approach, the hooded figure turned around, unveiling a pale-white face marked by decaying wounds and a wide swath of fur. it was none other than demon warlock burman! perhaps influenced by the serene scenery and haunting memories, burman, known for his madness, spoke wearily, youve actually found this place. lumian, who had been securing his golden straw hat against the strong wind, chuckled self-deprecatingly and responded, if not for my illusions and hope, and if i didnt have numerous enemies awaiting my discovery, i would frequently return to cordu and the nearest high mountain pasture. the grass there is vividly green, vast and expansive, with pale-yellow flowers in full bloom. countless sheep roam about. the sky mirrors the brilliance of gems, and the occasional drifting white clouds resemble sheep grazing on the ground. at night, the stars emerge, densely packed like diamond gravel at the bottom of a clear river standing amidst the blazing sunlight and the vast, silent grayish-black surroundings, lumian couldnt help but reminisce about cordu village and the alpine pasture. burman didnt interrupt. after lumian finished speaking, he wore a dazed expression and uttered with a smile more pained than joyful, helen and i thought we could come here to watch the sunset whenever we pleased since its just a ticket away. but she never came again and you dont even need to take the steam locomotive lumian sighed slowly and said, what happened back then? burmans face contorted in distortion, the agony evident in his expression. we were deceived. something was wrong with the treasure map. we encountered real sea monsters! damn the islanders. helen always believed they resorted to deceit and thuggery out of necessity. all the respectable positions were held by pure intisians, but we treated them well and placed our trust in them. yet, they colluded with others to betray us for money! ill kill him, those deceivers, and every islander! lumian chuckled and remarked, some of the self-proclaimed noble trieriens are swindlers, while others sell their bodies. i dont generalize against islanders, but i remain cautious of specific individuals. suddenly, lumian felt inspired. was the islander who betrayed you from the marauder pathway? yes. burmans face twitched with unrestrained anger. was it a swindler acting? lumian asked cautiously, did he have a tendency to wear monocles or pinch his eye socket? he pointed at his right eye. no. burman seemed perplexed by lumians question. lumian heaved a sigh of relief. whats his name? did you manage to kill him? burmans pale face suddenly flushed, and decaying liquid dripped down. his name is mark benito! after that incident, he vanished. i never found him! lumian chose not to provoke burman further and inquired, which treasure were you seeking back then? in the depths of the fog sea, theres an island. the inhabitants there dont age or truly die, burman recalled the treasure rumors he had gathered. theres reason to believe that something incredibly precious is hidden on that island. we didnt want to become enemies with the islanders. our only hope was to infiltrate the island and steal some ageless medicine. his words were somewhat disorganized, skipping over details. it bears a striking resemblance to the legend of the fountain of unaging, lumian remarked after pondering. the adventurer series has already hinted that the fountain of unaging is a falsehood. ignoring him, burman continued, we found some evidence and obtained a treasure map to the island. to our surprise, the map was a forgery! the sea monsters wrecked our ship. in order to allow me to utilize that special witchcraft, helen stood in front of me i witnessed her torn into two by the sea monsters. i saw despair in her eyes burman panted heavily, unable to continue. and then, you switched to the death pathway? lumian changed the topic. burmans icy flaxen-colored eyes gleamed. thats correct. only death, who controls the death domain, can bring helen back! in the treasure legend, many details suggest that only death can achieve eternal life. understanding the mysteries of death is the key to true resurrection! its not that the islanders wont die; they can be revived! do you genuinely believe in that treasure? lumian already had an answer in mind after posing the question. the partially unhinged burman clung to every lifeline, trusting every rumor that promised to bring helen back to life. i do. burman nodded and spoke with a deep voice, thats because i encountered people from that island some time ago. there really is such an island. there are truly islanders who dont age or truly die! really? lumian blurted out. burmans eyes burned with fanaticism as he declared, i wanted to capture him, but he defeated me. instead of killing me, he sympathized with my plight and imparted some knowledge about the death domain. theres a way to bring helen back to life! that cursed swindler. fidels attendant is nothing but a swindler. i didnt intend to rush the resurrection ritual. i wasnt fully prepared, but since hes a swindler, ill kill him! all islanders are swindlers! they all deserve to die! is he truly from that island? or could he be another swindler? lumian realized that the incident with the swindler, roddy, had triggered burman. there was also the influence of that islander lumian narrowed his eyes and inquired, whats the islanders name, and what does he look like? burman suddenly became cautious, scrutinizing lumian. what brings you here? observing burmans reaction, lumian sighed and, with abnormal composure, said, im here to kill you. burman was taken aback before bursting into laughter. for what? a bounty? discarding the golden straw hat in his hand, lumian lowered his body slightly and replied in a deep voice, punish your sins and put an end to your suffering. burman ceased his laughter and raised his hands with a cold expression. bring it on, then. Chapter 529 - 529 Irrational 529 irrational 529 irrational burmans raised hands released a sprinkling of fluorescent powder. his body began to fade, growing more transparent, as if he had transformed into a being from the spirit worlddifficult for ordinary people to perceive. in the blink of an eye, the demon warlock vanished. lumian made no move to intervene or evade potential attacks. calmly, he retrieved the flog boxing gloves adorned with iron-black spikes from his travelers bag and wore them. completing this preparation, he suddenly knelt on one knee, pressing his hands to the ground. crimson flames erupted in all directions from lumians body, accompanied by a series of explosions. amidst the rumbling, flames surged, dominating the grayish-black wilderness. burmans black-robed figure materialized in midair. he slowly floated towards lumian, narrowing the distance between them. lumians figure abruptly vanished, reappearing behind burman. spirit world traversal! without hesitation, lumian, holding a crimson fireball in his left hand, harrumphed. two beams of white light shot out from his nose, targeting burman. floating in midair, burman didnt lose consciousness as before. his body swayed, forcefully turning around to observe lumian descending into the sea of flames on the ground. an illusory vertical eye, dark purple and nearly black, materialized between burmans brows, reflecting lumians figure amid pale-white patterns. almost simultaneously, a lanky black shadow emerged from within burmans body. nearby, arms made of bones or decayed flesh and pus extended from the void, encircling burmans transparent and thin form. he hadnt used witchcraft to quietly approach lumian and strike. instead, he had clandestinely swapped his spirit with the undead under his command, setting a trap to entice the enemy into deploying that peculiar spell to attack his body. in such a scenario, the absence of ones spirit body meant immunity to abilities targeting the soul body! burman could then seize the opportunity to use the eye of the spirit to intimidate the enemy and create an opening for the manipulated undead. this time, he refrained from delving deeper into the secret of the other partys spirit body. his goal was to uncover its vulnerabilities, strike with a lethal blow, and absorb the corresponding mystical knowledge! having suffered greatly from the spell of harrumph the previous night, he had used this ability as a breakthrough from the beginning. in an instant, burmans spirit completed the exchange with the lanky shadow and returned to his body. simultaneously, lumian experienced once again the sensation of his spirit being intimidated and suppressed, as if frozen. terrifying arms covered in festering warts or with eyes extended from the void, reaching out for his body. at that moment, the crimson fireball in lumians left hand erupted. boom! the explosions force was mostly mitigated by the flog boxing gloves, but since they werent fully covered, the exposed part of lumians left palm was turned into a bloody mess. an intense and familiar pain shot through his brain and spirit body, bringing him back to awareness. seizing this moment of clarity, lumian activated the black mark on his right shoulder again, vanishing above the sea of flames and disappearing from the strange undead arms extending from the void. likewise, he remained vigilant against burmans eye of illusory. the crimson, nearly white fireball in his left hand was structurally unstable. he had to divert his attention to maintain it, and he couldnt sustain it when affected by the eye of illusory, leading to its natural disintegration and a self- inflicted awakening. if this failed to disrupt the eye of illusorys intimidation, the sea of flames below served as lumians second preparation. the residual aura of the blood emperor in his right hand was his last resort. upon vanishing, lumian reappeared behind burman once more. prepared, burman raised his hands and scattered a tree-like powder. crackling sounds followed as silver-white lightning struck lumians head, as though a storm ruler had unleashed divine retribution from the sky. for most beyonders, this would be enough to paralyze and make them tremble incessantly. yet, lumian showed no such signs. instead, he appeared like a reflection in the water, shattered by the lightning. the real lumian was curled up at the bottom of the figure. burman had struck the phantom created using the niese face! the niese face was essentially an illusion, but it couldnt be cast on others or items. lumian had to rely on himself, pretending to be a root system with branches and flowers above, forming a derived illusion. there was no fundamental difference between this and using the niese face to make himself taller and bulkier. amidst the crackling lightning, two crimson fireballs materialized beneath lumians feet and behind him. rumble! the fireball exploded, propelling lumian towards the levitating burman. burman, being close proximity, couldnt dodge the swift lumian in time. he could only slightly turn his body as a bone spear sprouted from his shoulder, its tip unusually sharp. a grin spread across lumians face. he didnt evade, allowing the bone spear to pierce his right chest. with a resounding thud, he swung his left fist, delivering a powerful blow to the side of burmans face. the demon warlocks head twisted, revealing deep blood-stained, pus-filled holes on his face. his eyes burned with rage, as if he were witnessing the murderer of his wife! the black mark on lumians right shoulder emitted a dim light once more. his figure vanished beside burman, dissolving into the encircling lanky black shadows and other undead creatures, leaving behind the bone spear stained with his blood. this time, lumian reappeared dozens of meters away, at the edge of the sea of flames. the wound on his right chest was grotesque, blood dripping from it. in his hand appeared a dark-red bone flute with a hole in it. symphony of hatred! lumian brought the bone flute to his lips. as he retreated, he played a mournful and haunting melody. once again invoking the eye of illusory, burman, who was on the verge of catching up, was frozen in astonishment. even the undead ceased their movements. suddenly, blood and pus seeped from burmans eyes, nose, mouth, and ears, as if a muffled and invisible explosion had occurred within him. his anger, paranoia, and thirst for revenge were fueled by the symphony of hatred. this inflicted a severe blow on him. lumian refrained from playing the symphony of hatred from the outset because burman differed from other beyonders. others needed to identify the problem, but with burman, there were too many uncertainties. his mental state was extremely unstable, burdened by severe psychological issues. his overwhelming desire to revive his wife and seek revenge on the islander swindler was palpable. his body had undergone modifications from the death domain, and lumian had inflicted significant injuries on him the previous night. there were substantial hidden dangers faced with such an adversary, lumian himself was uncertain about the outcome if he were to unleash the symphony of hatred through the shepherds flute. it might be manageable if it only triggered desires and emotions, but if burmans mental state lost even the most basic restraints, the demon warlock could potentially lose control on the spot, transforming into a monstrous entity with mixed abilities. such a monster would likely be even more challenging to deal with than burman! hence, after the spell of harrumph failed, lumian promptly shifted to using flog boxing gloves to kindle burmans corresponding desires and emotions. this strategic approach increased the likelihood that when lumian eventually used the symphony of hatred, it would exploit the targets emotions and desires, inflicting severe harm. observing burman descend into the sea of flames amid the eruption of emotions and desires, lumian executed another spirit world traversal, appearing in front of him in an instant. bang! bang! bang! he extended his arms, unleashing a relentless barrage of attacks on burmans body. on the surface of his flog fists, a crimson fireball, almost white, compressed layer by layer. bam! bam! bam! flog tore at burmans flesh like a two-headed python. rumble! crimson fireballs erupted around lumian, with no concern for waste. they formed a barrier, preventing the lanky figure, strange arms, and other undead from interfering. one punch, two punches, three punches. lumians eyes were fixed on the mangled burman. at that moment, he reflected on the village destroyed by burman and the innocent lives lost because of him. how many were beloved wives, waiting husbands, dependent parents, and cherished children? cordu had been annihilated due to the ambitions of the evil gods. what about the innocent? lumians eyes gradually turned crimson as he clenched his fists. this time, he didnt empathize with burman. instead, he placed himself in the village he had destroyed and the lives he had taken. wasnt cordu like this back then? the ambitions of these evil gods are to blame! in just a few seconds, burman snapped out of his pain and emitted an evil, cold, and incomprehensible voice. the sound seemed to peel away lumians flesh, exposing his spirit body to the perilous sunlight and the grayish-black gravel. lumians movements slowed, and the grotesque arms finally reached in, dragging burman away from the area. phew lumian exhaled and recovered. he didnt pursue. instead, he gazed silently at the void ahead, raised his right hand, and snapped his fingers. rumble! amidst the sudden eruption of intense flames, burmans body materialized, shattering from an explosion. fire infusion! hunters fire infusion! in truth, lumian hadnt acted rationally. his optimal strategy would have been to seize the moment when burmans emotions and desires were ignited and strike at his vital points with the symphony of hatred, delivering a decisive blow. however, he yearned to repeatedly pummel the hidden version of himself that terrified him! with a thud, burmans head clattered to the ground. in his daze, he caught sight of a slender figure with black hair, blue eyes, and a delicate face. it was his wife, helen. y-youre back? burman couldnt help but smile and extend his arm. he no longer had an arm. gradually, he lost consciousness. darkness enveloped his vision, as if sunlight lurked deep within. demon warlock burmandead. Chapter 530 - 530 Beginning 530 beginning 530 beginning lumian observed burmans head, frozen in surprise and relief. he removed the flog boxing gloves and the symphony of hatred, as well as ended the niese face. donning the silver lie earring and retrieving a white bandage, lumian wrapped it around the burned wound on his right chest and his bloody left hand. crimson flames surged around him, engulfing his dripping blood and splattering flesh. throughout this process, lumian gathered the nearby corpse fragments that burman had scattered and piled them beside the head. he had been calculating the time. if burmans beyonder characteristic still hadnt materialized, he would have to move the corpse pile to the forest beside the andatna volcano. this was because the flog boxing gloves attracted the attention of certain hidden entities, enabling them to command dangerous creatures to attack. in the past, lumian would have had to leave the scene as soon as he finished using the flog boxing gloves, but the battle lasted only a short time. the flog boxing gloves had already been stowed into his travelers bag, allowing him to wait a little longer. lumian observed various colored light spotslight purple, pale-white, and pitch-blackemerge from burmans head and the scattered corpse pile. among the items on the ground and torn clothes, lumian found a diverse array of objects. there was a miniature brain, blood-dyed and resembling brass, a retractable pitch-black telescope, ointment and powder in metal canisters, a short bone scepter, a peculiar badge encircling the sun with bones, a soft-cover notebook in an iron box, an ordinary-looking golden ring, and scattered gold and silver coins the deposit certificates and paper cash had likely been destroyed by the explosion and the inferno. lumian carefully stowed each item away, sensing that three possessed superpowers. merely coming into contact with them triggered various adverse reactions. thankfully, i had no intention of prolonging the battle with burman from the start him using these mystical items later would have been troublesome to deal with such a half-mad and resourceful enemy, i must end the battle swiftly and deny him a chance to recover some items were likely gathered by him, while others might have been taken from fidel lumian concluded, finally picking up the dented and cracked iron box. inside the soft-cover notebook lay a blood-stained treasure map. with a brief glance, lumian suspected it to be a sea map leading to an island in a specific sea area. it contained records of weather patterns and markings of safe sea routes. could this be the fake treasure map sold to burman by mark benito? lumian mused. flipping to the first page of the dark soft-cover notebook, he encountered scrawled words: my mind isnt reliable all the time. i tend to forget many things. i must record all relevant knowledge and prevent them from being forgotten. lumian refrained from delving deeper. he carefully stowed away the fake treasure map and the soft-cover notebook. lumian noticed an ordinary-looking golden ring adorning burmans left ring finger in the corpse pile. it bore a striking resemblance to the gold rings found in the pile of spoils. they varied in size, texture, and quality. lumian instantly grasped the situation. he removed the golden ring from burmans finger and tied it to another golden ring with a piece of wire he had on hand. he approached the grayish-black volcanos crater and silently tossed the rings into the reddened depression. at that moment, burmans beyonder characteristics fully materialized, merging with parts of his corpse, resulting in two distinct items. one was a light-purple transparent left eye, while the other was a pale-white right eye veiled in darkness. lumian carefully stowed away the two beyonder characteristics, taking hold of burmans head before vanishing from the spot. silently, the remaining parts of burmans body ignited, enveloping the grayish-black volcano in crimson flames. more than 200 meters away, lumian retrieved the golden straw hat that had been blown by the strong wind. as he secured it on his head, he swiftly disappeared. this time, he appeared on the road outside the andatna volcanos steam locomotive. lumian glanced up at the grayish-black volcanos crater, witnessing the golden-red sunset, resembling flowing lava, receding faster than expected. the mountaintop swiftly darkened. in the cathedral of the fool in port farim, not far from quartier des black pearls, lumian, adjusting his golden straw hat, approached the towering half-giant bishop donned in a half top hat and black trench coat. in a deep voice, he said, i want to repent. the half-giant bishop, with light-blue eyes and a towering stature exceeding 2.5 meters, regarded lumian for a moment before nodding. follow me. he led lumian into a specialized confessionala windowless, pitch-black chamber. i dont wish to repent in the dark, lumian calmly said, removing his golden straw hat. the half-giant bishop ignited the candles, sealing the door shut. pa! lumian tossed a head with pale-white fur and vacant eye sockets to the half-giant bishops feet. did you commit murder? the half-giant bishop inquired in a mellow tone, giving the head a brief once-over. no, i just want to help him repent. lumian gestured towards the bloody head, oozing yellow pus. hes demon warlock burman. burman? only then did the half-giant bishop closely inspect the head, recognizing distinct features. he fell silent for a few moments before stating, you want the church to assist you in claiming the bounty from the intis government? as i mentioned, im here to repent for him. his bounty is part of his penance. lumians voice remained unchanged. the half-giant bishop struggled to comprehend. lumian retrieved most of the items acquired from burman from his travelers bag, leaving behind the dark soft-cover notebook and the fake treasure map. clatter. these items, some endowed with superpowers, some valuable, spilled onto the ground. theyre also part of burmans penance, lumian explained simply. i want to use the bounty and the money exchanged for these items to establish a charity fund to compensate those who have been harmed by burman, or their relatives. if theres any excess, please use it to help the homeless children. the half-giant bishop, sporting a top hat and trench coat, fell silent for a few seconds. the demon warlock bounty stands at 600,000 verl dor. these items hold considerable value too. together, they could fetch nearly 1 million verl dor. its a substantial sum for anyone. enough to ensure you dont have to take further risks. are you certain about donating it to us and establishing a charity fund? lumian didnt directly answer the half-giant bishops question. instead, he reiterated, this is burmans penance. alright, since you trust our church, well comply with your wishes, the half-giant bishop, named theis, said. remember my name and feel free to monitor the charity funds progress closely. lumian gazed at the fools sacred emblem in the confessional, pressed his hand to his chest, and gave a slight bow. praise the fool! he then closed his eyes and prayed, great lord, i implore you to punish the world for their sins and watch over our compensation. this isnt atonement; its self-punishment lumian repented earnestly for a while before straightening up. he opened his eyes and turned to leave. what shall be the name of the charity fund? the half-giant bishop hurriedly inquired. lumian took a deep breath and replied, helen, the helen charity fund. do we need to inform the authorities about who killed burman? the half-giant bishop cautiously asked. no need, but theres no requirement to deliberately obscure the clues for me. lumian didnt look back. he put on his golden straw hat and exited the fools cathedral. that night, lumian once again entered the bar beside sun square known as pelican. batna comt, as usual, sat at the bar counter, sipping on golden somme sugar wine. beside him was a girl dressed as an adventurer with adorable facial features. lumian walked over and joined batna and the other patrons. he smiled and snapped his fingers at the bartender. a glass of golden somme. batna glanced at him and remarked, someones in a good mood. indeed. lumian received the golden syrup from the bartender and tapped the table with the bottom of the glass. then, he stood up and raised the glass. everyone, ive encountered two things worth celebrating today. he spoke with enthusiasm and joy, the first is that i completed a commission worth more than 100,000 verl dor! impossible batna and the female adventurer beside him exclaimed in unison. this bounty was even higher than black baronets bounty. how could it be accomplished in a day? moreover, batna knew that louis berrys employer, fidel, was already deceased. how could he have received a new commission? lumian continued in a passionate tone, to celebrate this, ill treat everyone at the bar counter to a glass of golden somme! nearly ten adventurers and patrons expressed admiration. one of them teased, regardless of the truth, i believe you! the others chimed in. lumians smile widened. second thing to be happy aboutive woven a tale to deceive a group of fools! suddenly, the expressions of everyone at the bar counter froze. lumian glanced at them and continued,but its true that drinks are on the house! the adventurers and patrons booed, expressing that if they could drink for free, they didnt mind being fools. thus, lumian spent 96 licks, or 4.8 verl dor, treating the twelve people at the bar counter to a glass of golden somme. observing louis berry, batna silently muttered, hes genuinely happy late at night, aboard the flying bird, room 5, first-class cabin. lumian returned to the barely habitable master bedroom, ignited the kerosene lamp, and retrieved the dark soft-cover notebook and the fake treasure map he had obtained from demon warlock burman from his travelers bag. Chapter 531 - 531 Depths of Death 531 depths of death 531 depths of death bathed in the yellowish glow of the kerosene lamp, lumian perused burmans notebook. the pages chronicled the erratic musings of a mind teetering on the edge of instability. once life slips away, spirits journey to the spirit world, except in rare cases! if i can craft the right summoning chant, a spirit guides power could pull helens spirit back to our reality. thats step one toward bringing her back. upon seeing this, lumian indiscernibly shook his head. if only resurrection were that simple he turned the page. new mystical knowledge gained: in ancient times, intelligent beings ventured into the underworld after death. those deeply devout or exceptionally impactful could ascend to the corresponding deitys heaven. however, during the fifth epoch, a surplus of undead lingered beyond the underworld. im uncertain if helens spirit has entered the underworld or returned solely to the spirit realm. when summoning, i must address these separately; mixing them would guarantee failure. despite the sea monsters formidable might, they lack the power to confine a soul. no similar occurrences manifest in that sea region. for now, special circumstances neednt be considered. additionally, helen wasnt a fervent follower of the eternal blazing sun. i encountered helen again. but shes entirely lost the memory of me. her form and essence are gradually fading away. in a few short years, shell transform into just another undead. i have no more than five years. how can i reawaken her consciousness and recover her memories? merely providing a vessel capable of housing a departed spirit doesnt seem sufficient. dont forget the moonlit waves by the citys lighthouse. they bore witness to my proposal and helens acceptance. dont forget gasparo seafood rice; its helens favorite. after every adventure, when we returned to port farim, she always suggested indulging in it. dont forget the sunset at andatna volcano. thats where we met and vowed to revisit often in the future. even as we age, we cant let that romance fade away dont forget dont forget dont forget my head hurts. i razed a town, leading to the deaths of two to three hundred people. the sight of those couples, parents, and children perishing didnt bring me joy. instead, my heart plunged into darkness. i acknowledge this as my sin, an irreversible mistake. im aware that im no longer the burman you once liked. yet, i harbor no regrets. swindlers, curse them! ending these swindlers has rekindled a long-lost sense of satisfaction. helen, if you were still alive, we might have had our own child, right? why do those evil warlocks always employ infants, children, and their remains as essential ingredients for the creation of their dark arts? ive become even more evil than them helen, ive lost my way. all my endeavors have ended in failure. helen, i aspire to acquire the sequence 5 potion formula and ingredients for the death pathway. helen, fidel intervened. he warned that it would turn me into a monster and erase my original memories. helen, i refuse to forget you. helen, please forgive my cowardice. helen, i actually encountered that islander from resurrection island! it truly exists! harrison defeated me, but he spared my life. he questioned why i had forcibly transitioned to the death pathway. he revealed that my previous attempts were misguided. true resurrection isnt that straightforward. he explained that within the depths of death lies everyones mark. only by bringing forth the corresponding mark into reality and utilizing it as a foundation to reconstruct spirit and flesh can we achieve genuine resurrection, retaining our original knowledge and complete memories. helen, im overjoyed. i glimpse hope in reviving you once more. harrison imparted knowledge about the death domain to me. its through understanding this knowledge and reclaiming their mark that he and his kin can undergo repeated deaths and resurrections, escaping the clutches of mortality. while they seldom depart resurrection island, its not an absolute. travel- loving islanders like harrison have ventured to different lands, leaving the resurrection island legend imprinted in the memories of a select few humans. those with sinister motives compiled this information into a sea map for resurrection island. the treasure map mark sold us is counterfeit, but parts of it trace back to the genuine one. harrison, in his quest, left resurrection island to eliminate the authentic map and eradicate all who know how to reach that sea and discover resurrection island. helen, armed with harrisons information, i attempted to summon a spirit from the depths of death. i succeeded, conjuring an evil spirit named arden. as it was feeble, i easily vanquished it, collecting its blood for the ensuing ritual. helen, forgive me. i couldnt rein in my emotions. ever since encountering harrison and gaining the knowledge to truly bring you back, impatience has seized me. i cant control my emotions. those islanders are swindlers deserving of death. i ended the life of a swindler and numerous others. i refused to squander any more time, hastening the ritual. helen, im sorry. i failed again. i wasnt adequately prepared. helen, have i lost my sanity entirely? a mere retort from fidel triggered a frenzy, leading me to slay everyone in the house. he must perish too, the one who dared to threaten me and fidel! helen, ive failed. its been a while since i sustained such severe injuries. my body is largely undead. these wounds arent fatal, but i lack any allies. damn it, damn it, damn it! helen, ive missed you once again. lumian reached the conclusion of the dark soft-covered notebook and fixated on the sentence for an extended moment. it was as if he had transformed into a statue. after a few minutes, lumian couldnt resist raising his right hand to massage his temples. the marks from the depths of death, resurrection island, and harrison inundated his mind, prompting a sudden regret for not seeking francas assistance. to ensure a clean demise for burman, he never intended to channel the demon warlocks spirit from the outset. this meant he had no plans to return to trier and bring franca to his current location. however, his instinct now urged him to delve further into the resurrection method outlined by harrison. he desired an understanding of the island where inhabitants experienced repeated deaths and rebirths. phew lumian closed the notebook and exhaled, making an effort to recollect his knowledge of death-related mysticism. he recalled hearing the words death and mark conjoined. madam magician had mentioned the term death mark while answering a question about the tudor figure at the samaritan womens spring! is this a concept distinct from remnant spirits and imprints, directly linked to resurrection? from the depths of death what lurks within the depths of death what i now know that is explicitly tied to deaththe underworld, the samaritan womens spring, the river styx connecting two worlds what a pity. i wonder what harrison from resurrection island looks like burmans recorded knowledge is in disarray. it seemed he wrote whatever thoughts occurred to him. without him, organizing a complete resurrection ritual and the corresponding principles proves exceedingly challenging no, not just challenging. impossible. burman only documented what he feared he might forget. the remaining knowledge is entirely absent lumian rubbed his temples once more and unfolded the counterfeit treasure map. after careful scrutiny, he couldnt discern which parts were authentic and which were spurious. he intended to send the map to franca and jenna at dawn, employing them to employ mysticism to differentiate between the real and the fake. the next morning, lumian wiped his mouth with a napkin and observed ludwig grappling with the breakfast dishes. knock, knock, knock. a gentle rap echoed on the door. please come in. lumian gestured for lugano to open the door. do you really think im a servant? alright, providing the money makes you the boss lugano criticized, leaving the dining table to open the door. it was philip outside. philip entered the room, smiling at lumian. well set sail in two and a half hours. if you have any special items you want to buy, do it as soon as possible. i dont, lumian replied with a smile as he stood up. philip glanced out the window and said, by the way, you might not be aware, but the demon warlock has been apprehended. is that so? lugano looked surprised. over the past few days, the most popular topic among the passengers on the ship was demon warlock burman, who had caused them to stay in port farim. seeing lumian raise his eyebrows in inquiry, philip said with a relaxed expression, not only was burman apprehended, but he was also in the state of a corpse. whos behind this? lumian asked, his curiosity piqued. philip shook his head. i dont have all the details yet. what i do know is that its closely tied to the fools church. the adventurer gehrman sparrow is said to be their messenger. could it be that the adventurer took matters into his own hands? lugano asked eagerly. at sea, he naturally heard about faith in the fool and had no doubts about it sailors, passengers, and dock porters would tell him about it. hard to say. but anyone capable of taking down a demon warlock has to be at least as formidable as a pirate admiral. philip sighed deeply. suddenly, a commotion echoed from the gangway. passengers destined to board at port farim were finally given the green light to board the flying bird. lumian approached the window and spotted a familiar face. batna comt! he and the adorable-looking female adventurer climbed aboard the deck together. lumian pushed open the window and called out, batna, are you guys headed to port santa as well? batna looked up, surprised, his eyes fixed on the rooms on the top floor. spotting louis berry, he grinned and replied, absolutely. im off to witness port santas sea prayer ritual! Chapter 532 - 532 "Real" Map 532 real map 532 real map among the nations of the northern continent, only the lord of storms in loen wielded authority over the sea. yet, sailors, sea merchants, and adventurers loyal to other deities sought to evade shipwrecks, brutal weather, and the need for specific protection. this led to various compromises and unique circumstances. certain churches established subsidiary gods, angels, and saints endowed with storm and sea-related powers for followers with corresponding concerns. take, for instance, the sea god of the church of the fool. in some churches, believers were tacitly permitted to hold a partial belief in the lord of storms. other churches turned a blind eye to the folklore beliefs flourishing in ports and islands, allowing the performance of specific rituals without requiring the presence of clergymen. the sea prayer ritual of port santa in the feynapotter kingdom fell into the latter category. its folklore was believed to trace back to the fourth epoch. this annual event, overseen by the church of earth mother, was modest and confined to this port; it lacked any widespread publicity. in essence, nearly nobodyneither the locals of port santa nor the merchants, adventurers, or pirates frequenting the shores of the fog sea was aware of such a sea prayer ritual. after gathering the pertinent details, lumian made an initial assessment that either bard or ultraman, the culprits behind the sea prayer ritual pranks, were likely locals of port santa or actively engaged in maritime affairs. considering that bards work, emperor roselles secret chronicles, had been specifically handed over to triers underground booksellers for publication, lumian leaned towards the belief that ultraman had been the instigator of the problems at port santas sea prayer ritual. despite the fact that emperor roselles secret chronicles seemed more suited for sale in intis, lumian reasoned that if bard had a permanent residence in the feynapotter kingdom, it would be wiser to publish it under the feynapotter kingdoms name before discreetly selling it to intis. this precaution was to avoid drawing the attention of intiss secret police. many beyonders had underestimated the vigilance of ordinary police officers and investigators, resulting in unwanted attention and arrests by official beyonders who got wind of the news. upon learning that batna and his female companion desired to witness port santas sea prayer ritual, lumian waved with a grin. me too! he stepped back from the window, biding his time until nearly noon to compose a letter detailing his recent encounters and the handling of burmans legacy. after folding the letter and wrapping it within the folds of the fake treasure map, lumian summoned rabbit chasel once again. the rabbit-like spirit creature still sported its gold-rimmed glasses and a small, blurry half top hat. silently observing for a few moments, lumian then handed over the items destined for franca and jenna. thank you, he said politely. thats basic courtesy! no need to thank me, replied rabbit chasel, removing his half top hat and executing a slight bow. lumians lips twitched as he witnessed the mutated rabbit of knowledge disappear from the room. he was worried that this rabbit might unpredictably draw its gun and finish off the sender at any given moment. the next time around, he resolved to caution jenna against imparting such dangerous knowledge to rabbit chasel! trier, within the quartier de la cathdrale commmorative, apartment 702 at 9 rue orosai. franca glanced at rabbit chasel, adorned with its half top hat and gold- rimmed glasses. leaning closer to jenna, she whispered, isnt it too dangerous to let it read the adventurer series? jenna smiled and replied, dont you find rabbit chasel adorable? furthermore, a messenger can encounter danger. reading more about gehrman sparrow might make it stronger. franca had only briefly raised the issue but shifted her focus to unfolding the fake treasure map and letter, reading it with earnest attention. wow, lumians efficiency is impressive. he aimed to punish burman for his sins and managed to complete the hunt in less than twelve hours! the beyonder characteristics didnt form sealed artifacts with mixed abilities; instead, they emerged and merged separately. could it be because burman no longer harbored madness and paranoia before his death, and his emotions had calmed down? heh heh, theres no need to inform 007 so quickly if we encounter similar cases in the future. lumian might resolve it himself within a day. everything will return to normal, and world peace will prevail. that way, 007 wont blame me for always causing trouble for him. franca had previously informed jenna that the code name of her collaborator among the authorities was 007. so fast? demon warlock isnt weak jenna couldnt believe it. that was a criminal with a bounty of 600,000 verl dor. all the verl dor she had seen so far added up to less! lumians bounty amounted to less than 100,000. franca pursed her lips and remarked, think about his experiences in trier and the items and abilities he possesses. hes simply a supermodel, alright? if he were to be released, it would be equivalent to a dimensional reduction strike on beyonders without any special traits. he wouldnt be much inferior to most sequence 5 beyonders! jenna recalled the dangerous situations she had faced alongside lumian and nodded in agreement. what do you mean by dimensional reduction strike? franca, slightly surprised by jennas question, took a moment before explaining, its akin to an adult bullying a child or a demigod bullying a low-sequence beyonder. furthermore, think about it. a half-mad beyonder like the demon warlock is mentally, psychologically, emotionally, and physically problematic. he was completely countered by lumians symphony of hatred. when facing him, all you need to do is be wary of the strange combination of abilities and avoid provoking him into a monster. lumian has the experience, so he wont be careless. jenna muttered, now that you mention it, why do i feel that killing the demon warlock isnt too difficult? you cant put it that way. it can only be said that the forced switching of pathways will indeed make one very powerful and dangerous, but it also has huge flaws and many problems. its easy to target, franca corrected her before continuing reading lumians letter. after she was done reading, franca sighed with excitement and said, the sea sounds so fun, and the scenery is beautiful. if it werent for the mission, id want to be an adventurer at sea and hunt pirates! jenna, leaning against the sofa and reading the letter from behind, felt a longing in her heart. who wouldnt love to travel? it was just that they hadnt had the luxury before. franca regained her composure and clicked her tongue. lumian is truly generous. he actually donated all the bounty and spoils of war to establish a charity fund. sigh, actually, i understand his thoughts until now, she had been covertly providing for the family of her bodys original owner until now. as franca and jenna conversed, they both performed magic mirror divination. their answers were unanimous: the map was real! whether its burman or the immortal islander, harrison, they both admit that a portion of this map is fake. it cant help adventurers reach resurrection island, and they might even encounter great danger along the way whats fake about it? franca pondered, casting her gaze at the treasure map. on the map, the location marked as resurrection island lay deep within the fog sea. the westernmost colonial island of the intis republic, aroca, was still quite a distance away. cant distinguish the fake parts? lumian shook his head after receiving the reply and continued reading the information about spirit world creatures in his hand. his primary focus was to find any introduction to the arden evil spirit that burman had summoned from the depths of death. lumian flipped through the information until evening, satiating his hunger in his room. grabbing the golden straw hat he had recently taken a liking to, he descended to the deck and entered the bar. by that time, the flying bird had already departed port farim. as expected, batna and his female companion sat at the bar counter, engaged in animated conversations with the surrounding passengers about demon warlock burmans demise. we dont know which adventurer did it either. if it hadnt been officially announced, we wouldnt have known that burman had been killed. no one in port farims adventurer circle knew about it in advance! batna held the lanti proof and said excitedly, to think that such a powerful adventurer remains hidden in port farim! indeed, we cant be arrogant or conceited. perhaps the tramp sitting by the roadside is a powerful figure! spotting lumian pushing his way through, batna whistled. youre staying in first-class? are you that rich? im not considered rich, lumian replied with a smile as he settled onto a barstool. i just feel that accidents can happen at any moment at sea, and i can be killed by pirates at any moment. so, why not try to pamper yourself? whats the point of saving up money when youre dead? since youre an adventurer, you have to lead a carefree life because who knows if therell be a tomorrow. since youre an adventurer, you have to lead a carefree life because who knows if therell be a tomorrow the female adventurer beside batna whispered lumians last sentence, seemingly touched. batna took a sip of the lanti proof and chuckled. however, the prerequisite is that you have some savings. otherwise, if you end up having fun today, youll go hungry tomorrow. man, 600,000 verl dor. i wonder which adventurer obtained burmans 600,000 verl dor. and the items on him batna revealed a yearning and envious expression. lumian picked up the absinthe he had just requested and took a sip, savoring the faint bitterness lingering in the fragrance. in the following days, the flying bird calmly navigated towards the feynapotter kingdom. philip, the security supervisor, found it surreal. is the bad luck over? did the major problem disembark? did demon warlock burmans death stem from the major problem entering port farim? just as port santa was only a day away, philip observed his subordinate deliver a telegram. boss, its from your comrades in port farim. the subordinate handed the folded telegram to philip. what happened in port farim that requires me to be informed? did the major problem cause trouble in port farim and trace it to the flying bird? he unfolded the telegram and scanned its contents. the adventurer who hunted demon warlock burman is suspected to be on your ship. his name is louis berry. Chapter 533 - 533 Forgotten 533 forgotten 533 forgotten his name is louis berry. philips gaze froze at the last sentence. him? he killed demon warlock? suddenly, philip recalled the tragic scene of room 5 in the first-class cabin as though it had been shelled. could it be that the clash between louis berry and demon warlock burman had caused this devastation? rumors circulated that the church of the fool exchanged burmans head for a bounty the following day, but procedures like that didnt happen instantaneously. a delay of half a day was ordinary! did louis berry truly kill demon warlock? is he truly that formidable? i couldnt discern it at all i understand hes a magnet for trouble, and various details attest to his strength and unpredictable nature, but the notion of him vanquishing demon warlock caught me by surprise. and he appeared unscathed. he even contained the battles impact within a single room, ensuring no one overheard anything could he have also been the one who frightened off bone splitter basil? no, he was near me and didnt make a move unless basil knows him and comprehends his danger? a person capable of eliminating demon warlock is indeed capable of deterring bone splitter even though basil might not be weaker than burman despite the relatively low bounty. louis berry, however, possesses the ability to silence burman without a trace what caused the encounter with the death navigators? philip muttered silently. though he couldnt fully embrace the idea that the young man who always boasted in the bar with a smile was a powerful enough adventurer to vanquish demon warlock, philip hesitated to harbor too many doubts. boss, should we should we expose louis berrys identity as a fake? the crew member who had delivered the telegram asked in a hushed tone. philip instinctively raised the paper bearing the telegram and delivered a light smack to his subordinates head. do you have a death wish? ive emphasized repeatedly, when faced with anomalies on the ship, turn a blind eye unless its an immediate crisis, and wait until we reach our destination. philip pondered for a moment, concerned that his subordinate might act in error due to misunderstanding or disbelief. he clarified deliberately, were still at sea. even if we report the false identities now, confirming louis berrys true identity and existence wont save or aid us unless someone departs from port santa. yet, such inter-country cooperation requires days of prior communication. by the time assistance arrives, louis berry will likely have disembarked. moreover, verifying his real identity takes time. to blow the whistle successfully, wed be risking louis berry noticing and retaliating. is it worth it? i prefer to preserve the peace of these past few days. the crew member pondered for a moment and ultimately concurred with the bosss decision. philip breathed a sigh of relief, tearing up the telegram and casually tossing it into the trash can. inform the recipients and translators of the telegram to keep this information under wraps! philip instructed before leaving the room and descending the stairs to the deck. just as he was contemplating the romantic plans for the evening with his newfound lover, his thoughts came to a sudden halt when he spotted louis berry, the central figure of the telegram. there he stood by the shipboard, his gaze fixed on the gently undulating blue sea, idly twirling a golden straw hat in one hand while holding a glass of light golden champagne in the other. as if sensing philips gaze, lumian turned around, locking eyes with him. a subtle smile played on louis berrys lips as he raised the champagne glass in his right hand, as though toasting him, before taking a leisurely sip. philips body tensed, determined to conceal any change in expression. is louis berry merely extending a greeting, or does he possess knowledge about the telegram and my decision? waa! waa! waa! white-headed seabirds soared gracefully under the pristine, blue sky, their cries distinct from those in port gati and port farim. at times, they glided low, skimming past wooden fishing boats adorned with billowing white sails. fishing, a vital industry in port santa, instilled both fear and reverence for the sea in every fishermans veins. while they could have children who strayed from the beliefs of the earth mother, they couldnt bear descendants who dared to blaspheme the sacred sea prayer ritual. lumian, taking in the scenery different from the intis port and port santas gradually rising mountain range in the distance, silently offered praise to the fool. the journey from port farim to port santa unfolded surprisingly uneventfully no storms, no pirates, and no encounters with beyonder incidents. this respite allowed him a few days of tranquility. lumian finished two foundational highlander textbooks and perused information on spirit world creatures. he failed to find a description of arden, the evil spirit from the depths of death. whether madam magician omitted the information or remained unaware of it remained uncertain. well be entering the port in half an hour. lumian, who had been taking respite for the past few days, cracked his neck from the living room window of cabin 5 in first class. here lay potential clues about the key members of april fools, bard, and ultraman! of course, it could also be a trap. lumians body trembled slightly, filled with anticipation. finally, the flying bird smoothly docked at port santa. lumian, hand in hand with ludwig and trailed by lugano carrying their luggage, made their way towards the gangway. on the deck, they encountered batna comt and his companion nolfi, already awaiting their turn. perhaps influenced by lumians words about seizing the moment as an adventurer, nolfi, who had initially insisted on separate cabins, had moved in with batna two days ago. batnas face radiated a flush of confidence as he waved and exclaimed, louis, you dont strike me as much of an adventurer. what adventurer brings their child out to sea? isnt it a common task for adventurers to protect their employers children? lumian retorted with a smile. in a sense, the church of the god of knowledge and wisdom was indeed his employer. batna, eyeing ludwig, dressed in a young gentlemans attire and carrying a distinctive red school bag, found lumians explanation reasonable. yet, he couldnt help but wonder, how could the childs parents be so nonchalant about entrusting their son to an unfamiliar adventurer? at the same time, hes my godson, lumian added. understanding dawned on batna as he gestured towards the harbor below. where do you plan to stay? shall we attend the sea prayer ritual together? im not sure yet. if the gods will it, our paths may cross again. lumians demeanor shifted upon arriving at port santa, his nerves tightening. casual disclosure of his whereabouts was no longer in his plans. batna, accustomed to lumians occasional seer-like words, detected nothing unusual. he sighed and said, i hope our paths cross once more. with a casual wave, batna led nolfi toward the ramp. lumian smiled and offered a parting reminder, do you know highlander? a bit, batna replied, gesturing toward nolfi, whose adorable features, black hair, and brown eyes spoke of her mixed feynapotter and intis heritage. her mother is a native of port santa. she carries blood from both feynapotter and intis. port santa local that explains your desire to experience the sea prayer ritual after learning about it. lumian held his silence, watching as batna and nolfi descended the gangway with their suitcases. not only is louis generous and warm, but he also has a knack for humor. he appears quite professional, batna commented before leaving the port district. glancing back at the flying bird, he said to nolfi, he didnt disclose their lodging just now. clearly, hes unwilling to unveil his employers circumstances. he likely came to port santa to escort that child home. nolfi nodded gently. you shouldnt have asked. an adventurers companions are only in the present. we might not cross paths again in the future. haha, youve been influenced by louiss life philosophy. batna noticed a paperboy approaching and suggested to nolfi, grab a few newspapers related to maritime rumors. weve been at sea for days, and were out of the loop. nolfi shared the same idea, using degan copper coins she had exchanged prior for two newspapers. standing on the street, she unfolded the coastal port favorite, five seas news, and began reading its contents. batna, unfamiliar with highlander, patiently waited for nolfi to digest the news and relay the information to him. suddenly, nolfis eyes narrowed, and her grip on the newspaper tightened. whats wrong? batna asked curiously. nolfi hesitated before sharing, theres a rumor in port farim that the adventurer who hunted the demon warlock is named whats his name? batna pressed. nolfi fell silent for a few seconds before saying, hishis name is louis berry. louis, louis berry? batna was taken aback. lumian, ludwig, and lugano patiently waited for most passengers to disembark before making their exit. as lumian stepped off the gangway, his attention was drawn to a woman in a black nuns attire and matching hat. carrying a brown suitcase, she turned into a fork in the road. c-could it be the weeping woman i glimpsed through the mystery prying glasses? lumian pondered, averting his gaze thoughtfully. as he moved forward, his mind raced with plans for the immediate future. firstly, he needed to find an inn in the harbor district. secondly, he had to compose a letter to madam magician, notifying her of his arrival in port santa. the situation involved celestial worthy and potentially played into lokis schemes. carelessness was not an option. write a letter to madam magician write a letter! lumians pupils dilated as he sought to discern if the world ahead was real. throughout his days aboard the ship, he kept forgetting to write to madam magician! he had intended to consult his major arcana card holder, questioning the significance of the frequent occurrences related to the flying birds calamities. yet, he had completely forgotten about it! Chapter 534 - 534 Over the Mountain 534 over the mountain 534 over the mountain it was today, amidst lumians contemplation of his next moves, that he seemed to snap out of a dream-like trance. the recollection of his intention to write a letter to madam magician, now forgotten, hit him like a bullet. the realization was more unsettling than a battlefield injury, sending shivers down his spine, and causing his hair to stand on end. had this situation escalated, he might have perished without even realizing it! it feels like dj vu thats right! in dardel, lugano and i had unintentionally overlooked the option of escaping. we were searching for a pretext to enter the town and investigate derangement. as lumians thoughts raced, a sudden revelation struck him. the woman he had seen weeping on the flying bird was the source of derangementa humanoid sealed artifact that had escaped its restraints! after leaving dardel, she had reached port gati and boarded the flying bird. could she be instinctively influencing the minds of those around her, erasing thoughts that might pose a threat? but that would require her to monitor everyones psychological activities at just the right time. or, as anthony had speculated, did she naturally implant mental cues, causing observers to overlook her existence? even if glimpsed, the memory of her would fade later. simultaneously, any communication with high- sequence beyonder powers would be actively forgotten or abandoned. this classification wasnt determined by her but by the individuals self- awareness. if they believed the person to be a high-sequence beyonder, then so they were once she disembarked and ceased planting those natural and persistent cues, the overlooked issues could be recalled through other connections. fortunately, the sealed artifact remained dormant on the flying bird. otherwise, i might have lost control and transformed into a monster apart from me and ludwig, she also played a part in scaring off bone splitter basil? heh heh, its quite funny from the perspective of the notorious pirate. choosing an ordinary merchant ship for plunder, basil found himself faced with three escalating waves of malice upon surfacinga hornets nest stirred into action. in that scenario, he had no other choice but to escape. were the strange death navigator fish also drawn by her presence? initially, lumian felt lingering fear, but soon a sense of joy washed over him. this revelation confirmed that his contribution to the calamities on the flying bird was minimal, just as aurore had suggested. throughout the journey, only the demon warlock incident could be attributed to him. lumian could accept such frequency. with determination, lumian retrieved a post-it note and fountain pen, hastily scribbling a memo: find a nearby motel and write to madam magician. focus on the death mark and the humanoid sealed artifact. after folding the note and stowing it in his pocket, lumian utilized luganos interactions with the docks inhabitants to discreetly inquire about nearby motels. lowering his voice, he addressed his left chest. temiboros, you actually failed to notice such a dangerous sealed artifact nearby. termiboross majestic voice resonated. why should i warn you? lumian criticized, oh, youve learned the art of sophistry he turned to ludwig, who was nibbling on a long piece of bread. i wonder if this kids lack of awareness stems from the church of knowledges seal or a belief that there was no danger since the woman hadnt gone mad. i dont have to dwell on it for now averting his gaze, he waited for lugano to gather directions before leading ludwig toward the exit of the port district. port santa stood divided, its territories sliced into thirds. one-third bustled with the comings and goings of fishermen, surrounded by a vast open space. nearby, three ice mills hummed with activity. the remaining two-thirds, a realm reserved for merchant ships, witnessed a constant influx of passengers. mechanical cranes labored tirelessly, lifting smelted steel, forged swords, and woven wool into the undercabin. amidst the pungent scent of fish, lumian maintained an outward calm. sometimes, his gaze wandered to the distant mountain range; other times, he scrutinized the billowing black smoke drifting from the southeast, carried downwind by the breeze. tasking lugano and ludwig with selecting two candidates each, lumian delegated the decision-making. ultimately, they settled at an unassuming motel named solow. in highlander, solow translated to sun. although the feynapotter kingdom didnt subscribe to the eternal blazing sun faith, instead venerating earth mother, the prevalence of sunlight in their environment resulted in the frequent use of words like solow and soros (sunlight) in various place names. lumian removed his golden straw hat, shielding him from the october sun, and secured a suite from the motels ownera gray-haired, tall figure with prominent cheekbones and a thick beard. the cost: 1.5 gold risot per day, or 3 verl dor. official currencies in feynapotter included risot, setta, and degan. legend had it that before the kingdoms split from the south-central regions, the church of earth mother and the church of the god of knowledge and wisdom jointly governed the land. unlike the loen kingdoms unconventional gold pound system, feynapotters currency was designed by scholars from the church of knowledge. one risot equaled 10 settas, and one setta equaled 10 degans, denominated as five degans, whole degan, half degan, and a quarter degan. currently, one risot was roughly 2 verl dor, making 12 risot equivalent to approximately 1 gold pound. having exchanged for 1,000 risot, lumian held a variety of settas and degans in his possession. after settling the bill and ascending to his quarters, lumians attention was drawn to a young girl with long brown hair and freckles entering the establishment. she greeted the proprietor using the highlander term for grandfather. the owner, his cheekbones tinged by the sun, warmly embraced the girl, their right cheeks meeting as he responded with a smile and a single word unfamiliar to lumian. puzzled, he turned to lugano, seeking an explanation with his eyes. ol delva said, its so good to see you, my little cabbage.'' little cabbage lumian echoed, taken aback by the term. lugano, with his pronounced eyebrows, large eyes, and sharp features, inquired with confusion, dont you know that there are many descendants of darige here? positioned on the second-floor staircase, he gestured towards the wall outside. the distant mountain range is the pyraez mountain range. you darige folks prefer calling it the darige mountain range. at that moment, lumian grasped the entirety of the situation. is this south of the darige mountain range? southwest. the darige mountain range is a few hours away by train. in between, youll find vast plains, pastures, and numerous towns and villages, lugano clarified as he ascended the stairs. as you might know, every autumn, shepherds from darige and nearby areas migrate to the southern plains for grazing. some settle down, while others seek opportunities in the larger surrounding cities, including port santa. if you head northeast, highlander might not be necessary. many people there are familiar with intisian. i have a cousin who was a widow initially. later, she met a local while shepherding and married him. she gave up grazing and helped the herdsmen develop businesses related to sheep, cheese, wool, and more. eventually, they saved enough to start a vineyard. her husband values her opinions. this might be an example of feynapotter men. unfortunately, im not a woman; otherwise, i might have converted to earth mother! listening to luganos insights, lumian recalled a piece of information aurore had once shared. the darige mountain range acted as a barrier against the cold winds heading south. consequently, the gaia province, situated south of the darige mountain range, enjoyed abundant sunlight and warm weather. even in winter, the plains and pastures thrived with lush grass suitable for grazing. lumian sensed that this knowledge had become dynamic, forming a network that allowed him to comprehend the geographical and weather characteristics of port santa and its northeastern region. abruptly, another thought crossed his mind. could it be that most of the beyonders captured by shepherds like pierre, who believed in inevitability, hailed from this area? given the presence of a thriving port and a mountain range rich in mineral deposits, it makes sense that there would be more beyonders here if that were the case, perhaps my hunter, provoker, and even pyromaniac beyonder characteristics might have originated from this region. im here now why do i smell the scent of inevitability lumian responded casually to luganos information, how many children did your cousin have? three, lugano replied. if she hadnt produced children, would her husband have been so obedient? lumian, aware of the beliefs of earth mothers faith, heard about these matters with the shepherds who frequented the pastures. they held fertility and reproduction in high regard. definitely not, lugano affirmed without hesitation. as the conversation unfolded, the trio ascended to the fifth floor, entering a suite at the corridors end. lumian strolled to the balcony, casting his gaze towards the rugged mountain range in the distance. there lay a highlander pasture and cordu. after nearly fifteen minutes of silent contemplation, lumian returned to his room and began composing letters to madam magician and franca. his intention was to inform franca of the humanoid sealed artifact, urging her to alert the official beyonders of the feynapotter kingdom through 007. a potentially hazardous pathogen capable of madness at any moment was not fit for roaming freely outside. wow! see? what did i say? lumian will definitely encounter the source of derangement again! exclaimed franca as she was about to depart with jenna when she received the letter. they were heading to triers catacombs. in the preceding days, jenna harbored a desire to revisit krismona night pillar, hoping to uncover something valuable. however, she hesitated to approach recklessly, fearing it might attract the suspicion of the demoness sect. residing with franca offered no guarantee of safety from their watchful eyes. thanks to anthonys introduction, she finally secured a mission at a mysticism gathering, providing a valid pretext. her task involved venturing to a specific familys tomb on the catacombs third level, retrieving an antique tearcatcher for her employer. Chapter 535 - 535 Reply 535 reply 535 reply jenna completed reading lumians letter and lapsed into silence for a few moments before remarking, the origin of the derangement is genuinely formidable lumian unknowingly endured its effects for nearly half a month. luckily, the womans ailment didnt erupt. otherwise, everyone on the ship would have descended into madness. jenna contemplated for a moment, convinced that if she were in lumians position, the outcome would be the same; nothing would alter. hence, sealed artifacts above level 2 wield immense power, but theyre not practical for most situations. their mere existence can bring catastrophe to the surrounding humans, franca seized the chance to enlighten her companion, who had only been a beyonder for half a year. she conveyed this information to madam judgment, not 007. this decision arose from the unpredictability of the emergency communication methods. what if 007 happened to be occupied and didnt go to that location? regular communication had to wait until after 10 p.m. considering the imminent threat of derangement, franca didnt want to waste valuable time. with madam judgments real-world identity, contacting the official beyonders of the feynapotter kingdom was assuredno worries about not locating her. come nightfall, she would notify 007, ensuring the message reached the right people. with this matter settled, franca and jenna reached the catacombs in a rented carriage. having followed lumian to the third level, they had drawn valuable information from him. the place was now familiar to them. soon, they entered a small square illuminated by burning white candles and adorned with two sacrificial pillars. jenna reflected for a moment and, to francas confusion, approached the sacrificial pillar representing the eternal blazing sun. she outstretched her arms and reverently declared, praise the sun! she was seeking protection. franca couldnt help but twitch her lips as she observed the scene. amused, she remarked, why are you becoming more and more like cieluh, lumian? dammit! how do i resemble him? jenna retorted instinctively. in terms of faith flexibility, franca pointed out with a smile. like me, i only praise mr. fool. i didnt say anything like by steam.'' jenna pondered for a moment and admitted, because lumian and i once truly believed in the eternal blazing sun suddenly, she halted, her lips moving as she cursed herself. am i admitting that i do resemble lumian? franca had only been teasing. after praising the fool, she left the sacrificial square with jenna and headed towards the entrance of the fourth level, where the krismona night pillar stood. thanks to lumians information, they navigated past the skeletal blockage on the road. in the dim environment, they moved cautiously, guided by the faint candlelight. as franca walked, an idea crossed her mind. do you think we have to hold the lit white candles in our hands? can we hold them above our heads or make a lantern and place them inside? will this also protect us? accustomed to francas occasional peculiar thoughts, jenna casually replied, you can give it a try. after considering the potential consequences of a failed experiment, franca chuckled dryly. forget it, forget it. no need to be curious about such things. she looked at jenna beside her and changed the subject. why are you dressed like this? jenna, now in a black dress and a dark bonnet, exuded a beauty that carried a touch of maturity beyond her years. jenna instinctively scanned the surroundings for any dim yellow candles before whispering, im playing the part of a witch to add a mysterious touch. clad in a black robe with a hood, she might resemble the witches known to humans, but it could easily raise suspicion from the demoness sect, so jenna found a compromise. franca quickly grasped the situation and nodded in approval. youve put in the effort. seizing the moment, jenna inquired, what about you? since gardners demise, have you not found an opportunity to digest pleasure with someone? franca, usually thick-skinned, felt a bit embarrassed by jennas words. she coughed twice and replied, its not difficult to find someone if i wanted. if it doesnt work out, ill turn down browns at an opportune moment and see if she takes offense. heh heh, if she truly experiences pleasure, she might invite me to join her franca suddenly shut her mouth, wishing she could raise her right hand and slap herself. why did i disclose all this to jenna? what a disgrace! clearing her throat, franca said, besides, this presents an opportunity. opportunity? jenna was puzzled. franca nodded solemnly. relying solely on the matters in bed and physical pleasure can indeed slowly digest the potion. it also aligns with the negative characteristics of a demoness. however, i keep feeling that the meaning of pleasure shouldnt be limited to this. taking advantage of the absence of a target for physical pleasure, i want to calm down and slowly experience and explore other possibilities. for instance, captivating a mans heart. bringing joy merely by being around me. providing pleasure through interaction, yet beyond his reach. each encounter becomes a torment, a glimpse into the catastrophe and affliction a demoness brings dammit, i despise such women the most! francas frustration blazed as she spoke. jenna was taken aback, her lips pursed, her body trembling slightly as she struggled to contain her laughter. something along those lines. at any rate, thats the gist, franca abruptly concluded the conversation. in the dim candlelight, franca passed by a newly constructed tomb beside an ancient one. a sudden frown creased her forehead, questioning if she had missed an opportunity. if i had sighed and hinted at the stagnation of my digestion due to the absence of a pleasure partner, would jenna offer sympathy and assistance? argh, my stubbornness has cost me! but perhaps shed suggest lumian francas thoughts raced, but she remained vigilant, especially when she noticed the jumbled bones strewn along the roadside. finally, she and jenna reached the krismona night pillar, a black marble structure supporting the caves ceiling. no etchings or signs of erosion adorned its surface. franca studied it for a moment and remarked, its reminiscent of the one in fourth epoch trier, albeit smaller. more like a tip. turning to jenna, she inquired, do you sense anything peculiar? furrowing her brow, jenna shook her head slowly. no. feynapotter kingdom, gaia province, port santa, solow motel. lumian swiftly received a response from madam magician: have you faced the dread of a grade 1 sealed artifact? repeating it wont imprint as deeply as experiencing it firsthand. this likely is the power of a high-sequence beyonder in the spectator pathway, constantly shaping the thoughts and perceptions of those around. remember: beware of the spectator the sealed artifact has other powers. im uncertain if it belongs to the evil gods outside. for now, you neednt pursue or capture it. well liaise with the earth mother church through mr. moon. reading this, lumian muttered to himself, id rather not get involved, but its not my call. sometimes, my nature thrusts me into things id rather avoid. it was just like him and the sealed artifact being on the same voyage, headed for the same destination. simultaneously, lumian gleaned a vital detail from madam magicians arrangements. mr. moon of the tarot club had close ties with the earth mother church. after a moments reflection, lumian resumed reading the letter. were also probing resurrection islands existence. mr. hanged man and madam hermit are leading the investigation. they have theories but cant confirm yet. if they need your aid, theyll inform you and seek your consent. however, dont search for resurrection island now. its very dangerous. remember, very dangerous the death mark is a lingering essence of death. ordinary humans leave one mark; certain sequences of certain pathways can leave many. such marks erode and merge with death, lasting longer for those higher in status or with special abilities. as for ordinary low-sequence beyonders, the corresponding death mark wont exist for anything beyond a few years. setting up a ritual to summon the death mark is nearly impossible. even a sequence 0 true god wouldnt dare approach the essence of death, let alone with a ritual. i suspect something amiss with the arden evil spirit burman summoned. the decline in burmans mental state may have started with that spirit, not his encounter with harrison of resurrection island. perhaps, the arden evil spirit isnt dead. the arden evil spirit, leaving behind blood traces and easily dispatched by burman, isnt dead? what an absurd storyline even madam magician remains clueless about the nature of this creature. recollecting burmans encounter, lumian couldnt detect anything abnormal. this behavior seemed like that of a half-mad individual, forcibly transitioning between pathways. in her closing remarks, madam magician cautioned: exercise caution during your investigations in port santa. should you encounter any difficulties, dont hesitate to seek aid from the knight of swords. theres no need for that for now lumian replied inwardly. this stemmed from a lack of leads or information. even if he were to correspond with the knight of swords, lumian wouldnt know what to inquire about or what kind of assistance to request. Chapter 536 - 536 One in the Light and One in the Dark 536 one in the light and one in the dark 536 one in the light and one in the dark lumians immediate priority upon reaching port santa was to delve into the events of the previous sea prayer ritual, particularly focusing on the individuals involved in the accident. this investigation would be crucial in uncovering the true identities of the key members of april fools. however, this phase of his pursuit carried inherent risks of deception and potential traps. understanding the intricacies of last years prank was paramount before engaging the minor arcanaknight of swordsin any assistance. lumian didnt find it plausible to enlist aid on such matters. the sealed knowledge surrounding the events in port santa made it apparent that unless the knight of swords happened to be present, he wouldnt yield much help. initially, lumian aimed to gather information about the sea prayer ritual and the previous years incident, but such details seemed exclusive to this location. peripheral members of april fools, involved in minor roles, offered limited perspectives, offering mere snippets of the puzzle. with a flick of his wrist, lumian transformed madam magicians reply into a blazing fireball. exiting the master bedroom of the suite, he addressed lugano, who waited in the living room, lets get ourselves a local identity. youve already used louis berrys identity to check into the motel, lugano reminded lumian after some thought. did this mean its time to depart? wouldnt that be a waste of an entire weeks rent? luganos heart ached at the thought of the 10.5 gold risot. spending money wasnt an issue; just dont waste it! as a bounty hunter who had lived a tough life for many years, he was quite sensitive to money. otherwise, he wouldnt have been so thick-skinned as to ask lumian for a job. any issues? lumian inquired with a smile. in the october warmth of port santa, lumian sported a straightforward ensemblelight linen shirt, brown pants, a golden straw hat cradled in his grasp. for a moment, lugano didnt know if he should voice his primary concern the matter of money. finally, he decided to broach the subject. boss, i grabbed a few newspapers from the street. seems there are rumors in port farim about you taking down the demon warlock. upon reading this news, lugano rubbed his eyes several times, wondering if he had read wrongly. when had his boss eradicated the demon warlock? why dont i know? only the memory of the seemingly bombarded master bedroom stirred skepticism. it was me, lumian replied with a slight nod. lugano momentarily lost the ability to organize his words. after a brief pause, he suppressed his curiosity and feigned understanding. youve bagged a bounty of 600,000 verl dor and some spoils of war. no wonder youve been throwing money around lately the rent of 20 to 30 verl dor didnt seem extravagant anymore. all donated, lumian disclosed matter-of-factly. why? lugano blurted out. lumian glanced at him. lugano immediately shut his mouth and smiled sheepishly. we need to change our location. louis berrys fame in the fog sea makes him an easy target. in that gaze, lumian conveyed an unspoken message: whos in charge here? you or me? did i need your approval to donate the bounty? with a subtle smile, lumian posed the question, who said we were relocating? lugano, caught off guard, stammered, not relocating lumians smile held a cryptic meaning as he shared, why else do you think i didnt ask the clergyman from the church of the fool, who helped collect the bounty, to conceal my identity? louis berry, the high-profile adventurer, served as a beacon, attracting attention and revealing the landscape of potential threats. lumian needed an inconspicuous local guise to operate discreetly in the shadows. lugano, grappling with the complexity of his employers motives, confessed, i-i thought you just wanted to be as famous as gehrman sparrow in the five seas. he sensed there was more beneath the surface. lumian chuckled. who among our generation wouldnt want to match gehrman sparrows fame in the five seas? the desire for recognition satisfied his vanity, providing a plausible reason for not letting theis, the church of the fools bishop, conceal his identity completely. a superficial motiveone genuine enough to make people believecould effectively veil hidden intentions. uh lugano, feeling like he couldnt decipher lumians true colors or grasp his ultimate goal, sighed inwardly. sigh, im just a planter, a doctor, and a seasoned bounty hunter. my intelligence can only be considered ordinary lumian cast a glance at ludwig, munching on a potato omelet, and declared, lets go. he nudged the coat rack into a blind spot, hanging the golden straw hat, creating the illusion of an inconspicuous figure if one looked from the opposite building. exiting the solow motel, lumian strolled along the grayish-white stone street toward the lively bars near the harbor. lugano followed, holding ludwigs hand. the ancient street boasted mottled houses with white walls and red tiles. near entrances like cordu, elderly women chatted in the sun, but they didnt lend a hand in catching lice. passersby tread softly, lowering their voices to maintain the tranquility of the scene. in a casual exchange with francesco, the bartender at the flying birds basement bar, lumian learned of a cultural phenomenon in feynapotter, shaped by the earth mothers faith and the significance accorded to family traditions: matriarchal culture. within each family, the most venerable grandmother, a prolific progenitor, commanded unparalleled respect. as the unquestionable parent, they wielded a certain degree of control over every family member. even outside the confines of their homes, this reverence persisted, for these grandmothers represented the familial symbol, embodying the earth mother. the combination of religious beliefs and societal norms secured a unique status for these elderly grandmothers. observing this dynamic, lumian found himself contemplating a question. in riston province, a married woman, functioning as a de facto parent, held the right to be addressed as madame and have her name prefixed with na. could this tradition be an influence from feynapotters matriarchal culture just a mountain away? nomadic herdsmen and traders, traversing vast distances, inevitably brought back tales of their experiences. ancient practices from the darige mountain range and its surroundings, spanning over a millennium, undoubtedly left an indelible mark. navigating the ancient yet serene streets under the brilliant sunlight, lumian felt a sense of displacement. it was as if he had returned to cordu during the bustling season when adults toiled in the fields, tended to sheep in the mountains, or embarked on hunting expeditions, leaving only an old woman and young children behind. trier, third level of the catacombs. jenna closed her eyes and extended her senses, but the black krismona night pillar remained silent, devoid of any sighs or motion. assessing the mirror substitutions, she cautiously approached the enigmatic weather-free pillar, placing her palm against it. the black pillar that supported the caves ceiling, though cold and metallic, retained the texture of rock. yet, jennas probing mind received nothing beyond this information. it still doesnt work, she communicated to franca, shaking her head. in her reflections, jenna recalled the two instances and sought their commonality when she had heard krismonas voiceduring her advancement and within a special mirror world in fourth epoch trier. both times, danger and intense emotions had been common denominators. jenna whispered, the danger during my witch advancement was suppressed by the sacrificial square. is the key intense emotions? jenna pondered aloud, delving into memories of painful events that had stirred her emotions, including her mothers death, separation from her brother, and other poignant experiences of suffering. despite the visible fluctuations in her emotions, the krismona night pillar remained silent, the illusory sigh elusive. franca, after a moments contemplation, suggested, must there be a special event to trigger it? perhaps, jenna replied, biting her lip. why dont we try the fourth level? lumian mentioned the shadow suspected to have formed after the death of the demoness pathways angel. that should be krismona. francas heart stirred, and she affirmed, thats right. moreover, the shadow is controlled by the seal and doesnt have the ability to attack humans. yes, the prerequisite is that we strictly adhere to the series of rules in the catacombs. after a brief discussion, the two of them circled around the krismona night pillar, replaced candles, and proceeded to descend the ancient, mottled stone steps. under the watchful gaze of realistic dark-gray reliefs depicting human heads on both sides of the rock walls, they descended step by step. breaking the suffocating silence, franca spoke up, this place is perfect for ghost stories. the atmosphere is amazing. jenna glanced at her, teasing, are you afraid? how is that possible? franca retorted stubbornly. jenna chuckled. if you werent afraid, youd just tell ghost stories to scare me. now, youre just sighing. it means you mainly want to rely on your voice to boost your courage. its a waste of your talent not to choose the spectator pathway do theater actors have to learn to read people? franca was about to argue when they reached the last ancient stone step. simultaneously, a sense of oppression enveloped them. in the next moment, a yellowish candle flame flickered in their eyes. the candle flame didnt belong to them. it emerged from the distant fourth level of the catacombs. Chapter 537 - 537 Charm 537 charm 537 charm franca and jennas initial reaction was to steer clear of the newcomer. in this subterranean maze filled with corpses, they couldnt afford to be complacent with the living. yet, their circumstances didnt permit avoidance. they had to wield a glowing white candle, a feeble defense against the encroaching darkness of the catacombs. the candles flame, though, made them conspicuous, a visible beacon in the shadows. true concealment required them to find solace behind the sealed doors of an ancient tomb. the option of becoming invisible or lurking in the shadows was riskythey werent certain if it meant snuffing out the candle flame. after a silent exchange of glances, franca and jenna chose to take a circuitous route, maintaining a safe distance from the distant candlelight. in the oppressive stillness that felt like time itself had halted, the two demonesses cautiously progressed westward, guided by road signs and the black lines on the cave ceiling. as they approached a point parallel to the candle flame, franca turned her head to peer down the corridor between the ancient tombs. thanks to her exceptional night vision, she identified the person clutching the burning candle. a man in a black robedeep black and light hues intermingled in his hair, a gentle profile, pale-white skin, and dark brown eyes, distinct from the intisians. feynapotterian? strikingly similar, yet subtly different. why do i sense familiarity? when have i encountered this person before? did he leave an impression in the memory recesses of the original owner of my body? franca felt an inexplicable urge to approach and strike up a conversation. she took a deep breath and suppressed it. in the hushed darkness of the catacombs, approaching strangers recklessly could easily spark unnecessary conflict. franca had dedicated considerable time to delve into the circumstances surrounding the original bodys demise and the persons life experiences. she sought to ensure there were no lingering issues that she needed to be wary about acquaintances from the past. the man in the black robe, having observed the two demonesses and noting their lack of intent to draw near, continued on his path, eventually disappearing behind an ancient tomb. he doesnt look like a college student. jenna averted her gaze and eliminated an option. if the individual hadnt ventured into the fourth level of the catacombs merely driven by curiosity and excitement, it hints at a clear motive. is he on a commissioned search for antiques, paying respects to an ancestor buried on this level, or a beyonder delving into the mysticism and seal composition of the catacombs? perhaps, like jenna and myself, he pursues the revelations from the three night pillars. francas mind raced through various possibilities. on the fourth level of the catacombs, two more night pillars awaited: mariannes night pillar and liuss night pillar. the former, the pope of the evernight goddess church in the fourth epoch, and the latter, the blessed of the ancient death. both had met their demise during the war of the four emperors inside fourth epoch trier. having shared her analysis with jenna, franca gestured with her right hand, the one without a candle, and reassured, dont worry about his motives. it wont affect our search for krismonas shadow. i didnt want to bother either. you were the one considering all the possibilities i sensed that impulse in your heart. did you truly want to investigate that person just now? jenna, attuned to francas nuances, grasped her companions thoughts but chose to chuckle, keeping the revelation to herself. at times, franca could be quite prideful! after walking along the path for nearly fifteen minutes, they reached a natural cave named crazy mushroom cave. the entrance was sealed by a dense cluster of pale-white mushrooms tinged with black. why are there so many mushrooms? franca observed them with curiosity. before jenna could respond, she continued, alright, alright, alright. i get it. nows not the time for exploration and adventure. dammit, i didnt stop you. maybe krismonas shadow is in the mushroom cave. jenna, feeling stifled since entering the fourth level of the catacombs, vented her discomfort with coarse language, as if confined in a space that oppressed her. franca was on the verge of responding when her attention fixated on a figure standing at the corner ahead. clad in a simple and unadorned white robe, the figure boasted smooth black hair, exquisite facial features, and a holy aura. her beauty transcended the surroundings of darkness, silence, and filth, as if she had emerged from the depths of human imagination, krismona! the name resonated simultaneously in the minds of franca and jenna. they had indeed stumbled upon a shadow suspected to be a high-sequence beyonderthe demoness, krismona! regaining her composure, jenna locked eyes with the figure and attempted to speak in ancient hermes, hello. the womans beauty was otherworldly, captivating everyones attention. a faint smile graced the corners of her mouth. her allure was fully unleashed. entranced by that smile, jenna and franca found themselves lost, their minds fixated on a singular thought: approach her, approach her like moths drawn to a flame, fully aware of the dangers that lay in her beauty, yet compelled to draw near. one step, two steps, three steps the two demonesses, eyes filled with fascination, advanced toward the woman in the simple white robe. as they walked on, jenna couldnt help but instinctively sigh and feel a sense of pity. why did she sigh when she has such a beautiful smile? had she encountered something sorrowful? sigh jenna snapped out of her daze, realizing that the woman in the white robe might not be the same as krismona, who had sighed and protected them. at the very least, she wasnt entirely the same! her vision cleared instantly, revealing the beautiful figures soft black hair billowing. each strand had become unusually thick, and the top had split open, resembling a snake opening its mouth. the pitch-black snakes mouth faced jenna and franca, seemingly poised for their approach. jennas heart skipped a beat. she swiftly grabbed franca and whispered, somethings amiss! franca, initially taken aback, struggled for a few seconds before breaking free from her enchantment. coming to a sudden halt, they watched as the holy figure in the white robe stared blankly for a moment before bifurcating into a fork and vanishing into the darkness. phew franca exhaled, her fear lingering as she remarked, why isnt there a rule in the catacombs guidelines that prohibits communication with those who dont hold candles? perhaps ordinary humans, if they enter the fourth level, will be affected by the environment, unable to suppress their fear and leaving quickly without encountering these shadows, jenna offered an explanation. franca glanced at her with frustration and said, you managed to break free from the female ghosts charm before i did. jenna recounted the thoughts that had recently crossed her mind. but i also heard krismonas sigh and words in fourth epoch trier franca raised her right hand and touched her face. am i really more easily enamored with beauty? at this point, a sudden puzzlement overcame her. actually, ive always found it strange that krismona night pillar stands in the catacombs. as for the other two night pillars, one belongs to the church of evernights former pope, marianne, and the other is named after the ancient deaths blessed, lius. the latter is the death consul, which is very compatible with the catacombs. the former should be on the neighboring pathway of death. in other words, they are closely related to death, home, and the dead. krismona is the demoness of catastrophe, clearly distinct from them. i can understand why there was a giant pillar representing krismona in fourth epoch trier. thats because theres a special mirror world there. it contains the primordial demonesss divine power left behind during the war of the four emperors. however, why was krismona night pillar included in the catacombs construction? back then, an angel who followed the blood emperor perished. why did it have to be her? jenna shook her head slowly and redirected her gaze to the spot where the holy figure had vanished. she attempted to walk a distance in that direction and suddenly realized that the spot where the white-robed woman had been standing was an ancient tomb. unlike the other tombs on the fourth floor, its tomb door was open. after departing rue aquina, home to the solow motel, lumian found an empty alley and casually tossed the lie earring to lugano. find someone skilled in crafting false identities. change your appearance, and dont use your current look. lumian gestured towards the caf diagonally opposite. ill be waiting for you there. yes, boss. lugano displayed no sign of worry. despite being unfamiliar with this city, he had numerous acquaintances residing here. moreover, he was fluent in highlander. as lumian observed the translator-guide completing his disguise, returning lie, and heading toward rue des bars, he led ludwig into the caf, where each table was adorned with a bouquet of flowers. the sun bore down, rendering the passersby somewhat languid. unfazed, lumian, armed with his limited knowledge of highlander words and gestures, successfully ordered two cups of torres coffee with milk, a santa yolk pastry with cream fashioned into a tower, roasted suckling pig, and duck stewed in pear juice. ludwig was pleased. sipping his coffee, lumian surveyed the caf. he noticed that the six or seven tables were occupied mainly by couples in their twenties, engaged in dates. there was only one middle-aged couple. with lumians acute hearing, it wasnt challenging for him to catch snippets of conversations at nearby tables, even though he didnt comprehend most of it. only a few words stood out. ocean pray going aboard island could they be discussing the sea prayer ritual next month? lumian mused, shifting his gaze out the window. on the street, two young men with long swords on their backs engaged in a heated argument for some reason. drawing their swords on the spot, they seemed poised for a duel. Chapter 538 - 538 Historical Origins 538 historical origins 538 historical origins clang! clang! clang! even through the glass window, lumian heard the clash of two lads swords outside. he couldnt help but raise his eyebrows. theyre really fighting? though duels were popular in trier, it was rare for them to wield weapons without the formalities. normally, theyd go through the entire process: determine the type of duelcold weapons or revolverssign a contract, find a recognized witness, and then borrow weapons from the cafs front desk or the bar counter. only these duels were legal, avoiding police intervention. but wielding a longsword at the slightest disagreement was either a prelude to riot or a mob vendetta. such lethal weapons rarely surfaced in real fights. port santa, or rather, the feynapotter kingdoms security is so poor? lumian was surprised by this. from the flying bird to the solow motel, he noticed the locals penchant for carrying blades and swords, reminiscent of scenes from classical novels. it was actually legal! in a maritime colony like port farim, openly carrying such items was unheard of. even a dagger had to be concealed. for him, though, this was a welcome advantage. fascinated, lumian observed the desperate struggle between the two lads through the window, occasionally commenting on their combat techniques in his mind. suddenly, a group of people jogged over from the street. all women, they wore black cloth hats with white patterns, black lining, and brown leather armor. dark cloaks adorned with two crossed swords, and brass revolvers strapped to their waists completed their attire. the woman leading the group seemed to be in her late twenties, with thick, naturally curly black hair, thick eyebrows, large eyes, and plump red lips quite beautiful. standing at over 1.7 meters tall, she drew a straight sword from her back and called out to the two men fighting on the street with a cold expression. lumian only understood the word stop. the two lads truly ceased their actions, standing by the street and accepting the reprimand from the group of women, their imposing demeanor fading. after a few minutes, they left separately with their swords, not being apprehended. lumian took a sip of his torres coffee, perplexed by the situation. the language barrier proved quite troublesome. after ludwig polished off the food on the table at a controlled speed, lugano, now sporting an unremarkable face, returned. lumian wasnt in a hurry to inquire if he had found a black-market merchant who could craft fake identities. he casually asked, is it legal to possess cold weapons in port santa? lugano lowered his round-rimmed black hat and dropped his voice. thats right. its a local custom. the feynapotter kingdom government respects this tradition. besides, its a good thing for them to have more people die in the gaia province. why? lumian inquired with interest. lugano covered his face with his hand, as if afraid of being followed. observing this, lumian tossed him the lie earring. lugano hurried to the washroom and reverted to his original appearance, albeit his facial features becoming more refined. only then did he relax and explain, have you ever heard of the battle of the violated oath? lumian, shaped by aurores rigorous education, instinctively replied, the battle of the violated oath that began in the fifth epoch in 738? the one where lenburg, masin, segar, and other small south-central countries were separated from the north of the feynapotter kingdom, and the church of the god of knowledge and wisdom broke off from the church of earth mother? lugano was taken aback. yes. he only had a rough idea. the other party had actually revealed the exact year and final outcome. after a few seconds, lugano lowered his voice and said, during the battle of the violated oath, the entire gaia province, especially those near the darige mountain range, attempted to gain independence but failed. later, in order to guard against the natives, despite high-quality iron and coal mines just south of the darige mountains, the feynapotter kingdom only set up smelting factories and no gun factories. there wasnt a single native in the troops stationed here; they were all assigned to other places. was there once a widespread belief in the god of knowledge and wisdom here? lumian couldnt help but glance at ludwig, who was enjoying dessert. the key to the independence of lenburg, masin, segar, and other countries in the south-central region was their mainstream faith in the god of knowledge and wisdom, not the earth mother. i dont know, lugano honestly shook his head. undeterred, he pressed on with the matter at hand. you should already know that the ancient gaia province mainly comprised four types of people. firstly, farmers. secondly, fishermen from places like port santa. thirdly, mountain dwellers who relied on minerals and hunting to survive. fourthly, the herdsmen youre familiar with. the latter three are fierce, wielding swords fearlessly in conflicts. lumian nodded. that was indeed the case. whether fishermen, mountain dwellers, or herdsmen, they all lived in relative poverty. they battled natures cruelty and faced various dangers beyond human settlements. they even had to be wary of those among them with ill intentions. swords and blades were necessities, not ornaments. lumian had heard firsthand from the migrating herdsmen about wolf pack attacks and the brutality of bandits. it had left a deep impression on him. lugano downed the lemonade he had just ordered and sighed in relief. one of earth mothers three combat orders is stationed permanently in gaia province. they guard against us in the north and lenburg in the northeast. simultaneously, they aim to monitor the locals. heh heh, encountering combat nuns in gaia province and port santa isnt uncommon. their demeanors differ from other women luganos expression shifted to one of leisure and fascination. the team just now were the combat nuns who maintain order? lumian realized. he teased lugano with a smile, theyre nuns. lugano smiled enigmatically and remarked, the nuns of the earth mother church dont take vows of chastity. instead, they pledge to have as many children as possible before a certain age. if theyre interested in you, theyll be quite proactive. sometimes, they might even push a bit. the young folks here love showcasing their bravery in front of these nuns. their courage might catch someones eye. pledging to have numerous children before a certain age it sounds peculiar, aligning with earth mothers teachings but reminiscent of another mother. local customs, governmental involvement, religious doctrines, and primal courtship behaviors has all woven into the folklore of this place where cold weapons rule the streets. lumian hadnt expected such complexity behind a seemingly trivial matter. upon reflection, it was rather intriguing. at that moment, lumian suddenly understood aurores words from the past. if i return to university without lifes pressures, id study history. phew lumian exhaled slowly and turned to lugano, any progress? lugano, still lost in thoughts about combat nuns, was caught off guard and struggled to snap out of his reverie. you intisians lumian clicked his tongue. only then did lugano grasp the question. he sheepishly smiled and said, ive made some. ive found a well-connected black-market merchant who can help. would you like to meet them? hes also a descendant of darige. sure. lumian finished his coffee and stood up. trier, fourth level of the catacombs. jenna and franca each gripped a burning white candle, their eyes fixed on the ancient tomb that lay open, hesitant to advance. no one knew what lay buried inside, and the fear of something terrifying emerging lingered in the air. in the outer world, the two demonesses could employ divination to discern the situation. however, in the catacombs, establishing a close connection with the ordinary spirit world was nearly impossible. the outcome was evident. after all, lumian couldnt enter through spirit world traversal, but he could teleport within its confines. after a brief pause, franca passed her mirror substitution to jenna and stepped forward with solemn determination. relying on her spiritual premonition, she cautiously approached the ancient tomb. as they drew nearer, the dim yellow candlelight revealed a heap of pale-white bones in the entrance area, adorned with light greenish-black mold spots. franca raised the white candle, casting its light into the depths of the tomb. skeletons lay scattered in disarray, occupying every inch of the ground. in the center, a tilted sarcophagus revealed a multitude of decaying bones. franca hesitated for a moment before declaring, it doesnt seem dangerous. only then did jenna approach, returning the mirror substitution. franca continued her observation and remarked, nothing of value either. gems and other items were absent among the burial articles, likely lost during the construction of the catacombs and the opening of these ancient tombs. everything else had decayed or shattered. even the murals on the walls bore only faint traces. jenna observed for a while and said uncertainly, what about the area where these bones are pressing down? let me take a look. franca moved closer, allowing invisible spider silk to spread and entwine the pale-white bones at the entrance, aiding in their movement. suddenly, an irregular mirror fragment, seemingly coated in black paint, materialized in the flames. jenna and francas eyes narrowed. it bore a striking resemblance to the mirror world fragment they had obtained in fourth epoch trier! did a special mirror person once die here? franca mused. did krismonas shadow appear here to inform us? but why did she attack us? jenna shared the perplexity. after a moment of thought, she said, why did the special mirror person die here? who owns this tomb? or rather, which ancient family does it belong to? franca stared for a moment before nodding solemnly. that might be our next investigation. finding no anomalies, the duo stored away the mirror fragment. utilizing the formless spider silk of the demoness of pleasure, they meticulously searched the entire tomb but found nothing that identified the tomb owner. franca sighed and said, well, well unravel it when we get back. lets go acquire an antique tearcatcher for the employer now. Chapter 539 - 539 Information on the Sea Prayer Ritual 539 information on the sea prayer ritual 539 information on the sea prayer ritual in port santa, inside a room featuring a lone card table, lumian and lugano, their appearances altered and attire changed, met the black-market merchant claiming lineage to darige. seated at the head of the table, he sported a white shirt and a black vest, a glass of pale malt-colored white wine at his fingertips and a slowly burning cigar between them. he did embody the heritage of the darige region with slightly sunken eye sockets, slightly curled black hair, and piercing blue eyes reminiscent of a cloudless sky over a towering mountain. his thin cheeks and thick stubble suggested a man in his thirties. good afternoon, mr. valerio, lugano greeted in highlander. valerio, casting a glance at his armed bodyguards, responded with a smile in intisian, flavored with a distinct darige accent. its been a long time since ive returned home. its a pleasure to see you. indeed, mr. valerio, lumian replied in intisian, his voice also tinged with a darige accent. while shepherds excelled at navigating the perils of the wilderness, an inherent wariness of authorities in settled human areas lingered. valerio nodded subtly and inquired, did you come from larnaca? yes, i just finished attending the trade fair there, lumian replied smoothly. having learned about larnaca from the shepherds in cordu, lumian was well aware of the monthly trade fair that transformed the suburbs into a bustling marketplace. shepherds from far and wide flocked to the event, seizing opportunities to trade lamb, wool, cheese, and other goods. valerio then delved into the topic of migration and dariges folklore. lumian, well-versed in the subject from a shepherds perspective, provided insightful answers. in the midst of the conversation, he felt a bit disoriented. recollections of his sisters occasional threats echoed in his mind: if you dont study hard, ill send you off to be a shepherd! now, irony had it that he found himself playing the role of a shepherd. after some time, valerio nodded in satisfaction and took a puff of his cigar. youre quite wise. grazing in the suburbs doesnt require identification, but settling in the city requires it. ill get you two sets as soon as possible. in the future, if you encounter any difficulties, you can come to me. i might not be of much help, but having one more person will give you more ideas. were all from darige, so we naturally have to have each others backs. lumian wasnt surprised by the black-market merchants enthusiasm. uniting the people of ones homeland would create an exploitable force that couldnt be ignored! it was reminiscent of the savoie mob. in the beginning, the pioneers, mostly savoyards working as laborers and attendants, paved the way for the big bosses of the savoie chamber of commerce. they expanded operations, safeguarded assets, and contributed immeasurably. as for how many savoyards might end up living a less than honest life or end up dead on the streets, the wealthy merchants turned a blind eye. lumian applied the acting techniques learned from jenna and anthony reids guidance to commend valerios noble character. with a smile, valerio offered a piece of advice. if you want to survive here, its best to convert to earth mother as soon as possible. find a good lady to marry and have a few children as soon as possible. only then will you avoid hidden trouble. is urging marriage and childbearing a tradition in the feynapotter kingdom? lumian criticized and smiled bitterly. without copper coins, there wont be any good girls. this darige proverb echoed in the room, signifying the difficulty for the poor, especially shepherds, to attract fine ladies and start families. this is feynapotter, not darige, valerio remarked, taking a sip of his white wine. the good ladies here value robust bodies and bravery. the money can wait after you get married. perplexed, lumian questioned, why? men like that are more suited for reproduction, and they possess the ability to impregnate good ladies, valerio explained with a smile. this place is different from darige. the essence of many things lies in fertility and reproduction. only by understanding this can you truly understand feynapotter and praise the mother of all things! the black-market merchant rose, spreading his feet slightly and raising his hands high. no wonder feynapotter teems with people in the northern continent. without their knack for land improvement and food cultivation, sustaining such a population would be impossible. lumians thoughts raced as he probed, mr. valerio, i heard theres a sea prayer ritual next month. any chance to make some money? yes, valerio replied, taking a seat. port santa stays relatively warm in november. when my grandfather first came, he rented a wooden box to store popsicles, gathered a pile of ice from the factory, and covered them up. then, he waded into the crowd, selling popsicles and ice cubes, earning his first bucket of gold. you can still do it now, but the competition is fiercer. you might even need to rent a bicycle for a larger thermal wooden box to hit more ritual venues. many ritual venues? lumian asked. valerio replied with a smile, this is a grand event for all of port santa. different processes happen in various places. theres the dance of the sea at the port, a parade of flower boats across the city, a sea boat race, the vigil ritual in milo village, and the core sea sacrifice. whats the sea sacrifice? lumian inquired curiously. valerio slowly shook his head. i dont know the specifics. all i know is that the governor of the sea and the maidens of the sea board a special boat, head to a certain area beyond the port with sacrifices from fishermen and sea merchants, and perform a unique ritual. the detailed process is known only to those whove been there. the governor of the sea, the maidens of the sea? lumian kept picking keywords. this perfectly aligned with the situation of a darige shepherd who had just arrived in port santa. valerio smiled and said, the crucial part of the sea prayer ritual is selecting a man as the governor of the sea and four girls as the maidens of the sea. theyll lead a parade through the city on a flower boat before boarding a special fishing boat at the port. sailing during the dance of the sea, they signal the start of the race. later, they circle the port, entering the oldest local fishing village, milo, for a night. at 7 a.m. the next morning, they reboard the boat and head to the sea sacrificial ground with the offerings. the chosen governor of the sea and the maidens of the sea a sea prayer ritual with multiple segments lumian repeated the key parts inwardly. suddenly, his heart skipped a beat as he made a connection. this was very similar to the lent celebration in the darige mountains and the spring elf! though in reality, lent celebration didnt involve avas head being chopped off or blood splattering, the dream scene left a deep impression on lumian. he instinctively associated the lent celebration with something sinister and terrifying. doesnt the sea prayer ritual here resemble the lent celebration? upon second thought, lumian felt that the similarity didnt explain the issue. this was a common process in mysticismthe creation of a specific symbol to represent the sacrificial target to achieve the desired effect. this was evident in many folklore rituals. how are the governor of the sea and the maidens of the sea chosen? lumian asked curiously. could it be, like the spring elf, theyre elected by all the residents of port santa? could one gain a high reputation and enjoy hidden benefits after the ritual? valerio took another drag from his cigar. theyre chosen by the committee members of the fisheries guild, the oldest guild in port santa. they keep the specific criteria and whether they want to vote a secret. even the official members of the fisheries guild dont know. with that, the black-market merchant grinned. i also aim to become the governor of the sea. they say it comes with many perks, but no one spills the details. how have the previous governors of the sea fared? lumian was more concerned about this matter. valerio was taken aback. he thought for a moment before shaking his head. im not sure. each governor of the sea serves only a one-year term. once they step down, they seem to be relocated. anyway, they cant stick around in port santa to avoid clashes with the new governor. heh heh, theyre surely offered hefty compensation and allowed to bring their families. relocated? were they truly relocated, or did they face something else? lumian, drawing from past experiences, couldnt help but think of something ominous and dreadful in the face of such a ritualistic folklore. regarding the governor of the seas subsequent experiences during the sea prayer ritual, it did sound peculiar. lumian thought for a moment and, adopting the tone befitting his current guise, inquired, what about the maidens of the sea? theyre a hit among sea merchants, fishing company shareholders, and fishermen and sailors. everyone wants to wed the maidens of the sea, a symbol of the seas blessing. explore various fishing villages, the fisheries guild, and the homes of sea merchants, and youll find many influential grandmothers who were once maidens of the sea. valerios face brimmed with envy, as if he too harbored dreams of marrying a maiden of the sea and becoming a true sea merchant. this mirrors the hidden benefits of being a spring elf lumian suppressed the urge to raise his right hand and stroke his chin. knowing when to cease, he refrained from pressing further. after depositing 50 gold risot, he exited valerios illegal casino with lugano. ludwig didnt come with them. instead, he was stationed in a nearby family restaurant equipped with a childrens entertainment facility, overseen by specialized caretakers and a provided meal. in feynapotter, numerous industries supported parents in raising children and alleviating stress. intis and other countries lacked such facilities, and even if they existed, they were accessible only to the elite. trier, catacombs. franca and jenna descended to the third level with their flickering white candles. feeling a bit less stifled, franca turned her head and inquired, whats the name of the tomb were after? jenna didnt hesitate and replied, the thorn and shieldwall tomb. Chapter 540 - 540 Entrustee 540 entrustee 540 entrustee pa! franca swiftly kicked away the hand bone attempting to block her path, deftly avoiding a trip. arent you tired of this? cant you try something different? she cursed, turning her head to inspect the road sign beside her. it indicated they had finally reached their destination. each level of the catacombs sprawled vast, evident by the multitude of remains it accommodated. the road signs at each node could only display seven or eight iconic names and nearby tombs. franca and jenna relied on returning to the small sacrificial square and starting anew to locate the thorns and shieldwall tomb. unlike the fourth-level tomb, mostly sealed off and devoid of corpses and bones along the way, this place was strewn with scattered bones and decaying items, emitting a faint, uncomfortable stench. jenna glanced at the pile of bones outside and observed a few thin metal plates inlaid on the tomb wall. their surfaces were blurry, showing signs of severe corrosion. only the shieldwall and thorn symbol could be vaguely discerned. whether there were other patterns remained impossible to tell. no wonder its called the thorns and shieldwall tomb. franca sighed. simultaneously, illuminated by the dim yellow candlelight, she noticed companion items arranged in a groove on the tombs inner wall. some were made of wood, weathered and decayed, while others were glass and porcelainware, in the form of fragments. the only intact item was a glass bottle, its surface inlaid with carved patterns resembling gold and adorned with a unique golden lid. perhaps due to the metals protection, the glass bottle didnt shatter, but it appeared murky and less transparent. its exquisite, almost like art, franca commented, puzzled. why didnt the catacomb workers take it away? it seemed quite valuable! perhaps it was placed in this tomb after the catacombs were completed, jenna speculated. the two demonesses didnt linger on the topic. jenna retrieved one of the mirror substitutions and handed it to franca. with a swift leap, franca vaulted over the seemingly silent but dangerous skeletons, gracefully landing at the entrance of the thorns and shieldwall tomb. after confirming her surroundings and receiving no warnings from her spirituality, jenna cautiously approached the groove on the side wall along the ground, avoiding the pale-white bones. instinctively, she reached out with her right hand but withdrew it. an old handkerchief from her pocket was produced, shielding her palm from direct contact with the antique tearcatcher. the tears in the tearcatcher had long dried up. jenna scrutinized the tearcatcher for a moment before stowing it away. she retraced her steps and leaped to francas side. you completed the commission so easily? she whispered uncertainly. it was a stark contrast to the disappearance of the deep valley cloisters gatekeeper she had previously accepted. franca scoffed and replied, what kind of difficulty do you want for a 1,000 verl dor commission? jenna summarized her experience seriously, thats true. the challenge lies in understanding the hidden dangers in the third level of the tomb. solow motel. as lumian, reverting to louis berry, strode into the front hall, his gaze fell upon a vibrant scene. a young brown-haired girl, clad in a red dress adorned with black patterns, swayed gracefully in a corner. from time to time, she paused to refine her dance moves. lumians thoughts raced as he approached the front desk. seizing the opportunity, he inquired, whats she doing? this time, he spoke in intisian. the grizzled boss, his cheekbones etched with sunburnt marks, appeared taken aback. responding in intisian with a darige accent, he explained, shes my granddaughter, isabella. shes practicing the dance of the sea for the performance next month. dance of the sea dance of the sea for the sea prayer ritual? lumian hadnt anticipated this revelation. instinctively, he smiled and remarked, that would make many girls jealous, wouldnt it? the boss grinned. this isnt like becoming a maiden of the sea. not many people will be jealous, but participating in the dance of the sea performance can indeed make her proud and happy for a long time. as lumian signaled for lugano to guide ludwig back to their room, he casually inquired of the boss, did you come from darige? thats right. im a guillaume, the boss said with a self-deprecating smile. otta guillaume. when i saw your identification this morning, i thought about greeting you in intisian, but i gave up in the end. you know, intisians arent the best bunch. even among my fellow villagers, ive come across a few with questionable morals. how long have you been in port santa? lumian asked with genuine interest, resting his right elbow on the front desk. otta sr. pondered seriously. forty years, i reckon. probably forty years. back then, i was an assistant in a caravan. i met my wife here and decided to stay. heh heh, shes now a nagging old lady. always fussing about how to dress when it gets cold or reminding me to head home for dinner, leaving the motel to the assistants. she manages everything so well that i dont have to worry. how great is that? its rare to encounter such a woman in darige. lumian endured otta sr.s ramblings for a while before cutting to the chase. ive been invited by a friend to port santa to witness the sea prayer ritual. its quite lively. the entire port will be in euphoria, otta sr. praised without hesitation. lumian cast a glance at isabella, still engrossed in her practice, and casually remarked, i heard there was an accident at last years sea prayer ritual? no? otta sr. responded with a puzzled expression. i watched the flower boat parade, the boat race, and the dance of the sea. there were no accidents. frowning, he fell into deep thought. however, sandro did mention that the number of shipwrecks has increased significantly this year. weve encountered more pirates, and our fishing gains havent been as good as last years was there really an accident at last years sea prayer ritual? was it the vigil ritual or the sea sacrifice? did the old fogeys at the fisheries guild conceal the problem? whos sandro? lumian pressed. otta sr. smiled again. its my child, isabellas father. he works as a clerk in the government, and his wife is a teacher at the grammar school. is port santas sea prayer ritual genuinely effective? has its protective power diminished after the april fools prank? lumians mind flashed with the information hed gathered earlier. of the three peripheral april fools members involved in the prank, one journeyed to torres, gaia provinces capital, to customize a unique golden ring. another handled the bribery of the fisheries guild, sending the lamb along with the golden ring as an offering to the specially prepared ship for the sea sacrifice. the third, disguised as a reporter, shadowed the fisheries guild committee members, observing and documenting their reactions. the elderlys mix of shock, terror, and anger upon receiving the news was a source of long-lasting delight for the april fools participants. after seeking more details about the sea prayer ritual, lumian bid farewell to ol otta and ascended to his suite upstairs. at 4 p.m. in trier, quartier de lobservatoire, near place du purgatoire. after donning a hooded black robe and transforming her face into the dramatic persona of showy diva, jenna followed the feedback from her contact and reached a street that specialized in funeral items. most trieriens passing by appeared fairly ordinary, but a handful sported white masks, brandished blunt scythes, and adorned themselves in black robes. they posed as undead messengers from folklore, sewing white skulls and other artistic elements onto their shoulders thanks to their presence and the unique atmosphere of trier, jenna, dressed as a warlock with a hood concealing her features, blended seamlessly into the surroundings. she paused in a quiet corner and retrieved the exquisite tearcatcher. before long, someone resembling her approached and, in a gravelly voice, inquired, how much for this tearcatcher? 1,000 verl dor, jenna responded, her excitement bubbling. this marked her first successfully executed commission. 1,001 verl dor, countered the warlock-dressed man. upon the secret signal matching, jenna insisted on charging only 1,000 verl dor. once the confirmation was mutual, she handed over the tearcatcher, received the reward, and discreetly departed. with the tearcatcher in hand, the hooded figure navigated the nearby streets, taking nearly fifteen minutes to circle back to place du purgatoire and approach a street bench at the edge. a man sat there, engrossed in a newspaper. the hooded figure presented the exquisite tearcatcher, adorned with intricate hollowed-out golden patterns, and whispered, ive completed your commission. will it offset the money i owe you? the person on the bench lowered the newspaper, looked up, revealing a clerk with curly black hair, sunken eyes, and thick lips. a crystal-like monocle adorned his right eye. monsieur monette? the hooded figure pressed in confirmation. monette accepted the tearcatcher, gently tracing the golden patterns with a slow smile playing on his lips. solow motel, fifth-floor suite. lumian spent the entire afternoon within the confines of his room at the solow motel. lounging on a recliner, he swayed gently, engrossed in his ongoing study of highlander. now and then, he leafed through travel books detailing the customs of the feynapotter kingdom. as evening approached, lugano, who had ventured downstairs for a chat, returned to lumians room. leaning in, lugano lowered his voice and shared, boss, theres a madame looking for you. madame lumian felt a chill run down his spine upon hearing that term, and the muscles in his back tensed. which madame could this be? after a brief pause, lumian realized that lugano was referring to an ordinary madame, not the madame of the beyonder world. which madame, and what brings her here? lumian inquired calmly, sitting up and addressing his translator. lugano shook his head and replied, she didnt say. just mentioned having something to entrust to the renowned adventurer, louis berry. lugano emphasized the term renowned adventurer. Chapter 541 - 541 Simple Entrustment 541 simple entrustment 541 simple entrustment how did my reputation spread so quickly? even if the rumor of me hunting burman arrived in port santa two days before the flying bird, the entrustee would have to take time to determine where i live, the authenticity of the news lumian estimated a few days before someone sought his services, and this led his thoughts to the unnatural madame. he stood up and said to lugano, invite that madame in. with those words, lumian stooped to pick up the distinctive golden straw hat from the small round table. he aimed to make louis berrys image more memorable, adding a touch of flair to his persona. in no time, lugano escorted a woman in her thirties into the room. she wore a loose-fitting white dress adorned with red flowers, accentuating her curves. port santas women, in contrast to the darige region just across the mountain, favored glamorous and stylish attire, embodying a romantic and liberated aestheticreflecting the traditional taste of the feynapotter kingdom. the lady, with long brown hair tied up and a healthy complexion, entered without a maid. her azure eyes, framed by thick eyelashes, focused on lumian, who held the golden straw hat. her red lips moved, and though lumian couldnt grasp every word, the name louis berry was discernible in her pronunciation. promptly, lugano initiated the translation. the madame says, honorable monsieur louis berry, ive heard about your hunt of the demon warlock. i wonder if youre willing to help my family solve a problem. lumians gaze shifted from the jeweled bead bracelet on the ladys wrist to her beautiful and mature face. whats your name? giorgia, the lady replied after lugano translated. lumian repeated, acknowledging the ladys name with a smile, madame giorgia, what would you like to entrust me with? giorgia listened attentively to luganos translation and spoke in highlander with a slight local accent, an evil creature has appeared in my household. i need your help eliminating it. lumian, though grasping the gist, awaited luganos translation by casting his gaze at him. when lugano conveyed giorgias words in intisian, lumian chuckled and said, im sorry, i forgot to invite the beautiful madame to have a seat. the great adventurer gehrman sparrow taught us that manners are very important. gesturing toward the sofa, lumian settled onto the divan, attempting to caress ludwigs head, like a godfather. ludwig quickly shifted his position, avoiding lumians attempt to treat him as a child. as giorgia took her place in an armchair, lumian, shaking his golden straw hat, leaned forward. since its an evil creature, why dont you just find a clergyman of the earth mother church to handle it? giorgia looked at lugano and listened attentively. she pursed her thick lips and replied in highlander, we dont want the church to know about this. it will damage our familys reputation. is that why you are entrusting me, a foreigner who will leave after watching the sea prayer ritual? and thats after confirming my ability to deal with that evil creature lumian, pondering this choice, shifted his gaze away from lugano. after a brief pause, he inquired, tell me more about that evil creature. after a brief pause, giorgia contemplated and then shared, it resembles a tailless lizard. it attacked everyone in the household, killing a few maids and valets and devoured their bodies. our familys bodyguards fired on it and injured it, but they failed to kill it because it has very strong scales. we could only chase it to the basement and lock it up. we thought it would slowly starve to death from hunger and thirst. to our surprise, nearly two weeks later, its still alive and trying to break open the basement door. it doesnt seem very dangerous. they could repel it with ordinary firearms they didnt mention why the lizard appeared. it appears that this is why they arent willing to seek out the church of earth mother and the local government to handle it lumian thoughtfully compared the few words he understood to the content translated by lugano and confirmed that the guide hadnt embellished or redacted any content. lumian then casually inquired, were there any casualties among the bodyguards? giorgia, after the translation, shook her head slowly. no fatalities. two were injured, but nothing severe. yes, that monster made the entire room feel like it had been dragged into the deep sea, affecting normal movements. as if dragged into the deep sea theres indeed certain beyonder phenomena, but it seems relatively weak deep sea lumians interest was piqued as he earnestly inquired about the details. after a series of responses, giorgia said gently, monsieur louis berry, were willing to pay you 15,000 risot, but you have to promise not to publicize this matter. 15,000 gold risot? according to your description, the monster is worth at most 5,000 gold risot. the remaining 10,000 should be a hush money, right? lumian smiled and said in broken highlander, sure thing. rising from his seat, lumian announced in intisian, i want to observe the situation at the scene. giorgia stood up and listened to luganos translation. she wasnt surprised by louis berrys request. familiar with adventurers and bounty hunters, she understood the importance of assessing the situation firsthand and making thorough preparations. it meant survivability or success for the elites. now? giorgia sought confirmation. lumian comprehended the word and affirmed in highlander, now. adorning his golden straw hat, he made his way to the door, supplementing in intisian, also, prepare a sumptuous dinner for me, my godson, and my translator. giorgia, slightly taken aback by the translation, watched lumians departure. she couldnt shake the feeling that this adventurer possessed a distinct quality compared to those she had encountered before. port santa, saint lana street. to the northeast of the city stood multi-story villas adorned with gardens, lawns, and stables. giorgias residence occupied number 21 on this street. the five-story villa boasted brownish-red outer walls, adorned with statues of angels and saintesses from the earth mother church, along with symbols depicting waves and fishing. wearing his distinctive golden straw hat and holding ludwigs hand, the latter carrying a red school bag, lumian trailed behind giorgia, accompanied by her maid and valet. together, they entered the villas hall, which also served as a spacious dance floor beneath a tall, dome ceiling. as lumian stepped inside, he felt unseen eyes upon him from the circular railings on the upper floors. its indeed a household with multiple families sharing one roof. there are quite a few people lumian mused, choosing not to look up, smiling inwardly. the concealed observers remained hidden. giorgia then summoned two legally armed bodyguards, leading lumian and the entourage down to the second basement where the iron-black door stood tightly shut. as if sensing someone approaching, the door slammed as if struck by a powerful force. its inside, giorgia stated, pointing at the iron door with a complicated expression. lumian, understanding without the need for translation, pressed down on his golden straw hat and directed, take my godson to the living room for pre- dinner dessert. as he spoke, he strode towards the subterranean iron door without a backward glance. upon hearing luganos translation, giorgia and the maid hastily guided ludwig back to the surface. a bodyguard caught up to lumian, his expression serious, and handed him a pewter-black key. without delay, the two bodyguards drew their revolvers, positioning themselves to aim at the iron door, preventing the monster from escaping. lumian methodically inserted the key into the lock, unlocking it. he tossed the key aside and effortlessly pushed the iron door open with one hand. in an instant, the monsters figure came into view. a humanoid lizard, adorned with glistening, robust scales, met lumians eyes. where there were no scales, smooth, sinister snake-like skin was exposed. the monsters eyes were vertical, and they glowed with a nearly transparent light. its mouth harbored sharp teeth that formed a menacing vortex. simultaneously, lumian felt the air around him grow dense, like shackles enveloping him, clearly impeding his normal movements. the moisture gave the sensation of plunging into the deep sea, enduring pressure from all directions. the humanoid lizard lunged forward, and lumians body leaned towards the enemy as if pulled by a vortex. yet, the obvious smile on his lips persisted as he calmly attempted to pivot. suddenly, a latent power surged within him, allowing him to break free from the airs constraints. lumian swiftly rotated his body, swinging his right fist from below. instantly, crimson flames, nearly white, ignited from his fist, spreading to his forearm, resembling a dazzling fire serpent. bang! the punch struck the humanoid lizards chest and abdomen, causing the flames to compress. boom! the humanoid lizard was sent flying, crystalline scales splattering from its chest and abdomen, resulting in a massive wound. lumian didnt give chase. with one hand in his pocket, he changed his right fist to a palm and gently pushed forward. crimson, nearly white fireballs materialized before him, whistling into the wound on the lizards chest and abdomen. rumble! the monster disintegrated, its flesh and blood splattering across the ground. lumian observed for a few moments before adjusting his golden straw hat. he turned around and walked towards the stairs leading to the surface. the two armed and vigilant bodyguards maintained their original posture, still in a daze, unable to comprehend what had transpired. lumian didnt rouse them as he ascended the stairs. upon hearing the explosion, giorgia, on the ground, left the lounge with lugano and approached the staircase. she saw lumian coming up. have you confirmed the situation? madame giorgia asked with concern. lumian replied with a smirk, its resolved. Chapter 542 - 542 Abnormal Situation 542 abnormal situation 542 abnormal situation its resolved? its already resolved? giorgia suspected that the translator had made a mistake. instinctively, she asked, is there a quick solution, or has it already been resolved? lugano cast a sympathetic glance at the beautiful madame, experiencing the same emotions he felt when reading about how his employer had slain the demon warlock. how could a monster confined to the basement by ordinary armed bodyguards compare to burman, who had a bounty of 600,000 verl dor? despite finding it unnecessary, lugano respectfully conveyed giorgias words to lumian. lumian removed the golden straw hat from his head and said, you may instruct the servants to clean the basement. upon hearing luganos translation, giorgias pupils dilated as she looked at lumian in bewilderment, unsure of what to say. at that moment, a bodyguard guarding the basement ran up. upon seeing giorgia, he immediately leaned over, lowered his voice, and whispered something to her. giorgias expression shifted a few times before she smiled and said to lumian, as expected of the renowned adventurer. i previously suspected that your hunt for the demon warlock was merely a rumor. now, i completely believe it. your might is enough to resound throughout the five seas. she paused for a moment and said apologetically, im sorry; we havent had time to prepare dinner. we might need you to wait in the lounge for a while. better to have me wait than a beautiful lady, lumian replied with a smile. thats basic courtesy! he followed giorgias maid into the lounge specially catered for ludwig to enjoy the pre-dinner dessert. giorgia and her bodyguard descended into the basement. a sense of relief washed over her as she surveyed the blood-stained room, finding no trace of the humanoid lizard; it had completely vanished. dinner unfolded in a private chamber, exclusive to lumian, his companions, and giorgia. the ladys maid attended to them, serving dishes and pouring wine. lumian, intrigued by his surroundings, noted how the expansive mansion accommodated the needs of its diverse occupants. small private rooms outside the grand banquet hall ensured the privacy of gatherings. the meal was a delight for everyone. lumian received 15,000 risot in banknotes; giorgia appeared visibly at ease; ludwig appreciated the villas chefs; and lugano experienced a high-end banquet for the first time. the great adventurer, usually one to boast and joke while not in his monster- hunting cold persona, lightened the atmosphere at the dining table. this pleasant ambiance continued until lumian departed from 21 saint lana street alongside ludwig and lugano. lugano, slightly flushed from the white wine, gazed back at the brightly lit building and sighed deeply. i wonder when ill have a house this grand, with numerous servants and chefs, and a wife like giorgia. lumian teased, your emphasis is on the last part, isnt it? lugano chuckled sheepishly and replied, well, based on your description, i might as well have been capable of taking down that humanoid lizard too. it meant he possessed the skills to tackle a mission worth 30,000 verl dor! with a few more successful missions, luganos dream could become a reality! with guns and special bullets prepared in advance, coupled with ample combat experience, a planter is indeed capable, lumian carefully assessed his guide. he avoided using doctor to refer to lugano, as this sequence primarily bestowed healing superpowers and didnt offer significant improvement in combat. lugano was delighted to hear this, sensing a newfound hope in his life. lumian glanced at him and added with a smile, however, if you were to accept this commission, the reward might only be two to three thousand risot. the rest accounts for the premium based on the great adventurers reputation and the hush money for such a renowned figure. thats why you need to hunt down demon warlock before you can accept such a lucrative mission. the smile on luganos face gradually faded. if i could hunt down demon warlock, my dream would be fulfilled. i wouldnt have to be an adventurer! lumian paid no mind to the translators emotional shifts. he glanced back at the large five-story villa and said thoughtfully, the matriarch of this family didnt appear even until the end while it was understandable that the other family members hadnt shown themselves, logically speaking, as the head of the family, the matriarch should have at least expressed her gratitude to the adventurer who had helped them resolve the problem. thats correct. a woman of giorgias age shouldnt be the head of such a large family, lugano acknowledged, sensing the anomaly. he refrained from bringing up the potential absence of a matriarch in the villa. in extended families like this, there were likely more than one older woman who had given birth. if one matriarch passed away, another would soon assume the role. additionally, the earth mother church was renowned for its adept treatment of illnesses in the northern and southern continents. the feynapotter kingdoms average lifespan surpassed that of loen, intis, feysac, and other nations. plenty of individuals lived beyond the age of 70, especially with giorgias familys wealth providing ample medical resources. lumian averted his gaze and took a few steps. go to the bar tonight and inquire about giorgias family. as he spoke, he counted out 1,000 risot for lugano. this covers your expenses for your activities during this period, including ludwigs meal expenses when im out. yes, boss. lugano appreciated his employers generosity the most. near midnight, the doctor returned to the suite at solow motel, reeking of alcohol. he addressed lumian, who was observing ludwig eat supper, i got the info. giorgia is the wife of rubi paco, a shareholder of port santas fisheries company and a committee member of the fisheries guild. the paco familys matriarch is rubios mother, martha. committee member of the fisheries guild lumian instantly focused. this was a person knowledgeable about the complete process of the sea prayer ritual and the accident from last year. what else did you find out? lumian asked casually. lugano rambled on for a while before adding, by the way, martha was once a maiden of the sea. maiden of the sea lumian pondered for a few seconds. she had been sought after by a specific crowd before marrying into the paco family? he asked, did you find out anything about marthas recent situation? no. lugano shook his head. lumian leaned back in his chair, as if preparing to doze off, not pressing for more information. the next day, he stayed at the solow motel, awaiting valerios preparations for his local identification documents. as evening approached, his messenger, penitent baynfel, emerged from the void and handed him a letter. lumian glanced at the charred corpse, still engulfed in viscous black flames, and casually asked, who sent it? only five people were aware of his messengers summoning incantation. a woman very close to death and darkness, baynfel replied. lumian unfolded the letter and read the familiar handwriting: theres a gathering scheduled for 10 tonight this was from hela. before leaving trier, lumian had specifically summoned helas messenger and informed her of his messengers summoning method. with his frequent travel and changes in residence, it was impractical to summon helas messenger each time he stayed in a motel. hence, he made such arrangements to convenience her in getting him. each messenger was intricately bound to its master. through the mystical connection of the contract, the messenger could track the contracted target regardless of their changing locations. the research society has another gathering lumian dismissed baynfel and moved to the window of the master bedroom. he peered into the distance, toward the mottled mountain range to the northeast. under the afterglow of the setting sun, the mountains seemed to doze in the burning sky. lumian silently observed for a moment, then retrieved the silver lie earring and placed it on his left earlobe. in an instant, his hair transformed, turning golden and elongating downward. at 10 p.m., in the ancient and dilapidated palace of the nation of the evernight, lumian, cloaked in a black robe, hood, and a silver-white half- mask with a muggle label, materialized. he immediately spotted franca, who wore an assassin suit and had pulled down her hood. franca, no longer concealing their amicable relationship, leaned in and lowered her voice. port santa didnt have a derangement outbreak, i suppose? im not the embodiment of calamity, lumian replied. he then said to franca, help me inquire in different teams later if there are any potions, charms, or items that can allow me to master a language in a short period of timenot true mastery, but the kind that allows mastery for a short period. franca asked in confusion, dont you have a translator? lumian smiled and said, its just that i suddenly had an idea. when everyone thinks i dont know highlander, i can understand what theyre talking about. perhaps it can bring about unexpected gains. your scheming heart is truly stained! after franca playfully cursed him, she wanted to praise aurores beautiful lips and smile, one that ought to be seen more often, but her rationality made her give up on the idea to avoid triggering lumian. she glanced at a corner of the palace and said, the team most likely to obtain such items is actually the academy. however, its inconvenient for you to ask. it can easily arouse suspicion. coincidentally, im heading to the academy team today to inquire if anyone knows who the owners of the ancient tombs in triers catacombs are. heh heh, many of them are considered semi-historians. if no one knows, ill get 007 to delve into the churchs confidential information. why do you ask? lumian raised his eyebrows. franca recounted how she and jenna had obtained a new mirror world fragment in the catacombs. lumian listened attentively and scoffed. arent you guys too bold? jenna has been inspired by your courage! as soon as he finished speaking, he saw 007 approaching menacingly. Chapter 543 - 543 Same Dream 543 same dream 543 same dream wearing a lion headgear, 007 intercepted francas path, gritting his teeth. hidden blade, thanks to your intel, i might be deployed on a mission right now. huh? franca didnt quite get it. deployed on a mission? if youre out, who do i report problems to in trier? 007 glanced at muggle, standing silently beside them, and took a deep breath. i might head to feynapotter as an assistant to retrieve that sealed artifact. its intis loss, and it wouldnt be good for it to end up in the hands of the feynapotter kingdom. will the feynapotterians allow you to enforce the law in their country? isnt transnational cooperation troublesome? franca roughly understood 007s concerns. 007 pondered for a moment and said, were still working through the process, but the feynapotterians arent too opposed this time. they want to eliminate the hidden dangers of the sealed artifact asap. they have precautions to take and cant spare many to surround and intercept it, so they might as well borrow our strength. the church of earth mother and the feynapotter kingdom need to be vigilant. are they short on manpower? this is a problem with a single church country. they dont have the resources like a combination of two or three churches. wait, that doesnt make sense. the feynapotter kingdom has a royal family, and beyonders of the church dont only follow the pathway of their deity. lumian sensed something amiss from 007s words. this made him feel that the hidden dangers in the feynapotter kingdom were no less than those in countries with multiple deities and churches. is that so franca suddenly had an idea. i have a way to ensure you dont have to be deployed! what way? 007 asked skeptically. franca smiled and said, if youre on an important mission in trier, theres no need for you to be deployed. important mission 007 repeated in a low voice, suddenly having an ominous feeling. franca seized the opportunity and said, weve located another mirror world fragment in an ancient tomb on the fourth level of the catacombs. now, we have a lead to pursue the mirror people in trier. if you report it and convey that youre conducting an investigation, you likely wont end up in feynapotter. 007 stared at franca, dressed in an assassin suit, for a moment. he raised his hand to rub his forehead and spoke gravely, thanks a lot, hidden blade! franca pretended not to catch 007s underlying message and continued, the tomb is situated near the crazy mushroom cave. its door is wide open, and there are no conspicuous signs. please gather information from the catacombs about its construction date, its occupants, and the ancient family it belongs to. only then can we determine why the peculiar mirror people entered and met their demise there. 007 took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. youre a perfect boss for me. all you know is to assign me missions! franca let out a hollow laugh and shifted the topic. do you have any idea whats happening in the crazy mushroom cave? mushrooms are somehow thriving in that silent, dark, and tightly sealed place. moreover, it seems to be the only location in the fourth-level catacombs where mushrooms grow. 007 nodded gently and replied, i have some knowledge about that. once upon a time, i was quite intrigued by the mushroom cave. i conducted an investigation and discovered that it was initially quite ordinarya naturally formed cave among the ancient tombs. when the catacombs were completed, some of the ancient corpses were relocated there. within a few weeks, it became overrun with mushrooms and sealed off. the beyonder powers brought about by the seals formal formation combined with the problem of certain ancient corpses created such a crazy mushroom cave? lumian analyzed the reason thoughtfully. observing muggles attentive silence, 007 nodded courteously and turned to head towards the sanctuary team. franca couldnt help but chuckle. hes so polite to you. if only he knew that most of his troubles and fatigue stemmed from you, his expression would be quite the sight. lumian chuckled in response. but the mirror people situation has nothing to do with me. as they conversed, they strolled toward the corner where the academy team congregated. midway, lumian suddenly turned to franca. do you think any member of the research society, especially those in trier, might have been replaced by the mirror people? thats impossible dont scare me! franca sounded alarmed. lumian fought the urge to pout, not wanting to destroy his sisters beautiful image. whats impossible? any trier citizen could be replaced by the mirror people, even if theyre part of a secret organization. moreover, most in the research society are beyonders with a strong spirit of exploration. their encounters with beyonder incidents are more frequent than regular folks. franca nodded seriously, acknowledging the potential risk couldnt be disregarded. as a review committee member, you should liaise with madame hela and the others, observe discreetly, lumian reminded her. there lingered uncertainty about whether the mirror people of transmigrators retained their pre-transmigration memories. if they did, they could bypass the committees safeguards easily. their interactions within the research society could go undetected unless they caused harm, staying concealed. understood, franca responded with solemnity. at that moment, many familiar members of lumians team gathered in the corner, including professor, associate professor, headmaster, periodic table, bear, griffin, and isotope. some wore different disguises than before, though lumian had grown accustomed to their diverse outfits. they were individuals who wouldnt attend a masquerade ball in the same attire twice. regardless, their general body shape, language, and chest labels helped others accurately identify them. after exchanging greetings, lumian and franca each took a seat. after a few minutes, franca raised her hand and said, is anyone selling language comprehension-type items? i know someone whos going overseas and wants to acquire some. upon hearing her request, some chuckled, while others pursed their lips. the former wanted to inquire if her friend was herself, while the latter recalled the key member of april fools who had caused numerous catastrophes in the research society. bear, encased in a brown bear hide, spoke in ancient feysac in a muffled voice, i have a language comprehension charm that achieves a similar effect. language comprehension charm? franca asked with interest. having been fluent in ancient feysac for many years, she had become relatively proficient in loen, highlander, and other languages of the northern continent. however, she lacked knowledge of the southern continents languages. the academy team member with the code name bear glanced at hidden blade with his coffee-colored eyes. yes, its essence is to temporarily strengthen and alter the body of heart and mind, improving understanding, reasoning, and communication. it also imparts a portion of the corresponding languages knowledge. using one lasts seven days. currently, language comprehension charms are divided into three types. the lowest level is for all ancient feysacian languages. creating them is the least difficult. you only need bear paused, making a conversion based on the current exchange rate. a thousand verl dor. the middle level covers all ordinary languages. it costs 2,000 verl dor. at the highest level, you can temporarily master a designated supernatural language. 5,000 verl dor. hidden blade, which one do you want? franca listened attentively, sensing a subtle expression of pity and regret in bears gaze. is he pitying me for daring to drink the witch potion back then? franca wondered silently. without looking at muggle, she made the decision. three lowest-level language comprehension charms, one mid-level. uh, can i get a discount? she believed lumian would eventually track down hisoka in the southern continent. it was better to prepare a mid-level language comprehension charm now. no. bear shook his head. alright, franca said, lacking talent for bargaining. she habitually asked for a discount to avoid potential future regret. after franca paid and settled on the delivery method, professor, adorned with a black butterfly mask, surveyed the area. after a moment of contemplation, she spoke up. associate professor, i and a few warlocks i know have been having strange dreams lately. in these dreams, theres a wilderness with many indistinct figures wandering around. have any of you had one too? she directed her inquiry towards the other warlocks in the academy team. wilderness wandering figures could this be related to some madames paramita? lumian, concealed behind a silver-white half-mask, furrowed his brow slightly. it seemed unlikely that a warlock would dream of paramita. why would they? observing other warlocks expressing that they had similar dreams, but the frequency and clarity decreased over time, lumian, acting as aurore, nodded and posed a question instead of providing an answer. when did you guys start having this dream? could it be an abnormality caused by the hidden sage? professor had clearly made confirmation on this matter. the two of us and some friends started after the night of the terrifying storm in trierlast month. she knew that muggle was also in trier and knew the exact night she referred to. the sudden, terrifying downpour occurred the night the hostel ritual was activated could it be influenced by the leaked power of the seal? is there a high-level power of the mystery pryer pathway sealed inside? or were the fallen monks of the deep valley cloister connected to the hidden sage? did this evil god secretly do something that left some power in the real world? lumian pondered and then said, i heard something happened to triers deep valley cloister that night, and the savant pathway and the mystery pryer pathway are neighboring pathways. professor, associate professor, and the others turned their gaze to muggle. they hadnt expected their companion, who had recently moved to trier, to possess such secretive knowledge about the local area. lumian continued slowly, shouldnt we inquire with people from the savant pathway and see if they had similar dreams? good idea! franca silently praised. Chapter 544 - 544 Threat 544 threat 544 threat professor agreed with lumians suggestion, believing it could help verify certain things. both professor and associate professor went to another team and found stonemason, who was known for crafting mystical items. dressed in a doctors white coat with a saucepan over his head, stonemasons azure eyes focused on the academy warlocks through two specially dug holes. he nodded and said, recently, ive also been having strange dreams related to a wilderness. however, in addition to the endless wilderness and wandering figures, there are also some peculiar scenes in my dreams. as expected, it affects the neighboring pathways of mystery pryer and savant lumian nodded slightly as professor pressed further, what scenes are they? stonemasons voice echoed within the saucepan. i see scenes of primitive humans independently creating fire for the first time. ancient humans making sacrifices to the sky and land. there were many similar scenes, but they were very vague. i was in a dream and couldnt scrutinize them carefully. i cant remember the exact situations clearly. according to the savant pathways beyonders, this is a fragment of civilization. upon hearing stonemasons response, lumians forehead twitched imperceptibly. it reminded him of the moment he heard a peculiar sound accompanying scenes while wearing the mystery prying eye in fourth epoch trier! as the scenes unfolded, a chorus of voices echoed one name: celestial master! was what i received a fragment of a civilization? the eye of truth correspond to the mystery pryer pathway. upon their use, they activated the powers of neighboring pathways, revealing corresponding sounds? but there is a prerequisite, a special environment fourth epoch trier holds remnants of advanced powers from the mystery pryer and savant pathways. celestial masterthe term is similar to the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings which influences seer, apprentice, and marauder pathways. meanwhile, celestial master correlates with the mystery pryer and savant pathways. lumian fell into deep thought after his initial shock. franca glanced at him, perplexed by his limited participation in the discussion. after a moment, lumian snapped out of his daze. considering professor, stonemason, and others speculations, he carefully stated, the sudden downpour in trier is an outward manifestation of a catastrophe, much like the deep valley cloister. i suspect that a high-level power leaked during the catastrophe, affecting beyonders from two neighboring pathways. the impact is more pronounced for those in trier but relatively minor for those outside. at this point, lumian smirked. ive observed that warlocks outside trier experienced significant decreases in the frequency and clarity of their wilderness dreams. strangely, none of the warlocks in trier mentioned this. bear in a brown bear skin suit nodded approvingly. professor and others concurred with lumians hypothesis, relieved that the situation was indeed improving. they couldnt help but marvel at muggles remarkable growth after surviving the april fools trap. franca then inquired about the owner of the ancient tomb beside the crazy mushroom cave in triers catacombs. no one knew the answer. the warlocks in trier offered to assist in the investigation, but there were no guarantees of finding anything. franca had already entrusted this matter to 007. her current focus was on uncovering any mirror people who might have infiltrated the curly-haired baboons research society, thanks to lumians teachings. after agreeing on the reward, she left the academy team and headed towards hela. after discussing the mirror people situation with hela, lumian emerged from the corner where the academy team was located, ready to gather mysticism knowledge from the death domain with the purgatory team. franca immediately approached lumian, lowered her voice, and asked with a smile, what were you thinking when stonemason recounted his dream? it seemed like you had thought of something important. hadnt i shared what i saw and heard after using the eye of truth underground? that shouldnt be the case. i wont forget sharing matters involving the celestial master with franca lumians heart suddenly stirred, feeling that his spirituality was hindering this matter. after a moment of contemplation, he responded, its rather complicated and involves high-level powers. ill write to madam magician later and see if i can share it with you. alright, franca said eagerly. dont forget! her curiosity was piqued. at that moment, hela, still dressed as a black widow, approached lumian and asked, any progress in tracking ultraman and bard? not at the moment. im still compiling the necessary information, lumian replied truthfully. hela nodded slightly and replied, if you need assistance, dont hesitate to reach out to me or gandalf. the primary objective for most members of the curly-haired baboons research society was to eliminate the april fools traitors. got it. lumian had no plans to confront the key members of april fools on his own. undoubtedly, it was optimal for him to carry out the final execution. upon returning to the real world, lumian noticed that night was falling. he set out a stack of late-night snacks for ludwig and summoned madam magicians messenger. after freshening upwashing his face, brushing his teeth, and snuffing out the wall lamphe settled into bed. just then, a sense of alertness surged through him. he sat up suddenly, focusing on a specific spot in the room. outside the window, a faint crimson glow shimmered. in one corner, a shadow swiftly expanded, reaching up to the ceiling, forming a silhouette resembling two goat horns. it was as if a devil had emerged from the dark abyss. lumians eyebrows twitched as he stared at the colossal black shadow. the devil-like shadow resonated with a deep and imposing voice. lowly human, you must answer my question truthfully. it spoke in intisian. lumian cracked his neck gently and asked, whats the question? the devilish figure rumbled in a deep tone, what did the paco familys giorgia hire you to do? lumian chuckled. what do human affairs have to do with a devil like you? im a professional adventurer. i wont betray my employer. the devilish shadow growled, then ill use your blood as the answer! before it completed its sentence, its aura surged, and the crimson moonlight in the room instantly succumbed to darkness, shrouding the space in a chilling aura. the corners of lumians mouth curled up. with a swift press of his left hand, he catapulted from the bed like a cheetah, propelling himself towards the ceiling. overhead, darkness enveloped him, resembling an abyssal reflection. in a sudden twist, lumians body turned pitch black, almost zero in thickness. he morphed into a shadow creature and seamlessly melded into the darkness! within the dimly illuminated fishnet of shadows, lumian spotted the devil. standing just over a meter tall, the creature was child-sized, yet its skin was creased like that of an elderly man in his seventies or eighties. its disproportionately large head featured protruding eyes, presenting a grotesque visage that was beyond lumians knowledge of creatures. in the form of a shadow, lumian swam toward it, aiming to ensnare the peculiar creature that manifested the devils projection. he planned on pulling it out of the darkness and controlling it with the spell of harrumph. many of lumians abilities were constrained in the shadow creature form. the short, malevolent creature with wrinkled skin appeared defenseless against the shadows entanglement, surprising lumian, who had anticipated fierce resistance. without hesitation, he prepared to depart, leaving the shadow to detain its captive. just then, the darkness surrounding him brightened, illuminated by the light from the sky. instinctively, lumian looked up and witnessed the pure darkness rapidly dissolving, unveiling a colossal star hanging in the void. the star bore a faint blue hue, resembling a demonic eye. in an instant, lumian felt his blood freeze, involuntarily snapping out of his shadow creature form. the big-headed shorty, adorned with wrinkles, seized the chance to break free from its constraints, swiftly merging into the pale-blue starlight and disappearing from sight. after a moment, lumian fully recovered. he stared at the now-normal room, sinking into contemplation. what in the world was that thing? it seemed so weak, yet it came to intimidate me! nevertheless, the blinking star held an air of peculiarity. why not just send the star to frighten me right away? after suppressing me, it didnt seize the opportunity to attack. even though i regained some mobility upon escaping the shadows, i was still relatively slow lumian mused silently. while he couldnt grasp the full picture, certain details became apparent. no wonder giorgia didnt casually enlist a foreign adventurer with beyonder powers to handle the humanoid lizard. someone lurking in the shadows would interrogate me about the entire matter in the future. only a renowned adventurer like louis berry, capable of hunting demon warlocks, can resist it. heh heh, earning 15,000 risot isnt a walk in the park the one in the shadows knows louis berry isnt weak, so they didnt dare to attack directly. instead, they dispatched a small monster with unique abilities to intimidate me, hoping to extract information? why not go to giorgias house and ask? their family doesnt seem to possess any superpowers is this an internal conflict within the fisheries company and the fisheries guild? yes, its an opportunity to interact more deeply with the paco family and understand the core process of the sea prayer ritual shaking his head, lumian reclined on the bed and resumed his slumber. around 8 a.m. the next day, lugano, who had gone out to buy breakfast, rushed back and said to lumian, boss, those combat nuns are looking for you! Chapter 545 - 545 Order 545 order 545 order combat nuns? amidst lumians surprise, he felt a sudden sense of order return to society. in any country on the northern continent, wild beyonders were unwelcome. they faced control and even apprehension. this wasnt like colonies such as port farim, where renowned adventurers could freely roam the streets and boast about their experiences without the concern of official beyonders knocking on their doors. boss, is there any danger? lugano nervously inquired, his perpetual fear evident as a wild beyonder. lumian chuckled, responding confidently, that depends on their attitude. the implication was that the nuns were the ones facing danger. lumian teased, arent you excited about the combat nuns? shouldnt you be thrilled that theyre here? imagination isnt the same as reality seeing his boss showing no intention of teleporting away with him, lugano nervously descended and extended an invitation to the combat nuns. the leader was the same one lumian had encountered before. most of her naturally curly, thick black hair was neatly tucked into a black hat with white patterns. her bright and lively light-blue eyes, along with her thick eyebrows, bestowed upon her a unique and captivating charm. the woman in leather armor gazed at lumian and inquired gently, are you the adventurer louis berry? lumian nodded. who might you be? the strikingly beautiful combat nun replied with a smile, im sister noelia of the fertility order, in charge of a combat team. praise the earth, praise the mother of all things! noelia raised her hands to the sky, her feet slightly apart. observing that noelia and the other combat nuns of the fertility order were not as judgmental as he expected, not viewing wild beyonders as inherently evil creatures, lumian smiled. madame, what brings you here? noelia smiled and explained, youre a great adventurer who hunted demon warlock. if we hadnt known you were in port santa, we might not have bothered. however, now that we are aware, we must come and speak with you, reminding you to abide by the corresponding order. what order? lumian inquired, anticipating the answer while holding the golden straw hat. the demeanor of these combat nuns made him wonder if they were official beyonders. they didnt directly arrest him, nor did they use stern warnings. is this the distinction between the church of earth mother and other churches? emphasizing motherhood and respecting life? noelias red lips formed a beautiful smile as she spoke, in other cities, we would issue a direct warning, bringing you under our control. if you dare to resist, you could be apprehended or even eliminated. however, this is port santa, and many sea merchants here have a genuine need to resist pirates and protect their goods. we lack the manpower to safeguard them all, so weve tacitly agreed to allow them to hire beyonder bodyguards. monsieur louis berry, you are free to roam port santa, but you must adhere to three rules: firstly, you cannot venture inland without our permission. to reach other cities, you need our approval. secondly, you cannot perform any rituals in port santa, consume potions for advancement, or engage in mysticism experiments. thirdly, you must refrain from using your abilities to cause chaos or catastrophe. of course, if you return to port santa in the future, youll need to register with us first. its a reasonable request, and coming from the ruling church, its not excessive at all its even simpler and easier than obtaining a firearm permit in port farim or other places. of course, not applying for identification in port farim isnt a big deal. no one will report it, and there wont be any issues if you dont directly encounter the officials lumian nodded gently and replied, sure thing. at this moment, lumians thoughts raced, and he couldnt help but chuckle. but port santa isnt entirely safe. i encountered a monster last night he briefly recounted how the little monster had disguised itself as a devil to intimidate him. while he didnt conceal that he had accepted giorgias commission, he refrained from specifying the details. noelia listened attentively and responded without surprise, well handle it. try not to get involved in the fisheries guilds matters in the future. their internal issues will be resolved internally. does this mean that the earth mother church refrains from interfering with the internal strife of the fisheries guild, allowing them complete autonomy? lumian smiled and said, ill do my best to avoid participation, but ill reserve the right to defend myself and counterattack. noelia didnt offer any further comments. her smile faded as she led the combat nuns to the door. in just two or three steps, she smoothly drew a straight sword from her back, half-turned, and slashed at lumian. the series of movements flowed seamlessly, occurring in the blink of an eye. lumian stared at the sword beam, neither dodging nor raising his hand to block. with a swoosh, the straight sword grazed the tip of his nose and pointed to the ground. noelia smiled radiantly and nodded in satisfaction. as expected of a great adventurer. your foresight, judgment, and courage are exceptional. she then turned around and addressed the combat nuns who followed her. this is a true man. those who only know how to flaunt their muscles and swing their swords can only be called male beasts. as they spoke, the combat nuns exited lumians rented suite. lumian raised his right hand and stroked his chin, feeling a strange sensation. the sight of women openly scrutinizing men made him uncomfortable. after watching noelia and the nuns leave, lugano lowered his voice and asked, boss, did a little monster really come to warn you last night? thats right. if you were the one who completed giorgias commission, it might not be just a warning. lumian put on the golden straw hat and casually remarked as he walked towards the door, we have an obligation to remind our employer that someone is secretly spying on their family. lugano was taken aback for a moment before understanding lumians intentions. he grabbed ludwig and followed closely behind. 21 saint lana street, in the activity room of a suite on the fifth floor. lumian encountered giorgia once again. dressed in a vibrant dress adorned with intricate patterns, the lady glanced at the boy, whose appetite exceeded her imagination, before turning her gaze to the adventurer, louis berry. what brings you here? lugano translated professionally. last night, a monster came to intimidate me, but i chased it away. lumian briefly recounted the monsters appearance and behavior. upon hearing luganos account, giorgia displayed no obvious surprise. after a few seconds of contemplation, she said, wait a moment. leaving the maid and valet behind, she disappeared into an inner room. after a few minutes, she reappeared, arm in arm with a man. the man seemed to be in his forties, tall and gaunt, his eyes a nearly translucent blue. his grayish-black, slightly curly hair cascaded over his shoulders like an artists. his appearance couldnt be described as particularly good or bad, yet he possessed an unforgettable quality. this is my husband, rubi paco, giorgia introduced. the shareholder of the fisheries company and a committee member of the fisheries guild? lumian had gathered information about the paco family through lugano over the past two days. rubis father had initially been a prosperous fisherman who shared a boat with others. after marrying martha, who had once been a maiden of the sea, he gradually established himself. not only did he manage the fisheries company for a time, but he also ascended to become a committee member of the oldest local guild, the fisheries guild. shortly after the sea prayer ritual last year, the old gentleman passed away. with strong support from matriarch marta, rubi inherited his fathers status and became the youngest committee member of the fisheries guild. however, he no longer held a specific position at port santa fisheries company. he only held onto the shareholders voting rights and dividends. this middle-aged man had once been rebellious. he was expected to comply with his parents arrangements and marry a maiden of the sea. however, he remained single until his early thirties and then married giorgia, the daughter of a textile merchant. if it were any other prominent family, the matriarch would have surely intervened and perhaps even banished rubi. yet, martha indulged him and eventually chose to compromise. before lugano could commence with the translation, rubi spoke in less fluent intisian, we can communicate directly. when i was young, i often took a boat out to sea and visited places like port farim. monsieur rubi, i dont think theres a need for communication, and i dont intend to find out why the monster came looking for me. im just here to inform you about this. lumian glanced at the puzzled giorgia and suspected that rubi had switched to intisian not out of politeness but to keep his wife in the dark about something. rubi nodded gently and said, i understand your concerns. i merely wish to entrust you with another mission. what mission? lumian asked with a smile. rubi calmly replied, my mother, martha, hails from milo village. recently, she wishes to return and meet the current governor of the sea to request his permission to seek treatment at the church of earth mother. yes, my mother hasnt been in good health recently. she cant get out of bed. martha is still alive? lumian was slightly surprised. experienced as he was, he deduced that the monster might have been transformed by martha, based on the absence of the matriarch, the paco familys reluctance to expose the humanoid lizard, and the fact that she was once a maiden of the sea! the sea prayer ritual wasnt just an honor for the maidens of the sea. perhaps there was also hidden corruption that might erupt at some point in time. but now, from what rubi had said, martha was still alive. previously, she had only been seriously ill. where did that humanoid lizard come from? lumian suppressed his puzzlement and asked in confusion, why does madame martha need the governor of the seas permission to seek treatment? rubis expression shifted, a mix of disgust and resistance evident in his words. all maidens of the sea have to follow the orders of the governor of the sea when dealing with church-related matters. failing to do so would be blasphemous to the sea prayer ritual. Chapter 546 - 546 Monitor 546 monitor 546 monitor following the governor of the seas orders holds more weight than reverence for the church the earth mother church appears indifferent. lumian chose not to push further. he nodded subtly and stated, ill take on this commission without expecting compensation, but i do have a request. what might that be? rubi asked cautiously. a cunning smile formed on lumians lips. im here to witness the sea prayer ritual, but ive heard only a select few can observe its core segments. i seek such an opportunity. rubi remained silent for a prolonged moment. giorgia, unable to contain her curiosity, questioned her husband in highlander about the conversation and his concerns. lugano seized the chance to approach lumian and translated the couples exchange. lumians eyebrows twitched imperceptibly upon hearing they were genuinely considering allowing him to pose as a sailor and board the special sacrificial ship. is rubi paco truly considering my request? im merely offering an outrageous deal to test if i can glean details about the sea prayer ritual. i dont intend to leverage this seemingly straightforward task to gain access to the last two segments of the ritual! it remained a secret harbored by the fisheries guild for over a millennium, the wellspring of their power and prestige! as these thoughts raced through lumians mind, he strongly suspected that the commission to send madame martha to milo village to meet the current governor of the sea carried a high risk. it wasnt a task for any random beyonder. therefore, rubi paco was reluctant to let go of louis berry, the proven adventurer. but where could the danger lie? this is port santa, not the islands on the sea or the remote towns of the southern continent. which beyonder would dare to attack me on the streets in broad daylight? arent they afraid of being captured by the combat nuns and turned into fertilizer for the land? one cant underestimate the power of an orthodox church! unless someone possesses a special ability, like lokis, to kill me undetected on the bustling streets, or if a saint with godhood personally takes action, aiming to end the battle before the church of earth mother reacts but it cant be that exaggerated. its such a trivial matter as lumian pondered, rubi and giorgia reached a conclusion. the former said to lumian, i cannot permit your participation in the last two segments of the sea prayer ritual. it is a blasphemy against the sea. those involved will face expulsion from port santa, including their family. however, i am willing to allow you to conceal yourself in milo village in advance and witness the ancient performances during the vigil ritual. so, i cant directly witness the vigil ritual, but i can partake in the accompanying folklore performance? did ultraman, bard, and mad lady use a similar method to approach the core of the sea prayer ritual and complete the most crucial part of the prank? lumian noticed that rubi had already made a significant concession and no longer insisted. he smiled and replied, deal. without waiting for a response, he kindly suggested, lets send madame martha to milo village today, shall we? we mustnt delay when it comes to illnesses. get her treatment as soon as possible. rubi hesitated for a moment before saying, my mother is already asleep. shes been resting a lot lately. forcing her awake will impact her body and mind. how about tomorrow morning? is some advanced preparation needed? lumian nodded thoughtfully. no problem. he cast a quick glance at lugano, and his heart skipped a beat. monsieur rubi, my interpreter is, in fact, an excellent doctor. moreover, he doesnt adhere to the beliefs of the earth mother, nor is he affiliated with any church. if he were to treat your mother, you probably wouldnt need to seek the governor of the seas permission in advance. lumian emphasized the word doctor. without hesitation, rubi paco shook his head and said, we trust the churchs doctors more. my mother is my most important family. i dont want her to take any unnecessary risks. what he implied was that he couldnt vouch for the medical skills of the interpreter. he couldnt use the paco familys matriarch as an experiment. lumian was actually looking forward to sending madame martha to milo village because it meant he might meet the current governor of the sea and have a chance to learn something. he had only suggested that lugano treat the matriarch to test rubi. the result of the probe revealed many hidden secrets in this matter! having agreed to escort madame martha and her maid to the governor of the sea at 9 a.m. the following day, lumian led ludwig and lugano out of the main house at 21 saint lana street. giorgia walked them all the way to the door. lumian nonchalantly remarked, does the governor of the sea have to reside in milo village? with luganos translation, giorgia nodded slightly and said, the governor of the sea resides in the building where the vigil ritual is held every night. he can move freely during the day, but he cant leave port santa. the building where the vigil ritual is held? the essence of the vigil ritual is to allow a quasi-governor of the sea to enter the residence and replace the former governor of the sea, waiting to be officially appointed by the sea the next day? lumian speculated, combining his mysticism knowledge. he smiled and asked, what are the perks of being governor of the sea? after hearing the translation, giorgia fell silent for a few seconds before saying, among the fishmongers, the merchants, hes already the true governor in their eyes. it wasnt an answer, just a whisper of truth. lumian nodded without pressing further. he led ludwig and lugano through the iron gates. after taking a few steps along the verdant path in the forest, he suddenly looked up. on a branch stood a gray-feathered myna. lumian gave it a cursory glance and continued on, his steps brisk towards the waiting carriage. after a while, the myna flapped its wings and flew up. after circling a few times, it circled a house two streets away before dipping down towards an open window. it landed on a middle-aged mans forearm and spoke in precise highlander, louis berry is back at the paco house! he stayed nearly half an hour! the middle-aged man, dressed in gray clothes with disheveled brown hair, resembling a suburban farmer, fed the myna a few self-made rice grains and said, observe further and see if rubi paco and giorgia will go out today. after the myna flew out of the window, the middle-aged man exhaled and turned around. suddenly, his eyes froze as he saw someone sitting in the only armchair! the man had black hair and green eyes, wearing a white shirt, a black vest, dark pants, and a golden straw hat. louis berry! adventurer louis berry! the middle-aged mans back arched slightly, and his feet parted slightly, but he took no further action. lumian leaned back in his chair and engaged in casual conversation in intisian, as if he had been expected. what did you have your bird spy on? the middle-aged man fell silent for a moment before speaking in somewhat awkward intisian, watch if anyone enters or exits pacos house, and see if theres anything unusual there. very honest. lumian nodded approvingly. who asked you to do it? he was pleased that the other party knew some intisian. otherwise, he could only rely on key words to communicate or capture him to have lugano translate. juan oro, the middle-aged man replied without hesitation. juan oro the president of the fisheries guild and the former village chief of milo village? lumian smiled and said, im surprised youre so forthright. the middle-aged man forced a smile and said, i dont think im stronger than demon warlock and can defeat you. thats right. those who understand the situation and themselves can live longer. lumian crossed his right foot over his left leg. why is juan oro monitoring the paco family? i dont know, and theres no need for me to know. ill receive a reward as long as i pass on what i see, the middle-aged man replied sincerely. lumian gazed at him for a few seconds before saying, did you send that little monster last night? the middle-aged man was taken aback. what little monster? what happened last night? lumian chuckled and stood up without explaining. whats your name? he asked as he walked towards the door. the middle-aged man hesitated for a moment before answering truthfully, sanches. lumian opened the door, walked out, and disappeared from sanchess sight. upon his return to solow motel, lumian noticed a folded letter resting on the master bedrooms desk. skillfully unfurling it, he found the distinct handwriting of madam magician. you can share those matters with the two of cups, but avoid delving into excessive detail. i refrained from elaborating on the voices you heard and the fragments of civilization you glimpsed earlier as they remain too advanced for your understanding. simply remember not to heed random sounds or sights in an ancient ruin like fourth epoch trier. also, caution your warlock associates its acceptable to occasionally take in the hidden sages indoctrination, but they mustnt fully believe in him. his state is precarious. after incinerating the letter, lumian contemplated for a moment and decided to teleport back to trier to inform franca in person and avert any potential mishaps. trier, nestled within the quartier de la cathdrale commmorative, apartment 702 at 9 rue orosai. as lumian materialized, franca and jenna were engrossed in perusing a stack of ancient information from an unknown source. hey, could you teleport outside and knock? its quite startling when you suddenly appear like that! franca nearly tensed the formless spider silk shed permanently set up in the room. lumian chuckled and remarked, with a witchs spiritual perception, whats the difference between me teleporting outside the door and appearing in the living room? why the sudden return? franca paused before asking, madame magician said you could share about that matter? whats going on? jenna queried, looking puzzled. she stood up and prepared to leave. yes, lumian replied to francas question, but he made no attempt to stop jenna from leaving. nor did franca intervene. once jenna had retreated to her bedroom, lumian turned to franca and disclosed, when they discussed the wilderness dream, it made me recall the voices and visions i encountered in fourth epoch trier. theyre connected to the celestial master! Chapter 547 - 547 Source of Familiarity 547 source of familiarity 547 source of familiarity is this related to the celestial master? francas interest piqued. confusion enveloped her. in the fourth epoch trier, what did you see or hear that we didnt? everyone had been together unless it was before they met, but jenna should have been aware! without pausing for lumians response, franca contemplated for a moment and suggested, could it be the aftereffects of using the eye of truth? she recalled lumians abnormal behavior during that time. yes, thats right. lumian nodded, pulled up a chair, and settled down. he described the collision of two rocks, sparks flying, and the ensuing blaze that engulfed dry leaves and withered branches, amid echoing voices chanting celestial master. the more franca listened, the more her focus intensified. uncharacteristically, she refrained from interrupting. as she listened, her gaze gradually shifted, seemingly lost in reminiscence and distant thought. once lumian finished recounting, franca remained motionless for what felt like an eternity, frozen like a mechanical doll paused mid-action. after several seconds, she abruptly straightened up, pinched her nose, and forced a smile. as anticipated, the celestial master is part of our world. the fragments of civilization you received bear a striking resemblance to some aspects of my countrys history, yet there are differences could it be the true history concealed beneath the surface? the celestial master is attempting to interfere and breach into this world, wielding significant influence over the mystery pryer and savant pathways, much like the way the celestial worthy affects seers, apprentices, and marauders? could the depravity among some of the monks in the deep valley cloister and the peculiar state of the hidden sage be linked to the celestial master? francas thoughts crystallized as she spoke, her eyes sparkling like a serene lake. thats my hunch too, lumian concurred with franca. franca rose and paced, seemingly alone, contemplating how to follow this trail and unveil the truth behind the curly-haired baboons research societys transmigration. after a few minutes, she muttered to herself, the connection between the two worlds is stronger than i expected. its not just through the river styx we should still be able to find many traces of the interaction between the two worlds franca halted her pacing and fixed her gaze on lumian. when we grow stronger and amass enough gold, i want you to summon chen tu again, the armored shadow. he should possess some insight into the celestial master. alright, lumian agreed. franca lapsed into silence once more, her mind retracing an unknown memory. a few moments later, she produced four brass metal plates and handed them to lumian. the language comprehension charms you wanted. the one with the most intricate patterns allows you to understand the languages of the southern continent. the others are for the ancient feysac language family. the activation incantation is the word knowledge in ancient hermes. she and the bear had completed the delivery through madame helas messenger. the other party proved quite efficient. after lumian handed franca the money, he teleported out of trier and back to port santa. in the hushed aftermath, jenna cautiously opened the bedroom door and stuck her head out. has lumian left? yes, franca replied, her emotions subdued. jenna glanced at her but didnt press for more information. instead, she redirected the conversation to the stack of information related to the underground tomb. late at night. franca returned to her room. glancing at the small analyzer, the accompanying typewriter, and the radio transceiver, she didnt sit down to chat as usual. instead, she climbed into bed. sitting in the middle of the bed, leaning against the pillow, hugging her legs and curling up, francas gaze unfocused on the crimson moon and stars outside the window. lumians words today plunged her into nostalgia, but the more her emotions fluctuated, the less she wanted to reveal vulnerability. she endured it, pretending to have recovered. only when solitude enveloped her, as the night fell silent and the seemingly eternal stars adorned the sky, did she shed her thick armor and sink deep into her emotions. after an indeterminate amount of time, franca lowered her head, burying her face between her knees. that night, she delved into a multitude of dreams. broad shoulders carried her as a child, a touch of white hair at the temples, dishes not particularly delicious but always suited her tastes. pure emotions of her youth, memories of being the atmosphere livening machine, and her broadminded self all danced in fragmented sequences as her two decades unfolded in her dreams, she unknowingly opened her eyes, feeling the coldness on her face. reluctant to move, she lingered in the moment. suddenly, a recollection struck her. back on the fourth level of the catacombs, she and jenna had encountered a man who seemed strangely familiar. initially, she believed that the original owner of her body had encountered him. now, the reason for his familiarity became clear. the man bore an uncanny resemblance to someone from her home country before transmigration! despite altering his appearance to thwart immediate recognition, franca was now certain that his facial features differed from those she had encountered in this world. softer, less chiseled! with a mix of fear and excitement, franca sat up and pondered, could it be that, aside from us transmigrating souls, there are others who physically transmigrated? or has someone mastered the ability to freely traverse between both worlds? after breakfast, lumian stepped into the master bedrooms washroom and retrieved a low-level language comprehension charm from his travelers bag. knowledge, he whispered in ancient hermes. the brass-like charm ignited with bluish-green flames and swiftly vanished. instantly, lumian felt an abnormal clarity in his mind, as if an avalanche of additional knowledge had flooded in, unveiling the structural origins and connections of numerous words. todays agenda: a visit to the oldest fishing village, perhaps meeting the governor of the sea. mastering highlander in secret seemed imperative to avoid missing crucial clues! the charms effects would last for seven days. leaving the bedroom, lumian took ludwig and lugano to 21 saint lana street in a rental carriage, where they met martha, the matriarch of the paco family. martha didnt look like she was in her sixties, with only faint wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, appearing more in her early fifties based on her eyes, nose, mouth, and brows. her features retained a unique charm. at that moment, the old lady with grayish-black hair and light-blue eyes wore a black, widow-like dress and a dark, old-styled bonnet. pale-faced, she was supported by two young maids as they boarded a four-wheeled, four- seater carriage. monsieur berry, ill be relying on you, rubi paco nodded at lumian beside the carriage. he was to accompany his mother to milo village to meet the governor of the sea. lumian directed ludwig to giorgia. please keep an eye on him until i return from milo village. rubi translated this time. giorgia smiled and replied, dont worry, ill make sure theres plenty of food. she had already realized that this boy had the appetite of two or three adults, but as the godson of a great adventurer, it was understandable that he was special. lumian wasnt concerned about ludwigs treatment in the paco household. he feigned his understanding of highlander and waited for luganos translation before saying, a meal every two hours. with that, he sat on the right side of the carriage driver and didnt enter the carriage. seeing this, lugano had no choice but to choose the seat to the left of the carriage driver. before doing so, he diligently translated lumians final instructions. although he didnt know what would happen if ludwig starved, he felt that it wouldnt be good, so he emphasized it twice. as the carriage set off, giorgia processed the translation. a meal every two hours? two hours? the paco familys carriage rolled along the grayish-white stone-paved street. lumian leaned against the carriage wall, retracted his right leg, and stepped on the edge of the carriage drivers seat. lugano glanced at him, feeling a bit uneasy. a seasoned bounty hunter, lugano sensed something awry in this seemingly ordinary mission that prompted rubi to assist his employer in hiding in milo village. his heart raced as he observed armed pedestrians on the street, fearing an imminent attack from the crowd. under the october sun still blazing in port santa, the streets, damp from the previous nights heavy rain, hadnt completely dried. lugano yearned to reach milo village quickly. glancing at lumian, he noticed that lumian had narrowed his eyes. lowering his straw hat, lumian seemed to be peacefully napping, showing no signs of nervousness. phew with a powerhouse like him around, there shouldnt be a problem lugano silently reassured himself. the carriage headed north, leaving port santa and reaching a village nestled against the darige mountain range, overlooking the azure sea. fishing boats set off, accompanied by the resonant singing and chirping of seabirds. milo villages buildings exuded a historic feel. brown, yellow, and beige stone-brick outer walls, blackened at the lower half, gave them character. though the wooden components had been replaced, weeds still clung. a small cathedral belonging to earth mother stood near the mountain, and facing the fishing village dock was the governor of the seas residence. the four-story building, with a white backing and gray bricks, resembled a cathedral and a sacrificial ground more than a human residence. as they arrived safely at their destination, lugano sighed in relief and jumped off the carriage. two maids supported madame martha as they headed toward the governor of the seas building, accompanied by rubi paco. suddenly, lugano heard his employers voice. take a look at whats wrong with that old lady. uh lugano glanced at lumian, who had appeared beside him, wearing a golden straw hat. he raised his hand and gently tapped his forehead, activating his spirit vision. observing madame marthas back for a few seconds after she entered the governor of the seas residence, he frowned and said, most notably is the excessive loss of blood and weak vitality lugano hesitated before concluding, it doesnt look like illness. it looks more like an injury. Chapter 548 - 548 Governor of the Sea 548 governor of the sea 548 governor of the sea injured? injured by the humanoid lizard? lumian made a casual guess after hearing luganos judgment. he stood by the carriage, his gaze naturally surveying the surroundings of the governor of the seas residence. the location was close to the fishing villages docks, with boats sailing into the sea and fishing nets secured to the reefs. around nearby houses, women were busy processing seafood, turning them into salted fish and jerky. children ran along various village roads, playing games. though different from cordu, the essence of the scene remained similar. in front of the governor of the seas residence stretched a sizable square where lumian and the others awaited madame martha, rubi paco, and their emergence. children gathered in a corner, arranging numerous shells and engaging in an acting game. the eldest, dressed in a linen shirt, declared, im the governor of the sea! ill be the guard! im the mother, the other children replied. the youngest hopped around, asking, what about me? what about me? the child playing the role of the governor of the sea pondered for a moment and said, you can be the child of the sea. child of the sea? whats that? lumian, though not looking, listened intently to the childrens discussion. these kids may not understand many terms, but their lack of confidentiality made them unwitting carriers of information. the adults in milo village wouldnt be overly vigilant against such young children, who might inadvertently reveal details remembered in their daily games. recalling his experiences in cordu, lumian recognized the value of sounding out children and playing games with them. it was a subtle way to glean insights into family matters. after absorbing the childrens discussions and gauging the time, lumian adjusted his golden straw hat and headed straight for the governor of the seas residence. lugano was taken aback and swiftly followed lumian. two guards in brownish-green shirts and pants, each armed with a rifle, blocked the entrance of the cathedral and sacrificial ground, fixing their gaze on lumian. halt! the guards shouted. undeterred, lumian continued forward, speaking in intisian nonchalantly, i dont understand what youre saying. with a swoosh, the two guards raised their rifles, aiming at the outsider in the golden straw hat. lugano hurriedly translated, they wont let you in. ignoring his guide, lumian neither sped up nor slowed down as he approached the white building with gray bricks. a cold glint flickered in the blue eyes of the two guards as they squeezed their triggers. at that moment, the outsider in the golden straw hat vanished from their sight. he melded into the sunlit shadows of the governors residence. in the next instant, lumian reappeared from a shadow in the foyer behind them and continued walking. it was as if the distance between them had been erased. the two guards, with keen senses, quickly turned around, peering behind them. however, lumian had already entered the building, leaving the foyer. outside, lugano stood in a daze, uncertain whether to take the risk of following and acting as a translator or to prioritize his own safety. after passing through the foyer, lumian suddenly noticed the space ahead darkening. the dome, just over ten meters tall, emanated an inaccessible aura. aqua-blue walls adorned with various reliefs caught his eye. unlike the typical statues of angels and saints, these depicted objects from the sea starfish, corals, numerous fish, lobsters, and crabs. simultaneously, lumian sensed the reliefs coming to life, casting a dangerous gaze at him. no, they werent alive. the building itself seemed alive, instinctively rejecting intruders and exerting layers of pressure. lumians steps instantly became heavy, as if burdened by hundreds of kilograms of food. within his field of vision, martha, the paco familys matriarch, knelt diagonally on the ground with her legs crossed. rubi paco stood at a distance. the two maids also knelt, their backs turned towards the entrance hall, as if unwilling to look at a certain important figure. directly opposite the high dome lay a carpet made of fish skin. a young man in a retro white robe reclined on it, propping himself up with his elbows as he quietly observed martha. four other beautiful women adorned the carpet. one knelt behind the lad, serving as his cushion. another peeled late-ripened grapes and delicately fed them to the lad. the remaining two held trays with alcohol, food, and towels, each standing in a separate spot. their pregnant bellies were unmistakably visible, radiating a maternal glow. upon lumians sudden entrance, the lad appeared alarmed, sitting up straight and seeking solace in the embrace of the woman behind him. sensing the abnormality, rubi turned around and saw the adventurer he had hired, louis berry. his pupils dilated slightly as he urgently spoke in intisian, why did you come in? only then did lumian pause and smile. im a professional adventurer. youve been inside for too long. im worried something might happen. as he spoke, lumian sensed dangerous gazes from various parts of the building. rubi fell silent for a moment before saying, dont worry. just wait outside for us to come out. alright, lumian chuckled, turned around, and sauntered into the foyer, acting as if the dangerous gazes didnt exist. back in the foyer, he faced the two guards and their rifles without giving them a glance as he walked past. the expressions of the guards shifted, but they refrained from firing, allowing lumian to exit the governor of the seas residence. lugano breathed a sigh of relief, grateful he wouldnt be hunted down by the people of milo village. despite being a beyonder, facing more than one armed soldier still made him uneasy. glancing at lumian, he hesitated to ask why his employer insisted on barging in. lumian settled back beside the carriage driver, tucking in his legs with one bent and the other extended, allowing his right arm to rest on it. after nearly ten minutes, rubi paco and his mother, martha, emerged from the cathedral-like building. rubi took a deep look at lumian and said, lets go. the governor of the sea has agreed to let my mother receive treatment at the church. is that lad the current governor of the sea? he looked weak and appeared panicked. how can he protect port santas fishermen and sea merchants for a year? or does he lack abilities but possess a special symbol? did the april fools prank cause an accident at last years sea prayer ritual? this governor of the sea might have failed to receive the seas boon or appointment, but the fisheries guild members conceal the matter to avoid causing panic, treating him as the real governor of the sea. he must know about what happened back then lumian nodded thoughtfully. he smiled and asked rubi in intisian, then, should we thank earth mother for her love and care or the governors approval? rubi didnt respond and followed his mother, martha, into the carriage. lugano hurriedly took a seat on the other side of the carriage driver, watching as the horse circled around and changed direction, gradually departing from the governor of the seas residence. phew lugano sighed from the bottom of his heart. this commission doesnt seem dangerous apart from his employer insisting on barging into the governor of the seas residence, there were no surprises. lumian chuckled and remarked, thats because im here. if it were just you, those hidden observers might have already come knocking. lugano fell silent, observing as his employer pointed at the governor of the seas mansion, resembling a cathedral, and uttered a phrase in highlander word by word. what. will happen if. blown up? lugano shuddered, his hair standing on end. he glanced at the astonished carriage driver and advised his employer in intisian, youll probably be hunted down by the entire port santa. lumian smiled and averted his gaze, remaining silent. only then did lugano realize. his employer was testing someone! why else would he use highlander, a language he hadnt mastered yet? he was testing the reactions of the carriage driver and madame martha in the carriage! listening to martha and rubis conversation, lumian noted the mother and son barely spoke during the journey, perhaps due to marthas poor health, with occasional moans of pain. as the carriage left milo village, the driver suddenly pulled the reins, stopping the horses. an old man with a black cane had appeared in front of the carriage. with dark and white hair, eyes as blue as the sea, and wearing common fishermens clothes, the wrinkled face of the old man could have killed a mosquito with its folds. mr. oro the carriage driver whispered, his expression tense, uncertain how to react. juan oro? lumian thought. the president of the fisheries guild and the former village chief of milo village? supported by a young man resembling him, juan oro approached the paco familys carriage with his cane. in the carriage, rubi and martha remained silent. at that moment, a revolver appeared on juan oros forehead, pressing the cold muzzle against his flesh. lumian raised his chin slightly and looked at the president of the fisheries guild. with a calm expression, he asked, who allowed you to approach this carriage? Chapter 549 - 549 True Purpose 549 true purpose 549 true purpose the young man supporting juan oro glanced up at lumian, who sat beside the carriage driver with one leg bent, the other propped up. his eyes blazed with undisguised anger. the carriage driver jumped in fright and desperately tried to distance himself from lumian. however, with a horse in front of him and lugano on his left, dodging proved impossible in his haste. lugano swallowed hard, blaming his employer for being overly aggressive. is he trying to imitate gehrman sparrow? but his employer hadnt exhibited such madness before; instead, he seemed intelligent! juan oro, an elderly man with mottled black hair, seemed oblivious to the revolver pointed at his forehead. he turned his head, stepped aside from the firearm, and continued forward. observing this, lumian pulled the trigger without hesitation. bang! a yellow bullet shot from the revolver, heading straight for the side of juan oros head. at some point, a palm intercepted the bullet, causing it to decelerate and spin. the bullet landed in the palm, feeling as if it had fallen into a thick swamp. the wide, bronzed hand belonged to the young man supporting juan oro. he glared at lumian, his lips curling in disdain. then, he bellowed, have you lost your mind? before he could finish, fiery crimson orbs, nearly white in hue, materialized right in front of him, barely a meter away. they surrounded him in a blaze. almost instantly, lumian felt as though hed been ripped from reality. the carriage disappeared from beneath him, the ground vanished from his sight, and he found himself in an endless void of darkness. the crimson fireballs, almost white, were controlled by an unseen force and changed direction, hurtling down from their original path. rumble! they collided with the roadside dozens of meters away, carving deep, massive craters. the horses, startled, reared up, neighing in terror. the carriage driver instinctively pulled at the reins, struggling to calm the panicked animals. the illusion lumian experienced dissolved with the explosion. he saw juan oro and the lad again. juan oro, deeply wrinkled with his beard and hair standing on end, lifted his black cane and growled in a low voice, have you had enough? lumian grinned and raised his revolver once more, aiming it at the president of the fisheries guild. at that moment, rubi pacos voice echoed from the rear carriage. let them through, he spoke in intisian. only then did lumian lower his arm and offer a smile in intisian. my employer says youre free to pass. he acted as if he couldnt comprehend juan oro and the lads highlander. juan oro observed him for a moment before shifting his attention. using his cane, he circled around to the side of the carriage. the lad supporting him shot a glare at lumian, but he was at a loss for cuss words since lumian couldnt understand. juan oro glanced at the window and calmly inquired, martha, i heard youre not feeling well? yes, the old lady weakly replied through the glass. juan oro nodded. has the governor given you permission to seek treatment? do you need my help in pleading your case? hes already given permission, rubi replied on behalf of his mother. thats good. juan oro nodded slightly and didnt press further. he turned and slowly walked toward the building housing the governor of the seas residence, using his cane as a crutch. the young man supporting him shot a final glare at lumian before refocusing on the old man. lumian adjusted his posture, acting as if nothing had transpired. he said to lugano, the carriage can continue forward. lugano snapped out of his daze and quickly directed the startled carriage driver to soothe the horses and exit milo village as soon as possible. without any issues, they made their way back to 21 saint lana street. lumian retrieved ludwig, his mouth still glistening with oil, from giorgia and smiled at rubi paco. remember your promise. otherwise he smiled and left the statement hanging. dont worry, rubi replied in intisian. after louis berry, his godson, and the interpreter departed, giorgia sighed in relief and glanced at her husband. ive never seen a child eat so much. he must be abnormal! otherwise, louis berry wouldnt have let him stay with us so easily, rubi responded, unfazed. aquina street, solow motel. after shutting the door, lugano couldnt resist asking lumian, w-why were you so aggressive? hes the president of the port santa fisheries guild, a big shot. and, were in milo village! he suspected his employer had some hidden agenda. lumian gave his guide a glance and grinned. why else? when making a scene in public, its unlikely both parties can go all out. its the perfect chance to test them, see what theyre made of. trying it under the cover of night, when no one cares about the earth mother churchs authority and the feynapotter government? that would be way too risky. if lumian had discovered that juan oro had godlike powers, hed need to act quickly and call for backup! ah, i see lugano had an epiphany. his employers craziness was just a facade. every radical move had an ulterior motive! but why is he in port santa? is he planning something during the sea prayer ritual? why target people from the fisheries guild? that sounds very dangerous! should i resign early and forget about the remaining paycheck? lumian observed the silent interpreter and strolled over to a reclining chair in the living room, settling in with a smile. he leaned back and relaxed. what hed told lugano was just one layer of the motivations behind his recent actionsthe most surface-level one. most importantly, lumian aimed to send a clear message with his radical actions: he was in port santa to investigate the sea prayer ritual, unafraid of the fisheries guild or milo village. he possessed the strength and courage to back it up! breaking into the governor of the seas residence or casually pointing a gun at juan oros head and firingall of it was to convey this information. lumian believed there were dissatisfied people in port santa regarding the fisheries guilds sea prayer ritual. after all, the primary beneficiaries were fishermen, sea merchants, and those in related industries, not representative of the entire port santa population. for instance, even though the church of earth mother and the port santa government had allowed the fisheries guild autonomy and excluded outsiders from involvement, someone bold enough to investigate, regardless of consequences, might tempt others. could they silently or even covertly support this person to stir up trouble for their benefit? likewise, the beneficiaries wouldnt be united. some gaining meant others losing; the powerful had jealous rivals. while not wanting the sea prayer ritual to end, they likely desired those in power to suffer and vacate their positions. lumian, by setting up a flag to investigate the sea prayer ritual and displaying decisiveness, steadfastness, and strength, didnt need to painstakingly gather clues. from his residence, he could receive various pieces of information, openly and covertly, and compare them to determine authenticity. for an outsider with limited time, this was the fastest and most effective way to uncover the entire sea prayer ritual process and the truth about last years accident. for the key member of april fools lurking in the shadows, possibly setting a trap, this was a strategic move to draw attention to adventurer louis berry and raise suspicion. in due time, armed with the acquired information and discovered clues, lumian had a chance to expose them through their own trap. of course, the main drawback of this plan was its relative danger. putting himself in the spotlight was a risk, but in the pursuit of prey, risks were inevitable. moreover, lumian had plenty of allies. as these thoughts raced through lumians mind, he realized that becoming a conspirer had given him a clearer understanding of the situation and the conflicts between various groups. using a term favored by aurore, he developed a deeper insight into conspiracies: the most brilliant conspiracy is an open conspiracy! this became a key principle for his future acting. around 2 p.m., lumian spotted his messenger, penitent baynfel, emerging from the void and handing him a letter. puzzled, he asked, whos it from? havent those he needed to communicate with already been reached? its from the tall demoness, baynfel replied. whats up with franca again? lumian took the letter and began reading. the man she and jenna encountered on the fourth level of the catacombs is suspected to be from the world where the celestial master residesthe world before her transmigration? lumians pupils dilated slightly. this was different from the members of the curly-haired baboons research society; they had transmigrated through their souls, but these individuals had brought their bodies over! in the midst of his surprise, lumian pondered a crucial question. why would someone like that venture into the fourth level of the catacombs? was it because the samaritan womens spring lay sealed there, along with the river styxs overflowing water that bridged the two worlds? had similar individuals entered our world before? if so, why hadnt they left any trace like emperor roselle and the other transmigrators? franca and jennas expedition to the fourth level of the catacombs appears laden with coincidences. not only did they uncover a new mirror world fragment, but they also encountered such a person. after penning a letter to franca, lumian was about to request lugano to translate todays newspapers when footsteps echoed from the corridor. his eyebrows twitched as he pulled up an armchair, facing the door. knock, knock, knock. a few seconds later, a knock resounded on their suites door. who is it? lugano inquired. a mature and gentle voice floated from beyond the door. im noelia of the fertility order. upon hearing this name, lumian leaned back slightly and offered a smile. he sensed that his digestion of the conspirer potion had progressed a bit further. Chapter 550 - 550 Effects of the Sea Prayer Ritual 550 effects of the sea prayer ritual 550 effects of the sea prayer ritual lumian hesitated, embodying the character of the adventurerlouis berry grappling with the unfamiliarity of highlander. once lugano finished translating noelias words, he nodded gently, sporting a welcoming smile as he spoke in intisian, come in, please. simultaneously, he rose from his seat. lugano, who had already reached the door, opened it. the figure outside indeed proved to be noelia, the combat nun of the fertility order. contrary to expectation, she wasnt cloaked in black or adorned with religious headwear. her thick, black, curly hair flowed over her brown leather armor, and her lively light-blue eyes exuded energy. lumian noticed the pair of straight swords strapped to noelias back and the revolver at her waist. smiling, he stepped forward. thank you for your assistance. previously dependent on luganos translation, noelia replied in intisian, how did you know i was here to help? lumian didnt conceal his intentions for todays performance. he raised his hand, pointing at his head, indicating deduction. of course, his gratitude stemmed from her aid in digesting the conspirer potion. noelias thick eyebrows twitched approvingly as she nodded. then, she turned her gaze to lugano and ludwig, as if seeking lumians opinion on whether to have them leave. luganos expression made it clear he preferred not to be part of it. sparing lugano, lumian gestured for him to take ludwig outside, perhaps for street snacks. after the two departed the suite, lumian remarked to noelia, you actually know intisian. you didnt say a word of it earlier. noelia replied with a smile, we often take turns guarding the mountain passes in the southern foothills of the pyraez mountain range. the pyraez range, termed by the feynapotter kingdom, referred to the darige mountain range. shepherds frequently traversed it, entering the plains and pastures of gaia and other provinces. without awaiting lumians further inquiry, noelia tucked her hair behind her ear and grinned. its impolite to have a lady standing and chatting with you. only then did lumian invite noelia to sit on the divan while he chose the armchair. noelia gazed at him and continued, port santas sea prayer ritual dates back to the late fourth epoch. its over a thousand years old and can be considered ancient. the church once purged it, relocating all relevant insiders and purifying all participants. however, less than a hundred years later, someone here began secretly conducting the sea prayer ritual again. she didnt explain why she shared this history; it seemed like she was merely recounting. they didnt continue purging it afterward? lumian inquired. noelia pursed her red lips and replied with a solemn expression, in this matter, the brasss orders are often contradictory. sometimes, they let our fertility order handle it; other times, they signal us to observe for a while. all of this has been permitted by a second-in-command blessed. lumian, drawing knowledge from madam magician, the curly-haired baboons research society, and other sources, had come to understand that the earth mother church operated on two major systems: favored and blessed. favored referred to beyonders of the earth and moon pathways among clergymen. meanwhile, blessed encompassed beyonders of other pathways favored by the earth mother. orders from a favored required at least one second-in-command blessed to be valid. without this, they risked being considered products of the influence of evil gods and demons. lumian found the earth mother churchs intricate system perplexing, seemingly designed to guard against the favored. nevertheless, he believed that there must be a reason behind such complexity. having undergone numerous experiences, he became increasingly aware that seemingly inconspicuous rules in the mystical world often held lessons etched in blood. after a moment of contemplation, lumian inquired, are you a favored or a blessed? im a blessed, noelia replied without delving into the specifics of her pathway. lumian nodded slightly, indicating for her to continue. noelia smiled and sighed. after a long period of repetition, we eventually reached an unspoken agreement to allow the sea prayer ritual. at the very least, it brought prosperity to port santa without causing social chaos or significant disruptions beyond the participants. that decision was made ages ago, and while ancient dossiers provide a rough understanding, the exact reasons convincing matriarchs, presidents, and archbishops remain elusive. essentially, the sea prayer ritual has evolved into a traditional folklore in port santa, fostering prosperity in maritime trade and fisheries. crossing her arms over her chest, noelia intoned with piety, lifes precious embrace, the harvests grace. lumian, intrigued, narrowed his eyes and inquired, why did you change the prayer gesture? is there a problem? noelia opened her eyes and grinned. this was a gesture frequently used in the past, but as earth mother regained some lost authority, we adopted a new posture for formal occasions. she rose, positioning her legs slightly apart, hands raised high, and passionately explained to louis berry as if preaching. the feet connect to the benevolent earth, and the palms reach towards the spiritual sky. in the middle resides the light of life. this is the domain of the mother of all things. one can regain some of their lost authority? lumian was puzzled, but that wasnt the focal point. noelia settled back into her seat and continued, while we havent deciphered the core process of the sea prayer ritual, years of surveillance have yielded some insights. the governor of the sea, who successfully gains the seas favor, wields the power to control this stretch of the sea, preventing shipwrecks. however, this seemingly comes at the cost of their lives and something more. simultaneously, the ritual triggers rapid reproduction and thriving life in the area, ensuring fishermen a bountiful harvest. it also intertwines with fate; families with maidens of the sea in their lineage tend to experience good fortune, not just due to preferential treatment. the sea prayer rituals effects are intricate, wielding the power of the sea domain and influencing fate, reproduction, and abundance lumian struggled to grasp the reasons behind these occurrences. noelia peered into lumians face, her eyes bright yet gentle, and said, the committee members of the fisheries guild, some villagers from milo village, and participants in the core process of the sea prayer ritual have all acquired mystical powers. we once confronted the little devils you encountered. when pursuing certain criminals, we discovered them transformed into lizard-like monsters. humanoid lizards? similar to the paco familys? lumian hadnt anticipated obtaining any clues from noelia. noelia smiled. later, we found a commonality among those who can transform into lizard- like monsters. what is it? lumian couldnt conceal his curiosity. noelia replied with a faint smile, their mothers were once maidens of the sea. maidens of the seas children? child of the sea? which of rubis siblings did i kill? not only did he transform into a humanoid lizard, but he also went mad and severely injured his mother? lumian swiftly connected the dots, sensing he had grasped the essence of the paco familys commission. yet, confusion crept in. if this information is known to families with maidens of the sea, why would the paco family conceal it from juan oro and other committee members in the fisheries guild? noelia didnt seek his thoughts and teased, after confirming the link between the lizard-like monsters and the sea prayer ritual, we intentionally alerted the fisheries guild committee members. since then, no such criminals have surfaced. they show discipline and restraint. this is why, at times, i understand why the brass tacitly permit the sea prayer ritual in port santa. the participants are more obedient and easily controlled compared to adventurers like you. noelia implied: i just advised you to stay away from the fisheries guild. yet, the next day, you stormed into the governor of the seas residence, pointing a gun at juan oros head. thats much more troublesome than those involved with the sea prayer ritual! lumian smiled, choosing not to comment. noelia pondered for a moment, locking eyes with him. im not sure why youre investigating the sea prayer ritual, and i dont want to know. what i can say is, if your actions endanger all of port santa, we will step in and expel you. with that condition, we might offer some assistance. lumian picked up the straw hat beside him and pressed it against his chest. it would be an honor. noelia left the earth mother churchs objectives in this matter unspoken, and lumian chose not to delve into it. the combat nun of the fertility order rose, making her way toward the door. with her left hand on the handle, she abruptly turned around, her eyes sparkling as she asked with a smile, do you want to have a child here? lumian was taken aback. madame, arent you changing the subject too quickly? noelias eyes held a maternal glint as she said with pity, according to our assessment, the sea prayer ritual is at least as dangerous as a saint or a grade 1 sealed artifact when fully utilized for a short period. i dont know what youre up to, but once youre involved in this matter, you cant escape just because you want to. before that, have you considered leaving a descendant for yourself? i can help you. are your earth mother churchs combat nuns way of inviting someone to a one-night stand so special? lumian was momentarily speechless. noelia spoke sincerely, descendants are the continuation of our lives. flowers wither and fall to the ground, only to bloom into a more brilliant scenery the next year. are you really not considering having a descendant? not for now, lumian replied with a cold expression. noelia expressed regret, whenever you think it through, come to me. with that, she opened the door and walked out. Chapter 551 - 551 Coming One After Another 551 coming one after another 551 coming one after another as lumian observed noelia disappearing down the corridor, he pondered the idea of adding another catchphrase: you feynapotterians. nevertheless, noelias kindness served as a reminder that delving into the sea prayer ritual wasnt a straightforward endeavor. the associated risks demanded the church of earth mothers serious consideration. despite this, lumian believed that many dangers could be sidestepped, and he wasnt inclined to actively confront them. his primary objective wasnt to unveil the truth behind the sea prayer ritual and eradicate the influence of folklore on port santa, preventing its inhabitants from transforming into monsters. his true goal lay in unraveling the details of the april fools prank to track down ultraman and bard, executing them one by one. with port santa plagued by numerous problems and abscesses, lumian saw no need to expose them; he could withdraw in a timely manner. concealing his true motives was a fundamental principle of acting as a conspirer! this could lead others to misinterpret his decisions and react incorrectly during critical moments. after shutting the door, lumian grabbed the golden straw hat and settled into the recliner. smirking at the corridor, he muttered to himself with interest, who will be the next to provide information? rubi paco, who clearly dislikes the maidens of the sea and detests such matters, or the families who have lost their positions as committee members of the fisheries guild for many years? beneath the bright sunlight outside the window, lumian swiftly flipped through the textbooks he had purchased, hoping to memorize and grasp more relevant knowledge. he couldnt wait until the charms effects wore off, leaving nothing in his mind. about an hour later, unfamiliar footsteps echoed through the corridor. knock, knock, knock. another knock resonated on his door. who is it? lumian inquired in simple highlander. the book you bought has arrived, the motel owner, otta guillaume, replied in intisian. the book i bought? when have i ever bought a book? lumian pondered, standing up thoughtfully. he opened the door and received a cheaply packaged but colorful book from the old man. the title of the book was travel around feynapotter. lumian pretended not to get the title written in highlander and chuckled at himself. ill have to wait for my interpreter to swing back and decode it for me. might not even wrap my head around it before i bid feynapotter farewell by flipping through a dictionary. otta sr. expressed his understanding. when i first landed in port santa, seven or eight mates shared an intisian- highlander dictionary. none of us dared to venture out solo. but after hanging around a bit and pushing ourselves to chat with the locals, we gradually got the hang of it. truth be told, highlanders quite similar to intisian. lumian chatted briefly with otta sr. before heading back to his room, sinking into the recliner with travel around feynapotter in hand. he turned the book over, gripping its spine and giving it a shake. a folded white paper tumbled out. lumian caught it and flicked it open with a swift motion. written on it was intisian: the maidens of the sea are also not allowed to leave port santa or tie the knot with outsiders. but exceptions have cropped up over the years. feynapotters women dig romance before tying the knot and chase after love. the ladies of port santa are no different. throughout the past millennium, plenty of maidens of the sea have bolted to preserve their love or freedom. around 30 to 40 have made it out. the most recent case dates back over 20 years. a maiden of the sea married an intisian and had a kid. were unsure if shes still alive because the fisheries guild has been hunting her down. her childs name is nolfi. you might know her. shes already back in port santa. nolfi? batna comts lover? shes actually a child of a maiden of the sea. she even dragged her partner to port santa to witness the sea prayer ceremony lumian sometimes felt something was off with nolfi while on the flying bird, but he never guessed she was so tied up with the sea prayer ritual. this made him wonder about nolfis real reasons for returning to port santa. batna comt might find himself in a mind-boggling mess over this romantic fling. lumians eyes shifted down as he read the last line. once youre out of these waters and port santa, the mystical powers from the sea prayer ritual weakens significantly. against folks from other regions, the fisheries guild mostly wrangles them using adventurers, bounty hunters, and professional assassins. is this a go ahead to meddle with the sea prayer ritual and dig into it? as long as i could slip out of port santa and these waters, the fisheries guilds committee members would be powerless against me? lumian had no clue about the identity of the person who delivered the paper and the intel. after all, he hadnt seen many folks handwriting in port santa, but he could unmistakably sense their eagerness and anticipation. crimson flames roared to life, consuming the white paper laden with information. lumian reclined, sipping on feynapotter kingdoms famed manzan, the top-tier white wine produced in specific regions without dilution. he absentmindedly flipped through the book travel around feynapotter penned in highlander. the author raved about feynapotter kingdoms diverse culinary delights, praising beef, mutton, and pork while expressing disdain for the local tobacco, likening it to smoking chili. after a stretch, lugano returned to the suite with ludwig, bearing a stack of street snacksroasted baby octopuses, lamb loin, fried fish, potatoes, corn omelet, and pork rolls. lumian had long set aside travel around feynapotter. he rose and addressed lugano, dont forget to change your appearance tomorrow to fetch our new ids. also, figure out where batna comt will be in the next two days. i want to share a drink with him. alright, alright. lugano couldnt fathom why his employer suddenly wanted to locate the finely dressed adventurer, but he sensed it wasnt as simple as a casual drink. after assigning the task, lumian grabbed the sun straw hat and casually mentioned as he sauntered toward the door, im stepping out for a bit. ill be back before dinner. d-do you need any translations? lugano asked instinctively. lumian chuckled in response. im just taking a stroll, getting a feel for the terrain. no need to chat with anyone. dont worry, i wont lose my way. lugano tersely acknowledged and refrained from probing further. he trusted that his employers adept body language skills would make simple communication a breeze. once out of solow motel, lumian ambled down the street. he aimed to set the stage for those attempting to reach him and see if the fisheries guild would seize the chance to make a move. solow motel, fifth-floor suite. as ludwig polished off the fermented grape juice, he leaped from the chair and headed briskly to the washroom. lugano slouched on the sofa, reluctant to budge. after tending to the child for nearly two hours, fatigue had settled in. lugano yearned for a break. his plan was to gather intel on batna comt and rendezvous with the spirited feynapotter ladies at the bar later in the night. ludwig entered the washroom, lifted the toilet lid, and half-closed his eyes. as he relieved himself with determination, a slim silhouette emerged from the shadows in the corner. the black shadow took the form of an insect, about the thickness of a finger, with long bristles on its surface resembling spoiled food. its bristles fluttered, extending like tentacles, reaching out to touch everything in its path. as it twisted, the black shadow silently crept up behind ludwig. it abruptly stood up and plunged its head into ludwigs cervical spine. at that moment, it caught sight of the boys brown eyes. abruptly, it froze, holding its shape like a snake rearing its upper body. ludwig, at some point, had ceased urinating and half-turned around. he extended his right palm and seized the black shadow. the shadow didnt put up a fight. in the next instant, the chubby boy, ludwig, shoved the black shadow into his mouth. amidst distinct chewing sounds, the lower half of the shadows body twisted upward, melding with the blurry flesh in front of it. in the blink of an eye, ludwig consumed the black shadow as if it were a bowl of feynapotter noodles. he licked his lips, appearing as though he wanted another serving. outside aquina street, in the caf adorned with flowers on every table. along the way, lumian stumbled upon two street brawls. he snagged a skewer of port santas roasted octopuses for a quick bite, yet no one approached him discreetly, attempted to stuff him with something, or whispered secret messages. there were no covert attacks. under the radiant sky and brilliant sun, he chose a quiet corner in a caf, ordering a glass of torres coffee with milk, relishing its rich bitterness with patience. as time drifted by, a woman donned in a blue veil and an exquisite dress suddenly took a seat across from lumian. she scanned the surroundings and swiftly raised the blue fishnet hanging from the brim of her hat. it wasnt a womanit was a man. a man dressed in womens attire, with distinctive features and grayish-blue eyes that couldnt conceal the anxiety on his face. lumians pupils widened. he recognized the man in the feminine garb. it was the current governor of the sea! the same governor of the sea whom martha had bowed to in the cathedral- like building, served by numerous maids! he sought me out? the one coming to me is actually him? lumian was both astonished and oddly convinced that this made sense. noticing that the adventurer louis berry had identified him, the governor of the sea lowered the blue veil, shrouding his face once more. then, he hushed his voice and spoke in highlander, filled with desire and concern, save me! save me! Chapter 552 - 552 Fake and Reality 552 fake and reality 552 fake and reality lumian didnt find the current governor of the seas plea for help surprising. he raised his left hand and touched his ear. in intisian, he asked, what are you saying? i only understand the word help.'' the current governor of the sea, disguised as a woman, appeared dumbfounded, as if the language barrier was unexpected. having racked his brains and risked his life to reach louis berry, the governor of the sea found himself unable to convey his request due to the language barrier! maintaining his pretense of not understanding highlander, lumian calmly took out a dark-red fountain pen and a stack of post-it notes, handing them over. write down everything you want to say. ill get someone to translate it. this time, he used intisian again but gestured with the fountain pen to guide the other party on what to do. if the governor of the sea is illiterate and unable to write highlander, it would be troublesome i would have to resort to communicating with individual words and body language. i dont want to reveal my knowledge of highlander yet lumian thought with concern. in intis and feynapotter, there were numerous illiterate individuals. the governor of the sea, after a brief moment of confusion, grasped louis berrys intentions. he took the fountain pen and note and began scribbling. lumian observed with a composed expression. despite being on the opposite side, with a hunters vision and spatial imagination, he easily discerned the content of the written message: please help me. rescue me out of port santa! im not the true governor of the sea! not the true governor of the sea lumian suppressed the urge to raise his eyebrows and refrained from directly asking, maintaining an appearance of complete ignorance of the words. he desired to see what additional information the current governor of the sea would reveal before considering his next set of questions. the man dressed in feminine attire paused for two seconds before continuing, the true governor of the sea died during last years sea prayer ritual. dead? the genuine governor of the sea perished during the sea prayer ritual? lumian felt a sudden surge of joy at this revelation. i can finally see the tail of the key members of april fools! one consequence of their prank last year was the predetermined governor of the seas failure to successfully perform the sea prayer ritual. he suffered a backlash from beyonder powers and lost his life! this aligned with the revelations from otta guillaume, the solow motel owner, and his son, a government department clerk, regarding an increase in shipwrecks, a decline in fish harvests, and disrupted trade. the imposter governor of the sea wrote swiftly, as if fearing someone might catch up to him at any moment. i was chosen by juan oro and the fisheries guild to impersonate the governor of the sea for a year because i resemble the true governor of the sea. this was to prevent fishermen and sea merchants from knowing about their grave mistake and the slip-up that caused the sea prayer ritual to fail. such a failure has not occurred in recent centuries. now that i know this secret, they wont let me leave alive. after the governor of the sea handover ritual is completed and the vigil begins, ill undoubtedly be killed. i never wanted to play the role of governor of the sea. it was a blasphemy against the sea, but they pointed a gun at me, claiming they had already killed someone who refused to cooperate. the church and the government wont intervene in the fisheries guilds affairs. youre the only one daring enough to infiltrate the governor of the seas residence and confront juan oro with a gun. i can only seek your help. over the past year, ive saved up quite a bit of money. i can give it all to you 100,000 gold risot! ive heard about your recent exploits. i believe you have the strength. i implore you to help me! quite educated lumian, after studying the three completed post-it notes, sensed that the imposter governor of the sea differed from ordinary fishermen, vendors, or workers based on his grammar and vocabulary. phew after jotting down his reasons and request, the fake governor of the sea set aside the fountain pen and slid three post-it notes filled with highlander words to lumian. with a quick glance, lumian contemplated using highlander words and body language. help? your. family? the fake governor of the sea hastily wrote down a response: my parents passed away a few years ago. i dont have any other relatives. i was originally an employee of the fisheries company. its no surprise juan oro and his associates dared to kidnap this person to be the governor of the sea. the earth mother church refrains from meddling in the fisheries guilds internal affairs. if it affects other citizens, they will still handle it lumian pretended to ask first and planned to find someone later to translate the response. servant girls. pregnant? he inquired about the maids in the governor of the seas residence and the reason for their pregnancies. the fake governor of the sea, concealed behind a blue veil, displayed no change in expression. his right hand trembled slightly as he wrote: the governor of the sea will receive the same treatment as the ruler of port santa. he can appoint anyone from milo village, the fisheries guild, and those sea merchant families as his maids and guards. he can do whatever he wants and directly visit them, enjoying the treatment an owner can receive. i couldnt help it. observing this, lumian nearly laughed aloud. even in captivity, hes focused on such matters? does he believe he cant escape and is resigned to his imminent demise? is he seeking enjoyment while he still can? the fake governor of the sea added: i can also tax those people and forcefully allocate their market share, but they will listen to me. however, i dare not go too far. otherwise, juan oro will privately whip me with his cane and threaten to kill me. so, this is the source of your savings? well, he cant control the weather or the tides. after all, hes merely a false governor lumian took the fake governor of the seas new post-it note and pondered for a moment before asking in a clumsy manner, original. governor. where? he inquired about the whereabouts of the former governors of the sea. noelia, the combat nun of the fertility order, hadnt raised this issue before. it was unclear if she deemed it unimportant, chose not to disclose it for some reason, or lacked the corresponding information. the fake governor of the sea wrote: i dont know. i heard a maid from milo village mention it before. shes juan oros granddaughter. she said that all the governors of the sea will eventually return to the sea. return to the sea that doesnt sound promising heh heh, designating juan oros granddaughter as your maid. are you seeking revenge for the oppression from her grandfather? and juan oro agreed to it, indirectly retaliating by lashing you? juan oro and his sons are married to maidens of the sea, and theres a chance his granddaughter is a lizard-like monster how would you feel if you knew you were sleeping with a humanoid lizard? lumian criticized the fake governor of the sea internally. he seemed to ponder for a moment, as if unable to comprehend the other partys writing, and changed the question. juan oro. powerful? the fake governor of the sea suddenly shuddered. swiftly, he wrote: hes very powerful. hes a monster! he can suffocate people and cause them to die in pain! after writing this, the fake governor of the sea glanced at the sun outside the window. he set down the fountain pen, stood up, and bowed to lumian. then, swaying in his elegant dress, he made his way toward the cafs back door and departed. he appeared anxious about his disappearance during the shopping trip potentially raising suspicions from the bodyguards. lumian observed his departure, crumpling the post-it notes into a ball in his palm. crimson flames trickled from between his fingers before swiftly dissipating. after sprinkling the ashes into the bottle with flowers, lumian picked up the partially finished torres coffee and took a sip. lumians mind raced as he analyzed the information that concerned him the most. is what the imposter said true? could an ordinary person find an opportunity to escape their bodyguards and approach me? is it possible that juan oro and the others secretly prompted him to set a trap for me, waiting for me to fall into it? during the april fools prank, the specially crafted golden ring, lacking beyonder powers, was concealed within the lambs body. the lamb was taken as a sacrifice on the governor of the seas ship is april fools meant to substitute something with this ring? is there another sacrificial ring similar to it? did the governor of the seas appointment fail last year because the crucial sacrificial ring turned out to be a fake and couldnt be utilized? this implies that key members of april fools or their subordinates are on the special ship. otherwise, they wouldnt have been able to deceive the committee members of the fisheries guild and surreptitiously replace important items based on the information ive gathered, there arent many sailors on that ship. the only passengers are the governor of the sea, four maidens of the sea, and a few individuals guiding them through the ritual. who among them is connected to april fools? the fisheries guild must have conducted an investigation afterward. i wonder if theyve drawn any conclusions i cant dismiss the possibility that the deceased governor of the sea is linked to april fools. maybe he was completely deceived, thinking that by changing the ring and causing the ritual to fail, he could avoid returning to the sea like the previous governors of the sea. however, bard, mad lady, and ultraman may not have cared about his life at all whats the purpose of april fools? is it merely a prank for their own amusement, or does it harbor a deeper motive? ordinary april fools members might engage purely for entertainment. as for the key members, truth and lies are invariably intertwined sitting in the caf until the sun neared the horizon, lumian donned the straw hat and leisurely made his way back to the solow motel. late at night, lugano returned from the bar, emanating the scent of alcohol. he approached lumian and said, ive inquired with adventurers and bounty hunters about batna and his lover. they all claim not to have seen them in the past few days. as soon as they arrived at port santa, it was as if they vanished. vanished? nolfi, being the child of a maiden of the sea, wouldnt be so clandestine if she were merely returning to port santa and the fisheries guild could she be involved in something related to the sea prayer ritual and convinced batna to join her? yet, they were targeted upon their return? perhaps she possesses significant knowledge i cant personally search for them right now. i need to be more visible as an adventurer lugano isnt the most reliable source what about noelia, the nun? a flurry of speculations raced through lumians mind. as his thoughts raced, he suddenly realized the kind of assistance he should seek from the knight of swords. Chapter 553 - 553 Half-Fairy 553 half-fairy 553 half-fairy lumian remained composed, not rushing to summon the messenger of the minor arcana, the knight of swords. his patience persisted as he waited for a particular individual. since expressing a strong desire to investigate the sea prayer ritual and taking action, only three waves of people had contacted him today, openly or covertly. yet, the person he awaited the most had not shown up. maybe rubi paco prefers to wait until late at night when theres no one around? shaking off his thoughts, he smiled at lugano. batna just began his fling with nolfi. he might want to explore all the villages, towns, pastures, and vineyards around port santa before the sea prayer ritual. if you hear anything about him later, inform me. theres no need to deliberately inquire. lugano didnt think it was a big deal and smiled understandingly. maybe he even took on some missions along the wayearning some bucks while traveling. once the interpreter and ludwig retired to their rooms, lumian settled into a recliner and casually perused the highlander textbooks under the soft glow of the gas wall lamp. as time passed, the night grew quieter. lumian, confirming no further intel would arrive that night, pondered the situation. stroking his chin, he pondered this matter. it seems more people are observing. unless the great adventurers investigation makes a breakthrough and remains unscathed, they wont easily place their bets until i demonstrate greater reliability or value. the trio who reached out today possesses distinct traits. one affiliated with the earth mother church, insulated from losses even if their gamble fails. would the fisheries guild risk confrontation with the cathedral and the fertility order? the second, the imposter governor of the sea, faces high odds of death during the sea prayer ritual. hed clutch at any chance for survival. additionally, his lack of confidence in both the earth mother church and port santas government makes him value the adventurer capable of defeating the demon warlock more. however, his plea might be a trap by the fisheries guild. the third, elusive figure hinted at useful clues without divulging the sea prayer rituals secret after careful contemplation, lumian gained deeper insight into the mindsets and choices of various factions. conspiracies often manipulated human emotions, exploiting the circumstances at hand. lumian found himself increasingly fascinated by these two aspects. this was both a daily routine and an essential necessity. putting aside the highlander textbook, lumian returned to his bedroom. closing the door, a black mark on his body emitted a faint glow. bottle of fiction! lumian enveloped the entire room within the bottle of fiction. the entry conditions were simpleonly spirit world creatures. ripple-like light briefly adorned the walls, floor, and ceiling of the bedroom before swiftly vanishing, leaving everything appearing entirely ordinary. only then did lumian compose the letter and arrange the ritual. he sanctified the dagger, erected a wall of spirituality, and lit the candle representing him. stepping back, he spoke in ancient hermes, i! then, switching to hermes, he said, i summon in my name: a peculiar creature wandering above the world, a half-fairy who fiddles with melodic strings, a messenger that belongs solely to the knight of swords the orange candle flame transformed instantly into a deep blue hue, expanding to half the size of a human. in the blue radiance, a figure of blood-red hue emerged from the candle flame. resembling a female human in form, it shared traits with a creature lumian had encountered in cordus ruins. devoid of skin or external coverings, it exposed bloody muscles, bluish-black blood vessels, ghastly white tendons, oily yellow fat, and large red or white fascia. lumian studied the 1.7-meter-tall knight of swords messenger and pondered silently, does half-fairy mean its divided internally? i assumed it would be either split vertically or horizontally dont you know how to fiddle with melodic strings? where are they? with these musings racing through his mind, lumian handed the folded letter to the messenger and politely uttered in hermes, kindly deliver this to the knight of swords. as his strength grew, lumian became increasingly aware that most messengers he encountered could be lethalif unafraid to unleash the corruptive source, termiboros. though lumian couldnt gauge the strength of the knight of swords messengerthe half-fairyall his experience urged him to maintain politeness. the black and white eyeballs of the half-fairy, embedded in the blood- colored face, darted around before gently nodding and accepting the letter. it spoke with a clear, pleasant voice akin to a mountain streams flow, ill deliver it promptly. how melodious. its like a bard strumming a guitar lumian snapped out of his reverie. he suddenly grasped the reason for the messengers melodic string prefix. thank you. he bowed politely. observing the half-fairy about to retreat into the blue candle flame, lumian couldnt suppress his curiosity and inquired, what would you do if given human skin? the half-fairy fixed its black-and-white eyes on lumian for a few seconds. as it delved into the blue candle flame, it left behind a melodious voice, ill put it on. youll embody whoevers skin you wear? has the half-fairy always sought its other half? lumian speculated. at that moment, he recalled an unfinished promise. help the abscessed hand find its body! this pledge determined whether lumian could attain godhood and advance to sequence 4. however, being only a sequence 6, he wasnt in a rush. late at night, in triers market district, within an empty room. franca, clad in an assassin suit, was having her first face-to-face encounter with 007. as moments drifted by, 007 strode in, sporting a brown lion headgear and a double-breasted coat. after confirming his identity, franca pushed back her hood, emerging from the shadows. what brings us to this in-person discussion? 007 inquired, his brow furrowed. his instincts screamed to decline, yet he sensed the gravity of the situation. failing to act promptly could result in a colossal catastrophe. ultimately, he acceded to hidden blades request for a meeting. franca chuckled, emotions swirling within. its a good thing. im skeptical when it comes from you, hidden blade, 007 expressed his concern openly. franca clarified her reason for requesting an offline meeting, its true. i need your help to find someone. telegrams cant convey a portrait. i cant craft a digital image using just words and dots, can i? 007 regarded franca with suspicion. simply seeking help to locate someone? no ulterior motives? franca chuckled. for now, thats all i can divulge. that only heightens my apprehension. 007 keenly sensed the search for this individual might harbor a crucial issue. otherwise, hidden blade, having witnessed catastrophic events, wouldnt have taken it so seriously. she wouldnt have insisted on an offline meeting and handing over the portrait personally. more likely, she would have left it somewhere for retrieval. franca produced a portrait, drawn through dream divination and ritualistic magic, and passed it to 007. upon receiving it, 007s hand naturally emitted a sunlight-like glow, revealing the photo-like drawing in the dark night. the depicted figure wore a black robe, with his head slightly turned, revealing very short dark hair that seemed freshly grown. the facial contours on his side profile were gentle, and his sickly pale-white skin contrasted with his dark brown eyes, which were not sunken enough. initially, 007 perceived nothing remarkable, but trusting hidden blades knack for stirring trouble, he scrutinized it for more than ten seconds. beneath the lions headgear, his brow furrowed as he whispered, this doesnt seem like someone from any country in the northern continent. franca smiled playfully and self-deprecatingly. dont you think he resembles us from before we transmigrated? 007 froze, as if struck by lightning. he studied the drawing repeatedly and fell silent for nearly 20 seconds before saying, hidden blade, do you understand what youre saying? franca raised her head slightly and said in a deep voice, i suspect he came from that country from our world. muggle, i, and the others found signs of interaction between both worlds before! when? what signs? 007 interjected, fighting the urge to grab hidden blades shoulder and shake her for every bit of information. franca chuckled. im not at liberty to answer you. i can only reveal it after discussing with muggle and the others. there are many secrets involved. first, discreetly search for the person in the portrait. i encountered him on the fourth level of the catacombs. 007 struggled to contain his impatience, resisting the temptation to handcuff hidden blade for details. through gritted teeth, he said, cant you guys discuss it first before involving me? i was just considerate of your emotions, afraid that youd lose control upon receiving so much information at one go franca let out a hollow laugh and replied, its not time to meet muggle and the others yet. i need to find him urgently, afraid he might leave trier. calm down, calm down. you cant hide your desire to kill me. franca smiled sheepishly, fading into the shadows. holding the portrait, 007 took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. feynapotter kingdom, port santa, solow motel. after breakfast, lumian had just returned to the master bedroom when he sensed a sudden chill. simultaneously, a tarot card materialized on the desk. the card depicted a knight running with a sword in hand. minor arcana card, knight of swords! Chapter 554 - 554 Favor 554 favor 554 favor lumians gaze fixated on the minor arcana card before he noticed another person standing in front of the full-body mirror in the room. the man sported a white shirt and a black vest, his face unusually pale and his brown hair tousled, suggesting he had just woken up. for some inexplicable reason, lumian sensed a conflicting demeanor in this personelusive yet restrained. the brown eyes held an indescribable weight, akin to staring into an abyss. knight of swords? lumian inquired. the man nodded subtly and responded, seven of wands, how may i assist you? surprised, lumian questioned, how do you know im the seven of wands? lumian hadnt disclosed his exact code name in the letter, merely stating he sought help from the knight of swords as guided by madam magician. the knight of swords spoke slowly, as if holding back something. maam hermit informed me that the seven of wands, affiliated with madam magician, would soon arrive in feynapotter, possibly in need of intel or assistance. madam magician intentionally communicated with maam hermit about me, lumian realized. i need your help locating two individuals in port santa and the surrounding seas. try not to alert any factions. be specific, the knight of swords replied, economical with his words. lumian shared batna comt and nolfis details, adding, im not certain if theyre still alive. they might have become corpses by now. as he spoke, he handed two photo-like sketches to the knight of swordsa unique skill hed acquired from aurores grimoires and his expertise in ritualistic magic. these images, directly replicated from his mind, bore an uncanny resemblance to photographs. the ritualistic magic involved in creating such images demanded a suitable and secure target for prayera practice more common among official beyonders who had orthodox gods to appeal to. wild beyonders rarely resorted to praying to dangerous entities for trivial matters. being part of the tarot club, lumian straddled both worlds, with the ability to seek aid from mr. fool or tap into madam magicians strength. the knight of swords studied the photo-like sketches before affirming, ill help you find them as soon as possible. there was no demand for payment or any immediate request, prompting lumian to sigh. organizations do have their advantages! internal assistance often translated into favors, subtly binding individuals to reciprocal obligations. some preferred setting clear prices rather than owing favors, but lumian didnt entertain such thoughts. securing the knight of swords presence and help was already a considerable favor in itself. he pondered for a moment and then inquired, what mission do you have in feynapotter? do you need my assistance? the knight of swords paused briefly before responding, the matter in feynapotter is wrapping up, but ill be heading to the southern continent soon. i might require your help there. sure thing, lumian agreed. intrigued, he asked, is maam hermit also overseeing matters in the southern continent? wasnt she too busy? madam magician had indicated that this major arcana card holder primarily dealt with sea-related affairs and a clandestine organization dedicated to the hidden sage, with little involvement in the southern continent. the knight of swords replied in a subdued tone, its a personal matter, unrelated to maam hermit. got it, lumian acknowledged. many of his past tasks werent orchestrated by madam magician, and even his mission in port santa to track down april fools key member was considered personal business if it didnt involve the celestial worthy. after a two-second pause, the knight of swords added, moreover, im only temporarily under maam hermits command. what does he mean by temporarily subordinate? can one switch to other major arcana card holders in the future? lumian wondered. without explanation, the knight of swords form suddenly turned ethereal and disappeared. lumian, without activating his spirit vision, couldnt catch the departing figure in time. it doesnt feel like teleportation or blending into the shadows after a quick assessment, he changed into a brownish-green short-sleeved shirt and loose brownish-yellow pants commonly seen in port santa. exiting the master bedroom, lumian tossed the lie earring to lugano. go to valerio and get the new ids. remember the face you used when you last saw him. i remember it clearly. lugano took the lie earring. as lugano was about to proceed with his disguise, lumian halted him. find a secluded spot after leaving the room to use it. when you return, shift back to your original appearance before entering the motel. doesnt this mean ill have this mystical item to myself for a while? arent you worried i might take off with it? its not just unique; its valuable! lugano refrained from probing further. following his employers instructions, he took the lie earring, a bag containing his disguise, and exited the room. observing luganos departure, lumian picked up a golden straw hat and addressed ludwig, theres plenty of food in my bedroom. stay put until im back. sure thing, ludwig agreed, seemingly eager. would someone exploit the absence of his guardians to attack him, the boy? lumian, passing by the sofa, casually placed the golden straw hat on ludwigs head. simultaneously, he switched to a common round-rimmed felt hat and left the suite gradually. he wasnt concerned about ludwig being alone in the motel. in fact, those who might come into contact with the boy faced more significant risks. lumian adjusted his hat in the corridor and activated shadow transformation. swiftly, he transformed into a pure shadow, blending into the darkness at the base of the walls on both sides. in the dark, veiled void, lumian inhaled the scent of the gray amber perfume he had deliberately left on the lie earring, using it to track lugano. his intent wasnt merely to determine whether the interpreter was problematic but to anticipate a potential attack. with adventurer louis berry probing the sea prayer ritual and presenting himself as resolute and radical, it was likely the fisheries guild and milo village would swiftly react in a decisive manner, eliminating this outsider to dissuade others and factions from clandestinely stirring. in this scenario, lumian, lugano, and ludwig were at risk. he specifically tasked lugano to seek valerio alone for the ids, intending to see if juan oro and others had their eyes on his companions, seizing an opportunity to strike lugano. this strategy allowed lumian to swiftly intervene if needed, rescuing lugano while potentially neutralizing some beyonders from the fisheries guild, showcasing the adventurers strength and instilling confidence in onlookers, compelling further attempts. however, the fisheries guild and milo village might not act immediately. they might feign vulnerability, luring hidden adversaries to reveal themselves before eliminating them in one fell swoop. lumian shadowed lugano to valerios underground casino, observing him pay the remaining 50 gold risot for two local ids. no attack could it be the fisheries guild is fishing, or did they fail to recognize lugano after he used the lie earring? lumian pondered the potential reasons while traversing through the shadows. lugano hurriedly avoided lingering on the streets, well aware that his employer had incurred the wrath of the fisheries guild. he feared being ambushed by those unwilling to target lumian, dragged into an alley, and subjected to a brutal beating. seeking refuge in a crevice between two buildings near solow motel, he swiftly reverted to his altered appearance. removing the lie earring, he switched into his customary black formal suit, finally exhaling a sigh of relief. he turned onto aquina street and made his way back to the motels entrance. several tramps lay dozing on both sides of the street, basking lazily in the sunlight. lumian was aware that unlike the severe tramp situation in the loen kingdom and the intis republic, feynapotters tramp issue was less acute due to fertile soil, ample pastures, and the churchs modified agricultural methods, resulting in surplus food production. here, food was notably cheaper, about 15 to 20% lower compared to intis and other countries. previously, before the loen kingdom began importing food from feynapotter, the price of rye bread of the same weight was nearly twice as high. despite the abundance, bankrupt farmers, herders, and city dwellers ended up as tramps due to land acquisition, loan sharks, and other reasons. however, they received free food from various sources like the cathedral of earth mother, the fertility order, government departments, and charitable organizations, which although not filling, prevented starvation, allowing them to recuperate and find new opportunities. as lugano neared solow motel, lumian, concealed in the shadows, sensed a disturbance. three tramps on the street abruptly stiffened, adjusting their postures unnaturally. in an instant, they sprang to their feet like puppet marionettes, drawing revolvers in an odd manner and aiming at lugano from three different angles. bang! bang! bang! their white-eyed state left lugano no room to evade as they pulled their triggers successively. Chapter 555 - 555 Monster Illustrated 555 monster illustrated 555 monster illustrated it wasnt until three tramps pointed revolvers at him that lugano sprang into action. as a seasoned bounty hunter, he had no time to discern where the assailants planned to shoot. he pushed off with strength in his feet, swiftly lunging to the side. he dodged two bullets, but the third one was too close, altering his trajectory inevitably striking him. in midair, lugano did something unconventional. instead of curling up to shield vital spots, he extended his body, using his palm to shield his chest. bang! the bullet connected with his right rib, unleashing a vivid spray of blood. with a thud, lugano landed on the street, rolling forward to evade subsequent shots. in the midst of his lunge, lumians form materialized from the shadows by the roadside. he delivered a powerful punch to the tramp who had just fired. with a resounding thud, the tramps eyes rolled back, and he crumpled, unconscious. lumian returned to the shadows and swiftly moved behind another tramp. before he could fire a second shot, lumian punched him behind the ear. as the tramp collapsed, lugano skillfully evaded the second bullet fired by the remaining assailant. in that tense moment, passersby and elderly women chatting on the street scattered, desperately seeking cover. the surroundings seemed eerily vacant. shadows danced as lumian emerged from the darkness beside the last assailant. extending his right palm, he seized the others neck. almost simultaneously, the assailants mouth opened naturally, emitting a slender black shadow. an insect, as thick as a finger, with tentacle-like bristles floating on its body, lunged straight for lumians neck. hmph! two pale-white beams of light flickered in lumians nostrils. the slender, peculiar black insect lost its strength, gently descending into his raised left palm. as anticipated lumian withdrew his right hand from the tramps neck, unfazed. the tramps eyes returned to normal. clutching his revolver, he staggered backward, leaning against the wall before slumping to the ground in a daze. lumian paid him no heed. utilizing the shadows, he swiftly approached an unconscious tramp, noticing a small, bloodless wound on the back of his cervical spine. another slender, bristle-covered black insect darted out, attempting escape. lumians hand, engulfed in crimson flames, seized it. after a few struggles, the insect emitted a cooked fragrance. subsequently, lumian employed a similar method to handle the strange black insect emerging from another tramps body. during this procedure, lugano half-squatted on the street, his left palm flickering with a clear light as he pressed it against the gunshot wound on his right rib. the charred wound immediately contracted, ceasing to ooze blood. drawing a dagger, lugano skillfully picked a yellow bullet from the wound with precision and efficacy. with that accomplished, he generated a faint light in his left palm, pressing it against the wound. the injury squirmed and swiftly fused, reducing to a fifth of its original size in no time. lugano had intentionally stretched, hoping the bullet would hit a spot he could conveniently handle! as he retrieved a bandage to tend to the remaining wound, lumian approached, extending his free right palm. understanding his employers gesture, lugano returned the lie earring, expressing relief, fortunately, im a doctor. as long as im not killed on the spot, gunshot wounds arent a big deal. silently, lumian donned the silver lie earring. leaning down, he pressed and swiped at luganos wound, transferring it to the back of his right hand. due to the disparity in location and luganos pre-treatment, the wound regressed into a small scrapeone akin to scraping against a rough wall. lugano stared at the wound that didnt even require a bandage, falling into a prolonged silence. lumian smiled and remarked, why else do you think i let you carry lie? lugano gaped, uncertain of what to say. surveying the area, lumian instructed, take the three tramps guns and wait for the police to arrive. report that you were attacked. after giving your statement, if theres nothing else, take ludwig to the fertility orders entrance and have them uphold justice and maintain order in port santa. alright, alright. lugano hurriedly stood up. just as he took two steps toward the dazed tramp, realization struck. he turned around and blurted, what about you? where are you going? in his haste, he had forgotten to use honorifics. lumian simply chuckled, saying nothing. i sent you to the fertility order to inform them of my intentionsto let them know! lumian proceeded towards solow motel, leaving crimson flames in his wake that incinerated the blood dripped by lugano. as he advanced, lumian lowered his voice and asked, temiboros, do you recognize these insects? termiboros remained silent. upon reaching the suite on the fifth floor, lumian observed ludwig eagerly awaiting him. his heart stirred as he spread his left palm, revealing three black insects. casually, he inquired, do you know what these are? ludwig nodded obediently, speaking swiftly, batings black insect, a creature from planet heveen 3. rich in various proteins and possessing high energy levels. they invade human bodies via the cervical spine, controlling their nervous systems to manipulate them to their advantage. these batings black insects ceased evolving generations ago. while controlling the nervous system, the hosts movements stiffen, and their eyes roll back. they seldom directly kill the host, but their larvae, once laid, absorb the hosts energy, indirectly leading to their demise. in ancient times, many of their ancestors received boons. though their descendants no longer possess these, their body structures adapted to the boons power were inherited, eventually evolving into this special species with minor beyonder-level powers. consider it a special spirit world creature or a degenerated beyonder creature. after the long explanation, ludwig gazed at lumian longingly, asking, thats all i have to say. can i eat them now? you really know you make it sound so real. the batings black insect, planet heveen 3. whats happening the alien planets aurore mentioned? lumian was taken aback. lumian wasnt surprised that ludwig had the desire to consume the batings black insects. this guy could even gnaw on live rats! the insects even emitted a rather pleasant fragrance after being roasted. lumian stared at ludwig for a few seconds before handing over the three batings black insects in his hand. ludwig didnt hide his delight. he swiftly devoured two of the roasted insects, relishing the explosion of juices in his mouth. he half-closed his eyes, and an unusual fluctuation seemed to surge within him. lumian furrowed his brow in confusion but refrained from intervening. having used the mystery prying glasses to discover that there appeared to be something beneath ludwigs skin, coupled with ludwigs daily behavior and the church of the god of knowledge and wisdoms stance, lumian speculated that the boy was a monster in human guise, sealed by the church to carry out tasks inconvenient for deploying clergymen. regarding the reader pathway controlled by the church of the god of knowledge and wisdom, it held various applications at the body of heart and mind level. it was reasonable to assume why ludwigs mind had suffered damage after being sealed, rendering him seemingly foolish. after 20 to 30 seconds, ludwig opened his eyes and rushed to the dining table. grabbing a small steel table knife, he carefully placed the remaining batings black insect on the tablecloth and skillfully cut it open, removing numerous black fascias. ludwig poured a glass of manzan and arranged the fascia and the shell of the batings black insect on the table, adding the black juice squeezed from the insects body. lumian observed as the pale-golden liquor swiftly transformed into a dark- red, almost black hue, emitting dense bubbles. once the bubbles subsided, ludwig lifted the peculiar cocktail. only then did he remember lumians presence. stammering, he asked, can i can i drink a little? a sealed body of heart and mind indeed lumian smiled and sighed. drink up. gulp! gulp! ludwig finished the small amount of dark-red nearly black liquor and expressed satisfaction to lumian, saying, after concocting the batings black insects bodily fluids, it can enhance the physique of those who drink it for the first time to a certain extent. it grants everyone the ability to paralyze primate creatures within two hours. yes, it will only be effective through contact. th-this is turning the batings black insect into something akin to charms? moreover, it provides permanent effects and short-term beyonder powers amidst lumians surprise, he sensed that ludwig had undergone significant changes. he had never demonstrated the ability to prepare such food before! lumian didnt delve deeper and calmly remarked, take lugano to the fertility orders entrance later and ensure he informs noelia about the attack. alright. in a good mood, ludwig readily agreed. meanwhile at the port districtwhile ludwig and lugano arrived at the fertility order. wearing a golden straw hat, lumian strolled towards the square dominated by an ocean waves statue. his attention focused on the grayish-black house adorned with the port santa fisheries guilds sign. the four- or five-story castle-like ancient structure was rumored to be over a millennium old, having been destroyed and rebuilt centuries ago. lumians eyes traced the intricate symbols on the wall, which included iron hooks and fishing nets. adjusting his straw hat, he proceeded towards the fisheries guild. Chapter 556 - 556 Violent Beating 556 violent beating 556 violent beating the encampment of the fertility order in port santa sprawled along the citys edge, nestled near the suburbs. it claimed an entire street, complete with fields, orchards, and a variety of livestock, providing a self-sufficient haven for the nuns when they werent on missions. lugano gripped ludwigs hand and raised his eyes to the green vines entwining the cloisters spire, with the sacred emblem of life at its center. a simple depiction of a baby amidst wheat ears, flowers, spring water, and other symbols. turning to noelia, he uttered, i was attacked. just wrapped up my statement at the police station. noelia, adorned with a black hat adorned with white patterns, blending religion and combat, furrowed her brow and inquired, wheres louis berry? rather than delving into the specifics of luganos assault, she honed in on the whereabouts of louis berry, the great adventurer. lugano shook his head and replied earnestly, i dont know. he told me to come here after giving my statement and inform you that i was attacked. noelias expression shifted to solemnity. in the bustling port district, standing before the robust grayish-black edifice of the fisheries guild, lumian, now garbed in a white shirt, black vest, and brown pants, topped with a golden straw hat, casually strode to the building. the two guards stationed here lacked guns, carrying only straight swords on their backs and daggers at their waists, blending in with the multitude of passersby. who are you looking for? both guards extended their hands simultaneously, halting lumians advance. lumian couldnt comprehend highlander. without hesitation, he drew his revolver, pointed it towards the sky, and squeezed the trigger. amidst the gunshots echo, he slipped between the two guards, entering the castle-like abode of the fisheries guild. the guards exchanged uncertain glances but refrained from intervening. one of them dashed towards the ports police station, while the other hurried into the grayish-black building, aiming to report to his superior and seek guidance. clutching his revolver, lumian advanced at a measured pace. beneath the puzzled stares of the staff, who hastily sidestepped, he traversed the hall and ascended the stairs leading to the committee members office. just as he approached the second floor, a figure appeared before him. bronze-hued skin, broad and sturdy physique, black hair, and blue eyes characterized the young man who had aided the fisheries guilds president, juan oro. he was fernandez oro, the old mans grandson. fernandez glared at lumian ascending step by step, gritting his teeth. how dare you intrude into the guild! lumian paid him no heed. he maintained a steady pace, neither hastening nor slowing as he approached the entrance to the second floor. fernandez masked his expression, his back slightly arched, and his eyes appeared to radiate an ominous glow. suddenly, lumian sensed a significant dimming of the ambient light. simultaneously, an intangible force descended from above, entwining around his feet, making him feel shorter and causing his body to sway. fernandez, in contrast, seemed to grow taller, casting dense shadows that engulfed the corridors meager light. thud! advancing, fernandez swung his right fist towards lumians head. a gusty wind permeated the space, propelling the fist with hammer-like force, guided by an unseen magnet. lumian gazed upward as something within him erupted, shattering the binding force. his thighs swelled suddenly, and his loose brown pants constricted. he grew taller seemingly out of thin air, sleeves and pants tightening around bulging muscles. bang! a left punch from lumian met fernandezs incoming fist in a thunderous collision, causing the stairs to quiver and sway. fernandez, forced back two steps, bore no fear but a hint of joy on his face. retreating, his eyes darkened with a touch of brilliance. raising his left hand, a dark-green light swiftly concentrated on his unusually rough fingertips. the light transformed into a ray, silently hurtling towards lumian, momentarily immobilized by the collision. fernandez chose close combat from the start, creating an opening for the ray, capable of disrupting the human structure and inducing swift internal injuries. the dark-green danger ray matched the speed of light. lumian, unable to dodge in advance, could only watch as it struck between his chest and abdomen. yet, the dark-green ray pierced through, striking only an illusion. leveraging the ascetics accumulated strength in clashing with fernandez, lumian had seized the chance to arch his back and stand in place like an arc, deftly evading potential sneak attacks. in this intricate dance, he even employed the niese face, creating an illusion of himself still standing upright! gradually, the dark-green ray dissipated, vanishing around the corner of the stairs. suddenly, a crimson fire, nearly white-hot, erupted from lumians body. transformed into a fireball, he hurtled towards fernandez, who had just regained his footing. fernandezs pupils constricted, seemingly challenged by the blaze. swiftly, he sidestepped, clenched his right hand into a fist, and yanked it down. an invisible force tugged lumian to the ground, but undeterred, he dispersed the flames, reappearing with feet firmly planted on the corridor floor. clang! his massive form stomped heavily, causing the building to sway. in a single stride, he stood before fernandez, who had just risen. his left fist, wreathed in crimson, nearly white flames, collided with fernandez. without a moment to activate his superpowers, fernandez raised his arms hastily to block. boom! flames erupted as lumians punch sent the young man flying, crashing into the partially open side office, demolishing the wooden desk. capitalizing on fernandezs disorientation and pain, lumian followed, rushing into the office and delivering another punch with his left fist. boom! crimson flames, nearly white, illuminated the room as the punch explosively struck fernandezs chest. the flames were contained by an unseen force, preventing them from entirely obliterating fernandezs chest. instead, they crumpled, clouding the targets vision. expressionless, lumian halted, gazing at the semi-conscious fernandez. he raised his left hand. a colossal crimson fireball, nearly white, condensed rapidly, poised to act as a reaper. in the next instant, the fireball shot forth, homing in on fernandez. abruptly, it ascended, passing the target, and collided with the wall behind the desk. boom! blazing white and red flames burst through the glass window, the wall, and ignited outside the fisheries guild building, creating fiery clouds in the air. almost simultaneously, lumian felt as though he entered a dark and profound void. distant, resplendent stars blinked like vigilant eyes. once more, he confronted juan oro, an elderly man with deeply etched wrinkles. at that moment, noelia had rushed to the square where the statue of the waves stood, shouting towards the building with a fallen window frame, stop! at the sound of the combat nuns voice, lumian sighed with regret, swiveled his revolver, and holstered it under his armpit. juan oro and the surrounding void vanished. a few minutes later, juan oro emerged from the grayish-black building of the fisheries guild with his walking stick. in a deep voice, he addressed noelia, he attacked fernandez. you must apprehend him! noelia cast a cold glance at the president of the fisheries guild and retorted, should i then invite fernandez to the police station to assist in the investigation of the aquina street shooting? all of you, calm down and jointly maintain order in port santa. otherwise, do you think the church cant handle any of you? in the final words, the combat nun shifted her gaze to lumian, issuing a warning as a gesture of fairness. juan oro fell silent for a moment before stating, i dont know anything about the aquina street shooting. with that, he turned and limped back to the fisheries guild with his cane, where many employees rushed to assist him. observing this, noelia led her combat team to escort lumian away. once out of the port district, the combat nun instructed her team members to slow down and create some distance, walking alongside lumian herself. youre making things difficult for us. order, understand? superficial order must be maintained. noelia raised her hand, pinching both sides of her forehead. fortunately, you didnt really kill fernandez. otherwise, i would have had no choice but to carry out the arrest. lumian chuckled and remarked, if i truly wanted to kill fernandez, he wouldnt have survived until your intervention or juan oros rescue. his words held undeniable truth. noelia was taken aback. after a few seconds of contemplation, she spoke, are you displaying your attitude, strength, and confidence for the onlookers? simultaneously, do you wish for juan oro to misjudge your capabilities based on this encounter? lumian remained silent. with a smile, he looked ahead and remarked, where did the former governors of the sea end up? noelia fell silent for a moment before answering, on the surface, they were dispatched to various locations. however, according to our observations, it takes at least four to five months, or no more than three years, for these governors of the sea to mysteriously vanish without a trace. there are often no signs of a struggle at the scene, and their families remain unharmed. did they return to the sea voluntarily? lumian smiled and said, see, didnt i gain something from dealing with fernandez just now? the church of earth mother now seemed more willing to share information. noelia wasnt upset. she smiled and added, no one reveals all their cards from the start. once your investigation reaches a certain point, well provide more. lumian stared at the azure sea beside him, contemplating for a moment. you havent disclosed the intentions of your earth mother church in this matter. noelias eyes flickered. suddenly, she raised her hand and pointed at the arguing pedestrians ahead, shouting, street brawls are prohibited! before completing her sentence, she sprinted over with her team, leaving lumian alone. lumian scoffed and slowly shook his head. late at night, as lumian was about to retire for the night, he heard the deep and hoarse voice of the knight of swords, as if suppressing something. clues to the whereabouts of the two targets have been found. Chapter 557 - 557 Purpose 557 purpose 557 purpose already? lumian hadnt anticipated the knight of swords making progress this swiftlyin just a day. trusting his gut, he turned, meeting his reflection in the full-length mirror. there stood the disheveled, pallid-faced knight of swords, a sudden appearance. just clues? lumian mused, distilling the essence of the others words. the knight of swords shot him a gaze, tightly reined, and uttered, the day after hitting port santa, they visited balan?at ship rental, asking about renting a boat for fishing. vanished since. those words sparked a fleeting thought in lumians mind. quite romantic. as expected of a three-halves intisian and half- feynapotterian duo. opting for a fishing date! if only nolfi didnt carry the maiden of the seas lineage and this wasnt port santa; then, romance mightve been their motive. regrettably, reality doesnt entertain ifs. lumian sighed, pondering nolfi and batnas true intentions. port santa teemed with fishermen, yet not all owned boats. the lower-class ones either worked on vessels for a set pay or pooled funds to rent or buy. balan?ats profits came from these folks, not the tourists or middle-class sightseers. this wasnt a city known for tourism. in lumians contemplation, the knight of swords pressed on, nolfi handled the price inquiry, but batna cooperated without resistance. did batna truly perceive it as a date? for intisians, it holds allure. no wonder he didnt resist. renting a boat for a sea excursion lumian pondered, his mind racing with possibilities. was nolfi planning to intercept the incoming governor of the sea during the sea prayer ritual or collide with their ship loaded with gunpowder? perhaps she intended to replace them at a critical juncture? lumians thoughts whirred with conjectures. then, a sudden recollection jolted him. various sources mentioned a crucial detail about the sea prayer ritual: the final and pivotal part unfolded in a special sea area beyond the port. details and the location were undisclosed to those who hadnt witnessed it. a new hypothesis formed in lumians mind. nolfis mother, a fleeing maiden of the sea, likely visited that special sea and might have shared pertinent information with her daughter. was nolfis motive for renting the boat to reach that unique sea area? what lay there? the core of the sea prayer ritual. did this imply something, an entity, or power concealed in that zone? was the ritual designed to harness something extraordinary? did nolfi aim to seize the item and establish herself as the permanent governor of the sea? or did she intend to obliterate it, terminating port santas tradition of selecting the governor and maidens through the sea prayer ritual? if obtaining the item were easy, the fisheries guild committee members would have done it long ago. human nature tends to selfishness. leaving a boon for the maidens children is improbable unless one stumbles upon a stroke of fortune and knows the right approach to secure, elude danger, and navigate the situation destruction might indeed be the simpler route as his thoughts raced, lumian looked up slightly. could april fools key members have orchestrated a prank to steal the item or its uniqueness? had they succeeded? this was a pivotal question. the knight of swords observed lumian in silence, not disrupting his contemplation. he stood motionless, resembling a lifeless figure. after a while, lumian asked with curiosity, how did you manage to trace nolfi and batna in just one day? the knight of swords, in a deep tone, responded, gathering information from the spirit world and conducting a field investigation. after their departure from the balan?at ship rental, all pertinent information was either concealed or eliminated, making it impossible to locate them again. isnt this the premise of certain divinations nolfi and batna didnt take precautions against divination before visiting the ship rental company, but they did so afterward? this doesnt add up. either they never take precautions, or they do it consistently, unless they are both novices who only remember to guard against divination after inquiring about the boats price yes, a more plausible explanation is that ship rental falls within the fisheries and sea trade-related industries, deeply intertwined with the committee members of the fisheries guild. nolfi and batna, as outsiders, inquiring about the price of a ship rental attracted attention, and their identities were exposed, leading to their disappearance the note revealing that nolfi is the child of the maidens of the sea might come from the owner or a shareholder of the balan?at ship rental? lumians thoughts gradually became clearer. he gazed at the knight of swords, pondering how to request him to continue the investigation. at that moment, the knight of swords took the initiative to say, ill delve deeper into the ship rental company. thank you, lumian expressed his gratitude sincerely. then, he witnessed the knight of swordss figure swiftly becoming transparent and vanishing. transformed into a soul-like entity? wraith? lumian discerned more details this time. this led him to suspect that the knight of swords belonged to the temperance faction of the church of the fool. his subsequent journey to the southern continent was likely to deal with the indulgence faction of the rose school of thought. without hesitation, he shed his clothes, donned a faded cotton shirt, and reclined on the bed. late at night in trier, franca strolled beneath intermittently-lit street lamps, clad in a thick tweed shirt and pants that clung to her legs. even without makeup and deliberately concealing her appearance in the darkness and shadows, numerous inebriated individuals still approached her upon glimpsing her back or side profile, behaving like tiny flying insects circling under the gas street lamps on a summers night. smack! francas ponytail swayed slightly as she sent a particular drunkard flying with a sidekick. the drunkard screamed and vomited on the ground. franca pursed her lips in disdain and muttered to herself, pleasure sure brings trouble. its manageable during the day, but some overconfident types try to flirt at night. and theres malice all around when im out. even the hero who rescues a damsel in distress aims to strike up a conversation later however, those scoundrels came expecting joy and anticipation, only to receive a beating and the accompanying pain. right, could this be considered a simplified version of pleasure causing affliction? it was precisely because franca wanted to experience this and potentially find an opportunity to digest the potion that she didnt sneak through the shadows and move undetected. after a while, franca slipped into the shadows and reached the empty room where she had previously met 007. her associate had mentioned that hed discovered information about the ancient tomb beside the crazy mushroom cave on the fourth level of the catacombs through the churchs resources and municipal archives. however, it wasnt safe to disclose it in the telegram group, no matter how close their bonds were. therefore, he compiled the details and left them at the designated spot for franca to retrieve. franca conducted a brief search and found two folded sheets of thin paper. she unfolded them and swiftly skimmed the content. as an assassin, even in the dimmest environment, she could decipher the words: the ancient tomb where you found the mirror world fragment belongs to a noble family from the fourth epochs tudor empire. their last name is tamara. i havent located specific details about the members in that tomb, but ive stumbled upon something odd. not only does the fourth level house tamara family tombs, but there are also tombs on the third level, such as the thorns and shieldwall tomb and the impartial tomb. why arent they grouped together francas gaze froze. isnt the thorns and shieldwall tomb where jenna completed her tearcatcher mission? the mission they used as a pretext involved the tamara family, and the tomb where they found the mirror world fragment belonged to them too! wasnt this an extraordinary coincidence? could it be a manifestation of mystical laws? franca collected herself and continued reading. i cant access more detailed tamara family information at my level. figure something out yourself. hmm franca nodded, resolved to report the entire situation to madam judgment, seeking insights and information from the tarot club. in the early morning, on aquina street in port santa. in a house diagonally opposite solow motel, lumian, his appearance transformed, stood by a window in a room. clutching the new id provided by valerio, he surveyed the suite where he, lugano, and ludwig were lodged, as well as the street below. now, he aimed to play the role of an ordinary bounty hunter who had taken on a confidential assignment, diligently monitoring the adventurer, louis berry. given louiss assertive conduct in recent days, it was likely that all the well- informed individuals in port santa knew of this great adventurers desire to investigate the sea prayer ritual. the probability was high that bard and other pivotal members of april fools would be in tow! Chapter 558 - 558 Tamara Family 558 tamara family 558 tamara family lumian savored the tang of fermented grape juice bought from a street vendor as he coolly surveyed the suite rented by the adventurer, louis berry. he occasionally cast a discerning eye over aquina street, on the lookout for any potential monitors. a little over half an hour ago, lumian had transformed his appearance and changed into a different outfit. he had seemingly teleported to a nearby street before returning to secure a suitable room. soon enough, lumian spotted lugano cautiously heading out to fetch an extra breakfast for ludwig. a chuckle escaped him. this guy was still spooked from yesterdays attack. however, unless the members of the fisheries guild had succumbed to the corrupting influence of superpowers, losing control of their emotions and rational thinking, it was improbable for them to target lugano, the interpreter and guide. louis berrys response the previous day had sent a clear message to everyone: if you cant take me out directly, keep your sights off those around me. you might eliminate me, but i, louis berry, can do the same. therell come a time when your fisheries guilds committee members, your kids, and descendants travel without protection or lack strength. wanna guess if id dare to make a move or if i have the capability? either find an opportunity to bring me down with all youve got, or play nice! faced with such a resolute answer, the rational committee members of the fisheries guild would know what to do. louis berry, the adventurer, wasnt bound by official rules like a beyonder or a cop. expecting him not to involve family in the game was unrealistic. moreover, considering his recent behavior and the circulating rumors, he was a daring adventurer, reminiscent of gehrman sparrow. known for his aggression, madness, and coldness, there were no limits to what such a person might do. of course, lumian wasnt letting his guard down entirely. lugano would either have ludwigs company in the future, or hed be under lumians watchful eye at all times. after all, beyond the fisheries guild, many individuals in port santa were secretly plotting to exploit this opportunity for their own gain. disguised as fisheries guild members, they could attack the interpreter and godson of the adventurer louis berry, intensifying the conflict and stirring up trouble prematurely. ignoring conspiracies at this level would be unacceptable for a conspirer. after lugano returned to his suite on the fifth floor of solow motel with a heap of breakfast, lumian purposefully avoided looking at the high-backed chair, seemingly adorned with a golden straw hat, positioned strategically at the dining table. he turned on his heel and exited the room, ready to explore the surroundings. stepping into the corridor, lumian immediately spotted a burly man standing near the staircase, barely reaching 1.7 meters in height. the man, with brown hair, brown eyes, and rugged skin, held a distinctive long mouth cigarette between his lips, fixing his gaze on lumian. in highlander, the man inquired, who sent you here to keep an eye on louis berry? lumian couldnt help but let out a soft chuckle. are you not here to monitor louis berry yourself? i didnt even inquire about your sender. why the sudden curiosity? he responded in flawless highlander as well. the man, with the long mouth cigarette dangling, contemplated for a moment before nodding in agreement, making way for the stairs. lumian strolled past him, descending the staircase step by step. as he departed, the mans gaze took on a gradually ominous edge. he raised his left hand, delicately twisting the special long mouth cigarette. taking a deep breath, he exhaled into the cigarette, and in silence, a slender steel needle shot forth from the charred tobacco, aimed directly at lumians back, mere two meters away. it was a blow dart, originating from certain tribes in the primitive forests of the southern continent. typically, blow darts were one to two meters long, making them unsuitable for concealment or sneak attacks. however, bounty hunters, followers of the god of steam and machinery with strong hands, modified them into a more portable versiononly slightly longer than regular cigarettes. while this modification increased portability and its concealed nature, it sacrificed some power and limited its range to a mere four to five meters. when paired with specially crafted arrows carrying anesthetic and lethal toxins, it remained a favored tool among bounty hunters on both northern and southern continents. the man had concealed the blow dart within the long mouth cigarette, intending to lull the target and strike when the opportune moment arrived. his objective: to subdue lumian and extract information about the identity of his employer. the steel needle flashed past, but lumian seemed to have anticipated the attack. just as the man blew air to propel the needle, lumian swiftly bent forward, arched his spine, and dodged the blow dart in an almost inhuman contortion. with a soft poof, the steel needle embedded itself into the wooden staircase. in the next moment, the assailants eyes widened as lumian, in a display of flexibility surpassing human limits, swung a boxing glove. bang! he fainted. swiftly recovering from his contorted evasion, lumian bent down, scooped up the unconscious assailant, and dragged him into his rented room. taking advantage of the assailants unconscious state, lumian administered a dose of truth serum and calculated the time for him to regain consciousness. examining the unremarkable, ordinary face of his assailant, lumian calmly listened to the panicked shout. i just wanted to incapacitate you and find a spot to interrogate you about your employer! the poison on the arrow is just an anesthetic! squatting in front of the man, lumian smiled and responded, now, let me ask you, whos your employer? its juan oro! the brown-haired, brown-eyed man blurted out. lumian chuckled and probed further, is that so? yes, no, its actually someone else at this point, horror overcame the man, and he fell silent. lumian prompted him patiently. who is it? after struggling for a few seconds, the man involuntarily spoke, rubi paco. rubi why is he keeping tabs on me? does he seek to gain from the adventurers activities? is that why he didnt approach me discreetly to share information? lumian nodded subtly and straightened up. your breath stinks. remember to brush your teeth more often. the assailant looked perplexed, unable to fathom why the conversation had taken this turn. nonetheless, he replied half-heartedly, im not a fan of brushing my teeth. lumian shook his head in disdain, uninterested in the blow dart as a trophy. leaving the room, he left a parting message: make sure to lock the door behind me. in trier, within quartier de la cathdrale commmorative, franca and jennas rented apartment. they had already received madam judgments response via rabbit chasel. before departing, rabbit chasel, adorned with a miniature top hat, shrunken gold-rimmed glasses, and a diminutive black trench coat, made an unusual request. can i use a custom-made revolver as compensation for delivering the next five letters? jennas mouth hung open, momentarily taken aback. sure. she questioned, why cant you conjure one yourself? similar to your top hat, glasses, and trench coat. they have no practical use, but i hope the revolver does. the bullets need to be custom-made too, rabbit chasel explained earnestly. jenna blinked and acquiesced. once the messenger departed, franca commented with a peculiar expression, why does it feel like it has shifted from pursuing knowledge to pursuing strength? jenna wanted to defend rabbit chasel but struggled to find a compelling excuse. instead, she cursed, its not necessarily a bad thing. it might even aid me in future battles! moreover, the stronger the messenger, the safer the letter deliveries. franca, lacking a messenger, suddenly felt a twinge of envy. without delay, she unfolded madam judgments reply. the tamara family, one of the five noble families from the fourth epochs tudor empire, held a hereditary duke aristocratic title, akin to the amon youre familiar with, albeit slightly lower in status. in the era when the gods roamed the land, families capable of becoming great nobles undoubtedly possessed angelic powers. according to the information, the tamara family had existed for many years before alista tudor became the blood emperor. they were renowned nobles from the previous empire. they had the coat of arms changed once and two internal divisions. this is why tamara was buried on different levels of the catacombs at different times. initially, their coat of arms consisted of thorns, a shieldwall, and vertical swords. later, it became an open door, with the vertical sword acting as the crack. this represents a significant change in the tamara family. it shifted from being dominated by the justiciar pathway to being dominated by the apprentice pathway. however, no corresponding historical information has appeared for the time being. a small number of members of the tamara family, who adhere to the judgment pathway, have survived to this day and are secretly active. the other tamara group had established a close connection with the demoness family during the tudor empires era. during the fifth epoch, a secret organization known as the theosophy order emerged. it had demoness figures and originated from tamaras apprentice pathway. theres reason to believe that they are still cooperating. this tamara group has been estranged from the other one for many years, refusing to acknowledge each other. the tamaras of the judgment pathway also experienced a division. the exact situation is unknown upon reading this, franca and jenna shared the same thought. the tamara family is indeed connected to the demonesses! they continued reading the contents of the letter. the person who led you to the tamara familys tomb and discovered the mirror world fragment is likely targeting that special mirror world and the demoness sect. dont worry for the time being. just be vigilant against coincidences, theft, and scams around you in the ensuing days, lumian, along with lugano and ludwig, remained unharmed. port santa seemed to settle back into a semblance of normalcy. those secretly observing displayed no indications of advancing further. just as lumian contemplated taking further actions to elucidate all details before the sea prayer ritual in early november, the knight of swords brought fresh information regarding nolfi and batna. his face maintaining a pale-white hue, he spoke to lumian, ive identified a suspect involved in the kidnapping of the two targets. should i handle it alone, or shall we proceed together? lumian took a moment to consider before responding, together. Chapter 559 - 559 Top-Notch Collaborator 559 top-notch collaborator 559 top-notch collaborator after making his decision, lumian had a chance to inquire, whos the suspect? lato guiaro, the knight of swords announced. lumian recognized this individual. he was also a committee member of the fisheries guild. not only did he own shares in three large fishing boats and the port santa fisheries company, but he was also involved in shipbuilding, ice production, and other industries. someone in his family had already married a maiden of the sea over a hundred years ago. lumian asked thoughtfully, whats lato guiaros connection to balan?at ship rental? hes a creditor of the company and has arranged employment for many relatives there, the knight of swords replied succinctly. it all adds up. lumian nodded in agreement and paused to reflect. lets convene at the crossroads of saint lana street and golden wheat street. how about meeting in three minutes? he had never set foot in lato guiaros extended family estate, so he lacked the corresponding spirit world coordinates. his only teleportation option was saint lana street, relatively close to their target. he needed to utilize spirit world traversal discreetly to evade any surveillance. sure. the knight of swords dissolved into transparency and disappeared instantly. lumian spent two minutes hydrating, donning a vest and a straw hat. only then did the faint glow of the black mark on his right shoulder illuminate. in an instant, his figure vanished from the shrouded room. at the crossroads of saint lana street and golden wheat street, lumian materialized from a concealed corner. the knight of swords, now sporting disheveled brown hair, a switched flaxen-colored shirt, and a dark brown vest, stood at the fringe of the crimson moonlight. his pallid face and oppressive eyes hinted at an underlying transformation, as if he could shed his human guise at any moment, revealing a monstrous form fueled by pent- up desires. while others might miss these subtleties, lumian, being an ascetic, possessed a heightened sensitivity to such situations. the temperance faction, indeed lumian mused at the knight of swordss appearance, entertaining a whimsical thought. bro, ever considered embracing inevitability? as an alms monk or an ascetic, youd spare yourself from enduring so much! of course, lumian merely toyed with the idea and wouldnt actually propose it. without the right strokes of luck, the boon of an evil god could gradually corrupt beyonders within the potion system, eventually transforming them into humanoid monsters aligned with the evil deity. nevertheless, his musings hinted at the potential synergy between specific sequences of the boon system and potion system. lets proceed. as the knight of swords remained silent, lumian took the lead and spoke. the knight of swords nodded, and they followed the shadows along the street, turning into golden wheat street at a measured pace, heading north. soon, they reached a five-story building resembling a small castle. observing the illuminated windows and grayish-blue outer walls, the knight of swords pointed at a specific glass pane, noting, thats latos bedroom. he and his wife sleep in separate rooms. the gathered intelligence is impressively detailed lumian acknowledged silently and inquired, whats your plan? sneak in and take control of the target, the knight of swords responded succinctly. isnt that a bit too straightforward and crude? the guiaro family likely employs more than just ordinary beyonders. some members may have gained powers through the sea prayer ritual lumian recalled the unique characteristics of a wraith and assessed his capabilities. with one hand in his pocket, he casually remarked, okay. with those words, his form dissolved into a shadow, seamlessly merging with the darkness. beside him, the knight of swords had already vanished. utilizing the shadows cast on the buildings outer wall, lumian deftly infiltrated lato guiaros room. in an instant, his target came into view. a middle-aged man, with slightly curly black hair and dark brown eyes, adorned in a dark-blue cotton robe, greeted lumians sight. his long face featured a neatly trimmed thick beard. lato guiaros expression morphed into one of fear, and his body froze. he stumbled toward the shadow concealing lumian. in the reflection within each eye of the fisheries guild committee member, lumian spotted the pale-faced knight of swords, clad in a dark brown vest and flaxen-colored shirt, with disheveled brown hair! observing lato guiaro losing control of his body, unable to utter a sound, lumian stepped out of the shadow, returning to his original form. an oppressive heaviness enveloped the air around him, akin to the weight of seawater. apart from this, nothing seemed amiss. with a controlled step, lumian approached lato guiaro, a sensation akin to moving through a swamp. he refrained from resorting to the direct use of the spell of harrumph. firstly, the other party seemed powerless and could be managed through alternative means, saving his spiritual energy. secondly, lumian hesitated due to uncertainty about whether the spell of harrumph would incapacitate both of them, given the forceful possession of lato guiaro by the knight of swords. retrieving a bottle of sedative from the bliss society, lumian unscrewed the cap and brought it to lato guiaros nose. fanning the opening with his hand to hasten the gass flow, after about ten seconds, the committee member of the fisheries guild closed his eyes and slumped into unconsciousness. remarkably, he remained standing, not collapsing to the ground. the tarot clubs minor arcana card holder, the knight of swords, maintained absolute control over lato guiaros body. this is even simpler than employing teleportation and the spell of harrumph ive faced numerous beyonders before, but never have i subdued one without laying a hand on them. i strolled up casually, administering the sedative. a wraith truly stands as an exceptional ally, capable of harmonizing with any sequence of any pathway yes, a wraith remains impervious to anesthetic gasses. the bliss societys sedative had no effect on him. as lumian observed the noiseless resolution, he almost felt as if he hadnt partaken in the skirmish at all. he returned the bliss society sedative to his concealed pocket and retrieved a canister of truth serum. seizing the moment, he administered nearly a third of it to lato guiaro. sensing that the sedatives impact might be short-lived on beyonders with unknown traits like lato guiaro, he hastened to complete his preparations before the target regained consciousness. within 20 to 30 seconds, lato guiaros eyes fluttered open. first, he encountered louis berry, the adventurer in the golden straw hat, adorned with a faint smile. subsequently, he discovered himself seated on a chair at some indeterminate moment, facing the divan in the bedroom. lato attempted to scream, but his vocal cords rebelled, rendering him motionless. have you grasped your situation? lumian reclined on the sofa, placing his right foot on his left knee. he spoke in intisian. fear etched across latos face, rendering him unable to nod or respond. while he possessed certain abilities, lato was certain they wouldnt suffice against the adventurer louis berry. they would likely result in a renewed coma or a swift lightning strike. what do you want? lato suddenly inquired. he, too, knew intisian. attempting to raise his hand in surprise to touch his neck, he found himself immobilized. lato guiaro lapsed into silence. with a smile, lumian responded, i have a few questions for you. answer them satisfactorily, and i might consider letting you live until tomorrow to assist me in spreading the word about this affair. lato remained silent for a moment before consenting, what do you want to know? lumian casually shook his right ankle. are nolfi and batna with you? yes, lato responded with a strong inclination to divulge information. theyre locked up in the basement. theyre still alive. i just want to use them. for what? lumian inquired, intrigued. latos lips trembled as he explained, i intend to use them to lead you to the location of the sea sacrificial ritual and guide you to rent a boat there. so, youre the one who wrote that note lumian exclaimed in realization. how do you plan to guide me? lato struggled to articulate his actions, but his mouth moved faster than his thoughts. i want you to discover that nolfi and the batna intend to rent a boat and head out to sea. then, ill arrange for them to seize an opportunity to escape and relay something to you, letting you know the significance of the sea area. and then? lumian inquired with curiosity. lato sealed his lips shut but eventually spoke. what they will tell you is the truth, but they are unaware of one thing: never engage a child of the sea in a sea battle! juan oro awaits you in that sea region, ready to bury you entirely! so, the fisheries guild planted a deceptive trail through the clue about nolfi, posing as a turncoat to lure me into a trap and eliminate me if i hadnt swiftly revealed my intent to investigate the sea prayer ritual, exposing nolfi and batna to exploitation, they might already be sleeping with the fishes the skirmish against lugano was crafted to deceive me as lumians thoughts raced, he heard lato express confusion, you havent even started your investigation. how did you find me? you merely sent your interpreter to inquire about nolfi and the others whereabouts. there was no follow-up lumians smile held a cryptic undertone as he disclosed, do you think im here alone to investigate the sea prayer ritual? i represent the will of many. numerous comrades lurk in the shadows of port santa. lato felt a chill course through his stiffened body, lending credence to lumians words. lumian raised his right hand and stroked his chin. where does your power come from? latos throat constricted as he answered, from the sea. each sea prayer ritual grants us strength. unfortunately, the ritual failed last year. we received no replenishment for two years, and everyone weakened to varying degrees. otherwise, juan oro would have finished you long ago. he would have cast your lifeless form into wave square, a stark warning to those who cross us! similar to a boon? theoretically, even without replenishment, a boons power will gradually wane lumian pondered for a moment and remarked, the sea prayer ritual is a large-scale boon-seeking ritual, with the governor of the sea as the primary sacrifice? lato contemplated for a moment before responding,he serves as both sacrifice and host. juan oro and we act as assistant hosts. the sea prayer ritual is essentially a marriage to the sea and appeasing it. the boon is a byproduct. marriage to the sea? lumian suddenly found his imagination lacking. Chapter 560 - 560 Traces 560 traces 560 traces lato rarely divulged details about the sea prayer ritual. he spoke with a weighty demeanor, yes, the governor of the sea ties the knot with the sea, quelling its violence and bringing peace. they truly become the spouse of the sea, commanding authority over this stretch of water. as the assistant and deputy hosts, we also gain varying degrees of in port santa receive some boons, although they are limited in number. so, the governor of the sea is synonymous with husband of the sea. the assistant and deputy hosts are like close friends or family busy assisting at a wedding, naturally earning gratitude. those with the sea bloodline are akin to children attending a wedding, typically gaining some candy lumian attempted to comprehend lato guiaros description of the sea prayer ritual by combining reality and wedding traditions in novels. intrigued, he inquired, does the governor of the sea engage in those acts with the sea? arent weddings supposed to conclude with newlyweds consummating their marriage? of course! lato affirmed, after the wedding, the sea will bind itself to the four maidens of the sea. through their union with the governor of the sea, the first child of each maiden of the sea is a noble with a pure sea bloodline, possessing the strongest beyonder powers. why four and not one maiden of the sea? its because individual humans cant endure the vastness, expansiveness, weight, and transcendence of the sea. enough partners are needed to share the burden. the more i listen, the more ominous it becomes marrying a maiden of the sea is akin to marrying a remnant of the seas power. its no wonder theyre highly valued, and their destinies change. the only challenge is acknowledging and loving their wifes first child. lumian contemplated for a moment and remarked, and the governor of the sea can withstand the passion of the sea? and it was four at a time. lato, devoid of pity or sympathy, stated, one of the two most crucial purposes of the vigil ritual is to utilize the house and some of the sea spawn concealed within it to transform the governor of the seas body, enabling them to withstand the violent and unrestrained sea. thats why the governor of the sea can only serve for a year. even with the physical transformation, the power acquisition, and the beyonder enhancement, they wont endure much longer. consumable. the husband of the sea is a consumable lumian sighed inwardly and queried, then why would the governor of the sea return to the sea after leaving office? no one knows the exact reason, but theres a certain conjecture. juan oro believes that the sea doesnt allow those who were once its husband to start a new life. and i believe that the modifications of the vigil ritual, the intrusion of spousal intercourse, and the influence of maritime authority make the governor of the sea more and more like a sea creature and less human. eventually, he will inevitably return to the sea that gives him peace and comfort. lato felt that his deduction was correct. what exactly is the sea youre referring to? is it a natural spirit or a creature beyond, controlling the sea? lumian replayed lato guiaros answers in his mind before asking, sea spawn? like the wrinkled monsters that can disguise themselves as devils, and the long black insects that control humans by burrowing into their necks? yes, lato responded, yearning for a cigarette but unable to move his hands. we, the children of the sea, are spawn of the sea. one of our duties is guiding certain sea spawn from the depths to settle on land using our beyonder powers, helping them reproduce. however, ludwig mentioned that the batings black insects originate from another planet, not some sea spawn lumian didnt rush to ask about the children of the seas beyonder powers; instead, he focused on the details of the sea prayer ritual. whats the other vital purpose of the vigil? latos expression hinted: dont you understand what weddings are about? well, theres the exchange of rings for marriage. and the vigil ritual modifies the governor of the seas body, attaching a unique trait to a fixed golden ring, matching it to the sea brides identity. a unique golden ring lumian perked up and said, and then? during last years april fools prank, fringe members received orders to acquire a gold ring from torres and conceal it within the lamb sacrifices stomach! then, following the completion of the other rituals, the governor of the sea will take the golden ring and cast it directly into the sea before the ship. he will utter in a unique language from the depths, we espouse thee, o sea, as a sign of true and perpetual dominion! if the sea consents to this union, gentle waves will stir, transforming into pure white foam petals that will shower over the four maidens of the sea. the returned ring carries symbolic weight, signifying authority over the waters surrounding port santa[1]. just the waters encompassing port santa? from the indications, it seems its not the true sea, but rather something that affects this specific area of the waters lumian paused briefly before speaking, how do you express we espouse thee, o sea in that peculiar language? lato guiaro contemplated for a moment before emitting a chattering sound. under the influence of the language comprehension charms, lumian failed to grasp its meaning. he concluded it wasnt part of the northern continents languages. simultaneously, he observed the knight of swords in latos eyes slightly shaking his head. if the knight of swords truly belongs to the temperance faction that parted ways from the rose school of thought to align with the church of the fool, he should possess knowledge of the southern continents language. additionally, with his high sequence and extensive tenure as a beyonder, he must have encountered most supernatural tongues. does this imply its not from the language family of the southern continent, let alone ancient hermes, dragonese, elvish, or other mystical languages? lumian regarded lato guiaro with an intrigued grin. are you certain those words translate to we espouse thee, o sea? lato hesitated briefly before explaining, probably. this is a language passed down from ancient times, existing since the sea prayer ritual. there are only a few sentences hes not sure they hadnt systematically mastered the language, only capable of uttering two or three sentences based on the legacy lumian sensed there might be more to it than latos description; there was no denial if the true meaning was akin to open sesame. the folks from the fisheries guild and milo village might have been akin to the individuals aurore and franca spoke of. they employed a peculiar language, its true meaning eluding them as they substituted it with their own interpretation. as lumian pondered, his expression remained unchanged. does the governor of the sea safeguard the ring after he acquires the special trait? no, lato responded, shaking his head. in addition to the governor of the sea, the maidens of the sea, and sailors in charge of controlling the ship, there are four pure-blooded children of the sea acting as deputy hosts. they guide the governor and the maidens through the ritual stages, teaching the unique call to marriage. the golden ring is held by one of the deputy hosts and only handed over to the governor when needed. the governor of the sea doesnt have a chance to switch ritual rings suppressing his anxiety, lumian continued at a measured pace, did the sea prayer ritual fail last year? lato initially seemed taken aback, but then relief crossed his face. did the imposter seek your help? yes, for some reason, the sea prayer ritual failed. the seas rage claimed the lives of the governor of the sea and the four children of the sea serving as deputy hosts. only the maidens of the sea and some sailors survived. the four deputy hosts are dead? just as lumian uncovered clues about april fools, he sensed the link had been abruptly severed. the individuals with the best chance of substituting the ceremonial ring had all perished in the unsuccessful sea prayer ritual! lumian thought for a moment before inquiring, what happened to the surviving maidens of the sea and sailors? theyre still alive, but under strict surveillance. realizing that the failure to last years sea prayer ritual was exposed, lato, not dwelling on the survivors details, continued, we arranged marriages for the four maidens of the sea who lack actual sea powers with ordinary family members. though it wont bring about a beyonder-level change, it has its benefits. the sailors, from milo village, received some benefits from juan oro but are restricted from leaving milo village until this years sea prayer ritual succeeds. shifting gears, lumian asked, did the sailors transport the sacrificial lambs and other offerings for the marriage to the sea to the deck? yes. lato nodded. sailors handle such cumbersome and laborious tasks. within the ranks of sailors, one among bard, mad lady, or ultraman had sneaked in. if the other side held a stronger beyonder power or a mystical item from the marauder pathway, they could snatch the genuine ceremonial ring during the exchange, swapping it with a counterfeit it wouldnt be a surprise that the marauder pathway, influenced by the celestial worthy, has key april fools members wielding matching strengths or artifacts lumian swiftly suspected this. he turned to lato guiaro, keeping his tone composed. tell me about the four maidens of the sea and the survivors from last year among the sailors. lato recounted the details from memory. having absorbed the specifics about the potential targets, lumian inquired further, were all participants in the sea sacrificial part thoroughly checked? absolutely. no unauthorized items allowed onboard to maintain the rituals integrity. and before the ship reaches its destination, juan oro will vigilantly oversee using his powers, lato elaborated. as anticipated, lumian nodded subtly. what powers does juan oro wield? [1] adapted from the marriage of the sea ceremony of the venice doge set to be hanged. Chapter 561 - 561 Language of the Stars 561 language of the stars 561 language of the stars lato guiaro struggled to keep silent, but the words burst out of him. after a long internal battle, he finally responded, hes the most powerful among us. before joining the fisheries guild committee, he served as a deputy host on the sea sacrifice ship a whopping 11 times. he gained numerous boons and established a solid connection with the sea. he can fly. if hes not afraid of losing lifespan, he can temporarily take control of these waters on behalf of the governor of the sea. he possesses other special abilities, though theyre rarely revealed. were not entirely sure either. what we do know is that the failure of last years sea prayer ritual significantly weakened him. lato paused and couldnt resist adding, first and foremost, we are astronomers. our expertise lies in observing the stars transformations and calculating their patterns. keep in mind that the annual sea prayer ritual doesnt have a fixed date. it could happen any day during the first week of november. this is because, to enter that special area that communicates with the sea, the stars need to be in specific positions to open the corresponding passageway. the date of a similar phenomenon varies from year to year. astronomers with sufficient knowledge must predict it in advance through observation and calculation. the idea of fisheries guild committee members being astronomers seems comical and absurd lumian didnt interrupt lato guiaros narrative. the self-proclaimed astronomer continued his explanation. secondly, we are humans who worship the sea and the cosmos. we can receive revelations and guidance of fate from the changes in tides, the waves of the sea, and the trajectories of the stars, avoiding danger and making the right choices. many times, we refer to such revelations and guidance as the language of the stars. the language of the stars sounds pretty dangerous. how do you know its not something risky like termiboros or ludwig winking at you? lumian resisted the urge to shake his head and sighed inwardly. furthermore, we are descendants of the sea and the cosmos, serving as clergymen who offer sacrifices to them. we can manipulate the power of the land to completely immobilize the target or make them float. we can emit rays from the cosmos, causing damage to the enemys body structure and weakening them. without the corresponding superpowers to treat them, they will face an irreversible and agonizing death. we can also create a powerful magnetic effect. combined with the power of the land, we can generate a half-real illusion. we call it the cosmic void. latos expression gradually turned fanatical. from a mysticism perspective, the beyonder characteristics of the children of the sea involve the land and the cosmos. according to aurores knowledge, it encompasses gravity, radiation, and electromagnetism. furthermore, due to gravity and electromagnetism, they also possess some illusionary and spatial abilities. lumian, rephrasing lato guiaros words for easier comprehension, couldnt help but criticize inwardly, hey, youre the children of the sea, not the children of the stars. why dont i see many sea-related powers lato took a deep breath and continued, we are also the navigators of the sea and the cosmos. we can find the right path under any circumstances, guided by the performance of the sea and the stars. we can use this power to help others. without our guidance, ships cant enter that special water even on the correct date. thats why nolfi insisted on returning to port santa before setting off. although she knew the coordinates and route of the sea sacrificial land from her mother, she would never have reached it if she didnt set off from port santa. the spawn that come to land from the seabed also rely on our abilities in this area to survive the fog, vortex, and storms without losing their way in the sea route or being swallowed by darkness. navigators lumian suddenly recalled the strange fish he had encountered on the flying bird, the mutated bannerfish, who could control the waves. they were also known as death navigators! have you heard of the strange fish known as death navigators? lumian interrupted lato guiaros account. lato hesitated for a moment before responding, yes, theyre also spawn of the sea. we all suspect that they were transformed from the governors of the sea who returned to the sea. transformed from the governors of the sea? lumian raised his eyebrows. lato swallowed and explained, they should still be fused with the sea, so future generations will be born, but their strength is inferior to theirs. in the past, they only roamed those waters. in recent years, for some reason, they occasionally swam out and returned. after the sea prayer ritual failed last year, this situation became even more frequent. did the failure of the ritual cause the death navigators to go out more frequently? did the death navigators lure sailors to those special waters? were they ultimately devoured by the sea? lumians mind raced with questions, but he knew that lato guiaro couldnt answer them. lato returned to the main topic. we can still manipulate the waves to a certain extent and influence the tides, but we cant compare to juan oro, much less the governor of the sea. thats more like a child of the sea? thats why they think its easier to bury me in the sea? lumian pondered as he inquired about a few more details. he then lowered his right foot from his left knee and slowly stood up. nodding at the knight of swords in latos eyes, lumian said to lato guiaro, last request, release nolfi and batna. with that, lumian walked to the bedroom window. simultaneously, the knight of swords, who had possessed lato guiaro, vanished. the committee member of the fisheries guild regained control of his body. as lumian left, lato guiaro couldnt help but express his confusion, fear, and a hint of uncontrollable emotion, i thought youd kill me once you got the information otherwise, wouldnt it expose the fact that you have many hidden helpers, the secret of a faction behind you, and the uniqueness of your helpers? lumian didnt look back and continued forward. on the way, he pressed down on his golden straw hat and smiled. to you, this might be important, but not to me. just as lato guiaro was about to say something, he saw the body of the adventurer, louis berry, suddenly turn black and thin, transforming into a shadow that disappeared from the crimson moonlights reach. after staring at the darkness for a while, lato adjusted the collar of his robe and left the master bedroom. he personally headed to the basement to release nolfi and batna. opposite the building where his family resided, beneath a row of verdant trees, lumian leaned leisurely against the black gas streetlamp pole, gazing at the glass windows illuminated by the light. the disheveled, pale-faced knight of swords materialized behind him and asked in a deep voice, are you really not going to kill him? lumian chuckled and said, if we kill him, whos going to inform juan oro that i have powerful helpers and the support of a powerful faction lurking in the shadows? he couldnt just toss tarot cards at lato guiaros corpse, could he? furthermore, the problem lay in the fact that no one knew that the adventurer, louis berry, was a minor arcana cardholder of the tarot club. upon hearing lumians response, the knight of swords pondered for a moment before vanishing into the darkness. before long, batna emerged from the house where lato guiaros extended family resided, clutching his rapier and revolver. upon seeing lumian, they looked a little ashamed and approached him with slow steps. thank you for saving us, nolfi, adorable in a blouse and brown pants, expressed her sincere gratitude. batna said, im well aware of nolfis intentions and havent been deceived by her. i sympathize with the tragic fate of these sea spawn and hope to help her end all of this. lumian looked at nolfi. what kind of tragic end will it lead to? the committee members of the fisheries guild seemed quite pleased. nolfi fell silent for a moment before saying, all maidens of the sea and children of the sea eventually transform into a lizard-like humanoid monster. perhaps earlier, perhaps later, my mother passed away because she was attacked by assassins hired by the fisheries guild and wanted to die as a human. not only did she refuse treatment, but she also inflicted some damage on herself. in that case, the humanoid lizard at rubi pacos house is a common sight in families around port santa. why the need for secrecy? lumian turned to batna with a smile, asking, did you know nolfi would transform into a humanoid lizard? yes. batna expressed that he didnt mind. at that moment, nolfi inquired, then do you know what a humanoid lizard looks like? as she spoke, the rather attractive female adventurers eyes widened. shimmering illusory scales appeared on her body, and her skin transformed into that of a snake. batna jumped in fright, taking a step back involuntarily. lumian continued to ask nolfi, why didnt you rent a boat at a nearby port and find a sailor to sail it over? why choose a ship rental company in port santa? nolfi undid the phantom scales, reverting to her original appearance, frustration and embarrassment evident in her voice. in port santa, people often rent boats for fishing and sightseeing. this should be a very ordinary thing lumian sighed helplessly. did you know that last years sea prayer ritual failed? the fisheries guild will be on high alert this year, investigating all unstable factors. besides, the sea prayer ritual is only a few days away. its inevitable to start paying attention to those who rent boats to go out to sea. nolfi and batna remained silent, resembling two students. after a moment, nolfi asked in surprise and suspicion, did the sea prayer ritual fail last year? lumian didnt answer immediately. he thought for a moment and said, you want to end the sea prayer ritual with just the two of you? what gave you the confidence? nolfi pursed her lips and stated, as long as i can enter those waters and find the palace, i have a way to destroy it and end everything. palace? lumians eyebrows twitched. nolfi nodded. when my mother was possessed by the sea, she saw a strange palace through her spirituality and the connection between them. its located at the bottom of the sea. its the palace of the sea! Chapter 562 - 562 Changed Plans 562 changed plans 562 changed plans palace? lumian hadnt anticipated gaining information that lato guiaro lacked from nolfi. after a brief pause, he inquired, whats the palace like? was it an ancient relic or the abode of some natural spirit? could the sea prayer ritual be tapping into the palaces inner power? nolfi shook her head. my mother couldnt give a detailed description. she just mentioned that the palace is unlike any structure on land. it boasts a peculiar design, with smooth curves and a reflective metallic sheen. overall, its silver-gray. lumian envisioned the palace based on nolfis account, though lacking specifics, he could only conjure an approximate image. he grinned and remarked, if thats truly the sea palace, do you honestly believe you two can bring it down? if you struggle against lato guiaro and his crew, how do you plan to breach the sea spawns defenses? how will you escape the seas fury? nolfi paused for a moment before responding, i have my ways. she didnt elaborate on the method. could a child of the sea, likely below sequence 7 in strength, truly destroy the sea palace? an entity capable of unleashing violent storms across the entire sea lumian pondered, forming a sudden hypothesis. was nolfis confidence rooted in collaboration with others? had she not returned to port santa without adequate preparations? as lumians mind raced, he shifted his gaze toward batna. batna comt, who had inadvertently distanced himself from nolfi by two to three steps, had just re-sheathed his rapier and concealed his revolver. sensing lumians scrutiny, he grinned sheepishly and explained, im here for support and to command the ship. you might not know, but i served as a second mate for a while before becoming an adventurer. in other words, he implied: im not sure about nolfis plan either. whether she succeeds or not doesnt concern me much. ive fulfilled my duty as a lover by providing some assistance. i can tell that you come from a good background based on your refined attire and grooming initially, i thought you ran away from home, enchanted by gehrman sparrows adventure story, and went to sea to become an adventurer. now, it seems your family recommended you to be a second mate to gain work experience. after a while, you resigned and chose the path of an adventurer lumian was unsure how to assess batnas romanticism. glancing at him, he commented, do you realize how dangerous this situation is? batna cleared his throat and replied, i thought the children of the seas wouldnt be too formidable. nolfi and i have sparred before. lumian eyed batna for a couple of seconds before redirecting his gaze to nolfi. what are your plans moving forward? without directly inquiring about hidden collaborators, lumian circumvented the question, aiming to lower nolfis guard and uncover any hints from her responses. nolfi pursed her lips and said, weve been exposed and targeted by the fisheries guild. our original plan is no longer viable. i intend to lay low until the sea prayer ritual concludes. why not just leave? batna interjected, expressing surprise on lumians behalf. he believed that once nolfis motives and identity were revealed, she would promptly abandon this operation and devise an alternative plan for a future sea prayer ritual. nolfi fell silent for a moment before revealing, if the sea prayer ritual succeeds, and im still in port santa, being a child of the sea with a relatively pure bloodline, i should be able to gain a certain boon she paused, briefly gazing at the ground. although it might hasten my transformation into a humanoid lizard, it can also enhance my strength a subtle sorrow lingered in her words. batna stared blankly, his mouth agape, but no words escaped him. lumian raised his hand, adjusting the golden straw hat on his head. using a well-known line from the adventurer series, he remarked, this is both a blessing and a curse. as louis berry prepared to depart, nolfi once again expressed her sincere gratitude. i dont know how to express my gratitude. if you need any help, feel free to come to me. you can find me too, batna chimed in. caught between staying with nolfi or leaving port santa, he hesitated. lumians gaze swept across their faces, and he suddenly smiled. coincidentally, i have something for you two to do. nolfi was taken aback but nodded gently. just shoot. having bid farewell to nolfi and batna, lumian stealthily returned to solow motel from the shadows. emerging from the darkness in the corner of the master bedroom, he found the knight of swords standing by the curtains, silently observing him under the crimson moonlight. why do you always appear like a scene from a ghost story is this a wraith trait or a manifestation of the potions influence? lumian critiqued, expressing gratitude, thank you for your assistance. the knight of swords remained silent. he looked at lumian and inquired, after controlling lato guiaro, it seems youve altered your original plan? lumian chuckled. youre quite perceptive, but i changed my mind perhaps a little earlier or later than the moment you specified. he responded with a hint of a charlatans demeanor and elaborated with a smile, how can an original plan be executed without any changes? thats not the mark of a conspirer but an omnipotent and omniscient one. during the planning process, one must adjust their approach based on feedback, new information, and changes in the situation, while ensuring the true motive remains intact. hence, concealing his true motives was crucial. it was akin to the many paths between the starting point and the end, with often only one true conclusion. this point was the most vulnerable to blockages and ambushes. the knight of swords listened quietly and then silently vanished by the window. lumian allowed himself to relax, washed up, and retired to bed, sleeping soundly until six in the morning. following breakfast provided by the motel, he directed lugano to take ludwig to the streets for some snacks. observing their departure through the closed door, lumian returned to the master bedroom, where the curtains still hung. in the dimness, he pulled out the armchair from the desk and settled in. after an indeterminate period, he suddenly noticed glimmers in the depths of the darkness. he felt himself suspended in midair, devoid of solid ground beneath his feet or a backrest behind him. lumian maintained a stoic expression as he gazed into the profound void with a cosmos-like backdrop. from a distance, juan oro, the president of the fisheries guild, approached, attired in a formal suit and wielding a walking stick. lumian looked at the old man in silence, displaying no surprise, as if anticipating juan oros arrival. as the distance closed to a certain extent, juan oros wrinkles trembled as he uttered in intisian, milo village was once obliterated, along with the sea spawn that ventured onto the land. yet, we stand here today. as long as the sea endures, as long as the cosmos persists, as long as port santa remains a forbidden land for death, we can resurface from the seas depths, regardless of the blows we endure or the loss of our descendants. we can rebuild milo village and initiate the sea prayer ritual anew. this is attested by the clergyman of the earth mother church, their combat ascetics, and their nuns. if we, the children of the sea, are truly pushed to the edge of a precipice, we possess the courage and determination to drag the enemy into the abyss. this is because we firmly believe in our indestructible spirit and the ability to rebuild our village, preventing its extinction. you share all this with me to convey that the fisheries guild and milo villages sea spawn are unafraid of threats, possessing both the ability and courage to face powerful enemies. furthermore, you suggest that the corresponding legacies will endure, resurfacing from the sea in the future. its akin to a warning, cautioning me not to go too far. otherwise, they wont hesitate to engage in an internecine conflict lumian comprehended juan oros veiled message and chose not to respond. he silently observed the old man, waiting for him to continue. juan oros azure eyes reflected the image of the black-haired, green-eyed adventurer louis berry. in a resonant voice, he questioned, what do you and the forces supporting you desire? what is your aim? we wont tolerate the disruption of the sea prayer ritual, nor will we abandon the foundations laid in port santa. realizing that adventurer louis berry is not only formidable but also backed by a faction, they must perceive me as a tough adversary. if they were to confront me head-on, they might find it challenging to prevail. hence, hes here to negotiate, seeking to exchange concessions for my withdrawal? is he attempting to assert his bottom line and strength to dissuade me from rash actions, leaving both sides with a way out? lumian showed no surprise. he glanced around and remarked, why isnt there a chair? i prefer discussing matters while seated. after a brief silence from juan oro, the armchair reappeared behind lumian, and he resumed his original posture. lumian calmly gazed at juan oro, the fisheries guild president, and stated, would you believe me if i told you i never intended to disrupt the sea prayer ritual? never intended to disrupt the sea prayer ritual juan oro repeated, his deep wrinkles furrowing. lumian continued, as long as youre willing to spare the innocent, like the fake governor of the sea, cooperation isnt out of the question. cooperation? juan oro couldnt conceal his astonishment. he scrutinized the adventurer who had forcefully intervened in the fisheries guilds affairs upon arriving at port santa. lumian had stormed the governor of the seas residence, blown up the fisheries guilds main building, and nearly killed his grandson. he wondered if his hearing had slowed down like the other elders. a smile gradually spread across lumians face. he leaned back in his chair and snapped his fingers, igniting a crimson flame. yes, cooperation. Chapter 563 - 563 Another Attempt 563 another attempt 563 another attempt upon learning the intricacies of louis berrys collaboration and his unwavering commitment, juan oro found himself questioning the reliability of his own ears once again. it wasnt that the other partys demands were outrageous or absurd, making it sound like some kind of jest. on the contrary, the fisheries guild could fulfill his desires with minimal effort, without requiring a substantial payment. this went beyond juan oros initial expectations. prior to meeting louis berry, he had mentally prepared himself for potential ruthless extortion. after all, considering the ease with which the other party subdued lato guiaro and displayed strength against the fisheries guild, oro had anticipated a tougher negotiation. surprisingly, louis berry proved to be more amenable to discussion than oro had envisioned. this led juan oro to contemplate whether there might be some deception at play. he wondered if, in the future, berry would abruptly turn against him during their collaboration, breaking the promises made. lumian observed the wrinkled old man silently, refraining from clarifying his intentions. explaining might expose his true motives, and the timing wasnt right yet. after careful consideration, juan oro let out a sigh of age. we can accede to your request. however, throughout our collaboration, we will remain vigilant and formulate contingency plans. lumian smiled, rising from the suspended armchair in the void. he extended his right hand to juan oro. pleasure working with you. juan oro shook his hand and remarked, youre not as crazy as you seem lumian pondered for a moment and smirked. of course, ive always been a clever, rational, and polite adventurer. juan oro wasnt in the mood for idle chatter. he nodded at louis berry and stated, given your preference for discretion in our collaboration, i should depart now. otherwise, my visit might become known to others. lumian took a moment to contemplate before responding, ill dispatch my concealed companion to milo village tomorrow night. ensure the surviving sailors from last years ritual are brought to your main building in advance and kept under control. agreed. juan oro didnt object; this was one of the terms they had agreed upon. as the cane-wielding old man prepared to leave, lumian called out thoughtfully, im a man of my word. i promised giorgia i wouldnt disclose the details of the commission to anyone. but i have a question for you. have any children of the sea from the paco family gone missing recently or not been seen for an extended period? he hinted that his inquiry was linked to the paco familys commission. juan oros expression darkened as he contemplated for more than ten seconds. the paco familys children of the sea have made appearances recently. at first, i thought something had happened to rubis mother, martha, that we shouldnt know about. yet, it turns out shes still fine, just severely injured. no missing children of the sea from the paco family? where did the humanoid lizard come from? lumian was alarmed. his initial thought was that the paco family might be involved with other children of the sea. his second thought was that one of the paco familys children of the sea might have been replaced. is the impostor parading around with the originals face, while the real individual had transformed into a humanoid lizard, meeting their demise at the hands of the great adventurer? lumian couldnt help but associate the substitute and the frequent appearances of the person in question with a sequence name: faceless! it aligned with the lie earrings sequencethe previous sequence of marionettist loki! could it be that after lokis resurrection, he infiltrated port santa and clandestinely replaced a key member of the paco family? was his goal to set a trap for me and execute something during the sea prayer ritual, continuing what he had left incomplete the previous year? with these thoughts swirling, lumian couldnt help but experience a blend of excitement and fear. however, upon further consideration, he dismissed the notion. if loki had genuinely substituted an essential member of the paco family, there wouldnt be any humanoid lizard sightings. he could have discreetly resolved the issue and erased all traces, avoiding such an obvious loophole! moreover, rubi paco wasnt the sole child of the sea in the paco family. martha, as a maiden of the sea, also wielded the residual power of the sea. how could they struggle against a humanoid lizard whose strength hadnt reached the mid-sequence? why would they take the risk of exposing the secret and hiring an external adventurer, louis berry, to handle the situation? with lumians comprehension of the sea prayer ritual and sea spawn deepening, it left him even more bewildered about the paco familys previous decisions. he believed that crucial information was concealed within. he turned to juan oro, organizing his thoughts. are descendants of the same maidens of the sea prohibited from attacking each other? theres no such restriction. juan oro dismissed lumians speculation. lumian deliberately mused aloud, then why did the paco family intentionally hire an outsider like me for the commission instead of utilizing their own beyonders? juan oro maintained his serious expression. its for the same reason i hired someone to monitor pacos house. thats why i sent the little devil to interrogate you. thats why i needed to meet martha. you call that wrinkled, old man-like monster little devil? lumian nodded gently and asked, the paco family must be harboring a significant secret. he refrained from delving deeper and watched as juan oro turned away, walking off with his cane. soon, the cosmic void around him dissipated, and he returned to the draped master bedroom of the suite, seated in the armchair before the desk. lumian smiled, pivoted, grasped the curtain, and drew it open. the morning sun flooded in, casting a radiant glow. the next night, within the ancestral house of the oro family in milo village, a structure only one floor shorter than the residence of the governor of the sea. the building had undergone numerous renovations, showcasing a fusion of antiquated and modern architecture. blackened gray stone walls stood alongside concrete pillars, and beneath the seaweed-covered roof lay red- ringed tiles. the door to the first-floor lounge had been shut, leaving only an elderly man with a black canejuan oroand his cherished grandsonfernandez oro alongside eight unconscious villagers of milo village sprawled on the ground. suddenly, a shadow flickered in a corner of the room, and a figure materialized. standing just over 1.7 meters tall, the figure possessed an ordinary face and sported a brownish-green short-sleeved shirt, loose brownish-yellow pants, strapless leather shoes with vents, and a short circular felt hat. who are you? juan oro inquired in intisian. as one of port santas strongest sea merchants, he had sailed numerous times between the ages of 30 and 50. it was only natural for him to comprehend intisian. the man responded fluently in highlander, im louis berrys companion. you can call me charname. it doesnt seem like the spirit-type beyonder lato encountered louis berry has more than one companion lurking in the shadows juan oro rejoiced that he had chosen negotiation first. with these thoughts racing through his mind, he glanced at fernandez, whose face remained pale, and understood that he wasnt entirely pleased. it was common for young lads to be calculating about who suffered and who benefited, often forgetting their most essential motives. you can start questioning them, juan oro instructed the man known as charname. over the past year, weve employed various methods to determine if theyre lying or not. weve even exploited the uniqueness of other sea spawn. all the results indicate that theyve told the complete truth and concealed nothing. the failure of the sea prayer ritual has nothing to do with them. charnames lips curved into a smile as he replied, how would i know if i dont give it a shot myself? approaching the unconscious sailors, he retrieved a dagger and stabbed their fingertips one by one, smearing the corresponding blood on various spots on the back of his hand. amidst the pain, the sailors began to awaken one after another. in front of them, charname produced a mirror and smiled. your blood will reveal if youre lying and if youre the genuine person. if anyone deceives me, their blood will burn on the mirror, and theyll face the same fate. alright, answer them one by one. as charname spoke, he calmly transferred the blood from the back of his hand to the mirror, a strange sight as it seemed to seep into the glass. the sailors glanced at juan oro, realizing this was another investigation into the cause of the sea prayer rituals failure last year. skilfully, they recounted their experiences, leaving no details omitted. after hearing their accounts, charname asked thoughtfully, were iru and salah responsible for transporting the lamb sacrifices? yes, all the sailors replied in unison. charname pressed on, did they both perish during the sea prayer ritual? the surviving sailors nodded, confirming that their two companions had been thrown overboard in the tidal wave of the failed ritual, never to surface again. turning to juan oro, charname inquired, do you have any belongings from iru and salah? clothes theyve worn many times, toothbrushes not discarded, and the like. i want to try summoning their spirits. although most of their spirits would have dissipated over the past year and cant remember effective information, the state of their spirits can reveal certain things, such as deep resentment and hatred. juan oro shook his head. we attempted it after the sea prayer ritual. we couldnt summon their spirits. those consumed by the raging sea would have their spirits devoured as well. charname chuckled and suggested, lets give it another shot. theres nothing to lose by trying. juan oro pondered for a moment and agreed. he immediately instructed fernandez to retrieve irus extracted tooth and salahs clothes, previously used for spirit channeling. then, they observed as charname set up the altar and initiated a summoning ritual. i! i summon in my name: the sailor of port santas milo village, a man named iru adela, the owner of this tooth a gust of wind blew, and the altars candle flame took on a dark-green hue. a blurry figure quickly materialized. success? he actually succeeded? fernandezs pupils dilated as he gazed above the candle flame. the figure vaguely resembled iru, but it showed no signs of drowning; its skin was pale-white and swollen. instead, its face was covered in blood, and there was an evident wound on its forehead. the specters eyes brimmed with pain and hatred. Chapter 564 - 564 Individual Roles 564 individual roles 564 individual roles looking at the specter suspected to be iru, juan oros expression shifted. back then, even though they had missed the optimal time for spirit channeling, they still managed to learn about the deaths on the first day and found items that could accurately pinpoint the target. utilizing the little devils ability, they completed the summoning, but none of the deceased spirits appeared. this led them to believe that the human spirits that angered the sea would be devoured. no further attempts were made. nearly a year later, the summoning had actually succeeded! moreover, it appeared that iru hadnt drowned at sea but had been shot. this was entirely different from the backlash caused by the failure of the sea prayer ritual! charname used hermes to inquire about the spirit suspected to be iru, but the target was already in a daze and couldnt recall anything. even his appearance had become blurry, assimilated by the environment. charname concluded the ritual and used salahs clothes, worn over many years, to summon the spirit of the other deceased. this time, nothing happened. charname refrained from further attempts. he extinguished the candles flame and dispelled the wall of spirituality. in highlander, he addressed juan oro, the problem has become clearer. juan oro didnt respond. instead, he turned to his grandson, fernandez. take them out and send them home. instruct each of them. alright. although fernandez yearned to hear charnames conjecture and understand the subsequent events, he didnt dare disobey his grandfathers orders. he hurriedly led the surviving sailors out of the lounge and closed the door. after a few moments, juan oro shifted his gaze to charname, whose features didnt stand out. are you suggesting that the iru who perished during the sea prayer ritual was an imposter? charname asked with a smirk, why do you think the fake iru is really dead? the others might have been swallowed by the sea, but not him. disregarding the miraculous resurrection, nobody present could prove that the fake iru had indeed fallen into the sea. observing juan oros silence, charname pressed on, the real iru should have been assassinated by those saboteurs days or even weeks before the sea prayer ritual. no, he was more likely to have been kidnapped, killed by a gun a period after the sea prayer ritual completed; after all, the living cannot have their spirit channeled. later, someone disguised themselves as him and lived in milo village for a period. without arousing suspicion, they boarded the governor of the seas wedding ship as a sailor. right, is iru the kind with no living elders, no spouse, no kids, and not residing with siblings? juan oros eyes narrowed as he spoke, more or less. their grandmother passed away over a decade ago. his parents, children of the sea, established a separate family. after reaching adulthood, they lost control of their powers, turning into pure sea spawn. we had to send them back to the sea. as expected, they picked the sailor with the least difficult disguise, charname remarked with a sigh. juan oro frowned and said, yet, everyone boarding the ship undergoes a routine inspection by another sea spawn to confirm authenticity. charname chuckled. as you said, its a routine inspection, and in this world, many disguises require specific methods or deeper identification to uncover. juan oro nodded solemnly. charname kindly suggested with a hint of flaunting, next time, it might be wise to draw blood from everyone boarding the ship and compare it to their closest relatives. it could reveal their true bloodline. thats an idea, juan oro tersely acknowledged. over the centuries, the sea prayer ritual had encountered no issues, so they hadnt considered refining the details. juan oro inquired, what do those who disrupted the ritual want? were not certain either, charname shrugged, glancing towards the curtained window that led to the governor of the seas residence. juan oro sensed a hint in charnames allusion to something louis berry had mentioned earlier. he subtly nodded and added, when this years sea prayer ritual succeeds, well release miguel and allow him to live in torres. by then, the failure of last years ritual wont remain a secretive burden. theres no need for us to harm miguel. miguel? charname inquired thoughtfully. hes the false governor of the sea. he used to work for the fisheries company, and his lineage traces back to milo village, juan oro explained succinctly. charname diverted his gaze, a faint smile gracing his lips. hes had his year of indulgence. fear may linger, but everything comes with a price. the companion of the great adventurer paused, curiosity lighting up his eyes. did your ancestor come from the depths of the sea, or did ordinary fishermen suddenly gain inspiration and enlightenment, mastering the art of pleasing the sea and gaining its favor? he inquired. juan oro took a moment of silence before responding, we dont know. both possibilities are equally plausible. milo village was once eradicated by the earth mother church. many legacies were severed, and were left clueless about our ancestors origins. on a personal note, i lean towards the second theory. were different from typical sea spawn. the children we bear initially resemble humans. its only as they absorb more of the seas power that they transform into humanoid lizards. additionally, while our strength weakens, theirs does not. charname nodded in agreement. im inclined to think the second scenario is more likely too. he then asked, have all traces of milo villages ancestors truly been erased? is there no evidence left? juan oro studied charname for a moment before revealing, theres some residual evidence in the underground chamber of the governor of the seas residence, but its just symbols and patterns. theyre meaningless and indecipherable. if you want to see them, wait until the vigil ritual. but arent you concerned about the risk of exposing our collaboration by going to the governor of the seas residence now? fair point. after obtaining other details, charname abruptly receded into the shadows in the corner and vanished. juan oro watched as the great adventurers companion disappeared and released a slow sigh. he sensed a storm brewing around port santa. in the master bedroom of the fifth-floor suite at solow motel. emerging from the shadows, charname adorned the silver lie earring behind his left ear. his eyes swiftly transformed, becoming as clear as a lake, and his flaxen-tinted hair cascaded over his shoulders. franca, still radiating astonishing charm despite her male attire, tossed the earring back to lumian. she retrieved a black rubber band from her pocket and tied her long hair into a high ponytail. ive discovered traces of bard! the demoness of pleasure exclaimed with joy. why bard and not the other two? lumian sat in an armchair in front of the desk, tightly drawn curtains behind him. deliberately returning to trier and bringing franca to port santa for her assistance, lumian believed himself inferior to the demoness of pleasure in divination and spirit channeling. rather than wasting the truth serum, he sought francas direct help. additionally, he wanted franca to assume the guise of his other identity, completely separating him from the adventurer louis berry. this would enable him to deceive those secretly monitoring him and potentially execute future deceptions. franca shared her findings from the spirit channeling today and the completed conversation. the fake iru must first possess powers akin to a facelesss, followed by adept thieving skills. long ago, i know someone mentioned that bard is a sequence 6 prometheus of the marauder pathway. its highly likely hes even stronger now. if others hadnt confirmed that loki wasnt involved in last years sea prayer ritual prank, at least not openly, he would have been the most suitable to impersonate iru. now, the probability of iru being bard is higher. as a mid-sequence marauder beyonder, perhaps he possesses an item similar to lie. maybe he prayed to that celestial worthy, undergoing a change in physique and appearance. additionally, he could be imbued with mystical anti-divination and anti-prophecy traits. marauder is one of the three pathways most easily influenced by celestial worthy. lumian listened quietly, and a smile gradually formed on his face. bards role and purpose in last years ritual are essentially clear. he disguised himself as a sailor, boarded the ship, stole the genuine ceremonial ring, and replaced it with a fake one. then, he willingly leaped into the sea, feigning his death to make his escape! lumian paused briefly before continuing, the question now is, what roles did mad lady and ultraman play in this matter? so far, their presence doesnt seem to affect the final failure of the sea prayer ritual. franca pursed her lips and paced back and forth. mad lady might handle receiving and communication. for instance, after bard jumped into the sea, she could teleport over and whisk him away to prevent him from being consumed by the tumultuous sea. only a traveler possesses such an ability. ultraman is likely responsible for providing information about the sea prayer ritual and devising the corresponding plan. but that cant be all. he probably has other roles lumian leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully. i concur with your hypothesis about mad lady, but according to the information we have, entering those special waters requires guidance from the children of the sea, following a specific route. how did mad lady teleport inside? was she lurking on the ship? or does bard carry some special coordinates with him? its certainly not a physical item; otherwise, it would have been discovered. as for ultraman, ive always suspected hes a native of port santa with a profound understanding of the sea prayer ritual. he likely orchestrated the prank last year. at this point, lumian stood up. my intuition suggests that if we can uncover ultramans actions in last years prank and identify his role beyond being the mastermind, we can discern april fools true motives in this matter! Chapter 565 - 565 Possible Breakthrough 565 possible breakthrough 565 possible breakthrough francas emotions were stirred by lumians words, and she responded with anticipation, then its akin to catching a fox by its tail. when the time comes, well summon good helpers and strive to eliminate a few more key members of april fools! as she spoke, she gritted her teeth. despite lumian and franca making various guesses and deductions about ultramans role in last years prank, none of them felt they had grasped the key to the mystery. franca exhaled and said, phew, there are still some important puzzle pieces missing. see if you can fish out more details. she needed to return to trier. lumian tersely acknowledged her words and asked thoughtfully, hows your search for the tamara familys descendant going? nothing yet, but madam judgment intends to inform the other major arcana card holders about this. she hopes they can help keep an eye out, franca briefly explained her situation. lumian gazed at her face and said, i have an investigative direction. what? franca perked up. lumians lips curled up. investigate the other members of the demoness sect in trier. given the close ties between certain members of the tamara family and the demoness sect, they might even be collaborating to establish the secret organization, theosophy order. theres a chance that one of them could directly join the demoness sect. moreover, considering madam judgments mission for you to infiltrate the demoness sect, discern the primordial demonesss current state and issues, why not investigate other demonesses? are you going to wait until you reach the level of a powerhouse like a demoness of red before gathering information? do you believe there will be enough angel-level hunter beyonder characteristics to aid your return to your original gender at that point? why the demoness of red? franca instinctively focused on this question. lumian smiled. have you forgotten your nickname, madame red boots? franca smiled awkwardly. isnt that to create a persona with characteristics that can be easily changed when youre on the run? its clearly different from the description on the wanted poster. ahem, isnt it too dangerous to investigate other demonesses under the watchful eyes of the demoness of black? lumian raised his eyebrows and smiled meaningfully. why are you investigating the tamara family? investigating mirror people, franca replied subconsciously. lumian asked again, and who assigned you the mirror people investigation? the demoness of black franca immediately shut her mouth. she then muttered to herself, however, an intricate balance needs to be struck. the source of the intel must be fabricated nicely; otherwise, well still be suspected. lumian didnt say anything else. he grabbed francas shoulder and planned to send her back to trier. franca glanced at the curtained window and eagerly said, remember to ask me for help when you visit the combat nuns in the future. she arrived in port santa in the afternoon and spent a long time using the fake namecharnameshe chose herself, and the face on lumians fake id to travel about. with her fluent highlander, she quickly grasped the folklore and combat nuns styles. lumian scoffed dismissively. dont even think about it. you cant impregnate them. franca replied indignantly, theoretically, its not impossible, but its quite dangerous. think about it, madame pualis. lumian was left speechless. besides, giving birth isnt the only important thing in life franca continued to search for an excuse. lumian exhaled silently and activated the black mark on his right shoulder. he disappeared from the master bedroom with franca, who was still talking. in no time, lumian reappeared at the exact spot he had left. shaking his head and teasing franca, he eased back into the armchair. it had to be acknowledged that bantering and joking with friends, free from the need for caution, proved helpful in relieving the pent-up emotions within him. having regained his composure, lumian reclined in his chair, sorting through the information on the sea prayer ritual and various rhetoric in his mind. he sought details that might unveil traces of ultramans existence and confirm any overlooked issues. as a conspirer, lumian didnt require jotting down key points on paper. he relied on his eyes to decipher the hints. all the information formed a colossal spiderweb in his mind, slowly weaving and transforming. after a while, he abruptly sat upright. a breakthrough had been unearthed that could expose the essence of the sea prayer ritual. lumian stood and exited the master bedroom. he spotted ludwig devouring a crispy potato omelet at the dining table in the living room. seated across from the boy, lumian smiled as he retrieved the mutated black spiders compound eye, a spiritual ingredient lacking beyonder characteristics. ludwig immediately glanced up at lumian. can you eat this? lumian flicked the black compound eye. ludwig vigorously nodded. yes. intrigued, lumian took out the mystery prying glasses and inquired, can you eat this? not yet, ludwig honestly replied. not yet. in other words, perhaps in the future? lumian stowed away the mystery prying glasses and placed the mutated black spiders compound eye on the dining table before him. id like you to translate something. if you can provide the correct answer, its yours for consumption. ludwig gulped and agreed, okay. lumian recalled lato guiaros strange pronunciation and emitted a chattering sound. finally, he said, thats the general idea. ludwig shook his head in disappointment. i dont know. he paused briefly before adding, but i think ive heard it somewhere. its somewhat familiar. had most of his memories and knowledge been sealed when his body of heart and mind was sealed? under ludwigs reluctant gaze, lumian returned the mutated black spiders compound eye to his travelers bag. ludwig shoved a mouthful of potato omelet into his mouth and mumbled, if you can find a creature that understands this language for me to eat, i can translate for you. wh lumian asked in surprise, can you acquire a certain ability or knowledge by consuming something? theres a time limit, and it depends on the specific situation, ludwig succinctly explained without elaborating. lumian nodded thoughtfully. were you able to reveal information about the batings black insect because you had consumed that kind of insect shortly before? ludwig nodded. yes, it wanted to ambush me. it had been waiting for a long time. that explains it. i had thought you had recovered some of your memories and knowledge. indeed, a paralyzing attack wouldnt only target lugano. after all, this could turn into a trap at any moment lumian stood up and left the dining table, returning to the master bedroom under ludwigs pitiful gaze. he had no means to find ludwig a creature that understood the language of the sea. the fisheries guild members couldnt be certain if their interpretation was accurate. after entering the master bedroom and closing the door, lumian lowered his voice and said, temiboros, do you understand that language? do you know the true meaning of that sentence? termiboross majestic voice echoed in lumians ears. in any case, it doesnt mean we espouse thee, o sea, as a sign of true and perpetual dominion.'' with that, termiboros fell silent again, showing no intention of explaining the true meaning to lumian. dammit, might as well not answer! you confirmed my guess but didnt unveil the true content! heh heh, could it be that youre just pretending to understand? lumian cursed inwardly, feeling that termiboros, the angel of inevitability, was becoming less direct and straightforward than before. he didnt comprehend the art of sophistry. gradually, he learned how to infuriate! lumian composed himself and settled back into the armchair. unfolding the letter, he began writing to madam magician. detailing his travels, he recounted what he had observed in port santa. finally, he pieced together the pronunciation and wrote down the words to the unknown language. he gave the interpretation of what the fisheries guild believed: we espouse thee, o sea, as a sign of true and perpetual dominion. then, he made a request: madam, have you encountered this language before? do you know its true meaning? after folding the letter, lumian initiated a ritual and summoned the doll messenger. the doll messenger, adorned in a light-gold dress, emerged from the candles flame and surveyed its surroundings. in a menacing tone, it declared, dont let that filthy child near me! hes dining outside. he wont enter without my permission. for some reason, lumian sensed hidden fear in the doll messengers aggressive words. the messenger nodded in satisfaction. keep an eye on it! if it acts up, dont feed it! using it as a substitute name lumian smiled and said, if i dont feed him, something even more terrifying might happen. the messenger fell silent for a moment before saying, then feed it more! with that, the doll-like messenger swiftly withdrew the folded letter into the candle flame. lumian concluded the ritual, extinguished the candles flame, and gazed at the master bedrooms door. he muttered to himself, its indeed a dangerous sealed creature he then retrieved the golden pocket watch from salle de bal brise and opened it to take a look. suddenly, he transformed into a shadow, seamlessly blending into the darkness. there was still something to attend to tonight. in the port district, atop the fisheries guilds castle-like building, lumian found lato guiaro waiting on the spot resembling a tower, dressed in a formal suit. are you on duty tonight? lumian casually pressed down on his golden straw hat, as if engaging in casual conversation with a friend. lato, the middle-aged man, sighed and said, originally, no, but since you wanted to come over, thats the case. we cant let an old man like the president do it, right? without further ado, lumian conjured delayed crimson, nearly white fireballs and hurled them into various corners of the tower. having completed this task, he waved at lato guiaro and melted back into the shadows. lato approached the towers entrance, clenching his fists in fear. in just 30 seconds, the crimson, nearly white fireballs exploded simultaneously. rumble! the entire tower became engulfed in flames, and lato, stationed at the entrance, was sent flying by the shockwave. bright scales had already surfaced on his body to mitigate the damage. rumble! in less than half an hour, everyone in port santa who was well-informed learned something: the fisheries guild had been bombed! Chapter 566 - 566 Gathered Clues 566 gathered clues 566 gathered clues solow motel. lumian gazed at the red flames in the port district, tuning in to the distant commotion, anticipating potential visitors. before long, a knock echoed on the door. lumian didnt wait for lugano to wake up. he pivoted and strode to the door. the moment he swung it open, noelia, clad in brown leather armor and a wimple, stood before him. noelias expression was as cold as ice. she abruptly raised her hand and uttered ancient hermes words, imprison! lumian found himself instantly immobilized. transparent walls or a viscous liquid seemed to encase him, turning him into an insect trapped in amber. in the next second, noelia unsheathed a straight sword from her back. simultaneously, lumians pants tightened, as if he had grown taller and more robust. an explosive force emanated from his body. the transparent amber restraining him creaked, revealing invisible cracks. with a whoosh, noelia clutched the hilt of her straight sword with both hands, slicing through the air, carving through the already shaky prison, aiming for lumians head. lumians right fist, ready to strike, collided with the side of the straight sword, a condensed crimson, almost white flame accompanying the impact. amidst a deep and controlled explosion, the straight sword slanted, grazing the door frame as it descended to the ground. taking advantage of the situation, noelia retreated, sheathed her sword, and inquired in intisian, were you the one who blew up the fisheries guild? upon witnessing this, lumian refrained from retaliation. his body returned to its normal state as he smiled and replied, it doesnt matter if i blew it up. what matters is whether anyone can prove it. he understood that noelia had issued a warning and wasnt truly targeting him. otherwise, she would have employed other beyonder powers after the imprison instead of slashing with her sword. noelia, upholding the dignity of maintaining order in port santa throughout the year, used a questioning tone typical for various suspects. why did you go to such lengths? why did you cause such a commotion? lumian turned his head, signaling lugano, who had awakened at the commotion, to return to sleep in the servants room. walking toward the recliner in the living room, he ignored noelias question and smiled. ive discovered something. like what? noelia entered the suite and closed the wooden door behind her. lumian motioned toward the divan. lets have a seat and talk. i wouldnt want you accusing me of being impolite. noelia glanced at lumian and grinned. what kind of politeness is there without greeting me by pressing your cheek against mine? her demeanor was direct. lumian eased into the recliner and responded to the question, for instance, last years sea prayer ritual failed. noelia didnt display surprise. she sat on the edge of the divan, leaning forward slightly to avoid the straight sword on her back from jabbing her. what else? lumian pondered for a moment and casually remarked, also, the sea prayer ritual is a marriage to the sea. furthermore, the governor of the sea is the husband of the sea, and the maidens of the sea embody the sea in the real world. whether its the governor of the sea or the maidens of the sea, the offspring they bear are the children of the sea. the first one possesses the purest bloodline though lumian was well aware that the offspring of the women the governor of the sea had slept with were descendants of the sea, whether they were maidens of the sea or not, with his profound mystical knowledge and extraordinary insights, he couldnt help but consider that the governor of the sea having his children on his own was also part of the equation. phew, as expected, the more you know, the easier it is to be corrupted. i wouldnt have thought so in the past lumian sighed inwardly. noelia, in surprise and admiration, sighed. youve made faster progress in your investigation than i anticipated. most of it pieced together in such a short time. its been quite a while. my language comprehension charm will expire tomorrow. i wonder how much ill retain from this enhanced week of study lumian grinned and teased, dont tell me you think my reputation as a great adventurer was just boasting? claiming a bounty of 300,000 gold risot for the demon warlock certainly isnt a boast, noelia diplomatically acknowledged, indicating she didnt underestimate someone capable of hunting down such a target. content, she nodded and continued, while many beyonders wield impressive abilities, their intelligence often falls short. they revel in belligerence and flaunt their might, but youre not one of them. still, i must caution you not to push too far. despite understanding your true motive for stirring up this commotion, we must uphold peace and order in port santa. dont make things difficult for us. coupled with the warning, the implication is that you shouldnt disrupt port santas current situation. youre free to investigate the sea prayer ritual, but stirring up trouble with the fisheries guild is a no-go. what exactly does your church of earth mother aim for? it seems like theres a mixed desireboth wanting and not wanting some actions to be taken lumian contemplated noelias hint, a smile playing on his lips as he spoke, if you had been more forthcoming, i wouldnt have had to work this hard. noelia offered a polite yet awkward smile. we lack extensive intel. all i can say is the church allows the sea prayer ritual and the fisheries guild to obtain power from the sea for a reason, unrelated to our ability to solve it. im not privy to the reasonperhaps the archbishop or our fertility order president could shed light. lumian scoffed and said, then why allow my investigation of the sea prayer ritual? with a sigh, noelia replied, do we need to know? we didnt pry into your true motives for probing the ritual, did we? with that, the combat nun swiftly rose from the sofa, striding purposefully towards the suites door. after a few steps, she halted, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. there are ancient traces concealed in the basement of the governor of the seas residence in milo village. they might unveil something crucial. its best to seize an opportunity to investigate. in the subterranean chamber beneath the governor of the seas residence? according to francas account, milo villages ancestors had left behind symbols and patterns. does noelia suggest these hold vital information? is the reason for the church of earth mother knowingly allowing the occurrence of the sea prayer ritual hidden in that chamber? if juan oro isnt deceptive or concealing the truth, and isnt engaging in foul play, doesnt that imply that the earth mother church possesses a deeper understanding of milo villages ancestors than their own descendants? it makes sense. after all, they once obliterated milo village and eradicated the faction of those ancestors. over the past thousand years, there has been no disruption in the legacy, maintaining a prominent position in the real world. lumian observed noelias departure without pressing further. as he returned to the master bedroom, preparing for sleep, the doll messenger dropped a folded piece of paper, swiftly departing without a greeting. ludwig isnt that repulsive, except for being a bit ravenous and devouring everything, right? uh, madam magician does tend to stay up late. shes quickest with her replies at night lumian muttered under his breath as he picked up the response. swiftly unfolding it, he scanned the contents. your performance in port santa has been impressive thus far. i wont interfere or provide excessive guidance. this is a prime chance for you to further digest the conspirer potion. ive roughly reconstructed that sentence and read it multiple times. its not in any language i know presently, but what i can confirm is its lack of natural power. however, it possesses a certain energylanguage can possess such energy. what does this imply? it means that during the sea prayer ritual, it cant serve as a sacrificial language or communicate with beyonder itemsin simpler terms, the sea. so why does the sea prayer ritual work? the key may lie within the ceremonial ring. theres a high chance it has a distinct appearance, peculiar patterns, strong spirituality, and embedded knowledge. the sentence relies on its pronunciation, structure, and energy to activate the ring, making it functional. if you can recreate the rings state after the vigil ritual, im confident i can decode its specific effects and approximate meaning. that makes sense. when lato guiaro recited the words we espouse thee, o sea there were no indications of natural power being invoked. it must serve a different purpose lumian gained a deeper understanding of the sea sacrificial segment after reading madam magicians explanation. most of the clues seemed to await his infiltration of the governor of the seas residence. the next morning, lugano led ludwig through the streets, grabbing breakfast according to the boys cravings. out of nowhere, someone hurriedly passed by, head lowered, and seemingly slipped, accidentally bumping into him. lugano smoothly shifted his body, preventing the person from making contact. he went the extra mile, helping the individual up and hypocritically saying, be careful. the man quickly pressed something into luganos hand, muttered an apology, and seamlessly melted into the crowd. lugano glanced down at his palm, revealing a crumpled white post-it note. unrushed, he didnt immediately read the note. after securing breakfast for ludwig, he returned to solow motel and briefed lumian. lumian took the crumpled note, unfolding it with a nonchalant gesture. in delicate handwriting, it conveyed: after last years ritual, the sea experienced an anomaly. Chapter 567 - 567 Possible Leaker 567 possible leaker 567 possible leaker the failure of the sea prayer ritual last year caused an anomaly in the sea? lumian couldnt help but interpret it that way after going through the contents. studying the note in his hand, a familiar fragrance wafted to him. after some thought, lumian recalled the source: the paco familys madame giorgias perfume. were they inexperienced or intentionally leaving a trace, implying the paco family as the source of this information? lumian mused to himself, recalling the sudden appearance of a humanoid lizard in the paco family, the severe injuries to rubi pacos mother martha, and the peculiarities surrounding them. is the core issue the seas abnormality? has it weakened the paco familys beyonders, causing an ordinary person without sea lineage to transform into a humanoid lizard? perhaps they dont want other sea spawn to know and were lacking the strength to handle the humanoid lizard, thus seeking foreign adventurers to resolve it? lumian gained a new insight into the contradictions within the paco familys commission. lato guiaro and juan oro hadnt mentioned the seas anomaly. they only noted the seas increased violence without the rituals appeasement, the frequent departure of death navigators from their territory, and the declining strength of the children of the sea. from their perspective, this situation seemed normal, foreseeable, and unrelated to any anomaly. did the anomaly solely affect the paco family, or did juan oro, lato guiaro, and others intentionally conceal this matter? are they guarding against each other? lumian speculated as he watched the note consumed by crimson flames in his palm. he leaned toward the latter possibility. if the paco family wasnt unique, the seas anomaly should have widespread effects, not solely targeting them. this understanding shed light on rubi pacos disdain when speaking of the maidens of the sea. discovering the truth about the maidens of the sea and his true lineage likely filled him with self-loathing and contempt for the entire sea prayer ritual. hed rather forfeit his familys inheritance than marry another maiden of the sea. when the sea anomaly affected the entire paco family, these emotions reached their zenith. lumians suspicion grew that nolfis covert ally might be rubi paco. regardless, given the paco familys resources and status, they could lead a comfortable life even without the sea prayer ritual. lugano stood to the side, observing his employer as lumian delved into deep thought after reading the note. a twinge of nervousness and fluster crossed luganos demeanor. is something about to unfold again? lumian glanced up at lugano, his expression pensive. though i havent reached highlander proficiency, ive mastered the daily words i need. my body language suffices for a normal life in port santa. plus, the folks ill be dealing with know intisian. i can settle the remaining balance now and offer you a free teleport back to trier. instinctively, lugano shook his head. you cant attend to ludwig when youre in action. if i leave now, wholl keep an eye on him? its unclear whos watching whom lumian stared at lugano for a brief moment, sensing, for the first time, an unsettling undertone in the interpreters demeanor. despite prior attacks and potential risks, there was an inexplicable resistance to the suggestion of terminating the employment contract and taking his offer for a safe departure! it wouldnt even cost him a verl dor! considering luganos typical behavior and personality, lumian assumed he would readily accept the remaining payment and leave port santa. reality, however, proved otherwise. perhaps lugano himself doesnt understand the rationale behind his decision. it is just an instinctive choice lumian nodded subtly, opting not to press further on settling the final payment and terminating their employment contract. in milo village, within the oro familys extensively renovated ancestral house, juan oro lounged by the window, puffing on a hookah, his gaze fixed on the sun dipping below the horizon, casting an orange glow. his thoughts drifted to the impending sea prayer ritual, just over a week away. abruptly, he turned his head, eyeing a shadow near the door. the darkness stirred, and a man with green eyes, sporting a golden straw hat, white shirt, and black vest, emergedthe adventurer, louis berry. why are you here again? juan oro sighed, switching to intisian. lumian chuckled, dragging a chair into the suns waning rays. ive got another inquiry and a heads-up about a particular operation. juans eyes narrowed. what scheme are you plotting now? tonight, i intend to infiltrate the governor of the seas residence. if i go unnoticed, ill observe the rooms where the vigil ritual is conducted. if discovered, ill make a swift exit. this fits my radical persona and purported motives, doesnt it? itll deflect suspicion from our covert collaboration, lumian disclosed, a hint of a smile in his explanation. juan oro harbored an unexplained sense of threat from louis berry, yet he found no tangible evidence. despite this, lumians words resonated with an unsettling logic. he drew a deep drag from his hookah in silence before he spoke. what are you getting at? lumian smiled. im curious to see the ring that marries the sea, its intricate engravings, and the patterns it bears. i know youve only crafted the ring mold and havent completed the ritual to infuse it with something special. however, after serving as deputy host 11 times and assisting even more, im confident youve memorized the patterns, symbols, and structure. juan oro stiffened, his tone turning icy. whats your motive? the rooms afterglow, touched by the setting sun, dimmed suddenly, as if being pulled into another dimension. unfazed, lumian responded, why all the secrecy? havent you heard that the rings design, patterns, and structure have long been exposed? juan oros eyes narrowed.when did this happen? lumian arched an eyebrow. didnt my companion inform you of the true reason behind the sea prayer ritual failure? he merely confirmed the fake iru on the ship. juan oro had his suspicions. lumian grinned, shaking his head. he began unraveling his deductions, starting with the custom-made fake ring in torres and the orchestrated lamb sacrifice sent to the ship after a bribe. juan oro held his silence, his countenance growing darker. after a tense pause, he spoke in a hoarse tone, not many are privy to the intricacies of the ring of the sea queen, and the fact that sea spawn seldom inspect the sacrificial offerings entrails. each of them, the children of the sea, veterans of countless core rituals, are still alive iru and salah were oblivious as juan oros words, spoken through gritted teeth, reached lumians ears, a sudden realization dawned upon him. ultraman is affiliated with the fisheries guild, a child of the sea endowed with numerous powers and a distinct status! theres also the possibility that hes manipulated such an individual, establishing a clandestine partnership. without such a connection, how could april fools possess precise details about the ceremonial rings appearance and exploit the sea prayer rituals supervisory loophole? even though i know someone mentioned that ultraman is a sun pathway beyonder, it doesnt rule out his identity as a child of the sea. transforming into a child of the sea first and then drinking the sun pathways potion shouldnt pose an issue. the power of the child of the sea resonates with the cosmos, and the sun and the cosmos are inherently compatible. is april fools true motive for disrupting the sea prayer ritual preparations related to ultraman or his collaborator aiming to fully control the power or the palace at the bottom of the sea? lumians thoughts gradually clarified. he looked at juan oro with a relaxed smile and remarked, if there wasnt a mole, how could the sea prayer ritual be disrupted so easily? juan oro had harbored similar suspicions for the past year; lumians words were irrefutable. after some contemplation with an unpleasant expression, juan oro composed himself and stated, i have to uncover the traitor before the official sea sacrifice at this point, juan oro turned his gaze to lumian. i might need your cooperation on something when the time comes. oh, youre fishing too? lumian replied with a smile, no problem. juan oro set down his hookah and left his seat. he walked to the desk, retrieved a pen and paper, and began sketching. nearly ten minutes later, the old man staggered to lumian and handed him the paper. lumian glanced at it and recognized six designsrepresenting the front, left, right, back, front, and inner parts of the ring of the sea queen. each design featured intricate and mystifying symbols and patterns. its actually useless for you to obtain it. it wont have any effect, juan oro said in a low, raspy voice. the corresponding sea spawn have to use their special abilities to inscribe them on the ring and corrode them for six hours to please the sea and gain her recognition. lumian nodded and replied,i have no intention of replicating one. he was obtaining it solely to send to madam magician for interpretation. he then asked, is this the ring-making segment of the vigil ritual? is there no other step? theres another step. an assistant host will take the ring to the basement and place it in front of the patterns and symbols representing our ancestors for an hour. this is a show of respect to our ancestors, like greeting the elders before a wedding, juan oro explained briefly. after a moment of contemplation, lumian responded, can you also draw the patterns and symbols representing your ancestors? juan oro returned to the desk. this time, he completed it in just two minutes. lumian took it and noticed scattered lines and arcs. many details were missing from the middle, making it impossible to discern its original appearance. seeing it in person might allow you to make connections easier. juan oro sighed again. lumian nodded. then ill infiltrate the governor of the seas residence tonight. juan oro tersely acknowledged his words. be careful of the sea spawn there. they have their own specialties. they might not be very strong, but they can counter certain abilities of yours. late at night, under the crimson moonlight, lumian appeared near the cathedral-like building. Chapter 568 - 568 Patterns of the "Ancestors" 568 patterns of the ancestors 568 patterns of the ancestors lumian swiveled his head towards the docks, his body seamlessly blending into the shadows beyond the moonlights reach. following the shadowy path, he smoothly bypassed the guards at the entrance, slipping into the sacred-looking building without a sound. in the foyer, he came to a sudden halt. amidst the dark fishnets, he spotted short figures with oddly large heads, bulging eyes, and wrinkled skin C like elders in miniature. standing just over a meter tall, they were the little devils mentioned by juan oro, a species of sea spawn. infiltrating the shadows, these little devils patrolled the governor of the seas residence, using their unique abilities to prevent any unauthorized entry. having encountered them before, lumian knew these little devils werent formidable opponents. despite their talent for blending into shadows and creating illusions, he could dispatch a team with ease. yet, eliminating them discreetly posed a challenge. lumian couldnt be certain that dealing with one group of little devils wouldnt stir up trouble and alert other creatures lurking in the building. focused, lumian surveyed the areas untouched by shadows. in the crimson moonlight, he discerned vague figures drifting in the void, intermittently appearing and disappearing. these were fish adorned in dark-gray armor, their bulging eyes resembling meatballs at both ends. starlight-threaded thin threads peeked through the gaps in their scale-like armor. the peculiar fish hovered in the air, scattering across different regions. occasionally, they released bubbles carrying formless storms and impalement-inducing cracks. erupting bubbles created countless invisible spikes, setting perilous traps for teleporting guests. at the hall intersection and various aisles, silent three-man guard teams patrolled. their expressions betrayed nothing, but lumian noticed slender black insects, covered in bristles, emerging from their necks and mouths. after a brief inspection, the batings black insects swiftly retracted into the guards bodies. the eyes of sea creature statues on the wall appeared alive, scanning the areas with a strange awareness. just as juan oro said, there are a large number of different sea spawn here. infiltrating silently amidst the diverse sea spawn here proves to be a formidable task. lumian, patient, opted to remain in the foyer, awaiting the right moment. in under two minutes, a thunderous bang reverberated from the dock. crimson flames shot into the sky, casting an eerie glow on nearby windows, making them quiver. little devils lurking in the shadows, armored monster fish manipulating the surrounding void, batings black insects orchestrating guards, and peculiar creatures concealed in the statues eyesall instinctively shifted their focus to the glass window near the dock. lumian sprang into action. he orchestrated the disturbance with a delayed explosion! seizing the opportunity, he stealthily navigated through the shadows surrounding the little devils and skirted the region patrolled by the armored monster fish. before other sea spawn could react, he pinpointed the room at the far end of the hall, relying on juan oros intel. a dim light emitted from the black mark on his right shoulder as he swiftly reached the door of the target room. in a blink, he transformed into a shadow, slipping through the crack. inside, lumian discovered intricate patterns and symbols etched on the floor, ceiling, and walls, reminiscent of magnified versions of juan oros hand- drawn sacrificial ring pattern. besides that, nothing else caught his eye. lumian deduced, during the vigil ritual, some sea spawn enter this place, condense the patterns from every direction, and carve them into the ring mold. then, they infuse them with special energy. quickly scanning the area, he stepped out of the shadows, activating a black mark on his chest. nearly invisible water ripples danced on the surrounding walls, then subsided. bottle of fiction! lumian enclosed the two connected rooms into the bottle of fiction. the entry requirement: ordinary humans. he positioned himself near the opening of the bottle of fiction, deliberately creating loud footsteps as he hid by the door. almost instantly, certain sea spawn picked up on the disturbance. recalling the explosion at the docks and the towering flames, they realized they had fallen into a diversion. summoning the armored monster fish, batings black insects, little devils, and their cohorts, they ordered an investigation into the ring-making ritual venue for potential infiltrators. despite attempts to rush in through the door, the sea spawn inexplicably found themselves back in the hall. the armored monster fish, discerning the issue, released bubbles with a formless storm toward the entrance of the bottle of fiction. as before they surged towards him, aiming to breach the room, lumian, now a shadow creature, slipped through the crack at the base of the wooden door, quietly exiting the bottle of fiction and returning to the hall. his ploy successfully diverted the sea spawns attention, creating a chance for him to change positions. naturally, he needed to employ effective tactics a few more times! anticipating the enemys disbelief in encountering the same trick repeatedly within a short span, lumian knew they would assume there were alternative plans. of course, on the third attempt, heightened vigilance would set in. everything they saw would seem like a distraction. when the moment arrived, lumian could flip the strategy. seizing the moment when the sea spawn fixated on the bottle of fiction, lumian deftly avoided the gathering of little devils. he circled the armored monster fish, reaching a corner of the hall, and once again utilized spirit world traversal. this time, lumians destination was the staircase leading to the basement. the guards, lured into the hall, left the area unmonitored. as lumians silhouette appeared at the staircase entrance, he swiftly transformed into a shadow, slipping into the basement through the darkness. no guards or sea spawn patrolled this seemingly unimportant area, an area that was merely a testament to the villagers of milo villages reverence for their ancestors. in his shadow creature form, lumian possessed natural night vision. even without a fireball, he could vaguely discern the dark basement. despite its dampness due to proximity to the sea, the absence of a moldy odor was thanks to the various beyonder powers within the building. at the center stood a decrepit stone platform, reminiscent of an altar for ancestor worship. surrounding it were signs of destruction, leaving only disjointed lines, arcs, and indistinct patterns. do these fragmented symbols and patterns constitute the coat of arms of milo villages ancestors? or do they possess mystical effects? lumian scrutinized them repeatedly, struggling to reconstruct the undamaged version in his mind. yet, he sensed that since noelia of the fertility order had alluded to the revealing nature of these symbols and patterns, he might extract valuable information. what kind of information could it be? maintaining his shadow creature form, lumian extended into the darkness, surveying his surroundings. frowning, he whispered, could it be that the church of earth mother, fully capable of obliterating this place, deliberately left traces? does this imply that the sea prayer ritual holds some influence over them too? lumian directed his gaze at the stone platform, the sacrificial offering to the ancestors, recalling juan oros details about the ring-making ritual. after crafting the ring of the sea queen, it would rest here for an hour as a mark of respect to their ancestors. was it placed on this partially collapsed altar? approaching the grayish-black stone platform, lumian observed no dust accumulation. all remaining lines converged on an empty space at the center of the circle. his heart stirred as he retrieved a louis dor, placing it in the center of the altar. nothing happened. undeterred, lumian replaced the louis dor with gold risot, mystery prying glasses, flog boxing gloves, and various other items. yet, still no anomaly. persistence drove him. lumian pulled out the silver lie earring from his pocket and positioned it on an empty space on the stone platform. in the next moment, a surreal sensation enveloped lumian. within the stone platform, illusory lines and arcs materialized, intertwining with remnants to form two distinct patterns: one pattern featured layers of doors sketched with simple strokes, while the other resembled a clock divided into twelve sectors, albeit having a single hand. lumian observed keenly, sensing something adhering to the lie earring. in an instant, the lines from the stone platform dimmed, retracted, and returned to their original positions. normalcy resumed. are these the patterns representing milo villages ancestors? or did they gain knowledge from the initial revelations? lumian sensed sea spawn surging toward the basement. after muttering to himself, he seized the lie earring and teleported away. in the master bedroom of the suite at solow motel. as lumians figure manifested, he settled down and began writing to madam magician. unfazed by checking the changes in the lie earring, he intended to send it to his major arcana card holder for inspection. recreating the patterns, symbols, structure, and various scenes from the governor of the seas residence, lumian neatly folded several letters, arranged a ritual, and summoned the doll messenger. then, he patiently awaited the reply. Chapter 569 - 569 Language Interpretation 569 language interpretation 569 language interpretation the crimson moonlight seeped through the not-so-thick curtains, casting its glow on the desk, already yellowed by the gas wall lamps illumination, emphasizing its presence. lumian perused his freshly acquired highlander textbook, patiently waiting for over half an hour before finally receiving a reply from madam magician via the doll messenger. the letter was concise and spanned only two pages. lets start with the basics. combining the patterns, symbols, and structure of the ringalthough i cant precisely decipher the meaning of that sentencei can identify its composition and the practical application of various short sentences. it breaks down into three segments: the first part serves to precisely locate the ring, facilitating the subsequent activation of special characteristics and the infusion of energy contained in the language. the second part involves injecting the energy carried by the words into the ring through resonance and other forms, activating a magic circle formed by patterns and symbols. consider the sacrificial ring as a charm. the second paragraph is akin to its designated special activation incantation. it doesnt necessitate invoking supernatural powers but requires prior guidance. in the third part, i suspect its a ciphertext attached to the ring. in simpler terms, once the ceremonial ring is fully activated through the first two parts, it records and carries the final ciphertext into the sea to transmit it to something. are you following so far? the ceremonial ring is like a special key, functional only after activation. furthermore, it necessitates the corresponding password to open the doors of the target. heh heh, the actual meaning of we espouse thee, o sea, as a sign of true and perpetual dominion is roughly akin to a key to unlock the passageway. the password is xxxxxxxxx. naturally, if translated directly, itll differ significantly, but that should capture the essence. lumian couldnt resist a smirk. recalling the solemn recitation by the previous governors of the sea, envisioning the act of marrying the sea, anyone familiar with the corresponding language would likely burst into laughter. what sea, what espousal, what dominion! after all the complexity, it boiled down to unlocking and opening a passagewaya simple password entry! contemplating sharing this interpretation with juan oro, lato guiaro, and the others, lumian pondered their likely reactions. no, they wouldnt believe it. a millennium or two of misunderstanding had morphed into faith, perseverance, and legacy. admitting a mistake wasnt something theyd easily embrace. regardless, the result would be the same. interpretation or translation, it didnt matter how they perceived it! collecting himself, lumian turned to the second page of the letter, eager to continue reading. next is the more complicated part. the two patterns you witnessed in the governor of the seas basement have a profound history, stretching back to the early fourth epoch. they serve as symbols of mysticism and the coat of arms of ancient nobles. one of them is linked to an acquaintanceno, a familiar angel, amon! the pattern resembling a clock signifies the worm of time. it stands as the amon familys coat of arms. worm of time? the amons coat of arms? why is it him again! lumians eyes narrowed, feeling as though he was still entrenched in the amons. what connection did milo villages ancestors, port santas sea prayer ritual, and the distinctiveness of those waters share with the amons? on the surface, no apparent link existed! as lumians thoughts raced, he suddenly sensed a connection between the sea prayer ritual and the former king of angels of the marauder pathway. reflecting on the key members involved in the april fools ritual prank, bard, a beyonder of the marauder pathway, and mad lady, belonging to the neighboring apprentice pathway, even prayed to the celestial worthy of heaven and eartha being with profound influence over the marauder pathway. while this didnt directly point to the amons, the gathering of marauder- related individuals suggested a reasonable association between the sea prayer ritual and the marauder pathway. lumian exhaled, lowering his head to read further insights from madam magician. the layers of doors come from the abraham family. yes, the abraham family, one of the five nobles of the tudor empire. i previously mentioned that in the tudor empire, only five families hold the hereditary duke title: abraham, amon, antigonus, jacob, and tamara. among them, the abrahams control the apprentice pathway. remember, apprentices often represent seals. therefore, its plausible to believe that the sea prayer ritual predates previous estimates, tracing back to before the demise of the fourth epochs tudor empire. encountering matters related to the tudor empire sure isnt a coincidence for you, is it? do you now grasp the essence of the sea prayer ritual? further explanations may not be necessary, correct? im starting to suspect that milo villages ancestors misunderstood the initial sentences meaning, leading to the expansion of the sea sacrifice and vigil from the revelation. this resulted in an absurd sea marriage ritual spanning a millennium or two. it could very well be a manifestation of that individuals mischievous nature, reveling in playing a joke on everyone, indifferent to the fate of others. see, this is what a prank should be. those april fools folks could learn a thing or two. if you have more questions or havent clarified certain aspects, feel free to write and ask. by the way, lie now possesses a temporary ability lasting half a month. it can absorb a specific amount of power from a target, though this power wont endure long. for ordinary people, it might persist for half a year or a year. however, for you, it wont last more than a week due to the conflict with your powers. lumian averted his gaze from the letter, his thoughts in disarray. madam magician suggests that the uniqueness of those waters originated from the ancestor of the abraham family and a certain amon? the core of the sea prayer ritual was personally devised by these two angel-level figures. they guided the ancestors of milo village in port santa and left behind a revelation, compelling them to perform the ritual annually? due to amons mischievous nature, the ancestors of milo village misunderstood the true meaning of that sentence, thinking they were meant to marry the sea. consequently, the core of the sea prayer ritual became increasingly complex, expanding into more segments over the years. it transformed into an extensive prank that persisted for over a millennium? having comprehended madam magicians hypothesis, lumian reconsidered the essence of the sea prayer ritual. appeasing the special entity concealed at the bottom of the seaperhaps that palace? apprentice represents a seal marauder is stealing stealing lumian suddenly glanced down at his left chest. he grasped the essence of the sea prayer ritual! finding a husband for the sea, pacifying its violence, genuinely pleasing it, and obtaining corresponding boons were all absurd reasons concocted by milo villages ancestors after being misled! the essence of the sea prayer ritual was to steal boons! the palace at the bottom of the sea had been sealed by the apprentice pathway, but the ancestor of the abraham family worried that, over time, the seals power would wane, allowing the palace to gradually regain strength. to counter this, he enlisted amon to devise a ritual for regularly siphoning off the restored power of the palace each year, preventing it from breaking through the seal. consequently, after each sea prayer ritual, the sea area would become tranquil, free from excessive storms. the previous years failed ritual had allowed the palace to accumulate a certain degree of strength. consequently, the sea experienced abnormality, leading to an increased number of shipwrecks, and death navigators departed the special sea area more frequently. the reason for only entering the sea when the stars aligned and following a specific route to reach the destination was that only then would a complex passageway appear in the outer seal! lumian stood up and took a few steps forward. having unraveled the essence of the sea prayer ritual, he comprehended the earth mother churchs motive for perpetuating it. initially, the clergyman of the earth mother church, lacking thorough investigations, destroyed milo village, putting an end to the sea prayer ritual. however, at the bottom of the building, they discovered the coat of arms representing the two nobles of the tudor empire, halting the final step in time. later, they realized they needed to dispatch demigod-level saints to deal with the unique waters each year. high-end forces were required to guard it for an extended period, making it quite troublesome. consequently, when the sea prayer ritual resurfaced, they tacitly agreed to the reconstruction of milo village. in most cases, the sea prayer ritual didnt adversely affect the innocent or disrupt local order. every governor of the sea possessed a certain amount of the seas bloodline, and while the maidens of the sea would eventually transform into humanoid lizards in their old age, they could alter their fates and enjoy power and wealth for 30 to 40 years or even longer. for maidens of the sea seeking free love, the church of earth mother likely tacitly consented or even aided their escape, as the chances of success were otherwise quite low. so, why did the fertility order encourage me to investigate the sea prayer ritual? why did noelia provide some information while withholding crucial details? lumians confusion swiftly dissipated. the real entity fishing behind the scenes was not the fisheries guild but the church of earth mother! the failure of last years sea prayer ritual had alarmed the church of earth mother, fearing a similar problem this year. observing louis berrys inclination to investigate the sea prayer ritual, they encouraged him to do so, allowing potential saboteurs hidden in the shadows to contact him, surface, and capture them all at once! phew. lumian exhaled, redirecting his focus to april fools. now, he was certain that april fools intended to break the seal around those special waters. last year marked the first step towards breaking the seal, but it hadnt progressed to the point where the underwater palace could breach it. this year, they would undoubtedly create a similar situation once again. otherwise, if the sea prayer ritual succeeded, their pranks from last year would be in vain! the question now was, what would the key members of april fools do? how could they seize the benefits represented by the palace and evade the corresponding dangers? lumian stared at the gas wall lamp emitting a yellowish glow, sinking into deep thought. more than a week quickly elapsed, and in the blink of an eye, the day of the sea prayer ritual arrived. after completing his breakfast, lumian heard the melodic tunes of various musical instruments wafting in from the street outside. with a smile, he wiped his mouth with a napkin and strolled toward the window, welcoming the bright sunlight pouring in. Chapter 570 - 570 Festival 570 festival 570 festival on aquina street, a two-story ceremonial boat crafted from wood, cardboard, and adorned with ribbons rolled forward, propelled by four sleek horses. this intricate vessel mimicked the governor of the seas boat, designed to economize materials and size, allowing horses to guide it through the city. eight men and eight women, dressed vibrantly, stood on both upper and lower levels of the flower boat. they sang and danced, their joy infecting the spectators on both sides of the street. port santas premier folk orchestra surrounded the ceremonial boat, playing rhythmic drumbeats and a variety of instruments such as clarinets, oboes, flutes, and strings. the onlookers on the roadside were in high spirits, alternating between singing and following the ceremonial boat, hoping to catch a refreshing spray from the water droplets scattered by the sixteen men and women. observing the scene from the fifth floor of the solow motel, lumian sensed that the sea prayer ritual had evolved beyond a mere sacrificial ceremony. excluding its core aspects, it had transformed into a city-wide folklore festival. despite many residents of port santa being devout followers of the earth mother and not attributing spiritual significance to the sea, they embraced the festivities, dancing and celebrating on this special day. as the flower boat concluded its tour of aquina street, lumian turned to lugano and remarked, take good care of ludwig today. no matter which celebration you attend, ensure hes with you. yes, boss, lugano replied, influenced by the cheerful atmosphere of the sea prayer ritual, his emotions lifted. without wasting any time, lumian snatched his golden straw hat, exited the suite, and descended the stairs. in the lobby, his gaze fell upon otta guillaume, the solow motel owner, doling out cash to the lady at the front desk and the two attendantstwo risot each. is this a holiday bonus? lumian inquired in intisian. otta sr. chuckled and replied, no bonus, just their compensation. theyre on duty at the motel today, keeping an eye on the place. theyll miss out on the sea prayer ritual and other celebrations. im heading to the docks to see my little cabbage dance! ill be there too, lumian said with a smile, embracing the festive ambiance once again. if the sea prayer ritual lacked mystic elements, lumian would have fully immersed himself in the festive atmosphere, reminiscent of the few years of lent he experienced in cordu. exiting the motel, lumian leisurely strolled towards the harbor, taking note of port santas residents bedecked in their most glamorous and festive attire. at a glance, the streets appeared to be awash with a sea of colors. his attirea white shirt, black vest, and dark pantsmade him stand out like a foreigner amidst the lively crowd. lumian adorned the golden straw hat, injecting a splash of color into his appearance. the rhythmic chime of bicycle bells accompanied the passing of wooden crate-laden bicycles. vendors energetically peddled popsicles of various flavors to eager citizens anticipating the sea dance and boat race. observing the two segments with a relaxed demeanor, lumian savored the festivities. he patiently waited until the two-story festival boat, carrying the governor of the sea and the maidens of the sea, embarked on its journey to milo village before departing the port. choosing to abstain from other citizen-organized celebrations, lumian sought refuge in a public washroom within the nearest department store, slipping into a cubicle. triggering the black mark on his right shoulder, lumian materialized in a concealed corner of milo village. shifting into a shadow creature, he seamlessly infiltrated the oro familys blend of ancient and modern architecture, arriving at juan oros bedroom. the president of the fisheries guild awaited lumians arrival, and upon seeing the figure of the adventurer, louis berry, emerge from the darkness, juan oro, with deep wrinkles, gestured towards the unconscious milo villagers on the floor. these are two of the four deputy hosts for the vigil and the sea sacrificial ritual. choose one to assume his form. this condition was pivotal for lumians collaboration with juan oro. he sought continuous participation in the core sections of the sea prayer ritual. initially hesitant due to the inability to deceive other sea spawn and introduce a stranger onto the ship, juan oro only agreed to allow lumian to infiltrate the governor of the seas residence before the vigil ritual, observing it discreetly. however, with ultraman under suspicion as a key figure in the fisheries guild, lumian seized the opportunity when juan oro required cooperation and assistance, showcasing the abilities of the lie earring. thus, lumian devised a plan to disguise himself as a specific deputy host and gain access to the ship. after studying one of the deputy hosts for a few moments, lumian adorned a silver earring. he replicated the appearance of the chosen deputy host, seamlessly blending into his guise. in no time, except for his clothing, there was no discernible difference between lumian and the deputy host. its my turn, juan oro said in a deep intisian voice. he decided to take on the guise of another deputy host and personally board the ship to avert any potential mishaps. concerned about louis berrys involvement in the sea sacrifice and wary of lurking enemies employing unknown methods to cause trouble, juan oro believed that everything would converge during the sea sacrifice segment. boarding the boat covertly would enable him to address unforeseen circumstances in time, delivering a strategic surprise. juan oro harbored suspicions that louis berry might be an accomplice of last years saboteurs, his prior actions serving as a ploy to deceive them and allow him to openly disrupt the ritual at a crucial moment. lumian casually tossed the lie earring to juan oro, who proceeded to change into a dark-blue robe embroidered with various sea elements. upon donning the silver earring, juan oro experienced a remarkable control over every detail of his body. attempting to adjust the wrinkles on his face, he observed himself becoming ten to twenty years younger in the mirror. despite his potent and diverse beyonder powers, the president of the fisheries guild couldnt help but marvel. how magical. after completing his disguise, lumian pointed at the unconscious deputy host. whos responsible for keeping an eye on them and preventing their appearance before the sea prayer ritual? my wife, juan oro replied, already prepared. she, a former maidens of the sea and the current matriarch of the oro family, possessed considerable strength. while she hadnt participated in any ring- making rituals, she was a trusted individual who wouldnt divulge secrets. lumian redirected the conversation, inquiring, as the president of the fisheries guild, wont you be suspected if you dont wait for news of the successful sea prayer ritual with the other committee members? no, i dont go every year. i can also wait for news at home, and my wife will pretend to be me, juan oro stated, pointing at lie on his left ear and removing it. after confirming the details, lumian inquired further, have you investigated any of those who nearly died and came back to life, or have their personalities undergone a significant change? these individuals were key members of the fisheries guild familiar with the specific design of the ring of the sea queen and the complete details of the sea prayer ritual. according to franca, every member of the curly-haired baboons research society was a soul from another world, having resurrected in recently deceased human bodies. this information could help identify who might be ultraman. juan oro slowly shook his head. no, at least not in my memory. time was tight, so i couldnt investigate them one by one. the rejuvenated elder, now appearing in his prime, continued, remember, your name is brian now. my name is jorge. if you dont understand what others are saying later, its fine. ill hint at you. when you need to answer questions, ill help you. alright. lumian maintained the pretense of not knowing highlander. in reality, having extensively studied under the effects of the language comprehension charm, he had already mastered more words and grammar. while still unable to fully comprehend others words, he could grasp key words, tense, and the active and passive voice, allowing him to roughly understand the meaning. expressing himself with short sentences and simple structures presented no challenge. clad in the dark-blue robe of a deputy host, lumian entered the governor of the seas residence, guided by juan oro, who no longer staggered. passing through a hall adorned with sea creature statues, they reached the room where the governor of the sea maintained his vigil. the current governor of the sea, simon of the guiaro family, was from a branch with a thin bloodline, unqualified to reside in the ancestral house. at that moment, simon sat cross-legged on the cold floor, suppressing his excitement. with half-closed eyes, he felt the moist air enveloping him. although lumian refrained from activating his spirit vision, he sensed various sea spawn bustling in the shadows, the void, and the statues. juan oro led lumian out of the room, guiding him to the most secluded part of the building. opening the wooden door to the servants quarters, juan oro addressed the fake governor of the sea, miguel, lying on the bed. once the sea prayer ritual succeeds, you can leave, but you must depart port santa with the wealth youve amassed over the past year. miguel sat up excitedly. alright, alright! though their conversation occurred in highlander, lumian grasped the essence. after this exchange, juan oro translated the conversation for lumian, emphasizing, you can verify if im lying based on miguels expression. lumian silently pondered, thinking, so what if youre not lying? what you said might not be done he then returned to the hall, assuming a cross- legged position opposite the other two deputy hosts. as time passed, midnight arrived, marking the completion of the ring of the sea queen. one of the deputy hosts retrieved it and guided it to the basement in the dim moonlight. the moment had come to pay homage to their ancestors. lumian observed the scene in silence and suddenly had a thought. Chapter 571 - 571 Key Details 571 key details 571 key details the governor of the seas residence hall opened into a labyrinth of rooms, its scarcity of windows allowing only a trickle of light despite the crimson moons glow. the dimness cast a cloak of silence over the place. even as the deputy host, clutching the coveted ring of the sea queen, moved with caution, the floor still betrayed him with a faint echo. lumian observed him heading towards the basement staircase, a sudden realization dawning upon him. once in the basement, the deputy host could effortlessly switch the authentic ring of the sea queen with a crafted counterfeit without alerting anyone. the other deputies were occupied in the hall, and the governor of the sea, undergoing physical modifications, had the maidens of the sea by his side. the sea spawn were scattered elsewhere. frowning, lumian shot a sidelong glance at another deputy host. he lowered his voice and addressed jorge, the form juan oro had taken, in intisian. every year, during the vigil ritual, does a deputy host send the ring of the sea queen alone to the basement, retrieving it an hour later? he stressed the word alone. juan oro nodded subtly. yes. theres no need for extra protection in this building but just as juan oro was about to continue, he halted abruptly. this presented a golden opportunity to swap the ring of the sea queen unnoticed. the fact that external enemies couldnt breach the building didnt mean the deputy hosts within were without their own problems! lumian wasted no time and turned to juan oro, uttering, should i follow, or will you take charge? juan oro regarded the matter gravely, rising from his seat and responding, ill go. harnessing his abilities, he steadied himself and swiftly caught up with the deputy host. in a deep tone, he stated, lets go together. i want to seize the chance to pay my respects to my ancestors. the other deputy host raised no objections. as lumian observed the two lighting their lanterns and descending into the basement, his mind instinctively filled in the upcoming sequence. place the ring of the sea queen on the decrepit stone platform offer prayers to the ancestors return to the surface re-enter and retrieve it an hour later during that hour, the ring of the sea queen sits unguarded in the basement, vulnerable to any opportunistic interference if someone had concealed themselves there beforehand, swapping the genuine ring for a counterfeit would be a straightforward task certainly, infiltrating and concealing oneself in this location is no simple feat. i cant even do it; i could last a mere two minutes before being detected by the sea spawn the ring of the sea queen has to be positioned on that worn stone platform. any deviationsdeviations with these thoughts swirling in his mind, lumian suddenly recalled the transformations in the lie earring when it rested on the weathered stone platform in the basement. the seer pathway item had activated a pattern embodying an apprentice and a marauder, granting it the ability to siphon someones power that lasted half a month! lie could accomplish this feat, but what about the ring of the sea queen? though not an item of the seer, apprentice, or marauder pathway, it had been meticulously crafted based on a ritual passed down by an amon. perhaps, over time, it could activate the unique characteristics of the basement, gradually assimilating with thieving qualities. yes! considering that the essence of the sea sacrificial ritual involves extracting power from the seal at the bottom of the sea and claiming it, the ring of the sea queen, being a key item, should not only be capable of loosening the seal to a certain extent but also possess the power-stealing ability. it could distribute the gains among various participants in the ritual the host receiving the most, followed by the maidens of the sea as assistant hosts, and the deputy hosts and sailors gaining some within the rituals range, provided they possessed similar powers! in essence, juan oro and his companions understanding of the ring-making ritual is incomplete. the paying homage to the ancestors segment is integral and crucial. without honoring the ancestors, the sea sacrificial ritual would merely open the seal without stealing the accumulated power. instead, it would erupt and disperse lumian had just marveled at the mysticisms terrifying complexity when a sudden alarm gripped him. he realized he had overlooked a pivotal detail. according to madam magicians interpretation of the ring of the sea queens functions and her speculations about the essence of the entire sea prayer ritual, the substitution of the genuine ring of the sea queen with the fake ring customized by april fools in torres should have prevented the catastrophic phenomenon of the seas fury consuming the governor of the sea, all the deputy hosts, and some sailors in the subsequent ritual! the fake ring hadnt undergone the initial ring-making ritual, leaving its patterns, symbols, and structure devoid of the necessary mysticism characteristics. even if the governor of the sea recited the prescribed words, he couldnt infuse energy into it to open the seal! as a complete counterfeit, it shouldnt have triggered any phenomena. however, due to its incapacity to extract the amassed power, the sea area would experience more shipwrecks, and the weather would deteriorate. to align with the events of the previous year, the fake ring thrown by the governor of the sea had to complete the first part of the ring-making ritual. still, without being placed in the basement to honor the ancestor, it could only partially open the seal, unable to extract and monopolize the gathered power. this incomplete process led to a sudden eruption, causing the sea to rage! lumians eyes narrowed slightly. as a conspirer, he had seized the core of the matter. two rings of the sea queen were on the ship, but both were fakes. the ring brought by the deputy host to the ritual ship was also a forgery. in fact, the authentic ring of the sea queen hadnt made an appearance during last years sea prayer ritual! the genuine ring of the sea queen, which had undergone the entire ring- making ritual as per the fisheries guilds knowledge, hadnt been placed on the stone platform in the basement to fulfill the ritual of honoring the ancestors. consequently, it was also a shama counterfeit ring lacking the most crucial effect! the deputy host who had taken the ring of the sea queen into the basement and retrieved it last year might also be part of the problem! the peripheral members affiliated with april fools werent considered trustworthy. their actions likely didnt disrupt the overall plan. the fake ring concealed in the lambs stomach and the bards performance likely served as preparations for subsequent investigations, camouflaging vital clues. as lumians thoughts raced, juan oro and the deputy host returned to the hall. its on the stone platform, whispered the president of the fisheries guild, masquerading as jorge, to lumian. lumian refocused his attention and casually inquired, who was responsible for sending the ring of the sea queen to the basement last year? i dont know. without any special arrangements, anyone can do it. the four deputy hosts in the hall last year died in the seas rage when the ritual failed. juan oro, sensing lumians suspicion, clarified. dead? unlikely lumian lacked the corresponding item for spirit channeling and didnt have time to search for it. all he could do was ask, which one of them was familiar with the ring-making ritual and knows the details of the ring of the sea queen? none of them; it was their first time serving as deputy hosts. juan oro shook his head. besides, as i said, those who know these secrets are still alive. if the deputy host wasnt ultraman then who was it? lumians mind raced as he arrived at a conclusion. it was mad lady! similar to bard, she utilized the same technique to alter her appearance. with ultramans assistance, she assumed the guise of a deputy host, completing the final step in creating the ring of the sea queen. then, she boarded the ceremonial ship with it. lumian had been puzzled by how mad lady could locate the special sea and rescue bard accurately and in time. now, he had the answer. mad lady was present on the ceremonial ship, right beside bard. there was no need for coordinated locations or timing! initially suspecting mad lady to collaborate with bard, lumian now realized that bard worked with mad lady, providing assistance in case of unexpected developments and shouldering the responsibility of misleading investigations. dammit, faceless abilities are so annoying. april fools is so annoying! lumians emotions fluctuated as he struggled to contain his emotions as he cursed. relying on his ascetic trait, he restrained himself from erupting. more importantly, while he had unraveled the issues with the sea prayer ritual from last year, the identities of ultraman and the forthcoming plans of april fools remained elusive. the night passed in silence. on an out-of-fashion sailboat in the harbor, charname, sporting a short, round-rimmed felt hat, emerged from the cabin and approached nolfi, who stood at the edge of the deck. charname inquired, can we enter those special waters if we set off now? nolfi nodded, responding, yes, the stars will align in a specific pattern after midnight. following lumians instructions, she and batna had rented a boat for a few days from other ports along the same coastline. charname chuckled, saying, then lets set off! observing the surprised and puzzled expressions of nolfi and batna, he explained, if we follow the governor of the seas ceremonial ship, well undoubtedly be discovered by the fisheries guild. setting off an hour or two later would be meaningless. therefore, well go ahead of time and hide there, patiently waiting for an opportunity! although nolfi didnt understand the nature of the opportunity charname referred to, she didnt inquire. she responded with anticipation, okay. charname then turned to batna. are you joining us? it will be very dangerous. batnas expression fluctuated. after more than ten seconds, he declared, im going! charname clicked his tongue but remained silent. at that moment, nolfi frowned, glancing at other parts of the deck, and asked, what about the sailors here? we cant leave the sea without them, and they cant handle too much danger. charname chuckled. dont worry, we have sailors who can handle danger. as soon as he finished speaking, he half-turned, raising his right hand to the third level of the cabin. he clasped his index finger and thumb into a ring and extended his other three fingers. soon, the captain, first mate, second mate, and all the sailors emerged, their eyes tightly shut. like sleepwalkers, they lined up and walked down the gangway toward the docks. batna and nolfis eyes froze, as if trapped in a terrifying dream. Chapter 572 - 572 The Real Target 572 the real target 572 the real target under the crimson moonlight, the crew members stumbled towards the dock like the living dead, moving towards the various buildings concealed in the darkness. in seven to eight minutes, their figures vanished from different spots. immediately after, nolfi and batna observed pitch-black shapes emerging at the edge of the cabin, and eerie pale-white or dark-green flames igniting across the deck. figures crawled out of the pitch-black flames. some wore tattered clothes, and their skin visibly rotted. others were white bones with fragments of flesh hanging from them. pale-white flames protruded from their eye sockets. these were all corpses! soon, a half-rotted corpse in a dirty jacket hoisted the sail. the corpse with a missing breastbone stowed the heavy anchor. the other corpses took their positions, steering the sailboat slowly away from the port. as they gazed at the decaying flesh, pale-white bones, and sinister flames of different hues, batna and nolfi felt as if they had stepped into a novel world. horror novels! ghostly tales! navigator, its time for you to work. charnames voice snapped nolfi back to reality. in the governor of the seas residence. lumian leaned against the statue-less wall, surveying the other deputy hosts in the hall, including juan oro. uncertain if any of them were genuine, they could easily be impersonated by a faceless. in the upcoming operation, the only person he could unequivocally trust was himself. an hour passed in an indescribable silence. this time, lumian took the initiative, leading juan oro into the basement to retrieve the ring of the sea queen, completing the paying homage to the ancestors segment. the ring rested on the dilapidated stone platform, untouched. lumian couldnt be certain if it was authentic, but the patterns, symbols, and structure seemed intact, and no one had lurked in the basement after inspection. maintaining his calm demeanor and a tense heart, lumian patiently waited until 6 a.m., feeling both mental and physical fatigue dissipate. two hours later, the current governor of the sea, simon, exited the vigil room with four maidens of the sea and approached the buildings door. lumian, juan oro, and the other deputy hosts promptly stood up and followed. the two-story sailboat, adorned with colorful flowers, docked at the milo villages docks. villagers acted as guards, blocking anyone daring to approach. ascending the gangway to the deck, lumian sensed an invisible gaze from every window, flower, and masta familiar feeling from when the statues in the governor of the seas residence came to life. he calmly navigated through the gazes, adhering to juan oros instructions to stand at the left edge of the deck. this was the designated spot for him, the deputy host named brian. bang! bang! bang! on the dock of milo village, vibrant paper fragments burst forth from ceremonial cannons, creating a colorful display. amid the festive atmosphere, the ship set sail gradually. it circled port santa, capturing the cheers and blessings of the people before venturing toward the distant sea. as the navigator, juan oro guided the ship into a boundless azure sea with no discernible landmarks. they weaved between left and right turns, occasionally reversing direction. nearly an hour passed, and beneath the clear, bright sky, dense fog suddenly enveloped the ship. splash! within the fogs depths, waves surged like mountains. any ship it touched would capsize or shatter. the governor of the sea, the maidens of the sea, some sailors, and the two deputy hosts, participating in the sea sacrificial segment for the first time, were terror-stricken by the ominous scene, their faces paling. for juan oro, a veteran of many sea sacrifices, it seemed like he was observing a childs plaything. he directed the sailors with no emotional fluctuations, guiding the ship along the only safe sea route through the thick fog and exaggerated waves. after an unknown duration, the fog lifted, and the tidal waves miraculously subsided. an ocean resembling sapphires unfolded before lumians eyes. the sea appeared limitless, but the distance and sky were gray, with only a hint of sunlight seeping through. port santa, solow motel. lugano stood by the window, observing as the citizens formed celebratory teams, weaving through streets and alleys, spreading their joy. having already taken ludwig to witness the governor of the seas colorful flower boat ritual and participated in two spontaneous citizen-led celebrations, lugano returned to the suite as teatime approached. there, he provided ludwig with food he had purchased and prepared in advance. i could still head out later. when the governor of the sea returns, another wave of celebrations will ensue. unfortunately, i cant engage with the enthusiastic feynapotter girls with such a child in tow lugano thought regretfully. at that moment, a knock echoed on the door. who is it? lugano, a seasoned bounty hunter, heightened his guard. its me. a gentle voice emanated from outside the door. lugano recognized her as rubi pacos wife, madame giorgia. shes here to see the boss? has something happened to the paco family again? lugano glanced at ludwig, who was eating earnestly, and quickly walked to the door and opened it. giorgia, not clad in her usual glamorous attire, wore a black dress akin to that of an old widowed matriarch. her long, disheveled brown hair was in disarray, and her thick azure eyes betrayed an unmistakable fear and panic. wheres monsieur louis berry? the lady inquired. hes participating in various celebrations for the sea prayer ritual, lugano fabricated an excuse. he observed the distressed madame giorgia and instinctively inquired with concern, did something happen? h-h giorgia stammered, panic and fear evident in her eyes. i discovered the true identity of that humanoid lizard! that humanoid lizard? the one the boss killed? amidst luganos confusion, giorgia suddenly threw herself into his arms. the fragrance permeated luganos senses, momentarily hindering him from immediately pushing the madam away. giorgia suppressed her voice but couldnt conceal her fear. that humanoid lizard was my husband, rubi paco! huh? lugano was both surprised and bewildered. giorgia gritted her teeth and explained, the one you guys saw, its fake! fake? someone impersonated rubi paco, and the real rubi paco had transformed into a humanoid lizard, killed by the boss? as this realization struck lugano, his thoughts suddenly slowed down. the surroundings seemed coated in a glass-like layer. he instinctively struggled, but giorgia held him tightly, interrupting him with various subtle actions. ludwig, engrossed in devouring a skewer of roasted octopuses at the dining table, appeared oblivious to the unfolding silent drama at the door. in a suite diagonally across the corridor, rubi paco sat quietly in a recliner, wearing a faint smile. he had orchestrated the humanoid lizard incident and hired louis berry to resolve it intentionally. firstly, he aimed to confirm the other partys identity. secondly, he wanted to leave a vulnerability in the paco familys handling of weak monsters, ensuring others wouldnt suspect a facelesss involvement to confuse the target. however, he abandoned the plan to deal with louis berry and refrained from triggering the corresponding trap. this decision wasnt due to uncertainty about the targets identity; the mysteries aura on lumian lees chest couldnt escape his notice. he was unlike others. instead, he had a new plan. the overall april fools operation might not align with lokis personal objectives! his current focus shifted to the young boy, ludwig. to him, a sealed demigod-level powerhouse was a gift from the celestial worthy! no ritualistic target could be more suitable. hence, he hinted at the sea anomaly, simultaneously confusing lumian lee and allowing him to connect the concepts of sealing and theft, understanding what occurred during last years prank. he took the initiative to board the ship and head to the sea sacrifice grounds, enticing this formidable opponent away while another force restrained him. now, he was ready to execute a grand performance, captivating the attention of numerous port santa citizens! the calm, gem-like sea held no waves. the four maidens of the sea engaged in a brief sacrificial dance, while sailors carried offeringslambs, roosters, ox heads, and morefrom the cabin, stacking them at the bow. with the ring of the sea queen in hand, juan oro approached the governor of the sea, awaiting the grooms gift for the proposed marriage. lumian, vigilant of everyone present, scanned his surroundings. any one of them could suddenly reveal themselves as bard, mad lady, ultraman, loki, hisoka, or a marionette. the gentle, rhythmic dance concluded swiftly. juan oro produced the peculiar golden ring, passing it to the incumbent governor of the sea, simon guiaro. at that moment, a person emerged openly from the cabin. a woman in a black nuns uniform and matching hat, her expression calm yet tinged with sadness. the surrounding sailors paid her no heed, as if she were invisible. seeing this, lumians pupils dilated, then constricted. it was the source of derangement! the humanoid sealed artifact lost by the eternal blazing sun church! in an instant, lumian comprehended two things. the death navigators, transformed governors of the sea, had coincidentally appeared near the flying bird, stirring colossal waves. the humanoid sealed artifact had unconsciously set out to sea, coincidentally choosing the same destination as himport santa. there was a purpose behind this! Chapter 573 - 573 Bard 573 bard 573 bard the woman in the black nuns attire felt lumians gaze, turning her head slightly and locking eyes with him. lumians gaze met hers, filled with indescribable colors, and the figure in his line of sight vanished. simultaneously, lumian recognized the insignificance of this occurrence. it didnt warrant further consideration. beside the incumbent governor of the sea, juan oro noticed the once calm azure sea undulating. in the gray sky, stars barely visible to the naked eye underwent changes, stirring an inexplicable throbbing and emotional shift within him. an anomaly? juan oro couldnt determine if it was good or bad. given the circumstances, any change was treated as an accident, potentially caused by a hidden enemy. without hesitation, he forcefully thrust the ring of the sea queen into the hands of the incoming governor of the sea, simon, growling, hurry up and marry the sea! in a moment of desperation, the president of the fisheries guild unintentionally failed to alter his voice to sound like jorge. however, his vocal cords had changed, making him sound younger than usual. simon, taken aback by the shout, didnt notice juan oros voice shift. he raised his hand, clutching the ring of the sea queen, and recited, i espouse thee, o sea, as a sign of true and perpetual dominion! with that, he threw the unique golden ring. it trembled with light, its surface covered in a gentle glow. as the ring of the sea queen submerged, its glow intensified and expanded to the size of a baby before transforming into a cone of light, vanishing into the azure seawater. in the next moment, juan oro, lumian, and the rest heard a deafening boom. splash! the sea boiled, unleashing huge waves that catapulted the colorful flower boat into the air. a destructive aura echoed in the surroundings. wh the seas fury! how could this happen? juan oros pupils dilated in disbelief. he couldnt fathom that they had angered the sea again. it seemed like this years sea prayer ritual had failed once more. he had meticulously followed every step, witnessing the placement of the ring of the sea queen on the dilapidated stone platform representing the ancestors. he personally retrieved and guarded it with utmost vigilance. everything went smoothly! how could this be? as the bridal boat teetered on the verge of capsizing, juan oro clenched his fists, and crystalline scales resembling starlight manifested on his body. his eyes darkened, resembling resplendent stars emerging within. he melded with the sea. the crashing sound abruptly ceased, and the majestic, terrifying azure waves froze in midair, as if held tightly by an unseen hand. in milo village, within the cathedral-like governor of the seas building. the imposter governor of the sea, miguel, lay in the servants room. suddenly, he sat up and leisurely rose from the bed, a self-satisfied smile playing on his face. standing before a glass window overlooking the weeds outside, he muttered to himself, its almost time i wonder how juan oro will react when he discovers the sea sacrifice has failed again. heh heh, this is payback for all the care hes given me over the past year. whats loki up to? why the sudden deviation from the original plan? isnt he concerned about potential accidents? miguela key member of april fools, bardhad previously disguised himself as the sailor, iru, and boarded the ship, escaping with mad lady when he jumped into the sea. their plan over the course of the past year was devised last year. they had selected locals from port santa who resembled the unfortunate governor. after disrupting the sea sacrifice and returning ashore, they promptly killed one of their targets, allowing bard to assume the guise. their confidence in migueldisguised by bardbecoming the false governor of the sea stemmed from ultraman taking charge of the matter. to prevent potential rebellion from peripheral april fools members, bard, a former swindler, intentionally wrote emperor roselles secret chronicles and handed them to loki. the latter discreetly distributed them in trier, creating the illusion of bards activity in intis. this tactic prevented others from connecting miguelobediently residing in the governor of the seas residenceto bard. writing about emperor roselles romantic past indeed amused bard, and witnessing juan oros reactions, including the lashing with a crutch before intimate encounters with his granddaughter and the wives and daughters of relevant personnel, greatly satisfied bards mischievous tendencies. however, pranks were secondary. bards main objective in assuming the disguise of the governor of the sea was clear: he gained unrestricted access to the basement of the building, believed by milo villages inhabitants to be the sacrificial ground for their ancestors! despite being a fake governor of the sea under the watchful eyes of sea spawn in the house, he had free rein everywhere except the ring-making ritual grounds and the vigil room. only those two areas were off-limits unless he crossed a line. moreover, ultraman confirmed that the basement of the governors residence held no value for the sea spawn. except for two symbolic guards at the staircase, there were no monitors or protectors inside. villagers of milo village only visited occasionally, showing respect for the governor of the sea by not entering or leaving the building without permission. this provided ample opportunities for bard, the imposter governor of the sea. thinking about the expressions of juan oro and lumian lee when they witnessed the sea prayer rituals failure again, bard couldnt help but chuckle. he muttered in a mocking tone, you know the sea sacrifice, ring-making, and vigil happen once a year. havent you considered that the ancestral sacrificial ritual can only occur annually? that dilapidated altar requires the slow accumulation of worshippers spirituality. it takes almost twelve months to gather the necessary enchantment. over half a month before the basement gained serious attention, he had strategically placed an item related to one of the three pathways on the altar, openly siphoning the accumulated theft powers! with this plan, bard believed that, regardless of the success of the previous nights ring-making ritual, regardless of how closely juan oro and lumian lee guarded against the replacement of the ring of the sea queen, it wouldnt possess the ability to steal power from the sea bottom. hence, the sea prayer ritual was destined to fail. the seal would further open, and the long-accumulated volcano inside would erupt! anyone attempting to stop it would perish! last year, the reason april fools took the risk of making mad lady a deputy host and deliberately replacing the ring of the sea queen on the sacrificial ancestors stone platform with another item arose because the theory that the high-level stealing power could only be used once a year wasnt entirely confirmed. although ultraman could analyze and experiment in the basement, he refrained from doing so too frequently to avoid suspicion. following the sea prayer ritual failure last year and the subsequent monthly experiments over the past eleven months, bard, ultraman, and mad lady were now certain that they didnt need to go through the trouble of replacing the real ring of the sea queen. instead, they could preemptively take away the theft power. thus, they sneered at lumian lees efforts, unconcerned about his actions or the need for destructive measures to avoid detection by the earth mother church. despite their confidence, they still had to maintain appearances, including seeking help from lumian lee. bard shifted his gaze, averting it to his left hand. there were signs of a ring being worn there. this was, in fact, the item carrying the key functions of the ring of the sea queen! port santa, solow motel, at the entrance of the fifth-floor suite. hugging madame giorgia, luganos thoughts faltered, as if the iron gears were covered in yellow rust or lacking lubricant. w-whats going on? am i under attack? no i have to hurry i have to get rid of this state lugano attempted to push away the woman in his arms, only to realize she had become surprisingly heavy. using her joints subtly, madame giorgia prevented him from raising his arms and legs. the movements resembled a lovers playful interaction. coupled with his disjointed thoughts, even a planter like lugano couldnt break free from giorgias restraints. panicking, lugano opened his mouth, about to call for help. just then, giorgia lifted her head, pressing her red lips against his. lugano was momentarily taken aback. in the adjacent room, jenna, disguised as a female mercenary, held a mirror to reflect the situation in lumians living room through the glass and other items. seeing lugano and giorgia embracing and flirting, jenna couldnt help but curse under her breath, dammit, can you even go into heat at a time like this? and in front of a child! considering that franca would be joined by members of the curly-haired baboons research society, lumian tasked jenna with secretly monitoring lugano to figure out what was wrong with the interpreter. as a former showy diva, jenna had witnessed similar scenes and even more restrictive ones. she couldnt fathom why they chose to display such affection at the door. at that moment, anthony reid, standing beside her, looked at the mirror and frowned. it doesnt seem like theyre making out. their actions and expressions arent typical of people engaged in such activities. Chapter 574 - 574 Heavy 574 heavy 574 heavy their actions and expressions dont align with the typical behavior of people engaged in intimate moments? though jenna had witnessed such scenes in the past, she hadnt delved into the intricacies of others intimate interactions. upon hearing anthonys words, she promptly sided with the spectators perspective. anthony continued, luganos body language indicates clear resistance. his current condition is highly abnormal. resisting, yet not breaking free theres a lack of intense movements, even though lugano is a sequence 8 beyonder with a strengthened physique. this situation is undeniably peculiar what kind of beyonder powers could cause this? jenna swiftly sifted through the information about potential adversaries for this mission. most of it had been compiled by franca, with a small section supplemented by judgment and madam magician. as these thoughts raced through jennas mind, a realization quickly dawned on her: marionettist! a sequence 5 marionettist from the seer pathway! according to francas description of marionettists, these beyonders could lurk in the shadows, silently transforming their targets into autonomous marionettes from a distance. and madam magicians additional information included this: a marionettist manipulates a creatures spirit body threads. a skilled marionettist can establish initial control of the targets spirit body threads in five to 10 seconds, slowing down thoughts, movements, and stiffening the body. luganos current state perfectly matched the characteristics of a marionettists initial control over the spirit body threads! jenna lowered her voice and said to anthony, loki the enemy with the codename loki was none other than a marionettist! anthony immediately grasped jennas conjecture and nodded affirmatively. no need to rush. it takes a marionettist several minutes to completely transform the target into a marionette. we have a chance to rescue lugano. as per the information, forcibly taking lugano away, pushing him beyond a certain limit, or triggering him could help him break free from the spirit body threads or enhance his resistance to such manipulation. certainly, the most direct approach would be to locate lokis true form and launch a direct attack on the enemy, preventing him from concentrating on controlling luganos spirit body threads. jenna caught anthonys implication. dont hurry to rescue lugano. find lokis true form while loki hasnt detected us! the two of them had posed as a couple and checked into solow motels suite the previous night. once loki was identified, dealing with a peculiar, insidious adversary with formidable abilities might be beyond their capacity. however, they could create a significant disturbance and report to the fertility order, responsible for local beyonder matters. lumian had already coordinated with noelia in advance. jenna nodded and reached for the fluorescent powder, preparing to conceal herself. but in the next moment, she abandoned the idea. she recalled the informations warning: marionettists can directly perceive the spirit body threads of different creatures. most invisibility effects wouldnt work on them. moreover, loki was currently manipulating spirit body threads. how to locate loki? jenna pondered with a strong sense of urgency. in the sealed waters, aboard the betrothal ship. lumian first witnessed the mountain-like azure waves surging, only to realize that they had frozen in the air, as if subjected to a sudden freeze. the surroundings emitted a violent aura, obliterating everything in its path. the seas fury? lumians heart skipped a beat. similarly, he couldnt fathom what had gone awry. it seemed that the ring of the sea queen had only unlocked the first half of the seal and hadnt manifested the second half of its stealing effect. nevertheless, following the completion of the ring-making ritual, the ring was indeed placed on the dilapidated stone platform. lumian and juan oro had retrieved it together. previously uncertain if the ring of the sea queen had been swapped, lumian now knew it hadnt. this was evident as the ring of the sea queen had further opened the seal. a counterfeit ring, lacking the previous ritual, wouldnt exhibit a similar function. could it be that someone moved the ring of the sea queen during the hour in the basement, preventing it from completing the eroding powers duration? or perhaps the critical stone platform in the basement was destroyed in advance, hindering the completion of the ancestral ritual? unlikely. how could the first scenario elude the attention of juan oro, me, and the sea spawn surveillance? the second scenario shouldnt be inconspicuous. it would undoubtedly be discovered by the sea spawn as lumians thoughts raced, he suddenly felt a slight erosion from the destructive aura surrounding him. his mind instantly connected to something. vaguely, lumian saw the dark-blue seabed, nearly pitch-black. he saw a peculiar object partially embedded in rocks and gravel. the object was unnaturally massive, surpassing the fertility orders cloister and the governor of the seas residence combined. it bore a silver-gray hue, with sleek lines resembling a colossal spindle missing its front segment. at that moment, the side of the object gleamed with a radiant starlight. together, they appeared to form a circular, transparent door. through the door, lumian saw a particular scene inside. silver-gray metal walls were densely covered with special holes, resembling hives. in some nests, black foam bubbled as thin, bristle-covered batings black insects crawled out. some nests contained more than ten compartments, with a wrinkled little devil lying inside, seemingly deceased and disintegrating into various forms as this peculiar and horrifying scene etched into lumians mind, he snapped out of his stupor. he couldnt be bothered to ponder april fools actions. he swiftly deliberated on how to prevent the sealed object from going berserk and breaking free entirely. the extracted power has yet to cause any harm it appears to be suppressed by juan oro at the expense of his life if i can seize this window of opportunity to steal the released power and distribute it to everyone with a sea bloodline, theres a chance of completing the sea sacrifice segment and allowing the sea prayer ritual to succeed stealing in an instant, lumian contemplated two solutions: firstly, he could immediately seek help from mr. fool, an expert in this area, with termiboros as a precedent. secondly, he could utilize the lie earring, a mystical item that had gained the ability to steal others powers on the stone platform meant to honor the ancestors. lumian swiftly discarded the first option, considering april fools involvement. with the celestial worthy of heaven and earth for blessings backing them, seeking mr. fools assistance might not yield a response. it could potentially be a time-consuming effort. as for the second method, lumian sensed a strong feeling of inevitability and an undeniable sense of coincidence. lie had recently acquired the ability to steal someone elses powerand here it was proving beneficial in a critical moment! without the luxury of time for careful analysis, lumian made a swift decision. put aside coincidences and inevitability for now. resolving the current predicament was the most pragmatic approach! he then retrieved the silver lie earring from his pocket. typically, such items couldnt be brought onto the betrothal shipthey would surely be discovered by the sea spawn. however, this time, juan oro had communicated with the sea spawn in advance, stating that he and his assistant intended to pose as deputy hosts and board the ship to guard against any potential mishaps. the sea spawn placed their trust in the president of the fisheries guild more than anyone else while the traitors were still at large. their intelligence wasnt particularly high, and they were especially protective of the sea prayer ritual. clutching the lie earring, lumian extended his spirituality. he immediately perceived the surrounding starlight and sensed their presence. lumian subconsciously extended his hand and twisted his wrist. a plethora of starlight cascaded down, rushing toward the lie earring and enveloping him. at that moment, a person materialized in front of him. she wore a black nuns uniform, her face expressing profound sorrow. she appeared like a colossal whale suddenly leaping out of the sea without warning. its her? the source of derangement? lumian finally recollected something he had forgotten. there was indeed such a person on the ship! in the next instant, he sensed the humanoid sealed artifact becoming unusually weighty, so heavy that the surrounding void slightly bent. it was so heavy that all the starlight surged toward her like the sea. the weight was so immense that the betrothal ship began to sink, and the nearby seawater was pushed aside. silently, lumian witnessed the sea around him morphing into a translucent azure mountain peak, looming over them as they descended to the seabed. it resembled the walls of a deep well, and the well mouth, formed by these walls, grew more distant with each passing moment. four hours ago, at the edge of the foggy sea, nolfi said to charname, you have to listen to me completely from now on. otherwise, it will be very dangerous. sure. charname nodded. but before that, we need to communicate openly. a smile gradually spread across his face. batna, who stood beside nolfi, asked curiously, what communication? charname produced a metal canister and looked at nolfi. this is an agent that can make people speak the truth. i want to know if you have a secret collaborator. if so, who is it? dont worry, its not poison. charname unscrewed the lid and took a sip to demonstrate his sincerity. nolfi fell silent. if i dont understand the corresponding details, itll be challenging for me to follow your instructions, charname began to instigate. were already here. we could enter those waters at any moment and destroy the underwater palace before the sea prayer ritual. are you truly willing to give up? nolfi remained silent for a moment before accepting the metal canister and taking a big gulp. charnames heart ached as he withdrew the bottle and patiently waited for the medicine to take effect. Chapter 575 - 575 "Handover" 575 handover 575 handover after a while, charname reached his limit. he stared at nolfi and questioned, do you have any secret collaborators? nolfi gently nodded and admitted, yes. batna and charname anticipated this response, but it failed to dampen charnames excitement. who is it? nolfi hesitated for a moment before revealing, its, its juan oro! juan oro? the president of the fisheries guild? batna was caught off guard. charname shared the sentiment. could the spy be the boss? despite his critique, he pressed on, are you sure its juan oro? while instructing juan oro to investigate the core members of the fisheries guild, lumian, who had uncovered the earth mother churchs true motives, sought similar information from noelia of the fertility order, which included juan oro, the president. official reports indicated that juan oros health had been relatively stable. he had never faced serious illness or severe injury. moreover, he hadnt displayed any signs of losing control of his lizard form. in essence, there was no indication that he had been possessed by ultraman, a transmigrator. naturally, a definitive judgment couldnt be made based solely on this information. after all, when the original bodies of many curly-haired baboons research society members met unfortunate fates, there were no witnesses. despite growing older, juan oros personality remained relatively unchanged, sans the increasingly stubborn streak and a penchant for returning to the sea. crucially, if juan oro were ultraman, many of april fools disruptive actions during the sea prayer ritual would be unnecessary. it could be executed in a simpler and more covert manner. considering these factors, charname had previously concluded that juan oro wasnt a key member of april fools. nolfi pursed her lips and disclosed, its him. i met him six months ago in port rayak. rayak, located north of the darige mountain range, served as a port under the jurisdiction of the riston province in the intis republic. met before? charname blurted out. your eyes can deceive you. what you perceive doesnt necessarily reflect reality. unable to hold back his desire to confide, he continued, just like now. the me you see isnt equivalent to the real me. the difference is quite significant. are you suggesting that the juan oro i encountered was an imposter? nolfi expressed disbelief. but, he also demonstrated the ability to control the waves! charname chuckled. many fisheries guild committee members possess such abilities. what if one of them impersonated juan oro? but, but its too similar nolfi fell into self-doubt. charname spoke casually, based on the intel we gathered, juan oro hasnt left port santa for nearly a decade. hes the president of the fisheries guild. he frequents the association daily. while this information was used to persuade nolfi, it wasnt conclusive evidence. if juan oro were ultraman, he could have enlisted mad ladys help to travel to port rayak and return in less than two hours. under such circumstances, hardly anyone would notice his brief absence. nolfi fell silent, pondering, and muttered, then, then who could it be? how would i know? charname expressed his criticism. appearing slightly awkward, he shifted the conversation. what kind of collaboration did the imposter juan oro seek with you? do you have any means to obliterate the underwater palace and put an end to the sea prayer ritual once and for all? nolfis body quivered, as if grappling with an innate urge. after a brief pause, she struggled in response, h-hell help me cover my tracks and disregard my existence. hell permit me to board a ship and infiltrate the sea sacrifice waters ahead of the governor of the seas vessel and conceal myself. then, as the governor of the sea unveils the ring of the sea queen and utters the words of the marriage proposal, ill deliver a line. my mother imparted that passage to me. it originated from her profound connection with the palace when she received the seas blessing. itsits purpose is to trigger a self-destruct sequence within the palace. nolfis words flowed more effortlessly, signifying that she had given up on resisting. self-destruction sequence? are you certain? do you comprehend that language from god knows where? charname wore an expression of skepticism. thats what my mother told me. nolfi conveyed her lack of understanding of the languages meaning. charname pressed on, does your mother comprehend that language? she doesnt, but she grasps its significance. can you fathom it? its a form of spiritual communication, nolfi defended her mother with determination. deceiving through soul-level communication isnt out of the realm of possibility. moreover, its always simpler to dupe the illiterate, charname muttered his internal grievances once again. he furrowed his brow and inquired, did the imposter juan oro inform you that the sea prayer ritual failed last year? no. if he had, i wouldnt have chartered a boat at port santa, nolfi expressed her frustration on the matter. had she known from the beginning that last years sea prayer ritual had faltered, she would have anticipated heightened vigilance at port santa this year. those attempting to rent a boat for a sea journey would undoubtedly be on a watch list. charname wore a perplexed expression. wouldnt that mean the imposter juan oro was expecting you to be apprehended by lato guiaro half a year ago, neither april fools nor anyone with ulterior motives in port santa had foreseen lumians arrival to investigate the sea prayer ritual. this suggested that nolfis original role wasnt designed to lure lumian. it might have been part of april fools initial plan until they reconsidered, opting to exploit the great adventurers investigations. under such circumstances, letting nolfi be captured by lato guiaro was evidently not a mere oversight in april fools plan, unless that was their intention all along. is nolfi being thrown into the mix to confuse the fisheries guild and sow suspicion among other committee members against juan oro? a rift between them would hinder their cooperation. but this strategy doesnt seem cunning enough is it an attempt to divert the earth mother churchs attention from this years sea prayer ritual and redirect it towards nolfi? or or franca, posing as charname, had a guess. or perhaps, lato guiaro is a member of april fools! the moment nolfi arrived at port santa and tried to rent a boat, she was apprehended. not only does lato guiaro hold complete sway over this collaborator, but he also offers corresponding protection could it be that when the sea prayer ritual is on the brink of commencing, he will feign a lapse in vigilance, allowing nolfi to escape successfully and secure a boat? with this speculation in mind, the more franca considered lato guiaro, the more something felt awry. whether it was the intel provided by the knight of swords or information from the authorities, a consistent message emerged: lato guiaro had slept in separate rooms from his wife many years ago! for transmigrators, after taking over the original owners body, their greatest apprehension was being exposed by those around them through various details. among these people, the ones most likely to unveil their disguises were their deeply connected parents and spouses who shared the same bed. in particular, the latter were privy to many interaction habits unknown to others. in such circumstances, opting to sleep in separate rooms was evidently a form of self-protection for transmigrators. initially, franca had a fleeting suspicion when she came across this information, but she promptly dismissed it. firstly, it wasnt uncommon for a middle-aged man and his wife to have separate sleeping quarters. lato guiaro wasnt the sole fisheries guild committee member to adopt this practice. secondly, lato guiaro had previously been forcibly controlled by the knight of swords and lumian before being subjected to truth serum. during subsequent questioning, he displayed no indications of ties to april fools. he didnt even betray any signs of stifling laughter when discussing marrying the sea! however, what if lato guiaro, who willingly transmitted nolfis information, had prepped in advance to elude the adventurers detection and had cloaked a portion of his memories through hypnosis? the truth serum fundamentally heightened the inclination to share with others. anything beyond the users knowledge or comprehension remained veiled. the pressing question now was: where did lato guiaro acquire beyonders or items with similar capabilities through april fools channels? franca, increasingly convinced that lato guiaro was ultraman, recalled a crucial detail: the current governor of the sea, simon, belonged to the guiaro family! previously, juan oro had heeded her advice to conduct a blood test on everyone, excluding lumian, who boarded the ship. the aim was to confirm familial ties and unveil any outsiders attempting to infiltrate in disguise. what if simon guiaro was lato guiaro in disguise? this method would only affirm his identity! on the betrothal ship, now resting on the seabed as if weighed down by a colossal boulder, simon guiaro, positioned at the bow, appeared bewildered, his face a mixture of panic and confusion. yet, a faint curl formed at the corners of his mouth. at that moment, the governor of the sea handover ritual from the previous night flashed in his mind. clad in a pristine blue suit, simon guiaro entered the hall, noting his predecessor, governor of the sea miguel, clad in a retro white robe, observing him. following the predetermined procedure, he uttered the prearranged words. ill leave the sea to you. its my honor, simon guiaro responded solemnly as he advanced toward the other party. miguel extended his right hand, and simon guiaro reached out for a handshake. this gesture symbolized the departure of the former governor of the sea and the commencement of simon guiaros role as the present governor of the sea. after the handshake, they passed each other by. as they turned their gazes in opposite directions, the corners of their lips subtly curled upwards. under the scrutiny of the numerous statues surrounding them, one advanced while the other exited the hall. Chapter 576 - 576 Palace 576 palace 576 palace having transformed into simon through a seer pathways sealed artifact, lato guiaro observed the illusory starlight surrounding them, akin to seawater caught in a vortex. it cascaded down, forming a massive funnel. the origin of this vortex was the humanoid sealed artifact they had abducted from the eternal blazing sun church! after the exposure of the curly-haired baboons research societys internal affairs and the consecutive deaths of loki and i know someone, one resurrected at the cost of a precious opportunity, while the other met a permanent end. they adjusted their initial sea sacrifice plan and activated a backup strategy to counter potential interference from the research society. according to the revived lokis warning, hela, the societys vice president, had likely ascended to sequence 4, reaching demigod status, and switched from the death pathway to the evernight pathway. depending solely on ultraman, bard, and mad lady, their intricate plans would crumble before absolute strength. of course, they were confident if it were just hela alone. confidence wavered when considering president gandalf, an enigma, and the other vice presidents, alongside the troublesome society members. dealing with them now seemed an insurmountable challenge. starlight surged, revealing a sorrowful woman in black nuns attire to everyone on the ship. her presence felt magnetic, as if attempting to absorb everything around her. it was akin to an unusually heavy iron ball falling from the center of a taut fishing net, dragging objects down and pulling the surrounding net with it. in these circumstances, previously still items naturally slipped away. the most impacted was juan oro, with a potent sea bloodline and formidable sea power. resisting the seas fury, he felt a spatial inversion, as if his front and back had switched to up and down. like a lost person above an abyss, he involuntarily fell to the bottom at an accelerated speed, where the woman in black nuns attire awaited. the deputy hosts, apart from lumian, felt an unseen force tugging at them. struggling, they staggered towards the humanoid sealed artifact. the seas power within them wavered, propelling them to the surface, revealing sparkling starry scales that hinted at losing control. the maidens of the sea and the sailors on the ship struggled against the terrifying suction force, swaying on the spot. some experienced their skin smoothing, others felt scales emerging in their flesh, and a few shifted their feet intermittently. lumian, though relatively unscathed, exerted considerable strength to resist the relentless pull. as an ascetic, he vaguely sensed the river of fate for everyone present surging toward the humanoid sealed artifact. future tributaries narrowed and converged, leading inevitably to one possibilitydeath. in that moment, lumian grasped why the humanoid sealed artifact could use words to curse someone to death. lato guiaro reached out, gripping the shipboard to resist the invisible pull from the woman. his gaze scanned the people on the ship, then returned to the seas depths. the ship descended, surrounded by a translucent wall of azure seawater. sea creatures swam within, seemingly oblivious to the anomaly. in the distance, the spindle-shaped silver-gray object at the sea bottom, its tip embedded in rocks, came into view. lato guiaro suppressed any sign of a smile. he was nearing his destination. the fools from the fisheries guild and the oblivious earth mother church might never comprehend what lay sealed at the bottom of the sea here. it wasnt a so-called palace but a spaceship! a spacecraft that infiltrated during the fourth epoch! it boasted a sci-fi dimension, housing advanced technology entwined with mystical beyonder elements, forming the core of the entire spaceship. a locator, a petri dish, a breeding box, a key component of a stargatea place where a beyonder object slumbered. the ring of the sea queen, crafted by the sea spawn, served as the spacecrafts key. only when the external seal weakened annually could it activate the spacecrafts internal power, merging the two to crack the core seal! lato guiaros gaze grew greedier as he stared at the faintly discernible silver- gray behemoth. his aim extended beyond temporary authorityto become the true governor of the sea and the spaceships owner. this would grant him immense power and the ability to accomplish unimaginable feats using the spaceship. the azure sea, tinged with a hint of green, encircled the ship as if respectfully escorting them into the palace of the sea. seeing the seas fury interrupted by the womans sudden appearance, making her the most perilous element, juan oro wasted no time deepening his connection with the sea. at that moment, he temporarily became the governor of the sea. he resisted the terrifying suction force. abruptly, the humanoid sealed artifact departed from the ship, entering an empty darkness. resplendent stars flickered above, below, and to her left. ahead stood juan oro, covered in starlight scales, deep-eyed, and with completely white hair. juan oro raised his right hand, swiping his finger. the stars plummeted with fiery tails, stirring up waves. on the betrothal ship, everyone lost the momentum to rush to the same place. however, the power they used to resist the pull couldnt be withdrawn, causing them to fall in the opposite direction. lato guiaro feigned a similar state, crashing into the bow of the ship. seeing the silver-gray behemoth approaching, his heart leaped with joy. he was about to recite a phrase he didnt comprehend but understood its purpose. it was a coded order to completely open the spaceships door and establish an energy passageway, allowing him to enter under protection! april fools had been established for several years. lato guiaros decision to target the sea prayer ritual last year was influenced by the resolution of other voices from the governor of the sea, maidens of the sea, and certain sea spawn. this allowed them to understand the significance of the three crucial passages. i espouse thee, o sea was one of the passages, its true meaning being to inject energy into the created key and enter a password. lato guiaro was about to recite the second paragraph, which served as an order to initiate the spaceship. initially, he and bard planned to deceive the foolish nolfi, tricking her into reciting the words to avoid danger. once the spaceship activated and left these waters, the sea prayer ritual would naturally conclude. there wouldnt be any follow-up. whether it involved self-destruction or not, it wasnt a concern for her; she had achieved her essential goal. however, the situation changed drastically, especially when the curly-haired baboons research society learned about the sea prayer ritual. ultraman and bard modified their plans, roping in external aid and reducing nolfis role. eventually, she became bait to lead troublemakers, represented by lumian lee and hidden blade. lato guiaro opened his mouth and muttered the words. as he finished speaking, he looked expectantly at the spaceship at the sea bottom. but nothing happened! how is this possible? lato guiaros heart tightened, feeling a sudden sense of danger. with a jolt, he saw everything disintegrate like a soap bubble, vanishing. lumian, transformed into brian, had arrived near him at some point. a dream! he had been dreaming since juan oro pulled the humanoid sealed artifact into the cosmic void! hela! this name flashed through lato guiaros mind. he had paid attention to whether there were other ships lurking around! as these thoughts raced through his mind, formless hands appeared around lato guiaro, pushing lumian away. then, he saw a sailboat, clearly abandoned by time, outlined in the cavity surrounded by seawater beside the betrothal ship. shadows clung to its canvas, and corpses stood on the observatory. the deck was littered with decaying or boneless undead creatures. at the bow of the ship, a woman dressed as a black widow stood silently. hela! less than four hours ago, franca, posing as charname, signaled nolfi and batna to wait for further arrangements. returning to the cabin, she entered the captains cabin and addressed hela, standing by the window. ive roughly guessed who ultraman is, but i cant be sure. i guessed as much, hela replied, having overheard franca and nolfis conversation. franca gritted her teeth and said, if its really lato guiaro, there will definitely be variables on the ship. i have to quickly summon lumians messenger and inform him of our guess. lets wait a little longer and time it well. well send the message when the deputy hosts leave the governor of the seas residence but prior to boarding the ship, hela advised. franca confirmed succinctly, got it. she observed hela, with her light-blond hair naturally cascading over her shoulders, and her dark eyes seemingly darker as she meticulously engraved patterns and arranged items on the captains cabin desk. with curiosity, she promptly inquired, whats this for? setting up a ritual to completely conceal the entire ship, preventing anyone from discovering it. its impossible for me to do this on my own. i can only achieve it through a deitys help. and she should be very willing to help. without hesitation, hela took off the pure silver ring embedded with a black diamond from her right hand and placed it in the center of the altar. on the betrothal ship, lumian scrutinized lato guiaro, his body quivering with excitement. he couldnt comprehend how the other party had thwarted the sea prayer ritual once again. after all, he had been vigilantly observing this old friend of his and hadnt witnessed any ring-switching. nonetheless, it didnt matter. a well-devised plan was not a fragile creation that crumbled with the slightest mistake. it had to allow for enough margin for error! similarly, lato guiaro couldnt fathom how hela and the ship had approached without triggering his detection. but it didnt matter. if they hadnt prepared for the interference of the curly- haired baboons research society and hela, they wouldnt have taken action this time. lato guiaros eyes suddenly darkened, and specks of starlight illuminated. the surrounding azure seawater froze once more. here, he surpassed the old-timer, juan oro. he had long amassed the power to temporarily become the governor of the sea! in the upcoming period, he would ascend to become the god of these waters! Chapter 577 - 577 Same Thoughts 577 same thoughts 577 same thoughts on the flower ship, lato guiaro extended his arms, and sunlight erupted from his body. the sky dimmed, and the sea approached nothingness. illusory stars emerged among them, expanding like distant suns. in the next moment, lato guiaro swiftly spoke a few words in ancient hermes with a grave expression, god says entering dreams is ineffective! with the reinforcement of the seas power, he neared the status of a sequence 4 demigod. this allowed him to employ the notarys god says ability more precisely, diminishing helas capacity to compel people into entering dreams. without this intervention, if hela used her ability to forcefully restrain him without guiding him into an easily interruptible dream to gather information, breaking free from such a demigods dream would prove challenging in a short time. he would become like a feral dog under anesthesia, at lumian lees mercy. the choice of entering dreams is ineffective over sleeping is ineffective was deliberate. the former was more specific and avoided potential ambiguity related to various abilities. additionally, the evernight pathways induced slumber originated from being forcefully drawn into a dream, not the other way around. essentially, it was a dream, not sleep. as lato guiaro pronounced the ancient hermes phrase entering dreams is ineffective, his body still felt as weighty as the humanoid sealed artifact, though not as exaggerated. this stirred massive waves in the surrounding seawater, attempting to fill the void. the sailboat manipulated by the undead creatures visibly swayed, nearly capsizing, severely impeding helas further movements. immediately after, lato guiaro reclined even further. a miniature, bright sun manifested in his eyes. simultaneously, the ethereal sky and the stars emerging from the sea emitted light of varying intensities. they interweaved, crafting a splendid and pure blazing pillar of light. the majestic pillar of light descended, enveloping the front half of the sailboat, where hela stood. it melted the undead creatures there as if they had evaporated, leaving no trace of darkness. hela became engulfed by the pillar of light. this was the light of holiness, an ability of a sequence 5 priest of the light of the sun pathway. despite not consuming a corresponding sequence 4 potion and lacking demigod-level abilities after becoming the temporary governor of the sea, lato guiaro could elevate his acquired abilities to near sequence 4. moreover, the light of holiness had undergone a mutation. it no longer emanated from a single sun. all the stars in the cosmic void contributed to its power. coupled with the uniqueness of these waters, while not as potent as the sequence 4 flaring sun of this pathway in purifying and destroying impure entities, its attack range and area of influence had significantly expanded. having transmigrated into a child of the sea and possessing substantial boons, lato guiaro had carefully considered the sun pathway potion, believing it posed no risks and might integrate with his bloodline and original abilities, bringing about remarkable changes. the outcome aligned with his expectations. suddenly, lato guiaro pivoted. in the space behind him, lumians figure swiftly materialized. he intended to exploit lato guiaros engagement with hela to teleport closer, followed by a spell of harrumph. gone from his eyes was any suppressed violence or madness. there was no fear whatsoever, as if he didnt concern himself with the consequences of failing to assail the governor of the sea at close range. in lato guiaros dark and profound eyes, resplendent stars reflected. before lumian could utter the harrumph, he plunged into the void, disappearing beneath the vast and distant cosmos. lato guiaro withdrew his gaze and focused on the sailboat illuminated by the residual light. he found an adversary like lumian lee repulsive. it wasnt that he couldnt be forcibly eliminated, but doing so might only exacerbate matters. he could potentially incur the indiscriminate wrath of a high-ranking individual. his decision was to leverage the authority of the governor of the sea to banish his foe into a self-created cosmic void, leaving him disoriented and unable to find an exit for the time being. once he assumed control of the spaceship and became the true governor of the sea, he planned to return and calmly resolve the issue. at that precise moment, juan oro, entangled in a battle with the humanoid sealed artifact in his cosmic void, suddenly detected an anomaly. his strength rapidly waned, and his dominion over the sea gradually diminished! it seemed like his temporary authority as governor of the sea was being usurped. in the blink of an eye, the tidal wave capable of shattering ships vanished from the cosmic void, followed by the illusory cosmos itself. juan oro reappeared on the ship once more and saw the azure sea around him, towering like a mountain peak. he saw simon guiaro, closely linked to the sea. its you! his roar coincided with an involuntary bend, as if an invisible force pressed him down to the floor. the humanoid sealed artifact had also returned, reinstating a formidable weight. lato guiaro gazed at her, his face covered in scales tinged with starlight. then, he pointed at helas ship and spoke in a fluent language, %&* he didnt comprehend the exact meaning of the sentence, but he understood that it could prompt the other party to attack a designated target. although he harbored no fear of hela in these waters, he remained vigilant of gandalf and others who might be on the ship. therefore, he had to give his utmost effort. the humanoid sealed artifacts sorrow dissipated slightly, and it nodded blankly. her body pivoted towards the sailboat, which bobbed in the underwater waves. in an instant, lato guiaro bent down and grasped his throat. waa! he ejected a slender, sticky blob of flesh. the flesh contorted and writhed, swiftly taking on a human form. lato guiaro promptly straightened up and seized the moment to command, mad lady, open the passageway to the spaceship! he wasnt concerned that mad lady might usurp the position of the governor of the sea and become the owner of the spaceship because she lacked the sea bloodline. in the cosmic void crafted by lato guiaro, lumian showed no urgency to find an exit or ascertain his coordinates. he simply teleported out. he clasped his throat. waa! he ejected a slender, sticky blob of flesh. the flesh contorted and writhed, swiftly taking on a human form. solow motel, adjacent to lumians suite. recalling that invisibility and shadow concealment were futile against marionettists, jenna pondered ways to locate lokis true form. drawing on information from the major arcana card holders, she knew a marionettist had to be within five meters of a target to transform individuals into marionettes. in other words, loki was undoubtedly within a five-meter radius of lugano. dammit, its all walls. my sight is blocked. otherwise, spotting loki would be easier. at this hour, most guests are away, celebrating the sea prayer ritual walls if there are no walls an idea struck jenna. she glanced at anthony and blurted out, did you bring enough money? what money? in a rare instance, anthony couldnt decipher jennas true thoughts. only then did jenna realize her words had been too abrupt. money to compensate the motel owner. i plan to blow up the opposite side, diagonally opposite, and the rooms below. we confirmed theyre empty. if anyones there, its loki or his marionette! ill place the detonators here. they affect rooms within a seven-meter radius. lugano will likely be injured, but with the lady as a shield and being a doctor, he can handle it. right, the explosion will attract the fertility orders combat nuns! jennas train of thought gradually flowed smoothly as she spoke. are you a hunter or a demoness? have you been influenced by lumian anthony mused inwardly. do it. time is running out. lumian will cover the compensation; hes loaded. jenna hurriedly searched her backpack for detonators. simultaneously, she noticed anthony setting up a simple altar. her heart stirred as she asked, do you wish to contact madam justice, madam judgment, or madam magician? either one works, anthony said seriously as he prepared for the ritual. although madam magician wont appear until the end to prevent loki and his backer from noticing, she mentioned that at least two major arcana cards will arrive early and provide assistance at critical moments. got it. jenna had been uncertain about when to reach out for help and inform their major arcana cardholders, so she had been contemplating handling it herself. given anthonys readiness to risk the disapproval of the major arcana cardholders, jenna was naturally inclined to opt for the safest choice. as jenna stacked the detonators and other explosives near the adjacent door, anthony reid erected a spiritual barrier and summoned madam magicians messenger, briefing her on lokis appearance. then, he swiftly took cover in the bathroom attached to the master bedroom, about six to seven meters away from the impending explosion. boom! a fierce explosion tore through the fifth floor of sauron motel. glass shattered, debris scattered, and crimson flames engulfed the surroundings. Chapter 578 - 578 Marionettes 578 marionettes 578 marionettes amidst the thunderous explosion, the partition separating the two suites and the one facing the corridor crumbled simultaneously, wreaking havoc on nearby furniture, the ceiling above, the floor beneath their feet, and the rooms opposite, swiftly enveloping them in a surging inferno. jenna hadnt utilized all the explosives; otherwise, the entire fifth and fourth floors of solow motel would have collapsed in unison. nevertheless, a section of the roof gave way, and the floor was strewn in chaos. the epicenter of the blast unveiled the room below. as the walls of the adjacent rooms succumbed to the onslaught, the bricks and wood propelled by the shockwave slammed into giorgia, causing her back to buckle, and her head to split open, unleashing a flow of vivid red blood. lugano snapped out of his intermittent thoughts and bodily stiffness, regaining his composure. subsequently, he experienced searing pain as the violent shockwave, mixed with flames and debris, hurled him through the air. had it not been for giorgia shielding him and with his robust planters physique, he likely would have faced severe injuries, teetering on the brink of death. limbs could have been severed, or vital points struck. despite this, he ended up a battered mess, with a few bones broken, nearly succumbing to unconsciousness. ludwig had sought refuge under the dining table at some pointalong with his food. with the advantage of distance and the makeshift shield, he only bore the impact of the collapsed table. simultaneously, jenna and anthony burst out of the master bedroom washroom in their suite, their gazes fixed on the adjacent rooms where walls had crumbled, filling the air with swirling dust. they vaguely discerned a figure. the figure, bearing a striking resemblance to rubi paco, stood beside the upturned recliner. loki! jenna wasted no time. she condensed a dark, illusory flame and sent it hurtling towards her target. behind her, anthony reids eyes took on a golden tint, pupils dilating. he was poised to lock onto loki, ready to unleash frenzya technique that would plunge loki into an emotionally and psychologically triggered state, rendering him incapable of rational thought and effective response. just as anthony and jenna prepared to strike, their vision darkened, and loki vanished. they found themselves in a void, no blue sky or white clouds above, no solid ground belowjust darkness embellished with a myriad of stars. cosmic void! this semi-real, semi-false illusion was a creation achievable by a child of the sea at a certain level. in the void, jenna and anthony beheld a widowed woman in a black bonnet with subtle wrinkles in front of them. martha! the paco familys matriarch, now a marionette under lokis control, was hidden in the room where loki manipulated the spirit body threads. with sufficient preparation time, how could loki not perform with his marionettes? he had two puppets with beyonder powers, and this was one of them. another remained concealed, with the last slot reserved for specific situations, adaptable at will. it could be switched once an enemy was under control. when loki posed as rubi paco, bringing madam martha to meet the governor of the sea, the familys matriarch was already a marionette. thus, he had to ensure she stayed within his control range. lugano discerned madam marthas severe injuries primarily because a marionette was essentially comparable to a lifeless entity. a marionettists manipulation of her spirit body threads allowed her to execute various actions, mimicking living characteristics. to a sequence 8 doctor, this appeared as grave injuries. had lumian not infrequently observed others luck without forming a habit, he would have realized that madam marthas fate was off. it was eerily still, resembling death. martha, a subtle smile on her face, lifted her right hand, a spectral green light coalescing at her fingertips. the radiance morphed into a beam that streaked towards jenna. having heard lumian explain the sea bloodlines abilities, jenna, at the sight of the spectral green light, rolled out of the cosmic void. anthony followed suit. he refrained from using frenzy on martha since a marionette, essentially dead, wouldnt succumb to frenzy. in the next moment, they both felt a weightiness, plummeting swiftly through the empty cosmos. they experienced the weightlessness franca occasionally mentioned. in the blink of an eye, jenna and anthony landed on the ground and steadied themselves, yet martha was nowhere to be seen. the empty cosmos was shattering inch by inch. they were still in solow motel, but they had descended from the fifth floor to the fourth. this was because the mid- to low-level cosmic void resembled more of an illusion. there would be a barrier akin to a wall of spirituality around them. after falling into it, their bodies remained in reality. as they rolled and dodged, martha nudged them forcefully with her formless power, causing them to plunge into the floor cavity created by the explosives. jenna didnt hesitate. she sprinted up the wall, seized a crack, and flipped back to the fifth floor where the explosion had occurred. she saw lugano tending to his injuries, and loki and madam martha were absent from the room diagonally opposite. ludwig, who had hidden under the dining table, had vanished as well! on aquina street, amid a lively folk celebration, loki, having transformed into an inconspicuous passerby, carried ludwig, who had fallen asleep, through the crowd. his other marionette, a soul assurer of the evernight pathway, stayed concealed on the opposite side of lumians suite, ready to exert influence on the target. initially, loki had dispatched his temporary marionette, giorgia, to handle lugano. he had manipulated the doctors spirit body threads but refrained from deploying his more potent marionettes. it wasnt due to fear of alerting ludwig, but rather a concern that an unseen adversary might be lurking in the shadows. after all, several lodgers in the motel hadnt left for the sea prayer ritual celebrations. a couple had returned before lunchtime next door, almost synchronizing with the target. moreover, a marionettists advancement ritual demanded a grand performancea splendid and profound drama. silent, unnoticed assassinations lacking a sufficient audience failed to meet the requirements. therefore, loki intentionally singled out lugano first. if there were no other foes lurking, it was akin to switching marionettes. if there were, he could draw them all to him and clandestinely manipulate the target with the other marionette nearby. aware that it was a sealed demigod, loki knew its strength might be limited, but its essence remained unchanged. it was impervious to many influences. however, he believed the evernight pathways forced sleep would still be effective. since this sealed demigod could experience exhaustion, hunger, and the need for rest, food, and sleep like a true child, it implied that the seal had impacted corresponding characteristics, making him akin to an ordinary person in those aspects. at most, he would awaken faster and require less rest time. a few seconds would be ample time for loki to relocate and conceal himself with the target before attempting to manipulate the other partys spirit body threads. his two marionettes would act independently, confusing both enemies and the earth mother church clergyman rushing over. they would lead them on a chase spanning about 100 to 200 meters, completing the corresponding performance. as the time approached, the enemies would pinpoint his hiding spot through the marionettes trajectory, joyfully anticipating an encounter. however, what awaited them would be a demigod-level marionette, leading to a terrifying and grim outcome. under the watchful eyes of the surrounding citizens, the magnificent play would conclude. loki could consume the potion and ascend to sequence 4, becoming a bizarro sorcerer! on the betrothal ship, within lato guiaros cosmic void. this was fundamentally different from lower-middle-level abilities. it was both an illusory realm and an alternate space that could cause people to lose themselves and become abnormally fragile. it was akin to the bottle of fiction augmented with hallucinations. the sticky blob of flesh lumian had expelled squirmed rapidly, stretching and expanding into a discernible figure. cloaked in blood-red fabric with a matching hood obscuring its face in shadows, the figure revealed itself as none other than mr. k of the aurora order. to counter april fools machinations, lumian had chosen the strategy of overwhelming force. he accomplished this with overt and imposing power, complemented by meticulous arrangements. this plan allowed for a fair margin of error. even if lumian made a miscalculation, as long as april fools didnt have angel-level helpers or three or more saints, he could salvage the situation by retaining at least one or two key members. to enhance their odds, franca extended invitations to hela and gandalf. the fertility order also notified the higher-ups, ensuring the presence of a saint overseeing port santa during the sea prayer ritual. the tarot club had two major arcana card holders positioned nearby. when april fools key members felt secure, madam magician, the angel of stars, would cross a long distance and descend as they prepared to depart! for extra precaution, lumian utilized mr. ks finger to get him to port santa. morphing with the rose bishops power, he turned into a fleshy blob, and was concealed in lumians stomach to infiltrate the betrothal ship. mr. k glanced up, his eyes taking on an otherworldly illusion, as if concealing hidden doors. swiftly scanning the cosmic void, he identified an escape route. follow me, he said to lumian in a hoarse voice. nodding, lumian reached into the travelers bag, extracting the flog boxing gloves and preparing to don them. if you guys still have a backup plan or if a few powerhouses dont appear in time, ill draw the attention of the evil gods and create chaos. well all face the danger together. early exits? forget about it! Chapter 579 - 579 Energy Passage 579 energy passage 579 energy passage on the betrothal boat, the humanoid sealed artifact ascended, her form suspended in the air. striding through the atmosphere, she advanced toward the sailboat. with the weight akin to a massive stone sphere, she manipulated the surrounding space, causing the target ship to shift automatically. the two factions drew near. concurrently, the vacant eyes of the humanoid sealed artifact, adorned in a black nuns attire, suddenly sparked with madness and chaos. minute blood vessels protruded from the whites of its eyes, swiftly converging. accompanying her affliction, the maidens of the sea, deputy hosts, and sailors on the betrothal ship, unaware of what transpired, stood motionless. their expressions blank, eyes vacant, they succumbed to the same state as the humanoid sealed artifact. in that moment, within the lingering light of holiness on the sailboat, which had traversed the void and approached the origin of derangement, a light abruptly vanished, swallowed by the profound darkness. in the darkness, a tranquil voice resonated, as if reciting a beautiful poem. the expression of the humanoid sealed artifact softened significantly. the chaos and madness in her eyes dissipated, and her steps slowed. the other individuals on the betrothal ship also entered a state of tranquility and drowsiness. juan oro felt the intangible force suppressing his body instantly dissipate. straightening up abruptly, he glared angrily at simon guiaro, positioned at the bow of the ship. the president of the fisheries guild had a rough idea of the other partys identity. after all, not many comprehended the entire sea prayer ritual and knew the intricacies of the ring of the sea queen. combined with the fact that he hailed from the same family as simon guiaro, there was only one answer: lato guiaro! you traitor! even the distant chanting from the darkness couldnt pacify juan oros anger. although no longer the temporary governor of the sea, he still possessed considerable strength and could be deemed formidable at sea. splash! the seawater at the bottom of the betrothal ship surged, part of it threatening to hurl everyone back to the surface, while others formed into towering peaks and crashed down on lato guiaro, masquerading as simon guiaro. lato abruptly pivoted, fixing his gaze on juan oro. the azure peak poised to strike him froze in midair, its descent arrested. the waters attempt to push the betrothal ship out of this area also ceased its endeavors. reflected in lato guiaros eyes was the figure of juan oro. the corners of his mouth curled up slightly as he stated a fact in a composed tone, i am now the governor of the sea. your abilities, especially those affecting these waters, are completely suppressed by me. they are useless! the incantation from the darkness targeted the humanoid sealed artifact. everything else was secondary. as the interim governor of the sea, lato guiaro couldnt help but be affected. however, thanks to the feedback from the sea and the sharing of the burden, it didnt reach a profound level. he only became more tranquil, devoid of the desire for intense combat and direct killing. compared to juan oro, he was more concerned about whether gandalf was on the sailboat besides hela. he was more concerned about whether mad lady had opened the spaceships passageway in time. juan oros heart sank as he witnessed the azure wave suspended in midair and lato guiaro, seemingly indifferent to him. at that moment, lato turned to mad lady, who had reverted to her human form, and addressed his companion, clad in an unusually flamboyant blood- colored dress, hurry up. mad lady wasnt particularly tall, standing at over 1.6 meters. her dark-blond hair was disheveled, influenced by the heaviness effect. none of it fluttered wantonly, pointing towards the seabed. her face concealed by pure flesh, making it challenging to discern her original appearance. she wore a ring on each hand. on her left hand, there was a rose-gold ring embedded with a gem resembling crimson blood, and on her right, a simple, pure silver ring. mad lady responded to lato guiaro with a smile, so there are times when youre anxious. only then did she cast her gaze at the silver-gray behemoth embedded in the seabed not far away. this lunatic lato guiaro cursed inwardly. i know someone had an extremely nasty personality and subsequently succumbed to mental illness due to other reasons and was admitted to an asylum, but in contrast, mad lady had displayed an abnormal state of mind from the very beginning. in the past, she relied on i know someones regular treatment to barely maintain her rationality, but now, she was becoming more and more insane. lato guiaro took a deep breath, focusing on the peculiar sounds emanating from within the spaceship, resisting the distant chants echoing in the darkness. swiftly regaining his will to fight, he redirected his gaze to the sailboat, raising his right arm. upon witnessing this, juan oros sense of despair deepened. the white-haired old man clenched his fist, slamming it against his chest. with a snap, his sternum broke, and his flesh tore open, releasing a torrent of blood that painted his body and the betrothal ships deck red. as life ebbed away, juan oros white hair defied the heaviness effect, floating upwards. his steps grew burdensome, each movement pressing down like a mountain on the ground. just as lato guiaro was poised to unleash the surrounding seawater, submerging the sailboat, he suddenly realized that the sea wasnt as obedient as before. his governor of the sea position teetered on the brink of collapse. lato guiaro turned his head once more, narrowing his eyes at juan oro, now covered in blood. traitor, the sea will punish you! juan oros dark-green eyes focused, emitting a beam of blue light. accompanying this attack, he also intensified lato guiaros heaviness, rendering him unable to move normally. two beams struck lato guiaro simultaneously, penetrating him and sinking into the sea. lato guiaros aura weakened slightly, but he wasnt as severely injured as juan oro believed. sunlight burst forth from the april fool key member who used ultraman as his code name, eradicating the residual corrosive powers and altering his body structure. he lifted his chin slightly and uttered three words with strange pronunciations. %%&( this was also the language employed to activate the spaceship. the implication was likely akin to granting access, equivalent to obtaining a certain amount of governor of the sea power without melding with the sea after opening a crack in the seal. lato guiaros usage now was to help him seize all authority back from juan oro. hmph, foolish fellow, a group of fools. they hadnt studied the sounds heard during every sea sacrifice after so many years. they guarded the treasure but failed to excavate it! sacrificing your life? sacrificing yourself? its meaningless! brains and strength are the foundation! juan oro, still bleeding from his chest, was surprised to discover that the authority of the governor of the sea had shifted again. he stared at lato guiaro in confusion and horror, as if looking at a true devil. why? why does the sea favor him more? why does the sea favor this traitor more? at that moment, mad lady, on the other side of the bow, completed reciting the incoherent order. the silver-gray behemoth at the bottom of the sea trembled slightly, increasing in magnitude, causing the entire seabed and all the seawater to quake. inside, beams of pure light converged and shot out from the open entrance, landing at the edge of the betrothal ship, forming a transparent tunnel-like energy passageway. mad lady didnt immediately leap into the pure light. she understood that as the spaceship opened and activated further, the power accumulated in the depths of the seal would erupt. everyone present, except the governor of the sea, would be torn apart. but it didnt matter. she had a solution. the plain silver ring on her right hand, a gift from bard, held the boon from honoring the ancestors. it could steal that power and distribute it, sharing the burden with all the children of the sea in port santa. of course, those present would receive more. whether they could endure it or not depended on fate. when the moment arrived, the fisheries guild members would believe the sea prayer ritual had succeeded, celebrating with joy. little did they know that their sea had been stolen. the irony delighted mad lady. just as she was about to use the ring, a strong sense of danger premonition hit her. in a flash, her figure vanished, reappearing a few steps away. a shadow rose from the deck where she had stood, but it failed to envelop her. mad lady then spotted mr. k, draped in a blood-colored cloak and hood, and lumian lee, wearing the lie earring but yet to revert to his original appearance. port santa, governor of the seas residence. bard stood by the window, gazing at the weeds outside. silently calculating the time, he waited for the sea prayer ritual to progress. if the seas boon arrived with a delay and cheers erupted from milo village, he would openly leave this place, abandoning those who had been deceived. when the moment arrived, anyone attempting to stop him would be torn apart by the power of the sea. in the absence of a delayed collective boon, but with the sky and sea undergoing ominous changes, as if a catastrophe had struck, bard could wait for the spaceship or mad lady to pick him up. of course, he wouldnt wait indefinitely. if there were no further developments from the sea prayer ritual within ten minutes, he would use his abilities to forcefully exit, shift positions, and conceal himself. the early-stage abilities of the marauder pathway werent formidable. bard had developed the habit of remaining vigilant as he advanced step by step. as the weeds swayed in the bright sunlight and mild wind, bard suddenly heard faint footsteps. the sound emanated from the corridor outside, so subtle that it seemed almost like an illusion. Chapter 580 - 580 Theft 580 theft 580 theft bard pivoted on his heels, fixing his eyes on the door. a moment lingered in silence, but no one rapped against the wooden barrier. the once-present soft footsteps in the corridor had now faded into nothingness. as a seasoned beyonder, bard dismissed the notion of hallucination. returning to the servants bed, he grabbed the backpack containing the spoils of the year, feigning an escape from the governor of the seas residence before confirming the outcome of the sea prayer ritual. such precautions were only sensible. not everyone placed full trust in juan oros promises. bard slung the backpack over his shoulder and slyly opened the window, aiming to slip into the weeds below. suddenly, a figure, standing over a meter tall, emerged from the shadows in the corner. its disproportionately large head and wrinkled face identified it as one of the little devils from the sea spawn. the little devil gestured for bard to close the glass window. just a bunch of creatures with low iqs, bard thought, mocking them inwardly. despite generations, they have yet to master highlander and can only barely communicate like dogs maintaining a timid expression, bard closed the window. having tested the waters, he had a rough idea of where the sea spawn responsible for monitoring him were hiding. none of them appeared to have any connection to the soft footsteps echoing in the corridor, nor did they seem aware of them. on the betrothal boat, mad lady, draped in a blood-colored dress with a portion of her face showing pure flesh and blood, instantly vanished upon spotting mr. k and lumian. she swiftly changed her position. simultaneously, a figure materialized behind and to her sidelumian and mr. k. employing their teleportation abilities, they blocked mad lady. after mad lady shifted to the opposite side of the deck, the corners of her mouth, made of pure flesh and blood, curled up. her grayish-green eyes gleamed with anticipation and excitement. come and attack me. chase me. this way, no one will use the item that honored the ancestors to steal the deep power about to erupt. lets see who reacts the fastest and teleports out of these waters when the time comes! for those unable to escape in time, they would undoubtedly be torn to pieces by the violent power, much like the fate that befell others on the ship! as these thoughts raced through her mind, mad lady swiftly turned transparent, evading lumians crimson near-white fireballs and mr. ks light-green wind blades. amidst the rumbling explosion, ultraman lato guiaro was equally infuriated by mad ladys actions. if he were still the temporary and complete governor of the sea, he wouldnt fear the impact of the potent power in the spaceship. he hadnt intended to release mad lady and use bards silver ring. however, the situation had changed. juan oro, burning his life and sacrificing flesh and blood, had contested him for the authority of the governor of the sea. in this state, ultraman couldnt be certain if he was fully protected or if he would suffer some level of damage. furthermore, not being a true demigod, he wasnt sure if he could withstand such a blow, one that left him only injured. he couldnt help but urge mad lady with his eyes, but his companion was teleporting and didnt have time to meet his gaze. the humanoid sealed artifact remained immersed in distant chanting in the darkness, oblivious to the impending seas fury. in the blink of an eye, corporeal starlight surged from the silver-gray behemoth at the bottom of the sea. it followed the condensed energy passageway and struck the betrothal ship with a tsunami-like sound, aiming to devour everything around it. here it comes! mad lady eagerly prepared for her extreme escape. confronted with the immense wave of starlight, lumians initial reaction was, why is there another seas fury? relying on his combat instincts, he immediately extended his spirituality to the lie earring on his left ear, activating the high-level stealing power attached to the mystical item. the starlight in his eyes took on a more tangible form, as if it had materialized. lumians raised left hand subtly twisted his wrist. the starlight surging from the silver-gray behemoth changed its course, rushing towards lumian in waves, engulfing the sky and the sea. this was even more terrifying than the previous seas rage. at that moment, lumian felt as if an apocalypse had descended. he knew very well that he couldnt absorb all the stolen power himself. doing so would render him unable to endure, crushed into rotten meat on the spot, indirectly aiding termiboros in escaping his predicament. fortunately, the stolen power linked to honoring the ancestors had the ability to disperse the boon obtained and share it with everyone present and all those with the sea bloodlines in port santa, similar to every successful sea prayer ritual. though a bit greedy and reluctant, lumian restrained himself. without hesitation, he opened his left hand, seemingly grasping something, and twisted his wrist in the opposite direction. suddenly, the starlight that had darkened the sky and sea seemed to explode from within, scattering radiant starlight in every direction. the stars are raining franca, concealed in the cabin on the sailboat, lamented. she tightly clutched the major arcana card belonging to judgment in her hand. this wasnt a plea for madam judgment to descend directly. after all, this wasnt within her jurisdiction. it was to signal the location for the major arcana card holders who had already gathered nearby. the beams of starlight left dazzling trails as they penetrated the bodies of those nearby and soared towards the bloodline connections farther away. lumian couldnt control this process, so he could only sense a portion of the starlight landing on him, causing his left chest to burn and corrode his flesh. simultaneously, he witnessed a significant amount of starlight being drawn towards the potent sea bloodline and the authority of the governor of the sea, surging towards ultraman and juan oro. undoubtedly, the humanoid sealed artifact received the most boons. like the eye of a vortex, she incessantly absorbed the surrounding starlight. even the starlight heading towards helas sailboat diminished noticeably. ultraman experienced a replenishment, breaking free from his weakened state after juan oros two beams, swiftly reclaiming the authority of the governor of the sea. in his moment of elation, ultraman lato guiaro felt intense surprise and confusion. why can lumian lee also steal the spacecrafts power? that requires a high-level stealing ability hasnt bards ring already been placed on the altar to honor the ancestors? and weve confirmed its corresponding effects. isnt the enchantment only possible once a year? amidst the echoing shock, lato guiaro couldnt be bothered to ponder the answer. his instinctive reaction was to swiftly crush juan oro. otherwise, who knew what he, now strengthened, would do! at that moment, juan oro felt a surge of regained strength. he observed his cracked chest and hazy flesh, now covered in starlight scales, with blood flowing out dyed in a resplendent color. gazing at lato guiaro, he suddenly smileda smile of relief, yearning, and evident anger. his body underwent a rapid transformation, eyes turning vertical, scales growing, and limbs thickening. in the span of a breath, he morphed into a humanoid lizard. during this process, lato guiaro condensed a dark-green light that descended on juan oro in a series of rays. juan oro made no attempt to dodge; he endured it. his aura rapidly weakened, precisely as he desired. his lizard-like form faded, growing increasingly translucent, as if condensed from starlight. then, juan oro merged into the void representing the sea and spoke to lato guiaro with a complex expression, ive returned to the sea. come quickly too at the last few words, juan oro gnashed his teeth, not concealing his deep- seated hatred. every child of the sea was prepared to return to the sea, and juan oro was no exception. however, he hadnt anticipated doing so in this manner. his sole desire now was for lato guiaro to join him! juan oros figure dissipated, becoming entirely a part of the sea. ultraman lato guiaro immediately sensed a growing animosity between his title as governor of the sea and the waters. the harmony that once existed had given way to a resistance emanating from the power of the sea. this indicated that the governor of the sea authority he had acquired wouldnt be complete for some time. damned old fellow! lato guiaro cursed inwardly, but he remained composed. he had realized that hela was the sole demigod on the sailboat. the humanoid sealed artifact, having received a boon from the sea and escaped the influence of the chanting, was sufficient to hold off the opposition for a while. though uncertain why gandalf and the others hadnt arrived, ultraman lato guiaro welcomed this turn of events. it allowed him to focus on dealing with lumian lee and his ally! despite being an incomplete governor of the sea, he possessed enough strength to control adversaries below the demigod level briefly and gain entry to the spaceship first. moreover, mad ladys assistance added to his advantage. having received the seas boon, lumian contemplated his newfound capabilities. now, i seem qualified to contend for the authority of the governor of the sea although i cant be considered to possess the sea bloodline and only wield some power of the sea lasting a week, far inferior to ultraman, my fake level is high enough. im at the angel level! just as ultraman lato guiaro and lumian responded swiftly, the gray sky suddenly brightened. thick bluish-green vines descended, shrouding the two ships and the surrounding area in torrential rain. soon, they intertwined into a giant-like forest growing above the sea. Chapter 581 - 581 Gap 581 gap 581 gap upon witnessing the descent of the thick bluish-green vines, lumian marveled as if a real carriage could traverse their expanse. it felt like a journey back to a scene from a few years ago when he would listen to his sisters nighttime fairy tales. the dazzling, dreamlike scene and boundless imagination seemed to materialize in reality at that very moment. ultraman lato guiaro sensed imminent danger. the individual capable of such an effect couldnt be a low- or mid-sequence beyonder; they had to be a saint who had unlocked the door to godhood. perhaps even beyond sequence 4! another formidable demigod had entered the scene! who could it be? where had they emerged from? this certainly wasnt gandalf. while others might be unaware, loki had thoroughly investigated the president of the curly-haired baboons research society, discovering he was a beyonder of the warrior pathwaya warrior who had a penchant for research and mysticism. in the blink of an eye, lato guiaro spotted a black shadow racing down the thick green vines. it was an enormous pumpkin drawn by numerous gray mice. a hole atop the orange pumpkin resembled a coach. within, a vaguely discernible woman sat, adorned in a purple robe, with crystalline heels adorning her feet. a pumpkin coach, mice-drawn carriage, crystal heelswhat the fuck is that!? who could it be? lato guiaros pupils dilated, and he couldnt help but inwardly curse with the same words he used most frequently before transmigration. isnt that cinderella? did roselle actually pen this fairy tale? why hadnt it gained traction, remaining unknown to most? for a fleeting moment, lato guiaro grappled with uncertainty, unable to discern whether the newcomer was a demigod aligned with another faction or a concealed powerhouse within the curly-haired baboons research society. regaining his composure, he cursed his ill fortune and prepared himself for a confrontation with the enigmatic demigod. luckily, being the governor of the sea, he could at least temporarily impede the other party in these aquatic surroundings. prior to the impending clash, ultraman lato guiaro turned his gaze towards mad lady. he didnt have time to speak, but his eyes expressed the unspoken message: hurry up! no time for games! mad lady swiftly grasped ultramans urgency and, with a blink, positioned herself at the entrance of the energy passageway. however, instead of materializing precisely there, she outlined her presence. this decision was prompted by the sudden appearance of mr. k and lumian, seemingly having teleported nearby, with their sights set on the energy passageways entrance. splash! whether from the imposing weight of the humanoid sealed artifact or lato guiaro raising his right arm, conjuring a mountainous azure wave, the water around the cave visibly swayed, teetering on the brink of collapse. in that critical moment, cinderella, seated in the pumpkin carriage, pushed open the door and rose to her feet. she extended her arms, and a massive iron-black cross materialized behind her. the weight of the cross proved challenging for cinderella to bear, as though it carried the concentrated sins of the entire world. a cross? ultraman lato guiaro was caught off guard as an empty room materialized before him. within the room, candlelight flickered, revealing a long table adorned with flesh and blood. on either side of the table, three obscure figures hunched over, gnawing and feasting on a gruesome banquet. abruptly, the three figures turned their heads, fixing their gaze upon lato guiaro. he stood frozen, as if their gazes had penetrated his deepest secrets, dismantling them into the essential components of spirit and flesh. a chilling sensation surged from the depths of lato guiaros heart, immediately alerting him to an intense and terrifying malice. however, the source of this malevolence wasnt the newly arrived demigod but the silver-gray behemoth trapped at the seas bottomthe very spaceship lato guiaro sought to obtain harbored ill intentions towards him! in the blink of an eye, the silver-gray behemoth retracted its authority. lato guiaros status as the governor of the sea plummeted. despite gaining a new boon, he couldnt ascend to the demigod level. the spaceship had betrayed him. this treachery was a result of the spell cinderella had just unleashedthe feast of betrayal. its purpose was to temporarily awaken or bestow intelligence on a target item, compelling it to commit an act of betrayal. lato guiaro had seamlessly melded with the surrounding waters, harnessing the authority of the governor of the sea on a temporary basis. the spaceship now stood as an entity he had yet to fully master. objects beyond his full control were prime candidates for betrayal! cinderella astutely sensed this vulnerability, initiating the feast of betrayal from the outset. simultaneously, the sealed environment provided the perfect conditions for her to unleash this magican act she might not dare attempt elsewhere. in that moment, surprise and fear flooded lato guiaro. it felt as though a frigid cascade had drenched him, sending shivers through his entire being. since merging with the sea and gaining the governor of the seas authority, lato guiaro had believed that ordinary sequence 4 or even sequence 3 demigodscommonly referred to as saintscouldnt swiftly overpower him in this realm. this belief created a sense of parity, but it hinged on him remaining within the waters to fully unleash his strength. yet, cinderellas mere magic stripped him of the governor of the seas authority, relegating him to sequence 5. without godhood, mastery over the sea slipped from his grasp. despite being a dual sequence 5 of a potion and boon system with numerous unique abilities, lato guiaro harbored doubts about facing a genuine demigod. a demigod temporarily shaped from an item proves fragile in the face of a true demigod. so brittle that, once targeted, they wouldnt endure even a breath lato guiaro grappled with the stark realization of the fragility of a true demigod and sank into deep regret and despair. at that moment, the silver-gray behemoth trembled violently, causing the energy passageway at the entrance to flicker and cast its luminance upon lato guiaro. with a whoosh, lato guiaro found himself hurtling uncontrollably into the spaceship through the pure energy conduit. this was a facet of the spaceships calculated betrayal, aiming to turn the recent authority holder into a mere nutritive substrate within a petri dish! lato guiaro was initially startled, but soon a wave of joy washed over him. an opportunity had presented itself! it allowed him to infiltrate the spaceship, wrest control, and set it in motion a chance to escape! his misfortune and despair had suddenly transformed into this golden opportunity! observing the unfolding scene, lumian wasted no time. he employed spirit world traversal once more, reaching the entrance of the energy passageway. stepping in, he soared into the silver-gray behemoth. mad lady trailed closely behind, and mr. k didnt intervene; instead, he followed suit. milo village, governor of the seas residence. bard, strategizing an escape plan, was abruptly interrupted by cheers. cheers bards heart stirred, prompting him to dash out of the servants room towards the nearest glass window overlooking the dock. there, he observed the gathered villagers. not a single sea spawn hindered the former governor of the sea during this process. many villagers raised their hands, seemingly welcoming the waves. as they praised the sea, an almost invisible glow descended, dispersing like water to different individuals. the nearby children joyfully shouted, the sea prayer ritual has succeeded! the sea prayer ritual has succeeded! thats right, it has succeeded bard smiled. from the looks of it, ultraman and mad lady have succeeded. the april fools key member adjusted the collar of his crisp white shirt and hoisted a brown backpack onto his shoulders. with an unabashed smile, he strolled into the grand hall of the governor of the seas residence, smoothly making his way out. this time, he encountered no resistance. the guards stationed at the entrance knelt on the ground, expressing gratitude to the sea for its boon. bard took a detour to the docks, reveling in the genuine joy and praise for the sea. every time he heard the townsfolk praising the sea and witnessed genuine smiles, his spirits lifted. these fools! they are treating a catastrophe as a cause for celebration! this is a prank, a prank on everyone in port santa bard closed his eyes in satisfaction and weaved through the crowd, heading deeper into milo village. his ultimate destination: the peaks of the pyraez mountain range. as a former swindler, bard orchestrated the sea prayer ritual operation, serving as its main planner. the plans success naturally brought him satisfaction. crucially, despite taking the most pivotal step in the entire operation, he assumed the least risk and exposure, avoiding direct confrontations. navigating through the mix of ancient and modern structures in milo village, bards brow furrowed slightly. a sense of unease settled upon him. per the initial plan, ultramanunhindered by strong oppositionwas supposed to use the second command to open the energy passageway. relying on his temporary authority as the governor of the sea, he aimed to secure safety for himself and mad lady within him. seizing the opportunity, he planned to eliminate all present and inflict severe injuries on potential demigod adversaries. if powerhouses like hela emerged and proved resistant to the humanoid sealed artifact, ultramanthe interim governor of the seawould leap into action, confronting the formidable foes head-on. mad lady, wielding her enchanted ring, would harness the potent energy emanating from the spaceship, transforming it into a boon for everyone present, extending its reach to all the children of the sea in port santas vicinity. this strategic move not only allowed them to sidestep danger but also granted them access to the spaceship, enabling them to activate it. despite the fact that the people had already received the seas boon and a few minutes had elapsed, the spaceship remained dormant, and the sky showed no signs of change. what had transpired during this interval? with this lingering question, bard hastened his steps. tap, tap, tap. behind him, the faint sound of light footsteps echoed once again. Chapter 582 - 582 Efficient Person-Locator 582 efficient person-locator 582 efficient person-locator port santa, in the city. loki and the unconscious ludwig had already sought refuge in an apartment that loki had rented many days earlier. he began manipulating the sealed demigods spirit body threads. as for his two marionettes, they lurked within a radius of 100 to 200 meters, with loki as the center, blending in with the various celebrating and passing crowds. they waited to be discovered by lumian lees teammates and the clergyman of the church of earth mother. this was unavoidable. a marionettist couldnt allow a marionette to wield their faceless powers. as for the mystical item of the seer pathway, it was in the possession of either bard or mad lady. in the partially destroyed suite of solow motel, jenna and anthony encountered noelia, the combat nun, and her teammates, who had hurried over. before this, lumian had covertly introduced the disguised jenna and anthony to noelia. hence, the nuns didnt unnecessarily question or apprehend them; they only carefully confirmed each others identities. rubi paco is a fake. hes disguised by a marionettist. he has captured louis berrys godson. he possesses two marionettes. one is madame martha, the paco familys matriarch. the others identity and abilities are unknown, jenna recounted the recent events. she assumed that the fertility order was familiar with the term marionettist and didnt delve into unnecessary explanations. their primary duty was to guard against the intis republic to the north, and many official beyonders of bureau 8 in the intis republic belonged to the seer pathway. the two sides must have had considerable interactions. marionettist indeed, upon hearing the sequence name, noelia frowned slightly. is intis sending spies to disrupt the sea prayer ritual? thats a traitor from intiss bureau 8, jenna explained, her allegiance to intis stronger than lumians. noelia understood that time was of the essence and she couldnt discuss unrelated matters. she asked the key question, why seize louis berrys godson? is he held as a hostage, or does he possess some extraordinary significance? jenna thought for a moment and revealed the limited information she had just learned. its a sealed demigod, a creature. loki will need substantial time to transform him into a marionette, not just a matter of minutes. a demigod? a sealed demigod? that child with the insatiable appetite is a sealed demigod? noelias mouth hung open in surprise and astonishment. she almost questioned the reliability of her own ears. the supposed godson of the adventurer louis berry is, in fact, a sealed demigod creature? whats his backstory? why is he wandering around with a sealed demigod creature? moreover, theres talk of a humanoid sealed artifact, rumored to be at grade 1, that recently surfaced in port santa. its on par with a sealed demigod creature. despite extensive searching, no one has been able to locate it. if not for the disparities in appearance, gender, and age, noelia might have suspected ludwig to be the humanoid sealed artifact that the eternal blazing sun church had misplaced. now, an absurd idea echoed in her mind. is it the current trend to stroll around with sealed demigod creatures? regaining her composure, noelia promptly addressed her team members, cemilie, quickly return to the order and inform the dean. ask her to deploy all available personnel to the city. locate them as soon as possible. yes, madam martha or louis berrys godson, ludwig. after finding them, unless the situation is exceptionally urgent, refrain from acting recklessly. report first and await assistance. considering that the marionettist had likely altered his appearance and height, and the identity and appearance of his other marionette were unknown, noelia concentrated her search on madam martha, who had become a marionette, and ludwig, who had been abducted. yes, captain! in a bid to save time, the brown-haired cemilie darted through the shattered glass window. utilizing the stone bricks and wood protruding from the outer wall, she leaped from the fifth floor to the street. the dean noelia referred to was the head of the local cloister, the clergyman overseeing the fertility order in port santathe fertility orders headquarters in torres, the capital of gaia province. just as cemilie took a few steps and was about to explore the nearby streets, jenna, anthony, noelia, and the others witnessed a massive bird soaring through the air. the birds body was grayish-black, its feathers were tough and lacked softness. its eyes appeared to be adorned with two rubies. the grayish-black bird flapped its wings and glided to the collapsed fifth- floor outer wall of solow motel. only then did jenna and anthony realize that the grayish-black bird was sculpted from stone. it was weighty, substantial, and unyielding, yet it emanated a vibrant vitality. perched on the back of the lifelike grayish-black bird was a woman in a brown clergymans robe. she wore a nuns wimple with wheat patterns and seemed to be in her thirties, but she exuded a maternal aura, as if she had nurtured many children. the brown-haired, brown-eyed, mature, and stunning clergyman turned her gaze to noelia and succinctly stated, details. noelia swiftly echoed jennas words. she positioned herself with a slight spread of her legs and raised her hands. praise the earth, praise the mother of all things! the clergyman was none other than the archbishop of the church of earth mothers gaia diocese, agrippina. agrippina nodded gently and uttered, i know martha from the paco family. i didnt expect her to meet such a fate. sigh, may the earth mother embrace her soul, and may the flower symbolizing her bloom again next spring. the archbishop delicately shifted her right foot, conveying a signal to the massive bird sculpted from grayish-black stone. the stone bird, pulsating with vitality, flapped its wings and ascended dozens of meters into the air. agrippina extended her right hand and scattered a handful of dark-black seeds the size of rice grains. with a flutter, the ports white-headed seabirds flocked in, covering the sky. each one gripped a seed in its beak and circled around. they formed a circle within a 300-meter radius. observing this spectacle, the jubilant citizens of port santa, assuming that the seabirds had joined in the celebration of the successful sea prayer ritual, erupted in cheers of delight. after two to three minutes, a solitary combat nun spotted madam martha. the marionette was concealed on the other side of aquina street. upon receiving the information, agrippina turned her head and fixed her gaze into the air. soon, the white-headed seabirds released the rice-sized seeds from their beaks. agrippina withdrew her gaze and folded her arms across her chest. each seed that touched the ground instantly sprouted and grew rapidly, morphing into thick dark-green vines. simultaneously, jenna, anthony, noelia, and the others, who were scouring the street for ludwig and loki, witnessed the sky darken, as if night had prematurely descended or a colossal creature had eclipsed the sunlight. vaguely, they sensed the presence of a massive pitch-black wing covered in a membrane, casting an illusory aura. in the next moment, a crimson full moon ascended from the night, hanging high in the sky. it seemed as though a tall, slender figure was slowly advancing. crimson moonlight bathed the area surrounded by the dark-green vines, captivating all the citizens like statues. nourished by the moonlight, the dark-green vines swiftly expanded, swiftly encasing the streets around aquina street in a forest. dark-red flowers blossomed in the forest, densely clustered and ubiquitous. the flowers emitted a faint, sweet fragrance that intermingled, gradually intensifying the scent. upon inhaling this fragrance, the residents of port santa, as well as the rats and bedbugs in the corresponding area, entered a stupor, swaying and collapsing to the ground. dammit! jenna understood that archbishop agrippina of the church of earth mother was employing indiscriminate tactics to influence the area, aiming to locate and control loki, but she still cursed internally. this gaseous anesthetic jogged unpleasant memories. in the past, she had nearly fallen victim to a similar gas used by that bliss society pervert. yet now, in the diffusing gas with a noticeable difference in smell but a similar effect, her head started to spin, and her body felt uneasy. the same was true for anthony and noelia. one bore dragon-like scales on his skin, while the other held her breath. at that moment, three white-headed seabirds descended from the sky, each clutching a metallic bottle, circling jenna and the others. noelia glanced at archbishop agrippina, who was hovering in midair, and received a nod. without hesitation, she took the bottle from a white-headed seabirds claw and gulped it down. she swiftly regained consciousness, no longer affected by the gaseous anesthetic. observing this, jenna and anthony accepted the metal bottles and consumed the sour agent. they no longer felt dizzy and weak. the three white-headed seabirds weakly ascended again, landing by the roadside one after another, and dozed off. in the area surrounded by the dark-green vine forest, only a marionette remained standing at that moment, impervious to the gaseous anesthetic. its presence was immediately exposed. in the apartment he had pre-rented, loki was taken aback to discover that controlling the sealed demigods spirit body threads was much more challenging than he had anticipated. this wasnt a problem that could be resolved in ten minutes. according to his initial estimate, it would take at least an hour! given the time, the church of earth mother could turn these streets upside down! as the gaseous anesthetic created by the dark-green vines and dark-red flowers permeated the room, lokis initial impulse was to craft an air straw nearly 30 meters long and extend it high into the air to breathe fresh air. however, he quickly dismissed the idea. perhaps the demigod of the church of earth mother was waiting to detect similar traces to pinpoint his location! moreover, loki had realized that there was more than one demigod in the sky! if there was only one, he could rely on sealed artifacts, bestowments, and other means to concentrate. he could conceal himself in the shadows and contend with them to see if he could endure until the marionette-making process was completed. however, there were at least two demigods observing. more importantly, he could endure for about ten minutes, but an hour was out of the question! after weighing the pros and cons, loki abandoned his original plan to conduct the ritual today and advance to sequence 4 bizarro sorcerer. in any case, as long as he could restrain the sealed demigod, he could find another opportunity in the future. there was no need for him to perform today! why would it take an hour or more? is this a demigods spirit body threads? amidst lokis confusion, he didnt intend to recall the two marionettes. he planned on using the mystical item to teleport away. from his pocket, he retrieved a bracelet made of different-colored gems. just as loki was about to activate a diamond, he heard the sound of swallowing. loki instinctively lowered his head and looked into his arms, realizing that ludwig had awakened at some point. with a sincere expression, the boy spoke with a hint of eagerness, im hungry Chapter 583 - 583 Celestial Worthys Revelation 583 celestial worthys revelation 583 celestial worthys revelation around the betrothal ship and sailboat, thick turquoise vines cascaded from the sky. they entwined, creating a road leading to various destinations. cinderella returned to the orange-yellow pumpkin coach, pulled by gray mice swiftly descending through the vines. they approached the energy passageway formed by pure light, as if about to enter the silver-gray behemoth embedded in the seabed. abruptly, the mischief of gray mice came to a halt. cinderella, adorned in a purple robe, wore a solemn expression, purple spots dancing in her pupils. cinderella sensed an unusually perilous presence deep within the silver- gray behemoth. it remained motionless, as if in a deep slumber or long dead. however, in either case, her intuition warned her not to approach, lest she suffer severe corruption or similar effects. staring at the energy passageway where lumian and company had vanished, she deliberated for a few seconds before shifting her focus to the sailboat. with mr. fools seal on the seven of wands and the sealed evil gods angel, he didnt have to worry about the problem that even she had to be wary ofas long as he didnt directly see those things, hear its voice, or enter the core area. as for the other one, he seemed to be a shepherd, so he didnt mind being even crazier. cinderella observed the mast and shipboard of the sailboat cracking under the terrifying suction of the humanoid sealed artifacts heaviness characteristic. she was ready to make her move when she retrieved a roselle chess piece from her dark-purple coin bag and hurled it at the target in the black nuns attire. amidst the howling wind, the queen chess piece soared towards the humanoid sealed artifact, accompanied by various miscellaneous items. as it descended, the humanoid sealed artifacts steps towards the sailboat slowed, as if time itself was warping around her. this was one of the spells of cinderellathe chessboard of ages. it had the power to decelerate the target as if they had entered an area where time moved at a different speed. seizing the opportunity presented by the sluggish movement, cinderella closed her eyes and transformed into a humanoid phantom, collapsing into the invisible coffin. the eyelids of the humanoid sealed artifact drooped, as if she might succumb to sleep at any moment. sleeping beauty magic! witnessing this, hela, aboard the sailboat, once again activated the evernight pathways ability to forcibly drag people into a dream. although the notarization wouldnt immediately expire with ultraman lato guiaros loss of the governor of the sea authority, it would still last until the end. however, the ability to be invalidated by notarization wasnt entirely ineffective. it would only be weakened, and its effects would be significantly reduced. now, the humanoid sealed artifact was already fatigued, swaying and on the verge of falling asleep. in this state, entering a dream was undoubtedly much easier. the humanoid sealed artifact, donned in a black nuns attire, finally closed her eyes and plunged into a deep slumber. she entered a somewhat sorrowful dream, causing her face to contort slightly as she frowned. on the sailboat, a dense darkness surged once more, enveloping the humanoid sealed artifact, resonating with a distant voice that brought peace and tranquility. it was akin to a mother reciting a poem to lull her child to sleep, fostering a serene slumber. the humanoid sealed artifact, still in her black nuns attire, hovered in midair with her eyes tightly shut. she descended slowly, landing gracefully on the deck of the sailboat. her brows gradually relaxed, her face softened, and crystalline water droplets formed at the corners of her eyes. the maidens of the sea, deputy hosts, and sailors, blessed by the sea and adorned with starlight scales, swiftly settled in the darkness, succumbing to sleep amidst the enchanting chanting. franca, within the sail cabin, was taken aback by the unfolding battle. i-isnt that cinderella? i-isnt that jack and the beanstalk? what manner of magic is this? i-isnt that sleeping beauty? who is this? have i arrived in a fairyland? i have to admit, its truly dreamlike two demigods working together are undoubtedly formidable. they swiftly subdued the humanoid sealed artifact i also wish to become a demigod! a demoness demigod would do too regaining her senses, franca concealed herself and sprinted out of the sailboat. utilizing her run-up and an assassins feather fall, she elegantly leaped onto the betrothal ship, intending to approach the energy passageway at the bow. within the silver-gray behemoth. after lumian traversed the energy passageway, he found himself not in the metal beehive he had seen before. walking on the silvery-white metal floor, he noticed a hall dozens of meters long and 20 to 30 meters wide ahead. in the middle of the hall, ultraman lato guiaro stood, donning simon guiaros face, and shouted in delight, *(#) this represented the first half of the command to activate the spaceship by entering the password and gaining access. however, there was no response from the spaceship. crap it still holds ill intentions towards me and isnt willing to grant access this malice stems from that demigods ability. it shouldnt last long. as long as i can stall for time, i should be able to regain control can the humanoid sealed artifact hold back two demigods? or can i rely on the spaceships internal layout to play hide and seek? a series of thoughts raced through ultramans anxious mind. at that moment, through the translucent metal wall to the side of the hall, he saw cinderella in the pumpkin coach come to a halt near the energy passageway, seemingly apprehensive about something. as expected! she doesnt dare to enter! exhilaration surged from ultraman lato guiaros heart. before the mission kicked off, loki had set up an altar and sought guidance from celestial worthy through divination. the response he got was: contains a high risk from high-ranking individuals. avoidable by entering the spaceship. loki decoded this as a warning about hela and gandalf from the curly-haired baboons research society, as well as the saint from the church of earth mother overlooking port santa. these high-ranking figures were the primary threats. however, if he could take the reins of the mystical sci-fi spaceship first, he believed he could outmaneuver these formidable opponents. now, lato guiaro noticed that even without absolute control of the spaceship, the new demigod hesitated, as if haunted by an unseen fear. facing something capable of unsettling a demigod left lato guiaro uneasy. however, armed with the spaceships command and password, he could soon turn potential threats to his advantage. there was no need for fear. as lumian was on the brink of teleporting behind ultraman lato guiaro, they both heard a metallic clang. a silver metal door descended, sealing off the halls entrance and exit completely. the walls, ceiling, and floor transformed as metal surfaces shifted and revealed dark pipe openings. out gushed cerulean-blue gas. poison gas! lato guiaros heart raced as he grasped the situation. the spaceship, still imbued with malice, not only resisted control but also emanated lethal intent, seeking to eliminate him before its animosity subsided. the magic of the demigod outside is malicious indeed! lumian perceived this as an instinctive strike from the silver-gray behemoth against intruders. swiftly, he tapped into the power of the sea, aiming to invoke the temporary authority of the governor of the sea to counter the threat. he could sense that ultraman had lost the governor of the seas position after the attack from the cinderella demigod, with no immediate prospect of reclaiming it. with no contenders for the authority, lumian anticipated an easy acquisition. yet, the waters resisted, refusing lumian the temporary position of governor of the sea. its malice seemed directed at anyone attempting control! undeterred, lumian shifted his focus back to ultraman lato guiaro, a crucial member of april fools. lato guiaros heart stirred as he shouted, do you want to fight here? if we dont break out and waste no time, well all die! in this dire moment, a plan to escape the hall and relocate became paramount. the malice wouldnt linger for long. seek vengeance in a safe space. if we perish here, who will assist in eliminating the others? lumian nonchalantly flexed his wrists, donning the flog boxing gloves, and grinned, stating, i dont care about my own death. all that matters now is one thing: ending you! as the words left his lips, crimson flames, bordering on white, erupted from his entire being, as if he were cloaked in a fiery shroud. not far from lumian and lato guiaro, mad lady and mr. k found themselves in the beehive-like metal room, unable to enter the hall ahead. surveying the surroundings, mr. ks gaze swept across the incubating batings black insect, little devils, and other creatures. he nodded in satisfaction. its indeed the power of an evil god, spawn of an evil god. well done, lumian! well done! this is all part of gods arrangement! amidst the hoarse voice, the aurora order oracle turned his gaze back to mad lady. mad lady wasnt intimidated. instead, she applauded in agreement with mr. k. she spoke as if they were on different frequencies. thats right, its cool, right? this is a spaceship! in the next moment, mad lady and mr. k vanished simultaneously and reappeared behind where the other party had been standing, as if they had negotiated a position switch beforehand. Chapter 584 - 584 "Helper" 584 helper 584 helper inside the underwater spaceship, in the silvery hall. lumian, enveloped by crimson, nearly white flames, transformed into a fireball and hurtled towards ultraman lato guiaro. the key april fools member remained composed. holding his breath, he thrust forward with his left palm. lumian instantly sensed an invisible force resisting him, causing the blazing crimson fireball to decelerate abruptly, akin to a trapped insect in transparent amber. seizing the moment, lato guiaro raised his right hand, clenching it into a fist. a ball of blazing white pure sunlight condensed and compressed, swiftly morphing into a thick, formidable laser aimed at lumian, fused with the crimson near-white fireball. this ability resulted from merging the sun pathway and the sea boon, utilizing the power of the sun pathway to propel the sea boons weakening ray. though it no longer altered the targets body gradually, causing various negative symptoms, its penetration and melting effects were significantly enhanced, capable of directly injuring or even killing the target. in the enclosed, poisonous gas-filled environment with the constant threat of malice, lato guiaro sought to conclude the battle swiftly rather than wait for lumian lee to weaken gradually. thus, he opted for sun ray instead of weakening ray. at laser speed, sun ray struck the crimson fireball, melting a substantial hole into it. the fireball lost its structural integrity and exploded, scattering like rain. yet, lumian was nowhere among the remnants. he seemed to have vanished into thin air. simultaneously, behind ultraman lato guiaro, lumians figure, adorned with the lie earring, swiftly materialized. initially, lumian transformed into a fireball and soared towards lato guiaro, intending to force him into using beyonder powers and counterattack. this allowed him to fix his original location, not shifting prematurely, creating an opportunity to teleport behind the target in the fireball state for a surprise attack. having faced bestowed of the sea before, lumian was aware of lato guiaros ability to manipulate the weight or floatation of objects using the power of the land and stars, altering their speed. to successfully use spirit world traversal in his fireball form, lumian borrowed lies flame controlling ability. as his figure materialized, he promptly opened his mouth and hissed at ultraman lato guiaro, less than two meters away. ha! a pale-yellow beam, resembling gas, shot towards the april fools key member. lato guiaro didnt have time to turn around, sensing the impending danger through his fate perception, a skill obtained from deciphering the language of the stars beyonder powers. specks of starlight emerged in his eyes. he identified several passages in the silver hall suffused with cerulean-blue gasses, imperceptible to ordinary humans. hastily choosing one, he pounced overa navigating ability bestowed by the sea. simultaneously, uncertain of evading the attack from behind, lato guiaro infused the surroundings with layers of golden light. this was the purification halo of a sequence 5 priest of light of the sun pathway. amidst the harrumph, the pale-yellow beam swept past lato guiaros back, hidden somewhere in the void. the key member of april fools, code name ultraman, fainted, but his momentum remained. he continued into the illusory passageway, hidden from ordinary eyes, traversing space and dimensions. lumian, within two meters, couldnt teleport away in time and was enveloped by the purification halo. his heart ached, as if something sought to tear his body apart and crawl out. faintly, he heard the illusory ravings of the entity known as inevitability, mr. fool, or both. unclear but unsettling, they made lumians brain feel pulled out of his skull by an invisible hand. despite an ascetics endurance, lumian couldnt help but groan in pain. collapsing to the ground, he curled up. a similar experience occurred in his cordu dream, a reaction after being sprinkled by valentines holy water. lato guiaros purification halo, an advanced sun halo, had evolved from harmless to a partial sun holy water effect. it could exorcize evil spirits and purify the evil power within a targets body. as lato guiaro lay unconscious, the purification halo vanished in a flash, only partially dispelling the poisonous gas. similarly, the unconscious lato guiaro couldnt progress through the illusory passageway, breaking free and falling three to four meters in front of lumian. the impact left him in pain, slowly regaining consciousness. at that moment, lumian slowly recovered from the intense pain induced by the purification halo. lato guiaro, just waking up and still uncertain of the situation, instinctively re-entered the illusory passageway to increase the distance between himself and lumian lee. this move aimed to avoid another strike from lumians psychic piercing-like ability or any other unforeseen attacks. upon crawling back to the hall through the exit of the illusory passageway, lumian had already raised his head and regained his composure, though his forehead was soaked in cold sweat. observing this, lato guiaro felt neither pity, disappointment, nor regret. instead, he was pleasantly surprised. its effective! purification halo is effective against lumian lee! after confirming that the adventurer louis berry was indeed lumian lee, lato guiaro contemplated how to strategize if he were to engage in a battle with him. it was simple with the authority of the governor of the sea. he could repeatedly cast the other party into the cosmic void, making him lose himself over and over. without the governor of the seas authority, he had to consider how to exploit lumian lees vulnerabilities. lumian lees unique characteristics were clearpossessing a sealing power of the same origin as the celestial worthy, with a high-ranking creature sealed within him. beyonders in this state often had false high-level statuses and enjoyed numerous conveniences, but they were susceptible to the sun pathways abilities. lato guiaro wasnt certain about the effectiveness of the sun halo, cleave of purification, and other abilities, nor was he sure of the purification halos potency. the only certainty lay in the effectiveness of the sun holy water he could create. therefore, if the purification halo proved ineffective against lumian lee, he would swiftly produce sun holy water and sprinkle it on him. looking at lumian, lato guiaro smiled, once again dyeing the surroundings golden as layer after layer spread out. this sealed environment was ideal for employing the purification halo. it denied lumian lee a chance to distance himself or teleport closer. the entire hall was essentially enveloped by the purification halo! furthermore, in the spaceship, there was no fear of lumian lee losing control and transforming into a monster, unleashing the high-level creature within his body. an intruder at this level would inevitably trigger the spaceships automatic defense system targeting him. lato guiaro might then seize control of the spaceship! didnt your sister tell you something emperor roselle once said? if you rely on something to obtain specialness and become stronger, you will definitely be punished because of it! upon seeing the surging layers of golden light, lumian raised his right hand and vanished. where is he teleporting to this time? as long as hes in the hall, he cant avoid the purification halo! lato guiaro watched the other partys struggle with certainty and a smile. unless lumian lee chose to leave the hall, it was impossible for him not to be affected by the purification halo. with the spaceships barrier raised, the door closed, and the place sealed, and using the unique power of the sea, if he wanted to teleport out, he had to first destroy the surrounding walls or metal doors to create an exit. this was also advantageous for lato guiaro. no one knew what the spaceship would unleash in this hall next! layer after layer of purification halos rapidly drowned lumians original location, but nothing happened. lumians figure was nowhere to be seen in the silver-white hall. wh lato guiaros pupils constricted. where did lumian lee go? is his teleportation ability unaffected by the sealed interior of the spaceship? or has he gone into hiding? lato guiaros heart skipped a beat; he extended his right hand and pulled. the void in the hall stirred, unveiling an abnormal area nestled between two walls, flanked by dark holes emitting cerulean-blue gas. creating an unstable space and hiding inside to avoid the purification halo? thats true. the purification halos purpose is to exorcize, purify, warm, and provide courage. without substantial offensive power, it cant destroy the structure of that space lumian lee actually possesses such an ability. lato guiaro quickly saw through lumians trick. calmly raising his right hand, he condensed a penetrating dark-green ray. simultaneously, he harnessed his basic control over gravity to pull at the fabricated space. the dark-green ray struck the spot where it had been pulled, instantly penetrating and obliterating the structure. silently shattered, the dark-green ray continued forward, hitting a silver- white full-body armor with its back turned to lato guiaro. the dark-green ray, now weakened to a certain extent, faded away. the silver-white full-body armor suddenly pivoted, and two pairs of eyes appeared to lock onto lato guiaro from within the vacant helmet. in the next moment, it charged toward the april fools key member, forming a broadsword of light in its hand. as the silver-white full-body armor rushed out, lumians figure emerged in the corner. he had utilized the terrain there to arrange a simple bottle of fiction, using the large hole that emitted poisonous gas as a symbolic window. his goal was twofold: first, to evade the influence of the purification halo, and second, to position the pride armor with its back facing lato guiaro. yes, this cursed armor might only target someone standing a certain distance behind it, but it might not. what if that person not only stood more than ten meters behind it but also attempted to attack it by stabbing it in the back? the answer was clear! now, lumian had a capable helper unafraid of the purification halo. Chapter 585 - 585 Repeated "Betrayal" 585 repeated betrayal 585 repeated betrayal at a distance of just over ten meters, the pride armor covered the ground in two powerful strides, positioning itself in front of ultraman lato guiaro. a broadsword, condensed from radiant light, slashed down with deadly precision. lato guiaro had a momentary opportunity to utilize his navigator ability, escape through hidden passageways in the void and dimensions, and evade the impending attack. however, the sight of the silver-white full-body armor caught him off guard; he hadnt anticipated an aggressive move before lumian lee could even don the armor! this momentary hesitation cost him. the silver-white full-body armor, resembling a relentless steam locomotive, collided with him before he could vanish into the hidden tunnel. by then, it was too late, and the looming threat of being cleaved apart became imminenta grim fate of upper and lower halves separated. in this dire circumstance, he was no earthworm with regenerative abilities; his fate seemed sealed. facing the approaching silver-white armor and its raised broadsword of light, scales formed from starlight protruded from various parts of lato guiaros body. the air quivered around him, as if an invisible tide were roaring, amplifying the tension. as per the intel gathered on april fools, the power derived from the sea without the governor of the seas authority corresponded to a sequence 5 at most, known as tidal scholarthe current state of lato guiaro. enveloped by an ethereal tide, lato guiaro swung his fist, resembling a colossal wave crashing down. thud! his formidable punch collided with the side of the broadsword of light, forcefully diverting its trajectory. simultaneously, lumian materialized behind him, left hand raised. indeed! i knew youd seize this chance to teleport behind me and launch a sneak attack! lato guiaro was ready. evading the silver-white full-body armors second strike, he imbued the surroundings in a warm golden hue. purification halo! as layers of golden light surged towards lumian, he deftly twisted his left wrist. even before that, the silver-white lie earring on his left earlobe emitted a subtle glow, revealing various blobs of light and colors on ultramans body. among them, a golden ball emitted a warm glowthe representation of the purification halo ability. with a flick of his wrist, the golden ball detached from ultramans body and swiftly flew to lumian. steal! lumian successfully stole ultramans purification halo! the number of times the ring of the sea queen could steal after the standard process remained unknown to lumian. however, he was certain that lies stealing effect persisted for half a month, unaffected by his stealing of the seas power. after lies transformation on the ancestral altar in milo village, lumian diligently experimented with steal, honing his proficiency to ensure he could deploy it effectively in critical moments. thus, he had become relatively adept at stealing and dispersing the power of the sea. simultaneously, ultramans beyonder powers of the sun pathway were well- documented by the tarot clubs information, making lumian fully aware of what he aimed to steal this time. with a solid foundation in mysticism knowledge, he felt prepared. however, the challenge lay in his lack of experience stealing a priest of lights abilities. he feared that locating the corresponding symbols for purification halo and holy water creation might take too long, leaving him vulnerable to lato guiaros attacks. anticipating the pride armors frontal assault, lumian strategically teleported four to five meters behind lato guiaro, enticing him to use purification halo. the distinction between the abilities lumian used and those he refrained from was clear, providing him with instant recognition. before initiating the teleport, he activated the lie earring and raised his left hand, ensuring he didnt linger in the dangerous area for a moment longer. the purification halo, despite being stolen, persisted and continued to surge, enveloping lumian. however, it didnt reach its intended target. a formidable formless force emanated from lumians body, acting as a barrier that thwarted the encroaching halo. the power of the sea! you have the power of the sea, and so do i! during the steal process, lumian had reserved a portion of the seas power for himself. although not on par with ultramans, it proved sufficient to repel the purification halo for a brief moment. calmly activating the black mark on his right shoulder, lumian vanished from the warm golden area, teleporting to the farthest corner from lato guiaro. the purification halo pursued relentlessly, but it reached its limit, visibly weakening. reacting swiftly, lumian harnessed the power of the sea once more, watching as the warm golden barrier rapidly dissipated. meanwhile, lato guiaros heart skipped a beat. intuitively, he sensed the loss of his purification halo ability, suspecting it had been stolen! lumian lees item with the steal effect is still operational? lato guiaro couldnt dwell on it. dodging the pride armors heavy slashes, he fell to the ground, rolling to evade the attacks. facing the sky, he raised his right hand, clenching it. pure and blazing sunlight condensed rapidly, forming a thick ray that struck the silver-white armors chest. it paused momentarily, unable to penetrate, only burning and dissolving into tottering black marks. witnessing this and recognizing lumian lee as his adversary, ultraman lato guiaro entertained the idea of fleeing. he decided to disengage, cease the confrontation, and seek an escape route. at that critical moment, instead of launching a barrage of attacks, the pride armor shifted its focus toward lumian. lumian, who had previously utilized spirit world traversal on the betrothal ship and within the hall, found himself affected once again by the purification halo. his spirituality teetered on the brink of depletion, leaving him visibly fatigued and weakened. any ordinary human in such a state near the pride armor would face indiscriminate attacks. wh lato guiaro keenly perceived the shift in dynamics. though unaware of the specifics, he sensed an advantage. rising abruptly, he directed his attention to lumian. in the next instant, the pride armor raised its radiant broadsword and charged towards lumian. haha, your sealed artifact has betrayed you! lato guiaro mocked internally as he closed in, intending to exploit the silver-white full-body armors attack to create sun holy water and sprinkle it on lumian lee. undeterred, lumian took a resolute step forward. tapping into his ascetic powers, the accumulated strength and spirituality within his body surged, replenishing his drained spirit. his body underwent a sudden transformation, growing by seven to eight centimeters and bulking up by two sizes, causing his loosely fitting deputy hosts robe to strain. the advancing pride armor abruptly halted, pivoting to face lato guiaro, who had followed closely. lato guiaros pupils contracted, and an instant heaviness enveloped his body, bringing him to a natural halt. simultaneously, his gaze locked onto the unusually tall figure of lumian lee. the enemy teleported right in front of him, mere inches away. their eyes locked, reflecting each other in an intense confrontation. with a swift whoosh, lumian swung his right hand, adorned with the flog boxing gloves, through the air. lato guiaros heavy state naturally exerted a suction force on his surroundings, a downgraded version of the humanoid sealed artifacts characteristic. lumians punch encountered no repulsion; instead, it accelerated towards its target. unperturbed by the close-range attacks, lato guiaro harbored concerns about lumians psychic piercing ability. unable to dodge or employ other abilities in time, he unleashed a retaliatory fist resembling a thousand tonnes of seawater, causing the sound of surging tides to echo. bang! lato guiaro blocked lumians attack and swiftly rolled to the side, evading a surprise assault from the pride armor. at that moment, a strong sense of greed surged within him, overshadowing his initial plan to escape. seizing the opportunity, lumian retreated and retrieved a black bone flute with red holes from his travelers bag. symphony of hatred! while lato guiaro resisted the pride armor, lumian brought the flute to his mouth and played a sharp, intense melody. lato guiaros mind buzzed, freezing him in place. bright blood oozed from the cracks in the starlight scales on his body. emotional detonation! pfft! the pride armor struck lato guiaros shoulder, splintering scales, bone, and flesh. closing the distance with two brisk strides, lumian approached the nearly collapsed lato guiaro, his face twisted in pain. he raised the black bone flute in his hand. in the moment that lato guiaro used the pain from the pride armor strike to break free from the detonated emotions, he witnessed lumian lee thrusting the bone flute toward him with a fierce expression. pfft! the bone flute effortlessly pierced lato guiaros left eye, akin to cutting through butter. the eyeball of april fools key member exploded, and a gruesome mix of blood and other fluids streamed out through the gaps in the black bone flute. even if the symphony of hatred only struck an ordinary part, it was tantamount to hitting a vital point. striking a true vital point meant either instant death or a prolonged period of social death. in this case, lato guiaros left eye and brain were undeniably vital points. his remaining eye widened and protruded, life force rapidly draining as he slumped to the ground. lumian seized ultramans neck, lifting him up. releasing his right hand, which held the black bone flute, he delivered a heavy slap to lato guiaros face. with a fierce expression, he growled in intisian, did you go to cordu village to confirm the situation? Chapter 586 - 586 Gnawing 586 gnawing 586 gnawing ultraman lato guiaro, his life rapidly slipping away, fell into a daze. even his thoughts of self-preservation became blurred. in the haze, he vaguely saw juan oro, the wrinkled old man, standing in the middle of the sea, waving with a mix of joy and mockery. at that moment, lumians voice resonated from the horizon, faint, ethereal, and elusive. did you go to cordu village to confirm the situation? cordu village? the time mad lady and i visited nolfi, and went there just out of convenience? lato guiaro lost focus, and lumians figure reflected in his closed eye. with the intent to annoy, he spoke his last words in highlander. ive been there with mad lady. it was simply for fun but loki seemed to have ulterior dont you want to know what happened back then? sure, ill speak in highlander. its your problem if you dont understand. your fault for not taking this language seriously in the past! lato guiaro knew his actions wouldnt practically affect lumian lee. this was because lumian lee could find someone to perform dream divination, hypnosis, or undergo a real dream when he returned. from there, he could memorize the highlander he spoke and find a way to translate it into intisian or ancient feysac. still, he just wanted to annoy the other party. about to die, he couldnt care less about future developments. motives lato guiaro uttered his last word as his life extinguished. in that final moment, he seemed to hear lumian lee speaking to him in highlander, thank you. the thank you flowed naturally, carrying a strong sense of mockery. ultraman lato guiaros intact eye bulged even more, his expression freezing on his face, his breath coming to a complete halt. lumians right hand gripped the symphony of hatred once more. simultaneously, he released his left hand, watching ultramans key members head rapidly detach from the black bone flute with red holes, revealing a sinister and deep blood-red hole. thud! ultraman collapsed to the ground. the sticky blood on the black bone flute coalesced and dripped onto his body. after the person who had backstabbed it suffered a fatal wound, pride armor stopped moving and stood nearby, resembling an ordinary silver-white full- body armor without any special characteristics. loki had ulterior motives? a motive other than helping the sinners and pulling a prank? as lumian recalled ultramans confession before his death, he bent down to check what items this april fools key member had. of course, he didnt hold much hope. ultraman lato guiaro had disguised himself as the incoming governor of the sea, simon guiaro, to board the betrothal ship. carrying no items, his belongings should have been handed over to mad lady, allowing her to conceal them using flesh and blood magic in his stomach. however, mad lady clearly didnt have the time or opportunity to return the items to ultraman. this was one of the reasons why lumian could eliminate ultraman, a powerful dual pathway beyonder, in such a short period. if juan oro hadnt tipped off the sea spawn on the bridal boat beforehand, lumian wouldve been forced to stash his travelers bag temporarily with mr. k. at that moment, lumian observed a strange transformation in the corpse of ultraman lato guiaro. it swiftly faded, morphing into a semi-translucent, semi-flesh state. then, like it was being disintegrated by countless tiny creatures, it oozed into the silver metal floor and gradually vanished. soon, the remnants of flesh, starlight, and sun-like fragments left by lato guiaro were absorbed by the silver metallic floor, leaving behind only a sea governor ceremonial robe, shrouded in a faint grayish-white fog. in the blink of an eye, the grayish-white fog got absorbed by the silver metallic floor and the mysterious structure. lumian attempted unsuccessfully to reclaim something. is this what it means to return to the sea? but why did this peculiar structure absorb the priest of lights beyonder characteristic? just as lumian pondered, the sound of metal grinding surrounded him. the pitch-black holes in the surrounding walls, ceiling, and floor once again got concealed by rotating, protruding metal. no more cerulean-blue poisonous gas spewed out, saving lumian the energy to engulf his body in a layer of crimson, almost white flames. amidst the clanking sounds, two metallic doors ascended, revealing two tunnels leading to different destinations. with the target of the betrayal now gone, the silver-gray behemoth reverted to its normal state. lumian peered into the depths of the tunnel ahead, his heart involuntarily racing. badump! badump! he felt inexplicably nervous and uneasy. in port santa, the apartment loki was hiding. the moment ludwig declared, im hungry, he swiftly bowed his head and sank his teeth into lokis hand, gripping the gemstone bracelet as if devouring the marrow from a chicken wing. an intense wave of pain surged through lokis mind. his immediate instinct was to deploy paper figurine substitutes, a desperate attempt to break free from the current situation. yet, he hesitated, fearing that such a move might create an insurmountable distance between him and the sealed demigod, eliminating any chance of regaining control. amidst the gruesome symphony of bones crunching and flesh tearing, loki snatched the falling gemstone bracelet with his free hand and forcibly pried open his mouth. bang! a rush of air slammed into ludwigs head, akin to a bullet fired from the latest steam rifle, ripping through flesh and hair to reveal a ghastly white skull. however, ludwig remained unfazed. gnawing on lokis left hand, he had already severed five fingers and devoured half of the palm. bang! bang! bang! air bullets relentlessly pounded the boy, leaving him mangled and disfigured. yet, ludwig persisted in his attentive nibbling on loki. crack, crack. he had already crunched down on the other partys wrist bone, a crisp sound echoing through their intertwined flesh. as loki nearly blacked out from the pain, he roughly grasped what was happening. the sealed demigod possessed incredible vitality. ordinary attacks and beyonder powers couldnt cause significant harm. in simpler terms, he could put him to sleep or manipulate his spirit body threads to knock him out, but killing him with regular means proved challenging. it couldnt even seriously injure him. in such circumstances, even if the sealed demigod couldnt utilize any abilities, lacking sufficient strength and speed, merely devouring the other partys flesh and bones with all his might posed an abnormal challenge for many mid-sequence beyonders. loki abandoned the idea of retrieving other mystical items and substituted himself with a paper figurine. swoosh! swoosh! swoosh! ludwig, his head covered in signs of air bullet destruction and almost devoid of human form, raised his head. beside his bloodstained mouth was a piece of white paper that quickly swept into his mouth alongside the blood-colored flesh. ludwigs eyes reflected lokis outline in the corner of the room. something beneath his torn skin and flesh seemed to squirm slowly, attempting to break free, but to no avail. loki assessed the situation and the items on him. with the soul assurer marionette unable to return in time, he sensibly chose not to confront the sealed demigod creature. he would flee first before considering the future. at that moment, a crimson moonlight streamed through the window. the moonlight bathed the apartment, wrapping around loki. loki heard a fleeting voice. a strong smell of blood as the moonlight faded, a grayish-white and pitch-black paper figurine appeared on the ground. lokis figure materialized a few hundred meters away, outside a vine forest. it was a boon bestowed by the celestial worthy during a prayer some weeks before this operation. it had been attached to a pre-prepared paper figurine, forming such a potent substitute that bordered on godhood. drip, drip. blood still dripped from lokis bitten left wrist. he activated the diamond on the bracelet and swiftly faded away, preparing to teleport. port santa, milo village. tap, tap, tap. the soft patter of footsteps reverberated in bards ears, causing him to tense. bard surveyed his surroundings, finding nothing amiss. he sprinted, weaving through several buildings, yet the rhythmic tapping of footsteps persisted behind him. attempting to force open a door and seek refuge in a villagers house in milo village, bard was met with an unexpected sight. instead of the familiar kitchen, tables, chairs, and household items, his eyes beheld a decrepit stone platform enveloped in darkness. the stone platform! bards pupils widened, as if he had entered an unreal illusion. he found himself back at the residence of the governor of the sea and the altar where milo villages inhabitants paid homage to their ancestor. something crawled out from a crack in the worn stone platform. a translucent worm, adorned with multiple rings, swiftly expanded, transforming into a young man donned in the attire of a sea prayer rituals deputy host, monocle in place. seated on the weathered stone platform, the man grinned at bard. do you comprehend? bard suddenly grasped the meaning behind the question. swallowing hard, he replied, understood. since the altar had an owner and beyonder creatures residing there, the so- called rule that it could only be enchanted once a year for the ring of the sea queen clearly didnt hold true! the other party could affix the power as many times as desired! the young man, clad in a dark-blue deputy hosts sacrificial robe, toyed with the monocle in his right eye and smirked. over a millennium, ive molded the rule that the steal ability can only be conferred once a year. little did i expect to deceive you all in the end. Chapter 587 - 587 "Deceived" 587 deceived 587 deceived upon hearing the young mans words, bard felt his blood rush to his head. crafting a seemingly valid rule over a millennium to deceive others? what kind of lame antique swindler is this? bard blurted out, the patterns on the altar and the surrounding arrangements are also fake? the young man in the dark-blue deputy host robe chuckled. if it wasnt real, would you have been deceived? furthermore, i occasionally venture out. when i do, it grants steal powers on my behalf. of course, with the spirituality produced by the surrounding worshippers, it can indeed only bestow once a year. as the young man spoke, the smile on his face widened. bards forehead throbbed as he listened, feeling like he had been mocked. according to the other partys claim that the steal powers could be bestowed at will, the ring of the sea queen should have been complete and equipped with all its functions. so, why did the success of the sea prayer ritual experience such a significant delay? unable to comprehend the situation, bard turned around and sprinted towards the exit. it wasnt that he hadnt considered begging for mercy and surrendering on the spot, but these things could be done later. for now, he wanted to take a gamble, betting that the other partys claim of occasionally venturing out was a lie. in essence, he believed he was trapped in the altar, unable to venture anywhere and influence the people around him. if he allowed himself to be intimidated and didnt dare to escape, he would fall into the other partys trap, cheated of his freedom and future. thud! thud! thud! bard reached the staircase in a few steps and ran up. the more he ran, the happier he became. the monocle-wearing young man didnt stop him. i made the right bet! hes the core of that altar. theres no way to leave! thud! thud! thud! bard witnessed the scene on the first floor illuminated by sunlight. amidst his ecstasy, his thoughts suddenly shattered. he felt the darkness around him being pierced by the light, shattering into pieces. bard bolted upright, alarmed to find himself lying in the servants room at the governor of the seas residence. he hadnt left. he surveyed his surroundings and heard cheers and crackers from outside. i just had a dream? did it stem from a spirituality warning, helping me discover a problem with the plan? as bard pondered these thoughts, he immediately dismissed the corresponding judgment. no, how could i have fallen asleep during the sea prayer ritual? did i start dreaming after hearing soft footsteps in my room? bard rolled to his feet, slung his backpack over his shoulders, and tentatively pushed open the door, entering the corridor. no longer smug with the plan that required minimal risks or combat, bard realized he couldnt share in the distribution of items. he couldnt teleport away directly, nor could he return to his original appearance or disguise himself as someone else. upon reaching the corridor, bard noticed the little devils leaving the shadows and performing a strange celebratory dance. he hadnt communicated with these sea spawn and knew their intelligence was roughly equivalent to that of ordinary dogs. they could be tamed and controlled, but direct communication was beyond them. however, the amazing thing was that little devils had the ability to record and recreate human words, even if they werent sure of their meanings. moreover, they could receive signals from their collaborators within a 100-meter radius. the little devils ignored bard as well. the sea prayer ritual had succeeded. according to their prior agreement, the fake governor of the sea could leave on his own. bard left the governor of the seas residence and realized that the guards at the entrance werent kneeling to thank the boon like before. the villagers of milo village at the docks were the same. apart from a few who sincerely shouted that the sea prayer ritual had succeeded, the rest merely echoed what was happening and expressed their joy, with many preferring to release crackers. indeed, it was a dream. the villagers reactions in the dream were too exaggerated i should know that based on past experiences with sea prayer rituals, only the committee members of the fisheries guild and a few people with strong sea bloodlines can sense the arrival of the seas boon. others with sea bloodlines wouldnt have a tangible sense. theyd slowly realize theyve become stronger, or the changes are too weak to detect. otherwise, the failure of the sea prayer ritual last year wouldnt have escaped the notice of port santas citizens and would have only circulated within the core circle. bard used the environment to quickly confirm the essence of his previous encounter. he didnt dare relax, nor did he again head to the docks to admire the villagers being fooled. instead, he turned to the road leading to port santas city district. just as he stepped out of the ancient village, bard spotted a figure ahead. the man stood over 2.4 meters tall, clad in a simple linen robe and a hood, holding a thick staff. gandalf bards heart tightened as he shouted. with the dream just now, he thought he had been exposed, so he didnt pull off any act. gandalf, the president of the curly-haired baboons research society, was taken aback and let out a deep chuckle. youre really fake. h-hes not sure of my identity? bard was taken aback, wishing he could slap himself. inside the underwater spaceship, in a metallic room reminiscent of a beehive. having failed to capture mad lady twice in a row, mr. ks body underwent a sudden transformation, expanding to nearly three meters in height. fortunately, he wasnt adorned in actual clothes. the blood-colored cloak draped over him had morphed from his flesh and blood. otherwise, even the loose robe would have succumbed to the drastic change. concurrently, mr. ks skin darkened, assuming the appearance of thick and formidable armor. crooked goat horns adorned with sinister patterns sprouted from his head, and a pair of bat-like wings, encircled in crimson and blue flames, emerged from his back. a pungent smell of sulfur hung in the air. being a sequence 5 shepherd of the secrets suppliant pathway, mr. k possessed the core ability of grazing. this allowed him to fuse other peoples souls with beyonder characteristics or boon powers and utilize them uniquely. it was akin to grazing lambs for a deity. each shepherd could graze up to seven souls, controlling only one at a time. in this state, shepherds could employ their beyonder abilities and three abilities corresponding to the souls. these were chosen during grazing and remained fixed thereafter. the most formidable aspect of shepherds was their ability to graze demigod- level spirits, enabling them to contend with saints for a limited duration. presently, mr. k was using a grazed devil. he had selected devil transformation, sulphur fireball, and sword of lava in the past. mr. k deliberately chose to forgo devils most distinctive danger premonition because he believed it to be effective only when commanding the devils spirit. under normal circumstances, he couldnt activate grazing continuously. in any case, if grave danger loomed, a divine revelation would be provided by god. failure to receive such guidance indicated wrongdoing, warranting divine punishment. as the expansive bat wings on mr. ks back unfolded, light-blue fireballs condensed, numbering almost twenty. they indiscriminately bombarded every corner of the metallic beehive, creating an all-encompassing barrage to counter mad ladys elusive flashes throughout the space. rumble! the explosion, a mix of fire and poison, wreaked havoc on the metallic hive, tearing apart the incubating batings black insect, little devils, and other creatures. mad lady abruptly halted as the sulfur fireball condensed. cloaked in a blood-colored dress, with grotesque flesh lumps on her face, an illusory, slowly flipping book materialized in her eyes. faint recitations echoed around her. drawing a dagger, she genuflected and drove it into the metal floor of the hive. dawn-like light ascended, forming an almost invisible wall around her. rumble! the shockwaves from the sulfur fireballs explosion and the poisonous pale- blue fireball relentlessly struck the invisible barrier, causing it to sway, yet it stood resilient. this was protection of a warrior sequence 5. record, the core ability of a sequence 6 scribe of the apprentice pathway, allowed the recording of others abilities for use, each recording usable only once. scribes could even record beyonder powers with godhood effects, but the success rate was minimal. after the explosions aftershocks subsided, mr. k, donned in a blood-colored cloak and resembling a colossal devil, wielded a broadsword composed of crimson lava and pale-blue flames. he surged towards mad lady in two steps, slashing down. the nearly invisible wall around mad lady couldnt withstand the onslaught and finally shattered. as the illusory book in her eyes flipped, a robust and sharp sword of dawn materialized in her hand. excitedly, she swung her two-handed light sword. clang! mr. ks strike sent mad lady, lacking a warriors physique and strength, flying. though mr. k hadnt anticipated her determination to engage in close combat despite her limitations, the battles tempo remained unaffected. he advanced, wielding the lava broadsword once again. poof! the mad lady he struck suddenly thinned, transforming into a paper figurine consumed by sulfurous flames. paper figurine substitutes! mad lady reappeared beside a demolished metal hive, her illusory book flipping once more. she then stretched her arms, allowing a pure and magnificent blazing pillar of light to descend from the sky and strike mr. k, who had attacked the paper effigy. priest of lights light of holiness! Chapter 588 - 588 Degree of Madness 588 degree of madness 588 degree of madness mr. k shifted instantaneously, tapping into the grazed travelers soul. his eyes took on an otherworldly glow, as if concealing doors to different realms. his form faded, and in an instant, a luminous white column surrounded by flames emerged, shrouding him within its fiery embrace. in the ensuing moment, mr. k, stripped of his devil guise, materialized in a corner of the metallic beehive. his form liquefied, his flesh resembling dripping candle wax. the secrets suppliant pathway symbolized corruption, its influence curtailed by the sun pathways capabilities. half-melted flesh and blood cascaded onto the metal floor, seeping into it in a bizarre manner. soon, it was absorbed by the spaceship mad lady had earlier detailed. even mr. k felt the weight of an unseen force, as if an invisible hand pressed him down. his attempts to extricate himself from the metallic floor proved futile, and he continued sinking gradually. mad lady, with grayish-green eyes gleaming, teleported near mr. k. despite his blood-colored wax-drenched visage, mr. k faced mad lady without a trace of fear. his focus remained fixed on the evil gods aura emanating from the metal hivehis ultimate target. he switched the grazed soul to an arbiter pathway beyonder, with two bolts of lightning gathering in the depths of his darkened eyes. psychic piercing! mad lady refrained from teleporting. the illusory book within her eyes flipped open, revealing the kaleidoscope of colors on mr. ks body and the shifting hues of light during his grazed soul transitions. excitement illuminated mad ladys face. raising her right hand, she prepared to delicately twist it clockwise. steal! this was an ability she had recorded from bard. a sudden, intriguing notion captivated mad ladys thoughtsshe yearned to witness the aftermath of stealing the grazing ability from a shepherd. it was crucial to understand that her steal ability was limited to just one from a target, devoid of any connections to the abilities that came with it. in essence, after snatching the grazing ability, the soul, characteristics, and powers under grazings influence would persist within mr. ks body. in this state, mad lady pondered whether shepherds would grapple with internal conflicts, the fusion of characteristics, or a loss of control akin to the switching between non-adjacent pathways. excitement bubbled within mad lady as she deliberately blinked near mr. k, compelling him to switch grazed souls. she observed keenly, eager to discern which light aligned with grazing. as for mr. ks reaction, she cared little. you continue your fight; i continue my steal. whoever dies first loses! simultaneously, the metal floor, saturated with mr. ks flesh, quivered unexpectedly. a previously concealed door within the metal hive withdrew, unveiling a passageway that hinted at a silver metallic hall beyond. a formidable suction force emanated from that direction. while her attempt to steal mr. ks grazing ability was underway, mad ladylacking the strengthwas propelled into the air. dark-blond hair whipped around wildly as she soared toward the origin of the anomaly. meanwhile, mr. k remained locked to the metal floor. though his body swayed precariously, on the verge of being pulled away, he held his ground, unsteady yet resilient. the face of the blood-colored wax-streaked aurora order oracle betrayed an anxious expression. the enemy was on the verge of escape! the source of the evil god corruption had revealed itself! mr. k swiftly switched back to the corresponding devil spirit, summoning a broadsword forged from crimson lava and pale-blue flames. targeting his body adhered to the metal floor, he executed a slashing motion. beneath his calf, flesh promptly separated from his main body, the incision undergoing a mesmerizing melding of half-melting and half-reforming. having relinquished a portion of his flesh, mr. k allowed pale-white, moist, and freshly-formed limbs to squirm out from the severed stump. concurrently, he harnessed the formidable suction force to pursue mad lady and draw closer to the source of corruption. in midair, he witnessed lumian, disguised, clutching the door frame in a struggle against the menacing suction. he observed the motionless silver- white full-body armor seamlessly blending with the floor. mad lady surged ahead, on the verge of flying past lumian. with a wave of her right hand, she emitted a greeting-like hello, her face radiating excitement and anticipation. lumians pupils constricted. disregarding his precarious state, he harrumphed. two beams of white light shot forth from his nostrils, accurately aimed at mad lady but influenced by the tangible and enigmatic suction force. they bent and plunged deeper into the tunnel. at that moment, lumians grip on the silver metal door frame neared its breaking point, blood seeping from the strain. faintly, he sensed an abundance of flesh and skin deep within the tunnel, intertwining to shape a colossal structure resembling a pear-shaped birds nest. suspended in midair, fleshy ropes, as thick as two or three adult arms and covered in a translucent membrane, extended, linking the distant wall, the ceiling above, and the metal on the ground. within these flesh and blood tendrils, specks of starlight and a mysterious dark substance flowed into the massive pear-shaped object. the birds nest-like structure was contracting inward, its various parts deeply sunken, delineating lines that hinted at a substantial disk. the terrifying suction force, capable of manipulating both reality and mystery, emanated from this pear-shaped object composed of skin, flesh, and blood. at that moment, the outlines on the pear-shaped object quivered, and all the indentations bulged and expanded. with this transformation, fragments of starlight spilled from the fleshy birds nest, rushing into every cabin within the spaceship. this event resembled the prior two releases of the seas power, yet lacked the grandeur and vastness, lacking the potential to rend apart anyone obstructing its path. lumian could already envision the repetitive expulsion, understanding that the silver-gray behemoth had amassed a power capable of threatening the seal. year after year, it required the extraction of this accumulated pressure. as the abundance of starlight scattered, the formidable suction force dissipated. with two thuds, mad lady and mr. k collided with the ground. one found herself in the tunnel leading to the fleshy birds nest, while the other lay in the silver hall where lumian and ultraman had previously battled. lumian released his grip, landing on the ground. his gaze swiftly fixated on the april fools key member, adorned with clumps of flesh and blood on her face. mad lady sprang up, exclaiming to him and mr. k, did you see that? did you see that? thats an incubating deity. yes, it should be a deity! despite the intense fluctuations in mad ladys emotions, mr. k discerned no sincerity in her tone. her mention of deity sounded more like powerful and terrifying monster, a mere description. in the next instant, lumian materialized behind mad lady, who promptly vanished on the spot, blinking closer to where the starlight had scattered. lumian, sensing danger instinctively, felt his heart quicken involuntarily. he hesitated to delve too deeply into the tunnel, avoiding proximity to the flesh and blood birds nest he had vaguely seen before. unimaginable horrors were certain to unfold. however, mad lady sprinted in that direction. let her venture deeper and potentially meet her end? lumians thoughts raced, torn between decisions. another second passed, and mr. k teleported in front of lumian, fervently pursuing mad lady. in that moment, lumian, who had often considered himself a bit eccentric, found himself yearning for a bit more normalcy from the duo ahead of him. while he could comprehend mr. ks choices and actionsrooted in unwavering faith in god and the pursuit of divine will, coupled with a hint of extremismmad ladys conduct exceeded his expectations. drawing from i know someones confession and mad ladys previous behavior, lumian detected no signs of her fanatical devotion to the celestial worthy. simultaneously, due to the ongoing conflict between the celestial worthy and mr. fool, she couldnt always rely on protection. this raised a question for lumian. if mad lady consistently courted danger, how had she managed to survive to this day? april fools lacked the strict hierarchy and coordination seen in the aurora order. most of the time, members operated independently with minimal interaction. protecting mad lady from the start, allowing her to grow steadily with such a mindset, seemed implausible. could it be that i know someone had once overseen the treatment of mad ladys mental and psychological issues? after his demise, did mad ladys problems exacerbate? lumian quickly formulated a plausible explanation, but considering mad ladys conduct on the betrothal ship, her current state struck him as abnormal. on the betrothal ship, faced with the impending release of the seas power in the energy passageway, mad lady, though eager and seeking excitement, had an escape route. as long as she didnt delay until the last moment, she could teleport away, avoiding the actual risk of death. now, whatever lurked in the depths of the tunnel made lumian, despite his feigned high level, intuitively uneasy. he believed it represented an almost certain death sentence. yet, mad lady persisted in her attempt to approach! could there be a reason compelling her to make contact with that object? lumian wondered. he suspected that mad ladys actions might be part of the celestial worthys scheme, convincing her that she could confront the provocation head-on and escape in time. i cant let her and that celestial worthy succeed besides, personally, i look forward to ending her myself rather than witnessing her being swallowed by that dangerous object lumians eyes narrowed, the desire to teleport forward and intercept mad lady compelling him. however, preventing a traveler from reaching a specific location in such a manner was clearly impossible. lumian hesitated, unwilling to genuinely approach the flesh-and-blood birds nest deep within the tunnel. suddenly, an idea struck him. the peculiar structures rejection of outsiders seems to have lifted, and with lato guiaro, a person possessing a potent sea bloodline, deceased. could i attempt to gain temporary authority as the governor of the sea to halt mad ladys progress? with that in mind, lumian embarked on his endeavor. activating the power of the sea within him, he allowed his astral projection to merge and swiftly expand outward. Chapter 589 - 589 Object Within the Nest 589 object within the nest 589 object within the nest as lumians astral projection expanded with the power of the sea, he immediately sensed the presence of the waters. this wasnt a genuine ocean but a fantastical sea created by radiant starlight. at its core lay the projection of the silver-gray behemoth. empowered by an ample supply of the seas power, lumians astral projection surged forward, merging seamlessly with the phantom. a burning sensation radiated from the left side of his chest, as if some form of acknowledgment had been received. his consciousness extended boundlessly, taking command of the dreamlike illusory sea. in the course of this process, he glimpsed the phantoms of juan oro, ultraman lato guiaro, and unfamiliar apparitions. those who have returned to the sea? they seem to have transformed into water droplets in the sea lumian withdrew his gaze from the joyful juan oro and the pained lato guiaro, redirecting it toward the depths of the tunnel ahead. from a considerable distance, he spotted mad lady. the silver-gray behemoth harbored entities nurtured within the flesh and blood birds nest. with the batings black insect, little devils, and other extraterrestrial life forms, it was inevitable that they coexisted in the spirit world. however, this spirit world was entirely severed from the external realm. consequently, beyonders skilled in summoning creatures from the spirit world for assistance found themselves bereft of their primary reliance. teleportation executed through the spirit world, however, retained some semblance of normalcy. departing directly, however, proved impossible. the only avenues were through the energy passageway at the entrance or by breaching the outer wall to connect the inner and outer spirit worlds. simultaneously, the closer one approached the flesh-and-blood birds nest, the more peculiar the spirit world became. it was as though the air gradually thickened, becoming almost tangible and impeding the approach of birds. in such an environment, coupled with the absence of a flesh-and-blood birds nest, mad lady found herself unable to teleport directly. her only recourse was to blink incrementally, expending her spirituality with each maneuver. having focused on mad lady and the space in front of her, lumian suddenly extended his right hand and clenched it into a fist. the air surrounding mad lady immediately grew dense, as if assuming a tangible form. this transformation caused the illusory curtain to bend, compressing the corresponding area into a dark and transparent sphere. once more, mad ladys form disappeared, but a formless force, shaped by the bending area, yanked her out and sent her plummeting. under the authority of the governor of the sea, the spirit world within the sphere and the spirit world within the silver-gray behemoth were forcibly separated! however, this effect was contingent on the peculiar environment. in the external world, given lumians current level and mastery of the power of the sea, completely isolating an area from the expansive and genuine spirit world proved challenging. he could merely employ cosmic void to create an exit path and a door symbolizing an escape route, a tactic vulnerable to counteraction by a travelers abilities. mad lady attempted another blink, yet found herself unable to escape the dark spheres confines. she halted in place, seriously contemplating her recorded abilities and the items in her possession that might alleviate her current predicament. observing her struggle, lumian couldnt suppress his yearning for demigod- level powers. as the temporary authority-wielding governor of the seaessentially a faux demigod incapable of withstanding a single spell from the cinderella demigodlumian had ensnared mad lady in an inescapable dilemma. she proved challenging even for mr. k to subdue in a brief timeframe. mad lady gazed into the depths of the metal tunnel, representing the flesh and blood birds nest, her face aglow with unrestrained eagerness, anticipation, and excitement. confined within the dark sphere, she yearned for escape, dissatisfied with her inability to reach the desired destination. head over there, quick! head over there, quick! i want to go over! the longing in her heart intensified, nearly manifesting as a tangible desire. the desire surged into her chest, seeking to rupture the restraints and liberate her from this predicament. mr. k, having switched to a travelers soul, swiftly caught up and saw mad lady. instinctively, an illusory book materialized in his dark eyes. positioned in front of mr. k, the book flipped through its pages while chanting in a low voice, i came, i saw, i record. in an instant, mr. k underwent a transformation, manifesting as a two to three-meter-tall half-giant donned in cold black armor, brandishing a dark, straight broadsword. having grazed a traveler, he had selected three beyonder powers: blink, record, and the travelers door, encompassing teleportation or travel. additionally, with record, he had acquired an ability capable of influencing godhood from a saint of the aurora order. while only half as effective as the original, it proved sufficient to contend with mad lady, who had yet to approach the threshold of godhood. mr. k advanced confidently, wielding the dark, straight broadsword, prepared to strike. at that moment, mad ladys chest was overwhelmed by an intense surge of desire. then, she experienced a sharp, piercing pain. she didnt need to lower her head. from the corner of her eye, she witnessed the flesh on her chest tearing apart inch by inch, the white bones snapping one by one. a grayish-white fog, mingled with fragments of flesh, surged forth, coalescing into a humanoid figure resembling her. in an instant, it leaped out of the dark sphere created by lumian and darted into the depths of the metal tunnel. dont be in a hurry to leave! unfazed by the situation, mad ladys face reflected excitement and a hint of regret. pfft! mr. ks dark broadsword cleaved through the dark sphere, diagonally bisecting mad lady. wearing the ring imbued with flesh and blood magic, mad lady didnt succumb immediately. her two halves of flesh and blood writhed, attempting to reunite, but all endeavors were obliterated by the profound darkness left in the wake of the broadsword. the flesh and blood failed to reestablish a connection. come on, come on mad ladys relatively intact head sought to aid her body, but she swiftly perceived the annihilation of her soul. her vision darkened, and her unevenly separated bodies crumpled to the ground. unperturbed by the fate of the april fools key member, mr. k and lumian redirected their focus to the grayish-white figure hurtling into the depths of the metal tunnel. comprising half fog and half flesh, the figure existed in a realm between reality and illusion. the temporary governor of the sea, lumian, once again honed in on the target and its surroundings, intending to marshal every ounce of sea power at his disposal. at that moment, the grayish-white figure collapsed to the ground. the flesh and blood originally belonging to mad lady seeped into the metal floor, and the grayish-white fog was on the verge of being absorbed. abruptly, the entire tunnel trembled. lumian once again saw the pear- shaped object fashioned from flesh and skin. the flesh membrane on its surface buckled once more, outlining a disc- shaped contour. a formidable suction force erupted. whether lumianthe temporary governor of the seaor mr. k, they found themselves irresistibly propelled into the depths of the metal tunnel, as if an invisible hand seized them and drew them toward the core of the silver-gray behemoth. mad ladys dismembered corpse and her belongings soared into the air, propelled towards the destination she had fervently yearned for in life. the humanoid form outlined by the grayish-white fog seeped deeper into the metal floor, absorbing a portion. in that moment, lumian, wielding the temporary authority of the governor of the sea, employed his enhanced perception to see the flesh-and-blood birds nest deep within the metal tunnel more distinctly than before. the pear-shaped objects flesh and skin caved in, and the starlight and dark matter emanating from the surrounding flesh ropes accelerated their flow. through the taut skin and flesh, lumian vaguely sensed the object nurtured within the pear-shaped structure. it resembled a pitch-black vortex capable of devouring all colors and light. while not overly large, it featured a disc-shaped outer edge. wh lumian instinctively recalled scientific concepts and simplified scenes his sister aurore had once explained. he identified a term that matched his observations: a black hole! did the abraham familys ancestor seal a black hole with amon? a black hole that has yet to fully form and is still nurtured within a mothers body from a mystical standpoint? lumian found the idea absurd, straddling the line between scientific and mystical. simultaneously, he sensed a connection between the black hole-like object and another place. a profound, weighty, dense, and terrifying aura loomed over the world. with a buzzing sensation, lumian teetered on the brink of losing consciousness. not only was his physical form being drawn towards the flesh and blood birds nest, but even his thoughts, spirit body, and destiny converged in that direction. it was the same for mr. k. one after another, mad ladys fragmented remains and a few belongings floated between them. beyond the silver-gray behemoth, franca and the others felt an ominous suction emanating from the seabed. it seemed as though a colossal vortex was forming, ready to engulf everything in its vicinity. splash! the mountainous azure waves and jade-green seawater collapsed, filling the seabed. abruptly, resplendent starlight descended from the sky. madam magician materialized, adorned in a deep-black warlock robe embroidered with shimmering silver stars. the wielder of a major arcana card extended her right hand toward the silver-gray behemoth at the seabed. her figure appeared in a state of overlap, intermittently clear and blurry. each radiant starlight transformed into an illusory door, seamlessly melding with the suction force, merging into the silver-gray behemoth. Chapter 590 - 590 The Truth Behind the Seal 590 the truth behind the seal 590 the truth behind the seal the surface of the massive silver-gray behemoth ignited with illusory doors, casting a star-like brilliance that darkened the sky above the sea. this existing seal, triggered by madam magician, no longer resided in a nadir due to celestial shifts. starlight descended, swiftly repairing the temporary damage inflicted upon the seal. inside the behemoth, half of the grayish-white fog composing mad ladys human form was absorbed by the metal floor, appearing as if it would sink further. in that crucial moment, starlight permeated the walls, floor, and ceiling, materializing resplendent doors of various shapes. these doors manipulated the void, thwarting the menacing suction and expelling the grayish-white fog. abruptly, lumian felt the formidable suction force from the metal tunnels depths dissipate. he saw the dented flesh and blood birds nest expanding again, releasing a copious amount of resplendent starlight. the torrent surged through different parts of the silver-gray behemoth like a flood breaching a dam. lumian, mr. k, mad ladys remains, and the items undulated with the seas waves. as they were propelled forward, they encountered resistance and erosion from the seas power. meanwhile, the fleshless, corporeal grayish-white phantom swayed in the vast starlight, growing fainter before gradually dissipating. unlike previous instances, the seas power did not erupt from the ocean depths this time. madam magician had severed the energy passageway, successfully resealing and reinforcing the seal. madam magician, her form seemingly illusory, raised her right hand and pointed at the betrothal ship and sailboat, her eyes mirroring the corresponding scene. the two ships, along with hela, franca, the cinderella demigod, the humanoid sealed artifact, the maidens of the sea, the remaining deputy hosts, and the sailors, vanished from the underwater cavity, instantly reappearing on the sunny, calm, turquoise sea beyond the seal. crash! mountain-like azure waves and jade-green seawater resembling well walls slammed down, filling the underwater cavity. madam magicians gaze then shifted to lumian, mr. k, mad ladys corpse, pride armor, and other items. just as she was about to relocate them, lumian, still donning the flog boxing gloves, suddenly felt a heavy, dense, terrifying, and brilliant aura looking at him from another place connected to the black hole in the flesh and blood birds nest. crack, crack. lumian heard his bones shattering, his skull caving in, ribs snapping, and flesh compressing layer by layer. after unleashing the ascetics accumulated strength, he, now taller, was instantly compressed into a short, thin, and dense form. intense pain flooded his mind, and his brain began to passively contract. after a moment, lumian broke free from the gaze and floated into the gradually calming air. before madam magician, an illusory book rapidly flipped, emitting a faint glow full of vitality. it bathed lumians body in light, reconstructing his broken bones and swiftly enlarging his compressed flesh, rescuing him from his near-death state. then, madam magician tossed mad ladys rose-gold ring embedded with the crimson gem to lumian, allowing him to reassemble his flesh and blood and return to his original appearance. he was no longer a short, thin, and heavy peculiar human. simultaneously, in port santa, lokis figure faded as he entered the spirit world, preparing to teleport away. however, a dark, formless barrier appeared in front of him, blocking his path. lokis pupils dilated as he realized that at some point, he had been ensnared in a dark and transparent sphere, seemingly bent from the void, with walls everywhere, and a hidden door. high up in the spirit worldnear the seven pure lightsmadam magician hovered, adorned in a deep-black warlock robe adorned with stars. lokis presence registered in her eyes, and an illusory book rapidly flipped before her. she had strategically waited until the last moment to prevent loki from receiving the celestial worthys warning, providing her an opportunity to capture him alive. lokis lips curled into an exaggerated smile upon understanding the situation. rumble! his body erupted from the inside out, as if a self-controlled bomb had been embedded in his flesh beforehand. lokis bizarre suicide succeeded; flesh and blood splattered, and his aura dissipated. madam magician promptly lifted the seal on the area, capturing the information loki had imprinted in the spirit world. the spirit world served as a repository for all information. divination often entailed revelations from the spirit world, and the matter of resurrection inevitably left corresponding information. as long as she found relevant information in time, madam magician could trace loki to his resurrection spot and pinpoint the ancient castle documented in the secret order records. soon, madam magician obtained something. her figure vanished from the spirit worlds heights, navigating the endless darkness adorned with symbols. in the next moment, a vast grayish-white fog materialized before her eyes. magician halted, gazing at the seemingly endless expanse of grayish-white fog. under the silent, dusky sky, above the calm blue sea. using mad ladys ring embedded with a crimson gem, lumian adjusted his internal organs, flesh, and bones to their original state. treading on the corporeal wind, lumian removed the ring that enabled the use of flesh and blood magic and anxiously inquired of madam magician, hows the situation on the other two fronts? as he spoke, he sensed a mystical and indiscernible flicker from madam magician. magician smiled. loki has just been killed by me, but i couldnt prevent his resurrection or seize the opportunity to locate his ancient castle. bard has been captured by gandalf, whom you intentionally sent to milo village. hes alive. phew lumian instinctively heaved a sigh of relief. though he hadnt captured loki, wasting one more of lokis resurrections meant he had achieved his objectives. furthermore, ultraman and mad lady had been completely eliminated, and bard had been captured alive. the results were satisfactory. initially, lumian hadnt confirmed bards identity. he didnt even know if bard had participated in the sea prayer ritual. however, he had a few suspects, including the fake governor of the sea and juan oros grandson, fernandez. since most of the suspects were in milo village, he had gandalf closely monitor them. madam magician continued, i relocated everyone else from these waters. i sent mr. k of the aurora order back to his rented room in port santa. mad ladys corpse and items are floating here. the major arcana card holder opened her palm, shrouded in darkness, forming a small box. inside, mad ladys dismembered corpse and other items had shrunk to the size of mosquitoes, drifting as if in another world. lumian was taken aback. he looked at the bottom of the azure sea and asked, is it over? he had anticipated gaining control over the silver-gray behemoth eventually. otherwise? back then, even two kings of angels couldnt clean up the mess. how is our tarot club going to handle itunless mr. fool awakens, madam magician replied in an amused tone. lumian recollected the items in the flesh and blood birds nest and nodded in agreement. he asked in confusion, is it true that sealed at the bottom is a black hole? uh do you know what a black hole is? i do, madam magician chuckled. and i also know that the silver-gray thing down there is a spaceship. spaceship lumian was taken aback. upon reflection, he realized that the silver-gray behemoth bore a striking resemblance to the spaceship described in his sisters bedtime stories! madam magician not only knew about spaceships but also grasped the concept of a black hole! never underestimate high-ranking individuals. the time-transcending knowledge possessed by transmigrators might not be foreign to them lumian sighed with emotion. at that moment, he noticed that madam magicians mystical flickering had vanished. the major arcana card holder gazed at the seabed and explained, its a black hole, ready to form, personally created by an evil god. constantly absorbing surrounding matter and energy, it strengthens itself, eventually becoming a true black hole. in the fourth epoch, the evil god seized an opportunity to send the embryonic black hole through the spaceship at the bottom of the sea. the plan was for it to rapidly develop, tear apart, and devour our planet, causing the barrier to lose support and disintegrate prematurely. true gods and angels could escape, but without the barriers protection, who knows what would happen. fortunately, mr. door and amon discovered the threat in time and took action. yet, they couldnt obliterate the already developing black hole. any attempts to destroy or destabilize it would only make it stronger. the only viable solution was to seal it and patiently wait for it to weaken through repeated radiations until it ultimately evaporates. alternatively, they could transport it and the spaceship into the cosmos, abandoning it in desolate areas. however, this would require mr. door to leave the safety of the barrier and shadow the threat continuously to prevent accidents. moreover, it remained under the vigilant gaze of that entity, which periodically replenished its energy through their connection. the danger was evident. that explains it lumian finally grasped why it had been sealed rather than destroyed. intrigued, he echoed a term, mr. door? it bore a striking resemblance to mr. fool. Chapter 591 - 591 Information Gap 591 information gap 591 information gap upon hearing lumians inquiry, madam magicians tone carried a subtle emotion. mr. door is the ancestor of the abraham family, the top duke among the five great nobles of the tudor empire. it was he who sealed this spaceship. amon, on the other hand, designed the ritual that regularly siphoned power from the black hole to alleviate the pressure caused by the natural decay of the seal and hasten the black holes demise. higher in rank than amon in the tudor empire, mr. door was second only to the blood emperor? he listened intently. madam magician sighed softly at that moment. in a way, mr. door can be considered my mentor. a mentor? your mentor is a fourth epoch king of angels and the top noble in the tudor empire? a figure from almost two thousand years ago lumian hadnt anticipated madam magician having such a profound background. no wonder she earned the position of the angel of stars beside mr. fools throne. no wonder she held a major arcana card in the tarot club! madam magician glanced at lumian, teasingly adding, its true that mr. door guided and supervised me in advancing along the divine path, but the method wasnt as virtuous as you might imagine. it was far from good. far from good lumian was surprised before connecting the dots. combining his experiences, he made a guess. madam magician had once fallen under the corruptive influence of mr. door but received assistance from mr. fool. did she join the tarot club because of this? however, from madam magicians words, it seems she reconciled with mr. door? otherwise, she wouldnt refer to him as her mentor. how intriguing and surreal. just like how i might say in the future that the angel of inevitability, termiboros, was my mentor, lumian mused inwardly and probed, is mr. door still active? is he as lively as his peer, amon? madam magician shook her head. he has perished. i see lumian cast his gaze toward the deep, bottomless sea. april fools objective is to acquire that spaceship? but it seems they are unaware of the nascent black hole sealed inside it was a formidable entity that not even a true god could completely neutralize. once released from its seal and allowed to develop, it would compress and absorb everything in its vicinity. why did the key members of april fools, who werent even at the demigod level, believe they could confront it without fear? relying on the spaceship to contain it? that seemed improbable. only the evil god who created the black hole or an entity at mr. fools level could control it mad lady even believed that within the seal was an incubating deity or monster of a comparable magnitude with these thoughts in mind, lumians heart stirred as he inquired in a deep voice, were the key members of april fools misled? is the celestial worthys objective to unleash the black hole and trigger an apocalyptic catastrophe ahead of schedule? as long as beyonders corrupted by him enter the spaceship, he stands a chance of achieving his goal? he really doesnt seem to value the lives of ultraman, mad lady, bard, and loki however, that is also typical of april fools modus operandi. they dont take lives other than their own seriously! lumian suddenly felt like laughing. his satisfaction from finishing off ultraman and mad lady intensified. madam magician nodded thoughtfully and remarked, if you hadnt used all your resources and handled this matter with absolute strength, or if i had arrived ten to twenty seconds later and the grayish-white fog from mad ladys body had fully permeated the spaceship, the outcome might have been entirely different. we wouldnt be able to be here and discuss this matter so calmly. lumian reflected on the events that had transpired and muttered thoughtfully to himself, if i hadnt gained temporary authority as the governor of the sea and restricted mad ladys teleportation, she might have approached the flesh-and-blood birds nest incubating the black hole before your arrival. she wouldnt have manifested a humanoid form made of grayish-white fog to infiltrate the spacecraft. if that had occurred, the situation might have been even more challenging to handle the reason he obtained temporary authority as the governor of the sea was because he utilized lie to pilfer a portion of the seas power. this allowed him to resonate with the sea and possess a counterfeit yet highly elevated status. the ability to use lie to steal a portion of the seas power was granted by the seer pathways mystical item, which had been imbued with a high-level power of steal when placed on the ancestor-honoring altar in milo village. the altar could bestow high-level steal powers on items because it was constructed by amon constructed by amon lumians thoughts suddenly cleared up. he grasped that it wasnt just him and the others sabotaging april fools; there were also influential figures in the shadows who didnt want the celestial worthy to succeed! madam magician chuckled. have you figured it out? i recognized what was happening when i saw lie, now endowed with the power of steal. some time ago, i spied on the altar beneath milo village and confirmed its purposeto gather the spirituality of worshippers and accumulate enough power to trigger the bestowment of the steal ability. given milo villages population and the number of individuals with the sea bloodline, it can only be bestowed once a year. it cant last more than half a month each time, and it can only be used once or twice. lies enhanced power far surpasses that. lumian furrowed his brow and asked, are you suggesting that the steal on lie was directly granted by amon? this hypothesis struck him as absurd, comical, and surreal. in the past few months, amon had been a source of terror, causing him mental distress. he nearly perished in the samaritan womens spring. subsequently, he informed the tarot club and aided the angel of time in eliminating most of the amons in trier. he also wrested a substantial debt from amons parasitic form. their relationship? it was one of deep-seated enmity! the sentiment was likely mutual. yet now, he was being told that amon had covertly assisted him? while lumian understood that amons aid wasnt driven by benevolence but rather to thwart the celestial worthys objectives, he couldnt shake the feeling that the world had taken a bizarre turn. madam magician chuckled and explained, perhaps, back then, there was an amon residing within the altar. truth be told, i didnt anticipate that those who once instilled awe, fear, and vigilance in our discussions would occasionally collaborate with us. of course, dont become complacent. while we may be teammates when facing the evil gods beyond the barrier, that doesnt extend to all matters. even when dealing with the evil gods followers, it depends on the specific circumstances. they might believe they can handle it alone and use the opportunity to set a trap that could harm you. alright lumian resisted belief, but he had no choice but to acknowledge the reality before him. the truth was laid bare. having been briefed, lumian mentally reconstructed the sea prayer ritual, refining the spiderweb-like thought pattern without any critical deficiencies. the corresponding experiences and lessons surfaced in lumians mind: april fools biggest failure was not knowing that franca and i are also members of the tarot club, apart from being part of the curly-haired baboons research society. moreover, the tarot club places great importance on matters related to the celestial worthy theres also an information gap between them and the celestial worthy, leading to their downfall have they not considered that their goals might not align with the celestial worthys? despite me lacking information as well, i wasnt careless. i didnt underestimate any visible or hidden enemies. even a lion uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit of course, the crucial aspect is that those holding key information and concealing it are on my side in this operation. what if they become my enemies next time? how should i deal with them as these thoughts raced through his mind, lumian sensed that his digestion of the conspirer potion had significantly advanced, thanks to the successful hunt and the questions he had formulated. seizing this opportunity, he summarized his third acting principle: one of the keys to a conspiracy is information. a good conspirer must be adept at exploiting information gaps and even take the initiative to create information gaps. closing his eyes to assess his bodys condition, lumian felt that another major, successful conspiracy and a period of daily accumulation should allow him to completely digest the conspirer potion. and that major conspiracy could be combined with the ritual to advance to sequence 5 reaper. no further planning was needed. the reaper ritual required a conspiracy to capture a target whose sequence was higher than hisalive. when lumian opened his eyes, madam magician transmitted the darkness in her palm to him. youll be in charge of distributing these items. this is something a hunter needs to learn and do well to advance to a demigod. alright. lumian was accustomed to distributing spoils of war. he then added, but before that, id like to meet bard. that, too, was a spoil of war. in the ancient and dilapidated palace in the nation of the evernight, lumian, franca, hela, and gandalf materialized one after another. they were adorned in their usual attire for gatherings, with lumian now assuming the guise of muggle aurore. gandalf unceremoniously tossed bard to the ground, not bothering to restrain him. bard surveyed the familiar surroundings, devoid of any notions of escape or resistance. this was the concealed nation of the evernight, isolated from the outside world. how could he possibly flee? and against two demigods, how could he even attempt resistance? bard swallowed hard and spoke preemptively, i was also bewitched by loki! all he could hope for now was that, leveraging his sequence experience as a swindler, he could successfully convince the two demigods. noticing the silence from hela and gandalf, bard added, i can lead you to lokis ancient castle. i know a clue, really! at that moment, lumian lee, masquerading as muggle, spoke in a deep voice, just kill him and channel his spirit. Chapter 592 - 592 Bluff 592 Bluff 592 Bluff Kill him and channel his spirit? Bard stared at Lumian Lee, masquerading as a Muggle, a chill running down his spine as his hair stood on end. He sensed the unmistakable killing intent emanating from Lumian, causing fear to grip him. However, a suspicion lingered in Bards mind; he believed Lumian was trying to manipulate him, deliberately showcasing his anger and hatred to break his psychological defenses. His suspicion arose because spirit channeling wasnt the optimal solution. Celestial Worthy possessed a higher level than many evil gods, and the corruption of those evil gods could lead to a failed spirit channeling, whats more someone with the Celestial Worthys bestowment. Recognizing this, Bards heart settled. As a Swindler, he maintained a terrified expression, stepping back two paces as he looked at Lumian. Ill spill it all, no lies. You can verify it! Dont kill me! Lumian approached him step by step, brandishing a dagger. Bard turned to Hela, Gandalf, and Franca, pleading in a panicked tone, Hes lost his mind, and youre just going to let him be? Spirit channeling isnt all-powerful! Bard deliberately used him as a pronoun, signaling that he knew Lumian wasnt Muggle, as if urging them not to play along. In two steps, Lumian arrived in front of Bard, casting his gaze at the April Fools key member, who couldnt temporarily change his appearance back. He raised the dagger in his hand. Bard sneered inwardly, growing more convinced that Lumian Lee wouldnt actually end his life for spirit channelingat least not yet. If his current actions werent an act, Gandalf and Hela would have intervened no matter what. They wouldnt just stand by! Bard strained his throat and shouted, as if terrorized, Ill genuinely cooperate with you! Ill assist you in locating Loki and his ancient castle! See, I didnt even use my powers to resist in such a situation! As Bard shouted, he fixed his gaze on Lumian and the daggers tip, attempting to convey evasion and pleading through his eyes. The former conveyed fear, and the latter was a plea for mercy. Throughout this process, Bards heart was filled with mockery, almost void of panic. Trying to deceive a Swindler? What a ludicrous notion! I bet youll stop after I count to five! Five, four, three Pfft! Bards vision suddenly turned blood-red as the dagger thrust into his left eye, piercing through the gap in the eye socket and into his brain. Impossible! Absolutely impossible! Is he truly going to kill me? Intense pain overwhelmed Bards mind, prompting him to instinctively raise his right hand and press it against his face. He fought in the opposite direction, striving to put some distance between himself and the dagger, the source of the agonizing damage. Lumian reached out with his left hand, pinning Bard in place and making his struggles futile. Then, Lumian leaned forward slightly and whispered into the ear of the April Fools key member. Bard glimpsed Muggles beautiful face, her rosy lips moving as she whispered a whisper filled with satisfaction and mockery, My godson has gnawed on half of Lokis arm and knows a lot about him. I believe that knowledge surpasses yours Surpasses mine If I had known earlier, I would have utilized my powers Even in the midst of pain and struggle, Bard was momentarily stunned, feeling frustration, despair, and embarrassment. Soon, these emotions dissipated. Lumian gripped the dagger embedded in Bards eye socket and twisted it a few times, crushing the frontal lobe. Observing Bard, who had now calmed down, Lumian nodded in satisfaction. He withdrew his dagger and earnestly assisted the other party in stemming the bleeding and bandaging the wound, though he skipped the disinfectant. Only then did Franca approach and click her tongue. I thought you were just scaring him. Thats why she didnt intervene. She had watched as Lumian advanced toward Bard, dagger in hand, witnessing Bards pleas for mercy. She believed Hela and Gandalf had similar expectations. When the dagger pierced Bards eye socket, Franca was taken aback. It was only then that she realized Lumian was serious! No, Lumian didnt truly intend to kill Bard. Instead, he planned to employ the April Fools created prank to deal with him, recreating the original state of I Know Someone. Without waiting for Lumians response, Franca asked curiously, When did you master lobotomy? Lumian wiped the blood off the dagger with a white strap and smirked mockingly. I learned it from watching the doctor perform surgery on I Know Someone. Its such a simple procedure. As a Beyonder skilled in action, if I cant memorize and imitate it after watching it once, it only proves that my brain has been corrupted by the potion. Impersonating Muggle, Lumian deliberately spoke in his sisters voice, as if she were still alive. Franca looked at Aurores face under the hood and listened to her voice. She wasnt angered by the mockery. She only muttered, The surgery isnt just about inserting and stirring a few times. There are still many key points before and after the procedure. Even during the surgery, if you insert it just a bit deeper, the outcome will be entirely different. So be it. If he really dies, well commence the spirit channeling. Lumian casually poured the remaining truth serum into the mouth of the stunned Bard, who offered no resistance. After completing this task, he added, Madam Hela mentioned that this place can minimize the influence of evil gods. Its only minimal, not zero. Besides, what if the problem lies in his spirit, and he self-destructs? Franca instinctively retorted. This was why Hela hadnt directly pulled Bard into a dream to extract his true answers. After all, the dream might present scenes that shouldnt be seen. This was even more dangerous than simple verbal descriptions. Only then did Gandalf, draped in a linen robe and a hood, sigh softly. He couldnt bear to witness Bards suffering, but he didnt discourage the actions taken. He wasnt the one who had been harmed by April Fools. He wasnt in a position to criticize the victims family for their extreme actions. Before this operation, Hela had briefed Gandalf on Muggles demise and Lumian Lees role. The president of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society sympathized with the siblings plight, but he also blamed himself. He believed that the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society had been unrestrained. As president, he bore a heavy responsibility. After a moment, Bard, who had undergone a requiem and gradually recovered from his pain, started addressing the queries of the people present. The first to inquire was Gandalf. He peered down at the Dream Stealer and asked, How did you come to believe in that Celestial Worthy? Gandalf and Hela had already gathered intel on Celestial Worthy from Franca and Lumian, and they deemed it crucial. Bard responded calmly, From the beginning. I used to be a cultural relic thief and acquired a batch of ancient items. While studying their history to ascertain their value, I deciphered the meaning of some inscriptions Abruptly, Hela cut Bards narration short and said coldly, You dont have to explain the full meaning. Just mention a few keywords. Bard had no intention of arguing. He remained as docile as a sheep. Keywords include: Deception, Fooling, Door of All Doors, Lord of Mysteries As Bard finished speaking, the ancient palace they were in suddenly became misty and unclear. Simultaneously, Lumians left chest burned again. In the next moment, the night sky outside the palace darkened even more, and all the mist vanished. Why did I feel like worms were growing in me just now? Franca felt a lingering fear. Merely a few names, incomplete honorific names, made her inexplicably uneasy. Every inch of her flesh seemed to come alive, about to transform into worms crawling out of her skin. One of Bards initial plans was to answer Lumian and companys questions dishonestly and without reservation. Then, he would take the initiative to reveal all the details regarding Celestial Worthy. He wanted to see if he could secretly corrupt his enemies and shake the Nation of the Evernights concealments to create a door to escape. If I could really use this to corrupt Gandalf and Hela, why would they kill me when were all Celestial Worthy believers? We would definitely work together to deal with Lumian Lee! Of course, Bard no longer harbored such thoughts. He had obtained an inevitable peace. Descriptions of high-level existences often indicate danger. In this world, ignorance might not be a bad thing. Gandalf sighed and assessed what had just happened. He then inquired about the follow-up. Bards expression remained unchanged as he said, After deciphering the words, I lost consciousness. When I woke up, I had already transmigrated to this world. After adapting to my new body, I instinctively recalled my previous encounters and the words I had deciphered. Then, I saw a thin gray fog emanating from my surroundings and received a revelation from the Celestial Worthy. In other words, you believed in that Celestial Worthy as soon as you transmigrated, before the establishment of the Research Society? Gandalf probed further. Yes. Bards emotions lacked any fluctuations. Back then, I thought that if I didnt choose to submit, believe in Him, or follow Him, I might die on the spot. When that happened, I might not have a chance to transmigrate and revive. Later, I gradually realized His greatness. He could even fool the Nation of the Evernight and prevent our problems from being discovered. Gandalf pondered for a moment and asked, How did Loki come to believe in that Celestial Worthy? Chapter 593 - 593 Fooled 593 Fooled 593 Fooled In response to Gandalfs question, Bard recounted the past with a directness that left little room for ambiguity. I dont know. He didnt tell me. After the founding of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, I began to notice the guys actions and demeanor mirroring the influence of the Celestial Worthy. Likewise, he saw the same in me, prompting a mutual inquiry. Eventually, we confirmed each others intentions, and assembled an April Fools team. Gandalf and Hela probed about the Celestial Worthy, but with no breakthroughs, Lumian, disguised as a Muggle, shifted his gaze to Bard and asked, What was your crews aim in disrupting the sea prayer ritual? To control the underwater spaceship. Its our ticket to traversing the cosmos and holding our ground against Angels to some extent Bard revealed April Fools plan. Lumians lips curved upward. Do you know whats sealed in the depths of that spaceship? At this revelation, Franca suddenly grasped the core issue. Spaceship? The thing at the bottom of Port Santa is a spaceship? Isnt this too sci-fi and not mystical enough? Does this world have everything? To expedite the interrogation of Bard, a key member of April Fools, Lumian and Franca had entered the Nation of the Evernight without much communication. Spaceship Gandalf echoed the term, his tone brimming with unmistakable yearning. Hela maintained a silence akin to the depths of night. Bard responded to Lumians inquiry, According to our interpretation of the language and the insights from the Celestial Worthy, that spacecraft functions as both a petri dish and an incubation chamber. Its nurturing a high-level creature. Control the spaceship, and you control it. Without that control, the spacecraft alone wont stand a chance against an Angel. The smile of Aurore became even more alluring. Ever wondered why the ancient Angel who sealed the spaceship didnt take control of it? Why didnt They command the high-level creature or destroy it outright? Bard fell silent momentarily before articulating, It might take a considerable time for the high-level creature to mature. Taking control of the spaceship would halt everything. Patience is required until the recent few yearsjust before the creature is duebefore it can be managed. Lumians smile beneath the hood grew brighter. If thats the case, the ancient Angel who sealed the high-level creature will definitely reappear. Did you have the confidence to resist an Angel and win the spaceship? Or do you believe the Angel either didnt try to decipher or couldnt decipher the true meaning of those commands? Its been so many yearsThey might have already perished Bard paused. In his dream, a creature on the altar, potentially the avatar of an ancient Angel, hinted that the Angel might still be observing Milo Village and those waters. Why didnt we think to confirm it before embarking on the entire plan Bard voiced his doubts, his emotions showing no apparent shifts. Lumian replied with a smile, I can tell you that the spaceship isnt sealed with a high-level creature. Its an incomplete, nascent black hole. Once unsealed and piloted away, it will absorb the mystical body housing it, suck you guys in, and completely take shape, tearing apart and devouring the current world. Back then, the ancient Angels didnt attempt to control it because it was dangerous, idiot! Bard was once again taken aback, as if he had never considered such a possibility. After a moment, he hesitated and said, We might have been fooled Though Bards emotions remained unchanging, the blood-colored liquid that trickled from the simple bandage down the bridge of his nose painted a tragic and mournful picture. Lumian burst into laughter, his back bending slightly. Do you only now realize that youve all been fooled by that Celestial Worthy? He provided revelations to mislead you. Through your deaths, He could open the seal and destroy this world to achieve His goals! Haha, April Fools, indeed an organization of fools! Bard fell into silence once more, then candidly expressed his thoughts. Were fools, truly fools Meanwhile, Gandalf and the others had varied reactions. Dammit, a black hole? Destroy this world? Franca had thought the news of a spaceship was explosive enough, but she hadnt expected something even more terrifying to follow. And an entity creating a black hole? Franca, lacking direct understanding of top-level powers, realized the magnitude of such a great existence. Previously, she felt she had a sufficient understanding of the world. Now, she admitted frankly, Im still a f*cking elementary school student! Gandalf took a deep breath and said, If I become a god, it would be so convenient for me to conduct research Black holes Hela retrieved a metal flask from her black widow clothes and took a sip, her thoughts inscrutable. Lumians laughter echoed for a moment, providing a brief respite. However, underlying pain still gripped his heart, resonating in the shadows within. It couldnt be eradicated or dismissed. In the presence of the key members of April Fools, memories of his sister Aurores tragic fate couldnt be ignored. Bard stood there, a silent reminder of a fact deliberately overlooked. Hence, Lumian couldnt help but utter, kill him and channel his spirit, resorting to action in a half-truth manner. Looking at Bard, Lumian inquired, Do you know if Ultraman and Mad Lady have been to Cordu? Yes, replied Bard. Part of our original plan was to find Nolfis child, the sea maid. She lived in Intiss Riston Province. A stopover at Cordu was intended to confirm Muggles situation and the final outcome of the prank. At the mention of prank, a vein on Lumians forehead throbbed. How could you be so sure that Muggle was already dead? Hearing Lumian, disguised as a Muggle, pose this question, Gandalf let out another inaudible sigh. Franca sighed inwardly. Bard shook his head. Im unsure. Mad Lady and Ultraman went. They informed me the village was wiped out. No chance for anyone to make it out alive. They might have even employed divination, spirit channeling, and such to be sure. Impossible for anyone to survive? Lumian smiled. Am I not human? Bard glanced at him and spoke his mind. You might not even pass as human anymore. Thats not wrong. Im now a humanoid Sealed Artifact with self-awareness and fate Lumian made a self-deprecating remark before adding, The number of survivors is greater than you can imagine. A certain madame, her husband, butler, and maidservant had fled. Without giving Bard a chance to respond, Lumian inquired further, What was Loki trying to achieve with the Muggle incident? I wasnt deeply involved. Just tossed in a few ideas; not much in the loop, Bard admitted honestly. Ultraman might have a clue. He and Loki teamed up in other ventures. In what ventures? Lumian persisted. Bard shook his head slowly. Not entirely sure about the specifics. Its tied to the Eternal Blazing Sun Church. Connected to the Eternal Blazing Sun Church? Ultraman, a Sequence 5 Priest of Light on the Sun pathway The humanoid Sealed Artifact lost by the church on the betrothal ship Lumians instincts kicked in. Any key April Fools members that are not transmigrators? They had previously misconstrued April Fools as a gang of degenerated transmigrators. Yet, as an organization, it naturally expanded. After all these years, April Fools likely harbored more key members! Bard nodded. Yes. As expected Lumian shot a glance at Franca, garbed in Assassin attire, seeking confirmation from Bard. One of them is a Purifier from the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, and he holds a decent status? Yes, Bard confirmed again. Thanks to him, we got wind of a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact we could utilize when we altered our plan. He even assisted in its escape from the seal. And who might this person be? Franca inquired, stepping in for the absent 007. Its a one-way line to Loki, Bard indicated, revealing his lack of knowledge about the members true identity. Franca chuckled, saying, If the Eternal Blazing Sun Church launches an inquiry, they might stumble upon some leads. Grade 1 Sealed Artifacts werent just lying around. They couldnt be pilfered casually! Lumian, noting Gandalf and Hela had no more queries, turned to Bard. What intel do you have on Lokis ancient castle? It goes by the name Dylana charming name, Bard began. Loki once told me its a concealed ancient castle. Impossible to discover or see under normal circumstances. In simpler terms, you cant pinpoint its location through appearance or history. Ive always envied Loki inheriting such a treasure after transmigrationan ancient castle. Later, he relied on the Celestial Worthys revelation and the corresponding boon to succeed. I once tried to swindle Castle Dylan for myself, but I failed. Chapter 594 - 594 Execution 594 Execution 594 Execution Franca almost chuckled in exasperation at Bards remark. April Fools not only deceived outsiders but also themselves. If they didnt believe in Celestial Worthy, cooperation wouldnt be on the table. Bard delved into his knowledge about Castle Dylan. That ancient castle used to be the domain of a secret organization known as the Secret Order. Loki became a member of the organization when he transmigrated. The story goes that the initial leader of the Secret Order personally constructed the ancient castle and concealed it over a century ago. Curious, Franca inquired, Whos leading the Secret Order now? Bard shook his head slowly. Loki is in the dark about that too. Only those whove become Bizarro Sorcerers or Sequence 4 demigods within the Secret Order can meet the leader and establish a connection with him. Others merely follow the orders of their direct superiors. Loki once contemplated murdering his mentor, his immediate superior in the Secret Order, to gain the Bizarro Sorcerer Beyonder characteristic and stage a grand performance. Yet, due to his comprehension and fear of Bizarro Sorcerers, he never solidified this idea into a concrete plan. Eventually, he gathered all the Bizarro Sorcerer potion ingredients in Castle Dylan and entirely abandoned his initial scheme. Do you think a hidden place like Castle Dylan, with its long history, would be quiet, cold, and sinister? Contrary to expectations, Loki informed me that its quite lively, featuring a grand performance every day. A grand performance Hela recalled the pitch-black ancient castle she had glimpsed in Lokis dream, along with the wax-statue-like guests inside. Deep in thought, Lumian asked Bard, How do you suggest we locate Castle Dylan? Im still missing crucial clues, Bard admitted sincerely. If finding Castle Dylan were that straightforward, the current leader of the Secret Order would have seized it and ousted Loki. No, he wouldve turned Loki into his puppet. Lumian intended to inquire more thoroughly with Ludwig later, seeking any information he might have gained after consuming half of Lokis arm. What about Hisoka? What insights do you have on Hisoka? Lumian inquired. Bard seemed to recollect something. That guy doesnt quite fit in. He prefers going solo. The rare instances of collaboration are mostly with Mad Lady. We all sense his emotions are pretty unpredictable, swinging between joy and anger. Mad Lady, however, remarked that hes not pure enough. Hes highly dangerouson par with Loki. His specific path remains a mystery. Ive witnessed him using his abilities twice, both times involving mystical items. Its a poker card that can change its face, showcasing the attributes of Frost and Cut respectively. Word has it that Hisoka sought out an Artisan outside the Research Society to customize it after hunting a Beyonder. Regrettably, Mad Lady is dead, and theres no means to commune with her spirit. She undoubtedly held more information about Hisoka Does not being pure enough mean that Hisoka isnt as unhinged as he appears? Is his occasional madness a deliberate facade? Lumian pondered with a twinge of regret. Even though Lumian had obtained Mad Ladys remains, her spirit had been severely corrupted by Celestial Worthy. Some of it had even been washed away by the power of the sea, completely obliterated. Lumian sighed quietly and shifted the conversation to a different topic. Do you have insights into the seas power on Ultraman? Indeed. Bard shared his findings candidly. I played a role in deciphering the extraterrestrial language, although the Celestial Worthy provided crucial revelations. Additionally, the power of the sea is not exclusive to the offspring of Port Santa. I once encountered two heretics in Lenburg with similar abilities, and I managed to extract corresponding knowledge from them. This information greatly aided my decryption efforts, revealing that this pathway is not solely tied to the sea. In fact, only a small portion of it involves the sea. The power primarily emanates from the stars and the land beneath our feet. As you all are aware, our world is, after all, a planet. The corresponding Sequence 9 is known as Astronomy Aficionado. It focuses on acquiring knowledge of the cosmos, related information, an initial perception of reality, and enhancing ones physique. Sequence 8, named Star Worshiper, can decipher the Star Language or the Language of the Stars and receive insights into fate. Sequence 7, called Star Sacrificer, gains true powers through sacrificial rituals involving the stars. This encompasses Gravity Abnormality, Weakening Ray, Electromagnetic Attraction, and Cosmic Void. Sequence 6 is Navigator. They possess a deeper understanding of space and dimensions, allowing them to locate hidden passageways in the void and navigate and adjust routes between the stars. Navigating ships at sea becomes a straightforward task for them. Sequence 5, Tidal Scholar, further masters gravity and can whip up massive waves capable of shattering ships and demolishing docks. As for Sequence 4, its known as Heavybringer. Unfortunately, Im not too certain about their specific abilities. Lumian remained silent, taking a couple of steps back and signaling for Franca and the others to continue questioning. His primary concern centered around Lokis connection to Hisoka; anything else seemed less crucial. Franca studied Bard for a moment before inquiring, Have you recruited other members into April Fools? Yes, Bard admitted without hesitation. After detailing what he knew about the April Fools members outside the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, Franca asked with curiosity, Why did you choose the nickname Bard? Considering your past identity and current class, wouldnt Kait or Kid be more fitting? Bard responded calmly, My current body was a bard, a wandering artist who often dabbled in thievery and swindling. He met his end when discovered trying to cheat others out of their money, suffering a severe beating. Cheat, swindle, and stealFranca thought. You know everything; it suits you quite well. Franca turned to Hela and Gandalf, stating, I have no further questions. Neither do I, Gandalf acknowledged, recognizing that Bards life was approaching its end. Muggles brother wouldnt let him off the hook! Neither do I, Hela added. Lumian raised his right hand, generating a dark-green glow at his fingertips. The light transformed into a strange ray, penetrating Bards chest. Weakening Ray! Lumian still had access to a weeks worth of sea power, approaching the level of Sequence 5. Bards face contorted, muscles and nerves reacting instinctively. His chest, close to his neck, rapidly melted and peeled, exposing the flesh beneath. Seeing this, Gandalf sighed again. Gandalf sighed, condensing a straight sword with Sunrise Gleam and driving it towards Bard. The light blade impaled Bards head, and he crumpled to the ground with a thud, held down by the sword. Bard writhed like a skinned insect, convulsing as life left his body. Lumian observed in silence, refraining from intervening as Gandalf freed Bard. When Bards breath ceased, and he lay motionless, Lumian turned to Gandalf and Hela. Thank you for your assistance. Its our duty. Were all accountable for the harm April Fools caused to the other members of the Research Society, Gandalf responded gravely. Lumian didnt contest. Instead, he disclosed, Before the operation, I mentioned joining a secret organization before assuming my sisters identity. To seek revenge, I invited members of that secret organization to assist. I believe you all have seen or sensed their presence. He strategically linked the appearance of the Tarot Club to himself, safeguarding Francas identity as a Minor Arcana card holder. And which organization is that? Gandalf inquired curiously. As per Helas account, the secret organization exhibited Angel-level power, and the demigod Cinderella who appeared at sea was equally formidable. The Tarot Club, Lumian revealed truthfully. Youre one of the Minor Arcana card holders? Gandalf deduced. He had heard about the Tarot Club. Lumian nodded without denying it. Curiosity piqued, Franca asked, Which card represents that Cinderella demigod? And why does her magic have such a dreamy quality? Moreover, it resembles fairy tales from before our transmigration! She maintained her role while genuinely expressing curiosity. Lumian recalled Madam Magicians guidance and grinned. Major Arcana card, The Hermit. Pausing momentarily, he added, Im uncertain about why she can transform your fairy tales into magic. What I do know is that shes closely tied to Emperor Roselles descendant. Descendant of Emperor Roselles eldest daughter, Bernadette? Franca and the others, having read numerous entries from Roselles diary, immediately speculated. Perhaps, but its not Bernadette herself, Lumian honestly disclosed. That was the extent of his knowledge. Is that so Franca, Gandalf, and Hela felt enlightened. So, it was connected to Emperor Roselles faction! It made sense for the Emperor to create fairytale magic. After a brief pause, Lumian suggested, You should probably prevent the Research Society from disseminating those fairy tales. Understood, Gandalf agreed. Lumian pondered for a moment before stating, Ive concluded my involvement with the Research Society and have joined another secret organization. Its no longer suitable for me to participate in the Research Societys gatherings. You may find an opportunity to reveal the truth to the other members. Gandalf and Hela exchanged glances and proposed, You can continue playing the role of Muggle and acquire resources and assistance from the Research Society. We owe it to your sister. Chapter 595 - 595 Spoils of War 595 Spoils of War 595 Spoils of War Lumian wasted no time with pleasantries and accepted Gandalfs invitation without hesitation. Firstly, within the vast expanse of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society were numerous pathways. Besides the relatively scarce Devils, he gained access to a wealth of knowledge and various items. While these might not surpass what he already possessed in strength, they held the potential to unexpectedly shine in specific situations. Secondly, this decision provided him with a pretext to continue assuming the role of Aurore as a Muggle. It created the illusion that his sister still existed somewhere in the world. After the quartet concluded their discussion about the events in the peculiar waters, Bards lifeless body underwent a startling transformation. Ephemeral lights coalesced in the corpses right hand, causing both flesh and bones to crumble simultaneously. Eventually, the palm resembled that of a babysmall and pallid. The pale hue swiftly shifted, adopting a darker shade reminiscent of the ancient palaces surroundings. It was a Dream Stealer Beyonder characteristic. Lumian focused his attention and detected a faint grayish-white fog within the shrunken palm. He approached Bards corpse, crouching down to search for additional items. With this task accomplished, Lumian retrieved the spoils obtained from Mad Lady and Loki from his Travelers Bag, placing them on the decrepit stone slabs of the ancient palace. These included: a transparent, almost ethereal crystal, a bracelet with three diamonds flanked by four different-colored gems, a rose-gold ring adorned with crimson, blood-like gems, a simple silver ring, a dark-gold mask capable of concealing the entire face, a featureless small doll bound with white cloth, an intricate but exquisite mechanical music box, and a grayish-white brooch with a metallic gleam resembling lightning. Accompanied by a relatively thin blank painting album and the Dream Stealer Beyonder characteristic, the total count reached ten items. Lumian then looked up and addressed Hela and Gandalf, You can choose one each. Its our duty, Gandalf asserted, signifying the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Societys commitment to rectify past errors. Speaking in Aurores tone, Lumian, shrouded in his hood, remarked, Duty doesnt preclude the choice of spoils. Just because official Beyonders must protect citizens doesnt mean they cant receive rewards. Gandalf pondered for a moment before turning to Hela. Seeing her lack of objection, he sighed and conceded, Fine. Lumians lips formed a smile as he pointed to each item, providing a concise introduction. The illusory transparent stone is a Traveler Beyonder characteristic left behind by Mad Lady, but its severely corrupted. The thin gray fog emanating from it serves as evidence of this. The Dream Stealer Beyonder characteristic is similarly corrupted by that Celestial Worthy, but the severity is not extreme. Its slightly less severe than the remains of most heretics after their deaths. That bracelet comes from Loki, known as the Seven-Stone Bracelet. Each diamond corresponds to a teleportation, and each colored gem corresponds to a ten-second Blink. Once used, its gone. The drawback is that you hear random sounds when you wear itranging from a man having an affair to sounds from an unknown creature. This golden ring, named Blood Gold, bears an engraved inner loop with a brief sentenceControlling flesh and blood means controlling everything. Its function enables the wearer to control their flesh and blood like a Rose Bishop. Additionally, they can employ three flesh and blood magicsFlesh Bomb, Flesh Cloak, and Flesh Blood Fusion. The drawback is repeated use may lead to dependence. Ceasing to wear it results in the body collapsing into a pile of flesh and blood, unable to maintain human form. Continual wear may lead to madness and loss of control. That silver ring is a semi-finished Ring of the Sea Queen, possessing a high- level Steal ability usable only once. The drawback is that an ancient Angel will take notice of you. The dark-gold mask, a possession of Loki, survived his self-destruction. Its exact function remains unknown. Sensing it, one might feel an intense desire to wear it, believing it would grant abnormal power. Lets call it the Demon Mask. This featureless white cloth doll, a creation of Mad Lady, corresponds to the Faceless of the Seer pathway. When affixed to your shoulder, adjusting its facial features and figure is akin to altering your own appearance. Simultaneously, it empowers the wearer to master the ability to create Paper Figurine Substitutes. However, only the first paper figurine proves effective. Beyond these functions, it allows the wearer to employ flames for a dynamic leap and develop a certain premonition of danger. Be warned, though carrying it around brings weak bad luck. Moreover, one day, you may realize that its face mirrors yours, and you will cease to be yourself. This mechanical music box, discovered on Lokis corpse, is from an unknown pathway or Sequence. Its rumored that the music it plays has the potential to either kill or drive anyone who hears it into madness. However, a prerequisite existsyou must hear the music for at least ten seconds. I just found this blank painting album from Bard. Its precise effects and drawbacks remain unknown, but based on my experience, the depictions on its pages may come to life or exhibit special effects. Notably, only nine pages remain, showing signs of tearing. This brooch, belonging to Mad Lady, appears crafted in anticipation of the loss of the Governor of the Seas authority and the seas berserk state. It grants the wearer fish scales, mitigating damage and enabling underwater breathing and movement akin to a fish. Each strike carries the effect of Electric Shock, with a near 100% probability of triggering natural lightning strikes in thunderstorms. Aligned with Sequence 6 or 5 of the Sailor pathway, the negative consequence is a heightened likelihood of being struck by lightning on rainy days, coupled with increased irritability and anxiety after wearing it. Lumian concluded the introduction of the spoils of war, his knowledge derived from Madam Magician. It was evident that for the success of the sea prayer ritual, April Fools had entrusted most of their mystical items to Mad Lady. Bard had only left behind an ordinary-looking blank painting album. On the other hand, Loki, the leader of April Fools, had seemingly retained his items privately. Whether it was his nature or a deliberate choice to retrieve them for hunting Ludwig remained unknown. Gandalf looked at Hela. Take your pick first. Hela approached Lumian, carefully inspecting the ten items before singling out Mad Ladys Traveler Beyonder characteristic. Its severely corrupted. Whether you decide to keep it or have an Artisan craft items, its quite dangerous. Leave it to me. In other words, she suggested that she had a method to handle it and mitigate potential harm. Alright. Lumian didnt object. He respected the wishes of each individual and allowed them to choose whatever they wanted. Of course, the order of selection mattered too. His team would be last, and he would be last. Hela extended her right hand, and the night outside the ancient palace seemed to stir. The illusory crystal shrouded in grayish-white fog vanished. After Hela returned to her spot, Gandalf made his selection. Francas heart skipped a beat as she observed the president scrutinizing the remaining nine items. She whispered, Dont choose the Seven-Stone Bracelet, dont choose the Seven-Stone Bracelet That was the teleportation she had been longing for! The Traveler Beyonder characteristic was too dangerous. She didnt dare to set her sights on it. Although the Seven-Stone Bracelet was an expendable item, its advantage lay in its many uses and its relatively manageable negative effects. Gandalfs intense gaze fixed on the dark-gold mask, his mutterings barely audible, Ive got a burning desire to delve into its powers and potential But its too risky. Im itching to put it on now Yes, the Blood Gold ring aids my experiments into dangerous matters. The blank painting album requires further exploration The high-level Steal ability is also worth studying But being noticed by an ancient Angel is no small matter After thorough contemplation, Gandalf turned to Hela and spoke, Can I leave the silver ring here? I want to arrive half an hour early to study it before every gathering. Alright, Hela agreed to Gandalfs request. Thus, the president of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society opted for the half-finished Ring of the Sea Queen. Franca let out a sigh of relief and grinned at Gandalf. President, you really shouldve gone down the Reader pathway. You suit their style perfectly. Why did he have to pick Warrior just to live up to the title of Gandalf? Gandalf, the half-giant in a linen robe, glanced at Franca, smiling without uttering a word. Lumian stowed the remaining items back into his Travelers Bag, not affording Franca an opportunity to choose first. At Port Santa, near Solow Motel, inside Lokis rented room. Lumian received a response from Madam Magician: Even I cant decipher the intricate abilities of that dark-gold mask, indicating its exceptional nature. Inquire with Mr. K if he desires it. If not, leave it in my care for now. Ill seal it and await the opportune moment. It might prove useful when the time comes. Maam Hermit has her eyes on the mechanical music box. Other items hold little significance for her, but this one, at least, is exquisite. Mr. Moon expresses interest in the faceless doll; as for the reason, I remain in the dark. Ill entrust you with distributing the rest. Chapter 596 - 596 Lords Revelation? 596 Lords Revelation? 596 Lords Revelation? In Mr. Ks temporary apartment in Port Santa, Lumian unpacked the remaining spoils of war from his Travelers Bag, placing them on the coffee table. He shot a glance at Mr. K, who, now adorned in a black robe with a deep hood, spoke first, These are the gains from the operation. Perhaps theres a revelation from the Lord among them. Mr. K nodded subtly, diverting his attention to the items, his gaze fixating on the dark-gold mask. In a deep, hoarse voice, he mused, I sense something special about it. This should be a revelation from the Lord. With a swift motion, Mr. K extended his right hand, pulling the strange dark- gold mask into his grasp amidst a sudden gust of wind. However, the Aurora Order Oracle didnt put the mask on; instead, he discreetly stowed it away in a hidden pocket within his black robe. Witnessing this, Lumian was momentarily taken aback. He had been contemplating how to subtly carry out Madam Magicians instructions, aiming to inquire if Mr. K desired the dark-gold mask. Surprisingly, he had spontaneously fabricated a Lord-given revelation as an excuse. Before Lumian could specify which item it was, Mr. K had chosen the dark-gold mask himself. Could it genuinely be a revelation from the Lord? Hiss Lumian took a deep breath. Had Madam Magician sent me to ask Mr. K because she foresaw something or glimpsed something? These high-ranking figures always prefer to communicate through hints and revelations. Couldnt they be more direct? Amidst his thoughts, Lumian stowed away the remaining items and earnestly addressed Mr. K, I didnt expect the matter to escalate like this. I initially believed that with you and my sisters friends from her past, it would suffice to seek vengeance. Yet, it spiraled into something of a much higher magnitude. Thankfully, my sisters allies were vigilant and leveraged their connections. The sincerity in the first half of Lumians statement contrasted with the second half, which explained the influx of demigods, even Angel-level forces, this time. He subtly shifted the blame to Franca and Aurores associates. Lumian sensed a high likelihood that Mr. K might not fully buy into his explanation. Disregarding the possibility of the Aurora Orders Oracle Grazing a relatively high Sequence Spectator, Lumian believed that the intentional arrangements and subtle traces left behind by the entity he believed in were sufficient evidence of constant watching, listening, and awareness. As for Sequence 8 of the Shepherd pathway, known as Listeners, they often received revelations from that figure. Nevertheless, Lumian needed a plausible excuse. He couldnt just tell Mr. K outright, Yes, I am a member of the Aurora Order, part of the Tarot Club, and also affiliated with the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society. My Major Arcana card holder is an Angel, and I know countless demigods who can lend a hand. Besides worshiping your Lord, I also believe in Mr. Fool. Occasionally, I praise the Sun and say By Steam Wasnt this equivalent to provoking him in his face? Unspoken truths didnt always need to be voiced. Mr. K subtly nodded. Good job. Dealing with matters involving evil gods demands all your strength. Then, he added, After learning that your adversary is tied to an ancient evil god, Ive already reported it to the higher-ups. At that time, our Aurora Orders Angels were likely keeping an eye. If anything truly occurred, one or more would have definitely descended. Lumians expression froze. Did the Aurora Orders Angel also observe the spaceship back then? Isnt this setup too exaggerated? April Fools isnt even an organization with a single demigod! Is Celestial Worthy such a taboo when it comes to Madam Magician and the Aurora Order? Its understandable for the Tarot Club to give it significance, especially considering its connection to Mr. Fools awakening. But why does the Aurora Order behave as if theyre confronting a formidable adversary Lumian pushed aside the issue of inviting an Angel and four demigods for his revenge. He couldnt help but sigh at the Aurora Orders exaggerated reaction. Mr. K fixed his gaze on his subordinate and delivered a passionate lecture, Just because high-ranking individuals are keeping an eye on us doesnt mean we can be lax and handle things half-heartedly. These individuals have numerous crucial matters to attend to. They might only cast an occasional glance our way. If we dont put in enough effort and work diligently, it could easily lead to complete failure. And in that scenario, death wont be sufficient to atone for our sins. Yes, yes, youre right, Lumian echoed Mr. K without any intention of arguing. Upon returning to Lokis rented apartment, Lumian gathered the remaining five spoils of war and grinned at Franca, Jenna, and Anthony. Its finally our turn to choose. Not wanting to tease the eager Franca any further, Lumian pointed to the dining table where the items were laid out. Take your pick first. Hehe. Franca smiled sheepishly, shamelessly picking up the Seven-Stone Bracelet. She exclaimed excitedly, I can teleport too! Arent you afraid of overhearing something you shouldnt? Lumian teased. Franca had already considered this issue. Its not like Ill wear it forever. Ill only use it when I need it. And teleportation takes only a short time. If I really hear an unknown voice, the impact will be minimal. I should be fine if I remove it in time. Dont worry. The negative effects of Beyonder items similar to charms arent strong. They can even be considered weak. Lumian scoffed dismissively. Have you forgotten what you have on you? Primordial Demoness figurine! Mirror World Fragment! What if she heard the Primordial Demonesss ravings? Franca cleared her throat and said, Im now a member of the Demoness Sect and a believer in the Primordial Demoness. Whats wrong with listening to the voice of God? At most, itll make me excited. When the time comes, heh heh She glanced at Lumian and Jenna, keeping her thoughts to herself. Ill get your help! Franca immediately added, Furthermore, my Primordial Demoness figurine and the Mirror World Fragment are stored in the Travelers Bag. They wont be taken out unless absolutely necessary. Its as if theyre sealed. Lumian remained silent. He turned to Jenna and Anthony, asking, Which one of you wants to go first? Anthony. He played a more significant role than me this time, Jenna replied politely. Anthony smiled. Are you disregarding me as an Intisian man? I still believe in ladys first.'' Considering Jennas usual Showy Diva demeanor, she might have typically responded with something like, Those Intisian men who claim ladys first only want to get them in bed. Are you having such thoughts about me too? Jenna, despite her lack of overt actions, had a knack for teasing in a crude manner. However, at this moment, after exchanging glances with Lumian and Franca, she turned to Anthony with sincerity. Im in a dilemma. I want you to help me eliminate an option. Anthony didnt decline and assessed the remaining four items. The Blood Gold ring enhances my survivability and strengthens my direct attacks. However, whether its dependency or madness, its something a Psychiatrist should avoid. Furthermore, Im now a Hypnotist. I can use Psychological Invisibility and have the protection of Dragon Scales. Apart from underwater mobility, this brooch can only be used in close combat. Why would a Hypnotist like me engage in close combat? The Dream Stealer Beyonder characteristics and blank painting album arent bad. If the former is crafted into a mystical item with weak negative effects, it should be very useful. However, thats not a certainty for the moment unless I find a very good Artisan Anthony decided on the blank painting album. As an information broker, Im adept at sketching. Such an item that can create different effects is very suitable for a Hypnotist to observe first before taking action. Without needing Madam Magicians explanation, Franca had already used Magic Mirror Divination to confirm the function of the blank painting album: The objects drawn on it might become alive and stay so for a short period of time. They might also have different effects. The painting paper will lose its mystical effects after being used once. The negative effect is never to respond to the knocks coming from the painting paper. Lumian and Jenna agreed that it was very similar to the abilities of Pixies. After Anthony stored the painting paper, Jenna seized the Dream Stealer Beyonder characteristic without hesitation. Why? Lumian inquired with amusement. Jenna looked at him and grinned happily. Its the most valuable! Among the remaining three items, only it corresponds to a Sequence 5. Even if it fails to become a mystical item, it can be sold for a large sum of money. I still owe Franca 45,000 verl dor. In the future, I might even purchase the Demoness of Pleasure potion formula from her. An excellent reason. Lumian casually glanced at the remaining two items and placed the grayish-white lightning-shaped brooch on his chest. I want this. In the future, call it the Fury of the Sea. He chose the brooch over Blood Gold because, as an Ascetic, he could bear impatience and other emotions. Pure madness was too dangerous for him, given the darkness in his heart. Lumian tossed the Blood Gold ring to Franca. Put it in your Travelers Bag. Anyone can use it whenever needed. It shouldnt be used often. You wont give it to Madam Magician? Franca asked in puzzlement. Do you think shell take a fancy to it? Lumian stuffed the Fury of the Sea into his Travelers Bag and chuckled. Her spoils of war are naturally the humanoid Sealed Artifact, but she might return it to the Eternal Blazing Sun Church. With that, Lumian turned to Franca, Jenna, and Anthony, Next, Im going to do something unsuitable for others to see. Do you want to watch? Chapter 597 - 597 Too Dirty 597 Too Dirty 597 Too Dirty Francas curiosity was piqued by Lumians words. Is there anything we cant see? Are you sure you want to watch? Im afraid it will deal a strong blow to your mind, Lumian asked in a teasing tone. Amused, Franca pointed at herself and retorted, Me? Im not a minor. My mind is very mature. Why wouldnt I dare to look? Heh, Im much more knowledgeable than you, boy! Jenna nodded in agreement, silently endorsing Francas claim. Without further persuasion, Lumian left the apartment and headed to the room he had rented with a fake ID to monitor himself. Lugano was staying there with Ludwig. Franca followed with Jenna and Anthony, muttering, I thought it was something major. Isnt it just going to your godson? What impact on the mind Lumian signaled for Lugano to retreat temporarily. Then, he retrieved two gruesome items from his Travelers Bag, forming a humanoid figure with them. Maintaining an unchanged expression, Lumian looked at Ludwig and pointed at the two parts of Mad Ladys corpse. Is it edible? Edible Franca was taken aback. Her gaze shifted between the repulsive corpse parts and Ludwigs boyish appearance. Suddenly, she felt a wave of nausea, as if her mind had been corrupted by the imagined scene. Indeed, Lumians godson gained knowledge or abilities by consuming specific creatures, including humans. Memory, after all, was a form of knowledge! Franca couldnt suppress her urge to retch, regretting her decision to witness the cannibalistic act. To make matters worse, she knew the person who had been consumedMad Lady. She had interacted with her before. Jennas face contorted, clearly struggling to contain her churning stomach acid. Anthony, a seasoned veteran accustomed to witnessing scenes of gore, subconsciously frowned. Ludwig scrutinized the two bloody corpse parts in Lumians hands for a moment before slowly shaking his head. Its too dirty. Dirty? Could it be a reference to the severe corruption of the Celestial Worthy? Even you wont dare to swallow it for fear of something happening? Lumian threw Mad Ladys two corpse parts to the ground with regret, summoning a crimson fireball that was nearly white. Rather than exploding, the fireball adhered to Mad Ladys corpse, burning and compressing it into charred dust. Amidst the dancing flames and the burning fragrance, Franca and Jenna breathed a sigh of relief. Lumian pulled up a chair and sat down, addressing Ludwig, who was nonchalantly nibbling on a cupcake, Wasnt that persons arm dirty? He was referring to Loki. Just a little. The dirtiest part isnt on the arm, Ludwig commented casually, as if discussing which fish were poisonous and how they should be consumed. Only then did Lumian get to the point. What did you gain from that persons arm? Some knowledge, Ludwig replied, nonchalantly nibbling on a sponge cake covered in light cream, as if he preferred not to be disturbed while eating. Lumian, feigning indifference, asked bluntly, What are they? Ludwigs voice alternated between clarity and muffled tones as he replied, Sequence Knowledge about his pathway There are two other terms One is Dylan and the other is Orville Dylan? Is that the name of Lokis ancient castle? And whats Orville? Lumians curiosity peaked, prompting him to interrupt Ludwig. Apart from the name itself, is there any relevant knowledge? Ludwig seized the opportunity to take another bite of cake. After chewing and swallowing, he said, No, but these two terms seem to be connected. Orville should be the name of a place, and Dylan is the castles name. Connected Name of a place Castle Dylan is in Orville? Where is Orville? Lumian turned to Franca, Jenna, and Anthony, realizing they were clueless, shaking their heads in ignorance. After a moment of contemplation, Lumian spoke in a deep voice, Our next priority is to find information about Orville and Dylan through our respective channels. Getting nods of agreement from Franca and the others, Lumian asked Ludwig again, Anything else? His spirituality is quite abundant, and his quality isnt bad. He doesnt like hard liquor or drinking freely. He only drinks champagne and occasionally has coffee. Hes a loyal advocate of tea leaves. Hes healthy, has good bowel movement, and urinates normally. He hates the smell of the washroom Ludwig shared the information obtained from the half arm. Franca listened with keen interest, and just as Lumian was about to interject, Ludwig divulged another piece of valuable information: He owns Castle Dylan, but he doesnt reside there. He only returns occasionally. Hes not the sole proprietor yet. Many areas there arent accessible to him. Recently, he unlocked a room and acquired a dark-gold mask. That mask will grant him immense power, but once he wears it, hell face terrifying matters. Could that dark-gold mask be a relic from the original owner of Castle Dylan? Perhaps a memento from the previous leader of the Secret Order? Lumian nodded thoughtfully. To him, this information wasnt particularly crucial as the dark-gold mask had already been handed over to Mr. K. Thus, he had no reason to be concerned about it. Franca, Jenna, and Anthony prepared to return to Trier after the Q&A session with Ludwig, having confirmed that they had gleaned all they could. Of course, Lumian took responsibility for their return journey. Franca couldnt bring herself to use one of the Seven-Stone Bracelets at the moment. By the way, Lumian looked at Franca, pondering for a moment. Contact the Eternal Blazing Sun Church and see if theyre willing to exchange information about the humanoid Sealed Artifact and its corresponding story. Well make efforts to facilitate this transaction. Upon Bards mention that he was uncertain about his human status, Lumian realized his resemblance to the humanoid Sealed Artifact. However, Bard retained his rationality and clarity, possessing a relatively independent fate. Otherwise, he could be deemed a walking Grade 0 humanoid Sealed Artifact. This sparked Lumians curiosity about the humanoid Sealed Artifact, wanting to uncover what had happened to her and why she had transformed in such a manner. Franca nodded and instinctively said, But, uh, that lady only mentioned the possibility of returning it, nothing definite. Were merely striving to facilitate the transaction. Its not guaranteed either. Lumian chuckled. He quickly sent Franca, Jenna, and Anthony back to Trier Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative before entering Aquina Street. Strolling among the citizens still immersed in the afterglow of the celebration, he made his way towards Solow Motel. Half of the motels fifth floor had collapsed, and the fourth floor was severely damaged. Otta, the owner, observed the scene with sorrow and helplessness. He wanted to cry, but the tears wouldnt come. At a certain point, Noelia of the Fertility Order approached Louis Berry, the adventurer overseeing Solow Motel. She spoke in a formal tone, Your partner said youd be responsible for the compensation. Lumian retrieved 10,000 gold risot from his Travelers Bag and handed it to Noelia. Noelia glanced at his black coin bag and sighed with emotion. Thats good stuff. The combat nun then counted the compensation. 10,000 risot? Thats enough to build two motels like this! How generous. Just as expected from an adventurer who recently bagged a bounty of 300,000 gold risot. Lumian brushed off Noelias teasing and continued, This is the reward from the Paco familys commission. The Paco family Noelia fell silent. The Paco familys matriarch, the current family head, and his wifeall perished in this conflict. Lumian pressed on, weaving through the crowd as if on a leisurely stroll. In the dusks afterglow, he heard singing, seabirds chirping, and citizens animatedly discussing the past few days. Did you see that? In the morning, seabirds came to pay their respects to the Governor of the Sea! Is this years sea prayer ritual that successful? Thats right. Back then, many vines grew crazily. Many people fainted from joy. This is Earth Mothers recognition of the sea prayer ritual! No, thats not right. It represents a bumper harvest. It means this years fish harvest will fill ship after ship! Praise the Earth, praise the Mother of All Things! Praise the Governor of the Sea! Though Lumian wasnt privy to the Church of Earth Mothers method to make citizens view the morning mysticism roundup as a miracle, he sensed joy and delight in everyones hearts. Leisurely, he thought, I wonder if the remaining committee members of the Fisheries Guild have finalized the choice for the fake Governor of the Sea. Sure, the real Simon Guiaro is the top contender. However, it doesnt matter who takes the role this year. The power leaked by the spaceship is now in my possession. In the next year or even two, there wont be frequent catastrophes in these waters. The sea creatures will reproduce faster thanks to the watering Heh heh, from a certain perspective, Im the true Governor of the Seafor just a week In the midst of the lively parade and numerous street vendors, Lumian casually located a bar and ordered an undiluted Manzan and a large cup of locally brewed dark-gold malt beer. Placing the Manzan glass across from the small round table, he lifted his beer, clinking it. Then, he muttered with a smile, Did you see that? Did you hear that? Their dance, their singing, and the sound of fish multiplying. Isnt this the future you desire? With that said, Lumian downed a mouthful of dark-gold beer. Chapter 598 - 598 Confrontation and Reconciliation 598 Confrontation and Reconciliation 598 Confrontation and Reconciliation The night draped the land in darkness, and stars adorned the sky above Port Santa. The festive crowd had dispersed, leaving behind the remnants of celebrationdiscarded litter and the lingering scent of alcohol. With the official end of the holiday, the city would soon buzz with work again. Lumian lingered at the bar until closing time. As he stepped out, the deserted streets welcomed him, illuminated only by sporadic gas lamps. The late-night air hinted at the approaching winters chill. Lumian breathed it in, feeling the crisp freshness entering his lungs. The rhythmic crash of waves against the shore added to the nights serenity. In seemingly high spirits, Lumian, slightly tipsy, walked past the aftermath of the celebration with hands in his pockets, unnoticed in the silent surroundings. He made his way back to the room rented under a false identity. Upon opening the door, he found Lugano pacing anxiously in the living room. Still up? Lumian raised an eyebrow. Lugano, looking like hed recovered from a serious injury, spoke with a complex expression, An hour ago, Captain Noelia of the combat nuns paid you a visit. Not in armor, but a stunning dress. She has quite the figure And then? Lumian inquired, a smirk on his face. Lugano replied with envy, She left disappointed when I told her you werent around. Lumian chuckled, Whats it got to do with you? Why are you still awake after an hour? Lugano coughed awkwardly, I had a sudden contemplation about my future. Should I return to Trier and pursue a medical career, or should I opt for a different path? Ignoring the Doctors musings, Lumian, with a smile, washed up briefly and retired to his room, succumbing to sleep. In his dreams, recent events blended into a chaotic tapestry, weaving stranger and more bizarre stories. At precisely 6 a.m., Lumian awoke and promptly sat up. His thoughts sharpened as he recalled the dream. Suddenly, a detail struck him: Disregarding the possibility of the Aurora Order having covertly observed the situation, the crucial aspect of the sea prayer ritual was Amons utilization of the altar in Milo Village to discreetly imbue Lie with a Steal ability. Without this intervention, the opening of the spaceships energy passageway would have led to a reversal. Deprived of the seas power, he couldnt have ensnared Mad Lady with the authority of the Governor of the Sea, delaying her until Madam Magicians arrival. However, Celestial Worthy, positioned at the pinnacle of the Seer, Apprentice, and Marauder pathways, should possess an in-depth understanding of Marauder abilities. It seemed unlikely that He hadnt considered the possibility of an Amon hiding at the altar, granting Steal powers. It made sense that He hadnt shared this knowledge with April Fools; they were expendable tools, and excessive information might weaken their resolve during the operation. But the overall plan shouldnt have crumbled due to this. Were Celestial Worthys intentions more intricate than they seemed? Had He secretly achieved a goal, or did Amon and His unseen ally orchestrate events in advance? Had Amon truly kept watch over the altar in Milo Village without pause, last years sea prayer ritual might not have failed. There remains the prospect that He wanted to derive amusement from April Fools antics. The chaos wrought by April Fools last year was perhaps understandable. Shouldnt the most straightforward approach this year involve discreetly allowing the completion of the Ring of the Sea Queen during the ancestor honoring ritual? Subsequently, events could unfold with Ultraman assuming the guise of the incoming Governor of the Sea, only to be dumbfounded when the sea sacrifice ritual succeeded! Why the convoluted path? What was the purpose behind these seemingly unnecessary steps? There must be something Im missing Lumian massaged his temples and rose from the bed. The revelation didnt surprise him. It would be abnormal if he quickly unraveled the true motives of every participant in such complex scenarios involving high-level entities. Regardless, his goal was accomplished, and the perilous black hole in the spaceship remained sealed. The rest was not his concern. If he could decipher it, great. If not, he could always write to Madam Magician to provide a timely reminder. After a jog around the still-slumbering Port Santa, Lumian penned a letter to Madam Magician, detailing his reflections. As Lumian finished, Lugano, who had been out gathering breakfast for Ludwig, returned to his quarters. Taking a moment to contemplate, Lumian handed over 1,000 gold risot to Lugano. With a composed tone, he stated, Ill be away for a few days. Take care of Ludwig. When I return, this commission will be completely over. When the time came, Lumian planned on taking a boat to the Southern Continent. Lumian intended to conspire and make preparations along the way. His aim was to be ready for the final conspiracy and advance to Sequence 5 upon reaching his destination in the Southern Continent. Without prying into his employers destination, Lugano nervously asked, W- will there be any danger in the next few days? Its done, Lumian replied with a smile. If any other danger arises, go to the Fertility Order and seek protection. Isnt that what youve been anticipating? Lugano grinned sheepishly, reassured by Lumians demeanor. Under the shining sun of Port Santa, with delicious food and passionate women, staying a few more days seemed like a pleasant prospect! A two-story relay carriage raced through the village towns scattered across turquoise pastures, making its way towards the base of the Pyraez mountain range. Maintaining his disguise as the adventurer Louis Berry, Lumian occupied a window seat in the carriage, silently observing the passing scenery. Each turquoise pasture was adorned with flocks of sheep, resembling scattered clouds. Shepherds, clad in practical and mobile robes, strolled amidst the grazing animals. Some had their own shacks, while others utilized small, wheeled shepherds huts for mobility. Occasionally, local villagers attempted to drive away the incoming shepherds, only to be met with sly smiles or placated with money and supplies. Faced with determined locals, the shepherds, arriving from the mountain pass, reluctantly moved to more desolate areas, contending with the watchful eyes of wild wolves and other creatures The scenes spoken of by the Cordu shepherds presented themselves vividly to Lumian, searing a memory in his mind. Two days later, the relay carriage halted at the foot of the Pyraez mountain range, pausing in a small town outside the mountain pass. Lumian changed into a black tweed coat, preparing to venture into the mountain alone. As he ascended the mountain ridge, the cold wind intensified, rendering the wilderness almost devoid of life. Navigating the sparsely vegetated mountainous terrain, Lumian followed the trails left by shepherds and merchants. Under the birdless gray sky, the desolate landscape featured withered trees and a meager stream. Winters solitude permeated the air. In the cold solitude, it took him nearly three days to traverse the Darige mountain range and reach the river outside Cordu. Circling the towering forest, Lumian promptly spotted the blood-colored pillar, emanating the aura of a mountain peak despite its modest height. As Lumian gazed, footsteps approached from ahead. A middle-aged man, clad in a leather coat and clasping his hands together, appeared. Trembling in the cold wind, the forest ranger shouted, Dont go any further. That village is gone! Lumians eyes moved beyond the ranger to the collapsed and burned structures in the distance. After a brief pause, he inquired in a deep voice, What happened to that village? The forest ranger glanced around and lowered his voice, They said they believed in demons. The villagers went crazy, burned down their houses, and walked into the abyss. Look, would a normal village be like this? Lumian fell silent for a long time. Seeing this, the forest ranger sincerely said, In any case, those old men instructed me to prevent anyone from entering this village. They said that its bad luck; it would provoke the demons. Lumian remained silent, refraining from further inquiry. Staring at the unfamiliar yet oddly familiar ruins, he turned away from the village entrance. Step by step, he approached the nearest alpine pasture, the wind howling around him. The grass here had completely withered, blown away by the wind, leaving behind barren patches of brown soil. Lumian surveyed the ruins of Cordu, then located a shack abandoned by the shepherds. Inside, he lay down, closing his eyes and remaining motionless. If only everything that had transpired before could be dismissed as a dream. When he woke, the alpine pasture was vibrant green once more, birds returned to the sky, and Ol Tavern bustled with farmers and herdsmen. His sister persistently urged him to study, while Reimund, Ava, and the others pondered uncertain futures, unaware of the life awaiting them The sun shone brightly, yet the air in Port Santa had begun to carry a chill. Abruptly, Lumian stood before Lugano and Ludwig. Youre finally back! Lugano exclaimed, relief evident in his voice, as if he had encountered a savior. Ludwigs appetite had surged once more, and the 1,000 risot had disappeared faster than anticipated. Another week, and Lugano would have to contemplate using his own funds. He couldnt allow the child to go hungry; he might resort to eating him! Lumian chuckled in response, saying, The commission is over. Ill pay the balance now. Do you want my help to teleport back to Trier, or do you prefer taking a boat yourself or crossing the Darige mountain range? Lugano fell silent, seemingly grappling with a decision. Chapter 599 - 599 If You Have "Power," Use It 599 If You Have Power, Use It 599 If You Have Power, Use It Lumian didnt hurry Lugano. He preferred to observe the Doctors decision- making. After a pause, Lugano gathered his courage and inquired, Will you be bringing Ludwig along in the future? Of course, Lumian replied, glancing sideways at Ludwig, who was devouring a roasted octopus. Had he not received the 0-01 information from the Church of Knowledge, he wouldnt have considered keeping such a child around. However, Ludwig had proven his usefulness. In the future, he might serve as another Loki trap. Lugano swallowed and offered, I can assist you in caring for Ludwig, so you wont need to factor him in when dealing with mattersunlike how you could simply leave whenever you pleased in the past. As anticipated Lumian wasnt taken aback by Luganos proposal. He raised his chin slightly and inquired, Reason? Lugano smiled sheepishly and explained, During this journey, Ive witnessed much and faced attacks. It made me realize that Sequence 8s are still insignificant in the mysticism world. Theyre ill-equipped to handle risks. Yes, if I return to Trier and discreetly wield my Doctor powers, Ill undoubtedly attain middle-class status. Its not inconceivable to ascend to high society, but I fear that garnering too much fame will draw the attention of official Beyonders. Trier isnt as lenient as Port Santa, which is more accommodating to wild Beyonders. Furthermore, those dangerous Beyonders are always lurking around us. I refuse to be defenseless the next time Im targeted. If you refrain from participating in mysticism gatherings and solely run a clinic as a doctor, you wouldnt be entangled in dangerous affairs. You could easily handle ordinary thieves and bandits, Lumian countered nonchalantly. Lugano shook his head. The Beyonder who left me his relics, enabling me to become a Planter, once warned me that once I enter the mysticism world, escape is impossible. Beyonder incidents will always surround us. If Im fortunate, I might survive until natural death, but if Im unlucky, Ill end up like him. At first, I didnt fully believe it, but the events of the past six months have increasingly convinced me of its truth. I did nothing, yet Rue Anarchie collapsed, and a peculiar tree sprouted. Before you hired me, I dreamed of becoming a figure in a painting, unable to return to reality. Upon waking up, I found myself wanted. This time, all I did was care for Ludwig, staying clear of any involvement, yet I was still senselessly attacked Mm Lumians expression grew more peculiar as he listened. I seem to be the common denominator in all your tales Yet, you persist in following me Is this another instance of Beyonders encountering mysticism incidents? You didnt encounter those incidents, but me Lugano continued,Ive also witnessed Beyonder powers like teleportation and tsunamis. Being just a Sequence 8 no longer satisfies me. I believe Ill find more opportunities by following you. Lumian gazed at Lugano, unsure if someone had influenced him to insist on following or if Ludwig had somehow tamed him to be his nanny. Initially, Lumian thought Lugano, as a Beyonder of the Planter pathway, had ties to the Church of Earth Mother. However, despite paying close attention, he hadnt observed any additional communication between his guide and the Fertility Order or the Church of Earth Mothers clergyman. Furthermore, Lugano seemed like a stranger. Seeing Lumian stay silent, Lugano smiled ingratiatingly and proposed, I have a gift for languages. I can self-learn Dutanese from the Southern Continent. As long as you pay me 300 verl dor a month and promise me a share of the spoils, I can continue to be your guide, private doctor, child caregiver, and be half a fighter. Sure. Lumian handed over a total of 10,000 verl dor. This is the final 5,000 verl dor from before. Additionally, you were attacked. As per our agreement, Ill pay you an extra 5,000 verl dor, making it a total of 10,000. Lugano gladly accepted the payment and began packing. Lumian seized the moment to count his cash, confirming he still possessed 1,000 verl dor in gold, 76,000 verl dor in gold coins, along with other coins, banknotes, and the remaining 2,000 gold risot yet to be spent. As long as he refrained from acquiring Beyonder characteristics, potion formulas, mystical items, or high-end mysticism knowledge, the money he carried could sustain him for a considerable time. The following morning, Lumian boarded the ship bound for Feynapotter, adopting the guise of the adventurer Louis Berry. Approaching the first-class suite, he turned to Ludwig, posing a thoughtful question, In your memories, or rather, Lokis memories, are there any peculiar creatures? They resemble lizards but are quite small. They can crawl into a humans mouth, appearing transparent and blurry, suspected to be Spirit Body. They have brownish- green scales and dark-green eyes. This description deviated significantly from the Starlight Lizards transformed by the Children of the Sea. Ludwig shook his head. No, its not in the Batings Black Insects memories either. Lumian fell silent, observing Lugano as he opened the suite door with the mannerisms of a servant. Another hour passed, and amidst a whistle, the ship departed Port Santa. After nearly two hours of sailing, the weather gradually worsened. The waves surged, and the strong winds compelled passengers on the deck to retreat to their cabins. Observing the dusky sky, the dark clouds stirred by the wind, and the rising waves, many passengers, sailing for the first time, felt a sense of anxiety. Noticing the confidence of the sailors beside them, they sought reassurance, This is a common occurrence at sea. Its not dangerous, right? A Port Santa native, working as a sailor, replied with a smile, Its relatively common, but it can be a bit dangerous. If the storm intensifies, we might need to seek shelter in a nearby port. But dont worry. This years sea prayer ritual was a success. The current Governor of the Sea will protect us and prevent any shipwrecks! Governor of the Sea The passengers became even more uneasy upon hearing the sailors response. They had taken part in various sea prayer rituals and celebrations in Port Santa. While enjoyable, they didnt truly believe that the Governor of the Sea could exert any significant influence on the waves. Amidst their unease, they were astonished to find that the rising waves suddenly subsided. Despite the dark clouds and strong winds, the seawater seemed to be pressed down by an invisible force, showing no noticeable fluctuations. The Port Santa natives erupted in cheers. Long live the Governor! Praise the Governor of the Sea! Witnessing this, the passengers exchanged glances, momentarily speechless. In the first-class suite, Lumian relaxed in a recliner, sipping undiluted Manzan. On his lap lay a Southern Continent Dutanese introductory textbook. Clenching his right hand into a fist, he pulled it downward. A section of the dark clouds in the sky descended, forming a formidable funnel. Sunlight penetrated the massive hole, brightening the cabin and highlighting Lumians book. Retracting his right hand, Lumian flipped through a page of the book. He found the Governor of the Seas abilities truly advantageous at sea. Unfortunately, he could only use it for one more day. Late at night in Trier, Angoulme returned to his residence and habitually switched on the radio transceiver. Before long, a telegram arrived. Upon seeing Hidden Blade, Angoulme frowned. Two bits of good news and a spot of bad news. Which one do you want first? I know. You must want to hear the good news first. Ill get straight to it. The first piece of good news is that the humanoid Sealed Artifact has been located and secured. You dont have to worry about the business trip to Feynapotter. You can focus on investigating the Mirror People matter in peace. The second piece of good news is that after communication, weve confirmed that the faction controlling the humanoid Sealed Artifact might return it to you. Were willing to facilitate the matter, but youll need to provide all the information about the humanoid Sealed Artifact in exchange. Of course, its just a possibility, nothing set in stone. You wont need to make a substantial payment until we reach an agreement. Bad news. Heh heh, theres a traitor in your Church. The humanoid Sealed Artifact was lost because of a mole! Were certain of this. Go, 007. Your chance to render meritorious service has arrived! After reading it in one go, Angoulme felt a sense of relief. This was because after the humanoid Sealed Artifact was lost, the Churchs upper echelons suspected a traitor and conducted an investigation, but to no avail. There was indeed an issue with the case leading to the loss of the humanoid Sealed Artifact, but the five Purifiers in charge of that case had been cleared of any wrongdoing during the investigation. They hadnt performed well back then and had merely encountered an accident. It seems that the mole has concealed himself well Angoulme muttered to himself. Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, Apartment 702, 9 Rue Orosai. Franca sat by the bed and chatted in the telegram group, waiting for Jenna to return. Her female companion would visit the Quartier de la Maison dOpra once a week to watch a theater performance and only return at midnight. However, the exact day she went was uncertain. Furthermore, she would disguise herself to prevent others from noticing her travel patterns. Anthony, who lived nearby, had been busy infiltrating a circle of psychology enthusiasts, hoping to come into contact with a true Psychiatrist. I seem to be the only one with time on my hands. I havent received any feedback about Mirror People Franca wasnt the kind of person who insisted on having something on her hands. She excelled in finding joy in life. While Franca thought about Jenna, Jennawho had just finished watching the last playput on a hat with a black veil and stood up to leave the theater, where many spectators were still lingering. At the exit, she patiently queued up and moved out. Suddenly, Jenna sensed a slight tremor from one of the items on her. Instinctively, she reached in and realized that it was the Mirror World Fragment from the Tamara familys tomb. Chapter 600 - 600 Correct Reaction 600 Correct Reaction 600 Correct Reaction Has something happened to the Mirror World Fragment? Jenna was taken aback for a moment before she tensed up. This was unprecedented. The Mirror World Fragment had never exhibited such behavior before, leaving Jenna puzzled as to its sudden activity. Her mind raced, attempting to decipher its significance. Could there be a disturbance in the special Mirror World itself? Or perhaps someone in close proximity to me is closely involved with the special Mirror World? Could this be a lead in Francas Mirror People investigations? Jennas instincts urged her to scan her surroundings, searching for the source of the Mirror World Fragments disturbance. Jenna controlled herself just in time as a realization hit her: If this phenomenon was caused by someone closely tied to the special Mirror World, there was a high chance that the sensation was mutual. In simpler terms, while the fragment trembled slightly, there should be some anomaly on the persons body, detectable only by themselves. They, too, were searching for the source of the problem. Under such circumstances, hastily surveying her surroundings might lead to discovery by the other party. A thunderous strike might follow. Maintaining her composure, Jenna slowly moved out the door, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. During this process, like many spectators, she turned her head slightly and glanced at the wall clock in the theaters foyer to confirm the time: 11:05 p.m. After noting the time, Jenna returned to the foyer through the exit. The spectators around her dispersed, and the place gradually became less crowded. Jennas Mirror World Fragment fell silent, no longer trembling abnormally. Just now, there was no one in the foyer, and the Mirror World Fragment didnt tremble when I watched the theater performance This means that for the abnormality to happen, both parties need to be close to each other, no more than five meters apart, like when we were squeezing for the exit in the foyer. Now, is everything back to normal because the distance between them has widened again? Jennas thoughts raced as she fully displayed her theatrical acting skills. Like ordinary spectators, she left the foyer and arrived on the street. She boarded a rental carriage belonging to the Imperial Carriage Company and paid 2.5 verl dor in advance, her heart aching. If the subway and public carriages were still running at this hour, she wouldnt have taken a rental carriage back to Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative from Quartier de la Maison dOpra. Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, Apartment 702, 9 Rue Orosai. Jenna recounted her encounter to Franca and asked, Did the Mirror World Fragment on you tremble slightly around 11:05? No, Franca replied with unusual certainty. Without waiting for Jenna to make a judgment, she smiled awkwardly and quickly added, I dont think so. As you know, my Mirror World Fragment is stored in my Travelers Bag. Even if theres a tremor, I cant sense it. As Jenna couldnt help but roll her eyes, Franca tersely acknowledged and said,Do you suspect that the abnormality in the special Mirror World caused a general change? If thats the case, even if the item is in the Travelers Bag, I should be able to sense it spiritually. Its impossible to completely ignore it. Besides, when we put these two fragments together, theres never been a tremor. The probability of me encountering a Mirror People is very high. Or is it a member of a specific branch of the Tamara family? Jenna said as she walked to the full-body mirror in the living room. She stroked the surface and whispered the secret subject she wanted to inquire about. The full-body mirrors surface quickly darkened, surging with illusory water waves. Jenna began Magic Mirror Divination. At approximately 23:05 last night, the area within a ten-meter radius of me At approximately 23:05 last night, the area within a ten-meter radius of me After repeating it three times, the deep, dark mirror lit up. In the light, Jenna saw herself in a bonnet, the theater exit connected to the theater foyer, and the audience and attendants standing within ten meters of her. The spirit world faithfully recorded all this information. The reflection in the mirror held a dynamic quality, not static or rigid. Jenna swiftly observed a woman standing a few meters ahead, abruptly turning to survey the people around her. Donned in a black veiled hat, the lady, seemingly in her thirties, sported light eyebrows, bright yellowish eyes, and a white complexion from makeup. While not conventionally beautiful, she exuded elegance through her well-chosen attire. Despite her refined appearance, the lady appeared to lose her composure, scanning the surroundings as if searching for a lost lover. Theres something off about her. She reacted to the Mirror World Fragment, Franca remarked as she joined Jenna, analyzing the image in the full-body mirror. But its been over an hour, and she hasnt initiated any counter-divination. Is she careless or utterly unfamiliar with the process? Jenna nodded. Can you discern anything else? Nothing more. Franca suddenly slapped her forehead. Gosh, we shouldve asked Anthony to take a look. A Spectator would surely glean more information. Youre right Jenna was caught off guard. They still werent used to seeking Anthonys assistance. Jenna suggested, Lets get Anthony tomorrow morning. Calling him over this late might lead to misunderstandings. Besides, its not an urgent matter. Yes, he might get the wrong idea, Franca quickly realized. The next morning, after observing the scene through the Magic Mirror Divination, Anthony pondered and commented, Her clothes were custom- made, suggesting a well-off family background Despite looking a bit lost after surveying the surroundings, she may lack knowledge about the Mirror World and its corresponding fragments. This contradicts her ability to make the Mirror World Fragment tremble. The answer often lies in the point of contradiction Her walking style indicates good etiquette training, but her status at home isnt particularly high. Franca couldnt help but twitch her lips as she listened to the newly advanced Hypnotist dissect the target layer by layer. It felt like she had no secrets left from him. Spectators are truly terrifying! On the other hand, Jenna listened attentively, finding similarities with character analysis in drama acting class but more concrete and detailed. In a daze, she felt transported back to Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, listening to her teachers lecture. These characteristics wont help us locate her directly. They can only offer certain clues, Anthony concluded. Understood. Character profiling, Franca replied in a professional tone. Anthony took out a piece of paper, picked up a pencil, and began sketching based on his impressions, intending to track her through various channels. Casually, Franca asked, How did you deduce that the ladys clothes were custom-made? Having once been a man and transformed into a woman with a potion, she remained fixated on the beauty of clothing and dresses. She didnt care about the store or tailor. Jenna couldnt tell either, as before becoming a Witch, she hadnt reached the level to customize her clothes. Anthony looked up at the two Demonesses. After becoming a Spectator, especially as an information broker, Ive deliberately honed my observation skills. I recognize the materials and characteristics of most of Triers ready-to-wear shops and the styles of many famous tailors. The ladys dress clearly doesnt come from any ready-to-wear shops. Franca and Jenna revealed somewhat embarrassed expressions. Fortunately, Anthony was engrossed in his sketch and hadnt noticed their reactions. Port Santa. Nolfi, clad in a blouse and a light-colored jacket, escorted Batna to the dock. Batna, sporting a half top hat, adjusted his rapier and cautiously inquired, Are you really planning to stay here? Nolfi calmly responded, Im already a combat nun of the Fertility Order. Its just now dawning on me that the sea prayer ritual isnt about gaining power and making a pact with an evil god. Its about protection. Its an act of self-sacrifice. In the past, members of the Fisheries Guild used their influence and wealth to entice others into becoming the Governor of the Sea and Maidens of the Sea. Now, theyve pledged to the Earth Mothers Church and the Fertility Order. Going forward, theyll inform potential candidates of the possible challenges and consequences beforehand, allowing them to make their own choices. I want to stay here and oversee this. Thats good too. Batna sighed. Unfortunately, my destiny lies in sea adventures, and I cant remain in one place. The lovely and endearing Nolfi nodded. I understand. She asked sincerely, Do you wish to have a child here? No, n-never mind, Batna stammered. Im not mentally prepared to be someone elses father. He didnt want his child to turn into a humanoid lizard in the future. Nolfi expressed regretfully, Alright. Waving her hand, she turned around and walked away from the dock. After a few steps, she abruptly turned back, revealing a bright and beautiful smile. Regardless, Im grateful that you could accompany me out to sea. Without waiting for Batnas response, Nolfi redirected her gaze and hastened her pace, leaving the dock. Batna stood there, Nolfis final smile lingering in his mind. Her words of joy echoed in his ears, and he suddenly felt a sense of loss. After Nolfis figure vanished from the dock, the adventurer slowly boarded the ship returning to Port Farim. In the evening, inside the ships bar, Lumian raised a glass of amber sugar wine and addressed the patrons at the bar counter, Ladies and gentlemen, Im actually a magician. I can showcase an illusionary magic trick for you right now. He gestured towards the window. Look outside. Instinctively, the patrons glanced out the window and noticed that the surrounding waves had surged to a height of more than ten meters at some point, resembling a mountain. Just as they blinked, the terror-inspiring scene disappeared once again. Clap! Clap! Clap! The patrons applauded Lumians brilliant magic trick. Chapter 601 - 601 Strange Patient 601 Strange Patient 601 Strange Patient Late at night, amidst another round of cheers for a magic trick, Lumian downed the candied wine in his hand and exited the bar with a smirk. He could already picture Auroreif she were aroundscoffing, Youre so lame. Youre actually using the Governor of the Seas authority and power to pull off a magic trick. Deceiving those drunkards with the real thing. Is this your prank? Youre sure having a blast. Lumian responded silently, Being able to utilize superpowers and the Governor of the Seas authority for such matters, rather than in battle, should be what you desire, right? Isnt this the joy and future you yearned for? In the corridor, illuminated by kerosene wall lamps, Lumian stepped on the creaking floor, making his way back to the first-class suite in the silent, empty surroundings. Snores and moans occasionally penetrated the walls on both sides. Near the stairs, a room stood open, reflecting the dim yellow light of the fire. As Lumian passed by, he turned his head and observed the Sacred Emblem of Life, representing Earth Mother, engraved on the wall deep in the room. It portrayed a simple infant amidst wheat ears, flowers, spring water, and other symbols. In front of the Sacred Emblem of Life stood a man in a brown clergymans robe. He was less than 30 years old, with clean eyebrows and a light brown beard. Holding a thick book, he preached to the men and women seated in different parts of the room. Lumian knew this was a prayer room, akin to a small, mobile cathedral with a dedicated clergyman in charge. Common in countries that believed in only one deity, be it on long-distance ships or steam locomotives, they considered the need for believers to quietly pray and listen to teachings. Lumian, who could already understand Highlander, memorized the words, Lifes precious embrace, the harvests grace. Retracting his gaze, he entered the corridor, ascending the stairs step by step. Simultaneously, Lugano, having just finished attending to Ludwigs supper, heard a knock on the door. Who is it? Lugano was surprised and intrigued. This couldnt be his employer. He possessed the key and would simply open the door. Moreover, it was nearly 11 p.m. Who would visit at such an hour? Could it be that a woman overheard my boasting on the deck, believed me, and came to share a pleasant night? As Lugano started to indulge in fantasies, he heard a feeble male voice. Im here to see Dr. Lugano. Seeking a doctor Lugano couldnt help but frown, but he still opened the door. Outside stood a man wrapped in a thick tweed coat, a stark contrast to Luganos linen shirt and thin pants. Lugano scrutinized the visitor. Im Lugano. Whats the matter? The mans face was pale, his eyes dark, revealing little vitality. Though young, in his early twenties, he exuded a lifeless aura. The man took a deep breath and weakly said, You can call me Enio. I heard that you helped several people on the deck discover the true cause of their illness and quickly improved their condition. I want you to treat me. I have the money to pay for the consultation. Observing the fellows sickly appearance, Lugano sighed and replied, Come in. Keep your voice down. As you know, Im the private doctor of a prominent figure. He doesnt appreciate strangers disturbing him. Once Enio settled on the sofa, Lugano, out of habit, inquired about his condition to conceal his subsequent mystical diagnosis. Whats wrong with your body? Enio paused for a moment before saying, Since half a month ago, Ive become sensitive to the cold and weak. No appetite. Runny nose, repeated coughing, and my condition is worsening. Mm Lugano nodded, raising his right hand and tapping his forehead, as if contemplating the significance of the patients narrative. In reality, he seized the opportunity to activate his Spirit Vision, preparing to discern the other partys illness from the color, brightness, and thickness of his Ether Body. With a swift glance, Lugano nearly jumped out of his skin. Is the patient sitting in front of me still alive? In Luganos eyes, the once white glow shrouding Enios Ether Body, signifying overall balance, had turned a somber grayish-black. It was a dire indication of his severe illness, teetering on the edge of death. Yet, it wasnt this revelation that left Lugano shocked and bewildered. What truly sent shivers down his spine was: the orange glow, symbolizing the health of excretion, detoxification, and other vital organs, had dimmed into complete darkness. No vestige of brightness remained, signaling the complete cessation of their functions! Likewise, the yellow hue representing the digestive system, the green indicating the heart and regulatory system, and the blue denoting the throat and part of the nervous system had all dulled and lost their radiance. Enios remaining hues were red on his limbs and purple on the surface of his head. W-what does this diagnosis imply? This meant that Enio was a person with a silent heart, a dormant stomach, and internal organs that had relinquished their functions. Yet, he could still think, move, and speak! Son of a bitch, where did this monstrosity come from! Lugano, facing such an unprecedented patient, inwardly cursed, his frame trembling slightly. He dreaded the moment when the other might unexpectedly utter, Doctor, Im cold. Let me borrow your skin. Doctor, Im hungry. Let me borrow your stomach and intestines Noticing Luganos silence, Enio anxiously inquired, Doctor, what illness am I suffering from? Illness? Lugano muttered to himself urgently, Snap out of it! Your heart has ceased beating; the absence of flowing blood naturally brings about a chilling sensation! Those with non-agitating stomachs certainly wont have much of an appetite! As these thoughts raced through his mind, Lugano pondered for a moment and declared, Your condition is grave. I require further analysis and observation to draw conclusions. Can you visit me tomorrow morning? Before that, I need to draw some of your blood for research. No problem. Despite Enios lack of confidence in Lugano, he extended his right hand with the mindset that attempting something was better than nothing. Armed with the necessary tools, Lugano extracted some blood from Enios body using a needle, rubber hose, and a glass blood collection bottle. Despite their darkened hue, he noted a basic vitality still present. Subsequently, he listened to Enios heartbeat and detected faint, but existing, beats. Curious Lugano seized the opportunity of the consultation and prescription to subtly cast a faint light upon his palm, providing Enio with a simple treatment. Enios spirits lifted, and a semblance of strength returned. Thank you, Doctor. Your massage and medicine are effective. I appreciate it! Enio left the suite with a cheerful expression. None of the previous doctors he had consulted had made the slightest improvement in his condition. This time, he intended to set sail to the south, take a steam locomotive to the Church of Earth Mothers headquarters for treatment. Baffled, Lugano observed as Enio left. Soon after, his employer returned. He quickly recounted the encounter to Lumian, concluding with, Ive secured his blood. Can you find someone to divine the truth? Divination? Lumian chuckled as he received the blood-filled bottle and knocked on Ludwigs childs room. Take a sip and see what knowledge you can glean. Lumian handed the bottle to Ludwig, ensuring no avenue of exploitation slipped by. Ludwigs expression remained stoic, as if sipping bedtime milk. He drank down the liquid in the bottle without flinching. Lugano was bewildered, his eyes reflecting surprise and confusion. After tasting the blood, Ludwig spoke at an adequate pace, Absent stomach, absent small and large intestine, absent lungs, absent liver and pancreas Its akin to a deceased person relying on mystic forces to persist He wont last a week Wh Lugano was taken aback that Ludwig not only imbibed human blood but also made somber judgments with a straight face. He was also shocked to learn that Enio truly lacked those organs. Initially, he believed it was just a loss of corresponding function. According to Ludwig, wasnt Enio essentially a dead man? What had he stumbled upon? What should we do? Lugano turned to Lumian. Lumian couldnt help but chuckle softly. What can we do? Locate the captain, the ships security supervisor, or the priest in the prayer room, and report this matter. Theyll handle it. Lugano nodded and tentatively asked, But wont this expose me as a Beyonder? Tell them youre Louis Berrys servant, Lumian advised calmly. Alright. Lugano was fine with being a servant. After a moments thought, he asked in puzzlement, Did you hear any strange sounds at night? I occasionally hear a baby crying. Baby? Lumian asked, shaking his head. I didnt hear it. Lugano pondered aloud, Is there a baby crying on this floor? Then, he looked at Lumian. Shall I go find the captain now? Lumians eyes flickered as he smiled and said, Tomorrow morning. Alright, Lugano agreed without hesitation. He preferred waiting for dawn and sunlight before addressing such a peculiar issue. Reporting it at night made him sense an impending, unexpected event. The sun provided a reassuring sense of security! Lumian didnt question or provide further advice. He entered his room, freshened up, and went to bed. However, sleep eluded him. Instead, he half-closed his eyes, anticipating something. After an indeterminate period, Lumian heard a faint creak. The door to one of the rooms opened softly. Lumian swiftly sat up, silently approaching the door, cracking it open. He saw a figure leisurely walk out of Luganos servants room. It was Lugano, clad in a linen shirt. His eyes were open but oddly vacant and unfocused, his face devoid of expression. As if sleepwalking, Lugano made his way to the suites door. Chapter 602 - 602 "Surgery" 602 Surgery 602 Surgery Luganos eyes remained open as he swung open the door to the suite, his gaze vacant. He stepped into the deserted corridor, where only the sound of crashing waves reverberated. In this moment, everyone, save for the sailor on night duty, succumbed to slumber. Lugano moved forward, the kerosene wall lamps around him casting an ethereal glow that mingled with the encroaching darkness. He reached the end of the floor and halted in front of a vivid vermilion wooden door. Creak. The door groaned open, and the darkness within seemed to swallow every trace of light. Lugano traversed the obscurity with a blank expression, entering the room. Behind him, the vermilion door was pulled shut by an imperceptible force. It was a suite. The living and dining areas lay shrouded in darkness, devoid of any candlelit glow. The faint crimson moonlight filtered through the curtains, offering minimal visibility. At the dining table stood two shadowy figures. One of them appeared aged, with mostly gray hair and dark, deep blue eyes that seemed to absorb the night. Despite the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, the elders skin remained well-maintained, adorned in a loose, dark-black robe. Beside him stood Enio, the brown-haired, brown-eyed patient who had intruded upon Lugano that night, his pale face devoid of life. His vacant gaze fixated on the unadorned table. Lugano, as if sleepwalking, stood next to Enio, unusually quiet. The elder in the loose black robe turned his head, fixing his gaze on Enio. The patient ambled towards the dining table, climbed on it, and lay completely motionless. The blond elder brandished a sharp scalpel, unfastening Enios tweed coat, cashmere sweater, and cotton shirt. He pressed the razor-sharp blade against Enios chest, producing a ripping sound as he sliced through layers of flesh, creating a long wound. As Enios chest and abdominal cavity lay exposed to the crimson moonlight, a void greeted the eye. No stomach, no lungs, no small or large intestines, liver, or kidneys. Only a weakly beating bright red heart, accompanied by a few blood vessels extending from it. With a swift motion, the old man in the dark-black robe manipulated the scalpel, his other hand flickering with a faint light as he pressed down. In a sequence too rapid for the eye to follow, he withdrew the still-beating heart in his left hand. Enios chest and abdomen, now empty, displayed only a few non-bleeding blood vessels. The old man closed the incision with a tight squeeze, sealing it with a flickering light. Enios stomach returned to its original state, devoid of any scars. Throughout this extraordinary procedure, the special patients eyes remained open, as if untouched by the surgical ordeal. In that moment, he rolled off the dining table, ambled to the door, and exited the room. The old man opened his suitcase, revealing glass jars containing pale amber liquid, each cradling various organs: spleen, lungs, liver, kidneys, stomach, and intestines Placing these items on the dining table in a peculiar order, surrounding the still gently beating scarlet heart, the old man in the loose black robe took a step back. He recited an ancient, malevolent, yet strangely intimate language. As the unknown murmur resonated, the internal organs ascended slowly, upheld by an invisible force. Their final positions varied, resembling the internal organs of a standing human. The heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys emitted a faint glow simultaneously, outlining a form on the dining table. It lacked a head, limbs, or bones, merely a corporeal essence that grew more defined. A babys cry echoed, faint yet tangible. However, the body distorted, squirmed, and disintegrated in the end. The old man in the loose black robe sighed with regret. Strangely, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were noticeably reduced, and much of his white hair had reverted to light gold. In an instant, he appeared seven or eight years younger. Sensing his good condition, the elder turned his attention to Lugano. Lugano, seemingly summoned, approached the dining table and lay down, awaiting with open eyes. The elder unbuttoned Luganos linen shirt, took up the scalpel, and gestured as if deciding where to make the incision. Suddenly, a loud bang reverberated. The vermilion door swung open, crashing into the wall. Crimson flames surged, illuminating the room, climbing the walls and ceiling, transforming the place into a fiery inferno. Lumian, adorned in black hair, green eyes, a golden straw hat, a cotton shirt, a black vest, and dark pants, materialized at the door and entered the suite. He calmly addressed the old man in the loose black robe, Dont you know hes my servant? The elders eyes narrowed as he readied the scalpel to descend towards Luganos neck. However, his right hand refused to budge, seemingly restrained by an invisible force pushing it upward. In the midst of the rising crimson flames, Lumian paused, displaying no urgency to act. He spoke with intrigue, That surgery was quite fascinatingextracting internal organs while leaving the person alive, albeit gradually dying. And you used those organs for a ritual, rejuvenating yourself. Meanwhile, you nearly brought forth a peculiar lifeform. Surprise flickered in the elders dark-blue eyes. How do you know? Havent you just arrived in pursuit of your servant? And no one entered before you! Lumian emitted a soft chuckle. You dont need to know. I still have a few hours of Governor of the Sea authority. Isnt it easy to see something in these waters? Sensing Lumians confidence, certainty, ease, and absence of hostility, the elder fell silent briefly before expressing, Life is the most precious, so life becomes the finest sacrifice and ingredient. He refrained from divulging details about the surgery or ritual, choosing instead to expound on his philosophy and the truth he sought. Praising and blaspheming life simultaneously? Lumian arched his eyebrows, finding it vaguely reminiscent of Lady Moon, Madame Night, and the bestowed of the Great Mother. Carefully assessing the black-robed elder behind the dining table, Lumian, upon confirming his gender, temporarily set aside his sudden anxiety. Gazing down at the motionless Lugano on the dining table, Lumian casually inquired, How did you control my servant? The elder fixed Lumian with a penetrating gaze, as if probing the depths of his intentions. He pondered, weighing the decision to preach the truth or engage in a confrontation to eradicate the issue. After a brief silence, he spoke in a resonant voice, Hes a Blessed of the Great Mother. He heard the cries of the Son of God. Great Mother? Lumians scalp tingled at the term. Had it not been for the Sea Governors authority, Lumian would have launched a full-scale attack without allowing the elder a moment to react or explain. Regardless, even if he eliminated the elder, spirit channeling remained a viable option. Moreover, the elder could be fed to Ludwig! Though taken aback by the elders possible reference to Lugano as a Blessed of Earth Mother, Lumian swiftly dismissed the apparent meaning. He was certain that Lugano was human and harbored no unusual bloodlines. Following Luganos injury at Solow Motel, Jenna collected his splattered blood and conducted Magic Mirror Divination according to Lumians subsequent instructions. In an instant, Lumian deciphered the elders true meaning. The Beyonders of the Planter pathway are all Blessed of the Great Mother? Where does Earth Mother stand? Planter is the main pathway of the Church of Earth Mother Could it be the Great Mother reigns over multiple pathways, akin to the Celestial Worthy and Mr. Fool? Planter and Sower? The names bear a striking connection As Lumians thoughts raced, his focus intensified on the existence of the Son of God. Cordus empty infant cradle and the honorific title of Lady Moon nurturing a deity flooded his mind. Dammit, why is it that the Great Mother seems entwined with children, Sons of God, and babies? Does that entity have a penchant for offspring? Lumian smirked superficially. It seems your Son of God hasnt truly been born. The old man in the loose black robe suddenly became fervent. Hes already born in the spirit world, but Hes yet to step into the real world. Dont you see? Just revealing His form made me a few years younger. If He were truly born, Id instantly regain my youth! Who knows what malevolent creation youve unleashed Lumian criticized and said, You plan to shape the Son of Gods body with just this fragment of life? The elder was taken aback. This is a ritual bestowed by the Great Mothers revelation. Its undeniably effective! Lumian smiled. That Enio is unmistakably an ordinary person. The rituals effects wont bode well. If it were a Beyonder with a robust life force, the outcome might be entirely different. The elder instinctively concurred, Indeed. Thats why I intended to examine your servants internal organs At this juncture, the elder halted, casting a wary glance at Lumian. With a beaming smile, Lumian proposed, Have you ever thought of sacrificing your own internal organs? If you dont offer yourself as a sacrifice, how can you showcase your devotion to the Great Mother and your reverence for the Son of God? Dont fret; the Son of God will revive you and bestow youth upon you! As he concluded his words, a dark-green light condensed in Lumians right hand. Chapter 603 - 603 Organs Again 603 Organs Again The dark-green light morphed into a beam, slamming into the old mans chest and sinking into the loose black robe, akin to sunlight, unstoppable. Already appearing seven to eight years younger, the old mans expression twisted, and every inch of exposed skin displayed signs of melting. His aura rapidly waned. Simultaneously, a burst of vigorous life force erupted from his body. Under the melting skin, flesh and blood writhed, resisting the mutation. The black-robed old mans eyes darkened, and he abruptly faded away. In an instant, a hazy face emerged from the armchair at the dining table, blending with the brown wood, about to gain clarity. At that moment, a cascade of flames descended from the crimson-flame-covered ceiling, soaking the armchair and swiftly setting it ablaze. Before the brown face could fully materialize, it succumbed to the raging flames, forced to retreat. Lumian lost sight and sense of the black-robed elder subsequently. While surveying the surroundings, Lugano, lying on the dining table, suddenly sat up and jumped down. He stared at Lumian with vacant eyes, like a wandering zombie. Lumian chuckled, raising his right hand and pointing at Lugano. With this gesture, specks of brilliance shimmered in his eyes, as if the cosmos had descended. Lugano found himself in an empty night sky, surrounded by twinkling stars. He stood rooted to the ground in a daze. Without any subsequent actions, he resembled a machine that had lost its energy and controller. Having settled his servant, Lumian surveyed his surroundings once more. Yet, his eyes brimmed with flowing and burning crimson flames, and the black-robed elders figure remained elusive. Lumians expression remained stoic as he splayed the five fingers on his right hand, clenching them into a fist. His body suddenly grew heavy, and the flames surrounding him surged towards him like a river converging into the sea, drawn by an invisible force. Bottles, organs from various body parts, and lightweight items in the room soared towards Lumian. On the wooden coat rack near the door, the transparent figure of the black-robed elder protruded, pulled away by an unseen force. He fought with all his might, but he couldnt resist the pull towards Lumian. It was akin to a piece of wood caught in a flood or a thin leaf fluttering in a fierce wind. Lumians left hand was already raised, and the crimson, nearly white flame in his palm rapidly turned white under the intense suction force, forming a minuscule ball. Layers of compressed white-hot fireballs were unleashed, and the weighty and fearsome suction force dissipated. Pa! The black-robed elder finally landed on the floor, his vision completely engulfed by the blazing white fireball. Rumble! The blazing white fireball collided with the Beyonder conducting the sinister surgery and strange ritual. The explosions sound echoed into the distance but was muffled by the darkness shrouding the room, preventing it from permeating. In the midst of such a violent explosion, no one on the ship heard or sensed anything awry. Rumble! The black-robed elders body was shredded by the devastating explosion. Countless corpse fragments were instantly charred or consumed by bright flames, scattering across every corner of the living room and dining room. With spirit channeling at his disposal and Ludwig providing support, Lumian reveled in the authority of the Governor of the Sea and the nearly demigod-level power it bestowed. He cared not for what the enemy might transform into. Incredible. Is this what its like to be a demigod? Even if its just an illusion Sadly, it wont last beyond six in the morning Lumian sighed, directing his gaze at the burning corpse fragments. A quick inspection revealed that the black-robed elders flesh had rapidly charred or turned to ashes. It was as if frost had met magma from a volcanic eruption. In a matter of seconds, only the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, intestines, and stomach remained in the room, along with a grayish-white half-charred brain. Wh Even with his feet, Lumian could tell that something was awry. Except for the brain, the remnants of the enemy were all internal organs. The malevolent surgery he had just completed involved extracting someones internal organs to let them live as if nothing happened! At the same time, the peculiar ritual he performed utilized the complete set of internal organs to attempt to reconstruct the so-called Child of Gods body! All internal organsit was hard for Lumian not to draw a connection. Could it be that this fellows internal organs were extracted before, and he survived by piecing together others internal organs, becoming a Beyonder? Whats this called? Human alchemy? If its true, who took his internal organs? Lumian pondered silently. The stars in his eyes swiftly dissipated, and Lugano returned to the real world. From a distance of four to five meters, Lumian raised his right hand and smoothly swung it. Smack! Lugano felt the impact of an invisible force against his face. With a sudden jolt, his eyes gradually cleared of their blank stare. The first sight that greeted Lugano was the crimson flames falling around him, extinguishing before causing any havoc. Then, he noticed charred body parts, scattered internal organs, glass jars filled with light-amber liquid, and organs soaked in them. Am I still dreaming? Is this a nightmare? Just as this thought crossed Luganos mind, the image of his employer, Louis Berry, with black hair and green eyes, appeared before him. Son of a bitch, this dream took an unexpected turn! Lugano shuddered and involuntarily inquired, What happened? Lumian pondered for a moment and asked, What dream did you just experience? What dream? Lugano confirmed his wakefulness and recollected, I dreamed of my childhood. My mother stood at the door, urging me to come home for dinner. She even sang a nursery rhyme from my hometown Shes been gone for almost ten years. I miss her dearly. I kept walking towards the door, but I couldnt reach her At that moment, Lugano realized that this wasnt their suite. He exclaimed in shock, What happened? With a smile, Lumian responded, You slept until midnight and suddenly sleepwalked all the way here. An old man had plans to operate on you, remove your kidneys, and slowly turn you into a patient like Enio. The more Lugano listened, the more fear gripped him. Earlier, he had wondered how someone like Enio, who had lost most of his internal organs, could still be alive, albeit turning weakonly to realize that he was so close to turning into a similar figure! Hiss Lugano gasped and asked with trepidation, Wheres that old man? Thats all that remains. Lumian gestured at the internal organs and the grayish-white, half-charred brain on the ground. Without giving Lugano a chance to sigh, Lumian instructed, Bring Ludwig here. It was also almost time for his midnight snack. Lugano hastily left the suite, grateful for choosing to follow Lumian to the Southern Continent. Otherwise, he would be at the mercy of such situations elsewhere! Lugano believed this matter had nothing to do with Lumian. He had brought it upon himself. If it were Trier, he might have encountered a similar patient who had lost internal organs. Lumian watched him leave, raised his right hand, and stroked his chin. Simply hearing the infants cries from the failed ritual can influence Beyonders of the Planter pathway to sleep and act in a sleepwalking state, receiving corresponding orders? Isnt this too exaggerated? Its an absolute suppression on the Planter pathway I could understand a similar phenomenon if that ritual had succeeded, and the Child of God was truly born. Yet, its already this powerful despite being a failed product? Even with the limitation of its range, its still terrifying Is there a key reason I dont know? Moreover, can only Beyonders of the Planter or Sower pathways hear the Child of Gods cries? Can the Apothecary pathway, which can interchange with the Planter pathway, also hear it? Amidst Lumians thoughts, Lugano led Ludwig into the suite. Faced with this gruesome scene, Ludwig pressed his hand to his mouth and yawned. Wheres the food? Lumian didnt make any immediate requests. Instead, he turned to Lugano. Guard the door. With the prior experience of the blood-drinking incident, Lugano could vaguely guess what was about to happen. He didnt dare face it directly. Upon hearing Lumians instructions, he heaved a sigh of relief and jogged to the corridor, closing the vermilion door behind him. Only then did Lumian gesture towards the scattered internal organs on the ground. Do you need me to roast it for you? Ludwig shot a quick glance at Lumian. Dont you find it irksome? These are all human organs. Lumian emitted a soft chuckle. In my eyes, this is already on par with a monsters insides. He then wore a self-deprecating expression. Moreover, isnt directly consuming Beyonder characteristics to advance a Beyonder equivalent to eating someone? Ludwig remained silent, taking a few steps to the side. He squatted down, picked up the old mans heart, stuffed it into his mouth, and began to chew. Crimson blood slowly trickled from the corner of his mouth. Lumian pulled up a chair and sat down, patiently waiting for Ludwig to finish his meal and digest. After seven to eight minutes, Ludwig retrieved a white handkerchief from his coat pocket and wiped his mouth. These internal organs belong to different people. Some are Beyonders, some are ordinary folks, some old, some teenagers There are traces of human refinement. The aura of life is rather mixed and impure They will be controlled and influenced by the refiner Having been refined, the person doesnt know that hes been through this. He has complete memories of the past. This is something that cant be achieved by refining an ordinary body. He followed Enio on board, hoping to extract the remaining organs and complete the ritual before Enio reached his destination Ludwig recounted the knowledge and memories he had absorbed in a straightforward tone. Chapter 604 - 604 School of Gods Descent 604 School of Gods Descent Under the glow of the crimson moon, Ludwig, clad in a two-piece pajama set and a small coat, recounted the memories and knowledge he had absorbed from the black-robed elders half-charred brain and internal organs. He did so methodically, like an emotionless time-reporting machine. Only the brain belongs to him. His name is Prinpino. Due to his advanced age and weakened body, he delved into mysticism. Unwittingly, he drew the attention of the Great Mother and acquired a wealth of secret knowledge, evolving into a Beyonder Upon hearing this, Lumian muttered with a mix of mockery and fear, Despite gaining the Great Mothers attention, did he not turn pregnant? Are you truly a follower of the Great Mother? Ludwig continued, Im uncertain when Prinpino started losing his internal organs. I failed to absorb the pertinent knowledge and memories. Similarly, the time he became a human refinement product remains unknown. His philosophy is: Humanity, once the favored and proudest children of the Great Mother, fell into folly, aging, and weakness due to their detachment from her. Only by allowing the divine son of the Great Mother to descend into the world can humanity be saved. They can enter Paramita and regain their original form. When the time arrives, the Great Mother will return to the real world she governs. Using the gender-oriented pronoun she to refer to the Great Mother instead of She This implies that, in the eyes of individuals like Prinpino, pregnancy and childbirth are still feminine matters. A mother must be a she This differs from the Nightstalkers Lumian glanced at Ludwig and nodded approvingly. Ludwig calmly detailed Prinpinos attempts and some of his abilities. The birth of the Child of God requires a specific body composed of various peoples internal organs This isnt the entire descent ritual. It lacks a crucial component Prinpino possesses potent self-healing abilities. As a product of human refinement, hes immune to the influence of many Beyonder powers. He can indirectly control humans corrupted by the Child of God or specific Pathway Beyonders who have had direct contact with special patients. The range is 100 meters, and they must be unconscious Upon hearing this, Lumian suddenly recalled a Sequence 7 Vampire of the Apothecary pathway. Such Beyonders wielded formidable self-healing abilities and could craft Blood Slaves resembling their own marionettes! Lumian refrained from interrupting Ludwig, patiently awaiting further details. Hes adept in surgery and can directly heal others. He knows a ritual enabling a human to survive for a period even without internal organs. He can merge with trees and wooden articles for concealment, acquire a sturdy shell, and evade detection. He can stimulate the growth and reproduction of creatures, including but not limited to rats, fleas, bedbugs, fungi, and various plants. However, it drains his vitality. His vitality can be replenished through an unsuccessful Child of God descent ritual. Every nine rituals necessitate a batch of internal organs to be replaced He can also inflict curses upon others, summon malevolent creatures, consume his life for the casting of a few nefarious arts As Ludwig concluded, Lumian realized Prinpinos Beyonder powers were diverse. He possessed partial Vampire abilities and embodied certain traits of the Earth pathways Planter, Doctor, and other Sequences. Simultaneously, he wielded a limited grasp of dark arts, expending vitality for their execution. Its akin to the amalgamation of the Apothecary, Planter, and Heretic Spellmaster pathways, yet its not exhaustive Such a boon exists? The Great Mother truly reigns at the apex of these three pathways Lumian reflected momentarily before taking Ludwigs hand and departing the suite. He instructed Lugano, stationed at the door, Summon the priest from the prayer room and inform him of all pertinent details you are aware of. After issuing his directive, Lumian deliberated before appending, Locate the captain first, then seek out the priest. Alright, Lugano assented reflexively before inquiring, And yourself? Of course Im going back to bed. Should they seek an audience with me, they may wait until tomorrow morning. Lumian gestured dismissively, guiding Ludwig along the dimly illuminated corridor to his suite. Am I solely accountable? Lugano mused to himself. He suddenly noticed he stood alone at the suites threshold, surrounded by scattered internal organs. A shiver traversed his spine, prompting him to hasten toward the captains quarters. Ten minutes later, inside the black-robed old mans suite. The priest named Montserrat and the captain, Pedro, scrutinized the situation while listening to Luganos detailed account. Nervously, Lugano disclosed to them that he was a Beyonder, a Doctor of the Planter pathway. Enio sought him out due to his exceptional skills in treating patients. Later, during the late night, he experienced a sleepwalking episode. When he reached the suite, he found his internal organs almost removed. Fortunately, he was rescued by his employer. Throughout the entire narrative, Lugano only omitted Ludwigs consumption of blood, sharing everything else he knew. Pedro, the captain with the handsome brown beard, quipped half-seriously, Could it be that your employer killed a passenger in this suite and deliberately scattered his internal organs everywhere, concocting such a sinister Warlock tale to deceive us? Uh Lugano found himself momentarily speechless. Indeed, this possibility couldnt be entirely dismissed! Father Montserrat, garbed in a brown clergymans attire, shook his head. After confirming Enios physical condition, well determine the veracity of this story. I concur. Captain Pedro stroked his beard and gazed at Lugano. Whats your employers name? Louis Berry, Lugano truthfully replied. Louis Berry Pedros eyes narrowed. The adventurer who hunted down the Demon Warlock, Louis Berry? Montserrats eyes widened slightly. The one collaborating with the Church in Port Santa to covertly thwart malevolent forces disrupting the sea prayer ritual, Adventurer Louis Berry? Wh My boss reputation is so renowned? Did the Church of Earth Mother inform all the clergy that Louis Berry is a friend and collaborator? Yes, this ship departed from Port Santa. The priest on board must have been the first to be informed Lugano had considered it, but he hadnt expected his employers name to be so impactful. Without hesitation, he affirmed, Its him, Adventurer Louis Berry. Just as Lugano concluded his account, the entire ship was abruptly sent airborne, landing atop a wave dozens of meters tall. No dark clouds or torrential rain accompanied the phenomenon, and there were no violent winds or lightning. After vaulting between the pitch-black waves several times, the steamship gently descended onto the seas surface, restoring calm to its surroundings. Captain Pedro surveyed the wrecked suite and the sliding windows, then turned to Lugano with a deep inquiry, Is this the power of your employer? I heard stories of someone practicing sea wave magic at the bar tonight. Was that a genuine wave? Yes. Although Lugano was uncertain about the events unfolding, he attributed the display of natures power to his employer. He added, Hes extending his greeting. Captain Pedro and Father Montserrat fell into contemplative silence. After more than ten seconds, Pedro addressed Father Montserrat, who seemed to be in his thirties,Does the Church possess knowledge of such surgeries and rituals? Montserrat glanced at Lugano, indicating that the conversation need not be private. The priest reflected for a moment before responding in a solemn tone, There exists a faction of misguided Mother believers who contend that the decline of the modern world and the debasement of humanity result from their estrangement from the Mother. They are determined to employ any means to usher in the so- called Child of God into the real world and invoke the Mothers descent through the return of the Child of God. We refer to them as the School of Gods Descent. Unconvinced, Lugano inquired, You can summon a Child of God simply by using the internal organs of ordinary people? While he lacked knowledge about the specific surgery and ritual, he could deduce that internal organs were a crucial component. Montserrat contemplated the remaining human organs in the suite and responded gravely, The Child of God is the Mothers child, and humans are also Mother Goddesss children. Does this imply that, fundamentally, no one is superior or inferior, and they can serve as ingredients with quantity compensating for any shortcomings? Lugano grasped the essence of the priests statement, realizing how many rituals involving blood sacrifices could be explained by this theory. Father Montserrat offered no further explanation and turned to Lugano. Convey to your employer that we will take charge from here. Assure him not to worry. Very well. Lugano sighed with relief. The next morning, Lumian woke up promptly and realized he no longer possessed the power of the sea, preventing him from tapping into the Governor of the Seas authority. He took a regretful sip of his light beer and commenced writing to Madam Magician, detailing the issues with the School of Gods Descent and the purported birth of the Child of God in the spirit world. Swiftly, the messenger returned, carrying Madam Magicians response: Encountering the School of Gods DescentI cant ascertain whether the issue lies with you or Lugano. The so-called Child of God has already been born in the spirit worldits merely propaganda, you understand? Similar to the Church of The Fools Holy Biblejust listen but dont take it seriously. Nevertheless, comparable incidents are unfolding, and they are brewing and evolving. This actually ties back to you. It originated from Cordus empty cradle, the child Madame Pualis lost. Additionally, based on various sources, Madame Night didnt perish in Fourth Epoch Trier. She encountered or acquired something that advanced the matter of the Child of God. Besides her, the Sinners Voisin Sanson managed to escape Fourth Epoch Trier for unknown reasons. What he encountered remains unknown Voisin Sanson is still alive? Lumian was initially taken aback by the revelation in the middle of the letter, but a smile soon crept across his face. At that moment, a knock echoed on his bedroom door. Who is it? Lumian, aware that it was Lugano outside, asked casually. Lugano replied fearfully through the wooden door, I-I heard a baby crying again! Chapter 605 - 605 Lingering Effects 605 Lingering Effects Hearing the cries of a baby again? Is he pestered by the so-called Child of God? Lumian held Madam Magicians reply, unfinished, and adjusted his sitting posture with amusement. He gazed at the door and said, Come in. Lugano turned the handle and cautiously pushed open the door, uncomfortably stopping in front of Lumian. His actions and demeanor, combined with his thick eyebrows, large eyes, and square face, made him appear rather comical. Isnt that evil Warlock, the old man n-named Prinpino, already dead? Why can I still hear the cries of a baby? Lugano inquired with concern, his tone reflecting it. Having consulted the just-awakened Ludwig, he had received an answer that he hadnt heard the babys cries. Lumian playfully shook the letter in his hand and chuckled. There are two possibilities. One is that Prinpinos accomplices on the ship also possess the ritual to summon the Child of God. The other possibility is Lugano pressed impatiently, What is it? Lumian glanced at the Doctor and grinned. Perhaps the unborn Child of God has taken a liking to you and wants to choose you as his surrogate mother. Thus, even though Prinpino is already dead, hes unwilling to leave you and continues to linger by your side. Normally, he cant be seen or sensed. Luganos scalp tingled as he listened. Ignoring the question of why he was a mother and not a father, he stammered, W-what should I do? No rush. Lumian smiled. Theres no need to hurry in such circumstances. Lugano felt like his internal organs might be devoured by the so-called Child of God at any moment, leaving only an empty cavity. Of course, Lumian said in a relaxed state. Arent you still alive? Since youre not dead, it means the situation isnt very serious. You can take it slow. Theres no hurry. That seems to be the case Lugano, caught up in the conversation, nodded and asked in confusion, Must I die before the problem becomes serious enough for it to become urgent? Lumian chuckled and said, No, it means theres zero need to rush. If youre already dead, whats the hurry? Can I revive you? In short, theres no need to rush? Lugano was taken aback. Though he harbored doubts, his employers ability to crack jokes and play pranks reassured him. Evidently, his employer didnt view the babys cries as a grave concern! Only then did Lumian unveil his true speculation. Theres a third possibility. The corruption you suffered upon contact with Enio wont dissipate so quickly, and its highly likely that it wont vanish naturally. Consequently, youll still form a connection with the unborn Child of God. Then, how do I eliminate the corruption? Lugano accepted this explanation and believed that a solution existed. Lumian didnt immediately respond to his question. He let Lugano stand in front of him as he perused the rest of Madam Magicians reply. Considering your link to the Child of God and the evil gods angel sealed within you, encountering a member of the School of Gods Descent isnt a mere coincidence. However, your interpreter and guide are of the Planter pathwaythat raises other issues. Its only natural for you to encounter matters connected to the Great Mother. As for the problem, ponder it and inquire within yourself. I wont spoon-feed you the answer. Conspirers need to employ their brains more Observing this, Lumian looked up at Lugano without uttering a word. The Doctors body tensed, and a thin layer of sweat trickled down his back. Isis there any other problem? Lugano stammered. Lumian reclined in his chair and said contemplatively, Clearing corruption is an entirely separate course in mysticism. I need to grasp the specifics before providing an answer. Having underscored the significance, he inquired, Have you encountered similar situations before? Like peculiar infant cries, mystical occurrences linked to births, sorcery entwined with mothers, and so forth. Lugano dared not be careless, fearing that if the corruption wasnt rectified promptly, he might end up as an organless being. He meticulously sifted through his experiences over the years. After a moment, he tentatively said, Theres something Im not sure if its relevant It was clear that he was reluctant to discuss the matter. How am I supposed to know if its relevant if you dont tell me? Lumian didnt care about privacy. After a brief pause, Lugano cleared his throat and said, Didnt I mention that I became a Beyonder by obtaining a friends relic? Yes, did you murder that friend? Lumian inquired deliberately. Lugano hastily shook his head. No, he committed suicide. Suicide? Lumian raised his eyebrows, finding this matter intriguing. Lugano finally gathered the courage and spilled it out in one go, When I worked as a bounty hunter, I utilized the hidden mountain ranges in the Darige mountain range for smuggling operations. I moved things back and forth, making a decent sum. I even aided some wanted criminals in escaping overseas. Tanko was one of them, but his escape wasnt from Intis to Feynapotter. Instead, he fled from Feynapotter to Intis. Eventually, he discovered a secluded valley deep within the mountain range and built a field of his own. He cultivated crops, tended to livestock, and kept to himself. I regularly visited, supplying him with essentials like salt, sugar, fabric, and other goods. In return, Tanko imparted mystic knowledge. I never imagined leading an ordinary life, with me out there adventuring and becoming a bounty hunter. Mysticism held a strong allure for me, and the teachings imparted by Tanko seemed invaluable at times. Tanko could be an enigma. Sometimes, hed fall into brooding silence, his temper as hard and unyielding as stone, as if wrestling with inner demons. Other times, hed be buoyant and loquacious, curious about everything around him. Every so often, hed confess to straying from the Mothers teachings, descending into the depths of darkness. Hed lament how he drifted further from his true self, suffering the consequences. Occasionally, hed voice suspicions about the Church, believing it to be deceptive, claiming the true Mother had departed long ago In that moment, Lugano couldnt help but draw parallels between Tankos cryptic musings and the philosophy of the School of Gods Descent, as recounted by Father Montserrat. Was this encounter a foreshadowing, planted in the past? Lugano drew in a deep breath, sensing an ominous shiver down his spine. He rushed out his words. Last autumn, I revisited Tanko. We sipped his brew and discussed various things beyond the mountain. Out of the blue, he spilled that he couldnt endure his decadent, sinful self any longer. The demon lurking deep within him was gaining control. Tanko wanted to end his life before it consumed him entirely. His dying wish? I deliver his stuff to Torres, the capital of Gaia Province, and hand it over to a Church of Earth Mother clergyman, preferably a Blessed. I pretended to agree, talked him out of it, and thought he had abandoned the idea. But the next morning, I found him dead in the field where hed harvested grain. Golden wheat ears sprouted from his body. And, get this, he had several female reproductive organs. I was freaked out. Felt like I was dealing with a monster. Now, for us bounty hunters, a dead monster is a good monster. Its material for a paycheck. Summoning courage, I went through Tankos things. Found a golden blob, like a grain seed, but half the size of a fist, next to him. Based on Tankos mystic know-how, I suspected this blob was the root of his Beyonder powers. After much internal wrestling, I debated whether to stick to our agreement and send this relic back to the Church. But in the end, greed got the better of me, and I devoured the blob. Im a guilty man. Broke my promise. Hoping the Sun forgives me. Lumian listened in silence, a chuckle escaping his lips. You just ate it like that? Lugano grinned sheepishly and explained, Yep, thats right. I only learned potion formulas after becoming a Beyonder and diving into mysticism. I didnt want a repeat of that experience, so I got obsessed with buying formulas. Youre lucky. A few years earlier, and surviving that wouldve been tough. We mightve crossed paths in the Darige mountain range, you as a monster and me as a monster hunter, Lumian recalled President Gandalfs research and mocked Lugano. Internally, Lumian muttered, Emperor Roselle was right. The ignorant are fearless Somethings obviously off with Tanko. He probably got tangled with the evil gods faith, corrupting the Beyonder characteristic he left behind. Eating it directly no wonder you encountered the School of Gods Descent and heard baby cries. Easy to be corrupted and influenced, encountering patients like Enio. Uneasy, Lugano asked, Was the Planter ingredient I consumed the root of the problem? He had ingested it a year prior, and even advanced. Was there no resolution to the problem? Lumian, seemingly avoiding Luganos beseeching gaze, feigned deep consideration as he perused the concluding segment of Madam Magicians response. Ive pondered your earlier caution and have some theories, but presently, I cannot divulge them to you. I can only hint that Amon and the person behind Him must have orchestrated something beforehand to divert the Celestial Worthys attention from the pertinent issue. In essence, this situation seems advantageous for you and the rest of us. For now, its best to feign ignorance and refrain from delving into it. If troubled by infantile cries, seek aid from a clergyman of the Church of Earth Mother. Wh Did Madam Magician anticipate Luganos lingering effects in advance? It seems so. She could discern the root cause of Luganos plight Lumian looked up, offering Lugano a reassuring smile. The remedy to purge the corruption lies in seeking aid from Father Montserrat. Thats it? After all my exposition? If theres truly no alternative, I wouldve taken my chances with the priest Luganos lips twitched as he mustered a strained smile. Very well, thank you, sir. Chapter 606 - 606 Faith Conversion 606 Faith Conversion At 8 a.m., in the prayer room on the third floor of the cabin, Lugano stepped in. Father Montserrat, draped in a brown priests robe, was already preaching. Five or six individuals were scattered in the rows of chairs before the Sacred Emblem of Life. Without disturbing the sanctified ambiance, Lugano chose a spot at the front, near a supplicant. As Father Montserrat concluded his sermon and closed the Holy Bible, the supplicants rose, spread their feet, and raised their palms high, chanting in unison, Praise the Earth, praise the Mother of All Things! Lugano instinctively turned his head, noticing a tightly-wrapped up supplicant with brown eyes and a pale complexion in the same rowEnio, the special patient who had lost his internal organs. H-hes not dead? Wait, isnt the evil warlock, Prinpino, supposed to be dead? Why is Enio, the special patient, still alive? Lugano was stunned, almost convinced hed encountered a ghost. Being a Sequence 8 of the Planter pathway, he was ill-equipped to handle ghosts. But then, Lugano observed that Enios face wasnt as deathly pale as before. The brilliance in his eyes had returned, and vitality coursed through him. Wh Lugano raised his hand, tapping his glabella to activate his Spirit Vision. He observed Enios Ether Body, no longer as ashen as before. Whether it be the yellow hue symbolizing the digestive system, the orange hue denoting detoxification and organ excretion, or other shades, they had reverted to a semblance of normalcy, albeit faint and thin. Is that even possible? Hadnt he lost his heart, liver, spleen, lungs, intestines, stomach, and kidneys? Lugano stared at Enio as though he were an aberration until Enio pivoted and pleasantly recognized him. Doctor, your treatment works wonders. I feel like Im recovering! Enio exclaimed joyously. And this was just the initial treatment sans pinpointing the specific cause! Luganos lips twitched stiffly. Thats reassuring, indeed. Are you also a follower of Earth Mother? Enio beamed, pleasantly surprised. Im not. Spare me the talk of Mother God or Mother As an Intisian, how can I subscribe to the Earth Mother faith? Lugano gestured toward Montserrat, evading a direct response. I need to discuss matters with the priest. Enio nodded. When can I seek further treatment in the morning? You dont require treatment anymore. Its time for recuperation and repose Lugano grumbled, forcing a smile. In about an hour. Thank you, Doctor! Enio waved, exiting the prayer room. When only Lugano and Father Montserrat remained, Lugano hushed his voice, gesturing toward the door. H-how was he healed? Father Montserrat, still relatively youthful with sincere eyes, smiled and responded, Thanks to Earth Mother, his fortune was favorable. As a Doctor yourself, you must be aware that internal organs can be transplanted as long as they maintain a certain level of vitality. For the ritual to succeed, Prinpino utilized his Beyonder powers to sustain the vitality of those internal organs. Moreover, the set he employed was extracted from Enio, eliminating the need to consider transplant rejection effects. Furthermore, Enio remained alive, relying on mystical power to uphold a certain level of vitality. This was a crucial factor. Did you perform surgery on him last night and transplant all his internal organs back? Lugano was enlightened. Father Montserrat nodded. For regular surgeons, this is an operation with nearly zero chances of success. Even if successful, keeping the patient alive long enough to navigate the most perilous stage is challenging. However, for us, it falls within our capabilities. Indeed Compared to ordinary surgeons, Beyonder Doctors like us wield mystical powers akin to miracle-workers Lugano sighed, dismissing further concern about Enio. Turning to Montserrat, he inquired with worry, Father, I heard a baby crying again. Has that so-called Child of God set his sights on me? Father Montserrat reassured him, Fear not. Its an inevitable repercussion of the corresponding corruption. It will gradually dissipate over time. If youre concerned about any unforeseen events or accidents on your path, I can help you eliminate them now. Is that so? Youre merely a Sequence 8 Doctor. Do you possess the capability to rid me of the remaining corruption? Set up an altar and seek Earth Mothers aid? Lugano remained skeptical. Thank you, Father! Montserrat gestured toward Luganos previous spot. Follow the believers example. Close your eyes, listen to my preaching, and simultaneously, pray to Earth Mother. Remember, its specifically to Earth Mother, no other deity. Understood. Lugano resumed his seat, crossed his arms, and shut his eyes. As Father Montserrat delivered his sermon, Lugano silently echoed the verses of the Holy Bible. Gradually, his thoughts blurred, and amidst the discourse, Lugano discerned a mothers gentle murmur and felt the comforting warmth of her embrace. His tense heart eased, reminiscent of seeking solace in his mothers arms after childhood bullying. It was a blend of dependency, reliance, and a sanctuary for the mind. Unbeknownst to him, tears trickled down Luganos cheeks, as if purifying his body and soul. Slowly, his emotions settled, dispelling the fear and unease. Done. Father Montserrats voice seemed to waft from the distance, reaching Luganos ears. Opening his eyes, Lugano raised his right hand, wiping away the tears. Standing up, he lifted his hands. Praise the Earth, praise the Mother of All Things! It was an almost reflexive response. In that moment, sunlight streamed through the window, casting a faint golden glow upon the prayer room, as if heralding forthcoming abundance. Father Montserrat nodded in satisfaction. Earth Mother has purged the corruption from your body. Tonight, pay attention and see if you still hear the babys cries. Alright, Father! Lugano replied, his body and mind now at ease. The next morning, he awoke with a sense of happiness. Throughout the night, he experienced no dreams of a beckoning mother, nor did he hear the cries of the so-called Child of God. Filled with joy, Lugano, after serving Ludwig breakfast, hurried to the prayer room to share the uplifting news with Father Montserrat. Father Montserrat gazed at him for a moment and asked with a smile, Are you interested in embracing Mother Earth? Me? Lugano hesitated before inquiring, Are you willing to accept the conversion of a heretic? Father Montserrat smiled and replied, In the Mothers eyes, there are no heretics. There are only children who are or are not willing to return home. Luganos heart wavered, reflecting on his past actions of merely going through the motions in cathedralspraying, listening to preaching, and attending Mass. He hadnt truly believed in any deity, and the Church hadnt provided substantial assistance. Moreover, if I truly become a believer in Earth Mother, I might gain access to subsequent potion formulas and Beyonder ingredients from the Church or the three Orders Even if not, Ill surely receive corresponding mysticism guidance Lugano hesitated, finding various excuses to convince himself. Father Montserrat patiently waited, not pressuring him. He simply smiled, anticipating Luganos decision. Eventually, Lugano raised his hands. Praise the Earth, praise the Mother of All Things! He responded to Father Montserrats proselytization in this manner. Father Montserrats smile broadened as he extended his arms. Welcome home. Those words oddly warmed Luganos heart. It felt as though, after years of wandering and adventuring, he had finally returned home. Fatigue lifted, and a sense of grounding enveloped him. Praise Mother Earth. Lugano crossed his arms over his chest. Father Montserrat nodded and commenced his true preaching. You believe in the source of life, the mother of all things, the propagation of the fertile land, the symbol of the crimson moon and reproduction, as well as the destination and the starting point of everything Lugano listened attentively, committing the information to memory. Though not devout yet, this might become his future sanctuary. He recognized the importance of presenting his good side at all times. Upon returning to the first-class suite, Lugano glanced nervously at Lumian, who was engrossed in studying the Southern Continents Dutanese, and stammered, I-Ive changed my faith to Earth Mother. As a fellow Intisian, would he despise and scorn me? Lumian looked up and chuckled. Then make sure to radiate maternal brilliance. Ludwig is counting on you for some fresh fish. He doesnt mind at all Lugano mumbled, not willing to let Ludwig go hungry. He embarked on a busy day. Late at night, after tending to Ludwig until bedtime, Lugano pondered briefly and decided to visit the prayer room. If the door was still ajar, he intended to offer a prayer before retiring for the night. He had to make a good impression right from the beginning! Lugano treaded the dimly lit stairs, approaching the prayer room with cautious steps on the creaking floor. His footfalls grew hushed, wary of disturbing those engaged in prayer and potentially interrupting Father Montserrats embodiment of Mother Earths teachings through reproductive activities with a female believer. Reaching the door quietly, Lugano extended his right hand, gently pushing it open. The wooden door eased ajar, revealing a small gap without a sound. Its not shut tight Is he truly in the midst of reproduction? Lugano cautiously peered into the opening. He observed the crimson moonlight enveloping the prayer room and Father Montserrat, draped in a brown priests robe, standing before the Sacred Emblem of Life. Folding his arms, Father Montserrat swayed gently, as if cradling a newborn child. However, there was nothing within his embrace. Chapter 607 - 607 Smell of Food 607 Smell of Food Luganos scalp tingled as he found himself in a surreal encounter with Father Montserrat, bathed in the glow of the crimson moonlight. The sight of the priest, cradling an invisible child in his arms, sent shivers down Luganos spine. Is he carrying a child? An invisible child? The so-called Child of God? Frightened by the association, Lugano tried to quickly shut the door before the owner noticed, as if he had wandered into the wrong room. He slipped away without making a sound. Suddenly, Father Montserrats voice echoed in the air. Are you here for prayer? Luganos eyes tightened, and like a startled wild cat, he swiftly turned and sprinted towards the staircase. All he could think about at that moment was his formidable employer! However, what met his eyes was utter darkness. No staircase with a wooden floor in sight. In the shadows, clusters of pitch-black weeds, with plump wheat, swayed in eerie silence. Luganos body tensed, uncertain about the unknown that awaited him in this abyss of darkness. Why did you run? The weeds parted, revealing Father Montserrat, holding an invisible baby. Behind him, an illusionary, unusually massive oak tree stood tall. Next to the weeds, the oak tree was covered in abnormal growths, forming a chillingly simple and ominous Sacred Emblem of Life. As Father Montserrat, clad in a brown priests uniform, appeared less than three meters away, Lugano swallowed hard, offering a feeble excuse. Its late. I didnt want to disturb you. Father Montserrat remained cradling his arms, wearing a faint smile. What did you see? Every hair on Luganos neck stood on end, and cold sweat broke out on his back. Struggling, Lugano pointed at Father Montserrats empty embrace, asking with difficulty, Why are you doing this? Father Montserrat responded with a significant tone, Were all Mothers children. Lugano didnt dare to delve further and nodded repeatedly. Yes, yes, yes. Were all Mothers children. Father Montserrat didnt allow him to navigate through with platitudes. He deliberately added, The child of the Great Mother. Great Mother Although Lugano had anticipated this answer, his heart almost skipped a beat, and his mind went blank upon hearing it. Seeing that Father Montserrat had made it explicit, Lugano had no choice but to inquire, Arent arent you a follower of Earth Mother? Father Montserrat felt no remorse about betraying the Church of Earth Mother. He maintained a warm smile and explained, Earth Mother is a facet of the Great Mother, a projection. In this role, she watches over the lands of betrayal and the children who have strayed from the Mothers embrace. Gulp Lugano instinctively swallowed, uncertain about how to counter Father Montserrat. Having joined the Church of Earth Mother just a day ago and attended only two sermons, he lacked the profound theological knowledge to challenge such heretics. He could, of course, outright deny it. After all, Montserrats explanation sounded ominous. If the priests words were true, with the Earth Mother Churchs resources and factions, the so-called Child of God should have already been born in the real world, and the Great Mother would have returned. Yet, that hadnt happened. The current scene and the invisible pressure silenced Lugano, refraining from outright denial. What if he enraged Father Montserrat completely? Father Montserrat continued, All creatures in this world are the children of the Great Mother. Some were conceived by her, some are descendants of these deities, and some, like you and me, were directly transformed from the flesh and blood of the Great Mother. We share the strongest connection with her! Internally, Lugano couldnt help but retort, I was born by my mother, not transformed from the flesh and blood of the Great Mother However, his smile remained, more grimacing than joyous. Dont you find the Great Mothers believers sinister and terrifying? Father Montserrat smiled and reassured, Theres no need to fear the return of the Great Mother. How can a mother hate her child? You might not know, but there are many worlds beyond ours. The creatures in those places flourish under the watch of the Great Mother, constantly reproducing and growing. Ive never heard of any species being eradicated. Instead, their numbers are increasing. Moreover, its the Great Mother who granted us life. Its her prerogative to reclaim the life she bestowed upon us. We should cooperate willingly. Cooperate my rear end, you son of a sow! Lugano wasnt bewitched. Suddenly, he drew his concealed revolver and fired two shots at Father Montserrat. Without confirming the effectiveness of the shots, he swiftly turned and sprinted toward the dark expanse filled with black weeds. Though the destination within the dark depths was unknown, perhaps harboring great peril, staying here seemed even more hazardous! Waaa! Abruptly, Lugano heard an almost ethereal cry of an infant. It was exactly the same as the sounds he had heard several times before. Luganos expression froze, and his pace slowed as he ran. His eyes gradually filled with emptiness, and he turned around. Step by step, he approached Father Montserrat, who was cradling an invisible baby, and the illusory, colossal oak tree. Thats our mother The mother who gave us life Shes willing to accept anyone who repents, every child who returns home If she wants to take back the life she bestowed upon us, then let her. She has the prerogative to reclaim what she gave Listening to Father Montserrats abnormally ethereal yet seemingly close voice, Lugano gradually developed a strong and heartfelt acceptance. Yes, thats my mother Why would she harm me? She can take back what she had given Lugano walked faster and faster until he stood beside Father Montserrat. Instantly, he felt warmth and relief. It was the scent of a mothers embrace. Gradually, he experienced an indescribable moist sensation, as if a kitten were being licked by a female cat. How comforting Lugano half-closed his eyes. At that moment, he heard his mothers favorite nursery rhyme from behind him. Why is Mom behind me? Shouldnt she be in front? Lugano wondered vaguely. Then, he heard his mother shouting behind him, Dont go over! Dont move forward! Danger! Dont go over Dont move forward Danger Lugano shuddered, his vacant eyes regaining a certain vigor. He saw where he wasthe illusory colossal oak tree and moist, warm, squirming flesh petals sprouting from it. Half of his body was already enveloped in the flesh petals, slowly pulling inward. This was the motherly embrace he had just experienced. Luganos pupils dilated, and a chill ran down his spine, causing his hair to stand on end. He exerted strength against the viscous liquid-covered flesh with both hands, swiftly pulling away. Father Montserrat, cradling an invisible baby, appeared beside Lugano, wearing a warm smile. Return. Return to the Mothers embrace and revert to our original form. Despair gripped Lugano. He wanted to confront the priest, but sadly, having consumed two potionsPlanter and Doctorhe realized that, apart from enhanced strength and proficiency with farming tools and a scalpel, he lacked Beyonder powers directly applicable in combat. These powers included predicting the weather, identifying and nurturing seeds, treating ailments, healing wounds, stitching up souls, bestowing life, or possessing outstanding surgical abilities. In the past, Lugano had relied on the combat techniques and marksmanship learned as a bounty hunter to match a Planters strength and firearms. Nevertheless, not resisting at a moment like this meant certain death. Lugano, an adventurer with a history of killing, faced immense fear as he fired at Father Montserrat and drew a sharp scalpel. In Lumians first-class cabin suite,Lumian, still engrossed in the Dutanese textbook under the kerosene wall lamp, heard a knock on the door. Perplexed, he stood up, opened the door, and found Ludwig. Ludwig, clad in grayish-white checkered pajamas top and pants, spoke gravely, Lugano has encountered an accident. Hurry up and save him. An accident? Lumian arched his eyebrows. Knowing that Lugano could still hear the babys cries, Lumian had discreetly heightened his surveillance and attention on the servant, including just now. But how could an accident occur when Lugano had entered the Earth Mother Churchs prayer room? Ludwig continued, I couldnt sense his scent after he entered the prayer room. What scent? Lumian inquired casually, already forming a vague suspicion. Ludwig responded nonchalantly,The smell of food. Lumian stretched his neck and wrists, regarding Ludwig thoughtfully. You deliberately sniffed his scent. Ludwigs chubby cheeks displayed an expression that said, Whats so odd about that? If he perishes and youre busy elsewhere, who will assist me in gathering food? Thats a valid point. Lumian grinned. In the darkness, enveloped by black weeds, Luganos scalpel sliced through the air as he attempted to strike Father Montserrat. Waaa! The babys cries echoed once more, leaving Lugano in a momentary daze, teetering on the edge of losing control. With the invisible baby cradled in his arms, Montserrat manifested on the colossal illusory oak tree and smiled down at Lugano. Dont resist. We originated from the Mother, and we shall return to her. Just as the priest, with clear eyes and a warm smile, finished speaking, a knock on the door reverberated in the seemingly endless darkness, echoing among the weeds with abundant wheat. Upon hearing the polite knock on the door, Lugano had an inexplicable thought. How politeto knock at the door in such a situation Chapter 608 - 608 The Way to Find Prey 608 The Way to Find Prey The rhythmic thumping echoed only three times before escalating into a resounding bang. As the sturdy wooden door flung open, the corridor bathed in the glow of kerosene wall lamps revealed a darkness entwined with overgrown weeds. Crimson flames surged forth, casting an eerie illumination. In Luganos gaze, the illusion of the oak tree abruptly dissipated, along with Father Montserrat, cradling an unseen infant in his arms. Amidst the fiery chaos, the weeds withered, and the shadows dispersed. Lugano found himself returned to the humble prayer room, now aglow with the crimson moonlight. Lumian, sporting a golden straw hat, emerged at the entrance. His eyes scanned every nook, yet Father Montserrat remained elusive. Powers akin to the Paramita world merged with other traits, albeit incapable of creating a sufficiently independent world separate from reality. It resembles Demon Warlock Burman gaining unique abilities through a forceful transition of pathways Where is he hiding now? Drawing from Ludwigs knowledge from his food, Beyonders of the School of Gods Descent can conceal themselves in woodwork. Although I cant confirm Father Montserrats corrupted affiliation with the School, the influence of the Great Mother is evident Lumian swiftly assessed the unfolding scenario. The lack of resistance from Father Montserrat, who refrained from fleeing or hiding, didnt surprise Lumian. Performing the wave magic in the ships bar had been a casual display, not wanting to waste the temporary Governor of the Sea authority. However, the subsequent use of the colossal wave to greet Captain Pedro and Father Montserrat wasnt mere showmanship. Unaware if the School of Gods Descent incident had concluded or if hidden Great Mother devotees lingered on the ship, Lumian deliberately showcased the might of a demigod Governor of the Sea to instill fear! If there were no other Great Mother adherents or lurking threats, his greeting actions could be seen as showmanship. But if danger lurked, it would make the elusive elements cautious, forcing them to retreat deeper into hiding. Lumian planned to let the ship reach the next port, leaving the Church of Earth Mother authorities to deal with them. Father Montserrat, seemingly unwilling to face the adventurer Louis Berry head-on and his demigod prowess, opted for concealment, biding his time until the ship docked. Had Lugano not luckily or unluckily stumbled upon the priest cradling the unseen infant, Father Montserrat might have continued portraying himself as a competent clergyman of the Church of Earth Mother, avoiding any confrontation with Louis Berry. F-Father Montserrat is a believer in the Great Mother! He was cradling an invisible baby! Lugano hastily reported to Louis Berry, now realizing the gravity of the situation. Cradling an invisible baby He could be hiding within the ships woodwork. Lumian scanned the surroundings, inspecting chairs, the floor, and the Sacred Emblem of Life adorning the wooden wall. In an abrupt realization, he felt a stir in his heart as he approached the Sacred Emblem embodying Earth Mother. Adorned with symbols of wheat, flowers, and spring water at the periphery, at its core lay a simple depiction of a baby. A baby! Advancing further, crimson flames radiated, setting the wooden floorboards and chairs ablaze. Coming to a halt before the Sacred Emblem of Life, Lumian extended his right hand, gently caressing the babys face. The wood instantly deteriorated, exuding a yellowish pus. It seemed that the depiction of a baby surrounded by wheat and flowers had long decayed, shedding tears of blood. Theres a huge problem with the Church of Earth Mother Lumian narrowed his eyes. While unable to pinpoint the elusive Father Montserrat, he unearthed decay and darkness lurking beneath the veneer of the Church of Earth Mother. Observing the charred remains of the woodwork and finding no trace of Father Montserrat, with more wooden hiding spots on the steel steam ship, Lumian turned and addressed Lugano, Take me to the captains cabin. Alright. Lugano visibly relaxed. Exiting the prayer room, the crimson flames within swiftly extinguished, ceasing their advance. Inside the captains cabin, Pedro, spotting a handsome brown beard, grimaced as adventurer Louis Berry approached. Experienced as he was, he knew that there might be trouble on the ship. During the School of Gods Descent incident, Adventurer Louis Berry had only dispatched a servant to explain matters. Now, here he was personally visiting! What did this signify? It pointed to a more severe complication! Without awaiting the captains inquiry, Lumian calmly asserted, Father Montserrat has succumbed, aligning himself with an evil deity. He likely colluded with the School of Gods Descents evil warlock. Captain Pedros mind jolted as if struck by a rod, momentarily buzzing and going blank. After a brief pause, he cautiously inquired, Have you already killed him? Not yet, Lumian truthfully responded. He escaped the prayer room and is now in hiding. Dispatch a telegram promptly, reporting this to the Church of Earth Mother and the Feynapotter government. My servant will provide the details. In the face of Louis Berrys authoritative directive, Captain Pedro yielded without resistance. He shifted his attention to Lugano, absorbing the account of his conversion and Father Montserrats description, cradling an invisible infant. Upon hearing the revelation, Pedro wore a bitter expression and admitted, I did sense something amiss with Father Montserrat, but I never anticipated it to be this grave. Whats the issue? Lumian inquired. Pedro sighed, explaining, Hes a Favored, a Beyonder of the Earth pathway, the most orthodox clergyman. Typically, he needs a Blesseds help to conduct Mass, preach to believers, and guide others into the Church. However, hes the only Favored on this ship without a Blessed. I initially thought the shortage of staff in Port Santa was due to the sea prayer ritual, so I didnt pay much heed. But now, with Father Montserrats fall Only with the assistance of a Blessed can one conduct Mass and preach to believers. Theres no Blessed following him Lumian had previously learned that Favored of the Church of Earth Mother needs at least one second-in-command Blessed for their decisions to be considered valid. Otherwise, it risks being perceived as an influence of an evil god or a demon An evil god That Great Mother? Wh Combined with recent events and his prior knowledge, Lumian suddenly grasped why the Church of Earth Mother maintained two distinct systems Blessed and Favoredrather than merging them. Madam Magician of the Apprentice pathway had mentioned occasional influence from the Celestial Worthy, unsure if it was a revelation from Mr. Fool. Similar to the Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings overseeing the Apprentice, Seer, and Marauder pathways, the Great Mother likely stood atop the Planter, Apothecary, and Villain pathways. As a result, Favored Beyonders of the Planter and Apothecary pathways would also be under the influence of the Great Mother. The origin of the revelation, whether from Earth Mother or the Great Mother, remained unclear. Confirmation required the input of Blessed from pathways outside these two. Simultaneously, Blessed monitored the status of the Favored! That explains it Indeed, theres a profound and serious reason behind this seemingly absurd, wasteful, and unreasonable system design, Lumian concluded. Without further words, he instructed Captain Pedro, Send the telegram. After the captain relayed Father Montserrats situation to the Feynapotter government and the Church of Earth Mother, Lumian contemplated how to locate Father Montserrat. Considering the vast sea surrounding them, unless Father Montserrat possessed teleportation or exceptional underwater travel abilities, he could only be hiding somewhere on the ship. Lumian dismissed the idea of involving his Major Arcana card holder for such a trivial issue and resolved to devise a solution himself. Could I use the ships megaphone to insult the Great Mother, provoking Father Montserrat to reveal himself? The challenge lies in the inability to lock onto a target, potentially yielding less-than-optimal results Burning all the ships woodwork? Seems like a last resort due to the presence of valuable goods in wooden crates Borrowing a bottle of Prophetic Concoction from Franca? It requires a fresh corpse. Additionally, if Franca is involved, I could get her to directly employ Magic Mirror Divination Playing the Symphony of Hatred bone flute and informing passengers to cover their ears prior to that? But it only reduces damage without averting the effects Right, ask Ludwig if he recalls Father Montserrats small Also Yes, I can give it a try! Lumian quickly came up with several solutions and decided to systematically test each one, reserving seeking help as a final option. He bid farewell to the captain and, under the cover of night, led Lugano back to the first-class cabin suite. Do you recall Father Montserrats scent? Lumian inquired of Ludwig. Ludwig shook his head. No direct contact. Fair enough. Lumian turned around, offering a reassuring smile to Lugano. I have an experiment in mind. Work with me. What kind of experiment? Lugano asked, a tremor of fear evident. Lumian gestured towards the window. Go to the deck. Its more open there. Uneasily, Lugano descended to the deck, bathed in the crimson moonlight. His employer pulled out a full-body silver armor from his Travelers Bag, revealing an inscrutable smile. Lumian recalled the Pride Armors particular disdain for items from the Earth and Evernight pathways. What if it wasnt an item but a Beyonder? How would it react? Could this hatred be harnessed to pinpoint Father Montserrats location, given he was at least a Doctor, at a certain distance? Lumian wasnt entirely sure, but he intended to experiment with Lugano, a fellow Beyonder of the Earth pathway, to explore the possibilities. Chapter 609 - 609 Useful Armor 609 Useful Armor Lumian shot a quick smile at Lugano and fixed his gaze on the Pride Armor, carefully observing its reaction. What experiment? To test the effects of this armor? Lugano questioned, a mix of apprehension and confusion in his voice. As soon as he finished speaking, the air on the dark deck, bathed in the crimson moonlight, suddenly solidified. In the next instant, the empty armor produced a radiant broadsword, and an unseen force locked onto Lugano. Wh Before Lugano could react, the silver-white full-body armor surged forward, the gleaming broadsword poised to strike. In a split second, Lumian positioned himself in front of Lugano. His body expanded abruptly, almost tearing his linen shirt and black pants. Bang! Lumians massive fist collided with the Sword of Dawn, creating a metallic clang that resonated through the air. Only then did Lugano shake off his bewilderment. Though unsure why the empty armor attacked him, he instinctively turned and sprinted away. After covering some ground, the Pride Armor halted and stood silently. The Sword of Dawn, fashioned from light, dissipated, turning into beams of light that dispersed the crimson moonlight, casting a dawn-like ambiance upon the dark deck. This sensation vanished in the blink of an eye. Lumian, not daring to turn his back on the Pride Armor, repositioned himself and gauged the distance between the armor and Lugano. About 20 meters factoring in Luganos running speed, the sensing range is approximately 15 meters Lumian swiftly concluded. His body reverted to its original form, and a confident smile returned to his face. It was enough. A fifteen-meter range sufficed on the ship! He stowed away the Pride Armor and addressed Lugano, who was still making his way to the bow, The experiment is over. Huh? Lugano came to a sudden halt, realizing that Lumian had already stashed the peculiar silver-white full-body armor back into the mystical item cleverly disguised as a coin bag. Relieved, he jogged back, curiosity etched on his face as he inquired, Did the experiment succeed? Very successful, Lumian replied, sporting a radiant smile. Though Lugano didnt grasp the experiments significance, he had a hunch that Lumian might be exploring a way to locate Father Montserrat. Upon reaching the first-class suite, Lumian promptly instructed Lugano, Go to the captain and ask him to gather all the Beyonders of the Earth pathway on the ship. Oh, and the Beyonders of the Apothecary pathway. Ill be back after capturing Father Montserrat. It doesnt matter if they dont show up. Theyll bear the risk themselves. Unsure if Captain Pedro was aware of every unstable element on the ship and every Beyonder, Lumian planned to monitor the Pride Armor later to prevent it from targeting hidden wild Beyonders. Allowing Pedro to handle this process first would lighten his load. As Lugano left the suite, Lumian turned to Ludwig, who had resumed his meal. Keep an eye out later and see if theres any food secretly lurking here. Ludwig, mouth full of cake, signaled his agreement. Waiting for the captains arrival, Lumian patrolled the cabins top floor with the Pride Armor in his arms, but Father Montserrat remained elusive. Before long, Pedro entered the suite with the suspected security supervisor and a passenger in a low hat. Lumian didnt delve into details and gestured toward the sofa. Wait for me here. Without waiting for a response, he pressed down on his golden straw hat and exited the room. Upon reaching the staircase, Lumian pulled out his silver-white full-body armor. Gripping the Sealed Artifacts armpits firmly with both hands, he methodically patrolled each level of the cabin. Whenever he approached a distance less than 15 meters from his suite, Lumian exercised extra caution, yet the Pride Armor refrained from attacking anyone. Could it be that, beyond five meters and with several layers of obstruction, the armor wouldnt exhibit any additional reactions? Lumian speculated as he descended floor by floor. After nearly half an hour, he descended to the cargo cabin at the bottom. Before maneuvering past stacks of wooden crates, the Pride Armor in Lumians grasp suddenly quivered, breaking free from his control. The silver-white full-body armor morphed a radiant broadsword. Advancing in two strides, it swung at a wooden box tucked in the corner. With a resounding clang, the wooden box splintered, and a handful of steel ingots spilled out. At the same moment, Montserrats clean, youthful visage emerged from the broken box, materializing his entire body. Confronted by the gleaming broadsword of light once more, the priests initially sturdy frame bulked up, as if transforming into a formidable brown bear. Bang! With a powerful palm strike, he sent the Sword of Dawn hurtling, landing atop a wooden crate of goods behind him. This strength rivaled that of a true giant bear! As Father Montserrat skillfully parried the Pride Armors onslaught, Lumian, donned in a linen shirt, black vest, and a golden straw hat, materialized swiftly beside a stack of wooden crates behind him. Hmph! Two beams of white light shot from Lumians nostrils, hitting Father Montserrat before he could even react. Instantly, the priests gaze lost focus, and he crumpled to the ground, unconscious. With this turn of events, vitality surged through his body like a steam engine operating at full throttle. The robust vitality manifested as an incredibly potent self- healing ability, swiftly restoring Father Montserrats spirit. The Spell of Harrumph bore a resemblance to Psychic Piercing, both targeting the Spirit Body and proving challenging to defend against. However, while the latter induced uncontrollable pain, trapping the target, the former added a sleep-inducing or unconscious state to the Spirit Bodya different form of harm. Since it was an injury, it could be healed. Empowered by the vigorous vitalitys transformation, Father Montserrats closed eyelids twitched as his eyeballs moved beneath them. He nearly woke up before hitting the ground! Yet, for Lumian, a mere second of restraint from the Spell of Harrumph was sufficient. Considering that Father Montserrat might also be a product of human refinement, some abilities might not be effective. Lumian lunged at him, extending his right hand. In his open palm, crimson flames coiled and compressed, forming a solid-looking sphere. Simultaneously, the Pride Armor raised the Sword of Dawn once more. Just as Father Montserrat opened his eyes and instinctively regained balance, he caught sight of Louis Berrys jade-green eyes, the dangerous crimson fireball almost white, and the broadsword of light slashing toward his head from the corner of his vision. With only a moment to react, he twisted to the side to evade the Sword of Dawn, but Lumian pressed the crimson, nearly white fireball against him. Boom! In a resounding explosion, Father Montserrat was sent hurtling through the air. Flesh and blood erupted from his right shoulder to his abdomen, bones fractured, and squirming internal organs were laid bare. His right arm dangled, on the verge of detachment. Yet, the robust vitality within Father Montserrat persisted. Flesh and blood wriggled within the gaping wound, miraculously healing. Thud! Father Montserrat crashed to the ground, accompanied by the heavy footsteps of the Pride Armor and the luminous slash of the broadsword. Lifting his finger, the blood and flesh expelled from his body during the explosion swiftly coalesced, transforming into a blurry, thin blood-colored figure. This figure lunged at the silver-white full-body armor, enveloping it and infiltrating its form. Abruptly, the cargo hold was bathed in Sunrise Gleam. The blood-colored figure dissolved, gradually fading away. The Sunrise Gleam was gentle, sparing Father Montserrat the instinctive need to shut his eyes. Consequently, his gaze reflected crimson, nearly white flaming ravens. A dozen or so Fire Ravens circled Lumian, who casually kept one hand in his pocket. Their eyes fixed on Montserrat, tracing distinct trajectories as they soared. Their aim was clearto shred the targets body and set each piece of flesh ablaze, preventing recovery even with his potent self-healing abilities. When each fragment was spaced 20 to 30 centimeters apart, their self-healing powers struggled to reunite them! This wasnt flesh and blood magic! Father Montserrats pupils dilated, and his mouth instinctively opened, emitting a sinister yet intimate voice. With the accompanying voice, a dense darkness descended, and wheat-filled weeds sprouted, devouring the Sunrise Gleam that bathed the warehouse. In the darkness, some of the crimson, nearly white Fire Ravens lost their way, unable to traverse the distant space. Gradually, they dissipatedonly a fraction successfully reaching Father Montserrat. Amidst thunderous explosions, Father Montserrats form turned translucent, giving rise to a colossal illusory oak tree in its place. The oak tree stood unscathed amid the explosion and flames, and amidst the aftermath, the mangled form of Father Montserrat materialized on a branch adorned with mistletoe. He cradled his arms, as if holding an invisible infant. Gazing at Lumian, he wore a genuine smile. So youre not a demigod Waaa! For the first time, Lumian heard the ethereal, hollow cry of the baby. Wah wah wah! Amidst the relentless cries, Lumian felt his vitality draining away. Gradually weakening, even his consciousness began to waver. The depleted vitality seemed to flow towards the invisible baby in Father Montserrats embrace, transforming into its nourishment. Chapter 610 - 610 "New Life" 610 New Life In the face of the infants cries, which gradually weakened him, Lumian teleported immediately to Father Montserrats side, launching a powerful attack to disrupt the impending impact. Yet, in that very moment, he observed the Pride Armor freezing in place upon hearing the infants cry. Suddenly, it crouched down and plunged the Sword of Dawn into the ground covered in dark weeds. Dammit! Directly employing Hurricane of Light? Lumians scalp tingled. Without bothering to confirm, he shifted the teleportation destination, vanishing into the darkness of the illusory oak tree, and reappeared on the ships deck. He had long recognized that Father Montserrats weed wilderness was inferior to the Madames Paramita. It failed to sever the deep connection between the inside and outside, nor could it prevent teleportation. Its sole capability was restraining various sounds and the aftermath of battle, akin to the Bottle of Fiction, if not less. Nonetheless, this wilderness had unique abilities. As Lumians figure faded into the dark wilderness, the Sword of Dawn embedded in the ground by the Pride Armor shattered, transforming into countless light fragments, creating a formidable storm that engulfed the area. The plump wheat-filled weeds were sliced into pieces, leaving the ground barren. Father Montserrat, perched on the oak branch, couldnt dodge in time. He only managed to manifest his body into something resembling wood before being consumed by the Hurricane of Light. The illusory, hollow cry of a baby abruptly ceased. When the Hurricane of Light subsided, Father Montserrat stood frozen in place. In the next moment, his wood-like body, covered in brown bark, split open, revealing deep crevices. Pa, pa, pa. Father Montserrats body fell to the bottom of the oak tree, piece by piece. The incisions were smooth, and blood seeped out. Flesh and blood were instantly absorbed by the illusory oak trees roots, leaving nothing behind. In the middle section of the oak tree, the bark split open. Squirming, moist flesh grew out, expanding into a hole. A human head appeared, squeezed and ejected. In the blink of an eye, the naked human was born by the illusory oak tree. It was Father Montserrat. He retained his adult form, his body wet and partially covered in a dirty, translucent white membrane. New life! With the aid of the weed-covered darkness, the illusionary oak tree, and the invisible baby, Father Montserrat found a new lease of life! His brow smoothed, and his eyes regained a youthful gleam. Enormous bat-like wings, shrouded in dark skin, erupted from his back, propelling him from the heart of the colossal oak to his silver-white full-body armor. The Pride Armor rose, summoning light into its hand, forging a sharp spear. Launching the elongated lance with relentless force, it sliced through the air, embedding into Father Montserrats chest. Father Montserrats bat-like wings enveloped him, and his form shattered into palm-sized black bats. In a mesmerizing dance, the bats circled behind the Pride Armor, reforming into Father Montserrat, adorned with a grimy membrane. Father Montserrats body expanded, morphing into a colossal bear. From his palms sprouted sharp claws etched with enigmatic patterns. With a forceful swipe, he etched five deep gouges onto the Pride Armors back, unveiling its hollow interior. The Pride Armor froze, and the air itself seemed to still. Before Father Montserrat could launch another assault, he noticed the silver-white full-body armor pivoting without warning. Condensing hammers, axes, and flails made of light, it slashed at Father Montserrat frenziedly. Father Montserrat lowered himself, shrinking to the cleared ground, inching towards the illusionary oak tree. The ground beneath him caved, forming a rift. In that moment, Lumian, sensing the end of the Hurricane of Light, teleported back into the darkness. To his surprise, Father Montserrat stood unscathed, devoid of the brown priests attire. Undeterred, Lumian retrieved the Symphony of Hatred bone flute from his Travelers Bag. Seizing the moment while the Pride Armor entangled Father Montserrat, preventing the transmission of sound to the outside world, Lumian aimed to play a melody learned from Port Santas various celebrationscomposed by a Church of Earth Mother Saint for a bountiful harvest. Typically, Lumian would don the Flog boxing gloves, teleport closer, stimulate some desire or emotion in Father Montserrat through a punch, and then play the Symphony of Hatred to trigger Flogs aftereffects. However, Lumian abandoned this well-practiced routine. The peculiar illusionary oak tree on the battlefield gave him pause. Father Montserrat had carried an invisible baby, possibly a Child of God. Wearing the Flog boxing gloves could attract attention and danger. If the Great Mother perceived it and allowed the Child of God to breach the illusory-reality barrier to confront him, the consequences would be dire! Moreover, Lumian suspected that heretics like Montserrat harbored evident psychological issues, making their mental states unpredictable. Playing the Symphony of Hatred directly could exploit this vulnerability, much like how he and Mr. K detested hearing others play the Symphony of Hatred. Uncertain about which weakness might be triggered or the ensuing changes, Lumian planned to roll with the uncertainties. Just as Lumian raised the Symphony of Hatred to his lips, an eerie chill crawled down his spine. Waaa! The spectral babys cries reverberated, mere inches from him. Hehe, hehe. The babys cries morphed into laughter, as if engaged in an intriguing game with Lumian. An inexplicable stiffness gripped Lumian, freezing him momentarily. A cold aura infiltrated his body, spreading gradually to his abdomen. As his life began to ebb away, merging with the cold aura, the baby in his ear oscillated between mournful wails and gleeful laughter. Without hesitation, Lumian plunged his consciousness into his right hand, activating Blood Emperor Alista Tudors residual brand. A violent and frenzied aura erupted from Lumian, enlarging him without relying on his Compression strength. Tangible bloodlust filled the air. The invisible babys cries and laughter abruptly ceased, and the coldness invading Lumians body dissipated under the searing sensation. The dark wilderness swayed, casting a faint glow. Lumian, in control, terminated the activation and blew into the black bone flute with blood-colored holes. A noticeably jubilant melody echoed, stunning Father Montserrat locked in battle with the Pride Armor. His face twisted in indescribable agony. Witnessing the silver armor wielding a staff of condensed light, Father Montserrat instinctively reached out, pointing at the adversarys feet. Countless vines, weeds, and tree branches sprouted rapidly, entwining the Pride Armor and impeding its movements. Amidst the cacophony of crashing branches and tearing vines, the Pride Armor advanced laboriously, slowed by the entanglement. Father Montserrat locked eyes with Lumian and, in a pained plea, shouted, Run! The Child of God cant be killed! Run? Wh Lumian realized Father Montserrat seemed more grounded than before. The warmth in his gaze, the familiarity of home, replaced by agony and conflict. Run! Repent to Mother Earth on my behalf! Father Montserrat screamed in hysteria. His naked form underwent an abnormal transformation. Organs, symbolic of creation and incubation, sprouted under the translucent, filthy white membrane, intertwining in a horrific display. Repent to Mother Earth? Lumian vaguely understood Father Montserrats current state. His corruption appeared incomplete, retaining a side that clung to faith in Earth Mother, resulting in a split personality. Typically, the normal persona remained suppressed by the corrupted one. Is this the problem that the Symphony of Hatred triggered, allowing Father Montserrats normal personality to temporarily gain an advantage and regain control of his body? Lumian sighed, but this didnt prevent him from condensing crimson fireballs that were nearly white, launching them towards the mutated Father Montserrat. Montserrats countenance shifted between frigidity and anguish. His body alternated between evasion and restraint. With all his might, he exclaimed, The Child of God cannot be killed, only banished! As Father Montserrat spoke, the crimson fireballs, nearly white, exploded upon him. The silver-white Pride Armor breached the obstruction of vines and branches, charging forward with a light-conjured staff. Rumble! Upon the fireballs detonation, the fallen Father Montserrat wrested control of his body, attempting to retreat underground. In that instant, Lumian materialized behind him, brandishing the black bone flute. Lumian teleported into the explosions epicenter, unconcerned about the potentially severe injuries from the formidable shockwave! The fireball was a decoy. The true lethal strike he primed was the Symphony of Hatred! Pfft! Lumian thrust the black bone flute with blood-colored holes into Father Montserrats diminishing neck. Rumble! The expanding flames engulfed them both. Chapter 611 - 611 True Name 611 True Name Rumble! As Lumians body was ripped apart by the explosion, he drew upon an Ascetics tolerance for pain and a Pyromaniacs resistance to burning, activating the black mark on his right shoulder once again. Alongside Father Montserrat, whose neck had been pierced by the Symphony of Hatred, he vanished into the swirling flames, reappearing at the edge of the dark wilderness. His linen shirt, black vest, and dark pants lay in tatters. The exposed parts were mangled and charred, revealing white bones in some places. Father Montserrat, close to death, had the filthy, translucent white membrane on his body torn and burned away by the explosion. The mutated naked body with various organs below was dented and charred, with flesh and blood constantly peeling off. Snap. As the first piece of flesh landed on the edge of the weed-covered darkness, it suddenly seeped in, as if absorbed by the soil. Witnessing this, Lumians heart stirred. He grabbed Father Montserrats body and activated teleportation once again. They left the dark wilderness and materialized on the deck bathed in crimson moonlight. Simultaneously, the illusory oak tree in the depths of the cargo hold shed its bark, revealing moist, slippery flesh. The blood-filled flesh began to squirm, but only a palm-sized figure emerged. The figure, nearly the same size as the blob of flesh that had dropped from Father Montserrat and been absorbed by the wilderness, had clear eyes and a youthful appearance, resembling Father Montserrat, who had shrunk countless times. Father Montserrats eyes were glazed, and his expression was rigid, showing no signs of intelligence. The silver-white Pride Armor rushed over and swung the re-condensed light hammer down, flattening the pixie-like Father Montserrat and turning him into a bloody pulp. Dawn lit up, melting the meat paste quickly. The illusory colossal oak tree instantly became more transparent, and the black wilderness with weeds rapidly disintegrated. In the blink of an eye, the abnormal scene vanished. The cargo hold returned to its original state, but many wooden boxes had shattered, and the steel walls and floor bore obvious depressions and deep marks. Elsewhere, Lumian drew the Symphony of Hatreds black bone flute and observed as Father Montserrats blood dripped onto the steel deck without soaking in. Just as he breathed a sigh of relief, he heard Father Montserrat, who had fallen to the ground and entered a dying state, weakly but persistently shout, To banish the Child of God you must grasp His true name! His true name is Suddenly, Father Montserrats voice vanished, but his mouth continued opening and closing. The illusory, hollow cry of a baby echoed in Lumians ears once more. Unlike before, the cries were distant, as if in another world. Lumians body didnt stiffen or turn cold, rendering him immobile. Is the invisible Child of God still wary of the Blood Emperors aura? Is this instinctive fear? Lumian quickly surveyed the surroundings and realized that the crimson moonlight on the deck, or rather, around him, had vanished. The area became abnormally dark, preventing even the sound of seawater splashing. Waa! Waa! Waa! The babys cries persisted, growing louder and clearer. Lumian abruptly lowered his head, fixing his gaze on the breathless Father Montserrat and the stomach of the corpse before him. At some indeterminate moment, the stomach bulged, as if something writhed within. Despite the already gaping wounds, a demonic blood-red glow emanated from the belly. Lumians eyes narrowed slightly as he knelt on one knee. Extending his right hand, which grasped the Symphony of Hatred, towards Father Montserrats distended stomach. Slash! A gentle stroke of the black bone flute cleaved open the blood-red stomach, revealing blood-stained intestines and internal organs. There was no sign of the so-called Child of God or a moist, filthy baby. Poof! A substantial amount of transparent, pale-yellow liquid spewed out from the ruptured blood-colored stomach, splattering the surrounding deck. Waa! Waa! Waa! The babys cries intensified, piercing and shrill, drawing closer to Lumian. He seemed to be gradually overcoming His fear of the Blood Emperors aura out of anger and hatred. I need to find a professional to banish this invisible Child of God Lumian, whose current spirituality allowed him two uses of Spirit World Traversal, planned on seeking assistance. Hunters werent experts in such matters! Yet, after activating the black mark on his right shoulder, Lumian realized he couldnt sense the spirit world or the coordinates he had once held. The abnormal darkness induced by the Child of Gods cries appeared to seal off this area. This was closer to Paramita! I cant find help, summon a messenger, or pray to high-level existences Lumians eyes narrowed as his heart sank. At that moment, the invisible Child of Gods cries drew nearer, causing Lumians body to stiffen and turn cold once again. As panic surged, Lumian, a Conspirer, swiftly devised a new plan: Exorcism Spell! One of the five ritualistic magics from Alms Monk, capable of dispelling wraiths and evil spirits. The unborn Child of God, invisible in the real world, bore a resemblance to wraiths or evil spirits. Lumian, untroubled by the need for a specific target in his Exorcism Spell, could firstly use his name. Secondly, he could pray to Mr. Fool. The proximity-based response of the seal on his chest, due to the severed connection with the outside world, would provide the necessary level and strength! An Ascetic, Lumian could simplify parts of the Exorcism Spell for a quick completion. The hitch was the requirement for the targets real name and an item frequently carried. Lumian lacked both. His gaze shifted to Father Montserrats open and deflated stomach, searching for something relevant. If unsuccessful in a minute, he planned to unleash Blood Emperor Alista Tudors aura, attempting to scare away the invisible Child of God and break through the abnormal darkness for an indirect banishment. After scanning the area a few times, Lumians gaze fixed on the chaotic, blood-stained intestines. Amidst them lay a short, flesh-colored, bloodstained strip, clearly not fully developed. Wh An incomplete umbilical cord of the Child of God? If its truly an umbilical cord, its closely tied to the Child of God. Connected to His flesh and blood. I dont even need to know His true name to succeed in the Exorcism Spell Lumian retracted the Symphony of Hatred and tore off the suspected incomplete umbilical cord. The illusory babys cries intensified. Lumian shuddered and chuckled. Thank you for confirming it for me. He held the incomplete umbilical cord and danced a rhythmic, distorted, primitive dance. As Lumian danced, he constantly bent down, using the umbilical cord to draw corresponding symbols on the deck with Father Montserrats blood. He simplified the patterns he needed to complete, straightened his body, and pressed his left palm, creating a crimson, nearly white flame on the symbol. Then, he placed the umbilical cord into the flames. There was a strong symbolic meaning behind this, representing expulsion, incineration, and purification! Waaa! The babys cries heightened, sending a shiver down Lumians spine, causing his body to tremble slightly. Swiftly, he positioned a lit candle atop the flame and umbilical cord. Stepping back, he recited in Hermes, The Fool that doesnt belong to this era, the mysterious ruler above the gray fog; the King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck As the honorific name of Mr. Fool echoed, a wispy gray fog enveloped the surroundings. The unseen babys cries diminished, echoing in a haunting hollowness. Feeling a burning sensation in his left chest, Lumian advanced two steps with a determined expression. He grasped the smoldering umbilical cord, flicked it thrice, and returned it to its place. He continued, I beseech your assistance. I implore you to banish the object connected to this umbilical cord In an instant, the crimson, nearly white, flames tainted the gray fog, burning more intensely. The umbilical cord swiftly charred, revealing Father Montserrats transparent face marked by explosions and blood. The hollow babys cries faded into the distance. Father Montserrats spirit involuntarily retreated, relief evident on his pained face. He was also connected to the umbilical cord, and he was now a ghost! With difficulty, Father Montserrat raised his hands and shouted, Lifes precious embrace, the harvests grace! Praise the Earth, praise the Mother of All Things! His transparent Spirit Body rapidly dissipated into the darkness. The invisible Child of God emitted a shrill cry filled with hatred and curses. The cry echoed in Lumians head, making him feel as if he had endured Psychic Piercings repeatedly. He became extremely weak, his thoughts consumed by the pain in his soul, losing perception of the outside world. Upon recovery, the abnormal darkness on the deck had vanished, and the crimson moonlight returned. The symbols on the ground and the gray fog-colored flames disappeared, leaving only the quietly burning candle and the charred umbilical cord. After a brief pause, Lumian bent down to extinguish the candle flame. Pressing his hand to his chest, he whispered, Thank you, Mr. Fool. After stowing away the remnants of the umbilical cord and the ritual candle, Lumian cast a glance at Father Montserrats still uncharacteristic corpse. He unleashed his Compression power. His spirituality restored, weakness eased, Lumian finally felt confident enough to return to the cargo hold. Silently, he packed the Pride Armor into his Travelers Bag. Completing this task, he changed into tattered clothes and tended to his exposed wounds briefly. Enduring the pain, he returned to his suite as if nothing had occurred. Addressing the captain, Pedro, and the others, he declared, The problem has been resolved. Father Montserrats corpse is on the deck. His belongings will be handed over to the Church of Earth Mother. Right, a Blessed. Lumian harbored no intention of claiming the Church of Earth Mothers items. Captain Pedro and the others departed in bewilderment to verify the deck situation. Lugano approached Lumian and whispered, Is Father Montserrat really dead? You can take a look at his corpse, Lumian replied with a smile, intending to instruct the servant to provide treatment. Lugano frowned and said, But I vaguely heard his voice earlier. He seemed to be shouting the name of the so-called Child of God. Shouting the so-called Child of Gods name? Back then, Father Montserrat had indeed shouted the Child of Gods true name, but due to special reasons, it hadnt reached the real world. Only Beyonders nearby corrupted by the Child of God could hear it? Lumian pondered and said to Lugano, That was before Father Montserrats death. What name did he call out? Lugano heaved a sigh of relief and recalled, I think it was I think it was Finally, he remembered and recited the pronunciation. Yes, Omebella. Chapter 612 - 612 Daybreak 612 Daybreak Omebella. Termiboross resonant voice reverberated in Lumians ears as He echoed Luganos words. Youve heard of that? Lumian hadnt anticipated Termiboros, who had maintained silence for a considerable time, mentioning a name that left no impression on him. No, Ive never heard of it before today. Lugano thought it was a question directed at him. Termiboros fell silent, offering no response. From the looks of it, it seems there is something off about the Child of Gods true name And it sounds like a womans name. Considering the Villain pathways progression to Sequence 5 Banshee, where they transition to women, and the inherent female inclination of the Earth pathways Sequence 0, Earth Mother, along with the influence of the Great Mother Herself, its quite plausible that the Child of God is a woman. Its a logical deduction Lumian glanced at Lugano and smiled. Its fortunate you werent aware of this earlier. Otherwise, you might have found yourself linked to the so-called Child of God. As Lumian spoke, his attention shifted to Ludwig, who had silently moved to the living rooms balcony. Lumian approached him at a measured pace, his gaze following Ludwigs toward the deck where Captain Pedro and others were examining Father Montserrats lifeless form. Lumian asked thoughtfully, Is it edible? He meant whether Father Montserrats corpse was edible. While Lumian had abstained from claiming the Church of Earth Mothers possessions, including Father Montserrats Beyonder characteristics, he hadnt committed to preserving the corpse intact. In the heat of battle, it was customary for bodies to sustain damage! Ludwig shook his head. Not yet. Very well, Lumian sighed, retracting his gaze with a tinge of regret. Thus, the mystery of Father Montserrats inexplicable connection with the invisible Child of God remained unsolved. A peculiar umbilical cord had even taken root in his stomach, leaving Lumian unable to confirm if Prinpino was a byproduct refined from Father Montserrats remains. Indeed, Father Montserrat bore signs of severe corruption, though Lumian hadnt anticipated his corruption to rival that of Mad Ladys. Of course, it paled in comparison to the state of the Mad Ladys corpse; even Ludwig found it too dirty. As for spirit channeling, Lumian understood that a spirit banished by the Exorcism Spell couldnt be summoned for a specific duration, rendering communication impossible. Once this period lapsed, spirit channeling became futile. Upon returning to the living room, Lumian sank into a recliner, casually unbuttoning his black vest and linen shirt. Turning to Lugano, he remarked, Come and treat me. Luganos eyes surveyed the makeshift bandages and the oozing wounds, expressing surprise. Its that serious? Lumian, with a hint of amusement, responded, Do you think dealing with Father Montserrat is a walk in the park? If I hadnt taken risks, I might have been the one lying dead. Lugano instinctively denied the suggestion, Not what I meant. Why are your clothes and pants unscathed after such serious injuries? Lumian, enduring the pain, replied casually, I obviously changed before coming back. His Travelers Bag proved invaluable, holding nearly a dozen identical shirts, vests, and pants, albeit varying in vest colors. The only casualty was the golden straw hat, consumed in the explosion, now burnt to ashes. However, this setback hardly fazed the great adventurer, Louis Berry, who had stocked up on identical replacements before leaving Port Farim. This was the benefit of having a Travelers Bag. Otherwise, how could he have the space to store so many useless items with just a suitcase? Lugano, choosing not to pry further, focused on tending to his employers injuries. Originally considering a more intricate procedure, like cutting off charred skin, Luganos plans were halted by Lumian, opting for a simpler approach. Lumian had no intention of enduring the agony of anesthesia-free surgery, knowing that he would revert to his original state at 6 a.m. With the pain and injuries now manageable and showing significant improvement, Lumian made his way back to his room. There, he unfolded a letter and began recounting the events involving Father Montserrat and the true name of the Child of God, diligently reporting to Madam Magician. Lumian consistently regarded matters related to evil gods and the so-called Child of God with great gravity. He believed such concerns should be left to his superiors, acknowledging the importance of involving higher authorities. Had Mr. K possessed a messenger, Lumian would have promptly dispatched a modified copy to inform the Aurora Order Oracle of the situation. The next course of action wasnt within the purview of an ordinary member like him or Minor Arcana; it was a concern for others to address. Observing a shared stance between the Tarot Club and the Aurora Order in combating evil gods, especially those breaching the barrier, Lumian recognized his responsibility as both a minor Arcana card holder in the Tarot Club and an official member of the Aurora Order. After meticulously recording the details, including Termiboross reaction, Lumian summoned the doll messenger. Engaged in a recent dispute with Ludwig and being in proximity to the other party, the doll messenger swiftly arrived and departed. It seldom lingered, avoiding casual conversations. In a clean and refreshing bedroom of Loen Kingdom, Backlund, Madam Magician lay peacefully in bed, immersed in a restful slumber. Abruptly, she sat up, a puzzled expression crossing her face. Spirituality warning? Is something significant about to unfold? Madam Magician, having just poured a glass of Sonia blood wine and not yet delved into her astromancy, was surprised to see the doll messenger materialize on her desk. It placed a folded letter next to a dark-red fountain pen. Lumians letter Has he unearthed the issue with the Earth Mother Churchs priest? I didnt guide him in vain Madam Magician mused, letting the glass float in midair. She picked up the letter and unfolded it. As she read, her expression underwent a sudden change, and she softly repeated the name, Omebella? The true name of the invisible Child of God is this? Was my spiritual warning connected to it? This is something worth discussing at the Tarot Clubs regular gathering After a moment, Madam Magician used astromancy to indirectly verify the information. She then seated herself and observed as the dark-red fountain pen levitated. Removing the cap, she began to inscribe her thoughts on the faux goatskin: Omebella is a name shrouded in the fog of history. It carries a potent symbolic meaning in mysticism Using Omebella as the Child of Gods true name. I dont know if its tied to the mysteries of the Second Epoch when the ancient gods, predating the Ancient Sun God, ruled the land, or if the Great Mother is employing intense mystical symbolism to gradually erode Earth Mothers authority and even Earth Mother Herself. If we can unravel the secrets of the ancient era, we might find an answer. The one the Aurora Order believes in might know something. As Lumian read the response inked on faux goatskin, he sensed a subtle suggestion from Madam Magician, hinting at him to inquire with the Aurora Order through Mr. K. He continued reading. Simply put, Omebella belongs to the ancient giant race. Once known as the Goddess of Harvest during the era when ancient gods held sway. I cant divulge more at this time. No need to delve into this matter specifically. If you come across the Earth Mother Churchs Favored, Nightstalkers, or members of the School of Gods Descent, keep a vigilant eye. Well handle the follow-up. Of course, when the time comes, we might assign you one or two minor missions. The Goddess of Harvest indeed linked to the Earth pathway Lumian pondered as he burned the letter with crimson flames. Returning to bed, he feigned sleep, attuned to the ships movements. With the sunrise, his body swiftly healed, and the day unfolded without unexpected incidents. Lumian returned to the living room and addressed Lugano, who had been awake for an hour, showing signs of a restless night. Still hearing the baby crying? No, Lugano replied, a mix of joy and uncertainty evident in his response. Lugano believed he needed more time to observe before drawing a final conclusion. Lumian chuckled. As expected, seeking Father Montserrats help is the only way to completely resolve your aftereffects. Lugano nearly choked on his words. So, thats why you wanted me to seek help from Father Montserrat? Killing him is the equivalent of completely resolving the aftereffects I suffered? Lumian approached the balcony and instructed Lugano, Find Enio later and use a follow-up consultation as an excuse to confirm his condition. Right, Enio was saved by Father Montserrats surgery. Since theres something wrong with Father Montserrat, he, too, might be problematic Lugano had concerns seeking the patient, fearing potential danger. However, as he observed the sunlight gradually brightening and the horizon turning red, a sense of relief washed over him. At 9 a.m., Lugano returned, informing Lumian that the special patient had recovered exceptionally well. There were no signs of surgery failure or hidden dangers, nor indications of corruption. Around the same time, Captain Pedro approached Lumian, sharing news that the ship would temporarily dock to allow the Church of Earth Mothers personnel to collect Father Montserrats corpse and relics and remove relevant individuals. Notably, the adventurer and his servant were explicitly excluded from this directive by the Church of Earth Mother. Lumian smiled, offering no response to the captains words. His demeanor radiated confidence and certainty. Around noon, several combat nuns and a priest in a brown robe boarded the ship, escorting Enio and others away. On the balcony, Lugano observed Enio being invited off the ship, his expression a mix of daze and fear, powerless to resist. Lugano sighed. If hes fine, why capture him? Lumian emitted a soft chuckle. Do you think its nonexistent just because you say so? Be optimisticafter the Church of Earth Mother confirms theres no issue, he might secure a clerical position within the Church, interacting with combat nuns daily. Lugano fell silent, then after a few seconds, he remarked, But that also means losing his freedom. Hes a victim Freedom? Lumian scoffed. The prerequisite for freedom is not endangering others. Despite his stance, as he witnessed the terrified and nervous Enio and recalled the deceased Father Montserrat in his normal persona, Lumian couldnt help but recall a peculiar phrase his sister would occasionally utter: All living beings suffer. Ooo! With a whistle, the ship prepared to set sail once again. Chapter 613 - 613 New Commission 613 New Commission A few days later, Lumian lounged on a recliner on the suites balcony, soaking in the sea breeze, reveling in the sunlight, and sipping an undiluted Manzan. From his Travelers Bag, he retrieved the incomplete umbilical cord from Father Montserrat. The cord was completely charred, stripped of its spirituality. After Lumians repeated confirmations, backed by Franca and Jennas divination, a conclusion was reached: After the Exorcism Spell, the umbilical cord lost its vitality. Moreover, lacking Beyonder characteristics, it couldnt function as a mystical item or a main ingredient for charms, agents, weapons, or any other artifacts. All it retained now was its distinct uniqueness. In simpler terms, it mirrored the mark left on Lumian by Blood Emperor Alista Tudor. Devoid of power and incapable of emitting the fearsome aura of the Great Mothers Child of God, Lumian couldnt wield it to intimidate and temporarily intimidate a specific target. Lumian surmised that it could only play a role in two scenarios. Firstly, it could act as a casting ingredient, enabling specific spells to wield power beyond ordinary standards or aiding Warlocks in utilizing special spells beyond their usual repertoire. Secondly, it could serve as a supplementary ingredient incorporated during the crafting of mystical items, charms, agents, or Beyonder weapons, imparting unique effects to the final product. Naturally, Lumian also believed that such an umbilical cord fragment could prove valuable in the presence of the Great Mothers bestowed. For instance, even without Provocation, he could provoke intense animosity from those individuals. Regrettably, Witches share similarities with Pyromaniacs. They are restricted to utilizing various black magic bestowed by potions, unable to delve into spell study and master new incantations like Warlocks. Among these black magics, only one, the Bloodline Curse, can be paired with an umbilical cord as a casting ingredient. However, the invisible Child of God has yet to manifest in the real world, rendering the curse ineffective against Him. Cursing the Great Mother is also off the table, as Franca and Jenna might find themselves with giving birth right there and then Yes, at the next meeting at the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society or any other mysticism gathering, I could aim to acquire a mystical item tied to a Warlock Sequence, then amass potent spells that employ umbilical cords or high-level items as casting ingredients. Uh isnt this creating several complications? In Aurores terms, its akin to raising a sheep for a plate of coarse saltnurturing it only to be eventually slaughtered and roasted Ive not needed to seek out an Artisan for crafting mystical items lately, and the absence of primary ingredients complicates matters. Alternatively, should I transform it into a Beyonder weapon with limited use? This isnt ideal. Theres a contamination risk if an insufficiently skilled Artisan incorporates it as a supplementary ingredient. Its not worthwhile enlisting the help of a high-level Artisan for what seems like a practically useless item What about fashioning charms and agents myself? Lumian scrutinized the charred short umbilical cord for an extended period, grappling with indecision. Eventually, he returned it to his Travelers Bag. Then, Lumian reached into his pocket, where a finger from Mr. K sat. In the past two days, he had undertaken a special return to Trier to brief Mr. K about Father Montserrat and the invisible Child of God. He received unreserved approval and praise from Mr. K. The enthusiasm and fervor led Lumian to suspect that Mr. K might, in the next moment, sever his own arm and offer it to him. His fingers seemed insufficient to convey the depth of his emotions! Mr. K expressed great satisfaction with his decision to permit Lumian to leave Trier and pursue his adversaries. He perceived it as the Lords revelation and commended Lumians peculiar affinity for heretics and incidents involving evil gods, seeing him as a walking calamity for the fallen. How could a Beyonder of such stature confine himself to Trier? It was imperative to explore various locations in the Northern and Southern Continents! Regarding the name of the ancient Goddess of Harvest, Omebella, Mr. K didnt exhibit a notable reaction, nor did he seek an immediate revelation from his Lord. Lumian, failing to secure an answer, bid farewell and departed. Instead, he sought out Franca, Jenna, and Anthony to share the details of the surgical removal, human refinement, and Father Montserrats near-conception of the Great Mothers Child of God as a man. While Franca and Jenna were already acquainted with the Sowers of the Villain pathway, the connection with Father Montserrat left them feeling like they were hearing a horror story, traumatized by the bestowed of the Great Mother. Anthony displayed no overt reaction, but he made a rare gesture. Unconsciously, he gently stroked his stomach. After conveying his sentiments, Lumian returned to the ship contentedly, resuming his journey to the southernmost part of the Feynapotter Kingdom. Knock, knock, knock. Lumian had just flipped through the Dutanese textbook for a few minutes when a series of knocks echoed on the suites wooden door. Lugano, ever diligent, played the role of a servant, making his way to the door and peering through the peephole. In the past few days, the absence of baby cries had eased his anxious heart. This incident only heightened his gratitude for choosing to stay with his employer rather than returning to Trier. Lugano believed that if the issue stemmed from the Beyonder ingredients left behind by Tanko, even if he hadnt boarded this ship, he would have encountered a similar situation sooner or later. Moreover, the wait wouldnt be long perhaps a year or even half a year. Without the aid of a powerful Beyonder like Lumian Lee, his fate would have been quite clear. Spotting Captain Pedro outside, Lugano turned to Lumian, who was on the balcony, and informed him, Boss, the captain is looking for you! Why would the captain seek me out? Shouldnt we tacitly overlook what happened? Lumian closed the Dutanese textbook and returned to the living room, bathed in bright sunlight. Pedro, sporting a handsome brown beard, entered the suite and exchanged pleasantries. Clearing his throat, he said, Mr. Berry, are you interested in taking on a commission? Its a straightforward one and wont consume much of your time. Straightforward? I doubt it would remain so after being entrusted to me After various experiences, he gained a better understanding of his unique constitution: As a Beyonder of the Hunter pathway, harboring an evil gods angel within him and concealed remnants of the Blood Emperors aura, he naturally attracted calamities, prematurely unveiling problems that might have remained hidden. Lumian couldnt foresee how a supposedly simple commission would unfold. Seated in an armchair, Lumian smiled and responded, What commission? Ill listen to the specifics before deciding whether to accept it. Pedro sighed, beginning to explain, The destination of this voyage is Port Colla, my hometown. My wife and children live there. At the start of the year, my beloved eldest daughter, Salah, fell in love with a young man. She was passionate and eager to marry him. As youre aware, in Feynapotter, marriage and family are held in high regard. We must approach marriage cautiously and maintain it responsibly. Blindly rushing into the cathedral isnt our way. Is that lad displeasing to you and your Matriarch? Are you hiring me to silence him? Lumian teased. Honestly, theres no need for such trouble. A captain like you surely has plenty of ways to handle inexperienced young people. For instance, give him an opportunity and entice him into the sea tradeonly for him to never return. Pedro chuckled dryly and responded, Im a law-abiding citizen. I wont resort to such measures. A sea-faring captain with Beyonder abilities is a law- abiding citizen? Spare me the humor Lumian criticized, smiling at Pedro, prompting him to continue. I probed the young man and sensed something amiss. I hired adventurers to investigate him, but the two adventurers never returned, Pedro explained earnestly. This raised my alarm. I dont want my child involved with such a person. Its too risky. Lumian nodded slightly. Is that why youve sought me out? Yes, Pedro admitted, forcing a smile. To you, this may seem trivial, but its of utmost importance to me. Im willing to pay 20,000 gold risot as compensation. All spoils are yours. 20,000 gold risot. Being a captain seems quite lucrative Lumian pondered for a moment and asked, Are you a Beyonder of the Planter or Apothecary pathway? Are there any Beyonders from these two pathways in your family? What kind of question is that Pedro was taken aback. No. Why havent you sought help from the Church? Lumian inquired, posing a second question. Pedros expression darkened. After a brief silence, he sighed and replied, As expected of an experienced adventurer. I didnt approach the Church because something is off with my daughter, Salah. Her infatuation with that young man is too intense, and she rejects reason. Its as if shes possessed by a demon. Seeking the Church could resolve the issue, but it might also lead to a negative encounter and outcome for Salah. Lumian nodded thoughtfully. Do you suspect that Salah has been influenced or even possessed by an unknown entity? Yes, Pedro admitted, appearing worried. Lumian asked a few more questions and took a moment to reflect before stating, Alright, I accept this commission. He had to consistently pursue opportunities and work towards digesting the Conspirer potion to a level where he could conduct an advancement ritual upon reaching West Balam in the Southern Continent. Of course, saving up funds for Ludwigs meals was another motivation. A few days later, at 10 p.m., in Apartment 702, 9 Rue Orosai, Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, Trier. Franca and Jenna glanced at Anthony, who had just knocked and entered, puzzled. Why are you here at this time of day? Anthony nodded. Ive found that woman. Huh? Jenna was momentarily surprised before questioning, The woman who appeared in the Magic Mirror Divination? The woman whose presence caused the Mirror World Fragment on me to tremble slightly? Anthony affirmed with certainty, Yes. Chapter 614 - 614 Under-the-table Transaction 614 Under-the-table Transaction Delilah Le Roy, daughter of a gem merchant, already wed with offspringa boy and girlindulges in opera, theater, and literature. Despite the prior incident in Quartier de la Maison dOpra, she persists in her activities, easily located by my informant within a week Not one for bodyguards, she ventures out with only her ladys maid and a valet in tow Seated in a window booth at a street caf, Jenna mentally reviewed the compiled data, observing the refined lady with makeup befitting her stature disembark from her carriage and enter Triers esteemed Avenue du Boulevards Bonnie department store. Jenna redirected her attention, acknowledging Anthony Reid seated diagonally across from her. Thats her. Franca, positioned on the same side as Jenna, deliberated before speaking, The issue at hand Is she baiting us? If her reaction was merely surprise without understanding, we might glean little of value. Should she persist in her high-profile activities despite the resonance with the Mirror World Fragment, its plausible that she or the person behind her seeks to draw out the Mirror World Fragments holder. Having assessed the scenario, Franca concluded, Engaging with Delilah recklessly poses significant risks. But our Magic Mirror Divination assures the safety of todays operation, Jenna countered. Franca smiled in response. Place not undue faith in divination. Moreover, the danger may not be immediate. Hastily engaging with Delilah could disrupt our future leads. So, we stand by? Wait a month or two until tensions ease before acting? Jenna pondered briefly, then sat upright, revealing her plan, I have an idea! What is it? Franca inquired, intrigued. Jenna pursed her lips and smiled. Employ the mystical itemAuthority Holders Under-the-table Transaction. It grants us a discreet opportunity to interact with Delilah unnoticed. This way, if the issue stems from the person behind Delilah, our contact remains concealed, preserving the trail of clues. And if Delilah herself is the concern, we can swiftly transition from contact to control. Franca contemplated the proposal with gravity for a brief moment. Its not implausible Im actually interested in testing the Authority Holders Under-the-table Transaction myself. No need to contest it. Im a Sequence higher than you, and my self-preservation capabilities surpass yours. Even if evil entities like demons seek a trade, I can invoke Madam Judgment, a formidable Arbiter, as my witness! The Demoness of Pleasure appeared eager to put the mystical item to the test. Jenna remained silent for a few seconds before consenting, Alright. Anthony continued, Ill handle the brief encounter. Using a Hypnotist ensures no lingering clues or traces for the person behind Delilah to discover. No issue. Franca dispensed with formalities, directing her gaze at Jenna, awaiting the retrieval of the Authority Holders Under-the-table Transaction. Dressed in grayish-white attire with brown leather armor, Jenna, like many female mercenaries, carried a leather brown backpack. From the backpack, she retrieved a small, dark-painted wooden box adorned with a membrane curtain on each side, placing it on the table in the cafs private room. Franca weighed the terms of her request against the price of the Authority Holders Bribe powers. Rolling up the sleeve of her ladys shirt, she reached through the membrane curtain on one side of the wooden box with a small cloth bag containing 100 Louis dor in her right hand. Although the usage instructions didnt explicitly exclude banknotes, Franca, drawing on her extensive mystic experience, opted for gold coins, a more universally accepted form of currency. In the next instant, she felt contact with wrinkled and moist skin, five fingers enclosing around the cloth bag containing the gold coins. Suppressing a momentary surge of disgust, Franca articulated her request in Hermes. I desire an uninterrupted, unobserved, and highly discreet face-to-face encounter lasting over three minutes between my friend Anthony Reid, seated across from me, and Delilah, a member of the Le Roy gem merchant family in the nearby Bonnie department store. Franca had included meticulous qualifiers, ensuring precision in the parties meeting and the manner of their encounter to avoid any distortion. The object with the wrinkled and wet palm-like texture lifted the cloth bag containing the gold coins and withdrew. This signified the agreement of the Authority Holders Under-the-table Transaction. Franca withdrew her right hand, using a white handkerchief to meticulously cleanse the touched area while expressing her discomfort with continuous spitting. Where should we position ourselves while waiting for the opportunity to meet? Anthony inquired. Franca stowed away her handkerchief, offering a smile. The request specified only two individuals: yourself and Delilah Le Roy. Consequently, your best chance is to shadow her until the opportunity arises. Fair enough At this juncture, Franca retrieved the resplendent Seven-Stone Bracelet from her Travelers Bag, extending it towards Anthony. In case of any complications, teleport away immediately. Observing the seriousness in the Demoness of Pleasures demeanor, Anthony swallowed his inclination to politely refuse and accepted the Seven-Stone Bracelet. After a moment of contemplation, Franca suggested, If you place trust in me, I can craft a Paper Figurine Substitute using your blood and hair. Anthony remained silent for a few seconds before agreeing, Okay. Within the confines of the Bonnie department store, Anthony swiftly pinpointed Delilah Le Roy, exercising his keen observation skills as a Hypnotist. Delilah stood amidst the first floor, accompanied by her ladys maid and the valet, engrossed in a magicians performance held by the department store to elevate the ambiance. In the midst of the spectacle, the magicians assistant wheeled in a substantial wooden box capable of accommodating three to four individuals. The magician, with a theatrical flourish, removed his top hat and made an announcement. For my next act, I require the assistance of two fortunate members of the audience. Madame, would you do me the honor of joining me on stage? The magicians invitation was directed at Delilah Le Roy. Though hesitant, Delilah couldnt muster a refusal and reluctantly ascended the wooden stage prepared for the magical performance. A weak personality and a difficulty in declining others Perhaps influenced by the Authority Holders Under-the-table Transaction Anthony vaguely anticipated the nature of the intended meeting as he observed Delilahs demeanor. With a calculated step forward, he drew the attention of the magician. This gentleman, please join us on stage as well. Feigning reluctance, Anthony awkwardly made his way up onto the stage. The magician gestured toward the wooden box, instructing, Please take a seat inside. Pursing her lips, Delilah sighed and, urged by the crowd, entered the wooden box. Choosing a seat the furthest from her, Anthony, while there was still illumination, offered a smile and remarked, Truth be told, I feel a bit embarrassed too. His words were delivered with a calm and genial tone, causing Delilahs tense demeanor to ease. Anthony continued, Dont believe me? Look me in the eye. He pointed to his eyes, inviting her gaze. Delilah instinctively turned her gaze toward a pair of dark brown eyes reflecting her figure. My figure Delilah was caught off guard as her gaze seemed to descend into a spiraling depth. In that moment, the magician closed the wooden box, enveloping it in darkness. Seizing the opportune moment, Anthony posed a question, Did you experience anything unusual in Quartier de la Maison dOpra a week ago? Yes, Delilah responded truthfully, sensing a trustworthy demeanor. What was that sensation? Anthony inquired as the magician recited his rehearsed lines. My heart started racing, and my blood felt like it was boiling, Delilah recounted her experience. Do you know what that means? Anthony probed further. In the darkness, Delilah shook her head. Im not sure, but my real father instructed me to inform him immediately if I had similar sensations. Real father? Anthony had a hunch. Delilah chuckled self-deprecatingly, explaining, My real father, my mothers lover, and the current governments Minister of Industry, Moran Avigny. Moran Avigny Sensing the magicians maneuvers with the wooden box, Anthony swiftly posed a final question. What did he say upon learning about your reaction? He told me not to worry and to continue living as usual, Delilah admitted, still harboring some concerns. Anthony acknowledged her words succinctly. Lovely lady, Im thrilled to share this magic moment with you. Can you provide me with something memorable? Perhaps a few strands of your hair. His voice, deep and captivating, made Delilah feel that the request was entirely normal. Consequently, she plucked a few strands of hair and handed them to Anthony. Upon touching the hair, Anthony sighed in relief and continued in a resonant voice, I dont want this to jeopardize your family. Once you step out of this wooden box and hear my snap, youll forget our interaction here As his compelling voice echoed, Delilahs thoughts blurred. Smack! The wooden box opened, revealing only Anthony. Delilah, on the other hand, had been gracefully pulled from behind the stage by the magician. The audience erupted in excited applause. Once the ovation died down, the magician, hand pressed to his chest, bowed in gratitude. Without casting a glance at Delilah, Anthony snapped his fingers. Intent on engaging in conversation with the man who had established a connection with her, Delilah was jolted when she heard the snap. Her body shuddered slightly, her eyes momentarily glazed over before regaining awareness. Turning on her heel, she descended the wooden platform, returning to her place between the ladys maid and valet. Meanwhile, Anthony departed at a measured pace, seamlessly blending into the crowd. In Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, Apartment 702, 9 Rue Orosai. Franca applied the ashes of Delilahs hair onto the surface of the makeup mirror using black flames, reciting the familiar incantation for the Magic Mirror Divination. Amidst the splashing water and the dark luster, Franca posed the question, Is the owner of this hair a Mirror Person? The aged voice responded, No. Chapter 615 - 615 Descendants 615 Descendants Based on Anthonys feedback, Franca had long suspected that Delilah wasnt a Mirror Person but had some connection to them. Otherwise, she wouldnt have reacted abnormally without knowing anything. She raised the question during Magic Mirror Divination to ensure Delilah hadnt made preparations in advance or been hypnotized. After a moment of contemplation, Franca posed her second question. Is the owner of this hair a descendant of the Tamara family? Amidst the splashing water in the dim mirror, an aged voice replied, No. Not a descendant of the Tamara family Franca used the elimination method and chose a pre-prepared question. Is the owner of this hair a descendant of Mirror People? The aged voice replied in a calm and hoarse tone, Yes. Yes Franca and Jenna were both shocked and delighted. Though they had similar suspicions, confirming it stunned and terrified them. How long had the Mirror People infiltrated Trier? Why did they have descendants in their thirties? Moreover, they could marry, have children, and have descendants like ordinary people Aside from believing in the mirrors Primordial Demoness, who had a more extreme personality and naturally harbored resentment towards Her counterpart outside the mirror, what was the essential difference between them and ordinary people? Franca and the others werent sure if most Mirror People dissipated after death, leaving behind fragments of the mirror world, or if only a few special Mirror People like Mirror Gardner were like this. Combined with Delilahs biological father, the current Minister of Industry, Moran Avigny, instructing her to pay attention to abnormal reactions, Franca concluded that the high-ranking official had been replaced by a Mirror Person many years ago. According to the information gathered, the municipal modifications in Underground Trier, particularly the catacombs, were implemented to address the leakage of the Fourth Epoch Triers seal. Mirror People had already replaced the originals by then, making it reasonable for them to inhabit Trier, Anthony said after some thought. The problem now is that Mirror People can actually have descendants normally. Jennas eyes flickered as she interjected, One more thing. Did a descendant of the Tamara family bring the Mirror World Fragment into the tomb in recent decades? Or was it a special Mirror Person searching for something and ended up perishing in there? Or could it be that before Fourth Epoch Trier sank underground or was sealed, Mirror People were already active on this land? Franca hissed and said, Your latter conjecture is a little terrifying. Our original deduction was that the special Mirror World stemmed from the War of the Four Emperors, which caused Fourth Epoch Trier to sink. It was closely related to the Primordial Demonesss divine descent, Blood Emperor Alista Tudors counterattack before death, and the demise of the Demoness of Catastrophe, Krismona. However, if Mirror People had appeared in Fourth Epoch Trier before all of that, the root cause of the problem would be even more mysterious and terrifying. Fear of the unknown. Franca couldnt help but gaze at the makeup mirror in her hand and address the dark mirror, Am I a descendant of Mirror People? She didnt expect an answer, knowing that Magic Mirror Divination usually allowed only three questions at most. She merely voiced her thoughts and was concluding the divination. The mirror fell silent for a few seconds before resuming, Your ancestor had nothing to do with Trier. Oh, does that mean I cant be related to the Mirror People? Wait a moment Francas surprise reverberated in her voice. Then, a sudden realization struck her. So, youre not an emotionless answering machine. You dont have to strictly adhere to the corresponding rules. The darkness on the mirrors surface swiftly dissipated, and the aged voice ceased. Franca was left speechless. Jenna drew closer to Anthony, her words a hushed murmur, Did you catch the helplessness in that answer? Anthony cast a subtle glance at Franca and nodded imperceptibly. Hey! Dont whisper in front of me. I can hear you! Franca complained, her Assassins keen senses picking up their conversation. She swiftly shifted the topic, Fortunately, it said no. If it was a yes, it would be terrifying. Hmm Your grandfather or great-grandfather shouldnt be Trieriens, right? Im not even a Trierien myself, Anthony replied. Jenna tersely acknowledged. The generation of my fathers and mothers grandfathers came to Trier. Franca breathed a sigh of relief, stating, Now, the direction of the investigation is clear. The current Minister of Industry, Moran Avigny! She pondered whether to conduct a covert investigation to gather crucial information or to promptly inform 007 and let the Eternal Blazing Sun Church handle it. Opting for the latter meant potential constraints due to confidentiality principles, limiting her access to the specific details she could seek from 007. Ooo! Amidst a whistle, a ship steered into Port Colla on the southernmost coastline of the Feynapotter Kingdom. It was already mid-November, and Trier was gripped by a cold winter. Although Port Santa demanded thick clothing due to plummeting temperatures, Port Colla retained a warm climate. Passersby adorned themselves in fancy short-sleeved shirts and loose pants, exposing their ankles. Unlike Port Santa, Port Colla lacked the tradition of carrying sabers or swords, but Lumian, drawing from her knowledge, knew that the people here were still rambunctious, with large- scale armed conflicts being commonplace. Port Colla differed significantly from Port Santa, which thrived on pastures, plains, and mountain range mines. With limited arable land and scarce pastures, the inhabitants originally depended on the sea for their livelihood. Over generations, the Church of Earth Mothers advancements in land development, seed cultivation, and livestock breeding transformed Port Colla. While the region achieved a level of self-sufficiency in food production, the rambunctious folk customs endured. Nevertheless, Port Colla continued to be a major importer of food, serving as one of the primary trade hubs between the Feynapotter Kingdom and the Southern Continent. The bustling port hosted numerous foreigners and stood as a key base for the Harvest Fleet. Captain Pedro, standing beside Lumian, observed the lively port scene. Its the dry season, so the weather isnt as hot, and theres not much rain. Its the most comfortable period in Port Colla. Youre welcome to visit. These words, spoken out of courtesy, hung in the air. Lumian, leaning against the shipboard, directed his gaze toward the distant sea, shrouded in what seemed like dark clouds. Is that the Berserk Sea? The Berserk Sea divided the Northern and Southern Continents. Only when Emperor Roselle found a safe sea route could the Northern Continents countries cross the sea and reach the Southern Continent. Pedro nodded, a hint of solemnity in his voice. Thats right. Without a captain and sailors familiar with those waters, a ship will undoubtedly be swallowed by the ever-changing and violent weather there. Shipwrecks occur around Port Colla every year, claiming lives. When the majority of the passengers disembarked, Lumian guided Ludwig and Lugano to Captain Pedros residence. He intended to assess the situation of his eldest daughter, Salah, and her lover before deciding on his next course of action. Carrying a suitcase and holding Ludwigs hand, Lugano trailed closely behind his employer. It wasnt until they left the dock that he realized something startling. His employer and the captain were conversing in Highlander! Since departing from Port Santa, his employer and most of the ships occupants had been using Highlander for communication. When did he learn Highlander? How had he become proficient in it? As Lugano observed his employers retreating figure, he fell into a thoughtful silence, absorbing the relatively fluent Highlander being spoken. Port Colla, 7 White Shark Street, Pedros house. A five-story building with a green front lawn and a charming garden in the rear, it was home to nearly thirty people under Pedros mothers care. Passing through the iron gates, Lumian spotted a couple strolling arm in arm on the lawn. They were both very young. The woman, in her early twenties, possessed brown hair, brown eyes, and a naturally fair, now- tanned complexion. Although her appearance was remarkable, Lumian, accustomed to interacting with Demonesses and having a beautiful sister, deemed her merely decent. The man, in his mid-twenties, had ordinary features, single eyelids, and curly brown hair. Clad in a white shirt and dark-gray pants, he had very average looks and demeanors that would be lost in a crowd. Salah, let me introduce you. This is the great adventurer, Louis Berry. His legendary experiences will soon reach Colla, Pedro joyfully introduced Lumian without a trace of gloominess. Salah, sporting a fishnet hat to shield herself from the sun, approached with curiosity, What kind of legendary experiences? Does earning 300,000 gold risot from a commission count? Pedro replied, representing Lumian with a smile. 300,000 gold risot? Salah exclaimed. This was a huge fortune for most people in Feynapotter. Lumian observed the father-daughter interaction with a smile. In his peripheral vision, he detected a darkening expression on Salahs lover, a clear sign of displeasure. Jealousy, vigilance, and worry? If theres truly something amiss with him, he should be more confident Lumian mused, unfazed. Pedro then introduced Salahs lover. Flores, Salahs fianc. They met in Feynapotter City. Feynapotter City, nestled in the highlands, stood as the capital of the Feynapotter Kingdom. Salah had encountered Flores there during her university studies, though Flores hailed from an ordinary family with modest educational qualifications. Having completed only elementary grammar school, he later established a grocery store near Highlander University. Greetings, Lumian nodded slightly, exuding the self-assured air of a great adventurer. Following the welcoming banquet, Flores departed from Pedros house. He ventured into his favorite romantic bar, settling at the counter with a discontented expression. While casually surveying the surroundings, he couldnt help but notice a woman seated two or three spots away. Her flaxen-colored hair was elegantly tied up, and her lake- colored eyes held a crystalline glimmer. With a high nose bridge and rosy lips, even her side profile was breathtakingly beautiful. Chapter 616 - 616 "Love" 616 Love For a moment, Flores found himself captivated by her presence. He couldnt resist leaning in to compliment her straightforwardly, a habit common among male Feynapotterians. Today is my lucky day to encounter such a beautiful lady. Could I be luckier to buy you a drink? The womans eyes flickered, and a smile graced her lips. She gently shook her head, indicating that his offer wasnt accepted. Undeterred, Flores wanted to say more, but he noticed the womans expression cooling off, prompting him to retreat to his seat. In the following moments, he alternated between stealing glances at the womans figure, clad in a simple shirt and slender black pants, and observing the rim of her glass, watching it touched by her moist red lips. Floress body heated up, and his mouth grew dry. The more beer he drank, the harder it became to quench his thirst. Eventually, the woman finished her light-gold Manzan, placed the tall glass on the bar counter, and gracefully left amid the soothing and elegant music. Flores hurriedly approached, pulling out a soft tissue that had gained popularity in recent years. He wiped the edge of the wine glass, where the womans lips had just touched. Then, he folded the tissue, meticulously scanning the surroundings of the bar stool. He collected a few flaxen-colored long hairs, securing them in the tissue. Completing this task, Flores became aware of the bartender and the nearly twenty male customers around him, all staring with a shared judgmental gaze: Pervert! Flores wasnt the sole victim of the womans enchantmentit extended to all the men and a few women in the bar. All of them had witnessed his perverted actions. Despite the accusatory stares, Flores kept his composure and left as if nothing had transpired. He vowed never to return to this bar again! Yet, he harbored no regret for his actions. On the way back to the apartment, Floress heart pulsed with anticipation, fueled by the promise of gains. His pace quickened, though practicality dictated a more measured speed. Upon reaching his residence, he drew the curtains and retrieved an old notebook with a yellowed cover from his suitcase compartment. Inside, a mottled note held a complex vocabulary that didnt belong to any language from the Northern Continent, accompanied by numerous instructions in Highlander. Flores eagerly placed the tissue containing the womans hair and saliva on the notebook. He then took up the mottled note, reciting the intricate and peculiar words with marked pronunciation. Naboredisley This was the love incantation Flores had chanced upon. With the true name, date of birth, closely related items, or bodily fluids like flesh and blood, he could insert the medium in his notebook and recite the incantation seven times, compelling the target to fall irrevocably in love. Flores had patiently waited for the opportune moment to orchestrate Pedros daughter, Salah, to fall and be injured. His timely aid had not only garnered gratitude but also facilitated the collection of her blood, fulfilling the conditions for the love incantation. Reality had validated the enchanting power of the love incantation! Flores refrained from using it again, uncertain of how to dispel its effects. If pursued by multiple women before his marriage to Salah, provoking a conflict among them could jeopardize his standing within the large family and hinder access to resources and support. However, today was different. She was the most captivating woman he had ever encountered. He was ready to pay any price to make her his own! Uncertainty lingered in Floress mind about whether the saliva-stained tissue and the naturally fallen hair could truly serve as a medium for the love incantation, but the desire to find out overwhelmed any reservations. Excitement and anticipation surged within him as he envisioned the possibility of witnessing such a beautiful scene, an uncontrollable smile gracing his face. Naboredisley Flores continued reciting the love incantation with abnormal devotion and enthusiasm, his heart pulsating with desire and joy. Naboredisley! After repeating it seven times, Flores watched in amazement as the tissue and hair burst into flames, reflecting a rainbow before swiftly turning to ashes. Success Success! Flores couldnt initially believe it, but immense joy struck his heart. Surprise lingered, but Flores cared little. What mattered was that it worked! That captivating woman is now in love with me! Thoughts of what would unfold next raced through Floress mind. He hastily closed the notebook, clipped the note, and dashed to the door without bothering to put them away. He yearned to walk the streets, confident that the lovely person must be seeking him! As Flores swung the door open, there she wasthe woman from the bar, standing outside. Floress entire being went slack under the lake-colored crystalline gaze, his balance teetering on the edge of surrender. Every fiber of his being yearned to yield. As the woman willingly stepped into Floress embrace, he eagerly enveloped her in his arms, leaning in for a kiss. Yet, the sensation he encountered was far from the warmth and softness he had imagined. Instead, it was cold and unyielding. Wh Floress surprise turned to shock as he realized he was embracing a waist-high mirror. The mirror brushed against his chest, swaying back and forth, resisting his attempts to disengage. Flores recoiled in unnatural fear. The lingering sensations from his earlier fantasies refused to dissipate. His heart froze while his body burned. With mounting dread, he struck the mirror with increasing force. Finally, retreating to his suitcase, Flores delivered a decisive blow, shattering the mirror with a resounding crack. It shattered into countless fragments, piercing Floress clothes, chest, stomach, and arms. Agony surged through Floress body, searing his senses, snapping the fraying nerve that was already on the brink. In that moment, he tasted a euphoria unlike any other. Collapsing to the ground, Flores lay motionless, caught between fear, longing, anguish, and ecstasy. It can truly assist in digesting the Pleasure potion Franca clicked her tongue, observing the scene unfold in the mirror of the apartment diagonally opposite Floress room. With her expertise, the spectacle before her could be deemed a novelty. I assured you I wouldnt deceive you, Lumian, sporting a golden straw hat, responded with a grin. Upon accepting the commission and identifying Floress primary problem of inexplicably garnering the fervent affection of a stunning girl, Lumians initial instinct was to deploy a Demoness to test this individual. Francas saliva and hair served as part of the investigation. After all, mysticism likely played a role. Naturally, for safety precautions, Franca had treated the saliva and hair beforehand. Thus, she devised a Mirror Substitution, a dark magic of Witches, which accurately connected to them. Now, the results were insplendid. Franca had subjected Flores to pleasures torment, exposing him to the agony of chasing fleeting satisfaction. Curious, Flores managed to ensnare my mirrors affection with just a single-word incantation. No ritual or supplication to any entity, Franca mused with emotion. Even I cant achieve that. Lumian chuckled in response, remarking, You can. No incantation or medium needed. Just unleash your charm. Franca was taken aback. Youre starting to resemble an Intisian. Or is this a result of your Feynapotter education? Pursing her lips, her gaze flickered. Lumian continued, Theres another issue. Pedro previously tasked two adventurers with probing Flores, but they vanished. And it appears this fellow lacks Beyonder powers. Franca suddenly smiled. This is intriguing If the Mirror Substitution failed, and I fell under the sway of that incantation, falling in love with Flores, what would you do? Lumian emitted a soft chuckle. Making someone vanish without a trace is simple. I dont even need to lift a finger. Lumian was confident Ludwig could consume the fellow entirely, with counter-divination to top it off. Without awaiting Francas response, Lumian headed for the door. Ill pay that fellow a visit. Keep vigilant for any developments and beware of mishaps. Understood, Franca replied solemnly. As Flores hadnt managed to close the door in time, Lumian found the entrance accessible without the need to pry it open. Sensing the intrusion, Flores snapped out of his daze, hastily rising to his feet. By this point, Lumian had already picked up the notebook, unfolding it to the two pages displaying the mottled note. W-what are you doing? Flores asked, horror etched across his face. He immediately recognized Lumian. Louis Berry? The great adventurer Louis Berry? Did Pedro hire you to investigate me? Ignoring the inquiry, Lumian walked toward the window, ushering in a gust of fresh air. A love incantation can make a woman fall in love with you. All you need is to obtain her true name Lumian began reciting the Highlander annotation on the mottled note in front of Flores. The incantations pronunciation is He abruptly halted without completing the recitation. Floress face had already turned a sickly grayish-white, as if he could foresee the impending demise of his reputation and his capture by the Church. Where did this come from? Lumian pointed at the mottled note and the old notebook. Cold sweat broke out on Floress forehead, and his eyes gradually turned fierce. Suddenly, he shouted, pronouncing the word in a rugged and awkward tone, Naboredisley! This time, there was no target or corresponding medium. Almost simultaneously, Lumian sensed his surroundings fall silent as an ominous aura rapidly enveloped the room. Chapter 617 - 617 Transaction 617 Transaction Floress demeanor suddenly shifted, his expression turning icy, and a malevolent smile curling upon his lips. His aura underwent a dramatic transformation. He raised his gaze, Lumians dark hair and green eyes reflecting in his now ominous stare. Lumians suppressed emotions, desires, and the haze surrounding him erupted like a volcano. This was a force even an Ascetics endurance couldnt withstand. Crack! Lumians body cracked, shrinking into a palm-sized mirror. The mirror shattered completely, fragments scattering across the ground. In the room diagonally opposite, Lumian materialized beside Franca, wearing a solemn expression. Had he not prepared Mirror Substitution beforehand, he might have endured a double explosion of emotions and desires. It resembled the same outcome when evil god bestowed heard the Symphony of Hatreds different melodies. Of course, if Franca hadnt been lurking nearby, if he hadnt readied Mirror Substitution, he wouldnt have used himself as bait to converse with Flores. Lumian seized Francas shoulder, his voice deep as he uttered, Lets leave this place first. He promptly activated the black mark on his right shoulder, in an attempt to teleport away. Confronted with an adversary capable of exploiting his weaknesses and latent dangers, Lumians initial response was to switch to support, utilizing his corresponding abilities from a distance. Franca would assume the role of the main attacker. However, considering Franca, a Demoness of Pleasure, hadnt indulged herself for a long time, he feared she might not resist the explosion of desire. It seemed prudent to retreat, regroup with others, and return later. At that moment, a voice alternating between masculinity and femininity echoed in Lumian and Francas ears. Theres no rush to escape. Ive changed my mind. I want to make a deal with you. A deal? Something jolted in Lumians and Francas minds. After some thought, they chose to stay put. Simultaneously, Lumian sank his consciousness into his right hand, ready to activate the remnant aura of Blood Emperor Alista Tudor. This wasnt meant to intimidate Flores, but if his emotions and desires were triggered again, Lumian could alert the police in time! Being one of the Feynapotter Kingdoms primary ports for trade with the Southern Continent and a key base for the Harvest Fleet, Port Colla undoubtedly housed at least one Grade 1 Sealed Artifact even without a demigod. Franca gazed at the wall and the air in front of her, questioning, What deal? Flores, dressed in a floral shirt, casually pushed open the unlatched door of the apartment and spoke in a deep, cold, and dignified manner, Let me introduce myself. Naboredisley, a Demon. A Demon? A genuine Demon The cost of using the Authority Holders Under-the-table Transaction actually materialized hereCto make a deal with a Demon However, Lumians acceptance of the captains mission and our pursuit of Delilah are distinct matters. If we had opted to patiently wait a month or two before engaging with Delilah instead of utilizing the Authority Holders Under-the-table Transaction, what would have transpired today? Could there have been a so-called deal? Franca smiled in surprise, suspicion, and confusion. How can you reveal yourself as a Demon? Shouldnt a true Demon conceal their identity to lower our guard? The Demon, identifying himself as Naboredisley, clenched his right fist and pressed it against his lips. He smiled and replied, A true Demon is both Demon in body and mind. Ill inform you that youre dealing with a Demon, but refusal isnt an option. I wont obscure my identity to achieve my goals like the foolish ones. For instance, this man named Flores is well aware of the consequences of repeatedly reciting my true name through the notebook. Heh heh, back then, that foolish Warlock labeled it the Love Incantation, but he still couldnt resist the temptation and couldnt control himself. Haha, for Demons, this gradually decaying soul that slowly descends into the Abyss is the most delectable feast. The sensation of resistance and constant decay is as unforgettable as the finest wine. Lumian and Franca didnt disdain or ridicule Naboredisleys unabashed and alluring depravity. Since a Demon had spoken, there had to be a deeper motive! Moreover, Lumian couldnt be certain if Naboredisley was a genuine Demon or a self-proclaimed one. He couldnt verify if Naboredisley was his actual name or if he had a different origin. Although the activation of desire aligned with the traits of a Sequence 5 Desire Apostle of the Demon pathway, it wasnt exclusive to Demons. Lumians Symphony of Hatred could achieve a similar effect. Franca grinned at the Demons incessant narrative and remarked, That foolish Warlock probably assumed your true name as a Love Incantation because of your cues. Is that really your true name? Thats why hes foolish, Naboredisley replied with a faint smile. Lumian wasnt eager to rush into the transaction. Instead, he inquired, How did you manage to convince Flores that the Love Incantation actually works? Naboredisley casually glanced back at Floress rented apartment and assumed a relaxed posture. He tried some other incantations from the notebook, and some of them worked. Hes just an ordinary person, yet he can cast an incantation like a Warlock? Franca expressed disbelief. Naboredisley grinned. Ive heard a very reasonable saying: All things possess godhood. No matter how ordinary a person is, as long as theyre willing to pay the corresponding price, they can create Beyonder effects. All things possess godhood Mr. K often says this when preaching Lumian observed Naboredisley, the self- proclaimed Demon. Franca seized the opportunity to ask, What price did Flores pay? Naboredisley smiled meaningfully. I already told you. The part where the soul gradually decays and falls into the Abyss? Franca nodded thoughtfully. Lumian suddenly grinned. If he hadnt paid the price, how could you communicate with us so easily using his body? Naboredisley smiled back but remained silent. Lumian shifted the topic. Did you have a hand in the deaths of those two adventurers who were investigating Flores? Consider it a bit of interest, Naboredisley replied, glancing around. He smiled and pulled a chair over, casually remarking, You lack the necessary courtesy. Because we never considered making a deal with you, Franca deliberately stated. I wont make a deal with a Demon. Naboredisley chuckled and said, Although its amusing for a Demoness to claim she wont trade with a Demon, I can assure you that I wont force you into a deal. I wont even hinder you from informing the Church of Earth Mother about Flores later. I differ from my inept peers. I prefer transparent trade, avoiding the convoluted legalese of contracts where terms and conditions are twisted. Ill make you choose to trade with me, even knowing the content and price. I decline, Franca replied with a smile. I refuse to entertain your deal. Naboredisley narrowed his eyes dangerously but maintained his usual amiable demeanor. You can listen first before deciding if you want to accept this deal. I wont boast that I can fulfill any of your wishes, but I can help you fulfill most of them. This is a promise from an ancient Demon. Ancient? Lumian looked curious. Have you heard of the Ancient Sun God? Naboredisleys expression darkened subtly. Im aware. Can you tell me about Him? The deity I believe in now seems to be the resurrected Him. Lumians lips curled up, revealing two rows of pearly-white teeth. This can be used as compensation for the transaction, but it has to be paid first before we fulfill the contract. Dont think of fabricating it. That would be blasphemy to my Lord. Naboredisley fell silent. After a few seconds, he smiled and said, As I mentioned earlier, I cant accomplish certain things and fulfill certain wishes. This is one of them. When ones humble enough, its really difficult to win a war of words Lumian sighed inwardly and turned to Franca, silently inquiring if she wanted to seize this opportunity to the-table Transaction. Franca hesitated for a moment before addressing Naboredisley. Tell me about the deal first before I decide. Naboredisley chuckled. A wise decision. I hope you can help me kill another Demons descendant. He resides somewhere in the Berserk Sea. Dont worry, Demon descendants are cold, cruel, and bloodthirsty. He definitely meets the death penalty standard in your hearts. Then why dont you do it yourself? Franca clicked her tongue. You seem quite powerful. Is it because youre sealed? Or could it be that he cant leave the Abyss and can only project himself onto a human like now, unable to maintain it for long? Naboredisley replied calmly, Any abnormal movements from me will attract the attention of the other Demon. The reward for this transaction is that I fulfill one of your wishes. Its a predetermined wish that I can fulfill. Can you help us digest the potion in our bodies? Lumian probed. Naboredisley shook his head. I wont lie to you. I cant do it. The digestion of the potion is a personal matter. Of course, I can create conditions and opportunities to indirectly help you digest the potion as soon as possible, but whether you can seize those opportunities depends on yourselves. Quite honest Franca muttered silently. Suddenly, she revealed a bright smile. This deal tempts me, but I need a reliable and powerful witness. Authors Note: The inspiration for the love incantation in the previous chapter originated from the real world. I believe Ive shared it on my public WeChat account beforeAphrodites hidden name is Nepherieri, meaning beautiful eyes. Repeating this incantation can win a womans love. When I read about this, I found it a little sinister. I mainly changed the pronunciation. Chapter 618 - 618 Divination Ritual 618 Divination Ritual Francas request met with a gentle shake of Naboredisleys head. You can request the deity you believe in to bear witness when signing the contract, but I dont want anyone else present. A chuckle escaped Naboredisleys lips. Im a Demon. I need to be careful to avoid becoming prey. We can recite a gods name as a witness when signing the contract? The temptation loomed over them both. For ordinary Beyonders who held faith in the Eternal Blazing Sun or the God of Steam and Machinery, invoking a deitys name as a witness might offer no more than psychological comfort. True gods rarely intervened in such trivial affairs of ordinary Beyonders without a proper ritual. Yet, as Minor Arcana card holders of the Tarot Club, Lumian and Franca followed the great existence, Mr. Fool. Simply invoking his name could draw attention, a fact not lost on them. Francas heart raced with uncertainty. Should she strike a deal with the Demon under the watchful gaze of Mr. Fool, in exchange for elusive benefits? Naboredisley reiterated his stance. This is a fair transaction. Theres no coercion. Its the same for you and me. If you insist that there must be a powerful witness present, I choose to give up. Just as Lumian contemplated the idea, Termiboross resounding voice echoed within his mind, Its best if you dont agree. Dont even make a false promise. Lumian found himself taken aback as Termiboros, an Angel of Inevitability, unexpectedly warned him about the unfolding situation. Alarmed, Lumian pushed aside thoughts of Termiboross possible intentions, choosing instead to focus on scrutinizing Naboredisleys every move and assessing his own mental state. The more Lumian delved into the matter, the more alarmed he became. Initially planning to teleport away immediately and seek help, he and Franca had gradually shifted their stance, considering Naboredisleys propositions and exploring potential exploitations. Their plan had evolved from seeking the presence of a powerful Arbiter like Madam Judgment as a witness to contemplating a deal without one. Now, all they hoped was to ensure their safety by invoking a gods name. Compromising one step at a time, changing bit by bit This is very similar to Naboredisleys description of degenerating bit by bit, slowly rotting ones soul before ultimately plunging into the Abyss It also said that Demons arent just about the body but also about the mind Lumian swiftly snapped out of his reverie, sensing a possible influence from Naboredisley on both himself and Franca. It resembled the signs of a Spectators presence. Similarly, he could glean insights through Anthonys self-examination technique. Even in this state, Franca displayed remarkable control over her emotions. She turned to Lumian, seeking agreement. With thoughts racing, the corners of Lumians mouth curled up slightly as he addressed Naboredisley. We dont require a witness, but I need to confirm something first. What is it? Naboredisleys demeanor remained cold, yet his attitude was composed. Lumian nodded at Franca, conveying that he would handle the situation. Franca, in turn, silently acknowledged her understanding. Turning back to Naboredisley, Lumian stated, I need to verify that the name youre using now, the name youll use in the contract later, is indeed your real name. Deliberately avoiding the term Naboredisley, Lumian exercised caution to mitigate potential risks. Naboredisley pondered for a moment before responding, Sure. As a Demon, I dont just dislike but also admire your caution. Lumian maintained his smirk. The way to confirm is Magic Mirror Divination, a complete one. Well set up a ritual and seek answers from a hidden entity. As you know, my friend is a Demoness. Shes quite skilled at this. Lumian pointed at Franca as he spoke. Indeed we should confirm if Naboredisley is the Demons real name. Otherwise, the deal would be a joke Franca suddenly became alert, realizing she had been too eager to conclude the deal and had overlooked many potentially problematic details. Naboredisley pondered for a moment before agreeing, Alright, but I have to observe from within the wall of spirituality where the ritual takes place. This is a Demons caution. Were worried that youll use Magic Mirror Divination to inform certain Demons natural enemies. No problem, Lumian said with a bright smile. To complete Magic Mirror Divination, I want you to write your real name on this note and bring over the ancient notebook from the opposite room. Together, they can act as a medium for divination. Naboredisley, well-versed in the intricacies of complete Magic Mirror Divination, responded with a smile, No problem. He stood up, taking the note from Lumians hand. Using Floress fountain pen, he inscribed a complex word with the pronunciation Naboredisley, its language unknown. The self-proclaimed Demon then left for Floress rented apartment, retrieving the ancient notebook and the note. Lumian had already arranged a simple ritual, placing three candles and a mirror on an empty table. Before Naboredisley returned, Franca approached him and whispered, The usual Magic Mirror Divination target? Lumian shook his head, indicating they werent. Softly uttering a single word, he said, Him. A pure male pronoun. Francas pupils dilated as she tacitly understood whom Lumian was referring to. The implications were self-evident! After Naboredisley handed her the ancient notebook, Franca smiled happily and said, Demons are likely higher-level godhood creatures. I cant afford to be negligent. I plan to seek answers from a more special entity. Inevitably, my companion will need to assist me during the ritual. I hope you can understand what youll see next. If youre unwilling, well abandon this transaction. She didnt make it sound too firm, making the abandon the transaction option seem more like a negotiating strategy. Naboredisley smiled and replied, No problem. Ive seen too many special rituals. His implication was clearif there was a problem with your ritual, I would be able to tell immediately. Franca sanctified the ritual silver dagger and created a wall of spirituality. Lumian placed the ancient notebook and the note with the real name in front of the lit candle and mirror, using a small amount of Gardner Martins spiritual blood to draw a few complicated and strange symbols. Observing from a distance, Naboredisley muttered, Seeking guidance from fate Questioning an entity in this domain? Lumian seized the opportunity to turn around and ask, What can I do to dispel Salahs infatuation with Flores? Naboredisley smiled meaningfully and said, Either they both perish, or they seek my approval. With the preparations complete, Franca stepped back, gazing at the three burning candles and the palm-sized makeup mirror. She recited an honorific name in ancient Hermes. The Fool that doesnt belong to this era Upon hearing this, Naboredisleys expression changed. His face turned icy, and his eyes revealed a chilling cruelty. Just as he was about to project Lumian and Francas figures in his eyes and ignite their desires and emotions, he realized that a thin gray fog emanated, making the two targets indistinct and challenging to lock onto. Lumian gripped Francas forearm. In mysticism, this signified that the two people in the ritual were one. Of course, the prerequisite was that the original ritual host didnt resist. Lumian took over the ritual hosts position and recited the last two paragraphs. The mysterious ruler above the gray fog; the King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck The thick gray fog surged even more visibly, and Naboredisley, manipulating Floress body, grew increasingly malevolent. He tried to break free from the altar, attempting to shatter the wall of spirituality, but the gray fog stood as an impenetrable obstacle. Lumian advanced two steps, presenting the note with the real name to the candle symbolizing the rituals host. He ignited it and flicked it three times, dispersing ashes onto the ancient notebook. After these preparations, Lumian spoke in a deep voice, I beseech your assistance. I implore you to banish the creature named Naboredisley Naboredisley, in control of Floress body, opened his mouth, emitting a sharp cry. Simultaneously, filth, depravity, and evil ravings echoed in Lumian and Francas ears. Each word seemed to assault their minds, causing their bodies to contort and their souls to decay. Yet, under the rituals shield and the layers of gray fog, the words appeared distant, as if emanating from the horizon. Even if Lumian and Franca strained to listen, the specifics eluded them. Amidst a faint shriek, pitch-black gas emanated from Floress body, swiftly dissipating. Faces emerged from the pitch-black gas, mouths opening and closing, cursing Lumian and Franca vehemently, only to dissolve into the gray fog. In a matter of seconds, the pitch-black gas completely vanished, and Floress demeanor and aura returned to normal. Exorcism Spell! In just a few days, Lumian had employed the Exorcism Spell once more! From his perspective, Naboredisley, hiding his true form somewhere, had stealthily infiltrated Floress breath for control. He was akin to a Wraith evil spirit possessing another. Most surprising was the effectiveness of the name Naboredisley! Of course, if this wasnt the true name, if the Exorcism Spell proved futile, Lumian could resort to Mr. Fools complete honorific name to intimidate the Demon and drive it away with the gray fog and the gaze of a great existence. This time, it wasnt Mr. Fools seal on his chest that answered, but the great existence himself! Lumian forced a smile and said to Franca, This fellow is less formidable than the invisible Child of God of the Great Mother. Despite Naboredisleys frenzied curse affecting his desires and emotions, requiring him to endure with his Ascetic powers, it still paled in comparison to the invisible Child of Gods ability to partially breach the gray fogs protection of the ritual host, repeatedly creating a Psychic Piercing effect. Franca remained silent, her gaze fixed on the makeup mirror serving as decoration. In the mirror, a faint fog permeated the air, and a vague figure approached from a distance. Chapter 619 - 619 Chronicles 619 Chronicles Franca strained her eyes, attempting to discern the figure amidst the dimly lit surroundings. The tall buildings loomed mysteriously, their outlines blending with the fog, reminiscent of stars reflecting on a foggy night. In the distance, lights flickered, accompanied by indistinct honking sounds. Wh Francas pupils dilated, and her eyes widened in astonishment. Her heart, previously gripped by the effects of Naboredisleys frenzied curse, now surged with shock. Instinctively, she focused all her might on the figure, trying to pierce through the layers of gray fog and unravel its face and clothing. However, the thin fog grew hazier, dissipating along with the fleeting images it carried. In just three to four seconds, the mirror on the altar reverted to its normal state. Whats wrong? Lumian turned to Flores, who lingered in the residual gray fog, seeking an update on Francas condition. Franca, still captivated by the mirror, fell silent for a moment before speaking. Did you see the scene reflected in the mirror? I did. Lumian reflected briefly and suggested, Perhaps it signifies Mr. Fools divine kingdom. Their prayers for the Exorcism Spell had been directed towards Mr. Fool. Therefore, the mirror used to deceive Naboredisley while being ineffective in actuality was likely related to Mr. Fool. Franca stammered, B-but the backdrop resembles the city before your sister and I transmigrated. Its like those foggy timesevery building morphing into colossal creatures nestled in the fog, adorned with countless glowing eyes. Lumian, understanding Francas emotions, showed no surprise at the familiar street scenes. Reminding his companion, he said, Dont forget about the Celestial Worthy. He has a close connection to your homeland, and he and Mr. Fool have been engaged in a dream battle. Its quite conceivable that such dreamscapes can manifest in reality through rituals. Franca fell into a momentary silence before releasing a sigh. Youre right She followed with a self-deprecating laugh. I got worked up for nothing. Lumian mitigated the negative effects from Naboredisley and methodically extinguished the candle flames, concluding the ritual. As Franca dispelled the wall of spirituality and the wind howled, clearing away the lingering gray fog, Flores seemed to snap back to reality, no longer lost in the confusion of searching for an exit. However, upon seeing Lumian and Franca, his face turned an even more pallid shade. Just as he was about to plead for mercy, a sharp pain shot through Floress body. Instinctively, he lowered his head and observed a black, almost ethereal, filthy liquid oozing from his body. Highly corrosive, it swiftly dissolved his blood, flesh, and bones. No! Save me! Save me! Flores unleashed a blood-curdling scream, repeatedly calling for help. Lumian, however, observed with interest, as though studying the toll exacted on those who made a deal with Demons. In less than ten seconds, Floress body succumbed to corrosion, collapsing with a resounding crash, immersed in the almost illusory black liquid. Floress head continued to wail, his voice gradually fading. After a while, he breathed his last with wide-open eyes. His relatively intact head swiftly disintegrated into the filthy liquid. The once-illusory liquid lost its evil, mystical aura, revealing the remains of the corpse, now filled with a foul, noxious mud-like substance. Dealing with Demons doesnt end well.. Franca sighed, reflecting on her earlier temptation. Her laughter echoed hollowly as she continued, Thankfully, we didnt strike a deal with that self-proclaimed ancient Demon. Still, I missed an opportunity to eliminate the latent threat of using the Authority Holders Under-the-table Transaction. Lumian chuckled and remarked, Consider this carefully. I remember Madam Magicians usage instructions, emphasizing the possibility of encountering transactions with evil entities like Demons. Recall, it was about encountering a transaction, not completing one. Youve faced it; you simply chose not to accept it. That fellow didnt force you either. Franca contemplated the situation and admitted, You make a point. It does seem that way She clicked her tongue and glanced at Lumian. If you had chosen the Lawyer path, you might be equally promising In reality, I believe thats the norm. The Authority Holders Under-the-table Transaction is, at most, equivalent to a Sequence 5. Every use means one less opportunity. How could the negative effects be a transaction with a Demon? From what I know, Demon is a High Sequence term within the Criminal path. What does it signify? It represents a demigod! Yes, its merely encountering a transaction, not completing it. Theres room for negotiation. Yet, its also highly dangerous. Demons and other evil entities arent known for their philanthropy. If we refuse to trade with them, why would they spare us indefinitely? Furthermore, predicting when well encounter them is impossible, making it challenging to prepare in advance. Lumian smiled. If you cant predict it, try approaching it differently. After using the Authority Holders Under-the-table Transaction, immediately prepare and take the initiative to create an opportunity to negotiate with Demons and other evil creatures. Set the pace and manage the risks. For instance, invite Demons to Saint Vive Cathedral for a deal. The Eternal Blazing Sun Churchs main cathedral in Trier, Saint Vive Cathedral! Franca chuckled. Demons arent brainless zombies. Why would they willingly walk into Saint Vive Cathedral to meet their doom Franca suddenly halted. Saint Vive Cathedral might not be suitable, but they did have a few hidden locations with a similar atmosphere. It wasnt entirely impossible. For example, the sacrificial square on the third level of the catacombs, Krismona Night Pillar Thats an interesting idea, Franca commended Lumian. In the past, when facing the negative effects of mystical items, we always endured and waited passively. Taking the initiative is a different approach. Hunters indeed have their own unique styles. Taking the initiative involved making preparations in advance and minimizing potential dangers. Of course, taking the initiative didnt necessarily mean triggering the effects, but it required considering such possibilities. Lumian glanced out the window. Floress scream has likely attracted the attention of the nearby residents. Someone may have called the police. Lets vacate this place before examining the contents of this notebook. He gathered the ancient notebook, candles, and other items from the dining table as he spoke. Agreed. Franca surveyed the room, and dark flames silently ignited in various spots. As the flames flickered, Lumian teleported Franca away, returning to the guest room of Captain Pedros five-story house. Go through the notebook and check if theres a way to dispel the love incantation. Ill verify Salahs condition and inform Pedro about Floress situation and outcome. He can handle the Church of Earth Mother and liaise with the local police. Lumian handed the ancient notebook to Franca before opening the door and stepping into the corridor. Franca settled into the recliner and opened the notebook. Suddenly, she murmured to herself, Something feels off. Knowing Lumians approach, shouldnt he have immediately perused the notebook after the ritual, searching for a solution to dispel the love incantation? Why did he hastily leave the moment the police were mentioned after discussing matters with me extensively? He should be aware of the critical issue As these thoughts raced through her mind, Franca suddenly came to a moment of realization. Naboredisleys chilling rants and wild curses had a disturbing impact on Lumian, stirring up his desires and emotions. Despite his attempts to endure the onslaught using his Ascetic powers, subtle signs of struggle manifested. Francas eyes darted around, a sly chuckle escaping her lips. Lumian found Pedro in the small living room on the first floor. Before he could delve into Floress situation, the captain exclaimed in surprise, Mr. Berry, Salah came to me a few minutes ago. She was crying in fear and pain, saying she dreamt of falling in love with Flores and couldnt wake up. However, she suddenly woke up tonight, feeling like it was a nightmare, and she wishes to annul the engagement. May I know how you did it? Pedro spoke with a touch of unconscious politeness. Shes back to normal? Could it be because Flores is dead? No, more likely Naboredisleys expulsion through the Exorcism Spell has restored those affected by the devil to normal Lumian guessed, smiling. Flores is already dead. Did you kill him? Pedro, showing no aversion to the idea of killing, was even more intrigued by the fact that Floress death seemed to have awakened his daughter. A Demon killed him. Lumian briefly recounted the events, avoiding mentioning Naboredisley by name. Instead, he handed Pedro the love incantation note tucked into an ancient notebook for a closer look. Finally, he said, You handle the rest. Its advisable to keep Salah in a cathedral or cloister for the next month or two. Im uncertain if the Demon will revisit the former victim once he recovers. Understood. Pedro clenched his teeth, his expression somber. After receiving the 20,000 gold risot bounty, Lumian returned to his guest room. Franca, holding the ancient notebook, frowned as she said, This doesnt seem like the notebook of an evil Warlock. Its more like a collection of a novelty hunters chronicles. It contains various legends of Devils and Demons from the Northern and Southern Continents spanning the past thousand years. The last record appears to be over a hundred years ago. Mmm There are peculiar incantations scattered within, as if fabricated. One of them mentions a legend of a Demon on Hanth Island in the Berserk Sea. Lumian grasped Francas concern. Naboredisley had mentioned that the Demon descendant he sought to eliminate resided somewhere in the Berserk Sea! Chapter 620 - 620 Abnormality in the Abyss 620 Abnormality in the Abyss Could it be that some of the Demon legends in this notebook are true? Lumian held the yellowed notebook and flipped through a few pages. Franca tersely acknowledged and said, In a world where superpowers exist, where true Devils and Demons roam, many related legends must be true or have originated from the true prototype. Do you think Nabouh, the Demon who claimed to be ancient, might be the protagonist of one of these legends? And the Demon on Hanth Island is its archenemy, living in the real world disguised as a human. It lied, claiming the other party is a descendant of a Demon and tempted us into taking risks to achieve a certain goal? Perhaps, Lumian smiled. Lets not speculate about such matters involving high-level creatures. Ill just write to Madam Magician and report it to her. Franca glanced at Lumian and chuckled. Youre really proficient in dealing with management. However, it does make sense. We know very little about real Demons. Making wild guesses is a waste of time. She then pointed at the notebook and said, The handwriting differs from the note that wrote the Love Incantation. Its not the same author. Lumian had already sat at his desk, unfolded a piece of paper, and wrote to Madam Magician. As he deliberated over his words, he responded to Francas words, Does the notebook have the phrase that represents the Love Incantation? I scanned through it. Nothing, Franca replied affirmatively. Lumian contemplated for a moment and said, There are two possibilities. The first is that the Demon used someone under its control to insert the Love Incantation into this notebook that records Devil and Demon legends, hoping that it could secretly spread and affect more people. The second possibility is that those who once read this notebook were unknowingly influenced by the demon and obtained a so-called revelation. They wrote this Love Incantation and provided commentary. Mysticism sure is dangerous Franca sighed with emotion. Lumian swiftly composed the letter and dispatched the ancient notebook and the note with the Love Incantation to Madam Magician. While awaiting a response, Franca and Lumian briefly delved into the Demon legend of Hanth Island in the Berserk Sea. Thirty years after Emperor Roselle discovered a safe sea route to the Southern Continent, numerous mysterious deaths of colonists and natives plagued the newly colonized Hanth Island. Witnesses claimed to have seen a valley ablaze with sulfur flames in the islands forest. At night, pitch-black Demons with goat horns were suspected of circling the area. After the authorities intervened, the mysterious deaths ceased. The owner of the notebook that chronicled the legend even attempted to explore the forest, but he failed to locate the alleged valley burning with sulfur flames. As they conversed, time passed. The doll messenger arrived with Madam Magicians reply, the ancient notebook, and the Love Incantation note. Lumian illuminated the gas wall lamp and began reading. Franca didnt hesitate and leaned in. Its impossible to determine its true name with just the fact that the name Naboredisley could expel that fellow. This is because it admitted, in a short period of time, that it was its real name. Even if its lying, sometimes, under certain circumstances, admitting something makes it the truth. It possesses the corresponding mysticism connection. This is one of Mr. Fools authorities. Amon, too, could do it in the past. As you prayed directly to Mr. Fool and used his power to exorcize Naboredisley, it doesnt matter if its its real name. It wont affect the final outcome. Do you understand? Termiboross warning was correct. You have to be cautious even if its a false promise. If its truly a Demon and its true name is indeed Naboredisley, the problem ends up more complicated. Since the Fifth Epoch, Demons active in the human world have either taken the form of Sealed Artifacts or come from Andariel, Beria, or Nois. Demons without surnames in their true names are often ancient or come from the Abyss where Devils and Demons reside. As for the Abysss current state, Emperor Roselles diary has mentions of it. Upon reading this, Lumian turned to Franca. In the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, he often observed others trading Emperor Roselles diary. When the April Fools members were still active, they would even recite the relatively comedic parts publicly. However, having joined the transmigrator organization only recently, he had no interaction with translations from the past. He had no way of knowing what Abyss-related matters the Emperor had recorded. Franca said with a solemn expression, Emperor Roselle once found the entrance to the Abyss and conducted a thorough exploration. As expected of Emperor Roselle, Lumian praised instinctively and sincerely. There werent many people he admiredin fact, very fewbut Emperor Roselle was one of them. Knowing that this emperor was a transmigrator like his sister made him feel an affinity with him. Franca continued, In the Abyss that Emperor Roselle explored, Devils and Demons had long perished. Not a single one remained. All he saw before him were either corpses or silence. This state made him feel fear. He left in a hurry without completing his exploration. All dead? Lumian frowned slightly. Is the Love Incantation fellow either not a Demon or an ancient Demon from the Abysss core? Pausing momentarily, he added, If its really an ancient Demon, it might know why the Abyss underwent such an abnormality. Franca nodded solemnly. The duo cast their gazes at the back of Madam Magicians reply. I reckon youve already grasped the gist of the Abyss from the Two of Cups, so I wont dive deeper. Simply put, Naboredisley could be a potent Demon who slipped out of the Abysss anomaly, or it might have roamed the Northern Continent before the three major Devil clansNois, Beria, and Andarielheld sway. It didnt pledge allegiance to any ancient gods, whichever way you slice it. But dealing with an ancient Devil King whos fled back to the Abyss isnt something the two of you are capable of, let alone striking a bargain with it. You can explore the Demon legends on Hanth Island if its on your route, but stay cautious. Remember, the Abysss corruption is potent. It can corrupt people without their awareness. During this time, be vigilant for changes in your thoughts, concepts, emotions, and desires. If you notice anything unusual, consult a Psychiatrist for confirmation. If youre genuinely affected by the Abyss aura from Naboredisley, contact me or Judgment. Experts skilled in purifying such influences will assist you. Avoid burdening Mr. Fool unnecessarily. Thinking about the name Naboredisley is okay, but refrain from writing or reading it. After reading the letter, Lumian mumbled to himself, Madam Magician seems more inclined to believe its a Demon and not some other hidden entity. Thats right, Franca echoed, puzzled. Lets assume that fellow is a Demon, yet it doesnt even have Danger Premonition, allowing us to complete the preparations for the Exorcism Spell. If we say it isnt, it can create fluctuations and trigger our desires and emotions. I was just guessing that its a secret entity that possesses a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact of the Demon pathway. Lumian pondered for a few seconds and said, Perhaps Madam Magician has seen more. That fellow probably doesnt have Danger Premonition because its true form isnt here. It only descended with a sliver of its aura and power. Or perhaps, the danger originated from Mr. Fool, so it couldnt sense it! That makes sense, Franca agreed before saying with a strange expression, Ever since we became Minor Arcana cards, weve increasingly come into contact with the depths of the mystic world. The Demoness Sect, the mirror world, the War of the Four Emperors, the Great Mother, and a Demon of the Abyss this time In the past, when I read Emperor Roselles diary, I often had the feeling that thats just how the world is. But now, the contents of his diary have truly come to us. Without waiting for Lumian to speak, Franca added in a self- deprecating manner, For example, a Demoness does taste pretty good. Lumian chuckled and remarked, Think about it carefully. Did you encounter these things after becoming a Minor Arcana card holder, or after getting to know me? Uh Francas lips twitched. You know yourself well. Directly support the authors on WebNovel! Two days later, Lumian, Ludwig, and Lugano boarded a long- distance ship set to pass by Hanth Island, en route to the Southern Continents West Balam. Lumian aimed to investigate the Demons legend and seize an opportunity to fully digest the Conspirer potion. After outsmarting Naboredisley and banishing it with the Exorcism Spell, Lumian realized that his potion digestion had made significant progress. With another decent performance, he could advance the digestion further. This would eliminate the need for the final advancement rituals aid, allowing him to plan the subsequent matters more calmly. Captain Pedro, accompanied by his eldest daughter Salah, and a few Favored and Blessed, expressed sincere gratitude to Lumian. They watched as he ascended the gangway with his godson and servant, boarding the ship named Berries. Once the ship set sail, one of the Blessed appeared to sigh in relief and commented, Hes finally left Port Colla Without waiting for Salah to inquire about the reason for the sigh, the Blessed, wearing a brown priests robe, turned to her and Pedro and advised, The circumstances at the scene of Floress death indicate that this matter involved a true, high-ranking Demon. Miss Salah, its best if you stay in the cloister for a year to avoid any possible aftereffects. Salah, aware of her awakening thanks to the adventurer Louis Berrys assistance, was horrified. However, lacking personal experience, she inquired, A year? A real Demon What kind of Demon is that? The Blessed, in a brown clergymans attire, responded solemnly, Its the Demons from the legends youve heard of, or something even more powerful. Wh Salah turned to her father with a face filled with fear, confusion, and disbelief. Did you guys save me from such a Demon? Pedro was equally surprised. He had never imagined that his daughters situation would involve such a terrifying existence. And Louis Berry had only received 20,000 gold risot! No, he actually succeeded! Pedro, having witnessed the adventurer Louis Berrys strength through the colossal wave he created, could now grasp his power more vividly in this direct comparison. In the first-class cabin suite aboard the Berries. Lumian handed the ancient notebook and the note with Love Incantation to Ludwig and asked with a smile, Is it edible? Chapter 621 - 621 Hanth Island 621 Hanth Island Ludwig, savoring succulent roasted lamb chops, cast a quick glance at the ancient notebook and the note containing the Love Incantation. I can only provide details about the papers age, the raw materials, and the manufacturing process. The knowledge and concealed content inscribed on it couldnt be extracted. Alright. Lumian withdrew his hand, his disappointment minimal. He had approached Ludwig with the intention that it didnt harm asking. Finding nothing else of interest, he settled into the recliner, immersing himself in the warm sunlight. Flipping through the ancient notebook filled with Demon legends, Lumian found it composed entirely in Highlander. Flores, having only attended elementary grammar school, wouldnt have comprehended it otherwise. Reading with enthusiasm, as if engrossed in a gripping novel, Lumian discovered that certain legends surpassed even the thrill of contemporary horror stories, sending shivers down his spine. Occasionally, incantations emerged, some fabricated by the ignorant and subjected to numerous alterations. Others carried a subtle malevolence, bearing a resemblance to Naboredisley. Lumian refrained from uttering them aloud, silently reciting them instead. The first day of the Berries voyage unfolded in tranquil serenity. Late at night, Lumian dreamt of enchanting scenes, weaving into blush-inducing stories that heightened his emotions. Suddenly, Lumian awoke. Sunlight filtered through the window curtains, casting a faint glow. It was 6 a.m. Lying in bed, Lumian experienced a sense of loss. He lacked the endurance of an Ascetic in dreams, causing certain scenes to be unusually poignant. Phew Lumian exhaled, emitting a self-deprecating laugh. Almost forgot, this isnt a boon; its a curse. Reverting to a physical state when Termiboros was newly sealed at 6 a.m. every morning brought benefits like fearlessness of serious injuries, no heed of energy consumption, and automatic healing. Though thoughts of Cordus catastrophe and his sister Aurore haunted him with each reset, the initial pain gradually dulled, becoming a bearable numbness after his psychiatric treatment. Occasionally, he felt a dull ache and emptiness. Lumian rose from bed and drew open the curtains, revealing two contrasting scenes of the azure sea. To the right, a crimson sun had just surfaced on the horizon. To the left, fog lingered, and waves surged, shrouding the situation 100 meters away. Exiting the master bedroom, Lumian noticed that Lugano was already awake, captivated by the seascape. Youre in a good mood, Lumian teased. Lugano grinned sheepishly and replied, Its my first time in the Berserk Sea. Im a little excited and woke up early. He added, Besides, if I want to be your interpreter, I have to master Dutanese as soon as possible. On the coffee table in the room lay numerous Dutanese books recently purchased by Lumian from Port Colla. Being a primary trading port for the Southern Continent, Port Collas citizens had a practical need to learn Dutanese, resulting in a trend. Lumian easily acquired two sets of teaching materials covering elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels, along with practice materials, thanks to various teaching aids and Dutanese instructors. This was a stark contrast to Port Santa, where obtaining a few barely usable books required considerable effort. Lumian applauded gently. Not bad. Lugano pointed towards the foggy sea and explained, Last night, I heard from a sailor on the ship that many vessels attempted to explore the sea in that direction, but they never returned. Occasionally, people would spot one of those ships quietly passing by at night with no lights or anyone on the deck. They say its the Berserk Sea. Stick to the safe sea route; attempting unknown routes often leads to unknown and irresistible danger. See, the sun is rising over there, right? The sea seems calm, but venture beyond the safe route, and we might face a sudden hurricane, a lightning storm, or even get melted by the sun and evaporated. These are tales from sailors; Im not sure if theyre true. Lumian nodded and suggested, Look into more similar rumors. With his employers approval, Luganos expression brightened, finding a purpose in his work. The voyage through the Berserk Sea proved relatively uneventful. Lumian, Ludwig, and Lugano managed to avoid causing any disruptions. Occasionally, they witnessed storms capable of city-wide destruction or forest-like lightning. Sometimes, they noticed the absence of fish throughout the entire sea, creating an eerie silence akin to the legendary Underworld. Guided by the seasoned captain, first mate, and sailors, the Berries navigated through these regions along the safe sea route. After a few days, the ocean-venturing steamship reached Hanth Island, the transit port. The crew replenished coal and water, conducted machine maintenance, restocked light beer, and replenished various food supplies over two days. There doesnt seem to be any specialties on this island, Lugano remarked, consulting the travel guide from Port Colla. But due to its strategic geographical location and natural deepwater port, its one of the main transit ports controlled by the Feynapotter Kingdom. Specialties? Does that include Demons? Lumian critiqued silently, producing two gold risots and twirling them in his hand. Im going to try the local self-brewed wine. He made his way to the ports largest bar and ordered a glass of thick, pomegranate-colored local red wine, Paha. Lumian struck up a conversation with a few patrons near the bar counter, deliberately approaching one with a local accent. I met a nice chick, he said with a sly wink and an ambiguous smile. Were going on a date lateron a quiet night. Can you share a few local horror stories? They dont have to be well- known, just terrifying enough, preferably with a specific location. For instance, if theres a horrifying tale about an empty house on a certain street, heh heh, I plan to take her there for our date. The local, his beard dampened with ale, set down his oak beer mug and chuckled. How devious, but I like you! Its a battle of wits between men and women. For victory, anything goes! After a brief pause, the local suggested, You can take her on a date at the edge of the forest outside the city. You know, a forest at night is always chilling. Besides, there might be more than one Demon lurking in the woods on Hanth Island. As far back as I can remember, the priests have been warning everyone against venturing deep into the forest or even thinking about cutting wood in the middle of the island. There are many hidden dangers. What kind of dangers, you ask? The priests never specify, but someone always tells me about some random person encountering a Demon with goat horns and an unpleasant sulfuric smell in the forest. As for those who claim to have seen the Demon with their own eyes, its said that they all met their demisefor some unknown reason. How about that? No woman isnt afraid of a Demon. Well, except my wife. Shes even scarier than a Demon! Have the Demon stories on Hanth Island evolved to such an extent? It resembles the legend of the Montsouris ghost, but encountering a Montsouris ghost does result in the death of an entire family. Hanth Island doesnt have such an obvious characteristic Lumian raised his glass of red wine, toasting the local before saying, Though Im quite charming, I doubt any chick would be willing to follow me to the edge of the forest outside the city on our first date, especially at night. Even if shes not afraid of me doing harm, she might worry that Im a criminal with a penchant for harming young girls. How about this: Is there a legend of a serial killer? Ideally, one that haunts the city. Drawing from Aurores grimoires and the information gathered in recent months, Lumian discerned that Sequence 9 of the Demon pathway was Criminal, Sequence 8 was Coldblooded, and Sequence 7 was Serial Killer. The name of Sequence 7, Serial Killer, indicated that Beyonders, regardless of their grasp of the acting method, would actively or passively engage in serial killings. Although the Demon on Hanth Island had clearly surpassed Sequence 7 and evolved beyond the Serial Killer stage, Lumian wondered whether, as a high-ranking individual who had progressed through the ranks, it retained certain preferences acquired during its Serial Killer phase. Intelligent beings, be they human or of a certain creature, tended to maintain certain desires if not deliberately restrained or controlled. Just as humans might occasionally indulge in a drink, Demons might occasionally engage in serial killings. Moreover, if Naboredisleys commission wasnt concocted merely for a verbal agreement, the Demon of Hanth Island or its descendants should be concealed among humans. The bearded local pondered for a moment before responding, There havent been any serial killers. In a small place like ours, if serial murders were happening, everyone in the city would know. He paused, then added, But what if someone goes missing in the forest outside the city every year? Would that count? In Trier, Franca, Jenna, and Anthony managed to gather sufficient information about Moran Avigny, the current Minister of Industry. This information included a color photograph. In the picture, Moran Avigny displayed a striking resemblance to an Intisian. Despite his age, he exuded an air of elegance. In his late sixties, his once-black hair had transitioned into a distinguished gray. Refined facial features and dark gray eyes added to his overall presence, with the wrinkles on his face highlighting the passage of time. Dark gray eyes are rare in Intis Franca sighed. Mid-sentence, she abruptly halted. Another individual with dark-gray eyes in Intis crossed her mindDemoness of Black Clarice. Chapter 622 - 622 Smell of Death 622 Smell of Death Under normal circumstances, dark-gray eyes wouldnt usually grab ones attention. Such pupils were rare in Intis but not uncommon in places like the Loen Kingdom. However, Franca sensed that there was crucial information hidden within. Moran Avigny was suspected to be a Mirror Person. The Demoness of Black Clarice pursued the Mirror People, and being a demigod of the Demoness pathway closely related to the Mirror World, they all shared those unusual dark gray eyes. Too much of a coincidence, isnt it? Whats wrong? Jenna asked with concern when Franca paused. Franca deliberated for a few seconds before revealing that the Demoness of Black shared the same eye color as Moran Avigny. Finally, she said, None of the Mirror People we encountered previously had such characteristics. Only relatively special Mirror People have them? Is the Demoness of Black also a Mirror Person? Jenna guessed, her thoughts wandering. Impossible, Franca subconsciously denied. She even tasked me with investigating the Mirror People Right, its not impossible. Havent we read enough stories of burglars calling the police to catch thieves? Anthony thought for a moment and said, Could it be a symbol of being corrupted by the mirrors Primordial Demoness? Could special Mirror People at a certain level have such eye color? Could it be the same for a Demoness who has become a demigod and has been corrupted? No, Moran Avigny should have had dark gray eyes to begin with. Its impossible for the Mirror People who replaced him to change the color of his eyes without attracting suspicion, Franca pondered and deduced, In other words, does the Demoness of Black come from the same family as the original Moran Avigny? I previously thought she belonged to the Sauron family and was Browns Saurons elder. Otherwise, she wouldnt have nurtured such a simple-minded Demoness. Now, it doesnt seem so Not necessarily, Franca and Jenna said in unison. Everyone had a paternal and maternal side of the family. Just because they were from the Sauron family didnt mean they werent from a dark-gray-eyed family! Franca hesitated for a few seconds before saying, Its been a while since I updated the Demoness of Black on the Mirror People investigation. I plan to visit her this week and discuss Moran Avigny. Be careful, Jenna cautioned. A gleaming smile played on Francas lips as she replied, Dont worry. She tasked me with the Mirror People inquiry, so she should anticipate some updates. If she has ties with Moran Avigny, we might see something unfolding for the Minister of Industry shortly. If not, we can seek her assistance! On Hanth Island, Lumian strolled through the dimly lit streets, relishing the cool sea breeze that replaced the earlier heat as he casually headed back to the Berries. Hands tucked into his pockets, his mind raced with unusual activity. He sifted through the legends and stories he had recently gathered, attempting to uncover any hints about the elusive Demon. Had Madam Magician not issued a cautious warning, and had Naboredisley not disclosed the Demon descendants name and identity, Lumian might have considered using himself as bait. In such circumstances, he could have showcased his malice, devised a plan with a chance of success, triggering the Demons Danger Premonition, luring it out to eliminate the perceived threat. A concealed trap would await it. Its been a century or two. Numerous adventurers have ventured to unravel the Demon legend. Despite the Church of Earth Mothers relentless efforts to eradicate lingering issues, theres still no resolution. Relying on conventional methods to track down that elusive Demon seems impractical Looking at it from a different angle, why would the Demon choose to remain on Hanth Island? The Church of Earth Mother already purged it once. Why take the risk to stay? If it were me, I would have relocated ages ago. As a Demon, where couldnt I survive? If I truly believed I was a highly intelligent criminala genuine Criminalwhy use such a method to taunt the clergy of the Church of Earth Mother? It would become dull after all these years Could there be a reason for its persistence on Hanth Island? Is it perhaps partially sealed? Or is there something profoundly significant buried on the island that cannot be moved? The valley ablaze with sulfurous flames? Moreover, Demons can live for centuries, but ordinary people cannot. If the Demon indeed concealed itself in human towns, it would have to change identities every few decades, potentially leaving traces. Hanth Island serves as a transit port for trade routes between the Northern and Southern Continents. With numerous foreign settlers, the Demon can effortlessly forge a new identity. However, how can it smoothly exit the stage with its original identity? The residents here all devoutly follow Earth Mother. Upon their demise, they are invariably sent to the cathedral for a wake. Would a Demon have the audacity to feign death and undergo Earth Mothers scrutiny and the purifying touch of holy water? Yes, vanishing is the optimal solution. Whether through a sea adventure or disappearing into the forest, it effectively sidesteps corresponding problems. Every year, people vanish in the forest outside the city Did the Demon purposely orchestrate some accidents, concealing its death among them? Lumians thoughts raced as he gradually formulated deductions and speculations. This was also a tempering of a Conspirers powers and a method to digest the potion. He had a vague understanding of the entire situation. If I want to locate the Demon concealed among humans, I must find the mysterious valley ablaze with sulfur flames deep in the forest. To unravel the valleys secret, I must rely on that Demon. These two matters are likely intertwined and inseparable. Lumian had a tentative plan for tomorrows investigation. Ill begin by exploring the forest, utilizing my Hunter powers to search for the remains of the missing. If I discover one or two, and they still retain some edible structure, Ill bring them back to Ludwig and determine who the deceased last encountered. Throughout this process, without alerting the clergy of the Church of Earth Mother, Ill delve deeper into the island to identify any anomalies. If they exist, what kind of anomalies they are As he strolled leisurely, Lumian suddenly looked up and observed the stars in the sky veiled by dark clouds. In an instant, torrential rain poured down. Drops of rain misted in front of Lumian. Without an umbrella, he had no choice but to dash under the eaves of a three-story building on the street and seek refuge outside a caf with its lights off. He waited for the storm to end impassively. The few pedestrians on the road unfurled their umbrellas. Lumian couldnt help but chuckle as he recalled the common depiction of the Berserk Seas islands in the travel guide: The weather is highly erratic; remember to bring an umbrella or a hat when out. Clearly, Lumian didnt take the reminder seriously. He wasnt in a rush. Leaning against the cafs two glass windows, he quietly observed the raindrops streak down and the people returning home late traverse different streets. The sound of the rain masked all movement, and white mist veiled most of his vision, creating the sensation for Lumian as if he were in another world. Observing this scene, Lumian reminisced about his wandering days. Wanderers often struggled to predict the weather, making it challenging to secure refuge in cathedrals and other places in Directly support the authors on WebNovel! advance. Consequently, he would occasionally huddle in a corner of a street, sheltered from the rain. He watched the rain with fear, worry, uneasiness, and gloom, praying that no other vagabond would snatch his temporary shelter. But now, his mood was entirely different. The heavy rain in the Berserk Sea ceased as swiftly as it had arrived. In less than half an hour, only stagnant water remained on the street. Lumian chuckled and tucked his hands back into his pockets. He strolled along the wet street toward the harbor and boarded the Berries. Just as Lumian pushed open the door and entered, he saw Lugano wiping Ludwigs dripping hair with a dry and fluffy towel. Ludwig looked as if he had taken an unexpected plunge. You didnt bring an umbrella? Lumian asked with a smile. Lugano replied awkwardly, I thought I was a Planter and could predict changes in the weather in advance, so I didnt bring an umbrella and led Ludwig to the streets to buy supper. He said he didnt want to eat cakes and biscuits tonight. Sigh, who knew that even though I predicted a rainstorm, it only took tens of seconds before it arrived. At that time, I wanted to carry Ludwig and rush back to the ship before the rain started Seeing that the Doctor didnt seek an objective reason and only complained about his lack of ability, Lumian kindly added, This is the weather in the Berserk Sea. Even Planters cant predict it. This was also one of the reasons why the islands in the Berserk Sea, clearly under the rule of the Church of Earth Mother, didnt always experience bumper harvests like the Feynapotter Kingdom. Yes, yes, yes. Lugano heaved a sigh of relief. Lumian turned to Ludwig, whose hair was now dry, and casually inquired, Do you smell anything? Is there any particularly alluring food hidden nearby? Ludwig nibbled on a tortilla and responded, Theres the smell of death. Smell of death? Lumian frowned slightly. Did someone die near the night market? Ludwig shook his head. Directly support the authors on WebNovel! When it rains, theres the smell of death everywhere. What what does this mean? Lumian probed, voicing his doubts. Ludwig replied candidly, I dont know. It disappeared later. It happens when it rains, but not after Is this an abnormality from the Berserk Sea, or is it the islands abnormality triggered by the Berserk Seas weather? Lumian pondered for a moment, but he wasnt in a rush to write to Madam Magician and inquire. This was a digestion opportunity for him. He felt that he should avoid relying on the power of a high-ranking person to digest it better unless it was crucial. That night, Lumian fell asleep with a heavy heart. In his hazy dream, he saw many familiar and unfamiliar things. The pale-white Samaritan Womens Spring, the mountain- sized Blood Emperors afterimage dripping with yellowish magma, and the unknown object protruding from the spring The scene suddenly changed, revealing Lumian wandering alone in the deep darkness underground. It was as if he had become the Montsouris ghost. Chapter 623 - 623 Grave Digging 623 Grave Digging In the endless darkness, cramped quarters, and jumbled thoughts, Lumian found himself unusually frustrated, even within the confines of his dreams. He longed to rip apart the cage around him and shatter everything in his path. Slowly, the realization dawned upon him that he was dreaming. He struggled to open his eyes and wake up, but his efforts were in vain. Each time he thought he had finally awakened, in the blink of an eye, he plunged into a deeper darkness and a more profound dream. After an unknown stretch of time, Lumian naturally awoke to some light seeping through the curtained window. It was 6 a.m. Lumian raised his right hand and wiped his forehead, sensing a layer of cold sweat. Is this a spiritual warning, or had memories of the Samaritan Womens Spring and the afterimage of the Blood Emperor haunted me after I contemplated the smell of death on Hanth Island yesterday? Previously, I had drawn connections between the mysterious deaths of those who witnessed the Demon and the Montsouris ghost, possibly leading to a shallow corruption? Lumian couldnt accurately decipher the complete meaning of the dream. All he could do was remind himself to be cautious and stay focused on his original goal for coming to Hanth Island: To investigate the Demon legends, not to eliminate the Demon. Setting aside whether he possessed the strength to face the Demon or if he needed assistance, the fact that the Church of Earth Mother had operated on the island for over a century without completely eradicating the target suggested even the Tarot Clubs Major Arcana card holders might not resolve this matter entirely. Lumian got out of bed and retrieved the golden pocket watch from Salle de Bal Brise. Opening and glancing at it: 6:01 a.m. Though early, Lumian felt a sense of urgency. The Berries would depart from Hanth Island the morning after tomorrow. He had only two days to delve into the Demon legends, unravel the truth, and identify potential suspects. If he succeeded, his Conspirer potion might very well be digested. Gathering, screening, and utilizing information were crucial aspects of a conspiracy! And if Lumian were a Sequence 7 Detective of the Reader pathway, successfully solving a century-old unsolved case involving high-level powers in just two days would be a remarkable leap from initial digestion to complete digestion. At 9 a.m., in the suburbs of Port Hanth, Return Cemetery. Holding a bunch of yellow flowers, Lumian navigated through the tree-lined cemetery. Armed with Ludwigs intel and the insights from the previous nights dream, he adjusted his plan. Instead of hastily venturing into the forest to search for the missing peoples remains, he decided to dig up graves here! His objective: to investigate the circumstances surrounding the mysterious death of someone who had glimpsed the Demons figure in the forest depths. He aimed to discover if they would meet the same fate as those killed by the Montsouris ghostexhibiting self-mutilation. According to the gathered information, the last person to report the Demons presence to the Church of Earth Mother rested in a quiet corner of Return Cemetery. His name was Antonio Elias. Before long, Lumian, clutching the bouquet of yellow flowers, reached the grave. Apart from the deceaseds name, birth and death dates, a concise epitaph adorned the stone tombstone: This wretched mans life was taken by a Demon. Lumian stooped down, placing the bouquet before the tombstone. Then, he straightened up, silently studying the stone tomb. Details about Antonio Elias flashed through his mind. A local, not a foreigner, with parents, a wife, and children. Nine months ago, during a hunting trip in the forest, he encountered a wandering Demon. Fearing his imminent demise, he sought refuge in the cathedral and cloister of the Church of Earth Mother for a full five months. Afterwards, intending to serve as a crew member for three years, steering clear of Hanth Island and its hidden dangers, he was discovered dead at the bottom of the cabin on his second voyage Lumian scanned the surroundings, gathering ten to twenty withered branches from beneath nearby trees. He planted them around Antonio Eliass tomb, forming a short, makeshift, and somewhat futile barrier. Lastly, he laid a withered branch flat on two adjacent branches, constructing a shaky door impassable to anyone. With that completed, Lumian stepped over the wall and entered the grave. He then bent down, extending his right hand to touch the makeshift door constructed of withered branches. Simultaneously, a black mark activated on his body. In the blink of an eye, Lumians figure vanished. Antonios tomb remained undisturbed, except for the added circle of withered branches. In reality, Lumian had retrieved an iron pick, shovel, and other items from his just-purchased Travelers Bag. He began prying open the stone slabs and digging into the soil. Bottle of Fiction! Lumian utilized the wall and door he had fashioned to employ the Bottle of Fiction contract ability. In less than two minutes, relying on his understanding of the cemeterys layout and two precise explosions, Lumian cleared the soil from the coffin and pried open the black-painted wooden plank. A pungent odor of decay wafted out, and Lumian casually ignited it. After a brief wait, he squatted down, donned gloves, and examined the white bones, now devoid of flesh and blood. The first item he picked up was Antonio Eliass skull. With a cursory glance, he noted cracks on the inside of the skull, while the exterior remained intact. A brain explosion as the cause of death? Lumian pondered the force required to induce such damage. Regardless of the ability responsible, Antonios cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem should have exploded into mush at the time of his demise. It seemed illogical for the hard inner cranium to crack while the soft brain remained unharmed. Examining Antonio Eliass other bones yielded no additional injuries. The stains in the coffin offered no further clues. Lumian concluded that Antonios death resulted from an internal explosion in his head. The explosive force, while not physically strong enough to shatter his skull entirely, was sufficient to destroy his brain. With Fire Infusion, I can precisely control the quantity and Directly support the authors on WebNovel! quality of the flames. I should be able to achieve a similar effect. How did the Demon do it? Lumians comprehension of the Demon pathway came from his sisters grimoires, information provided by the Tarot Club, and Francas account. He had only truly interacted with a Demon above Sequence 6 once, and that was with Naboredisley. He immediately recollected the sensations when Naboredisley stirred his desires and emotions. The echoes of the ranting transmitted through the gray fog during Naboredisleys expulsion and the tumult of his own desires replayed in his mind. For ordinary people, inducing an upheaval in their desires before detonating them could lead to their brains exploding, given an increase in potency It shouldnt be a challenging feat for a demigod creature like a Demon. Moreover, the Demon can use those ravings to achieve this remotely? As Lumian completed his deduction, he was convinced that a Demon was indeed concealed on Hanth Island. A Demon of the Criminal pathway, a Demon surpassing Sequences like Devil and Desire Apostle. With this confirmation, Lumian believed it would be relatively straightforward to locate the Demon if he put his mind to it. However, the prerequisite was finding it and not resolving the situation, all while risking his life. Removing the glove, he reached into his Travelers Bag and touched the Flog boxing gloves. Following the incident with the Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings and the Great Mother, Lumian had already speculated that the Mother Tree of Desire stood at the peak of the Prisoner, Criminal, and Scrooge pathways. Therefore, the Rose School of Thoughts indulgence faction and some members of the Devil family believed in Her and followed Her. Directly support the authors on WebNovel! In that case, the Flog boxing gloves made from the branches of the Tree of Shadow, closely related to the Mother Tree of Desire, had a high chance of attracting the Demons attention within a certain range. Just as its negative effects meant being observed by some hidden entities, influenced and attacked by dangerous creatures! Phew, there are no useless items. Only Beyonders who dont know how to use them. Lumian chuckled self- deprecatingly and withdrew his right hand from the Flog boxing gloves. He abandoned the plan to directly lure out the Demon. This decision stemmed from the realization that the Demon was still active on the island, claiming lives, yet the Church of Earth Mother hadnt eradicated it completely! Having encountered various challenges, Lumian possessed a reasonable understanding of an orthodox Churchs strength. He knew that if the Church of Earth Mother genuinely committed, it could eliminate all residents suspected to be Demons and obliterate the island, similar to what the Church of Storms had done to Bansy Harbor. It wasnt that the Church of Earth Mother lacked the will, but there was a reason holding them back. This brought Lumians thoughts back to the valley burning with sulfurous flames deep in the forest. He believed that the Demon couldnt be slain under regular circumstances. It could only be sealed and constrained. As the Church of Earth Mother couldnt achieve this, and Lumian doubted his ability to do so, enticing the Demon directly would be futile and perilous. Lumians current strategy involved leveraging his fake level and Directly support the authors on WebNovel! his allure to evil gods to traverse the forest. During critical moments, he planned to use the Flog boxing gloves to see if he could converge on the mysterious valley burning with sulfur flames to investigate the source of the Demon legends. In the heart of the forest, surrounded by towering trees, Lumian navigated a path untouched by human presence for years. He moved forward at a measured pace. From time to time, he would extract the Flog boxing gloves, relying on intuition to guide his course. After ten to twenty seconds, he stowed them away. After almost an hour, the dense forest unexpectedly cleared. A menacing brown bear emerged from behind a tree, advancing toward Lumian with ponderous steps. Stop, foreigner! The bears mouth emitted a buzzing human voice. Chapter 624 - 624 More Than One? 624 More Than One? Lumian remained unfazed as the brown bear uttered words in precise Highlander. Instead of fear, delight filled himCa clear sign that he had stumbled upon the correct location! This was the Planter pathway, the main pathway of the Church of Earth Mother, known as a Druid at Sequence 5. Capable of transforming into a formidable three-meter-tall bear. Encountering a human-speaking brown bear in the desolate forest of Hanth Island hinted at his proximity to the heavily guarded area, possibly the mysterious valley of sulfur flames from Demon legends. Without the signature golden straw hat, Lumian studied the brown bears furry visage openly, making no effort to conceal his extraordinary nature. Alright, he sighed with regret, turning on his heels and retracing his steps. Twenty to thirty meters away, Lumian vanished from the brown bears view, concealed by towering trees that had stood for over a century. He halted, leaning against a tree trunk, and casually retrieved an item from his Travelers Bag. It was a pair of brown gold-rimmed glassesCthe Mystery Prying Glasses! Lumian had no intention of recklessly breaching the Church of Earth Mothers protective circle and venturing into the sealed-off region. Perhaps it was no safer than confronting the hidden Demon on Hanth Island. Without sufficient and effective information, Lumian wasnt inclined to take such risks. What if it resembled Fourth Epoch Trier? Lumians strategy involved skirting the edges of the problem zone, wielding the Mystery Prying Glasses to shift his perspective and uncover hidden truths. From Lumians familiarity with the Mystery Prying Glasses from previous, the items lower level hindered his ability to directly perceive various seals. In Trier, he had utilized them multiple times but couldnt catch a direct glimpse of Fourth Epoch Trier. Instead, he witnessed concealed elements beneath the ground, lurking in darkness, or disguised through distorted, overlooking, or prying angles. This inherent flaw safeguarded Lumian from directly encountering the Church of Earth Mothers sealed artifact, thus averting potential catastrophe. Nonetheless, it allowed him to discern abnormal traces. And that was sufficient! More traces equaled more information, bringing Lumian closer to the elusive truth! Ready to teleport at a moments notice, Lumian positioned the brown gold-rimmed glasses on the bridge of his nose. An unsettling dizziness gripped him, akin to being buried underground. Despite looking up at the soil, trees, and sky, he sensed an elevated vantage point, overseeing everything. Withering tree bark, decaying leaves, crawling insects, and animals circling a water sourceCall these details and buried bones spun in Lumians vision, inducing nausea from the depths of his soul. Amidst the nausea creeping from the depths of his soul, Lumians gaze fixated on a startling sight. Silent blue flames devoured the entire landscape. Whether above, below, or around the flames, the trees swiftly transformed into an inky black, dissolving into sewage. From the decaying remnants, new trees sprouted, rapidly expanding and flourishing. In the midst of the blue inferno, Lumian vaguely discerned a crimson, colossal figure sprawled at the core. Submerged in pitch-black, viscous sewage, it sank gradually, only to be yanked upward by an invisible force. This unseen power emanated from beyond the withering and burgeoning forest, from Abruptly, a pair of eyes materialized within Lumians line of sight. They were bloodshot, icy-blue eyes tinged with pain. Without hesitation, Lumian removed the Mystery Prying Glasses and activated the black mark representing Spirit World Traversal. Swiftly fading, he disappeared into the forest and reappeared outside the Church of Earth Mother Cathedral in Port Hanth, behind the familiar stone pillar observed earlier that morning. After stashing the Mystery Prying Glasses back into his Travelers Bag, Lumian departed the secluded spot. Blending in with believers, he entered the cathedral exuding scents of wheat and milk, occupying a pew closest to the Sacred Emblem of Life. With crossed arms, he mimicked the old man in a black formal suit, feigning prayer. Only then did he exhale a sigh of relief, assured that those icy-blue eyes wouldnt target or lock onto him. These Mystery Prying Glasses could pass through countless hands if not in my possession. Its negative effects are indeed unique and beneficial, but theyre also very dangerous Lumian couldnt help but sigh inwardly. Then, he analyzed the scenes witnessed through the Mystery Prying Glasses. Theres a region engulfed in sulfur flames, but the Church of Earth Mothers trees seal it off, cycling between death and rebirth. Its nearly impossible to spot from the outside. Even with the Mystery Prying Glasses, I can only vaguely discern its outline. Its akin to lurking outside a cage and surveying the interior through the gaps in the railing. Despite the Mystery Prying Glasses capabilities, they shouldnt breach the seal. That colossal, blood-colored figure resembles a small mountain, yet I cant discern any details Could it be the true form of the Demon of Hanth Island? How can others see it when its sealed inside, causing those who witness it to mysteriously vanish? Could there be more than one Demon on Hanth Island? The ice-blue eyes staring at me may belong to another Demon. Is it utilizing the invisible connection between itself and the blood-colored Demon to prevent its descent into the pitch- black, viscous sewage? If so, the Church of Earth Mother should eliminate the Demon active both outside and on the island. By doing so, the blood-colored Demon would lose its assistance. Or does the Church of Earth Mother not want the blood- colored Demon to completely sink into the pitch-black sewage, letting the ice-blue-eyed Demon exist only to restrict its range and frequency? If its not entirely sealed, would the invisible connection between the two parties disappear? Is it because the ice-blue- eyed Demon will also be affected by the pitch-black sewage? Lumian deepened his understanding and speculations regarding the Demon legends on Hanth Island. He sensed that his Conspirer potion had become active, showing signs of digestion, but it was still one step away. He wasnt in a rush to succeed. Instead, he pondered the mission that Naboredisley hadnt entrusted to him and Franca. Killing a Demon descendant from an island in the Berserk Sea Thats correct, a descendant! The ice-blue-eyed Demon is a descendant of that blood-colored Demon. Is that why an invisible connection binds them? Does Naboredisley desire the blood-colored Demon to fully submerge into the pitch-black sewage? Is this beneficial or detrimental for the blood-colored Demon? If its beneficial, it makes sense why the Earth Mother Church impedes it. Why does the blood-colored Demons descendant persist in pulling and preventing its descent? Suppose the ice-blue-eyed Demon is under the control of the Church of Earth Mother, yet it can kill and cause disappearances. Conversely, why doesnt it flee Hanth Island? This implies that its not in the ice-blue-eyed Demons favor if the blood-colored Demon were to completely sink into the pitch-black sewage. Its even willing to forfeit its freedom to obstruct it. If its not favorable, perhaps Naboredisley isnt deceiving. Its an adversary of the blood-colored Demon, hoping for its complete submersion and assimilation by the pitch-black sewage. This might have a certain impact on Hanth Island, the Berserk Sea, or even the entire world. Thats why the Church of Earth Mother seals and monitors it Cant they just kill it? Without the blood-colored Demon, the issue of it sinking completely into the pitch-black sewage would cease Cant be killed? What Naboredisley feared wasnt that the blood-colored Demon might sense danger, but that the Church of Earth Mother might be alerted? Lumian gradually understood the mentality and stance of the Church of Earth Mother, the local Demon, and Naboredisley, but he lacked sufficient evidence. What he was most certain of now was: the pitch-black, viscous sewage wasnt simple! Perhaps it was something akin to the Samaritan Womens Spring. Furthermore, it bore a striking resemblance to the pitch-black form of the Montsouris ghost. Triers catacombs is a labyrinth of complexity, filled with corruption and unique monsters that defy easy elimination. Its the aftermath of Blood Emperor Alista Tudors significant accomplishment, an act that nearly brought the gods down with Him. Ultimately, He perished. What could be the reason for Hanth Island? Could it be a divine battle and the demise of a deity? Thats not beyond the realm of possibility While my knowledge of the Fourth Epochs history is limited, I do know that the Berserk Sea was not as tumultuous back then. There were still interactions between the Northern and Southern Continents. Could it be that another emperor from the War of the Four Emperors or two emperors met Their end here, permanently reshaping the terrain and weather to give rise to the Berserk Sea? Is this the manifestation of a deitys power? The Blood Emperor sank a colossal city underground, forcing over a million people to live above it to contain the subsequent effects. And the deity who perished here has been influencing the Berserk Sea for more than a thousand years. This surpasses the waters near Port Santa As Lumian sighed, he prepared to stand up and return to the Berries to strategize his next move for gathering more information. Sensing the quietude around him, his movements softened, cautious not to disturb the prayers of the Earth Mother believers. Subconsciously scanning his surroundings, Lumian noticed that the believer beside him had also finished praying and retracted his arms. A gray-haired old man in a black formal suit with a bow tie caught Lumians eye. His face bore well-defined features, and his beard was meticulously shaved. In the next moment, Lumian observed the elder turning his headrevealing bloodshot ice-blue eyes. Chapter 625 - 625 Repentance 625 Repentance Ice-blue eyes! That Demon! Its lurking right there in the cathedral! Lumian tensed. Without a second thought, he tried to teleport away. This time, he chose TrierCthe entrance to Saint Vi?ve Cathedral! In that moment, his reflection stared back at him in those chilling, ice-blue eyes. His face twisted, expression sinister, eyes cold. Soon, Lumians manifested, encircling him. There was one Lumian, eyes intoxicated, breathing heavy, face flushed red. Another, trembling in fear. Another, expressionless and resolute. One, lost and sorrowful. Another, with no will to live. And one more, eyes filled with anger and hatred, red with intensity In an instant, Lumian seemed to multiply into countless versions, each appearing tangible. This severely impacted his thoughts and actions, hindering him from activating the contract mark representing Spirit World Traversal. Instinctively, he focused his remaining will on his right hand and the mark left by Blood Emperor Alista Tudor. To escape this state and gain the strength to teleport away, he needed to terrify the ice-blue-eyed Demon! Suddenly, Lumian heard ravings filled with intense madness and depravity. His mind turned to mush, swelling dangerously. The Blood Emperors aura didnt activate in time. Fragmented, emotional, and painful thoughts burst in Lumians mind like fireworks before gradually descending. An intense burning sensation in his chest anchored him, preventing complete loss of self. After an unknown span of time, Lumian finally regained command of his thoughts. His first thought was: Im still alive? It must have been a considerable duration since the onslaught of ravings and his subsequent awakening. The Demons power could have easily ended him multiple times! As Lumian concentrated on his right hand, he scrutinized the Demon with ice-blue eyes. The white-haired Demon, adorned in a black formal suit and bow tie, sat upright once more, facing the Sacred Emblem of Life. It inclined slightly, crossing its arms over its chest. Shutting its eyes, it whispered with a pained expression, Oh, merciful Mother, I implore your mercy for my transgressions Merciful Mother, I implore your mercy for my transgressions Lumians resolve wavered as he abandoned activating the Blood Emperors aura. He settled beside the Demon. Observing the Sacred Emblem of Life on the altar, he waited silently, refraining from disrupting the Demons repentance. Contemplating his encounter, he mused quietly. The various selves I witnessed must be genuine illusionsCnot existing in the physical world but within my heart and mind Could this be a sophisticated manifestation of emotional and desire fluctuations, triggering individual emotions and desires to vie for control of the body without reaching the point of dissociation? The subsequent ravings resembled Naboredisleys frenzied curse upon expulsion. Yet, this time, there was no shield from Mr. Fools gray fog. Well, not entirely absent. Otherwise, the mad river of ravings would have capsized my identity. Even if I hadnt lost control, I would have succumbed completely before the Demon found its conscience and started repenting I believed the safest haven on Hanth Island was the cathedral of the Church of Earth Mother. I specifically chose it to evade the Demon. Surprisingly, its praying here Judging by this, blind trust in the orthodox Churchs cathedrals might not be foolproof in the future. Without adequate information, nothing is absolute Yet, it was only within the cathedral that I survived. Anywhere else, it would be Termiboros grappling with the ice-blue-eyed Demon. Then, the Angels of the orthodox Churches and the Tarot Club would descend Lumian had formed some hypotheses and waited with assurance. He condensed his experiences and absorbed his lesson. After a brief span, the white-haired, ice-blue-eyed Demon, donned in a black formal suit, concluded its repentance. Its expression regained composure, but the blood vessels in its eyes deepened. Only then did Lumian observe the black leather gloves on both of its hands. Even during confession and prayer, they remained unremovedCa departure from devout believer behavior. In the human world, wearing gloves while praying was deemed disrespectful to a deity, except in emergencies or special circumstances. The same applied to wearing a hat. The Demon cast a glance at Lumian and spoke in a deep but composed voice, You havent fled yet. Arent you afraid of angering me again? Lumian gazed at the Sacred Emblem of Life and smiled. Im not. This is Earth Mothers cathedral. Werent we in the cathedral just now? The Demon moderated its volume, not disturbing the other supplicants. Occasional accidents are understandable, Lumian replied unhurriedly. Moreover, I believe you can certainly control yourself in a short period. Itll be more challenging beyond half a year. The Demon also directed its gaze at the altar, its ice-blue eyes reflecting the Sacred Emblem of Life. Why do you think so? Im an experienced adventurer, Lumian said with a smile. I know that orthodox Churches adhere to a common rule. Survivors entangled in a mysticism incident are often drawn into the Church if theres any hidden danger. They become civilian staff and receive long-term protection to prevent sudden deaths. However, those who witnessed the Demons figure on Hanth Island didnt undergo this process. They only received a few months of protection before departing. Could it be that the Church fears prolonged stays might lead to deaths even within the cathedral or cloister? In such instances, it would undoubtedly tarnish the Churchs reputation. One cant keep a constant watch on higher-level powers indefinitely. The white-haired Demon fell silent for a few moments before confessing, I didnt want to kill them, but I At this point, its face twisted once more, icy-blue eyes filled with pain. Once again, it crossed its arms over its chest, resuming a low- voiced prayer. This time, it swiftly regained its composure. Lumian resumed the conversation with a smile. Dont tell me you penned all those epitaphs for those people? Thats correct. The Demon in the black suit maintained its slightly forward-leaning posture. It seems this Demon has a rather amicable relationship with the Church of Earth Mother Not strictly devout, but a believer nonetheless Lumian understood that the ice-blue- eyed Demon wouldnt respond even if he inquired. Such questions might even provoke serious consequences. He had to capitalize on its stable emotions to seek some details. Before Lumian could speak, the Demon posed a question. Foreigner, why did you come to Hanth Island? Lumian deliberately smiled. I previously encountered a Demon incident Lumian briefly recounted Salahs encounter with the Love Incantation in Port Colla. While leading the investigation, the suspects body had been suddenly commandeered by a Demon seeking a deal, which he rejected. Lumian, utilizing undisclosed official powers, had then expelled the other party. Lumian omitted details about the Love Incantations content and refrained from mentioning Naboredisleys name, fearing deep-seated animosity that might trigger intense agitation. Concluding, he stated, I read in the notebook about Demon legends on Hanth Island, connected to the deal the Demon sought. Intrigued, I decided to investigate. My intention wasnt to finish off anyone. You cant finish off anyone either, the Demon with ice-blue eyes remarked candidly. It continued gazing at the Sacred Emblem of Life and added in a calm, deep voice, Curiosity kills the cat. Lumian chuckled. Its indeed risky, but finding you within a day and discovering the sealed valley indicates my capabilities. Next time, Ill choose a safer sanctuary. The Demon with ice-blue eyes, with few wrinkles, smiledan uncommon sight. Your methods are unconventional, but they align with the mysticism worlds underlying laws. But had I not controlled myself and repented for past deeds, you would be dead. Such an investigation would have been futile. Lumian didnt dispute. With the information he gathered, he knew there was no immediate danger in the cathedral of the Church of Earth Mother. The recent episode proved to be a false alarm. He shifted the topic. Why did that inexplicable Demon target you? Moreover, with the strength of me and my companions, its likely impossible to eradicate a so-called Demon descendant like you. Was it deliberately leading us to our demise? The Demon, clad in a black suit, kept its gaze fixed on the Sacred Emblem of Life and responded, Im not certain which one you encountered. It refused to disclose more. Lumian didnt dare press further, let alone provoke. His mind raced, searching for an alternate approach. You seem unrestricted. Why not leave Hanth Island? There appears to be some force influencing you here. The Demons expression twisted as it stated, This is my duty and my atonement. Since converting to Earth Mother, there are times when I cant resist the urge to kill, accumulating profound sins. Recalling his earlier deduction, Lumian inquired casually, Then why not fully confine yourself? Confinement wont suffice. I cant do it, and it cant be achieved that way. The Demon with ice-blue eyes displayed pain once again. Indeed, closely tied to the blood-colored Demon in the valley Yet, as a Coldblooded, why does the act of killing, and the subsequent healing by the Church of Earth Mothers reverence for life, still cause you pain? Lumian decided to steer the conversation to a less sensitive realm and soothe the other party. In a relaxed tone, he said, I apologize. I wasnt courteous earlier and failed to inquire about your preferred address. The Demon with ice-blue eyes stared blankly for a moment before responding, Naboredisley. Chapter 626 - 626 Blatant Malice 626 Blatant Malice Naboredisley? Lumian almost thought the ice-blue-eyed Demon was jesting with him. However, he swiftly confirmed a crucial detail. When it came to matters concerning the Love Incantation, he had never uttered the name Naboredisley! Not only did he fear that Naboredisley and the ice-blue-eyed Demon were adversaries, but he also adhered to Madam Magicians instructions to abstain from writing or speaking this name. If so, why did the ice-blue-eyed Demon identify itself as Naboredisley? Could it truly be the genuine Naboredisley? Then, why did the repeated chanting of Naboredisley summon a different Demon and not the ice-blue-eyed one? Or were they equals? Was Naboredisley scheming to manipulate someone else into killing me? Amidst Lumians astonishment and confusion, a smile crept onto his face. I wouldnt dare utter that name. He was testing the Demon with ice-blue eyes. The Demon with ice-blue eyes turned towards Lumian. Youve heard of Naboredisley and are aware of the concealed perils of uttering this name? Yes, Lumian replied with a grin. From the Demons reaction, it seems unlikely to be the one propagating the Love Incantation Thats intriguing Lumian pondered. Though this might unveil greater horrors and deeper secrets, as a Hunter, fear and curiosity didnt contradict each other. It was akin to how everyone in the army feared death, yet it didnt deter them from banding together for combat. The Demon with ice-blue eyes nodded slowly and spoke, Here, within Earth Mothers cathedral, you neednt fret about uttering the name Naboredisley. Thats evidently not the name you typically go by. Why dont you disclose your true name instead? Lumian didnt reply. Instead, he posed a query. He had a persistent feeling that the other party intended to harm him. Had he not encountered the Love Incantation and received guidance from Madam Magician, he might have inadvertently mentioned the concealed Demon on Hanth Island, Naboredisley, after leaving Earth Mothers cathedral today. That could have been troublesome! The Demon with ice-blue eyes fell silent for a few moments before stating, The name I go by in human society holds no significance for you. Moreover, after learning the name Naboredisley and uttering it at least three times outside the cathedral At this juncture, the white-haired Demons visage twitched, and a pained expression surfaced. I will establish a connection with you. When I can no longer control myself, I may choose to end your life. Ending the life of an uninformed adventurer like you, seeking to uncover the truth of Hanth Islands legend, would bring me greater satisfaction than harming ordinary people. I wont feel as regretful or guilty. The ice-blue-eyed Demon gazed at the Sacred Emblem of Life once more, bowed its head, and expressed remorse. Oh, merciful Mother, I implore your mercy for my transgressions. I should not have harbored malevolent intentions The corners of Lumians mouth twitched, and his expression darkened. Did you genuinely intend to harm me? He couldnt afford to let his guard down for a moment when dealing with Demons. Vigilance was paramount, even if it was a Demon professing allegiance to Earth Mother! Moreover, a seemingly innocuous conversation could clandestinely plant a time bomb. Any other adventurer would have fallen victim to it. Truly befitting the Criminal pathway, known for its high IQ crimes Cold, calculating, and overtly malicious After the ice-blue-eyed Demon, self-identified as Naboredisley, concluded its repentance, Lumian feigned a nonchalant smile and remarked, If you truly cannot control yourself and desire to take a life, target pirates. It aligns with a sense of justice. The ice-blue-eyed Demons expression darkened as it retorted, This is my prison. I cannot depart until I have atoned. If any pirates enter Port Hanth, I will make them vanish into the forest outside the city. Lumian nodded and redirected the conversation. The Love Incantation I mentioned earlier was the name you brought up. The Demon who proposed a deal with me also identified itself with that name. The gray-haired, ice-blue-eyed Demon remained silent, gazing at the Sacred Emblem of Life for an extended period. Rather than detecting anger and animosity, Lumian sensed surprise and bewilderment. What It cant pinpoint the Demons true identity either? Is there no direct connection between the two parties? Lumian pondered inwardly. After a while, the ice-blue-eyed Demon, self-dubbed Naboredisley, spoke, According to you, the Love Incantation has been clandestinely circulating for many years, yet Ive never established a connection with anyone outside Hanth Island. Im puzzled by that too. Could it be that someone can intercept the direction of the name? Is it conceivable to assume your identity in the future? Lumian feigned curiosity as an adventurer. He believed that, based on Madam Magicians words, Mr. Fool could accomplish such a feat. Amon was capable of it once too. Whether any Demon could do it remained unknown for now. The ice-blue-eyed Demon fell silent once more. After a few seconds, it spoke with a deep voice, Foreigner, youve inquired enough. Lets conclude it here. Otherwise, you may meet your end unknowingly. Clad in a formal black suit, the Demon self-dubbed Naboredisley slowly rose. It positioned its feet apart, raised its hands adorned with black leather gloves, and whispered, Praise the Earth, praise the Mother of All Things! Then, it turned around, picked up its cane, and shuffled towards the cathedrals door, bathed in the midday sun. Lumian scrutinized the ice-blue-eyed Demon, realizing it wasnt tall and appeared rather thin. It emitted a withered and feeble aura, resembling that of an elderly ordinary human. It hardly resembled a terrifying and mighty Demon. Observing closely, Lumian sensed a dark, blatant malice expanding and contracting beneath the thin human skin and aged flesh. The Demon struggled to maintain composure, refraining from tearing through its fragile facade. The frightening inner core sharply contrasted with its frail appearance, yet the overall aura seemed feeble and commonplace. This is reminiscent of Ludwig One is a child concealing an unknown monster beneath the skin, while the other is a pitch-black Demon concealed within an old mans body Lumian exerted great effort to refrain from fixating on scrutinizing the ice-blue-eyed Demons luck. The gray-haired elder in black leather gloves, wielding a cane, slowly departed from the cathedral. Lumian wasnt in a rush to return to the Berries. He remained seated in the first row, contemplating the local Demon legends, which had recently become clearer yet were shrouded in numerous mysteries. Suddenly, from the corner of his eye, he spotted a brown clergymans uniform. This was the attire of a clergyman from the Church of Earth Mother. Lumian looked up and saw a middle-aged man with well- defined facial features and thick eyebrows. He noticed a pair of bloodshot, ice-blue eyes filled with pain. Ice-blue eyes? Dammit! Lumians hair stood on end as he cursed inwardly. The ice-blue-eyed clergyman sat beside Lumian, where the Demon had been. He smiled warmly and said, Dont provoke Boselli or attempt his suggestions. His self-control diminishes with age. Boselli? Are you referring to the old gentleman with ice-blue eyes? Lumian feigned ignorance. Yes. The ice-blue-eyed clergyman nodded slightly. Lumian pondered for a moment and grinned. What about you? Hows your self-control? Im much better than him. I lose control only once every few years, the ice-blue-eyed clergyman replied candidly. Is he admitting that hes also a Demon? Im not in Earth Mothers cathedral, but a Devil familys dining room Lumian felt a chill and couldnt help but criticize. Maintaining a composed smile, he said, Are you acquainted with him? Are you from the same family? The ice-blue-eyed clergyman reflected for a moment and replied, Were all born in the Port Hanth Cloister. Children born in a cloister? The description made Lumian uneasy. In other Churches, having a child in a cloister was a grave matter, deviating from the teachings of the deity, a symptom of succumbing to carnal desires and blaspheming faith. Lumian pondered for a moment before reaching a realization. This was the Church of Earth Mother. The more nuns and monks had children in the cloister, the more aligned with the doctrine! He immediately understood why the ice-blue-eyed clergyman and Boselli were born in the cloister. It would conceal their origins and identities well, preventing them from implicating ordinary families. This shattered Lumians previous deductions about the local Demons. Demons didnt need to vanish to conceal their corpses. The Church of Earth Mother would assist in concealing them. For instance, replacing genuine holy water with distilled water during a wake and later providing new identities and legal origins. My earlier deduction was based on the assumption that the Church of Earth Mother and the local Demons werent allies. No wonder there are so many errors This is a factor I need to be mindful of when crafting conspiracies in the future. If Im mistaken, any subsequent clever arrangements will lose their significance It seems the Church of Earth Mother is directly offering protection to these ice-blue-eyed Demons, both resisting restrictions and cooperating to shield them? Lumian reflected on his investigations over the past two days. This introspection couldnt enable him to digest the potion completely, but he felt it was more beneficial than a complete digestion. Lumian gazed at the clergyman with ice-blue eyes and inquired with a smile, Could it be that youre also using the name Boselli mentioned just now? The ice-blue-eyed clergyman responded with a warm smile. Yes, my name is also Naboredisley. Without waiting for Lumian to probe further, it continued, I dont know your background, but you can report Hanth Island to the other orthodox Churches. I believe they will advise you against delving into the truth of the Demon legends. Just as Boselli mentioned, Foreigner, lets conclude this here. Leave Hanth Island. Lumian nodded, stood up, and departed from the cathedral. Under the bright sunlight, he strolled along the street, his mind filled with pairs of icy-blue eyes and the name Naboredisley. He felt a little disoriented. Chapter 627 - 627 Treatment Plan? 627 Treatment Plan? Lumian had initially theorized the presence of multiple Demons on Hanth Island, specifically the sealed blood-colored Demon and the ice-blue-eyed Demon. However, to his astonishment, he discovered various ice-blue-eyed Demonsin the cathedral! How many Demons inhabit this island? Are they all part of the same family with ice-blue eyes? As expected of the Mother of All Things. Even a Demon can be Her child. A whole nest of them! As thoughts swirled in Lumians mind, accompanied by those piercing ice-blue eyes and the name Naboredisley, he felt that his previous investigations and speculations were completely off course. The complexity and mystery surrounding the legend of the Demons on Hanth Island surpassed his initial imagination. No, there are still gains and benefits Speculation involves bold assumptions and careful confirmation. Its normal for initial assumptions to be overturned. The elimination method is a crucial deduction tool How can there be unsolved cases that are guessed completely correct from the beginning? The crucial aspect lies in consistently refuting the incorrect path through falsification and integrating new information acquired during the investigation to uncover the right one Heh heh, if I were to take the Reader pathway, it should be relatively straightforward for me to act the role of a Detective. Discerning a conspiracy stands out as one of the primary duties of a Detective Lumian reassured himself, disentangling from the impact of the two ice-blue-eyed Demons. He regained his clarity and rationality, no longer feeling befuddled and disoriented. Under the blistering sunlight, he swiftly identified an issue. In the scene I witnessed through the Mystery Prying Glasses, the blood-colored Demon was pulled by an invisible force, but there was only one invisible force, and only a pair of ice-blue eyes gazed at me Theres only one ice-blue-eyed Demon closely linked to the blood-colored Demon, and thats the elder Boselli who repented before the Sacred Emblem of Life. The others, including the ice-blue-eyed clergyman, are its descendants. Could they be the offspring it left behind with the nuns when it used the Hanth Islands cloister to restore its youth and obtain a new identity? However, when the ice-blue-eyed clergyman mentioned Boselli, it didnt sound like it was referring to its father, grandfather, or ancestor. It was as if it was discussing a friend with whom it didnt share an amicable relationship Moreover, it also identifies itself as Naboredisley Could this be a family name? A significant family name among the Abyss Demons? Puzzled, Lumian boarded the Berries and returned to his first-class suite. At that moment, Lugano and Ludwig were relishing a lavish lunch. Upon spotting Lumian, the Doctor grinned sheepishly and said, I thought youd be indulging in the local delights on the island, so I didnt wait for you. Lumian sat down and grabbed a wheat-flavored bun. As he chewed, he asked thoughtfully, What do you know about the abilities of the Planter pathway? Lugano hesitated for a moment before truthfully responding, Sequence 9 Planter significantly boosts my strength. I can predict the weather to a certain extent by observing clouds, wind, and other natural phenomena. Im adept at identifying seeds and nurturing them. Farming tools suit me more than knives and guns. Sequence 8 Doctors primary abilities revolve around healing. They can discern the patients specific situation through Spirit Vision. They possess outstanding surgical skills, such as suturing severed limbs and transplanting internal organs. Additionally, we gain Beyonder abilities like Evil Ailment Treatment, Trauma Treatment, Soul Suture, and Life-Giving. As far as I know, the next Sequence is called Harvest Priest. It mainly focuses on promoting the reproduction and growth of creatures and bringing about a bumper harvest with Beyonder powers Upon hearing this, Lumian suddenly interrupted Lugano. Soul Suture? How is this implemented? Lugano grinned sheepishly and said, I havent really used this ability yet. Its used to treat soul injuries. As you know, some superpowers can attack the soul, making it difficult for it to heal on its own. At this moment, as long as the injured let go of their bodies and minds and dont resist, I can carry out a soul-level surgery to stitch up the corresponding wound. Lumians concern wasnt about stitching up a soul; it was another matter that provided him with a fresh perspective on the Demon legends of Hanth Island. He downed the pre-meal bun and took a sip of the golden liqueur. After a moment of contemplation, he inquired, Since you can suture souls, from a different standpoint, can you also sever souls? Lugano fell silent. After ten to twenty seconds, he responded, Theoretically, yes, but it requires the corresponding person to completely open up their body and mind, leaving their soul unprotected. It would be even more effective if their physical body doesnt exist. The Doctor hesitated for a moment before adding, This can serve as an attack on the soul, but it could also be a treatment method. If a patients soul is corrupted by a curse, they can address it by severing the depravity and allowing their soul to gradually heal. Upon hearing this, Lumian smiled and applauded softly. Well said. Well said. Lugano, being thick-skinned, couldnt help but feel a bit embarrassed by the praise. He blurted out, Thats just my speculation. I havent tested it yet. Lumian ignored him and proceeded to emulate what Ludwig had done. He forked a lamb chop onto his plate and began cutting with determination. Simultaneously, the initial sensations when he faced the onslaught of the ice-blue-eyed Demon resurfaced in Lumians mind. He witnessed diverse versions of himselfa version brimming with hatred, another immersed in pain, one engrossed in lust, and another consumed by various desires and emotions As Lugano detailed the process of suturing and soul-severing, an idea sparked in Lumians mind. What if the High-Sequence abilities of the Planter pathway were employed to excise different aspects of the soul corresponding to various desires? Could there truly be just one ice-blue-eyed Demon on Hanth Island, but its soul had been partitioned by the Saints and even Angels of the Church of Earth Mother, each becoming an individual? On a mystical level, they remain a single entity. Hence, is there only one invisible force closely tied to the blood-colored Demon? The question now iswhy would the Church of Earth Mother undertake such an action? Imposing restrictions or offering protection? Perhaps both? Lumian swiftly linked this with the state of the blood-colored Demon. It consistently descended into the pitch-black sewage before being hoisted up by an unseen force. Splitting the soul acted as a shield for the ice-blue Demon, preventing corruption from the power of the pitch- black sewage? Wait, could the ice-blue-eyed Demon be the untainted segment of the blood-colored Demons soul? Is the Church of Earth Mothers approach based on deeming the entire body beyond salvation, but parts are still considered healthy? Is that why a healthy soul needs to be severed into different desires? The forest sealing off the mysterious valley, pitch-black sewage, and the blood-colored Demon displayed characteristics of rebirth, growth, depravity, death, and rebirth again The soul fragments of the blood-colored Demon were given new life, enabling them to utilize the cycle of rebirth, growth, aging, death, and rebirth again to resist the corruption spreading from their true bodies? Simultaneously, relying on the existence of the healthy parts prevented the blood-colored Demon from sinking entirely? Aging soul fragments are inherently more vulnerable to corruption from the main body, and newborns are the healthiest. This explains why the old Boselli and the ice-blue- eyed clergyman are in different states Such a newborn possesses a Demons potent soul, but its human body is exceedingly frail. Yes, it aligns with my observations of Boselli. Its feeble and aged body encases a potent soul teeming with malevolence This This method of sealing and rescuing aligns with the Church of Earth Mothers unique abilities With these revelations, Lumian felt enlightened. Only then did he realize that he had been continuously cutting the lamb chops bones, producing a grinding sound. Lugano pretended not to notice or hear anything, focusing on enjoying his meal. Ludwig paid no attention to such trivial matters, wholly absorbed in the delicacies. Lumian withdrew his gaze and happily poured himself a glass of Paha red wine. The confusion, disorder, loss, and disappointment he had previously experienced dissipated significantly. As he drank, he leisurely pondered, This hypothesis aligns most with the current details. Unfortunately, it cant be verified, nor do I dare to. And without verification and results, theres no feedback for the potions digestion Forget it. The experience and lessons I gained this time are much more important than the digestion I can still attempt in the future. Why does the Church of Earth Mother want to protect the blood-colored Demon? Moreover, since a healthy soul has been separated and given new life, why not completely destroy and purify the corrupted true form to eliminate any hidden dangers? Theres a high chance that this involves the worlds deep secrets Is that blood-colored Demon the true and largest Naboredisley? Was the one seeking a deal to slay Hanth Islands Demon descendant it? Can it, in turn, affect a few soul fragments, allowing me and a Mid-Sequence Beyonder like Franca to slay a true Demon? The more Lumian contemplated, the more curious he became about the truth. However, he eventually restrained himself. For Beyonders at his level, this matter was concluded. After leaving Hanth Island, he would report his gains and speculations to Madam Magician and consult the Tarot Clubs Major Arcana card holders. Lumian, putting aside his investigative thoughts, felt a sense of relief. He spent the rest of his time leisurely strolling through Port Hanth. To his surprise, he realized that the Berserk Sea island city, far from the Feynapotter Kingdom, didnt have a genuine casino. There were no criminal industries like human trafficking. It was as clean as if it had been purified by the Eternal Blazing Sun Church. After engaging in Fighting Evil and other card games throughout the afternoon, Lumian, with wins and losses not exceeding 1 gold risot, finally grasped the reason. Unable to control themselves, the ice-blue-eyed Demons prioritized the malevolent wrongdoers, making them vanish into the forest outside the city. As timea century or twoelapsed, Port Hanth could be deemed a city bathed in sunlight. Certainly, there were innocents among them, like Antonio Elias. Late at night, in the first-class cabin suite of the Berries. In his slumber, Lumian vaguely witnessed the land shrouded in sulfurous flames, and the blood-colored Demon sprawled within the pitch-black liquid. Chapter 628 - 628 Terrifying Dream 628 Terrifying Dream Lumian vaguely noticed bubbles emerging from the pitch-black liquid enveloping most of the blood-colored Demons body. The brownish-green hue of the bubbles resembled tree warts. In an instant, the bubbles burst, reflecting brilliant colors as they merged with the pitch-black liquid. For some reason, Lumian sensed that something was wrong. He wished to shut his eyes and avoid these details, but trapped in a dream, he had no control. In the depths of the pitch-black liquid, a figure lurked. It raised its head slightly, gazing at the blood-colored Demon. Moist brownish-green or light brown tree warts protruded from the figures body, reminding Lumian of Susanna Mattise in her Fallen Tree Spirit state. The distinction lay in Susanna Mattises tree warts, branches, and flower buds growing from her body, melding with her original form. The figures tree warts, however, seemed to pierce out flamboyantly from the flesh and internal organs, tainted with blood. In his dream, Lumian instinctively raised his right hand, wiping the corners of his eyes. The back of his hand was stained red. At some point, blood had flowed from his eyes, turning his vision a blurry red. The figures overall outline appeared in the blur. As if grown on a brownish-green tree, pierced by branches, overrun by tree warts, and covered in flower buds, dripping with a viscous liquid. A burning sensation engulfed Lumians chest, prompting him to instinctively close his eyes in the dream. Yet, he was a step too slow. Bang! Lumians eyes exploded, flooding his mind with searing pain. He jolted awake, curling up in agony. His hands instinctively reached for his eyes, encountering a flat, sticky, and moist substance. The scent of blood hung heavily in the air. As an Ascetic accustomed to severe injuries, Lumian took several minutes to overcome the pain that threatened to render him unconscious. Struggling to sit up, he opened his eyes, only to be met with absolute darkness. No crimson moonlight, no outlines of furniture in the bedroomChe couldnt see a thing. Lumian raised his hand once more, gently touching his eye sockets. Both eyeballs had deflated, shattered beyond repair. Is it because I glimpsed something I shouldnt have? Lumian chuckled in self-deprecation. It was a vision from a dream, something he never wished to witness. Upon reflection, he realized that if Mr. Fools seal hadnt triggered or Termiboros hadnt activated it, his eyes might not have been the only casualties. Wiping the tip of his nose, Lumian felt moistness and caught the unmistakable scent of rust. In a surprisingly good mood, he quipped, Luckily, it seems whats flowing down is blood, not brain matter. He rejoiced in surviving the ordeal. Despite the tragic state of his head, Lumians body remained relatively unharmed, albeit a bit drained. Gripping the edge of the bed, Lumian pulled himself up. In a state of blindness and impaired smell, he relied on the Hunters instinct, navigating through his turf with a mental map. Bypassing furniture, he reached the living room and knocked on the servants door. Yes, whats the matter? Startled, Lugano hastily opened the door, dressed in a cotton shirt and underpants that served as makeshift pajamas, fearing a repeat of the terrifying encounter with Father Montserrat. Under the crimson moonlight, he saw Lumians blood-streaked face and empty blood-red eyes filled with shattered fragments. Wh-what happened? Lugano stammered, bewildered. Who had beaten his employer to such a state? Who could inflict such harm upon his employer? Why not teleport away from this perilous situation? Lumian calmly pointed at his eyes. Treat them. Alright, Lugano responded subconsciously, then added awkwardly, With the eyeballs in such a state, theres no way of treatment. We can only find a suitable transplant. Lumian, enduring the pain, calmly stated, No need. Just stop the bleeding and ease the pain. Alright. Lugano didnt dare argue, following his employers instructions. He extended his shimmering left palm. Upon contact and a simple use of a scalpel, Lumian felt a refreshing sensation in his eyes. The pain became more bearable, though his vision remained absent. You can go back to sleep, Lumian waved dismissively, as if his loss of vision was inconsequential. With one hand in his pocket, he strolled past the Dutanese textbook on the carpet, settled into a recliner, and rocked it gently. Lugano watched in confusion and anxiety for a while before attempting to return to bed, unable to fall asleep. When the morning sun bathed the seas edge, the Doctor abruptly rose from his bed, deciding to grab a cup of coffee for a pick-me-up. Upon leaving the room, he witnessed his employer in motion. Lumians green eyes sparkled, showing no signs of injury. Y-youre alright? Lugano was bewildered. Lumian responded with a radiant smile, Thats right. Lugano was momentarily speechless. How did my employer regenerate his eyeballs? What kind of monster is this Is my role as his doctor merely to stop the bleeding and relieve the pain? Lumian paid no heed to the servants psychological turmoil. He returned to the master bedroom, drew back the curtains, laid out the paper, and picked up a dark-black fountain pen. Im still not cautious enough He sighed suddenly. After heeding the ice-blue-eyed Demons warning and preparing to depart Hanth Island with the Berries, Lumian refrained from promptly writing to Madam Magician. He intended to observe the aftermath and wait until they were safely away from the port. Unexpectedly, he had experienced such a terrifying and dangerous dream last night! Initially suspecting that a Demon with ice-blue eyes had lost control and covertly influenced him, Lumian later speculated that he might have been subtly corrupted when he observed the blood-colored Demon and the pitch-black liquid through the Mystery Prying Glasses. The corruption lay dormant until he slept, manifesting fully in his dream. Focusing his thoughts, he detailed everything witnessed and heard on Hanth Island. He replaced the name Naboredisley with the term Love Incantation. Concluding the letter, Lumian wrote sincerely, Perhaps Ive encountered too many Demons recently. I feel like Ive accumulated too much corruption and want to undergo treatment. Following that, Lumian conducted a ritual, summoning the doll messenger, and handed over the folded letter. Accepting the letter with its right hand, the doll messenger covered its nose with its left palm and exclaimed, You stepped on the worlds stinkiest thing! It stinks! It stinks! So dirty, so dirty! Swiftly grasping the letter between two fingers, the doll messenger vanished from the room. Lumian waited briefly, but with no immediate response from Madam Magician, he decided to seek treatment elsewhere. His destination was the cathedral of the Church of Earth Mother in Port Hanth, where he had visited the day before. In the early morning, before the commencement of work, numerous believers gathered to listen to the preaching. The preacher, the ice-blue-eyed clergyman from yesterday, expounded on a specific doctrine from the Holy Scripture. The concept that good and evil emanated from the same source, making them inseparable, was discussed. The sermon emphasized promoting good and suppressing evil. Isnt it a little ironic to have this coming from a Demon like you? Lumian criticized and sat in the first row, listening casually. He soon sensed the cathedrals vibrant vitality. Vegetation flourished, and mushrooms quietly sprouted. The scent of wheat and milk provided a calming atmosphere. Unconsciously, Lumian realized that his life had gained intensity. Each of the orthodox Churches has its own merits he sighed silently. After five to six minutes, the ice-blue-eyed clergyman concluded his preaching and approached Lumian with a warm smile. Young people who are willing to listen to advice always have a bright future. Praise the Earth, praise the Mother of All Things! Lumian observed the ice-blue-eyed clergyman retracting his raised hands. Is he hinting that its satisfied that I stopped inquiring, exploring the forest, and searching for someone with ice-blue eyes since noon yesterday? Lumian considered, then looked at the clergyman before speaking. However, I had a terrifying dream last night and nearly died from it. What dream? the ice-blue-eyed clergyman inquired warmly. Bishop, how should I address you? Lumian asked, deferring from providing an immediate answer. Newman, the ice-blue-eyed clergyman announced its name in human society. Lumian briefly recounted the blood-colored Demon in his dream, the pitch-black liquid, the blurry figure, and the branches and tree warts. He didnt delve into the final injuries he had suffered. Bishop Newman listened quietly, gazing at Lumian for a few seconds. Are you willing to listen to my preaching? Sure, Lumian agreed, curious about what the Ice-blue-eyed Demon had to say. Newman flipped open the Holy Bible in his arms and spoke in a magnetic voice, There are two Abysses. One is material, and the entrance is somewhere in the real world. The other is spiritual, and the entrance is deep in everyones hearts. Sometimes, these two Abysses are separated, but most of the time, theyre one. Good intentions and evil intentions come from the same source. Its inevitable for us to harbor evil thoughts like jealousy, hatred, destruction, greed, harm, and arrogance. This is normal, not sinful. However, if we act on jealousy, hatred, greed, and arrogance, killing someoneour souls will gradually sink into the Abyss. When the time comes, one can only repent to the Mother, just like this. Merciful Mother, I have fallen into the Abyss of evil Lumian listened quietly, grasping the essence of Bishop Newmans words. He acknowledged his mistake rooted in arrogance. His earlier ventures, marked by a proactive approach and a lack of major problems, had led him to underestimate the concealed perils of high-level matters. Standing up, Lumian raised his hands. I understand. Praise the Earth, praise the Mother of All Things! Newman nodded in satisfaction. Returning to the Berries, Lumian read the reply, neatly folded into a square. The letter contained spirit world coordinates and a concise directive: Put an end to the matter on Hanth Island. Find time to seek treatment here. Chapter 629 - 629 Corruption Removal 629 Corruption Removal Madam Magician had not confirmed Lumians speculation or delved into the deeper truth of Hanth Islands Demon legends. Lumian realized that this likely involved something he shouldnt pry into at the moment, or perhaps it was best not to understand until the accumulated corruption was eliminated. Does find time imply that I can go whenever I want, disregarding the healers schedule? Has Madam Magician foreseen that there wont be any issues? Lumian clutched the paper with the spirit worlds coordinates and activated the black mark on his right shoulder. His figure vanished from the Berries, navigating through the swirling chaos of colors. Occasionally, he felt inexplicable gazes and caught glimpses of indescribable forms. After an unknown period, Lumian arrived at the location corresponding to the spirit worlds coordinates and stepped out. Before him stood a towering dome, illuminated by bright glass windows, with a mural depicting an epic scene. In the midst of the hall, Lumian noticed a ball of sunlight. Realization struck, prompting him to approach. As he walked, the sunlight seemed to spread over, banishing shadows and darkness wherever it touched. Soon, Lumian found himself enveloped in the sunlight. Suddenly, it felt as if pure sunlight pierced through his skin, flesh, bones, and internal organs, exposing his soul. Bits of illusory black gas were expelled from his soul by the sunlight, portraying various of Lumians expressionsCferocious, pained, pleading, or intimidating. Within seconds, the black gas dissipated under the purifying sunlight. Simultaneously, Lumian felt his heart throb, and his left chest burned. The blazing sunlight appeared to expel and purify everything in its path. Amidst the agonizing heartache, Lumian sensed a change in the seal on his left chest, as if it was concealing itself, synchronizing with the sunlight. However, before the attempt could fully succeed, the sunlight took the initiative to stop, receding like a tide into the depths of the hall. Lumian swiftly returned to his usual state. Aside from the lingering discomfort in his heart, he felt significantly more at ease, as if he had suddenly caught the morning breeze and glimpsed the sunrise after an extended period of oppressive darkness. His attention was drawn to a tall man in a simple white robe standing in the depths of the hall. Observing the man, Lumian estimated him to be around 22 or 23 years old, towering at over two meters with an imposing aura. Despite his height, he exuded a calm temperament, and his brownish-yellow hair was neatly styled. The residual corruption on you has been cleared, the tall man spoke in ancient Feysac. Lumian had a suspicion and inquired, Are you Mr. Sun? Yes, the young and tall man responded politely, devoid of arrogance or impatience. Hes actually so young, but one cant judge his age from his appearance Lumian expressed his gratitude without delving into further questions. Indicating towards the halls exit, Lumian asked, Can I go out for a walk? Though unaware of his location, the murals suggested it was an essential cathedral of the Church of The Fool. Lumian deduced that the Major Arcana card holder, The Sun, held a prominent position in the Church, or perhaps even the top position. Sure. Major Arcana The Sun nodded. Observing the Church of The Fools etiquette, Lumian pressed his hand to his chest and bowed before turning to exit the hall. Once outside, the world teemed with life. Voices and figures surrounded him. His initial thought: Did I accidentally step into a land of giants? The shortest individuals on the street were at least 1.89 meters tall, with occasional figures reaching three to four meters. Clad in white shirts, black trench coats, and half top hats, the men carried canes resembling spears, emitting an inexplicable sense of absurdity. Even the ladies matched the towering height, mostly opting for flexibility in long pants rather than skirts. Lumian surveyed the area, his gaze traversing doors exceeding four meters in height. For a moment, he fell silent, feeling like a newborn in this peculiar environment. However, this realization only briefly dampened his mood for exploration. Of course, it was only a brief moment. Trier, Trocadro, at the entrance of a grape manor. Franca clarified to the valet that her purpose was to visit Madame Clarice, and he stepped aside without guiding her. His stance implied that she knew the way and could proceed independently. Undeterred, Franca followed the path ingrained in her memory, arriving at the circular pavilion nestled among the grape trees. Demoness of Black Clarice, adorned in a black court dress, was seated there. Good morning, Your Excellency Clarice, Franca greeted warmly, openly admiring her beautiful face and slightly sorrowful demeanor. Demoness of Black Clarice nodded slightly and inquired, Has there been progress in the Mirror People investigation? Franca, not in a rush to respond, met Clarices dark-gray eyes and remarked, Is Browns not present? Shes not my ladys maid. She attends to her own matters, Demoness of Black Clarice replied succinctly. Not at the Red House Caf or the hunting ground beside the forest either, Franca observed the airs fragrance and chose to engage in conversation with the Demoness of Black. She has other matters to attend to, Clarice evaded delving into Browns affairs. Reluctantly, Franca recounted the details of the Minister of Industry, Moran Avignys situation, from the initial sensing of the Mirror World Fragments tremors after the play, substituting herself as the person involved. Clarice remained silent, her eyes lowered in contemplation. Franca didnt rush the Demoness of Black. Her gaze flickered between the deep gray of her eyes, the fairness of her delicate skin, the curves that stirred the soul, and the unnaturally alluring red lips. She knew this wasnt a good idea, but she couldnt rein in her impulses. Her heart gradually heated up, and her thoughts got a bit muddled. Her mouth dried, forcing her to purse her lips intermittently. Dammit! Why am I feeling this way right now? While humans as animals can be susceptible to instincts, Ive always maintained composure during serious discussions and encounters with high-ranking figures. At most, Ive held admiration Could it be that the Demoness of Black is intentionally radiating her charm to draw me in? Or is there another explanation? Yes, the lingering corruption from the Demon incident must be affecting me! Though its subtle and doesnt manifest in my daily life, its making it difficult for me to control my desires in the presence of a high-ranking Demoness known for her feminine allure. As a result, I find myself slipping into an aroused state Franca gritted her teeth, refusing to succumb to the temptations of desire. Clarice looked up at her. Has it been too long since youve experienced pleasure? Not since my last lover passed away, Franca replied truthfully, aware that the Demoness of Black referred to a specific kind of pleasure. She explained, As I mentioned earlier, to get close to Moran Avignys illegitimate daughter, I used a mystical item. Unfortunately, it had a side effect, leading to encounters with Demons and other evil entities for a transaction. I was somewhat affected. Clarices voice turned icy. Endurance is not a sustainable solution. Indulge yourself. Otherwise, the Demon pathway will become your nemesis. The Demoness of Blacks aura instantly shifted to a holy and dignified state, becoming inviolable. Franca also sensed that she couldnt entertain lascivious thoughts about such a captivating beauty. Her desires gradually subsided, and her mind cleared, breaking free from her aroused state. Clarice redirected the conversation. You aim to deal with Moran Avigny? He should be a crucial Mirror Person. If we can capture him or channel his spirit, we should uncover most of the Mirror People hidden in Trier. Madame, I seek your assistance, Franca stated, laying out her thoughts. She avoided mentioning that Moran Avigny shared Clarices dark-gray eyes and instead presented a color photo. Clarice nodded slightly and said, You can now strategize your operation. Ill assist during crucial moments, but for most scenarios, you must rely on yourself and the factions under your control. No problem. Franca didnt conceal her excitement. As she exited the vine-surrounded circular pavilion, Demoness of Black Clarices dark-gray eyes turned cold as she rose slowly. In a brightly lit bar, Lumian clinked a beer glass, larger than his head, against the nearly three-meter-tall giant opposite him and gulped down the golden liquor. Wiping the corners of his mouth, he chuckled. So, this is the New City of Silver in the Bible. From the sermons he had heard, Lumian knew that the New City of Silver served as the headquarters of the Church of The Fool, situated in the Sonia Sea. It had been established by the surviving humans rescued by Gehrman Sparrow from the cursed continent of the Forsaken Land of the Gods. Unexpectedly, the surviving humans were towering figures, almost like giants! Thats right. All the warriors here are ready to defend Mr. Fools Church at all times! the nearly three-meter-tall giant expressed with satisfaction. Youre not bad. You worship the Angel of Redemption and believe in Mr. Fool. Just these two points alone makes us brothers! He extended his right palm and slapped Lumian, nearly toppling him. It felt like a child encountering a brown bears paw. Lumian forced a smile and inquired, Can you share more about the Angel of Redemptions deeds in the Forsaken Land of the Gods? Chapter 630 - 630 Day Tour 630 Day Tour The nearly three-meter-tall giant expressed regret, The six-member council mandates that we cant discuss matters not mentioned in the Holy Bible. As a believer of Mr. Fool, you must be familiar with the sermons and official statements. I cant share anything beyond that, just as I cant claim to have personally seen the Angel of Redemption and received his assistance. Attempting to tap Lumian on the shoulder, the giant found Lumian deftly dodging the gesture. How should I address you? Lumian, feigning reverence, inquired, not fully convinced. The giant responded, Livalie. A toast to the newborn of the City of Silver! Lumian raised his massive beer glass, clinking it against the other partys. Then, he downed the remaining golden liquid. Rubbing his bulging stomach, he gestured towards the washroom, indicating his need to relieve himself. The beer in the New City of Silver wasnt extraordinary, but the cups were simply too large. After two glasses, Lumians physique and alcohol tolerance reached their limit. He wasnt drunk; he was just stuffed! Entering the washroom, Lumian stood before one of the urinals, unbuckling his belt and narrowing his eyes. Amidst the splashing sounds, a giant more than three meters tall entered and chose the urinal beside him. Lumian subconsciously turned his head before slowly retracting his gaze. Dazed, he stared at the wall in front of him until the pressure in his abdomen completely subsided. Only then did he leave the washroom, returning to his usual seat at the bar counter. Livalie had already ordered a new glass of beer for Lumian. It was dark-black but not murky. Swirling in the mug, it revealed a hint of brown. Try it. Its a specialty of the New City of Silver, Black-Faced Beer! the giant, firmly believing himself to be human, introduced enthusiastically. Black-Faced Beer? Lumian, holding the beer glass larger than his head, asked in puzzlement. Livalie suddenly felt a pang of sadness. The Forsaken Land of the Gods lacked the sun and fertile soil. Only Black-Faced Grass grew. It was our staple, sustaining generations of City of Silver residents. Though always insufficient, it was better than nothing. Back then, brewing alcohol from Black-Faced Grass was impossible. It was too, too extravagant. Heh heh, now with food, meat, and milk in abundance, Ive grown taller again. Im 30 centimeters taller than before. Can Black-Faced Grass still be planted in the New City of Silver? Grown underground? Although Lumian wasnt a Planter, having grown up in the countryside, he knew that in extreme environments, those plants might not survive under normal circumstances. Livalie smiled. It can be planted! It can grow in any environment. Of course, weve had someone modify the Black-Faced Grass seeds to make them more suitable for the current conditions. Its texture is actually quite different from before. Even more flavorful. Give it a try. You wont find this beer elsewhere. We dont grow much ourselves. Its mainly to remember the past. Lumian raised the beer glass to his lips with interest, taking a large gulp. The first thing he tasted was the normal, faint fragrance of wheat. Then, he experienced a refreshing grass-like stimulation in the sweet alcohol. Finally, a subtle milky taste filled his mouth. Not bad. Its a special and wonderful experience. Lumian was generous with his praise. Curious, he inquired, Do you have any liquor brewed from Black-Faced Grass? Livalies expression darkened as he shook his head. We in the New City of Silver consider alcoholism debased, indulgent, and a waste of food. Thats why we reject liquor. At this point, he paused. Besides, Black-Faced Grass doesnt seem suitable for brewing. Even if its made into beer, drinking too much will cause hallucinations. I can only handle three glasses at a time. Minor toxicity? In the Forsaken Land of the Gods, people from the New City of Silver relied on eating this plant to survive generation after generation. It wasnt easy Lumian recalled his sisters occasional jokes and smirked. If you drink too much, will you see a group of little people dancing? Livalie pondered for a moment and replied, No, hallucinations are usually different. Some see their wives slapping them, some hear the cries of their deceased relatives, and some find a baby lying by the roadside wailing Lumian couldnt bear to hear about matters involving babies crying, so he lost interest and focused on the taste of the Black-Faced Beer. After finishing the glass, he made another trip to the washroom before leaving the bar. He planned to take advantage of the afternoon sun to stroll around New Silver City and teleport back to the Berries docked at Port Hanth in the evening. In the sparsely populated yet unusually towering buildings, half-giants roamed. Every now and then, one or two giants standing over three meters tall could be spotted. Those below 1.8 meters were a rarity, except for those with child-like faces. Lumians stature barely met the criteria, and his eyes quickly scanned the surroundings. He observed turquoise vines snaking up the outer walls of certain houses. On these vines, numerous soft, large, white, and plump mushrooms thrived. Mushrooms? Since when did vines yield mushrooms? Lumian furrowed his brow, questioning his botanical knowledge. It occurred to him that this might be a unique plant brought from the Forsaken Land of the Gods by the New City of Silver, bringing a sense of relief. He approached a roadside stall and glanced up. Youre selling milk. Why dont I see a bucket of milk? The vendor, standing at 2.56 meters with slightly grayish-blue skin, smiled genuinely and replied, The house behind me is mine. Want some milk? Ill take a glass. Lumian, having already inquired, had no qualms about purchasing a glass of milk; money was not an issue. Though verl dor and gold risot werent official currency in the New City of Silver, gold held value universally. The vendor cheerfully grabbed a cup, turned around, and headed to his two-story house. He reached out and plucked a soft, white mushroom. He aimed the mushroom at the cup and squeezed it. Milk-white liquid gushed out, rapidly filling the cup. Lumians jaw dropped, confusion once again clouding his eyes. This is what you guys call milk? Its ready. The half-giant vendor handed the milk to Lumian. Lumian instinctively took it and asked in bewilderment, Are those mushrooms? Yes, milk mushrooms, the half-giant vendor replied earnestly. You call that mushrooms? Lumian paid in a daze and left the stall with a cup in hand. He couldnt recall how much he paid or even why he started the conversation about buying milk. After walking more than ten meters, he brought the cup to his lips and took a sip. It tasted like milk! Lumian finished the glass with a frown, finding nothing peculiar. Yet, the liquid came from mushrooms! Just consider it a unique plant Just consider it a unique plant Lumian muttered, deciding not to try it again. He feared that drinking too much might turn him into a milk producer himself! He continued to wander aimlessly along streets twice as wide as those in Port Hanth. Suddenly, another half-giant with slightly grayish-blue skin approached, holding a thick book and speaking with unusual enthusiasm, My friend, would you be interested in hearing me introduce our beacon and savior Lumian smiled, pressed his hand to his chest, and bowed. Praise The Fool! Ah, a brother. The half-giant was both disappointed and delighted. The two of them conversed in ancient Feysac, but Lumian had overheard New City of Silver residents occasionally speaking Jotun, a language that could stir supernatural powers. Are there usually foreigners here? Lumian asked casually. The half-giant smiled and replied, We often have foreigners visiting, exploring, and sightseeing. In the early years, some chose to settle here, but most eventually moved away. Living with us proved challenging for them. Heh heh, were too tall and not well-versed in the pleasures of life. With that, the half-giant took something from his pocket and handed it to Lumian. Im pleased to have you as a guest in the New City of Silver. Try our locally made candy. It was a candy wrapped in thin blue-white paper. Lumian didnt hesitate. He took it, tore off the wrapping, and popped the white candy into his mouth. The rich milky aroma and smooth sweetness quickly unfolded on his tongue, creating a delightful experience. Milk flavor Lumians curiosity sparked as he inquired with a peculiar expression, Is this milk candy? Yes, the proselytizing half-giant replied with a smile. What kind of milk did you use? Lumian hadnt anticipated ever asking such a question. The half-giant replied naturally, Milk from the milk mushrooms. Lumian held the milk candy in his mouth, torn between spitting it out or swallowing it. He sensed the genuine warmth and enthusiasm when the other party shared the milk candy. As time passed, Lumian witnessed mushrooms with a cooked meat fragrance, mushrooms smelling like fish, and various peculiar mushrooms. His gaze turned lost as he observed the half-giants and giants joyfully sharing their food. Unconsciously, he arrived at a corner of the New City of Silver. A towering building stood there. It was split into two sections. On the left, a spire tower; on the right, a domed tower. The outer wall, standing 30 to 40 meters tall, was a grayish-white hue. The Twin Towers? According to Livalie, the spire houses the library and other public facilities, while the domed tower serves as the council office for the ruling six-member council of the New City of Silver There must be Sealed Artifacts and formidable individuals in such a place Lumian stood nearby, examining the imposing structure before him. His eyes moved across the domed tower and noticed black plants resembling hair growing from the cracks near the ground. They hung there, swaying occasionally in the wind. Lumian diverted his attention and headed towards the spire, eager to explore the books passed down in the New City of Silver, a human settlement existing in the Forsaken Land of the Gods for thousands of years. Chapter 631 - 631 Devilogy 631 Devilogy 631 Devilogy The steeples base was paved with black stone bricks, and a colossal pillar rose proudly. Lumian felt like a visitor in a giants kingdom as he strode through the expansive and dimly lit space. The occasional tall residents who effortlessly towered over him only heightened this impression. Guided by the signs on the wall, he ascended to the third floor, revealing rows of imposing bookshelves. The custodian of the library, an elderly man draped in a linen robe, oversaw the space. Even seated, he matched Lumians height, and his slightly gray skin bore the marks of age. Engrossed in a goatskin-bound book, the library administrator paid no heed to Lumians entrance, his gaze firmly fixed on the text. Lumian, not rushing to seek permission for his exploration, entered the library and followed the guidelines posted on each row of bookshelves leading to the section housing mythical books. He ran his finger over the weathered leather-bound book and another with freshly copied pages, choosing a tome that chronicled creation myths. Before the bookshelf, Lumian casually flipped through its pages, only to stuff the book back. He couldnt comprehend it! The words were in Jotun! This ancient language, associated with the Beyonder race of giants, possessed the ability to manipulate the forces of nature. Ranked alongside Dragonese, Elvish, and ancient Hermes, Jotun held significant importance in mysticism. Although Lumian had mastered ancient Hermes and Hermes, Jotun remained a language he recognized but hadnt fully mastered. He could barely decipher the title of the ancient book but couldnt comprehend its contents. A sweep of his gaze revealed a corresponding copy of the ancient book, this time written in ancient Feysaca human language devoid of supernatural influence. Joy surged within Lumian as he retrieved the soft-covered book and settled into the reading area near the window. Throughout the entire process, no one intervened or issued a warning. This library is entirely open to everyone. Even those not residing in the New City of Silver can peruse its contents, but borrowing seems to be off the table? Or perhaps, the knowledge on this level isnt deemed confidential, Lumian mused, maintaining a steady pace. He strolled past the section dedicated to Beyonder creatures, and his keen eyes snagged a book titled Devilology. Devilology Recalling recent encounters, Lumian snagged the corresponding copy. In the reading area, he chose a spot shielded from direct sunlight yet bathed in ample illumination. Seated, he delved into the pages of Devilology. As he read, Lumians eyes widened, and his mouth hung slightly ajar. He murmured to himself, Is it really acceptable to have this kind of knowledge available to the public? Each piece of information was invaluable! The Devilology book meticulously outlined the traits and behaviors of creatures from various species after transforming into Devils. It also provided detailed analyses of Devils with distinct personalities within the same species. For those potentially facing Beyonders of the Devil pathway in combat, the value of this book rivaled that of a potent Grade 2 Sealed Artifact or its corresponding mystical item. Moreover, how did the New City of Silver come by such knowledge? Its improbable they could compile creature illustrations without dispatching hundreds of Devils Could it be that the half- giants and giants here are Devil Hunters? Perhaps, in ancient times, when Devils were more active, they shared information with other factions? Lumian grew more alarmed as he read on. Midway through, he massaged his throbbing temples, sensing a rapid depletion of his spirituality. Lumian temporarily closed Devilology, intending to explore the creation myths of the New City of Silver and take a well-deserved break. From the very outset, the creation myth read: The omnipotent and omniscient god created everything before slipping into a profound slumber. Among the mythical races He brought into being, Giant King Aurmir, Dragon of Imagination Ankewelt, Elf King Soniathrym, Vampire Ancestor Lilith, Devil King Farbauti, Phoenix Ancestor Gregrace, Mutant King Kvastir, and King of Demonic Wolves Flegrea emerged as potent and crazy beings. They partitioned the authority left by the Lord, transforming into ancient deities governing the sky, land, sea, reality, the spirit world, and the astral realm Abruptly, a dull-skinned, slightly gray finger tapped a specific spot on the page. An aged, raspy voice echoed. Do not utter this name in any Beyonder language. Lumian looked up, surprised to find the library administrator, previously immersed in his books, standing beside him seemingly out of nowhere. As a Hunter, Lumian remained oblivious! Partly due to the lingering dizziness from reading Devilology, it showcased the library administrators proficiency in concealing both breath and movement, given his towering stature of more than three meters. Lumian redirected his attention to the name indicated by the library administrator. Devil Monarch Farbauti. Without awaiting Lumians inquiry, the library administrator, bearing giant-like traits, shifted his finger a few centimeters and remarked, Its advisable to avoid pronouncing this name in any Beyonder language as well. Lumian followed the motion of the finger, silently noting the corresponding name in his mind. Vampire Ancestor Lilith. Why am I not allowed to read about it? Lumian expressed his ignorance without reservation. The library administrator spoke in a deep voice, The Devil Monarch is still alive. This formidable ancient deity remains among the living. And the Vampire Ancestor is suspected to be alive as well. In recent times, an individual in the city experienced disturbances after uttering the name Lilith in Jotun. Although their life wasnt at risk, they endured prolonged suffering. Ancient deities? Entities that once governed the world before the Ancient Sun Gods era? Lumian recalled fragments of his limited knowledge and inquired thoughtfully, Did the Ancient Sun God rescue humanity from the dominion of these ancient deities? The library administrator, towering at more than three meters, turned to the last page and pointed. Lumian read the description: The omnipotent and omniscient god stirred from slumber, rising from the earth to vanquish the ancient deities and reclaim His authorities. Note: In the present era, the omnipotent and omniscient god is also known as the Ancient Sun God Indeed Among the eight ancient deities, Devil Monarch Farbauti is still alive, Vampire Ancestor Lilith is suspected to be alive, and the rest have perished? Giant King Aurmir Why does that name sound familiar? Ah, the provincial capital renowned for its red wine and champagne. What ties does it share with the Giant King? Lumian cautiously inquired, Can these two names be pronounced in ordinary human language? The Vampire Ancestors is acceptable, but its advisable to refrain from attempting the Devil Monarchs. You must exercise caution even in writing it, responded the colossal library administrator. We are uncertain if the Devil Monarch possesses any special abilities. Exercise caution even in writing Are all Demons like this? Yes, the deity of the Devil pathway remains alive, an ancient being since the Second Epoch Lumian murmured, his heart stirred. He retrieved a note with the Love Incantation from his Travelers Bag. Have you encountered this name before? I came across a Demon who identified itself as this. Much like the others, it cannot be spoken or written, only thought. The library administrator accepted the note with a hand capable of engulfing Lumians head. His gaze swept over the name Naboredisley. He lapsed into deep contemplation. After a minute or two, he silently retrieved a copy from a concealed location within the bookshelf. The books title read: A Summary of Rumors and Hearsay Before the Cataclysm (1) What a simple name Lumian observed as the library administrator opened the newly-acquired book, pointing at a particular line of text. As anticipated, its right here. Lumian fixed his gaze and read silently. After the Devil Monarch Farbauti led the Devils back to the Abyss, occasional rumors persisted of Demons enticing humans. The Demons operated under the following names: Beelbubli, Almos, Samael, Lilatan, and Naboredisley. A high-ranking Demon Hunter speculated that these names conceal the aliases of Devil Monarch Farbauti The Devil Monarch Farbautis alias? Lumian felt a jolt as a thin layer of sweat coated his back. Could Naboredisley be the Devil Monarch? The sealed blood-colored Demon was the Devil Monarch? No, it doesnt seem likely. If it were a genuine ancient deity, catching just a glimpse of His form wouldnt have resulted in my eyes exploding in a dream. I would have lost control immediately Yes, perhaps Farbautis pseudonym is among these names, but it doesnt necessarily mean Naboredisley is Him Lumian wiped his forehead with his right hand, forcing a smile as he addressed the library administrator, As a foreigner, am I truly allowed to read these books? The knowledge they contain is exceedingly precious. The library administrator responded calmly, The Chief has already informed us that you are Mr. Fools Blessed. Very well. Lumian found it amusing. Apparently, not every foreigner could access this library. The library administrator offered no further warnings. He took the book chronicling pre-Cataclysm rumors and departed from Lumians vicinity. Lumian continued to alternate between reading Devilology and Creation Tales, taking breaks as needed. As evening approached, he barely concluded both books and departed from the Twin Towers. Releasing his compressed spirituality, Lumian teleported back to the Berries in Port Hanth. Surveying the still-bright sky, Lumian confirmed that the investigation into Hanth Islands Demon legends had reached its conclusion. The matter delved into complexities beyond his reach. He no longer hesitated about his next steps and plans. Since he hadnt fully digested the Conspirer potion, he resolved to head to West Balam and seek out Hisoka. There, he would hunt to digest the potion and complete the advancement ritual! Chapter 632 - 632 Conspiracy 632 Conspiracy Late at night, in Trier, Angoul?ame de Fran?ois sat in front of a small analyzer and a radio transceiver, attentively listening to the clicks and observing as a translated telegram was produced by a mechanical typewriter. The signature above simply read Hidden Blade. Having exchanged a few messages, Angoul?ame remained composed. He picked up the telegram and swiftly skimmed through its contents. Um, when youre protecting high-ranking government officials and members of parliament daily, do you tail them even during personal moments like affairs or trips to the washroom? A wry smile formed on Angoul?ames face. He contemplated responding to Hidden Blade with, What occupies your thoughts all day? However, in the blink of an eye, his eyes narrowed as he tapped away on the mechanical typewriter. Tell me, what crime do you intend to commit? Which high-ranking government official or member of parliament is your target for assassination? Dammit! Franca, seated in the master bedroom of her apartment, squirmed uncomfortably. Why did it feel like she was undergoing police interrogation? She dryly chuckled to herself and replied on the mechanical typewriter. Im just curious. Following them would be awkward, and not doing so might expose a security vulnerability easily exploitable by others. She refused to acknowledge any plans involving the Minister of Industry in the current government. After a while, 007 sent a new telegram. I rarely undertake such missions. Initially, I dealt with Beyonder incidents and battled cultists. Later, I got promoted and no longer had to participate in daily protection operations. Based on my knowledge and limited experience, we have to follow the protectee wherever they go. If they choose to have an affair, at least one of us will discreetly stand by the coat rack, keeping a watchful eye. If time allows, well investigate and confirm the identity and background of the target in advance. If the protectee enters the washroom, one of us waits by their side, guarding against potential threats from sewers, ventilation pipes, and shadows. However, theres an exception. If the protectee strongly requests and writes an exemption, we can respect their privacy. After all, were not their parents obligated to protect their every move. If they perish, someone else will take their place. Its not easy to find a three-legged toad, but those aspiring to be high-ranking government officials and members of parliament can fill Avenue du Boulevard. Moreover, such officials and MPs dont often possess exceptional foresight and wisdom. What matters is the position they hold, not the individual. Very few high-ranking officials and MPs choose to write exemptions for privacy, but they tend to do so when discussing confidential matters with their team. 007, did you work overtime so much that you harbor resentment? Franca chuckled inwardly. She felt that 007 wasnt as laid back as she would have liked. If it were the two members from Loen, they would likely say, Its fine if most high-ranking officials who dont deal with real matters or MPs who only give speeches are dead. Even curly-haired baboons in their positions would perform better. At least the baboons wouldnt smack their heads to formulate policies or work for personal gain. They wouldnt boast about their wisdom and desire to show off. Theyd simply enjoy bananas and play happily. Thats the least harmful thing for the entire country. Franca read 007s telegram again and turned to Jenna, who was sitting by the bed. The protective measures are tight, and there are no loopholes to exploit. Yes, thats the case with the Purifiers. The Machinery Hivemind and Bureau 8 should be similar. Franca, Jenna, and Anthony had been gathering information for a while and had devised several plans, but they still found it unsafe and uncertain. Hence, they consulted 007, seeking clarification on the security situation around Moran Avigny. Being a Cabinet Minister of a country, Moran Avigny was not an easy target for assassination. Moreover, Franca and the others primary goal wasnt assassination. Even if they considered it, they had to factor in the time required for spirit channeling, making it even more troublesome. Listening to Francas summary of 007s response, Jenna pondered for a moment and said, If it were any other Demoness, they might choose to sacrifice their established legitimate identity by seducing Moran Avigny and pretending to be shy to make the minister get an exemption from the protectors. However, I dont think thats feasible. Moran Avigny is likely a Mirror Person, and Mirror People have a close relationship with the Demoness pathway. They might be especially wary of a Demoness approaching them. Franca had initially hesitated to involve Jenna in the operation against Moran Avigny because the Demoness of Black Clarice would secretly monitor and provide assistance at critical moments. It would be risky if she discovered Jenna using the Demoness pathways abilities. However, Jenna insisted on participating. Her reasoning was: After Franca admitted to Clarice that she hadnt experienced pleasure for a long time, the Demoness of Black would likely suspect her relationship with Franca. After all, Franca had approached Browns Sauron under the guise of attending a female orgy. Therefore, Jenna wanted to showcase a Vampires abilities and combat style in front of the Demoness of Black. The mystical item she currently possessed would allow her to disguise herself effectively and maintain sufficient combat strength. The prerequisite was that she had to conceal the Arrow of the Bloodthirsty well and hide it under her clothes. As for Mirror Substitution, she could explain it away with Franca since Anthony had one too. Franca had muttered, Demonesses can also have pure love, but as she finished speaking, she awkwardly changed the topic and tacitly allowed Jenna to participate. Hmm. Franca, sitting cross-legged, nodded slightly and said, Moran Avignys strength is unknown. He might be very formidable. If we attempt to seduce him, we risk becoming his prey if hes vigilant, possibly even losing our lives. Sigh, Id better write to Lumian and see what he thinks. Franca chuckled self-deprecatingly. Ever since he left Trier, my brain seems to have gone on vacation. She was mocking her past laziness, acknowledging that she often delegated the primary responsibility of thinking to Lumian while playing a supporting role. Jenna chuckled and said, Youre really good at self-deprecating. Thats what I admire most about you. Youre open-minded and cheerful. Franca chuckled. Teasing can liven up the atmosphere and foster closer relationships, but sometimes, if you cant gauge others acceptance, teasing can easily turn into mockery. Its safer to make a self-deprecating remark. As the two Demonesses conversed, a telegram clattered in. It was still from 007. Francas eyes lit up as she read the telegram. The telegram read: Hidden Blade, if you disclose your target and provide sufficient reason, I might be able to offer assistance and discreetly cooperate with your actions. Wow, what a bro! Franca praised inwardly as her fingers swiftly moved over the mechanical typewriter. Heres the deal. I currently possess ample evidence to believe that the Minister of Industry, Moran Avigny, is a Mirror Person who has infiltrated Trier and assumed the original owners identity for decades. Haha, I didnt reveal this earlier because I needed to acquire crucial information from Moran Avigny. If hes captured by you, I cant guarantee that youll gain access to pertinent information, so I plan to take action myself. Phew Theres hope! Franca turned around and joyfully raised her right index and middle fingers to Jenna. Before long, 007 responded: Gather the results of your previous investigations and Moran Avignys information promptly and place it at the designated contact point. Ill verify it first and find an opportune moment. Await my further instructions. Francas face lit up with joy. She pursed her lips and sent a brief telegram: Its highly likely that a demigod of the Demoness Sect will be involved in this operation. Exercise caution. Jenna read it quietly and asked thoughtfully, Are we still seeking Lumians opinion? Yes, Franca replied without hesitation. As the saying goes, three smelly cobblers are as good as Roselle. With more people brainstorming, we may uncover better solutions. What kind of proverb is that? Why havent I heard it before Jenna suspected that Franca was making it up. The crimson moon remained unseen, with only the stars casting a faint glow. Seated in the Berries first-class suite, Lumian perused Dutanese textbooks when his messenger, Penitent Baynfel, abruptly materialized before him. Baynfel, draped in a black clergymans robe, resembling a charred corpse, handed over the letter. Lumian caught it, inhaling the lingering fragrance on the paper. Francas letter Jenna even held and read it Lumian made a casual judgment as he observed his messenger curiously. He had a persistent feeling that Penitent Baynfel harbored many untold stories, but every attempt to engage in conversation was met with stoic silence. After Baynfel traversed into the spirit world, Lumian unfolded the letter, reclined in his chair, and leisurely read. With 007s help, this shouldnt be difficult. Lumian smiled suddenly and whispered to himself, If it doesnt work out, they can force the bait. Focus on the Mirror Persons wariness of Demonesses and the potential strength they possess to lure him. When Moran Avigny believes the target is a bait from the Demoness Sect, with a demigod hiding behind her, planning to take the poison pill and retreat to deliver a bomb, hell find himself facing one or two Angels, three to five demigods However, this way, Francas Demoness Sect mission will be finished Lumians thoughts raced as he crafted and discarded one plan after another. Tomorrow, the Berries would depart from the Berserk Sea, sailing into the Southern Continents waters. When the time came, the ship wouldnt need to navigate complex twists and turns to avoid storms, maelstroms, and mystical phenomena. It could head directly for its destination port in West Balam. Suddenly, Lumian sensed something and stood up. Approaching the window, he peered out. In the darkness not far away, an ancient three-masted sailboat sailed silently. There were no lights on the ship, and no one strolled on the deck. Chapter 633 - 633 West Balam 633 West Balam Lumian had heard from Lugano that ships deviating from the safe sea route might mysteriously disappear. In a few years, they would occasionally appear at nightCwith no lights or people. This seemed to be the case now. In the past, Lumian might have teleported over out of curiosity, taking advantage of the three-masted sailboats reentry into a safe sea route to assess its internal condition. However, after encountering the Demon legends on Hanth Island, he felt that less curiosity was better. As long as the uninhabited ship traveling in the darkness didnt exhibit signs of attack or an imminent danger, he could treat it as a unique spectacle of the Berserk Sea and simply observe. The brown ship gradually distanced itself, leaving only the billowing sails in its wake. Abruptly, Lumian, utilizing his exceptional vision, spotted a face silently staring out of an open hole in the cabins uppermost window. The face, shriveled and pale-white, clung tightly to the bones, devoid of flesh and blood. Flaxen-colored hair cascaded like withered weeds. The eyeballs were absent, leaving only a void of deep darkness. It resembled the head of a desiccated corpse, yet its lips were surprisingly vibrant, as if recently adorned with lipstick. Lumian instinctively sensed the face belonged to a woman. At least, she had been a woman when alive. He refrained from raising his right hand for a warm greeting. Instead, he quietly observed as the ancient three-masted sailboat sailed beyond the safe sea route and into the dark night. The desiccated face, with blood-red lips and pitch-black eyes, blended into the darkness. Only then did Lumian wave his hand and offer a faint smile. Goodbye! You wont be missed! He then helped Franca and the others to devise a plan to confront Moran Avigny. Ultimately, he opted to await further information from 007 before finalizing their strategy. Conspirer wasnt a visionary, known for conjuring conspiracies out of thin air; they required substantial information as a foundation. When Lumian awoke at dawn, the Berries emerged from the dense, death-carrying fog of the Berserk Sea. Before him stretched a clear blue sea, bathed in the intense sunlight of the high sky. The next day, the Berries bypassed Behrens Harbor at the northernmost tip of West Balam. Instead, they continued southwest, reaching Port Pylos by 4 p.m. Situated in Matani, the port was under the rule of Admiral Querarill. Originally a colony of the Intis Republic, Port Pylos saw Intis colonists withdraw after the war a few years ago. Subsequently, various factions from the Feynapotter Kingdom, maintaining a favorable relationship with Admiral Querarill, took control. Lumians target, Hisoka, was yet to surface in Port Pylos, but Lumian knew that the two pranks he had engaged in were in Matani. One occurred in Tizamo Town, at the outskirts of Port Pylos, closest to the forest, and the other in Devise, the southernmost gold mine city in Matani. As Lumian unbuttoned the second button on his linen shirt, he remarked to Lugano in a self-deprecating tone, I feel like Im shunned by winter and have been living in a scorching environment. Having arrived in Port Santa during late autumn, which was relatively hot and sunny, Lumian moved on to Port Colla as Port Santa began to cool. His journey continued through what his sister called the tropics, devoid of winter and maintaining a temperature of at least around 20 degrees Celsius. While Trier was already in midwinter, the Southern Continent was experiencing the height of summer. This made Lumians specially prepared black tweed coat and Gehrman-styled trench coat impractical. Because weve been traveling south all autumn, Lugano declared authoritatively on matters of weather and seasons. Lumian donned a golden straw hat and strolled down the gangway to the port, hand in hand with Ludwig. He boldly embodied the traits of the adventurer Louis Berry. Initially, Lumian had contemplated altering his strategy, adopting a new identity to discreetly investigate the two pranks in Matani and uncover Hisoka without drawing attention. However, after Franca vividly detailed Hisokas usual characteristics to Anthony Reid, the Hypnotists profiling revealed an exceptionally aggressive trait, ranking among the top. As a result, Lumian reconsidered and returned to his role of casting out bait. Yet, he couldnt shake the feeling that success was a slim possibility. The sea sacrificial ritual and Lokis survival had likely provided Hisoka with a comprehensive understanding of the factions backing him. April Fools, with its former display of resources and energy, seemed ill-equipped to challenge the might of the Tarot Club. And Lumian wasnt solely relying on the Tarot Club for support. If he were in Hisokas shoes, Lumian would opt for patience. Hed wait a month or two, allowing the vengeful enemy to grow restless and make mistakes. When the formidable forces behind him could no longer guarantee protection, hed launch a surprise attack. For now, lets not devise a plan. Ill consider it when I find clues, Lumian muttered to himself. Leaving the port alongside a throng of passengers, he reached the public carriage stop. Numerous rental carriages and pitch-black or vermilion coffins were parked nearby. Coffins? Despite having read many travelog books on West Balams customs, Lumian found it absurd to witness coffins lining the roadside. Before the invasion of the Northern Continent, before East and West Balams division, the Balam Empire revered Death the Emperor of the Underworld from the War of the Four Emperors. Thus, the locals valued and loved coffins, considering them objects that brought peace, tranquility, and the blessing of Death. When traveling, they would lie inside, carried by people or pulled by horses and single-horned goats. Of course, this form of transportation was reserved for those of a certain wealth level. Ordinary people couldnt even afford lying in a coffin. After a momentary daze, Lumian addressed Lugano and Ludwig with interest, Do you want to take the coffin? I plan to give it a try. I-Ill pass, Lugano replied, finding the idea of lying in a coffin unsettling. Ludwig shifted his attention to the nearby street vendors. The aroma of corn and potatoes intertwined, enticing every passerby and prompting increased saliva production. How lame, Lumian teased with a smile. Approaching the four locals with disheveled black hair and dark brown skin, he raised his right hand and pointed at the pitch-black coffin beneath the shade of a tree. How much? Lugano inquired in fluent Dutanese before Lumian could. How much? Lugano inquired in fluent Dutanese before Lumian could. His linguistic talent was evident. Less than a month had passed since their departure from Port Santa to their arrival at Port Pylos, and he could already communicate with people in Dutanese. Of course, his proficiency was limited to basic words and short sentences. A half-naked local in linen pants replied in Dutanese, Nearby, 40 coppet; faraway, 1 verl dor. Recognizing the foreigners inquiry, he refrained from quoting the price in the local currency, Delexi, the Intisian term for copper coins. Quite affordable. This coffin, carried by four people, should be considerably cheaper than the one carried by eight Lumian mused, appreciating the direct use of verl dor and coppet. It showcased the recent Intisian influence in the former colony, lost only a few years ago. Lumians grasp of Dutanese surpassed Luganos, thanks to the mid-level Language Comprehension charm he had used on the ship. Learning Dutanese in this manner proved more efficient. Regarding charm consumption, Lumian harbored no concerns. In his view, items served a purpose, and there was no concept of waste as long as they proved useful. He couldnt align with those miserly individuals who hoarded their wealth throughout life, only for it to benefit others after their demise. If he urgently needed Language Comprehension charms, he could acquire them from the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society. If their gathering didnt align with his schedule, teleporting to various cities in Lenburg would allow him to purchase them from the Church of Knowledge. Sure, Lumian nodded at Lugano and said, Lets go to Hotel Orella. After Lugano paid 1 verl dor, the local who had quoted the price lifted the thin coffin lid, revealing the interior covered with thick dark-red cloth and a stiff neck pillow. Excitedly, Lumian removed his golden straw hat and lay down, immediately feeling a cooling sensation enveloping his body. In the hot season, the coffin effectively dispelled the humidity. Is it the coffins wood or the sun-screening black paint, or perhaps the shade of the tree? It feels like stepping into a morgue in the summersurprisingly comfortable Lumian observed the thin coffin lid closing, witnessing the shadows rapidly expanding until they dominated his world. Outside, the voices became muffled in his ears. The coffin was lifted, swaying slightly as it moved forward. Within Lumians view, everything was dark, and his surroundings exuded a sinister, cold ambiance. For some reason, it felt like he was walking toward death, touching it. Setting aside the psychological discomfort, it isnt bad. The only downside is the tendency to easily fall asleep Lumian evaluated the mode of transportation in a good mood. Its unsuitable for mixed-gender rides, which could be more awkward. Heh heh, I wonder if the romantic Intisians have ever engaged in an affair under such circumstances? Nearly half an hour later, the coffin halted in front of Hotel Orella. Lumian stepped out, finding himself in front of a small, man- made valley. Rows of grayish-black stone rooms encircled the inner wall of the deep valley until reaching the bottom. This was Port Pyloss most renowned Hotel Orella. Originally belonging to a Balam royal family descendant, Orella Eggers, it had been constructed with the intent of approaching death. Later, it fell into the hands of Intis colonists. Upon the Feynapotterians arrival, they perceived it as a symbol of entering the earth and returning to the land, prompting its transformation into a sizable hotel. Chapter 634 - 634 Fresh Off The Boat 634 Fresh Off The Boat In the well-lit lobby of Hotel Orella, aboveground, Lugano effortlessly balanced Ludwig, munching on a burrito, in one hand and clutched his suitcase in the other. His eyes darted around uneasily. From his adventurous beginnings to trailing Lumian south, hed never lodged in a place proudly declaring itself a hotel instead of a motel. Hed only encountered Triers renowned Grand Champs-lyse in newspapers and magazines, learning that its construction cost a whopping 21 million verl dor. With 800 rooms and 65 functional halls, even the most basic accommodations demanded 12 verl dor per day in the off-season. A stark contrast to Luganos usual frugal 3.5 verl dor weekly motel stays. The bustling metropolis of Trier had left an indelible mark on Lugano, urging him to rise above and recommend himself to Lumian. Accumulating wealth, obtaining potion ingredients, and advancing to Doctor became his priorities. He aspired to join the ranks of high society! Only when he became a Doctor did he grasp the vastness of the Beyonder world. He had barely scratched its surface. The male receptionist, sporting curly black hair, dark brown skin, and a keen countenance, addressed Lugano in fluent Intisian. Would you prefer a suite or a standard room? Are you inclined towards a coffin bed or a conventional one? Lugano glanced at his employer. Lumian toyed with a caramel-colored East Balam cigarette wrapped in roasted tobacco leaves, bringing it to his nose for a gentle sniff. He savored the blend of tobacco leaves, internal spices, and assorted herbs. The aroma was mildly invigorating and redolent, tempting one to inhale deeply. A suite. Standard, and closer to ground level. Lumian had sampled rental coffins for transportation and had no plans to continue sleeping in them. It wasnt a traumatic experience, but it did alter his perception of his surroundings. In case of an attack, it could impede his initial response. Lugano sighed in relief upon hearing Lumians decision and conveyed the employers request to the male receptionist. 8 verl dor a day. Three days payment in advance, the native male receptionist stated the price. After Lugano completed the payment, the receptionist, with a nod to his colleagues, said obsequiously, Ill escort you down. Three mechanical elevators stood at the back of the hall. Lumian and his group entered the middle door, pulling the brass handle to B3. Chains tightened, gears clamped, and various metal parts started to operate with resonating sounds. In the distance, it resembled the roar of a boiler, and white steam billowed out. As the mechanical elevator descended, the native receptionist glanced at Ludwig and smiled at Lumian. Settling down in Port Pylos, are you? If you need info on local grammar schools and rentals in different communities, feel free to approach me. In his view, anyone bringing a seven- or eight-year-old child to the Southern Continent was likely moving, not merely traveling. After all, the child was too young for perilous long-distance journeys. Moving meant finding a houserenting or buyingand choosing a good school. These were all opportunities to make money! At the mention of school, Ludwig, munching on a roasted corn cob, suddenly stopped chewing, as if the food had lost its fragrance. Lumian wasnt oblivious to the native receptionists thoughts but didnt mind. Instead, he admired the mans shrewdness. He grinned and remarked, Ill take a look first. We havent confirmed if we would stay in Port Pylos. At that moment, the mechanical elevator halted at B3. Entering the room on the right, with a stone fence on one side and the cold valley aisle on the other, Lumian addressed the native receptionist, Do you know Tizamo Town? The native receptionist, aiding Lugano with the suitcase, slightly bent and led the way. I do. Many gentlemen head to Tizamo on weekends for forest hunting. There are secret temples and mausoleums left behind by former nobles in the forest. If you want to have fun, dont venture too deep. The primitive tribes there are barbaric and savage. Lumian nodded, not probing further. Upon reaching Suite 7 and entering the living room, he casually tossed a verl dor silver coin to the native receptionist. Whats your name? The receptionist, pleasantly surprised, responded, You can call me Ron. Lumian chuckled. I might have to trouble you often in the future. For example, whats the name of the nearest and better bars? Where is it? Ron touched the silver coin and smiled. Its my honor to assist you. Head to the Man-Eating Flower Bar. Intisian is used for communication there. Its on the street behind our hotel. Lumian instructed Lugano and left the room with Ron, waiting for one of the mechanical elevators. Inside, a man with a deathly pale face and vacant eyes stood. The mans face was deathly pale, and his eyes were vacant. He wore a wrinkled shirt and pants. Lumian glanced at him without a word. Amidst the tightening of the chain and the relatively stable elevation, the mechanical lift returned to the ground. Once the vacant-eyed man exited the lift and distanced himself from them, Ron leaned closer to Lumian and whispered, I wanted to remind you to pretend not to see that customer. Who is he? Lumian asked casually. Ron glanced around and lowered his voice. He resides in a suite at B18, a servant of Mr. Iveljsta. That gentlemans servants dont seem normal. Of course, its not normal. They are walking corpses Lumian criticized. He had already observed the servant and realized his fate was dark and that of a deceased. Lumian wasnt surprised to encounter such a situation in a country that once worshipped Death. Having already seen the Blood Emperors afterimage, encountering a zombie was hardly shocking. In the sweltering evening, Lumian bypassed the artificial deep valley where Hotel Orella stood and entered a street with an unpronounceable name. He spotted a bar adorned with an exaggerated Man-Eating Flower. Donning a golden straw hat, he lit the East Balam cigarette purchased from the hotel lobby and placed it between his lips. Cough, cough, cough! Lumian quickly coughed, emitting white smoke from his nose. His intention was to showcase his experience as an experienced adventurer by smoking East Balam cigarettes, but he hadnt anticipated their potency. As someone who rarely smoked, he found it unbearable. In Cordu, various cheap alcohols abounded, but cigarettes were scarce. Lumian had only witnessed Pons Bnet, Louis Lund, and a few others indulging in smoking. After extinguishing the East Balam cigarette and tossing it into the trash can, Lumian entered the bar and skillfully approached the counter. He pulled up a barstool and settled in. Sensing the lingering smoke in his mouth, he opted for something milder. He tapped the counter and spoke in Intisian, A glass of kilju, the regular kind. Ten licks, replied the bartender, a local man in a white shirt and black vest, his Intisian tinged with a distinct accent. Lumian settled the bill and awaited the bartenders pour. He discreetly surveyed the area, noticing nobody paying him any heed except for a dozen wanted posters adorning the bars wall. Thoughtfully accepting the amber-colored kilju, he adjusted his golden straw hat and addressed the bartender with a smile, Do you know who I am? The bartender glanced at him and smiled back. Every now and then, a self-proclaimed renowned adventurer poses that question, but Im sorry, I dont know you. From the looks of it, the adventurer Louis Berrys exploits in hunting the Demon Warlock are primarily known in the Fog Sea. My rising fame was tied to activities within the Church of Earth Mothers sphere of influence. Louis Berrys reputation waned upon entering the Berserk Sea, and few in West Balam are familiar with him If Hisoka isnt stationed at the docks every day, he likely doesnt know about my arrival in Port Pylos Lumian refrained from erupting in rage at the bartenders words. He sipped his kilju, contemplating the situation. Noticing Lumians silence, the bartender casually smiled and remarked, You just arrived in the Southern Continent, right? Yes, I left the Berserk Sea this morning. Lumian seamlessly assumed the role of a regular at Ol Tavern, recounting his story with a smile. Encountered a ghost ship in the Berserk Sea, danced with dried corpses under the moon, and repelled a Demons attack. Praise the Mother of All Things. You might never understand how magical and dangerous the Berserk Sea is The bartender wiped the glasss inner wall and interrupted Lumian. I know. After all, thats where Death disappeared. Where Death disappeared? Lumian asked in surprise. While he had speculated about the dangers of the Berserk Sea and abnormal weather being linked to a deitys demise, he hadnt expected such an easy answer. The bartender regarded Lumian with an expression that implied, Youre actually a rookie. Have you never heard of the legend of treasures at sea? At the top is Deaths Key. Its said that at the end of the Fourth Epoch, Death, who had lost the Pale-White War, stirred violent waves to obstruct the returning enemy to Balam, creating insurmountable obstacles that severed the Northern and Southern Continents. However, He ultimately didnt return to His throne and vanished. Only those with the special key can find Him, discover the treasures He left behind, and gain His boon. The bartenders tone was complicated. Lumian fell silent. He had embarked on the sea seeking revenge and held little interest in treasure legends. He hadnt anticipated missing such crucial information. Just then, the heavy wooden door of the bar creaked open. The once-noisy bar hushed in an instant. Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Lumian turned his body, fixing his gaze upon the door. Chapter 635 - 635 Man-Eating Flower 635 Man-Eating Flower At the entrance of the Man-Eating Flower bar, a figure strode in. A woman, neither towering nor petite, clad in a conservative, deep-black dress, caught everyones attention. Her eyebrows were meticulously drawn, her skin thickly powdered, and her cheeks adorned with noticeable blush. Her lips shone gorgeously, and the area around her eyes sparkled with gem-like hues. Despite the womans excessive makeup and unconventional style, her captivating brown eyes, high nose bridge, luscious lips, and curvaceous figure emitted a potent charm. Male patrons in the bar shifted their gazes to the door, momentarily silent. Only when the woman acknowledged a few customers with an aloof nod did the atmosphere spring to life. Some attempted conversation, while others raised their voices at their companions, trying to make an impression on her. Without lingering, the woman navigated through the crowd and settled on the opposite side of the bar counter. Unique. If Franca were here, shed surely strike up a conversation Lumian felt a twinge of regret for his companion and averted his gaze. He smiled at the bartender and commented, That lady seems quite popular. The bartender wiped away the expression reserved for new adventurers and replied sternly, Shes my boss. Boss Lumian suddenly recalled the bars name and asked thoughtfully, Man-Eating Flower? Its her, the bartender lowered his voice and approached the beautifully made-up woman of indeterminate age. He poured her a glass of some unknown brand of Black Rand. After the bartender returned, Lumian asked curiously, Why does she have the nickname Man-Eating Flower? She seems very popular. The bartender instinctively turned his head, observing his boss as she focused on her drink and surveyed the patrons nearby. Leaning in, he whispered, In Port Pylos, women of her caliber often relish the pursuit and adulation of men but keep them at arms length. Our boss, however, is different. If she takes a liking to you, shell extend an invitation for a memorable night. Sometimes, we can hear her passion echoing through the halls upstairs The bartender paused, a mix of nostalgia and desire evident on his face. Pleasure? Lumian subtly frowned and inquired with a smile, Have you ever been the object of her affections? The bartender fell silent. For a moment, Lumian wondered if the other would smash his head with the cup in hand. Changing the subject, Lumian asked, Arent there brash men who try to force themselves on your boss? The bartender sighed and replied, Remember the name of our bar. Man-Eating Flower Is that what it means? Lumian grasped the meaning. The bartender elaborated, Those who tried to force themselves on our boss ended up badly. Some were severely injured or thrown down the stairs. Others simply vanished. Even those who caught her eye would be pale the next day, legs unsteady. They couldnt walk properly. Thats why shes called Man-Eating Flower. She embraces it. Eventually, she named the bar after it. This is a departure from the Demonesses of Pleasures style But each demoness has her own unique approach. Franca, a Demoness of Pleasure, stands out from the rest Lumians curiosity sated, he didnt delve further into the bar owner. Instead, he retrieved an ordinary deck of poker cards from his Travelers Bag and asked, Have you come across anyone using poker cards as a weapon recently? According to Anthony Reids analysis of Hisoka, a key member of April Fools, Hisoka had a strong inclination towards self-expression. After successfully creating the poker card with the ability to change its face, possessing Frost and Cut characteristics, it was clear he wouldnt limit its use to mere April Fools pranks. When engaged in combat or carrying out acts of violence, he wouldnt hesitate to employ the mystical item to end his targets life. This information presented a promising lead for investigation. Regarding the two pranks orchestrated by Hisoka, they revolved around Matani and were linked to relatively confidential or significant local affairs. Individuals who werent locals or lacked prolonged residence wouldnt spontaneously choose this area unless they also possessed ample information to support their actions. Lumian reasonably suspected that Hisokas original sphere of activity centered on Matani and its neighboring regions. This rationale prompted his journey to Matani, despite believing that Hisoka had likely heeded Lokis warning and evaded capture, concealing himself. Understanding Hisokas past was crucial to deciphering his present and ending his future! The native bartender scoffed at Lumians inquiry. Do you think Id have that information? Consult the patrol team. Whether they choose to answer is another matter. Patrol team Lumian didnt mind and nodded slightly. Established by Admiral Querarill, the ruler of Matani, the among Beyonders. In this state, following the withdrawal of most Intis colonial forces, the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun, the Church of God of Steam and Machinery, and the new Cathedral of the Church of Earth Mother lacked official authority to enforce the law. While these churches maintained Beyonder teams in their cathedrals across different cities, their jurisdiction was limited to self-defense and safeguarding believers within the cathedral. They couldnt address matters akin to their usual spheres of influence or eliminate potential hidden dangers. Admiral Querarill entrusted the corresponding authority to the newly formed patrol team. Some of the patrol teams Beyonders were veterans from Admiral Querarills army, while others were remnants of the former Balam Empire or former adventurers and bounty hunters. What a simple name Lumian pondered for a moment as he glanced at the few wanted posters on the wall. Admiral Querarill doesnt want adventurers turning Matani into a hunting paradise? He doesnt want them brawling on the streets under the guise of pursuing targets on wanted posters? The bartender shot Lumian a surprised look. Youre quite sharp for an adventurer. In Matani, the wanted status is earned through crimes committed here. No one cares about your actions elsewhere. As expected of one of the adventure paradises Lumian lifted the kilju and finished it. Just as he was about to switch to a glass of West Balam- specific liquor to savor its distinct flavors, he felt a gaze upon him. It was the owner of the Man-Eating Flower bar, the woman in the black dress with exquisite makeup. Lumian nodded calmly and shifted his focus back to the bartender. While this Man-Eating Flower was undoubtedly attractive, she couldnt match a Demoness in terms of feminine allure. Additionally, Lumian wasnt fond of heavy makeup. At that moment, the woman rose from her seat and sauntered over to Lumian. She curled her lips and remarked, I can sense that youre like me, a living volcano, but it hasnt erupted yet. Youre still enduring and waiting in pain. Tonight, are you willing to feel my passion? Lumian raised his right hand and stroked his face. Youre taken with me just like that? Come to think of it, Ive been a hit with the ladies since my youth. Being a Hunter, Ive often found myself surrounded by all sorts of beauties Could this be the subtle influence of the True Men pathway? It doesnt add up. According to The Adventurer series and recent sea rumors, Mr. Fools Oracle, Danitz, is also from the Hunter pathway, yet his romantic endeavors were fruitless, and he doesnt boast any notable female companions Lumian muttered internally and stood up. He offered a smile and inquired, How should I address you? Bellotia. The womans smile relaxed, making Lumian feel that she might appear even more stunning without her heavy makeup. Lumian took off his golden straw hat, pressed it to his chest, and bowed slightly. Madam Bellotia, I appreciate your invitation, but theres someone else I hold dear. As he spoke, he disregarded Bellotias slightly stiffened expression and made his way past the Man-Eating Flower, heading for the bars entrance with composed demeanor. Bellotia didnt stop him. Like numerous patrons in the bar, she observed as he swung open the sturdy wooden door and stepped out. As the wooden door thudded shut behind him, Lumian sneered and muttered to himself, I can resist even the charm of a Demoness of Pleasure. Why take the risk with a woman of unknown origins? Using someone I like as an excuse is already preserving your dignity. If you still seek revenge, I wont hold back Having left the bar early, Lumian wandered through the nearby streets, exploring secluded alleys in hopes of stumbling upon incidents or criminals to gather information. After turning a few corners, he suddenly heard a clanging sound emanating from a dark and deserted alley. Silently, Lumian approached and delved into the alley. There, he witnessed an intense battle between two men. One, with evident native characteristics, appeared in his twenties. His face was pallid, and he wielded a sharp but hefty dagger in his right hand. His left palm was slightly open, and a dark shadow hovered in it, creating a chilling atmosphere. The other, in his early thirties, had ordinary facial features and an expressionless demeanor. Short, black hair framed his face, and his dark-green eyes were encircled by white. Clad in a plain white shirt and black pants, he wielded longer, sharper weapons resembling scalpels in each hand. At this moment, the two engaged in a fierce battle, their weapons clashing rapidly, resonating with metallic clangs. Observing the skirmish, Lumian recognized that these werent ordinary individuals. They both bore Beyonder characteristics. Halting his advance, Lumian nonchalantly stood with his hands in his pockets, his right foot propped up against the wall. He unabashedly observed the close-quarters combat between these Beyonders. Chapter 636 - 636 Catharsis 636 Catharsis In just over ten seconds, the two Beyonders locked in combat sensed an observer and instinctively distanced themselves, fixing their gaze on Lumian. Casually leaning against the alley wall, Lumian chuckled and remarked, Go on, keep fighting. Dont mind me. With a heavy dagger in hand, the young native, his left palm slightly open, eyed the black-haired, green-eyed, handsome, golden straw hat-donning Lumian with vigilance. Who is this? What is he up to? The short-haired man, armed with two odd-shaped scalpels, was equally vigilant. He, too, eyed Lumian and the vigilant young native. Suddenly, he crouched, arms hanging loose, and black, sulfurous smoke enveloped him completely. Lumians smile didnt waver; his right eyebrow arched in mild interest. Unfazed, the young native extended his slightly open left hand, releasing a shadow that expanded into a distorted black cloud. This black cloud merged with the sulfurous smoke, swiftly clearing the alley. The crimson moon once again illuminated the scene. However, the short-haired man, with dark-green eyes and an emotionless expression, had vanished. Ran off? The young native was shocked, angry, and vexed. As he sought clues, he instinctively turned his head to where Lumian had been. No one stood before the wall. When did he leave? Why didnt I sense it at all? the young native, holding the heavy dagger, pondered in bewilderment, uncertain whether to pursue his target. Relying on his spell-like abilities, Bram skillfully escaped the alley, stowing away the two odd-shaped scalpels. He navigated the dark, unlit paths, frequently changing directions in an attempt to lose his imaginary pursuer. In the process, he pried open a shoemakers shop on the street, donned a pair of ill-fitting leather shoes, and discreetly handled any signs of his intrusion. After circling three times, Bram returned to the alley, entering a simple apartment nearby, constructed from black stones and brown wood. Bram opened his room and entered, closing the wooden door behind him. He finally breathed a sigh of relief. Then, he withdrew a transparent glass bottle from the grayish-white cloth bag hanging from his waist. The bottle held a nearly colorless liquid, faintly tinged with red. Suspended within, a blood-colored, well-defined mouth hung open, frozen in intense pain and fear. As if admiring a masterpiece, Bram stared entranced at the glass bottle in his grasp. After a moment, he averted his gaze, moved to the side of the room, and opened a cupboard. Within the cupboard, seven or eight similar glass bottles awaited, each containing a unique lip. The hues varied, some slightly upturned, others in a pouting stance. Bram positioned his newly acquired spoils in an empty spot, then used sticky blood-colored paint to draw an ominous symbol. With the task complete, his fingers gently explored different lips through the glass bottles, as if assessing each piece in an art exhibition. How twisted. A mocking sigh suddenly resonated in Brams ears. Startled, he whirled around, focusing on the source of the voice. A golden straw hat-donning young man with black hair and green eyes sat in an armchair by the table, the top two buttons of his white shirt now casually undone. Him? Brams pupils dilated as he recognized the man who had witnessed his clash with the Numinous Episcopate member. The person who had witnessed his battle with the Numinous Episcopate member! When did he tail me? How did he pinpoint my location without detection Lumian smiled and cordially responded to the others unspoken queries, Hasnt anyone informed you that the preservative in those glass bottles is quite noticeable? Moreover, you reek of blood after killing someone. Brams heart tightened. Are you a Hunter? As he spoke, he moved slowly and quietly. You seem to know a lot, Lumian replied calmly. So, why collect those lips, preserve them, and carry them with you? That doesnt sound like the work of a seasoned Serial Killer. I get it. You have the urge and the necessity to gather trophies. Is it for your own satisfaction or part of a ritual? Heh heh, desire can be destructive. Even the most Coldblooded are prone to errors, despite their calculated demeanor, often wagering that they wont be caught if they overlook the details. Observing the twisted murderer summon black, sulfurous smoke, Lumian deduced that he was a Sequence 7 Serial Killer following the Criminal pathway. In the Devilology book of the New City of Silver, it was noted that upon reaching Sequence 8 Coldblooded, also known as the Unwinged Angel, individuals underwent inhuman changes, acquiring two or three Devil spell-like abilities, varying from person to person. Some wielded poisonous flames, while others inflicted damaging curses. The creation of black smoke was one such ability. Combining the targets actions in battle, Lumian concluded he was merely a Sequence 7 Serial Killer. Brams brow twitched at Lumians mockery and sarcasm. Maintaining his cool, he advanced and murmured, Did you come here just to converse? What is it you seek from me? As soon as he finished speaking, dense black smoke billowed from the Serial Killer, carrying a pungent sulfuric aroma. Within the shroud of the dark smoke, Brams eyes deepened as he unleashed another Devil spell. His body morphed, adopting the color of a chameleon, seamlessly blending with the spreading smoke. Swift and silent, he approached the door, opened it with precision, and lunged outside. Brams vision distorted, and amidst the lingering black smoke, he glimpsed the green-eyed man in the armchair, grinning at him. Suddenly, he found himself back in the room. Contrary to his previous orientation, he now faced away from the door. Bottle of Fiction! Upon infiltrating the room, Lumians initial action wasnt a pose but the creation of a Bottle of Fiction, one that prevented Beyonders from exiting! Unfazed by the sudden wave of disappointment and frustration, Bram darted to the side within the obscurity of the black smoke obscuring his vision. Rolling to the bedside, he retrieved a six-barrel machine gun. Raising the machine gun, he aimed it at Lumian and unleashed a barrage of bullets. Amidst the rapid gunfire, Lumian disappeared from the armchair, the furniture torn apart by the storm of metal projectiles. Gone? As this realization hit Bram, he instinctively glanced upward and witnessed the man in the golden straw hat descending from the ceiling. Surrounding him were numerous crimson, almost white, flaming ravens. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Fire Ravens assailed Bram before Lumians arrival. Caught within the encirclement, Bram reluctantly abandoned the six-barrel machine gun. Attempting to evade the impending explosion, he sought refuge under the bed. However, the crimson, nearly white Fire Ravens dissipated on their own. Lumian landed before him, adorned with a grayish- white lightning brooch. He smiled and said, Didnt you just ask me what I wanted? What I want is simple. I havent vented for too long. Im in dire need of a humanoid sandbag. As he finished speaking, Lumian swung his fist at the retreating Bram. Instinctively, Bram raised his right arm to block. With a resounding bang, a silver-white bolt of lightning surged from Lumians fist into Brams arm, coursing through his entire body. Bram shuddered. Despite his inhuman transformation, a momentary paralysis gripped him. Lumians other fist followed suit, crashing into Brams side profile. Bang! The Serial Killers head tilted, and a spray of teeth accompanied by blood scattered. Once more, silver-white lightning enveloped Brams head. Bam! Bam! Bam! Lumian unleashed a barrage of punches, turning the encounter into a tempest, making Bram feel like he was caught in a thunderstorm. The electric shocks made any form of retaliation or defense nearly impossible. Bang! Bang! Bang! Lumians expression remained icy as he relentlessly struck Brams face, chest, arms, and head. The Criminal Pathway Beyonders chest caved, ribs cracked, face swelled, and skull fractured. Charred marks covered his upper body after the brutal assault. After the relentless beating, Lumian clenched his fists and raised his arm. He crashed into Brams left shoulder. Bang! Brams left shoulder crumpled entirely. Collapsed on the ground, twisted and gasping, Brams breath weakened. Thats it? Its fine. I can get my servant to treat you before continuing, Lumian remarked, wearing a devilish smile that Bram recognized all too well. Without awaiting Brams fearful response, Lumian removed the Fury of the Sea brooch, stowing it back into his Travelers Bag. In a gentle tone, he inquired, Tell me, which family are you from? Bram, undergoing the initial stages of dehumanization with a robust physique, realized Lumian had purposely avoided vital points in his attacks, leaving him far from unconsciousness. His mind still functioned, and thoughts raced before settling on Lumians smile. After a momentary silence, Bram weakly replied, Im a member of the Andariel family. Chapter 637 - 637 Unexpected Information 637 Unexpected Information Andariel, one of the three Devil families Lumian recognized the last name from Madam Magician and asked with a warm smile, What brings you to Port Pylos? If it werent for the lineage running in Devil families for generations, with descendants naturally inclined towards the Criminal pathway, and the other option of the Prisoner pathway seemingly trouble-free, Bram Andariel couldnt shake the suspicion that the man before him carried the last name Nois or Beria. Why did he exude more of a Devil vibe than Bram himself? Struggling, he lifted his right hand, wiping his swollen and cracked face, cleaning up the blood and flinging it to the ground. With the task completed, Bram responded, Firstly, its to gather information about Matani for the family. Secondly, its to find an opportunity to act as a Serial Killer. Do you know what acting is? He cooperated with Lumian by speaking in Intisian. Lumian nonchalantly stood before Bram, who was curled up on the ground, and remarked with a smile, Your acting is subpar. You dont seem to be a criminal with a high IQ. Why would the Andariel family gather information about Matani? Bram had no intention of concealing the truth for the family. Were cooperating with the Rose School of Thought. They want information on this place. The Rose School of Thought setting its sights on Matani? Thats right. Matani, seemingly detached from any Northern Continent nation, holds ties to the Feynapotter Kingdom, but their influence is lacking. With Admiral Querarills sway, even if the Rose School of Thought and the Andariel family dispatch only a handful of agents, resisting may prove challenging Lumian perceived the stark contrast between the Southern and Northern Continents. Whether in Trier, the Feynapotter Kingdom, or the maritime colonies, Lumian encountered criminal acts and mystical disasters driven by the pursuit of strength and faith. Encroachments on factions or cities were rare, but West Balam presented a different scenario on his first day. If maritime disorder resulted from chaos, the Southern Continent teemed with factional conflicts, overt or covert, causing widespread chaos. Lumian, observing Brams wound clotting, questioned further, What intel does the Rose School of Thought seek? Bram, reflecting, responded, They want all kinds of informationcathedral locations, military camp details, patrol team compositions, port throughput, daily prices, and the locals lives. Are they preparing to rule this place in the future? Lumian inquired, puzzled. To whom will you hand over the information you gathered? Where? It will be written and placed in the study of an empty house at 17 Aleg Street. My uncle, Devajo Andariel, will be responsible for retrieving it. We dont usually contact each other, and I dont know where he lives or under what identity, Bram explained in detail. After becoming a Devil, his special ability is to completely skin humans and perform complicated processes to create Beyonder items with usage or time limitations. No matter who it is, as long as he wears the human skin as clothes, he can transform into the other person and complete the corresponding disguise. As Bram spoke, he wiped the blood off his body and flung it to the ground, as if obsessed with cleanliness. This was mentioned in Devilology Lumian nodded thoughtfully. He pondered for a moment and asked, Are there any traces of other Devils in Matani? Perhaps Bram and his uncle werent the only ones sent by the Rose School of Thought to gather information. Bram shook his head. Not recently. However, during my investigation, I stumbled upon a string of serial murders around Port Pylos about four years back. The victims lay dissected, the scene steeped in blood and marked by the aftermath of a fierce battle. Moreover, the seven casualties were no ordinary individuals; they were Beyonders, ranging from Sequence 7 to Sequence 8. Listening intently, Lumian felt a surge of intrigue. As per Francas explanation, the name Hisoka stemmed from a literary work hailing from the original world of transmigrators like themselves. One of the characters defining traits was an insatiable appetite for combat and the thrill of extinguishing formidable adversaries, reveling in the ecstasy and carnage of claiming lives. If the target was sufficiently potent, hed patiently await their growth, perhaps even offer a nudge. Hisoka, a key member in April Fools, adopted this moniker as his code name, driven by an unmistakable urge for self-expression, mirroring this characteristic. Hisoka is a Beyonder of the Devil pathway. Moreover, his targets are Beyonders while he was at the Serial Killer stage. Unlike other Serial Killers, he doesnt prey on the weak or ordinary people. If he had been a Serial Killer four years ago, he would likely be at least a Sequence 6 by now. Theres a strong chance hes a Sequence 5 Yes, hes concealed his identity very effectively. No one in the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society knows his true pathway Lumian listened attentively to Brams account without interruption. He eagerly pondered the possibility that Hisoka was a Devil or even a Desire Apostle in his mind. The curled-up Bram glanced up at him, propping his bloody palm on the ground, and straightening his body slightly. This seems like the work of a Serial Killer. Moreover, hes exceedingly confident in his strength and intellect, daring to target Beyonders. However, I noticed some discrepancies. What discrepancies? Lumian concealed his joy behind a gentle smile. Bram shifted his palm to support himself. Serial Killers victims often exhibit degraded behaviors. For instance, those Ive selected typically share a common trait: they enjoy inflicting verbal harm and curses upon others for extended periods. Thus, Id remove their lips and preserve them. However, the seven slain Beyonders had varying identities, backgrounds, and behaviors, lacking the typical degeneracy. Perhaps hes merely a Beyonder with a fascination for serial killing, not necessarily acting out the Devil pathway, Lumian mused, masking his interest with a teasing tone. He added playfully, Were you subjected to constant verbal violence as a child? And the Coldblooded and Serial Killer potions amplified corresponding resentments and psychological traumas? Bram fell silent, his body gradually stretching out, no longer curled up. Only then did Lumian steer the conversation back to the serial murder case from four years ago. Do you have detailed information about the seven Beyonders who were killed? Did you identify any suspects during the initial investigation? Bram shook his head slowly. I only had read the summary provided by the patrol team, not the full investigation files. Most of the patrol team members were seasoned Beyonders who had encountered Mutants and Devils before. Their judgment should be reliable. Patrol team Lumian grinned at Bram and remarked, Is there any other information you deem crucial to share with me? If not, lets proceed. Yes, of course. Bram straightened his back abruptly. In the next moment, he spat out foul words in a language Lumian had never heard before. Devil Language! As the Devil words reverberated, the blood, bloodstains, and bloody handprints that Bram had left on the ground were enveloped in a faint light. A mystical connection seemed to form between them, linking them based on their location, creating sinister symbols and patterns. In the rooms far cupboard, glass bottles filled with lips and colorless liquid trembled suddenly, as if rocked by an earthquake. This marked the initiation of a ritual to summon the projection of an Abyssal Devil! Serial Killers executed serial murders not solely for the thrill but also to appease the Abyssal Devils. Once the killing spree concluded, Serial Killers could proceed to the final step of the ritual, summoning the projection of the corresponding Abyssal Devil. This granted them the assistance needed to fulfill their desires. Though Brams string of murders wasnt entirely finished and fell short by a few targets, he had met the minimum threshold. It satisfied the basic quantitative requirements, allowing him to expedite the ritual. Understandably, this shortcut wouldnt yield the same effectiveness as the standard procedure. Yet, in the face of urgency and danger, Bram paid little heed. He cooperated willingly, divulging information to divert the enemys focus from his subtle actions. For instance, allowing blood to drip onto the ground in a specific pattern and pressing his blood-stained palm in a particular location. These marks replaced conspicuous evil and degenerate symbols with subtler, blood-stained alternatives. With the preparations complete, Bram could utilize the Devil Languages activate to trigger the ritual, pleasing a high-level Devil and summoning its projection to confront the enemy! Lumian silently observed Bram Andariels handiwork, feeling the room steeped in malevolence and tainted by corruption. He raised his right hand, snapping his fingers. Bram, coldly observing him while anticipating the rituals protection, suddenly heard a rumbling emanate from within his body. In confusion, he lowered his head and scrutinized his form. Crimson flames erupted from within, inflicting the agony of violent waves tearing through his internal organs, bones, and flesh. Darkness gripped Brams consciousness, accompanied by searing pain. The last sight before losing consciousness: A black-haired young man with green eyes, sporting a golden straw hat, curved his lips, maintaining a warm smile. It was as though he watched a clown diligently tumble into a trap. Rumble! The ritual concluded prematurely. An explosion originating from Brams body tore him into multiple fragments. Fire Infusion and Delayed Explosion! As Lumian adorned the Fury of the Sea brooch and ruthlessly assailed Bram, he not only released pent-up emotions but also covertly infused flames into Brams body, triggering a Delayed Explosion. This precaution aimed to avert any mishaps. Moreover, there was no intention of granting forgiveness or negotiating a deal to spare Bram. Thus, there existed no psychological barrier to implanting a controlled time bomb within his body, ready to be activated. Rumble! Corpse fragments scattered across the room, some plastering the walls. Yet, this tumultuous event remained contained within the confines of the Bottle of Fiction. Chapter 638 - 638 Possible Enemy 638 Possible Enemy My father bore the last name Andariel, cut down by a curse unleashed by a Devils projection during a ritual gone awry. Inheriting his mantle, I became a Beyonder. My mother remains a mystery, perhaps just another name etched into my fathers ledger of victims Upon the murky surface of a dark mirror, Bram Andariels blood-drained visage recounted his origins with an impassive mask. Franca, invited by Lumian, faced a full-body mirror, employing her unique magic mirror spirit channeling technique to delve into the Andariel family and the Rose School of Thought. Regrettably, Bram lingered on the fringes of the secret organization and his Devilish family. His insights were scant. Moreover, to divert Lumians scrutiny and covertly finalize the ritual preparations, he divulged truths without deceit. With Spirit Channeling reaching its threshold, Franca posed a final query. Who leads the Andariel family now? Brams increasingly translucent and sinister countenance contorted abruptly. Hehes dead. He became a sacrifice! Sacrifice such theatricality? Before Franca could delve deeper, Brams figure waned swiftly, dissipating into nothingness. As the Demoness of Pleasure concluded the ritual, she clicked her tongue and addressed Lumian, The Andariel familys state is dire. Even the patriarch can be offered as a sacrifice. Are they fully controlled by the Rose School of Thought? In light of the temperance factions alignment with the Church of The Fool within the Rose School of Thought, Franca glossed over distinctions between factions. After all, the Rose School likely teemed with adherents of indulgence. Lumian responded contemplatively, The situation in the Abyss isnt quite right either Whether Naboredisley was the pseudonym of Devil Monarch Farbauti or not, the plight of the blood-colored Demon deep within Hanth Island mirrored the Abysss troubles to some extent. With a scoff, Lumian remarked, Were accustomed to damning others to hell and the Abyss. We believed it to be the worst place. Who knew the Abyss itself could decay? Its falling into its own abyss. A hellish jest indeed. Franca glanced at the pristine night sky, less tainted by industrial pollution. The crimson moon of the Southern Continent appeared clearer and brighter. She steered the conversation back on track. If Hisoka truly is from the Devil pathway, his actions make sense. The Research Society was lax. Minimal filters or restrictions on its members Franca and Lumian were aware that the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society operated in a way that there were no Devil pathway Beyonders, but nobody knew the truth. Membership didnt entail self-declaration of pathways or proof. Sequences were discerned through interactions at gatherings. Hisoka remained an enigma, his pathways and Sequence elusive even to key April Fools members. Hisoka has always been a loner. He rarely participates in other April Fools pranks. Is he afraid of being discovered as a Devil? Lumian contemplated, adding, He was most inclined to collaborate with Mad Lady, an unabashed lunatic who couldnt care less. She might even relish the prospect of testing if a Devils blood runs cold I sense a subtle mockery, insinuating my penchant for experimentation Yet, despite being a Coldblooded, the remnant blood of the Serial Killer Bram retained a hint of warmth. Does Coldblooded mainly denote emotional detachment rather than literal coldness? Or could it be the Southern Continents summer, heating up the blood of cold-blooded creatures Francas musings drifted. Franca then cautioned Lumian, If Hisoka is truly a Devil, hell sense your malice the moment you uncover a key clue. He can decide whether to strike or flee, shifting to another country to hide. Dammit! Pursuing a Devil is a real hassle. When we cant beat him, he strikes first. When we can, hes nowhere to be found. We could use a Demon Hunter in times like these, Lumian half-jokingly remarked. From Devilology, Lumian knew that Sequence 4 of the Warrior pathway was the Demon Hunteran expert in hunting Devils. They were natural adversaries to Devils, Desire Apostles, and even Demons. One of the Demon Hunters crucial skills was concealing their actions and intentions, making it impossible for targets capable of sensing danger to detect them! Franca concurred succinctly, Now I see why Madam Magician sent you the spirit worlds coordinates, instructing you to visit the New City of Silver and find Mr. Sun to eliminate the remaining corruption. Its dominated by the Warrior pathway and boasts many Demon Hunters. Though enlisting a Demon Hunter throughout the entire process might strain our resources. That was a genuine demigod! While dealing with Hisoka was Lumians personal grudge, Major Arcana card holders would also take notice, given Hisokas potential alignment with that Celestial Worthy. Lumian chuckled. No need for a Demon Hunter to intervene directly. I wonder if they can craft charms, potions, or items concealing malice. If so, we can spend a hefty sum through the Tarot Clubs connections to acquire them or engage in item exchange. Start inquiring soon, Franca advised. If Hisoka is a Desire Apostle, be cautious. You carry too many random items, and some mystical items have adverse effects on emotions and desires. He could detonate them, injuring you instantly As she spoke, Francas lips trembled before she sealed them shut. Lumian nodded solemnly, refraining from boasting about his Ascetic abilities. Having recently endured an explosion of emotions and desires, he understood it was beyond the endurance of an Ascetic, causing physical damage to the brain. Franca then said, The one chasing the Serial Killer was from the Numinous Episcopate, not a regular patrol member. The currents in Matani run deep. The Numinous Episcopate, a clandestine organization in the Southern Continent, was rumored to trace its origins to the former royal descendants of the Balam Empire and Beyonders unwilling to forsake Death as their faith. Their ultimate aim was to restore Death to His throne, ruling East and West Balam once more. Lumian strolled to the window, gazing at the street. He grinned and commented, This is the chaotic Southern Continent. Actually, what piques my interest is why the Rose School of Thought is collecting information about the daily lives of Port Pylos residents. It seems like they want to govern this place. Thats not their usual style. Lumian had limited knowledge of the Rose School of Thoughts past. All he knew was their recent spree of sacrifices, leaving bloodshed wherever they occupied. Running a city or port for extended periods didnt align with their usual behavior. Nothing is certain. Francas mind was working overtime recently. After a moments reflection, she added, Regardless of the Rose School of Thoughts motives, considering the sacrifices theyve conducted in recent years, they should have gained substantial boons from the Mother Tree of Desire. Now, with Devil family members in the mix, encountering a significant Rose School of Thought member may mean dealing with a dual Bearer of potions and boons. Perhaps a Zombie Recipient, Wraith Tree Spirit, or Sex Addict Apostle? Similar to a Hunter Monk like you. Franca, always more adept at nicknames and unconventional thoughts than Lumian, playfully referred to Beyonders who were both Zombies and Recipients as Zombie Recipients. Her primary intention was to caution Lumian that certain Rose School of Thought members might exploit abilities like those of the Sex Addict to provoke his desires. Later, in their Desire Apostle form, they could detonate those desires, providing end-to-end service. It would be a formidable challenge. In Lumians condition, facing such Beyonders posed considerable danger. Lumian chuckled, somewhat self-deprecatingly. Why do I feel like a powder keg, ready to explode with the slightest touch? Nevertheless, I dont intend to meddle in the Rose School of Thoughts affairs. Ill write to Madam Magician and report the traces of the Rose School of Thought in Port Pylos. Someone will investigate and handle it. Arent Mr. Star and Mr. Moon among the Major Arcana card holders overseeing the Rose School of Thought? My sole focus is Hisoka. At least, we can be sure that even if hes of the Devil pathway, he likely has no connection to the Andariel family. Otherwise, the Rose School of Thought wouldnt have dispatched Bram and company for reconnaissance. Bram wouldnt have been oblivious if a family member had been active here. Franca hesitated for a moment before adding, Hmm, just be careful. Having escorted Franca back to Trier, Lumian stowed away Brams Serial Killer Beyonder characteristic. It took the form of a sharp-edged, prismatic ice cube, enveloping faint wisps of thin black gas. Upon reaching Hotel Orella, Lumian approached the trio of mechanical elevators, pulled the handle, and stood patiently. With a creak, the double doors opened simultaneously. Lumians silhouette, elongated by the crystal chandelier behind him, was mirrored in the mechanical lift. Beside him stood a slender human shadow. Chapter 639 - 639 Bribe 639 Bribe Lumian stood before the open mechanical elevator door, casting a glance at the slender shadow beside him. With raised eyebrows, he calmly turned his head, noting the sudden presence diagonally behind him. The figure appeared as a tall, thin man draped in a complex, layered black robe. His face bore a pale-white complexion, as though untouched by sunlight for an extended period. Atop his black hair sat a fluffy black hat, its edge adorned with a gently swaying white feather. Lumian retracted his gaze and entered the mechanical elevator. The tall, thin man with dark brown eyes following suit in silence. Gripping the brass handle within with his right hand, Lumian selected the desired floor, pressing it down to B3, a definitive click echoing in response. After Lumian selected his intended floor, the lanky man mimicked his action, opting for B18. As they awaited descent, the distant sound of steam hissing reached their ears. Gears whirred to life, chains tightened, and the luxurious mechanical elevator began its gradual descent. Throughout the journey, both remained eerily silent, the atmosphere thick with unspoken tension. Upon arrival at B3, Lumian departed without a backward glance, heading towards Suite 7 with purpose. As the metal chains continued their retreat behind him, Lumian muttered thoughtfully to himself, Monsieur Iveljsta? Iveljsta, residing in B18, harbored lifeless servants. The peculiar appearance of Iveljsta and the condition of his servants led Lumian to suspect his association with a Wraith, a Sequence 5 Wraith of the Prisoner pathway. The Prisoner pathway, controlled by the Rose School of Thought, held sway over temperance and indulgence factions, both intertwined with the secret organization. It seemed unlikely for a Wraith not to be affiliated with the Rose School of Thought. Could it be a rare rogue Wraith, or perhaps the vanguard of the Rose School of Thought targeting Port Pylos? Lumian couldnt discount the possibility of a temperance faction member. Yet, in the past few minutes, he discerned no evidence of Iveljstas protracted indulgence Lumian resolved to detail his observations in Madam Magicians letter. Whether something was good or bad would be determined by professionals! Returning to Suite 7, Lumian noticed Ludwig seated at the dining table, indulging in a feast from a ceramic soup pot with a silver spoon. Atop the dish, a layer of cheese infused with egg juice charred in spots. Through the substantial hole Ludwig had carved, Lumian glimpsed a medley of pork, beef, fish, shrimp, shells, potatoes, and tomatoes stewed together. The rich aroma of spices mingled with the meats essence permeated the living and dining rooms, casting a spell that stirred his appetite. Ludwig continued to eat in silence as Lugano stood up and asked, Would you like some? This is the local Eseo. Different chefs choose different ingredients, and the taste will vary. Ludwig, without uttering a word, simply turned his head at Lugano before resuming his meal, quickening his pace. Taking a seat beside Ludwig, Lumian smiled at the cheese-filled boy and said, I was going to bring you a better supper, but I thought better of it. Confused, Lugano inquired, What supper? You dont want to know, Lumian responded with a Devil-like smile. The supper he alluded to was Serial Killer Brams corpse. Originally intending to bring a few pieces back for Ludwig to sample and discern any nutrients and information, Lumian reconsidered, aware of Brams limited knowledge about the Andariel familys peculiarities. Thus, he abandoned the idea of feeding Ludwig out of prudence. From Lumians observations, Ludwig could derive some strength from eating, releasing the seal. However, consuming a Sequence 7 Beyonder corpse might trigger a significant change. Lumian feared his own strength might not suffice to manage potential complications; Ludwig could potentially turn the tables and consume him as a delicacy. Ludwigs silver spoon paused briefly before he remarked, If you didnt bring it, why did you mention it? Oh, having a little tantrum? Lumian chuckled inwardly and said, Its to inform you that weve reached an adventurers paradise, a land of chaos. Youll have ample opportunities for fine dining in the future. The implication was clear: do well, and Ill remember to reward you with delicacies. Ludwig, spooning a soft potato stew into his mouth, responded vaguely, Im not going to school. Does this mean that as long as he doesnt go to school, everything else is negotiable? Of course, the prerequisite is that I have to pay with enough delicacies Satisfied, Lumian rose and made his way to the washroom adjoining the master bedroom, where he washed up. The brass faucet delivered warm water at a comfortable temperature. Lumian soaked a towel, relishing the refreshing steam that enveloped his face, invigorating him. Hotel Orellas utilization of a steam engine to power its mechanical elevators and machinery ensured continuous hot water, a notable feature of its service. The following morning, Lumian, sporting a golden straw hat, appeared on Cania Street beside Port Pyloss Resurrection Square. Once the ruling center for Intis colonists in Matani, the area bore remnants of its history with road signs and shop names in the Intisian language. Lumian effortlessly traced the path beneath the Intis parasol trees, arriving at a four-story beige house showcasing Intiss opulent architectural style. Signs adorned in Dutanese, Intisian, Highlander, Loen, and Feysac languages marked the building: Port Pylos Patrol Team. Below the sign, five lines had the same meaning: Only deals with paranormal events. Fully taking into account the needs of adventurers from different countries to report a case Lumian playfully remarked as he entered the beige establishment. Within the hall, devoid of occupants, Lumian found a receptionist casually perusing the days local tabloid from a lounging position. The native, in his thirties with dark brown skin and black hair, possessed a slender face and dark brown eyes. Approaching, Lumian addressed him in Intisian, I want to report a case. The native glanced up, rising unsteadily. He opened a partition behind him, uttering a few incomprehensible words in Dutanese. Lumian could barely understand him speaking in Dutanese. Someone who understands Intisian or Highlander This wont do. Since you dont understand foreign languages, dont waste time reading the newspaper. Study diligently Maintaining a genial smile, he patiently awaited other patrol team members to appear. Within a mere minute or two, a young man with fluffy brown hair, appearing as if he had fallen asleep without washing his hair the night before, swung open the door from the depths of the hall. Dressed in a white shirt and an unbuttoned yellow vest, he strolled towards Lumian, one hand casually tucked into his pocket. In fluent Intisian, he inquired, What case are you filing? Lumian assessed the young man, unmistakably hailing from the Northern Continent, cigarette in hand, and brownish- yellow eyes. With a reserved smile, Lumian responded, I found a killer. Amused, the well-defined young man gestured towards the door. For killers, go to the police on the opposite street. Opposite the patrol team stood Port Pyloss police headquarters. Maintaining his composure, Lumian reiterated, Hes a serial killer. Serial killer The young man with the cigarette muttered to himself, a shift in his demeanor indicating a sudden seriousness. How do you know? I found many severed lips in his househuman lips, Lumian disclosed with a reserved smile. Cut off lips? The young man, yet to fasten his yellow vest, pressed with urgency, Wheres his home? After a brief pause, Lumian replied, I cant spell the street name, but I can take you to the scene. Its on a street near the Man-Eating Flower bar. Forcing himself to calm down, the young man took a drag on his cigarette, asking, What about the killer? Did you see his face? Hes dead, Lumian truthfully responded. Taken aback for a moment, the brown-haired young man queried, How did he die? Lumians reserved smile transformed into a more open one. I killed him. The young mans expression froze in disbelief. He scrutinized Lumian for a few seconds before inquiring, Are you an adventurer here to collect the bounty? Brams serial murders had prompted a local wanted poster issued by Admiral Querarill. However, the poster lacked a corresponding name or appearance, featuring only a case description due to the suspects unidentified status. Smiling, Lumian replied, Sort of, but you can also claim it. The young man furrowed his brow. What do you mean? The bounty can be yours, Lumian stated, making his intention to bribe clear. The young man cast a glance at Lumian. What would you like in exchange? I want the dossier on a serial murder case from four years ago and the relevant items you gathered, Lumian disclosed openly. There might be something among them that Ludwig could consume. The young man fell into contemplative silence, assessing the pros and cons. Eventually, he scratched his brown hair and said, I can show you the case dossier and related items, but you cant take them away. You can only copy them. Also, I need to confirm if its a Serial Killer at the scene. Alright, Lumian agreed, extending his right hand with a smile. Happy working with you. The young man shook Lumians hand. Nice working with you. You can call me Camus. What about you? Lumian smiled once more. Louis Berry. As Camus entered the door deep in the hall, preparing to gather two teammates, he pondered, Louis Berry Why does this name sound familiar Chapter 640 - 640 Commonality 640 Commonality On the street adorned with the words Chilicasco in Dutanese, Lumian led Camus and the rest of the patrol team into the apartment crafted from dark black stones and brown wood. The moment he swung open the door to Brams room, a blend of charred scent and the tang of blood wafted through the air. Corpse fragments lay strewn across the floor, the walls tainted with a mixture of blood and flesh. Handprints, crimson and searing marks adorned every surface. Camuss eyes widened, as if thrust back into the midst of a serial killing. Yet, this was a level of devastation beyond even that. Turning to Lumian, Camus, despite already anticipating the grim answer, habitually inquired, Wheres that persons body? Lumian gestured towards the scattered remains and minced meat, responding with a grim smile, All of these. Camus fell into a momentary silence before signaling his two stunned teammates to examine the scene. He had promised to share a portion of the bounty with them, making them witnesses to his merits. Camus hadnt ventured alone, wary that this might be a trap set by Louis Berry, an assassination attempt by the Rose School of Thought, or other secret organizations targeting the patrol team. In the Southern Continent, vigilance was a necessity! Approaching a cupboard, Camus fixated his gaze on lips soaked in preservatives, the tragic fate of the victims replaying in his mind. After a moment of silence, Louis Berry spoke calmly, Bram is a member of the Devil family, Andariel. He was instructed by the Rose School of Thought to gather information in Port Pylos and carry out the serial murders. His uncle, Devajo, was supposed to be his contact, but they never actually met. Instead, he left the information he collected in the study of an empty house at 17 Aleg Street WhC Camus and the others were initially startled, then deeply puzzled. How does Louis Berry possess such detailed knowledge? Camus couldnt help but glance at the scattered corpse pieces, the blood-soaked walls, the handprints on the ground, and the various charred marks. Eventually, his gaze settled on Lumians face. Lumian responded with a warm smile curling his lips. Camus and his two companions exchanged glances, refraining from questioning whether Louis Berry obtained the information through spirit channeling, torture, or if he had discerned Brams motives from the start. Louiss pursuit of the serial murderer wasnt solely due to a criminal act. This intel is crucial, Camus nodded, gesturing towards the severely damaged six-barrel machine gun in the room. We need to secure Brams weapon. No problem, Lumian replied casually. Being a Pyromaniac, firearms held little appeal for him. Fireballs proved far more potent than the rapid fire of a six-barrel machine gunCjust not as swift. Beside Resurrection Square, on Cania Street, on the second floor of the patrol teams four-story building. Camus placed the dossier and related items on the table in front of Lumian, emphasizing, You can only read and record. Taking it away or damaging it is not an option. Lumian nodded subtly, taking one of the envelopes, unwinding the thread a few times, and carefully opening it. Rather than hastily perusing the contents, he first extracted the dossier, giving it a thorough read. The dense dossier meticulously outlined the identities, origins, possible pathways, Sequences, locations of death, the scenes conditions, and the varied speculations and investigations conducted by the patrol team. It was clear the patrol team had been diligent in their investigations, especially when new victims kept emerging. Daily operations varied until the serial murders appeared to cease, leading to a slackening of efforts. They gradually reduced the frequency of case studies and large-scale visit trips. After six months, investigations reached a standstill, concluding the dossier. In the final report, the vice-captain overseeing the matter concluded: This is a classic serial murder case committed by the Devil pathway. Though Serial Killers seldom target only seven individuals, as more victims enhance the rituals efficacy, this time, all victims are Beyonders, including Mid-Sequence Beyonders. Even with just seven deaths, they are more favored by Devils, pleasing them more than 14 or even 20 ordinary people. The main question in this mystic case is that, aside from being Beyonders, theres no common thread among the seven victims. This sets it apart from previous serial murders. We hypothesize that the seven victims were active Beyonders in West Balam, likely having committed some form of killing in the past. It can be seen as a manifestation of depravity Lumian read it meticulously, concurring with the theory that seven Beyonders surpassed 14 ordinary individuals in Devil- pleasing rituals. This wasnt new information to him. After all, ordinary people were only the third-best sacrifice, while creatures with Beyonder characteristics ranked second. Similar situations arose in specific acts, particularly those requiring feedback. It was akin to deciphering an Angels conspiracy, allowing Lumian to assimilate a potion more effectively than an ordinary persons intrigue. Having grasped a general understanding of the entire serial murder case, Lumian delved into gathering information about the seven Beyonders. Synthesizing Anthonys psychological profile of Hisoka, Francas archetype summary and her speculations about the actor, he scoured for potential commonalities. Among the Beyonders were both men and women, one under Admiral Querarill, while another was a Death believer residing in Port Pylos. Foreign adventurers, an Intis Republic spy stationed in Matani, a peripheral member of the Rose School of Thought, and a local clergyman of the God of Steam and Machinery Church were also among the list. Judging by their identities and backgrounds, they seemingly had nothing in common. Yet, for Lumian, who read with subjective conjectures, subtle details held significance. All seven victims were young, with the oldest in his early thirties, widely praised for combat talent and outstanding intelligence. Lumian mused to himself, Are the targets Beyonders who are young, filled with potential, and have already reached a certain level of maturity? Even the two who werent particularly young bore the label of being famous, powerful, with limitless potential Lumian gained a rough understanding of Hisokas selection criteria. If Franca were present, she might have noted that it matched the characteristics of the original archetype. However, Lumian believed Hisoka would adhere to the archetype when it suited him, not letting it dictate his true motives. Mad Ladys evaluation of Hisoka as not being pure enough further supported Lumians perspective. Considering the selection criteria, Lumian thought, Louis Berry fits Hisokas homicidal fetish. He clicked his tongue and retrieved items related to the case from the official envelopes. Most were the victims belongings, but there were also seven thin aluminum foils stained with blackish-brown substances that didnt belong to this group. Described in the case file, they were wrappings for the local chocolate, left at each crime scene. It was suspected that the murderer would peel off the thin foil after success, indulging in a piece of chocolate before dissecting the corpse. As the murderer used a gloved hand to extract and consume the chocolate, no corresponding traces were left on the thin foil. Such chocolates were common in Matani, making tracking difficult. Lumian studied the thin aluminum foil before smiling at Camus, who supervised him. Can I take two or three? Camus, with his brown hair, furrowed his brow. If you want to use divination or other Beyonder methods, you can do it here. Just two. It wont hinder your future investigations, Lumian said enticingly. If you agree to help, Ill give you an additional reward. For example, a very useful summoning incantation for a spirit world creature. Camus fell silent briefly before agreeing, Deal. More than fifteen minutes later, Camus, having brought Lumian out to purchase chocolate-like items, observed with a bewildered expression as a rabbit-shaped spirit world creature adeptly copied the dossiers with a fountain pen. After nearly a minute, Camus shifted his gaze to Lumian, leisurely sitting on the side, peeling off the thin aluminum foil and savoring a piece of dark-brown chocolate. He inquired in a deep voice, Is this the very useful spirit world creature you mentioned? Lumian, chewing on the fragrant chocolate, responded with a smile, Yes, its one of the Rabbits of Knowledge. It can help you evade the labor of copying. What do I need such a copying tool for!? Camus bellowed inwardly, but he restrained himself as he recalled the bounty for the serial murders and the grisly scene of Brams demise. Lumian added with a smile, When you prefer to keep the origin of your words hidden, summon the Rabbit of Knowledge for assistance. Moreover, this is a growth-oriented spirit world creature. It evolves based on the knowledge it receives. Of course, its ideal if you can secure a contract with the spirit world creature. Otherwise, each summoned Rabbit of Knowledge might differ, making nurturing impossible. Growth-oriented Camus echoed the term, his expression gradually softening. Back at Hotel Orella, Lumian retrieved the two old aluminum foils from his pocket and handed one to Ludwig. Try eating these, he suggested with a smile. Chapter 641 - 641 Information From Eating 641 Information From Eating Lugano, who had been observing from the sidelines, was taken aback when Lumian handed the thin aluminum foil to Ludwig and inquired if he wanted to eat it. Despite Ludwigs previous display of abnormal eating habits, including drinking a tube of human blood in front of Lugano, revealing all the corresponding information, Lugano still harbored reservations about feeding Ludwig just anything, especially something as unconventional as aluminum foil. After all, Ludwig was still a child! In the blink of an eye, Lugano witnessed Ludwig silently accepting the old, thin aluminum foil, stuffing it into his mouth, chewing, and swallowing. Lugano found himself in a daze. Once Ludwig finished consuming the aluminum foil, he calmly turned to Lumian and inquired, Which details do you needCinformation on the cocoa beans used, the precise quantity, additional ingredients, the origin of the aluminum foil ingredients, the production factories, or the individuals most in contact with it? Lumian shook his head slowly. No need. This information wouldnt help track down Hisoka. Hisoka had touched the thin aluminum foil while wearing gloves, leaving behind no corresponding personal details. The patrol team had already confirmed that the chocolate packaging was common in Port Pylos, and there was nothing distinctive about the taste. As Lumian responded, a mix of amusement and surprise washed over him. He can even extract such information from eating? As expected of a monster capable of recovering just by eating and gradually breaking free from the seals constraints! Ludwig seemed to relish the delicacy. After a few moments, he remarked, The residual chocolate has a hint of depravity. Depravity? Could it be that Hisoka had carried it for an extended period, corrupting it? That doesnt make sense. Unless one was a demigod, Beyonder auras couldnt reach such a level. The only possibility was that they were on the brink of losing control, deep in a state of depravity. However, such a Beyonders body would undoubtedly display various abnormal details. They wouldnt be able to leave the house; stepping out would lead to discovery and pursuit by law enforcers. Could he rely on the human skin Bram mentioned for disguise? Lumian was initially puzzled, but then he asked with anticipation, A decadent aura from the Devil pathway? Ludwig licked his lips, savoring the taste of the chocolate residue. Yes, at least a Demons. Demons? Lumian was taken aback and couldnt help but frown. Having extensively studied Devilology, he knew that Sequence 4 of the Devil pathway was known as Demon, representing a demigod. If the chocolate slightly tainted with a decadent aura came from a Demon, it clearly didnt belong to Hisoka. Lumian wasnt arrogantly dismissing Hisokas potential to have advanced to Sequence 4. Instead, the aluminum foil and chocolate marks represented the state four years ago. Hisoka couldnt have been a Demon back then, unless he had become a Desire Apostle upon transmigration. If that were the case, his targets for the serial murders should have been Sequence 6 or 5 Beyonders. Although Beyonders at this level were rare in Matani, Devilology didnt specify that serial murders could only occur in one location. Are you certain? Lumian looked at Ludwig for confirmation. Ludwig replied earnestly, A Demons decadent aura has a completely different texture from Low- to Mid-Sequence Devils. Upon hearing his godsons response, an image suddenly surfaced in Lumians mind. Hisoka standing within the wall of spirituality, engaged in a special ritual to establish a connection with a Demon. Throughout this process, a few pieces of chocolate wrapped in thin aluminum foil remained in his pocket. They were slightly tainted by the decadent aura permeating the altar, subtly and silently transforming Yes, when I perform a ritual, I dont remove all my belongings in advance and leave them outside the altar unless theres a specific mention in the ritual requirements that I should avoid As a Conspirer, Lumian quickly made a guess and asked Ludwig, Can you tell which Demons decadent aura it belongs to? Lumians current idea was that if Hisoka couldnt be found in the future, he would exhaust his resources and seek the help of the New City of Silvers Demon-Hunter experts. He would set up a ritual and summon the Demon who had established a connection with Hisoka. He would have it beaten up before interrogating it for information about Hisoka. Ludwig shook his head. I cant absorb such subtle information yet. All I know is that the decadent aura belongs to a family called Nois. Nois, one of the three Devil families The Demon responding to Hisokas special ritual is from the Nois family? Thats peculiar. How can a Demon respond to a ritual remotely? It has to be at Sequence 3, or even at the Angel level According to Devilology, Serial Killers can summon projections of Abyss Demons because those Devils can use the special properties of the Abyss to respond, not because they have reached the corresponding level. However, the Nois family is a Devil family active in the real world and hasnt entered the Abyss Lumian made many connections from the Nois last name. He concluded by listing three possibilities: Firstly, the Demon responding to the Hisoka ritual was none other than the Nois familys Angel. Secondly, it had reached Sequence 3 and was located in Port Pylos, near Hisoka. Thirdly, the Nois family had a close connection to the Abyss. They could borrow the Abysss properties to some extent. Even a Demon could respond to prayers from afar. Lumian pondered for a moment and asked Ludwig, Any other information? No, Ludwig replied, disappointing Lumian. Lumian handed over the remaining piece of aluminum foil. Try this one too. Ludwig didnt hesitate. Like many children drawn to the sweetness lingering on wrappers, he popped the thin foil stained with chocolate into his mouth and chewed. After a moment, while Lugano snapped back to reality, Ludwig looked at Lumian and remarked, Theres more to this one. What kind of information? Lumian knew that Ludwigs special mention had to be of some value. Ludwig responded with the air of a connoisseur, This thin aluminum foil rested on a table marked by old blood and a splash of coffee. The blood belonged to a deceased male. The spirituality was initially potent, and the coffee was Fermo blend, unsweetened, distinctly bitter yet fragrant. Upon hearing Ludwigs account, Lumians mind painted another vivid scene. A few pieces of chocolate wrapped in thin aluminum foil lay nonchalantly on a table, soaked in old blood and spilled coffee. They seemed to share an intimate connection for an extended period. Then, a hand reached out, snatched them up, and swiftly pocketed them before making a hasty exit. Connecting the dots, Lumian strongly suspected that the table had served Hisoka in a dwelling he once occupied. Do you have detailed information on the male deceased? Lumian probed Ludwig for more insights. Ludwig shook his head once more. No, unless I consume the blood directly. 14:53 The bloodstains likely belonged to one of the victims, Lumian Directly support the authors on WebNovel! surmised. He pondered whether this information was documented in the case file or elsewhere. Was Hisoka using No, unless I consume the blood directly. The bloodstains likely belonged to one of the victims, Lumian the table as an autopsy platform or perhaps an altar? Lumian mused inwardly, a tinge of disappointment clouding his thoughts. Nevertheless, he refocused his attention on the Fermo coffee. He mumbled to himself, Does this mean that Hisoka has a penchant for coffee, specifically the Fermo blend from the Paz Valley The Paz Valley, nestled in the Southern Continent, boasted the renowned Fermo coffee, comparable to Feynapotters highlander coffee and the Southern Continents own version. It was a luxury enjoyed mainly by the middle class for extended periods. In Matani, where both East and West Balam produced high- quality coffee beans, such occurrences were rare. The locals had access to a plethora of excellent coffee beans. Those unfit for export were sold at affordable prices, favored by both colonists and natives. Lugano, now fully attentive, cautiously added, Ive heard that those who frequent Fermo coffee appreciate its bitterness and fragrance. However, those who prefer it without sugar are a rare breed. In essence, Hisokas unique taste in coffee is uncommon here Lumian smiled at Ludwig and remarked, Well done. If I apprehend the target in the future, Ill give him to you. When the time came, Lumian would likely be a Sequence 5. Moreover, he wouldnt give Ludwig the Beyonder characteristic. Lumian could ease his grip on the boy. Give The notion sent a chill down Luganos spine, a hint that his imagination might have run too wild. To others, gifting a Beyonder of the Devils Pathway might relegate the recipient to a life of servitude or worse, becoming an ingredient. However, with Ludwig Lugano involuntarily shuddered. He didnt dare to think about it! Ludwig nodded, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. Lumian turned to Lugano and said, Dont you have a good grasp of Dutanese? Check Port Pylos this afternoon and find out which shops sell Fermo coffee. Its preferable if its one that has been operating for four to five years or longer. Alright. Lugano suddenly felt a surge of usefulness. In the evening, he returned to Suite 7 at B3 and reported to Lumian, There are only three shops selling Fermo coffee. One is on Cania Street in Resurrection Square You mentioned Cania Street in Resurrection Square? Lumian interjected. Yes, Unit 21 on that street. Its called Matani Import and Export Shop, Lugano confirmed. Lumian fell silent. Isnt it close to Port Pyloss patrol team? In Port Pylos, on the third floor of the building housing the patrol team. Camus received the bounty and gave a fifth to his two companions. He then entered the telegraph room and inquired of the telegrapher, Do you have a telegram for me? He had previously sent a telegram to inquire with certain friends if they had any information on Louis Berry, the adventurer. Since they were in collaboration, he needed to ascertain the other partys situation first! The female telegrapher, wearing a sweet smile, straightened up and responded, Yes! From Farim. Chapter 642 - 642 Visit 642 Visit Camus extended his thanks to the telegrapher, retrieved his telegram, and swiftly scanned its contents. Louis Berry, Intisian, hailed as the most renowned adventurer in the Fog Sea over the past six months. Sporting a distinctive golden straw hat, he successfully hunted down the Demon Warlock Burman, earning a hefty bounty of 600,000 verl dor. Furthermore, he collaborated with the Earth Mother Church in Port Santa to address the crisis surrounding the Sea Prayer Ritual. However, the precise details remain elusive Upon perusing the telegram, Camus released a silent sigh and remarked to himself, Hes truly a great adventurer. Its no surprise he managed to handle that Serial Killer Camus couldnt gauge the Demon Warlocks true strength, but the substantial bounty spoke volumes. The sum of 600,000 verl dor was a testament to the Demon Warlocks threat level. Even if Louis Berrys fame stemmed solely from his encounter with such a formidable adversary, he undeniably stood among the great adventurers. It wasnt lost on Camus that Bram, the perpetrator of numerous murders that had kept the patrol team occupied for nearly two weeks, only carried a bounty of 50,000 verl dor. Such figures tempted Camus to consider collaboration with Louis Berry. Reflecting on the substantial 600,000 bounty and comprehending Louis Berrys generosity, Camus tucked away the telegram and graciously commended the female telegrapher with an exaggerated flying kiss. Running his fingers through his tousled brown hair, Camus descended to the hall below. The evening had descended, and it wasnt his night for duty. He could head home and take a break. Out of the blue, Camuss gaze focused as he spotted the handsome Louis Berry, sporting black hair, green eyes, and a laid-back demeanor, seated on the sofa, casually playing with a golden straw hat. Approaching cautiously, Camus inquired, Is there anything else? Lumian ceased twirling the straw hat, sat up straight, and grinned. Ive got something else to talk to you about. Realizing that one of the three shops that could buy Fermo coffee was on Cania Street, not far from the patrol team, Lumians immediate thought was: Could Hisoka be hiding within the patrol team, perhaps as one of its members? Is the most dangerous place the safest? After careful consideration, Lumian considered it a possibility, though not particularly likely. On the one hand, among the seven Beyonders who were killed, including the Death believer in Port Pylos, the Rose School of Thoughts peripheral member, and the spy left behind in Matani by the Intis Republic, were secretive individuals, blending in with ordinary people. Without substantial information sources, it would be challenging for Hisoka to identify them as Beyonders and target them. This suggested that either Hisoka had a unique ability to discern Beyonders from ordinary people or possessed a mystical item granting him such insight, or he had control over an extensive information network. The patrol team, being intimately familiar with Matani and Port Pylos, might have already detected something amiss with the Death believer, the Rose School of Thoughts member, and the Intis spy and been conducting surveillance. Hisokas membership in the patrol team would explain his ability to uncover a Beyonders hidden identity and carry out the murders. On the other hand, if Hisoka, a Devil pathway Beyonder, had joined the patrol team, suspicions would undoubtedly arise once the serial murders occurredunless he concealed his true pathway from the start. However, the patrol team differed from the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society. Hisoka would need to use his abilities frequently during daily missions, making it difficult to conceal them for months or years. There was no room for mishaps. It wasnt feasible for him to meticulously prepare before each mission, adorning the corresponding mystical item solely to reveal his abilities in that specific situation, right? Even as a Devil, he couldnt pull it off! Given that many missions had no specific target, Devils couldnt foresee imminent danger. Driven by suspicion and uncertainty, Lumian took a special trip to the patrol team, visiting Camus to unearth new clues or gain inspiration to either confirm or eliminate the corresponding possibilities. What do you want to discuss? Camus furrowed his brow. Is this guy scheming to use the mornings bribe as leverage to threaten me? The dossier isnt particularly important. Even if I lose it, its just a minor punishment! Wearing his golden straw hat, Lumian rose with a smile. Pointing at the door, he suggested, How about a cup of coffee? After a brief contemplation, Camus responded in a deep voice, Fine. Exiting the patrol teams entrance, Lumian made his way toward the Matani Import and Export Shop. In the fading dusk, he immediately spotted Port Pyloss police headquarters diagonally opposite the patrol team. Numerous individuals clad in dark-blue police uniforms moved in and out, some holding cups of coffee. Wh Lumians heart stirred. Could Hisoka not be a member of the patrol team but a high-ranking police officer at the police headquarters? At a certain rank, the police collaborated with official Beyonders to access a wealth of information. Many official Beyonders investigations were conducted through the police due to limited manpower. If Hisoka held a significant position at Port Pyloss police headquarters, it was plausible for him to identify the three concealed Beyonders. Additionally, there would be no risk of exposing his pathway during routine missions, and acquiring his favored Fermo coffee beans would be a breeze. On the other hand, it was precisely because the Matani Import and Export Shop offered a variety of coffee beans that Hisoka fell in love with the pure, bitter, and fragrant Fermo coffee without sugar. However, this was just one possibility among Lumians speculations. For instance, Hisoka, being a bold and self- assured individual, might have visited Cania Street specifically to buy Fermo coffee, relishing the incompetence and frustration of the patrol team. Alternatively, Hisoka might not be a Beyonder of the Devil pathway but simply possessed the corresponding Sealed Artifact and had mastered a unique ritual to appease Devils. There was also the chance that Lumian was mistakenHisoka might not be linked to the serial murders four years ago. With these thoughts in mind, Lumian contained his excitement and entered the Matani Import and Export Shop alongside Camus. They reached the section where various coffee beans were on display and secured a seat in the attached coffee shop. Highlander coffee with milk and two cubes of sugar, Camus ordered from the waiter with a sense of familiarity. Lumian, on the other hand, opted for a cup of fragrant Intis coffee. While waiting, Lumian casually observed the coffee choices of other customers. Turning to Camus, he inquired, Judging by the name, are you a Feynapotterian? Camus hesitated briefly before truthfully responding, My full name is Don Givr Camus Castiya. He was willing to share his full name as the telegram mentioned Louis Berry having a good working relationship with the Church of Earth Mother. Lumian chuckled. So, youre a noble lord. The name Castiya belonged to the royal family of the Feynapotter Kingdom, and Don at the beginning of Camuss name signified Honorable, representing his noble status. Camus smiled wryly and remarked, If I were truly a nobleman, why would I join a local patrol team in the Southern Continent? Our branch has long dwindled, but I cant deny that this last name and the Don prefix have provided me with advantages beyond those of ordinary people. I received a potion upon reaching adulthood, achieving Sequence 9 Beyonder status. However, my subsequent advancements were the result of my own efforts. Accepting my 50,000 verl dor bribe is part of your efforts? Lumian teased inwardly. He glanced at the two cups of coffee brought by the waiter, feigning casualness as he asked, Dont you want to try some other coffees? Is highlander coffee your only choice? Camus raised his cup and took a sip. Im accustomed to its taste. Lumian removed his golden straw hat and took a sip, smiling as he replied, Fair enough. Just like how I can never acclimate to Fermo coffee. Its too bitter with regular sugar, and too cloying with too much. Some people appreciate the bitterness and fragrance of Fermo coffee, opting for just a hint of sugar. Lumian anticipated Camus to respond with, Yes, some even drink Fermo coffee without sugar. However, Camuss reply didnt align with his expectations. Thats how it goes. Whats on your mind? Internally exhaling, Lumian spoke openly, As you can tell, Im deeply intrigued by the serial murder case from four years ago. Its my sole purpose in Port Pylosa highly valuable assignment. Highly valuable? Its just a Serial Killer. Camus let out a sigh of relief upon realizing Louis Berry was interested in discussing this matter. Even if he were blind, he could tell Louis Berrys genuine concern about the serial murders four years prior. Lumian vaguely explained with a smile, This case holds secrets beyond your wildest imagination. For example, transmigrators, or that Celestial Worthy Camus took another sip of his highlander coffee and reflected. I arrived in Matani over five years ago. At that time, the Intisians had just departed, and the kingdom and the Churchs forces had completed their initial infiltration. I sensed numerous opportunities, thinking I could leverage my last name to secure a prominent position. Hence, I took a ship across the Fog Sea. The outcome differed from my expectations, but it was still acceptable. Camus, in his mid-twenties, sighed as he recounted the past. He continued, When the case unfolded, I was merely a Sequence 8. Alongside a few teammates, I followed Vice- Captain Reaza to investigate. He paused, offering Lumian a smile that seemed to convey, If you want more information, show more sincerity. In that moment, Lumian was contemplating another question. If Hisoka truly belongs to the Devil pathway and has joined the patrol team, is there a way for him to conceal his identity? Putting himself in those shoes, Lumian realized that concealing the abilities of the Hunter pathway wouldnt pose a problem. Most situations could be handled with the Ascetic pathways abilities and a couple of items. Of course, the usage of an Ascetics abilities was suspicious. Could it be that Hisoka is indeed a bestowed individual who typically exhibits powers from the boon pathway? Lumian raised his cup and took a sip of coffee, avoiding delving into the details of the serial murders. He gazed at Camus thoughtfully and inquired, Do you have members in the patrol team skilled in divination or decryption? Chapter 643 - 643 Target Suspect 643 Target Suspect 643 Target Suspect Camus couldnt comprehend why Louis Berry had abruptly changed the topic and neglected to charge for the pertinent information. Recollecting, he mentioned, Yes, theres a Magician. He was initially an officer of the Admiral Guard but later got transferred to the patrol team. Later Lumian frowned slightly. When did he transfer to the patrol team? Why do you ask? Last year, replied Camus. He had no clue about Louis Berrys inquiry, making it unclear what information was vital. Last year It doesnt seem to be Hisoka, judging by appearances Although possibilities cant be completely ruled out. Serving as an officer in Admiral Querarills guard provides opportunities for gathering intel. Perhaps he didnt purchase Fermo coffee from this Import Export Shop. It could be one of the other two cafes Even so, theres a logical reason for buying it here. Yes, to relish watching the incompetence and frustration of the patrol team Lumian temporarily placed the Magician on his suspect list. He didnt dismiss the possibility that the other party was Hisoka just because they were a Sequence 7. This was because the level of a boon might not be the same as the level brought about by potions. Furthermore, Lumian had vaguely perceived changes beneath Matanis surface from the Magicians departure from Admiral Querarills guard to joining the patrol team. Beyonders of the Seer pathway either originated from the Church of The Fool or were associated with Intiss Bureau 8 or secret organizations supporting Bureau 8, like the Secret Order. While there were wild Beyonders, very few evolved into Magicians. Coupled with Matanis history as an Intis colony, Lumian reasonably deduced that the Magician had close ties to the Intis Republic, a fact well-known to Admiral Querarill. He retained the Magician in the guards to maintain a specific connection with Intis and handle the new Feynapotter Kingdom. By achieving a balance of power, he could better sustain his rule. The Magicians departure from the Admiral Guard last year might indicate that Admiral Querarill had truly gauged the Feynapotter Kingdoms stance after years of collaboration and had sided with them. Lumians speculation didnt eliminate the suspicion that the Magician might be Hisoka. Loki, from Intis and a Secret Order member, held a mid-management position in Bureau 8. It was entirely possible for him to use the proper channels to involve Hisoka in Bureau 8s overseas section and recruit him into the Secret Order. After contemplating for a moment, Lumian inquired, Does that Magician have a fondness for Fermo coffee? He didnt directly ask about the other partys name and characteristics. Camus shook his head. He doesnt appreciate coffee. His preference leans towards sweet drinks like Gwadar. Gwadar, a well-loved local beverage in West Balam, was crafted from locally grown berries and contained a certain amount of caffeine. It had the same impact as coffee in enhancing mental strength and combating fatigue. However, its hue was orange-yellow, with a hint of sweetness amidst the sourness. It served both to alleviate the sweltering heat and quench thirst. Prefers sweetness Lumian felt a sense of disappointment. Four years ago, Hisoka had no inkling that he would confront a monster like Ludwig in the future. It was unlikely for him to deliberately splash some unsweetened Fermo coffee on the table with the chocolate. Lumian cautiously believed now that Hisoka truly enjoyed bitter coffee. In that case, the Magician, with a sweet tooth, probably wasnt Hisoka. Unless Hisoka meticulously maintained the traits of each identity, consistently playing the role of a Magician who relished drinking Gwadar on a daily basis. He wasnt an Actor who needed to meticulously perform every aspect of his daily life! Moreover, he had no reason to digest Faceless! As he contemplated, Lumians heart skipped a beat. Actor If Hisoka is genuinely a Beyonder of the Devil pathway, apart from his belief in the Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings due to transmigration, he might also be influenced by the Mother Tree of Desire in his daily life. Could it be that the boon of the Hisoka pathway doesnt come from one of the Celestial Worthys Seer, Apprentice, or Marauder, but rather from the Mother Tree of Desire? The current Celestial Worthy desires the invasion of evil gods into the world within the barrier. Its not implausible for Him to collaborate with the Mother Tree of Desire and tacitly permit Hisoka to exploit the Mother Tree of Desire With a fresh train of thought, Lumian observed the now-silent Camus and took a sip of Intis coffee, offering a smile as he changed the subject. Any Beyonders from the Prisoner pathway in the patrol team? He had long suspected that the Mother Tree of Desire was an evil deity at the pinnacle of the Criminal, Prisoner, and Scrooge pathways. The corresponding boons likely originated from one of them or were intertwined. Lumian refrained from asking about the existence of the Scrooge pathway because it was even more suspicious than the Criminal pathway, also known as the Devil pathway. It didnt belong to the twenty-two paths of the divine. It was akin to a thief being apprehended by the police and asking in confusion, I clearly disguised myself and left no traces. How did you quickly lock onto me, only to receive the answer, This isnt Trier. No ordinary person would disguise themselves as a turkey and hide in a secluded alley. Do you think theres a spy from the Rose School of Thought in the patrol team? Camus believed Louis Berry was casually raising the issue of the Rose School of Thoughts interest in Port Pylos. No, definitely not. He adheres to temperance and doesnt indulge at all. Lumian smiled. In other words, there really is a Beyonder from the Prisoner pathway? Yes, a Sequence 6 Zombie Camus confirmed. Lumian interjected suddenly, Dont disclose who he is, what he looks like, or his characteristics. Answer a few questions first. What questions? Camus, feeling a bit disoriented from the rapidly changing topics, planned to decide when to ask for benefits later. Lumian held a porcelain cup filled with Intis coffee and casually said, When did he join the patrol team? Half a year after me, Camus recalled. You arrived in Matani over five years ago and joined the patrol team shortly after. Half a year later means that the Prisoner was already on the patrol team when the serial murder case occurred four years ago Lumians spirits lifted as he pondered for a moment. Did he face a catastrophe in the past and nearly died? No. Camus shook his head. At least, I dont know. Lumian maintained his smile, showing no signs of disappointment, and said, Does he have a liking for Fermo coffee? Yes, he adores Fermo coffee and is the type who doesnt add sugar, replied Camus without much thought. Then, he remembered Louis Berrys inquiry about the Magicians preference for Fermo coffee in the patrol team. He quickly formed a guess. Is there an issue with the ones enjoying Fermo coffee? Does the culprit of the serial murders four years ago have a taste for Fermo coffee? There are very few places in Port Pylos where you can get Fermo coffee. This is one of them. Even cafes selling Fermo coffee procure the beans from here Are you suspecting that the murderer from four years ago is part of the patrol team? Impressive. You reacted swiftly and identified the core issue Lumian inwardly praised Camus. Simultaneously, a surge of joy filled his heart. In Matani, Fermo coffee was a rare commodity, and those who preferred it without sugar were even rarer. Moreover, this individual was on the patrol team and seemingly from the Prisoner pathway! With so many conditions aligning, Lumian felt like he had caught Hisoka by the tail! To avoid triggering any sense of malice and danger, Lumian refrained from asking about the patrol team members name, appearance, identity, or characteristics. Feigning ignorance about the enemy, Lumian casually asked, Is he from around here? Observing Camuss silence, Lumian added with a smile, I wont claim the official bounty. Camuss expression eased. Hes a local of Port Pylos, born in Tizamo Town, which is part of Port Pylos. Though the patrol team wasnt as stringent in member recruitment as the various Churches and governments, they still gathered basic information and conducted verifications. Otherwise, Admiral Querarill might have to worry about being assassinated by a patrol team member investigating a Beyonder case one day. Tizamo Town the location of one of Hisokas pranks It fits! Lumian controlled his excitement, preventing the corners of his mouth from curling up. Regrettably, he told Camus, Unfortunately, that doesnt seem to be the target. This was to prevent Camus from investigating the target. This could potentially alert the other party to the corresponding malice! Alright. Camus shrugged. Curious, he inquired, How did you find out that the murderer from the serial killings four years ago liked Fermo coffee? I was already aware of such a person before starting the investigation, Lumian replied with a meaningful tone. He chose not to disclose that the information came from the thin aluminum foil wrapping of the chocolate. Revealing this might prompt Camus to believe he could uncover more clues and reignite the investigation, potentially drawing Hisokas attention. With this realization, Lumian understood something. I should now be a target for Hisoka, but fishing has its benefits Louis Berry, adorned with a golden straw hat, had bribed members of the patrol team to examine the files of the serial murder case from four years ago. Other team members paid little attention, but if the Prisoner was indeed Hisoka, he would have detected Lumianhis adversarys investigation into the four-year-old serial murder case. Hisoka refrained from taking action likely because Lumian openly presented himself as Louis Berry, making no effort to hide his identity. This led to the suspicion that Lumian was fishing, making Hisoka cautious of stepping into a potential trap. There was no sense of malice or danger perceived, as Lumian didnt possess details about the suspects identity. Lumian was merely preparing for a potential surprise attack from a Devil or Desire Apostle. Before, I fished to catch fish, but now my fishing is a bluff Lumians thoughts clarified as he looked at Camus and said, Keep an eye out for anyone at the police headquarters who enjoys Fermo coffee. Alright, Camus agreed, thinking that Louis Berry had identified the suspect as a member of the patrol team and the police through details he wasnt aware of. For now, the possibility of the patrol team members was tentatively ruled out. After finishing the remaining Intis coffee and settling the bill with the corresponding verl dor, Lumian donned the golden straw hat and maintained his smile. He left the Matani Import and Export Shop and Cania Street, step by step. Passing by Port Pyloss police headquarters, he deliberately cast a few glances. Chapter 644 - 644 Patrol Team 644 Patrol Team Camus stood at the entrance of the Matani Import and Export Shop, casually smoking a cigarette as he observed the passing customers. Despite his watchful eyes, he didnt spot anyone purchasing Fermo coffee. As the gas street lamps gradually illuminated the surroundings, casting a dark blue hue across the sky, Camus extinguished his cigarette and tossed it into a nearby trash can. He then made his way back to the beige four-story building that housed the patrol team. Originally planning to indulge in an Intis feast in a neighborhood frequented by foreigners to celebrate his unexpected windfall of 40,000 verl dor, his plans were disrupted by Louis Berry. By the time he returned, it was already late, and he couldnt be bothered to wait for a top chef to prepare something special. Instead, he decided to return to the patrol team, pool money with his close teammates, and order takeout from a nearby restaurant. After satisfying his hunger, he intended to relax at a bar or dance hall. While crossing the hall, Camus spotted a teammate with dark brown skin, thick lips, and a height exceeding 1.8 meters. Curious, he inquired, Why did the guy in the straw hat come looking for you again? Heh, I heard you and the others caught a Serial Killer and got a bounty of 50,000 verl dor? In Matani, the currency was commonly denoted in verl dor and Delexi copper coins, a system ingrained during Intis colonization. Despite Admiral Querarills control, there were no significant changes in this aspect. The only difference was a partnership with the Feynapotter Kingdoms bank that facilitated the free exchange of verl dor and gold risot. If he were one of the two teammatesCeither the Magician or the ZombieCwhom Louis Berry had asked about, Camus would undoubtedly be on high alert. However, the person standing in front of him was Sow, a Sequence 8 Pugilist of the Warrior pathway. Sow had joined the patrol team as an adventurer just last year and was known for having a pleasant personality. Besides a bit of laziness and a love for enjoyment, there were no significant issues. Camus laughed and said, Thats my informant. Without him, I wouldnt have received that much bounty. Sow, with his single eyelids, had a realization. Did he come to you just now to get his share? Camus thought for a moment and replied, Thats one reason. The other reason is that hes still investigating the serial murders from four years ago and wanted to ask me for some details. He had kept the case dossier hidden from the captain and vice-captains of the patrol team, but he couldnt keep it from his teammates. Therefore, he had no intention of concealing Louis Berrys investigation into the serial murders from four years ago. Moreover, he planned to monitor the police headquarters to identify anyone who enjoyed Fermo coffee and seemed suspicious. He would need his teammates assistance to some extent. Any progress? Any chance of claiming the bounty? Sow, dressed in a pleated shirt and carrying a broadsword, displayed visible interest. Camus wasnt ready to provide detailed information at the moment. He vaguely responded, He suspects that the murderer might be hiding at the police headquarters from four years ago. I plan to investigate discreetly. Why do you think the murderer is a police officer? Sow looked puzzled. Camus hadnt discussed this with Lumian earlier, so he pondered for a moment and explained, Consider this. In the case four years ago, only Beyonders were targeted. Several of them usually concealed their identities. How could the murderer accurately locate them and know that they were Beyonders? Only us or those from the police headquarters at a certain rank can access that kind of information. Its easier to verify if there are Beyonders of the Devil pathway on the patrol team. Four years ago, during their investigation, Vice-Captain Reaza had proposed this idea. However, he only suspected that the Serial Killer was hiding within the patrol team and hadnt considered the police headquarters or the Admiral Guard. Subsequently, the patrol team conducted an investigation and found no suspicious individuals, leading them to shift their focus. I see a glimmer of hope and smell the fragrance of verl dor, Sow said with anticipation. If you need help, feel free to look for me. I heard that Kolobo and the others just followed you to the scene and each got 5,000 verl dor! No problem, Camus readily agreed. Then, he walked past Sow and along the corridor toward his office. At the door of his office, Kolobo poked his head out, observing the conversation between Camus and Sow. Kolobo, about the same age as Camus, in his mid-twenties, had dark hair, azure eyes, and a slender figure. He held a pair of black sunglasses in his hand. He lowered his voice and said to Camus, Stay away from Sow for the time being. Why? Camus asked, surprised. Observing Sow vanish through the door leading to the hall, Kolobo averted his gaze and explained, I have a feeling that something bad will happen if one interacts with him during this period. Then why didnt you warn him? Camus frowned in confusion. As a Sequence 8 Robot of the Monster pathway, Kolobo possessed formidable spiritual perception and could vaguely sense certain things. I warned him. He thinks everythings fine. I even reported it to the Captain. Kolobo shrugged. As he spoke, the thin Beyonder recalled something. That adventurer, Louis Berry, is also dangerous. When I arrived at the scene this morning, I didnt dare to look directly at him. Occasionally, I would glance at him and see large amounts of blood, flames, and death. I didnt want to tell you at first. I felt that if I said it, fate would suffocate me. Phew, it actually seems okay to say it now. It seems Im too sensitive. That dangerous? As expected of a great adventurer who received a bounty of 600,000 verl dor at once While Camus, who knew about Louis Berrys deeds, wasnt overly shocked, this was the first time he had heard a Monster like Kolobo describe someone in such a way. Camus patted Kolobos shoulder. Thank you. Ill be careful. With that settled, he asked curiously, Was Louis Berry the first person to give you such a feeling? No, theres another one. Kolobo shook his head. Who is it? Camus was surprised. Kolobos expression suddenly turned serious. I cant say. Ill die if I say it. Ill die! With that, the thin Beyonder swiftly left Camuss office. Upon returning to Hotel Orella, Lumian headed straight for the master bedroom. In the subterranean suite, even during the scorching season, a refreshing coolness lingered in the air. On the desk in the master bedroom, a neatly folded letter awaited Lumian. Madam Magicians response Lumian picked up the letter and began reading. Excellent. You have a good understanding of yourself. The Rose School of Thought and the Numinous Episcopate will be managed by dedicated personnel. No need for you to take unnecessary risks. Concentrate on dealing with Hisoka. If they request your help, you may cooperate. The Beyonder characteristics left behind by members of the Rose School of Thought, especially those of the Devil and Prisoner pathways, come with a certain level of troublesome corruption. Its advisable not to sell them or randomly seek out an Artisan to craft items. If you need to, you can sell them to me or let me find an Artisan. Keeping them in the Travelers Bag is also fine. Compared to the Shadow Branch boxing gloves, Mr. Fools seal, and the attention and influence of other items on you, theyre as weak as an ordinary newborn baby. Relieved by this response, Lumian took a breath and activated the black mark on his right shoulder, vanishing from the room. After a while, he materialized atop a bell tower on Avenue du Boulevard in Trier. Directly support the authors on WebNovel! Gazing at the luxurious Champs-lyses in the distance and the already lit lamps, Lumian couldnt hold back any longer. He needed to carefully consider the information he had just obtained from Camus. With the Berserk Sea, the Feynapotter Kingdom, and half of the Intis Republic between them, Lumian could devise a plan to hunt Hisoka without worrying about the enemy sensing malice and danger! Perhaps only an Angel could sense over such a distance. Though Lumian lacked specific information about his target or Hisokas identity and had no concrete plan, caution was paramount when he had the ability to be cautious. Relying on his Ascetic trait, he endured, putting aside thoughts of the corresponding matters. Only when far from Port Pylos and the Southern Continent did he carefully consider details, allowing his thoughts to run free. After an indeterminate amount of time, Lumian vanished from the bell tower. Clang! Clang! Clang! The pendulum clock struck 7 p.m. The next morning. Upon entering the hall, Camus spotted Louis Berry, adorned in a golden straw hat, seated on a sofa in the reception area. Why is he here again? Recalling Kolobos warning, Camus frowned and approached with concern. What can I do for you this time? he asked calmly, keeping his emotions in check. Lumian chuckled. I need some information, but it wont be from you. Find a reliable teammate who isnt privy to our discussion yesterday evening. Meet me at the Matani Import and Export Shop. I can offer 5,000 verl dor for this. A peculiar request 5,000 verl dor. How generous Is he trying to avoid a Devils danger premonition? Camus, an experienced official Beyonder, quickly made the connection. He refrained from overthinking and pondered for a moment before responding, Agreed. Heading into the office area, Lumian rose and departed, making his way to the Matani Import and Export Shop nearby. Soon, a man sat opposite Lumian, who was savoring his coffee. The man, with dark hair and a relatively thin build, was a member of the patrol team who had accompanied them to the scene yesterday. Today, he wore dark-black sunglasses, giving him the appearance of a blind individual. Im Kolobo. Camus mentioned a chance to earn 5,000 verl dor, the patrol team member introduced himself in fluent Intisian. Amused, Lumian observed Kolobos demeanor. Taking out a pen and paper, he counted out 5,000 verl dor notes and slid them over. Write down the Prisoner pathway Beyonders name and details from the patrol team. Ensure I dont catch sight of it. Fold it into a square after writing. Kolobo, almost as if blind, fumbled for the banknotes. He bent down and counted, nearly burying his head under the table. Why arent you looking at me? Lumian asked with curiosity. Trembling, Kolobo replied, I fear I might truly go blind. Are you able to see something you shouldnt? From the Monster pathway? Lumian pondered but refrained from probing further. Kolobo turned around and swiftly wrote down the corresponding information on the table behind him, folding the paper and passing it to Lumian. Without a second glance, Lumian promptly received the information and stowed it in his Travelers Bag. After settling the bill for his coffee, he headed to the washroom. His figure vanished once more. Chapter 645 - 645 "Gifts" 645 Gifts After Louis Berry left the coffee area, Kolobo breathed a sigh of relief. He removed his sunglasses, retrieved the 5,000 verl dor, and counted it again. His gut told him this deal would work out. Thats the only reason he dared to risk coming to the Matani Import and Export Shop. Still, his whole body had been trembling with fear. He couldnt even keep his eyes open most of the time, and his hands were shaking so badly that he was surprised it was legible. Trouble always waits until its ready to explode, he thought, clutching his sunglasses. He stood up and headed for the door. Something was wrong. He could feel it. His body tensed with some kind of danger sense he couldnt explain. His heart raced as he scanned the place professionally, trying to pinpoint the danger. Kolobos footsteps changedCsometimes fast, sometimes slow. Hed zip off in one direction only to stop short a few paces later. Kolobo took in the morning sun, the quiet shop that had just opened its doors, and the handful of customers scattered about. Not a single pair of eyes seemed fixed on him, and there was no one lurking in the shadows, observing his every move. Yet, following his instincts, his feet carried him back to the coffee shop area. Thats where he finally stopped, in front of the bathroom sign. Two years as a Beyonder taught Kolobo the most important lesson: trust your gut. Without thinking, he yanked open the heavy wooden door and walked inside. The Matani Import and Export Shop wasnt some back-alley dive. This restroom was big. Three urinals, three stalls, and gas lamps flickered on the clean tile. Kolobo headed to the sink to splash cold water on his face. Maybe that would shake this weird danger feeling that was creeping all over him. As he looked up, a face stared back at him in the mirror. But it wasnt his. The face was freakishly white. The guy looked late twenties, with light brown skin and eyes that flashed a dark, sickly green. He stared at Kolobo with dead, cold eyes. Kolobos brain short-circuited as recognition hit. Twanaku Tupi??n, the only Prisoner pathway Beyonder on their patrol team. The guy had become a Sequence 6 Zombie last year. He was also the first guy to ever make Kolobos skin crawl. If he told anyone else, he gut told him hed end up dead! When Lumian asked Kolobo to spill the beans about the Prisoner pathway Beyonder on his team, something about it felt wrong. Hed almost bailed on the whole deal. Hed counted that huge 50,000 sum not out of distrust but because he needed time to think, to weigh the risk. He decided to trust his gut, but he hadnt told Lumian about this feeling, this fear of Tupi??n And now, here Twanaku Tupi??n was, reflected in the mirror. This is a Sequence 5 Wraith power. When did he advance? Kolobo could barely think over the growing horror. Suddenly, his body felt like itd been dropped into an icy lake. Twanaku Twanakus face in the mirror vanished. Kolobo could barely move. An icy coldness gripped him, the kind that chilled you to the bone. It wasnt his own hands that were movingCthey lifted without him wanting them to. A voice drifted through his ears, flat and emotionless. Looks like my cover is blown. You were actually asked to provide my information. Ill get out of Port Pylos, but Im going to leave two gifts for Lumian Lee. What did that even mean? What kind of gift? And who the heck was Lumian Lee? Kolobos thoughts were a jumbled mess. His own hands were tightening around his neck. Then, with a sickening jolt, he realized what gift the voice was talking about. Twanaku Tupi??n was going to kill him and leave a giftChis dead body! But he said two gifts. What was the other one? In the four-story beige building of the patrol team. Camus sipped his Highlander coffee and read the West Balam Telegraph, contemplating the deal between Kolobo and Louis Berry. If successful, as an intermediary, he would receive 20% of the amount. Knock, knock, knock. A gentle rap echoed on Camuss office door. Please come in. Though not particularly young, Camus had ample experience, leading one of the patrol teams operations teams. If there were a vacancy for the vice-captain position, his only competition would be Twanaku Tupi??n of the Prisoner pathway. The Southern Continent was a chaotic place, especially in an area torn between multiple factions. Whether dealing with the bloodthirsty Rose School of Thought, the ominous Numinous Episcopate, ambitious adventurers, spies from various countries, or missionaries, danger lurked at every corner. Some would take the initiative to assassinate patrol team members, while others would rebel and escape. Meticulous planning was not uncommon, and even the patrol team members found themselves as targets. Consequently, the patrol team faced casualties every year, leading to a constant need for new recruits. Encountering more attacks had its advantages. Victorious confrontations often yielded valuable items and Beyonder-related ingredients. Many of the patrol teams advancement formulas and potions were acquired in such situations, creating a noteworthy trend. Compared to cities of similar size in the Northern Continent, Port Pylos had an even greater number of official Beyonders, especially Mid-Sequence Beyonders. However, they lacked higher levels of power or corresponding Sealed Artifacts. Camus found himself in a tight spot financially due to his rapid advancement outpacing his cousins. Arriving in Matani State and Port Pylos as a Sequence 9 Arbiter, he had swiftly climbed to a Sequence 7 Justiciar in just five years. His goal was to advance to Sequence 6 and become a Judge, and he had recently been gathering the funds to purchase the necessary materials. If the opportunity to become a vice-captain arose, the patrol team would certainly contribute resources to aid his advancement. Spoils of war werent always suitable for him; sometimes, he needed to trade with teammates or sell them to the patrol team for money. He patiently waited for the potion formulas and Beyonder ingredients corresponding to his pathway to appear. The patrol team, being relatively new, hadnt accumulated substantial reserves. Camus needed to find a way to purchase practical mystical items, regularly replenish charms, potions, and other essentials to stay prepared against assassinations and conflicts. In such a situation, money was naturally scarce. Chaos was a path to hell but also a ladder to the top! Pugilist Sow entered. With his brown braids gently swaying, Sow, clad in a sky-blue shirt and beige pants, approached Camus with one hand in his pocket, smiling as he asked, Have you seen Kolobo? I need to discuss something with him. Camus had already prepared a reason. He went to the Import and Export Shop to buy coffee beans. Sow tersely acknowledged, Then Ill wait for him to return. Whats up? Camus asked casually. Sow took two steps forward and smiled. Theres an investigation we would like to involve him in. Maybe he can uncover clues that others cant. You bastards, arent you concerned about Kolobo getting hurt? Camus replied with amusement, lifting his coffee and taking a sip. At that moment, Sow withdrew his right hand from his trouser pocket, holding a poker card flickering with a metallic gleam between his thumb and index finger. The card portrayed a grayish-white clown. With a swift motion, Sow hurled the poker card at Camuss head. In the mens washroom of the Matani Import and Export Shop. Kolobo finally caught his reflection in the mirror. His skin had turned a sickly green, and his hands were locked around his own neck, the pressure making his bones crack. Twanaku Tupin stared back at him from his bright blue eyes. Kolobo tried to scream, but nothing came out. He wanted to run, but his legs wouldnt move. It was like his body wasnt his anymoreit was killing him. Ugh A choked sound finally escaped Kolobos throat, too quiet for anyone to hear. Fear and despair tightened around his heart. Then, Kolobos fingers slipped. A figure emerged from the shadows by the bathroom vents. Lumianblack hair, green eyes, all dressed in black and white with a golden straw hat. A flicker of surprise crossed his face, then understanding. He held a black bone flute to his lips. A hum resounded, accompanied by a melancholic tune echoing from the dark red holes. Symphony of Hatred! Why did I only sense malice and danger now Just as this thought crossed Twanakus mind, Twanakus murderous intent exploded, fueled by the haunting melody. Silently, a figure peeled away from Kolobos body. It was Twanaku Tupin, his light brown skin gone deathly pale. Blood vessels bulged in his yellow eyes, threatening to burst. The Symphony of Hatred tore into Kolobo, already weak with fear. His heart almost stopped. He crumpled to the floor, barely alive. Lumian stopped the melody. Holding the black bone flute, he slid back into the shadows and under the vent. A moment later, he reappeared behind Twanaku Tupin, who was practically vibrating with murderous intent. Lumian lifted the flute, its blood-colored holes gleaming ominously, and took a breath. Finally, youre here! Chapter 646 - 646 Indoor Fight 646 Indoor Fight Twanaku Tupins ears rang, his eyes stinging with blood. His mind burned, his thoughts scattering like sparks. For an agonizing moment, he couldnt process his situation, couldnt even think about the enemy closing in. Blood, smelling strangely metallic, trickled from his eyes and nose. His pale skin darkened ominously. Ha! Lumian spat a blast of pale-yellow light, hitting the suspected Hisoka from barely two meters away. Twanakus eyes slammed shut, and he collapsed. Before he hit the ground, Lumians Symphony of Hatred, a black bone flute, jabbed towards his neck. Instantly, the tiled bathroom floor dissolved into a vast, muddy expanse of darkness. Arms burst upward. Some were stripped of skin, all raw muscle and glistening tendon. Others twisted and ghostly, pale and transparent. Some bore bulging eyes that spun madly, others sprouted thick green growths The grotesque limbs tore at Lumian and Twanaku, clawing and dragging. This was Twanakus spell, a death-type enchantment once called Vengeful Wraiths Entanglement, meant to summon an undead horde to paralyze his targets. But as a Mid-Sequence Beyonder of the Devil pathway, his power twisted the spell into something newthe Fallen Abyss! He could alter a space in advance, allowing undead or fallen creatures to lurk beneath the surface. Anyone unfortunate enough to step inside would be grabbed by unseen arms and dragged into the muddy, pitch-black depths. The Abyss would slow and weaken its victims, the icy touch of the undead stealing their strength with agonizing speed. If they were pulled all the way under, theyd be corrupted and lost. Twanaku had cast this spell in the bathroom before attacking Kolobo. He hadnt wanted any nosy employees or customers to stumble on the scene, but it turned out to be a lucky break. Thats why hed appeared in the mirror instead of right inside Kolobos eyes. Lumians attack with the Symphony of Hatred came to an abrupt halt. Countless arms wrapped around his ankles, calves, hips, and torso. A wave of icy stiffness washed over him, his movements turning sluggish. It was the same for Twanaku. With the Wraith and Desire Apostle unconscious, the Fallen Abyss slipped from his control, leaving him vulnerable. His limp body was seized by the strange arms and dragged to the ground. Nearby, Kolobo, badly injured and out for the count, was pulled into the muddy, pitch-black depths of the illusory Abyss. A burst of crimson flames exploded from Lumians body, surrounding him like a blazing cloak. The flames roared, scorching most of the arms into retreat. Still, some remained unaffected, their grip relentless. A creeping coldness numbed Lumians body, but he regained a sliver of his former agility. Before, he could have simply lunged forward, thrusting the black bone flute towards his enemys neck. But now, the targetthe one he believed was Hisokawas about to vanish into the ground. Thud! Twanaku slammed into the ground, the impact jarring him awake. The Spell of Harrumphs grip faded, and he finally regained his senses. His toughest moment, that relentless surge of desire, was behind him. Lumian lowered his head, a single scornful sound escaping him. Hmph! Twin beams of white light shot out while Lumian retracted his hands, fingers slipping back into his Travelers Bag. The beams missed their mark, but horrifying, bloody arms sprouted from the ground, a gruesome forest that blocked Twanaku from their path. With a flash of awareness, Twanaku seized control of the Fallen Abyss spell, shielding himself and attacking his enemy. The arms hit by the Spell of Harrumph softened, sinking back into the pitch-black mud as if drained. Twanaku took his chance. His body twisted, morphing into a dark, oozing malevolence, a shape born from the darkest shadows of his heart. Silently, Twanaku transformed into an illusory, viscous, and foul black liquid, merging with the muddy Abyss and vanishing. The evil arms, unfazed by the flames, clung to Lumian, limiting his movement. His hands flew to his Travelers Bag, pulling out a suit of gleaming silver armor. He set the armor beside him, sinking it firmly into the pitch-black mud. Pride Armor! Evil, writhing arms erupted from the illusory Abyssand the corresponding spirit world. Guided by the spell, they lunged for the Pride Armor, seizing its ankles, legs, torso, and back. The Pride Armor struck back, a broadsword of pure light flashing in its hand. Blinding, holy light flooded the washroom. The shadowy arms recoiled with hisses of black smoke, retreating into the depths. The pitch-black mud dissolved, revealing the bathrooms stone tiles. Kolobo, whod been on the brink of sinking into the Abyss, lay unconscious on the floor. Just meters away, near the washroom door, a figure of viscous black liquid prepared to flee. Now free, Twanaku came to a swift decision. He wouldnt waste time trying to possess Lumian Lee. Instead, hed abandon the Matani Import and Export Shopand Port Pylos! It was a trap. He had to escape before it closed around him. Staying to fight back was foolishhe couldnt risk lingering just to satisfy his rage and murderous desire. That would be far too dangerous! Twanaku was glad hed chosen to give Lumian Lee those two gifts. Hed even divided his favorite mystical items to do it. The patrol team should be in chaos by now, focused on a false target. The distraction would give him his chance to escape. Before, Twanaku hadnt been focused on killing Camus. His priority was taking out Kolobo and escaping. If everything went smoothly, there shouldnt be problems for either side. Any chaos caused by Camuss death would be a bonus distracting the enemy by having the other passing off as the real deal. Hed sent that extra gift as a precaution, not some bloodthirsty urge! In Camuss office, nestled inside the patrol teams beige four- story building, a poker card shimmered with metallic light as it hurtled towards him. Coffee was the last thing on his mind. He dove behind his desk with a surge of adrenaline, planning to send the table flying back at Sow before blasting him with Psychic Piercing. The joker-faced card soared over Camuss head, missing its target. But then, as if it had a mind of its own, the card swerved and plunged down, aiming for Camuss back. It seemed to melt right into him, vanishing in a flash. Sows grin stretched wider. He strode to the desk, yanking the broadsword from his back. Inside the mens bathroom of the Matani Import and Export Shop. A figure made of thick, black liquid slipped through the crack under the door then strangely reformed in its original spot. Bottle of Fiction! The moment Lumian harbored malice and took out the Symphony of Hatred from the Travelers Bag, Lumian had used this bathroom vent as a base, using the Bottle of Fiction to set one condition: only females could enter or exit! That way, innocent customers wouldnt stumble into the dangerous Beyonder battle. And Hisoka couldnt escape without destroying the Bottle of Fiction first! The black, liquid figure spread toward the vent, dodging the two white beams from Lumian. Twanaku was done with dodging. His body swelled and warped, transforming into a monstrous giant almost three meters tall. The monsters skin turned a dull, dark shade, and a pair of curved goat horns marked with strange patterns sprouted from his head. Colossal bat wings wreathed in blue and crimson flames lashed out, releasing a stinging, sulfurous stench. Devil Transformation! This was the signature power of a Sequence 6 Devil from the Prisoner pathwaya boost to strength, speed, defense everything. Lumian knew his target, the one he thought was Hisoka, was on high alert, braced to dodge his Spell of Harrumph. He stopped using it. He decided against the Symphony of Hatred too. The situation was different. Before, his enemy had been fueled by bloodlust in his murder attempt on Kolobo, a perfect trigger. Now, there was only a cold, emotionless focus. With no guarantee that the Symphony of Hatred would work or that it wouldnt backfireLumian wasnt taking that chance. Instead, a crimson spear sparked into existence. From a few meters away, he hurled it at the suspected Hisoka. The second the spear left his hand, Lumian vanished. He couldnt stay put. Possession by the Wraith, a mind- shattering psychic blast from a Desire Apostle, some twisted desire spellany of those were a risk! Chapter 647 - 647 "Inexplicable Action" 647 Inexplicable Action In the face of the flaming spear, Twanakus eyes, now crimson from the Devil Transformation, reflected dancing and burning crimson flames. He remained unfazed. Instead, he conjured an aberrationCa broadsword made of crimson magma and pale-blue flames. Swiftly turning, Twanaku exposed his back to the flaming spear. With the magma broadsword in hand, he slashed at the foe who had seemingly teleported behind him, launching an attack. The broadsword, adorned with crimson magma and pale-blue flames, sliced through the air but missed Lumian. It left only an exaggerated mark on the wall behind, a testament to its destructive force. Had it not been for the Bottle of Fictions protection, the bathroom wall would have been split in half. Even so, the bottle visibly trembled, bearing some damage. The nearly white flaming spear also struck Twanakus back, piercing a little before being halted by the elastic dark skin and sturdy flesh. It failed to penetrate the Devils body, leaving only blackened traces from the resulting inferno. Devils, armored in thick and tough natural protection, were resistant to flames, poison, and curses to a certain extent. Twanaku, in his Zombie state, possessed a steel-like body that could withstand bullets and cannonballs. Lumians flaming spear and fireball attacks, as well as the Fire Ravens onslaught, posed little threat. Standing still, Twanaku could endure repeated attacks without suffering severe injuries. Additionally, his ability to transform into a Wraith allowed him to evade explosions effortlessly. Hisoka Twanaku believed that, without the support of the Tarot Club, the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, and powerful demigods, he could have tortured Lumian to death. Even with teleportation, spells rendering him temporarily unconscious, and mystical items, most of Lumians attacks were ineffective against Wraiths and Desire Apostle Beyonders. The Psychic Shock and Desire Detonation further restrained him, leaving him vulnerable to the assaults of Wraiths and undead creatures. Having missed his strike, Twanaku noticed Lumians figure reappear in midair. As anticipated, Lumian had chosen to teleport behind and launch an attack. However, there was a notable change compared to previous encounters. Hovering near the ceiling and the vent, Lumian opened his mouth and emitted a harrumph. The moment a pale-yellow light shot out, Hisoka Twanakus figure faded and vanished. In Lumians pupils, a devilish figure materializedCdark skin, long goat horns, bat wings on its back, and no longer wielding the Sword of Lava. Swiftly, Twanaku transformed into a Wraith, leaping into Lumians eyes, deftly dodging the Spell of Harrumphs attack. Devil Transformation didnt impede his Wraith abilities! Lumians face paled, a dark-green hue tinting his features. His hands involuntarily rose, reaching for his neck, and his body plummeted to the ground. Prepared for such a situation, Lumian didnt resist. While he could still struggle, he didnt halt his hands or resist the Wraiths control. Instead, he sank his consciousness into his right hand. The frenzied, bloody aura of superiority dissipated slightly, causing Twanaku to instinctively tremble. He subconsciously detached from Lumians body and leaped onto the sink. Lumian activated the black mark on his right shoulder, vanishing before crashing to the ground. This time, he appeared behind the motionless silver-white full-body armor. Behind! The Pride Armor spun around abruptly, raising the broadsword of light and slashing at Lumian in the not-too-small bathroom. Lumian employed Spirit World Traversal once more, vanishing from the silver armors path. Within the mirror, Hisoka Twanaku was somewhat bewildered. Why did Lumian Lee provoke his Sealed Artifact and engage in combat with it? Am I not his enemy target? The negative effects of a Sealed Artifact? Though he didnt understand what was going on, Twanaku sensed danger instinctively. His Danger Premonition, along with a possible insight from Emperor RoselleCIf something shows signs of abnormality, there must be an abnormal factor hidden. Such factors often signify danger. Without hesitation, Twanaku left the sink and leaped to the bathroom door in his colossal Devil form. Conjuring a dozen or so light-blue Sulfur Fireballs, he directed them at the wooden door in unison. Twanaku, who had shaken the Bottle of Fiction with his sword, knew that the current seal could be broken by brute force. There was no need to find the true exit or kill the enemy who had constructed the seal. For this reason, he chose to forgo teaming up with the full-body armor to assail Lumian. He reckoned that any further delay, even if Lumian Lee were to fall on the spot, would lead to him being surrounded, facing a lethal blow with no chance of escaping alive. In such a scenario, killing Lumian Lee would render the effort meaningless! Certainly, Twanaku wasnt about to let Lumian off easily. Following the Sulfur Fireball assault, he clenched his fists and spoke a word in Devil language filled with depravity and filth. Slow! This was a manifestation of the Language of Foulness, capable of stiffening and even halting the movements of targets within a seven- to eight-meter radius for approximately two seconds. Considering the bathrooms size, this radius covered the entire area. Lumians form reappeared. Once more, he teleported behind the Pride Armor, conjuring a crimson fireball almost white in his hand. Influenced by the Language of Foulness, both Lumian and the Pride Armor moved sluggishly. One slowly launched a fireball, while the other struggled to turn around, as if its joints had rusted. Rumble! The Sulfur Fireballs erupted against the bathroom door. A translucent, illusory membrane materialized on the bathrooms side. Like glass, it shattered inch by inch, leaving crisscrossing marks that teetered on the brink of collapse. The wooden door appeared charred and pieced together, reminiscent of a childs broken toy hastily glued back together. Observing this, Hisoka Twanaku grasped that another strike could completely shatter the seal. This time, he gathered seven to eight light-blue Sulfur Fireballs. On the opposite end, Lumians fireball finally collided with the Pride Armors back, assisted by the explosive waves. Amidst the rumbling and clanging, the silver armor stiffened. Lumian activated the black mark on his right shoulder once more and teleported away from his current location. Almost simultaneously, the Pride Armor overcame the effects of Slow with abnormal swiftness, swiftly turning around. However, it still couldnt lock onto its target. Twanaku felt a surge of amusement bubbling within him but maintained an unusual vigilance. His only wish was that the relentless bombardment would shatter the seal completely, granting him an avenue for escape. In the next moment, the Sulfur Fireballs collided with the wooden door at the bathroom entrance. Twanaku witnessed the silver-white full-body armor squat down, driving the broadsword of light into the ground. Wh Twanakus pupils dilated as he instinctively readied himself to transform into a Wraith. Yet, he held back, exercising restraint. Aware of the potential consequences within the Warrior pathway, he understood the risk of subjecting himself to even greater harm. Rumble! Simultaneously with the explosion of the Sulfur Fireballs, the Sword of Dawn, embedded in the crevice in the stone tiles by the Pride Armor, disintegrated into fragments of light. Densely packed, they formed a flickering, violent, and sharp hurricane that swept in all directions, filled with the intent to annihilate everything. Hurricane of Light! Since it couldnt lock onto the backstabber, it opted for a wide-ranging assault! The sharp and terrifying storm of light enveloped Twanaku and Kolobo on the ground. Lumian materialized in front of the latter, crouched down, shielding vital points. He faced the formidable hurricane head-on. The washroom bore the brunt of the assault. The urinal was wrecked, and the cubicles silently collapsed, shedding a layer of bricks. As a depraved creature, Twanaku had nowhere to hide. All he could do was endure the damage, his eyes flickering with a sharp light. In the radiant blades storm, Lumians figure cracked inch by inch, shattering into numerous mirror fragments. Mirror Substitution! With his obstruction, Kolobo avoided fatal injuries but couldnt escape multiple bleeding wounds. In Camuss office, within the beige four-story building housing the patrol team. Crouched behind a table, Camuss face turned pale, tinged with a dark-green hue. It was as if a grayish-white clown laughed exaggeratedly in his eyes. Camus strained to ignite bolts of lightning in his eyes, piercing Sows mind. His betraying teammate grimaced in pain, causing his broadsword to lose strength and direction, crashing into the desk and failing to hit Camus. In that critical moment, Camus drew a silver revolver from his right hand, aiming it not at Sow but at himself. Across the street, in a room facing Camuss office, Jenna, holding a telescope, huddled by the curtain, closely monitored Camuss condition. Seeing the other party under attack and struggling, she swiftly grabbed the loudspeaker she had prepared and brought it to her mouth. Camus has been attacked! Camus has been attacked by the Rose School of Thought! Camus is being attacked in his office! The loudspeakers sound reverberated through every room of the patrol team. Chapter 648 - 648 Teamwork 648 Teamwork On the top floor of the beige building belonging to the patrol team, a middle-aged man in a thin black suit heard Jennas voice. Without bothering to trace the source of the shout, he stood up abruptly and retrieved a white human skull, seemingly carved from crystal, from his hidden pocket. The man, a mix of Intis and West Balam lineage, held the crystal skull and recited a mysterious language with a strong sense of death. In the next moment, a decaying palm extended from the void in front of him. Its joints were thick, and its skin was bleeding, revealing signs of decay. The palm belonged to a corpse that looked vaguely human but, upon closer inspection, resembled a monster. Over 1.8 meters tall, its face concealed by a rusty bronze mask, and its torso composed of corpses from various species, including lions, tigers, black wolves, baboons, giant serpents, vultures, and humans themselvesCall in a severe state of rot. The corpses bronze mask flickered with dark-red lights in its eyes as it took a step forward, arriving in Camuss office. Faced with Camus, who had a revolver in his right hand, staggering toward his forehead, the monstrous corpse removed its bronze mask. Underneath the mask, there was no nose, flesh, or bones. Only two dark-red balls of light and a mouth that occupied four-fifths of the head. The mouth opened wide, revealing a pitch-black interior. A terrifying suction force emanated from the mouth, affecting Camuss spirit but having no effect on the documents, newspapers, and other items on the desk. It only caused Camuss spirit to surface, as if pulled by an invisible force, about to be plunged into hell. As Camuss Spirit Body materialized, the grayish-white clown seeped out of his flesh, revealing its complete formCa magnified, illusory poker card. The poker card had no body of its own and was swiftly drawn out by the pitch-black mouth beneath the bronze mask. Camuss Spirit Body struggled. Smack! The poker card materialized and fell to the ground, emitting the sound of a heavy object colliding with solid bricks, but there was no metallic sound. In the Matani Import and Export Shop, the male bathroom lay in ruins. The door and the wall facing the corridor crumbled into fragments, scattering for several meters, as if a storm had passed through. The Bottle of Fiction had lost its effect. Amidst the residual fragments of light and the lingering sulfur smell, Twanaku rolled out in his Devil form. His pitch-black skin bore hideous wounds, and his flesh seemed to evaporate. Half of the two curved goat horns on his head were gone, and viscous black liquid flowed from the cracks. The bat-like wings on his back were tattered and drooping. With Twanakus formidable physical strength, the Hurricane of Light from the Pride Armor shouldnt have caused such tragic and severe damage, but he was a Devil. The Hurricane of Light possessed the unique ability to destroy evil creatures and undead beings. It was like Twanaku undergoing purification while being sliced by a fragmentary blade. What made it more potent was their collaboration. Purification weakened defense and inflicted harm on the evil creatures spirit and flesh, while the fragmentary blade utilized purification to weaken defense and cut through flesh. The more wounds and the deeper they were, the better the purification effect. Had Twanaku not resisted in his Devil form and instead transformed into a Wraith, he might have faced severe injury, teetering on the brink of death, or even elimination. The Hurricane of Light could vanquish Wraiths and injure evil spirits. Despite being severely injured, Twanaku, still capable of combat, calmly suppressed his tyrannical and bloodthirsty emotions. Realizing he had escaped the seal, he prepared to transform into a Wraith and escape through the surrounding mirrors. Just as he made this decision, a sudden sense of Danger Premonition struck him. The malice came from behind, and in the shadows outside the bathroom, Franca, dressed in an Assassin suit, emerged, raising her left hand. On her left thumb, she wore an iron-colored ring with a thick band and a surface covered in small spikesCRing of Punishment! Francas lake-blue eyes flickered with lightning, moving many times faster than the fastest bullets, shooting out silently with Psychic Piercing! Hidden Blade Why do I only sense her malice now The severely injured Twanaku couldnt dodge in time and suddenly heard an illusory shattering sound. The shattering sound echoed from Twanakus Spirit Body, and intense pain flooded his mind, compelling him to raise his hands to cover his head. Seizing the opportunity, Franca swiftly took out a mirror and reflected Twanaku in his Devil form. Black flames ignited in her left palm as she smeared it across the mirrors surfaceC Demonesss curse! Black flames erupted from Twanakus body, but nearly two-thirds were suppressed by his flesh and blood, leaving only a portion of the colossal Devils Spirit Body to be incinerated. Being a Devil, immune to curses to a certain extent, helped Twanaku endure the Demonesss curse better, given his already ravaged state from the Hurricane of Light. Finally free from the influence of Psychic Piercing, Twanaku, with his Spirit Body engulfed in black flames, transformed into a pitch-black, viscous liquid. These liquids seemed to originate from the darkest corners of the human heart, representing the most sinister and shadowy desires and emotions. Twanaku abandoned Wraith Form, choosing Desire Apostles Desire Incarnation because Demonesss black flames targeted the Spirit Body more. Before the pitch-black viscous liquid could fully elongate into a human figure, he fled into the nearby darkness, sensing a strong Danger Premonition in his heart. At the corridors entrance, Anthony Reid, donned in military- green attire, appeared in a blind spot. His eyes took on a faint golden hue, transforming into vertical pupilsPsychological Invisibility! Frenzy! Twanakus mind buzzed, instantly breaking free from his Desire Incarnation state. Bloodshot eyes and livor mortis appeared on his body, emitting sulfurous blood. He entered a frenzied state. Already grievously injured and subjected to Psychic Piercing and the Demonesss curse, he was on the verge of losing control. Rumble! Light-blue sulfur fireballs pelted the surroundings, propelled by Twanakus wild instincts. Francas form quickly shattered into mirror fragments, while Anthonys body sprouted grayish-white dragon scales. He leaped toward the wall for cover. Rumble! Using up Francas Mirror Substitution, Lumian teleported behind the frenzied Twanaku. Having already unleashed the accumulated spirituality and strength within him, Lumians spirituality surged, no longer drained. Enduring the scorching sulfur flames and the blasts impact, Lumian focused on the oblivious, frenzied Twanaku. He harrumphed. Two beams of white light shot from his nose, hitting what appeared to be Hisoka. Twanaku collapsed, and the signs of madness began to fade. Lumian didnt allow him to reach the ground. Extending his right hand, he grabbed Twanaku by the shoulder and teleported him into the spirit world! In seconds, Lumian materialized at the edge of the primitive forest near Port Pylos. Even during this process, he let out a harrumph. The pale- yellow light emitted from his mouth knocked Twanaku out again, preventing him from regaining consciousness. At that moment, a woman stood at the edge of the primitive forest. It was Hela, dressed like a black widow but not as distant as before. Observing Twanaku, no longer in his colossal Devil state but emitting a sulfuric scent, with dark patterns on his skin, Hela nodded at Lumian and said, It should be Hisoka. Every time Hisoka participated in the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, he only disguised himself superficially. If Hisokas true identity was targeted, Hela, who was responsible for providing the gathering venue and entrance method, could still recognize him. Ha! Lumian chuckled and added a new Spell of Harrumph to Hisoka. Hela seized his arm and chanted an incantation. The two of them, along with Hisoka, vanished like pencil drawings erased by an eraser. In the ancient and dilapidated palace of the Nation of the Evernight. As Lumian emerged from his concealed state, he harrumphed. Two beams of white light descended, and Hisoka remained unconscious. Helas tone chilled as she remarked, Ill let you enter the same dream. Thank you. Lumian released Hisoka, reclining against a broken stone pillar. Moments later, his thoughts blurred until he heard Helas voice. Its done. Lumian snapped back, gazing into the interrogation room where Hisoka sat opposite. This member of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, Twanaku Tupin, bore light-brown skin, a blend of Northern and Southern Continent descent. His eyes gleamed flaxen, his hair dark. While not unattractive, his demeanor exuded indifference to life. At the sight, Lumians lips curved into a smile. He had sought Helas assistance primarily to craft an environment where he could safely unveil his plans after capturing Hisoka alive. Otherwise, restraining Hisokas resistance would have posed a significant challenge. Communicating with him would have been impossible if he remained unconscious until his demise. Destroying Hisokas frontal lobe would strip away frustration, pain, and resentment, making it difficult to fulfill the requirements of the Reaper ritual. Upon spotting Lumian, Hisoka suddenly struggled, but an invisible force held him back, preventing his transformation into a Wraith. This was a dream controlled by Hela. Hisoka calmed down and gazed at Lumian, posing the greatest question on his mind, How did you manage to evade my Danger Premonition? Lumians smile deepened. He looked down at Hisoka and said casually, No need for a Demon Hunters assistance. A sufficient distance and a Hypnotist would do the trick. Chapter 649 - 649 Conspiracy Showcase 649 Conspiracy Showcase Sufficient distance and a Hypnotist Hisoka repeated Lumians words as if he had realized something. Lumian stood in front of him, looking down, and questioned, Do you think that, apart from Demon Hunters and higher-level Beyonders of the corresponding pathway, Devils mainly get killed based on chance encounters in battles? Hisoka regarded Lumian with indifference and remained silent. Lumian pulled up a chair and sat down, crossing his right foot over his left knee. Casually, he said, Ive read a mysticism book about Devils. Its filled with numerous cases of hunting Devils. Its clear that Beyonders of most pathways rely on chance encounters to kill specific Devils. Thats what I believed back then. However, when I revisited the detailed description of Devil abilities, I found a contradiction. This is how the mysticism book describes your Danger Premonition: Danger Premonition, also known as Malicious PerceptionCif an enemy can soon cause lethal harm to a Devil and takes clear action to do so, a Devil can sense the danger in advance and grasp the source. They can target it, kill it, take revenge, or escape, but its impossible to know the exact details of the plan. Different Devils have different intuition rangesCfrom a few minutes to a day, from a few kilometers to as wide as a city. Whats the contradiction between this and a battle encounter? Hisoka asked, sitting upright, cold and curious. According to this description, Devils can indeed sense a battle encounter, Lumian said with a smile. For example, even though I only intended to have a cup of coffee today and suddenly encountered a Devil, and had no choice but to kill him. For that Devil, its literal. He should have sensed that my coffee-drinking at the caf?? would pose a fatal danger to him in advance and that it would happen, but thats not the case in reality. Observing Hisokas thoughtful expression, Lumian clasped his hands together. This means that a Devils Danger Premonition doesnt stem from fate. If it were a powerful Beyonder of the Monster pathway, theres a high chance they would suddenly feel that coffee isnt suitable today and avoid danger. But you cant. Since a Devils Danger Premonition doesnt stem from precognition of fate, where does it stem from? Once, a high-ranking Demon enlightened me about the concept of the Abyss. According to its perspective, the Abyss holds two dimensions. The first is physical, with an entrance hidden somewhere in the real world. The second is in the mind, with an entrance nestled deep within everyones hearts. Considering this insight, I believe we need to tweak the foundation of a Devils Danger Premonition. It kicks in only when an adversary has a well-defined plan capable of inflicting fatal harm on a Devil soon. Thats when the Devil can sense it beforehand. Got it? A more distinct thought process or intent. Lumian adopted the cadence of Madam Magician to taunt Hisoka, weaving the narrative of his conspiracy. In the beginning, I probed bit by bit and investigated step by step. When I stumbled upon crucial information, I purposely skirted around it, leaving me in the dark about who I was dealing with and without a rough plan to handle the target. In simpler terms, I didnt have clear thoughts or intentions, and there was no effective plan to cause lethal harm to you anytime soon. Everything was vague, chaotic, and uncommitted, filled with variation and accidents, ensuring you couldnt naturally sense danger. However, your position alerted you when I delved into the serial murder from four years ago. Since then, youve been using a Wraiths ability and the patrol team members under your control to keep a vigilant eye on this matter, right? Hisoka listened coldly, showing no intention of responding. Lumian smiled and continued, After figuring out that you were hiding in the patrol team as a Zombie Sequence Beyonder, I resisted my urges and tried my best not to dwell on such matters. When I returned to the hotel, I immediately teleported to Trier. At this distance, you wont be able to sense that Im formulating a plan and putting it into practice. After coming up with a preliminary plan, I went to Hidden Blade and my two other companions to discuss a detailed plan. It was just past 7 p.m. Trier time. The next move involved assigning tasks. Each of us had a role to play. We underwent a Hypnotists Hypnotism, erasing our true purpose from memory. Only when a Devil like you emerged would we recall the specific details. My mission was to use teleportation, making it seem like I left, only to return stealthily using shadow concealment. I trailed the patrol team member I interacted with, believing that I was checking if there was anything problematic with him. Hidden Blades mission was to tail me, providing necessary vigilance and support. If I activated the Bottle of Fiction ability, shed preemptively don the Ring of Punishment and lie in wait outside. The reason for her ambush eluded her until she laid eyes on you. With her combat prowess and intelligence, she instinctively knew what steps to take. No need for me to give detailed instructions. The Hypnotists mission involved using Psychological Invisibility to wander the vicinity, just aimlessly wandering. As for the other Demoness, her duty was to monitor the patrol team and promptly report any issues to the authorities. Before your arrival, she too was unaware of the real reason behind her actions. She simply thought we had plans involving the patrol team. Before the Hypnotism wore off, none of us had intentions of confronting you. Our individual actions couldnt pose lethal harm to you, ensuring you couldnt foresee it. This was a premeditated encounter, a clash pitting you against multiple adversaries. With that final sentence, Lumian suddenly heard an illusory shattering sound. He sensed that his Conspirer potion had been fully digested. He also felt Hisokas seemingly cold expression, vexation, and regret growing, gnawing at his heart. Lumians smile widened. He stood up, leaned forward, and inched his head in front of Hisoka. He looked into Hisokas bloodshot flaxen-colored eyes and said, Your biggest mistake was not leaving Port Pylos ahead of time and sticking with the patrol team. Why are you so certain I wont track you down? How do you know I enjoy Fermo coffee without sugar? Hisoka inquired instead of answering. Sensing his intense anger and killing intent, Lumian straightened up and replied with a smile, My sister always says that wherever you go, you leave a trace, and I have an expert at finding traces with me. Heh heh, Emperor Roselle must have said something similar. You must know what it means. Hisokas hands tightened on the chairs armrests as he asked again, Why were you so sure Ill kill Kolobo? Lumian replied with a sense of satisfaction, I wasnt certain. Didnt I mention I had a Demoness companion monitoring the patrol team? Hidden Blade and I believed that if you ultimately choose to escape, you will definitely do something to vent your murderous desires. Otherwise, something might happen to you, considering your Devil and Prisoner pathways. And since you want to kill someone, its either the patrol team member who traded with me or Camus who gave me the information. Its either at the Matani Shop or in the patrol team. At this juncture, Lumian guessed with a smile, You took the gamble of staying in Port Pylos and the patrol team because you wanted to seize an opportunity to kill me? Under the watchful eyes of the Tarot Club and Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, finding a chance to eliminate a promising young man like me and escape unscathed can satisfy your twisted mind to the fullest extent? Hisoka subconsciously licked his lips. I initially planned to bide my time, waiting for your patience to wear thin and an opportune moment to present itself. But it seems you didnt seek the assistance of the demigods; you only reached out to Hela. I should have struck last night. Hisoka didnt conceal his frustration. Lumian didnt immediately address the topic. After a few moments of contemplation, he said, Waiting for an opportunity Youre quite confident in concealing your identity. Unafraid of normal investigations, Is it because the higher-ups of the patrol team allowed a Sequence 6 of the Prisoner pathway to join? Hisoka sealed his lips, responding with silence. Seems theres a significant secret lurking here. Lumian suddenly sensed a conspiracy. Is the opportunity youre waiting for connected to this secret? Hisoka maintained silence, his eyes transformed, now bloodthirsty and filled with a desire to kill. Not willing to share? Lumian chuckled. No problem. Lets discuss something else first. He bent down again, looking at Hisoka. In this operation, I sought only Hela. Firstly, to guard against the Nois family Demons who had made contact with you. Secondly, to create an environment for a quiet conversation with you. At the mention of the Nois familys Demons, Hisokas gaze subtly shifted. How do you know? Lumian didnt reply. The corners of his mouth curled up even more. I chose Hela because I wanted to capture you alive, relying on my own strength and that of my companions. Each of us is weaker than you, and each of us is someone you think you can easily kill. However, as a team, through teamwork, weve put you in a tight spot. Youll descend into hell. Hisoka shattered the chairs armrest, but he couldnt attack Lumian. Observing his bloodshot eyes, Lumian retrieved a golden straw hat from his Travelers Bag, pressed it to his chest, and bowed. Ill excuse myself for a moment, he said with a smile. In the next moment, Lumian left the dream. Swiftly shifting his sitting position, he leaned against a broken stone pillar. From his Travelers Bag, he retrieved Gardner Martins Beyonder characteristic, teeth, blood, Colorful Bearded Horned Lizards venom, hornbeam essential oil, and other items. He had genuinely sensed Hisokas fear, anger, and frustration. Although it occurred in a dream, it was reflected in Hisokas brain and body, real and intense. He was about to concoct the Reaper potion. Chapter 650 - 650 Reaper 650 Reaper In the ancient, crumbling palace of the Nation of the Evernight, Lumian carefully poured Gardner Martins blood into a measuring cylinder and added the unusually sharp, small white bone blade that emitted a cold light. During this process, he moved swiftly, paying no attention to the bone-blade-shaped Beyonder characteristic slicing his fingers and causing blood to flow. Instead, he ignited crimson flames, helping the wounds contract and preventing the white bone blade from entering the potion with his blood. The physical pain heightened Lumians clarity and excitement. He added Gardner Martins two teeth, the Colorful Bearded Horned Lizards venom, and the hornbeam essential oil into the bright red blood. Bloop! Bloop! Bubbles bubbled in the blood, and the items mysteriously dissolved. Soon, black iron dregs emerged from the bright-red blood, as if an iron weapon had shattered inside. Lumian glanced at the still-slumbering Hisoka Twanaku, picked up the measuring cylinder, and poured the liquid into his mouth. The pungent smell of blood, the unfamiliar taste of rust, and the burning sensation instantly filled Lumians mouth and pierced his brain. It felt like being caught in a chaotic war, constantly facing blades, firearms, and relentless enemy assaults. Wounds appeared all over his body, throbbing with pain. Son of a sow, am I being attacked by a potion? Lumian muttered, bewildered, as he found himself locked in combat with a swarm of oncoming adversaries. Fireballs, Fire Ravens, and blazing white spears shattered, tore through, or impaled the enemies, turning them into torches that illuminated the battlefield. After an unknown span of time, Lumian felt his strength waning, his spiritual energy on the brink of exhaustion. The accumulated spirituality of an Ascetic had long been unleashed. In that moment, a colossal figure materialized before him, radiating a formidable and intimidating aura. Despite Lumians weakening state, he sensed the colossal figures fear, hatred, and frustration. Hes afraid of me Lumian realized suddenly. Summoning the last shreds of his courage, he condensed a blazing white flaming spear and hurled it at the colossal figure. A blinding white flame erupted, piercing through the colossal figures head. Rumble. The giant figure exploded from within, shattering into countless fragments. Rumble. The entire battlefield crumbled. Lumian shook off the daze and found himself in front of a crumbling ancient palace, its stone bricks weathered by time. Hisoka Twanaku still slumbered, and Hela stood silently by his side. Sweat dripped from Lumians body, bursting into crimson sparks. Eventually, the sweat returned to normal. Phew Lumian let out a relieved breath. His spirituality was rapidly recovering. He had advanced to become a Reaper. Having completed the ritual of capturing a higher Sequence enemy alive and revealing his conspiracy, Lumian had consumed the potion and advanced to Sequence 5, a Reaper of the Hunter pathway. Compared to his previous Sequences, Reaper bestowed three additional abilities: The first, Weakness Investigation, allowed Lumian to discern the targets vulnerabilities and weak points in their defenses from a mystic perspective. The second, Cull, could be infused into any attack to harvest the targets life. Any part struck by Cull was akin to an assault on vital points and weaknesses, dealing significant damage. If Cull hit a genuine weakness or vital point, it could deliver a fatal blow, making it challenging for the target to withstand three consecutive attacks. It could even inflict real damage on demigod-level creatures, provided they didnt block or successfully evade, and refrained from using mystic defenses. The third, Precision, enabled Lumian to precisely target a predetermined location and manipulate fireballs, Fire Ravens, and other spells that had left his body. He could split a colossal fireball into hundreds, striking different targets with precision, achieving effective area-of-effect damage. It was a far cry from a blanket explosion, being more efficient and effective. Both Cull and Precision demanded a substantial amount of spirituality, rivaling Lumians current usage of teleportation. The exception was the combination of Precision and Fire Raven, as Fire Raven could allocate a bit of spirituality and was easily manipulated. Even with Precision, its consumption of spirituality wasnt significant. Lumian also felt a significant enhancement in his spirituality. His mind cleared, and his life force intensified. He could compress flames to a blazing white state in an incredibly short time, merging with flaming spears and swiftly covering dozens to hundreds of meters. Ignoring the spirituality consumption, he could travel using this method. While Lumians strength, speed, and physique had improved, he was still not resilient enough to withstand a bullet with his body. At the entrance of the mostly collapsed male bathroom in the Matani Import and Export Shop, the silver-white full-body armor burst out, wielding a light-condensed hammer in both hands. It searched left and right but couldnt locate its target. Gradually, it seemed to calm down. From a nearby shadow, Franca emerged, her eyes assessing Kolobo within the half-collapsed bathroom. His life wasnt at risk, but his injuries were significant, and he appeared weakened. Hell be Pride Armors next target Franca thought quickly. Seizing the moment while Pride Armor was still on the lookout for the backstabber and hadnt chosen a new target, she swiftly approached. Franca grabbed the motionless silver full-body armor and deftly stowed it into her Travelers Bag. Meet up with Jenna! Franca called out to Anthony, positioned outside the corridor. In an instant, she melted into the shadows, disappearing from sight. Surveying his newfound abilities, Lumian felt a surge of delight. Is this Reaper If I were to confront Hisoka now, breaking through his defenses wouldnt be a concern. My craving for combat and slaughter has intensified Having adapted to the changes in his body, Lumian turned to Hela and expressed his gratitude. Thank you. Hela, not seeing any cause for gratitude, sighed and commented, Your teams teamwork is impressive. Madame Hela, the ritual has succeeded, but I wish to enter Hisokas dream again and inquire about something else, Lumian requested. Hela nodded in agreement. The ritual requires him to remain lucid. He might lie, but the questioning doesnt need him to be lucid. As she finished speaking, Lumian suddenly closed his eyes, slumping to the ground against a dilapidated stone pillar. The corners of his mouth remained curled up, and his expression gradually turned calm. In the dreams interrogation room, Lumian took a seat across from Hisoka and addressed the captive, whose malice and desire to kill were no longer concealed. Thank you for your help. Ive become a Reaper. Hisoka, leaning forward, seemed to forget that he could attack. So what if youre a Reaper? In a duel, Id still kill you easily! If you hadnt joined forces with Hidden Blade and relied on numbers, you would have been dead! No longer lucid, hes finally revealing his true thoughts in the dream Lumian chuckled and responded, If I can create an opportunity to fight with numbers, why should I face you one-on-one? My companions are also a part of my strength. Hisoka spoke with malice, Do you truly trust that Hypnotist? Its very dangerous to open up your body and mind to a Hypnotist. Arent you afraid that hell take the opportunity to leave some hidden cues that will unknowingly bring you under his control? Lumian gazed at Hisoka for a moment before breaking into a smile. Perhaps thats why I defeated you. No wonder Mad Lady said you werent pure enough. Firstly, I do trust him. Weve been through life and death together. Secondly, Im willing to take such a risk to kill all of you! Straightening up, Lumian locked eyes with Hisoka, enunciating each word, Even if I plunge into the Abyss, even if I descend into hell, I shall witness your tragic demise! Hisoka fell silent. Lumian eased back into his seat, composed himself, and casually inquired, I learned from Devilology that a Devil requires a ritual to advance to Desire Apostle. Its best if its a special serial killing ritual. However, other than the one four years ago, theres only been one in Port Pylos recently. Furthermore, Ive already killed the murderer. How did you advance? With a boon? You couldnt have become a Desire Apostle four years ago, could you? Hisoka responded with a smile, Just because you dont know doesnt mean it didnt happen. Lumians heart stirred. Was one of those two pranks to cover up your advancement ritual? Lumian ventured, drawing from the scattered information he had gleaned from the peripheral members of April Fools. They were like scattered pieces of a puzzle, each offering a fragment of the truth but lacking the full picture. The tales spoke of chaos unleashed: a disappearance of gold in the depths of Devise, and a clash between townsfolk and a primitive tribe in Tizamo Town, resulting in tragedy. Lumian suspected that Hisokas advancement ritual had been shrouded within the chaos of Tizamos prank. Hisokas eyes sparkled with approval, his tone paternal. Youre quite perceptive. Lumian seized the moment to shift the conversation. Whats up with the Nois familys Demon? He treaded cautiously, sidestepping the Celestial Worthy and the Mother Tree of Desire, for now. Hisokas expression turned cold. I aimed to utilize him to acquire something and carry out a ritual to appease him repeatedly, but he only formed a connection with me. He only granted me an opportunity two years ago. Something Two years ago The pranks in the gold mine city and the town of Tizamo took place after this. One happened at the close of the preceding year, while the other unfolded at the close of last year Lumian started suspecting that these two pranks might have motives beyond concealing the advancement ritual. Before he could delve deeper, Hisoka asked vehemently and frenziedly, Why didnt you seek the Tarot Clubs assistance this time? Lumian arched his eyebrows and inquired with confusion, Why does it matter to you? Even without the Tarot Clubs aid, I could have successfully dealt with you. Chapter 651 - 651 An Unfulfilled Conspiracy 651 An Unfulfilled Conspiracy In the beige, four-story patrol team building, Camus had managed to break free from the poker cards influence. He discovered Sow sprawled in a pool of blood, brutally torn apart by two zombie-like undead creatures. In neighboring rooms, another patrol team member, under Twanakus control, put up a stubborn resistance. His comrades had already fallen victim to the relentless assault. Camus, catching his breath, hadnt anticipated stumbling upon an assassination plot within the patrol team, putting his own life at risk. His gaze fixed on Deputy Captain Reaza, a middle-aged man in a sleek black suit controlling the undead creatures. Confused, Camus inquired, How did Sow end up joining the Rose School of Thought? And why are so many members under their control? Despite Camus resisting the poker cards influence, Jennas earlier shout lingered in his mind. Reaza, surveying the scene of blood and undead, responded after a moment of contemplation, Its likely Twanakus doing. Twanaku Camus recalled the questions raised by Louis Berry. Was Twanaku truly responsible for the serial murders four years ago? Could he be a Devil in disguise? Frowning, Camus grumbled, Keeping a Zombie on the team was already a significant risk. Just because he can show restraint doesnt clear him from suspicion of being a Rose School of Thought member. He might indulge at specific times. Reaza, with a stern demeanor, spoke in a deep voice, Wed confirmed he defected from the Rose School of Thought. He believes in The Fool. The Fool, the temperance faction? Camus asked in surprise, not expecting such a revelation. In the dreams interrogation room, housed within the ancient and crumbling palace of the Nation of the Evernight, Hisoka couldnt contain his amusement at Lumians question. If you had sought the Tarot Clubs assistance, I could have killed you! Hisokas laughter reverberated, and his black shadow danced on the wall, morphing into curved goat horns and colossal bat wings. Lumian caught a whiff of a conspiracy and asked in confusion and curiosity, Why do you think so? Hisoka rose, a murderous glint materializing in his eyes. If you involve the Tarot Club, theyll undoubtedly seek my aid in your investigation. At this point, Hisokas lips curled into an unusually flamboyant smile. No longer conscious in the dream, he revealed his innermost self. Lumian raised an eyebrow, asking, Are you a Minor Arcana card holder? Hisoka shook his head, replying with a radiant smile, Im a member of the temperance faction, a devotee of Mr. Fool. The Devil burst into laughter, bowing and exclaiming, Praise The Fool! Lumian, finding it absurd and amusing, instinctively analyzed the situation. Hisoka is actually a member of the Rose School of Thoughts temperance faction? A flamboyant and malicious Devil is actually a member of the temperance faction? Logically speaking, this was clearly impossible! Yet, in this dream crafted by Hela, unless Hisoka possessed unique abilities to deceive, lying was unlikely. The only plausible explanation: he had infiltrated the temperance faction through deception and deceit! On the surface, Hisoka seemed to be a Beyonder of the Prisoner pathway, displaying a level of restraint. As a non-core member of the temperance faction, he might have gone unnoticed with his issues. Right, is this why the Matani patrol team allowed a Prisoner pathway Beyonder to join? This was more than four years ago. Back then, Hisoka was merely a Sequence 8 Lunatic of the Prisoner pathway, not yet a Mid-Sequence Beyonder. As a peripheral member of the temperance faction, he likely operated without much scrutiny. Moreover, he probably joined the temperance faction before this, when he was weaker and less noticeable. Later, he faked receiving resources from the temperance faction and the Rose School of Thoughts attack to advance. In reality, did he rely on the Mother Tree of Desires boons? Where did those resources go? Were they secretly sold or crafted into a mystical item? That poker card? Why did he infiltrate the temperance faction and worship Mr. Fool? His main goal clearly isnt resources Faith in Mr. Fool With this in mind, Lumian suddenly had a guess. Hisokas true aim was to infiltrate the Church of The Fool through a certain pathway and have faith in Mr. Fool! This revelation came from Celestial Worthy! Hisoka genuinely believes in the Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings. However, that Celestial Worthy is resisting Mr. Fool. He can clearly influence the Seer, Apprentice, and Marauder pathways Hisoka used a specific technique during prayer. On the surface, he seemed to be praying to Mr. Fool, but in reality, did he receive a message from that Celestial Worthy? This way, he wouldnt face the risk of a false premise Thats very likely Madam Magician mentioned that if I dont follow the procedures when praying to Mr. Fool, the response might not be from him, but from the Celestial Worthy Why did Celestial Worthy make Hisoka do this? Marauder Steal Could It be that He intends to gradually steal Mr. Fools identity and faith through this method? When many believers genuinely believe in Mr. Fool, but they equate him as the Celestial Worthy, the Celestial Worthy becomes The Fool? Hiss, the more I think about it, the more terrifying it becomes Hisoka cant do it alone. There must be many others who share similar beliefs Impressive. If the Celestial Worthy usually gathers followers, the Tarot Club would wipe them out at the slightest hint. Yet, if their followers outwardly professed faith in Mr. Fool, not only would they escape destruction, but theyd also gain protection How devious Lumian swiftly deduced the situation, sensing the ominous pressure from the hidden Celestial Worthy. Once marked by Him, failure could creep in unnoticed and strike him down unexpectedly! Considering this, Lumian recalled Port Pylos and grasped Hisokas confidence. He also comprehended why Hisoka had opted to remain and wait patiently. Freshly arrived in the Southern Continent and stepping into Port Pylos for the first time, Lumian lacked resources, companions, and even knowledge of Dutanese. There was a high likelihood that hed seek aid from the Tarot Club standing behind him. The Major Arcana card holders of the Tarot Club wouldnt personally intervene without a clear target due to the uncertain timeframe. They would likely dispatch a Minor Arcana card holder familiar with the Southern Continent or a faction member to assist. Under these circumstances, who better to meet the requirements than Twanaku Tupin, a Church of The Fools temperance faction member from Matani, well-versed in the local situation, holding the appropriate official status, and reaching Sequence 6. In that scenario, Lumian and Hisoka would investigate Hisoka. The other party would gradually grasp the situation, assess potential traps and their effectiveness. Hisoka could then seize the opportunity for a surprise attack, assault the mind, and trigger desires! Contemplating this, Lumian acknowledged that if he failed to detect Hisokas malice during the investigation, the chances of succumbing to Hisokas hands were 100%. Hed be a spectator as the Devil faced off against Termiboros in the form of a soul fragment. Hisoka, informed by Loki, should have made preparations to deal with the dangerous creature within the seal. Perhaps relying on the Nois familys Demon or his status as a Blessed of the Mother Tree of Desire. Thankfully, Madam Magician kept reminding me that a Hunter cant rely on high-ranking individuals behind an organization for everything. I need to hone my skills, familiarize myself with conspiracies and battles. Otherwise, I might have sought guidance from the Tarot Club as soon as I arrived in Port Pyro That would have been dangerous Grande Soeur and Emperor Roselle both mentioned that the most dangerous places are often the safest. Now, I must add that those who seem the safest and most reliable might pose the greatest risk Its not that theyre no longer trustworthy, but the enemy will exploit this sense of security. Yes, Madam Magician has also emphasized that if anything seems awry with her orders and suggestions, I should ignore them. Quickly contacting the other Major Arcana card holders to confirm the situation is crucial. Lumian gazed at the flamboyant Hisoka and smiled. If I hadnt received help from a special trace expert, if Hidden Blade hadnt been more familiar with your persona, and if I hadnt had a Psychiatrist to profile you, and ultimately failed to find any clues or direction, I would have sought the Tarot Clubs help and looked for a guide familiar with the local situation. Hisoka fell into silence. After a few moments, he spoke up, I get everything else, but why the sudden need for a special trace expert? Lumian chuckled. Because its a gift from a true god. The more time Lumian spent with Ludwig, the more he felt that letting such a dangerous individual escape the Churchs control wasnt a decision a high-ranking member of the Church of Knowledge would make. There had to be a revelation from the God of Knowledge and Wisdom. Certainly, Lumian couldnt be sure. As far as he knew, the Knowledge pathway, also known as the Reader pathway, excelled in prophecies at high Sequence. Hisoka fell into silence for a moment before unleashing a roar, much like a wild wolf howling beneath the moon. Lumian reviewed the entire incident, realizing that this revenge was a clash of conspiracies. Unfortunately, Hisoka didnt grasp his personality and style well enough, nor did he comprehend his companions. He could only rely on the sea prayer ritual and Lokis first death as a guide. Consequently, there was a deviation, shattering his expectations despite a high likelihood of success. Phew Lumian exhaled and inquired, Who were the ones causing havoc on the patrol teams side? Chapter 652 - 652 "Extreme Joy Begets Sorrow" 652 Extreme Joy Begets Sorrow Upon hearing Lumians question, Hisokas lips curved into a smile. Those are a few Fallen, under my control. Fallen? Lumian could understand the literal meaning, but he didnt grasp the situation. Simultaneously, he criticized Hisoka. This is truly a dream. Emotions change so quickly. Hisoka reminisced, A Desire Apostle can plant a seed in others hearts when their emotions and desires clearly fluctuate, causing corresponding problems to worsen. Gradually, they lose control and degenerate. When combined with my special abilities, I can make those humans unable to escape my control and obey only me for a long period through repeated depravities. Its akin to injecting addictive psychiatric drugs, but more mystical? Lumian searched for analogous examples from an easy-to-understand perspective. Suddenly, he recalled Naboredisleys description of Demons: Demon in body, Demon in mind Could this be a manifestation of the Demon within the mind? Is Hisokas distinctiveness reflected in this aspect? Could it be that the individual from the temperance faction liaising with him has been tainted by his influence, causing them to withhold reporting any irregularities? Lumian gazed thoughtfully at Hisoka and inquired, Indeed, as one would expect from an Apostle of Desire, a Demon that seduces the darkness of the mind. Is this a ritual for ascending to a Demon? Just acclimating for now, Hisoka didnt refute, yet he sensed the current situation was far from ideal. It felt more like a rehearsal. You seem quite assured. Following the incident in Tizamo Town at years end, you likely ascended to a Desire Apostle. Its only been a year, and youre already contemplating becoming a demigod? Lumian mused briefly before questioning, Is it because you finally appeased that Demon from the Nois family and acquired that thing? Even in his reverie, Hisoka appeared hesitant to disclose this matter. He responded with a hint of reluctance, Yes. Lumian refrained from provoking Hisoka for the time being, ensuring the dream didnt end prematurely. He altered his question. Where is that thing? When Hisoka transformed into a Devil, his attire ruptured, and nothing unusual dropped. Hisokas countenance contorted as he responded, I-in Tizamo Town. Concealed in his bodys hometown, Tizamo Town If its significant, why doesnt he carry it with him? Lumians curiosity about the two pranks orchestrated by Hisoka in Tizamo Town and the gold mine city, Devise, intensified. After a brief pause of contemplation, Lumian inquired, You staged a prank in Devise just to pilfer a batch of gold? Yes, Hisoka affirmed. Have you consumed too many novels like the Gold Heist? Were you in dire need of such a large sum of money back then? Yes, for criminals, its quite normal to plan an operation to snatch gold when necessary. Unlike me, who relies on hunting and the gifts of villains Just as Lumian thought it was trivial, he suddenly considered something. Franca has been accumulating gold for future sacrifices to the Armored Shadow, Chen Tu Could Hisoka have orchestrated a prank to obtain a substantial amount of gold for a similar sacrifice? Lumian scrutinized Hisoka and probed, Did you offer the gold as a sacrifice to the Nois familys Demon? Hisoka replied nonchalantly, In Tizamo Town. Whats in Tizamo Town? Lumian asked. Hisoka appeared to snap out of his daze and exclaimed with a contorted expression, Dream Festival, Dream Festival! His shadow surged to life, leaping onto him and shrouding him. Hisoka reverted to pitch-black, transforming into a viscous, repulsive, and malevolent liquid that spread swiftly in all directions, as if determined to corrupt the interrogation room, Lumian, and the entire dream. Lumian promptly exited the dream and observed Hisoka, who lay asleep on the ground, displaying signs of Devilification once more. Furthermore, he seemed somewhat translucent. This key member of April Fools was teetering on the brink of losing control! Without hesitation, Lumian materialized a longsword crafted from blazing white flames in his hand. The Hisoka figure before him emitted a myriad of colors, with the pale-white mark on the bridge of his nose being the least conspicuous. Weakness Investigation! Paleness signified a vulnerability. Lumian hoisted the flaming sword, gripping it with both hands, and thrust downward, vanishing into the pale-white hue. The Devil-like armor, resilient flesh, and steel-like bones bestowed by Zombie endured only a second before being pierced. Lumian withdrew his blazing-white flaming sword and thrust down again. Pfft! This time, it penetrated deeper. Lumian extracted the blazing-white flaming sword once more and leaped up, adding his weight to the downward thrust. Pfft! Lumian genuflected, and the flaming sword plunged into Hisokas brain, transforming into scattered flames that obliterated all weakness. Lumian withdrew his hands and stood up. Hisokas body, displaying signs of Devilification, twitched a few times before settling. Adjacent to the bridge of his nose, a two-finger-wide wound appeared grotesquely abnormal. Its surface was charred and contracted, while flames surged from within. The Devil had lost his life. How resilient. He managed to withstand three strikes like this Lumian gazed at Hisokas corpse and silently sighed. In that moment, Hisokas corpse swiftly turned transparent, and his light brown skin gradually faded to pale-white. Wraith Transforming into a genuine wraith after death? Just as these thoughts crossed Lumians mind, his surroundings abruptly darkened. In the depths of the darkness, a serene chant resonated, soothing ones body and mind, inducing a reluctance to do anything but lie still. All escape was tranquility. Hisokas wraith form halted its transformation, gradually gaining a tangible quality. Finally, he perished completely. What a formidable adversary to vanquish If his wraith transformation hadnt been halted, could he have endured as a true wraith, evolving into an evil spirit in the future? Lumian glanced at Hela beside him and spoke once more, Thank you. He refrained from elaborating his conversation with Hisoka, recognizing that they had spoken in the dream created by Hela. She must be aware of it. Loki is the only one left, Hela said coldly, her gaze fixed on Hisokas lifeless form. Lumian fell silent for a few seconds before stating, He cant be resurrected more than a few times. At most one more time, Hela replied with certainty. Another time Lumian tersely acknowledged. Before long, Hisokas Beyonder characteristic manifested, blending with the remaining goat horns above his head, transforming into a whimsical and flamboyant cluster of black crystals. Various crystals extended in all directions, sharp and crooked. Multiple illusory, translucent faces emerged from each black crystal, their expressions alternating between malevolence, pain, madness, and confusion. A Desire Apostle Beyonder characteristic corrupted by a Wraith boon? Lumian perceived it as more corrupting and perilous than the Serial Killer Beyonder characteristic from before. He pointed at the Beyonder characteristic and Hisokas lifeless body, addressing Hela, Can I take them all? Okay, Hela responded without objections. In an old warehouse on an abandoned dock in Port Pylos, Franca, Anthony, and Jenna had already gathered, awaiting Lumians return. Amidst their conversation, a figure outlined itself in the sunlight streaming through a high window. It was Lumian, wearing a golden straw hat and disguised as Louis Berry. Pa! Lumian tossed Hisokas corpse to the ground. Immediately after, he retrieved the Beyonder characteristic from his Travelers Bag and placed them near the corpse without touching them. Only then did he smile at Franca, Jenna, and Anthony. Its settled. Is it really Hisoka? Franca couldnt believe it could be so straightforward. Its him, Lumian briefly explained the situation. He was overconfident and believed theres a high chance of killing me. He chose to stay and wait for an opportunity. What gave him the confidence? Francas eyes widened. Since everyone present held a Minor Arcana card, Lumian didnt hold anything back. He recounted the situation, omitting the most perilous details. Can that really happen Luckily, you didnt seek guidance from the Tarot Club. Jenna felt a lingering fear. Franca sighed and commented, I didnt think our collaboration alone would be sufficient. Lumian pointed at the Beyonder characteristic and stated, Theres too much corruption, and its very dangerous. I plan to seek Madam Magicians help and find a suitable Artisan to transform it into a Sealed Artifact. Everyone has the right to use it. Lumian found it too sinister and corrupting. It couldnt become a mystical item with relatively mild negative effects. It could only be the kind that required sealing. Absolutely. Franca was filled with anticipation as she imagined the potential abilities of a Sealed Artifact. She suddenly recalled something and quickly blurted out, Your Pride Armor is still in my possession. Tsk, youve really gotten the most out of it. Lumian chuckled. How can I face Devils without a Warrior? Ive always wanted to use the Pride Armor, but I didnt expect Hisoka to choose the most convenient place like the bathroom. It was a confined, tight space with a certain degree of flexibility. Franca retrieved the Pride Armor from her Travelers Bag and placed it on the ground. Suddenly, the air in the old warehouse froze. The silver-white full-body armor turned to face Lumian, condensing into a broadsword of light. Then, it knelt on one knee and thrust into the ground. Wh Lumians pupils dilated as his figure abruptly faded, disappearing from his spot. The broadsword of light split open, transforming into a devastating storm that engulfed the surroundings, obliterating numerous wooden crates. Wh Franca, Jenna, and Anthony couldnt dodge in time and were shattered into fragments by the Hurricane of Light, reflecting brilliance. Dammit! Isnt this too vengeful? How much time has passed?! Franca cursed from a corner of the warehouse. Chapter 653 - 653 Lumians Choice 653 Lumians Choice Franca emerged from the shadows, exhaling a sigh of relief as she saw the silver-white full-body armor return to silence following Lumians departure from the warehouse and the absence of weak targets. With caution, she approached, making sure not to position herself behind the Pride Armor, finally standing face to face with it. The Pride Armor remained motionless. Franca extended her hands, barely lifting the silver-white full-body armor and tucking it back into her Travelers Bag. Only then did she relax and call out, Its all right, its all right. Jenna emerged from a dark corner on the other side, and Anthony suddenly appeared at the warehouse door, seemingly prepared to roll and escape at any moment. In a matter of seconds, Lumian somersaulted back from a high window, eliciting a chuckle from Franca. Damn it, we managed Hisoka just fine, but our own Sealed Artifact nearly wiped us out. Good thing we had substitutes. Otherwise, we might have been severely injured, if not dead, she remarked. Jenna commented calmly, This could be a funny story for Ghost Face. Having moved out of the market district, she now had plenty of free time. Though she still owed Franca a large sum of money, she had enough assets to cover it. Thus, while completing the Tarot Club mission and trying to act, she could afford to watch a play once a week, buy magazines, newspapers, and books she had longed for but couldnt justify purchasing, and indulge in department stores and certain restaurants she had once yearned for. Franca let out a hollow laugh. Who would have thought this armor would hold such a grudge? Hey Lumian, what did you do to it? she inquired, directing the subsequent questions to Lumian. Lumian spread his hands. Wasnt it just a backstab? I thought it would be fine after disengaging and waiting for it to calm down. Franca nodded repeatedly, offering him a way out. Thats right, I thought so too. Its all because of that armor! It doesnt feel like armor at all! After a moment of pondering, Franca said, I wonder when it will forget that you stabbed it in the back. For now, youll have to leave it with me. Alright, Lumian said, feeling a twinge of regret. Such a useful Sealed Artifact was temporarily unusable. He glanced at Hisokas severely damaged corpse and the seemingly unscathed Beyonder characteristic, stowing them away in his Travelers Bag. He said seriously, I hope that the operation against the Minister of Industry will commence after the Sealed Artifact is completed. Though its negative effects will undoubtedly be severe, Desire Apostle and Wraith are definitely very useful, even if they can only unleash a portion of their abilities. Indeed, Franca replied, filled with anticipation. She then turned to Lumian and asked, Hisoka is already dead. Youve achieved your goal in the Southern Continent. Where are you going next? Are you returning to Trier with us? Lumian shook his head, as if he had already considered the answer to this question. I plan to stay in the Southern Continent for a while longer. Why? To investigate Tizamo Town and the Hisoka matter? That doesnt seem necessary, Jenna expressed her confusion. Lumian chuckled. This is a Hunters paradise, dont you think? Without waiting for Franca and the others to inquire further, Lumian explained seriously, After all that has transpired, Ive come to realize something. For a Hunter to act well and digest swiftly, they must undergo diverse experiences. What I mean is, a Hunters path is more straightforward compared to other paths. Its unlike Demonesses who must navigate pleasure, pain, while contemplating abstract and philosophical concepts which are often more intricate. As long as a Hunter is immersed in chaos, conflict, and constant combat, they can excel. Combat is akin to hunting. Chaos and conflict invariably breed numerous conspiracies. Provocation smoothens these conspiracies, arson secures victory in battle, and the aftermath of such incidents reaps the lives of enemies and the spoils of victory. Observing Franca, Jenna, and Anthonys puzzled expressions, Lumian smiled and continued, Its been just over half a year since I ascended from Sequence 9 to Sequence 5. Why? Because Ive been either passively or actively embroiled in a series of events. Through perpetual chaos, disputes, and battles, Ive grasped the principles of performance and found opportunities to act. In essence, a Hunter doesnt engage in elaborate acting before reaching High-Sequence Beyonder status. Though I possess some insight into fate due to my characteristics, its also linked to determination and willpower. Its an integral part of combat. Hunters are forged in the crucible of blood and fire. They thrive amidst chaos and conflict. If I aim to grow stronger, I must pursue these elements. The Southern Continent offers precisely that. Thus, Lumian could swiftly assimilate the Reaper potion and strive to become a Sequence 5 Fate Appropriator of the Inevitability pathway. Only by truly mastering some of fates abilities could Lumian hope to uncover any connection between Loki and the ancient castle when he next confronted him. According to Franca, Lumian had to locate the respawn point of an enemy capable of resurrection and camp there! Certainly, the path to becoming a Fate Appropriator came with its own set of risks. Lumians chances of encountering Circle Inhabitant Voisin Sanson would significantly rise, whether due to the convergence of an Outer Deitys Blessed resulting from the worlds rejection or the convergence of Inevitability powers. Despite his yearning for such an encounter, Lumian was aware that he wasnt prepared to face a demigod, lacking the corresponding strength. A high-level Beyonder he could hire wouldnt be able to constantly keep an eye on him, and the moment of encounter was beyond his control. Franca couldnt hide her envy upon hearing Lumians plan. If only the Demoness pathways acting were that straightforward. The early stages with Assassins and Instigators were relatively direct, but as time went on, it became more complicated. Sigh. When I first met Lumian, I was clearly at a higher Sequence and stronger than him. Its only been half a year, but the tables have turned Franca felt a mix of sorrow and impulsive emotions. After sending Franca, Jenna, and Anthony back to Trier, Lumian entered Suite 7 on B3 of Hotel Orella, signaling for Lugano to leave. Then, he carefully extracted Hisokas lifeless body from his Travelers Bag and positioned it in front of Ludwig. With a grin, he remarked, Heres my end of the bargain. Is it edible? Ludwig, clutching a silver childs knife and fork with a steak laid out before him, sprung up from his seat. As he examined the torn, half-Devil-like, and bloodied remains, a mix of desire and hesitation played across his face. It was clear he was tempted but wary. After more than ten seconds, Ludwig delicately picked up the childs utensils and resolved himself. A tiny bit. Without awaiting Lumians reply, he crouched down and extended the childs knife and fork toward Hisokas still open, flaxen-colored eyes. Amidst the slicing sounds, Ludwig retrieved the Devil-like eyeballs, one on the fork and the other on the knifes tip. Then, he poured a glass of orange Gwadar with one hand. Theres caffeine in this. Not suitable for children, Lumian pointed out. Ludwig glanced at the enticing beverage, then at the eyeballs on the childs utensils, and the half-Devil corpse on the ground. He fell silent. Lumian also fell silent. After a few moments, Ludwig submerged the eyeballs into the orange-yellow Gwadar, deliberately puncturing more holes with his fork to allow the liquid to seep out. Then, he lifted the drink and squatted beside Hisokas corpse, bringing the glass to a spot where some blood still dripped. Bloop! Bloop! Bloop! Three drops of sulfur-scented blood fell into the fading orange beverage, swiftly tinting it with the color of blood. Ludwig swirled the liquid in the glass and consumed it. Lumian observed as Ludwig finished his drink, noting a clear boost in energy. Curious, he inquired, Whats the effect of this? Ludwig licked his lips and responded, Permanently enhances my spirituality, allowing me to keenly sense the aura of the Abyss. I can also command a few lower-level undead creatures. Only the first glass has this effect. Subsequent drinks of a similar nature can only temporarily heighten my perception and restore some spirituality. Ludwigs tone carried a maturity as he spoke on such matters. Not bad but only you would dare to consume such a messy thing Lumian criticized inwardly. He stowed away Hisokas remains and retreated to his bedroom, initiating a letter to Madam Magician. The focus was on reporting Hisokas apparent identity, his speculations, and the issues with Tizamo Town. Additionally, he proposed that the reward for these unexpected discoveries should be the transformation of Hisokas Beyonder characteristic into a Sealed Artifact. Having neatly folded the letter, Lumian produced a jagged black crystal clump and arranged a ritual. He called forth Madam Magicians doll messenger. Upon its emergence, the doll messenger emitted a disdainful sound, pinching its nose. It pointed at Hisokas Beyonder characteristic and remarked in a sharp voice, Pack it into a box! Its filthy! Lumian retrieved a small paper box from his Travelers Bag and stuffed the black crystal clump inside. Tie it up. Stuff it in another box. Use another box to contain them. The doll messenger continued with its requests. Finally, it begrudgingly picked up the box and carried the letter away. Port Pyloss patrol team. Reaza informed Camus, All the problematic team members have been purged. The rest are undergoing individual reviews. You are part of it too. Hows Kolobo? Camus asked with concern. Hes fine. We went to the Earth Mother Church to hire a Doctor, Reaza replied calmly. The major issue now is that we havent apprehended Twanaku. Moreover, were certain that hes both a Wraith and a Desire Apostle. How? Isnt he too powerful? Camus felt a twinge of fear at the thought of potential retaliation from Twanaku. At that moment, a patrol team member entered the office and informed Reaza and Camus, Captain Reaza, Boss, the straw hat guy is back! Chapter 654 - 654 Bounty 654 Bounty Louis Berry is back again? Camuss forehead twitched at the mention of the straw hat guy. Since encountering the adventurer, his life had taken a tumultuous turn. First, he had captured the murderer in a serial killing case, then he unearthed clues related to a four-year-old case. Subsequently, the suspect had emerged, attempting to harm him and Kolobo, throwing the patrol team into chaos. And now, Louis Berry was making another appearance? Camus felt the weight on his chest, and his heart raced. Where is Louis Berry? Reaza was already familiar with Camuss account. The patrol team member who had brought the report hastily answered, Sitting in the hall. Reaza nodded, and he and Camus left the office, descending the stairs. As they walked, Camus gradually snapped out of his daze. He recalled Louis Berrys suspicions about Twanaku the previous day, how he had abandoned his theories without delving into specifics, and how the adventurer had sought him out early in the morning, hoping to gather information indirectly. Shortly after Kolobo handed over Twanakus information, the latter had been attacked, leading to a fierce battle. Did Louis Berry employ such a cautious inquiry to avoid triggering the Devils Danger Premonition? Was buying information from Kolobo a trap targeting Twanaku? No, hadnt Twanaku sensed the corresponding danger? He could only sense it a minute or two in advance, and would it be too late by the time he discovered it? As a former Public Security Officer and now an Interrogator, Camus swiftly made connections and speculations. He believed that Louis Berry had likely identified Twanaku after learning about his preference for sugarless Fermo coffee. He hinted at suspicions regarding the police headquarters but refrained from going into specifics, fearing that Twanaku might foresee danger! As for how Louis Berry set a trap for Twanaku without detection, Camus couldnt puzzle it out for now. Furthermore, he suspected that Louis Berrys operation hadnt been entirely successful. There were no signs from the Matani Import and Export Shop indicating Twanakus demise. This was a Sequence 5 Desire Apostle, wielding the power of a Sequence 5 Wraith. Unless a demigod personally intervened, they might require two or three battle teams of Mid-Sequence Beyonders from pathways like Sun and Warrior to handle him. Alternatively, they needed to mobilize Beyonders at the level of a Sequence 5 Pirate Admiral, armed with potent mystical items. Soon, Camus and Reaza spotted Louis Berry seated on the sofa in the halls guest area, his golden straw hat standing out in the sunlight. Monsieur Louis Berry, what brings you here again? Camus inquired in deep Intisian. Louis Berry gave Camus a deep look before smiling and addressing Reaza in fluent Dutanese, Im here to collect the bounty. As he spoke, he retrieved Twanakus head from his Travelers Bag. Camus and Reaza observed the blood-stained face, the head with the broken horn, the vacant eyes, and the gruesome wound on the bridge of the nose, along with ten to twenty deep cuts. Despite the severe damage, Camus, a former Public Security Officer, recognized the owner at a glance. Twanaku Tupin! He succeeded? Had he truly set a trap for a Desire Apostle and managed to defeat him? Camuss gaze shifted up, scrutinizing Louis Berry, a young man with the title of a great adventurer in the Fog Sea. Such strength could rival any Pirate Admiral in the Five Seas! Of course, this assessment applied only to individual abilities, excluding the subordinates of Pirate Admirals. Reaza silently ascertained from a spiritual level. He turned to Camus and asked in Dutanese, Is it Twanaku? Yes, Camus confirmed, sighing inwardly. The battle between Twanaku and Louis Berry had been fierce, resulting in his tragic demise. Not only were his eyes absent, but he was also covered in wounds, displaying signs of Devilification. Reaza looked at Lumian and pondered for a moment before speaking in Dutanese, I wonder if youve seen Twanakus wanted poster. The bounty is only 70,000 verl dor. Back then, the bounty was set based on the criteria of a Serial Killer. It was only increased by 20,000 because this particular Serial Killer targeted Beyonders. Lumian barely understood and switched to Intisian with a smile. If I wait two days to collect the bounty, will I be able to get more? Upon hearing this, Camus pondered for a moment and realized the validity of the statement. In two days, their wanted posters would depict Desire Apostle and Wraith Twanaku, who had caused the deaths of several members of the patrol team, not the Serial Killer from the past! Of course, with Matanis financial resources, it was impossible to significantly raise the bounty. At most, they could double it and report the danger to the Church of Earth Mother, the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, and other official organizations in the Northern Continent to see if they would be willing to increase the bounty. After Camus translated Lumians words into Dutanese, Reaza remained silent, unsure of how to respond. For the patrol team, 70,000 to 80,000 verl dor was a substantial sum! Without waiting for a response, Lumian added with a smile, But theres no need to add to the bounty. Just fulfill two of my requests. Two simple ones. What are they? Reaza asked in a deep voice after hearing Camuss translation. Lumian chuckled in response, stating, Firstly, I want to see all the dossiers related to Tizamo Town. Secondly, Im very curious about Twanakus card and want to take a look. Of course, Ill just take a look. You want to investigate last years incident in Tizamo Town? Isnt your sole purpose in Port Pylos to find Twanaku? Camus asked, puzzled. Lumian chuckled. Need I remind you? Twanakus hometown is Tizamo Town. Wh Camus suddenly felt that the matter with Twanaku wouldnt conclude with the other partys death. There were still many secrets hidden behind it. Louis Berry had mentioned this from the beginning. After translating their conversation for Reaza, Camus sensed that the patrol teams previous investigation of the Tizamo Town incident might have concluded too hastily. Eyeing Louis Berry, who had successfully taken down a Desire Apostle wielding Wraith powers, the chilly Reaza fell silent for a few seconds before uttering, Who tasked you with looking into Twanaku? Without giving a direct response, Lumian inquired, Did he declare himself a member of the temperance faction, a follower of The Fool? Its not a self-proclamation. We verified it, Reaza confidently replied after hearing Camuss translation. As anticipated Just making confirmation, Lumian stood up for the Church of The Fool, stating, Traitors can surface in any organization, and therell be individuals with hidden agendas attempting to infiltrate. Thats indeed our problem, Camus sincerely concluded. We shouldnt solely rely on the organization theyre affiliated with to determine a persons character or whether they can be recruited. We also need to observe their words and actions. After careful consideration, Reaza agreed to Lumians request. While assigning another patrol team member to aid Lumian in the process and collect the bounty, he instructed Camus to show Lumian the poker card. In the cold and silent underground corridor, Camus gazed at Lumian and cautiously asked, What are you investigating? This had already led to the death of a Sequence 5 Desire Apostle! Lumian emitted a soft chuckle. Its dangerous to know too much. Camus fell silent, wisely choosing not to inquire further, drawing from past experiences. As Lumian advanced, he casually asked, How many members of the patrol team perished this time? Four. All under Twanakus control. Camus gave a self- deprecating smile. Well be recruiting new members before the end of the year. Theyre fortunate. Those with suitable pathways dont have to worry about subsequent Sequence potions. If they arent from the correct pathways, they can use Sealed Artifacts. This was how the resources of an official organization gradually accumulated. Lumian nodded slightly. Hows Kolobo? Camuss smile grew more relaxed. Hes fine. Hes almost healed. As they conversed, they arrived at a room adorned with cold bones. A metallic poker card lay on the table in the middle. Be careful. It will burrow into your body and control you like a Wraith, Camus warned. Lumian nodded slightly and approached, reaching out for the card with the ten of spades on its face. A bone-like sensation entered his mind, accompanied by a chilling cold. Lumians right hand quickly became encased in a layer of frost. The frost rapidly crystallized and extended towards his arm. Simultaneously, the cards surface underwent a transformation, revealing a grayish-white joker. It rapidly etherealized, poised to merge with Lumians body. Silently, Lumians arm burst into brilliant white flames. With a swift flick of his palm, he accurately pressed his thumb onto the poker card that hadnt completely dissipated, right onto the jokers face. The poker card fell into silence. Frost detached from Lumians arm, descended to the ground, and melted into water. Zombies Frost, Wraiths Possession This is really a mystical item from the Prisoner pathway Lumian swiftly made a basic assessment. However, the transformation abilities displayed by the poker cards didnt align with his understanding of the Prisoner pathway. Instead, they resembled superficial applications of a Faceless. Could it be corruption brought about by the Celestial Worthy? Also, when the temperance faction provides resources, its impossible to directly give Wraith. They start from low Sequences and work their way up Did this poker card strengthen time and time again? Does Hisoka have a permanent Artisan collaborator? Lumian withdrew his gaze from the poker card and slowly retreated to Camuss side. Im done, he thought for a moment and said, Be careful when using this item. Camus nodded. Well treat it as a Sealed Artifact rather than a mystical item. Upon returning to the surface, Camus gathered all the dossiers related to Tizamo Town. Lumian sorted through the items and picked up one of them. Chapter 655 - 655 Pleasure 655 Pleasure Lumian carefully examined the dossier on the Tizamo Town tragedy, which unfolded at the close of the previous year. It detailed the incident as a gentleman and his servants hunting expedition in Tizamo Towns primitive forest. Their actions provoked a large primitive tribe, leading to a retaliatory surprise attack on Tizamo Town. The assault resulted in numerous casualties, including the gentleman, his servant, several patrol team members responsible for Tizamo Towns security, and many innocent civilians. In response, Admiral Querarill deployed additional troops to safeguard the area, prompting the primitive tribe to retreat into the depths of the forest. There are quite a few formidable tribes inhabiting the Southern Continents primitive forests Lumian sighed from the bottom of his heart after reading the dossier. This situation, a historical relic from the Balam Empire era, was emblematic of the challenges faced by the region. While ancient empires boasted numerous powerful individuals in their ranks, along with a substantial number of Low- to Mid-Sequence Beyonders, effective management faced limitations. Technical constraints, population size, and the diversity of characteristics restricted governance to cities with favorable geographical conditions. These included towns and villages surrounding these cities, fertile plains, pastures, and valleys. The more challenging terrains, like primitive forests and mountains, remained largely unexplored due to these limitations, providing little incentive for the empires to eliminate potential threats. When the Northern Continent invaded, causing the fragmentation of the Balam Empire and the destruction or replacement of other nations, many rebels sought refuge in these untouched areas, intensifying the dangers of the primitive forests and mountains. In contrast, after Emperor Roselle initiated the Industrial Revolution, such challenges decreased in the Northern Continent. Currently, only a few remnants linger in the mountains of the south-central region. The dossier offers no clues about April Fools pranks or any Demon presence. Lumian, undeterred, set aside the dossier and turned his attention to something else. He searched for keywords like dream and festival. Before his demise, Hisoka had mentioned the Dream Festival. Unfortunately, the patrol team had only been operational for six to seven years, with no recorded history of Tizamo Towns previous issues. During this period, there were no instances of dream-related or festival-related problems in Tizamo Town. Lumian wasnt disheartened. He placed the dossiers down and addressed Camus, Can I make a copy of everything? No problem. Camus knew Louis Berry was about to summon the Rabbit of Knowledge again. At that moment, Reaza entered with another member of the patrol team, placing a small but weighty cloth bag in front of Lumian. Your bounty. Confirm it, Reaza said in Dutanese. Lumian lifted the cloth bag and spilled its contents onto the table. Banknotes from Intis and a considerable number of gold coins lay before him. Lumian counted them, confirming everything was in order. After Reaza and the other patrol team member departed, Lumian turned to Camus and pushed the cloth bag over with a smile. You Camuss eyes widened, asking hesitantly. Lumian responded with a grin, As I said, Ill waive the official bounty. But I didnt Camus subconsciously replied, maintaining his politeness. Lumian chuckled. The information you provided was crucial, but you need to share it with Kolobo. Also, do me a favor. This sum of money is for information and compensation based on the dangers we faced Camus pressed down on the cloth bag, asking, What is it? Help me find a few people born and raised in Tizamo Town who are currently living in Port Pylos. Also, locate a few who have visited Tizamo Town multiple times but have no connection to it. Bring them to my place one by one, Lumian requested. Camus listened attentively and breathed a sigh of relief. No problem. This matter was straightforward! Upon his return to Hotel Orella, Lumian had barely set down the Rabbit of Knowledges copied dossier in his room, ready to delve into its details, when the doorbell chimed. Amidst the tinkling sounds, Lugano rushed to open the door. Shortly after, he called out, Boss, Monsieur Iveljsta wishes to meet you. Iveljsta? The one residing on B18 with numerous Zombie servants, suspected to be a Wraith? Hes here for me? Lumian raised his eyebrows, set aside the dossier, and exited the master bedroom. Trier, Quartier de la Cath??drale Comm??morative. In Franca and Jennas rented apartment. After seeing Anthony off, Franca returned to the master bedroom, contemplating the progress of digesting the Pleasure potion. Even though Lumians situation was unique, how could he digest the potion so quickly? How could he ascend to Sequence 5 in merely half a year? Despite this, Franca found herself triggered. There lingered a sense of disappointment and frustration at being outpaced within seven months of watching over Lumian as an elder sister, or rather, an elder brother. She longed to reach Sequence 5 and become a Demoness of Affliction at the earliest opportunity. Truth be told, her digestion of the Pleasure potion surpassed that of most Demonesses. She had also gleaned substantial insights while delving into alternative interpretations and symbols of Pleasure. Patience was paramount, but blame fell upon the fellow with an absurdly rapid progression by her side! Sigh, I must seek a partner for Pleasure. Both the ordinary and more profound forms of Pleasure are imperative. Only then can I digest it more rapidly. One is akin to my left foot, the other to my rightCI must exert effort in both to move forward. I cannot jump on one foot alone Francas thoughts were lucid, yet she was uncertain how to proceed. Sigh, I cannot muster the courage to broach the subject Should I seek help from Browns and her companions? As Franca paced the room, she suddenly heard a knock on the bedroom door. Jenna? Franca paused and turned towards the door. Enter, please. Jenna, donned in a beige fluffy dress, stood before the door. Why the sudden politeness? Franca inquired, feeling slightly uneasy. Jenna chuckled in exasperation. Dammit! Ive always been polite, okay? Its just that you never shut the door. You only close it when you sleep. How am I supposed to knock? With that remark, Jenna wore a vexed expression. She regained composure and flashed a smile. Are you grappling with the Pleasure potions digestion? Do you lack a target for its digestion? Yes, but as I mentioned before Franca began to defend herself. Jenna cut in, What about me? Huh? Franca was caught off guard. She questioned if she was imagining things. Jennas lovely face displayed a charming smile, reminiscent of her days as the Showy Diva, Little Minx. She pushed aside strands of hair falling from her ears and grinned. Didnt you inform the Demoness of Black that were lovers? Then why not turn to me for Pleasure potion digestion? B-but Franca was bewildered. Why are you doing this? Jenna approached Franca, maintaining her enticing smile. I want to experience pleasure. Ill become one in the future. Surprise shifted to shock. Franca examined Jenna, wondering if she had undergone a sudden change. Franca only snapped out of her reverie when Jenna halted in front of her, and a familiar fragrance filled her senses. She blurted out, Are you trying to help me? Are you aiding me in this aspect because Ive been without a partner for Pleasure digestion for so long? Jenna stopped and chuckled. Thats one reason. She gazed up at Francas face and sincerely praised, Youre so beautiful Franca fell silent for a moment before posing a serious question, Do you like me? I do, Jenna replied promptly. Her eyes glinted as she smiled and added, Youre so lively, interesting, and captivating. Why wouldnt I like you? Franca bit her red, moist lips. Then, do you love me? In a non-platonic sense. Jenna fell silent. She cast her gaze downward and pursed her lips. I dont want to deceive you. To me, youre a beacon of light that brightens my life, offering hope and warmth. Youre the person I trust the most, my closest friend, and the perfect sister in my heart. However, Ive never envisioned romantic love between us. Francas heart sank at the words I dont want to deceive you, and an inexplicable ache surged within her. A shiver ran down her spine. She raised her right hand and shifted it slightly. Then, I cant Dammit! Why must you make things so complicated? Jenna was already feeling bashful, embarrassed, and torn. She struggled to conceal it and convinced herself it was just an act. Upon hearing Francas refusal, she finally erupted. Cant we have sex without love? Are you truly a Demoness devoted solely to love? I just feel Franca faltered. I can handle others, but not you. I cant bear the thought of you sacrificing yourself Before she could finish, Jennas tender lips pressed against hers, exploring and nibbling with an unpracticed finesse. Franca couldnt resist, swept away by Jennas lips and tongue, fueled by long-awaited anticipation, months of restraint, the lingering influence of Demon corruption, and the effects of the Pleasure potion. She succumbed to it until Jenna pulled back, panting. Sacrifice, my foot! Quit playing innocent. Havent you always joked about letting me experience true pleasure? Get with it! Jennas cheeks flushed as she glared at Franca with moist eyes, resembling a fervent and assertive lion cub. Franca suddenly felt that during Jennas days in the market district as Little Minx, a small part of her personality might not have been an act but something she already possessed. Jenna kissed her again, and Franca couldnt deny the allure. As she relished the fragrant, sweet, and passionate pleasures, she couldnt shake off the realization that this was merely assistance, not love. In that moment, a phrase echoed in her mind: In pain we find pleasure, in pleasure we drown. Chapter 656 - 656 Choosing a Reward 656 Choosing a Reward Lumian once again encountered Monsieur Iveljsta, who resided in B18. He still wore a fluffy black hat adorned with a white feather and a complex black robe. With a quick glance, Lumian had already covertly used Weakness Investigation to search for pale-white marks on Iveljstas body, ready for potential assassinations and surprise attacks. Aurore and Emperor Roselle had always emphasized the need to stay vigilant against others at all times! Of course, Lumian felt that the two of them hadnt done a good job in this matter. Otherwise, they would still be active in the world. At that moment, the pallor on Iveljstas body concentrated on his dark-brown eyes, emitting an illusory quality that seemed unreal. Does this mean he can quickly transform into a Wraith, and his eyes are no longer his weakness? As Lumian pondered, he gestured towards the divan in the living room. Lets chat there. Ludwig, seated at the dining table, glanced at Iveljsta for a few seconds before lowering his head and continuing his meal with a succulent piece of beef. Iveljsta nodded slightly and entered the living room quietly, taking a seat in a corner of the divan. Are you a student at a primary school? So disciplined Lumian criticized as he focused on observing Iveristas luck. It was relatively normal and nothing special. At that moment, Lumian suddenly had a few thoughts. Luck Observation and Weakness Investigation require the eyes to determine the targets color. However, one focuses on the background color, while the other captures the various colors on the surface of the body. When I become a Fate Appropriator, could these two abilities fuse and mutate into a more special ability? Why can I only use my eyes to observe these two abilities? Is a blind Reaper incapable of attacking a targets weakness? Similarly, is a blind Ascetic unqualified to observe others luck? Cant they rely on their spirituality and ears and nose? Or could it be done at a higher Sequence? Lumian eased into the armchair, positioning himself at an angle across from Iveljsta. Flashing a friendly smile, he asked, Whats the matter? He spoke in Intisian. Iveljsta, as silent as a corpse, straightened up. His eyes, deep as he spoke in ancient Feysac. Allow me to introduce myself. Iveljsta Eggers, a member of the Rose School of Thought and temperance faction under the Church of The Fool. Lumians nerves, already tense, heightened. Nevertheless, he maintained a relaxed demeanor, confirming, Are you Twanakus liaison? He switched to ancient Feysac. No, Iveljsta shook his head, Ive already eliminated that member fifteen minutes ago. Fifteen minutes ago, when I was still with the patrol team However, you cant expect me to believe you just because you say so Lumian feigned curiosity and asked, I recall that you arrived in Port Pylos before Twanaku was exposed. What was your original motive? Im investigating the primitive forest in this area. Im still in the early stages of gathering more information, Iveljsta replied seriously. Four days ago, I came into contact with Twanaku and obtained some information from him. He seemed fine and was very restrained. Hes indeed restrained. Otherwise, there wouldnt be a second serial murder case in Port Pylos only after four years Going to the primitive forest to investigate The primitive forest On the surface, the incident in Tizamo Town was a sudden attack by a tribe in the primitive forest. Lumian quickly made many connections and said to Iveljsta thoughtfully, Twanaku once did something in Tizamo Town that involved the tribes in the nearby primitive forest. Some of his important items seem to be hidden in Tizamo Town. It might also be related to a Nois family Demon of unknown Sequence. Iveljsta listened in silence, lost in thought. After a few seconds, he said to Lumian, Thank you for providing this information. It might not be useful for my investigation, but it can let me know what to be wary of. He didnt specify his mission. Clearly, he needed his superiors permission. Lumian responded nonchalantly, Even if I dont tell you now, youll find out tonight or tomorrow. Having already reported the matter to Madam Magician, the Major Arcana card holder would undoubtedly inform the Church of The Fool and the temperance faction in detail subsequently. It wouldnt only be a general outline that mentioned key personnel like before. Iveljsta nodded with restraint and said, Im here to express my gratitude and to inform you that were already investigating any potential problems and latent dangers. Also, if you need help in Matani, feel free to come to me. Alright. Lumian didnt stand on ceremony. After delving into the more serious matters, Lumian, intrigued, asked Iveljsta, Why did you add the Rose School of Thought prefix when you introduced yourself? Youve already left the Rose School of Thought and joined the Church of The Fool. It sounds as if the Rose School of Thought is affiliated with the Church of The Fool. Our leader specifically requested this. She always believes that we are the true orthodox branch of the Rose School of Thought. Only we represent the Rose School of Thought. Those traitors should change the organizations name, not us, Iveljsta explained in detail. Sounds quite stubborn Arent you from the temperance faction? Dont you restrain your emotions and desires in this aspect? Yes, Sequence 5 is Wraith, close to evil spirits, and evil spirits have an extreme side. Is this reflected in High-Sequence Beyonders of the temperance factions corresponding pathway? Lumian didnt quite understand and tried to make a guess based on the available information. He was just chatting and had no intention of inquiring further. Instead, he asked, Your last name is Eggers. Was your ancestor a member of the Balam Empires royal family? Yes, Iveljsta replied proudly, his emotions held in check. And my mothers lineage is noble from the Highlands Kingdom. For many in the Southern Continent, the surname Eggers bore unparalleled prestige. It was a symbol of a deity who had once trod the land, a representation of Deaths dominion over the world. But Lumians curiosity wandered elsewhere. Ive heard that the mausoleums of the Balam Empires nobles are constructed upside down underground, much like this hotel. What mystical significance does that hold? Is it simply a way to confront death? And why is death associated with the underground? Shouldnt the Underworld exist in the spirit world? This was the question that piqued Lumians interest upon learning about the matter. His understanding of mysticism was limited. Iveljsta pondered for a moment and then explained, I didnt choose the Death pathway. The construction method originated from ancient times, passed down by all the Eggers ancestors, devoted to the deity who controlled death. He embodies the very concept of death. Emulating Him is a way to approach the source of death. This mystic explanation resonates with me the most. Over the years, Ive heard various interpretations: Some see life and death as opposing mystical concepts. They argue that, just as we stand upright and grow upwards in life, burial upside down signifies the contradiction and connection between life and death. Others believe that true hell isnt in the spirit world or the Underworld, but deep underground. Descending further symbolizes reaching true hell and returning to the essence of death. Thus, mausoleums are built upside down, reflecting our intention to face hell, worship death, and return to the source. This is the essence and symbol of mysticism. Some Beyonders of the Death pathway dont really approve of the Underworld Can you discover true hell by delving deep underground? Heh heh, hasnt anyone informed you that the world were on is essentially a planet? Does this extension reach underground magma and the core? Do they believe thats the genuine hell? Going deeper will traverse the core and the magma, but thatll merely be the other side of the planet, let alone true hell Lumian found himself increasingly entertained as he listened. Suddenly, he was taken aback. What exists on the opposite side of the planet? I only know of the Northern and Southern Continents. Considering the time difference, theyre nearly on the same side If this world is genuinely a planet, there must be another side. But Ive never heard of any continentsjust an expansive sea? Wait, how did those giant fellows from the New City of Silver emerge from the Forsaken Land of the Gods Something must have occurred on the continent on the other side of the planet, abandoned by the deities. Could that be why its known as the Forsaken Land of the Gods? If I have a chance in the future, I could revisit the New City of Silver and explore the library for books related to the Forsaken Land of the Gods Lumian reined in his thoughts and continued conversing with Iveljsta for a while. Eventually, he escorted the former descendant of the Balam Empires royal family, a member of the temperance faction, away from this floor. Not long after returning to his room, the doll messenger arrived with a response from Madam Magician. The information and insights youve gathered this time are exceptionally valuable. Its no wonder my spiritual perception guided me to let you visit the New City of Silver after the Hanth Island Demon incident. Reflecting on it, your encounter with Naboredisley seemed almost coincidental. You followed the clues to Hanth Island. Hmm, you should grasp the significance, right? The situation in this matter both reassures me and intensifies my vigilance and anxiety. When that entity stands by our side, these details are incredibly useful. However, He wont always be with us. When our objectives clash, I cant fathom what challenges well face. The same goes for you and me. Therefore, Hunters must rely more on their personal growth amidst blood, fire, chaos, and conflict. Many Hunters meet their end, using their bones to forge the Red Priest who conquers all. Weve already initiated an internal review. It involves a considerable number of individuals and will take a substantial amount of time to complete. Considering your contributions, besides converting the Beyonder characteristic into a Sealed Artifact, you have the option to choose a reward. Pick one out of two. Here are your choices. 1: the potion formula for the Hunter pathways Sequence 4 Iron-blooded Knight. 2: Ill assist you in divining clues about the remaining parts of the Abscessed Hands body. Chapter 657 - 657 Tizamo Town 657 Tizamo Town Reading Madam Magicians two choices, Lumian fell into deep thought. These were incredible rewards! It had to be known that reaching Sequence 4 marked a crucial point for Beyonders, a moment of qualitative transformation. From then on, one could attain godhood and become a half-human, half-god entity. Most Beyonders would never get this far. This wasnt just about becoming a demigod; it also included seeing or obtaining related items firsthand. A Sequence 4 potion formula was usually priceless! Moreover, this was a Sequence 4 potion formula related to Lumians own pathway. As for the reward of divining clues about the rest of the Abscessed Hands body, it symbolized the promise and assistance of an Angel. Ordinary Beyonders wouldnt even dream of such a chance, let alone receive an opportunity. They could only read about Angels gaining the Lords permission and responding to believers prayers in various Churches. Furthermore, Lumian needed to address this issue. After advancing to a Sequence 5 Reaper, his top priority was finding the remaining parts of the Abscessed Hands body. Without completing this task, the formula, the ingredients, the digestion process, and the prepared ritual wouldnt give him a shot at becoming a demigod in time due to the unfulfilled promise and the oaths restrictions. Regret wouldnt even be an option. Lumian had no clue how to locate it by himself. His only plan was to mimic the incantation for summoning the Abscessed Hand and craft a new series of summoning incantations. He hoped to summon the spirit world creatures legs, arms, body, and head. However, this was a risky endeavor. In his dream, Lumian learned from his sister that when the summoning incantation lacked clarity and had no restrictions, the summoned entity could be unpredictable. It might be a demigod-level spirit world creature filled with malice, capable of killing the summoner instantly. Lumian couldnt pinpoint the precise direction due to the unknown fragmentation of the Abscessed Hands body. It could be a relatively intact body missing a hand, or it might have shattered into tiny, peanut-sized fragments. Describing it accurately was impossible. He could only experiment repeatedly, narrowing down the possibilities. It was akin to playing with his life. More importantly, Lumian had already combed through the comprehensive information on common spirit world creatures provided by Madam Magician. Still, he found nothing that seemed to be other parts of the Abscessed Hands body. Lumian desired the Sequence 4 Iron-blooded Knight potion formula and clues about the rest of the Abscessed Hands body. This was the reason why he couldnt make a decision. He pondered whether to teleport back to Trier now and seek Franca or Jennas help in divination, hoping their spiritual insights would provide him with valuable hints. As these thoughts raced through his mind, Lumian reached a decision. The second option! This was because he remembered something important. Mr. Hanged Mans reward had yet to materialize. It was an opportunity to explore the Blue Avenger, a ghost ship that was a relic of the Tudor Empire. Considering that the Blood Emperor Alista Tudor was once a true god of the Hunter pathway and a half-mad Red Priest, the Tudor Empires inheritance contained the Sequence 4 potion formula of the Hunter pathway, along with Beyonder ingredients and characteristics. It was something to look forward to. Lumian promptly sat down and penned a reply to Madam Magician, expressing his thoughts. He also informed her that he would be heading to Tizamo Town to investigate Hisokas inheritance. At 4 p.m., Camus Castiya, accompanied by three dark-brown Southern Continent natives, knocked on the door of Suite 7 on B3 of Hotel Orella. They all hail from Tizamo, born and bred. They only ventured to Port Pylos in search of opportunities upon reaching adulthood, Camus explained in Intisian, introducing the two men and one woman. One is a supplier of Gwadar berries, another married a local and toils at the port, and the third took a less lawful path as a thief. One is a relatively wealthy merchant, the other is a dockworker, and the other is a thief. They happen to be at three different social levels, and they are from both genders. This will allow me to understand the situation in Tizamo to the greatest extent and comprehensively. Camus is very professional in this aspect. As expected of a former Public Security Officer Lumian nodded slightly and asked the three subjects in fluent Dutanese, Im a scholar of folklore en route to Tizamo. But before that, Id like to learn more about the town. My Dutanese is a bit rusty, so Mr. Camus will assist in translation. Well heed Officer Camus, responded the eldest merchant with a smile, quickly seconded by the others. Lumian turned to Lugano and instructed, Ill take one to the master bedroom for an exchange. You can entertain the other two. Alright, Lugano replied promptly. Inside the master bedroom, Lumian courteously seated the merchant in an armchair, positioning himself at the edge of the bed. Speaking in Intisian, he inquired, Whats the primary produce of Tizamo? Camus, translating, wore a puzzled expression. Is Louis Berry truly planning a journey to Tizamo? Its evident hes tracing Twanakus footsteps! Camus assumed the role of an Interrogator, staring down at the seated merchant as he conveyed Lumians words. The merchant, filled with trepidation, responded, Sir, we mainly cultivate Gwadar berries, spices, and forest fruits. Numerous plantations dot the surroundings, and we often venture into the forest for hunting, selling both meat and fur. Additionally, we cut down trees for crafting coffins. Thats thats about it. The remaining effort goes into planting corn and potatoes for our own consumption. Lumian absorbed the information and refined his understanding of Dutanese through Camuss translation. Engaging in casual conversation, Lumian explored the daily lives, sustenance, and leisure activities of the Tizamo residents. From the merchants account, Lumian painted a mental picture of Tizamo. Its populace mainly consisted of locals, with outsiders being the proprietors of nearby plantations and some acquired slaves. Thanks to the hunting services provided to the Port Pylos gentry, Tizamo maintained a connection with the outside world, avoiding isolation and conservativism. Although the faith in Death had been eradicated, traces of it lingered in daily life. The townspeople primarily believed in the Eternal Blazing Sun, yet remnants of Death faith were evident, such as frequent visits to the cemetery and the practice of not burying prematurely deceased children in coffins. Each adult prepared a coffin for themselves in advance, and the common means of travel involved using a coffin. With keen interest, Lumian concluded the discussion and inquired, Are you familiar with Twanaku Tupin? Finally getting into the meat Camus exhaled quietly and conveyed the question to the merchant. A warm smile appeared on the merchants face. I do! Hes well-known in town. Why? Camus interjected. The merchant, with an obsequious smile, responded, Sir, he should be your colleague. Twanaku is the first person from Tizamo to join the patrol team. Moreover, hes rapidly advancing in rank. Hes a source of pride for us. Lumian couldnt help but emit a soft chuckle. Im quite curious about Twanakus past. The merchants expression shifted slightly as he glanced around. Sirs, did Twanaku commit a crime? Did he join an organization that believes in Death? Quite perceptive Lumian thought, while Camus grumbled in a low voice, Are we doing the questioning or are you? Just answer truthfully! Under the mental pressure of the Interrogator, the dark- skinned merchant replied with a trembling voice, Ive known for a long time that this young man, Twanaku, will surely become extraordinary, but I also know hell one day tread the path of blasphemy against a deity. Seeing Camus and Lumian awaiting further explanation, the merchant continued, There was a fire in the Twanaku family. All his kin perished, and only he survived. According to our customs, hes favored by a deity, spared from death. Such individuals often go on to achieve great feats. The deitys favor refers to Death here, right? Not succumbing to Death is considered receiving Deaths favor? Lumian interjected thoughtfully. The fire happened about six years ago? How did you know? the surprised merchant asked. Then, slapping his forehead, he added, Im such a fool. You must have investigated it beforehand. From the looks of it, the fire somehow brought Twanaku back to life, transforming him into Hisoka Lumian nodded. Continue. Recalling, the merchant said, Since then, Twanaku fell silent, as if in shock. He no longer participated in Mass or entered the cathedral of God. Later, he left Tizamo for Port Pylos. Was Twanaku unafraid of scrutiny for acting so unusually? Did he not bother to feign his faith? By then, Hisoka had already become a Beyonder of the Devil pathway, making it impossible for him to participate in the Eternal Blazing Sun Churchs Mass? Where did his first potion come from? Lumian pondered while Camus translated and asked, Does Twanaku frequently return to Tizamo? He comes back to Tizamo every year. Im not sure how often or for how long, the merchant truthfully replied. Where does he stay when he returns to Tizamo? Lumian inquired further. The merchant smoothly replied, At his own place. After joining the patrol team and amassing wealth, he rebuilt the burnt-down house. Rebuilt the house that was destroyed in the fire Lumian contemplated for a moment and then asked, Are there any special folklore festivals in Tizamo? Chapter 658 - 658 Deep Desire 658 Deep Desire The merchant responded cautiously to Camuss translation, Sir, we dont really have any special folklore festivals. We only celebrate two festivals every year. One is the Sun Sacrifice in December, and the other is the New Sun Festival in June. The Sun Sacrifice was a recurring festival for the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, marking the day with the longest daylight of the year when the sun reached its zenith at noon. In the Northern Continent, it took place in mid-to-late June, while in the Southern Continent, due to the reversed seasons, it occurred in mid-to-late December. The New Sun Festival, originating from the believers of the Southern Continents Eternal Blazing Sun, involved celebrations during the longest night and shortest days, welcoming the return of the sun and anticipating more light and warmer weather. This celebration often coincided with the New Year in many parts of the Southern Continent, gradually merging the two festivities. The merchant explained that the citizens of Tizamo Town solely celebrated festivals connected to the Eternal Blazing Sun, having abandoned the traditions related to Death. He reflected for a moment and added, Its been like this for a long timesince my grandfather was born. Matani, particularly Port Pylos and the gold mine city of Devise, had been Intiss colony for nearly a century. The native population was compelled to convert generations ago, becoming followers of the Eternal Blazing Sun. This, however, was limited to areas effectively managed by colonial institutions in the past. When Lumian arrived in Port Pylos, his first impression was: at the docks, in the heart of the city, it resembled the port cities of Intis. Yet, the workers skin was darker and browner. The streets frequented by Intisians and Feynapotterians were sparsely populated and desolate. After passing Hotel Orella and exploring other areas of Port Pylos, various buildings with West Balam characteristics emerged. More pedestrians populated the streets, and the echoes of Dutanese filled the air. Lumian sought further details, indirectly confirming the merchants words. Interrogator Camus discerned no signs of deception. What things have left a deep impression on you since you were young that you still remember from time to time? Lumian shifted the conversation. Recalling, the merchant replied, Grand funerals Newly built coffins The primitive tribe that clashes with us every year The occasional scream at night because of them Everyones hardworking, calm, and well-educated. We get angry, but we dont argue on the spot or shout. We choose to find the padre, officers, and judges to determine whos right and whos wrong Camus translated the merchants words to Lumian, adding a few comments. Thats indeed the case. Ive been to Tizamo. The people there are very docile. Even if theyre treated unfairly, they rarely resist violently. The manor owners of the surrounding plantations love to hire them, reducing the cost of buying slaves. Of course, its not that theyre emotionless and wont resist. Instead, they tend to abide by order and follow the official processes to resolve problems. I-I guess they can be considered outstanding believers of the Eternal Blazing Sun? The honorific name of the Eternal Blazing Sun contained the description Embodiment of Order. As a member of the Feynapotter royal lineage, Camus undoubtedly believed in the Earth Mother. He knew that Louis Berry hailed from the Intis Republic and was likely a believer of the Eternal Blazing Sun. Lumian stood up, extending his arms with a smile. Praise the Sun! Praise the Sun! The merchant hastily followed suit. Lumian settled back into his seat, contemplating for a few fleeting moments. Have you experienced any strange dreams? The merchant nodded, then shook his head. Many, but they slip away from memory. Do you not encounter such dreams? Indeed. Dreams often elude the control of ones consciousness. They can reveal spiritual insights, mirror suppressed desires, or reflect events from the day. Sometimes, these elements intertwine, resulting in strange and unpredictable dreams. I, too, frequently encounter such dreams. In the past, when I battled the Demon corruption, they were even more bizarre and exaggerated Lumian sensed that the merchants response was impeccable. If the other party could pinpoint a specific strange dream, that might raise suspicion. Either the dream was exceptionally strange and unforgettable, or the merchant was abnormal and had prepared in advance before coming. After discussing other matters, Lumian escorted the merchant out of the master bedroom. The responses of the other two Tizamons were similar to the merchants, only supplementing the details they observed at their level and sharing encounters with their own characteristics. Lumian found no traces of the Dream Festival. If the Dream Festival is genuinely linked to Tizamo, theres only one possibility: When the townsfolk fall asleep, they enter a dream world to celebrate the festival. Upon waking, they forget everything Or, theres another possibility. Two factions may be involved in Hisokas Tizamo Town prank. First, the citizens of Tizamo. Second, the primitive tribe in the nearby forest. Could the Dream Festival be a celebration for that primitive tribe? Hisokas prank impacted the Dream Festival, leading the primitive tribe to suddenly attack Tizamo, resulting in significant casualties and concealing the traces of his advancement ritual to Desire Apostle. Lumian pondered as he walked Camus and the three Tizamons to the door. Upon returning to the master bedroom, he stood before the desk and gazed at the stone wall in front of him. His eyes flickered with anticipation and unease. His decision to stay in the Southern Continent and actively pursue Hisokas inheritance was indeed to grow amid blood, fire, chaos, and conflict, securing more acting opportunities. He aimed to open the door to godhood and advance to Sequence 4 as soon as possible. The reason for his impatience was: he saw a glimmer of hope in reviving his sister! The state of the Naboredisleys on Hanth Island provided him with that glimmer of hope. This hope stemmed from the belief that a high-ranking figure of the Earth Mother Church might possess the ability to divide another persons soul. This would allow each soul fragment to grow into a relatively separate individual through rebirth. Aurores soul fragment was sealed within Lumians body. Perhaps a high-ranking member of the Church of Earth Mother could use one or more soul fragments to resurrect Aurore in a new form! Lumian wasnt certain if such a plan could be realized or if it constituted true resurrection, but it was the most plausible method he had encountered so far. He was determined to give it a try. Of course, he couldnt experiment with Aurores soul fragment directly. His plan was to deliberately create some soul fragments in future cullings and seek help from the Church of Earth Mother to see if they could be reborn and if the person who returned was the same individual. Once all the details were confirmed, he would revive Aurore. Lumian didnt believe he had the qualifications to collaborate with the Church of Earth Mother. Only by becoming a demigod and relying on the secret organization, the Tarot Club, could he gain the Church of Earth Mothers attention and fulfill the transaction conditions proposed by the other party. For this, Lumian couldnt wait to obtain godhood and advance to Sequence 4. At times, Lumian wished his sister were also a Blessed of Celestial Worthy and had inherited the ancient castle. This way, her resurrection might be more straightforward. Yes, to extract Aurores soul fragment, I must undo Mr. Fools seal. To undo his seal, I have to wait for Termiboros to become very weak. For Termiboros to weaken, I need to continuously extract his power at a higher level. And to withstand the power of a higher level, I have to possess godhood and advance step by step Lumians thoughts gradually clarified, and he unprecedentedly yearned for an advancement. Trier, Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, Apartment 702, 9 Rue Orosai. Franca lay on the bed beneath a velvet blanket, her cheeks still flushed, eyes moist, and her expression unusually complicated. Beside her, Jenna rested under the same velvet cover. She had slipped into a deep slumber, her brows furrowed with a mix of exhaustion, satisfaction, resistance, and nostalgia. Her outstretched arms and exposed fair skin still bore traces of the recent fervor. Franca gazed at Jenna and let out a sudden sigh. The experience had exceeded her expectations, yet a sense of emptiness lingered in her heart. It was beautiful in the moment, but what would transpire after the digestion of the Pleasure potion? Could physical intimacy and emotional distance coexist? Did overwhelming pleasure pave the way for sorrow? Was it the agony of sinking into oblivion while resisting salvation? Sigh Franca released another soft sigh. She sensed that her Pleasure potion had been substantially digested. Matani State, Port Pylos. Lumian, sipping a glass of Gwadar, looked up and spoke to Lugano as if discussing the weather. Were heading to Tizamo Town today. Will you join Ludwig and me, or will you stay here and wait for us? Let me warn you in advance. The situation in Tizamo Town might be very dangerous. Very dangerous He wanted to say hed stay in Port Pylos, but memories of Father Montserrat flashed in his mind. Gritting his teeth, he replied, Im with you. If danger lurked in Tizamo Town, he could rely on his boss to bail him out. But here? Only himself! Lumian nodded slightly and didnt say more. After checking out and hitting the street, he chuckled at Lugano and Ludwig, Do we take a coffin to Tizamo, or should we grab a carriage? Before Lugano and Ludwig could answer, a four-wheeled, four-seater carriage rolled up from under the shade. The carriages driver, a young man, kept his head low, not daring to look away. Coming to a stop, Camus Castiya emerged. He forced a smile and said to Lumian, Thanks for your help these past days. Ill escort you to Tizamo. Chapter 659 - 659 Poor "Monster" 659 Poor Monster Observing Camuss expression, as if compelled to act at gunpoint, Lumian didnt hold back. He replied with a smile, Id like that. It was evident to him that the brass of the patrol team, or even Admiral Querarill himself, was concerned about Louis Berry wandering around their territory. Tizamo, where he was headed, was located near the primitive forest and had close ties to a Sequence 5 Desire Apostle. Therefore, two additional patrol team members with a certain relationship with Louis Berry were sent to accompany him. Even if they couldnt prevent trouble, they could at least send word before it became a catastrophe. As for why they didnt directly stop Louis Berry from heading to Tizamo Town, it was partly because Lumian had hinted at the faction backing him when he submitted Twanakus head. Without a conflict of principles, Admiral Querarill likely wouldnt make things difficult for him. Secondly, Louis Berrys investigations and adventures seemed to bring calamity, but they had exposed hidden dangers ahead of time. If the problem remained concealed and continued to evolve, Matani and Admiral Querarill might not be able to handle it in a year or two. When the time came, blood might flow like a river. Kolobo, acting as the carriage driver, gazed ahead stonily. He fumbled for a pair of sunglasses and slid them onto the bridge of his nose. There were no visible injuries on his body. As Camus held the carriage door open, he watched Louis Berry board, leading a young boy by the hand. Hes going to Tizamo too? Camus blurted in surprise. He had assumed Louis Berry would leave his servant and godson at Hotel Orella, joining them later after dealing with Tizamo Towns issues. However, the adventurer was now bringing a young child to Tizamo, and it was evident this wasnt a leisurely trip. It was very dangerous! Lumians left foot remained on the ground, and his right foot halted at the carriages edge. He smiled and spoke, My godson is fascinated by jungle fruits, the unique beasts I hunt, and various spices. Earlier, the Tizamons had mentioned their hometowns specialties, highlighting the excellence of roasted meat. The blend of spices and the distinctive gamey flavor of wild beasts in the forest contributed to Tizamo Towns unique delicacies. Ludwig, already settled in the carriage, swallowed, seemingly in sync with Lumian. Arent you worried about endangering your godson? Why are you so confident? Camus didnt press, simply signaling Lugano with his eyes to hurry up. Lugano cast a glance at the peculiar carriage driver, who trembled slightly beneath his black sunglasses. He entered the carriage and took a seat across from Lumian and Ludwig. Camus shut the carriage door and settled beside Kolobo. With a sigh, he remarked, You can remove your sunglasses now. Its been hard on you. Alright, alright, alright. Kolobo seemed to shiver as if struck by an icy wind. His teeth chattered, and his tremors intensified. Camus turned to him, surprised. Didnt you strike a deal face-to-face with Louis Berry? Why are you still so afraid? Not seeing him directly again! Alright, alright, alright. Kolobo removed his sunglasses, taking more than ten seconds to compose himself. In a hushed tone, he confessed with fear, I feel like my fingers, my arms, my insides, even my head all eaten. That, that That what? Camus struggled to comprehend why the Monsters demeanor had shifted so drastically, sensing that the issue might be significant. Kolobo swallowed hard and continued, That that child is also very dangerous! Though I havent laid eyes on him, I sense a looming threat, like facing a lion, a tiger, a python, ready to eat me at any moment. Camus was stunned, a hiss escaping his lips. Until now, Kolobo had never exhibited such fear except in the presence of three individuals radiating danger: Desire Apostle Twanaku with Wraith powers, and Louis Berry, capable of hunting Twanaku. Could this boy match them? Is he also a Beyonder, perhaps a Sequence 5 Beyonder? No, its not merely a Sequence 5 matter. Our patrol teams captain is a Sequence 5, yet Kolobo never mentioned feeling such foreboding in his presence. There must be something unique about these three individuals! Regardless, the boy is undoubtedly extraordinary and hazardous! No wonder Louis Berry is bringing his godson to Tizamo without worry. Perhaps the child poses an even greater threat Camus unraveled his earlier confusion, stifling his curiosity, refraining from probing further with Kolobo. In the confines of the four-wheeled carriage, even with the barrier between them, Louis Berry caught wind of their hushed exchange! Considering the intel gleaned from the Fog Sea, Camus harbored suspicions that Louis Berry was a Sequence 5 Beyonder following the Hunter pathway. Those of this pathway were renowned for their sharp sensesexceptional vision, acute sense of smell, and keen hearing. A Beyonder of the Monster pathway is quite intriguing. Even without laying eyes on Ludwig or hearing his voice, Louis can sense his ominous aura, a being who devours everything Lumian, leaning against the carriage wall, toyed with his golden straw hat, shooting Ludwig a knowing smile. Could it be that this little child has truly taken a liking to Kolobo and Camus? Indeed. These are two Beyonders who havent succumbed to severe corruption. Ludwig likely had a momentary lapse in control Heh heh, Camus may not have noticed, but Kolobo reacted instantly, sensing the danger? Lumian acknowledged Ludwig with a nod. Well done. Your restraint is admirable. Praise was due when a child behaved correctly, fostering a healthy mindset and habits! Ludwig remained silent, his expression conveying he was not to be treated as a child. A faint smile graced his lips as he retrieved a box of biscuits from his crimson school bag, nibbling on them. What restraint What did he mean by well done Lugano, seated across from him, found himself perplexed. Tizamo stood as the most remote town in Port Pylos, nestled against the edge of the primitive forest. A full two hours journey by carriage was required to reach it. Of course, for those in a hurry, an alternative route existed: boarding a steam locomotive from the port to Cahert, the southernmost town. From there, a carriage or coffin could be hired to venture northeast, shaving the travel time to Tizamo down to just an hour. However, Lumian showed no inclination towards haste. As they departed Port Pylos, the road gradually narrowed and deteriorated. Yet, the carriage pressed on steadily. Kolobo, the carriage driver, operated with precision akin to a well- oiled machine, guiding the horses and carriage without falter. An hour slipped by, and the carriage wound its way through the forest. Abruptly, Lumian, pretending to slumber, snapped open his eyes. His body turned dark and spectral, melding with the shadows cast by the window. Shadow Transformation! In an instant, gunshots pierced the forests tranquility. Bullets whizzed from afar, some thudding into the earth, kicking up clouds of soil, while others took aim at Camus, the carriage, and the horse. Amidst the chaos, the horse crumpled, bleeding profusely, and the carriage toppled to the ground. Kolobo had already abandoned his perch as the driver, escaping unscathed from the barrage of gunfire. Camus leaped clear of the carriage in advance, crouching low, revolver in hand. He maneuvered with agility, at times rolling, at others slithering deeper into the undergrowth. With each movement, he unleashed shots, seeking to suppress the unseen assailant. In this range, many of his abilities were restricted. A handful of fiery crimson orbs, almost blindingly white, streaked past Camus, disappearing into the forests depths. Rumble! Amidst the thunderous explosions, the gunfire abruptly ceased. Soon after, curses in Dutanese rang out from the forests depths. Go to hell, you Northern Continent bandits! Rot with your sons of bitches! Come after us if you have the guts! Gradually, the curses faded into the forests depths. Lumian emerged from the shadows of the carriage, opting not to pursue. Its the Resistance! What are they doing in Matani Camus frowned, muttering to himself in confusion. In the Southern Continent, numerous Resistance factions abounded. He couldnt discern which faction they belonged to or their motives. Typically, Matani, ostensibly independent from the Intis Republic and governed by Admiral Querarill, a Southern Continent native, saw little Resistance activity. Their primary demand was the expulsion of colonists. Could it be a faction of the Resistance dedicated to Death, aiming to revive Deaths influence in Matani? Please not the Rose School of Thought-backed Resistance. No, those lunatics Camus returned to the carriage, puzzled. Lumian mulled over another matter. Despite attaining Sequence 5 status, life still felt fragile. Vulnerable to being shot dead! If a Resistance member possessed sharpshooting skills and remained beyond his observational range, sniping from over 100 meters, they could have ended his life. Reapers lacked the resilient bodies of Devils. While lacking Malicious Perception, Devils might sustain only minor wounds from rifle shots. Their absence of long-range Danger Premonition characteristic of Seer pathways rendered them unable to preemptively evade. Granted, Lumians Ascetic traits bolstered his spiritual perception. Anticipating danger, he had foreseen the attack. Yet, if the adversary could nullify his spiritual perception or manipulate it effectively, conventional rifles could indeed imperil Lumian. Yes, Shadow Transformation can serve as a shield. Bullets lacking special effects pose no genuine threat to shadow beings Lumian redirected his thoughts, instructing Lugano, emerging from the carriage, Check on the horse. If it survived, attend to its injuries promptly for carriage duty. If not, Ludwig would command the equine corpse to pull the carriage. After all, Ludwig had gained the ability to command a handful of low-level undead from a concoction brewed from Hisokas eyeballs. Chapter 660 - 660 Across the Door 660 Across the Door Without hesitation, Lugano pushed himself up and hurried to the fallen horse, carefully examining it. After a few seconds, he exclaimed regretfully, Its dead! The poor horse was unlucky. Despite being over a hundred meters away, it was hit twice by a flurry of gunshots. One bullet struck its side, and the other hit its head. It couldnt be any more dead. In contrast, the carriage driver remained unscathed. At most, he had scraped his skin during the tumble. Lumian glanced at Kolobo, who had his back turned to him and the others, seemingly on guard against any potential attacks from the depths of the forest. He led Ludwig, who had been thrown from the carriage, to the side of the motionless, bleeding horse corpse. Stop the bleeding, Lumian instructed Lugano. Why stop it when the horse is already dead? Although Lugano didnt understand, he extended his shimmering palm. After the dead horses wounds closed, Lumian turned to Ludwig and said, Your turn. Ludwig, dressed in a childs formal attire, nodded slightly. He extended his right palm, gripping the dead horse with his five fingers, and slowly raised it. The blood-stained corpse of the horse suddenly stood up, causing the overturned carriage to shift slightly. Upon seeing this, Camus gave a barely perceptible nod. Is this child from the Death pathway or the Prisoner pathway? However, theres no cold aura or corpse-like aura After Lugano righted the carriage, the undead horse corpse continued pulling the five of them towards Tizamo. Just before noon, Lumian spotted their destination. It was a small town half-encircled by rubber trees, acacia trees, laurels, and other vegetation. Several plantations dotted the muddy road, and the air was filled with different spice scents and the alluring smell of roasted meat. Tizamos buildings were unique. Apart from the Eternal Blazing Sun Church cathedral, which had a distinct northern style, the rest were propped up by wooden stakes and stone pillars. They were reminiscent of West Balamthe base deliberately left empty underneath. This was due to the humid air and abundant rainfall in many West Balam areas. Water would often overflow and pool below. Lumian climbed down from the four-wheeled, four-seater carriage, watching the people busy with their tasks in the plantation and the town. Trier, Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, Apartment 702, 9 Rue Orosai. Franca reclined in the recliner, rocking gently as she recollected the previous days events. After Jenna woke up that morning, she went out to the streets to buy meat, vegetables, fruits, and bread, making Franca wonder if she had experienced a wet dream or hallucination. Why did she suddenly volunteer to help me with digesting the potion? Compared to most Trieriens, she can definitely be considered conservative Moreover, she was so direct and straightforward that I almost lost my desires out of shock. Shouldnt she flirt first to set the mood? When the time comes, even if she doesnt initiate, I wont be able to control myself The more Franca thought about it, the more puzzled she became. She felt Jenna wouldnt normally act that way. After recalling Jennas past experiences and actions, she realized there was no issue. That was precisely what Jenna would do! Jenna has a bold nature, or rather, a personality that allows her to act decisively After the Showy Diva singer who helped her was raped by Margot and became unstable, she was truly willing to go to extremes to assassinate Margot and avenge her friend. To that end, she even indebted herself to me for the Assassin potion and firmly became a Beyonder despite her finances At the Hugues Artois banquet, she faced the Member of Parliament protected by official Beyonders and evil gods minions. She risked everything, disregarding her own fate. She killed the bastard who brought catastrophe to the market district and her family on the spot In her heart, I should still be more important than that Showy Diva friend of hers. Suddenly going to extremes and offering to help me with the potions effects is indeed something she would do Besides, sigh, this definitely isnt a spur-of-the-moment idea. She has asked me several times about my progress digesting the Pleasure potion and if I have a new partner. She even recommended Lumian Realizing that I havent found a new partner and that Im only open-minded outwardly, she decided to act after being stirred by Lumian advancing to Sequence 5 yesterday That doesnt seem enough reasonJenna wouldnt sacrifice her body because of just those things. Sigh, sacrifice Could it be that she had long realized I secretly liked her and didnt seek out a new partner because of her? Could she believe she affected my digesting the Pleasure potion, causing her to act? Yes! That must be it. Thats the only way shed truly go to such extremes. Ahhh! Why cant I find any hint of romantic love? Franca wailed inwardly. If she had known this would happen, she would have summoned her courage, toughened her resolve, and sought Lumians help. That way, she wouldnt feel as conflicted and pained as she did now. Of course, she didnt seek out a new intimate partner partly because she cared about Jennas opinion. She had become Gardner Martins lover and shared his other lovers before meeting Jenna. There was no changing that history, so she continued on. After Gardner Martins demise, she had claimed she wanted Browns to experience true pleasure and participate in the Demonesss female orgies, but most of it was just talk. She was filled with anticipation only out of novelty. If Browns suddenly agreed, she might hesitate and make excuses. She didnt want to leave an unrestrained image in Jenna or Lumians minds. To put it simply, her answer to the question Is there really no one in this world you care about? had changed, so she was hesitant to actively pursue a new intimate partner. Jenna had no substantial intimate experience, so she didnt know how to set a mood for such situations. She could only revert to the straightforward seduction from when she was Little Minx, but she didnt want to deceive my feelings and make me fall deeper. Thats why she acted that way yesterday. Thankfully, shes relatively level-headed. She didnt seek a lover to make me give up, allowing me to truly find a new intimate partner. Yes, she might think that would be giving me prolonged pain and not prolonged pleasure. It would have hindered my digestion of the potion Franca felt even more dejected after piecing together the entire situation. On the stairs leading to Apartment 702. Jenna held a bag of bread and a basket of beef, vegetables, and fruits, reluctant to go back inside. Recalling yesterdays events made her blush, unsure of how to face Franca. In her previous days as a Showy Diva singer, she had witnessed others affection and felt it was just so-so. Although exciting, she thought she could endure it. Unexpectedly, after experiencing it for real, she realized pleasure could make people become consumed by it. Phew Jenna took a few deep breaths to calm herself. What troubled her now was how to interact with Franca. Wait, should I pretend nothing happened and face her with my usual demeanor? Should I be more cheerful and take the initiative to mention yesterday, pretending its no big deal so Franca doesnt mind? But wont this upset her? She needs to digest the Pleasure potion Besides, one pleasure encounter is definitely not enough. I have to spend time with her as a couple Should I keep seducing her tonight like yesterday, or wait for her to initiate? Dammit, how annoying! Jenna found such matters more vexing than assassinating powerful figures. Whether avenging herself on Margot or killing Hugues Artois, she had always felt death was the worst outcomeno big deal. However, this situation clearly hadnt reached life-or-death stakes. The subsequent troubles would linger. Jenna couldnt help but feel frustrated at the thought of maintaining an intimate physical relationship with Franca and all the complexities involved. She wished she could simply assassinate the Minister of Industry, Moran Avigny, instead. Taking deep breaths to steady her emotions, Jenna analyzed how to approach this from an actresss perspective to make Franca more accepting of future intimacies. She had already taken the first bold step. She definitely wasnt willing to give up now. She planned to continue their relationship until Franca finished digesting the Pleasure potions effects. After figuring out her next move, Jennas lips curled into a faint smile. Carrying bread and ingredients, she briskly climbed the stairs and returned to Apartment 702. As soon as she opened the door, Franca jumped up from the recliner instinctively and forced a smile. She said nervously, Youre back? Amused by Francas actions, Jenna chuckled and sighed inwardly. How great would it be if you didnt want to become lovers Jenna calmly walked to the dining table and placed her items on it. Then, she glared at Franca. What are you waiting for? Help me! Alright, alright. Franca hurried over. Seeing that Jenna wasnt reserved or distant, nor reverted to her usual demeanor, she felt an inexplicable relief. She even began to anticipate the nights arrival. Sizzle. Sizzle. The juices from a piece of beef dripped onto the fire, transforming into smoke that swirled upwards, blending with the aroma of spices. This caused Ludwig to swallow a few mouthfuls of saliva. However, the boy patiently waited, not rushing the cook until the beef roasted to its optimal state. Lumian turned his body and gazed at a three-story building diagonally across from the restaurant. The yellowish-brown house was the former residence rebuilt by Hisoka Twanaku. Chapter 661 - 661 "Reconnaissance Tools" 661 Reconnaissance Tools During lunch, Lumian used the excuse of going to the washroom to make his way to Hisoka Twanakus tawny house. After ascending the wooden stairs and passing through the empty, open ground floor, he took out a new wire and picked the lock on the door. This level was completely open-air, leaving only support pillars. At a glance, it was very spacious and simple. Stepping onto the wooden floor, Lumian circled around but found signs that no one had lived here for a long time. He found nothing worth further investigating. Suddenly, a voice came from behind him. Whats the problem here? The voice belonged to Camus Castiya. When he saw Lumian enter Twanakus rebuilt house from the dining room window, he found an excuse to leave the table and hurry over. Lumian wasnt surprised at all. He looked around and said, Nothing. As he spoke, he ascended the stairs to the third floor. Camus sighed silently and followed. He felt his mentality had aged considerably when with Louis Berry, resembling someone Vice-Captain Reazas age. Oh, Mother Earth, Im not even twenty-four years old! Although I arrived in Matani at eighteen and joined the patrol team, dealing with numerous Beyonder incidents, participating in dangerous battles, and accumulating extensive experience, I am still a young mana laidback young man who doesnt focus on appearances in daily life! With a solemn, vigilant mindset, Camus followed Lumian through the third-floor rooms twice, searching through all the items. Theres nothing out of place. After setting down a pen holder, Camus shared his assessment with Lumian. Lumian hadnt gained anything either. After a moments contemplation, he responded, Bring Kolobo here later and ask if there are any areas that make him uneasy, dangerous, or uncomfortable. Having only collaborated once, hes already adept at utilizing Kolobos uniqueness Bringing Kolobo here Why does it feel like a police officer asking a constable to bring a canine unit Camus criticized inwardly and nodded. Understood. As Lumian surveyed his surroundings again, he thought, Ill bring Ludwig over later and ask if he detects any fragrance of special ingredients. Returning to the dining room with Camus, Lumian indulged in the Gwadar beverage, savoring the rich and intricate aroma of roasted beef, roasted chicken wings, roasted snake meat, roasted spiders, and roasted leeches After eating and drinking his fill, Lumian took Ludwigs hand and led him to Hisoka Twanakus house. Camus, Lugano, and Kolobowho wore sunglasses and walked sideways like a crabfollowed closely behind. After exploring every nook and cranny, Lumian looked at Ludwig and asked with a smile, Is there anything edible here? Ludwig shook his head. No. Lumian led the boy down to the second level and looked at Kolobo, who had suddenly turned his back to them, and Camus. Do any of you sense anything unusual? The thin Kolobo hesitated for a moment and said, This house feels a little cold. It doesnt sit well with me. Where exactly? Lumian inquired with a calm expression. Kolobo replied succinctly, Everywhere. Theres something wrong with the entire house and even this land? Hisoka definitely didnt rebuild his previous home for nostalgia. Hes not the original owner of that body, so he probably doesnt have much attachment to this place. Hes also a true Coldblooded Lumian pondered for over ten seconds and said to Lugano, Camus, and the others, Stay here and guard against any mishaps. He returned to the third floor and lay on a wooden bed with traces of someone having slept in it. Large, black mosquitoes flew over with crackling sounds. However, in the flickering sparks, they were ignited one by one, turning into charred corpses that floated onto the bed. Lumian quickly slipped into a deep slumber. In his daze, he slowly awoke. Pa! Lumian took out the golden pocket watch from Salle de Bal Bris, opened it, and muttered to himself, Slept for half an hour and didnt have any special dreams He had always believed the Dream Festival was related to dreams, so he deliberately slept in Hisokas house, but nothing happened. Lumian gazed at the midday sun shining through the window and stood up thoughtfully. Could the timing be off? Must I sleep at a specific time and place to participate in the Dream Festival? Therefore, most Tizamo Town residents are unaware of its existence When Lumian returned to the spacious but crude second level, he realized Camus and the others now had three more people with them. One was a man in his thirties with a painted face. His light brown skin and thick lips gave him a relatively clean-cut look, and his black hair fell to his shoulders. A strong pungent smell wafted from him. The other was a young woman wearing dark leather armor. Her brown hair was tied in two strands draped over her shoulders. Her light brown skin and facial features exuded a wild beauty. She carried a hunting bow and a leather quiver of arrows on her back. Another man, dressed similarly to Camus and the others in a shirt and thin pants, stood over 1.9 meters tall with an appearance leaning towards the Feysac Empire. He had short light-blond hair, light-blue eyes, and a face bearing signs of exposure to sun and rain. Theyre our colleagues, members of the Tizamo Town patrol team, Camus introduced. He pointed at the man with the white paint pattern on his face and said, Captain of the local patrol team, Maslow. His teammate Camus turned to the wild-looking woman with a bow and arrows on her back and the tall Feysacian man and said, Rhea. Loban, used to be an adventurer. He spoke in Intisian the entire time. Finally, Camus addressed the three local patrol team members, This is the great adventurer, Louis Berry. The other two are his assistant and godson. This is the great adventurer, Louis Berry. The other two are his assistant and godson. Great adventurer Maslow repeated the term and cast his gaze at Loban. Feysacian Loban shook his head, indicating he had never heard of him. Maslow averted his gaze and asked Lumian, Are you here to hunt? Tizamo Town had been a favorite hunting ground for Port Pyloss gentry for decades. There was no shortage of residents proficient in Intisian, and the patrol team had language requirements to handle the gentrys requests. Lumian responded with a smile, Something like that. Hunting for Hisokas inheritance and hidden issues was also a form of hunting. Seeing the skeptical expressions on Maslow and the others faces, Camus hurriedly explained, Do you remember the telegram sent last night? You mean With her hunting bow and arrows, Rhea couldnt help but glance at Lumian again. Clearly, she, Maslow, and company had just arrived and hadnt had time to discuss the detailed situation with Camus and Kolobo. A telegram could only convey limited information. Camus nodded solemnly. Monsieur Louis Berry is here to investigate the hidden issues behind Twanaku. Using the excuse of inspecting the house again, he led the three local patrol team members upstairs. Lugano glanced at the stairs and asked Kolobo, who had his back to them, Theres a local patrol team in Tizamo? Based on his experience, there shouldnt be any official Beyonder teams permanently stationed in the Northern Continents small towns and villages like Port Pylos. They would typically send someone to handle issues as they arose. Kolobo turned his back to Lumian and Ludwig, trembling as he replied, Most other towns dont have them. This place is rather special and is often attacked by primitive tribes. Not only did our patrol team station a permanent team here, but the Admiral Guard also has Beyonders at the military camp outside town. Lugano glanced at the strange official Beyonder who doubled as their carriage driver and couldnt hide his curiosity. Why do you always have your back to us and wear black sunglasses? Dont you want others to discover somethings wrong with your eyes? Kolobo fell silent, unsure if he should answer. At that moment, Camus led Maslow and the others back to the second floor. When they looked at Lumian again, Maslow, Rhea, and Lobans expressions turned much more serious. Lumian smiled and asked casually, Did anything unusual happen with this house? No, Maslow had already recalled the relevant details. With a nod, Lumian replied, Were you transferred to Tizamo after the attack last year? He recalled the dossier had mentioned the three Beyonders stationed here perished in the primitive tribes attack. Yes, Loban, the former Feysacian adventurer, replied in a rough voice. Its been nearly a year. Its been very peaceful here. No more attacks. According to the records, the tribe in the primitive forest attacked two to three times a year in past years Admiral Querarills response of sending more guards and army deterred the primitive tribe from taking the risk. Did they really retreat into the forest depths? Or did the April Fools prank cause something to change? Lumian sensed something amiss. After conversing for a while, Lumian prepared to take Ludwig and Lugano to check into the motel. Maslow took a few steps forward and retrieved two items from a small leather bag hanging from his waist. There were brown candles and a glass bottle filled with a light-yellow liquid. Mosquito repellent candles and tranquil essential oil. I hope you get a good nights sleep, Maslow said in accented Intisian. Camus chimed in, What he means is that this place is close to the primitive forest, and mosquitoes and poisonous insects are everywhere. Although youre Beyonders, it wont be pleasant if youre accidentally bitten. Furthermore, you wont be able to sleep peacefully and will keep waking up. The mosquito repellent candles are made from plants that mosquitoes dislike. Tranquil essential oil comes from certain animals, making those damned buzzing fellows stay away from you. At this point, Camus, Maslow, Rhea, and the others suddenly realized there were no mosquitoes on the entire second level. Lumian turned to Ludwig and accepted the candle and oil with a smile. Then, he gently pinched his nose to confirm the pungent smell on Maslow and the others came from the tranquil essential oil. After Lumian, Ludwig, and Lugano left Twanakus house, Maslow looked at Kolobo, who had his back to everyone, in confusion. He asked in Dutanese, Whats wrong? Chapter 662 - 662 Those Words 662 Those Words Kolobo finally turned around. He took off his sunglasses and spoke in Dutanese with a weary look, My gut tells me I shouldnt look directly at them. I can only take a quick glance at most. Whys that? Rhea asked curiously, her wildness evident as she carried her hunting bow. Just intuition, Kolobo replied firmly, unsure of the reason but convinced he shouldnt stare. Loban, the Feysacian, wore a pensive expression. Whats on your mind? Maslow, his face painted white, turned to him and asked. The three had worked together in Tizamo Town for a year and understood each other well. Maslow could tell Loban had thought of something from his look. Observing Camus and the others gazes, Loban pondered for a moment before saying, While adventuring across the Five Seas, I came across this saying: Dont look directly at God.'' Dont look directly at God Camuss forehead twitched as he whispered the phrase. As a Castiya family descendant, albeit from a collateral branch, he had more extensive mystical knowledge than most Beyonders. Could it be that Louis Berry and his godson were actual gods, unable to be gazed upon? No, that couldnt be right. Kolobo avoided looking at Twanaku directly, yet Twanaku was merely a Sequence 5 Beyonder of the Prisoner and Criminal pathwaysnot even a demigod! Ive heard that before during the padres sermons. Its about respecting and worshiping God, right? said Rhea, a devout Eternal Blazing Sun believer. No, its not from the Church scriptures. Its recorded in a mystical text, Loban shook his head, rejecting her explanation. Maslow let out a deep chuckle. Surely the great adventurer cant literally be a deity walking among us? Maybe not a true deity, Loban recalled, But the books notes state it refers to a Mythical Creature. Im unsure what exactly that means, but if it contains the word god, it must have at least some level of godhood. Could that adventurer be a demigod? It doesnt seem that way currently, Camus said, gradually forming a new idea. Perhaps the adventurer is simply one of a deitys Blessed, carrying a divine item or aura bestowed upon him. So its true we cant directly look at God, but that God isnt referring to him, only something he possesses. This could explain the situation with Twanaku very well. You mean like the most famous adventurer? Loban the Feysacian realized. Adventurers, treasure hunters, pirates and merchants across the Five Seas now knew Gehrman Sparrow had been The Fools Oracle before becoming an Angel. Precisely. Camus nodded. Simultaneously, he inwardly cursed. Dogsh*t, why was I sent to watch over matters involving a deitys Blessed? This was undoubtedly perilous. A moment of carelessness could lead to death! Camus hadnt wanted to accept Vice-Captain Reazas order the day before, but over the past five years, Reaza had saved him from the brink of death three times. He couldnt refuse. Otherwise, with the prestigious Don prefix and Castiya family name, he could have declined his superiors orders. At worst, he could leave the patrol team and seek opportunities elsewhere. After all, he had already digested the Sequence 7 Interrogator potion. He had saved enough funds for his subsequent advancement thanks to Louis Berrys two commissions. Even returning to his family, he wouldnt be the type brushed aside. But to repay Reazas kindness, Camus reluctantly agreed to come to Tizamo Town and monitor Louis Berrys every move. Feeling upset, he couldnt help but inwardly curse. As a devout and educated believer in Mother Earth, Camus wouldnt curse with vulgar phrases like son of a From his view, mothers were greatbirth and nurturing equally important, just as the earth nurtured all things growth. After discussing the adventurer Louis Berry, Loban the Feysacian turned to Camus and Kolobo, saying, When we transferred to Tizamo, we were told we could return after a year, that we wouldnt stay forever. Now, nearly a year has passed, and youre here too. Does that mean we can return to Port Pylos? As a Feysacian, you appear tall, robust, boorish, and unintelligent, but youre actually dishonest Did you discover that Louis Berrys matter might be a huge problem and want an excuse to slip away early? Camus acutely sensed Lobans hidden thoughts and joked, Theres still a week left! Dont even think about returning to Port Pylos early. Were not here for your rotation. At the Brieu Motel. This was the favorite accommodation for the gentlemen who came to Tizamo Town to hunt. Although it couldnt compare to Hotel Orella, it was at least relatively clean. Lumians sole reason for choosing this place was the availability of a suite. Otherwise, he would have to rent two adjacent rooms and utilize his Hunters precise grasp of structures to blast through the adjoining wall without affecting the overall load-bearing walls. When departing, hed get Lugano to replace the stone bricks and repair the opening. The ground floor was equally open, supported by stone pillars. However, the three-story building above bore a distinct Intisian flair. The beige walls, recessed statuary niches, arched windows, and venetian curtains made Lumian feel as if he had returned to Trier. When Lugano lit the mosquito repellent candle and used its slightly pungent smell to chase away the poisonous insects and mosquitoes, it became even more reminiscent. This is very similar to Trieriens using sulfurs smell to repel bedbugs Lumian recalled his initial arrival in Trier. After using sulfurs smell to chase the bedbugs into the neighboring room, playwright Gabriel ignited it and drove them back. After this back-and-forth, most bedbugs went elsewhere, leaving only a few that the doll messenger eliminated. Lumian sighed silently, recalling Gabriels death and the deceased tenants of the Auberge du Coq Dor. He walked to the window and gazed at the street below. The gentlemen in hunting attire and their servants on unicorns weaved through the dark-brown or light-brown townspeople, flowing into Brieu Motel, jungle restaurants, and other establishments like rivers. Under the noon sun, Tizamo Town was scorchingly humid this season, making it unsuitable for outdoor activities. On the second floor, Lumian focused his attention and observed the passersby directly below. He attempted to discern any potential issues with Tizamo Town from their fortunes. He was prepared for backlash or corruption. These passersbys fortunes are normal. Some seem to have romantic encounters looming, some would lose money, and some might encounter a bloody calamity, but nothing too serious Lumian averted his gaze and said to Lugano, Take Ludwig to rest. Ill take a walk outside. Alright. Knowing the trip to Tizamo Town might be dangerous, Lugano had no intention of wandering out unless his boss asked him to prepare food for Ludwig. He had no choice but to go along. Otherwise, he would be the one eaten! Tizamo Town wasnt small with streets spanning out in two directions. Lumian strolled leisurely, hands in pockets, donning a golden straw hat. He no longer wore the straw hat to enhance Louis Berrys persona, but to shield himself from the sunlight. He had intended to do so many times before. This was because an adverse effect of Shadow Transformation was a greater fear of sunlight than ordinary people. Although Lumian could endure relying on his Ascetic abilities, this would impact his condition to some extent. Why make things difficult when he could resolve it with a straw hat? Moreover, with the appearance of Louis Berry wearing a golden straw hat, the enemy wouldnt think he was afraid of sunlight. As his gaze casually shifted, Lumian spotted a girl. She was a typical Northern Continent native, her black hair cascading down her back like a waterfall, a few sparkling bows adorning her head. Her azure-tinged eyes accentuated her sharp, delicate nose. An unmistakable youthful aura radiated between her brows. The girl wore a light, lace-trimmed, pleated white dress, but instead of high heels, she donned a pair of brown leather boots. As she conversed and laughed with companions, she danced, seemingly unconcerned about passersbys opinions. Lumian glanced at her again. It wasnt because she was beautiful. Although quite lovely, her appearance and bearing couldnt compare to a Demoness or truly beautiful humans. Lumian simply sensed her personality differed from Triers ladies. In Trier, no matter how open-minded respectable middle and upper-class women were in private, they still publicly cared about image and others opinionsa product of their upbringing. This girl exuded an air of freedom. She could laugh loudly or spin around whenever she pleased. This was distinct from an improperly raised lower-class womans demeanor. This girls attire, speech and aura indicated good education and upbringing. Amandina, daughter of Palms Manors Sir Petit, and Monsieur Roberts fiance, Camus, resembling a specter, materialized from nowhere beside Lumian with the introduction. Palms Manor was a plantation near Tizamo Town. A Southern Continent girl raised without Triers upper- middle-class societal constraints As Lumian judged this, he thought of his sister Aurore. Sometimes, Aurore displayed such a side. However, the reasons were clearly different. Where are you headed? Camus inquired. Lumian retracted his gaze and replied with a smile, The cathedral. Are you coming with me to praise the Sun? Chapter 663 - 663 Late Night 663 Late Night Like many cathedrals in Intis, Tizamos had a golden dome, resembling the suns reflection on the ground. As Lumian passed through the door, he was dazzled by the walls, arches, gold leaf inlaid in the dome, a mural sprinkled with golden powder, and a golden statue. The sunlight streaming through the glass behind the altar made him instinctively raise his hand, wanting to press down his golden straw hat. It was lunchtime, and many simply-dressed Tizamo residents sat in various pews, heads bowed in prayer. They didnt mind the cathedrals dazzling, extravagant appearance at all. This was not only because they had always believed in the Eternal Blazing Sun since childhood, but they also had numerous gold mines in the former Balam Empire. The people had a widespread fondness for gold, a hobby preserved to this day. Lumian shared an affinity for gold, but didnt want to endure the scorching sunlight. Beside him, Camus tried explaining, Im not monitoring you, nor am I saying Ill follow you everywhere to prevent accidents. Im assisting you. Youre still unfamiliar with Dutanese. You lack sufficient understanding of the situation in Tizamo and the people here. I can introduce you. Lumian seized the opportunity to turn and ask with a smile, Do you know it well? Camus ruffled his disheveled brown hair and replied without embarrassment, If theres anything I dont understand, I can ask Maslow and the others to help. Lumian didnt mind having an official Beyonder by his side. If anything happened, he could use the extra muscle. He nodded slightly and said, If you want to follow, go ahead. As Lumian spoke, he walked towards the row of seats in front of the altar under the blazing sunlight. Camus hesitated for a few seconds before finding a seat in the farthest corner of the cathedral. As a believer of Earth Mother, he could freely enter and exit the cathedrals of all orthodox gods, but he couldnt participate in acts of worship. He only knew that Louis Berry had a close connection to the Church of The Fool, but he wasnt sure if his faith was with The Fool. Lumian used his Ascetic endurance to control the twitching of his facial muscles. He sat down under the sunlight as if nothing happened and lowered his head to pray in front of the preaching padre. The padre, a native of Port Pylos named Cali, had standard dark brown skin, sunken eyes, and a chiseled face. He only had a thin layer of black hair, not wearing a clergymans hat. In his forties with a solemn expression, he preached in unaccented Intisian. Lumian, feigning prayer, found himself distracted. Thoughts raced through his mind, making him feel as if he had returned to Cordu. Back then, even when attending Mass and praying in the cathedral, he was lost in his own thoughts. When it was almost over, he quickly praised the Sun and wished his sister would always be healthy and that he wouldnt need much homework or test prep to get into university. None of that came true. After the padre finished preaching, Lumian raised his head and narrowed his eyes in the sunlight, focusing on observing the padres fortune. There was nothing special about it. On the surface, theres indeed nothing abnormal about Tizamo Amidst sunburn-like pain, Lumian planned to avert his gaze, but his heart stirred as he activated his Reapers Weakness Investigation ability. He thought of Padre Guillaume Bnet and Father Montserrat of the Church of Earth Mother. Who said clergymen from orthodox Churches wouldnt be problematic? In that case, he could observe the padres weaknesses in advance. If he truly encountered clerical depravity in the future, he could quickly resolve it. Various colors appeared on the padres body in Lumians eyes. However, there was no pale-white among them! This meant the padre had no weaknesses! Impossible. Even if this padre is a Beyonder, his Sequence shouldnt be too high. How can he have no weaknesses? The Sun pathway isnt known for toughness and imperviousness Could he be from another pathway? No, all likely have weaknesses Amidst surprise, Lumian observed more closely. Finally, he noticed a faint pallor. It wasnt on the padres body, but in the depths of his Astral Projection. Does this mean his weakness lies in his spirit, fearing attacks targeting his Spirit Body? How did he manage to have no bodily weaknesses From the looks of it, I have to dismantle his body piece by piece to kill him if Im not targeting his Spirit Body Lumians surprise quickly dissipated, replaced by joy and anticipation. Regardless, discovering any abnormalities was a good thing! This meant he was a step closer to the problem in Tizamo and the Dream Festival Hisoka had mentioned. Brother, what are you looking at? Cali asked Lumian with a smile, clutching a Bible. Lumian responded with a smile, Looking at the sunlight on you. Praise the Sun! With that, Lumian stood up, spread his arms slightly, and turned to leave. Now was not the time to delve into the abnormality in the padres body. Padre Cali was delighted by Lumians response. Firstly, the other party was subtly praising him for being bathed in sunlight, akin to a deitys blessings. Secondly, as a local clergyman without Northern blood, he had always yearned for Northern gentrys recognition. After leaving the Saint-Sien Cathedral, Lumian casually had Camus circle the entirety of Tizamo twice with him, including the military camp, plantation, and the outskirts of the primitive forest. Camus eagerly introduced everyone he knew. As evening approached, Lumian made his way towards the Brieu Motel and asked, What did you do with that dead horse? I sold it to the butcher. Im planning to buy a new one from a nearby planter, Camus replied matter-of-factly. Lumian felt a twinge of disappointment for Ludwig. He remained silent and entered the motel. Late at night. In the shadows outside the Brieu Motel, Lumian emerged, no longer wearing his golden straw hat. He strolled towards the yellowish-brown house that Hisoka Twanaku had rebuilt. It was nearly midnight, and Tizamo had grown very quiet. Apart from a few patrolling soldiers, drunk patrons, and their companions, no one else was walking outside. Under the crimson moonlight, Lumian passed by the bar named Giant Boa and heard a commotion inside. In the primitive forest a few hundred meters away, the howls of wild beasts echoed intermittently. Lumian proceeded until he reached his destination. He ascended to the third level and found the wooden bed he had slept on earlier. He busied himself for a while, making preparations. He wasnt in a hurry to lie down. He looked around and muttered to himself thoughtfully, Termiboros, have you noticed anything unusual here? Termiboross majestic voice reverberated within Lumians body. Im using your eyes, ears, nose, spirituality, and fate to observe the outside worldjust slightly more than what you see. Does this mean that what I see and discover will still be restricted by my body, spirituality, and level? Hold on, this fellow is becoming more and more like a riddler. He didnt directly answer if theres anything abnormal about this house or whats abnormal Lumian scoffed. Are you truly an Angel of the Fate domain? Im already a Sequence 5, and you cant use my eyes and spirituality to detect the problem here. Havent you noticed that a Sequence 8 of the Monster pathway can sense that this place is cold? No way. Are Angels of the Inevitability pathway inferior to Sequence 8s of the Fate pathway? The Monster pathway was also known as the Fate pathway. Lumian provoked Termiboros to see if he could extract any useful information from this Angel-level Ascetic. He didnt hold out much hope, but at least he wouldnt lose anything. Termiboros fell silent, as if He had vanished from Lumians body. How tolerant. As expected of an Ascetic Angel, Lumian mocked. He took out the golden pocket watch he had obtained from Salle de Bal Brise and flipped it open to confirm the current time. 11:51 p.m. Putting away his pocket watch, Lumian lay on the wooden bed in the room. This time, he was here to see if sleeping in the house at night would trigger any abnormalities and if he could enter a special dream to participate in the Dream Festival. To this end, Lumian had instructed Ludwig in advance to wake him up in the house rebuilt by Twanaku if he wasnt back by the time they had their second meal. After Lumian promised there would be a feast the next day, Ludwig agreed. With crackling sounds, the menacing spiders crawling on the outer walls of the house and the numerous mosquitoes in the room burned and fell, emitting a charred fragrance. Relying on Cogitation, Lumian swiftly drifted into a deep slumber. In a daze, he slowly woke up. He straightened up and realized that he was still on the wooden bed, in the master bedroom on the third floor of Hisokas house. It was late at night outside the window, and the crimson moonlight seemed to be obscured by clouds. Only a small amount of light filtered through, making it abnormally dim. The howling of wild beasts in the primitive forest and the faint noise from the bar had completely ceased. The night had entered its most peaceful state, as silent as death. Theres no change Lumian sighed in disappointment. Just as he was about to take out his golden pocket watch to confirm the time and leave the house in the dark environment to return to the Brieu Motel, his pupils suddenly dilated and his eyes froze. Under the dim crimson moonlight, Lumian swiftly scanned the rooms floor. He didnt see mosquito corpses! The mosquitoes he had incinerated with his Pyromaniac powers before falling asleep should have been charred on the ground, but now, they were nowhere to be found. The floor was clean as if it had just been cleaned! Could it be that someone came in while I was asleep and cleaned the room? Ive planted several traps around me. They cant be easily bypassed Wraith? Lumian instantly tensed up. He took out the golden pocket watch he had previously kept in his shirt pocket under his vest and flipped it open to check the time. 11:58 p.m. Chapter 664 - 664 Confirming the Boundary 664 Confirming the Boundary 11:58? Lumians gaze fixated on the golden pocket watch, his suspicions heightened by the peculiar scent in the air. He felt as though he had slumbered for more than an hour. Why then had only seven minutes elapsed? Though the unreliability of his instincts were plausible, other anomalies lurked. The absence of mosquito corpses and the eerie silence hinted at peculiarities. Lumian, drawing from his past encounters, murmured to himself, Could it be that Ive entered a special dream? In the dead of night, slumbering within this tawny house leads to a peculiar dream? Did Hisoka Twanaku rebuild the house to make it look less suspicious for him to stay there? But why would such a thing happen? Lumian bowed his head and peered ahead. His gaze seemed to penetrate through wooden planks and various obstacles, revealing the corresponding underground area. Uncertain about the origin of this anomaly, he could only speculate based on common sense and experience. In the silent darkness, Lumian shuffled his feet, producing creaking sounds as he left the house that once belonged to Hisoka Twanaku. The street lay deserted, and many of the livestock on the ground floor of the buildings seemed to blend into the night. It was impossible to discern if they still existed. The footsteps of patrolling soldiers had vanished completely. A warm, humid night breeze swept through the unobstructed streets, surrounding Lumian as he headed towards the entrance of the Giant Boa bar. Straining his ears, Lumian noticed that it was so quiet that even the rustling of insects and the buzzing of mosquitoes had ceased. His expression remained unchanged as he extended his right hand, pushing open the heavy wooden door. Darkness shrouded the interior. With the dim moonlight filtering through the window and Lumians sharp eyesight as a Hunter, he could barely discern the outlines of the bar counter, liquor cabinet, small round table, chairs, candlestick wall lamps, and other items, but not a single human was in sight. The bar seemed to have been closed for quite some time. This is even more perplexing. Before I fell asleep, this bar was quite lively. Its impossible for them to clear out the customers and clean every corner in seven to eight minutes. Based on my experience, even though countryside bars close earlier than those in the city and arent bustling until two or three in the morning, they usually continue selling alcohol until midnight. Also, they usually ask those who are still drinking to leave after theyre done. If they encounter a drunk who refuses to leave, it tends to cause some delay Lumian, a regular at Cordus Ol Tavern, felt confident in making such judgments, drawing from his various experiences in different bars. This conviction only strengthened his belief that he was caught in what seemed to be a very real dream. Suddenly, memories of past events in Cordu flooded Lumians mind, causing his grip on the heavy wooden door of the Giant Boa bar to freeze. After a moment of contemplation, he decided to leave and headed back to the Brieu Motel. Walking through the dark stairs and a corridor paved with aged planks, Lumian returned to his suite on the second floor at a moderate pace. He pushed open the wooden door to the childs room. The dim crimson moonlight poured into the room, illuminating the sky-blue patterned blanket and bedsheets. But no one was sleeping here. Ludwig had disappeared too. Combined with the strange sights on his way, Lumian strongly suspected that he was alone in this dream. All the townsfolk, livestock, and outsiders had vanished, leaving him in solitude in Tizamo Town! This cant be considered a festival unless it is named the Loneliness Festival Lumian pondered for a few seconds before leaving the Brieu Motel and heading towards the Saint-Sien Cathedral near the cemetery. In the dim moonlit night, the cathedrals golden dome and various decorations on the outer walls seemed to lose their glow, settling into a deep slumber. Lumian didnt want to waste energy pushing open the front door. He pried open a stained glass window and jumped in. In the nights darkness, the place was silent and empty. The dome above exuded an oppressive and cold aura that was absent during the day. Lumian searched the area but couldnt find Padre Cali who had exhibited abnormalitiesthe deputy padre, or any odd-job workers. Im truly alone Only those who sleep in Hisokas house can enter this special dream? Yes, and it has to be late at night. How can the Dream Festival be held? One cant expect all the relevant people to line up at Hisokas house to sleep at a specific time, right? Disregarding the question of whether we can squeeze in, how did such a widespread collective act deceive the patrol team and the army outside the town? Moreover, it doesnt seem like everyone has been pulled into the dream. The Tizamons I previously found were completely unaware And the most crucial question: Since its a dream, why am I lucid? Lumian contemplated for a moment before reaching out his right hand to touch the wall adorned with the religious mural. It felt cold and solid, a genuine stone. Drawing on his extensive experience in realistic dreams, Lumian pushed aside these questions, opting to begin with the simplest reconnaissance. He aimed to confirm the dimensions of this dream and its boundaries. Activating the black mark on his right shoulder, Lumian connected with the spirit world. He saw every corner of Tizamo Town. Through Spirit World Traversal, he disappeared and reappeared on the packed earth path leading from Tizamo Town to Port Pylos. Teleportation is possible Thats true. Since its a dream, nothing is impossible. As long as I believe its feasible, I should be able to do it Following the Cordu incident, Lumian delved into numerous dream-related books and sought counsel from Madam Justice, Madam Susie, Anthony Reid, and other Beyonders in the mind domain, gaining a profound understanding. Slowing his pace, he headed towards Port Pylos. After walking for two to three hundred meters, the scenery ahead blurred, as if an ethereal fog was swirling. Beneath the faint moonlight, the fog appeared pitch-black. Suddenly, Lumians spiritual intuition warned him that entering the misty area, veiled in an illusionary fog, might be perilous. There was a high likelihood that something terrifying would occur. There are indeed limitations. I cant directly reach the edge of the mind Lumian decided against taking the risk. He swiftly returned to Tizamo and began searching for the other boundary. This was the area near the primitive forest. After covering a distance of 300 to 400 meters, Lumian reached the forests edge. Rainforest-like vegetation stood silently in the night, resembling dense tombstones. Noticing no blurry areas veiled in illusory fog, Lumian proceeded cautiously and decisively. Passing through drooping vines and trees, he delved deeper into the primitive forest, walking on the thick, humus-covered ground. Along the way, there were no dancing mosquitoes or venomous creatures concealed among the vegetation. After another 700 to 800 meters, Lumian sensed his surroundings becoming more psychedelic. Some areas became blurry, others distorted, and some became clearer. However, upon closer inspection, they couldnt be seen distinctly. The conditions in these areas continued to fluctuate. This feels more like a typical dream With no warning from his spirituality, Lumian took a few more steps forward. Suddenly, the entire world shattered into scenes that interweaved and materialized around him. Lumians lucidity wavered, leaving him slightly disoriented. In the next moment, he witnessed scenes of black boulders and humans in dark robes. One of the humans raised his head, revealing a pale-white face with a light brown base, flaxen-colored eyes tinged with dark green, and decent facial features. Hisoka! Hisoka Twanaku! He was Hisoka Twanaku! The human in the dark robe, embodying Hisoka Twanakus visage, straightened up. His gaze seemed to transcend various scenes and fixate on Lumian. Amidst the illusory sound, the scenes around Lumian shattered. Lumian sat up and found himself back in the tawny building that Hisoka Twanaku had rebuilt. He was in the dark room with the simple wooden bed. Quickly surveying his surroundings, Lumian retrieved a golden pocket watch from the left breast pocket of his shirt. Clicking it open, he checked the time. 1:38 a.m. The crimson moonlight outside the window wasnt too bright, but it wasnt dim either. The nearby Giant Boa bar had already closed, yet the howl of a wild beast echoed from the distant primitive forest. The night was silent but not deathly still. Im awake? Thats more like it. I slept for an hour or more than 40 minutes, quite close to my estimation Lumian got out of bed and observed the ground. As expected, he saw charred mosquito corpses and numerous insects lingering outside the window, blocked by the smell of tranquil essential oil. Phew. He breathed a sigh of relief and contemplated the appearance of Hisoka Twanaku in the special dream. Since its a festival, Dream Festival shouldnt be held just oncethats what a party is. Could Hisoka have participated in many Dream Festivals in the past few years and left some kind of mark in the dream? Is Dream Festival indeed related to that primitive tribe? Thats why I activated certain imprints and images recorded in the dream after venturing deep into the forest. Thats how I saw Hisoka What purpose does Hisoka intend to achieve with the Dream Festival? Dream Festival, Dream Festival. Since its a festival, it must be held on a fixed date. At other times, if I enter a special dream, I wont encounter anything, just like me tonight? What date could it be? Lumian fell into deep thought. He quickly deduced a direction. On December 17th of last year, the primitive tribe attacked Tizamo Town, causing numerous casualties. Lumian perked up and swiftly confirmed todays date. Dream Festival happens on December 17th, or two or three days before it, which is when April Fools played their prank here? It was past 1 a.m. on December 11th. Chapter 665 - 665 Clues 665 Clues If the Dream Festival has a fixed date, as I suspect, it should be one of the coming days or span a few days Recently, I came to Hisokas house every night to sleep, trying not to miss the Dream Festival. I also need to figure out the basic patterns of the special dream as much as possible before it begins. For example, how to leave the dream normally without entering the primitive forest Lumian closed the golden pocket watch and slipped it into the breast pocket of his shirt, concealed by his vest. He didnt continue sleeping there. Instead, he chose to descend the stairs and enter the streets of Tizamo. First, Ludwig would have his second supper in twenty minutes. According to their agreement, if Lumian didnt return in time, Ludwig would come over and forcefully wake him up. Second, he had to update Madam Magician on his discoveries. Just as Lumian stepped out of Hisokas house, a voice suddenly sounded from behind. What exactly are you investigating? In a dark corner where the crimson moonlight couldnt reach, Camus Castiya emerged, dressed in a white shirt and an unbuttoned yellow vest. His disheveled hair collapsed from staying up too late. At some point, the young leader of the Port Pylos patrol teams combat team had been waiting here. Lumian wasnt surprised at all, as if he had sensed Camus presence. He evaded the question and said, Many scenes display different states during the day and at night. Indeed. Camus had dealt with numerous mystical incidents that matched this description. The simplest and most common situation was that certain haunted houses appeared normal under the sunlight. As Lumian walked towards the Brieu Motel, he teased Camus with a smile, Have you been awake the entire time, squatting in the shadows outside the motel, observing my movements? Thats tough. Careful not to suddenly drop dead. If Camus hadnt known that Louis Berry had a close relationship with the Church of The Fool and didnt mind him tagging along, he would have thought Lumians teasing was a warning. Do you think I want that? Camus laughed self-deprecatingly. Ill be in charge of watching tonight. Its Maslow or Rheas turn tomorrow. Lumian didnt engage in further conversation. As if lost in thought, he made his way back to the Brieu Motel. Camus wanted to inquire further, but he dared not. He then saw the adventurer stop at the motels entrance, his back toward Camus. Lumian said calmly, Before Twanaku died, he mentioned a termDream Festival. Ive just discovered some traces in his house and confirmed that theres a special dream happening in Tizamo Town. Gather all the folklore related to dreams in this area and bring it to me as soon as possible. Uh Camus was at a loss at first, but then his mind cleared, as if a bucket of ice-cold water had been poured over him on a scorching summer day. As expected, theres more to the Twanaku incident. Theres indeed a huge problem lurking here! Camus wasnt too surprised, but his heart pounded. Instinctively, he replied, Okay. After agreeing, Camus realized that he had unknowingly followed Lumians instructions, as if the other man were the captain of a patrol team. After watching Lumian enter the Brieu Motel, Camus briefly analyzed his reaction. He felt that this situation stemmed from both the intimidation brought about by Lumians strength and the accumulated credibility and reliability of his previous deeds. I have to send a telegram back to Port Pylos to request reinforcements In addition, I need to familiarize myself with Tizamo as soon as possible and strive to move jurisdiction here within a few days After considering his next steps, Camus let out another sigh. Ever since encountering Louis Berry, problems had never ceased erupting! I initially came to Tizamo to monitor his actions and prevent any accidents. Why am I now investigating the Dream Festival? Up in the suite on the second floor of the Brieu Motel, Lumian greeted Ludwig shuffling to the dining table, having just woken up. He then returned to the master bedroom. Before pondering his letter to Madam Magician, Lumian noticed a folded square of paper on the desk. A reply after midnightso typical of Madam Magician, he thought with an inward chuckle. He picked up the letter and conjured a blazing white fireball above his head for light, as Tizamo lacked gas lighting. Under the fireballs incandescent glow, Lumian unfolded and read the letter: Ive completed my astromancy and received a revelation about the rest of the Abscessed Hands body. The remaining body is divided into three parts. One part is highly suspected to be located in the Underworld, and the other two parts have hints closely related to Lenburgs capital, Azshara, but theyre not actually there. This reminds me of the City of Exiles, Morora, which seals 0-01. It has a similar situation, inside Lenburg, yet not truly being in Lenburg. My interpretation is that the two missing body parts of the Abscessed Hand are hidden away in the City of Exiles, Morora. Dont you find it too coincidental? No, its not a coincidence at all. My astromancy results show that nearly three months ago, one of the two body parts was still located in the tombs of the Paz Kingdom in the Southern Continent, and the other part was related to some folklore in the south-central region. Get my drift? Wh Almost three months ago As a Conspirer, Lumian grasped Madam Magicians implication. Accepting the information about the most terrifying Sealed Artifact 0-01, and masquerading as Ludwigs godfather, was akin to accepting an olive branch offered from the Church of Knowledge. Lumian had promised to pay a certain price for this knowledge It seemed the Church of Knowledge then dispatched high-ranking individuals to gather the two remaining body parts of the Abscessed Hand and hide them away in the City of Exiles, Morora. What does this mean? It is clearly forcing me to journey to Morora, unless I choose to abandon my hopes of advancing to Sequence 4 and achieving the state of demi-godhood. Heh heh, my agreement with the Abscessed Hand stated that until I found its full body, I would never be able to obtain true godhood. This blocks any idea of trying to become a demigod without consuming potions by relying on boons instead Thankfully, Lumian wasnt resistant to the idea of visiting the City of Exiles, Morora, before becoming a demigod. At that moment, he didnt feel stifled or vexed by this necessity. Instead, he felt it would actually save him a lot of trouble. After some thought, he continued reading the rest of the letter: My astromancy results also tell me that once the Abscessed Hands full body is gathered and reunited, something extremely dangerous will happen. Its best to complete this reunion step while youre in the City of Exiles, and use the existence of 0-01 to try to counteract this incoming risk. In other words, you need to find and retrieve the body part located in the Underworld first. Yes, you should have an opportunity to enter the Underworld itself within the next three months. Remember to seize this opportunity when it arises. Dont ask me what opportunity it is exactlyI dont know the specifics either. Opportunity to enter the Underworld within the next three months Lumian repeated this crucial piece of information to himself. Amidst his elation, the words struck Lumian as peculiar. Entering the Underworld and going to hell were two distinct phrases that conveyed the same meaning. In this world, barring a small number of individuals, no one could readily accept the phrase you have a chance to go to hell within three months. It was worth noting that many people would curse at each other, saying, I wish you a swift descent into hell. For the moment, Lumian didnt have time to ponder the opportunity to enter the Underworld. He burned Madam Magicians reply and jotted down his gains for the night and his guesses about the Dream Festival. He planned to send it to the Major Arcana card holder at noon the following day. Although he couldnt shake the feeling that Madam Magicians schedule bore a resemblance to Francas, he wasnt sure if it was convenient to send a letter at that time. Northern Continent, Trier. Winter sunlight poured through the glass, filling the living room with warmth that chased away the chill. Franca lounged in the recliner, basking in the cozy glow with half-lidded eyes. Suddenly, she sensed something and sat upright, pulling her legs in. In the shadowy corner, a human skull made of pure glowing silver emerged. Pale white flames flickered in its vacant sockets. Madame Helas messenger Why is she contacting me? Franca watched, puzzled, as the skulls jaws unhinged, releasing a single page that drifted towards her. She snatched the letter and scanned it quickly. 007 hasnt heard from you in four days. He wants to confirm youre okay. Four days without checking the group A dry chuckle escaped her lips. What does this mean? Early to bed and late to rise keeps the king fit to rule his realm! No more morning courts! In the early morning hours, Franca manned the radio transceiver while Jenna roamed outside, seizing her opportunity to act as a Witch. Tap tap tap! Her first telegram in days. Shurima! Your emperor has returned! Before long, 007s telegram was tapped out by the analyzer- powered mechanical typewriter. Hidden Blade, where have you been? Ahem. Franca cleared her throat. Late nights breed ill health. Have you no loved ones? Dont bring up such sad topics Hidden Blade, have you mastered the assassination arts sundering heart and soul? Protests arose from the other members. At length, 007s message arrived. I have the intel on the last incident. Lets meet to discuss. The higher-ups also approved the item swap for the story you proposed. Franca blinked, startled. How long did that take? Id forgotten all about it After all, understanding that humanoid Sealed Artifacts tale was Lumians curiosity, not hers. 007s resigned telegram: Bureaucracy inertia. Unavoidable for any large, established organization. Tell me about it! Another member, Moon Kings amused agreement clattered out. Whether public or secret, theyre all bound by red tape. After arranging to meet 007 that night with the Moran Avigny intel and initial assassination plan, Franca rose with a stretch. She jotted down the two tasks before performing a ritual to summon Lumians messenger, Penitent Baynfel. Southern Continent, Tizamo Town. Lumian was just about to head to Hisokas house for a nap when his messenger materialized from the shadows, delivering a letter. After taking the note, Lumian noticed Penitent Baynfel didnt immediately depart back to the spirit world as usual. Instead, he lingered, surveying their surroundings with a measured gaze. Chapter 666 - 666 New Information 666 New Information Lumian had rarely seen Penitent Baynfel act so abnormally. He asked with anticipation and curiosity, What have you discovered? Baynfel, clad in a clergymans black robe, his charred body partially tainted by black flames, averted his gaze and replied in a deep voice, The night conceals the flowing sin. With that, the Penitent stepped into the void and vanished from the room. The night conceals the flowing sin Its emphasizing the night because that allows entry into the special dream? What does the flowing sin refer to? Cant you mysterious types speak plainly? Lumian criticized, then opened Francas letter and quickly read it. To be honest, after such a long time, his desire to understand the humanoid Sealed Artifacts past had significantly diminished. After all, he had mainly felt the other partys state was similar to his own, triggering his emotions back then. That was why he had suggested it. Now, those emotions had long settled. Of course, they had only settled, not disappeared. Lumian tore open the letter and jotted down the entire incident, planning to send it to Madam Magician at noon the next day. As for whether the Major Arcana card holder would agree to such an unequal trade, Lumian wasnt too confident. However, he intuitively felt that the Tarot Clubs Major Arcana holders wouldnt simply take possession of important artifacts from the orthodox Churches. Using this opportunity to make a deal was more likely. After leaving the Brieu Motel, Lumian calmly observed Camus, donned in a yellow vest, emerge from a dimly lit street corner. Beside him was Rhea, a member of the local patrol wearing leather armor and carrying a hunting bow. Why two people today? Lumian chuckled and strode towards Hisokas house. Camus took a deep breath to calm his sudden surge of emotions. As he followed Louis Berrys left hand, he replied in a deep voice, There are only a few days left until the 17th. An accident might happen at any moment. We cant act alone anymore. Having consciously gathered various information, the patrol team had already noticed some abnormalities. This made Camus feel that staying in Tizamo was unwise. He was constantly on edge. He felt a growing sense of being a middle-aged man burdened with heavy responsibilities. Raising an eyebrow, Lumian queried, Hey, you figuring out the 17th is a key date was pretty fast. Were not fools, Camus finally couldnt help but reply. Its an obvious issue. Last year, Tizamo was attacked on December 17th, and in previous years At this point, he fell silent. He realized that when around Louis Berry, he constantly switched between his heavy middle-aged state and uncontrollable teenage emotions. Lumian asked with interest, What happened in previous years? Camus fell silent for a few seconds before saying, We obtained the funeral registrations for nearly three decades in Tizamo from the Saint-Sien Cathedral and discovered a peculiar phenomenon. 80% of the annual deaths are recorded within the first three months starting mid-December. This place isnt like many Northern Continent places. Winters are bitterly cold there. Its difficult for the elderly and weak to survive. Even if they do, its summer from late December to late March. This phenomenon is abnormal. Lumian advanced slowly and nodded slightly. Is the mortality rate in Tizamo higher than elsewhere? Significantly higher, but thats mainly due to attacks from the primitive forest tribe. Also, we discovered the tribes attacks concentrated in the three months beginning mid-December. There have been two to three attacks annually, and since the one on December 17th last year, not a single one has occurred. The situation doesnt seem right. Camus was a little worried a major attack would occur in the next few days. Heh heh, its understandable the tribes attacks concentrated in those first three months. Any other abnormalities? Lumian asked casually. Rhea, who had been silently following, responded. The brown-skinned, brown-haired woman, exuding a wild beauty, spoke in a raspy voice, In the first half of this year, many women in town and the plantations experienced symptoms of nausea, soreness, bloatingpregnancy symptoms. They believed theyd been victimized by a ghost and might birth evil fetuses, but they werent actually pregnant. Just illusions. After Padre Cali held Mass and briefly purified them, they received psychological comfort and quickly returned to normal. Weve also noticed similar incidents of perceived possession and attacks by evil spirits in Tizamo over the years, concentrated in that first half. Its not just pregnancy symptoms, Camus added. Lumian halted in his tracks. Dont the townsfolk and the people in the surrounding plantations find it strange that mass hysteria occurs every year? As a member of the local patrol team, Rhea explained simply, Everyone believes its caused by the primitive tribe in the forest. Why? Lumian resumed his nocturnal stroll. Rheas vocal cords seemed damaged, and her voice was always a little hoarse. In the repeated attacks and conflicts, the primitive tribe displayed the ability to control corpses, ghosts, and shadows. Furthermore, some warriors seemed to continue protecting their tribe in their spirit form after their deaths. Death domain Heh, the entire matter seems logical on the surface. No wonder the Tizamons who left town didnt find anything amiss and didnt raise the issue Lumian had seen records of the primitive tribe, but they werent as specific as Rheas description. After inquiring about the recent information the patrol team had gathered, Lumian stopped in front of Hisokas house and turned to glance at Rhea, who was carrying a hunting bow and arrows. Youre from the Southern Continent, but not from Tizamo? Rhea nodded and calmly said, Im from the forest. Im from one of the primitive tribes called Paca. We mainly live near the Paz Valley. The rainforest of the Southern Continent spanned a vast expanse, encompassing numerous territories. From the area near the Paz Valley to the vicinity of Matani, the distance might be even greater than that between Cordu and Trier. Paca meant wind in Dutanese. How did you come to Matani? Lumian asked curiously. Rhea let out a chuckle. I was sold here. She paused for a moment before continuing, Ten years ago, my tribe was attacked by the Loen Kingdoms army. I was captured and sold repeatedly before arriving in the Northern state. Later, I found a chance to escape and fled to Port Pylos. I received help from the Church and found work. Eventually, I was lucky enough to become a Beyonder. The patrol team member calmly recounted her past, not dwelling on any pain or torture from those experiences, nor deliberately avoiding details. No wonder you believe so devoutly in the Eternal Blazing Sun Lumian ascended the stairs to the second floor and said in an even tone, Did you keep using a bow instead of firearms out of habit? Yes. Tribes named for the wind excel at archery. Rheas light- brown face softened. Lumian glanced back at her. Did you ever go back to take a look? Rhea fell silent for a few seconds. Theyre all dead Lumian and Camus retreated their gazes in silence as they climbed the final stairs and entered the second floor of the house. Lumian surveyed the spacious yet rudimentary surroundings, listening to the wild roars from the primitive forest. He sat cross-legged. He had intended to tell Rhea, Its impossible for your entire tribe to be wiped out. Some must have been captured and sold like you. They could still be alive on plantations, in mines, or seedy bars. But he held back. He could tell Rhea had accepted her current life and gained the ability to live better. It seemed inappropriate to encourage her to risk traversing both continents seeking potential remaining clansmen. Just the thought of such an endeavor was daunting. With so few clues and them likely scattered far, it could prove quite dangerous. Even spending a lifetime, one might never complete it. Not everyone with a similar experience would sacrifice a normal life for vengeance or seeking others. Rhea likely realized some clansmen survived, but perhaps those most important to her had perished. She chose to stay in Port Pylos. Everyone makes their own choices. I cant ask the same of others just because of my own obsessions Lumian composed himself and smiled at Camus and Rhea, who were still standing. Would you like to explore the potential venue for the Dream Festival? Where? Rhea blurted out. Camus furrowed his brow. Here? Quickly making a guess, he asked, Do you come here every night to sleep and access the Dream Festivals location? Is it in a special dream? Quite smart Lumian praised Camus inwardly for his quick thinking, but his smile remained unwavering. Care to experience it? Camus and Rhea exchanged glances and agreed, Ill experience it. Rhea, keep an eye on the surroundings. I can set some traps, Lumian offered. He stood up and spent a few minutes setting up warning traps nearby. Afterward, he lit a mosquito repellent candle, placing it in the middle of the spacious second floor. Mosquitoes that hadnt flown away landed on the ground, emitting flames and smoke amidst crackling sounds. Sleep here, Lumian instructed Camus and Rhea as he sat cross-legged again. He had confirmed that sleeping anywhere in Hisokas house at night allowed him to enter the special dream. Sleeping outside or sleeping two hours earlier didnt have the same effect. Perplexed, Camus and Rhea found seats and leaned against different wooden pillars, attempting to enter a deep slumber. After an unknown period of time, Camus suddenly woke up. Before him was the night and the crimson moonlight outside the window. Louis Berry stood behind the flickering mosquito repellent candle, wearing a golden straw hat. The adventurer playfully remarked, Welcome to the Dream Festival. Chapter 667 - 667 Approaching Gentleness 667 Approaching Gentleness Camuss nerves tensed as he propped himself up on his left hand, surveying his surroundings warily. He realized he was still on the second floor of Twanakus house. Rhea, who had been leaning against a wooden pillar, stood up in a daze. Everything around him seemed no different from before he had fallen asleep. Are you joking? Camus asked Louis Berry cautiously. What kind of Dream Festival is this? This feels like a normal awakening after a nap! Lumian turned and pointed out the window. Listen to the forest sounds. Camus and Rhea instinctively listened, realizing that the nearby forest was eerily silent, as if all its inhabitants had fallen asleep in the night. Wh Rheas eyes narrowed. Born and raised in the primitive forest and having lived in Tizamo Town for nearly a year, she knew the forest wouldnt be in such absolute silence. Lumian pointed at the floor beside the mosquito repellent candle. Look here again. Camus and Rhea looked over, realizing that the mosquito corpses that should have been there were gone. Lumian chuckled. Of course, you can also believe that I woke up early, cleaned up the environment, and secretly affected your hearing of distant voices. All of this was just a prank. Camus pondered for a few seconds. Im inclined to believe you, but I need to confirm something. Indeed, Rhea chimed in, carrying a hunting bow and arrows. Lumian looked at them and nodded slightly. He calmly concluded, I can now determine that the reason I remain conscious in this peculiar dream stems from a hidden power within Hisokas house, not any special traits of my own. He had invited Camus and Rhea to slumber in Hisokas house and enter the special dream not merely to share information with the patrol team and gather a few aides. No, it was also an experiment to uncover key details! Over the past few days, Lumian had conducted numerous similar trials, grasping the dreams nuanced patterns like a seasoned explorer mapping uncharted lands. With hands tucked nonchalantly in his pockets, he trailed behind Camus and Rhea, who hurried downstairs. He wanted to witness how they would confirm whether this was indeed a dream. After departing Twanakus house, the two patrol members rushed to the nearest townspersons abode. Upon realizing the livestock had vanished from the ground floor, Rhea swiftly ascended to the second story and attempted to unlock the door with a simple iron-black key. Camus opened his mouth as if to dissuade her, but in the end, remained silent. Observing this, Lumian nodded thoughtfully and muttered to himself, A Beyonder of the Arbiter pathway will subconsciously maintain the current order, unwilling to disrupt its fabric. If such Beyonders also bear official identities, this tendency only intensifies Rhea rapped upon the door and entered the dwelling. She and Camus scoured each room, but the resident family had seemingly evaporated into thin air. Then, the pair made their way to the police station near the Saint-Sien Cathedrals hallowed grounds. The local patrol quarters held five rooms in total. Kolobo, Maslow, and Loban were nowhere to be found, nor were the two officers meant to stand the night watch. I now believe this is a dream, Camus declared to Louis Berry, who leisurely trailed with hands tucked in pockets, a golden straw hat shading his features. Yet Im so utterly awake that it defies the very notion of a dream. Before Lumian could respond, Rheas light-brown face furrowed slightly. When I ran down the street and searched these rooms, it felt a little familiar. Familiar? Lumian asked calmly, his brows unfurrowed. Could there be unexpected gains from this experiment? Rhea pondered for a moment. I think Ive had a similar dream before. In my dream, it was just as dark and quiet. The streets were empty, and I was alone. I ran around, searching Was it a mere fragment or a complete dream? Lumian pressed. Rhea thought for a few seconds. I dont know. I only remember a few such scenes. Do you often dream of this, or only occasionally? Lumian guided her to confirm the details. Rhea replied with certainty, Occasionally. Occasionally Even if the Tizamo residents dont slumber here on a specific date, they can occasionally enter this peculiar dream, yet remain unable to stay awake. Like a normal dream? Perhaps its not true immersion, but rather an unconscious development spiritually spawned from the crimson moon and other environmental elements, allowing them to vaguely interact. Unfortunately, Rhea clearly doesnt recall the moon, weather, and other situational details from those dreams. If I could employ Dream Divination, I could aid her recollection The few Tizamons I queried in Port Pylos made no mention of such dreams. Firstly, dreams so ordinary often slip the mind. Secondly, theyve been away from Tizamo for years As Lumians thoughts raced, he turned to Camus to see if the Interrogator had any queries. Camus pondered for a moment before asking Rhea, What do you think is special about the residents of Tizamo? Very perceptive. Since this dream seems to affect the entire town and surrounding area, its likely these people will display some abnormality in waking life Lumian nodded inwardly. Rhea thought for a moment. Nothing special. Its just that theyre very obedient. At this, Rhea sighed. Theyre extremely polite to others. Gentle personalities, stable emotions, very obedient. Even when angered, they quickly calm down. When trouble arises, they tend to let the authorities handle it instead of fighting amongst themselves or causing public disturbances These were all situations Lumian had heard Camus mention and seen in the corresponding intel. On the surface, nothing seemed amiss. It was a state of being tamed. Rhea added, Their only issue is a lack of enthusiasm. Its not that politeness masks an underlying coldness or hatred. Theyre simply unenthusiastic, as if reluctant to openly display emotion. Upon hearing this, Lumian recalled the Tizamons hed interacted with over the past few days. Apart from some gentlemen and ladies from the Northern Continent, the others were calm, gentle, and disinclined to argue. They always communicated politely. Immediately after, he recalled the Tizamons questioned in Port Pylosfear, worry, ingratiating expressions, vivid emotions. Clearly different from the Tizamo townspeople! Most of their emotions have been drawn away into the dream? Lumian finally pinpointed an abnormality about the Tizamons. Their issue clearly didnt stem solely from attacks by the primitive forest tribe! Upon hearing Lumians guess, Camus couldnt help but hiss. I knew it. The Tizamons feel strange. Too docile. Even livestock occasionally grow agitated, resists Could the reason be Rheas heart skipped a beat as she said solemnly, voice laced with fear, Ive been here nearly a year, and I feel much gentler My most intense emotions havent dissipated. Theyre still in my heart, but most of the time, its as if Im asleep Rhea began analyzing herself. From the looks of it, everyone in Tizamo will gradually be affected by this peculiar dream. After leaving, they can slowly escape its influence. Lumian glanced at Camus. For outsiders like us, whove only been here a few days, theres no issue for now. Perhaps well also become unnaturally gentle if we linger too long. Without waiting for Camuss response, Lumian inquired, When will reinforcements from the patrol team and Admiral Guard arrive? At the mention of this, Camuss expression soured. He gritted his teeth and cursed, Those selfish bastards! Its very likely there wont be much support. The Admiral Guard said they already have a Beyonder team here and an army. Only Captain Reaza expressed backing for the patrol team. Dammit, those dogsh*t! Lumian was taken aback for a moment before bursting into laughter. The newly formed organization under the aboriginal admiral was indeed different from the official Northern Continent organizations. If this were the Eternal Blazing Sun Church or Church of Earth Mother, the official Beyonders would have already devised a plan and dispatched sufficient force to resolve the issue. Theyd be prepared to obliterate Tizamo if anything went awry. The current situation is Admiral Querarill believes that with mea famed adventurer backed by the Church of The Fool, hereIm able to use its power to resolve Tizamos troubles. Is there a need to send more Beyonder subordinates to aid me? Thats true. Beyonders arent commodities. If too many powerful ones perish, not only will Admiral Querarill feel the strain, but he wont be able to effectively rule Matani Recruitment alone cant quickly fill such a gap, and they wont be quick to trust newcomers. Even nurturing the remaining people with the retrieved Beyonder characteristics poses huge problems. Low-Sequence Beyonders are manageable, but Mid-Sequence advancement carries high failure risk. After all, most here havent mastered the acting method Lumian quickly grasped Admiral Querarills mentality. He said to the agitated Camus, Let me show you around this dream realm and provide an introduction. Alright. Camus took a deep breath. He and Rhea followed Lumian through the dark, silent, vacant town. After a long while, Lumian led the two patrol members into the primitive forest. He informed them hed seen Twanakus image in the chaotic zone ahead, seemingly composed of dream fragments. He suspected there was a Desire Apostle mark present. Walking amongst the trees, giants in the night, Camus felt increasingly oppressed. Before he could inquire about Twanakus image details, he suddenly heard a bowstring drawn taut. Pa! An arrow, entwined with lightning, flew from afar. Camus dodged just in time as it grazed past, piercing into a rubber tree behind him amidst crackling lightning and charred bark. Lumian, Camus, and Rhea gazed into the distance, spotting a woman standing on a huge tree branch. The woman wore dark leather armor, holding a hunting bow and arrows. Her brown hair was tied in two strands draped over her shoulders. Her light brown skin and wild, beautiful face couldnt hide the coldness and hatred behind her eyes. Rhea! It was Rhea! Chapter 668 - 668 Dream Person? 668 Dream Person? Rhea gazed at the figure perched on the tree branch, a surreal scene playing out before her like a dream. Correction: This was a dream. The other Rheas frigid expression masked a deep-seated hatred as she drew the bowstring once more, causing the arrow to crackle with silver lightning. As Lumian contemplated teleporting behind Rhea on the tree to probe her control in this eerily realistic dream and question her about her apparent knowledge of the situation, his surroundings quivered and fragmented into disjointed scenes. The scenes overlapped and promptly shattered. Simultaneously, Lumian, Rhea, and Camus opened their eyes. Crimson moonlight spilled through the window, accompanied by the primal roars of wild beasts from the nearby forest. They found themselves still on the second floor of Hisokas house. Camus jolted upright, eyeing the mosquito repellent candle that had burned out, leaving behind a mere stub. Charred mosquito corpses littered the area. Are we awake? Have we returned to reality? Camus questioned, uncertainty clouding his expression. Leaning against a wooden pillar, Lumian chuckled. That should be the case, but I wont claim were 100% out of the dream. Well need to verify through various details in the coming period. The simplest method involved checking Ludwigs whereabouts and state. Although asking Termiboros could provide an accurate answer, there was no guarantee the fellow would answer or respond truthfully. Camus nodded, his gaze shifting to Rhea, who had remained silent since waking up. After a brief pause, he spoke. We seem to have witnessed another version of you at the dreams boundary. Another Rhea, embodying entirely different emotions and states. Rhea stayed silent for a moment before admitting, I saw it too. She appears much like the intense emotions I mentioned earlierthe ones slumbering in my heart. Lumian adjusted his golden straw hat, standing up on his own legs. He spoke thoughtfully, Could that dream absorb the intense emotions in Tizamo and give rise to the corresponding Dream Personan even more extreme and emotional entity? So, the longer one stays in Tizamo, the more subdued they become, Camus concurred with Louis Berrys hypothesis, and Rhea nodded in agreement. Mirror People Dream People How many peculiar entities lingered in the shadows of this world? Lumian massaged his temples and strode towards the stairs leading to the surface. That concludes tonights attempt, he casually declared. Camus and Rhea followed closely, confirming their escape from the dream through the return of livestock and the commotion in the house. They waited until Lumian entered the Brieu Motel before halting, concealing themselves in the shadows diagonally opposite. Lumian pushed open the door to the suite, spotting Ludwig at the dining table, devouring a roasted banana with gusto. In his other hand, he wielded a childs fork, delving into a special salad crafted from the heart of a palm tree. Observing this, Lumian was certain that this wasnt a dream. He cast a glance at Lugano, who was dozing off, and nonchalantly inquired of Ludwig, Do you dream when you sleep? Despite being occupied, Ludwig replied, Yes. Lumian nodded thoughtfully. Have you had any dreams in the past few days? Taking a moment between bites of grilled river fish, Ludwig responded, Yes. What dreams did you have? Lumian removed his golden straw hat, stowing it back into his Travelers Bag. Ludwig replied with a muffled voice, Eat, eat, eat Indeed, I shouldnt expect much Lumian chuckled self-deprecatingly and turned his attention to Lugano. What dreams did you have? Is there something wrong with the dreams here? Lugano contemplated asking but decided to answer truthfully. All kinds of dreams He paused before adding, Perhaps its been too long since I went out alone. Haha, I didnt have a chance to release my pent-up emotions. Occasionally, Id dream of women and such matters, only to realize that something was amiss. Either the target transformed into a monster, or the initially alluring woman was covered in tree warts, wheat, and mushrooms Then, Id wake up in shock. As an Intisian, he had no reservations discussing such topics. According to the psychology taught by Anthony, your pent-up desires and fear of the dangers in Tizamo are a mix of unresolved factors Lumian commented inwardly and smiled. You can explore the Giant Boa bar alone, find a local lady, or mingle with the ladies and maids in the plantation outside. As long as you ensure food for Ludwig, hell manage on his own. Initially, Luganos heart raced, but the potential dangers outside soon came to mind. Lumian headed towards the master bedroom, leaving a parting sentence with a smile. Of course, I cant guarantee those ladies wont turn into monsters or undergo anomalies after your little adventure. Lugano couldnt help but shudder at the imagined scenario. He glanced at Ludwig, finding comfort in staying by the boys side. Until all the stored food was consumed, he considered himself safe! In the shadows diagonally opposite the Brieu Motel, Rhea observed in silence for a while before suddenly speaking up. Since there wont be any new reinforcements from the Admiral Guard, and only Deputy Captain Reaza will come from the patrol team, why didnt you leave Tizamo directly? Why did you stay here and attempt to resolve the Dream Festival problem? As long as he escaped Matani, the Admiral Guard and patrol team wouldnt have the resources to track and punish them. At most, they could issue a wanted poster, but they wouldnt be able to pay a high bounty. Camus scratched his disheveled brown hair, smiling wryly. As you know, my previous Sequence was a Public Security Officer. It tied seamlessly with the patrol teams usual work, making me yearn to maintain order in Matani and safeguard the lives of the people here. The potion not only brings strength but also affects you in many ways. He exhaled and continued, Besides, Captain Reaza is about to arrive. I have to help him. I have to repay what I owe him. Camus didnt disclose another reason: his confidence in the adventurer Louis Berry and the Church of The Fool behind him. He believed that with Louis Berry present, the situation would be threatening but not perilous. Rhea didnt press further, continuing to gaze diagonally at the Brieu Motel. Camus glanced at her. What about you? Why dont you leave Tizamo with Loban and the others now? The three of you can form a team. Some local admirals will be willing to take you in. Rheas eyes remained fixed on Louis Berrys suite as she stayed silent. After a prolonged silence, just as Camus thought she wouldnt answer, Rhea suddenly spoke. When I was in the most pain and despair, it was the Church who helped me. After that, it was the patrol team who gave me a new beginning and a new life. Recalling the cold Rheas face filled with hatred in the dream, Camus sighed sincerely and said, It hasnt been easy for you. The moment he finished speaking, Rhea sneered. Youre the most contradictory person Ive ever encountered. In the past, Ive often heard you talk about which states and islands the Feynapotter Kingdom should invade, which mines and valleys they should seize, and how they should establish more colonies in the Southern Continent. But now, youre showing pity towards me. I can sense your sincerity. You genuinely feel pain for me, but thats why I cant help but want to say something. Camus found himself at a loss for words. Indeed, it was a contradiction. He also realized that Rheas emotions had become even more turbulent after encountering herself in the dream. She seemed more willing to open up. Could this be the result of encountering extreme emotions? Or perhaps those who hadnt spent more than a year in Tizamo might resist the dreams influence to some extent if they grasped the truth of obedience? Camus quickly thought of the plantations outside the town and individuals like Sir Petit, Miss Amandina, Monsieur Robert, and the others. These gentlemen and ladies werent easily subdued. The special dream had evidently encompassed both the out- of-town plantation and the garrison barracks. Camus figured out the reason: These gentlemen and ladies spent at least half their time in Port Pylos each year. This also explained why he was familiar with them. At noon the next day, shortly after Lumian dispatched the letter, he received a prompt reply from Madam Magician: Did the Eternal Blazing Sun Church present this price, or was it your offer? Can a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact be exchanged for such trifles? If I didnt know the kind of person you are, I would suspect that you concealed more than half of the offer from the Eternal Blazing Sun Church. In addition to the information related to this Grade 1 Sealed Artifact, ensure the Eternal Blazing Sun Church provides an additional 50,000 pounds worth of gold at the highest exchange rate in the past three months. Dont worry, gold is the last thing they need. Gold worth 50,000 pounds Thats approximately 1.2 million verl dor worth of gold. Why would Madam Magician require such a substantial amount of gold? Recalling the importance of gold in mysticism, the Armored Shadows need to reconstruct its golden body, and the widespread use of gold in Death-related domains, he swiftly arrived at a realization. A subtle detail caught his attention. Madam Magician used the Loen Kingdoms gold pound to express the value of gold. Does this imply her recent activity in the Loen Kingdom? Lumian nodded thoughtfully, considering whether to summon Jennas messenger, Rabbit Chasel, to convey Madam Magicians request, or to return to Trier personally for discussions on the Dream Festival with Franca, Jenna, and Anthony. Chapter 669 - Chapter 669: Connivance Chapter 669: Connivance Translator: CKtalon Recalling Francas meeting with 007 tonight to discuss dealing with Moran Avigny, Lumian decided to summon Jennas messenger, Rabbit Chasel, as he had to return to Trier tomorrow to discuss the division of labor and specific details. After jotting down Madam Magicians request and folding it, Lumian set up a ritual, allowing the special Rabbit of Knowledge to emerge from the candles flames. The first thing Lumian noticed was the miniature half top hat snugly perched between the rabbits ears. Next, he saw gold-rimmed glasses and a black trench coat that matched the vaguely rabbit-shaped creatures size. Finally, an iron-black revolver lay in the rabbits palm. The revolver gleamed with a metallic luster, its barrel unusually thick, and its cylinder unnaturally large and textured. It stood in stark contrast to the illusory appearance of the top hat, trench coat, and gold-rimmed glasses. Upon seeing Rabbit Chasel, Lumian raised his eyebrows. Is this a real gun? Hidden behind the gold-rimmed glasses, Rabbit Chasels eyes sharpened. Yes. Did Jenna customize it for you? Lumian inquired. Rabbit Chasel replied succinctly, Its payment. Quite a cold demeanor Miss Celia Bello, have you considered the consequences of what youve done? You havent! Because 1 dont know the consequences either unless 1 consult Madam Magician Lumian criticized inwardly before handing the folded letter to Rabbit Chasel. Seeing the human-like, rabbit-shaped creature preparing to turn and walk into the candle flame, Lumian, the Prankster King of Cordu, asked with interest, Can you shoot? Rabbit Chasel fell silent for a moment, as if embarrassed. Not yet. Oh, youre not as cold as Gehrman Sparrow anymore Lumian chuckled and said, Jenna and I are friends. Ill help her pay the postage fee this time. Do you want to learn shooting? It involves knowledge and guidance. Rabbit Chasel, taller than an ordinary rabbit, replied without hesitation, Sure thing. Lumians smile broadened. After finding a secluded spot at the edge of the primitive forest and earnestly teaching Rabbit Chasel how to shoot for a considerable time, Lumian strolled back to Tizamo with his hands in his pockets, planning to visit the only cafe for afternoon tea. The cafe bore the name Bunia after its owner, a man named Bunia. He was under the age of 30. Having once served as a waiter and apprentice at a cafe in Port Pylos, Bunia, recalling the lack of a proper cafe in Tizamo Town, transformed the ground floor of his house into a semi-open cafe. Lumian, weaving through the tables and chairs on the street, arrived at the kitchen counter, offering a smile to the proprietor and waiter, Bunia. Do you have Fermo coffee? Bunias brown skin, not too dark, and his features resembling those of mixed blood, showcased his Tizamon heritage. The man in his late twenties responded with an honest smile in fluent Intisian. Monsieur, theres no Fermo coffee. Lumian, intending to playfully inquire, casually switched to a cup of Corsa coffee from Matani. Sipping the bitter and sweet liquid at a table, he noticed Camus, adorned in a vest, and Rhea, clad in leather armor, entering the cafe. Each ordered an Intis coffee and a corn nutcake imbued with Tizamo flair. Upon spotting Rhea, the single Bunia became even more bashful and busier, avoiding eye contact. As Camus and Rhea, equipped with their coffee and corn nutcakes, sought a spot, Lumian raised his arm in greeting. As Camus and Rhea reluctantly settled into their seats across from him, Lumian inquired with a smile, Why do you look so tired? Glancing at the energetic adventurer, Camus took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. We just finished work. We can finally rest. Yesterday, he had monitored the Brieu Motel late into the night! All I want now is a good nights sleep. After exploring the dream together last night, Rhea wasnt as reticent as before when facing Lumian. Then why are you still drinking coffee? Lumian replied with amusement. It was evident that Rhea and Camus lacked the energy of a Sleepless. I want to endure until dinner before sleeping, Camus said with a sigh. Rhea shook her head. Coffee is useless to me. After a brief chat, Rhea finished her corn nutcake and coffee, then headed back to the nearby police headquarters to rest. Camus continued to recline in the armchair, occasionally taking a sip of coffee. Has Reaza arrived? Lumian inquired with a smile. Camus fell silent for a moment. Hes here. Tonight, one of the twoMaslow and Lobanwill be following you with him. As for Kolobo, there was no need for him to be on duty. If he didnt even dare to look, how could he do any monitoring? While they conversed, Lumian noticed Miss Amandina from Palm Manor leading a short unicorn outside the Bunia cafe, exuding high spirits. The blue-eyed girl was clad in off-white hunting attire today, her black hair fashioned into a half-height bun. After entrusting the whip and reins to the brown-skinned valet, she strolled to the kitchen counter with her ladys maid, who also bore an Intisian appearance. Along the way, she cheerfully greeted the patrons in the cafe and exchanged pleasantries with the locals sipping on inexpensive coffee. Observing Camuss gaze fixed on the girl, Lumian teased, Do you wish to engage in a duel with her fiance? No, Im not that kind of person, Camus replied with a serious expression. I admit that shes indeed very attractive to me, but shes already engaged to Monsieur Robert. This is a sign that shes starting a family. I cant allow myself to destroy someone elses family. You Feynapotterians Lumian didnt mock him but sighed with emotion. Such values appealed to Feynapotter. Of course, not every Feynapotterian possessed such values. Seeing Lumians lack of response, Camus said seriously, Dont have any ideas about her. Lumian regarded the young man surnamed Castiya with amusement, awaiting further explanation. Camus furrowed his brow slightly. I know you Intisians wont back down just because the other party has a fiance or a husband. You might find it even more exciting, but you always pursue momentary pleasure. Very few are willing to take responsibility. You always satisfy yourself. When youre happy, you turn around and leave, leaving a lady to face everything thats been destroyed. Not every Intisian is like this, Lumian shook his head with a smile. But most Trieriens are like that However, neither party is innocent in such matters he added inwardly. The energetic and playful Amandina led the ladys maid past Camus and Lumians table. First, she greeted Camus, then sized up Lumian and said candidly, Im Amandina. What about you? Louis Berry, Lumian replied with a smile. Amandina nodded and suddenly laughed. You must have just arrived from Trier. Youre different from the people here. No, Im from a village in the south, Lumian switched to Intisian with a Dariege accent. Amandina wasnt disappointed. She happily inquired about the folklore of the southern provinces of the Intis Republic before leading the ladys maid to a table in the corner. Camus watched as the two of them conversed. He opened his mouth but closed it again. Trier, Quartier de la Cathedrale Commemorative. Jenna was curled up on the sofa, engrossed in the novels she had just bought, all with elements of Witches. Suddenly, Rabbit Chasel appeared in front of her and handed her a letter. Observing the bizarre yet adorable rabbit-shaped creature, Jenna opened the letter and scanned its contents before asking earnestly, Do you wish to select your payment, or shall I choose a random book for you? Lumian Lee has already settled the payment on your behalf, Rabbit Chasel said in a deep yet sincere voice. Witch Jenna suddenly felt a sense of foreboding. What has he paid? He imparted shooting-related knowledge to me and guided me through the initial stage of my practice, Rabbit Chasel raised the special revolver in his hand, briefly aimed it at the door behind Jenna, and then swiftly lowered it. W& Monsieur Lumian Lee, have you considered the consequences of what youve done?]enna chided, feeling a mix of irritation and amusement. However, the deed was done, and she was powerless to reverse it. As these thoughts raced through her mind, Jennas lips curved into a sweet smile. The next payment will be for a genuine underarm holster. And after that, custom-made bullets with special effects. How does that sound? Behind his glass glasses, Rabbit Chasels eyes sparkled. Alright! In Tizamo Town, night had already fallen, and darkness shrouded the area. Lumian stood in Hisokas house, glancing at the stern vice-captain of the Port Pylos patrol team, Reaza, and the local patrol team leader, Maslow, whose face was adorned with white paint. As though instructing Lugano, he said, Watch out for any accidents. This time, he spoke in Dutanese. Alright. It wasnt the first time Maslow had accompanied Louis Berry, the great adventurer, and he was already accustomed to his style. Dressed in a sleek formal suit, Reaza remained silent, signaling that there was no issue. Lumian retrieved the brown Mystery Prying Glasses from his Travelers Bag. Tonight, his first task was to use this magical item to observe Hisokas house from various angles, hoping to unveil the source of its abnormality. After confirming his condition and preparations, Lumian placed the brown gold-rimmed glasses on the bridge of his nose. A familiar wave of dizziness washed over Lumian, as if his surroundings had been disrupted and reassembled. He witnessed poisonous insects crawling in the sky, two walls that seemed to dance in circles, and an underground water puddle deep in the soil that appeared to absorb all light.. Chapter 670 - Chapter 670: Sudden Arrival Chapter 670: Sudden Arrival Translator: CKtalon Amidst the dizzying sensation that threatened to separate his spirit from his body, Lumian saw trees that seemed to slumber in the darkness and a pitch-black boulder Finally, he removed the brown glasses from his nose and arched his back slightly to alleviate the discomfort. Even an Ascetic wouldnt be able to use the Mystery Prying Glasses for long. Of course, this ensured his safety to a certain degree. Through this prying, Lumian confirmed two things. First, the area beneath Hisokas house was indeed unusual, but it seemed more like an illusory symbol than an actual entity. It indicated that this place had once been corrupted or influenced, with the most severe occurrence taking place underground. Second, this influence was connected to the black boulder deep within the primitive forest. How did it go? Maslow, his face painted white, asked. Lumian stored the Mystery Prying Glasses back into his Travelers Bag and smiled. The abnormality I saw here originates from a black boulder deep in the primitive forest. Have you ever seen or heard of that black boulder? The pale-white Reaza and Maslow, his black hair falling over his shoulders, shook their heads in unison, indicating a negative answer. Lumian wasnt in a rush to do the second thing he had planned for the night. He glanced at Reaza, who was wearing a thin formal suit and appeared to be a mix of Intisian and West Balam heritage. He casually said, I thought that with your arrival, some people in Tizamo would gradually leave and stay in Port Pylos for a while. As you know, the Dream Festival should start within three days. Reaza calmly replied, Based on my experience, except for those who have only arrived in Tizamo in the past two weeks, its best not to leave this place and go elsewhere to prevent any abnormalities from spreading. It should only be considered after the Dream Festival ends and the primitive tribe launches another attack. Very standardized process I thought you would consider the opinions of Intis, Feynapotter, and other Northern Continent countries, allowing people with corresponding nationalities to evacuate in advance and protect them. For example, the owners of the plantations outside the city and their families Yes, this is likely because the Dream Festival has never shown direct harm. It only caused some townsfolk to suffer from hysteria and attracted an attack from the forests primitive tribe. The first situation could be resolved by a simple Mass. The second problem could be guarded against and fended off Lumian roughly understood the mentality of Admiral Querarill and the patrol teams leaders. Since there wouldnt be any major issues, they would act as if the Dream Festival didnt exist, merely advising the local official Beyonders to be vigilant and guard against any mishaps while hoping that the Church of The Fool could resolve the hidden dangers! If they were to do more, they might trigger something and worsen the situation. After discussing the matter, Lumian recovered from the discomfort caused by the Mystery Prying Glasses. He took out the unique Eye of Truth and placed it in front of his face. The relatively handsome Southern Continent natives eyelids twitched at the sight of the pale-white flesh, dark blood vessel-like earmuff and spectacle temple, as well as the blood-colored lens intertwined with transparent purple tubes. How many glasses does Louis Berry own? Moreover, each one is a mystical item! After donning the single-lens Eye of Truth, Lumian surveyed his surroundings, seeking to uncover the truth behind reality. As he did so, a voice gradually sounded in his ears, growing louder and more chaotic. Each note and word seemed to materialize, flooding into Lumians mind. It made him feel as if his head was rapidly expanding like a balloon. If the balloon continued to expand, there would only be one outcome: bursting with a resounding bang! Lumian reached for his ear, ready to remove the Eye of Truth at any moment. He seized the opportunity to scrutinize Hisokas house. He believed that it was safer to take the risk of prying into the houses secrets before the Dream Festival, while not inside the special dream. It was safer than using the Eye of Truth and Mystery Prying Glasses within the dream itself. Through the purple lens, Lumian couldnt discern much of the truth. Everything appeared similar to what he could see with his naked eye, but the night seemed even darker. Without hesitation, his eye bulged, and blood vessels appeared on his body. He abruptly removed the Eye of Truth, and a slightly sharp explosion reverberated in his ears. Phew, phew Panting heavily, Lumians mind was in disarray, overwhelmed by a barrage of strange knowledge. He couldnt think straight. At that moment, even if someone were to ambush him, he wouldnt be able to react quickly. After more than ten seconds, Lumian finally regained his ability to think clearly. He instinctively organized the knowledge that had been forcefully injected into his mind. The art of sophistry How to cultivate superior wheat seeds Canning techniques How to roast pork thats crispy on the outside and tender on the inside Music to soothe a sows emotions The Revelation of Evernight Favorite Positions of CelebritiesMemoirs of Those Mistresses Whats all this nonsense? Cant there be any useful knowledge? In the past, although Aurore had been tormented by the Hidden Sages instillation of knowledge, she had at least stumbled upon valuable mysticism insights. Wait, had she also been corrupted by such knowledge? Is that why she always portrays a rich theoretical understanding in her books Lumian rubbed his still throbbing head and said to Reaza and Maslow, Im going to the edge of the forest to take a look. Do you want to come with me? Reaza nodded, stingy with his words, while Maslow made his stance clear by walking towards the stairs. If Camus were here, he would undoubtedly smile wryly and say, Do I have a choice? Lumian mused to himself. He left Hisokas house and made his way towards the primitive forest near Tizamo Town. After crossing the intersection and arriving at another street, Lumian noticed a four-wheeled, four-seater carriage parked at the entrance of the Brieu Motel. An attendant and a ladys maid stepped out of the carriage, carrying their luggage, and followed a man and a woman towards the motel. The man was attired in a dark-gray formal suit and a half top hat. His complexion resembled that of someone from the Northern Continent, and his side profile was well-defined, with striking dark green eyes. The woman wore a light-colored dress that allowed for ease of movement and a feathered hat adorned with pearls. She appeared to be in her late twenties, and her skin was delicate and radiant. One would easily determine that she was a beauty just from glimpsing her side profile. Lumian averted his gaze and turned to Reaza and Maslow. Is it the weekend? No, Maslow replied, understanding the implication behind Louis Berrys question. Gentlemen and ladies often find time to hunt in Tizamo, not just on weekends. Lumian turned to Reaza and inquired, You didnt seal off this area? That would only cause unnecessary panic, Reaza responded succinctly. Lumian didnt press the matter further. He walked out of the town through the Brieu Motel and ventured into the primitive forest. He delved deeper along the path he had become familiar with from the dream. Finally, he arrived at the chaotic zone in reality, where various dream fragments intertwined. It was an unremarkable place, indistinguishable from its surroundings. Lumian found a palm tree and sat down. He turned to Reaza and Maslow and said, Keep an eye on my surroundings. Im going to sleep here. He wanted to see what would happen if he fell asleep closer to the source of the abnormality, if he could enter that peculiar dream, and in what state. Receiving affirmative responses from the two patrol team members, Lumian closed his eyes and attempted Cogitation. At some point, he drifted off to sleep. After an unknown period, he awoke. Catching sight of Reaza and Maslow, Lumian rose to his feet and nodded thoughtfully. This place doesnt work either Is Hisokas house the only effective location? Or should I find that black boulder and sleep near it? Lumian gazed into the pitch-black forest, contemplating for a few moments before turning to Reaza and Maslow. Lets head back. The trio swiftly returned to Tizamo. The late night had settled in, and the streets were devoid of any passersby. No lights or sounds emanated from the houses on either side. Occasionally, the snorts of livestock on the ground floor of the buildings could be heard, accentuating the pervading darkness and silence. The dim crimson moons light seemed to emphasize the depths of the darkness. On this dark night, Lumian walked along a muddy road, heading towards the Brieu Motel situated deep within the street. Reaza and Maslow followed quietly behind him. Suddenly, Lumians mind spun, and his vision momentarily blurred before clearing. This is His pupils dilated as he instinctively scanned his surroundings but found nothing amiss. At that moment, in a vacant house on the ground floor diagonally ahead, a dim candlelight illuminated a room on the third floor. Immediately after, glass windows on this street and throughout Tizamo Town were set aglow by the light of burning candles. Rhea awoke to find that darkness had already descended, but the candles in many houses continued to burn. This indicated that it wasnt too late. Feeling lazy, Rhea had no desire to prepare her own food. Carrying her bow and arrows, she left the room and exited the police headquarters from the side, making her way towards the nearby Bunia cafe. The streets were nearly deserted, as they were every night. Rhea glanced at the tables and chairs still scattered along the street and approached the kitchen counter. In Dutanese, she said to the busy cafe owner and waiter, Bunia, who had his head lowered, A glass of Cosa and a beef burrito. Bunia paused in the midst of washing cups and looked up. His naturally curly black hair gave him a mixed-blood appearance. He looked at Rhea and revealed an obvious, strange smile that made Rhea inexplicably uneasy. Rhea knew Bunia well and was aware that he was a shy, kind, and adult man who wasnt particularly adept at communicating with women. He had never smiled like this before. Bunia fixed his gaze on Rhea and chuckled in a deep voice. Youve got big boobs.. Chapter 671 - Chapter 671: Beginning Chapter 671: Beginning Translator: CKtalon Upon hearing Bunias words, Rhea was so surprised that she forgot her anger. It wasnt the first time she had encountered such a situation. She was shocked that a man who had left a good impression on her would show such an expression and say such words. And this was when they werent even friends! At that moment, Rhea wondered if she was still half-asleep. She also questioned whether Bunia had suffered a mental illness or succumbed to hysteria as the Dream Festival drew near. Amidst Rheas bewilderment, Bunias smile intensified. He extended his hands across the kitchen counter and attempted to grab Rheas chest. Instinctively, Rhea leaned back, attempting to dodge. After failing to touch her, Bunia retracted his hands, propped himself up on the kitchen counter, and leaped up. Amidst the clinking of coffee cups and glass jars, he lunged at Rhea, who was leaning back. This reaction, this choice, and this display of power caught Rhea off guard. She didnt have time to remove the bow and arrow from her back. Her waist bent backward, and her right foot kicked up like the other end of a seesaw, sending the transformed Bunia cafe owner flying. Simultaneously, a thought flashed through Rheas mind. Has he truly lost his mind? Crash. Bunia crashed to the side of the kitchen counter. Rhea exerted strength in her back and stood up straight again. Then, she took off her hunting bow, nocked an arrow, and aimed at Bunia, who had just stood up. A look of fear crossed Bunias face. He froze for a moment before pleading, Dontdont kill me! I suddenly lost control just now! Looking at Bunias pleading and fearful face, Rhea found him both familiar and unfamiliar. The arrow on the bowstring was drawn back, but she didnt release it. Entering the streets of Tizamo Town from the primitive forest, Lumian observed the illuminated houses on both sides and scoffed. Is this supposed to be terrifying and bizarre? This wasnt the first time he had encountered such a scene. In Fourth Epoch Trier, he had witnessed a similar occurrence. Not only had the dark town regained its lights, but the entire Fourth Epoch Trier had transitioned from silence to noisiness, returning to life. Faced with this abnormality, Lumian was undoubtedly surprised and highly vigilant. However, he wasnt overwhelmed by intense emotions. On the surface, he observed his surroundings leisurely. He realized that Reaza and Maslow had vanished. The two patrol team members who should have been following him were gone. Since it can silently make two Beyonders disappear right under my nose, it can definitely make me vanish just like that In other words, 1 must have been affected. Theres a high chance that the trance was an external manifestation From a mysticism perspective, the town, which had already fallen into a deep slumber, relighting without any significant turn of events, signifies that Im in another scene, one that is originally related but different Could it be that Ive been forced into a dream? Has the Dream Festival officially begun? 1 didnt sleep in Hisokas house. Why am 1 still awake? Combined with the ongoing investigation, Lumian quickly deduced the current situation. At that moment, he spotted a figure emerging from a glass window diagonally ahead, surrounded by wooden planks and weeds. It was a local man in his early forties, with dark brown skin, brown eyes, black hair, and thick lips. Lumian had seen him before. He was a hunting guide, responsible for leading gentlemen and ladies from Port Pylos and other places into the forest for hunting. Lumians impression of him was that he always wore a fawning smile. No matter what others said, he would respond with a string of affirmatives. He never showed anger, even when punished by the gentlemen and ladies he guided. Upon seeing Lumian, the hunting guides lips curled into a cruel smile. He pushed open the window and raised his other hand, revealing a double-barreled shotgun. Die, you Northern Continent dog! As the hunting guide cursed, he aimed his double-barreled shotgun at Lumian and pulled the trigger without hesitation. Hang! A massive amount of lead spread out in a cone, enveloping the corresponding area. As the hunting guide took aim, Lumian sidestepped and rolled to the other side of the street. What greeted his eyes were the previously quiet cows, sheep, and horses. At that moment, the eyes of these animals seemed to turn bloodshot. Supporting himself with one hand, Lumian leaped up. Amidst the high-pitched mooing and the hunting guides aim, he leaped to the middle of the stairs leading to the second floor. Ah! A scream suddenly pierced the air, then stopped abruptly. The door on the second floor swung open, and Lumian was confronted by a young man drenched in bright red blood. He held a massive axe dripping with the crimson liquid, and behind him lay the mangled corpse of an old man in his fifties, the wound carved deep into his chest. Lumian, who had been wandering Tizamo Town for days, was no stranger to these two individuals. Lying on the ground, his eyes wide open, was the leathersmith of Tizamo Town. He would purchase the hides of wild beasts brought back by gentlemen, ladies, and town hunters who didnt want to handle them themselves, processing them and selling the finished products. The axe-wielding figure was his eldest son, who had studied nitrification, tanning, and other leather production techniques from him. He was known as an obedient young man, and his father wasnt an old-fashioned leathersmith who resorted to physical or verbal violence. This was a characteristic of the people of Tizamo. They were docile, calm, and devoid of intense emotions. And now, it appeared that the leathersmiths eldest son had just cleaved his father to death. Upon seeing Lumian, the lads eyes overflowed with a bloodthirsty smile. With a shout, he swung his axe at Lumian. On the other side, the hunting guide began reloading his double-barreled shotgun with new lead rounds. Lumians body suddenly turned ethereal, merging with his shadow and vanishing into the darkness beside the steps. Shadow Transformation! After using this ability to sneak towards the police headquarters for a few seconds, Lumian suddenly heard someone pleading for mercy in fear. He left the shadows and transformed back into a human. He saw Rhea aiming an arrow at the cafe owner, Bunia, but she didnt release it. At that moment, a colossal anaconda, as thick as a barrel, emerged from the multi-layered hay at the top of the opposite house, hanging upside down. It widened its cold eyes and foul-smelling mouth, the patterns on its scales seeming to expand and writhe. This time, Lumian didnt dodge. Facing the colossal boa attempting to devour him, his eyes darkened as he swung his fist upward. In an instant, blazing white flames ignited from his fist, enveloping his entire forearm. Bang! Lumians fist smashed into the colossal boas gaping maw, tearing through the blood-colored flesh and delivering a devastating uppercut to its upper jaw. Before it could devour its human prey, the colossal boas cold eyes lost their luster. Its massive body plummeted due to inertia, but Lumian easily sidestepped the falling serpent and retracted his fist. Clang! The colossal boa crashed to the ground, its slippery scaled body engulfed in blazing white flames. Weakness Investigation! Lumian approached Rhea, noticing that the patrol team member was also regarding him with a vigilant and puzzled expression. He didnt attack immediately. She Lumians heart stirred as a smile played across his lips. Looks like youre still lucid. Wary of Bunia, Rhea observed Louis Berry for a moment, hesitating before speaking. Lucid, you say? Yes. Lumian pointed at Bunia, who was glaring at him with undisguised hatred. Did he attempt to attack you or even rape you? Yes. Rhea didnt ask how he knew. Instead, she inquired, Whats going on? Lumian chuckled in response, stating, Perhaps weve entered the dream once more, but this time, were not alone. He made a preliminary judgment based on Rheas apparent lucidity. Perhaps the reason for maintaining his own clarity of mind was falling asleep in Hisokas house and entering the special dream recently! He needed to find Camus for further confirmation. Upon hearing Louis Berrys response, a term suddenly flashed through Rheas mind. Before she could voice her thoughts, the sound of three chimes suddenly rang out. The bells resonant tones reverberated through the streets of Tizamo, as if summoning the towns inhabitants. Rhea listened intently, her expression shifting slightly. Its the cathedrals bell! Cathedral, the Saint-Sien Cathedral? Lumians thoughts immediately turned to the unsettling Padre Cali. He glanced at Rhea. Lets go and investigate. Alright, Rhea replied without hesitation. She lowered her bow, no longer aiming the arrow at the cafe owner, Bunia, and followed Lumian towards the Saint-Sien Cathedral, which was separated from their current location only by the police headquarters. Bunias expression fluctuated between longing and hatred, but he didnt dare to pursue them, held back by fear. Lumian and Rhea sprinted at a breakneck pace. In mere seconds, they traversed the distance past the police headquarters and arrived at the small square in front of the cathedral. Padre Cali was already standing at the cathedrals entrance. However, he was no longer clad in the Eternal Blazing Sun Church clergymans robe with its white and golden threads. Instead, he had donned a dark and intricately designed robe. The padre, with his dark-brown skin, sunken eyes, and stiff facial features, gazed out at the empty square before his eyes settled on the newly arrived Lumian and Rhea. He held the Bible aloft and shouted with a frenzied expression, 1 hereby declare the official commencement of the Dream Festival! During the Dream Festival, there are no taboos or restrictions. You are free to do as you wish, including harming and killing. Revel in it and unleash all your emotions and desires, everyone! Chapter 672 - Chapter 672: Greater Trouble Chapter 672: Greater Trouble Translator: CKtalon Upon hearing Padre Calis shout, Rhea raised her hunting bow and aimed an arrow wrapped in silver lightning at the clergyman in the complicated black robe. Unlike when she had faced the cafe owner, Bunia, the anger in her eyes was even more pronounced now, and there was no hesitation. The padre was blaspheming and apostatizing! At that moment, a slender and powerful palm appeared in front of Rheas hunting bow, blocking the arrow. You Rhea turned to Louis Berry, puzzled as to why he had stopped her. Lumian replied calmly, Lets wait and see. As the two of them conversed, Padre Cali revealed a wanton and flamboyant smile. He turned around and walked back to the cathedral with the Bible in his arms. The golden dome at the cathedrals top and the statues and decorations on the outer walls dimmed under the crimson moonlight. After Padre Calis figure disappeared through the cathedrals open door, Rhea looked at Lumian with a dark expression. Why? Lumian chuckled in response. After realizing that this place is suspected to be a dream, Ive been pondering a question. As he spoke, screams and piercing cries reverberated through Tizamo and the surrounding plantations, echoing through the dark night sky. What question? Rhea pressed. Without giving a direct response, Lumian said, Its almost certain that were participating in the Dream Festival. Under such circumstances, if you succeed in attacking Padre Cali, what will happen when the Dream Festival concludes and everyone wakes up? Without waiting for Rheas response, Lumian smiled again. If you shoot him in the arm, hell wake up feeling phantom pain in the corresponding location, as if hes suffering from arthritis and his muscles are tearing. H If you strike his head with a hammer and knock him out, theres a high chance that hell have a headache, dizziness, and nervous twitches when he returns to reality. If you rape and impregnate him, hell likely feel nauseous, reflux, and bloated, feeling like he might have a fetus in his stomach when he wakes up. If you tie him up, continuously electrocute him, and incinerate him with fire, will he feel those sensations in the real world, as if possessed by wraiths or shadows. He may always feel restrained, paralyzed, or in pain. Rhea listened calmly, not bothering to question why Padre Cali could get pregnant. The more she listened, the more alarmed she became. This was because Louis Berrys description matched the various manifestations of mass hysteria in Tizamo that the patrol team had gathered. Lumian turned to Rhea and asked with a smile, If you had killed Padre Cali with an arrow, what would happen when the dream recedes? Hell die immediately? No Rhea denied it. Tizamo had no incidents of multiple people suddenly dying in their dreams after a night. Rhea immediately thought of an abnormality. Between mid-December and mid-March, 80% of the annual deaths in Tizamo occurred, significantly surpassing those in Port Pylos and the surrounding towns. She changed her words. They will gradually die in an irreversible manner within the next three months? With a nod, Lumian replied, 1 even suspect that the primitive tribe in the forest launched several attacks in those three months mainly to eliminate those who had died in their dreams, allowing them to die reasonably in reality without revealing anything abnormal. From December of last year to this year, they only completed one attack. The reason should be that the attack was very successful. Those who should die are dead, and some who dont deserve to die are also dead. Theres no need for them to take the risk and they also lost the motivation to come to Tizamo again. Rhea listened attentively and pondered for a few seconds. The Dream Festival originates from that tribe? Its possible. Its more likely that they guard or worship the source and act according to its revelations, Lumian replied simply. Rhea nodded slightly. No wonder you stopped me from shooting Padre Cali. Everyone in Tizamo is likely a victim. Thats why I didnt counterattack the two assailants and only killed the colossal boa with a single punch, Lumian thought. When awoken from the dream, will the colossal boa crawl in front of me and die? If thats the case, I can add more food to Ludwigs plate Lumian surveyed the empty square slumbering in the night. Lets find Camus now and see if hes still lucid. In Tizamo, on the third floor of the police headquarters, five rooms and one washroom belonged to the patrol team. One room was used for day-to-day work, while another was used for storing documents and items. The remaining three apartments belonged to the local patrol team members, one for each person. With the arrival of Camus and Kolobo, Maslow had temporarily moved to Lobans to vacate a room for his colleagues from Port Pylos. Clang! Clang! Clang! Amidst the reverberations of the bell, Camus jolted awake. He glanced out the window into the deep night, illuminated by a faint crimson moonlight. Momentarily disoriented, he wondered about the hour. Just as Camus reached for his pocket watch, intending to check the time, he noticed Kolobos absence from the makeshift bed. A sense of unease washed over him, urging him into action. With silent determination, he rose from his bed under the eerie crimson moonlight, securing his pocket watch and weapon. Stepping cautiously into the corridor, Camus found it unusually still, cloaked in shadowy silence. Beyond the confines of the police headquarters, eerie cries and distant wails pierced the night, emanating from various corners of Tizamo and its surrounding plantations. Drawing on his keen awareness honed through experience as a Public Security Officer, Camus sensed a disturbance in his Jurisdiction. Suddenly, he instinctively dropped to the ground and rolled forward. A deafening crack echoed through the corridor as a wooden door, which Camus would have passed by, splintered and burst outward. In the blink of an eye, a broadsword slashed through the air, propelled by a savage force, slicing through the empty corridor. As Camus swiftly evaded the attack, he turned to face his assailant. It was Loban, the towering patrol member standing at over 1.9 meters, with short light-gold hair and piercing light-blue eyes. A cruel smirk adorned the Feysacians face, his eyes glinting with unmistakable greed. In the dim moonlight, his features were obscured by shadows, emanating an eerie malevolence. Upon spotting Loban, Camuss eyes sparked with determination. Psychic Piercing! Loban recoiled with a pained cry, instinctively shielding his head with his hands, relinquishing his grip on the broadsword. Seizing the opportunity, Camus swiftly drew his revolver, taking aim at his teammate. In a moment of hesitation, Camus faltered, then lowered his weapon. Bang! The bullet found its mark, striking Lobans knee with brutal force, tearing through flesh and shattering bone. A Doctor from the Church of Earth Mother could mend such injuries! Loban crumpled to the ground, writhing in agony, his attempts to curl up thwarted by the searing pain. Camus lowered his revolver, rose to his feet, and pressed forward towards the end of the corridor. As he descended the stairs, Camus passed by a cluttered cubicle, its contents scattered haphazardly, and caught faint murmurs from within. His heart skipped a beat as he whispered, Kolobo, is that you? A moment of tense silence followed before Kolobos voice, tinged with panic and fear, replied, Stay back! Dont come any closer! Spare me! Camus frowned, sensing that Kolobos demeanor was far from his usual composed self. Though prone to bouts of fear and unease, Kolobo typically pushed through his anxieties to fulfill his duties. This level of hysteria was unprecedented. Whats wrong with Kolobo? Camus wondered. Choosing to stay put rather than risk exacerbating the situation, Camus observed as Kolobo fell into an uneasy silence, as if attempting to fade into obscurity. After more than ten seconds, Camus contemplated assessing Kolobos condition. If it proved dire, he resolved to retreat and seek out Louis Berry. Suddenly, the sound of two sets of rapid footsteps echoed from below. Camus swiftly pivoted, training his revolver down the stairs. There, he beheld Louis Berry, sporting a golden straw hat, accompanied by Rhea, armed with a hunting bow and arrow. Gazing at the barrel aimed in their direction, Louis Berry chuckled lightly, his tone calm. Welcome to the Dream Festival. The Dream Festival?Its the Dream Festival?Realization dawned on Camus. He glanced between the smiling Louis Berry and the serious Rhea, confusion etched on his features. Why are we still lucid? Observing their composed demeanor, Camus deduced that they hadnt succumbed to the overwhelming emotions and desires that often engulfed dreamers. Yet, he kept his revolver steady, wary of any sudden developments. Perhaps our early entry into this peculiar dream, thanks to Twanakus house, has granted us this lucidity, Lumian proposed, offering his deduction. Rhea seized the opportunity to suggest that encounters within the dream might hold sway over reality to some extent, sharing the conjecture with Camus. Initially relieved that he hadnt resorted to lethal force against Loban, Camuss expression turned grave as he addressed his companions. The three of us arent the only Beyonders in Tizamo. If we adhere to the notion that we cant retaliate when attacked, it will severely hamper our ability to defend ourselves. Lumian smiled. Who said we cant kill? If someone poses a threat to me, they shall be killed accordingly. Rhea and Camus fell silent. After a moment of contemplation, Camus nodded decisively, gesturing towards the sundry compartment nestled in the stairwell. Kolobos extreme reaction stems from fear. He wont pose a threat to us. Let him seek refuge there, undisturbed. As Rhea concurred, Lumians expression suddenly shifted. He asked, Is Kolobo also in this dream? Kolobo, who has been in Tizamo for less than a week like me, has also been forced to participate in the Dream Festival? Yes. Camus asked in confusion, Is there a problem? A shadow crossed Lumians features as he responded gravely. This suggests there may be a larger problem at play. Perhaps one more terrifying than the Dream Festival itself! Before Camus and Rhea could inquire further, Lumian abruptly interjected. Wait here for me. With that, he vanished from the stairway, utilizing Spirit World Traversal. Lumian reappeared on the second floor of the Brieu Motel, just outside his suite. In the next instant, a piercing scream echoed through the air, filled with agony and terror. It was Lugano.. Chapter 673 - Chapter 673: Sealing” Spell Chapter 673: Sealing Spell Translator: CKtalon Confirming his fears, Lumian slipped his key into the lock, easing the door to the suite open without a sound. Now, he knew without a doubt that Ludwig, the terrifying sealed creature, would unleash his hunger and frenzy at the Dream Festival. Beneath the crimson moonlight streaming through the window, Lugano thrashed wildly, his face twisted in agony. Lurking at the end of his flailing arm was Ludwig, dressed in a childs nightcap and sky-blue pajamas dotted with yellow stars. The sickening sounds of bones crunching and flesh tearing filled the air. Amidst the chaos, droplets of blood splattered onto the floor. Suddenly, Ludwig lunged forward like a frenzied animal, his jaws closing in on Luganos arm with a sickening crack. All! Luganos scream pierced the air once more, threatening to blow the roof. Instinctively, he tried to wrench his arm free from Ludwigs grasp and shove the creature away with his other hand. Pain seared through him, and he felt himself teetering on the edge of unconsciousness. Observing Ludwig closely, Lumian darted behind him, his nostrils flaring. Two beams of white light shot forth from his nose, enveloping Ludwig. Ludwig paused, shutting his eyes. But before Lumian could react, the boys mouth resumed its relentless assault on Luganos arm, pulverizing bone and flesh alike. His eyes snapped open. The Spell of Harrumph can only daze Ludwig for a moment, and thats only if hes sealed Lumian reminded himself, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. He glanced at Lugano, who had noticed him but was too consumed by agony to speak. Raising a hand, Lumian motioned for Lugano to remain patient. Though Luganos mind raced with curses and frustration, he remained unable to voice them. As thoughts raced through his mind, Lumian gave an imperceptible nod. Changing his focus, Lumian bypassed Ludwig, who was engrossed in devouring Lugano, and seized Luganos shoulder. In an instant, Lumian retrieved a sharp straight sword he had acquired from Port Santa, pulling it from his Travelers Bag. What is he trying to Jo? Amidst the throes of pain, Luganos thoughts scattered. With a swift motion, Lumian swung the sword, the blade bursting into white flames. The fiery sword crashed down upon Luganos arm, where Ludwig had been feasting, striking at the joint. With a sharp sound, Luganos forearm tore away from Ludwigs grasp, leaving behind a gory, truncated limb. Simultaneously, Lumians form began to fade, and even Lugano, whom he had grasped, vanished from sight. Teleport! But Lumian hadnt gone far. Both he and Lugano reappeared at the suites doorway. The agony persisted, but Luganos momentary relief vanished as Ludwigs figure once again came into view. The sight of the boy, his mouth still bloody with Luganos remaining forearm, sent a shiver down his spine. The fear momentarily eclipsed the pain, and Luganos mind raced with frantic questions. Why not teleport away from Tizamo? Why not teleport to Port Pylos? Why are we still lingering in front of Ludwig? Meanwhile, Ludwig had turned his attention to the doorway, his blond hair matted with blood, his brown eyes glinting with ravenous hunger. With the speed of a child his age, he advanced toward Lumian and Lugano, all the while chewing and swallowing what remained of Luganos arm. Unperturbed, Lumian calmly returned the straight sword to his Travelers Bag. Under Luganos horrified gaze, Lumian conjured an entire almond pistachio cream thousand-layer cake and hurled it onto the floor beside Ludwig. Ludwigs sprint slowed as he seemed to ponder which delicacy to indulge in first. Ultimately, he turned his attention back to Lugano. The sight of blood, flesh, and marrow infused with spiritual essence seemed to intoxicate him even further. Capitalizing on Ludwigs momentary indecision, Lumian delved into his Travelers Bag once more, extracting a fragment of Hisokas corpse and tossing it aside. Ludwigs gaze followed the offering, his lips instinctively moistening, yet he made no move to change course. It seemed he found the offering beneath his tastes, too dirty to be his top choice. Lumian systematically tossed out ingredients brimming with spiritual energy, one after the other, creating a barrier of tempting treats around Ludwig. Cream pancakes, fruit tarts, sandwiches oozing with cream, bouchee a la reine, chocolates infused with liquor, cookies, candied plums, eclairs, Charlotte desserts, and a myriad of other delicacies formed a tempting ring around Ludwig, impeding his advance toward Lugano. Turning to Lugano with a stern expression, Lumians voice took on a commanding tone. What are you waiting for? Stem the bleeding first! Startled, Lugano obeyed, his left palm emitting a faint glow as he applied pressure to the stump of his injured arm. As Ludwig indulged in the feast laid out before him, his urgency waned. Though still concerned for Lugano, he no longer rushed forward. In the final stages, Lumian threw out boxes of biscuits, sweets, beef jerky, and assorted provisions, encircling Ludwig with a haphazard yet effective wall of food. Nearly all of Lumians seven days worth of rations for Ludwig had been deployed from his Travelers Bag. What whats the meaning of this? Lugano, having successfully treated his wound and eased his pain, watched Lumians actions with bewilderment. He couldnt fathom why his employer was so fixated on feeding Ludwig in the midst of their predicament. Sealing that fellow, Lumian replied calmly, his hands never ceasing their task. Sealing? Lugano nearly doubted his hearing. Isnt this too absurd? Using food to seal a monster? He couldnt recall ever encountering such a concept, not even in the most far-fetched novels on the market. No author would dream up such a peculiar method! Wouldnt a conventional seal involve the use of spiritually potent materials to inscribe mystical symbols and patterns, followed by ritualistic magic or the employment of a mystical artifact? What possible purpose could hurling food at the monster serve? Lumian smiled and sighed. Once hes satiated, he wont have any appetite left for you or anyone else here. And theres enough food to keep him occupied until dawn, and possibly even beyond. Lumian had devised this plan upon realizing that Ludwigs sole desire was to eat. Coupled with his behavior during the Dream Festival, Lumian was confident that Ludwig was now driven purely by his insatiable hungera unique trait exclusive to him in Tizamo. In this scenario, as long as Ludwigs appetite was sated, he could remain confined within the suite, feasting without posing a threat to others. What was the distinction between this and traditional sealing methods? Of course, the success of this makeshift seal depended on the Dream Festival concluding before Ludwig depleted the seven days worth of food. Otherwise, Lumians ability to hunt in the forest might not keep pace with Ludwigs voracious appetite. Luganos understanding dawned upon hearing Lumians explanation. Indeed, this method offered a practical means of temporarily restraining Ludwig. Who said it couldnt be deemed a seal? Understanding ones targets preferences and weaknesses allowed for the implementation of a seal without resorting to mysticism! Observing Ludwig still attempting to approach the door amidst his feast, Lumian realized the creatures reluctance to part with Lugano. With a swift movement, he grasped Luganos shoulder and teleported them both to a corner of the second-floor stairwell in the police headquarters. Ludwig briefly glanced at the vacant doorway before refocusing on his culinary conquest within the suite. Are you certain everythings under control? Lugano inquired anxiously, the moment he exited the spirit world. Lumian chuckled in response. As long as no Beyonder happens to stroll by the door, he wont abandon his feast. Relieved, Lugano exhaled deeply, casting a rueful glance at his remaining arm. Thoughts swirled in his mind as he contemplated his future. At least Im still alive. As long as Im alive In the future, 111 see if 1 can save up enough money to afford a mechanical arm from the Church of Steam. That might bolster my combat strength. The Doctors expertise could only do so much, as transplanting anothers limb was beyond the realm of possibility. Camus and Rhea, observing Luganos bloody limb, furrowed their brows, recalling Louis Berrys ominous warning of a greater issue. What happened? Camus inquired. Lumian smiled. Its a complication caused by that big problem, but Ive managed to seal it temporarily. Just remember, stay away from the Brieu Motel, especially the door on the second-floor suite. Relieved to hear that Louis Berry had intervened, Camus assured Lugano, Thankfully, its all just a dream. Youll be fine once you wake up. A dream? Lugano was perplexed. Lumian offered no further explanation, simply remarking, Indeed, its a dream. But remember, if you perish in the dream, you perish in reality too. Amid Luganos bafflement, Lumian redirected said to Camus and Rhea, Lets make our way to Twanakus house now. His primary objective in investigating the Dream Festival was to locate Hisokas gold and the item acquired from the Nois familys Demon. He intended to assess any changes in their respective locations following the festivals commencement. If nothing surfaced, Lumian planned to seek out Padre Cali at the Saint-Sien Cathedral. The peculiar condition of weakness in the depths of the Spirit Body possessed by Padre Cali in reality set him apart from everyone else in Tizamo. This hinted at something distinctly special about the padre. Additionally, it was Padre Cali who had officially inaugurated the Dream Festival. Camus hesitated, his silence suggesting he might have pressing matters to attend to. In that moment, Rhea regarded Lumian with confusion, gesturing towards Lugano. Why is he still lucid? Chapter 674 - Chapter 674: Manor Chapter 674: Manor Translator: CKtalon Upon hearing Rheas question, Lumian snapped to his senses and turned to Lugano. In his haste to save and seal Lugano, he had overlooked Luganos condition! Ever since this Doctor had gotten his injuries under control, he had been responding to Lumians questions. He was lucid and rational, a stark contrast to the other participants in the Dream Festival. It had to be known that even Ludwig, the monster himself, couldnt effectively control his appetite and had resorted to devouring humans! Moreover, Lugano had never slept in Hisokas house, nor had he entered this peculiar dream realm before! Seeing Rhea, Camus, and his employer staring at him intently, Lugano, still grappling with the lingering pain, was utterly perplexed. Why wouldnt I be lucid? Arent you all still in your right minds? Everyone seems to be in the same state. Why should 1 be the only one with an issue? Lumian carefully observed Luganos emotions and asked in a calm tone, Have you ventured outside the motel recently? I did. I assisted Ludwig in purchasing roasted meat and pastries made from palm tree cores, Lugano recalled. Lumian smiled. Did you sleep anywhere other than the motel? No, I wouldnt dare to engage with the women here. Lugano shook his head without hesitation. He was evidently a little regretful about this, as there were numerous mixed-blood girls in Tizamo who possessed a different allure compared to those in the Northern Continent. As the two men conversed, Camus and Rhea meticulously searched for any abnormalities in Luganos body. However, apart from being sufficiently lucid and lacking excessive emotions and desires, Lugano appeared to be unaffected by the strange phenomenon. Lumian looked at Lugano with a thoughtful smile and said, Were being forced to participate in an event called the Dream Festival. Simply put, were dreaming. We can do anything in this dream, but if we die here, well die in reality too. Aside from us, everyone in Tizamo is under the influence of intense emotions and desires, just like Ludwig. Theyre consciousstrictly speakingbut theyve chosen to show their malice and express their long-suppressed desires. If we can subdue them, we might be able to communicate, but theyll instinctively try to deceive us. Remembering how the cafe owner, Bunia, had immediately changed his attitude after being targeted by her arrow and begged for mercy, Rhea agreed with Louis Berrys judgment. The Dream Festival participants werent stupid or crazy. Their excessive desires and emotions were the main cause of their uncontrollable evil! I see Lugano finally understood. Realizing what Rheas question meant, he blurted out, Why are we lucid and rational? After a pause, Luganos voice lowered as he added, W-why can I stay lucid and rational? Lumian smiled. We can stay lucid and rational because we entered this special dream before. We left marks and auras in certain places. As for you, Im not sure why. As he spoke, he watched Luganos face closely, observing the change in his servants expression. Lugano said in a daze, his voice tinged with fear, I dont know why this is happening either Noticing that Lugano remained calm even after his issue was brought to light, Lumian seized the chance to glimpse into his servants luck. Currently amidst a bloody calamity, Lugano might fall victim to an ailment in the coming days The first part makes sense, considering Ludwig has just eaten half his arm. But what does the second half imply? Could the Dream Festival span several days? Impossible. If it truly lasted that long, Tizamos predicament would have been discovered much earlier Does this suggest that Lugano would succumb to an illness during the Dream Festival itself? An illness similar to death in the waking world, one that wouldnt be instantly cured even if he awakens and receives the Masss blessing? Lumian quietly pondered the meaning behind Luganos revealed fate. Shifting his gaze to Camus and Rhea, he realized that they, too, would soon face a grim and bloody ordeal. If they failed to navigate it properly, they risked slipping further into peril. As these thoughts swirled in Lumians mind, he turned to Camus and Rhea and declared, Im taking my servant with us. It wasnt an act of kindness or generosity. Rather, Lumian feared that leaving Lugano to his own devices, given his inexplicable lucidity and rationality, might trigger the abnormality within him and alter the course of the Dream Festival in unpredictable ways. Better to keep him close at hand, where he could be monitored and any potential accidents prevented. If Lugano truly unleashed a dire problem, Lumian could always end his life first, eliminating any future complications. Camus and Rhea exchanged disgruntled glances before conceding, Its your call to make. We must hurry to Twanakus house, Lumian reiterated his earlier proposal. Camuss gaze drifted toward the cubicle where Kolobo lay hidden, a hint of hesitation in his voice as he asked, Any idea where Captain Reaza and the others might be? They were supposed to appear beside me when the Dream Festival began, but they were nowhere to be seen, Lumian admitted, recounting the situation honestly. Perhaps the dreams correspondence to reality was imperfect. The location where each person entered this peculiar dreamscape might be influenced by factors like their understanding, the dreams state, where they had slept, and myriad other variables. Lumian mused that if he hadnt maintained his lucidity and rationality, he might have awoken in the master bedroom of the Brieu Motels suite. Should we try to locate them first? Camus proposed, a note of uncertainty in his tone. Lumian let out a wry chuckle. Why? To engage them in combat? Neither Reaza nor Maslow had ever slept in Hisokas house before. The likelihood of them lacking self-control and succumbing to malice and base desires was high. When the time came, Lumian might not possess the strength to control the pace and intensity of the battle against such formidable Beyonders as he did with ordinary folk, not without the risk of causing deaths. Camus and Rhea lapsed into a simultaneous silence, neither keen on the prospect of a life-and-death struggle with their own teammates. Just as Lumian was about to signal the two patrol team members to approach, Camus gritted his teeth as he declared, Theres somewhere 1 need to go before I head to Twanakus house. And where might that be? Lumian inquired, raising an eyebrow. Camus replied in a deep voice, Palm Manor. Lumian chuckled. You wish to rescue Miss Amandina? Camus nodded firmly, a hint of embarrassment tinging his features. Yes, thats right. You neednt worry. This is merely a dream. If one is violated within the dream, theyll only experience a touch of hysteria upon waking. No substantial harm will befall them, Lumian stated matter-of-factly, his intention not to provoke Camus. Camuss expression remained unwavering. Im aware. But I fear she may not be able to cope with it in her dream state and might resort to drastic measures. It could lead to her demise. Without waiting for Lumians response, Camus spoke gravely, You can proceed to Twanakus house first. 111 make my way to Palm Manor and rendezvous with you later. By the time youre done, we might not be at Twanakus house anymore, Rhea cautioned him. Camus nodded gently. Ive made this decision of my own accord. Im prepared to bear any consequences that may follow. Lumian locked eyes with Camus, remaining silent for a stretch. Camus felt an indescribable pressure weighing upon him, his mind conjuring the tragic outcomes he might face, but he pursed his lips and refused to retract his suggestion. After more than ten seconds of silence, his expression unchanged, Lumian finally spoke. Let us head to Palm Manor now. Huh? Before Camus could react, Lumians hand firmly grasped his shoulder. Simultaneously, Lumians other hand darted out, reaching for Rheas arm. Rheas instinctive reaction was to dodge, but the memory of how Lugano had been transported flashed through her mind. Her tense shoulders relaxed a fraction. With Camus and Rhea securely in his grasp, Lumian shot Lugano a meaningful look. Lugano, displaying a practiced ease, approached and latched onto a corner of Lumians vest. In the next second, Lumians figure blurred, the haziness rapidly spreading to engulf Camus, Rhea, and Lugano. As Rhea and Camus found themselves surrounded by layers of indescribable colors and formless objects, intense emotions surged within their hearts. Could this be the spirit world? Is this what teleportation feels like? Was this how the great adventurer, Gehrman Sparrow, managed to appear before any pirate at a moments notice? Having witnessed Louis Berrys abrupt disappearance and subsequent return with his servant in tow, Camus and Rhea had speculated that this might be the famed teleportation ability that had become the stuff of legend across the Five Seas, thanks to Gehrman Sparrows extraordinary exploits. It seemed their suspicions had been right on the mark! Matanis patrol team boasted numerous adventurers among its ranks, and Camus and Rhea were well-versed in the myriad rumors that circulated the Five Seas. The instant they experienced teleportation firsthand, their bodies departed the dreams spirit world, rematerializing before a four-story beige edifice. This was none other than the main building of Palm Manor. In the blink of an eye, Lumian, Camus, Rhea, and Lugano had reached their destination. The manor was awash with cries, screams, sinister laughter, and high-pitched singing. Just over ten meters from the main building, near a garden shrubbery, a mixed-blood ladys maid lay pinned to the ground by a group of slaves, her clothes half-stripped as she cried out in desperation. She struggled with all her might, but how could she hope to resist the adult men? She was utterly helpless, pinned down and at their mercy. Witnessing this scene, the former Public Security Officer, Camus, instinctively yearned to intervene, but he quickly reminded himself that this was a dream. Such events wouldnt truly impact reality. At most, they would result in a certain degree of curable hysteria. It would be a waste of time to stop it, audit would only serve to delay my search forAmandina. Moreover, it would be pointless Camus warned himself, forcibly averting his gaze as he ascended the steps into the main building. At that moment, Rhea, who had been silent for a couple of seconds, turned from facing the manors main building. You guys head in first. With her back to Lumian, Camus, and Lugano, she spoke in a nonchalant tone. Leaning forward slightly, she strode purposefully towards the bushes at the gardens edge, making her way to the mixed-blood ladys maid who was being violated by the slaves.. Chapter 675 - 675 Evil 675 Evil In a few swift strides, Rhea positioned herself behind the slaves, raised her right foot, and delivered a powerful kick. With a resounding bang, the slave pressing down on the mixed-blood ladys maid was sent flying, landing unceremoniously in the bushes at the gardens edge. The other three abruptly turned to face Rhea. Before they could get a clear look at their assailant, Rhea followed up with a fluid roundhouse kick, knocking another one to the ground. The remaining two, torn between greed, desire, and fear, took one look at Rhea and turned tail, fleeing to another part of the manor. Rhea retracted her left foot and fixed a cold stare upon the two servants struggling to their feet. She raised her hunting bow, nocking an arrow with a smooth, practiced motion. The two servants licked their lips in unison. Unwilling but fearful, they swiftly clambered over the bushes and vanished into the garden. Only then did Rhea lower her gaze to the mixed-blood ladys maid, whose face was still streaked with tears and confusion. Are you all right? The mixed-blood ladys maid shook her head repeatedly. With trembling hands, she hastily tidied her half-torn dress and retrieved a dagger that had fallen beside her. Seeing this, Rhea wasted no time. Find a secluded corner and hide until dawn. With that, Rhea pivoted on her heel and prepared to dash back to where Louis Berry, Camus, and the others stood waiting at the door of the manors main building. As the mixed-blood ladys maid stood up, her expression darkened, and she raised the dagger clutched in her hand, plunging it towards Rheas back. Catching sight of the impending danger, Camus shouted, Watch out! Though Rhea hadnt sensed the approaching threat, she instinctively heeded Camuss warning and reacted. Surrendering to inertia, she fell forward and rolled to the side, narrowly evading the daggers deadly path. As she rolled, Rhea pivoted to face her attacker, eyes narrowing as she instinctively raised her bow, aiming at the mixed-blood ladys maid. The mixed-blood ladys maid brandished her dagger, shouting in Intisian, her words laced with hatred, Why can you join the patrol team, while Im stuck as a mere ladys maid? Dont we both hail from the Southern Continent? Why? I even have Intisian blood coursing through my veins! Before she could complete her tirade, a crimson Fire Raven, its hue bordering on white, swooped in from nowhere, colliding with the steel dagger. With a resounding clang, the dagger heated up, an explosive force wrenching it from the mixed-blood ladys maids grasp, sending it flying several meters before clattering to the ground. The mixed-blood ladys maid faltered, fear supplanting the hatred in her eyes. Lumian, his black hair and green eyes striking, stood on the steps of the manors main house, one hand casually tucked in his pocket. He called out, his voice carrying, Where is Miss Amandina? Uh A pang of embarrassment struck Camus. In his haste to rescue Miss Amandina, he had acted with a distinct lack of professionalism! He had been a guest at Palm Manor, but he had never been invited to visit Amandinas room upstairs. Consequently, he found himself unsure of which floor and room to search for her later. If he were to search floor by floor, he would undoubtedly encounter countless obstacles amidst the current chaos. The mixed-blood ladys maids expression shifted, revealing a blatant desire and anticipation. Shes sleeping in her room. Third floor, second room facing the rubber forest. Make haste. Shes a vision of beauty, fragrant and pristine. Her figure is exquisite, her skin smooth as silk. Shes a cut above the rest of us. Many a gentleman considers her their dream lover. Go, quickly! As she neared the end of her speech, the mixed-blood ladys maid gritted her teeth, her eyes alight with an illusory desire to witness something transpire. Luganos hair stood on end, a chill running down his spine as he confronted the stark malevolence of human nature. Clap! Clap! Clap! Lumian shook his head, a smile playing on his lips as he applauded. Rhea fell silent for a couple of seconds before rising to her feet and departing the area. After a few steps, she paused, turning to regard the mixed-blood ladys maid. In a deep, solemn voice, she reiterated, Find a secluded spot and hide until dawn. With those parting words, Rhea turned away from the mixed-blood ladys maid and sprinted back to the steps at the main houses entrance. Lumian averted his gaze and led the way through the open brown door. As he, Camus, and the others entered, they were greeted by a startling sight in the living room. A middle-aged woman in a disheveled nightgown, her half-exposed body glistening with sweat and her black hair in disarray, sat astride a sturdy native slave. Her movements were intense, and she appeared utterly immersed, alternating between shouting and cursing. The native slave, clearly enjoying the experience, eagerly cooperated. Near the staircase, a group of five or six servants and slaves, armed with an assortment of shotguns, rifles, and other weapons, intermittently fired bullets up the stairs. Occasional counterattacks emanated from the area leading to the second floor. Camus stood frozen, his gaze fixed on the middle-aged womans flushed face. You know her? Lumian asked, a smile playing on his lips. It was Rhea who replied, Shes Sir Petits wife, Miss Amandinas mother, Madam Simona. I never imagined she would be like this Camus said, his voice low and somber. Lumian smiled and applauded once more. Cant she indulge in her dreams? For the Dream Festival, this is something we should encourage. No one is being forced. How delightfully harmless. Camus found himself momentarily at a loss for words. Lumian then said to Rhea, During the Dream Festival, theres a high likelihood that the person you save will also be a bad person and may even attack you. Rhea fell silent for a few seconds before responding in a low voice, Even if something like that happens again, Ill still save her. Lumian dropped the subject and shifted his attention to Camus. Are you prepared to see the other side of Miss Amandina? Perhaps she will Lumian left the sentence unfinished, instead casting a meaningful glance at Madam Simona, who was in the throes of fierce, foul-mouthed ecstasy. Camus exhaled slowly, his voice resolute. Im here to save her. It doesnt matter if shes good or bad, kind, malicious, chaste, or indulgent. After helping her find a safe hiding place and making sure she waits until dawn, well head to Twanakus house. Im here to save her. It doesnt matter if shes good or bad, kind, malicious Lumian quietly repeated the first half of the sentence, a smile playing on his lips as he regarded the servants and slaves attempting to occupy the staircase. He raised his voice, asking, Has anyone seen Miss Amandina? Has she come downstairs? The servants and slaves turned their attention to Lumian and his companions, swiftly redirecting their firearms. Lumian calmly extended his right hand, making a grabbing motion. With this gesture, crimson flames, their hue bordering on white, ignited in the air, forming a curtain that Lumian seemed to snatch from the void. With a deft grab and push, the fiery curtain abruptly split, transforming into Fire Birds that hurtled towards the shotguns, rifles, and revolvers before they could be properly aimed. Amidst a series of muffled explosions, the guns dropped from the servants and slaves hands, clattering to the ground, damaged beyond use. The servants and slaves themselves suffered only minor burns, their grip on their weapons faltering. Since advancing to Reaper, Lumians mastery over flames had grown. Even without the Lie earring, he could achieve this level of control. Moreover, he hadnt unleashed his full power. He hadnt even summoned the blazing white flames in order to minimize the damage. Now, can we have a civilized conversation? Lumian smiled at the servants and slaves. Behind him, crimson Fire Ravens, their color nearly white, materialized, poised to strike at a moments notice. An Intisian valet, who seemed to hold some influence among the group, couldnt conceal his fear as he replied, Amandina hasnt come down. Otherwise He couldnt help but lick his lips. And who were you shooting at? Lumian inquired. Its Petit, that bastard who deserves to rot in hell, and his butler, the one whos always wielding that damn whip! A dark-skinned slave picked up the fallen firearm, only to discover that it was broken, just like everyone elses. They had planned to retrieve more guns from another room on the first floor, but for now, they didnt dare make a move. Is that so? Lumian nodded, a look of enlightenment crossing his features. Carry on, then. He turned around, leading the ten to twenty Fire Ravens that had gradually dispersed, and said to Camus and the others, Lets scale the side of the building to reach the third floor. Teleportation wasnt an optimal option at this distance, not after having used it four times already. Of course, since advancing to Reaper, Lumian could now perform 11 to 12 Spirit World Traversals without relying on the spirituality accumulated through his Ascetic abilities. It was a marked improvement from his previous limitations. Camus and the others raised no objections. Lugano, however, trembled as he asked, H-how am I supposed to climb? He swung the stump that was all that remained of his right arm. Lumian glanced at him and said matter-of-factly, Camus will assist you. Me? Camus was momentarily taken aback before assessing his own skills and concluding that it was indeed feasible. Before long, the four of them had ascended to the third floor, making use of the statues, decorations, metal pipes, and side balcony adorning the outer wall. As soon as Camus pushed open the door leading to the corridor, he caught sight of a figure. It was Amandinas personal maid, an Intisian ladys maid clad in a white cloth nightgown. At that moment, the young ladys maid stood bathed in the dim moonlight, a bloody dagger clutched in her hand, her expression inscrutable. Drip. Drip. The bright red blood from the dagger fell onto the corridor carpet, each drop a vivid splash of color. Camuss heart clenched. What have you done? The ladys maids face broke into a satisfied, carefree smile. I killed it. Ive been annoyed by it for far too long! It? In Intisian, she and it were two entirely different words. Amidst his surprise, Camus followed the trail of dripping blood, his gaze falling upon Amandinas beloved pet dog, lying motionless at the door of the adjacent room. Phew Camus breathed a sigh of relief before asking in a deep, serious voice, Wheres Miss Amandina? The ladys maids expression turned resentful. Im looking for her too! She left an hour ago! An hour ago Before the Dream Festival began? Camus pressed further, Where did she go? The ladys maid, still holding the blood-stained dagger, replied with a contorted expression, She went on a date with my Robert! Camus fell silent. Lumian shook his head. Under the watchful eyes of the ladys maid, who yearned to kill but felt outnumbered, he swiftly searched the entire third floor with Rhea and the others, but found no trace of Amandina. Lets go. Lumian turned to Camus, his voice firm. Camus had no choice but to concede defeat. The four of them immediately teleported outside Hisokas house. Just as Lumian was about to proceed, he sensed something and looked up at the third floor. A face appeared through the glass window of a room on the third floor. The face was graced with a high nose bridge, piercing blue eyes, and thick black hair tied into a simple knot atop her head. Her brows exuded a youthful, vibrant aura. Amandina! It was said that Amandina had gone on a date with her fianc, Robert! Chapter 676 - Chapter 676: You Intisians Chapter 676: You Intisians Translator: CKtalon Camus was stunned to find Amandina here. His astonishment far outweighed any joy he might have felt. From the window above, Amandina noticed the four figures below. Her face twisted in alarm, and she disappeared into the houses shadowy interior. Taken aback, Camus called out, Dont be scared! Were here to keep you safe! While shouting, he raced up the stairs to the second floor of Twanakus residence. His visit to Palm Manor had confirmed Louis Berrys theory. The Dream Festival participants had lost control of their actions, driven by hidden malevolence and desires. Yet, their minds remained lucid, allowing for communication. Camus couldnt be sure if the possessed individuals would misinterpret others words. Furthermore, this wasnt true clarity of thought. They wouldnt realize they were dreaming, and the experience would fade upon waking. Thump! Thump! Thump! Camus and Rhea charged into the building, taking the steps two at a time. Behind the house, out of sight, a glass window set in wooden planks swung open. Amandina, clad in black hunting gear, nimbly climbed out. She used the walls protrusions and crevices to swiftly descend to the ground. As her feet touched the earth, she noticed a figure watching her from the side. It was Lugano, his right arm ending in a bloody stump, his face marred with crimson stains. He looked a frightful mess. Amandinas heart clenched. She pressed her back against a pillar supporting Twanakus house, fists tightening as she shut her eyes. In the same instant, Luganos eyelids drooped, his mind growing hazy. He collapsed to the ground, falling into a deep sleep where he lay. Amandinas eyes snapped open, no longer using her power to force the battle-worn man into slumber. Doing so would trap her in a profound sleep, able to act only in her Nightmare form, her body immobile. And the man wasnt alone! Before Lugano could wake naturally, Amandina turned to flee, seeking a safe haven to conceal herself. At that moment, she heard a smirking voice. So youre a Beyonder too. Amandina instinctively glanced over and saw the adventurer, Louis Berry, standing before another wooden pillar supporting Twanakus house, not far from her. The handsome Louis Berry, with his dark hair and emerald eyes, had one hand in his pocket as he leaned against the pillar. His feet were crossed behind him, and his lips curled into a playful smile as he looked her way. The dim crimson moonlight of the night lent him an air of enigmatic and sinister allure. Amandina tightened her fists once more and closed her eyes. However, her spiritual senses told her that Louis Berry had vanished in an instant. She couldnt find the target and couldnt use her corresponding abilities. Moments later, Amandina, with her heightened spiritual perception, cast her gaze towards the shadows on the ground floor of the house. She sensed something stirring there. At the same time, Amandina heard an illusory and ethereal voice. We mean you no harm. Were not affected by the Dream Festival. Amandina, who was about to use her spiritual perception to lock onto the formless presence in the shadow, was taken aback. Just then, Camus and Rhea ran to the corresponding window and called out to Amandina, Were here to protect you! We have enough self-control. After assessing the number and strength of the two sides, Amandina asked skeptically, Why arent you affected? As she spoke, she locked onto the formless entity in the shadow, believing it to be the strongest among the opposing groupthe adventurer, Louis Berry. If she discovered anything amiss and something went awry, controlling Louis Berry first would effectively increase her chances of escape. Lumians body emerged from the shadows. He glanced at Lugano, who had regained consciousness and stood up, and inwardly praised Amandinas keen spiritual perception. Then, he smiled at Amandina and said, Surely youve noticed that weve been entering and exiting this house frequently over the past few days? What about you? How are you able to maintain your normal self-control? Amandina glanced at the house beside her, no longer puzzled by Lumian and the others ability to remain lucid and rational. She pursed her lips and said, Robert took me on a date to Twanakus place. I spent half the night here. Camuss heart ached as he blurted out, Robert knows whats special about this place? Amandina nodded nimbly. He knows the Dream Festival very well. Whats his relationship with Twanaku? Lumian asked thoughtfully. Amandina pondered for a moment. 1 dont know. At the very least, I havent noticed any romantic tension between them or any interactions. What do you mean by romantic tension? Lumian didnt directly inquire about Mr. Roberts knowledge of the Dream Festival. Instead, he asked something else. Are you a Beyonder of the Evernight pathway? Amandina blinked and hesitantly said, In a way Upstairs, Camus inquired with concern, Where did you obtain the potion formula and the corresponding ingredients? As they conversed, various movements and shouts echoed from the plantations outside the town and throughout the town. Amandinas eyes darted around as she grinned and said, Can 1 choose not to answer? What do you think? Lumian smiled at her. Amandina didnt back down. She raised her head slightly and stared into Lumians eyes without flinching. She noticed that his smile remained unchanged, and his emerald-green yet deep eyes remained emotionless. After more than ten seconds, Amandina averted her gaze and tilted her head slightly. I obtained it in this dream. Camus, who was on the third floor, was taken aback. You obtained it during the Dream Festival? He could understand obtaining a potion formula during the Dream Festival. While knowledge gains could be replicated in reality, could Beyonder ingredients used to concoct potions be brought from the dream to reality? Could it be that after consuming a potion during the Dream Festival, one could also remain a Beyonder upon waking? This subverted much of mysticisms common sense! Without waiting for Amandinas confirmation, Camus thought of a possibility. He immediately asked Amandina, Are you a Beyonder only in this dream? Amandina wanted to play dumb, but after glancing at Louis Berry, who was looking at her with a faint smile, she said gloomily, Its the same in reality, but I dont have many chances to showcase it. How is this possibie?Camus gazed down at Amandina, suspecting that the mystical knowledge he had encountered since childhood was inaccurate. He had considered the possibility that Amandina was lying, but he wasnt willing to doubt this girl who held a special place in his heart. At that moment, Lumian spoke calmly to Amandina, his expression unperturbed, You havent consumed a potion, have you? Amandinas expression shifted slightly. She puffed up her cheeks and muttered, Why are you still asking me if you already know Havent consumed a potion?Camis, Rhea, and Lugano were taken aback, but as they recalled their encounters, they gained a better understanding of Amandinas situation. Its indeed a boon, but Im not sure how it was accomplished Lumian silently smiled as Camus nervously asked Amandina, Which evil god deceived you? Amandina was bewildered. Evil god? What evil god? Before Camus could explain, Lumian asked thoughtfully, How did you obtain these supernatural abilities? Amandina scoffed. Why should I tell you? In the next moment, she saw Louis Berry reveal a smile that inexplicably terrified her. Itsits Robert, Amandina said with a shiver. He took me into the forest outside and led me to a huge black stone. He asked me to place my hand on it. And then you became a Beyonder? Lugano interrupted Amandina with surprise and curiosity, failing to abide by his duty as a servant. Amandina shook her head. Then i fell asleepin the dream. When I woke up, I had superpowers. Is Robert also a Beyonder? Did he obtain his powers through the same method? Camus pressed. Amandina let out a soft sigh and said, Hes a Beyonder, but 1 dont know if he obtained his abilities the same way. He brought me on a date here. Before entering this dream, he was already a Beyonder. Biack boulder Lumian emerged from the ground floor of Hisokas house and asked Amandina with a smile, Wheres Robert? Hes not having a date with you here? Amandinas expression shifted between anger and amusement as she replied, He wanted to visit his other lover before coming to me. He has another lover? Who? Camus asked, suddenly angry. Amandinas eyes darted around, and she hesitated for a moment with a strange expression. Padre Cali. Uh Huh? Camus, Rhea, and Lugano couldnt help but exclaim in shock and confusion. Even someone as well-read as Lumian couldnt help but raise his eyebrows. Amandina spread her hands and said, He does like women, but he prefers men. He said he brought me into the dream to obtain superpowers because he felt guilty towards me. He was also grateful that I was willing to help him keep it a secret and not break off the engagement, continuing to go out with him, make out with him, protecting his image even after knowing his other side. At that moment, Camus and Rhea remained silent, but Lumian sensed the same meaning in their eyes. You Intisians Amused, Lumian asked Amandina, And you can accept that? Amandina pondered seriously. Why not? As a marriage partner, Robert excels in status, wealth, strength, looks, and skills. In the Southern Continent, there arent many better choices. Besides, we did have a beautiful relationship. He does love me, but he also loves Padre Cali. Amandina smiled at Lumian and said, He also promised me more freedom. Upon hearing Amandinas response and looking at the youthful and beautiful girl, Camus, who was on the third floor, suddenly felt a pang of sorrow. A certain beauty in his heart shattered. Lumian glanced up at him and scoffed inwardly. Hadnt he been mentally prepared to see the other side of Amandina? Amandina managed to express herself succinctly in a very self-controlled manner without demonstrating it. Perhaps Amandina had deliberately said so much in front of Camus to prevent him from loving her out of pity. Lumian turned to Amandina. In other words, Robert is currently in Saint-Sien Cathedral? Yes. Amandina nodded. Lumian tersely acknowledged her words and spoke in a commanding tone, Then lets pay him and Padre Cali a visit.. Chapter 677 - 677 Last Years Dream Festival 677 Last Years Dream Festival Amandina hesitated for a few seconds before saying, Youve already cornered me. What choice do I have? Her eyes flickered with an inexplicable excitement and curiosity as she spoke. Her words seemed to convey a different message: I didnt want to. I had no intention of doing so. You forced me to go to Saint-Sien Cathedral! Hurry, lets go! Are you trying to broaden your horizons? Lumian criticized but didnt expose her. He pointed at Hisokas house and said, Before heading to Saint-Sien Cathedral, lets check this place first. Amandina tersely acknowledged his words. Are you trying to find the source of its uniqueness? Give up. I checked during the last Dream Festival and just now, but I found nothing. As she spoke, she followed Lumian at a brisk pace, anticipating what this seemingly formidable adventurer would discover. Lumian reached the second floor of Hisokas house, where Camus and Rhea were already waiting. Surveying every corner, Lumian casually asked Amandina, Are you familiar with Twanaku? Amandina wasnt surprised by the question. Since she was searching for the source of the abnormality in Twanakus residence, she couldnt avoid gaining a better understanding of his situation. She shook her head and said, Im not familiar with him. Ive only encountered him once or twice. I was just a child when he lived in Tizamo. Most of the time, I studied at the Iris Grammar School in Port Pylos. Later, he only returned to Tizamo two or three times a yearspending a week each time. It was evident that Amandina had secretly learned about Twanaku. After all, she had only entered the special dream because she had slept in his house. She had even remained fully lucid during the Dream Festival. Without waiting for Lumian to ask a new question, Amandina glanced at him and added, Twanaku returns every year for the Dream Festival. Last year, during the Dream Festival, when Robert and I returned from the black stone, we noticed someone approaching. We hid behind giant trees on both sides of the path and saw that it was Twanaku. Twanaku is indeed connected to the black boulder. There are even traces of him or marks formed by extreme emotions and desires there Lumian turned to Camus, who was watching him and Amandina stroll around the second floor, and pondered for a moment. Which month did Twanakus house burn down, killing all his family members? Without waiting for Camuss response, Amandina exclaimed excitedly, I know, I know! Yes, Im asking you. Do you think I dont know when Twanaku transmigrated? Lumian smiled at Amandina, signaling her to respond. He had a clear and detailed understanding of Twanakus matters on the surface. He had deliberately asked Camus to elicit Amandinas answer. He wanted to see if she would lie and if she had any further information. Amandina said smugly, Late December. It should be a few days after the Dream Festival. As far as they knew, the Twanaku family likely perished during the Dream Festival. Upon returning to reality, their fates began to unravel, and they were taken away by the fiery disaster. The question is, why did this house leave behind an abnormality? What happened to the Twanaku family back then, or what had they done? As the bestowed of the Inevitability domain, Lumian found a term that was very Inevitability-like to summarize the phenomenon of those who died for various reasons in the next three months after dying in the Dream Festival and returning to reality. Reining in fate! Of course, he couldnt be certain that death in the Dream Festival would lead to death in reality. However, judging from Amandinas expression and tone, Lumian believed that she thought the same. After searching the second floor and finding no differences from reality, Lumian ascended the stairs to the third floor. Amandina followed closely, her excitement showing that she finally had a chance to do what a Beyonder should do. Lumian glanced at her and casually asked, What left an impression on you during last years Dream Festival? Amandinas excited expression darkened, as if she had been reminded of something unpleasant. She covered her mouth and nose. After a few seconds, she said, Robert and I discovered numerous cruelly murdered individuals in the town and various plantations. Their stomachs were ripped open, and their internal organs were removed. They wore pained expressions, as if they had been tortured to death Serial Killer? Camus, who had been listening intently to Louis Berry and Amandinas conversation, blurted out. This reminded him of Twanaku. Was this Desire Apostle venting his murderous desires during the Dream Festival to show restraint normally? So thats how it is Lumian roughly understood how Hisokas advancement ritual had been completed. Following the ritual, Hisoka had killed enough people in this realistic dream and devoured their internal organs. When he returned to reality, these people died one after another. From fates perspective, they had indeed perished because of Hisokas murder. This fulfilled the core requirements of the ritual. Hisoka only needed to truly devour a portion of the victims internal organs before they were buried. He should be able to complete the ritual, consume the potion, and advance to Desire Apostle. In reality, completing a series of murders and stealing a corpses internal organs were two entirely different matters! What puzzled Lumian was that according to Devilology, such an advancement ritual required a three-day interval between killings. Otherwise, it was easy to lose control. The maximum interval couldnt exceed nine days, or the ritual would reset. Hisoka had clearly used the Dream Festival to complete all the killings in one night. When he returned to reality and the primitive tribe attacked, all the condemned people died on the same day. It didnt drag on until the next month. Lumian believed that it was due to the April Fools prank. They had taken advantage of the chaos to send the deceased, whom the primitive tribe couldnt eliminate in time, to hell. This could be confirmed by the statements of the peripheral members of April Fools. In other words, the interval of no more than nine days was satisfied, but Lumian didnt know how Hisoka had achieved the criteria of exceeding three days. Had he used the dreams uniqueness to avoid the three-day interval? When he killed someone in the dream, it hadnt been reflected in reality, so he wouldnt lose control so easily? As Lumian pondered Hisokas advancement ritual, he circled the rooms on the third floor. After searching the room where Twanaku slept, he smiled at Amandina and said, Apart from the serial murders, what else did you encounter? Amandina pursed her lips and furrowed her brow. After a brief struggle, she grumbled, If I cooperate, will I be awarded a medal when I return to reality? Her father, Petit, had once received the Legion of Honor medal from Intis, so he was made a knight. Without waiting for Lumians response, Amandina continued, I also encountered a woman who seemed like a lunatic. Back then, I wanted to visit the Brieu Motel to see how the gentlemen and ladies hunting in Tizamo would react in such a dream. I was looking forward to seeing their other side. When I reached one of the rooms, I heard a few people singing a strange song. Then, the crazy woman appeared behind Robert and me. She remained lucid. She was quite beautiful, but she was very crazy. Back then, I was like a child with a new toy. I always wanted to test my abilities. I felt that with Roberts cooperation, I could easily deal with most Beyonders. One controlled, and the other attacked. In the end she captured the two of us. Robert was knocked out, stripped naked, and hung from the bell tower with a bunch of mosquitoes released beside him. I-I was hung in a cesspit, descending bit by bit At this point, Amandina appeared on the verge of vomiting. In Tizamo, other than the Brieu Motel, Saint-Sien Cathedral, the police headquarters, and a few other places, no one used a flush toilet. Camus couldnt help but sympathize with Amandina as he imagined such a scene. Mad Lady? Were the ones singing the peripheral members of April Fools who participated in the Tizamo prank? Lumian circled the third-floor rooms and smiled at Amandina. And then? Amandina took a deep breath and said, She also asked me why I stayed lucid. After I told her about Robert and Padre Cali, she happily ran to Saint-Sien Cathedral and completely forgot about me. After that, I gradually escaped my predicament. With a nod, Lumian replied, Lets go to Saint-Sien Cathedral now. He planned to consider using the Mystery Prying Glasses and the Eye of Truth in Hisokas house in the dream after obtaining more information from Padre Cali and Robert. Alright. Amandina tried her best to appear less eager, but she really wanted to see how Robert, her fianc, interacted with Padre Cali. The five of them left Hisokas house and hurried towards Saint-Sien Cathedral. Lumian didnt use teleportation because he didnt want to waste his spirituality. He couldnt carry anyone with him in his flaming spear form either. Fortunately, Tizamo wasnt large. They quickly followed the shadows by the roadside and returned to the intersection where the Brieu Motel stood amidst various cries. Lumian pointed at the Brieu Motel and warned Amandina, Dont go to the second floor of the Brieu Motel. Trust me, itll be even more terrifying than what that crazy woman put you through. Amandinas eyes narrowed as she said, Okay. The five of them turned onto another street, passing through the Bunia caf, the police headquarters, and a small square before arriving outside Saint-Sien Cathedral. Lumian wasnt in a hurry to enter. He circled to the side, pried open a stained-glass window, and peered inside. He and Amandina, who had gathered beside him, nearly went blind. In the cathedrals hall, a handful of naked men knelt before the Eternal Blazing Suns altar. They were all from the Northern Continent, including Amandinas fianc, Robert. Padre Cali, also naked, paced back and forth between Robert and the others with an excited expression, reciting, He walks in the light, He sheds warmth, He illuminates the world With each line, Padre Cali seemed to grow more animated, exhilarated in various ways. Chapter 678 - Chapter 678: Absurd Orgy Chapter 678: Absurd Orgy Translator: CKtalon Amandina scrutinized the naked preacher, Cali, from head to toe. Her gaze eventually settled on Robert, her fiance, kneeling beside him. The lad with brownish-yellow hair, his skin pale-white as if he had not been exposed to the sun for a long time, had abandoned his usual cold demeanor. He was equally excited, but he controlled himself and patiently waited for the padre to complete his preaching. The other naked men grew increasingly restless, gradually stirring. However, it was evident that they held Padre Cali in high esteem. Despite their disintegrating self-control, they refrained from directly initiating the orgy, only occasionally making small movements. If God were watching, He would have incinerated all of them As a believer in the Eternal Blazing Sun, Amandina subconsciously wanted to kneel to the side and bow her head in repentance. What a blasphemous scene! Holding the open Sun Bible, Padre Cali continued to impart the teachings of the Eternal Blazing Sun to the naked men with an abnormally excited expression. God says, the sun shines justly upon everyone During the preaching, Padre Calis gaze frequently swept across Robert and the other purebreds of the Northern Continent, their faces, chests, and lower bodies. His expression revealed uncontrollable satisfaction, pleasure, and enjoyment. Lumian had always felt that he was well-read. In the past, he had disrupted the Churchs holy operations, but the scene before him still exceeded his imagination, leaving him momentarily dumbfounded. Are the padres of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church among the most outstanding1 Intisians? In an instant, information about Padre Cali and the observations of the past few days appeared in Lumians mind. Hes a native of Port Pylos, possessing pure West Balam bloodline and a lowly native of the Southern Continent. Starting as a cathedral servant, he had seized the opportunity to change his fate. Subsequently, he had worked diligently and eventually became the padre of Tizamo Town. He yearns for higher status and more recognition, especially from those hailing from the Northern Continent Such long-standing desires have distorted the desires of Padre Cali. Is he secretly targeting men from various countries in the Northern Continent, attempting to subdue them and gain his sought-after recognition? Robert and the others are clearly relatively young. If Padre Cali had started doing such things a few years ago, they would still have been minors with immature minds. Tsk, you padres As Lumian analyzed the current situation, he thought of his sister Aurore. In Cordu, he had not liked entering the cathedral, attending Mass, or praying often. On the one hand, Aurore did not like it herself and set an example. On the other hand, Aurore had always been worried that Lumian, who was only twelve or thirteen years old at the beginning, would be alone with the clergyman in the cathedral. From time to time, she would use words like Boys have to protect themselves and Many padres like boys. Suppressing his sudden longing, Lumian looked at Padre Cali, who was still engrossed in his preaching. The more he preached, the more excited he became. Lumian felt that his analysis should be correct. A lengthy holy sermon before a male orgy was clearly not something an ordinary person could come up with and put into practice. It was abnormally absurd. However, considering that Padre Cali yearned for the Northern Continent gentlemens recognition, especially given his identity as the Eternal Blazing Sun Churchs padre, all of this became self-explanatory! Poor Eternal Blazing Sun and Saint Sien. They have become an important prop for Padre Calis performance art Just as Lumian thought this, Padre Cali finally completed his exciting sermon. He spread his arms and shouted, Praise the Sun! Robert and the other lads, equally excited and naked, knelt on the ground, spread their arms, and sang in unison, Praise the Sun! Praise His Grace! The Sun does not wish to be praised by you His Grace Yes, it aligns with the aspirations of Padre Cali for higher status. In this male orgy, he made all participants view him as an archbishop and preached to them Finally, he would bestow the boon of Gods holy spirit on these people? Lumian seemed to be able to imagine the ensuing scene. Padre Cali turned around in satisfaction and solemnly placed the Bible back on the altar. Then, he approached Robert, resembling an archbishop bestowing grace upon his believers. The other men tangled with each other. Camus, Rhea, and Lugano, who were observing the cathedral through another stained-glass window, were equally stunned. In particular, Rhea felt as if her eyes, brain, and soul had been tainted despite all her tragic experiences. Upon regaining her senses, Rheas anger surged. Beside her, Lumian recalled a detail. He lowered his voice and asked Amandina, When did Robert become lovers with Padre Cali? Amandina retracted her corrupted gaze and pondered for a moment. More than a year after Padre Cali arrived in Tizamo, about three years ago. Lumian frowned and asked, Did they become lovers in reality, or during the Dream Festival? Of course in reality, Amandina replied without hesitation. Somethings off Padre Cali had been in Tizamo for over a year. He should have mellowed, turned restrained, and been devoid of excessive desires and emotions. Why was he still targeting Robert and the other lads? From the looks of it, there is something abnormal about Padre Cali, and this abnormality should have been related to the source of the Dream Festival. That is why he had declared its beginning Just as Lumian thought this, he saw Rhea raise her bow angrily and aim it at the cathedral, where the scene was becoming increasingly unbearable and foul. Almost simultaneously, the energetic Padre Cali turned his body. Suddenly, Lumian, with one hand in his pocket, saw the native padre with dark brown skin, sunken eyes, and thin black hair. His naked figure was reflected in Lumians eyes. He felt a chilling aura emanating from Padre Calis body, attempting to completely freeze and replace his spirit. Wraith Possession! So, Padre Cali possesses the ability to transform into a Wraith. It is no wonder that when 1 investigated his weaknesses, 1 realized that it only existed deep within the body, within the spirit Heh heh, a Wraith preaching in the Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral and under the sunlight Who would have thought such a thing would happen? Padre Calis Wraith powers definitely had not come from drinking potions. They would definitely have been discovered and purified A boon?Lumian came to a realization. Relying on the strength of his Sequence 5 Spirit Body, Lumian struggled to wrestle control of his body from Padre Cali. He was not in a hurry to activate the Blood Emperors aura brand. Instead, he looked at Amandina and said with difficulty, word by word, Let me and Cali enter a dream Lumian knew that Amandinas ability to forcefully pull people into a dream could only be used one-on-one. However, Padre Cali was currently attached to him and entangled with his Spirit Body. Perhaps she could treat them as a unit. As for whether Wraiths dreamed, Lumian did not know for now. After all, he still had a backup plan. With a resounding crash, Rheas arrow shattered the stained-glass window, sending shards crashing to the ground. The arrow, entwined with silver-white lightning, crossed a distance of more than ten meters, pierced the location where Padre Cali had been, and nailed it to the wooden table with the candlestick. Amidst crackling lightning, the long wooden table shattered and collapsed to the ground, sending burning candles tumbling in all directions. Robert, clearly taken aback by the sudden departure of Padre Cali, reacted. He opened his mouth and uttered strange words in a strange language. Coo! Ns if a cold wind from the Feysac Empires extreme north blew, a blurry, strange, and inhuman figure materialized out of thin air and burrowed into Roberts body. A layer of armor-like ice materialized on Roberts body, and a colossal, sharp, and crystalline frost scythe materialized in his hand. Clutching the massive scythe, Robert sprinted toward Rhea, Camus, and the others. Wherever he passed, the ground froze, and icicles materialized on the walls. On the fourth floor of the Brieu Motel, in a room near the intersection, two figures emerged from behind the curtains as Lumian and his companions made their way to the street where Saint-Sien Cathedral stood. One of them was a man with distinct Northern Continent features. His dark-green eyes stood out against his dark gray formal suit and black silk top hat. The other was a woman with delicate skin, exquisite facial features, and deep blue eyes. She wore a light-colored dress that allowed for easy movement and a feathered hat adorned with pearls. They were the couple Lumian had seen moving into the Brieu Motel late at night. They had arrived in Tizamo a mere ten minutes before the official Dream Festival began. At that moment, the man and womans eyes were clear, devoid of any excessive emotions or actions. The patrol teams sudden arrival in Tizamo is indeed because they discovered the problem here, the beautiful woman said in a deep voice, gazing out the window at the street below. From the looks of it, theyve also found a way to remain lucid and rational in this special dream. The mans expression was cold as he nodded slightly and said, But they dont know much yet. Theyre moving in the wrong direction. Lets get moving. The woman in the feathered hat led the way to the door. The two of them descended the stairs swiftly, one after the other. As they passed the second floor, the woman in the light-colored dress suddenly stopped and whispered, Do you hear something strange? The man in the half top hat listened intently for a few seconds before hearing faint chewing sounds coming from a room deep on the second floor. The sound persisted without pause.. Chapter 679 - 679 Spirit Medium 679 Spirit Medium Seeing Robert, clad in ice armor and dragging a frost scythe, sprinting towards the stained-glass window facing him, Rhea, and Lugano, Camus immediately drew his custom-made revolver and aimed it ahead. At that moment, his feet turned cold, and his body froze, causing his joints to become sluggish and his wrists to tremble. From the corner of his eye, Camus observed that although Robert hadnt truly approached, the frost on the ground and the icicles on the wall had already reached him. Within a radius of ten to twenty meters, the chill intensified, resembling the extreme north. With a swoosh, Rhea shot another arrow entwined with silver lightning. Robert didnt dodge or evade. Exerting strength in his arms, he swung the frosty scythe forward. Clang! The scythe knocked away the arrow, leaving behind a small amount of lightning that raced towards Roberts body. Amidst the sizzling sounds, Robert felt numb for a moment before continuing to sprint towards Rhea and the others. Camus was taken aback. He wasnt surprised that Robert could control the frost scythe so effortlessly and create a considerable frozen domain. Instead, he was surprised that Robert had rushed up to him and was about to enter a five-meter range. Doesnt he know about my Psychic Piercing ability? Doesnt he realize that Psychic Piercings effective range is five meters? Could it be that he has never encountered or fought a Mid-Sequence Beyonder of the Arbiter pathway? Thats true, Camus thought. No one in the patrol team or the Admiral Guard knows that Robert and Miss Amandina are Beyonders. After obtaining Beyonder powers during the Dream Festival, they probably dont use them much in the outside world. They can only unleash their full potential during the annual Dream Festival. There arent many Beyonder enemies to choose from As these thoughts raced through Camuss mind, he seized the opportunity. As Robert stepped within five meters, his eyes lit up with brilliant lightning. Psychic Piercing! Two bolts of lightning shot out and pierced Roberts head. Robert let out a blood-curdling scream and tumbled forward, writhing in pain. He had tossed the frost scythe aside. Rheas arrow was once again nocked to the bowstring, instinctively following Roberts roll. Fury blazed in her eyes, erupting from within her body, and her muscles bulged with the surge of power. Raging Blow. This was the Raging Blow Rhea had accumulated through her anger. It came from Sequence 8 Folk of Rage from the Sailor pathway. By releasing accumulated anger, her attack was greatly enhanced. Rhea was currently at this Sequence, but the hunting bow in her hand was a powerful Beyonder item. It was a formidable weapon she had spent all her savings on before arriving in Tizamo. It was called Thunderclap Explosion and could be used for two years. Soon, Robert ceased his tumbling, but he couldnt shake off the intense pain caused by Psychic Piercing. He froze in place for a moment. Without hesitation, Rhea watched the arrow, engulfed in dazzling lightning, and released her grip on the bowstring. The arrow shot out, but the lightning on it strangely split into two. One continued to ensnare the arrow, while the other darted to the right. WhC Rheas pupils dilated, unable to comprehend why such a thing had occurred. Instinctively, she turned her head and followed the separated bolt of lightning to its destination. Then, she saw Louis Berry leaning against the window, his eyes tightly shut as he slid down. A few seconds ago, upon hearing Louis Berrys words, Amandina had locked onto him with a mix of confusion and excitement. Since you said it, I wont stand on ceremony! In her spiritual perception, Louis Berrys soul was intertwined with the sinister soul, fiercely resisting while using various parts of his body as a battlefield. However, the owner of the body was clearly at a disadvantage. Amandina couldnt separate them under such circumstances. She vaguely understood why Louis Berry had instructed her to lock onto the other partys head and entangled soul with her spirituality. Lumian, who had Amandina use her abilities, stammered as he struggled to move his left hand in his pocket. His left hand wasnt in his trouser pocket or shirt pocket, but in his Travelers Bag. After arriving outside Saint-Sien Cathedral and prying open the stained-glass window, Lumian had inserted his left hand into his Travelers Bag, ready to retrieve a suitable mystical item at any moment. He was preparing for the impending battle. If this wasnt a dream, he would likely have his hand in his left shirt pocketCwhere Mr. Ks finger was. Before being fully controlled by the Wraith, Lumian relied on the strength of a Reapers soul to struggle and retrieve a brooch from his Travelers Bag. It was the grayish-white, lightning-shaped brooch known as Fury of the Sea! Lumian gripped the brooch tightly and observed Amandina leaning against the wall. She clenched her fists and closed her eyes. His thoughts suddenly blurred, and his eyelids grew heavy. He fell asleep and slowly slid down the wall. Padre Cali fell silent in his body. The Wraith appeared to be asleep as well. It was unknown if he would fall asleep on his own or if he was affected by the negative effect of now possessing a body. Amandina opened her eyes and was delighted to see this. She wanted to praise herself. With a crackling sound, the bolt of lightning detached from Rheas arrow struck Lumian, transforming into numerous tiny electric serpents that slithered around him. This was the downside of the Fury of the Sea brooch! Even if Lumian only carried it, there was a high chance of being struck by lightning when he went out in the rain. And if he wore it without attacking anyone else, the likelihood of encountering such a thing would significantly increase. Lumian believed that since the Fury of the Sea brooch had a chance of attracting lightning strikes on a rainy day, it held a special allure for lightning. In such a situation, although it wasnt raining, what if there was another source of lightning nearby? What would happen? There was a high chance that it would attract a portion of someone elses lightning! Stimulated by the pain of the electric shock, Lumian, no longer affected by the Nightmare ability, snapped out of his dream. He regained his senses, but his body remained numb. He experienced this, as did Padre Cali. As soon as the Wraith regained consciousness, he instinctively detached from Lumians body to distance himself from the harm of the electric current. His face materialized on the nearest pane of glass, his form indistinct. Seizing the moment, Lumian donned the grayish-white, lightning-shaped brooch and retrieved his revolver from his Travelers Bag. He raised his right hand, aiming at Wraith Cali, who remained in a daze. The Wraiths various colors reflected in Lumians determined eyes. The pallor rapidly expanded in Lumians line of sight. Bang! Lumian calmly pulled the trigger, firing a yellow bullet. As he did so, silver-white lightning flickered on the Fury of the Sea brooch, instantly entering the bullet and wrapping around its surface. This was one of the broochs abilities. It could grant the wearer an Electric Shock effect with every strike! After temporarily losing the Pride Armor, this had become one of Lumians most effective methods against soul-type creatures. The yellow bullet, engulfed in silver-white lightning, struck the stained glass, shattering it and sending tiny electric currents in all directions. However, it missed Padre Cali. As Lumian pulled the trigger, the Wraith vanished from the glass and instantly leaped onto the glass-like surface of the crystal chandelier high above the cathedral. Mirror Blink! On the other side, Rheas arrow struck Robert with precision, emitting a resounding bang like a heavy object colliding. Crack! The ice armor covering Roberts body instantly cracked, shattering into fragments that fell to the ground. Under the assault of crackling electric serpents, the blurry shadow attached to his body broke free and vanished into the void. With the ice armor shielding him from most of the damage, Robert remained relatively unaffected. However, his chest tightened, and his body briefly went numb. At that moment, he regretted not wearing clothes. The various ingredients needed for his spirit channeling were hidden in his clothes, such as Full Moon Essence Oil or Corpse Incense Medication. There were very few spirits that could allow him to communicate safely without the use of materials. The one just now was the most powerful. Seeing Camuss special revolver and Rheas arrows aimed at him, Robert grew anxious. He thought of a spirit channeling method that could be completed under such circumstances. Frowning and fearing the pain, he bit the tip of his tongue. Pfft! He spat out the blood from the tip of his tongue mixed with his saliva, emitting a strange sound from his throat. A pair of weathered, stone-like hands reached out from beneath the cathedrals stone bricks, seized Roberts body, and pulled him underground. At some point in time, the ground had softened like a swamp, and the blood in the air abruptly vanished. Camuss bullets and Rheas arrows arrived one after another, but they only caused sparks on the stone bricks on the ground. Spirit Medium? Camus used this opportunity to revise his judgment of Roberts pathway and Sequence. Hes actually not from the same pathway as Miss Amandina? Hadnt he also obtained his superpowers from the black boulder? Camus hastily took a few steps back, retrieved a cartridge bag, and began reloading the revolver. As a member of Matanis authorities, obtaining Beyonder bullets with different effects was relatively easy, even though the patrol team wasnt wealthy or had much accumulation. After all, there was the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, the God of Steam and Machinery Church, the Church of Earth Mother, and numerous adventurers coming and going. Furthermore, the patrol team needed to be vigilant against certain branches of the Rose School of Thought and the Numinous Episcopate. They had to make targeted preparations. Camus swiftly inserted the golden Purifying Bullets into the revolvers cylinder and snapped it shut. At that moment, Padre Cali, who had leaped onto another stained glass window, reappeared. He opened his mouth and emitted a piercing shriek that harmed ones eardrums and Spirit Body. Ah! Wraith Shriek! Chapter 680 - 680 Combat Experience 680 Combat Experience Camus, who had just loaded the Purifying Bullets into his revolver cylinder, heard a sharp sound of static in his mind. Before his eyes, the world seemed to separate from him, a chunk of transparent glass forming a barrier between him and reality. Under the Wraiths Shriek, cracks appeared on the glass, extending into the Spirit Body. A faint shattering sound reverberated in the ears of Lumian, Rhea, Lugano, Amandina, Robert, who had just crawled out of the ground near the altar, and the other naked men frantically dodging. It brought sharp pain to their eardrums, blood to their noses, and agony from the depths of their souls. Almost everyone froze in place, like fragile porcelain caught in an invisible storm. The naked men, who appeared ordinary, fainted without a sound. Blood seeped from their eyes, nostrils, mouths, ears, and skin. However, Lumian, who had advanced to Sequence 5 Reaper, suffered the least damage and recovered the fastest. Thin ice crystal arrows shot at him, their arrowheads flickering with a cold light. In an instant, Lumian made a decision. He didnt transform into a shadow creature or enter the shadows to dodge the damage, nor did he attempt to duck. Instead, blazing white flames ignited over his body. He transformed into a burning-white spear and hurled himself towards the stained-glass window closer to the door, facing the ice crystal arrows. Padre Cali, with his dark brown skin and sinister expression, stood there. Amandina was the second to recover from the Wraiths Shriek. She witnessed the majestic blazing-white flaming spear collide with the ice crystal arrows hurtling towards them. Silently, a portion of the ice crystal arrows facing the blazing-white flaming spear evaporated into sizzling white gas, while the surrounding ones quickly melted and turned to steam. White mist caused by water steam filled the air. Although the blazing white flaming spear had dimmed significantly and stopped burning violently, it still pierced through and headed straight for the stained glass that revealed Padre Calis figure. Similar ice crystal arrows pierced through the white mist, striking Amandina, Camus, Rhea, and Lugano. However, they either melted or shrunk significantly, reducing their speed. Amandina and Camus, who had just escaped the Wraiths Shriek, easily dodged. Although Rhea and Lugano couldnt react in time and were hit by the ice crystal arrows, they only felt a slight pain, as if a child had hit them with a snowball. It was a little painful, but mostly wet and cold. They seized the opportunity to snap out of their daze, almost at the same time as Robert at the altar. Crack! The blazing-white flaming spear struck the stained glass, shattering it into countless pieces. However, Padre Cali had already leaped onto the window that Lumian had pried open, narrowly escaping the attack. As the flames of the burning white spear dissipated, Lumians figure emerged from the fading light. Without hesitation, he ignited white flames once more, transforming into a majestic spear that shot towards the window where Padre Cali had appeared, determined to pursue his enemy. He deliberately refrained from teleporting and repeatedly transformed into a flaming spear, hoping to lull Padre Cali into overlooking such possibilities. Then, at a critical moment, he would unexpectedly appear beside him and use the Spell of Harrumph, catching the Wraith off guard. Otherwise, it would be challenging to catch a Wraith that could constantly jump through mirrored objects, using them as portals to evade capture. Furthermore, Lumian knew that Wraiths could be considered spirit world creatures to a certain extent. They could also use the spirit world to complete teleportation, although they couldnt compare to spirit world creatures specialized in this area. Nevertheless, it wasnt an ability to be underestimated. As the fireball spear hurtled toward the window Lumian had pried open, Robert rolled to the side of the altar where their clothes were, intending to retrieve the ingredients used for spirit channeling. Swoosh! An arrow pierced the stone bricks in front of him, forcing him to change the direction of his roll at the last moment, narrowly avoiding the projectile. As soon as Rhea regained her composure, she aimed at Robert and launched an attack. Both she and Camus believed that Louis Berry could handle Padre Cali on his own, so their mission was to restrain Robert and capture this key figure, preventing him from interfering in the battle. As a gunshot rang out, Padre Calis figure vanished from the stained-glass window, leaving no trace of his presence. The eyes of Amandina, who was nearby, reflected the image of the naked fallen padre. Amandina wanted to resist, but her body quickly turned cold, gradually defying her will as an unknown force took control of her actions. Amidst the sloshing sounds, Lumians blazing-white flaming spear pierced through the stained glass and landed outside the cathedral, three to four meters away from Amandina, its heat radiating in the cool night air. As the flames dissipated, Lumian appeared, clad in a golden straw hat, a white shirt, and a black vest. At that moment, Amandinas hands had already involuntarily risen. The corners of her beautiful face curled into a sinister and smug smile. Come on! Attack me! Amandina would be the first to be injured and die. If the body cant protect me, I can still jump and shift positions in time! Padre Cali was wary of Amandinas ability to forcefully pull people into dreams, a power that could easily turn the tide of battle. This time, he chose to possess her instead of Louis Berry, an enemy at a higher Sequence, hoping to use her as a shield against Lumians attacks. As Padre Cali manipulated Amandinas body with a sinister and smug smile, he saw Louis Berrys lips curve into a radiant smile. As a Wraith, Padre Cali had a strong spiritual premonition, and he suddenly sensed extreme danger. Ha! A pale-yellow light burst forth from Lumians laughter and landed on Amandina, who stood three to four meters away, enveloping her spirit and Padre Cali, who couldnt use Mirror Blink in time. Lumian honestly found it a pleasant surprise. You know about Nightmares abilities, but dont you know how to guard against the Spell of Harrumph? Oh, you really dont. You dont know this ability, nor do you know that Im capable of it. However, as a Wraith, you can continuously mirror- jump, yet you insist on attaching yourself to one of my teammates and remain within a few meters of me. What kind of belief is this? Dont you have enough combat experience? Even if you didnt know the Spell of Harrumph, you have to guard against abilities like Psychic Piercing! Oh, you think Camus is far away, so theres no need to worry about it. As a Sequence 5 of the Hunter pathway, how would I know this? Are you hoping to use me to quickly kill Amandina? Havent you considered the existence of mystical items? My original plan was if I failed to finish you off after using teleportation to deliver the Spell of Harrumph and Cull, I would feign a strategic retreat and find a small space to set up the Bottle of Fiction. Then, when you caught up, I would fight you in a cramped and sealed space, just like how I dealt with Hisoka back then. To my surprise, you delivered yourself to me As Lumian criticized wildly, Padre Cali and Amandina fainted and collapsed to the ground. Had it been during his battle with Hisoka some time ago, Lumian would have hastened to follow through with the subsequent steps. This was because the Spell of Harrumph couldnt render a Sequence 5 enemy unconscious for long. However, now that he had advanced to Sequence 5, his Spell of Harrumph had become significantly stronger. The time he could control a Wraith had increased, although it was still limited to a few seconds. Lumian retrieved a few special bullets from his Travelers Bag. They had been purchased through Camus from the patrol team. Two Exorcism and two Purification Bullets, both golden in color. Lumian swiftly loaded the four bullets into the cylinder of his revolver and aimed at Amandina, who lay on the ground. Catching sight of this from the corner of his eye, Camus jumped in fright and shouted, What are you doing? Saving her, Lumian replied calmly. Then, he pulled the trigger. Bang! The golden Exorcism Bullet struck Amandinas shoulder, causing her to bleed and emit a golden sunlight. Amandina woke up in pain, and the apparition of Padre Cali detached from her body, his face warped under the sunlight. Originally, with the strength of the Exorcism Bullets, it would have been impossible to expel a Wraith from the victims body in an instant. However, Padre Cali was unconscious and unable to react effectively. Lumian raised his gun, his eyes reflecting the color on the surface of Padre Calis Spirit Body. He locked onto the pallor that had become evident. Bang! A golden Purifying Bullet, imbued with Culls power, struck the Wraiths forehead. The apparition of Padre Cali froze as he saw the bullet shatter on its own, transforming into balls of golden holy flames that spread throughout his body, igniting dust and his soul. The bright, sun-like golden flames swiftly enveloped Padre Cali, causing him to let out a tragic scream. This wasnt a Wraith Shriek, but it still made everyones heads and ears hurt. Lumian endured these sensations and calmly said to Amandina, Drag him into a dream and inquire about the source of the Dream Festival. Padre Cali had already been subjected to Cull and was severely weakened, teetering on the brink of true death. Amandina could effectively restrain him! But Amandinas shoulder and head ached, but she didnt dare complain when she saw Louis Berrys cold and calm expression. Lumian turned to Lugano and said, Treat her gunshot wound. Alright. Lugano winced from the pain in his eardrums, but he still rushed over. At that moment, Padre Cali, purified by the Cull, instinctively withdrew from his Wraith state and transformed back into a human to escape the ongoing damage. Seeing this, Amandina took a deep breath, clenched her fists, and closed her eyes. She and Padre Cali entered the dream at the same time. Chapter 681 - Chapter 681 Tomb Chapter 681 Tomb Chapter 681 Tomb Robert rejoiced that the two patrol team members dealing with him had also been affected by Padre Calis scream. He didnt know what had happened to his lover, nor could he confirm it. Enduring the swelling in his head and the pain in his eardrums, he rushed towards the altar. Pfft! Rheas arrow struck the pile of clothes, but that wasnt Roberts destinationit was quite a distance away. After landing on the ground, he rolled and hid behind the altar. Rhea drew the bowstring again, but she didnt release the arrow immediately. Roberts body was completely blocked by the altar, making it impossible for her to aim. As a devout believer of the Eternal Blazing Sun, it was also impossible for her to use the hunting bows unique abilities together with Raging Blow to directly shatter the altar. Witnessing this, Camus, knowing his revolvers power was insufficient, leaped over the shattered stained-glass window and sprinted towards the altar. After a brief moment of hesitation, Rhea raised her hunting bow and shot an arrow wrapped in lightning into the air. The arrow flew high into the air before swiftly descending, bypassing the altars obstruction and landing behind it. Since she hadnt been able to aim properly, the arrow grazed Roberts body and struck a crevice between two stone slabs. A sizzling electric current dissipated, creeping over Roberts body and temporarily paralyzing him. After breaking free, Robert abandoned the idea of retrieving his spirit channeling ingredients. He had no intention of saving his lover, Padre Cali. He planned to bite the tip of his tongue again and complete the spirit channeling. With the special ability of the natural spirit, he could escape back to his plantation, where he still had plenty of spirituality-rich ingredients for backup. At that moment, from the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Camuss light-colored pants and leather shoes with holes. He felt a whip formed by electric currents appear in his mind. The whip struck his soul, and Robert, crouched behind the altar, felt his knees buckle, and he collapsed, trembling as extreme numbness and pain surged through him simultaneously. Whip of Pain! Interrogators Whip of Pain! Camus rushed to Roberts side, leaned down, and delivered a left hookone that more or less bore a personal grudge. Bang! Camus, skilled in interrogation techniques, inflicted pain on Robert without going overboard. Robert fainted, yet suffered no substantial harm. After restraining Robert, Camus glanced at the naked man and selected nearby clothes to cover his private parts. He then picked up Robert and returned to where Lumian and the others were. At that moment, Lugano had already retrieved the bullet that had struck Amandinas shoulder, allowing the wound to contract and heal. Padre Cali was dreaming of the interior of Saint-Sien Cathedral. Dressed in a white robe with golden threads, he knelt before the altar, muttering with a pained expression, as if repenting. Amandina, clad in a black hunting suit, approached Padre Cali down the aisle between the pews. Remembering Louis Berrys instructions, she asked, Whats the origin of this special dream? Padre Cali looked up, his face contorted as he replied, That that strange tomb. Tomb? Amandina suspected the Dream Festival she had just attended was a sham. What tomb? Suddenly, a flash of inspiration flickered. That colossal, black boulder? Its actually a tomb? Padre Cali nodded. Yes. Its really a tomb Intrigued, Amandina asked proactively, Whose tomb is that? Why is it so special? Padre Cali remained kneeling, shaking his head. I dont know. Even the gravekeepers dont know. They only know their mission is to guard that strange ancient tomb. Gravekeepers? Who are they? The more Amandina asked, the more she felt she didnt know about the Dream Festival. Padre Cali looked up at Amandina and said, The elders of the forest tribe. I see Amandinas mind raced with questions. She picked one and asked, Did you take Robert to Twanakus house to sleep and allow him to maintain his lucidity? Then, you took him to the ancient tomb where he obtained superpowers? Yes. Padre Cali lowered his head, facing the altar, his voice laced with pain. Im sinful. Just as I thought Amandina inquired further, How did you know you could obtain superpowers there? And how did you maintain lucidity? Youve only been in Tizamo for about five years, and I grew up here, Amandina inquired further. Blood vessels bulged from Padre Calis neck. Twanaku, Twanaku, bewitched me. He used his body to tempt you? Amandina suddenly felt a surge of excitement. Padre Cali was taken aback. He saw through my desire for status and recognition and gradually demonstrated his abilities. He also told me there was a way for me to quickly and easily obtain strength. And with great strength, I could do more for the Church and receive more rewards and recognition That demon! Amandina asked in disappointment, You were bewitched just like that? Padre Cali nodded slowly. Thats right. Twanaku needed someone to help him monitor the changes in the dream and host the Dream Festival after he left Tizamo. First, he got me to sleep at his house. Then, during the Dream Festival, he took me to that strange ancient tomb. Did you also obtain superpowers by touching that tomb? Amandina asked casually. Padre Cali shook his head again. No, Twanaku opened a crack in the tomb and let me reach in What did you touch? Amandina couldnt help but urge upon seeing Padre Calis pause. I touched a handa cold hand without temperature. Then, I fainted. When I woke up, I had superpowers. I did it three more times during the subsequent Dream Festivals, eventually becoming a Wraith. Padre Cali recalled the situation, his face filled with uncontrollable fearboth of the cold hand and the ease with which he had obtained superpowers. The hand of the corpse in the tomb? Amandina quickly reviewed what Padre Cali had said and thought of a problem. Didnt you say there were gravekeepers? Why werent we stopped when Robert and I went? Padre Calis voice deepened. People who have lived in Tizamo for a long time often have a projection formed by suppressed emotions and desires in this special dream. They usually hide in the chaotic area brought by the tomb, at the edge of the dream. They watch over the ancient tomb with the gravekeepers to protect it from others. When the Dream Festival begins, these projections will return to their true forms, forming complete Dream Festival participants who can no longer suppress their emotions and desires. As for the gravekeepers, its unknown where they go. Strange Amandina was puzzled by the gravekeepers whereabouts. She was a little worried. After a moment of contemplation, she asked with concern, Do I have a projection of emotions and desires in this dream? Padre Cali shook his head. No. You dont spend enough time in Tizamo every year. Even for those who originally formed a dream projection, once they leave this place long enough and stop suppressing themselves, the corresponding projection will gradually fade until it disappears. Those who can remain lucid in this dream will have their corresponding projections gradually dissipate over time. details. However, this lucidity isnt absolute. After the Dream Festival begins, everyone will have a tendency to flaunt their emotions and desiresincluding those who maintain their lucidity. However, they wont completely lose control like those who have fused with their dream self. They can continue restraining themselves like normal, their desires revealed in some details. Amandina recalled her performance during the two Dream Festivals and revealed a look of enlightenment. Initially, she believed that because this place was a dream, as long as no one died, it was equivalent to a game. That was why she appeared more self-centered and unrestrained than in reality. She didnt expect this to come from the effect of the Dream Festival. Thankfully, Ive always had self-control Amandina had ticked off most of the questions that Louis Berry wanted clarified, leaving only those that the Padre Cali himself wasnt aware of. Thus, she changed the subject. Youve already become a Wraith, yet you still dare to preach and host Mass Arent you concerned that God might notice you and unleash His wrath upon you, purifying you into ashes? Being in the Southern Continent, Amandina knew the power of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church better than many gentlemen and ladies in Trier. She had no doubts about the existence of God. Moreover, over the past year, she had been diligently obtaining mysticism knowledge from Robert and the various sources she could come into contact with. She knew that the Rose School of Thought, the key characters of various terrifying rumors, was renowned for its numerous Wraiths, and Wraiths were most afraid of sunlight that came with purification. Padre Cali sighed and said, I had such concerns, but Twanaku told me he had a way to help me hide a Wraiths power. Unless God watches this place personally, I wont be discovered. What is it? Amandina asked curiously. Padre Cali replied truthfully, After touching the corpse in the tomb and obtaining superpowers, dont rush to leave. Touch the tomb itself again, the black boulder. This concealed all my superpowers. The effect will last for more than a year. Thats possible? What would happen if I touched the black boulder and then touched the corpses hand? Amandina pondered for a moment and asked a question of personal concern, How did you entice Robert? Why did he become your lover? Amandina sized him up but couldnt find anything about Padre Cali that attracted Robert, other than his strength. Could love truly be blind? Padre Cali fell silent for a moment before saying, I ignited his desires, dismantling his self-control. Youve never displayed such abilities Amandina hadnt noticed Padre Cali arousing any desires in the battle before. Padre Calis voice was once again tinged with pain. Im sinful. Im praying to the Demon Twanaku mentioned Before Padre Cali could finish, the entire dream suddenly trembled and collapsed inch by inch. Chapter 682 - Chapter 682 Cull Chapter 682 Cull Chapter 682 Cull Unable to control the dream anymore, Amandina opened her eyes and woke up. Beside her, Padre Cali snapped out of his slumber, his human form once again becoming hazy and indistinct. Instinctively, he transformed into a Wraith, as if losing all restraint. Stiff black hair even sprouted from his body. Reflected in Padre Calis eyes was Lumians figureLouis Berry, with his black hair, green eyes, and golden straw hat, holding a revolver aimed directly at the Wraiths forehead. Bang! Lumian smiled and pulled the trigger, a golden Purifying Bullet exploding from the muzzle and instantly heading straight for the pallor in the Wraiths forehead. Cull! Simultaneously, Lumian waved his empty left hand at Padre Cali, as if to say, Bye, you wont be missed! The Purifying Bullet exploded, and golden flames instantly ignited the ethereal Padre Calis entire body. Padre Cali couldnt even scream, his agonized thoughts manifesting as an invisible gale sweeping outwards. Lumian endured the backlash, watching with a grim smile as the enemy was consumed by the purifying flames, reduced to scattered ashes. Lumian felt his Reaper potion digest a little more. Using Cull to reap a powerful foes life was a core principle for Reapersthe higher their Sequence and strength, the more potent the acting effect. With the addition of Cull, the relatively ordinary and common Purifying Bullet ended the life of a Wraith with just two strikes. Lumian found it inexplicably amusing to witness the true incineration of the Padre Cali. Why do I always encounter fallen Eternal Blazing Sun padres and cleanse and purify them? Is this repayment for my past faith? As these thoughts raced through his mind, Lumian glanced at the risen Amandina and asked with a smile, What did he say? Amandinas first reaction was to check the wound on her shoulder. She exclaimed, Its completely healed, not a trace left? If it werent for her torn clothes and sore shoulder, she would have imagined herself to be uninjured. Miss Amandina, dont act as if youve never seen the world. Although youre a believer in the Eternal Blazing Sun and wont seek treatment from the clergyman of the Church of Earth Mother unless you are particularly ill, there are many Feynapotterians in Matani. Havent you come into close contact with them? Lumian criticized her and looked at Amandina coldly without responding. Lugano, on the other hand, saw the beautiful girls reaction and explained smugly, Thats the power of a Doctor from the Planter pathway. Amandina expressed her gratitude, then recounted her conversation with Padre Cali while massaging her shoulder to relieve the lingering sourness. At the end, she spat at the spot where his ashes had fallen. He became the Demons mouthpiece, using its power to violate Robert and the others. Luckily, he preferred men. Otherwise Recalling how she had frequented Saint-Sien Cathedral over the years and had been a girl with limited knowledge, far from adulthood, Amandina shuddered inwardly. She sympathized with Robert and the others, but she also felt fortunate. Lumian had another question in mind. Could Hisokas Wraith abilities also originate from the Dream Festival and the strange black tomb, rather than a direct boon from the Mother Tree of Desire? That would explain a few things better. As far as Lumian knew, when evil god believers prayed for boons, they needed to perform a ritual and offer sacrifices. The higher the level of the boon they prayed for, the higher the requirement for the sacrifice, and the larger the ritual. As a member of Port Pyloss patrol team, Hisoka could cover up one or two sacrifices, but it was difficult to suppress all the sacrificial incidents. It was just like how Hisoka had only completed one serial murder case in Port Pylos. Previously, Lumian had believed that he had relied on Mad Ladys help to complete the sacrificial rituals in the Southern Continents even more chaotic places. But now, it seemed that there was no need for such trouble. He just needed to touch the cold corpse once a year during the Dream Festival. Hisoka and Padre Cali have participated in at least five Dream Festivals and have become Wraiths for some time, but they havent made a breakthrough since then Is this because the cold corpse can only bestow a boon up to Sequence 5? Did Hisoka obtain the large amount of gold and something from the Nois familys Demon to wait for this years Dream Festival to complete the corresponding matters and obtain a higher boon? Lumian turned to Robert, who had been dragged nearby, and asked for confirmation, Hes a Spirit Medium? Yes, Amandina replied. Padre Cali said Robert gained powers by touching that black boulder too. But why am I a Nightmare while hes a Spirit Medium? Higher-level, composite power Just as the Great Mother can bestow three different powers, Apothecary, Planter, and Villain, respectively Lumian wasnt surprised by this situation at all. Camus and Rhea were as puzzled as Amandina. Lumian couldnt be bothered to explain this complicated and high-level problem. He turned around and said to Rhea, Your dream projection should still exist. Be careful from now on. The question now is whether the death of your dream projection will affect your life. Rhea nodded thoughtfully. Lumian shifted his gaze back to Robert, recalling the Demon that had assisted Padre Cali. That should be the Nois family member who established a connection with Hisoka Demons dont do good deeds for no reason. Whether its establishing a connection with Hisoka or responding to the Padre Calis ritual, it must have its own motives. Although witnessing a padre of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church gradually degenerate should be commendable and interesting for a Demon, this isnt a sufficient reason for its close involvement What does it want during the Dream Festival? The cold corpse in the black ancient tomb can bestow a Prisoner pathway boon, and Prisoners are adjacent to the Criminal pathway which Demons are part of Lumian roughly grasped the situation and muttered to himself, The crucial question now is, where do the gravekeepers go during the Dream Festival? Why arent they protecting the black ancient tomb anymore? No one could answer him. Seeing him staring at the unconscious Robert, Amandina hesitated before saying, Can you let him go? Hes a victim too, dont kill him. Am I a homicidal maniac in your eyes? Lumian replied with amusement, As long as Robert doesnt seek revenge and try to kill me to avenge Padre Cali, I wont waste my spirituality on him. Phew Amandina sighed in relief, then muttered while rubbing her shoulder, Youre so cold-blooded. I thought youd kill me to deal with the padre. That shot hurt, you know! Lumian scoffed. Between being possessed by a Wraith until you die and getting shot, which would you have preferred? I dont care what you think or the sacrificesI made the right choice to save you, didnt I? Amandina, who was just grumbling out of habit, asked with interest upon hearing Lumians response, So youre willing to make big sacrifices and make correct choices to help important people? If, and I mean if, my desires were inflamed by a Demon and Id become a monster without venting them, would you sacrifice yourself to help me? Lumian chuckled and said, Dont have such unrealistic expectations of me. But dont worry, Ill find someone else willing to make that sacrifice for you. His gaze swept over Camus, Lugano, and the unconscious Robert. Amandina just muttered, How lame Camus inwardly sighed, feeling hed escaped the beautiful dream world. Lumian looked at Robert again and said to Amandina, Wake him up and talk to him. I need a favor from him. If Robert refused, Camus, the interrogation specialist, was there to persuade him. Alright, Amandina replied crisply, jolting Robert awake and informing her fianc of their current predicament. She consciously omitted mentioning Padre Calis death to maintain the illusion that the Wraith had fled. Will you help if I let you go? Robert asked warily as he struggled to his feet. Lumian gestured to Camus and Rhea. You may not trust me, but do you trust the patrol team? Robert fell silent for a moment before saying, Whats the favor? Lumian chuckled. Go to Twanakus house and do something for me. Brieu Motel, second floor. The man in the dark gray suit and the woman in the feathered hat heard soft chewing sounds coming from the corridora stark contrast to the shouts, cries, and moans echoing through the motel, as if it shouldnt be happening during the Dream Festival. Suddenly, the chewing stopped. Almost instantly, the man in the gray suit jumped up as if stabbed in the waist by a red-hot iron rod. His face tense with sweat beading on his brow, he sprinted to the first floor, traversing the entire staircase in the blink of an eye. He ran all the way out of the Brieu Motel to the intersection before stopping, his expression twisted with fear and lingering dread. Whats wrong? the woman in the light-colored dress asked, suddenly appearing beside him with confusion and seriousness. The man in the dark gray suit panted heavily. Phew, phew, phew, didnt you feel it? That terrifying malice! The feeling of my heart being ripped out, my tongue torn away, my brain churned into thick soup Chapter 683 - 683 Dance 683 Dance Hearing her companions words, the woman in the light-colored dresss expression turned solemn. I had a similar feeling, but it wasnt as specific as yours. The man in the dark-gray suit visibly calmed down and glanced back over his shoulder. Lets hurry to our destination. There seem to be many abnormalities beyond our grasp here. The woman in the light-colored dress gave a single nod of acknowledgment. After ascertaining their direction, they quickened their pace and swiftly left the intersection behind them. Lumian, wearing a golden straw hat, led Amandina, Robert, and the others back to the small square from the side of Saint-Sien Cathedral. At that moment, Camus spotted figures lingering in the cemetery on the other side. Startled, he focused his gaze and realized they were pale-white bones hung with tattered cloths and humanoid phantoms made of fine ashes. Many upright tombstones lay on the ground, and many graves had clearly suffered damage. The awakened dead? Camus furrowed his brow and asked Amandina. The Dream Festival can also awaken bones and ashes? Regardless of life or death, they had to celebrate the Dream Festival? Amandina nodded nimbly. Isnt that normal? Robert obtained superpowers from the Corpse Collector pathway during the Dream Festival. Thats the Death domain, so the Dream Festival itself has suchuh, characteristics. Amandina was secretly pleased that her knowledge surpassed that of a seasoned patrol team member in this area. She consoled Camus, Dont worry. The bones and shadows in the cemetery are very peaceful. Theyre completely different from the humans at the Dream Festival. As long as you dont approach them, they wont attack you. Theyll only wander around their graves. Of course theyre peaceful, Lumian, who was leading the way, chuckled. They usually dont have emotions or desires to suppress. They wont form an intense projection in this dream. The dead were emotionless! Of course, excluding those who had perished with resentment and hatred, those buried in Saint-Sien Cathedrals cemetery must have undergone purification. Thats not funny. Amandina wanted to console her silent fianc, but she felt she didnt have the right after witnessing his indecency and being complicit in killing his lover. Everything she said seemed hypocritical, so she had no choice but to speak to Louis Berry instead. She muttered inwardly, Hmph, as his fiance notarized in the cathedral, its my legitimate right to punish my fiancs lover. Its a little overboard, but in the face of the blasphemer, the demon who preyed on a minor, being a little overboard is a revelation from God! The more she thought about it, the more right she felt. Lumian walked swiftly along the shadows beside the road. After some thought, he said, Will those killed during the Dream Festival awaken and become undead? Yes, but it takes a long time. Ive only encountered them near the end of the Dream Festival. Theyre cold and aggressive, Amandina recalled. Seizing the opportunity, Rhea asked, When will the Dream Festival end? Amandina replied with a smile, Havent you noticed? The wall clocks and pocket watches are still ticking. The Dream Festival ends just before dawn. Is there a way to leave the Dream Festival early? Lugano was concerned over this question. Amandina glanced at Robert, who remained silent. Theres no way. We can usually escape by sleeping in Twanakus house and being stimulated at the edge of the dream. Once the Dream Festival begins, we can only wait for it to end naturally. Lugano shut his mouth in disappointment and unconsciously took two steps closer to Lumian. Camus observed Amandinas brisk strides and fell silent for a few seconds before asking, Arent you going back to Palm Manor to protect your parents? Arent you worried theyll die during the Dream Festival? Amandina pursed her lips and said with a complicated smile, During last years Dream Festival, I rushed back to protect them. I didnt expect them to have a happy time and not be in any danger My mother prefers the lowest-class, filthiest, yet relatively muscular slaves to do the deed while she curses them. I dont know what mental issues that stems from or which areas that indulges, but this way, the male slaves definitely wont kill her. Instead, her jealous ladys maids and female slaves who get too close will be subdued and forced to join if they approach. As for my father, he relied on his career in the Southern Continent to obtain the Legion of Honor medal. When awake, hes always afraid of attacks and slave riots. He built several bunkers in the manor and stockpiled food and weapons. He constantly practices combat, shooting, and military tactics. Even during the Dream Festival, it would be very difficult for the servants and slaves to take him down. Theyd have to break through layers of defenses until he retreats to a bunker. Unless a Beyonder deliberately goes after them, theyll be very safe. If I stayed to protect them, it might be more dangerousI mean Im more dangerous. I might not tolerate the love of those men or the jealousy of those women. I dont wish to kill too many people either. Could it be that shes more afraid of sensing the malice hidden in her family and friends hearts during the unconstrained Dream Festival? Shed rather gallivant outside and see others dark sides than experience that herself? Lumian could understand Amandinas rationale. He dropped the subject and turned to the silent Robert. How different is your spirit channeling during the Dream Festival from usual? Will those spirits become more violent and difficult to communicate with? Robert, now in a white shirt and black pants, was silent for a few seconds before saying, Its no different. Could the excessive emotions and desires of the special dream exclusively target living creatures, leaving spirits unaffected by their typical lack of self-control? Or is the spirit world and its denizens fakepart of the dream aligning with Roberts imagination? Its likely the latter possibility. Spirit Mediums dont just connect with local spirits to borrow power. Robert didnt say some channeling was impossible in the dream As Lumians thoughts raced, he made a speculation. Lumian led Camus and the others through the intersection, quickly returning to Twanakus house. He had asked about spirit channeling because it closely related to what he planned to do. Standing on the second floor of Hisokas house, Lumian said to the cold and slightly effeminate Robert, Have you ever completed a spirit channeling here? Ive tried. I can establish connections with surrounding spirits, but theres nothing special about it, Robert replied honestly. Amandina chimed in, He tried it in reality, in the dream, and during the Dream Festival. Were all curious about this places uniqueness and want to figure out the reason, but those spirits dont know anything about it. Lumian nodded, took out his golden pocket watch, glanced at it, and said, Come up to me in two minutes and help me with a designated spirit channeling. All of you can come up. Robert breathed a relieved sigh, realizing he wouldnt face this alone. On the third floor, in Hisokas bedroom, Lumian spread his arms and performed the Dancers Summoning Dance once more. Previously, using the Mystery Prying Glasses in the real world, he realized this place had a mysterious connection to the black boulder. Just now, Padre Cali had mentioned that the black boulder was actually an ancient tombthe source of his, Roberts, Amandinas, and even Hisoka Twanakus superpowers, as well as the Dream Festival itself. In that case, performing the Summoning Dance in Hisokas house might attract special, strange items connected to the black ancient tomb. Perhaps he could obtain important information about the tomb or the corpse inside. It was much safer than using the Mystery Prying Glasses or dancing after reaching the tomb. Furthermore, Lumian had no intention of directly attaching any summoned entity to himself. He had enlisted Roberts help to ensure safer, more effective spirit channeling. A Spirit Medium could communicate with surrounding spirits or through specific directions and descriptions. However, they couldnt rely on the Summoning Dance and a locations uniqueness to attract more distant, hidden spirits like a Dancer could. A Spirit Medium could borrow spirits power to achieve supernatural effects and communicate with them in detail. A Dancer could choose to obtain a trait, ability, or limited memory fragment. Amidst Lumians contorted, sonorous, bizarre dance, his spirituality combined with the environments unique power, spreading in all directions. As the intense dance neared its climax, something finally emerged from underground and condensed on the glass-enclosed window. A human-like shadow wore a black robe, strikingly resembling the tomb keeper Lumian encountered at the dreams edge, yet with differences. The hooded face seemed fixated on Lumian, eager yet sensing The Fools seal and the Blood Emperors residual aura, not daring to truly possess him. Lumian didnt force orders. He continued the Summoning Dance until Robert and the others arrived, then slowed to a halt. During this, he pointed at the black-robed figure and told Robert, Hurry up and communicate with it. Robert nodded slightly, retrieving a bottle of Full Moon Essence Oil from his pocket. Chapter 684 - 684 Two Answers 684 Two Answers Observing Louis Berrys peculiar sacrificial dance drawing to a close, Robert wasted no time. He hastily poured some Full Moon Essence Oil into his palm, utilizing his abilities to fuse it with his spirituality and rapidly dissipate it. Camus, Amandina, and the others immediately caught a refreshing, psychedelic fragrance. They felt their spirits were drunk, about to float out of their bodies. Roberts voice echoed softly, distantly in their ears, causing their thoughts to drift farther and farther away. Fortunately, they werent channeling targets, so they managed relative control. The black-robed figure gradually left the glass window, approaching Robert. Suddenly, the shadow vanished. Robert lowered his head, then slowly looked up, his face tainted by the night sky yet with an obvious sinister aura. His eyes were dark. Observing this, Lumian ended the Summoning Dance, positioning himself three meters from Robert. Although hed intended for Robert to channel the spirit directly while he provided questions, the peculiar shadow had instead attached itself to Robert. This too was a form of spirit channelingmany Spirit Mediums allowed a targets spirit to communicate through their mouth, answering certain peoples questions. Gazing at the sinister-looking Robert, Lumian pondered briefly, then said, Do you know what happened to the people who lived here six years ago? He planned to start simple, least likely to cause anomalies, constantly adjusting direction, tone, and terminology based on the actual situation. Robert opened his mouth, letting out a shrill voice unlike his own. Affected, performed a ritual, all perished. This answer puzzled the others, including Camus, unsure if significant information was hidden. Apart from Lugano, everyone guessed Louis asked about the fire engulfing the Twanaku family, with the spirits answer implying a cult or evil gods influence. As a Conspirer, relevant information instantly surfaced in Lumians mind. The suppressed emotions and desires of everyone in Tizamo would be absorbed by the dream, gradually accumulating to form corresponding dream projections. Like the gravekeepers, these projections would hide in the dreams chaotic zone, guarding the black ancient tomb. In previous explorations, I saw the black-robed gravekeeper and projections surrounding the ancient tomb in dream fragments. One projection was the remaining figure of Hisoka Twanaku. Hisoka Twanaku returned to Tizamo two or three times yearly for about a week. After leaving, his corresponding projection would gradually fade until vanishing. Hisoka Twanaku had become a Devil pathway Beyonder after the fire incident. The Nois familys Demon This information appeared simultaneously in Lumians mind, like disconnected nodes in a spiders web. Soon, Lumian made a guess. Hisoka Twanaku returned to Tizamo once or twice outside the Dream Festival, each visit lasting a week or more? Was this to ensure his dream projection didnt completely disappear, allowing the dream to absorb some of his malice? Do the projections and gravekeepers stay around the ancient tomb because it has something special that unknowingly affects them, like the tomb or the cold corpse inside? If sacrificial rituals were part of the tombs defense, when the Dream Festival commences and the projections return to their bodies, would some deeply affected humans attempt to imitate the gravekeepers actions and perform a ritual? If they failed, would their entire family perish, corrupting the house and forming a subtle connection to the black ancient tomb? Yes, thats a possibility, but I cant fit the Nois familys Demon or Hisoka becoming a Devil pathway Beyonder into this web of information What would happen if I inserted that? Lumians heart stirred as he considered another possibility. It wasnt just the black ancient tomb or its cold corpse affecting the Twanaku family. The Nois familys Demon was also affected! Perhaps the Demon had been coveting the corpse or the source of abnormality. For this reason, it secretly influenced the Twanaku family, giving them knowledge. Once the Dream Festival began, through its influence in the real world, it magnified their corresponding desires in the dream. Coupled with the loss of self-control and wild indulgence brought by the Dream Festival, the Twanaku family took the initiative to attempt the sacrificial process from the ritual or dream projection given by the Demon, leading to subsequent abnormalities? Had the Demon discovered Hisokas uniqueness and lured him to the Devil pathway? Yes, this explains why only the Twanaku family did such a thing when everyone has a dream projection and why is this house unique enough to allow lucid dreaming The next crucial task is guarding against the Demon. It probably cant participate personally, but its minions would definitely appear As these thoughts raced, Lumian gained a deeper understanding of the situation. He looked at the shadow possessing Robert and changed his question. Where are the gravekeepers? Where have they gone? Roberts shadowed face replied shrilly, Dream Festival begins, the tomb opens. Need to hide. Need to hide? After commencement, does the tomb become abnormally dangerous or pose a hidden danger to the gravekeepers? Lumian glanced at Amandina. This lady, Robert, and Padre Cali arrived at the black ancient tomb during the Dream Festival, easily obtaining powers through contact. Where is this hidden danger? How is it dangerous? And where are the gravekeepers? Something must be amiss. Amandina felt inexplicable fear under Louis Berrys gaze. Her voice trembled as she asked, Is there a problem with this answer? Lumian chuckled. The gravekeepers need to hide. Why didnt you two? Before Amandina could delve deeper, she saw Roberts cold, dark face contort in agony. Seeing this, Lumian sighed, End the spirit channeling. If it continued, something would happen to Robert. Robert retained complete autonomy and a certain mobility level. He immediately uttered two words in ancient Hermes to make the spirit leave his body. The shadow attached to him remained unresponsive, and the agony on his face intensified. Slowly, Robert drew a dagger and stabbed his finger. Drops of bright red blood, mixed with his Spirit Medium spirituality, sprayed towards the window like bead chains. While doing so, Robert bellowed in ancient Hermes, Leave! The black-robed shadow detached from Roberts body, chasing after the blood and vanishing from the glass window. Witnessing this, Lumian retracted his consciousness from his right hand, no longer preparing any snorting. He breathed a relieved sigh and said to Camus, Amandina, and the others, Wait for me on the second floor. What now Amandina muttered, turning to head downstairs. In just over ten seconds, silence returned to the third floor. Lumian retrieved ingredients from his Travelers Bag and set up a ritual, attempting to summon Madam Magicians messenger. Unfortunately, being a dream prevented success. Having anticipated this, Lumian wasnt overly disappointed. Though the early Dream Festival arrival prevented reporting the latest situation to Madam Magician, adding significant risks, such problems were bound to arise. He was mentally prepared. Though Hunters liked to plan ahead, they werent afraid of battle. Lumian was even a little excited, not just from the Dream Festivals faint influence. After stowing his belongings, Lumian descended to the second floor and said directly to Robert and Amandina, Which one of you will take me to the black boulder? He had analyzed their situations, realizing that Amandina, Robert, and Padre Cali had easily arrived at the black ancient tomb and obtained powers, all led by those who had touched it. Of course, they shared more than one thing in common. Robert fell silent, wanting to say Didnt you promise to let me go after helping? but not daring. Amandina glanced at the silent Robert, pursed her lips and said to Lumian, Me! Then, she added, I want to see if I can obtain more superpowers. Lumian nodded and told Robert, You may leave. Robert glanced at Lumian, then Amandina. Without a word, he walked out of Twanakus house. Gosh, he might think I brought you to the cathedral to deal with Padre Cali and embarrass him. Gosh, I was the one who brought you there, Amandina exclaimed after Robert left. Rhea, who had already picked up most arrows, earnestly consoled her, But you purified the cathedral for God. Praise the Sun! Amandina spread her arms as well. Praise the Sun! After their exchange, Lumian said to Camus and Rhea, Next, Im going to the black ancient tomb. Its up to you to decide if you want to go. ILugano tried to speak, but Lumian interrupted with a smile. You must go. Lugano shut his mouth. Camus and Rhea exchanged glances and spoke in unison, Im coming too. Lumian didnt persuade them, simply nodding. Then lets set off now. Chapter 685 - 685 Illusion 685 Illusion Outside Tizamo, near the entrance to the forest, Lumian and his companions heard gunshots and shouts echoing from the direction of the military camp. The population was denser here compared to the town and plantations, and more heavily armed. Many lives were lost each year in this area. Camus retracted his gaze and let out a sigh of resignation, like a world-weary middle-aged man. He knew he was powerless to stop the violence. His only hope was to find a way to end the Dream Festival as quickly as possible, so that more people might survive. This was why he had chosen to follow Louis Berry to the black ancient tomb. If Camus were alone, the rational choice would be to find a secluded corner and hide until dawn, until the Dream Festival concludedjust like Kolobo planned to do. However, after witnessing Louis Berrys formidable strength and realizing the adventurer was willing to take the risk of approaching the black ancient tomb, Camus felt compelled to take action himself. Lumian gazed ahead, trailing Amandinas light footsteps as she turned onto a narrow path threading into the forest. He harbored no illusions about single-handedly putting an end to the Dream Festival. His objectives for this mission had always been clear: Find the gold Hisoka had obtained, along with the item he had procured from the Nois familys Demon. Uncover what the key April Fools member was scheming, to prevent Hisokas legacy from materializing. This was both the duty of a Tarot Club Minor Arcana card holder, and a reflection of Lumians wariness towards Hisoka. After discovering the dream projection Hisoka had left behind, Lumian feared his adversary might exploit pre-arranged measures and the dream projection to resurrect himself to some degree during the Dream Festival, returning to the real world as a Wraith or evil spirit. He was determined not to give Hisoka that chance. After hearing Padre Calis confession, Lumians suspicions only intensified. Hisoka returned to Tizamo each year to participate in the Dream Festival. He required no other host, and this unique dream usually proceeded without any abnormalities. It didnt appear that anyone needed to constantly monitor it. It was important to note that prior to the fire that wiped out Hisokas family, the special dream had existed for innumerable years. The Dream Festival had taken place countless times, yet no one had detected anything amiss. Under such conditions, the more individuals who knew the truth, the greater the danger of the information leaking out. Nevertheless, Hisoka still enticed Padre Cali and guided him to the black ancient tomb to acquire Beyonder powers. This anomalous conduct led Lumian to surmise that Hisoka Twanaku had enlisted Padre Calis aid in monitoring the dream to verify the status of his dream projection. The dream projection would gradually dissipate as Hisoka departed Tizamo, ultimately vanishing altogether. If Hisoka desired its continued existence, he would need to return for a time after it had faded to a certain point. Given that the dreams surrounding the black boulder were typically in a state of disarray, the rate at which the dream projection dissipated might be erratic. This necessitated daily monitoring. As soon as the situation was deemed to have deteriorated, an urgent telegram would be dispatched to summon Hisoka back. Naturally, as a Devil, Hisoka would never divulge his true intentions to Padre Cali. He would undoubtedly be on guard against Padre Cali exploiting the dream projection to eliminate this lurking threat. When instructing Padre Cali on what needed to be done, there was a high probability Hisoka was really having him monitor the shifting dynamics within the dream. How could Padre Cali keep tabs on the evolving dream? Through the dream projections and the condition of the gravekeepers beside the black ancient tomb! Regrettably, Lumian couldnt enter the dream himself. He could only entrust Amandina with questioning Padre Cali. The intelligence gleaned was superficial, not delving into the crux of the matter. It could merely aid in analysis. If he had interrogated Padre Cali directly, he would have been able to roughly ascertain Hisokas objective, rather than just harboring suspicions. At present, the leads concerning the gold and the Demons gift both pointed to the black ancient tomb. Lumian naturally had to investigate and do what he could. If the challenge truly proved insurmountable, he would decisively retreat to Tizamo and conceal himself on the third or fourth floor of the Brieu Motel, allowing the danger to confront Ludwig, whose appetite had grown voracious. Amandina guided Lumian and the others through the rainforest, drawing near to the boundary of the dream. Abruptly, Lumian raised his right hand and whispered, Stop. He sniffed the air, detecting the unmistakable scent of blood. With a Reapers keen sense of smell and meticulous nature, Lumian could discern that the blood didnt originate from jungle animals hunting each other. It was human blood, rich in spirituality. Whats wrong? Amandina asked, taken aback, as if recalling her first venture into this forest with Robert. Camus quickly sensed the problem and pointed in the direction of the bloods scent. Somethings not right over there. Insects were gathering in that area. Although Lumian was eager to reach the black ancient tomb to thwart Hisokas plan, he knew that the more impatient he felt, the more cautious he needed to be. He had to remain vigilant of any abnormalities along the way to avoid walking into someones trap or missing crucial information and rashly starting a conflict. Aurore had once mentioned that Emperor Roselle might have said that haste makes waste. Lumian walked towards the source of the bloods scent at a measured pace. As he drew closer, he caught a whiff of the pungent odor of blood mingled with decay. The latter originated from the tranquil essential oil used to repel mosquitoes. Lumian circled a few more trees crawling with poisonous insects and saw a corpse lying face-up on the humus soil. The corpses eyes were wide open, and its black hair was disheveled. Its face was smeared with white paint. It was Maslow, the captain of the Tizamo patrol team! At the beginning of the Dream Festival, Maslow, who had disappeared behind Lumian, had reappeared in the forest as a corpse! Maslow! Camus and Rhea exclaimed in surprise. Before they could fully process their grief, Lumians gaze shifted downward as he examined Maslows cause of death. The captain of the local patrol team had deep wounds on his chest and abdomen, as if he had been attacked by spears, triangular blades, and other weapons, but the edges showed signs of tearing. Large amounts of blood had already flowed into the ground, attracting lingering mosquitoes. There were obvious signs of decay on Maslows body, and a yellowish-green liquid seeped out, as if he had been dead for two to three days. After ascertaining the situation on the corpses surface and examining the surrounding battle traces, Camus said in a somber voice, Attacked by the power of the Death domain Death domain? The image of a cold, middle-aged man in a thin suit suddenly surfaced in Lumians mind. Reaza, the vice-captain of Port Pyloss patrol team! He was a Mid-Sequence Beyonder of the Death pathway! At the beginning of the Dream Festival, Reaza had disappeared along with Maslow. Camus glanced at Rhea, who wore a pained expression, and hesitantly said, They were affected by the Dream Festival and lost control of themselves. They attacked each other. One died, and the other escaped? This was the most plausible conjecture for the Dream Festival. Lumian imagined a similar scene, but he frowned in confusion and said, Why are they in the jungle? Shouldnt they appear where they were in the real world? In reality, Reaza and Maslow had already returned to Tizamo with me Did something lure them into the forest? As the only member of the Port Pylos patrol team supporting Tizamo, Reaza had known from the beginning that something was amiss here. Was the true target the black ancient tomb? Lumian looked at Camus and Rhea thoughtfully and casually asked, Were Maslow and Reaza on good terms? Excellent terms, Camus replied with a sigh. Captain Reaza recruited Maslow into the patrol team and provided him with extensive guidance. Lumian fell silent for a moment before saying to Amandina and the others, Lets continue forward. Rhea and Camus seized the moment to gather some branches to cover Maslows corpse. Then, they quickly followed the team. After walking along the forest path for a while, Amandina suddenly slowed her pace and pressed her hand to the side of her head. Whats wrong? Lumian asked keenly. Amandina frowned and said, My head feels a bit heavy, and Im experiencing hallucinations. What kind of hallucinations? Lumian raised his eyebrows. Amandina replied in puzzlement, I saw the black boulder I touched previouslyno, the black ancient tomb. It felt like I had returned to the past. Do you understand? The past appeared in my mind in the form of an illusion, in front of my eyes, beside my ears. Lumian pondered for a moment before saying, preempting Camus, Lets go a little further and see what happens. The hallucinations didnt incite Amandinas desire to retreat. With an experimental mindset, she followed the familiar jungle path for another few dozen meters. How is it? Lumian, who was beside her, inquired. Amandina organized her thoughts and said, The hallucinations are becoming clearer and more pronounced. The closer you get to the black ancient tomb, the stronger the hallucinations become? Lumian suggested a possibility before asking, Did anything similar happen to Robert when he brought you here last time? No, Amandina replied with certainty. He was quite normal the entire time. Camus speculated, Perhaps he had already grown accustomed to the hallucinations after approaching more than once. Who knows Amandina muttered and looked at Louis Berry. What should we do now? Its not a big deal if its just hallucinations Lumian pondered for a moment and said, Lets continue forward. Alright. Amandina wasnt sure what the hallucinations represented. She endured the discomfort and said, Well reach the ancient tomb in a few minutes. She continued forward. As they walked, Amandina suddenly extended her right hand and pressed it against the forest trees beside her, bending her back. Without waiting for Lumian to inquire, she recounted the changes in the hallucination and spoke intermittently, I see myself after touching the ancient tomb last time I didnt I didnt fall asleep immediately I I was still awake! I I see someone ahead! Chapter 686 - 686 Illusion and Reality 686 Illusion and Reality What kind of person? Lumian perked up. He hadnt expected Amandinas hallucination to yield unexpected insights. I cant see clearly, I cant. Its not that he isnt clear Its just that I cant make out the details. Amandina straightened up again, as if she had recovered slightly. She pondered for a moment and said, So I didnt fall asleep immediately after touching the black boulderno, the black ancient tomb. When I woke up, I realized that I had gained superpowers. There were still some events that transpired in between, but I dont remember them at all. It felt like I had fallen asleep. The hallucinations Im experiencing might have originated from the depths of my subconscious, from forgotten memories. No, not forgotten. Theyre just in a deep slumber. Theyre starting to become active and awakening bit by bit Amandina carefully assessed her condition, searching for the source of the abnormality. Pretty smart with a good attitude. She managed to maintain basic composure Lumian evaluated inwardly. Amandinas behavior was unfamiliar to Camus. In his impression, Amandina was not only beautiful but also cheerful, optimistic, and lively. She was the kind of girl who could infect those around her with joy. However, due to her young age, she still appeared naive, childish, and inexperienced. Unexpectedly, after their encounter in the Dream Festival, she gradually displayed an openness, maturity, and calmness he hadnt anticipated. Amandina was puzzled. Why didnt Robert mention any dormant memories or the fact that I didnt fall asleep immediately after touching the ancient tomb? Padre Cali also talked about fainting and awakening with superpowers. The number of times they have participated in the Dream Festival in their lucid state and visited the black ancient tomb must have been more than mine Lumian understood what Amandina was trying to convey. Firstly, why did Padre Cali and Robert, who had been to the black ancient tomb many times, still believe that they had fainted on the spot and regained superpowers upon waking up? Why didnt they experience hallucinations similar to Amandinas? Secondly, Robert had seen Amandina touch the black ancient tomb. Didnt he know if she had fallen to the ground or not? Lumian pondered for a few seconds and said, Perhaps the person you see standing in front of you has caused the relevant memories to fall into a deep slumber. And youre from the Evernight pathway, a Nightmare. Therefore, theres something special about dreams and slumber. The closer you get to the black ancient tomb, the more likely it is to awaken the slumbering memories, causing the hallucination. Amandina tersely acknowledged his hypothesis of her being special and proceeded with confidence. After two minutes, Lumian suddenly raised his right hand and pressed it down. He lowered his voice and said, Hide nearby. He had heard soft footsteps. Camus immediately rolled to the side and hid behind a palm tree. Rhea crawled to another tree and concealed herself among the leaves. Lugano glanced at the forest, where countless poisonous insects and snakes lurked. He kept telling himself, Dont be afraid, dont be afraid. I can heal myself if Im bitten. He quickly shrank behind a pile of huge, brightly colored mushrooms. Amandina had experience hiding in such places. Back then, she had witnessed Twanaku heading to the black ancient tomb. Using the cover of the night and relying on her spiritual perception, she nimbly weaved through the low green plants and hid behind a huge tree in the distance. Suddenly, a thick vine hanging from the tree came to life and swung towards Amandina, opening its blood-stained mouth. It was a dark-green python! Amandinas eyes snapped shut, and she clenched her fists. The python fell into a deep slumber, reverberating weakly. It swayed a few times before finally landing on the ground. Seeing that his teammates had hidden themselves, Lumians body suddenly vanished, blending into the shadows brought about by the night. After ten to twenty seconds, a figure traversed the path ahead. High above, through the gaps in the leaves, Rhea spotted the figure clad in an intricate black robe with obvious layers. A fluffy black hat rested on his hair, and a gently swaying white feather protruded from the edge. Lumian, in his shadow creature form, also saw the rough appearance of the figure. His mind suddenly tensed as confusion welled up within him. Isnt that Iveljsta Eggers? Why would this temperance faction member of the Church of The Fool appear in a dream and become a participant in the Dream Festival? Over the past few days, Lumian had explored the interior of Tizamo, the surrounding plantations, and the military camps outside of town. He clearly knew which outsiders had recently arrived, and Iveljsta was not among them! Did he arrive here after the Dream Festival began? Yes, he once mentioned that his original mission was to investigate something in the primitive forest around Port Pylos. Then, he received a last-minute order to deal with Hisokas contact Could the matter hes investigating be related to the black ancient tomb? The temperance faction belongs to the Prisoner pathway, and the Eggers family is descended from Death. Its normal for the black ancient tomb and the cold corpse inside to attract the temperance factions Eggers Did Iveljsta Eggers encounter the Dream Festival while searching for the primitive tribe in the forest? As Lumian analyzed Iveljstas appearance, he scrutinized his expression through the shadows. He saw an indescribable ferocity on the temperance faction members pale white face. His dark brown eyes emitted a ferocity reminiscent of a wild beast, tinged with blood under the dim crimson moons glow. Although hes not affected by the dream projection formed by extreme emotions and desires, its still difficult to control oneself and be restrained during the Dream Festival Lumian wasnt surprised. Ludwig and Kolobo were examples. Considering Iveljstas current state, Lumian didnt emerge from the shadows. He patiently waited for him to leave the area as the footsteps gradually receded. From the looks of it, hes also headed for the black ancient tomb Lumian transformed back into a human and stood on a path overgrown with weeds, gazing at the spot where Iveljstas back had disappeared. He raised his right hand and snapped his fingers. You can come out now. Camus, Rhea, and Lugano left their hiding spots one after another. Camus even went to wake Amandina. Amandina looked at Lumian and asked, Do we continue? Lumian replied without hesitation, Yes. This time, they proceeded cautiously, paying close attention to their surroundings. After another three to four minutes, Lumian, having prepared to deal with Iveljsta and Reaza, followed Amandinas guidance and slipped through a gap between a few giant trees. A black, colossal, and familiar boulder came into view. At a glance, it looked like a house-sized boulder, but upon closer inspection, one could see patterns on it. There were abnormal protrusions and depressions, and thread-like cracks that ordinary eyes couldnt detect. It was indeed not just a stone. Around the black boulder, tree roots emerged from the ground, covering an area the size of a square, resembling the protruding blood vessels of every human. However, they had been dead for a long time and were withered. At that moment, the place was empty, devoid of anyone. Iveljsta didnt come here? Isnt Reazas destination here? Did they get lost midway? Or could it be that only those who have received the boon of an ancient tomb or a corpse can truly reach this area? Lumian surveyed his surroundings in confusion. Amandinas brows furrowed once more, and she couldnt help but press her hands against the sides of her head. She said with a hint of pain, Th-the hallucinations have become clearer. I-I see more. The figure approached me, extended his hand, and pressed it against the top of my head! He Hes wearing a strange hat Camus, Rhea, and the others didnt interrupt Amandina to see if she could recall more or awaken more dormant memories. Amandina muttered to herself, Was this how I was given superpowers? As Lumian listened to Amandinas words, he fixed his gaze on the black boulder that was said to be an ancient tomb. He felt a sense of familiarity. As a Conspirer, Lumian quickly jogged his memories for the source of the familiarity. Soon, he had an answer. The black ancient tomb reminded him of the Samaritan Womens Spring when it wasnt pale white! Its indeed closely related to the Death domain Lumian examined the Blood Emperors remnant aura in his right hand and confirmed that it wasnt affected or showing signs of activation. At that moment, the surroundings fell into an abnormal silence. The rustling in the forest, the cries of wild beasts, and the gunshots and screams from Tizamo seemed to have vanished. The deep night fell into complete silence. Amandina looked up and shouted in horror, I remember now. I remember now. When I obtained superpowers, this place was also this quiet. It didnt seem like the Dream Festival at all! In the next moment, Amandinas pupils dilated. He He That figure That figure has appeared! Huh? Rhea, Camus, and Lugano looked at the black ancient tomb solemnly and blankly. They didnt see anyone or anything unusual. Amandinas voice turned shrill. Cant you see? He Hes walking towards me Hes walking towards me! For a moment, Lumian and company couldnt determine if Amandinas illusion was so vivid that it was almost real, or if something had indeed happened. No! Dont come any closer! Amandina shouted, her expression breaking down as she gazed at the empty area ahead. With this shout, Lumian felt the entire area tremble slightly, and his surroundings blurred. In the blurriness, scenes appeared, like different fragments of a dream. These scenes centered on the black ancient tomb, but different people stood beside it. In some scenes, Reaza stood in a thin black suit. In others, Iveljsta stood in a feathered hat. A man and a woman approached side by side, while others surrounded black- robed humans. One of the black-robed humans turned to Lumian with a smile. His skin was light brown, and his flaxen eyes were tinged with dark green. He was none other than Hisoka Twanaku. Chapter 687 - 687 Gaining Immortality 687 Gaining Immortality Lumian raised his eyebrows and returned Hisokas gaze with a radiant smile. The two individuals in different scenes exchanged glances through the blurry void, each casting their eyes in opposite directions. Reaza, Iveljsta, and the man and woman who had just arrived in Tizamo had clearly seen the people in the other scene. They were astonished and dumbfounded by this incomprehensible, bizarre situation, but they couldnt interact with each other. The gravekeepers in the same scene as Hisoka appeared to be praying, oblivious to the changes in their surroundings or treating them as if nothing unusual had occurred. Lumian surveyed the area and vaguely comprehended the situation. Regardless of how real this place seems, various encounters will mirror reality to different degrees. At its core, it remains a dream. And under the influence of the black ancient tomb or the cold corpse within, this area has fragmented into multiple dream shards. Each time a new group arrives, a fresh fragment is generated If not for Amandinas or my arrival triggering some abnormality, it would be impossible for people in different scenes to interact. They wouldnt be able to attack each other, nor could they see, hear, or detect one anothers presence. This must be why the gravekeepers vanish every time the Dream Festival commences. They dont disappear. Theyre simply in different dream fragments from the Dream Festival participants. Based on the results of the previous spirit channeling, is this some kind of concealment? But the black ancient tomb hasnt been unsealed yet As Lumians thoughts raced, Amandinas voice grew increasingly shrill, filled with terror. Hes right in front of me! Save me! Save me! Lumian stared at Amandina, who was retreating in an attempt to evade the invisible creature, but he couldnt perceive the figure she described. In the brief span of more than ten seconds since Amandinas panic attack, Lumian had used his Spirit Vision, Weakness Investigation, Luck Observation, and other abilities, but he hadnt detected anything unusual. He was on the verge of taking out the Mystery Prying Glasses and the Eye of Truth. Lumian reached into his Travelers Bag. Without a rough grasp of the situation, he didnt know how to rescue Amandina, who had broken down from fright. Just as his fingers brushed against the Mystery Prying Glasses, Amandina was suddenly taken aback. After a moment, she turned to Lumian and said in bewilderment, Hehe turned and left. He seems to have recognized me Recognized you? Lumian felt compelled to confirm Amandinas mental state. Amandina replied in confusion, Yes, he nodded at me and left. Is this why, after the Dream Festival begins, anyone who wishes to approach the black ancient tomb must be guided by someone who has received the boon of the ancient tomb or the corpse? Robert and Padre Cali likely played the same role in similar scenes, but they dont belong to the Evernight pathway and lack dream-related abilities, so they didnt notice Did the people in the other dream fragments also receive the boon of the black ancient tomb or the cold corpse? Lumians heart stirred as he asked Amandina, Where did he go? Where did that figure go? Amandinas gaze shifted to the periphery of her surroundings. Her eyes widened with lingering fear and excitement. She raised her palm and pointed at the dream fragment where the man and woman were. He went there. Hes gone through! Hes gone through! Amandinas explanation made Lumian and the others feel the black ancient tomb solidifying and becoming heavier. The entire area shook even more violently. Simultaneously, Lumian sensed a familiar burning sensation on his left chest, but he didnt hear any ravings that seemed to come from an infinite distance. In a daze, he saw a huge aqua-colored vortex, a dim village shrouded in gray fog, and figures within the village. Shepherd Pierre Berry, who believed in Inevitability, and Lumians friend, Azma Lizier, raised their pale-white arms, as if silently shouting. Lumian also spotted his semi-subterranean two-story house and Aurore, sitting quietly on the orange roof with her arms crossed. Lumian no longer resisted the illusion. He roughly understood what was happening. As the figure entered other dream fragments, the black ancient tombs abnormality intensified. It contained the power of the Death domain, awakening the Cordu villagers within the seal. These villagers were already deceased, with only soul fragments remaining. Naturally, they would be affected by the power of the Death domain. This realization made Lumian feel pain, sorrow, and bitterness that he hadnt experienced in a long time. He watched Aurore, clad in a light-blue dress with thick, long blond hair and light-blue eyes. She didnt attempt to resist the invisible power of death. He walked to that woman, Amandina continued dutifully. That woman? Camus, Rhea, and Lugano turned their attention to the corresponding dream fragment. Having just arrived in Tizamo that night, the lady in the light-colored dress didnt hear Amandinas words. She only knew that the patrol team was looking at her. Her spirituality gave her a sense of foreboding. She hurriedly turned to her companion and asked, Devajo, do you sense any malice? The man named Devajo, dressed in a dark gray suit, slowly shook his head and said, Nothing. In the dream fragment where Lumian and the others were, Amandina explained in high spirits, He The figure extended his hand! He pressed his hand on that womans head! Just as Amandina finished speaking, Devajo saw his companion, the lady in the light-colored dress, suddenly collapse to her knees. Her expression was stiff, and her face was abnormally pale-white. Ooo! In all the dream fragments, an ice-cold wind howled. Lumian saw Aurore standing up on the orange roof, her expression dazed as she gazed into the sky, as if sensing something. She opened her mouth and spoke almost instinctively. Lumian didnt know the corresponding language, but he had heard something similar before. It was the language used by Armored Shadow Chen Tu, a language that Franca occasionally uttered a word or two of! Although he couldnt understand, Lumian vaguely grasped what his sister was talking about, perhaps due to the connection between them at the soul level. She muttered to herself, An immortal blessed my crown, bestowing upon me the gift of eternal life. In the dream fragment where Devajo was, the light-colored ladys hat, which had unconsciously fallen to her knees, suddenly flew off. On her neck, the backs of her hands, and the surface of her face, pores opened one by one, producing white feathers tainted with faint yellow stains. Devajo observed this scene with a solemn expression. He didnt attempt to interrupt his companions abnormality and instead took a few cautious steps back. He couldnt comprehend what was happening. Although he hadnt sensed any malice directed at him, he prudently distanced himself from the anomaly. The lady in the light-colored dresss azure eyes had lost focus, appearing abnormally vacant and lifeless. In the blink of an eye, the white feathers, tainted with light- yellow oil stains, seemed to possess a consciousness and life of their own. They frantically emerged from the gaps in the fabric of the dress. Within moments, the lady in the light-colored dress was enveloped by white feathers tainted with light-yellow oil stains. Her body grew light and gradually floated, becoming increasingly illusory. Her azure eyes fixed on Devajo as she shouted in a hollow and agitated voice, Ive become a god! Ive achieved immortality! The white-feathered monster hovered above the black ancient tomb, incessantly shouting, Ive become a god! Ive achieved immortality! In another dream fragment, Lumian heard Aurore change her words. With a fearful expression, she whispered, Immortal Ascension In the next instant, the ethereal monster, covered in white feathers, flew towards the black ancient tomb in the dream fragment. She passed through the stone wall on the tombs surface and vanished. Suddenly, the frigid wind ceased, freezing. The black ancient tomb shook visibly, and the tomb door, outlined by hair-like cracks, emitted the sound of dull rubbing, as if someone was trying to push it open from within. Aurore, in front of Lumian and the surrounding Cordu began to fade, as if erased by an eraser. Lumian glanced at the slowly opening tomb door and turned to Hisoka Twanaku, who was in another dream fragment. The dream projection wasnt surprised by the abnormality, nor did he show any fear. Instead, the silent gravekeepers around him rose to their feet. Amidst the illusory sound of water, the tomb door of the black ancient tomb opened completely. Accompanied by this change, all the dream fragments that appeared in the blur seemed to be pulled by an invisible force, fusing together. Devajo, Reaza, Iveljsta, Hisoka Twanaku, and the gravekeepers materialized in front of the black ancient tomb, near Lumian and the others. Hisoka Twanaku smiled, as if he had anticipated that one of the outsiders would transform into a god and that the ancient tombs door would open at this very moment. He retrieved a golden mask from his black robe. The mask appeared to be crafted from pure gold, its eyes and face smeared with white and black paint, giving it an unsettling appearance. Twanaku donned the golden mask and, unlike the other gravekeepers, didnt retreat. Instead, he sprinted towards the black ancient tomb and the open tomb door. Thud! Thud! Thud! Lumian heard a distinct heartbeat. It emanated from within the black ancient tomb. Chapter 688 - Chapter 688: Preparations Chapter 688: Preparations Translator: CKtalon As Lumian heard his heartbeat, a palm reached out from the open door of the black ancient tomb. The palm showed no signs of decay or yellow bandages. Its surface was covered in gold, shimmering with a mystical hue under the dim crimson moonlight. Upon seeing the golden palm, Lumian felt an invisible force compress his soul, instantly severing its connection to his body. Immediately after, he realized his body had transformed into a cold, solid wall, preventing his spirit from spreading or being controlled by his consciousness. At that moment, Lumians soul felt trapped in a cage, unable to escape. He could only see limited scenes through his eyes and hear relatively loud voices with his ears. Everyone present turned into statues, frozen in place. Faced with this situation, Lumian suddenly recalled a saying: The body is a cage for the heart, and the world is a cage for the body. In the stillness, the only person still moving was Hisoka Twanaku. The golden mask on his face emitted a hazy glow as he swiftly approached the black ancient tomb and the golden palm extending from it. Although Lumian couldnt move or use his abilities, his soul was merely imprisonedit didnt affect his thoughts. Seeing that Hisoka Twanaku was almost unaffected by the golden palm, Lumian quickly deduced several things. Theres a high likelihood the gold Hisoka seized from Devisethe gold mine citywas used on the cold corpse in the black ancient tomb. The item he obtained from the Nois familys Demon is likely the golden mask he now wears. The former was an attempt to revive the cold corpse. Its equivalent to Francas mention of creating a complete body. The latter ensures Hisoka can approach the target unaffected after the cold corpses resurrection and achieve a certain goal. Did Hisoka once plan to use this to control the cold corpse and attain demigod-level strength? When 1 killed him in the real world, did the him in the dream attempt to resurrect through this? Yes, Hisokas Wraith power comes from the same source as the cold corpse. Perhaps theres a way to make the corpse believe hes its original spirit and accept his lead Based on the information Ive gathered and what just transpired, humans who have received the boon of the black ancient tomb and the cold corpse can open the tomb without waking the corpse. To awaken it, an intruder must be bestowed with immortality by an invisible figure, ascend to godhood, and enter the ancient tomb. And intruders will only be attacked by invisible figures without the Dream Festivals bestowed guides Its best for an intruder to remain lucid? How did Hisoka know outsiders would participate in the Dream Festival this year and arrive at the black ancient tomb? He didnt have such a plan to begin with? Thats because he didnt know he was going to die. If he cant complete his plan during this years Dream Festival, the dream projection will completely dissipate in the next few months, causing him to lose his last hope of revival The involvement of outsiders was a pleasant surprise for him? No, its too much of a coincidence. Reazas rushing over can be explained by his discovery of me investigating the Dream Festival and his worry that he wouldnt have a chance to obtain what he wants after this year. But why did Iveljsta coincidentally come to this primitive forest to investigate something? Why did two Beyonders who can remain lucid in the special dream arrive just before the Dream Festival began? Moreover, why did the Rose School of Thought send someone to Matani in the last few mon ths of the year to gather detailed day- to C day information ? Hisoka Twanaku originally planned to complete his plan during this years Dream Festival. He deliberately leaked some information and clues to attract different factions of interest. The information these factions received wasnt detailed enough. They had no choice but to dispatch personnel in advance to conduct the corresponding investigations or bribe members ofMatanis patrol teams This may very well be the truth, a truth that doesnt rely on coincidence. The only thing Hisoka didnt anticipate was his demise before the Dream Festival began. Now, the Dream Festival is his last and only hope for resurrection. If he fails to achieve his plan, he will die completely after today! No wonder hes so secretive about Tizamo despite being honest about everything else in the dream Hisoka is truly a cunning Devil skilled at manipulating peoples hearts. If he hadnt been bent on killing me and his identity had given him a good opportunity to choose to stay in Port Pylos, he wouldnt have been easy to lull. Yes, if 1 had played by the book and lacked the goodwill of a high -ranking entity, 1 might have died at his hands. The Demon of the Nois family also has designs on the cold corpse in the black tomb and wants to use the Dream Festival. Therefore, when Hisoka mentioned the Dream Festival in his dream, he was immediately attacked by the shadow Among those present, who is the Demons minion? Or could it be that the Demon from the Nois family hasnt arrived yet and wants to wait until the end, when the situation is clear, before taking action and completing the harvest? If its just a dream projection, without the main bodys cooperation, there should be a huge loophole in Hisokas plan. Where is the loophole? Trapped in his body, Lumian couldnt stop Hisoka. He watched helplessly as Hisoka ran to the open door of the black ancient tomb. Wait Since the black ancient tomb reminds me of the Samaritan Womens Spring, 1 can try that method Lumian acted without hesitation, focusing his attention on his Spirit Bodys right hand. Alista Tudors remnant aura didnt just permeate his body! And the Blood Emperor was closely linked to the Samaritan Womens Spring! Wearing a golden mask, Hisokas body began to etherealize uncontrollably. Just as he was about to grasp the hand of the corpse protruding from the black ancient tomb, he suddenly sensed an extremely terrifying, frenzied, and violent aura appearing behind him. It soared into the sky explosively, sweeping through the surroundings. The crimson moons glow dimmed, and Hisoka Twanakus body instinctively stiffened, trembling violently. Splash! An illusory sound of water echoed from the black ancient tomb, and the golden palm seemed to be dragged back into the tomb by some unknown force. The feeling of their souls being imprisoned within their bodies dissipated. Lumian hurriedly halted the dissipation of the Blood Emperors aura. Although Amandina, Camus, Devajo, and the others instinctively felt fear, the confinement of their spirits and fixed line of sight prevented them from discovering the source of the aura that conquered everything. Ignoring the search for the origin of the terrifying aura, the fierce-eyed Iveljsta followed his instinctive desire and retrieved an item from his hidden pocket. It was a palm-sized rag doll, dressed in a black Gothic dress entwined with eerie vines. It had long golden hair and blood-red eyes. The doll was sinister. Just the sight of it made Lumians flesh crawl beneath his skin. Thud! Thud! Thud! The heartbeat in the black ancient tomb intensified, becoming resounding. Beside the tomb door, Hisoka Twanaku felt a chill run down his spine, as if targeted by an evil being. Instinctively, he recalled something. Years ago, gravekeepers had found a half-withered evil heart near the black ancient tomb. The gravekeepers believed that the ancient corpse in the tomb had been lost due to some mutation. After all, the characteristics of its power were the same, and the levels seemed similar. Therefore, they placed the heart back into the tomb. Just a moment ago, the long-dead heart had begun to beat, but now it beat stronger and faster! Not far from Iveljsta, Reaza also made a move. He produced a mask. The mask, also made of gold, bore a striking resemblance to the one worn by Hisoka. Varying shades of white and black paint adorned the eyes and face! The difference between the two golden masks was that the one in Reazas hand was darker, as if touched by death. Then, Reaza produced a human skull carved from crystal. He placed the dark golden mask on the crystal skulls face. A frigid wind gusted, engulfing the crystal skull in a massive vortex. The crystal skull, adorned with the golden mask, levitated, as if it had grown an invisible body made of wind. An intense coldness spread in all directions, condensing a layer of frost on the ground. The man named Devajo reached behind his head and grasped something in his hair. With a sudden tug, he ripped off his skin, along with his dark gray suit. Devajo took on a different appearance. He had black hair, brown eyes, a cold expression, and high cheekbones. He was in his thirties or forties, dressed in a white shirt and black pants. He flipped the human skin in his hand, revealing dense, dizzying blood embroidery beneath. Devajo opened his mouth and spat out mouthfuls of blood, emitting a strong sulfuric smell. The blood protruded from the human skin, forming a green-eyed man in a dark gray suit. With a playful smile, the man approached the black ancient tomb. Lumian quickly scanned the area, his eyelids twitching three times. He couldnt help but criticize, Do you all possess godhood-level powers that you can utilize?Although they all seem to be one-time use Are you bullying me for not having any? Despite Lumians criticism, he quickly recited an honorific name in ancient Hermes. It was Madam Magicians honorific name. However, it failed to penetrate this special and hidden dream. Lumian wasnt dejected. His goal wasnt the black ancient tomb, nor was it the cold corpse or its beating heart. Now that he knew the whereabouts of Hisokas gold, there was only one thing he wanted to do. Eliminate Hisokas dream projection, take away the golden mask, and let him perish completely! Chapter 689 - 689 Precision 689 Precision Although Lumians target was clear, he didnt immediately attack Hisokas dream projection. This was because his opponent was still beside the black ancient tomb, and under the gaze of three items with godhood power, Lumian might be targeted by all of them if he teleported over. The three items hadnt reached the point where Lumian couldnt be under their gaze simultaneously, and they appeared to last only a few minutes. However, they displayed certain humanoid characteristics, as if they possessed the ability to think and make decisions on their own. If targeted by them, it would be no different from facing weakened Sequence 4 demigods. Under such circumstances, Lumian naturally wouldnt take the initiative to enter the eye of the storm and help Hisoka Twanaku share the burden. He even felt that if his rival was killed by an outsider whom he had personally attracted, it would be cause for celebration. It was inevitableafter all, since he had already killed Hisoka once, he wasnt obsessed with obliterating the other partys resurrection. Having someone else do it for him could reduce his spirituality expenditure. As Lumian gazed at the open tomb door, he retreated a few steps to the edge of the area. He quickly said to Amandina, Camus, Rhea, and Lugano, Retreat to the edge! Upon hearing this order, Luganos face lit up with happiness. He was the first to turn around and sprint away. Rhea raised her hunting bow, aiming left and right, taking slow steps back to guard against any attacks. Camuss performance was similar to hers, but he held his custom revolver. Amandina glanced at the sinister rag doll, the crystal skull adorned with a golden mask, and the green-eyed man with bulging human skin. She felt lightheaded, as if she was too exhausted to control her body. She instantly realized that these were things she shouldnt come into contact with. What transpired beside the black tomb was beyond her ability to interfere. She swiftly turned her back to the ancient black tomb and prepared to follow Lugano to the edge of the area. At that moment, Lumian, wearing a grayish-white lightning-shaped brooch, glanced at the gravekeepers who were also hurriedly retreating and thoughtfully asked Amandina, Wheres that figure? Amandina ran nimbly, synchronizing her movements with her breathing as she replied, I dont know! Hes gone! As soon as she finished speaking, the illusory water reverberating in the black tomb ceased. The palm-sized evil rag doll in the Gothic dress suddenly floated up, escaping Iveljstas grasp. It hovered in midair, with Hisoka Twanakus figure reflected in its blood-red eyes. Twanaku, who was about to reach into the ancient black tomb, suddenly felt the golden mask on his face come to life. It first pressed inward, as if it wanted to crush his skull, then pulled outward, as if trying to escape. Hisoka instinctively raised his right hand to press the golden mask back, only to realize that his sleeve had tightly wrapped around his arm, immobilizing it, almost like it was tied up. Remembering the fate of a godhoodless individual losing the golden mask at the tombs entrance, Twanaku didnt hesitate. His body became completely ethereal as he transformed into a Wraith. Then, he vanished from in front of the black tomb and reappeared in the pupil of one of the gravekeepers who had removed their golden mask. Due to the untimely demise of Hisokas physical body and his inability to get assistance, Hisoka had no choice but to modify his plan and wait for the three factions vying for the cold corpse in the ancient black tomb to begin fighting. When the chaos reached its peak and the corresponding items were nearly depleted, he would re-enter the fray and compete for the corpse. As Hisoka temporarily retreated, the area in front of the ancient black tomb became vacant. Just as the palm-sized evil rag doll was about to float over, the crystal skull, adorned with a golden mask, flew diagonally, enveloped by a vortex-shaped body formed by the cold wind. Pale-white flames ignited in its eyes, with a hint of darkness at the center. In response, illusory black water seeped out of the black tombs walls, forming a silent river that blocked the entrance. The river was clearly similar to a stream, but it gave Iveljsta, Devajo, Reaza, and the others a vast and expansive feeling. Their bodies gradually turned cold, and their lives drained faster, irreversibly. The evil rag doll, clad in a black Gothic dress, hovered in midair, not attempting to cross the silent river. The crystal skull, adorned with a golden mask, descended into the river. The wind vortex that constituted its colossal body howled and expanded, as if transforming into an invisible ferry that floated steadily on the surface of the silent river. The crystal skull, adorned with a golden mask, steered the ferry against the current, slowly approaching the open door of the ancient black tomb. The green-eyed man, dressed in a dark gray formal suit made of human skin and blood, stood at the back, observing the scene. With a smile, he opened and closed his mouth, as if silently muttering to himself. Almost simultaneously, the crystal skull on the invisible ferry emitted a cracking sound. The pale-white flames in its eye sockets flickered violently, and tiny patterns appeared on its crystalline surface, causing invisible dust to fall. The ferry itself alternated between expansion and contraction, becoming extremely unstable as it slowed down on the River of Death. Lumian paid no attention to the battle unfolding in front of the ancient black tomb. With a single glance, his body ignited with intense white flames. Swoosh! He transformed into a flaming spear and crossed a distance of 20 to 30 meters, aiming at the gravekeeper whose body had been possessed by Hisoka Twanaku. Hisoka raised his head, revealing a face with light-brown skin and wild beauty. Rhea! The gravekeeper whose body had been possessed by Hisoka was Rheas dream projection! Facing the rapidly expanding reflection, transforming from a speck of white light into a blazing white flaming spear with a burning tip, Hisoka didnt dodge. He assumed a stance allowing Lumian to attack. The blazing-white flame spear was incredibly fast. He didnt have time to raise his hunting bow, aim, or shoot. He only slightly bent his arm. He felt a searing pain, as if his body and soul were about to be pierced. Hisoka showed no fear. Instead, he chuckled. The blazing-white flaming spear passed over his shoulder and landed behind him, failing to strike him. The flames dissipated, revealing Lumian. The Hisoka in Rheas dream projections eyes vanished. Rheas dream projection spun around, her expression cold and filled with hatred. She raised her hunting bow, aimed at Lumian, and drew the bowstring. She was a dream projection formed by excessive desires and emotions, unable to control herself. Hmph! Two beams of white light shot out from Lumians nose. Before Rheas dream projection could release an arrow wrapped in lightning, her eyes closed, and she fainted, collapsing to the ground. Rhea, who had just arrived at the periphery, trembled. Her eyes reflected the black-robed Hisoka Twanaku. The strength of their souls differed significantly, and Hisoka easily possessed and seized control of Rheas body. Taking advantage of the fact that Camus, Amandina, and Lugano hadnt noticed Rheas abnormality, he changed the direction of his bow and aimed it at Camus. Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle. The arrowhead became engulfed in bright lightning. As soon as Rhea aimed her bow and arrow at Camus, he sensed her incongruent state and noticed her abnormal behavior. As a member of the patrol team with considerable combat experience, Camus looked at Rhea without hesitation, his eyes flashing with blinding lightning. Simultaneously, Hisoka, who had anticipated this, detached from Rheas body and leaped into Amandinas beautiful azure eyes. Two blinding lightning bolts shot out of Camuss eyes and drilled into Rheas head. Rheas eyes bulged, and her mouth gaped open. She leaned back, as if she had suffered a heavy blow, but she couldnt make a sound of pain. Psychic Piercing! Camuss Psychic Piercing struck her before her arrow could leave the bowstring, causing her to feel pain from the depths of her soul. Her mind went blank as she stood rooted to the ground. Poof. The arrow, engulfed in bright lightning, shot out unsteadily, missing Camus and flying a short distance away. Amandina, with Hisoka Twanakus figure reflected in her azure eyes, felt a chill run down her spine. A dense coldness enveloped her, freezing her soul and rendering her unable to control her limbs. Behind her, Lumians figure swiftly materialized. Ha! Lumian opened his mouth and decisively spat out a faint yellow blob of light. However, Hisoka had no intention of stopping. He shifted his position with another Mirror Jump. Thud! Amandina collapsed to the ground, unconscious. Compared to Padre Cali, Hisoka clearly excelled in combat, possessing a wealth of experience and outstanding talent. This time, Hisoka appeared on a water droplet on the surface of a leaf more than ten meters away. He leaped out and looked at Lumian and the others with a smile. He wanted to use Wraith Shriek to attack Lumian Lee and his companions in a wide range, rendering some of them unable to fight and temporarily immobilizing the rest. Upon realizing this, Lumian chose not to teleport outside Wraith Shrieks range. Instead, he withdrew his palms. A blazing white fireball condensed, the size of the black tomb. Ah! Amidst a piercing howl of pain, the colossal white-hot fireball flew out. With a smile, Hisoka vanished from the tree and leaped into Camuss pupils, where blood flowed from his eyes, nostrils, and ears. At that moment, the colossal blazing white fireball split into dozens of smaller ones. Accompanying this transformation, the grayish-white Fury of the Sea brooch on Lumians chest erupted with bright, silver- white, and innumerable bolts of lightning after he was struck by Wraith Shriek. The lightning coiled around the incandescent white fireballs and split into dozens, enveloping the area. Rumble! Amidst the consecutive explosions, Rhea, Lugano, Amandina, and Camus were sent flying by the wind and waves. They suffered burns and were struck by a net of lightning. Camuss entire body went numb, and his gaze lost focus. Hisoka, who was attached to him, also suffered an electric shock. Due to his Wraith state, he was severely injured and couldnt undergo a new round of Mirror Jumps. Lumian recovered from the Wraith Shrieks assault. He looked at Hisoka, who had emerged from Camuss body, and his lips curled up. He was using Precision. The goal was to attack every target indiscriminately and ensure the damage was acceptable. And when he launched an attack, he didnt need to consciously control it. The Fury of the Sea would automatically add an electric shock to all his offensive fireballs! Chapter 690 - 690 Deaths Symphony 690 Deaths Symphony Lumian endured the pain in his soul and eardrums as he activated the black mark on his right shoulder. His figure abruptly vanished, swiftly materializing beside Camus and Hisoka. As the residual silver-white electric currents surged into the ground, Hisoka, in Wraith form, was about to escape the paralysiss effects. Lumian activated the black mark on his right chest. This corresponded to the Spell of Harrumph. Just as he was about to harrumph, a sudden premonition of danger struck him. He abruptly turned around and stepped back. A spear condensed from the light of dawn hurtled from afar, spanning a distance of 30 to 40 meters. It flew past Lumian and plunged into the soil behind him, leaving a deep hole as thick as an arm. Lumian saw his attackerCone of the gravekeepers on the verge of escaping to the periphery. He was tall, and even in his black robe, his robust strength was evident. A broadsword of light had already condensed in his hand. A Dawn Paladin? A gravekeeper who received a boon from the Warrior pathway from the black ancient tomb? Lumian wasnt surprised at all. Instead, it only confirmed his suspicions. What made his scalp tingle was that the other gravekeepers had also turned to face him. The dozen or so bestowed locked their gazes onto Lumian. Hisoka had already broken free from the paralysis caused by the electric shock. Worried about the Spell of Harrumphs control, he endured the pain and leaped into the eyes of one of the gravekeepers. Then, he broke free and transformed back into a human. He looked at Lumian, who was dozens of meters away, and his smile widened. Im also a gravekeeper now. Harming me means harming the gravekeepers! Although they wont actively assist me and will try to escape once the tomb is opened using the current method, they will undoubtedly react if you threaten me. This is one of the reasons I dared to invite outsiders to the Dream Festival and guide them here. Unfortunately, my main body is dead, and I cant obtain the promised godhood item from the Celestial Worthy and Loki to resist the outsiders high-level powers. For now, I can only wait patiently. According to the original plan, if something went wrong, I could choose to abandon the corpse in the tomb and help the Nois familys Demon obtain it to aid the Rose School of Thought in exchange for other rewards. Now, I must obtain the corpse and become its spirit. Only then can I survive after the Dream Festival and maintain my consciousness and rationality as a demigod-level undead creature. However, these matters dont concern you, Lumian. You have to face a Guardian and multiple Spirit Warlocks, Gatekeepers, Soul Assurers, Spirit Guides, and Dawn Paladins No one below Sequence 4 can withstand the assault of such a Beyonder army! Lumian watched as the gravekeepers gazes fell upon him. Some of them even condensed broadswords of light. As they charged forward, Lumian tensed up. He reached out, grabbed Camuss shoulder, and teleported away from his current position. Not long after they vanished, the ground silently collapsed, and pale-white palms extended outward. Lumian appeared beside the severely injured Rhea with Camus and grabbed her shoulder with his other hand. Then, the trio swiftly vanished, reappearing beside Amandina, who had awakened from the electric shock. The distance between them and the gravekeepers widened to nearly a hundred meters. Lumian clamped his feet around Amandinas arm, releasing the accumulated spirituality and strength in his body. His condition returned to normal, and he activated the black mark on his right shoulder once more. This time, the four of them teleported to Lugano, who was self-healing. As Lumian continued to flash, some of the gravekeepers Beyonder powers failed to hit them. The remaining ones were forced to change directions repeatedly, preventing them from closing the distance. Just as Lugano was about to tell his employer, Lets escape quickly. Teleport us back to Tizamo, he saw Lumian toss Camus and Rhea towards him. Thud! The three of them collapsed together, followed by Amandina. Ha! Lumian spat out a pale-yellow light, enveloping the four of them. Lugano, Amandina, and the others lost consciousness. With their souls strength, it would take them at least a minute to regain consciousness without external stimulation. With this done, Lumian teleported away once more, preventing himself from being targeted by the gravekeepers whose abilities were effective at this distance. His body vanished, and the gravekeepers, including Hisoka, lost sight of him. Lumian silently materialized behind the gravekeepers, appearing in front of a palm tree. Leaning against the rough trees, he retrieved an item from his Travelers Bag. It was a blackened bone flute with blood-colored holes. Symphony of Hatred! Lumians lips curled up as he brought the sinister bone flute to his lips with a smile. Almost simultaneously, Hisoka Twanaku felt a strong premonition of danger. He abruptly turned around, spotted Lumian, and locked onto him. He activated his Devil form, transforming into a pitch-black monster nearly three meters tall with curved goat horns and bat-like wings. Hisoka instinctively abandoned his Wraith form, forsaking the plan of possessing Lumian Lee and restraining him. He found it impossible to remain calm under the aura capable of conquering everything and reflexively fled from the other party. Accompanied by Hisokas movements, the gravekeepers also turned. Lumians lips touched the black bone flute, emitting a bloody scent, and he played the first note. The smile on his face widened. In the real world, facing such a large group of Sequence 7, 6, and 5 Beyonders, he could only teleport Lugano and the others back to Tizamo. However, this was the Dream Festival. Apart from the few who had recently arrived and could remain lucid, the others were either fused with their dream projections or allowed the corresponding dream projections to move independently. Dream projections were formed from excessive desires and emotions, and they would lose control during the Dream Festival. Realizing that Hisokas dream projection could also become a gravekeeper and maintain a certain level of lucidity and rationality, Lumian believed that it wasnt that the gravekeepers didnt have dream projections, but that they had fused with them. Using their uniqueness and their self-control in their lucid state, they barely suppressed them. Such targets were the Symphony of Hatreds favorite prey. It could inflict an attack on the weakness of an enemys mind or body who heard the corresponding melody. Those with unstable minds might experience symptoms akin to madness. Those with psychological issues might have latent problems triggered. Theres even a chance that excessive desires could cause them to explode on the spot. Individuals with illnesses or old injuries would inevitably face severe consequences. Those less fortunate might find themselves trapped in extreme misfortune. Faced with the dream projectionsagainst the gravekeepers who might have fused with them, Lumian felt that the Symphony of Hatred could be miraculously effective, igniting 100% of the targets excessive desires and emotions! Therefore, he chose to make such an attempt. If it failed, he would teleport back to the unconscious Amandina and company, hold onto them, and return to Tizamo. A melodious and sorrowful melody sounded, but Hisoka Twanaku, who was too late to stop Lumian, instinctively burned the two curved and mysterious goat horns on his head. Mental Shock! Lumians emotions swelled, and the melody he played was filled with unmistakable pain and hatred. He also saw many spirits, as well as the gravekeepers wielding broadswords of light, rushing towards him in various ways. He continued playing the Symphony of Hatred. Bang! Bang! Bang! Apart from the unconscious Rheas dream projection, all the gravekeepers, including Hisoka, halted with contorted expressions. They heard illusory explosions in their bodies and minds, and their eyes instantly turned bloodshot. They lost control of their bodies, and their ears were filled with buzzing sounds. They couldnt see, hear, or think. Their bodies and souls had been severely injured. The same went for Hisoka Twanaku. In essence, he remained a dream projection formed by extreme emotions and desires. However, as he suffered the Symphony of Hatreds weakness attack, he also ignited Lumians emotions and desires from the impact. Lumians mind buzzed, and blood vessels bulged in his green eyes. A viscous liquid reeking of blood flowed from his nose, and his internal organs seemed to suffer varying degrees of damage. The Symphony of Hatred fell to the ground with a thud. More than a hundred meters away from Lumian, near the forest, the unconscious Amandina, Lugano, and companys faces contorted, as if they were trapped in different nightmares. Devajo, weakened by spitting out blood to the human skin, silently approached the edge of the forest, ready to escape at any moment. However, he heard the Symphony of Hatreds melody. He froze, vomiting copious amounts of bright red blood that reeked of sulfur. His entire being weakened, and he nearly lost control. Iveljsta watched as the evil rag doll emitted a silent shriek, transforming the crystal skull with its golden mask and its invisible ferry into a pale-white goat. Just as he was about to approach the silent river in front of the black ancient tomb in delight, his pale-white face instantly flushed red, and dark-red blood flowed from the corners of his eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. He had also suffered the explosion of emotions and desires, but he wasnt a dream projection, nor had he fused with one. Therefore, he was only severely injured, unlike the gravekeepers and Devajo, who were pushed to the brink of death. Reaza, who had maintained his lucidity and rationality without a dream projection, panted heavily, as if caught in a struggle of his own. His cold eyes became rather lost. In the area where the black tomb resided, only the evil rag doll, the human skin man, and the pale-white goat with the golden mask remained unaffected by the Symphony of Hatred. Relying on his Ascetic endurance, Lumian quickly recovered from the severe damage caused by the explosion of desire and emotions. Gazing at Hisoka and the others, who had yet to recover, he smiled and extended his right palm. A colossal white-hot fireball swiftly condensed, engulfed in silver-white lightning, and launched. Upon reaching the gravekeepers area, it split into nearly 20 smaller lightning fireballs that blasted at Hisoka Twanaku and the gravekeepers. Precision! Rumble! Blazing white flames and silver-white lightning surged simultaneously. Lumian watched as the gravekeepers, already on the brink of death, collapsed like straw, their lives extinguished one after another. This is what Culling means Lumian closed his eyes and took it in. Rumble! Apart from the unconscious Rheas dream projection and the Guardian struggling to hold on, the gravekeepers were all dead. Only Hisoka Twanaku, his body still emitting silver- white lightning, remained. His eyes were bloodshot, on the verge of losing control. At that moment, he saw a flaming spear wrapped in silver- white lightning fly over and collide with the side of his nose. Amidst a sizzling sound, the blazing white flaming spear pierced through his skull, igniting his brain and flying behind him, leaving behind raging silver-white electric snakes. As the flames dissipated, Lumians figure appeared, his back facing Hisoka Twanaku. The Devil-form Hisokas eyes glazed over. He swayed a few times before collapsing to the ground. Weakness Investigation! Cull! Chapter 691 - 691 Pursuer 691 Pursuer As the blazing white flames rapidly dissipated, Lumian turned his back on Hisoka Twanaku and fixed his gaze on the Guardian, who was swaying unsteadily more than ten meters away. With a chuckle, he declared, Before, I needed my teams help to defeat you. But now, I can take you down alone. His words were aimed squarely at Hisoka. Collapsing to the ground, Hisokas consciousness gradually faded as he caught Lumians remark. He instinctively tried to clench his fists, but lacked the strength to do so. A desperate gasp escaped his throat, his pupils dilating and losing focus. Hisoka cursed himself for choosing Devil Transformation over Wraith Transformation when confronting Lumian Lee. If only he had opted for the latter, he could have disrupted Lumians attempt to play the blackened bone flute with Wraith Shriek. Alas, he had no way of knowing the specifics, only able to sense the presence and source of a malicious intent. Given Lumian Lees ability to infuse bullets, fireballs, and other attacks with electric shocks and target weaknesses with precision, Devil Transformation had seemed the more versatile choice, offering protection against various contingencies. As for why he hadnt summoned a barrage of Sulfur Fireballs, even at the cost of mutual destructionHisoka sensed the considerable distance separating them. By the time he could conjure and launch ten to twenty fireballs, Lumian Lee would have already finished playing the flute. With teleportation at his disposal, Lumian could effortlessly evade the clustered assault. Moreover, spells like Language of Foulness had a limited range. Left with no other recourse, Hisoka Twanaku could only resort to Emotional Shock and Desire Detonation, targeting Lumian Lees weakness. He hoped that after both of them sustained grievous injuries, their recovery rates would be comparable, granting him an opportunity to mount a different response. However, despite the pain, blood loss, and abnormal look in his eyes, Lumian Lee managed to maintain his balance. Fighting through the debilitating effects, he executed a precise area-of-effect bombardment enhanced with electric shocks. The effort inflicted fresh wounds upon himself and temporarily paralyzed him. Gasp Hisoka Twanaku mustered his remaining strength to drag Lumian Lee down with him in a final, desperate gambit of losing control. But his life force had reached its limit. Darkness engulfed his vision as his consciousness slipped into oblivion, a maelstrom of indignation, resentment, and agony consuming him. The colossal Devils body spasmed a few times before falling still. Hisokas last glimmer of hope for revival was extinguished. He was well and truly dead. As Lumian spoke, he drew his revolver and trained it on the nearby Guardian. Disoriented and reeling, the Guardian instinctively condensed a broadsword of light. Dropping to one knee, he plunged it into the ground before him. The sword merged with the earth, erecting an impenetrable invisible wall. As a gravekeeper merged with a dream projection, this Guardian had no effective defense against the Symphony of Hatred. His companions, the Spirit Warlocks and Soul Assurers, caught off guard by the attack, couldnt pull him into a dream in time to avoid the melodys direct impact. He could only rely on his own physical and spiritual fortitude to withstand the detonation of desire and emotion. For Beyonders with dream projections, this assault posed a mortal threat. Before the gravekeeper could regain his bearings, another incandescent white fireball wreathed in lightning struck him, triggering a violent explosion. Fortunately, his boon as a Guardian spared him the fate of his companions, who were culled like stalks of wheat. Without it, he would have been unable to mount even a token defense on pure instinct. Lumians green eyes took on an iron-black cast as he stood tall and squeezed the trigger. Bang! Bang! Twin yellow bullets, trailing blazing white flames and silver lightning, slammed into a single point on the invisible wall. Rumble! The already destabilized wall shattered. The Guardian could only watch helplessly as a searing white spear enveloped in lightning hurtled towards him, piercing his chest and sending him flying. Another Cull, another bout of digestion. Clinging to the last shreds of consciousness, the Guardian scattered the broadsword of light into countless minuscule fragments. These luminous shards coalesced into a hurricane that raged in all directions. Hounded by the storm of light, the blazing white flaming spear soared twenty to thirty meters before finally coming to rest. As the flames ebbed away, Lumian straightened his posture, clad in a white shirt, black vest, dark trousers, and a golden straw hat. Behind him, the bright and terrifying Hurricane of Light gradually petered out, thinning the ground. The corpses of the fallen gravekeepers and Hisoka Twanaku lay broken and strewn about. Reeling from the Symphony of Hatreds influence, his injuries abnormally severe, Devajos gaze flicked from the bodies littering the ground to Lumian, who stood facing him from afar. His already pallid complexion turned even more ashen. What in the world is happening? Is he even human? Devajo, in whom thoughts of vengeance had fleetingly stirred following the blow, swiftly abandoned any such notions. Igniting the sulfurous blood he had spat out with azure flames, he hastily retreated into the forest. He wanted to escape! In any case, he could offer no aid to the human skin the archduke had crafted through ritual. Lingering in the vicinity of the black ancient tomb would only expose him to greater peril. Lumian paid no heed to Devajos flight. Though weakened, his spirituality remained abundant. Transforming once more into a blazing white flaming spear, he traversed dozens, nearly a hundred meters in a blink, coming to rest beside Lugano, Amandina, and his companions. The four Beyonders lay unconscious, spared the Symphony of Hatreds melodythe effects were minimal, a mere nightmare, but still wracked them with pain. Their contorted expressions gradually eased as they roused from their comatose state. Seeing them open their eyes and regain their faculties, Lumian instructed, Leave this place at once and return to Tizamo. Find somewhere to lay low. The conflict unfolding before the black ancient tomb was not something Lugano and the others could influence. Lumian himself dared not approach, so he intended to send his four temporary allies to safety. He had previously consented to Camus and Rhea accompanying him, believing the formers Psychic Piercing and the latters Lightning Arrows could synergize effectively with his own abilities to counter Hisokas dream projection, Reaza, and the others. Amandinas power to compel others into dreams was also quite useful. Moreover, following her was the only way to approach the black ancient tomb without falling prey to the invisible figures attacks. To his surprise, Hisoka had displayed combat prowess far exceeding Padre Calis. With the area unsealed and devoid of preset traps, not only had Camus, Amandina, and the rest failed to render aid, they had ended up hindering each other and becoming a liability. Reflecting on his two prior battlesthe attempt to capture Hisoka alive and the confrontation with Padre CaliLumian grasped a fundamental principle. At times, there was strength in numbers. But in other situations, solitude was preferable. Facing different foes under varied circumstances demanded adaptability, lest one court disaster by adhering to a fixed approach. Lumian recalled a maxim Emperor Roselle had once shared, as explained by his sister Aurore: In warfare, as in the flow of water, there are no constant conditions. We can return to Tizamo? Even me? Lugano couldnt contain his pleasant surprise. Instinctively, he extended his remaining hand, pressing the flickering light against Lumians wounds. As a Doctor, Lugano was unable to treat a patients internal organs directly. He needed to open the cavity and make contact with the injured site. It was akin to performing surgery. Lumian nodded and replied,Indeed, but youll need to remain under Camus and Rheas supervision. He planned to linger a while longer, to see if he could aid Iveljsta Eggers, a member of the Church of The Fools temperance faction. It was the duty of a Tarot Clubs Minor Arcana card holder. Of course, Lumian had no intention of venturing into the area immediately fronting the black ancient tomb. He might well perish before even realizing what had struck him. His aim was to ascertain whether he could sway Reaza and the others to interact with the corresponding godhood items, or utilize the golden mask upon Hisokas corpse to some end. At that moment, Devajo, who had only just arrived in Tizamo that very night, had already vanished back into the forest, retracing his steps. Mustering his dwindling strength, he started sprinting. As he ran, Devajo abruptly halted, casting a perplexed gaze towards the paths bend, obscured by the trees. Beneath the dim, crimson moonlight, a short figure approached. It was a boy of seven or eight years, garbed in blue pajamas speckled with yellow stars and a matching nightcap. His plump face and the short blond hair peeking out from under the cap were smeared with cream, blood, biscuit crumbs, cake fragments, and sundry other substances. His brown eyes blazed with intense hunger and desire. In his mouth, a vibrant, cold, and slick vipers tail writhed and shook as he gulped it down, segment by segment. The boys cheeks bulged as he chomped vigorously. In the next instant, he caught sight of Devajo. A wave of intense, terrifying malice flooded Devajos mind. Lugano, having secured permission, was on the verge of informing Camus, Rhea, and Amandina of their impending return to Tizamo when a petrified scream rang out from the forest. They froze in their tracks. Mere seconds later, a pitch-black monstrosity, towering nearly three meters tall with curved goat horns, came barreling out of the forest. It charged from the direction of Tizamo, making a beeline for the black ancient tomb, panic etched in its every movement. That man just now? Hes a Devil too A minion of the Nois familys Demon, perhaps? Could the green-eyed figure fashioned from human skin be a manifestation of the Nois familys Demon, projected into the Dream Festival? Lumians gaze shifted to the shadowed forest at the Devils back, an ominous feeling washing over him. He made a snap decision and addressed Lugano, Amandina, and the others. Grab hold of me! Lugano swiftly returned to Lumians side, seizing his arm. Camus, Rhea, and Amandina followed suit, startled but mimicking Luganos action. The five of them winked out of existence, reappearing in close proximity to Hisokas corpse. The instant Amandinas form finished coalescing, her eyes flew wide. Voice quavering, she turned to Lumian and said in a deep voice, T-that figure its appeared once more Chapter 692 - 692 Death before Rebirth 692 Death before Rebirth Appeared once more? Lumian motioned for Lugano and the others to loosen their hold and inquired of Amandina, Where is he? Amandinas sky-blue eyes locked onto the entrance of the black ancient tomb situated at the terminus of the motionless river. Hes sitting cross-legged over there. As the words left her lips, Amandina shut her eyes and turned away. Minuscule protrusions emerged from her previously flawless and supple skin, each on the cusp of rupturing and giving rise to something unknown. This reaction stemmed from her glimpse of the phantasmal, stagnant river and the ashen-white goat adorned with a golden mask, grappling to traverse the shallow waters. The pallid goats limbs, devoid of all fur, were extensively decomposed, exuding a nauseating yellow pus that swiftly encroached upon the remainder of its body. Under the sway of the Symphony of Hatred, Reazas wan and frigid countenance surrendered its final vestige of color. The decay gradually consumed the back of his hand, neck, and cheeks, lending him the appearance of a long-deceased cadaver. This decelerated the deterioration afflicting the pale goats body. Concurrently, the still river conjured by the black ancient tomb grew ever more illusory, its breadth and depth visibly diminishing. The rag doll, shrouded in a sinister Gothic gown, drifted onward once more, shadowing the retreating river of quietude. Abruptly, it pivoted to regard the green-eyed man composed of human flesh and blood, who, coincidentally, reciprocated its gaze. Loathing, enmity, and lunacy erupted from the sinister cloth dolls crimson eyes. Its black Gothic attire, ensnared by baleful vines, ruptured into myriad holes, scattering fabric shreds and leaving it in tatters. The green-eyed man in the dark gray suit seemed unscathed, yet as he advanced, he imprinted two footsteps saturated with vivid red blood, the aroma of sulfur swiftly dissipating. One stride, two strides, three strides. Each step emblazoned bright red footprints, while dark fluid seeped from his human skin. Iveljsta Eggers at last recovered from the onslaught of emotions and cravings unleashed by the Symphony of Hatred. He cast a glance at the tattered evil cloth doll and retrieved an object from his concealed pocketCa palm-sized puppet. The puppet appeared to have been stitched together by a young childs hand. Its limbs were askew, its legs reaching its posterior, and its visage daubed with red, yellow, and white pigments, evoking the image of a circus clown. Iveljsta infused the misshapen puppet with his spirituality. It shimmered into intangibility and vanished from his grasp, materializing within the dark brown eyes of the Eggers family scion before vaulting into the green orbs of the man clad in human skin. This caused the figure in the dark gray suit to stiffen and decelerate. Lumian dared not prolong his gaze and hastily averted his eyes. As Amandina closed her eyes and turned away, the minute protuberances adorning her skin receded. Intrigued, she stole a glance at the monstrosity, suspected to be a Devil, hurtling towards the green-eyed man, seemingly on the precipice of succumbing to terror. She swiftly surveyed her environment. Her eyes then fell upon the colossal Devils incomplete carcass sprawled on the ground and a charred bone flute that had tumbled beneath a palm tree. There, theres something over there, she whispered, tugging at Lumians sleeve. Could it be a potent artifact discarded by a gravekeeper? Lumian peered over and murmured to Amandina and the others, Feign ignorance. Refrain from touching or even nearing it. He had purposely abandoned the Symphony of Hatred there, deferring its retrieval. In such circumstances, wielding it anew was far more prone to endangering his allies than exploiting an adversarys vulnerability. As a Reaper, he had no need to employ the Symphony of Hatred to pierce the target. Thus, he feigned a lack of opportunity to reclaim it, hoping an enemy would attempt to turn it against him. If a similar scenario unfolded, Lumian and the three godhood items would be the sole survivors capable of weathering the ensuing cataclysm unleashed by the Symphony of Hatred. At that juncture, he would whisk Amandina and her companions away via teleportation. Upon later return, he anticipated discovering the enemies lifeless husks and acquiring fresh spoils of war. It was a trap he had laid in passing. As Devajo, transformed into a colossal Devil, retreated to the proximity of the human-skinned man and drew near the ebbing river of silence, a short silhouette walked out from the forest trailCa boy of seven or eight years old, clad in endearing sleepwear and a nightcap. His yellow hair and countenance were begrimed, besmirched with grease, dregs, and blood. Catching sight of the boy, Lugano experienced a piercing agony in his absent right hand. Man Man Man. He gnashed his teeth in dread. Observing his abnormal reaction, Camus and the others inquired in astonishment, Whats wrong? Tracing Luganos line of sight, Amandina, Camus, and Rhea spotted the boy. The former swiveled to Lumian in bewilderment, Isnt, isnt that your godson? Why is he here? Its very dangerous! No, hes not in danger. Camus recollecting Kolobos exaggerated reaction upon encountering Louis Berry and his godson. He recalled some of the words of his companion from the Fate pathway and said with a solemn expression, We should be the ones in danger. Without waiting for Amandina and Rheas misgivings, Camus regarded Lumian and knitted his brow. What do we do? As a godfather, you should have a way to control your godson, right? Lumians gaze flitted to Ludwig pursuing the Devil, then to the corpses and Hisokas Devil form strewn on the ground. He replied with a grin, Its not a big problem. There was ample food here to form an effective seal! As to why Ludwig had trekked to the black ancient tomb, Lumian roughly had an idea. The man and woman who had freshly arrived in Tizamo tonight and taken lodging at the Brieu Motel were likely minions of the Nois familys Demon. By some means, they maintained lucidity in this special dream. Once the Dream Festival commenced, they left the motel and hastened towards the black ancient tomb. During this process, they passed the second floor, inducing Ludwig to catch wind of delicacies. He forsook the insipid fare and shadowed them closely, matching the pace of a seven- or eight-year-old child. At that moment, Ludwigs brown eyes were fixed solely on Devajo, the Devil. Why isnt it a big problem? Amandina wore a look of skepticism. Lumian smiled and indicated the massive Devil who had fled in proximity to the green-eyed man. Hes here to hunt down that monster. Hunt? Him? Amandina glanced left and right in confusion. A seven- or eight-year-old boy in azure star-spangled sleepwear, pursuing a pitch-black Devil almost three meters in height, with curved goat horns and bat wings sprouting from his back? This is indeed a dream, right? As he neared the green-eyed man formed of human flesh and blood and the black ancient tomb, Devajo sensed a tinge of respite. Yet, his mind remained haunted by visions of his tongue roasting, his brain scooped out by a soup spoon, and his arms and legs gnawed by the boy. What kind of monster is this? Devajo watched in abnormal fear as the boy strode towards him. At that juncture, Amandina, who had stolen a glance their way, exclaimed, That figure is looking at the man in the black robe. Iveljsta? Lumian peered over but discerned nothing amiss with Iveljsta Eggers. Amandina averted her gaze, taking a moment to regain her composure before looking again. She quickly explained, Hes not looking at the man in the black robe. Hes looking at the Devil! Amandina abruptly halted, withdrawing her gaze and furrowing her brow. That figure seems to utter something I dont know the language, but I understand the meaning. What did he say? Lumian pressed. Amandina dared not look towards the black tomb. She organized her thoughts and said, Basically, it means: Everyone in the world knows that crawling insects can spin cocoons. After the cocoon fractures, butterflies take wing. A common insect can transform into a fluttering butterfly and alter its form of life. Why? Unknowingly, Amandinas voice shifted, as if swayed by some influence. She paused for a moment before answering the question in a low, cold voice, Death before rebirth. Ascension into godhood Before Amandina could finish her sentence, Devajo, in his Devil state, stiffened. He beheld his flesh swiftly decaying, fragments sloughing off to bare ghastly white bones. Within seconds, the Devil lost consciousness and crumbled into a mound of putrefying flesh and bones. The remains fused as if alive, intertwining to form a human- sized cocoon. It rapidly shattered, and a human-headed avian monster draped in white plumage emerged. After absorbing all the flesh and blood, the monster expanded significantly, its form undergoing a transformation. The lower portion of its head rapidly elongated and expanded, as if possessing a body of its own. The flesh at its waist melded with the avian body, mantled in pale-yellow feathers. Hahaha! Devajo, with innumerable white feathers sprouting from his eyes, nostrils, visage, and fingertips, erupted into laughter. He slapped the white-feathered bird body below and soared skyward, as if riding it. Devajo ascended higher and higher, gradually turning ethereal. Then he spiraled downward and entered the black ancient tomb. Witnessing this, Lumian glanced once more at the entrance of the black ancient tomb but still could not perceive the unseen figure Amandina had mentioned. His heart stirred as he took two steps forward and retrieved the peculiar golden mask from Hisokas corpse. Chapter 693 - 693 Golden Corpse 693 Golden Corpse Lumian looked at the gold mask in his hand, white and black paint covering the eyes and face. Without hesitation, he put it on. A cold sensation quickly seeped into his skin, and the weight of the gold felt unusually real. His mind spun as he gazed through the mask at the entrance of the black ancient tomb and the end of the still river, which had mostly receded. This time, he finally saw a slightly indistinct figure. The figure wore a strange rusted iron crown and a dark robe with peculiar patterns. Its skin was milky-white, and its eyes were so dark they seemed to hold the entire night. A pale-white beard fluttered around its mouth and chin. The old man sat cross-legged, hands tucked into his sleeves. He leaned against the open door of the black ancient tomb, his expression cold and impassive, like a statue. As Lumian looked over, the old man met his gaze. His dark eyes seemed to reflect Lumian, as if numerous phantoms had appeared. Splash! Behind the old man, an even more illusory, nearly lightless water wave rippled in the void. The colossal figure in blood-stained armor roared angrily, attempting to approach. Lumians right palm instantly burned. The old man in the rusted iron crown and strange robe withdrew his hands from his sleeves. His hands had pale, dark skin that was still smooth. The backs were cracked, each crack either covered in white feathers stained with pale yellow oil or dripping with decaying yellow pus. Upon seeing this, Lumians thoughts vanished, and he felt as if he were descending into endless cold darkness. A familiar burning sensation emanated from his left chest. Combined with the burning, frenzied, violent sensation in his right palm, it awakened Lumians consciousness, allowing him to find a lifeline in the darkness. Using this opportunity, Lumian regained the ability to think. He saw nearly black blood vessels protruding from the dark eyes that seemed to hide the entire night. They were tainted with madness that threatened to bury and end everything. The eyes closed, and the illusory ripples and colossal figure behind the old man vanished. Lumians vision began to clear, and his perception of the outside world fully returned. A sharp pain coursed through him. Lumian glanced down at his right hand and realized disgusting bumps bulged from his wrist to the back of his hand. His hair seemed to have thickened and turned whiter. He flipped his palm over and saw that the mark left by Blood Emperor Alista Tudors remnant aura had completely surfaced. It was a vivid red. Surrounding these marks was decaying flesh, seeping pus, and pale-white skin. Lumian frowned. Despite the Blood Emperors remnant aura being fully activated, Amandina, Lugano, and the others around him didnt show any signs of panic or fear. He didnt sense any extremely frenzied or violent thoughts either! Wait The figure in the blood-stained armor seems to be Blood Emperor Alista Tudor This place feels similar to the Samaritan Womens Spring Could the figure sitting at the tombs entrance be the Underworld Daoist mentioned by the Armored Shadow? Why are he and the Blood Emperor appearing here again? Shouldnt they be at the source of the Samaritan Womens Spring? Are the two connected? Did the Underworld Daoist discover the Blood Emperors residual aura on me and conveniently seal it? Even if I fully activate it, I wont be able to unleash the crazy Red Priests aura? Uh, I dont know if its because of Mr. Fools seal or because Im wearing Hisokas golden mask, but the Underworld Daoist didnt directly allow me to undergo immortal ascension, nor did he force me to lose control Lumian quickly grasped his predicament. As the immortalized Devil entered the black ancient tomb, the situation inside changed once more. The tomb, which had fallen silent, emitted a rustling sound, accompanied by the clang of metal colliding with stone. The next instant, a golden figure materialized beside the Underworld Daoist at the tombs entrance. The figure was covered in gold, with long limbs and a golden mask streaked with white and black paint. It belonged to the same type as the one on Lumians face and the pale-white goats head! The golden-masked figure stiffened, as if its limbs were dead. Relying solely on the strength of its waist, it sat up from lying flat like a corpse. Eyes closed, it turned its head towards the pale-white goat closest to it. The pale-white goats aura instantly turned ordinary, making it unable to walk on the still river. It rapidly decayed, sank, and quickly vanished. The golden figure, eyes still closed, turned its head to the tattered, sinister cloth doll. The eerie vines on the cloth dolls Gothic dress suddenly came alive, coiling around the doll, rendering it powerless and immobile. The corpses head turned to the slowly walking green-eyed man. The green-eyed man, his eyes reflecting the ugly puppet, suddenly halted. With a bang, his body transformed into a bloody piglet. The ugly puppet landed beside the piglet, motionless, as if it had turned into the most ordinary and common puppet. Ludwigs eyes lit up as he jogged over. He leaped up like a massive frog and pounced on the bloody piglet. He grabbed its head and bit down. Amandina closed her eyes in shock. Louis Berrys godson turned out to be such a monster? The pig wailed fiercely. The golden-masked corpse closed its eyes, turned its head, and faced Iveljsta Eggers. Lumians forehead throbbed. He wanted to break through the sudden paralyzing pressure and teleport over to rescue Iveljsta, but he hesitated. Previously, he had restricted himself from approaching the black ancient tomb. At most, he would take a glance or two. Now, he didnt want to break this self-imposed rule. Violating it meant immense risk. However, Iveljsta was from the Church of The Fool. Just as Lumian made his decision, the golden corpse turned its head again, but Iveljsta remained unchanged. He was still severely injured, his aura weak. Whats going on? Why did the cold corpse in the ancient tomb spare Iveljsta? The Underworld Daoist didnt do anything to him when he looked at him Lumian was puzzled as the corpses golden mask faced Reaza. After the pale-white goat vanished, Reaza summoned an undead creature to envelop him and blinked to the edge of the ancient tomb area. He was about to escape into the forest, but before he could do anything else, his body froze. Pop, pop, pop. Huge, wet warts erupted from Reazas face, neck, and the backs of his hands, accompanied by disgusting mucus. The vice-captain of Port Pyloss patrol collapsed, rapidly disintegrating into countless bloody warts that squirmed in the gaps of his thin suit. The undead creature summoned by Reaza transformed into thin human skin and gently landed. Lumians scalp tingled as he watched. Finally, he broke free from the paralysis caused by the corpse sitting up. He said to Lugano, Amandina, and the others,Grab hold of me! He was about to teleport back to Tizamo! At that moment, the corpses golden-masked face turned towards him. Lumians body turned cold. Ignoring Camus and company, he immediately activated the black mark on his right shoulder. Suddenly, he saw the cold corpses face, its eyes peeking out from under the golden mask with white and black paint, open. It was a pair of cold, icy-blue eyes. Icy-blue eyes? Lumian was taken aback, finding them familiar. These are These are Naboredisleys eyes! Dammit, why is Naboredisley here? Why is he a cold corpse in the black ancient tomb? What right does He have to bestow the Beyonder powers of the Prisoner pathway? It cant be real. Its not Naboredisley, but its eyes resemble Amidst Lumians thoughts, he saw a smile in the icy-blue eyes, a smile of playfulness, understanding, and certainty. This was a stark contrast to the pained expressions in the icy- blue eyes on Hanth Island. Suddenly, a half-withered, violently beating dark-red heart soared from the golden corpses hand and flew out of the completely disintegrated still river. A short figure pounced on the heart like a frog and grabbed it. It was Ludwig, his mouth filled with blood. The smile in the golden corpses icy-blue eyes grew more relaxed. He nodded at Lumian and willingly fell back to His original position. He had no intention of seizing the opportunity to leave the black ancient tomb. With a splash of illusory water, the tombs open door gradually closed. Seated by the door, the figure suspected to be the Underworld Daoist vanished. Wh Naboredisleys corpse doesnt seem willing to leave the tomb How did He end up lying in there? Lumian couldnt figure out the reason, so he looked at Ludwig and realized the boy was holding a half-withered dark-red heart to his mouth. Lumian wanted to stop him but lacked the ability. The surrounding corpses didnt seem to attract Ludwig as much as the half-withered heart. Clang! The tomb door slammed shut, causing the entire area to tremble. Lumian and the others witnessed dream fragments one after another, and their surroundings blurred. After a brief daze, Lumian realized he was lying in the middle of an unlit street. The crimson moon was bright in the sky, casting its light. This was inside Tizamo. Chapter 694 - 694 A "Deal" 694 A Deal The Dream Festival came to an abrupt end? Lumian jolted upright, realizing he was holding the strange golden mask he had received from Hisoka. For a moment, he couldnt tell if he was still dreaming or if the mask had somehow followed him from the dream into the waking world. Lumian turned to look behind him. Reaza and Maslow, who had died during the Dream Festival, were lying in the middle of the street, just starting to regain consciousness. Taking advantage of the moment while they gathered their wits and slowly got to their feet, Lumian focused his attention on their luck. He could see clear signs of death on both of them. Their fates were about to undergo a rapid transformation, irreversibly tainted by darkness. Reazas luck, in particular, was changing even more swiftly and dramatically, like a river suddenly plunging over a cliff to form a waterfall. At that instant, Reaza remembered what had happened to him during the Dream Festival. Uncontrollable fear washed over his pale, cold face. Pop, pop, pop. Huge, mucus-oozing warts erupted all over his body, just as Lumian had witnessed in the dream. Seeing Reazas eyes turn frenzied and his body start to disintegrate, Lumian raised his free right hand, pointing it at Reazas mouth as if it were a gun. A condensed bullet of blazing white flame shot from Lumians fingertip, shattering Reazas teeth as it entered his mouth. Boom! Reazas head split apart inch by inch, engulfed in roaring flames. The vice-captain of Port Pyloss patrol team collapsed heavily, his body covered in a thin black suit made up of countless slimy warts. Lumian turned to Maslow, who was shocked by Reazas grotesque transformation and terrified by the death he had experienced in the dream. Calmly, Lumian asked, Who was he working for? As he spoke, Lumian tucked the golden mask into his Travelers Bag and checked to make sure the Symphony of Hatred and his other belongings were still there. Everything was accounted for, including the food he had thrown at Ludwig. Maslow paused for a few seconds before answering, Were all part of the Numinous Episcopate. Numinous Episcopate Lumian chuckled. Do you still believe in Death? Wasnt Death already dead? Maslow considered the question for a moment before saying, Reaza told me that Death is on the verge of returning. There have been signs recently that prayers are being answered again. Hearing Maslows words, Lumian nodded pensively. Which faction of the Numinous Episcopate do you belong to? As far as he knew, the Numinous Episcopate was divided into numerous factions. There were the Royals, led by the descendants of the Eggers family, who sought to restore the Balam Empires rule; the Artificial Death faction, which had somehow recreated Death itself; and the less influential Repose and Underworld factions. Were from the Royal faction, Maslow admitted. Did you infiltrate the patrol team on purpose? Lumian asked nonchalantly. Maslow shook his head. No, Admiral Querarill has been secretly working with us. Admiral Querarill, the de facto ruler of Matani, is closely tied to the Numinous Episcopates Royal faction Combined with the Church of Earth Mother and the remaining Intis faction, this must be what Franca meant by dancing on three eggs. Judging by the situation, Reaza wasnt a traitor after all Its no wonder Admiral Querarill didnt send backup. If the Numinous Episcopate and the Church of The Fool cant handle the problem, it wont matter how many people he sends His mind now clear, Lumian asked, Was participating in this Dream Festival a direct order from the Royal factions upper ranks? Yes. Maslow glanced at Reazas body, now unrecognizable as human, and said, Apparently the order came straight from the Empress. Empress The Pale Empress of the Numinous Episcopates Royal faction? Lumian instinctively scanned his surroundings. A sudden thought struck him. He drew the straight sword he had bought in Port Santa, picked up Reazas clothes, and quickly searched through the items he had left behind. There was no sign of the death-corroded golden mask or the crystal-like skull. Even though the skull had turned into a goat in the dream and the golden mask had sunk into the tranquil river, Lumian reasoned that it had still been a dream, after all. No matter how unusual it was, it was ultimately just a dream. When someone died, they died in reality, but the same might not hold true for objects. It was similar to how some of the food Ludwig had eaten in the dream had reappeared in the Travelers Bag. Even if the items were going to disappear, it would have to happen later. For now, they should definitely return to the real world! However, Reaza had nothing on him. A chill ran down Lumians spine. Lowering his voice, he asked, Termiboros, did you notice anything? Termiboross majestic voice echoed in Lumians ears.Do you only now know fear? Tch. Lumian felt a lingering sense of dread, but he didnt let it show. Was the Pale Empress watching? Termiboros replied in a deep tone, Its not just Her. Her? The Pale Empress is an Angel? Lumian composed himself and turned his attention back to Maslow. Just as Maslow was wondering why Louis Berry was talking to himself, the other party suddenly asked, Why did Reaza kill you? Maslow stayed quiet, offering no response. Lumian chuckled. Did you betray him? Maslows lips trembled, but he didnt say a word. Lumian smiled casually and said, It doesnt matter. If you dont want to answer, dont. You wont be alive much longer anyway. Maslows face turned ashen as he considered the ramifications of his death during the Dream Festival. Lumian nodded, then added, Go on and do whatever you want. Just dont do anything bad. Itll make you die sooner. With that, Lumian glanced at Reazas corpse, which was starting to produce the Beyonder characteristic. Greed welled up inside him, but he suppressed it with an Ascetics self- control. He decided that regardless of whether Reaza had been a traitor or not, his Beyonder characteristics should be left for Camus and the Matani patrol team. To stop himself from giving in to greed and with a grave matter coming to mind, Lumians expression shifted subtly. He activated the black mark on his right shoulder and teleported away. Maslow stared at the street that had been empty a moment before and the lights that had been stirred by the explosion, looking as though his soul had left his body. With a dazed and despondent expression, he turned and walked toward the forest outside Tizamo. In the second-floor suite of the Brieu Motel. The instant Lugano woke up, he noticed he couldnt move his right forearm. Its okay, its okay. Ill be fine after a psychiatric treatment or two. The people in Tizamo can be healed by Mass without needing Beyonder effects Lugano tried to console himself as he endured the pain in his right forearm. Just then, he heard hurried footsteps coming from the living room outside his door. Crack! The door to Luganos bedroom flew open. In the crimson moonlight pouring through the window, Ludwig appeared, dressed in blue pajamas with yellow stars and a matching nightcap. He was clutching a half-withered, blood-stained, dark red heart. Badump! Badump! Lugano could hear his own heart pounding, and he felt like his soul was about to abandon his body out of sheer terror. Had Ludwig come back for seconds because he had woken up early and hadnt gotten his fill during the dream? A moment later, Lugano saw a figure float in through the doorway. The figure was semi-transparent, wearing an elaborate, opulent, black dress. There was no head on its neck, just a clean cut. In its hand, it held four identical blonde heads with red eyes and beautiful features. Return It To Me The four heads uttered different words in ancient Feysac, forming a complete sentence. Ludwigs image was reflected in their eight crimson eyes. Mine! Ludwig ran to Luganos bed and spun around, looking like he wanted to bring the heart to his mouth, but he seemed to hesitate. The four heads held by the translucent figure spoke one by one, Idiot Eating Your Own Brain That Is My Heart If You Dont Return I Will Turn You Into Pig Almost at the same moment, Lumian materialized next to Ludwig, taking in the scene and hearing the corresponding words. Lumian glanced at the strange-looking lady, then at Ludwig, who wore a resolute expression as if he would defend his food to the death. After a moments consideration, Lumian said, Madam, perhaps you could try trading him other spiritually rich materials for it. In Ludwigs current state, Lumian didnt dare try to take the item from him by force. The lady in the intricate black dress, holding four blonde, red- eyed heads, went silent. After a short while, one of her heads spat out a gleaming gold coin and held it between its teeth. A gold coin? You want to buy it with a gold coin? Ludwig doesnt care about money Lumian was about to point this out to the lady when he suddenly realized the gold coin looked familiar. It was a Loen gold coin, worth 1 pound. Uh Lumian glanced over at Ludwig. Ludwig wavered. After a few seconds, he finally held out his hands and gave the half-withered dark red heart to the womans head. The blonde, red-eyed head let go, dropping the gold coin into Ludwigs hand. Quickly, it sank its teeth into the half-withered dark red heart. The translucent lady stepped back and vanished from Luganos bedroom. Ludwig hastily popped the Loen gold coin into his mouth, as if trying to hide it in his stomach. But then he seemed to think better of it and fished it back out. He wiped it off on his pajamas and carefully put it in his pocket. Just as I thought, its the same as Jennas lucky gold coin A Loen gold coin closely connected to Mr. Fool? Lumian nodded to himself, comprehension dawning. A twinge of disappointment ran through him. Two people close to me have gotten lucky gold coins. Why dont I have one? Chapter 695 - 695 Kolobos Worry 695 Kolobos Worry Lumian snapped out of his daze and glanced at Ludwig, who had regained his composure. Turning to Lugano, who was shrinking into a corner of the bed, he said, Well head back to Trier tomorrow and find a psychiatrist for youa real, genuine one. This decision wasnt made out of concern for Lugano, but rather something that had long been on Lumians agenda. 007 should have already provided feedback in the early morning hours. Lumian, Franca, and the others would discuss how to handle the Mirror Person, Moran Avigny. Moreover, Lumian intended to seize this opportunity to extract Termiboross power and obtain a Fate Appropriator boon. His most significant gain from the Dream Festival was the substantial digestion of the Reaper potion. He knew the Southern Continent was filled with conflicts and combat opportunities, which would help him digest the Reaper potion. However, he never anticipated that less than two weeks after advancing, the potions digestion progress would skyrocket, much like a mercury thermometers column shooting up when touching a living persons armpit. Culling Padre Cali, Hisokas dream projection, and nearly 20 others bestowed with strength equivalent to Sequence 6 or Sequence 5 made Lumian acutely aware of lifes fragility. It was like straw under a scythe, constantly collapsing with a simple cull and scattered by the wind. Furthermore, after experiencing the acting of the first four Sequences, Lumian felt the Hunter pathway had a distinct characteristic of bringing calamity. Reapers were no exception. With this acting, he believed the Reapers destructive characteristics that brought calamity were more apparent. At the same time, Lumian greatly benefited from an enemys destruction. As his mind raced, he summarized his first Reaper acting principle: Culling is about destroying the target and reaping a harvest for yourself. If I had three or four more similar culls, I wouldnt need to comprehend other acting principles and put them into practice to digest the Reaper potion. However, such good fortune is rare Lumian sighed silently. This required gathering more than ten Sequence 6 and Sequence 5 Beyonders with obvious flaws he could exploit without interference. Meeting each of these conditions was challenging, let alone all of them simultaneously: First and foremost, whether humans consumed potions or gained superpowers through boons, their pathways and Sequences differed in their flaws. They couldnt all be burdened by dream projections like the gravekeepers in the Dream Festival, where emotions and desires exploded at the slightest trigger. Even if the bestowed were deeply influenced by evil gods and had mental issues to some degree, exploding emotions and desires werent inevitable. Some might simply have mutated personalities. Secondly, Sequence 6 and Sequence 5 Beyonders were uncommon, especially the latter, who formed the backbone of various factions. Even without factions, they could create their own teams and dominate a region like the Pirate Admirals. Gathering more than ten to twenty such Beyonders was no easy task. Moreover, if a major incident caused the first two conditions to be met, the Beyonders common flaws might not be countered by Lumian and his mystical items. Finally, during the battle, a Sequence 5 Beyonder, a key member of the various factions, might draw the attention of the corresponding demigod. A mysticism event like the Dream Festival, with its inherent limitations and natural problems, was unusually suitable for Lumian. Perhaps there had only been one such event in the Northern and Southern Continents in nearly a millennium. Sigh Lumian couldnt help but sigh again. At that moment, Lugano was thrilled to hear he could return to Trier at dawn. He quickly replied, Alright, alright! Back in Trier, his boss had more trusted companions. He probably wouldnt need to take care of Ludwig anymore! Lumian thought for a moment and glanced at the curtains emanating the crimson moonlight. Casually, he asked Lugano, Have you saved enough for the Harvest Priest potion formula and the corresponding ingredients? Lugano was taken aback. No, Im still a bit short of the potion formulas price. Most of his current savings came from Lumian, amounting to around 15,000 verl dor. Based on his knowledge, a Sequence 7 potion formula usually cost between 16,000 to 20,000 verl dor. Lumian nodded pensively. Ill keep an eye out for the Harvest Priest potion formula and the necessary ingredients for you. If youre short on funds, Ill help cover the difference. Consider it a share of the spoils from this adventure. Lugano was stunned momentarily before tears welled up in his eyes, blurring his vision. I made the right choice! My future truly lies with the boss! With a hint of unease, he asked, But that was a dream adventure. Can the gains be brought back to the real world? Lumian didnt elaborate. He retrieved Hisokas golden mask from his Travelers Bag. Its possible Some special items are possible? Lugano felt a sense of relief. Lumian turned to Ludwig, who seemed to have acquired a cherished toy, and nodded slightly. You may go back to sleep. Ludwig, wearing a blue nightcap, blinked and reached out to touch his stomach. Groan. Groan. His stomach churned violently. Lumian laughed self-deprecatingly and took out the portion of food Ludwig had eaten in the dream, including almond pistachio cream cake, liquor-infused chocolate, clairs, and more. After Ludwig began his quiet meal, Lumian returned to his room and conjured a blazing white fireball. He unfolded the letter, picked up a fountain pen, and penned a letter to Madam Magician. This took precedence over dealing with other matters. As he wrote, Lumian pondered something. If I killed all the elders of the gravekeepers, would the primitive tribe still possess the ability to attack and eliminate the dead? Or are they still alive in the real world, waiting to drag those already dead down with them when they attack Tizamo? Or would the deceased find another way out, like the fire that had engulfed the Twanaku family? On the third floor of the police headquarters in Tizamo Town. Camus snapped out of his reverie and instinctively glanced at the temporary bed opposite him. He noticed the blanket had been lifted, and Kolobo was nowhere to be found. Am I still dreaming, still in the Dream Festival? Camus sat up cautiously and heard a sound near the door in the corner. In the darkness, under the crimson moonlight seeping through the curtains, he saw Kolobo crouched there, curled up and trembling. Camus lowered his voice and gently asked, Whats wrong? Kolobos voice quivered as he replied, The sky is falling! The sky is falling! The sky is falling? Camus found it amusing and looked at Kolobo. Did you misinterpret your premonition? How could the sky possibly fall? Outside Tizamo, at the edge of the primitive forest. Maslow, his face adorned with white paint, slowly advanced into the forest. It was a terrible feeling to know about his impending yet unavoidable death. He regretted betraying the Numinous Episcopate, but there had been no choice. Shortly after arriving in Tizamo, he had been secretly controlled by Twanaku, who had returned for a vacation. He had become a fallen one monitoring the situation of Padre Cali and Tizamo. Subsequently, although he knew Twanaku had been killed, the other partys dream projection appeared in his dream, telling him the matter wasnt over. Maslow advanced step by step, yearning to return to the forest and become nourishment for a tree, just like his ancestors. As he walked, he spotted nearly 20 people emerging from the nearby barracks. The men seemed to sense something amiss and prepared to inspect their surroundings. At that moment, Maslow felt the night suddenly brighten. Subconsciously, he looked up at the sky and saw a burning boulder descending with a crimson flame tail. In an instant, the burning boulder filled Maslows vision. It crashed into the area between the forests edge and the barracks. Rumble! The wind and dust stirred by the meteorite swiftly filled the area, rising into the air and dissipating, obscuring the crimson moon and the starlight. Rumble! The entirety of Tizamo seemed to experience a violent earthquake. Buildings shook violently, and glass shattered. Several houses with weak foundations quickly collapsed, burying their occupants. With great difficulty, Camus regained his balance. Once the building stabilized, he rushed to the shattered window and looked out. He saw the sky was gray and murky, so close he could touch it if he jumped up. The sky has really fallen For some inexplicable reason, this thought flashed through Camuss mind. In the second-floor suite of the Brieu Motel. Clutching the letter and fountain pen, Lumian watched the smoke and dust outside with amusement, sensing the heavy blow not far away. How direct he sighed sincerely. A meteorite had descended from the sky! From the looks of it, the catastrophe had likely eliminated most of the deceased. Lumian turned to look at the door, which had swung open due to the buildings shaking, and saw Ludwig still focused on eating. Nothing from the pile of food had fallen to the ground. After sending Lugano out to assist the injured, Lumian returned to his room and continued writing. Upon completion, he immediately set up a ritual and summoned the doll messenger. Just as the doll messenger emerged from the expanding candle flame, it suddenly shrank. Slowly, she glanced to her left and then to her right. After confirming there was no problem, she tiptoed and cautiously approached Lumians letter. Lumian had never seen the doll messenger act like this before. He watched in confusion and amusement as she picked up the folded letter like a thief. She waved at him and quickly retreated into the candle flame. Lumian chuckled and shook his head, no longer pondering the doll messengers actions. At the very least, it seemed harmless, and he had several things to do. Lumian left the bedroom, entered the corridor, and went to the first floor. He grabbed the motel owner, who had come out to check on the situation after waking up, and asked, Which room are the lady and her companion who arrived tonight staying in? Chapter 696 - Chapter 696: Feathers Chapter 696: Feathers Translator: CKtalon In Twanakus house in Tizamo Town, Amandina woke up amidst the violent shaking of the building. She stood up groggily and looked out the window. The sky had turned gray and was pressing down, completely obscuring the crimson moon and stars. In the near-absolute darkness, Amandina turned and cast her gaze not far away. Dressed neatly, Robert rose slowly, his sluggish movements suggesting he was struggling to adapt to the lightless environment. When the tremors in the ground and buildings finally ceased, Robert used his Spirit Vision to spot Amandina. After a moments hesitation, he asked, Are we awake? He recalled that before entering the Dream Festival, he and Amandina had used a date as an excuse to rendezvous. When they ended up in the special dream, they temporarily parted waysone stayed put while the other went to Saint-Sien Cathedral. Glancing at the suddenly noisy street outside, Amandina thought for a few seconds before replying, Probably but I dont know whats going on. As Robert recalled the dream encounters, both fell silent. Eventually, he asked in a deep voice, What happened to you in the end? Amandina suddenly chuckled. Nothing much. Robert closed his mouth again. With her night vision, Amandina looked at him, smiling with mixed emotions. Is there anything else you want to ask? After a long pause, Robert said, What did you experience afterward? Taking in the silence of the house, Amandina finally whispered, 1 saw the one who granted me powers. The one who granted you powers? Robert asked, surprised. Amandina laughed. We didnt actually fall asleep after touching the black ancient tomb. We only truly fainted after receiving the powers. How is that possible Robert looked incredulous. Amandina didnt try to convince him. Instead, she muttered, Upon acquiring superpowers, one immediately falls into a coma or slumber. When they wake up, they completely grasp that power. Their spirit and flesh undergo a certain transformation Is this considered a low-level death before rebirth? What are you talking about? Roberts confusion grew. It was completely incomprehensible! Amandinas eyes darted around as she smiled. That person told me. Perhaps its a form of guidance. Guidance Using his Spirit Vision, the only way to ascertain her condition in the darkness, Robert gazed at Amandina. He felt his fiancee was different, as if she had grown up overnight. Amandina wanted to recount the encounter in detail as usual, but swallowed her words. Sighing, she said, Arent you going to check on Padre Cali? He might not have long to live. Snapping out of his reverie, Robert blurted out, He fled to the ancient tomb and was killed? Hes indeed dead, Amandina confirmed. Roberts expression shifted, but he didnt inquire about the murderers identity. After a moments thought, Amandina said, Before you go to Padre Cali, I need to tell you something. The desire you felt when you first faced him didnt come from your heart. He prayed to a Demon through a ritual and obtained the power to influence you. Roberts eyes widened, his mouth gaped, but no sound came out. Without further ado, Amandina strode past him towards the staircase. Pressing down on the railing, she paused and tersely acknowledged, Lets find an excuse to annul the engagement. I can accept other things about you, but 1 cant accept how my fiance allowed me to follow Louis Berry alone to find the black ancient tomb under those circumstances. Dont worry, 1 wont tell anyone about your matters. Those who knew in my dream wont tell either. Robert spun around, his gaze fixed on the staircase as Amandina descended step by step, the darkness engulfing her spiritualitys light. Leaving Twanakus house, Amandina stepped onto the street. She glanced at the dark, low sky, the sporadic lights on both sides, and caught a whiff of the dusty air. With her hand covering her nose, Amandina made her way towards the manor, her steps gradually quickening. On the third floor of the police headquarters in Tizamo Town, just as Camus felt Kolobos trembling subside, as if he had composed himself, painful curses echoed from the next room. His heart stirred as he lit a candle and pushed open the slightly deformed wooden door. Inside, he saw the Feysacian, Loban, lying on the ground, clutching his knee and screaming in agony. The member of the Tizamo patrol team had woken from the earthquake-like commotion and tried to get out of bed to find cover, but one leg strangely lost strength, accompanied by intense pain, causing him to collapse. Before Camus could organize his thoughts, Rheas voice echoed beside him. Dont worry. Its the mass hysteria mentioned in the investigations. Youll recover after going to the corresponding Mass. Having cooperated with Camus to investigate the abnormalities in Tizamo, Loban quickly understood Rhea. Cursing, he struggled to his feet, retrieved a military flask from under his pillow, and downed a few gulps of liquor. After drinking until color returned to his face, Loban sighed with relief. I feel my knee has recovered a little. Sometimes, alcohol is more useful than Mass! Breathing a sigh of relief, Camus turned to Rhea, realizing his teammates expression had turned colder. After what just happened, her dream projection has completely vanished. Have the emotions and desires returned to her body? Will the special dreamscape still exist, and will there be a Dream Festival next year? Camus instantly made many connections. At that moment, Rhea said to him, Lets go out and see if we can save some people. Those who died during the Dream Festival shouldnt be the only ones injured. Taken aback, Camus replied, Okay. Joy welled up in his heart, sensing Rhea hadnt undergone any fundamental changes due to the return of her emotions and desires. Following the Brieu Motel owners instructions, Lumian arrived on the fourth floor and opened the corresponding rooms wooden door. The near pitch-black darkness receded under a blazing white fireballs illumination, revealing everything to Lumian. Some items had fallen due to the tremors, tables and chairs had shifted, and a small amount of dust had sprinkled from the ceiling. The window was tightly shut, but the glass had shattered. Apart from this, there was nothing noteworthy, and no sign of humans. Scanning the area, Lumian found no trace of the man or woman. Frowning, he muttered to himself, According to the original Dream Festivals rules, death in a dream doesnt equate to immediate death. Did they leave Tizamo after waking up? 1 planned to take care of their corpses and inherit their Beyonder characteristics Lumian didnt believe the man and woman couldnt leave just because the door and window were tightly shut. After all, they were two Mid-Sequence Beyonders, and one was even a Devil. Perhaps they had special abilities to resolve that problem. As Lumian contemplated searching for traces and chasing after them to eliminate the deceased on behalf of the Dream Festival, he casually examined the rooms various details. Suddenly, his pupils dilated, and his eyes froze. He saw a feather lying quietly under the recliner by the windowa white feather stained with light-yellow oil! Lumians scalp tingled as he silently took two steps back into the corridor. Like Reaza, were the man and woman already dead and had undergone an abnormality? What about their corpses? Disappeared? Would humans who had ascended to godhood exhibit different behaviors after leaving the Dream Festival? With a blazing white fireball floating behind him, Lumian scrutinized the room, filled with questions. Perhaps the man and womans corpses were still here, but he couldnt see them. Cautiously entering, he approached the recliner, sensing nothing unusual and discovering no signs of the formless object. Lumian retrieved the Mystery Prying Glasses and the Eye of Truth from his Travelers Bag, donning them one by one. He still couldnt see the man and woman. His vision was filled with chaotic darkness, a dark river, oily feathers, and imprisoning darkness. Upon returning to reality, did they immediately undergo immortal ascension and leave this place? Lumian pondered for a few seconds before activating the black mark on his right shoulder, teleporting to a spot in the forest at the special dreams periphery. As a Hunter, Lumian had memorized the correct route and environmental characteristics after Amandina led him to the black ancient tomb. After nearly fifteen minutes, he arrived at an area where numerous tree roots protruded from the ground, resembling blood vessels. However, the place where the black stone-like ancient tomb should have stood was empty. Does that black ancient tomb only exist in dreams and cant be encountered in reality? Lumian speculated seriously. So the Pale Empress and the other Angels cant descend personally and can only send people to participate in the Dream Festival? As his thoughts raced, Lumians gaze darted back and forth across the land corresponding to the black ancient tomb. It was indeed a little different from its surroundingsno intertwined tree roots protruded from the ground, and it was flat and stoneless. Approaching thoughtfully, Lumian took out his straight sword and used it as a shovel, attempting to dig into the soil. Just as he dug a small pit, his eyelids twitched. Buried in the dark brown soil were two white feathers stained with light-yellow oil! Taking a slow breath, Lumian dug deeper. Before long, a palm-sized, dark, slightly moist, and sticky soil lump came into view.. Chapter 697 - 697 Madam Magicians Explanation 697 Madam Magicians Explanation As Lumian gazed at the peculiar soil, he couldnt help but recall the scene of Hela retrieving the Samaritan Womens Spring. After a moment of contemplation, he retrieved gold bars and coins from his Travelers Bag and ignited a blazing white fireball in his palm. As the flames surged, the gold gradually melted under the control of his spirituality, forming a small golden box. Lumian then used the flames as a blade to fashion a cover for the box. Once the gold had cooled and solidified, he used the straight sword as a shovel to transfer the palm-sized clump of soil into the box before closing the lid. After stowing away the golden box, Lumian noticed that the straight sword in his hand had become rusty and decayed. Rather than being alarmed, Lumian was delighted. He muttered to himself, That soil is indeed magical This was one of his gains from the Dream Festival. Despite not obtaining the Beyonder characteristics of Reaza and Maslow, and the mysterious disappearance of the man and woman who served the Demon, Lumian had finally acquired something of value. He continued searching the area but found no other traces. Left with no other option, he teleported back to the second floor of the Brieu Motel. By then, much of the smoke and dust caused by the meteorite had dissipated. The crimson moons light cast an eerie glow over Tizamo. Lumian noticed a folded letter on the master bedrooms desk, with a thin brass-like metal sheet on top. Madam Magicians response is swift tonight Lumian picked up the brass plate and examined the mysterious patterns and words etched upon it, but he couldnt discern their meaning or purpose. He couldnt even sense the corresponding spirituality glow. Shaking his head, Lumian temporarily set aside the brass sheet. With a gentle grab of his right hand, he conjured a floating incandescent white fireball. Under its glow, he sat down and began reading Madam Magicians reply. Theres no doubt about it. From what youve described, the corpse in the dream tomb belongs to Naboredisley. As for Naboredisley, theres a high likelihood that its an alias of Devil Monarch Farbauti or a real name that can be used under certain circumstances. Dont you find it strange that Naboredisley, as a Devil Monarch and one of the eight ancient gods who once ruled the world, can bestow superpowers from the Prisoner pathway? This abnormality is quite normal for the ancient gods. They didnt advance according to the paths of the divine, but were born directly for some unknown reason. Their characteristics were a mix of Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics from other pathways, or even more than one. Considering Demon Warlock Burmans situation, you can see how unhinged and violent the ancient gods were. Theres a significant difference between ancient gods and subsequent true gods, but this doesnt mean that They are weak. They might even be stronger. Among them, although Farbauti is the Devil Monarch, He blends in Sequence 1 Abomination from a neighboring pathway. Therefore, His state is one of the best among the eight ancient gods. He has also become the only ancient god alive in Their original form. In fact, if Farbauti were to gather the ingredients of the Devil pathway as a Sequence 1 Abomination and complete the deity-ascension ritual to advance, He would be equivalent to a true god nowa stronger true god. He wouldnt be an ancient god described by words like madness, cruelty, violence, and bloodlust. Of course, as the Devil Monarch, even if He had done so, He will inevitably exhibit the characteristics of I am the Abyss, the Abyss is Me, experiencing strong influence from this pathway. As for the state of a Devil, you should be well aware. Therefore, Farbauti is also one of the two or three most unhinged ancient gods. This doesnt contradict His better state. Thats all for the ancient gods. Thats not my primary purpose in writing. In short, the one in the dream tomb is indeed Naboredisley, the other Naboredisley in the form of an Abomination. Is that so Ancient gods possess Beyonder characteristics of neighboring or non-neighboring pathways, and Naboredisley has already displayed the ability to separate different desires and emotions Lumian no longer harbored any doubts about the cold corpses ability to bestow Wraith powers. After some thought, he reread Madam Magicians letter. You mentioned that Naboredisley took the initiative to lie back in the dream tomb and continue in a dead state. This is a very rational choice for Him. Furthermore, I must say its a good death. Continue in this dead state until after the apocalypse! You dont need to know the exact reason. To put it simply, you can see that Naboredisley, or the Devil Monarch Farbauti, is in a terrible state. As an Abomination, His demise is more suitable than Him living. Its better for both Him and this world. Of course, this cant be a simple death. He chose a good place to die. This will allow His corpse to enjoy peace and tranquility, safe from the Mother Tree of Desires harassment. Now, you should understand. That entity had written a story and created a coincidence, allowing you to come into contact with Naboredisley in the Feynapotter Kingdom. Then, you went to Hanth Island and the New City of Silver. His goal was to send information to Naboredisley in the dream ancient tomb, allowing Him to continue sleeping and be a corpse instead of being resurrected. Simultaneously, this also prevents various factions from trying to obtain the Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristic. Tsk, as expected of a remnant from ancient times. Hes the protagonist who personally ended the rule of the ancient gods. The secrets and various key matters He knows perhaps exceed all of us combined. Apart from Him and the Evernight Goddess, who else would know about mysticism festivals like the Dream Festival, which you forget when you wake up? Who would have thought that the corpse was part of the Devil Monarch? The substantial digestion of the Reaper potion, the acquisition of the golden mask, and the formation of the corroded soil should be the rewards He promised. Remember to give me that corroded soil. Its useless to you, but I can help you exchange it for something. It might also present an opportunity, but I cant discern what it is for now. And with that golden mask, you can boldly venture into the Underworld when the opportunity arises in the future. Otherwise, the living wont be able to stay in the Underworld for even a second. Those golden masks come from the fallen Death, the ancestor of the Eggers family. They were originally created to assist Deaths direct descendants in entering and exiting the Underworld and Deaths kingdom. Their purpose is twofold. Firstly, to protect the wearer from the corrosion of the aura of death. Secondly, to transform the wearer into an undead creature. Their bodies no longer have vital points, while their minds and consciousness can maintain their living state. Do you understand why Naboredisleys corpse wore the Death mask? If it didnt, it would have died completely in the dream tomb, with no possibility of revival. Similarly, knowing the golden masks functions and the state of the corpse, you should understand why Hisoka put on the golden mask. It allows a corpse to mistake Hisoka for one of its kind without affecting him. It also protects Hisoka from the corrosion of the tombs aura of death. The first phantom that experienced an Ascension activated the corpses sleeping spirit under the golden masks protection, but without awakening His consciousness. In this state, Hisoka can use His resemblance to the corpse to make the corpse mistake Him for His spirit and accept His dominance. Isnt this style familiar? That Celestial Worthy is indeed the strongest god who seeks out errors and exploits loopholes. By the time the second phantom that underwent Ascension entered the dream ancient tomb, the corpses consciousness would have been basically awakened. Even if Hisoka were still alive, he wouldnt be able to complete his grand plan. Thats the gist of the matter. The Numinous Episcopates purpose is the ancient tomb itself, the golden mask that has endured the corresponding corrosion in the tomb for over a millennium. The Nois familys archduke, a collaborator of the Rose School of Thought, desires Naboredisleys corpse, while the temperance faction seeks to retrieve Miss Messengers heart. Their goals were actually different, yet they fought to the death. I have to say, its quite humorous and ironic. Of course, this is mainly because they cant trust each other, and theres indeed a possibility that its a situation where the winner takes all. Does Miss Messenger want to consume Naboredisleys Abomination body? Of course She does! Miss Messenger The lady who used the lucky gold coin to buy the heart from Ludwig? Why is she called Miss Messenger? Its impossible for Her to be someones messenger, right? Shes an Angel! Uh Mr. Fools messenger? So thats why theres a lucky gold coin closely related to Mr. Fool Lumian was sharp, and he quickly made a guess. He continued reading the last part of the letter. I forgot to mention that wearing that golden mask also poses problems. As you can imagine, once you transform into an undead creature and dont have any vital points on your body, the purification of sunlight and lightning will be fatal to you. Moreover, if a living person wears that golden mask for too long, they will truly become deceased. When that time comes, once the mask is removed, their mind and consciousness will be unprotected and they will die immediately. Let me see what else I havent mentioned Yes, you said that the Underworld Daoist and Naboredisleys corpse had looked at Iveljsta Eggers without doing anything to him. That gave me some ideas. Its highly likely that the one who helped bury Naboredisleys Abomination corpse and construct the dream grave was the ancestor of the Eggers family, the deceased Death. After He went mad, perhaps He interacted with the Underworld Daoist, who guarded the river and the Blood Emperors afterimage. And for some reason, He agreed to Naboredisleys request for help, causing His Abomination corpse to slumber in a special dream. Therefore, be it the Underworld Daoist or Naboredisleys corpse, even if they only have their instincts left, they will still treat the Eggers familys bloodline specially. Chapter 698 - 698 Aftermath 698 Aftermath Considering Madam Magicians conjecture, Lumian suddenly felt that the deceased Death, the ancestor of the Eggers family, was indeed legendary. After becoming a true god, He seemed to have gone mad. He incited the Pale Disaster. His demise created the Berserk Sea, isolating the Northern and Southern Continents for more than a millennium. He had a connection to the mysterious Underworld Daoist. He buried the Abomination corpse of the Devil Monarch. He left behind the massive Balam Empire with numerous descendants. The golden mask He created for His descendants to enter and exit the Underworld is still being fought over to this day Lumian retrieved the golden mask he had obtained from Hisoka from his Travelers Bag. He caressed its cold surface and sighed silently. This is a true deitys creation With a sigh, Lumian read the last two pages of the lengthy letter. Back to yourself. The Underworld Daoist mark on you only seals the influence of the Blood Emperors remnant aura on the outside world. It doesnt eliminate its existence. In other words, you can no longer use Alista Tudors remnant aura to scare others. However, it can still be useful when you need to verify your corresponding identity. There are pros and cons to this situation. Although youve lost your potent means of intimidating others, you dont have to worry about attracting the attention of certain high-ranking individuals by using the Blood Emperors remnant aura. Furthermore, the Underworld Daoist mark might have a special effect in the future. Emperor Roselle once said that since you cant resist, try to enjoy yourself. Lumian turned his right hand over and looked at his palm. Compared to the decay in his dream, only a small pale-white mark remained. Beneath the pale-whiteness, a faint red scarred mark could be seen. What special use can it have? To intimidate the undead? Lumian muttered to himself in puzzlement, momentarily at a loss. At the end of the letter, Madam Magician wrote: This years Dream Festival may have ended, but the special dream and ancient tomb havent disappeared. The Dream Festival will still happen next year. When the time comes, the Demon from the Nois family and His Rose School of Thought allies, who confirmed the ancient tombs situation this year, might continue their attempts. They might even bring more targeted and powerful items, Beyonders, or projections. Not only do we have to stop them when the time comes, but we also have to make preparations in advance. Furthermore, for the special dream to still have dream projections as guardians, we cant relocate the entirety of Tizamo. Therefore, we have to do something for the people here. Of course, after completing the last task, the subsequent problems of the Dream Festival will have nothing to do with you unless you become an Angel by then. But isnt that too far-fetched? The last thing you need to do is enter that special dream with the half-finished brass charm I sent with the letter and perform the following ritual before the black ancient tomb. The complete process of the ritual is: After carefully reading the rituals description, Lumian assessed his spirituality and stowed away the half-finished brass charm. Then, he retrieved the golden box containing the peculiar soil, unfolded the letter, and penned a reply: Honorable Madam Magician, I will follow your instructions and complete the ritual. This is that strange soil Lumian paused and added: Remember to send back the box containing it. It was made of gold! Recalling Luganos promise of compensation and Ludwigs growing appetite, Lumian, who was quite wealthy, felt the need to be frugal. He didnt need to worry about the potion formula, Beyonder ingredients, or mystical items for the time being, but he needed to provide for two people now! Furthermore, gold played an important role in mysticism. Franca had been accumulating gold in recent months, hoping to forge a golden body for Armored Shadow Chen Tu. After writing the reply, Lumian set up a ritual and summoned the doll messenger. The messenger remained cautious and furtive, not uttering a word. What did it sense? Lumian was about to inquire when he suddenly thought of a possibility. Could it be because Miss Messenger, whom Madam Magician mentioned, had been here? They are both messengers, so they might know each other and be related. And that person is an Angel Lumian shut his mouth and watched as the doll messenger retreated into the candlelight with the golden box. He extinguished the candle, stowed away the ritual-related items, and returned to the living room. He sat across from Ludwig, who still had half his food left untouched. Lumian looked at Ludwig, who wore a blue pajama hat with yellow stars, and smiled. Lend me something. Ludwig raised his head, his mouth moving as he inquired with his eyes. Lumian maintained a friendly smile. The gold coin from earlier. Ludwig lowered his head and focused on eating a piece of beef jerky, as if he hadnt heard Lumian. Itll only take half an hour. Yes, half an hour. I wont cause any harm. Ill definitely return it to you as it was, Lumian said with a sigh. Ive been providing for you for a long time, giving you food and drink At this point, Lumian suddenly stopped. After a few seconds, he continued, Isnt that worth lending me your lucky gold coin for half an hour? When have I ever lied to you? Often, Ludwig mumbled. He looked up at Lumian for a few seconds before retrieving the Loen gold coin from his pocket. Twenty minutes, tops. Deal! Lumian swiftly accepted the lucky gold coin with a radiant smile. To conserve his spirituality, he refrained from teleporting. Instead, he moved swiftly through the shadows and arrived at Hisoka Twanakus house. Robert and Amandina had already left. Lumian found a spot and leaned against the wall. Using Cogitation, he quickly drifted off to sleep. In the special dream, in the primitive forest. Using the shadows in the darkness, Lumian reached the edge of the dream and found himself in the chaotic zone. After some thought, he left the shadow and donned the golden mask crafted by Death. Amidst the cold corrosion and heavy pressure, Lumian saw a dream fragment of a black ancient tomb and the path leading to it. He quickly reached his destination. The corpses had vanished, leaving only the ancient tomb, resembling a black boulder, standing silently. Lumian removed the mask and observed for a moment. Using a raised tree root as an altar, he placed candles, essential oil, herbal powder, a cauldron, and the half-finished brass charm on it. He followed the instructions in Madam Magicians letter and dealt with them one by one. Finally, Lumian placed the lucky gold coin between the two candles corresponding to Mr. Fool. Instead of creating a wall of spirituality, he lit the candles in the order from god to person, from left to right, and took two steps back. Lumian gazed at the burning candle flame and recited in ancient Hermes, The Fool that doesnt belong to this era, the mysterious ruler above the gray fog; the King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck Silently, a thin gray fog emanated from the void, enveloping the area around the black ancient tomb and the entire special dream. Lumians left chest heated up slightly, preventing his thoughts from slowing down, and his body showed no signs of disintegrating. He quickly took two steps forward and ignited the corresponding essential oil extract and herbal powder. He placed the half-finished brass charm in the center of the altar. Then, Lumian straightened up and said in Hermes, I implore you, I implore you to grant this charm power. I implore you to allow this power to control this dream After reciting all the remaining incantations and completing the remaining steps of the ritual, Lumian saw the lucky gold coin emit a hazy glow. One of the candles representing Mr. Fool darkened, and the other took on a brass hue. Immediately after, the darkness and brass candlelight entangled with the half-finished brass charm. The brass charm emitted a blinding light, and Lumian couldnt help but close his eyes. By the time he adjusted and opened his eyes, the brass charm had vanished. The soil, rocks, and tree roots in front of the black ancient tomb surged, forming a tombstone-like object. Ancient Feysac words appeared on the tombstone one after another: All living beings are equal before the law. Even Angels can be killed by ordinary people. Lost items are regarded as abandonment. Anything can be done during the Dream Festival, but not killing or rape. Murderers shall die. Rapists shall die. What What pathways power is this? It resembles the Arbiter pathway Killing isnt allowed for the next Dream Festival? Even an Angel can be harmed by me? Lumian hadnt expected Madam Magicians preparations. He swiftly packed his belongings and planned to leave the area. Finally, Lumian had an idea when he saw the tombstone. With a smile, he retrieved a card from his Travelers Bag, bent down, and placed it on the ground beneath the tombstone. It was a tarot card depicting a man in green holding a wand against attacking wands at the foot of a mountain. Minor Arcana card, Seven of Wands! Lumian didnt know if the tarot cards representing him could remain in the dream or in front of the tombstone. He simply wanted to give it a try. After all, he hadnt done so since becoming a member of the Tarot Club. Upon returning to the real world, Lumian reached into his Travelers Bag and examined it. As expected, the half-finished brass charm had vanished, as had the Minor Arcana card, the Seven of Wands. The rules of the special dream are indeed a little different Lumian nodded thoughtfully and returned the lucky gold coin to Ludwig at the Brieu Motel. Then, Lumian stepped onto the street. In the darkness, he passed Camus, Rhea, Lugano, and the others, who were busy rescuing and treating people, and arrived at Saint-Sien Cathedral. All the candles in the cathedral had been lit, but only Padre Cali was present. Dressed in a white robe adorned with golden threads, he knelt before the altar and the Sacred Emblem, his head bowed in anguish. Lumian walked in step by step and took a seat in the front row. He watched Padre Cali quietly without disturbing him. Chapter 699 - 699 Who is to Blame? 699 Who is to Blame? The smoke and dust caused by the meteorite had mostly dissipated, and the commotion on the street had gradually subsided. The injured had largely escaped danger thanks to swift treatment, but some still perished, eliciting occasional cries of anguish. Inside Saint-Sien Cathedral, Padre Cali completed his penance. He stood and turned to face Lumian, who sat silently in the front pew, observing him. Lumian chuckled and asked casually, Is repentance still of any use? Without waiting for a response, he added habitually, You must know your fate is sealed. You wont survive more than a few days. Paleness showed through Padre Calis dark-brown complexion as he calmly replied, If repentance worked, it wouldnt be true repentance. This statement seemed to bring him a measure of peace. I repented because I wanted to, not to bargain for understanding or redemption. Looking back, I have indeed made many mistakes. I yearned for higher status and the approval of you Northerners. That desire blinded me, and I succumbed to the Demons temptations. Lumian scoffed upon hearing this. Is that truly the case? Did desire actually cloud your judgment? Noting the padres bewildered expression, Lumian leaned back and gazed up at the Sun Sacred Emblem. Did your ambition for prestige and recognition from Northerners force you to collaborate with Twanaku, compel you to become a Wraith as an Eternal Blazing Sun padre, make you receptive to the Demons allure, or drive you to exploit those boys? No, you chose this path of your own volition. Padre Calis lips quivered as if to object, but he couldnt find the words. Lumian smiled and continued, Many in this world still crave elevated status and the recognition of certain groups. Most of them simply work hard to contribute and combat evil with all their strength. They never consort with Demons, hoping to attain their goals through righteous means. Even in the face of repeated failure, they dont descend into the abyss. They share the same desires, yet they maintain self-control while you could not. Desire didnt cloud your mindyour mind chose depravity. Padre Cali fell silent, at a loss for words. Lumian sighed with a smile. A relative once told me, Intense desire fuels human progress, but its also the demon that drags humans into the abyss. Good or bad, light or darknessit all hinges on us, on that single thought in a pivotal moment.'' His face growing ever paler, Padre Cali lowered his head and rasped, I have sinned Lumian pressed a hand to his chest, his expression settling. He looked at Padre Cali and laughed self-deprecatingly. I too have strong desires. Everyone does. If harboring intense desire is a sin, then you are a sinner, and so am I. We are all guilty. Padre Calis expression froze momentarily before he slowly turned around. Kneeling once more before the altar, he gazed up at the immense Sun Sacred Emblem and spoke in a deep voice, You are innocent. Desire itself is not sinful, but I am a true sinner. He bowed his head as his body gradually became ethereal and transparent. Thus, Padre Cali manifested as a Wraith before the Sacred Emblem. An icy, sinister aura emanated from him, triggering a reaction from the emblem and altar. The entire cathedral trembled slightly. A brilliant, sunlight- like radiance seeped from the altar, emblem, stained glass, and religious murals, rapidly converging at the domed ceiling. A dazzling golden pillar of light, accompanied by a hymnal voice, descended upon Padre Cali. The Wraith-form padre trembled faintly but did not evade. Under the searing holy light, his body disintegrated into ashes. Lumian observed this scene expressionlessly, feeling neither joy nor sorrow. As the domes holy glow dissipated, leaving only candlelight illuminating the cathedral, Lumian remained seated in the front pew, quietly contemplating the spot where Padre Cali had been purified. After an indeterminate span, Camus and Rhea entered the cathedral, having finished their disaster relief efforts. Camus sighed in relief upon seeing Louis Berry in the front row. He smiled and said, We still lack composure, prone to panic when calamity strikes. We were so focused on aiding the injured and trapped that we never anticipated a detestable man like Padre Cali suddenly going mad and trying to drag others down with him. Its fortunate you were here. Rhea surveyed the surroundings and asked, Where is Padre Cali? Lumian stared ahead at the altar and replied plainly, After repenting, he utilized the cathedrals accumulated spirituality and the Sacred Emblems unique properties to purify himself. Rhea fell silent. After a few seconds, she spread her arms and proclaimed, Praise the Sun! She then took a seat in the front pew on the opposite side, clasped her hands, bowed her head, and prayed fervently. For a moment, Camus was unsure whether to sit or remain standing. Lumian turned to him. Have you recovered Reazas Beyonder characteristic? Camus paused before responding, Yes. And Maslows? Lumian shifted his gaze back to the Sacred Emblem. Its whereabouts are unknown, Camus replied. Lumian stated calmly, It should be in the meteorite impact zone. Camus was taken aback. Was the meteorite meant to claim most of the deceased? Is the Dream Festivals power truly that immense? More potent than you realize, Lumian replied, as if discussing the next days weather. Reaza and Maslow belong to the Numinous Episcopates Royal faction. Admiral Querarill is aware of their identities and that Reaza came to Tizamo to fulfill a mission assigned by the Royal factions superiors. Camuss expression shifted as he exhaled slowly. Even without you mentioning this, I wouldnt have harbored any ill will towards Captain Reaza. He did save me on multiple occasions, and this time, he didnt overtly betray me but rather the patrol team. My sense of belonging to the team isnt that strong. Now, Im just relieved hes not a traitor. Lumian smiled provocatively and said, It benefits you as well. Port Pyloss patrol team now has a vacant vice-captain position, and your rival is already dead. Camus didnt rise to the bait, smiling wryly instead. I plan to leave Matani. Thanks to your generosity, Ive nearly saved enough to advance to Sequence 6. Its safer and simpler to return to my family and contact the main branch than to search the outside world. The patrol team is a small organization, after all. Sequence 6 is the limit. To reach Sequence 5, Id need to forge close ties with the Numinous Episcopate, Rose School of Thought, Intis Bureau 8, the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, or the Church of Earth Mother, or become Admiral Querarills trusted aide. Given my Castiya surname, the choice is clear. If the Castiya royal family truly accepts you, your potential would be far greater Lumian chuckled and said, I thought you were leaving this place of sorrow due to a failed romance. Camus abruptly choked on his saliva and coughed several times. After Rhea concluded her prayers, she departed the cathedral with Camus. Lumian lingered in the front pew, savoring the solitude. After a while, Amandina appeared at the entrance, clad in black hunting attire. Why are you alone here? the girl muttered, her gaze darting about as if searching for something. Why have you come? Lumian asked nonchalantly. Amandina sat beside him and chuckled. I wanted to see if Robert would come looking for the dying Padre Cali, but surprisingly, youre the only one here. Padre Cali purified himself. I doubt Robert has been here, Lumian answered truthfully. Is that so Amandina felt a pang of disappointment. If he had really come to confront Padre Cali, it would mean he still is a man Lumian remained silent. Amandina faced the altar and Sacred Emblem, offering a brief prayer. Her task complete, she glanced around eagerly and asked, Will there be another Dream Festival next year? Yes. Lumian didnt hide anything. Joy instantly lit up Amandinas features. Is that black ancient tomb still there? Can I gain superpowers by touching it again? Of course, Lumian turned to her, smiling. But the outsiders participating in next years Dream Festival will be even stronger and more terrifying, surpassing the evil cloth doll, crystal skull, and human skin man you encountered. Amandinas expression fell. Really? In that case, Ill find an excuse to stay in Port Pylos during next years festival and bring my parents along. Have you returned to Palm Manor? Lumian inquired. Amandina sighed and smiled. I went back briefly. Not wanting to disrupt their facade of love, I left again. She paused, eyes sparkling with curiosity. Besides touching the black tomb, are there other ways for me to advance my Sequence? You can buy formulas and drink potions to progress along one of three pathsSleepless, Corpse Collector, or Warrior, Lumian divulged the relevant mystical knowledge without reservation. After some thought, he added, Also, it wasnt the black tomb that granted you superpowers. It was that figure Lumian was suddenly perplexed. What was the connection between Amandina, Robert, and the Underworld Daoist? Typically, boons were bestowed upon believers by deities or angels, but Amandina and Robert had no faith in the Underworld Daoist. They werent even aware of His existence. Considering the conventions of various secret organizations and the customs Franca occasionally mentioned, Amandina should have addressed the Underworld Daoist as Teacher! Chapter 700 - 700 Return 700 Return In the special dream, Amandina mentioned that the figure, known as the Underworld Daoist, had nodded at her Armored Shadow Chen Tu is suspected to be related to the Underworld Daoist Franca is accumulating gold to create a golden body for Chen Tu to obtain more information Lumians mind raced with these thoughts. He turned to Amandina with a smile. You wont only encounter that figure during the Dream Festival. Its possible normally? Amandina asked, surprised. What kind of smarts do you have Lumian inwardly criticized, shaking his head and smiling. What I mean is, its not just in Tizamo where you can encounter that figure on a specific date. Amandina pondered for a few moments before grasping the underlying meaning behind Louis Berrys words. Have you seen that figure elsewhere? I thought you couldnt see him and could only observe through me? Thankfully, youre not that dense Lumian retrieved the golden mask from his Travelers Bag. I could see after putting this on. Without waiting for Amandinas response, Lumian added with a smile, I did encounter that figure elsewhere. He used encounter instead of meeting to ensure his statement couldnt be more truthful. He wanted to say, I even know His name, but didnt feel like explaining to Amandina why he used the pronoun He to address the Underworld Daoist respectfully. Amandinas expression turned excited. Where? In Trier, Lumian replied honestly. This was the information he wanted the other party to know. Trier Amandina felt a mix of captivation and fear. As an Intisian born and raised on the Southern Continent, she had heard countless rumors about the Capital of Joy and understood its vibrancy and prosperity. Trier had nearly become her dream paradise, but the furthest she had ventured was Port Pylos, never leaving Matani. If given the chance to visit Trier, fear was her initial reaction. After all, she was still a girl under 18. Lumian continued candidly, In the future, I know someone who might interact with that figure. I hope you can provide her with some assistancethe non-combat kind. To that end, I can take you to Trier and help you enter the area where the figure might appear. I can also provide some protection. How about it? Do you want to strike such a deal? I-I Amandina hesitated, instinctively seeking an excuse. My parents wont allow me to leave Matani for Trier now. At the very least, I have to wait until I get a chance to attend university there. Lumian found it amusing and remarked, Im not asking you to permanently relocate to Trier. You can go on Saturday and return on Sunday. Huh? Amandina was taken aback. She had imagined a long-distance voyage, hiking through mountains and wading across rivers, forever bidding farewell to her home. Lumian arched an eyebrow. Its not like I havent teleported you in the dream before. B-but isnt that just a small area? Amandinas eyes lit up. Can you really teleport directly from Matani to Trier? Lumian nodded slightly. Yes, I might need to make a transit once or twice along the way, but it will still allow you to reach Trier quickly. Quickly Amandinas interest was piqued. She yearned to experience such wonders. However, she didnt make a decision immediately. Lumian didnt rush her. No need to decide right away. Meeting that figure again is actually quite dangerous. You should first truly come into contact with Matanis mysticism circle and learn the basics about Beyonders from Rhea. Only then should you consider accepting this deal. It might take three months, half a year, or even a year. Amandina breathed a sigh of relief. Understood. Curious, she asked, Is your friend a woman? He had used the pronoun she. In our hearts and minds, she has always been one. As for how she identifies, sometimes yes, sometimes no Lumian inwardly criticized Franca and nodded slightly. Yes. Amandina asked excitedly, Your lover? Lumian chuckled. Of course not. Why do you always fixate on such matters? As Lumian spoke, he retrieved a post-it note and fountain pen from his Travelers Bag. He scribbled a few lines and handed them to Amandina. Amandina took it and carefully read it under the cathedrals candlelight: A creature wandering above the world, the penitent who awakens from the flames of pain, a messenger that belongs solely to Lumian Lee. Whats this? Amandina was bewildered. My messenger. Set up a ritual once youve made up your mind. Use this incantation to summon my messenger and inform me of your decision, Lumian explained simply. Amandina grew increasingly perplexed. What ritual? What summoning? This isnt a conventional messenger? Lumian raised his eyebrows again. Have you never heard of a messenger in the mysticism domain? Dont you know about summoning rituals? Amandina smiled sheepishly and said, I came into contact with superpowers last year and gathered some information about the pathways of the divine through Robert and a few mysticism enthusiasts. I know about rituals, but Im not sure about the details. Then, her eyes lit up. Youll teach me, wont you? Otherwise, I wouldnt be able to summon your messenger. Also, is your real name not Louis Berry, but Lumian Lee? Y-you took a pen and paper from that coin bag. You also took your previous items from there. What kind of mystical item is this? Lumian couldnt help but glance up at the golden spherical dome. The following morning, Lumian left the Brieu Motel with Ludwig and Lugano. They passed through streets still strewn with ruins and arrived at Bunias caf. The owner, Bunia, maintained his usual shyness and politely inquired about their needs. Lumian ordered three cups of Cosa coffee and three servings of Matanis specialty breakfast, Ocapa. Ocapa was made from rice, chicken, eggs, potatoes, and common local spices wrapped in leaves from the Ocapa trees. It was filling and fragrant, and one couldnt stop eating once they started. Lumian gazed at the spread of Ocapa, picked up his cutlery, and scooped a spoonful into his mouth. The fragrance of the leaves, the salted egg yolk, the weightiness of the rice, the tenderness of the chicken, the softness of the potatoes, and the strange rich aroma combined to create a unique texture. As Lumian ate, he casually surveyed the pedestrians and caf patrons on the street. After the sorrow and fear of the previous night, they had become gentle again, no longer revealing excessive emotions. When they spoke to others, they always had a faint smile on their faces. After Ludwig finished his second meal of the morning, Lumian found a secluded corner, changed into winter clothes, and disappeared from Tizamo with him and Lugano. This time, Lumian refrained from teleporting directly to Franca, as Lugano, Ludwig, and the two Demonesses were unfamiliar with each other. Lumian chose the rarely used entrance to Underground Trier in Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative. The trio swiftly outlined themselves on the steel steps. Upon returning to the surface, Lumian spotted a few college students carrying carbide lamps and lanterns. They jested as they passed by the trio and entered Underground Trier. As he turned onto the nearest main street, the first thing Lumian saw was a scantily clad man in chains. He crawled slowly along the street in a dog-like manner. If anyone dared to glance at him, he would glare back and bark twice. In the next moment, the street artists on the corner played a rhythmic melody. Passersby more or less danced with relaxed and satisfied smiles on their faces. The man acting as a dog and trembling in the cold wind also raised his hind leg. This was very different from the streets in the market district. Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative was renowned for its numerous universities. Lumian averted his gaze from the pedestrians smiles and led Lugano and Ludwig to Anthonys nearby rented house. It was on the fourth floor, near the end of the corridor. Knock! Knock! Knock! Lumian knocked on the door without hesitation. Soon, he saw Anthony, who was dressed differently from before. In a white shirt, light gray cashmere sweater, black tweed coat, dark-red bow tie, gold-rimmed glasses, and a light- yellow wig, his beard was cleanly shaven, and his face was no longer greasy. The black grime in his pores was gone. He had the air of a successful member of high society. Are you in a relationship? Lumian jested. Anthony replied with a smile, Im attending a banquet hosted by the Trier Psychiatrist Guild today. This was a necessary prerequisite for completing Madam Justices mission. Lumian entered the room and asked casually, Have you obtained a psychiatrist license? Anthony nodded. I acquired a genuine identity and educational background. During the interview, I successfully convinced the examiner. A genuine identity? Wheres its original owner? Lumian asked thoughtfully. Anthony glanced at Lugano and Ludwig but didnt directly answer Lumians question. What can I do for you? Lumian understood Anthonys meaning and temporarily abandoned the question. He briefly mentioned the Dream Festivals situation and the aftereffects of Lugano losing his arm in the dream. He didnt mention how Lugano had lost his arm. Anthony listened attentively and looked at Lugano. Such hysteria is easily resolved. Do you need a faster solution, or do you want it to be slower and gentler? Lugano replied without hesitation, The faster one. He had lost control of his right forearm! Anthonys gaze shifted to Luganos left side, furrowing his brow. Lugano subconsciously turned to his left and followed suit. At that moment, Anthony produced a dagger from nowhere and thrust it at Luganos right forearm. Lugano swiftly retracted his hand and blurted out, What are you doing!? Anthony sheathed his dagger and replied calmly, The treatment is over. Huh? Lugano looked at his right hand in confusion and realized that it had retracted to his chest without being impeded. Lumian chuckled and said to Lugano, Keep an eye on Ludwig. Remember to prepare food for him. Without waiting for Luganos response, Lumian turned to Anthony. Lets go find Franca and Jenna now. Anthony glanced at Lumian and adjusted the gold-rimmed glasses he was unaccustomed to. Alright. Chapter 701 - 701 The Cheerful Franca 701 The Cheerful Franca In Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, Apartment 702, 9 Rue Orosai. Franca, dressed in a camel-colored cashmere coat, shivered and said to Lumian, As soon as I have the money, Im definitely renting a villa with underfloor heating! The concept of underfloor heating was proposed by Emperor Roselle. By laying metal pipes in the house during construction, boiling water could flow through them, providing summer-like warmth in confined spaces and keeping out the cold weather. This was a must-have amenity for Triers current upscale residences. Why would a Demoness like you be afraid of the cold? Lumian scoffed. He glanced at Jenna and noticed she was wearing a black cotton dress and dark makeup, as if portraying a Witch or Vampire in the little details of her daily life. Im not a Pyromaniac. A Demonesss black flames have no temperature! Franca retorted with a smile. Lumian casually settled onto the divan. Arent Demonesses skilled with ice? Dont they have resistance to frost and cold? Franca reclined in her recliner, pulled up a cashmere blanket, and chuckled. I admit my performance just now was a little exaggerated, but Triers winters really are cold. Its mainly because its so humid. Its like being soaked in a semi-frozen lake. After the small talk, Franca sighed and said, Ive already obtained more information about Moran Avigny and the corresponding security detail. We can put the capture plan on the agenda. And you, my friend, are about to participate in the Dream Festival. Talk about a scheduling conflict. Lumians expression remained unchanged as he replied, The Dream Festival is over. Huh? Franca and Jenna were taken aback. Already? Lumian recounted everything that had transpired during the Dream Festival, including Madam Magicians subsequent explanation. Of course, as the name Farbauti couldnt be pronounced in any language, Lumian referred to it as the Devil Monarch and replaced Naboredisley with the Demon with a long name. Francas breathing quickened upon hearing that Lumian had donned a golden mask and spotted the suspected Underworld Daoist. Lumians description of the Underworld Daoists attire made her eyes light up like sunlight dancing on a lake. Thankfully, her self-control was impressive. She endured until Lumian finished explaining the entire situation before asking anxiously, Will there be another Dream Festival next year? You want to participate in next years Dream Festival and come into direct contact with the Underworld Daoist? Lumian could guess Francas thoughts. Franca nodded emphatically. I believe that if the Underworld Daoist can bestow the Evernight pathways power on Amandina, I, uh, a Demoness, shouldnt have any issues either. I wouldnt mind taking Him as my master! Dont worry. As long as I remain lucid, I wont unleash my bestial instincts during the Dream Festival. She teased herself. Originally, you wanted to say that youre from the same homeland and not a Demoness, right? Lumian chuckled and said, Its not impossible, but you have to become an Angel first. Franca fell silent. Jenna pondered and said, Theres something I dont understand. Isnt it the case that after obtaining the ability to stay lucid in the special dream, the corresponding dream projection will gradually dissipate? Why didnt Hisokas? Lumian had already considered this question. Perhaps this is one of the reasons Hisoka had to leave Tizamo. The ability to stay lucid in the special dream shouldnt be permanent. Once you leave Tizamo, it will gradually fade. Therefore, Hisoka not only had to leave Tizamo, but also had to return two to three times a year for at least a week each time to maintain the existence of the dream projection. After discussing the Dream Festival, Franca briefly recounted the information she had obtained from 007 the previous night. Moran Avignys family has a long history. Members span the military, political, artistic, and business worlds. Combined with the information Madam Judgment gave us, I suspect this is a branch of the Tamara family. Their dark-gray eyes are one of the defining characteristics of the Tamara bloodline! Of course, not everyone with dark-gray eyes belongs to the Tamara family. Its more that members of the family are likely to have dark-gray eyes. Based on the close connection between a large branch of the Tamara family and the Demoness Sect, its very likely that Demoness of Black Clarice also shares the Tamara familys bloodline. Following my hypothesis, the Demoness of Black might be a mixed-blood descendant of the Sauron family who pledged allegiance to the Demoness Sect and the Tamara family. This was the only explanation for Demoness of Black Clarices reaction when she heard about the Sauron family. It was also the only explanation for her indulging Browns Sauron! Lumian didnt interrupt as Franca continued, We need to face not only Moran Avigny but also the hidden Tamara family and the Mirror People faction. Moran Avigny might possess powerful Beyonder powers himself. Furthermore, Bureau 8, Purifiers, and Machinery Hivemind rotate daily, with a regular Beyonder team providing protection. What my friend means is that if were unafraid of sacrifice, theres still a chance of assassinating Moran Avigny. However, capturing him alive or channeling his spirit is very difficult and dangerous. What 007 truly meant was that the Purifiers wouldnt go easy on us or provide overt assistance. However, if Moran Avignys true nature as a Mirror Person is exposed after his death, 007 would find a way to allow usthe captured assassinsan opportunity to escape, just like when Jenna killed Hugues Artois. However, if we didnt want to obtain more information about the Mirror People through Moran Avigny, wouldnt it be better to inform the authorities and let them handle the arrest? Lumian pondered for a moment and said to Franca, Lets not rush into a plan. Well discuss it tomorrow. Why wait until tomorrow? Franca asked, holding the stack of papers 007 had given her. Lumian chuckled. After I find a safe place to complete my advancement and become a Fate Appropriator, perhaps a special, mixed ability related to fate will appear. That might help us obtain new ideas and come up with more effective solutions. In the current four-person team, it was no secret that Lumian possessed the power of the Inevitability pathway. Franca blurted out in surprise, You can obtain a new boon so quickly? Didnt I just mention it? Lumian smiled. I culled nearly 20 Sequence 6 and Sequence 5 bestowed in one go, significantly digesting the potion. Franca pursed her lips and signaled to Lumian with her eyes: Look, look into my eyes! Theyre filled with jealousy! Lumian turned to Anthony and asked, What did you mean by genuine identity? Anthony, who had been listening quietly and was on the verge of being forgotten, explained simply, Actually, it was a hint from Madam Justice. That identity is very strange. His background, education, and experiences are all real, but theres actually no such person. And the people who might expose this are either long dead or out of town, the kind who wont return for years. Franca made a judgment based on her experience. It seems it was meticulously crafted years in advance as a disguise. Since they werent discussing a plan to deal with Moran Avigny today, Anthony didnt stay long. He had to prepare for tonights banquet. Where do you plan to advance to Fate Appropriator? Jenna asked Lumian. The sacrificial square in the catacombs? It belonged to two orthodox gods and could protect advancers from additional interference. Im afraid Ill trigger a taboo and be purified by sunlight, Lumian dismissed the suggestion with amusement. Advancing to Conspirer is different from advancing to Fate Appropriator. One belonged to the pathways of the divine, while the other belonged to an evil gods domain! Lumian had already decided on a location to advance. It was the Nation of the Evernight! Termiboross well-behaved nature kept Lumian concerned that He was waiting for an opportunity to stir up trouble. And as a Fate Appropriator began to involve core abilities in the Inevitability domain, it was very likely that Termiboros would tamper at this Sequence. Therefore, Lumian had to be cautious. He planned to advance in a safe place that could eliminate many external influences. Among them, the Nation of the Evernight was the best choice. Furthermore, Lumian had planned to contact Hela in the next two days to share information about the Underworld Daoist and the Dream Festival. Franca looked at Lumian in enlightenment. You want to advance at our mysticism gathering? Yes. Lumian nodded slightly. Franca, who was in a good mood, took the initiative to help. Ill help you write the letter! After she entered the bedroom and closed the door, Lumian looked at Jenna and said, Youre very quiet today. Jenna smiled. An excellent theater actress must know how to act like a lady. Lumian glanced at Francas door. Madame Red Boots seems to be in high spirits today. Shes cracking jokes left and right. Its true shes been in a good mood recently, Jenna replied truthfully. Lumian nodded thoughtfully and didnt probe further. Jennas lips curled into a smile. Why dont you keep asking? Lumian leaned back on the sofa and laughed self- deprecatingly. My sister once taught me that theres no need to inquire too deeply about certain matters. If I know too much, I might regret it. I might even have to face problems Im unwilling to face. Jenna listened attentively, placed her hand on her cheek, and asked with a smile, What are you afraid of? Lumian strategically took a sip of black tea and said, Its not fear; its respect. Jenna gazed at him and suddenly laughed. She didnt press further and chatted with Lumian about the details of Tizamo. Before long, Franca opened the door and exclaimed with a smile, Its on for tonight! At 10 p.m., in the ancient and dilapidated palace of the Nation of the Evernight, Lumian and Franca swiftly materialized, and Hela was already waiting. Chapter 702 - 702 Fate Appropriator 702 Fate Appropriator Before Lumian had a chance to say anything, Franca eagerly recounted the events involving the Underworld Daoist during the Dream Festival. She said excitedly, The interaction between our two worlds is even more intricate than I had imagined! Who would have thought there was another point of interaction beyond the Samaritan Womens Spring, and its all tied to that mysterious illusory river. Silently, Franca mused, Its a shame we still havent located the man believed to be from our world who was seen on the fourth level of the catacombs Seriously, whats taking 007, nothe Eternal Blazing Sun Church so long? They havent even tracked down the traitor who worked with April Fools Once Franca had finished speaking, Lumian provided a concise explanation of the origins of the black ancient tomb and the ancient corpse. Hela, still in her black widow attire, listened intently, gently nodding her head. Its now evident that the illusory river isnt a reference to the River Styx. It must be something far more significant than that. Absolutely. Lumian wasnt caught off guard by Helas statement. The black ancient tomb doesnt just embody the power of the Death pathway; it also represents the Evernight and Warrior pathways. In the current world, all the legends surrounding the River Styx were connected to death. Lumian speculated that this might involve beings such as the Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings, the Mother Tree of Desire, and the Great Mother, who held multiple thrones linked to various pathways. Hela glanced at Franca, falling silent for a moment before speaking. If the Armored Shadow is right, the Underworld Daoist is in a precarious state. If you intend to interact with Him, you must exercise extreme caution and ensure you have an escape route from the corresponding area. The Armored Shadow had described the Underworld Daoist as having sacrificed himself to enter the river, implying the sacrifice of ones physical form or life. I understand. Franca let out a sigh. Ill give this matter more thought once I reach Sequence 5. As she sighed, a smug thought crossed her mind, The Pleasure potion has been largely digested lately. Even without additional opportunities, I can start preparing for the Demoness of Afflictions advancement ritual within two to three months I need to begin gathering the necessary potion ingredients now I cant mention it, I mustnt mention itI cant let Lumian know. Bragging would make me seem crass and disrespectful to Jenna Lumians curious gaze alternated between Hela and Franca a couple of times. He sensed that Madame Hela had something crucial to tell Franca but refrained from doing so. It was rare for Lumian to perceive Madame Hela as having something on her mind. Her glance at Franca and few seconds of silence gave him the impression of hesitancy. Regrettably, Franca often has a carefree nature and doesnt pay much attention to details. Otherwise, she might be able to extract some information from her through direct questioning Lumians mind raced, and he concluded that if Madame Hela chose not to say anything at this point, she must have her reasons. Thus, he suppressed his curiosity and gestured towards the front of the dilapidated palace. Ill get the ritual ready. Sounds good, Franca responded with enthusiasm. While she had witnessed Lumian acquire Ascetic powers, that had taken place in Fourth Epoch Trier. A myriad of dangers had intertwined, causing her to shudder with fear. She had to maintain constant vigilance of her surroundings, unable to appreciate the situation with the same level of ease as she could now. After a moment of contemplation, Lumian retrieved a metal canister from a hidden pocket and tossed it to Franca. If things start going poorly for me later on, forcefully break through the wall of spirituality and throw this in front of me or on me. Should I unscrew the cap for you? Franca asked, a smile playing on her lips. What do you think? Lumian arched an eyebrow. Naturally, Franca replied, her smile unwavering. Im just trying to lighten the mood. I want you to feel at ease. I appreciate it! Lumian turned and made his way to the massive stone chair in the depths of the ancient palace. His intuition suggested that the huge, mottled stone chair might have a connection to Mr. Fool. This would enable him to draw Mr. Fools attention during the impending ritual. As Franca and Hela watched Lumian arrange the corresponding items on the stone chair, setting it up as an altar and placing a Loen gold pound reverently in front of the grayish-white candle symbolizing the deity, Hela calmly remarked, Dont be concerned about not receiving a response. The secrets will remain secret, while the rest will be revealed. Lumian felt himself relax as he consecrated the ritual silver dagger, erecting a wall of spirituality. The voices of Franca and Hela faded into the background, as if emanating from a great distance. Rather than rushing into the ritual, Lumian lowered his voice and proactively provoked Termiboros. Im about to extract your power once more. Any thoughts on the matter? He aimed to enrage Termiboros to a certain degree. Only then might Termiboros inadvertently expose any concealed issues in His response, allowing Lumian to discern whether this Inevitability Angel was secretly plotting something. The sooner he uncovered it, the sooner he could address it and find a resolution! Termiboross imposing voice resonated. The further you venture, the closer you draw to the end. This is an inevitabilityirreversible. Is that how you console yourself? Lumian scoffed at Termiboross enigmatic behavior. Termiboross voice reverberated within Lumians body. Boons bring the recipient closer to the bestower. You may believe youre extracting my power, but in truth, youre steadily aligning your fate with mine, becoming more and more like me. This grants me glimpses through your eyes and your fate. You and I are merely bugs ensnared by fate. Apart from the greatest of existences, all living beings share this commonality. In the near future, you will come to understand: Death is the end of all things, and madness is an eternal melody. Thats essentially the same as saying nothing Is Termiboros implying that I will face a setback in the near future? Lumian chuckled and said, Are you deliberately saying this to make me obtain the power of a Fate Appropriator while burdened with worry and fear, hoping Ill die here? Dont concern yourself. Death and madness wont deter me. Without awaiting Termiboross reply, Lumian fixed his gaze upon the candle flame and recited in a deep, resonant voice, Power of Inevitability! You are the past, the present, and the future; You are the cause, the effect, and the process; As the ritual progressed, Franca and Hela bore witness to the transformation of all the items on the altar. Stones softened, candles expanded, and the ground decayed into a swamp. Countless strange insects loomed in the void. The darkness outside the dilapidated palace intensified. A silver-black liquid flowed from Lumians chest, enveloping him like corrupted mercury. Lumian writhed in agony. Throughout this process, his body alternated between contortion and normalcy, occasionally assuming postures that defied human anatomy. It was as though he were boneless, his skin and flesh infused with mercury. Franca was startled and experienced an inexplicable, illusory pain. Amidst the excruciating and familiar pain, Lumian caught sight of Aurore. Aurore, with her thick, long blond hair, was attempting the Soul Summoning Spell! Lumian stepped forward and intervened, stopping Aurore. Just as he rejoiced in the belief that the problem had been nipped in the bud and Aurore wouldnt fracture into the evil personality of Roche Louise Sanson, he was horrified to discover that Aurores body had undergone a drastic transformation. In a bloody state, she had expanded into a monster with three heads and six arms, sitting cross-legged. Lumian witnessed Aurore seeking assistance from Hela. Reluctantly, he offered his help, preventing his sister from forgetting this matter. However, when Hela arrived, Aurore had already transformed into a colossal three-headed, six-armed monster, despite the final ritual not having been performed. Aurore, at various stages of life, appeared before Lumian. They were on the verge of making pivotal choices. Lumian desperately tried to alter the Aurores fates and prevent them from descending into the abyss. However, each time, although he managed to redirect fate to another tributary, Aurores spirit and flesh ultimately crumbled, transforming her into a three-headed, six-armed monster. Is this inevitability? Is this an irreversible outcome? Lumians eyes turned bloodshot as he made increasingly futile efforts. At that instant, he caught a whiff of an elegant and sweet scent, and a soothing chant echoed in his ears. Lumian quickly regained his senses and clarity of mind. The Aurores before him abruptly vanished, leaving only the quietly burning candle flames. Instinctively, Lumian glanced behind him and realized that Franca and Hela were nearby. The wall of spirituality had been shattered. Simultaneously, Franca observed the flickering silver and iron- black colors in Lumians eyes before they merged and settled into a silvery-black hue. Lumian exhaled, recognizing that he had evaded danger and successfully acquired the power of a Fate Appropriator. Yet, a profound sense of frustration and disappointment lingered within him. What he had just experienced in the illusion seemed to foretell the ultimate outcome of his desire to resurrect Aurore. After ten to twenty seconds, Lumian finally broke free from those emotions and regained his determination. How could anyone give up without even trying! Franca breathed a sigh of relief, screwed the cap back on, and asked with a smile, How did it go? Any new abilities? You really dont consider yourself an outsider. How can you nonchalantly inquire about someones new Beyonder powers? Lumian silently criticized Franca as he meticulously observed his transformation. His eyes, which had just returned to normal, once again turned silvery-black, reflecting the images of Franca and Hela. Then, he perceived the mercury-colored illusory river that corresponded to the two ladies. He saw the sparkling light representing their past and present river trunks and the numerous tributaries that had branched off from the present. The illusory river slowly advanced, devouring all the tributaries, leaving only one behind, transforming it into the main bulk. The main bulk continued to split into new tributaries Lumian noticed that one of the tributaries, regardless of whether it belonged to Franca or Hela, emitted a faint black hue. Chapter 703 - Chapter 703: Fused Ability Chapter 703: Fused Ability Translator: CKtalon Black When it comes to luck, this color signifies theyll face a deadly calamity If the hue isnt dense, could it mean the calamity is potentially fatal but avoidablethat theres a chance of overcoming it? Yes, 111 watch others going forward. 1 might spot dense black. Maybe that implies if the corresponding tributary is selected, a deadly fate is sealed Lumian continued observing Franca and Helas fates, forming a related hypothesis. Since the tributaries constantly shifted, Lumian couldnt fully grasp a targets future fate. Fie could only catch glimpses of a few possibilities. The black mark let him pinpoint the critical junctures. This wasnt covered in the mystical knowledge accompanying a Fate Appropriators power. Lumian strongly suspected that once Luck Observation evolved into Fate Observation, it could merge with a Reapers Weakness Investigation to create this unique ability. It was like exposing a targets physical and spiritual weak pointsthe tributary leading to their demise! As 1 suspected, the Hunter and Inevitability pathways visual abilities have combined Lumian used the chance to examine Hela and Francas fate rivers, realizing he could perceive fragments of their past and present destinies, similar to when he used Fallen Mercury to discern others fates. The difference now was that he could see it directly, without extending his spirituality. With the right abilities, he could touch the ethereal river that shimmered with mercury-like ripples, woven from intricate symbols. Put another way, he could see part of a targets fate without their awareness. Naturally, compared to touching the corresponding fate river through abilities, there were clear limits to relying on eyesight. Most life scenes in the mercury river were quite hazy in such cases. The nearer to the present, the sharper they became. Likewise, the less they involved high-level matters, the clearer they appeared. Franca and Helas life scenes presented a vivid, striking contrast in this regard. Past and present fragments manifesting in Helas fate rivers mercury ripples seemed veiled in fog, while others appeared cloaked in night, making them indiscernible. Only a handful could be perceived. Francas was far clearer. Especially in the last week or two, Lumian could see everything except scenes with high-level entities like the Evernight Nation, Madam Judgment, and the Demoness of Black. During his exploratory observation, Lumian was abruptly startled. After a few seconds, he looked away, unsettled. Whats the matter? Franca inquired, curious and concerned. If you prefer not to disclose your specific abilities, thats fine. Only then did she realize she had been too eager to ask about the Fate Appropriators situation and potential abilities in front of Madame Hela. Lumian couldnt help swallowing hard. Composing himself, he met Helas gaze. Theres nothing 1 cant share. I can no longer just observe luck. I can directly perceive the fate river corresponding to each of you. It ranges from the main course to the tributaries, but most is indistinct. I can only clearly detect it when actively using my fate-hunting ability, and theres a time constraint. Indeed, among the fate river tributaries I saw, one likely leads to death Lumian succinctly recounted his initial theory, the hue of his eyes gradually normalizing. If death isnt inevitable, it should be termed a death calamity, Franca remarked, focusing on the symbolic import of black. Death calamity?Lumian and Hela turned to Franca, awaiting clarification. Franca laughed self-consciously. Simply put, if you navigate a catastrophe, crisis, or incident that could cause death, you might emerge alive. 1 see Lumian considered briefly before saying, Then Ill dub this ability the Eye of Calamityeyes that can perceive death calamities. The name mattered little to him. Its utility was paramount. Lumian then absorbed the mystical knowledge that had entered his body along with a Fate Appropriators power. A Fate Appropriators core actually lay in fate appropriation, split into three abilities. The first was Fate Appropriation. By touching the targets fate river, he could appropriate and extract the desired fate. This differed somewhat from Fallen Mercurys abilities. One neednt kill the target to Appropriate their fate, but it required time. The less weighty the corresponding fate, the quicker the process, and vice-versa. A fate fragments weightiness denoted its significance to the targets overall fate. Naturally, Lumian could also Appropriate a fragment of the targets fate by slaying them. Moreover, the targets overall fate would be locked without further changes. The time to complete the Appropriation was very brief. As a Fate Appropriator, Lumian could compress two fate fragments within himself, surpassing Fallen Mercurys single one. Usually, there could be three, but Lumian hadnt been a Dancer or acted as an Alms Monk. He hadnt even signed a full set of special contracts. Meaning, during the Inevitability domains initial trio of stages, he had seldom neared the power bestower in daily life. The fusion with the powers was comparatively weak. Had he not cultivated an Ascetics core spirit, perhaps he could have stored merely one fate fragment. The second ability was Fate Exchange, where ones accrued fate was traded for a specific fate of the target. Ideally, the fate fragments weightiness should match. Light for light, heavy for heavy. If not, the exchange would be quite slow, maybe taking five to six minutes. The fate fragments importance was one facet, while its importance to the individual was another. Together, they would influence the exchange speed. Still, generally, it was swifter than directly Appropriating the corresponding fatebarring Appropriating from a slain target. Be it Fate Appropriation or Fate Exchange, there were limits barring him from attacking targets until he finished them. In this respect, it lacked Fallen Mercurys convenience and flexibility. The third ability was Compelling Fate. It entailed expending an enormous amount of spirituality to directly compel the targets future toward a tributary. Originally, this ability didnt function this way. It primarily swayed the targets future fate via rituals, curses, and other means. Yet, after fusing with the Reaper trait, it could directly compel fates. This combination with the Eye of Calamity allowed Lumian to discern certain possibilities. Naturally, after careful assessment, he deduced his dual spirituality as a Reaper and Fate Appropriator could only permit two compulsions. A Fate Appropriators core abilities are the deepening and streamlining of the Luck Transference Spell Lumian gave an overall appraisal. Upon becoming a Fate Appropriator, the ceiling of contracts he could withstand as a Contractee had hit twelve. The endurance stemming from being an Ascetic had also risen markedly. This spurred Lumian to mull signing two to three more contractual abilities down the line to diversify his combat style and bolster his related trump cards. However, he wouldnt truly sign all twelve, not even ten. That would surpass an Ascetics endurance. Lumian had no wish to become a pseudo-inferior Beyonder like Padre Guillaume Benet, whose weaknesses could be readily grasped and actions predicted. Another notable shift in an Ascetic was the accumulation of external fate fragments. It had genuinely become a vital component of a Fate Appropriator. As for rituals such as the Animal Creation Spell, they could be streamlined. For instance, Lumian previously had to drape the target with a ritual sheepskin to transform them into sheep by chanting the incantation. Now, he could use a more symbolic sheepskin to cover the other party to meet the prerequisite. His flexibility as a Dancer had also grown. Lumian could now perform horrific and incredible actions. If ordinary folk merely glimpsed the corresponding shadows he cast, they would deem him a monster. Furthermore, Lumians spirituality had climbed substantially. The most basic yardstick was that he could employ up to 17 Spirit World Traversals. Nonetheless, both a Fate Appropriator and a Reaper had scant impact on his physical prowess. After verifying his transformation, Lumian thanked Madame Hela and asked when the next Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society meeting would be before returning to the real world with Franca. Having returned The Fools gold coin to Jenna, Lumian briefly outlined a Fate Appropriators abilities and stated, Given my ability to directly perceive some fate fragments, ill settle on the concrete plan after observing Moran Avigny up close. Okay. Franca thoroughly endorsed any step that could lessen the risk. Lumian rose and said to Franca and Jenna, Ill head out first then. Dont forget to help me inquire at your mysticism gatherings if theres the Harvest Priest potion formula and the matching Beyonder ingredients. Got it. Seeing Lumian off, Franca turned to Jenna, puzzled. Why is he acting a bit odd? Doesnt he usually rile people up and quip before leaving? Jenna also found this atypical and sank into deep thought. Abruptly, her expression changed. Jenna glanced down at the book in her hand, saying pensively, Perhaps he just received the boons power and isnt in a stable state. He needs to hurry back and rest. Franca nodded, understanding. Fair point. She didnt linger on it or bother to. The night was lovely, and she couldnt squander it on such trivial matters. Avenue du Boulevard, outside the Champs-Elysees Rose Conference Room. Numerous reporters stood before the hotels signature indoor golden fountain, awaiting the arrival of Minister of Industry Moran Avigny, who had finished negotiations with the Loen Kingdoms delegation. Lumian had switched into a pre-prepared black tweed coat and half top hat. He held a rented, new black-and-white camera without a tripod. With his unremarkable, passerby-like appearance, he mingled with these individuals as a fake reporter.. Chapter 704 - 704 Fragment of Fate 704 Fragment of Fate The reporters waiting outside the conference hall displayed no signs of impatience or dissatisfaction, despite the passing time. They were well accustomed to such situations. At last, the heavy doors of the Rose Conference Hall opened, revealing the Minister of Industry, Moran Avigny. Dressed in a sharp formal suit, his dark-gray eyes and chiseled features stood out as he emerged alongside the leader of the Loen Kingdoms delegation. Snap! Snap! A flurry of loud camera flashes illuminated the scene, and Moran Avigny responded with a graceful wave to the reporters. Lumian refrained from pushing his way to the front, choosing instead to observe Moran Avigny from a distance, hidden among the crowd. Shielded by the camera, his azure eyes rapidly shifted to a silver-black hue. Eye of Calamity! In Lumians enhanced vision, a river of mercury materialized on Moran Avignys body, composed of ethereal water droplets. Each droplet was adorned with intricate, interconnected symbols. As Moran Avigny delivered a concise speech announcing various industrial cooperation agreements between the Intis Republic and the Loen Kingdom, Lumian meticulously analyzed the Minister of Industrys past, present, and future, uncovering the fragments of fate concealed within each mercurial droplet. The more distant the past, the greater the ambiguity. Lumian concentrated on the events of the preceding two weeks. He witnessed Moran Avigny residing in a government-provided villa, attending weekly gatherings at cafs to discuss matters of state, exemplifying Triers caf politics. Furthermore, Lumian observed Moran Avignys attendance at salons, balls, banquets, operas, concerts, theaters, and art exhibitions. The Minister indulged in polo, poker, hunting in the suburbs, and flirtations with courtesans. He leveraged his position to secure favors, such as appointing the husband of one of his lovers as the deputy general manager of the Intis Industrial Credit Banks Southern Continent brancha coveted role known for its prestige, generous compensation, and influence. The sole drawback was the necessity of leaving Trier for the Southern Continent for two to three years, initially without the companionship of spouse and children. These observations aligned perfectly with Lumians preconceived notions of Triers elite society. Amidst the hazy fragments, two particular instances captured Lumians attention. In one, Moran Avigny sat alone in his study, perusing a document. Abruptly, he jotted down a note and reached into a nearby mirror. His hand, seemingly incorporeal, passed through the glass surface, depositing the note within. The other featured Moran Avignys fleeting encounter with an unfamiliar individual during a hunting excursion in the West Lognes Forest. What piqued Lumians interest was the thin, white fog enveloping this fragment, rendering it indistinct. This peculiar obscurity differed from the typical vagueness of most fate fragments. The first fragment confirmed Moran Avignys identity as a Mirror Person. Among the 22 paths of the divine, Demonesses proficient in mirror magic could not transmit information or objects through mirrors until attaining the rank of Sequence 4 demigods. If Moran Avigny were a demigod-level Demoness, his existence as a man would be impossible. Lumian could only surmise two possibilities: First, Mirror People possessed an innate mastery over mirrors, surpassing even Demonesses in the realm of mirror magic. Second, Moran Avigny had originally been a Demoness at the demigod level who later consumed a higher Sequence Hunter potion, successfully transforming into a man. This implied that the Minister of Industry was at least a Sequence 3 Saint, if not an Angel. Considering the intelligence gathered by Franca and the others, the information provided by 007, and the clearer fate fragments, Lumian concluded that Moran Avigny had never exhibited any Hunter-related traits. He was undoubtedly a Mirror Person, albeit an extraordinary one. The second fate fragment intrigued Lumian due to its relative uniqueness. It might contain crucial information, but deciphering it eluded him for the moment. Shifting his focus to Moran Avignys future, Lumian examined the myriad potential fate tributaries. As anticipated, one tributary bore a faint black tinge. This mercurial offshoot, like many others, rehearsed Moran Avignys interview and subsequent return to the Ministry of Industry in a private carriage. However, it diverged when, upon entering his office and sitting for a while, Moran Avigny willingly stepped into the full-body mirror near the coat rack and vanished. Lumians foresight extended no further. Based on his observations, Lumian deduced that if Moran Avigny ventured into the mirror world before noon, he would face a life-threatening calamity. Yet, the probability of Moran Avigny taking such an action was minimal. Among the numerous fate tributaries, only one represented this possibility. Certainly, if Lumian disregarded the risk of exposure, he could harness nearly half of his spirituality to manipulate Moran Avignys future, steering it towards that specific tributary. However, such an act would be futile. Moran Avignys demise in the mirror world would merely prevent them from accessing his corpse and conducting the spirit channeling ritual. The Demoness of Black likely possesses the ability to enter the mirror world as well. However, with her as the spirit channeler, obtaining the relevant information would prove impossible. Even if Franca has fully earned her trust, certain knowledge would remain undisclosed until she attains a specific Sequence Lumian noticed Moran Avignys posture signaling the conclusion of the interview, and his bodyguards began navigating through the reporters. Consequently, Lumian ceased using the Eye of Calamity and captured a black-and-white photograph, maintaining his fa?ade. Subsequently, he gradually retreated from the throng of reporters and made his way to the public washroom. He stashed the camera within his Travelers Bag, donned Lie, and transformed back into Ciel Dubois. As a guest, he entered the annex restaurant of Champs-lyses. Franca awaited him there. Following the waiter to his designated spot, Lumian noticed a man and a woman engaged in coffee. The woman possessed black hair, brown eyes, and an alluring beauty. Her attire accentuated her slightly exaggerated aura. The man, by contrast, appeared ordinary, clad in a double- ?m breasted flannel coat, wrinkled pants, buckled leather boots, and a top hat adorned with soft furthe favored ensemble of Triers bankers and financiers in recent times. Lumian noticed that the man and woman werent attracted by any aura of wealth. Instead, he recognized the beautiful woman with foreign features. She, of course, had no knowledge of him. He had only glimpsed her photograph in Ghost Face. She was Perle, a theater actress from Loen and a courtesan in Trier. DuVar, the inventor of DuVars broth and proprietor of the esteemed restaurant, had once lavished a substantial sum on her. He had even attempted suicide because of her, albeit unsuccessfully. At present, Perle and the middle-aged man, presumed to be a banker, had not yet begun their meal. They were simply savoring their coffee. The middle-aged man picked up Perles empty coffee cup and gestured to the grounds, explaining something unknown to Lumian. The courtesan listened intently. As he passed by, Lumians keen senses allowed him to briefly eavesdrop. He swiftly grasped that the middle-aged man, believed to be a banker, was immersed in the art of coffee ground divination. This popular divination method in high society was more akin to a game. If the remaining coffee grounds after drinking form a circle, it signifies recent signs of love Upon hearing the middle-aged mans words, Lumian couldnt help but silently critique: Are you going to suggest that youll be the love shes about to encounter? Any other woman, even aware of the mans true intentions, would be secretly alarmed by divination results indicating traces of love. They might believe it to be fates guidance. The various patterns naturally formed by the residual coffee grounds were thought to hold corresponding revelations about ones destiny, a notion widely accepted and impossible to manipulate. However, given Perles experience as a seasoned courtesan and her bold demeanor, Lumian had cause to suspect that she had deliberately manipulated the coffee grounds into a circular formation through her drinking technique. After walking a short distance, Lumian spotted Franca. The Demoness of Pleasure was dressed as a lady today, perfectly suited for the occasion. Lumian almost failed to recognize her. Naturally, Franca still refrained from wearing a dress, opting instead for a pantsuit. Observing Francas elegantly styled hair, no longer in a ponytail, Lumian chuckled and remarked, Jenna did your hair for you? Indeed! Franca responded, not with humiliated rage, but with a sense of smugness. Before they could delve into their observations, a nearby waiter approached, presenting them with two identical menus. Lowering her voice, Franca addressed Lumian in ancient Feysac, The lunch set costs 7 verl dor. If we order individually and indulge in some decent red wine, the bill for the two of us will amount to at least 50 verl dor. That sum could easily feed your godson in the market district. Franca found the restaurant at Grand Champs-lyses not only expensive but also intriguing. Switching to Intisian, Franca inquired of the waiter, Any recommendations? The waiter, who had been sneaking glances at Franca, responded eagerly, Would you like to try the Frth fish? In Trier, apart from certain private banquets, we are the sole establishment that serves Frth fish. What makes it so special? Lumian asked, curiosity piqued. Addressing Franca, the waiter explained, Frth fish appear semi-charred and can only be found in a specific section of Triers underground river. Legend has it that long ago, they were ordinary fish. One day, an individual named Frth caught one and set up a frying pan by the underground river, intending to cook it. Midway through the process, the fish managed to escape the frying pan and return to the river. It survived and spawned numerous descendants, all bearing the semi-charred appearance. The skin of this fish is fragrantly browned and oily, yet the flesh within is exceptionally tender Triers underground river Half-burnt Alive Lumian extracted the keywords and suddenly speculated that this might be a consequence of the leakage of Fourth Epoch Triers Hunter powers. Smiling at Franca, he proposed, Shall we each have one? Very well. Franca had already been contemplating giving it a try. Chapter 705 - 705 Past 705 Past After the waiter left their secluded table with the order, Lumian picked up his tri-colored liqueura vibrant mix of red, white, and blueand clinked glasses with Franca before taking a sip. Glancing around to ensure no one could overhear, he quietly recounted the detailed fate fragments of Moran Avigny. As Franca listened, her expression gradually morphed, a frown creasing her lovely brow. That white, thin fog you described it reminds me of something, she said. Does it have a mercurial, ever-shifting nature? Lumian considered briefly before nodding. Yes, it does. Franca let out a soft sigh. It must be the same phenomenon then. You know how I told you about Jenna and I getting tailed by that entrustee of the vanished Deep Valley Cloister gatekeeper at the mysticism gathering? The one we ended up fighting? Well, when I channeled the guys spirit and asked about his organizational ties, his physical form and spirit abruptly detonated. My mirror cracked from the blast, but right before shattering, it filled with that same thin, mercurial white mist. Franca paused, collecting her thoughts. According to the intel I passed along, 007 ran into a similar fog during their investigation of Deep Valley Town. Albert Goncourt, the Carbonaris leader, was spotted there too. As youre aware, the Carbonari played a role in stoking the riots during the Hostel plan. Their other leader, operating under the alias General Philip, spearheaded that particular scheme. Lumian swiftly connected the dots Franca was laying out. So you suspect the Carbonari is in league with multiple evil god cults, this peculiar white fog being tied to one of themand that Moran Avigny is also entangled with this group. Meaning our supposedly chance encounter with him in the West Lognes Forest was anything but. Precisely. Franca took another sip of her liqueur. And whats the ultimate endgame for these Mirror People? Surely not mere replacement of their originals. The mirror version of Gardner Martin had failed to succeed the real one, understandably using the Hostel plan to deal with his counterpart. But Moran Avigny, also a Mirror Person, had quietly replaced the original for decades, even fathering an illegitimate daughter and living a cushy life. Why collaborate with cults? Smiling, Lumian replied, The goals of Mirror People as a whole versus as individuals are bound to differ. Investigating should reveal the former. Back in Fourth Epoch Trier, Mirror Gardner Martin mentioned their loyalty and service to someone who holds all the answers. Learning that persons identity should tell us the Mirror Peoples endgame. Franca concurred succinctly, We can plan our next moves around this strange fog. Deal with Moran Avigny to get more info on the Mirror People, which is already a lead. And capturing him or channeling his spirit could present other opportunities. Franca smiled. Looks like 007 will be busy again. Their discussion of Moran Avigny complete, Lumian picked up some roasted pre-meal bread, chewing as he recounted his encounter with Courtesan Perle and the coffee ground divination hed witnessed. Shes unlikely to be a Demoness, Franca concluded, a hint of disappointment in her voice. Based on Lumians description and reaction to Perles appearance, she could tell the courtesan wasnt a Demoness. Unless deliberately feigning ugliness, a Demonesss charms were impossible to conceal. Even gay men couldnt resist sneaking a few extra glances. Definitely not Lumian suddenly paused, remembering something. Shifting to casual conversation, he asked, Does coffee ground divination actually hold mystical significance? Can it truly provide revelation? Franca finished her bread, took another sip of the colorful liqueur, and smiled. Of course mysticism is involved. Noting Lumians lack of divination knowledge compared to his skill in reading fate, Franca explained with a smug grin. You dont need to put divination on some holy, unattainable pedestal. Our Astral Projections constantly interact with the spirit world, obtaining information and receiving revelations. These get reflected in reality through various forms. Its true for both Beyonders and ordinary people. But those unskilled in divination struggle to proactively obtain revelations or effectively interpret them. For example, if a Beyonder chokes on a fishbone while eating, theyll quickly realize its a warning from their spirit, containing a revelation needing interpretation. But if regular folks have the same experience, theyll just think they were unlucky or careless. It wont stand out enough to warrant deeper consideration or deciphering. Of course, getting a stuck fishbone doesnt always indicate a spiritual warning. Usually its just lack of care. Skilled diviners can tell the difference between a true revelation and a random occurrence. The unskilled tend to overthink, scaring themselves while ignoring whats truly concerning. Given their upcoming fish course, Franca had used a relatable example. Lumian nodded, gaining a clearer understanding of divination. He asked thoughtfully, So without deliberate control over the drinking method, coffee ground patterns can reveal somethingbut ordinary peoples interpretations may be inaccurate? Precisely! Franca said excitedly. In the most rational environment, the decades-popular coffee ground divination can come extremely close to reality. Each divination session can refine the standard interpretations until the meaning of every ground formation is definitively established. Then even regular people could interpret with reasonable accuracy. Sadly, reality is no bastion of pure rationality. Believers in coffee divination subconsciously work to make even mistaken interpretations come true. Non-believers plainly see the interpretations dont match up. These conflicting approaches get all tangled together, preventing the codification of standard, reliable answers. In the end, its just a game. As they conversed, the waiter served the various dishes, clearing used plates as part of the set procedure. The fried Frth fish arrived as a later main course. Lumian cut a piece and tasted ittender flesh with an intriguing blend of charred and oily notes, the pepper and salt seasoning just right. Delicious, Franca praised. And warming too. Lumian also felt a current of warmth spread through him as the Frth fish reached his stomach. Some special ingredients indeed, he concluded, teasing Franca. Just dont eat too fastwouldnt want you choking on a bone. Franca laughed. You think a few bones can choke me? Glancing around to confirm the waiters departure, she asked, Ive been pondering something the last couple days. I still cant grasp the difference between using rituals and curses to influence a targets future fate versus directly compelling a fate change. I get the ritual partit relies on the targets blood, close relatives, certain items, and mystically significant contact to alter their future fate. But how is that different from a curse? Lumian organized his thoughts before explaining. In the mysticism knowledge of Fate Appropriators, a curse is a curse of fate. Compared to rituals, curses are simpler, with fewer required conditions. But that significantly limits the ultimate effect. Nothing too outlandish can be achieved. Many bestowed of Inevitability like to call this type of curse Magnified Fate. It can only target fate tributaries within the next ten seconds, and must align with the current environment and circumstances. Meeting those prerequisites enables the fate curse to succeed. And the targeted fate tributary needs a certain probability of manifesting in the first place, or the success rate plummets. Simply put, one first uses or alters the environment to enable certain possibilities, then magnifies those possibilities assuming they werent extremely unlikely to begin with. Lumian looked at Franca, raising his right palm to gesture as he mischievously provided an example. For instance, while youre eating fish, I could use a curse to magnify the chance of you choking on a bone. But I couldnt magnify the chance of your chair suddenly collapsing, impaling you with wood splinters. The moment he finished speaking, Franca froze, gasping twice as her throat worked. Within seconds, she spat out a bloody fishbone. You actually did it? Franca grumbled. Luckily my Sequence grants strong throat control. I handled it myself. Uh Franca suddenly paused. After a few seconds, she said, Otherwise wed be seeking a doctors aid. How embarrassing would that be! Lumian chuckled. I couldve helped pull it out, magnifying the fate tributary of successful extraction. Franca was briefly speechless. After eating another bite of Frth fish, she nodded. I understand the differences now. Curses, or Magnify, suit combat. Theyre mainly for interfering with and influencing enemies, not accomplishing anything too exaggerated. Rituals are done in advance. With the right items, they can largely steer a targets fate as desired. But only in a general direction, Lumian added. No real precision. I could make someone have a bad day, but not dictate the exact flavor of misfortune. Franca nodded. So compelling fate is like a streamlined ritual for live combat that still packs a punch? Perhaps even stronger and more precise effects, Lumian mused. Plus, many abilities transformed in unique ways when Fate Appropriator and Reaper fused, bringing with them the relevant mystical knowledge. I cant fully distinguish the inherent from the individualizedI only know the Eye of Calamity and Compelling Fate came from Reaper. They enjoyed the rest of their lunch. As the meal concluded, Lumian pointed to the half-eaten Frth fish, instructing the waiter, Id like this wrapped up to go. The waiter complied respectfully without question. Franca smiled teasingly. How frugal of you. Lumian chuckled. This is expected of a godfather. Besides, Im curious what makes this fish so special. Chapter 706 - Chapter 706: The Utility of Delicacies Chapter 706: The Utility of Delicacies In another apartment on Rue Orosay in the Quartier de la Cathedrale Commemorative, Lumian placed the cold Furth fish in front of Ludwig. Ludwigs eyes lit up when he saw the pan-fried fish in the exquisite wooden box. He quickly turned to Lugano, who understood his meaning and handed over a childs knife and fork he had found in the newly rented room. Lumian leaned back in his chair and watched as Ludwig sliced the remaining half of the fish into pieces, chewing and swallowing the meat along with the bones. Without waiting for Lumian to inquire, Ludwig narrowed his eyes, seemingly enjoying himself, and said, The Forth Firefish is a mutated fish resulting from the corruption leaking from Fourth Epoch Trier. Its breed stabilized 769 years ago and mainly resides in the Danro section of the underground Madar River. Its meat and blood can be concocted into a warm cocktail with various sunflowers. After drinking it, one can resist the effects of the cold to a certain extent for half an hour. A Furth Firefish that has lived for over a decade is an ingredient rich in spirituality. Using its meat, blood from a Mid-Sequence Beyonder of the Hunter pathway, ice, and lemon juice, one can cook Ice Lemon Fish fillets. After anyone eats them for the first time, they permanently enjoy reduced damage from flames. Eating them later will enhance the effect, but it only lasts for half an hour. Lumian nodded in enlightenment. In Francas words, the first time its eaten, it adds some permanent fire resistance. The subsequent enhancements are temporary Lugano was taken aback. Ludwig actually knows cooking? Moreover, it involves cooking with superpowers! Can 1 help him get ingredients rich in spirituality and have him make similar delicacies for me? It seems capable of permanently enhancing some of my abilities! After Ludwig finished his meal, Lumian suddenly thought of something. Francas ritual for advancing to the Demoness of Affliction involved being burned at the stakewithout using a substitutefor fifteen minutes and surviving without going mad. If Franca eats Furth Firefishs Ice Lemon Fish fillet to increase her fire resistance, although the pain wont abate, her chances of surviving the incineration will greatly increase. When the time comes, she can eat some more temporarily before the ritual. Lumians thoughts raced as he quickly made up his mind. Today, he would head to Underground Trier to search for Fiirth Firefish that had lived for over a decade! From his Travelers Bag, Lumian retrieved a map of Underground Trier reconstructed from his memories, derived from the one Gardner Martin had once displayed. He searched for the location of the Danro section of the Madar underground river. As Lumian scrutinized the map, he asked Ludwig with a smile, How do you know the precise name of the source? Do Furth Firefish have knowledge of the rivers they inhabit? Ludwig licked his lips, unsatisfied. Indeed, they do. From years of fishing, humans inevitably mention the names of rivers and specific sections. Even if Furth Firefish dont comprehend the meaning, they instinctively retain this information in their corresponding cells when repeatedly exposed to it. Interesting. Lumian had posed the question in jest, not anticipating such a serious response. Pointing to himself, he inquired curiously, Will consuming the Ice Lemon Fish fillet reduce the burn damage I sustain? As a Reaper, flames inflict relatively minimal damage to him. Ludwig picked up a minuscule remnant of the fish, no larger than a grain of rice, from the exquisite wooden box and presented it to Lumian. Only this much. Without hesitation, the boy promptly popped the morsel into his mouth. Well, thats better than nothing, Lumian remarked with a smile and a sigh. He intended to secure a special serving of Ice Lemon Fish fillet for himself, with additional portions for Jenna, Anthony, Lugano, and Ludwig! To accomplish this task, Lumian proactively inquired, How does a Furth Firefish that has lived for over a decade differ from its ordinary counterparts? Ludwigs response sounded as if he were reciting from a textbook, A Furth Firefish that has survived for more than a decade can grow to nearly a meter in length and tends to reside in caves at the riverbed. They rarely approach the surface but exhibit a keen sensitivity to blood and spiritually rich food. These fish are highly aggressive and willing to take significant risks driven by their instincts. Their skin has hardened, rendering them impervious to fishing spears. Sharp teeth fill their mouths, enabling them to devour any humans who happen to fall into the river. Additionally, their blood possesses a distinct burning characteristic. After attentively listening, Lumian calmly assessed the information. Despite their longevity of over a decade, Furth Firefish did not possess Beyonder characteristics or acquire supernatural abilities through boons. They belonged to a species that had undergone corruption but had since stabilized. If they were to continue living in such an environment for tens of thousands of years, they might evolve into creatures with their own intricate society, akin to the Batings Black Insect. As he put away the map and stood up, Lumian turned to Ludwig and asked thoughtfully before leaving, Apart from the permanent enhancements, does this special cooking method involve any adverse effects, such as corruption? Ludwig scrutinized Lumian and remained silent. Lumian suspected that Ludwig was internally mocking him. For someone already deeply corrupted, the concern over a minuscule amount of additional corruption seemed trivial. After a brief pause, Ludwig replied, As a child, I lack understanding of such matters. What I do know is that if one desires to indulge in finer and more delectable cuisine, they must be willing to accept the associated risks. Those unwilling to take the risk can simply choose not to partake Ludwig instinctively added, If you dont wish to eat, you can always leave the food for me. With a slight nod, Lumian opened the door and exited the apartment. In the depths of Underground Trier, the Madar River flowed through a tranquil, deserted, and dimly lit cave, its gentle splashing echoing in the distance. Emerging from the shadows, Lumian, Franca, and Jenna made their way to the riverbank. One carried a carbide lamp, while the other two traveled empty-handed. Although ingredient suppliers seeking to monopolize Furth Firefish guarded this section of the subterranean river, it posed no significant challenge for a Hunter and two Demonesses. Utilizing the shadows, they deftly navigated through the patrolled area and successfully reached the waters edge. Raising his carbide lamp, Lumian discovered that the underground river was not only expansive but also incredibly deep. Submerged caves lined the riverbed, inhabited by peculiar fish. After a quick survey, Lumian set the carbide lamp down, rolled up his sleeves, and crouched beside the river. Without hesitation, he plunged his right arm into the frigid water. Is this your preferred method of fishing? Franca inquired, well aware of Lumians penchant for fishing. However, she hadnt anticipated him employing the same technique when his prey was, quite literally, fish. What alternative do I have? Lumian chuckled. Would you prefer I strip down, dive into the underwater caves, and catch them with my bare hands? Thats not an impossibility, Franca replied with a playful smile. It would provide an excellent opportunity to admire your physique. Ignoring her comment, Lumian focused his spirituality, causing a thin layer of white flames to emanate from his thumb. The flames, resistant to the waters extinguishing effect, took the form of a small knife and carefully sliced his index finger. A single drop of blood seeped out, rapidly dispersing into the surrounding water. The Forth Firefish swimming in the shallows seemed to detect an ominous presence and swiftly retreated from the area where the blood had spread. Moments later, enormous Furth Firefish, their skin charred and hardened, emerged from the caves along the riverbed. One particularly swift specimen reached Lumians right hand in a flash, its mouth wide open to reveal sharp, gleaming teeth. Before it could sink its teeth into his flesh, Lumians palm abruptly clenched into a fist. Instead of withdrawing, he thrust his hand forward, punching directly into the fishs gaping maw. With a resounding bang, Lumian grasped the creatures skull and hauled the colossal Furth fish out of the river. Silently, cold and sinister black flames ignited in the river, incinerating Lumians blood that had merged with the water. It was Jenna. We can return now, Lumian declared, tossing the massive Furth fish to Franca. As Franca caught the ingredient, freezing it and storing it in her Travelers Bag, she appeared lost in thought. Keenly observing her demeanor, Lumian asked, Whats on your mind? Pointing in a specific direction, Franca responded, I remember that nearby, we entered a unique mirror world and acquired the classic silver mirror that granted Anthony and me access to Fourth Epoch Trier. Indeed, Lumian acknowledged, gesturing for Franca to continue. Averting her gaze, Franca expressed her thoughts, Im contemplating whether we could utilize the mirror world to stage an ambush against Moran Avigny. Specifically, Im referring to the conventional mirror world that interconnects all the mirrors in this world. In the conventional sense, the mirror world functioned more akin to a conceptual amalgamation of doors rather than a tangible realm. It served as an intricate network of passageways linking various mirrors and enigmatic lands. In essence, if Franca could harness the mirror world and pinpoint the precise location, she could conceal herself behind the mirror frequently used by Moran Avigny and launch an attack the moment her target entered. What is it that you truly wish to convey? Lumian raised his eyebrows. Franca eagerly elaborated, Considering that a portion of the corruption from Fourth Epoch Trier has seeped into this area, giving rise to unique creatures like Furth Firefish and the extraordinary mirror world we previously explored, is it plausible that within this vast underground expanse, there exists a secluded corner influenced by the corruption of a select few high-level Demoness powers over an extended period? Could it be possible for one to traverse through the mirror and enter the mirror world without attaining the status of a demigod Demoness? After a moment of serious contemplation, Lumian replied, Its a possibility. Jennas eyes darted around as she suggested, Could it be the location where you discovered the special mirror? That area must have been corrupted by the power emanating from Fourth Epoch Triers mirror world. We can investigate, Lumian said with a smile. Theres no need to rush. If it proves unsuccessful, we can bide our time. Once Hisokas Beyonder characteristic is transformed into a Sealed Artifact, perhaps we can assume the form of Wraiths and conceal ourselves within the mirror. However, Im uncertain whether Wraiths possess the ability to navigate the mirror world. Lets prioritize the search! Franca declared, retrieving her Mirror World Fragment. She hoped that this item might provide some unique means of detection. Lumian glanced at the fragment and, after a brief contemplation, advised seriously, Holding the Mirror World Fragment is unlikely to yield any benefit. Instead, take out the Primordial Demoness figurine.. Chapter 707 - 707 Compulsion 707 Compulsion In the dark, silent tunnel, Franca advanced slowly, holding the Primordial Demoness figurine made of bone. Her footsteps were so soft they were nearly inaudible. Lumian, clutching his carbide lamp, and Jenna trailed silently behind her. With a Hunters keen understanding of the terrain and memories, the three had finished exploring the area where they had obtained the classic silver mirror. They had even expanded their search to include the nearby underground tunnels and connected quarry caves. However, the Primordial Demoness figurine showed no abnormal reactions, and neither Franca nor Jenna sensed anything out of the ordinary. Franca sighed. Well, this is disappointing. Bold assumptions leading to a shameful failure! She had no intention of giving up, but wanted to return to the surface first and contact 007. She hoped to use the authorities detailed records of underground abnormalities to search for any areas where a high-level Demonesss power might be seeping out. Having experienced numerous mystical incidents, Lumian surveyed the area, pondering for a few seconds. Lets investigate again. This time, Ill extinguish the carbide lamp. In mysticism, Demonesses and the mirror world are always associated with darkness, evil, and quiet depth. Perhaps subtle reactions can occur in the absence of light. Subtle reactions What is this, a chemistry experiment? Franca scoffed, but chose to comply. She turned to Jenna. Hold your Mirror World Fragment in your hand. If were giving this a shot, we should try everything. Jenna took out the Mirror World Fragment she had obtained from the Tamara family tomb, and Lumian turned the switch to extinguish the carbide lamp. The silent tunnel plunged into absolute darkness. As a Hunter, Lumian couldnt see a thing. You can hold onto my sleeve, Jenna suggested calmly. Or activate your Spirit Vision and follow our spiritual light. Lumian replied with a smile, That would make me look weak. I suspect youre deliberately showing off. Have you forgotten? I can gain night vision by changing my life form. Jenna was silent for a moment before retorting, Dammit! Would it kill you to be a bit nicer about it? Shes right, Franca agreed. Jenna was just trying to help. Its fine if you dont want her assistance, but theres no need to mock her. Thats a Hunter for you. Lumian chuckled as he activated the black mark on his body, transforming into a shadow creature. He blended into the shadows and followed Franca and Jenna as they explored the area for the second time. As Franca passed a corner of a quarry cave, she suddenly felt the bone figurine in her hand tremble slightly. Theres a reaction! Theres a reaction! she exclaimed joyfully. Lumian immediately left the shadows, transforming back into human form, his blue eyes tinged with silver-black. In the absolute darkness, he saw the mercury rivers of fate belonging to Franca and Jenna. As his spirituality rapidly depleted from the brief observation, Lumian found a possibility among the tributaries symbolizing Francas future fate. This was something that might happen in ten seconds or more. Furthermore, the probability of it occurring was extremely lowsomething Curse, or rather, Magnify, couldnt influence. Without hesitation, Lumian extended his right palm toward Franca. Franca, with her night vision, witnessed his actions and noticed his silver-black eyes. She jumped in fright. W-what are you doing? She didnt dodge, fully trusting Lumian. Lumian roused his spirituality, transforming it into a violent illusory river that surged out of his palm. Francas fate was instantly thrust into a future by the mighty torrent. Compelling Fate! Franca suddenly had an idea. Are you influencing my future, allowing me to successfully utilize the corrupted fate fragments here to make it a reality? Dammit, I really do have an idea. Maybe I should give it a try! Lumian, his spirituality greatly depleted, chuckled. Life is short, why not give it a try? ?m Franca could clearly detect the mockery in his tone. She gritted her teeth. Ill deal with you later! As she spoke, Franca placed the Primordial Demonesss bone figurine on a protruding rock in a corner of the mine. Then she took out a mirror and placed it in front of the figurine. Lumian conjured a blazing white fireball and observed as Franca retrieved essential oils, extracts, perfume, and herbal powder from her Travelers Bag, preparing for the ritual. Uh Lumian turned to Jenna, who happened to look back at him. Franca simultaneously turned to face them. The three were taken aback for a moment before bursting into laughter. You two thought of it too? Franca said happily. Jenna shouldnt stay here. The Primordial Demoness might cast Her gaze here later. As a pure female Demoness, it would definitely not bode well for Jenna to be noticed by the Primordial Demoness. It could even mean death. Lumian replied with a smile, Ill send Jenna back first and come back after the ritual. With that, he reached out and grabbed Jennas shoulder. Jenna said to Franca, Be careful. Dont worry, Im a skilled worker, Franca replied, waving her hand cheerfully. As a member of the Demoness Sect, she regularly prayed to the Primordial Demoness through the bone figurine, following the Demoness of Blacks instructions. Occasionally, she even held a solo Mass. Of course, this was the first time she would be praying to the Primordial Demoness through a ritual. After Lumian teleported away with Jenna, the quarry cave returned to darkness. With the bone figurine, Franca decided to use a dualistic ritual. After lighting the candle representing herself, she drew her needs on a faux goatskin with the corresponding symbols and patterns, drawing upon her extensive mysticism knowledge. Following that, she sanctified the ritual silver dagger and created a wall of spirituality. She dripped rose essential oil, musk, and perfume into the candle flame. Francas heart skipped a beat as the alluring, complex scent quickly entered her nostrils. She couldnt help but inhale deeply. After completing all the preparations, Franca took two steps back and recited the Primordial Demonesss honorific name in Hermes. The source of all catastrophes, the symbol of destruction and the apocalypse, the Demoness who controls Chaos. In the altar, a small amount of moss suddenly grew, entangling into vines that rose high, as if staring at Franca. The ground softened, and a frigid wind blew, causing Franca to tremble. Simultaneously, Franca sensed the fragrance in the area grow sweeter, carrying a warm charm that made her blush. This invigorated her specific desires, and charming scenes surfaced in her mind. Suppressing the heat in her body and shaking off her discomfort, Franca briefly recounted how Moran Avigny was a Mirror Person and how she wanted to capture him. Then, following the rituals standard procedure, she said, I pray for the power of the mirror. I pray for the power of chaos. I pray for Gods protection. I pray for a fixed entrance to the mirror world to appear here. Roses, a herb that belongs to the Demoness, please pass your power to my incantation. Musk, a herb that belongs to the Demoness, please pass your power to my incantation After reciting the incantation, Franca ignited the faux goatskin and placed it on the mirror in front of the bone figurine. As the faux goatskin burned away, Franca felt the candle flame dim, as if a layer of translucent mullioned glass had materialized around it. A strange power was activated, gathering in the mirror. The human-head-sized mirror suddenly darkened, turning shadowy and illusory. It melded with the protruding rock where the figurine was placed and vanished. In the next moment, the candle flame returned to normal, and the fragrance lingering in the air still unsettled Franca. Her thoughts raced, requiring immense strength to control herself. After tidying up the bone figurine and other items, Franca took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Dammit, just the charm and pleasure emanating from the ritual nearly made me lose myself. All I wanted was to approach the source of the charm and enjoy the pleasures bestowed by Her. As expected of the Primordial Demoness who controls pleasure and feminine charm Dammit! Im an idiot. Why did I take a deep breath? The smell here hasnt dissipated! I need to quickly confirm if theres an entrance to the mirror world before heading back to Jenna As these thoughts raced through Francas mind, she saw Lumians figure swiftly materialize at the edge of the quarry cave. Franca jumped in fright. Why are you back already? Lumian chuckled. Youre in pretty good shape. Didnt I say Id return after your ritual? As he spoke, Lumian noticed Francas lake-blue eyes rippling under the dim candlelight, as if they could captivate ones soul. Lumians words faltered. After a brief pause, he added, Besides, Jenna was worried about you and asked me to come check on you. I believe the Primordial Demoness can understand that a Demoness of Pleasure has a friend who cares about her. Yeah. Franca nodded gently, bit her lip, and pointed at the protruding rock. That spot seems to have become a fixed entrance to the mirror world. Lets see if we can enter. Lumian didnt inquire further. He approached the protruding rock and, together with Franca, extended his right palm, pressing it against the cold stone. A faint light flickered, and the two vanished on the spot. After a brief moment of vertigo, a dark, illusory path appeared before Lumian and Francas eyes. Surrounding them were numerous similar tunnels, intertwining to form a complicated and mysterious colossal spiderweb. Chapter 708 - 708 Remnant Influence 708 Remnant Influence Is this an ordinary mirror world? Lumian gazed at the dark, illusory paths around him that resembled a mosquito landing on a complicated spiderweb. For some reason, he felt a surge of fear, as if a colossal, warped, pitch-black spider could crawl out from the depths of this strange land at any moment and drag him and Franca into the darkness that symbolized destruction. Is every illusory path connected to a mirror? Francas voice suddenly echoed in Lumians ears, so close he could hear her breathing. Simultaneously, Lumian caught a whiff of a warm, sweet fragrance. His blood vessels inexplicably pulsed, and his body and mind relaxed slightly. At some point, Franca had moved to his side, her eyes flickering as she surveyed their surroundings. Lumian nodded slightly. In theory, yes. No! Franca rejected her speculation. They might also be connected to some mysterious alternate space. Thats right Lumian recalled his understanding of the mirror world. He exhaled and took a step forward. I believe those situations should also be connected to mirrors, mirrors that belong to those mysterious alternate spaces. Without waiting for Francas response, he pointed at the dark illusory path ahead and said, Before understanding the mirror worlds coordinates and location, recklessly traversing this place is likely very dangerous. If were lucky, we might only end up at the wrong mirror and have no choice but to return to the real world. If were unlucky, well reach a mirror representing a dangerous place. When we leave, well have to face terrifying enemies. If were super unlucky At this point, Lumian paused. Franca squeezed to his side and asked in a soft voice, What happens if were super unlucky? W-well vanish from this mirror world forever. We wont be seen alive, and if were dead, our corpses will go missing. Lumian composed himself and took another step forward. All of a sudden, he sensed the dark, illusory path morph into a massive vortex, tugging him into its depths. Franca experienced a comparable sensation, her spirituality sending her a powerful warning. They both stepped back in unison, evading the absorption of the fearsome vortex. How treacherous, Franca sighed. Just getting close to these illusory paths without going further can make you plummet into an unknown mirror. Maybe we can only count on the luck of Winners in a situation like this. Lets hope our destination isnt too terrible. Uh, your Magnify or Compelling Fate abilities should come in handy. Lumian nodded. I initially thought the mirror world was closely tied to the spirit world, and teleportation would work here too. But from what I can see, while there is a connection, its not strong enough to enable my teleportation. Its not that I cant teleport, but its way too risky. Theres nearly a 100% chance of getting lost. Without comprehending the abilities associated with the mirror world, I dont suggest using this place to ambush Moran Avigny, unless were aided by a high-level Demoness or a high-level Apprentice. Noticing Franca nod pensively, Lumian sighed in relief and intentionally taunted, Have you recovered? Huh? Franca was startled momentarily before her embarrassment morphed into anger. What other option do I have? When I use a ritual to seek aid from the Primordial One, Im inevitably impacted. Sometimes Im lured, sometimes Im in pain, and sometimes Im dejected, as if Ive temporarily developed a mental disorder. Sometimes I go rigid for a while, as if Ive been petrified Since officially joining the Demoness Sect, the Demoness of Black had shared extensive mysticism knowledge with Franca, particularly concerning prayers to the Primordial Demoness. On such topics, the Demoness of Black explained: As the rituals host, the ritual itself granted a degree of protection. The extent to which she was influenced by the Primordial Ones overflowing presence was quite minimal. Once the ritual concluded, she would recover after withstanding it for ten to twenty seconds. The only thing to watch out for was the desires arising from their typical reaction to being entranced by the Primordial One. Their fading would be comparatively gradual, but what Demoness didnt have numerous lovers? There was no need to be overly concerned about this. The longer Franca talked, the more forceful she became, even a tad aggrieved. Thats a genuine deity. How can I possibly resist a genuine deitys overflowing influence? If I werent the rituals host, I wouldve been unable to restrain myself and wouldve unleashed my primal instincts. Franca couldnt suppress a chuckle at the reference to her primal nature. Within the mirror world, she had consistently called the Primordial Demoness the Primordial One to prevent blasphemy. After pondering for a moment, Lumian replied, Praying to a different genuine deity wont lead to anything comparable unless someone present is blasphemous. Its the Primordial Ones fault for being in such a terrible state. Franca had already come up with the justification. Dont assume you can withstand it simply because youre an Ascetic. If you had been there and not the rituals host, I wouldve witnessed your primal nature erupt. At this juncture, she appraised Lumian and grinned. Its not like you didnt react. Were you worried you couldnt restrain yourself, so you purposely exposed me and created an awkward situation? Subconsciously, Francas breathing turned labored again. ?m Lumian scoffed. When I got there, the scenes lingering effects hadnt fully dissipated, and a peculiar fragrance permeated the air. That was a genuine deity. How could I withstand even the tiniest bit of a genuine deitys overflowing influence? He echoed Francas words. Really? Is it merely due to the lingering aroma? Francas lake-blue eyes narrowed menacingly, as if challenged. The aqueous light in her eyes resurfaced, glittering like shards of sunlight. Lumian exhaled and stepped to the side, grasping Francas upper arm. Ill send you back first. Jenna is waiting for you. Were heading back already? Franca asked, surprised. Wont you explore the mirror world further and consider how to utilize this place? I have a plan. Lumian tugged Franca away from the illusory tunnels spiderweb-like darkness. As they returned to the quarry cave, Franca, her focus diverted, inquired, What plan? While Lumian tried to activate the black mark on his right shoulder, he responded impassively, Contract ability. He intended to establish a contract with a Beyonder creature possessing a mirror world traversal ability to acquire the corresponding characteristics! Regardless, he hadnt determined which three abilities to contract this time. This could be one of them. Youre right, a contract ability Franca was thrilled. She then noticed Lumian was still motionless. Comprehending, she murmured into his ear, Didnt you want to teleport? Why havent we departed? Does your Spirit World Traversal activation always take this long, or are you enduring something? As Franca completed her sentence, the pair vanished from the gloomy quarry cave. That evening, in Lumians rented apartment, the nearly one- meter-long Frth Firefish was set on the dining table. Ludwig used a childs table knife to break through the charred and tough fish skin, cutting the fair fish meat into pieces. Lumian glanced at Franca, who had donned a light-colored hunting suit, and noticed the Demoness of Pleasures gaze was elusive, brimming with embarrassment. She appeared to be lamenting: Kill me! This is too mortifying. I dont want to live anymore! Lumian, who had been feeling slightly embarrassed himself, smiled. He mouthed to Franca, Post-nut clarity is truly remarkable. Despite Francas inability to lip-read, she still sensed Lumians ridicule. Pleasure is detrimental! Pleasure is detrimental! Irrespective of gender, when thoughts of pleasure dominate ones mind, one will invariably engage in various actions that result in their own ruin! How humiliating! I dont want to live! In that instant, Franca longed for a crevice in the ground to conceal herself. Anthony, sitting silently at the dining table, glanced at Lumian, then at Franca, before looking away. At last, Ludwig removed the inedible parts and sliced the fish fillets into three soup pots. Franca sealed one of the pots with ice and stored it in her Travelers Bag for later use. Ludwig slid the other one to Lugano and spoke in a childish tone, Can we have fish fillet and clam cream broth tonight? Sure, Lugano promptly agreed. He made an effort to avert his gaze from Franca and Jenna, the two Demonesses, believing it was disrespectful to his boss. From his viewpoint, these two Demonesses were probably the bosss lovers. He couldnt help but marvel inwardly. As expected of the boss. He really has Demonesses as his lovers, and there are two of them! Back then, Emperor Roselle only had one. After adding a generous amount of lemon juice to the pot of fish fillets, Ludwig slid them toward Lumian. His intention was evident. He required the blood of a Mid- Sequence Beyonder of the Hunter pathway. How much do you need? Lumian inquired. Enough to stir it up, Ludwig replied, acting as if this was the bare minimum. Jenna frowned and asked, How much does each person need to eat to gain that permanent effect? Ludwig answered innocently, Different physiques and Sequences need different quantities. Youll only find out when you actually eat it. Lumian raised his eyebrows and poured the rest of Gardner Martins blood into the soup pot. Noticing it was still insufficient, he used a ritual silver dagger to slice his hand and dripped 20 to 30 milliliters of blood into it. Ludwig observed with anticipation. Arent you concerned about corruption? Lumian asked with a smirk. Ludwig shook his head. The quantity here isnt substantial. Franca tried her best to act normally and remarked with amusement, Discussing toxicity without considering dosage is just playing the rogue. Indeed. Ludwig concurred with Franca and stirred the fish slices in the soup with a spoon. Gradually, the tender-white fish soaked up the seemingly searing blood, and the fish slowly started to brown. Add some ice, Ludwig instructed Franca and Jenna. The two Demonesses rose in unison and extended their hands toward the soup pot. Drops of white frost condensed and descended like rain, noticeably slowing the browning of the fish until it ceased. Ludwig leaped off his chair and dashed into the kitchen, returning with a few silver plates. He distributed seven to eight Ice Lemon Fish fillets to each of them. Is that all? Jenna asked with a surprised smile. If its not enough, you can have two or three more, Ludwig replied earnestly. Jenna instinctively wanted to say something, but she refrained when she saw Ludwigs childlike demeanor. She pointed at their plates and said, Did you request so much of Lumians blood just to eat such a small portion of the fish? Why not prepare less and save the remaining half of the pot for tomorrow? Ludwig hugged the soup pot in front of him and shouted, Mine! Jenna suddenly felt like a witch stealing candy from a child. Hes definitely abusing his power Lumian glanced at Ludwig and shook his head in amusement. At least you have some sense when it comes to food. With that, Lumian polished off all the Ice Lemon Fish fillets on his plate. Chapter 709 - 709 "Chef" 709 Chef The sour lemon flavor, tender fish texture, scorching aroma, and subtle sweetness with hints of fish and oil burst forth in Lumians mouth. The taste exceeded his expectations. He had anticipated dishes like this would be unpalatable and jarring, similar to a potion, but he never thought they would be considered delicious. When given a choice, Ludwig has a genuine preference for delicacies and doesnt fool himself Lumian chewed and swallowed the seven or eight fish slices. A mild burning sensation spread from his throat to his stomach, reminiscent of drinking a glass of liquor. The sensation quickly faded, and nothing unusual happened. Thats it? It worked? Lumian glanced at Ludwig. Ludwig shook his head. Give it another two to three minutes for your stomach to absorb it. So fast? Franca asked, surprised. She respected mysticism, but having taken potions before, she knew they worked instantaneously. Ludwigs delicacies, however, seemed to require digestion and absorption by the stomach, contradicting how the organ typically functioned. Plus, the stomach didnt absorb everything! Ludwig responded seriously, A Chefs creations can be rapidly absorbed by the stomach. Chef Lumian nodded, deep in thought. He remembered Ludwig frequently commenting on various things like a food connoisseur. Without further explanation, Ludwig buried his face in the soup pot before him and polished off the remaining Ice Lemon Fish fillets. Jenna and the others promptly finished the fish slices on their own plates. Two minutes later, Lumian felt his body growing warm, with a tingling sensation in his skin and flesh. The effect on him was minimal. It paled in comparison to drinking a potion, let alone the pain of burning himself with flames. Soon, Lumian returned to normal, his expression unaltered. He glanced playfully at Franca, Jenna, and Anthony, waiting to see how the Ice Lemon Fish fillet would affect them. A minute later, Jenna and the others suddenly flushed, as if they had eaten incredibly spicy food from the Feynapotter Kingdom highlands. Hiss Lugano let out a pained gasp, feeling a searing sensation in his breath. Originating from within his body, he couldnt have treated it even if he wanted to. Frost enveloped Francas body, seemingly trying to soothe the pain in her skin and flesh. It was futile. Jenna and Anthony grimaced but made no unnecessary movements. They bore the discomfort, waiting for the Ice Lemon Fish fillet to finish transforming their bodies. This lasted for ten to twenty seconds before the quartets expressions relaxed. How does it feel? Lumian asked with a smile. Franca instinctively recalled the sensation and said, It was like every inch of my skin and flesh had been burned. Hmm, not quite that intenserelatively mild While speaking, she took a matchbox from her Travelers Bag and experimentally lit two matches. She held them to the back of her left hand for a bit. Francas expression gradually contorted. She endured the pain in her left hand momentarily before pulling it back and shaking it. The matchbox fell to the ground. It still hurts! Franca reported the experiment results to Lumian and Jenna through gritted teeth. Ludwig hastily replied, It doesnt reduce pain. Hows the wound? Jenna asked, concerned. Franca immediately checked the back of her left hand, seeing only slight burn marks on her pale skin with minimal physical damage. It works, even though the flame temperature wasnt that high, to begin with Francas expression eased. Across the dining table, Anthony carefully considered his words before saying, I think Im a bit more irritable than usual, but within reasonable limits. Jenna added, Im grumpy too, but not drastically. Franca and Lugano confirmed experiencing the same thing. Swallowing the Ice Lemon Fish fillet, Ludwig explained, Thats to be expected. Effectiveness comes with corruption. Jenna and Franca turned to Lumian. Lumian spread his hands, smiling. I dont feel any different. For him, the Ice Lemon Fish fillets corruption was negligible. Franca wasnt sure whether to feel envious or sympathetic. After a moments thought, she said, This is like a milder version of being a Contracteetolerating certain negative effects in exchange for corresponding Beyonder traits. Sure, the effects are noticeably weaker, but the upside is its passive. Plus, the negative effects are minimal. Going forward, when you get similar ingredients, you need to clarify the permanent and negative effects. You cant just eat everything. Choices have to be made. Otherwise, things can easily go wrong. Lumian glanced at Ludwig and said, That depends on the individual. Maybe a Chef, or the Gourmet pathway, had Sequences that mitigated the corresponding impact, akin to Alms Monks and Ascetics who were Contractees. Franca grasped Lumians implication and continued excitedly, Dishes and concoctions without permanent effects are like various Apothecary pathway agents. Ive always envied Contractees. I wanted the freedom to mix and match abilities, creating a unique character build. Now, without accepting an evil gods boon, I finally have a chance, albeit a diluted one. Jennas heart raced, and the two Demonesses gazed at Ludwig, eyes shining. To them, he was no longer the gluttonous monster child Lumian had described, but a Beyonder chef deserving of their care and attention. Ludwig concentrated on eating the leftover Ice Lemon Fish fillet, not reacting further. In a quarry cave in Underground Trier. Franca, Jenna, and Anthony stood beyond the spirituality wall, observing Lumian conduct the ritual to acquire new contract abilities. Having thoroughly reviewed Madam Magicians information on spirit world entities and possessing the strange creature knowledge granted by the boon, Lumian swiftly identified two potential contract targets with mirror travel abilities. The first was a spirit world being called Bloody Jack. According to the information, in the Loen Kingdoms south, some mysticism enthusiasts and folklore academics were playing a divination game when they spotted a blurry figure in the mirror wielding a large axe, drenched in blood. This figure would emerge from the mirror, assaulting and slaughtering everyone present. The second was the Daratra Diamond Maggots, mentioned in the Contractees mysticism knowledge. They could grant Mirror Traversal in exchange for sacrificing a crystallized meteorite. The drawback was that ones body would become denser and shorter. Lumian undeniably wanted to summon Bloody Jack but wasnt certain if it possessed an ability akin to Mirror Traversal. Gazing at the three lit candles, Lumian stepped back twice and chanted in ancient Hermes, The Fool that doesnt belong to this era; You are the ruler above the gray fog; You are the King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck. I beseech your shelter. I pray for your attention. I! In the name of the great Fool, I summon: The peculiar creature that wanders about the unfounded, the slaughterer hidden in the mirror, Jack from the bloody world The bluish-black candle flame instantly swelled, forming an illusory door adorned with enigmatic patterns amidst the pervasive, eerie gray mist. The door gradually opened, and darkness poured out, engulfing the mirror Lumian had placed on the altar. The mirror abruptly levitated, pointing directly at Lumian. Within, an indistinct figure in a blood-stained old jacket dragged a massive axe. Opening his mouth, Lumian made his throat and chest resonate as he spoke the Mystical Language of Fate. Silver-black words akin to symbols materialized in midair, descending onto the faux goatskin at the altars edge, forming a concise and ominous contract. Upon the contracts formation, Lumian connected with Bloody Jack, comprehending its abilities and traits. He listened to its demands. Bloody Jack possessed three mirror-related abilities and traits, which Lumian named Mirror Mark, Mirror Concealment, and Mirror Traversal. Mirror Marks could invisibly mark a mirror, inverted from reality, to pinpoint a target. Mirror Concealment allowed the user to hide within the dark tunnels, avoiding being pulled into another mirror. Mirror Traversal enabled swift passage through the illusory tunnels. Bloody Jacks demand was the sacrifice of 99 living humans. Lumian pondered briefly, concluding that Mirror Mark was the optimal choice. Locating targets was paramount, and Mirror Traversal could be substituted with Spirit World Traversal. Rapid travel wasnt essential when he could arrive directly. His eyes suddenly glinted silvery-black, mirroring Bloody Jacks river of fate. He wasnt seeking information about Bloody Jack. Instead, under the rituals protection, he aimed to verify something. After a quick observation, Lumian switched to ancient Hermes and asked Bloody Jack, Can I alter the request? He was unsure if Bloody Jack would comprehend or respond, but asking was harmless. If not, he would have to write to Madam Magician, inquiring about other suitable mirror entities. Having asked, Lumian immediately employed Magnified Fate, gaining a sharper view of Bloody Jacks fate for the next ten seconds. Feigning nervousness, he moved his right hand as if to touch his face. He Magnified a fate tributary! Two to three seconds later, Bloody Jacks thoughts reached Lumian through the connection forged by the Mystical Language of Fate. Pull me out of the mirror! Lumian raised his eyebrows and stepped forward twice, extending his right hand toward the mirror hovering above the altar. The moment his finger touched the glass mirror, he felt it dissolve into nothingness. As Lumian fully inserted his palm into the mirror, a cold, damp, and distinctly sticky hand abruptly grasped his wrist. Chapter 710 - 710 "Communication" 710 Communication Lumian wasnt surprised when his wrist was grabbed by the wet hand. He even chuckled. Not bad. You only stained my wrist, not corrupt my entire arm. As he spoke, he pulled back with all his might, feeling the abnormally heavy force opposing him. Lumians muscles swelled, and his body appeared to grow slightly larger. At last, he saw the bloody figure in the jacket being dragged out of the empty mirror. A bluish-black mist materialized, permeating the faux goatskin containing the ominous contract. The contract burst into flames on its own, morphing into silver-black symbols and words. They linked together from end to end, creating an intricate and illusory pattern that abruptly passed through his clothes and settled between Lumians chest and abdomen. Having pulled Bloody Jack out of the mirror, Lumian had fulfilled the other partys request, and the contract was automatically fulfilled! At that instant, Bloody Jack, who had regained his footing in front of the altar, raised his head. His mutilated face turned towards Lumian as he lifted the blood-dripping axe with both hands. Lumians eyes, tinged with an iron-black hue, mirrored a two-toned figure of Bloody Jack. One was a vivid red, enveloping every crevice of Bloody Jacks body, permeating every inch of space. The other was a pale white, no larger than a thumb. It was located at Bloody Jacks abdomen, enveloped by layers of bright red. Much like Padre Cali in his untransformed Wraith state, he has only one vulnerability from head to toe, but its not in his Spirit Body; its concealed within his physical form This seems to be composed of viscous blood. Regardless of the extent of damage or blood loss it endures, as long as the core remains unharmed, it will be unaffected It bears some resemblance to the Rose Bishop of the Secrets Suppliant pathway, but it possesses mirror-related capabilities As Lumian observed, a succession of thoughts calmly raced through his mind. Bloody Jacks red spiderweb-like eyes displayed a ruthless and bloodthirsty expression. He raised his axe and swung it at Lumians body. The deal is done. Now, Im going to kill you! Bang! The axe missed Lumian and hit the ground of the quarry cave, creating a deep fissure and sending gravel and dirt flying. With a twisted flexibility that exceeded human limits, Lumian maneuvered behind Bloody Jack. With a swift motion of his arm, Lumian punched out with his right fist. Blazing white flames surged forth, a bright tail enveloping his fist and wrapping around his forearm. Pfft! Lumians fist felt as if it had plunged into a swamp. The deeper he went, the more muddy and sticky it became. Rumble! He detonated the blazing white flames surrounding his fist, blasting open a passageway. His fist and forearm sank into Bloody Jacks cavity, halting at the pale-white spot. Just as Bloody Jack was about to turn around and swing his axe, he froze. His body rapidly disintegrated, turning into congealed blood that fell to the ground. The blood clots writhed and reassembled into Bloody Jack, but there was still a gap in his abdomen that couldnt be filled. Seeing this, Lumians body ignited with a blazing white flame, ready to attack with all his might. Bloody Jack instantly turned ethereal and retreated into the mirror on the altar. Lumian chuckled and abandoned the pursuit, ending the summoning ritual at a moderate pace. His objective had been achieved. He had acquired the contracted abilityMirror Mark! Previously, he had observed Bloody Jacks river of fate not to gather information about it, but to verify if this strange creature from the bloody world possessed godhood! If Bloody Jack didnt have godhood, Lumian could complete some risky transactions with him to circumvent the requirement of 99 living sacrifices. If Bloody Jack had godhood, he would undoubtedly suffer a backlash. However, he was protected by the ritual and under Mr. Fools gray fogs supervision, so he wouldnt be significantly affected. It was precisely because he was aware of this that Lumian dared to agree to drag Bloody Jack out of the mirror, allowing him to no longer be restricted by the ritual. It turned out that as long as the contracted party could communicate normally, the price to pay when signing the contract would be significantly lower. Of course, there was no way to avoid the negative effects entirely. Although Lumian obtained the Mirror Mark, it would also make him more susceptible to attracting abnormal events and strange dangers related to mirrors. As the crack created by Bloody Jack spread to the wall of spirituality, causing it to gradually disintegrate, Franca took the opportunity to curiously inquire about what had just transpired. Lumian gave a brief account of his negotiation with Bloody Jack and smiled. I worked hard to reach Sequence 5 so that these evil creatures would be able to communicate with me calmly. Franca couldnt resist laughing. You call that calm? With a sigh, she said, If it werent for dealing with Moran Avigny, the Mirror Mark wouldnt be a wise choice. You wouldnt have much use for it normally. Its like wasting a contract slot. This was due to Lumians lack of mirror-related abilities. Without a fixed mirror world entrance, he couldnt pass through mirrors, let alone use the Mirror Mark to locate his target. Lumian wasnt bothered by it. The Sealed Artifact corresponding to the Hisoka Beyonder characteristic might have the ability to transform into a Wraith. The Mirror Mark could be used to complement it. Lets hope thats the case, Franca said, sighing. This is why Contractees cant compare to Shepherds. Once you sign a contract and gain an ability, youre stuck with it. Even if that ability becomes useless, it still takes up a slot and brings the associated negative effects. Many contracted abilities were acquired to fulfill specific needs for a limited time. After that period, they often became useless. For instance, Lumians Niese Face could only be used occasionally as an illusion during combat after he obtained the Lie earring. Lumian smiled. Who says I cant get rid of it? Uh Franca was caught off guard. Lumians lips curved into a bright smile. Kill the contract target, and the contract will automatically be nullified. Franca and Jenna gasped inwardly. After a moment, Franca joked, Very good. Keep that smile. Thats the smile of a homicidal maniacno, a Reaper. Jenna nodded thoughtfully. No wonder you didnt kill Bloody Jack just now and only scared it away. You were worried that the newly acquired abilities would vanish instantly. Didnt you mention you were planning to contract three abilities this time? Have you thought about the other two? Yes. Lumian wasnt in a rush to complete the second ritual. He casually chatted, One is to boost my defense or substitution abilities, while the other is to handle undead creatures. However, Ill need to think about the latter later. The former addressed his lack of physical defense, while the latter made up for his insufficient means to deal with Wraiths and undead creatures. Substitution abilities Franca said, smiling. Just sign a contract with a Wraith or specter formed by a Demoness or a Mid-Sequence Seer Beyonder after their death. Lumian scoffed. Do you think I havent considered that? However, apart from the Demoness evil spirit suspected to be a Saint, theres nothing related to Demonesses or Seers. I definitely cant handle the negative effects of a demigod contractor at my current level. Maybe its manageable, Francas eyes sparkled. Maybe the adverse effects will only change your gender. What do you mean only? Lumian wanted to tease Franca for her life is short, why not give it a shot mindset, but he restrained himself in front of Jenna. Franca suddenly had a thought. Can you only sign contracts with spirit world creatures or strange creatures? Can you sign one with a human? I can share the Mirror Substitution ability with you. This was the first time Lumian had considered this question. After thinking for a moment, he said, The relevant mysticism knowledge doesnt forbid it But never mind. The Inevitability contract might have some hidden corruption or influence. Thats true. Franca was still rational. As she responded, another question popped into her mind. If I actually sign a contract with him, what kind of negative effects will I inflict on Lumian? Why does the ability to deal with the undead have to wait? Jenna wasnt as quick-witted as Franca, so she could only focus on more practical matters. Lumian chuckled. Because spirit world creatures and strange creatures fear sunlights purification and dont have similar abilities, I can only consider obtaining it from the death domain. Theres a good contract target there. Armored Shadow? Franca realized. Are you worried that giving him too much gold will make future communication uncontrollable? Lumian nodded and replied,Additionally, Im also waiting for the Sealed Artifact made from the Hisoka Beyonder characteristic. If its related to a Wraith, I wont need the corresponding contract ability. After chatting for a while, Lumian reconstructed the wall of spirituality and began his second summoning. This time, he summoned: A peculiar creature wandering above the world, an unimaginably sturdy being, a colossal creature that never rests. After reciting the incantation, a peak made of layers of flesh appeared at the mysterious door. Its height was unknown, but it couldnt fully emerge, causing the illusory and mysterious door to shake. After speaking the Mystical Language of Fate, Lumian obtained the corresponding information. This mountain of flesh indeed possessed the ability to enhance ones defense. It could toughen ones body to be like steel or rock, but the corresponding downside was having a movement speed as slow as that of an ordinary turtle. Lumian had no choice but to give up. His alternative target was his messenger, Penitent Baynfel. According to the messenger information provided by Madam Magician, Baynfel had the ability to bring his shadow to life and switch positions with his body at critical moments. Chapter 711 - 711 Choice 711 Choice Since he was summoning his messenger, Lumian didnt perform the ritual in Mr. Fools name. He simply called forth Penitent Baynfel, who was garbed in a black clergymans robe, resembling a charred corpse with black flames clinging to his body. I wish to enter into another contract with you, Lumian requested with a smile. He briefly recounted the power of Inevitability, the special contract, the sharing of abilities, the potential price, and the negative effects, awaiting Baynfels decision. Baynfel stayed silent for a few moments before responding in a deep voice, If youre not worried about the downsides, I have no objections. What might the negative effects be? Lumian inquired cautiously. In Baynfels empty, dark eye sockets, the dark flames that served as his eyes flickered twice. That hinges on your choice. I can let you finalize the contract. Once you know the specific negative effects, you can decide if you want to seal the deal. Different choices lead to different negative effects? What choices? Lumian spoke the Mystical Language of Fate, filled with curiosity and puzzlement, allowing the silver-black symbols, words, and patterns to land on the faux goatskin, forming a short, powerful, mysterious, and sinister contract document. Through the connection forged by the Mystical Language of Fate, Lumian sensed Baynfels traits and abilities. The Penitents powers were intimately tied to shadows and darkness, but most of them seemed to be submerged in murky depths. Lumian could sense their presence, but he couldnt discern their nature. The two abilities floating above the surface were Shadow Animation and Spirit World Traversal. Their characteristics were Ancient Corpse. Perfect, Shadow Animation is just what I need Baynfel probably showcased it specifically for me Hes quite unique, completely different from spirit world entities like Headless Bride, Abscessed Hand, and Human-Faced Mantis Its much more straightforward to truly communicate with him As Lumian mused, he gained a deeper understanding of Shadow Animation. This was an active ability that could animate the shadows of oneself and others. The former could be used to swap places with the body and evade fatal damage when dodging was impossible. The latter would ensnare the corresponding target, hindering their movements, but it couldnt inflict much harm or completely restrain the opponent. Activating it swiftly to produce instantaneous effects was its greatest strength. Otherwise, it couldnt shield from death or injury. Its drawback was that it could only maintain the activation of one shadow at a time. As a substitute, if the animated shadow perished, Lumian would have to wait for the sun to rise or set before the shadow would reappear. Shadowless individuals would be deathly afraid of sunlight and instinctively dread it. In the past, my emotions and desires were volatile, and now Im piling on a fear of sunlight? If I really run into Mid-Sequence Beyonders of the Sun pathway in the future, wont I be too terrified to even open my eyes? Thankfully, this is a downside that only kicks in after losing the shadow substitute. Its not permanent Lumian looked at Baynfel and asked sincerely, What sacrifice do you require? Or rather, what price must I pay? So far, he still hadnt figured out the negative repercussions of signing a contract with Baynfel. Penitent Baynfel, with only a thin layer of charred skin clinging to his bones, replied, Any mystical item in your possession. Any one Is this the so-called choice? Picking a mystical item to offer directly shapes the ultimate negative effects? Lumian had an epiphany as he took stock of the mystical items he carried. His knee-jerk thought was the Pride Armor. After all, he couldnt effectively use the Sealed Artifact at present. However, looking at Baynfels charred corpse, he felt that he wasnt just sacrificing an item but attempting to off his messenger. Furthermore, while he couldnt use the Pride Armor for now, Franca, Jenna, and Anthony could. Lumian had already taught them the corresponding usage techniques. At the crux of it all was a single mantra: Dont wear it yourself. Only utilize the negative effects by letting the target trigger them! As for proactively triggering higher-level negative effects in exchange for indiscriminate area-of-effect damage, there was no way to teach that. It had to be improvised based on the environment and the enemys traits. After all, Demonesses likely relished this method. It was brutally effective in bullying targets without substitute-type abilities! Mystery Prying Glasses, Flog boxing gloves, Eye of Truth, Lie earring, Mr. Ks finger, Symphony of Hatred bone flute, Fury of the Sea brooch, Travelers Bag, Omebellas umbilical cord remains, expired misfortune gold coins and unlucky banknotes, Serial Killer Beyonder characteristic Lumian went through these items one by one. Excluding non-mystical items and ones that were very handy to him at the moment, Lumian ultimately decided to choose between the Mystery Prying Glasses and the Eye of Truth. Their abilities overlapped to a degree. Keeping one sufficed. After a brief moment of contemplation, Lumian opted to offer the Eye of Truth to Baynfel. He believed that the Mystery Prying Glasses had fewer negative effects than the Eye of Truth when usage time was limited. Furthermore, the Eye of Truth could only see the truth. The Mystery Prying Glasses could at least be used to paint supernatural works and disguise himself. After Lumian became an Ascetic, he could effectively rein in the urge to paint while donning the Mystery Prying Glasses. He could paint as needed or abstain. Lumian produced the peculiar Eye of Truth and handed it to Baynfel. Just as Baynfel grasped the eyewear, which appeared entwined with flesh and blood vessels, Lumian suddenly sensed the downside of signing the contract. In scenes closely tied to Baynfels past, he would witness truths better left unseen. However, its fine if such effects only happen when it involves this messengers enigmatic background. Otherwise, I would have cut todays ritual short and made a new choice after finding a suitable contract partner In Aurore and Francas words, seeing what shouldnt be seen is a death sentence Lumian pondered for a moment and replied to Baynfel in a deep voice, The contract stands. As he finished speaking, the short and sinister contract spontaneously ignited without fire, transforming into silver-black symbols, words, and patterns that seared onto Lumians arm. Lumian glanced down at his shadow and saw it warp on its own, as if performing a powerful dance. A smile spread across Lumians face. After about ten seconds, his shadow settled. Lumian expressed his gratitude to Baynfel and ended the summoning, stowing away all the items on the altar. Its done? Franca asked eagerly. It wasnt that she doubted Lumian couldnt even handle his messenger, but she worried the nature of his abilities might not meet the requirements or come with too many strings attached. Lumian nodded and briefly recounted the situation with Shadow Animation. As he walked towards the quarry caves exit, he said to Franca, Jenna, and Anthony, Now, we can hatch a plan to deal with Moran Avigny. Franca, contact the Demoness of Black and let her know were about to make our move. However, to avoid spooking the family and hidden forces behind Moran Avigny, she doesnt need to observe nearby for now. Just request an emergency help charm from her that can contact her through a mirror if the Mirror People have hidden allies. Yes, its a golden opportunity to test the Demoness of Blacks stance towards the Tamara family and the Mirror People. Also, inform the Eternal Blazing Sun Church that they can get ready to cut us some slack. Jenna, write to Madam Judgment and clue her in on our plan in the event the Demoness of Black is in bed with the Mirror People. Anthony Lumians mind raced as he considered various details and doled out missions to his companions. Franca, Jenna, and Anthony didnt just passively accept their tasks. They actively chimed in with ideas and helped Lumian fill in gaps and polish his brainstorming. Upon returning to Apartment 702 at 9 Rue Orosai, Anthony ducked out early to keep up appearances at the Trier Psychiatrist Guild. Jenna, meanwhile, changed into a dark black cloaked dress and seized the chance to play the part of a Witch. Soon, only Lumian and Franca remained in the apartments living room. The atmosphere grew awkward, and a prolonged silence hung in the air. Lumian broke the ice as if nothing had happened. Hows Jenna coming along with digesting the Witch potion? Franca breathed a sigh of relief and said, Not bad. Shes found her groove acting as a Witch. Ask around the market district and youll hear whispers of Witches appearing in the dead of night to punish rowdy drunkards. Some claim to have fallen into an icy river. Some wake up the next day aching all over, while others get splitting headaches come evening and dont dare drink anymore. What they have in common is they all ran into someone dressed as a Witch. Yes, some drunkards even vanished into thin air Francas voice trailed off, replaced by a tone fit for telling ghost stories. The missing ones committed serious offenses? The others are guilty of beating their families, harassing passersby, and groping women? Lumian guessed with a smile, based on his read of Jenna. Bingo. Franca nodded with a bright smile. Lumian pondered for a moment and asked, Arent you worried the Demoness of Black will catch wind of this rumor and send someone to investigate? Franca felt smug and pointed at herself. Youre looking at her! Me! In the Demoness Sect, Im the one handling matters tied to the market district! She then sighed and said, Jenna is a natural. She whipped up a solid acting plan in under a month. Maybe she can digest the Witch potion before I advance to Affliction. If those incidents hadnt happened, she wouldve been a star actress. Acting is second nature to her, Lumian agreed. The two fell silent again. After a few seconds, Franca put on a brave face and said, Um, um, you cant breathe a word to Jenna or anyone else about what I said or did near the altar in the mirror world! Lumian asked in confusion, Did you say or do anything out of the ordinary back there? I dont recall Franca was taken aback for a moment before flashing an understanding smile. She stood up with a breezy grin and walked to Lumians side. She patted his shoulder gratefully and said, What a bro! She felt all the awkwardness had evaporated. A few days later, as Moran Avigny attended an interministerial meeting, Lumian appeared near the government-provided villa. Chapter 712 - 712 "Accusation" 712 Accusation Lumian stood beside Moran Avignys villa, wearing a wide-brimmed round hat and a black tweed coat. He gazed at the garden, its few withered leaves rustling in the breeze, and said to Franca, Keep your distance later. As he spoke, Lumians eyes turned silver-black once more, allowing him to observe the fate tributaries corresponding to Francas future. The tributary tainted with a faint black color was unrelated to their upcoming infiltration. Given the current circumstances, sneaking into Moran Avignys villa and leaving a Mirror Mark on the full-body mirror in his study didnt seem to pose a high risk of death. However, Lumian knew better than to let his guard down. After using the Eye of Calamity several times, he understood that a single black fate tributary didnt necessarily mean there was only one hidden death calamity lurking. According to Franca, numerous death calamities were concealed further along the fate tributary, too blurry for Lumian to discern or differentiate. In other words, even though there was presently just one faintly black-tainted fate tributary connected to their infiltration of Moran Avignys villa, when Franca made her decision and tried to enter, transforming the harmless fate tributary into the main path, a black tributary symbolizing a deadly calamity might still emerge. Lumians profound realization about this was: The fate of the future was variable and ever-evolving. Of course, certain aspects were destined to remain constant. For instance, death was the inevitable fate awaiting most humans. No need to worry, Im not new to this, Franca assured him, confident in her infiltration skills. Assassin 101: Infiltration! Without another word, Lumian activated the mark and morphed into a shadow creature, melding into the shadows cast by the gardens plants. Franca stepped forward and disappeared into the wind-stirred shadows. The pair swiftly and stealthily made their way to the side of the villa. At the same time, Moran Avigny was attending a ministerial meeting. His wife had gone to an art salon with her ladys maid, leaving only a handful of valets, maids, gardeners, and chefs in the villa. The Avigny family didnt live there. Only the immediate family of the Minister of Industry was permitted to reside in the government-provided villa long-term. Moran Avignys three children had either already married and moved out or were attending university in the Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative. They only returned home on weekends. For Lumian and Franca, this was when the target locations security was at its most vulnerable. After all, Moran Avigny was the VIP. The covert protection detail would undoubtedly stick close to him. Lumian emerged from the shadows in the corner and instructed Franca, Wait here and keep an eye out for any trouble. Got it! Franca agreed without protest. Lumian concentrated on the Demoness of Pleasures fate tributary for a few moments before shifting back into a shadow creature and silently slipping into Moran Avignys villa. He couldnt view his own future fate, even with the aid of a mirror. His only option was to infer his fate by watching his companions. Franca concealed herself in the shadows and patiently waited. It wasnt long before Lumian reached Moran Avignys study, navigating it as if it were his own home. He had witnessed Moran Avigny use the full-body mirror there to access the mirror world on multiple occasions. As for his familiarity with the layout, that was thanks to the detailed security map provided by 007. The winter sunlight around 4 p.m. was dim. The study was a mix of light and darkness, evoking a strong sense of dusk. The silence had long been a constant melody in this space. Lumian meticulously searched the study from within the shadows but found no traps or hidden individuals. Only then did he revert to his human form, breaking free from the shadows and reappearing in front of the full-body mirror. As the black mark activated, Lumian reached out his right palm and pressed it against the cold, hard glass. A blood-colored handprint instantly materialized, reversed from Lumians right palm as if it belonged to someone else. The inverted, sinister blood-colored palm print quickly faded, blending into the mirror and vanishing. Just as Lumian was about to pull his right palm back and leave, a hand abruptly extended from the full-body mirror and seized his wrist. The hand was a healthy white, with long, powerful fingers. It yanked with tremendous force, catching Lumian off guard and sending him crashing into the glass mirror. At some point, the mirror had turned ethereal, shedding its corporeal form. Lumians vision went dark before illuminating to reveal numerous dark passageways resembling a spiderweb. In the area corresponding to the current mirror, an ordinary-looking man stood at the edge. He raised his brass revolver, aimed it at Lumian, and pulled the trigger. Clad in a dark tweed suit and a half top hat, with a glass-like cufflink fastened to his sleeve, he wore a faint smile, as if mocking Lumian for not anticipating the possibility of Moran Avignys bodyguard hiding in the mirror. Bang! A bullet gleaming with ghostly green light shot towards Lumian. Lumians figure abruptly vanished. The bullet struck the afterimage he left behind and flew into one of the dark, empty tunnels. In the next instant, Lumian swiftly materialized behind the ambusher and, without hesitation, harrumphed. Two beams of white light shot out from his nose and struck the ambusher. The ambushers eyes snapped shut, and he crumpled to the ground. Midway through, his eyes darted around and he snapped out of his daze. Thud! He crashed to the ground, transforming his body into a shadow. The shadows disintegrated and spread in all directions, entering various dark tunnels. Immediately after, the ambusher stealthily materialized in an empty passageway, his form shrouded in faint white fog. Lumians figure was reflected in his misty eyes. Before Lumian could sense it and turn to look, the ambusher spoke in a strange language that could stir the forces of nature, Youre guilty! Lumian had never encountered this language, but he clearly understood its meaning. His body suddenly froze, as if under an invisible restriction. The ambusher opened his mouth again. You blasphemer! Suddenly, the entire mirror world froze, and the dark, ethereal passageways transformed into tiny amber insects. Once again, Lumian heard a terrifying voice that seemed to come from an infinite distance. Vaguely, he saw three figures. The three figures sat cross-legged, one facing left, one looking straight ahead, and the other looking right. Their hands were in different postures. One was heavy, one real, and one ethereal. They were in three different states, constantly moving, changing, and interchanging around a silver circle. A majestic and resounding voice reverberated, causing Lumians mind to buzz as he lost consciousness. Amidst the blurry, vivid pain, the dazed Lumian felt a familiar burning sensation on his left chest. His right palm alternated between burning and freezing. Gradually, he regained consciousness. In a dark tunnel that had solidified, the ambusher witnessed silver-black warts erupting from Lumians body, emitting sinister patterns that resembled viscous liquid. At some point, a strange, cold wind swept through the surroundings. Darkness squirmed in the depths of the different tunnels, as if a monster was about to crawl out. The ambushers body stiffened, becoming increasingly sluggish, with a faint white fog barely discernible within. After an unknown period of time, the man finally survived the most dangerous moment. He felt his body again and regained his vision and hearing. As Lumians warts and patterns faded, the ambusher instinctively felt a lingering fear. How did he commit blasphemy? Which deity did he blaspheme against? Why didnt he lose control? Ive never encountered such a situation before! The Beyonder powers possessed by the ambusher allowed him to discern the targets crimes and accuse him of various charges. The damage and effects of different crimes were completely different, and the accuser couldnt predict them beforehand. They could only make a guess based on their experience from previous cases. This was the first time the ambusher had encountered a situation where he nearly succumbed to the overflowing influence of the deity after the sinner was punished by a deity for blasphemy! Fortunately, he recovered before the target. The ambusher raised the brass revolver once more and aimed it at Lumian, who was hunched over in pain. Just as he pulled the trigger, Lumians head snapped up, his expression contorted with ferocity. Bang! A bullet shimmering with starlight shot out from the muzzle, locked onto the targets body. Almost simultaneously, Lumians shadow came to life and flipped upward. Crack! The black shadow shattered like a mirror. Along with the starlight, it caved in and was obliterated. After briefly disappearing, Lumian materialized behind the ambusher and harrumphed once more. He had used Shadow Animation in time, and the shadow had triggered Francas Mirror Substitution! This was why Lumian had Franca infiltrate the villa and stay outside. Relying on Mirror Substitution required maintaining a certain distance. It turned out his shadow could also share Mirror Substitution! Two beams of white light shot out, causing the ambusher to close his eyes again. This time, Lumian didnt give the enemy a chance to quickly wake up. He extended his right foot and blocked the enemy, preventing him from falling. Simultaneously, he drew his revolver and pressed it against the targets forehead. The ambushers eyes darted around, and he awoke to the terrifying pressure emanating from the muzzle. He forced a smile, handed over his revolver, and whispered, Ill give this to you. Can you let me go? Lumians thoughts raced as he took the revolver and nodded. Okay. He then holstered his revolver. The ambusher maintained a humble and ingratiating smile as he turned around and walked deeper into the dark tunnel. Suddenly, Lumian heard Termiboross magnificent voice. Its best not to let him go. Uh Lumians eyes narrowed as he instantly sensed something was off. Why did I agree to that deal just now? Why would I let him go? Chapter 713 - Chapter 713: Between White and Black Chapter 713: Between White and Black Warned by Termiboros, Lumian sensed something was off. The ambusher was slowly making his exit, as if concerned that moving too fast would prematurely alert Lumian to the abnormality. Strangely, no massive vortex emerged from the dark, empty tunnels depths, stopping the ambusher, who had already gone in, from getting pulled into another mirror. As he watched him go, Lumian glanced at his restored shadow, put away the brass revolver taken from the enemy, and pulled out the Flog boxing gloves from his Travelers Bag. He put them on at a measured pace. A moment later, blazing white flames engulfed Lumians body as he transformed into a fiery spear that hurtled towards the ambushers back. The ambushers fears came to pass. He quickly evaded, ready to turn into a shadow and escape into the dark tunnels depths with five decoys. Then he would trigger Mirror Traversal and get away entirely, returning to a pre-selected mirror. Just then, as the flames making up the burning white spear dissipated, Lumian appeared. The ambushers shadow came alive, ensnaring the body that hadnt fully transformed into a shadow, briefly keeping it from dividing into six separate forms. It was forced to remain in place. Lumian advanced and dashed in front of the terrified ambusher. He alternated punches, starting the Flogging. Bang! Lumians initial punch heightened the ambushers fear, and the target narrowly freed himself from his shadows entanglement. Bang! Lumians next punch instantly set off the enemys already tense fear. This wasnt chance; the ambushers fear clearly exceeded normal levels in this situation. Lumian, his eyes silver-black, foresaw the corresponding future and exploited this vulnerability. Fear played out in his mind as he punched. Thus, the first punch worsened the situation, and the second significantly raised the odds, successfully triggering the fear. The ambusher went rigid, heart briefly ceasing from the detonating fear. His mind blanked, and blood poured from his nose. Seeing this, Lumian took out the ritual sheepskin from his Travelers Bag and threw it over the ambushers head. Right after, he spoke the activation incantation in Hermes: Sheep! Amid a dark flash, the ambusher turned into a sheep with light white and gray wool. Lumian stared at the fearful sheep with bloodshot eyes. Removing the Flog boxing gloves and returning them to his Travelers Bag, he grinned and said, So, you think Ill release you for a measly gun? Lumian then stooped down, scooped up the limp sheep, and went back to the mirror in Moran Avignys study, trying to exit. Unable to enter or leave mirrors, he wasnt certain he could depart so simply. If not, he would utilize the pre-prepared Mirror Mark and Spirit World Traversal to go directly to the unique, permanent mirror world exit in Underground Trier. Then he would teleport to locate Franca. This would avert any issues behind the mirror. Lumians vision faded and brightened as he emerged in Moran Avignys study with the frightened sheep. He rushed to the window and warily opened it. Sure enough, Franca had exited the shadows and waited by the small windowsill. Realizing Lumians Mirror Substitution had shattered, Franca quickly chose to investigate and check if her partner required aid. You okay? Franca whispered. Well discuss it later. Lumian threw her the sheep. Franca promptly caught the sheep and vanished into the shadows with it. In no rush to go, Lumian donned gloves and took care of the various traces he had left behind. Soon, Franca returned, using the Primordial Demoness figurine, her mirror, and Demoness black magic to handle the anti-divination and anti-prophecy part. In an abandoned tunnel close to the permanent mirror world entrance in Underground Trier, Franca, now fully briefed by Lumian, eyed the quivering sheep and said eagerly, How should we question it? Should I ready a mechanical typewriter like last time? But weve run out of truth serum. Anthony, sans gold-rimmed glasses and back in veteran garb, gazed at the sheep for a couple seconds before responding, Ill talk with him. Should we step out first? Jenna asked out of caution. Anthony agreed with a nod. I dont mind you observing, but hell feel more at ease with less people, facilitating communication. Concerned our attendance will scare him and impact the Hypnotism? Lumian spun around pensively and exited the sealed dark tunnel alongside Franca and Jenna. Soon, the sheep appeared with Anthony, no longer as scared and nervous. You may cancel the Animal Creation Spell, Anthony told Lumian, smiling. He realizes were acting in his best interest and wishes to assist. Provided we avoid topics that will impact his faith in a deity and directly affect his life, hell speak honestly and amiably. The sheep nodded gravely, confirming Anthonys words. Lumian faced Franca and Jenna, seeing matching emotions in their eyes. A Hypnotist is truly terrifying! A Spectator is truly terrifying! Indeed Lumian reflected inwardly. Looking at the sheep, he uttered the Hermes incantation: His Grace. With a dark flicker, the sheepskin automatically vanished, and the ambusher materialized before Lumian and the others, half-crouched. Putting away the sheepskin, Lumian inquired with a smile, Whats your name? Jebus Lata, the ambusher answered nonchalantly, like talking to a buddy. Holding the carbide lamp, Lumian warmly asked, Were you guarding Moran Avigny? Yes, Jebus Lata replied frankly. Mainly to conceal myself behind the mirror and watch the outside. Also to prevent mirror world mishaps and ensure Moran Avigny isnt found out and ambushed when he uses it to do specific things in various locations. Security is fairly tight. No clear weak points Franca muttered, taking the lead in displaying her Demoness of Pleasure charm. Grinning, she asked, Which organization do you belong to? Jebuss eyes were drawn to Franca as he reflexively answered, The School of Truth. Truth? Lumian arched an eyebrow. Jebus didnt face him, gaze flitting between the two Demonesses. Yes, Truth. Growing serious, he addressed Franca and Jenna in a proselytizing tone, What do you believe this worlds backdrop is? Without waiting for the Demonesses response, he continued, Its not white or black. Not light or darkness. Its the gray between white and black, the mist between light and darkness. Its shadows, flux, and chaos! Traits of the corresponding pathway? Well-versed in mysticism, Lumian thoughtfully switched gears. Are you aware of Moran Avignys identity? This was their top priority now. Jebus nodded casually, as if conversing with a friend. I am. Hes part of the Tamara family but was swapped with a Mirror Person from Underground Trier. Then why collaborate with him still? Franca probed. Jebus chuckled. Didnt I just say? This worlds backdrop isnt white or black, but gray. If cooperating with Mirror People lets me reach my aim, why not? Whats the School of Truth after? Lumian swiftly queried. Jebus peered at Francas face and lake-blue eyes, stating, We seek to leverage Moran Avigny and other elites to slowly seize control of Intiss government, letting this nation have order yet shadows, plus a conduit for ordered communication and shadows. We honor the law, but that wont stop us from uncovering legal loopholes and employing select methods to settle matters pre-litigation. Thats our ideology. Jebus seemed to preach to the Demonesses. How ambitious Jenna sighed inwardly. Smiling, Lumian asked, Why control the government? To practice and near the truth, a rite to please it, Jebus responded fanatically. Plus, we must use Intiss government and others to locate three things. What three? Franca inquired curiously. Jebus gladly obliged her. One, clues to fallen heaven. Its in the underground ancient sealed city. Only by controlling Intiss government can we fully unseal it. Fallen heaven Whats that? Lumian, Franca, Jenna, and Anthony shared looks, realizing none had heard the term. Jebus went on, Two, Roselles final mausoleum. Emperor Roselles mausoleum? Lumians pupils widened. Franca asked eagerly, Got any clues? I dont know. Jebus shook his head honestly. At minimum, Ive got zero leads on Roselles tomb. No idea if the Overseers have found anything. Overseer Lumian and the rest committed the title to memory. Jebus glanced from Franca to Jenna, then back to Franca. Three, a lamp. The Magic Wishing Lamp. Magic Wishing Lamp? Lumian checked Franca, seeing the Demoness of Pleasure also looked blank. Smiling, Jebus added with a showy air, The Magic Wishing Lamp is a Sealed Artifact.. Its number is: 0-05! Chapter 714 - Chapter 714: The Fractured Tamara Family Chapter 714: The Fractured Tamara Family Jebus eagerly observed Franca and Jenna after mentioning 0-05, hoping to witness expressions of shock and terror on their faces. Considering the immense power demonstrated by this Beyonder team, they surely grasped the gravity of a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact! It was a horrifying object capable of obliterating not just Trier, but potentially the whole world! The higher the serial number of a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact, the more dangerous it would be. And now, they were talking about 0-05! While Franca and Jenna were intrigued and surprised, their reaction didnt match Jebuss expectations. Instead of responding to Jebus, they turned their attention to Lumian. Despite not having seen or dared to read the details, they had learned from Lumian that Ludwig, the monstrous child, had stolen Sealed Artifact information from the Church of Knowledge and given it to Lumian as payment for a deal. The information pertained to 0-01! 0-05?Lumian raised an eyebrow. To his knowledge, Sealed Artifacts probably didnt have serial numbers in ancient times. Even if they did, they were individual actions of different Churches. It wasnt until the end of the Fourth Epoch or the beginning of the Fifth Epoch that the seven ruling Churches established the current Sealed Artifact classification rules and numbered the ones under their control. Among them, due to the immense danger posed by Grade 0 and Grade 1 Sealed Artifacts, the orthodox Churches had agreed to share general information with each other and unify their serial numbers without duplicates. In other words, it was impossible for both the Eternal Blazing Sun Church and the Evernight Goddess Church to possess a 0-05 Sealed Artifact. In the entire world, only the Magic Wishing Lamp could be called 0-05! When the seven Churches first numbered their Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts, they undoubtedly ranked them according to the level of danger, time of appearance, and intrinsic uniqueness. Subsequent acquisitions would be named in the order they were sealed. This way, there was a high likelihood that the dozens of Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts at the top of the list would adhere to posing greater danger and having greater uniqueness the lower the serial number. For 0-05 to be ranked fifth among the countless Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts spoke volumes about its terrifying power and significance! Of course, based on these rules, the Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts with the lowest serial numbers might not necessarily be weaker than those with higher serial numbers. Lumian looked at Jebus and said in a relatively calm tone, 0-05? A terrifying item ranked fifth among all Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts? Indeed, Jebus replied, his desire to show off finally satisfied. Lumian inquired curiously, Does its name, Magic Wishing Lamp, imply that you can make wishes with it? At that moment, Lumians heart swelled with anticipation that surpassed his outward expression. Jebus nodded solemnly. Yes, it can grant the holder any ten wishes. Before Lumian could probe further, Jebus added, However, as far as I know, the fulfillment of those wishes often takes a distorted form or comes with horrifying consequences. Moreover, none of those who once possessed the divine lamp met a good end. Perhaps Roselle Gustav met his demise because of this. Lumian fell silent upon hearing this revelation. Franca glanced at Lumian and asked, Did 0-05 once belong to Emperor Roselle? Jebus responded without hesitation, Yes. Franca inquired with interest, What about now? Do you have any leads on 0-05s whereabouts? Jebus was eager to share what he knew. Yes, it should be with the leader of the secret organization, Element Dawn. That leader is believed to be Roselles eldest daughter, Bernadette. Wow! Franca exclaimed in admiration and relief, as if the child of an old friend was thriving after the latters passing. Although she and Lumian had learned after the sea prayer ritual that Emperor Roselles eldest daughter, Bernadette, was alive and had invented fairytale magic, closely linked to the Tarot Clubs Major Arcana card, The Hermit, they were unaware of her precise circumstances. Now, she was pleasantly surprised to discover that Bernadette had become the leader of a secret organization. Franca had long been familiar with Element Dawn. She knew they focused on studying mysticism and Beyonder alchemy, opposing another knowledge-seeking secret organization, the Moses Ascetic Order. They were primarily active in the Intis region, the south-central zone, and the sea. Its only natural for the Emperors belongings to be with his eldest daughter, Lumian remarked, feeling somewhat pleased for Emperor Roselle. Franca asked Jebus excitedly, Are you planning to confront Bernadette? Jebus slowly shook his head. We dont have the necessary strength yet. Thats one of the reasons we collaborate with the Mirror People. Only by embracing and pleasing the truth can the Overseers obtain more boons to resist Bernadette and her subordinates. Controlling the government and embracing the truth to varying degrees is a boon-seeking ritual? Yes, Jebus himself mentioned that this is a ritual to please the truth Their boon -receiving ritual differs from that of other evil god cults. Rather than primarily focusing on blood sacrifices, it emphasizes the influence, utilization, and transformation of order Lumian summarized a key characteristic of the School of Truth based on Jebuss words. After a moment of contemplation, he asked, Overseer is both a position and a name? Whats the Sequence equivalent in the potion pathway? Sequence 4, having just attained godhood, Jebus replied concisely. It was unclear whether he was reluctant to disclose such matters or if he simply didnt know much. Lumian continued, Weve already grasped your schools philosophy and objectives. Whats the purpose of the Mirror People? Jebus pondered for a moment before responding, They also want to break the seal of the ancient underground city. Only by breaking the seal can they enter the depths of the special mirror world where they originally resided and find something of great importance, but it has nothing to do with us. Theyve been allowing more Mirror People to sneak out and replace the originals. Im not sure if they have any other motives. Apart from Moran Avigny, which other Mirror People do you know? Franca didnt conceal her desire to know the answer. Jebus shook his head. Ever since we reached a collaborative agreement with Moran Avigny, hes had the other Mirror People change their positions and identities. Hes the only one who can contact them. How did you discover that Moran Avigny is a Mirror Person? Lumian sought additional clues. Jebus chuckled. Our School of Truth was founded with some members of the Tamara family as its core. Several of them had long suspected that something was off with Moran Avigny and other clansmen. After receiving the truths revelation, they confirmed this suspicion. Which pathway does Moran Avignys original body belong to? Lumian frowned. Jebus didnt conceal anything for Moran Avignys sake. The Judgment pathway. Not only does he possess the power of the Judgment pathway, but he can also wield mirror-related powers. Are there any members of the Tamara familys Judgment lineage who dont follow the truth and arent replaced by Mirror People? Lumian inquired further. Yes, theyve cut ties with our School of Truth and have been trying to deal with us, Jebus replied truthfully. Wh The Tamara family first split into two branches, Judgment and Apprentice. Then, the Judgment branch splintered into three parts: those who believe in the truth, those replaced by the Mirror People, and those who adhered to their original traditions However, the ones with the connection between the Apprentice branch of the Tamara family and the Demoness Sect are more likely to be replaced by the Mirror People. Has that branch also fractured? Why is the Tamara family constantly splintering Even if the Tamara family doesnt fracture, theres still the risk of being replaced by the Mirror People? Could this stem from some unresolved mysteries of the Fourth Epoc/i? Lumian analyzed and speculated based on the available information. Whats Moran Avignys approximate Sequence? Jenna asked, noticing Lumians silence. Sequence 5, Jebus answered Jennas question with a smile. Sequence 5 Disciplinary Paladin Franca, under the guidance of Madam Judgment, a Major Arcana card holder, was well-versed in the Arbiter pathway. Sequence 9 was Arbiter, Sequence 8 was Sheriff, Sequence 7 was Interrogator, and Sequence 6 was Judge. Disciplinary Paladin with mirror magic and mirror world-related abilities Lumian looked at Jebus and asked with a smile, Youre not a Mirror Person or a Demoness. Why can you freely enter and exit the mirror world without being affected by the dangers there? Jebus pointed at the glass cufflink on his sleeve. This is an item given to us by Moran Avigny. It allows us to enter and exit the mirror world and use the connections between mirrors to traverse without being absorbed into other mirrors. I can still use it five times. Very good. It will be ours in the future Yes, lets call them Mirror Cufflink.. At that moment, Franca had already thought of a name for the cufflink. Lumian nodded and replied, If your abilities correspond to a potion pathway, what would Sequence 9 be called? Given the looming potential conflict with the School of Truth, Lumian didnt let the opportunity to understand the other partys Beyonder powers slip away. A proud smile graced Jebuss face. Its Broker. We are the gray between white and black, the fog between light and darkness. We are the bridge between order and shadows! Could you say something more comprehensible Franca muttered under her breath. Lumian smiled and asked without hesitation, What abilities does Broker possess? Chapter 715 - 715 Shadow Merchant 715 Shadow Merchant Jebus reorganized his thoughts and said, We can become more attuned to certain needs and find suitable candidates to fulfill them. We can also facilitate the corresponding transactions through our words and connections. With his Conspirers mind, Lumian pondered seriously for two seconds before fully grasping Jebuss true meaning. Amused, he said, Put it in simpler terms that are closer to mysticism. Jebus glanced at Franca and Jenna and eagerly explained, I have two primary abilities. One is called Gray Perception. I can more acutely sense the gray areas between white and black, including my desire and need to enter that gray domain. The other is exceptional eloquence. This includes mastery of language and the ability to observe others expressions and decipher their words. Thats it? Lumian asked, raising his eyebrows. Thats it, Jebus replied candidly with a shake of his head. Dont Brokers charge fees for their services? Lumian inquired with a smile. Before reaching a deal, we will agree on a price with both parties. Sometimes, we dont even ask for one. Its mainly to establish and maintain relationships, Jebus answered seriously. None of this involves any superpowers. I had thought a Brokers Beyonder powers could derive corresponding benefits from every transaction they facilitate, including Beyonder enhancements. However, this is clearly an exaggeration. It doesnt seem to belong to Sequence 9 The two abilities Jebus mentioned are very fitting for those at Sequence 9. From the looks of it, Brokers and Spectators are quite similar. They can hardly participate directly in Beyonder battles and are considered more supplementary support Lumian nodded in enlightenment. Franca asked with interest, Whats Sequence 8? Its Shadow Merchant, Jebus replied with a smile as he gazed at the Demoness of Pleasures face. Without waiting for Franca to inquire further, he took the initiative to explain, We can detect mysterious creatures and dangerous entities hidden in darkness and shadow while remaining safe from their attacks, thereby allowing us to reach certain deals with them. Jenna couldnt help but ask, Invulnerable to hidden mysterious creatures and dangerous entities? Isnt this ability too powerful? Jebus replied with a smile, Thats usually the case, but you cant attack the other party first or secretly exert any influence thats disadvantageous to them. You cant harbor malice when striking a deal, lest the other party discovers it. Furthermore, youll suffer indiscriminate damage if embroiled in a battlefield. You cant make creatures engaged in combat stand down. What if you see something you shouldnt? Lumian asked after some thought. I will endure the corresponding corruption, Jebus answered without attempting to boast. So it seems a Shadow Merchant possesses an aura that prevents nearby creatures from harboring malice towards them? Franca realized. Jebus praised, Madame, your summary is better than mine. However, its not that you dont generate malice at all, but that you reduce their malice to a certain extent. The higher the other partys level, the weaker the effect. In other words, interacting with those mysterious creatures and dangerous entities to reach a deal is still risky and requires courage. At this point, Jebus chuckled. Taking risks is a necessary quality for successful merchants. From the looks of it, you embody that? Lumian deliberately provoked. Of course, Jebus replied proudly. Ive made deals with many dangerous creatures and obtained valuable items. Then, through new deals, I used them to exchange for more useful items from believers of the Great Mother, the Mother Tree of Desire, and other Beyonders. These include bullets that can absorb life, bullets that cause a targets implosion, and bullets that can impregnate a human, among other things. Bullets that can impregnate a human Lumian was suddenly traumatized. He was grateful he hadnt given Jebus a chance to fire that bullet. Franca and Jenna felt an inexplicable fear, their bodies turning cold. Even Anthonys expression shifted slightly. Jebuss gaze swept across Franca, Jenna, Lumian, and his friend Anthony. He said solemnly, Using our connections with various creatures, we Shadow Merchants can assist you in obtaining anything you desire, as long as you pay a sufficient price. Of course, we cant guarantee success in every transaction. I want the Sequence 4 potion formula of the Hunter pathway, Lumian said with a smile. Jebus fell silent for a moment before saying, It will take an extremely long time to find someone who can provide the corresponding formula through multiple intermediaries. The one who ultimately makes the deal with you might even pose a danger to you. Lumian had only been joking. He deliberately sighed and said, Then lets put that aside for now. What other abilities does a Shadow Merchant possess? Your abilities cant be limited to just reducing the malice of surrounding creatures and detecting hidden entities. Jebus finally met Lumians gaze. Ive used some of them in my battles with you, including concealing myself in shadows, transforming into a shadow, and creating fake shadows. Theyre more protective abilities. I collectively call them Shadow Utilization.'' Franca sighed with emotion. Shadow Merchants can utilize not only symbolic shadows, but also shadows in reality. Encouraged, Jebus continued, We can also sign contracts with the shadows of both parties as witnesses, directly connected to each others souls. If we violate the contract, the shadows will harm our spirits. Its like a powerful curse. I see Franca recalled the fellow she had encountered earlier. The man, who also appeared to be a member of the School of Truth, had mentioned that he had a way to ensure the binding power of contracts on both parties. And then? Jenna pressed. Jebus suddenly felt a little embarrassed. He coughed twice and said, We can also rely on symbolic shadow power to secretly modify key terms the moment the contract is signed, making the other party offer more or less. No wonder Franca finally understood how the man suspected of being a member of the School of Truth had deceived her and Jenna. No wonder he had revealed an abnormality once she mentioned divining the contract in advance! Shadow Merchants are well-suited for dealing with Beyonders of the Marauder pathway. I wonder which side will ultimately suffer Lumian didnt give Franca a chance to criticize the Shadow Merchant. He chuckled and questioned, What about Sequence 7? Sequence 7 is Prosecutor, Jebus introduced, as if trying to compensate for the Shadow Merchants dark image. A Prosecutor has two abilities. One allows them to discern a targets crimes, but they cant witness the process. The other is based on the first ability. First, declare the other party guilty, then point out the specific crime Franca turned puzzled. How can this crime be determined? It cant be based on Intis law, can it? If we meet in the Loen Kingdom, wont your abilities be useless? Do they automatically adapt to local laws? This seemed to be the first time Jebus had been asked this question. After more than ten seconds of thought, he replied, Its likely an act recognized as a crime by most humans. It includes blasphemy, murder, rape, fraud, theft, and so on. Nothing more detailed or categorized. Franca remained unconvinced. Thats not right either. Suppose we enter a ridiculous world where we can do whatever we want, including murder and blasphemy. Wouldnt that prevent you from declaring the target guilty? She was thinking of the recently concluded Dream Festival. Jebus fell silent for a moment before responding, I dont know Perhaps the charges stem from something more fundamental, Lumian speculated. Jebus couldnt be certain. Franca could only look at him and say, Continue. Jebus took a moment to recall where he had left off. After pointing out the crime, the target will receive the corresponding punishment from the world itself or some entity. The exact punishment depends on the severity of the targets crime. We cant know in advance. In short, from my experience, the most terrifying punishments are immediate death and loss of control on the spot. In addition, for ongoing crimes, we can directly declare the target guilty. Theres no need to specify the charges, effectively saving time. Franca nodded slightly, gaining a new understanding of the battle. What language did you use when you announced the charge? Lumian recalled the corresponding details. Its the Words of Order. I automatically learned it when I received the Prosecutors boon, Jebus confessed. Lumian offered a curt acknowledgment. What about Sequence 6? Its the Ambitionist, Jebus said, his eyes seeming to blaze with flames. An inexhaustible ambition brings about a powerful physique, keen perception, and outstanding spirituality, driving us to constantly pursue improvements in our combat abilities. And our burning ambitions make us unwilling to rest for a moment. Unless were prepared to sleep, no one can force us to sleep or faint In other words, it can effectively resist being forced into dreams, comas, and other debilitating states? Or is it outright immunity? Lumian immediately understood why Jebus could wake up so quickly when facing the Spell of Harrumph. Its resistance, Jebus admitted candidly. Lumian inquired further about Ambitionists before asking, You should be at Sequence 5, right? Yes. Jebus puffed out his chest in front of the two Demonesses. Franca asked curiously, Whats Sequence 5? Jebus replied with a smile, Its Under the Table. Under the Table? Franca, Lumian, and the others simultaneously thought of the Authority Holders Under-the- table Transaction they had obtained from General Philip. Could it be formed by the power of a Sequence 5 boon of the Broker pathway? Lumian gazed at Jebus, in no hurry to comprehend the hidden boxs abilities. He asked thoughtfully, Whats your connection to the Carbonari? Chapter 716 - 716 Bullets 716 Bullets Jebus, who had been about to explain the meaning of Under the Table, was caught off guard. Were putting in a lot of effort to keep the Carbonari in check and have made considerable headway. The School of Truth member chuckled at that. Theyre attempting to topple the government and create their own system. Thats precisely the outcome we hope to see. Jenna thought Jebuss words didnt add up. But dont you aim to slowly seize control of the government through high society individuals like Moran Avigny? Jebus laughed and adopted an instructive tone. A wise merchant wouldnt risk everything on a single venture. The same principle applies to exceptional Ambitionists. Hearing this, Lumian abruptly shifted the topic. From what youve described, Ambitionists primarily enhance their bodies, perception, and spirituality. It doesnt appear to involve their intellect? Before Jebus could reply, Franca responded with a grin. Who says Ambitionists require intelligence? Its not the same as being a Conspirer. Ambitionists prioritize ambition over the capability to actually achieve it. Exceptional intelligence isnt a prerequisite for them. Weve encountered many foolish ambitionists throughout history. The pairs back-and-forth left Jebus speechless. Fortunately, Lumian didnt dwell on the subject. He turned the conversation back to the Carbonari. Has Albert Goncourt already sided with you? Most likely, Jebus answered uncertainly. I dont handle the Carbonari. Was it because of you Brokers that the Dreamseekers charity group formed ties with the Carbonari? Lumian thought of General Philip. Jebus grinned again. Philip was a man with grand aspirations who had long aimed to bring various secret organizations together. As Brokers, Shadow Merchants, and Ambitionists, we definitely had to help him. Regrettably, while his scheme was successful, others took advantage of him. He also disappeared in the ancient underground city. Incidentally, Im not sure if you know, but its actually Fourth Epoch Trier. You guys Franca had a thought but kept it to herself. She merely sighed. Only then did Lumian inquire about Under the Table. What extra capabilities do you gain at Sequence 5? Jebus kept his eyes fixed on the two Demonesses. Under the Table is the sole ability, but there are two ways to utilize it: The first is to establish an unseen and tranquil Under the Table atmosphere in combat and emergency scenarios. You can forcibly meet your demands by offering the enemy valuable items, but you cant injure them or impact their state in any other way. Additionally, you must behave normally. If not, the enemy who agreed to the under-the-table deal can easily detect that something is amiss and snap out of it. Such Under the Table transactions arent guaranteed to work. The targets inclination and experience in the gray domain determine the success rate. The Broker Sequences Gray Perception ability can assess this. If youre up against an Unshadowed of the Sun pathway, success is nearly impossible even without the suppression of godhood. Unshadowed referred to the Sun pathways Sequence 4. Lumian had a realization. You previously made me release you through such an Under the Table transaction? Correct, Jebus said frankly. You have extensive experience with the gray domain and a strong inclination in that respect. On Lumians behalf, Franca complimented Jebus, saying, You have a talent for reading people! Gray Perception may be an ability acquired as a Sequence 9 Broker, but its incredibly useful, Jebus bragged, seeming objective. Jenna pressed, And the other Under the Table transaction? Jebus answered with a smile, That requires a certain amount of time. Its not suitable for combat or emergency situations. In simple terms, well utilize a barely sealed space as the operating target to create a genuine Under the Table scenario. Well be on one side of the transaction under this table. The mysterious creature or dangerous entity concealed in the shadows and darkness will be on the other side, but we wont know their identity beforehand. We also wont be able to sense who the other party is during the transaction. It could be an entity weve previously dealt with or one from the unknown. Essentially, in this Under the Table state, where you dont know the counter-party or how your needs will be fulfilled through the transaction, you can achieve the desired result by stating your request and offering the item the other party desires. How this is accomplished isnt relevant. Can the transaction only involve two parties? Jenna asked inquisitively. No, it can be a three-way deal, a four-way deal, or even more. Just follow the Under the Table transaction rules. Jebus didnt hold back on sharing his mysticism knowledge. The transaction may not succeed either. It depends on the tasks difficulty and the limitations of the provided traded items. Also, dont assume those mysterious creatures and dangerous entities will honor their promises. Theres no lack of con artists among them who can find ways to circumvent Under the Tables restrictions. Are there additional risks after using Under the Table to complete a particularly challenging task? Jenna thought of her Authority Holders Under-the-table Transaction. Jebus nodded gravely. Yes, it depends on which mysterious creature or dangerous entity helped you and if it has malicious intentions. I once had a week of misfortune and was almost caught by the Purifiers. Jenna nodded pensively and pondered inwardly: It seems the Authority Holders Under-the-table Transaction is a variant of the standard Under the Table ability. Instead of the counter-party making the requests, its us offering something valuable. However, it can only simplify complex issues and ease difficult ones. It cant directly complete tasks. There are significant limitations The cost of using it is encountering a transaction involving Demons and other sinister beings What information do you have about Overseers? Lumian posed a new question when he noticed the Under the Table discussion was nearly over. Jebus appeared troubled and didnt answer. Seeing this, Lumian switched topics. What items are you carrying? Jebus glanced at Franca and took out a few assorted items from his concealed pocket. This is a healing agent obtained from the Great Mothers believers. These are the Coma Gas, Awakening Gas, and Confession Concoction acquired from the Mother Tree of Desires followers Healing agents, sedatives, mysticism smelling salts, and truth serum. These are all precious items Lumian gave a small nod at the four metal canisters with various labels. His gaze then moved to Jebuss other palm, where six bullets rested. The six bullets were brass, but their surface patterns and colors differed. One looked normal, one had a luminous tip, and one appeared to be corroded by potent acid. One flickered with a dark green light, one radiated a brilliant starlight, and another had a faint luster as if it had been matted many times. Jebus introduced them with enthusiasm, These are the Impregnating Bullet, Poison Bullet, Putrid Bullet, Weakening Bullet, Implosion Bullet, and Deprivation Bullet. I traded for them from various deity believers. Intrigued, Franca pointed at the ordinary bullet from a distance. Is this the Impregnating Bullet? Indeed. People and animals shot by it will inevitably become pregnant, and the corresponding symptoms will swiftly manifest, Jebus said, a tinge of fear in his voice. It affects both males and females indiscriminately? Franca inquired. Yes, Jebus said with certainty. Huh Franca made a sound conveying a mix of contempt, fear, and fascination. Jenna asked worriedly, It looks like a regular bullet. What if theres a mix-up? Jebus shook his head. You wont make that mistake. Its lightweight, as if made of wood or soil. Phew Lumian and Anthony let out a sigh of relief. Lumian pointed at the matte bullet. Is this the Deprivation Bullet? What does it do? The effects of the other bullets seemed straightforward, but Lumian wasnt sure about the Deprivation Bullets purpose. Those struck or grazed by it will lose one Beyonder power within fifteen minutes. As for which one, its unpredictable, Jebus answered honestly. This can complement a Fate Appropriators abilities of designating the Deprivation Lumian appraised Jebus and asked, Do you have any other items? As a Shadow Merchant, dont you possess any mystical objects? Jebus explained embarrassedly, I recently received the Under the Table boon. To complete the corresponding ritual and please truth, I traded all the items I had acquired, leaving only these. A merchants rule is that you can buy and sell anything! Poor slob Franca mocked disappointedly. She then said to Jebus, Give us all these items. Theyre the very reason youve been repeatedly caught up in danger and deity-level conflicts. Hand them over, and youll be free. Once youre safe, you can start anew. Similar to Anthonys hypnotic words, Jebus chose to believe it and gave everything to Franca. After Franca stowed away the items, Lumian surveyed the area and asked, Where is the School of Truths headquarters? Which Overseer do you report to? Hearing these two questions, Jenna, Franca, and Anthony quietly moved to Lumians side. Jebus hesitated for a few seconds and was about to respond when his expression suddenly twisted. Seeing this, Lumian immediately said to Franca, Toss the figurine over! Franca followed suit. She took out the Primordial Demonesss bone figurine from her Travelers Bag and threw it to Jebus. At the same time, she, Anthony, and Jenna grabbed Lumians shoulders, arms, and other positions. In the next instant, the four of them disappeared. Boom! Jebus exploded from the inside out, his shattered flesh merging with the pale-white fog, transforming into a peculiar blood mist. The blood fog slowly descended, circling the Primordial Demonesss bone figurine before seeping into the soil. After a few seconds, Lumian and the others teleported back. Chapter 717 - 717 Supervision? 717 Supervision? 717 Supervision? Why did he just blow up like that? Lumian muttered, frowning as he watched the blood slowly soaking into the soil. He gripped the carbide lamp tightly. His two questions hadnt been intended to end Jebuss life. He had simply wanted to carefully test the limits, one step at a time. Anthony calmly explained, The fundamental rule of hypnosis is to never directly threaten the subjects life. So when Jebus was asked something that would seriously endanger him, he either would refuse to answer or the shock would jolt him awake, breaking the hypnotic hold. I was ready for the possibility of him breaking free from the hypnosis, Lumian said, having anticipated this outcome. Jebus couldnt dodge the Spell of Harrumph at that range. Lumian also had three ritualistic dog skins and a cow hide in his Travelers Bag. Since becoming an Ascetic, he could now craft the mystical animal hides required for the Animal Creation Spell himself. So he had imbued extra powers into the ones he already possessed. Thinking back on what had transpired, Jenna mused, Jebus was going to answer at first Meaning he didnt think those two questions would put his life at risk. Heh, guess things didnt play out like he expected. Franca nodded.Exactly. If it was truly dangerous, he couldve just stayed quiet. I assumed he was under some contract where revealing the School of Truths headquarters or his direct Overseers name would cause his shadow to attack his soul. Damn, what if his Overseer sneaked in extra terms when the contract was signed? Could that be why Jebus had no clue answering would be risky? Heavens, how tragic is that? Nothing but lies and trickery through and throughare we dealing with Swindlers or Brokers here? After Francas lament, Lumian considered for a few moments. Overseer. Overseer? Franca caught on immediately. Overseeing subordinates is an Overseer ability, but Jebus didnt know that. Did he set off some forbidden conditions by answering key questions? Jenna snapped to attention. You think the Overseer spotted us already? Could they be on their way? Unlikely. I had Franca leave the Primordial Demoness figurine here after noticing Jebuss strange reaction, Lumian said, smiling. Even if were right, the Overseer probably just detected an issue with Jebus, not our precise location. The real problem is we may need to change our plans going forward. Jenna and Anthony understood what Lumian meant. They werent under imminent threat or at risk of the Overseer tracking them down. But something had happened to Jebus, who was guarding Moran Avigny in the mirror world. Once the Overseer realized, they would easily deduce that someone was after Moran Avigny and undoubtedly take action. The scheme they had so carefully devised probably no longer fit the new circumstances. Franca sighed heavily, eyeing the bone figurine on the ground with genuine regret. I resisted when the Demoness of Black first gave me this figurine. Now Im wishing shed given me a dozen! Poking fun at herself, she stooped down to retrieve the Primordial Demoness figurine. She delicately cleaned it off and murmured appreciatively. Lumian took stock of his own actions. I shouldve been watching how Jebuss fate tributary shifted using the Eye of Calamity. Maybe then I couldve intervened in time to stop him from responding. He hadnt anticipated Jebus being oblivious to which questions would violate a taboo. This wasnt about religious devotion or advanced mystical knowledge. Jebus ought to have known what he could and couldnt say. If not, his daily life wouldve been cut short many times over. Franca remembered, The School of Truth member Jenna and I ran into before had the same thing happen when we asked his organizational affiliation and why he was capitalizing on the gatekeeper vanishing. Based on Jebuss answer, stating the School of Truth itself isnt forbidden. And I bet the guy who wasnt even an Ambitionist yet had no idea why he was exploiting the gatekeepers absence. Seems it really is an Overseer ability after all. No wonder the taboos are fluid, with the context, mental state, and overall situation determining what crosses the line each time. The rules adapt to the circumstances. Heh, just like the ideology Jebus described. Lumian gave a small nod and laughed. Well, at least we secured the spoils early on. Wouldve been a huge waste otherwise. He thought for a bit. Franca, contact the Demoness of Black with the charm later. Inform her about the fixed mirror world entrance we made, what occurred, and how Jebus reacted. See what she thinks and advises. Right, shes likely a Tamara from the Apprentice branch. No love lost between her and Moran Avigny, who defected from the Judgement branch. Franca concurred, and Lumian turned to Jenna next. Head to the safehouse and send word to Madam Judgment. The Judgement pathway stands for order, so I feel we must alert her to the School of Truth situation at once. Ill take you there. Got it. Jenna was accustomed to Lumian delegating tasks in moments like these. Finally, Lumian addressed Anthony. Join me at the Pleasure Pavilion to await Moran Avignys arrival. Watch him closely for any unusual behavior. Situated on Avenue du Boulevard, the opulent Pavilion of Pleasure functioned as the Intis Republics presidential estate. Moran Avigny was due to attend a ministerial meeting convened by the president there. Anthony inclined his head slightly to convey his assent. Observation was a Spectators forte, after all. Inside the quarry cave housing the mirror worlds fixed entryway, Franca leaned against the wall, her night vision active. She produced a compact and a charm fashioned from ashen stone. Clasping the charm, Franca infused it with her spirituality. Reciting the Hermes activation phrase, she intoned, Eyes! Wreathed in obsidian flames, the rock-like grayish charm flared to life. Franca touched it to the compacts glass, causing the mirror to lose solidity and turn incorporeal. The burning charm sank through without resistance, vanishing from sight. Moments later, Franca sensed a presence surround her. A mass of dark locks then rose from the makeup mirrors surface. The rippling black tresses obscured her view. As the hair fully emerged, Franca tightened her grasp, and Clarice took form before her. The Demoness of Blacks own hair remained immaculately tied up, with no trace of the ominous raven strands. Even having met her prior, Franca couldnt suppress a rush of awe at Clarices allure. The woman possessed a breathtaking beauty that effortlessly ensnared any who beheld her. Clarice regarded Franca, her melodic voice gentle as she inquired, You have an update? Composing herself, Franca detailed her suspicion of corruption seeping out of Underground Trier. She had ventured to a particular sector bearing the Primordial Demoness figurine, ultimately pinpointing the target site. She elaborated on beseeching the Primordial One via the figurine, obtaining a reply, and securing a permanent gateway to the mirror plane. A rare glimmer of approval showed on Clarices face. Your instincts are sharp and your mind keen. Impressive that you conceived of and accomplished this. Perhaps you too shall rise to be a colored Demoness one day. Demoness of Yellow? Franca grumbled to herself. She went on to outline the scheme she had hatched with Lumians crew, withholding specifics about the Tarot Club and portraying the Mirror Mark power as an item. Clarice listened attentively without comment. Franca recounted the offensive against Lumian amid his probe, his triumph over Jebus, and the bounty of intel gleaned through a Spectator. The Demoness of Black nodded. Your lovers are quite capable, the Hunter in particular. Here Clarice smirked. The taste of a Hunter isnt bad either. The higher their Sequence, the more intense and brave they grow. Wh Emperor, even an elite Demoness has perused your clandestine annals Every Demoness probably owns an edition! Franca wavered between finding Emperor Roselles plight humorous or pitiable. It certainly has its perks, Franca played along, smiling and trying to mask her chagrin. The Demoness of Black proceeded, However, both you and he erred. Upon amassing adequate knowledge, you should have ceased questioning without delay. The wiser course was to first ambush Moran Avigny, seize him, then interrogate further. Agreed. Franca accepted the Demoness of Blacks reproach. In hindsight, the location of the School of Truths headquarters and the presiding Overseers identity were not essential facts for their immediate needs. They could have morphed Jebus into a dog and set Lugano and Ludwig to guard him. While the Overseer remained unaware, she and the rest could have lurked within the mirror, poised for Moran Avigny to unwittingly enter of his own accord. Ample chances to take a second captive would have presented themselves down the line. However, this was Lumians style. It had long been apparent to Franca that Lumian was predisposed to extracting intelligence on the spot. Only extraordinary reasons would induce him to postpone. As if he feared the slightest delay might thwart him from procuring otherwise obtainable insight. Demoness of Black Clarice refrained from belaboring the point. Nodding, she declared, Abide here for my return. Ill look into these developments, but it may require some time. As you wish, Madame Clarice. Franca made no effort to conceal her gratified smile. Outside the dazzling Pavilion of Pleasure on Avenue du Boulevard, Lumian and Anthony seamlessly rejoined the throng of journalists. Chapter 718 - 718 Another Warning 718 Another Warning Lumian and Anthony only had to wait briefly before the ministers began exiting the Pavilion of Pleasure one by one. They quickly approached Moran Avigny, the Minister of Industry. While listening to the other reporters questions, they employed their unique abilities to observe him closely. After just over ten seconds, Lumian turned to Anthony and gave a small shake of his head, indicating that, for now, there was nothing unusual about Morans river of fate. He trusted that Anthony, being a Spectator, would understand his unspoken message. Anthony responded with a slight head shake of his own, confirming to Lumian that Moran Avignys expression and behavior appeared normal. Has the Overseer directly responsible for Jebus not reached out to Moran Avigny? Or could our assumption be incorrect? Is it possible that Jebuss death wasnt detected by the Overseers monitoring? Have they not fully grasped the situation with Jebus? These thoughts raced through Lumians mind as he continued his observation. This was precisely why he had come in person to the Pavilion of Pleasure to await Moran Avignys appearance. Only by acquiring the most current and reliable information could he assess whether to move forward with the original plan, adjust it, or temporarily set it aside! Indeed, within Moran Avignys river of fate, a tributary of him entering the full-body mirror in the study still exists, shrouded in an intense black hue Lumian, unconcerned about the drain on his spirituality, maintained his focus on any potential shifts in Moran Avignys destiny. Following a short interview, the debonair Minister of Industry, flanked by his bodyguards, descended the steps of the Pavilion of Pleasure and headed towards his stylish four-wheeled, four-seater carriage. As the valet opened the carriage door, Moran Avigny pulled out a small hand mirror from his pocket, seemingly checking his appearance. In Triers high society, this was a typical occurrence. Mens cosmetics and grooming had long been in vogue. Moran Avigny peered into the hand mirror, his dark-gray pupils abruptly widening as his expression subtly changed. Nearly simultaneously, Lumian, with his silver-black eyes, detected a notable alteration in the Minister of Industrys fate tributary. None of the tributaries suggested Moran Avignys entry into the studys full-body mirror! All relevant choices had vanished! As a result, even if Lumian depleted nearly half of his spirituality and employed Compelling Fate, he would be unable to force Moran Avigny to willingly enter the studys full-body mirror. Compelling Fate wasnt about creating destiny; choices had to exist before they could be compelled! Taking advantage of the moment when the reporters had shifted their focus and the two of them were slowly trailing behind, Anthony quietly said to Lumian, When Moran Avigny looked at himself in the hand mirror, he experienced a palpable sense of fear. As Lumian followed the other reporters, he continued to assess Moran Avigny and formed a related hypothesis. Someone was utilizing the mirror world and the hand mirror to convey a message to Moran Avigny! The transmitted information likely pertained to the mysterious demise of Jebus Lata, who was tasked with guarding the studys full-body mirror, and the disappearance of his body. For Moran Avigny, this implied that someone was conspiring against him. The shadow was already looming over him, its source and circumstances unknown. Under such conditions, fear was inevitable. For the majority of people, emotions would inevitably manifest to some degree in their facial expressions and physical movements, making them readily apparent to Spectators. Yes, given that Jebus possessed a Mirror Cufflink, its reasonable to assume that the Overseer above him would have comparable items. They might even possess the additional capability to communicate via the mirror world Lumian recalled, thinking of the glass cufflink now in Francas possession. Moreover, Jebus had disclosed that Moran Avigny had instructed the other Mirror People from the Tamara family to assume new identities and relocate, leaving him as the sole contact with the School of Truth. Consequently, when the Overseer discovered Jebuss unexplained disappearance and ultimate death, they would be unable to reach the other Mirror People. They could only await the conclusion of Moran Avignys ministerial meeting to send him a warning. Our prior conjectures have been validated. The Overseer did indeed detected Jebuss death. Whether the Overseer was limited by his abilities or hindered by the Primordial Demoness figurine is uncertain, but he was unable to immediately locate us and launch a counterattack We must abandon the original plan. Getting Moran Avigny to willingly enter the studys full-body mirror is no longer feasible Lost in thought, Lumian watched as Moran Avigny tucked away the hand mirror, boarded the carriage, and headed home. Taking advantage of the still somewhat chaotic scene, he and Anthony discreetly left the Pavilion of Pleasure. At the periphery of a square adorned with statues and obelisks, Lumian scanned his surroundings. Confirming that no one was nearby, he murmured to Anthony, What do you think frightened Moran Avigny? He had already shared his theory with Anthony. Drawing on his Spectator perspective, Anthony endeavored to analyze the psychological states of the School of Truth and Moran Avigny. Without intel on the enemy, its improbable that the School of Truth, a secret organization worshiping an evil deity, would dispatch additional demigod-level operatives to Moran Avignys proximity to enhance protection for the Mirror People. Unlike an orthodox Church, they cant afford to act rashly and perpetually escalate their involvement. They must consider the possibility that the group that apprehended Jebus is equally formidable, potentially including a demigod in their ranks. They might even suspect that this could be a covert mission orchestrated by the Purifier, Machinery Hivemind, or an elite unit from Bureau 8. In essence, the Overseer will convey to Moran Avigny that hes now on his own. Theyll offer indirect support but cant intervene directly. Other cults might react with insanity, extremism, and irrationality while still defending Moran Avigny. However, based on Jebuss ideology, the School of Truth will refrain from such actions. That explains why Moran Avigny couldnt conceal his fear. Its tantamount to being forsaken. Lumian gently nodded. Anthony continued his analysis. We must also take into account Moran Avignys unique characteristic as a Mirror Person. The Mirror People weve previously encountered not only pursued their own ambitions but also exhibited a certain zealotry towards their leader and overarching objectives. Based on my observations, while Moran Avigny is undeniably terrified, he managed to exercise some restraint. Upon entering the carriage, he appeared resolute and determined. Lumian comprehended and remarked, Is he contemplating self-sacrifice? Hell promptly alert the other Mirror People and urge them to swiftly conceal themselves. As for himself, hes under the strict protection of officials, rendering escape impossible. His only option is to remain in place, visible to the enemy faction, hoping that his fortune is sufficient and the official protection proves effective. Heh heh, in times like these, protection becomes another form of confinement. Anthony shifted the topic. Which tributary turned black following the change in Moran Avignys fate? Lumian shook his head. Nothing at present. This is an exceptionally unique situation. It signifies that it will manifest only when Moran Avigny makes a new choice, branching into a new fate tributary. At this juncture, Lumian exhaled slowly and stated, I dont perceive any other opportunities at the moment. It would have been good if the Overseer had acted rashly and protected Moran Avigny. The Demoness of Black should be awaiting him. Hmm, lets locate Jenna and Franca first. In the quarry cave housing a permanent entrance to the mirror world, Franca, who had been patiently waiting, witnessed black hair reemerge from the mirror, descending strand by strand. Demoness of Black Clarice materialized and spoke softly, Currently, no Beyonders are concealed behind the relevant mirror. They must have abandoned Moran Avigny. Im unable to provide assistance at this time. You must reevaluate your strategy and devise a means to capture Moran Avigny, who is under the robust protection of official Beyonders, without entering the mirror world. Do you have a solution in mind? Franca wished to inquire but refrained out of concern for offending the Demoness of Black. Instead, she simply replied, Understood. In a secure safe house within the administrative district, Jenna informed Lumian and Anthony, Madame Judgment has instructed us to halt further action for now. She needs to confer with the other Major Arcana card holders regarding the information obtained from Jebus. With Maam Hermit? Lumian pondered silently, immersed in thought. He gave a small nod and said, Lets go find Franca. After rendezvousing with Franca in the subterranean quarry cave and sharing their discoveries, Lumian sighed and declared, For the time being, we have no choice but to abandon our efforts. As Franca and the others nodded in agreement, Lumian suddenly heard a resounding voice. Dont you believe youre capitulating prematurely? Did you fail to notice any issues? Termiboros Why is He offering me guidance? And its not an urgent matter that threatens Him? Lumian couldnt help but furrow his brow. Termiboross profound voice persisted, Consider this. If you were an Overseer, what actions would you take in such a scenario? Naturally, they would reduce personnel and conceal themselves to prevent the enemy from discovering clues and pursuing them Lumian muttered under his breath. Beyond this, what else can they do? How can they indirectly aid Moran Avigny? Franca, Jenna, and Anthony observed Lumian as he mumbled to himself, awaiting his ultimate explanation. Abruptly, a possibility occurred to Lumian. He gazed at his three companions and said in a low, serious tone, Under the Table Transaction! Safeguard Moran Avigny through a high-level Under the Table transaction! Thats why we each abandoned the plan for distinct reasons. Even the river of fate currently shows no death calamity for Moran Avigny! Chapter 719 - 719 Advancing 719 Advancing We were under the influence of an Under the Table transaction? Franca carefully reviewed the entire situation but couldnt find anything out of the ordinary. The only thing that stood out was that the Demoness of Black probably had a way to quickly extract Moran Avigny while he was under the protection of an official Beyonder team. She clearly knew how to exploit the mirror world, yet she burdened everything upon her. Of course, her actions made sense when put into context. Even though Moran Avignys security detail consisted of Mid-Sequence Beyonders, this was Trier, the capital of the Intis Republic. It was a diocese of great importance to both the Eternal Blazing Sun Church and the God of Steam and Machinery Church. Numerous demigods were posted there, ready to intervene at a moments notice. If the Demoness of Black couldnt end the fight quickly and eliminate all witnesses, she would face severe repercussions. Official Beyonders might even track her using specialized Sealed Artifacts. If something happened to her, the Demoness Sects Trier branch would be dealt a crippling blow. In a situation like this, it would be wiser for her to assign a capable member of middling rank to handle the matter while she focused on damage control. If things went south, she could easily cut ties with Franca and her lovers. This assumed, of course, that Moran Avigny wasnt valuable enough for the Demoness Sect to go to great lengths to eliminate him. If he were, the sect would have evacuated non-essential personnel beforehand and assembled high-ranking, color-named Demonesses in Trier. I think theres an issue here. Its not that we shouldnt or cant abandon the mission, but rather that we gave up far too readily and hastily, Anthony remarked, analyzing the situation from a human behavioral standpoint. Franca nodded pensively and added, Indeed. The Demoness of Black only briefly verified the absence of hidden Beyonders behind the mirror in question before concluding that Moran Avigny had been abandoned and would receive no further assistance. Thats way too rushed and convenient, Jenna commented. After a moments hesitation, she asked, Was Madam Judgment affected as well? Its possible. Lumian glanced down at his chest. Lowering his voice, he asked, Termiboros, why werent you impacted? Is it because youre an Angel? Termiboross imposing voice echoed within Lumians body. Its hard to say for certain. It could also be due to The Fools seal. While the seal does limit me, it can also serve as a safeguard under certain circumstances. Similar to Naboredisleys Abomination corpse? The Overseers Under the Table transaction couldnt breach Mr. Fools seal, so it had no effect on Termiboros? Lumian nodded in understanding and said to Jenna, We need to inform Madam Judgment of our suspicions. If an Under the Table transaction is indeed at play, shell undoubtedly break free of its influence and offer new guidance once alerted. If shes unaffected, the messenger will just have to put in a bit of extra effort. Got it. Jenna grasped Lumians point. Even though we suspect an Under the Table transaction, we cant act recklessly right now. We still require fresh directives from the Major Arcana cardholders. As Franca waited for Madam Judgments reply, she let out a sigh. Is something wrong? Jenna inquired, her worry apparent. Franca responded with a mix of sorrow and outrage, This Under the Table transaction was exceptionally lavish. It impacted no fewer than two demigods. The Overseer of the School of Truth must have paid a steep price and offered up a considerable number of precious items. Sure, thats all true, but whats it got to do with you? Why are you so worked up about it? Jenna blinked, struggling to grasp Francas train of thought. Franca elaborated, Once Madam Judgment apprehends or eliminates him with our assistance, there wont be much left in terms of spoils of war for us to divvy up. We might end up with another penniless target like Jebus! Lumian, Jenna, and Anthony were momentarily at a loss for words. Youre already worrying about hypothetical future spoils? Lumian shifted the topic and turned to Franca and Jenna. When I posed those final two questions to Jebus, why did you two lean in closer to me? Did you sense that something was about to go awry? Naturally, it was a Demonesss intuitive premonition, Franca declared smugly. While I couldnt pinpoint what exactly would happen, being nearer to you provided me with more options for dealing with potential threats. Jenna gave a subtle nod, indicating that she felt the same way. Lumian faced Anthony. What about you? Anthony answered honestly, I suspected that the last two questions would snap Jebus out of his hypnotic state. Franca and Jennas reactions indirectly validated my concerns. Given that, it seemed prudent to take cover behind you two. So youre using us as human shields? Franca remarked with a wry smile. Anthony nodded earnestly. You two have Mirror Substitution at your disposal. Fair point, Franca conceded. After a short while, Madam Judgments messenger delivered a response. The message was succinct: Proceed with your course of action. Does this imply that the Major Arcana cardholders will monitor the situation? Have they consulted with Maam Hermit? Lumian nodded thoughtfully and grinned at Franca and the others. Lets stick to our initial plan. The initial plan? Franca started, taken aback. Precisely, Lumian confirmed, still smiling. Over the next several hours, potentially even a full day, the Overseer and the other Mirror People certainly wont be guarding Moran Avigny from behind the full-length mirror in his study. That should be a necessary condition for the Under the Table transaction to succeed. The Demoness of Black has already inspected those locations, and the Overseer is unaware of when she might do so again. He needs to allow sufficient time. Put another way, if we conceal ourselves within that mirror, well be safe from disruption and harm. Jennas brow furrowed slightly. But doesnt the heart of the issue lie in the fact that Moran Avigny wont be entering the full-length mirror anytime soon? How can we ambush him Jenna abruptly trailed off, as if a thought had just occurred to her. Lumians grin widened. The Overseer may resort to an Under the Table transaction, but so can we! Indeed, the Authority Holders Under-the-table Transaction! Franca immediately grasped Lumians implication. Lumian planned to harness the Authority Holders Under-the- table Transaction to plant the idea in Moran Avignys mind to re-enter the full-length mirror! As for how an Under the Table transaction would enable such an arrangement to work, that wasnt their concern. Even the Overseer probably didnt know the inner workings of the Under the Table transaction. Under the Table dealings were, in a sense, a black box! With Magic Mirror Divination verifying the level of risk, Lumian, Franca, Jenna, and Anthony ventured into the enigmatic and shadowy realm via the mirror world entrance affixed to the jutting rock. Surveying the spiderweb-like void passageways stretching to unknown destinations, Lumian activated the Mirror Mark contract imprinted on him. He then addressed Franca and the others, I can detect the full-length mirror and determine its precise whereabouts. In that case, lets make our way there immediately. Franca pulled up her Assassin suits hood once more and latched onto Lumians arm. She had already donned the Mirror Cufflink, but why squander one of its uses when other means were available? As soon as Jenna and Anthony grabbed hold of him again, Lumian triggered the Spirit World Traversal mark and teleported through one of the dark, vacant passageways to a deep, black aqueous light. The aqueous light signified a mirror with a corresponding hazy zone linked to myriad illusory tunnels akin to spiderwebs. Lumian peered into the dark aqueous light and observed the scene through the glass mirror. It was undoubtedly Moran Avignys study. Franca likewise recognized the targets position and breathed a sigh of relief. Ill handle the Under the Table transaction. Allow me. Lumian smiled. Given what transpired earlier, I might encounter Demons even without the Authority Holders Under-the-table Transaction. In that case, I might as well use it freely. He was alluding to the events surrounding Naboredisley. Very well. Franca yielded to Lumians reasoning. Then Ill cover the cost! She produced 5,000 verl dor worth of gold from her Travelers Bag. Lumian accepted without protest and said to Jenna and the others, The transaction I aim to complete is to instill in Moran Avigny the notion of entering the full-length mirror in his study. Then, Ill employ Compelling Fate to transform that notion into reality. This is far simpler than directly compelling Moran Avigny to enter the mirror. The price will undoubtedly be lower. Understood. Jenna retrieved the Authority Holders Under- the-table Transaction from her backpack. The small, dark wooden box still had eight uses remaining. Lumian grasped Francas pouch of gold coins in his right hand and reached through the membrane-like curtain. He then felt five damp, wrinkled fingers. They swiftly closed around the pouch containing the gold coins. Lumians expression remained neutral as he articulated his request in Hermes. After a brief pause, the wrinkled, moist palm returned the pouch of gold coins. Wh Lumian glanced up and apprised Franca and the others of the development. Franca promptly understood. Its demanding more money! Her heart sank as she produced additional banknotes and gold, but the slightly cold, wrinkled palm kept rejecting the payment. Lumian contributed tens of thousands of verl dor, yet the transaction still wouldnt go through. Could it be that Under the Table doesnt desire money or gold? Jenna recalled Jebuss insights regarding the Broker pathway. Perhaps it requires a mystical item? Lumian pondered, considering what he could offer. Franca deliberated for a moment before suggesting, What about the Blood Gold ring? It has considerable drawbacks, and weve hardly used it. The Blood Gold ring had come from Mad Lady and corresponded to some of the capabilities of a Sequence 6 Rose Bishop of the Secrets Suppliant pathway. The four of them conferred for a while before deciding to attempt the transaction with the Blood Gold ring. The moment the Blood Gold ring touched Under the Table, the five fingers of the palm clenched firmly and withdrew, taking the ring with them. This indicated that the deal had been finalized. Phew Lumian exhaled in relief and remarked, Im curious to see how the Under the Table transaction will unfold Franca pressed a hand to her chest and prayed to Mr. Fool, Please dont let us run into any swindlers. Praise The Fool! Chapter 720 - 720 Unexpected "Helper" 720 Unexpected Helper The word swindler hung in the air, leaving Lumian and the others in stunned silence as similar thoughts raced through their minds. Surely they couldnt be that unlucky, right? Jebus had warned them about the possibility of running into swindlers during an Under the Table deal, but Francas previous experiences with Authority Holders Under-the-table Transaction had always been reliable. Plus, the Blood Gold ring had been accepted this time around. If Lumian hadnt been personally overseeing the transaction, he wouldve used the Eye of Calamity to assess the likelihood of it being finalized and look for ways to interfere. But for now, the four of them had no choice but to wait patiently. Hidden behind the dark, watery light, they watched the scene unfolding in the study through the glass mirror. As the night wore on, Lumian and his companions nibbled on the rations hed packed for Ludwig in his Travelers Bag to keep their hunger at bay. Close to 10 p.m., Moran Avigny strode into the study, leaving the wooden door wide open. He sank into an armchair beneath the gas wall lamp, grabbed a book from a nearby pile, and began casually flipping through it. The Purifier team tasked with his protection remained stationed at the door as usual, never setting foot inside. Moran Avigny had always insisted on this arrangement. Hed even signed contracts with the Purifiers, Machinery Hivemind members, and Bureau 8 team, acknowledging that he was willing to take on the associated risks. The security detail understood. A politicians study likely concealed all sorts of shady secrets. Keeping people with Beyonder powers from entering was a way for Moran Avigny to protect himself. As was his custom, Moran Avigny left the study door open instead of shutting it, making it simpler for the Purifiers to keep an eye out for any potential trouble. While perusing the books, Moran Avigny would occasionally glance up at the full-length mirror positioned just out of the Purifiers line of sight, his thoughts seemingly far away. At the same time, Lumians eyes, hidden within the mirror, glinted a silvery-black. Peering through the glass, he studied Moran Avignys river of fate. Looking closer, he confirmed that the Minister of Industry had indeed gained several new fate tributaries involving stepping into the full-length mirror. One of them was even cloaked in a thick, black hue. Seizing the moment when Moran Avigny ducked his head to resume reading, Lumian slowly reached his right palm out from the mirror, pressing it firmly against the glass as if it were merely a reflection. Then, he unleashed his remaining spirituality, transforming it into a raging, phantom river that surged toward the mercury stream symbolizing Moran Avignys fate from a few meters away. The main trunk of Moran Avignys fate swallowed up the other tributaries and rushed into the dense, black one. Compelling Fate! Channeling the spirituality hed accumulated using his Ascetic abilities, Lumian quickly withdrew his palm to avoid tipping off Moran Avigny. He gave Franca and the others a nod, signaling that both the Under the Table deal and his Compelling of Fate had been successful. As for the exact way Moran Avigny would embark on this fated path, Lumian couldnt say. The details were beyond his sight. Franca and Jenna let out sighs of relief. Not daring to speak lest they alert Moran Avigny, who possessed mirror-related abilities, they shared their understanding with Lumian through gratified smiles and relaxed nods. They retreated to their positions, preparing for the upcoming ambush. Just as fate was being compelled, Moran Avignys spirituality abruptly sensed a warning, filling him with a feeling of impending danger. The mirror message hed received at dusk sprang to mind, and he started to suspect that the unknown enemy the Overseer had mentioned was plotting something that could put his life at risk. Unable to resist, Moran Avigny glanced at the full-length mirror once more, debating whether to flee into it and abandon this place before the Purifiers had a chance to react. He yearned to shed his current identity and vanish completely from the hidden enemys radar. Fighting back his impulses, he turned his head to look at the Purifiers standing guard at the door. There could be a trap lurking behind the mirror. His best bet was to pray that the official Beyonders would be able to shield him! This is Trier, and Im a minister of the country! Right then, his valet appeared at the door, carrying a glass of warm milk. Drinking warm milk before showering and brushing his teeth was part of Moran Avignys nightly routine to help him sleep. The Purifiers carried out their standard checks before permitting the valet to enter the study. Your milk, Sir, the valet said deferentially, extending a white porcelain cup brimming with the liquid. Moran Avigny had made immense contributions to Intiss industrial growth and had been awarded the Legion of Honor medal, earning him the rank of Knight. Nodding his head slightly, Moran Avigny reached out his right hand to accept the glass. All of a sudden, he noticed his valets eyes cloud over, an indescribable agony lurking in their depths. A heartbeat later, the valets mouth flew open and he vomited. What he spat out was a solid, writhing chunk of blood-colored flesh, hurled directly at Moran Avigny! The flesh swiftly ballooned, morphing into a cloak of flesh and blood that wrapped around Moran Avigny. It wriggled inward, seemingly trying to force its way into the Minister of Industrys body. In the mirror, Lumian was stunned. This aura Its Mr. K! Why had he shown up out of nowhere to try to assassinate Moran Avigny? With a sharp crack, Moran Avigny, cocooned in the flesh-and- blood cloak, transformed into a mirror and shattered. Nearly simultaneously, the Purifiers at the door sprang into action. A column of pure light wreathed in flames plummeted from the sky, bathing the cloak and causing it to visibly start melting. Witnessing this, Moran Avigny spun around without hesitation and lunged at the mirror nearest to him. He had already revealed Mirror Substitution to the Purifiers. Short of eliminating every witness without a trace, he would undoubtedly face intense scrutiny later on and lose the protection of the contract. His only option was to take advantage of this chance to escape through the mirror world while the Purifiers tangled with the assassin! As he watched Moran Avignys figure loom larger and nearer to the full-length mirror, a thought abruptly struck Lumian. Could this be fate? He instantly retreated and disappeared. A moment later, Moran Avignys figure passed through the mirror, emerging behind the hazy, shadowy, and nearly vacant looking glass. The Purifiers outside were shocked to see this. At the same time, they grasped that something was seriously wrong with the target under their protection. Their attention wavered briefly. Taking advantage of the distraction, Mr. K changed Grazing targets and teleported away from Moran Avignys residence. In the space behind the mirror, Moran Avigny didnt linger. He promptly activated Mirror Traversal, rapidly changing positions to throw off any would-be pursuers. Just then, he felt his body grow inexplicably heavier, his movements oddly constricted, stopping him from successfully slipping into an empty, dark tunnel. It was as though someone had seized him. Right after that, Moran Avigny sensed invisible threads coiling around his limbs and torso, layer upon layer. With his Sheriff powers, he pinpointed the source of the sinister threads. They were close by. Moran Avigny angled his head marginally and peered at an empty corner. His eyes flashed with two blinding lightning bolts. Psychic Piercing! The lightning lanced out, hitting the empty spot. A sharp cracking rang out, scattering shards of shattered mirrors. At the same instant, Jenna, dressed in a black gown and veiled bonnet, materialized behind Moran Avigny, gripping a small, elegant revolver. Bang! She squeezed the trigger, targeting Moran Avignys vest. The yellow bullet, wreathed in silent black flames, struck the targets body with precision at close range. Crack! Moran Avigny deployed Mirror Substitution yet again. As broken mirrors rained down, his figure rematerialized in a different corner of the hazy space. Franca and Jenna vanished without a trace. Feeling the intangible threads enveloping him, Moran Avigny thrust out his right palm and intoned in ancient Hermes, Invisibility is prohibited here! The instant he uttered the final word, innumerable transparent spider silks undulated throughout the area, resembling seaweed blanketing a section of ocean. Franca, garbed as an Assassin, and Jenna, clad in dark attire, circled or advanced, respectively, poised to strike again. Realizing that the two foes couldnt touch him for the moment and that the invisible spider silk hadnt constricted, Moran Avigny had no time for a counterattack. He immediately sought to use Mirror Traversal to flee the area. Out of nowhere, Moran Avignys eyes bulged, his expression contorting with viciousness. His body shattered once more, assuming the shape of a mirror. Not far off, Anthony Reid, dressed like a veteran, appeared. He had just cast Frenzy on Moran Avigny! The Prohibition of Invisibility rule didnt constrain him since he wasnt invisible. However, Moran Avigny himself hadnt been looking in Anthonys direction! After employing Mirror Substitution multiple times, Moran Avigny rematerialized on the far side of the space, putting distance between himself and Franca, Jenna, and Anthony. Grasping that yet another enemy had entered the fray, he fled with intensified urgency. Right as Moran Avigny was poised to activate Mirror Traversal, Franca lowered her hood, unveiling her radiant, refined features. As she did, the diamond necklace adorning her neck emitted a subtle glow. Beatrices Necklace! Moran Avignys body flushed with heat, his gaze magnetized to Francas lake-blue eyes, her high, delicate nose bridge, her fair, flawless skin, and her lush, crimson lips. For an instant, his desire to escape slipped his mind. The activation of Beatrices Necklace didnt pose a direct threat to Moran Avignys life, so it failed to trigger Mirror Substitution. Moran Avigny lacked the time to deploy it himself. His cravings had already swelled beyond his control! Chapter 721 - 721 Exhausting the Substitutes 721 Exhausting the Substitutes A Demoness of Pleasure didnt possess an innately proactive charm, but she could maximize her allure to irresistible levels. Even under normal circumstances, her magnetism could make most men unable to shift their gazes away, their breathing growing labored as their minds raced with desire. Moran Avigny had certainly never been an Ascetic, and his lust was already inflamed by Beatrices Necklace. His focus was solely locked on Franca now, imagination running wild with tantalizing possibilities of what might happen next. Heart pounding, blood surging, his movements were affectedswift but erratic. A dawn-like glow emanated from Morans body, marking Franca as the target of his righteous punishment. This enhanced his influence and offensive power against the tempting demoness. As he selected her for punishment, Moran seemed to grow taller in Francas eyes, striking fear into her heart. She sensed he was a formidable figure who could end her existence with a mere thought. She broke invisibility and tried to quickly shift positions. Seizing the opportunity, Moran thrust out his right hand, breathing hot and heavy, and spoke an ancient Hermes incantation: Imprison! Viscous amber liquid surged forth, enveloping Franca and freezing the demoness in place within a colossal transparent prison. Crack! Francas form shattered, transforming into a palm-sized makeup mirror. This allowed her to escape the Disciplinary Paladins Imprison. Suddenly, powerful danger premonition gripped Moran. Straining his enhanced physique, he broke free of the intangible spider silk ensnaring him and dove to the side. Jennas ice spike wreathed in unholy black flames narrowly missed its mark as she struck with all her might from the diagonal flank. Morans eyes flicked to the Witch in her dark dress and bonnet. He couldnt help but think she was quite appealing too. Why not have both? Dropping to one knee, Moran reached out towards Jenna and bellowed another Hermes invocation: Confinement! Wordlessly, an immaterial wall materialized around Jenna, impenetrable even to her Spirit Body. Rather than adhering directly to her, it generated a transparent cell with her at its center, thwarting any attempt at Mirror Substitution. Taking note of this, Jenna opted not to strike the unseen barrier. Instead, she enveloped herself in a layer of frost. Beyond the frost was another layer of frosta delicate vacuum formed, transforming Jenna into a frozen statue. Confinement! Moran Avigny didnt immediately press his advantage against Jenna. His bloodshot eyes fixed on Franca as he confined the space surrounding the Demoness of Pleasure. Franca remained unresponsive as black flames surged forth from her form. Outside the black blaze, strata of frost coalesced, fashioning a translucent, sturdy sarcophagus. Transparent spider silk wound around her, cocooning the frost in spirals. Wh Moran Avigny, though perplexed by the Demoness of Pleasures peculiar behavior, took satisfaction in the success of his Confinement, circumventing the effects of Mirror Substitution. His movements somewhat warped, he lunged at Franca. His mind raced with the powers he would unleash next and the consequences of bringing her under his control. He had almost forgotten the presence of the Spectator, but Anthony had slipped into a blind spot. No matter, Ill subdue the two Demonesses first! The instant this notion crossed Moran Avignys mind, a faintly piercing melody abruptly resounded in his ears. Lumian stepped out from the corner shadows, the black Symphony of Hatred bone flute at his lips. Prohibition of Invisibility hadnt compelled him to reveal himself, as he wasnt invisible to begin with. He had merely shape-shifted into a shadow being, blending with the shadows! Lumian studied Moran Avignys face, twisted by desire. Approaching with a grin, he played the melody with intensified vigor. Given Moran Avignys state, he was certain the Symphony of Hatreds exploitation of vulnerabilities would undeniably inflame the others cravings. Employing his Fate Appropriators abilities in tandem was unnecessary. Amid the lively, cutting music, Moran Avignys body abruptly went rigid. With a cracking noise, he invoked Mirror Substitution to endure the nearly lethal assault on his behalf. Moran Avignys silhouette manifested behind Lumian, but Lumians performance persisted, and the nigh-explosive lust gripping Moran Avigny remained unabated. Crack! Crack! Crack! Moran Avignys form repeatedly fractured like a mirror, rematerializing in the ever-quickening melody. He couldnt flee the vicinity, nor could he spare a moment to obstruct his hearing. The captivating strains of the Symphony of Hatred permeated every nook of the space behind the mirror. Anthony crouched in a corner, employing a prop he had readied beforehand to shield his ears. He was set to bank on the mirror to induce a trance and plunge into deep sleep, thus evading Lumians lethal melody that spared neither friend nor foe. Despite his preparations, grayish-white dragon scales involuntarily surfaced on his skin. Crack! Crack! Moran Avignys Mirror Substitution had at last been exhausted. His mind reeled, and he experienced overwhelming pleasure, a surge of euphoria. His frame shuddered with pain and rapture. Blood seeped from his nostrils, eyes, ears, and mouth. His saliva, mucus, and tears streamed all at once, as though he teetered on the brink of collapse. Lumian appeared behind him, lowered the Symphony of Hatred, and snorted. Twin beams of white light struck Moran Avigny, plunging the Disciplinary Paladin into unconsciousness. Lumian afforded Moran Avigny no opportunity to harness his unique powers to rouse himself. He produced a ritualistic dog skin from his Travelers Bag and draped it over the gradually crumpling foes head. Dog! Lumian declared in Hermes. With a shadowy flash, Moran Avigny vanished, supplanted by an enormous dog with tawny fur. Amid the intangible thud of the dog collapsing to the ground, it lay insensible on its flank. Lumian smiled, stooped down, and scooped up the dog. Witnessing this, Anthony dislodged the gag that had wholly covered his ears, and Jenna shed the dual layers of frost encasing her. Franca lagged slightly. After a handful of seconds, the cocoon ruptured, and the ice coffin noiselessly dissipated, prompting the black flames to disperse. She regarded Lumian and Jenna with astonishment and delight, stating, My Pleasure potion underwent substantial digestion! No sooner had she concluded her statement than she pinched her nose and surveyed the spot where Moran Avigny had stood and the massive dog cradled in Lumians arms. I know whats going on He must have just savored genuine pleasureutmost pleasure. Moreover, this pleasure stemmed from me. Lumian deliberated momentarily before replying, He even staked his life to remain in pursuit of the pleasure you bestowed upon him, weathering the same excruciating agony. Ultimately, he attained the pleasure he coveted, albeit not in the manner he desired. He paid the steepest price for it. Hes also a Beyonder on par with Sequence 5, Franca remarked with a wistful smile. Regrettably, I wasnt the one wielding the Symphony of Hatred; otherwise, my Pleasure potion might have been fully digested. Pleasure begets pain, and pleasure lures people into depravity. Pleasure is akin to a candle flame to a moth At this juncture, she lowered her voice and mumbled in an unfamiliar tongue, Lust is a dangerous game Franca harbored no excessive regrets. Among them, only Lumian could shoulder the adverse cost of the Symphony of Hatred. Anthony scanned the environs and serenely prompted Franca, Since weve succeeded, lets leave quickly. Jenna had already drawn near to Lumian, who had likewise stowed away the Symphony of Hatred. Okay. Franca nodded and took several paces to Lumians side, grasping his upper arm. Concurrently, black flames ignited behind the mirror. Within seconds, the quartet emerged from the fixed portal to the mirror world in the quarry cave. Franca finalized the anti- divination and anti-prophecy measures. Subsequently, they teleported back to the secured residence in the administrative district. Franca sighed. Beatrices Necklace can no longer trigger Lust Beatrices Necklace could only trigger such desires twice. The inaugural target of Lust was Gardner Martin. For Demoness Franca, this signified the loss of a potent auxiliary means. Jenna nodded slightly. How unfortunate. It appears the Demoness of Pleasure and the Sex Addict of the Mother Tree of Desire pathway can forge an ideal and efficacious partnership. Indeed. Unfortunately, I cannot obtain the Mother Tree of Desires boon. Otherwise Franca abruptly fell silent, and an identical phrase flitted through the minds of Lumian and the others: Sex Addict Demoness! Clearing her throat twice, Franca said, I can only hope that the bestowed of the Mother Tree of Desire will bestow comparable props. She turned to the enfeebled dog, who had yet to stir, and contemplated briefly before proposing, Administer truth serum to him first, then have Anthony befriend him as a two- pronged approach? Yes, employ the Magic Mirror Spirit Channeling Spell as a precautionary step Lumian nodded, recollecting the criticism the Demoness of Black had leveled at Franca. Quelling his avarice, he said, No need to rush. Ill question him after visiting Mr. K. Mr. K must have his motives for abruptly targeting Moran Avigny for assassination. Only by consulting him can we extract more pertinent intelligence later. Franca and the others nodded in concurrence. Agreed. 19 Rue Scheer, Psychic Magazine headquarters. Lumian alighted from the carriage, attired in a light-blue cotton shirt following a change of clothing, and entered the six-story white luxurious residence. Chapter 722 - 722 He Knows 722 He Knows In the basement of 19 Rue Scheer, Lumian encountered Mr. K. If he hadnt witnessed Mr. K transform into flesh and blood to envelop Moran Avigny and subsequently suffer holy light damage from the Purifiers, Lumian wouldnt have believed that the energetic, black-hooded man before him had recently infiltrated the Intis Republics Minister of Industrys residence and carried out an assassination. Youre back from the Southern Continent? Mr. Ks voice was as deep and raspy as ever. Instead of sitting in the red armchair, he stood directly in front of Lumian, in the shadows projected by the crystal chandelier. Lumian didnt hide anything and smiled. Im back to do a favor for a friend. Ill be leaving again in the future. As you know, I can teleport. Mr. Ks expansive hood swayed gently, as if nodding. He said with relief, The fact that you still remember to come here and praise the Lords glory after returning to Trier proves I didnt misjudge you. Lumian, having just completed the prayer process with Mr. K, felt guilty and ashamed. He cut to the chase. I saw you assassinate Moran Avigny. Under his hood, Mr. Ks gaze suddenly took on a tangible quality, and the shadows around him flickered. After a few seconds, the Aurora Order Oracle asked in a hoarse voice, You were there? Lumian maintained a relaxed demeanor as he replied, Yes. Your assassination method bore the hallmarks of a Rose Bishop and was suspected of using Grazing to teleport. Even with just the Purifiers information, it wouldnt be hard for me to guess it was you. But I admit, I was indeed present. Where were you hiding? Mr. K inquired. Lumian replied with a smile, In the mirror Moran Avigny fled into. At this, Mr. Ks black robe fluttered despite the still air, as if countless flesh and blood were cheering beneath. Unable to hide his excitement, he asked, And now? Have you captured Moran Avigny? Yes. Lumian nodded solemnly. Hahaha! Hahaha! Mr. K half-raised his body, revealing his thin chin, and erupted into maniacal laughter. His laughter made Lumians ears ring. Light and shadows danced in the basement, the stench of blood permeating the air. Finally, Mr. K stopped laughing and spoke with unnerving fanaticism, Just as the Lord arranged. Piousness is indeed the only way out! He began tracing a cross on his chest. Praise you for creating all. Praise you for bearing the worlds sins! Lumian also praised the Aurora Orders True Creator. Mr. K smiled and sighed. I had planned to assassinate Moran Avigny in the coming days, but hadnt set a date. However, when I saw him at the window this evening, gazing at the distant scenery, I sensed something off about his emotional state. Fearing something might go wrong, I hastily launched the operation and failed. I was about to repent to the Lord and shoulder my sins when you arrived and told me you had captured Moran Avigny. What does this signify? It means the Lord has prearranged everything. We need only pray, act, and do things with devotion. Nothing else matters. With piousness, failure is a stepping stone to success. Without it, even success leads to failure. In previous conversations with Mr. K, Lumian had always felt a language barrier. He understood the words but couldnt truly grasp the fanatical state. But this time, his heart raced and a chill ran down his spine. Could the Under the Table transaction I initiated through the Authority Holders Under-the-table Transaction be connected to the Aurora Orders Lord? Is that why Moran Avigny suddenly risked leaving through the study mirror? Why he came to the study to assess the environment, weighing the risks as he feigned reading So, after I compelled Moran Avignys fate, Mr. K hurried to the study to assassinate him, forcing him to flee to the nearest mirrorthe full-body one we hid in During the transaction, we paid with the Blood Gold ring, derived from the Beyonder characteristic of a Sequence 6 Rose Bishop of the Secrets Suppliant pathway Lumian chose to share his feelings with Mr. K but concealed his fear and the power of Compelling Fate. He attributed all the developments to the Authority Holders Under-the-table Transaction. Despite his frenzied laughter, Mr. K remained composed. Solemnly and fanatically, he said, The Lord watches, the Lord listens, and the Lord knows. Lumian had heard Madam Magician say similar words before but hadnt felt their weight. He hadnt even been troubled, knowing it was futile. But now, every hair on his body stood on end, a chill running down his spine. He sensed eyes watching him from every shadow. The more he experienced and learned, the more acutely he felt the terror and oppression of those three short sentences. After a few seconds, Lumian praised the True Creator again and asked, Mr. K, why did you assassinate Moran Avigny? My friends and I dealt with him because the real Moran Avigny is dead. The active one is a Mirror Person. What about you? Mirror Person? No wonder he has Mirror Substitution. Thats precisely what I didnt anticipatecausing the assassination to fail, Mr. K sighed with realization. Pacing back and forth, he told Lumian, Recent cases in Intis have led to an organization called the School of Truth. They used degenerates from cults and official organizations to achieve certain goals. For example, a descendant of Poli vanished mysteriously, and closely monitored pages from Roselles diary disappeared. Poli? One of Emperor Roselles Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse? A descendant of his has vanished? Lumians eyelids twitched at the thought. Jebus Lata had mentioned the School of Truths three goals: finding clues about the fallen heaven, Emperor Roselles final mausoleum, and 0-05, the Magic Wishing Lamp. The Fourth Epoch Triers seal had just been breached. For now, Intiss official organizations were unlikely to overlook anything. As for 0-05, Emperor Roselles eldest daughter Bernadette held it. The School of Truth admitted they couldnt handle the Element Dawn leader yet. They wanted more boons before trying. In other words, two of the three targets required long-term planning from the School of Truth. That left clues about Emperor Roselles final mausoleum. Jebus mentioned having no relevant clues himself. Whether the Overseer did was uncertain. Combined with Mr. Ks account, Lumian had a bad feeling. Could the School of Truth already possess crucial clues about Emperor Roselles final mausoleum? Mr. K continued, Were investigating these matters, as is Element Dawn. We recently discovered Moran Avignys involvement in some cases. He seemed to be a key figure in the School of Truth. Then why assassinate him instead of capturing him? Lumian felt Mr. Ks previous actions aimed to kill Moran Avigny. Mr. K chuckled raspily. Killing him is simpler than capture. And after his death, an abnormality will undoubtedly occur. The official Beyonders will find a way to communicate with his spirit. Then, the authorities will investigate the School of Truth to thwart their plan. Isnt that our goal? Plus, we can shadow the authorities to track down School of Truth members. You, an Aurora Order Oracle, have also learned to report and exploit the authorities? Lumian found it amusing. If not for needing more information about the Mirror People, he, Franca, and the others could have simply forced Moran Avigny to show signs of abnormality, avoiding so much trouble. Lumian delved into more details with Mr. K, increasingly sensing the School of Truth was close to locating Emperor Roselles final mausoleum. Without delay, he expressed his urgency to return and interrogate Moran Avigny to prevent mishaps. Do you need my help? Mr. K inquired. Lumian responded with a smile, Not for now. We have a Hypnotist, the Bliss Societys truth serum, and a Demoness skilled in spirit channeling. He didnt mention also having Fate Appropriator abilities. During Fate Appropriation, Lumian could see all of Moran Avignys past and present fates, and most fate tributaries. But the duration was limited, only allowing extraction of the most pertinent information. Alright, let me know if you need anything. Mr. K sized up Lumian with admiration. Finding a secluded spot to teleport back to the safe house, Lumian surveyed the area and said to Franca, Use Mirror Cufflinks ability to take us back to the underground quarry cave. This would prevent accidents from affecting the neighborhood. Lumian had already teleported multiple times that day and even altered Moran Avignys fate. Previously, he had played the Symphony of Hatred and triggered a series of weakness assaults. The immense expenditure left him with spirituality for only seven to eight more teleports and no further accumulation. In this situation, using Beyonder items when possible was only natural. Understanding Lumians state, Franca didnt hold back on the Mirror Cufflinks charges. She only asked Lumian to carry the colossal dog and keep it from touching her. She then made the glass cufflink on her blouse glow, leading Lumian and the others into the rooms mirror. Through the dark, empty tunnel, they appeared in the quarry cave with a fixed entrance to the mirror world. Franca took out the truth serum and tossed it to Anthony Reid with a friendly smile. Feed some to Moran Avigny and have a good chat with him. Chapter 723 - 723 Secret of Immortality 723 Secret of Immortality After some time had passed, Anthony Reid guided the shriveled brownish-yellow dog back to the quarry cave that housed a fixed entrance to the mirror world. Turning to Lumian, he said, You can dispel the Animal Creation Spell now. Lumian glanced at the enormous dog, which had lost its ferocious and ruthless demeanor. With a smile, he recited the dispelling incantation in Hermes: Monk! Lumian had personally crafted the ritualistic dog skin. While he had used Padre Guillaume Bnets activation incantation, he had modified the dispelling incantation. Initially, Lumian wanted to use the name of Gehrman Sparrow, one of his two idols, as the dispelling incantation. However, since Gehrman was Mr. Fools Angel of Redemption, uttering his name in Hermes might have unusual consequences and seem blasphemous. Consequently, Lumian discarded that idea. Since the first ritualistic hide he made was dog skin, Lumian drew inspiration from the phrase Monks Chasing Dogs and chose the word Monk for the dispelling incantation. As a dark light flared, it revealed a pitiful-looking Moran Avigny. Instinctively, Moran reached for a handkerchief in his chest pocket and wiped away the dried blood, tears, saliva, and mucus from his face. Rather than getting directly to the point, Lumian decided to begin with trivial questions to bolster his credibility and optimize the hypnotic effect. With a blend of derision and a sigh, he said, I cant grasp why you Mirror People loathe your real world equivalents. Moran Avigny sneered in response. If you were perpetually confined to the cold, gloomy, sealed mirror, youd also despise your counterpart who basks in the sun, savors fine food and drink, and revels in leisure and pleasure. But your existence wasnt a natural occurrence. It was an accident, Jenna pointed out, narrowly avoiding mentioning that they were monstrosities inhabiting a unique mirror world. Chuckling, Moran Avigny retorted, What bearing does that have on our envy and hatred? We didnt trigger the accident. As we were born and have been perpetuating our kind, we possess the right to seek a superior life. Momentarily at a loss for words, Franca and Jenna fell silent. Speaking in a friendly tone, Lumian said, You indeed have that right. However, it cannot involve murder or injuring the original body. Why not collaborate with official organizations, such as the Church of The Fool? After fleeing Fourth Epoch Trier, you could depart this city and commence a new life elsewhere. Moran Avigny scoffed. You believe we can trust and cooperate with these sun-dwelling organizations? Are you not already collaborating with the School of Truth? Lumian exposed Moran Avignys deception. After a brief pause, Moran Avigny stated, We have a mission. We desire the authentic restoration of this world. Authentic? Lumian intentionally provoked. How can authenticity exist in a mirror? You Mirror People merely resemble the genuine ones. Upon death, you will revert to mirror shards. Following the provocation, Lumians eyes turned silver-black as he examined Moran Avignys fate tributary, aiming to deter him from providing a response that could endanger his life. After a quick observation confirming that his question wouldnt pose a significant risk, Lumian deactivated the Eye of Calamity to preserve his spirituality. With a meaningful smile, Moran Avigny said, No, in a certain sense, what resides in the mirror is real. Upon completing our mission, we will fully return to reality! Intrigued by Moran Avignys confidence, Franca asked, Why do you say that? Moran Avignys gaze swept over the two Demonesses. Now in his refractory period, he chuckled and said, Even I cannot comprehend the most basic reason. All I can disclose is that it relates to the Chaos Demoness we revere deep within the mirror world. She is the true Primordial Demoness! Moreover, I can offer an example: After transforming into a Witch and interacting with mirror magic, every Demonesss true self dwells within the mirror. Observing Franca and Jennas skepticism, Moran Avigny, eager to express his thoughts, inquired with a smile, Are you aware of the Demoness pathways Sequence 3 name? In unison, Franca and Jenna shook their heads. No. With a slight nod, Moran Avigny explained, Its known as the Demoness of Unaging. Eternal youth, skilled in resurrection and rebirth. Why are they so challenging to kill, capable of resurrection and rebirth? Its because what they destroy is merely their external form. Their authentic selves have always been imprisoned and sealed within the mirror! If the false ones perish, they can swiftly be resurrected through the projection of their true selves in the mirror! Consider this: how can ones true self, imprisoned, sealed, and utilized as a source of resurrection, not despise the false one in reality? Why wouldnt they yearn to escape the mirror and reclaim what is rightfully theirs? Franca abruptly recalled the moment she first entered the unique mirror world. At that time, she had encountered her bodys original self, the one with thick brown eyebrows and short flaxen-colored hair before ingesting the Witch potion. His face was drenched in blood, and his eyes brimmed with malice and hatred. Could it be that after drinking the Witch potion and transforming into a woman, her male self didnt disappear but was exiled to the mirror, unable to escape? Franca was both alarmed and suspicious. Jenna also remembered something from her past. During the process of becoming a Witch, she saw her other self in an illusionher malevolent, mirror-like self. Both of them plummeted into the black flames, and she struggled to crawl out, returning to the ice above the black flames to complete her advancement. The malevolent self was dragged into the bottomless Abyss by the python-like black shadow. Could it symbolize self-division? Is a part of me truly suffering in the mirror? Noticing his two Demoness companions perplexed state, Lumian smiled at Moran Avigny and said, It doesnt necessarily involve self-imprisonment. Its conceivable that during the Witch transformation process, they formed a profound connection with their mirror selves, enabling them to master mirror magic. To a degree, this also allows for their resurrection. The mirror self is tainted with blood, malice, hatred, and malevolence because they are perpetually in this state. They constantly envy their real selves, just like you Mirror People from a unique world. Unable to uncover the truth at the moment, Lumian preferred not to linger on the subject and attempted to shift the blame to others. Furthermore, as a Mirror Person, Moran Avigny had an innate inclination to take sides. His words needed to be cautiously accepted and analyzed from a different perspective. Upon hearing Lumians explanation, Franca and Jennas expressions softened. Moran Avigny mocked, Self-deception cannot conceal the truth. Recognizing that the initial preparations were nearly complete, Lumian decided to redirect the conversation back to the main topic. Originally, their objective was related to Mirror People, but now Lumian sensed that the matter involving the School of Truth was more relevant and pressing. He needed to inquire about it first. His eyes turned silver-black once more as he gazed at Moran Avigny and asked, Did you enter into a contract with the School of Truths Overseer? Of course we did. How else could we collaborate? We all value contracts, Moran Avigny replied with pride. Lumian chuckled. He didnt surreptitiously modify the terms the instant you signed the contract, did he? No, I am highly attentive to such matters. As you know, I am a Judge in the mystical sense, Moran Avigny responded confidently. Lumian probed further, Have you met the Overseer? Moran Avigny shook his head. He signed the contract first and then dispatched his subordinate to deliver it. We never actually met. What has the Overseer been up to lately? Lumian inquired cautiously. Moran Avigny chuckled. I am merely a cog of his immense Under the Table black net. I assist in completing specific matters through transactions. I am unaware of what those matters allude to or the motivations behind them. Yes, he once mentioned that he intended to use individuals like me to weave an invisible and massive vortex. He could infuse his strongest desires into it and achieve results. A few days ago, he casually remarked that the vortex is on the verge of taking shape. The vortex is about to take shape Lumian continued to monitor the changes in Moran Avignys fate tributary and, after some contemplation, asked, How do you and the Overseer typically communicate? Is there a special contingency plan in case of an emergency? This was something he needed to ascertain as quickly as possible. The abrupt attack on Intiss Minister of Industry, Moran Avigny, and his enigmatic disappearance was breaking news. It wouldnt take long for the news to spread. When that happened, the Overseer would undoubtedly learn about it and promptly sever his original communication channel. In Moran Avignys villa. Angoulme de Fran?ois, the captain of the Purifier mobile team directly under Triers diocese, had been prepared and swiftly arrived at the scene. After listening to the on-scene Purifiers report and assessing the scene, Angoulme frowned. A member of the Aurora Order? Not Hidden Blade and the others? What are they up to! Following a moment of reflection, Angoulme issued an order, Lets first suppress the news of Moran Avignys incident to avoid alerting the individuals and factions behind this abnormality. We may still have an opportunity to uncover clues and proceed with our investigation. This was his experience and a process the Purifiers were already familiar with. Chapter 724 - 724 Leader 724 Leader The Purifier team from Saint Vive Cathedral soon arrived at Moran Avignys study, carrying a nearly sealed wooden box. They each wore white robes adorned with waxed golden threads, thin rubber gloves, and leather hoods. Their masks curved downward, forming a birds beak in front of their mouths and noses. Angoulme signaled the other Purifiers to withdraw from this floor and clear the adjacent ones. Donning a bird-beak mask and similar attire himself, he tightly bandaged his wrists and ankles. Peering through the red glass lenses of his mask, Angoulme watched his colleagues open the wooden box. Mirrors of the perfect size lined the inner layer of the box on all sidestop, bottom, left, right, front, and back. In the center, surrounded by the mirrors, stood a milky-white stone statue half the height of a person. It portrayed a beautiful half-naked woman, her dress torn away to the waist. Despite the female figurines broken arm, her other hand alluringly covered her navel. Her captivating figure and exquisite facial features stirred an inexplicable heat within Angoulme. A sudden urge to kiss her flooded his mind, a desire for an intimate encounter with the stone statue. Not daring to breathe deeply, he forced himself to maintain control. He recognized this as a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact under the Trier diocese, serial number 82, known as the Ullamos Statue. This Grade 1 Sealed Artifact could gradually entice nearby creatures to obsess over it, spreading various illnesses, some common and others mystical in nature. Left unchecked, the statues influence would transform its surroundings into a nightmarish landscape of agonyliving beings wailing, writhing, and perishing in horrifying ways. The relentless plague would expand, unleashing a widening catastrophe. Angoulme had requested 1-82 for its ability to guide other creatures into the mirror world. Strictly controlling exposure time was crucial to prevent the spread of illness and obsession. The two Purifiers gently lifted the Ullamos Statue and carried it to the full-body mirror in the study. Angoulme and his two other teammates approached, placing their palms on 1-82s shoulders. In perfect synchronicity, they magically phased through the glass mirror, vanishing from Moran Avignys study. As soon as Angoulme laid eyes on the dark, hazy, almost illusory space behind the mirror, a tickle in his throat urged him to cough. Sigh A soft exhalation escaped his lips. Their attire couldnt isolate the disease spread by the Ullamos Statue Its sole purpose was to minimize the rate at which they succumbed to genuine infection! Weakened yet inexplicably excited, Angoulme and his teammates investigated the area behind the mirror. They quickly discovered numerous dim mirror fragments scattered about. A battle took place here. Moran Avigny had to use Mirror Substitution multiple times, but theres no sign of blood, bodily fluids, hair, or any other traces, one of the Purifiers concluded. Angoulmes heart raced as he speculated. A battle? Someone ambushed Moran Avigny in the mirror? Impressive, Hidden Blade! It seems Moran Avigny couldnt escape right away and multiple Mirror Substitutions were shattered. Theres a high chance he was captured, Angoulme analyzed seriously before pivoting to misdirection. I see. The Aurora Order never expected the assassination to succeed. The assassins only objective was to drive Moran Avigny into this mirror, where the rest of the Aurora Order awaited him! The other Purifiers concurred with this theory, nodding in agreement. Definitely the Aurora Order. They even utilized a potent item capable of accessing the mirror world to confront Moran Avigny. The absence of gruesome scenes suggests the Aurora Order aimed to capture Moran Avigny alive and extract vital information. Over the past five to six years, the Aurora Order has grown more intelligent Following a short discussion, one of the Purifiers glanced back at the Ullamos Statue at the entrance and gulped. We need to leave now. Return 1-82 to the mirror box. I cant endure it any longer. Angoulme agreed. Back in the real world, they sealed 1-82 once more and removed their cumbersome attire. At last, he sighed with relief, feeling utterly exhausted in both body and mind. Inside the quarry cave with a stable mirror world entrance,illuminated by the carbide lamp under the Eye of Calamitys gaze, Moran Avigny smiled as he answered Lumians question, Also through a mirror. While speaking, he retrieved a makeup mirror from his pocket and elaborated, Every mirror in the mirror world is unique, each with its own corresponding coordinates. I provided him with my mirrors coordinates, and he reciprocated with the coordinates of a mirror on his side. With this arrangement, I can harness my abilities and the mirror world to transmit information to his mirror for a set duration. He contacts me in the same manner but relies on the Beyonder item I gave him. An IP address, I suppose Franca muttered in a language unfamiliar to anyone present. Lumian smiled warmly and inquired, Would you be willing to share the Overseers mirror coordinates with us? Moran Avigny shook his head. Its indescribable and impossible to write down. Only those like us from the mirror world can perceive it. Or Demonesses with godhoodDemonesses of Despair. Sequence 4 Demoness of Despair? And Sequence 5 is Demoness of Affliction These two Sequences sound unpleasant. Uncomfortable to act, but the subsequent Demoness of Unaging is quite impressive Franca gleaned information about the Demoness pathway from Moran Avignys words. How can the Overseer perceive it then? Jenna asked. Moran Avigny smiled. He cant perceive it either, but his Beyonder item can record and use it. Franca smiled and raised her sleeve, revealing the glass-like Mirror Cufflink. Taken aback, Moran Avignys expression shifted to one of relief. Youre the ones who killed Jebus. The Overseer killed him, Lumian clarified sincerely. We had no intention of killing him. We even wanted to befriend him, but the Overseer used a mysterious power from afar to end his life. I fear you may suffer the same fate. Moran Avigny fell silent for a few moments before stating, It can record it. He referred to the Mirror Cufflinks ability to record the Overseer mirrors coordinates. Franca wasnt surprised at all. I knew it would work. When she had used the Mirror Cufflink earlier, she realized the mirrors in the mirror world gave her a crystal-clear sense of the mirror worlds entrances in the vicinity. There was the full-body mirror in Moran Avignys study and a few other unknown mirrors. Franca suspected the Mirror Cufflink would instinctively record the corresponding coordinates of each mirror. Moran Avigny continued, You wont be able to find the Overseer directly through that mirror. Ive long suspected the mirror is actually with one of the Overseers subordinates. Naturally, that subordinate must be very close to the Overseer. Otherwise, it would hinder the transmission of information. Just like many members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, the contact points reserved for Madame Helas messenger are isolated from their real lives Lumian nodded slightly and said, Thats not an issue. We can visit them one by one, as long as theyre truly close. Can you provide us with those coordinates? Moran Avigny fell silent. The effects of hypnosis and truth serum battled fiercely against his resolve. This was a Disciplinary Paladins principle and corresponding restrictions. Observing the shifts in his fate tributary, Lumian smiled and said, You can think it over. Lets discuss something else first. Having witnessed Moran Avignys potential loss of control, he intended to inquire about other information. If the other party refused to divulge it later, he would kill him before channeling his spirit! Very well. Moran Avigny let out a lengthy sigh. Lumian pondered briefly and asked, What deals did the Overseer make with you? Moran Avigny responded nonchalantly, Primarily providing assistance to certain individuals. In turn, I received help through the Overseer. Consequently, we elevated our political status and acquired more resources. This is a common practice among politicians, but with the Overseer, its even more covert, less detectable, and effective. Additionally, protecting specific individuals or indirectly granting benefits to non-high society members to fulfill the requirements on the other side of the Overseers Under the Table transaction. Lumian considered for a moment and asked, Didnt that Overseer communicate with the leader of your Mirror People? Unsure if the Mirror People had a de facto leader, he said this to deceive Moran Avigny, implying they already possessed important information. If the Mirror People truly lacked a de facto leader, Moran Avigny would see through the deception. With the truth serum and hypnosis, this wouldnt affect his subsequent answers. Moran Avignys expression shifted slightly. He did communicate with our leader. How did they communicate? Lumian asked calmly. Through a provided ritual. I dont know what was exchanged as I wasnt present, Moran Avigny replied honestly. Franca asked curiously, Is your leader in the real world or the mirror world of Fourth Epoch Trier? In Fourth Epoch Trier, Moran Avigny said with a sigh. Mirror People with powerful godhood cant escape through certain catastrophes via the leakage point. Franca pondered for a moment and asked, Does your leader have a corresponding self in reality? Yes. Moran Avigny smiled. Youll never guess who it is. Chapter 725 - 725 The Mirror Worlds Third Level 725 The Mirror Worlds Third Level Well never guess who it is? Lumian and Franca scoffed simultaneously, pretending to be eager to speculate. Of course, they didnt make any direct guesses immediately. They planned to gather some information indirectly first before making a targeted guess. Lumian noticed the change in Moran Avignys fate tributary and realized that as a Disciplinary Paladin, the man had his own principles and mystical limitations. He wouldnt willingly reveal details about the Mirror Peoples leader, yet he couldnt completely suppress a desire to shareCunable to resist the hypnotic influence. So, he taunted them in a boastful way. You mentioned Mirror People with powerful godhood cant escape through catastrophes via leakage points, not just any Mirror People with godhood, Lumian pointed out with a smile, interpreting Moran Avignys words. So in other words, a Mirror Person corresponding to Sequence 4 has escaped, and your leader is a Mirror Person of at least Sequence 3 demigod level? Moran Avignys face instantly showed annoyance as he regretted being too detailed, realizing he had inadvertently revealed critical information. Encouraged by Lumians astute observation, Franca smiled and asked, Where are the escaped Sequence 4 Mirror People now? What are they doing? Moran Avignys lips trembled with clear effort, but he stayed quiet. Just as expected from a Sequence 5 Disciplinary Paladin. Theyre experts at resisting interrogation and prying I wonder if destroying his frontal lobe would make him lose that last bit of self-control Lumian wondered to himself and switched to a less sensitive subject. What are the requirements for Mirror People to appear? Does everyone who has lived in the real Trier for a long time automatically have a corresponding Mirror Person? Or do they need exposure to certain underground corruption first? This question was based on inferences from the Dream Festival incident. Phew Moran Avigny let out a relieved sigh, having almost lost control and spilled the most critical secrets moments earlier. The current question let him relax a little. He answered smoothly, If not for the seal specifically targeting Fourth Epoch Trier, the mirror world there would contain a complete reflection of the real Trier, including every resident. But under this seal, only those who frequently go into the underground areas and come into contact with specific corruption will leave an imprint in our mirror realm. Other than that, our kind has other origins too: The first type are descendants of a false deity. The corresponding Mirror People manifest from the moment of their birth, regardless of location or whether theyve ever been to Trier. The second category comes from the bloodlines of certain noble families in Fourth Epoch Trier, like descendants of the Tamara family. Thats how I came to be. This isnt limited by location or environment. Lumian and the others understood that the false deity he was talking about was Primordial Demoness Cheek. As an evil deity overseeing the mirror world, it made sense that Her descendants would have close ties to that unique realm. Why do descendants of the Tamara family have a special connection to your mirror world? Lumian asked curiously. Did your ancestors suffer the relevant corruption during the War of the Four Emperors, or even earlier? Moran Avigny paused for a few moments before replying, Earlier. Im not sure of the specifics of the corruption or how it occurred, as it was too long ago. Maybe those Tamaras who follow the Judgment pathway without being Mirror People themselves, or those of the Door pathway, have records of it. The Door pathway was another name for the Apprentice pathway. Lumian nodded and asked on behalf of Franca and Jenna, Does your kind exclude Mirror People of other Demonesses? They are Mirror People, but not from our world, Moran Avigny answered with a smile. Of course, if the conditions I mentioned earlier are met, a Mirror Person corresponding to a Demoness could be born in our realm too. I see Franca and Jenna nodded slightly as Lumian changed the topic. What are the Mirror People who left the underground doing? His question was broad, not specifically referring to the godhood-level Mirror People. Moran Avigny struggled for a moment before responding, Most of them stay in Trier. They either use the originals identity to advance their status in various industries and organizations, or they hide in the shadows, secretly developing their factions. The goal is to eventually fully unseal Fourth Epoch Trier and access the third, deepest level of the mirror world. As for the rest Moran Avigny paused and grinned at Franca and Jenna. Some infiltrated the Demoness Sect to locate the fake deitys real-world hiding place. Others went to Lenburg to search for an item, as instructed by the leader. Dont ask me about the progress of those in the Demoness Sect or what exactly the ones in Lenburg are looking for. Thats not my area of responsibility. No one told me the details. I also want to find the Primordial Demonesss real-world hiding spot. Why not tell me about the infiltrators in the Demoness Sect? Maybe we could work together, Franca suggested with a lovely smile. Moran Avignys expression said it all: The more beautiful the woman, the more deceptive. I wont fall for it. I dont know their identities either. Only the leader has all the information. Alright then. Francas eyes darted around as she continued, What did you mean by the third level of the mirror world? Weve all gone into Fourth Epoch Trier and entered your special mirror realm. But what we encountered there were Mirror People of the deceased citizens from that ancient era. They were reflections of that bygone city. Where does your kind live? Moran Avigny explained, Back then, you must have accessed the second level of our mirror world. It only appears under specific conditions and preserves the scene of Fourth Epoch Triers destruction. Its quite dangerous and holds many unknown secrets. As for our daily life, we live on the first level of the mirror worldCa reflection of the present-day Trier. The first level mirrors the current Trier? Jenna keenly noticed a discrepancy. Didnt you say you Mirror People live in a dark, cold, confined environment? Trier was now a metropolis! Moran Avigny sneered and said, We may seem to live in a metropolis, but in reality, we are all restricted. We can only walk fixed paths, endlessly wandering between a handful of rooms and one or two streets. Without the help of godhood- level powerhouses, we cant even talk to each other. We can only observe what our counterparts are doing in the real world through mirrors. Plus, our realm has no reflection of the sun, moon, or stars. Imagine living in such an environment. Its similar to the living conditions of the painting worlds individuals, except the Mirror People have self- awareness and a clear understanding No wonder they are in agony Lumian thought of a question when he realized the mirror worlds first level lacked the sun, moon, and stars. If a Sequence 4 Unshadowed of the Sun pathway comes into contact with the specific underground corruption, will a corresponding Mirror Person be born? No, Moran Avigny stated firmly. Lumian used this chance to eliminate several more possibilities regarding the real identity of the Mirror Peoples leader. Franca sighed deeply. The Sun pathway is truly exceptional. Befitting of the pathway that governs Purification. She then remembered her earlier unanswered question and pressed, What exists on the third level of the mirror world? Once again, Moran Avigny shook his head. No one has entered it. We only know it exists. We know our origins, traits, and the source of our power all point to that Directly support the authors on WebNovel! level. As for the Chaos Demoness we revere and follow, who is also the Primordial Demoness, She is trapped there for some reason, guarding the truth. Trapped there? More like sealed there Protecting realitya nice way to spin it Lumian pondered briefly before asking, What truth are you referring to? Truth is truth. Moran Avigny seemed confused, as if he had never seriously considered the matter. Seeing that he lacked an answer, Jenna brought the conversation back to the Mirror Peoples connection to reality. Puzzled, she asked, If the original person in reality dies, what happens to the Mirror Person? And the other way around? Moran Avignys lips twisted into a warped smile. Normally, if the me in reality dies, Ill die along with him. But if I send my real self into the mirror world beforehand, the impact of his death on me will be minimal. The reverse holds true too. When I was still in the mirror world, if an invader killed me, the me in reality would merely get sick and be weakened for a time. Going forward, if he didnt come into contact with the specific underground corruption again, no corresponding Mirror Person would exist. If I escape to the real world and am killed there, the real me wont be affected at all. Franca hissed and said, So instead of killing Moran Avigny directly, you found a way to drag him into the mirror world? Exactly. I waited for him to savor the darkness, coldness, isolation, and loneliness before ending him, Moran Avigny confirmed with a smile. In short, the one in the mirror loses significance and wont impact the others survival, regardless of whether they are a Mirror Person or a real individual If both are in the real world, the Mirror Person is naturally at a disadvantage Lumian nodded slightly as he started to deduce the identity of the Mirror Peoples leader mentioned by Moran Avigny. Someone who ventures into Triers underground often, exposed to specific corruptions. Formidable godhood, at least Sequence 3. He must still be alive With this in mind, Lumian couldnt narrow it down further. He had no choice but to use his Conspirer abilities to upload all relevant information onto his mental network. The Overseer of the School of Truth had performed a ritual and interacted with the Mirror Peoples leader. The School of Truth was searching for Emperor Roselles final mausoleum. They had obtained something significant. The vortex was on the verge of taking shape Suddenly, a flash of insight hit Lumian, and an incredible guess raced through his mind. He couldnt be certain, as one premise seemed questionable. He took two steps forward and whispered a name into Moran Avignys ear. Moran Avignys expression changed drastically, a mixture of shock and panic. Lumian withdrew and exhaled solemnly. Have you figured out who the Mirror Peoples leader is? Franca asked. Lumian nodded gently and surveyed the surroundings. In a deep voice, he declared, Yes, I know who He is. Hes Roselle Gustav in the mirror! Chapter 726 - 726 Fragment of Fate 726 Fragment of Fate Roselle Gustav in the mirror? When Franca, Jenna, and Anthony heard that the name of this dazzling figure, revered by every Intisian, was connected to the Mirror People, their minds went completely blank. They instinctively wanted to question him further, but Moran Avignys reaction and change in expression appeared to validate Lumians conjecture. But the Emperor has been dead for over a century. How can there still be a corresponding Mirror Person? Franca asked, finally composing herself. It made sense that Emperor Roselle would have encountered Triers underground corruption. He had, after all, lived in Trier for an extended period after reaching adulthood, and he was not one to easily settle down. He had seized control of Intis, reformed Trier, expanded the city, and initiated the patriotic health campaign, but hadnt he already met his end? Lumians serious expression softened a bit. Initially, I hesitated to make that guess, but then I recalled something. For someone of Emperor Roselles stature, even if they perish, they might not be completely gone. There could even be a possibility of resurrection. It was just like Naboredisleys Abomination corpse resting in the ancient tomb of the Dream Festival. Franca made an odd remark. Old institutions are hard to get rid of With their experience dealing with the Devil Monarchs Abomination corpse, Franca, Jenna, and Anthony quickly accepted Lumians explanation. Lumian looked at Moran Avigny, whose face had turned ashen, and smiled. I made a bold hypothesis and meticulously verified it. When I shared my guess with him, he willingly confirmed it. Moran Avignys lips trembled, wanting to defend himself, but he held back. He believed that the more he tried to explain, the more he would end up helping these people. His urge to confide led him to add, Now, do you understand that our Mirror People are also incredibly powerful? If we can fully break the seal of Fourth Epoch Trier, we will be as strong as any orthodox Church! Franca disregarded Moran Avignys showy remark and muttered to herself, No wonder the Churchs demigods refuse to personally go underground and resolve the various abnormalities here unless the seal of Fourth Epoch Trier is badly damaged. This isnt about fixing abnormalities. Its about making more of them! Even though the demigods of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church didnt have to fear the birth of their corresponding Mirror People, Triers underground corruption extended beyond just the mirror world! Isnt the underground of Trier excessively vile and horrifying? This was assuming that Fourth Epoch Trier was relatively well-sealed. What had the four Emperors, particularly Blood Emperor Alista Tudor, done during the War of the Four Emperors? The issues they left behind more than a thousand years ago were still incredibly terrifying! We often venture into Triers underground and have even entered Fourth Epoch Trier and the unique mirror world. Could there be a corresponding special Mirror Person? No, its not a matter of whether there is one, but rather that there definitely was one. They had encountered it before! Lumian ignored Moran Avignys boasting and turned to Jenna. Our investigation into the Mirror People has yielded significant progress. Combined with the Overseer, who evidently possesses godhood, what unfolds next is beyond our ability to intervene. As soon as we acquire the coordinates of the Overseers mirror, promptly report the entire situation. Jenna curtly acknowledged his words and laughed self-deprecatingly. Actually, Im dying to report it now. From her viewpoint, although she was unsure why the School of Truth was searching for Emperor Roselles final mausoleum or what their intentions were, given the strong probability that they had already obtained vital information and collaborated with the mirror Roselle, the situation had obviously become very urgent, and it was certainly not a positive development. You can begin writing now. Lumian gave a slight nod and shifted his gaze to Moran Avigny. He planned to appropriate the other partys fate. Fate Appropriation was not his objective. By seizing the chance to interact with fate, his aim was to seek essential information from past fate fragments. This was the penultimate segment of the interrogation. The final segment involved spirit channeling to forcibly obtain the coordinates of the Overseers mirror! Furthermore, Lumian wanted to take this opportunity to observe what would happen to the target if he seized one of their fate fragments without exchanging fates or directly causing their death. This was not mentioned in the mystical knowledge possessed by a Fate Appropriator. The only thing Lumian knew for certain was that the past would not change, and what had already transpired would remain unchanged. Initially, Lumian had wanted to inquire further about the Mirror People who maintained contact with Moran Avigny and their positions. However, the urgency of the situation led him to postpone this matter to the spirit channeling part. In any case, it wasnt particularly crucial. From Lumians perspective, it was more important to know the identities of the Mirror People who had infiltrated the Demoness Sect and who had gone to Lenburg in search of an item. However, Moran Avigny clearly had no knowledge of this. Lumian suspected that the Mirror People who had gone to Lenburg were looking for clues about 0-01. After all, based on the information, this item likely had a close connection to Blood Emperor Alista Tudor. The method of sealing it was quite similar to sealing Fourth Epoch Trier. It might be of great significance to the Mirror People from the special mirror world in Fourth Epoch Trier. Lumian extended his right palm and pressed it against Moran Avigny from a distance. His blue eyes rapidly turned silver-black. Moran Avigny was perplexed by Lumians strange behavior. Although he possessed the strength of a Sequence 5, he had been actively involved in politics for the past decade or so. He maintained a certain distance from the mysticism domain and the emerging cults. This was particularly true after becoming the Minister of Industry. He relied entirely on the connections within the Mirror People and the Brokers of the School of Truth to acquire the knowledge, information, and items he desired. Direct contact with wild Beyonders was uncommon, so he naturally couldnt discern Lumians intentions. He only instinctively believed that Lumian had ulterior motives and wasnt simply acting. Lumians right palm touched the mercury illusory river corresponding to Moran Avigny. The life of the Mirror Person flashed before his eyes, and various fate fragments surged along the river. Lumian couldnt discern them in detail. Seizing the brief span of two to three seconds, he focused on observing two fate fragments. One fate fragment depicted how Moran Avigny remotely instructed the School of Truths Overseer to perform a ritual through the mirror, establishing a connection with the Mirror Roselle Gustav. The other aspect was how this Mirror Person came into being. In the previous fate segment, Lumian witnessed Moran Avigny stuffing a classic silver mirror into his makeup mirror and lending it to the Overseer. At the source of the mercury river of fate, the 17- or 18-year-old Mirror Moran Avigny swiftly materialized in the dark and cold room, his expression naturally sinister. The classic silver mirror bears a striking resemblance to the one Franca found at the overflow of corruption in the mirror world. She had relied on the latter to enter Fourth Epoch Trier during Operation Hostel Could such a mirror be closely tied to the Mirror People? Didnt Moran Avigny say that the descendants of the Tamara family naturally have a corresponding Mirror Person? Why wasnt he a baby when he was born as a Mirror Person? The descendants of the Tamara family must reach a certain age or have done something specific to produce the corresponding Mirror People? He doesnt seem to understand whats going on either As these thoughts raced through his mind, Lumian didnt allow the Fate Appropriation attempt to end naturally and result in failure. He seized the moment and grasped a fate fragment in his right hand. Through the spew of his spirituality, he slowly extracted the abnormally heavy target from the mercury- colored illusory river. The fate fragment corresponded to the scene of Moran Avignys lust exploding under the Symphony of Hatred. As time passed, Franca and Jenna asked about the other Mirror People to divert Moran Avignys attention, and the fate fragment finally left the mercury river. Consequently, the hole that had appeared was neither filled nor rewoven. Empty chaos occupied it, emitting a thin fog. After storing the obtained fate fragments into his Spirit Body, Lumian carefully observed Moran Avignys transformation. As he waited, he muttered inwardly, The fact that we caught Moran Avigny remains unchanged Him drinking the truth serum and being hypnotized remain unchanged We havent forgotten what he just said Yes, this Fate Appropriation took a total of three minutes. The fate fragment depicting his eruption of lust weighs heavily in Moran Avignys entire life. After all, it caused his fate to take a sharp turn for the worse Appropriation requires a distance of 15 meters. Obtaining the targets blood is unnecessary While stirring fate and waiting for completion, I cant attack the target, but I can stay away Its more convenient to kill him directly. The Appropriation can be completed in a matter of seconds As Lumian reviewed, Moran Avignys weakened aura gradually filled up, and his face flushed. The bloodstains and tears on his face vanished. Yes, there was no eruption of lust, so no severe injuries Lumian harrumphed as Moran Avignys face lit up with pleasant surprise. Two beams of white light struck Moran Avigny, knocking him unconscious. Simultaneously, Jenna and Franca, who had been closely monitoring Lumians movements, aimed their revolvers at the yet-to-collapse Moran Avignys head. Amidst the gunshots, the Disciplinary Paladins head exploded like blood-colored fireworks. Lumian didnt complain about Franca and Jenna not giving him a chance to cull. He didnt want to waste his spirituality on Culling. When he appeared at the last moment and used the Symphony of Hatred to shatter Moran Avignys remaining Mirror Substitution and capture him, he felt as if the potion had digested somewhat due to the successful cull. Thud! Moran Avignys lifeless body crumpled to the ground, and Franca prepared to channel the spirit. Chapter 727 - 727 Arrival 727 Arrival As Franca prepared the ritual, she considered her options and said to Lumian, The Overseers mirror coordinates are indescribable and can only be procured through mystical means. The Magic Mirror Spirit Channeling Spell isnt capable of that. I intend to use standard spirit channeling instead. While the Magic Mirror Spirit Channeling Spell she had developed greatly extended the duration of the channeling and the number of questions the spirit would respond to, it was constrained by relying on the mirror as a medium, forfeiting the chance for other types of interaction. Regular spirit channeling drastically restricts the intel we can gather Lumian thought briefly and said, For the first question, we should have him provide the coordinates of the Overseers mirror. Second, ask about the whereabouts of the classic silver mirror utilized for the ritual and leader communication. Third, inquire about the identities and locations of the Mirror People in contact with him, ranked by importance. Once the third question was answered, the spirit channeling ritual would come to its natural conclusion. Lumian suspected Moran Avigny might not have time to introduce every Mirror Person under his command. Hence, he asked for them to be prioritized based on the criticality of their role and responsibilities. A classic silver mirror? Franca asked, puzzled. Yes, Moran Avigny has a mirror akin to the classic silver one you used to own. Its vital for communicating with Mirror Roselle, Lumian explained succinctly. While speaking, he crouched and rummaged through Moran Avignys pockets. Unfortunately, the Minister of Industry carried only a handful of large bills and some loose change totaling 3,212 verl dor. Besides the money, there was an elegant golden mechanical pocket watch, a meticulously embroidered handkerchief, and a wallet crafted by a private designer and artisan. But not a single item imbued with Beyonder powers! Lumian couldnt resist mimicking Francas inner thought: Poor slob! He realized that as the sitting Minister of Industry, Moran Avigny was under the watchful eye of official Beyonders. He was unlikely to carry mystical items, Beyonder weapons, or anything that might reveal his abnormality. As a Sequence 5 Disciplinary Paladin of the Judgment pathway, disclosing this to the two Churches would raise difficult questions about how he obtained the potion formula and Beyonder characteristics at that level. When signing the contract, he would at most acknowledge being a Beyonder of a related pathway without specifying the Sequence. This cost him the chance to procure items openly, forcing him to rely on Brokerssomething official Beyonders couldnt be privy to. Moran Avigny didnt require the Overseers assistance with the Under the Table deal to access mystical items, as Mirror People could transfer objects through mirrors. If he genuinely needed an item for a specific purpose, he could reach out to his mirror world associates and have them send it over, returning it promptly after use. Lumian sighed, pocketed the cash, watch, and other belongings, and rose to his feet. With Francas spirit channeling preparations complete, Lumian turned to Jenna, still composing her letter, and asked, You shot without hesitation earlier. Did it weigh on you at all? This wasnt a battle. Wed been engaged in friendly conversation with Moran Avigny for a while now. I even started to feel like we were becoming friends. Jenna glanced up at Lumian while writing on a protruding rock of the cave wall. She laughed softly. Worried Ill bottle up my emotional turmoil and cause issues down the line? Planning to play psychiatrist and offer me counseling? Anthony Reid, who had been observing silently, living up to his role as a Spectator, scratched his nose self-consciously. That seemed to be his job. However, he could discern that Jenna and Franca were not in need of counseling. Lumian didnt tackle Jennas question head-on. With a smile, he remarked, You havent taken many lives yourself. Had we not pulled the trigger, would you have taken action? Despite feeling you had befriended Moran Avigny, I think you wouldnt have flinched at blowing his head off, Jenna retorted, a smile playing on her lips. Lumian let out a derisive snort. Im not like you. Ive killed more people than I can count. Jenna met his gaze again. Moran Avigny admitted to his crimes. He lured the real Moran Avigny into the mirror, holding him captive before ruthlessly ending his life. I felt no qualms about carrying out the execution of a guilty man. Youve changed Lumian let out an exaggerated sigh and quipped, Once upon a time, you depended on the police and authorities to punish the bad guys. Jenna didnt have a chance to respond, as Franca had finished her spirit channeling. In the wavering dark-green candlelight, Moran Avignys spirit took shape above his corpse, perceptible to those who had activated their Spirit Vision. Franca acted swiftly. Withdrawing the glass-like Mirror Cufflink from her sleeve, she addressed Moran Avignys spirit, Give me the coordinates of the Overseers mirror. Moran Avignys indistinct, menacing face twisted in anguish. But stripped of life, he no longer had the ironclad self-control to resist the commanding pull of the spirit channeling. He stretched out his right hand, motioning for Franca to hand over the Mirror Cufflink. Anticipating this, Franca passed him the Mirror Cufflink. As Moran Avignys spirit clutched the cufflink, a shadowy light shimmered across its form, drawn into the glass-like accessory. Franca exhaled in relief upon the Mirror Cufflinks return. Having achieved the primary objective, it was time to reap further rewards! Her mood buoyed, Franca inquired of Moran Avigny with piqued interest, Is there a functional classic silver mirror in your possession Hold on Abruptly realizing this constituted a question, she hastily rephrased.Where is the classic silver mirror the Overseer used to facilitate communication with your leader? Lumian had already ascertained Moran Avigny didnt have it on him. Moran Avignys spirit responded with cold rigidity, Griffith has it. When I require it, I have him deliver it to me through the mirror. Francas initial elation quickly gave way to an exasperated curse. Dammit! It dawned on her that she couldnt extract Griffiths mirror coordinates from Moran Avigny. The spirit channeling had but one question remaining. She needed to ask Moran Avigny about the Mirror People serving as their contacts and their true identities. Requesting mirror coordinates was out of the question! Lumian and Anthony immediately grasped the reason for Francas self-directed frustration, but they were powerless to intervene. Certain questions hinged on preceding answers, and mirror coordinates couldnt be conveyed through the Magic Mirror Spirit Channeling Spell. Collecting herself, Franca fixed her gaze on Moran Avignys spirit. Marshaling her thoughts, she articulated, Name the Mirror People in contact with you. What roles do they play in the real world? Begin with those of the highest rank and responsibility. Moran Avignys ghostly, blurred visage contorted once more. Despite his resistance, he responded in a clipped tone, First, theres Griffith, who serves as my second-in-command. Originally, he was a key figure in the Moses Ascetic Order. With our assistance, hes steadily elevating his position within the Order. His aspiration is for the secret organization to eventually join the alliance to open Fourth Epoch Triers seal The Moses Ascetic Order The very group that clashed with Element Dawn, headed by the Emperors firstborn, Bernadette? If memory serves, they primarily consist of Mystery Pryer pathway Beyonders I cant help but wonder if the Research Society has members from either faction. There must be others like myself with multiple secret society affiliations Franca listened intently, not daring to disrupt Moran Avignys account. Moran Avigny proceeded to the second Mirror Person. Caratanza Tamara, part of our branchs Tamara family. He enlisted in the military and now holds the rank of colonel. He legitimized his Beyonder powers by slaying a Loen Kingdom spy, seizing their potion formula and Judgment pathway characteristics Palia, a ore scholar originally. She infiltrated the Trier Cave Association to mask our attempts at uncovering a vulnerability in the seal Sport, Triers Deputy Commissioner of Police and a member of the police commission. His original self was purposely corrupted during an operation. Subsequently, Griffith and Caratanza orchestrated an ambush, dragging him into the mirror and allowing the mirror worlds Sport to emerge and assume his place By this point, Moran Avignys spirit had become increasingly insubstantial, on the brink of dissipation. At that instant, Jenna concluded her letter and pivoted to face Lumian. Ill now summon Madam Judgments messenger. The words had scarcely left her mouth when an ethereal voice, seemingly originating from a great distance, reverberated in the ears of Jenna, Lumian, and the others. Summoning wont be necessary. A shared premonition compelled Lumian, Franca, Jenna, and Anthony to direct their attention to the side of the quarry cave. In the chambers dim illumination, supplied only by carbide lamps and candles, dazzling starlight coalesced in the void, rapidly tracing the outline of an enchanting door. Noiselessly, the door swung open, revealing an enormous pumpkin carriage drawn by a multitude of gray rats. Three women occupied the carriages interior. One was Magician, resplendent in a beige gown with a high collar adorned with golden embroidery. Another was Judgment, her shoulder-length flaxen hair complementing her grayish-white knights attire, accented by brown leather armor. The third woman was clad in a purple dress bearing a cryptic pattern. A celestial globe and sundry items dangled from her waist, and refined spectacles perched upon her nose. Clasped in her left hand was a peculiar lamp, its surface golden like a kettle and adorned with enigmatic designs. Chapter 728 - 728 Tracking 728 Tracking Lumian, Franca, and Jennas eyes widened as they caught sight of the strange golden lamp, making a bold conjecture. Could it be 0-05, the Magic Wishing Lamp? Yes, the pumpkin carriage is one of Major Arcana Maam Hermits trademark symbols. She has close ties to Element Dawns leaderEmperor Roselles eldest daughterand the current owner of 0-05, Bernadette. It isnt outside the realm of possibility that she might have borrowed the Magic Wishing Lamp As these thoughts raced through their minds, they heard Anthonys respectful greeting, Good evening, Madam Magician, Madam Judgment. Snapping out of their momentary trance, Lumian and the others quickly followed suit with their own greetings. And this is Maam Hermit, Magician added briefly. Once the introductions were complete, the woman in the beige dress with a gold-embroidered high collar retrieved a bottle of dark-red wine from the void and said to Franca, Hand over that cufflink. Once you do, you can all head home and get some rest. Confronting the School of Truths Overseer was clearly a battle at the demigod level. It wasnt something Lumian and company could get involved in. Franca had no intention of forcing the issue. She handed the glass-like cufflink to Madam Magician. In exchange, Madam Magician gave her the wine bottle containing a faint dark-red liquid. This is a mystical item that restores stamina and spirituality after drinking it. But remember, you can only have it once a day. Dont go turning into a drunkard. Just one more sip and youll become a drunkard? Franca and the others instantly understood the deeper meaning behind Madam Magicians final warning. Seeing only a single sip of dark-red wine in the bottle, Franca turned to pass the old glass bottle to Lumian. He had expended the most spirituality, after all. Madam Magician rubbed the Mirror Cufflink between her fingers, a smile playing on her lips. Dont worry. You wont be able to finish it. Its called Bottomless Wine. I see Franca still wanted to give it a shot. She unscrewed the thin metal cap and downed the light dark-red wine. As the slightly astringent and sweet alcohol slid down her throat, she felt refreshed, as if shed just had a good nights sleep and hadnt been in a fierce battle with Moran Avigny. At the same time, she noticed dark-red liquid seeping from the bottom of the old glass bottle, forming a thin layer of wine. It really is bottomless Franca sighed, handing the old glass bottle to Lumian. But just as she reached out, a sudden sense of unease struck her. Acting on instinct, she changed course, intending to let Jenna drink first. Yet upon further reflection, she realized something was even more off! Because she still had to pass it to Lumian afterward! Never mind, never mind. No point getting caught up in trivial matters Franca muttered in her native tongue. Instead, she circled her finger around the bottle and managed to form a thin layer of frost. As the frost naturally fell away, Franca passed the Bottomless Wine to Jenna. Jenna drank the dark-red wine, mimicked Francas actions, and then handed it to Lumian. Franca breathed a sigh of relief. Lumian paid no mind to the Demonesses odd behavior. He was more concerned about the strange actions of Maam Hermit and Madam Magician. Maam Hermits eyes, obscured by lenses, grew dark but remained unfocused, as if staring into a vast expanse. Countless brilliant specks of light appeared around her, as if she had shrunk the universe and brought it down to the ground. Performing divination or prophecy before tackling important matters? Lumian took the old glass bottle and drank the dark-red wine. His spirituality rapidly recovered, as if hed experienced six in the morning. Of course, the portion of accumulated spirituality he had used didnt return. Phew, Lumians anxiety over his spirituality deficiency had been alleviated. After Anthony drank the Bottomless Wine and returned the mystical item to Madam Magician, the Mirror Cufflinks dark glow, mixed with starlight, flew out and landed on the Major Arcana card holders eye. Madam Magician sent Mirror Cufflink flying toward Franca while extending her hands, grasping the void, and pulling it apart on either side. Without a sound, the void ripped open like a transparent membrane, revealing passageways formed by spiderwebs of emptiness and darkness. This was a standard mirror world. Magician had opened an illusory door to the mirror world without using a mirror! Is this the advanced power of the Apprentice pathway? Lumian and company inwardly marveled. Madam Magician glanced at Maam Hermit beside her. The Hermit, wearing a purple robe, held a vibrant, unreal ball of yarn in her right hand. She wound its thread around the peculiar golden lamp. Then, the Major Arcana card holder tossed the vivid and illusory ball of yarn through the illusory door Magician had opened, into the mirror worlds dark and ethereal tunnels. The ball of yarn rolled into one of the passageways and quickly vanished into the depths, leaving only the thread connected to the golden lamp to mark its path. Magician immediately led The Hermit and Judgment into the mirror world, chasing the ball of yarn. After their figures disappeared from the mirror world, the forcibly torn void rapidly closed. Franca muttered again, I think Ive heard the story about a yarn ball before, but I cant recall its name Lumian turned his attention back to Moran Avignys corpse. You want to bring him back for your godson to eat? Franca said with contempt. Lets not even discuss whether Ludwig should be eating humans in the first place. A Mirror Persons flesh will gradually turn back into mirror fragments. Do you really want Ludwig to be eating glass shards? Lumian shook his head. Im considering whether I should take Moran Avignys makeup mirror. After tracking the vibrant yarn for a while, the three Major Arcana card holders reached a country villa matching the mirrors coordinates and spotted the target mirror on a desk. It was also a makeup mirror. They didnt pause. They followed the ball of yarn and walked through the spirit world. In a mere two to three seconds, they returned to reality and saw the vivid and illusory ball of yarn come to a halt in a dark cathedral lacking a deitys statue. Beneath the cathedrals dome, humans hung in the air, gently swaying in the wind. Some were old, some were young, and some were gentlemen wearing half top hats. Some were beautiful ladies in vintage dresses, some were tall and muscular like giants, and some were covered in wet, sticky scales resembling fish What they all had in common was their firmly closed eyes, suspended by invisible ropes, looking like hanged corpses. In the cathedrals depths, a man in his thirties with average facial features and dark hair sat in a wooden black armchair. His aura and soul felt both familiar and unfamiliar to Magician. It was familiar because she recognized Loki, the head of April Fools, who had been compelled to exhaust his resurrection times. It was unfamiliar because the other party had been stained with an odd sensation. At that instant, a blurry female figure stood next to Loki, resembling a sketch. Her eyes were pitch-black, like a lake in the dim night. He looked at Magician, The Hermit, and Judgment, a smile playing on his lips. Its all thanks to you that I found some hope of returning. Before Loki could finish his sentence, the suspended corpses eyes snapped open simultaneously. Those eyes were pitch-black. In the quarry cave with a fixed entrance to the mirror world. Taking away Moran Avignys makeup mirror? Jenna echoed Lumians words before a realization struck her. Do you want to see if any other Mirror People will try to contact Moran Avigny before news of his mysterious disappearance spreads? Patience is a virtue, Lumian replied with a smile. For a Hunter, this was an essential quality. He stooped down and retrieved the makeup mirror from Moran Avignys corpses pocket. At that moment, the makeup mirror snapped open. It opened on its own! Dark light surged from the palm-sized glass mirror, instantly filling the dimly lit quarry cave. In the next instant, Lumian, Franca, and the others saw a figure quickly take shape beside the fixed entrance to the mirror world on the protruding rock. It was a stunning woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wore a bright red dress with layers of embroidery and lace, revealing a large expanse of snow-white skin on her chest despite the cold winter. A friendly smile graced her face. Perle? The renowned courtesan in Trier, Perle, the theater actress from the Loen Kingdom? Lumian was shocked and at a loss. He hadnt expected to encounter this flamboyant courtesan in such a setting. Franca, Jenna, and Anthony also found the situation surreal and hard to believe. Almost simultaneously, Lumian recalled two key facts related to Perle. The first time he had observed Moran Avigny, Perle had been on a date with her new lover in the hotels annex restaurant. All courtesans were standard, textbook brokerspolitical brokers! Combining these two points, a guess formed in Lumians mind. Could Perle also be a member of the School of Truth? Could she be the Overseer that Jebus directly reported to, the bestowed of an evil god at the demigod level? If thats the case, where did Madam Magician and the others end up? Who were they tracking? Flee! We must flee immediately! At that moment, Perle looked at Lumian and the others, a smile forming on her lips as she uttered the Words of Order. Your crimes remain unpunished! Chapter 729 - 729 Purpose 729 Purpose Franca had already concealed herself by the time she recognized Perle. Her plan was to circle around and use the mirror to reflect Perles figure, hoping to curse her. If the curse failed, it would at least create an opening for Jenna to sneak up from the shadows and assassinate the target. Though not as cunning as Lumian the Conspirer, both Jenna and Franca instinctively sensed that the sudden assaulting Perle was incredibly dangerous, even more so than Moran Avigny. However, they didnt go so far as to suspect her of being an Overseer or demigod. As Perle uttered the Words of Order, Franca felt slender, snake-like entities emerge from the surrounding shadows, enveloping her despite her invisibility. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Razor-sharp icicles burst from the ground like soldiers thrusting their spears. Franca quickly leaped up, pressing one hand against an icicle to tumble out of the area. She narrowly avoided impalement, hanging precariously from the icicles tip. Before Franca could regain her footing, black flames shot out from the shadows, hurtling directly towards her. The serpentine creatures around her constricted, binding her in layers. WhC With no time to react, Franca could only watch helplessly as the black flames consumed her. At the same moment, a figure stepped out from the shadowsCClarice, wearing an elegant black court dress with her hair in a sophisticated bun. However, the Demoness of Blacks face was blurry and dark, unlike a living person. My crime is cheating, deceit, and exploiting others, mainly in reference to the Demoness Sect. Is this punishment from a manifestation of the Demoness of Black? Francas thoughts raced. Her body shattered like glass. Mirror Substitution! Jenna, while stealthily hidden, also encountered a strange foe. It was a clergyman from the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, dressed in a white robe adorned with golden threads. Not only were his facial features hazy and unrecognizable, but his physique was also constantly shifting in subtle ways. A blaze of sunlight descended, banishing the shadows in the area and exposing Jennas body. Realization dawned on Jenna. My crime is believing in multiple deities and betraying the Eternal Blazing Sun So, an abstract embodiment of the Churchs clergyman is punishing me Jenna quickly rolled to the other side of the quarry cave, dodging the clergymans attack. Anthony was not forgotten. Just as he prepared to use Psychological Invisibility to approach Perle and send her into a Frenzy, a whip wreathed in silver lightning lashed out at him. A crackling sound echoed in Anthonys mind, both illusory and real, sending a sharp pain through his soul. Every hair on his body stood on end. If not for his incredible self-control, he would have screamed. Before him stood a middle-aged man in a black uniform and white shirt, dressed as a Trier police officer. My crime stems from my transgressions as an information broker, so Im up against Triers police? Most Trier police officers lack Beyonder powers, yet this Punisher directly wields abilities in the Arbiter domain? As Anthony conjured grayish-white dragon scales on his body, he deftly ran and rolled, seeking a chance to use Psychological Invisibility. The already dim surroundings around Lumian suddenly darkened further, as if something was about to take shape, filling him with a profound sense of dread. Just as the terrifying entity was about to emerge, it abruptly disintegrated. Even the surrounding gloom and fear dissipated like melting snow. Uh Is my crime too severe for a Punisher to manifest directly? Lumian guessed, considering Franca and the others situations. Behind him, spears of blazing white flame materialized and shot towards the flamboyantly dressed Perle like a volley of arrows. The flaming spears formed a majestic and fierce forest, providing cover for Lumians true attack. He had already drawn his revolver, gently flicking the cylinder with his finger. Three of the six bullets he had obtained from Jebus were loaded. Lumian needed to use Implosion Bullets now. Only by employing these special bullets in combination with his Cull ability did he have a sliver of hope of injuring Perle, whom he suspected to be the Overseer! Bang! Lumians eyes blazed with an iron-black intensity as the starlight-shimmering bullets wove between the blazing white flame spears, speeding towards Perles neck. Perle stood beside the fixed entrance to the mirror world, her amiable smile unwavering. The corners of her mouth curled up. How dare you attack an Overseer? As the self-proclaimed Overseer uttered her first word, Lumians starlight bullet abruptly changed course, hurtling towards his own neck. Likewise, the blazing white flame spears strangely returned to Lumians side, engulfing him. Before Lumian could teleport, an Implosion Bullet struck him, causing his body to collapse bit by bit. Crack! He transformed into a mirror, shattering into countless fragments that vanished without a trace as they gathered uncontrollably. After the battle with Jebus, Franca had provided Lumian with another Mirror Substitution! Perle showed no surprise. She sighed and smiled. Personally, Id prefer you die now and release that Angel. It would greatly benefit our common cause. Unfortunately, the one who made the Under the Table transaction with me insisted on capturing you alive. Lumian materialized in a corner of the quarry cave, catching Perles words. Instantly, numerous guesses flooded his mind. Under the Table transaction? Perle is the Overseer directly above Jebus. She evaded pursuit from the Major Arcana card holders by completing another high-level Under the Table transaction. And for this, she must capture me and take me somewhere? When did she find out about Moran Avignys situation? Was she monitoring his residence? Or did she receive information from other sources? Surely the Purifiers are professional enough to keep the news under wraps, right? Why capture me alive? Who wants me alive? To use me as a sacrifice, like Susanna Mattise? Or could the person engaging in Perles Under the Table transaction be a Sufferer from the Sinners organization? Someone who doesnt want Termiboros to break free from the seal, but instead wants to control this Angel and use Him as an ingredient for advancement? No, thats not right. If he were just a Sufferer, even if he could mislead Madam Magician and the others temporarily, he couldnt prevent them from returning to help. Yet, Perle remains calm and collected Could the other party in the Under the Table transaction be a faction of the Mother Tree of Desire or the Great Mother? Only they could organize a lineup in this world to deal with the Major Arcana card holders With his keen Conspirers intuition, Lumian connected two problems. First, the counter-party of Overseer Perles Under the Table transaction. Second, how she discovered Moran Avignys mishap so quickly and promptly convened a high-level Under the Table transaction. As these questions intertwined, a thought struck Lumian. In the Purifier team, a key member of April Fools wasnt a transmigrator. Together with Loki, he single- handedly orchestrated the loss of the humanoid Sealed Artifact. To this day, the Eternal Blazing Sun Church hasnt discovered the perpetrator! Could a Broker also be involved? Indeed, only if a key April Fools member lurking within the Church appears unrelated to the Purifier who lost the humanoid Sealed Artifact, and they dont even know each other, can the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, with its numerous Sealed Artifacts and demigods, investigate for so long without finding anything! From the Eternal Blazing Sun Churchs perspective, the Purifier who lost the humanoid Sealed Artifact truly committed a momentary mistake. He had no motive for the crime and no links to April Fools Has the School of Truth expanded the Broker business into the Eternal Blazing Sun Church? Its true; only Unshadowed wont be embroiled in gray transactions, and most Purifiers cant reach Sequence 4. Similarly, not all Cardinals are from the Sun pathway It seems the School of Truth has long been connected to April Fools and is collaborating Damn it, it really is a broker organization. It can be associated with any faction! Could it be that the School of Truths collaborator within the Eternal Blazing Sun Church urgently transmitted information about Moran Avignys mishap to Overseer Perle? Upon receiving the news, Perle immediately convened a high-level Under the Table transaction. Was the transaction with April Fools? No, April Fools doesnt have that power. Could it be the Celestial Worthy backing them or other high- ranking subordinates of the Celestial Worthy? No wonder they want to capture me alive Perle might have intended to offer an item in exchange for severing her connection with Moran Avigny. However, the counter-party in the Under the Table transaction proposed a new plan, allowing her to switch from passive to active, seizing the opportunity to deceive and set a trap. How far it can go depends on her improvisation If it is indeed April Fools and the Celestial Worthys will is faintly discernible, it would explain why Madam Magician didnt sense anything amiss and walked right into the trap. Realizing this, Lumian was alarmed. Termiboros warned me twice about the School of Truth. Could it be that He foresaw the corresponding fate unfold and a chance for Him to break free from the seal? Is that why He was so eager, hoping to compel it into fruition? Chapter 730 - 730 Struggle 730 Struggle Lumians mind raced, unable to fully process the myriad details, but in the heat of battle, he couldnt afford to waste a single moment overthinking. Only a Conspirer could deduce a possible scenario within two seconds of Mirror Substitution taking effect. Based on Perles words, Franca and the others would have concluded that she was the Overseer directly above Jebus. She had sidestepped danger through the Under the Table transaction but now had no choice but to confront them head-on. They couldnt let their focus waver, not even for a second. Lumian cursed inwardly, frustrated that the Blood Emperors residual aura had been sealed by Underworld Daoists death mark. If not for that, his best bet would have been to activate the mark on his right palm with everything he had, allowing Alista Tudor to descend upon Trier once again. It would have drawn the attention of Angels from the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, the God of Steam and Machinery Church, and other powerhouses hiding in the city, pressuring Perle to retreat. Without a second thought, Lumian triggered the black mark on his right shoulder. His plan was to teleport out of there and into Saint Vi?ve Cathedral. Since Perles goal was to capture him alive, he obtained a conclusion through simple deduction. She would undoubtedly chase after him with all her might. Theres no way she would stay put and risk failing the Under the Table transaction! If that happened, Franca, Jenna, and Anthony would still have to deal with the conjured Punisher, but at least they wouldnt be facing a demigod. Their odds of survival would be significantly better. For any Mid-Sequence Beyonder, even a single Sequence 4 demigodCbestowed or notCwas enough to make their hearts sink with despair. Moreover, the two Demonesses and Anthony all possessed Mirror Substitution, as well as items like the Seven-Stone Bracelet. As long as they didnt become a demigods target, they had a real shot at using the substitutes to escape to the Church of The Fools cathedral at Lavigny Docks. As Lumians form swiftly dissipated, he reached into his pocket with his left hand, his mind crystal clear, and grasped Mr. Ks finger. He couldnt be sure if Perle was telling the truth about capturing him alive or if it was a lie. Was it just a demigods nonchalance when dealing with a Mid-Sequence Beyonder, or a habit formed from a Brokers constant deception? He had to be prepared for the possibility that Perle might not follow him and instead stay behind to take on Franca and the others. His contingency plan was: Summon Mr. K! While Mr. K, as a Shepherd, couldnt directly fight a demigod, he was the Aurora Orders Oracle. He could hear the True Creators guidance at any time. His presence meant that the deity he believed in would surely cast His gaze upon them. There was a good chance it would trigger some miraculous turn of events in their favor. And even without divine intervention, the Beyonder of the Apprentice pathway under Mr. Ks Grazing appeared to have records of demigod abilities. It should be able to hold off Perle for a few seconds, giving Franca and the others a window to escape. As Lumian activated his teleportation, Franca, who had been compelled to use Mirror Substitution, materialized in a corner of the quarry cave. Clutching a makeup mirror, she decisively activated the Mirror Cufflink. She already knew Perle was the Overseer and intended to escape via the mirror world. Once concealed within the mirror world, she could jump to the mirrors on Jenna, Lumian, and Anthony. She could extend her hand and pull her companions into the mirror world, and they could all flee together! The glass-like Mirror Cufflink emitted a dark light, but Franca didnt budge, unable to enter the makeup mirror in her grasp. WhC Franca was stunned for a moment before a realization hit her. Failing to enter the mirror world without any interference could only mean one thing: This was a mirror world! Except for certain unique mirror worlds, one couldnt enter the mirror world from within the mirror world itself. The only option was to use the mirror to jump! Mirror worlds came in two varieties. The first was conventional and universal, not a true world. It was a concept of doors amalgamated into a dark void passageway linking all mirrors. Wherever mirrors and their surfaces existed, such mirror worlds with no discernible boundaries could be found. The second type was special mirror worlds. They relied on the conventional mirror world and leveraged specific corruption or corresponding abilities to take shape. Some were permanent, others temporary. Their characteristics closely mirrored the real world, projections of one facet of reality, but each had its own unique limitations and rules. The mirror world in Fourth Epoch Trier belonged to the latter category. It contained only a projection of Trier, a sprawling metropolis, and excluded other regions. Moreover, it was split into three distinct levels. This mirror world was also special, but on a smaller scale. It was merely a projection of the quarry cave, likely generated by some ability. As a veteran Shadow Merchant, Perle had a long-established partnership with the Mirror People. It was perfectly normal for her to trade items capable of creating temporary special mirror worlds! Recalling the dark light emanating from Moran Avignys mirror just before Perles arrival, Francas suspicion was confirmed. Just as she was about to warn Lumian and the others, she saw the Demoness of Blacks Punishment projection seize the moment to reflect herself in a mirror. Francas pupils dilated as she activated Mirror Substitution. In an instant, she transformed into a mirror, engulfed by pitch-black flames from within. Smack! The mirror slammed into the ground, shattering into countless fragments. At the same time, Lumians figure rematerialized in place. His teleportation had failed. This was indeed a special mirror world. Finding an exit was the only way out. Mr. Ks finger had already expanded, morphing into a mass of flesh and blood that enveloped Lumians body, forming a vibrant red cloak that covered him from head to toe. With a sickening sound, Lumians body was pierced by grotesque wounds, as if struck by invisible arrows. It was only thanks to the protection of the flesh-and-blood cloak, transformed from Mr. Ks finger, that he managed to survive. Otherwise, he would have been forced to animate his shadow to absorb those fatal injuries on his behalf. Of course, he still had one more Mirror Substitution up his sleevecourtesy of Jenna. Overseer Perle stood firm beside the jutting rock deep within the quarry cave. She flashed Lumian a smile and said, Those who defy supervision and try to flee shall face punishment. As Franca and Lumians attempts failed in quick succession, Jenna tossed out a handful of fluorescent dust, whispered an incantation, and promptly vanished from the Punisher dressed as a clergyman of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church. A golden light surged around the Punisher, clad in a white robe adorned with golden threads, spreading outward in layers. As the golden light reached an empty space, it abruptly encountered an obstacle, staining it a faint golden hue. Jenna felt a surge of warmth and courage, but her eyes reflected a pure and magnificent blazing pillar of light. Crack! The pillar of light struck her, transforming her into a mirror and shattering her into pieces. Anthony seized the chance to activate Psychological Invisibility once more. However, the Trier police incarnation didnt overlook him, as if it could detect the scent of sin on him. Two bolts of lightning shot forth from the Punishers eyes, piercing Anthonys soul. Anthonys eyes bulged, his mouth agape, but he couldnt even muster a scream. He stood paralyzed, rooted to the spot. Death! Triers police incarnation uttered a single ancient Hermes word. Clenching his right hand into a fist, he lunged at Anthony, leaving an afterimage in his wake. Bang! Imbued with a peculiar force, the fist collided with Anthonys head in an inescapable blow. Crack! Anthony shattered into countless glimmering mirror fragments. Franca, dressed in an assassin suit, reappeared. Confronted by a demigods overwhelming power, the ethereal, non-godhood-possessing Demoness of Black, and the sealed special mirror world, she decisively retrieved an item from her Travelers Bag. It was a silver-white full-body armor, taller than Franca herself. Pride Armor! Franca positioned the Pride Armor in front of her, its back facing Overseer Perle. She was convinced that the demigod was the crux of the problem, not the Punisher taking the form of the Demoness of Black. If Perle remained unscathed, another Punisher would emerge to eliminate even after dispatching the first. She might even face a direct accusation. Franca noticed Perle standing beside a protruding rock with a fixed entrance to the mirror world. It led her to believe that Perle could harness the Fourth Epoch Triers abundant corruption to request a fixed entrance to the mirror world created by the Primordial Demoness. Not only would it allow them to enter and exit the conventional mirror world without relying on their inherent characteristics and abilities, but it would also serve as the gateway to this special mirror world. After all, it could be considered a gift from a true god! The instant the Pride Armors feet touched the ground, it suddenly spun around, fixing an invisible gaze upon Overseer Perle. Franca swiftly leaped to the side and rolled, avoiding facing the Pride Armors back. Thud thud thud! The silver-white full-body armor charged towards Overseer Perle, condensing a broadsword of light in its hand. In the dark cathedral bereft of a deitys Sacred Emblem, a pea rapidly grew, transforming into a multitude of thick turquoise vines that converted the area into a lush paradise of plants and an otherworldly forest. They separated the suspended corpses, preventing them from approaching The Hermit. Judgment, who had remained silent, extended her right palm, her eyes glowing with a copper-gold luster. She spoke gravely in ancient Hermes, Marionettes are prohibited here! The animated corpses abruptly ceased their movements, and Magician tore open the void before her, tainting it with resplendent starlight, forming an enchanting door. Beyond the door was the portrait of a womanLoki, who had undergone a bizarre transformation. Loki reached into the air and pulled out a figure. The figure was a woman with a voluptuous build, dressed in a black gown. A golden crown encrusted with jewels adorned her head. She had curly chestnut hair, blue eyes, a high nose bridge, and slightly thin lips. She exuded a Demoness-like allure from the inside out. Chapter 731 - 731 Another Good Job 731 Another Good Job In the depths of the shadowy cathedral, Loki conjured a figure out of thin air. The scene unfolding beside him was vividly reflected in the eyes of the Major Arcana card holders: Magician, Judgment, and Hermit. On the wall of aqueous-black stone bricks, a painting depicted a woman in a bright red dress adorned with intricate embroidery and lace. Her black hair was styled in an elegant high bun, and her face bore a mysterious, frozen smile. Her brown eyes seemed transfixed on the vivid, illusory ball of yarn before the Hermit and the peculiar golden lamp connected to its other end. The woman remained within the mural, silently observing the scene. At the same time, the mature lady with a golden crown, exuding the allure of a Demoness, was pulled from the air by Loki. She turned her piercing blue eyes towards the Hermit, who had just entered the cathedrals depths through the starlight door. As her long, chestnut hair billowed, each strand thickening, she too seemed fixated on the Hermit. Prophesying a grim future, the Hermit quickly shielded herself with the Magic Wishing Lamp. Then, arching her back slightly, she sprouted pure white, illusory feathers reminiscent of a swans. Fairytale magic, Ugly Duckling! Even an ugly duckling could transform into a swan! This power allowed Saints who had not yet reached the Angel level to reveal their incomplete Mythical Creature forms. The pristine swan feathers abruptly turned a grayish-white and hardened into falling rocks. The Hermits exposed skin split open, revealing grotesque, sinister crevices. Within the crevices, flesh and blood writhed, giving rise to black and white eyeballs. The eyeballs petrified and fell away, only to be replaced by new ones. Yet, the Magic Wishing Lamp before the Hermit remained untouched. The black-clad empresss body suddenly became ethereal, her form dissipating into a torrent of knowledge that surged towards Magician, dressed in white with golden embroidery. Magician appeared beside Loki in an instant, but a deluge of information immediately emerged from the void behind her. Vanishing, the Magician reappeared simultaneously in nine different locations throughout the cathedral, her form flickering incessantly. Upon realizing that their target was the woman in the wall painting, she attempted to escape the shadowy cathedral by force, but each effort led her back to where she began. The black-clad empresss incarnation continued to pour forth information from behind the Magicians nine figures, seeking to infiltrate the targets mind and denying her the time to tear through the void. Smiling, Loki rose from the black wooden armchair and reached into the void with his right hand, as if grasping someones arm once more. Seizing the moment, Judgment reached the cathedrals dome and pressed down with her right palm, like chaos descending from the heavens to the earth. In ancient Hermes, she solemnly declared, Mystery weakens here, while reality grows stronger! As the silver Pride Armor raced towards Overseer Perle, Franca activated the Seven-Stone Bracelet on her left wrist. The crimson, blood-like gem on the bracelet, adorned with three diamonds and four uniquely colored gems, burned with a fierce light. In a flash, Franca appeared behind the Demoness of Black. She refrained from joining the Pride Armor in confronting Overseer Perle, having learned from Lumians encounter that their attacks would have no effect on the Overseer and only invite proportional punishment. Instead, she resolved to eliminate the Demoness of Black, a Punisher lacking godhood and exhibiting rigidity. The Demoness was merely equivalent to a stronger Sequence 5 Beyonder, making it possible for Franca to deal with her. As for Overseer Perle, the outcome depended on the changes and effects brought about by the Pride Armor, a Sealed Artifact devoid of sin and pragmatic intelligence. Materializing, Franca raised her left hand, already adorned with the Ring of Punishment. In her lake-blue eyes, two bolts of lightning suddenly ignited and shot forth. Crack! The Demoness of Blacks figure shattered into countless fragments. Dammit! Mirror Substitution is such a nuisance! Franca couldnt help but curse inwardly. At that instant, Lumian had just endured the punishment for attempting to escape, the flesh cloak transformed from Mr. Ks finger shattering and splattering on the ground. He watched as the silver-white Pride Armor rushed to Overseer Perles side, raising a broadsword forged from pure light. Perle maintained her friendly smile, undaunted by the imposing presence of the massive, heavy armor. An Overseer was impervious to attacks from those lacking godhood! This was the sacred significance of overseeing. As for daring to strike an Overseer lifeform, the consequences would be dire! Perle could already envision the armor-like Sealed Artifact turning on the Demoness who had summoned it in the next moment. As the Overseer contemplated this, the silver-white Pride Armor swung the Sword of Dawn in its grasp. It remained unaffected! Perles pupils dilated as her figure in the bright red dress transformed into a pitch-black shadow. The broadsword of light descended, cleaving the shadow in two. The divided shadows took form, replicating multiple similar shadows that scattered in all directions. The Pride Armor genuflected and drove the Sword of Dawn into the ground. The broadsword shattered, unleashing countless sharp fragments of light that swept across the area. The entire quarry cave was bathed in illumination. To Francas surprise, the Demoness of Black, whose outline had been visible nearby, rapidly faded and vanished. Likewise, Jenna and Anthony, who had been cornered by the clergyman of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church and the Trier police incarnations, found themselves no longer under attack or pursuit. Bewildered, they observed as the Punishers, who had exerted immense pressure upon them, melted away like frost under the suns rays. Lumian was astonished by the Pride Armors performance. He had harbored little faith in the Sealed Artifacts ability to challenge Overseer Perle. Yet, to his pleasant surprise, it had exceeded his expectations! Furthermore, he had noticed several peculiar details since Perles arrival. The Overseers feet had not shifted an inch! She stood beside a protruding rock with a fixed entrance to the mirror world, never pursuing or approaching. Instead, she exerted her influence upon them from a distance. Could this be an inherent trait of an Overseer? Might the Pride Armors capacity to strike her stem from the abhorrence and hatred imbued within it by a deity before His demise? Were only attacks infused with godhood or a corresponding level of corruption capable of harming an Overseer? Lumian frowned, pondering these possibilities. Snapping out of her daze, Franca shouted to him, Moran Avignys makeup mirror! She knew that the Pride Armor could not so easily vanquish Overseer Perle. They had to seize this fleeting, uninterrupted window to escape the extraordinary mirror world. Before Overseer Perles appearance, the dark light emanating from Moran Avignys makeup mirror had led Franca to suspect it might be the exit! Franca trusted that Lumian grasped the full import of her concise words and refrained from elaborating further. The blue gem on her Seven-Stone Bracelet emitted a sea-like glow. In an instant, she materialized beside Jenna, grasping her arm. A diamond on the Seven-Stone Bracelet illuminated. Teleport! Franca and Jenna teleported to Moran Avignys corpse and the nearby makeup mirror. Meanwhile, Lumian readily understood Francas message. He activated the black mark on his right shoulder and teleported to Anthonys side. Without hesitation, he grabbed his teammates arm and teleported once more. Their destination: Moran Avignys already open makeup mirror! However, upon appearing near Moran Avignys corpse, Franca and Lumian were stunned to discover that the makeup mirror had become illusory and unreal, as if it were a mere projection of the original item. At that moment, they heard Overseer Perles voice once again. You stand guilty! You have harmed an Overseer! As her voice echoed, the silver-white full-body armor ascended, and the void behind it ruptured into darkness. Propelled by an unseen force, the Pride Armor plummeted into a centipede-like crack resembling a void scar, falling into a pitch-black abyss that extended as far as the eye could see. It vanished entirely from Lumian and his companions sight. Judgment: Exile! Fragmented shadows swiftly converged beside the protruding rock with the fixed entrance to the mirror world. Overseer Perle, garbed in her red dress, reappeared. Holding a makeup mirror in her hand, she smiled and said, Did you believe I would leave the exit intact? I replaced it with a counterfeit long ago! Lumian, Franca, Jenna, and Anthonys expressions shifted slightly. As these thoughts raced through his mind, Lumian, already grasping Anthonys arm, swiftly activated the black mark on his right shoulder. He and Anthony vanished in an instant beside Moran Avignys corpse. Franca made a similar effort, causing the emerald in her Seven-Stone Bracelet to emit a transparent green light. However, just as she Blinked with Jenna to a corner of the quarry cave, Perles Words of Order resounded in her ears. You stand guilty! You attacked an Overseer! Franca was the one who had unleashed the Pride Armor! As Franca prepared to use the Seven-Stone Bracelet to depart her current location, she suddenly witnessed the surrounding void freeze and transform into layers of amber, encasing her and Jenna within. This was a cage from which even teleportation could not provide escape. It encompassed the entire area, and even if Franca and Jenna attempted to employ Mirror Substitution, they would remain confined within its boundaries. Judgment: Confinement! Overseer Perle averted her gaze, searching for Lumian and Anthony. She surveyed the surroundings but found no trace of the two. Chapter 733 - 733 Praise You 733 Praise You Finishing the last stroke, Anthony sighed in relief, confirming he still lived. Though unsure if Amons incarnationCMonettes drawn formCcould help turn the tables and find a way out of the mirror world, he had obeyed his partners orders and done his part. Almost at once, Anthony saw the corners of Monettes sketched mouth turn up, eyes appearing to come to life. But the curling paper and translucent flames stirred once more. In an instant, the drawing of Monette condensed into a ball, devoured by clear flames and absorbed into the dim Bottle of Fiction. WhC Had it failed? Anthonys heart squeezed tight again. Even a disciplined Hypnotist found it hard to stay calm in the face of this. Right then, Overseer Perle, still next to the jutting rock, pulled her right hand from the Under the Table bag of coins. The transaction was made; Lumians group would teeter on the edge of sleep! Perle looked back at her target. Lumian stood firm, wearing a gold mask painted black and white. His aura was gone, body radiating an icy breath of death. But Lumians now blue eyes stayed open. As an Overseer, Perle knew something was wrong. About to act, a thick darkness swallowed her, snuffing out the carbide lamp. Perles eyes shut as she swayed unsteadily. She fell asleep. Somehow, the sleep effect meant for Lumians team had hit her instead, leaving them untouched. Seeing this, Lumian felt shock, then immense joy. He sensed a strange power pulsing from the Bottle of Fiction he had made with his body. Did it work? Had Anthony done it? As expected, the entitys prior actions sought to help His father. And His father is on our side against heretics! Lumian quickly deactivated the Bottle of Fiction, ready to teleport to the sleeping Perle. He would get Moran Avignys mirror and try to escape through the mirror worlds set entrance. If he could just get out, he could find help to make Perle leave. Just then, Perles coin bag and Moran Avignys mirror fell to the ground. Smack! Moran Avignys mirror broke, cracking the entire mirror world barrier. Perle, driven by flaming ambition, woke up with a start. As Lumians hopes sank, a shadow raced out of the shattered mirror. It combined with strewn bits of flesh and blood, instantly reforming into Mr. K in his black robe. When the mirror world took damage, the Aurora Order Oracle felt his finger and teleported on instinct, turning to shadow to slip through the cracks. In the dark cathedral in an unknown location, Magician Blinked over and over, unable to shake off the flood of random information. As she Blinked, starlight filled her eyes, solidifying into a weird, ancient stone wall clock. Clang! Grand, majestic chimes echoed in every nook of the cathedral. An old, mottled phantom appeared in the airCa stone wall clock split into twelve sections, each crossing grayish-white or bluish-black symbols. Clang! The chimes carried an unspeakable, invisible torrent through long ages past, freezing all present. The horrifying torrent of information froze. Hermit, changed into an incomplete Mythical Creature, stopped cold. Judgment, floating over the cathedral, turned to a statue. Lokis hand, reaching into the void, also paused, failing to pull out a silhouette. In this frozen state, the starlight in Magicians eyes changed again. Countless complex mercury symbols appeared, quickly joining into a huge, unreal, scaleless serpent. The silver-white giant snake, layered with dense patterns and symbols, made connected cylinders with different markings. The next second, the mercury serpent bent to bite its tail before it began slowly turning. The massive torrent of information started to reverse, going back the way it came until it turned back into the woman in the black dress with the gold crown. The black-dressed woman faded, becoming a ghost and a floating, oddly captivating tarot card. In the end, both went back to the void and disappeared. Fallen rocks flew back to Hermits body, turning back to eyes or pure white. Hermit quickly lost her terrifying look that would make anyone go mad. Judgment returned to the surface, going back past the door as the mystery-weakening limit faded. Loki drew back his hand, settling into the pitch-black wooden chair. In the fractured special mirror world, Overseer Perle saw the hooded, black-robed Mr. K and his many sins upon waking up. Oddly, the criminal who had done worse things than Lumian only had a small gray spot. This suggested that finishing an Under the Table transaction with Mr. K would be hard, as if it needed certain conditions. It seems to come from extreme devotion. All Under the Table transactions can only keep going with the permission of the one he has faith in As Perles mind raced, she glared at Mr. K and said with the Words of Order, You stand guilty! You murdered someone! The space over Mr. K went dark at once as something awful took shape. Having heard Lumian talk about Jebuss powers, he knew a deadly punishment was coming. He quickly changed his Grazing target, using Devil Transformation and Rose Bishops flesh and blood magic to endure the unknown attack. But in a flash, the growing penalties vanished, as if going to an unknown place. The scary pressure, like thick smoke, blew away in fierce winds. Mr. K was stunned for a moment before exploding in crazed laughter. Haha! Hahaha! Im guilty, but the Lord carries my sins! Im innocent. Im innocent to this world! Amid the laughter, Mr. K changed Grazing targets. Layers of unreal doors showed up in his eyes. Many doors to different places came together, turning into ghostly books. The book materialized in front of Mr. K, pages flipping fast. I came, I saw, I recorded. As the ethereal voice rang out, the illusory book stopped on a page. In an instant, Mr. K turned into a two- to three-meter-tall half-giant in cold black armor, holding a pitch-black sword. He sprinted towards the Overseer. Praise you! Mr. K roared, slicing down with the Sword of Darkness. Perles face went grim, seeing the prosecution had no effect on Mr. K. Of course, as a demigod, though caught off guard, she knew what to do. Amid Mr. Ks wild laughter, she stressed with the Words of Order, An Overseer is protected! The black-armored half-giant used all his might, slashing at Perles head with the dark broadsword, but an unseen barrier blocked it. The barrier cracked. Mr. Ks body quietly fell apart. A clean cut took off his right arm and shoulder, dropping them to the ground. Though Mr. K used recorded demigod powers and had a bit of godhood, he still faced punishment for attacking a clearly protected Overseer. This was a freshly done crime, not yet borne! The flesh on Mr. Ks shoulder writhed, as if a new arm would grow. But he ignored it. His left hand grabbed the falling dark sword, yelling again, Praise you for creating everything! As the rough voice echoed, the dark broadsword slashed at Overseer Perle. With Perles former protection, the dropped coin bag floated back to her hand. She quickly made an Under the Table deal aimed at everyone there. Crack! As the dark broadsword swung, the unseen barrier guarding the Overseer fully shattered. Mr. Ks left arm came off his body, showing a huge cut. In the cut, blood-colored flesh tendrils grew fast, as if alive, as if a new Mr. K would emerge. Overseer Perle wasnt happy. Based on the Under the Table deal, Mr. K, Lumian, and the rest should have gotten much weaker. But in truth, nothing changed! Could it be that Im unlucky? The person who made the deal was a fraud who never meant to keep their end? Perles heart sank as she couldnt move for some reason. Then she saw the armless Mr. K bow in an exaggerated way. The Aurora Order Oracles mouth opened as wide as it could, corners going to his ears. Blood churned where it tore, flesh tendrils thickly covering the spot. Using his stretched mouth, the black-armored Mr. K bit the dark swords handle. He jumped high, voice ringing from his chest. Praise you for bearing the worlds sins! Amid hoarse yells, Mr. K fell, a straight dark sword using himself as the grip, slashing at Overseer Perle. Chapter 734 - 734 My Weapon 734 My Weapon Lumian stood at the quarry caves exit, wanting to work with Mr. K to take on Perle, but unsure of how to proceed. Past experience had shown him that without godhood, any action against an Overseer would only come back to haunt him, without affecting the demigod at all. With his golden mask removed, Lumian could only remain in place, considering what items he possessed that might be useful and effective. He was left with no option but to watch the fight between Mr. K and Perle unfold as a mere spectator. At the same time, he scanned the area, looking for a way to utterly destroy the existing mirror world. Anthony kept his posture and continued drawing on the blank painting album, which was missing a page. His current subject was to be Madam Magician. As he observed Mr. Ks movements and listened to each slash, Lumian sensed a slight corruption creeping into his mind. It surprised him that Mr. K could hold the Overseer at bay to some degree, unafraid of her accusations and armed with a means to harm her. Lumian silently hoped that even if Mr. K couldnt defeat Perle, he would at least be able to drive her off. Mustering strength from his waist and core, Mr. K swung his upper body as he descended, bringing the dark broadsword down on Overseer Perles head for the third time. Perle remained motionless, not using any Mirror Traversal-like ability to evade, nor rolling to the side. She stood firm beside the jutting rock, her body turning pitch-black and dissolving into a constantly dissipating shadow. The dark, enigmatic broadsword plunged down abruptly, silently cleaving the shadows in two. The shadows rapidly encircled the protruding rock, perpetually moving and merging once again. They writhed, striving to reassemble Overseer Perles form. Where the Sword of Darkness had cut through, the shadows struggled to form proper connections, barely managing to stack together into a humanoid shape riddled with cracks and misaligned parts. Mr. K sprang up, ready to swing the dark broadsword gripped in the gaping crack of his mouth. Suddenly, his body shrank rapidly, the cold black armor encasing him vanishing. He reverted to his original form, dressed in a black hood and matching robe. The precariously assembled shadow gradually shed its black color, revealing human skin and a vivid red dress inch by inch. In the shadowy cathedral at an undisclosed location, the mercury giant serpent phantom hanging in midair slowly faded away. The Reboot was finished. Perched on a black wooden armchair, Loki abruptly thinned and shrank, transforming into a paper figurine. The paper figurine and chair then crumbled, disintegrating into dust. Loki materialized in a far corner of the cathedral. Magician, appearing to still be airborne, quickly conjured an alternate self behind him. As Loki reached into the void to pull out an assistant, his jet-black eyes suddenly shifted to blue. The blue rapidly stained black, then reverted to blue, the two colors continually alternating. Loki was paralyzed, unable to summon an aide, allowing Magician to stretch out her right hand and grasp with all her might. The dark void warped, swallowing Loki. Then, the two shattered into fragments, ultimately buried in a bottomless abyss. Throughout this, Lokis body instantly became ethereal, unreal, as if he were a projection or puppet that had been swapped at some moment. Hermit, Judgment, and Magician simultaneously heard a regretful sigh and witnessed the shadowy cathedral itself turn ethereal and slowly disintegrate. It, too, seemed to be a projection. An aged, ethereal voice then echoed from the distance. My wish is for all the demigods present to be lost for three minutes. The shadowy cathedral fully collapsed, and darkness engulfed the surroundings, devoid of starlight or boundaries. In the special mirror world, realizing Mr. K could no longer maintain his godhood-enhanced half-giant state and Overseer Perle was close to returning to her human form, Lumians first instinct was to shape-shift into a shadow being and flee through the growing rift in the mirror world to find other allies. However, he was unsure if Mr. K had employed any mystical items upon entry, and whether Shadow Transformation alone would allow passage through the mirror worlds fissure. As Lumian watched Overseer Perles face gradually come into view, her eyes and nostrils both vertically misaligned, a sudden realization struck him. I, too, can wound an Overseer If Mr. K can do it, so can I! My fate is intertwined with Termiboros. To a degree, we can be considered one. Ive long known I possess a fake angelic level! The powers and items I wield wont hold godhood and cant touch an Overseer, but I should be able to do it myself. I will become my own weapon! These thoughts raced through Lumians mind as a slightly manic grin spread across his face. His blood seemed to boil, as if set aflame. In a flash, he disappeared and reappeared before Overseer Perle. His eyes had already taken on an iron-black tint, revealing a few pale spots that marked Perles vulnerabilities. One such spot was just below the left side of her face! Before Perles shadows could fully reconstruct the Overseer, a multitude of incandescent white flames burst forth from Lumians body. Like a rushing current, they poured out from Lumians eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth, skin, and pores, completely enveloping him, transforming him into a raging inferno. Lets do this! Let us burn as one! Let us explode together! Lumian, now one with the blazing white flames, swung his right fist at Perles left cheek. Perles vertically-misaligned eyes betrayed a flicker of confusion before understanding dawned. But it was too late for her to protest or react. She had not even fully returned. Bang! Lumians right fist collided with Perles left cheek, caving it in. As he struck, a ghastly wound appeared on his own chest and abdomen, but it was quickly consumed by the blazing white flames. Perle felt the pain, but it was not a mortal blow. At that instant, Lumians face, wreathed in blazing white flames, displayed a sinister and frenzied smile. It actually works! I can truly use myself as a weapon to strike an Overseer! Boom! He detonated his right arm, using the incandescent white flames he had pre-injected to make it explode. His right fist, propelled by a fierce, blazing white wave of flames, pierced Perles left cheek and penetrated her skull. Cull! Crack! The special mirror world, with its dark barrier and numerous cracks, let out a shattering sound. It rapidly disintegrated and fell apart. Lumians head took an invisible blow, his skull caving in and teeth falling out. Deprived of his right arm, he was hurled through the air, his entire body wreathed in blazing white flames. His face twisted in agony, yet his eyes shone with elation. Success! He beheld a horrific, blood-red wound on the left side of Overseer Perles face. Within the wound, a pale-white fog intermingled with the grayish-white brain. The shattered fist had ripped it asunder and set it ablaze. As the blazing white flames faded, Overseer Perles remaining right eye dulled, and her body slowly crumpled. The cage imprisoning Franca and Jenna quickly disintegrated. Mr. K, observing this, nodded approvingly. Lumian is like me! The fighting style is quite alike! The only shortcoming is that he did not loudly praise the Lord during the final blow. At the same time, Lumians head buzzed, and he nearly blacked out. He collapsed to the ground, on the verge of losing consciousness. He managed to stay awake only because he had undergone significant digestion of the Reaper potion. It felt as if he had completed another massive cull by the ancient tomb during the Dream Festival. Wh Lumian was initially thrilled, but then he forced himself to stand, shocked and suspicious. He knew the digestion must have resulted from his Culling of Overseer Perle, but shouldnt a demigod suffice for him to fully digest the Reaper potion? Lumian extinguished the incandescent white flames burning within and without. With his left hand, he retrieved the healing agent and Lie earring obtained from Jebus from his Travelers Bag, all while examining Overseer Perles corpse. Just then, the special mirror world completely collapsed, and they found themselves back in reality, inside the quarry cave with a fixed mirror world entrance. Next to the protruding rock where Perle had stood, there was no corpse or white fog to be seen. Lumian spotted an oil painting hanging on the corresponding rock wall. The painting looked torn and ruined, but one could faintly discern that it had once portrayed a woman in a red dress. Perle? We werent facing the true Overseer, but a painted figure she created using a Pixie pathway item? This oil painting grants the depicted demigod a short lifespan, but no freedom of movement? Is that why Perle never budged and always took the attacks head-on? Amid his bewilderment, Lumian drank the healing agent Jebus had procured from the Great Mothers followers to ensure he would survive past 6 a.m. At that moment, Perles smiling voice resonated from the depths of the shattered oil painting. I didnt anticipate my painting person failing. But no matter. Whats important is that the vortex is about to manifest. It wont be long before youre officially consumed. Everyone will be caught up in it Perles voice gradually faded into the depths of the oil painting, thwarting Mr. Ks attempt to track her through teleportation. Chapter 735 - 735 I Have Sinned 735 I Have Sinned The healing agents effects and the incineration of the original flames had largely stemmed the bleeding from Lumians wounds. Flesh and blood had even started to regrow and form scabs over his skin. Putting on the Lie earring, Lumian tried to shift the gruesome hole in his chest and abdomen to a less vital location. As he did so, he stared intently at the oil painting hanging on the rocky wall, his thoughts racing. As an Overseer, Perle is unlikely to directly engage in combat herself? Has her true form been lurking in the shadows this whole time to avoid any potential mishaps? But if she had personally intervened, perhaps we would have been defeated long ago, with no chance for any slip-ups Furthermore, Perle doesnt appear overly concerned about capturing me alive. Doesnt the failure of her painting version indicate that the Under the Table deal she initiated didnt meet the requirements? Shes bound to face severe consequences for that in the future. Its not as if shes a fraud Coming to this realization, Lumian suddenly came up with a guess: Perle was the sole person to mention capturing me alive. Theres no other evidence to support it While this may indeed be a request from the other party in the Under the Table transaction, its probably not the only one. Its likely one of multiple requests and the least critical. Thats why, after creating the special mirror world, Perle immediately left this painting behind, allowing her painting version to handle us while she went off elsewhere. Was she going to carry out the most vital and important requirement? I cant fully trust a Brokers words either Based on her tone, she seems to have succeeded. This strongly suggests shes confident the vortex is on the brink of taking shape. It wont be long before it entraps everyone Apparently, she wasnt in the vicinity at all. She merely used the link to her painting self to briefly speak remotely before vanishing completely. We have no way to track her. Lumian felt his theory could account for Perles actions and certain details from the prior battle. This realization made his heart sink. If his suspicions were correct, the School of Truths vortex hadnt been successfully halted and was about to manifest! What would transpire after some time had passed? Right then, Mr. K approached Lumian, his gaze locked on the tattered oil painting. In a hoarse voice, he spoke, I have sinned. I failed to discover the School of Truths scheme beforehand, letting the issue escalate until it was on the verge of erupting. As he talked, the flesh on Mr. Ks shoulders writhed, and two pale, slender, damp arms gradually grew out. The black robe, its sleeves severed, was beyond repair. Not waiting for Lumian to respond, Mr. K turned his head and said, The disturbance here will soon be noticed. We shouldnt stay. Meet me tomorrow morning. Got it. Lumian glanced at his companions, who had concealed themselves in the shadows or used Psychological Invisibility, and nodded subtly. He also intended to head to the safe house as quickly as possible to avoid any accidental attacks by official Beyonders. Once Mr. K teleported away, Franca, Jenna, and Anthony came out of hiding. We should get back to the safe house now, Lumian said decisively. Franca nodded and said with regret and sorrow, I wonder where Pride Armor was sent. It would be such a shame if we truly lost it. If Pride Armor hadnt hit Overseer Perles painted self, compelling her to alter her life form and indirectly making the transformed Punishers disappear, even if Lumian could have still found a way to lure out the Islander swindler, Monette, they wouldnt have survived the following stages. In that case, he would face not only Perles punishment but also Anthonys Punisher. For Lumian and the others, Pride Armor had performed exceptionally; it was a Sealed Artifact of tremendous value. Nobody wanted it to be lost. If it were human and smart, it could find its way back. But now Lumian sighed, grasping Anthonys shoulder with his left hand. Suddenly, dazzling starlight emerged from the void, rapidly forming a dreamlike door. The door opened, and out came Magician, Judgment, and Hermit. Surveying the scene, Magician noticed Lumians dire condition, one arm missing. With an odd expression, she asked, You were attacked? As she spoke, the quarry cave, lit solely by the carbide lamps glow, darkened, as if an unseen curtain had been pulled around it. Yes, Franca replied on behalf of Lumian, who had only gained enough reprieve from his injuries to avoid imminent death. She concisely recounted the whole situation. The one who attacked you came from Perles painted self. Her true form departed to do something else? Magician sought confirmation. That appears to be the case, Lumian responded. Magician exchanged glances with Judgment and Hermit, their eyes meeting without hiding their bewilderment. After a short pause, Magician offered no explanation. Starlight gathered in her eyes, as if tracing a pattern. A gentle rain fell, soaking Lumians body and fully healing his wounds. Nourished by the rain, Franca and the others felt their weariness melt away. It closely resembles the power Madame Night used in the dream Lumian drew a connection. Magician nodded and instructed, Provide me the details in writing tomorrow. With that, she disappeared along with Judgment and Hermit. As the darkness around them lifted, Lumian realized they had returned to the safe house in the administrative district, where Jenna had summoned Judgments messenger. Madam Magician and the others are perplexed that we were attacked by Perles painting self, Anthony remarked while putting away the blank painting collection, voicing his thoughts. Lumian nodded and replied, Whats perplexing shouldnt be Perle attacking us. Its not unusual for an Overseer with an Under the Table transaction at the heart of it all to do something like that. So what were they perplexed about? Jenna and Franca couldnt figure out an answer. Anthony tried to analyze the situation. Theyre not perplexed by Perles attack itself, but why we were targeted by her painted self specifically. They seem to think we wouldnt be attacked by Perle directly. Whether she had such intentions or acted on them is irrelevant. Lumian and the others became lost in thought. Abruptly, Franca exclaimed. Looking at Lumian and the others, she slowly withdrew her hand from her Travelers Bag in astonishment. Pride Armor is in here. Its returned! Did Madam Magician help locate it? As this thought crossed Lumians mind, he noticed Francas actions. He instantly shouted, Stop! He couldnt allow Franca to retrieve the Pride Armor! This is a confined room, and Im present! Francas expression froze, and she immediately stopped moving her elbow. In the mirror world created by dark void tunnels, Overseer Perle continuously moved from mirror to mirror, searching for her final destination. Her expression stayed calm, thrilled that the calamity had instead accelerated the vortexs formation. On the other side of the dark, vacant tunnel, a vibrant ball of yarn quietly trailed her, leaving a concealed path. The next morning, having sent the letter to Magician, Lumian reached Psychics headquarters and met Mr. K in the basement. Both their limbs had been restored. Clad in an enormous hood and black robe, Mr. K disregarded this. In a grating voice, he told Lumian, Come with me somewhere. For what purpose? Lumians demeanor toward Mr. K had become more at ease after their collaboration the previous night. Mr. K nodded and explained, First, I wish to atone for this incident. Second, through the idol, I want to notify the Lord that youve grown and can serve as His envoy. He will make preparations when the moment is right. Have faith in the Lord, and trust Him completely. Just going to a location with the True Creators idol? Thats okay It would be problematic if I actually had to encounter a god Lumian bowed his head humbly and said, It would be my honor. Mr. K came up to him, grasped his arm, and transported him into the spirit world via teleportation. Traversing dense layers of colors and innumerable indescribable transparent beings, the pair arrived at a cathedral. The cathedral seemed to be located in a deep valley. Its surface was a watery black, decorated with many human bones. The top resembled the Eternal Blazing Sun Churchs cathedral, forming a hemispherical shape. Mr. K silently entered through the open door, his back slightly hunched. Lumian followed closely behind. Then, he saw the vast but dimly lit prayer hall and an enormous, pitch-black cross standing in the cathedrals depths. A naked male idol hung upside down from the cross. Rust- colored iron nails jutted out from various parts of its body, each nail stained with vivid red blood. Is this the True Creators idol? Lumians heart raced as he quickly averted his gaze. What he had seen in the Church of The Fool, the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, and the God of Steam and Machinery Church were merely Sacred Emblems. There were no idols. He had assumed Mr. K was referring to the Sacred Emblem as an idol. Mr. K walked until he was four to five meters from the idol and halted. Lumian trailed slightly behind and stopped. As he made his way from the entrance, he got a clear look at the hanging idols face. Its nose, mouth, and ears were quite blurry, with only a rough outline. However, its eyes were very distinct and tightly closed, as if enduring all the pain and guilt. Mr. K drew a cross on his chest and cried out in a raspy voice, Praise you! Praise you for creating everything! Praise you for shouldering the worlds sins! Lumian followed suit in offering praise. Abruptly, his head spun, and his eyes burned with a sense of familiarity. Wh Lumians spiritual intuition alerted him that the negative effects of the Baynfel contract had been triggered. The effect was: In scenes intimately connected to Baynfels past, he would witness truths better left unknown. This place is closely tied to Baynfels past? Was he once a clergyman of the True Creator? Lumian suppressed his curiosity as he continued to focus on the ground. Suddenly, his eyes froze. He spotted a blurry, lizard-like creature. It was the lizard-like elf that had appeared in his dream about Cordu. The same one that had crawled out of Aurores mouth! It might have influenced Aurore, stopping her from seeking Helas help in time! At the conclusion of the Tree of Shadow incident, the lizard- like elf had also made an appearance. Why was it present now, in the True Creators cathedral? As Mr. K sprawled on the ground, pressing his face firmly against the watery black stone bricks, Lumian instinctively looked up. He witnessed the huge pitch-black cross transform into an illusory shape, as if it loomed over a mountain ranges peak. On the indistinct figure hanging upside down, lizard-like elves crawled in and out, circling and dancing Lumian watched the scene in a daze as Mr. Ks slightly muffled voice resounded in his ears. Oh, merciful Father, I implore your mercy for the transgressions Ive made. End of VolumeSinne Chapter 736 - 736 Night 736 Night Can you accept such an outcome? Inside an empty house in Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, Angoulme de Fran?ois, wearing a lion headdress, stood by the window, gazing down at the gas streetlamps below, patiently waiting. After losing contact, he and Hidden Blade had switched emergency communication methods. They aimed to quickly re-establish contact, even without Madame Helas messenger. Early the previous morning, as soon as he had wrapped up the Moran Avigny case, he immediately tried to locate Hidden Blade. Finally, Hidden Blade Franca, dressed in her assassin outfit, emerged from the shadows. Angoulme cut right to it and asked, Did you take down Moran Avigny? Otherwise? Franca replied with a smile. Although Overseer Perles vortex warning hung over Francas head like a sharp blade, preventing her from relaxing just because Moran Avigny was dead and she had the intel, Franca wouldnt let it ruin her mood or make her solemn or anxious. The Major Arcana card holders would naturally worry about something so serious, and she and the others just needed to follow orders and complete the missions. No point fretting. Plus, the intel they obtained was crucial and valuable. Either the Eternal Blazing Sun Church or the Demoness Sect would definitely be grateful! Franca was filled with anticipation over this. It really was you guys Angoulme couldnt help but sigh. Hidden Blade and her team really acted fast. They had mentioned dealing with a government minister, and not long after, they actually attacked and succeeded. Franca covered for Lumian, saying, We were waiting for Moran Avigny to walk into the mirror himself. Surprisingly, the Aurora Order suddenly assassinated him, forcing him into our trap early. Combined with the scene details, Angoulme slightly nodded and said, So it was just a coincidence This aligned with what the Purifiers had confirmed. Angoulme then asked, So wheres Moran Avigny now? Dead, Franca said with a tongue click. He was definitely a Mirror Person, and gave us lots of important intel. What intel? Angoulme quickly asked. Franca chuckled and raised her right hand, gently rubbing her thumb and index finger together. Wheres my informant fee? Angoulme said in exasperated amusement, Dont forget I contributed a lot to the Moran Avigny operation. Even if I dont get spoils, its no problem to hear the intel, right? Franca, who always prided herself on fairly splitting loot, awkwardly cleared her throat. Just kidding. Just kidding. But that intel is super important. Your superior will definitely reward you. Dont forget to help me collect my fee! Get to the point, Angoulme replied in a deep voice. It wasnt that he was stingy about the fee, but Hidden Blade had twice emphasized how crucial the intel was, making him eager. Franca omitted Tarot Club and Aurora Order details, but started from capturing Jebus to Overseer Perles painted self appearing and Lumians theory about the whole situation. Initially, Angoulme stayed relatively composed. Mirror People problems barely factored into Purifier expectations. But when Moran Avigny was tricked into revealing Roselle Gustav led the Mirror People, Angoulmes head started buzzing louder and louder. Why do Hidden Blade and the others always get mixed up in such major situations? How long has it been since the Hostel incident? Why is there another vortex? After Franca finished, Angoulme couldnt help but raise his right hand and pinch his throbbing, headdress-concealed forehead. His emotions were so scrambled he was speechless. Franca smugly asked, Hows that? Project Vortex, the Mirror People, and intel about a hidden traitorpretty important stuff, right? Noticing Angoulmes grave gaze and slightly moving, teeth-grinding mouth, Franca instinctively added, Dont blame me! Were not causing these problems, Triers just uniquely prone to all kinds of chaos. Were victims too! Angoulme slowly exhaled and said, Ill submit this intel tonight. I wont forget to pass along my informants reward request. What do you want? At the mention of tonight, Angoulmes emotions surged and he paused a moment. He had just finished his workday an hour ago and left Saint Vive Cathedral. Now he had to return! Im Agent 007, not some societal slave working from midnight to midnight every damn day! Angoulme inwardly cursed, but still appeared calm, reliable, and emotionally stable. Franca deeply pondered and said, All the Pleasure potion ingredients. She had considered her Affliction potion could be rewarded by the Demoness Sect, but not Jennas. She could only rely on the authorities. Arent you already at Pleasure? Angoulme muttered, giving up asking. He nodded, Ill help get it. He didnt ask about Hidden Blades Pleasure potion preparations, just as he didnt ask how she and her crew survived facing a demigods painted self. Franca was overjoyed at 007s promise. Getting Pleasure from the Church and Affliction from the Demoness Sect, surely Madam Judgment would reward me too. I sold this one intel three times I can now understand Lumians glee at triple-dipping mission rewards! Angoulme rubbed his temples and muttered, There are Cardinals not from the Sun pathway, and way more diocese bishops. I really dont know what well uncover next. I just hope the impact isnt too massive. He meant the April Fools insider in the Eternal Church. With a clear lead, it wouldnt be hard for that party to be discovered, even if they worked through a Broker. Without waiting for Francas reply, Angoulme pondered a moment and said, The humanoid Sealed Artifact transaction is approved. Let me know the transaction details anytime. Its finally approved Franca criticized the bureaucracy and curiously asked, Whats the story with that humanoid Artifact? She had encountered the humanoid Sealed Artifact during the sea prayer ritual and knew its abnormal power. Angoulme shook his head. Im not cleared for that intel. All I know is she used to be a Sequence 4 Spectator demigod. Later she suddenly went insane, but I dont know if she went mad before an evil god corrupted her, or because of the corruption. It was probably the latter, Franca said thoughtfully. Arent Spectator Beyonders usually emotionally stable and hard to lose control? Angoulme rejected Francas statement. From what I know, Spectators normally dont have issues. But when they do, it gets really messy. True, Franca thought of I Know Someone. After chatting a while, Angoulme bid Hidden Blade farewell and left the empty room. Before leaving, he quickly reviewed the intel, then inwardly sighed with a heavy heart. Arent there way too many mystical incidents in Trier? In the market district, Jenna seized a chance to act as a Witch again. Wearing a black cloak and dark dress, she walked the shadowed street, pondering new acting directions as she looked for an opportunity. I cant just equate Witches with bad deeds. Sinister, dark acts arent necessarily bad Among the Witch legends Ive gathered so far, many focused on Witches using mystical and sinister dark powers to help others fulfill desires, tempting them to stumble These legends likely contain remnants of acts by Demonesses posing as Witches. I could try imitating them. Plus, tempting others into depravity is a deeper way for an Instigator. Pleasures acting also corrupts the target Yes, the mystical powers of sinisterness and darkness, tempting depravity and depravity brings calamity Jennas thoughts gradually became more clear. With these in mind, she turned onto Rue Anarchie, intending to find a chance to act as a Witch on this chaotic street. After a few steps, Jenna suddenly heard someone singing hysterically, Trier, a city dressed in gold, A ball that endures til dawn unfolds; Chicken roasted, dripping with oils grace, A castle cake to fill each eager embrace. A bow-tied attendant glides mongst the guests, Merrily dancing with joy and delight. My beloved, hidden midst the crowd, Among them, my love resides, In the Capital of Joy, forever Trier! This voice Jenna peered from the shadows at Auberge du Coq Dor and saw Lumian, in a thick brown jacket, sitting on the third floor windowsill, holding a green liquid-filled bottle. Hadnt he gone to the Aurora Order and never returned? Jenna frowned and stepped out of the shadow. Lumian noticed her and smiled. He leaped down from the third floor, landing steadily before her. Why are you here? Jenna asked with concern. Lumian smiled casually. I suddenly missed this place. Came back for a drink. Sensing Lumians strange excitement, Jenna pondered a moment then asked, Did something happen? No, Lumian denied quickly. He emphasized, Im fine. With an absinthe bottle in hand, he headed towards Rue Anarchies exit. Jenna trailed closely behind, not inquiring further. Under the crimson moonlight and scattered gas lamps, the silent Lumian suddenly smiled and announced, Im about to start blaspheming. No, its already begun. He didnt turn around and kept walking. Havent you been blaspheming all this while? Jenna cautiously probed with Lumians usual self-deprecation. Lumians gaze stayed fixed ahead as he smiled. Its different this time. He quickened his pace and didnt mention it again. Jenna glanced at Lumians muddy leather boots and the dirty but dry surroundings. She pursed her lips and didnt press further. Lumian continued walking, occasionally humming a tune, occasionally chatting with Jenna and joking with a smile. He made his way back to his rented apartment and entered his room. Jenna stood quietly in the living room, watching Lumian close the bedrooms wooden door. In the dark room, lit only by crimson moonlight, Lumian sat at his desk, unfolded a piece of paper, and picked up a fountain pen. He didnt light the gas wall lamp, nor create a blazing fireball. In the pitch-black, he positioned the pen under the faint light. Amidst paper rustling, Lumians smile faded, and his wrist slowed. Finally, he penned the unusually brief letter: Honorable Madam Magician, Id like to meet you. Chapter 737 - 737 Opinion 737 Opinion After having the messenger dispatched to deliver the letter, Lumian sat at his desk, gazing at the dark curtains that seeped in the crimson moonlight, patiently awaiting Madam Magicians arrival. After an indeterminate period of time, a resplendent starlight emerged from the dark room, coalescing into the figure of Magician. She had changed into a brownish-yellow cotton dress with white trimmings. Good evening, Madam Magician, Lumian said with a glance around. I have something important to discuss. Magician grasped his meaning and immediately condensed the surrounding darkness into an illusory glass barrier, curling up to block out the infiltration of the crimson moonlight and the sounds from outside. Whats so important? Madam Magician inquired once secrecy was ensured. Lumian conjured a blazing white flame to use as a chandelier. After a few moments of silence, he said, Ive confirmed the origins of the lizard-like elf. Its not an evil god from outside the barrier? Madam Magician wore a thoughtful expression. Lumians lips curled into a slight smile. An evil god in a way, but one not from outside the barrier. Magician frowned and said, Give me the details. Lumian recounted in his deep voice his pact with Penitent Baynfel and the corresponding negative effects. He described seeing the True Creator idol and a lizard-like elf in the secret cathedral of the Aurora Order, as well as the illusory scene suspected to be a divine kingdom. Madam Magician didnt interrupt him, listening attentively. Then, she let out a long sigh and said, In fact, I had suspected that the lizard-like elf was related to Him, but whether it was the Spectator pathways Mythical Creature form or the Hanged Man pathways Mythical Creature form, they were clearly different from that elf. Nothing similar had manifested in the past five to six years. Additionally, the two experts at decrypting and deciphering dreams were more inclined to believe that the elf came from an evil god outside the barrier. This led me to abandon that guess. From the looks of it, that entity had been involved in Cordus catastrophe for a long time. Thats the only explanation thats complete. How could He, whos been listening and watching, not notice such a major incident that has been unfolding for so long and involves members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society? How could He not take advantage of the situation? What does He want? Lumians expression subtly contorted. Magician stared at Lumian for a few seconds before sighing again. I can only confirm one goal. That is to create a Beyonder capable of rapid digestion and rapid advancement along the Hunter pathway. Think about it. Its been just over half a year since you became a Hunter. Youre already a Sequence 5 Beyonder, and your Reaper potion has been greatly digested. Perhaps in two to three months, you can consider breaking through to godhood and advancing to Sequence 4, becoming a demigod. On this journey, whether it was the fake Angel status brought about by sealing Termiboros, the obtained boons of the Inevitability pathway, or some tempering and digestion opportunities filled with calculated arrangements, they all contributed significantly to your growth. He wants a Red Priest and is pushing for a decisive battle between the Red Priest and the Primordial Demoness. I was worried that your advancement might be going too smoothly, but now it seems that a price has already been exacted for what fate bestowed, and a deposit has been paid. Under the blazing white flames, Lumian spoke in a deep, raspy voice, Id rather remain an ordinary person. Madam Magician shook her head with a complex smile. As the apocalypse approaches, with Aurores background and condition, even if no catastrophe had occurred in Cordu, its inevitable that youll encounter one eventually. Have you forgotten the helplessness and pain of being an ordinary person in that catastrophe? Lumian clenched his fists involuntarily and lowered his head. I-I just dont want to obtain power this way. Madam Magician didnt dwell on the topic and said, He definitely has ulterior motives. For example, a humanoid Sealed Artifact like you can effectively gather evil god influences around you wherever you go, exposing their schemes in advance and giving us more time to deal with them. Lumian remained silent and didnt respond. Madam Magician glanced at him and asked with an obvious sigh, Whats your next move? Lumians body trembled slightly, as if he couldnt suppress his emotions. Gritting his teeth, he said, I want to punch Him! Upon saying this, Lumians eyes turned bloodshot. To be honest, he had never harbored a firm desire to seek revenge on a deity. His original plan was to eliminate the key members of April Fools and the Sanson family of the Sinners organization. Then, he would work hard to become an Angel and extract most of Termiboross strength. Then, he would release the weak Angel of Inevitability and kill Him. He knew that the source of Cordus catastrophe was actually the entity known as Inevitability. However, due to the vast disparity between them and his natural fear of deities, he had only occasionally cursed and spoken harsh words. He hadnt truly put the other party on his revenge list. And now, he wanted those damned deities to fall from heaven, like meteors streaking through the night sky! Madam Magician looked at Lumian with a serious expression and asked, Do you know what you mean by that? I know, Lumian nodded slowly. Ive been waiting all day before requesting to meet you because Ive been questioning myself seriously. He had questioned himself again and again, sometimes in anger, sometimes in sorrow. When he calmed down a little, he questioned himself again. Madam Magician regarded him with a familiar pity in her eyes. This time, Lumian knew clearly what she was pitying. A human yearning to punch a deity. Lumian gazed back at the Major Arcana card holder, his gaze unwavering. After a while, Magician nodded slightly and said, Youre telling me the target because you want me to provide effective advice on your idea and make it a little more feasible? Yes, my suggestion is that before Mr. Fool awakens to some extent, endure your impulses and work hard to improve yourself. Only by becoming a demigod can you have a chance to sit at that table of cardsof course, that depends on whether you appear there in the form of cards or chips. Dont be disheartened. Its the same for you, me, and the other demigods. Our will and choices can also play an important role at critical moments. We can also exploit the card players. Lumian asked in a deep voice, Will Mr. Foolwill he help me? Madam Magician nodded solemnly. Yes. Unknowingly, her eyes grew brighter. Mr. Fool will protect us. All of us are willing to make sacrifices for this world, but we cant be sacrificed. Lumian suddenly let out a sigh of relief, as if he had lost all strength. He couldnt stand steadily, and his body swayed slightly. He had been suppressing his emotions with all his might until now. Madam Magician looked at him and pondered for a moment before saying, I must remind you that that entity should already be aware of your thoughts. This is because you displayed an abnormality in front of His idol. Im not criticizing you; Im just stating a fact. In that situation, even Clowns and Spectators would find it difficult to control their emotions and expressions, let alone an Ascetic like you. I know Lumian replied with difficulty. Before Madam Magician exposed him, he had harbored a glimmer of hope. Magician chuckled and said, Thats also a positive thing. The fact that youre still alive suggests that youre still useful to Him and can be used. You havent repaid the full price that fate has exacted of you. As long as you dont give up on yourself or participate in actions that can disrupt His important plans, He will ignore your hatred. He might even continue to allow you to encounter opportunities and obtain things until you step onto the stage He has decided for you. Its frustrating, but thats the reality. In the eyes of an existence like Him, you are currently just a speck of dust. He can reduce you to dust at any time without worrying about your thoughts. After a long silence, Lumian asked in a slightly hoarse voice, You mean, before Mr. Fool awakens, Im to make full use of that entitys arrangements? Magician nodded slightly and said, Using an enemys resources to strengthen yourself is also a way of seeking revenge. Of course, this requires greater caution and restraint. As I mentioned earlier, a price is always exacted for what fate has bestowed. You have to weigh whether youre willing to pay the corresponding price in the future. Lumian looked down at the floor illuminated by the incandescent white light and said, Okay. He then asked, When will Mr. Fool begin awakening? No one knows, Madam Magician replied with a smile. But theres no need to be disheartened by this answer. I foresee that we tarot card holders will play an important role in this matter. Lets work hard together. How do we? Lumian pressed. Madam Magician pondered for a moment and said, First, focus on yourself. Then, wait patiently for the right opportunity. The right opportunity? Lumian couldnt fathom how they, the Minor Arcana card holders, were involved in awakening Mr. Fool. All he could do was cautiously ask, Madam, did you deliberately place Penitent on the messenger list? Without Baynfels negative influence, he wouldnt have had a chance to see the lizard-like elf in the True Creators hidden cathedral. Yes and no, Madam Magician replied. I know he has a certain connection to that entity. I believe our collaboration with the Aurora Order is fragile. You were sent as an undercover agent, not a true member. You might encounter certain problems in the future, and theres a chance that he will bring about new possibilities. Thats why I placed him on the messenger list to see if fate will allow you to choose him. I never expected this to unveil a very important mystery. Lumian had long grown accustomed to Madam Magicians cryptic responses. He swiftly filtered through her thoughts. He spoke in a deep voice, Madam, I wish to explore Mr. Hanged Mans Blue Avenger soon. Chapter 738 - 738 Original Arrangement 738 Original Arrangement Magician concurred tersely. No problem. I understand the urgency. Ill bring you there once Mr. Hanged Man and I confirm the time. Lumian fell silent for a moment before saying, Thank you. Madam Magician pondered for a moment and reminded him, But dont be too hasty. Emperor Roselle once said, More haste, less speed. Its not just because impatience blinds you and affects your judgment, causing you to make wrong choices in many matters. Its also because consuming the potion to advance has a requirement on your mental state. You should be well aware of this. I understand, Lumian said with a sigh. Madam Magician glanced around and joked, You were really tense just now. Weve been talking this whole time, but you didnt even remember to invite me to sit down. Yes, the School of Truths vortex clearly involves higher-level forces. Well take over the subsequent investigations. Your primary mission is to locate the relatively important Mirror People according to what Moran Avigny had shared. I suspect that something in the special mirror world is an important part of the vortex. This time, youve obtained crucial information. We Major Arcana card holders wont be stingy with the rewards. Of course, its for your team, not just you. The exact distribution is up to you. Upon hearing the last sentence, Lumian suddenly fell into a daze. He muttered to himself, Again Is this also what fate has bestowed? I cant say for sure thats not the case, Madam Magician replied with a self-deprecating smile. Your psychological and mental state are better than I expected. You havent reached the point where you need treatment again, but you seem to have suffered from the aftereffects of the trauma known as Fates Bestowment. Everything you see seems arranged as if by fates hand. Without waiting for Lumians response, she added, Actually, theres no problem with that. Its good to be vigilant, but dont put too much pressure on yourself. Your mind is like an eraser. If youre too tense, itll snap. You can be vigilant about details, but you have to relax. Think about it. You cant resist a real arrangement anyway. Why make yourself unable to sleep well, eat well, and become more and more neurotic? Yes. Lumian had to admit that Madam Magician had a point. Magician expressed satisfaction at Lumians ability to self-regulate. Of course, once you discover any arrangements that are clearly problematic, remember to inform me immediately by reciting the honorific name. For the reward this time, Ill include the Sequence 4 potion formula of the Hunter pathway, facilitating your quest for items on the Blue Avenger. As for the rewards for the Two of Cups, Seven of Cups, and Four of Swords, I dont know either. It mainly depends on what Judgment, The Hermit, and the others will offer. Lumian had no objections to this arrangement. Even if Madam Magician didnt mention it or believed that the information about the vortex and the Mirror People wasnt worth the demigod-level potion formula, he would take the initiative to request that the other party provide it first before making up for the missing contributions. As Lumian regained his composure, a question crossed his mind. Madam, Mr. K of the Aurora Order has already divulged my contributions in front of the True Creators idol, requesting Him to put me up as a candidate Oracle. When an official Oracle falls into danger, I will become the prime candidate to replace them. When the time comes, will I truly become a certain Mr. of the Aurora Order? In addition, Mr. K also promised material rewards in the next few days. Magician nodded slightly and said, The Aurora Orders organizational structure is quite peculiar. Although Oracles have a Saint directly above them, most Oracles can directly hear the ravings of that entity and His instructions, giving them strong autonomy. Yes, they still follow the orders of their Saint superiors and report to them on most matters, but there are a few matters that completely bypass their superiors. Recommending a candidate Oracle is one of them. An oracle of God can only come from Gods revelation. After a brief sigh, Magician chuckled and said, As long as theres no major problem with the screening, feel free to accept the material rewards. Youve already received enough of fates bestowments. Any more and there wont be any substantial changes. I dont think being an Oracle will happen. The Aurora Orders Oracles have a fixed preaching area. It cant beat letting you run around and trigger various hidden dangers of evil gods. It will help you digest the potion. Uh At this point, Magicians expression gradually turned odd. Lumian wasnt in a hurry to inquire. He waited for the Major Arcana card holder to take the initiative to explain. After a few seconds, Magician maintained her expression and hesitantly said, Perhaps, that persons original arrangement was for you to be a certain Mr. for a while. The Hunter pathways Sequence 4 is known as Iron-blooded Knight. It makes all consumers transform into men. Its ritual requires the formation of a team of at least 30 people. They should be able to comprehend your intentions based on your gaze and actions after long periods of nurturingas though all of you are nearly one. The higher the teams strength and tacit understanding, the better the effect of the ritual. Think about it. Whats the most striking characteristic of the Aurora Order? Its fanaticism. After becoming a certain Mr., you will undoubtedly have your own jurisdiction and a large number of subordinates. They are fanatical and will completely follow the orders of a deitys oracle like you. With some training, they can fulfill the requirements of the ritual. What you need to worry about is how to increase their strength and tacit understanding to make the ritual more effective. Wh The original plan was for me to become an Oracle after digesting the Reaper potion, allowing me to establish a team to complete the ritual as quickly as possible. How can I carry out this ritual now? Franca and the others are without a problem, but there are too few of them Lumian couldnt help but frown. Upon seeing this, Madam Magician chuckled and said, The Church of Knowledge, well-versed in the Hunter path, offered an alternative. Of course, the prerequisite is that you can tame Ludwig. Angels can offset most quantity requirements. Angel level? Lumian finally obtained information about Ludwigs power from Madam Magician. Yes. Madam Magician didnt elaborate further. Taming Ludwig? All I can do now is bribe him and give simple commands Lumian fell deep into thought. Madam Magician glanced at him and said, You can wait until you digest the Reaper potion and visit the City of Exiles, Morora, before deciding which method to use to meet the rituals requirements. Right, lets discuss the vortex details through letters. Lumian nodded and watched as Madam Magician vanished into thin air. Gazing at the gradually expanding dark border, he closed his eyes and recalled everything he had seen and heard that day. Unbeknownst to him, he clenched his fists tightly, and blazing white flames surged from his fists, burning fiercely. Jenna sat in an armchair in the living room, quietly waiting for Lumian to open the door and leave. The sound of gnawing and chewing echoed from the dining room. Lumian carried the unfinished bottle of absinthe to the balcony, settled into a chair, and took a sip. Jenna approached him with light footsteps and observed him for a few seconds. Youre in better shape. You can tell that too? Lumian asked nonchalantly without turning his head. Jenna pulled up a chair and sat down, sneering. Your silent and reserved demeanor makes me feel more at ease than your previously excited and talkative demeanor. Lumian gazed at the night outside the balcony and remained silent for a long time. Jenna didnt ask any questions either. Suddenly, Lumian spoke in a deep voice, I saw that lizard-like elf. Jenna had heard him talk about Cordu and understood what it meant. She said in surprise, Didnt you go to the Aurora Order to meet Mr. K? Why Is that lizard-like elf related to the Aurora Order? It stems from the one they believe in, Lumians voice seemed to emerge from the depths of darkness. No wonder Jenna suddenly understood Lumians previous state. Madam Judgment mentioned that the one the Aurora Order believes in is close to Mr. Fool in power It wasnt something mortals could face directly, let alone exact revenge on! After a brief silence, Jenna understood and said, Did you just meet Madam Magician? Youve grown quite smart after drinking the Witch potion, Lumian turned to Jenna. Jenna couldnt help but ask, Cant Hunters speak nicely? She paused for a moment before adding, What did Madam Magician say? She said to endure it for now and wait for Mr. Fool to wake up before considering what to do next, Lumian replied simply. Jenna tersely acknowledged, momentarily at a loss for words. After a moment, she stood up and went to Ludwigs side in the dining room to retrieve a glass from the balcony. She snatched the bottle of absinthe from Lumians hand and poured a third of it for herself. Jenna had just taken a sip of the dreamy green liquid when her face instinctively furrowed. Heck, why do you people like to drink absinthe? It tastes awful! As a former Showy Diva, Jenna had drunk plenty of alcohol, but she still couldnt accept the taste of absinthe. Lumian scoffed but didnt offer an explanation. Jenna casually chatted, I once read a book about a writer whose name I cant remember. He said that those who enjoy absinthe either use it to pretend they are experienced or use it to reminisce about their experiences Lumian listened quietly, picked up the bottle, and took another mouthful. The slightly burning alcohol slid down his throat, leaving behind a familiar bitterness. Chapter 739 - 739 Reminder 739 Reminder In the Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, Apartment 702 on 9 Rue Orosai. Franca waited a while for Jenna to return. She sniffed and asked in confusion, Have you been drinking? Didnt Jenna say she was going to the market district to find an opportunity to act as a Witch? Could it be that she had been deliberately drinking and engaging in sting operations to carry out law enforcement? Jenna removed her black cloak and said to Franca with a solemn expression, I ran into Lumian. Huh? Franca was taken aback. Hes in the market district? Didnt he go to the Aurora Order to meet Mr. K? I thought he hadnt returned because he was being tested and preparing to choose a reward Jenna didnt hold back and recounted Lumians condition and words in almost complete detail. Is that so Francas emotions became complicated. She understood Lumians current feelings and sympathized with the plight of Muggle Aurore. She still remembered that the Ancient Sun God, suspected to be from the Third Epoch and whom the Aurora Order believed in, had returned in some form. There was a high chance that the Ancient Sun God was an earlier transmigrator, a transmigrator like them! Transmigrators harming transmigrators Its the way of the April Fools group; likewise for the Ancient Sun God Franca sighed silently and decided to summon Madame Helas messenger later. She would inform the vice president of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society about the School of Truths vortex operation and the True Creators role in the catastrophe at Cordu, and request a gathering of all members soon. It wasnt that she wanted to publicly warn all members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society at the gathering about the True Creator and the Ancient Sun God. Certain matters could become catastrophic if people below a certain level knew about them. After all, that entity possessed the ability to know whenever He was mentioned. Franca hoped to raise the vigilance of Hela and the other organizers of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society before indirectly alerting the other members through them. Furthermore, Franca found the Overseer of the School of Truth formidable, but that wasnt the most terrifying aspect about her and her accomplices. Francas greatest unease stemmed from the Brokers ability and willingness to unite the evil god sects, which had been in disarray, fighting independently and even attacking each other. The Hostel plan was the embryonic form of such a change, and perhaps the vortex incident represented the outcome in a stepped sequence. Facing the evil god cults that had begun to collaborate, Franca wanted the factions she associated herself with to take action and collaborate as well. To this end, she was willing to share information about the vortex and the Mirror People with Madame Hela, a demigod likely backed by the Evernight Church, free of charge. She had already written and sought Madam Judgments opinion on this matter, and her response was affirmative. How is he now? Franca asked with concern, contemplating whether to drink with Lumian until dawn to express her support and comfort him. Hes fine for now, Jenna replied after a few seconds of contemplation. Perhaps its also because the one the Aurora Order believes in is far superior to him. Although the hatred is real, its very intangible and cant be acted upon for a long time. She had authority to speak on such matters. Franca tersely acknowledged her words and contemplated her next move. At dawn, Franca visited Clarice immediately and reported her encounter to the Demoness of Black. The latter expressed her approval and inquired about Francas recent needs. Franca didnt stand on ceremony and mentioned her desire for the ingredients for the Affliction potion. Back then, the Demoness of Black didnt agree or reject her request. She only instructed Franca to visit in two days and to find the Mirror People that Moran Avigny had mentioned as soon as possible. She could provide any assistance Franca needed. As for the Mirror People that Moran Avigny had mentionedGriffith, Palia, and Caratanza Tamaranone of them used their real names in reality. They could only rely on their unclear identities to investigate. Franca hoped to obtain official assistance through 007, and she also wanted to see if there were any members of the Moses Ascetic Order in the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society. This was one of the reasons why she had requested a full-scale gathering soon. The only Mirror Person who could be identified was Triers Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sport. Franca had investigated the situation before dawn and realized that the Mirror Person had vanished. It appeared that the fleeing Overseer had used some method to alert the Mirror People. For example, news of Moran Avignys accident had quickly spread. After downing the last of the absinthe and saying goodbye to Jenna, Lumian rubbed his temples and headed back to his bedroom. Under the crimson moonlight pouring through the curtains, he noticed a folded letter on the table. Madam Magician? Didnt she just leave not too long ago? Lumian frowned and picked up the letter. It was indeed from Madam Magician, with a few short paragraphs: I forgot to mention we ran into Loki while tracking the School of Truths Overseer. His condition has changed significantly. It seems something went wrong during his resurrection after the sea prayer ritual. This led to the owner of Castle Dylan, the former Secret Order leader, being resurrected inside him somehow. Zaratul has come back from the dead and become the Celestial Worthys attendant. Right, but He hasnt fully taken over Lokis body, and Loki hasnt died completely. This has turned them into an unstable, stitched-together monster in mind and soul. For now, dont try finding Castle Dylan and expending Lokis remaining resurrection. Its best to avoid any situations where he could track you down. Zaratul Franca had said the former Secret Order leader played a major role in Emperor Roselles rise, but ultimately betrayed the Emperor The Sauron familys Vermonda Sauron seemed to have gone insane from His and the Emperors schemes, prompting Him to enter Fourth Epoch Trier alone Is Loki considered half-dead now? When Zaratul fully controls his body, he should be completely dead. What a shame Lumian regretted not finishing off Lokis final life himself, but didnt feel too disappointed or indignant. He had already caused Lokis demise twice, after all! After burning the letter, Lumian pondered for a moment, then left the bedroom. He sat across from Ludwig, who wore yellow cotton pajamas and a matching nightcap, watching the boy quickly nibble on a cold bone-in steak. Ludwig stayed unfazed by Lumians gaze, continuing his feast. After nearly a minute, Lumian probed, Are you willing to call me Godfather? Ludwig glanced up at him, then lowered his head, scooped up some banana puree, and spooned it into his mouth. Lumian changed the question. Are you willing to follow my orders, accept my commands, and build a tacit understanding here? This time, Ludwig didnt even look up, his mouth constantly moving. Lumian silently watched as he slowly took something out of his Travelers Bag. It was a mercury eyeball in a glass jara Sequence 7 Lucky One Beyonder characteristic of the Monster pathway. It had re-condensed after the Flog boxing gloves shattered. Ludwig immediately looked up. Ignoring Ludwigs gaze, Lumian leisurely pulled out the Serial Killer Beyonder characteristic and a few other items, placing them on the dining table in front of him. Then, he smiled at Ludwig, who wore the yellow cotton nightcap, and said, Are you willing to call me Godfather? Ludwig fell silent for a few seconds before saying in a low voice, Godfather. Lumian probed further, Are you willing to follow my orders, accept my commands, and build a tacit understanding here? Without hesitation, Ludwig replied, I am. Directly support the authors on WebNovel! As he spoke, his eyes were fixed on the pile of items before Lumian. Sigh Lumian sighed silently. He could rely on food to control someone, but couldnt rely solely on food. Otherwise, itd be so easy for Ludwig to ignore him when there was no food around. This likely didnt meet an Iron-blooded Knights ritual requirements. Deep in thought, Lumian pointed at the pile and smiled. Since youve admitted to being my godson, you can choose one item. But theres a condition. You have to answer two or three of my questions. Ludwig hesitated a moment, then spoke with a stern look, Okay. Which one do you want? Lumian asked kindly. Looking around, Ludwig yearned for every item, but was reluctant to abandon any. Finally overcoming himself, he pointed at the Serial Killer Beyonder characteristic and said, That one! You really want that Beyonder characteristic Can it be turned into some magical dish or cocktail? Lumian put away the other items and smiled at Ludwig. First question: What pathway does your Beyonder power belong to? What are its characteristics? Whats your rough Sequence level? He hoped to gain inspiration for taming the sealed Angel based on Ludwigs Beyonder pathway information. Ludwig muttered under his breath, Thats three questions. Lumian pretended not to hear. Seeing his protests were futile, Ludwig could only pick up some beef and mutton to munch on. He mumbled, Yes, yes It seemed he couldnt recall the original name, so he had to find another term for it. Its the Gourmet pathway. Lumian wasnt surprised at all. No wonder youre always acting like youre savoring delicacies and ingredients. Ludwig added earnestly, To put it simply, its a way to get superpowers by being hungry and eating. What corresponds to your Sequence 9 is Tramp. You lose everything and are always searching for food, barely surviving. Could you be the ultimate Tramp embodiment? Youd even lost your mind, only never forgetting to eat From that description, I cant tell what abilities a Tramp has But Lumian didnt mock him. Rather than detail the Tramp Sequence, Ludwig said, Sequence 8 is Glutton. Chapter 740 - Chapter 740: Depriver Chapter 740: Depriver Translator: CKtalon Glutton? Lumian said approvingly, Quite the image. Ludwig ignored Lumians mockery and continued with the brief introduction, At this Sequence, hunger truly becomes ingrained in our bodies, allowing us to evolve around it. What kinds of evolutions are there? Lumian was concerned that Ludwig would only mention this about Gluttons, just as he had described the Tramp Sequence. Therefore, he took the initiative to inquire. Ludwig paused for a few seconds to swallow his food. Then, he stuffed a small piece of lemon cake into his mouth and replied in a muffled manner, Internal organs that are better suited for digesting food and absorbing energy. Stronger, more powerful teeth, a bite force and appetite that exceed normal limits This will help us obtain different abilities from food more efficiently. We wont have to worry about being affected by the toxins, viruses, and bacteria that food brings. In other words, even if its highly toxic, as long as you consume it with your mouth and treat it as food, you wont die from the poison? Lumian suddenly felt that Ludwig would make a suitable assistant for Apothecaries. Ludwig took a sip of milk and shook his head. We cant exceed a certain limit. Many Gluttons die from eating random stuff. And youre not eating random stuff? Lumian scoffed inwardly. At the same time, he inwardly sighed. This guy is quite honest. Hes indeed like a child most of the time. He actually forgot to protest that I had asked additional questions. Ludwig set down the milk bottle and picked up a box of cookies. Amidst the munching sounds, he continued, The corresponding Sequence 7 is Gourmet. At this level, our digestion and eating abilities will improve further. We can discern which ingredients are edible, which are inedible, which ingredients can bring about special effects, and which ingredients need to be combined with others. Lumian thought seriously before asking, Is extracting the corresponding information from the consumed food one of a Gourmets abilities? This ability had helped Lumian a great deal. Ludwig, donning a thick yellow cotton nightcap, nodded obediently. Yes. He didnt elaborate on the corresponding abilities. Although a Gourmet is useful, I can sense that at this Sequence, you lack sufficient combat strength. Yes, perhaps Tramp will grant you a certain level of street fighting abilities, Lumian commented from his own perspective. Ludwig didnt argue, nor did he bother to. How could delicacies already in his mouth or subsequent delicacies be less important than what he was talking about? He peeled a lollipop and placed it in his mouth, a hint of enjoyment on his face. Beyond that is what you call Sequence 6Chef. I thought it was Bartender, Lumian teased. Ludwig pondered seriously and said, Chefs cover a wider range. Its not like they can only make cocktails. Lumian nodded pensively. Is a Chefs ability to use special ingredients to create mystical dishes, pastries, drinks, and cocktails? Ludwig had displayed this ability numerous times. Ludwig couldnt help but reveal a smug expression. Thats right. Every Chef has different characteristics and abilities due to the ingredients theyve obtained and the food theyve prepared. Chefs have one thing in common: they have excellent skills in processing ingredients. This includes finding weaknesses and techniques like cutting, chopping, and slicing. Only at this Sequence would one from the Gourmet pathway truly possess combat strength However, a Chef is similar to a Contractee. Their actual combat strength depends on their synergy of abilities. The upper limit is very high, and the lower limit is very low Lumian, thinking of a Contractee, asked curiously, Is there a limit to the number of permanent effects a Chef can obtain through various mystical foods? As for the negative effects, Lumian, who had eaten Ice Lemon Fish fillet before, had a deep understanding. Depending on the ingredients and finished products, mystical dishes or cocktails brought different negative effects, but they were significantly weaker than those a Contractee experienced. No. Ludwig quickly shook his head. As long as you fully embrace hunger and greed, there wont be an upper limit. This upper limit is a little crazy However, this also means that theres no limit to the number of negative effects. Even if each one is far inferior to the ones brought about by a Contractee, they will undergo a qualitative change after stacking Lumian pondered for a moment and looked at Ludwig, who had roughly finished his meal. That first time we met, when I saw you chowing down on rats, were you just a Glutton or a Gourmet? Ludwig didnt try to hide anything. Gourmet. Indeed, hed been critiquing the dishes 1 served him Lumian pondered for a moment, then said, Did you recover to Chef status during that Batings Black Insect incident? Ludwig curtly confirmed it. I was just short to begin with. Eating a Batings Black Insect was all it took to advance. Whats the next Sequence? Lumian steered the conversation back on track. Ludwig dredged up the memories. Its Depriver. Depriver? Lumian immediately thought of the Deprivation Bullet hed gotten from Jebus. Could this be a transaction from the cult of the Gourmet pathway? Ludwig thought Lumian wanted him to explain the Deprivers abilities. He recounted, A Depriver can strip one to three abilities from a target for a period of time. If they then consume part of the targets flesh, they permanently gain one of those abilities, and the target permanently loses it unless they drink a potion again or kill meno, the corresponding Depriver. At Depriver, our recipes get way more range. A ton of formerly inedible things become food. We can consume things we previously couldnt. Give me an example? Lumian wasnt sure his interpretation matched Ludwigs intentions. Ludwig looked at him and offered two examples. Corruption to a certain degree, as well as fireballs, lightning, and other energy forms. They can eat way more dangerous stuff and consume things that shouldnt even be considered food Lumian thought of an enemy hed faced at the Hostel and something Ludwig just mentioned. He asked for confirmation, So that ability to process ingredients includes those ingredients too? Yes, Ludwig admitted candidly. Lumian pulled the matte Deprivation Bullet from his Travelers Bag and set it on the dining table. This is from a Depriver? Ludwigs eyes lit up. Yes. He said anxiously, Can I can I use it as a prize? I dont want that Beyonder characteristic anymore! I think Beyonder characteristics are way more valuable, Lumian deliberately provoked him. Ludwig looked sad and said reluctantly, But I can only choose one. 1 cant actually consume Beyonder characteristics yet. 1 can only use them as ingredients for now. Is that right Lumian eyed Ludwig and organized his thoughts. How much more do you need to eat to recover to Depriver? The further along I go, the harder it gets. I cant just eat a ton. I need higher quality, higher energy foods. Ludwig pointed at the Deprivation Bullet. Id need at least 200 of these bullets to reach Depriver. Lumian chuckled and whispered devilishly, What if you ate the Depriver who made this bullet? I could recover immediately! Ludwigs eyes lit up. Lumians smile widened. You dont seem to have strong offensive abilities. I can help you get the stuff to capture the corresponding Beyonders, but you gotta listen to me and do what I say before 1 become a demigod. We need to be totally in sync. Thats my promise. You gonna hold up your end of the deal? Ludwig hesitated a moment before reluctantly nodding. Deal. Phew, stay calm This is just the start of the taming, not the end. Long process ahead Lumian suppressed his smile and asked curiously, Who were you following back then? No need for the full title. Just call them something like the Great Mother. Ludwig was caught off guard. His expression shifted a few times before tears streamed down his face. He wailed like a child. I-I dont remember! Ive forgotten. Ive forgotten everything! Hearing his cries, Lugano emerged from the guest room in a thick coat. The Doctor immediately noticed Lumian and asked in confusion, Why is he crying? Is this really the terrifying cannibal from the Dream Festival? Lumian chuckled in response. I showed him delicacies but didnt give him any. Alright Lugano looked between them in confusion before retreating back to his room. Luganos brief appearance made Lumian remember an item, and he had a dangerous thought. He pulled the remains of Omebellas umbilical cord from his Travelers Bag and consulted Ludwig, whod gradually stopped sobbing. What dishes and cocktails could you make with this? That umbilical cord left behind by the Great Mothers Child of God was thought to be just an ingredient for charms, mystical items, and Beyonder weapons. But now Lumian figured a Gourmet might see it differently. Looking at Omebellas umbilical cord remains, Ludwig licked his lips. It could make three types of food with different mystical effects. One food would completely cure infertility. Dont need that, Lumian said in amusement. What about the other two foods? Ludwig said professionally, One grants potent self-healing abilities, though inferior to a Vampires. And another Chapter 741 - 741 Appraisal” 741 Appraisal 741 Appraisal What else does it do? Lumian, seeing Ludwig pause as if he had concerns, pressed for an answer. Ludwig stared at the piece of umbilical cord in front of Lumian and hesitated before replying, It could somewhat alter your aura and lineage, making certain creatures without the necessary wisdom perceive you as a divine child of the Great Mother. Lumians expression grew more solemn. So, youre saying it could actually integrate the Child of Gods lineage into mine, even if its almost negligible? And this would fool creatures of low intelligence or those acting purely on instinct? Yes. Ludwig nodded earnestly. That bit of lineage wont change anything for you, and only creatures directly created by the Great Mother or those who have received Her boons could sense it. This doesnt sound very useful, but in special circumstances, it could be incredibly crucial. Compared to curing infertility or enhancing self-healing, it has more room for imagination Lumian weighed his words and asked, What are the side effects? Could it change my gender? After all, the Great Mothers Child of God, Omebella, seems to have been female. Ludwigs greedy gaze shifted from the umbilical cord back to Lumian, and he said regretfully, For someone else, it might cause the Great Mothers Child of God to start developing inside them, but not for you. You just have to worry about the Great Mother setting Her sights on you, really watching you. Lumian was silent for a good twenty seconds before slowly stowing Omebellas umbilical cord remains back into his Travelers Bag. He wasnt in a hurry to have Ludwig use the remains to create food with special effects, planning instead to consult Madam Magicians opinion before deciding. He was willing to take risks, but he wasnt reckless. Can I have it now? Ludwig looked eagerly at the matte Deprivation Bullet. One last question. Lumian smiled again, pulling out another item from his Travelers Bag. It was a small glass vial containing ancient bloodstain powder. This came from Demon Warlock Burman, who was guided by a visitor from Resurrection Island named Harrison. He summoned a spirit named Arden from the depths of death and easily killed it, collecting its blood for a future ritual. Lumian got some of this bloodstain powder from his room. Previously, Lumian had Franca conduct an investigation using Magic Mirror Divination, confirming that it truly came from the depths of the spirit world but yielded no further insights. Now, he wanted the Gourmet to taste it, to see if he could glean more important information. He remembered clearly; the people of Resurrection Island claimed they could die and revive repeatedly, never aging, and the secret was in their control over the markings from the depths of death. This might truly be a way to revive the dead. Is it edible? Lumian maintained his smile as he pushed the glass vial with the ancient bloodstain powder towards Ludwig. Ludwig carefully examined the powder for a while and then opened the bottle cap, touching it a few times with his fingers. Yes, he replied, not too eagerly. Then eat half of it. Lumian watched expectantly as Ludwig sprinkled a small amount of the ancient bloodstain powder into his mouth, leaving just a bit behind. Ludwig chewed and tasted it for a while before starting his gourmet review: It has a rich aroma of death and eternal rest, originating from the depths of the spirit world. It comes from a man in his thirties, with traits of both the Mystery Pryer and Death pathways, in poor mental state, highly prone to emotional instability Hearing this, Lumian raised an eyebrow. This sounds like its describing Demon Warlock Burman himself! But this bloodstain powder is from the evil spirit Arden killed by Burman, right? From Intiss Winter Province? Lumian confirmed his guess. Yes. Ludwig smacked his lips. He shared other insights drawn from the bloodstain powder, each aligning with the Demon Warlocks situation. This couldnt possibly mean that Burman summoned himself, killed himself, and then collected his own blood, could it? Lumian felt an eerie thrill. The ancient bloodstain powder surely wasnt left by Burman due to some other issues, as both Franca and Ludwig had confirmed the blood was closely linked to death and the spirit world. Lumian had fought the Demon Warlock twice, believing him to still be alive at those times. Using the method taught by Resurrection Islands Harrison, Burman summoned an evil spirit from the depths of death that was himself, er, his own marking? He killed his own marking in the depths of death and found it very weak? This is hard to believe What exactly does Harrison from Resurrection Island want, and what hidden truths lie behind the islanders resurrections? Lumians thoughts raced, feeling that the mysteries of Resurrection Island were no less profound than the high-level events he had experienced before. Can you give it to me now? Ludwig looked again at the Deprivation Bullet, very eagerly. He handed back the small glass vial with the remaining bit of ancient bloodstain powder to Lumian. Yes. Lumian tossed the Deprivation Bullet to Ludwig. Ludwig caught it, and stuffed the matte bullet into his mouth. Eating it directly? Lumian asked with a chuckle, Arent you going to cook it first? Maybe mix a cocktail? Ludwig replied with a muffled voice, No need for that, I can absorb it directly. As he spoke, he sucked on the Deprivation Bullet like it was an ice pop, pulling it from his mouth again. Compared to before, the bullets matte metal casing had noticeably thinned, the intricate symbols etched into its surface now pitted and marked with teeth impressions. Ludwig sucked on it three times, then finally, when the inside gunpowder was vaguely visible, he put the bullet in his mouth, chewed it with a crackling sound, and swallowed. Lumian watched with a grimace, gaining a deeper understanding of the various changes hunger could bring. After eating the Deprivation Bullet, Ludwig closed his eyes, savoring the taste and longing for more. Lumian felt a pang of regret for the extraordinary bullet he had obtained from Jebus. The Weakening Bullet, Deprivation Bullet, and Implosion Bullet had not served their intended purposes, while the Poison Bullet, Putrid Bullet, and Impregnating Bullet had been given to Franca. How do you feel? Lumian inquired. Delicious, a familiar taste, Ludwig responded, half-closing his eyes. After reflecting for a moment, he snapped his eyes open, their gaze sharp and alert. G-Godfather, can you quickly find out who made that bullet? You little rascal, thats the cult following your deity But I cant blame you, youre brainless now.. And for an evil god, sacrificing any number of bestowed is worthwhile if it frees an angel from its bonds, returning to an Angels belly is like returning to the deitys heaven Lumian muttered silently to himself, nodded slightly in agreement, and slowly stood up, heading back to his bedroom. Lying in bed, he stared at the dark ceiling adorned with a chandelier, feeling no trace of sleepiness despite the lingering scent of absinthe. After staring silently for who knows how long, Lumian chuckled self-deprecatingly, trying to use Cogitation to help himself fall asleep. He slowly visualized a crossed-out sphere that grew an eye in his mind. His state settled, and drowsiness began to creep up. Just then, Lumian was taken aback. Cogitation was taught by his sister, and the Cogitation pattern was also casually drawn by her Lumian laughed softly to himself, his laughter shaking. Minutes later, he indulged in reminiscing about his life in Cordu, including those interactions in the dream. Even those, now looking back, carried a certain indescribable warmth. As his thoughts wandered, Lumian remembered his sisters contracted creature, White Paper. I wonder what state White Paper is in Strictly speaking, Aurore isnt completely dead, so her contract with White Paper should still exist Pity, contract creatures arent messengers, only the contractee can summon them, otherwise, Id summon White Paper to see its condition Using Aurores words, seeing something left behind makes you think of that person? Or, liking someone so much you even like their pets? Eh, its not that I cant summon, since the Termiboros sealed inside me and I are one, Aurores soul shard must be too, my summoning is as if Aurore is doing it Thinking this, Lumian abruptly sat up. In the darkness, he set up an altar and chanted the spell in the appropriate language: I! I summon in my name: The spirit that wanders about the unfounded, a friendly creature that can be subordinated, the weak ball that can telepathically connect with me As the incantation echoed, the candlelight flickered gently, but nothing happened. With Spirit Vision active, Lumian didnt see White Paper that had appeared in his dreams. Sigh He lay back down, disappointed. As time ticked by, the sleepless Lumian suddenly became alert, feeling not the slightest fatigue. It was six in the morning. Lumian got up silently and began to clean up the altar. Just then, a doll messenger in a light-gold dress emerged from the void, dropping a dark coin pouch and a folded square letter onto the table. Is this the reward from Miss Magician? One of them is a Travelers Bag? Lumian perked up, grabbing the dark coin pouch. The doll messenger glanced at him, pinched her nose and said, Drunkard! Your clothes stink! Uh Lumian, who hadnt bathed or changed clothes last night, cleared his throat awkwardly in embarrassment and thanked her. After the doll messenger left, he continued to check the rewards. Chapter 742 - 742 Rewards 742 Rewards 742 Rewards That dark coin pouch was indeed a Travelers Bag, containing three items: One was a sheepskin parchment of a brownish hue, another was a nearly invisible triangular spike, and the last was a mechanically intricate black revolver. Lumian didnt rush to take out the rewards but instead unfolded the folded square letter. Prize Descriptions: Ironblood Knight potion formula: See for yourself. Travelers Bag: No need for further introduction, right? Wintry Blade: A mystical item crafted from the dust of ancient vengeful spirits and residual spirituality. Any creature pierced by it, even without a visible wound, will fall into an icy rigidity and uncontrollable thoughts, as if possessed by a Wraith. Moreover, as the battle persists, the targets of the Wintry Blade, even without direct contact, will gradually find their thoughts slowing and movements becoming stiff and awkward. The downside is that the bearer gradually loses body heat, turning toward a necrotic state. If this exceeds the necessary time limit, the process becomes irreversible. Placing it in the Travelers Bag effectively avoids the negative effects of carrying it. You only need to ensure the battle doesnt exceed three hours. Of course, as a Sequence 5 of the Hunter pathway, a burning Reaper, you could endure the negative effects for at least four hours without other countermeasures. Reading this, Lumian immediately thought of the Eggers familys golden mask. That mask could also turn the wearer into a dead being, providing protection for the spirit and consciousness to remain alive until the mask was removed, allowing the wearer to easily revert to their original state. While wearing Deaths golden mask, could I use the Wintry Blade completely unaffected? Im already an undead, so the gradual necrosis doesnt apply No, wearing that golden mask for too long means real death once removed, resulting in instant death Lumian found no exploitable loophole and sighed in disappointment. He continued reading the last part of the letter: Winter is Coming: This revolver was found at the site of a secret but failed ritual while investigating the Order of All Extinction cult. It was meant to be a collectible firearm, but it became a formidable weapon with a limited number of uses due to corruption during the ritual. The bullets it fires carry that corruption, producing two effects: One ensures the bullet hits its target; even Saints, unless they use special abilities to dodge, will be hit. For beings below demigods, unless they switch with a substitute or the shooter is under an illusion and unable to aim, the shot will hit its intended target, and any substitutes will fail. Two, ensures death; even Saints, lacking certain traits and abilities, once hit, will suffer great trauma and gradually die. For beings below demigods, a hit means certain death. These two effects cannot coexist; a choice is made for each shot. The number of times it can still carry these effects is four. Once used up, Winter is Coming will revert to a normal revolver and begin rusting and deteriorating. However, until then, its normal shots will also spread ailments with each wound, with the type of disease being unpredictable. After each use of Winter is Coming, you must seek treatment from an Apothecary or Doctor within the following week, even if no symptoms appear. If not treated in time, you will inevitably contract a terminal illness that lower-sequence Apothecaries and Doctors cannot cure due to mystical factors. This is a weapon that can harm demigods? After the Overseer Perles painted self incident, are Miss Magician and her peers consciously providing us with items that can affect demigods, with bearable side effects? Doctor Lumian half-turned his body, casting his gaze toward the door. Lugano had already woken up and was preparing Ludwigs first breakfast. After confirming the rewards, Lumian reached into the Travelers Bag and pulled out the brownish sheepskin parchment, written on in dark red ink: Potion name: Iron-blooded Knight; Sequence: 4; Main ingredient: Magma Giants core, Stone of Catastrophe; Supplementary ingredients: 80 milliliters of boiling magma, 20 grams of flora powder corrupted by a Stone of Catastrophe, 20 grams of soil soaked in soldiers blood from a large battlefield, one acorn; Ritual: Form a team of at least 30 people, cultivate deep comradeship with them, allowing them to grow stronger together with perfect synergy, understanding the leaders intent through eye contact and gestures, nearly as one entity, then have them perform the ritual (the stronger and more cohesive the team, the better the rituals effect). While reading, Lumian felt a strong burning sensation from the dark red inked words and thought he could smell rust and blood. Phew Lumian had just finished reading the Iron-blooded Knight potion formula and quickly set it down on the table, feeling as if he was sinking into a hell of flames and blood. Such a strong mental impact Is it because the Sequence 4 potion formula inherently possesses such traits, or because it was written by an Angel, or perhaps a combination of both? Boiling magma Does this mean drinking magma directly, and if you dont advance, you die? Lumian memorized the Iron-blooded Knight potion formula in his mind, occasionally opening the parchment to ensure there were no mistakes. In the morning, at 702 Apartment, 9 Rue Orosai. Lumian placed the new Travelers Bag and the two weapons on the coffee table and went into detail about the latter two. Only three items? Franca asked, puzzled. Lumian chuckled. Theres also the Iron-blooded Knight Sequence 4 potion formula for the Hunter pathway, but thats meaningless for you. Who says so? At Sequence 4, a Demoness can switch to the Hunter pathway! Franca retorted, her eyes sparkling. She almost said that before joining the Demoness Sect, her dream was to obtain the Iron-blooded Knight potion formula to turn herself back into a male. Before Lumian could respond, Franca eagerly pleaded, May I see it? Its not like youll lose anything This way, if I become a Demoness of Affliction and something forces me out of the Demoness Sect, I could consider advancing to Iron-blooded Knight! Sure. Lumian replied nonchalantly. He knew what Franca truly desired. He then took the brownish parchment out of his Travelers Bag. Seeing this, Jenna asked, curious yet hopeful, May I have a look too? This was a potion formula that could unlock the gates of godhood! Uh Franca turned to Jenna, wanting to stop her but finding no suitable excuse. Is it really appropriate for a female Demoness to look at the Iron-blooded Knight potion formula? Lumian didnt help Franca dissuade Jenna, and freely unfolded the brown parchment, placing it on the coffee table surface, and casually cautioned, For every paragraph, take a look then close your eyes and rest for a few secondsit has a strong mental impact. After a while, Franca, Jenna, and Anthony felt as though they had been roasted by a fire all night long, their sweat long since dried. It requires at least thirty people Thats a bit difficult, Franca said, empathizing with Lumians challenge. Lumian chuckled. The stronger the team members, the better the effect. And if you have members with godhood in the team, the number required can be significantly reduced. Franca and Jenna thought of a name simultaneously and said in unison, Ludwig? Im trying to teach him. Lumian gave a godfatherly smile. Franca said no more and turned her attention to the three items: the Wintry Blade, Winter is Coming, and the Travelers Bag. She generously smiled and said, Jenna, Anthony, you pick first. Just dont leave the Travelers Bag for meI already have one. She was worried about lacking a powerful or special effect item. Both the Wintry Blade and Winter is Coming perfectly met her needsany would do. As an Assassin, her hidden blade was a normal weapon that could rely on Witch powers to attach black flames, while the Cannon Gun was akin to a portable mini-cannon, nothing special. Anthony immediately looked at Jenna, signaling her to choose first. This was not out of courtesyhe wanted the Travelers Bag, and he wanted the other two items as well. Jenna looked at the Hypnotist, lacking direct attack capability, then at Franca, whose gaze moved back and forth between the Wintry Blade and Winter is Coming. She picked up the ark coin pouch and said with a smile, Ive always wanted a Travelers Bag. This wasnt a liemany Witch spells required casting materials, and some items, even just by carrying them, could have negative effects, which could be barely avoided by placing them in the Travelers Bag, such as the Beyonder characteristic of the Dream Stealer. Once Jenna took the Travelers Bag, Anthony quickly made his decision. Ill take Winter is Coming. Without a Travelers Bag, carrying the Wintry Blade would be a significant burden. Franca looked at the nearly transparent triangular spike and smiled broadly. Ill see if I can have it made into a hidden blade. These are all suitable rewards for us. Madam Judgment and company are so thoughtful Lumian watched his companions distribute the rewards, nodding thoughtfully. That evening, back in the rented apartment, he met Madam Magician again. This Major Arcana card holder spoke bluntly, Head to the Blue Avenger now. Chapter 743 - 743 Exploration 743 Exploration 743 Exploration On the dark expanse of the sea, the antiquated Blue Avenger bobbed gently with the undulations of the waves, enveloped by an unending mist. Lumian once again came face to face with Alger, the Stormbringer. The bearer of The Hanged Man card stood on deck, his deep blue hair a wild mess, seemingly under constant assault from the sea winds. His attire had changed from his previous sailors garb to a captains coat adorned with golden embroidery on a blue background. Explore it yourself, Alger said to Lumian, who was standing beside Magician, nodding firmly. I dont have any wisdom to impart that would help; if I did, Id have already uncovered all the secrets of this ghost ship. These matters had been confirmed by Madam Magician, leaving Lumian without doubts. He thanked Alger and began walking forward, his steps echoing on the wooden deck. He triggered the residual aura of the Blood Emperor in his right palm without hesitation, but felt no ominous sensation spill forth. Instead, his palm felt ice-cold, while deep within was a pain like fire scorching his flesh. Lumian lifted his right hand and noticed that the faint red scar had brightened slightly, but the skin covering it had turned paler, more deathlike. I wonder whether the Underworld Daoists seal would prevent activating the key special characteristics of this ghost ship Lumian circled the Blue Avengers cabin with a mix of anxiety and trepidation. During his exploration, he encountered no attacks from ropes or any other disturbances. It seems the residual aura of the Blood Emperor still serves some purpose, or else it wouldnt be this tranquil Lumian muttered to himself as he stepped into the cabin, exploring each room in turn. The Hanged Man, Alger, did not follow but stayed at the front of the deck, watching from afar. As Lumians figure disappeared deeper into the ship, Magician raised her right hand and drew a circle in mid-air with her index finger. A sprinkle of brilliant starlight emerged, initially forming a transparent crystal orb, then expanding into a circular, dreamlike veil. On the veil, Lumians figure appeared, wandering around the captains cabin, occasionally extending his right palm to touch various objects. There should be some findings, Magician stated with a charlatan-like tone. The Hanged Man nodded slightly, not asking what might be found or what changes it could bring, since even Magician could not divine a certain future, and Maam Hermit could only see vague images. After Mr. Fools slumber, the Major Arcana card holders had explored the Blue Avenger multiple times but had not unraveled the ghost ships core secrets or located the treasures left by the Tudor dynasty. With the Apprentice pathways speciality, Magician only managed to help The Hanged Man uncover other secrets, unable to reach the deepest level. Mr. Stars explanation was: The Blue Avenger is not only influenced by the Lawyer pathways Distortion authority but also possesses notable traits of errors, spatial transposition, and grafting. And this aligned with the actual circumstances of the Tudor dynasty: Under Blood Emperor Alista Tudor, among the five great nobles, Amon was the Marauder, the King of Angels of the Error pathway, later becoming a true god; the ancestor of the Abraham family, Mr. Door, was the King of Angels of the Apprentice pathway; and the ancestor of the Antigonus family was the King of Angels of the Seer pathway. The Jacob and Tamara families had one Angel from the Error pathway and one who had been an Angel of the Apprentice pathway. They clearly possessed strong abilities to utilize errors, alter positions, and graft spaces. If not ensuring the preservation of the Blue Avenger and its treasures unharmed and intact, Magician felt she could unravel the ghost ships deepest secrets, but doing so would reduce the Blue Avenger to irreparable fragments. Under the watchful eyes of two Major Arcana card holders, Lumian searched every room on the upper deck without triggering any anomalies. He intermittently came across seven or eight sailors, all instructed by the captain not to interfere with his exploration. Approaching the stairs leading to the lower decks, Lumian glanced down into the pitch-black abyss below, maintaining the stimulated aura of the Blood Emperor as he descended the creaking stairs. As he walked, he suddenly detected an unusual scent. He had been descending for thirty to forty seconds, which under normal circumstances should have brought him to the lower decks floor. The distance between the Blue Avengers upper and lower decks couldnt possibly be so vast that a Reaper couldnt traverse it in dozens of seconds! To this, Lumian responded not with alarm, but with elation. An anomaly was exactly what he needed! Had there been no anomaly, it would have meant the sealed residual aura of the Blood Emperor could no longer function properly! Lumian exhaled, calming his nerves while maintaining a steady but unhurried pace, continuing the creaky descent into the darkness. After an indeterminate amount of time, he saw no more wooden steps ahead; his feet now touched cold, black stone slabs radiating a metallic chill. Have I arrived? Just as this thought flickered through Lumians mind, his vision was flooded with blazing white light. He saw a barrage of white-hot flame spears flying densely toward him, obscuring everything above. It was like facing an army, each soldier hurling a flame spear from their hands. There was nowhere to hide, no way to dodge. Instinctively, Lumian was about to swap places with his shadow, hoping to use this rapid ability to survive the initial volley and then seek a chance to teleport away. But just then, he had an ideaan extremely daring idea. Lumians expression took on a tinge of madness as he faced the overwhelming barrage of flame spears, not using any abilities and not even attempting to dodge. He straightened his back and thrust forward his right palm. The right palm, sealed by the Underworld Daoist and carrying the residual aura of the Blood Emperorboth were fully activated. The dense, rain-like barrage of white-hot flame spears instantly froze in mid-air. They stopped, neither advancing nor falling. Seeing this, Lumian let out an uncontrollable sigh of relief. He had made the right bet! Gradually, the white-hot flame spears began to extinguish, slowly fading until they completely disappeared. Before Lumian could take a closer look, clusters of bright flames lit up on both sides. They resembled wall-mounted lamps, piercing the dense darkness and revealing the surroundings. He found himself in a deep, wide hall that was smaller than he had imagined. When the white-hot flame spears were hurled at him like a flock of endless crows, it felt as though he stood on an ancient battlefield, vast enough to be measured in kilometers. However, the hall before him was merely the size of the grand prayer hall of the Saint Vive Cathedral. At a glance, Lumians gaze froze, and his heart seemed to stop beating. At the far end of the hall, there stood a colossal throne made of black iron. The surface of the throne bore patches of red, either from the corrosion of ages or from old bloodstains. There was a figure on the throne! This figure was giant-like, draped in a deep red ceremonial robe and wearing an iron-black crown, with its right elbow resting on the armrest, supporting its bowed head. The flickering blood-red long hair draped down, hiding the figures face. Lumian was familiar with this figure; he had seen it at the Samaritan Womens Spring, though the attire was somewhat different now. It was the figure of Blood Emperor Alista Tudor! However, this figure lacked the terror, violence, and madness seen at the Samaritan Womens Spring, devoid of the aura of war and destruction, and the tangible oppressiveness and sense of conquest; if it werent visible, Lumian would have believed there was nothing on the iron throne. A phantom? Lumian closed his eyes, relying solely on his other senses and intuition to feel. In this perception, there was nothing above the iron throne marked with red stains. Lumians heartbeat gradually normalized, and he reopened his eyes to look at the iron throne. The figure remained motionless. Lumian resisted the urge to observe any weaknesses in the figure or to activate the Eye of Calamity. Instead, he shifted his gaze and surveyed the rest of the hall. Below the nine steps leading up to the iron throne were five mottled stone chairstwo on the left and three on the right. Why couldnt there be one more, for symmetry? Lumian couldnt help but criticize to himself. He knew these five stone chairs likely represented the five great nobles of the Tudor dynasty. These ancient, mottled chairs appeared smashed by someone; some were completely split by cracks, some shattered into countless pieces yet barely holding their original shape, some had broken backrests, some were missing their seats, and others seemed melted by intense flames as if burnt for a long time. Had there been a battle here? Lumian tried to find corresponding marks on the black stone floor, the giant supporting columns, and the surrounding walls, but found nothing. No objects either Werent there supposed to be treasures from the Tudor dynasty hidden here? Had they been stolen? Hmm, Termiboros had said earlier that if Im not of high enough level, forcibly exploring the Blue Avenger could lead to the resurrection of Alista Tudor within me This suggests there should be something here, or some arrangement Lumian started walking forward again. All the while, he kept his eyes on the figure on the iron throne, observing every detail. Suddenly, he saw a pair of eyes, iron-black and cold. The figure on the iron throne slowly raised its head. Chapter 744 - 744 Approach 744 Approach 744 Approach The moment Lumian saw those iron-black eyes, his mind went completely blank. When he came to, he was shocked to find himself walking step by step toward the massive iron throne without any intention to do so. He could feel his body trembling uncontrollably, yet he was powerless to stop his legs from moving. It seemed as though his body was no longer his own, obeying unknown commands and directed by someone else! This scene, coupled with the figure on the iron throne possibly being Blood Emperor Alista Tudor, instantly reminded Lumian of two past incidents: One was at the Samaritan Womens Spring, where both he and Hela lost consciousness due to the violent reactions of the Blood Emperors apparition, walking back to the edge of the spring as if they were puppets being manipulated or soldiers absolutely obeying orders. The other was in the depths of the Red Swan Castles underground labyrinth, where he, Albus, and Elros lost consciousness after hearing a phantom roar from Vermonda Sauron in Fourth Epoch Trier, and they all wandered away from the core area, each towards a different wax sculptors. Could this be a similar situation now? Is this a capability at the Hunters angelic level? Lumian forced himself to calm down to find a way out of his current predicament. Compared to those two times, at least his consciousness recovered quickly this time! Right, why did my consciousness awaken first this time, while my body still accepts control? Is the figure of Alista Tudor here weaker and less powerful, or is there another reason? Perhaps this anomaly holds the key to overcoming the control. Lumian strained to extend his will towards his limbs, trying to regain control over them. This had some effect; his steps toward the iron throne began to slow. He also took the opportunity to get a clearer look at the figure of Alista Tudor on the throne: The Blood Emperor had a stern face with sharp, chiseled features, resolute lips, a prominent nose, and long hair gleaming with a faint blood-light, his iron-black eyes cold yet filled with ultimate madness. Suddenly, Lumian felt an urge to submit, to give up resistance. This impulse did not fade quickly but instead swelled rapidly, filling his mind. No, I cant resist Theres no way to resist Submit, submission will grant everything If He becomes angry, I will be destroyed, and Franca and Jenna will also be destroyed Give up, give up, kneel down and beg for forgiveness, accept the command Such thoughts surged in Lumians mind, turning into violent waves that battered his clarity, rationality, and will. He clenched his teeth, as if any relaxation would break the final dam, and the food would completely drown his will and soul. His previously slowed steps quickened again. On the deck of the Blue Avenger. Magician and The Hanged Man were both staring at the dreamlike veil suspended in midair. Against a backdrop of starlight, Lumians figure on the translucent curtain had already become blurred, the surrounding darkness rendering everything else invisible. This obscurity compared to the previous clarity indicated that something unusual was happening. The eyes of Magician and The Hanged Man saw Lumians body growing increasingly rigid, yet his pace quickening. They also noticed his black hair slowly lengthening, tinted with a blood-like glow. Somethings off, The Hanged Man Alger, said, turning to Madam Magician beside him. Magician nodded slightly, preparing to pull out a Sealed Artifact. This would help her precisely locate Lumian and allow her direct entry into the hidden extradimensional space. In the dim surroundings, Lumian walked forward with a blank, rigid expression. Yet his soul was struggling, crying out in pain: I cant give up J mustnt give up If1 lose my resolve, I will no longer be myself Dogsh*t Son of a sow Lumian exerted all his strength, but felt an increasing desire to submit. Suddenly, the dam holding his will collapsed, and surrender and submission completely overtook him. Lumians mind went blank again. In this state, he had no concept of how much time had passed, until a deathly cold and rot-like pain shot through his right palm. Death cold Rot pain Pain Lumian was jolted awake, suddenly regaining his thoughts and a measure of control over his body. Before him was not the nine-stepped dais or the huge iron throne marked with red, but a mirror. An antique full-length mirror, framed with elaborate silver designs! The mirror reflected Lumians figure. In the mirror, Lumian saw his face contorted with pain, looking like he might give up at any moment, while his facial contours slowly sharpened and his nose became unnaturally prominent. At the same time, his black hair grew inch by inch, dyed with a bloody glow, and his blue eyes turned colder, edging toward iron-black. Jam turning into Alista Tudor This realization dawned on Lumian. Without thinking further, while his body still somewhat obeyed his commands, he immediately lunged to the side, trying to escape the reflection of the silver mirror. A dive followed by a roll quickly took him out of the mirrors reflective range. The next second, he heard a phantom roar, a mad scream. His mind blanked out again. As his thoughts gradually returned, he found himself still crouched on the ground, the endpoint of his roll. His body hadnt moved toward the mirror on its own, but it couldnt stop shaking, as if his blood had frozen. Bang! Bang! Bang! It seemed as if something inside the mirror was madly pounding, making the mirror clatter as if it were about to shatter and release a monster. And with each bang against the mirror, Lumians mind felt the impact, over and over. This gripped him with fear, nearly solidifying his thoughts. After a while, the pounding inside the mirror gradually subsided, and the surroundings became eerily quiet. Lumians body stopped shaking, and he began to understand and reflect on his current situation and recent ordeal: If had really approached that full-length mirror, and the reflection had completed the transformation, would that mean that Blood Emperor Alista Tudor would be resurrected within me? But as long as Im not reflected in that mirror, and my image isnt cast upon it, the impact will be minimal, and neither my will nor my body will lose command Is the trigger for this transformation entering the range of the full-length mirrors reflection? It seems calm now Lumian slowly supported himself up, cautiously observing his surroundings. He realized he was not in a somber hall, but in a bizarre starlight-formed space where the floor appeared semi-transparent, revealing endless darkness below, and no dome above, only twinkling yet ethereal stars. On either side were doors of starlight, erect in the darkness, forming a wide, somber corridor that ended with the silver full-body mirror. At this moment, Lumian had reached deep into this corridor, only about fifteen meters from the mirror. Was the hall I saw earlier, the stone chair, the iron throne, and the figure of the Blood Emperor all illusions? Was their purpose to make me submit? No, if I had been reflected in the mirror, the one emitting the roar I just heard would have achieved their goal In a flash of insight, Lumian guessed: Perhaps, the illusions I saw earlierthe iron throne, the figure of Tudor, the broken stone chair were resonances caused by the residual aura of the Blood Emperor within me and that silver full-length mirror, which also triggered a response trom the Underworld Daoists brand, helping me briefly escape the controlled state and the mirrors reflective range. Thinking this, Lumian raised his right hand, looking at his palm. There, the pale red scar was vibrant as if just entered into his body, while the pale skin around it showed clear signs of decay, leaking a pale yellow fluid, and revealing the bones beneath. This preliminary confirmed Lumians suspicion. He once again turned his gaze toward the silver full-length mirror facing him. Having dealt with the Mirror People multiple times, he slightly furrowed his brows: Does the Blood Emperor want to use that mirror and His residual aura within me for resurrection? There must be something hidden inside that mirror. The Blood Emperors s resurrection setup actually involves the mirror world Yeah, thats not unusual, whether its the special mirror world itself or the Mirror People from that world, they are all related to this Blood Emperors Fourth Epoch Trier I had thought the special mirror world was a relic of the War of the Four Emperors, but Moran Avigny from the Tamara family said their connection to the special mirror world was established before the War of the Four Emperors Dammit, that special mirror world couldnt have been created by the Blood Emperor, could it? How many problems has He left for this world? As expected of the Blood Emperor known for His madness But clearly, the special mirror world cant avoid the Primordial Demoness Could it be that the Demoness Sect secretly lured the Tamara family, trying to subtly influence the Blood Emperor through the special mirror world? In the end, it was used by the Blood Emperor? Fourth Epoch Trier is indeed full of mysteries As Lumian pondered, he suddenly understood why Termiboros had initially prevented him from exploring the Blue Avenger. To explore here, one would need either the Underworld Daoists brand to seal the Blood Emperors residual essence or some corresponding artifact or authority to counteract that domination; otherwise, one would become a puppet of Alista Tudor, allowing Him to resurrect within. For Termiboros, this was definitely not a good thing. Lumians gaze shifted, focusing on the doors of starlight. Did they represent different treasures? Chapter 745 - 745 Three Items 745 Three Items 745 Three Items Having checked his physical condition, Lumian slowly moved along the wall of the spacious corridor. During this, he almost cleared his mind, not thinking or analyzing, focusing solely on whether he would be caught by the silver full-length mirror at the end of the deep corridor. Finally, following his instincts, Lumian stopped. He hoped to use the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence and a Fate Appropriators sensitivity to fate to find the most suitable room among the doors of starlight. There might be high-level items from the Hunters path there, even the main ingredient for the lron-blooded Knight potion! Looking at the translucent door formed by brilliant starlight beside him, Lumian, in a hushed tone, asked, Termiboros, do you think theres great danger inside? After the ordeal with the School of Truth, Lumian grew more cautious and vigilant towards the Angel of Inevitability, but that didnt mean he wouldnt seek His opinion under the right circumstances and conditions, as Termiboros could still offer valuable advice. As it was now, with Madam Magician outside, Termiboros had little hope of breaking His seal; his death or mutation would only worsen His situation, likely prompting Him to warn of any danger. Lumian couldnt see changes in his own fate, but Termiboros could! Termiboros remained silent, not answering Lumians question. Unfazed, Lumian placed his right hand, still pulsing with the Blood Emperors residual essence, on the handle of the starlight door before him. He slowly turned the handle, poised to push the door open, waiting for any reaction from Termiboros. The door of starlight gradually opened, and Termiboros gave no warning. No response is also a response! It means the danger inside is bearable, or likely manageable Lumian calmly pushed the door wide open and walked into the room dominated by shadows. Suddenly, a bluish-white blaze lit up, and an iron-black sword engulfed in terrifying flames struck down towards his head. Prepared for such surprises, Lumian quickly activated the black mark on his shoulder and teleported to the side of the room. Bang! The black sword, covered in bluish-white flames, struck the translucent starlight floor, leaving a deep crack. Inside the crack, some of the starlight melted, appearing like flowing magma. Using the sparks, Lumian saw who his assailant was. It was a nearly 2.5-meter tall suit of iron-black armor, the interior of its visor a swath of darkness, as if uninhabited, with no fiery glow of an undeads eyes. With a swift motion, the iron-black armor turned and faced Lumian, raising the large sword covered in bluish-white flames once more. Before it could strike, Lumians blue eyes had turned iron-black. He spotted the weak points in the half-giant armor, the pale-white spots at its joints. As the black sword struck with its fiery blade, Lumian teleported away again. With a bang, the bluish-white flames scattered, and Lumians figure outlined behind the iron-black armor. He leaped up, his right fist igniting with white flames. A resounding clang echoed as Lumian punched the joint between the helmet and body armor of the iron-black armor. Cull! After landing the punch, Lumian immediately teleported away, dodging a waist-high slash from the half-turned iron-black armor. In this manner, using the high mobility of teleport, he continuously appeared behind his target, striking the same spot with Cull, never overreaching, completing a single hit with each teleport. Clang! Clang! Clang! After five consecutive Culls, the iron-black armor stood frozen in place. Gnarly cracks spread rapidly from the joint between its helmet and body armor, soon covering its entire body. Crack! The iron-black armor completely shattered, its metal fragments falling like rain onto the starlight-condensed floor, making a pattering sound. Clang. The large sword covered in bluish-white flames followed, hitting the ground. It has no intelligence, moves stiffly, and is stronger than a Sequence 6 but weaker than a Sequence 5. However, that sword hits incredibly hard. If it struck me, unless I substituted with an animated shadow, I wouldve been killed instantly or lost limbs. Thats only because it didnt hit my torso. And yes, its very durable, even more so than the Guardians I encountered at the Dream Festival, Lumian mused, glancing at the shattered armor while using the remaining light from the black sword to scan the room for other dangers. The room was quite empty, featuring only an altar-like stone platform with a small, transparent glass bottle on it, containing a semi-solid yellowish-red substance, topped with a thick black wick. A mystical candle? Lumian speculated roughly. I wonder what its used for By now, he was fairly certain there were no other surprises, and he turned his attention back to the pile of fragments from the shattered iron-black armor. Among the debris, he found a peculiar piece of leather. The leather was about the size of half a towel, creamy white, and finely textured, appearing so enticing that even from a distance, Lumian felt it must have belonged to a beautiful woman. Human skin? he muttered, frowning as he approached. He didnt immediately pick up the black sword, whose flames had mostly died down, or the alluring piece of leather. Instead, he drew a dagger from his Travelers Bag. Using the dagger, Lumian picked out the leather, holding it up before him. The first thing he saw was a few words in ancient Hermes script: Despair Sequence 4 Suddenly, Lumians breathing grew belabored, his head spun, and his physical condition visibly worsened. He quickly looked away and used the dagger to lift the delicate white leather, stuffing it into his Travelers Bag. His discomfort gradually subsided. A potion formula for the Demoness of Despair? Lumian mused over what he had just seen. And the leather its written on was peeled right off a Demoness of Despair, hence its special and dangerous nature? Truly a relic from the Tudor dynasty, harboring such items Lost in thought, Lumians gaze shifted to the black sword, whose bluish-white flame was dimming, no longer as brilliant as before. He pondered for a moment, deciding not to risk determining the items abilities, effects, and negative impacts just yet. Instead, he placed it into the Travelers Bag, setting it aside in a corner clear of other items. Using the same method, Lumian also packed the strange candle in the glass bottle into the Travelers Bag. He planned to consult Madam Magician about these items once outside, rather than experimenting on his own! After ensuring the room had nothing else of interest, Lumian returned through the door of starlight to the deep, spacious corridor. Just as he was about to continue using the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence and a Fate Appropriators sensitivity to fate to choose the next room to explore, a faint, distant voice suddenly echoed in his ears: For you, the other rooms are too dangerous This was the voice of Madam Magician. Mr. Hanged Man and her are indeed watching Did her words mean that the exploration is to pause here? This confirmation steadied Lumian considerably. He thought for a few seconds, deciding to do one more thing before leaving this extradimensional space. Slowly, bit by bit, he circled towards the silver full-length mirror at the end of the corridor, his focus intense, ready to turn and leave at the first word of discouragement from Madam Magician. Until he reached the side of the silver full-length mirror, Madam Magician had not spoken out to stop him. Lumian took a deep breath and carefully moved his right palm towards the front of the silver full-length mirror. He didnt know whether the mirror would react again when reflecting only a palm. As his palm moved slowly, Lumians nerves were taut. Finally, he touched the surface of the mirror, feeling its brittle yet firm coldness. Immediately after, Lumian activated a power from his contract with Bloody JackMirror Markl He wanted to test whether he could still sense the mark left in this hidden space once he returned to the outside world. Blood seeped from his palm into the mirror, forming an inverted image. While waiting, Lumian suddenly had a thought: Did my recent encounters stack on negative effects from the Mirror Mark contract? This does indeed pertain to mirror-related anomalies and bizarre dangers In the blink of an eye, Lumian had set the Mirror Mark. Having done this, he began to retrace his steps, avoiding areas where the silver full-length mirror could reflect him, and walked up the wooden stairs. Before long, Lumians path brightened as he saw the wall lamps on either side of the ships cabin and the dim firelight. He had returned to the Blue Avenger. Upon reaching the front deck, before Lumian could ask Madam Magician to retrieve the three items from his Travelers Bag and perform their appraisal, he heard the Major Arcana card holder chuckle and say, As expected of a Hunter with the status of a fake Angel and Tudors remnant aura. You obtained three items closely related to Hunters and Demonesses in an instant. That sword is what you were hoping forits made from the Iron-blooded Knight Beyonder characteristic. Chapter 746 - 746 Corpse Wax Candle 746 Corpse Wax Candle 746 Corpse Wax Candle A mystical item made from an Iron-blooded Knight Beyonder characteristic? The Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence sure is handy A Fate Appropriators sensitivity to fate must have contributed a bit Or, could it be the result of some arrangement? Lumian was first surprised, then felt the aftereffects of a traumatic bestowment. Madam Magician seemed to sense his thoughts and chuckled, saying, I dont know if this is a bestowment from fate, but even if it is, its the kind we were hoping for and can certainly accept. Lumian silently nodded. Mr. Hanged Man, speaking calmly, said, Dont overcomplicate your thoughts, just consider two things: First, you now have no ability to escape this arrangement. Sometimes, what you think of as resistance or rebellion might actually be a predetermined part of the process, and Mr. Fools Angels arent always available to protect you. Remember, accepting reality isnt a sign of weakness; finding opportunities within such realities is a true act of courage. Second, maximize the benefits that this bestowment of fate brings. Work hard to improve yourself. This doesnt mean giving up but rather tests your wisdom and determination. When you sense danger or anything unusual, remember, we will always stand by you. Remember, Mr. Fool can interfere with those plans, but as you know, He isnt fully awake and cant frequently provide protectiononly at critical moments. After listening intently, Lumian slowly nodded, finding a different kind of resonance and persuasiveness in hearing these ideas voiced by someone else. Mr. Hanged Man thought for a moment, then added, What you need to be most wary of is the attempt to resurrect the Blood Emperor through you. You must be extra cautious in similar situations going forward. Ill remember that, thank you, Mr. Hanged Man, Lumian replied sincerely. Madam Magician then steered the conversation back on track. You can take out the items youve gathered, and Ill help you evaluate their powers and any negative effects. With the promise of support, Lumian reached into the Travelers Bag and grasped the hilt of the dark, iron-black broadsword. Suddenly, his inner worries, like clouds in the sky, were scattered by a terrifying wind, vanishing in an instant. Why fear a bestowment from fate? Why fear the arrangements of the gods? To hell with them all! May they all go to hell! In that moment, Lumian was filled with courage, feeling as though he could swing his broadsword at the True Creator Himself if He appeared before him right then. He drew the black broadsword, its flames extinguished yet still radiating intense heat, and handed it to Madam Magician. Madam Magician looked at him, took the sword, and joked, How about we call it the Sword of Courage? The Sword of Courage Lumian paused for a moment. As the black broadsword left his grasp and was taken by Madam Magician, he shivered violently. What was I thinking? I nearly blasphemed His sacred name How could I believe I was capable of deicide? In a moment of fright, Lumians eyes returned to the black broadsword in Madam Magicians hands. Could it be its negative influence? Could it really inspire the courage to commit deicide? Stars sparkled in Madam Magicians eyes as she gazed at the sword and explained, This sword fills its bearer with courage, ensuring they are not knocked down by fear or paralyzed by fright. If you had held this sword earlier, even if you were ultimately conquered, you could have endured a bit longer. Its extremely durable and sharp, capable of blocking direct attacks from demigods and significantly impacting their defenses. It can also enable you to perform Cull at the level of an lron-blooded Knight, but this will consume a great deal of your spirituality, roughly two-thirds of it in one go. The sword can also absorb half of the damage for you. That is, even if you fail to block an attack and suffer a fatal wound, it can reduce the severity of that wound from fatal to grave. Each strike carries high-temperature flames, and depending on your will, these flames can spread from your weapon to your enemys body upon contact, and each strike can cause massive explosion. If the sword is coated with your targets blood or if theyve been scorched by its flames, you can throw it up to five kilometers into the sky. It will wrap itself in flames, fly toward the target like a live artillery shell, lock on, and then crash down, creating a violent explosion that can destroy everything in a typical public square. The maximum range is five kilometers, and it wont return to you on its own; youll need to retrieve it. There are two drawbacks. First, excessive courage is a lethal poison. Human fear and apprehension are among the key reasons humans have survived to this era. A person who only knows courage and not fear will likely lose their ability to judge and analyze, leading to a swift demise. Second, it needs companions. Youll need to prepare at least thirty ordinary broadswords to place around it to complete the sealing process. Otherwise, within about fifteen minutes, it will start attacking everyone nearby indiscriminately, including you. Dont think about using the residual aura of the Blood Emperor to avoid or deter this, as this sword doesnt have living characteristics; its a manifestation of its destructive godhood. It also constantly emits high temperatures, causing ordinary broadswords around it to gradually melt. So, youll need to regularly replace its companions. Similarly, for you as the Reaper, it means enduring a progressively intensifying burn injury. Thats about it. If you dont mind, we can call it the Sword of Courage. Lumian nodded and replied, Can the negative effects of being filled with courage be avoided if its carried in the Travelers Bag? Yes, Madam Magician nodded gently. Lumian pondered further and asked, In the room where I found this sword, there was only one piece of armor, an altar, and two other items. Why didnt it destroy those things? That suit of armor is its companion, Madam Magician replied promptly. Lumian did not inquire further and began to consider how to use the Sword of Courage: / must fully assess the situation and make the right judgment before drawing the sword This isnt a commanders scepter; its a bugle for the charge /ts use must not exceed fifteen minutes While thinking, Lumian reached out and took hold of the Sword of Courage. In the next second, he felt he didnt need to overthink: Fear of this, fear of thatall of that only leads to failure! One should not be overly cautious or indecisive, just do it! What is there to fear? Madam Magician reached into the void and, from nowhere, produced dozens of broadswords with slight variations in design, letting them fly towards Lumian. After placing the Sword of Courage among these broadswords and stuffing it back into the Travelers Bag, Lumian snapped back to his senses. He couldnt help but silently scoff at himself. An Ascetics abilities dont work in this case Then, he took out a piece of pristine, fine leather and a half-solid, pale yellowish-red candle housed in a transparent glass vial. Stars again twinkled in Madam Magicians eyes as she took the two items and examined them for several seconds. This is indeed the potion formula of the Demoness of Despair, but the human skin carrying it comes from an ancient Demoness of Despair and contains strong, mystically powerful viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It causes those who touch or gaze upon it to gradually contract various diseases. If contact and observation dont exceed ten seconds, recovery will occur on its own, Madam Magician briefly explained about the pristine leather. Her gaze then shifted to the peculiar candle. This is a corpse wax candle, made from the corpse oils of an Iron-blooded Knight and a Demoness of Despair mixed with other substances. Corpse wax candle And from two demigods corpse oils Although Lumian had seen much of the world, he still found the candle somewhat eerie and terrifying when he looked at it again. What is its use? he asked, more concerned with this issue while feeling strangely uneasy. Madam Magician deliberated before responding, Once lit and used in pacts and Cogitation, it should probably be paired with a ritual, but the specific details and ultimate effect are unclear. Hmm, you have the residual aura of the Blood Emperor, maybe you can try it directly without a ritual. Lumian didnt hesitate. Alright, Ill try it now. With an Angel and Saint watching over him, if anything went wrong, they could save him. Why wait to try it alone when he got back? Neither Magician nor The Hanged Man stopped him. Lumian took the corpse wax candle from the glass jar and sat cross-legged on the deck. Snap-his fingers produced a blazing white flame, and he immediately lit the black wick of the corpse wax candle. Then, he closed his eyes, visualized a pattern, and began to Cogitate. In the tranquil state of dispersion, a hint of dark fragrance entered his nostrils, causing his marrow to itch as if it were about to ignite. Lumian didnt try to endure this sensation; he simply concentrated on maintaining his cogitative state. After some time, a dark mist suddenly appeared before his eyes. He seemed to be standing in this mist, on the edge of a barely visible street. Across the street, various not-too-tall buildings appeared as if they were mere shadows. Ding-dinga vehicle resembling a steam train came from the other end of the street. It had few segments, just two, with no distinctive chimney but a strangely shaped bracket extending from the top, connecting to something in midair. WhLumians memory was instantly triggered. He had seen a similar scene in Fourth Epoch Trier! It heralded the appearance of the second level in that special mirror world. Chapter 747 - 747 Pact Experience 747 Pact Experience 747 Pact Experience Ding-ding. The object resembling a steam train whizzed past Lumian, its presence nearly obscured by the thick, dark mist. Yet, Lumian managed to discern some details: both carriages were blue and seemed to be crammed with passengers standing and facing the street, their expressions blurred and their forms lacking clear outlines. This is more than what I had witnessed in Fourth Epoch Trierit isnt powered by steam. As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Lumian noticed someone at the other end of the street, hunched over, pulling a black, two-wheeled cart with a canopy. A lady sitting in the cart, holding a round fan and dressed in a long skirt, was hidden by the thick mist, which obscured the finer details of her and the pullers attire. Lumian found himself staring as the black cart approached. At that moment, the lady in the cart lifted her fan to her face, turned slowly, and looked back at Lumian. As if the mist had thinned, Lumian could see the back of the ladys hand holding the fan: swollen and shiny with dark, bluish patches. The puller, with a towel around his neck, stopped, and the lady, who seemed about to step down from the peculiar cart, looked towards Lumian. A wave of fear washed over him, instinctively repelling any contact with the lady. Then, he heard a panicked whisperit was his own voice, although he harbored no such thoughts! Standing on the edge of the street, enveloped in the dark mist, Lumian felt a sharp tension as if his true self wasnt entirely present. Lumians heart tightened as he attempted to step back. He suddenly found himself floating up, soaring into midair. He saw the core of the dense mist, a vast city with a bizarre, shadowy high tower beneath which lay unspeakable horrors and gloom. Unwillingly, he flew towards it. Almost at the same time, he saw specks of starlight appear. Lumian abruptly exited his Cogitative state; the city and tower wrapped in the dark mist, the segmented train, and the lady with the floral fan vanished from his vision. He opened his eyes to see Madam Magician and Mr. Hanged Man. You were a bit off just now, showing signs of losing control, so I had to wake you, Madam Magician briefly explained. Lumian thanked her, extinguished the enticingly fragrant corpse wax candle, and detailed the scenes and characters he had witnessed during his meditation. Madam Magician nodded thoughtfully and remarked, Its similar to a pact-making ritual. This has established a connection between you and some unknown entity, progressively aligning with it. However, unlike a true pact ritual that is directed towards deities, angels, demons, or evil spirits, your pact seems to be with a city. If I hadnt interrupted the process earlier, you might have accessed some higher knowledge or power through this pact experience, though it likely wouldnt have been somethingpositive. Lumian, no novice in mysticism, understood the nature and implications of such rituals. He pondered and then countered, So, youre saying that the city in the fog, closely related to Fourth Epoch Trier and very special, has formed a connection with me through this corpse wax candle, despite the vast distances and the layers of seals between us? Yes, its not an illusion, Madam Magician replied, looking towards the candle encased in a small glass vial with a light yellow and red hue. Besides the corpse oils of the lron-blooded Knight and Demoness of Despair, this candle likely contains some special materials to which its origins Im not aware of. There are two other locations where it could be more effective, allowing you to see and experience more. But those are far too dangerous; you already showed signs of losing control, so I wouldnt recommend trying it now. The other two locations Lumians curiosity piqued. Is one of them Fourth Epoch Trier? In Fourth Epoch Trier, he could already partially see that misty city. Lighting the candle and entering a Cogitative state would surely reveal much more sights and experiences! Yes, Madam Magician affirmed Lumians guess. And where is the other place? Lumian inquired further. Unless the School of Truths vortex project could unlock Fourth Epoch Triers seals, it would be a long time before he could re-enter that version of Trier. Madam Magician eyed Lumian for a few seconds before simply stating, Bansy. Bansy Bansy Harbor? The harbor that had been destroyed by the Church of Storms due to some corruption, where no one had escaped? That was also the former home of Red Angel Medici Lumian nodded almost imperceptibly. Considering the Red Angels gains in Fourth Epoch Trier and the pathways He took, Lumian had no doubts about the special nature of Bansy Harbor being akin to that of Fourth Epoch Trier. Of course, it must be a specific place in Bansy Harbor, not just anywhere, Madam Magician added, then continued, Theres another place Im not sure about for the candles efficacy. Which place? Lumian asked, then had a sudden insight, City of Exiles, Morora? Correct, youre now clearly seeing the connections between things, Madam Magician praised him, sternly advising, If you do decide to venture to those places and use the corpse wax candle to aid your Cogitation and complete the pact, make sure someone is with you at all times to monitor your condition and wake you immediately if anything unusual occurs. Ill remember that, Lumian promised earnestly. As Madam Magician gestured for Lumian to pack away the candle, she thought for a moment and said, Use the Sword of Courage as a Sealed Artifact for now. When its time to concoct the Iron-blooded Knight potion, Ill revert it into a Beyonder characteristic. By the way, the Sealed Artifact crafted by Hisokas Beyonder characteristics should be completed in a few days. Thank you, Madam Magician, Lumian expressed his gratitude sincerely. Although obtaining the lron-blooded Knight main ingredient so easily felt somewhat unreal, when he thought about how the Blood Emperors residual aura came to be, which played a key role in it, and the issue of the Underworld Daoists seal, he realized it wasnt that easy after all. Lumian then discussed the remains of Omebellas umbilical cord and Ludwigs three processing methods, finally asking, Can I consume that piece of umbilical cord to gain some of the Great Mothers Child of Gods bloodline? Madam Magicians expression turned slightly strange as she looked towards The Hanged Man Alger, seemingly seeking his opinion on the matter. The Hanged Man looked at Lumian and asked seriously, This will indeed bring you some opportunities, but with them, corresponding risks as well. We can help you, but we cant be there every moment. You need to consider whether youre willing to take this risk and if its worth it. Madam Magician added, While the Great Mothers attention might sound nebulous and not tangible enough to have a real effectafter all, youre already under the scrutiny of the being known as Inevitability-having one more such entitys attention might not seem like a big deal. However, remember, the Great Mothers interference and permeation in our world far exceed those of the Inevitability entity. If you do consume Omebellas umbilical cord remnants, you might face unknown influences or attract special enemies without even realizing it. Of course, theres only a potential risk, not a certainty. What concerned Lumian more was another point. Madam Magician, Mr. Hanged Man, it seems youve already confirmed that consuming Omebellas umbilical cord will bring some opportunities? This must be a significantly useful opportunity; otherwise, Madam Magicians expression wouldnt have become strange, nor would she have consulted Mr. Hanged Man. Theres no need to hesitate on matters with only downsides; its the presence of significantpotential benefits that causes Madam Magician to pause! Madam Magician weighed her words carefully before responding, The vortex project might involve a location tainted by the Great Mothers power, teeming with monsters spawned from this corruption. If you possess the bloodline of the Great Mothers Child of God, theoretically, you wouldnt need to worry about attacks from them, and you might even be able to command them simply. Thats one aspect. Another is that once you meet two other prerequisite conditions, you should be able to touch and briefly use a Grade O Sealed Artifact. Grade 0 Sealed Artifact Extremely Dangerous. Not to be inquired, disseminated, described, or spied; capable of destroying a country or even the whole world Lumians spirit lifted at the mention. So far, he had indirectly encountered two Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts: 0-01 and 0-05. Whats the number of that Grade O Sealed Artifact? Lumian curiously asked. Why would having the Great Mothers Child of God bloodline allow me to touch and briefly use it? Madam Magician glanced at Lumian and said, I cant tell you the details yet. All I can say is, its not the Child of God bloodline of the Great Mother that allows you to touch it, but rather the integration of Omebellas umbilical cord remnants with you that helps you access it without facing severe danger, because it originated from Omebellas remains. Omebellas remains Omebella had remains before being born? No, thats normal, as there are already remnants of the umbilical cord before She was born Ah, the one that shares the same name? No, obviously, its more than just sharing names Lumian pondered and then asked, Are you referring to the remnants of the Goddess of Harvest from ancient times? times? Chapter 748 - 748 Despair Ritual 748 Despair Ritual 748 Despair Ritual Madam Magician confirmed Lumians guess, Yes, the remains of Omebella, the Goddess of Harvest. The remains of the Goddess of Harvest a Grade O Sealed Artifact contact should be possible and briefly usable Lumian asked eagerly, What are the other two prerequisites, besides merging with the remnants of Omebellas umbilical cord? Magician laughed self-deprecatingly and said, I really shouldnt have told you this; its spurred you to truly consider taking risks. Of course, as a high-ranking Astromancer, I cant say I didnt foresee this. Telling you everything and letting you decide is my choice. The two prerequisites are: First, you must have been betrayed by a direct relative; second, you must be female. Wh-This clearly disappointed Lumian. He felt he met the betrayal requirement, as his biological father had abandoned him and his mother, leading to his grandfathers bankruptcy. But why did he have to be a woman? Madam Magician seemed to guess his thoughts. You barely meet the betrayal criterion. As for being female, in the world of mysticism, there are ways to temporarily transform you into a woman, such as a special mystical item from the Demoness pathway, which doesnt necessarily require a high Sequence. Thats true Lumian thought of the Lie earring. Although it couldnt change his gender, its ability to alter appearances or adjust height was equally magical. If such items existed, then surely there must be artifacts that could change ones gender, which, given Lumians understanding of the Demoness path, he believed to be almost certainly existent, albeit rare and special. Lumians hope was rekindled about accessing Omebellas remains. That was a Grade O Sealed Artifact! Madam Magician, with a quirky expression, gave another reminder. If you truly consume Omebellas umbilical cord remnants and possess the bloodline of the Great Mother, you will forever be unable to approach Pride Armor. Your backstabbing of it would fade over time, but once you become a false Omebella, it will target you first and always, unless theres someone more special present whos worth targeting. Is this a manifestation of Pride Armors hatred for the Earth pathway? In future battles, if Im nearby, Franca and the others wont be able to use Pride Armor However, between Pride Armor and a Grade O Sealed Artifact, any sane person knows which to choose, even if the latter is only for temporary use Lumian nodded, indicating he understood. Madam Magician didnt continue the topic. The deal with the Eternal Blazing Sun Church can move forward. Let me know the agreed time and place for the transaction. That Sealed Artifact cant be transferred by you; its too dangerous. Have the Purifiers prepare to seal it on-site; she will appear herself. Alright. Lumian took this opportunity to relay other information he had gathered in the past few days. Hearing that the Demon Warlock Burman was influenced by Harrison from Resurrection Island, wanting to touch the mark of deep death, and the evil spirit he summoned and killed was suspected to be himself, Madam Magician turned her head towards Mr. Hanged Man. Lumian had previously heard from Madam Magician that the Tarot Club was already investigating Resurrection Island, specifically Mr. Hanged Man and Maam Hermit. The one known as the Stormbringer among the Major Arcana cards thoughtfully said, This is related to something Im investigating. I cant reveal the specifics yet, but you should know Harrison is likely to appear in places closely linked to death, darkness, dusk, and decay. If you encounter someone of unknown origin in such scenarios, remember to tell me. Death, darkness, dusk, decay.. Truly someone from Resurrection Island Lumian wasnt surprised by Mr. Hanged Mans hint. He was more concerned about whether Resurrection Islands resurrection was indeed a true resurrection. Madam Magician could read what he was pondering. Ive said before, we arent Beyonders of the Death pathway, so we dont fundamentally understand the situation on Resurrection Island, and its difficult to have a precise view of their so-called resurrection. Maybe a direct encounter with Harrison or another islander will provide the insights youre seeking. The only thing I can say now is, think about Demon Warlock Burman. His condition had clearly worsened since Harrison led him to kill what seemed to be his own evil spirit. The inhabitants of Resurrection Island likely have issues. Heh, I was right last time when I said the Arden evil spirit might still be alive after the related ritual. Lumian fell silent. Upon returning to Trier, Lumian promptly made his way to 9 Rue Orosai and knocked on the door of Room 702. Why are you here again? Franca opened the door with a look of disdain. He had left less than an hour ago! Fortunately, it was daytime. She hadnt been planning anything yetwhat if she had been scared out of her wits? Lumian glanced at Jenna, who was curled up on the living room sofa with a book, propping herself up to look at him. He smiled at the two Demonesses and said, Ive managed to obtain the potion formula of the Demoness of Despair. Ah? Franca looked puzzled. Hadnt he just acquired the Iron-blooded Knight potion formula? Or had he accomplished something significant in the few minutes since he left? Jenna was equally baffled, thinking Lumian was joking at first. Despair was a Sequence 4 potion formula that contained the method humans used to pry open the gates to godhood. How could it be obtained so easily? In a flash of thought, Franca and Jenna asked in unison: Did you go to the Blue Avenger? Have you finished exploring the Blue Avenger? Just a preliminary exploration, Lumian squeezed past Franca, smiling as he spoke. You got the Demoness of Despair potion formula from just a preliminary exploration? Jenna asked, somewhat incredulously. Lumian chuckled. Thats one of the Blood Emperors legacies. A Sequence 4 potion formula should be considered pretty normal among the treasures. What else did you find? Franca asked curiously after closing the door. Lumian casually took a seat on an armchair and recounted his adventure aboard the Blue Avenger, including his interactions with Madam Magician and Mr. Hanged Man from start to finish. That corpse wax candle sounds rather sinister, Franca genuinely exclaimed. Jenna nodded in agreement, feeling like she had just heard a horror story. As a Beyonder of the Demoness pathway, friend of a Hunter, hearing that the candle was made from the corpse oils of an Iron-blooded Knight and a Demoness of Despair always made her inadvertently think of herself, Franca, and Lumian. Just as Jenna felt Franca had voiced her own thoughts, she heard her female companion eagerly propose, Last time in Fourth Epoch Trier, I barely saw what that misty city looked like. You didnt describe it clearly enough. Can I use that candle to make a pact and see the misty city from inside or from the air? You guys be my guardians! That candle burns very quickly. I only tried it once, and it used up a fifth of it, Lumian thought aloud, Lets wait for a chance to visit Bansy Harbor or enter Fourth Epoch Trier, then you can try it. Besides, Madam Magician said that without the Blood Emperors residual aura, a specific ritual is needed to assist, and no one knows yet what that ritual is like. Maybe once were in Bansy or Fourth Epoch Trier, influenced by the environment, we wont need the ritual anymore. Thatll do, Franca relented. A corpse wax candle that could only be used four more times obviously needed to be reserved for the best occasions. Franca turned to Lumian. Franca, brimming with enthusiasm, said to Lumian, Lets see the Demoness of Despairs potion formula. Whats my reward? Lumian joked. Franca clicked her tongue. Ill keep an eye out at the Demoness Sect for any mystical items that can change gender and give it to you for free. With that, Francas smile grew even brighter, her eyes sparkling. I really look forward to that day. Jenna imagined it for a moment and found herself also a bit excited. Considering the potential consequences of debating over this topic, Lumian pretended to be at a loss for words and quickly took out a sheet of delicate human skin from his Travelers Bag and laid it on the coffee table. The three only glanced at the potion formula before swiftly moving away, taking a moment before returning to continue. After a few repeats, the contents of the Sequence 4 potion formula fully emerged in their minds: Name: Despair; Sequence: 4; Main ingredients: Plague Mother Serpents venom sac; Silver Hunters crystal; Supplementary ingredients: 10 milliliters of Plague Mother Serpents bile, three fragments of the Silver Hunter, a fresh branch of mistletoe, and 10 milliliters of blood from seven victims who died from different plagues. Ritual: Involve over thirty thousand people in a severe plague. The more who die, the stronger the despair and suffering, the better the ritual effect. In a brief silence, Franca hissed, Isnt this ritual too evil? I cant do such a thing! She felt that if she succumbed to the urge to advance, to become a demigod, and caused such a plague, she would truly fall and truly become a Demoness! Jenna shook her head, her face full of fear. She couldnt imagine becoming that kind of person. She would rather stay forever at the Demoness of Affliction Sequence! Its not just about being evil, its obviously more difficult than the Iron-blooded Knights ascension ritual, Lumian said from another angle. Using the capabilities of the Demoness of Affliction along with auxiliary media and items, turning a contagion into a plague that swept through thirty thousand people wasnt too challenging. However, in any city with such a large population, official organizations existed, and they would likely notice the outbreak soon after it began. That would lead to targeted interventions and possibly even identification of the diseases sourcethe Demoness of Affliction herselfleading to her elimination. If she avoided cities and spread the disease from one small town or village to another, it would take an exceedingly long time. The longer the process dragged on, the greater the chance of various mishaps that could cause the ritual to fail. For example, discovery by the official Beyonders, natural containment of the disease, or other unforeseen events. Compared to this, the Southern Continent might be more suitable for the Demoness of Affliction to advance. Yes, Franca said with a pained expression, Is there no way to bypass this ritual? Or is there an equivalent, less evil ritual? Jenna racked her brain but couldnt think of any shortcuts that didnt involve killing innocents. Lumian, with a carefree smile, said, Its simple. After you reach Sequence 5, you could switch to Iron-blooded Knight. If you careor rather, prefer to remain a Demonessyou can then check whether the ritual of the Demoness of Unaging is evil. If it isnt, you could switch back. Uh Franca and Jenna were stunned. Chapter 749 - 749 Conjugate Captain and Members 749 Conjugate Captain and Members 749 Conjugate Captain and Members After her initial shock, Franca pondered thoughtfully, Maybe this idea isnt so bad after all Wasnt I originally aiming to become an Iron-blooded Knight? But then theres Jenna Seeing Franca silent, Lumian said with a meaningful smile, Theres no need to take some things too seriously. Weve all used Lie before and changed our appearances, adapting quite well, havent we? I once even turned into a dog without any lingering trauma. As long as its not permanent and you can change back, occasionally switching things up can actually be quite fun. Remember, youre just acting. Lumian knew Jenna was already aware that the Demoness pathway led to changes from male to female, whereas the Hunters pathway did the opposite, occurring at Sequence 7 Witch and Sequence 4 Iron-blooded Knight. He also knew Franca suspected Jenna was aware of this. But since the Demoness of Pleasure wanted to continue deceiving herself, he didnt mind helping a bit by keeping his words vague. Temporarily If the ritual of the Demoness of Unaging isnt evil, I can switch back A Demoness of Unaging doesnt sound so evil Jenna muttered to herself before saying, ! think Lumians suggestion is worth considering. Franca nodded in agreement, on the verge of saying more but stopping herself. Jenna chuckled self-deprecatingly, Im only at Sequence 7, just a Witch. Why am I even considering becoming a demigod and switching back and forth? Dammit, it feels like when I first became Showy Diva. Though I was always saving money topay off debts, it didnt stop me from dreaming of becoming a famous actress, earning thousands of verl dor a year, and wondering how Id spend all that money Me too, me too, Franca echoed, attempting to explore the feasibility, If we switch, how do we complete the ritual for a thirty-person Iron-blooded Knight team? Lumian clicked his tongue and continued, Youd better pray that by then Ive become an lron-blooded Knight. Having an Iron-blooded Knight as a team member can significantly reduce the number of people required. Besides, we already work well together. Is that possible? Franca first instinctively felt there was a problem, then muttered to herself, A ritual is just a ritual. After its done, theres really no need to maintain the previous state, meaning the captain and team members could swap places and form anew team again. What do you call that? Thats called recycling, sustainable development! The more Franca thought about it, the more excited she became. Once I also become an Iron-blooded Knight, Jenna will have two demigod teammates, plus Anthony and Lugano. She shouldnt need to look for anyone else. If Ludwig is still with us by then, not having broken his seal, things will be even simpler; we could be his godmothers! Wed be Ludwigs godmothers, and Lumian would be his godfather Although this isnt anything amazing, there are many similar examples, but still.. Jenna glanced at Franca, wanting to remind her of something, but ultimately decided against it. The more they discussed the details, the more awkward it got, so it was best to leave them be. With a new strategy to avoid the Demoness of Despairs ritual, Franca and Jenna felt much better. The former said to Lumian, Theres a mysticism gathering in a few days. Touch base with the Professor and others to probe whether any members of the Moses Ascetic Order are among them. Its not too urgent since Madam Judgement told me that the Tarot Club has informants inside the Moses Ascetic Order who can provide the necessary information. But Im not sure if that informant belongs to the Trier region and knows the local circumstances, while the Mirror Person, Griffith, is definitely in Trier. Lumian nodded and replied, I also need to ask about the Harvest Priest potion formula and corresponding materials. Boosting the teams strength will help us complete the ritual later. Jenna listened quietly for a while before interjecting, Can you help sell that Dream Stealer Beyonder characteristic for me? The level of the mysticism gatherings I attend arent high enough; nobody can afford an item of that Sequence. She was thinking about the Demoness of Pleasure potion materials she was about to receive from the Eternal Blazing Sun Church. Francas Pleasure was almost digested, and it wasnt too good to still owe her companion money. After all, she couldnt use the Dream Stealer Beyonder characteristic herself. Lumian could probably guess Jennas thoughts, subtly gesturing towards his Travelers Bag. His implication was clear: youve seen my Iron-blooded Knight and Demoness of Despair potion formulas; how come you havent thought about owing me a substantial debt? Lumian hoped this approach would make Jenna worry less about owing money, suggesting she borrow more and hire an Artisan to turn the Dream Stealer Beyonder characteristic into a mystical item for use. The stronger you are, the easier it is to repay debts! Sitting on the sofa, Jenna scoffed at Franca, gesturing towards Lumian. Her message was clear: when I need to use those two potion formulas to advance, Ill pay you back! Ill keep an eye out, Franca said, unaware of the silent conversation between Lumian and Jenna. She then said, We can start gathering some supplementary ingredients for Iron-blooded Knight and Demoness of Despair now, like the mud soaked with soldiers blood from a major battlefield and the blood of seven victims of the plague, just to be prepared in case were short on time later. Who knows, by then, we might find another way to bypass the plague ritual. Lets get ready now. Hearing about the preparations for the potion, Lumian nodded and then remembered something. He stood up and walked over to the full-length mirror in the room, pressing his right hand against it. He then activated the contract ability from Bloody Jack, sensing the mirror imprints he had left behind. Soon, Lumian used the mirror and its otherworldly connection to detect two imprints from afarone clear and one blurry. The clear one belonged to the full-length mirror in Moran Avignys study, while the blurry one changed on its own, shifting positions and making it hard to track. I can sense it That must be the imprint on the mirror inside the Blue Avengers vault Using the link between the imprint and myself, no matter how it blurs or shifts, I can teleport directly to it, as long as I can step through the mirror, Lumian pondered for a while but decided not to borrow Francas Mirror Cufflink for an experiment. This was because his spiritual intuition and a warning from fate told him that if he teleported to that imprint now, he might never return, or he might return as Alista Tudor. Withdrawing his hand, Lumian shared the results of his attempt with Franca and Jenna. Afterward, Jenna left to visit various hospital morgues. This was both to look for opportunities to act as a Witch and to see if there were any bodies that had died from severe contagious diseases. With the Order of All Extinction and the Sick Church not yet eradicated in Trier, there definitely were deaths from the plague, just not many that could cause a widespread outbreak. Standing by the window, Lumian saw Jenna appear on the street and turned to Franca, saying, You might have to become a Demoness of Despair, so it would be good to think about how to find an alternative to that ritual. Why must I? Franca responded, clearly astonished. Lumian chuckled. Have you noticed that all the high-ranking members of the Demoness Sect are Demonesses? Do you think its because they cant get their hands on the lron-blooded Knight potion formula and Beyonder characteristics? But the Demoness Sect doesnt prohibit Demonesses from switching to the Hunter pathway Thats indeed a contradiction, Lumian speculated. I suspect that those angelic-tier Demonesses cant find higher Sequence Hunter pathway Beyonder characteristics to change back into men, so theyre not keen on seeing their subordinates regain themselves. It has become an unspoken rule. You know, most of the high-ranking Demonesses are twisted in spirit, psychopathic, and enjoy seeing others in pain while hating to see them happy. According to the intelligence Lumian and Franca received from Madam Magician and Madam Judgement, starting from Sequence 4, Hunters and Demonesses could switch pathways, with gender determined by the highest Sequence attained, and consuming potions of the same Sequence but from neighboring pathways to enhance ones strength could cause significant problems. Franca was silent for a long moment before saying, If I digest the Affliction potion and still havent found an alternative to the Despair ritual, Ill request to end my mission with the Demoness Sect from Madam Judgement. She should understand and wouldnt allow me to carry out something like spreading a horrific plague. After saying this, Franca relaxed and muttered, Besides, wouldnt it be odd if Jenna becomes an Iron-blooded Knight and I remain a Demoness by then? Life is short, why not give it a try? Lumian jested. Before Franca could react, Lumian leaped over the sofa with a stride and headed out the door. Bursts of black flames shot through the wooden door, chasing after Lumians back but gradually veering off target and dissipating into the air. Francas curse still rang clear in Lumians ears, If you have what it takes, try it yourself! With a grin, Lumian stepped out into the street. Watching Ludwig eat, he pulled up a chair opposite him and casually asked, What ingredients or spices are needed for the third method of cooking those umbilical remains? By the side, Lugano was taken aback. What umbilical remains? Lumian smiled. The umbilical remnant of the Child of God that Father Montserrat was carrying. Luganos expression froze. Chapter 750 - 750 Source of Life 750 Source of Life 750 Source of Life After a few seconds, Lugano stuttered, Can you actually eat that? What happens if you do eat it? What are the changes? Does it cause the Child of God to be born? Lumian glanced at Luganos arm and said, What cant be eaten? Lugano suddenly felt a sharp phantom pain and shook his head vigorously. No, never mind! He wanted to get away from Ludwig and Lumian but couldnt think of an excuse on the spot. After Ludwig swallowed a mouthful of cheese bread, he spoke slowly, Top-tier ingredients dont need much accompaniment or seasoning. We just need to give it a symbol. That includes nine main staple ingredients: wheat, oats, rye, rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, cassava, and any other kind of bean. Cook them with the umbilical remains in cows or sheeps milk for half an hour, and its ready to eat. This dish is called Source of Life. Are you cooking or performing a mystical rite? Lumian muttered under his breath. Of course, a Gourmet pathways Chef, who concocted alcoholic beverages and cooked various dishes, was essentially conducting corresponding mystical rites. Thoughtfully, Lumian asked, Actually, it doesnt have to be these nine ingredients, right? As long as the concept of main ingredients and their quantity is satisfied? Likewise, other kinds of milk would work too? Ludwig shook his head. No, this way tastes the best. So, what youre saying is, the method I mentioned would work but wont taste as good? No wonder its the Gourmet pathway, always chasing culinary perfection Lumian stood up and instructed Lugano to buy some of the ingredients. Lumians Travelers Bag only contained dry rations that could be eaten right out of the package. For Trier, a leading global metropolis, the ingredients Ludwig needed were easily collected, and by noon, Lumian and Lugano had returned to see Ludwig placing the main ingredients along with the umbilical remnant into a stew pot filled with several hundred milliliters of milk. These steps had to be completed by a Chef himself, to endow them with mysticism, to coax out the designated uniqueness of the ingredients and maintain them to a degree conducive to absorption. Done by anyone else, the dish might have no effect or turn into poison. After simmering for a while, Lumian smelled the starchy aroma mixed with the milk and saw dense milky white steam rising above the pot. The steam did not disperse but condensed in midair and slowly settled back into the pot, carrying a tantalizing scent tinged with blood. At that moment, Ludwig turned to Lumian and licked his lips, asking, Do you want to add sugar or salt? What differences do they bring? Lumian asked cautiously. Ludwig responded seriously, The taste, one is sweet, the other is salty. Which do you prefer? Lumian, sensing the choice, relaxed and asked with a smile, Which do you prefer? I cant eat it Ludwig said regretfully, mumbling, Sweet is tasty, salty is good too. If only it could be split into two parts, one sweet, one salty As he spoke, the young boy, seemingly agitated, sprinkled some salt and then tossed in some sugar. Lumian watched amusedly, not stopping him. For him, the taste of the Source of Life was not important; its effect was. Finally, Ludwig instructed Lugano to extinguish the flame and removed the contents of the pot. It was a palm-sized piece of starchy congealment, white and soft, sticky and gooey. The surface of the food was covered with red spots, as if blood had seeped out from within. Its ready to eat. Ludwig tried hard not to drool. Will it be effective with just one bite, or do I need to eat it all? Lumian asked, his curiosity reminiscent of his days learning various experiments, which often frustrated Aurore with his questions. All of it, Ludwig said with a look of disappointment. Lumian picked up the steaming, slightly scalding food, brought it to his mouth, and took a bite. The sweet and salty flavors melded together, offsetting each others intensity in a unique way that relieved Lumian of any mental burden. He quickly devoured the Source of Life. Will it work right away? an eager Lumian asked, already resolute in his intentions. Ludwig pointed to the master bedroom. Youll need to sleep first. Sleep? With a slight sigh, Lumian left the dining table, returned to his room, and lay down on his bed. Closing his eyes, he felt his body gradually warm up, his consciousness becoming heavier and heavier In the darkness, Lumian heard soft sobs. He turned his head, carefully discerning the sound. It was of a little girl whispering, Mommy Mommy The voice grew louder, more mature, and more piercing. Mommy! Mommy! The cries drew closer, as if they were right beside Lumian, resonating within him. Mommy! Mommy! Inside my body Lumian suddenly jolted awake, regaining his senses. The darkness shattered, and sunlight pierced his eyes. He sat up abruptly, freeing himself from the dream. The cries of mommy, mommy still echoed faintly in his mind. Did I hear the Child of God crying? Lumian looked down at himself. He undressed and found nothing unusual, but he knew something about him was different now, an indescribable change. He didnt feel the Great Mothers gaze, which made him even more cautious. Dressed again, he left his room to find Lugano sneaking glances his way. Areare you alright? Lugano, who had been caught red-handed, asked instinctively. Lumian chuckled. Its okay, I wont become the Child of God of the Great Mother. Seeing Lugano eyeing his stomach, Lumian added, Nor have I conceived Her. After speaking, he left the still-concerned Lugano behind and walked out of the apartment. The afternoon sun was perfect, and with nothing much to do in the next couple of days, Lumian decided to stake out a particular spot. That place was the Trier catacombs. Knowing that Harrison from Resurrection Island might appear at places associated with death, darkness, dusk, and decay, Lumians first thoughts were of the Dream Festival and the Trier catacombs-locations rife with death and dark mysticism. In the first level of the catacombs, by the Entrance to the Old Ossuary leading deeper below, Lumian sat next to a withered, scattered skeleton with a lit white candle, quietly observing each visitor descending into or returning from the depths. Soon, a group of students passed by, spotting Lumian sitting alongside the catacombs bones. The leader, a tall, thin man with glasses, asked Lumian curiously, Why are you sitting here? Lumian casually responded, Ive been down to the lower levels many times and lost interest. Now, I just want to sit here quietly and watch everyone and everybody that comes and goes, to see who never leaves. That sounds interesting, the students said, holding their white candles. They decided to sit down too and observe if any of those returning from the depths showed signs of fear. The tall, bespectacled man chose to sit beside Lumian and struck up a conversation. Do you really think not lighting a white candle here could lead to mishaps? Lumian glanced at him and chuckled, You could try it, and wed all see what happens. Before the students could respond, Lumian spoke in a relaxed tone, I didnt believe in these things before, but then He suddenly lowered his voice. Two of the female students blurted out, What happened? Then Lumian wore a reminiscent expression, I met someone who had encountered the Montsouris ghost. You know the legend of the Montsouris ghost, right? The students nodded together. You really know Triers spooky tales well Typical of Underground Trier creaturesstudents Lumian sighed, His immediate family all died, and he thought he could escape it. But one day, when I went to see him, I found him hanged from a window frame. Since then, Ive been strictly following every rule of Underground Trier. The students looked at each other, a bit frightened by the tale told by a peer. It seems we really shouldnt extinguish this candle, the tall student with glasses said regretfully. Lumian lowered his voice again, Have you ever encountered such a thing? There are extra books, blankets, and clothes in your dormnone which belong to youbut the administrator tells you that no one else lives there. Two students turned pale, as if hearing the most terrifying ghost story. As if they were seeking a lifeline, they asked, Yes, that happens, do you know why? Lumian shook his head and sighed, I heard those are the people who extinguished their candles here. They completely vanished, with no one remembering them. Hearing this, the tall student shivered instinctively. Suddenly, he felt something tap his shoulder. He turned to look and saw a ghastly pale skeletal hand. Ah! He screamed, jumping up. Lumian pulled back the bone hand he had picked up somewhere, his smile mocking. Youre really scaredy-cats! Scared already? The students were stunned, and after a while, they forcefully said, No! That was just a reflex! As they seriously considered whether to beat up the prankster, someone came up the stone steps to the second level. He wore a blue top and yellow pants, his face deeply wrinkled and his white hair sparse and dry, holding a short lit white candle. It was an elderly catacombs administrator. Lumian slightly frowned. He had seen this catacombs administrator before in the giant tomb chamber housing the Samaritan Womens Spring, but the administrator hadnt used a white candle then. Chapter 751 - 751 "Help" 751 Help 751 Help Lumian had always assumed that the catacombs administrator, marked with light brown age spots, had been assimilated by the catacombs themselves, becoming part of this peculiar place, and would over time become more corpse-like, losing all semblance of life and forever sleeping within an upright, decaying coffin. Yet, here he was, able to leave the massive tomb chamber that housed the Samaritan Womens Spring, still carrying a burning white candle. Taking turns guarding the entrance to the Samaritan Womens Spring, the longer you stay, the deeper the catacombs peculiar erosion takes hold, making you less and less like the living until finally, you no longer need a lit white candle to prevent being consumed by the catacombs? Can one slowly recover once they rotate out? Lumian speculated as he watched the elderly catacombs administrator ascend the steps. As he drew closer and the candlelight illuminated his features, the group of students also got a clearer look at the newcomer. They recognized the uniform of the catacombs administrator but had never met one so aged he seemed nearly decomposed. His face, speckled with light brown age spots and his eyes black and icy, coupled with his faint, almost non-existent breath, instilled an involuntary fear in them, prompting them to huddle together for warmth and courage. With each soft step echoing, the elderly caretaker stopped at the Entrance to the Old Ossuary. He then turned, casting his chilling gaze upon Lumian. I need to speak with you, the catacombs administrator said in a hoarse, matter-of-fact tone. Me? Do we know each other? Plus, I came here on a whim, driven by impulse and didnt inform anyone of my plans. Why would you need to see me? Lumian was taken aback, as were the university students. They hadnt expected this intriguing, skilled prankster to be acquainted with such a frightening catacombs administrator. Had he really explored the catacombs so often that he had befriended the administrators? Perplexed, Lumian stood up and followed the elderly administrator to the side of the Entrance to the Old Ossuary. He wanted to hear what this was all about and why he was being sought out. In the dense darkness, with just a stub of a white candle making his face appear more ghastly, the emotionless caretaker said, Theres been an anomaly with a corpse on the fourth levels southwest corner. Handle it. Me? Lumian pointed to himself with his empty right hand. Why are you asking me to deal with this? There are other catacombs administrators, official Beyonders for this sort of thing. Why me? And youre ordering me around as if Im a mercenary paid to handle such matters, without even discussing compensation Correct. The elderly administrator nodded gently. My body and spirit are nearing decay, and I can no longer engage in combat. Lumian eyed the administrator with curiosity, probing, Do you know me? The deep wrinkles on the administrators face unfolded into a strange smile. You are one of our kind. One of our kind Lumian mused, a guess forming in his mind. Deal with it now. The longer you wait, the more troublesome it becomes. The administrator turned and headed back towards the Entrance to the Old Ossuary. ! came to stake out Harrison from Resurrection Island, not to work for you Lumian muttered silently, his curiosity piqued as he followed the more corpse-like than living administrator down the stone steps. During this, he flashed a smile and waved at the students, frightening them into silence; none dared to respond. Once Lumian and the elderly administrators figures had disappeared deep into the stone stairway, with only a flicker of candlelight remaining, the students finally relaxed and exhaled in relief. That guy really knew the catacombs administrator well! He must be extremely familiar with this place! Were the rumors he shared actually true? Recalling Lumians description of the dorm anomalies and the consequences of extinguishing a candle, the students shivered in unison, pulling their candles closer to their bodies. Descending layer by layer, past Fran?ois Tomb and the Blood Order Hall, Lumian followed the old administrator, quickly reaching the southwest corner of the catacombs fourth level. Using the remaining third of his white candle, Lumian saw a giant skeleton, about three to four meters tall, composed of bones from different corpses and shaped like a human with seven or eight heads, all eye sockets dark, void of any colored flame. At that moment, the giant skeleton was opening tomb doors, extracting sharp bones, and adding them to its massive bone sword. The candlelight spread only slightly, illuminating the area minimally as darkness flowed like water, bringing an indescribable chill and horror. Even without getting close, Lumian involuntarily felt fear and resistance, as if he were walking towards death. His blue eyes darkened to iron-black, reflecting the ghastly pallor of the aberrant skeleton. Deep within its chest, it felt as if he had to cleave through layers of white bones to reach it. You see it? Take care of it, the old caretaker commanded again, as if ordering a subordinate. What abilities does it have? Lumian wasnt averse to lending a handhe had just acquired a powerful item and was eager to use it, but he couldnt just rush into battle without understanding the monsters capabilities and planning his strategy. The candle in the administrators hand was now just a stub, its dim flame stubbornly clinging on. He shook his head and said, Im not sure, but its being suppressed by the catacombs, unable to show much of its potential. Once it gets dark outside, we might not have that advantage. We must clear it out now. The catacombs are suppressing it Lumian mused aloud, How often have these anomalies occurred recently? Is it frequent? Its normal, once or twice a month, the elderly catacombs administrator replied in a raspy voice. Even if its broadly sealed, some abnormalities still occur? Thats similar to other areas of the Underground Trier As Lumian was about to ask more questions, the giant, mud-and-mold-covered skeletal aberration seemed to notice them, suddenly turning around and raising its massive bone sword. The surface of the giant sword burst into pale-white flames. Thud, thud, thud, the skeleton with several heads moved stiffly but quickly charged toward Lumian and the catacombs administrator. The surrounding darkness surged over, bringing with it a bone-chilling cold and a terror that seemed to reach into their souls. Without hesitation, Lumian reached into the Travelers Bag and grasped the Sword of Courage. A warm rush quickly spread through his body. Whats there to fear? Fight, fight, fight! Lumian drew the iron-black greatsword and charged toward the giant skeleton and its terrifying bone sword. Then, he swung the Sword of Courage upwards. A bright white flame with a hint of blue burst forth from the blade. Bang! The iron-black greatsword collided with the bone sword, made of numerous sharp bones, in midair. Lumians knees bent as his feet sank into the mud. The skeletons force was immense, and the bright white-blue flames tangled with the pale-white flames, mutually extinguishing each other. Lumian was not afraid. His eyes excited, he tightened his thighs, straightened his knees, and advanced rather than retreated, slashing with his iron-black greatsword toward the colossal creature. The bone sword responded with the force of a falling boulder. Boom! The collision triggered a violent explosion, and the fierce shockwave, carrying the bright white-blue flames, struck the giant skeletons surface, pushing it back two steps. Lumian pursued, slashing again with the Sword of Courage. Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! With each clash of the huge swords and in every massive explosion, a large number of bones fell from the skeleton, charred, and even the bone sword itself thinned significantly. Finally, Lumian broke through its defense, cleaving into its chest with one strike. Boom! The bright white-blue fireball expanded there, penetrating its entire body. The giant skeleton froze instantly. Crash! t collapsed entirely, like a stacked block castle knocked over. Lumian withdrew his iron-black greatsword, turned halfway to the elderly catacombs administrator, and smiled, saying, Neutralized. As he spoke, he returned the Sword of Courage to the Travelers Bag. Just after this action, Lumian suddenly sobered up. Was that it? Although I had planned to engage in direct combat before drawing the sword, I hadnt considered just a head-on attack Truly the Sword of Courage Hearing Lumians words, the elderly catacombs administrator, holding the nearly extinguished white candle, slowly approached. Lumian, taking advantage of having just provided help, casually asked, Has anyone visited the Samaritan Womens Spring in the past few months? That was supposedly the strongest point of death energy in the entire catacombs, and Harrison might be drawn there. The elderly catacombs administrator looked at Lumian in slow motion, his voice hoarse as he said, Extinguish the candle. What? Extinguish the candle? Are you trying to kill me? Lumians first reaction was that the catacombs administrator in front of him meant him harm. Without a lit white candle here, one would be eerily erased and forgotten by all! At that moment, the candle in the administrators hand burned down to the end, flickered once, and was completely extinguished. Darkness surged toward the old man, seemingly engulfing him in deathly silence. He did not disappear. In that instant, Lumian recalled many things, including the catacombs administrator considering him one of their own and his own guess about it. He hadnt made his final, crazy decision when the darkness around the administrator viciously spread, enveloping him. His white candle suddenly went out. Chapter 752 - 752 In the Darkness 752 In the Darkness 752 In the Darkness Dammit! Though Lumian had toyed with the idea of taking risks, he hadnt truly made up his mind. The sudden extinguishing of his white candle prompted him to swear under his breath, instinctively preparing to activate the black mark on his shoulder and teleport out of the catacombs. At that moment, a bone-chilling cold tinged with slight pain surged through the palm of his right hand. This snap of pain brought him to his senses, thankfully without any further unpleasant changes to his body. Indeed Lumian instantly calmed down, abandoning the idea of using his Spirit World Traversal ability. His suspicions were confirmed! He clenched his right hand discreetly, ensuring the prominently-marked Underworld Daoist seal wasnt visible to anything lurking in the darkness. After the elderly, decaying, and clearly unwell catacombs administrator mistook him for a kindred spirit, Lumian suspected it was due to the Underworld Daoist seal. Given that the Samaritan Womens Spring was closely related to the Underworld Daoist and the catacombs of Trier were likely built to contain its overflowing influence, the administrators took turns guarding the massive tomb chamber leading to the spring. Since catacombs administrators affected by anomalies could navigate the dark catacombs without a lit white candle and not disappear, theoretically, he should be able to as well, given his Underworld Daoist seal! Of course, this was extremely risky. A wrong guess could mean dying without leaving a trace, causing Lumian to hesitate despite his wild impulse. In the pure darkness, where his eyes saw nothing, Lumian felt as if he were in Triers subterranean river, immersed in cold, damp, heavy, and silent waters. Yet, he breathed easily; his body and soul strangely drawing air from the dense, dark waters, sustaining his existence. He seemed like a fish in the deep sea. The darkness, like flowing water, layered and pressed down, isolating this space from the surrounding areas and the outside world. The next moment, Lumian heard the old administrators raspy, indifferent voice. Recently, three people tried to approach the spring, but I stopped them. Three people Lumians spirit lifted as he asked, Who were they? One time it was a Blessed of darkness and death with a Hunter, the old administrator described in his own way. A Blessed of darkness and death with a Hunter.. Isnt that Madame Hela and me? You still remember us Lumian realized, followed by muttered criticisms. He had thought this elderly administrator, unlike the more active ones like Kendall and nearing a corpse-like state, didnt recognize people by sight but by sensing their presence Lumian had encountered two catacombs administrators guiding visitors when he arrived at the Entrance to the Old Ossuary, and they didnt see him as one of their own. Instead, they advised him not to wander alone and always keep a white candle burning for light. Who was the third? Lumian pressed on. Was it Harrison, or Monette, the incarnation of Amon active in these subterranean catacombs? The old catacombs administrator responded in a monotone, husky voice, An outsider, he felt similar to us but also different, so I stopped him. Similar yet different an outsider Lumian pondered these key descriptions and surmised it was probably Harrison from Resurrection Island! What did he look like? Lumian asked, controlling his emotions, seemingly calm. He couldnt see through the darkness, not even the outline of the old administrator, but he sensed the other was right in front of him, no more than two meters away. He then heard the old administrator reply: Ive been an administrator for so long, Ive forgotten many things. Even death itself vanishes here, let alone our memories. I cant remember what he looked like, only that he didnt resemble an Intisian, nor a Loenese or Feysacian. After a brief pause, the catacombs administrator continued in his flat tone, I should go back to rest now Lumian did not try to stop him, nor did he ask further questions. Although he hadnt heard any footsteps, nor sensed any movement ahead, a very clear thought suddenly struck him: The person has already left. He didnt look like an Intisian, a Loenese, or a Feysacian An outsider Someone who had been to the fourth level of the catacombs in recent months Lumian replayed thecatacombs administrators responses in his mind over and over. Suddenly, he remembered something: Franca had mentioned that she encountered a man in the catacombs who she suspected came from the world of the Celestial Masterthe world they had transmigrated from. Her judgment was based on the mans appearance, which closely resembled the people from that world and was distinctly different from those of the Intisians, Loenese, Feynapotterians, and Feysacians! So, the person Franca met was the one the elderly administrator persuaded to leave? And that person could very well be Harrison from Resurrection Island /s Resurrection Island actually a node where two worlds converge? The reason the nautical chart leading to Resurrection Island is incorrect is because it lacks mystical details; even if one reaches the designated sea area, only danger is encountered, with no sight of the goal? This would nicely explain Francas divination result that the chart is genuine and why adventurers have failed to locate Resurrection Island. The charts are indeed accurate, but they dont record the method to open the Islands Door! If this is the case, there should be a deeper explanation for why Franca and the others were transmigrated, and for the purpose of the Resurrection Islanders appearing on the North and South Continents The good thing now is, Franca has seen someone who might be Harrison and has drawn a corresponding portrait through a ritual, which will help us in our future search. Heh heh, Franca and Jennas exploration yielded quite a lot of crucial information about many important matters, filled with a sense of being arranged. This might not have been that entitys doing, but its highly likely related to Monette, who often haunts this place Lumian was particularly puzzled about why the True Creator or Amon valued this matter so much. Their previous help was mainly about combating the evil gods beyond the barrier and didnt involve issues from another world. Hmm, would that Celestial Worthy be counted as one of the evil gods beyond the barrier? Does He come from the Celestial Masters world? /s this also considered a part of the evil gods invasion? Lumian speculated briefly before pondering another question: Whether to inform Franca, 007, Madame Hela, and other members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society about this. Lumian could already picture what would happen: Including Franca, some members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society would desperately set out to sea, searching for Resurrection Island marked on the sea chart, failing to find the island, but finding it being even more dangerous! But Lumian preferred to see Franca remain as she was: conflicted about her gender but generally happy. After a moment of silence, Lumian laughed a bit out of character, whispering self-mockingly in the environment like the dark depths of the sea, Would you avoid seeking a way to resurrect Aurore because of danger and others expectations? Would you give up resisting because of danger and others expectations? Would you refuse to merge with the bloodline of Omebella because of danger and others expectations? No! Lumian made up his mind and began to focus on his surroundings. He couldnt see anything but faintly sensed figures wandering in the darkness, felt hands reaching out to him, grabbing his arms, ankles, neck, and body, yet not having any tangible effect. No, there was one thingLumian felt distinctly colder, to the point where, with the physical traits of a Reaper, he almost couldnt help but constrict his pores and shiver lightly. He also heard faint, painful, despairing cries but couldnt discern their specific directions. Are these the people who vanished in the catacombs before? Lumian tried to listen closely, to find one or two of the missing, to understand their current state, but it was to no avail. Suddenly, he shivered. The cold and the dead silence seeped into his mind. His thoughts became slightly sluggish, and his memories of certain things grew a bit fuzzy. The Underworld Daoists seal just prevents me from disappearing on the spot, from even dying without a trace, but it cant stop me from being slowly eroded by the abnormalities here, like those catacombs administrators? And, my erosion is clearly faster than theirs Lumian snapped a flame into existence, lighting the white candle in his hand. The darkness, cold, weight, silence, and dampness retreated as the light spread. Lumian glanced at the candle in his hand, nodding and muttering to himself, I just interpreted the Underworld Daoists seal as a kind of alternative white candlelight, but now it seems, theyre not the same, fundamentally different. One stems from an anomaly being sealed, the other leverages the power sealing this place? As thoughts swirled, Lumian, holding the burning white candle, made his way back along the original route. Upon returning to the Entrance of the Old Ossuary, he saw that the few university students who had been there were gone. Scared off, just like that? Lumian scoffed softly, leisurely leaving the catacombs and returning to Place du Purgatoire. In the Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, Apartment 702 on 9 Rue Orosai. Franca, who was about to go out to gather information on the Mirror People, saw Lumian again. Youre here again? Its the third time today! the Demoness of Pleasure asked, her lips twitching slightly. Chapter 753 - 753 Rational Franca 753 Rational Franca 753 Rational Franca Facing Francas probing, Lumian raised an eyebrow and said, Ive again come across something important that I need to tell you. Franca eyed Lumian suspiciously, unsure whether he was playing a prank or had actually discovered something new. Given the frequency of his discoveries, it seemed a bit much, didnt it? Just this morning, he had returned from the Blue Avenger, having completed an initial exploration that yielded the formula for the Demoness of Despair potion, a Sword of Courage equivalent to a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact, and a specially significant corpse wax candle-all important findings. And now he had more gains in the afternoon? Ultimately, Franca chose to believe Lumian; after all, he had proven himself a harbinger of chaos on multiple occasions. She stepped aside to let him into the living room. Whats it about this time? Franca asked gravely as she closed the door. Lumian stood by the window, back to the outside, and said seriously, Do you remember Mr. Hanged Mans description of Harrison? I remember-he might appear in places closely linked to darkness, death, dusk, and decay, Franca replied, the oppressive atmosphere stifling her usual retort of not having forgotten what was discussed just that morning. Lumian nodded and continued, I had some free time, so I went to the catacombs. I met with the administrator guarding the Samaritan Womens Spring area. He told me that recently, an outsider tried to approach the spring but was stopped by him. This outsiders features are quite different from anyone from the Northern Continent Franca, initially confused, shivered instinctively and blurted out, Harrison? Was the man with the Eastern features that Jenna and I met actually Harrison? She immediately recalled her and Jennas adventure at the Krismona Night Pillar. In her urgency, she replaced the more complex description of non-North-Continent-bearing features with Eastern features. Its very likely. Lumian nodded slowly. Franca was taken aback. Resurrection Island Resurrection Island! Her lake-blue eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation. She asked for confirmation, Could Resurrection Island be a node where the two worlds converge? Even if its not, its probably closely related to your world, Lumian said, not wanting to dampen her spirits. Franca paced back and forth excitedly, then wailed, Why didnt I recognize him then? Why didnt I capture him? Now hes gone and we dont even have a starting point! The Eternal Blazing Sun Church is too slow, not a single piece of feedback! After Franca vented her frustration, Lumian calmly said, You cant blame 007 and the others for being slow; Harrison might no longer be in Trier. Mmm, Franca pondered aloud. Ill announce this at the research society meeting so members in different areas can watch out for anyone resembling Harrison. Before Lumian could caution her, Franca muttered to herself, Ill tell them not to seek the island until we find Harrison and obtain detailed information about Resurrection Island. Its too dangerous. If they spot Harrison, they shouldnt rush to recognize him or approach him; pretend they havent seen him and notify President Gandalf, the chairman, Madame Hela, and us Lumian listened intently and then playfully complimented her, I thought youd be too excited to think straight. But surprisingly, you, who usually seem carefree and not too thoughtful, have considered everything quite thoroughly. Franca wasnt provoked; she replied with a smug grin, What do you call that? L?? Duan is never muddled in major matters! If I have to think hard all the time, wouldnt that negate the point of relaxing? That made some sense Lumian asked, puzzled, Whos L?? Duan? No need to know! Franca answered decisively. Lumian guessed the reason and didnt press further, simply nodding. Well share this at the gathering in two days. Franca hummed in agreement, then her excitement and joy vanished, her body trembling slightly. Whats wrong? Lumian asked with concern. Franca pressed her lips together, speaking softly, Im excited about the truth and what the future might hold, but Im also afraid it wont meet my expectations. Im scared of facing an answer I cant handle. After speaking, Franca leaned on the windowsill as if drained of strength. Lumian offered no comfort, his look one and the same as that Madam Magician had when she looked at him: pity. He too feared that the hope for resurrection he so desperately pursued might just be an unattainable illusion. After a moment, Lumian asked, Want to have a drink? Sure, Franca responded with a complex smile. Getting drunk might help me forget these worries. Ah, typical brotherly comfort-offering a drink. Two days later. Franca met with Demoness of Black Clarice, at a hunting ground on the edge of the East Lognes Forest, as agreed. The demigod-level Demoness had swapped her usual black court gown for dark hunting attire and a black hat that covered her long hair, giving her an air of dashing elegance and freshness. Compared to her previously melancholic beauty, Madame Clarice now radiated a different kind of allure, equally captivating and splendid. Franca eyed the Demoness of Black with appreciation, suppressing the desires that instinctively arose, and relayed the intelligence on the Mirror People that 007 had provided in detail. Clarice nodded gently, her smile bright as she took a wooden, burgundy-colored briefcase from her horse. This is your reward, said the Demoness of Black as she handed the case to Franca. Franca did not hesitate, thanking her as she unlatched the metal fasteners and opened the modest-sized wooden briefcase. Inside, the case was divided by pristine ice blocks showing no signs of melting, each compartment containing a bats head with colorful markings, a gallbladder oozing blood and green bile, a bifurcated tail covered with sleek, sinister scales, and two types of dark red blood in glass vials. Afflictions main ingredient and most of the supplementary ingredients are here. If youre not ready to advance, dont try to break the ice Ive crafted. That would only infect the bearer with various diseases and lead to a slow death, warned the Demoness of Black. Thank you, Madame, Franca quickly counted what supplementary ingredients were still needed. All that was missing was the fairly common Enfinitas Eucalyptus. Demoness of Black Clarice commented, Youre very efficient and effective in your tasks. Perhaps in another year or two, youll be ready to attempt opening the gate to godhood. But then, we wont reward you with the formula and ingredients for Despair. Instead, well inform you of the advancement ritual in advance. Once youre nearly ready, well simply give you the Despair potion. Is this to prevent High-Sequence potion formulas from being leaked? Franca asked, understanding dawning on her. The Demoness of Black nodded. Once you earn the right to have a color precede your title, youll truly access the High-Sequence potion formulas and some of the sects secrets. I also want to obtain the Demoness of Unaging potion formula from you all, but without becoming a Demoness of Unaging, I probably cant have a color precede my name No matter, having prior knowledge of the ritual to see if its wicked or not is sufficient Franca didnt hide the anticipation in her expression. She then steered the conversation back to the investigation of the Mirror People. Madame, to what extent should we pursue the Mirror People? Is it enough to thwart their plans and eliminate those who have escaped from the special mirror world? We couldnt possibly enter that special mirror world and eradicate their leaders and their foundation while Fourth Epoch Triers seal remains intact, could we? Franca was probing the Demoness Sects ultimate goal regarding the Mirror People, trying to gauge the state and thoughts of the Primordial Demoness. Clarice looked at her and said with a refreshing smile, Lets do what we can for now. When youve advanced to Affliction, well tell you more. Becoming a Demoness of Affliction means entering the core circle of the Demoness Sect, eligible to learn some secrets? Franca was both excited to be drawing closer to the secrets of the Demoness Sect and completing tasks, and somewhat anxious. Late at night, in a quarry cave in Underground Trier. Angoul?ame de Fran?ois, dressed in a brown woolen coat and wearing a gold brooch, entered this dormant area carrying a carbide lamp. His right sleeve was rolled up, revealing a glass syringe tied around his elbow filled with a cloudy white liquid. Behind him followed four or five Purifiers, each with a similar syringe on their arms. Surrounded by the Purifiers were four tall iron-gray steam robots, responsible for carrying an item over two meters long and about six feet wide. The item was covered with a red flannel cloth, hiding any details. Angoul?ame stopped in the middle of the quarry, gesturing for his teammates to halt as well. The iron-gray steam robots then set the item on the ground. As the flannel cover was lifted, a beautifully crafted, classical-looking bed was revealed, making Angoul?ame and his team feel tired and drawn to its inviting comfort, wanting to lie down for a good sleep. Angoul?ame quickly looked away and, using the hand holding the carbide lamp, pushed the plunger of the syringe, injecting more of the liquid into his body. Following similar actions from the other Purifiers, a figure in a black nuns outfit suddenly emerged from the other side of the quarry. Chapter 754 - 754 Two Spirits 754 Two Spirits When the feminine silhouette emerged from the darkness, Angoul?ame and his companions instantly tensed up. They were still unsure how to make the humanoid Sealed Artifact move towards the bed on its own; they could only hope that the bed, also a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact, would exert its allure to entice beings to lie upon it. Of course, the Eternal Blazing Sun Church wouldnt send merely a team of highest-ranking Purifiers for a transaction involving a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact. Undoubtedly, a demigod was overseeing from the shadows, but in the event of an incident, how many could be saved from the clash of two Grade 1 Sealed Artifacts was an uncertainty. As soon as the somber yet serene-looking woman appeared, she moved toward the elegant, classical bed as if summoned or commanded. Angoul?ame and the others remained perfectly still, almost like statues, fearing any sudden movement might startle their target and hinder the positive development of the situation. Finally, the figure in the black nuns attire lay down on the bed. She yawned slightly, then closed her eyes, her whole being radiating profound exhaustion, as if she had spent her lifes energy. She fell asleep. Several Purifiers stepped forward, placing their differently colored leather cases on the ground. They then pulled up the red flannel cloth to cover both the humanoid Sealed Artifact and the classical bed together. The iron-gray steam robots also set down another leather case they were carrying. They lifted the bed and, along with the Purifiers, left the quarry at a measured pace. Soon, only Angoul?ame and the nine cases on the ground behind him remained. At the edge of the quarry, enveloped in deep darkness, a figure dressed in assassins garb emerged. She did not speak to Angoul?ame but moved past the Purifier deacon to inspect the cases one by one. Eight of the cases were either filled with shimmering gold bars or packed with numerous gold coins, all quite heavy, making Francas gaze seem disrupted by the gleam of gold. Ive never seen so much gold in my two lifetimes combined shame its not mine, Franca thought regretfully as she stowed the gold, valued at 1.2 million verl dor, along with the cases into her Travelers Bag. Another case contained the main and supplementary ingredients for the Pleasure potion and two folded scrolls. After verifying everything was correct, Franca nodded to Angoul?ame in a cold, businesslike tone befitting their professional relationship. You keep your promises well. I will continue to provide you with intel. Praise the Sun, you are the God of Deeds! Angoul?ame exclaimed, spreading his arms slightly in homage, attributing all glory and success to the deity. Franca then left the quarry, continuously circling around and using her Demoness powers to erase any traces, countering any potential divination or prophecy. After about seven or eight minutes, she met with Lumian in a secret tunnel in Underground Trier and was transported away by teleportation. Inside Apartment 702 at 9 Rue Orosai. Franca handed over the ingredients related to the Pleasure potion along with the leather case to Jenna, while Lumian was already seated on the armchair, engrossed in a reorganized dossier of the Sealed Artifact which wasnt written in a fixed format. Number: 1-147 Original Name: Clmence Athana. This Sealed Artifact was born in a magistrates family in Spahm Village, Zamet region of Upper Hornacis. She was sent to the Zamet Cloister upon reaching adulthood and, two years later, entered Suhit University to study paleobiology. After graduation, she stayed on as a faculty member. Her research in paleobiology primarily focused on tracing the remnants of mythical creatures to prove their existence. At the age of twenty-nine, she abruptly resigned from her academic post and returned to her native village, where she secluded herself in her room. Over the next two years, her family suffered a series of misfortunes: Her father, intoxicated, fell into a cesspit at night and drowned; her mother, overcome with grief, hanged herself; her siblings killed each other over inheritance disputes; and her sister, who had gone home to intervene, went missing and was never found The villagers of Spahm blamed her for bringing misfortune and sought to expel her. Not long after, a strange mental plague broke out in the village. By the time the Purifiers realized the issue, it was beyond redemption, and they had to purify all the infected Further research indicated that Clmence Athana harbored two spirits within her, with her soul appearing stitched together. It is believed that one spirit orchestrated the tragedies of her family and the villages infection, while the other, unable to cope, became muddleheaded yet fought back instinctively, eventually going mad Additionally, she carried another kind of corruption, distinct from her abilities to manipulate minds and spirits. It remains unclear when this corruption first appeared, whether before her return to her hometown or after the death of her parents Sealed two years and four months ago. She was sealed not long ago. Among all Grade 1 Sealed Artifacts, her number must be one of the latest, Franca remarked, having appeared behind Lumian at some point, her elbows resting on the back of the armchair as she finished reading the dossier. Lumian chuckled softly after a pause. Perhaps one day, this will be my fate. He could faintly sense Clmence Athanas struggle and resistance, but she ultimately failed and became a monster. Franca opened her mouth, unsure of what to say. After a few seconds, she patted Lumian on the shoulder and said, Look on the bright side, in the grand scheme of things, were all going to die. What matters is what we do on the path to death. Lumian folded up the dossier, nodded solemnly, and responded, Until death! At 10 p.m., in the ancient and dilapidated palace of the Nation of the Evernight, members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society materialized in various locations. Franca immediately spotted 007, who was wearing the lion headgear. She adjusted her hood and approached, asking curiously, Weve received our reward. Whats yours? 007 Angoul?ame replied with mixed emotions, I can now wield a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact with less severe adverse effects. Wow, youre basically on reserve for demigod status! Franca exclaimed enviously. Her thoughts then turned to Lumian, who also possessed a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact with minor negative effects, essentially putting him in the same reserve category. Before Lumian embarked on the paths of the divine, 007 had already been a Sequence 5 Beyonder. He was just too busy to serve as vice president of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, so he had never shared this with others. Thinking about it, 007 wasnt really that enviable after all. 007 glanced at Franca and said, I used to dream of advancing to Sequence 4 and becoming a demigod, but as I handled more and more Beyonder events, I started to think that it might not be such a good thing. Sigh, fate has pushed me to this point; I can only keep moving forward. Right, Franca replied, feeling a sense of kinship. I have a very important announcement to make soon. What is it? 007 couldnt help but ask impulsively. Why is Hidden Blade involved in an important matter again? What is it this time? So far, the news she brought was crazier and more shocking one after the other! Youll find out soon enough. Franca sighed. She then looked towards Lumian, who was now disguised as Aurore, donning a warlock robe and a black hood, heading towards the Academy groups gathering place. Lumian, in disguise, nodded gently at Franca. Seeing that the members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society had nearly all arrived, Franca walked directly to the massive stone chair. Dressed in a plain white robe and resembling a half-giant, Gandalf was nearby. He whispered, Are you going to warn everyone about the Mirror People? No, Franca looked at Madame Hela standing on the other side and conjured a simple megaphone from the cold air. Ladies and gentlemen, I have an announcement to make, Francas voice echoed through the ancient and dilapidated palace. Members like Isotope, Bear, and Cerberus of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society turned their attention towards the depth of the palace to see who was speaking. They suddenly felt uneasy. The news Hidden Blade had brought before was never good! Although she helped the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society clean up its internal saboteurs and established more reliable rules, avoiding foreseeable harm, the surging tide still left every participant unnerved. As everyone ceased their discussions and looked towards her, Franca cleared her throat and started from the rumors about Resurrection Island, recounting her encounter in the catacombs of Trier with a man bearing Eastern looks in their original world. So, its about this Theres a continuation of that incident? 007 relaxed slightly. A humming sound arose in different parts of the old palace, and members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society couldnt help whispering among themselves. For most of them, they had already accepted reality, adapted to their current lives, and even had different pursuits. But now, someone was telling them that the matter of transmigration still had secrets; maybe they could even go home! Franca then spoke about Harrison of Resurrection Island, involved with death and dark forces, searching for something across the Northern and Southern Continents, but she didnt mention Demon Warlock Burman-it was too easy to link that to the great adventurer Louis Berry. In the sudden silence inside the palace, Franca shared her and Lumians speculation, Resurrection Island might be a nexus where the two worlds converge. We must find Harrison and get information about Resurrection Island from him! After speaking in one breath, Francas gaze slowly moved from the somewhat dazed faces of the audience to Madame Hela nearby. She noticed an indescribable emotion in the dark pupils visible behind Madame Helas black latticed veil. Chapter 755 - 755 Different Attitudes 755 Different Attitudes 755 Different Attitudes Despite Madame Helas usual restraint and calm, there are clear emotional ripples this time Franca thoughtfully withdrew her gaze. By then, many members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society had regained their composure from the shock, voicing their opinions with both excitement and urgency. Someone shouted, Hidden Blade, you cant make such assumptions so lightly! Franca roared back immediately, Whether or not Resurrection Island is a nexus between two worlds, we still need to find Harrison! This isnt a conclusion; its a direction for our investigation! Another person yelled, How can we find someone just based on a name? I have his portrait! Franca responded instantly. As members expressed their expectations, posed questions, and sought answers, a voice, slightly out of control, shouted, Why cant you just live peacefully in the present? Franca looked towards the source of the sound and saw a male member known as Mole. After Mole spoke up, several members loudly said, I dont want to risk everything for a slim hope. Why cant you give up these fantasies? I have no interest in returning to our previous world! In response to the dissenting voices, Franca wasnt surprised but internally sighed, People vary so much when you gather a hundred of them She sincerely responded, Searching for Harrison and verifying the situation on Resurrection Island are both entirely voluntary. Those who want to uncover the truth about our transmigration can decide if its worth the risk. Those who arent interested can continue as before, but please dont stop others from participating. Mole and others were clearly still worried that investigating Resurrection Island might disrupt their current lives, but with Franca offering the choice of free will, they could only mutter and retreat to the fringes. Seizing the opportunity, Franca added, For now, our investigation into Resurrection Island is limited to gathering information. Do not go looking for it-its very dangerous. Once we obtain key information from Harrison, well discuss whether or not to go to the island and how to approach it. Right now, let me show you Harrisons portrait. Cheers erupted from some of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society members who had grasped the situation: Hidden Blade is awesome! Hidden Blade, I love you! Praise be to Hidden Blade! Franca chuckled and tilted her head, her worries and fears somewhat alleviated by the emotions of the crowd. She knew that these members were not without fear of the unknown results of the investigation and the potentially disappointing truths it might reveal, but they had waited too long and desired too much. Even a small glimmer of hope could temporarily relieve their pain and sorrow, releasing their excitement and joy. Franca then took a deep breath, pulled out Harrisons portrait, and affixed it to the back of the massive stone chair. Everyone, take turns to come and take a look! Franca called out, stepping back from the area around the speckled stone chair. Do you really think thats a nexus between two worlds? Gandalf stopped Franca, asking fervently. Franca smiled awkwardly. Its just a theory, still. Gandalf nodded with satisfaction. Thats no problem. Make bold assumptions, but verify them carefully. What, in your opinion, is the relationship between Resurrection Island and our world? Franca asked Gandalf, both hopeful and nervous. Gandalf chuckled. I dont have any predetermined conclusions yet; I need more information to study. Franca glanced around and lowered her voice. She shared the existence of the Samaritan Womens Spring, Underworld Daoist, and Celestial Master with President Gandalf, whom she and Lumian had decided to inform before attending this meeting-previously, they had only shared this with Hela. After all, they had worked together in the real world before. Gandalf listened attentively and made a judgment. The relationship between the two worlds might be closer than we anticipated. The phenomenon of transmigration may have started even earlier. Before Hidden Blade Franca could respond, the president of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society mused to himself, With so many signs and traces, its incredible we havent encountered them, while you frequently do. This probably requires your praise for the True Creator.. Franca barely held back a sarcastic remark. After parting from the half-giant Gandalf, she was cornered by the tall 007. Weve yet to find the person who might be Harrison, 007 simply reported on the previous person-finding efforts. Maybe hes no longer in Trier. Franca refrained from complaining about the Purifiers inefficiency. She glanced at 007 in lion headgear and cautiously asked, Would you want to return to our original world? 007 paused for a few seconds before replying, Of course, but Im afraid everything has changed. Although the era from which Emperor Roselle transmigrated isnt far from ours-if we returned now, wed only miss a few days of life-no one has gone back yet, so we cant be certain. Maybe the rules for coming and going are fundamentally different. Franca fell silent. 007 glanced at Gandalf sitting on the steps, scribbling in a notebook, and asked Franca, What did you discuss with the president? He seemed quite stirred. Franca, managing her emotions, took the opportunity to share with 007 what she had told Gandalf. 007 Angoul?ame was stunned for a moment, then clenched his teeth and said, Why didnt you share this information sooner? What else havent you told us? I was just afraid you would really go all 007? Franca joked, only to be met by a stern look from 007, which made her chuckle awkwardly. Sometimes, its not that I dont want to share; its either not the right time or I dont have the permission. Im not Lumian, who has to squeeze out information like toothpaste-if I could tell, I would share everything Franca added in her mind. 007 knew that Hidden Blade might have joined a secret organization and understood her predicament. He took a couple of deep breaths to calm himself. He mumbled to himself, You all have found so many traces of another world beneath Trier; I cant believe the two major churches that have watched over Trier for over a thousand years havent discovered anything. When I become a demigod, a senior deacon, maybe Ill be allowed to look at those dossiers, right? Mmm, mmm, Franca agreed repeatedly. In the corner where the Academy group gathered, Professor, Associate Professor, Principal, Isotope and others had all viewed Francas portrait of Harrison posted on the stone chair and were eagerly discussing related matters. A woman with the periodic table painted on her face in washable paints asked those around her, If we really find a way and a path back to our world, would you want to return? Professor and Associate Professor looked at each other and said, If we can bring our children without having to leave anyone behind, we definitely hope to go back. Principal, suspected of being a Sanguine, laughed. If I could keep my Beyonder abilities, then Id be willing to go back. Isotope, with fake heads on each shoulder and wearing a mannequin headgear, chuckled. I have no attachments or affairs that a mere modern life could replace with the sense of accomplishment Ive gained in this world; I dont want to go back. What about you, Muggle? asked Periodic Table, turning to the quietly listening Lumian. Lumian paused for a moment and said in the voice of Aurore, Thats the place I long for day and night. But Id also like to take some people who are close to me with me. After much discussion, the topics of going home and Resurrection Island finally cooled down, and as everyone naturally fell silent, Lumian lifted his beautifully curved chin and looked around, asking, Does anyone know someone from the Moses Ascetic Order Suddenly, most members of the Academy group turned their gaze toward Muggle, observing her rosy lips and pale skin exposed outside her hoodie. Why are you asking this all of a sudden? asked Professor wearing a butterfly bow tie. The Academy group had many Warlocks and had exchanged information about the Moses Ascetic Order, so it wasnt surprising that Muggle knew about this secret organization. Lumian responded with a smile, I want to pass a message to the Moses Ascetic Order that theres a traitor among them. A traitor? Isotope and company listened, somewhat bewildered. Without giving a direct response, Lumian said, Have you heard of Mirror People? According to Madame Helas latest statement, the members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society who could enter the Nation of the Evernight through the spell were at most mentally disrupted or harbored corruption inside; it was unlikely that their life forms had changed without detection, so it could preliminarily be ruled out that there were any Mirror People lurking here. Ive heard of it, said Professor in a black half-face mask, nodding solemnly. There have been occasional incidents of original hosts being replaced by their Mirror People, but why these Mirror People appear is still unknown, and perhaps the official Beyonders have the relevant information. You seem to know quite a bit about the mystical world Lumians lips curled up with a smile. I know a Mirror Person named Griffith who has replaced his original host, and his host was a member of the Moses Ascetic Order; of course, Griffith certainly isnt the name he used in the Moses Ascetic Order. Members of the Academy group remained silent, simply nodding their heads. Lumian did not continue the topic. Professor looked at her and ventured to ask, Muggle, are you still in Trier? Yes, Lumian responded with a smile. Professor looked around and said, Im planning to organize a real-world gathering for members in Trier soon; do you want to join? It will primarily involve our Academy group. Lumians eyes flickered, and he smiled coyly. Okay. Chapter 756 - 756 "Farm" Team 756 Farm Team 756 Farm Team After finalizing the details of the real-world gathering through Madame Helas messenger, including the time, place, password, and method of the meeting, Lumian quietly listened to the members of the Academy group exchanging ideas, occasionally joining in the discussion. With his current mastery of mysticism, he no longer needed to hide his ignorance. After a while, Lumian asked if anyone had the potion formula and related ingredients for the Harvest Priest, but the answer was no. He then walked over to another group near the ancient palaces gate. Called the Farm, it was a group of Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society members who enjoyed planting and accumulating wealth. Lumian had once overheard their everyday conversations about how many hectares they had purchased, their plans to save for a ranch, their forest harvests, the effectiveness of their compost, the Church of Earth Mothers batch of modified wheat seeds suitable for arid regions, their growing savings, and how work brought them joy. After that, Lumian never eavesdropped again. As he approached the Farm members, he smelled the earthy scents of soil, fertilizer, grass, grains, and livestocka familiar and comforting aroma that transported him back to Cordu Village, back to his sisters side. The experienced Lumian instantly became alert. This reminds me of life in Cordu for one thing, but on another level, the acts of farming, herding, and harvesting resonate with the Omebella bloodline within me. The Goddess of Harvest is indeed living up to Her name; as expected of the Great Mothers Child of God Lumian quickly figured out the reason. Although consuming the remnants of Omebellas umbilical cord hadnt enhanced his powers or abilities, it had attracted the Great Mothers gaze, allowing creatures She had created or blessed to sense his bloodline, though it hadnt been without effect. Omebellas residual bloodline subtly altered his perceptions of certain things, indirectly affecting his psyche. As Lumian listened to the Farm group members discussing, he keenly observed each persons reactions. Although only creatures lacking necessary intellect would mistake him for a child of the Great Mother, those who had received the Great Mothers boons or were directly created by Her could sense the Omebella bloodline in him, though they wouldnt misidentify him. This would help Lumian determine through any unusual reactions among the Farm group members whether they covertly worshiped the Great Mother. After a few minutes, Lumian tentatively confirmed that none of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society members in this area were problematic. He then mimicked Aurores voice when she pressed her voice down, looked around, and asked, Does anyone have the Harvest Priests potion formula or related ingredients? If youre unwilling to disclose the formula, you could sell me a ready-made Harvest Priest potion. Muggle, I thought you were a Warlock, a Farm group member called Breeder Master asked, puzzled. He was tall with a rugged, wild demeanor and wore a primitive tribal mask made from animal fur. I Know someone who needs it, Lumian laughed, and I thought I might make a small profit while helping out. Breeder Master further inquired, You should know that a ready-made potion needs to be consumed quickly before it is absorbed by the container and becomes a Sealed Artifact with strong negative effects. Moreover, trading through Madame Helas messenger would delay things. You have to drink it immediately upon receipt. Will there be no issues? Madame Helas messenger sure is busy Lumian teased inwardly. No problem. After questioning and observing, he was sure that the Doctor potion from Lugano had been fully digested. This was a Doctor who had treated an Angel and fake Angel! After Ludwig was brutally beaten by Loki, it was Lugano who had treated and healed his wounds. Lumian himself had received Luganos treatments on multiple occasions. After contemplating for a moment, Breeder Master said, 20,000 gold risot for a ready-made Harvest Priest potion. Its pricier than just buying the ingredients separately, but we have to respect intellectual property rights. Normally, Id charge between 30,000 and 35,000, but since were all members of the society About 40,000 verl dor, Lumian nodded slightly in agreement. No problem. He already had 19,000 gold risot in bills and coins on him, so he made an upfront payment of 10,000, agreeing to pay the balance upon receipt of the potion. They brought in 007 from the Sanctuary group to notarize the agreement. Pleasure doing business, said Breeder Master with a smile to Muggle as he pocketed the deposit. He then turned to other members of the Farm group and exclaimed, Now I have the funds for more experiments! Ive been studying those mushrooms created by the legendary Druid Frank Lee. I find his philosophy intriguing and worth following. Given the myriad supernatural beings in this world, including Beyonders, why not merge the blood, flesh, milk of these beings with ordinary plants? Whether through hybridization or genetic modification, with the aid of mystical powers, it can be done relatively easily, and after several generations, the traits stabilize, resulting in plants with magical effects but no Beyonder characteristics As Lumian listened, a strange unease began to form within him. He never felt this way even when discussing death-related topics with the Purgatory group! The first time he heard the name Frank Lee was in the Cordu Village dream, where an official Beyonder named Ryan mentioned a saying that circulated at sea: Id rather come face to face with Pirate Admirals or even Kings than run into a bloke named Frank Lee. Later, when Lumian was at sea, he heard no rumors about Frank Lee, nor did he know if Ryan was exaggerating in the dream or if those who knew of Frank Lees deeds dared not or chose not to mention him again. Sanctuary team. Franca looked towards a member nicknamed Someone and asked with a smile, Werent you looking for the Marauder pathway Sequence 5 Dream Stealers Beyonder characteristic? Still need it? I just got one from a friend. If you dont want it, Ill go to an Artisan to craft a mystical item with that Beyonder characteristic. Someone, wearing an eyepatch-style black half-face mask, sized up Franca and replied, It seems your friend isnt you. I dont need it anymore, but wouldnt mind another. One flat rate, 5000 pounds. Thats about 120,000 verl dor Franca laughed and said, 200,000 verl dor, not a coin less. Someone calculated for a moment and countered, 150,000 verl dor at best, or forget it. Franca thought for a few seconds and said, You can pay in two installments, the first right now of 120,000 verl dor, and the second of 60,000 within three months of receiving the Beyonder characteristic, secured by 007s notarization to enforce the contract. Someone paused to think, then asked with a smile, Arent you worried Ill default after getting the Beyonder characteristic? A Notarys notarization isnt foolproof, remember, I was once a renowned Swindler. Franca smiled. Whos better, you or Bard? Someone fell silent. Bard has already been dealt with by me and my comrades. Unless youre willing to give up a very useful trading platform over 60,000 verl dor, Im not worried about you defaulting, your Beyonder characteristics are also quite valuable. Franca, who had mafia ties, made her intimidating remark as casually as discussing whats for dinner. It wont be long before I surpass him, replied Someone after a few seconds, Deal! No rush, Franca said with a smile, The final payment must be in gold. In the following days, Lumian had no particular business and wandered around Trier, tracking several Mirror People and looking for Harrisons whereabouts based on intelligence provided by 007. He was supposed to collect a reward from Mr. K, but his heart resisted, and he kept delaying. Franca completed her transaction with Someone from the Sanctuary group, receiving a down payment composed of bills and coins totaling 5000 pounds. She also gave Jenna 15,000 verl dor in bills, stipulating that the remaining payment of 60,000 verl dor in gold belonged entirely to her. Jenna lost the Dream Stealer Beyonder characteristic but also paid off the 45,000 verl dor she owed Franca, now possessing 16,000 verl dor and gold Loen pound worth 120,000 verl dor. She had never been so wealthy before. She always knew that potion formulas and Beyonder characteristics were valuable and even knew their approximate price range, but she had never paid in full in one go nor truly sold any until now. Now she was experiencing what it felt like to earn money like the Pirate Hunter Gehrman Sparrow. That evening, just as Lumian returned to his rented apartment planning to change his clothes and muster the courage to see Mr. K, the wall lamp in his room suddenly tinged with eerie green and pale colors. They blended bizarrely together. Then, Lumian saw his messenger, the mummified Penitent in a black clergy robe, emerge from the void. Almost simultaneously, Madame Helas messenger, a skull made of pure silver, appeared shrouded in darkness. Shortly after, the silhouette of a doll messenger rapidly took shape. Lumian was somewhat stunned. Would the messengers fight each other? Do! have three letters? One should be for the Harvest Priest potion, another likely a Sealed Artifact made from the Beyonder characteristics of Hisoka, but what about the third? Chapter 757 - 757 Harvest Priest 757 Harvest Priest As Penitent Baynfel and the pure silver skull appeared, the doll messenger, dressed in a pale gold mini dress, instantly floated beside Lumian as if confronting the other two messengers. The pure silver skull set down a burlap bag on the desk from its mouth amidst the surrounding darkness, then fixed its burning pale eyes on Lumian. Penitent Baynfel dropped a folded letter and silently returned to the spirit world, vanishing from the room. Lumian wanted to take this opportunity to chat with his messenger about his past and ask about his relationship with the True Creator, but given the circumstances, he had to suppress his curiosity and focus on the pure silver skull instead. Lumian picked up the burlap bag, which resembled a book bag, and pulled out an aluminum flask. Behind him, the doll messenger floated closer, curiously looking on. Lumian unscrewed the grayish-white flask to find a golden liquid inside, brimming with white foam. If it werent for the lack of a malty scent, he would have thought it was beer. He took out a piece of paper from the burlap bag, written in ancient Feysac by Madame Hela: It is indeed the Harvest Priest potion. It needs to be drunk within 15 minutes, or you will end up with a alcohol flask that could bring harvests. Seeing that Madame Hela had helped with the identification and there was a notarized contract in place, Lumian immediately took out the remaining 9000 gold risot from his Travelers Bag and the 1000 gold risot notes he had exchanged in the last two days. This is the final payment. Lumian put the gold risot into the burlap bag and handed it to the skull made of pure silver. The pure silver skull bit down on the burlap bag, merged with the surrounding darkness, and disappeared in an instant. Lumian then turned his head and said with a smile to the doll messenger, Whats your take? The doll messenger snorted. I will surpass them eventually! I will become the first, no, the second most powerful messenger in this world! Quite ambitious, Lumian replied, half-seriously, half in jest. He wasnt surprised by the doll messengers response; he already knew about the special nature of Penitent Baynfel and the pure silver skull. The doll messenger then hurled a dark, translucent orb, resembling a crystal ball but more ethereal, towards Lumian, who easily caught it. Inside the bent, transparent barrier, a glossy black bone ring floated, its surface carved with the twisted, agonizing face of a demon, whose eyes contained two vague shadows. After letting the folded letter fall to the surface of the desk, the doll messenger also left Lumians room. It is indeed a Sealed Artifact made from Hisokas Beyonder characteristics Lumian couldnt afford to check the artifacts effects and impacts right away, so he stored the dark transparent orb and the folded letter first, and then began to read the letter brought by his messenger. The letter was very brief: Seven of Wands: Do you still remember your promise? We now need your help. If you dont have other important matters recently, please meet us at the following coordinates, where I will tell you the details. Knight of Swords. Knight of Swords needs help Lumian came to a realization. In the incident of the sea prayer ritual, he had asked this Minor Arcana card holder, working under Maam Hermit, for help. At the time, he did not ask for a payment but mentioned that he might need a bit of help if he went to the Southern Continent, to which he readily agreed. Fortunately, Im relatively free lately. Lumian put away the letter from the Knight of Swords, screwed the cap back on the grayish-white flask, and walked out of the room with it in hand. Lugano was cleaning up the plates and cutlery that Ludwig had left behind. Your Harvest Priest potion has arrived, Lumian stated calmly. Lugano froze, a look of confusion washing over his face. After a few seconds, he pointed to the flask in his employers hand and asked, This? Yes, it looks more drinkable than the potions from the Hunter pathway, Lumian chuckled as he shook the flask. You have ten minutes to decide whether you want to drink it. Ten minutes? Lugano exclaimed, startled. Lumian nodded. No, eight minutes. If you havent made up your mind in eight minutes, Ill find a stray dog downstairs or catch a rat and feed it this potion. Dont I need to prepare mentally and physically? Fear was written all over Luganos face. This seems too casual, doesnt it? This is a potion, after all! If his mental and physical state werent right, he could either turn into a monster or die on the spot! Only seven minutes left now, Lumian reminded with a smile. Your condition is fine; you just need to relax and remember that you are Ludwigs nanny and family doctor. Is that really okay? Lugano still couldnt believe it. Six minutes, Lumian said coldly. .. Lugano was stunned. How could time pass so quickly? Gritting his teeth, he replied, Alright! But I need to drink it in Underground Trier. Hmm? Lumian raised an eyebrow. Lugano quickly explained, I feel that standing on the earth helps me maintain my state while drinking the potion. The Earth pathway, huh Carrying the grayish-white flask, Lumian turned and walked out of the room. Lugano followed, pulling out a bunch of banknotes from his pocket. This is all my savings, 15,000 verl dor. You said before, the rest would be covered by you. Lumian nodded nonchalantly and accepted the 15,000 verl dor without hesitation. He still had 86,000 verl dor, including a few coins and gold bars. Once on the street, Lumian headed directly to the nearest entrance to Underground Trier. A stray dog passed by, barking as if to threaten them. Lumian chuckled and tested Lugano, Can you understand what its saying? With his mind full of thoughts about the Harvest Priest potion, Lugano asked in astonishment, Y-you can understand? Do you have a mystical item from a Beast Tamer? Lumian laughed to himself. It says, I heard youre going to feed me a portion of the Harvest Priest potion; why havent you given it to me yet? .. Lugano then realized his employer was joking. On second thought, Lugano felt like he was being mocked by his employer. Hes implying that Im a stray dog! I was indeed wondering why he hasnt given me the Harvest Priest potion yet Once in Underground Trier, Lumian expertly navigated to a deserted tunnel and tossed the grayish-white flask at Lugano. As Lugano fumbled to catch the flask, Lumian coldly reminded, Two minutes left. Lugano took a deep breath, unscrewed the cap, and saw the potion inside that looked like beer. He began to recall how he had cared for and treated Ludwig, using this memory to slightly relax his tense spirit. After a few seconds and two deep breaths, Lugano raised the grayish-white flask and gulped down the potion. Lumian, who made a ball of bright white flame as a light source, silently watched, observing the various changes in Luganos body. He had not forgotten that his servant was quite unusual; he could stay conscious during the Dream Festival! Luganos face quickly twisted in agony, as if experiencing the pain of Ludwig biting off his arm again. Lumian saw his feet slowly sinking into the soil, the hairs on his exposed skin visibly thickening and lengthening, and his brown hair doing the same, his brown eyes losing focus. After a while, the transformations stopped, and Luganos expression gradually eased. It went smoothly He fits the Planter pathway well Im not sure if this is due to his own anomalies Lumian muttered silently, watching as Luganos eyes slowly regained clarity and reason. He asked in a relaxed posture, What abilities have you gained? Although it was frowned upon in the mystical world to inquire about the details of someones Beyonder abilities, who could be blamed because the person across from him was his servant? Lugano saw no problem with this, checking his condition while savoring the acquired mystical knowledge. My healing capabilities have expanded. I can now cure diseases in plants and fields I can also catalyze seeds, making them grow or reproduce faster. This divides into two scenarios: the first is placing both hands on the earth, which allows seeds and plants within a thirty-meter radius to grow or reproduce much faster than normal, though not instantaneously complete their lifecycle from gestation to returning to the land in a few seconds or minutes. The second is directly holding some seeds or plants and fully catalyzing the life contained within them. The latter scenario allows me, in a very short time, to create a large amount of vines, which can be used to entangle and control enemies. Hearing this, Lumian thoughtfully asked, So you can only fully catalyze the life contained within plants, and it cant be used on humans? No. Lugano shook his head. Lumian continued, If you encounter a creature that is essentially a plant but has intelligence, could you, by direct contact, cause all of its life to burst forth in seconds or tens of seconds, completing its entire life cycle? First, Id need to be able to touch it Lugano indicated that this was dangerous and not something he, not specialized in combat, could manage. He added, Plus, Im not sure it would have the effect youre imagining. Lumian nodded almost imperceptibly, signaling Lugano to continue. Lugano gathered his thoughts and said, If I could obtain seeds of different mutant plants, my catalytic abilities could play a significant role in combat. I can also command plants and insects within a thirty-meter radius to provide me with appropriate support, as long as it does not exceed their species limitations. However, intelligent ones wont work. Ive also gained a few ritual spells, mainly for summoning rain or clearing the skies. Chapter 758 - 758 Devils Whispers 758 Devils Whispers 758 Devils Whispers This really leans towards the concept of harvest If I could obtain seeds from magical plants or be in an environment dominated by magical plants and special insects, the Harvest Priests combative abilities using mystical means wouldnt be too bad; they might even be impressively effective The Beyonder ability to directly catalyze plants to unleash their full life force has vast imaginative possibilities. Unfortunately, a Harvest Priests direct combat ability is limited. If Lugano were a Sealed Artifact and I were to use it, things would be completely different Amid these thoughts, Lumian looked at Lugano and asked, Have there been any enhancements to your body? There are some, but not many, Lugano replied honestly. Lumian nodded and pulled out a letter from his pocket sent along with Hisokas Sealed Artifact from Madam Magician, reading it with the aid of the bright white light orb floating above his head. Temporarily named: Devils Whisper. Positive effects: 1. Devils Arm: To minimize the negative effects and make it easy to use, the Beyonder ability of this bone ring is reduced. Originally Devil Transformation targets the entire body, it now only affects the arm wearing Devils Whisper. It causes the arm to swell, darken, and sprout sinister patterns, as if covered with a thick layer of armor. The flesh becomes highly elastic and resistant, minimizing damage. The arm in question becomes immune to most poisons, resistant to curses and fire to a certain degree, and significantly stronger. 2. Malice Perception: For the same reason, Malice Perception granted by this ring only helps you sense whether people around you bear ill will towards you, not to detect looming dangers. Make do with it. 3. Desire Incarnation: This is a power I specifically requested the Artisan to emphasize, sacrificing the chance to obtain other powerful effects. Moreover, to ensure its full manifestation, I agreed to slightly increase the rings negative effects. It can transform your body into a shadowy black liquid composed of various emotions and desires, helping you avoid damage, conceal your movements, and affect your enemies. This sounds quite useful, but is it worth my special request to the Artisan? Youll understand why once you use it. Upon reading this, Lumian muttered to himself, So, by suppressing the reduced negative impacts of the first two positive effects, some of the impact has returned in the Desire Incarnation ability? What makes it so special for Madam Magician to do this? Lumian didnt rush to experiment and continued reading. 4. Wraith Shriek By rubbing the demon relief on the rings face and emitting a loud sound, you can create an effect similar to Wraith Shriek that can rupture the eardrums of living beings and harm their spirits. The closer they are to you, the better the effect. Negative effects: After wearing it, your malice will become more pronounced. If you cant control yourself and indulge in malice, youll gradually slip into the Abyss and eventually be controlled by the malice of this ring, meaning, if you indulge in malice while wearing it, you will become its puppet, and it will be the driver, you the driven. While its not that a single indulgence in malice will result in being controlled, its hard for humans who have tasted the sweet lure of malice not to continue. According to my estimates, the conspicuous malice combined with the existing negative effects of the contract ability will negate all your endurance from Ascetic and your own willpower, making you unable to withstand further emotional and desire stimuli. Moreover, whether worn or not, just carrying it will cause your body to suffer burns from sulfur flames, both internally and externally. Placing it in the Travelers Bag can effectively mitigate this effect. As a Pyromaniac who has reached Sequence 5, you can withstand these burns for a longer period, but be mindful of the sulfurs toxic effects and treat it promptly. Furthermore, including yourself, people within a hundred meters radius will be subtly influenced by the Devils Whisper, more prone to ill thoughts and impulsive actions. This can also be mitigated by placing it in the Travelers Bag. The rest is okay, but after wearing Devils Whisper, my emotions and desires will become my greatest weaknesses Lumian assessed this Sealed Artifact from Hisoka. Its sealing is relatively simple, requiring only spatial isolation. Combined with Lumians strong endurance, he could totally use it as a mystical item. Lumian then pulled out the pitch-black bone ring, wrapped in a dark transparent barrier, from another pocket. He pressed his hand against the sphere and slowly reached inside. His right hand felt like it was moving through a dense swamp, struggling to touch the ring. At the same time, the dark sphere silently crumbled, unfolded on its own, and merged with the surrounding void. Lumian then slipped Devils Whisper onto his left index finger. His body suddenly liquefied and became ethereal. He turned into a pool of thick black liquid. Lugano, who only glanced at him, shivered uncontrollably, chilled to the bone as if he had seen the most sinister and hidden desires and emotions deep within the human heart. The newly-advanced Harvest Priest impulsively asked Lumian, who had just returned to human form from a black liquid state, When can we return to the surface? Lumian gave him an icy glance, his blue eyes seemingly harboring a darkness that no light could penetrate. Lugano shuddered violently, a familiar fear creeping back as he stuttered, J-just asking. Lumian cracked a slightly mad smile and slowly removed the Devils Whisper, placing it back into the Travelers Bag. He now understood why Madam Magician had specifically requested this ability. His desires and emotions were not entirely his own! A smaller part of his emotions and desires stemmed from his fate linked to Termiboros, from the residual aura of the Blood Emperor, and from the bloodline of Omebella. Normally, these would only affect him, but using Desire Incarnation, these emotions and desires could be materialized and thus exert some influence on the outside world and his enemies. If I were to envelop a Sequence 4 Saint in the Desire Incarnation form, that demigod would likely suffer from the corresponding emotional and desire corruption But this method of attack means Im forgoing evasion to face the backlash head-on, Lumian mused briefly, fairly satisfied with this Sealed Artifact. Facing a demigod, evasion was sometimes futile-better to fight it out! And both the Sword of Courage and Devils Whisper gave him that chance. When night fully descended, Lumian arrived at the headquarters of the Psychic magazine, located at 19 Rue Scheer in Avenue du Boulevard, and met Mr. K in the basement. Mr. K, wearing a wide hood, warmly said, Let us pray to the Lord first. Lumian nodded slightly and closed his eyes. His thoughts tightly wrapped, not drifting outward. After a while, he and Mr. K opened their eyes simultaneously. Mr. K, with a hoarse but fervent voice, said, Congratulations, you are now a candidate Oracle. This is the greatest reward, being closer to the Lord is the greatest reward for us! Afterwards, wherever you go, you can contact the local Oracles or members of the Aurora Order, followers of the Lord, to request their help. If there are no Saints or Oracles locally, you have the authority to call upon all resources there, including personnel, money, intelligence, and materials. Is this the Aurora Orders reward, elevating my authority and status? Lumian made the sign of the cross over his chest and said in a hoarse voice, Praise you for creating all. Praise you for bearing the worlds sins! Mr. K nodded in satisfaction. There are no other rewards for now, lets continue to investigate the matter of the vortex. Okay, Lumian quietly breathed a sigh of relief. If Mr. K had offered material rewards, he would have hesitated to accept them. Its not that he was worried about the items themselves being marked by that entity; after all, he was already under surveillance, so a little more wouldnt make a difference. His reluctance was more psychological. Lumian pondered for a moment and then informed Mr. K, I might be heading to the Southern Continent again soon to wrap up some previous matters, not sure how long Ill need. Alright, Mr. K nodded gently, Which area specifically? Not sure yet, Lumian answered truthfully. He really didnt know. Mr. K didnt inquire further. We have Saints and Oracles on the Southern Continent, and many followers of the Lord operating secretly there. Once you determine the specific location, I can help you contact the person responsible for that area. Thank you, Mr. K, Lumian said, expressing his gratitude. Mr. K corrected him, No need for thanks; we are all Oracles now, not being equals is disrespectful to the Lord. Lumian was momentarily speechless. He casually asked, Mr. K, that cathedral you took me to last time, does it have any significant meaning within our Aurora Order? Mr. K replied fervently, That was the first cathedral established by our Aurora Order. Is it related to Baynfel? Lumian asked a few more indirect questions from different angles, then took his leave. Returning to Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, he informed Franca and Jenna about the Knight of Swords request and then activated the black mark on his right shoulder, beginning the teleportation. He moved between layers of pure color blocks and indescribable bizarre creatures, not knowing how long it took, but he finally arrived at the location indicated in the Knight of Swordss letter. The first thing that caught Lumians eyes were several pale-faced men and women, like bodyguards, surrounding the Knight of Swords with somewhat disheveled brown hair, a suppressed look in his eyes, dressed in a white shirt and black vest. Chapter 759 - 759 Spiritual Intuition 759 Spiritual Intuition 759 Spiritual Intuition Beside the Knight of Swords lay a boundless lake, its quiet crimson waters shimmering under the moonlight of the night, occasionally stirred by a breeze. Lumian couldnt help but lift his head to gaze upward, feeling the night sky, hung with a crimson moon, seemed closer and much clearer than usual. Even the stars, obscured by the moonlight, were faintly visible, dense as if forming a brilliant, vast river. A chilly wind blew past, and Lumian, dressed in a thick jacket, turned his attention back to the Knight of Swords and asked, Arent you cold? Although it was summer in the Southern Continent, their high altitude and thin air made it feel significantly colder, especially at night, with temperatures likely below 15 degrees Celsius. Originally gazing at the highland lake, the Knight of Swords turned to Lumian and said, For me, temperature has lost its meaning, and besides, the cold suits me better. Is that so? Then, extreme temperatures over 100 degrees Celsius or close to absolute zero dont affect you? Lumian replied, his tone relaxed. The Knight of Swords fell silent, his gaze dark, seemingly suppressing something, before Lumian steered the conversation back on track. What exactly is the matter? Without asking the pale-faced, simply dressed men and women around him to leave, the Knight of Swords spoke in a low voice, This is the Raklev area of the former Highlands Kingdom. I would like you to help find someone here. The Highlands Kingdom, known for its mummies across the Northern and Southern Continents? Lumian did not hide his confusion. What can you not find that I can? Having worked together before, Lumian knew that the Knight of Swords, a holder of a Minor Arcana card and a Sequence 5 Wraith of the Prisoner pathway-mainly controlled by the Rose School of Thought with its splinter group, the temperance faction, joining the Church of The Fool-must have his reasons. Combining this information, Lumian guessed that the Knight of Swords was a member of the temperance faction, representing his faction within the Tarot Club, also serving Mr. Fool. Moreover, having seen a temperance faction Angel suspected of being a messenger of Mr. Fool, Lumian knew this organization was not weak, but rather strong, especially in divination, endowed with potent spiritual intuition. Considering these, if the Knight of Swords truly needed to find a person, it would be simpler to request assistance directly from the temperance faction. Is he thinking that its a waste of my promise if its not used? Or, like me, do you prefer to rely on your own abilities and the goodwill youve accumulated to complete tasks, as a way to hone yourself? Ah, its more likely youre relying on my mystical ability to attract evil god bestowed to locate the target While Lumian made these guesses, the Knight of Swords, his voice suppressing his emotions and desires, said, Someones spiritual intuition tells her that you can solve our current problem and provide the most effective help. A Wraith becomes a charlatan after becoming skilled at divination? Lumian thought sarcastically but didnt inquire further. What do you need me to do? The Knight of Swords took a few steps forward. Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Maric, the Knight of Swords of the Tarot Clubs Minor Arcana, and also a member of the temperance faction of the Church of The Fool. Youre aware of the origin of the temperance faction arent you? Lumian nodded and pointed at himself. Lumian Lee. The Knight of Swords continued, We are looking for an important member of the Primordial Moon faction within the indulgence faction. We Lumians first reaction was to look around for any companions the Knight of Swords, Maric, might have. But he found no one. As for the pale-faced men and women, he didnt use his Eye of Calamity, simply observing their weaknesses and confirming they were all zombies. Lumian retracted his gaze and frowned. The Primordial Moon faction? Wasnt the Rose School of Thought only known for the split between the indulgence and temperance factions? Where did the Primordial Moon faction come from? Hmm, from the series of events involving Hisoka and the Dream Festival, perhaps there was also a Devil faction within the Rose School of Thought Is this something learned from the Tamara family? Infinitely divisible The Knight of Swords earnestly explained, The Primordial Moon faction joined the indulgence faction later, originally a branch of the Life School of Thought; they grasp the Apothecary, which is also the Moon pathway. Later, guided by the Primordial Moon, they defected from the Life School of Thought and joined the Rose School of Thought. Life School of Thought Lumians head throbbed. Why does this keep getting more complicated? And which secret organization is this now? Seemingly sensing his thoughts, the Knight of Swords, Maric, spoke succinctly, The Life School of Thought primarily follows the Fate pathway and is now an ally of the Tarot Club. This matter has nothing to do with our current search. Lumian nodded, signaling the Knight of Swords to stick to the main issue. Aurore once said, Do not add unnecessarily entities; if irrelevant, best leave it be to save energy. Glancing at the pristine, boundless lake, the Knight of Swords, Maric, said, The member of the Primordial Moon faction were looking for possesses a very important item-that is our target. How are you so sure they are in, uh, the Raklev area? Lumian engaged more seriously now. The Knight of Swords paused for a few seconds before responding, Two incidents here and some residual traces point to him, but we havent found him yet. Meanwhile, another event occurred that proves hes still here, possibly right in Raklev City. Is he from the Apothecary pathway? Lumian asked cautiously. The Knight of Swords gave a slight nod. Yes. Which evil god is their Primordial Moon? Lumian didnt rush to ask about the incidents and the traces left behind. The Knight of Swords expression turned grave for a moment. Its likely an incarnation of the Great Mother, sometimes also known as the Mother Tree of Desire. The Great Mother Lumians eyelids twitched, Has the Primordial Moons important follower received a boon from the Primordial Moon, or should I say, the Great Mother? Possibly. The Knight of Swords wasnt too certain. A follower of the Great Mother receiving Her blessing would mean they could sense my Child of God lineage within a certain distance The Knight of Swords hadnt thought of asking for my help before; I had only recently received the lineage of Omebella, and his companion then had a strong spiritual intuition Are they trying to lure out the target using my Child of God lineage? Lumians understanding of the situation became instantly clear. That persons spiritual intuition is spot on! The Knight of Swords regained his composure. That person is named Oxyto, a Sequence 4 Shaman King of the Apothecary pathway, a demigod. Dont worry, we will discreetly provide you with protection. While speaking, the Minor Arcana card holder bent down to pick up an oil painting from the ground, depicting a handsome young man in his twenties, his skin pale as if he hadnt been exposed to sunlight for a long time, with deep features and slightly curly black hair cascading to his shoulders. This is a portrait of Oxyto, the Knight of Swords briefly introduced. If theres a boon, the targets current appearance and gender might be uncertain Lumian pondered aloud, Tell me about the incidents that occurred in the Raklev area and the significant traces left behind. The Knight of Swords pulled out a stack of papers from under his vest and handed them to Lumian, saying, We first heard from some merchants about several occurrences of a full moon in Raklev City at times it shouldnt appear At the edge of Lake Dalsh, we discovered a buried ritual site where dozens of humans had become nourishment for the earth. Their abdomens had been torn open, and it seemed something had crawled out, but no related traces were found at the scene Hearing this, Lumian suddenly recalled several scenes he had seen in Madame Pualiss castle. He grimaced as he asked, Were these humans both men and women? Yes, the Knight of Swords seemed to anticipate his question and added proactively, The males abdomens were also torn open. He then pointed to the stack of papers in Lumians hands. More detailed information is in the documents. Lumian hummed in acknowledgment, pondering for a moment. I might need my companions to assist me, can you protect them too? No problem, as long as you all stay within five kilometers of each other, the Knight of Swords assured. Lumian smiled. Then Ill go back first to study the materials and make some preparations. In the Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, Apartment 702 on 9 Rue Orosai. After listening to the Knight of Swords request, Franca scratched her head, puzzled. Forget the risk of searching for a demigod for a moment; I think you alone should be able to handle it. Theres limited help we can provide, as we dont have the lineage of Omebella. Anthony, who had been called over, thought for a moment and said, I could help cover up traces of the investigation, making those questioned forget they were ever asked. Jenna glanced at Lumian and said, I think your real purpose isnt to get our help. Hearing this, Franca realized. You want to use this opportunity to train the team? You want to prepare this early? Not too shabby. Lumian chuckled, The earlier you prepare for these things, the better, in case Im forced to advance earlier than planned. Franca thoughtfully said, Then Ill pass Jennas messenger summoning method to 007. When there are Mirror People clues, well go back to Trier to follow up. And dont forget the most important team member. How could I forget? Lumian laughed. Ludwig, who was enjoying a late-night snack, saw his godfather enter the room and sit down across the dining table, flashing a smile at him. Suddenly, the bread in his hands didnt taste as good anymore. Chapter 760 - 760 Second Day 760 Second Day 760 Second Day In the Southern Continent, Raklev region, the day revealed Lake Dalsh in all its clarity, the serene waters reflecting the azure sky and distant snow-capped mountains in a scene almost dreamlike in its beauty. Lumian, devoid of any mood to appreciate the scenery, was strolling around a pit at the forests edge with Ludwig, who was smartly dressed in a tweed blazer, and Lugano, who wore a light cotton coat. The pit contained highly decayed bodies, half-melted into the surrounding soil as if merging with it, decomposing in a unique way that returned nutrients to the earth. Seeing this, Lumian understood why Oxyto, a Shaman King, didnt destroy the bodies after his rituals, leaving behind evidence and traces: burying the bodies and allowing them to return to the land was likely part of the ritual! Last night, after reviewing the documents provided by the Knight of Swords, Lumian had a clearer idea of how to find Oxyto, a fervent disciple of the Primordial Moon. Clearly, conventional methods like Magic Mirror Divination wouldnt work; otherwise, the Knight of Swords companion, a member of the temperance faction with sharp spiritual intuition, would have already located Oxyto. Lumian had three plans: First, since Oxyto was a member of the Rose School of Thought and often mingled with the indulgence faction, he started by sending Franca and Jenna, both Demonesses, to casually stroll through Raklev City in full regalia, hoping to encounter Oxyto. This Shaman King, who never resisted his desires, might approach them, all under the watchful protection of the temperance faction. Additionally, Anthony would use Psychological Invisibility or disguise himself as a commoner to follow them and observe the reactions of those around the Demonesses to discern any malice before Oxyto made a move. Whether or not Oxyto had received the Great Mothers boons and transformed into a woman was a detail that didnt affect the Demonesses ability to seduce him. Lumian deduced from Madame Pualiss and Francas experiences that Oxyto would still be attracted to women, and might as well have an interest in men. Second, using his own lineage from Omebella, and the unique ability of the Great Mothers blessed to sense others within a certain distance, he planned to roam the Raklev area in hopes of drawing out Oxyto. Similarly, Lugano, who also bore an anomaly possibly linked to the Great Mother, would serve as excellent bait. Third, he considered revisiting the sites Oxyto had been before to see what could be eaten. Pinching his nose, Lumian carefully inspected the traces around and inside the pit along with the numerous bodies for a while, then turned his head to ask Ludwig, Is it dirty? Very dirty, Ludwig nodded emphatically. Dirty from the Great Mother? Lumian pressed further. Ludwig hummed affirmatively, his expression filled with conflict. Unsurprisingly, he heard his godfather ask, Is it edible? At this question, Lugano couldnt help but gag, while the usually stoic Knight of Swords, Maric, slightly raised his eyebrows. Ludwig replied reluctantly, Yes. Can you sense the child born from these corpses after eating? Lumian further inquired. Based on his experience, these bodies had likely been impregnated during the ritual, carrying rapidly growing clawed bird-like creatures in their wombs, which then tore through their parents abdomens, absorbing the remnants and emerging on their own. From a mysticism standpoint, whether voluntarily or forcibly, the clawed bird-like creatures and the corpses shared a deep blood connection, making it easy to trace one from the other, or even cast curses across distances. However, according to the Knight of Swords documents, divinations utilizing this blood connection had been fruitless, as if the creatures that had emerged from these corpses had vanished from this world. This could be due to a high-ranking individual casting a counter-divination or a change in the creatures state. Lumians only hope was that Ludwig might glean different information by consuming the flesh. Ludwig, with a sullen face, said, You can extract a bit of the bloodline from the corpses through a certain cooking method. While this wont allow me to sense the childs position and condition from a great distance, I should be able to detect its presence within a thirty-meter radius. Okay, Lumian felt the results were better than expected. Then, he watched as Ludwig squatted down and used a childs silver knife and fork to separate a piece of half-melted, half-rotten flesh from one of the corpses. The flowing yellow pus and the grotesque state of the flesh made Lugano turn away, looking out towards Lake Dalsh and Raklev City on the other side of the water. Ludwig then had Lumian retrieve a cast-iron skillet, a stand, wheat flour, liqueur, various spices, and a chunk of solidified lard from the Travelers Bag. Lumian took on the role of the Chefs assistant, mainly responsible for starting the fire. Ludwig first melted the lard, then added a bit of liqueur and some spices, frying them until the mixture was richly aromatic. Next, he wrapped the rotten flesh in wheat flour and tossed it into the skillet, frying it in the deeply colored, fragrant lard. The odors of fragrance and foul mingled together, gradually spreading. Finally, Ludwig finished cooking and forked up the fried, golden-brown flour-coated meatball, stuffing it into his mouth. He chewed, tears seemingly welling up in his eyes, looking pitiful as if wronged. You didnt complain when you ate Loki raw, Lumian joked. Ludwig muttered as he spoke, Rotten doesnt taste good, and theres no spirituality in it. After swallowing the fried meatball that looked rather appealing, Ludwig continued thoughtfully as he savored it, The deceaseds birthday is on the second day of every year. Is there something special about that? Lumian asked. Stuffing candy into his mouth, Ludwig responded offhandedly, In myths, on the first day, the Oldest One created the world; on the second, the Great Mother was born. Ive never heard of such a myth Lugano murmured to himself, puzzled, with his back to Ludwig. Lumian, deep in thought, shifted his gaze to another body. Their birthdays couldnt all be on the second day of each year, could they? I remember that the new year for many tribes on the Southern Continent isnt the same as on the Northern Continent; its not necessarily January 1st. So, which day is the second day, and which calendar are we using? Ludwig, with candy in his mouth, said, Any would do, as long as its the second day of the new year according to the calendar one believes in. Purely symbolic, then Lumian turned towards the Knight of Swords. Have you confirmed the identities and birthdays of these bodies? Raklev in the Star Highlands was a relatively prosperous area with a significant population, similar to the City of White Rapus, where Lumian had been before. It was one of the ancient Highlands Kingdoms support points ruling over the entire Star Highlands. This area was known for its rich mines, but interestingly, all mining sites were far from Lake Dalsh, preserving the sanctity of this highland lake in the hearts of its people. In the past, the Star Highlands were primarily a battleground between the Intis Republic and the Feysac Empire. After the war a few years ago, the Feysac Empires influence waned, and the Loen Kingdom began to extend its reach. Even the Evernight Goddess Church of Loen Kingdom seemed to be spreading its teachings in this area-a fact Lumian had heard about while in Rapus. And throughout the Star Highlands, the city atop the mines, Raklev, had the largest Loenese population. Knight of Swords Maric nodded slowly and said, Weve confirmed 90% of the bodies; their birthdays, according to the Northern Continents calendar, are mostly on January 2nd. For the rest, using local calendars, their birthdays also fall on the second day of the new year. For those whose identities remain uncertain, they seem to be foreigners, who may have come here either voluntarily or involuntarily. Give us a bit more time, and well surely determine who they are. With a sufficiently large sample, the findings mostly align with Ludwigs explanation that the ritual required a strong symbol of the Great Mother Lumian didnt stop the more temperance faction members from wasting energy verifying the remaining deceaseds identities-what if there was something else peculiar? Looking across the lake at Raklev City, Lumian said, Lets head back to the city now and walk around. Lets see which of the three are more effective-Omebellas bloodline, the anomaly of the Earth pathway, or the blood connection with the bird-clawed babies! Walking towards the city, made of numerous gray and white stone houses, along the shimmering lake as blue as the sky, Lumian suddenly had a thought. He asked the quiet Knight of Swords walking beside him, In the Rose School of Thought, was Oxyto in charge of the Raklev area? Not previously, and now its uncertain, replied the Knight of Swords succinctly. Lumian nodded, musing to himself, If he isnt in charge of Raklev and merely initiated a ritual here on a whim, he should have left after it ended. Why is he still here? Does he have a deeper purpose in the Raklev area? Or perhaps, the Rose School of Thought is planning something for this place? The Knight of Swords paused for a few seconds before responding, We suspect there might be a deeper purpose. Pausing momentarily, he added, Before the Highlands Kingdom was established, many areas of the Star Highlands worshiped Death, and Raklev was one of the places most influenced by this belief. Even today, some local customs still carry remnants of this death worship. As they spoke, the three adults and one child arrived outside Raklev City. Raklev, compared to the refined City of White Rapus, the architecture here was much more rugged. Although there were people in dark red robes and bright dresses, most wore more durable canvas work clothes. Before even reaching the city gates, Lumian could already sense the hustle and bustle. Chapter 761 - 761 The Blessings Festival 761 The Blessings Festival 761 The Blessings Festival Beside a segment of the old city wall, now merely a relic for admiration, Lumians gaze passed between the tall and short gray-white stone buildings and landed on a majestic temple standing near the mountain range. It towered thirty meters high, made up of several turrets, reminiscent of an ancient war fortress left over from bygone eras. At this moment, influenced by both the mountains and the clouds, the near-noon sunlight cast a dim hue, cloaking the grand temple in a dusk-like veil. Is that a temple of the God of Combat? Lumian didnt turn his head as he asked the Knight of Swords beside him. The God of Combat Church was the only state religion of the Feysac Empire, but following their defeat in the war a few years ago, the Evernight Goddess Church had gained a certain right to preach within the empire, although they seemed unenthusiastic about this role. The Knight of Swords replied succinctly, Its a cathedral. Not a temple, but a cathedral? True to the Feysacians, who suffer from a fascination with enormity, and their taste is not bad For some reason, Lumian suddenly recalled a phrase he had heard at the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society: More is beautiful, bigger is better. He then asked, Is this a Feysac colony? Yes, the Knight of Swords replied in a deep voice, but now, the Loenese have the right to trade here. Lumian nodded slightly, saying nothing further as he followed the road into Raklev City. Along the way, it was easy for him to distinguish people from different countries among the crowd: The Feysacians, tall in stature-men typically over six feet three inches, women nearly six feet-matched Lumians stereotype of them: descendants of giants, even including many half-giants. Their dressing tended to be casual, with either unbuttoned jackets or no jackets at all; The Loenese, predominantly with black hair, cared much about their appearance, always impeccably dressed. The ladies favored round-brimmed bonnets and carried sun-blocking parasols, while the gentlemen were decked out in top hats and carried canes; The locals of Raklev were darker-skinned and wiry. The men often wore durable canvas work clothes, and the women dressed for labor, with only a few in brightly colored dresses, herding cattle, sheep, and horses. Lumian watched a dwarf horse and several long-haired cattle pass by, spotting a local man in a dark red robe with a stark white skull topped with a wool-knit gray and white hat on his head. Is this the remnant of Death worship you mentioned in the local customs? Lumian didnt choose his path deliberately but followed his instincts. The Knight of Swords nodded slightly and said, Yes, the people of Raklev keep the skulls of their deceased relatives at home, believing they protect them, bring good luck, and help fend off dangers lurking in the night. The more skulls a family has, the more prosperous and developed it is considered. This is similar to the practice in Cordu where relatives hair and nails are kept but here, the Death worship is much stronger, hence the choice of skulls, making it more extreme Lumian suddenly felt a pang of melancholy. The Knight of Swords continued, Some even make amulets from the skulls of their deceased kin to carry with them at all times. What you saw earlier was just such a case. During the annual Blessing Festival, all the locals in Raklev take the skulls from their homes into the streets, dress them solemnly, and join in the revelry and prayers together. Blessing Festival? Lumian perked up, asking with gravity. Having experienced Lent, Sea Prayer Festival, and Dream Festival, he felt like he had developed a sort of festival-induced PTSD, with a headache starting whenever he heard of another special day. Oxyto, a Shaman King of the Rose School of Thought and a key follower of the Primordial Moon, couldnt be staying in Raklev just for the Blessing Festival, could he? The Knight of Swords responded somberly, The Blessing Festival has long since passed; it was in November last year, more than a month before the Dream Festival. You know about the Dream Festival Lumian first breathed a sigh of relief, then asked anxiously, Did Oxyto first appear in the Raklev area before or after the Blessing Festival? The Knight of Swords thought for a moment before replying, Before. So during the Blessing Festival, he was likely still in the Raklev area? Lumian furrowed his brow slightly. That seems to be the case, the Knight of Swords answered, very cautiously. Francas gaze drifted away from a local woman with colorful skulls sewn onto her shoulder, and she turned to a tall, blond, blue-eyed woman from Feysac with a smile. Sorry, I already have a lady companion! Isnt this Feysacian a bit too forthright? Flirting with me and Jenna, and to think, aside from men, there were also beautiful women inviting us over! The Feysacian chuckled. I dont mind if you both come over to my place. I mind, Jenna spoke up for Franca. They had been wandering around Raklev City for nearly two hours. Although Franca hadnt actively unleashed the Demoness of Pleasures charm-to avoid suspicion of fishing purposefully-their carefully styled Demoness appearance alone, in terms of looks, demeanor, and figure, was enough to draw plenty of attention. Here, the Feysacians were bold and direct, both men and women, while the Loenese were conservative and reserved, only daring to approach after finding a good reason. The locals mostly just watched from a distance, quietly following, with a few gathering the courage to speak up, but only in the guise of offering guidance. Alright then. The female Feysacian, a bit taller than Franca, waved her hand in disappointment and turned to enter a nearby caf. Franca and Jenna were now in the heart of Raklev City, on a street that boasted the grand and elegant architectural style typical of Feysac. Its almost noon, how about trying some Feysac cuisine? Franca looked up at the sun, bright but not warm. She was referring to the St. Millom Restaurant diagonally across from them. St. Millom was the capital of the Feysac Empire, and naming a restaurant after it seemed an attempt to offer an authentic experience. Sure. Jenna nodded gently. As the two Demonesses stepped into the grand and intricately decorated restaurant, Anthony sat down on a bench across the street and quietly started on his lunch-a corn tortilla wrapped around beef and lamb, seasoned with various spices. Lumian walked with Ludwig and Lugano until they reached the temple-like Holy Lake Cathedral. But once they truly entered the city, the Knight of Swords, Maric, disappeared. However, Lumians instincts told him that this Minor Arcana card holder was still nearby. Feeling anything unusual? Lumian inquired of Ludwig. No, Ludwig shook his head. Lumian then turned to Lugano. What about you? Me? Lugano looked baffled. Isnt it Ludwigs job to locate people? What does this have to do with me? Do you sense anything unusual? Lumian calmly repeated the question. For some reason, Lugano felt that his employer had become more approachable lately, so he honestly replied, No. Gurgle, gurgle, a strange noise sounded next to both him and Lumian. Both turned their gaze to Ludwig. Touching his stomach, Ludwig looked eager and said, Its time for lunch. Alright, Lumian agreed readily. His philosophy was to never let a child go hungry, especially since the starving child might resort to cannibalism. He looked around and pointed towards a bustling street to the northwest of Holy Lake Square. There seem to be quite a few restaurants there. This time, Ludwig didnt need Luganos hand-holding; he scampered ahead with short strides, while Lumian followed at a leisurely pace, and Lugano trailed close behind. The street bore a very typical Feysac characteristic, complete with trees and benches, resembling a streetscape in the Northern Continent countries. Lumian glanced around briefly and pointed with his chin to St. Millom Restaurant not far away. Lets try some Feysac cuisine. Okay. Ludwig wiped his mouth. Suddenly, his eager expression turned to confusion, and his head moved left and right as if searching for something. Lumian noticed this unusual behavior. Why? Want an ice cream too? he teased Ludwig. Imitating Luganos usual demeanor, Ludwig pressed his voice down and said, I think I sensed that child from the body, but its vague. Sensed the bird-clawed baby? Lumian looked around; there were no other children in sight, just Feysacians and locals, with a few from Loen scattered among them. There werent even any pregnant women around. Then, Ludwig added, I cant sense it anymore. Had it moved beyond a thirty-meter range? Lumian thoughtfully withdrew his gaze. If what we had just encountered was related to the bird-clawed baby, then my own Omebella bloodline might have been sensed by the other Lumian nodded and smiled at Ludwig. Lets eat first, nothings more important than filling our bellies. Right! For the first time, Ludwig felt that the godfathers words resonated deeply with him. Upon entering St. Millom Restaurant, Lumian immediately noticed Franca and Jenna sitting in a conspicuous spot. The carefully dressed Demonesses caught Lumians attention for an extra second. Meanwhile, he wondered to himself, Is this the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence? How coincidental for us to choose the same restaurant (Reader note: A reasonable development) Franca and Jenna, noticing his gaze, looked back at him-one with a mouth agape in surprise, the other stifling a laugh. They quickly composed themselves and turned their attention back to the beet soup in front of them. With the waiters guidance, Lumian, Ludwig, and Lugano took a seat in the corner. Sir, what would you like to order? The waiter offered a menu designed like a book. Lumian glanced at it, chose not to browse through, and simply said, One set of everything but the drinks. Chapter 762 - 762 The Flirting Showcase 762 The Flirting Showcase 762 The Flirting Showcase Although limited by the variety of local ingredients, St. Millom Restaurants menu appeared thick, yet it didnt offer an extensive variety of dishes. However, relatively speaking, a whole books worth of menu items couldnt possibly be too few-it was enough to make a dozen adults feel stuffed. The restaurants waiter was a local, but he spoke fluent Feysacian, Loenese, and Intisian, completely understanding Lumians order without any confusion. He was about to double-check when he saw the customer from Intis bring out a thick stack of gold hoorn. This was the currency of the Feysac Empire, commonly used in the Raklev area-before teleporting to the Southern Continent that morning, Lumian had specifically gone to a nearby bank to exchange some cash at a higher rate of 4.4 verl dor for one gold hoorn, but the cash he now produced wasnt his own; it was activity funds provided by the Knight of Swords, Maric. All of it? The waiter, diligent and thorough, made one last inquiry. All of it, Lumian confirmed, earning Ludwigs approval. After a while, dishes like beet soup, red wine beef stew, cream-fried cod, caviar, grilled meat skewers, appetizer salad, thick-cut steaks, and Feysac pies were served one by one. Ludwig was utterly immersed in a sea of flavors, and Lumian, too, let himself indulge. As a Sequence 5 Reaper, his appetite was already not small, and similarly, Harvest Priest Lugano, starting as a Planter, was eating more and more. After nearly filling their stomachs, as Lumian savored the salty, fishy burst of the caviar in his mouth and awaited the arrival of dessert, he pondered over the recent events. Why did Ludwig just vaguely sense the presence of the bird-clawed baby, and then in the blink of an eye, it vanished? Could it be that we were exactly thirty meters apart, and just one step further would break the range of perception? This is too coincidental If it were arranged, they would have let Ludwig keep sensing it If Ludwig could sense the bird-clawed baby, could the baby also sense its mother approaching? Did it detect the deceased mother appearing in an unnatural way and immediately leave the area or hide, severing the connection between them? This explanation is more reasonable, not reliant on coincidence Now the question arises, if it wasnt a coincidence, why did the bird-clawed baby appear on this street? It couldnt possibly just be passing by and happened to bump into us, right? If it truly is the law of convergence, its still unclear whether its due to a bloodline connection or a law of repulsion Lumian picked up the napkin that was on his lap, folded it neatly, and stood up, pushing the stack of gold hoorn to Lugano. Ill take a walk nearby to see if theres anything worth buying; you take care of Ludwig and remember to pay for the meal. Sure, Lugano was happy to remain seated without moving. Lumian left St. Millom Restaurant with a leisurely gait, taking in all the shops and pedestrians along the street. There were banks, candy stores, cafs, and shops selling Feysacian imported goods, with no suspicious individuals in sight. The passersby were mostly Feysacians and Raklev locals, the latter often carrying talismans made from their relatives skulls-some wore them as hats, others strung them into necklaces, and some sewed them onto their clothing at the shoulder. It is not apparent who might attract the bird-clawed baby and its associates here, nor which building might harbor something unusual Lumian pondered as he walked along the street, hoping for a chance encounter. Unfortunately, this did not happen. Finally, he finished his stroll along the street and returned to St. Millom Restaurant. The two Demonesses leisurely enjoyed a lavish Feysacian meal, their prominent position and striking looks drawing the gaze of everyone who came and went. Some even made a point of passing by their table repeatedly. Lumian took the opportunity to admire the Demonesses beauty. Suddenly, a thought struck him: Ludwig only sensed the bird-clawed baby near St. Millom Restaurant Franca and Jenna were right here in the restaurant Could it be that they truly attracted the attention of Oxyto, the Shaman King, who personally brought or sent the bird-clawed baby to track them, looking for an opportunity to strike? Upon discovering the scent of a deceased mother on Ludwig and sensing my Child of God bloodline, did Oxyto abandon his original plan, temporarily leaving this area or completely hiding? This logic flows smoothly; theres no issue, but how could the guardian demigod of the temperance faction completely miss Oxytos presence? A Shaman King is adept at concocting various magical agents and conducting rituals, perhaps using one to evade normal premonitions and intuitions? Or could it be some other method? Lumian quickly reviewed the intelligence provided by the temperance faction about the Shaman King. His steps slowed, seemingly captivated by the beauty and charm of the two Demonesses, reluctant to look away. After analyzing the information on the Apothecary pathway up to Sequence 4 Shaman King, Lumian considered that Oxyto might have also received a boon, transitioning to female, and he recalled the information he knew about the Heretic Spellmaster pathway. In a flash of thought, a term came to mind: Paramita! (Readers Note: Sequence 4 of the Villain Pathway (boon) allows you to establish a new small world called Paramita. In this world, when humans die, their souls return to the earth and roam the wilderness. On special occasions, they can return home, be reborn and emerge from the Mothers womb as human foetuses. Also, this sequence turns you into a woman.) Paramita exists in its own right, dependent on the land, and its activities cannot be detected from the outside Did Oxyto use some application of Paramita to evade the gaze of the temperance factions demigod and follow Franca and Jenna undetected? Hmm, were those bird-clawed babies taken into Paramita after they crawled out of their mothers? With Paramita clearly involving the domain of death, were these mothers dead before the bird-clawed babies tore out? In that case, from birth, they bear a strong taint of death, seamlessly blending into Paramita Just now, Paramita was unfolding, watching Franca and Jenna, waiting to make a move, and upon sensing the presence of the deceased mother and the bloodline of a Child of God, Paramita immediately retracted, cutting off this close connection? No wonder Ludwigs sensing of the bird-clawed baby was so vague it was because it was inside Paramita! Moreover, the local Skull Blessing Festival clearly reveres death, which can be linked to Paramita Could Oxytos deep-seated purpose for coming to the Raklev region be hidden in this? With his speculation, Lumian approached Franca and Jennas table with a genuine smile and politely asked in Intisian-like any real Intisian would do, May I have the honor of sitting here for a few minutes, beautiful ladies? Franca replied in amusement, Are you also from Intis? She knew Lumians approach wasnt simply to chat her up; he must have another purpose, so she played along very cooperatively. Yes, which is why I felt a connection as soon as I saw you, Lumian fully utilized the pickup lines hed learned from everyday life in Trier. At a nearby table, several men who were covertly listening in thought simultaneously: Damn Intisians! Curse those Intisian playboys! Jennas response was natural, tinged with a hint of wariness and surprise. Are you here in Raklev for travel or business? As she spoke, Jenna signaled the waiter, who brought over a chair for Lumian beside their table. Lumian sat down and said to the two Demonesses, Your beauty is like something out of a dream. No, even in my dreams, I havent seen anyone as beautiful as you. You must have caught many an eye along the way? Dammit, these sweet nothings are giving me goosebumps! At this moment, Franca would have preferred if Lumian mocked her. Of course, she was still secretly pleased; after all, she had heard from Browns Sauron that every Demoness who had transitioned from male would have a bit of narcissism-fond of and proud of her feminine self. Jenna felt both discomfort and amusement, much like encountering a pretentious drunkard while playing a Witch. Her acting was good; she showed no oddity and smiled mockingly. Really? Would you dare to look into my eyes and say that again? Seeing the handsome young man genuinely sit beside the beautiful ladies and engage in pleasant conversation, seemingly stirring emotions, the surrounding men lamented, How can they be so superficial, only considering looks? Thats how you get deceived! Lumian laughed, looking into Jennas eyes and said, The moment I saw you, I knew what true beauty was. How can this guy say such things without feeling nauseous? Jenna avoided Lumians gaze, answering his earlier question, You know, some gazes make one feel uncomfortable. Any gaze more peculiar than others? Lumian asked with a smile. Franca, understanding what he was probing for, shook her head. No. Lumian nodded pensively. The weather here is rather cold; did you feel something similar earlier? Franca recalled for a moment, pursed her lips, and said, It started a bit on Chapin Street and lasted until just before the beet soup was served; the soup was warm and made us no longer feel cold. Paramita that involves the realm of death made the surroundings feel a bit colder? Lumian said with a smile to Franca, Perhaps thats the lack of a reliable mans warmth. Francas face twitched, and she communicated with Lumian using her eyes and lips. Please, no more playing the playboy! As the three conversed, the image of a woman wearing a petite black cap and light golden bun appeared faintly on the surface of a gold-leaf mirror embedded in the wall. She rested her chin in her hand, her gaze occasionally focused on Lumian and Jenna, then shifting between Lumian and Franca, and assessing Franca and Jenna. Chapter 763 - 763 Folklore Origins 763 Folklore Origins 763 Folklore Origins Lumian kept his promise and sat at the table with the two Demonesses for only a few minutes before politely taking his leave, leaving the nearby men somewhat perplexed and puzzled. Shouldnt he have seized the opportunity to pursue further? Could this be the advanced technique of an Intisian playboy and Dandyist? Walking back to his own table, Lumian saw waiters carrying a towering stack of plates, their faces a mix of confusion, shock, and fear as they walked away. All the dishes on the menu had really been devoured! The look in their eyes towards Ludwig and Lugano was as if they were staring at monsters who had crawled out of the abyss. If you knew that two-thirds of those dishes and mains were consumed by Ludwig, and Lugano and I only shared the remaining third, youd be even more scared, worried you might be eaten too. Well, that worry would be justified Lumian muttered silently as he sat down. Before him, Ludwig, and Lugano, there was now a slice of apple cake and a cup of richly flavored ice cream. Ludwigs face was unmasked in satisfaction, the most fulfilled he had felt in a long time. This was not only because the Feysacian meals were generous in portion and tasty but also because it didnt hurt Lumian to spend someone elses money. Lumian pushed his slice of apple cake towards Ludwig and appeared to concentrate as he scooped up the milky ice cream with a spoon and placed it in his mouth. As he savored the melting frost and the spreading taste of milk, he whispered to himself, Have any of you noticed anything unusual around Two of Cups and Seven of Cups? After a brief silence, a faint, ethereal voice echoed in Lumians ear. It was from the Knight of Swords Maric. We did notice something, from Chaban Street until you approached St. Millom Restaurant, but only a slight abnormality was detected, and we couldnt pinpoint its origin. This matches Francas description and my speculation, confirming each other The temperance factions demigod is unable to catch Oxyto even though they have started tracking Franca and Jenna Can we only wait for Oxyto to make a move? Lumian thought for a few seconds and pulled out a pair of non-prescription, plain gold-rimmed glasses for disguise from his Travelers Bag, placing them on his nose. He immediately saw the image of the Knight of Swords dressed in a shirt and vest highlighted in the lenses, then disappearing. The voice of Maric became clearer. We occasionally find such slight abnormalities and corresponding traces too, and that is also one of the main reasons we are sure that Oxyto is still in the Raklev area. Can Paramita alone achieve this, managing to move undetected under the nose of a demigod with strong spiritual intuition? Lumian, lacking a deep understanding of Paramita, could only speculate based on his past experiences. He had entered Paramita more than once! In Cordu, whether in reality or in dreams, he had entered Paramita several times, but at that time, without high-level forces involved, he couldnt judge the normal state of Paramita and whether it could deceive a demigods senses and intuition when it unfolded; In Trier, during the Tree of Shadow catastrophe, he was involuntarily drawn into Lady Moons Paramita, which effectively isolated the inside from the outside, preventing Triers demigods from detecting the growth of the Tree of Shadow and the fighting in that area. It was only through Francas use of the Judgment card and the unique properties of Madam Judgment that they managed to establish a connection with the outside world, allowing the Tarot Clubs demigods to pinpoint and descend into Paramita. At that time, the demigods of Trier were far from Rue Anarchie, unaware of anything hidden there, which could be understood and accepted Memories flashed through Lumians mind, and he always felt that Paramita could not reach the current extent. When Paramita closed, it was normal that the temperance factions demigod couldnt sense it even if nearby, but how could it remain undetected after unfolding right under the nose of the temperance factions demigod? Is it that powerful? I think even Lady Moons Paramita couldnt achieve that, only capable of masking activities and protecting itself through distance from being detected Lumian turned his gaze to the window, seeing two locals among the passersby; one had a human skull painted purple hanging on his chest, and the other tied a bleached white human skull on top of his head. Death worship Paramita Perhaps, Shaman King Oxyto has developed a special aspect of his Paramita in the Raklev area, which allows him to unfold it in front of a demigod without being detected, at least until theres substantial interaction Lumian speculated, piecing together Madame Pualiss plan to use the folklore of Cordu to enhance her own Paramita. Lumian took another spoonful of milky ice cream and lowered his voice again. Tell me more about the origins and circumstances of the Skull Blessing Festival. Knight of Swords Maric replied clearly in his ear, It dates back to the fall of Death, when the situation on the Southern Continent fundamentally changed. The fall of Death caused disturbances in the Underworld, leaving most spirits unable to sense or enter it, forced instead to wander its periphery, between the spirit world and the real world. As a result, when sentient beings die, they are very likely to become undead, wraiths, or evil spirits-a grave threat to the living, leading to one disaster after another. The response of the Northern Continent nations has been Church-sanctioned purification combined with compulsory cremation. Here, the Eternal Blazing Sun Church and the God of Combat Church have had notable success with purification, making cremation unnecessary for those who have been purified. Hearing this, Lumian truly understood and appreciated the various measures taken before and after death, including consoling the dying, purifying the dead, encouraging cremation, and rewarding the discovery of deceased vagrants. The origins of all these practices was the fall of Death and the subsequent anomalies in the Underworld! No wonder the old bones in the lower layers of the underground tombs are still bones, not ashes During the Fourth Epoch, the Underworld hadnt yet been disturbed, and the spirits had a place to return to Some mysticism knowledge suggests that bodies are prone to transform at the end of the Fourth Epoch during the Pale Disaster, caused by Deaths invasion of the Northern Continent. Indeed, it is the legacy of the Pale Disaster; Death perished during that disaster, leading to the anomaly in the Underworld Lumian suddenly realized, gaining a deeper understanding of certain mysticism knowledge. The Knight of Swords continued, The same issues arose on the Southern Continent, but the Balam Empire, home to many Beyonders following the Death pathway, swiftly devised several solutions that quelled the undead outbreaks in certain areas without resorting to mandatory cremation, thus restoring normalcy. In other regions, however, due to ongoing independence efforts from countries like Haagenti, Paz, and the Highlands, faith in Death began to wane, leading to a period of rampant undead plagues and a power vacuum. The people in these areas had no choice but to fend for themselves. Lumian nodded slightly. Is the Skull Blessing Festival a solution for the Raklev area? The Skull Blessing Festival is just one manifestation, explained the Knight of Swords simply. According to records left by the Highlands Kingdom, it appears that the people of Raklev, with the help of a former official from the Balam Empire, established a mini-state for the spirits, allowing the dead to enter and rest there without emerging again. However, this isnt the Underworld; it cannot truly offer rest, nor can it completely bind the spirits. They just have to gradually fade away. The annual Skull Blessing Festival is a day for the spirits to emerge, revel, and be liberated. Keeping the skulls of loved ones at home helps to protect the family from any spirits that might stray from this mini-state, preventing them from causing harm. In essence, they created a rudimentary, localized version of the Underworld for spirits to return to A place to return to The concept of Paramita is similar, where souls return to the earth and wander the wilderness Moreover, in Paramita, spirits can return home on special days to enjoy the joy of reunion, much like the Raklev areas Skull Blessing Festival The only difference is that here, the spirits have no path to rebirth; they can only slowly fade away Lumian compared the local state for the deceased to Paramita and grasped something subtle. He recalled something Louis Lund once relayed from Madame Pualis: Whats been established is merely a small, caricature Paramita, a part of the complete Paramita Hmm Lumian inhaled sharply, muttering under his breath, Could Oxyto be planning to merge this local spirit realm into his own Paramita, to make it more complete? Has he, no, she already partially succeeded, which is why you havent detected her? Knight of Swords Maric paused for a moment before responding, Its a possibility. After a brief pause, he added proactively, We also havent seen that spirit realm. Seen Lumian was initially startled but then understood what the Knight of Swords meant. The Prisoner pathway could directly turn into wraiths, and they should have been able to see the spirit realm, but they found nothing in Raklev this time. Lumian didnt respond but considered another issue. If Oxyto has indeed begun to merge with that mini-spirit realm, she essentially becomes a local version of Death, and she must have sensed the Omebella bloodline in me What would her reaction be? Instant anger, or seeing it as something to be exploited? Why didnt she act directly? Right, she also used the bird-clawed monster baby to discover that Ludwig nearby had the aura of a corpse mother, adding up to what clearly looked like bait, obviously a trap! Thats why she, accustomed to indulgence, held back. What she needs to do now is, seek assistance? With that thought, Lumian removed his glasses and abruptly stood up. Chapter 764 - 764 Theres Always a Corruption That Can Be Used 764 Theres Always a Corruption That Can Be Used 764 Theres Always a Corruption That Can Be Used Lumian took off his glasses and whispered, The target should have noticed something unusual about me, but Ludwig is right beside me, giving off the mother aura from that corpse. With both of these factors together, the target will surely be highly suspicious and may seek assistance. Be prepared. If it were just the Omebella bloodline alone, Oxyto might think it was merely the law of convergence at work, bringing the blasphemer of the Child of God into her presence. Similarly, if it were just the mother aura from the corpse, she might become wary or suspect that the corpses return to the earth had contaminated the local water, leading to the corruption of certain individuals. But put together, anyone who could sense these would immediately see there was a big problem. This couldnt just be a coincidence; there was clearly a dangerous trap! Knight of Swords Marics voice seemed to come from farther away. Were already ready. Sensing the hidden danger and preparing even before I thought through everything and issued a reminder? They have strong spiritual intuition and rich experience Lumian mused as he noticed Lugano, startled by his movements and deep voice, also standing up. Ludwig wasted no time in pulling the ice cream they had abandoned closer to him and happily ate away, completely unconcerned about what might happen next. Lumians gaze swept over Lugano and Ludwig before moving to Franca and Jenna, who were enjoying their dessert. He was now considering a critical question: Should they act together, or separate like they did in the morning? If the earlier speculations were broadly accurate, then the bait phase to lure out Oxyto should already be over. What lay ahead would likely be probing attacks from the Shaman King and her companions. In that case, moving together would allow them to better receive protection from the temperance faction, without worrying that Oxyto might strike at a less guarded spot and capture one or two as hostages. But if the attack was fierce enough to force the temperance factions hidden forces into a defensive position, staying together could lead to total annihilation. Which choice was safer and more reasonable in this environment was a decision the team leader needed to make. Lumian walked slowly toward the restaurants entrance, mentally filtering through the questions and speculations hed considered earlier. He thought of his own description of the spirit realm in Raklev: A rudimentary, localized Underworld. Underworld Lumians eyelids twitched, and he quietly asked again, Can any of you see or sense the Underworld? He was asking whether Zombies and Wraiths could detect the Underworld. Knight of Swords Maric quickly answered, No, unless someone directly opens the door to the Underworld or is already from there. Otherwise, it can only be sensed through certain traces. Before the Underworld anomaly, it was possible. It was possible before the Underworld anomaly? Is this inferred from ancient records? Lumian wasnt particularly concerned about this; instead, he was more interested in something else: If Oxyto has indeed begun integrating the local spirit realm into her Paramita, does that mean her Paramita qualifies as a small-scale Underworld? Moreover, it had to be a small-scale Underworld that was still bound to this region. Otherwise, based on Lumians understanding of Paramita, Oxyto could have easily taken her Paramita away and left the area. Of course, its also possible that she hadnt achieved another goal yet. A small-scale Underworld Lumian muttered to himself and then walked toward Franca and Jenna, smiling as he said, I heard Chaban Street is unique to this area. Would you two lovely ladies like to be my guides? Chaban Street was where Franca and Jenna had first noticed the temperature drop slightly, indicating that they might have encountered Oxyto there. In the eyes of the nearby customers, Lumians invitation was a blatant attempt to arrange a date. However, Franca and Jenna exchanged a glance and understood that Lumian was suggesting they should act together, with Chaban Street as their destination. Sure. Franca and Jenna smiled in unison and stood up. This left those around them somewhat stunned: Are they that easy to invite? If Id known, I would have plucked up the courage to ask! Together, Lumian, Franca, Jenna, and the others strolled toward Chaban Street, exchanging relaxed remarks about their impressions of the city. About fifteen minutes later, they reached the street predominantly occupied by locals. Gray-white stone houses stood in rows, appearing rugged yet solid. Outside each house, strips of wool hung, adding a vibrant, exotic touch that distinguished it from the Star Highlands. Compared to other streets in Raklev City, the locals here were more likely to wear traditional clothing: dark red woolen robes for men and brightly colored skirts for women. Similarly, many of them carried skull amulets of various designs, some mottled and brown with wool wigs, some painted purple, green, and red, and some holding caramel-colored tobacco from East Balam between their teeth. Others appeared as white as jade, with dark eye sockets and insects crawling in and out. Standing at the entrance to Chaban Street, Lumian paused instead of moving forward, signaling Franca and Jenna to stay slightly behind him. He then took something out of his Travelers Bag. It was a golden mask, with the area around the eyes and the face painted in either black or white. It was an Eggers family mask crafted by Death Himself! Since this pure gold mask was initially designed to help the living sense and enter the Underworld and was directly created by the deity who ruled over death and the Underworld, wearing it might reveal something related to the Underworld within a certain range. In the Raklev region, the local spirit realm was akin to a small, rudimentary Underworld. If the local spirit realm had really been integrated into Oxytos Paramita, seeing it would be equivalent to seeing that Paramita, revealing Shaman King Oxyto! Without hesitation, Lumian donned the golden Eggers family mask. His breath rapidly cooled, becoming increasingly still. His body went cold in an instant, losing the sensation of life, and his blood ceased to flow. Through the golden mask, Lumian noticed the surroundings dimming slightly, with the colors fading and the temperature dropping a little. Apart from that, everything appeared normal. So, this is the world through the eyes of the undead? I cant see any trace of that spirit realm Is it hidden deeper due to being integrated into Paramita? Hmm, I can sense the spirit world directly but cant detect the Underworld No wonder one has to wait for an opportunity to enter the Underworld instead of simply locating it and teleporting there after wearing the Eggers family mask Lumian muttered silently, not giving up on his original theory, and tried to stimulate the lingering aura of the Blood Emperor. The purpose of activating Alista Tudors lingering aura was to highlight the seal left by the Underworld Daoist. This powerful being from Francas world was clearly related to the pathways of Death, Darkness, and Warrior. According to Madam Magician, He might have also had contact with the deranged Death and made some agreements. His seals could potentially enhance the Eggers familys masks. As a slight pain pricked his right palm and the cold, rotten sensation spread, Lumians vision abruptly changed. Along the entire Chaban Street, the fabric strips hanging from the walls lost their color and turned gray, while the people walking there became inexplicably blurry, as if shrouded in thick fog. However, the skull amulets they wore remained unusually clear, their colors even more vivid by contrast. Lumian also saw pale or dark red flames ignite in the hollow sockets of those human skulls, flickering and exuding an eerie chill of death. In that instant, Lumian realized he was seeing the spirit realm of Raklev. It overlapped with the entire Raklev area, where spirits wandered in the shadows while humans lived openly. Standing on the edge of the spirit realm, Lumian didnt attempt to step inside but instead searched from a distance for any signs of Paramitas presence. He saw a vast black cloud hanging over the sky in the direction of Lake Dalsh, saw some skulls floating mid-air on the streets with ghostly child-like figures flickering within their burning sockets, and saw how the wilderness below the mountains seemed to have encroached directly, blending into the city seamlessly. As expected Lumian immediately had a clear realization: Oxyto is inside this Paramita, which has merged with the spirit realm! With this understanding, the first thought that flashed through Lumians mind was: My mission ends here. Next, Ill lend the Eggers familys golden mask to the Knight of Swords and the temperance faction, leaving them to organize their forces to enter Paramita and fight Oxyto, while we return to Trier to avoid the potential danger. But on second thought, Lumian realized that wouldnt work. Because if they only had the Eggers familys golden mask and not the Underworld Daoists seal, even a Wraith wearing it wouldnt be able to directly see Oxytos mutated Paramita! A possibility vaguely came to Lumians mind. He said in a low voice to the hidden Knight of Swords Maric, Ive found Oxytos Paramita. First, take the Two of Cups and the others to safety. Then, as Wraiths, attach yourselves to me, and Ill lead all of you into Paramita! Alright. The Knight of Swords somewhat ethereal voice couldnt conceal his joy and malice. It was directed at Oxyto. Chapter 765 - 765 Howl 765 Howl 765 Howl Lumian thought for a moment and then specifically reminded, Dont forget the Four of Swords. To be honest, he almost overlooked Anthonys presence, but because he was constantly thinking about what his teammates were doing and how to coordinate with them, he didnt forget entirely. When he invited the two Demonesses to Chaban Street at St. Millom Restaurant, Lumian didnt think of Anthony right away. It was only when he reached the street that he remembered their teammate. But he couldnt find the Hypnotist, who had used Psychological Invisibility. He could only trust that Anthony, with his rich experience, would realize that once the rest of the team had gathered together, it was clear the next actions werent suited to splitting up, and he would follow. Anthonys habits as an information broker combined well with Psychological Invisibility. After a two-second pause following Lumians reminder, the Knight of Swords said, We wont forget. It seems like you already did but the temperance factions demigod shouldnt be affected much by Anthonys Psychological Invisibility, so when sending Franca and Jenna away, they shouldnt really forget about Anthony If thats the case, one major cause of death for a Hypnotist would definitely be that Psychological Invisibility works too well, causing teammates to forget or overlook them As Lumian mused to himself, the special Paramita before him suddenly changed. A deafening crash sounded from Lake Dalsh as gray-white water surged upward like a tsunami, reaching into the air. The wilderness, already intertwined with the city of Raklev, began to dominate. In an instant, it crossed squares and streets, swallowing Lumian, who had not yet reached Chaban Street, while avoiding Franca and the others. Oxyto, blessed by the Great Mother, seemed to realize she had been exposed. Her choice was to use the nature of Paramita to temporarily separate the blasphemer of the Child of God from the temperance factions demigods, then exploit the brief time difference to achieve her desired goal regarding Lumian. Almost simultaneously, Lumian, wearing the Eggers familys golden mask and transformed into an undead, felt his body grow heavier, as if cold masses had taken residence inside him. In the next second, he saw the indistinct human figures on Chaban Street vanish, along with Franca, Jenna, Ludwig, Lugano, and possibly Anthony behind him. It was as if they were in two separate worlds. The human skulls in various states became increasingly distinct, their eye sockets burning with pale or dark red flames as they all turned to face Lumian. At the end of Chaban Street, at the citys edge where it blended more deeply with the wilderness, swaying figures crawled out from unknown places and began walking toward Lumian. There were rotting long-haired oxen with only a few pieces of pus-oozing flesh left, giant birds with exposed bones flying low, pythons dragging half-melted threads of flesh between their decaying tissues, and monstrous hills made of multiple headless skeletons. Human skulls from all corners of the city were also swiftly converging on Chaban Street, floating in the air and covering the sky, blocking out the pale, dim, and heatless sunlight. Lumian appeared stunned, as if he had encountered something terrifying, or was like an undead creature facing a higher-ranked and more terrifying kindred spirit. For a brief moment, he stood frozen, unable to move. Just then, a wretched howl, filled with pain, echoed from Lake Dalsh. The terrifying and piercing sound was like a high-speed spinning drill that bored directly into Lumians soul. His vision went dark, and he lost consciousness. When Lumian regained his thoughts and awareness of his body, he found himself midway along Chaban Street, accompanied by the Knight of Swords Maric, who had appeared at some point, dressed in a black vest and white shirt. All around him, crystalline cold had frozen human skulls of varying states in mid-air, on the ground, and on the surfaces of gray-white stone buildings. The surreal frozen scene stretched all the way to the wilderness on the outskirts of the city. In the staggering army of undead creatures, the rotting monsters shed flesh onto the ground, leaving only bones-yellowed, brown, or bleached white. The skeletal remains sank into the soil, and droplets of crimson blood, not their own, oozed from the surface. Meanwhile, the wraiths and evil spirits swelled like balloons and burst silently, turning into strange dust. Although Lumian didnt fully understand what was happening, two thoughts sprang to mind: Have they all been cursed? Even the fleshless bones were cursed to bleed? With that thought, Lumian couldnt help but raise his right hand and wipe his nose. He immediately noticed some blackened bloodstains on the back of his hand. This came from within his body, blood that had long since stopped flowing. In the banshees wail just now, not only was his soul wounded, but his undead body seemed to have suffered physical damage too. Some capillaries had ruptured, causing the blackened blood to seep out. Terrifying Lumian had roughly figured out what had just happened. Oxyto screamed from a distance, using the Banshees Howl enhanced by Paramita, and! instantly lost consciousness. Did the temperance factions demigods attach themselves to me as wraiths before Paramita expanded, pulling me into Paramita right away? Then, they took over my body and used their abilities to deal with the swarming army of human skulls and undead? The Knight of Swords also attached himself to me, which is why hes now in Paramita? After grasping the recent encounter, Lumian had a clearer and more accurate understanding of the terror of demigods: Oxyto isnt even a full Angel but just a Banshees Howl knocked me unconscious, robbing me of my ability to fight. It took me over ten seconds to wake up Without the presence of temperance faction demigods, those ten seconds would have been more than enough for Oxyto to kill me ten times over This isnt something a drawn demigod can compare to. Facing a real demigod, if I dont seize the initiative, I wont even have the chance to draw the Sword of Courage or use Desire Incarnation! Theres no time for the animated shadow to take the damage for me unless I anticipate it in advance With these thoughts swirling, Lumian regained control of his body. Then, he heard the Knight of Swords, Maric, mutter softly, Oxyto has retreated. She should be near Lake Dalsh. We still dont know what kind of help shes seeking. Lake Dalsh? Lumian asked in mild surprise. That serene, beautiful, sacred lake? On second thought, it makes sense. All mining operations in the Raklev region have avoided Lake Dalsh, leaving it entirely unpolluted The Knight of Swords surveyed the surroundings but didnt immediately dash off into the wilderness toward Lake Dalsh. He nodded slightly and said, Lake Dalsh itself is special, connected to the fallen Death. The establishment of this small spirit realm in the Raklev region was made possible due to Lake Dalsh. That former Balam Empire official even used an Undyings skull from the Church of Death and, using his Gatekeeper powers, opened a door to the Underworld and fixed it onto the Undyings skull. This prevented it from completely closing too quickly, allowing a bit of the Underworlds aura to leak out. The skull of an Undying? Undying can die too? Lumian instinctively asked. The Knight of Swords started walking towards the edge of the frozen world. He glanced at Lumian and said, An Undying is only Sequence 4 in the Death pathway. They can still die if killed. I see Lumian nodded almost imperceptibly. The Knight of Swords continued, The aura leaking from the Underworld, the unique traits of the Undyings skull, and the special nature of Lake Dalsh all worked together to sustain this spirit realm, drawing the souls of dead creatures in the region and letting them gradually wither away. After listening, Lumian froze for a moment. You seem to know a lot about the local spirit realm The Knight of Swords replied, The Rose School of Thought ruled here for over a thousand years. Apart from the uniqueness of Lake Dalsh, everything else was long understood. Then why didnt you say so earlier? Lumian blurted out. If youd told me sooner, I might have guessed Oxytos intentions earlier! We didnt initially connect Oxyto to the spirit realm, so that intelligence wasnt included in the information, explained the Knight of Swords. After that, I answered whenever you asked, but didnt elaborate. Speaking is also a desire that requires temperance. Lumian suddenly understood how Franca felt every time she heard him say, Ill have to start with the events at the Samaritan Womens Spring, where Madame Hela and 1 While talking, he and Maric reached the edge of the city, where the frozen world met the desolate wilderness. Lumian instinctively glanced at the thick layer of ice encasing the gray-white buildings. Using the reflective surface, he was astonished to see a blurry figure in each of his eyes. One wore a small black bonnet and a court dress of the same color; the other had no head and was dressed in a dark, intricately patterned, sinister gown. Lumian then noticed translucent-ringed insects crawling in and out of his mouth, yet he felt nothing. At the entrance to Chaban Street, Franca, Jenna, and the others felt a sudden chill engulf them and saw Lumian vanish before their eyes. Before they could communicate or react, a voice, slightly magnetic and ethereal like a dream, echoed in their ears: Ill send you back to Trier first. Franca, Jenna, and Lugano instinctively turned their bodies and discovered that a young-looking man had appeared next to them at some point. He wore a white shirt, draped in a thin black trench coat. With black hair and green eyes, he had a night-like, handsome quality, and wore a pair of red gloves on both hands. Chapter 766 - 766 Early Labor 766 Early Labor 766 Early Labor Gazing at the young man wearing red gloves, Franca cautiously asked, Who might you be? She wasnt about to trust a stranger just because of what he said unless influenced by some Beyonder power. Two of Cups, Seven of Cups. You dont need to be involved in whats coming next, said the young man in red gloves directly, calling Franca and Jenna by their Minor Arcana names. His voice carried the natural authority of someone used to leading many people, instilling a faint sense of fear in Franca and the others. He knows our Tarot Club codenames A member of the Tarot Club? One of the Knight of Swords helpers? His outfit looks like those Red Gloves from the Church of Evernight Goddess As Franca pondered, she didnt sense any warning from her spiritual intuition. Before she could respond, the young man in red gloves pulled out a tarot card. The cards front depicted a goddess pouring holy water under a sky full of stars. Major Arcana, The Star! So, its Mr. Star Franca and Jenna hesitated no longer and nodded in unison, saying, Okay. Lugano stood there, a bit dazed. Why did he take out a card? I think Ive heard of something like this, but I cant remember Almost simultaneously, Anthony appeared out of nowhere and squeezed in beside Franca and Jenna. Franca was startled for a moment, muttering to herself, I really did forget about you Mr. Star didnt say much more. He opened his mouth slightly. In an instant, Franca and the others were enveloped by a vast, invisible spirit, and then they ascended into the layered, colorful spirit world, like they were traveling in a hot air balloon. Along the citys periphery, covered in crystalline ice, Lumian, wearing the Eggers familys golden mask, withdrew his gaze. He could roughly guess that the blurry figures in his eyes were the temperance factions demigods responsible for this operation. One of them, headless, seemed to resemble the temperance factions Angel he had seen before. The translucent insects crawling in and out of his mouth were likely helpers invited by the temperance faction. How many people have taken residence in my body just now? Lumian grumbled internally as he followed the Knight of Swords, Maric, in a mad dash. They entered the wilderness outside Raklev under the pale, cold sunlight, heading swiftly toward Lake Dalsh. Due to the unique influence of Paramita, Lumian couldnt teleport anywhere beyond his line of sight. He had to use a visual lock to establish a position, which made it challenging to appear instantly at the edge of Lake Dalsh. After running some distance, he reached out and grabbed the Knight of Swords shoulder. Almost simultaneously, blazing white flames surged from within him, instantly covering his entire body. The Knight of Swords understood his intent without asking and promptly dematerialized into a wraith, attaching himself to Lumian. Lumian transformed into a white-hot spear and shot off into the distance in a brilliant display. The flaming spear streaked through the sky, crossing vast distances to arrive at the edge of Lake Dalsh in no time. As Lumian detached from the blazing white spear, he noticed that even in Paramita, intertwined with the spirit realm, this lake remained tranquil, clear, sacred, and beautiful. In the dim surroundings, the gray-white water seemed weightless, stretching upwards like a giant curtain, perhaps drawn to some high-altitude entity. In front of the water curtain, countless human skulls formed a mountainous head. Among the skulls of various colors, one stood out the most. It was at the very top, crystal clear as if carved from crystal, and significantly larger than a normal human skull. Instead of pale or dark red flames, the eye sockets of this crystal skull reflected a mysterious, intricately patterned, ancient bronze door. The door was slightly ajar, revealing endless darkness within. In that darkness were countless indescribable eyes, staring out yet unable to emerge. Along the edges of the bronze door, strange, grotesque, and sometimes revolting hands grasped the frame as if trying to squeeze through but unable to. They only managed to scratch out piercing noises that seemed to tear at the human eardrum. Many spirits and human skulls were drawn to this place, gradually becoming part of the massive head. Is that crystal skull the Undyings skull used back then? Is the bronze door in its eye sockets the Death Sequence 5s Gatekeepers door to the Underworld? Hmm, a Sequence 5 cant keep the Underworld door open for long, so they used the Undyings skull and the unique properties of Lake Dalsh to fix it But where has Oxyto, the Shaman King, gone? As this thought crossed Lumians mind, he saw the countless human skulls forming the massive head in the air open and close their bony teeth, speaking in unison in various voices: Why couldnt you give me a little more time? If I cant have it, Ill destroy this place and see how many of you can survive the calamity of this collapsing Paramita! And I have already abandoned this place and left the Raklev region using my prior preparations! Hahaha, hahaha! Amid the sharp, hoarse, old, and deep laughter of the human skulls, Lumian felt the massive shadow in the sky descend toward his head. Cracks appeared in the ground below, growing deeper and revealing a dark void. All the skulls, including the crystal one, developed tiny cracks, seemingly ready to shatter completely in no time. At that moment, Lumian felt a chill leave his body, and all the skulls stopped cracking as if temporarily held back by an invisible external force. This also halted the process of Paramitas collapse and destruction. Although it didnt reverse, it wasnt going to happen immediately. Is this the temperance factions demigod or their invited helper using their ability? It seems Oxyto really escaped. After testing the waters with the Banshees Howl, she decisively abandoned this Paramita, clearly stronger than other Madames, and used her prior arrangements and the unique properties of this place to escape before the temperance faction could act A series of thoughts flashed through Lumians mind as he took in the scene before him. An ancient voice suddenly echoed in his ears: Dont just listen to what Oxyto says. In my experience, anyone who leaves behind so many words before running away is either already insane or trying to cover up something. Oxyto did indeed flee here decisively before we locked onto her and planned to destroy this Paramita, but why would she tell us her objectives? Purely to vent her emotions? That may be one reason, but there should be a more important one: she wants us to focus on the collapse and destruction of this Paramita and overlook something else. Lumian hadnt entirely dismissed his doubts after Oxytos proclamations through those human skulls, but such behavior wasnt unusual for the indulgence faction of the Rose School of Thought. Those accustomed to indulgence were always eager to express their emotions. The ancient voice finally said, Time will provide us the answer. As soon as these words fell, Lumian saw the insects with translucent rings flying out. Suddenly, everything around him slowed down. A grayish-white fog settled over everything Lumian saw, making it all look surreal. Soon after, everything projected on the foggy curtain started to rewind. The human skulls were no longer cracked in countless places, the ground returned to smoothness, and the thick shadows receded into the sky. Time wasnt moving backward; rather, recent history and events were being displayed. Lumian then saw a pair of brown wings that could blot out the sky, leaving the current shadow behind. Between the wings, each feather as large as a human head, stood a female figure with an exposed abdomen. The woman was as beautiful as the moon at night, her face radiating maternal brilliance, but her hands and feet were arched, with sharp nails that gleamed coldly. This was the Shaman King, Oxyto. Having seen her male form, Lumian recognized her instantly. Her features were softer now, and her facial details were more delicate. Her belly was swollen, stretched taut with black veins visible on the surface. The skin was so thin that it was almost transparent, revealing the merging forms of numerous bird-clawed monster infants inside. She stuffed all those corpse-born bird-clawed infants into her belly What kind of monster is she nurturing? No wonder the bloodline connection didnt work directly, only indirectly within a certain range As Lumian came to this realization, Oxyto reached for her belly in the scene from the past. With a tearing sound, she ripped her abdomen open, blood pouring out. Oxyto forcefully pulled out an infant slightly smaller than Ludwig. Its skin was pale, its flesh decayed, and remnants of four or five heads and seven or eight bird claws remained on its surface. A pure, clear membrane, seemingly from Lake Dalsh, covered the babys body. Oxyto let out a cry of agony as she threw the infant into the eye socket of the crystal skull. The rotten, multi-headed infant was clearly much larger than the eye socket and the bronze door within it, yet it mysteriously shrank smaller and smaller until it squeezed through a gap barely wide enough for a hand, disappearing into the boundless darkness behind the door. Is Oxytos ultimate goal to send that monster infant into the Underworld, making some terrifying thing a reality? And now shes been forced into early labor? As Lumian had this thought, he realized the coldness inside him had vanished. The figure in the small black bonnet and the Knight of Swords in the vest and shirt simultaneously appeared in front of the crystal skull. But they seemed unable to pass through the crack in the bronze door and were trying to open it a little more. The Underworld Wearing the Eggers familys golden mask, Lumian felt a stirring inside. Seizing the opportunity provided by the temperance faction demigods stalling Paramitas collapse, he activated the black mark on his right shoulder, teleporting to the front of the crystal skull. In his eyes, the bronze door loomed abnormally large. He stretched out both hands and pressed them on either side of the bronze door. A hollow, muffled buzzing filled the air as the bronze door opened a little wider. Lumian immediately felt a terrifying suction, and with a swish, he was pulled through the crack, flung deep into the darkness. Inside him, two more cold masses joined him. Chapter 767 - 767 Underworld 767 Underworld With Lumian vanishing before the crystal skull, the human skulls, already covered in countless cracks, lost their support. They shattered with a thunderous crash, bringing down the shadows from above and splitting the grassy wilderness into fragments. Oxytos Paramita crumbled toward the cracked crystal skull, and everything there silently turned to dust. The spirits dissipated, the light vanished, and the void of darkness swallowed everything. No one knew how much time had passed before a gentle light began to glow in the absolute blackness, revealing a barren, dim, pale, and almost frozen wilderness. In the center of the wasteland lay the tranquil and sacred Lake Dalsh. The headless lady, draped in a dark-black dress and carrying four heads, swiftly appeared beside the lake, quietly gazing at its serene, transparent surface. As soon as Lumian was pulled through the bronze door, he felt countless eyes upon him, chilling his body further and numbing him. Meanwhile, arms of unknown origin reached out, grabbing at his head, neck, torso, and legs. Some had dull skin with white, bony teeth; others were so decayed that their flesh was falling off, slowly wriggling with equally decayed worms; some lacked skin altogether; others were merely illusory Spirit Bodies What they all shared was a bone-chilling cold that could freeze the soul. On Lumians face, the golden mask painted with black and white oil sparkled with a faint yet pure light. The reaching arms halted momentarily before retracting. The eyes watching him from the darkness also withdrew their gaze. Lumian regained his thoughts and his sense of his body. Below him, he discovered a deep pit with no visible bottom or boundaries. The edge of the pit was made up of layers of blurry worlds, spiraling downward to the limits of his vision. These jumbled worlds layered atop each other, and Lumian couldnt make out what lay within them, only knowing that each was vaster than the Star Highlands, with all previous watching eyes stemming from the pits bottomless dark. Lumian plummeted suddenly, falling into one of these blurry worlds in the blink of an eye. Miraculously, he stood on a barren wilderness exposed with gray-white rocks, surrounded by heaps of bleached bones, densely packed and stretching toward various distant places. At this moment, these bones lay still, as if slumbering through time. Is this the Underworld? I wonder where the Abscessed Hands body part might be. Lumian looked around, muttering to himself in silence. (Amonoculus note: It is the contracted creature that gave him the traverse the Spirit World. Lumian must find its body parts or else he cannot achieve godhood. According to Fors, one of the body parts is located in the Underworld.) It was the chance to enter the Underworld that had prompted him to help voluntarily, using the Eggers familys golden mask and the Underworld Daoists seal to push open the bronze door inside the crystal skull. Now, the problem was that the Underworld was much more vast than he had anticipated, and he had no idea where to start looking. Similarly, the whereabouts and intentions of the decaying infant that Oxyto had sent were unknown. Perhaps I could rely on the contract I had signed with the Abscessed Hand. Essentially being part of the same body, they are mystically connected. The contract I had signed is, to some extent, also with the rest of its body Lumian quickly formulated a plan and spoke in a cold, hoarse voice, Knight of Swords, have all of you entered as well? Yes, came the faint voice of the Knight of Swords, Maric. Pausing momentarily, he added, A companion of mine has also entered. Lumian nodded. Why arent both of you coming out? You are now in a wraith state, so theres no need to worry about dying instantly in the Underworld. Youre essentially undead beings now; whats there to fear about the Underworlds unique conditions? The Knight of Swords responded, But we are fundamentally still living beings. If we stay in the Underworld as wraiths for too long, we wont be able to revert to human form and will forever exist as wraiths or evil spirits. By using your body, we can temporarily avoid the influence of the Underworld, emerging only when its crucial. I see Lumian looked up at the pale, dim sky, I also cant wear this Eggers familys mask for too long. We have about three hours. As he spoke, Lumian tried to activate without using the black mark on his right shoulder, which was the Abscessed Hands Spirit World Traversal ability. With this mark, he faintly sensed something at the end of the wilderness on his right calling to him. Is that the body part of the Abscessed Hand in the Underworld? Just as Lumian had this thought, a figure appeared ahead. It was an extremely delicate-looking young woman with an unnaturally pale complexion. Her deep blue eyes were profound and devoid of any emotional fluctuation; her light golden hair was tied in astern bun adorned with a small black bonnet with a fine black veil, and she wore a complicated, exquisite black Gothic court dress. Is this the temperance faction demigod that was attached to me earlier? Lumian recalled the two blurry figures he saw through the crystalline ice. One of them matched the lady before him perfectly! The temperance factions demigod floated in mid-air, slowly turned around, and then pointed in a direction, nodding at Lumian. She was pointing toward the end of the wilderness on the right. Do you mean that Oxytos prematurely born, decayed child might be over there? Lumian asked for confirmation. The lady in the black bonnet nodded gently in affirmation. She then vanished into thin air, and Lumian felt another chill inside him. Its all in that direction, huh A coincidence? No, not a coincidence, its more likely that something in that direction is drawing them there Lumian turned his body, ready to teleport to the edge of his vision. As soon as Lumian started to become transparent, his body was suddenly grabbed by pale hands that appeared out of nowhere, seizing his arms. Lumian felt a paralyzing sensation throughout his body, as if his soul was being torn apart by an invisible force. This time, the faint glow from the golden mask had no effect. Lumian attempted to ignite a blazing white flame to ward off the cold, stiffness, and numbness, but he was overwhelmed by an invisible terror, trembling uncontrollably, unable to respond effectively. When he regained his clarity and composure, he found himself still standing in the same spot, but surrounding layers of bleached bones had all risen up, encircling him as if to protect him. At the same time, Lumian heard the voice of the Knight of Swords, Maric: Once you put on the Eggers familys mask and become a pure undead being, you will also possess all the traits of an undead, one of which is being suppressed by higher beings of the Death pathway, making it difficult to resist and your body and mind willing to accept enslavement. In contrast, we wraiths, who arent pure and can switch states freely, are less affected. Was this why I couldnt resist just now? I wonder if the Sword of Courage can counteract this effect. It theoretically should Lumian realized with a start. Did both of you save me just now? The Knight of Swords didnt continue on this topic but instead reminded Lumian, It seems that in the Underworld, you can teleport but not teleport freely, as that is considered a desecration of Death and attracts the punishment of the Underworld According to the mystic knowledge mentioned by Madam Magician, teleporting should be normal in the Underworld since it stems from the spirit world, but considering it as desecration of Death seems a bit too strict, typical of the oppression by higher-ranking beings of the Death pathway Lumian pondered for a few seconds, slightly bending his back. A blazing white, radiant spear of flame immediately shot forth, illuminating the pale, dim half-sky, casting towards the far reaches of the wilderness. As the white and red trail of the flame spear disappeared inch by inch, Lumian, transformed into the spear, hurled himself forward at the fastest speed he could achieve. During this process, he noticed the wilderness sloped downwards, and the destination he, the Knight of Swords, and the temperance faction demigod aimed for was at the bottom of this hillside. After a while, the blazing white light scattered in all directions, and Lumian, now clad in a thick jacket, descended toward the ground. Ahead of him lay a wide, surreal black river, so vast he couldnt see the other side. The river flowed silently from the edge of the sky to its limits, exceptionally quiet. Is this the River Styx? Lumian inquired of the temperance faction demigod within him. Responding to Lumian was still the Knight of Swords, Maric: It should be. It spans every layer of the Underworld. Crossing it is like entering the depths of the Underworld. If you hadnt stopped earlier and ended up flying above it, you would have fallen straight into the river, and no one would have been able to pull you out. Good thing the issue with teleporting just now gave me a warning: its best to pause in uncertain environments Lumian glanced left and right, noticing the wilderness was dotted with withered blood flowers, each concealing a multitude of corpses, bones, and shadows. How do I cross? Lumian sensed that the missing part of the Abscessed Hands body was on the other side of the River Styx. No sooner had he asked, and before the Knight of Swords could respond, a dilapidated, gloomy black boat suddenly appeared on the shadowy river. A figure draped in fragments stood on the boat, rowing with a long oar, guiding the vessel to Lumians side before stopping at the rivers edge. Peering closely, Lumian saw that the ferryman was a severely decayed male corpse. Large portions of his body were exposed, and his eyes appeared gouged out, leaving hollow sockets entwined with thick blood vessels oozing yellow pus. Take this boat across? Lumian asked, lowering his voice to consult the temperance faction member inside him. Knight of Swords Maric replied in an ethereal but slightly grave tone, Its the only way But be careful of the boatman. The Underworld has mutated, and it could be affected too. Chapter 768 - 768 Ferryman 768 Ferryman 768 Ferryman Lumian nodded, his right hand naturally falling on the Travelers Bag. He then walked over to the dilapidated, gloomy boat, noticing the severely decayed boatman turning aside to make way, as if signaling for him to hurry aboard. Can you ferry me across the Styx? Lumian asked politely in Dutanese. Given that the former Death hailed from the Southern Continent, Lumian figured that speaking Dutanese might be more readily accepted by all parties in the Underworld. After all, in an environment so rich with the stench of death that a living person couldnt last a second, using mystical languages like ancient Hermes, which could manipulate natural forces, might have unexpected effects. For instance, merely uttering the words River Styx could forge a strong connection with the dark, ethereal river before him, possibly causing it to whip up a massive wave and sweep him away. The boatman, its eye sockets filled with thick blood vessels and oozing yellow pus, faced the river, wide enough that the opposite bank was out of sight, and remained motionless. It seemed it was answering Lumian with his actions: Why would you try to communicate with a corpse? I cant hear you, nor can I make a sound. It seems ordinary language wont do Ive heard that the Death pathway includes a Language of the Dead, but unfortunately, I dont speak it Lumian muttered to himself quietly as he let his eyes take on a silver-black hue and slowly stepped onto the rickety, gloomy boat. In his Eye of Calamity, the boatmans destiny was pure black, dead and void, showing no signs of change. Does this mean no matter how much the boatman struggles, it cant change its status as a corpse, and its only fate is to wither away with time until even its existence vanishes? But that doesnt mean the boatman cant do anything during this time before its demise. Its actions can still affect the fates of others, including mine and other undead beings. From this perspective, the boatman, or rather the summoned undead, should still have a destiny, only that the outcome cannot be changed Indeed, they have destinies, but my current rank isnt high enough to see them, is it? After all, objects have destinies too, but I cant see them now It might also be that the destinies of the dead need to interact with others to manifest in the destinies of those others Perhaps because he had temporarily become an undead himself, Lumian couldnt help but ponder the destinies of these residents of the Underworld. With the mystical knowledge he currently possessed, he couldnt define destiny precisely, nor did he know how much the mercury river of fate encompassed, or whether there were unseen aspects or hidden parts he wasnt aware of yet. He felt there must be, which stemmed from a few simple questions: Could it be that by donning the Eggers familys golden mask and becoming an undead, the river of fate that still existed for me simply disappears, turning utterly black and void? And when I take off the mask, does the river of fate instantly return? What then is the river of fate? A plaything at our disposal? Although the golden mask of the Eggers family was made by Death, it didnt contain Beyonder characteristics and was only of a higher rank. It surely wasnt simple enough to manipulate the river of fate so easily! Later on, if theres a chance, I should have a Monster pathway Beyonder observe my fate to see the changes before and after donning the golden mask Uh never mind, unless I find a demigod-level Monster pathway Beyonder, otherwise it would only harm them. Even when I had only Mr. Fools seal, the false angelic rank, and the residual aura of the Blood Emperor, the patrol teams machine Kolobo from Port Pylos was already too afraid to look at me, thinking it would bring him great danger. Now, I have also added the Underworld Daoists seal and Omebellas bloodline Lumian positioned himself at the center of the battered boat, allowing the golden mask to turn his eyes iron-black. He wanted to preemptively spot the boatmans weaknesses to prepare for any potential mishaps. At that moment, the highly decayed boatman began to row, slowly steering the dark boat towards the other side of the surreal, shadowy river. His body was entirely cloaked in dark colors, and Lumian struggled to find any sign of a vulnerable pale spot amid the black. Of course, these dark colors also meant that the boatman was completely vulnerable to sunlight and lightning. The next second, Knight of Swords Marics voice rang in Lumians ears: Its weaknesses might not be here. Not here? What do you mean theyre not here? Can weaknesses be separated from the person? Just as Lumian was filled with intense curiosity, he remembered several stories his sister had once told him. In those stories, a type of monster called a lich would create phylacteries and hide them in heavily protected, secret places. As long as the phylacteries were not found and destroyed, the lich would not truly die, effectively separating its fatal weakness from itself. (Amonoculus note: phylactery ??? either of two small square leather boxes containing slips inscribed with scriptural passages and traditionally worn on the left arm and on the head by observant Jewish men and especially adherents of Orthodox Judaism during morning weekday prayers.) And in the twenty-two paths of the divine, such things were hardly surprising. The Knight of Swords continued, Were you trying to discern its fate earlier? It holds a considerable rank; this is a dangerous endeavor. A considerable rank? Lumian glanced at the boatman, draped in tattered clothes and highly decayed flesh, unable to see anything particularly formidable about it. However, the fact that it could ferry across the River Styx without sinking into it certainly suggested something extraordinary. Lumian diverted his gaze, closely watching the boatmans every move, patiently waiting as the dilapidated boat made its way across the River Styx to the opposite shore. The battered boat rocked slowly, as if it might fall apart at any moment, taking what felt like an eternity to reach the middle of the river. Suddenly, the highly decayed boatman raised its long oar and turned toward Lumian. As the gloomy boat came to a halt, the boatmans mouth abruptly opened, splitting down to its decayed chest, its hollowed-out navel, and further down to its groin. Its body unfolded like a coat unbuttoning, stretching out to the sides, revealing no darkened organs or bones of its own, but rather a heap of half-melted, decayed limbs. Once again, Lumian felt a chill that made him shudder, daring not to harbor any thoughts of resistance. He clenched his right hand, which had been ready. He grasped the Sword of Courage from the Travelers Bag, holding the hilt of the iron-black broadsword. Courage swiftly filled Lumians body, prompting a manic smile on his face. What is there to fear from a mere boatman? Even if Death Himself stood before me, I would strike Him down with my sword! Lumian drew his broadsword, now ablaze with white-blue flames, and slashed fiercely at the boatman, who was lunging at him with its skin peeled open. With a thud, the Sword of Courage cut through the pile of melting limbs in the boatmans stomach and struck the layer of rotting skin riddled with holes behind its chest. But the broadsword failed to split the seemingly fragile, decayed skin. As Lumian readied a second strike, one accompanied by a massive explosion, the boatman swiftly recoiled, slowly closing its opened chest and abdomen. At the same time, the voice of the Knight of Swords rang in Lumians ears: Stop. Weve got it under control This is our chance to finish it off! Lumian responded without hesitation. He and the Knight of Swords were communicating in Intis. The Knight of Swords paused for a second and said, I know, youre not afraid of it, and you could kill it, but if it dies, we cant cross the River Styx. Seeing Lumian calm down a bit, the Knight of Swords added, Besides, killing it wont grant you any Beyonder characteristics. Its merely the skin of the true Ferryman. It seems to have been consuming other corpses, trying to regain a body but never succeeding. Lumian accepted the Knight of Swords explanation. Having courage didnt mean being deaf to others words, its just selectively ignoring dangerous warnings. He then placed the Sword of Courage back among the ordinary straight swords in the Travelers Bag. This time, he didnt feel the post-event fear because this was the purpose of using the Sword of Courage. The only thing he feared was: A demigods skin has been peeled off? What in hell happened in the Underworld back then? Lumian watched as the boatman slowly and struggle-fully pinched together the split skin and rotting flesh on its chest, like buttoning up a coat. Following this, the boatman plunged its long, dark, decayed oar into the surreal shadowy River Styx, moving it at an even slower pace as if resisting something. Has the demigod of the temperance faction possessed the boatman, forcefully taking control and making it continue to row? It looks like this control is met with strong resistance Lumian remained ready to draw the Sword of Courage again in case of any unforeseen incidents. As the gloomy boat rocked its way towards the opposite shore of the Styx, Lumian, having nothing better to do, started a conversation with the Knight of Swords. I saw the entire Underworld as a series of descending layers earlier. Crossing the Styx should just get us to the other side of this layer, so why did you say its like entering deep into the Underworld? The Knight of Swords simply replied, The geography of the Underworld doesnt completely align with the real world. According to the many notes of the Eggers family, there are two ways to enter the depths of the Underworld. The first is to descend layer by layer through the worlds encircling the Styx, which are used to punish sinners, ultimately arriving at the realm where the Blessed of Death reside. The second is to cross the Styx directly. Is that so Lumian mused aloud, So, our destination is the realm once inhabited by the Blessed of Death? The Knight of Swords paused for a second and said, Deaths palace should be there as well. The palace of the former Death? Lumians eyelids twitched at the thought. As he and the Knight of Swords alternated between silence and conversation, the boundary on the other side of the Styx finally came into view. Chapter 769 - 769 Incomplete Corpse 769 Incomplete Corpse 769 Incomplete Corpse Unlike the wilderness Lumian and company had passed through earlier, strewn with grayish-white rocks, the soil on this side of the River Styx was pitch black. There were no withered blood-colored flowers, no ghostly skeletons, and no decaying corpses to be seen. The sky above was no longer lit by pale, dim, cold sunlight. Instead, a rich darkness dominated this boundless world. Deep within the darkness, clusters of pale-white, greenish-hued flames hung quietly in mid-air, spaced far apart as if serving as street lamps. Using the illumination from the nearest pale flame, Lumian quickly leaped from the gloomy boat to the shore. Once his feet hit solid ground, his heart steadied considerably. As he crossed the River Styx, the scent of death in his undead body became more intense and evident, while his spirit and consciousness, tightly protected by the Eggers familys golden mask, felt a slight chill. Following that, a sinister coldness pervaded his body, but the highly decayed boatman, with its hollow eyes, simply reinserted its long oar back into the rivers current. It made no new move to attack Lumian. It seemed incapable of attacking targets on the shore. Watching the gloomy boat and the boatman, now facing away from him, slowly drift away, Lumian mused, Not going to finish it off? With its rank, that decayed human skin would match your messenger quite well This referred to the Knight of Swords messenger, the Half-Fairy, a spirit being missing the outer half of her body, meaning she was precisely lacking human skin, while the boatman was just the peeled skin of a demigod from the Death pathway. The Knight of Swords was silent for a few seconds, letting his voice echo in Lumians ears: She only lacks her own skin. This reply was curt and restrained, yet Lumian almost heard the Knight of Swords roar: Dont just find any skin for my messenger to wear! Pausing for a second, the Knight of Swords continued, We might need to return across the River Styx, and we dont know how many Ferryman are left there. A need to return across the Styx? Lumian then pondered a very serious and important question. After dealing with Oxytos child, how do we leave the Underworld? Clearly, this was not something that could be solved by teleportation. Our allies in the outside world should be seeking help from the Death pathways Sequence 5 Gatekeeper or a corresponding demigod, which might necessitate our return to the peripheral areas of the Underworld we were in before, to access the bronze doors of the Underworld. Lumian nodded, following a vague sensation brought on by the black mark on his right shoulder, and took a step forward. He didnt ask the Knight of Swords and the temperance faction demigod if he was veering off the path to find Oxytos child. If he were wrong, they would inform him. Reaching the nearest pale flame, Lumian realized it truly served as a street lamp. It was crafted from gold, shaped like a kneeling figure with hands bound behind its back, its head tilted back and torso bent outward. A dark, sinister wick protruded from the statues mouth, coated in a layer of pale yellow translucent grease. The pale-white flame burned quietly, seemingly for thousands of years without a hint of extinguishing. From this human-shaped lamp onward, the ground was covered with dark, cracked stone slabs. Lumian could imagine just how solemn and solemn the path to Deaths palace must have been. (Amonoculus note: Not sure why the official translation has used the word solemn twice here.) He walked along the path, which was inexplicably cracked and shattered, quickly but cautiously heading deeper into the darkness, towards the place suspected to hold the Abscessed Hands body part. The path also presented a slightly downward trajectory. This reminded Lumian of Hotel Orella he had once stayed in, recalling the words spoken by Iveljsta, a descendant of Death-many believed that the true hell and the origin of death lay deep underground, so one had to continually descend, delving deeper and deeper. This is reflected in the Underworld too After walking for a while, Lumian suddenly conjured a large, blazing white flame in his hand. The bright light quickly dispelled the darkness further away, allowing Lumian to clearly see the surroundings: Mausoleum-style buildings were either completely collapsed or half fallen, deathly quiet, with no bones or bodies. These buildings varied in color, not just black, but also pale-white, golden, dark red, and sinister green. Did the Blessed of Death once live in these houses? Lumian asked the Knight of Swords, who was well-versed in the history of the Southern Continent and the legends of the Underworld. The Knight of Swords replied succinctly, I dont know He then added, Only by finding a creature that entered and exited the Underworld before the fall of Death can we be sure. Alright Lumian didnt press further and quickened his pace. This was because he felt that the body part of the Abscessed Hand was not far ahead! His right hand went back into the Travelers Bag, ready to draw the Sword of Courage at any moment. As for the Devils Whispers ring, he didnt plan to wear it yet; he didnt think becoming undead would immunize him against the malevolent effects unleashed by that Sealed Artifact. Undead beings could harbor malice too! After all, undead beings such as wraiths and evil spirits were formed around the core of their own obsessions and residual malice. Moreover, Lumians spirit and consciousness were still protected by the golden mask of the Eggers family, remaining in a living state. After a quick jog, guided by the pale-white flame of the human-shaped street lamps and the blazing white orb above, Lumian discovered a grand structure along the side of the cracked stone slabs. It appeared to be a cathedral, entirely black and about fifty to sixty meters tall, but its upper half had already collapsed into the lower part. Lumian concentrated, listening intently, and heard faint, strange sounds emanating from the grand but ruined cathedral. It was as if someone was using a blunt sword to slice through flesh and saw through bones, causing a headache to the listener. I have another matter to resolve inside this cathedral, Lumian finally disclosed his intent to the Knight of Swords and the temperance faction demigod. He then firmly added, It should be quick. He remembered what Madam Magician had said: the true danger of the Abscessed Hand would only manifest once all its parts were assembled, and currently, two parts were still in the City of Exiles Morora, so there was no need to worry about that. The enemy he might face next could be the undead being creating the sound just heard. Alright, the Knight of Swords did not inquire about the specifics. Thank you, Lumian responded sincerely. The Knight of Swords and the temperance faction demigod neither objected nor disengaged from Lumians body, indicating their tacit approval to provide the necessary assistance when needed. Lumian extinguished the blazing white orb hovering above his head to avoid provoking the undead within the dilapidated cathedral. He transformed into a shadow, blending into the areas not illuminated by the pale-white flames, and silently infiltrated the building whose upper half had entirely collapsed inward. From the shadows, Lumian saw columns thrust into the ground, a dome shattered into pieces, and a bird statue broken in half. After winding through the ruins for a while, Lumians path brightened suddenly. Ten meters ahead on a crumbling wall, several bone torches burning with pale green flames were inserted, the dense darkness above streaming through a large hole created by the collapsed dome, blocked outside by this dim light. Beneath the bone torches, a long table made of grayish-white stone was set up, upon which lay a half-corpse, head severed and vertically split open. The corpse wore no clothes, its body bluish-black and swollen with decay, oozing yellowish-red pus everywhere. It appeared significantly larger than a normal human, unclear whether it was a half-giant in life or merely bloated by post-mortem gasses. Lumian recognized it instantly-this was the body of the Abscessed Hand! It comprised the left half, including one hand and one foot. In front of the Abscessed Hands corpse stood a towering figure, about four meters tall. The figures skin was pitch-black, etched with numerous sinister patterns, most of which had decayed, exposing bare, ghostly white bones or appearing as half-melted, viscous tissue. At that moment, this figure, bent over, was slowly cutting into the half-corpse of the Abscessed Hand with an even larger pale-white leg bone, likely from another unknown source. Lumian noticed two curved, tattered black goat horns growing from the figures head, its profile resembling a fusion of human and goat features, becoming increasingly terrifying the longer he looked. An undead being transformed from a Beyonder of the Devil pathway after death? Just as Lumian had this thought, he saw the goat-faced giant slice off a chunk of bluish-black decaying flesh and stuff it into its mouth, chewing vigorously, causing pale yellow pus to splatter. On the half-corpse of the Abscessed Hand, the decaying flesh writhed and grew, filling in the cuts made. A cycle of one eating, the other growing? Lumian was pondering a plan to take the Abscessed Hands corpse when the Devil-like undead suddenly turned around, looked towards the shadows where he was hiding, and spoke in an unintelligible language using a hollow, decayed voice. Though he couldnt understand the words, Lumian felt a strange pulsation in his flesh, compelling him to leave his shadow form and revert to his undead appearance with the golden mask. However, the decaying, goat-faced Devil did not take the opportunity to attack. After two seconds, the voice of the Knight of Swords reached Lumians ears: Its asking: Do you need flesh?'' Do you need flesh? Lumian was first stunned, then relieved that he had a translator. Looking at the hunched-over, Devil-like giant undead, Lumian suddenly had a strange thought: Is this considered making a deal with a Demon? Has the aftereffects from using the Authority Holders Under-the-table Transaction finally caught up with me? Chapter 770 - 770 Egg 770 Egg 710 Egg For a moment, Lumian was unsure whether the Authority Holders Under-the-table Transaction, a Beyonder item from the Broker pathway, actually had negative effects. On the one hand, encountering a deal with Demons and other evil beings surprisingly prevented a potential battle. Without this negative effect, Lumian suspected he would have been attacked the instant he was spotted by the goat-faced Demon, instead of being asked if he needed flesh. This seemed like a manifestation of how a Shadow Merchant could reduce the malice from dangerous creatures and mysterious entities. However, it was definitely wrong if this wasnt considered a negative effect. Dealing with a Demon wouldnt be simple or easy. It might even be very dangerous, even if the Demon was already dead. After a few seconds of deliberation, Lumian, pointing to the half-body of the Abscessed Hand on the grayish-white stone table, asked, I want it all. What must I give in return? He planned to gauge the difficulty of the transaction first. If it proved too challenging, he would ask for help from the temperance faction demigod to confront and collectively eliminate this decaying goat-faced Demon! Having a deal offered by a Demon didnt mean you had to accept it! As soon as Lumian spoke, he felt his body stiffen and a coldness spread within him. He understood what was happening and didnt resist or struggle, then found himself involuntarily speaking in a gravelly, metallic voice, as if using dead vocal cords. His words were repeated in an unknown language by the goat-faced giant, and every word struck a chill into Lumians spirit, feeling as though they were piercing his Spirit Body. Bent over and goat-faced, the black-skinned decaying Demon responded in the same hollow language, its voice echoing ominously. One of the words seemed to grasp Lumians Spirit Body and body as if by a giant hand. If it werent for his dead state and the protection of the Eggers familys golden mask, just this interaction alone could have severely harmed him. Soon, the ethereal voice of the Knight of Swords resonated in his mind: I want Farbauti dead! Farbauti? The Devil Monarch, Farbauti, the true form of Naboredisley? The terms of the deal require me to kill an ancient god? Lumian narrowed his eyes at the towering goat-faced devil, regaining control of his voice to say, Thats an ancient god. I cant do it. Change the terms. If the goat-faced devil refused to change the terms, then there was no need for negotiation! Facing an ancient god might be beyond me, but taking you down certainly wasnt! It was just a matter of owing a favor to a demigod! That debt could be repaid slowly over time! It was unclear whether it was the Knight of Swords or the temperance faction demigod who then took control of Lumians body, translating his words into a language the goat-faced Demon could understand. This also brought Lumian a strange sensation. The goat-faced Demon, capable of standing four to five meters tall but appearing only a bit over three meters due to its bent back, fell silent for a moment before speaking in a deep, hollow tone, I want that egg. Egg? Lumian muttered to himself in confusion. He understood directly because the Knight of Swords had already translated it synchronously. Where is this egg? Lumian inquired. As a member of the temperance faction took control of his mouth to relay the question, the decaying goat-faced Demon let the massive thigh bone in its hand drop to the ground with a loud thud. In the palace, the goat-faced Demon answered simply, making the Knight of Swords job of translating much easier. This also made the Knight of Swords translation job much easier. Lumian asked, seeking confirmation, The palace of Death? Could a former divine residence be extremely dangerous? The goat-faced Demons eyes, oozing blood and pus, shifted slightly. Yes. An egg within Deaths palace Lumian hesitated between agreeing to the deal or just seizing it. As he surveyed his surroundings, he further inquired, What does this egg look like? While waiting for the member of the temperance faction to translate, Lumian noticed a broken statue by a half-buried stone pillar, with only parts of its body remaining. It was vaguely recognizable as an avian statue, its feathers seemingly woven from mystical patterns, pale-white and dim. An avian statue Lumian thought, connecting this with the egg the goat-faced Demon wanted. Once the translation was finished and control of his mouth returned, he added, A birds egg? After about ten seconds, the goat-faced Demon dragged its pale thigh bone forward a few steps, which scraped against the ground, producing a grating sound. The goat-faced Demon spoke slowly and intermittently, Yes. Its large. Black, within flames. It really is a birds egg, and obviously from an abnormal mother Birds Lumian suddenly remembered the prematurely born child they were tracking, associated with the Banshees in their full might. They resembled birds, with claws and wings! Although there are clear differences from this bird statue, they are at least all birds Moreover, since there is an abnormal birds egg inside Deaths palace, it implies the existence of a mother, a mother in the mystical sense Lumian vaguely grasped the reason Oxyto had conceived such a stillborn and cast it into the Underworld. Was her goal also this egg, to use it to do something to the Underworld? Whether integrating the realm of the dead in the Raklev region into her own Paramita or conducting a ritual to impregnate corpses and bear children, was it all for this purpose? Sheesh, does she intend to merge the Underworld with her own Paramita? Thats quite ambitious, isnt it? This is a legacy of a true god, a former divine kingdom! But if Oxyto really succeeds, wouldnt the Great Mother be able to descend directly? Even if she cant fully merge the Underworld just yet, just planting a seed is still a very dangerous thing for our world! Lumian immediately asked the goat-faced Demon, Have you seen a giant baby with bird claws? The decaying goat-faced Demon looked at Lumian but did not respond. It was unclear whether it hadnt seen such a thing, or if the influence of the Broker pathway was limited to the transaction itself. Lumian fell silent for a few seconds before stating, Deal! The goat-faced Demons head moved almost imperceptibly. It turned and began dragging its pale thigh bone, step by step, back to the grayish-white stone table where the half-body of the Abscessed Hand lay. Lumian, lowering his voice, shared his recent thoughts with the Knight of Swords and the temperance faction demigod. Knight of Swords Maric quickly responded, Lets head to Deaths palace right now. Seemingly to reassure Lumian, the Knight of Swords added, Youre wearing the Eggers familys mask. Many dangers in the Underworld will naturally avoid you. We only need to worry about anomalies like the boatman. And if Oxytos monstrous child can get close to Deaths palace, close to that birds egg, then we should be able to as well. Even with the premature birth and the powers inherited from Oxyto, its at most equivalent to a Sequence 4. Upon hearing the Knight of Swords say so much in one breath, Lumian pondered and said, Its state of existence and birth ritual are quite unique. It might be able to harness some of the Underworlds power. Even if it hasnt reached the Angelic level due to being premature, we must treat it as a Sequence 3 demigod in the corresponding environment. After all, this was a baby born through the integration of Paramita and the spirit realm, facilitated by Lake Dalsh. And this baby had undergone gestation within a corpse, birth post-mortem, and then returned to its original form through a process of mutation and integration. It absolutely couldnt be considered a living creature, for living beings would instantly die in the Underworld. Yes, the Knight of Swords answered succinctly. Under the pale glow of a few bone torches mounted on the broken wall, Lumian asked the two members of the temperance faction within him, If we continue along the path we were on, into the depths of the darkness, will we reach Deaths palace? Lumian remembered that the Knight of Swords had mentioned reading many notes from the descendants of Death. Before the Knight of Swords could reply, the goat-faced Demon standing at the gray stone table suddenly lifted the large pale thigh bone. It used the bone to point toward a dark, deep hole that had been smashed open by a dome-shaped stone block near the broken statue. That seemed to lead to the dark cathedrals basement. Lumian paused, then blurted out, You mean, this leads directly to Deaths palace? Based on the Knight of Swords explanations and what he had seen earlier, Lumian believed Deaths palace was situated at the bottom of the dark Underworld. One would have to keep heading downward, deep into the ground, to reach it. But since it was a descent, jumping directly into the seemingly bottomless basement might also be feasible. Emperor Roselle once said, All roads lead to Trier! The decaying goat-faced Demon nodded slowly. It was only then that Lumian realized: This fellow understands my Intis language! Why did I even bother getting a translator? Is a Demon still a Demon even after death? Lumian didnt waste any time confronting the decaying goat-faced Demon. He ran a few steps to the edge of the dark, vast hole. He formed a clump of blazing white flame and placed it at the edge of the hole, illuminating some of the interior: massive stone pillars, blackened wood racks, collapsed stone slabs, and a winding staircase extending downward, disappearing into the darkness. No problem, the Knight of Swords conveyed the judgment on behalf of the temperance faction demigod. It leads to Deaths palace. Without hesitation, Lumian jumped onto the partially collapsed staircase. Instead of running down the stairs in the usual way, he jumped back and forth between stone pillars, wood racks, staircases, and walls in a linear free-fall. During this process, Lumian occasionally transformed into a blazing white flame spear to leap over completely collapsed parts without footholds and at other times turned into a shadow creature to navigate around special areas. The surrounding darkness seemed to hide something, something even the blazing white light couldnt illuminate, but Lumian ignored it, pretending not to notice. After descending for an indeterminate amount of time, Lumians feet finally touched the ground. In the light of the blazing white flame, he saw that the area was littered with broken bones, some white, some yellow-brown, and some dark brown. Not too far from Lumian, a deep black stone wall stood, set with a heavy wooden door large enough for a giant to pass through. Lumian walked up to the door, bent over, and extended his palms, beginning to push outward with all his strength. His instincts told him that beyond this door lay Deaths palace. Chapter 771 - 771 Pale-White Nation 771 Pale-White Nation 771 Pale-White Nation Amidst the heavy tearing sound of a long-unmoved wooden board, the chestnut-brown door slowly opened outward. The first thing Lumian noticed was the dim light, unlike the darkness typical of the deeper parts of the Underworld, emanating not from golden humanoid streetlamps but from all objects ahead. He then got a clear view of the exterior. There lay a cluster of palaces half-sunken into the void, with a majestic main hall, several high towers, and aerial corridors connecting them. Deeper into the palace complex, the structures seemed to sink further into the void, while those on the periphery stood solidly on a barren wilderness. Even so, the main hall in the core area towered much higher than the rest of the buildings. Now, most of the structures were completely collapsed, leaving only ruins and broken walls. The relatively intact palaces and towers were concentrated on the periphery, with the only visibly towering structure in the core area being the main hall and its four attached spires. At this moment, whether it was the broken palace complex or the surrounding wilderness and the sky above, all had faded to a dim, pale white, enveloping and infusing the entire world with pallor. They brought light. This pale-white world still retained a few other colors-gold embedded on the surfaces of buildings and the black at the bottom of the palace complex representing the void. The latter had two other sources: one was the silently falling illusory dark River Styx from above, cascading behind the main hall, and the other was a creature long enough to be described in hundreds of meters, nestled among the four spires atop the grand main hall. It was an exaggeratedly large bird, its wings woven from pale-white flames and mystical patterns, quietly sprawling on the roof of the main hall. Many of its pale-white fiery feathers had shed, revealing the black, decaying skin underneath. Despite the considerable distance, and even with just a few fleeting glances, Lumian couldnt help but feel his death accelerating. He lowered his head to look at his hands and found his already pale, dull, and withered undead skin now marked with spreading patches of blue-black decay. These marks moved slowly, deepening continuously. Moreover, his clothes were also beginning to be infected by the pallor of this world, all colors turning dim. What kind of monster is that? Lumian dared not gaze at the distant giant bird anymore and could only look directly at the palace complex itself. After a few seconds, the increasingly ethereal voice of the Knight of Swords, Maric, rang out: It might be the corpse of Gregrace. Gregrace? The Phoenix Ancestor, the ancient Death among the eight ancient gods of the Second Epoch? Lumian blurted out in astonishment, Why would Her body be here? After posing the question, Lumian felt it was somewhat meaningless. This was the Underworld, and it was not strange for any deceaseds body to appear here. The Phoenix Ancestor-ancient Death-had perished before the Underworld anomaly. On the other hand, the absence of the Eggers familys Deaths corpse, hidden somewhere, was an anomaly. Lumian didnt expect the Knight of Swords to actually answer his question. It might be that the ancestor of the Eggers family, the former Death, placed it here. Uh Does that mean the Eggers familys Death not only acquired the Beyonder characteristics of the Phoenix Ancestor Gregrace but also brought Her body back to the Underworld, hiding it somewhere in the palace complex? How did She, no-it end up on top of the palace? Is it just a corpse? Was it placed there initially? Or did the anomaly in the Underworld come from this ancient gods corpse? With the reigning Death dead, has the ancient gods corpse reanimated? Lumian suddenly had some thoughts. At that moment, he heard the Knight of Swords add, Sharron just saw the egg. The egg? The one the goat-faced Demon wants? Is Sharron referring to the temperance faction demigod within me? Lumians heart leaped with joy before he quickly asked, Where is the egg? Below the belly of what seems to be the corpse of the Phoenix Ancestor. It has a pitch-black shell and is engulfed in pale-white flames, about a meter in diameter, the Knight of Swords briefly described the egg. Protected by the corpse of the ancient Death? Lumians scalp tingled at the thought. How am I supposed to retrieve it? This might as well be no different from slaying the Devil Monarch, Farbauti! Of course, for those of high stature, a living ancient god and a Beyonder-characteristic-lacking one reduced to a decaying corpse were not on the same level; the difficulty of these tasks was as different as heaven and the abyss. But for Lumian, they were equally insurmountable, both falling under the category of impossible even with self-sacrifice. Son of a sow, that goat-faced fellow really is a Demon turned undead! Fine, if it cant be completed, then so be it. Just finish off the contractor as if there was no task at all! As malicious thoughts spread throughout his body, the Knight of Swords added, Its not entirely impossible to retrieve the egg. The state of the Phoenix Ancestors corpse is somewhat strange. Strange state of the corpse? Arent there only two states for a corpse, eternal rest and reanimation? Lumian dared not use his own eyes to inspect the decaying corpse of the ancient Death, Gregrace, and could only inquire of Sharron, the only one present who could withstand looking at the body of an ancient god to some extent, Whats strange about it? The one responding was still the Knight of Swords. Its asleep, the kind of deep sleep thats hard to awaken from. This doesnt align with the current state of this Pale-White Nation. Asleep? Dead and transformed, yet still needing sleep? Lumian frowned slightly and asked, Why does that not align with the current state here? The Knight of Swords paused a few seconds before explaining, From what weve seen, one of the reasons for the original anomaly in the Underworld was the reanimation of the Phoenix Ancestor. It destroyed Deaths palace, killed all of Deaths Blessed present, and turned this place into a pale-white nation. Weve encountered a few demigods from the Death domain. Since the Underworld anomaly, they could still manage some affairs in the Underworld, even enter directly, but none dared to venture deep into the Underworld to search for the treasures within Deaths palace. Their instincts told them it was too dangerous, absolutely not to be approached. But Sharron didnt have such a premonition for danger, so she agreed to come here. That means, for a long time after the Underworld anomaly, the body of the Phoenix Ancestor still roamed this pale-white nation, keeping the high-ranked beings of the Death domain at bay, but now, it lies asleep Lumian found the oddity from Marics description. When was the last time a high-ranking Beyonder of the Death pathway felt danger approaching deep into the Underworld? Lumian tried to determine the approximate timeframe. I dont know, the Knight of Swords answered promptly. Dont know It seems then, that the Phoenix Ancestors body has only fallen asleep in recent years. Otherwise, the high-ranked Beyonders of the Death pathway entering the Underworld would have discovered that its not so dangerous here anymore, and might have attempted exploration, not leaving without a trace nor without any news spreading What happened in recent years? Lumian thought, unable to suppress his complaint. Why did the Eggers familys Death bring back the Phoenix Ancestors corpse, leaving such a huge risk? As a true god, He could have directly destroyed this corpse! The Knight of Swords responded to Lumians complaint, The Underworld was established by the ancient Death in the spirit world, and as an ancient god, She wasnt limited to the powers of the Death pathway when She created the Underworld. It might not have been easy for the Eggers familys Death to initially take control of the Underworld; He might have needed to use the corpse of the Phoenix Ancestor. By the time He truly took control, His state might have changed, no longer concerned with such trivial matters. Does this mean the Eggers familys Death went mad later? The Underworld wasnt naturally formed, it was created by the ancient Death, Gregrace Such a powerful ancient god, no wonder She could have undergone reanimation Lumian reflected inwardly. The Knight of Swords, sensing his sigh, simply said, Its said that even among those mad ancient gods, the Phoenix Ancestor, Gregrace, was particularly fond of stirring things up, much like the Blood Emperor Alista Tudor of the Fourth Epoch. Now that you put it that way, I can understand perfectly Lumians gaze continuously shifted among the pale sky, the wilderness, and the collapsed palace complex, pondering whether to seize the opportunity of the ancient gods corpse being asleep to steal the enormous black egg burning with pale-white flames. Suddenly, he spotted a figure still capable of movement. It was a creature with a human head but the body of a giant bird. The creatures limbs were bent, with nails that flickered with a cold light; its back sported wings covered in half pale-white, half chestnut-brown feathers. The development of its head seemed incomplete, resembling several infant heads slowly merging together. Oxytos premature child? Its indeed here! Lumian recognized the creatures identity. That was the target he and the members of the temperance faction had been tracking! At that moment, Oxytos monstrous child was flapping its wings, continuously circling and stealthily drawing closer to the sleeping ancient gods corpse. Its target appeared to be the enormous black egg pressed beneath the corpse! We must stop it! Sharron will handle cursing and controlling it, and well take care of the attack! The voice of the Knight of Swords echoed in Lumians mind. Okay. This time, Lumian didnt hesitate and sprinted out from the base of the pitch-black cathedral. As soon as he stepped into that pale-white nation, his entire being was dyed pale-white, devoid of any additional colors. This caused him to shiver both body and soul, wanting nothing more than to kneel down on the ground, lying prostrate and motionless. Silently, Lumian drew the Sword of Courage. The blade, now color-eroded by the pale-whiteness, suddenly ignited with a bright white flame tinged with blue. Chapter 772 - 772 Curse 772 Curse 772 Curse Filled with the courage to battle against the heavens and to strike at true gods, Lumian stood straight and tall, unflinchingly facing the ruined palaces within the Pale-White Nation. Just then, his eyelids dropped uncontrollably, shielding his eyes. Almost simultaneously, the voice of the Knight of Swords resonated once more in his ear: Our target is Oxytos child, not the ancient gods corpse. This was to prevent Lumian from looking directly across the pale-white wilderness at the corpse of the ancient death god. Theres nothing to fear! Lumian quickly responded. His voice, once it left his mouth, was also infected by the pallor governing this world, becoming weak, hollow, and devoid of emotion. The Knight of Swords earnestly advised, But this will affect our battle with Oxytos child; we must resolve it quickly. Once thats done, you can do whatever you want. Lumian fell momentarily quiet before responding, Okay. Honestly, wearing the Eggers familys golden mask and in his undead state, Lumian felt a bloodline-based fear and an awe towards the Phoenix Ancestors corpse atop Deaths palace, which the courage did not dispel and even somewhat weakened, creating a balance. Otherwise, Lumian, wielding the Sword of Courage, would not have been so agreeable! Immediately, Lumian ignited into a bright white flame, transforming into a long spear of light, hurling towards the still-intact buildings at the edge of the palace complex. As the fiery spear cut through the sky, it too was eroded by the pallor, dissipating and dimming even faster, which meant Lumian only managed half the intended distance. Finally, as the pale-white light extinguished, Lumian appeared mid-air, plummeting straight towards the ground. He landed softly on the wilderness, making only a slight sound, and all around was deadly silence. The bright, blazing spear of flame took to the air once again. After repeating this five times, Lumian finally reached a high tower adorned with numerous golden patterns and stood at its top, with the figure of Oxytos monstrous child becoming clearer in his sight. Although the other did not display the potentially incomplete Mythical Creature form, merely seeing the bent human limbs, a head formed from several merged infant heads, and wings stretching from the torso with half pale-white, half chestnut-brown feathers, Lumian felt dizzy, accompanied by spasmodic pain. Additionally, something inside him seemed to be calling, slowly gathering towards his abdomen. It was the bloodline of Omebella! Lumian felt no fear from this. Wasnt this inevitable? In the next instant, two figures materialized before him. One figure wore a black Gothic-style court dress, complete with a matching petite bonnet and her light golden hair neatly bundled up; the other, slightly disheveled, donned a traditional black vest over a white shirt. Temperance faction demigod Sharron and a member of the temperance faction, the holder of the Knight of Swords Minor Arcana tarot card, Maric! As they approached their primary target, they finally detached from Lumians body, ready to battle. Indeed, both Sharron and Maric bore colors derived from the impressions left by Lumian, not truly manifested, appearing pale-white and dim. Moreover, their bodies were transparent and ghostly, in a state of Wraiths. If not so, they would have instantly died, becoming real undead creatures devoid of consciousness. The monstrous child of Oxyto, hovering close to the belly of the ancient death gods corpse, sensed the proximity of Lumian and the others. From a distance of two or three kilometers, it half-turned its body and looked over with its twelve clustered eyes. Lumian immediately felt the protective essence of his mind and consciousness, shielded by the Eggers familys golden mask, along with the life force deep within, showing signs of disintegration. In his eyes, the temperance faction demigod named Sharron, using the reflective mirror effect of the pure gold surface, flickered twice between the crumbling palace and the high tower, coming within three to four hundred meters of the Phoenix Ancestors corpse. She opened her mouth towards Oxytos child and emitted a piercing scream. This was Lumians first time hearing Sharrons voice. Eroded by the pallor during its journey of over two thousand meters, the sound reached Lumians ears as a faint echo, almost like an illusion. Oxytos child didnt see it that way. The feathers on its wings-half pale-white, half chestnut-brown-rapidly fell off. One by one, the eyes on its face burst open, the flesh on its uncovered body festering down to the bone, as if struck by a potent curse! Seeing this, Lumian, fearless, transformed once again into the fiery spear of flame and hurled himself at the creature. Meanwhile, the Knight of Swords flickered forward on various reflective surfaces. Oxytos child let out a mournful howl. Though distant and further muted by the dense pallor within Deaths palace, the sound was soft when it reached Lumian, yet it still made him dizzy for a moment, a bloody stench of decay filling his nostrils, involuntarily causing him to revert from his fiery spear form. With this howl, Oxytos monstrous child morphed into a writhing, twisted, huge pale-white bud. The exploded eyeballs, festering flesh, and fallen feathers were all absorbed into the bud. In a blink, the bud blossomed, sopping wet, and produced two children. One was intertwined in pitch black and dark red, its sores festering rapidly until it stilled, turned pale, and fell to the ground; the other was an unscathed, massive bird-clawed monstrosity. Through this transformation, Oxytos monstrous child shed the curse and was reborn. But Sharron seized the moment, her figure reflected within its clustered twelve eyes. Oxytos monstrous child froze mid-air, just a few dozen meters from the Deaths main hall where the Phoenix Ancestors corpse lay. In its twelve gleaming beautiful eyes, the figure of Sharron, wearing her petite bonnet, flickered in and out of view, soon illuminated by intense, bright white light. A flamboyant spear of flame shot forth, striking an ancient, partially collapsed tower nearby. As the light dispersed, Lumian, single-handedly wielding the Sword of Courage, appeared. He did not hesitate or feel fear. Despite the dizziness and pain in his head, his eyes turned an iron-black. This iron-black shade emerged only to be eroded by the pallor, harmonizing completely with this nation. This did not impede Lumians observation of his targets weaknesses, though all he saw was pallor. Compelled, Lumian relied on his Hunter kin senses to detect weaknesses, picking the most appealing and battle-raging spot among those pale hues. Once again, he became the increasingly pale and dimming fiery spear of flame, positioning himself above Oxytos monstrous child. His figure outlined; he grasped the Sword of Courage, blazing with bright white and blue flames, and plummeted like a boulder towards the body of Oxytos monstrous child. As they drew close, Lumian struck at the monstrous bird-clawed infants abdomen with his broadsword, now tainted with pallor. He was using his Cull. Before this, the Knight of Swords, Maric, appeared atop the half-collapsed tower, slipping on a ring carved in the shape of the sun gods bird. In his hands, he quickly formed a lance as clear as pure sunlight. This caused the nearby pallor to fade slightly, erasing shadows and causing the Wraith-like state of the Knight of Swords to melt inch by inch. Droplets of dim liquid fell like wax in a fire. The droplets evaporated quickly, leaving behind a bit of dust that slowly dispersed. Enduring the melting of his right side, Marics expression twisted into one of madness as he hurled the lance of sunlight towards Oxytos monstrous child. Considering that Oxyto was a Shaman King of the Moon pathway, the temperance faction had prepared a Sun pathway Sealed Artifact in advance, which unexpectedly proved useful at this time! This Sealed Artifact, both in effect and trait, would bring significant harm to the Wraiths. The clean and bright spear of flame became an anomaly in this pale world. It too was being eroded, but it was also dispersing the pallor, appearing to be able to strike the body of the monster child before Lumians Sword of Courage could. Although the monstrous child of Oxyto was possessed by the demigod Sharron and forcibly controlled, it wasnt completely turned into a statue to be slaughtered at will. It struggled against the influence of the Wraith, as its reborn body slowly contracted, seemingly returning to an embryonic state, seeking the comfort of its mothers embrace, while unleashing its own Paramita. The pale-white wilderness quickly engulfed the surrounding ruined palaces and the half-collapsed tower, also drawing the bodies of a few Blessed of Death who had died in this area into its scope. In the deathly silence, a horrific giant snake, bearing only bones and some rotting flesh with exaggerated wings, sprung from the collapsed palace into the air, blocking the path of the Knight of Swords spear of sunlight. The blinding sunlight burst forth, filling Lumians eyes. His strike with the Sword of Courage did not slow down; he firmly slashed downwards. The sunlight blackened his pale, dim skin, sparking a burning smoke. A soft clang sounded as Lumians Sword of Courage struck the head of the winged giant snake, splitting the target, which had become exceptionally fragile after absorbing most of the sunlight damage. In a barely audible silence, the snakes bones either evaporated or shattered, completely losing their support and falling like rain to the ground. With the help of the giant bone snake blocking a strike for him, Oxytos monstrous child controlled by Sharron contracted even more fiercely. Its half pale-white, half chestnut-brown wings and bent limbs had merged with its body, forming a sphere, with only its head, formed from several merged infant heads, still visible. Its Paramita then encompassed the entire main hall of Death and the corpse of the Phoenix Ancestor. Chapter 773 - 773 Cries 773 Cries 773 Cries The pale-white light quickly engulfed the bird-clawed infants Paramita, rendering the spread-out wilderness dull and indistinguishable from the surrounding ruined palaces, towers, and corridors. This Paramita lost the features distinguishing the interior from the exterior, effectively withering and dying. As the bone serpent collapsed, Lumian fell straight down, landing amidst the broken walls and debris scattered across the wilderness. With a forceful bend of his waist and a forward flip, he landed firmly, not relying on his burning-white spear form to avoid the damage from such a fall. In this pale-white nation, even the rules of the world seemed corrupted; falling from fifty meters felt no different than jumping from a five-meter building. At this moment, the monstrous child of Oxyto retracted its head into the pale-white flesh sphere, forcing the temperance faction demigod Sharron to detach and hover in mid-air. In the area near the main hall of Death, five or six terrifying undead creatures, influenced by Paramita, shakily rose to their feet. Among them were two giant serpents with feathered wings and hairy corpses, a bloated, rotten giant, a humanoid mountain of white bones, and a woman with hair like thick snakes and a face two-thirds decayed. Each of these risen dead, summoned by the bird-clawed infant, exerted immense pressure on Knight of Swords Maric. As a Sequence 5 of the Prisoner pathway, he knew he couldnt control these corpses; attempting to wake them would only result in his own immediate dismemberment. The undead, immense and horrifying, locked onto the temperance faction demigod, Sharron, but their movements were sluggish, as if hindered by an unseen force, unable to attack immediately. Sharron, too, could control corpses and command the dead, and she was a true demigod with a higher rank than the premature bird-clawed infant! Sharrons divided focus to influence the former Blessed of Death gave Oxytos monstrous child a chance for rebirth. The pale-white flesh sphere bloomed like a flower, revealing a giant baby cleansed by pure water, while the sphere itself withered rapidly, turning pale and decaying as it fell to the ground. Just as the giant baby spread its half-pale, half-chestnut wings, Sharron abandoned her control over the corpses. In her pale-white eyes, the floating bird-clawed infant was reflected. She opened her mouth and let out a scream that seemed to come from the depths of her soul. The giant baby froze, instantly transforming into a lamb covered in pale fur. Unable to fly or use any Beyonder abilities, it plummeted towards the ground, towards Lumian, who stood with the Sword of Courage. Transfiguration Curse! Without the monstrous childs support, Paramita began to collapse. The risen dead lost the foundation of their existence, gradually halting their movements and toppling over in the ruins. The lamb covered in pale-white fur seemed corrupted from within; as it fell, its skin split, sprouting half-pale, half-chestnut feathers, and its belly swelled, as if nurturing new life. No creature could escape the fate of being corrupted and nurturing new life, not even an ordinary lamb! This was a trait of the Madame pathway, and the Transfiguration Curse could not strip corresponding Beyonders of these traits! Sharron never expected to resolve Oxytos premature child with just the Transfiguration Curse. Seizing the opportunity, she let her pale-white figure reflect in the mutated lambs eyes. The lambs swelling belly began to slow, and the mutation caused by the corruption became less rapid. It continued to plummet towards the ground. Lumian, standing on the ground, looked up with a smile, raising the blue-hued blazing white Sword of Courage. As the lamb entered his attack range, a spear of pure, intense sunlight shot from the half-collapsed tower. Knight of Swords Maric, enduring significant pain and damage, once again projected the spear that illuminated the pale-white world. This time. the bird-clawed infant. still in lamb form. could not evade or find a helper to block the spear. It could only watch as the golden spear of sunlight pierced its abdomen and exploded. At this moment, as the scorching white sunlight engulfed the target, Sharron used Lumians eyes and the pure gold in the nearby ruins to Mirror Jump away from the bright, sunlit, and fading pale area. Although the lambs body shielded her from the direct harm of the sunlight explosion, she, as a spirit-like Beyonder, still suffered significant impact. When she reappeared in a golden pattern embedded in a wall hundreds of meters away, her figure had thinned noticeably, dripping waxy liquid like sweat. Lumian stood close to the pale-white lamb, filled with courage, not dodging, but standing firmly, welcoming the spreading sunlight. Wearing the Eggers familys golden mask, his entire body ignited, blackening and melting like a candle, bringing extreme pain. Fortunately, he was not at the explosions core, most of the damage falling on the bird-clawed infant, with Sharron taking some as well. Otherwise, the sunlight spear might have purified him in one blow. The Sword of Courage also absorbed half the damage, making his injuries not as severe as they appeared. Clenching his teeth, Lumian advanced instead of retreating, running towards the falling bird-clawed infant with the eroded white broadsword in hand. With a faint thud, the half-melted, ghastly pale lamb crashed onto the shattered stones. Lumian arrived a second later, his eyes turning from iron-black to pale-white. He swung the Sword of Courage with both hands. Bright white and blue flames flared, the sharp sword striking the lambs chest and abdomen. The explosion was not loud, but the flames and the violent shockwave lifted the surrounding rubble, tearing a jagged hole in the lambs chest and abdomen. Boom! Boom! Lumian swung the sword twice more, splitting the bird-clawed infants lamb form into charred fragments. The charred pieces were immediately eroded by the pale-white color, bringing a sense of dark, dead silence. Just as Lumian was about to strike again, the pale lambs abdomen exploded, scattering rotten flesh and liquid with a strange aura. Instinctively, Lumian slashed the void ahead with the Sword of Courage, cutting through everything there. Boom! Bright white flames and a violent shockwave formed a solid wall, blocking the rotten flesh and evil liquid. As the pale lambs abdomen exploded, a small, phantom figure with bird claws and wings, covered in a layer of pure water, flew out, heading straight for the black bird egg beneath the ancient Deaths corpse. This time, the bird-clawed infant, reduced to a phantom, was no longer cautious, no longer circling. Knight of Swords Maric could not throw the spear of sunlight again, as it would cause his severely injured body to dissolve in the light. Instead, he opened his arms, summoning a divine pillar of clean flame from the sky, aiming at the phantom heading for the main hall of Death. The bird-clawed infants figure first disappeared, then reappeared, evading the divine pillars attack, but was immediately locked by Sharrons pale-white eyes. Sharron transformed into a dim, stiff doll, encasing herself in layers of ice. Simultaneously, layers of crystalline ice emerged around the bird-clawed infant, briefly fixing it in place, preventing its disappearance or progress. The bird-clawed infant raised its head, letting out a howling wail within the ice cage. The ice cage silently shattered. The bird-clawed infants body, covered in clear, pure water, splashed towards the ancient Deaths corpse, forming droplets of faint golden liquid. These droplets, drawn by an unseen force, converged into a river, carrying the bird-clawed infant towards the black bird egg burning with pale-white flames. Seeing this, Lumian instinctively wanted to avoid the Phoenix Ancestors corpse. He leaned back, raised his arm, and hurled the Sword of Courage. The broadsword, eroded to pale but blazing with white and blue flames, flew like a conscious missile, covering hundreds of meters, leaving a trail of flames in the air, and striking the bird-clawed infant. Locked on! Rumble! The sky near the black bird egg erupted with expanding white flames, forming a mushroom cloud. Silently, charred shadowy fragments fell from the expanding flames and cloud, like a rain of dust. The dust turned pale before touching the ground, some blown by the wind onto the black bird egg. At that moment, Lumian heard an illusory shattering sound and felt his Reaper potion fully digest. He had no time to rejoice as his mind and consciousness, protected by the Eggers familv golden mask, were overwhelmed bv fear and dread. He lowered his head, knelt to the ground, and hugged himself, trembling. He only wanted to obey the orders of the Phoenix Ancestors corpse. As an undead, he lost his courage, his vision darkening. Thump, splash In extreme fear, Lumian heard the sound of a heartbeat and flowing blood. It came from nearby, within this Pale-White Nation. It resonated strangely with Lumian. Faintly, Lumian heard a mournful cry: Child! My child! Who is your child? Who are you? Lumian instinctively wondered. The mournful cry continued: My child, where are you? The voice paused and then rose slightly: Omebella, where are you? Chapter 774 - 774 Resonance 774 Resonance 774 Resonance The mournful cry seemed to draw closer: My child, Omebella, where are you? Hearing the name Omebella, Lumian shuddered violently, snapping out of his fear-induced daze. Who? Who is looking for Omebella? Why are they looking for Omebella? As he wondered, Lumian noticed the surrounding area growing darker, with a sense of confinement and imprisonment. He reached out, his hands brushing against a cold, hard wall. He pressed himself against it, trying to peer through its cracks. The wall was pitch black but semi-transparent, and Lumian could faintly see the pale-white sky, the collapsed towers, and the shattered palaces. He also saw Sharron, the temperance faction demigod dressed in a small bonnet and a Gothic dress, floating nearby. She extended her hand, summoning the Sword of Courage, now pale from erosion. Beyond Sharron, he looked down at the rubble-strewn ruins. A pale figure in tattered clothes was kneeling, bent over as if to crawl. The figure was trembling all over, struggling to raise its head and straighten up. It was a face wearing a golden mask-his own face! Me? If Im outside, then who is here? Already half-conscious, Lumian felt even more bewildered. Almost simultaneously, he saw his outside self, with charred skin peeling off, sprouting half-pale, half-chestnut feathers. His belly writhed visibly, while wheat, mushrooms, and flowers grew from the sunlit wounds. Silently, Sharron leaped onto the golden mask and appeared before Lumian, placing the Sword of Courage into his hands. The surge of courage instantly dispelled the fear suppressing his mind and consciousness, making his vision pale-white and no longer pitch black. The sense of confinement and entrapment around him also dissipated. He raised his head higher, no longer seeing himself or using a top-down perspective. His gaze fell on the black egg under the ancient Deaths corpse at the top of the main hall. He instinctively believed he had just been inside the egg, observing the outside through its shell! No, it wasnt me inside the black egg, but the part of me that lost courage and was subdued by the ancient gods aura resonating with the creature inside the egg, sharing its senses. So, I saw the scene outside the shell, heard the mournful cry for Omebella, and showed signs of corruption! Thinking this, Lumian quickly looked down at his body, seeing the feathers falling off, mixed with wheat, mushrooms, and flowers. They had all lost their color, turning pale and dim. Lumian also saw his belly flattening, feeling his blood, meant to be solid as a deceased, flowing throughout his body. Suddenly, he understood why Oxyto risked so much to nurture a fetus with undead traits and an aura of the Underworld. Even with just a bit of Omebellas bloodline, suppressed by the ancient gods corpse, he could resonate and interact with the creature inside the black egg. How much more could the bird-clawed infant, with more of the Great Mothers gifts, fused with Paramita and the Underworld, and perhaps also with Omebellas bloodline! If we hadnt taken out Oxytos premature child in time, it might have used the resonance and interaction to merge with the creature inside the black egg, controlling it from the source, or completing its catalysis! Hmm, the premature birth meant the bird-clawed infant lacked the rank and traits, requiring extreme caution. Even if it reached the final step, there was a high chance of failure Now, the question is, why could the creature inside the black egg hear the Mothers call for Omebella Who exactly is Omebellas Mother? It cant really be the Great Mother, can it? Isnt She always outside the barrier? What is the relationship between the creature inside the black egg and Omebella? As these thoughts raced through his mind, Lumian suddenly heard a faint cracking sound. He looked up in astonishment, seeing the pale-white flames burning on the black egg dim significantly and peel away. The black egg itself developed a noticeable fissure. It seemed to be disintegrating to some extent. The next second, the entire Pale-White Nation began to tremble. A deathly aura from the black egg, where the ancient Deaths corpse lay, started to emerge. Even with the Sword of Courage in hand, Lumian couldnt help but freeze, trembling. The surrounding palaces and towers, whether in ruins or half-collapsed, began to shake violently as if struck by an earthquake. A thought flashed through Lumians mind: The Phoenix Ancestor Gregraces corpse is awakening Run! Escape! He shouted this in his mind but couldnt turn his body or take a single step. The temperance faction demigod Sharron grabbed him, and in his eyes reflected the dim figure of the Knight of Swords, who looked much fainter than before. Cracks appeared in the pale-white sky, extending towards the trembling ground. An overwhelming sense of dread was rapidly accumulating at the top of the main hall of Death. Sharron, holding Lumian, initiated Spirit World Traversal. This could be used in the Underworld but would trigger retribution. Countless indescribable limbs reached out from the void, grabbing at the swiftly moving Sharron. Sharron endured the damage from these limbs, continuing to head towards the pitch-black cathedral at the edge of the Pale-white Nation. Her body ignited with pale-white flames, directly burning her spirit, causing clumps of powder to fall continuously. Sharron could no longer sustain it any more than three seconds, interrupting the Spirit World Traversal and falling onto the pale-white wilderness outside the palace of Death, nearly a kilometer from the pitch-black cathedral. Holding the Sword of Courage, Lumian, now outside Deaths palace complex, no longer felt as afraid. He immediately pointed at himself, indicating for Sharron to possess him. At the same time, he saw numerous jagged cracks rapidly spreading from behind, revealing a bottomless darkness, spheres wrapped in blood-red substance, and mountains filled with tombs Feeling achill within him, Lumian quickly ignited in blazing white flames, transforming into a magnificent spear, and launched towards the edge of the Pale-White Nation. Above, below, and on all sides, countless cracks chased after him like shattered glass. Behind him, from the direction of the palace, a heavy sound emerged. Amid the pale erosion, the flaming spear disappeared and reappeared twice. Finally, Lumian escaped the Pale-White Nation, landing in front of the towering pitch-black cathedral. Here, only the underground portion of the cathedral was visible, resembling a massive mountain. Lumian passed through the heavy wooden doors, once again transforming into a flaming spear and launched upwards. When the flames dispersed, he sheathed the Sword of Courage, climbing upwards using the collapsed stairs, peeling walls, and broken pillars, repeatedly jumping between them, sometimes leaping across support-less areas as a flaming spear. Before long, the pitch-black cathedral began to shake violently. The already precarious corridors, stairs, walls, and pillars started to crack and fall. Seeing himself about to be crushed and buried by the collapsing building, Lumian prepared to draw the Sword of Courage to carve out an escape route. At this moment, he was surprised to find the stones and pillars above him seemed to have a life of their own, avoiding him and continuing to fall past his sides. In such a dangerous situation, Lumian remained unharmed. He guessed Sharron provided some help, not wasting any time, and continued his ascent, repeating the process. After an unknown amount of time, the violent shaking abruptly stopped. Lumian didnt relax, maintaining his pace and rhythm until he sawa pale green light above. A blazing white spear shot out from the dark hole within the half-collapsed church. With the flames dispersing, Lumians figure appeared, standing firmly on the cracked stone slab. Next to a broken wall embedded with several bone torches, a tall Demon with a human-goat hybrid face slowly turned, dragging a white bone leg. At that moment, Lumian realized he hadnt retrieved the black egg, failing the Demons commission. Instantly, anger surged within him: Was this a task I could complete? You were sending me to my death! Truly a Demons commission! Fine, since completing the task is no longer an option, I have only one choice: destroy the commissioner! Despite these thoughts, Lumian only reached into the Travelers Bag, preparing to draw the Sword of Courage, without intending to fight immediately. He was concerned that the ancient Deaths corpses awakening would cause mutations to spread here, preferring to leave the depths of the Underworld as soon as possible, especially given the unknown strength of the goat-faced Demon. Hunched over, the goat-faced Demon staggered in front of Lumian. It stared at Lumian silently before speaking in a hollow, decayed voice. This time, it used Dutanese: Youve taken that egg for yourself! Before it finished speaking, the goat-faced Demon straightened its four or five-meter-tall body and swung the white bone leg at Lumian. Chapter 775 - 775 Cunning 775 Cunning 775 Cunning As the goat-faced Devil approached and stared at him, Lumians hand was already gripping the hilt of the Sword of Courage. When the white bone leg came crashing down, he swiftly drew the iron-black sword, burning with a bright white and blue flame, and met the attack head-on. Clang! The clash echoed loudly, and Lumians palm split open, spilling blackened, coagulated blood. The immense force from the goat-faced Demons strike made him lose his grip on the Sword of Courage, sending him flying and crashing into a pile of rubble. The goat-faced Demon stepped over the fallen sword in two strides, standing before Lumian and raising the bone leg again. Suddenly, in its blood- and pus-filled eyes, the figure of Sharron, the temperance faction demigod, appeared. Its raised hands froze in midair. Seeing the goat-faced Demons movements slow down as if struggling against something, Lumian ignited with white flames, transforming into a spear and darting past the high-ranking undead to where the Sword of Courage had fallen. Perhaps because the goat-faced Demon wasnt an undead created by the Death pathway, its intimidating effect on Lumian was weak. It lacked the ability to enslave his body and mind, allowing Lumian to muster the courage to fight back. While retrieving the iron-black broadsword, Lumian released the spirituality he had accumulated using his Ascetic ability. At the same time, his eyes turned iron-black, reflecting the many colors on the goat-faced Demon. He quickly found a patch of pallor, took two steps towards the goat-faced Demon, and leaped high. In midair, Lumian adjusted his posture, gripping the Sword of Courage with both hands and descending towards the slow-moving Demon, still battling Sharron. This time, he used the Sword of Courages Cull ability! His spirituality surged into the iron-black broadsword, causing the bright white and blue flames to flare up and then condense inward. With a heavy thud, Lumian landed on the Demons back, stabbing the Sword of Courage into the junction of its neck and body. The blade sliced into the decayed flesh like butter. As pus splattered, the flames on the broadsword poured into the goat-faced Demons body. Boom! A muffled explosion echoed, and Sharron quickly withdrew from the Demons body. The Demon disintegrated into a puddle of sticky black liquid, condensed from evil thoughts. The liquid, scattered by the expanding flames and shockwaves, swiftly flowed into the dark hole leading to the Pale-white Nation, seemingly to reassemble itself. Holding the Sword of Courage, Lumian felt his released spirituality deplete by two-thirds. He wanted to chase and fight the Demon again but felt his body stiffen and his soul trapped in an invisible cage. Retrieve your target item first, the faint voice of the Knight of Swords echoed in his ears. Right Lumian agreed with the Knight of Swords reasoning. I dont fear the goat-faced Demon. I can totally grab the Abscessed Hands body before it reassembles! He transformed into a burning-white spear, darting to the bone torches. To better move the Abscessed Hands body, he temporarily stashed the Sword of Courage in the Travelers Bag. Moments later, Lumian felt a pang of fear: I only have a third of my spirituality left, yet I was thinking of a life-or-death fight with the Demon? And Sharron is clearly in poor condition! Now isnt the time for that. Shouldnt I grab the target item and leave the collapsing cathedral before the Demon reassembles? Thankfully, the Knight of Swords acted as a valve for my courage and found a convincing reason! Without hesitation, Lumian grasped the Abscessed Hands half-body, trying to lift it. It was extremely heavy, like metal. Fortunately, Lumian was now a Sequence 5 Beyonder, from a pathway known for their strength. During this process, Lumian worried the body might suddenly reanimate and deliver a fatal blow. However, the Abscessed Hands half-body, after enduring years of cutting by the goat-faced Demon, seemed lifeless with no abnormal reaction. Lumian placed the half-corpse into the Travelers Bag, relieved to see it sink inside. Living flesh couldnt be stored in the Travelers Bag, and the Abscessed Hands body had shown self-healing traits earlier. Lumian had thought if he couldnt store it, hed carry it or have the Knight of Swords or Sharron possess it to make it move. With the body stored, Lumian heard creaking sounds from the dark hole. He immediately transformed into a blazing spear, darting out of the half-collapsed pitch-black cathedral. With a swoosh, the white flames left a burning trail in the dark, spreading quickly into the distance. Without the Pale-White Nations erosion, Lumian flew far in one breath. Under the golden humanoid lamplights, he repeatedly transformed into a blazing spear, finally reaching the shadowy River Styx. He saw the gloomy, tattered boat reappear, slowly approaching as the boatman rowed. Lumian waited anxiously, not daring to fly onto the boat as a spear. According to the Knight of Swords Maric, doing so would make him sink into the rivers depths, never to be saved. Behind him, pale green flames burned quietly, sometimes swaying with the grounds tremors, sometimes shaking with some vibrations. Lumian tensed, feeling an increasing danger, unsure if it was from the ancient Deaths corpse awakening or the goat-faced Demons pursuit. He looked at the slow-moving boat, using a Hunters method to calm his emotions. He chuckled and spoke to the Knight of Swords Maric within him, I thought the goat-faced Demon was powerful, just below the ancient gods, holding a grudge against the Devil Monarch and desiring the egg beneath the ancient Deaths corpse. But now, it seems its just at the Saint level, with only a corpse left, lacking Beyonder characteristics. The Knight of Swords didnt respond. Lumian continued, The goat-faced Demons initial request to kill the Devil Monarch was likely a bluff, making us more likely to accept the second condition, thinking it reasonable. If Oxytos premature child hadnt interfered, we might have stolen the egg, only to face the ancient Deaths wrath, unrelated to the goat-faced Demon. It also used the request to kill the Devil Monarch to build its image, making us think it was formidable, of high rank, preventing us from attacking it or abandoning the egg task. What a cunning Demon Lumian then remembered the demons accusation: Youve taken that egg for yourself! When did I take the egg? Its still under the Phoenix Ancestors corpse. I only resonated with the creature inside, hearing and seeing what it did Did the Demon mistake this resonance for me taking and breaking the egg? As an undead, even if it was a Saint-level Demon in life, it might have little brain left, acting on its cunning Demonic instinct As Lumian pondered, the tattered boat finally reached the shore. He jumped aboard, standing behind the boatman. Though the boatman might attack later, compared to the goat-faced Demons pursuit and the ancient Deaths corpses awakening, it was friendly. This was manageable. The rickety boat shook as it left the dark shore, slowly heading towards the middle of the shadowy river. Lumian looked back at the depths of the Underworld, seeing the intense darkness calm down, no more tremors or heavy sounds. Everything was serene again. Lumian relaxed a bit, instinctively sighing. This Underworld trip was indeed intense Only now did he ponder the huge black egg issue: The creature inside seemed related to Omebella! From this, Lumian felt the Great Mother naming Her Child of God after the ancient god, Omebella, wasnt just for symbolic reasons to erode the Earth Mothers authority. The fallen Goddess of Harvest held significant secrets. But Omebella wasnt one of the eight ancient gods ruling the sky and land, just the Giant Kings queen, akin to an Angel. How can Her secrets affect the current era? Ah, many key pieces of information are obscured by historys fog. Only a few high-ranking beings from the Second Epoch know a bit Lumian mused as he watched the dark land of the Underworld recede, until only the shadowy River Styx water filled his view. He suddenly felt the matter had finally come to an end. Chapter 776 - 776 Secrets 776 Secrets 776 Secrets This time, the boatman didnt attack Lumian. Instead, he rowed the gloomy boat to the opposite shore. Jumping onto the wasteland covered in withered blood flowers, Lumian, whose spirituality was nearly exhausted, ran towards the pile of bones and corpses on higher ground. After running for a few minutes, he saw faint starlight piercing through the dim sky. Next, the void tore open like transparent paper. The tear blended with the starlight, forming a door of shimmering light. Standing beyond the door was Madam Magician, dressed in a loose orange dress. Madam Magician did not enter the Underworld but floated in the void outside the door, smiling at Lumian and the others. Madam Magician Lumian had expected another demigod from the temperance faction, bringing a Beyonder of the Death pathway to open the door to the Underworld to fetch him, Sharron, and Maric. But it was the Major Arcana card holder, Madam Magician. She can find the Underworld? She can tear through its barrier and create a door? Suppressing his curiosity, Lumian took a running start and jumped through the starlit door. He felt a wave of dizziness and his vision darkened before he saw the clear, pure Lake Dalsh and felt the thin air of the highlands. He reflexively removed the golden mask of the Eggers family from his face to avoid becoming a true undead from wearing it too long. During this, the figures of Sharron and the Knight of Swords Maric appeared beside him. Thank you, the Knight of Swords politely addressed Madam Magician. Wearing a small black and Gothic dress, Sharron nodded silently. Its only right, Madam Magician replied with a smile. Its a pity we couldnt catch Oxyto. The Great Mothers Bestowed are very vigilant and skilled at rebirth, making them extremely hard to catch. After a few pleasantries, the Knight of Swords said goodbye. Before leaving, he and Sharron both nodded to Lumian, showing their approval. Although the Knight of Swords request was only to help find Oxyto, Lumian had far exceeded that by chasing Oxytos premature child into the Underworld and eliminating it. In return, Sharron, despite being injured, helped Lumian control the goat-faced Demon, giving him a chance to defeat it and take the Abscessed Hands half-body. Thus, neither owed the other, and no additional payment was necessary. Of course, establishing a friendship and deepening his connection with the Knight of Swords was an added bonus. After Sharron and the Knight of Swords left, Madam Magician looked at Lumian with a teasing smile. Wondering how I found the Underworld? For a high-ranking member of the Apprentice pathway, the Underworld is just there. Theres no question of finding it. Even if hidden, we can easily locate it by observing the Gatekeepers and master the ability to summon a door to the Underworld. But I didnt summon it; I just opened a door. Then why did you say I had to wait for an opportunity to enter the Underworld? Lumian asked reflexively. As Mr. Fools Angel of Stars, couldnt you just open a door to the Underworld for me? What opportunity was there to wait for? Madam Magician chuckled. Could you have retrieved part of the Abscessed Hands body if I had sent you to the Underworld back then? No Lumian answered softly. Not only would he fail, but he might also die instantly from illegal teleportation. This time, with guidance from the temperance faction and the help of a demigod, he had a chance to take the Abscessed Hands body from the goat-faced Demon. Of course, the risks had also increased significantly. I sensed an opportunity and advised you to wait, Madam Magician said sincerely. Not all abilities can be repeated; not using them and using them to change ones state directly is very difficult. Lumian didnt dwell on it, recounting his experiences in the Underworld with Sharron and the Knight of Swords. Madam Magician listened attentively without interrupting, sometimes showing a thoughtful expression. What secrets are hidden in the body of the Second Epochs Goddess of Harvest? Lumian asked at the end. Madam Magician replied, shaking her head, I dont know. She paused for a moment before adding, There are things I hadnt planned to tell you so early because its not good for you. But since youve merged with Omebellas bloodline and experienced the Underworld, I can share a bit. Do you remember the relic of Omebella I mentioned? Yes, Lumian said, one of his reasons for merging with Omebellas bloodline being the hope of briefly using the Grade 0 Sealed Artifact formed from the relic. Madam Magician continued, Do you know where it is? Before Lumian could shake his head, she answered herself, Its in the New City of Silver. New City of Silver? The Church of The Fools headquarters? Lumian thought of the giant-like beings that made him feel like a dwarf. Omebellas relic is a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact of the Church of The Fools in New City of Silver? Madam Magician pondered for a few seconds before saying, First, you need to understand a piece of mystical knowledge. Marauders, the Angels of the Error pathway, can steal others identities and destinies. In other words, someone whose identity and destiny are stolen will no longer be recognized by their parents, spouse, or children, gradually becoming rejected by fate. Lumian recalled the Substitution Spell in the Inevitability domain, which also involved ones identity and fate. Though different from Madam Magicians description and on a much lower level, it helped Lumian understand her words. Seeing he had no questions, Madam Magician continued, According to what we know, I suspect the Goddess of Harvest Omebella had Her identity and destiny stolen by a high-ranking member of the Error pathway and was killed by Her direct relatives. Up to this point, it sounds like nothing more than a horrific consOriginal, but think about it. Why would the body of the Goddess of Harvest, killed by Her direct relatives and robbed of Her identity and destiny, end up in the former City of Silver, not silently in a battlefield corner? And more strangely, the ancestors of the City of Silver knew it was Omebellas body and Her true identity. At the time, the Steal effect was still present! Lumian sensed something amiss and frowned, Whats the City of Silvers records or speculations on this? Does Omebellas body contain Beyonder characteristics? None, Madam Magician answered firmly. The City of Silvers records are sparse due to the Ancient Sun Gods rule in the Third Epoch. But their ancestors mentioned that the Goddess of Harvest walked to the City of Silver on Her own. Heh heh. Strange, right? Youll understand more when you can temporarily use that Grade O Sealed Artifact. Now is not the time. This confirms that Omebella held significant mysteries Lumian asked cautiously, What did the goat-faced Demon mean when it said I had taken the egg for myself? Madam Magician gazed at Lumian for a moment before saying, Theres no change in your body, but I temporarily cant confirm whether its the same for the egg. Itll need some observation. Lumian tersely acknowledged her words and pointed to the clear, serene Lake Dalsh. Whats special about this lake? How is it related to the Underworld? Madam Magician laughed. The temperance faction had a King of Angels and Angels ruling here for a thousand years, but they couldnt uncover the lakes secrets. Why would I find out in a short time? Even the direct descendants of the Eggers family dont know why Lake Dalsh is special. From your Underworld trip, it seems the lakes uniqueness predates the Eggers ancestor becoming Death. Related to the ancient Death, Phoenix Ancestor Gregrace? Lumian inferred from Madam Magicians words. Thinking of the huge black egg beneath the ancient Deaths corpse, he found this explanation plausible for why Oxyto wanted the bird-clawed creature to be born with Lake Dalshs help. Perhaps, Madam Magician replied uncertainly. Lumian was silent for a few seconds before changing the topic. Madam Magician, now that we have part of the Abscessed Hands body, I want to go to Lenburg soon to find the City of Exiles, Morora. Youre feeling a sense of urgency, rather impatient as well, Madam Magician remarked. Relax for a few days, calm your mind, then go. Well follow up on the vortex matter. Your companions will investigate the Mirror People. You probably cant take your companions into the City of Exiles. Also, focus on learning languages. After dealing with the City of Exiles, prepare your team for the advancement. Alright, Lumian agreed, feeling he needed to adjust his state. Trier, Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, Apartment 702, 9 Rue Orosai. Lumian reunited with Franca, Jenna, and Anthony. After recounting his experiences in the Underworld, Franca said with genuine emotion, So thats what the Underworld is like. The River Styx really exists Then she frowned immediately. Youve fully digested your Reaper potion, but Im still a bit short on my Pleasure In this digestion, Lumian credited eighty percent to Madame Sharron, ten percent to the Knight of Swords, and only ten percent to himself. Without pride and after some thought, he said to Franca, Maybe I can help you quickly digest Pleasure. Huh Franca raised an eyebrow while Jenna looked puzzled. Lumian smiled and explained, Ive accumulated fate fragments from Moran Avignys lust outburst. If we find a powerful Beyonder to take this fate, wouldnt it allow you to digest Pleasure significantly? Hmm, Pirate Admirals out at sea would be perfect for this. Chapter 777 - 777 Traitor 777 Traitor Franca was dumbfounded. Is that even possible? This can be recycled? Its not like its water! Ive already digested a lot of my Pleasure potion because of Moran Avigny Why not? Lumian said with a smile. Its like wanting a powerful target to experience pleasure but needing my help to get close enough. Pleasure doesnt have to be one-on-one, otherwise Browns Saurons female orgies wouldnt make sense. What were doing is like dealing with Moran Avigny while also affecting another target. This but Franca had to admit that Lumian had a point, and it was possible, but it felt like exploiting a loophole, like using a bug ina game. At the same time, Franca complained to herself about Lumian, Have you been reading too many illegal books or watching too many orgies? How can you talk about one-to-many so naturally Also, borrowing your help for other things is fine, but when it comes to pleasure, this description is just too strange Under the watchful eyes of Anthony and the still somewhat puzzled Jenna, Lumian turned to Franca and asked, Lets imagine a scenario: Youre experiencing pleasure with someone, and another person passes by and sees the scene, getting strongly aroused and experiencing pleasure themselves. Would that help you digest your Pleasure potion? Yes, Franca answered with some certainty. Based on her experience, pleasure didnt have to involve direct contact or a fixed method. As long as it met the basic condition of the target experiencing pleasure because of her, it worked. It was even better if it left the target deeply immersed and unable to extricate themselves. Realizing this, Franca suddenly paused. If this were my world before I transmigrated over, as long as one could abandon decency, shame, and morality, digesting the Pleasure potion would be incredibly easy. After the preparations, it might only take a few days or even hours to fully digest it. Lumian responded with a smile, Whats the fundamental difference between the scenario I described and transferring Moran Avignys fate fragment to a Pirate Admiral, causing a lust outburst? None Franca was convinced. She then sighed and said, Youre really good at exploiting bugs. Whats a bug here? Jenna asked, confused. Lumian, having heard this strange word from his sister Aurore, helped explain, Exploiting a bug means taking advantage of a loophole. Franca clicked her tongue and nodded. You know, sometimes I think youd be better suited for the Error pathway. Then Id probably become an Amon by now, Lumian replied with self-awareness, laughing. Franca, being an individual of actionotherwise, she wouldnt have drunk the Witch potionimmediately asked, Which Pirate Admiral should we target? Isnt it too dangerous? Each Pirate Admiral has their own fleet with many Beyonders and backing from powerful forces. Were just giving him pleasure, not doing anything else. Whats there to worry about? Lumian replied casually. Even if we cant hold back and kill him, so what? Weve already offended plenty of powerful forces. These Pirate Admirals arent exactly law-abiding citizens. Seeing Franca still wanting to say something, Lumian added, This will also be a good test for our team. Trust me, the few of us together are as good as any Pirate Admirals crew. Plus, we can find opportunities for Jenna to digest her Witch potion and for Anthony to digest his Hypnotist potion. Alright. Franca nodded. Lets gather intelligence on the Pirate Admirals and see who we can locate. First, they needed to find someone! Having settled that, Franca once again commented on Lumians Underworld trip, That ended so quickly. I couldnt contact 007 last night to give him Jennas messenger summoning method. I thought Id return to Trier tonight to complete this task. Who knew the whole mission would end so soon? We dont need to go to the Southern Continent or give 007 the summoning method. She had expected the mission to last several days, maybe a week or two, but it was done in one morning. In Saint Vive Cathedral. Angoulme, wearing a brown wool coat, stood at the door of the room, gazing up the stairs leading to the higher floor. Yesterday, he and several colleagues were ordered to stay on night duty without being given a reason. Angoulme could vaguely guess the reason, as he had provided the relevant information to the higher-ups. As time slowly passed, a middle-aged man in a white robe with golden threads came up the grand staircase. The man had black hair and brown eyes, an authoritative presence, and neatly trimmed mustache. Angoulme recognized him. They had interacted a few times while handling some occult cases in the Trier region. This was Peacock, Senior Deacon of the Purifiers and one of the heads of the Inquisition. He wasnt Angoulmes direct superior, as he was in charge of the surrounding areas of Trier, essentially the entire Trier district except for Trier itself. He was not a demigod of the Sun pathway but a Sequence 4 of the Lawyer pathway, a Earl of The Fallen. Seeing Peacock, Angoulme averted his gaze and retreated further into the room. He suspected that Peacock was a core member of April Fools outside the Curly-Haired Baboon Research Society, who had orchestrated the release of the humanoid Sealed Artifact 1-147 from church control. Angoulmes reasoning was simple: The April Fools core member within the church had used a Brokers Under the Table transaction to get other Purifiers to release 1-147 for various purposes. The Lawyer pathway was similar to the Broker pathway, adept at twisting terms in deals and agreements to achieve their goals. This pathways demigods had been involved in numerous shady transactions, making them most likely to come into contact with or be contacted by a Broker. Before Overseer Perle was discovered, Peacock wasnt on the Eternal Blazing Sun Churchs investigation list because 1-147 wasnt in his jurisdiction, and he hadnt left his Inquisition during that time. Despite knowing the location and information of most Grade 1 Sealed Artifacts as a Senior Deacon, he wasnt suspected. Today, Peacock was at Saint Vive Cathedral for a meeting. The official reason was to discuss disrupting the Mirror Peoples plans and eliminating these hidden rats. The demigods of the Trier district needed to meet face-to-face to finalize their strategy. After Peacocks figure in the white robe with golden threads disappeared up the stairs, Angoulme slowly exhaled and became more vigilant about what might happen. A minute or two later, Angoulme felt the whole cathedral gently tremble. This lasted only a few seconds before stopping. Few noticed except those already on alert for such occurrences. In a sunlit room near the dome. Cardinal of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church and Archbishop of Trier, Plessy, with high cheekbones and blond hair turning white, stood beside a woman in a white robe, beautiful yet sacred. She was Saint Vive, Triers guardian angel! Opposite them, near the door, Peacocks body twisted, mostly melted, revealing an interior seemingly filled with white wax. The Senior Deacon of the Purifiers laughed heartily. The Overseer informed me immediately that she was compromised. Ive been using this wax figure to act for days! His real body hid in the shadows, observing without interacting with anyone from the Eternal Blazing Sun Church. Just as expected Trier Archbishop Plessy sighed. This had been anticipated. The Overseers escape made this development inevitable. Though the church had kept the Overseers escape secret, they hadnt held much hope. The wax figure of the Earl of The Fallen Peacock quickly melted. Looking at Saint Vives impassive face, his voice turned sharp as he laughed again. I made the only right choice. The Crimson will come. Only by submitting to the great existences can we Survive the apocalypse! The Crimson will come! After shouting, Peacocks wax figure completely melted into a half-solidified, half-liquid mess. Saint Vive, dressed in a white robe with golden threads and no other ornaments, watched silently before speaking a few seconds later, Who made this wax figure for him? Probably acquired through a Broker, Trier Archbishop Plessy replied gravely. Saint Vive, Her tone unchanged, said, Few Beyonders can make such a wax figure. Yes, thats a lead to follow. Plessy nodded. A wax figure that could initially fool an Angels senses wasnt simple. Finding its maker might lead to uncovering the Broker and the hidden Overseer. Saint Vive continued, Inform all bishops, padres, and Purifiers about Peacocks fall, but dont issue a wanted notice. Yes. Plessy agreed that a wanted notice for a demigod would be useless and might damage the Churchs image among the public. A few days later, Franca, Anthony, and the others used different channels to gather the latest sightings and rumored whereabouts of the Pirate Admirals. Looking at the information, Franca patted the top sheet and said to Lumian, How about this one? Lumian glanced at the name and read it silently: Admiral Deep Sea, Howl Constantine. Chapter 778 - 778 Method of Arrival 778 Method of Arrival Lumian had already looked through the information Franca had gathered and could guess her reasoning for this choice: Howl Constantine-Admiral Deep Sea-with rumored sea monster blood, often went to an island called Banamo west of the Fog Sea for supplies. A few days ago, someone spotted Howl Constantines flagship, the Newins, surfacing on a route to Banamo, allowing the crew to breathe fresh air and enjoy their precious freedom. Based on the distance, speed, route conditions, and weather in the Fog Sea, it was estimated that the Newins would reach Banamo in about two to three days. Among all the Pirate Admirals, he was the only one with a predictable trajectory in the near future! We can give it a try, Lumian responded nonchalantly to Francas suggestion. Having participated in battles at the demigod level and played a significant role, he felt that which Pirate Admiral they targeted didnt matter much as long as they could locate him. Franca glanced at Lumian and mumbled, I think theres something wrong with your attitude. You cant underestimate the best of the Sequence 5s. Youre not a demigod yet, and your body is still fragile. Underestimating Admiral Deep Sea could cost you dearly. Theres a saying from my homeland: Strategically, you can underestimate your enemy, but tactically, you must respect them. I know. Aurore used to remind me of that, telling me not to underestimate the villagers intelligence and think my pranks would always succeed without problems. After being chased by them a few times, I understood it well. Lumian said earnestly, Your homeland also has another saying: Weakness and ignorance arent barriers to survival, but arrogance is. Stop! Franca grumbled. As long as you know it; dont turn this into an exchange of famous sayings. Seeing they had decided on the target, Jenna spoke up, The problem now is, how do we get to Banamo Island? Banamo, located in the northwest of the Fog Sea, was once a Feysac Empire colony. Later, as the Feysac Empire declined and the natives of Banamo resisted actively, the island gained independence. It helped that Banamo lacked valuable resources and was only a base for exploring the Fog Seas end. Giving it up wasnt a big loss. After gaining independence, Banamo developed into a pirate haven, offering a place for pirates to trade and resupply. Jennas point was clear: Even with clear routes and good weather, it would take two to three weeks to sail from Trier to Banamo. Any issues requiring detours or delays could stretch the journey to a month. By then, Admiral Deep Sea would likely have left Banamo, and finding a Pirate Admiral on the open sea would be almost impossible without a stroke of fate. Given the circumstances, only teleportation could ensure the team reached Banamo in time to wait for Admiral Deep Sea Howl Constantine. However, neither Lumian nor Franca had the spirit world coordinates for Banamo Island, making long-distance teleportation impossible without getting lost in the spirit world. Lumian thought for a moment and asked Franca, Can we contact anyone on Banamo Island? We should be able to. Theres a telegraph office on Banamo Island, Franca answered thoughtfully. We can ask adventurers whove been to Banamo to send a telegram to their friends on the island. Lumian chuckled. Good. If everything goes well, we can arrive at Banamo Island tonight. Banamo Island in the Fog Sea, shrouded in perennial fog and gloomy weather. In the islands only port, Mason, carrying a bundle of items, navigated through the bustling pirates and entered an abandoned warehouse. The warehouse had been destroyed in a pirate skirmish and never repaired, becoming a desolate spot. Mason was an adventurer who despised the brutal and ruthless pirates but couldnt leave Banamo because the pirate haven was full of opportunities. Even if he didnt hunt down solitary, bounty-carrying pirates, he could wait for pirate feuds to end and take the remaining goods from the losers. This was how he became a Beyonder, now a Sequence 8 Pugilist. (Amonoculus note: From the Twilight Giant Pathway) Today, Mason took on a task supposedly very simple but with a reward of 1,000 verl dor, seeking a secluded place to complete it. He quickly cleared the pile of broken wooden crates, stacking them to form an altar. Following the task description, he placed candles, incense, and essential oils on the altar. After the preparations, Mason took out the neatly folded task description and read the next steps, The most challenging part of this task is the necessary knowledge, including basic ancient Hermes and proficient Hermes. If you dont meet these conditions, dont take the commission Fortunately, I learned some ancient Hermes and enough Hermes from other adventurers Mason felt lucky for his past decision when taking this task. It wasnt that he was more studious than other adventurers, but the items he had previously acquired involved Hermes. To understand their true value, he had paid an adventurer proficient in Hermes to teach him for a while. After quickly reading the second half of the task description, Mason assessed the potential dangers and felt confident it wouldnt be a big problem. He then arduously created a wall of spirituality, lit the candles, dripped the incense, and took two steps back, chanting in ancient Hermes, I! This was one of the few words he knew in ancient Hermes. He then switched to Hermes: I summon in my name: A creature wandering above the world, the penitent who awakens from the flames of pain, a messenger that belongs solely to Lumian Lee As Mason finished, the candle flames surged, turning a deep green, almost black. In the firelight, a tall figure in a black clergymans robe emerged. Mason took a step back in fear at the sight. The figures exposed parts seemed long scorched by flames, with blackened flesh and skin clinging to the bones. Its eye sockets were dark, burning with deep-colored flames, and its body was oozing a viscous black fluid like water. It looked like an undead creature! Mason had seen similar beings in Banamo Port, as some pirates were adept at communicating with corpses. However, the summoned Penitent made Mason instinctively fearful, sensing it was fundamentally different from ordinary undead. Even the Pirate Admirals who had visited Banamo Port hadnt given Mason this feeling! Seeing the dried corpse in a black clergymans robe looking at him, Mason shakily handed over the letter. His task was to deliver a letter to someone named Lumian Lee! The blackened, burning corpse messenger took the letter and disappeared into the dark-green candlelight. The abandoned warehouse returned to normal. Mason wiped his cold sweat and muttered to himself, This seems more complicated than I thought Ive heard of people being lured into special rituals, summoning evil gods or devils, destroying themselves and their towns Was that what just happened? Is a catastrophe coming to Banamo Port? Is Lumian Lee the true name of an evil god or demon? won Mason had previously seen that the ritual only summoned a messenger, unrelated to evil gods or demons. As a Sequence 8 Beyonder, he had taken the risk, but the messenger made him uneasy. Muttering to himself, Mason cleaned up the items on the altar. Suddenly, he stopped and frowned. I think Ive heard the name Lumian Lee somewhere before He tried to recall but couldnt remember. Before leaving the abandoned warehouse, Mason glanced back at the makeshift altar, seeing shadows shifting within the broken crates. His heart tightened. Pretending he hadnt seen anything, Mason quickly left the warehouse. In Trier, within Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, in the apartment rented by Franca and Jenna. Lumian saw Penitent Baynfel step out of the void and hand hima letter. He didnt even open it, knowing it contained only blank paper. He asked his messenger, Can you deliver a reply to the sender? I can, Penitent Baynfel answered in a low voice. Lumian smiled and pointed to himself. Lam the reply. In the foggy Banamo Port, Lumian leaned against the outer wall of the abandoned warehouse, watching the sender walk out with a fearful expression and quickly leave. He smiled, took a golden straw hat from the Travelers Backpack, looked at it for a moment, and put it back. Having the famous adventurer Louis Berry appear here would arouse unnecessary suspicion and might cause Admiral Deep Sea Howl Constantine to change his destination and avoid Banamo Port. Lumian straightened up, tightened his thick jacket, and walked slowly along the streets of Banamo Port, his hands in his pockets. He planned to take a look around before returning to fetch Franca and the others. Trier, late at night. Angoul?ame arrived at the agreed-upon empty house to retrieve emergency contact information from Hidden Blade. He quickly found the note and read its contents: In case of emergency, summon my friends messenger: Rabbit-shaped spirit that wanders about the unfounded, a runner who pursues knowledge, a messenger that belongs solely to the Seven of Cups. Seven of Cups From the Tarot Club? Hidden Blade, your friend is you, right? Angoul?ame muttered to himself. He felt he understood why Hidden Blade always had so many troublesome matters. Chapter 779 - 779 Pirate Haven 779 Pirate Haven 779 Pirate Haven Banamo Port. As Lumian strolled along the streets, he couldnt shake the feeling that he had arrived in Backlund, the capital of the Loen Kingdom. Although he had never been there, the foggy sky and damp, cold environment mirrored Triers newspapers and magazines mockery of Backlund. Of course, the architectural style here was distinctly different from Backlunds. There were two main types: one was large yet not crude, with typical Feysac characteristics, and the other was a mix of stone and wood, simple and rough, often crowded together without any clear planning. Most of the people on the streets were dressed like typical pirates, with short knives strapped to their waists and guns tucked into their belts, not bothering to conceal their weapons. In contrast, the locals with dark-brown skin always wore smiles, their faces full of deference. Lumian fully understood the mindset of the natives. After all, angering a pirate could result in being dragged into a corner and killed, or having someone sneak into their home at night to murder them. The killer would then sail away on their pirate ship without a care. The current rulers of Banamo Island were trying to recruit pirates and adventurers to maintain order and hoped the great pirates would agree on a pirate code to regulate behavior in the port. However, these measures had limited effectiveness. This was because seasoned pirates couldnt suddenly start obeying laws and strict rules, even if they became sheriffs or police officers. Moreover, there wasnt a strong enough force on the island to keep them in check. As a result, it was common for sheriffs to break the law and accept bribes to shield criminals. The pirate code, agreed upon by the great pirates, wasnt mandatory. Even if someone broke it, they would only face minor punishment within their own crew. No one would hand over their own men to be dealt with by others. These measures greatest effect was making Banamo Port appear somewhat orderly. As Lumian admired the bustling street scenes, he occasionally heard screams or gunshots from the alleys. This place is perfect for a Hunter, he thought, genuinely appreciating it. When two groups of pirates started a brawl in the middle of the street, Lumian had a sudden idea: A Iarge-scale plague for a Demoness of Despair advancement ritual could work here But I would need to develop medicine to prevent infection or severe illness and secretly distribute it to the locals The only problem is that there arent 30,000 pirates here. However, there are quite a few Beyonders among them. Infecting them and causing them suffering and despair should significantly reduce the number needed for the ritual As Lumian watched the pirate brawl with interest, he pondered the feasibility of holding the Demoness of Despair ritual in Banamo Port. When the fight was almost over, the sheriffs finally arrived, dispersing the two groups and symbolically arresting a few people. They were just waiting for the respective pirate crews to pay the fines! As for the grievances between the two groups, the sheriffs didnt care. If they wanted revenge, they would have to settle it out at sea. Meanwhile, adventurers and locals quietly dragged away some of the pirate corpses left on the street. Lumian felt like applauding this kind of order. Taking advantage of the remaining daylight and the sun filtering through the fog, he continued his leisurely stroll through Banamo Port. Passing a stone house with a small square, he saw a dozen or so people gathered, mostly locals. A pirate wearing a bicorne hat and blue woolen clothes stood on a stone platform in front of them. The pirate was shouting in Feysac, Youre just a bunch of pups fresh from your mothers embrace. If you want to become proper pirates, you need training. Today, Ill give you your first lesson: who you can and cant mess with at sea Feysac was the language with the least difference from ancient Feysac. Lumian, skilled in ancient Feysac, barely understood what the pirate was Saying. He realized that the pirate crew was recruiting newcomers and providing basic training. Why does this feel like a big company in Trier hiring new employees Lumian grumbled to himself as he watched the pirate display wanted posters and portraits, introducing the six kings, nine admirals, and notable adventurers. This was exactly the information Lumian needed. He stopped and listened from a distance. As expected, he saw a portrait and detailed introduction of Louis Berry. At the end, the pirate with the bicorne hat pointed to a portrait and said, His bounty isnt high, but you must never underestimate him, or even have any contact with him. No contact at alI? Lumian focused on the portrait, seeing a burly man in his thirties with thick brown body hair, wearing suspenders and a white shirt. The pirates tone became serious as he introduced the man to the new pirates, His name is Frank Lee, the first mate of the Queen of Stars. Hes a Druid. What is a Druid? Ill explain when we cover Beyonder knowledge. For now, just know that a Druid is Sequence 5, on par with the Pirate Admirals. So, understand how terrifying Frank Lee is? But thats not the main reason adventurers and pirates fear him. I dont know the exact reason either. I only know that every pirate and adventurer whos encountered Frank Lee acts like theyve gone mad. They jump out of their chairs and sometimes vomit when his name is mentioned. They always warn me to stay away from Frank Lee and not to leave any blood near him or eat anything found around him So, the legendary Druid Frank Lee is the first mate of the Pirate King But why are so many pirates and adventurers so terrified of him? Even if he has the strength of a Pirate Admiral and is ruthless, it shouldnt cause this reaction Lumian silently mused as he listened to the pirates introduction. He was curious about what made Frank Lee so special. After watching the pirate crews recruitment, Lumian headed to the nearby Carnival Bar. He pushed through the unapologetically pirate crowd and sat on a high stool at the bar, ordering a Lanti Proof. The common language in Banamo Port was Feysac, but pirates spoke various languages, and few were multilingual. Those who spoke Feysac formed one circle, those who spoke Intisian another, and so on. Lumian chose the Carnival Bar because all its signage was in Intisian. In the noisy, lively environment, Lumian took two sips of his drink, put down his glass, and asked the bartender loudly in Intisian, Do you have detailed information on the nine Pirate Admirals? Something beyond the wanted posters. Suddenly, the entire bar went silent. Every pirate turned to look at Lumian at the bar. It became so quiet that the sound of someone swallowing could be heard. The bartenders expression turned awkward and amused. He asked Lumian, Are you an adventurer? An adventurer coming to a pirate bar to ask for detailed information on the Pirate Admirals! Lumian didnt answer the bartender. He half-turned to look at the staring pirates. Around him, one by one, crimson-white fireballs began to form and float in the air. Lumian smiled, raising his chin slightly. Even though your bounties are low and I dont want to bother, if anyone wants to give me money voluntarily, I wont mind accepting it. The pirates expressions changed, but Lumians gaze remained steady. He scanned their faces and sneered. Anyone want to try? Silence. The entire Carnival Bar remained silent. Everyone could feel the danger in those crimson-white fireballs. Lumian stopped provoking them, pointing to a chair a few meters behind him. Dont appear behind me. Dont think about using the crowd to get close and assassinate me. If anyone crosses that chair, Ill kill them. After speaking, Lumian turned back, smiling at the bartender amid the fireballs. Now, you can answer my question. Seeing this adventurer not introduce himself or boast about his exploits, but show absolute confidence and a nonchalant attitude toward killing, the bartender forced a smile. We know about the same as the wanted posters. If you want more hidden details, ask the enemies of the Pirate Admirals. Emperor Roselle once said the person who knows you best is your enemy. Tell me about each Pirate Admirals enemies, Lumian said, taking another sip of his Lanti Proof. In the bar, the pirates resumed their conversations, while some quietly left, seemingly to find help upon seeing the adventurer easily maintain the fireballs. Lumian didnt stop them or even look their way. When the bartender finished, Lumian had a general understanding of who Admiral Deep Sea Howl Constantines enemies were. This Pirate Admiral with sea monster blood was usually low-key and mysterious. Besides doing pirate work in a bloody and brutal manner, he rarely clashed with other Pirate Admirals or major forces. However, the former Vice Admiral Dusk, now the King of Dusk, Bulatov Ivan, suspected Howl Constantines two submarine ships came from a legendary sea treasure, the Lost Newins. He targeted Admiral Deep Sea, seeking information on the Newins, leading to multiple conflicts. When Bulatov became a king over the seas, Admiral Deep Sea Howl Constantine had no choice but to avoid this powerhouse and his fleet. Chapter 780 - 780 Primary Job 780 Primary Job 780 Primary Job Lumian listened to the bartender recount the rivalries and grudges of the Pirate Admirals while the pirates behind him grew increasingly restless. They were all hoping someone would make the first move, either by shooting or stabbing the arrogant adventurer, so they could all rush him at once. But the threat of those crimson-white fireballs deterred them. They looked at each other, but no one dared cross the chair Lumian had designated. They figured anyone this brazen had to be pretty strong, and the Carnival Bar was low-tier, with no high-profile pirates around. They could only hope those who had left would return with someone more formidable. After about ten minutes, one of the pirates who had left pushed open the heavy wooden door. Behind him was a middle-aged man wearing a tricorne hat and dressed in dark blue. The pirates in the bar immediately straightened up, holding their breath. The noisy, lively atmosphere quickly returned to silence. Some of them recognized the man, knowing him as Captain Flying Hadmagk of the Rosemary, a well-known pirate just below the Pirate Admirals, active on the Five Seas for over a decade. The pirate who opened the door flashed a flattering smile and pointed at Lumians back. Captain, thats the adventurer I mentioned! He dared to provoke all the pirates in Banamo Port! Hadmagk, with his thick, dark hair and imposing presence, stared at Lumians back for a few seconds. He paused before asking, How long has he been maintaining those fireballs? I dont know. They were there when I left the bar, but he might not have kept them up the whole time, the pirate replied. He grabbed a young pirate sitting by the door, pointing at Lumian and growling, How long has he been keeping those fireballs up? The young pirate, a bit flustered, glanced at the old clock on the wall and stammered, Almost almost fifteen minutes. Fifteen minutes? Flying Hadmagks eyelid twitched, and he suddenly looked like he remembered something important. He immediately cursed at his sailor, Did you forget about our important deal at the docks? Bastard, is your brain filled with nothing but booze, women, and pride? Cursing, Flying Haddock turned and walked out of the Carnival Bar. His sailor, though dumbfounded, instinctively followed him. The captain is always right! The Carnival Bar remained quiet as Lumian finished his Lanti Proof and stood up. With those crimson-white fireballs still floating around him, he swept his gaze over the pirates once more. Then he smiled, raised his right hand, brought his index and middle fingers to his lips, and blew softly. It was like he was blowing away the smoke from a gun after shooting everyone in the bar. As the pirates eyes and expressions shifted, Lumian leisurely walked towards the door with his hands in his pockets. One by one, the pirates instinctively moved out of his way. Some felt aggrieved, some ground their teeth, and others consoled themselves with thoughts like, Its not fear; those fireballs are just too blinding! Lumian seemed utterly unafraid of being ambushed as he walked out of the Carnival Bar, almost like he was receiving their admiration and welcome. Late at night, in an inconspicuous hotel room in Banamo Port. Leaning back in his chair, Lumian said to Franca, Disguise yourself and spread the word that an unknown adventurer has been provoking all the pirates, claiming theyre cowards with no real strength, and that he could crush any pirates head under his boot. Francas mouth twitched slightly. Fishing again? Youre quite the expert at this Lumian chuckled in response. According to the information weve gathered, Admiral Deep Sea prefers to stay out of the public eye because of his sea monster bloodline. Even if he comes to Banamo Port, hell likely stay on his flagship, the Newins. If he wants women or food, someone will bring it to him. In this situation, well have to risk sneaking onto the Newins. Its an alchemical ship from some ancient ruins, and we have no idea what traps or mechanisms it might have. Plus, there are bound to be many Beyonder pirates on board. As a Hunter, we should avoid fighting on someone elses turf. I deliberately provoked the pirates in Banamo Port because I know no Pirate Admirals are here right now. I have enough confidence to handle the other notable pirates. They should soon figure this out too. Expecting pirate crews to work together against me overestimates their trust in each other. Who would they rather rob? I dont expect the pirates to have collective pride, but they definitely want to show off their abilities and earn more fear and respect. The pirates in Banamo Port are waiting for a pirate strong enough to deal with me. At that point, when the Newins arrives and Admiral Deep Sea is here, what do you think will happen? Jenna suddenly understood. If Admiral Deep Sea leaves the Newins and takes action himself, that would be the best outcome. We would be fighting on our terms. Even if he isnt interested, his top men wont miss the chance. With Admiral Deep Sea as their backup, they wont fear failure and will be more willing to challenge you. This will reduce the number of Beyonders on the Newins, giving us our chance. Good psychological analysis, Lumian teased. Jenna shot him a look. A good actor needs to understand peoples minds. And then perform for the spectators? Lumian joked. Anthony didnt react. Franca scoffed. What if a Pirate Kings fleet arrives before the Newins? Lumian spread his hands and said, Thats why the adventurer is unknown. The benefit is that he can disappear without a trace. Change his face and appearance, and we can execute another plan. A Conspirer is really an outright schemer Franca muttered. Alright, lets do it. Lumian then discussed the possibility of using a large-scale plague in Banamo Port, emphasizing the need to secretly distribute preventive medicine to the locals beforehand. Franca was stunned. After a few seconds, she said, You even thought of that How about we start a plague company? Just kidding, theres some plausibility in this, but in this day and age, there are no vaccines-uh, preventive medicine? Normally, we wouldnt have it, but we can turn to mysticism, Lumian replied. The Apothecary path specializes in this. We just need to provide them with a number of infected individuals for observation, research, and experimentation. They should be able to create effective preventive or curative medicine. We wont have trouble finding an Apothecary. The Fool Pharmaceutical Company has plenty of them. Lumian knew from Miss Magician that The Fool Pharmaceutical Company had many ties to the Tarot Club. Jenna began to calculate. A medicine with mystical effects would cost at least 100 verl dor per bottle. There are probably over ten thousand non-pirate residents in Banamo Port. Wed need to prepare at least a million verl dor. We cant expect the Apothecaries from The Fool Pharmaceutical Company to work for free or cover the material costs. One million verl dor wasnt a small sum. Even a Sequence 5 Beyonder characteristic only cost around 200,000 verl dor. A million verl dor to become a demigod is a good deal, Lumian suddenly laughed. A million verl dor is just an Admiral Deep Sea. Even if we cant kill him, his top men are valuable too. Franca sighed and replied, Youre starting to sound a bit like Gehrman Sparrow. But while Gehrman Sparrow treated pirates as his piggy bank, only targeting high-bounty ones, youre aiming to eradicate them completely! A plague like that would likely affect thousands, if not tens of thousands, of pirates. Before Lumian could respond, Franca self-mockingly laughed. Poor Admiral Deep Sea. Just sitting on his flagship, doing nothing, and suddenly hes our target. Lumian chuckled, and said with some realization, Nothing to pity. A Hunters job is to create chaos and strife. And your primary job as a Demoness is to bring catastrophe and affliction. Its better to inflict these on pirates than innocent people. Franca and Jenna fell silent for a moment. Achoo! Banamo Port, Mason, sitting at the docks with a bottle of rye beer, suddenly sneezed. He immediately thought of the messenger summoning ritual he had completed that afternoon and the unsettling messenger it had summoned, muttering to himself, Could that sneeze be some kind of spirituality warning? Am I really going to be the protagonist of some occult event, the fool who makes a mistake and attracts an evil god or devil? Did the ritual I performed bring some kind of catastrophe to Banamo Port? Have hidden dangers and problems started quietly spreading in the shadows? Gulping down a large swig of beer, Mason tried to reassure himself that he was just scaring himself. From afternoon until now, there had been no signs of calamity or reports of strange phenomena! It was just a messenger summoning. It should be fine! Chapter 781 - 781 Individual Missions 781 Individual Missions 781 Individual Missions Two days later, at a quiet spot on the docks of Banamo Port. Jenna, dressed in a black outfit that looked like a cross between a dress and a robe, gazed out over the blue ocean shrouded in a thin fog. Her task was to monitor the docks and be the first to spot Admiral Deep Seas flagship, the Newins. Of course, this was just one of her responsibilities. The most critical part was to ensure no Pirate Kings fleet arrived at Banamo Port before the Newins. If that happened, she had to quickly inform Lumian so the unknown adventurer could disappear. Jenna paced back and forth or found a spot to sit, patiently waiting for her target. Suddenly, she saw a colossal shape break the surface of the water, emerging from the depths. The massive object was jet black and metallic, with seawater cascading off its surface. It resembled an elongated, inflated spindle with a thin, curved metal tube extending from its top like a snails eye stalk. In the next moment, the metal tube retracted, and the upper half of the behemoth split open, unfolding outward to reveal a broad deck, numerous cannons, and hundreds of pirates. Masts and sails were raised. Jenna was momentarily mesmerized. Though Lumian had described how Bone Splitter Basils Black Octopus submerged, surfaced, and unfolded, seeing it in person was stunning. There was a strong sense of mechanical beauty! Moreover, the behemoth was no smaller than the latest steam-powered ocean liners, vastly superior to traditional sailing pirate ships. Jenna didnt need further confirmation to know this was Admiral Deep Sea Howl Constantines flagship, the Newins. She quickly deduced that the Newins had arrived alone, without the Black Octopus. Since Vice Admiral Dusk Bulatov Ivan became the King of Dusk, other ships in Admiral Deep Seas fleet rarely traveled with the flagship. The Newins and the Black Octopus could submerge and travel secretly, which other ships couldnt do. Forcing them to follow would only expose Howl Constantines movements. This was one reason Franca had targeted Admiral Deep Sea. What a beautiful piece of alchemical machinery Jenna thought, staring at the Newins. Her father had been a worker, and his appreciation for machinery had deeply influenced her and her brother Julien. With Trier full of all sorts of useful and odd machines, Julien had almost given up his faith in the Eternal Blazing Sun in his youth to join the God of Steam and Machinerys Church. Jenna withdrew her gaze and walked away from the dock, somewhat worried about something else. Her brother Julien would return to Trier in just over a month after his exchange studies. She didnt want him to continue living in this dangerous city built on a caldera. She wanted Julien to settle in a place with strong official forces but not as dangerous as Trier. Port LeSeur, where he was currently staying, or another similar town would be ideal. Jenna knew she couldnt persuade Julien. He would worry about her unless she found a reliable person to marry. Besides, Julien had grown up in Trier, and it offered him more opportunities. How could he leave his hometown? I need to find a way, something temporary to convince him. Permanent relocation is something Julien would never accept. As Franca said, maybe try for three years, then another three Jenna didnt consider having Anthony directly hypnotize Julian. Just then, two drunken pirates stumbled onto the dock and spotted Jenna in her hooded, dress-like outfit. They looked her up and down for a few seconds, exchanged glances, and blocked her path. Hey lady, name your price. If you dont want to, well just decide for ourselves! As they spoke, the pirates reached out to grab Jenna. In Banamo Port, this wasnt uncommon. Local women either worked as streetwalkers in protected places like bars or stayed home to avoid attracting pirates. The best outcome would be the arrival of the sheriff and receive compensation, and the worst would be being killed on the spot by pirates unwilling to pay, their bodies thrown into the sea or taken aboard a ship and sold elsewhere. Before the pirates could touch her, they suddenly found themselves engulfed in silent, evil black flames. They felt a surge of fear and pain, sobering up instantly, and turned to flee in terror. As they ran, they screamed, Witch! Witch! Jenna felt a bit of her Witch potion digest from their fear and pain. She watched them weaken under the black flames, collapsing and dying as they ran. Jenna then faced a dilemma. Should I maintain the mysterious and evil image of a Witch or follow my instincts and take the money from their corpses In a bar in Banamo Port. Anthony sat on a barstool with a mug of beer, listening to a pirate across from him boast. His task for the past two days had been to blend in with the pirates, monitor, and guide the public opinion. Although Lumian had analyzed a lot, he wasnt entirely sure how the pirate community would react. Human nature was unpredictable, and among so many pirates, it was normal for some to act in ways that defied logic. A Conspirer couldnt predict events with certainty like a high-ranked Seer, Prophet, or Spectator. They needed to prepare extra measures to ensure things went as planned and not fall apart at the first deviation. So, Anthony frequented the pirates favorite bars, making as many friends as possible to understand their reactions to the unknown adventurers provocations. He identified voices that could significantly influence the outcome and used his Hypnotist abilities to quietly guide and change the attitudes of a few influential pirates, ensuring the public opinion matched Lumians goals. This large-scale, covert guidance helped Anthony digest a good portion of his Hypnotist potion. It involved actual hypnosis and seemed to indirectly guide the collective psyche of the pirates in Banamo Port. Gulping down golden beer, the pirate beside Anthony admired his new friend. To him, this new friend was not only amiable but also a good listener among pirates, not interrupting to show off during others stories. Holy Lord of Storms, its rare to meet a pirate like this. I finally got to finish my story! The pirate Stilwell praised the god in his heart and asked Anthony, Interested in joining our crew? Anthony smiled and replied, I dont think Im skilled enough to be one of you. Haha. Stilwell laughed proudly. Anthony glanced around and lowered his voice, Have you heard about the unknown adventurer? Stilwells smile vanished instantly. Yeah, I heard. Theres so many pirate captains here, but none have taught that adventurer a lesson! What are they waiting for? This is their chance to gain more fame. They might even become the tenth Pirate Admiral! In his rant, Stilwell never mentioned challenging the arrogant adventurer himself. Suddenly, a commotion erupted in the bar. Whats happening? Stilwell picked up his beer and mumbled, heading towards the table. After a while, he returned to the bar, excitedly telling Anthony, Admiral Deep Sea is in Banamo! Admiral Deep Sea is here? Anthony looked delighted. Yes, someone will teach that bastard a lesson! Stilwell sat back on his stool, enthusiastically, Thats a Pirate Admiral! Every Pirate Admiral earned their title through real battles, not just boasting. They could kill all the adventurers here if they wanted to! When Stilwell finished, Anthony echoed, Im already looking forward to it. Gulp. Stilwell picked up his beer mug again and took a sip. He boasted, I thought Admiral Deep Sea would come to end the humiliation caused by those so-called notable pirates. Why do you say that? Anthony asked curiously. Stilwell glanced at him. You dont know? Anthony smiled and explained, Although Im from Intis, our boss often intercepts ships in the Berserk Sea and rarely comes to the Fog Sea. That explains it. Stilwell nodded understandingly. He lowered his voice, We suspect Admiral Deep Sea comes to Banamo Port every year to find that legendary treasure. Treasure? The Lost Newins? Anthony acted like a genuine pirate. The Lost Newins was one of the most famous treasure legends on the Five Seas, rumored to be at the bottom of a certain part of the Fog Sea. It was said to be the site of an ancient civilization of intelligent beings, long destroyed. Strange items often appeared in the area, all pointing to the ancient Newins. Yes. Stilwell nodded emphatically. Think about it. Admiral Deep Seas flagship was found in some ruins and named the Newins. Anyone would suspect those ruins are the Lost Newins! Besides, the area where the Newins supposedly sank isnt far from here. Chapter 782 - 782 Clamor 782 Clamor 782 Clamor Banamo Port, Carnival Bar. Adventurer Mason had donned the loose pants and thick jacket favored by pirates. He looked toward the unknown adventurer drinking strong liquor with his back to him, feeling a constant tension. He wasnt worried about being hurt but was anxious about when this kind of life would end. Pirates were never reasonable; they would always vent their anger on others. After no one stepped up to respond to the arrogant unknown adventurer, many pirates tried to take their anger out on other adventurers in Banamo Port. Frequent adventurers in Banamo Port were used to a life of hiding. They would never openly identify as adventurers, disguising themselves as other professions instead. Otherwise, bodies would be found in alleys or floating near the docks. In this pirate-dominated port, being an adventurer was clearly a dangerous and elusive profession. People like Mason had regular identities to disguise themselves, sometimes even joining pirate crews to help gather supplies while stationed in Banamo Port. Taking on commissions wouldnt expose an adventurers identity because many pirates also took jobs for rewards. For example, if they killed a rival pirate, they could collect a bounty through connections. Who wouldnt want that? Pirates approached tasks differently from adventurers. They would first identify the mission issuer and decide if they could kill the client directly. Some adventurers would naturally turn into bandits in lawless areas. Mason had recently lost his job at a trading company. With his distinct, non-native features, he had to dress as a pirate to avoid trouble. His thoughts drifted to a corner of the Carnival Bar near the window. The walls were charred, the glass cracked, and overturned tables and chairs lay amidst two charred bodies that had been burning for a long time. These were two pirates. Earlier that afternoon, they had recognized an adventurer they had encountered before and decided to vent their malice on him. The unknown adventurer at the bar counter didnt even turn his head, summoning one fiery raven after another, blasting the pirates apart and burning them. This convinced the watching pirates that the unknown adventurer was a man of his word. If he said he would kill, he would kill. If he promised punishment for crossing the line, there would be punishment, even in a pirate port watched by thousands of pirates and many Beyonders. And the pirates captain didnt dare retaliate. Mason had witnessed the entire scene. He noticed that the two pirates were familiar with the Pyromaniacs abilities and were quite skilled, with one being a Low-Sequence Beyonder. Despite their precautions, they couldnt escape the ravens. They were covered in flames by the window before they could escape from the center of the bar. This filled Mason with admiration and longing. When will I have such power? When can I become an adventurer who can intimidate so many pirates? Mason had intended to kindly help the pirates deal with the bodies, but to his regret, their captain and first mate quickly arrived and collected their inheritance. I should stick close to this adventurer. If Im recognized, Im done for Mason muttered, gulping down his dark beer. How did my life change so drastically? Though he hadnt been harmed, he felt implicated. This heightened his fear that he might have brought disaster to Banamo Port, though it didnt seem like a disaster yet. He hoped it would end when the unknown adventurer left or a Pirate Admiral or King arrived. Never perform rituals you dont fully understand Mason warned himself. He then raised his glass to his reflection on the wall, toasting to his resolution. In the shadow, Franca was intently observing the Carnival Bar inside and out. This was her task. Even though Lumian was vigilant and prepared, he could still be ambushed. The Beyonder world had many strange, unpredictable, and hard-to-defend abilities, rituals, and spells. Thus, Franca stayed hidden, monitoring the surroundings from another angle, ready to intervene or provide a Mirror Substitution. In the past few days of wandering around Banamo Port with Lumian, Franca had seen pirates drinking, chatting, joking, eating, gambling, venting, and sleeping, making them seem no different from ordinary people. She felt a bit guilty about the possible plague plan. But after witnessing pirate battles and hearing about killings, kidnappings, bullying, robbery, and rape, she genuinely felt that letting these scum die from the plague would purify the world and be a good deed. Ignoring her hunger, Franca grumbled about Lumian, This guy, doesnt he know its been an hour past lunch? You get to eat, but I dont! Based on our previous understanding, shouldnt we shake off potential trackers, hide back at the inn, and let me rest and eat something? Despite her complaints, Franca continued to dutifully monitor the surroundings. At that moment, a few pirates entered, bringing a lively, joyful, and excited atmosphere to different tables. Hmm Franca melded into the shadows, sticking to the wall, and stealthily approached a group of pirates to listen in. Admiral Deep Sea is really here? The Newins has already docked! Do they know about the adventurer? Oh, Admiral Deep Sea is finally here Franca silently confirmed with a guess. Since Jenna hadnt issued a warning, it meant no Pirate King had arrived in Banamo Port. Franca began to anticipate Admiral Deep Seas reaction and actions. She was sure Admiral Deep Sea and his key subordinates were aware of the unknown adventurers provocation. It was a simple deduction. Since Admiral Deep Sea was avoiding the King of Dusk, he would first confirm the situation in Banamo Port before coming to resupply. The common practice was to send lesser-known pirates from the fleet on other ships to scout Banamo Port. If Banamo Port was a regular stop, trusted subordinates might be stationed there long-term, reporting back promptly. Of course, local forces could also provide warnings. In any case, Admiral Deep Sea would be well aware of recent events in Banamo Port; otherwise, he wouldnt surface the Newins. Franca calmed herself, no longer distracted by hunger. But like the pirates, she waited half an hour without seeing Admiral Deep Sea or his key subordinates, growing puzzled. Why havent they shown up? Could it be that Admiral Deep Sea is also a cautious person? But Lumian is only showing the strength of a strong Sequence 6. This crafty guy is using crimson-white flames, not the Reapers white flames Franca thought carefully and understood the reason. If she were in his shoes, targeted by the King of Dusk, she wouldnt cause trouble right after arriving at a port. She would complete the resupply first and prepare for another dive. That way, even if something unexpected happened, they could leave Banamo Port immediately and not complete their primary objective here. Also, Lumian, the unknown adventurer, had been in Banamo Port for two or three days. He didnt seem to be hunting bounties of lesser known pirates, as if he were waiting for something. This could make people suspicious of his true intentions. Admiral Deep Sea would naturally be cautious. Phew Franca sighed silently. Her gaze continued to sweep across the Carnival Bar, wary of any surprises. In the process, her eyes inevitably swept over Lumian, noticing her companions slight smile and good mood, holding a cup of amber-colored Lanti Proof mixed with something unknown. Lumian played with his glass, using his Hunters exceptional hearing to roughly understand why the pirates were suddenly excited and anxious. His target had arrived! Lumian wasnt surprised since he already knew-Jenna had come by earlier and left a note under his hand, concealed by shadows. Knowing Admiral Deep Sea wouldnt come looking for him immediately, Lumian remained calm, acting unaware of the commotion behind him. He glanced at the bartender trying to control his expression and smiled. The wind is quite noisy today, Lumian said. The bartender didnt know how to respond, forcing a stiff smile. True. Lumian said nothing more, feeling his emotions and state change. To be honest, he felt a bit nervous about facing a Pirate Admiral with his fleet. But it also made his blood boil slightly. He had never been one to shy away from challenges. Since becoming a Hunter, he had tasted the allure of challenges even more. With that thought, Lumian raised his cup of Lumian to his lips, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one go. Chapter 783 - 783 Boarding the Ship 783 Boarding the Ship 783 Boarding the Ship Banamo Port, near the docks. Jenna hid in the shadows, watching Anthony mingle with the crowd, blending in with the pirates. She didnt deliberately track the famous pirates who arrived on the Newins when it docked. On the one hand, she feared being discovered, which would alert Admiral Deep Sea to a grand consOriginal awaiting him at Banamo Port. On the other hand, she didnt need to follow them to know the whereabouts of the Newins first mate, second mate, and boatswain. The pirates in Banamo Port were eagerly anticipating Admiral Deep Sea or his capable subordinates to teach the unknown adventurer a lesson. Naturally, they kept an eye on these individuals and shared information with their companions and friends! In other words, with so much attention on the situation, most of the pirates in Banamo Port had become unofficial reporters. Admiral Deep Seas key subordinates couldnt go anywhere without being noticed and widely discussed. If they used stealth abilities or invisibility, they might avoid the curious eyes spread throughout Banamo Port. However, they were currently gathering supplies, which meant they couldnt hide the large quantities of goods. Thus, information flowed swiftly into Anthonys ears: Great Shark is at Firth Trading Company. Ship Destroyer is heading towards the Carnival Bar! Holy Lord of Storms, those guys are meeting at Blackstone Square! Theyre one street away from the Carnival Bar! Theyve stopped for now, discussing something! They seem to be heading to Old Dantes for large barrels of pale ale! Anthony sensed the commotion among the pirates, watching them leave the current street and head towards the Carnival Bar. He stood up as well to avoid standing out. During this, he gave Jennas hidden shadow a look. Jenna understood immediately, using the shadows along the street to slip through the growing crowd towards the Carnival Bar. Lumian sipped the freshly poured amber-colored Lanti Proof, nodding to himself. He then looked at the bartender behind the counter, smiling as he said, You might want to move the valuable liquor and items out of here for now. Its probably best if no one stays inside. The bartender froze for a few seconds before responding hastily, Alright! No one wanted to alert Lumian by passing on messages that might affect the plan, but he guessed something was brewing from the pirates gathering outside the bar. He was both excited and nervous, knowing the impending conflict would take place in the Carnival Bar, where he was. Watching the bartender instruct the waiters to move valuable items out the back door, Lumian pulled out a blank sketchbook and an ink pen, casually sketching as he asked, How much is your bar worth, including this two-story building? Uh The bartender was stunned again. What does this mean? Is he implying the bar might get destroyed in the upcoming conflict, collapsing the whole building? Recalling the powerful crimson-white fireballs, the bartender grew even more anxious, forcing a smile as he said, Are you offering compensation? You decide, or let the loser pay This building is a simple structure built by locals. Its definitely cheap. Your bar caters to low-level pirates, so the furniture and dcor are all the cheapest kind Lumian continued his assessment without looking up, still sketching in the blank book. Yes, thats right. The bartender nodded quickly, agreeing. Lumian looked up, shaking his head with a smile. Whatever I say, you agree. Its making things difficult for me. The bartender closed his mouth, unsure how to respond. Lumian lowered his head again. How about 2,000 verl dor? Okay. The bartender used a different word, not even trying to bargain. Lumian didnt pause his sketching, his tone calm. Payment will be after assessing the damage. If the big pirates coming later want to help compensate, that works too. Alright. The bartender responded quickly. He looked around, wishing he could sprout wings and fly out of the Carnival Bar. From their conversation, he feared staying could lead to him becoming a mangled corpse. A few minutes later, the waiters had moved the few valuable items out, leaving only the cheap goods in the bar. The bartender left through the back door, and the other patrons, including Mason, exited to wait and watch outside. They didnt dare stay in this anticipated battlefield. This was the lesson of experience. Lumian sketched for a while, then put down his pen and slowly sipped the remaining Lanti Proof. A few minutes later, Franca sneaked into the shadows near the bar and whispered, Admiral Deep Sea didnt come, but his first mate, Great Shark, and others are almost here. Theyll be here in about two minutes. Lumian picked up the ink pen again and continued sketching in the book. He chuckled and said, Remember to prepare the 2,000 verl dor compensation, and when we get back, return the 1,000 verl dor bounty for summoning the messenger. Ah? Franca was a bit surprised. Lumian chuckled and said, All of this is to help you digest Pleasure. You should cover all expenses, including consumed Beyonder items. No problem. Franca wasnt resisting; she was just surprised Lumian brought it up suddenly. She watched Lumian finish his sketch on the blank page, curious as she asked, Why not just take out the Pride Armor, disguise it as a person with a robe, and have it sit in this chair facing away from the incoming pirates? With Lumian present, the Pride Armor couldnt be used, so it might as well serve some purpose by being placed here. Do you really want this building destroyed? Lumian chuckled. Besides, the Pride Armor cant use Lie and cant disguise itself as me. The subordinates of Admiral Deep Sea would notice somethings wrong before even entering. As he spoke, Lumian finished the last stroke on the blank page. It was a sketch outlined in deep blue ink, depicting Lumian himself. The paper gradually turned translucent, and the sketch of Lumian suddenly came to life, thickening and expanding like a balloon. In an instant, a stoic-faced Lumian appeared before the bar counter, blocked by Lumians body. It had the instinct to complete a few minutes of combat and possessed some of Lumians abilities, obeying the sketchers commands. As the sketched Lumian sat in a chair facing away from the bar door, Lumian transformed into a shadow creature, disappearing from the bar. Soon, Great Shark, the first mate of the Newins, arrived at the Carnival Bar with a few companions of similar strength, surrounded by a crowd of pirates. The tall, muscular, bald Great Shark glanced at the unknown adventurer calmly sitting at the bar and gestured, leading the way through the door. As the Beyonders from the Newins entered the bar, Lumian, disguised and watching from the window, placed his right hand on the glass. A black mark hidden under his clothes glowed. Bottle of Fiction! He trapped the Carnival Bar inside the Bottle of Fiction, setting the condition for exit to be non-Beyonders. Lumian turned, and in the chaos of the pirates losing sight of the bars interior, he squeezed through the crowd and headed to a nearby alley, teleporting to the docks with Franca. They met Jenna and Anthony at the designated spot, using shadows and Psychological Invisibility to remain hidden as they boarded the alchemical ship Newins. Compared to when they arrived, there were fewer pirates on the ship, just enough to maintain basic vigilance. Lumian wasnt worried their actions would alert Admiral Deep Sea. According to gathered intel, Howl Constantine wasnt a Beyonder of the Devil pathway and couldnt sense malice. His abilities resembled a Sequence 5 Ocean Songster of the Storm pathway, and according to the Tarot Club, Admiral Deep Sea had no ties to the Church of Storms. Thus, Lumian had Jenna confirm if the Black Octopus had followed the Newins to Banamo Port-the Black Octopuss captain, Bone Splitter Basil, was a Devil. Considering the changing situation at the Carnival Bar might alert Admiral Deep Sea, Lumian and his team didnt waste time, swiftly sneaking into the ships hold. Within a minute, they found a lone pirate in a corridor room. Franca checked the surrounding mechanical devices for alarms, then whispered to shadow-form Lumian, Its show time. Lumian immediately slipped into the room, moving behind the lone pirate and emerging, giving a harrumph. Two flashes of white light, and the pirate fell unconscious. Anthony entered the room quickly, beginning hypnosis. Jenna and Franca guarded the door from the shadows, soon hearing friendly conversation inside, Wheres the Admiral? In the captains cabin. The Admiral must have a powerful backer to be one of the most famous pirates, right? I dont know, but the Admiral is indeed mysterious. After a brief inquiry, Anthony made the pirate forget he had such a friend on board. They then sneaked to the upper deck, stopping outside the captains cabin. Lumians eyes twitched as he gazed at the silver-white metal door. He realized Admiral Deep Seas possible pathway and sequence. On an alchemical ship like this, an Ocean Songsters power might not be inferior to being in the deep sea or the air! While Lumian pondered, two pirates pushed a food cart to the captains cabin using a mechanical lift. Chapter 784 - 784 Mask 784 Mask 784 Mask Lumian immediately retreated into the nearby shadows, closely watching the slowly opening metal door of the captains cabin. As the cart filled with various foods was pushed in, he finally saw their target, Admiral Deep Sea, Howl Constantine. Though he had heard many rumors and seen the wanted posters, nothing compared to witnessing the reality of his sea monster lineage firsthand. Admiral Deep Sea, Howl Constantines face looked as if a translucent, palm-sized octopus clung to it, with numerous slimy tentacles hanging down to his chest. His deep blue, almost black hair was thick and coarse, falling to his shoulders, and his body was entirely wrapped in a black cloak, even his hands hidden within. He was nothing like a normal human. Lumian couldnt help but feel this was unusual. His face, fused with an octopus, was exposed, so what was there to hide about his body? Even if he was truly an octopus beneath the cloak, no one around would be surprised! The only reason to cover his body so tightly was if there was something even more unpresentable there. Puzzled, Lumian carefully observed Howl Constantines fate. Being in shadow form didnt prevent him from doing this since shadow beings could still see the real world, though the perspective was slightly different. As the two pirates arranged the food on the long table in the captains cabin, Lumians eyes reflected the illusory river of fate composed of complex mercury symbols. Given that they were less than fifteen meters apart, Lumian extended his right palm, letting it stay at the edge of the shadow, and remotely touched Howl Constantines river of fate. Most of Admiral Deep Seas fate fragments instantly materialized, flowing turbulently. Knowing time was limited, Lumian could only browse briefly. He saw Howl Constantine diving in the dark, lightless ocean depths, fighting a half-giant over two and a half meters tall wielding a huge sword. He watched as Admiral Deep Sea passed through ruins filled with bizarre buildings and saw his future self removing the translucent octopus from his face Removing the octopus clinging to his face? It isnt Howl Constantines face; its a mask? He isnt a descendant of sea monsters? Lumian was stunned. Reflexively, he decided on the fate fragment he would exchange. It was a fragment of Howl Constantine being injured on the seabed. In this fate fragment, back when he was only Sequence 7 or 6, Howl Constantine failed to return to the surface in time, suffering the crushing pressure of deep water and the suffocating sensation of liquid flooding his lungs. This was different in severity from Moran Admiral Deep Seas fate fragment of lust outburst, which had irrevocably changed Morans fate, forcing him to an early death. In contrast, this fragment merely influenced Howl Constantines subsequent exploration style, making him more cautious. However, Lumian couldnt find a more suitable fragment in such a short time. As fate began to swap, Howl Constantine, who was seeing off the two pirates, suddenly turned his gaze towards Lumians hiding spot. His spirituality had warned him! Almost simultaneously, Admiral Deep Seas eyes lit up with intense lightning. With a crackling sound, thick lightning struck Lumians hiding spot, hitting the wall and shattering into countless tiny electric serpents, which spread out, covering the area with their fierce and erratic energy, using the properties of the metal door, walls, and floor to launch indiscriminate attacks inside and outside the captains cabin. The two food-delivering pirates were hit first, their bodies trembling and convulsing as if performing a grotesque dance. Their skin quickly charred. Amid the cracking sound, mirrors hidden in the shadows where Franca and Jenna were hiding shattered, but the Demonesses figures did not appear. At the Carnival Bar, Great Shark Jorg and his companions, including Ship Destroyer, had just entered the hall and were staring at the unknown adventurers back. Before they could speak, the noisy surroundings abruptly fell silent. The pirates chatter and conversations seemed muffled, vanishing instantly. Wh- Great Shark Jorg instinctively looked towards the window, seeing the dim sunlight through the fog replaced by deep darkness. At that moment, Lumian, sitting at the bar, turned on his stool. His expression was indifferent, his gaze calm, looking at the few big pirates as if they were dead men. A huge crimson-white fireball shot out. Boom! Amidst the flames and wind from the explosion, the pirates either used their agility or abilities to dodge in different directions. Behind Ship Destroyer, Lumians figure swiftly emerged in the chaos, letting out a hum. Two beams of white light shot from his nose, causing Ship Destroyer to faint instantly. Witnessing this, Great Shark Jorg felt a chill down his spine, instinctively muttering to himself, Formidable Aboard the Newins. Having used the Lightning Strike ability and created an area attack effect utilizing the current environment, Admiral Deep Sea, Howl Constantine, had a figure suddenly appear behind him. It was Franca, dressed in an assassins suit. Franca gripped an almost invisible triangular spike in her right hand while raising her left palm, with an iron-black spiked ring targeting Howl Constantine. Lightning flickered in her eyes. As Franca used Psychic Piercing on Howl Constantine, Jenna appeared by the door, throwing a Louis dor at Admiral Deep Sea, seemingly to distract him and make him momentarily ignore Francas assassination attempt. A golden brooch carved into a gorse flower was pinned to her chest. Covered in gray-white scales, Anthony appeared in the corridor, with tiny electric serpents still crawling over his body, paralyzing him and preventing rapid movement. But this didnt stop Anthony from using his ability. Staring at Admiral Deep Sea, with a translucent octopus clinging to his face, his pupils turned vertical, glowing golden. Awe! This ability made the target feel as if they encountered a true dragon, panicking instantly. As fate began to swap and Howl Constantine noticed the anomaly, he struck out lightning. At that moment, Lumian teleported into the captains cabin, landing on a wooden chair by the window. Soon, tiny electric serpents covered the area, but they didnt last long due to the wooden chairs material. This caused Lumians body to show signs of paralysis. However, he didnt reveal himself because he was now a true shadow creature, and no shadow being would leave the shadows due to a mild electric shock. Lumian chose to stay in the shadow provided by the wooden chair, quietly watching the upcoming battle. During the fate exchange, he couldnt attack Howl Constantine, which would interrupt the process. So, the next step was to see if Franca, Jenna, and Anthony, three Beyonders below Sequence 5, could hold off Admiral Deep Sea for at least two minutes! Of course, if they really needed to kill Howl Constantine, Anthony could do it quickly with the Winter is Coming revolver, but that was impractical and went against their original goal. Awe and Psychic Piercing hit Howl Constantine, but the Admirals face, fused with the translucent octopus, glowed faintly, protecting his soul and spirit, causing only minor effects. As his octopus-like face dimmed slightly, Howl Constantine, puzzled by the unfamiliar assassins, suspected some adventurer group wanted to make a name for themselves and earn a huge bounty. Enduring the dizziness, he grabbed an obsidian trident from the nearby weapon rack and thrust it at Franca. The trident immediately surged with violently flickering silver-white lightning, its heavy tip seemingly trying to pull Franca onto itself. Crack! Francas body, clad in the assassins suit, shattered into numerous mirror fragments, while Jenna threw a silent black flame at Howl Constantine before hiding in the shadows again. Anthony also pulled out the exquisite Winter is Coming revolver, aiming at Admiral Deep Sea for a standard shot. The gunshot had just sounded when a sharp wind pierced everyones ears. Howl Constantine, wrapped in a whirlwind, flew into the air, avoiding the yellow bullet and eerie black flame. He then pointed the obsidian trident at Anthony. The silver-white currents on the trident converged into thick lightning, shooting out. Anthony, experienced as ever, immediately dove away from the door, changing his position and avoiding the direct hit from the lightning, though the resulting tiny electric serpents still affected him, causing his body to tremble and paralyze. The two pirates, just recovering from the previous shock, were struck by the new wave, falling unconscious and twitching on the ground. Franca and Jenna were also affected by the indiscriminate attack, revealing themselves from their hidden states. Admiral Deep Sea, Howl Constantine, showed no joy or bloodthirsty emotion but grew more vigilant, his octopus-like face showing doubt. There should be one more assassin! Why hasnt he appeared? What is he preparing? At that moment, out of the corner of his eye, How! Constantine saw a figure leisurely sitting on the wooden chair near the window. The figure had black hair, blue eyes, a handsome face, and wore a thick dark jacket, reclining against the chair with his right foot resting on his left knee, a mocking smile on his face. Chapter 785 - 785 Performance 785 Performance 785 Performance Seeing the assassin who had been hiding suddenly sit openly on a chair by the window, calmly watching him as if he didnt care about the ongoing battle, Admiral Deep Sea, Howl Constantine, felt a sudden heavy weight in his heart. Such a posture and expression suggested that the opponent didnt consider him a threat and was absolutely confident in dealing with him. Thats why he didnt attack immediately to support his companions but instead sat there, arrogantly smiling and observing. Without any hesitation, Howl Constantine instinctively aimed his obsidian trident at Lumian. A bolt of silver-white lightning formed in his hand, amplified by the tridents tip, and shot out like a raging thunder serpent towards Lumian. Lumian kept his right foot on his left knee, his face bearing a mocking smile as if Howl Constantines desperate counterattack was just childs play, incapable of changing the outcome at all. Of course, this was just a front he put on. In reality, he couldnt attack Howl Constantine or leave the hundred-meter range, or else the Fate Exchange would be interrupted. But not being able to attack didnt mean he couldnt influence the current battle. Lumian left his shadow form and deliberately revealed his presence to Howl Constantine, using himself as bait to attract most of Admiral Deep Seas attention and create a sense of pressure and fear, forcing him to react hastily and increase the chance of making mistakes. Even a Hunter who couldnt strike, speak, or communicate could still provoke, scheme, and set traps! The thick silver-white thunder serpent struck Lumian. With a crack, Lumians figure shattered like a mirror, leaving only the quickly charred wooden chair behind in the ravaging lightning. He disappeared again, and the thunder serpent, constrained by the chairs material, didnt dissipate much. This made Howl Constantine anxious, considering whether to break through the window and dive into the sea. Underwater, he feared no Beyonder below demigod level! Even many Saints couldnt dive into the depths to fight him! Just then, he felt his limbs and body being bound layer by layer, making it difficult to move or turn the obsidian trident quickly. The bindings tightened rapidly. Taking advantage of Lumian drawing away most of Howl Constantines attention and caution, Franca had set up the spider silk of a Demoness of Pleasure, entangling Admiral Deep Sea layer by layer. Faced with this restricted situation, Howl Constantine stopped and let the translucent octopus on his face glow with dawn-like brilliance. The light suddenly exploded into countless fragments, sweeping through the captains cabin like a storm. The long table with food shattered into pieces, the metal walls were marked with deep scratches, and Franca and Jennas figures shattered into countless mirror fragments again, while the invisible spider silk broke inch by inch, unable to restrain Howl Constantine any longer. In the corridor, away from the captains cabin door, Anthony was unaffected by the light storm, as was Lumian outlined beside him. Lumian placed his hand on the metal sliding door of the staircase, using his contractual ability. He enclosed the area within the Bottle of Fiction, with the entry and exit condition being female. This effectively blocked any rescue attempts by the pirates, preventing interference in their battle. Except for teams with female captains, most pirate ships had very few female Beyonders, if any at all. The non-Beyonder women on board were merely ship prostitutes, incapable of becoming regular pirates. Outside the Carnival Bar. The real pirates, the disguised Mason, and the rest simultaneously noticed that the glass windows no longer reflected the scene of Great Shark J?rg and the others fighting the unknown adventurer. The glass appeared dim, showing the bars interior with no bartender or customers. What happened? a pirate asked loudly, uncertainly. What ability was used? Similar questions echoed. They all suspected the unknown adventurer was behind the changes, as Great Shark and his crew wouldnt hide their fight; they would want to showcase their strength to more pirates. Within the Bottle of Fiction. Great Shark J?rg, wearing black gloves, was surrounded by signs of explosions and charred marks. He had timely distorted the unknown adventurers attack intent, avoiding injury in the recent bombardment. However, his companion, Ship Destroyer, another Beyonder of the Hunter pathway, had long been unconscious from a combination of Beyonder powers and explosion damage. The other pirates were also scattered, none unscathed. Gazing at the unknown black-haired, blue-eyed adventurer several meters away, Great Shark J?rg cursed the teleportation ability. Just as he was about to shift positions and attempt a Bribe, the handsome adventurers figure rapidly faded like a projection and disappeared. Worried it was another teleportation, Great Shark J?rg dove to the side, turning to look behind him. Nothing happened. J?rg and the remaining pirates, suspicious and tense, maneuvered cautiously multiple times, but the adventurer never reappeared. Finally, the bald Great Shark began to grasp the situation. That was just an illusion? We fought an illusion and nearly lost? Where did the real one go? Realizing this, Great Shark J?rg blurted out, Sh*t! The Newins! The unknown adventurers real target was the Newins and the Admiral! J?rg and the others grew anxious but were trapped in the Bottle of Fiction, unable to get out. After trying several methods and abilities without success, they resorted to violent disassembly. Aboard the Newins. As the light storm began to subside, Jenna quickly appeared behind Admiral Deep Sea, in a blind spot created by his own body. Then, using all her strength, she stabbed a dagger covered in silent black flames into Howl Constantines back. Although he couldnt turn or redirect the trident in time, Howl Constantine remained unfazed. From his cloak emerged a silver-white lightning bolt that struck Jenna at a speed too fast to dodge. Countless tiny electric serpents coursed over Jennas body, but she seemed largely unharmed and only slightly slowed. Pfft! The dagger covered in black flames pierced Howl Constantines black cloak. At the beginning of the fight, Jenna had thrown a Louis dor at Howl Constantine, not to seek luck but to activate the Decency brooch, completing a Bribe that significantly weakened his attacks, defenses, and controls against her for a while! Since then, neither the rampaging lightning nor the light storm had affected her as much as she let on. Her frantic dodging and use of the Mirror Substitution were meant to psychologically deceive Admiral Deep Sea! She didnt expect Howl Constantine to be unaware of the Bribe ability, given that his deputy was likely a Briber. Instead, she performed as if the Bribe had failed, leading him to attribute the Louis dor toss to another ability. At the start, Howl Constantine might still have guarded against the Bribe, but in the heat of battle, and with time running short, he instinctively responded without caution. Thus, he ignored the Bribe from before and didnt stop Jennas assassination! With a pfft, the black-flamed dagger pierced Howl Constantines cloak and flesh. Acting was for a better assassination! After the successful strike, Jenna felt a strong resistance and wriggling flesh as if alive, preventing further progress with the dagger despite her full strength. She abandoned force, instead channeling the black flames into Howl Constantines body. As the black flames surged, Admiral Deep Sea howled in pain. Franca seized the opportunity to reach Howl Constantines side, stabbing the transparent Wintry Blade into Admiral Deep Sea. The Wintry Blade pierced the skin and flesh but couldnt go deeper into Howl Constantines body. But it was enough. Howl Constantines body stiffened as if frozen, and his thoughts became sluggish. Franca slid to Jennas side, retracting the Wintry Blade. Simultaneously, she flipped out a compact mirror with her left hand, reflecting Howl Constantines body. Then, with her right hand, she smeared black flames on the mirrors surface. Demoness curse! Black flames erupted from Howl Constantines body, burning it but not touching the octopus on his face. Howl Constantine let out a pained shriek, breaking free from the stiffness and mental fog, slamming the obsidian trident onto the metal floor. Blinding lightning burst forth. Chapter 786 - 786 Face 786 Face 786 Face Arcs of silver lightning shot from the obsidian trident, turning the entire captains cabin into a hell of electricity. Despite having Bribed Howl Constantine and weakened his attacks, Jenna didnt dare risk her fragile body against the powerful lightning at such close range. She and Franca shattered into pieces amid the dancing arcs, reflecting the blinding light. Their figures reappeared at the cabin door, where lightning still raged. Franca didnt hesitate. She grabbed Jennas arm and activated the last gem on her Seven-Stone Bracelet before the paralysis set in. Blink! They vanished from the cabin door, blinking to a wooden table in a room diagonally opposite. During this process, Franca and Jenna saw metal panels sliding open on the cabin ceiling, revealing several dark holes. With a splash, blue seawater poured into the captains cabin like a waterfall, and the metal door shut tight. When Franca and Jennas figures reappeared, their bodies still crackled with residual electricity, and they trembled uncontrollably. Immediately, the last gem on the Seven-Stone Bracelet shattered, leaving only the two diamonds representing Teleport. In the corridor near the stairwell, Lumian and Anthony remained unharmed by the electric storm. It wasnt because the lightning hadnt spread through the metal floor and walls but because Lumian had taken out the gray-white lightning-shaped brooch Fury of the Sea from his Travelers Bag and thrown it ahead. One of its side effects was that it had a high chance of attracting lightning during storms. This meant that it greatly attracted lightning! As expected, most of the small electric arcs converged on Fury of the Sea, making it bloom like a bright silver flower. Thus, Lumian and Anthony only felt a mild tingling, retaining their ability to move. Looking at the now-closed cabin door, Lumian raised an eyebrow and murmured, Did Howl Constantine get seriously injured in the last attack and decide to seal the cabin to recover? To Lumian, Admiral Deep Seas response wasnt wrong. If possible, it was indeed one of the best choices under the circumstances, especially since Howl Constantine couldnt gauge the strength of Lumian, who had been merely watching and not acting, nor did he know the full extent of Franca, Jenna, and Anthonys abilities. If faced with something like a Banshees terrifying scream, Howl Constantine-having been weakened by a Demonesss black flames-would likely die instantly. But sealing the cabin to recover was precisely what Lumian and his companions hoped for. They hadnt planned to kill Howl Constantine before the Fate Exchange was complete. This quiet waiting scenario was exactly what they wanted. Watch out for secret passages in the cabin. Howl Constantine might escape or jump into the sea, Franca cautioned Lumian as she recovered. She had rich experience in assassinations. Im keeping an eye on it, Lumian replied concisely, picking up the Fury of the Sea. He was monitoring the Fate Exchange situation and his own senses and spirituality. If Admiral Deep Sea showed any signs of fleeing, Lumian would immediately blow open the cabin door. As long as he didnt directly attack Howl Constantine, the Fate Exchange wouldnt be interrupted! Francas hands still trembled slightly, and she exuded a faint burnt smell as she remarked, Howl Constantines lightning strikes and Spirit Body and mental protection from items almost ruined all our efforts, along with this unique environment. If not for our abundance of mystical items and our good teamwork, we might have been forced to give up the plan and have you join the battle personally. Whats the phrase? An unstoppable force overcomes all obstacles. No matter what supernatural abilities you use, Ill counter with lightning and turn it into a weaker version of a lightning storm using the environment. Jenna, who was also trembling and smelled burnt but was in better shape, nodded slightly in agreement. As the one fighting on the front lines, she deeply understood this. Outside the Carnival Bar, the pirates and disguised pirates saw the heavy wooden door suddenly swell and shatter. Boom! An explosion followed, sending the doorframe and fragments flying. The figures of Great Shark Jorg and his men finally appeared to the onlookers. Most of them were injured to varying degrees, their expressions grim, as they sprinted towards the dock without bothering to disguise themselves. Seeing this, both real and fake pirates had similar thoughts. They lost? Even with all of Admiral Deep Seas top men, they lost? Are they running to seek help from Admiral Deep Sea? Theyre fleeing in such a sorry state As thoughts raced through their minds, the onlookers turned their gaze back to the inside of the Carnival Bar. They saw broken tables and chairs, exploded barrels, and the mingling scents of alcohol and scorch, but no sign of the unknown adventurer. This left the pirates and impostors bewildered, unsure of what it meant. In the sealed captains cabin, now filled with blue seawater, Howl Constantines cloaked body floated, bubbles constantly rising. His face, with the translucent octopus, hung slightly down, gazing at the submerged metal floor, feeling his soul being nourished, quickly shaking off his weakened state. After several seconds, Howl Constantine slowly but steadily raised his head, looking at the closed metal door. Outside, Lumian turned to Franca and said, Its almost done. Stand by the door and show your face. If Howl Constantine sees the real face of a Demoness of Pleasure, he might feel extreme pleasure, which will help with the digestion. This is so weird Franca muttered as she moved to stand opposite the captains cabin door, leaning against the metal wall. She pulled down her hood, revealing her radiant and beautiful face. She wanted to strike a pose but couldnt bring herself to do it under everyones eyes! Lumian, calculating the progress, walked to the door of the captains cabin and placed his hands on the metal. White-hot flames instantly gathered, compressing layer by layer into the metal door. Rumble! The metal door rapidly caved inwards and then exploded. With a splash, the blue seawater gushed out, momentarily driven back by the explosions shockwave. Howl Constantines figure emerged before Lumian, Franca, and the others, a hopeful smile playing on his lips. Taking advantage of the respite, he had activated the Newins defense system. He was ready to fight the four assassins with the help of this alchemical ship. In that state, he was confident he could hold his own against even a demigod for a while! This was the main reason he hadnt jumped into the sea when the cabin door closed. Suddenly, he saw an exceptionally beautiful face and a figure-despite partially covered by leather armor-that radiated allure. He was momentarily stunned. At that moment, Howl Constantines mind buzzed, going blank. That emptiness was immediately filled with extreme pleasure, which erupted, seemingly shattering his soul and scattering it in all directions. He froze in place, his blood staining the blue seawater that hadnt yet flowed out of the cabin. Tears streamed from his eyes, mixing with the seawater. They were tears of pain and tears of joy. Silently, the translucent octopus fell from Howl Constantines face, revealing his true visage. It was a handsome face, but the features were not deep, rather soft. Seeing this, Francas heart suddenly raced. This face bore a striking resemblance to the man she had encountered in the Trier catacombs, Harrison, who was suspected to be from Resurrection Island. Not in detailed appearance, but in style. It was an Eastern-style face, but not purely so, more like a mixed heritage! Stunned, Franca heard an illusory sound of something shattering and felt the complete digestion of the Pleasure potion. She saw an illusory starry sky filled with twinkling stars. Lumian was about to kill the severely injured Howl Constantine when he suddenly sensed the environment becoming extremely dangerous. He heard the mechanical sounds of the entire Newins mechanism activating. It was like a killing machine awakening. Lumian didnt hesitate. He reached out, grabbing Franca and Jennas shoulders, and lifted the Bottle of Fiction. Anthony stepped forward, grabbing Lumians clothes. The four of them quickly disappeared from the corridor outside the captains cabin. They teleported back to the motel in Banamo Port. Soon, the pirates near the dock noticed the Newins retract its masts and sails, sealing itself up and submerging into the sea. Great Shark Jorg and his men hadnt even reached the dock! Fleeing? Admiral Deep Sea just fled? He didnt even fight the adventurer, just ran, leaving behind his first mate, second mate, and boatswain? Various thoughts surged in the minds of the pirates near the dock. Chapter 787 - 787 Magic Mirror Divinations Answers 787 Magic Mirror Divinations Answers 787 Magic Mirror Divinations Answers When Great Shark J?rg and his men arrived at the dock, the spot where the Newins had been moored was now empty, with only the gentle ripples of blue water moving softly in the light fog. At that moment, J?rg and the other pirates stood frozen, as if they were staring at a surreal painting beyond their imagination. Soon, a deep panic gripped them. The Admiral fled on the Newins. What do we do now? If that unknown adventurer couldnt kill the Admiral and let him escape, will he turn his attention to us for revenge? He used illusions to deal with us; he must have really come to hunt the Admiral Their thoughts raced, and Great Shark J?rg and his men turned and ran, fleeing the dock area. They needed to find the Newins contacts in Banamo Port, relying on their local knowledge to find a secret place to hide and then contact Admiral Deep Sea to decide their next steps. Inside the captains cabin of the Newins. Howl Constantine, having donned his translucent octopus mask again, stared at the nearly lightless, swaying seawater outside the thick glass window, feeling his internal and external wounds gradually healing with the help of medicinal potions. He couldnt help but recall his recent encounter. Though it was extremely painful, it brought him an unprecedented pleasure, leaving his soul almost completely blank. The joy it gave him far surpassed that of the women brought to the ship, making him want to experience it again despite his strong will. Phew Howl Constantine exhaled, grateful that he had activated the Newins defense system in time. Otherwise, under the influence of that extreme pleasure, he would have been easily killed in the next second. He believed the assassins had felt the Newins become extremely dangerous, leading them to retreat and flee the alchemical ship without pursuing him further. He did not regret not activating the defense system earlier; being caught off guard, he had no time to do so. What puzzled Howl Constantine now was when the seed of pleasure had been planted in him, causing an explosive reaction upon seeing the true face and figure of that Demoness. He muttered to himself, Is that why the male assassin never attacked? Not that he didnt want to, but he couldnt, not until the pleasure seed had fully rooted in my soul? What are their true intentions beyond assassinating me? Are they after the secrets of the Newins and the Lost Newins? Lacking the necessary clues, Admiral Deep Sea found it hard to make a decisive judgment and could only suppress his emotions for now, planning to contact his subordinates in Banamo Port once his body and soul had fully recovered to check if they had noticed anything unusual. Instinctively, he reviewed the recent events, trying to find investigative details. But removing the true intentions of the assassins made the whole affair seem like a deliberate setup by two Demonesses and their companions to give him an ultimate pleasure, with the near-death experience being a normal part of it. In this world, many have died from pleasure without being attacked. Reflecting on this, Howl Constantine noticed a shiny gold Louis dor at the cabin door. It was left by the two Demonesses. Staring at the water at the doorstep and the gold coin, which had clearly been treated to prevent tracking, Howl Constantine suddenly had a ridiculous thought and fell into an indescribable silence. In the motel room rented by Lumian and company in Banamo Port. Jenna quickly removed the Scotch Broom-like Decency brooch and submerged it in the aluminum military flask Lumian had given her. Almost simultaneously, Jenna felt the eyes of Lumian, Franca, and Anthony change significantly. Their gazes now held undisguised disgust, aversion, and malice. Jenna had felt malice from some people in the bars and dance halls of Triers Rue Pasteur, but it was often mixed with desire and longing, unlike the pure hatred and loathing now directed at her. Of course, Jenna also noticed a certain amount of desire in Francas disgust and aversion, as if she wanted to satisfy herself by domineering over Jenna. Lumian, though his expression remained relatively normal, had a change in his eyes, reflecting an Ascetics endurance. He nodded at Jenna and said, The Decency broochs negative effect has taken hold. Go to the next room for an hour. I know. Jenna glanced at Lumian, recalling past events. Back then, she had been tasked with protecting Lumian under the negative effect of the Decency brooch, and she had felt the urge to beat him up. She regretted not taking the chance to draw piles of dogsh*t on his face. Recalling these memories, Jenna smiled slightly, left the room, and went to wait for the negative effect to wear off in the next room. Phew, the Decency broochs negative effect is really strong Franca commented sincerely. Lumian gave her a sidelong glance and laughed. I think your hatred and disgust werent pure enough. Franca immediately felt embarrassed, awkwardly smiling as she said, Sometimes, hatred and disgust can also spark desire. Just ask Anthony! Before Lumian could turn to him, Anthony spoke up, Its true. The human brain and soul are complex. Different people might develop the same desire from different stimuli. Some get pleasure from pain, others from jealousy, breaking taboos, being scolded or tortured, or sharing with others, gaining their affection. The possibilities are endless. In simple terms, the world is full of perverts? Lumian mocked Franca. Franca didnt take the bait, her expression growing serious as she frowned slightly. Once free from the Decency broochs negative effect, she recalled the scene she had witnessed earlier. After some thought, she said, Do you think Admiral Deep Seas real appearance resembles Harrison from Resurrection Island? Lumian recalled and said, You mean they both have noticeable Eastern features? He had seen Francas drawing of Harrison. Yes, but more like a mix of someone like Harrison and an Intisian or person from the North Continent, Franca said thoughtfully. Because Anthony was present, she didnt mention the transmigration matter, instead steering towards Resurrection Island. With a nod, Lumian replied, Draw Howl Constantines portrait, and well write to the Tarot Club Major Arcana card holders. No need to ask Madam Judgment or Madam Magician yet; Ill try with Magic Mirror Divination first, Franca responded immediately. She began preparing the ritual in the room, sketching Howl Constantines features from memory. This included an appearance similar to Resurrection Island residents, slightly pointed ears, dark blue near-black thick hair, and the tentacle-like dark veins on his hands when holding the obsidian trident. Some details Franca hadnt noticed during the fight were now retrieved from her memory through the ritual. Lumian examined the portrait for a moment and said, It does have an Eastern style. Franca nodded, then busied herself with the Magic Mirror Divination. Soon, the mirror on the desk turned dark, with faint sounds of water echoing within. Franca picked up the portrait of Admiral Deep Sea and asked the target of the Magic Mirror Divination, What does this appearance signify? She didnt directly ask about Howl Constantines origins, fearing it was beyond the Magic Mirror Divinations knowledge. A hoarse, elderly voice emerged from the mirror: This is an elf. An elf? Lumians temples throbbed. This was a legendary Beyonder race! Previously, Lumian had only known of elves as a mythical race from ancient times, living on the Sonia Seas Sonia Island. He learned they were powerful, with their queen, Soniathrym, being one of the eight ancient gods, ruling the sky and sea. In the real world, encountering a true elf since the Fifth Epoch was rare, only seeing occasional descendants with diluted bloodlines. Franca was equally shocked, blurting out, An elf, or a half-elf mixed with humans? Half-elf, the hoarse voice responded. Though a half-elf, Howl Constantines features show a strong elven bloodline In theory, the Sequence 5 Ocean Songster shouldnt cause such changes A half-elf? Could the elves be descendants of transmigrators, living and thriving in this world? Elf legends date back to the Second Epoch Franca thought deeply, almost forgetting to ask the third question. Gathering her thoughts, she pondered for a few seconds and asked, Is the Lost Newins an ancient elven relic? Though elves supposedly lived on Sonia Island in ancient times, they once ruled the seas, so leaving relics in other seas was plausible. Yes, if Howl Constantine is a pure-blooded half-elf, it makes sense he wore a mask to disguise as a sea monster. The Church of the Lord of Storms supposedly hates pure-blooded elves The elderly voice in the mirror answered Francas third question, I dont know. Alright Franca ended the Magic Mirror Divination and fell into a long silence. She suddenly regretted using Admiral Deep Sea Howl Constantine merely to digest the Pleasure potion this time. Instead of training the team and exchanging fate, they should have gotten Lumian to strike fully with their support to see if they could capture the elf alive. Chapter 788 - 788 Realizations 788 Realizations 788 Realizations Seeing the Magic Mirror Divination come to an end, Lumian turned his gaze to Anthony. The Newins has definitely fled. Go out and gather information from the pirates. Find out if Great Shark J?rg and the key crew members managed to board the ship. If they didnt, find out where they are now. Understood. Anthony knew Lumian wanted to quickly determine the whereabouts of Great Shark J?rg and his men to see if they could use them to visit the Newins again and learn about the elves and the true nature of the Lost Newins. Lumian couldnt go himself; the pirates would avoid him, and even if he forced the information out of them, it would alert Great Shark J?rg and his men if they were still in Banamo Port, making them hide deeper. Disguising himself wouldnt work either; the pirates wouldnt be friendly or forthcoming. The same applied to Franca. Only Anthony, who had befriended many pirates, could naturally obtain the needed intel. After watching Anthony leave the room, Franca sat down at the desk with a sigh and said, This whole transmigration thing keeps getting more complicated. You used to treat it too simply, Lumian scoffed. Franca didnt argue, staying silent for a moment before changing the subject. Ive fully digested the Pleasure potion. After a few days of rest, Ill be ready to attempt the Demoness of Affliction ritual. Honestly, it feels like a dream. Have I really digested it? She still seemed somewhat incredulous. Lumian chuckled in response. What else were you expecting? If Admiral Deep Sea knew our main goal was to help you digest the Pleasure potion, hed think the world was absurd. Hed wonder if it was necessary and suggest that with a Demoness of Pleasures conditions, we could have just asked for his help with a notarized agreement to prevent harm, and hed happily assist. Its just hard for me to accept Franca muttered. And I know what you mean. In our world, plenty would say, Helping a Demoness of Pleasure digest a potion is too wicked-please let me help, but thats superficial pleasure and low-quality digestion. Real pleasure comes from experiencing it in pain and sinking into it. Targeting people like Moran Avigny and Howl Constantine aligns more with the essence of the Demoness path. Lumian was just joking and didnt continue the topic. Franca was silent for a while, then looked at Lumian and carefully said, About your plan to spread a plague among the pirates in Banamo Port -I dont think its viable. Why? Lumian raised an eyebrow, amused. Franca straightened, her gaze unwavering. I dont think we can completely separate the guilty pirates from innocent bystanders. The plague would inevitably affect the latter, causing them to die in despair. Lumian chuckled. It was just a concept, a direction. We can refine the plan to address those concerns, and if its not feasible, we can abandon it. We cant limit our thinking right from the start. For example, by then, I might be a demigod and find a high-level replacement for the Bottle of Fiction, capable of containing all of Banamo Port with conditions allowing only pirates to enter or exit. No, Franca shook her head. There are adventurers who moonlight as pirates, and many of them havent committed crimes deserving death. Lumian smiled and sighed. Then well collaborate with the Aurora Order or find a Sequence 5 artifact from the Broker path to identify guilty targets. Franca seriously thought for a moment. That wont work either. We have our own crimes. Many adventurers have killed pirates. Does that count as guilty? Lumian was momentarily speechless, then laughed. You really are suited for switching to Provoker. I was just raising examples; my point being that a plan shouldnt be dismissed outright. We need to analyze its feasibility and consider future changes. Okay. Franca expressed her opinion and sighed quietly. After some thought, she decided to speak frankly to Lumian, Since discovering the vortex plan, youve become more aggressive, like when you first came to Trier. Or is it the Devils Whispers from Hisoka thats constantly stirring your malice? The Travelers Bag only mitigates its influence; it doesnt completely eliminate the negative effects. Lumian chuckled, somewhat self-deprecatingly. Its a bit of both. He then grew serious. But more importantly, Ive come to some realizations. What realizations? Franca asked, puzzled. Lumian nodded. I was going to remind you anyway. Youve been a Demoness for a long time. Havent you noticed the inherent nature of this pathway? Franca fell silent. Lumian continued in a low voice. Like the Hunter pathway, it inevitably brings catastrophe and calamity. We are destined to belong to darkness and represent destruction. Think about it. Whats the general perception of Hunters and Demonesses among Beyonders? Danger. Hunters are seen as bloody dangers, and Demonesses as evil dangers. We cant escape this impression, nor can we deny it. The subsequent potion digestion and advancement rituals will push us deeper into darkness unless you choose to stop advancing and remain where you are. Otherwise, well face challenges that test our very souls. You could consider switching paths, but your only option would be the Hunter pathway. Seeing Francas expression change but still remaining silent, Lumian suddenly laughed. What Im trying to say is, give up on purity; dont shy away from darkness and evil. We need to confront these things. Only then can we find ways to avoid evil and discover the light within the darkness. We will all be tainted by darkness. We are stained black; we must strive not to fall, not to betray our inner principles. Franca was silent for a while before sighing deeply. Affliction and Despair give me bad premonitions. But walking in darkness, seeking light within it-wont we be corrupted bit by bit and eventually fall completely? Lumian chuckled. Do we have any other choice? We can only keep fighting our own darkness and evil until we die. Franca tersely acknowledged his words and expressed her thoughts, Actually, all Beyonders are like this. The paths of gods are inherently dangerous and inevitably lead to madness. Hunters and Demonesses just make it more obvious and direct. She couldnt imagine the struggles and pain if she had chosen the Devil pathway. When the negative effects of Jennas Decency brooch wore off, Anthony returned and briefed Lumian and the others on the current situation in Banamo Port. The Newins had indeed fled, and Great Shark J?rg and his men hadnt boarded and were now missing. In the following two days, Lumian and his team disguised themselves and searched Banamo Port for the first mate, second mate, and boatswain of the Newins. However, they found no significant leads, whether through social investigation or mystical tracking. Instead, they discovered some suspected associates of Admiral Deep Sea had also disappeared. Lumian suspected Great Shark J?rg and his men had left Banamo Port through some secret means. Whether they returned to the Newins remained unknown. In Trier, in an apartment in Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative. Angoulme de Francois set up a ritual and summoned the messenger of the Seven of Cups. He saw a rabbit-shaped Spirit Body emerge from the flames, dressed in an odd manner: a miniature silk top hat between its ears, tiny gold-rimmed glasses on its nose, a black trench coat clearly not meant for a rabbit, and holding an iron-black revolver sized for a large rabbit. The messenger of Hidden Blade is quite cute, with a unique style Who knew she would dress her messenger like this Angoulme picked up the prewritten letter and handed it to the adorably dressed rabbit messenger. The rabbit gave him a cold, sharp glance. Um Angoulme retracted his previous thoughts. In one of the motel rooms rented by Lumian and company in Banamo Harbor, Franca read Angoulmes letter and said with some difficulty, 007 has a lead on the Mirror People and wants us to follow up, but we still havent found Great Shark J?rg. She was more interested in the secrets of the elves than the Mirror People. Lumian leaned back, relaxed, and said, The worst-case scenario is that Great Shark J?rg and his men have already returned to the Newins through secret means. We wont get any results staying here. So, lets leave. Once the alert is lifted, those people might come out. Meanwhile, we can make long-term plans to keep an eye on Banamo Port. Maybe the Newins will return for supplies. Agreed, Franca accepted reality. At that moment, Jenna noticed a problem: Rabbit Chasel was still in the room. She hadnt paid it for delivering the message. Chapter 789 - 789 At the Stake 789 At the Stake 789 At the Stake Jenna observed Rabbit Chasel, who increasingly resembled Gehrman Sparrow, and carefully asked, What do you need this time? One of the later volumes of The Great Adventurer? Or something else? Luckily, few people knew about her messenger, and Rabbit Chasel didnt deliver messages frequently. Otherwise, Jenna would have to consider providing different knowledge. Rabbit Chasel lowered its paw holding the revolver and said in a thoughtful tone, Get me a pair of boxing gloves that a rabbit can wear. What kind of request is that? Lumian said with a chuckle, I dont remember Gehrman Sparrow ever wearing boxing gloves. This imitation doesnt quite fit the persona! True, but Gehrman Sparrow has Blazing Danitz. I need my own Danitz. I want to develop one in our community, Rabbit Chasel explained earnestly. Danitz uses boxing gloves. For a moment, Franca, Jenna, and Lumian didnt know how to respond. After several seconds, Jenna nodded and said, Ill have a pair custom-made for you. Mm, normal Rabbit of Knowledge size, not your size? Thats right. Rabbit Chasel raised its right hand, blew on the small revolvers muzzle, satisfied. But this gesture isnt fitting for the current scene Franca noticed that Rabbit Chasel was still an immature Rabbit of Knowledge, mimicking and repeating much without truly mastering it. In the darkness of Banamo Port, only a few street lamps with candles flickered. Pirates gathered in bars, drinking heavily or going upstairs with women, enjoying pleasures unavailable at sea. With the Newins gone and the unknown adventurer disappeared, the pirates gradually put the incident behind them. After all, everyone felt embarrassed; no one would ridicule another. As pirates, they knew they might die in a storm, during a robbery, or in a mutiny on their next voyage. Dwelling on past problems was meaningless; indulging in the present was the only option. Of course, they also talked about the unknown adventurers strength and what had happened inside the Newins, wondering why Admiral Deep Sea fled in such a hurry. I think that adventurer was waiting for Admiral Deep Sea! Does he want to recreate Gehrman Sparrows great feats? Pui! Son of a bitch. What great feats? Were pirates! He succeeded but didnt completely succeed? He defeated Admiral Deep Sea but let him escape? Is he close to the power of the Kings? Whats happening on the sea? Every so often, a powerful adventurer appears! There was that Louis Berry before, too. Disguised as a non-pirate, Mason mingled in several bars, listening to the pirates discuss recent events, hoping theyd start a fight. On his way to the next bar, Mason turned into a quieter alley and saw a figure standing ahead, seemingly waiting for him. The figure had black hair and blue eyes, with sharp features and a handsome face. It was the same unknown adventurer who had challenged all the pirates in Banamo Port and forced Admiral Deep Sea to flee. Mason suddenly heard his heart pounding and blurted out, Im not a pirate! Lumian strolled forward and smiled. I have a task for you. Hearing this, Mason relaxed a bit and carefully said, What can I do for you? Im not sure if my abilities can meet your needs. He feared that while completing the task might be easy, the aftermath could be problematic-pirates might hack him to pieces once the adventurer left. Lumian said bluntly, Its a simple and secret task. Keep an eye on Banamo Port. As soon as the Newins returns or you spot Great Shark J?rg and his men, summon my messenger immediately. Hearing messenger, Mason was suddenly struck by a thought. He remembered his last task: summoning a terrifying messenger through a ritual! Unable to control his expression, Mason asked in slight terror, Are you Lumian Lee, sir? The master of that terrifying messenger? Perceptive, Lumian replied, not too sincerely. Mason connected the recent events in his mind: Was the reaI purpose of that task to bring Lumian Lee to Banamo Port? And Lumian Lees goal was to deal with Admiral Deep Sea, Howl Constantine, for the Lost Newins? My spiritual intuition was partly correct; the ritual indeed brought something bad to Banamo Port, though it didnt turn into a catastrophe Lumian continued, The payment is 5000 verl dor. The task is indeed simple, and I likely wouldnt be discovered by the pirates. The reward is generous If I refused, knowing the task details might bring trouble After weighing it for over ten seconds, Mason said, No problem, I think I can handle this task. Lumian nodded slightly, paid a 1000-verl dor deposit, and turned to leave the quiet alley. Watching Lumians figure disappear into the darkness, Mason silently repeated his name, Lumian Lee, Lumian Lee Mason finally remembered where he had heard the name: on a wanted poster aboard a ship! The poster described Lumian Lee as a survivor of a sacrificial ritual to an evil god that destroyed a village, severely corrupted by the evil god. In Trier, in the prison district, at the Rois Comprehensive Execution Ground. Returning to Trier for two days, Franca, feeling ready for the Demoness of Affliction advancement ritual, decided to proceed. 007s lead on the Mirror People came from an ore scholar of the Trier Cave Association. The Purifiers had planned to investigate all the associations ore scholars, but one had mysteriously disappeared before they could visit. Recently, someone had seen her in Underground Trier, suspected to be Palia, a Mirror Person. Franca looked at the stake and sighed sincerely, When I became a witch, I wondered if Id end up burned at the stake. Who knew, I have to tie myself up here. As she spoke, she took out the brown-red wooden suitcase given by Demoness of Black Clarice from the Travelers Bag and unlocked the metal clasp. Next, she retrieved a red wine glass, crushed the crystalline ice containing potion ingredients, and poured in Flower-Faced Bat blood and human blood from a seriously ill person. Both were dark red, and when combined, they turned almost black. She then added the Flower-Faced Bats head, a Two-Tailed Black Snakes gallbladder and tail tip, and ten drops of Enfinitas Eucalyptus essential oil. As the ingredients were added, the dark red blood in the glass turned pitch black, with occasional nauseating green bubbles. Its like a cup of untreated sewage, Lumian commented honestly. Dammit! Shut up! Franca grew more disgusted as she looked at the Demoness of Affliction potion. She handed the potion to Lumian and lightly jumped onto the stake, tying herself up with Jennas help. During this, Franca muttered, Damn, this feels so weird She adjusted her mindset for several seconds and nodded to Lumian, Im ready. Lumian handed the potion to Jenna and extended his right palm. A ball of crimson-white flames flew out, landing on Franca, who immediately felt pain. Her body instinctively wanted to dodge and contract, but the ropes held her firmly. Jenna quickly jumped to her side, one hand holding the ropes and the other bringing the potion to her mouth. Franca forced herself to gulp down the pathogen-like dark-green potion. Whether from the flames or the potion, her head quickly grew hot, and her mind became fuzzy from the heat. She involuntarily recalled past pleasures, including her own experiences and the feedback from her partners. At that moment, Franca was both the giver and receiver of pleasure, drowning in it from body to soul, almost dissolving like spring water. Her thoughts drifted, her will sank, and her self was lost in various intense pleasures. However, the pain accompanying those pleasures kept her slightly conscious. It was the mental resistance and spiritual conflict with Gardner Martin, the emotional gap with Jenna, as if they could never truly unite body and soul The extreme pain from the burning flames on her body was like invisible threads pulling her self and consciousness, making her sway like a kite in a storm, not completely out of control. Swaying, Franca instinctively cursed in her mind: Damn, it hurts so much! This ritual is trying to kill me, isnt it? Cough, cough, hot smoke in my throat and lungs, so uncomfortable. Am I dying Dammit, I can say I smell good now, like food, the scent of roasted meat Lumian, Jenna, and Anthony stood before the stake, watching Francas body gradually turn black and her expression twist beyond beauty. Even Lugano, ready to provide medical help, felt a bit heated, their minds wandering with certain thoughts and urges. Facing this horrifying scene, they had inappropriate desires. Fortunately, it wasnt severe and was bearable. After several more seconds, the crimson flames on Francas body turned pitch black, then into crystalline ice shards, falling off in pieces. The shards took the charred skin with them, revealing Francas new, tender, and glistening skin underneath. Even with his Ascetics endurance, Lumian instinctively looked away. Chapter 790 - 790 Charm 790 Charm 790 Charm Not only did Lumian avoid looking at Franca, but Jenna and Anthony also instinctively turned their heads, as if evading a temptation that could pierce their hearts. Dammit, my clothes almost got burned up! Just one step away from running around naked! Thankfully, thankfully Francas cursing reached Lumian and the others ears, bringing a sense of familiarity and dispelling the earlier temptations. Franca then disappeared from sight, took out a set of clothes from the Travelers Bag, and changed in a nearby secluded corner. She then deactivated her invisibility, tied up her ponytail, and walked back to Lumian and the others. The beautifying effect is really impressive Franca took out a mirror, examined herself, and poked her cheek as if testing her skins elasticity and smoothness. Lumian chuckled and said, Is that the only change the Affliction potion brought? Franca was about to speak when she suddenly remembered something and glanced at Lugano. Lugano immediately said, I need to go back and prepare dinner for Ludwig. Okay. Lumian nodded. After Lugano left, Franca felt the changes in her body and spoke slowly, Enhancing appearance, figure, and charm is just one aspect, and its the least important. No, its not unimportant, but it has little to do with becoming stronger. No, I remember someone saying beauty is part of a womans power, just like handsomeness is part of a mans. Anyway, you get the idea. The other changes include Charm becoming an active ability instead of a passive state. As a Beyonder in the Demoness pathway, Jenna easily understood Francas meaning. Before, you showcased your appearance, figure, and aura, naturally enchanting anyone who saw you. Now, a glance, a gesture, a word can completely charm someone? Yes, Franca said with a smile, But combined with showcasing my appearance, figure, and aura, the active Charm ability will be more effective. Charmed enemies will hesitate to harm us, unable to use their full strength. Some might even give up resisting just to get closer to us. In daily interactions, if Charm is used repeatedly on someone, they will truly fall in love with us over time. Franca glanced at Lumian, her eyes twinkling. She wanted to test the effect of Charm and see how it compared to the endurance of an Ascetic. Lumian suddenly felt Francas lake-blue eyes deepen, as if hiding countless words, and her fair, smooth skin seemed delicate enough to break with a touch. An indescribable feeling surged within Lumian, causing him to curse aloud, Dammit! Stop experimenting with your abilities here! Charm works well if it can make an Ascetic curse Franca thought to herself, then said seriously, Its just that Ive just advanced, and the potions power is leaking out, making it hard to control. Do you think Ill believe that? Lumian retorted, realizing he felt unusually agitated. For a Provoker, staying calm while provoking others was crucial. Franca withdrew her gaze and continued explaining the Affliction potions abilities, The core ability is Plague. It can create various pathogens within a 30-meter range. Once I get used to the Affliction potion and truly master its power, this range can expand beyond 40 meters and eventually to 50 meters as the potion is digested. A Demoness of Affliction can create multiple pathogens, accelerating their infection and the onset of diseases. The initial ten seconds are the incubation period, followed by mild symptoms like allergies, fever, cough, and sneezing. The symptoms quickly worsen, leading to severe illnesses like pneumonia. In two to three minutes, the disease will become critical, potentially causing sudden death or incapacitation. Done with explaining Plague, Franca excitedly envisioned, This pairs well with an Assassin. Stealthily get within a few dozen meters of the target, silently spread pathogens to cover the area. When the target shows mild symptoms and realizes something is wrong, strike as their strength decreases, their state affected, and many abilities disrupted. If the first strike fails, reposition and keep trying, dragging the target into severe illness. Plague should be something a Guardians abilities cant defend against. Their invisible barriers dont seem to block air. The people they protect can still breathe normally. Im not sure if the barriers have a sterilizing function Heh heh, next time I face Admiral Deep Sea, I wont worry about his octopus mask. It seems to only protect the spirit and mind, maybe also making the body tougher and more resilient. Its indeed well-suited for assassination and prolonged fights, Lumian evaluated from a Hunters perspective. He pondered and asked, Does the infection and onset time of Plague vary based on the targets constitution? Can the pathogens you create be burned by a Hunters flames? He was recalling his battle with a bestowed from the Order of All Extinction. Of course, theres a difference. Undead creatures wont be infected unless I become a Demoness of Despair, Franca said introspectively. Im not sure if the pathogens can be burned by a Hunters flames. Want to test it? Sure. Lumian also wanted to confirm. This could be useful if he ever faced a Demoness of Affliction. Jenna and Anthony immediately distanced themselves, moving to the edge of the Rois Comprehensive Execution Ground. In the early winter night, Lumians body suddenly ignited with brilliant white flames, spreading around and burning the air within a seven-to-eight-meter radius. Franca stood over ten meters away, her lake-blue eyes deepening. As the flames crackled, time passed, and Lumian gradually felt a discomfort in his throat, as if swallowing a foreign object, making him want to cough it out. His nose also felt sore and itchy. Franca stopped the experiment and concluded, Hunters flames can indeed kill many pathogens created by a Demoness of Affliction, reducing the diseases impact. It took me about a minute to give you mild symptoms. Lumian sneezed, coughed twice, and the white flames quickly dissipated. When Jenna and Anthony returned, Franca continued, A Demonesss webs have also been significantly enhanced. As a Demoness of Pleasure, I could only roughly control them to entangle and bind targets. Now, theyre like extensions of my arms, capable of more precise actions, like Franca suddenly smiled. Tickling you! As she spoke, Lumian and Jenna felt something soft and invisible tickling their waists, causing a tingling sensation. Immature, havent you grown up? Lumian mocked, then added, But its useful in combat. Franca withdrew the invisible webs, untied her ponytail, and let her hair fall. Her flaxen-colored hair didnt drop but floated, each strand distinct and lively. Now, my hair is also a weapon, Franca proudly announced, It can pierce skin, inject black flames, and cause stiffness in the contacted area, effective in close combat. She let her hair down, tied it again, and took out a mirror. My curses are also stronger and more targeted. Before, I had to reflect the targets full image in a mirror to curse them with black flames. Now, I can reflect just a part of the body, affecting the corresponding area. My other abilities have also been enhanced, including black magic and mirror magic. Jenna listened quietly and sincerely remarked, Compared to a Demoness of Pleasure, this is a significant improvement. After all, its Sequence 5, Franca said, feeling extremely pleased. Seeing this, Lumian nodded slightly. I wont be participating in the Mirror People investigation for now. I plan to leave for Lenburg tomorrow. To find the City of Exiles, Morora! He had been studying the Lenburg language and discovered it was essentially the same as the Feynapotter Kingdoms Highlander, with some dialectal differences-Lenburg split from Feynapotter after the Battle of the Violated Oath in the Fifth Epoch. So, having learned Highlander, Lumian quickly mastered the Lenburg language in a few days. So soon? Well, youve digested the Reaper potion and need to consider advancing to demigod. Franca suddenly felt wistful. Lumian glanced outside the Rois Comprehensive Execution Ground and said to Franca, Jenna, and Anthony, Take care of Ludwig for me and keep an eye on Lugano. Based on the information from 0-01 and Madam Magicians hints, it was best for Lumian to go to Morora alone. Initially, he considered taking Ludwig, his godson, but given his angelic nature and divinity, he might cause unnecessary changes in Morora. So, he abandoned the idea. In comparison, Termiboros, sealed by Mr. Fool, could be temporarily ignored. Theoretically, He wouldnt trigger 0-01. Okay, Franca and the others responded to Lumian. Chapter 791 - 791 Capture 791 Capture 791 Capture After dinner, Franca and Jenna returned to 9 Rue Orosais Apartment 702. Finally, it worked. Franca raised her hands and stretched lazily. Next, should we find Palia the Mirror Person first, report to the Demoness of Black, or tell her tomorrow morning that Ive become a Demoness of Affliction? She said that once I advanced to Affliction, she would share some secrets of the Demoness Sect with me. Franca was curious but also a bit fearful about knowing these secrets. Additionally, she felt that her progress in digesting the Pleasure potion was much faster than expected, which might arouse the Demoness of Pleasures suspicion. She didnt want to report anything related to Admiral Deep Sea yet. This involved the secret of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Societys transmigration! So far, Franca and Lumian had only mentioned Admiral Deep Seas suspected connection to elves to their respective Arcana cards and had yet to receive any response. Jenna thought for a moment and then said, Even if you dont go to the Demoness of Black tomorrow, you should do it soon. The sooner we understand the Demoness Sects secrets, the better we can plan our actions and avoid potential pitfalls. Understanding Francas concerns, she added with a smile, Just tell the Demoness of Black that Lumian has become a Reaper and he helped you digest the Pleasure potion. Uh Franca was taken aback. Thats true, but the way you put it doesnt feel right Thats exactly the kind of misunderstanding we need, Jenna replied with a soft smile. She glanced out at the night sky and said, Finding Palia should be enough with just you and Anthony. I want to visit Julien in Port LeSeur in the next few days. We havent seen each other for almost two months, and I want to gauge his intentions, see if he really plans to return to Trier. Sure. Franca understood Jennas concerns. Jenna nodded. Ill go home tonight, pack some things for him, and try to leave tomorrow morning. The sooner I go, the sooner I can come back. There were plenty of steam locomotives and riverboats heading to Port LeSeur, so she didnt worry about not getting a ticket on the spot. After a brief conversation, Jenna packed her luggage, took her suitcase, and left the apartment. She hadnt followed Juliens instructions to cancel the lease on the Rue Pasteur apartment while he was away for his exchange program in Port LeSeur, saving money. She still occasionally stayed there, as if she had never left. Watching Jenna leave, Franca felt a pang of disappointment and muttered, I was hoping we could celebrate tonight She walked slowly back to her bedroom and saw that some of Jennas clothes and belongings had been taken away. As she looked at the now tidier and cleaner bedroom, Franca seemed to understand something. She fell silent. She felt that the Affliction potion had been somewhat digested. Chug, chug, chug. A cream-colored steam train with brass patterns sped along the tracks, heading towards the capital of Lenburg, Azshara, nestled among the mountains. Lumian sat in a second-class carriage, looking around leisurely. Without coordinates for Azshara and unwilling to go through the messenger hassle again, he chose to teleport back to the Riston Province, take a steam train to the border, and then smuggle himself across the mountains. With pre-exchanged Lenburg currency, knowledge of black market traders, and intermediaries, Lumian easily obtained new identification and bought a ticket to Azshara. Lenburg was a small country, so he would reach his destination by the evening. As Lumian observed, he noticed that Lenburg residents favored light-colored clothes and brass accessories, each carrying a book to read quietly during the journey. Even those who conversed did so in hushed tones. At stops, passengers were eager to help elderly people or those dressed as scholars, showing heartfelt respect. No wonder this is the land of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom, Lumian silently mused. Lenburg was a nation of single faith without a royal family, where the Church of Knowledge exerted strong control and influence over the country. Perhaps sensing his gaze, the young man next to him, holding a book, glanced at Lumians Lenburg Travel Guide and asked with a low laugh, Are you a foreigner? He spoke in Lenburg, then switched to Highlander, Loenese, Intisian, and Feysac. Lumian was a bit surprised. A typical Lenburg second-class passenger knew so many languages? Moreover, it felt like the man was showing off. Yes, Im from Intis, and I speak Lenburg, Lumian replied cooperatively. Whats your name? Its impressive you know all the North Continent languages. The young man adjusted his light-framed glasses and smiled. My name is Sallent, and Im just a small company employee. Actually, once you learn one language from the North Continent, the others are easy. If you start with ancient Feysac, its even simpler. We Lenburgers begin learning ancient Feysac in our compulsory education. Sallents tone carried a hint of pride, almost looking down on other countries still plagued by illiteracy and people who didnt know foreign languages. In theory, yes, otherwise, I wouldnt have mastered Highlander so quickly. My Dutanese is just barely passable Lumian didnt mind Sallents slight arrogance. The Lenburgers he met this morning all had a similar attitude. Keeping his voice low, Lumian said with a smile, Youre quite civilized, showing great respect for the elderly and scholars, and reading on the train instead of chatting or playing. Sallent replied with restrained pride, In Lenburg, knowledge is the most precious, and scholars have more knowledge. Elders, throughout their lives, accumulate a lot of experiential knowledge. Sallent let out a self-deprecating laugh. Reading is a habit from childhood and a necessity. You wouldnt know that our lives are filled with exams and evaluations-in school, in companies, and even in church, where we take theological tests during grand masses to show our piety and respect for the God of Knowledge. Lumian suddenly felt this wasnt necessarily a good thing. No wonder Ludwig is reluctant to return to the Church of Knowledge But Aurore would love it here. She wouldnt want to live here herself, but shed certainly want to send me here to study Seeing the foreigner beside him fall silent, Sallent sighed and said, Thats why I didnt stay in Azshara after graduating. The pressure is overwhelming-qualification exams, annual competency reviews, monthly company evaluations, job training exams, and so on. Lumian couldnt help but hiss internally. So this is the daily life of Lenburgers, especially those in Azshara? Ludwigs vague descriptions didnt prepare me for this. I thought only students had it hard Thank goodness Aurore took me in and not some Lenburger Talking about this made Sallent feel melancholic, prompting him to lower his head and return to his book. Judging by the time, Lumian realized they were close to Azshara, so he started pondering the issue of the City of Exiles, Morora. He hesitated and then asked Sallent, Have you heard of a city called Morora? Sallent thought carefully and then replied, No, neither in reality nor in any legends. Lumian gave a noncommittal grunt and turned his gaze back to the quickly receding mountain scenery outside, as if their conversation was just casual small talk. If Madam Magician couldnt find it, I probably cant either, unless I kidnap a demigod of the Church of Knowledge Since the Church of Knowledge placed parts of the Abscessed Hand in Morora, can I use the connection between the body parts to find the city? The Church of Knowledge expects and allows me to go to Morora, perhaps even hoping for it. Will they give me a hint? With these thoughts, Lumian grew more determined. As dusk fell, the steam locomotive stopped at a platform paved with gray and white stone slabs. Lumian, carrying a small suitcase, walked with Sallent through the station decorated with book sculptures and brass patterns. The wind howled through the mountains, bringing cold but refreshing air. As they approached the entrance of Azshara Steam Train Station, Lumian saw several clergy members from the Church of Knowledge in white robes trimmed with brass blocking the way, checking the documents of passengers. Whats going on? Lumian asked. Sallent glanced over and casually replied, Routine exit checks, done alternately by the Church and the government. I thought they might randomly stop people to test their knowledge, Lumian joked. Sallent turned his head sharply, eyes filled with fear, as if to say: Are you a devil? Even the Church bishops wouldnt think of that! Lumian shrugged and stepped forward to have his documents checked by the clergy. The elder leading the group scrutinized Lumian, glanced at his documents, then signaled to the others. Lumian was quickly surrounded by the clergy, all poised for action. The elder stared at him and said sternly, Weve found a wanted criminal. Take him away! Uh Lumian raised an eyebrow. In a split second, he decided not to resist, extending his hands to let the clergy cuff him with silver handcuffs. Chapter 792 - 792 Judgment 792 Judgment 792 Judgment Inside the slow-moving carriage, Lumian, handcuffed and shackled, stared at the window with iron bars welded and covered with thick cloth. His belief in his own judgment grew stronger. When the clergy from the Church of Knowledge accused him of being a wanted criminal, his first reaction wasnt to be on guard but to feel a wave of confusion. He sensed that those performing the routine exit check were there specifically for him. But apart from Ludwig and the 0-01 incident, he had no interaction with the Church of Knowledge and hadnt harmed their interests. Why are you Lenburgers so enthusiastic about catching an Intisian criminal? Did you even verify the details and the targets current abilities? As thoughts raced through his mind, Lumian, noticing Sallents surprised, fearful yet relieved gaze, thought of a possibility, Is this the hint from the Church of Knowledge? No, this isnt just a hint. Theyre directly escorting me to the destination! The City of Exiles, as the name suggests, is a place for exiling criminals. When Im arrested as a wanted criminal and sentenced to exile, Ill naturally be sent to Morora Isnt this method a bit too straightforward? How did they know I was coming? Although I didnt disguise myself, I kept a low profile the entire way Are High-Sequence Beyonders of the Reader pathway adept at prophecy or divination? Lumian glanced at his waist, looking at the Travelers Bag that hadnt been confiscated. He couldnt help but silently grumble, They didnt confiscate a wanted criminals belongings or take measures against potential dangerous criminals to restrict the use of Beyonder powers This performance is too unconvincing. Are they afraid I wont notice and might resist, causing losses? Lumian silently took the Travelers Bag from his belt and tucked it into the inner pocket of his thick jacket. He didnt want to make things difficult for the clergy of the Church of Knowledge. Their poor acting doesnt matter, but I cant be equally patronizing. What if other serious offenders, nearby Azshara citizens, or assisting police officers see the Travelers Bag? Theyd think the clergy of the Church of Knowledge are unprofessional! After driving for a while, the vehicle finally stopped. Under the strict guard of several clergy members in white robes trimmed with brass, Lumian was escorted to a massive white tower. Before he could take a good look at the towers full appearance or even see its spire to confirm its grandeur, he was pushed through a side door, down a stone staircase, through a dim corridor lit by several gas wall lamps, and into a cell made of black iron. Lumian glanced around and saw about eight people already inside, all handcuffed and shackled. Some were even chained through their collarbones, fixed in place. Such restraints would be effective even against Beyonders, but they couldnt suppress those with more mystical abilities If it were me, being locked up like this would render my Hunter combat skills useless, but it wouldnt stop me from starting fires, provoking, scouting for weaknesses, swapping fates, or teleporting to escape. Come on, cant you be more professional? This performance is too fake Lumian thought as he watched the elder who had arrested him open the iron cell door. The slightly aged clergyman stepped aside and said to Lumian, Stay here and await your judgment. Judgment? You havent even done the judgment yet? Have you given up on pretending? Lumian cooperatively shuffled into the cell. Clang! The iron cell door was closed and locked. Lumian looked around, found a metal chair fixed to the ground, and sat down, casting his gaze at the serious offenders who were sizing him up. A young man with glasses, sitting opposite him, raised his chin and said, Didnt expect someone younger than me to arrive. Brother, what crime did you commit? Without answering, Lumian asked in return, What about you? The young man with glasses smiled and said, Murder. Most people here are murderers. How many did you kill? a middle-aged man with a sturdy build and chains through his collarbones asked curiously. Seven or eight. Im not sure if one of them died in the end, the young man replied with a reminiscent look. Ending a human life with my own hands, feeling their pain, struggle, and despair, having their warm blood splatter on my face, is intoxicating. At that moment, I felt like their god, their lord. A Serial Killer? Lumian silently watched, not interrupting the exchange among these serious offenders. The young man sighed in the end. Unfortunately, Azshara has too many detectives. They eventually found me. What about you? How many did you kill, and why? he asked the middle-aged man with chained collarbones. The man replied indifferently, as if describing his breakfast, Dont know. Too many. Do you keep count of how many slices of bread you eat in a month? Thats a quote from Emperor Roselle of Intis, right? I read it in a biography, the young man replied with a smile. I remember eating 123 slices last month. The middle-aged man was silent for a few seconds and then said, I kill because they deserve to die. And the more deserving they are, the tastier their flesh. You eat the people you kill? the young mans expression changed slightly. Depending on how much they deserve it, there are different cooking methods, the middle-aged man replied seriously. You two are both freaks, a sullen man in his thirties snorted. The young man didnt get angry and asked curiously, Why did you kill? I didnt kill for the sake of killing. I just wanted to rape them. Blame them on resisting too much, the sullen man answered with a look of disdain, as if saying he was different from these perverts. The young man laughed and pointed to a woman with disheveled brown hair and collarbone chains, She also rapes and kills, but thats incidental. Her main purpose is collecting reproductive organs. Sitting quietly on a metal chair, slightly leaning forward, Lumian couldnt help but shake his head. Does Lenburg have too many murderers? On average, each has a few body counts The gentlemanly young man looked at Lumian again. What about you? What major crime did you commit? Lumian thought seriously for a moment and said, Murder, blasphemy, arson, kidnapping, extortion, intimidation, deceit, causing explosions, inducing miscarriages, worshiping evil gods, attacking government officials, blackmailing the orthodox Churches The young man was stunned for a few seconds and then laughed. Brother, havent you committed too many crimes? Why else would I be here? Lumian replied casually. True. The young man and the other serious offenders looked at Lumian with more respect. How many did you kill exactly? the young man asked, as if he could immerse himself in the details. Lumian shook his head and said in a low voice, I didnt count and dont want to answer. Its not something to boast about. Its like a farmer culling wheat-Im just doing my job. Would you be happy doing your daily job well? The young man was silent for a moment and then said, Whats your name? Im Guei. Maybe well meet again in the land of Death. Lumian simply replied, Louis. He didnt want to use his real name among these people or in the City of Exiles. In mysticism, knowing someones real name could lead to curses. The Inevitability pathway had similar contract abilities. What about you guys? Guei asked the others. Lez, the middle-aged man replied. The sullen man hesitated but answered, Vijepan. Julie, said the woman with disheveled brown hair, her gaze lingering greedily on Guei and the others crotches. After the serious offenders introduced themselves, Lumian smiled and said, I didnt expect Lenburgs security to be so bad, with so many serial killers. Right, Im from Intis. I havent been in Lenburg long. Guei, the most talkative, raised his handcuffed hands, adjusted his glasses, and said with a smile, Actually, its not bad, even quite good, because Lenburg has the most and best detectives in the world. But there are still many people like us-twisted personalities combined with a lot of knowledge easily create a batch of formidable criminals. And criminals from other countries come here, wanting to challenge Lenburgs detectives. Detectives are Sequence 7 of the Reader pathway, which belongs to the Church of Knowledge. There are indeed many here Could there be real Criminals and Serial Killers among these criminals, using the Detectives for their own role-play? But then again, if the detectives catch the Devil pathway criminals, they can better and faster digest their own potions Lumian thought, nodding slightly and replying with a smile, Am I one of them? You have a clear understanding of your own personality. The more knowledge you have, the more dangerous you become. Guei coughed and said, Yes, I now regret not having more knowledge. As the serious offenders alternated between silence and idle chatter, time seemed to pass without notice. Finally, the clergy from before escorted a woman to the cell. She wore a shirt with white lace flowers at the collar, a beige coat with brass trim, a dark knee-length skirt, and brown boots. Her face was oval, her light blue eyes like spring water, her nose high and straight, and her brown hair simply tied back with a bun-a very beautiful woman. Seeing her, Vijepans eyes lit up. You have been judged, and I will announce the verdict. The beautiful woman said before turning and walking toward the end of the dim corridor. The other clergy opened the cell and escorted Lumian, Guei, and the others behind her. They descended stone stairs, going deeper and deeper underground, until they reached a large, double brass door. The beautiful woman with the oval face stopped and turned to face Lumian and the others, her expression serious. Your verdict is: Exile, never to return! Exile to where? Guei asked, both surprised and confused. Not a death sentence? The woman pointed to the brass double doors behind her. Exile beyond these doors. As soon as she finished speaking, a chilling, indistinct sound came from behind the doors. Chapter 793 - 793 Morora 793 Morora 793 Morora Hearing the sounds from behind the door, the faces of all the serious offenders changed, except for Lumian. Guei blurted out, Whats behind the door? Could exile actually mean being sent to some monster to be its food? Behind the door is a path leading to your place of exile, the beautiful woman with the oval face answered simply. There are no monsters waiting to eat you, but it is indeed dangerous. I dont know the specifics, but theres definitely a chance for you to survive. Its much better than being hanged or shot. Guei, Lez, and the others exchanged glances, then looked at the clergy in white robes trimmed with brass. They were tempted but eventually suppressed their urge. They believed they were no match for the clergy of the Church of Knowledge, especially the beautiful woman who clearly held a higher status. Guei glanced at Lumian and saw that the wanted criminal, who claimed to have committed various serious crimes, looked calm and unafraid. I will open the door in a moment. You will enter on your own. Anyone who stays behind will have an additional charge tagged on, and be sentenced to death on the spot, the beautiful woman said, raising her hands. In her light blue eyes, countless illusory lights seemed to float. Dark, dim rain fell silently from a height of about four meters, drenching Lumian and the others. Lumian immediately felt irritated, a wave of violent emotions surging within him. It seemed like the blood of Omebella was stirring. What did you do to us? Guei asked, unsure and alarmed. The beautiful woman in the beige coat with brass trim explained in a teaching tone, This is a mystic technique called Harps Rain of Sterility. It renders you infertile but can be reversed with the corresponding mystic technique or by a professional doctor. We dont want babies born in the place of exile. They are innocent. Rain of Sterility No wonder Omebellas blood reacted so strongly I wonder if this secret technique will affect me or if the special properties of Omebellas bloodline will neutralize it If it works, would it prevent embryos from implanting if I were influenced by the Great Mother in the future? It probably depends on the rank of the influence Lumian thought that the Rain of Sterility might not be a bad thing. The other serious offenders didnt see it as a problem either. Some already had children, while others were too cold-blooded or twisted to think much about offspring. The beautiful woman stepped back a few paces, faced the brass doors, and pressed her hands in the air. The doors emitted a heavy, metallic creaking sound and slowly opened. For some reason, Guei and the others felt an urge to go through the doors, stepping into the dim passage beyond. They didnt notice that, except for the beautiful woman, the clergy of the Church of Knowledge had retreated to the edge of the corridor, standing on the steps when the doors opened. Lumian felt the same urge, sensing something familiar yet unknown calling to him from deep within the passage. He walked in the middle of the group, hearing the clang of the closing doors behind them. The passage dimmed significantly, illuminated only by glowing gems embedded in the walls. How extravagant Lumian instinctively thought. Guei glanced around and whispered, Should we stay here and wait until there are fewer guards outside, then find a way to escape? Do you think the exiled people before us didnt think of that? Vijepan sneered. And were still shackled. How do we escape? Lumian watched coldly, noticing that Guei could somewhat resist the urge to flee while the other serious offenders were finding excuses to reject his suggestion. After they argued for two or three minutes, Lumian casually asked, Do we have any food? What if the guards only have a lapse every few days? Without waiting for Guei to answer, Lumian continued, Actually, there is food. Each one of you is food. He turned to Lez, the human chef, and asked with a smile, How would you prepare us? Suitable for stewing and pickling. You need the right spices to prevent the taste from turning sour, Lez replied, his face lighting up. Guei fell silent for a few seconds, then, handcuffed and shackled, began to walk slowly down the passage. Lumian followed at the same pace. They walked for what felt like seven or eight hours, though Lumian suspected his sense of time was distorted. During this time, no one chose to stop. It seemed like they were heading not for a City of Exiles but a Land of Hope. They frequently heard the indescribable terrifying sounds, prompting the human chef, Lez, to comment, Its like were walking down a monsters long esophagus, heading for its stomach. The sounds are its digestive movements. Lumian agreed, while the others felt their hair stand on end. Finally, they saw stone steps leading upwards. This seemed to signify that the end was near. Climbing the steps and pushing open a heavy wooden door, Lumian and the others were momentarily blinded by the bright sunlight, causing them to instinctively close their eyes. The indescribable, chilling sounds ceased. Almost simultaneously, a gentle voice said, Welcome to the City of Exiles, Morora. Just as I thought Lumian sighed silently, opened his eyes, and looked around. They were in a grand prayer hall of a cathedral. Sunlight streamed through stained glass windows, creating a sacred and radiant scene. The walls without windows were adorned with murals depicting mythical stories, while below stood brass bookshelves filled with various books and scrolls. It felt more like a library than a church. The speaker was an old man in a white robe trimmed with brass. He was in his sixties or seventies, with graying hair, gentle and clear amber eyes, and no trace of cloudiness. He held a thick book in his left hand, a standard scholar-clergyman of the Church of Knowledge. Yet Lumian felt he wasnt a real person, suspecting he was a specially crafted puppet. Morora? This place is called Morora? Guei asked curiously, opening his eyes. The old man nodded. I am Heraberg, responsible for all theological affairs in Morora. As he spoke, he extended his right hand, pointing at Lumian and the others. The shackles, handcuffs, and chains through their collarbones softened instantly, as if made of mud. With a clatter, they fell from the bodies of the serious offenders, hitting the gray and white stone floor with metallic thuds. The serious offenders hearts sank, abandoning any bad thoughts. Heraberg handed out the thick book and a brass-cased pen. Register your names. This signifies your official status as residents of Morora. Lumian complied, taking the book and writing Louis. Next was Guei. He took the book and pen and tentatively asked Heraberg, How do you know were writing our real names? Heraberg replied calmly, The past is not important. In Morora, the present and the future matter. Guei pondered for a while, unsure of the clergyman, Herabergs meaning. Considering that the Church of Knowledge could exchange information via telegram, he didnt use a fake name but wrote his real name honestly. After all the serious offenders finished registering, Heraberg looked at them and said, You must follow the rules here. Most laws are the same as in other cities in Lenburg, but dueling is legal if both parties agree. Non-violent protests are also allowed. We have a dedicated team to maintain order in Morora. The honest-looking, middle-aged Lez asked, Can we join the enforcement team? The enforcement team is made up entirely of experimental personnel, Heraberg replied warmly. Guei asked, How do we become experimental personnel? Vijepan asked grimly, What happens if we break the law here? Jail time or death penalty? Heraberg smiled. The worst punishment for breaking the law here is becoming an experimental personnel. Wouldnt that make us enforcers? Guei was stunned. Isnt that encouraging us to break the law? Lumian recalled the term experimental personnel frequently appearing in the 0-01 sealed information. Just from that, he knew becoming experimental personnel was definitely not a good thing. Herabergs expression remained unchanged. Yes, but remember, besides the churchs overseers, at least two experimental personnel are discarded daily. Discarded Guei and the others found this term strangely terrifying. How many people are in Morora now? Lumian asked a peculiar question. Heraberg replied with a smile, Nearly 200,000. The city has farms, mines, and factories around it, all part of Morora. Nearly 200,000? Does Lenburg have that many serious offenders? Lumian was slightly surprised. Heraberg professionally explained, Its accumulated over generations, and we also spend money to import serious offenders from abroad. Import makes it sound like importing talent Lumian pondered for a few seconds, not in a hurry to commit a crime, planning to apply to become experimental personnel, hoping to get close to the sealed 0-01. He bade farewell to Heraberg and headed for the exit of the library-like cathedral, intending to first find the two parts of the Abscessed Hand. Chapter 794 - 794 The Price of Meddling 794 The Price of Meddling 794 The Price of Meddling Behind Lumian, Vijepan continued questioning Heraberg, the clergy of the Church of Knowledge, In a legal duel, can I do anything to the other party without facing punishment? Yes, Heraberg confirmed. Vijepans eyes lit up, feeling as if he had found paradise. He excitedly swallowed. Gulp He heard a similar sound next to him. He turned his head and saw that the sound came from a woman with long brown hair, Julie. The collector was also excited, while the human chef, Lez, licked his lips. He was already hungry. Lumian didnt bother watching the other offenders performances. He left the library-like cathedral and surveyed the surroundings. The buildings in this area were ancient, reminiscent of early Fifth Epoch styles with their heavy columns and arches, giving a sense of grandeur and simplicity. Behind the cathedral was a seemingly endless graveyard. Tombstones stood amidst the trees, with many raised graves dotting the landscape. This reminded Lumian of a line from the 0-01 sealed information: Place it in an underground mausoleum with a large number of soldier mannequins. Construct a cemetery with more than a million corpses above it Is the underground mausoleum sealing 0-01 right below? Just as Lumian withdrew his gaze, the previously sunny sky darkened. Thick clouds gathered, and the sound of thunder rumbled. The weather changes so quickly No wonder the information mentioned Morora frequently experiencing extreme weather Lumian sighed as he looked into the distance, seeing mountain ranges resembling giant beasts lying at the horizon, blocking anyone who might want to leave secretly. Of course, this was just a metaphor, as the residents of Morora never thought of leaving the city. Lumian felt a slight reluctance too. The underground was calling to him. We need to find a place to settle down quickly, or well get soaked, Gueis voice came from beside Lumian. He had also left the cathedral, and as a local of Azshara, his words were quite formal. Yeah, Lumian replied with a smile as he walked into the large square in front of the cathedral. Guei followed, glancing back and saying in surprise, Theres such a large graveyard here? A graveyard with over a million, even tens of millions of corpses, Lumian replied casually. Guei nodded thoughtfully. History books record a large-scale grave relocation in the early Fifth Epoch in the Lenburg region to address the aftermath of the Pale Disaster. Was it moved here? Perhaps, Lumian said as they crossed the square. He quietly activated the black mark representing the Abscessed Hand, but did not actually use it. He was sensing the approximate location of the other two parts of the Abscessed Hand. To his surprise, he sensed more than two parts. Different directions within the City of Exiles had subtle responses. Hand Bros body parts got dismembered? Lumian silently muttered. He chose the direction with the strongest response. After walking about a streets length, he heard the clashing of metal and saw two men fiercely fighting with sharp swords as a crowd watched. Duels with fatalities happen daily Lumian reviewed the 0-01 sealed information. He didnt hurry, deciding to watch for a while. Guei did the same, seemingly assessing the strength of Mororas residents. The fight lasted two or three minutes, ending with a man in a black jacket being slashed across the chest and stomach, his intestines spilling out as he convulsed and died. A team of men and women in black robes, their expressions indifferent, appeared, silently dragging the stripped corpse away and cleaning the blood from the street, like machines following a set procedure. The onlookers dispersed. A small man in a brown-green cap, smiling kindly, walked past Lumian and Guei, glancing at them. New here? the small man asked warmly. How can you tell? Guei asked curiously. The small man laughed. You still have that new look, not yet fully integrated into Morora! His voice suddenly turned sharp, as if possessed by something unknown. Lumian watched the small man in silence, observing his changes. The small man waved. Haha, Im Worms. Lets have a drink sometime. As Worms walked down another street, Guei suddenly spoke to Lumian, Dont you feel like youre missing something? I noticed, Lumian replied nonchalantly. Hes quick. He had only noticed his Travelers Bag was about to be taken when Worms withdrew his hand. He must be a real Beyonder, a true Marauder. That sudden state change was likely a performance to distract attention. Why didnt you expose him if you noticed? Afraid of retaliation? Guei didnt understand Lumians reaction. I wanted to see what he would do, Lumian replied with a smile, hands in his pockets, slowly following the route Worms had taken. Guei watched his back for a while, then decided to find a place to stay first. Once out of Lumian and Gueis sight, Worms quickened his pace, darting through several alleys in a circuitous route. After confirming he had shaken off any potential pursuers, he stopped in a secluded alley and took out a dark black coin pouch from inside his clothes. It was Lumians Travelers Bag. Haha, these new fools are so careless. Lets see whats inside Worms reached into the Travelers Bag. His expression changed slightly, filled with intense surprise. He could see the pouchs value, sensing many items with spirituality inside, but he hadnt expected it to be a rare spatial item, holding what felt like a small room. What a pleasant surprise Worms pulled out one of the items. What greeted his eyes was a half-decomposed, dark blue swollen corpse, dripping yellowish-red pus. Smack! Worms recoiled, letting the half-corpse fall to the ground. Wh- His face turned horrified. Who carries a half-decomposed corpse around? And a highly decayed corpse at that! Even in Morora, filled with countless murderers, this is the most twisted thing! No wonder he was exiled here! Steadying himself, Worms reached into the Travelers Bag again, pulling out a piece of smooth, white leather. He couldnt take his eyes off it, as if staring at the skin of a dream lover. He quickly noticed some black words on the leather that he didnt recognize. Seems to be words that can trigger Beyonder powers. This leather must be very valuable. I should copy it and find someone to decipher it without arousing suspicion, Worms thought in delight, caressing the leather, unwilling to let go. Suddenly, he felt his throat itch. Cough, cough, cough! He started coughing, more and more violently. Within seconds, he coughed so hard it felt like his heart would tear apart. Pfft! Worms spat out a mouthful of blood. This isnt right! How did I suddenly get so sick? Worms, vaguely understanding, threw the leather to the ground. But his coughing continued, even more violently. While coughing, he thought of a way to save himself: That guy put such dangerous leather in his pocket, he must have prepared a cure Yes, there must be one! Worms reached into the Travelers Bag again. He first pulled out a gray-white lightning-shaped brooch. A thick, silvery-white lightning bolt suddenly descended from the stacked clouds, striking him. Boom! The thunder echoed, and Worms fell, his body charred and twitching. Already gravely ill, the lightning strike left him near death. How how could I suddenly be struck by lightning I, I Wormss vision darkened, his confusion and regret lingering as he closed his eyes. He soon stopped breathing. About ten seconds later, Lumian turned into the alley, walked to Worms, looked down at his body, and shook his head with a smile. Rummaging through others belongings is very dangerous. After a pause, Lumian regrettably sighed. I wanted to follow you and get in touch with Mororas Beyonders. You let me down. And you didnt even get to the more dangerous items. As he spoke, Lumian picked up the Travelers Bag, placing the items back inside in their compressed form: the Fury of the Sea brooch, the Demoness of Despair human leather, and the half-corpse of the Abscessed Hand. I guess being a generous soul is all you can do, Lumian muttered, extracting 537 sassen gold from Worms. That was about 2863 verl dor. Pocketing the generous souls gift, Lumian waited for Wormss Beyonder characteristics to manifest. About two minutes later, a team of black-robed enforcers entered the alley. The leader looked at Lumian expressionlessly and said, Did you kill him? No, he was struck by lightning. Maybe he did too many bad things, Lumian replied with a smile, explaining earnestly. He was a thief and stole my stuff, so I chased him here. The enforcers stared at Lumian as if verifying his truthfulness. After a moment, the leader nodded. You may leave. Lumian didnt move, smiling as he said, His belongings should be mine, right? Chapter 795 - 795 "Old Friend" 795 Old Friend 795 Old Friend The leader of the enforcers was around forty, clean-shaven, with dark brown eyes. He responded to Lumians question without any expression, Theres no such rule. He meant there was no rule stating that all items on a thiefs body should go to the victim. Lumian smiled and asked, But theres also no law specifically prohibiting it, right? Right. The leader of the enforcers nodded slowly. Lumians smile broadened. Coming to Morora means cutting all ties with the past, right? This was inferred from what the clergyman Heraberg had said in the cathedral. Yes. The enforcer did not deny it. Lumian probed further, And this thief doesnt have any other heirs in Morora, does he? Before being sent to Morora, serious criminals were sterilized. Unless they were part of a criminal family or found a partner with similar criminal interests here, no one in Morora had legal heirs. The enforcer didnt answer Lumian immediately. He pulled a thick book from under his black robe and started searching for the relevant records. Do you know this thiefs name? Lumian asked thoughtfully. The enforcer nodded. His name is Worms. Soon, the records were found. The enforcer read in a flat voice, His parents and siblings are not in Morora, and he hasnt married here, at least not officially registered. So, according to the laws from where I come from, a thiefs possessions go to the person who caught them if there are no other heirs or claimants, Lumian began to explain, Just like in a legal duel, the victor can take the spoils. The enforcer stared at Lumian for a few seconds before saying, Okay. He and his team stood patiently as Wormss Beyonder characteristics manifested, merging with one of his fingers, which then broke off, turning semi-transparent black. Lumian put away the Beyonder characteristics but didnt leave immediately. Instead, he stayed, watching as the enforcers dragged away the body and cleaned the blood and scorch marks from the alley. The clouds above thickened, and lightning and thunder grew more frequent. Finally, the alley was clean and quiet, with only Lumian remaining. Lumian nodded thoughtfully, murmuring to himself, The enforcers seem to remember the appearance and names of every Morora resident After becoming enforcers, they are still human but not quite human anymore He felt that the so-called enforcers, who were actually experimental personnel, acted like puppets following set procedures, lacking self-awareness and deep thinking. He had deliberately asked if Wormss belongings were his, not out of greed for the Beyonder characteristics, although that played a small part, as Beyonder characteristics were valuable. He had long figured that Worms wasnt a Sequence 7 Marauder, as a Sequence 7 called Cryptologist would have deciphered some of the secrets of the items in the Travelers Bag and understood their dangers, not dying just after examining three items. Lumian even doubted Worms had reached Sequence 8 Swindler, because the thief didnt seem smart enough. Lumians questions to the enforcers were not to showcase his talent in being a negotiator or exploit loopholes but to test the enforcers state. And he had his answer. He felt that after becoming enforcers, these serious criminals became like the wax figures in the Sauron familys Red Swan Castle or a combination of the Iron and Blood Cross Order Supervisor Olson, but without the violent madness, instead exhibiting a gentle indifference. Is this the combined effect of the 0-01 corruption and Mororas sealing influence? Lumian was unsure if he would retain his self-awareness if he joined the enforcers, or end up just following Mororas rules, becoming a puppet of the City of Exiles or 0-01. This made him waver in his original plan to approach 0-01 as an enforcer. He laughed softly, asking in a low voice, Termiboros, do you want to be Mororas puppet? Termiboros ignored him. Whoosh! The downpour finally arrived, shrouding Morora in a mist of rain and a doomsday-like gloom. Lumian followed the shelter of the huge buildings, avoiding the rain as he headed to the place where the strongest feedback from the Abscessed Hands missing parts came from. When he reached his destination, his clothes were half-soaked by the wind and rain, and the water on the street was nearly up to the steps. Lumian glanced to the side, seeing a sign by the door depicting a knife, fork, and wine glass, with the words in Lenburg: Carnivore A bar serving food? Carnivore Lumian pondered the bars name, suddenly having a strange guess, The feedback indicated that parts of Hand Bros body are scattered across Morora, but originally there were only two pieces The demon with the goat face in the Underworld cut and ate Hand Bros rotten flesh daily, and it regenerated This bar is called Carnivore Could it be that one piece of Hand Bros body was obtained by the bars owner, saving them the cost of buying meat and using it as a substitute? Other bar owners in different cities might not do this, but in Morora, they likely would, since they were exiled here for serious crimes. The bar owner might even be a perverted butcher who killed people and sold their meat If thats true, things will be troublesome. Who knows how many people have eaten and integrated Hand Bros rotten flesh, and what impact that might have Can I merge the remaining parts once I find the original two pieces? Lumian muttered silently for a while, then ran through the rain and pushed open the heavy wooden door of the Carnivore bar. Upon arriving in Morora, after almost reassembling the Abscessed Hands body, he had started referring to it as Hand Bro, half-jokingly and half to show closeness, hoping it wouldnt attack him when fully restored, as there might be other dangers then. Just as he entered the bar, bringing in the rain, Lumian saw a familiar figure. That figure sat on a high stool in front of the bar, their hair tinged with red, eyebrows and eyes leaning towards brown, looking handsome yet unlikable due to their overly sharp features. Albus! Albus Medici! Lumian tensed, though his expression remained calm as he smiled and walked towards the bar. He used to think Albus Medici was mysterious and possibly involved in some consOriginal. Later, he learned about the existence of the Red Angel Medici, realizing this former King of Angels had orchestrated a massive plot and successfully obtained the Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristic of the Hunter pathway from Vermonda Sauron in Fourth Epoch Trier. This made Lumian associate Albus Medici with the Red Angel, suspecting Albus was the King of Angels agent, sent to Morora to find a way to get close to 0-01. For Lumian, this was bad news, as Medici was close to ascending to the Red Priests divine throne! Albus Medici noticed Lumians gaze and turned, looking back at Lumian, who had made no effort to disguise himself beyond restoring his hair color. What brings you here? Lumian smiled as if meeting an old friend. Albus returned the smile. What brings you here? Of course, I was captured, Lumian laughed, sitting beside Albus and tapping the bar counter, Give me a steak, tenderloin, medium-rare, he told the bartender, who looked as if he had lost his parents. Are you mimicking me? Also being randomly captured and ordering a tenderloin steak, Albus said, one foot on the stools footrest, the other resting on his knee. Before Lumian could respond, he relaxed and asked with a smile, What crime did you commit? Murder, blasphemy, arson, causing explosions, kidnapping Lumian repeated the crimes he had told Guei and others before, but not in the same order. He was relaxed as he asked, What about you? Me? Albus jiggled his foot resting on his knee, Murder, arson, inciting riots, attempting to overthrow the government. Which government? Lumian asked in a tone of old friends reuniting. Intis. Albus shrugged, Dont ask me why I tried to overthrow the Intis government and ended up in this strange city in Lenburg. I dont know either. Thats such a patronizing answer Lumian nodded in agreement. Yeah, I didnt commit crimes in Lenburg either. As the two former Iron and Blood Cross Order members chatted, two steaks were served. Looking at the steaks on white porcelain plates, slightly bloody and with a good-looking texture, Lumian remained silent and didnt pick up his knife and fork. He sensed a connection. This was indeed the Abscessed Hands rotten flesh, cut from the body! After a few seconds, Lumian glanced to the side and found Albus Medici also staring at the steak without moving. Lumian smiled and asked, Why arent you eating? Albus responded with a radiant smile. Why arent you? Chapter 796 - 796 "Duel" 796 Duel 796 Duel In response to Albuss question, Lumian let out a soft laugh and muttered to himself, This guy seems pretty sharp No idea when he was exiled to Morora, but this must be his first time eating here Did he come here because he noticed some people in Morora behaving strangely after eating at this bar? As these thoughts raced through his mind, Lumian slapped the bar counter. He jumped off the stool and coldly said to the bartender, whose expression had remained grim. Serving this kind of meat as steak to me? Get your boss out here! The bartender was taken aback. Are you certain? He wasnt embarrassed or angry at Lumians attitude; instead, there seemed to be a slight hint of pleasant surprise. Lumian didnt answer but conveyed with his eyes that he wanted the boss to hurry up and come out. The bartender immediately shouted, Boss! Boss! Someones about to wreck your bar! Within seconds, a figure rushed out from the kitchen. The figure had messy, fluffy hair and a very fat face, layered with flesh that made his eyes appear small, yet his body was quite standard, showing no sign of obesity. At this moment, he was wearing a white apron and holding a cleaver, glaring angrily at the two customers near the bar, shouting in Lenburg, Who? Whos going to wreck my bar? Lumian pointed at the steak on the white porcelain plate and sneered, You think I cant tell what kind of meat this is? If I say its steak, its steak, the fat-faced boss retorted without backing down. Lumian didnt argue further. He took out a black glove from the Travelers Bag and tossed it in front of him. I challenge you to a duel, Lumian said calmly. Throwing down a glove was a customary way to issue a duel challenge in Intis. The boss glanced at the black glove on the ground, his layers of fat shifting to reveal a light yellow beard. He was laughing. He responded to Lumians challenge, Okay. As soon as he spoke, he raised the cleaver and swung it down at Lumian. Lumian sidestepped the blow, but suddenly felt he couldnt use his teleportation ability. The contract ability from the Abscessed Hand seemed to be stripped away by some strange power! Lumian recalled Ludwigs description of the Sequence 5 Depriver of the Gourmet pathway and suspected this boss-cum-chef was a blessed one of this pathway. No wonder he can make Hand Bros rotten flesh look and smell like real steak A bestowed not executed but exiled to Morora? Stop dumping all the trash in Morora Is it because they fear Mororas population decline, risking the seal on 0-01? As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Lumian swung his shoulder, his arm swelling, and punched out with his right fist. His fist burst into bright, blazing-white flames, like a peacocks tail, heading straight for the bartender. Boom! As his fist struck the side of the heavy cleaver, a violent explosion occurred. The blazing-white light lit up the entire bar, the violent blast overturning nearby stools and throwing the fat-faced boss away. Albus reacted quickly, jumping off his stool and perching on the bar counter far from the blast area. He pulled one foot up, resting it on the bar, watching Lumians duel with interest. The bartender was also caught in the blast, thrown against the liquor shelf, doused in the fragrant liquid from shattered bottles. He was nearly set on fire. The bar owner, who took the brunt of the explosion, had his chest clothes torn, revealing blood, charred flesh, and white bones. His face had similar wounds, but the layers of fat kept it from affecting his skull. The wounds were writhing and healing rapidly in an unnatural, inhuman way, as if they would soon be completely healed. This isnt a power or trait typical of a Depriver. None of the middle or low Sequences in the Gourmet pathway have this ability. Did he gain this from a special kind of food as a Chef? Its similar to how Hand Bros rotten flesh can regenerate after being eaten Lumian retreated a few steps from the bar owner, putting distance between them. As he noticed the other partys peculiarity, he also realized he had lost another ability-Spell of Harrumph. Can a Depriver sense which of my abilities and traits are most dangerous to them? Even if they dont know exactly what those abilities and traits are, can they still deprive me of them based on the level of danger they pose? Lumian calmly formed a massive, blazing-white fireball and shot it at the bar owner. The bar owner didnt dodge. He raised his nearly shattered cleaver and slashed at the blazing-white fireball. The fireball split in two, losing its momentum and destructive aura. The bar owner opened his mouth wide and sucked it in like a whale swallowing water, remaining unharmed. At that moment, Lumian laughed. More blazing-white fireballs rapidly formed around him, whistling through the air toward the bar owner. Behind him, blazing-white fire crows appeared one after another, flying in wide arcs to flank the bar owner. Lumian wanted to see how many fireballs the Depriver could handle and if he could eat them all without getting overwhelmed. The bar owners eyes narrowed, and he immediately spewed the blazing-white flames from his stomach, transforming them into a torrent to meet the incoming fireballs. Seeing this, Albus flipped over the bar counter. Rumble! The fireballs exploded one after another upon contact with the flames. The counter was flattened, the liquor shelves collapsed silently, and the mixed liquor burned in a fierce blaze. The bartender, who had escaped to Albuss position, felt very fortunate he had reacted in time. Other patrons either shrank to the edges of the room or escaped the hall, showing a wealth of experience. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! The blazing-white Fire Ravens, which had deliberately avoided the front, fell on the bar owners back one after another. By then, the bar owner was covered in a semi-transparent crimson glow, like solidified moonlight. Rumble! Despite the explosions and flames from the Fire Ravens, the bar owners crimson glow didnt dim. Instead, it brightened with the fires reflection. When the flames finally subsided, the bar owner returned to his normal appearance. He lifted his cleaver and looked at where Lumian had been standing. No one was there. Lumian was nowhere to be seen in the hall either. The bar owner was momentarily stunned. Almost simultaneously, a figure emerged from his shadow. Lumian, his eyes iron-black, struck the bar owners crotch with his blazing-white flame-covered right fist. Amid the rumbling, Lumians fist hit its mark, penetrating the Deprivers intestines with blazing-white flames. Standing up straight, Lumian lifted the bar owner, letting the flames surge into his stomach. Then, Lumian withdrew his right fist and threw the bar owner to the ground. With a thud, the bar owners crotch split open, intestines spilling out, and his stomach, though intact, was scorched and oozing yellow-green fluid. Lumian looked at the bar owners pained, shrunken eyes and mocked, Did you turn your brain into food too? You blocked one round of attacks, then stayed in the same spot without moving. Did you not consider that I might use your shadow? The bar owners face twisted as he murmured, Turning my own brain into food Is it possible? His voice faded, and he died, lying motionless on the ground. Lumian stared at the Deprivers corpse, not thinking about his opponents response, but noting something unusual about the battle. Deprivers sure have a variety of abilities. Though each one is basic and crude, their combat applications are quite formidable If this guy hadnt reacted so sluggishly after I vanished, I wouldnt have attacked his weak spot so easily. I might have needed to use one of the mystical items from the Travelers Bag In comparison, Worms the Marauder didnt have this problem As he thought, Lumian shook his hand, revealing painful corrosive wounds caused by the stomach acid of the bar owner when he delivered the strike at his stomach. His hand had been protected by the blazing-white flames at the time. Despite knowing he couldnt prevent the bar owners boons from returning to their source, Lumian squatted down, pulled a plain sword from the Travelers Bag, and used his flames to separate the stomach from the corpse. He planned to ask Ludwig if this could be made into a dish with special effects or if it could be used as a unique material by an Artisan. Finished with this task, Lumian stood and asked the bartender, who had just emerged from hiding and was severely injured, How many years has your boss been exiled in Morora? Five or six years, I think, the bartender answered with an uncertain look. Five or six years That thief looked younger, probably only exiled for a year or two The longer one stays in Morora, the more likely they are to show symptoms of experimental personnel-symptoms of 0-01 corruption. No, the sealing information didnt mention this, and it doesnt happen in Trier Did the bar owner do something in Morora that caused him to start turning into an experimental subject? Lumian pondered as he looked around and smiled. Dont take my spoils. He referred to the bar owners money. Lumian then walked towards the corridor beside the bar. Based on the origin of the steak and the Chefs position, he suspected the Abscessed Hands body part was in the kitchen. Entering the kitchen, he saw a half-decayed, swollen, blue-black corpse openly displayed on the cooking counter. Chapter 797 - 797 Determining the Situation 797 Determining the Situation 797 Determining the Situation Looking at the swollen, blue-black corpse on the counter, Lumian chuckled to himself, Theyre not even trying to hide it, are they? Classic Morora, the City of Exiles Lumian did a quick inspection, confirming that the highly decayed corpse was indeed the other body part of the Abscessed Hand. Besides missing the left half, the corresponding part of the head, and the Abscessed Hands body itself, it was fairly intact. If it werent for the rotting flesh at the spine writhing and trying to regenerate, Lumian might have doubted that the two steaks served to him and Albus had come from this corpse, let alone that dozens, perhaps hundreds, of such steaks had been sold. This made Lumian frown slightly, a question he had pondered earlier resurfacing in his mind: Must I do a recall of all the steaks sold? Judging by the corpses completeness, it doesnt seem necessary Moreover, the residents of Morora had been eating such steaks for some time. Who knows if theyve actually digested and absorbed the rotten flesh From what I sense about the subtle connections between the corpse, even if digested, the rotten flesh likely just changes form without fundamentally altering As he pondered, Lumian quickly stuffed the half-decayed corpse into the Travelers Bag, using the Sword of Courage and other plain swords to separate it from the other half to prevent unwanted fusion before finding the head. So we were served this stuff, and it looked pretty appetizing, Albuss voice came from the kitchen doorway as Lumian put away the half of the Abscessed Hand. Albus, the former member of the Iron and Blood Cross Order and Medici family member, wore a black jacket with dark red patterns, one hand in his pocket, marveling. He didnt seem disgusted by almost eating rotten flesh steak. Lumian turned and responded with a smile, I was looking forward to seeing what changes youd undergo after eating it. Gradually gain some self-healing ability, become stronger on moonlit nights, and learn some dark spells, Albus replied in a report-like tone. But in return, self-control would significantly decrease, intelligence would regress, and nightmares would be frequent. So, you came to investigate after noticing the odd behavior of those guys? Lumian asked with a smile. He wasnt really seeking confirmation; he had already determined it. He was using this question to indicate that he was also investigating and hadnt come specifically for the half-corpse. A Hunter must conceal their true purpose to avoid traps set by others. The red-haired Albus smiled. They tried to keep this a secret, hoping only they and their collaborators could enjoy this bars special food. Who in Morora isnt selfish? Lumian asked, changing the topic. How did you notice their intelligence regression? Albus raised his right hand, palm up. If their intelligence hadnt regressed, how could they have revealed their secret to me so easily, leading me to this bar? Lumian nodded slightly, looking thoughtful. So, should I kill you to keep this secret from spreading? Albus met Lumians gaze calmly, smiling. Do you think those idiots can keep a secret? With that, the Medici family member turned and walked towards the bar hall, exposing his back to Lumian. Lumian stood still, watching him leave, as if deep in thought. For a moment, he had the urge to kill. He considered using this chance to eliminate Albus Medici to prevent him from interfering with his approach to 0-01, or even marking it for the Red Angel before him. Ultimately, Lumian resisted this impulse. For two reasons: First, he judged that becoming an experimental subject would severely impact his self-awareness. Unless it was his only option, he didnt want to try it. In that case, having an extra person, a cannon fodder to help navigate the dangers, was a viable strategy. Second, he wasnt confident he could kill Albus Medici. If Albus was still in the same state as when they explored the Red Swan Castle, he would be easily dealt with, but several months had passed. He had become a Reaper and had even fully digested the corresponding potion. It was unlikely the other party hadnt made any progress. Moreover, if Albus was indeed representing the Red Angel in approaching 0-01, the King of Angels would likely enhance His descendants strength, providing powerful items to ensure he was among the apex below demigods, capable of handling Mororas dangers. Lumian didnt leave the kitchen immediately. He checked around again. He was looking for any other special ingredients-the bar owners slightly sluggish behavior made him suspect it was caused by randomly eating something in Morora, a common cause of death for Beyonders of the Gourmet pathway. Unfortunately, Lumian only found ordinary ingredients like flour, butter, and milk. He then went up to the second floor of the Carnivore bar, entering the Deprivers bedroom. He planned to stay here as the duel winner for the time being. The bedroom was cleaner than Lumian expected-no grease stains, no cockroaches, mice, or insects. Aside from being slightly messy, it was fine. Lumian walked around the bedroom, trying to activate the black mark on his right shoulder to see if he could teleport out of Morora. He couldnt sense any of the places he had been to. As expected, I cant leave. I can only teleport within this mountainous area But its not like Morora residents want to leave I wonder if Albus has such thoughts Lumian muttered silently, taking out ritual materials from the Travelers Bag. He conducted his second experiment: Summoning a messenger! But neither the doll messenger nor his own messenger responded to his call. Disconnected from the spirit world? At least to some extent As expected from a place sealing 0-01 Lumian stood at the window, gazing at the dim environment and the slightly less intense rain, feeling the cold dampness seeping in. He proceeded with the third experiment according to his plan. He walked to the full-length mirror in the room, placed his right hand on it, and activated a black mark on his body. He was using the contractual ability from Bloody Jack to sense the mirror marks he had left elsewhere! In the blink of an eye, Lumian sensed three faint marks through the mirror. They were in Moron Avignys study, the Blue Avengers treasury, and Franca and Jennas rented apartment. This meant that if Lumian could enter the mirror, he might be able to use his teleportation ability to reach the mirrors corresponding to these marks. Even if not, he should be able to exchange information with the outside world through them! Lumian was both pleasantly surprised and satisfied that his hypothesis was confirmed. Having read the 0-01 data, he knew its origin and its connection to Fourth Epoch Trier. Given the similar sealing methods, many details should also be consistent-Trier had a special mirror world, so this place likely did too. Trier had Mirror People, so this place likely had them too! The experimental subjects detail, if not blindfolded, the one who leaves the mausoleum will be a monster resembling him, was evidence of the Mirror People and the special mirror worlds existence. Based on these premises, Lumian thought using the mirror worlds abilities might establish some contact with the outside world. With this hypothesis, he borrowed the Mirror Cufflink from Franca, who had become a Demoness of Affliction. In a few days, she could use the pretext of investigating Mirror People to request charms from the Demoness Sect that would allow her to use the mirror world for teleportation. Lumian reached into the Travelers Bag and took out the glass-like cufflink. He didnt rush to confirm if it could be used to leave directly or only to transmit information, as the Mirror Cufflink had only four uses left. Hed wait for important information or urgent matters to test it. Grr, grr At that moment, Lumians stomach growled with hunger. He couldnt help but gripe internally, Seriously, the Church of Knowledge is so stingy. Not even a meal or a sip of water before sending me into Morora. Im not Ludwig, who can finish all the prison food Muttering, Lumian descended to the first floor, intending to cook something in the kitchen and wait for the rain to stop before looking for the Abscessed Hands head. By now, the bar owners body had been taken away by the enforcers, and the bloodstains on the floor had been cleaned, but the destroyed bar counter and the halls scorched remains hadnt been dealt with. Glass shards and wood splinters mixed with the scents of liquor and charred wood. Just as Lumian picked up the bar owners legacy left by the enforcers- 420 sassen gold-someone walked in from the doorway. It was the humble-looking human meat chef, Lez. Lez was soaked, glanced around, and asked Lumian, Are you hiring a chef here? The Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence? Lumian suddenly laughed. Sure, go to the kitchen and make something. Ill try it and see how it tastes. Chapter 798 - 798 Hire 798 Hire 798 Hire Lez looked at Lumian with confusion and asked, Can you make decisions for the owner here? Yes, because I am the owner now, Lumian replied with a smile, pointing to himself. The human meat chef, Lez, was even more perplexed. Werent we just exiled to Morora together? It had been less than an hour since they arrived. Lumian tilted his head and pointed his chin towards the destroyed bar area. I had a duel with the previous owner and won this bar from him. Lezs eyes suddenly lit up. Is he dead? Wheres his body? The enforcers took it away, probably to be buried in the cemetery, Lumian said, walking to the edge of the hall and picking up a relatively intact chair, placing it next to the ruined bar. Lez sighed regretfully but followed Lumians suggestion and went into the kitchen to start cooking. Lumian wandered to the bar area, searching for the two steaks he and Albus hadnt eaten. They were torn to pieces in the violent explosion, scattered among the debris, completely charred and carbonized. After examining them for a while, Lumian noticed that the steak fragments showed no signs of writhing or regeneration. The fire had destroyed any subtle connection to the corpse, making them seem entirely dead and no longer part of the Abscessed Hand. These probably dont need to be recalled High-temperature flames can restrain the self-healing ability of the separated rotten flesh, but its unclear how much it affects the corpse itself Besides, the separated rotten flesh must only have a limited self-healing ability; otherwise, each piece could grow into a new Hand Bro, and thered be no need for Hand Bro to find the whole corpse After pondering for a while, Lumian brought over a small overturned round table from the edge of the hall and placed it next to the chair. He sat down, patiently waiting for Lez to prepare lunch. As time passed, Lez brought out a mixed salad, creamy mashed potatoes, and other dishes. Lumian took a spoonful of mashed potatoes and tasted it, finding the texture unusually smooth and the flavors of starch, cream, and fat deliciously combined. Not bad, Lumian said, raising his left hand and giving a thumbs up. Lez stood beside him, smiling humbly. I used to own a restaurant. A restaurant specializing in human meat? Lumian teased provocatively. Lez shook his head. Back then, I was a normal chef with excellent, but still human, cooking skills. Then why did you start eating people? Lumian didnt directly ask when he started worshiping an evil god. He didnt know which evil god corresponded to the Gourmet pathway. Lezs expression gradually darkened. My wife had a friend who always filled her head with the idea of a luxurious lifestyle, introducing her to so-called high society members, even encouraging her to have affairs and squander money. She secretly mortgaged our restaurant; her goal was our restaurant from the start. After losing the restaurant, that friend stopped associating with my wife. My wife finally came to her senses but was too weak. She burned down the restaurant, killing herself in the process. Then a regular customer, who admired my cooking skills, approached me and asked if I wanted revenge. He offered to help, saying someone with my high-level cooking skills should worship the God of Cuisine, the great Devouring Whirlpool. After that, I received a boon and slowly grew stronger. After becoming a true Chef, I found that woman and made her into the most satisfying meal of my life. From that day on, I enjoyed eating the flesh of the damned and gained the ability to discern who deserved to die. Was that woman also a follower of an evil god? Hearing this, Lumian strongly suspected that the first person Lez ate was a bestowed of the Broker pathway. Perhaps Lezs restaurant was part of a transaction. Yes, Lez confirmed, She worshiped the so-called Truth. When she met my wife, she was still weak. As expected Lumian smiled. The ability to discern who deserves to die is quite useful. When I capture a Broker pathway Sequence 7 or higher, Ill leave it to Ludwig to handle. After finishing the meal Lez prepared, Lumian nodded in satisfaction. Im willing to hire you as the chef for this bar. Lets discuss your compensation and responsibilities. Alright, Lez said, assuming a listening posture. Lumian picked up a white napkin and wiped his mouth. Theres quite a bit of wine left in the cellar. Clean up the bar, rebuild it, and display the wine. After that, youll be responsible for hiring and managing bartenders and waitstaff, as well as reestablishing contact with suppliers. Thats the job of a manager, Lez noted, having run a restaurant before. Lumian chuckled in response. Yes, chef and manager. The bars revenue, after costs, will all be yours. What about you? Lez had never seen such an owner. Not even wanting the money? Lumian stood up, stretching his body, and casually said, Youll be responsible for my meals, cleaning my room, and if there are special ingredients, making dishes or cocktails that give me the corresponding traits. Also, I dont eat human meat. Lez stared at Lumian for a few seconds and said in a deep voice, You seem to know a lot about a Chefs abilities. Lumian glanced at the now-stopped rain outside and walked towards the bars entrance, smiling. The previous owner of this bar was a Depriver, but unfortunately, I deprived him of his life, so he cant share his culinary skills with you. Moreover, my godson is an Angel of your pathway. Lez fell silent. As Lumian was about to leave the bar, he finally spoke, Ill take good care of this bar. Lumian didnt look back, raising his right hand and waving lightly in acknowledgment. There were still some deep pools of water on the street outside, with pedestrians mainly walking on the sidewalks. The sky was now bright and sunny, as if there hadnt been a heavy rainstorm. Following the subtle connection from the contract mark, Lumian walked towards the suspected location of the Abscessed Hands head. Turning a corner, he saw a drenched corpse lying under a book-engraved obelisk. It was Vijepan, the gloomy rapist-murderer who had been exiled to Morora with Lumian and others. At this moment, his hands and feet were severed at the joints, his pants stripped off, and his groin a bloody mess with the most important part missing. His eyes were wide open, frozen in pain and despair. Lost the duel, huh? Lumian murmured with a silent laugh. He almost whistled in admiration for the duel he hadnt witnessed. It must have been exciting; whoever died deserved a toast. Looks like that collector named Julie is stronger Both she and Vijepan had ulterior motives, no, open intentions to provoke a duel Lumian thought Julie was likely a Beyonder. Such knife skills werent something an ordinary person could possess. As for whether Vijepan was a Beyonder, Lumian couldnt tell for now. Even if he was, his Beyonder characteristic should have been taken. That woman is formidable, a voice suddenly said beside Lumian. A gentleman had come from the side of the small square. He wore a half-high silk hat, a white shirt, a cashmere sweater, and a woolen suit jacket, with a bow tie and a cane in hand. He looked just over thirty, with a thin face and gentle blue eyes, like a well-educated upper-class person. Of course, in Morora, there were no good people, only bad people and worse people. Did you see their fight? Lumian asked casually. The gentleman smiled. They initially wanted to borrow revolvers for a duel from the restaurant over there, but the waiter told them that there were too many duels today and all the guns were borrowed, leaving only two long swords. That woman was very skilled. This man blocked three strikes before being knocked down, having his hands and feet cut off, and his pants removed. So Vijepan wasnt likely a Beyonder Lumian shifted his gaze from the corpse to the gentleman and asked with a smile, Whats your name? The gentleman placed a hand on his chest and bowed. You can call me Gusain, or Count. I heard you killed Worms? Worms, the thief? Lumian laughed. He was struck by lightning, nothing to do with me. If I had killed him, the enforcers would have arrested me. Gusain smiled slightly. There are ways to deceive the enforcers. So youve noticed their rigidity and procedural nature too? Lumian thought for a few seconds before deciding to be honest. Worms died because he wasnt lucky enough. The item he stole from me attracts lightning during rain. Then you cant be blamed, Gusain said understandingly. He asked warmly, How should I address you, and where are you staying now? Louis, staying at the Carnivore bar, Lumian replied truthfully. Gusain nodded slightly. Be wary of Bainar, the bars owner and chef. Hes dangerous and cannibalistic. Lumian smiled. Hes already dead. Gusain paused for a moment before smiling. Youre more interesting than I expected. I hope you bring long-lost vitality to Morora. Lumian didnt continue the topic, instead taking the opportunity to gather information. In Morora, apart from Heraberg from the Church of Knowledge, who else should I watch out for? Without hesitation, Gusain replied, Wanak, the owner of Dades Agricultural Company, has a monopoly on the grain supply from the surrounding farms to Morora. He had become an experimental subject but suddenly escaped and now behaves like a normal person. He is the most dangerous one in Morora. Can someone really return to normal after becoming an experimental subject? And the Church of Knowledge didnt do anything about Wanak leaving the experimental group? This is exactly what I need Lumian thought to himself and nodded. Who is the second most dangerous person in Morora? Gusains smile remained unchanged as he answered, They say its me. Chapter 799 - 799 Provocation 799 Provocation 799 Provocation Lumian wasnt surprised that Gusain indirectly referred to himself as the second most dangerous person in Morora. Instead, he smiled and asked, What have you done? I mean, what have you done in Morora? Gusains smile faded as he spoke seriously. Organized uprisings. Were already in the City of Exiles. Why should we still accept the rule of the Church of Knowledge? We should unite and drive them out of Morora. Then, well make our own rules and govern ourselves! Ignoring other factors, your words do make some sense. But the issue is, if we overthrow the Churchs rule, why stay in Morora? Is this the influence of 0-01? The residents of Morora never consider leaving the city Fortunately, I have a false Angel rank and all sorts of random items, so Im only somewhat reluctant to leave, not entirely devoid of such thoughts Lumian first confirmed the abnormalities of Morora from Gusains response, then understood why people considered Gusain the second most dangerous person in Morora. Uprisings were something the Church of Knowledge wouldnt allow, and given the information on 0-01, Gusain must have organized multiple uprisings and still hadnt been caught and added to the experimental subjects! This was enough to show that this gentleman-like mature man was not simple. Seeing that Louis wasnt scared by his words and didnt show obvious resistance, Gusain extended an invitation, Would you like to join our group? Ill think about it, Lumian replied with a smile. He really intended to consider it. This might be a way to approach 0-01 without becoming an experimental subject. He believed that this ragtag group, unable to resist the influence of 0-01, couldnt truly overthrow the Churchs rule in Morora, but he needed chaos and opportunity. These exiles could die, and the Church of Knowledge personnel here seemed to be puppets. Gusain smiled in satisfaction. Being a prisoner in this open-air prison or becoming its ruler, being perpetually oppressed or pursuing freedom, it indeed requires careful consideration. With that, Gusain glanced at the other side of the small square and said, I must take my leave now. If you decide, hang a red cloth, the kind used to taunt bulls, at the door of the Carnivore bar. With that, Gusain removed his hat, placed a hand on his chest, and bowed. Watching him walk into a nearby alley at a leisurely pace, Lumian saw a group of black-robed enforcers hurrying from the opposite side of the small square. Did you see Gusain just now? He looks like a gentleman with a hat, the leader asked Lumian. Lumians smile widened, and he casually pointed to the alley Gusain had entered. Yes, he went that way. The enforcers stared at Lumian for a couple of seconds before continuing to pursue Gusain. Lumian raised his right hand, rubbed his chin, and murmured to himself, Gusain sensed the enforcers arrival in advance, but I didnt Is that why hes managed to organize multiple uprisings without being caught? Is it his ability, an item, or the special corruption from 0-01? Lumian didnt linger in the small square, bidding farewell to Vijepans corpse, and continued towards the possible location of the Abscessed Hands head. After turning into another street, he suddenly had a premonition and looked towards the edge of the city of Morora. The ground shook violently, earth and stones surged up, swallowing several buildings and forming a mountain about ten meters high. At the mountains peak, thick dust mixed with smoke erupted, red lava flowed, emitting heat that Lumian could clearly feel even in the city center. At the same time, the screams of humans from that direction echoed far and wide. A volcanic eruption? Lumian was stunned. He had thought the volcanic eruptions described in the 0-01 information came from the surrounding mountains, not from within the city on flat ground! After a few seconds, the dust obscured the sky, plunging Morora back into darkness. Passersby showed no extra reaction, merely covering their noses to block the dust, treating it as just another heavy rain. Lumian shook his head as he watched. In such living conditions, Gusain and his people hadnt thought of escaping, only planning to overthrow the Churchs rule and replace it. No wonder this is a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact Lumian, who restored himself at six every morning, remained unafraid of the dust and resumed his steps. He crossed the street and arrived at a square with multiple obelisks. In the dusty environment, he moved along the buildings around the square towards his destination. Suddenly, he felt a resonance, a connection from his special powers. Lumian quickly turned and looked at the classical building made of gray-white stones beside him. At the top hung a large sign with words written in Lenburg: Dades Agricultural Company Below the sign, two glass windows suddenly opened, revealing a figure. The figure, wearing a thin white shirt with the top two buttons undone despite the cold winter, had hair like it was stained with fresh blood, iron-black eyes, and sharp facial features, exuding a fierce aura. No introduction was needed; Lumian identified the figure from the sign and the resonating aura. The most dangerous criminal in Morora, former experimental subject Wanak! Did the resonance just now come from the direct corruption of 0-01? Did the law of convergence lead to this encounter? Did Wanak escape the status of an experimental subject because he completely submitted to 0-01? Is he now 0-01s proxy in Morora? This Sealed Artifact, despite lacking wisdom, instinctively seeks opportunities to break free from its seal? As Lumians thoughts raced, the suspected Wanak suddenly transformed into a blazing-white flame spear, filled with destructive energy, and flew at him. Lumians figure instantly disappeared without reappearing. He directly teleported closer to the Abscessed Hands head. In his ears echoed the taunting voice of the suspected Wanak, Coward! Chicken! Lumian snorted, not turning back to fight the man. IIll first gather the Abscessed Hands body! He feared the intense battle might lead to unforeseen events, making contact with 0-01 before he collected all the body parts, resulting in uncontrollable consequences. Moreover, the aura and the flame spear the suspected Wanak displayed suggested he might have a trace of godhood. Even if not truly Sequence 4, he had fundamentally differed from a Sequence 5 Beyonder. Demigods couldnt approach 0-01, but maybe pseudo-demigod proxies created by 0-01 werent subject to this rule! Lumian looked ahead, finding himself in the boundless cemetery behind the Church of Knowledge, surrounded by gravestones and trees. Uh Lumian was momentarily stunned, then felt it made sense. The bar owner-cum-chef having half of the Abscessed Hands body and using it was an anomaly. Normally, anyone, even a felon, encountering a rotting corpse split into multiple parts would first call the enforcers to clean up the scene. The enforcers would then bury the body in this cemetery as part of the seal. Of course, this was a normal assumption, excluding those with a penchant for corpses. Lumian moved forward, approaching the source of the subtle connection. During this, he remembered something. Madam Magician said dangerous things might happen once the Abscessed Hands body is gathered. Its best to complete this step within the City of Exiles to offset the corresponding risks with the presence of 0-01 If I get the Hand Bros head later, does that count as gathering the body? Will that cause dangerous events? Maybe I should wait a bit longer? Wait for dangerous and difficult-to-handle situations before teleporting back to gather Hand Bros body to create unknown risks and muddy the waters? I cant face the dangers of the Hand Bro alone; sharing is caring Also, Madam Magician implied that the Hand Bro might break the seal and enter Morora once its body is gathered? Otherwise, how could it be considered complete Normally, not even a messenger can be summoned, nor a contract creature This might help me escape Morora As Lumian pondered, he stopped at a recently filled pit without a tombstone. His contract mark told him a part of the Abscessed Hands body was in this pit. Seeing the unusually fresh marks on the pits surface, Lumian felt a tightness in his chest. He crouched down, extended his hands, and performed a directional blast. With the rumbling sound of explosions, he blew away a large amount of soil and unearthed a black wooden box from the bottom of the pit. Opening the box, Lumian saw a highly decomposed, blue-black, swollen ear and a folded white paper. Lumian unfolded the paper, seeing words written in Intisian: As expected, you want this rotten head. But unfortunately, I got it before you went to the Carnivore bar and hid it. Maybe you can ask me for it. Albus Medici. Chapter 800 - 800 New Waitress 800 New Waitress 800 New Waitress Lumian admitted that he felt a bit provoked. However, it was still acceptable. If his guess was right, he and Albus would eventually cross paths again regarding 0-01. It was better for the Abscessed Hands head to be in Albuss possession than lost or hidden by some unknown person. Lumian now regretted not acting against Albus at the Carnivore Bar. He had hesitated and wanted to use him. At that time, it was hard to predict that Albus had already obtained the Abscessed Hands head. Silently, Lumian activated the black mark representing Spirit World Traversal, sensing the subtle connection between himself and the Abscessed Hands body parts again. He intended to use this to find Albus. The feedback is all similar, no way to distinguish which is stronger, which might be Hand Bros head Did Albus do something to suppress the feedback? Or completely block it? Lumian slowly exhaled, taking the Abscessed Hands ear from the black wooden box and placing it in his Travelers Bag. He carefully examined the area around the grave, hoping to find clues to Albuss whereabouts. Unfortunately, Albus was also an experienced Hunter, very adept at covering his tracks. Containing his emotions, Lumian turned back to the Carnivore Bar amidst the dust and clouds from the volcanic eruption. As he stepped through the door, Lez, the human cook, who had found some wood to repair the shelves and bar counter, stopped working, hammer in hand, and turned to him. I hired a waitress. You can decide on that yourself, Lumian said, uninterested in the bars operation. He only cared about getting three meals and free lodging under the guise of being the boss. Lez, ever diligent, added, You know her. Julie, who came in with us. The collector? Lumian almost choked on his own saliva. Why would a man hire such a collector as a waitress? Wont he feel a chill down there? Before Lumian could ask Lezs reasoning, Julie descended from upstairs. She had changed into a dark slit dress she found from somewhere, with her chest barely concealed under a thin veil. Her previously dirty face was now clean, and her long brown hair was simply tied up, her features clear in Lumians eyes. Despite having been around two Demonesses for a long time, Lumian found himself impressed. This female convict didnt look perverse or mad, with slender brown eyebrows and brown eyes that seemed to hold a gentle autumn water, her skin delicate and white, her demeanor gentle and elegant, contrasting sharply with her enticing figure. She was a uniquely beautiful woman, exuding an allure beyond normal. Like a Demoness Lumian had to admit Julies previous disguise with dirt and loose hair was quite effective. Another case of the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence Lumian sighed, responding to Julies tender, affectionate gaze, Why do you want to be a waitress at my bar? I need a job to support myself, Julie smiled gently, as if they were in some city instead of Morora. Lumian suddenly changed the topic. Why do you like collecting that part of men? Julies gentle brown eyes suddenly showed an indescribable madness. She smiled and answered with a tone of longing, I just want to reclaim whats mine. Uh another victim of the Demoness Sect? Now turned perpetrator She must have transformed from a man to a woman like Franca, but unlike Franca, she had severe psychological issues, resulting in her abnormal hobby? Lumian guessed while confirming that Julie was likely a Demoness, and not a low-level one, at least a Sequence 6 Demoness of Pleasure. Lumian then murmured, Your way of digesting Pleasure is to rape men and then cut it off at the climax to make them experience the fall from heaven to hell? That fits the nature of a Demoness of Pleasure, but its too direct and brutal, lacking the beauty of self-struggle How did the Church of Knowledge send a Demoness here as an ordinary rapist-murderer? Was it intentional? Right, based on my current mysticism knowledge, each gods pathway top has one to three great beings holding all the sequence powers, like Mr. Fool, The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings, the Great Mother, and the Mother Tree of Desire From this perspective, the Primordial Demoness-being adjacent to the Hunter pathway-trying to scheme 0-01 is understandable, perhaps inevitable. According to Madam Magician, 0-01 is the key to ascending to Red Priest and becoming the true god of the Hunter pathway In this case, once the Demoness Sect discovers Morora, they will definitely send witches below the demigod level to infiltrate here Why didnt they send anyone before, waiting until Julie and I were exiled together? Perhaps the Primordial Demonesss revelation told them only by following me could they enter Morora, given I was specially sent by the Church of Knowledge without any checks? No, more likely, Julie isnt the first or even the second Demoness to infiltrate Morora. The previous ones didnt complete their mission and gradually lost contact with the Demoness Sect If thats true, the Demonesses controlling the mirror world have it easier than me using the Mirror Cufflink and Mirror Mark to connect with the outside. Julie must have a lot of accumulated intelligence and plans From her, I might find opportunities and ways to approach 0-01 and leave a mark With these thoughts, Lumian smiled at Julie, who still had a hint of madness in her eyes, I dont care what you want to reclaim or why, but since you chose to be my bars waitress, you must follow my rules. First, no harassing customers during business hours. Julie looked a bit aggrieved but her eyes shone brightly, full of anticipation. What if they harass me? Lez will throw them out. If they dare fight back, Lez knows how to cook them and will leave you the parts you want, Lumian said casually. Or you can wait until the bar closes and find them yourself. Julie licked her lips. Whats the second rule? No harassing the boss. Lumian headed for the stairs to the second floor. Lez will discuss your pay. Julie seemed slightly disappointed. I wanted to see if what I lost is with you. Before Lumian could respond, she asked again, Is it harassment if I invite you to view my collection? Not interested, Lumian replied curtly. He confirmed Julies crimes werent intentional to get exiled to Morora. She had a genuine hobby, looking gentle and beautiful but twisted and mad inside. After dark, Julie finished Lezs meticulously prepared dinner and praised it, Ive decided to seduce you last. Her seduction was lethal. Lez seemed a bit disappointed but sincerely asked, If youre ever killed, can I have your body? Sure, Julie agreed nonchalantly, her movements graceful and smile reserved. She then looked at Lumian, blinking. Boss, the bar hasnt reopened. Can I go out tonight? Thats your freedom. Lumian drank some wheat ale to suppress the sudden restlessness inside him. He was now sure Julie was a Demoness of Affliction, having just used Charm on him. If she approached again, he planned to Cull her without mercy. Only by intimidating this Demoness of Affliction with strength and ferocity could he keep her in check. Julie wiped her mouth with a white napkin, stood up, and left the Carnivore Bar. After a few seconds, Lumian vanished from the table. He first teleported then turned into a shadow creature, silently following Julie. Julie walked elegantly, approaching a square where exiles gathered, feigning drunkenness. The exiles couldnt take their eyes off this Demoness. A muscular man eagerly approached and chatted with Julie. Julie drunkenly waggled her finger. I want to duel you. Sure, the man said joyfully, helping Julie leave for his home. The other exiles didnt react in time, losing sight of the two. Lumian didnt lose track, hiding outside the mans window. He heard Julies kitten-like moans, unlike the rough madness he imagined. With an Ascetics endurance, Lumian showed no abnormality until the man shouted loudly, nearing climax. The next second, a piercing scream of intense pain erupted from the room. Soon, Julie emerged, face flushed, eyes bright, her beauty overwhelming. She held a bloody object, freezing it in crystal-clear ice, placing it in a small bag. Lumian continued following Julie, who didnt attempt any counter-surveillance, arriving at the large square outside the Church of Knowledge. She seemed to be waiting for something. After a while, a team of black-robed enforcers emerged from the church, led by a tall, fair-skinned, restrained, beautiful woman. Julies eyes lit up, her face glowing with joy. She approached the enforcers excitedly, shouting at the leader, Celeste! The tall woman in the black robe glanced at Julie indifferently, asking emotionlessly, Who are you? Julies expression froze. Chapter 801 - 801 Pretending 801 Pretending 801 Pretending Seeing Julie remain silent, the black-robed female enforcer led her team across the square, continuing their patrol of Morora. Julie stood there, staring at her back, as if turned to stone. Hidden in the shadows, Lumian watched silently, musing to himself, An old lover? That enforcer had a certain Demoness-like charm Was she the last Demoness to infiltrate Morora, Julies lover, but ultimately became an experimental subject and forgot her past? Yes, the Knowledge Cathedrals Heraberg mentioned that in Morora, the past isnt important, only the present and future matter. Is this implying that after becoming an experimental subject or spending enough time here, ties to the past will gradually disappear, even memories cant be retained? This is somewhat like the people who disappeared in the Triers catacombs, who were forgotten by everyone who knew them, but the effect is opposite and not as strong Lumian felt he understood Julies emotions better now. She might have willingly taken on the task of infiltrating Morora, hoping to find and rescue her lover, only to discover her lover had completely forgotten her, not betraying her but simply not remembering who she is Besides the two untainted Demonesses around me, theres actually another who believes in true love Julie must have another purpose in seeking Celeste, confirming her situation, obtaining untransmitted information, and perhaps items prepared for seizing 0-01 Lumian seriously considered the feasibility of attacking the enforcers without facing punitive consequences. After a while, Julie trudged back towards the Carnivore bar, her face plain and her expression sorrowful, like a white Jimsonweed swaying gently in the cold night wind. Lumian stayed vigilant, following Julie until she reached the Carnivore bar before reappearing in his room using the shadows. A while later, lying in bed listening to the wind, Lumians thoughts wandered aimlessly. Suddenly, he opened his eyes, noticing a troubling detail. Having become an experimental subject, Celestes reaction just now was wrong! From previous tests, Lumian knew the enforcers strangely recognized every resident of Morora. Celeste should have asked Who are you calling? or What do you want? instead of Who are you? Whether in a normal state or not, she most likely still recognized Julie but pretended not to. Lumian sat up, narrowing his eyes. ls Celeste not a complete experimental subject yet? Is she pretending not to recognize Julie to protect her or to keep her secrets safe, ensuring the plan continues? What is she using to maintain some clarity and self-awareness, not becoming a complete puppet-like experimental subject? Is it something the Demoness Sect prepared based on previous infiltrators experiences, or has Celeste had some fortuitous encounter, discovering part of the secret? Lumian decided it was necessary to contact Celeste. Of course, he would first see if Celeste would secretly approach Julie. In Triers arts district, Franca waited outside an art gallery, as agreed, for the Demoness of Black. Before long, a four-seater carriage pulled up, and Clarice, wearing a black hat and thin veil over a dark court dress, looked out from the window and nodded at her. Franca opened the door, stepped lightly up, and sat opposite her. As the carriage moved slowly through the bustling city, she smiled at the Demoness of Black. Madame, Ive ascended to Affliction. Faster than I expected, Clarice said, her doubt evident. Franca smiled slyly. Because Ciel became a Reaper. Hes Sequence 5 too? His advancement seems even quicker than yours Clarice slightly raised her head, her eyes seeming to shift. After Gardner Martins death, he should have left the Iron and Blood Cross Order, right? Franca spoke the absolute truth. Yes, he used Gardner Martins Beyonder characteristics to concoct the potion, so he owes him for the quick advancement. The Demoness of Black smiled in understanding, her demeanor much warmer than usual. Even in death, Gardner Martin helps you. That was a hell of a joke Franca felt slightly awkward. She quickly changed the subject. Madame, you said youd tell me some secrets of the sect once I became a Demoness of Affliction. Clarice, with a slight smile behind her thin black veil, replied, Yes, youre now considered a core member of our sect. Hmm, where should I start Seeing the Demoness of Black unconsciously reveal a hint of innocent girlishness, Franca couldnt help but be momentarily moved, marveling at the high-level Demonesss overwhelming charm. After a few seconds, Clarices expression turned serious and a bit melancholic as she began, Ill start with the specifics of our sect. We originally were a family, all members descendants of the Primordial One, but since the Fifth Epoch, such an organizational structure couldnt sustain our influence. We began to incorporate Beyonders of the Assassin pathway who also believed in the Primordial One as members. Are you also a descendant of the Primordial One? Franca, having learned this from the Tarot Club, still showed appropriate surprise and curiosity. This was a performance learned from Jenna, honed with a Spectators feedback. The Demoness of Black nodded slightly. My mother is a descendant of the Primordial One. Wait, according to our deductions, you should have Sauron and Tamara blood Does this mean your mother was of Primordial One and Tamara bloodlines? Franca hesitated, then pitifully asked, Does that mean I can never join the brass in the sect? Im not a descendant of the Primordial One It doesnt matter. You can marry a descendant, and your spouse will count as a family member, Clarice smiled again. Moreover, in the future, you might truly become a child of the Primordial One. We are always getting closer to the Primordial One. What do you mean? Franca expressed her confusion. She felt a sudden inexplicable fear. Youll understand in time, the Demoness of Black did not elaborate. I hate people who speak unclearly Franca silently grumbled, waiting for the Demoness of Black to continue. Clarice returned to the previous topic. After the Pale-White War, the Primordial One fell into slumber, occasionally waking. All sect affairs are handled by high-ranking Demonesses titled by color. Currently, there are thirteen, including myself, some of whom are Angels, others powerful Saints. Is there a pope, a pontiff, or a matriarch? Franca asked. Clarice nodded. Yes, the Primordial Ones child, our Matriarch, the Demoness of Gray. She likes to be called the Saintess of Gray. The Primordial Ones child What is Her relation to Krismona? Browns told me Krismona is also a child of the Primordial One, Franca openly expressed her curiosity. The Demoness of Black replied emotionlessly, They are twins, but our Matriarch was born as a male Sequence 9 and later became a Demoness. Twins It seems the Demoness of Gray might know some secrets of the Krismona Night Pillar Franca felt a strange sense of history merging with reality. The Demoness of Gray must have witnessed the Fourth Epoch. Clarice continued, Each high-ranking Demoness titled by color handles specific affairs, directly reporting to our Matriarch. They do not have clear subordination among themselves, and we sometimes receive revelations from the Primordial One, allowing us considerable autonomy. I came to Trier to manage sect members here, maintain contact with local collaborators, and clean up the Mirror People. Franca seized the opportunity to ask, Is our approach to the Mirror People complete eradication? No intention to use them? The Demoness of Black smiled sadly. How do you plan to use them? If I knew, why would I ask you? Franca awkwardly smiled. To help us control that special mirror world. I think its quite useful. The Demoness of Black glanced at Franca, her eyes shimmering, and laughed softly. Why do you think we havent mastered that special mirror world? Uh Franca was genuinely confused. It wasnt an act. The Demoness of Black resumed her melancholy, elegant demeanor, smiling faintly. All mirror worlds are under our Demoness control. That special mirror world was originally used to fight the Primordial One, but ultimately, the Primordial One took control of it. Of course, after the War of the Four Emperors, we lost partial control of that special mirror world. After the Pale-White War, we could only exert limited influence. Why? Franca felt there must be a significant secret. The Demoness of Black smiled. Perhaps the Matriarch and other high-ranking Demonesses who survived the Fourth Epoch know, but not me. From the Mirror Peoples state and their confessions, I guess the Primordial Ones projection in the mirror experienced some changes or, the Primordial Ones projection separated part of Her characteristics, affected by the Fourth Epoch Triers seal, unable to return, unable to reunite with the Primordial One. But this doesnt explain why we lost further control after the Pale-White War. Fourth Epoch Triers seal hasnt strengthened. Moreover, a true god is unique. Chapter 802 - 802 The Most Special Point 802 The Most Special Point 802 The Most Special Point A true god is unique What does that mean? Is it impossible for another Primordial Demoness to exist, whether in a mirror or a painting? Franca pondered over the Demoness of Blacks final words, sensing they held critical mysticism knowledge. As for Clarices speculation about the Primordial Demonesss projection in the mirror undergoing some changes, Franca had thought the same before. When the Demoness of Black obtained the black Primordial Demoness figurine, she had nonchalantly mentioned, The Mirror People believe in the mirrored Primordial One, but its actually just a projection of the Primordial One in the mirror. She didnt explain further, and at that time, Franca had already guessed that perhaps the projection had undergone some changes. But the problem was that if one continued this line of reasoning, it could explain why the Demonesses lost further control over the special mirror world after the Pale-White War. According to Francas limited knowledge, in the Pale Disaster, Death fell, and the Primordial Demoness was heavily injured. Such a weakened Primordial Demoness couldnt prevent the projection in the mirror from changing further, thus losing control over that special mirror world and failing to recover from the injuries for millennia. Franca thought that if she, with her limited understanding of the Pale Disaster, could come to such a conclusion, the Demoness of Black wouldnt say it couldnt be explained. Unless she was completely unaware of the outcomes of the Pale Disaster or had already obtained other strong evidence that ruled out the possibility that the Primordial Demonesss injuries during the divine war led to the Demonesses further loss of control over the special mirror world. After some thought, Franca carefully asked, Is the black figurine I handed over evidence of the Primordial Ones projection changing in the mirror? The Demoness of Black neither nodded nor shook her head. Instead, she explained mysticism, Our Assassin pathways most unique node is Sequence 7, Witch. This isnt just because it changes our gender but also because it leaves a strong, distinct imprint in the mirror world. This imprint is what allows us to use mirror magic. This is about the Mirror Person for each Demoness Franca suddenly had an epiphany and took the opportunity to say, Previously, Moran Avigny said the one in the mirror is our true self, our exiled and sealed self Clarice shook her head with a hint of melancholy. I believe Moran Avigny didnt lie to you. The Mirror People indeed believe they are the true selves, but can you completely trust conclusions made from their own perspective? Have you ever forgotten your past self, that indelible pain? No, Franca answered sincerely, I often think back to my past self and life, imagining if I hadnt chosen the Assassin potion, would things have turned out differently. The Demoness of Black nodded sympathetically. We still remember, we havent forgotten, so its impossible for our true self to be exiled. If one day, we no longer feel pain from our losses, forget the past, and immerse ourselves in the present state, the strong imprint we left in the mirror might activate in a mystical sense, leading to cognitive confusion and gradual loss of control. In this regard, having once been male and constantly reminiscing about our male self is a major advantage in maintaining our identity and avoiding loss of control. Then purely female Demonesses must be very dangerous? Franca feigned sudden realization; in truth, she was worried about Jenna. There wont be purely female Demonesses, Clarice coldly replied. If you encountered one, you would kill her? Without the sacrificial square in the catacombs, Jenna would have lost control and died when ascending to Witch Franca didnt delve further, fearing to arouse the Demoness of Blacks suspicion. Clarice continued, Aside from the product of the special mirror world, everyone has a Mirror Person. Each time we look into a mirror, a Mirror Person is created. For non-Demoness pathway individuals, these Mirror People are temporary projections, quickly dissipating after the person leaves the mirror. But we Demonesses are different. The strong imprint creates a Mirror Person that always exists and grows stronger as we advance in Sequence. At the divine stage, because a true god is unique, the imprint returns to the body, merging with the self. From then on, one exists both in reality and in the mirror, embodying both states. Theres some similarity to what Moran Avigny said. The Demoness of Black didnt deny our strong imprint in the mirror could be called Mirror People Both their words likely contain parts of the truth but not the whole truth. Perhaps piecing them together could reveal some reliable facts Franca nodded thoughtfully. So the appearance of the black figurine is abnormal. It should have merged with the self? Thats why we suspect the Primordial One lost part of Her characteristics, causing changes in the mirror projection, Clarice confirmed Francas statement. But according to this logic, the white figurines each sect member carries shouldnt exist either The Primordial Demoness, also known as the Chaos Demoness, shouldnt be purely black or white. Unless the white and black figurines represent something other than the real and mirror selves Franca didnt dare voice these emerging thoughts. The Demoness of Black further explained, Black figurines are rare. Not every special Mirror Person has one, not even someone as significant as Moran Avigny. Which specific ones possess it is currently unknown. Thats right Franca felt a pang of regret for not asking Moran Avigny about the black Primordial Demoness figurine back then. She and Lumian had previously thought it didnt warrant further investigation: wasnt it just a special entity the Mirror People worshiped? Asking directly for the deitys honorific name and related information seemed enough, with no need to focus on the figurines origin Franca showed her frustration, then tentatively asked, Shouldnt we be trying to destroy the Fourth Epoch Triers seal to lift the restrictions on that special mirror world, letting the Primordial One regain control and complete the fusion? Why are we still cleaning up Mirror People? The Demoness of Black replied seriously, Opening it ourselves and them opening it are completely different. Which one dominates the white or black figurines? Franca, a voracious reader and imaginative transmigrator, had a vivid imagination. The Demoness of Black didnt give her a chance to ask further. What we need to do now is clean up the Mirror People in Trier, disrupt their plans, and, if possible, collect vital information from the deepest Darts of the special mirror world. Yes, Madame, Franca seized the moment to request, Im tracking a Mirror Person and need items that can traverse the mirror world and send messages through mirrors. My Mirror Cufflink is running out of uses, Demoness of Black Clarice nodded lightly. Alright, Ill prepare it for you. She paused for a moment before adding, Remember, the mirror world is both mysterious and dangerous. It is also a source of our strength as Demonesses. Dont resist approaching it, but dont underestimate it either. Compared to the Hunter pathway, the mirror world is our most unique feature. The most unique feature Franca suddenly felt that the Demoness of Black was hinting at the mirror worlds importance far beyond what she imagined. After exchanging more mysticism knowledge about the sect and the Assassin pathway, Franca asked one last question, Madame, can the Plague of an Affliction Witch expand the types of pathogens? What do you mean? The Demoness of Black frowned slightly, evoking pity. I mean, can we find special pathogens and incorporate them into our Plague ability? Simple illnesses like pneumonia, strokes, and heart attacks are powerful but lack imagination. I remember some pathogens cause narcolepsy or complete muscle weakness Franca elaborated on her idea. The Demoness of Black was silent for several seconds before saying, When you become a Demoness of Despair, you can create mystical pathogens with different effects. For now, the range of Plague is fixed by the Beyonder characteristics unless Unless what? Franca asked curiously. The Demoness of Black spoke with longing and admiration, Unless the Primordial One modifies the scope of Plague as a true god of the Demoness pathway. So thats possible? This is what being a deity means, influencing ones pathway Franca was genuinely shocked, realizing the true meaning of the word true god. Morora, in the Carnivore bar. Lumian lay on the bed, eyes closed, appearing asleep but actually closely monitoring Julies movements. He suspected that Celeste, the seemingly fully converted experimental subject, might secretly visit Julie at night to share vital information about Morora. As the night deepened, Lumian felt a sudden restlessness, as if the air was filled with amorous energy. His mind couldnt help but recall scenes of temptation hed witnessed before. Chapter 803 - 803 Transmitting Information 803 Transmitting Information 803 Transmitting Information Similar experiences were not new to Lumian; he had felt this way before. Whenever Franca prayed to the Primordial Demoness figurine made of bone, Lumian would sometimes be nearby. Even through doors and walls, through the wall of spirituality, he couldnt help but feel sensations. Is Julie praying to the Primordial Demoness figurine? Lumian, still with his eyes closed, made a guess about the current situation. It wasnt necessarily due to Julies extreme piety; it was a daily ritual for members of the Demoness Sect. Even a believer of Mr. Fool, like Franca, had to do it regularly. Before long, the amorous energy in the air dissipated, and Lumians state returned to normal. Suddenly, he remembered something: Where did Julie get a Primordial Demoness figurine? During the exile to Morora, Lumian noticed that neither Lez nor Julie seemed to carry personal belongings. This meant that, except for Lumian, who had special treatment and wasnt searched, all other exiles were handled by the standard procedure. So, Julie shouldnt have a standard-issue figurine from the Demoness sect. Even if she wanted to make one herself, she would need to buy materials and set up a ritual, and Lumians tracking today showed she hadnt done any preparations. So, where did her Primordial Demoness figurine come from? Or did she directly use the language that can invoke natural forces to recite the Primordial Demonesss honorific name? But if that were the case, the influence of the power overflow on me would be too weak. Even if it was not as strong as the residual divine power Franca experienced, it shouldnt be just a bit of restlessness Lumian became extremely alert. He quickly had a hypothesis. Celeste had visited! It must have been this Demoness, who had become an experimental subject, who gave Julie the Primordial Demoness figurine or something similar! Why didnt I notice? II was monitoring the room Julie was in all along With that thought, Lumian suddenly sat up and looked at the full-length mirror in his bedroom. Yes! Celeste must have come through the mirror world! She must have communicated with Julie through the mirror, which is why I didnt detect anything unusual until Julie started praying! Its normal for the Demoness Sect to have items like the Mirror Cufflink! Silently, Lumian got out of bed and walked to the full-length mirror in his room. He felt it was time to use the Mirror Cufflink. He put on the glass-like cufflink and pressed his hand against the mirror surface. The button-like accessory lit up with a faint glow, and Lumians figure immediately penetrated the mirrors surface, entering the deep, dark mirror world. Before the dark, web-like tunnels spread out before him, Lumian clearly sensed the three mirror imprints he had left in the outside world and the few he had set up in Julies and Lezs rooms. He didnt rush to the mirror in Julies room. Instead, he took out an unfinished letter from the Travelers Bag. It was a letter to Franca, Jenna, and Anthony. Lumian then activated the black mark on his right shoulder, attempting to teleport to the full-length mirror in Franca and Jennas apartment. It felt distant and had an invisible barrier. Even if he penetrated the barrier, there was a vast, silent void of darkness that Lumian instinctively believed contained indescribable danger and terror. Does this represent that special mirror world? To leave Morora and return to the outside world, I must pass through it? Even Angels would find it dangerous With these thoughts, Lumian stretched out his right hand, holding the letter, using the already activated Mirror Cufflink to give the paper a reflective, glass-like hue, and sent it out. The light stuck to the invisible barriers surface, slowly permeating it, falling into the dead silence, and heading toward the distant target mirror. It works Lumian breathed a sigh of relief and used the contracted ability of Spirit World Traversal to shift to the mirror in Julies room. The mirror was pitch black with no traces left. Lumian sniffed slightly, catching a lingering scent. It smelled like a human hormone, coupled with the influence of mystical power, faintly sweet, amorous, and warm. Not Julies scent Lumian nodded slightly. Celeste indeed visited. Now the question was, did Celeste use an item to traverse the mirror world and reach Julies room, an item that escaped the Church of Knowledges search, or did she use the special connection of the mirror world to send it through a ritual? Or, did she conduct a ritual to ask the Primordial Demoness for it? Or is she no longer the original Celeste but her corresponding special Mirror Person? This could explain why she retained some self-awareness after becoming an experimental subject, but its not the only explanation Lumian, an experienced handler of mystical events with much knowledge, naturally linked it to the special Mirror People. He didnt peek into Julies current situation through the mirror, fearing Celeste had given Julie some mirror-related items, making her more sensitive to the gaze from the mirror. Moreover, Julie had just finished praying, and the Primordial Demoness figurines residual effects lingered. Lumian didnt know if this would affect his spying. Of course, he could roughly guess what Julie was doing. Because he could hear Julies suppressed, soft moans through the mirror. Lovers reunited, getting what they wanted, relaxing and celebrating. Yes, and the sensations brought by praying to the Primordial Demoness figurine. She hasnt gone out to add to her collection, which is already quite restrained. Lumian silently chuckled. He teleported back to his bedroom mirror, stepped out of the glass surface, and lay back on the bed. Trier. Lonely, empty, cold Franca, used to go early to bed and early to rise, sighed, lying in bed, unable to sleep. She felt she needed a few more days to adapt. At this moment, she sensed something, sat up, walked out of the room, and went to the living room. She looked at the full-length mirror in the living room and saw a water-like light wave on the glass surface, reflecting a neatly folded letter. Is it from Lumian or the Demoness of Black? Franca walked over and pressed her hand against the mirrors surface. Her right hand felt slightly cold, as if penetrating a lake mixed with ice, touching the now ethereal, intangible paper. The paper quickly dispersed, forming lines of Intisian words on the mirror surface: I have arrived in Morora Lumian briefly described his experiences and the results of the experiment but didnt mention the specific situation in Morora. It was a kind of corruption! A corruption Franca and the others might not withstand! At the end of the letter, Lumian reminded: Ive already told my messenger and Madame Hela that if anyone writes to me but cant find me, they should send it to you to handle. Yes, Im talking about you, Franca. Now you temporarily have a messenger. Dammit, he still has to mock me in the end! Franca cursed in a mix of anger and amusement, grinding her teeth. She thought for a moment and began writing a reply: Nothing much to say, just a reminder: The Demoness of Black told me that Demonesses with color titles occasionally receive revelations from the Primordial One and have strong autonomy. If they are like this, wont the Demonesses of Affliction sent to Morora for important tasks also receive revelations, or even some divine power from the figurine? You should take this issue seriously. Also, its time to test your Ascetic endurance. If you get bewitched and lose your manhood, even if it grows back every morning, Ill laugh at you for the rest of your life. After finishing, Franca folded the paper and took out a rectangular amulet from the Travelers Bag that looked like it was made of ice. The amulet was entirely transparent, with patterns and motifs like bubbles inside, flowing and gathering continuously. It was the Ice Amulet given to Franca by the Demoness of Black, allowing seven traversals through the mirror world or fourteen transmissions of information. Franca put on the amulet, held the letter, and returned to the full-length mirror. With a flash of cold light, she pressed the letter into the mirror surface, letting it fall toward the place the previous message came from. Morora. After reading the letter on the mirrors surface, Lumian lay back on the bed again. He anticipated possible surprises. Like Wanak, the owner of Dades Agricultural Company, coming to kill him at night. This most dangerous criminal in Morora should soon figure out who the exile he confronted in the afternoon was. He must already know that Lumian killed the Carnivore bar owner and took over the place. Given his attitude, he couldnt wait to kill Lumian on the spot. Now that he had identified his target and locked in his whereabouts, he would act quickly. Lumian hadnt slept all night, only pretending to, not just to monitor Julie but also for this reason. Now, he hoped Wanak would come soon. Then, he would teleport away, leaving Julie, the Demoness, for Wanak, letting them have an intense duel. That way, he could see what cards Julie had, what items she got from Celeste, and whether Wanak could further use the power of 0-01. To Lumians disappointment, Wanak didnt show up all night. Is there a need to be this cautious? Just come straight here Lumian muttered, getting out of bed and heading downstairs. Chef Lez was already up, preparing breakfast with the kitchen ingredients. We can resume operations by noon today, Lez said, glancing at Lumian. But we dont have any beef, lamb, or pork in stock. Ill give you some startup funds, Lumian replied, just about to leave the kitchen when he suddenly heard Julies footsteps coming down the stairs. An idea crossed his mind, and he casually said to Lez, By the way, let me tell you about a few people you need to be cautious of. Whatever you do, dont provoke them. First, theres Wanak, the owner of Dades Agricultural Company Lumian relayed all of Gusains warnings to Lez and then added, And another one, named Albus Medici As soon as he mentioned the name, Lumian heard Julies footsteps pause momentarily. Chapter 804 - 804 Consultation 804 Consultation 804 Consultation He might not use that name in Morora. I knew him before and saw him again yesterday when he came to the bar to duel with the owner. He has red hair. In Morora, anyone with red hair, no matter the shade, is trouble Lumian described Albus Medicis appearance in detail. Chef Lez nodded. Ill keep that in mind. Are you sure? Do you need me to sketch them for you? Lumian asked earnestly. He wasnt just asking Lez but also Julie, who was coming down the stairs slowly. He wanted to give the Demoness something to focus on, hoping shed be aware of Wanak and Albus Medici soon enough, letting trouble collide with trouble to see who was the bigger problem. Lez shook his head slowly. No need. Ill remember them like different ingredients with distinct features. Different ingredients, like a turkey? Lumian imagined Albus Medici looking like a turkey and laughed. He then handed Lez 200 sassen gold coins to restock the bar with meat and drinks. As he turned to leave the kitchen, he saw Julie reaching the bottom of the stairs. The Demoness had changed into fresh, clean clothes-an elegant white blouse paired with an ankle-length green skirt, highlighting her gentle and graceful demeanor. Lumian suddenly recalled the sounds he heard last night, which contrasted sharply with Julies current serene appearance. His mouth went dry. Dammit, this Demoness is subtly using Charm on me! It was normal to react, but this strong reaction wasnt right for an Ascetic like Lumian. He looked at Julie and raised an eyebrow. Do you remember the second rule of the bar? Julie, looking more radiant than yesterday, seemed to glow with inner joy. Lumian felt an urge to rub his forehead. Hey gal, are you really not worried about exposing that Celeste visited you last night? Although you dont know that I witnessed you sprinting to Celeste yesterday and suffered a huge blow Julie smiled gently. Dont harass the boss. You were Charming me just now, Lumian stated flatly. Julie shrank back, feigning fear. What what are you going to do to punish me? She acted scared but her eyes sparkled with amusement, as if she was teasing Lumian. Lumian sighed, half-genuine, half-deliberate. First-time offense can be forgiven. But dont let it happen again, or else He didnt finish the sentence, leaving an ominous silence. Yes, boss! Julie beamed. She glanced at the door. The bar wont open until noon. Can I go out for a bit? Sure, Lumian teased. Planning to add to your collection? Do you have a morning exercise routine? No, Julie shook her head lightly. Just want to explore the city more. As she left the bar, Lumian immediately teleported ahead, transforming into a shadow creature to follow her. But Julie vanished. Invisibility, then wiped her tracks, and did anti-divination? Lumian emerged from the shadows, frowning slightly. This meant what Julie was doing this morning was very important. She didnt want anyone to know! Also, having finally met her lover and found solace, she was more professional now, unlike her near-breakdown last night. This was the normal behavior of a Sequence 5 Demoness of Affliction. Lumian wasnt too disappointed. At least Julie now knew about Wanak and Albus Medici. Following the nearest path, he walked towards the cemetery but didnt dig any graves or sneak underground. Instead, he went straight into the library-like Knowledge Cathedral. Today, he was not merely tracking Julie. His main goal was to visit Archbishop Heraberg of Morora. The title of Mororas Archbishop was Lumians creation. After all, this puppet-like clergy member of the Church of Knowledge claimed to oversee all theological affairs in Morora. Lumian felt that since the Church of Knowledge had recommended him into Morora without confiscating his mystical items, direct inquiry about the underground mausoleum might be surprisingly effective rather than probing indirectly. This was also a test. Lumian wanted to see if the sealing information about 0-01 was given only to him or distributed to all eligible individuals. Did the Church of Knowledge place its bet solely on him, or did it hedge its bets across multiple candidates? Inside the radiant holy cathedral, Lumian found Heraberg, with his graying hair, kind eyes, and white robe with brass embroidery, standing by a brass bookshelf, quietly reading a thick book. Archbishop, Lumian called tentatively. Heraberg looked up and asked warmly, What puzzles you? Lumian chose his words carefully. If I want to enter the cemeterys underground section to find something, how can I avoid the dangers? Heraberg smiled and pointed to the brass bookshelf beside him. This one, this one, and this one read them all thoroughly. Lumian followed his gesture, mentally noting the book titles: Morora Residents Code, Doll Crafting and Maintenance, Examples of Mausoleum Construction, Principles of Sealing What use is this for a Hunter like me? Im not a Reader who can wield knowledge directly. Does this mean that by absorbing the knowledge in these books, I can grasp the layout of the underground mausoleum, understand the sealing mechanisms, and find a way to leave my mark on 0-01? Lumian thought deeply as he withdrew his gaze. Heraberg continued, Once youve read those, complete these test papers. You must score perfectly on each one. Lumian looked at the stack of test papers filling a shelf. His forehead twitched, recalling some unpleasant memories. He maintained a neutral expression, confirming, So, once I finish reading and acing these tests, I can avoid the underground dangers? Heraberg pointed to another brass bookshelf. That one, that one, and that one. Master all the knowledge on those shelves, and youll be well-prepared. Three shelves? Lumians lips twitched slightly. Thats about two or three hundred books, plus thousands of test papers, right? Heraberg smiled and sighed. Remember, knowledge equals power, and knowledge equals wealth. All the answers you seek lie within. Lumians expression shifted as he bit his lip and said, Ill start with these. He pulled out the initial books Heraberg pointed out. Heraberg nodded approvingly. A Hunter who learns and pursues knowledge is the most powerful Hunter. Its been years since another Hunter came to me, willing to patiently read the designated books. The others, with red or thick hair, wont even step into the Holy Temple of Knowledge, let alone approach these bookshelves. Its because Aurore instilled a reading habit in me from a young age Lumian thought, feeling a pang of sadness. He placed the books into his Travelers Bag, bid farewell to Heraberg, and walked towards the Knowledge Cathedrals entrance. Along the way, he saw a familiar figure-Guei, who had been exiled to Morora with him. The scholarly-looking Guei, now dressed in thick, cotton clothing, stood by a brass bookshelf, engrossed in a book by the light of the stained glass window. After a few seconds, Lumian walked over, smiling. What a coincidence. Why are you here reading? Guei smiled faintly. Didnt I tell you yesterday? I regret not knowing enough. Now, with such a vast library, how could I pass up the chance to learn? What brings you here? To ask if its too late to convert to the God of Knowledge and Wisdom, Lumian joked, then changed the topic. Have you found a job yet? Not yet, Guei shook his head. I dont want to work on a farm or in a factory as some exiles slave. Im planning to study for a while. Fortunately, I had some luck yesterday and earned some money, so I dont have to worry about going hungry. Lumian chatted with Guei for a bit before waving goodbye to the secretive serial killer and returning to the Carnivore bar. He found a spot by the window and began reading the borrowed books in a comfortable position. Mororas sunlight alternated between bright and hidden by storm clouds, but it didnt affect Lumians reading as he had his radiant fireball lamp. Near noon, Julie returned, her steps light, her face smiling, exuding a charm that even made Chef Lez steal a few glances at her. Julie gave Lumian a curious look. Youre reading? Not much else to do, Lumian replied casually. Julie had no interest in the books; she withdrew her gaze and went upstairs, likely looking for waitress attire. Lumian clicked his tongue silently. Really, knowledge is power, and knowledge is wealth. Arent you curious about what Im reading? Lez approached and said, Boss, lunch is ready. Lumian nodded, put away the books, and stood up. He thought for a moment and said to Lez, Find a red cloth and hang it at the door. Chapter 805 - 805 Test 805 Test 805 Test Lez didnt ask why. He went upstairs, found a piece of red cloth, and hung it at the entrance of the Carnivore bar. Lumian then sat at the newly rebuilt bar, enjoying the spiced, marinated roast beef with soft, delicious bread. As time passed, more and more customers entered the Carnivore bar. Lez had put up a wooden stand outside with a new menu and corresponding prices. Of course, this wasnt the main reason for the influx of customers. The primary reason was the incredibly low prices on the menu. After all, there was no owner to take a cut. The customers came in with a sense of skepticism. They didnt have much faith in the bar under new ownership, repeatedly checking if the prices were real, if there were any hidden costs, and if the portions and quality of the food were as advertised. This skepticism stemmed from being frequently deceived by Mororas unscrupulous merchants. Those merchants had a point, though: Weve been exiled here for serious crimes. You cant expect us to run honest businesses, can you? Besides, the Morora Resident Code doesnt prohibit false pricing or inferior goods, and the enforcers wont check the kitchens hygiene. Most customers were angry but helpless. Those merchants they could deal with had already been eliminated. The remaining ones were too powerful to confront. They often regretted not keeping a few manageable merchants around to ensure food quality and fair pricing through regular supervision. Sometimes, killing wasnt the best solution. If I had understood that, I wouldnt have been exiled to Morora! A man in his forties voiced his opinion while holding a beer with white foam. His gaze kept shifting to Julie, temporarily acting as the bartender, hoping to catch her attention with his words and demeanor. Low prices drew them in, but the pretty bartender made them stay for another drink. Lumian forked a piece of perfectly roasted beef, savoring the combination of Lezs secret spices and the tender meat. He wondered if, after leaving Morora, he should have Ludwig become a head chef. Cant waste a Chefs talent! After finishing lunch, Lumian took a glass of strong liquor and walked around the hall as the bar owner, piecing together the current situation in Morora from different customers. Not long after the establishment of this City of Exiles, a class division emerged, mainly based on power. Today, the Beyonders firmly controlled all key positions in Morora, holding the resources like food, meat, vegetables, dairy products, various minerals, factory goods, sales channels, and street shops. Ordinary criminals without supernatural powers could only serve them, working on farms, in mines, ranches, factories, etc. The better-off were employees; the worse-off were nearly slaves. For these ordinary criminals, the ultimate dream was to gain the trust of a powerful Beyonder and receive unwanted Beyonder characteristics as rewards after a duel. This is exactly what the Iron and Blood Cross Order dreamed of, Lumian mused with a chuckle after returning to his seat at the bar. As a former member of the Iron and Blood Cross Order, he often mocked the awkward preaching and rituals, but it helped him grasp the core ideology of the Iron and Blood Cross Order: They wanted to establish a world where Beyonders no longer hid but gained status through power. Morora seemed to embody this vision. Lumian was about to finish his drink and find a quiet place upstairs to study when he noticed Gusain, the gentleman, entering the bar. You came quickly Someones been watching this place? Lumian played with his glass. Gusain sat beside him, removed his top hat, and addressed Julie, who wore a white blouse, black vest, and a dark tie with a unique charm, A Lanti Proof. In Morora, the most popular drinks were rye beer, Lanti Proof, and red wine. Lumian took out paper and pen from his Travelers Bag and started sketching on the bar counter. Gusain waited until Julie handed him the Lanti Proof, took a sip, and then smiled ahead. You made your decision faster than I expected. I dont want to be tied down like this, Lumian replied with a hidden meaning-his true intention was that he didnt want to stay in Morora long, while Gusain interpreted it as him not wanting to remain under the Church of Knowledges rule. Thats a choice all strong people make. Eagles dont mingle with sparrows, Gusain praised. Lumian, still sketching, laughed. Now, you need to convince me that you have a promising future. I wont stand with losers. Ive incited dozens of riots and havent been caught by the Church of Knowledge. Isnt that reason enough? Gusain sipped his Lanti Proof. Lumian shook his head. In my hometown, theres a saying, One swallow doesnt make a summer. It means that a single event cant predict a season. Making hasty judgments based on isolated incidents is unwise. What do you need to be convinced? Gusain tilted his head. Lumian chuckled in response. Pass my test. Gusain paused for a moment, then laughed. Normally, wouldnt it be our organization testing new members to see if theyre qualified. How did it become the other way around? It depends on the new members strength and importance, not past experiences, Lumian said, with an expression suggesting he didnt need them to stir up trouble-he could form his own team. Gusain drank his Lanti Proof, then said, What do you want us to do? Lumian remained silent until he finished his sketch, then pushed the paper toward Gusain. Find this person. The drawing was of Albus Medici. Although Lumians drawing skills werent high, his precise control as a Hunter, his deep memory of the subject, and mental reconstruction made Albus Medicis likeness vivid, capturing his aggressive, unpleasant aura. Him? Gusain asked, confirming as he held the drawing. Lumian nodded slightly. His real name is Albus Medici. I dont know if hes using an alias in Morora. Medici Gusain repeated the last name softly. He folded the drawing, tucked it into his pocket, then picked up his drink. You can test us, but we need to test you too. You must prove your capabilities. Killing the original owner of this bar isnt enough? Lumian smiled. Or do you want to duel me? Gusain, maintaining his gentlemanly demeanor, shook his head. We acknowledge your strength. Now we need to test other aspects. Lumian, holding his glass, turned to Gusain, waiting for him to elaborate. Gusain glanced around, his eyes resting on the irresistibly charming Julie for a moment. Lowering his voice, he said, The Church of Knowledges control over Morora relies on something in the underground mausoleum of the cemetery. Our ultimate goal is to break in and take control of it. Its very dangerous. We found a similar place to train our members. Your test is to enter that fog-covered underground area, overcome the challenges, and reach the marked location. The goal is still 0-01? Lumian thought for a few seconds and said, Alright, when do we start? Tonight, Gussin finished his Lanti Proof, paid, and left the Carnivore bar. Lumian glanced at Julie, noticing she was dealing with customers politely and reservedly, seemingly unaware of his conversation with Gusain. Heh Lumian smirked inwardly, set down his glass, and headed upstairs. Trier, Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, Apartment 702, 9 Rue Orosai. Jenna should be back the day after tomorrow, right? Franca murmured, standing by the living room window, a bit wistful and fearful. Her face alternated between light and shadow against the deep night and streetlights, like an enchanting dream. Suddenly, she saw Penitent Baynfel, dressed in black clerical robes and looking like a charred corpse, emerge from the void, holding a letter. A letter? Whos writing to Lumian? Hmm, Baynfels appearance here means messengers cant locate Morora, even those with special contracts Franca accepted the letter with a polite smile. Thank you. Baynfel nodded, turned, and vanished into the night outside the window. Franca sighed and mumbled, l wanted to build a relationship and ask you to introduce me to a messenger She raised her right hand, catching a mixed scent of powder, perfume, grass, flowers, and spices from the letter. A letter from a woman? Franca, entrusted by Lumian, muttered as she opened the letter and read it. Not sure if I should call you Monsieur Louis Berry or Monsieur Lumian Lee. Through Rhea, Ive delved into Matanis mysticism circle, learning much about the mysticism and realizing Im not weak-just inexperienced and unable to show it. For real. Of course, Ive also realized the gap between us and how vast the world is beyond Matani. Im willing to help your friend and hope youll keep your promise. Amandina. Chapter 806 - 806 Expressing Goodwill 806 Expressing Goodwill 806 Expressing Goodwill Amandina? If it were anyone else, Franca might not have remembered, but she couldnt forget this participant of the Dream Festival, a girl who called the Underworld Daoist her teacher. Franca later summoned the Armored Shadow Chen Tu for more information, and she might even need Amandinas help. With this in mind, Franca reached into her Travelers Bag and counted her accumulated gold. Including the final payment from a member of the Curly-Haired Baboon Research Society, she now had gold worth 82,000 verl dor and nearly 20,000 verl dor in cash. With a little exchange, it would be enough to meet the requirements of the Armored Shadow, Chen Tu, for a conversation. Of course, Franca didnt plan to do this anytime soon. First, Lumian was in Morora. Without using his special connection with the contract target, even knowing the Armored Shadows name as Chen Tu, Franca wasnt sure she could summon the spirit from the original world. After all, that might not be its true name, and translating it into ancient Hermes or other mystical languages might correspond to different spirit world creatures. Secondly, facing the Armored Shadow without a demigod present would likely be extremely dangerous. Amandinas presence might partially substitute for a demigod, intimidating the Armored Shadow. Should we wait for Lumian to return from Morora before summoning Chen Tu again? Franca felt a mix of excitement and apprehension, a state known as near-home anxiety. After a moment, she exhaled slowly, deciding to respond to Amandina on Lumians behalf. Hmm, Lumian promised to take Amandina to the area around the Samaritan Womans Spring, giving her a chance to meet the Underworld Daoist outside of the Dream Festival. This is beneficial for us, but its too dangerous with my current strength. Besides, Im not sure if the power brought by The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings combined with the Tarot Clubs Minor Arcana identity can penetrate the fog around the Samaritan Womans Spring. We should wait until Lumian is out of Morora. For now, Ill show Amandina some goodwill to lay the groundwork for future cooperation Hmm, Ill organize some important mysticism knowledge and give it to Amandina for free. Show some respect for the higher authority, if not for me. If the Underworld Daoist sees how well I treat His disciple, maybe His attitude will change Also, Ill ask Amandina which path of the divine she wants to take besides the power of the boons and help her get the corresponding potion formulas and materials. This wont be free. Giving everything for free would make us look too humble and lead to disrespect. Too much kindness can turn into resentment Amandina should choose between the paths of Darkness, Death, and Warrior. The potion formulas and characteristics for the mid-to-low Sequences of the Warrior path are relatively easy to find. Maybe we can ask Madam Justice to get help from Mr. Star for the Darkness path. He seems to be a high-ranking member of the Evernight Goddess Church; last time, he wore red gloves Perfect timing, I was about to report the secrets of the Demoness Sect taught by the Demoness of Black and mention Amandinas situation to see what mysticism knowledge can be shared and what cant be leaked Having sorted her thoughts, Franca returned to her bedroom, sat at her desk, and began writing her report. South Continent, Port Port Pylos of Matani, in a three-story white marble villa. Having finally made up her mind and sent out that letter, Amandina grew more awake as the night went on, pacing back and forth in her soft, girlish bedroom, waiting for Lumians reply. The more she learned about mysticism and Beyonders, the more she realized the gap between herself and Lumian and how ignorant she had been. Though she felt she could continue living as she had, maintaining the appearance of a normal high-society person with certain supernatural abilities, the events during the Dream Festival and the rumors she had heard from various mysticism circles made her feel a sense of crisis and urgency. Living in the South Continent in an era of increasing disasters, her Sequence 7 Nightmare powers and current situation of facing everything alone made her truly afraid that one day her entire family would become sacrifices in a Rose School of Thought blood ritual or that the hidden problems of the Dream Festival would suddenly erupt and engulf her. The more she knew, the more afraid she became. Amandina felt she could never return to her previous state of ignorance and recklessness, and she had a strong desire for higher Sequences and more extraordinary power. That would mean she could do more and see more. Suddenly, she saw the same cool-looking charred messenger from before emerge from the void, handing her a small dressing mirror. A mirror? What does Lumian Lee mean by giving me a mirror? Amandina accepted the mirror with curiosity and confusion, feeling it was quite ordinary. She was about to ask the Penitent Baynfel when she noticed a dark, aqueous light spreading across the mirrors surface. As the light flowed, the mirror gradually brightened, revealing a figure. A mystic telegraph? And one where you can see and talk to the other person? How fascinating Amandina didnt notice the messenger leaving, her attention entirely captivated by the mirror. She soon realized that the figure in the mirror wasnt Lumian Lee but a stranger, a woman. The woman had lake-colored eyes, both bright and deep, as if hiding countless words that made one want to explore them. Her nose was delicate and straight, her lips a tempting combination of red and tender white skin, and her eyebrows extended to her temples, with her flaxen hair tied into a ponytail, giving her an air of elegance. So beautiful Amandina stared blankly, instinctively admiring the woman in her mind. She herself was a girl of outstanding appearance and had always been proud of it, but this time, she felt no sense of competition, entirely immersed in a beauty she had never seen before. Her gaze naturally lowered, seeing the smooth, slender neck and the lace flowers around the shirt collar. For some reason, Amandina felt an urge to see the entire body of the woman in the mirror, to see how beautiful she would look naked. She felt this wasnt her own problem. Even Padre Cali who only liked men would surely have a similar urge! Using a bit of Charm to enhance goodwill for easier communication, Franca also observed Amandina. This girl had a waterfall of black hair and blue eyes, exuding a youthful energy of free self-expression. All of Lumians female acquaintances are quite beautiful Is this a Hunters talent? Franca smiled sweetly through the glass mirror. Lumian is busy right now and cant leave, so he asked me to communicate with you. Amandina snapped out of her daze, shaking off the spell of the womans beauty. She looked at Franca in the mirror, curiosity and a desire to explore igniting within her. Youre Lumian Eh Monsieur Lumian Lees friend? The one who might need my help in the future? Yes. Franca smiled and nodded. Hmph, and you say youre not lovers. Such a beautiful woman makes even me, who likes men, want to sleep with her. How much more for a man who doesnt like men Amandina felt she had seen through Lumians lie. She straightened her waterfall-like hair and asked brightly, Im willing to help you. Can you keep your promise? That might have to wait until Lumian finishes his current tasks, and youre not strong enough yet, Franca said succinctly. Do you want to advance through potions besides the power of boons? Which path do you want: Death, Darkness, or Warrior? Franca spoke quickly because the power of the Ice Amulet was limited in time. After posing the question, she suddenly thought of something. It is said that the Warrior paths potions has a significant height-enhancing effect, even turning the drinker into a giant at higher levels Hmm, turning such a pretty girl into a three or four-meter-tall giant beauty seems odd Franca wasnt sure if she was worried or looking forward to it. Amandina had discussed with Lumian which paths she could take and had thought seriously about it, so she quickly made her decision. Darkness. As a girl who had always been good at understanding her parents thoughts and was adored by her elders, Amandina felt that since the figure during the Dream Festival had only given her the power of Darkness and not the Death power given to Robert or the Warrior power given to some gravekeepers, it might mean that He wanted her to be pure and focus on the path of Darkness. She also planned to go to the ancient tomb during the next Dream Festival to receive more gifts, naturally not wanting to disappoint that figure. I still want to see what happens when the power of the Death or Warrior path is mixed with the Darkness boon Franca said seriously, I will inquire and gather the necessary things for you, but you need to pay for it or complete tasks I assign. Amandina was no longer the naive girl she used to be and understood the value of potion formulas and Beyonder ingredients. She nodded. Okay. Franca smiled in the mirror. Also, I appreciate you agreeing to help. No matter what Lumian promised you, I will provide you with some extra mysticism knowledge for free. Really? Amandina was delighted. This beautiful lady is truly generous! And its not a trap. The potion formulas and Beyonder ingredients come at a cost. Franca didnt answer directly but smiled and said, Remember, my name is Franca. As she spoke, she raised her right hand and pushed a stack of stapled papers forward. In Amandinas eyes, the stack grew larger, eventually penetrating the glass and falling into her hands, while Francas image disappeared from the mirror. Franca Lumian Lee and she make a good match Amandina imagined Lumian and Franca together, suddenly having some romantic thoughts. She whispered to herself, That must be beautiful. Id love to see it Suppressing the images in her mind, Amandina looked at the papers in her hand, glancing over a line of words: Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence Wh- Amandina was both bewildered and deeply impressed. Morora, late night. After the Carnivore bar closed, Lumian exited through the back door and saw Gusain wearing a top silk hat. Gusain slowly smiled. Ill take you to the place for your test now. Chapter 807 - 807 Overlooked 807 Overlooked 807 Overlooked Mororas night was devoid of streetlights, relying solely on the crimson moon high above to provide light, casting deep darkness and dense shadows everywhere. Gusain, dressed like a gentleman, carried a lantern as he led Lumian to a neighborhood near the edge of the city. The area had been completely abandoned due to a small volcano that had erupted, swallowing several houses and leaving a charred wasteland in its wake. The place you mentioned isnt at the base of the volcano, is it? Lumian glanced around, adjusted his cuff, and smiled. Gusain nodded slightly. Yes, the volcanic eruption affected the underground part of the cemetery, allowing its power to seep out. The lava receded quickly, leaving behind an empty void. If you can find the right path through the void filled with the fog of war and reach the designated spot, it will prove you have the qualifications to join us in penetrating the underground part of the cemetery. Fog of war Gusain had been using this term to describe the underground fog, which seemed to have leaked from the mausoleum containing 0-01, which represents the Red Priest Lumian didnt conjure a bright white fireball for illumination. Instead, he followed Gusain, who carried the lantern, into a building on the edge of the volcanic area. Inside the house, filled with solidified volcanic rock, they descended a precarious staircase into a partially collapsed basement. The basement walls had a gaping crack leading to a void filled with dense fog. You need to reach this point near the cemeterys underground section and light the oil lamp between four stone statues. Remember, there are four statues facing each other in pairs. Gusain hung the lantern on a protruding stone brick in the wall crack and took out a simple map, pointing to the destination. Lumian studied the map for a minute, then turned his gaze to the dense fog outside the crack. Whats special about this fog? Gusain pressed his top hat and smiled. It significantly reduces your visibility, affects your hearing and smell, suppresses your Astral Projections interaction with the spirit world, and dulls your spiritual warning and intuition. And? Lumian asked, seemingly relaxed. Gusain thought for a few seconds. The fog of war envelops the corresponding spirit world area. Some Beyonders, even if they can enter the spirit world, cant locate themselves or escape the fog. If they try to teleport out, they might get lost somewhere in Morora and never return to reality. Seeing means being able to teleport there? With my Hunters vision, I can only see five or six meters Lumian roughly understood the fogs effects and laughed. If I could create a hurricane, could I blow it away? Weve tried. You can, but once the wind stops, the fog comes back, and the dispersal is limited to reality, not affecting the part seeping into the spirit world, Gusain explained the previous experiments results. Lumian asked a few more details, then conjured a bright white flame to hover above his head. He stepped forward, through the crack, and into the dense fog. Unlike normal fog, this one felt like it had been scorched by fire. As Lumian inhaled, his airways stung with a fiery pain, and his mind filled with the smell of burning, blood, and rust. The dense fog churned, and the ground trembled slightly. Lumian saw tall figures emerging from the fog five or six meters away. These figures were made of black iron, covered in dark red rust, like neglected metal puppets. Some lacked arms, others had disjointed bodies, and some had gaping holes in their chests. They staggered towards Lumian, wielding giant swords that gleamed coldly. Lumian chuckled. Who dug you out of the trash heap? Recycling, huh? Before he finished speaking, he disappeared from his spot, reappearing behind one of the iron puppets. His eyes turned iron-black, and his right fist ignited with bright white flames, crashing down on the puppets waist. Suddenly, a bright white flame spear shot from the crack in the wall, hurtling towards Lumian. Lumian couldnt dodge or use Spirit World Traversal in time. He could only fall to the ground, following the momentum of his right punch. At the same time, he prepared to swap places with his shadow. Bang! His flaming right fist struck the puppets waist, creating a spiderweb of cracks. Then, his fist brushed against the metal surface, pulling his body to the ground, narrowly avoiding the white flame spear, though a lock of his hair caught fire. With a clatter, the white flame spear pierced the puppet and landed two meters away, revealing Gusain in his top hat. The invigilator was the attacker! The second most dangerous person in Morora! Creak! Creak! The puppet took a step forward out of inertia, then collapsed into a heap of scrap metal. Lumian, lying on the ground, didnt roll away. Since he hadnt gone far from the basement, he teleported to the crack covered in dense fog, moving as far as his vision allowed to escape the fog of war. Once outside, he could either counterattack Gusain or find a chance to escape, both better options than fighting in a preset scenario. Whenever possible, avoid fighting in someone elses setup! As Lumians figure appeared in the dense fog near the basement crack, he saw a bright white flaming metal spear rushing towards his heart as if waiting for him to come. Besides Gusain, there was another ambusher! Gusains attack seemed to lure Lumian to teleport towards the exit, stepping into a trap! At this moment, Lumian, in Morora, far from Franca and Jenna, couldnt use their Mirror Substitution. He could only swap places with his shadow in a flash of light. Pfft! The bright white flaming spear pierced Lumians chest, setting him ablaze. But Lumians figure turned thin and black, dissolving like a shadow in the firelight. The spear-wielding man stepped through the crack into the fog of war. His hair was tinged with blood, his features aggressive, and he wore a black and red jacket. He was Albus Medici. Albus Medici, whom Gusain was supposed to be looking for, was here! Lumians figure reappeared in another direction, but due to the fog of war, he was still within six meters of Albus, Gusain, and the remaining iron puppets. He saw Gusains forehead glow red, something about to emerge. Albuss hair was covered in red flames, lengthening as it spread. Traitor, Gusain whispered, sentencing him. He then created several bright white fireballs, hurling them at Lumian to cover every corner. He seemed unafraid of affecting himself or Albus, though they were only five or six meters apart, and the fireballs could flatten the Carnivore bar. Hearing Gusains words and seeing Albuss stance, Lumian understood why he was attacked: He had overlooked the Iron and Blood Cross Order! This secret organization, primarily following the Hunter path, was also searching for 0-01. Over the years, someone had likely infiltrated Morora. One of them was Gusain! With the core members of the Iron and Blood Cross Orders strange connection to Fourth Epoch Trier, they could maintain some self-awareness in Morora. Using 0-01 to sense the approaching enforcement team made sense, fitting Gusains behavior! Now, it seemed Albus Medici was still cooperating with the lron and Blood Cross Order, using the secret organization. Lumians attempt to use Gusains power to find Albus had been turned into a trap. Seeing the incoming bright white fireballs and Albus blocking the exit, Lumian didnt hesitate. His sleeve flashed, and he disappeared again. This time, he left behind a makeup mirror. The mirror fell through the dense fog, cracking as it hit the ground. Rumble! Gusains fireballs exploded, only affecting a six-meter range, unable to disperse the dense fog of war, confined to a small area. The mirror shattered into countless pieces, some turning to dust, others melting and reforming. Albus, feeling the impact and heat, muttered in confusion, Using the mirror world? Behind the dark void of the mirror, Lumian used the Mirror Cufflink again, quickly looking forward and finding the fog of war hadnt invaded the dark, web-like tunnels. Indeed, in Morora, the mirror world is special Lumian dared to trust Gusain and enter the fog of war for the test because he had the Mirror Cufflink. Of course, with items like the Sword of Courage, he wasnt without fighting strength, but he didnt want to risk it in an enemys prepared battlefield without knowing Albuss full capabilities. Lumian chose a mirror mark in Morora and used Spirit World Traversal to leave. As he vanished, the dark void behind the mirror silently collapsed with its shattering. Lumians destination was Julies room mirror. Upon arrival, he looked through the glass, finding Julie, the Demoness, nowhere to be seen, not even asleep in bed. Lumians lips curled into a smile. Chapter 808 - 808 Return 808 Return 808 Return Not far from the abandoned neighborhood, Albus Medici, who had parted ways with Gusain, walked along the shadows by the roadside toward the cemetery. Suddenly, he stopped, as if sensing an undercurrent in the nearby darkness. Albus chuckled, and a dense fog immediately surged out, covering his figure and half the street. After several seconds, the fog gradually dispersed, but Albus was no longer there. He had vanished. From the shadow that had just been enveloped by the fog, Julie, with her hair tied up and wearing a slit dress, emerged, staring at the spot where Albus had stood for several seconds. A golden ring with a blue gemstone adorned her left middle finger. Julie looked away, her expression somewhat grim, and headed toward the few blocks where the exiles gathered. Some time later, in the deep darkness of the night, the sharp, painful screams of a man echoed from a room. Lumian returned to the full-length mirror in his room and stepped out, lying down on the bed. After discovering that Julie had quietly left the Carnivore bar, he knew the Demoness had been secretly following him and Gusain. This was one of his intended outcomes. Otherwise, he wouldnt have discussed searching for Albus Medici and accepting the corresponding test with Gusain at the bar. He had done it to ensure that Julie, temporarily acting as a bartender, would hear it! Although he and Gusain had lowered their voices, the Demoness was close enough to catch the crucial information with her enhanced hearing. Of course, Lumian hadnt initially considered Julie as a contingency plan because Gusain had witnessed the Demoness castrate Vijepan and had clearly noticed her beauty and charm when she became a bartender. In such a situation, Gusain would likely guess Julies identity as a Demoness and remain cautious, knowing she might have overheard their conversation. Lumians primary goal was to gauge the progress of the Demoness Sect regarding 0-01 based on Julies reaction. If the Demoness Sect, through the long-term investigation of Celeste and other Demonesses, had completed preparations and was only waiting for the final opportunity to act, Julie would avoid creating extra trouble and patiently maintain the status quo. In that case, Lumian would have to closely monitor Julie and Celeste to prevent them from taking the lead. If the Demoness Sect wasnt confident and still lacked information, Julie would likely use this opportunity to gather more intelligence from Gusain and the rebels connected to him, making her actions more comprehensive. Lumian wouldnt need to be as urgent and could allocate time and effort to other investigations. In this regard, he had perfectly achieved his goal. Now, Lumian was more curious about Julies reaction after discovering Albus Medici while following him and Gusain. What would she try to do? Will she attempt an assassination on the spot, wait patiently to challenge Albus alone after he and Gusain part ways, or go find Celeste to discuss it first? Its a pity I dont know where theyll encounter each other, so I cant observe the battle and see what cards they hold. If Im lucky, I might even eliminate them both if they end up badly injured Lumian sighed regretfully on the bed. After a while, he sensed some movement from Julies room. The Demoness had returned. Lumian sniffed the air and detected a faint smell of blood. He chuckled inwardly and mocked, Albus, did you lose your prized possession? I wonder if you can regrow it as an Iron-blooded Knight There wasnt much commotion in Morora just now, not like there was a fierce battle So, did Julie fail to locate Albus and vent her frustration on some random guy? Lumian waited patiently, ensuring the City of Exiles, Morora, fell into a deep slumber, then transformed into a shadow creature and blended into the darkness of the room. He moved swiftly, returning to the abandoned neighborhood with the volcano, and arrived at the crack in the basement, once again gazing into the void filled with dense fog. He felt it was necessary to investigate this area thoroughly to better understand some details in the 0-01 sealing information and gain further insight into the underground mausoleum. Neither Gusain nor Albus would expect him to return here, especially after the possibility of facing Julies attack! The fog isnt as dense as before. The visibility range is about thirteen or fourteen meters Was it Albus and Gusain enhancing the fog of war with their abilities or items earlier? Lumian observed the fog for a few seconds, making a preliminary judgment. He then conjured a bright white fireball for illumination and slowly walked into the fog of war. The fog felt similar to before, with no other changes. Lumian dripped a few drops of perfume on the ground every so often to mark his path for the return journey. He was heading to the area marked with statues on the map Gusain had shown. In the dead silence, only the faint sound of footsteps echoed in the fog as Lumian discerned the terrain, passing several iron puppets hidden in the fog. Finally, relying on his Hunter abilities and the memorized map, he reached his destination. There, against the rock wall, stood four statues made of gray-white stone, each over two meters tall. These statues faced each other in pairs, their faces blurred, dressed in peculiar clothing, with square scarves wrapped around their heads. In the middle of the statues stood a half-height stone platform with an unlit oil lamp on it. Who made these statues? They werent originally here. According to the 0-01 sealing information, this place isnt part of the underground mausoleum, its just normal underground After the volcanic eruption, some of the mausoleums power leaked out, and someone built these four statues and placed the oil lamp here. Whats the purpose? Lumian mused silently, staring at the bright white fireball. Judging by the style of the statues and the overall arrangement, he doubted the Church of Knowledge had set them up to reinforce the seal. It was more likely the work of the Iron and Blood Cross Order, which explained Gusains familiarity with the area. Meanwhile, Lumian felt the call from underground growing stronger. It seemed to be just behind the rock wall, waiting for him to approach. Lumian took a deep breath, suppressing his inner urge. He circled the statues and the oil lamp on the stone platform several times, finding nothing unusual. Lumian pondered for a moment and had two ideas. One was to light the oil lamp and see what happened; the other was to take this opportunity to destroy something and trigger a possible change. Lighting the oil lamp is too risky. Its not necessary yet Lumian decided on the second idea after some thought. Destruction is always easier than construction! And if something went wrong, leaving a mess behind would be more meaningful than keeping the place intact. Lumian conjured a bright white fireball, placing it at the base of one of the statues, setting it to explode with a delay. After setting up five time bombs, Lumian moved about ten meters away, hiding in the dense fog, and snapped his fingers. Rumble! The four statues and the stone platform simultaneously underwent a violent explosion, cracking from the base and collapsing into piles of rubble. The explosion dissipated some of the dense fog, allowing Lumian to see the statues and the platform. No anomalies or dangers appeared Good. Now, lets see if Gusain or Albus notice the commotion and come to check it out. Ill be hiding here, ready to strike a fatal blow Lumian grew more puzzled about the statues and the platform, planning to set a simple trap for Gusain that might be overlooked due to its subtlety. If the statues and the platform were crucial, Gusain would rush to confirm the situation, instinctively thinking the destroyer had already escaped to avoid an ambush. Just as Lumian was about to retreat further into the fog, he noticed the five piles of rubble starting to wriggle. They collided and quickly reformed, rising back into their original statue and platform shapes. Identical to before. Wh- Lumians eyes froze. The stone statues and the platform can restore themselves? No wonder the Iron and Blood Cross Order didnt station guards here They arent afraid of these things being destroyed! Lumian quickly recovered and tried a new approach. This time, after blowing up the statues and the platform, he used his Travelers Bag to collect some of the rubble, waiting a few meters away. The stone statues and the platform restored themselves again, drawing materials from the earth, while the rubble in Lumians pouch became ordinary stones. Lumian temporarily gave up on destruction, emptied the pouch of rubble, and returned to the statues, picking up the oil lamp with the glass cover. Inside the lamp was a semi-solid, semi-liquid yellowish grease, with a wick seemingly woven from black hair. The more Lumian looked at it, the more familiar it seemed. He began to recall the source of this familiarity. After over ten seconds, he suddenly reached into his Travelers Bag and took out an item. It was a pale yellowish-red, semi-solid substance in a transparent glass bottle, with a thick black wick on top. Corpse wax candle! A candle made from the corpse oils of an Iron-blooded Knight and a Demoness of Despair mixed with other substances! The oil lamp on the stone platform resembled it somewhat. Lumian muttered to himself, Magician Magician said that Fourth Epoch Trier and a place in Bansy Harbor were the best scenes for the corpse wax candle What about the underground mausoleum in Morora, which is very similar to Fourth Epoch Trier? Chapter 809 - 809 Additive 809 Additive 809 Additive In the dense fog, Lumian stared at the oil lamp, feeling an urge to light it and see what would happen. Eventually, he controlled himself and refrained from taking the risk. With everything still in a state of chaos and uncertainty, Lumian believed that making any high-risk decisions would be unwise. He also had no intention of taking the oil lamp to trade with Albus Medici for the head of the Abscessed Hand. Since the Iron and Blood Cross Order placed the oil lamp here without guarding it, they probably werent worried about losing it or had many similar lamps. Based on his observations, Lumian deduced that the pale yellow grease in the lamp likely didnt come from Iron-blooded Knights and Demonesses of Despair. It was different from corpse wax candles and seemed to be a mixture of mid-sequence Hunters and Demonesses. Though its less effective than a corpse wax candle, it should still work in the underground of Morora, which is similar to Fourth Epoch Trier Lumian reached into his Travelers Bag. Just because he couldnt light it or take it didnt mean he couldnt do anything. He planned to add something extra to the oil lamp, ensuring the Iron and Blood Cross Order would face unforeseen complications during their rituals! Lumian took out some old blood powder from the Demon Warlock, Ice Lemon Fish fillets, a Berserk Agent from the Nightstalkers, and another Bark Agent from the same source. He placed them on the half-height stone platform, mixed a bit of each into a brown lump the size of a human finger joint. What do you call this? A cocktail! Lumian chuckled, putting all the materials back into his Travelers Bag. He then took out Mr. Ks finger, sliced off some flesh, and wrapped it around the brown lump. This was a precaution against the Iron and Blood Cross Orders inspection-Hunters from the Order would undoubtedly check the oil lamp for any issues before use, as it wasnt always under their strict watch. In Morora, Lumian didnt worry that using Mr. Ks finger this way would be detected. Looking at the blood-stained lump, Lumian reluctantly scooped a bit of the semi-solid, yellowish-red substance from his corpse wax candle and smeared it on the lump. A double disguise, combined with a higher-Sequence, godhood-possessing item, should fool the Hunters noses and eyes! Once the lump was coated with the yellowish-red substance, Lumian examined the candle, reassuring himself, Just a Iittle bit, it shouldnt affect the number of uses After putting away the corpse wax candle, Lumian picked up the oil lamp, removed the wick made of woven black hair, and carefully submerged the yellowish-red lump into the semi-solid grease, ensuring it stayed in the desired position. Seeing the lumps yellowish-red color blend with the surrounding grease, leaving only faint traces hidden inside, Lumian breathed in relief and slowly inserted the wick back into the semi-solid grease. After several adjustments, the wicks position and condition finally met Lumians requirements. He could already imagine the scene: The oil lamp would initially burn normally, with the corpse wax having perhaps a hint of godhood, enhancing the rituals effect and immersing the Iron and Blood Cross Order members in the sensory experience. This would last for twenty or thirty seconds, after which the corpse wax part would burn. This would bring an intense pact-like experience, potentially fatal for some Order members with weaker wills. Of course, this might also benefit some members, causing positive mutations, but the corpse wax portion was minimal, and the burn would soon reach the random materials wrapped in Mr. Ks flesh. Lumian wasnt sure what the impact would be, but he was confident it would worsen the situation. Just suck on this one; it hits strong. Lumian recalled how South Continent people described East Balam cigarettes, smiling as he addressed the imaginary Order members. Then, he cleaned up the traces on the oil lamp and tidied the scattered rubble. Following the faint scent of various perfumes, Lumian found his way back to the basement crack through the dense fog, leaving the area slowly. He transformed into a shadow creature, silently returned to the Carnivore bar, and pretended to sleep to avoid an ambush by Albus Medici, Gusain, and others. At six in the morning, Lumian felt refreshed. He rolled out of bed, stretched his neck, and laughed softly. Didnt come? Albus and the others didnt come, neither did Wanak. Do they think I have teleportation abilities, making it hard to kill me outside a special battlefield or without special items? Heh heh, youre too hesitant, too cautious. Now I have shadows again, no longer afraid of sunlight, and can block another fatal attack Lumian drew the curtains, gazing at the brightening dawn, his eyes falling on the books from the Church of Knowledge on his desk. He instinctively felt a headache, frowning. He resisted reading and learning, struggling with an indescribable inner turmoil. If there were only a few books, Lumian would be highly motivated, reading diligently and focusing intently, but knowing there were three whole shelves of books and thousands of scrolls left him feeling defeated, unwilling to start. After several seconds, Lumian rubbed his temples, sighed, and muttered to himself, Well, since 0-01 was sealed by the Church of Knowledge, I should respect knowledge. Theres nothing else to do now, just waiting for Albus and Julie to take further action, hoping to seize an opportunity and direction Lumian sat down, leaning back in his chair, placing his feet on the edge of the desk, reading the books specified by Heraberg in a comfortable but precarious position. He had read the first two or three chapters before and found nothing noteworthy, but this time he planned to study in depth. As he read, Lumians expression gradually changed. He became engrossed in the reading, almost forgetting the time until Lez knocked on the door, telling him breakfast was ready. Okay. Lumian nodded, setting down the book without any visible changes and heading out of the room. Almost at the door, he saw Lez turning towards the stairs and half-turned back, glancing at the books on the desk with a puzzled expression. These books indeed contained important knowledge! He was currently reading one thoroughly and had skimmed through the others, already finding similarities with the details in the 0-01 sealing information, along with more detailed explanations! If I read through the three bookshelves and pass the exam, I might find a way to approach 0-01 through the overall sealing operation and use the sealing principles to protect myself when touching the artifact Knowledge is power, knowledge is wealth, knowledge holds all the answers Lumian withdrew his gaze, his eyes flashing with thoughts as he entered the hallway and turned towards the stairs. The problem now was that this kind of knowledge brought noticeable corruption, just like the 0-01 sealing information. Lumian worried that the more he learned, the closer he got to 0-01, the more likely he would become its puppet. Also, if I focus too much on reading these books, Albus, Julie, Gusain, and Wanak might get suspicious and also borrow a few books from the Church of Knowledge. Then I would lose my advantage I need to wander aimlessly every day, set traps for them, outsmart them, and make it seem like Im just reading out of boredom Lumians smile gradually widened. He finished the flight of stairs and glanced at Julie sitting on a bar stool at the counter. The Demoness wore a white shirt and black skirt, looking quite demure, but she swayed her waist gently, making the stool spin. She glanced back at Lumian and continued talking to Lez, I only think about finding what I lost from other men when Im in a terrible mood. Normally, I just feel jealous and resentful, wondering why I lost it and they still have it? And you, your cooking has conquered me. I acknowledge your right to keep that thing, as long as you dont come to me when Im in a bad mood, I wont do anything to you. Is that why you Demonesses like turning lovers into Witches? Lumian sat beside Julie, smiling at Lez. What are you guys talking about? Lez licked his lips and replied, She asked if I was curious about the taste of Demoness meat and cut a small piece for me. Grilled, it was delicious, rich in fat and very chewy. Then we got to the topic we were discussing. Lumian glanced at Julie and noticed the bandage marks on her left shoulder, with some bloodstains on her shirt. She really cut it One daring to cut and the other daring to cook, your mental states and inner worlds are beyond me Lumian snorted and directly asked Julie, What are you up to? Julie smiled, showing two shallow dimples. I want to learn cooking from Lez. Her face was full of longing and expectation. To cook for Celeste? You Demonesses Lumian shook his head and focused on his breakfast. Trier, Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, Apartment 702, 9 Rue Orosai. Franca received a reply from Madam Judgment. The letter began: Mr. Star agrees to provide potion formulas and Beyonder ingredients in stages for Amandinas matter, but he doesnt need money or resources. He only hopes you can help with some matters. Me? What can I help Mr. Star with? Franca pondered deeply. Chapter 810 - 810 Learning is my Hobby 810 Learning is my Hobby 810 Learning is my Hobby Thinking that if it were truly dangerous and beyond her ability to help, Madam Judgment would surely protect her, Franca pulled out a sheet of pure white paper and began her reply: Dear Madam Judgment, If Mr. Stars requests are within reason, I have no problem with them. After writing this, Franca read the rest of Madam Judgments letter: The Demoness of Blacks description and speculation about the Primordial Demoness are a common view within the Demoness Sect. However, if it were that simple, things wouldnt be this complicated. Many high-ranking witches believe the mirror world is vital for the Demoness pathway. This isnt entirely inaccurate, but as a collective concept of doors, the mirror world seems incapable of bearing such importance. These are things we need to understand further. Two of Cups, I know this may be harsh, but you still need to continue infiltrating the Demoness Sect for a while. You are currently our highest-ranked member within the sect. Due to the peculiarities of the Demoness pathway, we cannot actively cultivate male Assassins, and the existing Demoness Sect members are mentally twisted, longing to approach the Primordial One. We can only passively wait and find people like you who inadvertently enter the Assassin pathway Suddenly feeling a heavy sense of responsibility Franca muttered to herself, sighed, and continued writing her reply. She wasnt too disappointed, still hoping to obtain the main ingredients for the Demoness of Despair within the sect, provided she found a way to bypass the cruel requirements of the advancement ritual. After sending her reply, Franca leaned back in her chair, gazing idly out the window at the night sky. Suddenly, the area in front of her grew extremely dark, and a silver skull emerged from the void, holding a letter in its mouth. Another letter? Whats going on? Franca took it, thanked the messenger, and watched it leave before opening the letter, inhaling its subtle, enduring fragrance: Dear Muggle, Do you remember the previous invitation? Were having an offline gathering in Trier this Saturday at 10 p.m. Are you still interested in attending? If so, please reply promptly, and Ill inform you of the location and participation details. Professor. An offline meeting of the Academy team? Lumians life is so eventful! Ive barely been his proxy for a few days, and Im already swamped with tasks, one after another Should he be called 007? Even 007 needs sleep; he doesnt! Franca couldnt help but lampoon. She had already noticed that wherever Lumian went, hidden catastrophes erupted one after another. But since she hadnt been directly involved in most of them, the impact hadnt been as apparent. Now, as his liaison, she felt it keenly. After a while, Franca sighed. Shed have to use the Ice Amulet to contact Lumian again! Since obtaining it from the Demoness of Black, she hadnt used it for investigating the Mirror People, spending it all on Lumian-related matters. She needed to ask Lumian if he wanted to attend the offline gathering of the Academy team, which might include members of the Moses Ascetic Order. If he did, hed need to designate a substitute and try to send out the Lie earrings. Franca quickly wrote a letter regarding the matter, wrapping a copper coin, some wraith dust, and her rarely used Beatrices Necklace in the paper. She had noticed that after passing through the seal of Morora, Lumians letters lost their physical form, leaving only pure information. So, she planned to experiment, seeing if ordinary items, highly spiritual items, and Beyonder items could all pass through the seal and in what state they would exist. The experiments results would determine if the Lie earrings could be sent out. If it werent for the fact that each mystical item was precious and useful, Franca would have included items containing Beyonder characteristics in this experiment. After preparing the small package, Franca walked to the full-length mirror in the living room, putting on the Ice Amulet. As it flashed with crystalline cold light, Franca pressed the package into the glass surface. Late at night in Morora, on the second floor of the Carnivore bar. Lumian sat under a glowing white fireball, focused on reading Examples of Underground Mausoleum Construction. Suddenly, he looked up, his eyes bloodshot, and glanced at the mirror in the room. The mirrors surface had turned dark, with ripples moving within it. Lumian reluctantly set down his book, approached the mirror, and placed his right hand on it. He saw Intisian words appearing on the mirrors surface, line after line, densely packed. Professors invitation Academy teams offline gathering experiment with transferring items Lumians thoughts raced. Taking advantage of the Ice Amulets active effect, he reached into the mirror and pulled out an item. It was a diamond necklace. Beatrices Necklace! The copper coin and wraith dust mentioned in Francas letter were gone. Lumian looked back at the mirror, seeing an image of the coin and wraith dust around the densely packed words, with a ghostly presence. As the Ice Amulets power waned, and the words faded, the items gradually disappeared. Only pure information and items with Beyonder power can pass through that special mirror world, through the seal, and reach here? Hmm, items with godhood shouldnt work either, only something made within Morora Lumian played with Beatrices Necklace, using the Ice Amulets remaining power to send Franca two words: Necklace, okay. The aqueous glow within the mirror quickly receded, and the dark glass returned to normal. Soon, the mirror showed another anomaly. This time, Franca sent the Ice Amulet through. This helped Lumian conserve the use of the Mirror Cufflink-only two uses left. Holding the icy talisman, Lumian began writing his reply. He detailed the experiment results and his observations on the item transfer process, then instructed Franca to attend the Academy teams offline gathering in Trier as Muggle on his behalf. After folding the letter and enclosing the Lie earrings and Ice Amulet, Lumian activated the latter, pressing the package into the glass mirror, sending it to Francas apartment mirror. Franca received the items, read Lumians letter carefully, and murmured to herself, both expectant and anxious. Do I really have to pretend to be Muggle? Sigh, the lce Amulet can only transmit information nine more times Meanwhile, Lumian returned to his desk and resumed reading Examples of Underground Mausoleum Construction. He was reluctant to rest; the more he read, the more compelling the books became. Of course, Lumian knew this was a sign of slight corruption. Just then, he heard a loud explosion. It came from a few blocks away! Explosion? Lumian used his Ascetic endurance to break free from the compulsion, extinguished the fireball, and moved to the window to observe outside. The explosions continued, with brilliant flames illuminating the streets hundreds of meters away. It was on the route from the Carnivore bar to the Church of Knowledge. Lumian saw Julie jump out of her room, landing lightly like a feather, then blending into the shadows, disappearing. Hunters causing explosions and fires? Lumian rubbed his temples, looking reluctant. He grumbled to himself, I really dont want to get involved in your schemes and fights; I just want to study peacefully. Since discovering the important knowledge in the books specified by Heraberg, he had become increasingly focused, spending all his time reading except when acting outside. If not for the risk of exposing the books importance, he would have used his special abilities to study all night. The more seriously he studied, the less he wanted to do anything else, often relying on sheer willpower and even his Ascetic abilities to break free from that mental state. After a moment, Lumians expression calmed, and he muttered to himself, When I find the opportunity to eliminate you all, I can finally study in peace Suppressing his abnormal emotions, Lumian transformed into a shadow creature, slipping into the darkness between buildings and heading toward the explosion site. Soon, he reached the destination and saw a half-collapsed building- Dades Agricultural Company. Wanaks Dades Agricultural Company? Someone attacked Wanak? Lumian snapped out of his study-induced haze, his mind suddenly alert. He saw two giant figures emerge from the building. They were three to four meters tall, with iron-like skin and blue paint depicting clothing, each holding a giant broadsword. Iron soldiers? Giant iron soldiers? Lumian immediately recalled the iron soldiers he had seen deep in the Sauron familys Red Swan Castle crypt. The next moment, one of the iron soldiers smashed through the collapsed wall and fixed its cold gaze on the shadow Lumian was hiding in. It charged at Lumian, raising its giant broadsword. Chapter 811 - 811 Combination? 811 Combination? 811 Combination? Discovered? How did it find me? Im currently a real shadow creature Lumian wondered as he emerged from the shadows. He instantly teleported to the side of the iron soldier. The iron soldier ran past him, realizing too late that its target had moved. It had to slow down forcefully, half-turning to sweep its giant sword. Lumian, well-prepared, leaped high into the air. His fist, blazing with white-hot flames, struck the iron soldiers neck. Clang! The sound echoed like a church bell. The tall, heavy, and hard iron soldier was pushed back a step. A fist-sized dent appeared on its metal-covered neck, surrounded by spiderweb-like cracks. Lumians strike was purely a Cull, without probing for weaknesses. He didnt need to. Having thoroughly studied Doll Crafting and Maintenance, he knew exactly where the weak points of such iron soldiers were! Of course, he had also observed beforehand to confirm that this iron soldier was of the regular type and hadnt been modified. The iron soldier, enraged by the Cull attack, swung its giant sword in a storm of slashes, cutting and chopping within a five to six meter radius. Lumian teleported several meters away, watched the iron soldier, and raised his right palm, still with one hand in his pocket. One after another, white-hot fireballs formed and flew towards the iron soldier. The dark red glow in the iron soldiers eyes brightened as it locked onto Lumian and charged at him. Rumble! It cleaved through the fireballs in its path, enduring the rest as it advanced through the smoke and flames. Almost simultaneously, Lumian vanished from its sight again. Lumian reappeared on the soldiers shoulder, half-crouched, and delivered a powerful punch to the previous dent. Whoosh! White-hot flames erupted from his fist. Clang! The sound was like a hammer striking a large bell. Lumians figure quickly faded, dodging the iron soldiers left hand as it released its giant sword to grab him. A moment later, the dent in the iron soldiers neck shattered completely. The cracks spread rapidly to its head and body. The iron soldier staggered forward, its metal fragments falling piece by piece, like an iron rain. Lumians figure swiftly outlined not far away. He scoffed and said, Didnt you learn from the last time? Making the same mistake again. Oh, I forgot, you dont have a brain. As Lumian finished speaking, the struggling iron soldier collapsed into a pile of metal debris. Lumian then turned his attention to the other side of the Dades Agricultural Company. The remaining iron soldier was silently burning with pitch-black flames, moving slower and accumulating more rust. Clang! It fell to the ground, motionless, losing its oppressive aura. Julie, wearing a cotton nightgown with a hint of spring, stood leisurely beside it. She watched as the iron soldier quickly shrank back to the size of a childrens toy. The metal fragments near Lumian were also shrinking, soon reduced to mere scraps. Julie looked at him, smiling gracefully, Boss, youre even more impressive than I imagined. Compliment me all you want, but why stare at my crotch Lumian scoffed, Youre not bad yourself. Julie blinked and said, But why dont you look at me when you speak? Because you dont have anything down there, Lumian replied, ignoring Julie and heading towards the Dades Agricultural Company. Julies expression turned dark, her face flickering in the firelight. After a few seconds, she muttered through gritted teeth, Soon you wont have anything either. By then, Lumian had reached the half-collapsed building and started inspecting the battle traces. Explosions, high temperatures, fire, attacks directly hitting key structures Definitely a battle between Hunters Multiple injuries, more than one, but all blood traces burnt to scorches Lumian quickly circled the explosion site, discovering several corpses. Some were ordinary, like night shift employees caught in the blast, suffocated by smoke, burned by flames, or crushed by debris. Others were mangled, reduced to chunks of flesh, or dismembered as if violently torn apart. Lumian noticed one corpse with a somewhat intact head, a faint red mark on its forehead, with something wriggling under the skin, trying to emerge. Ive seen a similar mark on Gusians forehead So, the Iron and Blood Cross Order is indeed trying to assassinate Wanak With Albus Medici joining them, theyve grown bold enough to eliminate potential rivals and disruptors? But it seems they failed Wanak is formidable, facing an Iron and Blood Cross Order assault, possibly with Albus and Gusian present, yet still managing to counterattack and escape The Iron and Blood Cross Order is really cooperating with Albus Medici? Do they truly believe this Medici descendant? Does Gusian not know what the Medici name represents? Hmm, they know but intend to use Albus Medici, a collaboration full of mutual conspiracies? As these thoughts raced through Lumians mind, Julie approached and stopped beside him. Have you figured anything out? Julie asked. Lumian chuckled. Shouldnt I be asking you that? You Demonesses are good at divination, unlike me. Julies expression had returned to normal, her eyes bright as she said, I tried, but got nothing. Some of them might be carrying items with high rank. Before Lumian could respond, she glanced at her boss and said, It seems that the Albus youre wary of has formed an alliance with Gusians group. Lumian nodded, then added, Theyre probably trying to eliminate Wanak. Next, theyll try to eliminate me, you, and all the Hunters and Demonesses in Morora, Julie said with a slight smile. Boss, I know you dont trust me, and I cant trust you either, unless all thats left is a shlong. But against the threat of Albus and Gusian, can we temporarily cooperate? You? A Demoness who doesnt like to study and only knows how to do twisted things, wanting to cooperate with me? I just want to study quietly and diligently Lumian criticized, then chuckled and said, Sure. His goal was the information accumulated by the Demoness Sect and their preparations. Cooperation would make it easier to access them. Julie was about to say more when she suddenly saw a group of black-robed enforcers running over from the direction of the Knowledge Cathedral. Her eyes flickered, and she said to Lumian, I have to leave now. Lets talk tomorrow morning. Lumian glanced at the leading enforcer and noticed it wasnt Celeste. He replied thoughtfully, Alright. Julie immediately stepped into the nearby shadows and vanished from his sight. Lumian stared at the corpses in the ruins for a few seconds before turning and leaving Dades Agricultural Company, heading into the nearest alley. In the darkness, he walked at a steady pace, pondering a troubling question: Arent there too many Iron and Blood Cross Order members infiltrating Morora? Just to deal with Wanak, four or five have already died! Its not just about whether they could infiltrate so many members or if the Church of Knowledge is being too lenient, but no secret organization would want to suffer such heavy losses among its members. Morora is the place where 0-01 is sealed. Every Beyonder sent here must be prepared for a high likelihood of sacrifice. The Demoness Sect only sent one Sequence 5 Beyonder at a time. Unless the previous Demoness lost contact and no longer responded, they wouldnt send another. Does the Iron and Blood Cross Order really not care about mid-to-low-level Beyonders, treating them as cannon fodder? For a war, thats not too strange, but a sensible commander would only sacrifice soldiers at critical moments, not let them die on the way. Or has Gusian developed a large number of new Hunters in Morora Lumian suddenly thought of Gusian, the bloody mark on that corpses forehead, the stone statue, and the oil lamp in the depths of the underground fog. Or are the true Iron and Blood Cross Order members only Gusian and a few others, while the rest are mass-produced through a special secret ritual? As he pondered this, Lumian smiled. If thats true, when Gusian and the others hold their next ritual to create soldiers, something very interesting might happen. The oil lamp I tampered with should bring about a different outcome I wonder what kind of soldiers will appear Lumians pace quickened, and soon he returned to the Carnivore bar. He sat at his desk, forming a white-hot fireball to serve as a gas lamp. He wanted to finish reading Examples of Mausoleum Construction so he could take the exam at the Knowledge Cathedral tomorrow morning and borrow more books. Dont let anything interrupt my studying again Lumian muttered as he buried himself in his reading. Amidst the occasional sound of flipping pages, he suddenly turned his head, his sharp gaze focusing on the mirror in the room. The surface of the mirror rippled, revealing a figure with iron-black eyes, bright red hair, and a chiseled face. Wanak? The same Wanak who was attacked earlier? Lumian narrowed his eyes slightly, waiting for the figure to speak. The figure of Wanak swayed lightly, as if affected by water waves. He asked in a deep voice, Do you want to kill Gusian and Albus Medici? Chapter 812 - 812 Strange Test Script 812 Strange Test Script 812 Strange Test Script Hearing Wanaks question, Lumian, who was already a bit irritated from having his study interrupted, laughed out loud. Can you find them? No, Wanak admitted frankly. Unlike Lumian and Wanak, who had fixed residences, Gusian and Medici moved around in secrecy, making it hard to pinpoint their exact locations. Wanak continued, But I can use myself as bait to lure them out. Lure them out? What kind of Hunter path is this? It sounds more like the path of a Fishing Master Lumian mocked both Wanak and himself internally, gradually calming down. He looked at the man with iron-black eyes, chiseled face, and suspected 0-01 corruption who had tried to kill him at their first meeting, and sneered. Bait? If you dare to wander the streets of Morora, Albus and Gusian would likely think its a trap and not make a move. Of course, they might send someone to test if youre bluffing, but that wont help you ambush them. Wanaks eyes remained sharp as he replied in a metallic tone, I wont treat them as fools. Ill leave some traces, give them clues, let them find my hiding place on their own. They must act within these few days. They cant wait for me to recover, or itll be a headache for them. Lumian, using a Hunters tone, laughed. Confident, arent you? Why not wait until youre fully healed to seek revenge one by one? Why take the risk now and set traps, even choosing to cooperate with me? In five days, if they dont find me, those two rats will scurry back into the sewers and hide. I can kill any one of them, but finding them is still difficult, Wanak said, his tone full of murderous intent. Lumian didnt ask more questions, pondering a few things. This most dangerous figure in Morora, who seemed to have submitted to 0-01 and gained boons along with the corruption, has the power of a pseudo-demigod. Does his current attitude imply 0-01 dislikes Red Angel Medici and the Iron and Blood Cross Order? Or does 0-01 resist anyone trying to control it, as evidenced by Wanaks initial hostility towards me? But under current circumstances, he wants to target Albus and Gusian first and is willing to temporarily cooperate with the weaker side? Wanak has pseudo-demigod strength and is in his home turf of Morora, yet he was severely wounded by Albus, Gusian, and a few Iron and Blood Cross Order members, forcing him to flee Albus is indeed not simple, and Gusian must be formidable too. It was right not to go all out and ambush them earlier 0-01 has some connection to that special mirror world, allowing Wanak to traverse through mirrors Lumian looked at Wanak, who was patiently waiting for his answer, and smiled. Why me? Since arriving in Morora, he hadnt gone all out or used any powerful items. Were the same kind of people, Wanak said, his iron-black eyes cold. And I can clearly sense youre not simple. Of course, Im not simple, with so much corruption and so many things mixed together. Simple would be strange Lumian raised his right hand, rubbing his chin, and asked, Arent you worried Ill take this chance to eliminate you, Albus, and Gusian together? You should always be wary of others. You dont have the capability, Wanak stated bluntly. And in Morora, truly killing me isnt easy. Lumian leaned back in his chair, half-closing his eyes. After a few seconds, he said, Time and place. The timing is uncertain. It depends on Albus and Gusians investigation progress. Ill inform you of the approximate time and location in advance, Wanak, his sharp, chiseled face showing a rare smile, said. Lumian opened his eyes and sat up straight. With your strength, you were severely wounded by them. What special abilities did they show in battle? Not severely wounded, just nearly, Wanak emphasized. That Albus has special powers or items that can create war fog, a high-rank Hunter ability Gusian, besides being a powerful Hunter, has some Demoness pathway abilities and can utilize the mirror world to some extent Lumian listened intently, his smile gradually widening. Pleasure working with you. Wanak nodded slightly, his figure gradually fading in the rippling mirror. Lumian sat quietly in his chair, muttering to himself, Is this a trap? Wanak, Albus, and Gusian are using people as pawns in a drama to ambush me? Or is Wanak using this chance to eliminate Albus, Gusian, and me together? Lumian thought about many things, until his head hurt. Forget it, Ill think about these conspiracies in a few days. Facing Hunters is troublesome. For now, focus on reading Lumian turned his attention back to Examples of Mausoleum Construction. After another hour, he closed the book, satisfied. After nearly a week of effort, he had finally finished the first batch of books specified by Heraberg, and could take the exam at the Knowledge Cathedral tomorrow! Lumian lay back on his bed and fell asleep. In a hazy state, he saw an army. The soldiers were clad in iron-black armor, marching across a reddish plain, with something drifting in the distance. Sensing Lumians gaze, they turned their heads simultaneously, their eyes piercing. Lumian saw their faces: Under the iron-black helmets, their skin was pale and shriveled, like all moisture and flesh had been drained, tightly clinging to their skulls. Dark red flames burned in their eye sockets. Mummies An army of undead? As this realization dawned on Lumian, immense fear surged from his heart, urging him to submit to some unknown entity. He struggled against this feeling, finally waking up. He opened his eyes to find it was just a dream. Outside, the sky was dim, with no sign of dawn. Too much knowledge about 0-01 might be increasing the corruption? Lumian pondered for a few seconds, then forced himself to sleep a bit more until six in the morning. Julie hadnt returned overnight. After breakfast, Lumian packed the books into his Travelers Bag and headed straight to the Knowledge Cathedral. Heraberg, in a white robe lined with brass, was explaining things to a group of new exiles. Lumian waited until the new exiles left the cathedral, then smiled and presented the books to Heraberg. Your Grace, Ive finished reading these books. Adding Your Grace this time? Heraberg teased with a smile, taking the books and pointing to the corresponding brass bookshelf. Go there and pick a paper to do. Prepared for this, Lumian walked to the bookshelf and randomly picked a paper. As he searched for a table and chair, he glanced at the questions on the paper. Suddenly, his gaze froze. The first question was: Have you had any nightmares recently? The second question was: Please describe the content of the nightmare in detail. Is this an exam on knowledge points? Doesnt seem like it more like those psychological test questions Anthony brought back from the Psychiatrist Guild Lumian thought, writing his answers on the brass bookshelfs protrusions. He answered the entire paper truthfully. Done. Lumian felt like he was back in Cordu, reporting to his sister that hed finished his test. Let me see. Heraberg extended his right hand. After reviewing Lumians answers from start to finish, he nodded slightly. You dont need to read all the books on these three shelves. Just this, this, and this Heraberg pointed out eight books with a smile. Finish these, and thatll be enough. Huh? Dont need to read all three shelves? Just these eight books? Lumian was momentarily puzzled, not understanding the basis for Herabergs judgment. Were the remaining books on those shelves suddenly unimportant? Thinking about the test papers content, Lumian had some guesses. He thoughtfully responded to Heraberg, Alright, Your Grace. As he placed the books into the Travelers Bag, Lumian roughly estimated the time needed. If he focused without any interruptions, he could finish one book a day, but that would be suspicious. About two weeks, maybe a bit more But according to Heraberg, finishing these is enough, much better than my initial plan of taking six months to read all three shelves Lumian quietly breathed a sigh of relief, feeling much better. He mimicked his sister Aurora and Francas occasional crazy talk, thinking with a smile. Albus, Julie, Gusian, and Wanak, wait two weeks. Once Im done studying, Ill kill you all! Hmm, for now, Ill take advantage of Wanaks invitation to find clues from Albus about Hand Bros head And gather intelligence on the Demoness as well Saturday night, Trier, Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative. Franca looked at Jenna, who had naturally moved into the guest room after returning from Port LeSeur, and didnt ask why. Feeling a bit upset, she said, You dont seem very happy. Is Julien insisting on returning to Trier? Yes, hes so stubborn. Jenna sighed deeply. Actually, so are you, and your mother too Franca muttered internally, saying, Dont worry, theres still about a month to figure something out. Yeah. Jenna glanced at Franca, who had changed into a warlocks cloak. Are you filling in for Lumian at that mysticism gathering? Yes. Franca tossed the silver Lie earring into the air and caught it again. Compared to her initial reluctance and anxiety, now she felt more anticipation. Its quite exciting, isnt it? Chapter 813 - 813 The Abnormality of Warlocks 813 The Abnormality of Warlocks 813 The Abnormality of Warlocks Franca walked to the full-length mirror and put the silver Lie earring on her left ear. Her skin immediately turned semi-transparent, and tiny meat tendrils seemed to grow beneath it. These meat tendrils squirmed and shifted, gathering together again. In just twenty to thirty seconds, Franca transformed into the appearance Lumian used to disguise as Aurore. After adjusting herself a bit, she smoothed down her blonde hair and looked at her reflection, saying, Aurore is really beautiful Lie is amazing, it can do this much. Youve never used Lie before? Jenna, standing nearby, asked in confusion. She remembered Franca using it more than once. Franca chuckled and explained, Its been a while. Just feeling nostalgic. Plus, after becoming a Demoness of Pleasure and using Lie to tweak my appearance, I didnt dare do it again. Afraid Id fall in love with myself and get lost in my own beauty. Now Ive just made a slight adjustment to Aurores face, and she looks so beautiful. A natural beauty like her taking the Demoness pathway, I cant imagine how stunning shed become. Lie and the Demoness, theyre a perfect match, but its too easy to lose oneself, preferring to live in lies than face the truth. Seeing Franca still able to joke around, Jenna quietly breathed a sigh of relief and nodded with a smile. For us Demonesses, Lie is the most delicious poison. Franca murmured in agreement and turned back to the full-length mirror to adjust her height. Before leaving, she looked at Jenna and thoughtfully asked, You need a few more good acts to fully digest your Witch potion, right? Yes, if I rely on similar performances as before, it will take time and repetition, Jenna replied, knowing what Franca was about to say. Just like she often did, Franca was about to impart some life, no, digestion experience. With Aurores enhanced beauty, Franca smiled. I think your acts have overlooked the black magic aspect of a Witch. Think about it, isnt black magic an essential part of many Witch legends? And many of those legends were likely left by real Witches. You could try finding a scoundrel, someone who deserves to be hanged, collect their hair and flesh, and as a Witch, predict their doom. Use black magic to torment them daily until they die. Jenna pondered for a moment. I can give it a shot. But I do hope you becoming a Demoness of Pleasure would change things Franca sighed inwardly but maintained her smile, pulled up her hood, walked out the door, and disappeared into the hallway shadows. The scheduled offline gathering was at 6 Rue Belfort on Avenue du Boulevard, a four-story mansion with a garden, located in a luxurious area. Despite its opulence, it was always rented out for 15,000 verl dor a year, having housed dukes, bankers, and diplomats. Now, it had no long-term tenants and was temporarily rented for a week by the gatherings organizer, Professor. Passing through the garden lit by gas lamps and circling a fountain with statues, Franca reached the mansions entrance, where a table with a sign-in book was placed. This was the simplest form of identity verification to prevent some odd Trieriens from wandering in. Franca recalled Aurores notes, mimicked the handwriting, and signed Muggle with a deliberate slant. It felt like an unseen gaze lingered on the sign-in book for two seconds. Silently, the mansion door opened, and Franca stepped inside. She slowed her pace, seriously recalling the mannerisms of Muggle from the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society gatherings. Franca, highly professional in her role-playing, had previously used dream divination to retrieve those buried memories. Now, she quickly captured Aurores walking style. She shortened her steps and lightened her waist movements. The mansions living room was homely, with red and yellow decorations bringing an indescribable warmth. Eight members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society were disguised as they had been in the Nation of the Evernight to indicate their identities. Some sat in the sofa area, drinking and chatting, while others played darts in a corner. Professor, wearing a black butterfly mask, left the sofa with an orange cocktail in hand and approached Franca. With a faint smile on her lips, she said, Lets chat first, catch up on recent events, then we can drink, play board games, sing, and play cards. How does that sound? Great! If offline gatherings were just for trading items and exchanging mystical knowledge without any entertainment, whats the point? One reason Franca was willing to attend was that it had been a while since she had fun with her fellow countrymen''-teaching Lumian and Jenna to fully understand certain things was too troublesome. Franca gracefully pulled up a high stool and sat next to Professor, casting a glance at familiar faces like Periodic Table and Isotope, wondering if there were any hidden Moses Ascetic Order members. Muggle, are you settled in Trier? The Academy team member with a periodic table painted on his face curiously asked Franca. Franca restrained her overly active side, showing just a bit to match Muggles usual behavior, smiling as she answered, For now, yes. But considering Triers situation, I dont plan to stay long. I might move in a while. She subtly reminded her countrymen that Trier was dangerous, like living on an active volcano that could erupt anytime. Why do you say that? Professor keenly asked the question Franca hoped for. Franca curved her lips into a smile and pointed to the floor. I encountered some things in Underground Trier that made me think great dangers are brewing below. They could erupt at any time. Like the Mirror People? Professor asked thoughtfully. Franca nodded gently. Yes. She didnt say much; it was confidential, and even if she did, others might not believe it without evidence. Professor, Isotope, and others fell silent, pondering something. Associate Professor and others playing darts returned to the sofa area, steering the conversation elsewhere. During the exchange, Franca was more active than Lumian had been, understanding many codes and familiar with many things, not afraid of making mistakes or missing memes. Professor glanced at her, pleased. It seems youve recovered from the April Fools incident, back to your usual self, not as silent as before, mostly just observing. Uh Franca suddenly felt she might have messed up. Not that her disguise as Muggle was bad, but rather too good. If Lumian returned, the Academy members would surely wonder why she seemed post-traumatic again. Cant just say she was hurt again, right? Francas mind raced, quickly finding a reason. Actually, I havent fully recovered. Some wounds might never heal. But chatting with everyone just now made me feel like I was back in the past. Professor expressed her understanding. She was about to say more when her face, not covered by the black butterfly mask, suddenly twisted in pain, her eyes bulging as if enduring great agony. She bent over, clutching her head. Franca paused, quickly scanning the others, noticing Associate Professor, Isotope, and Periodic Table with similar reactions. Only two non-Warlock members were unaffected. Oh, Im a Warlock now too Franca mimicked their reactions, recalling the pain from her advancement ritual, displaying a headache-like state. After two or three minutes, Professor straightened up, slowly exhaling. The non-Warlock member code-named Griffin asked, What happened to you all? Then, a realization struck Griffin. The evil god Hidden Sage was injecting knowledge again? Associate Professor in the brown paper bag laughed bitterly. Yes. In broadcast format? I thought it was one-on-one, Griffin marveled. Both happen. Periodic Table massaged her head, addressing Franca and the others, Have you noticed the Hidden Sage has been injecting knowledge more frequently since that terrifying rainstorm? Yes. Periodic Table nodded solemnly. Seeing the Warlocks agree, Franca nodded too. She pondered, Could this anomaly be related to the Celestial Master? When Fourth Epoch Triers seal was briefly opened, some powers leaked out, making the already insane Hidden Sage even crazier? Franca knew the terrifying rainstorm referred to the time when the Hostel Project briefly opened the Fourth Epoch Triers seal. Chapter 814 - 814 Missing "Ten Pillars" 814 Missing Ten Pillars 814 Missing Ten Pillars Franca couldnt talk about the Celestial Master at the moment, nor could she ask the Professors what knowledge the Hidden Sage had imparted. She could only note this anomaly silently and planned to report it to Madam Judgment later, so the Major Arcana card holders could determine what was wrong. After a moment of silence, Isotope spoke heavily, Everyone here understands the pain of being force-fed knowledge by the Hidden Sage. So far, we can barely endure it, but if the frequency increases, or the intensity goes up, it wont be long before our brains explode with knowledge, turning us into monsters. Professor sighed slowly. I agree. We must have a sense of crisis. Periodic Table seemed a bit unstable. I do feel a sense of crisis, but does it help? Can we unite and kill the Hidden Sage? I used to have such fantasies, but now heh heh. Franca could understand the last two sentences from Periodic Table. In the first two or three years after transmigrating into this world, as an atheist who had read many novels, she initially regarded the Seven Gods as more powerful Beyonders. She believed that as someone on the path of the divine, she might one day have a chance to slay deities and prove her way. But after witnessing more, gaining more knowledge in mysticism, she deeply understood the gap between Low- and Mid-Sequence Beyonders and demigods. And that was just demigods, not true gods. According to the Demoness of Black, true gods could modify and adjust the Sequence abilities within their pathways to some extent! Meanwhile, Franca recalled the past and noticed that during their gatherings in the Nation of the Evernight, the Warlocks rarely expressed such intense negative emotions. Now, they were no longer hiding their pain and struggle, showing it very directly. The Academy group has too many non-Warlock members, and those here today are a small circle who know each other well, so they can be more genuine? But I-no, Muggle-am not part of your circle. Are these intense emotions partly an act? Whats the purpose? Franca didnt know if Lumian had infected her with paranoia or if her experiences with the Savoie Mob and the Demoness Sect had made her cautious. Yeah, what can we do she echoed Periodic Tables sentiment, seemingly touched. Professor, steady as usual, said gently, At least we can look for items or methods to reduce the negative effects of the Knowledge Pursuer. Periodic Table was silent for a moment, then sighed deeply. Thats all we can do for now. The Warlocks, along with Griffin and Eagle, discussed this issue, proposing various ideas and rejecting most, leaving a few for further verification. Franca also used her imagination. Eventually, she said thoughtfully, Its a pity we cant predict exactly when the Hidden Sage will go mad. Otherwise, I know a place that might effectively reduce the impact. What place? Associate Professor asked quickly. Franca didnt intend to hide it. She felt that if Lumian were here, he would definitely reveal that location to the Professors. Based on her understanding of Lumian: She had long noticed that Lumian was especially empathetic towards those with similar experiences and sufferings as his. Although he spoke harshly, he couldnt help but provide some assistance. Similarly, he also empathized with those who had similar experiences to Aurore, often putting himself in his sisters shoes. Franca sighed slightly. The small sacrificial square at the entrance of the third level of the catacombs. It seems to have remnants of the powers of the Eternal Blazing Sun and the God of Steam and Machinery, which can shield most of the external influences. Professors eyes brightened slightly under the butterfly mask. Ive been there, but I didnt know there were remnants of divine power. She paused, adding, This is actually very useful. When we are on the brink of breaking, I will take a box of white candles and enough food, stay at the sacrificial square until the accumulated effects dissipate and my body and soul recover, then come back up. Exactly! Franca was happy for these Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society members. Professor continued to say to Periodic Table and the others, We can also seek help from Beyonders of the Apothecary pathway to produce medicine that quickly restores the body and soul. Temporary enhancement of brain capacity, learning ability, and soul strength would also work, Isotope and the others chimed in. Their spirits finally lifted a bit. After another half-hour of chatting, Professor and Associate Professor called a few people to fetch the board games from the study, while Franca stood up and went to the small bar in the opposite living room to get a drink. As she hesitated between fruit beer and soda, Periodic Table came to her side, looking over the drinks and lowering his voice, Muggle, werent you looking for members of the Moses Ascetic Order? Seeing Muggle with her hood pulled up turning to him, Periodic Tables chemical symbols on his face shifted as he smiled. I am one. So, finally, youre admitting? Franca wasnt surprised at all. She even suspected all the Warlocks in this small circle were members, and Griffin and Eagle, who were not Warlocks, might be as well. You guessed it a long time ago? Periodic Table noticed Muggle had no emotional fluctuation. Franca chuckled softly. Its not strange. Im also a member of another secret organization. Many in the Research Society should have backgrounds in secret organizations or orthodox churches. Its not a problem as long as it doesnt violate our contract. Periodic Table smiled. Thats true. You mentioned a Mirror Person named Griffith secretly replacing one of our members? I have a suspect now. Franca had been tracking the whereabouts of the ore scholar, Jasmine- suspected to be Mirror People Palia-but had no leads. She didnt expect a clue about the more important Mirror Person, Griffith. Who is it? she asked directly. Period Table organized his thoughts. Normally, I should report this to the higher-ups of the Ascetic Order for confirmation and handling, but I cant contact my direct Pillar lately. Pillar? Franca asked, puzzled. The brass of our Moses Ascetic Order consists of the Ten Pillars, ten powerful demigods, maybe more. The one responsible for the Trier greater region and my direct superior is Kmerolo. After the terrifying rainstorm, his orders have lessened, and recently, weve had no response from our attempts to contact him, Periodic Table explained heavily. After the Hostel Project, the brass of the Moses Ascetic Order in Trier had anomalies and then disappeared? This information is crucial and must be reported quickly Franca looked at Periodic Table and asked, No emergency contact with other Pillars? Period Table sighed. No. Normally, we should pray to the Hidden Sage, report the anomaly, and He would give a revelation. But we tried, and there was no revelation, nor did any other Pillar contact us. Because the Hidden Sage has gone crazier? Franca nodded. Go on. Periodic Table laughed bitterly. This situation isnt bad. Though lacking high-level guidance and resources, we also dont have dangerous tasks -unless Nikila is the Mirror Person Griffith. Nikila? Franca pressed. Periodic Table tersely acknowledged. Hes Kmerolos deputy. Recently, his behavior makes me suspect he might be a Mirror Person. What behavior? Franca asked in confirmation. Periodic Table thought and said, He gets angry more easily, has more negative emotions, and I noticed he seems awkward using his right hand, though hes right-handed. Whats his real identity? Francas eyes lit up. Periodic Table hesitated. I cant be sure hes a Mirror Person. Its normal to have uncontrolled negative emotions after prolonged knowledge infusion. Before telling you his identity and possible residence, I hope to sign a notarized document with you, ensuring if hes not the Mirror Person, you wont kill him and must let him go. As he spoke, he took out an expensive notarized document from a hidden pocket. Seeing Muggles slightly surprised look, Periodic Table laughed self-deprecatingly. Blame it on us following the maxim, do as you wish, but do no harm. Sure, no problem, Franca agreed readily. She wasnt one to kill innocents. Late at night in Morora. Lumian put down his book, rubbed his aching head, and decided to rest by thinking of something else. As he considered if he had missed any enemies or competitors, the mirror in the room glowed with water. Wanak, with iron-black eyes and blood-red hair, appeared again, saying in a deep voice, Gusain and Albus are about to step into the trap. Ill tell you my hiding place now. Is it starting? Lumians mind immediately focused. Chapter 815 - 815 Super Augmentation 815 Super Augmentation 815 Super Augmentation As Wanaks figure faded from the mirrors surface, Lumian reluctantly stowed the books on his desk into his Travelers Bag. He stood up, left the room, and walked to Julies door, knocking lightly twice. Julie quickly opened the door, hugging a blanket to her chest, her bare shoulders glowing like twin mounds of snow under the moonlight. I wasnt trying to harass you! she said with a hint of anticipation. Lumian spoke as if to himself, Wanak has invited me to deal with Gusain and Albus together, right in the ruins of Dades Agricultural Company. Without waiting for Julies response, Lumian turned and walked down the stairs, merging into the darkness that enveloped the night. Inside a fog-filled hollow, in front of four statues facing each other, Gusain, wearing a silk top hat, said to Albus, who was clad in a black jacket with red stripes, We cant be sure if the clues about Wanak are bait. We might step into a trap later. Albus, hands in his pockets, chuckled. Thats why were here. Whether theres a trap or not, as long as were strong enough, we can invalidate their schemes and make them swallow the bitter fruit of their failure. Gusain nodded lightly. Yes, Ive heard a saying: no matter how many eggs band together, they cant break a stone. What we need to do now is become that stone. Last time, we werent sure if we could pinpoint Wanak, so we didnt risk activating the altars full power to avoid wasting it. Now, we can give Wanak a surprise. Albus chuckled. Not using it last time was good. The illusion might have made Wanak gather all our targets together, allowing us to deal with them all at once. Looking around, Albus sneered. I thought Lumian would return here these days, so I had you leave the Lamp of Calamity on the altar to lure him into using it. I didnt expect him to be such a coward. He should have been here, Gusain said, showing detailed knowledge of the altars surroundings. He tried multiple times to destroy the statues but failed. This led the altar to draw some power from the earth to repair itself, causing slight changes in the details. I didnt expect him to resist the urge and call of the Lamp of Calamity and not light it on the spot. For the Hunter pathway, such self-control is rare. Albus lifted his chin. Youd better perform the ritual now. Heh heh, and check the Lamp of Calamity to see if its been tampered with or has had something added to it. A Hunter not causing some damage would be unworthy of the pathways name. Are you underestimating my caution? Gusain laughed, approaching the pedestal and picking up the lamp containing a semi-solid, semi-liquid pale yellow grease. He carefully inspected it, sniffed its scent, and finally dipped his fingers into the lamp, touching the wick twice. Gusain immediately withdrew his fingers, letting the white-hot flame ignite the pale yellow grease on them. The scent of warmth, allure, dark fragrance, and rust quickly filled his nostrils. He half-closed his eyes, nodding slightly. No problem. Albus laughed. Where did you learn the method to create the Lamp of Calamity and the corresponding secret ritual? Its quite fascinating. Youll find out later. Once we finish this, well be true companions, Gusain replied with a smile. He turned, facing the four statues and the Lamp of Calamity, and took a small blue iron soldier from a hidden pocket, placing it on the pedestal. Isnt it just the Fourth Epoch Trier? Whats so hard to guess? Still keeping secrets Companions, heh heh Albus began to back away from Gusain, instinctively keeping a distance out of caution. Finally, Albus stopped about fifteen meters away, watching through the thick fog as Gusain lit the lamp, sat cross-legged on the ground, and entered Cogitation to complete the secret ritual. In just over ten seconds, Gusain, surrounded by a seductive dark fragrance, saw a dense fog. Unlike the war fog in the hollow, this fog was tinged with a ghostly black hue, covering a city with no visible boundaries, only faint outlines. Half-dazed, half-awake, Gusain floated to a familiar place. After some time, he reached a tall shadow-like tower and descended rapidly, entering its eerie, sinister base. Here, it seemed there was a well, blending into the darkness. Gusain repeated the purpose of the ritual to fight off the increasing drowsiness. He neared the well, gazing into it. He then saw moss-covered stones and iron-black chains attached to the wells walls. The engravings on the chains were blurred, hard to discern. I can now see the inside of the wells walls? Never could before The rituals effectiveness is due to my proximity to the great existence? Gusain felt a surge of joy. He excitedly looked at the dark water in the well. The water rippled lightly, gradually forming a figure. Gusain strained to see, suddenly spotting patches of brown bark. The bark was embedded in a face, bringing an indescribable horror. Bark Gusain was simultaneously frightened and puzzled. Why would bark appear here? Shouldnt it be steel and blood? Instinctively, Gusain looked at his hands, finding patches of brown bark rising on his skin. Wh- Gusains pupils dilated as he looked back at the wells dark water surface. He saw the reflected figure clearly. It was himself! His face was covered with mottled bark! The next moment, the bark squirmed, sinking inward and turning flesh-colored. They became wet spores embedded in flesh, blooming to release countless tiny naked figures. Gusains terror broke its limits. He abruptly opened his eyes, breaking free from the ritual experience. Huff Panting heavily, he saw the iron soldier on the pedestal rapidly expanding to three or four meters tall, its eyes iron-black instead of the burning dark-red. The iron soldiers spear was quickly covered in white-blue flames. Success Gusain steadied himself, no longer tense. He thought the anomaly was due to his proximity to the great existence, deepening the ritual experience, thus showing more details. Im stronger now Gusain stood up, extinguishing the Lamp of Calamity. This is a soldier puppet with some of the Iron-blooded Knights power and status? Albus walked back from a distance. Yes, treat it as a weakened Iron-blooded Knight. Its not something Wanak can compare to, Gusain answered confidently. He hadnt yet examined the benefits and knowledge gained from the ritual. Albus took a few steps and then stopped, looking at Gusain with a playful smile. Your hair has grown. My hair has grown? Gusain turned his head, seeing his brown hair had grown to his cheeks from above his ears. He suddenly had a guess: Did this ritual bring me closer to the Demoness pathway? With this suspicion, he lowered his head. Sure enough, his chest was slowly bulging, stretching his shirt, sweater, and coat. At the same time, Gusain smelled a faint milky scent. Milky scent Gusain was stunned. Does the Demoness mutation cause this? He was about to ask Albus about his changes when he saw his collaborator backing away. Immediately, Gusain felt the iron soldier behind him bending over, its head lowering to his ear with the sound of metal clashing and rubbing. The iron soldier spoke with a metallic voice, softly calling, Mother. Mother Me? Gusain, confused, looked down to see his abdomen swelling visibly. Seeing this, his mind buzzed, feeling as if he was reborn. Albus, retreating slowly to avoid triggering anomalies, saw Gusain looking at him, smiling with maternal radiance, his blue eyes icy and sinister. Rumble! A massive explosion occurred in a district with a volcanic crater, sending a white fireball rolling into the sky, turning red, creating thick smoke. In the ruins of Dades Agricultural Company, hidden in the underground chamber, Lumian and Wanak felt the near-earthquake-like disturbance. From the direction of the tremor, Lumian quickly guessed: The hollow filled with war fog? A fierce explosion happened there? Did Albus and Gusain make some preparations before dealing with Wanak, lighting the lamp I tampered with, causing an accident? Lumian immediately shouted to Wanak, The situation has changed! Then, he left the shadow state, teleporting to the corresponding district. He didnt choose the hollow entrance with war fog as his destination, fearing the explosion was a bait by Albus and Gusain! Only a Hunter knew how treacherous a Hunter could be! Chapter 816 - 816 Dark Forest 816 Dark Forest 816 Dark Forest On the edge of the district destroyed by the volcanic eruption, Lumians figure swiftly emerged, his gaze fixed on the site of the violent explosion. The ground had collapsed into a massive crater, thin wisps of fog rising from it, though not yet dense. Albus Medici leaped out of the crater, followed closely by a three-to-four-meter-tall iron soldier wielding a white-blue flaming spear. Lumian transformed into a shadowy creature again, blending into the darkness untouched by the firelight. He decided to observe the scene before taking action. Almost simultaneously, he saw a figure emerge from the crater, half blending into the night, half illuminated by the firelight: long hair draping over shoulders, a chest protruding prominently, and a stomach appearing swollen as if from excessive beer. At a glance, Lumian recognized the figure from its now feminine, motherly face-Gusain. Gusain turned into a woman? And is pregnant? Lumian was initially stunned, then quickly pieced together what had likely happened. He remembered adding a bit of Berserk Agent and Bark Agent to the altars oil lamp, both sourced from the Nightstalkers which were imbued with the power of the Great Mother. So Gusain was the one who performed the ritual using the lamp? He already had some abilities linked to the mirror world, indicating his previous ritual knowledge and power were partly from the Demoness pathway. The Demoness pathway is closely tied to femininity in mysticism. So, with the divine effects of the corpse wax candle amplifying the Demoness experience, the Berserk Agent and Bark Agent linked his ritual to the Great Mother, resulting in this mutation? Fascinating Lumian watched Albus Medici battle the motherly version of Gusain and the iron soldier, which was much stronger than previous soldier puppets. He had no intention of helping either side at the moment. A Hunter only struck at the most critical moment! Frankly, if Albus Medici hadnt taken the head of the Abscessed Hand, Lumian wouldnt want to eliminate him right now. Even if Wanaks bait plan was a great success, trapping Albus and Gusain, he might still find an opportunity to let Albus escape. This was to maintain a balance. Until he finished his studies, Lumian didnt want any one competitor to dominate completely. That would likely cause a sudden change in circumstances, forcing him to prematurely enter the underground mausoleum before finishing the books Archbishop Heraberg provided. So, Lumian observed the fight, patiently waiting for an opportunity to get clues about the Abscessed Hands head from Albus Medici, while casually admiring Gusains transformation and the terrifying iron soldier. Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Hunter battles were always marked by violent explosions. Buildings, their foundations already hollowed out and walls damaged by the volcanic eruption, collapsed one after another, raising thick dust clouds. Seizing an opportunity, Albus Medici leaped into the air, forming a white-blue flaming longsword and slashing it at the iron soldiers head. Boom! The sword exploded, splitting the iron soldiers head open. But the iron soldier didnt collapse. Instead, Gusains right cheek instantly dented and deformed grotesquely. In the next moment, Gusains skull and muscles quickly writhed and expanded, restoring themselves. With this change, the iron soldiers head also rapidly healed. Wh- self-healing power from the Great Mother pathway, combined with the Sword of Courages trait of sharing damage? Not only can they endure damage but they can also share abilities? Lumian felt a chill down his spine. What kind of monster did my additives create? Seeing this, Albus turned into a white flaming spear, shooting past the collapsing buildings to distance himself from the iron soldier and Gusain. Thick fog enveloped the area around him, covering the streets for dozens of meters. Seeing this, Lumians eyelid twitched slightly. He sensed that Albus Medici intended to flee. He would too! Facing the mutated Gusain and a near-demigod iron soldier, a slight misstep could result in severe injuries or death on the spot. Even if he fought hard and won, he wouldnt emerge unscathed and would likely have to face villains attracted by the commotion. It was better to leave the two monsters for the enforcers or the Church of Knowledge to handle. An enemys death was a good outcome, no matter who killed them. As the war fog formed, Lumian saw a figure appear atop the nearby ruins. It was Wanak, with iron-black eyes and blood-red hair. He took a step forward, raised his hands, and lifted his head as if praying to a deity. Ooo! Mororas already volatile weather suddenly whipped into a hurricane, uprooting trees and forming a vortex connecting the sky nearby. Whoosh! The hurricane blew away the war fog, revealing Albus Medicis position to Lumian and the others. A citywide hurricane? Only a demigod could manage that, and not even all demigods Right, given Mororas extreme weather, and considering Wanaks connection to 0-01, its not as terrifying as I thought Lumians gaze sharpened as he noticed Julie, clad in a cotton nightgown, appearing in the shadows about ten meters from Albus. The Demoness held a mirror, reflecting part of Albuss image. Julies acting now, perfectly coordinating with Wanak? Lumian was initially surprised, then understood why. Everyone present sensed Albus was in trouble. Without prior agreement, they all made the same choice: To ambush Albus-to nail his coffin shut! This is the games rule, the rule of Hunter and Demoness conflicts: without powerful constraints like notarized documents, alliances are fluid, constantly shifting. But if someone shows weakness, everyone else will target them, giving no chance for recovery Enlightened, Lumian saw Julie raise her right hand covered in demoness black flames, wiping it across the mirror reflecting Albus. Almost simultaneously, Albus burst into flames, turning into crimson fire that shot out in all directions. Some of the flames turned black, becoming calm from blazing, ultimately falling into the underground hollow still emitting war fog. The remaining crimson flames regrouped about ten meters away, reforming Albuss body. His aura weakened significantly. In his eyes appeared a blazing white flame. A white flaming spear shot from the shadows. Lumian had joined in, attacking the downed dog. Seeing this, Albuss short red hair instantly ignited, extending downward, as if turning into shoulder-length hair. His face took on a faint iron-black hue. Boom! The white flaming spear exploded before hitting him, like a bursting firework. Lumians figure appeared behind Albus, his eyes shining silver-black. He swung a fist at Albus. The fist slowed, as if bearing a heavy fate. Lumian was attempting to exchange Albuss fate. Of course, he didnt expect success. He aimed to quickly browse Albuss fate, finding fragments related to the Abscessed Hands head to locate it. This was the most crucial task for him. The silver illusory river of complex symbols quickly filled Lumians vision, materializing countless fate fragments flowing forward. Ignoring the rest, Lumian searched swiftly for his target by the approximate timeline. In a blink, a fate fragment enlarged before him: Albus holding the rotten blue-black Abscessed Hands head, walking to the underground mausoleum entrance, tossing it in from a distance, hearing it bounce around inside like a ball In the underground mausoleum? No wonder I couldnt sense it Quite the hiding spot Quite the provocation At that moment, Lumian felt it wasnt a bad idea to kill Albus here. This guy really knows how to annoy people! The next second, before the fate exchange, he lost sight of Albuss silver river of fate. The Medici descendant, realizing Lumian was behind him, turned into a blazing white flaming spear, shooting out of the ruins. The iron soldier created white-blue Fire Ravens, chasing the spear like living creatures. Gusain raised his head, preparing to emit a shrill screech, friend and foe alike be damned. Julie disappeared into the shadows again, but gray-white threads of spider silk appeared before and beside Albuss flaming spear, forming a resilient web waiting for him. The hurricane hadnt stopped. Wanak leaped into the air, forming a massive white-blue flaming broadsword, ready to slash at Albus. Chapter 817 - 817 Lightning Strikes 817 Lightning Strikes 817 Lightning Strikes Albuss blazing-white flaming spear was about to crash into the layered gray-white web but suddenly disintegrated in mid-air. Within the raindrop-like flaming fragments, Albuss figure emerged, rapidly falling to the ground to avoid the Demonesss web. The white-blue Fire Ravens created by the iron soldier curved in the air, corrected their flight paths, and locked onto Albus again. Wanak, who had leaped up using the hurricane, descended, raising his flaming broadsword to strike heavily at his target. The explosions and the sound of metal clashing erupted simultaneously. The swarm of Fire Ravens surrounded Albus before he could touch the ground, attacking him relentlessly, individually and in groups. The blast wave and spreading white-blue flames threw Albus upward, right into Wanaks descending broadsword. Clang! The broadsword struck as if hitting metal, producing a cracking sound. The resulting force slammed Albus to the ground from a height of two or three meters. Boom! The impact caused the ground to cave in, revealing the underground hollow filled with thick fog. Albus fell in. As soon as Wanak landed, he prepared to jump into the hollow to prevent Albus from escaping or recovering. Suddenly, he hesitated and didnt make the jump. He could only create hurricanes in Mororas unique environment and let them wreak havoc in the City of Exiles, unable to direct them precisely underground. Fighting another special Hunter in the fog-filled, low-visibility hollow wasnt wise; it would put him in danger. By this time, Lumian had finished attempting the Fate Exchange and withdrew his fist. He deeply suspected that Albuss intended escape destination was either outside the ruins or the underground hollow covered in war fog. The Medici descendant had never planned to easily break through the obstacles set by the Hunters, Demoness, and monster. Instead, he deliberately showed this tendency, using their obstruction to forcefully break through the already unstable ground during the previous battle and fall into his real destination. That way, he could rely on the environment to escape the encirclement, try to hide, and find other possible exits. Disguising his true intentions to confuse his enemies? No wonder hes a Medici Lumian nodded thoughtfully. Meanwhile, he also noticed Albuss astounding defense. Not only had he withstood the Fire Ravens bombardment, but he had also blocked Wanaks Cull strike, emerging with only minor injuries. Simply metallizing his body to some extent couldnt achieve this. Lumian suspected Albus had an item or companion similar to the Sword of Courage that shared at least half the damage. Considering Albuss abilities surpassing Sequence 5 and some beyond Sequence 5s capabilities, Lumian reasonably deduced a special connection with the Red Angel, allowing him to share some of the latters power and endure some of the damage-an ability Hunters gained and deepened starting at the demigod level. If not for being in Morora, the land sealing 0-01, Lumian believed Albus could have borrowed true demigod power, not facing so many limitations. As the iron soldier prepared to jump into the fog-filled hollow to chase Albus, the motherly Gusain raised his head and let out a sharp, piercing howl. Lumian and Wanaks minds buzzed simultaneously, their thoughts shattered, life force rapidly draining, causing weakness in the very depths of their souls. Crack! In the darkness at the edge of the district, a mirror shattered on the ground, revealing Julies figure. In the next second, Gusain fixed his gaze on Lumian, completely ignoring Wanak and Julie. He caressed his increasingly swollen belly, his blue eyes turning vicious. Under his will, the near Sequence 4 iron soldier abandoned the pursuit of Albus, turning to target Lumian. Seeing this, Lumian, enduring the throbbing headache and buzzing in his ears, smiled and waved at Gusain and the iron soldier. His figure then disappeared, leaving Gusain and the iron soldier to Wanak and Julie. Bye-bye! Lumian teleported to the entrance of the Church of Knowledge, just as two teams of black-robed enforcers rushed out. He walked into the cathedral, found a corner, and sat on the floor, pulling out a borrowed book from the Travelers Bag, leaning against the brass bookshelf, and began studying. He was concerned that the child Gusain carried might pose a significant threat and target him, so he sought the Knowledge Cathedrals protection. Im studying so diligently, shouldnt you show some appreciation, Church of Knowledge? In the ruins of the mostly collapsed buildings, Wanak noticed Gusains belly had swollen even more, looking increasingly like a woman about to give birth. The belly started writhing as if something inside was trying to break free. Wanaks gaze froze, immediately raising his hands and head towards the cloudy sky. Dark clouds gathered quickly, and Mororas weather changed again. Silver lightning snakes darted through the clouds, converging into a tree-like lightning bolt as thick as a bucket, striking down. The terrifying lightning targeted Gusain and the baby inside him! Gusain vanished, hiding in a ghostly wasteland. But the silver giant python pursued him relentlessly, piercing through the void, striking his belly with unavoidable speed. Bang! The thunderclap woke the citys exiles. The wasteland shattered like a mirror, revealing Gusains blackened belly, emitting a burnt smell as he reappeared in the ruins. Thud! A charred lump of flesh fell from his belly, struggled briefly, and then lay still. Gusain froze, life force completely drained, and collapsed. His flesh rapidly shriveled, turning him into a charred mummy, with large blood-colored blisters appearing on his body. Another bolt of lightning, formed by countless silver snakes, struck the blistering Gusain. Boom! Gusain twitched a few times and died completely. Mom! the iron soldier cried, running to Gusain, crouching down, and picking him up. Julie seized the opportunity, reflecting the iron soldier in her mirror and covering it with Demoness black flames. The iron soldier was instantly engulfed in black flames, burning from the inside out. It stood up, wielding its white flaming spear, and charged at Wanak and Julie in a frenzy. For a while, fireballs, Fire Ravens, mirror fragments, burning-white spears, and burning rain appeared continuously, with explosions echoing non-stop. As Julie prepared to escape using the Mirror Substitution, leaving Wanak to face the iron soldier alone, the iron soldier began to tremble. Still burning with Demoness black flames, its legs seemed unable to support its body, showing signs of rust and melting. Clang! Clang! Clang! Metal parts covered in black flames fell off its body. Soon, the iron soldier turned into a pile of scrap metal. Wanak, who had been struggling, sighed in relief and sneered at the iron soldiers remains. All strength and no brains. With that said, the most dangerous person in Morora then turned his head, looking at Julie a few meters away. Julies gaze first fell on his face, then moved down to his crotch. The Demoness shook her head in disappointment, regretting adding the black flame curse to the iron soldier too early, missing the chance to see Wanak weakened. Wanak squinted slightly as Julie smiled and retreated into the shadows. At this moment, the enforcers finally arrived in the district. In the fog-filled hollow, Albus stood in a corner, leaning against the brown rock wall, hair disheveled, clothes tattered, a white cigarette in his mouth. The Medici descendant took a deep drag and muttered regretfully, Nobody followed. I was hoping to give you a surprise After the explosions subsided and the enforcers returned to the Church of Knowledge, Lumian left and headed for the Carnivore bar. Archbishop Heraberg of Morora hadnt appeared, seemingly not on duty. Lumian didnt hurry to sleep. He conjured a white flaming ball and continued reading the books related to 0-01 at a desk. Soon, Julie returned and knocked on his door. Lumian, suspending the white flaming ball, opened the shabby wooden door, seeing the neighboring Demoness with moist eyes and flushed cheeks, as if she had just finished some R21 activity. She held a blood-colored object frozen in ice. Wanaks? Lumian asked with a smile. Julie sighed and shook her head. No, I didnt get the chance. She then accused Lumian, which was her reason for knocking in the middle of the night. Why did you leave early? Together, we could have cut off Wanaks thing! If I hadnt left, something you wouldnt want to see might have happened Lumian chuckled. Im in a partnership with Wanak. Pui! Julie scoffed in disbelief. She turned and walked towards her room. After a few steps, she turned back, smiling slyly at Lumian. Hope you dont regret todays choice. Chapter 818 - 818 Instigation 818 Instigation 818 Instigation Dont regret todays choice Lumian watched Julies back as she entered her room, and he could guess what she meant by her earlier words: Youll regret not killing Wanak today! Julie must really place a lot of weight on Wanak Does she think hell affect the outcome of the underground mausoleum raid? Lumian muttered to himself, closing the door and returning to his desk. He understood Julies concern about Wanak. Earlier, Wanak had demonstrated his unique ability to manipulate Mororas weather, creating a hurricane powerful enough to disperse the war fog covering the entire district. From Lumians later observations, Wanak had even summoned terrifying lightning strikes. Although Lumian wasnt sure if these abilities had limitations, possibly relying on the current weather and only being able to guide it to similar conditions without causing drastic changes, Wanaks display still proved he was, in some ways, akin to a demigod. Most importantly, with Lumians understanding of 0-01s sealing information, if Wanak had truly submitted to 0-01, he should have exhibited some special abilities yet to be seen. I remember the night Wanak was ambushed by Albus and Gusain, the weather was clear, while tonight its very cloudy, suitable for wind, rain, thunder, and lightning Lumian held a book borrowed from the Church of Knowledge but didnt read it as attentively as before. Instead, he thought carefully about the hidden details in Wanaks behavior. After a while, Lumian silently laughed at Julie. In the Demonesss eyes, tonight was indeed the best chance to hunt Wanak-he was severely injured, the iron soldier had near-demigod strength to engage in direct combat, Gusain had undergone a terrifying mutation with unknown abilities, and with Julie, the Demoness of Affliction, and Lumian himself, they had a good chance to permanently take Wanak down in the ruins. But the problem was, if Lumian hadnt teleported away, he might have become the primary target of Gusain and the iron soldier. In that case, Julie would likely see it as a great opportunity to kill her boss and choose to collaborate with Wanak, assisting Gusain and the iron soldier. Do you really think Im that foolish? If Wanak is killed, with Medici heavily wounded and Gusain and the iron soldier destined to be cleaned up by the enforcers or the Church of Knowledge, wouldnt the Demonesses become the sole dominant force? Then, facing their coercion or attacks, I wouldnt be able to find any temporary allies Such a situation that could drastically change the power dynamics should wait until I finish reading the remaining books Lumian muttered, adjusting the white flaming ball above his head so it wouldnt cast shadows on the pages. After determining the whereabouts of the Abscessed Hand, he could focus more on his studies. Before that, he thought about what Albus Medici and Julie intended to achieve in Morora. With backing from gods or a King of Angels, they likely werent just aiming to leave a mark on the terrifying Sealed Artifact, 0-01. Internal and external coordination to directly steal 0-01? The Church of Knowledge is one of the seven major orthodox churches, it shouldnt be so easy to take their most important Grade 0 Sealed Artifact unless they intend to let it happen Relying solely on violent means is probably not feasible, or the Primordial Demoness and the Red Angel would have acted already Do they need 0-01 to undergo some change? And while I have some clues on how to get close to 0-01, I have no idea how to leave a mark and gain its favor Do I need to rely on the remnants of Alista Tudors aura? Or is it related to one of my previous speculations? Lumian ended his thoughts and read for nearly another hour before lying down to sleep. In Morora, he slept lightly, always on guard against potential attacks and the neighboring Demonesss plague. If he experienced symptoms like fever or cough, he would wake immediately and teleport to the Knowledge Cathedral to check his condition! If it werent for the accumulated negative effects of not sleeping for several days, he would rely on the automatic fatigue removal and spirituality restoration at six in the morning to stay up all night. At the same time, this misled Julie and others-if they discovered he could stay energized without sleep, they might infer the changes occurring at six in the morning, preventing Lumian from utilizing this special refresh state to turn the tide at critical moments. The next morning, Lumian deliberately lingered in bed for half an hour before waking up, brushing his teeth, washing up, and heading downstairs to enjoy the breakfast prepared by Lez. Seven or eight minutes later, Julie returned from outside the bar. Went out again last night? The Demoness is really good at hiding her movements and whereabouts, its impossible to track her or even know when she leaves her room Lumian shifted his gaze back and sipped his milk. Julie lightly went over to a high stool two seats away from Lumian and remained silent. Lez glanced at her face, took out a small cake, and added some cream. Sweet food can help improve your mood, the Chef said simply, pushing the cream cake towards Julie. Julies expression twisted. I dont need to improve my mood! Im in a great mood! Oh, youre in a bad mood Last night, you were in a good mood when you knocked on my door Did something happen when you went out late at night? Lumian openly observed Julie for a few moments. Lez said, As a chef, I must accurately judge the current state of the ingredients to choose the most suitable cooking method. Julies eyes narrowed, losing any semblance of elegance. She seemed ready to kill at any moment. Based on previous observations, only Celeste, the other Demoness, can make Julies state deteriorate rapidly and her emotions nearly lose control Did the lovers have a fight? Hmm, my basic psychology knowledge tells me Julie seems more worried than sad. She didnt hide this Worrying Lumian placed his right hand on the Travelers Bag, ready for the Demoness to lose control. Almost simultaneously, he thought of a possibility. As a member of the enforcers and a listed experimental subject, Celeste was sure to take shifts in the underground tomb or rotate to replace the puppet. For Celeste, who still retained some self-awareness, this was both an opportunity and a danger! Julie went out to meet Celeste last night and learned that she would be entering the underground mausoleum soon, possibly returning as a fully controlled experimental subject without self-awareness? No wonder Julie is so worried, her mood deteriorating Lumian chuckled with understanding. What are you laughing at? Julie glared at him coldly. Lumian smiled and sighed. It might be fine this time, but what about next time, or the time after? If you dont solve the root of the problem, one day youll face an outcome you dont want to accept. Julies eyes flickered as she stared at the cream cake, silent for a long time. When Lumian wiped his mouth and prepared to leave, she frowned slightly and asked, How much do you know? Lumian responded with a smile, Why dont you take a guess? Maybe I know nothing, and your expression gave me the answer. With that, Lumian climbed the stairs, leaving Julie staring blankly. Trier, Avenue du Boulevard, 6 Rue Belfort. In the four-story townhouse late at night, after Muggle left, Periodic Table and others circled back, reuniting with the Associate Professor couple in the living room. Glancing at the darkness outside the window, Periodic Table sighed. Is it really okay to put on such an act in front of Muggle? We didnt deceive her; we just hoped to elicit her sympathy. Professor sighed. The disappearance of Pillar Kmerolo, Nikila suspected of being the Mirror Person, and the increasingly erratic actions of the Hidden Sage have trapped us in a predicament, difficult to escape on our own. After surviving the April Fools plot, Muggle has become increasingly mysterious, clearly backed by a powerful force. Fortunately, shes still kind. Even though she might have noticed something off, she still informed us that divine power lingers in the underground catacombs and agreed to deal with Nikila. Associate Professor patted his wifes shoulder to comfort her. Casting a sweeping glance around, he said, Not just for ourselves, but for those we care about, we must survive. Periodic Table gave a self-mocking smile. Half a year ago, I never thought wed end up like this. How did the powerful and secretive Moses Ascetic Order end up in such a state? The next morning, Franca received a reply from Madam Judgment after breakfast. The operation against Nikila of the Moses Ascetic Order can commence as soon as possible. The high-ranking members of the Moses Ascetic Order are already aware of Kmerolos disappearance. Another Pillar will arrive in Trier soon to handle this, but it wont affect your mission against Nikila, if he is indeed the Mirror Person, Griffith. The Moses Ascetic Order knows Kmerolo is missing? How did they find out so quickly? Was it because of my report or did they just notice something? Hmm, our Tarot Clubs mole in the Moses Ascetic Order seems to be quite high-ranking, able to provide intel about the arrival of a Pillar and the judgment that it wont affect our mission against Nikila Such a certain judgment Could that Pillar be one of our Tarot Club members? Hmm Franca pondered, growing more curious the more she thought about it. Chapter 819 - 819 Subteam Operation 819 Subteam Operation 819 Subteam Operation In the evening, in Trier, at 35 Rue Saint-Nornez in Quartier 20, known for its public cemetery. In different states of invisibility, Franca, Jenna, and Anthony stood outside Room 6 on the fifth floor, checking the details of the environment and making final preparations for their operation. According to the information provided by Periodic Table, Nikila, a suspected member of the Moses Ascetic Order and possibly a Mirror Person, was an ordinary employee of a grain company, living a very regular life, leaving home punctually every day and returning on time. The only unusual thing about Nikila was that, despite being in his mid-thirties, he was still unmarried, citing severe intermittent migraines as the reason why women found him unappealing. When Franca read this information, she immediately thought, This matches the characteristic of Mystery Pryers continuously influenced by the evil god, Hidden Sage Could it be that Mirror People of the Mystery Pryer pathway are also infused with knowledge by the Hidden Sage? Recalling the content of the dossier, Franca emerged from her invisibility state and created a layer of frost, making it seep into the keyhole and freeze solid. As a result, she produced a crystalline key and easily opened Nikilas door. Taking advantage of the fact that this ordinary employee hadnt yet returned home from work, Franca took out a mirror and began divination to avoid any traps or warning setups that might be in the apartment. Bedroom, living room, and guest room all have full-length mirrors, and there are up to fifteen or sixteen portable mirrors. If youre not a Mirror Person, who would believe that? Franca mumbled to herself, checking the room twice. She was also conveying the collected information to Jenna and Anthony outside the door. Of course, there was another possibility for so many mirrors, which was that Nikila was a Demoness. However, it was obvious that this individual was not an exceptionally attractive female, nor even a female at all. Franca went to the full-length mirror in the living room, looked at Jenna and Anthonys figures in the hallway, and said, Ill ambush behind this mirror. Follow the plan to force the target into this mirror. If he can use the mirror world, we can confirm hes the Mirror Person, Griffith. As she spoke, black flames quietly burned around the room, erasing traces left by the previous search. Jenna nodded slightly and specifically reminded, Be careful of an ambush behind the mirror, like the one Lumian encountered before. Dont worry. Magic Mirror Divination told me theres no ambush. Of course, I wont fully trust and rely on divination. Ill stay vigilant. Franca felt Jennas concern, smiling as she took out the Seven-Stone Bracelet from the Travelers Bag, now with only two diamonds left, and tossed it outside. As she threw it, she couldnt help but mutter in her heart, Out with the old, in with the new, out with the old, in with the new Once Jenna caught the Seven-Stone Bracelet, Franca reiterated, After confirming Nikila enters this mirror, you both immediately teleport away, using that fixed entrance to the mirror world to assist me. No problem, Anthony replied, wearing gloves, closing the apartment door, and warming the lock area, which had become icy from the cold key. This was to prevent Nikila from sensing the residual cold and suspecting anything amiss when he opened the door. Once Jenna and Anthony left, Franca took out the Ice Amulet, hanging it around her neck. Then she placed her palm against the full-length mirror in the living room. With a flash of cold light, she silently passed through the glass. Behind the mirror was void, a spider-web-like deep dark tunnel filled Francas vision. Keeping a close watch on the surroundings, Franca breathed a sigh of relief and murmured, No ambush. Confirming this, she leaned closer to the mirror, peering through the glass into the apartments living room: Nikila had not yet returned, and outside, the dusk was eerily quiet. Francas nerves instinctively tightened. She raised her right hand, rubbed her temples, and sighed. It would be great if Lumian were here This operation was proposed and perfected by her, killing many of her brain cells and making her responsible for achieving the goal without severely harming Jenna and Anthony. She couldnt relax at all. In the past, Lumian bore these burdens and responsibilities. She only needed to question and use her imagination to complete her part of the task. Sigh, being a team leader is exhausting, no chance to slack off Franca composed herself and patiently waited. In the caf diagonally across from 35 Rue Saint-Nornez. Jenna, now a girl in a black dress with her hood removed, sat by the window, chatting with Anthony about various Trier anecdotes. Suddenly, she propped her left elbow on the table, using her palm to press down her original flaxen hair, her voice dropping slightly. The target is back. Anthony, while acting attracted to the beautiful woman opposite, glanced with his peripheral vision at the apartment building. A double-decker public carriage had stopped by the roadside, and a man in his thirties wearing a black wool coat and a half-high silk top hat got off. The man was nearly six feet tall, walked steadily, had a thin face with distinct features, and rare deep black eyes. Its definitely Nikila Anthony nodded slightly to Jenna, confirming she hadnt mistaken the target. Jenna then straightened her head, withdrew her left hand, and glanced at the cuckoo clock on the caf wall. She smiled lightly at Anthony and said, Three minutes to go. She meant that in three minutes, the operation would officially start. The reason for waiting three more minutes in the caf was to avoid Nikilas instinctual investigation as a Mystery Pryer after returning home. This was a detail discussed and decided by Franca, Jenna, and Anthony. Nikila, wearing a half-high silk top hat, walked step by step up to the fifth floor and stopped outside Room 6. He didnt open the door immediately but raised his right hand and rubbed his temples. Then he closed his eyes briefly and reopened them, his pupils now a deep purple with a mysterious aura. Eye of Mystery Prying! Usually, Nikila used special Warlock spells to weaken the effect of the Eye of Mystery Prying to avoid sudden death, but it couldnt be completely sealed. Now, he was using it to its full potential to observe the surroundings inside and outside the room. Bugs on the ceiling, hairs in the cracks, the neighbor cooking in front of the coal stove, dust floating in the air, children running up and down the stairs, rats hiding in the shadows, pedestrians passing by on the streets -all these scenes overlapped in Nikilas deep purple eyes. At the same time, he saw shadowy curtains around him and dark aqueous light on the surfaces of all mirrors. Before the gaze behind the shadowy curtain could become more pronounced, Nikila ended his observation abruptly, closing his eyes. He knew if he continued looking, something unpredictable might happen, filling him with fear. Phew The Eye of Mystery Prying is truly dangerous. Listeners on the Secrets Suppliant pathway hear things, we see things, and both are equally likely to encounter the forbidden and die mysteriously Nikila muttered, pulling out a brown leather scroll from an inner pocket of his black wool coat, softly chanting a word in Hermes-Myopia. The scroll immediately ignited with black flames, quickly turning to ash. The mysterious deep purple in Nikilas eyes faded into the black depths of his pupils. After doing this, Nikila took out his key and opened the door. He had confirmed there were no suspicious individuals or enemies hiding in the shadows, nor were there any signs of abnormalities around the apartment or the street. Entering the living room, closing the door behind him, Nikila unbuttoned the top of his wool coat and white shirt, relaxing on the sofa with his arms stretched out. Franca, watching from behind the full-length mirror, took advantage of Nikilas forward movement to grab a beer from the coffee table, extending her right hand slightly through the mirror, pressing it tightly against the glass. When Nikila sat back on the sofa, Franca immediately withdrew her hand. Gulping beer, Nikila read the newspapers he had brought back, behaving like any ordinary employee. Time passed slowly, and as three minutes elapsed, Jenna and Anthony left the caf, turning into a nearby secluded alley, preparing both their shadow hiding and Psychological Invisibility techniques. They quickly returned to the target apartment and hid in their prearranged positions. At this time, Nikila was still reading the newspapers, considering whether to go out for dinner or cook something simple. Suddenly, Nikilas throat felt dry and itchy, as if he hadnt drunk water for a long time. He coughed once and thought, I drank half a bottle of beer, why is my throat so dry? As this thought crossed his mind, he couldnt help but cough again. Immediately, a strong sense of unease washed over him. Somethings wrong! Just as Nikila became alert, Jenna, hearing two consecutive coughs from the target through the wall, emerged from the shadows without hesitation. With her hood still on, she inserted the Arrow of the Bloodthirsty into her own heart. Her flaxen hair seemed to lengthen slightly, her contours became more refined, and her facial features more stunning. Previously, Jennas beauty highlighted her feminine charm, an expression of femininity. Now, her beauty seemed to become a more independent concept, alluring by sheer virtue of its existence. Through the door, she made the shadows beneath Nikilas feet and the surrounding darkness coalesce into illusory yet solid black chains, wrapping around the target. Chapter 820 - 820 Walking into a Trap 820 Walking into a Trap 820 Walking into a Trap As Jenna used the Abyss Shackles spell from the Arrow of the Bloodthirsty, shadows and darkness came to life beside the coughing Nikila. Under the yellowish light of the gas wall lamp, they coalesced into black chains that wrapped around the Moses Ascetic Order member, binding him firmly in place, even sealing his mouth. Nikila, experienced in combat, immediately formed a slowly rotating mass of stardust in his right palm. The light in the room dimmed as if night had fallen outside. In the dimness, numerous bright stars appeared, not densely packed but numerous enough. They cast beams of light that converged into a thick column, illuminating the entire room and enveloping Nikila. The black chains formed by the Abyss Shackles disintegrated like shadows meeting sunlight, and Nikila dissolved rapidly in the light column, shattering into countless glass shards. Mirror Substitution! Using his unique abilities, Nikila escaped the Abyss Shackles by attacking himself. As a Mystery Pryer pathway Beyonder, many of his spells required incantations. With his mouth sealed, his abilities were significantly limited. As a result, Jenna confirmed that Nikila was a Mirror Person. Black fog emanated from her back, growing into a pair of large, illusory bat wings. These Wings of Darkness transformed into a swarm of palm-sized, insubstantial vampire bats that flew through the walls and door towards the newly freed Nikila. Meanwhile, Anthony ended his Psychological Invisibility, kicking open the door while aiming a complex, mechanically beautiful black revolver at Nikila. Winter is Coming! Anthony was preparing to use the Certain Death effect of this Beyonder weapon. He didnt intend to actually use it because Nikilas Mirror Substitution ability could prematurely activate, causing the deadly bullet to hit the mirror instead. Anthonys current objective was to use a Warlocks acute spirituality warnings and mystery-prying eyes to make Nikila feel his life was in danger, forcing him to escape through the mirror world. According to Franca, Nikila, likely a Sequence 5 Constellations Master from the Mystery Pryer pathway and possibly a Mirror Person, would undoubtedly sense the danger of the Winter is Coming revolver and recognize its godhood-possessing attack. To genuinely trigger the targets spirituality warning, Anthony needed to complete a psychological suggestion on himself, a simple task for a Hypnotist. Thus, Anthony was genuinely planning to shoot, fully intending to use the Certain Death effect. However, when his finger began to pull the trigger, it would activate the preset psychological warning, canceling the suggestion and allowing him to fire a normal bullet. Just as Franca predicted, the moment Nikila saw the Winter is Coming revolver, a hint of deep purple appeared in his pitch-black eyes, reflecting the weapons decaying aura. He instantly felt a creeping sense of death, his throat itching more intensely, and a weakness spreading through his body. This wasnt an effect of Winter is Coming but a backlash from seeing the secret of the Beyonder weapon, combined perfectly with the pathogen Franca spread when she extended her hand through the mirror, worsening Nikilas condition. Without considering further, Nikila immediately let a mirror substitute himself. Bang! Anthony pulled the trigger, firing a yellow bullet with only a disease effect, which, along with the swarm of vampire bats, hit Nikila, causing a shattering sound. Nikila, now visible in another corner of the room, had no intention of counterattacking. His only thought was to flee immediately. This was partly because he was unsure if there were more attackers and partly because the guns danger kept him on high alert. Unable to assess the situation clearly and knowing the enemy had a demigod-level weapon, he had no choice but to escape. Nikila quickly lunged towards the nearest mirror, aiming to use the mirror world to escape the battle. Noticing his move, Jenna slowed her attacks, while Anthonys eyes turned gold, displaying spiraling whirlpools that seemed to penetrate the soul. Battle Hypnotism! This spell forcibly hypnotized an enemy during combat, making them perform abnormal actions, but it could not directly harm the hypnotized and didnt last long. Anthonys intent was only to make Nikila switch mirrors, delaying his escape without directly endangering him. Nikila hesitated, suddenly feeling the mirror might hide a dangerous trap. He quickly pulled out a scroll with gold foil from the inside pocket of his black wool coat and softly chanted a Hermes word, Sun! The scroll was instantly consumed by golden flames, erupting into blinding sunlight that turned all the vampire bats to smoke. This severely affected Jenna and Anthonys vision, their eyes filled with dazzling sunlight. Nikila seized the moment, rolling towards the full-length mirror in the living room and diving in. From the start of Battle Hypnotism to his escape, it took only two or three seconds. The sunlight quickly faded, and Anthony nodded at Jenna. Jenna immediately grabbed her companions shoulder, activating the Seven-Stone Bracelet on her left wrist. One of the two remaining diamonds burst into clear light, enveloping them both. In the next second, Jenna and Anthony teleported to the quarry chamber with the fixed mirror world entrance, pressing their hands against the protruding rock. Nikila, just entering the void and dark area behind the mirror, couldnt help but cough. The disease he had contracted couldnt be removed by Mirror Substitution. Cough! Cough! Cough! As he coughed violently, he felt invisible threads binding his body layer by layer. Spider webs from a Demoness? Nikila shuddered. Jenna had been deliberately using the Arrow of the Bloodthirsty to attack this Mirror Person to hide her identity as a Demoness, preventing Nikila from suspecting he was being targeted by Demonesses. Otherwise, he would suspect a trap behind the mirror, abandoning the mirror world escape plan and rendering Anthonys Battle Hypnotism ineffective. As his pupils dilated, Nikila reflexively formed a slowly rotating mass of stardust in his right palm. Before he could use his Constellations Master abilities to destroy himself and the Demoness webs in this area, he felt invisible threads lightly caressing him, from his ears and face to his chest and inner thighs, teasing and scratching with seductive touches. This instantly sent his blood surging, his thoughts sinking deep to his nether regions. As he struggled to regain control and use his abilities, he saw a figure at the edge of the web-like tunnel. The figure wore a black robe with leather armor, the hood askew, revealing a pair of heroic and beautiful eyebrows, clear bright eyes like lake water, and moist red lips. This indescribable beauty and soul-stirring charm made Nikila instinctively hold his breath, forgetting to resist, forgetting to break free. Demoness of Afflictions Charm! The intense danger warning allowed Nikila to barely break free from this bewitching beauty. Clenching his teeth, suppressing the desire from the teasing and seductive touches, he was about to activate the stardust whirlpool in his hand. Franca continued her Charm, a slight smile on her lips, stunning Nikila while changing the action of some webs. They started tickling him! Ha ha ha! Sensitive spots on his neck, armpits, and waist were attacked, making him laugh uncontrollably, tears streaming down his face. If not for the invisible threads binding him tightly, he would have retreated, twisted his body, or rolled on the ground. In this state, it was nearly impossible for Nikila to use any of his abilities. Of course, his desire also faded because of this. Right now, I really do feel like a black widow spider, methodically dealing with prey caught in its web At the Demoness of Affliction stage, if the prey is truly ensnared without help, theyll be constantly affected, unable to escape by their own means Its a pity this doesnt work on Hunters; they can ignite flames to burn the web I wonder when Ill be able to directly transmit genuine pleasure through the webs Franca maintained her vigilance, watching the frantically laughing Nikila, muttering to herself. Her strategy was clear: restrain the enemy, continually interfere with his efforts, and delay him until his illness flared up or he was completely charmed. During this process, even if Nikila used Mirror Substitution, he would be limited by the distance, with his body reappearing within the area covered by the Demoness webs, repeating the initial experience. Previously, Franca had already turned this place into a Demonesss nest. On one side, he was continuously tickled, while on the other, his desire was stoked by teasing touches. Nikila oscillated between hell and paradise, in extreme agony. The beautiful figure, seemingly forever out of reach, became a symbol of all his hopes and dreams. Nikila knew he couldnt continue like this. Resolving to endure the laughter, he bit his tongue hard. The pain pierced his mind, momentarily freeing him from all influences. He tightened his grip on the stardust whirlpool. In the void and darkness behind the mirror, one brilliant star after another lit up. Chapter 821 - 821 Infatuation 821 Infatuation 821 Infatuation Above the dark and low void of the mirror world, numerous brilliant stars shed beams of clear light. These beams converged into a column of light, illuminating the mirror world and engulfing Franca, the Demoness webs, and Nikila himself. Franca and Nikila both shattered into countless mirror fragments. These shards, along with the invisible webs, quickly dissolved into nothing under the starlight. The starlight quickly faded, and Nikila and Francas figures reappeared in different corners of the mirror world. Seeing the entrance to the tunnel of webs now unobstructed, Nikila felt a surge of joy. He pulled out a dark gray scroll from the inner pocket of his black wool coat. Suppressing the urge to cough, he whispered a Hermes word, Wind! The dark gray scroll instantly ignited with cyan flames, a roaring wind gathering around Nikila, pushing his feverish and muddled thoughts forward at the speed of the wind toward one of the dark tunnels. Nikila, seizing the moment before Franca could intervene, followed the wind into the tunnel entrance. However, he didnt feel the familiar pull from other mirrors. He was back where he started. The dark, illusory tunnel wasnt open to him! Mirror Maze! After becoming a Demoness of Affliction, Francas mirror magic had evolved, allowing her to create scene illusions with pre-set mirrors. While waiting for Jenna and Anthony to act, she had woven invisible webs, spread pathogens, and placed mirrors at multiple tunnel entrances. These mirrors, influenced by Beyonder powers, reflected each other, creating a mirror maze that hid the real tunnel entrances, showing only their reflections. Nikila had chosen a false target, the reflection of a real tunnel, and naturally couldnt escape. Taking advantage of this gap, Franca wove another web, ensnaring Nikila, wrapping him in layers, either making him blush or laugh uncontrollably. Having experienced this before, Nikila didnt let himself get completely entangled. Using his abilities as a Constellations Master, he broke free once again. In the following time, amidst increasing fever and violent coughing, he barely managed to fend off Franca using scrolls and attempted to destroy the mirrors creating the maze, seeking the real exit. Under Warlock attacks and interference from spells like wind blades, lightning, flashes, purification, freezing, and paralysis, Franca kept changing positions, sometimes using Mirror Substitution to block an attack, showing great patience and restraint. Her focus was on maintaining the Demoness webs and spreading pathogens, using her Demoness of Afflictions Charm to buy time. Gradually, Nikila felt he shouldnt resist or harm the beautiful lady. His breath grew hot, his heart racing either from the pathogens or her every move, pounding as if to leap from his chest. The immense pressure made him suspect he might suffer a heart attack any second. Without hesitation, he pulled out a scroll etched with lightning patterns from his coats inner pocket. It was a powerful item he bought from a Broker. Storm! Just as he finished chanting, Nikila started coughing violently, and the scroll erupted into a dazzling silver light. The silver light expanded, filling the mirror world with a thunderstorm, the accompanying wind pushing lightning into the tunnel entrances, shattering the mirrors Franca had placed. With the sound of breaking glass, Francas figure shattered, the mirror maze collapsed, revealing the true dark tunnels. Nikila had no time to celebrate. Aided by the scrolls spell, dragging his sick body, he dashed toward the nearest tunnel entrance. He had scrolls with some healing effects but didnt want to miss the chance to escape. Seeing the tunnel entrance within reach and the attacking Demoness reappearing in another corner, Nikilas heart surged with hope. At that moment, he saw two figures in the tunnel entrance out of the corner of his eye. Jenna and Anthony, who had teleported using the last diamond of the Seven-Stone Bracelet, had arrived and been lying in wait. During the brief and weakened storm, both had been struck by lightning but evaded the worst damage using Mirror Substitution-one from her own ability, the other from the Mirror Substitution created by the two Demonesses. Seizing this chance, Anthonys eyes turned gold, radiating a dragon-like aura. Awe! Fear and panic surged in Nikilas heart, leaving him disoriented, as if facing an unbeatable predator. Seeing the target pause and turn in circles, Jenna threw a handful of black powder and chanted a few Hermes words. It was one of a Witchs black magic spells. Due to their need for materials and incantations, Jenna rarely used these in combat, opting for the convenience of frost and black flames. The black powder ignited, and a cold wind rose, surrounding Nikila with ghostly figures pressing against him, covering his mouth and nose. With this dual interference, Francas Demoness webs wove again, sticking Nikila in place. Franca smiled sincerely at the Mirror Person. With a buzz, Nikila felt his blood split, half surging upward, half downward, his heart seeming to stop. Under repeated Charms and his severe illness, he could no longer resist Francas allure. In a daze, Nikila saw the woman, whose every detail fit his aesthetic, beckon to him and offer a transparent triangular spike symbolizing goodwill and control. I wholeheartedly accept With this thought, Nikila didnt question why the webs no longer restricted him. He reached out and grasped the triangular spike, feeling a slight sting. His thoughts froze completely, becoming as sluggish and stiff as rusted machine parts. Wintry Blade! With Nikila under control, Franca glanced at Jenna, signaling her to find and destroy the remaining mirrors on him. Then, Franca could form an ice spike and perform a lobotomy on Nikila. With Lumian absent, there was no one to use the ritual leather for the Animal Creation Spell to turn Nikila into a large hound. Jenna nodded slightly, cutting off the lower half of Nikilas right sleeve, and quickly took off his black wool coat. She swiftly found the remaining five mirrors and smashed them one by one. During this process, Nikila did not resist. He looked at Franca with a mixture of obsession and pain, coughing intermittently. He still held the Wintry Blade, blood trickling from his hand. Francas left hand formed a long, thin ice spike. Suddenly, Nikilas expression twisted. Knowledge infusion from the Hidden Sage? Dammit, why now? Franca was first stunned, then understood the reason. In his severely ill and dying state, Nikila was unlikely to withstand this. He might lose control on the spot! In a flash, Franca discarded the ice spike and the Wintry Blade, taking out a mirror that reflected Nikilas image. She then wiped the glass surface with her right hand, covered in eerie black flames. Nikilas exposed skin was marked with numerous blood-red cracks, with strange things forming inside them. At that moment, pitch-black flames erupted from his body, burning his soul. Using the blood dripping from Nikilas hand, Jenna began a curse, while Anthony aimed the Winter is Coming revolver at Nikila, ready to use the Certain Death effect at any moment. Soon, the two Demonesses acted before Nikila could lose control, ending his life completely. Silently, Nikila fell to the void and dark ground of the mirror world, becoming a corpse. The eye-like objects hidden within his flesh stopped moving, unable to emerge. Franca quickly set up a ritual, completing the Magic Mirror Divination. In her makeup mirror, Nikilas eerie, pale figure appeared, showing only slight signs of losing control. The ghosts eyes still held a trace of obsession with Franca but now included the pain and despair of being killed by her. A Demoness of Afflictions Charm is terrifying I wonder if Baby Cupid from the Scrooge pathway can make someone fall hopelessly in love with them too Franca mused with a sigh and then asked, Are you Griffith? Yes, I am very pleased you know and remember my true name. The mirrors Nikila smiled joyfully. .. Franca was momentarily speechless. She paused for a second before asking, Do you know what happened to your superior, Kmerolo, one of the Ten Pillars? Chapter 822 - 822 Wilderness 822 Wilderness 822 Wilderness Nikila looked at Franca with an obsession and said, He should be feeling the call of the wilderness. Wilderness? Franca didnt hide her confusion. Nikila eagerly and thoroughly explained, In Fourth Epoch Trier, near the ruined palace of Alista Tudor, beside His remains-no, on His remains, no, under them-well, theres a wilderness there. All Mystery Pryers and Savants will eventually return to that wilderness. All Mystery Pryers and Savants The only thing powerful enough to influence both pathways must be the Celestial Master. Professor and Assistant Professor had dreams about the wilderness before Franca perked up and asked, What else do you know about this wilderness? Nikila shook his head slightly, looking a bit annoyed but very honest. Nothing else. According to our leader, the higher the sequence of a Mystery Pryer or Savant, the more likely they are to hear the call of the wilderness. The Hidden Sage should stand atop the Mystery Pryer pathway, so during the Hostel incident, when the seal of Fourth Epoch Trier was broken, the leak of wilderness power greatly affected Him, driving Him madder. Is Kmerolo in a similar situation? After all, hes in Trier The demigods of the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery in Trier might also be affected? Franca swallowed and asked, Has Kmerolo returned to that wilderness? Nikila smiled gently but painfully. Not yet. Hes probably just deteriorating, unable to maintain himself well, and resisting the call in some extreme way. If he were to return, hed have to pass through our mirror world. It wouldnt escape our leaders notice. If our leader knew, so would I. For Trier, Kmerolo returning to the wilderness might not be a bad thing. According to Nikila-no, Griffith-Kmerolo is like a powerful bomb that could go off at any time Franca thought for a moment and asked, Do you know where hes hiding now? Nikila sighed and said, He hasnt contacted me for a while. The last time we met was near the catacombs. Near the catacombs Franca then asked, Griffith, what was your goal in infiltrating the Moses Ascetic Order? Nikila emphasized seriously, I am the original. Our goal was to make the higher-ups of the Moses Ascetic Order gradually aware of the wilderness and help us unseal Fourth Epoch Trier at a critical moment. Franca had an epiphany and asked, Did Kmerolo, with your help, already know about the wilderness and its exact location? Was it knowing too much and possessing godhood that made Kmerolo lose control gradually, becoming unable to resist the wilderness call? The Church of the God of Steam and Machinery hasnt shown similar issues, at least not as severe Yes. Nikila shared his feelings with his dream lover. So, this is both good and bad for me. It took me a lot to gain Kmerolos trust and interest in the wilderness without arousing suspicion, but now all that effort is wasted. I have to figure out how to gain the trust of another of the Ten Pillars. Why is it also a good thing? Franca was puzzled. Nikila smiled and said, If Kmerolo returns to the wilderness, I might get the Mysticologist Beyonder characteristic someday. Mysticologist is Sequence 4 of the Mystery Pryer pathway? Can you Mirror People ascend by drinking potions? Franca quickly asked two questions. Nikila nodded. Yes, I can ascend to Mysticologist by drinking the potion. I am the original. Have you ever drunk a potion? Franca glanced at Griffiths body, which had not produced any Beyonder characteristics. No, Nikila replied candidly. Meh, no Beyonder characteristic drops Franca cursed inwardly in pre-transmigration gaming terms and then said, Moran Avigny has been dead for a while. Your leader cant leave the seal and frequently get feedback or give orders. Whos handling day-to-day matters and contacting the Mirror People in Trier? Its Palia. She received instructions and information from the leader, Nikila replied but didnt elaborate like before. The mineralogist, Jasmine, Im tracking No wonder she appeared twice in Underground Trier despite being wanted Shes rebuilding the Mirror People network in Trier? Franca asked quickly, Can you contact Palia? Nikila shook his head again. She contacts us one-way for now. This way, if any one of us is exposed, it doesnt affect the others. According to the previous arrangement, Palia contacts me through the mirror world once a week to check on my situation and exchange new information, usually on Sunday evenings between eight and ten. Dont you find this troublesome and inconvenient? Well, it is quite safe Franca criticized silently and saw Nikilas image fading, about to disappear, and quickly asked the last question, Besides Fourth Epoch Trier and current Trier, where else does your mirror world connect to? This question came from Lumians letter. He confirmed Morora exchanged information with the outside world through this special mirror world. Nikila thought for a moment and said, A strange place, much like Fourth Epoch Trier, also sealed, with many living people inside, but we cant enter. Mirror People cant use the special mirror world to go directly to Morora Franca nodded slightly and asked, Did some of your companions go to Lenburg to find that sealed strange place? Yes, although we cant go directly, if we can enter normally, we can use the mirror worlds power Nikila said as he began to lose his souls integrity. He looked at Franca, lingeringly and painfully scanning her beautiful face. Francas skin prickled with goosebumps. Watching Nikila-the Mirror Person Griffith-disappear completely, Franca sighed inwardly. Short-term, high-intensity, high-frequency Charm can last so long. It might take a day or two to fade Repeated Charm in daily life, maintained long-term, can indeed make someone fall deeply in love with me I wonder how long this love lasts without supernatural influence. A year should be fine, but its hard to say for the seven-year itch Heh, Hunters can form teams, and so can Demonesses. But the loyalty and rapport will be higher. The only issue is team members might not truly cooperate and could hate each other What a mess Franca put away the mirror and said to Jenna and Anthony, No need to wait. This guy doesnt have any Beyonder characteristics. By then, Jenna had finished collecting the loot, getting 460 verl dor and nine scrolls from Nikila. The scrolls effects and incantations required Magic Mirror Divination to reveal. Anthony glanced at Nikilas body and the nine scrolls, considering. Should we have someone use Lie to disguise as Nikila and wait for that Mirror Person Palia to contact? We can, but its unlikely, Franca said after some thought. We can bury the body and carry out anti-divination and anti-prophecy measures, but there are many days until Sunday. The Mirror People leader might notice something wrong. Still, its worth a try. After carrying out anti-divination and anti-prophecy measures and seeing Nikilas body turn into a few broken mirror shards, Jenna frowned slightly. Still none of those special mirror world shards. Moran Avigny didnt leave any either. The shards in Jenna and Francas possession came from Gardner Martin and the Tamara familys crypt. What kind of Mirror Person leaves special mirror world shards? Whats special about the fake Martin? Next time we catch a Mirror Person, we must ask Franca muttered to herself. The three quickly tidied up the scene, and Franca activated the Ice Amulet to teleport to the fixed mirror world entrance. During this process, Franca used the amulets power to send Lumian the intelligence gathered from this operation. Morora, second floor of the Carnivore bar. Reading a book comfortably, Lumian glanced at the rooms mirror, seeing water ripple and a line of Intisian appear. Reading it, Lumian suddenly froze. He realized he had overlooked something. At this moment, could the Mirror People sent to Lenburg to investigate the whereabouts of 0-01 have infiltrated Morora? And the Mirror People produced by the underground mausoleums incident could use that special mirror world unlike him! Chapter 823 - 823 Advice 823 Advice 823 Advice If the Mirror People have infiltrated Morora, what would they do? Lumian pondered for a while, placed the book back in the Travelers Bag, and stepped down the stairs to the hall. It was dinner time, and the bar was bustling. Julie flitted between tables like a butterfly, serving drinks and meals to the customers. The patrons were well-behaved; no one tried to act inappropriately by grabbing Julies ass or touching her chest. They werent being moral or civilized. None of them had clean hands; those who entered Morora were all hardened criminals. Their compliance was because someone had made a fatal mistake not long ago: Julie had been unstable lately, often in a daze. Unlike her usual self, she couldnt always gracefully avoid wandering hands and arms amidst the laughter and noise. One evening, someone found an opportunity to give her a hard pinch in the ass. Julies suppressed fury and rage exploded instantly. If Lumian hadnt intervened in time, reminding her it wasnt a legal duel, that drunkard would have ended up in the kitchen missing a vital part of his anatomy. In the end, since the drunkard refused Julies duel challenge, after much negotiation, he voluntarily chopped off his hand as an apology. Otherwise, he might have lost control and attacked the repugnant bar owner, forcing him into self-defense. Lumian glanced at Julie, whose face was devoid of smiles, and walked into the kitchen, where Lez was finally taking a break, enjoying his dinner. He picked up a caramelized finger, put it in his mouth, and chewed noisily. Lumian sighed quietly and said, I need to step out for a bit. Keep an eye on Julie. No problem, Lez replied, pointing to the plate of now-missing fingers. Boss, want some? Ive found a new cooking method-first deep-fry, then steam in a seasoned broth for twenty minutes. No, thanks. Lumian turned and left the Carnivore bar, walking through the dark, unlit streets to the Knowledge Cathedral. He found a corner where he could see the graveyard and the entrance to the underground mausoleum through a window. Pulling over a wooden chair, he sighed and patted the backrest. The Church of Knowledge is getting more considerate There hadnt been chairs by the brass bookshelves before. Too bad theres nowhere to rest my feet. Lumian sat down, gazing at the graveyard through the stained glass, using the crimson moonlight to observe the entrance to the underground mausoleum. According to his information, Celeste, who had been on duty in the underground mausoleum for two days, would return to the surface at nine tonight. Lumians goal was to make others believe he was at the Knowledge Cathedral to study while actually observing the mausoleums entrance and the experimental subjects activities. His true purpose was simple: to mask his love of studying with the guise of observing the mausoleum and experimental subjects. With this excuse, he wouldnt have to waste time idling around the bar, drinking and boasting. He could finish the remaining books sooner. By the cathedrals bright candlelight, Lumian read for a while, then forced himself to lift his head and observe the mausoleums entrance for a couple of minutes. After repeating this several times, he suddenly thought of his sister. Back then, Aurore always urged him to study but would occasionally drag him from his desk, forcing him to look at the trees outside the window and the distant mountain pastures. Now, he had to rely on himself. Time passed, and the cathedrals clock chimed loudly. A group of black-robed enforcers left the Knowledge Cathedral, crossed the graveyard, and reached the mausoleums entrance. Soon, the previous group of enforcers emerged from the gray-white stone steps leading to the mausoleum, moving in an orderly fashion. With his Hunters vision and the crimson moonlight, Lumian saw that the leader was Celeste, wearing a black robe and a blindfold. The Demoness emerged from the entrance area slowly and expressionlessly, removing her blindfold. The line behind her was long, each person carrying a lantern. At that moment, Lumian felt a sudden, eerie sensation as if the deep darkness at the mausoleums entrance had come to life. The darkness instantly swallowed the last experimental subject in line. Lumian blinked, seeing no movement in the darkness. The anomaly seemed like an illusion. Frowning slightly, he counted Celestes team members again. Quickly, he concluded, One person is missing and one lantern Lumian watched Celestes team until they returned to the Knowledge Cathedral. Near the stairs, Celeste turned her head slightly, glancing in Lumians direction. Lumian crossed his right leg over his left knee, leaning back in the chair, calmly meeting her gaze. He felt Celeste had likely noticed his observation. This meant she probably still retained some self-awareness. Phew, no need to worry about Julie losing control for now Lumian sighed quietly, watching Celeste and the enforcers disappear at the stairwell. He had been worried that Celestes issues might trigger Julie to lose control before they were fully prepared. That would interfere with his studying! Reading for a while longer, Lumian noticed Mororas Archbishop Heraberg patrolling the brass bookshelves. Thinking for a few seconds, he spoke as Heraberg neared, Your Grace, I have a question. Dressed in a plain white robe with brass threads, Heraberg smiled kindly. Ask away. Holding his book, Lumian sincerely asked, The mausoleums taboos seem to target the living. What if an undead or an immortal creature enters? Heraberg gave Lumian a deep look and smiled. The dead should remain in eternal slumber. What do you think? Meaning, an undead would fall into eternal sleep upon entering the mausoleum? As expected, 0-01 has death and darkness characteristics So, I cant exploit any loophole with the Eggers familys golden mask Lumian sighed regretfully. I think so too. Heraberg, with his white hair and beard, spoke like a teacher. While studying, remember to take care of your health and stay mentally sharp. Dont stay up late reading. Maintain your usual pace. Wh- Is he worried Ill degrade and succumb to the books inherent corruption? Need to control the corruption rate? Lumian pondered, then stood up and responded, Yes, Your Grace. He immediately tucked the book into his Travelers Bag and left the cathedral under Herabergs approving gaze. Crossing the square outside, Lumian saw Julie stepping lightly out the cathedrals side door, looking relaxed. Here to check the situation first, huh Lumian watched her disappear into another alley, heading back to the Carnivore bar. Approaching the bar, he heard a pained, agonized scream not far away. Julies doing? Lumian chuckled to himself. Feeling bad, cut a finger. Feeling good, cut another. Cant she find another hobby? Luckily, there were enough exiles in Morora. Still, Lumian knew their presence had tripled the daily death toll since they arrived. They couldnt stay long, or the exiles replenishment wouldnt keep up, and Morora would face a shortage crisis. The bar was closed. Lumian went behind the counter, poured himself a glass of liquor, and sipped it slowly, as if waiting for something. After a while, Julie appeared at the door in a shirt and skirt, her cheeks still flushed. She glanced at Lumian and smiled. Boss, were you waiting for me? She played with a frosty, bloody object in her hand. Lumian took a sip of Lanti Proof and asked, Do you know my name? Julie approached the counter, shook her head, and smiled. I only know youre my boss. Celeste, as an enforcer, should know the names of every Morora resident, Lumian said directly. Julies expression changed slightly, then she sighed and smiled. But she said Louis must be a fake name. I dont believe you didnt ask someone on the outside to investigate my real identity, Lumian said, leaning on the counter and sipping his drink. Julie pouted, not answering directly, only saying, It doesnt matter. True. Lumian nodded with a smile. I caught a Mirror Person from Underground Trier who told me his companions went to Lenburg to find Morora. Now, new intel suggests they might be here. Julies smile faded, replaced by a serious look. Lumian finished his Lanti Proof, set the glass down, and headed upstairs. Julie sat in silence for a while, then left the Carnivore bar. In an empty house in Morora. The Demoness put on a gold ring set with blue gems and sat before a half-length mirror. The reflection wavered slightly, showing some changes. Chapter 824 - 824 Nightmare Changes 824 Nightmare Changes 824 Nightmare Changes Julie watched her reflection in the mirror gradually become bloodstained, her expression turning cold and her eyes filling with malice. She wasnt surprised. Instead, she smirked with a hint of sarcasm. The reflection became agitated, clawing at the glass as if trying to scratch out an escape. Her face twisted quickly, and the malice in her eyes seemed almost tangible. Before long, another figure appeared behind her-a man with short brown hair, bearing a strong resemblance to Julie, also covered in blood and exuding a sinister aura. Julie rubbed the blue gem-encrusted gold ring on her thumb, watching as the female and male versions of herself shrank and faded, revealing their current surroundings. It was a dark, almost lightless world. Beyond this world, countless points of light representing different mirrors dotted the surroundings. Most were affected by Mororas seal, appearing hazy and unreachable. Julies gaze swept across the few clearer points of light, her intuition as a Demoness guiding her to one particular mirror. Inside that mirror, a shadowy figure appeared. Sensing Julies gaze, the figure recoiled and left the mirror. Julie immediately reached into the mirror, pulling herself through it. Ignoring the curses and anger from her two reflections, she directly transported to the mirror that had shown the shadow. She emerged from a small mirror into a long-abandoned room, the traces of occupancy wiped clean. Julie turned to the window beside the mirror, observing the outside environment. She saw a graveyard bathed in crimson moonlight, a cathedral-like library, and the clearly visible entrance to the underground mausoleum. After a brief silence, Julie muttered to herself, The Mirror People have indeed infiltrated Upstairs in the Carnivore Bar, Lumian reclined in his chair, feet propped up, engrossed in his book. There was still time to study! He had told Julie about the Mirror People to leverage the Demoness Sects power to confirm and search for them. As a Hunter, he couldnt utilize the mirror world on his own, and the Mirror Cufflink could only be used twice more. Remembering Archbishop Herabergs advice to not overextend himself, Lumian decided to end his studies early and get some extra sleep tonight. Just as he was about to close his book, someone knocked on his door. It was Julie. She nodded slightly at Lumian, saying, I found a Mirror Person spying on the mausoleum but couldnt catch them. Only one? Lumian asked for confirmation. Julie tersely acknowledged his words. Only one. She turned and headed to her room. Lumian chuckled and said, Not only did you not catch them, but you didnt even see what they looked like? His voice was low, almost to himself, but loud enough for Julie to hear. Julie turned around and sneered. At least I found traces of the Mirror People. Better than someone who needs me to confirm it. Lumian pretended to be stung, retorting, I was just letting you fulfill your pitiful, insignificant purpose. Julie ignored him and went into her room. Lumian smirked to himself and closed the wooden door. Now, Julie should be less wary about him being capable of using the mirror world, right? In a daze, Lumian saw a blood-stained land, collapsed grand structures, and towering iron-black pillars, many of which were broken. Driven by instinct, he walked forward, passing through burning palaces, torrential rain, and a forest of lightning striking the ground. He stopped before a corpse. The body was charred black, the face flayed to reveal a scorched skull. Behind it lay a mountain of bodies and bones, piled hundreds of meters high. Lumians gaze followed the corpses upward, sometimes meeting their eye sockets, which burned with pale or dark red flames. Finally, he was about to see the top of the mountain. Suddenly, intense fear and a compulsion to stop thinking and follow orders overwhelmed him. He jerked awake, gasping for breath. Another nightmare The nightmares are becoming clearer and more frequent Lumian glanced towards the ground, instinctively reaching out as if to touch something. He grasped only air. Quickly calming himself, he murmured, At this rate, when I finish reading the remaining books, these nightmares caused by the corruption might transform drastically What will that bring? If the nightmares get clearer and the feeling stronger, I might lose control in my sleep. Then Albus, Julie, and Wanak would have the chance to challenge an Angel. No, the Church of Knowledge would eliminate the problem first. Having sealed Ludwig, they wouldnt hesitate to seal another Lumian rubbed his temples, agreeing more with Archbishop Herabergs advice: Dont rush; maintain physical health and mental clarity! Even if corrupted, proceed gradually! Sighing, Lumian believed that in five or six days, when he finished the borrowed books, the situation would change significantly in his favor. But can the situation remain stable until I finish studying? Since the last injury, Albus hasnt appeared for days, secretly plotting Wanak regained control of Dades Agricultural Company but no longer has fixed offices or residences Celestes duty in the mausoleum is both a risk and an opportunity. She might have advanced the Demoness Sects plans, and Julies opportunity could be coming soon Will they let me study until I finish the books? Probably not Lumian mused that Albus, Wanak, or the Demoness Sect would likely make a big move involving the mausoleum soon. They might not know the importance of studying or that Lumian was diligently studying, but they must sense that delaying further would worsen their situation! Never underestimate the intuition of Demonesses or the instincts of those backing Albus and Wanak! Trier, Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, Apartment 702, 9 Rue Orosai. Franca was smug about successfully planning and executing an ambush on a powerful Mirror Person. This felt more rewarding than leading a team raid in her pre-transmigration games. She pointed to the cash and scrolls on the coffee table, saying, Lets split the spoils. You two go first. Using Magic Mirror divination, the two Demonesses had identified the effects and incantations for the scrolls. There was a Sun scroll, a Healing scroll, and one each of Lightning, Burning, Flash, Wind, Freezing, Paralysis, and Secret Voice. Anthony gestured for Jenna to pick first. Jenna, not wasting time with politeness, took the Sun, Lightning, and Flash scrolls after a few seconds of thought. Anthony chose Healing, Paralysis, and Freezing, leaving 460 verl dor and the remaining three scrolls for Franca. Franca picked up the Secret Voice scroll, smiling. This is perfect for coordinating operations. Surprised you didnt want it. The Secret Voice scroll created a secret channel linking three to five people within fifty meters, allowing them to communicate without being overheard or blocked by obstacles. You could leave it for Lumian Jenna thought but didnt say, not wanting to dampen Francas spirits. As they chatted, a messenger from Madam Judgment delivered a reply: The Moses Ascetic Order will handle the abnormality in Kmerolo. You dont need to follow up. In Trier, in a room with overturned furniture and papers scattered everywhere. The Hermit, a Major Arcana card from the Tarot Club whom Franca and her team had met before, stood before a wall covered in meaningless lines. She wore black-framed glasses and a deep black robe adorned with eye-shaped purple patterns, examining faint traces of dried blackened blood, tears, and saliva. A nearly transparent, eyelash-less, and indifferent eye hovered before her, silently observing. Its gaze seemed to contain countless stars and various scenes. After a while, The Hermit ignored the blackened blood, taking a small amount of the powder stained with tears and saliva. A dreamlike pumpkin carriage appeared before her, altering her appearance, aura, and physique. The Hermit calmly sat in the carriage. A group of mice pulled the pumpkin carriage into a tunnel outside the Trier catacombs. Still seated in the pumpkin carriage, The Hermit conjured a vibrant, slightly unreal ball of yarn. She infused the powder from before into the yarn and threw it into the tunnels depths, leaving a bright thread on the ground, pointing the way forward. Chapter 825 - 825 The Final Seduction 825 The Final Seduction 825 The Final Seduction The Hermit followed the vibrant thread of yarn through the dark tunnel in her pumpkin carriage. She didnt know how long she had been descending when she arrived at a naturally formed cave. The vibrant yarn ball had stopped here. The swarm of mice and the pumpkin carriage vanished, and The Hermit floated down, her feet touching the ground. She didnt need to remove her glasses to see the pools of pus-like blood on the ground, eroding the soil in the extreme darkness. For a moment, The Hermit seemed to see a scene from the past: A blurry figure staggered towards the cave, each step leaving a splatter of pus-like blood that sizzled as it corroded the rocks and soil. The Hermit weaved through the pools of blood and entered the cave, but it was empty. The trail of pus-like blood ended abruptly. It was as if the figure had exhausted all its flesh and blood, leaving no trace, or had evaporated entirely. He had vanished. Has Kmerolo disappeared like this The Hermit immediately conjured nine blazing suns. The intense heat caused the pools of blood to show signs of evaporation. Then, the Major Arcana cardholder removed her glasses. The pus-like blood changed immediately. It wasnt blood but dense, intertwined, complex symbols or letters. These symbols or letters were grouped together, eroding various rocks and soil, bright red and dazzling. Even with her knowledge of mysticism, The Hermit couldnt identify what they represented. Kmerolos flesh and blood transformed into this? The Hermit pondered for a moment and decided to strip away all the bloody symbols and letters and take them to a high-ranking Cryptologist. Morora, Carnivore bar, second floor. Lumian had another nightmare, but this time, he was clearly aware that he was dreaming. He dreamed of walking through a dark, lightless tunnel, with stone slabs beneath his feet and bricks in the walls, with rusty iron wall lamps every so often, none of them lit. Lumian wandered aimlessly, sometimes turning right, sometimes descending stairs, and sometimes resting against the wall. Suddenly, he saw yellowish light ahead. In the glow, figures in black robes appeared, carrying quietly burning lanterns, their eyes covered with thick black cloth. Law enforcement Experimental subjects Lumian instantly understood. Am I dreaming of the mausoleum? This matches the sealing information of 0-01 and the books descriptions Using my knowledge and the corruption Ive suffered, did I recreate a tunnel of the mausoleum in my dream? The experimental subjects, despite being blindfolded, walked steadily, maintaining a straight line forward. I dont seem to be blindfolded Will something abnormal happen? No, Im just dreaming Although lucid dreaming, Lumians thoughts were sluggish, seemingly influenced by the dream. As he was about to pass by the experimental subjects with lanterns, his gaze naturally fell on one of the lanterns. The lanterns glass case, framed in bronze, reflected a black shadow. The shadow, human-like in shape, flickered and leaped to another lantern. That shadow isnt mine nor the lantern-bearers Its its one of those Mirror People corrupted by the mausoleums power? Or perhaps the Mirror Person that infiltrated Morora? Lumian shivered, feeling more awake than ever. He focused his gaze and saw the slightly distorted, human-like black shadow pause and look back at him from the lanterns glass, illuminated by firelight. As their eyes met, the shadow vanished instantly. Lumians vision wavered, the entire tunnel, lit by the lanterns, shaking violently. Within seconds, Lumian woke up, his eyes snapping open. The shaking continued, and his bed creaked while the house clattered. An earthquake? Lumian judged calmly. In Morora, he had already experienced four earthquakes, one volcanic eruption, five torrential rains, four hurricanes, three tornadoes, two hailstorms, and two snowstorms Often, more than one extreme weather event occurred in a single day, though sometimes it was just ordinary weather fluctuations. Based on his physical assessment and experience, Lumian judged that this earthquake wouldnt collapse the sturdy Carnivore bar building, so he lay there calmly, with no intention of getting out of bed and escaping to the street. If worse came to worst, he could still teleport to the Knowledge Cathedral. Staring at the still-swaying ceiling, Lumian recalled the nightmare: Was I woken up by the earthquake, or did my nightmare trigger the earthquake? After pondering for a while, Lumian believed it was the latter. But this meant his nightmare had truly connected to the underground mausoleum! Earlier, was I wandering through the mausoleum in some peculiar form, not needing to be blindfolded or carry a lantern? Was everything I saw and experienced real, actually happening in real time? Was the Mirror Person on the lantern real too? Right, that didnt look like the lantern-bearers Mirror Person, their physical condition was noticeably different. Could it be the Mirror Person from Trier? Did he use the special power of the mirror world to start exploring the mausoleum before Albus, Julie, and I? If so, he may have been at it for many days, and might be close to succeeding When he saw me, did he see what I look like, my state, my form? Yes, if one enters the mausoleum without being blindfolded, the experimental subjects will see the corresponding Mirror Person in their own eyes and be replaced? A series of questions flashed through Lumians mind, creating a sense of urgency. He sat up and looked towards the window. The earthquake had already subsided, and outside the not-so-thick curtains, the sky seemed to be getting slightly brighter. Lumian sighed, suppressing his negative emotions, and decided to sleep a bit more, until six in the morning. He needed to be in his best condition to complete the remaining three days of study, otherwise, he might lose control or even die from it. After waking up naturally, Lumian had breakfast prepared by Lez and then went directly to the Knowledge Cathedral, sitting in his usual spot, reading and monitoring the entrance to the underground mausoleum. This way, if there was an anomaly, he could teleport there immediately and enter the underground. After alternating between thunderstorms and clear skies, Lumian finished his morning studies and headed back to the Carnivore bar for lunch. About a third of the way back, he heard a painful yet slightly pleasurable scream from the direction of the bar. Is Julie at it again? She wasnt in a bad or good mood today And its the bars busy time Did someone bother her? Lumian shook his head, thinking Julie was quite unprofessional. Soon, he returned to the Carnivore bar and found the area in front of the bar and inside the hall empty, with tables and chairs overturned, broken glasses scattered, and spilled liquor on the floor, some of it already frozen. It looks like Julie went berserk, attacked all the patrons, and drove them away What happened? Lumian became highly alert. As the owner of the Carnivore bar, he felt both distressed over the wasted liquor and keenly aware of the unusual situation. He remembered that Julie had seemed fine when he left in the morning, even proactively helping Lez prepare the ingredients for the day. Lumian sniffed the air, detecting a faint smell of blood and a hint of something resembling chestnut flowers. To most men, the latter scent was very familiar. Somethings off. Based on my observations, Julie usually finishes her collection before the target reaches the peak of pleasure. This time, the scent is quite noticeable Did she let the original owner of the collection enjoy themselves? Lumian frowned and followed the smell of blood upstairs, pushing open Julies door. On Julies bed lay Lez, naked, eyes wide open, mouth half-puffed, with his legs a bloody mess. He was dead. Julie attacked Lez? Lumian looked into Lezs eyes, seeing extreme pleasure, relaxation, and evident pain, with no signs of a supernatural battle in the room, only splattered blood and a few sources of the chestnut flower scent telling the story. This made Lumian suspect that Lez had willingly gone to bed with Julie. And this culinary artist knew well what Julie would do. Similarly, Julies behavior was different this time, seemingly allowing Lez to complete his climax. Did Lez seek liberation? Or did he make a preemptive move and fail? Lumian wasnt shocked by this but found it too sudden. Lumians gaze fell on the lifeless bloodstain at Lezs mouth. After a few seconds, he suddenly recalled something Julie had once said to Lez: Ive decided to seduce you last. Last Lumians eyes narrowed sharply. To Julie, now was the final moment? Was she about to take her last action? Where had she gone now? Chapter 826 - 826 Entry 826 Entry 826 Entry Lumian directly activated the black mark on his right shoulder and teleported to the edge of the boundless cemetery, right at the entrance to the underground mausoleum. This place looked like the mouth of a giant beast, with gray-white stone steps stretching down into the dark, deep throat. Lumian suspected Julie had already entered the mausoleum. Whatever the Demoness Sects plan was, it ultimately had to involve the sealed 0-01 deep within the mausoleum! Lumian sniffed around the entrance, detecting only the scents of grass, trees, and the earthy smell after rain. There was no trace of Julies fragrance. At the same time, he scrutinized the gray-white stone steps descending into the darkness, looking for fresh footprints-there had been a thunderstorm earlier. No signs of Julie Lumian turned and transformed into a blazing white spear, shooting across hundreds of meters and landing beside the Knowledge Cathedral. He didnt take a detour, opening the nearest stained glass window and jumping into the church, quickly running to Heraberg, who was dressed in a plain white robe with brass thread. Your Grace, do you know which room Celeste is staying in? Lumians breath was steady, but he spoke quickly. Heraberg, the archbishop of Morora, smiled and replied, The third floor, the room closest to the cemetery, with a view of the mausoleum entrance. Lumian was taken aback. You knew all along He didnt waste time asking further, igniting white flames on his body and darting like a javelin towards the staircase. After a few turns, Lumian reached Celestes room. He grasped the brass handle, gently twisted it, and pushed open the wooden door. The room was tidy, with minimal furnishings-a single bed, a desk, a chair, and a shelf for books and miscellaneous items, giving off a monastic austerity. Indeed, Celeste is gone as well Lumian confirmed his suspicion. He didnt immediately enter the room, sensing it was filled with invisible, pathogen-laden webs, like a poisonous spiders nest. While preparing to burn the unseen webs, he observed further. He noticed Celeste might have been playing the part of a corrupted experiment subject, as the room lacked any unnecessary items. With her disappearance, even the spare black robes were gone, leaving the room empty, save for a mirror on the desk by the window. The mirror was a common dressing mirror, not unusual in a Demonesss room. But it sparked a thought in Lumian: Did Celeste leave through the mirror world? The law enforcers usually entered and exited together. She couldnt have bet on the Knowledge Cathedral turning a blind eye and walked out alone Is she meeting Julie somewhere in the mirror world? Did Julie and Celeste use the mirror world to enter the mausoleum, leaving no traces at the entrance? With this in mind, Lumians thoughts raced, forming a web of connections from various bits of information and ideas. He quickly made a guess: Did Celeste patrol the mausoleum as an experiment subject several times to place mirrors at key points or obtain coordinates of similar reflective items? When I used the Mirror Cufflink before, I couldnt identify which mirrors were in the mausoleum or if they were dangerous This was the Demoness Sects preparation, and now, Celeste has control over the mirrors in the mausoleum and can start the operation? Why not act immediately after her last patrol? Were a few days needed for other preparations? As his thoughts raced, Lumian whispered, Termiboros, do you think I should enter the mausoleum now or continue my studies, hoping Julie and Celeste fail? Before Termiboros could respond, Lumian laughed and said, I wont rely on others to fail. He had made his decision. He would enter the mausoleum to disrupt and stop the Demoness Sects actions, buying a few more days! The only issue was that in the mausoleum, he had to be blindfolded and couldnt read or study during the downtime. Is there a way to convert text to sound? Aurores grimoires mentioned related ideas and preliminary results, but Im not a Warlock Lumian sighed internally, then heard Termiboross layered, majestic voice: Its very dangerous. Youre actually answering Is this a genuine warning or a hidden plot? He only mentioned the danger, without strongly dissuading me No matter, whether Termiboros opposes or tempts me, Im going Lumian quickly calmed himself, chuckled, and said, Maybe well both become 0-01s puppets. Not including me, Termiboros responded in a powerful voice. Is that so? Lumian once again transformed into a flaming spear and swiftly returned to the cathedral hall. He approached Heraberg, holding three books, and smiled. Your Grace, I still have two and a half books left to read. Do you have a way to convert the remaining knowledge into sound so I can study while exploring the mausoleum? Herabergs wrinkles smoothed out, and his expression became even gentler. Good, good, this is the attitude needed for study. He took out a brass sheet and accepted the books from Lumian. In Herabergs amber eyes, countless symbols and words swirled and spun. Lumian saw tiny glimmers rising from the books, converging into a river that flowed into the brass sheet. What kind of mystic art is this Lumian was mesmerized. Before coming to Lenburg, he had gathered detailed information about the Church of Knowledge, including some details about the Reader pathway. He knew the Sequence 5 of the Reader pathway was called Mysticism Magister, capable of inventing and creating unique spells. Soon, the glimmers vanished, and the brass sheet became more lustrous, with its symbols and patterns gaining more depth. With two snaps, Heraberg broke off two corners from the brass sheet and molded them into cylindrical shapes. Lumian watched, jaw dropping. Without the aid of fire, breaking off two pieces of brass with just my hands is quite difficult, let alone molding them like clay with my fingers Your Grace, are all Readers this strong, or is it unique to you as a puppet? Your fingers could probably crush my bones to dust Or is this a side effect of the mystic art? Insert them into your ears. The activation spell is listen in ancient Hermes, as I know you only speak this language and havent mastered Jotun or Elvish yet. The deactivation spell is stop.'' Heraberg handed the brass sheet and the two cylindrical brass earplugs to Lumian. Lumian instinctively argued, I know Hermes too. He understood Heraberg was referring to languages capable of invoking supernatural powers. Hermes? Heraberg laughed. Lumian sensed contempt for the Hermes language in his laughter and expression. With time running out, Lumian didnt ask further, inserting one brass earplug and pocketing the rest. He then transformed into a blazing white spear and flew from the open stained glass window to the mausoleum entrance. Lumian calmed his breathing, took a carbide lamp and white bandages from the Travelers Bag. After lighting the carbide lamp, he wrapped the bandages around his head, covering his eyes. Lumians vision gradually turned pitch black. For a Hunter who relied heavily on sight, this was far from a pleasant experience. Feeling his way, he picked up the carbide lamp and cautiously descended the gray-white stone steps. He focused on maintaining his balance, worried about stepping wrong and tumbling down like a wheel into the mausoleum. He wasnt afraid of getting hurt but feared extinguishing the lamp. Being blind is no fun Lumian muttered, constructing a mental map. Most of the maps content came from the 0-01 sealing information and the book Examples of Mausoleum Construction, with some from his nightmares over the past few days. Using the mental map, his heightened senses, and his control over his body, Lumian gradually adapted to the darkness, descending more steadily. Finally, he reached the bottom of the stairs and officially entered the mausoleum. He felt the surrounding darkness surge like a tide, eroding his skin, bringing a chill and a slow drain of life force. Almost simultaneously, his right palm turned icy cold. The abnormal life force drain stopped. The Underworld Daoists mark activated? Lumian silently mused, In this situation, even without a lit carbide lamp, I shouldnt encounter any issues in the mausoleums darkness. Hehe, when I find Julie and Celeste, I could use my Hunter ability to extinguish their lamps directly. But Julie is special, and Celeste likely is too. It might not be easy to have the darkness engulf them Blindfolded, Lumian turned and sensed the Abscessed Hands head location using the semi-activated black mark on his right shoulder. He planned to find this thing first, then stop Julie and Celeste. Then, he could toss the separated Abscessed Hand parts together and see what mutation occurs, giving the enemies a surprise. Perhaps because they were in the same mausoleum, Lumian quickly sensed the summoning and special connection from Hand Bro. It was not far! Chapter 827 - 827 Blind Battle 827 Blind Battle 827 Blind Battle Morora, fifth floor of the Knowledge Cathedral. A law enforcer in a black robe stood at the window, looking at the entrance to the underground mausoleum, which resembled the mouth of a giant beast. In his eyes, Lumians figure could be seen descending the gray-white stone steps one by one. Elsewhere in Morora, Albus Medici stood by another window. However, his gaze was not on the nearby buildings but on the cemetery and Lumian, neither of which could be seen from this street. Is it starting? the descendant of the Red Angel chuckled. Blindfolded, Lumian moved steadily through the darkness, guided by the mental map in his mind, approaching the location of the Abscessed Hands head. This is the end. I need to turn left Its exactly like the diagram in the book Lumian reached out his right hand, not holding the carbide lamp, and touched something cold and hard. It was likely a wall. He then turned left, walked a bit further, and stopped. He sensed the Abscessed Hands head was just a few meters to his right, while the surroundings were eerily silent. Lumian turned, extending his right hand in that direction, but he only felt an equally cold, hard wall. Behind the wall? According to the diagram, there should be a room behind here, and the door is about five meters ahead Even though he couldnt see, the importance of knowledge became evident in this situation. Counting his steps, he reached what should be the door and felt around, finding the wooden board. He fumbled for the handle, gently twisted it, and pushed open the slightly ajar door. Meanwhile, he mused internally, Albus casually threw it, and the Hand Bros head ended up here? Even if it bounced around, it shouldnt have gotten this far Even though its not very far from the entrance, there were two turns, and the door is even closed. Did the door close afterward? Growing more cautious, Lumian listened for any sounds beyond the door. It was completely silent. He slowly entered the room, moving towards the corner from which the rotten stench emanated, his connection to the Abscessed Hand growing clearer. His right hand was ready to draw the Sword of Courage from the Travelers Bag at any moment, while his left, holding the carbide lamp, reached for Abscessed Hands head. The head was higher than he expected, placed on a shelf rather than the ground. Suddenly, his fist brushed against something slimy and damp, which wriggled slightly. Five cold, finger-like things instantly grabbed Lumians left fist. A chill ran down his spine. Encountering such a thing while blindfolded was many times more terrifying. He couldnt tell what it was! But he was certain it wasnt the Abscessed Hands head, as that was just a head! In a flash, Lumians left fist ignited with blazing white flames. His fist moved forward, accelerating suddenly, snapping sharply between the finger-like things. Boom! The explosion scattered the slimy fingers, and Lumian used the semi-activated black mark on his right shoulder to teleport behind what he presumed was the Abscessed Hands head. Hmph! Lumian exhaled two beams of white light from his nostrils. He felt he had hit his target. Without waiting for his opponent to fall, he swung his left fist, burning with intense flames, while his right hand stayed ready to draw the Sword of Courage. Bang! It felt like hitting an elastic, dead wood. He unleashed his accumulated flaming forces. Boom! The violent blast pushed the slimy wood forward a bit. Then, there was silence, with no sound of something hitting the ground. Cautiously, Lumian transformed into a blazing-white spear and charged. He felt himself piercing through a withered tree filled with rust and flesh, landing in front of the Abscessed Hands head amidst a strong, pungent odor. There was no resistance, no real counterattack. Is it over? Lumian, still blindfolded, felt uneasy. He kept his right hand in the Travelers Bag, holding the carbide lamps handle with his mouth, reaching up with his left hand, prepared to use the Spirit World Traversal if needed. In the still atmosphere, Lumian touched the slimy, foul-smelling, limp flesh and greasy, disgusting weeds. This should be Hand Bros hair No other abnormalities Lumian mustered his courage and continued feeling around. Soon, he touched a decaying neck, then a wounded shoulder. A shoulder Despite being mentally prepared, Lumian was still startled. The Abscessed Hands head couldnt have grown a body, right? After waiting a few seconds with no sudden attack, Lumian grabbed the greasy weeds that were likely the hair and pulled. As he applied force, there was a reluctant, cork-popping plop sound. His center of gravity wavered as if he had pulled something free. He had torn off the head! Almost simultaneously, Lumian sensed the Abscessed Hands body parts inside the Travelers Bag moving, but they couldnt breach the spatial barrier, only wriggling closer, pushing away other items. This is Hand Bros head Then who tried to shake hands with me? Scenes flashed through Lumians mind: A head dragging a bloody spine flying through the air, a headless body chasing it In the mausoleum sealing 0-01, there must be similar headless bodies, and one of them took Hand Bros head, attaching it to its neck? No wonder Albuss casual toss brought Hand Bros head all the way here Lumian quickly guessed, finding the situation both amusing and horrifying. If the headless body and the Abscessed Hands head stayed together for months, something terrifying might happen Lumian didnt dare put the head in the Travelers Bag, which would inevitably cause the body parts to reunite, summoning the Abscessed Hand. He wanted to wait until he encountered Julie, Celeste, Albus, or Wanak. Holding the head and the lamp, Lumian prepared to leave the room. Suddenly, Lumian felt something and flinched his right shoulder. He sensed that something was trying to pat him. But when he moved away, everything returned to normal, silent and still. Lumians body ignited with blazing-white flames that expanded outward in a spherical shape, pushing in all directions. The flames only ignited the object that had originally held the Abscessed Hands head. Unable to see, Lumian didnt dwell on what had tried to pat his shoulder. Recalling the earlier battle, he quickly determined his position and direction. Then, he walked steadily back to the door and exited, acting as if he could see every detail around him. Finally obtaining the Abscessed Hands head gave Lumian a bit of confidence. Using the mental map he had formed, he made his way to the lowest level of the underground mausoleum, filled with puppet soldiers. Blindfolded with layers of white bandages, he occasionally turned right, walked forward, descended stairs, and fumbled to open heavy or simple doors. He didnt forget to activate the brass amulet in ancient Hermes, listening with one ear and monitoring his surroundings with the other. As he walked, Lumian suddenly conjured a flame in his right palm and flung it ahead, forming a burning straight sword. It seemed to hit something, but it could have just been an illusion. Lumian didnt maintain the flaming sword, letting it extinguish. He didnt investigate whether he had encountered something real or if it was just a reaction from his tense, sightless state. Though his knowledge didnt explicitly cover it, his past experiences hinted at a key point: In the underground mausoleum, if you believe something is real, it likely becomes real! As long as it doesnt pose a direct threat, its best to ignore potential dangers! After descending another staircase, Lumian suddenly felt like he was being watched by numerous eyes. At that moment, he had the urge to tear off his bandages and see what was happening. Plop! A cold drop of liquid fell on the back of his left hand. It felt sticky, but there was no smell of blood. Plop, plop, plop! The cold droplets increased, falling faster and faster, like a sudden downpour. Inside the mausoleum, 20 to 30 meters underground, it started to rain. What the hell is going on? Whats around me The book only mentioned a hall here, straight ahead to the exit, but it didnt provide a detailed layout or mention anything special inside Lumian endured the soaking rain and, under countless watching eyes, stepped forward with his right foot. Thud! A drumbeat suddenly sounded, as if striking Lumians heart, making him feel like he wanted to spit out blood. Thud! Thud! Thud! The drumming grew clearer and more intense. Lumian also faintly heard a soft, scratching chuckle. Chapter 828 - 828 Same Kind? 828 Same Kind? 828 Same Kind? Drumming echoed continuously, each beat resonating with Lumians heartbeat, making him feel like he was about to vomit blood. Enduring the discomfort, Lumian pushed through the cold liquid like a sudden downpour, under countless watching eyes and strange, soft chuckles, steadfastly moving forward. One step, two steps, three steps, suddenly a blood-red color lit up his bandage-wrapped vision. It was a reddish plain, with an army of undead in iron-black armor advancing. My first nightmare after I started studying? The thought flashed through Lumians mind. He then noticed the scene before him fracturing, overlaid with images of burning palaces, forests of thunder, mountains of corpses, and rows of blindfolded experimental subjects marching. These were all from his recent nightmares. Lumian realized it wasnt the bandages losing their effect but a powerful hallucination induced by something, blending reality and illusion. Meanwhile, the monotone voice in his left ear stopped reciting knowledge from books and became sharp and raspy, shouting something unintelligible. Lumians right palm suddenly felt hot, with a slight burning sensation. The residual aura of Blood Emperor Alista Tudor had been triggered! Simultaneously, the mark from the Underworld Daoist grew colder, suppressing the emerging violence and madness, while a slight burning sensation appeared on Lumians left chest. Is this a mishmash of everything? Lumian mentally mocked himself. With these changes, the cold liquid droplets softened, like cold, wet hands brushing against his body. The war drumbeats no longer synchronized with his heartbeat, the mysterious gazes lost their unnerving power, and the scratching chuckles turned into soft, alluring singing. Lumian paused, guessing at what was happening. He maintained a steady pace, heading deeper into the hall marked on his mental map. The raindrops, drumming, gazes, and singing remained unchanged, allowing him to proceed smoothly. This must be the corruption from the 0-01 sealing information and knowledge Ive learned, triggering hallucinations and making the dangers here see me as one of their own, similarly corrupted? This also triggered the Blood Emperors residual aura, causing a chain reaction with the Underworld Daoists mark and Mr. Fools seal. Without these, I might have truly become a puppet like the others here, a real experimental subject Hmm, did Mr. Fools seal also passively confuse perceptions? Deciding based on similar levels of corruption could be a mysticism principle or an exploit As his thoughts cleared, Lumian raised his right hand, pressing it to his left chest, silently muttering and joking with himself, Praise Mr. Fool! Thanks to Archbishop Heraberg, thanks to the power of knowledge! Learning brings me joy! While listening to the strange roars in his earplugs, Lumian tried to discern any hidden information, maintaining his quick pace to avoid provoking unseen dangers. Estimating his steps and distance, comparing it with his mental map, Lumian finally reached what should be the halls exit. At that moment, the nightmare scenes in his vision changed. He seemed to be at a high place, looking down at a mountain of corpses and bones. His gaze moved down, past the burning pale flames and dark-red lights in the eye sockets of the skeletons, past the rotting flesh and pale bones, to the dark red near-black ground, and the iron-black armor. The metallic surface of the armor reflected a single black figure. Lumian saw it clearly: It was the bespectacled, scholarly-looking serial killer Guei! This exile, sent to Morora with Lumian, Julie, and Lez, had vanished after spending some time in the Knowledge Cathedral. The reflections of Guei on the armor seemed to sense Lumians gaze, suddenly looking up, but quickly lowering his head again, as if realizing it was a mistake. The fragmented scenes vanished. Guei? His reflection on the iron-black armot like mirrors Is he the Mirror Person who infiltrated Morora? Lumians eyes widened behind the white bandages. He quickly compared Gueis figure with the Mirror Person from his nightmares: Highly likely the same! So its him and he even knows to study in the Knowledge Cathedral Hes now around that mountain of corpses? Lumian suddenly felt that Guei might be as troublesome and dangerous as Albus Medici, Julie, Celeste, or Wanak. Recalling the recent scene, Lumian thought his perspective was odd: At the top of the mountain of corpses? Overlooking everything Did I share the perspective of 0-01? Right, being heavily corrupted means becoming its puppet, and it seems high-level Hunters can share power, damage, vision, hearing, and feelings with their team 0-01 just considered me one of its own? It didnt give me power like Wanak, probably not fully accepted If I read all the remaining books and mastered the knowledge, would the corruption reach a critical point, making 0-01 see me as a fully submissive puppet, while Im not? In such a case, I could approach it and find a way to leave a mark. This matches my earlier guess. The purpose of the test is to gauge the level of corruption, my bodys endurance, and the balance of the various corruptions within me. I really needed to ace it. If I hid anything and colored Archbishop Herabergs judgment, Id have been the one suffering. I would either become a true puppet of 0-01 or die here due to insufficient corruption. Knowledge is indeed power; knowledge indeed holds wealth! Lumian couldnt help but curse Julie and Celeste. Those two Demonesses raised by pigs had prevented him from completing his studies! Since it had already happened, he could only keep cursing while passing through the halls exit. After walking a few dozen meters along the marked passage, Lumian suddenly felt a disturbance to the side, hearing the sound of something heavy moving through the air. Holding his carbide lamp and the head of the Abscessed Hand, he lunged forward and rolled away. Thud! The sound of something heavy hitting the ground echoed. Using the sound, Lumian quickly sketched an image of the enemy in his mind: a giant sword! In the underground mausoleum, the only beings carrying giant swords without feeling alive that Lumian could think of were the puppet soldiers. Am I being attacked by a puppet soldier in this passage? Hey, were on the same side! Were both 0-01s soldiers! Surprised, Lumian heard a whooshing sound as the giant sword swung down again. Completely blind, Lumian activated the black mark on his right shoulder, teleporting behind the suspected puppet soldier attacker. Simultaneously, knowledge from the Doll Crafting and Maintenance book flashed in his mind: The puppet soldiers used in the underground tomb are uniformly two meters tall, made of iron Their weapons come in four types: giant swords, hammers, spears, and bows The weakest point of the puppet soldiers is their neck, due to mechanical structure issues and the inevitable development brought by the mausoleums corrupting forces As this knowledge flashed by, Lumian leaped, tensed his chest muscles, spread his arms, raised his right fist, and aimed at the back of the puppet soldiers neck, as constructed in his mind. His fist ignited with layers of compressed white-hot flames, finally striking something hard and cold. With a clang, the compressed flames were injected into the puppet soldiers neck. Using the force, Lumian flipped back in midair, while an explosive sound echoed from within the puppet soldier. A Cull completed with Fire Infusion! The sound of heavy metal fragments hitting the ground followed. As Lumian steadied himself, he heard Albuss voice in his ear: You can see? This member of the Medici family had a peculiar metallic quality in his voice. Albus is here too? Did he witness me precisely dismantling the puppet soldier? Lumians right hand stealthily reached into the Travelers Bag, as he responded with a smile, Can you see too? Albuss metallic voice came from another direction: I cant see by myself; Im blindfolded like you. But I can share the vision of the puppet soldiers here. This is an example of the power of high-level Hunters A gift from the Red Angel? This gift can even piggyback on 0-01s puppets According to Madam Magician, that King of Angels once held 0-01 Lumian deliberately harrumphed and said, Did you make the puppet soldier attack me? Albus switched locations again, seemingly using different puppet soldiers to speak. This was a test. Only those who pass the test are qualified to cooperate with me. You think youre worthy of cooperating with me? Why would you think I want to work with you? Lumian said disdainfully. Albus laughed. That Demoness has a very dangerous item. If we dont work together, she could take us out one by one. Chapter 829 - 829 Deception and Betrayal 829 Deception and Betrayal 829 Deception and Betrayal Cooperate? You just want to use me as cannon fodder, right? Well, lets see if I can find out what item Julie has With his eyes covered by white bandages, Lumian wore an expression of skepticism. How dangerous could it be? Albus, also blindfolded and holding a lantern, leaned against the wall of a burial chamber, watching Lumian through the eyes of the iron puppet soldiers twenty meters away. He chuckled inwardly. You didnt put that ragged head in your bag but carried it in your hand. Not afraid of trouble, or are you planning something? And your right hand has been in that bag made by a high-level Apprentice The half-body should already be inside. You dont want to reunite the head and body now, fearing unforeseen consequences. You plan to use it as an indiscriminate weapon at a crucial moment, dont you? Perfect for surprising Julie and the others. I wont try it myself to avoid unnecessary consumption. Cooperation is great; it gathers the dangers together, letting them cancel each other out Albus made an iron puppets mouth move, its metallic voice saying, The item on that Demoness is one of five created by the Primordial Demoness before Her slumber after the Pale Disaster of the Fourth Epoch. It can make the bearer a vessel for the Primordial Demonesss descent. A vessel for a deitys descent Lumian repeated. The Demoness Sect plays high-stake games, dont they? He had thought Julies item could only temporarily grant her the power of a Sequence 4 Demoness of Despair, not that she could briefly become the Primordial Demoness herself! Even a fraction of a true gods power was immense! Albuss laughter echoed in the metal cavity. Yes, a vessel. Fortunately, Julie isnt sturdy enough as a vessel. If she were an Angel-level Demoness, she could sustain the descent for a minute or two without dying. A Saint-level Demoness could hold it for a few seconds, but her soul and body would collapse. Julie, as a Demoness of Affliction, cant maintain the state for more than three seconds and thats with the cost of complete annihilation. Even without invoking the descent, the item grants her various special abilities, temporarily allowing her to use Sequence 4 powers. If we dont cooperate, facing Julies normal state alone is tough but not hopeless. But if shes pushed to the brink and tries the descent, we wont last three seconds. By working together and using all our trump cards, we might last until her descent ends. Then, we rely on our skills. Last three seconds in front of a Demoness Such ambiguous words would be a field day for the scandal reporters on Triers Avenue du Boulevard. Theyd twist your words into questioning your prowess Influenced by vulgar jokes from Triers Ghost Face and other tabloids and Francas quips, Lumian mentally criticized. He didnt believe in Albuss sincere cooperation. He thought this Red Angels descendant would throw him out as a shield at the critical moment to endure Julies deitys descent. This might be Albuss ultimate plan to survive. Like Emperor Roselles parable: in a forest, you dont need to outrun a bear, just your companion. Franca often joked that in adventures, companions were the best shields. But Julie and Celeste likely know my true identity, that Im a lover of one of their peers, and that I was once an Iron and Blood Cross Order member. They wouldnt place as much importance on me as much as theyd be wary of a Medici. So its still a question whos the primary target and whos the shield In a hesitant, distrustful tone, Lumian said, I can sense Julies danger but didnt expect it to be this severe. Of course, I still dont trust you. Cooperation and mutual vigilance are not contradictory. I cant truly trust you either, Albus replied with a hint of amusement. When theres a common interest, even enemies who killed ones parents can temporarily cooperate. How much more so for us? While speaking, Albus thought to himself, Working together against those two Demonesses is better than fighting you now and facing your hidden trump cards head-on. Even if I win, the cost would be high, and how would I deal with the Demonesses and Wanak afterward? Heh heh, in a real fight with the Demonesses, you wont be able to hide your trump cards. The situation will become chaotic, everyone will go all out, and the dangers will cancel each other out. Im best at winning in chaos After a moment of contemplation, Lumian gritted his teeth and said, Lets cooperate until we deal with the two Demonesses. A very wise choice. Albus did not hide his joy. Lumian, holding the carbide lamp and the Abscessed Hands head, began to walk slowly. With a posture of I am trying to show sincerity, he said, Besides the two Demonesses and Wanak, we have another enemy. Thats the Mirror Person from the special mirror world from Fourth Epoch Trier. His name in Morora is Guei. Mirror Person The iron puppet ahead repeated the term, then laughed. Im not surprised. Its a problem left by that lunatic Alista Tudor. What do you mean? Lumian took the opportunity to ask. Albus, with a tone of clear reverence, said, You should know my ancestor was a King of Angels. He told me that the special mirror world was likely created by Tudor. Red Angel? Wasnt He killed before Alista Tudor became the Blood Emperor? How did He know the origin of the special mirror world? Lumian expressed his doubts. What do you mean killed? Albus sighed. Thats why I dislike working with Hunters. If it werent for todays necessity, I wouldnt have sought you out. Hunters really have a way with words. I also dislike working with Hunters, like you, Lumian agreed. Albus switched to another iron puppet: My ancestor entered the Fourth Epoch Trier and confirmed its various problems. He said the special mirror world might not be a product of those problems but the cause of them. The Red Angel meant that the special mirror world wasnt created by the fall of the Blood Emperor and the destruction of Fourth Epoch Trier, but existed before and led to the need for a new Trier to seal it after Fourth Epoch Triers fall? Could the Red Angel be deliberately spreading false information for some consOriginal? But this matches what I found in the Blue Avengers treasure vault-the Blood Emperor might have been using the mirror world for His resurrection arrangements before His fall. Similarly, the Tamara familys connection with the special mirror world was also before the War of the Four Emperors Lumian stopped, thought for a few seconds, and said, Alista Tudor left too many problems behind, didnt He? Though the Knight of Swords said that among the crazy ancient gods of the Second Epoch, the Undying Phoenix Ancestor Gregrace was the most troublesome, causing many issues, and was quite similar to the Fourth Epochs Blood Emperor Alista Tudor, Lumian had only encountered problems related to the Underworld from the Phoenix Ancestor. In contrast, he encountered troubles from the Blood Emperor frequently. So, in his mind, the Blood Emperor was the most troublesome, much more so than the Phoenix Ancestor. Albus seemed to share a similar sentiment. Using the iron puppets mouth, he said, Because He is the symbol of calamity. Wh- Lumian suddenly had a deeper understanding of the Hunter pathway. Albus then asked, As temporary collaborators, do you need me to share the puppets vision with you? That way, you wont have to pretend to be blind. Such a good thing? Lumian instantly became wary. Thinking about how Wanak had to fully submit to 0-01 to share a bit of power, and considering that all the puppets here were 0-01s minions, Lumian pondered for a few seconds and said, No need. In a situation where he was not truly part of Albuss team, he worried that sharing vision might gradually turn him into a puppet. Sometimes, being too cautious isnt good, Albus Medici said without further persuasion, his tone containing a hint of undisguised regret. For the next while, Lumian followed his mental map, winding through the underground tombs. Albus occasionally used the iron puppets scattered around the area to remind him he wasnt left behind. After a while, Lumian slowed his steps, mumbling to himself, In the Examples of Mausoleum Construction, theres nothing marked ahead This is where Albus comes in, isnt it? Without hesitation, Lumian walked past what seemed to be a gate and entered the blank area on his mental map. The next second, he felt his skin prickling, as if approaching a fierce lightning bolt yet not touching it. Lumian immediately recalled the forest of lightning from his previous nightmare. His ears then caught Albuss voice through the iron puppet: Wanak is coming. Just a dozen meters ahead. Wanak? Lumians mind immediately pictured the most dangerous figure in Morora, with blood-red hair and iron-black eyes, and his spirit instantly tensed up. Chapter 830 - 830 Destination 830 Destination 830 Destination Lumian had always thought Wanak, who could draw power from 0-01, was more dangerous than Albus and Julie. This lightning-filled area was perfect for Wanak to unleash his potential. No matter if Wanak could only change the weather slightly or if he was on par with Julie and Celeste, who could become vessels for a deitys descent, in this forest of lightning, he was as powerful as a true demigod. Together, Albus and I would get beaten up by the thunderstorm Lumians first instinct was to exit this area and find another path to 0-01. That way, even if Wanak pursued him, outside his optimal environment, he wouldnt be invincible. In a flash, Lumian remembered the nightmares he had. After the forest of lightning, there were mountains of corpses and bones, with 0-01 possibly at the peak. This meant this was the only way to the core sealing area-there was no way around it! This fact was hinted at in Examples of Mausoleum Construction, even if it wasnt clearly marked. Or, I could pretend to retreat, draw Wanak out, and avoid fighting him in the lightning forest Wait a minute Lumian suddenly had a bold idea. Since previous dangers saw him as one of their own, would Wanak, a puppet of 0-01, make the same judgment? Wanak wasnt a fully intelligent human but more like a sentient puppet. Such a target could likely be deceived! When I first arrived in Morora, I had little corruption from 0-01, with a mix of other influences, so it made sense for Wanak to see me as an enemy. But now, after much learning, the corruption is approaching a critical point. ! should try. If it fails, Ill use Shadow Animation to withstand the lightning attack and seize the chance to teleport out of the forest, avoiding a direct fight with Wanak Lumian made his decision and stepped forward. As he walked, he recalled the nightmares he had since arriving in Morora, listening to the brass earplugs recounting knowledge to align himself with the corruption. At the same time, he thought aimlessly about various significant and insignificant questions to relax and prevent his body from being too tense. This could prevent Wanak from noticing anything unusual! Why did I end up in the forest of lightning? According to the nightmare, there should be burning palaces and waterfall-like downpours ahead. Are they on a different route? Lumian endured the increasing prickling sensation, mentally calculating his distance. Three or four more steps to meet Wanak As soon as this thought crossed Lumians mind, he heard slow but steady breathing, masked by the rolling thunder, just a few meters away. Lumians back tensed involuntarily, and his right hand reached into the Travelers Bag, ready to pull out the headless corpse of the Abscessed Hand. After its previous writhing approach, they had fused together but were temporarily unable to break through the Travelers Bags seal and reunite with the head. As he got closer to Wanak, Lumian, unable to see his expression, instinctively wanted to hold his breath. He quickly adjusted, forcing himself to remain calm. The next second, he felt a gaze fall upon him, making the skin on his face break out in barely noticeable bumps. It was Wanaks gaze. At this moment, Lumian wished he were a Hypnotist, but he could only keep telling himself, I am an experimental subject, I am an experimental subject He maintained the same pace as the black-robed experimental subjects, walking straight ahead. Two steps one step Lumian tried to clear his mind. He walked past the imagined figure of Wanak. One step two steps three steps Lumian didnt dare relax, feeling cold sweat on his back. Outside the lightning forest, Albus Medici, through a guardian puppets eyes, watched Lumian holding the carbide lamp and the ragged head, step by step, approaching Wanak, who had unbuttoned two buttons of his shirt. He saw Wanaks gaze fall on Lumian, follow him for seven or eight seconds, then slowly shift away, watching Lumian pass the most dangerous person in Morora and head towards the end of the lightning forest. Wh- Albus squinted his eyes, then laughed. So thats how he gets through dangerous areas, no wonder hes been reading and studying these past weeks When we reach the destination, Ill have to guard against him using this trick Lumian walked a bit further, feeling the prickling sensation fade as faint echoes of sound from the brass earplugs leaked out, indicating he had left the lightning forest and entered a narrow corridor. After this corridor, I should reach the area around the mountain of corpses Should I wait for Albus to catch up, or go face Julie and the others alone? Heh heh, I wonder how Albus will get past Wanak Lumian stopped and listened for sounds from the direction of the lightning forest. Thud, thud, thud. He heard slow, steady footsteps. Why did you stop? Wanaks sharp voice suddenly rang in his ears. A chill ran up Lumians spine to the back of his head, making him almost pull out the headless corpse of the Abscessed Hand. He stiffly wanted to explain, but after a moments thought, he chose to remain silent and continued walking. In the nearly frozen air, Lumian heard the thudding footsteps pass him and head towards the end of the corridor. Phew He quietly exhaled. He didnt stop again but slowed his pace, moving like a snail. Soon, he felt countless eyes on him. Seeing Wanak rush towards 0-01, Albus Medici laughed at Lumians pointless risk-taking as he leisurely passed through the lightning forest. Using the guardian puppets in the corridor, Albus saw the walls made of square iron plates, with surfaces as smooth as mirrors. At this moment, twisted, pale faces appeared in these mirrors. These faces belonged to the residents of Morora, silently staring at Lumian. Occasionally, someone would cautiously extend a hand from the metal surface, quietly reaching for Lumians body. Lumian merely swung a fireball in that direction, not making any aggressive moves. Seeing the pale hand retract into the iron wall, Albus made a puppet speak: I see Wanak didnt blindfold himself. Do you want to try it too? In the underground mausoleum, puppets of Wanaks level dont need to blindfold themselves, not fearing replacement by a Mirror Person. Theoretically, I should be able to do the same, given Im almost like him now Albus must have noticed Wanak didnt attack me and is suspecting my condition Lumian calmly responded to Albus, ! dont want to die yet. He then asked, Should we wait here for a while, let Wanak and the two Demonesses fight it out, and then take advantage? Wanak rushing to the mountain of corpses must be to stop Julie and Celeste from doing something to 0-01! Albus replied through a puppet: I havent seen the two Demonesses ahead. Julie and Celeste havent arrived yet? Did you two Demonesses get lost? You were the first to enter the underground mausoleum! Or have you arrived but are hiding, waiting for the right moment? Lumians thoughts raced, and he resumed his normal pace. As he walked, he smiled at Albus. You must have noticed Wanak wont attack me. So, will you let me go ahead unimpeded, join me, or rush ahead of me? Lumian worried Albus might lag behind, letting him face any unexpected dangers around the mountain of corpses alone. So he pointed out his unusual condition, making Albus cautious. The next dangers, of course, should be faced together. No one should think of hanging back to reap the benefits after the fact! Albuss laugh came from Lumians side. Since weve agreed to cooperate, well go in together. That colors you in a different light, Lumian responded insincerely. After several more steps, Lumian suddenly stopped, feeling he was about to reach the mountain of corpses. Why did you stop? Albus asked through a puppet at the entrance. Why did you stop? Lumian retorted. You still dont trust me, Albus sighed. Lumian chuckled in amusement and replied, Arent you the same? Suddenly, he sped up, as if trying to leave Albus behind and rush to the foot of the mountain of corpses. Moments later, he heard a swooshing sound, the noise of a flaming spear piercing the air. Lumian scoffed and left the corridor completely. The next second, he felt an intense sense of danger. This wasnt a premonition but a Hunters instinct to dodge an attack aimed at his head. Are you here to die too? Julies cold, indifferent voice echoed in Lumians ears. Lumian quickly activated the black mark on his right shoulder and withdrew his hand from the Travelers Bag. He pulled out a bluish-black, swollen, headless corpse! Trier, in the apartment Franca and Jenna rented. Jenna said to Franca, Your suggestion worked. Ive digested the Witch potion. Turns out, getting close to mystical dangers was the key. Francas face lit up with joy. Are you going to take a couple of days to adjust before going to the sacrificial square in the underground catacombs for the advancement, or do it now? Jenna pursed her lips and said, My spiritual intuition tells me its best to do it now. Chapter 831 - 831 Somethings Wrong 831 Somethings Wrong 831 Somethings Wrong When Lumian withdrew the headless corpse of the Abscessed Hand and activated the black mark on his right shoulder, he heard Julies voice along with the sharp, exaggerated sound of a heavy object falling rapidly. Instinctively, he chose the farthest place he could sense as his teleportation destination. Just as Lumians figure vanished, Albus entered the area with two iron puppets. He hadnt been influenced by Lumians feigned attempt to rush towards the mountain of corpses. Instead, he took advantage of Lumians blindness, conjuring a blazing-white flame spear and manually hurling it forward to drive Lumian out of the corridor, forcing him to face potential dangers and possible concentrated attacks. Albus himself lagged two to three meters behind, allowing him ample time to reactif Lumian were to be surrounded or controlled, Albus could avoid the dangerous zone and approach the mountain of corpses from the side. Of course, Albus couldnt afford to fall too far behind. Lumian had just proven he could prevent Wanak from attacking him, potentially reaching the destination quickly and unhindered. If Albus delayed for more than ten to twenty seconds before entering the area, Lumian might have already made direct contact with 0-01! In war, acting too quickly or too slowly can both lead to failure As this thought crossed Albuss mind, he heard the terrifying explosion of something hitting the ground. One of his iron puppets looked up, seeing a massive meteor engulfed in bright flames, illuminating the entire area. It plummeted towards the armored soldiers and countless corpses in the wasteland, heading towards the entrance area where Albus and Wanak were. The meteor fell faster and faster, soon surpassing the speed of sound. Further away, Julie, wearing a slit low-cut dress, stood in midair with the help of icy steps, holding a lantern. With a sapphire ring on her left hand, she drew a downward arc, pointing at where Wanak and Albus were. Son of a bitch! For the first time since entering Morora, Albus cursed uncontrollably in his mind. Isnt she supposed to not have invoked divine descent yet? Isnt she not in a state of divine descent? How could this sow summon a meteor? What about Mororas rules? What about 0-01? Shouldnt there be some restrictions? This is the ability of a Demoness of Catastrophe! And this Demoness isnt even blindfolded! Somethings wrong! Although the meteor hadnt reached the level to destroy a city, or the true power of a Demoness of Catastrophe, Albus still felt genuine fear at that moment. As a member of the Red of War rebuilt by the ancestor, he could concentrate his power towards the King of Angels, share some of the power in return, and distribute part of the damage he received. However, in Morora, within the core area of sealing 0-01, this special interaction was significantly weakened. Albus could at most temporarily use Sequence 4 powers and some weakened higher abilities, but could only transfer a third of the damage at most. Now, even if he could transfer half or two-thirds of the damage, the remaining part would still be more than his current body could bear. If the meteor had fallen instantly, Albus would have already turned into a charred corpse. Wearing a black blindfold, he leaned back slightly, his hair igniting with red flames extending to his back. Beneath his skin, his bones and flesh faintly glowed with an iron-black hue. Next, he transformed into a blazing white flame spear, carrying the two iron puppets rapidly to the right. He had borrowed the Red Angels power. The plan was to first avoid the meteors impact zone, then use the ancestors damage sharing, his temporary metal transformation, and the two iron puppets as shields to survive the subsequent impact. Yes, Albus didnt bring the iron puppets because he was fond of them or because he didnt want to lose his eyes. They made excellent shields! As the primary target, Wanak made the same choice as Albus, but without the final protection of the iron puppets, and was hindered by layers of invisible webs around him. As the strands of web became visible, turning grayish-white, Wanaks blazing white flame spear slowed down. Bang! The blazing meteor hit the ground about ten meters behind Wanak. Boom! Rolling dust, intense flames, and terrifying shockwaves engulfed Wanak. The metal-colored body of Mororas most dangerous person cracked instantly, turning into a charred corpse. Albus, who had fled some distance, was slammed into the white flame spear by the rushing shockwave, driving it to the ground. With a clanging sound, the first iron puppet, acting as a shield, quickly dented and partially shattered, instantly losing its puppet-like feel and becoming scrap metal. Next, the second iron puppet suffered severe damage, and then Albus Medici, who emerged from the flame spear state, spat a mouthful of blazing blood, his metalized body sustaining damage. Not knowing where he had teleported to, Lumian first heard the explosion, then felt the tangible shockwave slam into him, followed by the burning flames. His ears momentarily deafened, unable to draw knowledge from the brass earplugs. His whole body was flung out, but the shockwaves intensity had dropped to a level a Reaper could withstand. As for the flames carried by the shockwave, they could only ignite clothes, bandages, and hair, barely causing significant burns to his body, and were quickly extinguished by his flame control ability. Thua! Lumian landed heavily, almost dropping the carbide lamp in his hand. The burnt bandages on his face fell off, but fortunately, he kept his eyes shut. At the same time, Lumian felt the headless corpse of the Abscessed Hand in his right hand and the rotting head in his left hand become agitated, each dragging his body towards the other with terrifying force. Lumian didnt stop them; instead, he released his grip. He once again activated the black mark on his right shoulder, teleporting to the limit of his current sensing range. He needed to distance himself from the merging parts of the Abscessed Hand to avoid becoming the first target of attack. Otherwise, he might find himself surrounded and attacked! When choosing a teleportation destination, Lumian deliberately avoided the impact zone and the place where Julies voice had come from. In the thick, smoky environment, Lumians figure disappeared, and the two rotting parts of the Abscessed Hand moved towards each other. The headless corpse grasped the tangled-haired head with its only hand, urgently placing it on its neck. But this attempt was hindered by some force, as if an unspoken rule in the underground mausoleum required the head and body to remain separate. Of course, the obstruction didnt truly prevent the head from reattaching; it only increased the difficulty and slowed the reassembly process. On the other side, the rolling flames and scattered dust calmed down a bit. Julie, standing on the icy steps, saw that Wanak had lost his life force, lying on the ground with deep cracks and charred marks all over his body. She quietly sighed in relief. Wanak had always been her most dreaded opponent. She regretted that Lumian fled early, missing the chance to team up and kill Wanak. Just then, Wanaks charred body moved. The most dangerous person in Morora leaped up, with two dark red flames burning in his eye sockets. He had become an undead creature! For Wanak, who was a special puppet of 0-01, being alive or existing as an undead made little difference. Moreover, as an undead, he could tap into additional powers! He spread his arms, tilted his head back slightly, and let out a roar like a battle cry. Suddenly, the lantern Julie held went out, and the flames around the mountain of corpses were extinguished. Only the lantern in Albuss hand and the carbide lamp Lumian held, protected by their Hunter powers, flickered but continued to burn. Darkness surged back but failed to engulf Julie. Nothing? Using the last iron puppet as his eyes, Albus couldnt help but frown upon seeing this scene. That sapphire ring can protect Julie from the underground mausoleums dark corrosion and dissolution? That doesnt make sense! Even if it could, why did Julie carry the lantern before? To mislead us? And, there shouldnt be a Demoness of Catastrophes ability, even if its a weakened version Somethings definitely wrong! At this moment, Julie let out a low, soul-scratching laugh and pointed her left hand skyward again. In the darkness above, faint light appeared as sharp icicles formed, raining down like a storm towards the wasteland, targeting Wanak, Albus, and Lumian. Wanak roared again. It was like a battle drum, striking Julies heart and causing her to stiffen momentarily. Next, a tornado connecting heaven and earth formed, sweeping all the icicles and reversing towards Julie. At that moment, whether it was Lumian with his eyes shut, Albus with his eyes covered, or Julie and Wanak with normal vision, they all felt the world shake and heard the creaking sound of the void around them. The rotting corpse of the Abscessed Hand had finally reattached its head to its neck. Chapter 832 - 832 Reunion 832 Reunion 832 Reunion The rotting chunks of flesh on the blue-black corpses neck and head began to wriggle and merge back together. It felt as if the whole world started to shake, with the void around them creaking. Bang! Bang! Bang! It was as if something outside the void was pounding forcefully, trying to get in. Crack! A strange, ethereal breaking sound came from afar, piercing Lumians ears. Is Hand Bro trying to get in and reunite with its body? Is the breaking sound a sign that the seal is temporarily broken? Lumian, with his eyes still tightly shut, could only speculate from the sounds he heard and the movements he felt. Just as these thoughts crossed his mind, he heard the metallic, scraping voice of an iron puppet several meters away: Next to the assembled corpse, the space is cracking like glass. This was Albus, relaying to Lumian what he saw through the iron puppet and the detail he thought was most important. Unable to see, Lumian had teleported near Albus-he had to avoid the impact zone and Julies location while staying away from the Abscessed Hands corpse. The choices were limited, making an encounter with Albus likely. Cracking like glass Hearing Albuss description, Lumian suddenly had a realization. He had been puzzled by Julies display of confidence and the terrifying commotion she created. He felt that if he hadnt teleported away in time, he would surely have died from such an attack. This exceeded his assessment of Julies strength, making him suspect she was in a state of divine descent, though it clearly didnt seem that way. Now, Lumian had a vague guess. Amid the intense shaking of the ground, Albus stopped using the iron puppets voice and spoke directly, Do you think it looks like a mirror shattering? A mirror Yes! Lumian instantly understood the situation. This is the mirror world! This is an extension or projection of that special mirror world around 0-01! After Julie and Celeste reached their destination, they set a trap, creating an entrance to the mirror world at the corpse mountains entrance. So, whether it was Wanak, Albus, or himself, none of them saw the two Demonesses when they peered into the corridor, but were attacked after entering. The Demoness of Black had told Franca that the Demoness Sect once controlled that special mirror world, losing some control after the War of the Four Emperors, and further diminishing after the Pale Disaster. At this moment, Julie must have already worn the divine artifact left by the Primordial Demoness, possessing various special powers. One of these might be the limited use of the special mirror worlds power. With the special mirror worlds support, she could launch such a terrifying attack! If my guess is correct, and this really is the mirror world Lumian felt the worlds shaking, listened to the sounds of the void breaking, and the commotion caused by Julie and Wanak attacking the Abscessed Hands corpse. He suddenly turned his head towards Albus. He asked in a deep voice, Is Julie blindfolded? No, Albus replied firmly. As expected! Lumian decisively opened his eyes. If this truly was the mirror world, there was no need to worry about 0-01s power leaking out and creating a corresponding Mirror Person through the eyes, the mystical window of the soul. In the next second, scenes filled Lumians vision: Fallen soldiers in iron-black armor like stalks of straw, the corpse mountain several hundred meters to the side, Julie standing on icy steps with an unlit lantern by her feet, and Wanak with dark red flames burning in his eye sockets. At this moment, Julie and Wanak both saw the bluish-black corpse of the Abscessed Hand as the primary target, launching rounds of attacks. To them, it seemed more dangerous than each other, Lumian, or Albus. Indeed Albuss voice carried a hint of laughter. He even sighed in relief without hiding it when Lumian looked over. Lumians thoughts raced, quickly understanding what Albus meant by indeed: This guy was also guessing this is the mirror world but couldnt be sure, so he encouraged me to open my eyes to verify? Dammit! Thats so sneaky! Good thing I was certain before I opened my eyes! In Lumians sight, Albus, in his black jacket with red patterns and hair like burning flames, removed the burned blindfold and laughed. No wonder that Demoness kept carrying a lit lantern, to mislead us into not thinking this was the mirror world. No wonder nothing happened when her lantern went out. Truly insidious. Are you any less insidious? Lumian replied just as the Abscessed Hands corpse experienced a sudden change. The surrounding void cracked like glass struck by a fist, dense white cracks spreading outward, becoming sparse and transparent. Crack! The cluster of dense white cracks shattered, and a rotting, pus-dripping, bluish-black swollen hand flew in. The Abscessed Hand finally broke through the barriers and arrived here! As soon as it appeared, it used Spirit World Traversal to place itself directly at the severed wrist. Seeing this, Julie had a strong sense of foreboding. She immediately let the sapphire ring on her left hand emit a faint light. Next, she let her hands fall and then lifted them from below. The ground shook violently, and a small volcano quickly formed under the bluish-black corpse of the Abscessed Hand, spewing out red-white lava and clouds of dust. This immediately engulfed the bluish-black rotting corpse, melting its flesh and attempting to solidify it within the volcanic rock. Wanak, with dark red flames in his eye sockets, had blood slowly oozing from his brow, twisting into a strange pattern. As this change occurred, Wanak raised his right hand. The dead soldiers in iron-black armor lying on the ground stood up again, their eye sockets rekindling with pale or dark red flames. Wanak then formed an almost entirely green flame spear with a hint of blazing white, hurling it at the bluish-black corpse struggling in the fierce lava. The undead soldiers followed suit, creating blazing-white flame spears, mimicking Wanaks action, and throwing them at the target. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! The flame spears nearly obscured half the sky. Seeing this, Albus moved towards the entrance, with Lumian silently following. Soon, the flame spears covered the bluish-black corpse of the Abscessed Hand, tearing it into countless small chunks of rotting flesh. These pieces ignited, falling into the red-white lava. Suddenly, a part of the lava unexpectedly caved in, and the flaming rotting flesh seemed to be drawn by an invisible force, gathering together. In the blink of an eye, the bluish-black corpse reappeared in the lava and flames. The rotting flesh on its surface peeled off in pieces with flames, revealing fresh, vibrant flesh and pale skin as healthy as if it hadnt seen sunlight for a long time. Julie and Wanaks attacks continued, with hailstones like cannonballs, black flames, lightning strikes, and flying fireballs, but the damage couldnt keep up with the reassembly and healing speed of the Abscessed Hands complete body. Within seconds, the charred skin and rotting flesh on the Abscessed Hands face also fell off, revealing a delicate, handsome face. Thick, long black eyelashes fluttered, and beneath the soft, pale eyelids, the eyes began to move slowly. Whether living in the Demonesses circle like Julie, frequently dealing with Demonesses like Lumian, or the deeply rooted Albus Medici, as well as the uniquely conditioned Wanak, they all held their breath at this moment, briefly entranced by the indescribable beauty. It was like admiring a perfect, timeless work of art. They didnt notice their hair growing visibly, previous injuries healing rapidly, and consumed spirituality replenishing as if a rainstorm had filled numerous evaporated lakes. They saw that on the flawless but slightly feminine face, under the high nose bridge, the just-right lips parted slightly, revealing clean white teeth. The entirely white yet clearly muscular and perfectly proportioned body was completely exposed. Seeing what was between the Abscessed Hands legs, Julie instinctively swallowed, clenching her right hand. The perfect body leaned back slightly, seemingly in some pain. His chest began to swell, his nether region shrinking rapidly, and his bodys lines softened. He grew increasingly beautiful, nearing the limit of perfection. But this transformation was stalled, as if missing some crucial element to succeed. Taking advantage of this stall, Albus broke free from the stunning beautys shock and immersion, touched the stubble around his mouth, burned it off with flames, and slightly frowned at Lumian. What kind of monster did you put together? Lumian, barely recovering, chuckled. I dont know either. Albus was momentarily speechless. Lumians gaze lingered on the complete corpse of the Abscessed Hand. Indeed, it was a bro, but he seemed to be turning into a sister. But if this change is due to Beyonder characteristics, like a Witchs, the gender should be fixed, not reverting to male after death and then turning female upon resurrection This feels more like corruption He was killed and sealed in pieces before the corruption could fully change his body? To prevent his reassembly and revival, and the return of the corruption? Now, whats stopping that corruption from fully transforming him? Is it an issue with the source of the corruption, or something special about Morora? Just as Lumian made some guesses based on his limited mystical knowledge, he saw the white eyelids of the Abscessed Hand twitch and slowly open. They revealed a pair of beautiful, crystalline scarlet eyes. Chapter 833 - 833 Activation 833 Activation 833 Activation Lumian and the others were all captivated by those beautiful, crystalline eyes, feeling as if their very souls were being drawn into the depths of that scarlet. But those eyes soon filled with irrational rage, madness, and chaos, creating a vortex of indescribable emptiness at their core. It made all who saw it feel a deep discomfort, as if a flawless object had suddenly cracked. Just as Lumian broke free from the trance, he saw the scarlet eyes of the Abscessed Hand focusing on him. It first noticed its own contractee. It showed no hesitation, displaying a ruthless, bloodthirsty impulse. Lumians heart skipped a beat, and his body hair stood on end. Damn, its going to attack me first! Lumian immediately prepared to teleport to the side of the corpse mountain in the mirror world, to avoid the impending attack from the Abscessed Hand. He felt it was unfair-he had only been watching and hadnt tried to interfere with the reassembly of Hand Bro, yet he was being targeted. The real culprits were Julie and Wanak! And I went through all that trouble to gather your body. I dont expect you to thank me, but at least dont kill me first! Lumian grumbled internally while activating the black mark on his right shoulder, following his Hunter instincts and personality. At this moment, both Julie and Wanak sensed that the body, which had transformed from a rotting mess to near perfection, had become even more dangerous. Taking advantage of the Abscessed Hands focus on Lumian, they each prepared their most powerful and effective attacks. Julie raised her left hand and pointed to the sky. High above, dark clouds swirled into a massive vortex, driven by a violent wind. At the center of the vortex, an iron-black meteor began to take shape, heavy and ominous. The Abscessed Hands gaze shifted from Lumians disappearing figure to Julie. In those crystalline, scarlet eyes, Julies figure in her slit dress was reflected, followed by the image of the Abscessed Hand raising its white palm. That hand clenched into a fist. Julies neck made a cracking sound, visibly indenting inward. Crack, crack, the mirrors on her body shattered, but she couldnt escape her predicament. She floated upward slowly, her face contorted in pain as if someone were lifting her by the neck. Her hands instinctively pulled back, trying to pry open the invisible hand strangling her. The forming iron-black meteor disintegrated, the wind stopped, and the clouds dispersed. Lumian, who had just appeared at the side of the corpse mountain, saw this and genuinely marveled at the terror of the Abscessed Hand. If this had happened outside, carrying out the contract without having Madam Magician as a safeguard would be suicide. At this moment, Lumian felt a strange sense of relief, as if an invisible shackle within him had been broken. He had completed the pact and was no longer barred from acquiring godhood. Lumians gaze swept over Julie, whose mouth was opening and her face turning a darker shade of blue and purple. He frowned in confusion. Where is Celeste? Julie is responsible for blocking and interfering with intruders in the mirror world. Is Celeste targeting 0-01? His thoughts raced as he looked towards Albus Medici, now several hundred meters away. This guy is also suspicious He could influence and use the iron puppets in the underground tomb. Why did he wait until Julie and Celeste took action to enter here? Was he preparing something or afraid he couldnt get past Wanak, waiting for a chaotic opportunity? Just as Julies eyes began to bulge and she resolved to unleash the full power of her sapphire ring, the mirror world shook violently again, and clear cracks appeared all around. From within these cracks, nearly invisible flames emerged and seeped through. In an instant, the sky and ground began to burn. Lumian suddenly felt an urge to submit, his body instinctively avoiding the nearly invisible, flower-like flames and the melting earth, rocks, and void. He realized his resistance to burning damage was useless against these flames; contact would surely reduce him to ashes. At the same time, his right palm became unbearably hot, and a violent, crazed aura surged within him, unable to break free from the icy, deathly stillness of the Underworld Daoist marks restraints. The residual aura of Blood Emperor Alista Tudor had fully activated, completely triggered! This left Lumian feeling like an overinflated balloon, pushed to its limit and still being pumped. The pain was excruciating. The area around the Abscessed Hand, where the mirror cracks were most numerous and the flames most dense, became a burning hell. Its head lowered, and the hand squeezing Julies neck loosened. Witnessing this change and feeling an indescribable pain, Lumian recalled a passage from the 0-01 sealing information: Beyonders with strength surpassing Sequence 5 are forbidden from approaching. Warning, Beyonders with strength surpassing Sequence 5 are forbidden from approaching! Now, the reassembled and revived Abscessed Hand clearly possessed strong godhood. 0-01 has detected the presence of a demigod level Beyonder and is forcibly breaking the mirror worlds barrier? My Blood Emperor mark was stimulated by 0-01s aura and triggered uncontrollably? Lumian thought painfully, his thoughts disjointed. Albus Medici also lowered his head, his flaming hair growing another inch. Julie fell to the top of the frosty steps, finally escaping a near-death state. Her long, pale neck was swollen and bruised, marked by deep, blood-embedded finger imprints. Julie exhaled, raising her left hand once more. She intended to seize this chance while the enemy, who nearly killed her, was restrained by 0-01s power and eradicate it completely. On the other side, Wanak ignited nearly blue flames. He stretched out his right palm, directing the flames forward to form a giant fireball. The fireball attracted the nearly invisible flames around it, drawing them in layer by layer. Behind Wanak, his undead army was ignited by the flames seeping through the cracks, but instead of turning to ash, they merged with these flames, one by one flying into Wanaks fireball. The fireball grew larger, its color gradually turning purple. Wanak, his eye sockets burning with dark red flames, bit his lips tightly, reaching his limit. He then pushed the enormous, pale purple fireball towards the Abscessed Hand. As the fireball touched the Abscessed Hands perfect body, a meteor ignited by air friction fell from the sky. The meteor fell faster and faster, hitting the immobilized target directly. Struggling against the residual aura of the Blood Emperor, Lumian first saw the explosion of light, then the rising dust, and finally heard the deafening boom, feeling the earth shake wildly. The world turned colorless and dark. Did it work? Julie eagerly looked towards the area where the meteor had fallen. Though it was filled with dust, smoke, and invisible wind, Julie used her connection with the mirror world to make her eyes like mirrors, reflecting the scene at the explosions core. The perfect body had been blown to pieces, its flesh either charred or vaporized, leaving only a broken, black skeleton standing. But on that skeleton, new tender flesh was growing, and the bone was slowly shedding its charred appearance. Its still not dead? The weakened Julie felt an immense heaviness in her heart. In the next second, Julies forehead throbbed with pain, as if the flesh there had a will of its own, trying to break free from her skin. Her ears buzzed, and her mind was filled with images of lofty, gently floating scarlet flags. Her face twisted in pain, she thought with difficulty, H-has 0-01 noticed me? I-I cant hold on any longer Im going to become its puppet Julies body bent forward under the invisible weight, her eyes turning black with visible veins. She looked at Wanak on the wasteland, at the rising dust, her gaze growing crazed, resembling her state when first entering Morora. Clenching her teeth, she whispered, I will take everyone here with me! Celeste, the rest is up to you! Remember the famous line from Eternal Love? Stupid, live well! Live well! Julie silently screamed, and her sapphire ring burst into blinding light. She was invoking the Primordial Ones divine descent! In the light, the bloody mark on Julies forehead faded quickly, her hair floated and grew longer and thicker. Gray-white quickly spread around her, turning the entire wasteland gray-white. Lumian stiffened as if turned to stone, the residual aura of the Blood Emperor in his right palm causing endless burning pain. Then he saw Julie, transformed by the gray-white, suddenly turn towards him. Trier, in the sacrificial square at the entrance to the third level of the underground catacombs. Franca had finished checking the surroundings, ensuring no one else was present, and had set up a mirror maze. You can drink the potion now. She nodded at Jenna. Jenna took out the necessary materials from her Travelers Bag and mixed the Pleasure potion in a crystal glass. Without hesitation, she raised the glass and gulped it down. She felt herself float as if walking on clouds, her body pricked by tiny, needle-like pains. Her hair, influenced by an unseen force, defied gravity, extending away. Jenna vaguely saw snakes slithering through the surrounding gloom, rising up. Each snake had a strange eye on its head, giving Jenna a strong sense of danger, as if she would be torn apart any second. The hallucination quickly faded, and Jenna saw a blurry, holy figure in a plain white robe. The figure sighed in a hollow, ethereal voice. As a woman, do you know how dangerous this path is? I have no choice, Jenna replied, half-awake and dazed. The holy figure was silent for a moment and then said,Make peace with your mirror self, for you were always one. Any other questions? The figure started to fade as if about to disappear. Jenna blurted out, Are you Lady Krismona? Who is your father? As soon as she asked, Jenna wanted to slap herself. Had she gotten into the habit of discussing nonsense with Lumian and Franca? There were so many important things to ask, yet she asked such an irrelevant question! The holy figure in the plain white robe was silent for a moment and then said, My father is Alista Tudor. Chapter 834 - 834 Divine Descent 834 Divine Descent 834 Divine Descent The entire world seemed to turn gray and white, even the almost blue flames on Wanaks body solidifying into stone. Lumians first instinct was to reach into his Travelers Bag to retrieve the mirror cufflink. He intended to use the opportunity, created by 0-01 breaking through the mirror worlds barrier and Julie being too preoccupied to intervene, to escape the mirror world and return to the real corpse mountain, avoiding the impending divine battle. He realized Julie had been praying for a divine descent. And now, a fragment of the Primordial Demonesss power had descended! Lumian couldnt avoid the influence. His body turned gray and stiff. The burning pain from the residual aura of the Blood Emperor in his right palm was the only thing keeping him moving, allowing him to slowly reach into his bag and grab the glass-like cufflink. Just as he withdrew his hand, before he could activate the mirror cufflink, Julie, with her hair floating in the air, turned to look at him. Her hair had turned raven black like thick, long serpents, and her eyes were now a brilliant, crystalline blue. In that brief moment of eye contact, Lumian lost control of his body. He saw the grayness spreading around him, climbing from his feet. Every inch of skin and flesh it touched turned to real stone. Why am I the first target? Wanak and Albus are far more dangerous, and the Abscessed Hand isnt completely dead. Why target the weakest one first? Shouldnt I be caught in a broad attack instead? Then Id have a chance to escape the mirror world and wait out the divine descent! Facing this hopeless situation, Lumian, as an Ascetic, couldnt help but feel intense anger and frustration. Despite his limbs turning to stone, he tried to channel his spirituality to activate the Mirror Cufflink and other contract marks on his body. But as his spirituality approached the grayness, it solidified, turning to stone and falling like rain to the ground. His neck turned to stone, then his face and brain began to gray. His last effort was to look toward Albus Medicis position. The wasteland was empty. The descendant of the Red Angel was gone. He had disappeared or escaped somehow! Son of a sow Lumian couldnt help but curse. In the next moment, his thoughts seemed to turn to stone. His gray eyes saw Julie, transformed and radiating charm even to stone, floating in mid-air, engulfed in black flames. The Demoness descended like a giant bird, trailing black flames that twisted and branched like countless serpents, their long tails gently swaying. Silently, the mirror world began to collapse, dark voids mingling with black flames, swallowing the still skeletal Abscessed Hand, the immovable Wanak, and the petrified Lumian The end of this world had come. Silent darkness filled every void. After an indeterminate time, a violent, invisible flame flickered to life, illuminating Lumians mind. He felt the burning pain and icy rot in his right palm, the heat in his left chest. He snapped his eyes open and saw a hundred-meter-high mountain of corpses and bones. Im alive? Lumian was bewildered. His last memory was turning to stone and the destruction of the mirror world by Julie. He instinctively looked down, seeing the grayness rapidly recede from his body. This confirmed it wasnt a nightmare or hallucination. How did I survive? Did someone help me? Lumian doubted he could have survived such an apocalypse alone. At that moment, he heard Albus Medicis voice, tinged with amusement. You can traverse the mirror world too, just like my escape plan, and you did it while partially petrified. Impressive. Did you rely on that cufflink in your hand? Lumian turned to see Albus, in a tattered black and red jacket, a crystal necklace around his wrist. Albus had his eyes closed but was surrounded by undead soldiers in iron-black armor, their eyes burning with pale or dark red flames. Lumian remembered he should also close his eyes. This is likely the real area around the corpse mountain. Keeping his eyes open might result in being silently replaced by his mirror self! Nothing happened Just as I expected, Im now Wanaks ally, one of the dangers, a puppet of 0-01. No need to fear any forbidden rules anymore If only Id realized it earlier, instead of being stunned and confused by my survival, I could have closed my eyes before Albus looked over, taking advantage of the situation to trick him Lumian regretted this missed opportunity but also started to understand how Albus avoided the divine descent of the Primordial Demoness. Like him, he took advantage of 0-01 breaking through the mirror worlds barrier and Julie being too preoccupied with her prayer to notice them. He used an item that allowed him to traverse the mirror world and escape back to the real mausoleum. The only difference was, Julie, who hadnt fully completed her divine descent, targeted Lumian instead of Albus, allowing him to escape while he couldnt. Why were you watching me? You shouldve focused on sealing the entire world. Then no one couldve escaped! Lumian mentally cursed Julie, realizing that he must have activated the Mirror Cufflink just before his thoughts completely turned to stone, which saved him. But as he checked, he realized something was wrong. The Mirror Cufflink still had two uses left! He hadnt used the Beyonder item at all! Wh- Could Archbishop Heraberg secretly have helped me? After all, gods need special arrangements to descend a fraction of their power into Morolas underground mausoleum. Its unlikely an external entity intervened suddenly It couldnt be Julie, who suddenly felt how kind I was as a boss and pushed me out of the mirror world at the last moment, could it? Lumian decided to put these thoughts aside for now. Now wasnt the time to seek the truth! There were still many dangers ahead! He glanced at Albus, noticing the Red Angels descendant studying him through the eyes of the surrounding undead soldiers. Indeed, Albus didnt attack me just now, not because he didnt want to, but because he had concerns. My actions exceeded his expectations, and my escape was full of mysteries. He feared acting rashly might trigger a trap Lumians thoughts were interrupted by a sudden change in the sky. Julie, wearing a long slit dress, appeared in the dimly lit sky. Lumians scalp tingled. Shes still alive and in the divine descent state? He quickly noticed Julies figure was unusually transparent, and the sapphire ring on her left hand was gone. Phew He heard Albus Medici sigh in relief. Julie lowered her head and gazed at the top of the corpse mountain. Following her gaze, Lumian saw a two to three meter tall iron-black metal pole with a charred banner at the top. The banner was covered in dark red and black bloodstains. Just a glance made Lumian feel dizzy, his neck inexplicably stinging, and the smell of blood seeped from various parts of his face and forehead. 0-01? Salingers Blood Banner? My corruption has deepened It seems I dont need to finish reading all the remaining books. Mastering the current one should be enough I cant rely on such direct corruption to save time; its easy to surpass the critical point Lumian quickly averted his gaze, noticing Celeste standing not far from the banner. The Demoness, wearing a black robe, was looking down at the spot where the iron-black metal pole was embedded in the top of the corpse mountain. The next second, she sensed something, raised her head, and looked at Julie in the sky. Julies lips curled into a beautiful and radiant smile. She parted her moist lips as if to say, Ill leave it to you. In an instant, Lumian saw Julies figure rapidly fade and shrink, turning into a puddle of filthy blood. The blood, only palm-sized, fell straight down. Its target was the charred banner of 0-01, seemingly to become one of the many bloodstains on it. Celeste finally snapped out of her daze and shouted in pain, Julie! At that moment, Albuss expression changed slightly. He transformed into a long spear of blazing white with a hint of blue flames, shooting towards the banner in mid-air. He seemed unwilling to let Julies remaining blood stain the charred banner. Youre finally putting in some effort Lumian muttered, not rushing to follow Albus to the top of the corpse mountain to leave a mark or stop him and Celeste. He planned to join after Albus and Celeste had fought for a while. Of course, Lumian could see that Albus valued Julies blood and didnt want it to become a mark on the 0-01 banner. If Albus didnt perform well and failed to stop the blood from reaching its intended spot, Lumian would teleport to help in time. Seizing this rare opportunity, Lumian took an item from his Travelers Bag. It wasnt the Sword of Courage but the Devils Whispers bone ring from Hisoka. Chapter 835 - 835 Source of Corruption 835 Source of Corruption 835 Source of Corruption As soon as Lumians fingers touched the glossy black bone ring, he felt searing pain spread from the point of contact throughout his entire body. He looked down to see thin wisps of purple-blue sulfur flames emerging from every pore, charring the surrounding skin bit by bit and giving off a pungent odor. This pain was so familiar to Lumian that he merely furrowed his brow slightly, gritted his teeth, his expression barely changing. He then took out the Devils Whispers bone ring, slipping it onto his right ring finger with the twisted, agonized Devils face facing up. Lumians gaze turned icy cold, a deep blackness forming in his blue irises that no light could penetrate. The malice within him rapidly swelled, overwhelming the Ascetics tolerance and clashing fiercely with his own will in a fragile balance, the excess spilling outward. Lumian took out some Ice Lemon Fish fillets from his Travelers Bag, stuffing them into his mouth and chewing to temporarily boost his fire resistance a bit. At the same time, he sensed the surrounding malice. He was searching for the Mirror Person Guei! One negative effect of the Devils Whispers was that it made the wearer and anyone within a hundred meters more prone to malicious thoughts and impulsive actions. And since Mirror People tended toward extremism and distortion to begin with, they would be even more obviously affected. With this premise, the Devils Whispers also granted the Malice Perception ability, allowing the wearer to sense if those around them harbored ill intent. It could not detect dangers in their brewing stages like a true Devil, but it was still a mystical form of perception. As long as the Mirror Person developed malicious intentions toward him within a certain distance, Lumian believed he could use Malice Perception to pinpoint their location! Sulfur flames slowly burning across his body, Lumians icy gaze swept the surrounding area littered with corpses clad in iron-black full-body armor amid smoldering fires, remnants of some recent slaughter. Faint, nearly invisible flames also flickered at various points on the corpse mountain itself. They illuminated the wasteland and sky, preventing total darkness from taking hold and allowing Lumian, Albus, and Celeste to remain visible despite no longer holding their carbide lamps or lanterns. After just a second or two, the corners of Lumians mouth curled into a cruel, cold smile. He sensed intense malice directed at him from about ten meters behind and to the side! It emanated from a corpse-no, from the smooth, mirror-black breastplate on the corpse. Found you Without turning around, Lumian abruptly teleported to the corpses side amid his slow movements and activated the Mirror Cufflink. Through the metal mirrors surface, Mirror Person Guei peered outward from within the black breastplate. After discovering the two Demonesses had used the mirror world to reach this area, he had slipped out quietly, leaving it to Julie and Celeste. He wasnt worried they would beat him to 0-01, since based on his knowledge and on-site investigations, he believed no one could gain 0-01s approval before its agent Wanak was eliminated. Brute force or exploiting loopholes would achieve nothing until the throne was vacant and chaos ensued, giving others an opportunity. Guei felt relieved he had made this wise choice, having directly experienced the mirror world projections destruction just now. A mere aftershock of that apocalyptic scene could have vaporized him instantly. Confirming Wanaks death, he then slipped back through an ordinary mirror world to the corpse mountains vicinity, seeking a chance to gain 0-01s approval and take it for himself. He saw Julie turning to filthy blood and fall, Albus Medici transforming into a fiery spear to stop it, Celeste screaming Albuss name in anguish, and Lumian Lee calmly putting on the ring, preparing to make his entrance and reap the spoils of victory. An intense malice welled up within Guei: Youre all obstructing me from completing my mission! After entering Morora as one of the rare Readers turned Mirror Person, Guei had initially felt confident, supplementing his knowledge at the Knowledge Cathedral while conducting field investigations to gather intel for his final operation. But after covertly observing the capabilities of Albus Medici, Wanak, Julie, and Lumian Lee, Guei began doubting himself. Which of them could I actually defeat one-on-one by exploiting the special mirror worlds power? Probably only Lumian Lee, the one my superior warned me to watch out for And when it comes to learning speed, although I far outpace Lumian, it seems I cant handle nearly as much corruption as him Am I really the one with the least hope among these people? Shaken by these doubts, Guei devised a plan to lurk in the shadows, using his special nature to emerge once the heavyweights had clashed and weakened each other, then sweep up the remains. So far, his plan had progressed smoothly. The biggest obstacle, Wanak, and the most dangerous threat, Julie, were dead, their souls completely extinguished with no chance of revival through 0-01s leaking power as undead beings! Once Albus Medici and Celeste decide the winner between them, I can join the fray, kill the survivor, and take on the weakest Lumian Lee alone Should I, should I ambush Lumian while hes off-guard? Hes no Demoness or Mirror Person, with no substitute active, a single hit could kill him for real These malicious thoughts grew clearer and stronger in Gueis mind. But before he could decide, Lumians figure abruptly enlarged, appearing right before his eyes. Then Lumian vanished from his sight. In his place, a viscous pool of black liquid emerged underfoot, as if the deepest, most vile desires of the human heart had taken physical form. Desire Incarnation! The black liquid suddenly surged upward, enveloping Guei. Crack! The sound of shattering glass came from within the inky fluid as Gueis silhouette appeared on the edge of the dim, empty space behind the metal mirror. He saw the liquid rapidly coalescing into Lumians form, chuckling coldly with a fondness of teaching others. Didnt know I had a Mirror Substitution, did you? A direct attack like this only costs me one mirror. Before the words had left his mouth, an exceptionally violent emotion welled up within Guei. He instinctively reached for his neck, feeling warm blood. Pain immediately lanced into his mind. Crack! Guei deliberately triggered his own Mirror Substitution, shattering countless shards of glass that rained to the ground. His silhouette now flickered in another corner behind the mirror, but a thin, deep bloody gash remained on his neck. His emotions had become completely frenzied, vicious, and insane. His facial skin rapidly aged and withered like patches of brown tree bark. The words my child, my child echoed in his ears as flesh rippled on either shoulder, seeming to sprout additional heads. His abdomen slowly swelled while his eyes took on a silvery-white with streaks of black. His aura rapidly dissipated as his body visibly decayed, chunks of flesh sloughing off and wriggling like maggots Lumian saw the various corruptions afflicting him directly manifested in this stark way. It was a veritable smorgasbord! When he used Desire Incarnation, that inky black pool didnt just contain his own emotions and desires, but also those from the corruptive emotions and desires deeply influencing him. These higher-level corruptions would be difficult for any non-godhood being to resist-even Saints would suffer serious effects! Facing such potent corruption, failure to proactively trigger ones Mirror Substitution immediately would be too late once the viscous fluid made contact. By then, it would already have tainted the target! Now Guei was a horrifically corrupted monstrosity. Seeing the Mirror Person degenerating toward an unspeakable form, Lumian had the intuition that continuing to observe might catalyze a similar transformation within himself. He immediately stepped back, leaving the metal mirror surface to return to the corpse and surrounding wasteland at the base of the corpse mountain. He then saw the smooth mirror-like surface of his chest plate, with tendrils of black mist seeping out, like illusory shadows seeming to try and grasp him. Lumian swiftly turned his body and sprinted toward the corpse mountain peak. Sometimes transforming into a blazing-white flaming spear to propel himself forward, sometimes teleporting dozens of meters, he continually climbed upward through the mountain formed of corpses and bones, scattered with lingering embers. He aimed to lead the out-of-control, collapsing Mirror Person Guei, corrupted into monstrosity, to Albus Medici and Celeste, telling them youre welcome. Whether climbing by hand and foot, using his contracted abilities for short-range teleports, or ascending in flaming spear form, Lumian felt an immense oppressive presence behind him. An indescribable, constantly shifting black shadow was cast onto him and his path ahead, inevitably filling him with fear. He now had no way to know what horrific form the pursuing monster had taken or what state it was in-he only knew for certain it was not something a normal human should observe or discern. Suddenly, Gueis deep voice rang in his ears: Mommy Mommy Lumians mouth twitched, realizing that even with all the strange corruptions on himself, the one from the Great Mother, from the Omebella bloodline, still stood out as the most exceptional-after all, Mr. Fool had left behind a seal, not a corruption. Lumian fled even faster. Finally, he saw the summit of the corpse mountain peak, Celeste and Albus Medici. Chapter 836 - 836 Unorthodox Feint 836 Unorthodox Feint 836 Unorthodox Feint Albus transformed into a blazing-white, blue-tinged flaming spear, flying to the peak of the corpse mountain, toward Julies filthy blood descending onto the charred 0-01 banner. But in the blink of an eye, he lost his target, reverting from his fiery state to land beside the corpse where 0-01 should have been embedded. At the peak, opening his eyes no longer seemed an issue, but Albus Medicis vision no longer contained the charred banner, Julies filthy blood, or Celeste. With his past experience, Albus quickly understood what was happening: This was the mirror world, or a Mirror Maze! After waiting so long at the peak, Celeste must have made some preparations! As Albus guessed, this was a Mirror Maze created by multiple mirrors reflecting each other. Celeste stood outside, her gaze pained and distant as she watched the filthy blood race towards the charred flag. For some reason, the filthy blood slowed its descent, as if repelled by 0-01, but it still sank inexorably, just at a reduced pace. Albus tried using the crystal necklace coiled around his wrist but found no mirror world to traverse or escape through, confirming he was trapped in the Mirror Maze. He immediately condensed blazing white, blue-tinged fireballs, sending them in all directions to blast the hidden mirrors forming the maze. As its name implied, the Mirror Maze was just a maze, not a true barrier with defenses! Thunderous explosions erupted almost simultaneously, yet Albus still could not break through the Mirror Maze. Not a single mirror had been damaged! With a slight narrowing of his eyes, Albus decisively abandoned any further such attempts. Outside the Mirror Maze, Celeste felt the explosive winds and inwardly scoffed. In other locations, widespread bombardment might overwhelm a Mirror Maze meant to trap Hunters. But here at the corpse mountains peak, the heart of 0-01s seal, it would not be so easy. As a Demoness of Affliction corrupted by 0-01 to some degree like Julie, Celeste could wield traces of that special mirror worlds power! The Mirror Mazes mirrors were not at the peak itself, but scattered among the corpses and bones below, their reflections then projected around 0-01s vicinity through that special mirror world, forming the Mirror Maze. Seeing Julies filthy blood nearing the charred banner, Celeste felt a mix of elation and confusion, underlaid by anguish. From somewhere, she produced a black teardrop-like ornament and affixed it to between her brows. Inside the Mirror Maze, Albus calmly lowered his head and half-closed his eyes, preparing to do what would inevitably be required. He murmured in ancient Hermes, The great God of War, the symbol of iron and blood, the ruler of chaos and strife. With this three-passage invocation of the honorific name, the iron-black metal flagpole suspending the charred banner shuddered slightly, its drooping flag fully unfurling with a rattling sound despite the stillness, each bloody stain growing vivid. Julies filthy bloody halted, hovering a couple meters from 0-01, as if grasped by an unseen hand. High above, clouds rapidly swirled into an immense vortex tinged with faint purple firelight, larger than the mountain itself, its far end suggesting some vast entity straining against an invisible barrier. Cracks spread from the Salingers Blood Banner with snapping sounds, the special mirror world over the peak shattering. The Mirror Maze dissipated as its special mirror world projection broke apart. Albuss head snapped up, his irises now flecked with iron-black, a bloody mark stark on his brow. His gaze fell on Celeste, now adorned with her own black teardrop ornament, meeting her eyes. Before combat could erupt, Lumian nonchalantly climbed over the peaks edge, a mere seven or eight meters from 0-01. No communication was needed as Albus and Celeste simultaneously attacked Lumian. Albus casually thrust out a fist expelling a massive blue-tinged fireball, while frost coalesced around Celestes head into mirrors, each preceding an eerie, smoldering black flame. But just as Celestes icy mirrors would have reflected Lumian, his figure faded, vanishing with a mocking smile. Behind him, an immense silhouette suddenly loomed into Albus and Celestes view. Already over five or six meters tall yet still growing, twisting appendages sprouting, it was covered in patches of brown bark and sickening knobs that oozed clear fluid from the gaps. For now, the monstrosity cradled a blood-stained, vertebrae-trailing head in one hand, its silvery-black empty eyes dead and sunken. On either shoulder was a fleshy, head-sized bulge, the surface rippling with some contained liquid. The next second, the monster leaped to the peak, shedding puddles of wriggling maggot-flesh. Countless black gaseous tendrils dragged at it from behind, trying to pull it back into the sleek, iron-black breastplate mirror. The mere sight catalyzed a visceral sensation of corruption in Albus and Celeste. Celestes hair billowed outward, rapidly thickening and coarsening, while Albuss face became mapped with protruding black veins. Boom! Albuss immense blue-tinged fireball with white remnants exploded against the monstrosity as Celestes flickering array of frost-mirrors reflected its figure, engulfing it in roiling black flames. Crack! The monster shattered mirror-like, its silhouette immediately reappearing beside 0-01, making Albus and Celestes scalps prickle-it could use Mirror Substitution too. Raising its severed head, the monstrosity emitted a sound like it came from another world. Celeste felt herself plunged into cloying, frozen blackness, constrained on all sides in inescapable oppression. Albus likewise found himself surrounded by stifling darkness. This was a mystic technique inspired by the Mirror Persons state of being. At that moment, Lumian, having teleported away to avoid the earlier clash, reappeared at the corpse peaks base. His silhouette flickered behind Albus in the darkness, mouth opening to harrumph, sending a pale-yellow gaseous breath that washed over him. For an instant, Albuss eyes went blank, his body swaying before he recovered his senses. The Red Angel had helped him resist part of the Spell of Harrumphs effects. Seizing Albuss momentary disorientation, Lumians left fist blazed with white flames as he struck at his vulnerable point-the neck connecting head and body. Cull! As Lumians fist neared Albuss neck, the member of the Medici family transformed into a humanoid blaze of white, blue-tinged fire. Not the merger with a flaming spear, but transmutation into living flame itself. In this fiery state, his neck was no longer a weakness! Bang! Lumians punch only made the flaming figure waver and dim slightly. In the next instant, Albus became a roaring blue-tinged flaming spear, bursting through the black icy shackles into the air. Wheeling about like a javelin cast from the high vortexs hidden depths, he unleashed dozens of blue-streaked white fireballs in a thunderous barrage toward the peak. Boom! Rumble! Boom boom! Horrific explosions engulfed the area in relentless succession. The indescribable monstrosity repeatedly used Mirror Substitution yet could not escape the bombardments range. Meanwhile, Lumian had teleported pre-emptively back to the mountains base. Still teleporting? Hand Bro isnt dead yet? As a chill ran down Lumians back, he saw Celestes face reflected in a nearby corpses smooth breastplate. The Demoness had not met Albuss assault with Mirror Substitution, instead deploying a mirror to swiftly traverse the mirror world to the wasteland-one of Lumians backup plans. Seeing she did not immediately attack him, Lumian turned his gaze back toward the peak. He did not regret missing the opportunity to eliminate Albus earlier, as that was the outcome he wanted. If he had intended to kill Albus with that strike, he would not have used only his Cull ability-he would have surely drawn the Sword of Courage or attacked in his Desire Incarnation form instead. If I killed Albus now, who would help me deal with Celeste and that monster? Just me alone? Lumian inwardly muttered with obvious malice. His earlier attack had a hidden purpose: to deceive Albus into thinking his defenses were ineffective against Lumian, to make him believe the pitch-black bone ring on his hand could not target him. Then, at the crucial moment, he could surprise Albus by exploiting this misconception! The thunderous explosions finally subsided. The corpses and bones atop the peak had suffered severe damage, and Julies filthy blood had dissipated somewhat. The indescribable monster no longer had Mirror Substitution, its surface charred and tattered. Albus reappeared, his iron-black eyes lifting his right hand to push forward. A spiraling storm of white-blue Fire Ravens flocked relentlessly toward the monsters exposed abdomen in overwhelming numbers. Rumble! Its weak point battered, the staggering monster collapsed into fragments. Seeing this, Lumian instantly drew a straight sword resembling the Sword of Courage and teleported to the peak, while Celeste also raced toward it. Chapter 837 - 837 Each With Their Own Schemes 837 Each With Their Own Schemes 837 Each With Their Own Schemes Lumian did not directly teleport behind Albus Medici, nor did he approach the fragmented corpse of the monster Guei. Instead, his figure quickly materialized at the edge of the peak area. Earlier, while observing the battle from the mountains base, he had already stopped the knowledge recitation from the brass talisman made by Archbishop Heraberg and removed the corresponding earplugs, placing them in the Travelers Bag. This was out of concern that the upcoming intense battle might cause devastating damage to them. Similarly, he wore the Mirror Cufflink on his cuff, preparing to use it. As soon as Lumian appeared at the mountain peak, he saw the pus flowing from Gueis corpse fragments seep into the bodies and bones forming the ground, igniting nearly invisible and colorless flames. Those flames instantly engulfed Gueis dismembered body, burning it to ashes, giving no chance for it to writhe and grow. At the same time, Lumian noticed that the almost invisible remnant flames that had existed at the peak had mostly extinguished, with the remaining ones about to burn out completely. He had also noticed earlier from the mountain base that the scattered remnant flames on the wasteland were successively extinguishing. Of course, this did not affect the illumination of the corpse mountain and its surrounding areas. Light came from the purple fiery glow seeping through the massive vortex high in the sky, from the corpses, bones, and different parts of the wasteland ignited during the battle between Albus Medici, Celeste, and the monster Guei, and from the charred banner that was shaking and vibrating with increasing frequency. The original remnant flames are extinguishing? Were they not always present, but rather created by 0-01 in response to the appearance of Hand Bro, a being with godhood? As this thought struck Lumian, he gripped the ordinary straight sword resembling the Sword of Courage with both hands and ran towards Albus Medici, who was about a dozen meters away. With a whoosh, the straight sword burst into blazing-white flames. Albus, with his brow mark vivid and seemingly about to drip, bent down, letting his hands touch the corpses and bones forming the mountain. The flesh of some corpses suddenly melted, becoming viscous, while bones rapidly gathered. Albus then straightened up, forcibly pulling from the corpse-and-bone ground a huge white sword temporarily formed from countless spines and neck bones, with melted viscous flesh entwined around it, bringing a bloody and bizarre appearance. Albus dragged this bizarrely shaped, horrifying giant sword to meet Lumian. Crack! The giant sword of bones protruding through waxy flesh split Lumians blazing white flame sword in two with a single strike. Lumians figure vanished, rapidly reappearing behind Albus. He swiftly drew another iron-black straight sword resembling the Sword of Courage from the Travelers Bag and struck heavily at the neck of this Medici family member before him. Albus swiftly turned, swinging his monstrous giant sword horizontally, once again shattering Lumians weapon. Lumian teleported once more, again flashing behind his enemy. But as soon as his figure began to materialize, sharp icy spears condensed in mid-air, raining down like a storm. Celeste, who had concealed herself and circled to an unknown location, launched an area attack targeting both Albus and Lumian. Lumian then saw dense fog. It surged out from around Albus, instantly enveloping the area, reducing visibility to ten meters and preventing Lumian from sensing spirit world coordinates beyond the fog, making it difficult to directly teleport out. Fog of War! Immediately after, Albus, now out of Lumian and Celestes sight, pressed a layered, compressed, yet still massive blue fireball towards the ground of the corpse mountain. Boom! A terrifying explosion that temporarily deafened swept across the area, dispersing the dense Fog of War, vaporizing the falling icy spears, destroying part of the corpses and bones, and igniting others. Almost simultaneously, Lumians figure was reflected in the black breastplate of a corpse on the wasteland. Earlier, when his teleportation was restricted, he had immediately taken out a mirror from the Travelers Bag and activated the Mirror Cufflink on his left cuff. Using this Beyonder item, Lumian had entered the mirror world just before Albus created the indiscriminate explosion and the dense icy spears fell, escaping from the peak of the corpse mountain. This was similar to his choice when escaping from Albus and Gusains encirclement in that underground cavern filled with the fog of war. Lumian jumped out of the smooth black metal breastplate, and the glass-like ornament on his cuff instantly turned grayish-white, crumbling into dust that scattered to the ground. The Mirror Cufflink had been used for the last time. At the peak of the corpse mountain, Albus had already turned and was rushing towards the increasingly violently shaking 0-01. At this point, Julies pool of filthy blood was only about a meter away from the surface of the charred banner. Since Albuss battle with the monster Guei began, the blood no longer felt as if it was being held up by an invisible hand and continued to fall, albeit at an increasingly slower pace. Seeing 0-01 within reach, a mirror of ice and snow, two to three people tall, suddenly rose in front of Albus. The mirror instantly reflected Albuss figure. Similar ice mirrors abruptly appeared to Albuss sides and behind him, reflecting different angles of this Red Angel descendant. As these giant ice mirrors formed, thick, snake-like strands of blackened hair emerged from the edge of the mountain, carrying the quiet and eerie Demonesss black flames, rapidly extending towards those mirrors. Celeste intended to curse Albus with this! Albus swiftly turned sideways, facing the source of those snake-like black hairs, and saw Celeste, cloaked in a black robe with an oddly flushed face. Boom! Multiple blazing white, blue-tinged fireballs quickly condensed, shattering those four huge ice mirrors into pieces. However, these fragments melted slowly, continuing to reflect Albuss image from different angles, densely awaiting the arrival of the snake-like hairs carrying the Demonesss flames. Holding the bizarre giant sword, Albus suddenly transformed into a blazing white, blue-tinged fire person, expanding to three to four meters tall. This brought continuous high temperatures, completely melting those ice mirror fragments. Silently, Celeste withdrew those long hairs covered in black flames, once again concealing her form, moving to an unknown location. Lumian teleported over. This time, he drew the iron-black Sword of Courage from the Travelers Bag-the true Sword of Courage! Enduring the continuous burning pain of sulfurous flames, Lumian was instantly filled with courage. Whats there to fear from just a Sequence 5 who can borrow some power from the Red Angel? Why hide? Lumian swung the Sword of Courage at Albus Medici, only igniting the godhood-possessing straight sword with blazing white, blue-tinged flames just before it was about to clash with Albuss bizarre bone and flesh sword. Having courage didnt mean not using schemes and tricks! Albuss now iron-black eyes showed no surprise; instead, a smile curled at the corners of his mouth. His bizarre bone and flesh sword suddenly burst into near-blue flames. Youve been pretending to be weak all along, only using ordinary straight swords. How could I not be prepared for you to suddenly use a godhood-possessing attack? Albuss body abruptly metallized, instantly boosting his strength to its peak. Boom! The two swords collided, creating a sound like an exploding shell. The blast of wind failed to shake Albus, whose skin now had an iron-black tinge, pushing Lumian and his Sword of Courage back. Suddenly, Lumian melted into a viscous black liquid that seemed to be formed from the most sinister desires deep within the human heart. He disintegrated on the ground, rapidly flowing to the bottom of Albuss feet, covering him like a shadow. Crack! The illusory, viscous, chilling black liquid suddenly dispersed, and a mirror tinged with silvery-black fell onto the corpses and bones, shattering into pieces. Mirror Substitution? Lumian was shocked. Albus has Mirror Substitution too? No, he hadnt used it in several dangerous situations before! Albuss figure emerged from a mirror near the peak of the corpse mountain, smiling as he transformed into a blazing-white, blue-tinged flame spear, flying back to the battlefield-that mirror was a remnant of Celestes Mirror Maze. He didnt have Mirror Substitution, but he could still traverse the mirror world using the crystal necklace coiled around his wrist. During Lumians first attack, he had prepared a mirror in advance, hiding it at his waist under his tattered jacket. The indescribable monster appeared so abruptly and strangely, pursuing you. How could I not be prepared for you in this aspect? As for how to quickly escape combat without Mirror Substitution and avoid being affected, youve demonstrated it twice already! Seeing the flame spear flying towards him, Lumian, still in his viscous black liquid state, immediately seeped into the gaps between the corpses and bones, using this to leave the mountain peak. Filled with courage, he didnt intend to flee. To avoid being trapped by the Fog of War again without the Mirror Cufflink, he planned to circle around to the other side, seeking new opportunities to corrupt Albus Medici. Fleeing was definitely not an option! At this moment, Lumian suddenly felt a rather intense weakness. Has my spirituality dried up prematurely? No, its not just a matter of spirituality Lumian thought as he reverted to human form and released his accumulated spirituality. Clang! His right hand inexplicably lost strength, making it difficult to hold onto the Sword of Courage. He could only watch helplessly as the iron-black straight sword fell to the ground, clanging against a stark white skeleton. Why didnt I teleport to create distance first? I I seem to be sick Lumian was suddenly alarmed and immediately activated the black mark on his right shoulder, disappearing from near the peak of the corpse mountain. He left the Sword of Courage there, not retrieving it for the moment. He was hoping the opponent would trigger one of its negative effects- in about ten minutes, if the Sword of Courage wasnt sealed away, it would indiscriminately attack nearby people. And now, the people around the Sword of Courage were Albus Medici and Celeste. As soon as Lumians figure materialized on the wasteland, Albus at the peak of the corpse mountain slightly furrowed his brow. This descendant of the Red Angel swayed slightly, noticeably weaker than before. He seemed to have fallen ill as well. Chapter 838 - 838 Bluffing 838 Bluffing 838 Bluffing Albuss right hand holding the weapon drooped down, seemingly too weak to bear the weight of the bone and flesh sword. He planted it on the ground made of corpses and bones, but compared to Lumian directly dropping the Sword of Courage, he was clearly much better off. At the same time, Celestes voice, filled with anticipation and cruel amusement, emanated from various mirrors and mirror-like objects scattered across the corpse mountain and wasteland, How are you feeling? Confused about when you got infected with the plague? Sure enough, its a Demonesss Plague Standing on the wasteland, Lumian took advantage of the moment before his muscles completely lost strength, when he could still lift light objects, to quickly remove the Devils Whispers bone ring from his finger and stuff it back into the Travelers Bag. Wearing this ring would cause Lumian to be constantly burned by sulfurous flames, inside and out, continuously weakening his resistance and tolerance to Plague. Although he was already poisoned by sulfur and had some degree of burns, stopping the damage in time was still very important. After putting away the Devils Whispers bone ring, Lumian took out the brass talisman and matching earplugs given by Archbishop Heraberg, gripping one in his left palm and putting the other back into his left ear. Listen! Lumian again uttered this ancient Hermes word, continuing his learning process. Meanwhile, Celestes voice continued to emanate from various mirror surfaces and mirror-like objects: We were certain that the operation targeting 0-01 would face interference and competition from Beyonders of the Hunter pathway, and we would inevitably have to confront Wanak. So, we prepared a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact in advance. The mystical pathogen it produces has a very notable characteristic-it can survive in high-temperature flames for a period of time. And I can use the power of the special mirror world to let those pathogens spread quietly through different mirror surfaces, silently dispersing throughout this wasteland and corpse mountain. Youve been setting fires all along, but Ive also been continuously releasing frost, pretending to attack and curse. This actually freezes those mystical pathogens inside, allowing them to survive longer in high temperatures. Combined with their own special nature, its enough for you to be contaminated partially, slowly seeping into your bodies Celeste explained in great detail, as if wanting to bring pain and savor despair. This might be her hobby, or perhaps a negative influence brought by certain items. Albus Medici, leaning on that bone and flesh sword, kept turning his body, looking in different directions, seemingly trying to quickly pinpoint Celestes true form and drag her out of the mirror world. However, it was impossible to discern which mirror Celeste was in just from the source of the sound. She might have been constantly moving through the mirror world without stopping. Similarly, even if Albus recited those three passages of the honorific name again, he could only affect the special mirror world in this area at the peak of the corpse mountain. He couldnt damage the mirrors in the middle and lower parts of the corpse mountain and on the wasteland. Celestes voice gradually became shrill, both painful and pleasurable. This pathogen also has flaws. Its not the type that will have fatal effects in a short time. It can only make you quickly lose your physical strength, accelerate the dissipation of spirituality, and eventually make you lie on the ground, unable to move, desperately listening to your own heart gradually weakening and stop beating. Hearing this, Lumian teleported to change his position, avoiding being assassinated by Celeste taking advantage of the situation. Some thoughts flashed through his mind: Could I wear the Eggers familys golden mask to counteract the damage from this mystical pathogen? If I stop my heart from beating in advance, I wont have to worry about it losing strength! No, this mystical pathogen seems to affect the Spirit Body as well. Perhaps, after physical death, the Spirit Body will gradually lose the power to maintain its own existence Moreover, Archbishop Heraberg said that becoming a deceased here would only lead to eternal slumber Well, perhaps in the future, one might be awakened as a puppet of 0-01 Albus Medici at the peak of the corpse mountain suddenly laughed. So thats how it is. I do feel weakened. Even with my ancestor helping me share the impact, in three or four minutes I should completely lose my fighting ability, barely able to crawl. But I dont remember if I told you what I was going to do in the underground mausoleum, or if you noticed that the abnormality had already occurred? As he spoke, Albuss smile gradually brightened. His demeanor was composed, appearing very confident and assured, not panicked at all. Celeste, who had been emitting sounds from different mirrors and mirror-like objects to delay time until the effects of the mystical pathogen deepened, suddenly fell silent. She seemed to be observing her surroundings, trying to find the abnormality Albus mentioned. Albus moved his neck and said with an upturned corner of his mouth, I only have three things to accomplish here: First is to kill Wanak, so that 0-01 no longer has a proxy of this level; Second is to recite my ancestors honorific names around 0-01, causing it to resonate and gradually awaken; Third, heh heh, is to delay time, waiting for 0-01 to break free from this corpse mountain on its own. Havent you noticed that the frequency and amplitude of 0-01s trembling and shaking are getting higher and larger? Havent you noticed that 0-01 is about to break free from the corpse mountain? Wh- Celeste, hidden near the peak of the corpse mountain, concealed in one of the components of the previous Mirror Maze to closely observe Albuss movements and ready to interfere with the targets self-rescue at any time, tensed up and instinctively looked towards the violently shaking and trembling 0-01. She then saw that charred banner with the dangerous blood spots densely covering it. Her head suddenly buzzed, and her neck ached. She was further corrupted! Crack! The mirror where Celeste was hiding instantly shattered, revealing her figure, with a blank expression, her head trying to separate from her neck. Now! Albus seized the opportunity, discarding the heavy bone and flesh sword, transforming into a blazing white, blue-tinged flame spear, swooshing down near Celeste. Then, he created a dense Fog of War, enveloping Celeste and the area within about ten meters around this Demoness. After completing this, Albus didnt give Celeste a chance to break free from her corrupted state and escape the Fog of War through the mirror world. Mustering his remaining strength, he condensed several blue fireballs and sent them crashing into the Fog of War one after another. Rumble! Relatively violent explosions occurred, and pale blue flames rose up. Celestes Mirror Substitution was passively triggered. But affected and misled by the Fog of War, her figure reappeared still within the blast range, still covered by shock waves powerful enough to destroy a Demonesss body. Albus controlled the power of the fireballs, ensuring the Fog of War was never dispersed, causing Celestes Mirror Substitutions to shatter one after another. Similarly, he also controlled the frequency of fireballs bombarding that small area of fog, not giving Celeste even a slight chance to recover and enter the mirror world. Finally, Celestes shadow froze. That beautiful and seductive body blackened and disintegrated, falling to the ground in the form of corpse fragments. Plop, the black teardrop-shaped ornament she had been wearing on her brow fell onto a corpse. Albus stopped maintaining the Fog of War and looked at the dead Celeste, laughing mockingly. Oh, I forgot to tell you, my calmness just now was feigned. I needed to delay for five to six minutes to wait for 0-01 to resonate with my ancestor to the extreme, initially awaken, and break free from the constraints of the corpse mountain. Why were you in such a hurry? So hurried that you forgot direct eye contact with 0-01 would lead to corruption, and you were already corrupted to some extent. Remember, being too hasty or too slow are both major taboos in war. While mocking the dead, Albus didnt go to pick up that black teardrop-shaped ornament which clearly possessed Beyonder power, fearing it might trigger corresponding negative effects and impact subsequent matters, especially since he was already considerably weakened. At this point, his hands and feet had become powerless, running had become difficult, so he could only transform again into a blazing white, blue-tinged flame spear, flying back near 0-01. He glanced at Julies filthy blood slowly falling in mid-air, estimating it was only about 30-40 centimeters away from the target. Albus then threw a blue fireball at it, burning that pool of filthy blood, causing it to slowly evaporate and dissipate without triggering any additional changes. After closing his eyes to sense the frequency and amplitude of 0-01s shaking and trembling, Albus silently said to himself, It seems to be progressing faster than expected, two or three more minutes should be enough. Heh heh, Celeste, I lied about one thing earlier. In the end, 0-01 still cant break free on its own, it needs me to help it with Medici family blood I didnt mock your corpse earlier because I had too much time, some words needed to be heard by Lumian Lee, to make him overlook the part where I lied Albus Medici then turned to look at the wasteland, at Lumian who had just completed a teleportation to change his position to avoid being locked onto, and said loudly with a laugh, Youre very alert. In such a pressing situation, you actually didnt follow that fool Celeste to observe the abnormalities of 0-01. Lumian raised his hand to scratch his right ear, telling a lie that couldnt be more obvious, Sorry, I was learning, I didnt hear your conversation just now. Alright, I admit, I was thinking Celeste would help me confirm the current situation of 0-01. Albus looked at this guy and said thoughtfully, Youre very calm. Your physical combat ability should be almost depleted by now. As for me, with my ancestor sharing the burden, I can definitely hold out longer than you. Lumian laughed, laughing with composure and confidence, exuding the brilliance of atop student. Havent you noticed that there are other abnormalities here? Chapter 839 - 839 The "Hidden" Taboo 839 The Hidden Taboo 839 The Hidden Taboo Other abnormalities? Albuss first reaction was that Lumian was imitating him, trying to trick him into looking at something he shouldnt. He cautiously scanned the wasteland below the corpse mountain, only seeing undead soldiers fallen in different places and nearly extinguished colorless embers. During this process, Albus also listened for any movements around him, but apart from the increasingly violent trembling and shaking of 0-01, he received no other information. Are you trying to delay time this way? I think this is more advantageous for me, Albus replied to Lumian with a smile. The image of this competitor was reflected in his iron-black eyes as he quickly estimated the probability of launching a successful surprise attack in his mind. He wanted to eliminate the last hidden danger before losing his close combat ability. Lumian didnt give Albus this opportunity. Although his arms had weakened to the point where he could only pick up relatively light objects, and his legs were so weak he could barely walk, the accumulated spirituality he released was still quite abundant, enough to support him in completing many teleportations. His figure disappeared from Albuss sight, then reappeared on the side of the corpse mountain. Before Albus could find him, Lumian said with a smile, Its understandable that you didnt notice other abnormalities here. After all, you dont seem to be someone who enjoys studying. And your ancestor, that Red Angel, although having a very thorough understanding of 0-01, the current 0-01 is no longer the same as before. From the Sealed Artifact information, I know that after your ancestor was killed by the Blood Emperor, 0-01 changed hands twice-once to Alista Tudor, and once to Death from the Southern Continent. Therefore, it has been corrupted by other, equally high-level corruptions. Seeing Albuss gaze turn towards him, seemingly listening and discerning the truth of his words without immediate intention to launch an attack, Lumian stayed in place and continued, Of course, your ancestor visited Fourth Epoch Trier and understood the various details of the corresponding seal. Mororas seal was modeled after Triers, so you definitely wouldnt lack understanding of the situation here. But the seals on both sides are only mostly similar, with many details still having critical differences. The book Principles of Sealing tells me that this is because 0-01 and its corruption are purer compared to Fourth Epoch Trier; its less complex, can form fewer balances and constraints, and many characteristic issues are more prominent. If your ancestor were to come in person, take a turn in the underground mausoleum, no, just take a few glances, He would definitely understand what abnormality Im talking about. But unfortunately, He cant descend to Morora, and probably cant see or hear directly through the seal using your eyes and ears. He can only give you power, help you share the damage, and listen to your reports periodically. Under these circumstances, heh heh, its indeed understandable that you didnt notice other abnormalities here. Albus Medici stared down at Lumian, listening to his narrative with a smile on his face, while pondering where the problem actually lay. Rambling on and on about irrelevant things, it does seem like hes trying to buy time. But buying time is more beneficial to me The resonance between 0-01 and my ancestor is getting stronger and stronger. In two or three more minutes, Ill be able to approach and drip some Medici family blood His condition will only deteriorate faster than mine, the longer we delay, the weaker hell become Is he waiting for reinforcements? But unless the Archbishop of the Church of Knowledge personally intervenes, there should be no one in Morora who can participate in this struggle, and those outside Morora cant come in The Church of Knowledge currently appears quite neutral, at most with a slight inclination in secret, they wont directly get involved. Hehe, I need to be vigilant about this point, so-called scholars are more treacherous than us Hunters, the more knowledge they have, the more treacherous they become Its a pity, this trash can is very alert, hell teleport away at the slightest sign of trouble, while I need to get close to release the Fog of War No wonder my ancestor said that before Alista Tudor became a god, he found Bethel Abraham more troublesome Continuously feinting attacks, forcing him to use teleport repeatedly, draining his Spirituality? Thats one way. If we really go on according to his pace, by the time his spirituality is insufficient to support teleport, Ill also be almost unable to complete the battle, even standing will be difficult, only able to rely on Fire Ravens-scatter shots-like a blind man shooting birds But if feints are to be convincing, they need to consume a lot of spirituality, and if theyre not convincing, they cant bluff anyone Why does this dog shit-like pathogen target the physical body first, then affect the Spirit Body? If the rate of spirituality dissipation could be as fast as the loss of muscle strength, the problem would be simple. In that case, I wouldnt need to hold out for too long, just longer than this trash can. As Albuss thoughts raced, Lumian smiled and said, Do you need me to give you a hint? I dont know if youve seen the sealing information for 0-01, but you must be very familiar with the various taboos here. Havent you noticed that two sections of the content, or rather, two of the taboos, hide problems? Two taboos hiding problems? Albus suddenly had a dangerous intuition, he began to believe that some of what Lumian said might be true. Lumian said with a mocking tone, Havent figured it out yet? See, this is the consequence of not studying. I didnt notice it at first either, but after reading a large amount of related books and materials in Morora, I gradually developed doubts. Let me give you another hint. The first problematic taboo is that experimental subjects must cover their eyes and carry a lamp, and if the lamp goes out, that experimental personnel will directly disappear, and everyone who knows him will simultaneously believe that he died long ago. Whats wrong with that? Ive already had people verify the authenticity of this taboo. Hehe, its only because there are many light sources here, otherwise we would have all disappeared by now, Albus quickly thought about the details he might have overlooked. At this moment, Lumians figure suddenly disappeared. He teleported to change his position, appearing near the top of the corpse mountain, next to the Sword of Courage. Taking advantage of the fact that he could still move the Travelers Bag, he crouched down and slipped the bag he had been holding in advance over the Sword of Courage, returning it to its companions. At this time, Albus, not expecting Lumian to appear so close to the top of the corpse mountain, was still searching for the target with his gaze across the wasteland. By the time he reacted and condensed blue fireballs to bombard downwards, Lumian had already activated the black mark on his right shoulder and truly teleported to somewhere in the wasteland. He risked picking up the Sword of Courage because he now realized that he might be the one facing its indiscriminate attacks later. As the rumbling explosions just began to subside, Lumians voice sounded again: Havent you figured it out yet? After I arrived at the real corpse mountain, I actually doubted my guess and completely abandoned it, but the later results made me more certain, and allowed me to figure out more problems along the way. Lumian spoke to Albus Medici from afar in the tone of a teacher, The answer is, why must it be experimental subjects carrying lit lamps to enter, why not place burning wall lamps at intervals inside the underground mausoleum and replace the lamp oil regularly? Although this would consume more resources, it would be more convenient and safer. The Church of Knowledges financial power couldnt possibly be unable to support such an arrangement. Is it to make the seal seem mysterious and terrifying? Obviously not, there are clearly deeper reasons. Albus Medicis eyes flickered slightly, vaguely having some guesses. He cast his gaze towards the embers scattered across the corpse mountain. Lumians figure disappeared again, appearing among Celestes corpse fragments. He then inverted the Travelers Bag over the black teardrop-shaped forehead ornament, collecting it. This time, Albus tracked Lumians figure in time, but he didnt make a move, nor did he transform into a flame spear to throw himself over. This was firstly because the other could teleport away at any time, and secondly because what Lumian was doing now was also beneficial to him. Albus was almost certain that the forehead ornament was the source of the current mystical pathogen. After placing it in another space, the concentration of pathogens here would gradually decrease, preventing their conditions from rapidly deteriorating, allowing them to hold out longer. After putting away the forehead ornament, Lumian immediately teleported to the wasteland on the other side of the corpse mountain, smiling at Albus. The second problematic taboo is Beyonders with strength surpassing Sequence 5 are forbidden from approaching. Warning, Beyonders with strength surpassing Sequence 5 are forbidden from approaching.'' Albus immediately understood Lumians line of thought and asked in a deep voice, You mean theres no need to specifically emphasize that Beyonders above Sequence 5 cannot approach? Indeed, in reality, as long as theyre not already corrupted experimental subjects or special people like us, whether theyre above Sequence 5 or not, they shouldnt approach 0-01. Lumian wanted to applaud, but even adjusting the Travelers Bag was quite strenuous for him now. He said with a tone that approved his educatability, Yes, so why specifically emphasize that Beyonders above Sequence 5 cannot approach? Probably because when Beyonders above Sequence 5 approach 0-01, besides bringing danger to themselves, it would also trigger additional, more terrifying abnormalities. Therefore, it must be specially warned! Just now, the appearance of Hand Bro brought about an attack from 0-01, leaving embers all over this wasteland and corpse mountain. And from my observation, these embers will extinguish on their own. What does this indicate? It indicates that before we came in, this place was in darkness, without any firelight. Combining this with the first problematic taboo I mentioned, and with what the book Principles of Sealing says about self-balance and self-sealing, the potential hidden danger becomes very clear. Albuss expression changed slightly, obviously realizing what the possible abnormality might be. Lumian once again changed his position using teleportation and continued, That hidden danger is that theres a latent taboo: The underground mausoleum needs eternal, deathly darkness. It can occasionally have light, but there cant be continuous light in the same place. And when Beyonders above Sequence 5 with godhood approach, it instinctively causes 0-01 to burn this area, bringing embers that can last for a period of time. At this point, Lumians smile grew even brighter. Now, the embers have been burning for a while, and youre still continuously creating firelight. Im very curious about what will happen next. What will happen? Albus Medicis gaze instantly froze, his back suddenly tensing. He knew where the problem lay now! The frequency and amplitude of 0-01s trembling and shaking were more violent than he had anticipated, progressing faster! At this moment, the entire sky suddenly took on the color of burning. Chapter 840 - 840 The Importance of Knowledge 840 The Importance of Knowledge 840 The Importance of Knowledge Inside Morora. Two exiles who were dueling suddenly dropped their swords and clutched their necks with their hands. Blood seeped through their fingers. Nearby onlookers and pedestrians also experienced a stuttering effect, as if their heads were being grabbed by invisible hands and forcefully pulled upwards, causing the muscles in their necks to gradually tear. In the endless graveyard near the Knowledge Cathedral, all the trees suddenly burst into bright red flames. The soil in the corresponding graves writhed as if something was trying to crawl out. More and more clouds gathered in the sky, taking on the color of burning fire. At the top of the corpse mountain. Albus Medicis neck also stung with pain. He raised his hand with great difficulty and weakness, trying to press down on it. He already understood what was happening. He didnt hastily turn his head to look directly at 0-01, as that would not only result in considerable corruption, but could also break his neck, causing his head to detach! Albus slowly turned his body to face 0-01, but closed his eyes. At the same time, he heard rustling and clanging sounds from the wasteland. Lumian saw those undead soldiers in iron-black full body armor standing up one after another, the dark red or pale flames in their eye sockets clearly flickering. The huge cloud vortex in the sky tinged with purple firelight was being torn apart and smoothed by an invisible force. The abnormality had finally manifested. Albus didnt hesitate. He immediately let his skin take on an iron-black hue, his entire body seeming to transform into a metal-cast puppet. Keeping his eyes tightly shut, he approached 0-01 step by step. During this process, his neck was noticeably stretched, causing the iron membrane that made up his skin to be torn into countless tiny metal threads. Deep, chilling cut marks appeared on his iron-black flesh and bones, with bright red blood visibly oozing out. In just a few seconds, Albus Medici walked to 0-01s side. He released his right palm that had been weakly pressing on his neck, letting it extend towards the charred flag, carrying his own blood. As a fellow Hunter, Albus also had very strong spatial perception and positioning abilities. Moreover, 0-01s flag was violently shaking, fluttering loudly, with sounds entering Albuss ears, making it easy for him to determine the targets location. Of course, if he directly touched 0-01s main body, the corruption would truly occur. This couldnt be avoided just by not looking. But Albus now had no other choice. Just as he reached out towards that charred flag, Albus heard a snap sound- the sound of the iron skin on his metal neck being completely torn apart. He immediately changed his form, transforming from an iron-black metal-cast puppet into a blue human-shaped flame. This caused the blood on his palm to evaporate rapidly. While guarding against a sudden attack from Lumian, Albus quickened his movements, continuously flicking the mostly evaporated bright red blood towards the front. On the wasteland, Lumian was mingling among the undead soldiers, his palm both scorching hot and ice-cold. He didnt dare to look towards 0-01, so he naturally didnt know Albuss current actions, but he could roughly guess that the other was making a final gamble. Its useless, the situation has already spiraled out of your control Lumian muttered, not moving to stop him. He was more worried that if he really teleported next to Salingers Blood Banner to stop Albus Medici from dripping blood on it, he might step into a trap set by the other. Given the current situation, Albus could completely change his approach-since he couldnt achieve his intended goal, he might as well eliminate all competitors, making his side the more advantageous camp, and then use this to reorganize. So, Albus was likely pretending to drip Medici family blood onto 0-01s flag, but actually trying to lure Lumian to stop him, thus seizing the opportunity to kill the last competitor. At the top of the corpse mountain, the human-shaped flame that Albus had transformed into was severely stretched, with the upper and lower parts seeming about to separate. At the same time, the flaming light he emitted dimmed considerably, like ordinary flames doused with a bucket of ice-cold fresh blood. Plop, Albus heard the tiny sound of liquid hitting the flag. After thousands of years, the Medici familys blood finally fell on 0-01s charred flag again. However, there was no additional change. This was also within Albuss expectations, after all, the degree of resonance had not yet reached its limit, and 0-01s awakening situation had significantly exceeded any threshold. Albuss desperate attempt to leave blood on the charred flag was more about reserving a chess piece for the future, making some preparations. The next second, Albus, existing in the form of a human-shaped flame, felt an intense pain between his eyebrows. Some strange force extended from 0-01, seeming to want to assimilate him, turning him into its own flame. Albus suddenly turned around, opened his eyes, and looked towards the wasteland. He wanted to kill Lumian before being absorbed by 0-01, eliminating the last competitor! That trash can actually managed to stay calm and didnt come to stop me from smearing blood on 0-01s surface Amidst Albuss regret, Lumians figure was reflected in his flaming eyes. Lumian smiled at him, activated the black mark on his right shoulder, and disappeared from his spot. Albus didnt hide his disappointment and regret, reverting to his human form. His neck was already torn open, revealing white bones and blackened blood vessels. He then activated the crystal necklace wrapped around his wrist, causing it to explode directly. Bang bang bang, the consecutively exploding crystals formed a deep vortex in front of Albus, with a deep, dark world covered by a glass-like barrier at the bottom of the vortex-that special mirror world. Under extremely urgent circumstances and unable to directly leave Morora, Albus Medici chose to jump into the dark vortex in front of him, falling towards that special mirror world. At this moment, his neck was about to break, with his cervical vertebrae exposed. He fell into that special mirror world, disappearing into the deep darkness. The dark vortex next to 0-01 was immediately ignited by invisible, colorless flames and dissipated completely. In midair, the blue flame that had lost Albuss maintenance quickly extinguished, with the remaining tiny bit of Julies filthy blood continuing to fall, touching the charred flag. All over Morora. Nearly ten thousand heads dragging white, blood-stained spines flew in the sky, while their headless bodies ran wildly through the streets. In the graveyard, countless skeletons crawled out from underground, with dark red or pale flames burning in their eye sockets. Red rainwater that could ignite buildings and humans began to fall from the sky. Inside the Knowledge Cathedral, Archbishop Heraberg of Morora, wearing a plain white robe trimmed with brass wire, stood in front of the open stained glass window, feeling the walls faintly showing signs of melting. He sighed lightly and raised his palm. In the underground mausoleum, on that anomalous wasteland. Lumian teleported to the side of the corpse mountain. Just as he was about to sit down against the corpses and skeletons, his legs already unable to support his body weight, he was suddenly pulled by an invisible force, slowly standing up again and walking towards the group of undead soldiers. This required no effort from him-he had no strength to use anyway. Lumian didnt resist or struggle, as if only his self-consciousness still belonged to him. The burning pain and icy rotting sensation in his right palm kept him basically alert. As long as my head isnt torn off my neck, everything else is fine Lumian muttered to himself while listening to the knowledge narrated by the brass talisman, continuing to walk towards the gathering troops in the wasteland as 0-01s puppet with the help of the external force. The current situation was basically consistent with his expectations. If he had read even a little less earlier, his head and body would have already gone separate ways by now. Knowledge is power, knowledge is wealth! After about ten seconds, the sky suddenly dimmed, and darkness surged back into this area. 0-01 seemed to be gripped by an invisible hand, with its trembling and shaking starting to calm down. The flames in this area extinguished one after another, and the deathly silent, cold darkness once again ruled this place. The Church of Knowledge has finally suppressed 0-01s disturbance. If it kept up a while longer, Id really have become a puppet Lumian secretly breathed a sigh of relief, feeling the darkness invade his body like an invisible, eerie, cold flow of water. The Underworld Daoist mark on his right palm emitted an even stronger sense of decay than before, helping him resist this invasion. Lumian teleported back to the position he had chosen earlier, weakly sitting down against the corpses and skeletons that made up the mountain. He closed his eyes, focusing on listening to the knowledge transmitted from his ear plugs in this lightless, pure darkness. In Trier, on the sacrificial square at the entrance of the third level of the underground catacombs. After answering Jennas question, that blurry and holy female figure disappeared from Jennas sight, as if it was just part of an illusion. Jenna shook her head, her gaze returning to reality, seeing Francas concerned face. D-during my advancement, I seemed to sense Lady Krismona again, and even had a few words of dialogue with Her, Jenna carefully told her companion about her recent experience. Hiss, do Angel-level high-rank beings truly not die? Franca asked curiously, What did She say? Jenna suddenly felt a bit embarrassed. She said to reconcile with my mirror self, because we are originally one. Sh-She said Her father was was that Blood Emperor Huh? Franca was both shocked and confused, Why did She tell you this? Jenna felt even more embarrassed. I asked, I asked without thinking Is it really the Blood Emperor? Then it shouldnt be your hallucination. You couldnt have come up with such an answer even in a hallucination. Franca whispered, gradually getting excited. Dammit, what do you mean I couldnt have come up with it even in a hallucination? Well, indeed, who could have thought of that? Jenna reflexively retorted. Franca then clapped her hands together. That was a good question, a good question indeed! This information is extremely, extremely important! Her eyes sparkling, she said, Lumian previously suspected that the special mirror world was created by the Blood Emperor Alista Tudor to deal with the Primordial Demoness, and the Tamara family might have played a very important role in this matter. Now it seems this guess needs to be abandoned. Perhaps that special mirror world was jointly created by the Blood Emperor Alista Tudor and the Primordial Demoness! Otherwise, how could a true god of the Hunter pathway without mirror magic create such a special mirror world? Chapter 841 - 841 The Brand 841 The Brand 841 The Brand Jenna paused before responding, True. Initially, they believed the special mirror world was a result of the War of the Four Emperors, created in the aftermath of fierce battles among beings like the Primordial Demoness and the Blood Emperor. However, after Lumian explored the treasury of the Blue Avenger, he uncovered new information suggesting the special mirror world existed before the War of the Four Emperors. He speculated it was a tool crafted by Blood Emperor Alista Tudor to counter the Primordial Demoness and a means for resurrection. Their greatest confusion at the time was why Alista Tudor, a true god of the Hunter pathway, could create such a uniquely bizarre mirror world. Did high-rank beings of the Apprentice pathway under Him participate? Franca then remarked wistfully, According to Lumians theory and our experience, both Hunters and Demonesses bring calamity. Wouldnt a true god of the Hunter pathway combined with one from the Demoness pathway essentially epitomize the concept of disaster? No wonder Fourth Epoch Trier ended up the way it did However, is it possible for true deities from neighboring pathways to cooperate amicably, instead of immediately succumbing to the urge to converge and battle for dominance? Jenna, puzzled by this question, pursed her lips in thought before asking, Is there a way to control that urge to converge? Thats beyond my knowledge for now, at least until I come into contact with the corresponding mystical knowledge after becoming an Angel, Franca self-deprecatingly said, her thoughts wandering. Perhaps the Primordial Demoness could, but definitely not the Blood Emperor. Given our understanding of the history of the Fourth Epoch, He was a violent, bloodthirsty madman. How could He control Himself unless someone helped Him? Who could that be? Jenna paused thoughtfully and then said, The Tamara family Uh Francas eyes lit up. Right, the Tamara family at that time was primarily known for the Apprentice pathway. High-rank beings of the Apprentice pathway excel at sealing and controlling space, and could utilize the mirror world to a certain extent. Yes, this explains why the Tamara family was involved in the creation of the special mirror world. One of the two Special Mirror World Fragments they held came from a tomb of the Tamara family. Growing more excited, Franca said, The Tamara family must have been the bridge between the Blood Emperor and the Primordial Demoness, carrying out a secret mission! And since they had long been exposed to the Demoness Sect, it makes sense that some of their members sided with them after the split. And, moreover, since Lady Krismona is a descendant of the Blood Emperor, then Her twin brother, the current Demoness of Gray, probably is too. The Apprentice lineage of the Tamara family has borne many humiliations over the past thousand years, willingly becoming women to continue serving the direct descendants of the Blood Emperor. Such loyalty, such loyalty! As she spoke, Franca mockingly wiped away a tear, moved by her own words. Jenna, long accustomed to her companions boundless digressions and jokes, raised her own question, Could a Sequence 2 Apprentice pathway Angel from the Tamara family really seal the Blood Emperors urge to converge? If the Tamara family cant, what about Mr. Door? Franca turned serious, pondering. Lumian said He is the foremost noble of the Tudor Empire, and ranked behind Him, Amon, is a confirmed King of Angels. Then its likely He is one too. A King of Angels of the Apprentice pathway might be able to temporarily seal the Blood Emperors urge to converge, right? Was Mr. Door also involved in the matter of the special mirror world? Possibly, Jenna agreed. The normal mirror world was essentially an embodiment of the concept of doors. Francas thoughts suddenly took a playful turn, chuckling softly. Theres also a possibility that the convergence behavior of the true deities of the Hunter and Demoness pathways differs from other pathways. First, they attract each other, dancing around each other, and only after reaching a certain climax do they start to devour each other, deciding the ultimate victor. Jenna couldnt help but roll her eyes. Franca was at it with her crude jokes again. Of course, for Jenna, who had once frequented bars and dance halls in the market district, living as a Showy Diva for a long period, such coarse humor was hardly adult-only material. Franca then composed herself. I can now truly understand what the Demoness of Black meant. No wonder she asked me why I thought the Demoness Sect didnt control the special mirror world. She said it had been under the Primordial Ones control until the end of the War of the Four Emperors. But she also believed that the special mirror world was initially created to combat the Primordial One, only later controlled by Her. Is she unaware of the secrets of those times and the Demoness of Grays lineage, or is she just deceiving me, trying to mislead me? Or, did the Blood Emperor indeed initially want to combat the Primordial One, but She then took control of the nascent special mirror world, leading to Their cooperation? Or, was their cooperation aimed at combating something else? Ah, what was their purpose in creating such a special mirror world? Jenna shook her head honestly. I dont know. Franca thoughtfully stroked her ponytail. The Demoness of Black is both a descendant of the Primordial One and has the Tamara familys bloodline. She probably knows more about the special mirror world than I imagined. Jenna hummed in response, rubbing her temples. Either way, we need to report this information quickly. Franca glanced at Jenna and cleared her throat. You also need to go back and rest, adapting to the changes the potion has made to your body. At the foot of the corpse mountain, Lumian sat with his eyes closed, his back against the piles of bodies and skeletons, intently listening to the monotonous voice emanating from the brass earplugs. He was completing his studies. He no longer needed to listen to all the remaining books; mastering this one would likely suffice. Yet, even so, it would still take over ten hours. As time ticked away, Lumians body grew weaker. Even with the support of the corpses and skeletons, he could no longer sit upright, relying solely on external forces to keep from collapsing. His spirituality was evaporating faster, rendering him unable to use his teleportation ability anymore. Fortunately, he had stowed away the artifact left by Celeste and the mystic pathogens had been dissipated completely by 0-01s activation; his condition hadnt worsened to the point where his heart was too weak to beat or his Spirit Body began to disintegrate, allowing him to barely keep at it. After an indeterminate period, Lumian suddenly felt invigorated, his body regained strength, and his spirituality was replenished. It was six in the morning based on Cordu time. His body refreshed and free from illness, Lumian sat up straight and resumed the final part of his study. Nearly 45 minutes later, he uttered an ancient Hermes word in a deep voice, Stop! He felt he was on the brink of corruption and could not accumulate any more! Just as the brass talisman finished transmitting the knowledge, Lumians mind became hazy. Vaguely, he saw the charred flag dotted with dangerous blood spots, surrounded by dense darkness, gently swaying. Lumian also saw the ground covered in corpses, a vast army marching, the earth soaked in blood, countless severed arms and limbs A strong smell of blood and rust pierced his nose, as if coming from himself. Lumian felt a certain call, not just from the charred flag but also from the dense darkness enveloping it. The burning heat and icy cold in the palm of his right hand became more distinct. They originated from the residual aura of the Blood Emperor and the seal left by the Underworld Daoist. At that moment, Lumian suddenly realized another, deeper purpose of the Aurora Orders arrangement of the Dream Festival: With the Underworld Daoists seal, I truly share a mystical similarity with 0-01 0-01 once belonged to Blood Emperor Alista Tudor, then fell under the control of Death and suffered the corruption of the Death pathways powers, which were also utilized by the Church of Knowledge to seal 0-01 itself. And now, I carry the residual aura of the Blood Emperor and the seal left by the Underworld Daoist, bearing powers of the Death, Evernight, and Warrior pathways With these thoughts flashing through his mind, Lumian combined the knowledge he had learned with the behavior of Albus and Julie, and amidst the strange and dangerous summons, he stood up and teleported to the top of the corpse mountain. He didnt open his eyes. In the deathly silent, icy darkness, he couldnt see anything even if he did. But as he drew closer, a sharp pain developed between Lumians eyebrows, and his blood-or something else-seemed to want to burst through his pores and flesh. Lumian didnt resist, enduring the pain. Finally, a droplet, resembling blood, tore through his forehead and flew towards where 0-01 was located. With a plop, the residual aura of the Blood Emperor inside Lumian suddenly boiled over, turning into a raging river of flames that ravaged between his Spirit Body, organs, and flesh. The icy, rotting sensation in his palm intensified, preventing this river of flame from carrying away all his flesh and breaking the seal. Lumian soon suffered so intensely he nearly lost consciousness; only when the residual aura of the Blood Emperor gradually subsided did he slowly regain his thoughts. He let out a long breath and whispered to himself, I should be the proxy for 0-01 now If it werent for the Underworld Daoist seal, I would definitely have become another Wanak, no, not another Wanak, but Blood Emperor Alista Tudor, who would have used my body to return. Lumian didnt dare to linger near 0-01, afraid that the Sealed Artifact might detect a flaw in its new proxy, a defect with a will of his own that still persisted. And Lumian knew that with his current status and power, it was impossible to take 0-01 out of Morora; even if the Church of Knowledge agreed to let him do so, it would only lead to his own destruction. Leaving a mark and becoming a proxy is enough to complete this task. Unfortunately, 0-01 is tightly sealed, and a proxys special abilities can only be fully manifested in Morora Lumian muttered a few words and teleported back to the wasteland. He immediately sensed a team of undead soldiers and iron puppets patrolling silently in the darkness, seemingly eternal in their movements. Suddenly, Lumian felt a stir in his heart. The connection between contractors told him that the leader was the Abscessed Hand! This mysterious being had regrown bones and flesh after being subjected to the bombardment of divine descent, but it seemed to have been conquered by 0-01, becoming its guard. Is Hand Bros unique trait being indestructible? Lumian turned his body, letting the Abscessed Hand and its puppets pass by. Unexpectedly, the Abscessed Hand stopped in front of Lumian and uttered in a low voice, Omebella Chapter 842 - 842 Departure 842 Departure 842 Departure Omebella Hearing the voice of the Abscessed Hand and the name it shouted, a chill ran up Lumians spine, making his hair stand on end and cold sweat break out. He didnt know when the Abscessed Hand had regrown bones and flesh from the ashes, returning to its original form, but he was prepared for any abnormalities when it passed by him, given the contract stemming from the Inevitability pathways powers between them. Lumian wasnt overly worried; they were colleagues now, and the situation shouldnt turn dangerous. What he didnt expect was that the Abscessed Hand would call out Omebella. It was like a horror story! For a moment, Lumian couldnt help but wonder if he had already been subtly eroded by the Great Mothers Child of God, Omebella, to the extent that he was gradually being replaced. Standing in the pure darkness, the unseen Abscessed Hand paused for a few seconds, then continued moving forward with the group of iron puppets and undead soldiers, marching mechanically. Only then did Lumian snap back to reality, pondering the reason for what had just happened. According to Ludwig, some beings created directly by the Great Mother or granted her boon, lacking necessary intelligence, can sense the trace of Omebellas bloodline in me and regard me as the Great Mothers Child of God Hand Bro was first revived and interrupted by divine descent, then controlled by 0-01, becoming its puppet. The feminine transformation trend seemed to have stopped, meaning it hasnt fully revived and lost its self-awareness, truly lacking necessary intelligence. Was it directly created by the Great Mother, or did it receive Her boon? The corruption turning it into a woman and pushing it to the limit of beauty likely originated from the Great Mother That does seem plausible. Even a single drop of blood can regrow a complete body, evoking a sense of rebirth But somethings off. By this logic, the Abscessed Hand should call me an Honorable Child of God and show some subservience. Heh heh, to directly call the Child of Gods name is blasphemy! Lumian grumbled to himself, growing more puzzled. Also, if Omebella itself is a title, the Abscessed Hand should only know Im a Child of God, not a specific name. The Great Mother likely has multiple Children ot God, perhaps continuously created. How could the unwise Hand Bro distinguish who is who and what their name is Unless, Omebella is the most special Child of God, or Hand Bro knew Omebella- the Giant Queen-in its previous life? Lumian raised his right hand, rubbing his chin, thinking he should quickly report this to Madam Magician after leaving and see if they could uncover the Abscessed Hands original identity. Perhaps the ancient records in the New City of Silver contained some clues. After a few seconds, Lumian vanished from the spot, teleporting back near the top of the corpse mountain. Distracted by the Abscessed Hand incident, he remembered he still had spoils to collect. That was the Beyonder characteristic of the Demoness of Affliction from Celeste, which could later be used by Jenna. As for Julies characteristic, after the divine descent and filthy blood incident, Lumian had no idea where it was. In the deathly silent darkness, Lumian stored the shapeless Demoness of Affliction Beyonder characteristic in his Travelers Bag. He even placed two chunks of Celestes corpse inside. Maybe they can be used as supplementary ingredients. If not, I can give them to Ludwig. With me as godfather away for so long; I should bring him a gift. But will he consider this dirty Lumian mumbled and teleported to the edge of the wasteland, leaving the area steeped in deathly darkness. As 0-01s proxy, he quickly and smoothly exited the underground mausoleum, returning to the entrance area. Lumian then opened his eyes, seeing the blue sky. At that moment, the morning sun was bright but not harsh, the air fresh and carrying a slight burnt scent after the rain. Having spent over ten hours in the eternal darkness of the underground tomb, Lumian felt as if a lifetime had passed. Then, he saw numerous heads, each trailing a bloodstained, pale spine, hovering in the air. They were countless, thousands, all staring at the entrance of the tomb, at Lumian. Among them were faces Lumian recognized, regulars at the Carnivore bar. The aftermath of 0-01s activation? There must be thousands, if not tens of thousands Is this a form of sacrifice? Red Priest Thoughts flashing through his mind, Lumian raised his hands. His forehead became hot, with a slight prickling pain. Ooo! A violent gale suddenly blew, scattering the thousands of heads with trailing spines back into the city. The flying heads seemed to sense Lumians will, drifting with the wind, and landed back on their headless bodies. So this is the special power of a proxy? Unfortunately, it can only be used in Morora Lumian lowered his hands, feeling regretful, and walked out of the cemetery. At the cemetery gate, an exile was twisting his own returned head back in place. Crack! His head turned from facing his spine back to the front. Seeing Lumian watching him, he smiled and spoke normally, Todays weather is really nice Yeah, Lumian responded with a relaxed smile. He teleported directly to the Carnivore bar, appearing at the door of Julies room. The corpse of Lez was gone from the bed, along with Julies collections. The enforcers have been here Did they bury Lezs body in the cemetery? Lumian mused and vanished from the spot. This time, he appeared at the door of the Knowledge Cathedral. He walked inside, up to Heraberg in his plain white robe with brass threads, and smiling, took out the books he had borrowed from the Travelers Bag. Archbishop, Ive finished them all. As he spoke, Lumian felt Heraberg looked slightly older. Finished them all, really? Heraberg asked with a smile. Lumian made a sound and honestly replied, There are two books I didnt listen to, but I cant continue anymore. Heraberg nodded approvingly. If you know, you know. If you dont know, you dont know; theres no need to pretend. As he took the books, he said, Theres indeed no need to read these anymore. I must remind you, these books are infected with a plague, as are the other items in your bag. You need to handle them properly, burn or purify them to prevent the plague from spreading. Celestes Grade 1 Sealed Artifact is so potent? It continues to produce a Plague even inside the Travelers Bag Lumian said sincerely, Ill be careful. Thank you, Archbishop. Archbishop, how do I seal an object that spreads a deadly plague? Heraberg looked at Lumian for a few seconds, then laughed. He pointed to another brass bookshelf. That one, that one, and that one, take a look and learn. Indeed, teachers never give direct answers Lumian didnt resist continuing his studies. He pulled out the books and placed them in his Travelers Bag. Then he smiled and asked, Your Grace, what should I do to leave Morora? The white-haired Heraberg said meaningfully, No one has ever forbidden the residents here from leaving Morora, they simply dont want to leave. Lumian was momentarily stunned, then asked with sudden realization, Leave the way you came? Heraberg showed a look of approval, then pointed to Lumians clothes. Do you want a change of clothes? Lumian looked down and saw his clothes, pants, and shoes had become tattered from the previous intense battle. He was about to take out spare clothes from the Travelers Bag but remembered they were also infected with the mystical plague. Heraberg pointed to a room near the stairs. There are clothes you can change into. Thank you, Your Grace. Lumian sighed in relief and quickly entered the room, finding several plain white robes with brass threads hanging inside. These were the vestments of the Church of Knowledge clergy. Lumian glanced back thoughtfully at Heraberg, who had resumed reading, and swiftly changed into a robe that fit his size. He then opened the cathedrals heavy, ajar wooden door and descended the stone steps layer by layer, deep into the underground. The passageway hadnt changed since he came; the glowing gems embedded in the walls still provided some illumination. That indescribable terrifying sound echoed in Lumians ears again. Lumian walked at a steady pace towards the exit. As 0-01s proxy, the more he walked, the more he felt this might indeed be a long esophagus. What kind of creature would have such an esophagus? Lumian pondered but couldnt find an answer. Alert to this possibility, he neither transformed into a flaming spear nor teleported, instead walking obediently for several hours until he reached the double bronze doors. He extended his hands and pulled, making the door emit a heavy sound as it slowly opened. Outside, no one was guarding it. Lumian sneered silently and stepped out. He didnt forget to close the door behind him. Wearing the plain white robe with brass threads, he walked back, feeling unseen, unknown gazes upon him. Reaching the prison where he had been held, Lumian activated the black mark on his right shoulder. He chose to teleport back to Trier, to the apartment he rented. His body and spirit were in decent shape, but he felt a strong sense of fatigue, wanting to rest. Just as his figure materialized, he saw Ludwig enjoying afternoon tea. Ludwig looked up and froze. Clang! The silver fork in the boys hand fell onto the dessert plate. Chapter 843 - 843 Black Tear 843 Black Tear 843 Black Tear Seeing the genuine fear in Ludwigs eyes, Lumian looked down at himself and noticed the plain white robe with brass threads he was wearing. He laughed and reassured his godson, Dont be afraid. Theres no exam, and no study. Ludwigs eyes lit up, and his expression gradually relaxed. For a moment, he had feared that his godfather had joined the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom, thinking the sky was falling. Lumian glanced at Lugano, who had hurriedly stood up. He took the former Carnivore bar owners stomach from the Travelers Bag and tossed it to Ludwig. This is a gift for you. Having completed his journey to Morora, Lumian was no longer bound by his promises and could now obtain godhood. He decided to accelerate the formation of his hunter team, with Ludwig being the most important member. Taming this sealed Angel involved granting favors. Ludwigs expression turned ecstatic, as if he had just ascended from the abyss to heaven. He eagerly prepared to devour the stomach of the Depriver on the spot. Lumian rubbed his temples and cautioned, Thats infected with a mystical pathogen. Youd better handle it properly to prevent the disease from spreading. A mystical pathogen Lugano exclaimed, instinctively distancing himself from Ludwig. As a professional Doctor, Lugano activated his Spirit Vision, focusing on the stomach for two seconds before confirming the presence of the disease. Ludwig took a bite at the stomachs pylorus and mumbled, Once its in my stomach, the plague wont spread. And what about you? Lumian asked, amused. At most, Ill have an upset stomach for a while, Ludwig answered nonchalantly. Should I skip purifying the food in my Travelers Bag? Since it wouldnt hurt you Lumian mumbled and turned toward his bedroom. After taking a few more bites, Ludwig lifted his head and hesitantly said, Thank you. Thank you, godfather. Lumian smiled, nodding in satisfaction. Not bad. Your manners have improved a lot. Ludwig shivered suddenly. His godfathers tone and expression now resembled those of his most feared people-his teachers! Lumian said nothing more, heading to his bedroom. He spread out a letter paper and wrote down the key points of his journey to Morora, detailing the problems he had encountered. Then he summoned the doll messenger, handing over the letter along with the Travelers Bag. The doll messenger disdainfully picked up the Travelers Bag with two fingers, complaining, Dont put everything in here! Its too dirty! Its too dirty! Its a trash can now! Lumian smiled sheepishly. I had no other choice. I cant carry those Sealed Artifacts directly, right? Their negative effects combined could kill me instantly. After sending off the doll messenger, Lumian collapsed onto his bed without cleaning up the makeshift altar on his desk. He closed his eyes, letting his body relax. In Morora, he had stayed up late reading and couldnt sleep soundly with a mad Demoness living next door and other enemies possibly ambushing him at any moment, keeping his mind on high alert. Now, he finally felt a long-lost sense of safety. Lumian quickly fell into a deep sleep. When he woke, it was already six in the morning of a new day. Ah, refreshing and comfortable. Lumian sat up, stretched, and saw his Travelers Bag and a letter on his desk. The messenger came without me awakening This means I trust her quite a bit Lumian muttered as he walked to his desk and drew the curtains. In the morning light, he sat down and read Madam Magicians reply: For now, leaving a mark to become a proxy is enough. Other matters can be dealt with later. In short, regarding 0-01, youve at least gotten ahead of the Demoness Sect and the Red Angel. However, no matter how beneficial something seems, it always has its drawbacks. This means youve officially stepped onto the stage vying for the Red Priest position. You will face more attention and danger. Previously, the Demoness Sect might have seen you as a potential ally, and the Red Angel might have considered using you. Now, eliminating you to vacate the proxy position will be a practical option for them. You should also remind Two of Cups to be cautious to avoid being exploited by the Demoness Sect. Of course, since both the Demoness Sect and the Red Angel have gained something from this, each leaving a bit of blood on 0-01, their immediate urgency to target you is not very high. Regarding the Abscessed Hand, due to significant catastrophes in the Fourth, Third, and Second Epochs, many folklore and legends have not survived. The high-level corruption from the Great Mother on the Abscessed Hand prevents us from direct divination, requiring indirect methods, making it hard to obtain the most effective information. We havent determined when the related legends first appeared but can confirm their existence at the beginning of the Fifth Epoch. From your description of its appearance and state, we reasonably suspect that the Abscessed Hand was a Vampire of Angel rank before its death. According to information from the Sanguine, one of the three dukes, an ancient being born in the Second Epoch, Round Moon Duke Olmer, has no memory of such a kin. Note that a Sequence 2 Angel is equivalent to a duke among the Sanguine. Even in the long history of the Sanguine, the number of dukes is very limited, and its impossible for them not to recognize or remember each other. The New City of Silver is currently searching through historical texts related to Omebella for possible clues. I will inform you if they find anything. Hand Bro isnt a Sanguine. No wonder Madam Magician calls him a vampire. High-level beings of the Moon pathway are not equivalent to the Sanguine, just like the followers of the Primordial Moon in the Rose School of Thought are not considered Sanguine but are referred to as Artificial Vampires or something Lumian leaned back in his chair and continued reading. You can also try to get information from the Aurora Order. The secrets the one they believe in holds are among the top even among true gods. According to my divination, Albus Medici is still alive. His ancestor, the Red Angel, reached some sort of tacit agreement with someone or something in the special mirror world after entering Fourth Epoch Trier through the Hostel plan. This had significantly reduced the danger for Albus to escape from Morora through the special mirror world. No need for regrets. This is good news. At least we know the Red Angel might be cooperating with powerful beings in the special mirror world. The Grade 1 Sealed Artifact is called Black Tear, created from the tear of a Demoness of Despair after her death, fusing with her Beyonder characteristics. Black Tear continuously produces the mystical pathogen that infected you, spreading it around without stopping. Wearing Black Tear significantly enhances your charm, with a slight feminine touch, but it wont change your gender. Black Tear can help you master some mirror magic, including passing messages through the mirror world, Mirror Traversal, and mirror illusions. It also makes your Cull more lethal, allowing you to infuse all your power into a single Cull. In places with a special mirror world, Black Tear can help you utilize its special characteristics and power. Those were the effects. The negative effects are: The wearer also gets infected with the mystical pathogen, with Demonesses of Affliction being less affected and more resistant; The wearer experiences intermittent Pleasure, every 45 to 90 seconds; Even just carrying it makes you more emotional, more easily moved, and persuaded; Having Black Tear also increases the likelihood of unwanted romantic encounters, based on the curse from the Demoness of Despair before her death. Reading this, Lumian couldnt help but raise an eyebrow. This Sealed Artifact seems more suitable for a forbidden book like Monks Chasing Dogs. Pleasure every 45 to 90 seconds is a major problem in battle! Franca cant use it either, unless its a quick fight. The mystical plague takes time. For now, I can only treat it as an unlimited Mirror Cufflink, using it briefly and then sealing it Lumian pondered and continued reading Madam Magicians sealing methods. The most versatile solution is to find a Sealed Artifact of the Sun pathway that continuously purifies the surrounding area, placing it with Black Tear. How to mitigate the Sun pathway Sealed Artifacts negative effects is another matter. The simplest but most demanding solution is to place Black Tear in a mirror, confining the pathogen to the area behind the mirror. Dont worry, the Plague cant travel through the mirror. The issue is that without other items to interact with the mirror world, you cant retrieve Black Tear. If the mirror sealing it breaks, Black Tear will be lost in the mirror world, wandering who knows where. The custom solution is that Ive isolated a separate space in your Travelers Bag. Regularly throw in a flame that can burn for over half an hour to incinerate the mystical pathogen. Ive also purified the other items in your Travelers Bag. No need to worry about infection. Lumian finished reading the letter and exhaled deeply. This is the benefit of the Tarot Club! After burning the letter, he checked the Travelers Bag, confirming that Celestes Demoness of Affliction Beyonder characteristic was a beautiful eye, stored with the corpse chunks in the isolated space with Black Tear. To use it later, he would need to purify or disinfect it first. Hanging the Travelers Bag, Lumian walked to the full-length mirror in the room. Chapter 844 - 844 Changes in the Body 844 Changes in the Body 844 Changes in the Body Lumian placed his hand on the mirrors surface, activating the contract ability that represented the Mirror Mark. Immediately, he sensed multiple marks he had left behind. Some were clear, others blurred, and some were like distant glimmers on the horizon. The clear ones came from Moran Avignys study and Francas rented apartment. The blurry ones, which often changed locations, originated from the treasury of the Blue Avenger. The distant glimmers gave Lumian a feeling of being separated by a vast night, unreachable-they were the marks he had left on various mirrors in Morora. At the same time, Lumian felt a strong calling. He sensed a unique, solid, and tight connection between himself and the City of Exiles. In his minds eye, a dark, illusory world and the mountain of corpses appeared. The scent of rust and blood filled his nostrils, and his forehead tingled slightly. If I want, I can use Black Tear now, enter the mirror, and teleport back to Morora Lumian suddenly realized. Of course, such a teleportation had to pass through the special mirror world, which was extremely dangerous for Lumian. He refocused, examining the changes in his body after becoming a proxy for 0-01. It didnt take long for him to reach a conclusion. In Morora, 0-01 will help me absorb some of the damage. I can influence the weather, either making it similar or turning it into a disaster. I can create a small area of Fog of War, use abilities like War Cry and War Song to enhance myself and my team, and weaken enemies Additionally, I can temporarily become equivalent to a Sequence 4 Iron-blooded Knight, lacking only godhood and an incomplete mythical form. Otherwise, I possess all the qualities, albeit slightly weaker than a true Iron-blooded Knight. Its like receiving a Sequence 4 boon, although high-level boons also come with godhood If I abandon my sense of self, I can momentarily approach Sequence 3 However, all this can only be realized in Morora. With 0-01 sealed, it cannot exert influence outside Morora. But the changes to my body as a proxy, or rather the corruption, are real and irreversible. My physical resistance to damage has significantly improved. Although its not as good as a Dawn Paladin in full armor, Im no longer at risk of instant death from a headshot. Without targeting weaknesses or using Cull, it takes two to three shots to crack my skull My strength, speed, reflexes, constitution, and agility have also improved. My body is becoming more robust and masculine. Luckily, I can use flame shaving. Otherwise, half a day would leave me scruffy My spirituality has increased by about forty to fifty percent. Now, with regular accumulation and storage, I no longer suffer from anxiety due to a lack of spirituality According to Grande Soeurs and Francas terminology, my resistance to flames has also increased significantly. Flames not hot enough wont hurt me. At least Sequence 5 blazing-white flames are needed for any effect. When using Devils Whispers in the future, the damage and pain from the sulfurous flames will be much lower Huh, Ive also grown three to four centimeters taller Lumian felt like an oversized, reinforced Reaper. My long studies werent in vain He sighed, opening his bedroom door and stepping out. Ludwig had just woken up, wearing a blue hat with yellow stars and energetically drinking milk. Lumian glanced at Lugano busy in the kitchen and asked his godson with a smile, What did you make with the Deprivers stomach yesterday, and how much is left? Ludwig was stunned for a second. I ate it all. Lumian raised an eyebrow. I thought youd save some to make a special dish and share it with us. Ludwig was silent for a few seconds, then honestly replied, I couldnt resist its allure. Lumian stared at the boy until he looked down guiltily. Ill let it go this time. I understand your desire, but know your mistake and correct it, understood? Lumians expression softened. He wasnt angry about Ludwig eating the entire Deprivers stomach, missing out on his share. To him, it was no big deal. His sternness was part of the education. As a godfather and the team leader, he was responsible for this. Only by doing so could he quickly complete the ritual and advance to an Iron-blooded Knight. Yes, godfather, Ludwig whispered. Lumian sat down, waiting for his breakfast, and asked Ludwig, Have you advanced to Depriver yet? Almost, but I can use some Depriver abilities, Ludwig said, gulping down more milk. Lumian nodded lightly, not asking further questions. Trier, Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, 9 Rue Orosai, Apartment 702. After breakfast, Lumian went to see Franca and Jenna. He politely rang the doorbell, mindful that at this hour, the two Demonesses might be scantily clad. With winter over, the Demonesses could wear only light clothes indoors thanks to their resistance to the cold. Ding-dong, ding-dong. Wearing a womans shirt, fitted trousers, and fluffy slippers, Franca opened the door. She looked at Lumian in surprise. Youre back from the City of Exiles? Thats too fast! Last time they contacted, he was still studying! Lumian walked past Franca, saying with a smile, I used up your Mirror Cufflink. Thats fine. With her new Ice Amulet, Franca generously waved it off. Lumian was about to speak when he saw Jenna at the dining table. Her facial skin looked deeply cleansed, smooth and delicate. Her crystalline eyes were like autumn streams, hiding a thousand emotions and words, inviting immersion. The simple, light-colored dress outlined a perfect but not exaggerated figure. Her exposed skin radiated indescribable charm. Lumians throat tightened, and he felt an uncontrollable heat. After a few seconds, he averted his gaze and asked Jenna thoughtfully, Did you advance to Pleasure? Yes, Jenna replied with a mischievous smile. Looks like that potion wasnt fake. Lumian let out a derisive snort. Were you showcasing your charm just now? No, Jenna laughed softly. Maybe the potions power is still leaking after my recent advancement. But, your self-control isnt as strong as I thought. Um Lumian thought his reaction was uncharacteristic of an Ascetic. He suspected residual malice from using Devils Whispers, needing time to dissipate. And the Travelers Bag now held Black Tear-though isolated, the bag couldnt fully block the Grade 1 Sealed Artifacts influence. Some negative effects would always seep out. Thats why he needed to burn the mystical pathogen in the isolated space regularly. Finding an excuse, Lumian scoffed. Thats because Im still weak, with noticeable emotional and desire fluctuations. Watching their interaction, Franca felt a pang of jealousy for some reason. She quickly changed the subject, excitedly sharing, When Jenna advanced, we got some crucial, unexpected intel. Guess what it is. Lumian pulled up a chair and sat down, thinking.Related to Krismona? Franca sat nearby and clicked her tongue. Sharp. Guess who Krismonas father is. Lumian wanted to observe Franca and Jennas expressions, but their combined beauty made him instinctively look away. After some consideration, he guessed, With your tone and attitude Ill go with the least likely option: Blood Emperor Alista Tudor! Franca and Jennas expressions froze. Lumian asked in slight disbelief, I got it right? Yes, congratulations. Franca nodded solemnly. Th-this isnt mystical Lumian echoed their earlier doubts. The two Demonesses then recounted their discussion. As Lumian listened, he frowned slightly. Whats wrong? Jenna asked perceptively. Lumian stroked his chin. I remembered something from my time in Morora. What? Franca had been curious about Lumians experiences in Morora. Considering the corruption from knowledge related to 0-01, Lumian focused on his conflicts with Albus, Julie, and Wanak, emphasizing the importance of books and knowledge. In short, Im now the proxy for 0-01, but this power only works in Morora. Lumian pondered. What puzzles me is why I escaped after being petrified by Julies divine descent and didnt die. Franca clicked her tongue. You Hunters, always fighting with schemes and layers of plans, not straightforward at all! She then laughed. I think the Primordial One threw you out to save the Blood Emperors last hope of resurrection during the divine descent. Whats this? True love! Lumian didnt immediately refute her near-joking statement. After a few seconds, he thoughtfully said, Maybe its not true love, but a practical need. Maybe the purpose of the Primordial Demoness and Blood Emperor creating the special mirror world can only proceed after the Blood Emperors resurrection Chapter 845 - 845 Busy Franca 845 Busy Franca 845 Busy Franca Jenna agreed with Lumian, Whether its true love or not, there must be a specific purpose behind creating that special mirror world, and it seems that purpose hasnt been achieved yet. What could that purpose be? Franca pondered. Lumian thought for a few seconds, then pulled out the corpse wax candle he had obtained from the Blue Avenger from his Travelers Bag, and mused aloud, That special mirror world might have been jointly created by a true god of the Hunter pathway and a true god of the Demoness pathway. This corpse wax candle was crafted from the corpse wax of demigods from both pathways, mixed with other substances. According to the Law of Similarity in mysticism, there might be a connection between the two. When I become a demigod, Ill visit Bansy, find the specific location mentioned by Madam Magician, light the corpse wax candle, and complete a secret deed ritual to see what I can discover. This might help us uncover the secrets of the special mirror world. As for Fourth Epoch Trier, entering the sealed area after the Hostel plan would be a true god-level difficulty. At that time, apply for a Major Arcana card holder to watch over the matter. Franca had no objections, just reminding Lumian to be cautious. After exchanging experiences over the recent period, Franca relaxed, leaned back in her chair, and said with bright eyes, You went to Morora and didnt gain much on the Hunter side, only becoming the proxy for 0-01. But you got a lot from the Demoness pathway, like the Beyonder characteristic of a Demoness of Affliction, a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact equivalent to that of a Demoness of Despair. What are you implying? Lumian asked with a smile. Franca chuckled. I dont need it. I should be able to get what I need from the Demoness Sect. The only concern is how to complete the ritual. I wish I could go to Morora. Its perfect for the Demoness of Despair ritual-no guilt involved. Just hearing your examples, I know that place is full of talent, criminal talent, people exploring the limits of human evil! I mean, Jennas Beyonder characteristics up to Sequence 4 are in our full possession. You dont plan to sell them, do you? Jenna said instinctively, But I still havent saved enough money for the Demoness of Affliction Beyonder characteristic. Im still short by tens of thousands of verl dor Lumian chuckled. No need to worry. From now on, you two are officially part of my team. As the team leader, Ill reward you based on your contributions. It could be money or items. He made it clear-these things were meant for Jenna. Its not like he could consume them himself. But since they were a team, there had to be clear rewards and punishments, not giving away things for free. Even giving Ludwig the Deprivers stomach was under the pretense of a godfather returning from a trip and bringing a gift for his godson. Jennas expression relaxed, and she teased with a smile in her eyes, Should we call you Captain now? No need. A good team can address each other by names or nicknames. Lumian turned his gaze to Franca, revisiting the old topic. I used up your Mirror Cufflink. What compensation do you want? No need to be so polite. With her Ice Amulet, Franca waved it off generously. If I need to use Black Tear or the Sword of Courage in the future, Ill borrow them from you. Dont worry, Im thick-skinned and wont feel embarrassed. As she spoke, she took out the Lie earring and tossed it back to Lumian. You should keep this. Im afraid Ill be tempted to permanently alter my face and body, getting addicted to Lie. Lumian knew Franca wasnt pretending to be generous. He caught Lie and reminded her, Be extra careful when dealing with the Demoness of Black. Shell soon learn about my involvement in the 0-01 battle in Morora and suspect I was the one who persisted till the end. Understood. Franca nodded solemnly. Jennas eyes flickered, and she thoughtfully said, Should I move out for a while? Seeing Francas puzzled look and Lumians approving nod, Jenna explained carefully, The Demoness of Black might secretly monitor you to gather information about Lumian. If I continue living with you, Ill inevitably attract her attention. Facing prolonged observation from a high-ranking Demoness, I dont think I can keep my secrets. Think about it. I now have the charm of a Demoness of Pleasure, different from the beauty of a Vampire. A few more glances from the Demoness of Black, and shell notice somethings wrong. If I live elsewhere, I can disguise this charm before visiting you with makeup or using Lie. Lie couldnt be worn all the time, and maintaining makeup even while sleeping would also arouse suspicion from the Demoness of Black! Alright. Franca was convinced by Jennas reasoning. She glanced at Lumian with some resentment, thinking, You really do bring trouble. With the Demoness of Black watching me, how can I help Jenna digest the Pleasure potion? Franca sighed and asked Lumian, When will you take Amandina to the Samaritan Womens Spring? You came back too quickly. I havent had time to get to know her better yet, Franca complained. Lumian pondered for a few seconds. When my condition stabilizes. The rest of the time, Jenna packed her personal belongings and went out to find an apartment in the surrounding area that she could move into that day, while Lumian returned to his place to continue taming Ludwig. Franca continued to track the whereabouts of the Mirror Person, Jasmine, until nightfall. Looking at the empty and cold apartment, she sighed inwardly and threw herself onto the long sofa. After a while, the surface of the full-length mirror in the living room suddenly shimmered with a dark light. The face of the Demoness of Black faintly appeared. Franca stood up abruptly and respectfully bowed. Good evening, Madame Clarice. At the same time, she mumbled in her heart, The Demoness of Black really knows where I live The Demoness of Black, Clarice, looked at Franca outside the mirror, her expression somewhat detached, and asked, Has your lover, Ciel, returned to Trier? He has. Franca had prepared for this and answered honestly. The Demoness of Black scrutinized Franca for a moment, then chuckled softly. Youve been apart for several weeks. You must be thoroughly enjoying each others company upon reuniting. Has he become more vigorous? Youre asking me? Whom should I ask? How would I know Whats the point of this question? Franca silently grumbled. Such a question was entirely outside her and Lumians expectations! At that moment, cold sweat appeared on Francas back as her mind raced, pushing her thinking ability to its limits. Vigorous The Demoness of Black once said that the taste of a Hunter isnt bad either-the higher their Sequence, the more vigorous they become Is the Demoness of Black trying to confirm Lumians current state from this detail, to see if he has become the proxy for 0-01? If Lumian and I were truly lovers, such a detail would be easily overlooked, and its normal for Demonesses to discuss such things. In that case, I would naturally reveal the answer the Demoness of Black is looking for. Should I hide it for Lumian? No, hes already highly suspicious. Hiding it would mean dragging myself into suspicion. Though I might already be suspected Lumian said this morning not to lie about it, but not to be too clear Within two or three seconds, Franca raised her right hand, covered her mouth, and let out a small yawn. Then, she said with a mix of shyness and pride, Although he hasnt advanced yet and is quite far from it, he has indeed become much more vigorous. I almost feel conquered As she spoke, Francas words carried a bit of longing, as if dreaming of becoming equally vigorous. This was part of her acting training from Jenna and Anthony-performance needing layers. The Demoness of Black in the mirror nodded and said with a smile, Truly enviable. Francas eyes moved slightly, and she said, reminiscing, Whether its due to the long separation or his many hidden secrets, I feel hes become a lot more unfamiliar. Sometimes, when he looks at me, I think, Who is he? and feel like I dont recognize him The Demoness of Black nodded slightly. He might have undergone some kind of corruption. Keep your current relationship. If he shows any unusual behavior, let me know immediately. I might be able to help. Heh heh, this might also be one of your opportunities to digest the Affliction potion. Yes, Madame Clarice. Franca displayed the sense of security that came from having a powerful backer. The Demoness of Black glanced around the mirror and asked with a smile, Wheres your Vampire lover? Her brother is returning to Trier soon, so shes embarrassed to continue living with me. Franca recited her lines. The Demoness of Black asked no more questions, gave some instructions regarding the Mirror People, and disappeared into the dark light. Once the full-length mirror returned to normal, Franca quietly breathed a sigh of relief and prepared to date Lumian. She hadnt even had time to open the door when a soft light appeared before her -a transparent, crystalline ice-blue jellyfish with many tentacles quickly materialized. One of the jellyfishs tentacles was wrapped around a letter. Franca recognized the jellyfish as Ongla, the messenger of Madam Judgment. Every time she saw Ongla, Franca instinctively felt a sense of fear, believing it to be very powerful. However, Ongla the jellyfish, unlike the intelligent puppet messenger of Madam Magician, often acted purely on instinct. Receiving the letter, Franca silently grumbled, Im feeling swarmed I was already busy helping Lumian with his affairs, and even now that hes back, Im still so busy. Thanking Ongla the jellyfish, Franca opened the letter: Mr. Star has confirmed the first task that requires your help. Chapter 846 - 846 "Negotiation" 846 Negotiation 846 Negotiation Upon reading the first line of the letter, Franca felt a sense that the moment had finally arrived. She had been waiting, waiting for Mr. Star to make a request, so she could exchange it for Mid-to-Low Sequence potions from the Evernight pathway for Amandina. Franca read the rest with a mix of anticipation and nervousness: He hopes you can help him decipher the text in the attached materials. They are somewhat similar to those in Emperor Roselles diary. He hasnt set a time limit, so you can take your time. The information you provided about Krismonas father possibly being Blood Emperor Alista Tudor is very useful and important. Now, we suspect that the entity in the deepest part of the special mirror world, the one worshiped by the Mirror People, may not be the Primordial Demoness in the complete sense. Rather, it could be connected to the creation of the special mirror world by the Blood Emperor and the Primordial Demoness. It seems to have gone out of their control, and this might be why the Primordial Demoness is in a bad state. Your main tasks with Seven of Cups are to find the Mirror Person, Jasmine, and probe the Demoness of Black to see if she has a deep understanding of the special mirror world. Of course, your safety must be ensured. If you encounter any anomalies, you can ask me for help. Madam Judgment sure goes straight to the point Franca turned to the next page of the letter. The rest were the attached materials. Francas pupils dilated upon seeing them: This wasnt anything like the text from Emperor Roselles diary! It was either oracle bone script or bronze script, one of the oldest forms of writing from her and Emperor Roselles country pre-transmigration! Where did this come from? Who the hell knows this stuff Not sure if its genuine oracle bone script or bronze script, since I dont understand it either. Im illiterate in this Is it a mysticism language unknown to this world, just similar to oracle bone script? But it does look like hieroglyphics! Franca began to examine it carefully. Although she hadnt studied oracle bone script or bronze script, as a young person growing up in the internet age, she had seen a few and remembered the meanings of some of the simplest characters, like person. Before long, she found several similar pictographic characters. A bit different from what I remember, but mostly the same Lets treat it as oracle bone script or bronze script first Where did Mr. Star get this from? Did they find Harrison of Resurrection Island? No, if they did, they would have told me Or, when the Major Arcana card holder of the Moses Ascetic Order was tracking the missing Ten Pillars Kmerolo, they encountered something related to the Celestial Master? Very possible! No wonder the preface of this material told me that the order of the text had been disrupted to prevent corruption during interpretation. As expected from the Celestial Master, who oversees the Mystery Pryer and Savant pathways! But without context, the difficulty of interpretation is more than doubled Chen Tu! Armored Shadow Chen Tu might know, but I can only ask three or four questions per summoning Dont know if I can directly ask what the general meaning of this material is Francas mind raced, deciding to seek help from the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society first. Many members of the society came from the same country as her, and there were quite a few highly educated ones, some of whom might have studied oracle bone script or bronze script. Franca didnt need them to be masters in oracle bone script or bronze script, just being able to recognize the commonly used characters would be enough. The rest could be guessed by the Major Arcana card holders based on the original context. With this decision, Franca enthusiastically began writing a letter, planning to summon Madame Helas messenger to request a gathering soon. She was too lazy to head out to go on a date with Lumian and discuss the Demoness of Black. After eating a cream bun, she sat at her desk and carefully selected the characters she barely recognized, studying them repeatedly. In the apartment Lumian rented in Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative. Lumian sat on the sofa, watching Ludwig read the Ghost Face magazine, and pondered the next steps of taming. After a few minutes, he smiled at Ludwig. Youve been pretty free lately, havent you? Besides eating, you have nothing else to do. Let me give you an assignment. The key to taming was to make the other party follow orders, even forcing themselves to do things they didnt want to do. Of course, pure intimidation and suppression wouldnt work. Once or twice was fine, but more than that, Ludwig would definitely run away again. Ludwigs expression turned to horror, as if saying: See, you have indeed been corrupted by the Church of Knowledge! Without giving him a chance to speak, Lumian continued, This assignment is to taste Triers famous meat pies. Gather information yourself, plan the route yourself, and finally compile a food report. The first step in following orders was to make the orders acceptable to the child, something he could and would do, then gradually increase the difficulty. Ludwigs eyes lit up. He licked his lips and said, Alright! The little boy glanced out the window and eagerly stood up. Ill go right now! Lumian chuckled. Its already dark, and its too dangerous outside. Youre just a child. Too dangerous just a child Lugano couldnt help but glance at Ludwig, his face full of disapproval. Lumian sighed and said, I mean, youre just a child with insufficient self-control. Its more dangerous for the citizens of Trier walking at night. He then told Ludwig, Tonight, gather information from newspapers and magazines, make a plan, and go out tomorrow morning. Mm-hmm! Ludwig jumped off the single sofa and started flipping through the newspapers and magazines they had subscribed to, taking it very seriously. Satisfied, Lumian nodded, returned to his bedroom, and placed a continuously burning incandescent white flame in the separate space of his Travelers Bag. After a while, he took out the completely charred, deformed piece of Celestes corpse, examining it for a few moments. According to Francas Magic Mirror Divination, this could be refined and extracted to replace the tail tip of the Two-Tailed Black Snake in the Affliction potions supplementary ingredients. The supplementary ingredients Flower-Faced Bat blood also didnt need to be collected. Francas blood was a better substitute. Lumian stuffed the corpse piece back into the Travelers Bag and took out the books he had borrowed from the Morora Knowledge Cathedral. Although Madam Magician had already sealed Black Tear for him, useful knowledge was always welcome. Of course, the more useful the knowledge, the more likely it was heavily corrupted, requiring careful consideration and trade-offs. Lumian lit the gas wall lamp, picked a book titled Entering the Mysterious Hall, and leisurely began to read. As time passed, he suddenly turned his head to look at the door. His door creaked open, and a figure emerged from the shadows. It was Jenna, wearing a white shirt and a light gauze skirt. Her slightly darker flaxen hair was pinned up, her blue eyes bright and large, with a faint layer of powder on her face and a small black mole on the bridge of her nose. Her white blouse, adorned with floral decorations, wasnt revealing, yet its nearly perfect curves made ones mind wander and mouth dry. At that moment, Lumian felt as if he saw the past Showy Diva Jenna and actress apprentice Celia Bello overlapping, exuding an indescribable allure beneath her fresh appearance. I need your help with something, Jenna said with a slight smile as she closed the door. Lumian suddenly felt a sense of danger-not to his life, but a different kind of unease. Im afraid I cant help you, Lumian said calmly, relying on the traits of an Ascetic. Jenna lowered her eyes, hiding the brilliance in her blue eyes. She walked to the bedside, sat down, looked at Lumian again, and said with a smile, Listen to me first, hear my reasons. Lumian fell silent for a few seconds before stating, Go ahead. Jenna propped her hands on either side, leaning forward slightly in a somewhat playful manner. It seems youve guessed it. Yes, I want you to help me digest the Pleasure potion. As expected Lumian said with a headache, Why not ask Franca? Two reasons, one superficial, one genuine. Which do you want to hear? Jenna asked with a smile. Lumian rubbed his forehead. The superficial one. Jenna pursed her lips and smiled self-deprecatingly. Shes very willing to help me digest the Pleasure potion, with no internal resistance, causing little pain. This wouldnt comply with the acting principle of pleasure bringing pain, slowing my potion digestion. But you, I know youre unwilling, resistant to this. The more so, the quicker I can digest the potion by making you experience pleasure, ultimately even feeling a bit reluctant, and the self-blame that follows. Also, a very important point is, you have a false Angelic rank. If everything goes smoothly, I might be able to digest the potion within two or three weeks and consider advancing to Demoness of Affliction. As team leader, isnt this the best choice? It can effectively help you improve the teams quality and enhance the rituals effect. You dont have to recommend Black Tear to me. Digesting the Pleasure potion requires a target. Lumian remained silent. Jenna couldnt help but scoff. Just think of it as teleporting a teammate, lending strength to a teammate. Im not seeking your emotions or soul. Without emotions, youve never cared about these things, always thinking you have no morals, right? Hey, do you have a cleanliness obsession? Its just helping out! After a few seconds, Lumian asked, What about you? Jenna lowered her eyes and softly laughed. Ill also experience pleasure in pain and feel pain in pleasure, very much in line with the acting principles. Lumian remained silent for a while before asking, What about Franca? Jenna bit her lip, her eyes deep. If she finds out, itll help her digest the Affliction potion. Lumian sighed deeply. I thought youd try to seduce me, ignite my desires to achieve your goal. Didnt expect you to negotiate and reason with me. Jenna wrinkled her nose and grumbled, If I tried to seduce you, youd teleport away! Its better to explain the pros and cons, tell you its as normal as drinking water or having a meal. No guilt involved, no emotions needed. This is very common in Intis! Chapter 847 - 847 Pleasure in Pain 847 Pleasure in Pain 847 Pleasure in Pain Seeing Lumian remain silent, Jenna smiled and said, Doesnt a good team leader need to care about the personal needs of the team members and balance internal conflicts? Sure, when you Hunters reach a high sequence, you can easily subdue people and turn them into puppets without worrying about these things. But now, you cant do that yet. Jennas eyes flickered slightly as she added with a smile, This benefits you as well. You once said that the emotions and desires suppressed by the Ascetic wont disappear completely. Some will accumulate little by little, and if they reach a certain level, they must be vented, or theyll become a hidden danger. And it seems you havent vented in a long time. Killing people isnt enough to fully release these emotions, and there arent enough bad guys for you to kill all at once. At this point, Jenna looked at Lumian with clear eyes, teasing, Alright, Ive finished explaining my reasons, the benefits, and possible consequences of this. Captain, you need to make a decision. Without waiting for Lumian to speak, Jenna pursed her lips and added in a low voice, Also, theres another reason. Weve been through many dangerous things. We dont know when well die or lose each other. I-I dont want to bid farewell with regrets. After a moment of silence, Lumian sighed and said, Youve become quite an excellent Instigator. Jenna blinked. Does that mean you agree? Lumian nodded solemnly. Only while youre a Demoness of Pleasure. Jennas slightly leaning body suddenly pulled back, and her shoulders, supported by her hands, dropped a little. The emotions she had been suppressing finally released a little. She lowered her gaze to her knees and smiled, half self-mockingly, half wistfully. When that happens, I can digest the Affliction potion. Lumian remained silent. After a few seconds, he said, Ill find an opportunity to inform Franca about this as a sign of respect. Jenna fell silent for a moment before saying with a smile, I thought youd seek Francas opinion before making a decision. Lumian sighed again. This is a sign of respect towards you. He had sighed, having sensed the true emotions hidden in Jennas words. Jenna knew that Franca was an unavoidable issue in this matter, but she hoped that whatever the outcome-good or bad-it would only concern herself and her partner. As for Franca, she would deal with that separately. Thats why when she was asked about Franca earlier, she suddenly became angry and irritated, spitefully saying it would help her digest the Affliction potion. Lumian only realized this through her response, and in that moment understood the mood behind their current banter. Lumian changed the subject. You are one of the most proactive people Ive ever met. The good way of putting it is decisive and courageous, the bad way is impulsive and reckless, Jenna said, her eyes like the waters of an autumn lake, now fully exhibiting the charm of a Demoness of Pleasure, smiling slightly, Now, shouldnt we talk about something else? She removed the fake mole from the bridge of her nose and asked Lumian with a smile, Do you remember what I told you about the different meanings of the fake mole when we first met? Lumian smiled wryly. That was our second meeting. I didnt see you the first time, so it doesnt count, Jenna said, her hand holding the fake mole slowly sliding down, past her beautifully curved jaw, her long white neck, and the floral decorations on her chest, stopping at the second button of her blouse. She smiled brightly and asked, What does this mean? Lumians gaze involuntarily followed Jennas hand. He closed his eyes and said, It means secrets. Jenna laughed. She stood up slowly and walked over to Lumian, who was sitting at the desk. Her voice turned low, as if it was scratching Lumians ear. I know its hard for you to take the initiative right now, that youre hesitating to take that step. Its okay, Ill guide you. As expected, youre still a virgin Jenna chuckled softly and walked up to Lumian, placing her hands on his shoulders. After a second, she lowered her head and pressed her lips against Lumians. Lumian smelled the fragrance and felt the softness and sweetness, along with the slight coolness and trembling of her lips, and the nervousness and apprehension. Inside Apartment 702 at 9 Rue Orosai. Franca studied those characters late into the night and finally received a reply from Madame Hela, who agreed to convene a full gathering of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society soon. Phew, Franca entered the room, sat at the small analyzer, and shared with the telegraph group members that she had come across some ancient characters that seemed to predate their transmigration. She then chatted with 007 and the others until after one in the morning. The next day, she woke up around eight. The habits she had developed recently and the matters on her mind kept her from sleeping in. After washing up and having breakfast, Franca hesitated about her next move. Should I find Lumian first to tell him about the Demoness of Black and the oracle bone script, or should I find Anthony to see if hes heard anything about the mineralogist, Jasmine, from the adventurers and smugglers who frequently enter Underground Trier? After a few seconds of deliberation, Franca decided to find Anthony first because the Hypnotist usually left early and returned late, busy collecting intelligence and advancing his membership in the Psychology Alchemists. If she missed him now, shed have to wait until the evening. Besides, proactively seeking out Lumian could expose his current residence to the Demoness of Black. She planned to wait until the evening when Lumian would come to her. With the curtains slightly parted, Lumian stood there shirtless, silently gazing at Ludwig who was savoring a meat pie from the shop across the street. He seemed somewhat refreshed and invigorated. To his side and slightly behind him, Jenna lay on her stomach in bed, the covers draped diagonally across her. Her lower legs were drawn up and swaying gently in the air, while her face still bore a faint flush. She gazed at Lumians side profile and chuckled softly. Are you embarrassed? Lumian let out a derisive snort. Last night, who was the one embarrassed in the end? First, you insisted on drawing the curtains, then you wanted me to create a wall of spirituality to block the noise, then you said the wall of spirituality wasnt enough and demanded a Bottle of Fiction, then you suddenly got scared and wanted to do a rain check, perhaps another time Jenna laughed softly. That was to make you eager, to unleash the emotions and desires youve been suppressing with the Ascetics tolerance. I must say, you performed well yesterday, much better than I expected. Of course, at first, your performance was quite in line with your state of innocence. Lumian chuckled in amusement and replied, Are all you Demonesses so stubborn with words, insistent on getting the last word? Learned from the best, you. Jenna nodded emphatically, indicating that it was true. She then laughed. Why wont you look at me? Are you really embarrassed? She seemed to have regained the feeling she had when she first faced Lumian. Lumian tsked. I have serious business to do. I need to keep an eye on Ludwig and secretly follow him later. Why? Jenna asked in confusion, Didnt you let Lugano take Ludwig around when we were in places like Port Santa? Back then, I didnt know he was a sealed Angel, and there are many heretics in Trier, Lumian explained in detail, When I went to Morora, I made sure Ludwig stayed indoors as much as possible. As long as there was food, he could stay at home. My concern is that if he wanders around Trier, he might run into other followers of the Devouring Whirlpool. Lugano is only a Sequence 7 and not particularly good at combat. In that case, Ludwig might follow the Devouring Whirlpools followers, and hes crucial for you to complete the ritual soon. Jenna suddenly understood. Lumian withdrew his gaze, bent over, and tried to pick up his clothes from the floor. After scanning the area, he decided to take out a new set from the Travelers Bag. Jenna watched him change clothes with a grin, then walk to the door. Lumian paused at the door, hesitated to turn around, then held back, and said with a hum, Ludwig is about to leave this street. You should rest well. Jenna laughed. Can you say that while looking at me? Seeing Lumian open the door and walk out, she laughed even more wantonly. Are you afraid to look at me because you cant resist, dont want to leave, and will be delayed? Jenna laughed happily the entire time until Lumian transformed into a shadow and left the apartment when tears seemed to well up in the corners of her eyes. She looked at the full-length mirror in the room and saw a beautiful, enchanting woman with a smile on her lips and sadness in her eyes. Franca found Anthony in the caf below his apartment. Anthony took a sip of strong black coffee, raised his head, and said, I was just about to find you. Got something? Francas eyes lit up as she sat down. She habitually glanced around and noticed many people looking her way, but no one dared approach to overhear her conversation with Anthony. I might need to disguise myself and go out looking less attractive at times. Each Sequence in the Demoness pathway significantly enhances feminine charm Sequence 4 onwards, the greatest increase in charm is from Demoness of Pleasure Franca withdrew her gaze and looked at Anthony thoughtfully. Anthony took out a stack of papers and said, Based on the time and place you provided about mineralogist Jasmines recent appearances in Underground Trier, Ive been searching for adventurers, smugglers, and students who passed through those areas during the corresponding times. In the past few days, I finally made some progress. There are three people who fit the conditions, but they didnt encounter Jasmine nearby. However, they did meet someone else. Based on their descriptions, I made corresponding sketches and found they all seemed to have met the same person, who happens to be someone youre looking for. Someone else Im looking for? Another Mirror Person? Franca was puzzled. Anthony unfolded three sheets of drawing paper and pushed them to Franca. Franca received it and turned it around, quickly glancing at them. Just one look, and her eyes froze. Although the sketches on the three sheets had differences, it was clear they depicted the same person: That person had short hair, soft facial contours, and features that werent deep. They had a distinctive appearance, not resembling anyone from any Northern Continent country, nor the darker-skinned people of the Southern Continent. Franca recognized this person: It was indeed someone she was looking for! He was suspected to be Harrison from Resurrection Island! Chapter 848 - 848 Project Fishing 848 Project Fishing 848 Project Fishing Harrison? Hes still in Trier? 007, how come you havent found him yet? Is your Eternal Blazing Sun Church even capable? As Francas spirits lifted, feelings of joy and excitement welled up inside her. She had mobilized members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society to keep an eye out for Harrison worldwide, but it turned out the target was still in Trier. Of course, he may have just returned recently. While inwardly criticizing the Purifiers work capabilities, Franca also sensed something unusual about this situation. She lowered her voice and said thoughtfully, Recently, Jasmine has appeared in Underground Trier twice, and people in the vicinity have encountered Harrison both times. This cant be a coincidence. Is Harrison collaborating with the Mirror People? Anthony ate the last cream puff and took a sip of coffee before saying, This can actually be deduced. Mr. Hanged Man said that Harrison is likely to appear in places closely related to death, darkness, dusk, and decay, like the Samaritan Womens Spring deep in the fourth level of the underground catacombs. Based on the information we currently have, the appearance of the Samaritan Womens Spring originated from the War of the Four Emperors, from Fourth Epoch Trier. So, Harrison has a motive to open the seal and enter Fourth Epoch Trier, which aligns with the Mirror Peoples goals. Although its unclear how they got in touch, dont forget that the Mirror People have deep cooperation with those Brokers. Those Brokers are more annoying than buzzing flies. Franca sighed sincerely. She then turned to Anthony and said, You can go take care of your own business now. Ill discuss with Jenna and Lumian how to use this to find Harrison. Alright. Anthony had already done his best in gathering intelligence. After saying goodbye to Anthony, Franca went straight back to Rue Orosai. Not wanting to expose Lumians current residence, she planned to use a summoning messenger to have her two companions come over themselves. Ill summon Rabbit Chasel first. What reward should I give it this time? I cant let Jenna have her way; I feel like shes training Rabbit Chasel in a very dangerous direction Franca thought for a few seconds, then turned her gaze to the coffee table. There lay a book-after several months of delay, the sixth volume of Fors Walls The Adventurer series was finally out! This volume was titled The Adventurer 6: The Future Franca had just bought it yesterday and hadnt read it yet. She had only flipped through the afterword, seeing that the great writer Fors Wall said she had originally wanted to name this volume Admiral of Stars or Biologist, but ultimately abandoned these ideas based on a sudden inspiration. Soon, Franca summoned Rabbit Chasel. Behind this coolly dressed Rabbit of Knowledge, a timid rabbit-shaped Spirit Body wearing boxing gloves faintly appeared in the void. Tsk, putting on a show, are we? Franca smiled as she handed the letter paper and The Adventurer 6 to Rabbit Chasel, instructing, Remember to return it to me after reading. It wasnt that she couldnt part with such a book, but maintaining a give-and-take relationship with Rabbit Chasel would help build a good rapport. In the future, she might be able to ask it to introduce other special talents from the Rabbits of Knowledge who could also serve as messengers. Rabbit Chasels eyes lit up. Absolutely no problem! After sending off Rabbit Chasel, Franca summoned Penitent Baynfel. After completing these two tasks, she lay down in the armchair and pondered her next moves. I need to notify 007 in the telegram group tonight Should I try to contact Professor and the others, mobilize the power of the Mystery Pryers to search for Harrison together? Sigh, now weve only confirmed Harrison is in Trier, lacking substantial clues to investigate. We cant even go all out even if we wanted to We cant just wander around Underground Trier every day, waiting for the right opportunity, can we? Magic Mirror Divination cant provide answers Hmm, I still need to report this quickly. Mr. Hanged Man and the other Major Arcana card holders are also looking for Harrison themselves Franca sat up abruptly and continued her busy work. During this process, she also contemplated her own situation. If we still cant find him, I might end up digesting some of my Affliction potion Well, after dealing with the Mirror Person Nikila, Ive already digested a bit. The first rule of the Demoness of Afflictions acting principle is quite easy to summarize: Bring pain to the target, not just physical, but also mental. The second acting principle should be closely related to oneself. ls pain the foundation of a Demoness? I should strive to summarize all the acting principles soon, digest the potion quickly. Lumian is already preparing for the ritual to advance to Sequence 4 Iron-blooded Knight, I cant let him leave me too far behind Just as she thought of this, Franca felt the wind at the open window pause for a second. Then, Jennas figure quickly materialized. This newly advanced Demoness of Pleasure hadnt made herself ugly through makeup techniques, but had adjusted the direction of her charms diffusion- she wore a black robe, concealing her attractive figure. At the same time, she used makeup to give her skin a sickly pale look, as if she hadnt seen sunlight for a long time. Her lips were painted very red, forming a stark contrast with her skin This made Jenna look more like a Vampire, with her charm mainly concentrated on the intricateness of her features and overall beauty, rather than sexual attraction. So it can be done this way Not bad, Vampire Jenna is beautiful too Franca smiled as she examined her for a few moments until Jenna hesitated for a moment before asking, What important intelligence did you obtain? Franca sat back in the armchair, crossed her legs, and explained the Harrison situation in detail. Jenna, already seated in the single sofa, wasnt as excited as Franca, after all, she knew too little to experience that deep and complex emotion. She pondered for a moment and said, At this point in time, Harrison is suspected to be cooperating with the Mirror People Is this also part of the vortex? Its possible. Franca nodded heavily and mumbled, Why hasnt Lumian arrived yet? He went out, Jenna paused before saying, Probably. Franca blurted out in surprise, How do you know? Jenna smiled and answered, He told me yesterday that his first step in taming Ludwig was to assign him homework related to food, which required Ludwig to go out and complete on his own. Hmm according to you, its like creating a food guide for Trier Meat Pie. Gradually ramping up the gaslighting, huh Franca muttered, Did you discuss this when you left yesterday? He plans to follow Ludwig? Hes afraid Ludwig might converge with other believers of the Devouring Whirlpool, and Lugano is only Sequence 7, unable to stop it. Jenna first briefly explained Lumians concerns, then her eyes flickered slightly as she said, This should only be one of the reasons. Are there other reasons? Franca tucked her hair and tried to understand the Hunters countless hidden intentions. A smile appeared on Jennas face. Yes, although he didnt say it, thats what I think. His hidden purpose should be to engage in his favorite activity: Fishing! Franca was enlightened. Using Ludwig to fish for other believers of the Devouring Whirlpool? Jenna nodded and further added, Judging from the style of Overseer Perle, no matter what plans the Brokers make, they will most likely gather different forces and people through covert transactions, maximizing the advantages of their own pathway. So, theres a good chance that believers of the Devouring Whirlpool and other heretics have been brought onto the vortex plan. If we can catch higher-level believers of the Devouring Whirlpool, we might be able to further understand the situation of the vortex matter and discover its key points. Franca inwardly hissed. This is Lumians style, on the surface hes training Ludwig, but in reality, hes fishing for heretics, investigating the vortex matter. The most infuriating thing is, his surface goal is indeed very real and important! After this exclamation, Franca looked at Jenna and praised with a smile, Youre getting smarter and smarter! Dammit, when you suddenly praise me like this, I dont know whether to accept it gracefully or be modest. If it were Lumian, he would definitely say Youve barely caught up to my train of thought. The latter half of Jennas sentence imitated Lumians tone. Franca pondered for a moment, her lips slowly curling into a smile. Fishing is indeed a good method. We can use the same approach to find Harrison. Harrison has a deep understanding and very sinister application of death, and is also looking for scenarios closely related to death, darkness, dusk, and other such powers. Does this mean he can be converged by Beyonders of these pathways? This could be convergence from high-ranking individuals, and should also include certain special convergences, such as the Underworld Daoist seal on Lumian, or the Samaritan Womens Spring. Hmm, Amandinas power comes directly from the Underworld Daoist, and the Underworld Daoist seems to possess powers of death, darkness, and dusk simultaneously. Amandina might be able to converge on Harrison as well At this point, Francas eyes became exceptionally bright. I choose all of the above! Once Lumians condition stabilizes, well have him take Amandina to the Samaritan Womens Spring to meet the Underworld Daoist. Well ambush nearby to see if Harrison will converge! Quartier de la Republic, Rue Richelieu. Standing in the shadows at the side of the street, Lumian rubbed his nose, feeling as if aromantic scent still lingered. The emotions and desires he had accumulated since becoming an Ascetic were finally released to a large extent through last nights events, making his condition quite good. But his mood was very heavy, stemming both from feeling torn and guilty, as well as concern for others feelings. True pleasure indeed makes one want to indulge, hmm, just want to, but it really does bring pain Dammit, Ill go back and mock Jenna harshly to vent these emotions Lumian exhaled slowly, turning his gaze towards Ludwig, who was savoring a red fish hot beef pie not far away. Chapter 849 - 849 Intercontinental Travel 849 Intercontinental Travel 849 Intercontinental Travel Ludwig had finished eating the red fish hot beef pie in his hand. He squatted in front of a street bench, took out a pen and a notebook from his red hard book bag, and began writing his post-meal impressions with focus and seriousness. Watching in the shadows, Lumian pursed his lips. You say youre afraid, but your body instinctively repeats the habits formed in the Church of Knowledge If there werent so many exams and studies, you might have become a qualified believer of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom While mocking Ludwig, Lumian surveyed the surrounding citizens. His gaze passed over a young man quietly reading a book in the caf across the street, over a middle-aged scholar standing at the intersection observing passersby and carriages without crossing, and landed on a painter who had set up his easel under an Intis parasol tree, blankly painting the street scene. Lumian left the shadows, walked a few steps, and came to stand behind the painter, peering at his work like the previous passersby. The painting was ordinary, and he didnt detect any supernatural powers. Lumian continued walking, inwardly sighing, It seems to be a normal painter for now, just with a somewhat off mental state Is this what Triers painters are like? Sometimes they seem more like heretics than actual heretics Sigh, in Trier, its too difficult to identify heretics based on behavioral abnormalities. As Franca would say, many citizens mental states are quite beautiful In this matter, Fourth Epoch Trier and the overall seal are half responsible, and they themselves are responsible for the other half As Lumian was thinking, he saw a completely naked man walking towards him, with the only piece of cloth on him being a black top hat positioned in front of his lower abdomen. This man walked with his head held high, looking around proudly, not at all embarrassed by his current appearance, as if he had done something very worthy of pride. After passing Lumian by seven or eight meters, his palm was suddenly scalded. He instinctively withdrew his hand and saw that his black top hat had burst into bright red flames, slowly falling to the ground. He lost his last piece of cover. Lumian, his back to him as he continued forward, silently moved his lips. Youre welcome, just letting you show off more thoroughly. You dare to streak with just that little bit? Next time, Ill send you to the New City of Silver for a free tour. Lumian walked on with his hands in his pockets, stepping into the shadows, and turned his attention back to Ludwig. He had been following for a long time but still hadnt found anyone suspicious of being a Devouring Whirlpool believer. However, considering that since knowing Ludwig, the little boy had never converged with heretics of the same pathway, Lumian suspected that the seal on him must have some restrictions on this. Otherwise, with an evil deitys Angel running around everywhere, who knows how many mystical disasters would have been triggered by now. There might be another reason. Many evil deities bestowed, even if theyve gained godhood, can disguise themselves as normal humans as long as they havent lost control or gone half-mad. But those of the Devouring Whirlpool might not be able to. Ludwig, not yet recovered to Depriver, can already eat so much in one meal. The corresponding Sequence 4 demigod, even without letting loose their appetite, would surely have an eating capacity that would alarm the Purifiers and Machinery Hivemind Forget it, the main purpose is to tame Ludwig anyway. Fishing out other believers of the Devouring Whirlpool is just an additional idea. It doesnt matter if I dont find any Lumian had been watching for so long but hadnt found any citizens with problematic eating behaviors. After receiving Francas second letter, Lumian arrived at Apartment 702, 9 Rue Orosai after dinner. Jenna had arrived two or three minutes earlier, still wearing Vampire makeup and dressed in an old-fashioned, conservative black robe. Lumian glanced at Jenna, opened his mouth, then closed it again. Seeing this, Jenna immediately raised her chin slightly and said, Were you going to mock my current appearance? Lumian chuckled and said, I just recalled a joke. Once there was a duke who, in order to whiten his skin, followed the advice of a quack doctor and took arsenic-containing pills for a long time. He did successfully improve his complexion, but he also experienced a side effect-he died. Where did you read that joke? Jenna asked curiously. In Ghost Face. Not long before I saw that joke, a guest at the Auberge du Coq Dor told me you can make your face look rosy and healthy by slapping your cheeks, to help find a job more easily. Lumian laughed. You coarse-haired folks need to read more books and magazines. Dont be illiterate, or youll be looked down upon by the clergy of the Church of Knowledge. I just wanted you to act normal and wait for an opportunity, not keep mocking Jenna suddenly felt an urge to grind her teeth. Do you think Im like you? Having not even finished compulsory education At this point, Jenna trailed off. Meanwhile, Franca, who had been furtively writing something at the coffee table, stood up and said, You two, dont lose sight of the important matters. Lumian, who already knew from the second letter about Harrison the visitor from Resurrection Island reappearing and Franca wanting to quickly take Amandina to the edge of the Samaritan Womens Spring area, nodded gently and said, My condition has basically recovered. That was fast Franca was a bit surprised. Jennas gaze briefly shifted away before returning to Lumian as she nodded slightly and said, Indeed, faster than I expected. Lumian tsked. Isnt that a good thing? We can ask Amandina about her thoughts right now. Mm-hmm. Franca excitedly moved to take out the Ice Amulet. Before coming over, Lumian had already burned the independent space containing Black Tear for over half an hour. He took out this Grade 1 Sealed Artifact Level 1. Lets use this. lt wont consume any charges. As he spoke, his gaze swept across the full-length mirror in the living room, the glass windows revealing the night, and the metal-surfaced decorations. Using Black Tears mirror magic, he found no abnormalities in these reflective objects and didnt sense any gazes directed at them from within. He then tossed Black Tear to Franca, giving a slight nod to indicate that the Demoness of Black likely wasnt watching them at the moment. Ive written down everything I want to tell Amandina to prevent eavesdropping Franca put on Black Tear, held the letter paper in her hand, covered it with black flames, and pressed it into the glass surface of the full-length mirror in the living room. She needed to act quickly and finish this before Black Tears negative effects took hold! South Continent, Matani, Port Pylos. Amandina lit the gas wall lamp and sat at her desk, once again reading the mysticism materials provided by Ms. Franca. Each time she read this knowledge, she was genuinely surprised, respectful, longing, and fearful. Over the past two to three weeks, she had met with her acquaintances from the patrol team several times and attended two mystical studies gatherings. She discovered that the mysticism knowledge recorded in these materials was actually unknown to the vast majority of Beyonders, whether official or not. This is truly a gift Just as Amandina had this thought, she saw the dressing mirror given to her by Ms. Franca, which she had specially placed nearby, become dark and ripple with an aqueous light. Within the aqueous light, Intisian characters were outlined: Lam Franca. Lumian has returned. He asked me to inquire when you plan to come to Trier. He will take you to the area where that shadow might appear Louis Berry has returned to Trier Amandina thought for a few seconds, then said to the mirror, Tonight works. She had originally planned not to see anyone tonight, to focus on studying the remaining mysticism knowledge. She had already instructed her maid in advance and locked her bedroom door. As soon as Amandina gave her answer, Francas slightly urgent voice came from the mirror. Put your hand on the mirror. Feeling a bit nervous yet quite excited and curious, Amandina reached her palm towards the surface of the dressing mirror. She felt the hard, cold glass lose its solid feel, like a layer of water without temperature. Amandinas right hand passed completely through the glass surface, and suddenly a terrifying suction force erupted from within. Her entire body was yanked in, falling into a dark, empty tunnel, plummeting towards the end of a vortex. Before Amandina could react, she felt dizzy and disoriented. When she regained her senses, she found herself standing in a small living room, facing Ms. Franca whom she had met before. This lady was as beautiful as last time, and with the closer distance and no mirror barrier, her charm was clearly stronger, making even Amandina, a woman, feel a bit embarrassed to look too much but unable to resist. As Amandinas gaze moved, she saw a beautiful woman with pale skin and bright red lips who looked more girlish, and Lumian Lee sitting in an armchair, wearing a shirt and jacket, with his right foot crossed over his left leg. Are all the women around this guy so beautiful? He seems to have become a bit more handsome Amandina suddenly felt a little insecure about her own appearance. She then looked around, examining this unfamiliar place. Meanwhile, Franca quickly removed Black Tear and tossed it back to Lumian. How amazing Amandina finally came to her senses and asked with sparkling eyes, Did I come here through the mirror? Is this Trier? Lumian tucked Black Tear back into that separate space in the Travelers Bag and smiled as he corrected, It was through the mirror world. Mirror world Amandina pondered this term, Then, do I have a way to travel to different places through the mirror world like you? Lumian scoffed. Dont you know that non-adjacent pathways cant be interchanged? Dont you know about the existence of mystical items? As he spoke, Lumian stood up and walked towards the door. Were leaving now. Arent they coming? Amandina pointed at Franca and Jenna. She hadnt even had a chance to exchange pleasantries yet! No need. Lumian opened the front door. Chapter 850 - 850 Slow and Steady Wins the Race 850 Slow and Steady Wins the Race 850 Slow and Steady Wins the Race Inside a four-wheeled, four-seater carriage. Amandina sat across from Lumian, excitedly looking out at the Intis parasol trees along the road, the still brightly lit shops, the magnificent arcaded streets, gentlemen and ladies walking their turtles, and some citizens in strange attire. She sincerely praised, Trier truly lives up to its reputation. Its even more wonderful than I imagined. I hope you wont take back that assessment after staying here for a while, Lumian wanted to make a sarcastic remark, but there were so many things worth mocking about Trier that he couldnt find the most representative one at the moment, so he could only respond to Amandina in this way. Amandina turned her gaze away from the carriage window, saying with some regret, Its a pity I have to return to Port Pylos at dawn. She planned to apply for entrance exams to some universities in Trier after graduating from grammar school. Amandina glanced at the coachmans seat in front, and lowered her voice to ask Lumian, Why dont we just just teleport there directly? Lumian smiled leisurely. Youre a guest. Of course I should show you around Trier. Amandina scrutinized Lumian for a moment. I feel like youre deceiving me. Your feeling is not wrong. Lumian laughed without concealing anything. Going slowly allows the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence to take effect. If he had teleported with Amandina to the entrance of the underground catacombs and rushed to the Samaritan Womens Spring at the fastest speed to complete what needed to be done, Harrison, the visitor from Resurrection Island, might not have reacted in time, might not have been affected by the law of convergence, and might not have made the decision to sneak into the Samaritan Womens Spring again at night. Everything would have ended without achieving the expected goal. He had to leave enough time for the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence to take effect! Sometimes, slow and steady wins the race. What what are you trying to converge with? Amandina, having witnessed Lumians performance during the Dream Festival, became nervous all of a sudden. A target Im currently tracking, Lumian leaned back against the carriage wall and answered with a smile. Dont worry, your safety is absolutely guaranteed. Hearing this, Amandina quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Louis Berry was indeed a trustworthy person; he had fulfilled all the promises he made. What she didnt know was that if Franca or Jenna were here, they would definitely ask in return, Is only safety guaranteed? Wont there be any injuries, torture, or impacts on the mind and spirit during the process? Amandina glanced at the coachmans seat again through the carriage wall and said softly, Arent you afraid the coachman will overhear what youre saying? You werent lowering your voice at all just now! Lumian chuckled. He cant hear us. Amandina was stunned for a moment, trying to understand with her mysticism knowledge. Did you did you quickly create a wall of spirituality? You can think of it that way, Lumian couldnt be bothered to explain to Amandina what a Bottle of Fiction was. Amandina relaxed and asked with a smile, Are those two ladies just now your lovers? Lumian let out a derisive snort. Shouldnt you ask that question in front of them? That would be so embarrassing! They would definitely get angry! Amandinas emotional intelligence was quite good. And I wouldnt get angry? Lumian asked amusedly. Amandina giggled. You dont seem like someone who would get angry over something like this. She suddenly pointed out the window. Is that the Trier Normal University? Your technique for changing the subject is quite clumsy, Lumian mocked Amandina without mercy. And so, the four-wheeled, four-seater rental carriage arrived at Place du Purgatoire at a normal speed. As Lumian descended the stairs, he took out a white candle and tossed it to Amandina, telling her about the various taboos inside the underground catacombs. Amandina listened very carefully and lit one of the candles by rubbing it with spirituality. Ive seen some of these in magazines, but never as detailed as what youve told me today. Do these taboos really have to be followed? What happens if theyre not followed? For example, what if I hadnt lit a candle? As they spoke, the two had already arrived at the giant stone archway inscribed with the warning Stop! The Death Empire lies ahead! The catacombs administrator behind the door, with graying hair and wearing a blue vest and yellow trousers, glanced at Lumian but did not stop the two from entering the underground catacombs at night. Lumian looked straight ahead, walking forward through the piles of skeletons along the sides of the path, and said in a calm tone, In that case, you would disappear from this world. Your parents would forget they had such a daughter, your former fianc would forget he once had such a fiance, your friends would forget you, your servants would forget you, and perhaps only I would remember you. Although Amandina was a Beyonder equivalent to Sequence 7 and had witnessed some of the tragedies that occurred during the Dream Festival, and her former fianc was particularly skilled at summoning the dead, being in the underground catacombs-a gloomy, dark place full of skeletons and permeated with the aura of death-she couldnt help but feel a bit frightened and uneasy. This, combined with Lumians explanation, made the hair on the back of her neck stand up, and she gripped the white candle even tighter. The first time I entered the underground catacombs, I thought this was truly a perfect place for telling horror stories. Unfortunately, until now, such opportunities have been rare. A smile appeared on Lumians face. Amandina was stunned for a moment. Were you just telling a horror story? Yes, and the most terrifying part of this horror story is that every word of it is true, Lumian replied with a smile. _. Amandina was scared once again. She quickened her pace, afraid of being left behind by Lumian. As the two made their way to the fourth level of the underground catacombs, there were no shortage of skeletons suddenly moving, trying to trip Amandina, nearly causing the young lady to cry out in alarm. Finally, Lumian led Amandina to the huge, decaying, and mottled tomb chamber that housed the Samaritan Womens Spring. He looked left and right and silently said to himself, We didnt encounter the shadow resembling Krismona this time Was She wandering around the fourth level of the catacombs before to find a female Demoness, and no longer has such an obsession after achieving Her goal? Lumian shifted his gaze back and tossed a mirror to Amandina. Hold this and wait for me here. Wait here? Amandina looked around, slightly panicked. The surroundings were pitch black, with numerous tombs, decaying and dilapidated, with unknown things lurking in the shadows. Itll be quick, Lumian didnt offer any comfort, but went straight through the half-open stone door into the tomb chamber. After walking a few steps, he encountered the deeply wrinkled catacombs administrator who looked more like a corpse than a living person. The elderly administrator, also wearing a blue vest and yellow trousers, did not stop Lumian but stood silently in place, allowing him to pass. After reaching the gentle downward slope, Lumian took out a mirror and the Black Tear accessory that had been burned for over half an hour from the Travelers Bag. Outside the huge tomb chamber, Amandina saw Lumians face appear on the surface of the mirror by the yellowish light of the white candle, and heard his voice. Press your hand against the mirror. With experience, Amandina quickly pressed her hand holding the white candle against the mirror surface. Again, she passed through the familiar cold water flow, experienced the familiar terrifying suction force and weightless falling sensation, and soon found herself appearing beside Lumian. Lumian put away the Black Tear and the mirror, pointing to the depths of the slope. Its down there. In the gap between two ancient tomb chambers, twenty to thirty meters away from the huge tomb chamber housing the Samaritan Womens Spring. Franca, holding a white candle, carefully peeked out and glanced towards the target location. She then withdrew and muttered to Jenna, This candle is really annoying. We cant hide well at all. How are we supposed to ambush Harrison like this? The dim yellow light of the white candle was quite conspicuous in the deep, pure darkness. Jenna looked at Franca and smiled. It works both ways. Harrison also cant approach silently without us noticing. Besides, hiding in this corner can effectively reduce the impact of the candlelight. It wont travel that far. Franca knew all this and was just complaining casually. She suddenly remembered something and asked with a twitching corner of her mouth, Have you seen Anthony? Uh Jenna was also stunned. At this moment, Anthonys voice came from outside the gap. Ive been here all along. Along with his voice, Franca and Jenna finally saw their companion. He was standing openly on the path outside, holding a lit white candle, and the two Demonesses hadnt noticed him before. Psychological Invisibility is really great Franca praised enviously. Psychological Invisibility worked on a completely different principle from other invisibility abilities. lt mainly involved placing oneself in the psychological blind spots and cognitive dead angles of the surrounding people, making them ignore the situation here. Therefore, whether Anthony was holding a lit candle or not did not affect his ability to become invisible. Anthony simply replied, Candlelight is a powerful attention-drawing element here. It also reduces the effectiveness of my Psychological Invisibility. I need to be very focused to maintain it. Franca and Jenna stopped talking and hid in the gap between the tomb chambers, listening to the sounds around them. In front of the faintly contracting and expanding thin grayish-white fog. Lumian once again examined his own state. That cold emanating from within his heart occupied his body, causing most of his emotions and desires to wither, but the malice and irritability resulting from the negative effects of the contract still existed and were growing stronger. He was in a very good state now, having endured without much reliance on the abilities of the Ascetic. Amandina had a similar reaction, one side of her face turning deathly pale from the freeze, while she gritted her teeth to prevent an unfamiliar version of herself from emerging. Lumian grabbed her arm and extended his left palm holding the white candle towards the grayish-white fog. As his chest warmed, the two successfully walked into the mist. Everything became even more silent. Chapter 851 - 851 A Marvelous Experience 851 A Marvelous Experience 851 A Marvelous Experience Lumian let go of her hand, pressed his left chest, silently praised Mr. Fool, then led Amandina towards the bottom of the slope through the grayish-white fog. The further Amandina walked, the more uncomfortable she became with her current state. The icy coldness emanating from within made her feel as if she had already died and become a corpse, while it seemed like another version of herself inside her body was trying to tear its way out. Shall we go back? she hesitantly said to Lumian. Were almost at our destination, Lumian pointed in the direction where the faint, illusory sound of water could barely be heard, then added, If you really decide to go back now, I can fulfill your request. Amandina hesitated for a few seconds. Were already at the edge Wouldnt it be a waste to go back now? Lumian chuckled. Dont worry, if it really gets to the point where we cant bear it, Ill definitely run faster than you. You saying that makes me even more worried Amandina replied softly. Lumian continued forward, thinking for a moment before saying, When I tell you to close your eyes, close them. When I tell you to open them, open them immediately. Alright. In such an environment, Amandina could only choose to trust Lumian. Soon, the gray fog in front of them became very thin, revealing a spring the size of a pond. Pale-white water flowed in the spring, surrounded by deep, dark objects of indescribable color. Amandina saw a wet, seaweed-like black hair floating in the water, and at the bottom, there seemed to be multiple faint figures hidden, struggling as if they had just drowned and were trying to crawl out. At the same time, she noticed a lady wandering beside the spring water, wearing a white robe, with black hair, exquisitely perfect features, and a holy aura that seemed out of place in the catacombs. Amandina was immediately attracted, and if it werent for the ladys blank and cold gaze, lacking necessary charm, and if the spring water hadnt suddenly retracted into a pitch-black hole that light couldnt penetrate, she might have been unable to pull herself away. Lumian also saw Krismonas figure, and several thoughts flashed through his mind, I could bring Jenna here to meet Amandina directly, without having to wait until an advancement every time The Krismona here is more like a wandering ghost, bound to the area around the Samaritan Womens Spring. Whether she can communicate normally, whether she would indiscriminately attack approaching Demonesses, whether this would cause any abnormalities, is still unknown I need to find a way to confirm before bringing Jenna in Seeing that Krismonas shadow didnt even glance at him, Lumian turned his head to Amandina and said, You can close your eyes now. Okay. Amandina felt a certain fear and obediently closed her eyes. Lumian then took two steps forward, reaching the edge of the Samaritan Womens Spring. The next second, Amandina heard the sound of gushing spring water and felt a violent, frenzied aura descend upon her. She couldnt help but tremble, her knees weakening. At the same time, she had hallucinations, believing that multiple figures were approaching her, each extremely terrifying-the kind that would cause nightmares if seen and lead to a tragic death if encountered. Amandina cried out in fear, Lets go back! I want to go back! As she screamed, the violent and frenzied aura subsided, and the multiple figures in her hallucination retreated. She heard Lumians deep voice in her ear. You can open your eyes now. Amandina broke free from the extreme fear, relaxing a little. She didnt hesitate and opened her eyes. She saw that familiar figure, wearing a strange, rust-spotted iron crown, skin as crystalline as jade, with a white beard gently floating, already quite elderly. At this moment, the old mans figure was sitting cross-legged at the deep hole, which was violently shaking as if some unknown entity was trying to squeeze out. Amandinas gaze fell on those deep eyes that seemed like the night sky. Her thoughts suddenly became blurred, as if she saw a rotting, pus-oozing hand with strange feathers reaching out and pressing on her head. She also heard an old, blank, cold, and hollow voice ringing in her ear. But she couldnt understand what the voice was saying. After an unknown amount of time, Amandina came to her senses. The old mans figure was no longer in her sight, only the dark soil that had lost the pale-white spring water, and Lumian crouching beside the spring, holding a small golden bottle to collect the seeping water droplets. Of course, Lumian and the others had reported Amandinas situation to the Major Arcana card holders before daring to bring her into the area around the Samaritan Womens Spring, and Madam Magician had also asked him to collect some more spring water. Whats the use of this water? Amandina, no longer so nervous and scared, asked curiously. If you make your enemy drink it, they will die instantly, Lumian patronizingly replied. Amandinas eyes lit up, but she asked in confusion, But how can I make my enemy drink it Lumian put away the small golden bottle, stood up and said, What did you see just now? What did you experience? Amandina recalled and recounted all the details, then self-examined. But I couldnt understand what was being said, the pronunciation was % It seems like Ive gained a new ability, I can placate souls, calm emotions and desires Lumian carefully remembered the few pronunciations Amandina had relayed, walked back to the young ladys side and said, Youve received a new boon, Soul Assurer. Yes. Amandina smiled, I feel like my body has even changed a little Lumian chuckled. Maybe youll slowly grow a white beard, develop wrinkles. Ive heard that boons gradually make the blessed ones resemble the high-level beings who granted them power, both mentally and physically. Amandina was startled. Can I not have that? Try consuming corresponding pathway potions to see if it can counteract it, Lumian said as he passed by Amandina and walked up the slope leading to the tomb chamber. Amandina followed closely behind, lost in thought. Even until Lumian and Amandina left the underground catacombs, Franca, Jenna, and Anthony had not encountered Harrison, the visitor from Resurrection Island. He didnt show up? Franca frowned and said, Was my deduction wrong? Is relying on the traits of characteristics alone not enough to achieve such powerful convergence? Or is it that only Angel-level high-sequence Beyonders can actively utilize the law of convergence? Jennas eyes shifted slightly as she thought for a moment before saying, Maybe Harrison can sense this deliberate convergence and actively avoided it Maybe, maybe hes not from the Death, Darkness, or Twilight pathways. He has a deep understanding of death and is pursuing corresponding things and scenes, but that doesnt mean hes a Beyonder of these pathways. What if hes a scholar studying death? Its possible. Franca sighed, Lets wait five more minutes, then well go after Lumian and Amandina. Even until they all gathered at 9 Rue Orosai Apartment 702, Harrison from Resurrection Island still hadnt appeared. Thank you all, I can provide help for you now, Amandina said, looking at Franca. Franca looked at the young girl who appeared somewhat tired from her terrifying experience and smiled, saying, Theres no rush. You should go back first. Once youve adapted to your newly gained power and regained your bodys balance, well come again. Besides, its quite convenient to travel from Port Pylos to Trier. How is it convenient? Without using the mirror world or teleportation, it might take two or three months to arrive Amandina grumbled silently, but accepted Francas suggestion. Then, she was sent back by Lumian and the others using Black Tear to the mirror Franca had given her, and she emerged from it. At this moment, it was still night outside, with servants occasionally passing by in the corridor. Looking at her familiar bedroom, at the fountain pen on the desk and the pile of books, Amandina suddenly felt as if she had been away for many days and experienced too many things. But it had only been half a night. In this half night, she had completed a round trip using the mirror world, toured the prosperous Trier that was farther than any distant place, explored the underground catacombs featured in magazines, and witnessed the terrifying area around the Samaritan Womens Spring. After savoring the experience for a while, Amandina sincerely sighed. How amazing A marvelous journey Inside Apartment 702 at 9 Rue Orosai. Lumian tried to repeat the sounds Amandina had heard. Franca listened intently, hesitating before saying, It seems to be Be careful, Penglai Be careful of Penglai? The Penglai divine mountain mentioned by the Armored Shadow? This doesnt have much practical meaning for us Lumian said thoughtfully. Jenna and Anthony both nodded. Indeed. Franca quickly adjusted her mindset, But weve at least achieved one of our goals. In a few days, we can bring Amandina to summon Armored Shadow! At that time, she planned to first try asking if it could understand the meaning of the text on Mr. Stars information. Just thinking about it was quite exciting! After chatting idly for a while, Anthony, seeing that it was getting late, bid farewell and left to return to his own home. Jenna looked at Franca pacing back and forth, then turned to Lumian and quietly pointed at herself. Lumian slowly shook his head and pointed at himself. After exchanging glances several times, Jenna, wearing her Vampire makeup, pursed her lips and said to Franca, Ill make a move first. Mm. Franca didnt say much, as she wanted to talk to Lumian alone about those ancient texts and the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society. After Jenna left, she sat down in the armchair and comfortably stretched her limbs. She glanced at Lumian and asked curiously, Why dont you sit down? Lumian looked at Franca, unable to hold back another sigh. I have something to tell you. Franca scrutinized Lumians expression suspiciously. Are you playing a prank? Youre the type of person who would warn everyone in a joking tone even if a disaster was about to happen. No, youre youre serious? Is it something very serious? Lumian had already used Black Tear to sense the various mirrors in the room, roughly confirming that the Demoness of Black wasnt watching. He looked at Franca, instinctively wanting to force a smile to make himself seem a bit more relaxed, but he couldnt manage it. Franca unconsciously sat up straight. Lumian spoke in a low voice, Jenna asked me to help her digest the Pleasure potion. Chapter 852 - 852 Two Choices 852 Two Choices 852 Two Choices Franca was initially stunned, then her expression turned to one of obvious shock. She opened her mouth, instinctively wanting to say something, but her red lips quivered uncontrollably. Her face gradually turned pale, and her eyes flickered between emptiness and confusion. Lumian quietly watched Franca without saying a word. After a while, Franca asked hoarsely and with difficulty, You agreed? Her voice sounded like it was being squeezed out of her throat, her eyes holding a glimmer of hope. Lumian nodded slowly. The light in Francas eyes dimmed instantly. She lowered her head bit by bit, staring at her legs resting on the armchair. After a few seconds, she muttered as if in a dream, I knew Jennas affection and regard for me were never love. I was just fantasizing Fantasizing that she couldnt find anyone suitable to help digest the Pleasure potion and had to reluctantly choose me. And maybe, over time, physical entanglement would lead to emotional closeness I knew Jenna was in a hurry to digest the potion because her brother would soon return to Trier I knew the female Demoness path is very dangerous. Jenna is very aware of this too I knew her sexual orientation is men I knew shes decisive and good at making bold moves lL Lean accept Jenna choosing someone else. I can accept accept that she likes someone else. Shes free. Shes independent. Shes not my appendage. Just because I like her doesnt mean she must like me or cant get close to others Ive been mentally preparing myself for this, even comforting myself that maybe this could help me digest the Affliction potion But, but Franca suddenly looked up, her eyes burning with anger. Why you? Damn it, why you? Lumian felt like he was being stared at by a beautiful yet dangerous leopard, but he remained silent. The answer didnt need to be spoken. It had already been spoken. Franca and Lumian locked eyes, her gaze gradually turning sorrowful. She laughed at herself bitterly, then asked in frustration and anger, Why did you agree? For two reasons: one superficial and one real. Which do you want to hear? Lumian replied with a bitter smile. I want to hear both! Franca said without hesitation, her voice firm. She stood up, trying to make herself appear more imposing. Lumian sighed and said, The superficial reason is that Jenna had already come to me. Whether I refused or avoided her, it would hurt her, affect her state, and leave hidden dangers. If I agreed to help her, it would hurt you. I had to choose the option where the aftermath was relatively easier to deal with. You are optimistic and have a good nature; you should be able to gradually let go Dammit! So because I have a good nature, I deserve to be bullied? Franca interrupted angrily, laughing bitterly. She walked to the window, placing her hands on the window frame, staring at the night outside as if to calm herself down. Lumian came up beside her, also gazing into the deep night. After a few seconds, without turning her head, Franca asked, as if talking to herself, And the real reason? Lumian was silent for a moment before saying, From the moment you didnt want to lose your image in front of someone you truly loved-at the moment you began digesting the Pleasure potion-and Jenna took the initiative to approach you, your relationship entered a vortex, spiraling downward, and sooner or later it would erupt. The longer it dragged on, the more hurtful and severe the consequences. Its better to have a conclusion sooner. For me, the optimal choice in this matter would actually be to delay until preparations for the Iron-blooded Knight advancement ritual were complete. If things went smoothly, that would only be a matter of three or four weeks. By then, I would have gained godhood, becoming a demigod of Sequence 4. Whatever emotional issues you two had, it wouldnt affect me even if it completely shattered our teams harmony and unity. Even if the subsequent Sequence 3 also required a team, I would have enough time to reorganize. Franca listened quietly, then turned her head to look at Lumians face. And your emotions? Lumian gazed into the darkness outside, remaining silent. Franca followed suit, remaining silent for a while before saying expressionlessly, You should go now. Im a mess. I want some peace. Lumian hesitated, not moving. Seeing this, Franca said with a complex smile, Dont worry, I wont leave. I still have a mission. Why arent you leaving yet? Do you want me to beat you up? Let me tell you, once I figure things out, I might end up like that Demoness in Morora and cut off your manhood! Anyway, you can grow it back; Ill cut it every day! Go on, get out! Get lost! Seeing Francas emotions gradually intensify and her grabbing something to throw at him, Lumian sighed softly, walked towards the door, opened it, and stepped into the stairwell. Bang! The sound of the door slamming shut echoed behind him. Lumian descended the stairs and soon saw Jenna standing silently in the shadows. She hadnt really left. She had been waiting quietly in the building, head slightly lowered. How did it go? Jenna raised her head, asking Lumian. Lumian recounted his conversation with Franca and her reactions, focusing on the key points. Jenna pursed her lips and said to Lumian, You should go back. Ill wait outside in case of any accidents. Lumian glanced back at the dark hallway, then said, Ill wait here too. Jenna shook her head. One person is enough. If she calms down, she might want to talk to me. Your presence might provoke her further. After a moment of thought, Lumian said, Okay. He looked at Jennas deep eyes, filled with a hint of pain, and sighed, saying, In this world, most people are selfish most of the time. Like you Lumian paused and pointed at himself. And like me. Jennas gaze softened a bit, and she smiled self-deprecatingly. Sometimes, I really want to drag you into the abyss with me. Returning to his rented apartment, Lumian lay on his bed, staring at the dark ceiling, unable to sleep. He didnt want to rely on Cogitation to calm himself down either. After an unknown amount of time, he suddenly had a premonition and sat up abruptly, directing his gaze towards the bedroom window. With a creak, the window opened, and Franca, wearing a womans shirt and fitted trousers but sporting fuzzy slippers, jumped in. In the crimson moonlight, her eyes appeared red, and she held a dagger in her hand. Thanks to you, Ive digested quite a bit of the Affliction potion! Franca said through gritted teeth, looking at Lumian sitting on the bed. Damn it, the more I think about it, the angrier I get! Lumian stared at Francas face for a few seconds, his gaze slowly shifting to the dagger in her hand. He waited for Franca to continue speaking. Franca ground her teeth and said, I can accept Jenna making this choice. Although I would be sad, sorrowful, and in pain, I am willing to accept it and even encourage her. But you, you hurt your bro! You should be cut into pieces for this! Do you know how much this hurt me? We were so close, so in sync, always thinking of each other. Why, why did you break this beautiful state? You ended up making me feel abandoned, like you two are close and intimate, while Im left out, the unnecessary one I feel betrayed As she spoke, the gnashing tone in Francas voice diminished, and a trace of confusion appeared in her voice. She paused, then threw the dagger, which embedded itself accurately in Lumians bed. Franca then took two steps forward, glaring at Lumian. You now have two choices! One, as I said before, if you dare touch Jenna, Ill make you drink the Witch potion and turn you into a woman. Now, your choice is to switch pathways and become a Demoness of Despair! Two, I screw you, or you screw mel! Lumian had anticipated many possible developments, but he hadnt expected these choices. Seeing his shocked, bewildered expression, Franca added angrily, I want to join you two! Wh- Lumian finally said a word, carefully observing Francas state. After speaking, Franca let out a long sigh, revealing her usual smile. Let me ask you, do you, uh, care about me? Yes, Lumian answered without hesitation. Franca nodded in satisfaction. Do you care about Jenna? Yes, Lumian also didnt hesitate. Franca pursed her lips and asked further, Does Jenna care about you? Yes, Lumian had no doubts. Franca then asked, Do I care about you? Yes. Lumian nodded solemnly. Franca continued, And do I care about Jenna? Very much, Lumian added an adjective. Franca hesitated and asked again, And does Jenna care about me? Very much. Youre her family and her best friend, Lumian answered seriously. Franca then raised her hand slightly. There you have it! We all care about each other, and we never know when we might die suddenly. So lets stay together. No one abandons anyone. Its just sleeping together. Love is a pain in the ass! To hell with love! Lumian was rendered speechless for a moment. He looked at Franca and sincerely remarked, You look quite beautiful in your current state of mind. Franca chuckled. What else would I be doing? As she said this, she suddenly half-turned her head and looked to the side, her voice growing louder. Should I give up? Should I leave? Tears, long in the making, slowly trickled down her cheeks. Lumian remained silent. After a few seconds, Franca turned her head back, her gaze deep as she looked at Lumian. In a hoarse voice, she said, Because in this world, you two are the most important people to me. The only two Under the crimson moonlight, her face was already streaked with tears. Chapter 853 - 853 Confession 853 Confession 853 Confession Seeing the sparkling tears and streaks on Francas face, Lumian suddenly thought of his sister Aurore. He recalled the loneliness that always emanated from her when she gazed at the stars from the rooftop. He also remembered the life he and Aurore had depended on each other in Cordu, the excruciating pain when his sister died and Cordu was destroyed, and the self-destructive impulses he had when he first arrived in Trier. Overcoming those emotions and rebuilding his social connections had started with Franca, Jenna, Charlie, and many tenants at the Auberge du Coq Dor. In this world, there arent many people I care about anymore Lumian sighed deeply. Back in Morora, he had engaged in mutual scheming against Julie, Albus Medici, and the others. Even when facing various dangers and conspiracies, he hadnt sighed as much as he had in the past few days. He often felt so troubled that he wanted to burn the world down. Francas words had struck a chord in him. He already knew what his answer would be, but he wanted to struggle a bit more. Looking at Franca, Lumian said with a bitter smile, Caring doesnt have to manifest in that way. Apart from Aurore, you and Jenna are the people I care about most. Franca shook her head without hesitation. No way! I would feel resentful, like an outsider! You agreed to Jenna, so you have to agree to me too. Once you started this, you cant take it back! You should have realized this when you made that decision. If you dont balance the bowl filled with water, it will spill out! As the leader of a team, you must remember three things when dealing with each member: Fairness! Fairness! And damn fairness! But for this kind of matter Lumian responded instinctively, If Anthony wants to sleep with me, do I have to agree too? You must agree! Franca walked to the bed and looked down at Lumian sitting there, her voice fierce. Who told you to sleep with Jenna first, unless Anthony doesnt want to or you consider him a dispensable member of the team! Lumian rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. What kind of strange logic is this Why does Franca always have so many bizarre ideas Lumian looked at Franca and said with a bitter smile, Is this how you digested the Instigator potion? Before Franca could respond, he sighed again. I agree. He added, But Im only speaking for myself. Youll have to talk to Jenna about it yourself. He was referring to the threesome. Francas body suddenly swayed, as if she had briefly lost strength. Her expression slowly relaxed, and she said with a chuckle, Well talk about it later. For now, I just want your agreement. And Jenna and I Lumian initially wanted to say that he and Jenna had only agreed until the Pleasure potion was digested, but he felt it wasnt the right time to say this now. Franca, looking a bit tired, showed a teasing smile. You havent said which choice you agreed to. Im more looking forward to you becoming a Demoness of Despair, or me screwing you. The remaining choice, Lumian answered helplessly. Franca let out a long breath. That works too. She seemed to have lost her hard exterior, looking quite weak. She waved her hand. Ill go rest now. I thought Lumian was slightly surprised. Franca rolled her eyes at him. What did you think? Ive been so shocked and hurt, feeling down for so long, my emotions and state are all over the place. How could I be in the mood for the deed? Youve agreed, so just keep it in mind, and well talk about it when I feel better. My mind and spirit need a break too Lumian sighed silently. After watching Franca leave through the window, disappearing into the night outside, Lumian walked to the bedroom door and opened it. Jenna was quietly sitting in the dark area of the living room. Lumian wasnt surprised by Jennas appearance; she had been watching Francas door, and Francas intense emotions made it hard not to be noticed or followed when she left. I didnt expect it to turn out this way. Lumian sighed to Jenna. Jenna stood up, smiling. Although I didnt expect it either, I thought about it for a while and felt like, maybe I could accept it. Just you and her, its much better than I anticipated. What did you anticipate? Lumian quietly sighed with relief. Jennas eyes held a mix of sadness, guilt, and pain as she said, Franca losing her mind and trying to kill us. I would agree but hide for a while, waiting until I have arranged Juliens future before seeing her again. Lumian looked at Jenna for a few seconds, then sighed. Since your mothers death, youve had quite a bit of self-destructive tendencies. We thought wed completely helped you overcome them, but it turns out a bit still lingered. Jennas eyes glistened as she looked at Lumian. Arent you the same? Lumian met her gaze and after two seconds, couldnt help but laugh. Is this a support group for the broken? Yes. Jenna pointed to the door. Ill go talk to Franca. Well exchange our ailments in a few days. Okay. Lumian nodded gently. Inside Apartment 702 at 9 Rue Orosai. Franca lay back in the armchair, her eyes open, gently rocking with the chairs movement. Knock! Knock! Knock! She heard the knocking and realized someone was outside. In this state, I could easily be assassinated Franca reflected on herself, stood up, and walked to the door. She could guess who was outside. Sure enough, she saw Jenna with her Vampire makeup. Franca opened her mouth, unsure what to say, and just stepped aside to let Jenna in. After Jenna sat on the single sofa, she smiled at Franca, who had returned to the armchair. I heard your conversation with Lumian. Francas face, which had been somewhat pale, quickly turned red. Embarrassing! How embarrassing! So embarrassing she wanted to crawl into a hole! Jenna laughed softly. Actually, I also looked forward to those other two choices more. Franca could only give a sheepish chuckle. Jenna looked at her seriously. I can tell there were other thoughts behind that last choice. Can you tell me what they were? Franca remained silent for a few seconds before speaking up, That bastard Lumian must have told you it was only until the Pleasure potion was digested. I know him! As she spoke, Franca felt a bit indignant on Jennas behalf. Then, she sighed. If I joined now, in this state, Lumian would definitely feel awkward and not set a time limit. For fairness, he shouldnt propose one to you either. Jenna closed her eyes briefly, as if being blown by the wind. She looked at Franca with unusually gentle eyes and said with a bitter smile, But thats just a false realization. I cant deceive myself. False is better than nothing. If it lasts long enough, it might become real, Franca showed a self-mocking smile, For a long time, even knowing its false is better, it helps us digest the potion. Looking at Jenna, Franca suddenly felt a surge of emotion and had a lot to say, Maybe Im a coward. Ive liked you for a long time, but Ive never dared to truly pursue you or express my feelings. Ive always been indecisive about this, retreating every day. In the current atmosphere, Franca suddenly found it wasnt hard to say the words I like you. This unexpected ease made her even sadder. Jenna looked at Franca without any anger or words. She could feel that what Franca truly wanted to say was yet to come. After a brief pause, Franca clenched her teeth and uttered, Ive been hiding something from you. I-I was originally a man. I know, Jenna replied calmly, her eyes showing some encouragement, The Witch potion. You did know. Franca wasnt surprised. She mustered her courage and continued, Theres something else. I-Im not from this world. I transmigrated from another world. I-I took over this body. Jenna exclaimed in surprise, Another world? A thought suddenly struck her. The one with the Underworld Daoist and the Celestial Master? Having worked together for so long, Franca often forgot whether she had told Jenna about these things, so Jenna knew these terms but didnt understand what they represented, considering them as powerful beings. Yes, and also Resurrection Island. After revealing this secret, Franca felt much lighter. Jenna had a look of sudden realization. No wonder you were so agitated when you got Harrisons information So, you understand why Ive been eager to summon the Armored Shadow? Franca asked nervously, You, you dont mind that I took someone elses body, do you? Why should I mind? Unless its the Franca I know being replaced, Jenna responded with amusement, clearly expressing her stance. Franca relaxed completely, almost collapsing into the armchair. Jenna thought for a moment and probed, Lumians sister and those mysticism gathering attendees with strange codenames, are they from your world too? Yes, but I cant tell you more. I can only talk about my part, Franca said with a sigh. I used to dream of going home, returning to my world. So every time I had the impulse to step towards you, I couldnt help but ask myself, can you bear her future? When theres a chance to go home, would you stay for her? Taking her to an unfamiliar world, wouldnt that be too cruel? Would she be willing to go, could she go Each time I asked those questions, I retreated I was always so conflicted, never taking any real action. Jenna listened gently, and when Franca finished, she smiled and said, Youre one of the kindest people Ive ever met. Im glad you were with me through the toughest times. She looked at Franca and hesitated for a moment before asking, Do you still think about going home now? Franca fell silent. The crimson moonlight outside had dimmed at some point. After a few seconds, Franca answered in a low voice, Yes. Chapter 854 - 854 Translation 854 Translation 854 Translation Hearing Francas answer, Jenna bit her lip and said, Was that choice you just made also influenced by this factor? Maybe, Franca said with a bitter smile. I felt that if I didnt do this, there would always be that lingering resentment in my heart. We would definitely grow apart over time. Once the mission is completed, once theres no external force keeping us together, we might just drift apart. But I dont want that When I left with a dagger just now, I genuinely wanted to castrate Lumian once to vent my anger. But walking in the shadows of the street, the cold wind sobered me up a lot. Then I thought, love is such a nuisance. Without it, the three of us could still be together happily like before. With that thought, I suddenly felt that if I could exclude love, and the possessiveness and jealousy it brings, maybe, just maybe, it could work Madam Judgment has always told us that the end is near, coming in a few years or decades. We must prepare ourselves mentally and in terms of strength. Although there are no signs of the apocalypse yet, and we often forget this matter to maintain a good mindset and avoid going mad from stress, weve already experienced two major catastrophes in Trier alone. The Tree of Shadow incident and the Hostel plan, no matter how we try to avoid or ignore them, we cant escape their impact. Under such circumstances, any one of us might leave, say goodbye, or die at any time. So why care so much? Although that choice is strange, and even I find it hard to accept, why not give it a try? After trying, our future might be better and well become closer, even more caring for one another, or it might get worse, gradually drifting apart and becoming familiar strangers or even enemies. But how will we know the result without trying? It wont get much worse anyway. Of course, human emotions are uncontrollable. Even if our future gets better, the hidden love and possessiveness and jealousy it brings cant be completely eliminated. Pain and pleasure will coexist for a long time. Perhaps thats the essence of a Demoness. But no matter what, I still like that saying: Life is short, why not give it a try? Jenna listened intently to Francas statement, then said with a gentle gaze, Thats why I feel such a strong sense of urgency and sometimes make selfish choices. She then chuckled.Ive heard Lumian tease you with Life is short, why not give it a try. Was it because you did something strange with that saying in mind? Franca smiled awkwardly. I was quite hesitant and conflicted about drinking the Witch potion. Then someone said that phrase to me. Jenna understood and, instead of mocking Franca, asked curiously, Was it also that saying that encouraged you to be with Gardner Martin? Yes I hadnt met you all then, and I didnt have anyone I particularly cared about, Franca replied even more awkwardly. Seeing this, Jenna chuckled softly. Did you ever think about trying it with Lumian? Well Franca felt like running away, Oh, come on, you pure-hearted girl, lets not talk about such inappropriate topics! Jenna deliberately swore, Dammit! The dirty jokes and obscene scenes I heard and saw while singing in bars and dance halls were far more shocking than this. Not just between men and women, even between men and men. The atmosphere became less sad and heavy, and Jenna stood up. You look very tired. Emotional upheaval does that. Ill go back now. Get some rest. Okay. Franca stood up as well. She opened her mouth, seemingly wanting to ask something, but ultimately didnt. Sensitive to details, Jenna smiled. Ask whatever you want. Youve already made that decision, what else could you hesitate to ask? Franca hesitated for a moment, then looked into Jennas eyes and asked, If I had told you from the start that I was originally a man, and after spending some time together, genuinely pursued you, would you have fallen for me? Jenna thought seriously for a moment, then replied, I cant answer such a hypothetical question. All I can say is maybe. She looked back into Francas eyes, saying, Ive told you before, during that period, you were a light in my life. To me, you were both my best friend and the older sister who always protected me, despite not being related by blood. After my mother died, I even projected some of my feelings for her onto you. Maybe thats why I sometimes thought I shouldnt give you any false hopes and it was better to cut things off early. Jenna smiled. In my heart, if I were to rank the three people I care about most, Julien would be first, you second, and Lumian third. Love might fade one day, but the bond we share wont. Franca felt relieved and said with a smile, You have a great way with words. Of course, I studied hard back then! Jenna walked towards the door. After a few steps, she turned back to Franca and hesitated, I cant accept the idea of joining right now. Just speaking for myself. She then laughed. But who knows what the future holds? Franca smiled. Its just a saying. Jenna turned back to the door, opened it, and held the brass handle, pausing once more. She turned her body and looked at Franca standing in the center of the living room, asking quietly, If one day you find a way home, and both Lumian and I want you to stay, would you? Franca stood with her back to the crimson moonlight, her face hidden in deep shadow. After a long silence, she answered slowly, I dont know Her voice seemed to be squeezed out from her heart, light and weak. Two days later, in an underground quarry in Trier. Franca, Jenna, and Amandina, who had just arrived from Matani in the Southern Continent, stood inside a wall of spirituality, watching Lumian set up an altar. Anthony, who Amandina hadnt noticed, was responsible for guarding the perimeter. Lumian calmly completed the preparations, lit the candles, dripped the essential oil, and stepped back two steps, standing next to Franca. He wasnt worried about the lack of demigod protection. Firstly, Amandina was present. Secondly, when he sent the bottle of Samaria Woman Spring water to Madam Magician, he mentioned this matter. Seeing the candle flames flicker, Franca suddenly became nervous, while Amandina looked puzzled. She had no idea what she was supposed to help with or could help with. Once Franca nodded, indicating she was ready, Lumian recited in ancient Hermes, I! Then, switching to Hermes: I summon in my name: The spirit that wanders about the unfounded, a combination of numerous shadows, Lumian Lees contracted creature This was a familiar part of the process to Amandina, similar to summoning a messenger. So she didnt pay much attention, curious about the incantations description while observing Franca, the lady whose name she had just learned, and Lumians eye interactions, looking for any signs of intimacy. To her disappointment, Franca, Jenna, and Lumian were all focused on the ritual. Soon, a blurry shadow in fish-scale armor emerged from the candle flame, its black scales stained with pure gold, appearing solemn and sacred. The transparent faces on the scales were clearer than before, more twisted and fierce like evil spirits. They silently screamed, displaying hatred and malice. Amandina was startled. It wasnt the appearance of Armored Shadow that scared her; such horror couldnt intimidate someone who had experienced the Dream Festival, summoned Baynfel, and been to the underground catacombs. What shocked her was Armored Shadow and the ghostly faces on its scales simultaneously looking at her! She almost stopped breathing, her body enveloped in icy coldness. Armored Shadow spoke in a strange language. Only Franca could barely understand it, hearing: Disciple of the Underworld Gate It really recognizes Amandinas boon Franca murmured, noticing Armored Shadows malice had lessened, indicating a more peaceful interaction was possible. Lumian also noticed the change and quickly had Franca place the 100,000 verl dor worth of gold on the altar, then spoke in Hermes, I offer this sacrifice, please complete a simple task and answer two questions. Armored Shadow conveyed agreement, its scales transparent faces greedily eyeing the gold. Lumian immediately placed the documents Franca handed him on the altar. These werent the documents Mr. Star gave Franca, nor the original documents. The former had its order completely scrambled, making it difficult to interpret through a question and answer format, and the latter could corrupt Armored Shadow, leading the ritual to unforeseen dangers. So, after Franca expressed her intention, Mr. Star provided new documents through Madam Judgment. The new documents extracted several complete sentences from the original, containing hundreds of frequently used words from the rest of the text. The task is to translate these documents. Franca listened to Lumians request with anticipation and anxiety. She wasnt sure if Armored Shadow would accept the deal. With a whooshing sound, the two pages floated up, hovering before Armored Shadow. After a few seconds, the armored shadow spoke again in an incomprehensible language. Francas ears perked up. Pure yin does not last, pure yang does not grow, yin contains yang, yang contains yin, the union of yin and yang gives rise to everything, this is the way of heaven Thats it? Francas lips twitched. Although she hadnt truly done the deed, she suspected Armored Shadow was insinuating something about herself, Jenna, and Lumian. Chapter 855 - 855 That Corpse 855 That Corpse 855 That Corpse To Franca, the sentence Armored Shadow Chen Tu had just translated was quite ordinary. It was something she often read before her transmigration. She couldnt understand why the Major Arcana card holders thought such words could bring corruption. Could it be the words themselves? Just like the word I, which can have entirely different meanings in Intis and ancient Hermes! However, isnt there a phrase that seems a bit off? Yin and yang unite to create all things shouldnt it be yin and yang unite to produce all things? Franca had been an avid internet user before her transmigration, and one of her hobbies was reading novels and watching anime. She had only seen Yin and yang unite to produce all things and never heard of Yin and yang unite to create all things. Of course, after thinking carefully, she found it understandable: Yin and yang unite to nurture all things, all things grow and weave together to form matter! In that case, the logic remains sound, just omitting the all things as the bridge While Franca was distracted by her thoughts, she continued to listen seriously to the rest of the sentences translated by Armored Shadow. She didnt write down the corresponding content. As a Demoness proficient in divination, she could easily recall the full content in her dreams later. The subsequent sentences were similar to the first, all about the opposition, contradiction, conflict, reflection, harmonization, and unity of yin and yang. They were all broad principles without in-depth explanations or practical details, making Franca feel like yawning. The only thing she felt was worth pondering was the last half sentence of the document: To approach the way of heaven. From her understanding of this phrase, Franca naturally linked it to the knowledge that boons made the recipient gradually closer to the giver, and the way Underworld Daoist granted power to Amandina was indeed through a boon. To approach the way of heaven is this document actually about how to use mind and body harmoniously, balancing yin and yang to synchronize with the so-called way of heaven, thereby gaining power? Is this a way of seeking boons? Franca saw that Armored Shadow Chen Tu had finished translating and let the documents float back. She quickly gathered her thoughts and prepared to ask her questions. After catching the documents, she immediately asked in her true, native language, The first question, have you heard of anyone traveling from the world you and Underworld Daoist to another world? Franca didnt translate this question into Intisian for Lumian to ask, fearing Amandina would learn about the transmigration. Though they could later have Anthony hypnotize Amandina to make her forget, why not use a simpler method? Armored Shadow Chen Tu turned its gaze towards Franca, who spoke a similar language. After a few seconds, it looked back at Lumian, conveying the thought of Should I answer? As the host of the current ritual, Lumian had to approve, or Armored Shadow and Franca wouldnt be able to communicate. Otherwise, Armored Shadow, unless using force, couldnt take the gold on the altar even if it didnt fulfill the agreement. Lumian nodded.This is the first question. Armored Shadow replied in a deep, hoarse voice, Unknown. It still used the language close to Francas mother tongue. Amandina grew increasingly confused. She couldnt understand anything! Throughout the process, she could only understand Lumians part! Amandina glanced at Jenna beside her and, lowering her voice, asked as though they knew each other well, What are they talking about? What language are they using? Jenna chuckled softly. Even though I look very serious and focused, I actually cant understand either. Amandina couldnt help but sigh. Ill tell you secretly, Lumian doesnt understand either, Jenna smiled, glancing at Lumian who was closely watching Armored Shadow, and whispered to Amandina. Amandina looked at Jenna, then at Lumian, and recalled the expression, tone, and wording of that sentence just now, giving a silent wow in her mind. Some things are unintentionally revealed! She curiously asked, Why dont you learn that language from Franca? Weve just started in the past two days; its tough. Jenna unconsciously frowned. Its really tough! At this time, hearing Armored Shadows answer, Franca couldnt help but feel disappointed but maintained her normal demeanor and asked in her native tongue, The second question, can you use an illusion or a similar method to show the corpse that floated from Penglai to the river earlier? This question came to Francas mind in the past two days, directly prompted by Amandina hearing the Underworld Daoist say Beware Penglai, and Armored Shadow Chen Tu mentioning before that the mysteriously vanished Penglai had reappeared, with a corpse from there floating to the river. Franca thought that matters related to Penglai might be important and possibly linked to their hope of returning home. Just after asking this question, Franca suddenly realized her mistake and wanted to slap herself. It wasnt that she shouldnt have asked this question but that the way she phrased it was problematic! According to her current phrasing, even if the Armored Shadow agreed, it only needed to say yes without showing the specific appearance of the corpse. The question didnt have a corresponding mandatory requirement! Should I prepare another 100,000 verl dor of gold? Im almost broke, with only a bit over 2,000 ver! dor left Franca regretted it deeply. Fortunately, Armored Shadow Chen Tu was honest. Once the question was approved by Lumian, it immediately made countless transparent faces on its scales protrude frantically. This made the surroundings instantly eerie green, with cold wind blowing. Water droplets quickly condensed on the altar surface, gathering into a water surface, reflecting a figure. The figure floated in the deep darkness, unable to show a specific form as if it had been hollowed out. The black robe and body were highly decayed, oozing pus. Its face was relatively intact. Through the deep-to-the-bone rotting marks, one could still see the pale and dim skin, soft contours, and thin layer of black hair Franca was stunned. I-isnt this the visitor from Resurrection Island, Harrison? He had long died, turned into a decaying corpse floating on what seems like the River Styx, so why was he still active in Trier? Moreover, the corpse appeared on the river a few years ago, and only then did the Demon Warlock encounter Harrison! Though Lumian didnt understand Francas question, he roughly guessed why Franca was so shocked from the key details of floating, corpse, and Harrisons appearance. He turned his head to look at Franca, seeing surprise, astonishment, and confusion in those lake-blue eyes. Lumian nodded to reassure her, then said to Armored Shadow Chen Tu, Thank you for your answers. The gold on the altar disintegrated, turning into pure light, flowing like water onto Armored Shadows surface. Seeing the fish-scale armor mostly turned golden, sacred, and heavy, Lumian frowned slightly and ended the ritual. After extinguishing the candles, he immediately said to Franca, Another two times, and Armored Shadow should fully restore its golden body. We can only summon it once more at most. Yeah. Franca finally snapped out of the shock of seeing Harrisons past corpse. As Lumian cleaned up the altar, she smiled at Amandina and said, We can leave now. Huh? Amandina was puzzled, Wasnt I supposed to help? I havent done anything yet You already provided help. Franca grinned. Amandina was even more confused.When did this happen? Jenna helped clarify, Dont you feel that the language Franca and Armored Shadow spoke was similar to what the figure whispered in your ear? Amandina thought carefully. It does seem similar. After tidying up the altar, Lumian returned and casually said, The shadow just now was likely sealed by your teacher, hmm-the figure. You being here could mislead it, making it think this represents the figures attitude, reducing the difficulty of our communication and preventing its attack. Thats your help, just standing by and observing. Amandina suddenly recalled Armored Shadows gaze and reactive response when it first appeared, understanding.Is that so Well, um, what is my teachers name? Though we all know this question is normal, it still sounds weird who doesnt know their teachers name and needs to ask someone else Jenna grumbled inwardly. Franca answered with a smile in Intisian, Underworld Daoist. Also, you should call him Master, not Teacher. Underworld Daoist Amandina softly repeated the title described in Intisian. After a few seconds, she contentedly asked, Whats the difference between Master and Teacher? A Master includes a paternalistic meaning, Franca explained with some effort. Amandina didnt ask further, her eyes sparkling as she said, I can provide help again in the future! Can you help me collect the Mid-to-Low Sequence potion formulas and Beyonder characteristics of the Evernight pathway? No problem. Franca didnt tell Amandina those would be available soon. Lumian smiled and said, I thought youd ask to visit the Samaritan Womens Spring again. Amandina smiled a bit reluctantly. Ill adapt for a while longer, and go after my own Sequence matches my boon level. After speaking, she muttered softly, I dont want to turn into an old man with a white beard After sending Amandina off, Lumian, Jenna, and Anthony sat in the living room of Apartment 702 at 9 Rue Orosai, listening to Franca recounting the sentences translated by Armored Shadow. What do they mean? Jenna felt like she somewhat understood but also didnt understand at all. Franca had to translate in her own words what Pure yin does not last, pure yang does not grow meant. As Jenna listened, she gradually didnt know how to position her body and avoided moving her gaze. Lumian took a tactical sip of water, and Anthonys expression remained unchanged. I think these sentences are too ordinary, not worth such high regard, Franca concluded. Lumian pondered for a few seconds and slowly said, No, they might be very important. Chapter 856 - 856 The So-called Way of Heaven 856 The So-called Way of Heaven 856 The So-called Way of Heaven Franca looked at Lumian, asking expectantly, What do you mean? Lumian, now completely comfortable, glanced at Anthony and Jenna before focusing back on Francas recliner. We all know that there are great existences occupying several adjacent pathways in this world, like Mr. Fool and the Celestial Worthy at the top of the Apprentice, Seer, and Marauder pathways. Then theres the Great Mother, who is at the top of the Moon, Earth, and Villain pathways. So, if the phrase to approach the way of heaven indeed means adjusting oneself to get closer to the bestower and actively seeking boons, then in this context, what does the way of heaven represent? Top of which pathways? Franca pondered for a moment before replying, From our current understanding of the twenty-two pathways, the Hunter pathway definitely represents yang, while the Demoness pathway might represent yin. It could also be the Earth or Moon pathway. Considering the symbol of yang, yin here likely refers to the Demoness pathway. Franca only knew that the Hunter pathway could transform a woman into a man. She was unsure if the Earth or Moon pathways could turn a man into a woman, classifying them as yin based on their association with nurturing, reproduction, and growth. So, in these sentences, the way of heaven refers to the top of the Hunter and Demoness pathways? Jenna asked, following Lumian and Francas train of thought. Probably, Franca nodded emphatically. The knowledge in Mr. Stars document might explain how to correctly understand the contradiction, opposition, transformation, and unity of yin and yang. Then, through ones behavior and necessary external help, harmonize yin and yang to the greatest extent to approach the corresponding way of heaven, that is, the great existences at the top of the Demoness and Hunter pathways, and obtain boons. Lumian chuckled. Having reached this point in the analysis, what comes to mind? Jenna was momentarily stunned and blurted out, The joining of the Blood Emperor and the Primordial Demoness? Barely keeping up with my thoughts, Lumian half-praised, half-mocked. Weve always wondered why the Blood Emperor and the Primordial Demoness would cooperate. As true gods of adjacent pathways, shouldnt They be mortal enemies? Madam Magician told me that choosing a pathway determines your enemies and friends. Arent you two from adjacent pathways and still not enemies? Havent you shared a bed? Franca glanced at Lumian and Jenna, feeling a slight twinge of jealousy as she lampooned. During such moments, she often felt that her Affliction potion had digested a bit. Of course, she knew that this enmity mainly applied to the higher levels. Lumian continued, The seal on the convergence effect from Mr. Door might just be a technical detail on how its done, not the cause or purpose. The goal of the Blood Emperor and the Primordial Demoness is to join the body with the way of heaven? Franca expanded her thoughts from to approach the way of heaven, using a concept from her previous life that she felt was more appropriate. Lumian, Jenna, and Anthony looked at Franca, more or less confused. What does merging the body with the way of heaven mean? Sensing her companions confusion, Franca scratched her ponytail and tried to explain, It means uniting with the so-called way of heaven Uh, an imprecise analogy would be usurping a true gods position, not replacing a true god but the great existence represented by the way of heaven. Then why dont the Primordial Demoness and Blood Emperor directly kill each other and devour the others Beyonder characteristics to unify yin and yang? Anthony questioned. Theres no need for them to consummate to give birth to two children! Franca thought for a few seconds. Maybe they need to harmonize before unifying? At least thats what the sentences suggest In other words, the Blood Emperor and Primordial Demoness had to combine first, adjust their state, get close to the way of heaven, and then enter the unification stage. So, They had to temporarily cooperate while preparing to betray each other once they achieved Their goals What do they call this? The first sword upon reaching the shore cuts down those around you! Lumian and the others were used to Francas sudden nonsensical remarks and patiently waited for her to continue. Franca suddenly laughed. Its also possible that the Blood Emperor and Primordial Demoness came across similar knowledge but, due to a lack of proper training and understanding, They naively thought combining yin and yang meant the Hunter and Demoness pathways had to be physically united; this resulted in Them producing some children. What do they call this? This is what happens when cultures dont communicate well! Uh, its not exactly wrong, just somewhat narrow-minded, overlooking other possible approaches. As Jenna started to feel uneasy, relating to her own experience, Lumian sarcastically remarked, Ive always said that redheads and thick-heads need to read more and study hard. As soon as Lumian finished speaking, Franca and Jenna glared at him furiously. I dont think its a misunderstanding. Even if the Blood Emperor, being half-mad, didnt fully grasp the meaning of unifying yin and yang, He had top-tier Cryptologists around Him, Anthony expressed a different view, referring to Amon, the grand duke of the Tudor Empire and Angel of the Marauder pathway. Lumian mused aloud,Did you forget that one of Amons titles is the God of Mischief? Maybe He wanted to see such a development. Do you resonate with Amons mindset because youre a trickster too Franca muttered softly. Jenna nodded.So, the special mirror world is a byproduct of the Blood Emperor and Primordial Demonesss attempt to unify yin and yang to approach the way of heaven? Or a necessary creation for occupying the way of heaven, similar to High-Sequence advancement rituals? We cant draw conclusions yet, but the direction seems right. Franca took out a dark red fountain pen from her Travelers Bag and wrote the translated sentences under different headings on her thigh. She thoughtfully interpreted individual characters based on sentence structure, text shape, and reasonable assumptions. Finally, she organized their discussion into a report, appended it to the document, and sent it to the Major Arcana card holder as a reference instead of a conclusion. Phew Having completed this task, Franca breathed a sigh of relief. The gains from summoning Armored Shadow this time were greater than I expected. Now we can confirm that Resurrection Island is Penglai divine mountain, and Harrison is the corpse that drifted from Penglai! Franca was somewhat disappointed that there was still no definitive evidence proving that Underworld Daoist and Harrisons world was the same as the one they had transmigrated from-similar language, culture, and appearance were not sufficient premises for inference. She planned to ask Armored Shadow directly next time if it had heard of the Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings, the culprit behind their transmigration! Anthony, who knew little about Armored Shadow, Penglai, and the so-called river, was confused but understood the importance of Resurrection Island and Harrison, which the Major Arcana card holders were also interested in. Harrison died and was resurrected? As expected from someone from Resurrection Island Why did Resurrection Island disappear from Underworld Daoists world? Based on Harrisons words to the Demon Warlock, people from Resurrection Island have been active in our world for a long time Did Resurrection Island disappear from its original world because it transmigrated here? Can it now communicate with its original world? Jenna finally understood Francas shock at seeing the corresponding illusion after asking the second question. She suddenly froze, feeling she shouldnt analyze in this direction. Francas eyes lit up. Its possible! She then left the armchair, paced back and forth, and said angrily, Damn, why didnt we lure Harrison out this time! Although she realized that the visitor from Resurrection Island might be more dangerous than expected, they had Madam Magician overseeing their visit to the Samaritan Womens Spring this time. Our main task now is to find Harrison or the Mirror Person, Palia. Lumian stood up and spoke with the demeanor of a team leader. Mirror Person Palia was the mineralogist, Jasmine. Before Franca and the others could respond, he added, I also need to start gathering supplementary ingredients for the Iron-blooded Knight. We can also gather ingredients for the Demoness of Despair. With no clear leads to track for now, we have plenty of free time, Franca agreed. Anthony said, Ill do my best on this task, but I have another one as well. Joining the Psychology Alchemists? Franca asked curiously. Thats a long-term task, Anthony explained briefly. Maam Hermits Minor Arcana card, the Knight of Swords, is in Trier and needs help from a Beyonder of the Spectator pathway. Madam Justice recommended me. What kind of help? Lumian asked. Anthony shook his head. We havent met yet. Lumian nodded. Feel free to ask for help if needed. In a wooden house on the Southern Continent. The Star leaned back in his chair, staring blankly at the paper and pen on the table. Suddenly, a brilliant starry light appeared before him, forming a dazzling door. The door opened, and Madam Magician stepped out, holding a letter from Franca. Chapter 857 - 857 Inklings of That Individual 857 Inklings of That Individual 857 Inklings of That Individual The translation you asked for has arrived. Madam Magician tossed the stack of papers onto the table in front of The Star, then pulled up a chair and sat down. Mr. Star didnt change his posture, merely extending his hand forward. The stack of papers floated up, held by an invisible force, and landed in The Stars hand. The Star began to read through the pages with focused eyes, the soft sound of pages turning filling the quiet room. After a while, he looked up at The Magician across the desk. What do you think of their speculation? Madam Magician replied with a smile, From a writers perspective, theres no better speculation than this. Of course, I actually believe its likely true. What about you, Mr. Pallez? Mr. Stars eyes darkened, and an aged voice emerged from his mouth. Back then, we only sensed that Alista Tudor was doing something very dangerous in Trier, but we didnt know the specifics. If this is true, one question remains: where did Alista Tudor acquire the knowledge to undertake these actions? The Magician had long considered this question. One possibility is that the Uniqueness of the Red Priest, already somewhat tainted, combined with Alista Tudors forceful switch to a non-adjacent pathway, ascending at the cost of madness, caused Him to sense the situation over there when He became a god, resulting in a wondrous resonance and acquisition of relevant knowledge. Another possibility is that it was given to him by you know who through some method. At this point, The Magician, following her spiritual intuition, asked, Are you saying that there are inklings of that individual in this matter? The aged voice responded from The Star once more, Hasnt He always been interfering in history, steering it toward His envisioned direction? Of course, this might not be predestined history but rather an experiment of His. I never fully understood why He would help Alista Tudor forcibly ascend to Red Priest, stabilizing him to prevent immediate loss of control. Now, I have some idea: At that time, He was only a King of Angels, making it difficult to influence and arrange events involving true gods. But what if the true god was already in a poor state, acting on instinct most of the time? It would be much easier. With the participation of the mad Blood Emperor Alista Tudor, the Primordial Demoness might indeed be drawn into this matter. In the end, He likely confirmed His hypothesis, gaining valuable experience, though it led to the unexpected eruption of the War of the Four Emperors. The Stars voice suddenly reverted to its usual slightly magnetic tone. How many years passed from Alista Tudors ascension to Red Priest to the outbreak of the War of the Four Emperors? He immediately answered his own question with an aged voice, Five hundred and thirty-seven years. Enough to verify some things. The Star remarked with a magnetic tone. The Magician nodded slightly and said, If this is the truth, He must be very aware of the latent issues in the special mirror world. Ha, if Mr. Fool were awake now, He would definitely go to the Forsaken Land of the Gods, grab Him by the collar, and demand to know whats hidden in the depths of the special mirror world! The Star subconsciously sighed. He-Mr. Fool-isnt so violent and crude. Madam Magician chuckled. Do you know what fantasy means? You have to distinguish between fantasy, truth, lies, the real emotions behind lies, and the deep-seated feelings, tendencies, impulses, and conflicts expressed through the most impossible scenarios imagined in fantasies. Also, whats said as truth, thought as truth, and even actions taken dont necessarily represent the true attitude. Once you distinguish these She glanced at the papers and pens on the desk, laughing softly. Youll have a preliminary grasp of the art of poetry. Mr. Star was silent for a few seconds. The knowledge gained this time pertains to the Hunter and Demoness pathways, also arranged by Him? I think its more likely done by the Celestial Master, The Magician pondered. We dont know the current state of the Celestial Master, but judging by Underworld Daoist, even if He couldnt prevent the Moses Ascetic Orders Kmerolo from being corrupted, He could deeply influence the knowledge comprising the corruption. In the Hostel incident, He noticed the Seven of Wands. Mr. Star nodded. Is it His arrangement that the Hunter and Demoness among your Minor Arcana card holders got entangled? Trying to replicate the findings from the Blood Emperor and Primordial Demoness with them? Madam Magician chuckled and responded, Its more than just entanglement. Though I havent witnessed it myself, my spiritual intuition and writers sense tell me something must have happened. I pity them but cant help being curious about the details Clearing her throat, she shifted the topic back. The current development is the inevitable result of their fate entanglement, emotional interactions, personal character, and inner growth, likely unrelated to Him. But! Madam Magician emphasized the word but. I now suspect that their initial meeting was arranged by Him, and then He let things develop naturally. Do you understand? A top-level writer sets the stage, constructs events, and lets the characters express, demonstrate, interact, and conflict on the stage to create the most wonderful story. The Star initially wanted to mock the writers but glanced at the paper and pen on the desk and remained silent. The Magician sighed and then said, We should be able to decrypt more of that information now. What about the payment? Whats the payment for the Two of Cups? As he took out one Beyonder ingredient after another from a silver box, The Star spoke. They have been prepared long ago. These are the potion formulas and ingredients from Sequence 9 Sleepless to Sequence 7 Nightmare. Madam Magician looked and smiled. Not giving that gold coin? Although the Two of Cups is our chosen guide for that dream, she cant be given it too easily, even if shes trustworthy and knowledgeable about the environment. Ill give her another task and tell her that besides the Sequence 6 Soul Assurer potion formula and corresponding ingredients, she will receive a special reward. The Star brushed his slightly messy hair and smiled. The Magician nodded slightly, then asked another question, Ive always wanted to ask, Mr. Pallez, why do you remain with Mr. Star even after advancing to Sequence 1? The Stars eyes darkened again, and the aged voice returned. When you get old, you desire stability and dont want to change your accustomed environment. The Magician smiled in response. I want to hear the truth. The Star sighed and said in an aged voice, When you become a Sequence 1 Archangel, youll understand. Youll feel the terrifying impact of Mr. Fool and the Celestial Worthys conflict, forcing me to stay within the Church of the Evernight Goddess for some protection. Madam Magician nodded, then gathered the potion formulas and ingredients from the table. After a moment of thought, she asked Mr. Star, Where did you obtain these ingredients? The Star smiled. Sent an application to the Pope. Madam Magician pondered and asked further, Her Holiness didnt ask why and just gave them to you? Yes, just given to me like that. Mr. Star smiled calmly. Madam Magician seemed to have an epiphany. She then stood up, opened a starry door in the void, and left the wooden house. The night was just receding, and dawn had not yet broken at Lumians rented apartment. Jenna lay under the covers, her white shoulders exposed, leaning beside Lumian. She stretched out her right hand, trying to pry open his eyelids. What are you doing? Lumian asked, both amused and exasperated. Jenna pouted. Youre not looking at me with your eyes closed. I have to be proactive and help you open them. Reluctantly, Lumian opened his eyes, meeting her blue eyes, which sparkled with a hidden darkness. After a few seconds of staring, Lumian remarked thoughtfully, Your mental state seems much better than before. Jenna withdrew her hand, propping her chin up with a smile as she gazed at Lumians face and eyes. Yeah, I felt much better after that talk with Franca. Lumian let out a scoff. Who was it that said the worst-case scenario was Franca coming to kill me, and youd agree? You knew Franca wouldnt do such a thing. That was just a fantasy, a projection of inner emotions, self-conflict, and self-destructive tendencies. Didnt you catch that? Jenna retorted. Lumian chortled.Of course I did. Thats why I said it was best to confront the issues between you early. He instinctively reached out to pat Jennas head but hesitated midway, his hand freezing. Seeing this, Jennas gaze dimmed slightly. She pursed her lips and grabbed his hand, forcing it to the back of her head. Lumian slowly started to pat her, transitioning from awkwardness to naturalness. Jenna watched him with a smile. What about yours? Lumian fell silent. Jenna didnt press further, instead asking cheerfully, Did you and Franca? Lumian sighed. I try not to talk about my relationship with her in front of you. Jenna smiled. Before my talk with Franca, it would have made me sad, conflicted, and miserable, even if I tried to hide it. Now, though I still have those emotions, I feel more hopeful and even relieved when you mention it. Do you understand this contradictory feeling? Many of my previous choices were also like that. Lumian nodded slowly. You know Franca. Although she might have made up her mind, she still hesitates when it comes to the final step. Lately, Ive noticed her being awkward whenever we see each other. Anthony probably noticed too but didnt say anything. I cant be the one to initiate, right? Yes, you should. Go to her now, this morning! Jenna said without hesitation. Lumian looked deeply at her. Are you trying to create stronger bonds to keep her in critical moments? Jenna grunted. I will try to keep her, but Ill also respect her final decision. Chapter 858 - 858 Taking the Initiative 858 Taking the Initiative 858 Taking the Initiative Lumian stroked Jennas hair once more. Actually, Franca going home might not be a bad thing. If their world doesnt face an apocalypse or dangerous situations like ours, I could help you knock your brother out so you could take him and Franca there together. Jenna gazed at Lumian with her clear blue eyes. What about you? Lumian fell silent for a moment before responding, Ill see how things go. Jenna opened her mouth as if to say something but then closed it again. After a few seconds, she didnt press for details. Instead, she spoke seriously, On the one hand, I want to keep her here. On the other hand, Im afraid that the bigger Francas hope, the bigger her disappointment will be. If she finally confirms that returning home is impossible, shell definitely break down. For a Beyonder, thats very dangerous, especially the higher the Sequence. She mentioned, or maybe it was Emperor Roselle who said it, that a person is the sum of their social relationships. Anthony also talked to me about the importance of social relationships for a person. I know he saw that I still had some psychological issues and wanted to help me through this. When you sought treatment from Madam Susie and Madam Justice, didnt they also emphasize the importance of rebuilding social relationships? For Franca, the most important relationships are with you and me. The closer we are now, the more it will help stabilize her in the future. Just me alone might not be enough. Lumian withdrew his hand, looking at Jenna for a few seconds. Since finding out Francas true origins, youve been thinking a lot, havent you? Why do you think she might not be able to go back home? Jennas eyes flickered, and she said provocatively, Franca later told me that Emperor Roselle and she came from the same world and the same country. I was thinking-the Emperor was at least an Angel, maybe even close to becoming a true god, and he couldnt go back. Dont you think that means its either hopeless or impossible? Lumian sighed with a smile. But Franca and the others believe that either the Emperor didnt have time to find a way back before something unexpected happened, or he faked his death and already transmigrated back. Jenna shook her head. Its definitely not the latter. If it were, the Emperor would have destroyed parts of his diary before crossing back. Youre quite sharp, Lumian remarked thoughtfully. From the Emperors diary that Franca shared, its clear he encountered something terrifying in his later years. But what confuses me is that during that period, he never seemed to consider going back. Also, he valued his eldest daughter highly, and Queen Mystic Bernadette is still active in our world. These are the reasons I think Francas hopes are slim. They probably have similar thoughts but just dont want to believe it. Lumians voice suddenly grew somber. People need hope to live Jenna chuckled, tracing circles on Lumians bare chest. Youre doing much better too, being able to say something like that. Before Lumian could respond, she lifted her head and looked at him. Go see Franca this morning, okay? Is this something I can do alone? Lumian smiled. If she doesnt want to, I cant force her, can I? Jenna couldnt help but laugh. Shes inclined to agree deep down. Shes just feeling a bit awkward after the initial emotions have calmed. Especially since she has to face you, her friends brother who knows her true state. You know Franca, Lumian teased. When shes impulsive, shell try anything, but when she calms down, she might turn into an ostrich. Take the initiative. Maybe shes just waiting for you to make the first move, Jenna suggested, feeling a mix of jealousy and anticipation. Lumian spread his hands. How do I take the initiative? Ive never been the one to make the first move in such matters. I cant just go up to Franca and say Im here to fulfill our agreement, right? Jennas eyes sparkled as she thought for a moment. Show your guilt in front of her, help her out as much as you can, and then ask if she needs a massage for her head, shoulders, and back. If she doesnt object and theres physical contact, you can gradually gradually Jenna trailed off, quickly concluding, Got it? You seem quite experienced, Lumian said, amused. Jenna reminisced. When I was a Showy Diva, I saw some things. Also, the dancers under Franca liked to read novels about love and interactions between men and women. A single book could be passed around by dozens to hundreds of people. Thanks to Emperor Roselle and some remaining compulsory education, some of them could understand simple stories, and those who couldnt would listen to others. It was one of the few bright spots in their lives. I read a few as well and learned how those playboys and Dandyists behaved. Lumian laughed, moving closer to Jenna and placing his hands on her smooth, bare shoulders. Like this? Yes. Jenna rolled her eyes. Now you think of giving me a massage? Im nearly falling apart because of you. You start reluctantly and then As Jenna teased him, her words caught in her throat. Lumian leaned in with a teasing smile. Its six in the morning Jenna swiftly pulled the covers over herself and nimbly jumped out of bed like a deer. Wrapped in the blanket, she looked at Lumian and laughed softly. Go find Franca now and use your Conspirer skills. Before Lumian could respond, Jenna grabbed her Travelers Bag and disappeared into the shadows of the room. Lumian stood still for a moment, sighing. Couldnt you at least leave the blanket? After a while, the blanket was thrown from the shadows, landing on Lumian. Lumian shook his head with a smile, mimicking Francas voice in his mind. Ascetic, activate! Inside Apartment 702 at 9 Rue Orosai. Franca opened the door and saw Lumian. She instantly felt uncomfortable and wished she could slam the door in his face. As she turned to walk to the armchair, she asked, Jenna didnt come with you? She went back to rest, Lumian said thoughtfully. Franca suddenly understood, her expression turning complicated. She stood by the armchair, momentarily forgetting to sit down. Lumian glanced at her and asked intentionally, Did you digest more of your Affliction potion? Dammit! Franca gritted her teeth, conjuring several crystalline ice spikes and hurling them at Lumian. Lumian dodged easily and moved to the sofa area, looking back at the fuming Franca. See, now we can forget the awkwardness and talk properly. But Francas reaction was a bit too strong. We need to make that agreement a reality soon, or she might get tangled up again Lumian put on a placating smile and said to Franca, Its a habitual taunt. You know how Hunters are. Franca snorted and sat in the recliner. Today, she wore a fitted white shirt with ruffled cuffs and a lace flower at the neck, paired with cream-colored trousers and her usual fluffy slippers. Following Miss Celia Bellos guidance, Lumian feigned guilt and asked, Hows your Affliction potion digestion going? Franca puffed up her cheeks. About a third. Hmm, youve got the self-inflicted pain down, but youre still lacking in causing pain to others, Lumian said cautiously. Then, he proactively poured her a glass of water and asked with a smile, Want a shoulder and leg massage? You must be tired after running around for clues on Harrison these days. Massage? Franca was stunned, then wary, eyeing Lumian suspiciously. After a few moments, she took the glass of water and drank. No need. Eh Great theorist of male-female interaction, master of theory Miss Celia Bello, your method doesnt work I have to rely on my own improvisation as a Conspirer Lumian quickly sat down on the single sofa. He opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it, taking out the Black Tear headpiece from his Travelers Bag. Franca realized Lumian was checking if the Demoness of Black was observing through the mirror. Well, perfect timing Franca was about to mention the potion formula and ingredients for Amandina when she saw Lumian quickly put away the Black Tear and give her a look. Wh- The Demoness of Black is watching Franca swallowed her words. The next second, she saw Lumian get up, walk over to her, and squeeze into the armchair with a smile. Hey Hey, hey! Franca was stunned. Her first reaction was to teach this space-invader a lesson, but then she realized Lumians purpose. In the Demoness of Blacks eyes, were lovers. If we dont show any intimacy, itll be suspicious Okay, lets put on a show Franca felt Lumians arm wrap around her waist. Her body stiffened before she forced herself to relax. Then, Lumian turned her around, and she found herself looking into his deep blue eyes and chiseled face. Im here to fulfill my promise, Lumian said, giving her another look. He chuckled softly and slowly lowered his head. Francas eyes widened. Hey! Are you doing it for real? She instinctively wanted to break free but remembered the Demoness of Black was watching and Lumians hint to cooperate. You little brat, are you taking advantage of me? Franca thought angrily. Then she remembered the previous agreement and sighed inwardly. Fine, it was bound to happen anyway Her long eyelashes fluttered, and her eyes slowly closed as her body softened. Then, she felt Lumians lips, warm and firm, breaking through her defenses. In a daze, Franca thought, No, no! The Demoness of Black is still watching! How shameful! Almost simultaneously, she heard Lumians husky voice in her ear. Lets go to the bedroom. Youre quite considerate Once were in the bedroom, covered by the blanket, the Demoness of Black cant see Itll also solidify our relationship Franca vaguely nodded, feeling herself lifted into the air. In the warm and intimate bedroom. With a lingering blush on her cheeks, Franca turned to Lumian and said, I just remembered something I need to tell you She asked with her eyes if the Demoness of Black was still watching. Lumian chuckled. The Demoness of Black left a while ago. Franca was stunned for a moment, her foggy mind realizing something was off. You didnt check How do you know? Lumian looked sincere. The Demoness of Black didnt come today. ? Franca was speechless. She quickly understood, and in a fit of embarrassment and anger, she pounced on Lumian, hitting him. You tricked me! You tricked me! You cant use something like this to deceive teammates, understand? I understand. This makes it hard for me to trust your hints in the future. What if next time I think youre lying, but the Demoness of Black really shows up? Im sorry. Alright, Ill trust you one more time, but dont let it happen again! Dont let it happen again! Chapter 859 - 859 Ingenious Plan 859 Ingenious Plan 859 Ingenious Plan After Franca vented her anger and lay back down, Lumian finally asked, What were you saying earlier? Franca glanced at the curtained bedroom window, making it clear: Check if the Demoness of Black is watching! Lumian replied casually, Were inside a Bottle of Fiction. Franca blinked. When did that happen? When I closed the door. I didnt want to disturb the neighbors, Lumian answered earnestly. Franca felt another surge of anger. She snapped, You still need to check! What if the Demoness of Black can penetrate the Bottle of Fiction without you noticing? Yes, yes. Lumian admitted his fault and took out the Black Tear headpiece from his Travelers Bag, quickly sensing for a few seconds before putting it back. Franca finally relaxed and nodded in satisfaction. The thing is, Mr. Star gave me another task. He said, in addition to the Affliction potion formula and the materials, there will be a special reward. What task? Lumian asked cooperatively. Franca looked puzzled and said, To get some water from the Samaritan Womans Spring. Lumians first reaction was to consider the purpose of the task, but he quickly remembered that Franca had said Mr. Star was likely a high-ranking Red Glove from the Church of Evernight, and the Underworld Daoist who could grant others Beyonder powers from the Darkness pathway. Its understandable that Mr. Star, or rather the Church of Evernight behind him, needs water from the Samaritan Womans Spring. But this task is too simple for us right now. And yet he wants to give you a special reward. Doesnt that seem a bit strange? Lumian pondered aloud. Franca thought for a moment and spoke, I agree. It feels like he designed this task just to give me the special reward. It doesnt make sense. Weve only met once. Compared to other Demonesses in the Demoness Sect, one of Francas greatest strengths was not assuming that every man she met would be infatuated with her or want to please her. Lumian considered for a few seconds and said, Maybe that special reward will bring a lot of trouble. It also represents something Mr. Star truly wants you to do. Franca nodded in understanding. Free rewards are the most expensive. What appears free often comes with hidden costs. Understanding this, she felt less worried. She thought the potential problems with the special reward, even if they brought significant trouble, should be something she and her companions could handle. Otherwise, the Major Arcana card holders wouldnt make such a choice. She then turned to Lumian and asked, Hows your collection of the supplementary ingredients going? This should have been a daily concern, but hadnt she been feeling uncomfortable every time she saw Lumian these past few days? Lumian reflected for a moment before answering, I found a large battlefield from the war a few years ago and got a bag of blood-stained soil. I thought youd go to the camp where Anthony and his comrades were attacked, Franca teased. Lumian responded with amusement, Am I that much of a devil? Besides, thats not a large battlefield and might be polluted by an evil gods worship. Franca concurred succinctly, What about the others? I confirmed that theres active lava at the bottom of the volcano on Saint Tick Island, but its unnecessary to collect it now. It will solidify quickly in the Travelers Bag. Ill teleport it when its needed. Lumian had been using his teleportation ability to travel around the world these days. I plan to make the powder of plants and trees polluted by the Stone of Catastrophe myself. As for acorns, that was too simple. Make it yourself? Franca was surprised. Is that possible? It should be theoretically feasible. Certain parts of a Beyonder creature can replace such supplementary ingredients. And I have the Sword of Courage. I can place it and its companions on a pile of plants and trees, monitoring and replacing consumables. In about a few days, I should be able to create polluted plants and trees. Of course, this pollution will be more complex and severe than simple Stone of Catastrophe pollution. Ill consult Madam Magician in advance to see if the amount should be reduced. Indeed, Francas eyes brightened, then dimmed slightly. But the Plague Mother Serpent bile and Silver Hunters fragments for the supplementary ingredients of the Demoness of Despair cant be made by the Black Tear. No rush. Jenna hasnt fully digested the Pleasure potion yet. It will take a few more days or even a week or two to become a Demoness of Affliction. Lumian thought and said, I have collected the blood of seven different plague victims. Although there was no widespread plague at the moment, many places on the Northern and Southern Continents had sporadic outbreaks. They were either quickly contained or limited to small, isolated areas without spreading. With the Magic Mirror Divination of the two Demonesses, Lumian pinpointed eight or nine similar locations, then teleported there with Lugano. If the authorities had already noticed the outbreak and were working to control it, he would leave after collecting the blood of the plague victims. If the plague was still quietly spreading, he would attempt to heal it with Luganos help. If it couldnt be solved, he would find a way to inform the authorities. After these few days of hard work, Lumian had basically achieved his goals. Franca breathed a sigh of relief, stating, Remember to use the Black Tear to deliver the potion formula and all the materials Mr. Star gave to Amandina. Sigh When will I completely digest the Affliction potion? Although her current digestion progress could be considered very fast, she still felt it wasnt enough. The person next to her was just one step away from the final domestication step, ready to hold the ceremony and become a Sequence 4 demigod. Lumian turned his head to Franca and laughed. I just told you, youre still lacking in the part about causing others pain. And the target should be of high Sequence, otherwise, it has to be replaced with numbers. Franca didnt link it to her own pain this time and started thinking seriously. Causing others pain, high Sequence Causing others pain, high Sequence Muttering to herself, Franca suddenly turned her head, her eyes shining brightly at Lumian. Lumians smile faded as he raised an eyebrow and asked, Do you have a bold idea? Franca chuckled. You have a false Angel rank. If I can make you feel pain, wouldnt the digestion speed be incredibly fast? But it has to be real pain. Lumian didnt dismiss Francas suggestion outright. For example, castration? Franca glanced at the blanket with a growing smile. Lumian fell silent for a moment before responding, We can try. Wait, youre actually agreeing? Franca was startled. She had only been joking with the suggestion of castration. If it can really help you quickly digest the Affliction potion. Lumian shrugged. It can grow back anyway. Forget it, thats too painful. It would leave you with serious psychological trauma and issues. Franca said, ruffling her tousled hair. Suddenly, her eyes lit up. I have a better plan. An ingenious plan! Lumian felt uneasy, sensing that Francas new plan might be even harder to endure than castration. Francas smile turned wicked. I thought of that Julie from the castration, and her digestion method. She would seize the moment when the target was about to reach ultimate satisfaction, then cut it off, plunging them from extreme pleasure into extreme pain. I can be gentler, not cutting it off, but preventing you from reaching ultimate satisfaction. Let you yearn and suffer without fulfillment, which is also a kind of intense pain Lumian raised an eyebrow, unable to speak. Francas smile grew more sinister, having found a prank to pull. For this, I need to bind you with the Demonesss spider silk, prepare more tools, and to enhance the stimulation, you need to use your Ascetic abilities to refrain from burning the silk Although it wont compare to Julies method, your false Angel rank should help me digest it quickly. Saying this, Franca clicked her tongue. I never thought Id do something like this, and be the one doing the tormenting. In the past, Lumian might have lacked a concrete concept of this pain, but after experiencing the two Demonesses, he could now imagine how unbearable that torment would be. This is the hell of pain. Lumian couldnt help but sigh. Thats the Demoness, bringing pleasure and pain, Franca said with a smile. Lumian jumped out of bed and picked up his clothes. Eh? Franca looked puzzled. Lumian responded in a deep voice, Were going to the Samaritan Womans Spring now. Franca was first stunned, then burst into laughter, rolling on the bed. She had regained her normal control over her desires after passing the Pleasure stage, so even after being with Lumian, tasting long-lost pleasure, and achieving unprecedented satisfaction, she still felt weird because it was someone she knew well, who also knew her original gender. But now, she suddenly found it amusing and interesting, making her feel much less uncomfortable. Give it a try, give it a try. She lay on the bed, her eyes bright as she continued with her prank. Lumian sighed again. Well talk after we get the water from the Samaritan Womans Spring. Beside the Samaritan Womans Spring, shrouded in gray-white fog. Since Lumian didnt approach and trigger any anomalies, Franca patiently waited for a while and then used the golden vial given by Mr. Star to collect half a vial of water from the Samaritan Womans Spring. They didnt bring Jenna, fearing that her encounter with Krismonas shadow might lead to uncontrollable changes. Lumian planned to bring Jenna here after becoming an Iron-blooded Knight with a certain level of self-protection. The high-ranking Major Arcana card holders seemed to dislike entering the underground or underground catacombs. But Lumian, marked and branded, felt that even as a demigod, he should still be able to enter the area of the Samaritan Womans Spring. Not long after, Franca put away the golden vial, and the two walked shoulder to shoulder towards the edge of the gray fog. As they approached the edge of the fog on the slope, Lumian and Franca simultaneously noticed a blurry figure outside the fog slowly approaching. Franca first darted to the side, then stared intently for two seconds. Her expression suddenly became excited, and she said in a hushed voice to Lumian, Harrison! The visitor from Resurrection Island, Harrison! They had failed to converge with him last time, and now they coincidentally ran into him! Chapter 860 - 860 The True Meaning of Those Words 860 The True Meaning of Those Words 860 The True Meaning of Those Words When Franca uttered the name, Lumian also saw the approximate outline of the figure outside: Dressed in a black robe, with light hair, pale skin, and dark brown eyes, he didnt look like an Intisian. Although Lumian had never seen Harrison in person, he had seen the image Franca had depicted using dream divination and a corresponding ritual, so it wasnt hard to identify the person outside the gray fog. Seeing Francas excitement, Lumian raised his right hand and gestured downward, signaling his companion to control her emotions. Franca, an experienced Beyonder in combat, quickly composed herself and nodded at Lumian. She understood Lumians intention not to act rashly but to observe and see what Harrison intended to do. By understanding his actions, they could determine his Sequence, ability characteristics, and primary intentions. This way, whatever response they made afterward would be more composed. Franca shrank further to the side of the slope, using the gray fog as cover, and observed Harrison, who was holding a white candle. Meanwhile, she couldnt help but muse, The Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence really works! We gave up too soon after just one try. It was our fault for not respecting science -no, mysticism. If we had tried a few more times, wouldnt he have come? Franca felt at ease, knowing that only Beyonders like Lumian, marked by Mr. Fool, could enter the area around the Samaritan Womans Spring, while others could only see a gray-white fog and found it difficult to pass through. She had tried earlier and found she couldnt penetrate the fog on her own, prompting Lumian to mock her, saying, Even Madame Hela couldnt do it. Where did you get the confidence that you could? This only strengthened her resolve to have Lumian help her digest the Affliction potion. Lumian stood beside Franca, observing every move of the figure outside while recalling his encounters with Beyonders of the Death, Darkness, and Warrior pathways, hoping to quickly formulate the most effective strategy against Harrison based on their combat characteristics and abilities. Holding the white candle, Harrison took a few steps outside the gray fog, glanced around, and then continued forward. He walked into the gray fog as if passing through a curtain of water! He can pass through the gray fog barrier? How? Francas sky-blue eyes widened in shock, disbelief, and reluctance. Lumian was equally surprised. But he hadnt ruled out the possibility that Harrison could break through the fog barrier and enter the area around the Samaritan Womans Spring. He just hadnt expected it to be so easy for him. Based on Harrisons constant search for scenes closely related to death, darkness, and dusk, and his drifting as a corpse on the River Styx in Underworld Daoist and companys world, Lumian reasonably suspected that he might have a way or an item to penetrate the fog barrier. Lumian had expected to see Harrison perform a strange ritual or take out an item with an otherworldly style. Instead, like himself, Harrison had simply walked into the area around the Samaritan Womans Spring, covered by gray fog! Seeing that the fog no longer served as a barrier, leaving only the fog to interfere with their vision, Lumian made a decisive move and extinguished the white candle in his hand. As he expected, the surrounding darkness silently surged in, activating the Underworld Daoists mark on his right palm without corroding his body. He had kept the candle lit to maintain this state, partly because it couldnt last long in the current situation without risking turning into a catacombs administrator and partly to mislead any potential enemies, setting a trap. As Lumian extinguished the candle, Franca quickly took action. Unable to borrow the Black Tear from Lumian, she directly took out an Ice Amulet and a mirror from her Travelers Bag. With a flash of crystalline cold light, Franca, illuminated by the candles yellowish flame, entered the mirror in her hand. As her figure disappeared, the unheld mirror fell to the ground, only to be accurately caught by Lumian. Holding the mirror, Lumian immediately activated the contract mark, transforming into a shadow creature and blending completely into the darkness enveloped by the gray fog. Before Harrison could get closer, they had completed their concealment. In the void behind the mirror, Franca, holding the burning white candle, quickly surveyed her surroundings. She found that the area was filled with the same gray-white fog as outside, permeating every corner. The illusory dark tunnels, like spider webs, were excluded by the fog, appearing blurry and hard to see. Sure enough Franca wasnt surprised by this situation. Lumian had already told her that this area was isolated from the spirit world, making spirit world traversal unusable here. With even the spirit world being isolated, the mirror world would certainly be no exception! Because the mirror had been brought into the fog-covered area, Franca could enter the mirrored region to hide but couldnt traverse to any mirror outside the underground catacombs-this was the principle that allowed the Travelers Bag to continue being used. Franca couldnt even reach the mirrors on Lumians person, let alone those outside the catacombs! Of course, Franca hadnt intended to use the mirror world for anything other than hiding, preventing the yellowish glow of the white candle from being seen by Harrison. During their previous ambush on Harrison, she hadnt done this because the area she could monitor through the mirror was too small, and all senses, including vision, would be severely weakened. Franca approached the glass mirror and found that Lumian had thoughtfully turned it towards Harrison, allowing her to see their target. Seeing Harrison, illuminated by the yellowish glow of the white candle, slowly moving down the slope, Franca grew even more puzzled. How did he get through the fog barrier? Could he also bear Mr. Fools mark? But Madam Judgment and the other Major Arcana card holders didnt know! He hadnt used an item or performed a ritual earlier, relying on his own ability? But whether it was the Apprentice pathways mastery of seals or the Marauder pathways exploitation of loopholes, they are all within Mr. Fools domain. It doesnt make sense to bypass the fog barrier Mr. Fools mark At this thought, Francas heart skipped a beat, and a title flashed in her mind: The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings! Harrison bears the mark of the Celestial Worthy, allowing him to penetrate the fog barrier? Franca made this startling and shocking guess. She found it quite reasonable. Based on the current information, it seemed that the Celestial Worthy was the culprit behind their transmigration into this world, and Resurrection Island was Mount Penglai, a node where the two worlds intersected or a transmigration point. If this was true, it was natural for Harrison, from Resurrection Island or Mount Penglai, to have a close relationship with the Celestial Worthy. They had been misled by Harrisons pursuit of death, darkness, and dusk-related scenes and his mastery of the depths of death, overlooking this point! Perhaps, as Jenna had speculated, Harrisons deep research into death didnt necessarily mean he was a Beyonder of that pathway! This could better explain why they couldnt converge with him last time. Why had they coincidentally encountered him this time? As a shadow creature, Lumian also thought of the Celestial Worthy, the great being competing with Mr. Fool for the apex powers of the Seer, Apprentice, and Marauder pathways. He watched Harrisons slow advance and thought of more things. Previously, Harrison seemingly met the Mirror Person, Jasmine, leading us to speculate that he was also involved in Project Vortex Now its almost certain. Madam Magician mentioned encountering the Celestial Worthys followers while dealing with Overseer Perle, who was one of the initiators of Project Vortex This background can explain why an outsider like Harrison can frequently appear in Underground Trier without being found by the Purifiers Lumian didnt rush to act. He was unsure of Harrisons level and wanted to see what Harrison intended to do by repeatedly coming to the Samaritan Womans Spring. This might reveal a lot of important information. As he followed Harrisons movements, Lumian suddenly understood why the Underworld Daoist had warned Amandina to beware of Penglai. He had previously thought that the reappearance of Mount Penglai and the bodies floating on the river had alerted the Underworld Daoist. But given his dire state, closer to a wraith, he couldnt discern Amandinas exact location and situation, so he had instinctively issued a warning. Now it seemed the message was to tell Amandina that someone from Penglai had been to the Samaritan Womans Spring and to be cautious! Just as Lumian sighed internally at their earlier oversight, Harrison suddenly turned his head and looked towards their hiding spot. Almost simultaneously, the grand, layered voice of Termiboros echoed in his ear: Protect your Travelers Bag. Uh Lumian didnt have time to discern the purpose behind Termiboros suggestion. He quickly reached for his waist and grabbed the Travelers Bag. The next moment, Harrison raised his right hand. Lumian felt the Travelers Bag being tugged by an invisible force, but he held it tightly. Marauder? Not a power of the Death pathway? A special boon from the Celestial Worthy? Puzzled, Lumian immediately shifted his position using the shadows. Behind Harrison, darkness surged, outlining Lumians form. Chapter 861 - 861 Marauder? 861 Marauder? 861 Marauder? As soon as Lumian exited his shadow creature state, he let out a grunt. Two beams of white light shot from his nostrils, flying towards Harrison, who had no time to dodge. Almost simultaneously, Lumian sensed a dense aura of death emanating from Harrison. His spirit abruptly contracted, transforming into a tiny, golden millet-like particle, hiding in the deepest void of his body, unreachable. The two beams of white light hit Harrisons body, but it was like striking a piece of decayed wood or a lifeless corpse, producing no effect. Harrison turned swiftly towards Lumian, and his contracted spirit expanded instantly, filling his body once more. With this change, a root wrapped in white cloth swiftly formed in Harrisons right palm. He swung this semi-illusory root at Lumian. The white cloth strips on the root fluttered gently, stirring up cries that were either mournful or wailing. They drilled into Lumians ears, causing him to falter just as he was about to change his position, unable to dodge in time. Smack! The root wrapped in white cloth struck Lumians body. His skin quickly turned pale, and a sense of death deepened rapidly. Crack! Lumians body cracked like a mirror, shattering into dull fragments that fell to the ground. Immediately after, he reappeared at the side of the slope, shaking the mirror that held Franca. Franca understood his intention, immediately exiting the mirror with the burning white candle and landing not far from him. Lumian, with his other hand, reached into the Travelers Bag, took out the Black Tear accessory, and tossed it to Franca. Here, there was no worry about the mystical plague attached to the Black Tear spreading, and the Demoness of Affliction could withstand the corresponding mystical pathogens for longer! Lumian even suspected that, due to the special nature of the Samaritan Womans Spring, the mystical pathogens created by the Black Tear would only survive for a limited time before perishing. As for what to do during that time, Lumian had already considered it-after throwing out the Black Tear accessory, he quickly reached into the Travelers Bag again, grasping the hilt of the Sword of Courage. He intended to have the sword share half the damage and effects with him! Lumian wasnt overly concerned about the excess courage issue: With Franca around, she would guide and correct the Warriors choices in a more subtle way that the Warrior would accept, like occupying a better position, making the Warrior throw the sword to her for brief use, and then not catching it when it was thrown back, preventing both from being affected by the courage. As Franca put it, with an external brain, they could be bolder in using the Sword of Courage. Of course, this could only effectively reduce the influence of courage, not completely avoid it. Harrison didnt just stand by and watch Lumian and Franca prepare. He threw the root wrapped in white cloth towards them. The root rapidly became illusory in midair, disintegrating into intertwined pale and greenish light, merging into the darkness. Immediately, several translucent, eerie pale-white hands emerged from the ground beneath Lumian and Franca, cold and sinister, grasping at their ankles and calves. These seemed to induce some kind of paralysis. At the same time, Harrisons mouth moved, chanting an incantation in a strange language. With a whoosh, blazing-white flames ignited beside Lumians feet, bringing high temperatures to counter the chill, cold, and paralysis created by the pale-white hands. Franca, with the Black Tear accessory wrapped around her wrist, silently let the eerie, quiet black flames of the Demoness flow like water, engulfing the transparent hands trying to affect her, setting them ablaze. Lumian finally grasped the Sword of Courage, instantly becoming fearless. He drew the iron-black straight sword and slashed forward. A huge fireball, blazing white with a hint of blue, formed and shot straight at Harrison, whose black hair was only a thin layer. Harrison, seeing this, did not move. He quickly finished the last two sentences of the incantation and pointed his right hand towards the Samaritan Womans Spring. Franca, just breaking free from the pale-white hands, finally deciphered what the enemy was chanting. One sentence was Steal the secrets of heaven, and the other was unclear at the beginning, ending with Swift as a decree, be driven. Below, at the Samaritan Womans Spring, the pale-white water began to bubble, reflecting a figure of a woman, serene as the night but rotting and oozing pus. The figure silently gazed at the outside world without any movement. But in front of Harrison, a similar yet more illusory and flickering figure appeared. As Lumians fireball-cleaved out from the Sword of Courage-approached this figure, it gradually dimmed, quickly becoming illusory, and mostly vanished. The remaining bit exploded on the spot, forcing Harrison back two steps. Seeing this, Lumian didnt hesitate to activate the residual aura of the Blood Emperor in his right palm. Want to compete? Fine! Lets see who can exert more influence on the Samaritan Womans Spring! Nothing to fear! Splash! The pale-white water retreated into the dark, bottomless spring, and a sense of wild frenzy instantly descended. At that moment, whether it was Harrison, Lumian, or Franca, they all felt a shock to their minds and bodies, wanting to submit, temporarily losing their ability to think, their minds blank. The cold, rotting sensation in Lumians right palm emerged, suppressing the residual aura of the Blood Emperor. The frenzied, violent feeling from the spring quickly receded. Lumian was the first to regain his thoughts. He raised the iron-black Sword of Courage and rushed to Harrison, slashing at his head. Bang! Amidst the sound of an explosion and scattered flames, Harrisons body reverted to a sinister, deathly paper figurine. The paper figurine lightly adhered to the blade of the Sword of Courage, torn to pieces by the violent shockwaves and set ablaze by the white-blue flames. Multiple similar paper figurines appeared around Lumian, all exuding a sinister, pale, deathly aura, with facial features painted in a horrifying and maliciously humorous manner. The next second, black flames flew from Franca, landing on these paper figurines, burning the spirituality and mysticism that sustained them. In the blink of an eye, these sinister paper figurines fell in a series of wailing cries, turning to ashes. Harrison has fled! Franca judged quickly after a glance. Lumian, holding the Sword of Courage, sprinted up the slope, chasing to the edge of the gray fog. The fog swayed gently, seemingly indicating that the enemy had just escaped. Lumian was about to pursue when Francas voice reached his ears, Lets switch Sealed Artifacts; mine is almost at its limit. Lumian, undeterred by the Black Tears negative effects, immediately threw the Sword of Courage over. As soon as the iron-black straight sword left his hand, rationality and clarity reclaimed his mind: Almost forgot that Franca cant leave the gray fog If I go out alone, even if I catch up with Harrison, without an external brain and a pre-planned strategy, the Sword of Courage would be my biggest problem Franca, though eager to catch Harrison, remained rational enough to quickly analyze the situation and make an accurate judgment Once Lumian caught the Black Tear, he immediately placed it back in its isolated space within the Travelers Bag, then, with Francas help, stored the Sword of Courage as well. He then pulled Franca through the gray fog, returning to the slope leading to the ancient burial chamber. As Lumian used his Hunter tracking abilities to search for Harrison, Franca employed divination methods for clues. But after leaving the large burial chamber housing the Samaritan Womans Spring, the visitor from Resurrection Island completely disappeared and managed to thwart their divination. They stopped at the Krismona Night Pillar on the third level, exchanging glances. Francas lake-blue eyes revealed undisguised disappointment and regret. She sighed. If I had known, I would have called Jenna to ambush him outside the chamber. Lumian comforted Franca, Given Harrisons displayed strength, we should be glad Jenna wasnt outside alone. She could have been discovered, attacked, and might not have lasted until we left the Samaritan Womans Spring. Thats true Franca sighed deeply. Holding the white candle, she glanced around and translated the two lines of incantation for Lumian. As Lumian lit a new candle, he pondered aloud, Steal the secrets of heaven He tried to steal my Travelers Bag Did he sense valuable items and thus saw through my concealment? It seems Harrison is more like a Beyonder of the Marauder pathway, yet he clearly uses powers of the Death pathway, and quite powerful ones at that. The Marauders weve encountered before, even at Sequence 5 Dream Stealer, didnt show such capabilities, and Harrison obviously lacks godhood A boost from the Celestial Worthys mark? Franca thoughtfully said, After the Demoness of Black told me the Primordial One can modify the abilities of different Sequences in the Demoness pathway to some extent, I wrote to Madam Judgment about it. She said its not only true gods who can do such things; certain Kings of Angels can too. Amon, for instance, once altered the mystical knowledge and some abilities acquired in different Sequences of the Marauder pathway. Is Harrison exhibiting the original, full version? That might be a reason, but I think some of his actions just now have surpassed Sequence 5. Even a full version Dream Stealer shouldnt manage that The Resurrection Islands method of utilizing power and its manifestation differ significantly from the paths of the divine? Lumian pondered aloud. Chapter 862 - 862 Help 862 Help 862 Help Holding the white candle, Franca thought for a while but couldnt figure out the situation. She walked towards the area outside the Krismona Night Pillar, saying solemnly, No matter if its because Resurrection Island has a special way of utilizing and manifesting power, or if Harrison is a Beyonder of the Marauder pathway, using the secrets of heaven to wield the Death pathways power, or if he belongs to the Death pathway and uses the Celestial Worthys mark or boons to display stealing abilities, we cant underestimate him. We need to report this immediately. Lumian walked beside Franca, nodding. If I dont use Sealed Artifacts, Im not confident I can beat him. At the very least, Im not sure I can capture or kill him, and he might also possess a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact. Fortunately, we encountered him today. If it were another time, when I was alone, a chance meeting would be much more dangerous. Franca sighed and changed the subject, Does this mean the followers of the Celestial Worthy are truly involved in Project Vortex? What benefit could they gain? The descent of an evil god? Lumian speculated based on his knowledge and intelligence. Or bringing about the apocalypse earlier? Francas expression flickered in the dim candlelight, and she could only let out a long sigh. Lumian moved forward, kicking away a silent, bony hand that reached out. He exclaimed with excitement, This is undoubtedly a very big vortex. We cant just rely on the Major Arcana card holders for help. We need to quickly improve our own strength to avoid being swept up and rendered powerless. Exactly, Franca agreed. Lumian continued to look straight ahead, his voice unwavering, You need to digest the Affliction potion as soon as possible, and I need to quickly bring Ludwig fully into the team. Franca was taken aback and couldnt help but glance at Lumians profile. She hesitated for a moment, then asked carefully, Are you saying this out of guilt? Theres no need; we can think of other ways. Guilt is part of it, but its not the main reason. Lumian continued forward without much change in expression. Franca frowned slightly, looking at Lumian, and raised a question she had before meeting Harrison, Why did you suddenly come to find me today and be so proactive? I thought I would have to endure our awkward relationship until I couldnt take it anymore and had to seek you out. Lumian chuckled.If I told you Jenna asked me to find you, would you believe it? Franca suddenly felt a bit stifled, not even sure why she felt this way or if it was for multiple reasons. She muttered, She asked, and you just came? Lumian smiled as if talking about something ordinary. If I absolutely dont want to do something-sans the influence of mystical powers-theres only one person in this world who can force me to do it. Franca knew who Lumian was referring to and understood what he meant. The blockage in her heart eased a lot, but recalling certain things made her expression quite complicated. There was anger, bitterness, and a bit of joy. She clenched her right fist, the one not holding the white candle, and punched Lumians shoulder with considerable force, You brat, you gave it away! Lumian took the punch stoically, as if he had anticipated it. They walked in silence for a while. Franca, having adjusted her mood, curiously asked, Actually, I wanted to ask earlier. Jenna had already found you and expressed her thoughts, and you said the best response was to delay until you became an Iron-blooded Knight. But in that situation, how could you delay? There was no way to delay anymore! Lumian glanced at Franca. Find Anthony. Did you forget we have a Psychiatrist in our team? Franca chuckled awkwardly. How can you discuss such matters with a Psychiatrist teammate you meet every day? Its too awkward! Jenna and I definitely cant talk to Anthony about this. Lumian ignored Francas excuse and continued, With the help of a Psychiatrist, or even a Hypnotists abilities, the issue could be delayed for a while. But fundamentally, this is an emotional problem, not a psychological or mental issue. Using a Psychiatrist can delay it, but it cant be postponed forever. It will eventually erupt, so its better to resolve it sooner. Franca tersely responded. After a few more steps, she looked at the darkness ahead and said in a calm but slightly joyful tone, Do you know why I only punched you once? No, Lumian replied frankly. Franca smiled, feeling quite gratified. Previously, you always gave me a feeling that goals, power, and close relationships were important, but you didnt care much about yourself, as if you didnt matter. This time, I originally thought you made all these decisions in that same mindset, but when you said you werent entirely passive and had your own thoughts, even if just a bit, I was very happy. Lumian did not respond but did not refute her either. In Trier, Quartier de la Maison dOpra, in an underground room. Anthony met with the Knight of Swords. The Minor Arcana card holder still wore a white shirt and black vest, his brown hair slightly disheveled, and his eyes looked quite repressed. At this moment, the Knight of Swords sat at a long table, with several playing cards covering different chairs. After glancing at what seemed like the aftermath of a card game, Anthony, who had met the Knight of Swords in the Raklev region of the Southern Continent, politely greeted him. The Knight of Swords responded briefly. After Anthony found a chair without cards in front of it and sat down, he spoke in a low voice, I need your help with two things. One is to provide psychological treatment for a while to help stabilize my mental state. No problem. Anthony nodded gently. He knew that Madam Justice and Madam Susie were not in Trier recently. It seemed they had left because there were traces of a dragon on the West Midseashire Coast, and a member of the Tamara familys Judgment branch in the Loen Kingdom had surfaced and expressed a desire to cooperate. Both ladies had been away for some time and wouldnt return soon. Among the Minor Arcana card holders in Trier, only he could provide psychological treatment to the Knight of Swords. Maintaining his repressed state, the Knight of Swords continued, The second thing is that we discovered some members of the indulgence faction seem to have brought a significant item to Trier. There are traces of a demigod among them. We have confirmed where these indulgence faction members are staying, but without knowing what the item is or if there are other powerful individuals hidden, we dont want to launch a rash attack. Its best not to involve the authorities in this. If the item is useful to us but falls into official hands, it would be quite troublesome. Every two or three days, a servant from their villa comes out to buy supplies. Of course, theres likely an indulgence faction member watching secretly, whose strength and level are uncertain. We will handle distracting the indulgence faction member watching the servant. You will find an opportunity to hypnotize the servant, ask two or three questions, and then hypnotize him to forget being questioned. The questioning time is short, and the risk is high. We cant guarantee your absolute safety, only that your safety will be our top priority. You can refuse, but if you agree, we will give you sufficient or exceptionally special compensation. Exceptionally special? Anthony asked, slightly puzzled. The Knight of Swords, Maric, took a shiny Loen gold pound from his pocket and said in a low voice, I believe you recognize it. Anthony immediately remembered the lucky coin Jenna and Ludwig had obtained. After a moments thought, he decided, Alright, I will hypnotize the servant and handle the questioning, but you need to design the questions. I dont know what concerns you. Deal. The Knight of Swords showed a slight smile, but his eyes remained repressed. Anthony looked at him and said, Shall we start the first psychological treatment now? Okay. The Knight of Swords nodded gently. Anthony smiled peacefully. First, I must clarify that a Psychiatrist is not omnipotent. Sometimes, I can only help you find the right path. Other times, I can only provide some emotional relief, allowing you to view troubling matters more normally. Just as restraint is for crucial moments of release, if you never release, I can only help delay it for a while. Eventually, it will be uncontrollable. Two days later, in a bustling market. Anthony spotted his target, a man with evident Southern Continent ancestry. Pretending to select fresh meat, he slowly approached the target. According to the plan, the Knight of Swords and his team would now start distracting the indulgence faction member watching the servant. If they failed, they would use Wraith possession to inform him that todays mission was urgently canceled. Soon, Anthony reached the targets side. Suddenly, his eyes brightened as he bent down to pick up a Louis dor from the ground. After a moments hesitation, he asked the servant beside him, Sir, did you drop this? The servant looked over blankly, the gold coins shine making him squint. At the same time, Anthonys eyes subtly turned vertical, tinged with a light gold hue. The servant, completely focused on the gold coin, swallowed and said, Yes, its mine. Thus, Anthony completed the hypnosis. He handed the coin to the servant and asked casually, What are they doing in the villa, never coming out? The servant hesitated, then replied, Theyre in an orgy, all together. Theyre making babies, making babies! Chapter 863 - 863 Dancing with the Devil 863 Dancing with the Devil 863 Dancing with the Devil Making babies? Anthony suddenly had a strong sense of foreboding. He immediately abandoned the second question preset by the Knight of Swords and straightforwardly asked, Who is making babies? The servant replied, his confusion tinged with fear. Everyone is! The women are giving birth, and so are the men! Men are giving birth too Anthony felt a shiver run down his spine and nearly used Placate himself. He took another gold coin from his pocket and smiled at the servant. Did you forget you dropped another Louis dor? The servant thought the Louis dors shine had entered the other mans eyes. He assumed the man was trying to bribe him and hastily nodded. Yes, yes, I forgot. As he spoke, the servants thoughts became fuzzy, as if he heard something but also didnt. When he came to his senses, he had forgotten what had just happened, and the Louis dor in his hand was gone. In an alley two streets away from the market, Anthony saw Maric, the Knight of Swords, reflected in a puddle left by last nights sudden rain. Before the Knight of Swords could speak, Anthony quickly relayed the information he had gathered and then said, The indulgence faction only indulges desires, not making babies. Thats not their hallmark, right? The repression in the Knight of Swords eyes had lessened slightly. He said gravely, Followers of the Primordial Moon within the indulgence faction do occasionally, but not to the extent where even men give birth. Anthony said in a serious tone, Based on the behavior of those indulgence faction members, their bringing a significant item to Trier, the brewing of Project Vortex, and the fact that its leaders are Brokers who worship an evil god, I suspect that the Mother Tree of Desire worshiped by the indulgence faction and the Great Mother worshiped by the Nightstalkers have started collaborating on something, which is a crucial part of Project Vortex! Since the Knight of Swords had come to Trier, he naturally knew about Project Vortex from his Major Arcana card holder. He replied in a low voice, Your suspicion is alarming. I will immediately report this to Maam Hermit and the higher-ups of our faction. If necessary, we will take decisive action. Anthony nodded. It would be best to inform the authorities as well. In Trier, no one is better suited to handle this than them. I need to return to my companions and warn them to be on guard against the coming vortex! With that, Anthony was about to leave the alley. My companion will take you to find the Seven of Wands; it will be faster this way, the Knight of Swords called out to Anthony. We will give you the promised reward once the situation stabilizes. The Minor Arcana card holder quickly vanished from the puddles surface. He was eager to write to his Major Arcana card holder, The Hermit. In the Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative, Apartment 702 on 9 Rue Orosai. Franca and Jenna were squeezed together on the sofa, comparing the Loen gold pounds in their hands. I can feel they are somewhat special, but I dont know what makes them special, Franca said happily. She then looked up at Lumian, who had taken her spot. Mr. Stars reward is this, haha, now youre the only one without one! Lumian found it amusing and remarked, Did you forget about Anthony? And Lugano doesnt have one either. Jenna glanced at Franca, who was leaning on her, and said thoughtfully, When I first got the lucky coin, I thought it was a gift, but after you and Ludwig got yours, I began to suspect they might be symbols or tokens. We might all experience something together in the future. Lumian is special in many ways; he will get involved sooner or later, and he will get a coin eventually. At least he doesnt have one now, Franca said, showing off her lucky coin. After discussing this for a while, Franca put away her lucky coin and asked Lumian about the serious matter, How is Ludwigs training going? He follows my orders well now. The next step is to go through some experiences together to build rapport with you all, Lumian thought for a moment. Ill design tasks accordingly. With a small team, it should take two or three weeks to achieve this. Ill probably finish digesting the Affliction potion before your advancement. The main issue now is convincing the Demoness of Black that I can digest it so quickly. In the past few days, Francas progress in digesting the Affliction potion had advanced significantly, and she estimated she needed only about a week more. Jenna fell silent for a moment before saying, My Pleasure potion is fully digested. I just need a couple of days to prepare for the ritual to become a Demoness of Affliction. So soon? Franca exclaimed in surprise. Jenna looked at Franca with a complex expression but did not answer. Franca was stunned for a moment, then said, Oh. She understood why, which made her feelings even more complicated, with a mix of bitterness, sadness, joy, and smugness. I have given Jenna the potion ingredients and the remaining Ice Lemon Fish fillet, Lumian added. Okay. Franca quickly adjusted her mindset. Feeling Jenna leaning against her, smelling her fragrance, and looking at Lumian, who had taken her spot and was mimicking her sitting posture, Franca suddenly felt that the past couple of days had been quite enjoyable and reassuring. Except for occasional pain and sadness, everything was great. Lumian was even expressing his importance to her more actively, though not much. Since her transmigration, it was the first time Franca had felt this way. Well, well, lets just say Ive built a harem, except Franca sighed inwardly. She hoped these times would last longer, and that the vortex and the apocalypse would never come. At that moment, Lumian turned his head and looked towards the side door of the living room. Anthonys figure quickly took shape there. I have important information, Anthony said directly. Lumian stood up from the armchair and gestured for Anthony to continue. Anthony quickly relayed the information he had gathered from the servant and his own speculations. During this, Jenna and Franca, the two Demonesses, both had a premonition of danger from their spirituality. Lumian said without hesitation, Ill inform Madam Magician immediately, then meet up with Ludwig and Lugano and move to a new safe house. Well wait for instructions from the Major Arcana card holders. Above the endless gray fog, in an ancient and majestic palace. On either side of a mottled bronze table, figures shrouded in gray fog quickly formed. There were eight of them. The seats at the head and foot of the table were empty. Miss Justice stood up, looked around, and said, This is an emergency meeting with Mr. Fools permission. Madam Magician did not waste time. Once Miss Justice sat down, she immediately asked Mr. Star across from her, Was it your idea or a hint from the Church of Evernight to send the Two of Cups to fetch water from the Samaritan Womans Spring? Mr. Star sat upright this time. It was a revelation I received in a dream. A dream Is the Evernight Goddess reminding us to pay attention to Harrison? Yes, She should know that Harrison has entered and exited the Samaritan Womans Spring several times and mastered the pattern Madam Magician did not ask further and turned to Maam Hermit on her side, Has Queen Mystic conveyed any information? Maam Hermit shook her head, then said after recalling, She hasnt contacted me for a while. I tried to reach her a couple of days ago but received no response As she spoke, Maam Hermit suddenly paused, foreseeing a scene. Then, she saw the gaze of Mr. Hanged Man, Mr. Moon, Mr. Sun, and Madam Judgment all fall on her, their expressions solemn and their eyes full of undisguised vigilance. Tossed high into the air by a storm, then slammed back into the vortex of the sea, the Dawn struggled to maintain its balance, like a toy thrown into the ocean. There was not a single sailor on its deck; the sails and ropes moved on their own as if controlled by invisible hands. After a long time, the storm finally subsided, and the Dawn, the flagship of Queen Mystic, soon stabilized. Ahead, an island covered in dark green, nearly black, giant trees slowly emerged under the blue sky and white clouds. Wearing a floral shirt and a brown captains coat, Queen Mystic-Bernadette- stepped out of the cabin and walked to the bow. Her blue eyes were as deep as the ocean, her straight eyebrows extended gracefully, and her naturally flowing chestnut hair reached her waist. She wore pants and boots for ease of movement. Empty-handed, Queen Mystic gazed at the island, her eyes darkening, her face expressionless. As the island drew nearer, another person emerged from the cabin. This person was also a woman, with black hair and brown eyes, a pretty face, and the typical appearance of a Loenese. She wore a dark robe with many pockets and different flowers embroidered on it, a favorite outfit of ancient merchants. Overseer Perle! This evil god worshiper and initiator of Project Vortex appeared on Queen Mystics ship! Perle walked to the bow and stood beside Bernadette, also gazing at the island, a clear smile on her face. Chapter 864 - 864 Center of the Vortex 864 Center of the Vortex 864 Center of the Vortex Quartier 14, within the botanical garden, there stood a wooden cabin belonging to the caretaker. Lumian had prepared this safe house before heading to Morora. He hadnt rented it; instead, he used money to persuade the garden caretaker to vacate the place whenever needed and to pretend he still lived there. Franca glanced at the lush trees surrounding them, then turned her gaze back to Ludwig, who was sitting at a small wooden table, munching on a donut. She asked with a playful smile, How about I give you some homework? Ludwig looked up quickly, eyeing Franca warily and instinctively scooting back. Franca laughed immediately, muttering to herself, I feeI an Angels pain, and my Affliction potion has digested a bit more! Why are you bullying a child? Jenna asked, amused by the scene. What child? Franca explained with a grin, I had suspected that making Ludwig experience the pain of studying and doing homework might help me digest the potion, but I didnt try it for fear of ruining Lumians training and making Ludwig want to run away from home. Now, with the vortex possibly approaching, I need to digest as much as I can. Besides, its not like Ludwig will bond with us that quickly anyway. Ludwigs brown eyes clearly conveyed one message as he looked at Franca: You Demoness! Jenna thought carefully and realized Francas reasoning made sense. Once Lumian completed his advancement and she herself reached the stage of the Demoness of Affliction, this could be one of the ways to digest the potion. Ludwigs gaze flicked between Franca and Jenna before he spoke in a determined tone, I will do my best to build rapport with you all! Not bad, Lumian clapped his hands, then said to Franca and Jenna, You two have the potential to be Conspirers. Now Ludwig doesnt mind teaming up with you. I didnt expect it to turn out this way Franca looked around, sensing that Lugano and Anthonys gazes seemed to say, Look, youve driven the kid to this point. Lumian tossed a chocolate coin to Ludwig and asked thoughtfully, After eating that Chefs stomach, you should have recalled quite a bit of knowledge, right? Ludwig quickly unwrapped the chocolate and answered honestly, Yes! This training is quite effective Franca was a little surprised and looked at Lumian with admiration. Lumian pulled up a chair and asked in a coaxing tone, Do you know anything about the Broker pathway? What do they mean by vortex? Busy with training Ludwig and giving him tasks, Lumian had nearly overlooked that Ludwig was an Angel from beyond the barrier and might know something about the Broker pathway. After learning about Project Vortex, Lumian had asked Ludwig a similar question before going to Morora, but Ludwig had shaken his head, saying he had no recollection. Now, he had recovered some memories and was much more obedient. Chewing on the chocolate, Ludwig fell into deep thought. After a few seconds, he said uncertainly, It seems to involve more complex transactions, with multiple traders, not just one-on-one deals. As he spoke, Ludwig took a stack of bread slices from the side and laid them out on the table, representing different traders. He then pointed to the bread slices and said, Transactions can occur between any of these groups, or there can be three-way, four-way, or even more parties involved. Connecting the corresponding lines creates a web or a vortex, involving many people. Lumian understood Ludwigs meaning and pondered, It seems the transaction between the Mother Tree of Desire and the Great Mother is just one part of the vortex. So where is the center of the vortex? In the square district, outside a villa where several members of the Rose School of Thoughts indulgence faction lived. Angoulme de Frangois and a group of Purifiers had arrived nearby. For this mission, he had borrowed a Sealed Artifact from the Inquisition in the market district-his preferred Grade 1 Sealed Artifact, the Sword of the Sun, which was now embedded in the spine of a gray-white humanoid mechanical creation. Angoulme looked up at the sky, where white clouds floated and the sun wasnt too intense. He glanced around and said, Squad A, enter with me. Squad B, ambush underground. Squad C, go to the back door After instructing his team, he spread his arms slightly and said, Saint Vieve and Saint Plessy are watching us. We will surely be victorious! Praise the Sun! Praise the Sun! every Purifier responded. Once the squads were in position, Angoulme, wearing a brown wool coat, moved from stillness to motion and charged towards the villa, with the gray-white humanoid mechanical creation following closely. For this mission, which might involve a demigod from the Rose School of Thought, Angoulme was not too worried. The Archbishop of Trier, Saint Plessy, and the Guardian Angel of Trier, Saint Vive, were not just watching but were also nearby, ready to purify the evil. The main goal was to force the bloody members of the Rose School of Thought out of hiding. If necessary, They could destroy the entire villa, purifying both the Beyonders and the ordinary people who worshiped evil gods together. Although Angoulme believed that some of the ordinary people might still have a chance to be saved-some might not be deeply devoted to the Mother Tree of Desire-their rescue depended on ensuring the safety of his team. As the captain, his primary responsibility was to his subordinates! Angoulme was the first to rush through the garden and reach the front door of the villa. Just then, he saw a white, thin mist rising inside, twisting and turning to form faces of agony that seemed almost real on the glass windows and walls. Angoulme stopped and prepared to summon Light of Holiness to purify the mist. Suddenly, deep within the thin white mist, in a room on the second floor of the villa, crimson moonlight began to glow. It quickly outlined a stiff, sluggish, twisted, and blurry figure. For some reason, upon seeing the crimson figure, Angoulme and his team felt a sense of awe at an ultimate beauty. They gazed obsessively at the crimson figure slowly approaching the window, completely forgetting their mission. They heard the cries of babies in their ears. Along with the cries came a sinister, genderless voice: Youre just in time. In the depths of a primitive island, where the trees suddenly disappeared. Relying on the help of someone to circumvent her fathers ban, Queen Mystic Bernadette once again saw the black mausoleum built into the hollowed-out mountain. Most of the mausoleum was part of the mountain itself, with some artificial traces. There were no weeds or vines on its surface. It stood over a hundred meters tall, majestic and grand. This was where Bernadettes father, the former Emperor of the Intis Empire, Roselle Gustav, who had created an era, lay in eternal rest. Engraved on the mausoleums surface were the Civil Code established and promulgated by Roselle, along with his new social customs and inventions. In his later years, Roselle had forcefully switched from the Mystery Pryer pathway to the Lawyer pathway, attempting to become the Black Emperor of Sequence 0, but had perished during the apotheosis ritual. This was an intentional outcome because he had suffered severe, hidden corruption after visiting the moon in his later years. He considered using the Black Emperors characteristics of eternal tombs and undying order to escape the corruption. However, after his death, the Beyonder characteristics belonging to the Mystery Pryer and Savant pathways would completely separate, and if he were to be resurrected, only the pure Black Emperor characteristics would be summoned back to his body, preventing him from becoming a half-mad entity like the Blood Emperor of the Fourth Epoch who had forcibly switched pathways. Unfortunately, despite completing the Black Emperor ritual and gaining the rank of a true god, Roselle found that the hidden corruption could not be escaped even in death. It kept regenerating. Thus, Roselle, neither fully dead nor truly alive, sealed himself to prevent being completely altered by the corruption. Bernadette had visited this Black Emperor mausoleum once before, using the abilities of a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact and Mr. Fools help to further seal and protect her father. She came today to use the method of multiple corruptions entangling each other to achieve balance, hoping to free her father from his current state and revive him. Afterward, she could wait for Mr. Fool to awaken and perform the best seal on the corruption. This way, even if it wasnt Mr. Fool who awakened but rather The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings, her father could barely maintain himself through his own balance. For this, she was willing to push some gray transactions. She had also prepared extensively based on her foresight to prevent the situation from deteriorating. This time, Bernadette encountered no obstacles or attacks like before and smoothly reached her fathers mausoleum. This confirmed one of the traders the Broker Perle had roped in. And this trade might involve more than two parties! You can now perform the ritual to let the desired corruption enter the mausoleum, Overseer Perle said with a smile to Queen Mystic Bernadette. But I need the Magic Wishing Lamp as a medium. 0-05, the Magic Wishing Lamp! Bernadette replied calmly, That wasnt part of the deal. Perle sighed with a smile. It would make the ritual simpler and more effective. But its okay. The trade you facilitated to bring me here has pleased my master, and I have received a new boon. I can try to complete the ritual on my own with the corresponding items. As she spoke, Perle spread her arms, her body gradually turning into white mist. The mist expanded, slowly rotating to form a vortex. Chapter 865 - 865 The Traders 865 The Traders 865 The Traders As clusters of gray-white crystals were enveloped by the mist and disintegrated, blending into it, Perles white mist expanded rapidly into a gigantic, peculiar vortex. Within the vortex, the Overseers face flickered in and out of view, sometimes distorted, sometimes normal. She looked up at the sky, her voice becoming ethereal, and spoke using the Words of Order, Bernadette offers the location of Roselles mausoleum on the primitive island, the place for the vortex ritual, and some materials in exchange for a gray trade. She requests that the great Uncertain Mist bestow a blessing upon Roselle, bringing balance to the corruption within Him. As soon as Perle finished speaking, a light appeared within the white vortex. Within the light was a deep, dark void, at the center of which was a solid, massive planet shrouded in layers of ever-changing white mist. Suddenly, a wisp of white mist that could envelop the planet detached itself and moved towards the edge of the light, as if encountering an invisible barrier. That wisp of white mist spread out, becoming intangible, and then, using the power of the ritual, a medium containing the truth, and the cracks in the invisible barrier, it penetrated magically, merging with the white mist that Perle had become, landing on her sometimes grim, sometimes smiling, blurred face. The two fused into one. Then, a large part of the white mist that Perle had transformed into separated and flowed like a river towards the black mausoleum built into the hollowed-out mountain, seeping inside continuously. Queen Mystic Bernadette turned her back on the mausoleum. Her chestnut hair suddenly parted, and a pair of cold, merciless, transparent eyes grew at the back of her head. Other facial features slowly formed around these eyes, blurring together. It seemed like another her was emerging. Through this, Bernadette glimpsed several scenes inside the black mausoleum, confirming that her father, Roselle, was being enveloped by the white mist. The mist slowly eroded Roselles body, beginning to distort the constantly regenerating corruption, slowing it down. Likewise, it distorted the force that rapidly killed the new corruption. Due to the difference in quantity between the white mist corruption and the original corruption, it would take some time to maintain the ritual to achieve true balance. At this moment, the mid-morning sun in the blue sky with white clouds suddenly blazed intensely, as if sensing the dangerous gray trade happening on this primitive island. With the white mist strengthened by the wisp from the light, Perles face became more blurred and abstract, the corresponding mist expanding to completely envelop the treeless area, though it did not approach Bernadette or the black mausoleum. One by one, points of light appeared within the mist. Perles distorted face turned to one of these points of light and, in an even more ethereal and elusive voice, said, The great Supernova Dominator agrees to intervene fully, suppressing the barrier so that all true gods in the astral world cannot interfere with the matters inside the barrier Before Perle could finish speaking, a blinding light suddenly emerged within the point of light she was gazing at, bright enough to devour all darkness and blind an Angel. With this change, the sky was illuminated as if a flashbang had been thrown into a dark room. Even Perle, protected by the ritual, had to close her eyes. Neither she nor Queen Mystic Bernadette could see the high sky becoming void, with a transparent barrier full of cracks deep within the void. Within that void, there was a drawn sun, a gigantic entity shrouded in dense darkness, a terrifying figure surrounded by a storm of lightning, a pair of brass-colored eyes opening within the cracks, a corner filled with wheat, flowers, and springs, and a faint glow presenting vague scenes of civilization A massive, heavy, and profound fireball crashed heavily onto the invisible barrier with many cracks, exploding with a dazzling light that illuminated the void completely, making the abstract patterns seem nearly transparent. This didnt cause widespread earthquakes within the barrier; it merely temporarily blinded people. In the white mist, Perles face, with closed eyes, continued speaking with the Words of Order, What He needs in return is for the seal on the ship beneath Port Santa to be broken. As soon as Perle finished speaking, one of the points of light grew slightly, showing a scene of the deep blue sea. Finally, the bright light penetrating the barrier became less dazzling, and Perle opened her eyes, looking at the deep blue sea within the point of light. In an ethereal voice, she said, Topsy of the School of Deliciousness is willing to pay this price As Perle spoke, a terrifying vortex suddenly formed in the deep blue sea. A monster emerged from the vortex, towering dozens or hundreds of meters high, with a lower body resembling a giant snake covered in shark-like skin with hidden evil patterns. The upper body split into nine necks, each with a different head-some resembling snakes, some like giant sharks, some with wet black wolf heads, some possibly of legendary dragons The most bizarre central head appeared human but had only a mouth left, with teeth sharp enough to crush anything. This head lunged at the invisible force sealing the sea, biting it furiously, while the other heads either devoured the fish in the sea, spewed venom at the seal, or tried to use their abilities to affect the seal What he needs is Perles voice reached Queen Mystic Bernadettes ears through the white mist, for the Angel of the great Primordial Hunger to return! Outside the white mist, Bernadette had conjured an ancient-style spear. This spear had appeared in ancient times and was stained with the blood of a great being, covered in dark red spots and stains, seemingly capable of harming true gods. Mystical Re-enactment, Spear of Longinus! Bernadette hurled the spear emitting a destructive aura into the white mist, not targeting Perle but the point of light that had grown larger. She intended to stop the subsequent gray trades, preventing the vortex from spinning further and causing real harm. After all, she had achieved her goal, and maintaining it for a while longer would suffice! The Spear of Longinus pierced the white mist, hitting the point of light showing the deep blue sea. However, it didnt dim or extinguish the point of light, as if it had struck a phantom. As the ancient spear dissipated, Perles exaggeratedly smiling face turned towards Bernadette. The vortex has formed; unless you kill me, it wont stop. And if I die now, Roselle wont achieve true balance, and the broken fragile balance wont be restored. Bernadette froze. Perle then looked at another point of light and, in an ethereal voice, said, Offering help to Topsy of the School of Deliciousness is Mr. Higdon of the Order of All Extinction. The point of light Perle was gazing at grew slightly, revealing a luxurious room. In the room, an elderly man with neatly combed graying hair sat quietly on an antique armchair. He wore a crisp white shirt and black suit with a gray bow tie, his handsome but stern face showing intermittent festering and oozing from exposed skin, with maggots crawling out occasionally. His deep, magnetic voice reached the white mist and Perles face: But I dont know where the target is in Trier. Perles twisted smile widened, her gaze shifting to another point of light at an angle above. That point of light grew, revealing a dimly lit room with closed doors and windows. Sunlight streamed in through the glass windows, illuminating countless dust particles floating in the air. Below the dust was an old wooden loom, with a black-haired woman sitting beside it, her hair reaching her waist. The woman had an ethereal demeanor and delicate features but kept her eyes shut, constantly pulling out her hair and weaving it into the threads on the loom. Tears of pus-laden blood streamed from her eyes, her left arm severed and fallen to the ground, her skirt covering her empty legs, with a graceful female statue standing behind her. The statue, originally faceless, gradually grew features resembling the womans. The hair-threads on the loom shimmered with faint light, containing a wealth of information. Seemingly hearing Overseer Perles question, the woman brushed her fingers over several black hair-threads on the loom. The threads she touched lit up, revealing the corresponding information: The indulgence faction of the Rose School of Thought brought the Shadow of the Beauty Goddess to Trier, trying to get as close as possible to Fourth Epoch Trier. They did it covertly, avoiding detection by Triers demigods The temperance faction of the Church of The Fool discovered the indulgence factions movements and the presence of an important item early but hesitated to act immediately. They waited for the right moment to complete their investigation, missing the opportunity Lumian Lee and Ludwig moved to a safe house in District 14s botanical garden in Trier. If he knew how immense this vortex would be, he would have regretted not teleporting directly to the New City of Silver with his companions. But how could he have known? These intertwined destinies formed a foreseeable future. Overseer Perles ethereal voice echoed in the room, The founder of the Dreamseekers, Fates Attendant, Hloise, is responsible for weaving the entire matter, ensuring it progresses smoothly without alerting higher beings. She will also provide the locations of two Angels As Perle spoke, the woman named Hloise plucked a strand of destiny thread representing Lumian and Ludwig moving to the new safe house. A bit of light jumped out, splitting into three fragments that entered the white mist transformed by Perle and flew in different directions. Chapter 866 - 866 The Painting 866 The Painting 866 The Painting In Trier, within the botanical garden, inside the wooden house. Lumian and the others were blinded by the sudden bright light from the sky, unable to open their eyes for a full minute. Ludwig was the first to recover. He ran to the window and looked out at the plants, as if searching for something. Lumian was the second to recover. He frowned and said to Franca, Jenna, and Anthony, Is this the start of the vortex? Its quite a commotion. I wonder if it will affect us, Franca said just as a strong sense of danger washed over her. In such matters, Demonesses always had keen intuition. Almost simultaneously, Jenna exclaimed, It will definitely affect us! I have a feeling we cant stay here any longer! Lumian paused for a moment, then quickly whispered, Termiboros, you didnt warn me because whats about to happen is something you want to see? As he spoke, Lumian signaled to Franca, Jenna, Anthony, and Lugano to come closer. They each grabbed his arm, shoulder, and vest. The only one who lacked the tacit understanding was Ludwig. Lumian looked at the young boy and said sternly, Do you want to be punished with homework? Get over here! Ludwigs face showed fear, and he instinctively turned his body. But the next second, he reluctantly looked back out the window. He didnt know what he was waiting for; he just felt he should stay here, waiting for something very important. Hmm? Lumian urged again. Ludwigs expression changed, and he finally couldnt resist the authority of his godfather and his fear of schoolwork and exams. He ran over to Lumian, grabbing his black vest. Still lacking tacit understanding, the ritual cant be considered complete Lumian sighed inwardly and activated the black mark on his right shoulder. He needed to teleport this large group to the New City of Silver, to the headquarters of the Church of The Fool! Lumian saw layers of dense colors and countless transparent, strange figures, along with the seven pure, bright lights always far overhead. He was about to travel through the familiar spirit world to the coordinates representing the New City of Silver when his body suddenly felt heavy, pulling him away from this fantastical, mysterious, mad, and illusory world. Lumian found himself and the others back in the wooden house within the botanical garden, in the same state as when Ludwig had just grabbed his vest. With his extensive experience, Lumians eyes narrowed, and he warned his companions, Franca and Jenna, Circle Inhabitant! Outside Emperor Roselles mausoleum on the primitive island, in the area in front of the tomb shrouded in thin white mist. The three pieces of information that flew out from the point of light where Fates Attendant Hloise was located landed on three different points of light. One was where Higdon of the Order of All Extinction was, another seemed to be inside a tunnel under Trier, where a figure holding a carbide lamp, dressed in a black robe, and looking different from those from the Northern and Southern Continents, was the visitor from Easter Island named Harrison. The third point of light first showed darkness, then outlined a figure. This figure was in his fifties, with a thick head of hair with a hint of white, and clear, deep lake-blue eyes. He was a man with neatly trimmed facial hair, and his features were well-defined. Even at his age, he could be considered handsome. Voisin Sanson! Circle Inhabitant of the Sinners, Voisin Sanson! The father of Roche Louise Sanson, the original identity of Aurore, a follower of Inevitability, Voisin Sanson! As soon as Voisin Sanson, dressed in a black suit, received the information about Lumian, Ludwig, and the others location, he disappeared into the darkness of the expanding point of light. Higdon of the Order of All Extinction also quickly left his room, no longer participating in this real-time, complex trade without physical distance. Overseer Perle showed no surprise at this. With her ethereal voice, she announced the progress of the trade, Voisin Sanson of the Sinners has obtained crucial information about the recovery of the Inevitability Angel. The corresponding price will be paid by the great Circle of Inevitability. Mr. Higdon of the Order of All Extinction has begun his actions. The reward will be given after he completes the recovery of the Angel of Primordial Hunger and provides some assistance to Voisin Sanson, paid by Loki of April Fools As Perles words spread, and with the invocation of those honorific names, the area around the white mist grew increasingly dim and uncertain, shadows rising as if a terrifying will was about to descend. Normally, Perle shouldnt have known or spoken of information regarding great beings, as it would bring extremely terrible and severe consequences. After all, after convincing the gray-leaning Queen Mystic Bernadette with previous events, she had only received a new blessing through a substantial sacrifice, becoming a true Vortex Weaver, but not yet reaching the rank of an Angel. However, she was currently under the protection of the vortex ritual and had just accepted a wisp of mist transmitted by her faiths truth, the Uncertain Mist, allowing her to remain unaffected. Her understanding of those great beings came from that wisp of mist, previously only contacting corresponding secret organizations and underground cults to reach relatively certain agreements. At this moment, Bernadette disintegrated herself into strands of information, surging towards Perles face within the gray mist in a vast torrent. She hoped to influence the other party in this way, preventing the subsequent trades from progressing but without destroying the current ritual. Perles face, composed of mist, suddenly dispersed, disappearing from Bernadettes perception. The vast torrent of information surged forward, seemingly lost in the white mist, unable to find the true location of the target. Soon, the torrent of information separated from the white mist and reformed Bernadettes body. Perles face then reappeared in different parts of the white mist, sometimes smiling, sometimes cursing, sometimes pretending to be friendly, sometimes babbling. These faces converged inward, once again forming Perles sometimes distorted, sometimes normal blurred face within the depths of the white mist. Perle continued speaking with the Words of Order, Harrison from Easter Island has received information about Lumian Lees location. After the vortex ritual ends, he will use the special mirror world to visit Fourth Epoch Trier, paying a special item of the Fate pathway as a reward. This is the item Fates Attendant Madam Hloise wishes to obtain As Perle announced the new trade, a half-body figure that was nearly transparent and quite ethereal grew from Bernadettes back. This figure looked identical to Bernadette, even in clothing. She held a pale mask with only holes for the eyes, shining with a metallic luster, and quickly put it on. Pale Death! Another Grade 0 Sealed Artifact Sealed Artifact owned by Bernadette, Pale Death! She intended to use this to control Perle. At that moment, Bernadettes vision blurred suddenly, and the surrounding environment and distances became exceptionally chaotic. She was passively shifted in position, hearing an unusually familiar deep voice in her ear: Bernadette Outside the Black Emperors mausoleum, within the increasingly dense and varied white mist. In an underground location somewhere in Trier, within his corresponding point of light, Harrison took out an item. It was a thumb-sized, colorful bead with a glass-like texture, exuding a calming aura. Harrison then threw the bead into the surrounding white mist. Under Overseer Perles gaze, the bead passed through Harrisons corresponding point of light, through the dense white mist, and into the point of light where Dreamseeker founder-Hloise-was. The delicate woman weaving fate caught the colorful, glass-like bead with her remaining right hand. Her tightly shut eyes suddenly saw a scene: A bald man in a yellow robe with a strange cape sat cross-legged on a bed, a halo of pure light behind his head. Deep within the halo seemed to lead to the unknown, hiding many things. Hloise put down the bead, pulled out another strand of hair, and completed the last bit of her task. It was a blessing. A blessing from fate! Project Vortex will be successfully completed. Hloises black hair carried this message, woven into the previous threads. With a swish, a large piece of skin on the right half of Hloises face was torn off by an invisible force, revealing the bloody, wriggling flesh beneath. She had not yet become an Angel and could not normally weave such far-reaching fate. She could only forcefully complete it with the goddesss statue, but each weave brought severe damage. Her eyes had gone blind in the process, and her feet, legs, left arm, and fingers had also been broken. Of course, as long as she did not die on the spot, she could obtain special medicine for treatment through transactions with Brokers. Overseer Perles face in the white mist turned her gaze to another point of light. This point of light showed a scene of an altar inside an ancient castle, surrounded by intact but lifeless bodies, their flesh and bones made into brushes and paints. A man with long hair, empty eyes, and a frenzied expression had completed the preliminary preparations at the center of the altar. It was a nearly finished, eerie oil painting, just two strokes away from completion. The painting depicted an endless, dark starry sky with blood-red circles on the left, resembling a special tunnel or a creatures mouth. On the right, numerous silver-white and black flickered from bone powder, just short of forming a ring. Overseer Perles voice resonated. The string believer, Mr. Sage of the Fantasy Association, has sacrificed many bestowed and followers and is about to complete a magnificent and outstanding painting! Next, we will witness the unveiling of that painting. Mr. Sages reward will be personally given by the great Uncertain Mist at the end of the vortex ritual, which is also what the great being he believes in wants to see. Chapter 867 - 867 Exerting Influence 867 Exerting Influence 867 Exerting Influence The man known as Mr. Sage used a brush made of bone and hair, dipped it into the paint made from flesh and blood, and painstakingly applied it to the depths of the blood-red circles. Perles ethereal voice sounded once again. This is an outstanding painting representing the endless cosmos. Once completed, it will allow two great beings to transmit a bit of Their power into the barrier. Although this cannot be used for targeted attacks or corruption, it can exert more universal influence according to predetermined rules Before Perle could finish speaking, Mr. Sage, with his long hair and vacant eyes, finally pressed the human hair and bone brush onto the predetermined spot. His right side suddenly melted like a candle, with flesh flowing towards the brush, racing into the depths of the blood-red circles. lt seemed as though it really connected to the endless cosmos, where no matter how much flesh accumulated, it eventually vanished. Mr. Sage, left with only half a body and half a head, still had not died. He caught the falling brush with his left hand. On the oil painting, a pin-sized dot appeared in the depths of the blood-red circles. It was dark, as if a sound was emanating from it. Perles face in the white mist announced the results of the trade with the Words of Order, The great Inextinguishable Ravings has transmitted the First Philosophy, allowing the Immortal Voice to penetrate the barrier in small amounts. These will be received by all who can hear unknown and mystical voices. The higher the Sequence, the greater the impact! And some faithful followers of the First Philosophy will, after the vortex ritual is truly over, approach the remnants of the Knowledge Moor in Fourth Epoch Trier with the help of the Mirror People Trier, at the real residence of Professor and Associate Professor. Just recovering from the sudden burst of brilliant light and barely able to see their surroundings, Professor and Associate Professor were worried about the current anomalies. They discussed whether to take the children to the small sacrificial square in the underground catacombs, their expressions changing. Instinctively, they raised their hands to cover their ears, but their facial muscles still twisted, and the veins on their temples bulged and throbbed. They heard an indescribable strange sound, causing both physical and mental anguish. In their pain, Professor and Associate Professor exchanged glances, seeing the confusion in each others eyes. This wasnt the voice of the Hidden Sage! This was an unprecedented situation for Professor and Associate Professor. Although they occasionally discovered some mysterious sounds while researching Warlock spells and exploring certain special scenarios, aside from the indoctrination by the Hidden Sage, they had never encountered such unannounced sounds. Moreover, even without carefully distinguishing the content of the sounds, they suffered severe effects. Fortunately, compared to the indoctrination of the Hidden Sage, this seemed more bearable and did not push them to the brink of losing control. Most Beyonders of the Mystery Pryer pathway, upon hearing these mysterious terrifying sounds, witnessed a phantom light composed of complex information writhing madly like a shedding giant snake in an unknown place. In the basement of the house where the Psychic magazine was located. Mr. K, wearing a black robe and hood, suddenly stood up from the red-backed chair. The veins on the back of his exposed hands had turned black, writhing like insects. No, no Mr. K muttered in pain, Its not the Lords voice! He suddenly shouted, pulling off his hood and sticking his fingers into his ears. Mr. Ks face had completely twisted, making his original appearance unrecognizable. He continually muttered in a voice filled with more mental agony than physical pain: Its not the Lords voice! Its not the Lords voice! Amidst the grating sound, Mr. K used both hands to tear off his ears, the ripped flesh grotesque and terrifying. It wasnt enough! Mr. K forcefully inserted his fingers into his ear canals, puncturing his eardrums and clogging his ear passages. Yet, he still heard the sound. He prostrated, lying on the ground, and tearfully repented to his Lord. As he repented, he vomited clumps of blood-stained organs. Similar to Mr. K, some Angels, Saints, and Oracles of the Aurora Order also suffered intense and painful effects, making it difficult to follow the Lords commands to stop something. In the Forsaken Land of the Gods. A majestic mountain range was surrounded by strange light, with dense darkness at its core. At the edge of the light, various twisted shadows continued to form, rushing madly like moths into the darkness at the center. The darkness occasionally split open, revealing a gaze from behind the veil. On the bloody altar in the ancient castle, Mr. Sage pressed the human hair and bone brush into a pile of silver-black bone powder made from some unknown substance. The painter, now only half a body and half a head, twisted the brush forcefully, then raised it, aiming it at the last unfinished part of the Endless Cosmos oil painting. As the brush fell, Mr. Sages remaining half-body and half-head also began to melt like a candle. Soon, the brush, carrying the painter, completed the silver-black ring. Almost simultaneously, the ring became ethereal, as if scratched, and seemed to merge into the air. Three faint figures appeared on the silver-black ring, constantly changing positions as if eternally chasing each other. The Endless Cosmos oil painting was completed, but Mr. Sage would never see this work. Overseer Perles voice sounded once more: The great Circle of Inevitability has gazed upon this. All external forces attempting to interfere with Project Vortex will inevitably fail, except for the participants themselves. Above the blue sea, in the sky where the strong light had driven away the white clouds. Madam Magician, dressed in a womens shirt and brown ankle-length skirt, appeared with Miss Justice and Maam Hermit. The latter not only wore her usual glasses but also had layers of dazzling starlight covering her ears. When the mysterious, terrifying, and unknown sound appeared earlier, Madam Magician had sealed Maam Hermits listening abilities in both the literal and mystical senses. Although this could not completely isolate the sounds influence, it significantly reduced its effect, allowing Maam Hermit to perform basic actions and Warlock spells. Gazing at the blue sea below, Madam Magician frowned slightly and said, I clearly pinpointed the island where the Emperor slumbers. This is the third failure, a failed wandering Inevitable failure? Only Miss Justice, wearing a white dress with golden patterns, could hear The Magicians voice. Miss Justice was about to relay the question to Maam Hermit through mental communication when The Hermit, dressed in a patterned purple robe, foresaw a certain scene. Enduring the pain, The Hermit used Fairytale Magic to create a brightly colored, somewhat unrealistic ball of yarn in her palm. Maam Hermit threw the yarn forward, watching it roll into the void, leaving only a thread in the air to guide the direction. In the blink of an eye, the ethereal yarn rolled back from the void to Maam Hermits feet. In Trier, the villa where several members of the Rose School were hiding was enveloped in holy and pure light, forming a slowly shaping golden sun. There was no shadow or darkness here. Angoulme de Francois and his team were awakened by Saint Vives attack on the villa. They immediately received Saint Plessys order to evacuate the area. But before they could turn around, they were nearly blinded by the brilliant light exploding from above, their bodies and minds in shock. When the light subsided, they recovered and ran frantically towards the street away from the villa. Angoulme was most grateful that the surrounding residents had already been evacuated. After running for a while, his vision blurred, and his thoughts became hazy. He found himself and his team back where they had been standing, affecting Saint Vives performance. In Trier, high above the city. Mr. Hanged Man, Mr. Star, and Mr. Moons figures quickly appeared. We cant find Seven of Wands and Two of Cups, or rather, we cant reach the safe house theyre hiding in, said Mr. Hanged Man, dressed as a captain and riding a storm. He quickly understood the situation and spoke to Mr. Star, wearing a white shirt, black coat, and red gloves, and Mr. Moon, dressed in a tailcoat. Mr. Moon, with his handsome face, crimson eyes, and large bat wings gently flapping behind him, did not respond. He turned his head, looking towards a place in the plaza district where bright light had erupted, and murmured in confusion, The Ancestors summoning? Mr. Star, with an elderly voice, said, Its the influence of the power of Inevitability. Yes, said the Madam Judgment in knights training clothes, emerging from the void. I sensed the calls of Two of Cups and Seven of Cups, but I cant descend to them. Mr. Star continued in his elderly voice, There are only two ways to solve this problem. One is to find the medium allowing the power of Inevitability to seep through and destroy it. The other is to discover flaws in the operation of Inevitabilitys power and use them to escape the predicament. Of course, this all assumes that the being named Inevitability is only exerting a slight influence through a medium and has not descended into our world. Find the medium Madam Judgment murmured, then said, Ill ask Will for help! As she spoke, a diamond on her gemstone bracelet lit up with pure light. At the same time, worms made of intertwined transparent and opaque segments, seemingly ringed, crawled out of Mr. Stars eye sockets, ears, and nostrils. Chapter 868 - 868 Confrontation 868 Confrontation 868 Confrontation High above Trier, an ancient, mottled, gigantic shadow emerged. It resembled a stone-carved wall clock, divided into twelve segments. Each segment was either gray-white or dark green, intermixed yet distinct, each marked with different symbols. Clang! The ethereal chime seemed to traverse through ages, making all of Trier appear frozen in time. In this brief stasis, transparent and opaque worms with twelve rings crawled frantically, burrowing into various places, seeking patterns to deceive and escape the influence of fate. Lumian and the others were also momentarily immobilized by the ancient-sounding chime. Not long ago, upon hearing Lumian mention the term Circle Inhabitant, Franca and Jenna both took out a tarot card from the Travelers Bag. The tarot card depicted an angel sounding a trumpet to guide the departed. Major Arcana card, Judgment! Next, the two Demonesses softly chanted in Hermes, Rain judgment! They felt Madam Judgments response, but it was faint, unable to establish a true connection. The two Demonesses instantly understood that this botanical garden or the surrounding area of the cabin was under more severe restrictions, not just the influence of the Circle Inhabitants abilities. While they sought Madam Judgments descent, Lumian, Anthony, and Lugano watched as their cabin rapidly decayed and collapsed, like a long-buried tree trunk disintegrating into the soil. Boom! A blazing-white fireball shot upward, blasting apart the collapsing ceiling, preventing the rotting wood from touching anyone present. As the cabin decayed and collapsed, Lumian saw two figures appear several dozen meters ahead. One figure was slender, of medium height, wearing a crisp white shirt and black suit, with a gray bow tie. His features were sharp and pronounced. Although he appeared elderly, it was clear he had been quite handsome in his youth. His hair was now graying but meticulously groomed, and his face bore brown age spots that seemed ready to fester and ooze. The other figure was also dressed formally, in his fifties, with thick blond hair flecked with white, eyes as clear as a lake, and a meticulously trimmed beard. Despite his age, he was still strikingly handsome. Seeing the latter figure, Lumian, though prepared, still forced a hoarse voice from his throat. Voisin Sanson! This was the leader of the Sinners Organization, the father of Aurores original body, a follower of fate who had brought tragedy to Aurore! Sanson, leave those two Demonesses to me, the man with the age spots said, his eyes brightening at the sight of Franca and Jenna, addressing Circle Inhabitant Voisin Sanson. It wasnt just a lust for beauty, but a deep-seated attraction from more profound factors. Voisin Sanson gazed at Lumian, chuckling lightly as he responded to his collaborator, No problem, Higdon. Lumian suppressed his urge to rush forward for revenge, quickly instructing Ludwig, You handle the blonde one! Last time, Lumian had relied on the residual aura of the Blood Emperor to intimidate Voisin Sanson, causing the Circle Inhabitants effect in the painting world to shatter, allowing him to escape. This time, the residual aura of the Blood Emperor was sealed by the Underworld Daoist, and having suffered once, Voisin Sanson would surely be on guard. So, Lumian hoped that Ludwig, with his angelic body and rank, could forcibly break the Circle Inhabitants influence through brute strength and rank suppression. lf they didnt break free from the Circle Inhabitant, no matter how much effort he, Franca, Jenna, and the others put in, they would be reset to the current moment, achieving nothing. Ludwig hesitated, as if saying to Lumian, Me? Fight that powerful old man? Im just child! On the one hand, Ludwig hadnt expected to be part of a battle, and on the other, he felt he shouldnt fight, believing it best to cooperate with the two elders in front of him and let them take him away. Vaguely, Lumian heard the chime again, his thoughts briefly blurred. Franca, Jenna, Anthony, and the opposing Voisin Sanson and Higdon all had similar feelings. Quickly regaining his composure, Lumian swiftly took out Black Tear from the Travelers Bag and tossed it to Franca. From Higdons tone and attitude toward Voisin Sanson, Lumian believed he must be a Saint, a true demigod. Thus, Franca could only rely on Black Tear to hold off the opponent long enough to break the Circle Inhabitants effect. Tossing Black Tear to Franca, Lumian urged Ludwig again, Go! Ill prepare a grand feast for you later! Ludwig hesitated, but his feet remained firmly planted. At this moment, Voisin Sanson and Higdon, lacking angelic rank, seemed sluggish under some strange influence, not attacking swiftly. Lumians voice grew imposing, roaring, Do you want to be sent back to the Church of Knowledge? Ludwig, startled, turned immediately towards Voisin Sanson. Dont you enjoy your current life? Lumian added, based on his understanding of Ludwig. Ludwig pursed his lips, then stuffed a piece of chocolate into his mouth, sprinting towards Voisin Sanson. Lumian signaled Franca and Jenna, who had just shaken off the sluggishness. He meant for Franca to engage Higdon, stalling him, with Jenna assisting Franca but avoiding direct combat. Franca and Jenna nodded solemnly. Franca wrapped the Black Tear accessory around her wrist, her figure swiftly disappearing. Jenna also vanished from sight. Without hesitation, Lumian retrieved the Devils Whispers bone ring and slipped it onto his right middle finger. His body instantly ignited with blue-purple flames, exuding a strong sulfuric scent, and malice surged forth. He was grateful that he had vented most of his pent-up desires and emotions during this period, feeling much better than when he used the Hisoka relic in Morora. He then grasped the hilt of the Sword of Courage and drew it from the Travelers Bag. Courage filled Lumians body as he stared at Voisin Sanson, who sought to control Ludwigs insignificant fate, transforming into a long spear of blazing white-blue flame, and hurled it forward. Revenge! Revenge! I wont back down! Before using the Sword of Courage, Lumian had devised a strategy: Franca and Jenna would stall Higdon, while he and Ludwig launched a strong assault on Voisin Sanson, attempting to break the Circle Inhabitants influence. Anthony would support both sides and act as an external brain. As for Lugano, he wouldnt participate in the battle, instead finding opportunities to provide healing. Inside the dim Black Emperor mausoleum, dark walls surrounded a central black platform. Atop the platform was a giant chair that appeared to be made of black iron, engraved with complex, twisted patterns. The top of the chair back extended into the shape of a crown. A massive black shadow sat on the heavy chair, its facial features gradually becoming clear: Blue eyes, a high nose, thin lips, and well-groomed mustache The shadows body also became clearer, seemingly clad in black armor and a luxurious cloak. Roselle Gustav. The Intis Emperor who named an era after himself! He was constantly being reborn and dying, but both processes were distorted and slowed, allowing him to awaken and partially manifest. Seeing Roselle like this, Bernadettes eyes welled up, and she cried out in both pain and joy, Dad! Roselles eyes turned blood-red, and his face cracked open to reveal glowing red slits. But these vanished after another round of death and rebirth. Regardless of whether he was dying or being reborn, both processes slowed even further. Roselle looked at his eldest daughter and sighed. Didnt I tell you never to come back? Bernadette, her expression resolute, replied, Dad, I want to save you! I dont dare gamble on whether the one who wakes up is Mr. Fool or The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings. At the very least, I want to ensure you can stay conscious and stable without Their help. Queen Mystic paused, her voice heavy before adding, Moreover, I cant predict when the apocalypse will come or what the outcome will be. I dont want to wait any longer. Roselle sighed with a hint of relief. Silly child Who helped you bypass my restrictions and return here? It was that individual. Bernadette didnt hide anything from her father. Adam? The current True Creator? Roselle wasnt surprised at all. Bernadette nodded lightly. Roselle sneered, then looked at Bernadette with a complicated expression. You chose to collaborate with the believers of the Uncertain Mist. Do you know how dangerous that is? Bernadette was silent for a moment, then said, Its exploitation. The forces capable of balancing your corruption are all outside the barrier. Among them, only the power of the Uncertain Mist can relatively easily penetrate the barrier and transmit some of it inside. Ive also made some preparations to prevent the vortex from progressing further. I deliberately didnt respond to Cattleyas letter, so she would participate in the Tarot Club. When she is above the gray fog, she will quickly become aware, and with the strength of the Tarot Club and its connections, once the problem is identified, they can respond effectively Ive also predicted some of Perles trade partners, discovered the movements of the indulgence faction of the Rose School of Thought, and arranged for my subordinates to leak it to the temperance faction Ive also foreseen the outcome of this matter, and the situation hasnt deteriorated. That individual also hinted at the same. Roselle shook his head, his tone slightly grave as he said to Bernadette in a teaching manner, Perhaps the situation hasnt deteriorated because many people have sacrificed themselves. To Adam, this might be necessary. But what about you? Chapter 869 - 869 The Final Lesson 869 The Final Lesson 869 The Final Lesson Trier, inside the botanical garden. Higdon from the Order of All Extinction saw the two Demonesses disappear. He immediately raised his right hand and scratched at the dark brown age spots on his face. The spots instantly festered, releasing maggots similar to those that crawl through corpses, oozing a greenish-yellow pus. The disgusting pus evaporated upon contact with the air, dispersing without a trace. Jenna had just circled to Higdons side, ready to assist Franca in launching an attack. Suddenly, she felt a wave of lethargy, as if stricken by a sickness called laziness. It felt as if her desires were wilting, showing signs of decay, and as if parts of her brain were beginning to malfunction. Following her instinct, Jenna immediately used her Mirror Substitution, not waiting for the problem to worsen and trigger it passively. The sound of two simultaneous cracks echoed. Franca, who had been sneaking up on Higdon under the cover of Invisibility to release the Black Tear plague, reacted the same way. Their figures first materialized and then quickly transformed into mirrors. During this process, as Franca and Jennas Mirror Substitutes were still forming, their internal organs sprouted noticeable tumors, autonomously drawing nutrients. Blood vessels around the heart and within the brain rapidly became fragile. If the Demonesses used pathogens to control diseases, then Higdons pathway seemed to represent the pathogens themselves, the very essence of disease. lf Franca and Jenna hadnt actively triggered their Mirror Substitution, it would have been much more difficult to deal with the actual tissue changes in their bodies. They would need to perform a ritual, praying to the Primordial Demoness or a corresponding Angel to transfer the disease to a designated mirror, or one would need to stick to the target while the other left the area, allowing Lugano to perform surgery combined with the Doctors abilities for treatment. Meanwhile, the disease had not yet spread. Voisin Sanson, with his blond hair flecked with white, had already found several manipulable fragments within Ludwigs mercury-like river of fate. As long as he didnt touch the most critical parts of the Angels fate, he neednt fear backlash or losing control on the spot. Similarly, his godhood allowed him to observe most of Ludwigs fate without peering into fragments containing dangerous scenes or knowledge. Midway through his dash, Ludwig opened his mouth and extended his hand, intending to strip away the Circle Inhabitants power from his target. At this moment, Voisin Sanson, who had already raised his arm, gently pressed down, magnifying a specific tributary of fate from a distance. Thud! Ludwig, the little boy, tripped over a protruding stone and fell flat on his face. Simultaneously manipulating fate, Voisin Sanson directed his gaze towards Lumian, who had transformed into a blazing white-blue flame spear. His eyes glowed, instantly emitting two ghostly green beams. This was a newly contracted ability Voisin Sanson had recently acquired. The main issue with the Inevitability pathways Contractee was that the strength of contracted abilities could not surpass the contracted creatures potential. This meant that early-stage contracted abilities were hard to enhance unless the initial contract was with a demigod-level creature, constrained only by ones own spirit and flesh from utilizing the ability to its fullest. This could potentially enhance the contracted ability with each sequence advancement. Below Sequence 4, without the qualitative factor of godhood, even Sequence 7 or 8 level contracted abilities could participate in Sequence 5 level battles and play significant roles. However, at Sequence 4, facing opponents of the same level, most of these abilities would struggle to be effective, necessitating new suitable contracted creatures. The ghostly green beams struck the blazing white-blue flame spear directly, giving Lumian no time to dodge. Yet, the spear contained no trace of Lumian. As the fiery spear rapidly withered and extinguished, only scattered flames remained within. As the figures of the two Demonesses reappeared within the cabins ruins, Lumian, wielding the Sword of Courage, materialized behind Voisin Sanson. Teleport! After the Abscessed Hand regained a complete body, Lumians Spirit World Traversal ability had significantly enhanced! At this moment, a translucent figure climbed out from Voisin Sansons back. The figure resembled Voisin Sanson but was colder and more indifferent. This was another ability Voisin Sanson had contracted after becoming a Circle Inhabitant, belonging to the domain of death. He had always guarded against Lumians teleportation sneak attacks from behind! Although this would likely trigger the Circle Inhabitants effect, he still had to guard against the unexpected. Moreover, it could be used as a trap. As the cold, indifferent Voisin Sanson specter rushed towards him, Lumians thoughts began to sink, his body cooling. The blazing white-blue flames on the Sword of Courage gradually dimmed. On the primitive island housing the Black Emperor mausoleum, within the thick white fog. Perles ever-changing face cast its gaze on three light points. The next phase was the most crucial part of Project Vortex. As Perles face shifted, two of the three light points suddenly expanded. One revealed a villa shrouded in white fog, permeated with a blood-red figure yet enveloped in divine light; The other was hazy, as if a figure hung suspended in mid-air, wrapped in yellowing bandages, pierced entirely by countless brownish branches, with thorns and rosebushes entwined. Though constantly intertwining, the roses and thorns continuously wilted and fell. The suspended figures belly occasionally swelled and deflated, as if new life was stirring within. Beside the figure stood a massive tree covered in black tar-like substance. Its limbs, serving as branches, sprouted eerie, terrifying hands, with countless bloodshot black and white eyes rolling over its surface. Another light point had already expanded, revealing a member of the School of Deliciousness, Topsy, devouring an invisible seal over the ocean. Inside the dim Black Emperor mausoleum. Hearing her fathers question, Bernadette remained silent for two seconds before saying, I will do my best to prevent it. Roselle looked at his eldest daughter and smiled with a sigh. Everyone makes mistakes. In my youth, no, even until I was trapped here, afraid to resurrect, I kept making mistakes, doing many wrong things, some even bad. Only when I resided in this mausoleum, occasionally gaining some peace and clarity, did I finally reflect seriously on my past life, realizing some of my choices caused a lot of unnecessary harm. Of course, I also did many right things, many good things. Seeing Bernadettes expression turn gloomy yet stubborn, Roselle affectionately raised his right hand, pressing down. Dont blame yourself too much. Im actually very happy and relieved about your choices and actions. Seeing my little princess willing to defy her long-held principle of do as you wish, but do no harm, willing to risk falling into the abyss to save her old father, makes me genuinely happy and relieved. It shows I didnt love you in vain, that my family life wasnt such a failure! The increasingly clear figure stood up from the massive black iron chair. He descended the platform, walking to Bernadette, opening his arms. Bernadette, momentarily dazed, felt like a child again, instinctively throwing herself into her fathers embrace, feeling that familiar yet no longer warm broad chest. After a brief hug, Roselle stroked Bernadettes chestnut hair, then walked past her, heading towards the mausoleums entrance, his figure growing larger. Dad? Bernadette turned, calling out instinctively. Roselle turned his head, smiling. The vortex ritual has already begun. Due to the unique characteristics of the Uncertain Mists pathway, it will be hard to stop the subsequent transactions from proceeding. Even if you want to kill that woman, its unlikely to be accomplished. But it doesnt matter, Dad will handle it. Bernadette suddenly understood her fathers intention. She took a step forward, trying to catch up, but found the distance between them unbridgeable. Meanwhile, she urgently shouted, Dad, your corruption isnt balanced yet! If the vortex ritual is disrupted, you wont be able to return to your previous state! Roselle stopped at the mausoleums entrance, smiling at his anxious, panicked, and pained daughter. Raising his arm, he said with spirited enthusiasm, I was an emperor for many years, stood at the pinnacle of human power. I faced true gods, fought Angels, had followers willing to die for me. I brought the light of civilization to that era. Even after a century of death, countless people still recite my name. I slept with many beautiful women and controlled countless destinies. Even after my downfall, no longer an emperor, my daughter is still willing to sacrifice everything to save me, to revive me! What regrets could I possibly have in this life? Bernadette heard the finality in her fathers tone, her eyes reddening, her voice choking, Dad! She used every ability to close the distance, but it was as insurmountable as the separation of heaven and earth. Roselles nearly clear face showed a gentle smile. Bernadette, do you remember when you were little, and Dad often gave you lessons? Tears welled up in Bernadettes eyes, her vision blurring. I remember. You taught me words, filled my mind with knowledge, told me many, many fairy tales Queen Mystics face was streaked with glistening tears. Roselle nodded in satisfaction. I remember too. He continued with a slight smile, Today, Dad will give you one last lesson. Roselles expression grew solemn as he looked at Bernadette and declared, A true gentleman knows what to do and what not to do! With that, Roselle turned away, no longer looking at Bernadette. The Black Emperor mausoleums doors swung open instantly. The outside light shone in, illuminating Roselles giant figure, his black armor, and luxurious cloak. Bright and radiant. Chapter 870 - 870 Hidden Trap 870 Hidden Trap 870 Hidden Trap As soon as Francas figure materialized within the cabins ruins, she saw Lumian, behind Voisin Sanson, turning pale. His eyes gradually became hollow, and only the Sword of Courage prevented him from turning into a corpse or triggering his Mirror Substitution. Voisin Sanson, despite having his back to Lumian, raised his left hand, and an indescribable radiance quickly gathered within his fist. Franca knew she couldnt passively wait for the Mirror Substitution to trigger. Perhaps Voisin Sansons impending attack could bypass the connection between the substitute and the original, rendering it ineffective. At their current distance, neither she, Jenna, nor Anthony could awaken Lumian or stop Voisin Sanson in time. Even if they could, the threat from Higdon was even more imminent and closing in fast! At this moment, Ludwig was the closest to Lumian and Voisin Sanson. He had just gotten up but still had twenty to thirty meters to cover before reaching them. In a flash, Franca took a mirror out of her Travelers Bag and instantly vanished. Relying on Black Tear, she appeared in the mirror world, traversing a dark, void-like tunnel into the distance. Meanwhile, Jenna watched as Francas mirror fell to the ground, her attention shifting to Higdon, who was now only a few steps away. His face, mostly rotting and oozing pus, had reached her. She felt that all the Demoness spider threads she had released had withered and decayed, losing their effectiveness. At this moment, everyone except Ludwig experienced a moment of disorientation. When Lumian, Franca, Jenna, and Anthony regained clarity, they found themselves back inside the cabin-intact and uncollapsed. Franca felt a surge of joy seeing this. Her retreat in the face of battle wasnt to escape but to trigger the Circle Inhabitants effect, resetting the battle and freeing Lumian from Voisin Sansons secret power and Jenna from Higdons grip! Enemy abilities could be used to their advantage! Finding the trigger point, reverting an adverse situation instantly, meant any dangerous or fatal scenario could be retried. Of course, this was only if they had time to trigger it. Never thought you could use the enemys abilities like this Jenna, momentarily stunned by this realization, saw the cabin decaying and collapsing again, revealing Voisin Sanson and Higdon approaching from a distance. Lumian wasnt surprised. He had actively triggered the Circle Inhabitant effect back in Cordu Village, seeking a reset. He quickly reached into the Travelers Bag, retrieving the Black Tear forehead accessory and tossing it to Franca. Franca shouted, Stall! She had a plan for the current predicament: delay until circumstances changed! Since they couldnt break Voisin Sansons Circle Inhabitant in a short time, they could use it fully. If things went wrong, they could restart, delaying until the authorities in Trier noticed the anomaly or the Tarot Clubs Major Arcana card holders found a solution and approached. As long as the evil gods hadnt fully invaded this world and the apocalypse hadnt arrived prematurely, delaying would surely bring assistance to cleanse the heretics! After all, this was the capital of Intis, Trier! Franca thought this and acted accordingly. She caught the Black Tear forehead accessory and threw her Ice Talisman to Jenna. This way, three people in the group could try to leave the area in different ways to trigger the Circle Inhabitant effect, without worrying about Voisin Sanson and Higdon each locking onto one of them, thus greatly increasing their margin for error. When Franca suggested this, Lumian was about to retrieve the Sword of Courage, and Ludwig was already instinctively charging towards Voisin Sanson. Lumian noticed that Voisin Sansons expression remained unchanged, despite Franca discovering the weakness of the Circle Inhabitant and planning to delay until the end of the Project Vortex. He suddenly had a thought. Combining his understanding of the Inevitability pathway, he formed an initial judgment: Voisin Sanson couldnt allow the Circle Inhabitant to loop infinitely. He likely set a predetermined end for it. Each reset would push everyone closer to that conclusion until it became unavoidable. From the fact that they could retain their memories after the reset, it was clear that the Inevitability power attached to the Circle Inhabitant effect wasnt strong. This endpoint wasnt far away. Lumian immediately reminded Franca, Only one more time! In the Inevitability pathway, the number three was sacred, with strong mystical symbolism. It represented the past, present, and future, and pointed to the beginning, process, and end. Additionally, the initial number of abilities gained by a Contractee fluctuates around three. Lumian suspected that after three activations of the Circle Inhabitant effect, the fourth reset would lead them directly to the predetermined end, with no way to reverse it. In other words, three times was the limit, and the fourth would bring the final result. They had already triggered the Circle Inhabitant effect twice. Franca didnt understand why Lumian was denying her proposal, why he said they could only use the Circle Inhabitant effect one more time. But she knew Lumian understood the Inevitability pathway better than she did; he was the expert in this area, so she should heed his advice. Thud! As Ludwig fell again, Higdon, whose age spots had not yet festered, slowly raised his arms. He clearly remembered the battle from the last loop and chose a different approach this time. Higdons aura suddenly weakened, as if he was on the brink of death but not quite there yet. The age spots on his face festered, and his body emitted a strong smell of decay. He was quickly covered in a thick, disgusting, greenish-yellow pus. Higdon then vanished, seemingly disintegrating into countless pathogens. Seeing this, Lumian gripped the Sword of Courage, and blazing white-blue flames ignited around him. The flames quickly spread, circling Franca, Jenna, and the others, protecting them in the center. Meanwhile, Anthony, who had been observing, solemnly reminded his companions, Higdon feels very similar to the Winter is Coming revolver. Winter is Coming? Franca and Jenna both tensed. They remembered very clearly that the Winter is Coming revolver had two very powerful abilities: Certain Death and Sure Hit. The former meant that if hit, even a Saint-level Beyonder would be critically injured and gradually die, while those below demigod level would die instantly unless they had a substitute. The latter meant that unless they used a substitute before the attack or had a special ability, they would be inevitably hit, and the substitute would fail. If Higdon was indeed as Anthony described and similar to Winter is Coming, the two Demonesses had to be wary of the Sure Hit ability. After all, their physical strength was certainly not comparable to a Hunter of the same sequence. If the substitute failed, even if the attack wasnt Certain Death, it would severely injure them! Protected by the white-blue flames, Franca raised her guard and came up with a new plan. She glanced at Lumian, who was ready to charge at Voisin Sanson, and quickly told Anthony, Work with him! Certain Death! Franca meant that, with Lumian and Ludwig distracting Voisin Sanson, they should find an opportunity to use the Certain Death ability of Winter is Coming on the Inevitability believer, to see if it could kill him outright, or if the Certain Death effect would be reset by the Circle Inhabitant ability. As soon as Voisin Sanson died, the Circle Inhabitant effect would naturally be nullified, removing any hidden dangers! Just as Franca finished speaking, behind her, a greenish-yellow glow quickly condensed within the white-blue flames, forming Higdon covered in thick, disgusting liquid. The old man was ignited, but he still lashed out at Franca with his arm like a whip. Sure Hit! As Francas spirituality warning triggered, she immediately used her Mirror Substitution. Smack! Her body transformed into a mirror, struck by Higdons thick arm, quickly darkening and shattering, falling to the ground with no trace of light, as if buried in soil for a hundred years. As Lumian prepared to charge at Voisin Sanson, he suddenly pulled back and swung the Sword of Courage at Higdon. Courage could be strategic too! Lumian wasnt afraid of Higdon; he was just concerned that the enemy would flee too quickly, leaving no time to hit his body, so he feigned an attack on Voisin Sanson. Boom! As Ludwig fell again, Higdons arm, unable to escape, was severed by the explosive and sharp sword. The thick, greenish-yellow liquid covering his body was engulfed by the blazing white-blue flames. Smack! The severed arm fell to the ground, wriggling and growing rapidly, turning into another Higdon. Now, there were two Higdons. The flames covering them quickly dimmed, decayed, and extinguished! The two Higdons pounced on Franca and Jenna. Meanwhile, Voisin Sanson, who had planned to magnify a tributary of Francas fate to make her substitution fail, suddenly felt a ripple of destiny. He instantly had an epiphany: No more delays, time is running out! Voisin Sanson frowned. He didnt want to do what came next; it would be extremely painful. Let it be an accumulation for the Sufferer stage Voisin Sanson raised his right hand, pressing it to his temple, gathering an indescribable radiance. As the source of the Circle Inhabitant effect, he couldnt trigger a reset by leaving the area; that would mean truly leaving. He had to kill himself! Seeing this, Franca and the others felt a strong sense of foreboding. At that moment, the radiance in Voisin Sansons hand strangely dissipated, as if twisted out of its composition. Similarly, the two Higdons missed their targets, and Lumians Sword of Courage struck nothing. The sky darkened, and a majestic voice echoed in everyones ears: People of Intis, your emperor has returned! Chapter 871 - 871 The Critical Part 871 The Critical Part 871 The Critical Part Deep within the primitive island, amid the pervasive white mist, Perles twisted face saw the gates of the Black Emperor mausoleum swing open. A giant figure clad in black armor and a magnificent cloak emerged with majesty, with a torrent of white mist flowing between Perle and the figure. Roselle Gustav Perles face instinctively tensed, causing the mist that formed her body to collapse inward slightly. Roselle didnt spare a glance at the Vortex Weaver. He floated step by step into the air, reaching the edge of an abstract and ethereal strange world, like a rising mountain. During this process, the sky dimmed, and the remaining clouds twisted as if something had begun to come alive. Roselle gazed into the distance, raised his arms, and in a grand voice, he proclaimed, People of Intis, your emperor has returned! Suddenly, the clouds above were pushed together by an invisible force, swirling downwards to form another terrifying vortex. The center of this vortex was Roselle Gustav. Meanwhile, across Intis, those who still followed the order Roselle had established heard the voice of the returning emperor. Most were bewildered, questioning their ears after the recent burst of intense light, while a few turned pale, unable to believe their suspicions. To the eastern reaches of the sky, a beam of light flared up, trembling wildly as if striving to cross the vast distance and reach Roselles embrace, causing various distortions. Behind this beam, three more beams appeared, as if pushed by an invisible force, forced to advance prematurely. In different parts of the world, some people found themselves back home despite having just left, others saw their bright cathedrals turn dark and silent, and some were habitually drinking milk but didnt notice they were using their nostrils, suffering no harm. Long-abandoned compulsory education schools strangely lit up, as if filled with students quietly attending classes. Using his Worms of Time to search for a flaw in Inevitabilitys watch, Pallez found an exploitable point, but the Worms of Time he sent out disobeyed His commands. Madam Magician, who was wandering again with Maam Hermit and Miss Justice, found herself away from the target location, instead of the sea, and in front of her appeared Madam Judgment and the little boy Will Auceptin holding her hand. The light dots within the white mist remained largely unaffected, only dimming slightly. Perle, the Vortex Weaver, was first startled, then showed a joyous expression. She hadnt expected Roselle to step forward, forcibly reviving himself before the ceremonys end to reclaim the Black Emperors divine throne. Such an outcome was beyond her wildest dreams, and she hadnt even considered having Hloise, the Fates Attendant, weave it, but this was undoubtedly a good thing for her and the great entity she worshiped, the Uncertain Mist. The rewards this time will be immense! Perle had just formed this thought when the Uncertain Mist she was linked to through the ritual conveyed an emotion, tightening their connection and thickening the swirling mist. Perle sharply turned her gaze towards the villa in Trier, towards the twisted blood shadow emerging from the sacred glow and white mist. In a drifting voice, she spoke, The payment for the indulgence faction of the Rose School of Thought is the Shadow of the Beauty Goddess, a Sealed Artifact derived from the Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristic of the Moon pathway. The one willing to offer a price for it is Madam Hart of the Nightstalkers. As Perles Words of Order echoed, another light dot rapidly expanded. This light dot revealed a secret chamber, where a vague female statue stood in the center, the walls covered with childlike figures with bird-clawed limbs, and the floor piled with expressionless humans. At that moment, a figure stood before the statue, her belly swollen, face full and beautiful, with emerald eyes sparkling like gems, and brown hair neatly tied up, wearing a simple and loose white robe-a pregnant woman. The lady who nurtured a deity! The twisted blood shadow from the villa in Trier, using the white mist, pierced through the corresponding light dot and appeared beside Perle, then moved towards the light dot where Madam Hart was. It walked slowly, influenced and twisted by Roselles resurrection. Madam, you may begin. Perle couldnt change the situation of the Shadow of the Beauty Goddess and could only ask Madam Hart of the Nightstalkers to provide the price in advance. Hart nodded gently, turned to face the statue in the chamber, and chanted incantations in a low, indistinct voice. As the incantation neared its end, the childlike figures on the walls became illusory, transforming into beams of light that entered the statues belly. The dazed humans on the floor exploded one by one, returning as flesh and blood to the great mother. The female statue gradually took on a crimson glow, transforming into a humanoid crimson moon. Madam Hart then turned and made a cradling motion towards Emperor Roselle in the air. She called out in ancient Jotun, Come back, child of the mother! Blood-red moonlight seeped from Roselles body, leaving him and heading towards the light dot where the female deity statue stood. These were the pollutants that forced Roselle to seek godhood and death but failed to free himself from. Now, they were all drawn out, no longer affecting Roselle, no longer attempting to corrupt him. Roselles century-old problem was thus effortlessly solved, but his current state required the corruption of the Uncertain Mist to balance the corruption of the Great Mother. Removing either would break the balance! In the blink of an eye, Roselle was filled with white mist, twisting the speed of passing and the distance between two points, gradually eroding the emperor to completely corrupt him. Inside the Black Emperor mausoleum, Bernadette saw this and, no longer calm like outside the mausoleum, anxiously shouted, Adam, where is your promise? Roselle remained unaffected by his state change, as if it was within his expectations. He continued to spread his arms, awaiting the return of the Black Emperors Uniqueness and three Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics. These were traits unique to the Black Emperors true deity. Once revived, regardless of who held the Uniqueness and the three Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics, they would forcibly return, merging with him without the need for extra rituals or potions! Crimson moonlight rose from various parts of the primitive island, coalescing with the pollutants drawn from Roselle into a miniature crimson moon-like object. Perles ethereal voice rang out in time, Madam Hart requested the Great Mother to reclaim the corruption from Roselle Gustav. This corruption will be exchanged for the Shadow of the Beauty Goddess and given to the indulgence faction of the Rose School of Thought Madam Hart caught the miniature crimson moon trying to return to the mothers embrace and pushed it out of her light dot. The miniature crimson moon entered the white mist created by Perle, slowly flying towards another light dot. This wasnt the light dot the Shadow of the Beauty Goddess emerged from but one guarded by a peculiar giant tree with a vague figure hanging above it. The Vortex Weaver, Perle, suppressed her excitement and once again scrutinized the scene of Topsy of the School of Deliciousness destroying the seal in the sea. In the next second, wisps of thin gray fog seeped from the seabed, cooperating with the hydra-like Topsy. Trier, botanical garden. Hearing the emperors return across space, Francas lake-blue eyes widened in astonishment and confusion, with a hint of uncontrollable joy. At the same time, her spiritual intuition told her that the order here had been distorted, including the Circle Inhabitant effect. And wherever there was a distortion, it meant they could escape without triggering the Circle Inhabitant effect! Where is the distortion? Franca had just this thought when she saw Jenna take out a mirror and quickly perform a Magic Mirror Divination. Jenna had a similar intuition. Meanwhile, the two Higdons, ignoring the unusual surroundings, madly attacked Lumian, who wielded the Sword of Courage, unable to focus on the two Demonesses. Likewise, before Voisin Sanson stood only Ludwig, still short-legged and short-statured, unable to reach him to interfere. The Circle Inhabitant made a quick decision, pressing his temple, letting the gathered strange light pierce through his head. In excruciating pain unbearable even for an Ascetic, he was instantly near death. The Circle Inhabitant effect triggered once more. Lumian and Anthonys thoughts blurred, and they found themselves back in the intact cabin, before taking out the Sword of Courage and Black Tear forehead accessory. Franca and Jenna couldnt complete their Magic Mirror Divination in time. Lumian instinctively took out the Black Tear forehead accessory, intending to throw it to Franca, but upon grasping it, he sensed the mirror world, particularly the special one, feeling the summons of 0-01 from Morora. Is it possible to sense this way? Not before The earlier anomaly distorted the order here and the Circle Inhabitant effect, causing this change? Meaning they could escape through the mirror world without triggering the Circle Inhabitant? Lumian instantly judged. He acted before Voisin Sanson could commit suicide again and bring the inevitable end, shouting to Franca and the others, Grab hold of me! Time was tight; he couldnt explain and hoped his teammates would trust him. Despite their doubts, Franca and the others, including Ludwig, grabbed Lumians body again. In the next second, Lumian used the Black Tear forehead accessory and the cabins window to enter the void-dark mirror world, randomly choosing a tunnel to traverse. As expected, they didnt trigger the Circle Inhabitant effect this time. As joy surged in Luganos heart, everything blurred in a topsy-turvy manner, and they found themselves in an almost completely dark world, facing Harrison from Resurrection Island. Around Harrison were four lit candles and four servings of staple food, including two loaves of bread, Feynapotter noodles and rice, all moldy. Harrison looked at Lumian with a slight smile. The Celestial Worthys Oracle states you carry the key part of this matter. Capturing you will eliminate any surprises. As Harrison spoke, Voisin Sanson and Higdon appeared in the darkness beside him. Voisin Sanson also looked at Lumian, smiling. Didnt you know I escaped from Fourth Epoch Trier through the special mirror world? Chapter 872 - 872 Courage 872 Courage 872 Courage Lumian didnt waste time engaging with Harrison, Voisin Sanson, and the others. This confirmed that the Mirror People were deeply involved in Project Vortex, and this was indeed the special mirror world, though its specific layer was unknown. Lumian immediately activated the black mark on his right shoulder. He needed to transport Franca and the others away from this area before Voisin Sanson could use his Circle Inhabitant ability. This time, his destination was Morora, the City of Exiles! Since they had already entered the special mirror world and the worst-case scenario had occurred, there was no need to hold back. They could attempt to navigate the hidden dangers here and reach Morora. If they didnt take risks, facing Voisin Sanson and Higdon, two demigods, plus the strange and special abilities of Harrison, Lumian doubted they had any chance of survival. All of them dying was only a matter of time. It was better to take a gamble and see if they could get through the dangers of the special mirror world and reach Morora. In Morora, Lumian was the proxy of 0-01. He could borrow significant power, enough to counter a Sequence 4 demigod. If necessary, he could even temporarily exert the strength of Sequence 3. With the cooperation of Franca, Jenna, and the others, and the help of Mororas archbishop and hundreds of thousands of residents, they might repel or even kill Voisin Sanson and Higdon. More importantly, 0-01 repelled the approach of demigods above Sequence 5, likely causing terrifying mutations. The first targets would inevitably be those two Saints! Lumian used his Spirit World Traversal ability obtained from the Abscessed Hand, leveraging his special connection with 0-01. Holding on to Jenna, Anthony, and the others who hadnt let go, he disappeared from the spot, transporting to some deep part of the special mirror world. Suddenly, he felt the world rejecting him, as if an invisible barrier had appeared ahead. He was forced out of the Spirit World Traversal state, and several figures simultaneously materialized in a gloomy, dark town ruin. The path to Morora was blocked. It seemed the higher powers within the Mirror People did this. Their control over the special mirror world was clearly superior to the Black Tear. Lumian thought for a moment, seeing that Voisin Sanson and the others hadnt caught up yet. He immediately tossed the Black Tear forehead accessory to Franca, speaking calmly, You lead them through the mirrors, constantly shifting locations. Wait for a change in the outside world. There has already been a distortion of order; there will surely be similar anomalies soon. When that happens, seize the opportunity to use the mirrors to return to the surface, back to Trier. What about you? Jenna blurted out. Lumian chuckled. Of course, Ill stay and play with them. If I go with you, theyll definitely chase us relentlessly, giving you no chance to escape the special mirror world. Wouldnt that mean no one could find reinforcements? Jennas eyes reddened, and she was about to say something when Lumian sternly interrupted, Have you forgotten your brother? Jennas mouth opened slightly, but no words came out. Lumian nodded and smiled again. You need to find Madam Magician and Madam Judgment for me, and provide accurate coordinates. Also, you should be able to distract one demigod. He didnt hold back, smiling at Jenna, Franca, and Anthony. If I die, remember to avenge me. Jennas vision blurred with tears. She bit her lip, nodded with difficulty, and squeezed out a word from her throat, Okay She would avenge Lumian just as she avenged her mother! Lumian turned to Franca, his expression calm. Everything else is up to you. Francas eyes shimmered, her voice hoarse. Okay. Lumian put on the Devils Whispers bone ring again and continued speaking to Franca, Jenna, and the others, You are not the main target, not even secondary. While shifting locations through the mirrors, if Higdon catches up, leave Ludwig somewhere along the way. Let him hide on his own, which should buy you more time. Do you have any objections? he asked Ludwig. Ludwig shook his head, feeling this was something he had hoped for. He made one request. Can you give me more food? With his body burning with blue-purple sulfur flames, Lumian tossed some chocolate and cookies over, then spoke to Anthony, If Higdon keeps chasing, you can separate from the group. Seeing Anthony about to refuse, Lumian smiled. Someone has to stay alive to avenge us. The one who lives suffers the most. I believe you understand that. Anthony cast a Placate spell on himself. Okay. Lumian didnt say more and urged them, Go quickly. Franca threw the Black Tear back to Lumian. The Ice Talisman is enough if were just shifting locations through mirrors. The Black Tear can leverage the power of the special mirror world and should help you last longer. The Demoness of Afflictions voice choked, feeling the potion digesting rapidly. Lumian didnt refuse and quickly wrapped the Black Tear around his left wrist. Franca immediately took out the ice-crystal-like amulet from the Travelers Bag. Without hesitation, she gritted her teeth. Hold on to me. Jenna looked at Lumian with watery eyes and grabbed Francas arm. Lugano eagerly moved to Francas back. With a flash of icy light, they disappeared, leaving a falling mirror. Lumian turned his gaze to the three approaching figures. The enemies were closing in. Looking at Voisin Sanson, Higdon, and Harrison, with the Black Tear on his left wrist and the Devils Whispers on his right hand, Lumian drew the Sword of Courage from the Travelers Bag. The blue-purple sulfur flames on him immediately turned a bright white with a tinge of green. His back slightly arched. His eyes deepened in color, locking onto the blonde-haired Voisin Sanson, a clear smile on his face. He uttered from his throat. Actually, Ive been waiting for you for a long time. Madam Magician, unexpectedly reunited with Madam Judgment and Will Auceptin due to the distortion effect, straightforwardly asked the little boy, Can you lead us to the medium through which the power of Inevitability is seeping? Will Auceptin, chubby-faced and dressed in a childs suit, showed a troubled expression. Given the current situation, anyone not involved in Project Vortex will be influenced by the power of Inevitability, leading to inevitable failure. If I use that die, I might still be able to help you find the target, but it will drain all my accumulated luck. When I get home, I might see Ouroboros waiting for me. Do you have any special items that can save my luck or replace the die? I think you should. Hearing the archangel of Fate say should, The Magician, Justice, and Hermit began to examine their possessions-the latter understanding Wills words through Miss Justices mental communication. Suddenly, Maam Hermit remembered something and produced an iron cigar case from somewhere. This was given to me by Queen Mystic. She said she foresaw that this item would provide critical help in the future. Madam Magician glanced at it and murmured, It carries the aura of Mr. Fool. Hearing this, Miss Justice made many connections. She sought confirmation, Did the Celestial Worthy send subordinates to participate in Project Vortex? Yes, Madam Magician vaguely understood what Miss Justice meant. Receiving confirmation, Miss Justice smiled. The Celestial Worthy participating in Project Vortex means Mr. Fool is involved too, doesnt it? So She looked at the iron cigar case in Maam Hermits hand, her voice synchronously echoing in the mind of the Major Arcana card holder. Maam Hermit immediately handed the item to Will. Will smiled broadly. It will do! The boy then addressed Madam Magician and Miss Justice, Ill lead the way. Though leading, Will closed His eyes. Starlight sprinkled down as Madam Magician led everyone present, following Wills intuition to begin wandering. Deep within the primitive island, amid the pervasive white mist. Vortex Weaver Perle occasionally glanced at the slowly approaching Shadow of the Beauty Goddess and the miniature crimson moon-like corruption, sometimes at the loosening seal in the waters near Port Santa under coordinated efforts, and sometimes upward at the towering figure of Roselle Gustav in mid-air. The four beams of light on the horizon, one after another, drew closer. Perle anticipated that Roselle would perfectly resurrect and return as the Black Emperor. In that case, the great Uncertain Mist would reclaim one of His possessions and have a Sequence 0 true deity as a puppet. According to Perles original plan, the end of the vortex ritual and the completion of the transaction between the Nightstalkers and the Rose School of Thought would allow the great Uncertain Mist to thoroughly corrupt Roselle Gustav. Only then could the deceased Black Emperor be driven to resurrect. At that time, with all transactions concluded and no other forces providing assistance, the resurrection of the Black Emperor would face numerous obstructions, necessitating another vortex. But now, Roselle Gustav had walked out of the Black Emperors mausoleum himself, choosing to resurrect before the vortex ritual ended! In midair, the first beam finally landed on Roselle, who was in the strange and abstract world, followed by the other three. An indescribable light suddenly burst forth. Chapter 873 - 873 The Predestined Battle 873 The Predestined Battle 873 The Predestined Battle In the special mirror world, seeing that only Lumian was ahead, Higdon immediately looked towards Voisin Sanson. Voisin Sanson took off a ring that looked like it was made of glass and tossed it to the demigod of the Order of All Extinction. Harrison, standing to the side, spoke in somewhat awkward Intisian, This world will guide you. At this moment, Lumian, engulfed in blazing white-blue flames, charged forward with the Sword of Courage in hand. After catching the glass-like ring, Higdon immediately activated it. In this almost completely dark town ruin, as if covered by something from above, various mirror-like objects suddenly lit up. Higdons figure was then enveloped in a transparent light and thrown into one of the mirrors, chasing after Ludwig and the others. Lumian had only taken a few steps before he suddenly disappeared from the spot. Behind Voisin Sanson, a ball of blazing white-blue flame quickly appeared, expanding rapidly and forming into a burning figure wielding a giant flaming sword. The Circle Inhabitant was not surprised. A semi-transparent figure resembling him but colder and more indifferent emerged from behind him. This was Voisin Sansons new contract ability, Deaths Summon! The blazing white-blue figure quickly dimmed as the semi-transparent upper body approached, extinguishing the flames one by one. However, Lumian himself was not within this figure. At Voisin Sansons feet, the shadows cast by the flames came to life eerily, transforming into a sticky black liquid that seemed to condense from the darkest desires and emotions of the human heart, surging upwards. It first wrapped around Voisin Sansons legs, then quickly spread to his torso. Desire Incarnation! Lumians previous attack from behind was merely a distraction for Voisin Sanson. The real killing move was the Desire Incarnation from the Devils Whispers bone ring. This allowed the various chaotic corruptions and seals within him to play a significant role in battle. So, when he teleported behind Voisin Sanson, he used the flaming figure he had created as a cover, turned into a shadow creature, and slipped into the shadows under the targets feet, activating the Devils Whispers bone ring from Hisoka. As for the other enemy present, the courageous Lumian did not pay him any mind. Before drawing the Sword of Courage, he had already planned his battle strategy: With Ludwig, Franca and the others should be able to divert Higdon. Lumian only needed to deal with Voisin Sanson and Harrison. Though Harrison was not a demigod and lacked godhood, his abilities were strange and varied, making it just as difficult to kill him quickly as to severely injure Voisin Sanson. Thus, the primary target had to be the Circle Inhabitant Voisin Sanson. Lumian would rely on the quicker and more frequently usable Spirit World Traversal to constantly flash around, avoiding being caught by Harrison, who might steal his items or crucial abilities. During this process, the mystical plague from the Black Tear forehead accessory would naturally spread, covering the area. Lumian believed it would be highly effective against Harrisons Paper Figurine Substitutes. Harrison might use the Paper Figurine Substitutes to avoid the occult diseases, but as long as he stayed on the battlefield, he would continue to be infected. The Paper Figurine Substitutes would eventually be exhausted, and over time, the damage rate would increase dramatically. Just as the sticky black liquid covered Voisin Sanson, his body suddenly became blurry. Lumians mind fogged momentarily, and by the time he cleared up, Voisin Sanson had already put several meters between them, showing no signs of the Desire Incarnations terrifying corruption affecting him. This was another application of the Circle Inhabitants ability. This time, Voisin Sanson hadnt included the entire town ruin in the Circle Inhabitant effect, only treating his own body. Just like Lumian resetting his physical and spiritual state every morning at six oclock, Voisin Sansons trigger was Set to near-death or when suffering a fatal attack. The Desire Incarnation attack had triggered the Circle Inhabitant effect, allowing Voisin Sanson to recover and use the brief moment of Lumians distraction to create distance. Otherwise, he would have continued to be engulfed by the sticky black liquid. Next, a ghostly green light condensed in Voisin Sansons eyes and shot towards the recovering black liquid. Lumian didnt have time to teleport and could only swiftly animate his shadow, swapping places with it. As soon as the beam appeared, it hit the shadow, causing it to disintegrate instantly with no room for struggle. Almost simultaneously, Voisin Sanson extended his right hand. His eyes were dyed with a silver-black hue, reflecting a silently flowing mercury river. This was the River of Fate, belonging to Lumian. Voisin Sanson, the Circle Inhabitant, intended to exchange a segment of Lumians fate. After dodging the green beam, Lumian fearlessly teleported to Voisin Sansons side once more. Heh, trying Fate Exchange? No problem! As long as I knock you into a reset, your attempt will fail! Lumian raised the iron-black straight sword, blazing with white-blue flames, and slashed heavily at Voisin Sanson. Cull! At that moment, Harrison finally found an opportunity. He reached out his right hand and lightly grabbed, Stealing this attack. Blazing white-blue flames appeared on his body, and a giant flaming sword formed in his hand. Bang! From over ten meters away, Harrison slashed the flaming giant sword at Lumian, producing a fierce explosion. Lumian, undaunted, turned to face the roaring flames and swung the Sword of Courage once more. Another Cull! Rumble! The white-blue flames and the terrifying shockwave clashed, the violent windstorm wreaking havoc in the ruins, lifting stones and igniting wood. Harrison was engulfed by the returning flaming windstorm, his body quickly degenerating into a sinister paper figurine with drawn features. This paper figurines surface was marked with red and yellow rust, which quickly burned to ash in the white-blue flames. As Harrisons figure reappeared at the edge of the storm, Lumian, with his enhanced physique from 0-01 and the Sword of Courage absorbing damage, did not retreat a single step and locked onto Voisin Sanson again. His eyes turned iron-black, searching for the weak point on Voisin Sanson. He raised the Sword of Courage once more, conjuring several white-blue Fire Ravens behind him. At this moment, thanks to Harrisons delay, Voisin Sanson completed all the prerequisites for the Fate Exchange. Soon, he would just wait for the time to pass and welcome the final outcome. If Lumian hadnt possessed a false Angel rank, Voisin Sanson could have started the exchange directly after choosing the desired segment from the River of Destiny without taking extra time. Bang! Lumian slashed the Sword of Courage down on Voisin Sansons head, and the white-blue Fire Ravens circled, covering the surrounding area. You can use the Circle Inhabitant ability to restore your state, but I can target you with area attacks and delayed assaults right after you recover! A few more resets, and you will reach your inevitable end! Boom! Voisin Sansons body blurred again, causing Lumians thoughts to become hazy. Using the Circle Inhabitant effect, Voisin Sanson recovered from the damage caused by the Sword of Courage. However, the white-blue Fire Ravens continued to follow their predetermined paths, landing in different spots. Suddenly, Voisin Sansons figure vanished from the spot. As the crows exploded one after another, the Circle Inhabitants figure reappeared about forty meters away. You may be able to teleport, but I also have teleportation from my contract! Lumians figure quickly appeared beside Voisin Sanson, relentlessly pursuing him. His eyes turned silver-black, reflecting Voisin Sansons mercurial River of Fate. He extended his left hand, pushing the illusory River of Destiny towards the tributary where Voisin Sanson couldnt escape the subsequent attacks, while slashing with the Sword of Courage, creating more white-blue fireballs. Had he found the right choice, Lumian would have used Compelling Fate to directly disrupt Voisin Sansons Circle Inhabitant effect. Rumble! Lumians spirituality was drained by the continuous attacks, forcing him to urgently release the accumulated spirituality. Voisin Sanson was hit by the Sword of Courage and, after recovering, couldnt teleport away in time, suffering from the barrage of white-blue fireballs. The Circle Inhabitant effect triggered for the fourth time. Voisin Sanson recovered and teleported to another location. However, the Fate Exchange did not stop, as only Voisin Sansons body and spirituality were included in the Circle Inhabitant effect, not his fate or actions. This was similar to Lumians daily reset at six oclock, which didnt undo previous actions or invalidate their results. Lumian relentlessly pursued Voisin Sanson, blinking to his side again. Voisin Sanson no longer chose to resist head-on. He used his contracted teleportation ability to change his position. On the other side, Harrison had reverted to a thin, sinister paper figurine, sensing an impending infection. Lumian continued chasing Voisin Sanson and overtook him with the time gap between teleportation and speed, finding two more opportunities to attack. However, Voisin Sanson either used special abilities to neutralize the attacks or triggered the Circle Inhabitant effect. Voisin Sansons Circle Inhabitant seemed far from reaching its predetermined conclusion. Even with the Sword of Courage, Lumian felt a certain level of despair-knowing that the Fate Exchange would lead to a very bad outcome, having opportunities to attack the enemy, but unable to stop the exchange and change the impending result. This might be the meaning of inevitability. Perhaps a Fate Appropriator needed a Circle Inhabitant to unleash its true horror. Despair was fleeting; courage once again took hold of Lumian. Chapter 874 - 874 Unsealing 874 Unsealing 874 Unsealing After a while, Voisin Sanson stopped passively waiting for the fate exchange to complete and began actively using various strange abilities, suppressing Lumians attacks. On the other side, Harrison increasingly relied on his Paper Figurine Substitutes to avoid the mystical plague spreading through the ruins of the town. He had little time left to interfere with Lumian and kept trying to remove the densely packed mythical pathogens in the air with various methods he could think of, but to little avail. Lumian felt the fate exchange nearing completion. Although he wasnt afraid, he decided to take a gamble. Mimicking the Beyonders of a Warrior, he unleashed a Hurricane of Light, holding the Sword of Courage upside down and stabbing it forcefully into the ground. With him and the Sword of Courage at the center, blazing white-blue fireballs spread layer upon layer, covering the ruins of the town. Rumble! Explosions erupted one after another, destroying the already crumbling ancient buildings and igniting every corner of the ruins. Harrison used his Paper Figurine Substitute again. As he was always on the edge of the town ruins, his figure reappeared in the dark tunnel they had pursued through earlier. Voisin Sanson, who was closer to Lumian, was inevitably affected. His attempt to teleport was interrupted by the violent shockwave. His body caught fire again, but the injuries were not fatal. With the resilience of an Ascetic, he only instinctively twisted his face in pain. Seizing this opportunity, Lumian teleported in front of Voisin Sanson. Voisin Sansons eyes immediately filled with ghostly green light. Almost simultaneously, Lumian, anticipating Voisin Sansons habit and method of using the terrifying beam, half-turned the Sword of Courage, holding it horizontally in front of his chest. The ghostly green beam, upon completion, shot towards Lumian at unavoidable speed, striking the Sword of Courage. The blazing white-blue flames on its iron-black blade were instantly extinguished, and its metallic luster dimmed significantly. Successfully blocking Voisin Sansons beam, Lumian released his left hand, aiming to deliver a fatal blow. He sensed that Voisin Sansons current Circle Inhabitant cycle was nearing its end. Perhaps two or three more triggers would lead to the inevitable conclusion, possibly even death. At this moment, Lumians hair stood on end, his mind nearly blank. The negative effects of the Black Tear forehead accessory manifested. If not for the Sword of Courage sharing the burden, he would have been utterly overwhelmed by Pleasure, rather than just briefly dazed. Taking advantage of this moment of distraction, Voisin Sanson teleported away from the emptied ruins but did not extend the distance beyond the Fate Exchange limit. Lumian quickly regained his senses and prepared to pursue Voisin Sanson. Suddenly, his thoughts slowed, becoming sluggish as if he had been rapidly frozen. His body became rigid, and even moving a finger was extremely difficult. The fate exchange had completed. Clang! The Sword of Courage fell to the ground, as Lumian no longer had the strength to hold it. Lumian slowly collapsed to the ground, his eyes vacant, his expression blank, leaning against a pile of rubble. No longer controlled by Courage, he instinctively tried to activate the Blood Emperors residual mark on his right palm, hoping the rampant frenzy might help him break free from his current state, but he couldnt manage it. His ability to think coherently was rapidly slipping away. This was the outcome Voisin Sanson had wanted from the Fate Exchange. Voisin Sanson smiled, teleporting back to Lumian, and whispered, If not for your false Angel rank, the fate exchange would have been completed long ago. You probably dont know that the maximum limit for the Circle Inhabitants cycles is nine. Youre still several cycles short of dealing real damage to me. Youre not truly a demigod. Theres a fundamental difference between you and someone with godhood. As Voisin Sanson spoke, he pulled out an incomplete ritual sheepskin, just large enough to cover a head, intending to turn Lumian into a sheep and completely control him. In the next second, Lumian felt the stiffness in his body and the sluggishness of his thoughts easing, their effects seemingly distorted. Opportunity! Lumian immediately tried to activate the black mark on his right shoulder, hoping to teleport out of the special mirror world. Voisin Sansons face changed, then he activated a contract mark, shouting in a deep voice, Lumian Lee! As Lumians figure was still fading away, his mind buzzed, his head spinning, making it difficult to maintain the teleportation effect. Voisin Sanson then placed the sheepskin over Lumians head, chanting in Hermes, Sheep! A flash of dark light transformed Lumian into a grayish-white sheep. Most of his abilities were sealed, and the earlier state of sluggish thoughts and stiff body returned, preventing him from using the Black Tear forehead accessory or the Devils Whispers bone ring. Seeing this, Voisin Sanson felt the weakness and spirituality exhaustion in his own body but believed he could endure the mystical plague for a while longer, waiting for the Circle Inhabitant effect to passively activate. A sinister paper figurine with drawn features entered the still-burning ruins from the tunnel, its surface accumulating rust at a visible rate. It looked at Lumian and spoke in Harrisons voice, Your companions dont seem to have escaped either. As he spoke, the paper figurine made a gesture, and the edges of the dark world illuminated by the flames began to turn transparent, revealing the states of Franca and the others-not through Harrisons magic, but through the Mirror People watching in the shadows. In the mirror-like scene, Franca led the others, except Ludwia, trying to traverse out of the special mirror world. Above them, a figure in a black dress and gold crown appeared. Surrounded by white mist, a light seemed to emanate from in front of her. She glanced down, causing Franca and the others to fall back into the area they had just left, unable to escape the special mirror world. Higdon, having split into two and covered in green-yellow slime, blocked Franca and the others escape route in the scene. After using it three more times, Francas Ice Talisman only had one Mirror Traversal left. She did not attempt to flee again. She pulled out a set of silver-white full-body armor from the Travelers Bag and placed it in front of herself. Anthony also drew the Winter is Coming revolver. In another scene, another Higdon was searching for Ludwig. Seeing this, the increasingly ragged paper figurine of Harrison spoke to Lumian with a laugh, Your companions will likely all die before you. Their Mirror Substitutes arent as numerous as my paper figurines. You still have time to mourn them. Actually, youve done quite well. If it werent for me and Higdon, your team might have been able to escape or even win against Voisin Sanson on their own. With double control over him, Lumian had almost no ability to think deeply, leaving only his emotions to resonate. His heart was ablaze with anger, indignation, and hatred, filling the sheeps eyes with bloodshot rage. Voisin Sanson turned to Harrisons paper figurine and asked, Can I kill him now to bring back Lord Termiboros? Harrisons paper figurine shook its head slowly, The Celestial Worthys revelation is to imprison. Voisin Sanson thought for a moment and said, Indeed, killing this trash might trigger unforeseen changes due to the high-level powers within him, potentially affecting the entire Project Vortex. Can I attempt to unseal his chest and bring back Lord Termiboros? Harrisons paper figurine paused for two seconds and said, Yes. This did not violate the Celestial Worthys revelation. Voisin Sanson smiled and said, Ill need you to use that Celestial Worthys boon for the final part. Otherwise, Id have to bring Lumian Lee to the brink of death to unseal him, which is too risky. The method to unseal Lumian Lees The Fool seal wasnt devised by Voisin Sanson himself but given through a ritual by the great Circle of Inevitability. Okay. Harrison agreed. Voisin Sanson immediately took out a black metal box and opened it. Inside were thumb-sized mercury beads, their surfaces tinged with black and inscribed with complex, fear-inducing patterns and symbols. Voisin Sansons voice became low and his words eerily ethereal. The black-tinged mercury beads floated up, spinning rapidly in mid-air, forming a continuous river. With barely any coherent thoughts, Lumian heard Voisin Sanson and Harrisons conversation and saw the scene unfold but felt no despair or regret. At this point, despair and regret were meaningless. Lumian was only filled with anger, indignation, and hatred. The sheeps eyes bulged with fury. Son of a sow! Within ten to twenty seconds, Voisin Sanson completed his chant, sending the silver-black river towards Lumians chest. In the tunnel, Harrison had lit four candles and placed four pieces of bread in front of each, reciting incantations while taking special footsteps and gestures. Lumian quickly fell into a dark state, his thoughts gradually clearing. But before he could form any other thoughts, his chest grew hot, the familiar heat rapidly dissipating, turning cold. In an instant, silver-black light beams burst from his body, weaving together in front of him to form a figure. Chapter 875 - 875 Response 875 Response 875 Response Madam Magician and the other Major Arcana card holders were again affected by the distortion of order, abruptly emerging from their starry roaming state and floating in midair. What met their eyes was an unusually bloody altar and countless mutilated corpses. On the altar, there was also an oil painting depicting a strange cosmos. Maam Hermit, whose hearing was sealed, had a twisted expression and whispered with difficulty, Its here, its that painting She felt the terrifying voice influencing her growing louder, originating from that oil painting! It really works The Magician cast her gaze towards the boy, Will Auceptin, who was holding the iron cigar case. It was unclear whether the praise was for the item imbued with Mr. Fools aura or the luck she had always envied. The boy, Will, shrugged and said, I didnt expect it to be this effective either. As he spoke, Maam Hermit forced an ancient spear stained with mottled blood into existence, sending it with destructive intent towards the painting. But the Spear of Longinus, born of Fairytale Magic, disintegrated into points of light before it could reach the altar. In Madam Magicians eyes, brilliant starlight shone. Around the altar, faint glows outlined a pair of dreamlike doors, attempting to transfer the painting along with the altar outside the barrier, into the deep, dark cosmos. However, the starlight doors remained motionless, unable to open. Those who are not participants in the vortex ritual cannot affect the painting, Miss Justice said, eying the iron cigar case in Wills hand, eager to take it and use it as a medium to showcase her physical strength and see if she could damage the painting. Madam Judgment took the lead, receiving the iron cigar case from Will and holding it in her hand, making it part of her fist. Immediately, the Major Arcana card holder shouted in ancient Hermes, Execution! Accompanied by this command, Judgment swung her right fist, the iron cigar case gripped in her hand. Bang! The altar dented slightly, but the painting showed no obvious signs of damage. Theres some effect, but not much, Madam Magician accurately assessed. She took the iron cigar case and tried various abilities herself, but could only cause minor damage to the painting, unable to shake its core effect, as they were not participants in the vortex ritual and could only influence it through the medium-the iron cigar case-which lacked destructive power. Watching the painting still affecting her and many high-level individuals, Maam Hermit could not help but feel anxious. Deep in the primitive island, in the dense white mist before the Black Emperor mausoleum. As the four beams of light merged into Roselles body in midair, Perles face was suddenly stretched wide, presenting a comical yet terrifying appearance. The blood-red figure and the miniature crimson moon in the mist retreated strangely, as if going in the wrong direction. From the light point where the Shadow of the Beauty Goddess emerged, the white mist, which had been nearly purified by the holy pillar, filled again. Saint Vive in midair and the Purifiers outside the villa, including Angoulme, felt an impending collapse of the current order. The lightless domain instantly twisted, with some darkness seeping in, forming a shadowed side. Discovering the presence of the Shadow of the Beauty Goddess, Mr. Moon was about to turn into crimson moonlight and illuminate the white mist but found himself rushing into the sky. The Worms of Time split by Pallez, just deciding to return, assess the situation, and unite in deception, got lost in lifes path. Mr. Hanged Man, riding the gale, suddenly plummeted, nearly losing his flying ability and falling to the ground. As distortion phenomena appeared to varying degrees worldwide, at the core of the vortex ritual, Perle struggled to raise her head and look up. At the edge of the abstract, fantastical world, Roselles figure, clad in black armor and a luxurious cape, grew larger and clearer, with a crown set with dark gems forming swiftly atop his head. The surrounding white mist mostly invaded His body, distorting His face, with His eyes a deep blue almost black, a slow-expanding mist. The Black Emperor had revived in the astral world. Roselle lowered His head slightly, gazing down, focusing on the white mist before His mausoleum, the torrent connecting Him and the mist, and the face of Perle in the depths of the mist, exuding majesty and depth. The next moment, the Black Emperor raised His right hand, forming a fist, and gently twisted His wrist. Distortion! He forcefully completed a distortion using His authority, the Black Emperor pathway, the special connection with the Uncertain Mist, and the corruption deeply eroding His body and soul, relying on the invisible barrier blocking the Outer Deities. Perle, deep in the white mist, briefly lost focus, then discovered in shock that the great Uncertain Mist was no longer closely connected with her through the vortex ritual but had shifted to the Black Emperor. Her object of faith, her ritual foundation, had all been Distorted to Emperor Roselle! After her initial confusion, Perle quickly felt a surge of fear and despair. Not only her, but all the Uncertain Mist believers across the continents also saw a thin white mist before their eyes, with a majestic, indistinct figure standing within. That figure, wearing a crown and black armor, quietly looked down at them. The Black Emperors first act upon revival was to temporarily take over all faith directed at the Uncertain Mist! Of course, this also exposed Him more directly to the Outer Deity outside the barrier. Another wisp of white mist separated from the surface of a planet, reaching the site of an intense divine battle, using the special environment and its symbolism to penetrate the barrier again, falling upon Emperor Roselle at the edge of the astral world, like a fishing line finally controlling its target. Roselles expression became increasingly distorted. He continued to gaze at Perle and the Uncertain Mist believers worldwide, speaking in a majestic voice, The Broker can unite the Outer Deities and has acted, posing a great threat, a crime beyond pardon! As He spoke, the Black Emperors outstretched right hand opened, as if to grasp something. After declaring the crime, His right hand clenched abruptly. Bang! Bang! Bang! On the Northern and Southern Continents, the Uncertain Mist believers exploded into blood mist. This was not the ability of the Judgment domain but the control granted by the boon system, the control of an evil god over His followers! Temporarily distorting the Uncertain Mist faith, Black Emperor Roselle used this to purge the evil gods followers, making them feel the wrath of a god, aiming to eliminate them all. A single Broker might not be dangerous, but their ability to weave all dangers together made them the greatest threat! No! Despite her desperate resistance, Perle exploded uncontrollably within the white mist. Her face split into different parts like the nose, eyes, mouth, and ears, scattered into the white mist, staining it with a noticeable blood color. Yet the vortex ritual had not ceased. The Shadow of the Beauty Goddess and the miniature crimson moon continued to approach their target light point, even faster than before. Silently, the exploded Uncertain Mist believers, in blood mist form, crossed the void, merging into the vortex mist that Perle had become. This accelerated the advance of the Shadow of the Beauty Goddess and the miniature crimson moon, sustaining the ongoing transaction as if other forces were maintaining the ritual. A characteristic of the Vortex was that all participants contributed power to maintain the ritual until their part of the transaction was complete. Thus, once the Vortex was formed, destroying it would become increasingly difficult! Roselle glanced at the white mist connecting Him and the outside barrier, His expression of pain growing more apparent. He shouted lowly, Adam! Where are you? The Uncertain Mist has made a heavy bet. If you dont reveal your cards, were all doomed! Seeing no change around, Roselle paused and continued to roar angrily, Adam! Are you really waiting for a chance to devour the Eternal Blazing Sun and others? Just after Roselles low roar, a distant yet gentle voice echoed in His mind, Im here. In the special mirror world, Voisin Sanson watched expectantly and reverently as silver-black light beams shot from the gray-white sheep that Lumian had become, waiting for Lord Termiboros to be completely freed. The beams wove together in front of him, quickly forming a figure. The figure was slightly hunched, wearing a black classical robe and a pointed hat of the same color, with a thin face, slightly curly black hair, a broad forehead, and pitch-black eyes. Just as Lumian was about to activate the Blood Emperors residual aura to try and escape the sheep state, he froze upon seeing this figure. Wh- Voisin Sanson and Harrisons bodies trembled, also becoming stunned. The figure slowly straightened, not even glancing at Voisin Sanson and Harrison, but turned to look at Lumian. Without any warning, the sheeps wool covering Lumians body fell off, shrinking back to its original head-covering size. Lumian remained in shock and bewilderment. The figure took out a monocle made of crystal and leisurely placed it over his right eye, revealing a slight smile at Lumian, You can call me Amon, or The figures voice grew majestic and layered, the smile on his face more evident. Termiboros. Chapter 876 - 876 The Patient 876 The Patient 876 The Patient Lumian knew that the figure before him was Amon. Although Amons appearance differed somewhat from Monette and the other Amons, the monocle over his right eye and his overall demeanor and aura unmistakably confirmed his identity. But why was Amon here? And why did he call himself Termiboros? Lumian clearly saw those silver and black beams of light emerging from within himself, from the shattered seal of Mr. Fool. How did they transform into Amon? This was why Lumian had frozen in place earlier. Could it be that during their previous encounters, Amon had secretly bypassed Mr. Fools seal, hidden inside him, and replaced Termiboros? If so, what had Mr. Fools seal actually been for? Despite his shock and confusion, Lumian suppressed these emotions because he had more urgent matters to attend to. He stood up, ready to pick up the Sword of Courage and use the Mirror Traversal ability of the Black Tear to reach Franca, Jenna, and the others, to help them fight Higdon. Meanwhile, Voisin Sanson and Harrison stood frozen like statues. Amon, who claimed to be Termiboros, raised His hand to stop Lumian. He glanced at the transparent boundary showing the battle between Franca, the others, and Higdon, and smiled, saying, Ive fixed their fate for the next ten minutes so they wont die. You still have some time. As for what happens after ten minutes, thats up to your choices. Lumian refocused on Amon, removing the Black Tear forehead accessory and tucking it into the separate space within his Travelers Bag to prevent any further negative effects. In a low voice, he asked, What choices? Without waiting for Amons response, he couldnt help but ask another question, When did you become Termiboros? As he spoke, Lumian temporarily put away the Devils Whispers bone ring. Amons lips curled slightly. A long, long time ago. By the time you first learned that name, Termiboros was already me. At this, the former King of Angels smile took on a hint of mockery. In that dream in Cordu Village, the Warlock symbolized the power of inevitability. The Warlocks death and burial in the tomb symbolized the loss of the true owner of that power-the real Termiboros. The owl guarding the tomb and the Warlocks body symbolized an outsider seeking this power. The other you, accompanying the owl, symbolized the inherent depravity within everyone. Pallez couldnt even decipher this, yet he calls himself a Cryptologist? Just because I changed my symbolic form, He couldnt recognize me? Has he already begun aging prematurely at such a young age? Lumian didnt know who Pallez was, but he understood the implications of Amons explanation. The first time he had heard about depravity was from a Secrets Suppliant. That knowledge came with the potion. The second time was in the honorific name of the True Creator worshiped by the Aurora Order. And Amon had a very close relationship with that individual. This meant the True Creators influence on the Cordu incident was much deeper than Lumian had imagined. It wasnt just a matter of sending a few lizard-like elves to nudge events along! Rage that even an Ascetic couldnt suppress burned within Lumian. He squeezed out a hoarse voice from his throat, Was the Cordu disaster the plan formulated by you two? Amon pinched His right eyes monocle, not directly answering Lumians question. He pulled a piece of paper from the void and read it in the tone of a report, Patient: Lumian Lee, male, claims to be born on September 26, 1340, a native of Cordu in Riston Province, Intis Republic. Diagnosis: Strong self-destructive tendencies, loss of ability to respond to others emotions. Cause Analysis: Experiences as a street urchin made the patient distrustful of his surroundings, developing habits of self-neglect to survive, abandoning certain societal morals. Aurore Lees care, sympathy, love, supervision, and interdependent life helped the patient initially heal from that phase, reestablishing social connections and gradually becoming a normal person. The disaster at Cordu Village and Aurores death shattered the patients rebuilt life, bringing more severe pain and despair, making him afraid to desire or respond to others emotions, fearing loss again, thus fostering strong self-destructive tendencies. First Phase Treatment Plan: Step 1: Emphasize the possibility of Aurore Lees resurrection to give the patient motivation to live. Step 2: Arrange for the patient to stay at the Auberge du Coq Dor in the Trier market district, where many people at the bottom of society can effectively evoke the patients empathy. Step 3: Force the patient to form connections with Celia Bello and others through events, preparing to rebuild social connections. Step 4: Use the undercover mission in the Iron and Blood Cross Order to make the patient meet Franca Roland. Franca Rolands background is similar to Aurores, and her cheerful personality can effectively lower the psychological walls the patient has built, making her the most important candidate for re-establishing social connections. Step 5: Coordinate with the Tarot Clubs Justice and Susie for treatment, reasonably allowing certain events to happen to aid in improving psychological conditions: Early Stage: Use the patients sympathy for the unemployed Charlie and the street girls Ethans allow his help to yield positive results, giving him positive feedback. Mid Stage: Ensure the patient encounters Celia Bello after setbacks, receiving companionship and comfort, and using the self-indulgent yet unintentional behavior he chooses to relieve accumulated emotions. Late Stage: Bring inevitable events forward at the most appropriate time, with some events potentially occurring before mid-stage treatment: These include: 1. Susanna Mattise targeting Charlie again, having the Bliss Society abduct him to Underground Trier. This would allow the patient to vaguely sense the Sufferers presence, feel anger, and through these events, strengthen his connections with Franca, Celia, and Charlie, initially rebuilding social ties; 2. The madman Flameng, whose situation most resembles the patients, hangs himself after losing all hope and motivation for life despite the patients help. This strongly resonates with the patient, giving him a huge shock, triggering his rebellious spirit and stubbornness; 3. Scavenger Ruhr, unfortunately getting affected by the indiscriminate influence of cultists, contracts a severe illness. The patients efforts to help end in failure, with Ruhrs wife, Michel, losing hope and choosing to indulge once by having a hearty meal and singing loudly before hanging herself at dawn. This similar fate and predestined outcome thoroughly ignite the patients emotions, making him want to fight against the unfairness of fate, wanting to challenge everything. 4. The explosion at the chemical plant where Celia Bellos mother worked, acting as the final catalyst. First Phase Treatment Result: The patients self-destructive tendencies significantly reduced, re-established social connections, regained some motivation to live, and can now handle more events. As Amon read the report in an even tone, Lumian felt his heart sink, growing colder with each word. It was like being doused with cold water as a street urchin, the chill spreading from his head to his toes, extinguishing all his hope and pride like a candle flame. His indignation, his rebellion against fate-all of them seemed like a joke, shattered into pieces and ground into the dirt by those in power. At this moment, Lumian felt completely numb. Half of him burned with uncontrollable anger and the self-destructive urge to drag the report writer to death with him. The other half once again felt the despair and pain from when Aurore had pushed him away to face death alone. Amon finally finished reading the first phase treatment report and looked at Lumian with a smile, seemingly waiting for a response. Lumians body hunched slightly, and his voice erupted from the depths of his soul, filled with agony, Why? Why me? Amon smiled and said, The Fools aura and Aurores foolish choice made you a good test subject, capable of bearing many things and verifying the initial experimental results. Thats one reason. The other is if you truly self-destruct, wont my role as Termiboros be exposed? How can I deceive those outside and make Them place heavy bets? Only by slowly absorbing and digesting Termiboros Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics within The Fools seal and changing pathways will it be most hidden and least likely to be discovered. Lumians mind was in chaos, his emotions exploding, even the Conspirers abilities were hard to use. He could only ask instinctively, In that large ceremony with the padre, did not only Termiboros descend but also you? Did you intentionally seal yourself with the injured Termiboros into my body? Amon nodded lightly and smiled. Thanks to your gifts, it helped me open the return path and gave me such a present. Lumian fell silent, involuntarily breathing heavily as if the air here was too thin, and he had to force himself to breathe deeply. Previously, the Sufferer hidden around me, who was it? Amon shook His head. Havent you guessed it yet? You should have heard His name, the Angel of Fate, Ouroboros. The Angel of Fate, Ouroboros Lumian was stunned, but it seemed to make sense. This was the King of Angels who had once followed the Ancient Sun God and was currently serving the True Creator as mentioned by Mr. K during his preaching. Lumian instinctively gritted his teeth, his voice squeezing out through the gaps, Did you have a chance to save Aurore back then? Amon smiled. Do you want to hear the answer? He glanced at the paper in His hand, seemingly preparing to read new content that might contain all the answers. Chapter 877 - Chapter 877 Promised Matters Chapter 877 Promised Matters Amon began reading again in a flat tone, When the anomaly at Cordu Village was discovered, the corruption and personality distortion in Aurore Lee had already become quite severe. If the most skilled Psychologist provided treatment and any true god offered a seal, it might have been possible to save her. But why save her? If the situation at Cordu Village had continued to develop, it would indeed have caused a significant catastrophe. However, if intervened, it could bring substantial benefits and play an important role at a critical moment in the future. The lizard-shaped elves entered Cordu Village, quietly maintaining the balance. They wanted the outcome to follow the heretics original plan but not actually succeed. At the same time, they ensured that Aurore Lee retained a slight chance of resurrection. In the end, their goal was achieved. Before the Sinners organization sent someone, Guillaume Bnet conducted the grand sacrifice himself, opening a temporary passage above the barrier, allowing Termiboros to descend. Amon had already been waiting nearby, deceiving the ritual, utilizing the barrier, and secretly following Termiboros back into this world. Aurore Lee pushing Lumian Lee away in the end brought a bit of an unexpected twist, but it did not change the overall outcome. The Fools aura on Lumian Lee, stimulated by the surrounding environment and his intense emotional fluctuations, successfully attracted The Fools attention Hearing this, Lumians hands unconsciously clenched into fists, his heart burning with rage, overpowering the numbness and despair. Amon, as if not noticing his emotional change, continued to read, As a result, Termiboros was severely wounded, and together with the soul fragments of Aurore Lee and the villagers of Cordu, was sealed into Lumian Lees body. During this process, Amon voluntarily joined them, stealing Termiboros fate and identity before He could recover, killing Him and reducing Him to a Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristic of the Inevitability pathway. Before Lumian Lee became an Ascetic, Amon had already absorbed the Beyonder characteristic, completing the pathway switch, fully replacing Termiboros, only lacking the final ritual. This is very important. Whether its the vortex ritual now or another plan, it doesnt change. Lumian Lee will understand why soon. At this point, Amon looked up at the dark sky covered with a thick glass-like layer, smiled, and said, Next, I will only read the key parts, otherwise, Im afraid Roselle wont last that long. Lumian didnt respond to Him, using all his strength to suppress his emotions. He wanted to uncover the truth behind many previous events! Amon lowered His head again, looking at the paper in His hand. After the first phase of psychological treatment ended, the hidden dangers of the Tree of Shadow were prematurely triggered, forcing Lumian Lee to face Susanna Mattises sacrifice. The Amon sealed within him indeed couldnt bear the weight and complexity of the Tree of Shadows fate torrent, nor could He rapidly evolve the fate fragments of encountering the Montsouris ghost into an attack by the Montsouris ghost. However, the Angel of Fate, Ouroboros, had always been watching from nearby. This was His specialty, and in this regard, He was far superior to the Sufferer of the Inevitability pathway. With Ouroboross covert assistance, Lumian Lee successfully swapped the fate of being attacked by the Montsouris ghost with the fate of the Tree of Shadow having its roots burned by the Fourth Epoch Triers invisible flames. This would play a crucial role in Lumian Lee and Susanna Mattises upcoming battle. Between the two battles, Amon didnt miss the opportunity, deliberately describing Lumian as the unfortunate one to strike at him. This was a deception; if it were the real Termiboros, He would have said similar words in such a situation. At the end of the Tree of Shadow incident, the lizard-like elf deliberately let Lumian Lee see it, giving him a strong desire and motivation to continue exploring the truth behind the Cordu disaster. Hearing this, Lumian was stunned again. My desire, my anger, is that what that individual wanted too? Amon seemed to skip parts and started reading the next key point, The madman Flameng, driven insane by encountering the Montsouris ghost, coincidentally stayed at the Auberge du Coq Dor. His experiences and ending resonated with Lumian Lee. The Earth Blood stone he left behind gave Lumian Lee the chance to obtain the residual aura of the Blood Emperor. At this time, due to the convergence of Amons main body, more and more Amons noticed Lumian Lees existence and obtained corresponding information. To bring out the hidden value of the Earth Blood stone, one of the Amons chose to steal it. Coincidentally, a lady from the Church of Evernight asked Lumian Lee for help to obtain water from the Samaritan Womens Spring leading them into the underground catacombs. With the enthusiastic help of the Amons, Lumian Lee ultimately used the Earth Blood stone to gain the residual aura of the Blood Emperor. This was the first step in his mystical similarity to 0-01 which could provide him help in critical moments. The Hostel plan was initiated as expected. Some participants were killed, some achieved their goals, and those outside who could not observe Fourth Epoch Trier received guidance, while Lumian Lee and others obtained a fragment of the special mirror world for the first time. After leaving Trier, Lumian Lee inevitably converged to Port Santa, where the seal was reinforced early. Though it left hidden dangers, it could at least last longer On the subsequent journey, Lumian Lee encountered Father Montserrat and obtained Omebellas burned umbilical cord. He also got involved in matters related to Naboredisley, laying the foundation for meeting Farbautis avatar in the tomb at the end of the Dream Festival During the Dream Festival, Lumian Lee successfully obtained the seal of the Underworld Daoist, truly gaining mystical similarity to 0-01 During the journey, Lumian Lee also met several people with experiences similar to his but with different choices and outcomes, which touched him, firming his ideas, and further improving his psychological state. The second phase of psychological treatment was successfully completed. After asking Mr. K for help to solve Perles painting person, Lumian Lee went to the first cathedral built by the Aurora Order for the True Creator. There, he coincidentally saw the lizard-like elves crawling in and out of the god. This dealt him a huge blow, worsening his psychological state, but also made his desire and determination for revenge stronger and firmer. After returning to Trier from Morora, Lumian Lee began preparing for his advancement to Iron-blooded Knight. What he didnt realize was that his psychological state and emotional condition had not met the requirements to become a demigod. Even with the sealed angel as a teammate, there was a significant probability that he would lose control after consuming the Iron-blooded Knight potion. Fortunately, the presence of the Black Tear and Celia Bello becoming a Demoness of Pleasure prematurely triggered the emotional issues within Lumians team. After much entanglement and pain, Lumian chose to face his thoughts and tried to respond to others attention to him. Although his response was twisted, he at least took the first step, no longer passively accepting but placing himself in a position of importance. This mindset change was crucial for his subsequent advancement ritual. As a result, Lumian Lees emotions and desires were vented, and his importance was no longer suppressed by his fear of loss. His connections with Franca Roland and Celia Bello became stronger and closer, providing him with two strong anchors during his advancement to demigod, helping him stabilize his consciousness. The third and final phase of psychological treatment ended, and Lumian Lee could now withstand new blows. During the vortex ritual, Lumians team fell into a desperate situation. All his teammates, except him, were about to be killed or taken away by Higdon of the Order of All Extinction in a few minutes. Lumian Lee wanted to ask Amon for help, but Amon chose to refuse because He wasnt Lumian Lees godfather and had no obligation, even though Lumian Lee had indeed become more like Amon, using loopholes more skillfully after repeatedly receiving boons from Amon. Relying solely on himself and those few Grade 1 Sealed Artifacts, Lumian Lee couldnt save his teammates because Voisin Sanson and others would also assist Higdon shortly. Lumian Lee now has only one choice, to ascend to demigod on the spot. But Amon is unwilling to help him shatter the Sword of Courage, returning the Sword of Courage to a Beyonder characteristic, and his Iron-blooded Knight ritual is still incomplete. Amon tells him that the only help He would provide is to shatter the Black Tear, give him the supplementary ingredients missing for the Despair potion, and send him to Morora to complete the ritual using the exiles there, ascending to Demoness of Despair. Becoming a Demoness of Despair, Lumian Lee, wielding the Sword of Courage, successfully saves his teammates. Then, he would switch between the Demoness and Hunter pathways, spiraling upwards. This doesnt need to be symmetrical, depending on the situation, aiming to fulfill the phrase pure yin does not last, pure yang does not grow, yin contains yang, yang contains yin, the union of yin and yang gives rise to everything. This is the only correct way to approach the peak power of the two calamity pathways. Alista Tudor and Cheeks attempts failed; not only did They fail to succeed, but They also created a big trouble. In this process, Aurore Lees soul fragments will gradually revive when Lumian Lee is in the Demoness state. If Lumian Lee can ultimately defeat Red Angel Medici and Primordial Demoness Cheek, mastering the peak power of the two calamity pathways, Aurore Lees personality and soul fragments can rely on Lumians own spirit and flesh to resurrect. Then, they can merge with his consciousness, suppressing the corruption of inevitability, and become his female form, controlling the feminine side of calamity. This is the true union of yin and yang, similar to the Medici evil spirits current state but closer to the peak. This is also the only way to truly revive Aurore Lee. Amon paused, looking at Lumian, who seemed to have turned into a statue, raised His chin slightly, revealed a faint smile, and recited the final sentence, Can you accept such an outcome? Chapter 878 - Chapter 878 "Sinner" Chapter 878 Sinner Hearing Amons question, Lumian seemed to break free from a long nightmare, only to find reality was an even more despairing abyss. His body trembled slightly as he used all his strength to squeeze out a sound from his throat. Isnt He afraid? Afraid that after I truly master the peak power of calamity, Ill seek revenge against Him? Amon laughed. By making such a choice, He shows Hes willing to face all possible futures and accept the worst outcome. It makes no difference to Him whether its you or Medici, whether you submit, give up, be angry, or hate. If either of you manages to master the peak power of calamity, seek revenge against Him, disrupt His plans, or even pull Him down from His divine throne, He would still not regret it and would acknowledge the result. At this point, Amon paused before continuing, Because He was born to bear all sins. Lumian fell silent, his fists clenched tightly, with thin streams of bright red blood seeping through the gaps. Amon glanced at the transparent but dark sky. Time is running out. You must make your choice. Lumians lips moved a few times before he suddenly laughed, a mixture of anger and self-mockery. His voice was hoarse and low as he said, Im willing to goto Morora. I will try all possible ways to revive Aurore, including the only method He mentioned, but I will not accept the outcome He predetermined! Amon chuckled, adjusting His monocle on His right eye. You dont need to tell me the second half of your sentence. My task is only to send you to Morora and make you a Demoness of Despair. Whether you accept that ending, youll have to face Him and tell Him yourself. With that, Amon raised His right hand and gently grasped, making the Black Tear forehead accessory magically detach from the Travelers Bag and appear in His palm. The black, tear-shaped Sealed Artifact silently shattered, transforming into specks of faint light. These lights quickly converged into a shrunken, withered, blackened, translucent heart. Amon then reached towards Voisin Sanson, grabbing two items. One was a small glass vial containing dark green liquid, and the other, three silver fragments. After making his decision, Lumians emotions finally settled a bit. He no longer felt as out of control as beforehis body had been trembling uncontrollably, and his thoughts had been fixated on destruction. Seeing the two items in Amons hand, Lumian suddenly paused. Voisin Sanson had the supplementary ingredients for the Demoness of Despair? He was also the one who suggested lifting the seal earlier Amon mentioned that some participants in the Hostel plan received hidden guidance in Fourth Epoch Triers unique environment without being noticed by the evil gods Was Voisin Sanson one of them? Voisin Sanson himself probably didnt remember being guided, thinking he escaped Fourth Epoch Trier purely with the help of the Mirror People, and later unknowingly did some seemingly unimportant abnormal things? Amon couldnt break out of Mr. Fools seal on His own, so there had to be a role to accomplish the unsealing task without killing methe test subject Voisin Sansons stated goal allowed him to do this without suspicion That individual tacitly allowed the Hostel plan to happen, without much interference or obstruction, and didnt ruin Red Angels plan, all to prepare for now? Realizing this, Lumian instinctively scoffed to ease his emotions. So He cant accept just any outcome after all. He did so much to ensure the expected result! Amon smiled. Willing to accept the worst outcome doesnt mean not striving for the best. And now, would you refuse to go to Morora and become a Demoness of Despair? Lumian fell silent again. Amon let the Demoness of Despair Beyonder characteristic and the two supplementary materials fly towards Lumian, casually remarking, This Beyonder characteristic will continuously spread plagues, both mundane and mystical, and youll also be infected. After Lumian caught them, Amon smiled again. Do you know what the Sequence 2 of the Inevitability pathway is? Sinner, Lumian replied, determined to go to Morora and complete his task no matter how painful or reluctant he felt. And Sequence 1? Amon continued to quiz him unhurriedly. Lumian shook his head. He really didnt know. Amon explained with a smile, Sequence 1 is Angel of Redemption, but to me, its not as useful as Sinner. The past Sinner, the present Sufferer, and the future Angel of Redemption form the trinity of the Inevitability pathway. Amon adjusted His monocle, smiling more prominently. And a Sinner has the ability to revert their state to any past moment, with the duration depending on specific circumstances. Revert to any past moment Lumian suddenly remembered that Madam Magician mentioned Amon, the King of Angels from ancient times, once briefly became a god! Amon turned, smiling. Of course, involving the uniqueness and power of a true god requires the current holders consent. That Celestial Worthy has already diverted most of His attention to influence Project Vortex, so He certainly cant interfere with The Fool on this matter, and The Fool you believe in shouldnt object. As He spoke, Amon spread His arms as if embracing returning power. The monocle on His right eye shone brilliantly. Before Lumian could react, he saw the obstacles and barriers blocking access to Morora in the special mirror world disappear, allowing him to enter the City of Exiles smoothly and without hindrance. High above in the special mirror world, the figure wearing a golden crown and black dress nodded at Amon, not attempting to interfere with Lumian. She was mirror Roselle. In this matter, She had placed bets on both sides, ensuring that the real Roselle wouldnt completely perish. Whether the real Roselle became a puppet of the Uncertain Mist or died to await another resurrection opportunity, it wouldnt affect Her existence and would even gradually make Her the main body. In the next second, Amons figure vanished from Lumians sight. The paper He had been reading silently floated down, completely blanka sheet of white paper. Before the bloody altar in the ancient castle. Maam Hermit suddenly spoke, The voice from that painting has weakened. Madam Magician looked up, slightly puzzled and apprehensive. The sealing power of the barrier has strengthened. The true god of the Door pathway has returned No, its not Mr. Fool, its more like more like Amon! Using her angelic intuition about the true god of her pathway, Madam Magician quickly made a judgment. How could Amon become the true god of the Door pathway again? Miss Justices heart stirred. Did Mr. Fool or that Celestial Worthy lend Him power? If it was the former, it would be great news for disrupting the vortex ritual. If it was the latter, it would be serious. Based on current developments, it should be Mr. Fool, Madam Magician said thoughtfully. At this moment, the Maam Hermit, receiving Miss Justices report, moved her eyes slightly. Since the influence of the mysterious voice has weakened, the power of fate must have lessened too. Now, there should be a chance to destroy this painting! As she spoke, the holder of the Major Arcana card holder reached out to Madam Magician, asking for the iron cigar case. In the sea near Port Santa, the seal, previously weakened by internal gray fog and external gnawing, instantly became as strong as before. The School of Deliciousnesss previous efforts were all in vain. Deep in the primitive island, before the Black Emperor mausoleum. The thick, pervasive white mist abruptly contracted towards the core as if squeezed by an invisible force. The mark left by The Fool inside Roselle strengthened, alleviating some of the corruption caused by the Uncertain Mist. Roselles twisted, painful expression improved somewhat. The eyes of Perle, scattered in different parts of the mist, saw a figure suddenly appear in midair. The figure wore a black robe, a matching pointed hat, and a monocle on His right eye. He is Isnt it said that external forces cant interfere with the vortexs operation? Perle, still barely alive, had this question when she saw the figure in mid-air look down at her, smiling happily as He introduced Himself, Is this our first meeting? I am Termiboros. Perle suddenly felt as if her intelligence had been stolen. How could it be Termiboros? However, my spiritual intuition tells me that He is indeed Termiboros In the special mirror world, Seeing Amons figure soar upwards and vanish from sight, Lumian finally understood why He had said that whether it was the vortex ritual or another plan, it didnt matter compared to consuming Termiboros and becoming an Angel of the Inevitability pathway. This meant there would always be a high-ranking being capable of temporarily exerting a true gods power, lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike at a crucial moment! Lumian glanced at the white paper on the ground, then looked at Franca, Jenna, and the others struggling against Higdon with the help of the Pride Armor and the Demonesss black flames. He quickly put away the Sword of Courage, gripping the Beyonder characteristic and supplementary ingredients of the Demoness of Despair, and activated the black mark on his right shoulder. He traversed the special mirror world and returned to Morora, the City of Exiles. Immediately, he reconnected with 0-01, using the Grade 0 Sealed Artifact to help bear the damage and influence of the Demoness plague. Then, Lumian stood on the steps before the Knowledge Cathedral, gazing at the wide, deserted square. He began summoning the exiles most affected by 0-01 to gather quickly, aiming to save time. Chapter 879 - Chapter 879 Demoness of Despair Chapter 879 Demoness of Despair In the next two to three minutes, a large number of exiles poured into the square in front of the Knowledge Cathedral. Some, accidentally bumped into, chose to duel on the spot. Others quietly straightened their necks so they wouldnt be too crooked. Some sang loudly out of boredom, while others played a game of slapping each other Lumian stood on the steps, holding the Beyonder characteristic of the Demoness of Despair, expressionless as he watched these exiled felons. Time is running out Lumian silently whispered to himself, turning to look at the Knowledge Cathedral once more, but still did not see Archbishop Heraberg of Morora. Finally resigned, he turned his gaze back to the exiles, who almost filled the square. There were definitely more than thirty thousand. Lumian suddenly started laughing, his body trembling with mirth. Though he seemed to have many choices, considering environmental factors, time constraints, the current situation, and his own obsessions, only one path remained. The only road before him. After laughing for over ten seconds, Lumian, dressed in a white shirt, black vest, dark trousers, and laced shoes, stepped down from the steps and walked into the crowd. The exiles near the Knowledge Cathedral began to feel something was wrong. Their bodies weakened, and when they tried to slap their opponents, it felt more like caressing their faces. Some instinctively wanted to flee but found their legs powerless, their bodies heavy, moving only slowly. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. White-blue fireballs shot out from around Lumian, flying over the exiles infected with mystical diseases and landing at the edges of the square, which the exiles strangely ignored. Rumble! The fireballs exploded simultaneously, surrounding the square in a hell of white flames. The temperature soared, and thick smoke billowed. Thud, thud, thud. Countless exiles, whose conditions had worsened, fell to the ground, watching as other felons with some strength left trampled over them. They stared at the white flames lighting up the sky, inching closer to them. Pain and despair quickly filled their hearts, consuming their sanity. Some wanted to call for help but could only make weak sounds. Rumble! Amid continuous explosions, Lumian walked out of the square, into the spreading sea of flames, and into the nearest street. Rumble! The houses on both sides of the street either collapsed under the white-blue fireballs or were directly ignited, rising into fierce flames like torches. The felons in the square fell one by one, feeling helpless against the disease, experiencing pain and despair, waiting for death. Lumian took out a glass bottle, placing the Beyonder characteristic of the Demoness of Despair, Plague Mother Serpents bile, fragments of a Silver Hunter, blood of various plague victims, and fresh mistletoe into it one by one. Bubbles gurgled up, and the dark purple potion shimmered with a rosy light. Lumian gazed at the potion, laughing hoarsely. Dont worry, I already know my insignificance. I will embrace despair and the path of the Demoness. But this is to avoid being manipulated in the future, to choose my own ending! With that, he walked forward, raising the bottle to his lips and tilting his head back to drink. The exiles still standing in the square suddenly felt their pain and despair condense into something tangible, turning into invisible threads extending toward the burning street, toward the figure with his back to them. They finally awoke, but were too sick to fight the perpetrator. Some were even already engulfed by flames, burning their bodies. They saw the figure walking step by step among the burning buildings, walking through the hellish streets, under the bright red sky. His hair floated up, growing longer, blacker, and thicker. In the air, two stars seemed to light up, and the white-blue flames in the area suddenly turned pitch black. This blackness spread like a flood, quickly drowning all light, making the fiery hell quiet, deep, and dark. In the special mirror world, in the dark scene of the abandoned park where Franca and others fought against Higdon of the Order of All Extinction. Covered in greenish-yellow mucus, Higdon had split into four, each seeking different targets, while black flames of the Demoness burned quietly around Franca and Jenna. The black flames burned the spirituality of the disease but were dimmed by the decaying power, eventually extinguishing. If it werent for discovering that Higdons disease, having some spirituality, could be ignited by the Demonesss black flames to slow its spread and intensity, Franca believed she and Jenna would have already exhausted their Mirror Substitutes and awaited death. Meanwhile, the Pride Armor played a crucial role, almost unaffected by Higdons diseases, and not corroded by the decaying power. It remained energetic, chasing down Higdon whenever he dared to attack from behind, occasionally unleashing a Hurricane of Light. During the battle, Franca and Jenna noticed another problem. They couldnt tell if it was because Higdon had no brain or if the demigod was just unlucky, but his Certain Death attacks often missed. Combined, the two Demonesses and Anthony, who used his Psychological Invisibility to stay out of the decaying range, barely managed to hold on for nearly nine minutes before Higdona demigod. Occasionally, they even felt that Higdon lacked the oppressive presence of a true demigod, seeming like a poor-quality product. But even so, they couldnt find an opportunity to escape and discovered that their enemies were multiplyingfrom two at the start to four now, with one splitting off to find Ludwig. Moreover, although individual Higdon fragments seemed weaker than a true demigod, each fragment retained the same level of power, making them collectively terrifying. Franca guessed the number of splits should have a limit, but not too many. I have two Mirror Substitutes left. Jenna probably has one Anthony, although attacked less and outside the range, only had two to begin with and has used one Franca analyzed the situation quickly while constantly repositioning to avoid Higdons sudden Sure Hit attacks. As for Lugano, when Higdon blocked him at the start, Franca signaled him to run as far as he could and hide. It proved to be the right call. Higdons targets were Ludwig and the two Demonesses, making no effort to stop Lugano from fleeing and not splitting more Higdons to chase him. Continuous use of black flames is also draining our spirituality. Jenna and I cant hold on much longer Franca considered whether to use the last Mirror Traversal of the Ice Amulet now to delay for a while and see if there would be a turning point. It could also give Anthony a chance to survive. The Hypnotist was also not Higdons target and had Psychological Invisibility. Just as Franca was about to signal Jenna to approach, she suddenly saw greenish-yellow drops forming behind Jenna, quickly condensing into Higdon. Almost simultaneously, Franca noticed from Jennas worried expression that something was happening behind her too. Without hesitation, both Demonesses activated Mirror Substitution. The next second, two Higdons spread out like dirty, slimy blankets, wrapping Franca and Jenna in a Sure Hit. A cracking sound followed. Meanwhile, Anthony, quietly lurking at the edge of the park, leaning against a half-wall, suddenly saw a greenish-yellow mucus-covered Higdon appear beside him. He had been discovered after all. Higdon pushed with both hands, sending a greenish-black light ball towards Anthony. Crack! Anthony used his last Mirror Substitution, his figure appearing behind this Higdon. Seeing this, Anthony had an epiphany. An opportunity! He didnt flee but raised his Winter is Coming revolver, aimed at Higdon, and pulled the trigger. Certain Death! A yellowish bullet, tinged with dim green, crossed the short distance, hitting Higdon. Covered in greenish-yellow mucus, Higdon froze, his body quickly disintegrating into small drops, falling to the ground without any spirituality. This Higdon was dead. But the other three Higdons remained unaffected. After confirming this, Franca and Jenna felt utter despair. Their previous plan involved the two Demonesses as bait, giving Anthony a chance to shoot one Higdon with the Certain Death bullet, hoping to kill all Higdons. Unexpectedly, the Certain Death effect only worked on the one hit. Moments later, they saw the Pride Armor hit by a Certain Death attack, metal fragments falling from its chest, standing still. Jenna gritted her teeth, ready to forgo the ritual and gamble on forcibly advancing by consuming the ingredients of the Demoness of Affliction. At least it would restore her spirituality. Even if she failed, she could turn into a monster, giving Franca a chance to escape. Before Jenna could reach into her Travelers Bag, another figure appeared at the edge of the area. It was Voisin Sanson, with his blond hair turning white, who had chased them here! Jenna and Francas hearts sank rapidly. Jenna no longer hesitated. At this moment, above one of the Higdons, a black iron sword, burning with white-blue flames, suddenly fell from the sky, accurately piercing the top of this Higdons head. Boom! This Higdon exploded into fragments, the spreading white-blue flames turning into silent blackness, engulfing each piece. The fragments never reappeared, and a figure quickly appeared in the eyes of Franca, Jenna, and Anthony. Chapter 880 - Chapter 880 Walking Destruction Chapter 880 Walking Destruction In an instant, the figure became clear. Everyone present, including Higdon and Voisin Sanson, was stunned. The person had a slim face, light blue eyes resembling clear and dreamy lakes up in the highlands, a perfectly shaped nose, and lips neither too thick nor too thin. Her features were striking and graceful, with a peculiar sharpness that seemed to pierce through any defense of body and mind, straight to the soul, hitting its weakest spot. At the same time, she had a cold demeanor, her face void of any smile, as if she had just killed thousands of people. Her long, straight black hair gently floated in the aftermath of the explosion. At this moment, Franca recalled a description she had read before her transmigration: Her beauty is aggressive As she pondered, Franca felt a strong sense of familiarity. Why does she look a bit like Lumian? No, not a bit, a lotlike Lumian feminized and beautified, with some Photoshopped editing Right, shes holding the Sword of Courage! My spiritual intuition tells me she is Lumian! Demoness of Despair! Lumian escaped Voisin Sansons pursuit, entered Morora, and without enough teammates to perform the Iron-blooded Knight ritual, chose to use the exiles there to advance to Demoness of Despair? Thats ruthless something Lumian would do No, did he choose all the options I gave him? I must admitmore beautiful than I imagined Uh, who helped him shatter the Black Tear? As Francas thoughts raced, Jenna shouted in pleasant surprise, Lumian! The enchanted Higdon and Voisin Sanson snapped back to reality. Lumians figure disappeared again, reappearing behind another Higdon. The Higdon covered in greenish-yellow mucus was prepared, instantly disintegrating into countless droplets. However, around him, an almost impermeable invisible web suddenly appeared. The web covered an area of about thirty meters, decaying rapidly while trapping and binding Higdons greenish-yellow droplets. Silent, destructive black flames surged from the Demoness-form Lumian, igniting the nearly decayed web and engulfing every greenish-yellow fragment, stripping them of all spirituality. Idiot! Lumian cursed expressionlessly, his figure disappearing once more. I didnt continue attacking but used Charm to buy time to weave this web, anticipating your escape! Though Lumian used teleportation and invisibility, the black flames from his body did not extinguish. After burning the web and the trapped Higdon fragments, the flames quickly spread across most of the park-like ruins, igniting the pervasive disease in the air. Feeling the power of the disease and decay significantly diminishing, Franca didnt search for Lumian. Instead, she tacitly charged at Voisin Sanson. She sensed Lumian wanted to eliminate Higdon first, so they needed to hold off Voisin Sanson, the Circle Inhabitant, to prevent him from interfering in Lumian and Higdons battle. Every moment counted! Jenna had a similar feeling, quickly hiding and circling around Voisin Sanson, ready to support Franca and Anthony. Among them, Anthony could inflict the most damage on a demigod! Anthony used Psychological Invisibility again, cautiously approaching Voisin Sanson. Voisin Sanson was still confused and fearfulhe couldnt figure out where he went wrong trying to unseal and release Lord Termiboros, which allowed Lumian Lee to escape. For a devout follower of Inevitability, this was a mistake redeemable only by death. As soon as he regained control, Voisin Sanson hurried to the battlefield of Higdon and Lumians companions, hoping to capture Lumians teammates and force him back to save them, thus regaining control over him. Unexpectedly, Lumian had indeed returned, but as a Demoness, a demigod-level Demoness! If not for the fact that his lust-enhancing contract wasnt with a demigod creature and he had become a demigod-level Ascetic, he would have already lost control under that soul-piercing Charm. Quickly, Voisin Sanson spotted Lumians figure, emerging behind the last Higdon. Voisin Sanson was about to teleport over and hunt him down when Francas figure appeared behind him. Franca raised her left hand, adorned with a black iron spiked ring, her eyes glowing with two streaks of lightning. Psychic Piercing! Voisin Sansons body shook slightly, his soul feeling a brief pain. Immediately, a transparent figure resembling him grew from his back, coldly gazing at Franca. Crack! Franca used her last Mirror Substitution, the fragments falling lifelessly to the ground. Simultaneously, Jenna appeared several meters to the side. She held a brown leather scroll, chanting a word in Hermes, Sun! The scroll burst into radiant sunlight, enveloping Voisin Sanson in its holy and fiery light. Though the power of Inevitability was not evil, corrupt, or dark, it contained a will that, for Sanson, was foreign and had to be expelled. Of course, after reaching the demigod level, Voisin Sansons consciousness had been corrupted and influenced by that will, aligning more closely with its master, so the purification effect wouldnt be too significant. However, his contracted creatures included dark, evil, and corrupt types, some of which feared purification. So, under the sunlight, Voisin Sanson couldnt help but close his eyes, raise his right hand to shield his face, and black smoke sizzled from his body. As a demigod, Voisin Sanson wouldnt suffer severe damage from such Purification and would soon recover, but this gave Anthony a chance. Anthony stopped, raised his Winter is Coming revolver, and pulled the trigger after a simple aim. Bang! A dark yellow bullet flew toward Voisin Sanson. Sure Hit! Anthony wasnt sure if Voisin Sanson had a substitute ability, so he chose Sure Hit instead of Certain Death. Clang! The bullet hit Voisin Sanson, producing a metallic sound, tearing his clothes, and causing his skin and flesh to rupture. In the instant he was enveloped by sunlight, unsure of what he might encounter if he teleported away, Voisin Sanson activated a contract ability to metallize himself, enhancing his defense without amplifying the effect of the sunlight. If the next attack couldnt be stopped even with metallization, Voisin Sanson could trigger the Circle Inhabitant effect, resetting his body state. During the desperate blockade by Franca, Jenna, and Anthony, the last Higdon, seemingly foreseeing this, suddenly grew two greenish-yellow mucus-covered arms from his back, pushing out a dim green light at the Demoness of Despair, Lumian. Certain Death! The light hit Lumians tall, perfect body but passed through. The figure wavered like ripples, quickly shatteringjust an illusion. At this moment, multiple Lumian figures with black hair lightly floating appeared around Higdon, all wielding the Sword of Courage, slashing at the Sequence 4 demigod of the Order of All Extinction. This was the demigod-level Demonesss utilization of the special mirror world, with each figure possibly being a mirror illusion or the real Lumian hidden among them! Higdons body suddenly disintegrated into dim greenish light, indiscriminately using the Certain Death effect. This was both an area attack and an escape! At this moment, another Lumian appeared in midair. He held the Sword of Courage with both hands, descending heavily and stabbing the ground. Rumble! White-blue flames followed the violent explosion, quickly engulfing the area, consuming the dim greenish light striking the various Lumian figures, not giving them a chance to split into more Higdons. Immediately, the white-blue flames turned into silent black, igniting and devouring all spirituality in the area with a destructive presence. Smack! As the black flames receded, a fist-sized lump of greenish-yellow mucus fell to the ground. This was deliberately left by Lumian. He grabbed the mucus without fearing infection, holding it in his hand and smearing it on a mirror. His hand, covered in black flames, pressed onto it. The greenish-yellow mucus let out a shrill scream. In another dark ruin, another Higdon had just found Ludwig and was about to reach for the little boy with a ravenous expression when silent black flames bizarrely erupted from within him. He was quickly engulfed by the black flames, turning into lifeless liquid, dripping to the ground. After dealing with Higdon, Lumian teleported directly in front of Voisin Sanson, signaling Franca, Jenna, and Anthony, who had no Mirror Substitutes left, to retreat. In Voisin Sansons eyes, just recovering from the fierce sunlight, the coldly beautiful Demoness curled her lips into a soul-capturing smile. Voisin Sanson froze for a moment, hearing a slightly magnetic, pleasant voice in his ear: Hope your Circle Inhabitant effect still works; I dont want to kill you just once. Chapter 881 - Chapter 881 Three Times Chapter 881 Three Times Voisin Sanson felt there was no warmth in the voices laughter, and he suddenly shuddered, snapping back to reality. His first reaction was to quickly teleport out of this area, because Lumian had become a potion pathway demigod, and still had three companions assisting him. Meanwhile, Sansons ally, the other demigod Higdon, had been completely killed by Lumian in a very short time. No matter how devoutly he believed in the great Circle of Inevitability, no matter how urgently he longed to rescue Lord Termiboros, the Angel of Inevitability, today, Voisin Sanson was not so blind as to misread the current situation. He knew he only had two choices: stay and fight to the death, or flee quickly and wait for another opportunity. At this moment, it was not difficult to decide which to choose. As the black mark on his body activated, Voisin Sansons figure disappeared from where he stood. The next second, he appeared dozens of meters away, facing a dark, transparent, almost glass-like barrier ahead. The barrier flickered in and out of visibility, sealing off an area the size of a plaza. Lumian, his body now slightly slimmer, held the huge iron-black straight sword and did not stop Voisin Sansons attempt. He only said in a slightly mocking tone, This is the special mirror world, and a demigod-level Demoness can utilize the power of this world to some extent. If you want to break the mirror barrier and teleport out, theres only one waydefeat me, kill me. Voisin Sanson struggled for a moment but failed to succeed. He had no choice but to turn around and face Lumian. Then he saw the other reveal a beautiful but dangerous smile. Lumian did not act immediately, because he was listening to the beating of his own heart. The seal of Mr. Fool on him had lost its effect, but Amon had left some power in the original position, preventing the soul fragments of Aurore and others from leaking out and perishing completely. Of course, this was only a temporary restriction. In two or three days at most, the seal would completely dissipate. And because of the vast difference in strength between the two seals, Lumian felt that the distance between himself and his sister had shortened considerably, as if he could hear her voice and receive her thoughts. Thump, thump, thump. That heartbeat was familiar and warm. Do you see? Voisin Sanson is right in front of us, that heretic who always made you have nightmares, who scared you into fleeing Trier. Do you see? Hes afraid. Lumian whispered these two sentences with a gentle expression, then raised his head and cast his gaze toward Voisin Sanson. During this process, he teleported several times in succession, changing his position to prevent Voisin Sansons attacks from affecting him. Lumian slightly arched his back and gripped the Sword of Courage with both hands. The next second, his figure suddenly faded, blinking to the front of Voisin Sanson, seemingly intending to ignore the others counterattack and forcibly cleave the target in two. Voisin Sanson did not hesitate because of how beautiful this image was or how alluring this figure was. Relying on the endurance ability of an Ascetic, he concentrated dark green light in his eyes. As the beam surged forth, Lumian had already become transparent, turning into a mirror. Smack! Just as the mirror shattered, Lumians figure appeared behind Voisin Sanson, maintaining the downward slashing motion with the iron-black straight sword. Voisin Sanson quickly let the semi-transparent figure resembling himself emerge, staring at Lumian. But Lumians figure suddenly became illusory, as if reflected in a mirror. At the same time, Lumian materialized above Voisin Sansons head, holding the iron-black straight sword burning with white-blue flames; he completed the last motion of this attack with a jumping slash. Clang! The Sword of Courage struck the junction between Voisin Sansons neck and shoulder, directly cleaving open the skin and flesh gleaming with metallic luster, staining it with bright red blood. Immediately after, a violent explosion occurred, and Voisin Sansons body was about to be torn apart. At this moment, Lumian was slightly dazed, while Voisin Sanson instantly returned to his original state, teleporting to the other side of the sealed area. Lumian did not pursue closely, but turned his body to face the white-haired fatalist and said with a smile, First time. Voisin Sanson immediately felt his scalp tingle, understanding that the other meant he had already killed him once, with many more times to come. He immediately activated a contract ability called Phantom. He suddenly split into dozens of copies of himself, and each Voisin Sanson seemed capable of teleporting, appearing in different positions and corners of the sealed area. They simultaneously raised their right hands, their eyes reflecting the corresponding mercury-colored illusory river of Lumian. This could be either Magnified Fate or Fate Exchange! And Lumian seemed unable to distinguish which Voisin Sanson was real, unable to effectively prevent it. Lumians light blue eyes smiled without mirth. He glanced at the Sword of Courage and found that Voisin Sansons blood, which should have stained it, had disappeared, as if returning to the body of that Circle Inhabitant. Lumian was not surprised. He suddenly threw the Sword of Courage, hurling it towards the center of the sealed area. The huge iron-black straight sword fell to the ground like a cannonball. Rumble! A massive explosion suddenly occurred, shaking even the special mirror world, and white-blue flames quickly covered every inch of ground and every bit of air in the sealed area. This was why Lumian had limited the battlefield to the size of a plaza. The phantoms created by Voisin Sanson were quickly destroyed. After struggling to resist for two seconds, his true body shattered, triggering the Circle Inhabitant effect. Lumian himself was also engulfed by the explosion, the flames scorching his skin, the shockwave tearing at his body. Then, he turned into a mirror. The mirror immediately shattered. As the explosion quickly subsided, Lumian looked at Voisin Sanson, who was far away from him, and smiled more obviously. Second time. His clear light blue eyes, like highland lakes, still held no mirth. As he spoke, invisible spider silk extended from Lumians body, binding the hilt of the Sword of Courage and dragging it back. Realizing that the area-of-effect attack of the iron-black straight sword could completely cover this area, and that none of his contract abilities were sufficient to withstand such an explosion, Voisin Sanson was overcome with a feeling called despair. Although before chasing here, he had already canceled the previous Circle Inhabitant effect and waited for the restriction to end, resetting the same Circle Inhabitant with nine more chances to trigger, now with seven left, if Lumian were to throw that iron-black straight sword again and again, repeating the area-of-effect explosion from earlier, he didnt think seven Circle Inhabitant effects would have much significance. Unless that iron-black straight sword needed some time between such attacks. Voisin Sanson dared not gamble. He chose to end the Circle Inhabitant effect on himself. His right hand pressed towards Lumians approaching figure from a distance, and silver-white lines with black edges appeared in his eyes. These lines twisted like snakes, framing Lumians figure in the middle, then quickly connected head to tail. Voisin Sanson wanted to make Lumian a Circle Inhabitant! Different types of Circle Inhabitant effects didnt need to wait for restrictions to end. And in the same time period, Voisin Sanson, at only Sequence 4, could maintain only one Circle. His preset condition now was that if Lumian made any move to attack him, it would trigger the Circle Inhabitant effect, resetting the state of this Demoness of Despairsuch harsh conditions couldnt be placed on an area-of-effect Circle Inhabitant, and would be suppressed by the targets level, not achieving the best effect, unlike the area-of-effect Circle Inhabitant which could affect even Angel-level Beyonders. The Inevitability power Voisin Sanson attached to this Circle Inhabitant could only maintain three cycles. Once it exceeded three times and started the fourth, the destined fate would arrive. Of course, what exactly this destined fate would be needed to be chosen by Voisin Sanson himself. Because he had to complete this Circle quickly, otherwise Lumian could launch an attack first, Voisin Sanson had no time to discern carefully. He just glanced and chose a tributary from Lumians illusory mercury-colored long river, placing it into the circle. It was the tributary of the Mirror People being hostile to this Demoness of Despair, which could help Voisin Sanson destroy the surrounding mirror barriers, giving him a chance to teleport and escape. The worse the destined fate, the worse the final result, the more Inevitability power Voisin Sanson had to invest, and the longer it would take to complete the Circle Inhabitant, which was not suitable for the current situation. As soon as this circle was completed, Lumian immediately had a spiritual intuition and put down the Sword of Courage in his hand, no longer advancing. Seeing this, Voisin Sanson instinctively concentrated dark green light in his eyes. Those two beams shot out like light, instantly falling on Lumian, who once again turned into a mirror, his body materializing not far from his original position. Seeing this, Voisin Sanson suddenly froze. Why didnt Harrison and I think of using this method to trap Lumian when facing his attacks? That way we could have resolved the battle faster, without needing to be killed several times And now, he still had who knows how many Mirror Substitutions. Voisin Sanson quickly decided to provoke Lumian to attack. His eyes once again lit up with a dark green hue. Just then, even with the endurance of an Ascetic, Voisin Sanson couldnt help but cough once, causing the dark green beam in his eyes to deviate from its target and fall on the distant mirror barrier. The barrier was slightly damaged but instantly repaired itself. Voisin Sanson began to feel his body weakening, each breath feeling like his airways were being scorched by flames. His spirituality was also rapidly depleting. Disease Ive been infected by the Demonesss disease! Voisin Sanson suddenly raised his head, just in time to see Lumian reveal a mocking but beautiful smile. Why did you think the explosion and incineration from earlier could directly kill my mystical pathogens? They can persist for quite a while longer. Voisin Sansons heart tightened, and he frantically attacked Lumian, but only managed to shatter three or four mirrors. And with each ineffective attack, Voisin Sanson grew more desperate. He seemed to already see the worst outcome approaching, yet was powerless to reverse it, only able to watch helplessly as the bell of death tolled. He even tried to metallize his body, but the disease could still infect him, eating into him. Cough, cough, cough! After many more attempts, Voisin Sanson finally lost the strength to stand. He collapsed to the ground, coughing violently as he fell. He no longer had the power to maintain the Circle Inhabitant effect on Lumian. Lumian walked step by step to the front of this Circle Inhabitant, looking down at him from above, and said with a mocking smile, Only three times? Voisin Sanson raised his head with difficulty, looking at that beautiful and cold face, feeling as if he was rapidly falling into a bottomless abyss. That feeling was the epitome of despair. Lumian bound Voisin Sanson with a spider web, suspending him in the air, then formed a sharp, thick ice pillar beneath him. Goodbye, give my regards to your master, Lumian said softly, retracting all the spider silk. Pfft! Voisin Sanson fell heavily, impaled by the ice pillar. His eyes bulged, and blood flowed beneath him. Chapter 882 - Chapter 882 The True Purpose Chapter 882 The True Purpose Seeing Voisin Sansons eyes bulge, his breath gradually fading, his face twisted in pain and palpable despair, Lumian reached behind into the Travelers Bag and took out the silver Lie earring, putting it on his left ear. The dying Voisin Sanson suddenly saw a familiar figure. That figure had light blue eyes, beautiful features, and long, thick golden hair. It was Aurore. But this time, there was no longer fear or terror on Aurores face, only a faint smile. Gasp Voisin Sanson uttered his final sound. He died like that, with his eyes bulging. Lumian returned to his original appearance, casually saying as he removed the Lie earring, You died so quickly? I wanted to thank you for helping me digest the Despair potion. When he had just advanced, the Despair potion was already mostly digested, and now it had progressed even further. Lumian wasnt surprised by this. According to the mystical knowledge he had learned from Madam Magician, the essence of the acting method was actually to gradually align ones mental and spiritual state with the core symbolism of the potion through acting, thereby bypassing restrictions and completing digestion step by step. His state before and after taking the Despair potion could be said to be very close to the name Despair. Lumian wasnt despairing about having to become a Demoness. For faster advancement, better handling of possible apocalyptic scenarios, and earlier resurrection of his sister, he had considered similar things more than once. After all, he would have the chance to switch to the Hunter pathway and become a man again later. He despaired that he was forced to do this and had no way to refuse. He despaired that his previous efforts, struggles, and anger were all under someone elses arrangements, and that he would have to follow someone elses arrangements to walk the path of the Demoness afterwards. Of course, when despair reached its peak, the desire and belief in his heart to become strong and change all this also intensified to the extreme. Is this what you wanted too? Lumian whispered self-mockingly as he unsealed the area and let the remaining mystical pathogens dissipate completely. Franca, Jenna, and Anthony had already hurried over after Voisin Sanson was impaled on the ice pillar. Lumian suddenly sensed something and turned his gaze to a certain spot in this dark ruin. It was where the Order of All Extinction demigod Higdon had finally died. There, points of green light with yellow tinges appeared out of thin air, rising upwards, only to be blocked by the barrier of the special mirror world. This place preliminarily cuts off connections, preventing some bestowed power from returning? Lumian, with his experience, immediately made the corresponding judgment. By this time, Franca and the others had run up to him. Looking at that familiar yet beautiful and cold face, Franca opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but swallowed it back. Jenna examined Lumians current appearance, with only one thought in mind: Its good that hes still alive; its best that everyone is still alive! As for the rest, there was nothing to worry about. Lumian pointed to those green lights with yellow tinges that were being blocked, his voice slightly magnetic and distinctly feminine as he said, You can take a weapon over there and place it there. This was actively creating a Beyonder weapon. After Franca exchanged glances with Jenna and Anthony, she very proactively said without any modesty, Ill go; Im just in need of a weapon that can harm demigods. She was the second highest Sequence Beyonder in the teamnot counting Ludwig. If she had had a similar weapon earlier, she might not have been so desperate when facing Higdon. Alright, Jenna expressed her attitude. Anthony also nodded. This didnt mean that if he put the Winter is Coming revolver under those light spots, this Beyonder weapon would reset its usage count. Given its own material composition, doing so would likely cause the corruption to exceed the limit, making it disintegrate directly. Franca took out her Cannon Gun and ran towards the area permeated with green light spots with yellow tinges. Lumian withdrew his gaze, looked at Jenna, and said with a slight smile, Do you have any ring-shaped items? Jenna, looking at that smile that seemed to radiate its own light, was a bit surprised, but felt that now was not the time to ask. She found a cheap silver bracelet and handed it to Lumian. After taking it, Lumian placed the bracelet on top of Voisin Sansons corpse, waiting for the Inevitability power to be intercepted. He then looked towards the distant transparent boundary that was like a mirror, seeing his own figure and face. He made an effort to bring a smile to the corners of his mouth. Because Aurore was just such a person who excelled at finding joy in suffering. In front of the bloody altar, Maam Hermit was trying to find a way to combine the iron cigar case bearing Mr. Fools aura with the Spear of Longinus to directly attack that oil painting depicting endless starry skies. Madam Magician, based on her rich knowledge of seals and powerful sealing abilities, carefully said, The power of Inevitability is to make the interference of non-vortex ritual participants fail, while that terrifying voice affects all Beyonders similar to Listeners and Mystery Pryers. We may be able to solve them separately. The power of Inevitability is most likely dissipating from that circular ring on the oil painting. If we can plug it, shield it, we should be able to break free from the fate of interference being destined to fail, directly destroy the painting, and interrupt that terrifying voice. Plug it Maam Hermit immediately had an idea upon hearing Miss Justices relay. Taking advantage of the opportunity when the barrier seal was strengthened and the power of inevitability was significantly weakened, she cast a Warlocks spell, throwing that iron cigar case towards the oil painting on the altar, making it land accurately on the area painted with the silver-white ring with black edges. The iron cigar case directly pressed down on that ring, shielding it, without leaving any trace exposed. The little boy, Will, immediately said, The power of Inevitability has decreased a lot more! Hearing this, Madam Magician quickly raised both arms, making the void around that oil painting bend, becoming dark and deep. That space subsequently collapsed, shattering inch by inch, along with obvious cracks appearing on the oil painting and altar. Miss Justices face then protruded with patches of grayish-white scales, her body seeming to swell. Similarly, Madam Judgment once again made a judgment. Seeing her companions all launching attacks, Maam Hermit once again condensed that ancient spear stained with strange blood, throwing it towards the oil painting. The oil painting, already in tatters under continuous attacks, was completely pierced by this Spear of Longinus, nailed to the altar. Immediately after, flames that seemed to encompass all colors erupted from the spear tip, completely igniting the oil painting that still had terrifying sounds leaking out, gradually burning it to ashes. Above Trier, one Worm of Time after another crawled back into Mr. Stars body. This Major Arcana card holder wearing red gloves said to Mr. Hanged Man in his original magnetic voice, Amon has returned, and briefly regained the true god powers of the Error and Door pathways. I must return to the Cathedral of Serenity immediately. As soon as he finished speaking, Mr. Star instantly disappeared. Mr. Hanged Man cast his gaze downward, seeing the Moon transformed into crimson moonlight fall into the extremely compressed villa mist, while Saint Vive of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church shone into it in the form of sunlight. Deep in the primitive island, outside the Black Emperor mausoleum. Amon, at the edge of the astral world, looked down at Perle, at the Shadow of the Beauty Goddess and the miniature crimson moon still struggling to approach the corresponding light spots in the white mist, without any action. What are you still waiting for? Roselle, his face gradually deepening in pain, asked. The same as what youre thinking now, the most arrogant thought youve ever had. Amon pinched the monocle on his right eye and smiled in response. If it was just to eliminate the believers of Uncertain Mist, there would be no need for such trouble, nor would it be worth us revealing our trump cards. Roselle glanced at the transaction still ongoing below and said, That could bring great hidden dangers. When you make a decision, you have to accept the corresponding consequences. How can you accomplish something big without taking any risks or bearing any losses? Amon said with a smile, then added, This wasnt said by me, nor by you. Before Roselle, who was being eroded more and more deeply and painfully by the white mist, could respond, Amon looked into the distance and said, Those few from the Tarot Club are not bad, they dont need me to personally descend to destroy that oil painting. Saying this, Amon, wearing a monocle, showed an eager expression. Now, its time. He cast his gaze towards the Black Emperor mausoleum, towards Bernadette who was being restricted by Roselle and unable to come out. That Queen Mystic suddenly recalled something, feeling as if a certain memory had parted the mist and revealed itself. She immediately stretched out her right hand, quickly sketching out one word after another bearing starlight in front of her. These words, seemingly the source of all languages in the Northern and Southern Continents, quickly intertwined into strange symbols, opening a secret door that seemed to lead to the depths of the spirit world. That secret door opened silently, and a gust of wind blew out, transforming into a man with a human upper body and an airflow lower body, wrapped in white cloth. The Magic Wishing Lamp and that item, Bernadette commanded in an authoritative voice. That man with an airflow lower body respectfully responded, then took out two items from the white cloth wrapped around his body. One looked like a miniature kettle, golden in color, covered with mysterious and complex symbols, with something like a wick protruding from the spout. This was 0-05the Magic Wishing Lamp that the believers of Uncertain Mist wanted to obtain. The other was a gray stone tablet, also engraved with those words that seemed to be the source of all languages in the Northern and Southern Continents, with numerous traces on its surface, mottled and ancient. Chapter 883 - Chapter 883 The Poor Genie Chapter 883 The Poor Genie After receiving those two items, Bernadette had fully remembered what she and the former Angel of Imagination, now the True CreatorAdamwere cooperating on. Now, it was the final step of this transaction. The gray stone tablet she held in her hand was the second Blasphemy Slate transformed from the remains of the Ancient Sun God, the predecessor of the True Creator, recording the names, potion formulas, and related rituals for each Sequence of the twenty-two paths of the divine! Bernadette originally didnt want to push the transaction to this step, hoping to resolve the corruption issue on her fathers body before this, thereby ending the vortex ritual, but ultimately, she had to face the current situation. Many of her efforts had failed, and several of her backup plans either didnt have time to take effect, or lost their effect because she was restricted by her father in the mausoleum and unable to leave. She could only hope that the proclaimed inevitable outcome would come to pass. Bernadette raised both hands, pushing the Magic Wishing Lamp and the second Blasphemy Slate towards midair. The moment He saw these two items, Emperor Roselle fully understood all of True Creator Adams arrangements and ultimate purpose. He reached out His hand, distorting the distance between the Magic Wishing Lamp and Himself, making it fall directly into His palm. The Blasphemy Slate first disappeared, then appeared in the hands of Amon, who was wearing a black pointed soft hat. Holding the Magic Wishing Lamp, Roselle smiled calmly at Amon and said, Now that I am the true Black Emperor, and deeply corrupted by the Uncertain Mist, I indeed might be able to do something with this Magic Wishing Lamp and the Genie inside it as a medium. Its not might, its certainly, Amon adjusted the monocle on His right eye, smiling as He corrected. Roselle didnt say more. Holding the Magic Wishing Lamp, He half-closed His eyes, extending His consciousness to this golden object. This brought along some of the white mist that had begun to erode His consciousness. Vaguely, Roselle seemed to see another barrier standing between heaven and earth. That barrier was wrapped in thin grayish-white fog, its specific appearance indiscernible. Soon, Roselle sensed a gap in the grayish-white fog, on that invisible barrier, but couldnt lock onto it. At this moment, Amon pressed His right hand against the crystal monocle wedged in His eye socket. That monocle suddenly lit up with a brilliance that seemed to illuminate the entire world. Roselles consciousness, preliminarily combined with the Uncertain Mists corruption, instantly floated into the corresponding gap. A haze immediately appeared before His eyes. Deep within that swirling smoke seemed to be hidden thirty-three layers of sky, each layer with numerous buildings faintly visible. Roselles consciousness quickly ascended, arriving at the highest layer of sky, coming to a majestic and grand palace. He saw an incredibly enormous imperial figure, saw that the figures face was masked by strings of jade, and beneath the jade strings seemed to be nothing, a void. Roselle inexplicably felt that this enormous imperial figure was very similar to Himself, born from the same source, yet encompassing Him. A close connection was quickly established between the two. This connection swiftly eroded Roselles consciousness, yet was blocked by the corruption of the Uncertain Mist. They both merged and opposed each other. Roselle momentarily regained some clarity. A flash of inspiration struck Him, and using that close connection, He lowered His stance and said in His true mother tongue, Imperial brother, please lend me your strength! That emperor with a face shielded by jade strings attached to a tall oriental crown suddenly stood up. Behind Him, several similar imperial figures appeared, these figures each with different external appearances, but similarly with faces covered in jade strings, lacking faces, a complete void. At the same time, all thirty-three layers of the sky deep within the haze lit up, revealing magnificent buildings and sacred figures. Roselles vision was instantly filled with azure light. His consciousness suddenly returned to the Black Emperor divine body, seeing bursts of azure light erupting from within, dispersing and dissolving the white mist that had deeply eroded Him. Yet as time passed, the azure light and white mist began to show signs of merging in some places. During this process, the Uncertain Mist did not withdraw its white mist. On the one hand, this was due to the barriers obstruction and the influence of the True Creator and Amon; on the other hand, the Uncertain Mist was following its own chaotic madness, following its instinctive desires and cravings, wanting to truly merge with the azure light. Roselle increasingly felt as if He was another facet of the Uncertain Mist, the connection established between Them through the white mist quickly becoming unusually solid. At this point, even if the Uncertain Mist wanted to recall that white mist, it couldnt be done instantly, requiring some time, unless Roselle agreed. The ball of white mist from the vortex ritual involuntarily rose, flying towards Roselles body. This terrified Perle, who was currently only able to survive with the help of this mist, while the Shadow of the Beauty Goddess and the miniature crimson moon in the mist both stopped advancing, standing still. Roselle once again cast His gaze towards Amon, who was holding the Blasphemy Slate, and said with some emotion, As expected of a Visionary To dare to imagine this, to dare to arrange this! Amons previous answer had confirmed Roselles initial and boldest guess was correct. The true purpose of the True Creator using the vortex ritual was to deal with the Uncertain Mist, that great existence peering at the current world! Normally, even if that True Creator and the six true gods in the astral world put aside Their grudges and fully cooperated, They couldnt accomplish such a thing, at most forcing the Uncertain Mist to retreat. But now, He had used the vortex ritual, used the Uncertain Mists craving for the Black Emperor true god, allowing the Uncertain Mist to establish a firm and close connection with Himself, making Himself increasingly similar to the Uncertain Mist, thus creating a certain opportunity. Of course, the so-called opportunity certainly wasnt to use this connection to transfer power over and directly attack the Uncertain Mist; that wouldnt lead to a very good effect. But in the mystical world, there were some underlying rules that could be exploited, many ways to defeat powerful existences by harming the weak, which was the basis of many curses. As this thought flashed, Roselle began to rub His fingers over the golden surface of the Magic Wishing Lamp, covered in mysterious and complex symbols, muttering, Genie! The wick at the spout suddenly ignited, emitting light that looked like viscous water, spurting upwards to form a blurred and distorted pale golden figure. As soon as that pale golden figure appeared, He turned His head, about to dive back into the Magic Wishing Lamp, but the white mist and azure light eroding Roselles Black Emperor divine body suddenly split off a large portion, like a bear smelling honey or a vampire placed next to a pool of fresh, healthy blood, violently surging around this pale golden figure, binding it layer upon layer, as if submerging it. Genie twisted and struggled desperately, trying to escape this predicament and shrink back into the Magic Wishing Lamp, but couldnt succeed no matter what. His pale golden figure gradually showed signs of merging with the white mist and azure light. Genies mouth kept opening and closing, as if frantically cursing Amon and Roselle, but restrained by the white mist and azure light, He couldnt even make a sound. Roselle raised the Magic Wishing Lamp and Genie to His chest level, distorting the relationship between the main body and external items, briefly making Himself an appendage of Genie. In an instant, Genie, originally one with the Uncertain Mist and completely of the same source, seemed to become another facet of the Uncertain Mist again, yet was subjected to sealing, unable to exert His power, appearing quite weak! Roselle looked at Amon again. Now, before your authority over loopholes as a true god of the Error pathway, under this firm and close connection, from a mystical perspective, the weak Genie can completely equal the powerful Uncertain Mist. Severely injuring Genie would be equivalent to severely injuring the Uncertain Mist and making Genie fall asleep would be equivalent to making the Uncertain Mist fall asleep! What happens next is up to the two of you! Amon smiled and raised the Blasphemy Slate in His hand. In the Forsaken Land of the Gods, atop the majestic and stretching mountain range, before a huge blood-stained cross. The True CreatorAdamwho had shaken off the influence of the Outer Gods ravings, was already waiting here. He wore a simple white robe, had a thick golden beard, eyes as clear as a childs, and beneath His feet was a dense shadow, different from Him, with five heads. It seemed to be His, yet not His. Adam opened His mouth and said solemnly and sacredly, I am One, and also Infinity, the Beginning and the End. As soon as He finished speaking, True Creator Adams clear eyes instantly became illusory, and around His body appeared a strange sea that seemed to encompass all colors and all possibilities. Immediately after, Adam grasped the silver cross pendant hanging on His chest. Above His head, a blazing yet illusory sun leaped out. To His left, lightning, gale winds, and sea waves interwove to form an overlooking phantom. To His right, a white tower with numerous brass eyes rose from the ground. These illusory, seemingly imagined authorities and symbols, along with Adams own shadow, driven by the chaotic sea, merged into Adams body one after another. With a thunderous sound, that strange sea encompassing all colors and all possibilities surged up, submerging the entire mountain range, while Adam expanded into a huge figure of light that seemed capable of supporting heaven and earth. This True Creator briefly returned to His peak state, and that human savior who had battled ancient gods appeared in the world once again! He walked slowly on the chaotic and pitch-black water surface, pointing His finger towards the sea that was both real and illusory. With this pointing, the surface of the second Blasphemy Slate in Amons hand quickly surged with chaotic seawater encompassing all colors and all possibilities. Amon no longer held it directly, letting this mottled and ancient stone tablet float in front of His body. He then looked towards the pale golden Genie that was frantically twisting while seemingly cursing Him, revealing a smile that made the other even more furious. Then, He let that Blasphemy Slate rise up. Chapter 884 - Chapter 884 The Future He Proclaimed Chapter 884 The Future He Proclaimed As the Blasphemy Slate in front of Amon rose up, the white mist corroding Roselle and Genie suddenly reacted, trying to break free and retreat back to the endless cosmos. But Roselle forcibly held it down, only allowing it to withdraw bit by bit. Similarly, the pale golden Genie struggled desperately, trying to dive back into the Magic Wishing Lamp through the spout, but Roselle gave Him no such opportunity, firmly binding Him in front using the white mist and azure light. Roselle turned His head to look down at the Black Emperor mausoleum, Distorting the distinction between inside and outside, and gave His eldest daughter Bernadette a smile that was both pained and satisfied. He called out loudly, Enjoy this world for me for a while! Dad! Queen Mystic Bernadette cried out, her cheeks glistening with tears. Roselle said no more, turning His gaze back and standing upright. He continued to resist the retraction of the white mist, tightly gripping Genie, then raised His chin and said to Amon in an authoritative and firm voice, Do it. Amons monocle on His right eye instantly lit up with a strange radiance. He pressed down with both hands, causing the floating Blasphemy Slate before Him to heavily smash towards the pale golden Genie and Roselle who was embracing Genie. The chaotic seawater encompassing all colors and possibilities transformed into a torrent, surging over mightily. Drawn by this, the ball of white mist representing the vortex ritual, along with Perle, the Shadow of the Beauty Goddess, and the miniature crimson moon inside it, also rushed rapidly towards Genie and Roselle. At this moment, within the vortexs white mist, a previously unexpanded point of light rapidly enlarged, revealing a dim and dark scene that seemed to correspond to both Fourth Epoch Trier and some unknown place. From this scene, a delicate, slender, and beautiful white hand suddenly reached out, grabbing the distorted arm of the Shadow of the Beauty Goddess, and swiftly dragged this Grade 0 Sealed Artifact into its own light point. Both disappeared into the deep, blackish gloom. Affected by the completion of this transaction, the miniature crimson moon formed by the Great Mothers corruption instantly arrived before the light point where a blurred figure was suspended, about to permeate into it. Amon was fully utilizing loopholes while also having to control that Blasphemy Slate and maintain its stability, so He could only barely spare a bit of attention to interfere. He couldnt prevent the disappearance of the Shadow of the Beauty Goddess, only causing the miniature crimson moon to autonomously crumble and dissipate by nearly half. The remaining miniature crimson moon drilled into the corresponding light point, entering the blurred human figure suspended in midair. That figure wrapped in bandages, thorns, and roses suddenly had its belly swell up enormously, with obvious cracks appearing. From these crevices, arms covered in black tar-like liquid and protruding with scarlet eyeballs, skull heads, and mouths with teeth and tongues suddenly stretched out, tearing at the blurred figures abdomen. The next second, the white mist representing the vortex ritual covered the pale golden Genie, with all the light points within simultaneously extinguishing. Genie cursed frantically and silently, but could only watch helplessly as the chaotic torrent encompassing all colors and possibilities surged towards Him along with the mottled, ancient, and gray stone tablet. He was instantly submerged. His body composed of pale golden viscous lamplight quickly disintegrated, reverting to tiny golden fragments. These fine, pure gold light points were rapidly washed away and eliminated by the chaotic torrent, leaving not a trace behind. In the blink of an eye, only an extremely dim blue-tinged white light remained of Genie. This light, not completely decomposed by the chaotic torrent, pathetically shrank back into the golden Magic Wishing Lamp. At this point, Roselle no longer needed to restrain Genie, nor did He need to arduously maintain the close connection between Himself and the Uncertain Mist. He looked at the chaotic torrent surging before Him, raised His chin again, and opened His arms, as if an emperor embracing His own world. In an instant, the chaotic torrent encompassing all colors and possibilities submerged Roselles figure as well. This resurrected Black Emperors body quickly disintegrated, rapidly becoming ethereal. Dad Bernadette in the mausoleum below called out once more, but this time her voice was very low, like sleep-talking. Almost simultaneously, outside the barrier, the white mist covering a certain planet suddenly contracted to its core, as if directly struck by the second Blasphemy Slate along with the chaotic torrent, revealing the weathered earth and dried-up seabed once again. Immediately after, uncertain, dense white mist spread out again, with indescribable sounds echoing throughout the cosmos. This caused even the extremely bright astral world to be covered by thin mist, making the entire world dim and dark. The next second, the white mist, whose size and state were indescribable, detached from the previous planet. That planet shattered silently, with various rocks and gasses ejecting outwards in waves. Then, a chaotic sense encompassing all colors appeared on the surface of the dense, uncertain, and unviewable white mist. It suddenly shrank, rapidly disappearing into the depths of the endless, dead, and dark cosmos. On the streets of Trier, citizens saw the mist in the sky gradually dissipate, and the sun returned to normalneither bright enough to blind human eyes nor dim as if at dusk. The series of strange events that had just occurred were not forgotten by them, and the voice proclaiming Emperor has returned still lingered in their hearts. What exactly is happening to this world? Many citizens had similar questions. With these doubts and lingering fear, they turned their gaze to newsstands and nearby cathedrals. On this day, mystical magazines like Psychic, Arcane, and Lotus sold out in Trier. Whether it was the Eternal Blazing Suns cathedrals, God of Steam and Machinerys cathedrals, or The Fools cathedral, all were packed with people. Similarly, in cities large and small across the Northern and Southern Continents, like Backlund and Port Pylos, corresponding magazines were in short supply, and every cathedral was filled with believers. Above the primitive island, Amon descended to a height level with the top of the Black Emperor mausoleum. He looked at Queen Mystic Bernadette, who had just walked out of the mausoleum, and said in a deliberately indifferent tone, For sixty years, the Uncertain Mist will not be able to come again. There will be one less danger to face at the time of the apocalypse. And as long as no new Black Emperor is born, as long as the order of human society has not completely collapsed, or this mausoleum has not been completely destroyed, Roselle will be able to resurrect from nothingness after a hundred years. At that time, with three types of corruption on Him, He will achieve a basic balance and be able to maintain basic humanity and clarity. At this point, Amon laughed and changed His tone. This is the future He claims, and also His promise to you. Without waiting for Bernadette to respond, Amon grabbed at the air and tossed a crown inlaid with many dark gems that had just appeared, along with the Magic Wishing Lamp, to Queen Mystic. As a guarantee of the promise, the Black Emperors Uniqueness shall be given to you. As long as you dont die, no new Black Emperor will appear. Bernadette caught the dimly glowing crown and said in a low voice, I hope the future He claims will inevitably unfold. Amon pinched the monocle on His right eye and chuckled softly. This is not something I can answer on His behalf. Anyway, Ive received my payment, and the ritual was completed just now. As soon as He finished speaking, Amon, who no longer had the status of a true god, languidly took back the Blasphemy Slate and three other rays of light, disappearing into midair. In front of the destroyed bloody altar. After the worlds darkness and mist at high altitudes retreated, Madam Magician cast her gaze towards the western sky. As an Angel closely connected to the spirit world, she had already learned from the spirit world about what had just happened and the fate of her Minor Arcana cards. Whats wrong? Miss Justice asked. Madam Magicians expression was very complex, and her tone carried a slight sigh. That evil god who preached in the name of Truth has suffered a heavy blow and must sleep for decades. This is good news. Theres one less major danger for humanity to face during the apocalypse, and there wont be any Brokers running around making connections before the apocalypse. But Emperor Roselle has perished because of this. He may only have a chance to resurrect and return after a hundred years, and also Madam Magician didnt continue. Maam Hermit, who had lifted her hearing seal, and other Major Arcana card holders like Miss Justice and Madam Judgment also had rather complex expressions. In a room five or six meters high in the New City of Silver. Lumian had already brought Franca, Jenna, Anthony, and the subsequently recovered Ludwig, Lugano, and others to this place that could guarantee their safety. Looking at Lumian with his black hair scattered and delicate features, Franca wanted to tease him a bit, but felt that his mood wasnt quite right. She had always known that Lumian had considered switching to the Demoness pathway. For faster advancement, as long as he maintained his sense of self, he could completely switch back to the Hunter pathway later and become a man again. So Franca originally thought Lumian had made the decision to switch to Demoness this time to deal with the dangerous situation, but after careful observation, she felt it wasnt like that. If it had been his own choice, Lumian wouldnt have hidden suppression and pain under his calmness! Thinking of this, Franca glanced at the sky outside that had returned to azure, and deliberately said, The vortex event seems to have ended. Very good, very good. The apocalypse didnt come, this world wasnt destroyed, and were all still alive! As long as were still alive, theres still hope! Jenna also pondered for a moment before asking Lumian, Do you want a change of clothes? Lumian looked at the two Demonesses and Anthony, then at Ludwig who was eating frantically without caring that his godfather had become a woman, and Lugano who occasionally stole glances at him. He said in a slightly low voice, Ill explain the specifics later. Im going somewhere now. By yourself? Jenna asked. Lumian nodded gently. Franca didnt try to persuade him. She took out a black cloak she had bought when disguising as a Witch from the Travelers Bag and threw it to Lumian. Lumian put on the cloak and activated the black mark on his right shoulder. He teleported to a deep valley where an ancient church stood, its surface water-black and carved with human skulls. This was the first cathedral built by the Aurora Order for that True Creator. Lumian entered this deep black church, walking step by step to the huge black cross inside. Along the way, there were no human presences, nor any unknown things blocking him. After stopping, Lumian, wearing the black cloak, looked at the male deity statue hanging upside down on the cross. His gaze moved from the rusty iron nails piercing the deitys body and the fresh red blood rendered around them, all the way down to the face where all features were blurred except for the eyes, which were very clear, tightly closed, as if bearing all pain and guilt. After staring for a few seconds, Lumian said in a low voice with a hint of magnetism, One day, I will truly walk before you and tell you my answer. After saying this, Lumian in his black cloak turned around and walked towards the outside of the cathedral. At the same time, incandescent fireballs shot out from around him, flying towards different parts of this cathedral, flying towards the male deity statue hanging upside down on the black cross. Rumble! Pillars collapsed inside the cathedral, windows shattered, and corners were set ablaze. Rumble! The huge black cross was blasted to pieces, and the inverted statue crashed down, smashing into many fragments on the ground. The statues head separated from its neck, rolling a few times and becoming covered in dust. Its face happened to face towards the silhouette of Lumian walking through the collapsing cathedral and raging flames, his black hair and cloak fluttering. The eyes remained tightly closed, as if bearing all pain and guilt. God loves the world. (End of VolumeDemoness) Chapter 885 - Chapter 885 The Corrupted Cannon Gun Chapter 885 The Corrupted Cannon Gun Dreams are reality, despair is hope The sunset light shone through the window, casting a dim golden-red glow in the room. Except for Lugano who had taken Ludwig to explore local cuisine in the New City of Silver, Franca, Jenna and Anthony remained in the living room, listening to Lumian recount what had happened to him after they parted ways. Lumian recounted the key points of Termiboros becoming Amon, the psychological treatment report Amon had read out, and the subsequent story script, all in a detached manner as if he were an outside observer, without concealing anything. That low and indifferent voice entered Franca and Jennas ears, gradually making them feel a suffocating pain and despair, as if they had experienced it themselves. This was not physical pain, nor the kind of despair when facing death. It came from ones own insignificance, ones own powerlessness, from the realization that ones beliefs, emotions, and decisions were actually products arranged by someone else. Franca couldnt help but think of the lab mice she used to work with frequently. She finally understood why Lumian, despite not being averse to switching to the Demoness pathway, was still in pain over advancing to demigod status, his emotions constantly suppressed. Looking at that familiar yet strange face, that expressionless beautiful visage, Franca felt an inexplicable heartache and pity. After Lumian finished recounting his final choice, the room fell into silence. After a moment, Franca took the initiative to change the subject, sighing. I never imagined that Black Tear was also arranged by that individual. Wasnt that something from the Demoness Sect? If not Black Tear, there would be White Tear or Gray Tear. If they cant arrange the vessel for the Primordial Demonesss divine descent, cant they arrange for other Demonesses? Lumian responded calmly. Seeing him in this state, Jenna felt a wave of sadness and heartache. With her experience, she would rather Lumian be in a state of rage, or directly show the pain hidden deep in his heart, instead of being like a dried-up well now, with all emotions pressed down to the bottom. Franca had a similar feeling. She almost instinctively made a self-deprecating remark, I never thought Jenna and I would have a place in the script, even if our role was just to stabilize your mental state, providing a stable anchor point when you advance to become the Demoness of Despair. The word anchor was something she had encountered a few times with Madam Judgment, suspecting it was related to how High-Sequence Beyonders stabilized their own statethe higher the Sequence, the easier it was to go mad, and anchors seemed to be external help to strengthen self-awareness and resist the tendency to lose control. Its not just that, Lumian, still wearing the black cloak, said in a matter-of-fact tone. Its also a means to prevent me from becoming addicted to the feeling of Aurores soul fragments gradually reviving, unwilling to switch back to the Hunter pathway, and gradually abandoning my self-identification as a male. Jenna and Franca fell silent, both feeling an indescribable pain in their hearts. The latter stood up from the large, high-backed chair that she could curl up in, looked at Lumian, and said straightforwardly, I dont like the way you put it, as if Jenna and I have really become tools. Black Tear only made the problem erupt earlier; it doesnt mean the problem didnt exist, it doesnt mean that the emotions and thoughts in our hearts were created out of thin air, that they appeared because of that individuals arrangements! I-I only speak for myself, my attitude is that I wont persuade you to definitely switch back to the Hunter pathway, nor will I care whether youre a Demoness or a Hunter. Im also very glad that Aurore still has hope of resurrection, and Im looking forward to seeing her come back to life, but what I value more is you, Lumian Lee, the one who has gone through so many things with us and shared so many beautiful memories At this point, Franca was at a loss for words, not knowing how to express the thoughts she hadnt yet spoken. Jenna also stood up, pursing her lips before saying, I would be happy to see Aurore resurrect through you, but I dont want to see you give up on yourself because of it. In this world, there are people who care about Lumian Lee, who like him, who value him! Yes! Franca echoed Jennas words. Lumians blue eyes, now a lighter shade, looked at the two Demonesses, with a faint light flickering in their depths. He didnt respond to Franca and Jennas words, but he didnt object to or mock their statements either. Just as Franca and Jenna were about to say something more, they suddenly saw Anthony give them a look, indicating that this was just right, and that Lumian should be left alone to calm down and think for a while. Too much comfort, encouragement, and confession would only bring about the opposite effect. Uh Franca closed her mouth. She then realized a fact: Anthony was here Doesnt that mean he heard everything I said earlier? Embarrassing! EMBARRASSING! Jenna sat back in her original position, trusting the Psychiatrists judgment in this matter. As for her own emotional outburst just now, she didnt feel shy about it. She knew Anthony had seen through it long ago. Anthony sighed inwardly. As a normal, almost middle-aged man, he was very grateful to be a Psychiatrist, a Hypnotist. Otherwise, facing two Demonesses each with their own unique charm every day, and later adding a captain whose beauty was breathtaking, he would definitely be naturally enchanted and unknowingly lose his heart. He felt that with this kind of training, even if he hadnt become a demigod yet, he could resist the Charm of an enemy Demoness of Despair for a longer time. The embarrassed Franca instinctively searched for a topic. She let out an Ah and said, That individuals arrangements are truly terrifying. Its not something we can escape or choose not to accept. Jenna nodded in deep agreement. Both Demonesses had been in significant situations before. They had personally experienced the celestial changes that Red Angel Medici had created in Fourth Epoch Trier. But the True Creators arrangements, which came without warning and left no trace, completely surpassed their imagination. Just thinking about it a little would cause nightmares or sleepless nights. Lumian responded in a low voice, That being is a true god. I even suspect Hes more than just a true god. At least Madam Magicians attitude towards Him is more respectful and fearful than towards true gods like the Eternal Blazing Sun. The Tarot Club, the Church of The Fool, and other related forces combined might not be able to prevent His arrangements. At most, they could detect anomalies a bit earlier and give warnings. Yeah, although there are many Angels around Mr. Fools divine throne, theyre still not enough to face a true god. Damn, why would a true god focus on someone who wasnt even a demigod before? Franca sighed and cursed. She originally wanted to add, With such a large gap in status, resistance is mostly futile. We can only make do for now, not letting this matter weigh on our minds, and try to use His arrangements to strengthen ourselves as much as possible. But after considering Lumians current state, she swallowed these thoughts that arose from her own personality. Perhaps well only stop worrying about being arranged by that individual when Mr. Fool wakes up, Jenna said carefully. Yeah, when will Mr. Fool wake up? Franca echoed with a sigh. Suddenly, with her rich gaming experience, she had an idea. She sat up straight and looked at Lumian, saying, The lucky coins in my, Jennas, and Ludwigs possession all seem to come from Mr. Fools past bestowal, carrying his aura. Could it be could it be that gathering all the lucky coins might awaken Mr. Fool? If it were that simple, the Major Arcana card holders would have already collected the lucky coins and awakened Mr. Fool, Lumian pondered for a few seconds before saying, Perhaps gathering the lucky coins is just a prerequisite, and there are still some things to be done afterward. At this point, Anthony interjected, Im about to get a lucky coin too. The Knight of Swords promised to use it as payment. Four coins now Franca couldnt help but glance at Lumian. In the past, she would definitely have teased him, but now, facing Lumian in this state, how could she bear to? Lumian didnt show any disappointment. He looked out the window and said, Madam Magician should be coming to me soon. Ill ask her about the true significance of the lucky coins. Mm. Franca touched her Travelers Bag. By the way, I want to ask Madam Magician to create an independent space in my Travelers Bag to store that revolver. I can feel that it, like Black Tears, is continuously creating diseases and constantly spreading outward. Her Cannon Gun had already combined with part of the boon power from Higdon that was intercepted in the special mirror world, and had not yet been renamed. After saying this, Franca asked Lumian to place the entire room into the Bottle of Fiction, while she took out the corrupted Cannon Gun and used Magic Mirror Divination method to grasp its corresponding effects and negative impacts. 15:50 Before long, Franca obtained a relatively detailed answer: The corrupted Cannon Gun will continuously spread disease and decay within a three-kilometer radius, with random types of diseases; The corrupted Cannon Gun can add either the Certain Death or Sure Hit effect to fired bullets, for a total of thirteen times, which can be stacked with the original Heavy Strike effect; If either the Certain Death or Sure Hit effect is triggered, the user will inevitably fall seriously ill for a period of time afterward. If a suitable healer isnt found, they might even die from it. If found, the severe illness state would last from a few hours to a day. After all the Certain Death and Sure Hit uses are exhausted, the negative effect of continuously spreading disease and decay will still exist, lasting for about a year. As soon as she got the answer, Franca immediately stuffed the corrupted Cannon Gun back into the Travelers Bag. Then, deliberately trying to liven up the atmosphere, she smiled and said, If I were to use Impregnating Bullets with the Sure Hit effect, how would the enemy deal with that? Chapter 886 - Chapter 886 Conditions Met Chapter 886 Conditions Met Regarding Francas question, Jenna and Anthony were amused but didnt know how to respond. Lumian, however, seriously discussed the possible consequences. Is pregnancy a big problem for Beyonders? Its not something they want, they can lose it immediately through intense combat. Seeing that Lumian was willing to discuss the issue, Franca chuckled and said, Its not that simple. After getting the Impregnating Bullet, I seriously researched related issues and consulted Madam Judgment. Its been confirmed that these Impregnating Bullets originate from the Great Mothers boon. Even demigods cant escape it. Once pregnant, its very difficult to terminate without special abilities. And we all know that one way for Beyonders to eliminate excess Beyonder characteristics is to have others or themselves become pregnant, using the childs birth to take away corresponding Beyonder characteristics, though the result is uncontrollable. In other words, the target hit by this Impregnating Bullet, regardless of whether theyre male or female, human or dog, will immediately become pregnant. The fetus will grow rapidly, tearing away part of the Beyonder characteristics or boon powers, thus causing instability in the targets state and a decline in strength. This, combined with the Sure Hit effect, is a bit terrifying Jenna spoke her mind. One can only stay vigilant and preemptively replace oneself with a substitute. Franca originally wanted to take the opportunity to tell Lumian, If you dont want to be a Demoness, we can ask Mr. Sun for help through the Tarot Club, or I can give you a shot with an Impregnating Bullet to see if theres a way for you to give birth to a Demoness of Despair, hehehe. But considering her companions emotional state, she gave up on this joke. Moreover, she felt that Lumian would likely insist on being a Demoness for a while to see if there were truly signs of Aurores soul fragments reviving. Ive decided, the Cannon Gun will now be renamed the Inevitable Gun, Franca said after careful consideration, abandoning the name Execution Gun which she liked more and found more fun. She then asked Lumian, What abilities does your bracelet have? By the way, Ill tell you about some Magic Mirror Divination targets that have been verified as safe. Including the one you mentioned that would cause social death but gives the most accurate divination results? Jenna asked curiously. Franca nodded solemnly. Yes, but youd better not pray to that one, otherwise otherwise Ah, I am the experience and lesson itself. As she spoke, Franca couldnt help but glance at Anthony, finding that this Hypnotist showed no change in expression, as if he had already forgotten about the incident from back then. With Francas guidance, Lumian successfully completed his first Magic Mirror Divination, obtaining key information about the cheap silver bracelet: Can use the Circle Inhabitant effect nine times, each Circle Inhabitant lasting no fewer than three times and no more than nine times. Circle Inhabitant can be used within a one-kilometer range, or targeted at a single individual, or applied to oneself. The range-type Circle Inhabitant trigger conditions cannot be harsh and can affect Angels in the corresponding area. The individual-type Circle Inhabitant can set some relatively harsh trigger conditions, but if the targets status is higher than ones own, the effect will be significantly reduced, even to the point of ineffectiveness. There are no restrictions on using Circle Inhabitant on oneself, and it can be restarted even if killed by an Angel. Only one Circle can be maintained at the same time, and the same type of Circle needs to cool down for three minutes before it can be created again. The Circle Inhabitant effect can last for a long time, unless the number of times is reached or the user actively removes it. For example, if a Circle attached to oneself is set to restart near death, and theres no chance to trigger it afterward, it can last up to a year at most. Whether or not the Circle Inhabitant uses are exhausted, this bracelet contaminated by Inevitability powers will enhance the abilities of Fate Appropriation, Fate Exchange, Magnified Fate, and Compelling Fate to the Circle Inhabitant level. After about a year, the corresponding boon power will completely dissipate, turning this silver bracelet back into an ordinary accessory with curse remnants. Even just carrying this silver bracelet will unknowingly attract Inevitability boon recipients and be viewed with hostility by them. Each use of Circle Inhabitant will result in a period of bad luck, the specifics varying depending on the users status. Lumian held the cheap silver bracelet, repeatedly admiring it, as if waiting for the arrival of Inevitability boon recipients. His pleasant voice, with a hint of magnetism, echoed, If its me, the bad luck would probably last about three hours. For you all, it might be close to two days. For Anthony, it should be three days. Indeed, it suits you best, Franca said. Along with the Sword of Courage, youre equivalent to a demigod of the Hunter, Demoness, and Inevitability pathways, and your abilities have even become mixed without much conflict. At Sequence 4, this could definitely be considered outstanding! What should we name it? Lumian looked down at the cheap silver-black bracelet. Circle of Fate? Franca eagerly offered her opinion. Circle of Binding? Jenna suggested, her eyes flickering slightly. Then lets call it the Circle of Binding. Its more fitting for my current psychological and emotional state, Lumian said with a self-mocking tone. Before Franca could express her disappointment, he put away the Circle of Binding and said carefully, The topic of Impregnating Bullets reminded me of something. What is it? Franca asked curiously. Lumians light blue and clear eyes lit up. When I first learned that the name of the Great Mothers Invisible Child of God was Omebella, the Termiboros inside me seemed a bit surprised. I originally thought it was because this evil god Angel had heard of this name in the endless cosmos and didnt expect Omebella to enter our world and become an Invisible Child of God. But now, the situation is that the Termiboros inside me was equivalent to Amons true form. In other words, this had nothing to do with any knowledge or legends from the endless cosmos. Currently, there are only two possibilities. One is that Amon is deceiving me, preparing for when I investigate this matter in the future. The second is that He truly didnt expect it, and what He didnt expect was that the name of Omebella, the giant queen and Goddess of Harvest from the Second Epoch, would appear on the Great Mothers Invisible Child of God. Does Amon not expecting it mean that that individual also didnt expect it? Jenna understood what Lumian was really trying to express. Lumians beautifully curved chin nodded slowly. My encounter with Father Montserrat was definitely His arrangement, to grasp the situation of the Great Mothers Invisible Child of God. But the name of the Great Mothers Invisible Child of God might not have been part of the arrangement. It was an accident, something He might not have expected either. You want to start from this incident to find a path with fewer arrangements? Anthony roughly understood Lumians idea. Lumian curled his lips into a smile, laughing once, causing Franca and others to feel a bit dazzled. His former identity was the Ancient Sun God who ended the era of ancient gods rule. There are very few ancient secrets not grasped by Him, and this might be one of them. Hearing this, Franca suddenly remembered that the True Creator worshiped by the Aurora Order was formerly the Ancient Sun God, the savior of humanity. And according to intelligence gathered by the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, the Ancient Sun God was very likely also a transmigrator! Dammit, how could a transmigrator do such a thing as arranging an innocent persons life! After cursing inwardly, Franca said to Lumian, Do you now meet all the conditions to come into contact with Omebellas remains and use them briefly? After Lumian consumed Omebellas umbilical cord remnants and achieved a slight fusion with it, he only needed to meet two more conditionshaving experienced betrayal by a direct relative and being femaleto be able to touch and briefly use the Grade 0 Sealed Artifact formed from Omebellas remains. Lumian, abandoned by his playboy father, had long met the first condition, and now, he was truly female. Lumian offered a curt acknowledgment. Moreover, Omebellas remains are in the New City of Silver, in this very city. I wonder what useful secrets I can discover from New Silver Citys records and direct contact with the remains Before Jenna and the others could respond, points of starlight appeared, and Madam Magicians figure was instantly outlined in the room. This Major Arcana card holder seemed to have already foreseen the difficulty Franca was currently facing and directly extended her hand, saying, Give me your Travelers Bag. It was early spring, and in the fields outside the New City of Silver, patches of wheat seedlings were still lush green in the twilight. Madam Magician walked with Lumian on the path between the fields, breathing in the scent of soil and plants, feeling the cool breeze. Having already obtained most of the information from the spirit world, she still patiently waited for Lumian to finish recounting his experiences before sighing. Weve always said to be careful of that individuals arrangements, to pay attention to coincidences around us, but what we didnt expect was that the arrangement happened from the very beginning, and gave many seemingly reasonable explanations, to the extent that we could only see traces of arrangements in specific events, completely overlooking the overall problem. Lumian was still wearing the black cloak given by Franca, with his hair hidden in the attached hood. He didnt blame the Major Arcana card holders for their thoughts, after all, that being was a true god. Looking at the patches of green wheat seedlings tinged with golden red, he said in a low voice, Is it only when Mr. Fool awakens that we wont have to worry about every detail of our lives being arranged? Yes, or quickly become an Angel. Although that wont exempt you from arrangements, youll be able to detect many arrangements that rely too much on coincidence in a timely manner, Madam Magician tried hard not to let her eyes reveal emotions of pity. Lumian fell silent for a moment before responding, Are those lucky coins devices to awaken Mr. Fool? Yes, Madam Magician didnt deny it. You should have one too. Lumian turned his head, using his eyes to express his question. Madam Magician smiled and said, Thats the reward for the water from the Samaritan Womens Spring and the soil from in front of the ancient tomb of the Dream Festival. However, this needs to wait a few more days. There are time intervals for using these items. Chapter 887 - Chapter 887 The Function of the Lucky Coins Chapter 887 The Function of the Lucky Coins Lumian roughly understood the meaning of Madam Magicians words. The water he had previously taken from the Samaritan Womans Spring and the soil from the area of the Dream Festival ancient tomb did have a reward, which was another lucky coin. However, the one giving the reward needed to wait until all of that water and soil had been used up and the effects confirmed before actually paying. Using these items needed to be done in batches, with time intervals between uses, rather than consuming them all at oncewhich might actually lead to unfavorable results. We still need to wait a few more days? Lumian cast his gaze towards the golden-red tinted horizon and nodded gently, I understand. He wasnt impatient. Having been arranged for so long already, a few more days didnt matter. Lumian probed further, How many lucky coins need to be gathered in total to awaken Mr. Fool? The lucky coins are tools, mediums, not the awakening itself. There are only five such coins in total, Madam Magician answered clearly, no longer speaking in riddles. Once you get the last lucky coin, the five of you will be able to use your respective coins to enter Mr. Fools dream and attempt to awaken him. Understand? The lucky coins are mediums to help you participate in Mr. Fools dream. Of course, given your Sequences, even with the lucky coins, you cant decide when you can enter that dream or what you can do once inside. Well need to assist you to ensure you can all go at the same time and maintain sufficient clarity and rationality. Lumian listened quietly, his eyes slightly turning as he pursed his lips lightly. Mr. Fools dream? Were responsible for awakening Mr. Fool? Yes, Madam Magician answered with just one word. She surveyed Lumians profile, which took on a dreamlike beauty in the twilight glow, and inwardly sighed. Lumian furrowed his brow slightly. What do we need to do to awaken Mr. Fool? Havent the previous holders of the lucky coins entered Mr. Fools dream before? Havent they made any attempts? Why does it have to be us? I dont know exactly what needs to be done to awaken Mr. Fool, Madam Magician said very frankly. Thats for you to figure out. Well give you some suggestions based on your feedback. She paused, then said in a teasing tone, The previous holders of the lucky coins did indeed enter Mr. Fools dream and made quite a few attempts, but they were successively discovered by that Celestial Worthys spirit, either kicked out of the dream or had their actions restricted, unable to do much. One of them, after being kicked out of the dream the first time, would be kicked out again within a minute of re-entering the dream, regardless of whether they disguised themselves or behaved. You need to be careful too. The early stages are fine, but if youre later discovered and locked onto by that Celestial Worthys spirit, youll also be kicked out of the dream, or become mute, blind, or foolish. After pondering for a moment, Lumian asked, Are we the destined ones to awaken Mr. Fool? Perhaps, perhaps not. We cant be sure yet, Madam Magician explained simply. We can only say that the previous holders of the lucky coins would suddenly feel at some moment or in some scenario that they should trade away the lucky coin to someone else. This might be a hint from fate. Lumian didnt ask any more questions. Instead, he mentioned that he now met all the conditions to come into contact with Omebellas remains, and finally asked, Can I apply to the New City of Silver now? Ill help you inform Mr. Sun. You just need to be prepared, Madam Magician said with a laugh. Of course, you wont be able to actually take away Omebellas remains. That belongs to the New City of Silver. Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts are extremely precious anywhere. No one will gift it to you without appropriate compensation. What youll be allowed to do is to review the relevant records of the City of Silver, come into contact with and study the item that the remains have become within the New City of Silver. If you encounter difficulties, with the approval of the New City of Silvers six-member council, you may be able to borrow that Grade 0 Sealed Artifact for a short time, to be returned within a certain period. Thats already very good, Lumian said sincerely. According to 007, an official Beyonder, even to use a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact, he had to submit a report in advance, obtain approval, and meet the corresponding conditions. As for Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts, that was something he couldnt even dream of. And now, the New City of Silver might actually allow him to borrow Omebellas remains for a period of time! Lumian habitually smoothed his hair and told Madam Magician about Termiboross, that is, Amons true forms reaction when he first learned that the name of the Great Mothers Invisible Child of God was Omebella, along with his own speculations. This might indeed hide a very big and important secret, with some connection to that bird egg deep in the Underworld and the missing Madame Night Pualis, Madam Magician said, slightly raising both hands as if feeling the freshness and vigor of the early spring wheat seedlings. Lumian stopped in front of a pond used for water storage and after a few seconds of silence, asked, Madam, what is the true purpose and final result of Project Vortex? Madam Magician recounted in detail all the transactions and developments she understood, but because Lumian no longer had a false Angel status and had lost Mr. Fools seal, unable to bear certain knowledge, she uniformly used descriptions like the evil gods outside the barrier, the one worshiped by the Brokers, and the Great Mother to refer to those great existences. Upon hearing that Emperor Roselle had been resurrected as the Black Emperor, and then chose to die again to severely damage the great existence preaching in the name of Truth, Lumians expression changed several times, but in the end, he didnt say a word. I understand how you feel, Madam Magician comforted her feminized Minor Arcana card in a self-mocking tone. I dont like that individual, and I really dislike His methods, but I have to admit, He is indeed preparing for our world to face the apocalypse, not just doing things that only benefit Him under the guise of a banner. So my feelings are very torn. Lumians expression remained cold, maintaining his silence. Madam Magician didnt continue discussing this matter. She raised her right hand, letting points of starlight appear and fall towards Lumians left chest, forming an illusory symbol composed of layers upon layers of doors. This Major Arcana card holder said simply, Since theres no need to seal an Angel, my power alone is enough to simply protect Aurore and the others soul fragments. We dont need to trouble Mr. Fool, and besides, if Mr. Fool were to seal it, it might actually affect the gradual revival of Aurores soul fragments through your female state. Well, if youre unwilling to take the lucky coin into Mr. Fools dream, we wont force you. Ill still help reinforce the seal periodically. Lumian smiled bitterly. That individual has already made the choice for me. He remained silent for a while, his slightly paler lips moving a few times. Can being in the Demoness state really allow Aurores soul fragments to gradually revive? Is this truly the only way to resurrect Aurore? It may not be the only way. At least, I cant give you an accurate judgment. Only Mr. Fool could provide the corresponding answer, Madam Magician neither denied nor confirmed that individuals statement. Her current knowledge and abilities were not sufficient to support her refutation. The only thing she could be certain of was: This is indeed a way to resurrect Aurore, just that the final resurrection wont be completely whole. Why must it be Aurores soul fragments gradually reviving, and not the soul fragments of other villagers? There are many soul fragments sealed within me, why is Aurore the most special one? This was now Lumians greatest concern. Madam Magician said, Aurores soul fragments simultaneously meet three conditions. First, she was a Beyonder, having undergone the transformation of Beyonder characteristics on her spirit. Second, she was corrupted by Inevitability powers. Third, at the end of the ritual, her soul fragments received protection from that individual or several ones, so theyre in relatively better condition, the kind that can gradually revive. Therefore, her soul fragments are indeed the most special among all the soul fragments within you. The remaining soul fragments might only be able to exist in the form of half-human, half-object puppet soldiers when you become an Angel of the Hunter pathway in the future. Lumian thought for a while and said, If I were now a Beyonder of those three pathways of the Great Mother, I wouldnt doubt that Aurores soul fragments could gradually revive within me, but a Demoness doesnt have the symbol of new life But the Demoness has the authority of resurrection. Have you forgotten that one of the descriptions of the Demoness of Unaging is that shes bizarrely hard to kill, skilled in resurrection and rebirth? Madam Magician reminded him. Lumian quietly exhaled and said, If I continue to advance to become a Demoness of Unaging, would the revival effect of Aurores soul fragments be better? Madam Magician smiled and said, Theres no need to deliberately pursue that. When you later jump to Sequence 2 of the Demoness pathway, youll similarly gain all the abilities and characteristics of the Demoness of Unaging, unless you find a way to separate out the corresponding Unaging Beyonder characteristic yourself. Seeing Lumian nod slightly, Madam Magician smiled and asked, As a demigod who has switched pathways, you should have some special, mixed abilities now, right? Lumian offered a curt acknowledgment and said, The most special ability is the application of fire. On the one hand, I can use a Hunters blazing-white flames and the Demonesss inherent black flames separately. On the other hand, I can fuse them together for an explosive effect. This can both physically destroy human bodies and objects, and ignite spirituality, burning spiritual bodies, comprehensively damaging and destroying a target. Yes, after the fusion of the Demoness of Despair Beyonder characteristic and the Hunter pathway Beyonder characteristic, new mystical knowledge appeared, calling this black flame that suppresses irritability and madness the Fire of Destruction. Chapter 888 - Chapter 888 Changes in Abilities from Pathway Switching After describing the Fire of Destruction, Lumian frowned and said, Ive heard that members of the Demoness sect have a tradition of turning their lovers into females. Are there no Beyonders of the Hunter pathway among their lovers? This question was essentially still asking Why me? Couldnt they just find any Sequence 5 of the Hunter pathway, seduce them to jump to Demoness of Despair, and satisfy the requirement of yin contains yang, yang contains yin? Why did I have to be arranged? Perhaps only you could very easily enter the area around the Samaritan Womans Spring and obtain the remnant aura of the Blood Emperor, thus having mystical similarity with 0-01. Madam Magician fully understood what Lumian was concerned about. Lumian continued asking, as if talking to himself, The Red Angel has ways to control 0-01 without relying on mystical similarity. Since that individual has no selfish motives and isnt afraid of the Red Angels revenge, why not directly reinvest in Him, instead of grooming a weakling like me? Isnt this a waste of time? Madam Magician glanced at the field ridge under her feet. I can answer this for you. First, the Red Angel cant get as close to the top powers of the two Calamity pathways as you can, unless His next step isnt to reclaim 0-01 and become the Red Priest, but to find a way to replace the Primordial Demoness. Second, the birth of a Red Priest is inevitably accompanied by competition, chaos, and disaster. Only through multi-party competition can a Red Priest emerge in the shortest time in the best way. If only the Red Angel were to walk this path, it wouldnt go smoothly. Am I competing with Him? Lumian curled his lips in a self-mocking smile. Then I should thank that individual for giving me this qualification. As for ability, that was still far off. Madam Magician continued, Many members of the Demoness sect indeed have lovers from the Hunter pathway, but they rarely let these male lovers switch pathways and become female at Sequence 5. On the one hand, there are very few members of the Demoness sect who can get their hands on two Demoness of Despair Beyonder characteristics. On the other hand, they seem to be avoiding similar things. As far as I know, among the demigod-level Demonesses, only one was formerly a Hunter. Who? Lumian immediately became alert like a Hunter. Madam Magician smiled and said, The Demoness of Cyan, Yalenna. She is a Sequence 3 Demoness of Unaging. Her mother is the leader of the Demoness sect, the Demoness of Gray Judith. Her father was a Hunter, who later went missing, suspected to have been killed by the Demoness of Gray. Lumian pondered for a moment and said, Could the Demoness of Gray have also been a Hunter before? Her twin sister Krismona was born female, born a Demoness. As a contrast, is it possible that She was born male, born a Hunter, until She transformed into a Demoness at Sequence 4? The Demoness of Black only mentioned that the Demoness of Black was Sequence 9 at birth, but never said that her Sequence 9 equaled Assassin. Its possible, but currently unverifiable. The Demoness of Gray is older than all of our Tarot Clubs Major Arcana card holders combined. We dont know much about Her, Madam Magician said, a hint of a smile appearing on her face as if she had thought of something. Is that so? I thought you were an Angel from the early Fifth Epoch, given that your teacher was Mr. Door, the strongest King of Angels of the Fourth Epoch Lumian didnt voice these words about a womans age. He began to walk slowly again, pondering as he spoke, Is the Demoness sect, or rather the Primordial Demonesss hatred for pure female Demonesses really due to inner distortion? Is there no other mystical reason? Pure female Demonesses apparently wouldnt have the chance to touch the power at the top of the two Calamity pathways, so they should pose the least threat to the Primordial Demoness. Inner distortion is one reason, but my intuition tells me its not the whole reason, Madam Magician said, turning her head to look at the New City of Silver where lights were gradually coming on. The Seven of Cups is about to advance to Demoness of Affliction. You can try to get some intelligence on this from Krismonas remnant projection. Lumian didnt continue this topic, instead returning to discuss the changes in his abilities after becoming a Demoness of Despair. This was also something he had to do after his condition initially stabilized. At the Demoness of Despair stage, Disease has evolved into Plague that can cover a range of three kilometers. I currently have mastered three types of plagues. One is derived from the original Disease, targeting the flesh of relatively common creatures, mainly infecting organs such as the heart, brain, and lungs. From the incubation period to the outbreak of symptoms to becoming severe, it only takes about ten seconds, and then within another minute, it can cause the target to deteriorate to near death. The specific time varies depending on the enemys status and constitution. The second type of plague is Weakening, originating from the mystical pathogen inherent in Black Tear. It can gradually strip away the targets strength until even their heart is too weak to beat. At the same time, it causes a gradual loss of spirituality. In other words, it can not only target relatively common creatures but also affect special creatures and even the dead. Any target with spirituality or relying on spirituality will gradually weaken because of it. The third type of plague is Rigidity. Over time, it causes even zombies to become rigid and stiff, becoming inflexible. This is a more mystically oriented plague. The fusion of Hunter traits with the plagues has given these mystical pathogens a certain resistance to fire. They wont quickly wither away under fire burning conditions and can persist for a longer time. Among them, the Weakening plague can inherently survive in high temperatures for a period, and its current fire resistance is the strongest among the three plagues. For dealing with these plagues, the burning of Demoness black flames and freezing over a certain range are better methods. I can also create my own unique plague varieties by combining my own traits, corresponding mystical knowledge, specific ideas and experiments, and possibly required special materials. This takes a long time and cant yield results quickly. But regardless, a Demonesss Plague can only target things with spirituality and cannot cause rocks or metals to weather, rust, or decay like the demigods of the Order of All Extinction. In using Precision, a Hunters Precision can help me maintain two types of plagues simultaneously, but it requires three to four times the spirituality consumption of maintaining a single plague. Madam Magician nodded lightly, not interrupting Lumians self-analysis. The Demoness of Despairs mastery of the mirror world and mirror magic has reached a considerably deep stage. I can locate mirrors within a five-kilometer range and mirrors Ive visited before. I can traverse freely in the mirror world and transmit information through the mirror world to those located mirrors, displaying it. This is much more convenient than messengers, but theres a possibility of the information being intercepted by mirror world creatures. Some curses need to be attached to the information to avoid most troubles. I can also use located mirrors to project myself there, looking just like the real thing. Currently, this projection has distance limitations and cannot exceed a city. A Hunters Precision has also fused with this Mirror Projection ability, allowing me to complete three to five projections simultaneously, with each projection having some power and able to accomplish some things, though they cannot leave the range reflected by the corresponding mirror. When fighting against the Order of All Extinction demigod, Higdon, Lumian had used the power of the special mirror world to create many Mirror Projections. If Higdon had ignored them at that time, these illusions and projections could have caused a certain degree of damage! Other mirror magic, such as Mirror Maze, Mirror Substitution, and Magic Mirror Divination, have also reached the level of Sequence 4. Among them, curses completed through mirrors include normal types, those fused with Cull that can erupt fiercely in an extremely short time, and those mixed with the power of Inevitability that can complete fate-related curses, Lumian pondered as he spoke. Fate-related curses can put the target in a state of misfortune for a period of time. This is not easily noticed by them and is used against enemies who inherently have strong curse prevention abilities. Lumian paused, then continued, Like other Demonesses of Despair, if enemies cant replace themselves with a substitution before I lock onto them and complete the curse, they wont be able to transfer or share the damage even if they have a Mirror Substitution or Paper Figurine Substitute. The Demonesss spider silk has also changed, becoming more solid, more tough, able to complete more tasks, including restraining, binding, interfering, transmitting pleasure, black flames, and curses. At the same time, the fusion of Hunter traits has made these spider silks sharper, able to directly cause a certain degree of damage. My hair is the source of spider silk. If an enemys body is touched by my hair, the corresponding part will experience some petrification symptoms. Weakness Investigation is no longer limited to discovering weaknesses and vulnerabilities in the flesh, soul, and defenses, as well as fate streams that can lead to death, but also includes the targets emotional and desire weaknesses and trigger points. Cull has fused with the Demoness pathways Mighty Blow, capable of bringing more terrifying damage. I can take out some physically fragile demigods in one strike. Physically fragile demigods often have many mystically oriented life-saving abilities, or make it impossible for you to find their true form, Madam Magician reminded at this point. Lumian nodded, indicating he would remember. Other abilities include black magic like Invisibility, the ability to manipulate frost, Wand Substitution, basic divination abilities, which are all the same as a normal Demoness of Despair. Instigation and Provocation have fused together, granting me the ability to use language and attached mystical power to stir up the targets emotions and desires, making them do what I anticipate. Pleasure can be combined with Cull and Precision Thats about it. Madam Magician nodded thoughtfully and remarked, Jumping to a neighboring pathway indeed brings many strange changes and mixed abilities. This is not something that can be achieved by using the neighboring pathways Sealed Artifacts. Lumian gave an affirmative sound, then asked, Should we still have Franca continue undercover in the Demoness sect? Chapter 889 - Chapter 889 Intelligence on the Demoness Sect Chapter 889 Intelligence on the Demoness Sect Faced with Lumians question, Madam Magician pondered for a few seconds before saying, Whether its investigating the state of the Primordial Demoness, exploring the secrets of the deepest layer of the special mirror world, uncovering the essence of the mirror self, or mastering the secret of resurrection and rebirth of the Demoness of Unaging, its impossible to bypass the Demoness Sect. These are equally important for you now. So, my opinion is to let the Two of Cups continue to contact the Demoness of Black, while you lurk in the shadows to prevent accidents. The Demoness Sect has probably already suspected the Two of Cups background and intentions, but Im not sure what countermeasures they will take. If they want to use the Two of Cups to do some things and achieve certain goals, we can take advantage of such arrangements to peek into the secrets of the Demoness Sect and the special mirror world, and incidentally obtain subsequent resources for the Demoness pathway. If they prepare to eliminate hidden dangers and wipe out the Two of Cups, you, lurking in the shadows, must immediately act and quickly rescue the Two of Cups. The mission with the Demoness Sect shall then end there. This is indeed already a fairly high-risk matter. Both the Two of Cups and you have the right to refuse. Lumian listened attentively and then smiled and said, I think the Demoness Sect wont do anything to Franca for the time being. Its more likely theyll use her. Otherwise, in the underground mausoleum of Morora, Julie in her divine descent state wouldnt have thrown me out of the special mirror world. And after I achieved my goal, obtained the Black Tear, and returned from Morora, the Demoness of Black wouldnt have been so easily patronized by Franca. Madam Magician nodded almost imperceptibly. If this isnt that individuals arrangement, it means the Primordial Demoness also hopes for a Beyonder who harbors hope for Tudors resurrection and is closer to the top powers of the two Calamity pathways than Her to grow up according to the method currently considered closest to the correct answer, in order to achieve a goal that is very important and crucial to Her. Lumian twisted his mouth and said in a self-mocking tone, One of the ways to counter a true gods arrangement is to place oneself in the plans of another or several true gods, whether those plans are good or bad. The principle is the same as balancing the corruption on oneself. Madam Magician shook her head and smiled. But you should remember that before Mr. Fool awakens, no true god can compete with that individual in arranging this matter, even if several Sequence 0 true gods unite. Of course, this can indeed interfere with and influence that individuals arrangements, giving you a chance to detect anomalies in a timely manner or in advance. Lumian nodded solemnly. Whether Franca continues the Demoness Sect mission or not, I will follow up on these matters. Madam, can you give me more intelligence about the Demoness Sect? The Demoness of Black only reveals very little to Franca each time. Madam Magician said in an appreciative tone, You now indeed have the ability and mindset to independently handle one aspect of affairs. If Mr. Fool wakes up, you are completely qualified to draw a Major Arcana card. From now on, matters concerning the Demoness Sect will be consolidated under you. If you need assistance or want to mobilize resources from other Major Arcana card holders, you can find me or Judgment at any time. Well, because the Demoness of Unaging can be resurrected, can be reborn, is difficult to kill completely, and stays forever young without aging, she can live for many, many years, even longer than the lifespan of Angels from many pathways. So, if we dont count Sequence 4 Demonesses of Despair, and only consider the accumulated number of currently living Sequence 3 and Sequence 2 Beyonders, the Demoness Sect has more than any orthodox god church. In this regard, only Sanguine, whose lives are equally long, can compare with them, but still fall short. Of course, a large part of the high-level power of orthodox god churches is in Grade 0 and Grade 1 Sealed Artifacts and Holy Artifacts. If encountering major disasters, those Sealed Artifacts and Holy Artifacts can also play the role of corresponding high-level beings to some extent, and a large part of them can be relatively smoothly converted into Beyonder characteristics that rapidly strengthen reserve forces. Lumian recalled and said, According to the Demoness of Black, at Sequence 3, one can name oneself with a color. There are thirteen such Color Demonesses in total. Among them, four are Angels, Sequence 2 Angels. In this respect, the Demoness Sect is inferior to orthodox god churches, because their high-level members must be Demonesses, and there are no angels from other pathways. Orthodox god churches, on the other hand, can potentially use Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts or Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics of other pathways they possess to create Sequence 1 Archangels. Madam Magician gave a detailed introduction. Why cant there be Sequence 1 Demonesses? Lumian expressed his confusion. Madam Magician chuckled. What Im about to say is one of the highest-level mystical knowledge of the paths of the divine. Each pathway has its own distinct Uniqueness. Occupying and accommodating the Uniqueness is the key to becoming a true god, but its not the only condition. A true Sequence 0 also needs all the Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics of its pathway to support the Uniqueness, which is three in total. So, with the Sequence 0 Primordial Demoness, there cant be Sequence 1 Demonesses of Apocalypse, only Sequence 2 Demonesses of Catastrophe. Similarly, orthodox god churches cant have Sequence 1 Archangels corresponding to their own deities. Well, except for some pathways with special abilities. As Lumian suddenly came to a realization, he very keenly asked, I cant advance to Sequence 1 of the Demoness pathway and become a Demoness of Apocalypse unless the Primordial Demoness falls before that? Correct. Madam Magician specifically reminded, Theres only one Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristic left for the Hunter pathway. The Red Angel has already occupied two, which is why He can become a King of Angels again. Is the definition of a King of Angels occupying multiple Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics or accommodating the Uniqueness? Lumian had some understanding of the concept of King of Angels before, but today was the first time he clearly recognized what this title represented. Magician nodded. Yes, whether its occupying two Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics, or three Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics, or accommodating the Uniqueness, as well as the Uniqueness plus one Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristic, the Uniqueness plus two Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics, they are all Kings of Angels. The only King of Angels composed of the Uniqueness plus three Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics was my mentor, Mr. Door, but He used His own sealing authority to resist the tendency to converge. If not for this, after three Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics and the Uniqueness are placed in the same Beyonders body, they would inevitably converge rapidly, and the possessor would either immediately become a god, lose control on the spot, or die directly. No wonder Mr. Door was the highest-ranking nobleman in the Tudor Empire Lumian asked with undisguised concern, Where is the last Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristic of the Hunter pathway? Is Red Angel Medici about to get it? Its rumored to be with the Primordial Demoness. Madam Magician didnt conceal this intelligence, And the one who reportedly brought that Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristic to the Primordial Demoness was the Demoness of Black, Clarice. Lumian nodded thoughtfully. Madam Magician continued to introduce the situation of the Demoness Sect, Besides the Demoness of Gray Judith, the Demoness Sect has three other Sequence 2 Demonesses of Catastrophe, namely the Demoness of Yellow, the Demoness of Blue, and the Demoness of Purple. There are currently nine Sequence 3 Demonesses of Unaging. Besides the Demoness of Black and the Demoness of Cyan that you know, there are also White, Scarlet, Silver, Green, Gold, Brown, Orange After hearing this, Lumian keenly noticed a problem. Trier with its special mirror world should be one of the most important areas in the eyes of the Demoness Sect, yet they didnt send a Demoness of Catastrophe to be in charge, leaving all affairs to the Demoness of Black This doesnt seem normal. Or, is one of the Yellow, Blue, or Purple Demonesses of Catastrophe hiding in Trier? Moreover, the one responsible for keeping the Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristic of the Hunter pathway and using methods like sacrifice to give it to the Primordial Demoness was also only the Sequence 3 Demoness of Black, not any Demoness of Catastrophe. Wasnt the Demoness Sect worried at the time that the Demoness of Blacks status wasnt high enough, her strength wasnt enough, and something might go wrong? Madam Magician reminded Lumian that there was another detail that was problematic. After exchanging intelligence about the Demoness Sect for a while longer, Madam Magician looked at the sky that had completely darkened and said, Tomorrow, Mr. Sun will send someone to take you to the Twin Towers to read the records the City of Silver has on Omebellas remains and to make contact with that Grade 0 Sealed Artifact. After that, you decide for yourselves when to return to Trier. Yes, Madam Magician. Lumian replied, watching as this holder of a Major Arcana card turned into points of starlight and disappeared before his eyes. As the night settled in, Franca paced in the living room, muttering to herself, Why hasnt Lumian come back yet? Wasnt he just reporting his encounter to Madam Magician and exchanging intelligence? Its been so long! Jenna was also a bit worried. She walked to the window and looked out at the street. Suddenly, her gaze froze. There. She pointed to the top of the bell tower attached to The Fools cathedral. Franca took a few steps over and saw at the top of the bell tower, in a place without any railings, sat a woman wearing a black cloak, with some black hair falling down, delicate and fine features, and a grand and radiant face. It was Lumian. At this moment, Lumian was sitting there, legs dangling outside, gaze quietly looking down. Franca and Jenna exchanged a glance and quickly rushed to The Fools cathedral, climbing up the bell tower. Seeing Lumians back, they didnt immediately inquire about the situation, but remained quiet, each walking to one side, following Lumians line of sight to gaze at what he was intently watching. It was the giant buildings that had lit up with yellowish lights in the dark night, the various mushrooms that were faintly visible in the streetlight glow, the silhouettes of giants and half-giants behind glass windows, raised wine glasses, wisps of cooking smoke, songs from nearby squares, the noise spilling out from bars, and the faint sounds of joy and laughter from different houses. Chapter 890 - Chapter 890 Murder Chapter 890 Murder The next morning. Lumian and the others had just finished breakfast in their room and were waiting for Ludwig to clean up the rest when they heard the doorbell ring. Outside the door was a half-giant youth about two meters tall, with slightly longer arms and legs, short curly brown hair that looked fluffy. He had thick eyebrows and big eyes, with a square face. After his gaze swept over Lumian, Franca and Jenna, it involuntarily lowered to look at his own toes as he said, Im here to find Lumian Lee, uh, possibly Ms. Lumina Lee. He spoke in ancient Feysac. Thats me, Lumian understood this was probably the messenger sent by Mr. Sun to take him to the Twin Towers of the New City of Silver. That Major Arcana card holder seemed to have deliberately found a youth, to ensure the height difference wouldnt be too dramatic. The youth let out a sigh of relief and said awkwardly, Ive been ordered by the six-member council to take you to see Elder Derrick Berg at the Twin Towers. Alright, Lumian nodded to Jenna and Franca, then followed the youth out of the hotel towards the Twin Towers located in a corner of the New City of Silver. Along the way, the half-giant youth walked slightly ahead to the side, his back somewhat stiff, occasionally showing a tendency to swing the same arm and leg together, as if he had almost forgotten how to walk normally. He would turn his head to glance at Lumian from time to time, but not knowing what to say, he could only quickly turn his head back. Halfway through the journey, he finally thought of a suitable topic. Half turning his body, he asked Lumian, Arent, arent you worried that I might be a bad person? Maybe what I said about the six-member councils order and going to see Elder Derrick Berg at the Twin Towers is all a lie to trick you? I could kill thirty of your kind in one breath Lumian only thought to himself, without saying it out loud. On the one hand, they were both followers of Mr. Fool and not too familiar, so there was no need to mock. On the other hand, Lumian felt that if his sister Aurore was here, she definitely wouldnt answer in a similar way. He smiled lightly and said, Im not worried, because this is the New City of Silver. The half-giant youth suddenly became very happy and said in a tone of heartfelt pride, Yes, the Lord has always taught us to be kind and restrained. Our New City of Silver strictly cracks down on all kinds of crimes, especially guarding against theft, fraud and other such behaviors 12:12 Yes, the Lord has always taught us to be kind and restrained. Our New City of Silver strictly cracks down on all kinds of crimes, especially guarding against theft, fraud and other such behaviors The half-giant youth opened up and began to talk endlessly about how Mr. Fool originally sent an Angel to save the City of Silver, how he gave the City of Silver this promised land, and how they, the people of the City of Silver, built the New City of Silver. Lumian had heard these stories repeatedly when drinking in the New City of Silver before, but he wasnt impatient now, letting the half-giant youth continue his smooth narration. He heard happiness of peace and tranquility in the others description. In this exchange, the two arrived at the Twin Towers, the core buildings of the New City of Silver. The left tower had a pointed top and housed public facilities such as the library, while the right tower had a round top and was where the six-member council that governed the New City of Silver worked. Lumian instinctively turned his gaze towards the round tower and noticed that in the cracks between the bricks near the ground, tufts of black hair-like plants had grown out, sometimes drooping, sometimes swaying lightly as if blown by a gentle breeze. When he came last time, Lumian had also noticed these black plants but didnt pay much attention. This time, however, he felt a kind of blood connection. We are all parts or rather continuations of the life of the Goddess of Harvest, Omebella! Even when sealed, does a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact still have some influence on the outside world? Lumian withdrew his gaze and followed the half-giant youth into the pointed tower. They walked on large black stone slabs, passing huge pillars, and came to the library on the third floor. In front of the intimidating bookshelves stood a tall man wearing a simple white robe. The man was over two meters tall, with neatly combed brownish-yellow hair. He looked only about 22 or 23 years old, but had a very calm demeanor and an overwhelming aura. He was clearly Mr. Sun, whom Lumian had met last time, one of the top figures of the Church of The Fool. Elder Berg, Ms. Lumina is here, the half-giant youth said respectfully. Mr. Sun, whose name was Derrick Berg, looked at Lumian and nodded, saying, Follow me. Lumian politely replied, Thank you. The half-giant youth then waved and walked towards the door. After a few steps, he turned around and called out to Lumians back, My name is Rugest! After saying this, Rugest quickly turned and ran down the stairs. Lumian followed Mr. Sun deep into the New City of Silver library, entering the innermost secret room where a stack of documents made up of scattered records was placed. These are all the records regarding the Gift of the Land. I have already translated them into ancient Feysac for you, Mr. Sun said simply, sitting down in a position against the wall and falling silent, as if he had turned into a statue. Lumian understood this was to guard against any accidents that might occur while he was reading the materials, so he nodded lightly, sat down at the table, and picked up the stack of new papers. He read very slowly, taking nearly half an hour to roughly understand the relationship between the Goddess of Harvest, Omebella, and the City of Silver. In the Second Epoch, in the era when the ancient gods ruled the earth and sky, the City of Silver belonged to the Giant Kings Court, and all its people were slaves to the giants. But unlike other human vassal powers of the Giant Kings Court, the City of Silvers situation was considerably better, because they believed in and followed the subsidiary god of the Giant King, the ancient god, the Giant Queen, the Goddess of HarvestOmebella. According to the City of Silvers records, the Giant Queen Omebella had descended to their city multiple times, displaying two images. One image corresponded to light and goodness, with the harvests grace, lifes precious embrace as the core of faith, viewing the people of the City of Silver as Her own children, always ensuring bountiful harvests, abundant reproduction of livestock and poultry, and rapid population growth. This was the main reason why the people of City of Silver rarely suffered innocent slaughter and did not lack food. The other would bring desolation and death. At that time, all the people of Certain Death knew phrases like extreme harvest is inevitably accompanied by extreme desolation, only life can quell the lands wrath, death, like new life, is a common and beautiful thing, not to be feared, we have accepted the lands gifts, so we must pay the corresponding price. If Omebella descended in this form, She would inevitably demand bloody sacrifices, with large numbers of humans as offerings. Even if the people of the City of Silver did these things, sacrificing their own relatives, they would sometimes still suffer famines lasting up to a yearif they didnt do so, the famine might last three to five years. Is this what the era ruled by ancient gods was like? Even the City of Silver, which was relatively well off, was like this Lumian turned to the next page. This page recorded the Giant Kings Courts words of praise for the Giant Queen Omebella. What caught Lumians attention most was one sentence: The noble Queen used Her maternal nature to help the great King calm His emotions What does this mean? Maternal nature helping the Giant Kingthis ancient godexpel excess Beyonder characteristics and regain some sanity by giving birth to children? Lumian pondered as he continued reading. After another fifteen minutes, he turned to the stage of the Giant Kings Courts rapid decline. The City of Silver, which had obtained another divine-level Sealed Artifact, had learned of the fall of the ancient god, the Giant King and feared falling into the hands of the more brutal Devil Monarch. In such anxiety and unease, on a night without the crimson moon, the Giant Queen Omebella appeared outside the City of Silver. This time, She did not descend directly, but walked over step by step. She was in poor condition. She asked the believers of the City of Silver to perform a ritual, sacrificing half of their people to help Her replenish Her life force. The record of the subsequent situation was vague, but the result was clear: That night, man slew god, subject slew ruler, child slew mother. In other words, the bizarrely resurrected Omebella finally died at the hands of the betraying believers of the City of Silver? Lumian wasnt too surprised. After that day, the City of Silver discovered that Omebellas remains didnt have Beyonder characteristics in the true sense, but still possessed powerful force and terrifying authority. They completely buried this history, hid this secret, and even after converting to belief in the Ancient Sun God, they didnt tell that Lord the true origin of the divine-level Sealed Artifact, Gift of the Land, until Mr. Fools Angel of Redemption came to save them. At this point, all records of Omebellathe Goddess of Harvestended. Next came information about the Sealed ArtifactGift of the Land. Gift of the Land can naturally create an edible plant in any environment and promote its growth, reproduction, and abundant harvest within a fifty-kilometer range. Gift of the Land will turn all dead humans within a fifty-kilometer range into terrible evil spirits, unless that human died by being murdered by a direct relative. Those who have eaten the food it creates and have a strong connection with it will turn into evil spirits within three hundred kilometers Seeing this record different from the official Sealed Artifact description, Lumian suddenly raised his head and looked at Mr. Sun sitting by the wall. He asked in confusion, Every dead human will turn into an evil spirit? Even those who were below Sequence 5 in life? As far as Lumian knew, evil spirits were the strongest among soul creatures. Even the weakest should be at the level of Sequence 5, while the strong ones could be equivalent to demigods. Yes. Mr. Sun nodded steadily. Wh the ability of the Gift of the Land is terrifying. This is equivalent to being able to mass-produce Sequence 5 Beyonders, some of whom should even be demigods Is this what a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact is? Lumian subconsciously began to evaluate from a combat power perspective. He probed, Whats the maximum number of dead humans that can turn into evil spirits at one time? Weve never tried, Mr. Sun replied with a solemn expression. Lumian suddenly realized and quickly apologized, I apologize for my rudeness. He continued reading the materials about the divine-level Sealed Artifact; in the New City of Silver, Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts were called divine-level Sealed Artifacts. Chapter 891 - Chapter 891 Gift of the Land Chapter 891 Gift of the Land The Gift of the Land can make the soil fertile within a 300-kilometer range, make water flow abundant, increase the tendency for life to reproduce, and prevent even the most unfavorable environmental conditions from stopping life from bearing offspring, only reducing the quantity and frequency The Gift of the Land will randomly cause the land within a 300-kilometer range to become desolate, crops to fail completely, and plants to wither. Unless the desolation effect ends, this land will not become fertile again. This can be suppressed by Angel-level abilities similar to purification, limiting the desolation to a very small area, unable to spread If actively used, the Gift of the Land can cause all life within a 30-kilometer range to rapidly drain away until death. Similar abilities outside this domain will also gradually wither and be weakened because of this. Lifeless dead who enter this domain will quickly return to the earth The Gift of the Land can also fill a 50-kilometer range with various toxins, grow various Beyonder plants beneficial to itself. Similarly, it can tame all animals without higher intelligence in this area, and strengthen the tendency for every Beyonder to lose control Through contact, the Gift of the Land can create dolls from soil, plants, lava, ores, and metals, and give them some life and power. The strongest dolls do not exceed Sequence 3, with a maximum of nine demigod-level dolls The Gift of the Land can transform the environment, making even the Abyss suitable for human survival The wielder of the Gift of the Land will truly become one with the land, forests, water flows, mountains, ores, etc. within range, and can use them to traverse, with varying speeds Every time one is hit by the Gift of the Land, they will face a test of losing control, as well as a test of death. If unable to pass, they will either lose control on the spot or die directly The Gift of the Land can temporarily turn the wielder into a mythical creature, but requires the wielder to be able to withstand the impact of mystical knowledge and mad thoughts brought by the corresponding Mythical Creature form The Gift of the Land can give the wielder all female characteristics Life that comes into contact with the Gift of the Land will either be cured of all injuries and diseases, or die instantly. Which outcome occurs cannot be divined beforehand. According to prophecy, females with Omebellas bloodline who have suffered betrayal by direct relatives will not experience the instant death outcome Those who do not meet the above conditions, even if lucky enough to receive the healing effect, cannot use the Gift of the Land for more than one minute afterwards, otherwise they will lose control or die Those who meet the conditions will still suffer other negative effects Those who understand the above information, if they do not possess godhood, are likely to become pregnant in the coming period, conceiving an unknown creature Note: Except for the prophecy part, all descriptions are based on the City of Silvers experience, lessons, and understanding. After reading the information about the Gift of the Land, Lumian finally understood why only females with Omebellas bloodline who had suffered betrayal by direct relatives could touch, pick up, and briefly use this Grade 0 Sealed Artifact. For others, it was purely gambling with their lives, unless they had no other way to heal their injuries and diseases, or faced a crisis they couldnt normally overcome. Otherwise, no one would try. But its truly very powerful, worthy of being a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact. And if used briefly, the negative effects are not completely unacceptable. Its just necessary to suppress the desolation effect and guard against enemies turning into even more terrifying evil spirits after death Lumian silently mused to himself, focusing his attention on the most crucial content. That was the part about Omebella, in poor condition, walking to the City of Silver seeking sacrifice. According to Madam Magician, at this time Omebella had already had Her identity and destiny stolen. The people of the City of Silver shouldnt have been able to know that the female giant before them was the Goddess of Harvest, Omebella. But in the records, the residents of the City of Silver undoubtedly knew it was Omebella, without even a hint of doubt or raising any objections. They considered it a fact that needed no verification, reflected in the record as just two short sentences, with the purpose of describing that Omebella arrived at the City of Silver by walking. Lumian raised his head, looking at Mr. Sun seated against the wall, and asked thoughtfully, Which image did the Goddess of Harvest Omebella have when she walked to the City of Silver? He remembered the previous records mentioning that Omebella had descended to the City of Silver multiple times, mainly presenting two images, one representing harvest and reproduction, the other symbolizing desolation and death. This made Lumian suspect whether Omebella had two identities, with harvest and reproduction having its destiny stolen, while desolation and death walked to the City of Silver seeking sacrifice. Mr. Sun shook his head. There was no record at the time. Lumian supported his cheek with his hand, pondering silently. Judging from the demand for the City of Silver to sacrifice half of its people, it does seem closer to the desolation and death image But if the harvest and reproduction image was severely damaged, its also possible to demand life to help oneself recover Moreover, two images can be understood, but how can two identities be concentrated in one person Surely the Goddess of Harvest Omebella didnt steal the identity and destiny of another Omebella before? Shes not from the Marauder pathway, and theres no legend indicating She possessed similar items Lumian deliberated for a moment, then stood up and said, I want to touch the Gift of the Land. To see what resonance Omebellas bloodline could bring, what information could be obtained. Mr. Sun, Derrick Berg, also stood up. Okay. Wearing a simple white robe, he walked steadily in front, entering the round tower from the second-floor connection, then descended all the way, passing through the deep dark dungeon, arriving at a pair of heavy stone doors. Behind the stone doors was a mottled staircase extending downwards, with points of light like dawn seeping from the depths, bringing some visibility. Lumian found that the walls on both sides of the staircase were damp, seemingly oozing many water droplets, and tufts of hair-like black plants had grown out of the cracks, hanging there. The further down the staircase they went, the brighter the dawn-like light became, and between the damp walls and the hair-like black plants grew mushrooms of various colors, golden wheat ears, the unique Black-Faced Grass, and other things. The spirituality in the air also became increasingly lively and vigorous. Lumians heart gradually palpitated, as if returning to a mothers embrace, or finding his past self. He heard the sound of blood flowing, seemingly from within his body, yet also originating from the bottom of the staircase. It really is Omebella The Invisible Child of God is indeed Omebella Lumian sighed a couple of times, calming his own state. His hair was growing inch by inch inside his cloak, his skin becoming more delicate and elastic. After descending for a while longer, Lumian saw sunlight, coming from Mr. Sun. Pure, warm, sacred golden light quickly filled this area, causing the forces of desolation and the aura of death to retreat to the edges. Seeing this scene, Lumian instinctively associated it with a Demonesss Disease and Plague. In such a domain of sunlight, the vast majority of mystical pathogens would quickly perish, while a few ordinary pathogens might survive Finally, The Sun Derrick Berg and Lumian arrived at a large room filled with points of dawn-like light. The room was permeated with the smell of soil, the scent of grass, and the fragrance of flowers. The ceiling, floor, and surrounding walls were covered with those hair-like black things, growing all kinds of plants and mushrooms. In the center of this room, brown soil was piled up, with a withered, giant tree trunk inserted at the top. The tree trunk was just short of touching the ceiling, about seven or eight meters high, requiring three or four peoples arm span to encircle it. Most of the bark on its surface had fallen off, with the remaining parts a grayish-brown color. Its core had become hollow, and the exposed wood parts facing Lumian and Mr. Sun were partly protruding and partly sunken, outlining a legless, human-like pattern. That silhouette used the branches on the trunk as hands, its face extremely distorted, with two huge crimson flowers serving as eyes. Within the wood grain texture of its body surface, traces of blood color were faintly visible. This is the Gift of the Land. The patches of sacred sunlight created by Mr. Sun merged with the points of dawn-like light in the room. Lumian already felt his blood stirring, feeling an unusually close, blood-based connection with that withered tree trunk. The two were originally one. Lumian seemed to receive a call, subconsciously walking forward, his elegant and clean face seeming to emit its own radiance in the dawn-like light mixed with sunlight. One step, two steps, three steps He came to the top of the pile of brown soil, stopping in front of the withered giant tree. The Sun Derrick Berg did not stop her. Lumian took a breath, adjusted his state, prepared to use Mirror Substitution, and then extended his right palm with evenly proportioned bones and flesh and long fingers, touching towards the withered tree trunk with streaks of blood seeping out. As soon as his fingers touched the dull-colored wood, a scene suddenly flashed in his mind: The sky was hazy, seemingly shrouded in dark mist, a huge light shadow that seemed able to support heaven and earth appeared in front, while behind were strange silhouettes outlined by blurred lines This scene flashed by, followed immediately by darkness without a hint of light, an utterly quiet stillness. After an unknown time, in the darkness and stillness, a shrill cry faintly came: My child, Omebella My child, Omebella Lumian suddenly broke free from the illusion, as if forcibly pushed away from the Gift of the Land by an invisible force. He immediately felt a stinging pain in his right shoulder, with a bit of coolness like moonlight shining. That was the contract mark from the Abscessed Hand being activated, but without producing any effect, bringing teleportation and Blink. Chapter 892 - Chapter 892 That Name Chapter 892 That Name Lumian turned his gaze to his right shoulder. Before this, he had anticipated many scenarios, but he hadnt expected that the contract mark corresponding to the Abscessed Hand would have an abnormal reaction when he touched the Gift of the Land, bringing a stinging pain and coolness. Is this because the complete Abscessed Hand has corruption from the Great Mother, or does Hand Bro himself have some connection to the Goddess of Harvest Omebella? When He became 0-01s puppet and encountered me, He called out Omebella Lumian frowned imperceptibly, forming a rough guess. It was very strange that despite the Abscessed Hand being an Angel, no high-level being remembered His original form! Combining this with some thoughts from reading the records about Omebella earlier, Lumian suspected whether Hand Bro might also be an Angel whose identity and destiny were stolen by enemies, and who was even brutally dismembered and sealed in various places to prevent His resurrection. However, this suspicion couldnt explain one issuejudging from how the Abscessed Hand evolved towards femininity when all parts of its body were assembled, showing characteristics related to Sequence 1 Beauty Goddess of the Moon pathway, He must have either been deeply contaminated by the Great Mother or received corresponding boons. Who would dare to bear such a destiny? Perhaps Hand Bro both satisfies the conditions of lacking necessary wisdom and receiving high-level boons from the Great Mother, naturally reacting to matters of the Child of God, and also has intricate connections with Omebella He should be an Angel of the Moon pathway, which is adjacent to the Goddess of Harvest Omebellas pathway I wonder how many high-level beings from the Second Epoch have survived But they may not know about these matters, just like the Round Moon Duke of the Sanguine Lumian suppressed the doubts in his heart and looked again at the Gift of the Land existing in the form of a withered tree trunk. After the first contact, he had confirmed that he wouldnt die on the spot because of this, so he tried to press his right palm again on the grayish-brown tree trunk with both protrusions and depressions. The fragrance of flowers and the fishy smell of blood pierced his nostrils. Before his eyes again appeared the hazy sky shrouded in dark mist, the huge light shadow that could support heaven and earth, and the strange silhouettes outlined by blurred lines. This time, Lumian felt pain, felt terror, and also felt the madness of wanting all things to return to the earth. He fell into familiar darkness, without a hint of light, quiet to the point of deathly stillness. As time passed second by second, a shrill cry gradually sounded in his ears, calling for her child Omebella. This made Lumian slowly come to his senses, and then he felt the stinging pain and coolness in his right shoulder. He endured this feeling, not being pushed out of the illusion. The darkness quickly shattered, and Lumian saw the light of dawn, saw faces full of determination, and felt anger, pain, and hatred in his heart. At this moment, he heard a voice, gentle yet painful, a womans voice: Zedus Lumian woke up, and what entered his eyes was the distorted face outlined by protrusions and depressions on the withered tree trunk, and the two huge crimson flowers serving as the faces eyes. His palm was still pressed against the tree trunk. What I just saw and heard, were they Omebellas last obsessions, the scenes that left the deepest impression on Her? Combining the corresponding emotions, does the world shrouded in dark mist correspond to Her first death? Are the huge light shadow and one of the blurred figures the high-level being who stole Her identity and destiny? What do that deathly silent darkness and the shrill cry represent? Ive heard similar cries in the depths of the Underworld, when I shared the senses of the creature inside the bird egg The bird egg represents gestation Does that deathly silent darkness correspond to Omebellas state before birth, or the state before regaining new life? Did that voice crying out for her child pull Omebella back from the depths of death, giving Her new life? Would this new life also reset identity and destiny, making the theft ineffective? The protagonists of the third scene are the dawn and human faces, with emotions of anger and hatred. Does this correspond to Omebella being killed by the City of Silver? Yes, these can all be called obsessions, having a crucial impact on Omebellas fate Who was that Zedus at the end? As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Lumian turned his head to look at the tall and steady Mr. Sun beside him. May I know if you have heard of the name Zedus? You can just speak casually. In the church, no one is nobler than another. The Sun Derrick Berg first corrected, then shook his head and said, I havent heard this name. Was there no one called Zedus among the brass of the City of Silver when the Goddess of Harvest Omebella last came to the City of Silver? Lumian pursued. Mr. Sun answered in a very certain tone, No. Zedus wasnt the person who killed Omebella Who could it be? Thinking of this, Lumian suddenly had a flash of insight. Could this be Hand Bros name? Since Hand Bro could call out Omebella to me, causing the contract to mutate when I touched the Gift of the Land, theoretically, Omebellas remnant consciousness in the Gift of the Land should also be able to detect the Abscessed Hands contract mark on me and call out His name! Lumian withdrew his right hand, waited for several tens of seconds, and pressed his palm to the withered tree trunk for the third time. The previous illusions and auditory hallucinations reappeared, but there was no additional content. Lumian sighed inwardly, crouched down slightly, adjusted his cloak, and pressed his other hand to the surface of the Gift of the Land, grasping the most solid and obvious protrusion. Then, he gritted his teeth, the blood vessels on his neck bulged, and his temples throbbed with a blue tint. This made Mr. Suns eyelids twitch, as if he hadnt expected a beautiful lady with a cold expression to show such a side. Soon, the brown soil began to loosen, and Lumian forcefully pulled up that withered, giant tree trunk. The entire New City of Silver inexplicably trembleda gentle shake. Lumian half-lifted the seven or eight-meter-high withered tree trunk, trying to swing it. It can barely be used to smash people, but it would reduce agility to the lowest level, and speed would also significantly decrease Lumian made a judgment on whether he could use the Gift of the Land to fight in the future, then inserted the huge withered tree trunk back into the pile of brown soil. Almost simultaneously, he felt a certain power in his bloodline surge towards his abdomen, causing a slight stinging pain there, as if something was gestating. Lumian raised his right hand, pressing it towards the corresponding position on his stomach with quiet and eerie black flames. For a moment, he experienced maternal emotions of reluctance and pity, but this couldnt stop him from infusing the Demonesss black flames into his abdomen in the manner of Fire Infusion. Indescribable pain, loss, and sadness surged into his heart simultaneously, his face suddenly turned pale, and his light-colored lips involuntarily trembled slightly. This made The Sun Derrick Berg cant help but ask, Do you need my help to dispel the negative effects, or find a Beyonder to provide treatment? Lumian shook his head, curled his lips, and said in a low voice, A small matter. He turned to remind Mr. Sun, Even Beyonders with godhood might conceive after touching the Gift of the Land, and those with Omebellas bloodline are more likely to encounter this. We dont have any records of this. Historically, the City of Silver has needed to actively use this Sealed Artifact very rarely, and each time, the user quickly died. Mr. Sun nodded slightly. Lumian didnt say anything more, turned around, and walked step by step towards the outside of this huge room, towards the mottled stairs leading to the upper part of the round tower, with Mr. Sun quietly trailing behind. In the hotel room. Lumian wrote down the gains and questions from reading the records related to Omebella and touching the Gift of the Land in a letter. He then summoned the doll messenger and handed over this letter and a mirrorwith this marked mirror, he could later directly transmit information to Madam Magician through the mirror world. The doll messenger took the letter and mirror but didnt leave immediately. Wearing a light golden dress, it leaned against the window frame, carefully and attentively examining Lumian. Lumian arched an eyebrow. What are you looking at? The doll messenger suddenly jumped up, floating in mid-air, and said with an indignant look, Dont you know how beautiful you look right now? Beautiful enough for me to ignore that youre still wearing mens clothes, beautiful enough for me to forgive why you havent made yourself tidier! Lumian was momentarily at a loss for words. The doll messenger waved its hand and said reluctantly, See you next time! See you next time, Lumian politely replied. After about fifteen minutes, the doll messenger emerged from the void, holding a bulging envelope, and said joyfully, We meet again! Indeed. Lumian was a bit helpless. He took the envelope, opened it, and found that the letter itself was very thin, mainly containing an additional green gemstone. The gemstone was deep and alluring, with a dreamy crystalline green color. Lumian only looked at it for a moment, but felt as if his vision and soul were sinking into it. He quickly forced himself to look away, unfolded the letter paper with confusion, and began to read: The theft of Omebellas identity and destiny had not become ineffective before the Fifth Epoch We will inquire about the name Zedus from the ancient beings who survived from the Second Epoch, including seeking revelation from even higher beings. The origin of this name might solve the mysteries surrounding Omebella That green gemstone was made at my request by Miss Justice, with the purpose of helping you seal part of the knowledge related to the great existences. Although you still have a lot of corruption and seals, as long as you dont recall that knowledge, there shouldnt be any problems. But we cant guarantee that you wont encounter situations where you need to recall it. Before you possess a true or false Angel rank, this hypnotic effect wont be lifted. Lumian understood the reason and looked at the green gemstone again, allowing his mind to sink into it. When he came to his senses, the green gemstone had become ordinary, and he had forgotten part of his knowledge. But its still worth quite a bit of money. Lumian put away the green gemstone and said to the doll messenger still lingering over the desk, See you next time. The doll messenger waved in response.See you next time! Leaving the room, Lumian said to Franca, Jenna, Ludwig, and others, Were going back to Trier now. Chapter 893 - Chapter 893 A Terrifying Matter Chapter 893 A Terrifying Matter Inside the newly rented apartment of Lumian and others on Rue de la Gauche in Quartier de lObservatoire. Were going to the catacombs now, Lumian said to Jenna and Franca in the living room, after glancing out the window at the passing carriages, bicycles, and various mechanical creations. Before Franca contacted the Demoness of Black again, he wanted to get more intelligence from Krismonas shadow to guard against possible accidents. This required Jenna to advance to Demoness of Affliction at the sacrificial square on the third level of the catacombs. Jenna looked at the black cloak Lumian was wearing and asked carefully, Do you need to change your clothes underneath? At least that would make you more comfortable. Lumian fell silent for a few seconds before stating, Okay. Now it was Jennas turn to be surprised. She had thought Lumian would be more resistant and would need to be persuaded with sufficient reasons. Franca was equally astonished. When she had drunk the Witch potion, she hadnt accepted such things so quickly. Her lake-blue eyes flickered slightly, and she quickly made some guesses, her emotions becoming rather complex. Except for height, Lumians figure was now similar to Jennas. After receiving a few pieces of clothing from her, he walked into the bedroom, not completely letting go despite the more intimate relationship between the three of them. Seeing this, Jenna vaguely understood and turned her head to look at Franca. Sigh Franca sighed. Jenna followed by pursing her lips. Soon after, Lumian came out, wearing the linen mens shirt and dark trousers with a spirited and dashing air. Franca looked him over and said, Youre too tall. Youll need to find a tailor to make custom-fitted womens clothes. Lumian tersely acknowledged and walked to the full-length mirror in the living room, looking at himself with his black hair simply tied back. The stunningly beautiful yet cold-expressionless woman in the reflection made him feel a moment of disorientation. He unconsciously reached into the Travelers Bag and took out the Lie earring. His right hand hovered in midair, not immediately putting on the earring. Franca quickly stepped forward, trying to make her tone sound natural. I dont think you should force it now. The premise for Aurores true resurrection is that you always maintain your sense of self and reach the top of the two Calamity pathways. During this process, the fragments of her soul should gradually revive according to your progress. You dont need to deliberately act or imitate her. Moreover, Madam Magician guesses that the key part of Aurores resurrection lies with the Demoness of Unaging. It may not be a good thing for you to let her manifest in you now, just like switching to an adjacent pathway before the Sequence 4 node, Jenna also said in a soft voice. Yes, I dont know if your sister ever taught you this phrase: Too much of a good thing. It means that even good things can become bad if taken to excess, Franca added. Lumian was silent for a moment, then put the Lie earring back into the Travelers Bag. Franca quietly let out a sigh of relief and said with a smile, Do you need a hat with a veil or will you continue to wear the cloak? Looking like this, youll quickly become the center of attention for everyone on the street. As fellow Demonesses, she and Jenna both had deep experience with similar situations, and Lumian was now a Demoness with godhood. Lumian picked up the cloak draped over the back of a nearby chair and put it on again. As the hood gradually covered his delicate and fine features and simply tied black hair, Lumian turned around and walked towards the door. Jenna put on a round ladies hat with a black veil hanging down, while Franca prepared a baseball cap for herself, lowering the brim. On the third level of the catacombs, inside the sacrificial square. Lumian threw out several mirrors, setting up a Mirror Maze. This way, even if other people came to this level to explore and adventure, they wouldnt be able to see the three Demonesses and their companions, and would pass through normally. As Jenna adjusted her state and prepared the potion, Franca looked towards the boundary of the maze, which showed no sign of abnormality, and exclaimed in admiration, As expected of a demigod. Even though I know the real surrounding area has been hidden by a Mirror Maze, I cant see any problems at all. In comparison, her own Mirror Maze couldnt achieve this level. Before Lumian could respond, she asked curiously, When do you plan to give Voisin Sansons corpse to Ludwig? After Voisin Sansons death, because he had already been deeply corrupted by the power of Inevitability, and continuing to stay in the special mirror world was quite dangerous, Lumian and the others didnt channel his spirit, but only took away his corpse. Lumian thought for a moment, then smiled slightly and said, Theres no rush. By stringing him along bit by bit, perhaps the ritual to advance to Sequence 3 of the Hunter pathway will also require team cooperation. Having an Angel team member like this could greatly reduce the number requirement. Besides, whether its you digesting the remaining Affliction potion or Jenna digesting the Affliction potion, we can make use of Ludwig. If we give him all the benefits at once now, how can we make him reluctant to leave? Seeing Lumian seriously considering returning to Sequence 3 of the Hunter pathway, Franca felt a wave of joy and was quite gratified, her arms involuntarily swaying twice. Anthony is also about to become Sequence 5, just waiting for the final ritual preparation, Lumian suddenly said. Uh Franca was stunned for a moment. When did this happen? He told me yesterday. While you were advancing matters related to the Demoness Sect, he was also completing Madam Justices tasks. Hes already established initial contact with the Psychology Alchemists and naturally received corresponding rewards. Hes been applying his Hypnosis ability all along, including helping me, and completed the digestion some time ago, Lumian briefly explained. What he currently needs is to go to the spirit world to contract a certain creature, gaining the characteristic of maintaining clarity in dreams. This can also be substituted by other methods, and Ludwigs dishes might be able to help. Franca smacked her lips. We havent been caring enough about Anthony For a Spectator, he might not want you to care too much about him or pay attention to him, Lumian glanced at a corner of the Mirror Maze. Just like hes here now too, ready to Placate Jenna immediately if the situation goes wrong. Hes here too? Franca felt as if she had heard a ghost story. At this time, Jenna, who had already eaten the Ice Lemon Fish fillet, had prepared the Affliction potion, which was black-based with green foam on top. Lumian immediately raised both arms. Behind Jenna, a crystal-clear ice pillar with multiple protrusions rose from the ground, ready to serve as a stake. Then, Jenna handed the Affliction potion to Lumian and climbed to the top of the ice pillar on her own, allowing Franca to tightly bind her body, restricting her movement. Bright white Fire Ravens lit up around Lumian. They circled and flew out, landing on Jennas body surface. Jenna was quickly set on fire, her expression uncontrollably twisting. Lumian stepped on layers of frost-condensed stairs, coming to Jennas front, and poured that bottle of potion into his companions mouth. Jennas mind began to blur, the pain in her body pulling at her, keeping her last bit of clarity. Lumian then floated lightly from the top of the frost stairs to the ground, focusing on sensing the surroundings. He was waiting for Krismonas shadow to arrive. Having lost Mr. Fools seal, he currently couldnt enter the area around the Samaritan Womens Spring. Franca kept watching Jenna, seeing her skin quickly blacken, her face twist to deformation, contorted in pain, her teeth no longer able to bite, emitting painful sounds. This made Franca extremely distressed, seemingly more tormented than when she herself had performed this ritual. Suddenly, Lumians light blue eyes first took on an iron-black color, then became silver-white with black. He felt that Krismonas shadow, or rather her residual consciousness, had descended within the Mirror Maze, yet he couldnt see her at all. Jennas thoughts continued to drift, her sense of self gradually losing itself. She recalled the pain and joy of her time with Lumian, and also remembered the experience of helping Franca find pleasure and her inner emotions during that periodaddicted because of enjoyment, awakened because of pain. In this state, Jenna had no way of knowing whether she had been noticed by the Primordial Demoness. By the time she regained some of her thoughts, a sacred figure wearing a plain white robe, blurry and hard to see clearly, had appeared before her eyes. Lady Krismona, Jenna called out the others name, and learning from last times lesson, she quickly and directly asked, Why does the Primordial One hate pure females who walk the Demoness pathway? Krismona answered in an ethereal voice, My mother hates those Demonesses who dont experience the pain of gender change, and Shes also guarding against them. Why guard against them? Jenna further inquired. Krismona spoke in an extremely hollow tone, Pure female Demonesses, after becoming Angels, or perhaps after becoming Demonesses of Unaging, might encounter a very terrifying matter. They might overcome it, or they might not. If they cant, its a very big problem for my mother. She cant let it happen. Jenna was stunned for a moment, then blurted out, What about you? Strands of blood color suddenly appeared on the surface of Krismonas blurry face. Her previously hollow voice suddenly carried a hint of suppression and pain. So, I died Before the words faded, this former Demoness of Catastrophe, a true Child of God, rapidly faded away. What exactly is that terrifying matter? Jenna rushed to ask. Krismonas shadow quickly dissipated, leaving only half a sentence: That mirror world Jenna suddenly came to her senses, seeing the charred skin on her body surface falling off in pieces, while the ropes had been burned through at some unknown time. She immediately concealed her form and sought a corner to change her clothes. Phew Seeing this, Franca instinctively let out the worry and torment pent up in her heart. At the same time, she seemed to hear Lumian also quietly let out a sigh of relief. Chapter 894 - Chapter 894 Value Chapter 894 Value After Jenna changed into her dress, she recounted in full her current state and the information she had just obtained from Krismona. She said with regret, The time was still not enough. I could only see Lady Krismona for that very short period between fully enduring the potion and regaining complete consciousness. However, next time Ill be able to clearly ask what that terrifying matter is. Lumian looked around and said, Just now I could only sense Krismonas residual consciousness appear, but I couldnt directly see or make contact with her. This may be because she is one with the seal of the catacombs itself, or because she possesses some special quality that allows her to exert more precise influence on Demonesses. I think its all of the above, Franca said to Jenna with considerable concern. I always thought the greatest danger for female Demonesses was the Primordial Ones hatred, that we would be interfered with during advancement, and even if we could struggle through, we would be hunted down by the Demoness Sect afterwards. I didnt expect there was also this hidden problem. The terrifying matter Krismona spoke of even makes the Primordial Demoness wary. Its very likely related to the deepest secrets of the special mirror world. Do you want to consider switching to the Hunter pathway, then jumping back to the Demoness pathway later? Jenna fell silent for a moment before saying, I want to wait until I understand what that terrifying matter is before deciding whether or not to abandon my identity as a pure female Demoness. After Lumians experience, she actually wasnt as averse to changing gender for just a period of time rather than permanently. Jenna paused, then said with a self-deprecating smile that was half sighing and half intended to comfort Lumian, Ive lived in Quartier du Jardin Botanique and the market district for so many years, and Ive seen many tragic things. One thing Ive learned is that if you dont even have value to be used by others, its very difficult to break free from the mire. As a pure female Demoness, possibly linked to the deepest secrets of the special mirror world, this is the key reason I was able to receive a warning from Lady Krismona. And later, unable to join the Demoness Sect, if I want to digest potions faster, advance better, resist the tendency towards madness and loss of control, and truly possess the ability to protect family and friends, this should also be a very important factor. There will always be high-level figures who want to use female Demonesses to do certain things, to touch the deepest secrets of the special mirror world, so theyll need to give me certain benefits. Relying on the Major Arcana card holders is one way, but it cant be the only way. Lumian fell silent for a few seconds before stating, Before encountering that terrifying matter, you should still have opportunities to question Krismonas shadow. Well decide whether or not to take the risk after we understand the nature of the problem. Right, Franca agreed with Lumian. When advancing to Demoness of Despair, you should be able to contact Krismona once more. Anyway, that terrifying matter wont appear until at least the Demoness of Unaging stage. Lumian, wearing a black cloak and holding a white candle, shook his head. This is the last option. We cant assume Krismona is necessarily good and telling the whole truth. Perhaps pure female Demonesses encounter that matter at the Demoness of Despair stage, and Krismona is waiting for this accident. The opportunity Im talking about is that in a few days, we should be able to enter Mr. Fools dream, with a good chance of being imbued with Mr. Fools aura. That way, we can pass through the seal and directly face Krismonas shadow near the Samaritan Womens Spring. Moreover, the most acceptable method for the Demoness of Despair ritual currently is to go to Morora, which definitely wont allow time to return to Trier and advance here. Lumian continued with very clear reasoning, Theres another method using those Mirror People in the special mirror world as ritual objects, but this is only suitable for Franca. If Jenna, as a female Demoness, were to use this method to complete the ritual, it might cause that terrifying matter to arrive prematurely. After all, it was very closely related to the deepest secrets of the special mirror world. Mm. Both Jenna and Franca agreed with Lumians explanation. Lumian called out to Anthony standing in the corner, dispelled the Mirror Maze, retrieved the mirrors, and holding a burning white candle, headed towards the upper levels of the catacombs. Franca walked alongside him and said after some thought, By the way, the Despair potion you drank should include portions from Sequence 9 to Sequence 5, right? When I was considering switching to the Hunter pathway before, I consulted Madam Judgment about related matters. She said one issue with switching to adjacent pathways is that all the preceding potions have to be fully digested, otherwise it will affect ones state and significantly increase risks for future advancements. This is unlike advancing within the same pathway, where the mental and spiritual state has already been adjusted to suit digestion of preceding potions, so it doesnt take long to stabilize ones condition. Lumian chuckled softly, seeming to bring a touch of color to the dark and gloomy catacombs. Ive already digested most of the Despair potion. Given my mental and spiritual state then and afterwards, Affliction isnt a concern. Its very compatible and took just a few days to digest. The same goes for Pleasure. My experiences during that period changed my mental and spiritual state, and we even had that experience that very morning. So its not like my state gradually reverted back due to being away from that condition for too long. This doesnt need to be specially digested again. Instigator is similar. Dont you often say Im an excellent Instigator? Comparatively, Ive been more engaged in direct combat and killing enemies recently. Using Fate Exchange to harm targets was just one of my methods before, not the main approach. So Ill need to seriously act and digest the Assassin and Witch potions once. But as theyre in the minority now, they cant really affect my state much and are more of a hidden danger for future advancements. I see Franca nodded, not saying anything more. Afterwards, since Jenna needed to go back to rest, stabilize her condition, and contain the spillover effects of the potion, only Lumian and Franca took a four-wheeled, four-seater carriage to Rue Orosai in Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative. Before going to Trocadro to find the Demoness of Black, they planned to return to their originally rented apartment to see if the Demoness of Black had sought out Franca and left any messages. As for choosing a rental carriage instead of public transport or the metro, it was because the two Demonesses, even wearing hats and loose clothing, would inevitably encounter some harassment incidents. Although Franca and Lumian werent afraid, they felt there was no need to make themselves uncomfortable. They werent the type of Demonesses who played extremely extreme roles. Quartier de lObservatoire and Quartier de la Cathdrale Commmorative were adjacent, so it didnt take long for the two Demonesses to return to Apartment 702 at 9 Rue Orosai and open the door. Although they had only been gone for a few days, and Franca hadnt even had time to tell the landlord about ending the lease early and not needing the deposit back, when they saw the interior layout and the armchair, they felt as if an era had passed. Various memories flashed through Francas mind. At times she felt sweet, at times she couldnt help but silently sigh. After Lumian concealed himself and hid, Franca entered the room alone, closed the wooden door, and carefully examined every detail of the place, focusing on all items with glass mirror surfaces. No messages, no traces, but I feel like someones been here Franca muttered to herself as she withdrew her palm from the full-length mirror in the living room. She turned around and walked towards the master bedroom. At that moment, the full-length mirror suddenly became dim, as if it had been placed in a lightless environment. In this dimness, a figure was quickly outlined. She wore a black court dress, her black hair neatly coiled up, lightly covered by a hat with a dark veil hanging down. Her indescribably beautiful face was slightly pale, her deep gray eyes misty like smoky rain, emitting a noticeable brightness, naturally exuding a pitiable quality. This was the Demoness of Black, Clarice! At this moment, the Demoness of Blacks face was expressionless, her deep gray eyes reflecting the tall, soft silhouette of Francas back. The corner of her mouth curved up slightly, and a few naturally falling strands of her hair drilled out from the mirror into the outside world, extending silently towards Francas back as if they had a life of their own. Franca suddenly received a warning, a warning from her companion. Without thinking, she actively triggered Mirror Substitution. The next second, her body was touched by those few strands of black hair. First, it turned into a mirror, then became grayish-white, and fell to the ground with a thud. The mirror had become stone. Almost simultaneously, the Demoness of Black Clarice in the full-length mirror saw a figure leap down from above. That figure wore a black cloak, with light blue eyes, pale lips, a clean and elegant face, stunningly beautiful features, a cold and calm expression, standing over 1.8 meters tall, body slightly bent, both hands holding a huge iron-black straight sword. That huge straight sword burned with intense white-blue flames, slamming onto the ground with a bang. This didnt shatter or pierce the floor, but hit an invisible barrier. As the entire space gently shook, it triggered a fierce fire snake of intense white-blue, rapidly pouncing towards that full-length mirror, igniting the tea table and wooden boards along the way, quickly reducing them to ashes. Bottle of Fiction! When the Demoness of Blacks hair strands stabbed out from the mirror, Lumian was already prepared to act to save Franca! He hadnt expected the Demoness of Black to be so direct and decisive in trying to petrify Franca without saying a word, but this didnt hinder him from following his combat instincts and quickly responding. The Demoness of Black in the full-length mirror still had that pitiable appearance, but her eyes reflecting Lumians figure suddenly became covered with a layer of grayish-white, cold color. Chapter 895 - Chapter 895 A Brief Battle Chapter 895 A Brief Battle The Demoness of Black slightly raised her chin and let out a piercing shriek. Invisible sound waves instantly caused the mirror to take on a grayish-white, dim color. Along with this, Clarices hair broke free from its constraints, knocking off her hat and floating upwards. Each strand became thick, as if carved from stone. This grayish-white spread out from the full-length mirror, causing the intense white-blue fire snake that had rushed to the mirrors front to freeze in place, turning into a statue. It failed to explode the mirror as Lumian had expected, destroying the Demoness of Blacks medium for interfering with the interior of the Bottle of Fiction. The grayish-white created by Clarice continued to spread, like surging tides, quickly engulfing the nearby armchair, sofa set, and cabinets, causing them to lose their luster, take on a grayish-white color, and appear much harder. This grayish-white tide rapidly covered the entire room, enveloping both Lumian and Franca. Under the constraints of the Bottle of Fiction, facing such a wide-range attack, Mirror Substitution seemed to have lost its effect, because after using a substitute, one would still appear in a petrifying area. The next second, Lumian and Franca, covered in thick dust-like particles, regressed into grayish-white stone mirrors, but their figures did not appear anywhere within the Bottle of Fiction. The Bottle of Fiction itself seemed to have undergone petrification, turning into a grayish-white, completely sealed cage. Seeing this scene, the Demoness of Black in the full-length mirror murmured to herself, Did they escape? The current situation indicated that Lumian, relying on the abilities of a Demoness of Despair, and Franca, using the power of the Ice Amulet, had managed to hide in a mirror just before being petrified, then traversed and escaped. The current problem was that, given the Demoness of Blacks control over the mirror world, she could easily intercept the two in some illusory, dark tunnel, but she hadnt sensed any movement. At this moment, the Demoness of Black Clarice received a warning from her spirituality and suddenly turned around, casting her gaze towards the dense, illusory spider web behind her. In one of those dim, unreal tunnels, Lumian, wearing a black cloak and very tall, held up an exaggeratedly shaped iron-black straight sword with one hand, descending from above to slash at the Demoness of Black. Escape? Someone holding the Sword of Courage wouldnt consider this option! If they were to escape, it would be using the retreat as a feint for advancing by setting a trap! The intense white-blue flames on the Sword of Courage instantly surged into intense black, like boiling pitch, carrying the violence and madness to destroy all things, spirit and flesh. Simultaneously, Lumians naturally hanging left palm imperceptibly pressed towards the Demoness of Black from a distance. On his wrist, which was like a work of art, he wore a silver-white and black bracelet that looked cheap. His crystal-clear, light blue eyes took on a silver-black hue. Boom! The black flames, suppressing intensity and madness, exploded in mid-air. Fierce shock waves carrying countless black fires surged towards the Demoness of Black Clarice. This ageless Demoness didnt use Petrification to respond. Her body rapidly thinned and shrank, flashing a faint light. She became a mirror. Crack! That mirror shattered in the explosion, its spirituality completely exhausted in the black flames. The Fire of Destruction mixed in the terrifying explosion further engulfed the entire area behind the mirror, extinguishing all signs of life. But when the Fire of Destruction extinguished and the explosions aftermath ended, the figure of the Demoness of Black outlined in one corner of the void black area behind the mirror. She seemed able to control the timing of her return to reality after using Mirror Substitution, avoiding appearing in the fire while the Fire of Destruction was still burning. Suddenly, behind the Demoness of Black, a mirror hidden in the darkness appeared. It directly reflected Clarices figure, and in the mirror was also Lumian, his clean face tinged with a dark hue from the remaining firelight. Mirror Projection! As soon as this Lumian appeared, he immediately transformed into quiet, evil black flames, enveloping the Demoness of Blacks figure in the mirror. Only at this moment did the Demoness of Black seem to sense the danger, actively using Mirror Substitution. But she was still a beat too slow. Her appearance in this corner, in front of this mirror with Lumians Mirror Projection, wasnt coincidental, but a carefully designed outcome! Lumians earlier apparent frontal attack with the Sword of Courage was actually focused on his left palm that wasnt holding the sword. He wore the Circle of Binding to elevate his ability to Compelling Fate to Sequence 4 level! And he had just consumed nearly a third of his spirituality to make the fate of where the Demoness of Black would appear after using Mirror Substitution predetermined, making the corresponding tributary become part of the main stream. Thus, the Demoness of Black actively walked into the trap, standing in front of the mirror with Lumians Mirror Projection. At the same time, to prevent the Demoness of Black from detecting the danger in time, Lumian had, on one hand, applied anti-divination treatment to that mirror before launching the attack, and on the other hand, deliberately let the Fire of Destruction cover the entire area behind the mirror, making every corner look like there was no ambusheven if there was, it would obviously be destroyed by the Fire of Destruction. But in reality, relying on his Precision ability, he had covertly made some Fire of Destruction bypass the pre-placed mirror. Under these various schemes, the Demoness of Black failed to use Mirror Substitution before Lumians Mirror Projection launched the Demonesss curse. The Demoness of Blacks deep gray eyes, seemingly hiding rain and mist, suddenly widened, and quiet, evil black flames burst forth from within her body. These black flames burned fiercely, quickly igniting the soul of the Demoness of Black Clarice, accompanied by a silent explosion. Curse plus Cull! Crack, crack, the figure of the Demoness of Black kept flashing, turning into mirror after mirror. Those mirrors successively lost their luster, becoming dim, but unable to extinguish the black flames burning the Demoness of Black from the inside out. After a few seconds, the Demoness of Black Clarice, too weak to use Mirror Substitution, saw Lumians figure walk up to her. This beautiful girl wearing a black cloak, making her face appear even fairer, raised the huge straight sword burning with intense white-blue flames. That iron-black giant sword came down with a thunderous sound, chopping at the Demoness of Blacks neck. Boom! This pitiable lady was torn to pieces, scattering around in the form of corpse pieces carrying black flames. Francas figure returned from another void dark tunnel, looking at the large number of corpse pieces on the ground, and said with a stunned expression, Is it resolved just like that? This was the Demoness of Black, a Demoness titled by color! Previously, Franca had only hoped that Lumian could briefly suppress the Demoness of Black, not giving Clarice a chance to interfere with her action of escaping through the mirror world. If she successfully escaped, it would be much easier for Lumian, as a Sequence 4 demigod, to disengage from the battle afterwards. Of course, Franca would inevitably hope to find an opportunity to use the Certain Death effect of the Inevitable Gun to accomplish the feat of slaying a demigod. If that failed, she could still use Sure Hit plus Impregnating Bullet to give Lumian a chance to destroy the enemy. Lumian didnt put away the Sword of Courage, staring at the still-burning corpse pieces, and said carefully, She showed Sequence 3 level in some abilities, but overall seemed stiff and inexperienced. Not only did she not seem like an experienced Demoness of Unaging, but she also seemed a bit weaker than a normal Demoness of Despair. She didnt even notice when I was placing mirrors while invisible Before Lumian finished speaking, as the Demonesss black flames finished burning, those corpse pieces began to fade, gradually dissolving, as if returning to formlessness. Not the normal Demoness of Black. Franca quickly made a judgment. This also means we have no spoils, Lumian laughed, saying to Franca who had already used up the last Mirror Traversal ability of the Ice Amulet, Lets return to the real world first, and Ill come back later to check whats left in the end. Franca understood that Lumian was worried that the abnormal state of the Demoness of Black might lead to a corpse transformation or bring other accidents. If only he came to check, it would be much safer. Without being reckless, Franca pressed her hand behind the mirror, leaving this area and returning with Lumian to the living room of apartment 702. Everything here had turned to stone, and with the removal of the Bottle of Fiction, grayish-white powder fell like rain. Franca covered her mouth and nose, muttering, This is severe pollution. She reached into the Travelers Bag, intending to take out the remaining verl dor and leave it here as compensation for the damaged furniture. At this moment, Lumian suddenly had a premonition. His figure disappeared in an instant, melting into the shadows, hiding in the bedroom where Jenna had originally lived. The next second, Franca also sensed something with her spirituality, casting her gaze towards the glass window that had been protected by the Bottle of Fiction and had not yet petrified. The left part of the double-opening glass window suddenly darkened, quickly outlining a figure as if reflecting an image on water. That figure wore a black, elegant court dress, with black hair coiled up, wearing a hat with a dark veil hanging down. Her face was indescribably beautiful, her deep gray eyes bright but revealing undisguisable sorrow, her red lips slightly curved, her chin beautifully arched. Not only men but also women who saw her would instinctively feel pity. Demoness of Black! Demoness of Black Clarice! At this moment, Franca was a bit stunned. Did the Demoness of Black get reanimated? No, even if it was a reanimation, it should have appeared on the full-length mirror in the living room! If it isnt reanimation, who is this now, and who was that earlier? As Francas mind instantly tensed, the Demoness of Black on the glass window gently nodded and asked in a soft voice, What exactly happened a few days ago that made you only return now? This attitude its very amiable Franca, who had initially thought of drawing her gun and attacking, suddenly felt confused. Chapter 896 - Chapter 896 Charm Chapter 896 Charm Seeing that the Demoness of Black had no immediate intention to attack her, and didnt seem to be secretly releasing Plague, Franca steadied herself and began reciting her pre-rehearsed words, That day, Lumian suddenly said that the Rose School of Thought had brought a very important item to Trier, which could potentially cause chaos and affect us, so we needed to quickly move to another safe house This time, Franca pushed all the problems and abnormalities onto Lumian, saying she didnt know why this lover she met through the Iron and Blood Cross Order was hiding so many secrets. Despite not being very powerful, he seemed to have a very high status, to the extent that after a dazzling light suddenly burst in the sky over Trier, it attracted the attack of two bestowed demigods. Franca truthfully recounted her role in the subsequent battle, only omitting Jennas abilities and Anthonys revolver. Finally, she said, At the most critical moment, Lumian came back. He had actually become a Demoness of Despair and quickly killed Higdon, then dealt with Voisin Sanson. And then? the Demoness of Black in the glass window asked. She left, Franca answered simply, without further explanation. She originally felt that although her description was reasonably fabricated, as someone who wasnt a descendant of the Demoness family, with an origin that only seemed clear, having long shared a bed with someone carrying many secrets and special qualities, experiencing many things together, was inherently suspicious. Who could guarantee she hadnt developed some issues because of this? After the brief battle earlier, she had completely lost confidence in her ability to deceive the Demoness of Black, and was merely giving her a reason to pretend. Lumian Lee indeed has quite a few issues. Once exposed, he certainly wouldnt dare stay here anymore, the Demoness of Black said in a very calm tone. Then, she chuckled softly. The only pity is that youve lost the most valiant lover below demigod level. The few times I came to look, you were always enjoying yourself immensely, it was enviable. Franca was stunned for a moment, instinctively cursing in her heart, Dammit! When did she see that? Wasnt there a Bottle of Fiction? Thinking about the Demoness of Black seeing her in that state, her face nearly turned green. She carefully recalled and realized this couldnt really be blamed on Lumian, it was all her own doingafter the first two or three times, she had gotten used to it and found an entertaining point, which was to tease and Charm Lumian until he became urgent, to the point where even the Ascetic couldnt remind him to create the Bottle of Fiction. What is this called? Its called bringing a calamity upon oneself! I hope the Demoness of Black hadnt seen what I did later to digest the Affliction potion I hope Mr. Fool, please protect your devout believer from social death! Franca laughed dryly. Indeed, he was much more impressive than I had anticipated, but I dont want to mention him anymore. No, her. This bastard not only kept so many secrets from me, but also seduced my other lover Jenna, cuckolding me. Ive even digested half of the Affliction potion because of this. She was laying the groundwork for her rapid digestion of the Affliction potion. Of course, as said before, giving the Demoness of Black a reason to keep pretending. There was such a thing? The Demoness of Blacks face, white to the point of slight transparency, revealed a slight smile, as if she had long guessed that a Sequence 5 Beyonder of the manly pathway like Lumian Lee, frequently in contact with Francas female lover, would inevitably have a day when he couldnt resist. Yes. Franca dug up her true feelings from that time and gritted her teeth. You didnt cut off his thing, or force-feed him a potion from the Demoness pathway? The Demoness of Black relaxed her expression, rarely making a joke. Well, his sequence is too high, you couldnt make him advance to become a Demoness of Despair. Among my lovers, if any male lover is destined to become a Demoness, I dont mind him sleeping with my female lovers, since hell lose it sooner or later and become a female lover. If I hadnt originally planned for him to walk the Demoness pathway, I would have let him know what pain really is. You real Demonesses sure play a perverted game Franca inwardly criticized before saying, I initially had thoughts of revenge, but later gave up. As an adult, I dont make choicesI take everything! At this point, Franca deliberately hesitated. Moreover, I sensed some issues at the time. He seemed to have a false high status, and torturing him would make my Affliction potion digest rapidly, but before I could probe the real reason, everything exploded. The Demoness of Black nodded slightly, looking at Franca with an appreciative gaze for two seconds. No wonder you played that kind of game. Its very interesting, very suitable for a Demoness. Francas toes were already constantly scratching the ground inside her boots. However, your endurance isnt too good, the Demoness of Black said in an instructive tone. Franca smiled sheepishly and said, I only made him endure, not myself Endurance is also a form of pain. This would allow you to digest the potion from another aspect, the Demoness of Black said seriously, suppressing the smile on her face. Thats true Franca blinked her eyes. Why didnt I think of that at the time? Otherwise, I would have completely digested the Affliction potion by now! Ah, I was too focused on having fun! But Beyonders cant think about acting every moment, right? One needs to learn to relax, to learn to use pure entertainment to relieve mental pressure and accumulated tendencies towards losing control! Franca really didnt want to continue this embarrassing topic, so she took the initiative to say, But Ill be able to completely digest the Affliction potion in at most two or three weeks. She had recently been recalling previously learned knowledge, purchasing general-purpose textbooks, and trying to create exam papers for Ludwig. She believed that just once would be enough to achieve her goal. This would only take a few days. The Demoness of Black didnt mention anything about subsequent advancement, which Franca didnt find strangeher current self was highly suspicious, and if the Demoness of Black were to promise to provide the formula and ingredients for the Demoness of Despair, it would mean that the subsequent arrangements would inevitably involve very dangerous traps. What a situation this is I know Im lying, the Demoness of Black knows Im lying, and I also know that the Demoness of Black knows Im lying Franca sighed inwardly, and according to the Demoness of Blacks questions, she detailed Lumians appearance and abilities after he became a Demoness of Despair. The Demoness of Black listened quietly, then suddenly walked out of the glass window into the grayish-white dominated living room. Seeing this, alarm bells immediately rang in Francas heart. The current situation was clearly the result of Petrification, an ability unique to high-ranking members of the Demoness pathway, yet the Demoness of Black hadnt asked a single question about what had happened! The Demoness of Black looked at Franca, her lips gently blossoming into a smile that seemed to cast a glow over the stone room. Franca found herself uncontrollably drawn in, completely unable to look away. The Demoness of Black extended her right hand and said in a gentle voice, You only have one lover left now, but you can become my lover. Franca suddenly felt that the Demoness of Black was filled with a sacred aura, making her want to protect and also ravish her. Then, a watery gleam appeared in the Demoness of Blacks eyes, taking on a soft and sorrowful quality that made Franca want to merge with her out of pity. The Demoness of Black walked step by step towards Franca, her right hand still extended, like a queen waiting for her knight to kiss it. Franca was suddenly overwhelmed by a strong desire to conquer. In this way, the Demoness of Black continuously changed her aura, as if searching for the one that would most captivate Franca. Francas breathing had already become belabored, and she instinctively blurted out, No need. This sentence was like a spell, instantly dispelling the current romantic atmosphere. The Demoness of Black returned to her original appearance, stopping just two steps away from Franca. Give me a reason, the Demoness of Black asked very calmly, showing no signs of disappointment or anger. Francas cheeks had become flushed at some point, her body trembling slightly, as if that refusal had used up all her strength. Her mind raced, quickly finding a very good reason. Madame, you said that endurance is also a form of pain. I want to take the opportunity of losing a lover to practice abstinence for a while, to accelerate the complete digestion of the Affliction potion. A faint smile reappeared on the Demoness of Blacks face. Your willpower is stronger than I expected. Although I wasnt using my full Charm on you just now, the fact that you could still refuse my proposal without me deliberately suppressing the Charm shows that your willpower is among the best among Sequence 5 Beyonders. Is that so What was I thinking of that made me refuse such a great temptation Franca recalled, her expression changing slightly. At that moment, she had thought of Jenna, and also of Lumian. This both surprised and didnt surprise her. The lack of surprise referred to thinking of Jenna at the critical moment of being Charmed, while the surprise was that she had also thought of Lumian! The Demoness of Black looked around and said, Ill wait for you to completely digest the Affliction potion. During this time, I have a task for you. Make contact with the core members of the Emperor Party. You should have heard the voice saying Your emperor has returned that day. Those fantasists who worship Roselle and want to restore the empire seem to have new ideas because of this. Perhaps we can use them to do something. The specific situation will be told to you by Niceea. She was originally a spy employed by the government, specifically monitoring the Emperor Party. She has just become a Witch not long ago. This is her contact information If you want to obtain the formula and ingredients for the Demoness of Despair from me, you need to make good contributions to the sect. Franca took the paper handed over by the Demoness of Black and sincerely responded, Yes, Madame Clarice. The Demoness of Black didnt say anything more. Layers of dark spaces appeared in her eyes. Her figure then disappeared from the room. She hadnt mentioned a single word about the complete grayish-white state of the scene. Not long after, Lumian walked out of Jennas bedroom, grabbed Francas arm, and entered the full-length mirror in the living room. The corpse pieces of the Demoness of Black in the area behind the mirror had completely disappeared. Chapter 897 - Chapter 897 The Demoness of Blacks Peculiarity Chapter 897 The Demoness of Blacks Peculiarity Lumian didnt rely entirely on his spirituality, but carefully searched the area behind the mirror, finding nothing. Could this have been the Demoness of Blacks Mirror Person? Franca asked doubtfully. The Demoness of Blacks Mirror Person shouldnt be this weak. Lumian shook his head. The two tried using Magic Mirror Divination, but received no effective revelation. Should we try asking the one with the most accurate divination results? Franca suggested, barely concealing her fear and aversion. After pondering for a moment, Lumian said, Lets wait until weve consulted Madam Magician and the others before considering that option. Perhaps Madam Magician could learn from the spirit world what exactly the dead Demoness of Black was. Franca sighed in relief, turning her gaze to the mirror exit, saying with lingering fear, Just now, the Demoness of Black completely ignoring the petrified state of the room nearly scared me to death. Such a glaring anomaly was right in front of her eyes, yet she acted as if she were blind. She could have at least pretended to notice! Even though I knew the reason I gave wouldnt convince you, I still acted professionally until the end, didnt I? Lumian pondered for a moment before saying, Perhaps she really didnt notice. Wh Youre even better at telling horror stories than I am! Franca shuddered. Its possible that the death of this Demoness of Black will lead to a partial loss of sensory or spiritual perception in the real Demoness of Black, making her unable to perceive corresponding signs for a short time, Lumian speculated thoughtfully. Franca nodded pensively. So youre saying the Demoness of Black you killed was a part of the real Demoness of Black, split off for unknown reasons? If we could master all the mystical knowledge related to the Demoness of Unaging, we should be able to find the answer to this question, Lumian affirmed. Not necessarily, Franca refuted, her thoughts jumping as usual. Maybe this isnt a characteristic of the Demoness of Unaging, but rather a peculiarity of the Demoness of Black herself. Didnt you say her position and role in the Demoness Sect dont quite match her Sequence? Thats a possibility, Lumian agreed with Francas statement. Whether its you, or me and Jenna, if we want to go further on the Demoness pathway in the future, these secrets are something we must understand and master. This is also why we cant bypass the Demoness Sect and must interact with them. But I want to switch to Hunter in the future Well, Sequence 4 has to be Demoness of Despair, and maybe by Sequence 3 I can leave the Demoness Sect. But the Demoness of Unaging sounds very appealingeternally youthful, hard to kill, skilled at resurrection, basically both tenacious and long-lived, without aging Switch pathways at Sequence 2? But becoming an Angel is certainly very difficult, I only know of Madam Magician among the Angels in the Major Arcana Franca hesitated and struggled internally. She glanced at Lumian, suddenly grinning and saying, I resisted the Demoness of Blacks Charm just now! Her eyebrows and eyes seemed to be saying Praise me quickly. Lumian glanced at her. I remember when I first met you, you were mature, dashing, charming, and had determination. You were a reliable older sister. But now No, a reliable older brother, Franca instinctively retorted. Everyone has different facets. Can you act the same way with strangers as you do with brothers you can entrust your life to? Can you handle daily trivial matters in the same style as sudden crises? That would be exhausting. She became smug again. That was a Sequence 3 Demoness of Unaging. Although she didnt directly use Charm, just based on her beauty, the innate allure of a high-sequence Demoness, and her constantly changing aura, not many men could refuse her. But I did it! Lumian walked towards the dark exit leading back to the living room, casually saying, Being able to refuse is a good thing. Although becoming the Demoness of Blacks lover would indeed allow you to enjoy the body of a High-Sequence Demoness and the pleasure she brings, and gradually gain her true trust, it would also make you gradually become addicted, ultimately unable to extricate yourself, becoming twisted and corrupted, abandoning everything you originally valued. Right, Franca responded instinctively, then grabbed her ponytail and said, Thats not the point! Do you know why I was able to refuse the Demoness of Blacks proposal? You thought of Jenna at that moment? Lumian pondered briefly. Franca nodded with satisfaction, speaking in a tone that suggested her bro understood her best, Thats right! Lumian didnt ask for details and continued forward, preparing to return to the real world. At this moment, Franca, both struck by inspiration and suddenly impulsive, added, I also thought of you As soon as the words left her mouth, the Demoness of Affliction froze, as if struck by lightning. Dammit, why did I say that out loud? Franca instantly wanted to dig a hole and crawl into it. At the same time, she quickly examined her previous state to determine if she had been manipulated or if it was truly a moment of impulse. Seeing Lumian stop in his tracks, his expression becoming somewhat complicated, Franca finally confirmed that it was her spiritualitys inspiration that made her impulsive, making her try this. Just as Jenna had said before, Lumian needed to clearly know that he as a person was still valued, liked, and needed. Since Ive already said it, I might as well continue! Franca looked at the dazed Lumian, deliberately using a stubborn tone. I dont know why I thought of you at that moment either. I thought we only had a purely physical relationship. Maybe its because you were watching from the guest room. This made Lumian instinctively scoff, as if wanting to refute. He didnt say similar words, instead asking in a slightly lower voice, What did you think about me? Dammit, youre really asking? Bro, who could say those things out loud!? While Franca was inwardly cursing, she smiled and looked Lumian up and down. I dont know why, but I feel like youve become even more beautiful after coming into contact with the Sealed Artifact formed by Omebellas remains. You can even rival the Sequence 3 Demoness of Black now. Well, at least in one of her auras. Normally, beauty and prettiness couldnt be quantified and compared, but in the Demoness pathway, they could. Higher Sequences would have more feminine charm than lower Sequences, and were generally more beautiful, unless the lower Sequence Demoness was originally very attractive or improved her appearance through other means, such as using the Lie earring or coming into contact with the extreme corruption of beauty. Lumian satisfied both conditions. Without waiting for Lumian to respond, Franca deliberately sighed, At that time, I should have recalled you, whose charm could rival the Demoness of Black, but strangely, I remembered the initial you who always liked to act tough, like a little brother. Maybe I didnt want to perform an improper act in front of a bro. After a few seconds, Lumian glanced at Franca. Perhaps Jenna and I have also become your anchors. Hey, dont say it so seriously and textbook-like Franca grumbled, then asked, The Demoness of Black asked me to contact the core members of the Emperor Party. Could there be any hidden risks? I thought she would make me deal with the special mirror world-related uh, she doesnt seem to have withdrawn those tasks from earlier investigations of the Mirror People. The Emperor Partys new scheme might be related to the special mirror world, Lumian said in a flat tone. Ah? Franca looked puzzled. How are these connected? Lumian explained simply, Have you forgotten who the leader of the Mirror People is? The mirror Emperor Roselle the Emperor Party I understand now! Franca suddenly realized. She immediately looked Lumian up and down. Why do I feel like youve become smarter? This is the result of blending the Demoness and Hunter pathways, Lumian said with a slight smirk. Before, I used the Conspirers ability to gather clues, study details, and deduce conclusions. Now, I first get some inspiration, come up with a few ideas, and then rely on Conspirer to analyze possibilities. This saves a lot of time. Just now, when the Demoness of Black mentioned the Emperor Party believing in Emperor Roselle and wanting to restore the empire, I naturally associated it with the mirror Roselle, and then connected the two. Youre making me want to switch pathways Franca muttered as she followed Lumian back to the still grayish-white Apartment 702. She took out 300 verl dor from the Travelers Bag and placed them under a small stone. This was compensation for the landlord. After doing this, Franca looked back at the full-length mirror with a slight grayish tint and said in a disappointed tone, The Mirror Traversal ability of the Ice Amulet has been used up, and the Demoness of Black didnt give me another one Youll have a new one soon, although it can only be used about five or six times, Lumian said seemingly casually. What? Franca looked at her companion in confusion. Where is the new charm coming from? Lumian pointed at himself. From me. Have you forgotten that Im a Demoness of Despair and can make similar charms by praying to myself? Oh, right, Franca was a bit captivated by Lumians tone and expression just now. Who could resist such a beautiful girl saying such things and making such gestures! As Lumian opened the door to leave, Franca suddenly realized. This guys mood seems to have improved a bit; he can even occasionally answer my questions in a relatively light tone! Hehe Franca quickly caught up, her steps feeling light and airy. At night, in Underground Trier, in a cavern of a certain quarry. Lumian and Ludwig watched as Anthony successfully summoned a human-headed bird demon in the name of Mr. Fool, but failed to gain its acknowledgment and successfully sign a contract. The human-headed bird demon, a creature from the spirit world, was part of the advancement ritual for Sequence 5 Dreamwalker of the Spectator pathway. If you had summoned it through normal means, I could force it to sign a contract with you, Lumian casually remarked as he saw Anthony dissolve the wall of spirituality and walk out. But now it was summoned in the name of Mr. Fool, and both parties of the ritual were communicating in a peaceful state. Anthony agreed with a nod. But it wont respond to normal summoning methods. I plan to pray to Mr. Fool again next month, hoping to receive the protection of his Angel. This is another method provided by Madam Justice, but such prayers should preferably be made after some time has passed. Next month, huh In a few more days, we should be entering Mr. Fools dream. Having a Dreamwalker would be much better Lumians eyes shifted slightly as he turned his head to look at Ludwig beside him and asked, Are there any ingredients that can help Anthony stay lucid in the dream? Even if its just for a short time. Chapter 898 - Chapter 898 Selecting "Ingredients" Chapter 898 Selecting Ingredients Ludwig, dressed in childrens formal wear, looked at the freshly cleaned altar and licked his lips somewhat regretfully, saying, If we had caught that bird with a human head just now and stewed it together with a fat duck, we could have gained the ability to control our fear emotions in dreams, possibly gaining lucidity through fear Additionally The seven or eight-year-old boy began counting on his fingers, one by one. The gray beast from Planet Darbilla, cooked by roasting, can prevent one from getting lost in most dreams for seven days The Black Dream Tapir, a spirit world creature that feeds on joy, happiness, excitement, desire, and other emotions in human dreams. Using its residual dust to make a cocktail can prevent the drinker from being deceived by the beauty of dreams, sinking into them, and refusing to wake up. At the same time, each time you drink that wine, you can clearly distinguish between reality and dreams for the next ten days The King of Nightmares, an Angel-level creature that rules Planet Four Snake in the Y star system. Eating its gallbladder directly can permanently gain the trait of dream lucidity As Ludwig spoke, he grew hungrier and couldnt help but ask his now-female godfather for a few sandwich cookies to fill his stomach. After he finished listing the ingredients he could currently remember, Anthony pondered and said, Perhaps Ive encountered a Black Dream Tapir before. Seeing Lumian look at him, Anthony carefully said, I met a patient at the psychiatric clinic a while ago. He had been having nightmares for three consecutive weeks, was mentally drained, emotionally numb, and very pessimistic. I tried regular psychological treatment on him, and also attempted to solve the problem using Beyonder abilities like Hypnosis, but these only prevented him from having nightmares for two or three days before reverting back to his original state. I couldnt figure out why it failed before, but now I suspect he might have been targeted by a Black Dream Tapir. Psychiatric clinic? Lumian nodded while casually asking. Anthony briefly explained, To join the Psychology Alchemists, one needs to fully integrate into the circle of psychiatrists. Im now officially a practicing physician at a psychiatric clinic. Lumian made an affirmative sound and thoughtfully said, The higher the Sequence of new members, the less likely they are to be trusted by those secret organizations. Sequences 9 to 7 are still okay, within the realm of wild Beyonders that ordinary people have a chance to reach. Sequence 6 is barely acceptable, but Sequence 5 involves rituals. Very few purely wild Beyonders can reach this level. Arent you worried that becoming a Dreamwalker now will affect your subsequent joining of the Psychology Alchemists? Lumian made an affirmative sound and thoughtfully said, The higher the Sequence of new members, the less likely they are to be trusted by those secret organizations. Sequences 9 to 7 are still okay, within the realm of wild Beyonders that ordinary people have a chance to reach. Sequence 6 is barely acceptable, but Sequence 5 involves rituals. Very few purely wild Beyonders can reach this level. Arent you worried that becoming a Dreamwalker now will affect your subsequent joining of the Psychology Alchemists? Anthony smiled peacefully. I bought the Dreamwalker potion formula and corresponding ingredients in batches from a member of the Psychology Alchemists. Madam Justice mainly provided financial rewards. I see Lumian turned to ask Ludwig, What level of power does a Black Dream Tapir have approximately? The strong ones have weak godhood, while the weak ones are equivalent to Sequence 7, Ludwig said with an expectant look. Going to the spirit world to find harpies or Black Dream Tapirs is not something we can accomplish, unless we ask Madam Magician or the Angel of the Holy Spirit who manages the spirit world on behalf of Mr. Fool for help, Lumian said to Anthony. Do you have a way for me to enter that patients dream? I want to confirm if its a Black Dream Tapir and if theres a chance to capture it. I bought two dream entry charms from the Psychology Alchemists, and Madam Justice also gave me one, Anthony answered truthfully. Lumian smiled, pulling up his cloak to cover his face. Then lets visit that patient tonight. Anthony suppressed the disappointment of having that extremely beautiful face hidden, nodded, and followed behind Lumian, who was holding Ludwigs hand, as they headed towards the surface. After walking several dozen meters, Ludwig turned his head to look at Lumian and said, Mother He simply felt that since his godfather had become female, the address should be changed. Mother Lumians heart skipped a beat, and his voice became stern. Its better you keep calling me godfather. Yes, Godfather, Ludwig readily agreed. Ive been having some bad premonitions lately. Bad premonitions? Lumian asked as if pondering, About yourself, or all of us? Ludwig answered quite honestly, About myself. Lumian nodded slightly and chuckled. I think I know what it is. Its not a big problem, just endure it and it will pass. When the time comes, youll have the opportunity to accumulate contributions to exchange for different parts of a demigod blesseds corpse. Ludwigs eyes immediately lit up, forgetting that his premonition was leaning towards bad. Alright, Godfather! In Quartier de la Maison dOpra, on Rue du Chapeau Noir, inside an apartment with drawn curtains. Niceya, nearly 1.7 meters tall, stood in front of a full-length mirror, gazing at her reflection. My face is fair and clean, my brown hair naturally wavy and hanging loose, my brown eyes deep yet clear, my lips red and moist, slightly parted to reveal two rows of white teeth. My figure is curvy, neither too tall nor too short, just right What an enchanting young lady. Niceea gazed at herself in fascination, her right hand falling to her rosy lips, then slowly moving down towards her prominent chest. She hadnt expected that the Beyonder power promised by that Demoness would be obtained in this way. When she was immersed in and proud of the various abilities brought by the Assassin potion, committing numerous crimes, her fate was already sealed. She was forced to drink the Witch potion, becoming a woman, which strongly conflicted with and opposed her male identity of over twenty years. Now she seemed to be split into two people: one angry, in pain, wanting to take revenge on those Demonesses and this world; the other conquered by her charming beauty, flawless figure, and a happiness different from before, falling in love with her current self, even wanting to drink higher Sequence potions to make herself more perfect and charming. Suddenly, following her spiritual intuition, Niceea lowered her hand from her chest and abruptly turned around, looking towards an armchair near the window. There was someone there, who hadnt been there before. The person had their arms resting on both armrests, body comfortably leaning against the chair back. A faintly visible ponytail of flaxen-colored long hair, brown eyebrows flying into the temples bringing both heroic beauty and seeming to pierce into the hearts of all onlookers, while those seemingly clear and tranquil lake-colored eyes held depths, as if hiding many emotions and thoughts, making one want to use all their passion to explore. These features, along with the high and delicate nose, moist and rosy lips, smooth and slender neck, and the figure that made the lace flower shirt bulge, suddenly gave Niceea an urge to submit and kiss the back of the others hand. So beautiful As beautiful as the few Demonesses Ive seen before, but with a different aura, a more attractive aura and facial details Niceea greedily looked at the beauty before her, surprisingly not questioning who the other was, nor making any defensive or attacking moves. Is this what a newly advanced Witch is like Franca, sitting in the armchair, silently shook her head. She had already sneaked into this room since Niceea started admiring her mirror image, but Niceea was so indulged in her own beauty that she completely failed to notice, even wanting to perform an intense act. Back then, when Franca drank the Witch potion, she was also stunned by her own beauty, feeling it was the anima in her heart, the woman she had always dreamed of. Fortunately, her personality was very cheerful, and being a transmigrator who had already switched bodies once, she didnt reject her current female body or consider it as another person. So she was only a bit narcissistic, not to the extent of truly falling in love with her female self. After getting busy with the Tarot Clubs tasks and meeting Jenna and Lumian, Francas issues in this aspect became increasingly faint. However, being so beautiful, how could she not admire herself? Although she was sitting and Niceea was standing, Franca smiled with a condescending attitude. I dont know if the Demoness of Black has told you, but for a long time to come, you will be my subordinate. Madame Clarice mentioned it. You must be Madame Franca? Niceeas gaze was still roaming over Francas body, with an urge to tear off the others clothes and beg for pleasure, but she looked at her own chest and felt a wave of sadness. She no longer had that ability now Your vigilance is not high enough. If I were an enemy, you would have died several times already, Franca said, her red lips parting slightly. Mirror Substitution is very important, but you cant rely on it completely. Niceea was first startled, then broke out in a cold sweat. Yes, Madame Franca. Franca showed a slight smile, making Niceeas eyes light up. Give me the information on the core members of the Emperor Party. Niceea nodded instinctively. Understood. She quickly walked towards the safe in the room. In the administrative district, on Rue Lviv. Wearing cotton pajamas and sleep pants, Kewell held a glass of red wine, sitting on the edge of the bed, reluctant to lie down and sleep for a long time. He knew it would be the beginning of another long torment and endless pain. Finally, he couldnt resist fatigue and sleepiness. After drinking that glass of red wine, he fell into a deep sleep. In the hazy dream, Kewell was running, terrified to the point of near collapse, with a huge monster chasing him from behind. Ahead was a cliff, and he didnt have time to stop, falling directly off it. If it were a normal dream, Kewell would definitely wake up at this moment due to the free fall or directly switch scenes, but he didnt now. He crashed to the ground with a bang, seeing his body shattered into pieces everywhere in indescribable pain. He let out a shrill scream. At this moment, a bear-like shadow walked out of the darkness and began to lick the brain matter that had splattered out of Kewell, causing him to freeze, feeling even more pain and fear. Suddenly, he saw the crimson moon rise in the sky, and a slender figure carrying a huge iron-black straight sword descended from the heavens. The figures hood was flipped up, black long hair illuminated by the crimson moon as if in a dream, seeming to pierce directly into the moon. Chapter 899 - Chapter 899 Hunting in Dreams Chapter 899 Hunting in Dreams When Lumian saw the bear-like shadow, he immediately confirmed it was a Black Dream Tapir based on his spiritual intuition. He instantly drew the Sword of Courage, and under the illumination of the crimson moon in the dream, jumped down from the cliff top. The hood attached to his cloak flipped up, revealing black long hair, delicate features, and light blue yet deep eyes. Boom! Intense white-blue flames pinned the black bear-like shadow to the ground, blasting it into pieces. Those shadow fragments quickly scattered and recombined into the shape of a tapir in the distance. This wasnt a real dream. Most damage couldnt be reflected on the physical body, so it couldnt cause direct death, at most causing mental damage and turning one into a vegetable! The bear-like Black Dream Tapir turned towards Lumian and let out a low growl. With this growl, the scenery around Lumian changed, transforming from the primitive forest at the bottom of the cliff to Cordu under blue skies and white clouds, near green grasslands. Lumian returned to Ol Tavern, with a glass of absinthe floating with a dreamlike green color in front of him, surrounded by many Guillaumes and Pierres. They were telling crude jokes and slandering people from other villages. The familiar scent of alcohol pierced Lumians nostrils. Outside the tavern window, Aurores house was magically reflected, with a figure in a light blue dress and thick golden hair sitting on the roof, hugging her knees and gazing at the sky. One of the Black Dream Tapirs abilities was to use the happy, joyful, and pleasant emotions it had absorbed to trap its target in the most nostalgic and beautiful scene, making it difficult to break free. Seeing the female figure holding the iron-black giant sword freeze, the Black Dream Tapir ran over on all fours. It wanted to devour this entire scene and all the positive emotions the other person generated from it. At this moment, it felt something burning behind it and instinctively turned around. It saw another Lumian, with invisible flames of anger burning in his eyes and intense black flames covering his sword. The Lumian indulging in memories of Cordu quickly dissipated, leaving only a mirror. Lumian raised the Sword of Courage burning with the Flames of Destruction, cleaving the Black Dream Tapir in two from top to bottom. The more he longed for the beautiful life in Cordu, knowing it could never return, the more agitated and pained he felt, with anger surging! In a slight explosion, black flames suppressing madness and violence clung to the two halves of the Black Dream Tapirs shadow, continuously burning them, making them noticeably fainter. The Black Dream Tapirs shadow rejoined dozens of meters away, but was much weaker than before. Lumians Flames of Destruction seemed to have truly damaged the part of its consciousness that had penetrated this dream. Fear appeared in the eyes of this spirit world creature. It suddenly stood upright, its dark eyes tinged with blood-red. It wanted to use the dream to transform into one of the targets most feared and terrifying forms, thereby intimidating the opponent and creating an opportunity for its consciousness to escape the dream and successfully return to the spirit world. In the blink of an eye, the Black Dream Tapirs body swelled to an abnormal size, emanating an extremely insane, cruel, bloody, and violent aura. It also created nearly invisible flames. In the next second, the Black Dream Tapir itself let out an extremely terrified and agonized scream. It was ignited by the invisible fire it had created, and its body was filled with the terrifying aura it had imitated, almost losing itself. Seeing this scene, even Lumian was stunned for a moment, then curved his lips into a smile and said softly, Its not so easy to imitate an image that can make me fear and dread. You think you can imitate the Blood Emperor? Imitating a true god inevitably means suffering backlash! The Black Dream Tapir was already rolling in agony in the dream, unable to extinguish the invisible flames burning it. It struggled extremely hard to detach from the dream. Lumian didnt stop it, but instead activated the black mark on his right shoulder and followed it to the spirit world. The dreams owner, Kewell, in the form of dismembered corpse pieces, saw the girl who descended like the crimson moon falling twice slash the bear-like shadow monster and set it completely ablaze. His heart gradually became less fearful and afraid. He stared blankly at that elegant and clean profile, at those slightly pursed light red lips, at the bright and beautiful face so different from the giant sword she wielded, feeling as if he were dreaming. No, this really was a dream. Lumian chased to a certain place in the spirit world and saw the Black Dream Tapirs true form already burning itself. Its agonized wails made the strange creatures around choose to stay away. Lumian watched quietly and flicked a black flame bound with agitation and intensity towards it, letting it fall onto the Black Dream Tapirs body. In just a few seconds, the spirit world creature burned to ashes, turning into a tiny amount of dark black powder. Lumian reached out his palm and caught this powder. In the apartment Lumian had rented for Lugano and Ludwig in Quartier de lObservatoire. The little boy dressed in childrens formal wear with a small bow tie poured nearly 100 milliliters of Lanti Proof into a glass, then added the Black Dream Tapirs powder, lemon juice, ice cubes, a type of kilju, and other ingredients. In the end, that full glass of strong liquor had a golden base, with green and black intertwining colors on top, looking quite beautiful. Wow, that drink looks very tempting, Franca exclaimed with an expectant look. She sat very close to Lumian, while Jenna was on Lumians other side. Ludwig suddenly picked up that glass of cocktail and hid it behind his back. He said very firmly, Theres only enough for two people to drink! You and Anthony drink it. Lumian made the decision directly. While Franca felt slightly disappointed, Ludwig beamed with joy. He took another glass and poured nearly half of the cocktail into it, handing it to Anthony. This cocktail is called The Color of Dreams. It takes effect one minute after drinking. After Anthony took The Color of Dreams, Ludwig began gulping down the portion in his hand. Franca deliberately said, Isnt it not so good for someone so young to drink hard liquor? He should be properly educated. She had already prepared her test papers, just waiting for Anthony to finish advancing to test Ludwig. As Ludwig inexplicably shuddered, Anthony adjusted his state and drank that glass of The Color of Dreams. It was both bitter and sweet, both strong and mild, both igniting the esophagus, mouth, and stomach, while bringing an intoxicating feeling. This was a dreamscape. While waiting for The Color of Dreams to take effect, Anthony began preparing the potion. Franca took the opportunity to say to Lumian and Jenna, The leader of the Emperor Party is a man called Louis. He claims to have blood from the Gustav family and to be a descendant of Emperor Roselle. According to Niceeas intelligence, some core members of the Emperor Party feel that on that day, after the Vortex incident, Louis Gustav became somewhat strange, more mysterious and more majestic. Hes secretly planning something, and only a very few of his confidants in the entire Emperor Party know what it is. Niceea has a strong desire to express herself and take revenge on society. She volunteered to make contact with one of Louis Gustavs confidants. I plan to ask 007s side to cooperate and create an opportunity for her Louis was as common a name in Trier and Intis as Pierre, Guillaume, and others. Lumian nodded slightly, but before he could say anything, Anthony had finished preparing the potion and drank the dark liquid speckled with grayish-white light. The taste of Dreamwalker was very similar to The Color of Dreams, both complex and chaotic, containing many elements. Lumian and the others stopped talking, focusing intently on Anthony to guard against any accidents. They saw their teammates face sometimes covered with grayish-white scales, sometimes becoming bloodless, as if his soul had left his body, while his eyes were empty and lifeless, having lost self-awareness. After a while, Anthonys eyes first became dark, then lit up with light. It succeeded, Anthony said, showing rare outward emotion. That feeling of looking down on the world, on everyones dreams, is truly addictive. I almost didnt want to wake up. After this exclamation, he composed himself and briefly described the abilities brought by the Dreamwalker potion. I can directly see the appearance of the spirit world, see the sea of collective subconscious, and can guide the target step by step to reveal their inner secrets through changes in dreams I can also gradually influence the target by modifying dreams, making them do things they wouldnt normally do. This is equivalent to a gentler, more hidden form of Hypnosis thats less likely to be detected by higher-level targets, but it takes quite a long time to complete Now I can directly enter dreams, hide in dreams, and jump from one dream to another, but the distance between two dreams cant exceed 500 meters A form of teleportation whose use is limited by environment and distance, Lumian commented briefly. Anthony agreed with a nod.Its called Dream Traversal, and for me, the spirituality consumption is very small. Lumian smiled and stood up, saying, Now, every member of our team is at Sequence 5 or above. A few days later, Anthony was working normally at Green Tree Clinic. Near noon, a nurse brought in a patient. It was Kewell, the young man aspiring to enter politics, currently serving as a staff member in the National Convention. Dr. Reid, Ive been much better recently. I havent had nightmares for several days, Kewell said happily to Anthony. He still trusted Anthony quite a bit, after all, this psychiatrist had indeed improved his condition before. This is your own victory. Youve passed through that stage, Anthony congratulated him without showing any abnormality. Kewell touched his golden sideburns and hesitated before saying, My condition improved four days ago. That night, I was having a nightmare again, but in the dream, a young girl descended under the illumination of a huge red moon and saved me. Sh-she was the most beautiful and charismatic girl Ive ever seen, but my memory of that dream is becoming increasingly blurry. Mr. Reid, can you find a way for me to remember her permanently, to not forget her? Or let me draw her? Maybe theres a girl as beautiful as her in reality Anthony looked at Kewell and said carefully, Im sorry, but I cant help you with this. Indulging in dreams will lead you to another extreme. As your psychiatrist, I cant push you towards an abyss. I must tell you, thats an illusion you cant reach. Kewell was silent for a while, then let out a sigh of extreme disappointment. Alright. Quartier de lObservatoire, Rue de la Gauche. Alone in the apartment, Lumian stood by the window, pondering what he needed to do recently. The treasure vault of the Blue Avenger But Mr. Hanged Man only agreed to let me explore once Go to Bansy Harbor to find that potentially problematic place, use the corpse wax candle Just as Lumian thought of this, he instinctively half-turned his body and saw Madam Magician appear with starlight. This Major Arcana card holder said with a smile, Your reward should be ready to collect today. Ill take you to a place. Chapter 900 - Chapter 900 History Chapter 900 History Outside an abandoned ancient castle. Madam Magician waited with Lumian for a while, then following the guidance of spirituality, took a step and arrived at a place inside, stopping in front of a vermilion door. Knock knock knock, knock knock knock, knock knock knock. The Major Arcana card holder knocked three times in succession. After a few seconds, a relaxed voice came from inside, Enter, please. With these words, the vermilion door slowly opened inward. Lumian immediately saw heavy curtains, with sunlight struggling to shine through the gaps, bringing golden light that revealed floating dust to parts of the room. On the other side, unaffected by sunlight, a black coffin was quietly placed instead of a common bed. Opposite the coffin, near the sunlight, the desk was piled with letters. At this moment, a man wearing loose pajamas was sitting in front of the desk, having just put down a fountain pen with a gold nib and black barrel, and folded a paper filled with words. The man stood up, walked towards the door, with his back to the sunlight. Lumian, having gained dark vision through the Demoness pathway, clearly saw the mans appearance: about 40 years old, average build, bronze skin, clean-shaven, black hair and brown eyes, soft features, with an indescribable sense of world-weariness in his eyes, and a small black mole below his right ear that was only visible upon close inspection Good afternoon, Mr. Azik, Madam Magician greeted the gentleman respectfully. Lumian also said similar words. They spoke in ancient Feysac. The middle-aged man called Azik suddenly seemed dazed for a moment, as if instantly receiving a large amount of information from the spirit world and His own subconscious. He nodded and said in a gentle voice, Thank you for your help, allowing me to wake up early and my soul to be healed to some extent. It was mainly this young friend who made the contribution. Madam Magician pointed to Lumian beside her. She then introduced to Lumian, This is Mr. Azik Eggers, the son of the Death from the Fourth Epoch, and former Consul of the Balam Empire. Son of Death, former Death Consul of the Balam Empire Lumian suddenly recalled part of the content from the Fools Church canon: The Angel of Death has followed our Lord for the longest period of time and is the consul of the Underworld Could this be the Angel of Death beside Mr. Fools divine throne? Lumian greeted him again. A Demoness. Azik glanced at Lumian and nodded slightly, You have the aura of the source of the River Styx. The Angel of Death refers to the river connecting two worlds as the source of the River Styx? Lumian was stunned for a moment and said, Thats the seal of the Underworld Daoist. Underworld Daoist Azik muttered softly, as if He had never heard of this existence. Madam Magician smiled and changed the subject. Mr. Azik, we came to visit you today mainly to inquire about some matters. Azik looked at the corridor outside. Lets take a walk around the castle, talk as we go. This is an important memory from a period of my life. Alright. Madam Magician made way. Lumian and she followed behind Mr. Azik, who was presumably the Angel of Death, through the corridor, along the stairs, step by step upwards. Along the way, ancient wall lamps embedded in the walls lit up one after another, burning with a cold and pale-white flame. Lumian saw oil paintings hanging on both sides of the corridor, some of Azik Himself, but with more lively expressions, even smiling, and some of beautiful ladies with their hair tied up and children playing with wild deer. Aziks gaze slowly swept over these paintings, occasionally lingering. After quite a while, He asked Madam Magician and Lumian, What do you want to ask? Madam Magician, wearing a purplish magicians robe today, asked straightforwardly, Mr. Azik, do you know why the Primordial Demoness sought cooperation with your father, the Death of the Fourth Epoch, after the War of the Four Emperors? Did you notice any problems with the Primordial Demoness? Hearing this question, Lumian was stunned for a moment, then realized. Indeed, who better to ask than someone who personally experienced those events of the late Fourth Epoch? He is indeed an ancient Angel who has lived for over a thousand years Madam Magician should be about the same, but my spiritual intuition tells me shes still quite young Azik recalled for a few seconds and said, There was a gap of over a hundred years between the end of the War of the Four Emperors and the beginning of the Pale Disaster. The Primordial Demonesss arrival was probably in the middle of this period. We dont know exactly what She discussed with my father; I only know that She declared to us Her intention to avenge the Blood Emperor, to make all seven gods of the Northern Continent perish, and to bring the Blood Emperors deity corpse back to the surface from Underground Trier. Is this true love? Despite it being two against seven, She wanted to avenge the Blood Emperor No, if the Primordial Demoness had achieved Her goal then, it would have meant that the special mirror world would no longer be sealed, able to reveal all its problems, but the current Demoness Sect doesnt seem to have such ideas, and even intends to nail the coffin lid more firmly, not letting those Mirror People achieve their goals Also, was it really not the Emperor of the Underworld, that Death, who delivered the final blow to the Blood Emperor? The Uniqueness of the Red Priest fell into the hands of Death, and theres also something like the Samaritan Womens Spring under Trier Lumian was filled with strong doubts, but didnt interrupt Mr. Aziks narration. Azik said, Without a doubt, the Primordial Demoness is the most charming woman in this world. Every living being who sees Her will inevitably be fascinated by Her, including me, my brothers and sisters, and even the undead in the Underworld. Even our father was inevitably attracted to some degree. Even the undead are attracted to the Primordial Demoness? This is already a charm at the level of concepts and authorities Madam Magician sighed and asked, Was your father, the Death of the Fourth Epoch, bewitched by the Primordial Demoness when he finally decided to forcibly accommodate the Uniqueness of the Red Priest? Lumian had gained some understanding of the connection between Death and the Uniqueness of the Red Priest when reading the 0-01 sealing information, but this was the first time he clearly encountered the essence of the matter. As thoughts raced through His mind, Azik shook His head slightly and said, The Primordial Demonesss instigation should be one of the reasons, but I dont think it was the main one, otherwise my father wouldnt have waited decades to do that. Madam Magician made a terse sound and repeated her previous question, Did you notice anything unusual about the Primordial Demoness? Azik passed by an oil painting, lightly running His finger over it. Every time I encountered the Primordial Demoness, I would lose my senses. How could I possibly notice any problems with Her? If there was anything unusual, it was that on a few occasions, Her charm was a bit weaker than normal. That should have been Her deliberately restraining Her charm. As a Demoness, Lumian knew that a Demoness naturally emanating charm and deliberately restraining charm would indeed present two different states, but after experiencing the false Demoness of Black incident, he suspected there might be other possibilities. Madam Magician thought for a moment and changed the subject. Mr. Azik, do you know about the body of the Phoenix Ancestor in the depths of the Underworld? Azik turned His head to look at the two women. My father thought it would be a waste to just destroy the body of an ancient god like that. He believed it could serve a more important purpose, such as helping my father better and more completely control the Underworld, or enabling Him, as Death, to possess stronger power. Those in the death domain will never reject powerful corpses that can be controlled by themselves. Before Madam Magician could ask further, Mr. Azik added, My father also mentioned that the body of the Phoenix Ancestor, this ancient god, held some secrets. Secrets? Madam Magician asked curiously. Azik paced forward and said, He never told me the specifics, only that the story of the Ancient Sun God killing the Phoenix Ancestor at the end of the Second Epoch was false. Well, more accurately, the process was correct, but the result was wrong. The Phoenix Ancestor was only severely wounded by the Ancient Sun God, not dying on the spot. She escaped to the Southern Continent and went into hiding. Yes, if the Phoenix Ancestor was truly killed by the Ancient Sun God, that divine corpse wouldnt likely have been obtained by Death and appeared in the Underworld, unless it was His arrangements again. Madam Magician expressed agreement. Azik continued, Similarly, the Giant King Aurmir didnt perish on the spot either, supposedly escaping and managing to pass on his power to his eldest son, the later God of Combat, Badheil, before dying. Is there any connection to the Omebella matter? Hmm, the two ancient gods who werent killed on the spot by the Ancient Sun God seem to be related to Omebellaones corpse is laying eggs, currently incubating Omebella, while the other is Omebellas husband Lumian glanced at Madam Magician, and after obtaining her consent, asked, Mr. Azik, what is the relationship between the Phoenix Ancestor and the Goddess of Harvest Omebella? Azik shook His head. I was born in the Fourth Epoch. All I know about the history of the Second Epoch is what my father occasionally mentioned. Saying this, He smiled at Lumian and said, Speaking of which, I should give you some reward. As He gently raised His right hand, a large number of white bones gushed out from the ground, forming a giant skeleton. The skeleton respectfully handed a shiny Loen gold pound to Mr. Azik. Azik took the gold coin and presented it to Lumian. Is this acceptable as a reward? Thank you, Lumian said sincerely, accepting the lucky coin that bore Mr. Fools aura. Chapter 901 - Chapter 901 The Final Inquiry Chapter 901 The Final Inquiry Madam Magician silently breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Lumian receive the last lucky coin. Although the Major Arcana card holder had roughly confirmed through prophecy, divination, and psychological analysis that things would develop this way, the subject involved was an Ancient angel, the son of a true god. No one could be certain the result would necessarily unfold as expected. If there had been a deviation, they would have had to formulate a new plan. Madam Magician produced a small golden bottle inscribed with mysterious symbols from somewhere and smiled at Azik Eggers, saying, Mr. Azik, this is some excess water from the Samaritan Womens Spring. Its something produced by corruption from the power at the source of the River Styx. It has multiple effects including repairing souls, inducing sleep, bringing complete death or true dreams, and granting lucidity in dreams. Wed like to ask for your help in making it manifest only one of two qualitieseither inducing sleep or granting lucidity in dreamsand enhancing that effect. Repairing souls Lumian paid no attention to the fact that there was leftover Samaritan Womens Spring water from what he had previously collected. His focus was entirely on the repairing souls effect. Could this gradually make Aurores soul fragments whole again? No problem, said Azik, taking the small golden bottle containing the Samaritan Womens Spring water. Madam Magician, seeming to sense Lumians thoughts, casually explained to him, The Samaritan Womens Spring water does indeed have the effect of repairing souls, but its limited to repair only. Just as limb regeneration abilities can regrow lost arms and legs, but cant grow a whole new person from an arm or leg. That falls under the domain of the Great Mother. She had previously answered the question of what exactly the fake Demoness of Black was, believing that neither she nor the one with the most accurate divination results knew the precise answer. This implied that the relevant secrets must involve the special mirror world. Even some repair effects are good, Lumian said softly after a moment of silence. At this point, a blurry, upright, terrifying giant snake appeared behind Azik, almost touching the illusory sky. Pale-white flames burned in the giant snakes eye sockets. It seemed to have a pair of thick, exaggerated wings on its back. Its body was covered in large dark green scales that appeared black, with what looked like white feathers protruding from between the scales. Although Lumian couldnt clearly see the appearance of each feather and scale or the strange symbols they bore, just directly gazing at this phantom image gave him the sensation of rapidly dying, his skin withering and shriveling. This was damage that Mirror Substitution couldnt transfer. Fortunately, the illusory winged giant snake quickly coiled itself, wrapping layer upon layer around the golden bottle that couldnt even fill one of its eye sockets. Then, the terrifying giant snake rapidly faded, instantly shrinking into the golden bottle. Lumian gradually returned to normal. Azik handed the golden bottle back to The Magician. Anyone who touches the spring water in the bottle will fall into a long sleep, myself included. It will have a slight effect on true gods, but not much, unless that deity is already very weak or in a state of slumber. If you want someone who has fallen asleep because of this to wake up, youll need to collect some more water from the Samaritan Womens Spring and process it in a similar way but with the opposite effect, or seek help from a true god with the corresponding authority. Lumian was not surprised that the processed Samaritan Womens Spring water would only have a weak effect on true gods. Even the remnant soul of the Blood Emperor could occasionally wake up and cause trouble in the mysterious river that was the source of the Samaritan Womens Spring, let alone this secondary derivative! Madam Magician handed the golden bottle to Lumian. This might be useful in the dream, but its uncertain. Lumian nodded slightly and placed the bottle of processed Samaritan Womens Spring water into his Travelers Bag. Madam Magician then turned to Azik and curtsied. Thank you for your help. We have achieved all our objectives today. Is there anything you need us to do? Azik cast His gaze towards the oil paintings on both sides of the corridor and said with a somewhat dazed expression, Nothing at present. Ive been asleep for several years. I want to walk around and see the changes in this world. Madam Magician didnt say more, and left with Lumian after bidding farewell. Before being enveloped by starlight, Lumian turned his head for a glance and saw the former Death Consul, with eyes full of world-weariness, standing silently in front of an oil painting, wordlessly caressing its surface with His fingers. In the evening. Except for Lugano, who was informed he would have a period of vacation to arrange freely, Lumian, Franca, Jenna, Anthony, and Ludwig all gathered in the apartment on Rue de la Gauche in Quartier de lObservatoire. Madam Magician, wearing a cream-colored high-collar dress with gold embroidery and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection, stood by the window and said to the five lucky coin holders, I must emphasize once again the potential risks. In Mr. Fools dream, if you die, you will die in reality. If you lose control or go mad, you will lose control or go mad in reality. If you are directly corrupted by that Celestial Worthy or some other entity, you will also suffer corruption in reality. If you develop psychological illnesses or experience intense emotional fluctuations, your sleeping body in reality will bear corresponding problems. Mere injury or fatigue has very little effect on reality. You can quickly recover by leaving the dream and briefly waking up, or by spending time healing within the dream. In that dream world, you can use all your abilities, but their effects will be limited to the level of Sequence 7. The essence of this limitation is that Mr. Fools self-awareness has not yet recovered. In other words, if the Mr. Fool in the dream realizes that Beyonder abilities can achieve effects corresponding to Sequence 6, your levels will recover to that Sequence accordingly. Similarly, except for special items like the Samaritan Womens Spring water, your other equipment in the dream is essentially derived from your consciousness and is also limited. The good news is that those hostile entities and Beyonders driven by the Celestial Worthy who enter Mr. Fools dream through other methods will be subject to similar restrictions. However, that Celestial Worthy can manage the dream to some extent and in certain aspects. Unless its the final moment, youd better avoid the Celestial Worthy and have no contact with Him. At this point, Lumian raised a question, In Mr. Fools dream, what identity and form does the Celestial Worthy exist in? If this could be clarified, they could effectively avoid that Celestial Worthy. Madam Magician shook her head. If we knew that, the previous lucky coin holders wouldnt have been kicked out of the dream so quickly or had their actions restricted. Confirming the Celestial Worthys identity in the dream is a key point of your mission this time. Madam Magician spoke about other matters related to the dream, and finally asked seriously, Now, you can make your own choices. Are you willing to hold Mr. Fools coins and enter his true dream, attempting to awaken him? If youre unwilling, we wont force you, but youll need to follow the guidance of spirituality and pass on the lucky coins in your possession as soon as possible. If youre willing, after the matter is concluded, whether Mr. Fool is successfully awakened or not, we will reward you generously. I have no problem with it, Lumian, wearing a cloak but without the hood, was the first to answer. Me too. Jenna was the second. Franca and Anthony followed, also willing. The only one hesitating was Ludwig. This little boy with a red bow ties expression changed several times, resisting something unknown. Finally, he looked at Franca and Jenna, and said through gritted teeth, Im willing to go into the dream. Although the food eaten in the dream is fake and illusory, at least theres no studying and exams! Franca, who had already digested the Affliction potion, glanced amusingly at Ludwig and whispered in Jennas ear, This child really isnt smart enough. As soon as I heard Madam Magicians descriptions earlier, I clearly came to a conclusion: If you digest a potion in Mr. Fools dream, it will happen in reality too! Jenna responded quietly, Lets tell Ludwig this fact after we enter Mr. Fools dream. At this moment, Madam Magician nodded slightly and said, Im very glad youve made this choice. Let me remind you one last time, try to delay being kicked out of the dream as much as possible. Once youve been kicked out more than three times, subsequent entries will either result in immediate ejection or complete restriction, leaving you as mere observers. Yes, Madam Magician, Lumian and the others stood up one after another. Specks of brilliant starlight fell, enveloping them. In the blink of an eye, the five appeared inside a luxurious villa. This is also in Trier. Choose your own rooms, but dont be next to each other, in case one person is discovered and affects the others nearby, Madam Magician briefly introduced. Alright. Having made the decision, Franca was no longer hesitant and eager to try. After Lumian and the others had settled on their rooms, Madam Magician said to them as they returned to the corridor, Now go to bed and sleep while holding your lucky coins. Is that all it takes? Franca asked in confusion. Isnt that too simple? Madam Magician chuckled. No, this is just the first step. Miss Justice will need to intervene later. Mm. Lumian and the others didnt ask further. They returned to their chosen rooms, gripped their shiny lucky coins, lay down on the firm yet springy beds, and covered themselves with soft blankets that smelled of sunshine. Chapter 902 - Chapter 902 The Platform Chapter 902 The Platform Before Lumian had a chance to fall asleep through Cogitation, his vision suddenly went dark. His consciousness felt as if it was being pulled by an invisible force, plummeting straight into the depths of the earth. He instinctively resisted for a moment, then experienced a sensation of leaping out of a dark seabed to the surface. His vision was immediately illuminated by a twilight-like radiance, shining through a giant glass pane divided into countless small squares, bringing limited light to the darkness. In this dim light, Lumian saw a black steam locomotive with two oil lamps hanging from it, a domed platform, and at the edge of the platform near the steam train stood Madam Magician in her cream-colored dress with gold embroidery and wide-brimmed sun hat. Beside Madam Magician stood a lady in a simple green dress, with a golden retriever crouching at her feet. Upon seeing the lady in green, Lumian felt surprise and confusion. Another Demoness? Does the Tarot Club have other Demonesses? Shes so beautiful, Lumian heard Franca whisper in admiration. But she doesnt seem like a Demoness. Her aura is different, unless shes already a Sequence 3 Demoness of Unaging Hearing this, Lumian noticed similar issues: The lady in green had lustrous golden hair, partly tied up in a bun with the rest flowing smoothly down. Her emerald eyes were like the most beautiful gems, yet deep enough to seemingly reflect the innermost consciousness of all who beheld them. Her features were exceptionally delicate, her beauty comparable to the Demonesses, with an elegant air tinged with a girls purity and clarity. Such an aura was very rare among Demonesses below Sequence 3at least neither Lumian nor Franca had ever seen it before. Moreover, Lumian found that looking at this lady didnt invoke the desire he usually felt when facing Demonesses. Instead, he felt a sense of peace, warmth, and steadiness. This familiar feeling triggered Lumians spiritual intuition, evoking certain memories. Combined with what Madam Magician had said earlier, he quickly came to a conclusion. Good evening, Madam Justice! The elegant green-clad lady with a hint of girlishness must be the Major Arcana card Justice, one of his Psychiatrists! Good evening, Madam Justice. Anthony was the second to speak. After Franca and Jenna politely greeted Madam Justice, Francas eyes suddenly widened. She pointed at Lumian and said, H-how did you turn back into a man? Uh Lumian reflexively examined himself and found he wasnt wearing the black cloak, the swells in his chest had subsided, and his white shirt, black vest, and dark trousers fit as they used to. Meanwhile, Franca was still wearing her lace-flowered blouse and cream-colored riding pants, with a small red jacket. Her chest was prominent and her ponytail swayed gentlyshe looked every bit a Demoness. At this moment, Madam Justice said with a soft laugh, This is entering a true dream, which is different from normal dreaming. Using a Dream Charm causes the body to dematerialize and directly enter the dream. Whatever you look like in reality is how you appear in the dream. Normal dreams depend on real-time perceptionyour dream image might be your current self, your past self, or even an altered self. But in a true dream, if you can maintain consciousness, what appears will be your subconscious self-perception. In other words, Seven of Wandss subconscious still considers himself male. I see Lumian felt a mix of joy and disappointment. Franca blurted out, Then what about me? Why am I still She suddenly closed her mouth, looking as if she had been struck by lightning, losing part of her soul. Madam Justice gently comforted her, Accepting the present doesnt mean forgetting the past. As long as you remember who your past self was and what kind of life that self lived, reconciling with your current body wont lead you to lose control. The acting principles of the Demoness Sect may not suit everyone; it depends on ones personality and experiences. Remember, everyone is special. Franca opened her mouth but couldnt speak, her emotions still somewhat dejected and low. Jenna quietly reached out her right hand and grasped Francas palm. Even if this had been Lumian not long after arriving in Trier, he wouldnt have mocked Franca for claiming to be a man while unconsciously considering herself a woman. Let alone now. He turned his attention to survey the platform. It wasnt much different from a typical steam train station, with an overpass high above and stairs leading to different platforms. At the edge of the overpass, a tall figure leaned against the railing, gazing this way. His black trench coat fluttered slightly, and he seemed to be wearing red gloves. On the stairs leading to this platform, the lady in the gloomy, intricate dress carrying four heads was openly observing below. In contrast, halfway up the stairs to another platform stood a little boy with a mercury-colored bow tie. At the end of those stairs, Mr. Azik Eggers, whom Lumian had met not long ago, held His hat in hand, silently watching the black steam locomotive. On the waiting chairs of Mr. Azik Eggers platform sat the Knight of Swords Maric and the temperance faction demigod Sharron, facing Lumian and the others, motionless like puppets brought in to serve as an audience. Lumian brought his gaze back and noticed that the golden retriever beside Madam Justice was wearing glasses and carrying a small brown bag, looking very gentle and scholarly. Lumian suddenly recalled the dog and female figure he had seen after his first psychological treatment at Mason Caf. So that was Madam Justice Its a pity Madame Susie isnt participating in this mission to Mr. Fools dream, otherwise I could thank her in person Lumian regretfully returned his gaze to Madam Justice and Madam Magician. Madam Justice smiled at him and said, Because youve actually become a Demoness of Despair, and your subconscious knows this, you can freely switch between your subconscious self-image and your current true appearance. This might help you create perfect disguises in the dream and play a crucial role in key scenes. Why cant I do that Franca silently wailed. Lumian nodded with understanding. Lie cant create good disguises? Because it can only perform at a Sequence 7 level, and the Sequence 6 Faceless of the Seer pathway is needed to adjust appearance and physique? Yes, Lie at Sequence 7 level can only modify appearances to a certain extent, equivalent to the best makeup techniques, Madam Justice nodded slightly, then turned her head to the golden retriever beside her. Susie, do you have anything you want to tell them? Susie Lumians eyebrows twitched as he suddenly shifted his gaze to the bespectacled golden retriever with the small bag. The dog spoke in a voice familiar to him, What I need to tell you is that Mr. Fool is very vigilant and cautious. Hes not easily trusting of others. Hearing the golden retriever speak, everyone except Anthony and Ludwig looked shocked and surprisedif the golden retriever hadnt been called Susie, Lumian certainly wouldnt have been so astonished by an animal speaking human language. After a brief silence, Lumian adjusted his mindset and said sincerely, Thank you for your reminder, and also for your previous treatment, Madam Susie. And thank you too, Madam Justice. Having seen a child eating Devil eyeballs, whats so strange about a talking dog? If they were Trierien, this might not even be unusualmaybe they just liked being dogs and found a way to transform themselves into dogs! Lumian then asked Madam Magician and Madam Justice, I have one more question. What is Mr. Fools identity in the dream? Awakening Mr. Fool would surely require interacting with him in the dream! Madam Justice and Madam Magician exchanged a glance before producing a brownish-yellow envelope tied with thin cotton string. This contains information about Mr. Fools dream identity, but you can only open it once youve truly entered that dream. It also contains cash, identity documents, and maps prepared for you. Lumian took the envelope and pointed at the iron-black steam locomotive stopped beside their platform. We take this? Yes, after you board, Ill have it travel to the edge of this dream world. You must hold tightly to your lucky coins. When the train reaches the edge of the dream world, they will help you enter Mr. Fools dream. The first time must be this complicated, but afterwards youll be able to enter and exit that dream normally using the lucky coins, Madam Justice explained briefly. Lumian looked at Jenna, Franca, Anthony, and Ludwig, then nodded to the two Major Arcana card holders. We can board now. The black steam locomotive was no different from the common types seen in Trier. Lumian and the other four occupied two rows of seats on the same side, while the other passengers around them were blurry and indistinct shadows, as if the creator of this dream had been too lazy to elaborate on them. Through the window, they saw Madam Magician, Madam Justice, and the others waving to them. As they instinctively waved back, Lumian and the others heard a shrill sound: Ooo! With the whistles cry, a clanking noise began, slow at first then quickening, changing from gentle to frequent. The scenery outside the window gradually receded. The iron-black steam locomotive carrying Lumian, Franca, Jenna, Anthony, and Ludwig left the platform, heading towards a distant horizon shrouded in dream-like fog. Chapter 903 - Chapter 903 Everythings Familiar Chapter 903 Everythings Familiar After the platform had disappeared from view, Lumian observed the conditions inside the train carriage. The seats were made of wood, the windows were narrow, and the lighting was insufficient. The other passengers seemed to be conversing, but there was no sound, as if they were performing a silent play. Jenna and Anthony, experiencing something like this for the first time, were also quietly examining their surroundings. Ludwig was painfully yet intently eating imaginary delicious snacks, while Franca was in low spirits, leaning against the carriage and gazing at the scenery outside. Vast pastures and lush fields were quickly receding, interspersed with old castles and quaint villages, beautiful like an oil painting. Gradually, Franca saw palaces formed of frost, houses flying above the clouds, and pairs of crystal shoes dancing in a distant square The scenery outside the steam train began to become dreamlike, as if various fairy tales were merging together. Before long, the iron-black steam locomotive entered the fog, and nothing could be seen clearly outside the windows. Lumian, Franca, and the others instinctively gripped their lucky coins tightly. No one spoke, maintaining silence, worried that any unnecessary movement might prevent them from entering Mr. Fools dream. In the thick, dream-like fog, the iron-black steam locomotive that had emerged from fantasy continued to race forward with a clanking sound. At some point, Lumian felt the clanking of the train wheels hitting the rail joints grow fainter and fainter until it disappeared. Suddenly, they heard a female voice: Does anyone want anything? Boxed meals, snacks, ice cream, beverages, local specialties, beef jerky Franca sat up straight, her expression both shocked and bewildered. She abruptly stood up, turned around, and looked towards the entrance of the carriage. She saw a woman wearing a white shirt and a purple-red long dress, with a small purple-red soft hat, pushing a multi-layered metal cart towards them. The cart had colorful items arranged on different levels, beverages in peculiar bottles, and stacked boxed meals. Wh Francas gaze instinctively swept to both sides of the multi-layered cart, finding that the previously shadowy passengers had become very clear. They were wearing clothes that often appeared in her dreams, either quietly spending time on different brands of phones or conversing softly with companions, with occasional sounds of children crying. This was a scene Franca had dreamed of seeing again, but encountering it at this moment, in this setting, made her shiver with an inexplicable fear. Is this, is this Mr. Fools dream? Whats wrong? Lumian stood up as well, asking in a low voice. He had already noticed the changes in the carriage, even the seats and backrests had become soft, as if wrapped in thick, blue-dyed cotton. He also noticed that the passengers clothing, style, and way of speaking were distinctly different from his group. But this wasnt the reason for Francas dramatic change in expression. This is a dream, after all. Nothing should be surprising! Francas lips quivered a few times. She looked back at Anthony, who was sitting in the row in front with Ludwig, then lowered her voice and said to Lumian and Jenna, Its exactly the same as a similar scene from my world Lumian immediately understood why Franca had reacted that way earlier. He deliberately said in a nonchalant tone, Have you forgotten about the Celestial Worthy? He also comes from that world. Isnt it normal for corresponding scenes to appear in a dream Hes involved in? Youre right Franca showed a self-deprecating smile. I was too excited, too scared, and overlooked this point. Indeed, this is very normal! This is also the sleeping dream of that Celestial Worthy! Jenna also stood up, looked around for a few seconds, and said, So, does this mean weve entered Mr. Fools dream? As she spoke, she opened her right palm and found that beneath the shiny lucky coin was a train ticket that read: NingbeiYangdu Although Jenna only recognized the numbers on the ticket, it didnt prevent her from understanding the meaning of those strange characters. Similarly, the passengers sitting across the aisle understood her Intisian, turning their heads to look at them curiously. However, upon noticing their strange attire, they seemed to find it normal and turned away. According to Madam Magicians previous explanation, in Mr. Fools dream, there was no need to worry about language barriers or unfamiliar text. This was essentially communicating with Mr. Fools subconscious, and Mr. Fool knew all languages. Of course, being able to intuitively understand the meaning of unfamiliar text didnt mean one could comprehend it deeply. Jenna had been worried about this issue before, but Madam Magician had reassured them. Now, Jenna finally understood why Madam Magician wasnt concerned about this problem: These characters were familiar to Franca, and she could serve as the most reliable translator! It should be, Lumian cautiously put away the lucky coin, holding only the train ticket. After noticing that other passengers could understand their speech, Jenna asked Franca in a very low voice, What are those things the people are holding? They look very strange Lumian immediately used the Bottle of Fiction to enclose their two rows of seats, using the window as support, but keeping the barrier transparent. Franca suddenly became energetic, completely forgetting her previous dejection and shock. She introduced with a smile, Those are cell phones, products of scientific development. They integrate telegraph communication, theatrical performance, mirror messaging, and other effects. They have even more functions that you cant imagine. Later, Ill get a few and teach you how to use them in detail. Its too difficult to explain clearly now! As she spoke, Francas face was full of pride. Thats a T-shirt, those are jeans, those are sneakers Just as she said this, Ludwig started shouting, I want a boxed meal, I want snacks, I want ice cream, I want beverages, I want beef jerky! The little boy was salivating, completely forgetting the fact that food in dreams was all imaginary. Uh, Madam Magician reminded us to try to obey the law, Franca looked at Lumian. I remember there was cash in the envelope Madam Justice gave us. Lumian opened the envelope and took out a stack of brand new, bright red banknotes, and deactivated the Bottle of Fiction. Two thousand per person, he told his companions. Thats okay. Franca nodded, then looked at Ludwig with a worried expression. This childs meal expenses for one day would probably be over a thousand And thats assuming he didnt eat anything good! There will always be ways to make money. Lumian spent two hundred to get five boxed meals. Franca hesitated for a moment and said, Lets give them all to Ludwig. Although Id love to relive the taste of familiar food, we shouldnt waste money here. There will be better choices later. After piling all five boxed meals in front of Ludwig, Jenna asked in a low voice, Can we look at Mr. Fools identity information in the dream now? She noticed that many passengers around were sneaking glances at her and Franca, so she sat back down. Lumian considered for a moment and said, We havent reached our destination yet. Lets wait a bit longer. Well look at it after we get off at our destination station. Caution is paramount! As he spoke, Lumian took out a mirror and tossed it into the gap between Ludwig and the backrest. He was using mirror illusion magic to conceal the exaggerated situation of Ludwig being able to eat five boxed meals in one go and still only be half full. He had noticed earlier that someone was secretly pointing what Franca called a phone in their direction. His spiritual intuition told him it would be better not to let abnormal matters appear in front of the public. Doesnt this train make any clanking noises? Jenna and Franca started chatting casually. Franca said with a boastful tone, Of course not, this is the latest train model, and its incredibly fast! She pointed to the display screen at the front of the carriage, which showed the real-time speed using numbers and symbols familiar to Jenna. Thank you, Emperor Roselle! Franca enthusiastically explained all the details that confused Lumian, Jenna, and Anthony, occasionally correcting their misconceptions, such as: Is this place even more open than Trier? I see people can expose their arms and legs No, no, no, were far behind Trier. This is just freedom of dressing, and it doesnt offend others in public places. Its a manifestation of being cultured and civilized. In private, its not as open as Trier at all! Wont our current appearance be too strange? Dont worry, just say were going to a comic convention! Whats a comic convention? During this exchange, the train finally emerged from the fog, and a magnificent city with countless towering buildings appeared ahead. Each of these buildings seemed to rival mountains in height, their surfaces covered with glass curtain walls that gleamed golden in the sunlight. Lumian and Jenna instinctively held their breath, as if approaching the realm of gods. It was a miracle on earth, a city on the mountain top! Franca also stopped her explanation, her lake-blue eyes fixed on the city, her expression a mix of nostalgia and sadness. The train gradually slowed down, entered the city, and finally stopped at a clean, bright, and spacious platform. The other passengers in this carriage suddenly disappeared, as if the dream weaver could no longer maintain them. Lumian and Franca exchanged glances with the others, then led Ludwig off the train, followed by the strangely dressed Jenna, Franca, and Anthony. Along with the numerous passengers from other carriages, they took self-operating escalators to leave the platform. Under the guidance of their guide Franca, they made their way out of the station to the square outside, with no one speaking along the way. Seeing the surrounding people gradually dispersing and the area becoming more open, Lumian took out the brownish-yellow envelope given by Madam Justice. He extracted the documents related to Mr. Fools dream identity and spread them out for his companions to see. Franca immediately saw a name written in her native language at the top of the document: Zhou Mingrui. Chapter 904 - Chapter 904 The Driver Chapter 904 The Driver After quickly reading through the information, Jenna remarked in disbelief, Mr. Fools identity in the dream is so ordinary. Theres no sign at all of him being a great existence! What should we do next? Franca looked at Lumian. Find an opportunity to make contact with Mr. Fool? The document had already roughly outlined Zhou Mingruis, that is, Mr. Fools dream identitys daily routine. As long as Lumian and the others werent too unlucky, they could soon see and interact with Mr. Fool. Earlier, when she saw the name Zhou Mingrui, Francas heart had suddenly skipped a beat. She hadnt expected that the name Mr. Fool used in the dream wasnt in the style of the Northern and Southern Continents, but rather very close to the style of her country before she transmigrated. Of course, this was consistent with the current citys situation. But if the name Zhou Mingrui belonged to the Celestial Worthy rather than Mr. Fool, Franca would understand and accept it more easily, because the title The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings itself was in the style of her country before her transmigration. Could it be that the Celestial Worthy has gained the upper hand, to the extent that Mr. Fools dream city is the same as my motherland, and even took a name like Zhou Mingrui? As Franca muttered internally, Lumian thought for a few seconds and said, Lets not contact Mr. Fool yet. Well observe the people and events around him for a few days. As the team leader, Lumian didnt just give orders; he briefly explained, Mr. Fool himself is certainly under close monitoring by that Celestial Worthy. If we rashly contact him, it would be easy for the Celestial Worthy to detect anomalies, lock onto our identities, and kick us out of the dream. Additionally, although Madam Justices information includes Mr. Fools daily routine and the people he frequently interacts with, I still want to observe for a while myself. This isnt about distrusting the abilities and intellect of the Major Arcana card holders, but I feel they know too much background information, which might interfere with their judgment, preventing them from discovering subtle hidden issues. Mm, cognitive bias, Franca summarized Lumians meaning using a term very much in the style of the current dream world. Lumian nodded. Some people mentioned in the information might no longer be in contact with Mr. Fool, but Ill still observe them to look for possible commonalities and differences. Then lets first go rent a place to settle down in one of these areas marked on the map, Jenna said, holding a city map taken from the brownish-yellow envelope. The marked locations were all residential areas close enough to Mr. Fools current residence to overlook that area, but not too close. I have no objections, Franca said instinctively. Then Ill get a taxi first. As she spoke, she reached into the pocket of her red jacket, fumbling for a few moments before realizing something. No phone She immediately suggested, Lets buy five phones nearby for a few hundred each, no, four phones and one childrens smartwatch. Without phones, life in this city will be very difficult and inconvenient. Sometimes, what can be done with a phone doesnt need to be done with Beyonder abilities. The latter is more likely to lead to our identities being exposed. I think the previous lucky coin holders might not have paid attention to this aspect and were in a hurry to contact Mr. Fool, which is why they were quickly discovered by the Celestial Worthy and kicked out of the dream. Alright, Lumian nodded slightly, holding Ludwigs hand as the boy ate a sausage. He looked around and asked, So, where should we go to buy them? Franca chuckled. Lend me the Lie earring for a moment. After putting on the silver-white earring, she adjusted her hair color and eye color, slightly modifying her nose bridge and facial contours. In an instant, she blended in with the passersby around her, though still with a hint of mixed-race features. At this moment, a slightly chubby young man passed by. Franca approached him in a few steps and smiled, Could you help me with something? The young man, dazzled by her bright smile and beautiful face, blurted out, What is it? Franca said a bit embarrassedly, I lost my phone, could you The chubby young man instinctively took out his own phone, then came to his senses and asked warily, Youre not going to ask to borrow my phone to make a call, are you? Such an old scam! Franca sighed and replied, I just wanted to borrow some money for food. Before the man could respond, she smiled again. Just kidding, how could I use such a clich scam? I just wanted to ask if theres a mall or phone store nearby. If you dont know, could you help me check on your phone? Sounds harmless, with the phone in my hands the entire time The man cautiously searched and earnestly gave Franca directions. Franca waved with a smile. Thanks! The mans eyes glazed over again, and he asked as if struck by inspiration, Do you want to be a celebrity, or maybe a live streamer? Are you a talent scout or from a Multi-Channel Network (MCN) company? Franca asked curiously. It had been a long time since she had chatted with someone like this. The man came to his senses and said with an awkward smile, Neither, but if I could sign you, Id become a talent scout or start an MCN company! Beautiful, can I get your number? Franca finally understood that this guy was indirectly complimenting her looks. Everything before was just a setup; this was the real point. Tsk tsk, people these days Even when I used to play murder mystery games, there werent so many tricks Franca inwardly sighed and said with a sincere face, Didnt I tell you? I lost my phone, so Ill have to change my number later too. With that, she didnt give him a chance to harbor any hopes, waved goodbye, and jogged back to where Lumian and the others were. The chubby young man watched her go and muttered to himself enviously, A group of otakus Half an hour later, Franca led Lumian and the others out of the nearest mall to the roadside. They had used the ID documents and cash provided by Madam Justice to buy four phones, one off-brand childrens smartwatch, and five SIM cards, spending a total of 2,400. But except for Franca, who was constantly tapping her screen, and Ludwig, who occasionally licked his childrens smartwatch, Lumian, Jenna, and Anthony were just holding theirs like bricks, not knowing how to use them yet. Ill teach you once weve settled in! Franca said, having linked the ID documents and associated bank cards with the corresponding apps. Instead of going to a nearby branch or ATM to deposit money, she directly took out a micro-loan and started to call a car. Just then, a motorcycle roared past, almost grazing her, the wind from its passing slapping her face. Franca angrily looked at the motorcycle, cursing under her breath, Racing on the street? Are you in a hurry to be reborn? As soon as she finished speaking, the motorcycle swerved to avoid a light truck from a moving company, only to find a hole dug for road repairs ahead, surrounded by yellow metal barriers. The motorcycle desperately swung its tail and crashed into a nearby utility pole, making the concrete pillar visibly shake. With this commotion, motorcycle parts flew in all directions. Franca watched in astonishment, murmuring, Its not my fault Although Demonesses were indeed skilled at curses, they didnt work through mere words! Just as she was about to call for an ambulance to see if the motorcyclist could be saved, the helmetless rider stood up without a scratch, pushing the severely deformed motorcycle away from the scene. Hes fine after that? Franca blurted out in shock. A thought immediately flashed through her mind, and she whispered in unison with Lumian, A Beyonder? Lumian immediately said to Jenna and the others, Lets go take a look. Taking advantage of the green light, they crossed the intersection to the accident site, seeing that even the utility pole was slightly deformed and cracked. Lumian cast his gaze to the ground, crouched down, and pulled out a rather ordinary-looking white paper figurine from a nearby flower bed. The paper figurine was already tattered. Paper Figurine Substitutes? Was that motorcyclist from the Seer pathway? Franca quickly deduced. Jenna frowned slightly and said, One of the Celestial Worthys subordinates? Possibly. Lets use Dream Divination later to recall his appearance, Lumian nodded, stuffing the paper figurine back into its original position and quietly using a Demonesss black flame to erase any traces he might have left. Franca grumbled, That guy didnt look anything like a Beyonder from the Seer pathway, racing on the street and even crashing. All the Seers I know are cautious and cunning, full of schemes. As she complained, she used her phone to book a car. Soon, a white sedan stopped in front of them. Although Franca had already explained what internal combustion engine cars and electric cars were, when they actually got in, Jenna and Lumian were still a bit shocked. The ordinary electric car, similar to a hired carriage, felt luxurious, as if the words civilization and technology were written everywhere. Anthony sat in the front passenger seat, while Jenna, Franca, and Lumian holding Ludwig squeezed into the back. Even so, the space didnt feel too cramped. The cold air from the air conditioner dispersed the summer heat as the vehicle carried Franca, who couldnt conveniently explain things in such a setting, and the silent Lumian and others to their destination in just over twenty minutes. As they got out of the car, Anthony gave Lumian a meaningful look, gesturing for him to look at the driver. Lumian walked to the front door of the vehicle and peered in, noticing that the driver had a wide forehead, a gaunt face, slightly curly black hair, nearly pure black eyes, and a monocle that looked as if it were carved from crystal in his right eye socket. Amon! The driver, who resembled Amon, seemed to recognize Lumian. He smiled and waved, then started the car and vanished at the end of the road. Amon? Franca and Jenna had also seen the drivers appearance. How did he get in? Is it a false image created by Mr. Fool in the dream? It should be real. He clearly recognized me, Lumian replied gravely. Franca exhaled and said reassuringly, Its okay. Madam Magician said that in the matter of putting the Celestial Worthy to sleep and awakening Mr. Fool, that individual is on the same side as us. Lumian looked at the intersection where the car had disappeared and said in a low voice, But Madam Magician also said that that individual probably doesnt want Mr. Fool to wake up too early. Chapter 905 - Chapter 905 New Arrival Chapter 905 New Arrival On the top floor of an old building without an elevator, Franca looked at the slightly musty rental apartment and grumbled, In this location, for such a rundown place, even renting the entire unit costs 2200 The rental apartment had three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living room that doubled as a dining room. Each room was very small. The master bedroom had a balcony, and the building was over 30 years old. Even for such a rental, Franca had to use a Demonesss Instigation and leverage her social skills to negotiate the price down to under 2,500 from the female landlord, with only one months deposit and rent instead of the usual three months. Its fine, Jenna said, fairly satisfied with their current accommodation. It was much better than where her family lived before her mother passed away. Lumian glanced at the cash in his hand and said to Franca, We only have 3,000 left. Even with what you borrowed, its not even 6,000. And we still need to buy some ordinary clotheswe cant go out looking so eye-catching every day. Its okay, said Franca, now in a familiar environment and no longer as worried as before. She smiled calmly and confidently, I can borrow again from each app, and so can you all. Added up, its enough to support Ludwig for several months. Given such a long time, are you afraid we cant earn money? Is borrowing money so easy here? Jenna asked in surprise. In Trier, whether pawning items at a pawn shop or borrowing from loan sharks, it wasnt a simple matter. The corresponding items or people had to have some value. But just now, she saw Franca tap her phone a few times and successfully borrow a sum of money. Was it like this for everyone, or did the beautiful Demoness get special treatment? Franca pursed her lips and remarked, It is quite easy. Even the poorest people have some remaining value. If all else fails, they can be taken to have their organs sold Obviously, she didnt like how easy online loans were, but now she had to take out a bunch of micro-loans to support Ludwig and the whole team, so she couldnt say the rest of what she was thinking. Lumian took out the golden box that Madam Magician had returned from the Travelers Bag and asked thoughtfully, Are there places here that buy gold? The space contained in his Travelers Bag had also significantly shrunk, now only equivalent to a storage room. He couldnt stock up too much food for Ludwig. There are, but theyre strictly regulated. Well see if there are any illegal channels later, said Franca, who was well-read and had some understanding of gold trading. Illegal channels? Lumian said pensively, When we try to sell gold through such channels, wont they see us as outsiders, easy to bully, afraid to report to the police on such matters, and just take our gold without paying? Franca gave Lumian the side-eye. You want to fish again? This is called receiving gifts from kind-hearted people. Lumian smiled. For this kind of black-on-black crime, they probably wont report to the police. It shouldnt affect our law-abiding image, right? Through long-term daily influence from Aurore and Franca, and being in the corresponding environment, Lumian had gradually become proficient in using certain words and sentences. Cant you just find a proper job? Franca said with a laugh. A job would only interfere with our observation of the people and events around Mr. Fool, Lumian reasoned. Thats not necessarily true, Franca instinctively retorted. What if that job could help you become Mr. Fools colleague? Wouldnt that make observation more convenient? Thats true Lumians gaze moved from Francas face to Jenna and Anthony, as if considering who should apply for the corresponding job. Speaking of which, the company Mr. Fool works for was started by Emperor Roselle, Franca recalled the contents of the document. The Emperors real name wouldnt happen to be Huang Tao, would it? According to the Major Arcana card holders, it would occasionally be the Emperors own projection, but most of the time its a fake person woven by Mr. Fool in the dream. Well, now only the latter possibility remains. Who knows how long it will be before the Emperor gets a chance to resurrect As she spoke, Franca suddenly laughed. The Emperors eldest daughter, Princess Bernadette, is named Bernie Huang in Mr. Fools dream. Haha, what a cute name. Is this Mr. Fools sense of humor? You should restrain yourself a bit. Bernie Huang, no, Princess Bernadette often projects Her consciousness here. She seems to have an item similar to the lucky coin, Jenna reminded Franca with a smile. She had just read the corresponding description in the document. By now, Lumian had made his decision. I or Anthony will apply for the job. If a Demoness enters the Emperors company, it might cause quite a few troubles and make it hard to keep a low profile. Franca and Jenna nodded heavily, both remembering the Emperors words of wisdom. Lumian brought the topic back to the gold matter. If I sell this golden box in the dream, will my golden box in reality disappear? If not, couldnt we sell it over and over by leaving the dream and returning? Franca, Jenna, and Anthony were momentarily speechless. Is this the influence of Amons boon? After a few seconds, Lumian mused, It probably wont work. Mr. Fool is a great existence who controls errors and loopholes. He wouldnt leave such an obvious problem. I suspect selling gold in the dream is equivalent to sacrificing it to him I think so too, Franca agreed. As they spoke, dozens of quiet and eerie black flames gathered around the two Demonesses and the male-appearing Lumian. These twenty to thirty black flames flew to various parts of the room, burning away any possible insects. Originally, Lumian could have engulfed the entire house in the Demonesss black flames to complete the cleaning, but now he could only exert the standard of a Sequence 7. After finishing the cleaning, Franca began teaching Lumian and the others how to use their phones, and guiding Ludwig on how to play with his childrens smartwatch. Unknowingly, the sky gradually darkened. Im hungry! Ludwigs voice suddenly rang out. Franca lifted her gaze from her phone, looked at the sky that had already turned to dusk, and sincerely exclaimed, Phones are so much fun Time flies so fast! The amazed Lumian, Jenna, and the others put away their phones and went out to find a restaurant to avoid Ludwig causing trouble out of extreme hunger. They hadnt even allocated who would sleep in which room yet. After leaving the old residential complex, Franca glanced at the row of shops by the roadside and said with a smile, Based on my previous observations, this citys prototype is one I once toured. The cooking standards of these street-side small shops might be even higher than big restaurants, and more suitable for people like us who cant afford high-end places. Lets eat at this one first, lest Ludwig cant wait. She was pointing to a small restaurant just to the left of the residential complex. Business seemed decent, with several tables set up on the sidewalk. Before going out, Lumian and the others had already adjusted their hair color and eye color using the Lie earring, and modified their facial features. Although they still attracted hidden or bold glances as handsome men and beautiful women, at least they didnt stand out as obviously foreign to their surroundings. Franca chose one of the tables on the sidewalk, took the menu, and asked with a smile, The specialty is spicy food. Can you handle it? Didnt you say before that the essence of spiciness is a kind of pain? Whats there to not handle? Lumian replied nonchalantly. Franca gave him a challenging look, then turned to Jenna with a smile and said, Not everything is spicy. There are sweet and sour dishes, and some that focus on umami flavors. Two dishes I really like, Kung Pao Chicken and Yu Xiang Shredded Pork, can be made non-spicy. The proportion of sour, sweet, and other flavors might be different in each restaurant. It takes luck to find the type that suits your taste best. The two most satisfying times Ive had were once in a time-honored restaurant and once in a hole-in-the-wall place like this. The Kung Pao Chicken in the time-honored restaurant was adjusted to a lychee paste flavor, using only chicken thigh meat, tender and not dry. The Yu Xiang Shredded Pork in that hole-in-the-wall place only used chopped scallions as a side vegetable, with sweet, sour, salty, and pickled pepper flavors all mixed into the sauce and stir-fried with the meat. This is different from the common practice, but very appetizing and delicious Uh, should we order a few bottles of beer? We rarely have a full team dinner like this. Although I dont like bottled beer, I can make do with it Ever since introducing phones on the train, Franca had maintained an excited state as if back on her home turf, constantly introducing and sharing, with a gleam in her eyes like a hint of sunlight. Lumian didnt mind this fellow showing such enthusiastic host-like attitude, taking over all the things a team leader should say. Instead, he was infected with a sense of calm, relaxation, and joy because of it. Summer nights darkened late, and even now, just after 7 oclock, the sky was still somewhat bright. The breeze blowing past the tables and chairs on the roadside brought a hint of coolness from inside the restaurant and other shops, making the eating and drinking crowd increasingly lively. Some were laughing loudly, some were eating while fiddling with their phones, completely without the restraint of sitting on the sidewalk. Jenna observed intently for a while, then said softly to Franca, Theres a strange sense of relaxation She had seen people eating by the roadside in Quartier du Jardin Botanique and the market district before, but never had a similar feeling. This is one of the things I miss about the past, said Franca, her eyes bright, having already ordered the food. At this moment, a woman with smooth, glossy black hair tied in a simple ponytail, wearing a short-sleeved T-shirt and fitness shorts, dragging sandals, came to the entrance of the small restaurant and said to the busy owner, How long do I have to wait for takeout? Sia, youre late today, the owner commented in a familiar tone. Before Ms. Sia could answer, someone suddenly shouted from nearby, Catch the thief! Catch the thief! A figure ran past the tables and chairs, tightly gripping a diamond necklace. As he ran past Ms. Sia, she suddenly raised her foot and delivered a side kick. Bang! The thief was kicked several meters away, falling to the ground in pain, momentarily unable to get up. This gal is quite fierce, Franca said, her eyes full of admiration. Lumian looked at Ms. Sias profile and said in a low voice, Is that Sia Tas, the one who shares an apartment with Mr. Fool? Chapter 906 - Chapter 906 Suspicious Details Chapter 906 Suspicious Details Sia Tas? Franca quickly examined the face and ears of the woman surnamed Sia, partially hidden by her glossy black hair. According to information provided by the Major Arcana card holders, Sia Tas, who currently rented the same apartment as Mr. Fool, was an ancient elf in reality. Her boyfriend Mobet was a viscount from the Fourth Epochs Solomon Empire and a member of the Zoroast family. Both of them have been dead for many years. Franca quickly withdrew her gaze, not letting Sia Tas notice her observation. This was the professionalism of an Assassin. As for her previous blatant staring, she wasnt worried about being suspected at all. Sia Tass action of kicking away the thief had drawn everyones attention. Franca lowered her voice and said to Lumian and the others, Her ears are slightly pointed, and her facial features are consistent with local residents. It should be Sia Tas. Damn it, could the ancestors of the elven race really be transmigrators? Except for a few minor details, Sia Tas could pass as a local in this city without any flaws! She even wanted to chat with Sia Tas! Lumian glanced at Ludwig, who was gnawing on the end of his chopsticks, and said thoughtfully, Could Sia Tas be that Celestial Worthy? Or could she be a Beyonder subordinate of that Celestial Worthy? Both Franca and Jenna were stunned by this question. It doesnt seem likely Franca resisted the urge to look at Sia Tas again. Jenna pondered for a moment and then suggested, The Sia Tas in the dream should be a fake person woven by Mr. Fools subconscious based on memories. A fake person could also be that Celestial Worthy, or could be used by that Celestial Worthy, Lumian said with a smile. For some reason, seeing his smile, both Franca and Jennas hearts beat a little faster. They felt that his male form had lost some of its handsome aura compared to before, but gained more beauty. When he smiled, it was like sunlight shining on his face. Oh right, although Lumians subconscious is still male, the modifications to his body by the potion has long been recognized and remembered by his subconscious. In situations not involving gender identity, the enhancement of appearance and increase in charm from the Demoness pathway would definitely be reflected in the dream What should this be called, an Incubus? Franca first had a sudden realization, then started complaining internally. Lumian continued, Sia Tas is one of the closest people to Mr. Fool, living in another room in the same rental apartment. Why couldnt such a person be that Celestial Worthy? Why couldnt she be controlled by that Celestial Worthy in some way, becoming His puppet, being used by Him? The closer someone is to Mr. Fool, the more suspicious they are. Right, Anthony rarely took the initiative to share his own views. In the information, the Oracle mentioned that Sia Tas and Mobet only had contact with Mr. Fools Angel of Redemption, the incarnation walking on earth, that great adventurer Gehrman Sparrow, and they are already dead. To Mr. Fool, they are neither important nor special. Why would the ones living with Mr. Fool, so close to him, be these two, and not other fake people, such as the dream counterparts of some Major Arcana card holders? It is indeed worth suspecting. Franca and Jenna both nodded slowly. Lumian immediately added, I mainly wanted to make one point clear: at this stage, we should focus on observation, supplemented by analyzing the contents of the information and collecting information. We absolutely must not contact Mr. Fool, and we should try not to contact these people around Mr. Fool. The closer they are to Mr. Fool, the less we should contact them. But if we dont make contact, how can we conduct further investigations later? How can we determine the identity of the Celestial Worthy? How can we gradually awaken Mr. Fool? Franca raised a question. Lumian chuckled. Were just not making contact at this stage. After we complete the observation work, we will make contact with purpose and plan. That will also be a form of probing. Probing Jenna and Franca vaguely grasped Lumians idea. They were about to inquire further when the cold dishes were ready and brought to their table along with several bottles of beer. After the waiter left, Franca picked up her chopsticks, easily opened the bottle caps, and poured a glass for everyone except Ludwig. Children can only drink soda and dairy products! Franca tapped her glass full of golden liquid on the table and said with a smile, The past cannot be retrieved, the future cannot be known. Lets toast to the fact that were all still together now and can enjoy life! Lumian shook his head with a smile, but still clinked glasses with Franca, Jenna, and Anthony. Then, he tilted his head back and gulped down the glass of beer. Franca was the first to finish drinking. She wiped her mouth and saw Lumians Adams apple moving as he drank, with a little beer seeping from the corner of his mouth. She suddenly froze. Damn, why do I find his Adams apple movement so sexy Is this what an Incubus is like? Anthony glanced at Franca and Jenna drinking boldly and their unconscious small movements, then at the men and women around furtively looking at them and Lumian. He silently sighed and tried to make himself even less noticeable. Ludwig had already started quickly eating the cold dishes like garlic pork slices, cold sliced pork head meat, spicy shredded pig ears, smashed cucumber, and mixed shredded vegetables. Lumian took an inconspicuous mirror from his pocket and placed it in a corner of the table. Franca quickly came to her senses and once again filled up the beer for each team member, except for the child. She raised her glass again and said, Cheers to past experiences and future hopes! Her passionate tone and high spirits gave Jenna and Lumian a slightly tipsy feeling, while Anthony felt like he was back in his military camp days. Amidst the crisp clinking sounds, they temporarily set aside their inner depression and worries about this mission, just enjoying the present moment. In the rental apartment. We spent six hundred? Jenna asked, sounding a bit pained. They had spent one-tenth of their funds in just one meal! Its actually not expensive. This fellow eats like ten people or more, and we also drank alcohol. Franca waved her hand. Its fine, Ill arrange a few more micro loans as backup, and you should each get one too. We still need to go out and buy some T-shirts, casual pants, jeans, sneakers. How about we find time to go to the wholesale market tomorrow? At times like this, brand, fit, and design didnt mattercost-effectiveness was the top priority! Lumian took out the remaining food from the Travelers Bag, which had shrunk in space, and while placing them on the dining table, he said, We also need to replenish food for Ludwig. He needs to eat every two to three hours. Mm. Franca pointed to the rooms. Anthony, you choose first. Anthony didnt hesitate and chose the smallest bedroom, which was also not on the same side as the other two. Franca turned to Lumian. Youll sleep in the master bedroom with Ludwig? The second bedroom will do. Except for his big appetite, hes a normal kid in other aspects. He wont be cramped sleeping in the second bedrooms bed, Lumian understood that one of his tasks was to keep an eye on Ludwig, not letting him leave the dream prematurely out of fear and refusing to come back. Alright, Jenna and I will sleep in the master bedroom. Franca smiled. In the time that followed, she borrowed another 10,000 in micro-loans, with Lumian, Jenna, and Anthony each getting 3,000. After doing this, Franca, with great willpower, put down her phone, turned on the light, and carefully read the information related to Mr. Fool, which she had only quickly browsed before. Lumian and the others each occupied a position, equally focused on reading. Before they knew it, the night grew deeper. Ludwigs another cry of hunger brought them back to alertness, and they stopped reading and discussing. Even just reading the information about Mr. Fool provided by the Major Arcana card holders, I feel like my head is in a daze, gradually losing myself Is this the status of a great existence? Lumian seriously assessed his previous state and solemnly said, When we study this information again later, we shouldnt exceed half an hour each time. He raised his right hand and rubbed his temples, finding that the consumption of spirituality was also significant. Mm. Franca stood up and looked out the window. Lets go eat barbecue outside Mr. Fools neighborhood. Although Mr. Fool doesnt come out for late-night snacks every day, at least we can observe the people who frequently appear around the neighborhood. Jenna was about to respond when she suddenly noticed the scenery outside the balcony. She unconsciously walked over and gazed out beyond the residential area, across the street. The bright and warm lights shone out from countless buildings and windows, like the Milky Way had fallen to the ground, but with an added human touch. This night view was more vast and dreamlike than that of Trier and the New City of Silver, seeming to carry more dreams. Lumian also focused his gaze for a while, until Ludwig tugged at the sleeve of his shirt. Lets go. He withdrew his gaze and headed towards the door. Franca said to Jenna, Later, well find a tall building with a good view to take another look. After leaving the neighborhood, they followed the map and circled around to the outside of Mr. Fools neighborhood. They casually chose a barbecue stand and inconspicuously observed the people and events around them. Just as the grilled beef arrived, Franca noticed that Lumians gaze was fixed in one direction for a long time, not moving. Whats wrong? she asked curiously. Lumian pointed with his chin in that direction. I see the Oracle. The Oracle? Franca and Jenna looked in that direction and saw a hooligan with yellowish eyebrows and hair color. The man was holding a stack of flyers. Oracle Danitz? Jenna asked for confirmation. Lumian nodded slowly. I dont know if its a consciousness projection or a fake person in the dream Seemingly sensing their gaze, Mr. Fools Oracle Danitz suddenly turned around and looked over. Then, he quickly walked up to Lumian and the others, glanced at Ludwig, and asked with a smile, Would you be interested in Dream Tutoring Classes? Tutoring classes Ludwigs pupils suddenly dilated. Crack! He bit through the bamboo skewer. Chapter 907 - Chapter 907 Corpse Chapter 907 Corpse Lumian examined Oracle Danitzs deep blue eyes for a few seconds, then gave Jenna a meaningful look. Now, Franca no longer needed to digest the Affliction potion. Jenna instantly understood Lumians intention and asked Oracle Danitz with a smile, Do you have any courses suitable for children? She pointed at Ludwig, causing him to tremble and turn pale. This made Jenna feel the obvious digestion of the Affliction potion. Danitzs eyes lit up, and he said with a big smile, Of course we do! From foreign language education and logic courses for 3-year-olds to vocational training for adults, we have it all! As he spoke, his gaze couldnt help but move back and forth between Jenna and Francas faces a few times, seemingly stunned by their beauty. Many celebrities with makeup and photo editing might not be this beautiful! Jenna took the flyer and looked at it carefully, then said with a smile, When we have time, Ill bring the child to take a look. She kept in mind the plan Lumian had made, focusing on observation for now and not rushing to make contact. Hearing Jennas words, Ludwigs face showed obvious bitterness. He could only grab a handful of grilled beef skewers and fiercely tear off more than a dozen pieces of meat sprinkled with chili powder and cumin to soothe his inner wounds. Alright, remember to mention my name for a discount! Danitz marveled at how such a young beauty already had such a big child, assuming she must have not studied well in high school and was taken home by some hooligan to have a child before finishing school. He then gave his name, My surname is Da, and my given name is Nizi. After saying this, his gaze lingered on Jenna and Francas faces before he unhesitatingly turned around to continue looking for targets to distribute flyers. He should be a fake person in the dream woven by Mr. Fools subconscious. Anthony, who had been observing silently, made his judgment. Lumian nodded, then added, Indeed, he didnt show any special qualities an Oracle should have, and he obviously didnt recognize me. At this point, Lumian smiled. Since hes woven by Mr. Fools subconscious, it shows that in Mr. Fools perception, the Oracle is someone who likes women but wont be confused by them, with relatively strong willpower in this aspect. This conclusion was drawn from Danitzs behavior of being attracted by the beauty of the two Demonesses yet not flirting, not lingering, and not talking too much. It might not be strong willpower, but professional ethics that prevent him from flirting with women while working, or he might have someone he likes and is willing to restrain himself for, Franca said, eventually showing an ambiguous smile. Does this mean whats written in the Adventurer series is true? The rumors at sea say the same, Lumian confirmed Francas guess. In the time that followed, the four of them mainly observed and didnt eat much, while Ludwig turned his grief into appetite, eventually causing them to spend 400. Franca put the last piece of grilled eggplant into her mouth, chewed a few times, and stood up somewhat reluctantly, saying, Its time to go back. This was truly a nostalgic taste. As they circled back to their own neighborhood, Jenna glanced at the bright street lamps on both sides, then at the pedestrians walking in the summer night breeze in the dark night. She had the illusion that it wasnt near dawn now, but just the beginning of the night. In Trier, before becoming a Beyonder, she only dared to walk on the streets at midnight relying on her reputation as the Red Boots mistress and her concealed revolver. Even so, she didnt dare to walk too far home and usually had to stay at Francas place. But in this metropolis in Mr. Fools dream, people seemed accustomed to enjoying the deep night on the streets. Franca had already integrated into such an environment, as if returning to her past life. She was looking around quite comfortably when she suddenly noticed a human figure hanging on the outer wall of a building at the edge of an alley leading to an old neighborhood, gently swaying in a place where the street lamps couldnt illuminate. With a Demonesss super vision and Night Vision, Franca instantly saw the appearance of that figure clearly: Yellowish eyebrows, hair of the same color, a red headband wrapped around the forehead, deep blue eyes bulging out, frozen in pain and despair, not very deep facial features already distorted, mouth half-open, tongue sticking out. Danitz! Oracle Danitz! He was hanging on the outer wall of the building, with a brownish-yellow hemp rope around his neck! He had been hanged. The man who was distributing tutoring flyers to Lumian and the others just over an hour ago had been hanged! As Francas pupils suddenly dilated, Lumian and Jenna also noticed the corpse hanging in mid-air, gently swaying. The Oracle is dead? Murdered? Jenna blurted out in confusion. Who did this? Was it a natural development of the dream, or was it done by that Celestial Worthys subordinates? After confirming that the corpse was indeed Oracle Danitz, Franca exhaled and said, Its good that hes just a fake person in the dream, so the Oracle in reality wont die along with him. Hearing these words, Lumians heart stirred. He walked into the alley and came to the front of Danitzs suspended corpse. During the process, he continuously observed his surroundings and took out a mirror to perform a quick and simple divination to confirm whether the murderer had already left and if anyone was paying attention to this place. Before he got really close, he could already smell the stench of loss of bowel and bladder control. Combined with other details, he determined that the Oracle had indeed been hanged to death. Lumian condensed ice blocks on the wall to create protrusions, then nimbly climbed up to reach the same height as Danitzs corpse. He then put the Oracle, along with the hemp rope, into the mirror he had just used for divination. You want to bury the Oracle? Franca asked curiously after Lumian jumped down from the wall, melted all the ice blocks, and dried the wet marks with crimson flames. Lumian looked around and said in a lowered voice, To conduct an experiment. What experiment? Jenna, holding the depressed Ludwigs hand, asked curiously. Lumian chuckled. Based on the contents of the information and the details weve observed so far, we all know that this dream evolved from Mr. Fools subconscious. If we hide the Oracles corpse and dont let Mr. Fool discover or hear about such an incident, does that mean the Oracles death doesnt exist, and tomorrow night, the Oracle will still be distributing flyers in that area with many night food stalls? Come to think of it, its really possible! Franca quickly recalled the dream-themed movies and novels she had seen before her transmigration. If thats the case, we can find ways to use this point: major events that Mr. Fools dream identity doesnt know about or hasnt heard of are equivalent to non-existent, never having happened! Lumian said with a smile. But what if the Oracle doesnt appear tomorrow night, or if the police have obtained information about his disappearance? Jenna knew Lumian wouldnt have overlooked this question, after all, there were only two possible outcomes for the experiment. Lumian said with a smile on his lips, There might be two reasons: First, each fake person in the dream, besides coming from Mr. Fools memories and cognition, also has his subconscious integrated into them, so any event that happens in the dream will be known and recorded by Mr. Fools subconscious. Seeing that Franca and the others seemed unable to grasp the point he wanted to make, Lumian gave an example: The information mentions that Mr. Fool was an ancient existence awakening from slumber, collecting power and secrets through his incarnation walking on earth, gradually reviving. His incarnation experienced the advancement from Sequence 2 Miracle Invoker to Sequence 1 Attendant of Mysteries. To prepare for the ritual, he established a town called Utopia, where every resident was Mr. Fools marionette. Each marionette had its own destiny trajectory, all played by Mr. Fool, interacting with each other, portraying reality. Isnt this very similar to the current real dream? Except for the consciousness projections from the outside, the remaining dream fake people are likely Mr. Fools subdivided subconscious, combined with the images from his memories to portray. In other words, except for us, every person and every animal in the dream might be Mr. Fool. If we really want to contact Mr. Fool, we might not need to find his dream identity. This could be one of our approaches to contact Mr. Fool in the future while bypassing the Celestial Worthys monitoring. Was Utopia mentioned in that information? Franca was stunned for a moment. Did Mr. Fool use this term? She raised her hand to rub her head, showing slight pain and confusion. It might have been there, but by the time I reached the later parts, I was already dazed. I seemed to be communicating with you, but I actually had no idea what I was saying It was indeed there, and the approach I just mentioned wasnt thought up by me either, it was proposed by the Major Arcana card holders, but they no longer have the chance to verify it. Lumian nodded. Everyone is Mr. Fool Jenna recalled the sea of people they encountered after leaving the train carriage and the bustling scenes they had seen before, finding it hard to believe for a moment. Lumian continued, As for the second reason, if the Oracles death was carried out by the Celestial Worthys subordinates, that Celestial Worthy can also control and influence the dream, and would certainly let Mr. Fools subconscious know about this incident. But the question is, whats the point of dealing with such a fake person? Even if they wanted to shake Mr. Fools will by targeting his emotional weak points, they shouldnt have chosen the Oracle. From the information, the Oracle hasnt established any close relationship with Mr. Fool in the dream, not even qualifying as a friend. Strange, Franca murmured in agreement. They quickly dealt with the scene using the Demonesss black flames, left the alley, and walked towards the old neighborhood where they were renting. As they approached the main gate, they suddenly heard someone frantically calling out in a low voice from the side near some green trees, Spare me, please spare me Dont come any closer, dont come any closer! Lumian turned his gaze towards the source and saw that it was a local man, not someone with Northern Continent facial features like Oracle Danitz. Chapter 908 - Chapter 908 Hospital Chapter 908 Hospital Seeing the local man curled up by the green trees, crying out in a near-breakdown state, Franca seriously considered whether to help call the police. Lumian pondered for a few seconds, then gave Anthony a meaningful look. Anthony immediately walked into the shadowed area and used Placate on the target. The local man in his forties finally calmed down, as if emerging from a nightmare that had tormented him for a long time. Lumian approached and asked pointedly, What happened? Having encountered the strange death of Oracle Danitz not long ago and now meeting a mentally collapsed man, he intuitively felt this shouldnt be simple either, and might hide some crucial information. The man raised his head and looked at Lumian and the others. He was about to speak when he suddenly saw Franca and Jenna. His expression twisted and he cried out in extreme terror, Female ghost! A female ghost! His voice was exceptionally shrill, filled with fear, alerting even the security guard at the entrance of the old neighborhood, who came over with a flashlight to check. Lumian quickly threw out his mirror, creating his own Mirror Maze. Franca glanced at him, seeing that he had reacted in time, and withdrew her right hand from her pocket. At the same time, Franca muttered to herself, How do I look like a female ghost? How do Jenna and I look like female ghosts? The security guard, holding a brightly shining flashlight, came over and circled the green trees twice, saying with a puzzled face, The sound was clearly coming from here, why cant I see anyone He listened carefully again, feeling that the voice shouting female ghost had become somewhat distant, unable to discern exactly where it was coming from. The security guard suddenly shuddered. Could there really be female ghosts? He decided not to deal with this matter anymore, only to help report it to the police. As soon as he had this new idea, he immediately ran back towards the security room at the entrance. Although the Mirror Maze was only at Sequence 7 level, the current dark environment with few people still allowed Lumian to successfully deceive the security guard. 05:47 He had Franca and Jenna retreat to the edge of the Mirror Maze, not to be seen by the collapsed man, and signaled Anthony to do another round of Placate. Although the Mirror Maze was only at Sequence 7 level, the current dark environment with few people still allowed Lumian to successfully deceive the security guard. He had Franca and Jenna retreat to the edge of the Mirror Maze, not to be seen by the collapsed man, and signaled Anthony to do another round of Placate. The mentally broken local man calmed down once again, and Anthony asked gently and calmly, What happened? Perhaps I can help you. For some reason, the man felt that Anthony before him was very trustworthy, making him feel very at ease. He took a breath and said, I-I encountered a jiangshi! A jiangshi? Lumian could roughly understand this belonged to a type of undead creature, perhaps a unique term for zombies in this dream world. The man was silent for a few seconds, looked at Anthony, and received an affirmative nod from him. He gathered his courage and stammered, I-Im a hospital orderly, I just took a corpse to the morgue. That corpse was too beautiful, unbelievably beautiful. Her ears were a bit small, very cute, enchanting, just like those expensive jewelry in gold shops. She wasnt wearing any clothes, I couldnt resist, I told my coworker to go ahead, then I climbed on top, bit her ear, and had my way with her for quite a while. Hearing this, Franca couldnt help but raise her right hand to face palm. Bringing shame to the motherland! Perverts are everywhere, its about relative proportions! It didnt feel like a dead person at all the man rambled on, as if still savoring the experience. Gradually, his eyes bulged. Just as I pulled up my pants, she, that corpses eyes opened! They opened! Female ghost! A female ghost! After listening intently, Lumian turned his head and said to Franca and Jenna, If even a corpse has such great allure, could it be a Demoness? Its possible. Franca nodded. Jenna then proposed another possibility, The corpse of a Sex Addict or a Baby Cupid might also have this effect. She had a very deep impression of the Scrooge pathway. Lumian looked outside the Mirror Maze, seeing no sign of police yet, so he had Anthony Placate the orderly once more, then used Dream Divination to draw a sketch. The woman in the sketch was clearly not a local, more like someone from the Northern Continent, with striking features but a sacred aura, not feeling like a corpse at all. Additionally, it was evident that the orderly had the strongest impression of the female corpses small, delicate ears and long, beautiful neck, mixed with intense desire. She does look a bit like a Demoness, said Franca, standing at the edge of the Mirror Maze with rich experience in identifying Demonesses. Lumian pondered for a moment, then asked the male orderly, Which hospital do you work at? The male orderly didnt hide anything from Anthony, I live nearby, but I work at Mushu Hospital. Mushu Hospital Francas eyelid twitched. Whats wrong? Lumian, Jenna, and Anthony didnt understand why Franca would react this way. The hospitals name seemed normal, doesnt it mean gazing at the dawn in the distance? Franca organized her thoughts and said, This is one of the manifestations of you being able to understand the meaning of corresponding words, but not truly grasping what they symbolize. In my native language, Mushu and Mother Tree are near-homophones, and you should know very well what Mother Tree represents. Without waiting for Lumian and the others to respond, Franca said in a deep voice, Mother Tree of Desire! Can the Mother Tree of Desire also infiltrate its power into this dream a bit? Lumian slightly furrowed his brow. If the Mother Tree has appeared, how far away is the Mother? Jenna obviously thought of this aspect too, and after a few seconds of silence, she said, Then the possibility of it being a Baby Cupid corpse has increased Lumian had Anthony further question the male orderly about any unusual occurrences at Mushu Hospital, but didnt get any useful answers. They didnt waste any more time. Anthony used Hypnosis to make the male orderly forget about the recent soothing and questioning, and had him walk out of the Mirror Maze on his own, heading towards another street. Dispelling the Mirror Maze and watching the orderlys retreating figure, Lumian thoughtfully said, That corpse definitely has issues, but it doesnt mean he doesnt have problems, nor does it mean everything else at Mushu Hospital is normal. Jenna strongly agreed, That intense desire to violate even a female corpse seems very much like the corruption of a Sex Addict. Of course, it could also be that he was enchanted by the female corpse to the point of losing control. The group discussed the recent events as they walked into their rented apartment complex. Franca suddenly sighed. Weve only been here half a day and already encountered two bizarre incidents not mentioned in the information, right? Correct, Lumian confirmed. He then smiled and said, Perhaps this is how much weight the two Calamity pathways carry. When I switch back to the Hunter pathway, I could almost be an incomplete human-shaped corpse wax candle. Maybe I could complete the corresponding secret deed rituals without relying on anything. Hmm, my spiritual intuition tells me that we might encounter that resurrected female corpse before long. Then we should take turns keeping watch starting tonight, Franca immediately said. Dying in the dream could mean real death! Its indeed worth being so vigilant, Lumian nodded approvingly. Tomorrow morning, well secretly observe outside Mr. Fools company to recognize people first. Late at night, in the master bedroom. Jenna suddenly woke up and saw Franca hugging a thin blanket she had taken out of the Travelers Bag, sitting against the headboard in the darkness, as if she had turned into a statue. What are you thinking about? Jenna slowly sat up and asked carefully. Franca gazed at the wall opposite, which had been painted by darkness, and answered in a voice like sleep-talking, Why would Mr. Fool name his marionette town Utopia Is there something wrong with this name? Jenna didnt quite understand what Franca was concerned about. After a few seconds of silence, Franca said, Thats a term specific to the world I transmigrated from, meaning a non-existent country, an imaginary country Why would Mr. Fool use it Jenna roughly understood Francas thoughts. She said in a gentle voice, The Major Arcana card holders mentioned in the information that Mr. Fool has been collecting Emperor Roselles diaries. Maybe this term was in one of the diaries, or maybe Mr. Fool learned about this term during his long-term confrontation with the Celestial Worthy. Or, well, didnt you say the Ancient Sun God might also be a transmigrator? Why couldnt Mr. Fool be one? Thats what Im suspecting. The more I think about Mr. Fools origins mentioned in the information and the experiences of his avatars, the more I suspect Francas voice became so low it lost its weight. Dont suspect, verify, Jenna comforted Franca in her own way. When we awaken Mr. Fool, you can ask this question. Whether hes a transmigrator or not, after confronting the Celestial Worthy for so many years, he must know the secret of your transmigration. He might even be able to help you return. For now, dont think too much about it, focus on awakening Mr. Fool. Franca slowly exhaled and said, Right, thinking too much now is useless, we cant verify anything for the time being. Hmm For me, awakening Mr. Fool is no longer just a task from the Tarot Club, no longer just something that must be done to survive the apocalypse After chatting for a while longer, Franca lay back down, inhaling Jennas scent, and fell into a deep sleep, both mentally and physically exhausted. After Franca was completely asleep, Jenna carefully got up, opened the master bedroom door, and walked into the living room that doubled as a dining room. Lumian, wearing a white shirt and black trousers, was sitting by the wooden dining table, staring blankly at the window in the direction of the shoe cabinet. Its my turn to keep watch, you can go rest now, Jenna said with a smile. Lumian withdrew his gaze and stood up. What were you and Franca talking about just now? Jenna summarized the key points of Francas doubts and her own comfort. Lumian nodded slightly and said, Right, give her a goal, motivate her to act, and not think too much for now. When its daylight, Ill find a chance to consult Anthony again to see if we need to do anything else. Jenna turned her gaze to the window in the direction of the shoe cabinet and asked curiously, What were you thinking about just now? Lumian looked in that direction as well. What met his eyes was the scene inside the neighborhood. At this moment, only two or three households in each building still had light spilling out, while the rest were in darkness. Lumians thoughts seemed to drift away again. He answered in a low voice, I was wondering if Aurore used to live in a city like this Chapter 909 - Chapter 909 Case Investigation Chapter 909 Case Investigation The next morning. After cleaning up in the master bedroom bathroom, Franca walked into the living room and immediately saw plastic bags piled on the wooden dining table. Those semi-transparent white plastic bags contained various foods like fried dough sticks, sesame balls, steamed dumplings, xiaolongbao, and regular steamed buns. Next to them were cups of soy milk and bottles of milk. The aroma permeating the air felt both familiar and tempting to Franca. She blurted out in surprise, Who bought all this? Dont you need me as a guide to help with communication anymore? Is this really a foreigner whos been here for less than 24 hours? Lumian smiled and pointed to himself. Of course it was me. Franca looked him up and down. You bought so much breakfast at once, didnt the shopkeeper find it strange? Its not like I bought them all from one place, Lumian said, glancing at Ludwig who had bitten off half a sesame ball, revealing some of the red bean paste filling inside. He smiled and continued, Later, one shopkeeper did ask when he saw me carrying so much food. How did you answer? Franca asked vigilantly. Lumian chuckled. I said I was doing multi-level marketing. Francas mouth gaped slightly, at a loss for words. The shopkeeper had the same reaction, then asked if I was joking. Lumian maintained his smile. I said yes, I was actually preparing breakfast for a company team-building event. Where did you learn these terms? Franca asked, looking slightly bewildered. Lumian chuckled in response. Aurore mentioned them before, and I asked about them, but I still didnt understand what they meant. Last night I finally figured it out online. Your learning ability is quite amazing Franca said, her lip twitching slightly. Hes already surfing the internet so quickly! Good thing this guy hasnt learned to use food delivery apps to order breakfast directly yet, otherwise what use would I be as a guide? Lumian said in an Aurore-like smug tone, Ive already applied for a QQ number and a backup WeChat account. Once we finish the observation phase of our work, Ill try adding Mr. Fool. 14:37 Franca thought about how this guy was now essentially a genuine beauty who could switch to a beautiful female form at any time. She couldnt help but quip, Mr. Fool will think youre selling tea leaves and wont add you at all. Lumian said in an Aurore-like smug tone, Ive already applied for a QQ number and a backup WeChat account. Once we finish the observation phase of our work, Ill try adding Mr. Fool. Franca thought about how this guy was now essentially a genuine beauty who could switch to a beautiful female form at any time. She couldnt help but quip, Mr. Fool will think youre selling tea leaves and wont add you at all. What? Lumian was a bit confused. Finally something you dont know! Franca pulled out a chair and sat down, then tore open the soy milk seal, broke off half a dough stick, and dropped it in to soak. After doing this, she began educating Lumian and Anthony, who was silently eating breakfast, on some Internet common senseJenna had taken the second half of the night watch and was still catching up on sleep. Towards the end, Franca pondered for a moment and said to Lumian, Although youre adapting and integrating very well, I still dont think you should have made that kind of joke when buying breakfast. That kind of joke leaves a strong impression, and youre quite handsome now, so the breakfast shop owner has definitely remembered you. This isnt very conducive to our current plan of hiding our identities and observing quietly. If we werent concerned about this, afraid of becoming too famous and attracting the Celestial Worthys attention, we could even start a livestream to make money, and take Ludwig to eat at buffets! Lumian thought about it seriously, Indeed, Ill be more careful. Well have Anthony go buy things from now on. At this point, Lumian sincerely praised Franca, Youre even more attentive than me when it comes to these things. Franca used chopsticks to pick up a section of dough sticks soaked in sweet soy milk, stuffed it in her mouth, chewed and swallowed, then half-closed her eyes and sighed with both intoxication and satisfaction. This is it She paused, then said proudly, Of course, Ive seriously acted as an Assassin before. Im definitely not the kind of assassin who thinks killing everyone who sees me equals successful stealth! They chatted idly for a while, and Jenna also got up and started eating the breakfast Lumian had put in the Travelers Bag earlier, which Ludwig hadnt discovered. Just then, there was a knock at the door. Lumian and Franca went to open the door one after the other, and saw two people in police uniforms standing outside. The leader had a receding hairline and gray eyes, while the one behind him had black hair and green eyes, looking very handsome but with a lazy, carefree air about him. Francas pupils suddenly dilated. She recognized the young police officer with emerald eyes. It was the Major Arcana card holder, Mr. Star! Franca was about to greet him happily when she suddenly realized. Mr. Star had been locked onto by the Celestial Worthy and would be kicked out shortly after entering the dream each time. The one before her should only be the dream image of Mr. Star woven by Mr. Fools subconscious. Good morning, my name is Deng, Im the police officer responsible for this area, the gray-eyed policeman smiled and asked. You just moved in yesterday, right? Yes, Lumian didnt hide it. The police here even know we just arrived yesterday? The police in Trier were never this efficient Officer Deng said amiably, Do you have a temporary residence permit Captain, its called a residence permit now, the young police officer behind him with black hair and green eyes, who was suspected to be the dream image of the Major Arcana card holder, Mr. Star, reminded him helplessly. He seemed to have reminded him many times before. Haha, I forgot, I forgot. Officer Deng laughed self-deprecatingly. We havent had time to get one yet, Franca quickly answered, afraid that Lumian wouldnt know what a residence permit was. Then when you have time, go to the police station across from New City Garden to get one. If you young lovers get married later and have children, youll need this to enroll them in public kindergartens, Officer Deng reminded them in a casual manner. Fast-forwarding to marriage and children already Franca found it both amusing and helpless. Captain Mr. Star behind Officer Deng reminded him once again. Officer Deng smiled.I almost forgot, we came to ask you something today. Call all your friends over. When Jenna came to the entrance area holding Ludwigs hand, along with Anthony, Officer Deng took out a photo. Have you seen this person? The man in the photo had dyed his hair and eyebrows a burnt yellow color, with unremarkable facial features. It was clearly Oracle Danitz. Weve seen him, Lumian answered, pretending to think. He handed out fliers to us last night. What was his name again? He turned his gaze to Jenna. Jenna, holding Ludwigs hand, said, His surname was Da, I dont remember his full name. He wanted to recommend a suitable tutoring class for children. I was planning to go check it out when I have time. Seeing Lumian and Jenna speaking like an old married couple with a child, Officer Dengs gaze swept back and forth between the two of them, and between Lumian and Franca. Young people these days Did something happen to him? Lumian asked curiously, taking the initiative. Officer Deng explained briefly, He didnt return to his residence last night. His roommate reported him missing, and were investigating everyone he had contact with last night. Franca and Jenna resisted the urge to look at Lumian, while Lumian spoke the truest words, He gave us fliers, chatted for a bit, then left. Officer Deng and Mr. Star asked a few more details and made notes. After they left and everyone sat back at the dining table, Franca looked at Lumian and asked with concern, Is the Oracles body still in that mirror? Lumian took out the corresponding mirror and checked. Its still there. There was still a mirror world here, and Lumian could still freely enter and exit, but he could now directly narrow the range of different mirrors to within 500 meters. For mirrors he had already mastered locating, the distance between them couldnt exceed ten kilometers when wanting to traverse, otherwise there was a risk of getting lost in the void tunnel. Jenna nodded. Then we can rule out the first guess from yesterday. Critical things that Mr. Fools dream identity doesnt know about or hasnt heard of will also become real and evolve further. The remaining two guesses were that all the NPCs in the dream had part of Mr. Fools subconscious integrated into them, and that the Oracles death was done by the Celestial Worthys subordinates. These two were not completely opposed and could both be true. Lumian offered a curt acknowledgment. If it was done by the Celestial Worthys subordinates, the disappearance of the body would puzzle them as well. Besides the police, there should be people investigating the Oracles whereabouts, we need to be careful. After discussing this for a while, Lumian looked at the long-stopped wall clock, then at the sky outside. It seems to be getting late. Franca took out her phone, lit up the screen, looked at it and said, Its time to go out, Mr. Fool should be heading to the company soon. Lumian thought for a moment and said to Franca, Im worried well encounter Amon again if we take a taxi. Last night I found out online that theres also the option of renting a car. Although it will cost more, its safer and more discreet. Do you know how to drive? I have a drivers license, Franca blinked and said, The identity documents provided by Madam Justice also include a drivers license. Im asking if you know how to drive, Lumian emphasized, amused. Franca flew into a rage out of humiliation. I got my license in college, but before I graduated, uh, I came to Intis. Where would I have had a car to drive? If you ask me if I know how to drive, I can only answer that I have a license. She felt that Anthony, who was currently experiencing the dream world, should have already guessed that she came from a different world. Before Lumian could ask again, she said confidently, With a Beyonders eyesight, hearing, reaction time, and physical coordination, plus my driving knowledge, I dont think driving will be a problem. Didnt you quickly master how to use chopsticks yesterday? Then lets rent a car. Lumian made the decision. Although Franca felt the pain of spending money, thinking that she could borrow more, she suppressed that feeling. By the due date, we might have completed the mission and left the dream! In a temporary parking spot across from a large building. Sitting in a gray sedan, Lumian and the others intently observed the white-collar workers entering the building, some hurried and some leisurely, through the tinted car windows. Chapter 910 - Chapter 910 First Encounter Chapter 910 First Encounter When it came to observation, although Lumian was already a demigod, all his abilities were suppressed to the Sequence 7 level. He felt he wasnt as professional as a Spectator, so he gave the back seat position closest to the target building to Anthony. Lumian relied on his eagle-like vision from the Demoness pathway and a Hunters sensitivity to visual clues to observe from afar. In the front seat, Franca had finally managed to complete her parallel parking. She rested her elbow on the car door, watching the target area while secretly feeling proud. Jenna turned around, leaning forward and squeezing her head above Francas shoulder, also watching intently. As time passed minute by minute, Franca suddenly smelled the aroma of meat stewed with spices until tender. She turned her head and saw Ludwig quietly munching on a meat sandwich in the far corner of the back seat. It hasnt been two hours since breakfast, right? Franca blurted out. Why is he eating again? Lumian simply replied, No, it hasnt. Im thinking, is this his eating frequency and portion size in reality too Franca muttered. She didnt have a direct understanding of how much Ludwig could eat before, only a financial concept. But in the days before entering the dream, she often helped Jenna supervise Ludwigs homework and test papers. The two Demonesses got to witness what it meant to be a Glutton, leaving an extremely deep impression. Franca continued, In the dream, arent all special abilities limited to Sequence 7 level? But he doesnt seem to be eating any less Hearing this, Lumian, Jenna, and Anthonys gazes suddenly turned to Ludwig. Ludwig quickly stuffed the entire meat sandwich in his mouth and mumbled, Because its delicious! Youd rather be stuffed than not eat? Lumian raised an eyebrow. Mmhmm. Ludwig nodded vigorously. Seeing Ludwig like this, Jenna couldnt help but laugh. It is really delicious. Lumian thought for a moment and decided to indulge Ludwig for a couple of days, as he himself was eating more than usual. Its really good, isnt it? Franca became proud again, What I cant figure out is how none of you got diarrhea. Jenna and Anthony were even clamoring that it was spicy while eating! My digestive system has endured the burning of flames, and Ascetic has strong resistance to extreme environments. Lumian indicated that spiciness was no trouble for a Hunter who liked self-harm like him. Swallowing a ball of fire was an exaggeration for others, but for him it was an occasional objective description. Anthony continued observing the entrance and exit of the building, calmly saying, The Mythical Creature form of Spectator is a mind dragon. Although there wasnt much improvement in combat abilities, ones physical toughness would significantly increase. Just as Jenna was about to describe her feelings, Anthony and Lumian said in unison, Mr. Fool is here. Jenna hurriedly returned to her previous posture, turning her gaze to the dark-tinted car window. She saw a young man wearing a black short-sleeved polo shirt, light-colored casual pants, and a pair of brownish sneakers. He was holding a cup of soy milk and carrying a bag of steamed buns, taking a few steps up the stairs towards the building. This man had short black hair that was simply styled, deep brown eyes behind a pair of non-prescription glasses. His face was much thinner compared to the portrait in their files, with soft contours, giving him a somewhat handsome appearance. He was precisely Lumian and the others target, the dream image of Mr. Fool, Zhou Mingrui! After Zhou Mingruis figure disappeared into the building lobby, Franca took a breath and said, Compared to the original sketch, Mr. Fool has lost quite a bit of weight and become a little better looking Could the Major Arcana card holders speculation be correct, that he was somehow misled by the Celestial Worthy into drinking the Assassin potion? Is the Celestial Worthy trying to use gender change to cause cognitive issues for Mr. Fool and thereby achieve victory? The Major Arcana card holders mentioned in the files that one of the most important phase goals for Lumians team was to prevent Zhou Mingrui, who was suspected to have drunk the Assassin potion, from truly becoming a Witch! Does the Assassin potion also improve appearance? Lumian asked Franca and Jenna. He had switched from the Hunter pathway to the Demoness pathway and hadnt experienced the Assassin sequence in detail. It mainly adjusts body shape to make the user more suitable as an assassin, which brings about a slight change in appearance, but very little, Franca recalled. Mr. Fool, uh, Zhou Mingrui probably succeeded in passive weight loss, becoming better looking mainly due to slimming down, and secondarily due to the minor improvements from the Assassin potion. She felt it was better to refer to the target as Zhou Mingrui for now. Constantly using Mr. Fool made her nervous and afraid to discuss. Lumian nodded and asked Anthony, Did you notice anything? Anthony said, Mr. Fools steps up the stairs were very light, consistent with the description of the Assassin potion Mr. Fool is wearing non-prescription glasses to conceal eyes that are no longer nearsighted, indicating he doesnt want to change his life in the short term and will continue working Mr. Fools emotional state seems good, he probably hasnt encountered any major incidents yet Cant tell if hes taken the Instigator potion yet After hearing Anthonys observations, Lumian thoughtfully said, Continue observing and recording the people mentioned in our files and those showing certain abnormalities Okay, Jenna responded first, then pointed across the street. Thats Rozanne, in reality shes a civilian staff member of the Church of Evernight, married with children. In the dream, shes Zhou Mingruis colleague. Currently uncertain if theres anything abnormal Franca followed up, That one wearing a white tailcoat with a bowtie and long silver hair in 30-degree heat is Vice President Wu from the company next to Zhou Mingruis, suspected to be At this point, Franca glanced sideways at Lumian and saw that his expression remained calm, his gaze not changing much. Only then did she continue, Suspected to be Ouroboros, the Angel of Fate of the Aurora Order, a king from ancient times. According to their files, the company next to Mr. Fools should be a projection of the Aurora Order in the dream. Until 10 a.m., Lumian and the others finished their first round of observation, matching many people with the information in their files, but not discovering any truly suspicious individuals. Roselle Emperor, uh, CEO Huang didnt come, Franca said with some disappointment. Roselle Emperors image in the dream was the CEO of the Intis Group where Mr. Fool worked, a business tycoon, a domineering boss. Before Lumian could respond, Franca chuckled to herself. Hes probably still in bed with some actress, streamer, or singer. Lumian was also a bit disappointed, but there would be plenty of opportunities in the future. He, who had never attended university, was already preparing to apply for a security guard position at the Intis Group. Now lets go buy clothes, Lumian said, looking down at his still normal shirt and trousers, then glancing at Jennas blue waist-cinching long dress with classical charm. At this point, Ludwig raised a question, Whats for lunch? Franca, currently responsible for the entire teams income, immediately said, Who eats out every day? Later well go to a large supermarket and buy dozens of kilos of noodles and some side dishes. Ill cook noodles for you, all you can eat! As soon as she finished speaking, Franca saw the smile and anticipation disappear from Ludwigs face, replaced by a slightly aggrieved expression. She felt no pity or guilt, but instead secretly patted her thigh. Damn, I should have let Jenna say those two sentences! What a great opportunity to digest the Affliction potion! After finalizing their itinerary, Franca carefully drove the car out onto the wide road. Inside a large shopping mall. Lumian and the others, with their appearance completely transformed, took the elevator from the underground parking lot to the first floor. Franca looked at Jenna again, feeling that the simple combination of a white patterned T-shirt, light blue jeans, white sneakers, and ankle-length socks of the same color gave her a fresh and clean look. It retained a youthful, student-like air while adding a hint of natural allure in her glances, attracting the gaze of many passersby. Its the type I used to like, no, still like! And Jenna with heavy makeup is another style altogether Franca didnt hide her admiration. Her tall stature and striking features made the ordinary black T-shirt and wide-leg pants look mature and confident, causing many people to only dare steal quick glances. Lumian still wore a shirt with black pants, but with a more casual and relaxed feel. Walking together with the two Demonesses, they looked as beautiful as a painting. Their clothes were all very cheap. Franca had given up on the bulk-priced ones and opted for the 10-yuan items, buying a lot. Lumians gaze swept every corner of the mall, feeling it was spacious, bright, and clean, even more impressive than the most luxurious department store in Trier. Franca had no intention of letting Lumian, Jenna, Anthony, and Ludwig wander around here. She headed straight for the escalator going down to the basement, planning to enter the supermarket. Money needs to be saved! As soon as Lumian, Jenna, and Anthony arrived at the entrance of the supermarket, they were dazzled by the wide array of goods inside, the artistic displays, and the soft yet bright lighting. Franca suddenly paused, instinctively turning her head towards Ludwig. She found the little boys gaze already fixed, his eyes filled with burning desire. Lets go back! Franca blurted out. Ill buy the stuff online and have it delivered! In a place like a supermarket, kids simply cant control themselves! Hearing Francas words, Ludwigs expression immediately fell. After learning the reason, Lumian and Jenna both agreed with Francas decision. Turning around and walking a few steps, Lumians peripheral vision suddenly caught a figure. The figure had their head slightly lowered, black hair hanging down, faintly revealing small and delicate ears. She quickly disappeared into the depths of the supermarket. Lumian suddenly stopped and said in a low voice to Franca, Jenna, and Anthony, I may have seen that reanimated female corpse. Chapter 911 - Chapter 911 A Way to Make Money Chapter 911 A Way to Make Money Reanimated female corpse? Franca and the others were all startled. Last night, Lumian had said he intuitively believed that before long, they would encounter that reanimated female corpse. As a result, they ran into her today? Where? Jenna asked in a lowered voice. Lumian looked towards the escalator without showing any outward sign of abnormality. In the supermarket. He didnt immediately turn around to track the reanimated female corpse, because Franca casually glanced at a corner of the ceiling, then carelessly looked around. The first action was to remind Lumian that there were multiple cameras here, while the latter behavior implied that there were many people around, many phones, and if he were to cause any commotion, it would likely be filmed as a short video, uploaded online, and become a trending topic. If that happened, it would likely catch the Celestial Worthys attention! Although Lumian could use Mirror Maze and other illusions to affect cameras and phones, this wasnt a scenario he had preset. He would have to chase all the way, and couldnt use mirror magic every few steps. It was only because they lived in a rather dilapidated area of the old town that there were quite a few cameras on the main roads and at the entrances of various residential areas. Once in quiet alleys that few people usually walked, there wasnt much surveillance. Otherwise, Lumians act of moving Oracle Danitzs corpse would have been recorded long ago. Franca would certainly have stopped him first at that time, telling him to find a blind spot in the surveillance to take out the mirror, create a Mirror Maze step by step before approaching the corpse. Hearing his godfathers answer that the reanimated female corpse was in the supermarket, Ludwigs eyes lit up, and he raised his short arm. Lets go chase her! Kid, you have gotten a bit smarter, even knowing how to take advantage of this situation! I cant tell if you want to use this as an excuse to go into the supermarket to get food, or if you think that female corpse might be more delicious Franca silently grumbled, turning her gaze to Jenna. Jenna intuitively understood Francas hint and said with a smile, We cant track with so many people. Anthony and I will take Ludwig back to the car first. You and Lumian go into the supermarket to find her. The expression of expectation and desire on Ludwigs face suddenly froze. Alright. Franca took out the car keys and tossed them to Jenna. I also want to contribute to the team Ludwig hadnt finished speaking before being dragged away by Jenna, disappointment and pain evident in his expression. Franca quickly turned around, grabbed a shopping cart from nearby, and pushed it towards the supermarket. Lumian followed beside her, his gaze naturally sweeping over the displays and rows of shelves. While searching for traces of the reanimated female corpse, Franca began picking out items. Grab that can of lard, and get some light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, salt, MSG, chili oil She ordered Lumian around without hesitation, while also constantly putting some kitchen items into the shopping cart herself. Although cooking at home wastes time, it saves a lot of money! Later they could go to the frozen goods wholesale market to buy some cheap items. The only problem was that the refrigerator in the rental apartment was too small, unable to hold more than a few days worth of food. So you can buy things this way Lumian experienced for the first time the joy of picking up goods himself without needing to find a salesperson. He interestedly placed a bottle of alcohol into the shopping cart. This is cooking wine! Well, we need it anyway. Franca glanced amusedly at this regular customer of Ol Tavern. The two chatted and laughed, moving through the supermarket in a harmonious atmosphere, no different from other families shopping around them. Under this disguise, Lumian and Franca confirmed the situation in every corner of the supermarket, but found no trace of the reanimated female corpse. She may have already left. Lets check out first. Franca looked at the dozens of pounds of freshly made noodles and a ten-kilogram bag of rice on top of the shopping cart, genuinely delighted at how much money they could save on meals in the coming days. Lumian nodded. Well take turns cooking later. Franca patted Lumians shoulder with a smile. Im looking forward to your culinary skills. This trip, the two bought nearly 500 yuan worth of goods, most of which were inexpensive ingredients that could fill stomachs. After leaving the supermarket exit, Lumian and Franca quickly scanned around but still didnt see any sign of the reanimated female corpse. Almost simultaneously, Franca noticed a shop with the words Lottery written on it. Her heart suddenly stirred, and she turned her head to look at Lumian, asking with full expectation, Can you still use your abilities to Magnified Fate and Compelling Fate? Of course. Lumian cast his gaze towards the shop Franca had just been looking at. But only at the Sequence 7 level. I cant influence relatively crucial and important fates unless their probability of occurrence is already very high. A smile gradually blossomed on Francas face, attracting the gazes of several passersby, both men and women. Lets go buy some lottery tickets! She said with a firm tone, concealing her joy. Is she wanting me to magnify the fate stream of her winning, or forcibly compel fate in that direction? Lumian had long known what lottery meant. In the past, Aurore would occasionally give him gifts in the form of lottery tickets on major holidays, with a 100% win rate. Lets give it a try. Lumians subtext was to buy a small amount first, and even if Compelling Fate was ineffective in Mr. Fools dream, they wouldnt lose too much. Franca rubbed her hands together and walked towards the lottery booth with a bright and clear smile. Before transmigrating, she would buy ten to twenty yuan worth of lottery tickets every week or two, purely for entertainment, but never had returns exceeding the principal. Now, Ive come with good luck! She didnt directly buy lottery tickets like the Double Color Ball, but instead spent fifty yuan on different versions of scratch cards. As she paid and made her selections, Lumians eyes took on a silver-white color with black. He reached out to Franca, embracing her shoulders in a couple-like gesture, using this to complete his touch on the River of Fate. The corresponding stream was magnified. Franca instinctively twisted her body, not quite comfortable with such an embrace, especially in public. But she quickly returned to a normal state, allowing Lumian to embrace her shoulders. Her eyes had already lit up. She scratched off the corresponding numbers! This is worth 50 yuan! While Lumian was paying attention to the various grand prize information being announced at the lottery booth, Franca finished scratching all the lottery tickets, winning a total of two thousand. Haha! She laughed silently and smugly. Finally made a profit! Beyonder powers are great! After cashing in the prizes, Franca said to Lumian in an exceptionally cheerful mood, Im going to buy a few Double Color Ball tickets. At this point, she lowered her voice, Dont worry about those fate streams for the grand prize, a third or second prize would be fine. Lumian nodded gently. Franca immediately thought of some numbers and bought 5 entries. As they walked towards the nearest direct elevator, Lumian asked Franca with a smile, Why dont you want to win the first prize? I see the first prize money is worth a lot, and you could even win dozens at once. Franca wrinkled her nose and said, Didnt you say that currently you can only influence fates that arent too crucial or important? That kind of overnight wealth probably cant be achieved. Besides, even if you could really make me win, the final result might not be what I bought. Fate has long been predetermined. After complaining a bit, Franca asked with concern, Did Magnified Fate just now succeed? Lumian chuckled. No. My money! Franca blurted out, then immediately comforted herself, Good thing it wasnt much. Lumian explained simply, I only realized this wasnt an instant-win lottery when you were buying. The results wont come out for several days. The corresponding fate streams are complex and intricate, with too many variables. I couldnt clearly see which one led to the winning fate, I could only magnify the one with special characteristics. What the final result will be, I dont know either. We can only pray for Mr. Fools blessing. Franca expressed understanding. Seeing that the direct elevator was about to arrive, Lumian looked left and right and asked thoughtfully, Were under surveillance, so that reanimated female corpse should be too. Is there any way to check the malls surveillance footage to see what she came here to do? Were not the police; we dont have that authority. Franca instinctively replied. Sneak in at night and look through it ourselves? Lumian suggested. Franca said with amusement, The Major Arcana card holders told us to obey the law as much as possible. Why do you always want to dance on the edge of breaking the law? Its fine if we dont get caught. Lumian said with a smile, We cant just report it to the police and let them investigate, can we? Wouldnt that turn it back into a confrontation between Mr. Fool and the Celestial Worthy? We need to use the police, not rely on them. Franca thought for a few seconds and said, Well see how it goes tonight. In the rented apartment on the sixth floor. Franca looked at Ludwig, his head buried in a large bowl, chopsticks constantly moving, and proudly boasted to Lumian and the others, My cooking skills arent bad, right? This child is quite easy to feed. Noodles, seasonings, and a topping with a bit of minced meat satisfied him. He doesnt have to go out to eat good food! Its quite good, but I hope youre not only capable of making noodles. Lumian took a sip of the noodle soup and put down his chopsticks. I also hope your culinary skills are as good as you say. Franca responded with a smile. Just as Lumian was about to say something, his expression suddenly changed slightly. He quickly took out a mirror from his pocket, the mirror that contained Oracle Danitzs corpse! At this moment, a pale hand without luster was reflected on the surface of the mirror. This hand was reaching out from the darkness towards the outside of the mirror. Black flames restraining madness and violence immediately condensed on both sides of Lumian. They fell onto that mirror like meteors. With a slight explosive sound, the mirror suddenly shattered into pieces, enveloped by the black flames, rapidly losing its limited spirituality. Crackling sounds continued to ring out as the mirror fragments fell to the ground, breaking into even smaller pieces. The pale hand was no longer visible on the surface of these fragments. Has the Oracles corpse reanimated? Jenna looked at this scene and asked in astonishment. Chapter 912 - Chapter 912 Tracking Chapter 912 Tracking Lumian looked at the dull, dark mirror fragments on the ground, relying on his spiritual perception for a few seconds before saying, Theres a problem with the Oracles corpse, but I dont know why. Franca asked uncertainly, Now that the mirror is broken, has the Oracles corpse fallen into the depths of the mirror world, lost in its turbulent flows? Each mirror had a corresponding area behind it. They were connected by illusory, dark tunnels, forming the mirror world. Once a mirror broke, the corresponding area behind it immediately disintegrated. If things placed there couldnt escape in time through the spider web-like tunnels, they would be swallowed by the turbulent flows of the mirror world and dragged into its depths. The environment and hidden dangers there were fatal to Beyonders without a complete Mythical Creature form. When a mirror broke, it essentially formed more but smaller mirrors. However, from a mystical concept, it had been destroyed as a whole, completely losing its original symbolism and function. The new mirrors produced needed time to evolve their own areas behind them, connect with the vast mirror world, and become mirrors with complete concepts in mysticism. In other words, for a period of time, these mirror fragments could not be used to reflect enemies, transmit curses, or traverse the mirror world, though this doesnt affect Wraiths using them for mirror jumps. Of course, Lumian just destroyed the mirror with the Fire of Destruction, so the fragments formed had been completely destroyed in a mystical sense and could not evolve areas behind them. This prevented potential enemies from locating and pinpointing Lumian and the others specific location. Lumian carefully said, The Oracles corpse has indeed been carried away by the spatial turbulence of the mirror world. Even Angels would find it difficult to delve deep into the mirror world to find and bring it out, unless theyre angels of the Door pathway like Madam Magician or Demoness Angels with deep mastery of the mirror world. But doesnt this mean the Oracles corpse will drift in the depths of the mirror world forever until its completely torn apart and annihilated by the dangers there. Theres a chance that after some time, it could be thrown out of the mirror world by spatial turbulence, emerging from a random mirror. Mr. Fools dream world is mainly this city. If the Oracles corpse comes out of a mirror, do we have a way to find it and confirm what problem it had? Jenna understood what Lumian wanted to express. Lumian smiled. Yes. Lets wait patiently for now, until spiritual intuition gives us a hint. The corpse of Oracle Danitz was hidden by him and had a close mystical connection with him. Franca nodded, took out her phone, and started browsing trending topics, sometimes laughing out loud and sharing the joy with Lumian, Jenna, and Anthony, sometimes discussing with them whether certain news items had symbolic meaning in the dream or were related to Mr. Fools current state. By the time Ludwig had finished his sixth bowl of noodles and was also looking at his phone, Lumian, who occasionally showed a smile, raised his head and said in a deep voice, The Oracles corpse should have left the mirror world. Hmm, quickly use Magic Mirror Divination to confirm its specific location. Franca took out a mirror. Lumian shook his head and chuckled softly. Theres no need to go through so much trouble. He turned his gaze towards Ludwig. Ludwig put his right hand in his mouth, retched a few times, and vomited out a small clump of yellowish hair. We can directly determine the location using the Oracles hair with follicles, Lumian explained. When did you take a clump of hair from the corpse and hide it in Ludwigs stomach? Franca asked in astonishment. Lumian responded with a smile, Last night before bed, when Anthony was on night watch. The Oracle died so suddenly and bizarrely, of course I had to guard against his corpse reanimating. Hiding some of his hair in Ludwigs body can counter divination and prophecy. Saying this, Lumian held the small clump of slightly damp yellowish hair and stood up, saying, Lets go. Almost simultaneously, he burned part of the hair and smeared the residue onto the surface of a mirror. As the residue seeped in, the mirror emanated a dark, watery light, reflecting a scene. There were oil-stained walls, a very spacious area, a floor covered in dust and rat droppings, quite dirty large glass windows, and Oracle Danitzs corpse lying on the ground in front of a glass pane. Looks like an abandoned factory, the machines have been moved away Franca commented after a glance. In the suburbs, less than ten kilometers from us, Lumian added more information. Teleport over? Jenna asked. Lumian could rely on Mirror Traversal to directly go to another mirror within ten kilometers that he had located, and he had now locked onto the glass window that had ejected the Oracles corpseeven without knowing the position, he could sense mirrors within 500 meters and jump to them in segments. Moreover, his Teleportation could still be used, but was restricted to positioning within one kilometer; beyond that, he needed to have been there before or have correct coordinates, with the farthest reach being the edge of the dream world. Lumian nodded slightly, letting his teammates grab onto him, and took them into the mirror Franca had placed on the table. Passing through a dark, illusory tunnel, they suddenly plunged into the depths of the mirror world, falling towards the glass window they had located. Amidst Anthonys dizziness, the five figures simultaneously appeared on the dirty glass of the abandoned factory. Lumian didnt linger, quickly sensing other mirrors within a 500-meter range and jumping over. They appeared on the top floor of the office building beside the abandoned factory, left the glass window serving as a mirror, each hiding themselves, and gazed towards the target location. From this angle, they could just see Oracle Danitzs corpse. Dont chew, just hold it in your mouth, Lumian handed a lollipop to Ludwig to keep him quiet. Franca and Jenna were already carefully examining the Oracles corpse, finding that because it had been hidden in the mirror world, there were no signs of decay yet. But whether it was the bloodless face, the eyes frozen in fear, or other details, all indicated that the Oracle had been dead for over ten hours. Nothing unusual Franca muttered silently. Lumian remained motionless, patiently observing. After nearly five minutes, in their line of sight, the Oracles corpses fingers suddenly twitched. Dammit, amazing, back from the dead? Franca instinctively admired in her heart while being startled. The corpse of Oracle Danitz first moved its fingers, then raised its arm. Finally, it slowly stood up, its expression wooden, its deep blue eyes no longer overflowing with any emotion. Really reanimated? Goosebumps rose on Jennas arms. The reanimated Danitz corpse walked towards the outside of the abandoned factory, neither fast nor slow. It walked all the way out of the deserted factory area, towards the roadside, standing there blankly. Before long, an empty green taxi passed by, and Danitzs corpse raised its right arm, hailing it. When the taxi stopped in front of him, he slowly opened the door and sat in the back. Franca rubbed her cheeks with both hands. How does this feel even more horrifying than the real world Is the Death pathway manipulating the corpse? Lumian didnt immediately lead his team members to track the taxi, because the mirror infused with Danitzs hair residue was still showing the current state of the Oracles corpse. Franca and Jenna tried Magic Mirror Divination to determine what was going on with the Oracles corpse reanimation. Its not working, those beings who know a lot and are relatively safe arent responding; theyre not in Mr. Fools dream! Franca found she could only do a simplified version, which was asking her own spirituality in Magic Mirror Divination. Jenna confirmed her discovery. Yes, my Magic Mirror Divination failed too. Lumian took a moment to contemplate before responding, In Mr. Fools dream world, the subjects of inquiry for Magic Mirror Divination, apart from ones own spirituality, should only be those true gods who can directly project Themselves in. But we must ensure that the corresponding projection exists at the time of divination, and that the recited honorific name is not wrong. Inquiring of other creatures existing in the local spirit world might be equivalent to asking Mr. Fool or that Celestial Worthy. We might get the best revelation, or we might be directly kicked out of the dream. Hmm, we also dont have the correct descriptions of those creatures. Who dares to inquire of true gods Franca said softly. Lumian suddenly grinned. Theres still one choice, the one with the most accurate divination results. The Major Arcana card holders mentioned it in the information, its a magic mirror belonging to Mr. Fool. It hasnt come to that point yet, has it Franca was quite resistant. Lumian tersely responded, his gaze still fixed on the mirror showing the Oracles corpses situation. After more than twenty minutes, the taxi stopped at the entrance of a hospital with excellent landscaping and a very well-designed building. Lumian and the others immediately saw the hospitals sign: Mushu Hospital. Mushu Hospital Is the Oracles death related to the Mother Tree of Desire? Franca murmured in confusion. Lumian didnt answer her, watching as the reanimated corpse of Oracle Danitz took out a phone with multiple missed calls from his pocket, scanned a code to pay the fare, and slowly walked towards the outpatient building of Mushu Hospital. As soon as the corpse passed through the gate, Lumians mirror rippled with waves, emanating darkness, and quickly returned to normal, no longer showing the Oracles current position. I want to teleport near Mushu Hospital, go in and see where the Oracles corpse will go, Lumian said, withdrawing his gaze. Franca quietly commented, Shouldnt a corpse go to the morgue? Jenna then said to Lumian, Youd better change your appearance before going in. It might be easier to expose yourself inside Mushu Hospital, and we cant affect your current identity. Hmm, Lie alone might not be enough. Lumian pondered briefly, not wasting any more time. Okay. As he answered, his black hair began to grow longer. Chapter 913 - Chapter 913 Tracking Chapter 913 Tracking Lumian looked at the dull, dark mirror fragments on the ground, relying on his spiritual perception for a few seconds before saying, Theres a problem with the Oracles corpse, but I dont know why. Franca asked uncertainly, Now that the mirror is broken, has the Oracles corpse fallen into the depths of the mirror world, lost in its turbulent flows? Each mirror had a corresponding area behind it. They were connected by illusory, dark tunnels, forming the mirror world. Once a mirror broke, the corresponding area behind it immediately disintegrated. If things placed there couldnt escape in time through the spider web-like tunnels, they would be swallowed by the turbulent flows of the mirror world and dragged into its depths. The environment and hidden dangers there were fatal to Beyonders without a complete Mythical Creature form. When a mirror broke, it essentially formed more but smaller mirrors. However, from a mystical concept, it had been destroyed as a whole, completely losing its original symbolism and function. The new mirrors produced needed time to evolve their own areas behind them, connect with the vast mirror world, and become mirrors with complete concepts in mysticism. In other words, for a period of time, these mirror fragments could not be used to reflect enemies, transmit curses, or traverse the mirror world, though this doesnt affect Wraiths using them for mirror jumps. Of course, Lumian just destroyed the mirror with the Fire of Destruction, so the fragments formed had been completely destroyed in a mystical sense and could not evolve areas behind them. This prevented potential enemies from locating and pinpointing Lumian and the others specific location. Lumian carefully said, The Oracles corpse has indeed been carried away by the spatial turbulence of the mirror world. Even Angels would find it difficult to delve deep into the mirror world to find and bring it out, unless theyre angels of the Door pathway like Madam Magician or Demoness Angels with deep mastery of the mirror world. But doesnt this mean the Oracles corpse will drift in the depths of the mirror world forever until its completely torn apart and annihilated by the dangers there. Theres a chance that after some time, it could be thrown out of the mirror world by spatial turbulence, emerging from a random mirror. Mr. Fools dream world is mainly this city. If the Oracles corpse comes out of a mirror, do we have a way to find it and confirm what problem it had? Jenna understood what Lumian wanted to express. Lumian smiled. Yes. Lets wait patiently for now, until spiritual intuition gives us a hint. The corpse of Oracle Danitz was hidden by him and had a close mystical connection with him. Franca nodded, took out her phone, and started browsing trending topics, sometimes laughing out loud and sharing the joy with Lumian, Jenna, and Anthony, sometimes discussing with them whether certain news items had symbolic meaning in the dream or were related to Mr. Fools current state. By the time Ludwig had finished his sixth bowl of noodles and was also looking at his phone, Lumian, who occasionally showed a smile, raised his head and said in a deep voice, The Oracles corpse should have left the mirror world. Hmm, quickly use Magic Mirror Divination to confirm its specific location. Franca took out a mirror. Lumian shook his head and chuckled softly. Theres no need to go through so much trouble. He turned his gaze towards Ludwig. Ludwig put his right hand in his mouth, retched a few times, and vomited out a small clump of yellowish hair. We can directly determine the location using the Oracles hair with follicles, Lumian explained. When did you take a clump of hair from the corpse and hide it in Ludwigs stomach? Franca asked in astonishment. Lumian responded with a smile, Last night before bed, when Anthony was on night watch. The Oracle died so suddenly and bizarrely, of course I had to guard against his corpse reanimating. Hiding some of his hair in Ludwigs body can counter divination and prophecy. Saying this, Lumian held the small clump of slightly damp yellowish hair and stood up, saying, Lets go. Almost simultaneously, he burned part of the hair and smeared the residue onto the surface of a mirror. As the residue seeped in, the mirror emanated a dark, watery light, reflecting a scene. There were oil-stained walls, a very spacious area, a floor covered in dust and rat droppings, quite dirty large glass windows, and Oracle Danitzs corpse lying on the ground in front of a glass pane. Looks like an abandoned factory, the machines have been moved away Franca commented after a glance. In the suburbs, less than ten kilometers from us, Lumian added more information. Teleport over? Jenna asked. Lumian could rely on Mirror Traversal to directly go to another mirror within ten kilometers that he had located, and he had now locked onto the glass window that had ejected the Oracles corpseeven without knowing the position, he could sense mirrors within 500 meters and jump to them in segments. Moreover, his Teleportation could still be used, but was restricted to positioning within one kilometer; beyond that, he needed to have been there before or have correct coordinates, with the farthest reach being the edge of the dream world. Lumian nodded slightly, letting his teammates grab onto him, and took them into the mirror Franca had placed on the table. Passing through a dark, illusory tunnel, they suddenly plunged into the depths of the mirror world, falling towards the glass window they had located. Amidst Anthonys dizziness, the five figures simultaneously appeared on the dirty glass of the abandoned factory. Lumian didnt linger, quickly sensing other mirrors within a 500-meter range and jumping over. They appeared on the top floor of the office building beside the abandoned factory, left the glass window serving as a mirror, each hiding themselves, and gazed towards the target location. From this angle, they could just see Oracle Danitzs corpse. Dont chew, just hold it in your mouth, Lumian handed a lollipop to Ludwig to keep him quiet. Franca and Jenna were already carefully examining the Oracles corpse, finding that because it had been hidden in the mirror world, there were no signs of decay yet. But whether it was the bloodless face, the eyes frozen in fear, or other details, all indicated that the Oracle had been dead for over ten hours. Nothing unusual Franca muttered silently. Lumian remained motionless, patiently observing. After nearly five minutes, in their line of sight, the Oracles corpses fingers suddenly twitched. Dammit, amazing, back from the dead? Franca instinctively admired in her heart while being startled. The corpse of Oracle Danitz first moved its fingers, then raised its arm. Finally, it slowly stood up, its expression wooden, its deep blue eyes no longer overflowing with any emotion. Really reanimated? Goosebumps rose on Jennas arms. The reanimated Danitz corpse walked towards the outside of the abandoned factory, neither fast nor slow. It walked all the way out of the deserted factory area, towards the roadside, standing there blankly. Before long, an empty green taxi passed by, and Danitzs corpse raised its right arm, hailing it. When the taxi stopped in front of him, he slowly opened the door and sat in the back. Franca rubbed her cheeks with both hands. How does this feel even more horrifying than the real world Is the Death pathway manipulating the corpse? Lumian didnt immediately lead his team members to track the taxi, because the mirror infused with Danitzs hair residue was still showing the current state of the Oracles corpse. Franca and Jenna tried Magic Mirror Divination to determine what was going on with the Oracles corpse reanimation. Its not working, those beings who know a lot and are relatively safe arent responding; theyre not in Mr. Fools dream! Franca found she could only do a simplified version, which was asking her own spirituality in Magic Mirror Divination. Jenna confirmed her discovery. Yes, my Magic Mirror Divination failed too. Lumian took a moment to contemplate before responding, In Mr. Fools dream world, the subjects of inquiry for Magic Mirror Divination, apart from ones own spirituality, should only be those true gods who can directly project Themselves in. But we must ensure that the corresponding projection exists at the time of divination, and that the recited honorific name is not wrong. Inquiring of other creatures existing in the local spirit world might be equivalent to asking Mr. Fool or that Celestial Worthy. We might get the best revelation, or we might be directly kicked out of the dream. Hmm, we also dont have the correct descriptions of those creatures. Who dares to inquire of true gods Franca said softly. Lumian suddenly grinned. Theres still one choice, the one with the most accurate divination results. The Major Arcana card holders mentioned it in the information, its a magic mirror belonging to Mr. Fool. It hasnt come to that point yet, has it Franca was quite resistant. Lumian tersely responded, his gaze still fixed on the mirror showing the Oracles corpses situation. After more than twenty minutes, the taxi stopped at the entrance of a hospital with excellent landscaping and a very well-designed building. Lumian and the others immediately saw the hospitals sign: Mushu Hospital. Mushu Hospital Is the Oracles death related to the Mother Tree of Desire? Franca murmured in confusion. Lumian didnt answer her, watching as the reanimated corpse of Oracle Danitz took out a phone with multiple missed calls from his pocket, scanned a code to pay the fare, and slowly walked towards the outpatient building of Mushu Hospital. As soon as the corpse passed through the gate, Lumians mirror rippled with waves, emanating darkness, and quickly returned to normal, no longer showing the Oracles current position. I want to teleport near Mushu Hospital, go in and see where the Oracles corpse will go, Lumian said, withdrawing his gaze. Franca quietly commented, Shouldnt a corpse go to the morgue? Jenna then said to Lumian, Youd better change your appearance before going in. It might be easier to expose yourself inside Mushu Hospital, and we cant affect your current identity. Hmm, Lie alone might not be enough. Lumian pondered briefly, not wasting any more time. Okay. As he answered, his black hair began to grow longer. Chapter 914 - Chapter 914 A Kind of Symbol Chapter 914 A Kind of Symbol Seeing this, Anthony didnt try to test himself and proactively left the office. In just about 10-20 seconds, he heard Lumians feminized voice. You can come in now. Compared to before, this female voice wasnt as low and subdued, with a hint of clarity added. Anthony pushed open the office door and saw that Lumian had changed into a slightly waist-cinching white shirt bought earlier for the female identity, paired with bluish jeans, accentuating a slender waist and long, straight legs. She also wore deep rose-colored sunglasses on the bridge of her nose. Though these were just cheap street goods, Lumian wore them with a beautiful, radiant, and sharp air. Lumian slightly gathered the glossy black hair falling on both sides, covering most of her cheeks, and said to Anthony, Lets go back to the rental apartment first. Anthony carefully grabbed the sleeve of Lumians shirt, while Franca and Jenna each took hold of an arm. Ludwig, still with a lollipop in his mouth, chose to tug at his godfathers clothes. The groups figures soon faded and disappeared from this long-abandoned office building without cameras, reappearing in the rental apartment where dishes had not yet been washed. Lumian said to Franca, You drive to Mushu Hospital and wait for me outside. We may not have the chance to teleport to escape later. This didnt mean he couldnt teleport, but rather that if he used teleport or Mirror Traversal in front of a large crowd of citizens, it would inevitably become a trending topic and might be directly locked onto by the Celestial Worthy. Okay, Franca tossed her lip balm and lipstick to Lumian. Once inside the hospital, if you need to frequently look in the mirror, pretend youre touching up your makeup. In this matter, a female appearance had a natural advantage, making it less likely for people in the dream to notice anything unusual. Lumian caught the lipstick and lip balm, and based on the location he had obtained while monitoring the Oracles corpse with the mirror earlier, he teleported to the plant-filled edge of Mushu Hospital. He walked out from behind several trees and turned into the crowd. His supermodel-like height and the skin condition, contour details, and lip curve revealed between his black hair and sunglasses made passersby and patients, even without seeing his exact appearance, look twice. They seemed to want to use their brains to fill in the blanks and reconstruct the possibly world-class beauty hidden behind the sunglasses. Some people accidentally bumped into others, some missed a step and nearly fell. Their only regret was that this tall beauty wearing sunglasses didnt walk gracefully enough, striding fiercely like a man. Lumian gradually slowed his pace, as if trying to recall how Aurore usually walked. After passing through security and entering the outpatient building, he temporarily stopped, took out a makeup mirror and lip balm, and added some shine and moisture to his pale lips. During this process, he found that the mirror that had once been smeared with the Oracles hair residue could again reflect some scenes. These included Danitzs back, the medicine collection window, passing patients, and family members caring for them. Lumian discerned the direction and walked towards the medicine collection window. He didnt walk fast, his gaze seemingly casually surveying the people around him and the layout of the hospitals first floor. Everything seemed normal, without any scenes of desire outbursts. Vaguely, Lumian had a sense of familiarity. It wasnt that he had been to a similar place before, but it came from the depths of his soul. Lumian pursed his lips, lost in thought, Is it Aurores memory? Did she frequent this kind of large hospital before her transmigration? Well, everyone gets sick sometimes Did her soul fragments become a bit more active after I changed into a female form? Hmm, it must also be because Mr. Fools dream city is very similar to her hometown, stimulating her soul fragments Lumian quickly suppressed the emotions in his heart, remembering that he had entered Mushu Hospital to track the whereabouts of the Oracles corpse and observe the situation here. His gaze swept over faces, some wearing masks, some with hidden worry, feeling that this shouldnt be much different from the situation in a normal hospital. Suddenly, he saw a familiar figure. It was the male orderly who had mentally broken down last night due to the female corpse coming back to life. This orderly was wearing a mask, pushing a transfer bed as he passed by, with no fear or worry in his eyes, almost identical to the expressions of his colleagues. He still dares to work at this hospital? Lumians eyebrows twitched slightly. The orderly seemed to have forgotten about his desecration of the corpse, and had also forgotten the horror of the corpse suddenly waking up. It was as if someone had told him that the female corpse wasnt actually dead, and his misconduct had actually helped her escape from a state of apparent death, avoiding cremation, so she had decided to forgive him. Lumian slowly shook his head, took out the lip balm and makeup mirror, and once again tracked the whereabouts of the Oracles corpse. The scene presented in the mirror was an area with eight elevators. The back of Oracle Danitz had just passed through the elevator doors, with the outside button lit up with a downward arrow. Is this going to B1? Is the destination really the morgue? Lumian passed by the front of the medicine collection window and turned towards the nearby stairwell. There were patients and family members waiting here. Lumian looked left and right, thinking that he should prepare some masks for him and the other Demonesses. This could more effectively conceal their faces without becoming the focus of others attention. The elevator came rather slowly. It took Lumian two to three minutes to wait for an elevator that was continuing downwards. The people inside poured out, leaving only a patient sitting in a wheelchair and an orderly in green clothes pushing the wheelchair. The orderly wore a mask, and the patient was quite elderly, with graying hair and beard. Their gazes simultaneously turned to Lumian, with something unsettling hidden in the depths of their deep brown eyes. Lumian, who was about to step in, suddenly stopped. He felt that the elevator lacked light, as if it had become a giant mouth about to close. The elevators double doors slowly closed, the interior growing darker, as if falling into an abyss. Lumian watched expressionlessly, abandoning his intention to enter. He sensed intense danger. And his spiritual intuition, coupled with the slight activity of Aurores soul fragments, made him vaguely aware of what was hidden in the eyes of those two people in the elevator just now. It was an intense desire. It was the intense desire to tear off his clothes and vent their inner cravings! The elevator doors finally closed, the downward arrow went out, and the numbers began to change. Going to B1, to the morgue, would be extremely dangerous Lumian watched for a few more seconds, silently musing to himself. After some consideration, he gave up the impulse to go down the stairs to investigate, and had a new idea, Should I call the police? Just say I saw the missing Danitz enter Mushu Hospital and go down to the basement Just as Lumian had this thought, his phone began to vibrate. He took out his phone and saw it was from Luo Fu. On the ID card given by Madam Justice, Francas name was Luo Fu. Lumian answered the phone somewhat awkwardly yet habitually, tentatively saying, Hello? Franca, driving the vehicle and wearing earphones, looked ahead and said, Youd better not delve deeper into Mushu Hospital now. Wait a bit longer, wait for the police to investigate. Why do you say that? Lumian didnt think Franca had sensed his earlier thoughts. Franca turned the steering wheel and said, I was shocked by the Oracles corpse coming back to life earlier and didnt notice some details. It only dawned on me after getting in the car. When the Oracles corpse got off at Mushu Hospitals entrance, did it use a phone to scan and pay? Yes. Lumian had a very deep impression of the scan-to-pay incident, as Franca had been telling them they could do this and had personally demonstrated several times. Wearing earphones and driving the car, Franca showed a slightly proud smile. The Oracle has already been classified as missing by the police, and when a missing persons phone account suddenly makes a payment, dont you think it would attract the polices attention and allow them to track his movements? The police should be arriving at Mushu Hospital soon. If you sneak into places with secrets now, you might run into them. Can it work like that? The efficiency is really high Lumian muttered softly. Now, he didnt need to find a way to call the police! The police in this dream city were far more efficient than those in Trier, able to grasp key clues without his reminders. Lumian held his phone, pretending to have received an urgent call, and left this stairwell. He made his way back to the medicine collection area and hid among the waiting crowd. Before long, he saw Officer Deng and the dream projection of Mr. Star leading a team of police rushing towards the previous stairwell. Lumian played the role of a spectator watching the commotion, patiently waiting for nearly twenty minutes until the police team returned. They were carrying a stretcher, with the person on it completely covered by a white cloth, only vaguely revealing yellowish hair. The Oracles corpse Lumian made a definitive judgment using the makeup mirror in his hand. He immediately became puzzled. They found the reanimated corpse just like that? Nothing happened? Back in the car driven by Franca, Lumian recounted what had just happened. Franca also had the same confusion. The people at Mushu Hospital didnt resist the police? Theoretically, Mushu Hospital should be a force formed by the infiltration of the great existence, Mother Tree of Desire, or at least operated by a Sequence 0 true god subordinate to Her Lumian expressed his thoughts, There are two possibilities: One, Mushu Hospital is not an external projection, but originates from Mr. Fools impression of the Mother Tree of Desire and Her subordinates. Two, this is a symbol, representing an external projection. Even if it originates from great existences, it cannot directly confront the main consciousness of the dream. In this city, the official power, the police department, symbolizes the dreams main consciousness. In other words, individual police officers can be targeted and influenced, but confronting the entire police department is equivalent to confronting the dream itself, confronting Mr. Fool plus that Celestial Worthy. Chapter 915 - Chapter 915 Surveillance Chapter 915 Surveillance After stating his two guesses, Lumian added, I felt earlier that entering the basement of Mushu Hospital would be very dangerous. If the problem there was woven by the dreams subconscious, originating from Mr. Fools impression of the Mother Tree of Desire and Her subordinates, it shouldnt have reached this level. His meaning was that he was more inclined towards the inference that the dreams main consciousness symbol could not directly confront it. Jenna, sitting in the passenger seat, glanced at the gradually receding Mushu Hospital and said with a slightly furrowed brow, But the police, represented by Mr. Star, only found the Oracles corpse. They dont seem to have discovered any other anomalies existing in Mushu Hospital. This indicates that although the dreams main consciousness cannot confront directly, it has ways to conceal and deceive, Anthony expressed his opinion. There might also be a mole. Franca, who was driving, had read many novels and watched many movies about undercover agents and traitors, muttered. Part of the dreams main consciousness must belong to the Celestial Worthy. He should be quite pleased to see the force infiltrated by the Mother Tree of Desire doing something, so He deliberately ignored some details. This also shows that regardless of whether its Mr. Fool or that Celestial Worthy, they are actually in a state of slumber, their true consciousness blurred, only able to react to a certain extent when directly stimulated. Usually, they only occasionally provide some inspiration based on received prayers or spirituality warnings. Otherwise, we would have been discovered and kicked out long ago when interacting with ordinary people in the dream, Lumian concluded based on various events experienced over the past two days and many details mentioned in the materials provided by the Major Arcana card holders. Franca took the opportunity to warn her teammates, So dont think about live streaming, dont do anything in public that would become a trending topic. If we do that, as soon as the Celestial Worthys dream identity scrolls to the corresponding video, He will immediately be stimulated and kick us out of the dream. Well, even if the Celestial Worthy doesnt scroll to it, His subordinates will notice it. After a brief silence, Jenna asked, What is live streaming? Anthony was equally confused. Will this be seen by many people? Similar to the front page headlines of a newspaper? You guys really havent adapted as well as Lumian Franca sighed, and while driving, she briefly explained, Open your phones, click on the app with the black background and white pattern I downloaded for you earlier The hottest thing recently is True Death Metal Jenna and the others all became focused and serious, continuing to receive their Internet education. Near midnight. Lumian brought Franca through the mirror world to the Moon Plaza they had visited at noon, arriving behind a mirror in the surveillance room. Hidden in the area behind the mirror, they saw through the mirror surface a large display screen split into multiple scenes, showing various areas of the mall, and two security guards sitting in front of the display screen for night duty. At this time, Moon Plaza had long since closed for business, and many of the scenes shown on the surveillance were pitch black, with only parts covered by clear moonlight. In this dream city, the moon was not crimson, but showed a faint silvery white, occasionally tinged with yellow. Franca, both eager and cautious, stretched her right hand out of the mirror surface, grasping a slightly larger makeup mirror. The makeup mirror immediately reflected the large screen, showing different scenes framed in individual squares. Then, the surface of the makeup mirror rippled with illusory light invisible to the naked eye. Mirror Maze! The surveillance areas seen by the two security guards and the images captured by several cameras in the room were instantly replaced by mirrored illusions. Franca had previously imagined being able to use her Beyonder powers after returning home, and now it felt like a rehearsal of her dream. She walked out openly from behind the mirror object, put down the makeup mirror, adjusted its angle, and came to the surveillance console with Lumian. The two security guards had no reaction to their actions, as if they hadnt seen them at all. The scenes in their eyes were still the same as before when no outsiders had entered. Lumian turned his gaze to Franca and said in a low voice, Make haste. He didnt know how to operate this surveillance system, otherwise he would have done it himself. Franca adjusted the mirrored images to ensure they werent completely static, while studying the malls surveillance system. Thanks to researching information online and making plans beforehand, it only took her two or three minutes to bring up the surveillance footage of the supermarket area from noon. Soon, the image froze on the scene where she and Lumian and others were returning from the supermarket entrance. In the distance of this image, where imported goods were stacked, a figure in a white dress was walking out of the frame. This figure had beautiful features, small and delicate ears, a fair and slender neck, and an aura so clean it seemed untouched by dust. Her hair was loosely tied up, giving a somewhat languid feeling. Its indeed that reanimated female corpse, Franca took out the sketch completed with the help of Dream Divination and carefully compared it. Before Lumian could respond, she added, This appearance, temperament, and charm are more like a demigod-level Demoness rather than a Baby Cupid of the Scrooge pathway. How could a Demoness be resurrected in Mushu Hospital? Lumian nodded slightly, refraining from making conjectures for the moment, and instead asked Franca, Can you find out the entire activity trajectory of this female corpse in the mall? Yes, Franca busily operated the surveillance system. Soon, each scene on the large screen showed the figure of that female corpse, corresponding to different scenarios. While searching for the female corpses traces based on the timeline and scene conditions, Franca had already browsed through these surveillances once. She glanced at Lumian, who was focusing on observing details, and pondered, It feels like shes wandering aimlessly, not buying anything, entering a store for a few minutes and then leaving. Hmm, it doesnt look like shes following anyone or searching for a specific item. Lumian compared all the passersby in each surveillance image and didnt find anyone else appearing in all of them besides the female corpse. Is she experiencing and touring a city like this for the first time? Lumian thought of himself and his companions. And then because she has no money, she doesnt dare to buy anything? Franca joked with a smile. Lumian immediately shook his head. It shouldnt be that simple. We almost encountered this female corpse at noon, and after lunch, the Oracles corpse showed anomalies. The resurrected Oracle corpse went to Mushu Hospital, which is where this female corpse was reanimated. If its not arranged by that individual, not His script, such a coincidence is enough to indicate a close connection between the two. Franca pondered for a moment and said, If this female corpse is really a Demoness, then Ive had similar situations before. When I first became a Witch, I received effective revelations from divination about something, but it was only revelations about time and place. So, I aimlessly wandered back and forth in an arcade street in Trier for a day, and finally encountered the thing I wanted to encounter. Lumian, who had just become a Demoness for a short time and hadnt had similar experiences, nodded slowly and said, You mean the reanimated female corpse received revelations through divination and came to wander in this mall? At this point, Lumians eyes became dark. Her gain was getting closer to us, discovering clues about which mirror the Oracles corpse was hidden behind, so thats why the Oracles corpse showed anomalies right after lunch ended? Is she a subordinate of that Celestial Worthy, searching for the Oracles corpse? Are the Celestial Worthy and the Mother Tree of Desire cooperating, using Mushu Hospital to obtain subordinates they can command, to harm certain dream characters? Franca concurred succinctly, The fact that she could indirectly come into contact with us, on the surface its inspiration from divination, but in reality, it should be the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence at work. Only High-Sequence Beyonders of the Demoness and Door pathways could possibly influence the mirror world from a distance, causing the Oracles corpse hidden in the mirror area to show anomalies. That female corpse might fit both situations. Franca meant that the female corpse might be a demigod-level Demoness who had received boons from the Door pathway. Lumian acknowledged Francas statement and pondered for a few seconds before saying, But the reanimation of this female corpse was definitely not for finding the Oracles corpse. From what that orderly confessed, she had already been resurrected before the Oracle was killed. She must have a more important role, carrying out a key task? Franca hissed and said, In the next few days, besides observing the people and events around Mr. Fool, we need to find a way to locate this female corpse, see if we can eliminate her covertly without the Celestial Worthy noticing. If this were in the real world, Franca definitely wouldnt say this, because she wouldnt be sure whether that reanimated female corpse was Sequence 4, Sequence 3, or even higher. She would only suggest asking the Major Arcana card holders for help. But in the dream city, everyone was currently suppressed to the Sequence 7 level. A demigod-level Demoness would only have some more special abilities than her, with no essential difference in strength. Lumian was also a demigod-level Demoness, and their team had the number advantage, capable of ganging up. Lumian thought for a moment and said, There should be surveillance on the streets outside too, right? Can we find out where this female corpse ultimately went from the surveillance? We could, but that would require infiltrating government departments. If discovered, it would be equivalent to confronting the dreams main consciousness. Franca didnt agree with taking such a risk now. There was still so much information they hadnt gathered! Lumian suppressed the impulse in his heart and worked with Franca to restore the surveillance footage, erase their own traces, and retreat back into the mirror object. Then, Franca ended the Mirror Maze and took away that makeup mirror. The two security guards only felt that the surveillance screens flickered briefly, but they quickly returned to normal. Franca and Lumian returned to the car parked on the adjacent street, meeting up with Jenna and others who were responsible for backup. As the vehicle drove towards the old town, Lumian and Franca, who was driving, told their teammates about the findings from watching the surveillance and their own conjectures. As they were talking, Lumian suddenly fell silent. Whats wrong? Jenna asked. Lumian said in a deep voice, We thought of going to the mall to check the surveillance to find that female corpse. Would that female corpse also think of checking the surveillance to see if any women with outstanding appearances had passed by? Those who could hide a corpse behind a mirror were likely to be Demonesses too! Francas expression changed, and she blurted out, The surveillance room! Chapter 916 - Chapter 916 Real and Fake Chapter 916 Real and Fake After the reanimated female corpse retreated into the dark tunnel, Francas first reaction as her figure was just being outlined was to use the Ice Amulet that Lumian had remade, bringing Jenna and Anthony to chase after the enemy before she completely left this mirror world. She gripped the crystal-clear charm that she had already taken out of the Travelers Bag, but her spiritual intuition made her pause. The destination of the reanimated female corpses Mirror Traversal was unknown, and there might be her companions waiting. Rashly chasing after her could likely lead them into a trap! Moreover, chasing after her meant separating from Lumian, making it easy for them to be defeated one by one. Franca gazed for two seconds, then immediately said to Jenna, Anthony, and Ludwig, who was still eating air in big gulps, Leave here, go to the surveillance room! Who knew how long the reanimated female corpse had been hiding at the edge of the tunnel, producing how many mystical pathogens. Staying in this area would lead to increasingly severe infection, until they fell ill! And relying solely on Ludwig eating like this, mouthful by mouthful, who knew how long it would take to clear out the mystical pathogens that could continuously reproduce. More importantly, this sealed Angels physical condition had also been lowered to the Sequence 7 level. The mystical pathogens he ate wouldnt affect him, but those that invaded his skin, eyes, and respiratory tract could definitely infect him. At that point, it would be a race to see whether Ludwig finished eating the mystical pathogens first, or the mystical pathogens defeated him first. Additionally, Franca and Jennas Demoness black flames were also restricted by the dream, only able to be produced a few at a timecluster after clusterunable to burn large areas of surrounding mystical pathogens to create a sufficiently safe environment. However, the dreams restrictions had both disadvantages and advantages. The Plague ability of the reanimated female corpse was also suppressed to the Sequence 7 level, preventing Franca and the others from becoming infected and falling ill too quickly. Jenna and Anthony didnt question Francas decision, only Ludwig was reluctant to leave. He wanted to eat even if he got sick! He wanted to eat even if he died! Jenna grabbed the little boy, forcibly dragging him out of the area behind the mirror, as his physical qualities had been comprehensively reduced to Sequence 7. At such an urgent moment, Jenna actually felt another digestion of the Affliction potion. Let me go! Let go Before Ludwig could finish speaking, he had already passed through the mirror surface and arrived in the surveillance room. But they didnt see Lumian. Was Lumian also attacked? Franca quickly looked around with a solemn expression. Or had he gone chasing after an enemy? Just as Franca finished speaking, she saw that every surveillance scene on the large screen had changed. They once again displayed the scenes from noon when the reanimated female corpse had appeared. In those scenes arranged in a crisscrossing matrix, the reanimated female corpses that originally belonged to the surveillance footage either raised their heads or half-turned their bodies, all staring uniformly towards the outside of the screen. Wearing white dresses and loose buns, they instantly had the same expression change, their fair and delicate hands reaching towards the camera one after another, extending out of the surveillance screen, reaching for Franca, Jenna, and the others outside. They crawled out of the screen one by one, their faces dark, with occasional flashes of light. Seeing this scene, Franca, relying only on spiritual intuition and Demoness vision, briefly couldnt distinguish which of these many reanimated female corpses were real and which were fake. For a moment, she even doubted whether they were all real, or all fake. She took out the Cannon Gun that had become the Inevitable Gun, aiming at the surveillance footage, intending to shatter that screen, so that the reanimated female corpses that hadnt fully crawled out would be thrown into the depths of the surveillance world with the shattering of the area behind the screen, making it difficult to reach reality. Francas finger was on the trigger, but she didnt pull it. She felt that Lumians disappearance might be because he had entered the surveillance world, and if she shattered the screen, and the surveillance world truly had some characteristics of the mirror world, Lumian would also be swallowed by the turbulent flow, which would be very dangerous. Although Franca couldnt respond in time, she still had companions. Anthony stepped forward, his eyes vertical, tinged with a pale golden color. He immediately emanated a terrifying aura as if standing at the top of the food chain. Awe! He used a range-type Awe targeting that surveillance screen! The reanimated female corpses crawling out of the surveillance footage one after another froze for a moment, but quickly returned to normal. It was as if they hadnt been resurrected, still corpses, naturally not afraid or panicked due to the awe! Jenna quickly turned her head, pointing at those reanimated female corpses, and asked Ludwig, Which one tastes the best? The one that tastes the best should be the real body! And judging whether food tasted good or not was Ludwigs specialty! Ludwig swallowed his saliva and pointed to the surveillance footage in the bottom right corner. I want that one! That one tastes the best! Before Ludwig could answer, Franca had already concealed her figure. When he pointed out the food he wanted most, Francas figure, wearing a black T-shirt and womens pantaloons, quickly outlined at the side of the reanimated female corpse in the bottom right corner. She held the Inevitable Gun in one hand and the nearly invisible Wintry Blade in the other, stabbing the latter towards the target that hadnt fully crawled out of the screen, towards the temple next to the delicate ear. Crack, that reanimated female corpse shattered like a mirror, along with the figures of other female corpses becoming illusory, disappearing simultaneously in front of the surveillance screen. The next second, beside the mirror decorative item that Franca and the others had crawled out from, the reanimated female corpse with beautiful features, a slender neck, wearing a white dress and a loose bun, silently emerged. She gripped an ice crystal dagger covered in black flames in one hand, suddenly stabbing towards Anthonys chest. After passing through the surveillance screen, Lumian appeared in a dark and silent empty mall. At this time, the escalators had stopped running, and all the shops had pulled down their shutters. Lumian quickly scanned around and saw a figure in a white dress flash past the passage leading to the mens and womens restrooms. The black mark on Lumians right shoulder lit up, allowing him to directly teleport over. As his figure was just being outlined at the entrance of the passage, his left palm had already taken out his phone. Lumian quickly glanced at the phone screen that had lit up and found no signal. This was exactly what he wanted to confirm. Is this an alternate space formed by surveillance footage, an illusory world? Its very similar to the mirror world, and also very similar to the world within paintings As thoughts flashed through Lumians mind, he stuffed the phone into the Travelers Bag instead of his pants pocket. He was worried that the upcoming battle might damage the phone. For an already impoverished family, this would be a major loss! In Lumians blue eyes, that female figure in a white dress had already run to the corner. Seeing was believing. Almost simultaneously, Lumian blinked behind the target, thrusting the ice crystal straight sword. Just as the ice sword touched that female figure, the target suddenly wavered like water ripples and disappeared without a trace. An illusionjust an illusion. An illusion created using the mirror of the sink outside the mens and womens restrooms! At this moment, in the dark corner at the entrance of the mens restroom, a vague figure quickly emerged, holding a medium-sized mirror, reflecting Lumians male form wearing a shirt and trousers. Taking advantage of the opportunity when Lumians attention was completely on the illusion, this vague figure pressed its hand covered in Demoness black flames towards the mirror surface. Black flames suddenly erupted from Lumians eyes, nose, mouth, and other places, but his figure began to fade inch by inch, gradually dissipating. This was also an illusion! Behind the vague figure in the dark corner at the entrance of the restroom, Lumians body outlined, his eyes iron-black, his right hand clenched into a fist, in a posture of muscles swelling and enlarging, suddenly striking towards the junction of the enemys neck and back. Cull plus Mighty Blow! You can use mirrors to create illusions, so can I! Bang! This punch shattered the vague figure into pieces, scattering around like glass shards. Immediately after, Lumian felt invisible spider silk wrapping around him from all directions, trying to bind his hands, feet, and torso, and intending to interfere with his movements in different ways. Lumian immediately grunted, and bursts of black flames binding madness and danger spontaneously appeared, falling onto several invisible spider silks. The Flames of Destruction ignited those spider silks instantly, just like real Hunter flames, then quickly spread, devouring all the combustibles around, and burning the mystical pathogens permeating the air. In just the blink of an eye, Lumian had rid himself of the influence of the Demoness spider web and the hidden Plague. And at the entrance of this passage, a female figure clearly appeared in the light of the burning spider web. She wore a white dress, had a loose bun, beautiful features, delicate ears, and a slender neckit was the reanimated female corpse. Inside the surveillance room. As Francas strike failed to succeed, the experienced Jenna and Anthony changed their positions. The latter thus avoided the ice crystal dagger assassination of the reanimated female corpse. But this also gathered the three of them in a small area within the not-so-large surveillance room. The reanimated female corpses gaze then turned to the two security guards sitting motionlessly in their positions. One of the security guards immediately broke free from his statue-like state and suddenly stood up. The next second, his body was like it had been filled with a large amount of gas, rapidly swelling into a ball. During this process, the gray-white in the depths of his eyes was tinged with a yellow-green light. Boom! This security guard exploded like a balloon stretched to its limit. His flesh and internal organs were torn into pieces, carrying yellow-green pus, enveloped in the impact storm, sweeping towards every corner of the surveillance room, covering Franca, Jenna, and the others. A virus bomb? Francas pupils suddenly dilated. That reanimated female corpse was also within the range of the exploding body, but she was prepared, taking a step back and hiding in the mirror decorative item. Chapter 917 - Chapter 917 Disease Bomb Chapter 917 Disease Bomb The flesh and blood oozing yellow-green pus sprayed like sudden rain towards everyone in the surveillance room, accompanied by the sudden explosion. Franca had no time to use the Ice Amulet, nor to grab Jenna and the others to bring them into the compact mirror in her hand. She could only face the explosion, which wasnt too powerful, and the obviously dangerous flesh, blood, and viscous fluid. Crack! Crack! Crack! In this situation, the three of them could only actively trigger their Mirror Substitutions, first being shattered by the impact wave, then being coated with sticky flesh and still-writhing yellow-green pus. Ludwig, who had also been given a Mirror Substitution by each of the three Demonesses, didnt use it himself. Instead, he crouched down, hugging his body tightly to minimize his exposed area. During this process, he opened his mouth. His mouth corners stretched without any restriction, extending all the way to the back of his head. His upper lip pushed his eyes, nose, forehead, and other parts to face the ceiling directly, while his lower lip nearly touched his chest. Splat, splat, splat, the yellow-green flesh mixed in the explosions blast rushed into Ludwigs enormous mouth, heading straight for his stomach. Unfortunately, Ludwig, enjoying this buffet, only lasted two seconds before involuntarily triggering his Mirror Substitution, shattering into pieces. This abnormally terrifying giant mouth shape seemed to be all appearance without sufficient strength, only at the Sequence 7 level. The explosive blast subsided in an instant, and the figures of Franca, Jenna, and the others were reoutlined in the surveillance room, which was now covered everywhere with viscous flesh and yellow-green pus. As Demonesses of Affliction, Franca and Jenna both instinctively believed that this place was now full of dangerous diseases, rapidly infecting them. Without hesitation, Franca raised her right hand, revealing the Ice Amulet she was gripping tightly. This crystal-clear charm had been remade by Lumian and could now be used for Mirror Traversal four times. As soon as they saw Franca reveal the Ice Amulet, Jenna and Anthony immediately moved closer to her, grabbing her arm and sleeve. Ludwig hesitated for a moment but still joined the vile Demonesses. The next second, the four figures blurred and entered the compact mirror in Francas other hand. Franca didnt linger at all, bringing her companions to traverse into another metal decorative item with a mirror effect in the surveillance room. Smack! The compact mirror, no longer held by anyone, fell to the ground and shattered into pieces, causing the corresponding area behind the mirror to collapse. These shards would take different amounts of time to become mirrors again in the mystical sensewithout considering other factors, the larger the shard and the better the mirror effect, the shorter the time needed to regenerate the area behind the mirror. Conversely, smaller shards would take longer, and if too small, they might risk never becoming mystical mirrors again. After transferring to the interior of the mirrored decorative item, Franca spoke rapidly while remaining vigilant against a sudden attack from the reanimated female corpse, A Demoness of Despair doesnt have the ability to make people half-dead and turn them into plague bombs Could it be a Demoness of Unaging? It could also be with help from the Order of All Extinction or possession of a similar item, Jenna suggested another possibility based on her own feelings. Is Mushu Hospital not just home to the Mother Tree of Desire? Franca suddenly had an inspiration. The hospital as a whole should simultaneously possess the healing abilities related to the Great Mother pathway, the influence of the Mother Tree of Desire pathway on spirit, desire, corpses, and hospital urban legends, as well as control over diseases and pathogens from the one the Order of All Extinction believes in or the Demoness pathway! As Franca spoke without any embellishment, she observed the situation in the surveillance room and attempted to use the Ice Amulets ability to transmit information through mirrors to send simple intelligence to a certain mirror on Lumian. As long as Lumian hadnt left the current Huafeng District, he would definitely receive it! Jenna guarded against the direction of the illusory tunnel that resembled a spider web, while Anthony said carefully, That reanimated female corpse is almost unaffected by Awe, making me feel shes more like a dead person than a living one. Francas thoughts raced, and she immediately had two guesses. Is she an awakened Zombie, with a Mother Tree of Desire believer hiding nearby controlling her? Or, didnt we guess earlier that she might have a companion, possibly Loki? Is it possible that shes actually a marionette, with the Marionettist hiding somewhere nearby controlling her? Franca had confronted Loki before and had contact with spies from the Bureau 8 of Intis, so she was quite familiar with the antics of Marionettists. But according to the information provided by the Major Arcana card holders, even normal Marionettists can only control marionettes within a range of about 100 meters. Now, with their abilities suppressed to Sequence 7 level, I believe their maximum distance from the marionettes wont exceed 40 meters. Before we came to the surveillance room, we checked the surroundings and there was no one Jenna raised an objection. At this point, she suddenly paused. It wasnt that there was no one; in fact, there were two people! Franca and Anthony also realized the issue and simultaneously turned their gaze towards the front of the surveillance screen. There were indeed people within a 50-meter rangethose two security guards! One of the security guards had been turned into a plague bomb and had already disintegrated into disease-spreading flesh, but the other security guard was still sitting in his position, his eyes concealing a gray-white deep inside, staring motionlessly at the large screen! Franca and Anthonys gaze fell on that security guard. The security guard seemed to sense something and suddenly turned his body. His clothes were now tattered, his body pitted and uneven, different areas of his face either missing skin, suffering abrasions, or with flesh split open and festering. These were the aftereffects of being directly hit by the explosion of the other security guard. The security guard, with half his face almost unrecognizable as human, reflected the flickering light from the surveillance screen, curled his lips, and revealed an exaggerated, terrifying, and sinister smile. As his smile bloomed, his body rapidly swelled, becoming a human-shaped balloon like his colleague. Bang! The balloon burst, and countless viscous flesh and yellow-green pus splattered onto the surface of the metal decorative item where Franca and the others were hiding, smearing it into a mess and preventing Franca and Anthony from seeing the outside situation clearly. Lets change positions, Franca said, turning to Jenna and Ludwig, seizing the opportunity while they still had a few more Mirror Traversal charges. In the Moon Plaza formed by the surveillance footage. Lumian bent his back, drew the Sword of Courage, and sprinted from outside the mens and womens restrooms towards the reanimated female corpse at the entrance of the passage. Behind him, on the wash basin mirror between the two restrooms, a female figure wearing a white dress with a loose bun suddenly appeared. This was a projection created by the Demoness of Despair using the mirror! Although it only possessed a fraction of the original bodys power, it was still capable of assassination. It aimed to deliver a fatal blow to Lumian from behind! Almost simultaneously, another figure emerged behind this female figure. That figure had black hair, beautiful features, and a cold expressionit was Lumians feminized image. This projection, completed with the help of Precision, instantly turned into a ball of black flames brewing extreme destruction in silence, completely enveloping the mirror image projection of the reanimated female corpse, causing her to be thoroughly ignited amid painful wails. Thud! Thud! Thud! Lumian, wielding the Sword of Courage, continued without any pause, charging towards the reanimated female corpse without looking back. At this moment, in front of the reanimated female corpse, crystal-clear but sharp frost spears suddenly condensed, like a beautiful and clean hedgehog showing its spines. Such a forest of ice spears couldnt be accomplished by a Sequence 7 Witch. Only a Beyonder who had reached the Demoness of Despair level and gained further control over frost, but was currently restricted to Sequence 7 level, could do this. It was equivalent to the Ice Spear Condensation ability evolving into Ice Spear Forest at Sequence 4, but now the Ice Spear Forest was only at the Sequence 7 level. If Lumian didnt stop in time, he would crash into this forest of ice spears, being pierced through and creating multiple bloody holes. At this moment, Lumians figure suddenly became blurry and distorted, like an image displayed through electromagnetic signals suffering from strong interference. It took only the blink of an eye from becoming blurry and distorted to completely disappearing. Lumians body quickly outlined behind the reanimated female corpse. He swung the Sword of Courage diagonally, chopping towards the targets shoulder. With a whoosh, crimson flames ignited on the surface of the Sword of Courage. Boom, Lumians single stroke cleaved the reanimated female corpse into two pieces, exploding her into mirror shards. The reanimated female corpse, having used a substitute, didnt appear immediately, seemingly disappearing into the dark, empty fourth floor of the mall. Lumians expression didnt change at all as he pressed the Sword of Courage downwards in one smooth motion. Boom! Crimson fireballs flew out from the sword, indiscriminately covering this area, collapsing walls and igniting merchandise. The crimson fire hell quickly engulfed nearly half a floor in continuously rising high temperatures. Under such a wide-range indiscriminate attack, the figure of the reanimated female corpse was affected, forced out of her invisible state, and appeared to Lumians side and rear. Inside the surveillance room. The reanimated female corpse who had previously fought with Franca and the others left her hiding place in the mirrored object and appeared in the room now covered everywhere with viscous flesh and yellow-green pus. Taking advantage of the opportunity that various pathogens and decay forces were permeating this place, which would quickly infect and affect Franca and the others once they entered, she condensed a long ice spear covered in white frost in her hand and thrust it towards the surveillance screen, which already had multiple dents and was covered with flesh and pus. The power of the two previous Disease Bombs wasnt strong, mainly focused on spreading pathogens and decay forces, so they couldnt directly destroy the large screen that was at a certain distance from them. Now, the reanimated female corpse wanted to personally destroy the surveillance screen, causing the corresponding alternate space to collapse, making the enemies fighting there and her other self fall into the chaotic flow together, to be torn into pieces! Chapter 918 - Chapter 918 Tacit Cooperation Chapter 918 Tacit Cooperation Just as the reanimated female corpses frost-covered ice crystal spear was about to pierce the surveillance screen, a gunshot rang out. A bright yellow bullet arrived first, striking the middle of the ice crystal spear and causing it to suddenly shatter and break apart piece by piece. After transferring to another mirrored decorative item, Franca immediately understood the opponents intentions upon seeing the reanimated female corpses actions. She quickly took out the Inevitable Gun, extended it through the mirror surface, and pulled the trigger. Having successfully prevented the ice crystal spears strike, she immediately moved to withdraw her hands, pretending to traverse to other mirrors with Jenna, Anthony, and Ludwig in order to lure the reanimated female corpse in to surround this enemy. However, the reanimated female corpse didnt even glance in her direction. Sharp frost spears suddenly condensed in front of her body, all thrusting towards the large screen simultaneously. It was like a huge ice flower carved out of ice was blooming. Francas pupils dilated instantly. Taking advantage of her hands not yet having returned to the area behind the mirror, she pulled the Inevitable Guns trigger once again. Bang! That classically styled brass-colored revolver fired an iron-black bullet, which created a small explosion upon striking one of the frost spears. The explosion covered all the frost spears, tearing them apart and scattering them in all directions. Heavy Strike! Splat splat splat, some ice crystal fragments inevitably hit the surveillance screen, creating multiple dead pixels and areas where colors bled together on the large screen. Franca was nearly scared to deaththe large screen had almost been completely damaged! She immediately left the mirrored decorative item and returned to the surveillance room, launching an all-out attack against the reanimated female corpse. In this situation, the best strategy was to use offense to suppress the opponent and prevent her from destroying the surveillance screen. Pure defense wouldnt last long, as the item that needed protection was a relatively fragile technological product. One can be a thief for a thousand days, but how can you guard against a thief for a thousand days? There will always be gaps in defenses! Bang! Bang! Bang! Franca continuously pulled the trigger, firing bullets to force the reanimated female corpse away from the area closer to the large screen. Jenna also left the area behind the mirror, directly guarding in front of the surveillance console to prevent stray bullets from damaging the screen. Almost simultaneously, Jenna felt herself collide with an invisible spider web, with transparent thin threads constricting her body. Some of these threads bound her limbs, while others stirred up her condition, striving to restrict her movements and interfere with her casting of black magic. Fortunately, Jenna now had relatively rich combat experience. As soon as she left the mirrored decorative item, she condensed several bizarre Demoness black flames around herself. Now she immediately let them fall, burning the spirituality of the transparent spider silk and spreading out. The intense feeling of constriction instantly lessened somewhat. Jenna quickly sidestepped, shielding the large screen. Crack! She used a Mirror Substitution to block both the reanimated female corpses opportunistic attack on the surveillance screen and the stray bullets created by Francas continuous shooting. During this process, Franca emptied six ordinary bullets, hitting the reanimated female corpse once and consuming one of her Mirror Substitutions. She then retreated to the front of the large screen, using a special loader to reload bullets, while Jenna instinctively lunged forward, replacing Franca, using her own gun, frost, and black magic to attack furiously, suppressing the enemy. With everyone currently at the Sequence 7 level, a short-term reckless outburst was still very effective! In this way, Franca and Jenna continuously rotated, one defending, one attacking, one reloading bullets, the other firing rapidly as if unconcerned about running out of ammunition. They temporarily restricted the reanimated female corpse to the area near the door. However, because the opponent had Mirror Substitutions and strong spiritual intuition, Franca had not yet used bullets like Impregnating Bullet or triggered effects like Sure Hit or Certain Death. She was waiting for an opportunity, because a Sequence 7 Demoness shouldnt be able to use many Mirror Substitutions! Even if the reanimated female corpse had once reached the demigod level and gained the characteristic of reduced Mirror Substitution consumption, allowing her to use a few more Mirror Substitutions than Franca and the others who were currently at the same Sequence 7 level, it certainly wouldnt be many more. After fighting intensely for dozens of seconds, both Franca and Jenna felt weakened, their lungs like hot bellows continuously exhaling fiery breaths. At the same time, they felt varying degrees of pain throughout their bodies. They were well aware that this was caused by the diseases and decay spread by the two plague bombs earlier. Due to the viscous flesh and yellow-green pus covering every part of the surveillance room, the mystical pathogens and decay forces were continuously strengthening. The infection had finally occurred in the two Demonesses of Affliction who had disease resistance, and it was gradually worsening. Neither Franca nor Jenna were willing to immediately use a Mirror Substitution to resolve the disease and decay. Their Mirror Substitutions were now very limited in number, and they wanted to conserve them to protect the large screen. What puzzled Franca was that although her Inevitable Gun was also continuously spreading disease and decay, the reanimated female corpse didnt seem to be significantly affected, only slightly weaker than before. Could she really be a zombie or a marionette, immune to most mystical pathogens and with strong resistance to decay forces? She only initially affected Jenna with the spider web, then abandoned this strategy. Was it because the spider web was a flammable object with spirituality, which would cause the Demoness black flameswhich could only be produced one by one or in small clustersto spread, burning the mystical pathogens and decay forces in the air, slowing down the speed of our onset of illness and the progress of symptom severity? As this thought flashed through Francas mind, she actively began to create a spider web. The invisible spider silk entangled both the reanimated female corpse and Jenna, forcing the former to use her own Demoness black flames to evade, and reminding Jenna that she could produce and consume her own, letting this area fall completely into the burning of Demoness black flames, thereby clearing out the mystical pathogens and reducing the intensity of the decay forces! Inside Moon Plaza in the surveillance footage. Lumian was suppressing the reanimated female corpse in all aspects, but due to her Mirror Substitutions, strong spiritual intuition, and rich combat experience, he couldnt achieve a quick victory. By now, the flames had spread, turning most of the fourth floor of the mall into a crimson sea. Lumian released his accumulated spirituality and once again flashed behind the reanimated female corpse. Instead of directly swinging the Sword of Courage, he pushed his left palm forward. At some point, his palm had already been gripping a cheap silver and black bracelet, while his eyes showed a silver-black hue, with what seemed like an illusory long river flowing slowly inside. The reanimated female corpse didnt hesitate. Following the prompting of her spiritual intuition, she was about to actively trigger a Mirror Substitution. At this moment, the toxic thick smoke produced by the burning entered her throat, while the high temperature caused her black hair to start self-igniting. These environmentally-induced problems made the reanimated female corpse instinctively shrink her body, slowing her down by a beat. Magnified Fate! Lumian had already used Magnified Fate twice before, without achieving satisfactory results. The Weakening pathogen he had secretly spread, which could survive for a longer time in high-temperature flames, also hadnt worked as he had expected, only imperceptibly accelerating the rate of the reanimated female corpses spirituality consumption. Now, taking advantage of the environmental changes brought by the long-burning fierce flames, he finally grasped the opportunity, successfully turning the corresponding stream of fate into the main trunk. As the reanimated female corpse slightly shrank her body, the crimson flames covering the surface of the Sword of Courage suddenly extinguished, revealing the iron-black metal blade beneath. Parts of this blade were smooth and flat, reflecting the silhouette of the reanimated female corpse. In the next second, the black Flames of Destruction that Lumian had condensed in advance fell onto the metal mirror surface and drilled into it. Unable to use a Mirror Substitution in time, the reanimated female corpse let out a painful sound. Her body shattered with a crack, re-outlining at the edge of the crimson hell. However, the black flames that erupted from inside to outside, hiding ferocity and terror, continued to burn her, only partially extinguished. Once a Demoness of Despairs curse succeeded, the characteristic that it couldnt be transferred by substitutes when suppressed to Sequence 7 level became a situation where a substitute could only transfer part of the curse damage. Crack! Crack! Crack! The reanimated female corpse consecutively triggered Mirror Substitutions, finally escaping Lumians curse. But at this moment, Lumian directly teleported in front of her and asked with a smile, How many Mirror Substitutions do you have left? As he spoke, he had already swung the Sword of Courage. The reanimated female corpse was dazzled by that charming smile, only reacting when the Sword of Courage was near. She quickly lunged to the side. She had no more Mirror Substitutions left! She was fast, but Lumian was faster. His wrist paused, and the Sword of Courage cleaved the air, creating an explosive sound. Boom! Crimson flames burst open, directly engulfing the reanimated female corpse. Although this explosion only had Sequence 7 power, it was enough to severely injure a Demoness without Mirror Substitutions! Bang! The reanimated female corpse was slammed heavily against the wall, her bones breaking and blood spurting from her mouth. Water-like waves rippled over her body, stripping away her beautiful appearance and revealing an expressionless, ordinary-looking young man. Lumian frowned slightly and swung his sword down again. With a rolling sound, the young mans head tumbled to the side amid a spray of blood. His body, along with his head and the splattered blood, instantly vanished like an illusion, never to appear again. A deep mirror image of the real female corpse? Lumian had seen similar gender-reversed Mirror People in Fourth Epoch Trier. The special mirror world fragments in Franca and Jennas possession could also create similar deep mirror images, with strength nearly perfectly replicated and certain special characteristics. Thinking of this, Lumian suddenly raised his head, looking towards the surveillance camera obscured by smoke. He suspected that the reanimated female corpse also had a special mirror world fragment! Inside the surveillance room. The infected Franca and Jenna were growing increasingly weak, their movements inevitably affected to some extent. Just as the reanimated female corpse was about to seize the opportunity to destroy the surveillance screen, she suddenly felt something leap towards her from the side. It was Ludwig, crouched like a frog. He had emerged from the mirror world at some unknown time. The reanimated female corpse instinctively thrust an ice crystal spear towards Ludwig. Ludwig suddenly opened his mouth wide, his mouth corners splitting to the back of his head. His two rows of sharp teeth then closed, biting the tip of the spear. Immediately after, he quickly sucked in a breath through his mouth. He completed a Deprivation through the ice crystal spear connecting him and the reanimated female corpse. What he Deprived was the Mirror Substitution! Currently only at Sequence 7 level, he could only Deprive one ability from the enemy, and only for one minute, so Anthony had him choose Mirror Substitution. Attack with full force, Anthonys voice then sounded in Franca and Jennas ears. Franca didnt ask why, immediately raising the Inevitable Gun, aiming at the reanimated female corpse, and pulling the trigger. A dark yellow bullet flew out with a bang. Sure Hit! Chapter 919 - Chapter 919 Certain Death Chapter 919 Certain Death The dark yellow bullet flew instantly, striking the reanimated female corpse. However, it passed right through, merely causing the silhouette to waver, become illusory, and disappear. After being deprived of her Mirror Substitution, the reanimated female corpses first reaction was to use the mirrored objects in the surveillance room to create a mirror projection, supplemented by mirror illusions, while she quietly changed her position. So, what Franca had locked onto was just the mirror projection, and what Sure Hit would hit was also just the mirror projection, not the real reanimated female corpse. Having evaded the fatal strike, the silhouette of the reanimated female corpse immediately became ethereal, projecting onto the nearest mirrored object. She intended to use the mirror world to temporarily leave the battlefield, wait for her Mirror Substitution ability to recover, and then decide based on the situation whether to wait for the next opportunity, attack Franca and the others again immediately, or quietly follow them to determine their identities and whereabouts, so they could be directly locked onto and kicked out of the dream. Just as the reanimated female corpses silhouette became prominent on the surface of that mirrored object, a person suddenly appeared in the void dark area behind the mirror. It was Anthony, wearing a black T-shirt. Anthony held a charm similar to the Ice Amulet in one hand and the Winter is Coming revolver in the other, aiming at the reanimated female corpse who was about to enter the mirror surface. He had used the Mirror Traversal ability in time to intercept the reanimated female corpse! Since Lumian could make his own charms to help Beyonders traverse the mirror world, he certainly wouldnt make just one, only for Franca. Besides himself, everyone in the team had one, and each could be used four times! They had relied on Francas Ice Amulet to transfer positions earlier, partly because since everyone was close together, there was no need to waste the uses of the other charms. After all, in the dream, Lumian was restricted to the Sequence 7 level, and making similar charms again had a high probability of failure. On the other hand, it was also following Lumians Conspirer approach and Francas occasional mutterings after entering the dream about appearing weak when you are strong, deliberately setting a trap for the enemy. By demonstrating that they could only hide in the mirror world and transfer positions by holding onto Lumian and Francas clothes, they led the reanimated female corpse to believe that the others couldnt perform Mirror Traversal. So, after evading Francas attack, the reanimated female corpse confidently used the mirror world to escape. By demonstrating that they could only hide in the mirror world and transfer positions by holding onto Lumian and Francas clothes, they led the reanimated female corpse to believe that the others couldnt perform Mirror Traversal. So, after evading Francas attack, the reanimated female corpse confidently used the mirror world to escape. This led her right into the gun barrel of Anthony, who had forcibly concealed his presence earlier. Anthony pulled the trigger with a calm expression. Another bullet tinged with a dark yellow glow flew out, heading towards the reanimated female corpse who was about to enter this area behind the mirror. Sure Hit! Bang! As the gunshot rang out, the reanimated female corpse, who hadnt had time to retract her black flames, frost, and spider silk to protect herself, had blood blossoming on her chest, her flesh and bones splitting. She was truly hit by the bullet, shot out of the mirror surface, and fell back into the surveillance room. Seeing this, Franca aimed at the target once again. Now, she was going to use the Certain Death bullet. Meanwhile, Jenna still guarded the surveillance screen, having intention to steal credit, to prevent stray bullets from destroying the object that needed protection. She only quietly extended invisible spider silk, intending to touch the blood splattered by the reanimated female corpse, to use it as a medium for curses. At this moment, the reanimated female corpse suddenly raised her head and let out a painful scream. Her hair rose strand by strand, instantly becoming long and thick, like venomous snakes. The tips of this slimy, bizarre black hair were each inlaid with black and white eyeballs and heads that stuck out forked tongues like snakes. Jenna instinctively closed her eyes, but still felt her thoughts becoming chaotic, pain and pleasure arising simultaneously, her body inexplicably stiffening as if turning to stone. In this instant, she suddenly understood what the enemy was doing.nw st????ries at n????/vel/b/i/n(.)co???? The reanimated female corpse seemed to have sensed that she was about to suffer a fatal blow, and with no way to avoid it or protect herself by forming a huge cocoon, she actively indulged in her own madness, displaying an incomplete Mythical Creature form that only Saints should possess. For most Saints, displaying an incomplete Mythical Creature form was extremely dangerous, leading to a loss of control. Unless there were no other options or they intended to drag the enemy down with them, no one would use it. For Beyonders without godhood, directly viewing an incomplete Mythical Creature form would result in intense corruption and terrible mental shock, likely leading to madness and loss of control. Even if they didnt look directly and closed their eyes, being within range would still cause some corruption. Saints with godhood would still be affected to some degree by the incomplete Mythical Creature form, and would continue to be affected afterwards while facing the frenzied attacks of the incomplete Mythical Creaturethe incomplete Mythical Creature form was a Saints most powerful and dangerous state. As the horrifying transformation of the reanimated female corpse reflected in Francas eyes, she gritted her teeth and resolutely pulled the trigger of the Inevitable Gun. Bang! A dull green bullet flew from the muzzle, heading straight for the reanimated female corpses body hidden by the slimy, thick hair. Franca then let out a painful cry. She instinctively tilted her head back, her black hair tied in a ponytail and modified by Lie broke free from its restraints, becoming wild and distinct, seemingly growing thicker. Her face took on a grayish-white tinge, her chest felt somewhat swollen, and her mind felt as if it had been hit by a storm, all thoughts blown about, becoming mad, twisted, and dark. She felt intense pleasure and also extreme pain. This, combined with her bodys state already infected by disease and decay forces, caused her to passively trigger a Mirror Substitution. With a cracking sound, Franca regressed into a mirror and shattered into pieces. But when her silhouette was outlined in the corner, while she no longer felt the effects of disease and decay, her hair still floated in mid-air, still growing thicker. Her face was extremely pale and twisted to the extreme, yet presenting a strange beauty, her eyes full of madness and malice. Corruption couldnt be transferred by Mirror Substitution, nor could the tendency towards losing control. At the same time, the Certain Death bullet fired by Franca hit the mass of slimy, bizarre black hair of the reanimated female corpse. Although the effect of Certain Death was suppressed to Sequence 7 level, only certainly fatal to ordinary people, it was still deadly to the already severely injured reanimated female corpse. Moreover, the reanimated female corpses incomplete Mythical Creature form was also limited to Sequence 7, only possessing defensive capabilities at this level! The bullet glowing with a dull green light penetrated through layers of thick hair, entering the brain of the reanimated female corpse in her incomplete Mythical Creature form. Smack! The reanimated female corpses head split open, blood and white matter splattering outwards. The slimy, bizarre thick hair with black and white eyeballs fell in succession, returning to their original state to varying degrees. Only then did Anthony dare to jump out from the mirror-like object, turning his back to the corpse with its strange charm and mental corruption. From a not-too-distant position, he began to perform Psychoanalysis on Franca, which was essentially throwing a Placate her way. Francas painful and mad chaotic thoughts calmed, and the symptoms of losing control in her body began to subside. Seeing this, Anthony quietly let out a sigh of relief. Fortunately, the reanimated female corpses incomplete Mythical Creature form was also only at the Sequence 7 level, so the corruption and impact on Franca were at this level. Otherwise, he really wouldnt have known if she could be saved; that might have depended on Francas own willpower. As Anthony began the second Placate, Lumian jumped out of the surveillance screen. He instinctively looked towards Franca and Jenna, checking their conditions. Seeing that the problems were all within an acceptable range, Lumian then turned his gaze to the reanimated female corpse on the ground with its split head and bizarre hair. As a fellow Saint, he only experienced a slight emotional fluctuation, without any other reaction. Their joint efforts had actually taken down a Demoness of Despair with Mirror Substitution Lumian was surprised and quite gratified. He unconsciously looked towards Ludwig, finding that the little boy was staring at the Demonesss corpse with blazing eyes, completely unconcerned about possibly being corrupted. Indeed, Ludwig wouldnt be affected by the incomplete Mythical Creature form. Moreover, the corpse had already left the incomplete Mythical Creature form, with only some characteristics remaining. While repeatedly creating seven clusters at a time of deep black Flames of Destruction to burn the patches of viscous flesh and yellow-green pus in the surveillance room, Lumian took out a mirror, bent down, and put the reanimated female corpse with its burst head inside. They couldnt let this corpse continue to corrupt the surveillance room, affecting Jenna and Franca who were recovering! During this process, a black, irregularly shaped mirror fragment fell from the corpse. As expected, she has a fragment of a special mirror world Lumian stuffed the black fragment into the Travelers Bag, planning to compare it with Francas and the others later. By this time, about a third of the viscous flesh and yellow-green pus in the surveillance room had caught fire, and the black flames began to spread to the surroundings, seeking other combustible materials. Phew Franca let out a long breath, her mental state finally stabilizing, the abnormalities on her body having subsided. Anthony moved to Jennas side, performing Psychoanalysis on her, who had not been much corrupted. After putting the Inevitable Gun back into the Travelers Bag, Franca was about to proudly tell Lumian We took down a Demoness of Despair when her eyes suddenly caught sight of the several cameras in the surveillance room. She immediately changed her words. Ill check if our fight just now was caught on the cameras. Couldnt we just completely destroy the surveillance equipment with the Flames of Destruction? Lumian thought it wasnt necessary to be so troublesome. What if this malls surveillance footage is stored on a cloud server? Franca wasnt too sure, but felt it necessary to guard against this possibility. Lumian didnt stop Franca further, because he didnt understand what a cloud server was. Franca quickly manipulated the surveillance system, and after a while said, Its fine, the reanimated female corpse probably destroyed the cameras in this room when she came to check the surveillance. As she spoke, she used another Mirror Substitution, because Lumian couldnt make the entire room be engulfed by the Flames of Destruction. He could only create clusters of flames and burn areas bit by bit, with mystical pathogens and decay forces still lingering in the air. Lumian nodded and continued, Check if my battle in the surveillance world has become part of the surveillance footage. If theres no problem, lets hurry back for the spirit channeling. Can it work like that? Franca said in surprise. This was equivalent to the actions of a dummy in a painted world changing the painting itself. Chapter 920 - Chapter 920 Like Reality Chapter 920 Like Reality Following Lumians suggestion, Franca quickly reviewed the surveillance footage from the 4th floor of the mall in the past three minutes. During this process, Jenna and Anthony hid in the area being burned by the Flames of Destruction, to avoid the remaining mystical pathogens and decay forces. The former also had clusters of quiet black flames flare up in other parts of the surveillance room, assisting Lumian in eliminating necessary traces, though she could only create six to seven clusters at a time. Taking advantage of the fact that he still had an unused Mirror Substitution, Ludwig took the opportunity to eat some snacksthe flesh and blood carrying mystical pathogens and decay forces. Soon, Franca pulled up the corresponding surveillance footage. The scene, which should have been dark, quiet, and empty, now showed two figures engaged in a fierce battle, with red flames quickly igniting the area and dense smoke billowing up. However, the fighting scene and the original background seemed somewhat out of sync, as if forcibly edited in with outdated special effects technology. Both Lumian and his opponents figures were quite blurred, showing signs of interference. Your battle in the surveillance world did become part of the surveillance footage, but nothing like that actually happened in the real world, the 4th floor of the mall is perfectly fine Franca pulled up the current camera feed from the 4th floor to make the comparison. She took a deep breath and said, Wh The surveillance world is clearly not just the mirror world, it has the characteristics of an information world as well The pathway good at summoning should also have some understanding of parallel spaces and illusory worlds. Franca half-turned her body and said, This surveillance footage cant be used by the police and Celestial Immortals subordinates to recreate your image, so we dont need to deliberately destroy the surveillance equipment. Lumian nodded slightly and added, Our mystical knowledge of parallel spaces and illusory worlds is still quite superficial. The abilities, authorities, and knowledge in this area seem to be scattered across Demonesses, Mystery Pryers, Apprentices, Painters and other pathways, with Apprentices being the main line, and Im not sure if the Painter pathway can match Apprentices. The pathway good at summoning should also have some understanding of parallel spaces and illusory worlds. Franca half-turned her body and said, This surveillance footage cant be used by the police and Celestial Immortals subordinates to recreate your image, so we dont need to deliberately destroy the surveillance equipment. At this point, with Jennas assistance, Lumian had already erased the various traces they had left in the surveillance room, and Franca also began to use the Demonesss black flames to clean up the fingerprints she had left on the equipment. Lets head back, we need to hurry with the spirit channeling. Lumian withdrew his gaze. Okay. Franca retracted her hand covered in black flames. Lumian immediately led his teammates back through the mirror world to the rented car, and as soon as Franca fastened her seatbelt, preparing to start the engine, she suddenly shivered. She began to feel cold, as if all the heat in her body had been drained away. Her head became dizzy, her vision occasionally darkening and sparking with golden stars, almost fainting. Franca understood that this was the negative effect of the Inevitable Gunif the Certain Death and Sure Hit effects were triggered, the user would inevitably fall gravely ill, and without effective treatment, could even die. Even if treated, the severe illness would persist for some time. Similarly, every time Anthony used the Winter is Coming revolver, he had to find an Apothecary or Doctor for treatment, otherwise he would contract an intractable disease that Low- to Mid-Sequence Beyonders were powerless against. Seeing Francas face turn nearly transparent, Lumian reached into the Travelers Bag and took out two vials of healing agents. These were supply resources provided by the Tarot Club, reportedly extremely rare items not sold publicly, produced by The Fool Pharmaceutical Company. For this mission, the Major Arcana card holders had given Lumians group a total of twenty-five general-purpose healing agents, with the majority kept with Lumian as the team leader, while Jenna, Franca, and Anthony each carried two, but Ludwig had none. Children needed supervision, otherwise he would secretly drink them all! Francas trembling hands opened the cap of the healing agent and gulped it down. The icy liquid slid down her throat and into her stomach. Soon, the chilled feeling rapidly disappeared, and a light sweat broke out on her skin. Much better Franca exhaled, Just a bit dizzy in the head, my forehead is a bit hot, and my body feels weak. Anthony, who had yet to suffer symptoms, had also finished his healing agent. Ill drive. Lumian said. You can, can drive? Franca really didnt feel confident in her current state to be driving, but Lumian, who had never learned, made her even more worried. Should we just take a taxi? Lumian chuckled. I carefully observed you driving today, Ive basically mastered the basic operations. And now its late at night, there arent many cars. And more importantly, I also have the drivers license that Madam Justice gave. Alright, Li Ming. Franca weakly unbuckled her seatbelt and pushed open the door. Li Ming was Lumians alias in the dream world. As soon as Francas feet touched the ground, her knees buckled, nearly causing her to fall. Luckily, Lumian was waiting outside the drivers seat and quickly grabbed her arm. So this is what being severely ill feels like and this is with the negative effects suppressed to Sequence 7 Franca leaned on Lumian as she slowly walked to the passenger seat, muttering while preparing to provide guidance later. Lumian chuckled.If this were the real world, Id probably have to carry you. Franca imagined such a scene and suddenly said, No, lets go with a piggyback ride! Lumian glanced at her but didnt say anything further. Jenna, who had already come out of the passenger side, looked at the two approaching, her gaze slightly dark but also with a hint of relief as she listened to their conversation. After everyone was seated and the doors closed, Franca gave a simple explanation, This is the steering wheel, you turn it in the direction you want to go. This is the accelerator, to control the speed. This is the brake, to stop the car or decelerate in an emergency Basically, dont overtake, change lanes only when there are no other cars, stop at red lights, go at green, turn when you need to Its very simple with an automatic transmission Lumian stepped on the brake, released the parking brake, and shifted the lever to the appropriate gear. The gray sedan slowly started moving, gradually picking up speed. After passing two traffic light intersections, Lumian already had a very skilled driving technique. Franca looked at him with her mouth slightly open, weakly saying, Youve learned it just like that? No need for me to guide you on the side? Its very simple. Lumian chuckled, using Francas own words to respond. He then released one hand, pointing to his head. You have to trust the spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination of a Hunter. Franca suddenly felt that being the one who could drive in the team was no longer something to be proud of. In this way, Lumian successfully drove the car back to the rented old neighborhood, and then, with Jennas guidance, after spending quite some time, finally parked the car, allowing Franca to feel proud again. They had rented an older model car to save money, without any parking assist systems. Back in the rental unit, Lumian led the team into the mirror containing the reanimated female corpse. Except for Lumian and Ludwig, the others didnt dare to look closely, fearing new corruption, but even with just a brief glance, they all noticed that a faint dark glow was slowly emanating from the decrepit corpse, gradually converging towards the right eye. Evocation of Beyonder characteristics? Jenna blurted out. Franca, being weaker, was a step slower in her reaction, saying in amazement, This dream is too realistic! Beyonders will also evoke their characteristics? Before Lumian and the others could respond, Franca had a sudden idea. If I obtain Beyonder characteristics in this dream, concoct them into a potion, and perform a ritual to drink them, will I be able to successfully advance in the real world? At this question, the area behind the mirror fell into an unusual silence. I cant answer that for you. Lumian pondered for a few seconds. Maybe you should consult the Major Arcana card holders, or take these Beyonder characteristics and exit the dream to see if it follows you to reality. After arriving in this city, Lumians group no longer needed Madam Justices help to exit and re-enter the dream. They could simply take the train, and use lucky coins to complete the task directly. Frequent entering and exiting of the dream might also draw the attention of the Celestial Immortal, Anthony reminded Lumian. Lumian offered a curt acknowledgment. There are other ways, lets try to avoid exiting as much as possible. Well contact the Major Arcana card holders early tomorrow morning. Although the Major Arcana card holders were subject to various restrictions in the dream, with some unable to even enter this place, there were still ways to communicate through the dream. As they were talking, the dark Beyonder characteristics had gathered in the reanimated female corpses right eye, dyeing it a blackish-blue hue. During this process, Lumian, Franca, and Jennathe three Demonesseshad already created multiple clusters of black flames to incinerate the corpse and the mystical pathogens spread from the characteristics. According to the Demoness of Despairs potion formula, Lumian collected the black eyeball, the corpses bile, and a strand of the coarse, partially restored gray-white hair, and handed them to Franca to put in the Travelers Bag. Having endured all this time, Ludwig finally found an opportunity, pointing at the corpse and asking, Can I have a few bites? He had already obtained the Mirror Substitution ability through Deprivation, and by eating a few more pieces of the corpses flesh and blood, he would have a chance to permanently fix this ability to himself. Of course, limited by the dream and the current Sequence 7 level of Deprivation, he could only use Mirror Substitution for two to three weeks, unable to gain it permanently. Go ahead. Lumian nodded. Ludwig excitedly ran over, crouching next to the corpses head, targeting the delicate, small ear. After her death, the Demonesss charm is concentrated in the ear, to the point that even Ludwig is attracted? Lumian had just had this thought when he saw Ludwig lean down and bite off the ear with a crunch, chewing it noisily, his mouth covered in blood. Franca and the others fell silent, turning their bodies away, no longer looking. After Ludwig finished eating both of the Demonesss ears, reluctantly returning to Jennas side, Lumian began to set up the ritual. Due to the lack of a subject to pray to, he could only perform the spirit channeling in the simplest way, carefully guarding against the strong corruption from the Celestial Immortal on the target. Soon, the vague silhouette of the female corpse appeared. Lumian asked in a deep voice,What were you trying to do, waking up in the morgue of Mushu Hospital? Chapter 921 - Chapter 921 Character Script Chapter 921 Character Script The pale-faced ghostly figure of the female corpse replied in a wavering voice, To forge a good identity, pass the Intis Groups interview, and become an employee of the company and a colleague of Zhou Mingrui. Interacting with Zhou Mingrui daily, starting off polite and distant, then gradually getting familiar, subtly seducing him in our daily interactions until he falls in love with me. I will become his girlfriend, and in the future, enter the marital hall with him. Through prosperity or adversity, wealth or poverty, health or sickness, whether he is male or female, I will always accompany him, never leaving, forever and ever. Listening with a slightly agape mouth, the sickly Franca gradually felt bewildered. Isnt this character script a bit off? This is neither an urban fantasy nor a suspense-horror, its turned into a pure romance novel Is this intended to immerse Mr. Fool in a blissful, sweet love life and a peaceful, warm urban environment, unwilling to wake up? Is the Celestial Worthy being this down-to-earth? Is this a large-scale Truman Show for Mr. Fool, isolating him from reality? When she heard the part about whether he is male or female, Franca suddenly snapped awake. There is a conspiracy here! There are sinister plots hidden within, with another purpose! Lumian and Franca had similar thoughts, but Francas mind was more active. Lumian was more concerned about another aspect. The task of the reanimated female corpse did not include inducing Mr. Fool to drink the Witch potion. Does this mean someone else is responsible for turning Mr. Fool into a Demoness? At this point, Franca quietly said, The method in the script does seem feasible To influence Mr. Fool, or Zhou Mingrui, a person so cautious and careful, the only way is to work on falling in love over time, only through the calm, genuine, day-by-day interaction can connections and trust be built. And for this kind of task, the most suitable executor is indeed a Demoness, secondly a Baby Cupid. No wonder they need to revive or awaken this female corpse, Charm can blend into many little details of daily life without being detected Indeed, following Madam Susies reminder, we also seem to be able to only gain Mr. Fools trust through similar means, only we dont need to use Charm, but then the risk of exposure would be too great. Jenna weighed her words in agreement. Prolonged, repeated contact with Mr. Fool would easily be noticed by the Celestial Worthy. Lumian did not respond to Franca and Jenna. He needed to hurry up with the spirit channeling. Looking at the floating female corpse illusion, he carefully asked, Are you a marionette? Lumian had not experienced the battle with the female corpses physical body, the two disease bombs explosions, or the discussion about a Marionettist with Franca and the others, so at the time he did not search the 30-40 meter area around the surveillance room to see if there were any Beyonders hiding, until on the way back in the car, after exchanging details of the battle with his teammates, did he consider the possibility of a marionette. However, not actively searching the 30-40 meter area around the surveillance room did not mean he was not wary of other enemies lurking nearbythat was a basic quality of a Hunter. At the time, he simply did not detect anyone hiding in the vicinity. This made him uncertain about Franca and the others suspicions. Their doubts might not be true, just as the reanimated female corpse did not have powers granted by the Door pathway. The ghostly female corpse with its sinister black hair replied in a hollow voice, Yes. Yes? Shes really a marionette? Lumian was stunned for a moment, then urgently asked, Who is your manipulator, and where are they? This time, the female corpse illusion did not respond, but slowly raised her head, gazing towards the vast, dark sky of the mirror realm. Lumian and the others may have been influenced by the remnant spirit of the corpse, or perhaps stimulated by the change in the mystical environment caused by this action, and they actually experienced a slight hallucination. Vaguely, they seemed to see ethereal, dense threads emerging from the corpses body, extending upwards towards the heights, and similar illusory threads floating from their own bodies too, also drifting up into the dark, cloud-shrouded night sky. They also seemed to see the individuals in the city, each of them sprouting numerous, dense illusory threads, connecting to somewhere in the night sky where the moon and stars were obscured by clouds. Lumian was greatly shocked in both mind and spirit by this scene, but his observational abilities as a Hunter still allowed him to notice one detail. The illusory threads emerging from themselves and the female corpse had a fairly obvious difference: theirs floated and swayed, as if only attracted and drawn towards some unseen thing high above, without actually deeply integrating into the darkness, while the female corpses threads were taut, seeming to merge into the unfathomable blackness. As for the threads of the other people in the city, Lumian could only vaguely sense them, unable to see them clearly. Combining the currently available information on The Fool pathway provided by the Major Arcana card holders, Lumian, Franca, Jenna, and Anthony immediately came to the same judgment: the heights represented Mr. Fool, as well as the Celestial Worthy, and the resurrected female corpse was the Celestial Worthys marionette! No wonder we couldnt find the Marionettist controlling her in the vicinity Jenna had just had this thought when she quickly realized a problem. No, that cant be right! If it were like that, we would have already been locked on to by the Celestial Worthy and kicked out of the dream, and even if we werent kicked out, we would definitely be under restrictions Shifting gears, Jenna came up with a possibility, The Celestial Worthy is also in a slumbering state, largely in a dazed, unconscious condition, controlling the marionette, only becoming aware of the corresponding situation when stimulated or when the marionette actively reports back. But can an unconsciously controlled marionette exhibit the kind of behavior we saw earlier? Apart from being a bit extreme, obsessed with dealing with us, not leaving in advance, the reanimated female corpse is no different from the real person At this moment, the female corpse illusion began to fade, about to disappear. The spirit channeling was almost over. Grasping the last bit of time, Lumian asked in an urgent tone, Who gave you humanity? Jenna immediately understood that Lumian had the same thoughts as her. He was also very curious about the humanized behavior of the reanimated female corpse or marionette! The pale-faced female corpse illusion grew fainter and fainter, only the empty voice echoing, It was Mr. Fool and the Great Mother Ah? In her weakened state, Francas self-control slipped, the exclamation escaping her lips. This sounded as if Mr. Fool and the Great Mother had given birth to her, like she was their child Lumian ended the spirit channeling and turned to his teammates, saying thoughtfully, I think I can understand the meaning of that last sentence. She should have previously made contact with Mr. Fool or one of his incarnations, a Demoness of Despair. Mr. Fools subconscious would instinctively weave an identity, appearance and personality for her based on the image in his memory, and with the Great Mothers awakening, or rather, giving her new life, she naturally acquired humanity and became a unique marionette capable of autonomous action according to the mission assignment. The Oracles corpse being sent to the Mushu Hospital morgue is also to create a similar marionette? Does Mushu Hospital not only have the Mother Tree of Desire, but also the presence of the Great Mother? I knew it! Franca had wanted to clap her hands, but after raising them, she had no strength left. Mushu Hospital may also have the power of the Order of All Extinction. Turning his gaze to the tattered yet enchanting female corpse, Lumian observed for a few seconds and said, No powers from the Door pathway dissipating, nor any decay boons dissipating I dont know how they did it She didnt show any corresponding abilities in the battle, were those two disease bombs pre-made with some kind of tool? Too bad we didnt get to ask about the marionette transformation of one of the disease bombs Franca grew increasingly fearful of Mushu Hospital. She didnt even dare imagine what Lumian would have encountered if he had gone down to the B1 of Mushu Hospital! Searching the body, Lumian found no other items, then stood up and said to Ludwig, If you promise to listen to Jennas orders from now on, Ill reward you with this corpse! Okay, I promise! Ludwig had a completely carefree expression, not caring at all about the future. Lumians true purpose was actually to destroy the body and eliminate any trace, as this was the Celestial Worthys marionette. It had to be completely destroyed before the Celestial Worthys intermittent awakening, leaving no evidence to avoid drawing attention and anomalies. Seeing Ludwig rush towards the female corpse, Jenna supported the sickly Franca, and along with Anthony, quickly exited the mirror realm and returned to the rental unit. Standing beside Ludwig, Lumian asked in a flat tone, If this corpse is real, would you be able to restore to Sequence 4 after eating it? No, unless you give me the other one too. Ludwig looked at Lumian with longing. He was referring to Voisin Sansons body. A few days ago, he had received an arm as a reward for his good performance in studying, exams, and homework, so he had fully recovered to the Sequence 5 Depriver level before entering the dream. Ignoring Ludwigs plea, Lumian asked instead, What is your Sequence 4 called? Ludwig began gnawing on an arm, answering in a muffled voice, Sea Monster. The next morning, Franca found that her severe illness had not yet recovered. Her forehead still felt feverish; her body weak, and she almost couldnt get out of bed. Lumian used the simplest Magic Mirror Divination method to confirm that this was just the lingering effect of the negative effect, and she would be ill for about half a day, not because the healing agent had not worked as it should. He then told Jenna, Well take turns. You take care of her and Ludwig in the morning, Ill do it in the afternoon. Now Ill drive with Anthony to contact the Major Arcana card holders. Okay. Jenna had also been somewhat corrupted the night before and needed more rest as well. Downstairs, getting into the car, Lumian, mimicking Franca, placed his phone on a specially bought holder and opened the navigation app. Then, under Anthonys gaze, he used voice input to enter the destination: Star Dream Provisions Store. Chapter 922 - Chapter 922 News Chapter 922 News In the rental apartment. Jenna cleaned up the table, picked up the soy milk and meat buns she had specially left for Franca, and said to Ludwig beside her, You can start studying now. Ludwigs expression changed a few times before he argued, Whats the point of me studying? If you want to gain knowledge, eat scientists. If you want to gain abilities, eat Beyonders! Jenna smiled faintly and said, Studying may not be important for you, but its very important for us that you study. Ludwig, already inarticulate, was left completely speechless by Jennas frankness. After some consideration, Jenna added, Although we dont know the exact process, and youve probably forgotten too, the fact that you were sealed by the Church of Knowledge is as solid as steel. And whats the biggest difference between you and the clergy of the Church of Knowledge? Its the attitude towards learning! Ludwig was left feeling a bit confused. Reluctantly but resignedly, he sat down at the table and opened his textbook. Jenna returned to the master bedroom, casually closing the door behind her. Franca struggled to sit up halfway, stuffing a pillow behind her back, and said in a low voice, Youre deceiving Ludwig again. Trying to defeat the Church of Knowledge through studying is like competing against them on their home turf, under their favorite rules. How can we win that way? The best approach is to play to our own strengths. Hehe, Demonesses are indeed supposed to be good at deceiving people. Many Demonesses had experience deceiving others feelings to digest the Witch potion, and some of them even became emotionally invested themselves, ultimately having to force themselves to separate. So they also had their share of pain. Jenna laughed. We have to give him some reason, and hes just looking for a reason too. Jenna paused, then said thoughtfully, Besides, I think studying does have an effect on Ludwig. You saw him during last nights battlehe was completely monstrous. But in our daily interactions, I feel that apart from his ability to eat, love of eating, and need to eat, hes just like a normal little boy in every other way. This is partly due to the Church of Knowledges seal, but its also likely because hes learned rules, morals, and common sense about human society through studying. As she spoke, Jenna brought the plastic cup of soy milk to Francas lips, letting her take a sip, then handed her the meat bun, watching as she bit into it until she reached the filling. Franca had never enjoyed such treatment before, and her heart was instantly filled with warmth. She nodded thoughtfully. You mean studying is one of the ways for Ludwig to integrate into human society? That studying has given him some humanity? Yup. Jenna continued to feed Franca her breakfast while casually chatting with her. At the end, she even used a wet wipe to clean Francas mouth and washed her face. After finishing these tasks, Jenna took the trash and left the master bedroom. After bustling about for several dozen seconds, she sat down next to Ludwig, as if supervising a childs study. After watching for a while, she took out two packages from the Travelers Bag and placed them on the table. They were two bags of simply packaged rice crisps. As Ludwig looked over in surprise, Jenna said with a smile, If you can pass my test later, these will be yours. Do you prefer spicy or original flavor? I like both! Ludwig lowered his head again, his gaze unusually focused. I prefer the original flavor. Jenna tore open the packaging and popped two pieces into her mouth, chewing. Ludwigs head snapped up to look at her, his mouth half-open, expression bewildered. Isnt this my reward? Ill eat a bit while youre studying. Dont worry, Ill save some for you, Jenna said with a smile. Franca, lying on the bed in the master bedroom, couldnt help but laugh when she heard this conversation. She suddenly realized that although Jenna usually seemed very mature, she was actually just a girl fresh out of college by her real age. It was perfectly normal for such a girl to enjoy snacks, and now she finally had the opportunity. The smile on Francas face gradually softened as new dialogue drifted in from the living room outside. This is a corn soup flavored puffed snack. These are cucumber flavored potato chips. These are chocolate wafer cookies. These snacks arent plentiful because theyre not as cheap as staple foods, but theyre all prepared for you, as rewards for studying hard and doing well on tests. You you eat less! Ill work hard! Leaning against the pillow, Franca slowly developed a strange feeling: She was the sick father, and outside were the gluttonous, study-averse child and the mother supervising the childs homework. If one ignored phrases like the corpses finger is also your reward for today, it was really such a warm and beautiful day-to-day life for a family of three. Beep! Beep! Beep! The sound of horns blared constantly behind and beside the gray sedan, urging Lumian to drive faster, but Lumian remained calm and completely ignored the noise around him, keeping the vehicle moving steadily at the lowest speed allowed on the current road section. As a new driversafety first! Anthony sat in the passenger seat, constantly scrolling through his phone, looking at local news. What are you looking for? Lumian glanced at his companion out of the corner of his eye. Anthony shouldnt have reached the stage of being addicted to the Internet yet; after all, he had only just learned how to use it. Anthony turned his head and said solemnly, I still feel that several details from last nights battle seem increasingly odd the more I think about them. Such as? Lumian focused on driving. Anthony said carefully, The second security guard who self-destructed, his state before the explosion was very similar to that of a Marionettist himself, but he just exploded like that. The ability to swap positions between a marionette and its master? You suspect that there was indeed a demigod-level Marionettist assisting the Celestial Worthys marionette at the scene? Lumian understood what Anthony was trying to express. But we were aware of the situation within a range of several dozen meters and found no traces. Could it be that this demigod-level Marionettist was in a state where we couldnt see, hear, or touch them? Thats the most terrifying part. And if there really was such a Marionettist present, why didnt he save the reanimated female corpse afterward, and why hasnt he spread information about our appearances and characteristics since then? Anthony returned his gaze to his phone. Lumian nodded slowly and replied, Youre scrolling through reports and private rumors related to last nights incident, checking if any of our information has leaked? Yes, Anthony said, his finger constantly sliding across the screen. The current circulating story is that workplace conflicts led one of the security guards to bring in detonators, killing his colleague and himself in the explosion Anthony stopped mid-sentence. He frowned slightly. Ive come across a strange local news item. This morning, a madman was found near the garbage collection point close to Moon Plaza, a completely irrational madman unable to communicate. Then, he was sent to the hospital for treatment. Near the mall? A madman? Lumian also noticed the oddity of this news and keenly asked, Which hospital was he sent to? Could this madman be the Marionettist who was hidden last night? Did he not intervene in the later battle because something happened to him? What happened? Why did something happen? The news doesnt say, Anthony continued scrolling through reports on this matter. Lumian maintained his speed and took another ten minutes or so to reach their destination. After finding a parking spot and struggling to park the car, he and Anthony walked towards Star Dream Provisions Store located at the corner of the street. The shop had no lights on, and it was narrow and dim inside. The moment Lumian entered, it felt like he had gone from morning to night. He glanced at the tall, long shelves on both sides filled with peculiar goods, and walked to the cashier counter at the very back. Behind the counter sat a woman wearing a black dress. She leaned against the wooden cabinet behind her, head lowered as she played with her phone. In front of her was a tablet playing a TV series. Lumian politely said, Hello, Id like to send a letter. He was actually saying he wanted to send a letter in a provisions store. The woman in the black dress playing with her phone didnt find it strange. Without raising her head, she asked, Where to, and to whom? To the Cathedral of Serenity, to High-ranking Deacon Leonard Mitchell, Lumian took out the letter for the Major Arcana card holders. The woman in the black dress still looked at her phone, her voice gentle and calming as she said, Theres a silver-rimmed black mailbox on the third shelf to the right. You can put your letter in there. Come back tomorrow to collect the reply. Thank you, Lumian quietly sighed in relief and turned towards the shelf. What caught his eye wasnt a toy mailbox, but a brass-like book and a silver mirror with black pupil-like orbs on both sides. Lumian quickly scanned the shelves and also found classic quill pens, various strange dice, and other items. If it werent for the shop owner being on her phone and watching a tablet, he would have thought he had returned to the real world, back to Trier. The style of these items was quite different from the dream city, more like things from the Northern Continent! After placing the letter in the silver-rimmed toy mailbox, Lumian turned to the side and asked the shop owner, May I look at the goods here? The shop owners voice carried a hint of amusement. These are all for sale. For sale? As a Demoness, Lumian first picked up the silver mirror with ancient patterns and a black gem on each side. In the mirror, Lumians face quickly appeared. Light blue eyes, clear and deep, a slightly thin face, almost perfect, lips neither thick nor thin, pale in color yet moist, with a hint of radiance This was his female form. It directly shows my Demoness state This mirror indeed has magical properties Just as Lumian had this thought, he saw the surface of the mirror ripple like water, outlining rows of blood-colored words in ancient Feysac: I am the great Arrodes. I can answer any question you ask, but you must also answer an equal number of questions from me, in the presence of at least one witness. If you refuse to answer, or if you lie, you will face punishment. Arrodes, the great Arrodes? Lumian knew this name. Franca had mentioned it before. This was Mr. Fools magic mirror, most accurate in answering questions, but each of its questions would cause the diviner to suffer social death. Mr. Fools magic mirror is actually in this provisions store in the dream? What does this represent, what does it symbolize? Lumian couldnt help but glance again at the shop owner, the woman in the black dress playing with her phone. After brief consideration, Lumian calmly said, My question is, regarding the matter of awakening Mr. Fool, what do you want to warn us about? Chapter 923 - Chapter 923 Prices Chapter 923 Prices The surface of the magic mirror claiming to be Arrodes rippled with aqueous light, and the surrounding darkness became hazy. One by one, ancient Feysac words that seemed to be dripping blood quickly appeared on the mirror: Beware of the night. Beware of the night? Lumian repeated this answer while instinctively looking outside the Star Dream Provisions Store. At this time, the August sunlight was bright and brilliant, reflecting golden light off many glass windows across the street, unconsciously making people feel certain and secure, while also instinctively dreading the heat. Lumian quickly recalled his experiences of the past two nights, realizing that neither night had been peaceful: The first night, the dream image of Oracle Danitz was murdered, and the orderly at Mushu Hospital revived the corpse of a Demoness of Despair; The second night, they encountered the reanimated female corpse in the monitoring room, a fierce battle ensued, and they nearly made the local news headlines as a major case involving guns, explosives, and biochemical toxins. Fortunately, to avoid causing panic, the police did not disclose specific details and only launched a secret investigation. In comparison, nothing major had happened during the two daytimes. The only anomaly was the revival of the Oracles corpse, which had walked into Mushu Hospital without causing much commotion. Daytime is relatively safe, while night is more dangerous? During the day, Mr. Fools power is dominant, while at night, the Celestial Worthys consciousness is more active? Lumian briefly analyzed the answer from the magic mirror Arrodes. At this point, the blood-colored words on the silver mirrors surface twisted and writhed to form new content: Based on the principle of reciprocity, its my turn to ask a question. If you answer incorrectly or lie, you will be punished. Lumian nodded fearlessly, while Anthony beside him remained silent. On the magic mirror, new words began to form one by one: Regarding your sister Aurore Lumians eyebrows suddenly twitched, and at the same time, the words on the mirrors surface suddenly blurred, rearranging into new content: After becoming a Demoness, do you want to be fucked by men? No, Lumian answered briefly and decisively. No punishment appeared. Lumian murmured in confusion, The question is so simple? First, it suddenly changed the question, then asked one that he currently had a clear conscience about. How could this create social death? On the mirrors surface, waves of light floated, and several lines of ancient Feysac words that seemed to be dripping blood appeared: The great Arrodes is very friendly to everyone who enters the dream and wants to awaken Mr. Fool! I see This magic mirror is very loyal Just as Lumian finished this thought, he saw the words on the mirror change: Based on the principle of reciprocity, its my turn to ask a question. If you answer incorrectly or lie, you will be punished. That also counted as a question? Lumian hadnt expected his mutterings to become a question. He hadnt even demanded that the magic mirror Arrodes answer! On the surface of the antique silver mirror, a bloody question appeared before Lumians eyes: What does it feel like to wear womens underwear? Still quite friendly indeed Lumian answered expressionlessly, Constricting, a bit tight, not very comfortable, but it gives a sense of stability and security. Considering that the magic mirror Arrodes had only answered Beware of the night for the first question, Lumian felt that asking more questions now wouldnt yield much more information. So he put the antique silver mirror with black eye-like gems on both sides back in its original place. He thoughtfully looked towards the cashier counter and asked the shop owner, How much is this mirror? If the price was right, perhaps he could buy it. As Mr. Fools personal item, the magic mirror might provide important information at crucial moments later on. The shop owner in the black dress finally raised her head. For some reason, Lumian felt the sunlight outside suddenly dim a little, as if large clouds had drifted by. The interior of Star Dream Provisions Store became even darker. In this environment, Lumian, with his Night Vision, could still clearly see the shop owners appearance. Her eyes were a rare pure black, her face extraordinarily beautiful, but she didnt look like a local. The shop owner smiled and answered Lumians question, 5 million. How much? Lumian blurted out, and even Anthonys expression changed slightly. 5 million, the shop owner repeated the price. I have to think twice even about spending 50 now, and youre quoting me 5 million Lumian abandoned the idea of buying the magic mirror Arrodes. He knew that this price was actually very cheap. This was Mr. Fools personal item, the great Arrodes, its true value definitely worth 5 million, or even far exceeding this price, but one had to allow those without money to grumble a bit. With an attitude of gaining knowledge, Lumian pointed to the brass-like book. How much is this? 9 million, the shop owner answered politely. Lumian couldnt ask further. He now only knew one thing, this brass book was more valuable than the magic mirror Arrodes! The shop owner added with a smile, Most of the items in the store are antiques, and related to mysticism, so theyre not cheap. But you can choose to rent them, calculated by the day. Rent? Lumian pointed at the magic mirror Arrodes in surprise. How much to rent for one day? 220,000, the shop owners voice was as gentle as a serenade. 220,000 This isnt much different from buying it for 5 million, we cant afford it either way Lumian first grumbled to himself, then based on his rich dream experience and a Demonesss spiritual intuition, he muttered softly, Saving up 5 million to buy the magic mirror, and saving up 220,000 to rent it for a day, both have corresponding symbolic meanings? The shop owner didnt seem to expect Lumian to rent or purchase, and lowered her head again to focus on her phone. Lumian indeed didnt have the ability to rent or buy now, so he and Anthony walked towards the door of Star Dream Provisions Store. After a few steps, he suddenly thought of something and turned back to ask, Has anyone rented the magic mirror before? The shop owner raised her head again, a smile appearing on her beautiful face. Yes. Lumians pupils suddenly dilated. Who? Someone really rented the magic mirror Arrodes in the dream city? What did they use it for? The shop owner answered with a faint smile, Its my duty to keep my clients privacy and secrets. In Lumians mind, thoughts flashed like lightning. He finally didnt pursue the question further and turned to walk out of Star Dream Provisions Store. Just as they approached where they had parked, Lumian and Anthony saw a foreign man with brownish-yellow hair crouching beside the gray sedan their team had rented, looking left and right, occasionally taking a photo. Seeing the car owners return, this foreign man slowly stood up. He was about the same height as Lumian, wearing a pair of plain glasses on his nose bridge, with some light yellow stubble on his face. His chest muscles were developed, his arms were thick, stretching his blue shirt to near bursting point. He wore faded jeans and carried a black travel backpack on his back. Why are you photographing our car? Lumian asked cautiously. He now had a kind of illness where he felt that every person in the dream had a corresponding identity and symbolic meaning. The foreign man said, Such a vintage car is rare to see; it fills a gap in my knowledge. Knowledge? Lumian asked puzzledly. Is this guy studying cars? The foreign man smiled and said, Im an international student, studying at the university here. I really like this city, I like everything here, so when I dont have classes, I carry my bag and phone, walk around and take photos everywhere, recording every detail that makes up this civilization. I see Lumian felt this guy was a bit strange, but as he was still in the first stage of observation, he didnt want to have too much contact with him. At this point, Anthony suddenly asked, Whats your name? The foreign man glanced at Anthony and smiled as he answered, Stiano. What about you guys? Li Ming, Lumian gave his fake name for the dream city. Anthony also introduced himself, An Ruide. After chatting for a few more sentences, Stiano, this foreign man, continued to wander aimlessly with his backpack and phone. Once in the car, Lumian fastened his seatbelt and looked at Anthony. Why did you ask for his name? Anthony rarely took such initiative. Anthony thought for a moment and said, He gives me a strange sense of familiarity. Ill use hypnosis to ask my subconscious later, to see where this sense of familiarity comes from. Lumian nodded and started the car. Halfway through the drive, Anthony suddenly came out of hypnosis and said to Lumian, Ive found the source of the familiarity. I get a similar feeling every time I enter a Church of Steam cathedral. He was originally a Steam believer. The corresponding dream image of a high-level figure in the Church of Steam? Although Lumian had disguised himself as a Steam believer before, he had hardly ever entered a Church of Steam, so he didnt have the same feeling as Anthony. Maybe, Anthony wasnt too sure. At noon, in the rental apartment. Lumian said to Jenna, who was supporting Franca as she came out to eat, This afternoon, you and Anthony take Ludwig to check out Dream Tutoring Classes in person. Ill stay home to take care of Franca. According to the information provided by the Major Arcana cards, Mr. Fool also enrolled in this tutoring center. This is one of the best ways for us to naturally and normally come into contact with Mr. Fool. Moreover, we can observe the impact of the Oracles death on this tutoring center. Mm, Franca spoke up. It seems a bit strange that the Oracle, as an adult man, was reported missing after just one night of not returning. Jenna thought for a moment and said, Maybe Mr. Fools subconscious thinks this matter is urgent. There might be other reasons, Lumian glanced at Ludwig, whose face had soured upon hearing about the tutoring center, and said, Jenna is responsible for communication and probing, Anthony for observation. Ill leave this matter to you guys. Chapter 924 - Chapter 924 Tutoring Class Chapter 924 Tutoring Class Unable to drive, Jenna and Anthony chose to take public transportation with the child to Dream Tutoring Classes. They made a comprehensive travel plan and prepared spare change for unexpected situations, rather than relying solely on mobile payments. After they left, Lumian helped Franca back to the master bedroom and glanced at the large ice blocks in four basins, chuckling. This isnt much worse than air conditioning. The only issue was needing to refreeze the water periodically, which consumed some spirituality. But for Demonesses, creating frost was an ability that used very little spirituality. Plus, it effectively solved the problem of limited refrigerator space. Yeah, air conditioning is so expensive, Franca leaned against the pillow and sighed sincerely. I never imagined being a Demoness would be so practical in daily life. Lumian sat on the edge of the bed and casually asked, How are you feeling now? Much better. This morning I was so weak I could only walk slowly, Franca answered honestly. Since becoming a Beyonder, this is the first time Ive been so seriously ill. As expected of the negative effects of a demigod-level item. Lumian tsked. But I heard from Jenna that she had to feed you breakfast, and when you needed to go to the washroom, er, restroom, you called her to support you. Where was the slow walking? Franca wasnt embarrassed at being exposed, and chuckled. Cant I enjoy being carefully looked after as a patient? Lumian pressed his hand to his own forehead, then felt Francas. Your temperature has indeed come down, but you can continue enjoying being cared for until youre fully recovered. Does that mean I can boss you around? Franca suddenly got excited. She recalled her university days, when every day a lucky roommate would be ordered to get food for the whole dorm, and she was the luckiest one. Seeing Francas eager expression, Lumian smiled and took out a yellow peach from the Travelers Bag. Didnt you say yesterday that you missed the taste of yellow peaches? I happened to pass by a fruit wholesale market on my way back and bought a bag. I just mentioned it casually Franca was a bit surprised, her eyes curving slightly. Lumian formed a small fruit knife from frost, and swiftly peeled the yellow peach clean over the bedside trash can. He then cut off a piece, skewered it with the ice knife, and held it to Francas lips. Looking at the juicy and tempting flesh, the crystal clear fruit knife, and Lumians slightly smiling face, Franca suddenly felt the atmosphere was different from when Jenna cared for her in the morning. The morning felt like a sick father watching a gentle mother urging a gluttonous child to study, while now it feels like a sick wife Youre not eating? If you dont eat it, I will. Lumian appeared to take back the piece of peach and put it in his own mouth, with the attitude of brotherly interaction. Franca snorted and quickly opened her mouth to bite the piece of peach. She chewed and swallowed, then said rather nostalgically, Its the taste from my memories. As she ate the peach Lumian fed her, she brought up their previous topic. What do you think is hidden in B1 of Mushu Hospital? Lumian considered carefully before saying, My contact with Naboredisley and other Devils left me a deep impression of one sentencethe entrance to the Abyss is not only in some place in the real world, but also in everyones heart. We can all fall into the Abyss and become devils not on the Devil pathway. So I suspect the Mother Tree of Desire, standing at the top of the Devil, Wraith, and Baby Cupid pathways, is using Her control over the Abyss to turn Mr. Fools psychological dark side into Mushu Hospital. Then, the Great Mother and the deity worshiped by Order of All Extinction used the psychological dark side to infiltrate a bit of Their power, gradually eroding the dream. The influence of the Abyss is from bottom to top, from the depths of the heart to the surface. Reflected in the specific symbol of Mushu Hospital, this means remodeling from the underground floors to the ground level. You mean the underground floors of Mushu Hospital have become a small-scale Abyss, a more complex and terrifying Abyss? Franca swallowed the peach in her mouth and asked thoughtfully. Lumian nodded, skillfully cutting another piece of peach and bringing it to Francas lips. Currently we can see the power of the Mother Tree of Desire, the Great Mother, and that deity of Order of All Extinction. The others are unknown for now. These evil gods should only be able to influence part of the dream. It seems they intend to help the Celestial Worthy? Franca bit the piece of peach with her teeth and asked puzzledly. Lumian considered for a moment before saying, Thats how it is now, but it may not be the case later. Madam Magician told me privately that these evil gods dont actually like the Celestial Worthy that much. If given a choice, Their instinctive desire is to use the Celestial Worthy to pass through the barrier, but not let the Celestial Worthy truly awaken. Perhaps in this dream battle, if Mr. Fool is strong, They will definitely help the Celestial Worthy. If the Celestial Worthy gains a big advantage, they might secretly sabotage the Celestial Worthys plans. Moreover, They Themselves are chaotic and insane, and may do things we cant understand at any time. The Marionettist who should have appeared last night didnt truly show up, perhaps for this reason. In short, what the evil gods would most like to see is both Mr. Fool and the Celestial Worthy continuing to sleep, indulging in this dream city. Hearing this, Franca was suddenly moved. She cast her gaze towards the window filled with brilliant sunlight, towards the distant high-rise buildings, and said in a low voice with self-mockery, If my dream was like this, if the people I care about were all here, I might also indulge in it, not wanting to wake up At Dream Tutoring Classes, in front of the reception desk. Jenna held Ludwigs hand and handed the flier given by Oracle Danitz to the dark-skinned male receptionist. Id like to know more details about your courses. The dark-skinned male receptionists eyes lit up and he put on a smile. Maam, what does your child want to learn? Could you first introduce all the courses? Jenna hadnt decided yet what class to enroll Ludwig in. The male receptionist was stunned for a moment, then muttered, Before, I would introduce first, then ask the customer what they wanted to learn, but I was criticized by several customers. They told me to ask about their needs first, then give targeted introductions How is this wrong again Without needing Anthonys observation results, Jenna began to feel this receptionist wasnt very bright, and seemed a bit stupid. She pondered for a moment and said, Our child only has time on weekends. Please introduce the weekend courses. According to the information, Mr. Fool had enrolled in this tutoring centers weekend Business English course! The male receptionist breathed a sigh of relief, took out some materials, and began detailing the weekend courses his company offered. After listening for a while, Jenna found that only the Beginner English class had a similar schedule to the Business English class. She turned her head to look at Ludwigs pained expression, then picked up the Beginner English class materials and said, Its still 6,666 after the discount? Can it be cheaper? Even at just 6,666, it was a very large expense for Jenna and the others. They had borrowed some more money through another app yesterday to scrape together enough without affecting their daily lives. Well, only our principal has the authority to give further discounts. Ill get her. The dark-skinned receptionist hurriedly went down the hallway to the office to fetch the principal. She was a beautiful woman with dyed brown hair, an oval face, and clear blue eyes like spring water. She wore an elegant womens blouse paired with a dark pleated knee-length skirt, exposing her fair, long, and straight calves. Principal Ai is exceptionally learned and talented. Not only is she good at English, but also French. She can also paint, appraise antiques, play various musical instruments the dark-skinned receptionist went on and on with his introduction. Jenna could see that Principal Ai was a bit embarrassed and uncomfortable with the praise. At the same time, she noticed Ludwigs expression change, as if he had encountered a natural enemy. You want to take the Beginner English class? Principal Ai interrupted the receptionists introduction and turned her gaze to Ludwig. Yes. Jenna nodded sincerely. Principal Ai looked at Ludwig and said, Starting at this age has already missed the best phase for language acquisition, but as long as youre willing to learn, any time is a good time. Its never too late. Hmm, 5,000the lowest cost price. We cant delay the childs education. This should have been a sales pitch to get people to enroll, but Jenna actually heard sincerity in it. She felt Principal Ai was genuinely considering the childs education. As expected of an archbishop of the Church of Knowledge, former treasure hunter and Pirate Admiral Jenna recalled the contents of the file and nodded painfully. Alright, well enroll in the class at this time slot. Seeing what Jenna was pointing at, Principal Ai couldnt help but frown. Andersons class Is there a problem? Jenna asked curiously. Anderson is very suitable for teaching young children, but he tends to let them develop bad study habits. If we werent short-staffed, I wouldnt let him teach the beginner class Before Principal Ai could finish speaking, a man turned into the hallway. He had blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a white shirt and black vest, with his hands in his pockets. He smiled at Principal Ai and said, Edwina, did you just mention my name? In the dream city, Edwina was Principal Ais English name. Principal Ai composed herself and pointed at Ludwig. This little friend wants to enroll in your beginner class. Is that so? Anderson walked up to Ludwig and squatted down without concern for his image, questioning his potential student, Do you like learning English? No. Ludwig shook his head quickly. Anderson continued asking, Then do you like learning French? No. Ludwig continued shaking his head. How about Mauritian Creole? Anderson persisted. Ludwig shook his head again. No. Then do you like learning to paint? Anderson changed the question. Ludwig shook his head without hesitation. No. So what do you like? Anderson wasnt upset at all. I like eating. Ludwig was very honest. Anderson smiled and stood up, saying, How about thisstudy cooking with me, and at least you can be a chef in the future. If it were someone else, they would definitely think Anderson was mocking their child for having no talent for studying. But Jenna just wanted to say he had a keen eye, immediately seeing Ludwigs essence. You know how to cook? the dark-skinned receptionist asked very hostilely. Anderson laughed. Im very good at roasting rabbit. Danitz originally wanted me to teach him, but At this point, Anderson sighed. Hes the Oracles roommate, the first to discover the Oracles disappearance? Jennas spirits suddenly lifted. Chapter 925 - Chapter 925 Hidden Meaning Chapter 925 Hidden Meaning Jenna, holding Ludwigs hand, deliberately fixed her gaze on Andersons face. I heard that Mr. Da who gave us the flier has gone missing. Is there any news? Principal Ai, whose English name was Edwina, suddenly looked gloomy. He was killed. Oh my goodness, did something really happen to him? Jenna had already rehearsed how she should react when inquiring about such matters, and even used the catchphrases popular among ordinary people in the dream city. Before leaving home, she had deliberately applied makeup to make herself less attractive, to avoid becoming the focus of passersby. The dark-skinned receptionist nodded gravely. We went to the police station to identify the body. Although he liked to show off, was a bit impulsive, and loved attention, he was truly a very, very good person. Why would someone murder him? Robbery? Jenna offered a guess. His phone and valuable belongings were still on him. Principal Ai denied this possibility. Lets wait for the police investigation results. Hopefully, the murderer will be brought to justice soon. Her expression was a bit sorrowful, obviously not wanting to discuss this matter further. The foreign teacher, Anderson, then said, The night before last, before he went out, he told me hed ask me how to pursue girls when he got back. I waited for him until dawn, sent him messages but he didnt reply, called him but he didnt answer. I thought at the time, he shouldnt have had a romantic encounter, unless he paid for it, but he was very stingy and saved all his money, saying he wanted to buy a house You felt something was wrong, so you called the police? Jenna showed a look of sudden realization. At the same time, she couldnt help but grumble inwardly, Even though youre talking about a sad event, why do I feel like youre mocking the deceased? Is this really Anderson Hood, once the strongest Hunter of the Fog Sea? The information provided by the Major Arcana cards mentioned that the principal of Dream Tutoring Classes, Ai Nana, corresponded to the Pirate Admiral Vice Admiral Iceberg Edwina from a few years ago, and the foreign teacher Anderson Hood corresponded to Anderson Hood, the strongest Hunter of the Fog Sea in reality. Of course, this title was now disputed, with Louis Berry having quite a few supporters. Anderson nodded. Yes, reporting to the police must be timely. If he really encountered problems, the police might have been able to save him in time. If he was indeed just fooling around with paid women, the police could have caught him in bed. Who knew sigh Are you really concerned about the Oracle, or do you have a grudge against him Jenna couldnt tell for a moment whether Anderson was joking or not. Moreover, its not appropriate to joke about such a tragedy! Jenna asked a few more questions indirectly, roughly confirming that Anderson had reported to the police less than an hour after the Oracles death, and the police had taken it seriously, not dismissing it with the usual adult males must be out of contact for 48 hours excuse. They had started searching near the late-night food stalls just after midnight. This is close to what we speculated. Mr. Fools subconscious probably considered this matter very important, or in his subconscious, the Oracle was quite important, so the police acted unusually and started the investigation immediately Jenna didnt dwell on the Oracles death, and began paying and filling out forms to enroll Ludwig in the weekend Beginner English class. She knew that in such scenarios, one should avoid touching on or asking about others sorrowful matters, especially those involving death, unless the other person was willing to talk about it. After leaving Dream Tutoring Classes, on the way to the bus stop, Jenna looked at Anthony, who hadnt said much and seemed to have gone unnoticed by Principal Ai, Anderson Hood, and others. Did you observe any unusual details? The key figures at Dream Tutoring Classes basically match the descriptions in the file, and their attitudes towards the Oracles death are normal. Anthony had prepared his thoughts. But I felt that some of Anderson Hoods words just now were a bit over the top, hiding some subtext, as if he wanted to tell us something Before Anthony could finish, a voice suddenly sounded from behind. I heard you mention my name. Jenna and Anthony turned around simultaneously to find that Anderson Hood had somehow also left Dream Tutoring Classes and was only four or five meters away from them. Jenna thought for two seconds and deliberately said, We were discussing how you dont seem to be very sad about Mr. Das death, and even seem to be mocking him. Anderson smiled and looked around before saying, Because I feel that the people around me have been acting a bit strange lately. Strange? Jenna asked puzzledly. Anderson lowered his voice. Dont you suddenly have this feeling at some point? The people around seem to be acting out different scripts to cooperate with you, but occasionally they overdo it or are not meticulous enough, making you notice something is off, making you feel terrified, like its not real enough. Before, they all performed very well, but recently, the flaws have increased significantly. Wh Has Anderson Hood perceived the essence of this dream city? But hes just a dream image, not a real persons projection. The Major Arcana card holders said that the real Anderson Hood doesnt have any special items or connections, so he cant enter Mr. Fools dream He now seems like a character in a book who discovers that hes just a character in a story Jenna was shocked and found it incredible. Seeing Jenna stunned, Anderson laughed. You believed it? Looks like the story I made up isnt bad, and my acting isnt bad either After saying this, Anderson waved his hand and walked towards the nearby convenience store. Behind him, a group of students who had finished class poured out of Dream Tutoring Classes. Jenna and Anthony exchanged glances, neither angered by Andersons prank, but rather feeling that he really had something unsaid. This person, who should only be a dream image, seemed a bit special. Looking at the students leaving the building where Dream Tutoring Classes was located, Jenna withdrew her gaze and continued walking towards the bus stop. While waiting for the bus, she curiously asked Ludwig, You seemed a bit scared when you saw Principal Ai? Ludwig mumbled, She was one of my former teachers. Ah, Ludwigs teacher from the Church of Knowledge, no wonder Jenna suddenly understood. In the rental apartment. After listening to Jenna and Anthonys account, Lumian considered for a moment and said, Currently, were still in the observation stage of key figures. Dont further contact Anderson for now. After we finish the observation phase, well find an opportunity when there are no other teachers or students from Dream Tutoring Classes around him to probe him. Franca, who had recovered her health, also regained her normal thinking ability. You suspect that Mr. Fool enrolling in Dream Tutoring Classes caused problems for some of the teachers and students there, and the Oracles death is a continuation of these problems rather than the beginning? And Anderson also became suspicious because he noticed some small inconsistencies? This possibility is quite high. Lumian stood up and said, Im going to cook now. He walked towards the kitchen, and Jenna naturally followed to assist. Lumian had already steamed a pot of rice in the rice cooker. Now, he put the rice into several large bowls and added spicy sauces like Lao Gan Ma. After Ludwig finishes these, hell be about 70-80% full, and then he can eat dinner normally with us, Lumian casually said to Jenna. Jenna helped carry two bowls of rice, nodding seriously. Yes, the food for Ludwig should be divided into two types: one for filling his stomach and one for tasting delicious flavors. It cant just be for filling his stomach. You seem quite concerned about him? Lumian picked up the remaining bowls and chuckled. Jenna laughed self-mockingly. I feel a bit guilty, I guess. After delivering these bowls of rice to Ludwig, Lumian washed the rice cooker clean and steamed another pot for himself and the others, using the quick mode. When we have money, we should buy another rice cooker Lumian muttered as he took out vegetables and meat from the refrigerator. Jenna took them over, washed the vegetables under the tap, and used her Demoness powers to control frost to defrost the meat. She washed one item and passed it to Lumian, who used knives formed from frost to chop and slice. The two chatted casually, occasionally falling silent to listen to how Franca was teaching Ludwig to watch cartoons in the living room, without slowing down their food preparation. Jenna glanced at the sky outside, tinged with golden-red afterglow, and said, We probably wont go out at night for now. Whats the plan for tomorrow? During the observation phase, they had to be extremely careful. Since the magic mirror Arrodes had hinted that there were problems at night, they wouldnt go out after dark for now. While quickly slicing with his ice knife, Lumian looked down at the increasing pile of shredded meat and said without hesitation, In the morning, well go to Star Dream Provisions Store to get the reply from the Major Arcana card holders, and observe the police station nearby while were at it. In the afternoon, well observe one of the most important targets. Mr. Fools friend Peng Deng? Jenna knew who Lumian was referring to. Peng Deng was a very special person in the dream city. He was a good friend of Mr. Fool, that is, Zhou Mingrui, but there was no corresponding person for him in reality. Following the logic that characters closer to Mr. Fool should be more important, Peng Deng should have a high status and position in the real world. However, the Major Arcana card holders and other coin holders had never found out who he represented or symbolized. At the same time, they hadnt found any problems with Peng Deng in the dream. Lumian nodded and continued, Based on my experience, a character in such a position must have a strong symbolic meaning. We just havent found the approach or method to interpret it yet. One reason why Mr. Star became a key focus and was kicked out of the dream by the Celestial Worthy might be his strong connection to Mr. Fools Angel of Timea decryption expert. If He truly came into contact with Peng Deng, He might see something. Right. Jenna finished washing all the vegetables, shook her hands, and let the water droplets turn into frost and float down. The next morning, at the entrance of Star Dream Provisions Store. Franca, feeling a bit fearful yet somewhat expectant, followed Lumian inside. The magic mirror Arrodes had indeed left some psychological trauma on her, but she was also quite curious about the brass book, which was much more expensive than the mirror, and the true identity of the shop owner. Chapter 926 - Chapter 926 Turning Fantasy into Reality Chapter 926 Turning Fantasy into Reality At first glance, Franca noticed that Star Dream Provisions Store really did resemble an antique shop from the Northern Continent, with very obvious mystical elements added. The only things that didnt fit this style were the shelves themselves and the mobile phone the shopkeeper was fiddling with, along with the tablet placed in front of her. Good morning, maam. Were here to pick up a reply, Lumian said very politely as he approached the counter. The shopkeeper, dressed in a black dress and fiddling with her phone, pulled out a letter from under the counter and placed it on top. Thank you, Lumian said as he took it, without opening the letter on the spot. Franca then pointed to the brass book. Maam, may I flip through that book? Go ahead, replied the black-dressed shopkeeper without looking up, and without cautioning Franca not to damage the antique. Franca walked briskly to the shelf on the right and picked up the book that looked as if it were forged from brass. The cover was cold and hard to the touch, clearly made of metal. Franca quickly flipped through it, finding that the inside pages were still paper, but completely blank. Nothing special Franca muttered to herself. No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than she suddenly saw lines of text appear on the blank pages. But these words vanished in an instant, too fast for even a Demonesss eyesight to capture the specific content. Am I seeing things? Franca patiently waited for 20-30 seconds, and again saw new text appear in the brass book. But she still couldnt make out a single word before the corresponding content disappeared. In this situation, even the Dream Divination method couldnt be used afterwards to recall the specific images. Theres definitely something strange about this Franca thought to herself as she returned the brass book to its original place. At the same time, out of the corner of her eye, she glimpsed a dark greenish-black figure flash by behind the shelf. It was a snake that had grown white feathers and small wings! Franca was startled and instinctively took two steps back, turning to warn the shopkeeper, Maam, theres a snake in your shop! Be careful! No need to be afraid, the black-dressed shopkeeper raised her head, revealing her beautiful face. Thats my pet. I see Franca let out a sigh of relief. Along with Jenna and Anthony, who were browsing around the store, she followed Lumian out and back to the gray sedan parked nearby. They used frost to forcibly lower the high temperature inside the car caused by the sun. After sitting in the drivers seat, Franca frowned slightly and said, The snake I just saw looked a lot like a feathered serpent from the Death pathway. Well, a miniature harmless version. The shopkeeper couldnt be keeping a Mythical Creature from the Death pathway as a pet, could she? A complete Mythical Creature would represent an Angel level! Lumian calmly said as he opened the letter in his hand, Its not impossible. Besides those with special items and connections, those that can enter the dream are at least true gods. Wh Were we just dealing with a true god? And she even answered my question? As Franca was still in shock, she saw a person carrying many bags walk up to the drivers side and knock on the window. Can I help you? Franca cautiously rolled down the window. The person had an ordinary appearance and wore a smile, holding out what was in his hand to Franca. Wanna buy something? The latest models of bugs and pinhole cameras. Francas mouth twitched. Bro, thats illegal. The man tried to continue his sales pitch, but Franca put on a stern face and firmly refused. After closing the window, Franca started the car, while Lumian began examining the reply from the Major Arcana card holders, mainly written by Madam Magician. At this point, Franca suddenly paused. Dont rush, lets first make sure there are no bugs or pinhole cameras installed in the car. With everyone suppressed to Sequence 7, relying on the Demonesses spirituality and divination could indeed effectively prevent mystical eavesdropping and peeping, but they had completely overlooked the scientific aspect before! Lumian and Jenna could understand what bugs and pinhole cameras were used for. One relied on a Hunters observation skills to quickly search for unusual traces, while the other used Magic Mirror Divination to check on the situation by questioning her own spirituality. There arent any, Jenna reported her divination results. Thats good. Franca breathed a sigh of relief. From now on, we must remember to guard against scientific methods. Its fortunate that the dude selling contraband items reminded me, otherwise we might have been caught off guard at some point! Uh At this point, Franca turned her gaze to the rearview mirror. She saw the man who had been selling bugs and pinhole cameras turn a corner at the end of the street and disappear. Could he be an ally? Deliberately coming to warn us? Franca mused perceptively. Lumian pondered for a moment before stating, Probably. Who could it be? Franca asked, focusing more on driving as she looked at the road ahead. Soon, she parked the car in a roadside spot diagonally across from the police station. Lumian created a medium-sized screen out of frost and displayed the reply from the Major Arcana card holders on this mirror for easy viewing. After confirmation, the Demoness of Despair Beyonder characteristics, related materials, and special mirror world fragments you obtained are all real. Dont get excited yet. This doesnt mean every Beyonder in the dream city can produce Beyonder characteristics. It must be someone like you whose consciousness directly enters. In other words, if you die in the dream city, affected by Fooling, your bodies in the real world will also die, producing Beyonder characteristics. This feedback to the dream city will then Graft the Beyonder characteristics onto the recipient, achieving the effect of turning fantasy into reality and reality into fantasy. You should already understand my meaningthe resurrected female corpse is roughly equivalent to a real consciousness entering. As for her name and background, you should ask Ludwig. Ill just briefly explain that she was once equivalent to the Celestial Worthys marionette, so she still is now. Dont ask whydont ask about high-level matters of the Seer and Marauder pathways. In any case, through this connection, and through the identity Mr. Fools subconscious wove for her in the dream, she entered this dream and was given new life by the Great Mother, gaining humanity and consciousness that are unlike a marionette. Back to the issue of the Beyonder characteristicsif you use it to concoct potions and perform rituals to advance to demigod in the dream city, your bodies in the real world will also become demigods. Remember, under the influence of abilities like Fooling, false dreams may become true reality, and what you consider real may become false. Moreover, the dream city is currently restricted to Sequence 7, so the mental effects of potions and the minimum requirements for rituals will also be suppressed to this level. For example, a plague that originally needed to infect 30,000 people and bring them pain and despair might now only need 300 infected. Taking a risk in B1 of Mushu Hospital might be enough to complete the ritual. Doesnt this make you think that works? But I must tell you, a price has already been exacted for what fate bestowed. Advancing to Demoness of Despair through this method carries extremely large hidden dangers. Subsequently, extremely great difficulties will need to be overcome to truly count as a Sequence 4 demigod. Think about itin the dream city, all the various problems brought about by consuming a demigod potion are actually restricted to Sequence 7, so they can be endured relatively easily, and Sequence 7 level rituals can be used to assist advancement. But upon leaving the dream and returning to reality, those problems suppressed to Sequence 7 will break free from the Fooling and instantly return to Sequence 4 levels. At that time, the corresponding person will likely lose control immediately. Of course, this is not unsolvable, just very difficultnot as simple as performing a complete ritual in reality. The only method we can think of now is to fully digest that Sequence 4 potion before leaving the dream, before this dream is no longer maintained. This digestion will be grafted onto reality, allowing the vast majority of hidden dangers suppressed to Sequence 7 to be resolved in advance. When the person returns to reality, they will be a Sequence 4 demigod in good conditionreality will have been truly fooled at this moment. The difficulty with this method lies in the fact that how long the dream can be maintained and when you will be locked onto by the Celestial Worthy and directly kicked out are not things you can decide for yourselves. Its full of unknown risks, and its extremely difficult to obtain a good opportunity and enough time to digest the potion. Reading to this point, Franca, Lumian, and the others looked at each other, speechless. Is that even allowed? They had originally thought that using false Angel qualifications and sealed Angels to simply act out roles and quickly digest potions was already the limit of exploiting rule loopholes. Who knew that after reading all these words about Fooling and Grafting, they felt their brains had been fooled. You can really truly advance in the dream The potion can be fooled, the ritual can be fooled, the mind can be fooled, even the boundary between fantasy and reality can be fooled Of course, its also possible that only we ourselves are fooled, believing weve truly completed the advancement and become demigods when in reality weve just developed a mental disorder Haha, everyones been fooled! Everyones been fooled! Franca couldnt help but go a little crazy in her mind. Is this the terrifying aspect of great existences? Jenna took a small breath. Lumian chuckled. Many things we consider unbreakable and unchangeable may just be playthings for great existences. They can make them round if They want, or flat if They want Franca mumbled along. Through this letter, they truly and concretely felt what it meant to be a great existence. They continued reading the letter displayed on the ice crystal screen. After reading the previous part, havent you had this thought: In the future, after Mr. Fool wakes up, couldnt we ask him to use similar dreams to help lower the difficulty of rituals and advancements, allowing those in need to become demigods and giving them enough time to digest potions in the dream? First, we must be clear that Mr. Fool alone would find it difficult to accomplish this, because such a real dream, a dream that allows Fooling to blur fantasy and reality, comes from other domains. Second, not every demigod will eventually be able to digest their own potion. They will live their entire lives in a dream, and if the dream cognition is not restored to Sequence 4 levels, their lifespan will also be suppressed to the corresponding mid to low Sequences. But if the dream cognition is restored to Sequence 4, those problems hidden by Fooling will erupt again. Third, is it really appropriate to cause Mr. Fool to sleep for several years, over ten years, or even centuries to help one Beyonder advance? Finally, the acting out of many potions will tend towards evil. If you really want to create a large-scale plague in Mr. Fools dream, not to mention how easily the Celestial Worthy would notice, Mr. Fool would be the first to kick you out. Why do I feel like Madam Magician is hinting at me I really hadnt thought of that. This dream is just like reality, not at all like a game. How could I have antisocial thoughts? Even in games, I only stopped being humane after getting bored with normal gameplay Franca muttered to herself. Chapter 927 - Chapter 927 Misfortune? Chapter 927 Misfortune? After discussing matters related to the reanimated female corpse, Madam Magician affirmed Lumian and the others current strategy. She said one major reason why previous gold coin holders failed to find a way to awaken Mr. Fool was that they were too eager to contact the target person, resulting in being locked onto by the Celestial Worthy and kicked out of the dream, or fully restricted, only able to make some contributions in accumulating intelligence. At the end of the letter, Madam Magician told Lumian and the others that some gold coin holders could still enter this dream city, but they could not communicate with Mr. Fool or intervene in any events. However, they could act as human cameras, helping to collect information on certain occasions. The content displayed on the ice crystal screen ended here. Lumian flicked his wrist, burning the letter, and turned to Ludwig. The background of the reanimated female corpse. Ludwig was staring longingly at a snack shop on the street, and reluctantly recounted the information he obtained from the corpse: Panatiya, a member of the Demoness Sect, nicknamed Nation of Despair Nightingale, was one of the perpetrators of the Great Smog of Backlund incident. She became the marionette of Antigonus, a great noble of the Tudor Empire, in a secret town on the way to the Nation of the Evernight. At that time, Antigonus was in a state of madness, mentally closer to the Celestial Worthy you guys talk about For the top level of the Marauder pathway, the Despair Nightingale is indeed equivalent to the Celestial Worthys marionette. Lumian nodded slowly after carefully listening to Ludwigs statement. His gaze turned to outside the car window, watching people coming and going at the entrance of the police station, and he said as he pondered, Fooling, Grafting, dreams, realityI dont fully understand these concepts, so I can only trust Madam Magicians explanation for now. What puzzles me is why the Celestial Worthy had to bring the Despair Nightingale marionette into the dream city, rather than using her virtual image here? It couldnt be just to give us Beyonder characteristics and special mirror world fragments, could it? Indeed, Franca agreed, also finding the Celestial Worthys choice in this matter incomprehensible. Since Panatiya was the Celestial Worthys marionette, her corresponding dream image should also easily become the Celestial Worthys marionette again. In her subsequent tasks, the role she played did not require her to be a real Demoness-judging from Panatiyas reenacted script alone, an illusory Demoness belonging to the dream city could equally fulfill the corresponding responsibilities. The Celestial Worthy chose a more complicated method over a simpler one, which had to imply hidden reasons. These reasons might be crucial. Anthony, sitting in the back, followed up with his analysis of the characters psychological state. If the description in the information and Madam Susies reminder are correct, Mr. Fools dream image is very cautious and careful. So sending a Demoness to approach him with reasonable excuses and in a gradual manner, cultivating feelings through daily, moderate interactions to dissolve unfamiliarity and wariness, might not be the best choice. Because Demonesses are too beautiful, it would instinctively make someone who considers themselves ordinary draw a line in their heart, feeling that its not something they could obtain. Lumian, Jenna, and Francathe three Demonessesall looked at Anthony simultaneously. Anthony paused for two seconds before continuing, If I were to arrange it, I would find a way to turn one of Zhou Mingruis current female colleagues into a marionette. That colleague should preferably be very ordinary, not a Beyonder, and not particularly pretty, but still have her own charm from certain angles or expressions. After she becomes familiar with Zhou Mingrui, arrange for her to drink the Assassin potion, gradually and unobtrusively enhancing her charm, allowing love to develop slowly Lumians eyes flickered a few times, but he remained silent. You Spectators Franca sighed sincerely. Indeed, better at writing scripts than the Celestial Worthy. She had just seriously thought about it and felt that if it were her former self before transmigrating, she definitely wouldnt be able to resist! Then why did the Celestial Worthy have to bring His own Demoness marionette into the dream city, and even use the power of the Great Mother to give her new life? Jenna repeated Lumian and Francas previous confusion. After a brief silence in the car, Lumian thoughtfully said, Dont you think there are too many Demonesses appearing in this matter? What do you mean? Jenna vaguely guessed what Lumian wanted to say. It was the dream symbolism he had been emphasizing several times every day recently. Lumian slightly curled his lips. As a team coming to the dream to awaken Mr. Fool, the number of Demonesses among us is abnormally high, exceeding half. And the main opponent abandoned the simple approach, chose the complicated one, and even brought a Demoness marionette belonging to Himself here. The Major Arcana card holders have said that Mr. Fool has authority over fate, and that Celestial Worthy must have it too. The lucky coins ultimately gathered in our hands, bringing us to this dream citydoesnt this symbolize the choice of fate, symbolizing that it will be a Demoness who awakens Mr. Fool? Similarly, it will also be a Demoness who helps the Celestial Worthy achieve victory? I had previously felt that the pathways chosen by the lucky coins this time were too monotonous, and the appearance of the reanimated female corpse deepened my suspicion. Then why must it be a Demoness? And why must it be an external Demoness with real consciousness? Jenna mused along this line of thought. Perhaps figuring out this question would reveal how to awaken Mr. Fool. Lumian chuckled. For now, I can only think of two reasons: First, a real Demoness symbolizes real calamity, and real calamity will bring great changes to the dream city. Where theres change, theres opportunitymaybe good, maybe bad. But this doesnt explain why there arent as many Hunters, as Hunters are also symbols of calamity. Second, some crucial thing, a path leading to Mr. Fools awakening, can only be completed by a Demoness of a not-low Sequence. It could be both reasons, Franca said, while worrying about the air conditioning costs and considering switching to ice blocks for cooling, but also concerned about being detected by Beyonders in the police force. She continued observing people entering and leaving the police station. Thus, they observed and discussed intermittently until noon. During this process, Lumian and the others saw Officer Deng and his fiance Daly leave hand in hand to find a restaurant for lunch, and also saw key figures like Old Neil who bore the title of Interpol officer. Their observations largely matched the descriptions in their information. Didnt see Mr. Star Franca withdrew her gaze, preparing to drive onto the road. Hes probably out investigating the case at the malls surveillance room, Lumian had noticed this information while scrolling through his phone earlier. Franca didnt say more and drove the car to the new urban district, full of high-rise buildings and a modern atmosphere, parking opposite a building over a hundred meters tall. Their next observation target, also a key suspect, Peng Deng, worked here. Just as Franca parked the car, Lumian and the others saw the target approaching from a distance. He was a young man with an unremarkable appearance, holding an iced coffee and looking down at his phone. Every time Jenna thought he would bump into pedestrians or obstacles on the road, Peng Deng, without raising his head, would skillfully maneuver around them. Almost simultaneously, Peng Dengs information flashed through Lumian and the others minds: Peng Deng, 24 years old, from the same hometown as Zhou Mingrui, classmate from kindergarten, elementary school, and middle school, schoolmate in high school, currently an interior designer, living in Herun Community next to New City Garden. He has a girlfriend named Nie Zhen, living in the High-Tech Zone, planning to move in with Peng Deng after their current lease expires. Currently sharing rent with a foreign worker named Grisha, who has an eccentric personality, is paranoid, and has crude manners Lumian carefully observed Peng Deng, who was wearing a light-colored shirt with sweat seeping through the back, not missing any of his movements or facial expression details. Only after Peng Deng walked back into the building did Lumian withdraw his gaze and ask Anthony, Did you notice anything? Anthony shook his head. Thats normal. If it were that simple to discover problems, the Major Arcana card holders would have had results long ago, Lumian wasnt disappointed. He said to all team members, Were not sure if Peng Deng will go out in the afternoon. Lets go observe his girlfriend and his roommate for a while first. Tomorrow is the weekend, and theres a possibility of contacting Mr. Fool at the tutoring class in the afternoon. We need to quickly go through all the listed personnel that need observation. Jenna and the others had no objections. Franca tried to start the car but couldnt complete the ignition no matter what. The rumbling sound failed to transform into a steady hum. Dammit! The car broke down Franca slapped the steering wheel, unable to hide her frustration. At this moment, only one thought appeared in Lumian and Jennas minds: Well have to pay for repairs Immediately after, Lumian furrowed his brow. Isnt this too coincidental? The car breaks down right after we observe Peng Deng Indeed, there were no signs of trouble before. Franca also began to find this suspicious. Would approaching Peng Deng with ill intentions lead to misfortune? But the Major Arcana card holders who had previously observed Peng Deng hadnt mentioned any similar situations. This is an anomaly, lets record it Lumian said to Anthony. He opened the door and got out of the car, habitually wanting to check it himself to see if he could repair it. But after standing in the sun-scorched area, he remembered that he had no understanding of the structure of internal combustion engine cars. The only thing he could do was bang on the hood a few times, hoping that vibration and luck might somehow make the vehicle fix itself. Ill call the car rental company, Franca said, picking up her phone from the holder. Just then, an enthusiastic voice came from the roadside. Hello, Li, and An, whats wrong? Lumian and Anthony, who had also gotten out of the car, looked towards the street and saw it was Stiano, the foreign exchange student they had met yesterday, who was suspected to be the dream image corresponding to a high-ranking member of the Church of Steam. The car broke down. Lumian pointed at the gray sedan. Stiano, carrying a travel backpack, brightened up. Maybe I can help you fix it. Chapter 928 - Chapter 928 Adding a Friend Chapter 928 Adding a Friend When Stiano volunteered to help, Lumians thoughts raced. He smiled and said, Thank you so much! Stiano took off his backpack and, like a magician, pulled out one car repair tool after another. He opened the hood of the gray sedan. Seeing this, Franca couldnt help but wail inwardly, No! It was only going to cost one or two thousand to fix before, but now it might cost several thousand after hes done! She could guess why Lumian was willing to let Stiano help. The information provided by the Major Arcana card holders didnt mention this high-ranking Church of Steam members projection in the dream city. He didnt seem very important or related to Mr. Fools awakening, yet he had encountered the team twice by chance. This indicated either an arrangement of fate or that he himself harbored something special. Observing him more at this stage might provide useful guidance at a crucial moment in the future. For the Demonesses, this was both a conclusion from logical reasoning and a prompt from spiritual intuition. Never mind, this is just a dream, not reality. As long as Mr. Fool believes that the Church of Steam and Machinerys high-ranking members are good at repairing machines, then Stiano should be able to fix the car Franca comforted herself, quietly producing ice cubes to dispel the heat invading the car. Soon after, Stiano raised his face, with traces of light yellow beard, avoiding his oil-stained palms, and used the back of his hand to push up the plain glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. He said to Franca inside the car and Lumian outside, Its fixed. Really? Dont lie to me Franca tried it and found that the vehicle could indeed start again, very smoothly. Lumian took out a bottle of mineral water filled with Hunter-Demoness branded boiled water and provided a stream of water for Stiano to wash his hands and tools at the roadside sewer opening. After the other party had cleaned his hands and put away his tools, Lumian expressed his thanks again and took out his phone, unlocked the screen, and said with a smile, Lets add each other on WeChat. If you need any help in the future, you can always find us. Haha, as long as its within our capabilities. Stiano looked at Lumian seriously, then smiled and said, Okay. He then took out his own phone, allowing Lumian to add him as a WeChat friend by scanning the code. After scanning, Lumian found that the other partys nickname was Electric Power Energy and Information Technology. Feels weird Lumian waved goodbye to Stiano, returned to the gray sedan, and showed this gentlemans WeChat to Jenna and the others. Franca glanced at it and said amusingly, This nickname sounds like a university course. Check out his Moments! This was the first non-team member friend Lumian had added on WeChat, completely forgetting that Franca had mentioned they could look at Moments to gather information. He quickly tapped on Stianos avatar and then went to his Moments: Today: The professors understanding of the concept of information is rather biased. Information is also energy, and energy also contains information. One of the essences of each existence is the aggregation of corresponding information. Yesterday: Found an old car, the mechanical aesthetics fascinated me. August 13: I created a wonderful machine. Only 3 days of Moments are visible A wonderful machine? Lumian murmured puzzledly, How wonderful can it be? As a local in the dream city, no matter how wonderful the machine he creates, it shouldnt be able to exceed the limitations of the dream itself. He does indeed seem like a high-ranking member of the Church of Steam, and also shows a state of striving to learn and think after coming into contact with more advanced civilizations. This should be the underlying logic when Mr. Fools subconscious wove this image, Franca casually said as she drove the car back onto the road. In the time that followed, they observed key targets such as Peng Dengs girlfriend Nie Zhen, Peng Dengs roommate Grisha, Zhou Mingruis roommate Mobet, and others. As it was nearing the end of the workday, they returned to the building where Peng Deng worked, patiently waiting for him to finish his days work. Peng Deng appeared just after 6 p.m. and chose to take the subway back to Herun Community where he rented. Franca drove the car with Jenna and Ludwig to wait at the destination in advance, while Lumian and Anthony followed into the subway station. Along the way, many women cast glances at Lumian, seemingly struck by his handsomeness, even though Lumian had made himself look a bit uglier before going out. Of course, a few men were also sneaking peeks. Meanwhile, Peng Deng was focused on his phone, not caring at all whether there were any beautiful women around, let alone someone of the same sex who was merely charming. A normal level of handsomeness isnt enough to be approached or attract too much attention. Unless theres an added gimmick, it wont become a trending search or headline Lumian felt a bit relieved. Anthony, beside him, was naturally ignored by those around them. Thanks to the Hunters tracking skills and the Demonesss ability to hide in shadows at any time, Lumian easily followed Peng Deng to the vicinity of Herun Community. The latter didnt go home immediately but turned towards Ankang North Road, walked to near New City Garden, and entered a restaurant called Yuzhou Small Dishes. Lumian looked left and right and saw Franca roll down the car window and wave to him and Anthony. After they got in the car, Franca asked with concern, Did you gain anything? Lumian first shook his head, then muttered puzzledly, Now Im more curious about whats on his phone that he can keep looking at it constantly. He was looking at it while riding the subway, while on the escalator, and even while walking. You dont understand. Franca sighed. Jenna, looking at the Yuzhou Small Dishes restaurant, recalled, This is the restaurant where Mr. Fool and Peng Deng often eat. If we wait a bit longer, Mr. Fool might come too. Should we observe their interaction? Lumian glanced at the sky outside. We can. It wouldnt get dark until after 8 p.m. in this dream citys summer. Jenna tersely acknowledged. Then Ill buy a roast duck for Ludwig, so he stops complaining about being hungry. She had already found dinner for Ludwig earlier, at a Fruit Wood Roast Duck shop on the same side as the car, with a paper sign saying 30 yuan each. Lumian looked at Ludwig, whose mouth was dripping with suspicious liquid, and said with a smile, Make it two; well try some too. Time ticked by minute by minute. Lumian and the others had tried the roast duck and eaten steamed buns, but they still hadnt seen Mr. Fools dream incarnation, Zhou Mingrui. Meanwhile, Peng Deng had finished his meal and was returning towards Herun Community. Maybe Mr. Fool wanted to try something different tonight? Franca dipped the last piece of duck meat wrapped in pancake into sweet bean sauce and brought it towards her mouth. Gulp! She heard a clear swallowing sound. Glancing at Ludwigs face full of desire, Franca sighed and handed over the food in her hand. Lumian withdrew his gaze from outside the window. He might have gone to do something else. I didnt see him return to New City Garden. Should we continue tailing? Jenna pointed at Peng Dengs retreating figure. Lumian shook his head. Its getting dark. If we keep following, something unexpected might happen. Franca said in an agreeing tone, The Major Arcana card holders also mentioned that one of the most likely signs of Peng Deng being problematic is that he has never met with Mr. Fool, that is, Zhou Mingrui, after dark. Theyre childhood friends, so its very normal to have a late-night snack together or watch a movie. Mr. Fool has initiated invitations many times, and Peng Deng himself has also invited Mr. Fool, but they never managed to meet up in the end. Every time it was because Peng Deng had something come upeither his girlfriend wouldnt allow it, or his girlfriend suddenly got sick, or his roommate broke the door lock and they had to wait for a locksmith to come open the door But when they choose to have meals or go out during the day, they always succeed, and that girlfriend who always obstructs Peng Deng occasionally participates too. Combined with the magic mirrors hint to beware of the night, these details seem very strange. Lumian nodded. Back at the rented apartment. Seeing Lumian staring at the increasingly dark sky outside and falling into deep thought, Franca asked curiously, Whats on your mind? Im thinking of going out tonight, to move around like ordinary people, to see if we encounter any more anomalies or problems, Lumian said consideringly. He wanted to test the boundaries of the night problem a bit before officially contacting Zhou Mingrui tomorrow afternoon. They hadnt gone out last night, and everything was normal. Like ordinary people Francas eyes twinkled slightly, and she said to Lumian and Jenna with a smile, Lets go watch a movie! Lumian and the others already knew the concept of movies and were curious about it, so Francas suggestion was unanimously approved. Franca immediately smiled like a fox who had stolen a hen. Lets go to a different mall. We can also scratch some more lottery tickets. Then well have money for tonights movie tickets and popcorn, right? We cant go to the same place, it would attract attention! Hearing the word popcorn, Ludwig, who had been uninterested before, suddenly brightened up. In another mall. Franca, satisfied with winning over two thousand in prizes again, led her teammates towards the cinema on the fourth floor. Passing by the third floor, they saw a long queue forming at the entrance of a very artistic-looking bookstore. A book signing event? Franca, who was curious about everything and interested in everything since coming to the dream city, pulled Jenna over to see which author it was. Romance novel queen Salted Fish Without Dreams author of the original Great Pirate series novels Franca read out the key words on the pull-up banner. That pen name is so strange, Jenna expressed her feelings. Franca smiled and said, This is only ordinarily strange. Later, Ill help you download an app and show you how the pen names of those web novel authors are each stranger than the last! As she spoke, Franca tried hard to stand on tiptoe to look at the author who was signing books. Lumian walked to her side and also cast his gaze into the bookstore. A few seconds later, as the author raised her head, Lumian and Francas expressions froze simultaneously. Whats wrong? Jenna noticed their abnormality. Franca answered with a strange expression, I dont think my eyes are playing tricks on me How can she be a romance novel queen Who? Jenna asked puzzledly. Madam Magician, answered Lumian in a suppressed voice. Chapter 929 - Chapter 929 Movie Chapter 929 Movie What? Jenna was shocked by Lumians answer. Madam Magicians image in Mr. Fools dream is the romance novelist Salted Fish Without Dreams? Although Jenna had previously seen characters like Emperor Roselle as a company CEO (in news reports) and Vice Admiral Iceberg as a cram school principal, she had never actually interacted with those famous figures in reality. But Madam Magician was someone she had truly met, talked to, and sought advice from. How could such a powerful Angel, a holder of a Major Arcana card, and one of Mr. Fools followers, be a romance novelist here? This suddenly highlighted the absurdity, distortion, and ridiculousness of the dream. Jennas position didnt allow her to see through the crowd to the authors appearance, so she turned her gaze to the inside of the bookstores glass wall, where the silhouette of the person signing books was faintly reflected. Jennas eyes, disguised as deep brown by Lie, instantly became profound, as if hiding mirror after mirror within. Through the mirrors, she clearly saw the authors figure: long, slightly curled hair dyed brown, wearing a colorful spaghetti strap dress with layered fabric, tassels, and batik, exuding a strong exotic style. Combined with her beautiful face, it gave off a free and casual aura. It was unmistakably the Major Arcana card holder, Madam Magician! It really is her Jenna whispered. Lumian stepped back a few paces, distancing himself from the crowd queuing for autographs. Hiding a mirror in his hand and speaking in a low voice, he muttered as if to himself, Based on our observations and the information provided by the Major Arcana card holders, when Mr. Fools subconscious weaves dream images, it significantly references the characteristics of the corresponding real-world figures. Emperor Roselle was the ruler of a country, so in the dream city he became the boss of a large company. Vice Admiral Iceberg is a demigod of the Church of Knowledge, fond of teaching, and long educated pirates on the Golden Dream. So in the dream city, she became the principal of a cram school Are you suggesting that Madam Magicians real identity is more or less related to being an author? Franca, also in the Mirror Maze, quickly understood what Lumian was trying to express. Lumians gaze swept across the banners reflected in the Mirror Maze, stopping on a description. He asked Franca and Jenna in a low voice, What is the Great Pirate series about? Ill search it up, Franca said, taking out her phone and tapping on the screen. As she searched, Francas expression gradually became strange. Jenna, suppressing the urge to search for related content on her own phone, asked curiously, Got anything? The Great Pirate series is about legendary pirates active at sea. Each volume has a different theme. The volume of the third part is Crazy Adventurer, and the story takes place between the adventurer Gehrman Sparrow and three beautiful female pirates: Admiral of Stars, Vice Admiral Iceberg, and Vice Admiral Ailment Franca summarized the key points to her companions with complex emotions. Jenna was stunned upon hearing this. Although Lumian had some guesses and suspicions before, he couldnt help but interrupt Franca, Isnt this part of the content of The Great Adventurer series? Apparently so, Franca agreed. Lumian looked again at the banners reflected in the Mirror Maze and the queuing crowd, saying as if in thought, Mr. Fools subconscious has woven Madam Magicians dream identity as the original author of the Great Pirate series, specializing in romance The Great Adventurer series from the real world is partially reflected in the Great Pirate series in the dream The Great Adventurer series has a strong romantic element, with the interactions between Gehrman Sparrow and the female pirate admirals described rather ambiguously, but left unclear The Great Adventurer series has turned many famous pirates into comic characters or protagonists of sensational rumors, and even includes introductions to mystical knowledge and the privacy of two Oracles. Yet the author Fors Wall has never been visited by any pirate or warned by the Church Hearing this, Franca had already drawn a conclusion and said softly, How would the pirates dare Seeking out the Angel of Stars for an explanation would be like delivering oneself for a bounty. Madam Magician is Fors Wall, the author of The Great Adventurer series? Jenna asked herself incredulously, then answered her own question, I always thought she didnt do book signings for fear of exposing her whereabouts and being revenged upon by pirates Jenna suddenly turned to Lumian. Didnt you say Madam Magician was an Angel from the early Fifth Epoch, over a thousand years old? Why would she suddenly decide to write novels? That was just my guess. Perhaps Mr. Door lived long enough and only perished in recent years, and Madam Magician was His youngest student, Lumian said, finding this both shocking and strangely amusing. He continued carefully, Also, havent you noticed? Because of the popularity of the Great Adventurer series, Mr. Fools avatar Gehrman Sparrow has gained a large number of worshipers. To use a term I heard before, Gehrman Sparrow has acquired many anchors. Was The Great Adventurer series written by Madam Magician at the behest of the Church of The Fool, as a form of evangelism? Franca had a sudden realization. Lumian nodded. And perhaps Madam Magicians current sequence requires her to play the role of an author. Its possible, Franca suddenly became excited, Next time we meet Madam Magician, we should ask for her autograph. Wow, would an Angels signature have some special effects Before she finished speaking, Franca and Jenna simultaneously turned to Lumian and asked in unison, What about those letters from before? Lumian said with considerable regret, I burned them. Jenna shared his regret but said with anticipation, When we return to the real world, we can ask Madam Magician about the future developments of The Great Adventurer, when the next book will be out, and if Frank Lee, the first mate of the Admiral of Stars, is really that exaggerated As they chatted, Lumian dispelled the Mirror Maze. The three of them glanced at the long queue for the book signing, then turned with Anthony and Ludwig to the nearest escalator and went up to the fourth floor. What movie should we watch? Franca scanned the promotional posters, her eyes suddenly lighting up, Lets watch The Great Pirate 3! Alright, Lumian agreed immediately. It would be a good opportunity to see what Gehrman Sparrow looks like in Mr. Fools dream! Franca, who had just won a significant amount from lottery tickets, generously bought five seats in a row, three buckets of caramel popcorn, and five cups of iced cola. Ludwig had a bucket of popcorn to himself, Franca, Jenna, and Lumian shared one, and Anthony and Ludwig shared another. After entering the cinema and finding their corresponding seats, before Franca could allocate, she found that Lumian and Jenna had left a space between them for her. I thought Lumian would sit in the middle himself Franca sat down happily between Lumian and Jenna. Ludwig sat right next to Lumian, with Anthony on Ludwigs other side. Crunch, crunch, Ludwig kept tossing popcorn into his mouth, occasionally sipping his iced cola, completely ignoring the images on the screen. After a few minutes, the opening credits began: howling winds, a dark sea surface, waves sometimes rising high enough to seemingly touch the sky, sometimes sinking into huge maelstroms. Jennas gaze was immediately captivated, as if she herself were in this terrifying scene showcasing the power of nature. The special effects are not bad, Franca commented briefly. She wasnt as impressed as Jenna because she had seen many blockbusters before her transmigration. Moreover, during the Marriage of the Sea ceremony in Port Santa, she and Lumian had personally witnessed and experienced an even more exaggerated maelstrom than a shipwreck, which was beyond comparison to these special effects. Lumians gaze focused on the three pirate ships sailing out of the storm and the female pirates standing at the bow. That Vice Admiral Iceberg looks about seventy to eighty percent like Principal Ai from Dream Tutoring Classes Jenna recognized one of the female pirates, as she seemed to be modeled after Principal Ai Nana from Dream Tutoring Classes. Hearing Jennas words, Lumian slightly furrowed his brow. The Vice Admiral Iceberg in the movie looked very similar to the demigod he had seen in the dungeon of the Church of Knowledge! Was that the former Vice Admiral IcebergEdwina? Lumian suddenly realized. The casting for this movie is quite true to the original, Franca sighed. Then, her gaze froze, and she pointed at another female pirate, saying in a low voice, Who do you think she resembles? Lumian fell momentarily quiet before responding, Maam Hermit. Maam Hermits true identity is the Admiral of Stars, no, Queen of Stars Cattleya? No wonder the latest installment of The Great Adventurer described the events between her and Gehrman Sparrow so cautiously Jenna murmured. They all fell into silence again. At this moment, the scene changed, and a man appeared amidst the storm and lightning. The man wore a black trench coat and a half-top hat, standing on the surging waves, slowly raising his previously lowered head. In Lumians eyes, this man seemed to be carved from Zhou Mingrui as the original prototype, but sharper and colder. Even wearing gold-rimmed glasses, he could make people involuntarily close their mouths. Gehrman Sparrow! The protagonist of this installment of the Great Pirate series, Gehrman Sparrow! With this, the opening credits ended, and the main feature began. The initial close-up focused on a fish being roasted, with various spices being sprinkled on it. Ludwig, who had spared a glance at the movie, suddenly raised his arm, pointing at the roasted fish on the screen, and said to his godfather, I want to eat that! Heh, ordering a meal now? Lumian chuckled, grabbed a few pieces of popcorn, and stuffed them into Ludwigs mouth. Chapter 930 - Chapter 930 Weekend Arrives Chapter 930 Weekend Arrives Not bad, a qualified popcorn flick, Franca remarked sincerely after exiting the cinema, savoring the experience for a few seconds. Beside her, the dispersing crowd poured into the now-closed mall, walking towards the still-operating elevators under dim lighting. Jenna remained silent for a moment, then said with a mix of longing and dejection, With movies now, will anyone still watch plays Understanding why Jenna would say this, Franca replied in a comforting tone, People still watch them. Plays and operas have different characteristics and charms compared to movies and TV shows. A large portion of people will still appreciate them, they just wont be the mainstream of society anymore. And besides Franca deliberately lightened her tone. Theater actors are actors, and TV and film actors are actors too. Jenna immediately fell into contemplation. Thats true, but the performance setting has changed, and many acting techniques need to be altered, otherwise theyll seem exaggerated As the dispersing crowd thinned out, Lumian thoughtfully said, If the power of the Mother Tree of Desire can penetrate Mushu Hospital, wouldnt actors be easily influenced? Uh Franca hesitated for a moment, then sighed, Its possible. Some of them live lives of debauchery and overflowing desires. Lumian nodded, holding Ludwigs hand as he followed the audience ahead towards the elevators still operating for cinema-goers to leave after the malls closure. Along the way, Franca found the environment very dim, with the few lights still on only illuminating the path and obstacles enough to prevent tripping and collisions. It has the atmosphere of a bizarre story, Franca hadnt forgotten that their outing tonight was to test the boundaries of the phrase beware of the night. From the information provided by the Major Arcana card holders, she knew that Sequence 4 of the Seer pathway, which was also the The Fool pathway, was called Bizarro Sorcerer. So, she deliberately used bizarre to describe the story rather than ghost. Hearing this, Jenna, already highly alert, became even more vigilant. Lumian, acting as if nothing was wrong, led Ludwig into the elevator. But when Franca and Jenna followed, he kept pressing the door open button and turned to smile at the others in the elevator. Sorry, I still have a companion who hasnt come in yet. The departing audience instinctively looked outside the door, finding the elevator lobby empty and no footsteps approaching from afar. Their hearts suddenly suspended. Lumian released the button and smiled at everyone. Alright, hes in now. The gazes of others in the elevator suddenly froze. They hadnt seen anyone enter the elevator. Slap! Franca patted Lumians shoulder, saying amusedly, Feeling happy about playing a prank, arent you? After entering the dream city, influenced by online information and daily environment, she gradually recovered the tone and manner of speaking of a local. After the playful scolding, she quickly apologized to the others in the elevator, Im sorry, Im sorry, my friends brain often has spasms; please forgive his poor mental state. The initially angered audience members, seeing such a beautiful woman sincerely apologize, felt embarrassed to make a fuss, but still turned their gaze towards Lumian. He should apologize himself! Lumian immediately bowed slightly. Im sorry, my joke went too far. The people in the elevator looked over Franca and Lumian, some feeling sorry that such a flower had found a mentally unstable young man, others thinking the young mans face was wasted and wanting to crowdfund treatment for his brain. At this moment, the elevator doors slowly closed, descending. Suddenly, the lights inside the elevator started flickering. Everyones hearts leaped to their throats. Franca and Jenna were reminded of the phrase beware of the night, while others recalled Lumians prank earlier. Fortunately, the flickering lights didnt affect the elevators operation. Some audience members left on the first floor, while others, along with Lumians group, went to the underground parking lot. Back in the rented gray sedan, Franca didnt remark that everything was still normal, it was just an interlude within an interlude. She firmly resisted any behavior that might raise flags. She turned to Lumian and asked curiously, Why did you suddenly pull that prank earlier? Lumian chuckled. At that moment, I suddenly thought, what if Anthonys Psychological Invisibility became uncontrollable, wouldnt something similar happen? So I tried it out. Hearing Anthonys name, Franca and Jenna quickly turned to look at the back seat. Seeing Anthony, they both quietly sighed in relief. Thank goodness, he did get in the car. I remember him getting in! Lumian continued, Besides, a not-too-excessive prank like that in a relatively enclosed environment like an elevator, combined with the night factor, might allow us to experiment with some things without drawing too much attention. Did you find out anything? Franca pressed. Im not sure if the subsequent flickering of the elevator lights was a product of the experiment, Lumian replied thoughtfully. Does that count? Jenna felt it was just a simple mechanical failure that didnt lead to anything unusual afterward. Lumian chuckled. Dont you think the elevator light flickering made it feel more like a bizarre story? The prank I pulled was also intentionally developing in the direction of a bizarre story. Franca, who had driven the car out of the parking space, suddenly realized. Is this based on the description of Bizarro Sorcerer in the materials, to see if it could trigger the instincts of the dream subconscious and bring about certain controllable changes? This is more likely to happen at night, which belongs to the more evil and unpleasant side of the dream. Lumian had similar thoughts before going out. They didnt dare to do more experiments and returned to their rented community by car, fearing to stimulate the Celestial Worthy and draw His gaze. Nothing happened along the way. Back in the rental apartment, Lumian looked around and said, Preliminarily, it seems that if we dont interact with Mr. Fool and important dream figures, or investigate mystical issues, it doesnt seem likely for us to encounter anomalies even if we head out at night. Of course, this is just the result of one nights experiment and cant be turned into a conclusion yet. It needs to be repeated multiple times for verification. Franca and Jenna sighed in relief, their spirits less tense. Ludwigs face showed joy. Does that mean we can go out for barbecue now? Franca glanced at the naive little boy and grumbled inwardly, The main reason we dont take you out for barbecue at night isnt beware of the night, its poverty! Weekend, in the rental apartment. A blackboard formed of frost was attached to the wall, its surface pinned with sketches and photos, each surrounded by sticky notes of different colors with words and descriptions. These sketches and photos corresponded to different target personnel. White sticky notes contained the squads observations, and for comparison, relevant content from the materials provided by the Major Arcana card holders was excerpted and recorded on light green sticky notes, placed adjacent to the white ones on the frost board. Having his Conspirer ability suppressed to Sequence 7, Lumian stood before this frost blackboard in order to reduce the burden on his brain, rubbing his chin and looking back and forth, trying to find potentially problematic details that the Major Arcana card holders might have missed. No particularly valuable findings, except for that unfortunate incident, Franca shook her head after reviewing seven or eight times. Anthony nodded in agreement. Jenna looked at her phone and said, We should go to Dream Tutoring Classes now. Ludwig, who was watching cartoons and constantly ordering based on the cartoon content, immediately looked crestfallen. Mm. Lumian withdrew his gaze and stuffed the frost blackboard into Jennas Travelers Bag. After parking the car diagonally opposite Dream Tutoring Classes, Lumian led Ludwig out of the car. He said to Franca, Jenna, and Anthony, From now on, keep your distance from me and Ludwig. Dont call, dont send messages. Ludwig and I wont be coming back tonight either. Well regroup with you tomorrow morning after confirming there are no issues. Franca and the others nodded solemnly, without objection. This was because Lumian might soon encounter Mr. Fools dream image, Zhou Mingrui, at Dream Tutoring Classes and have a brief exchange, which could potentially be discovered by the Celestial Worthy and result in being kicked out of the dream. Therefore, the team had to split up to avoid one persons ejection affecting the entire team. Each person could only be kicked out of the dream three times, absolutely no waste allowed! After closing the car door, Lumian held Ludwigs hand as they crossed the street at the pedestrian crossing and entered Dream Tutoring Classes. Welcome, Li Lu, said the dark-skinned receptionist, recognizing Ludwig. He didnt have a strong impression of the little boy, but rather of his mother. Ludwigs face darkened, and he didnt respond. The dark-skinned receptionist turned to look at Lumian. He needs to sign in. You are? Im Li Lus father, Lumian replied calmly. The dark-skinned receptionist was stunned. Its one thing for Li Lus mother to look young, but how is his father also so young? Early love, early marriage, early childbirth, right? After signing in, Lumian was led by the receptionist to the door of the Beginner English class. The foreign teacher, Anderson, was already standing at the front of the classroom, a handkerchief covering his left fist, smiling at the room full of children. Guess what I can make appear? A flower! A ping pong ball! A panda! The children happily played along. Anderson removed the handkerchief, revealing nothing. I made air appear! he announced loudly. The children let out mocking sounds, but Anderson remained smiling. He saw Lumian and Ludwig at the door and walked over, saying to Lumian, Are you here for the Beginner English class too? Although youre a bit old and your brain might be set, it doesnt matter. Wanting to learn is always a good thing, of course, good things dont necessarily lead to good results. Im Li Lus father, Lumian pointed at Ludwig, not at all provoked. He took the opportunity to say, Mr. Anderson, can I add you on WeChat? If Li Lu doesnt behave well, you can contact me anytime. Anderson looked at Lumian for a few seconds, then smiled. Okay. Through scanning the code, Lumian added Anderson Hoods WeChat. The foreign teachers WeChat name was A name that leaves a deep impression on you. Chapter 931 - Chapter 931 Inquiry Chapter 931 Inquiry Lumian stepped back two paces and sat down on the waiting bench outside the classroom across the hall. His fingers moved deftly as he accessed Anderson Hoods Moments feed. Yesterday: Other peoples failures are my successes. August 14: Everyone has different talents. Some have a talent for language, some for art, some for being ordinary. August 13: My roommate really died. He got Game Over in this game called life. August 12: Love is also a kind of war. Hunters can also cull. To Da Nizi. August 11: As long as you dont get angry, others will get angry. August 2: Friend, you really scrolled down this far? Respect my privacy a bit! Lumian continued scrolling down expressionlessly, with no further content afterwards. Then, he saw a familiar yet slightly different prompt: Only 30 days of Moments are visible Lumian chuckled, brought the phone close to his mouth, and sent Anderson a voice message, briefly introducing himself to see if Anderson would respond and whether his reply might have a hidden meaning. After sitting for another two minutes, he saw someone approaching from the direction of the reception desk. The person was wearing a white T-shirt, blue jeans, and light-colored sneakers. His short black hair was neatly combed, and he had deep brown eyes behind a pair of half-rimmed, light gold glasses. His facial features were gentle, with a hint of handsomeness. He was carrying a black shoulder bag and was the main target of Lumian and his teams journey into the dreamZhou Mingrui, the dream manifestation of Mr. Fool. Lumian looked up as if he had just noticed the footsteps, directing his gaze towards Zhou Mingrui. He realized that the current Zhou Mingrui was more distinct from Gehrman Sparrow: both had originally come from the same Zhou Mingrui, but their paths had diverged significantlyone leaning towards a gentle and handsome style, the other emphasizing sharpness and coldness. Zhou Mingrui noticed Lumians gaze and looked in his direction. Lumian smiled and nodded slightly. Zhou Mingrui paused, unsure why this stranger was greeting him, but he politely nodded back. Lumian withdrew his gaze and refocused his attention on the still-dark phone screen. He noticed that while his reflection could still be considered handsome, it no longer had the kind of allure that would attract a celebrity scouts attention. He had adjusted his appearance with Lie, toning down his looks to blend in more naturally. Zhou Mingrui gave him a puzzled glance before turning and entering the Business English class. After a few more minutes, Ai Nana, the principal of Dream Tutoring Classes, entered the Business English classroom with her lesson plan, while a man wearing a floral bow tie went to the Beginner English class to assist Anderson Hood. Lumian glanced at the camera on the ceiling, then, like most of the parents waiting in different areas of the hallway, he spent time on his phone. A few of the parents who knew each other chatted. My Zihan can have conversations in English now. Really? Ours started Beginner classes too late; still working hard on it. Look at that kid; he hasnt stopped talking. Probably his first day of class. It happens. My Zihan was a bit unsettled at first too. This is when parents need to step in more. Lumian paid no attention to these conversations, focusing intently on the photos he had taken of the frost-covered blackboard, once again immersing himself in the conspiratorial world of analyzing details. Occasionally, he also checked local news and trending videos to stay updated on major changes in the dream city. The Beginner English class took two breaks, during which Ludwig took the opportunity to come over and replenish his food supplies, soothing his wounded spirit. The Business English class only took one break, but Lumian didnt approach Zhou Mingrui, merely watching him from the corner of his eye as he briefly went to the restroom and returned. The Business English class ended ten minutes earlier than the Beginner class, and Lumian quickly stood up, blocking Zhou Mingruis path. With a smile, he said, Hello, how do you find the Business English class? Im curious. Seeing the confusion on Zhou Mingruis face, Lumian explained further, Im here for my kids Beginner English class, but after listening in on your Business English class from outside, I thought it was pretty good. Im considering joining too, so I wont waste time waiting. Here with your kid? Zhou Mingrui instinctively questioned. No matter how he looked, this man appeared much younger than him, like a college student. And he already has a kid? Yes, my son, Lumian replied with a smile. Son a son old enough for a Beginner English class Zhou Mingrui resisted the urge to twitch the corner of his mouth. He had been out of college and in the workforce for two or three years now, and he didnt even have a girlfriend yet. Meanwhile, this guy who looked like a college student already had a four or five-year-old son! Did he have a high school romance that led to a child? Indeed, good-looking people have all the luck Zhou Mingrui sincerely replied, Principal Ai is highly skilled, but the Business English class itself requires a certain foundation. He suspected that this young man across from him might have dropped out of high school to get married and never attended college, so he kindly reminded him that the Business English class required some background knowledge. I see Lumian nodded thoughtfully, then sincerely said, Thank you. He took a step back and didnt ask Zhou Mingrui anything else. For a first encounter, moderation was key! Then, he would observe any subsequent developments. Zhou Mingrui was curious but wasnt one to pry into others private lives. He stood at the doors of different classrooms, observing. After a while, the Beginner English class ended, and Lumian quickly handed Ludwig a lollipop, taking his hand and leading him out of Dream Tutoring Classes. Ludwig looked to be around seven or eight years old. If Zhou Mingrui saw him, he would definitely be left with a deep impressionan eight-year-old son with a father who seemed to be in his early twenties. Someone in this family must have broken the law! Leaving a deep impression on Mr. Fools dream manifestation wasnt part of Lumians plan today; it wouldnt help in ruling out options. After buying a bunch of steamed buns and pickled vegetables to fill Ludwigs stomach, Lumian had a proper dinner with the boy and then checked into a cheap hotel. He turned on the TV for Ludwig, randomly picked a cartoon, and scrolled his phone, his thumb hovering over Anderson Hoods WeChat avatar. Ultimately, he didnt send another message to this foreign teacher who seemed to perceive the true nature of the dream, opting to see if Anderson would take the initiative to contact him and provide any clues. In the rental apartment. Franca was leaning against the bed, scrolling through her phone, but her thoughts werent entirely focused on it. She was worried about how things were going on Lumians end. Formally engaging Zhou Mingrui could bring about unwanted changes! Jenna felt the same, pacing back and forth in the room from time to time. Suddenly, Franca sat up straight, frowning. I keep feeling like Ive forgotten something Is this my spiritual intuition reminding me? The next second, without needing divination, she quickly remembered what she had forgotten. Right! Todays the day for the Double Color Ball lottery draw! I completely forgot! She hurriedly checked the results, her mouth slowly opening in disbelief. We won? Jenna asked, both curious and excited. We won we won! Franca was first dazed, then overjoyed. We won the second prize which had twenty bets, with a total prize of more than 150,000 yuan. She then rubbed her face. Do I really have this kind of luck? No, could Lumians ability to influence fate still have this effect? Over 150,000? Jenna was stunned. These past few days of living frugally had made her quite content with even a few thousand yuan, and now, all of a sudden, it was in the tens of thousands, with two digits in front of those zeros! Franca got off the bed and started pacing. If we save a bit more, we could rent some of those intriguing items from Star Dream Provisions Store. Shouldnt we first think about paying off the micro-loans? Jenna reminded Franca. We havent reached the due date yet. Francas excitement was tinged with worry. Winning such a large sum at once, wont it attract the lottery departments attention? Or even the Celestial Worthys gaze Before Jenna could respond, Franca continued speaking to herself. Its only a little over 100,000. What is that? The person who won the first prize had made more than thirty bets, each worth 5 million! Were just nibbling on the crumbs that slipped through someone elses fingers In Binzhi Hotel. After supper, Ludwig had fallen asleep on the other bed, while Lumian lay awake, leaning against the pillow, silently watching the dark screen and the room faintly illuminated by moonlight. So far, Anderson hadnt sent him any messages, and directly interacting with Zhou Mingrui hadnt led to any noticeable abnormalitieshis actions were unrestricted, and he hadnt been ejected from the dream. As time ticked by, Lumian suddenly heard a booming thunderclap and saw the night sky outside the curtains briefly illuminated by a flash of silver lightning. The thunder rumbled continuously, and rain poured down all night, only easing at dawn. Lumian stayed awake the whole night, greeting the daylight with a clear mind. He checked his phone and saw numerous reports of flooding and waterlogged areas, with some subway lines suspended for the day. Is this symbolic? And if so, what does it symbolize? After stuffing Ludwig with a bunch of steamed buns, Lumian took him out for noodles nearby. He ordered pea paste noodles for himself and tomato and egg noodles for Ludwig. The peas were stewed until soft and tender, absorbing the sauce, making the noodles fragrant and flavorful. Lumian ordered two small bowls, ate one and a half, and left the remaining half for Ludwig. After breakfast, he leisurely took public transportation back to the rental apartment with Ludwig. Seeing that Lumian and Ludwig were fine, Franca, Jenna, and Anthony sighed in relief. Lumian smiled and said, The preliminary result of the experiment is that simple daytime contact with Mr. Fools dream manifestation, Zhou Mingrui, without leaving a strong impression, doesnt attract the Celestial Worthys attention, result in being ejected from the dream, or impose restrictions. Of course, maybe Ive been deceived, and the Celestial Worthy is deliberately not targeting me, waiting for me to regroup with you before kicking us all out of the dream. Chapter 932 - Chapter 932 Dreamscape Tendencies Chapter 932 Dreamscape Tendencies Hearing Lumians words, Franca and the others couldnt help but tense up slightly, as if they were already witnessing the arrival of something terrifying. Lumian pulled up a chair and sat down, casually scanning every corner of the room. With a smile playing at the corners of his mouth, he said, I wonder what it feels like to be kicked out of a dream. The Major Arcana card holders didnt provide any details. Will it be like leaping out of the deep sea, or getting booted into an endless spiral tunnel He mused about how he might be ejected from the dream, his tone light, as if he were simply describing what he had for breakfast. Franca suddenly felt a bit sentimental. Are all you Hunters like this? Facing danger without fear, and even joking about it? Of course, Im scared, but what good is pure fear? Lumian chuckled. No matter how frightened I am inside, Ill act like its no big deal, and I certainly wont let my words betray any weakness. Franca laughed. No wonder they say the toughest thing about a Hunter is their mouth. Both Lumian and Jenna turned to look at Franca without saying a word. Franca froze. Damn it, I didnt mean to make a crude joke! She quickly added, In this dream city, they say that those who can keep their composure amid great turmoil are worthy of being generals! Lumians lighthearted comments eased the tension in the group. Then, Lumian smiled again. Getting kicked out of the dreamscape isnt scary. We can try again. Whats frightening is if the Celestial Worthy restricts us, sends his subordinates, and kills us in the dream. Then theres nothing left. Jenna pondered his words and asked, So youre saying that if things really go wrong, we should leave the dream early? Pretty smart. Lumian leaned back in his chair, took out his phone, and swiped the screen twice before stopping, staring at it for a long time without moving. Franca glanced at the screen and noticed it displayed the WeChat friend request interface. Thinking of adding Mr. Fools QQ and WeChat with an alternate account? she guessed immediately. Lumian smiled wryly. Yeah, but I cant think of a good reason. Id be rejected instantly. Maybe I should use, Do you want to learn the truth about the world and the secrets of supernatural powers? as a request? Mr. Foolor rather, Zhou Mingruiright now is just an ordinary person whos recently taken the Assassin potion. Hes felt the allure of supernatural power but doesnt know much about mysticism. He desperately needs guidance. Anthony, who had also taken a seat, shook his head. If Zhou Mingrui discovers on his own that you can teach him real occult knowledge, even if it costs him money, he might add you. But if you actively and enthusiastically try to guide him, itll have the opposite effect. Exactly. Franca nodded emphatically. He might block you immediately. He could even call the police, like, Hello, officer? Theres someone here promoting superstitions. Might be a cult member.'' Lumian fell silent, deep in thought, muttering to himself, Maybe I should create a mystery-themed video account, build a reputation, and wait for Zhou Mingrui to come to me. But that would risk exposure to the Celestial Worthys gaze. If the account gets too popular, well be targeted. If its too obscure, Mr. Fool wont notice. Unless we use targeted ads? Franca twitched slightly. This guys adapting to the dream city and online society faster than I expected! She spread her hands. I dont have the technical know-how. Lumian continued brainstorming. Maybe we could stage a minor mysticism incident involving Mr. Fools friends or colleagues, then solve it ourselves. Word would get back to Zhou Mingrui through them. Its also a way to test the Celestial Worthys surveillance patterns. But wed need to prepare for the person responsible for this to be detected and targeted. We should have them move out in advance and maintain contact with us using more discreet methods. Hmm, its feasible. Worth a try. Instead of assigning a specific team member to carry out the plan, Lumian turned to Franca. Time to submit our resumes. To the Intis Group. Okay. Franca pulled out her phone. Shed already prepared the resumes. She applied for an administrative role, while Lumian applied for security. Among the four of them, Franca was the only one with formal qualifications, but her field was far removed from Zhou Mingruis, so she couldnt apply to the same department. She had to choose a position that would allow frequent contact with him. The other three? Anthonys cover was that of a retired soldier, Jenna was an arts student majoring in drama, and Lumian was a high school dropout who had learned some martial arts. It wasnt that Madam Justice didnt want to forge academic credentials that could be verified online; even if she did, theyd be exposed during the interview. They wouldnt be able to answer professional questions, and they might not even understand the questions! For that reason, Franca chose to apply herself instead of sending Jenna, who, in theory, would have a better shot at an administrative position as an arts student. After submitting the resumes, Franca looked at Lumian with a smile and asked, Ive got some good news. Can you guess what it is? Stop! No eye color changes! Lumian pondered for a few seconds. Did we win the lottery? There werent many things that could be considered good news and could be shared in front of Anthony, so it had to be that. Guess how much? Franca wasnt disappointed that Lumian had guessed it right away. Lumian couldnt help but laugh. Miss, you bought so many tickets with the same number, and Ive already looked up the minimum for the second prize. What do you think? Can I guess how much you won? Franca smiled sheepishly and said, Thats not the point. The point is, didnt you notice anything strange? When we fought the revived corpse, the hidden Marionettist didnt intervene. When we were outside Star Dream Provisions Store, someone warned us about technological methods of eavesdropping like devices and hidden cameras. And now, weve won a lottery ticket we staked twenty-plus times on. Whats this called? Some force is helping us! Jenna, who had already discussed this with Franca, added, We think its an expression of Mr. Fools subconscious tendencies within the dream. Its symbolic. Neither he nor the Celestial Worthy holds absolute dominance right now. During the day, hes stronger; at night, the Celestial Worthy is more powerful. But even at night, hes not entirely powerless. Lumian nodded slowly. I did notice that fate thread was special but didnt think it would lead to a lottery win. Maybe special itself was the hint from fate. He found nothing in Franca and Jennas theory that needed correction. Praise The Fool! Franca stood up abruptly, placing her hand over her heart in a gesture of sincere reverence. She continued, Whos going to claim the prize today? She had already looked up the prize collection process online. Lumian and Jenna both looked at Anthony, who nodded calmly. If it were the three Demonesses, they would have to put on more disguises, but Anthony didnt need any. Anthony nodded calmly. Ill go. At ten in the morning, when none of them had encountered any abnormalities, Lumian headed to the bedroom to catch up on sleep. Franca drove the gray sedan, with Jenna, Anthony, and Ludwig in tow, following the navigation to the lottery center in the dream city. As she drove, Franca gradually grew agitated, muttering, Why do we hit a red light at every intersection? Jenna, in the passenger seat, pondered for a moment, Could this be the Celestial Worthys dream tendency manifesting, symbolizing that our actions wont go smoothly? Franca calmed down, focusing more intently on her driving. She even relied on her Demonesss spiritual intuition to avoid accidents on the way to the lottery center, determined to avoid a misadventure on the way. Due to the unfortunate timing of red lights and traffic jams, they arrived nearly half an hour later than planned. Before Franca could hand the lottery ticket to Anthony, she saw a figure leap from the rooftop of the lottery center and crash onto the ground with a sickening splat, blood pooling everywhere. Was that really necessary? All I won was the second prize Franca was dumbfounded. Anthony got out of the car and mingled with the crowd to find out what had happened. He returned shortly after and reported what hed learned to his companions, The person who jumped was the head of the lottery center. Fifteen minutes ago, the anti-corruption department showed up. To stop me from claiming the second prize, they sacrificed the head of the lottery center? Franca didnt know what expression to make. Undeterred, Franca sent Anthony into the center with the lottery ticket, but the staff informed him that prize claims were suspended for the day and to return tomorrow. Back in the gray sedan, after a brief silence, Franca gritted her teeth. I was this close to winning big, and now they wont let me cash in! Well bring Lumian tomorrow. Maybe well need to influence fate! When they returned to the rental apartment, Lumian was already awake. After Franca recounted their ordeal, she asked concernedly, Why are you up before noon? Shouldnt you sleep a bit longer? Lumian chuckled. I was woken up by a phone call. Wow, you just got this number a few days ago, and youre already getting spam calls? Franca joked knowingly. Lumian shook his head. No, it was from the Intis Group. They want me to come in for an interview tomorrow morning. An interview call this quickly? Franca blurted out in surprise. Why havent I gotten one yet? My resume is way better than Lumians! Lumian took out his phone, unlocked the screen, and handed it to Franca. Maybe this is why. Franca took the phone curiously, only to find a news article on the screen. During last nights thunderstorm, a car was struck by lightning, leaving one dead and three injured The deceased and injured were all security personnel from the Intis Group Chapter 933 - Chapter 933 New Residence Chapter 933 New Residence What the hell? Can it really be this much of a coincidence? Franca blurted out after extracting the key points from the news article. Yesterday afternoon, Lumian made his first contact with the dream manifestation of Mr. Fool, Zhou Mingrui, and last night, during a thunderstorm, the Intis Groups security department suddenly lost four people? Was this a chain reaction caused by the contact, or was someone pulling the strings behind the scenes? I wonder if this is a good sign or a bad one Jenna whispered worriedly after reading the news. Lumian was quite composed. Whether its good or bad, becoming employees of the Intis Group and Zhou Mingruis colleagues is something we have to do. If theres no problem, we go; if there is, we still go! Since the interview with the Intis Group was imminent, Lumian and the others went out after lunch to find a real estate agent and started looking for a new place to stay. According to their plan, the next steps would involve working individually or in pairs to avoid interference and minimize risk. That way, if one of them was compromised, the others wouldnt be dragged down. During the observation phase, the risks were minimal, so they could act together. However, once they entered the contact and probing stages, every move could draw the Celestial Worthys attention. This time, Lumian and his team chose Dechuang Garden, a community district three bus stops away from their current location. Only five years old, the complex had new facilities, and the area boasted a mix of well-known brands and trendy stores. They picked this place because the information provided by the Major Arcana card holders indicated that Luo Shan, an employee in the Intis Groups administrative department with a real-world counterpart, lived here. She was also a target for contact and probing. The lobby of the community district had a clean, bright, and slightly luxurious feel, with sunlight reflecting off the marble floor and a few gray sofas arranged tastefully. A one-bedroom apartment costs two thousand a month, Jenna grumbled, heart aching, after the real estate agent and landlord left. Thats nearly as much as what they were paying for their current three-bedroom unit. The rent differences between various locations and building ages were staggering! Its expensive, but we have to rent it! Franca gritted her teeth. Tomorrow, we must claim that lottery prize! This will be another six thousand in expenses! Although both the landlord and the real estate agent were men, Jenna hadnt used Charm during negotiations. Instead, she relied on Lie and makeup to make herself appear more ordinary. With only a bit of help from her Instigation ability, she managed to negotiate two hundred off the rent and a prepayment of one month. Lumian nodded slightly, agreeing with Francas attitude. In his view, as long as it was within their abilities, any necessary expenses should be made. No matter how much it hurt, they couldnt be stingy! As his gaze swept the lobby, he noticed a vending machine in the corner. The bottles inside had a particularly sleek design. Recalling the hints in their information, Lumian walked over and saw that aside from a few displayed bottles, the rest of the items were in gacha boxes. And the names of these new drinks were all too familiar: Seer, Assassin, Bard, Sleepless Theyre all potion names Franca followed him over, inhaling sharply. Do you think theyre the real thing? She also recalled the dossiers mention of the Fully Automated Vending Machine and Fully Automatic Wishing Machine. Lumian studied the vending machine for a few seconds, then chuckled. The highest is only Sequence 7, and the selection isnt vast. If there were something like War Bishop or Demoness of Unaging, Id be tempted to empty this machine for a few thousand. Even if they were available, you couldnt digest them. Franca pulled out her phone, ready to scan the QR code on the screen. She eagerly said, Lets see what I get. Based on the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence, youll probably get something related to Demoness or Hunter. Jenna calmly reminded her. Franca laughed. The point isnt what I get but pulling one out to test on a rat to see if its a real potion. As she spoke, Franca completed the scan and paid five yuan. With a click, a gacha box was ejected into the pickup slot. Franca retrieved and opened it, revealing a bottle with a deep black surface and raised areas outlining a snarling wolfs face: Sleepless! Huh, one from the Evernight pathway? Franca was surprised. Its neither Hunter nor Demoness? She quickly figured out the reason. My Sequence isnt high enough, nor do I possess godhood. The convergence effect isnt that strong. After storing the Sleepless drink in her Travelers Bag, Franca suddenly burst into laughter. You know, a Sleepless drink could probably be made with enough caffeine and theophylline! The group didnt linger by the vending machine. They crossed the lobby and headed towards Building 5where their new apartment was located. Before leaving the lobby, Lumian had a sudden impulse and instinctively glanced back at the vending machine. The corner it occupied was now empty. The vending machine that sold potion beverages had vanished! As expected He wasnt surprised at all. Franca and the others followed his gaze and shared the feeling that the inevitable conclusion had finally arrived. In the evening, after settling into Dechang Garden, Jenna sat in the lobby of Building 5, patiently waiting for their target to appear. She didnt know how long it took, but eventually, through the glass entrance, she spotted the figure shed been observing earlier. Jenna stood up naturally, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. She paced back and forth until a twenty-plus girl walked in. She had brown hair and a pleasant face, wearing a light green dress and carrying a white handbag. Jenna coincidentally found herself face-to-face with her and asked, feigning a shy and surprised expression, Hello, do you know how to get to the activity room in this district? The girl in the green dress was indeed Luo Shan, Zhou Mingruis colleague and an employee of the Intis Groups administrative department. She kindly pointed in a direction. Go out the East Gate, and its on the left. Thank you. Jenna expressed her gratitude sincerely with a slight smile. She had removed her previous makeup and used Charm, suppressed to a Sequence 7 level, to enhance her appearance. The smile, like a bloom of flowers, caught Luo Shans eye. Luo Shan blinked, showing an expression of admiration. Youre so beautiful Before Jenna could modestly decline, Luo Shan asked enthusiastically, Would you model for me? Im learning to paint in my spare time, and Im pretty good at it. I especially love painting beautiful people and landscapes. Ill pay you! Painting Jennas temples throbbed, stirring unpleasant memories. To her, a painter was a terrifying occupation. She had once killed her painted self in a painting world. Has Luo Shan in this dream been corrupted or influenced by that evil god of the Fantasy Association? Jenna instinctively shook her head. Sorry, Im not interested in modeling at the moment. Thats such a shame. Im pretty good, you know. Ill show you my work sometime, and maybe youll change your mind. Luo Shan pulled out her phone, smiling as she asked, You just moved in, right? Ive lived here for years and never met anyone as beautiful as you. Can I add you on WeChat? Jenna had planned to find an excuse to add Luo Shan on WeChat, but not this quickly. Moving this fast seemed off! After a few seconds of deliberation, she said with hesitation, Im just a tenant. So what? I was a tenant too. Luo Shan didnt mind. Alright. Jenna deliberately made herself appear a bit meek, someone who wasnt good at rejecting others kindness or enthusiasm. When adding her on WeChat, Jenna selected the Chat Only option. This was to make it seem like she wasnt too willing to add strangers, avoiding giving the impression that she was actively seeking out Luo Shan. After taking a walk around the activity room outside the East Gate and grabbing a meal at a nearby restaurant, Jenna noticed that it had grown dark. She returned to the 23rd-floor apartment and locked the door. For the next day or two, she would be staying there alone. After turning on the star-shaped main light, Jennas gaze swept over the gray and orange sofa, the minimalist yet stylish decor, the metallic sheen of the window frames, and the bed with light-colored sheets, just visible through the bedroom door. Compared to the three-bedroom unit Lumian and the others were renting, this one-bedroom apartment was obviously newer, better furnished, and simpler in design yet still elegant. Jenna walked towards the window, her fingers brushing over the white dining table, the textured wallpaper on the walls, the artistic table lamp, the tall vase with plastic flowers, and the cold edge of the window. She gazed outside. Buildings of varying heights dotted the crisscrossing roads, with most windows glowing warmly, blending with the lights from the endless stream of cars on the streets below. How beautiful Jenna admired the view from above with heartfelt appreciation. She returned to the sofa area, her steps a little lighter. When we have more money, lets rent a place like this for Lumian, Franca, and the others! Jenna sat down, peacefully waiting for any anomalies that might arise from her contact with Luo Shan. Time ticked by as she scrolled through her phone. She came across a review of the movie The Great Pirate 3: Three beautiful female pirates surrounding him, each with some history of flirtation, yet he only took the dumb sailor with him? What the hell! I want my money back! Jenna was momentarily puzzled by the comment. She didnt see anything wrong with that scene. From the start, she knew how it would end: Gehrman Sparrow was an incarnation of Mr. Fool, his Oracle, who naturally met up with Mr. Fools other Oracle, Danitz, before leaving together. Wasnt that the logical conclusion? Besides, in reality, Gehrman Sparrow didnt end up with any of the three female Pirate Admirals! Jenna felt the real flaw in that scene was how Danitz, the Oracle, didnt play a significant role, as if he were a mere side character. After spending nearly two hours on her phone with no sign of anything unusual, Jenna checked the time and stood up, heading towards the bathroom to freshen up. As soon as she switched on the bathroom light, a buzzing sound suddenly filled the room. The entire apartment was plunged into darkness. All the lights went out. Chapter 934 - Chapter 934 Guardian Chapter 934 Guardian Faced with the sudden darkness, Jennas first instinct was to conceal herself or hide in the shadows. But ultimately, she controlled herself and refrained from immediately displaying her Beyonder powers when an anomaly occurred after nightfall. Utilizing her acting skills, she pretended to be an ordinary person. Despite being able to see clearly, she groped her way out of the bathroom and towards the window. Upon reaching the living room, thanks to the light pollution seeping in from outside, the outlines of the coffee table, sofa, and other furniture became visible. Jenna immediately quickened her pace, reaching the window in seconds. Looking outside, she found that not only were the distant buildings of varying heights still brightly lit, but the other buildings in the same complex had not been completely engulfed by darkness either. Jenna glanced downwards, feeling that the other floors seemed to have their lights on as well. Is it just my place with the problem? Hmm, a power outage? Jenna took out her phone from her jeans pocket, intending to call Franca to ask how to handle this situation. She then remembered that she was supposed to act independently for these two days and couldnt contact her teammates. So instead of making a call, she decided to search online. Somewhat clumsily, she used voice-to-text to input the phrase what to do if theres a power outage at home and pressed the search option. Then, remembering Francas advice, she skipped the first few search results and went straight to the ones further down. First, check the fuse box during a power outage The steps are as follows Jenna read for a while, her brow gradually furrowing. This is so difficult! These were all areas she didnt understand. As she scrolled, she came across an answer: Contact property management! Jenna was stunned. You can do that? She had registered with property management when she moved in that afternoon and added their number to her contacts list. She tried calling, reported her room number and the issue. The on-duty property management staff immediately said that an engineering department employee would come to address the problem right away. Soon after, the doorbell rang. The property management staff from the engineering department arrived on this floor, carrying a toolbox. Upon seeing Jenna, the staff members eyes lit up, and his attitude became quite enthusiastic. Jenna, extremely vigilant, let him into the room. She remained on guard for any anomalies. After a quick inspection, the property staff said, It was just a tripped circuit breaker. With that, he flipped the switch, and light was instantly restored to the room. That simple? Jenna didnt let her lack of knowledge show. After seeing off the property staff and closing the door again, she couldnt help but remark, Life in this dream city is so convenient Just that the property management fees arent cheap Jenna quickly washed up and lay down on the bed, falling asleep like an ordinary person would, but that string in her spirit remained taut, never relaxing. In her hazy state, her spiritual intuition brought a warning. She suddenly became alert and found herself floating above the residential complex in her Spirit Body form. Many spirits were wandering around, seemingly residents of Dechuang Garden. Layer upon layer of storms were frozen in the high air, completely enveloping this area, forming a semi-transparent barrier around the perimeter. Near the barrier stood a figureit was Luo Shan, wearing her light green casual dress with dyed brown hair. In front of Luo Shan, strange figures emerged one after another from the depths of darkness, constantly lunging at the frozen storms and semi-transparent barrier, trying to enter the residential district. Some of these figures were half-human, half-snake, with the upper body of an alluring woman and the lower body a thick python tail covered in slick scales. Some looked like miniature humans embedded between an owls wings, growing sharp talons. Others were young, naked women with long hair, freely displaying their voluptuous figures Facing the invasion of these strange creatures, Luo Shan took out a rather thick oil painting brush and quickly began sketching patterns on the semi-transparent barrier. She was drawing suns surrounded by flying birds. As soon as this simple painting took shape, the suns within lit up with a golden, brilliant radiance, causing all the monsters to simultaneously close their eyes. Then, each of the birds burst into golden flames, flying out of the semi-transparent barrier towards different monsters. Seeing this scene, Jenna was shocked and deeply puzzled. The current situation was quite different from what she had imagined. Luo Shan seemed to be fighting against those strange creatures, preventing them from entering the spirit world corresponding to Dechuang Garden. She looked like a guardian. But the abilities she displayed clearly belonged to a Painter, which was a boon from that evil god of the Fantasy Association! Luo Shan should be cooperating with those strange creatures to invade the spirit world of the residential district, so why is she protecting the barrier instead? Moreover, back at Xinhong District, neither I, Lumian, Franca, nor Anthony discovered anything like strange creatures invading Is this a change brought about by Lumians formal contact with Mr. Fools dream manifestation, or does Dechuang Garden itself have some special properties? Amidst her confusion, seeing that Luo Shan was guarding steadily enough, Jenna suppressed the idea of offering help and pretended to wander aimlessly within the barrier like the astral projections of other residents. This continued until daybreak. At Xinhong District, in a rented apartment. Franca, who had woken up early out of concern for Jenna, saw Lumian, who had been on night watch, bring a small cage from atop the shoe cabinet to the dining table. Inside was a gray and white rat. Ludwigs presence had eradicated rats, cockroaches, and other such creatures from the apartment. To test the effects of the potion beverage, Lumian and the others had specifically wandered around the complex before dark yesterday and finally caught one. Franca sat down and watched as Lumian put on gloves and grabbed the rat, which was cowering in fear under Ludwigs predatory gaze, and began to pour the Sleepless beverage into it. The rat only took one sip before the rest of the drink flooded into its body, completely disregarding whether it could contain that much. In the blink of an eye, the rat suddenly swelled up, its short gray-white fur standing on end like a hedgehogs quills and turning black. In its armpits and across its chest and belly, flesh writhed as if new limbs were about to sprout. Has it lost control? This thought flashed simultaneously through Lumian and Francas minds. Ludwig opened his mouth in delight and swallowed the mutated rat in one gulp. Chew, chew, chew. He squinted his eyes in satisfaction. Is it okay to eat it like that? Franca looked at Ludwig with some concern. This food has Beyonder characteristics! Ludwig replied with a muffled voice, No problem, digesting characteristics, for now, just storing them Lumian nodded, picking up the now empty Sleepless drink bottle and said, This really is a potion. Franca sighed emotively. Its only at times like these that I truly feel this is a dream. Everyday life is too real! Looking up at the morning sky, Franca carefully asked Lumian, Youll go for the interview in the morning, and well go claim the lottery prize together in the afternoon? You go claim it in the morning, Lumian said with a smile, cutting off Franca before she could voice her question. But Ill keep the lottery ticket. Franca was enlightened. You mean, the bad luck of difficulty in claiming the prize, or rather the dreams resistance to this, is focused on the ticket itself, not on us? That makes sense. If the Celestial Worthys resistance could precisely target us, wed have been kicked out of the dream already. I see, Anthony and I will go to the lottery center without the ticket, as if were just visiting. When we get to the step where we need to provide the ticket, youll send it over through the mirror world, completing the claim before any resistance event occurs? Exactly, and this is also to verify whether your speculation about the dreams tendencies really exists, and if it does, what are the rules of its operation. Lumian nodded lightly. After breakfast, Lumian changed into a white shirt and black trousers, took the resume and other documents he had printed out yesterday, along with the lottery ticket, and took public transport to the Tech Building where the Intis Group was located. Franca drove Anthony and Ludwig to the lottery center. In front of the Tech Building, Lumian looked up at the somewhat old-fashioned sixteen-story building, mixed in with the white-collar workers heading to work, and walked in openly. His journey had been smooth, with no accidents like bus breakdowns or traffic jams due to carrying the lottery tickethis destination was in the opposite direction from the lottery center. Lumian didnt rush to go up for the interview. He came to the display board showing information for different floors and surveyed the company composition of this building. The property rights of this building belonged to the Intis Group. The first to fifth floors were allocated to some subsidiaries of the Intis Group. The sixth to ninth floors were rented out to other companies. Half of the tenth floor belonged to the Intis Groups headquarters, while the other half was leased to Aurora Company. The eleventh and twelfth floors were also rented out. The thirteenth to fifteenth floors were other departments of the Intis Groups headquarters. The sixteenth floor was exclusively for Mr. Huang, the dream manifestation of Emperor Roselle. Its indeed as Franca said, this building has obvious issues The Intis Group could have recalled some departments and subsidiaries to occupy all sixteen floors, so why rent out some of them? Moreover, the headquarters administrative and technical departments actually share a floor with the Aurora Company In Francas words, its not right; a 120% chance of things being not right Lumian pondered seriously. When she got the information about this Tech Building, Franca had sensed the abnormality after just one look. This didnt quite match the situation in her memory. Lumian mulled it over for a dozen seconds, then silently said to himself, Is this a symbol? Does this building symbolize the Intis Republic, with some floors being rented out symbolizing the infiltration of cults and different forces into the Intis Republic? Is this Mr. Fools impression of the Intis Republic? Lumian didnt linger too long. He withdrew his gaze and walked into the elevator area. He occasionally glanced at the mirrored metal surface, waiting for Franca or Anthony to ring his phone a few times. As the numbers indicating the elevators floor slowly changed, someone else joined Lumian. It was a very handsome and trendy middle-aged man with chestnut-dyed hair. Mr. Huang? Lumian caught sight of the figure from the corner of his eye and recognized who it was. It was the dream manifestation of Emperor Roselle, the boss of the Intis Group, Mr. Huang Tao, who often chose not to use his private elevator and instead joined the crowds in the employee elevator! Chapter 935 - Chapter 935 Interview Chapter 935 Interview Lumian didnt try to greet Huang Tao, still looking ahead until one of the elevators opened its doors. The rush hour had already passed, and only a handful of people were waiting in the elevator area, entering in sequence. Today, Lumian only wanted to succeed in the interview, hoping for no other incidents. He didnt plan to observe Mr. Huang or make further contact, so he chose the position furthest from Huang Tao, only politely nodding when their eyes met. Mr. Huang was a celebrity among celebrities. It was impossible for those working or planning to work in this building not to recognize him. The others in the elevator had already greeted him in various ways, so Lumian couldnt completely ignore him. Huang Tao, hands in his pockets, was casually chatting with a middle-aged man who seemed to be a department head from the Intis Group headquarters, showing no air of authority as a big boss. As the elevator ascended, the others, including Lumian, got off at their respective floors, while Huang Tao went to the sixteenth floor. His CEO office was actually near the administrative department on the tenth floor. The sixteenth floor had been arranged as a luxurious club for entertaining VIP guests and for his own relaxation. There was even an indoor swimming pool there. The beautiful secretary standing guard at the private elevator turned and said with a helpless smile, Mr. Huang, why are you competing with the employees for the elevator again? The four employee elevators generally couldnt reach the sixteenth floor, but Huang Tao could make them go up using card swipes, fingerprint recognition, or facial recognition. Huang Tao didnt speak, smiling as he looked at the mature and beautiful female secretary, his gaze sweeping over every detail of her face. The female secretarys heart trembled, and her voice lowered as she asked, Mr. Huang, is my makeup not done well? Huang Tao smiled. Beautiful things are worth appreciating. Without waiting for the secretarys response, he walked directly towards the swimming pool, silently saying to himself, My aesthetic taste hasnt changed, yet I actually thought a man looked quite good just now Parking lot attached to the lottery center. Franca, who was five minutes late due to traffic, turned to Anthony and said, No accidents so far. She didnt say things like This time its really going smoothly or We should be able to claim the prize successfully today. Its not too late to be happy when the money is in the account! Anthony, who had been repeatedly educated by Franca about the prize-claiming process seven or eight times, nodded, opened the door, got out of the car, and walked towards the lottery center. Franca, feeling a bit uneasy, tossed a lollipop to Ludwig. You wait for me in the car, dont go anywhere. Mm! Ludwig bit down on the lollipop, first gnawing off the outer wrapper and swallowing it. Franca left the vehicle in a running state to ensure the air conditioning continued to work. She got out of the car, muttering, This is not good behavior. Parents, please dont learn from this. Dont leave children alone in the car. Its dangerous if you take out the key, and even more dangerous if you dont But with Ludwig left in the car, it wasnt the child who was in danger, but the car and the surrounding pedestrians. Franca then used the shadows cast by the morning sun to sneak into the lottery center, hiding behind an obstruction not far from Anthony. She listened intently to the conversation between Anthony and the staff member, holding her phone, ready to call and correct his statements at any moment. The staff member said to Anthony, First prize cant be claimed yet, but other prizes can be. Is it really possible? The method of separating the ticket from the person really works Or maybe the dreams tendency is actually targeting the person who won the first prize? Franca, hiding in the shadows, felt a surge of excitement as she listened. After a few more exchanges, when the staff member asked for the lottery ticket, Anthony pretended to have something to do and took out his phone to call Lumian. Tenth floor of the Tech Building, Intis Group headquarters, outside the West Lognes conference room. Lumian sat on a chair with three other job applicants, waiting for the interview. Suddenly, his phone rang. Seeing that the caller was An Ruide, he rejected the call and put his right hand into his trouser pocket. There was a mirror about half the size of a palm and the second-prize winning lottery ticket. Lumian first wrapped the ticket in layers of spider silk, then formed a layer of frost on the outside of the silk, and finally ignited Flames of Destruction on the surface of the frost. After quickly completing these preparations, he pressed the ticket into the mirror. The lottery ticket immediately fell into a tunnel of void darkness, plummeting towards the corresponding mirror. Along the way, the quietly burning black flames, constraining destruction, slightly illuminated the depths of the mirror world, as if warning all unknown entities that dared to set their sights on the lottery ticket. When the ticket reached the mirror carried by Anthony, the Flames of Destruction had already extinguished, melting the frost and the spider silk. The intact lottery ticket emerged from inside the mirror, just as Anthonys extended hand pressed against it. Anthony took out this lottery ticket and handed it to the staff member. After receiving it, the staff members hand retracted slightly, and he muttered to himself, Its been kept in a fridge all this time? Tenth floor of the Tech Building, outside the West Lognes conference room. Lumian quietly breathed a sigh of relief. It seems now that the dream tendency interfering with our prize claiming indeed comes from the Celestial Worthy. If Mr. Fool thought this matter was problematic and wanted to prevent Franca from claiming the prize, with the lucky coin for positioning, he wouldnt have been bypassed so easily After a while, Lumians phone vibrated a few times. He picked it up and saw that a friend with the WeChat name True Hidden Blade had sent several messages in a row: Successfully claimed the prize! Were rich now! Oh, by the way, the first prize cant be claimed yet. First prize cant be claimed yet Lumian suddenly felt puzzled, Is the first prize winner an ally or an enemy? Does the dreams obstructing tendency come from the Celestial Worthy or Mr. Fool? His previous deductions suddenly became less certain. Because it was also possible that Mr. Fool was obstructing Francas prize claiming, but the purpose was to affect the person who won the first prize. He and his team were just caught in the crossfire. Today, whether the lottery ticket was separated from the claimer or not, it would have succeeded anyway. As Lumian pondered, from the corner of his eye, he saw Zhou Mingrui passing by from afar, but Zhou Mingrui didnt pay attention to the interview here, engrossed in discussing something with Luo Shan. Next, Li Ming, the interviewer called Lumian into the conference room at this time. Lumian entered calmly, politely greeted the two interviewers, one male and one female, and sat down in the chair designated for interviewees. After asking a few routine questions, the female interviewer, about thirty years old, looked Lumian over. Why did you drop out of high school? Puppy love, Lumian answered without any shame. Puppy love shouldnt lead to dropping out, right? the male interviewer, who had also experienced puppy love, asked puzzledly. We had a child, Lumian calmly added. The two interviewers were momentarily speechless, both lowering their heads to write down a paragraph about this with their pens, for later evaluation reference. Lumians eyes suddenly took on a silver-black hue. He discreetly extended both hands, touching and amplifying the streams of fate favorable to him. The two interviewers then wrote down similar words: Decent image, height exceeds standard, young and strong, married and had a child early, needs to support a family, values money quite highly After writing this, the female interviewer further asked, How old is your child? 7 years old, Lumian answered truthfully. 7 years old? Arent you only about 22? the male interviewer blurted out in surprise, Didnt you say you had puppy love in high school? I only said I dropped out of high school because of puppy love, not that the puppy love started in high school, Lumian explained seriously. I had a child in the third year of junior high. By the second year of high school, both my parents had passed away, and I needed to support myself, my girlfriend, and our child, so I had to drop out. The two interviewers looked at each other, not knowing how to evaluate this situation. After about ten seconds, the male interviewer asked, Have you learned martial arts? Do you need me to demonstrate? Lumian inquired sincerely. As he asked, his whole demeanor became slightly sharper. No need, I can sense it, the male interviewer felt that the applicant looked quite capable of fighting. After asking about expected salary and other questions, the female interviewer said to Lumian, That will be all. Wait for our notification. If you dont receive a call in the next day or two, it means you havent passed. She spoke very frankly because this young man seemed approachable. Although he had dropped out of high school and had puppy love and a child early, he was very polite and had the looks for the job. Lumian, who had lightly used Charm, stood up and politely said goodbye. La la la, la la la, Im a little newspaper seller Franca hummed a nursery rhyme cheerfully as she drove. She had received the prize money of over 156,000 yuan, and because each bet didnt exceed 10,000 yuan, no tax was required. Now, the team temporarily had no financial worries. Next, apart from contacting and probing relevant individuals, they would find ways to earn more money to rent one or two items from the Star Dream Provisions Store. However, the idea of buying similar lottery tickets would have to be postponed for a while, as the hidden struggle behind winning and claiming prizes seemed quite intense! Of course, they could continue to buy scratch cards, but they would have to frequently change lottery stores. While envisioning the future, Francas phone suddenly rang. Wearing earphones, she chose to answer. The call was from the human resources department of the Intis Group, asking Franca to come for an interview tomorrow morning. Haha, when things go well, everything goes smoothly! Franca muttered to herself, extremely happy. Later, she would have to use Lie and makeup techniques to make herself moderately less attractive, to avoid catching Mr. Huangs attention and being forced to resign and leave, unable to complete the task of contacting Zhou Mingrui. But making herself less attractive didnt mean becoming truly ugly, just reducing her beauty to a certain extent. Otherwise, if the appearance-focused Mr. Huang happened to wander into the administrative department one day and felt this employee wasnt good-looking, he might fire her on the spot. What then? Dechuang Garden, Building 5, 23rd floor. Jenna, who hadnt encountered any abnormal situations all day, leaned against the window, watching Luo Shan return to her residence wearing a womens shirt, pencil skirt with stockings and high heels, change into a casual dress, and leave the building again carrying a white handbag. Chapter 936 - Chapter 936 Contradictions Chapter 936 Contradictions Jenna didnt follow Luo Shan, knowing she would call a ride-hailing service. Whether using shadow stealth or invisibility, Jenna couldnt keep up with a car by running for longunless the target encountered repeated traffic jams. In this respect, Demonesses excelled at bursts of speed but lacked endurance. As for taking a taxi herself and having the driver follow the target, leaving aside whether a taxi would happen to pass by or if a booked ride could arrive within a minute, the biggest problem was finding a reasonable excuse. Jenna believed that if Franca were here, with her understanding and familiarity with the dream city, she could easily find a convincing reason. But Jenna herself couldnt yetshe might say the wrong thing and cause the driver to call the police on the spot. Of course, this problem could be solved using Charm, but after she got out of the car and the effect gradually faded, the driver would recall what happened and likely feel something was off, possibly reporting it to the police. Jenna couldnt repeatedly Charm someone over such a small matter, making them fall in love with her for an extended period. Leaving the window, Jenna made a bowl of noodles and enjoyed eating it completely, drinking all the soup. When night truly fell, she took out the Ice Mirror Charm made by Lumian and held it in her palm. As she uttered the word mirror in ancient Hermes, the mystical charm carved from frost lit up with a somewhat dim glow. Jenna placed her hand on the mirror she had put on the coffee table earlier. Her entire body suddenly dematerialized and entered it. Using the Ice Mirror Charms ability to sense surrounding mirrors, she quickly locked onto a mirror-like object in Luo Shans home and traversed through a dark, illusory tunnel. She wanted to take advantage of Luo Shan being out to search her home from within the mirror, seeing if she could discover anything. The reason she didnt do this while Luo Shan was at work during the day was that such probing had to be gradual. She first needed to confirm whether last evenings level of contact with Luo Shan would attract the Celestial Worthys attention or provoke investigation by hostile forces. After waiting a day and night, she now tentatively confirmed it wouldnt, so she could proceed with further contact and investigation. Jenna didnt leave the dark, illusory area behind the mirror. Through the hard, cold glass, she surveyed Luo Shans home. This apartment was also a one-bedroom, with the same layout as the one she rented. She was currently positioned at the living room window immersed in the night. Above the window, Jennas face faintly and indistinctly appeared, her gaze sweeping over the coffee table, TV, refrigerator, and other items. She quickly noticed easels, canvases, paper, palettes, paint tubes, various brushes, and small palette knives scattered in different places. Paintings hung on the wallsvibrant oil paintings, pencil sketches, and black and white freehand landscapes. Jennas gaze suddenly stopped on one of the oil paintings. It depicted a strange half-human, half-snake creaturethe upper body a voluptuous woman, the lower body a giant snake with lifelike scales. The monster I saw last night Jennas heart tightened as she successively recognized other paintings depicting bizarre creatures she had seen invading the spirit residential district woven from psychic energy during her astral projection last night. Almost simultaneously, she noticed a common element in these paintings: All the strange creatures were confined in iron-barred cages. What does this represent? Does it symbolize these monsters being kept out of the world? This is close to the scene I saw during my astral projection walk last night Did Luo Shan paint the iron-barred cages, while the monsters came from someone elses hand? Or did Luo Shan paint these monsters but then lock them up? As Jenna pondered seriously, her gaze fell on a sketch. It was Luo Shans self-portrait, her face smiling, eyes spirited, quite charming. For some reason, Jenna felt the Luo Shan in this self-portrait was intently observing the dark living room. This made her abandon the idea of leaving the window glass and truly entering the room. As Jenna continued observing, the fingerprint lock on the front door made a sound, and Luo Shan returned home carrying her white handbag. After placing the handbag on the dining table, Luo Shan walked lightly to her sketch self-portrait and looked at it for a few seconds. Then, she picked up a brush, dipped it in some silver paint, and walked towards the living room window. Jenna had retreated a bit before the door opened, allowing the glass window reflecting the night to return completely to normal. Luo Shan stared at the glass window for a while, then raised her brush and outlined a simple door on its surface. In the area behind the mirror, Jenna suddenly saw a silver light shine on the hard glass surface, forming a very real, strange door connecting reality and the mirror world. She immediately left a few Demoness black flames to burn away any residual traces, then traversed the illusory dark tunnel herself, returning to her rented place and emerging from the mirror. Where Jenna had originally been hiding, the not-quite-real silver door was pushed open, and Luo Shan entered the area behind the mirror. The girl in a casual long dress looked around with a gloomy expression, finding nothing unusual in the area. Luo Shan gazed at the dense spider web-like tunnels in the mirror, unable to think of what to paint to utilize them. After two or three minutes, she exited the area behind the mirror and wiped away the silver door outlined on the glass windows surface with her palm. 23rd floor, Room 3. Jenna sat on the sofa and silently muttered to herself, Luo Shan is indeed a Beyonder of the Painter pathway Has the deity worshiped by the Fantasy Association also infused some power? Is He also at Mu Shu Hospital, or does He have His own stronghold? Did He give Luo Shan Beyonder power to control this colleague of Zhou Mingrui and contact Mr. Fools dream image? Just as she thought of this, Jennas phone on the coffee table began to vibrate. Jenna picked it up and saw that Luo Shan had sent her a message with an image. This girl, whose WeChat nickname was Always Wanting to Go on Vacation, said with a smiley face emoji: This is my work, you can take a look. The content of that image was precisely the sketch self-portrait Jenna had seen earlier in Luo Shans home. Jenna opened the image and suddenly had the illusion that Luo Shan had come to life on her phone screen. She had an idea and just left her phone on the coffee table without locking the screen. Then, she stood up, walked to the bathroom, and closed the door. As soon as Jenna sat on the toilet, she immediately turned her gaze to the vanity mirror. Using a Demonesss mirror magic and the mirror on the coffee table, she peered at her phones situation. A few seconds later, Jenna saw the sketch portrait displayed on the screen seem to make a tiny movement. The Luo Shan outlined in pencil lines tentatively reached out a hand beyond the screen, then withdrew it. As expected Jenna pressed the toilets flush button, washed her hands amid the rushing sound, and exited the bathroom. She picked up her phone again, closed the image, and used voice-to-text to reply to Luo Shan: It looks so lifelike! She hadnt checked Luo Shans Moments last night because they were set to Chat Only. Want me to sketch you too? Luo Shan quickly replied to Jennas praise. I wouldnt dare let you Painters draw me Jenna silently muttered, using voice input to respond to Luo Shan: No need, no need. She quickly changed the subject. You might not believe this, but I had a very strange dream yesterday, and you were in it. You seemed to be guarding the neighborhood, fighting a group of monsters, while we couldnt help at all. If a man had said something similar to her, Jenna would definitely think he was trying to flirt, feeling their relationship was too shallow for such intimate talk, clearly inappropriate. But now, relying on the fact of both being women, she dared to probe a little. Did I leave such a deep impression on you? Luo Shan sent a smug emoji. After a few seconds, she sent a second message: Your dream is very interesting. Im also very happy to play such a role in your dreamreally, extremely happy. Just as Jenna was about to reply, Luo Shan sent a third message: Because my father was a true guardian, as were his colleagues. Jenna suddenly recalled the background introduction of Luo Shan in the files: In reality, Luo Shans father was a Nighthawk of the Church of Evernight Goddess, who died in an accident brought about by a mystical case. His fathers colleagues included the Nighthawk team captain Dunn corresponding to Officer Deng, Officer Dengs fiance Miss Daly, Old Neil from Interpol, and others. They all died in disasters brought by Beyonder powers but also protected their corresponding cities. One of Mr. Fools incarnations is Klein Moretti, a member of that Nighthawk team back then, so when Mr. Fool subconsciously wove his dream image, did he add a similar background to Luo Shan, making her admire and aspire to the spirit of protection? Although Luo Shan has now been influenced by that evil god of the Fantasy Association and received an illusory boon, has the protective obsession deep in her heart not been completely erased by the contamination? Is this the reason for her many contradictory behaviors currently? Painting strange creatures on one hand, wanting to make them real, while adding cages to these invaders on the other Constantly creating monsters on one hand, while guarding at the barrier on the other, not letting those monsters in Could this be considered Mr. Fools subconscious projection onto Luo Shan fighting against the corruption of that evil god of the Fantasy Association? If this is really the case, in a sense, this is a confrontation between a small part of Mr. Fools subconscious and that evil god of the Fantasy Association Jenna pondered with some understanding how to reply to Luo Shan. After about ten seconds, she used voice input to say: Have you ever created any paintings with a protective theme? It took Luo Shan twenty to thirty minutes to reply to this message: Not yet. Failed. If you havent, then why did you fail? This answer is too contradictory Jennas pupils suddenly froze. Chapter 937 - Chapter 937 Another Night Chapter 937 Another Night Jenna held her phone, wanting to reply to Luo Shan several times, but not knowing what to say. Although she felt she should respond with something, to avoid appearing impolite, her spiritual intuition told her that saying the wrong thing at this moment could lead to unexpected consequences she didnt want to face. In the end, Jenna put down her phone and watched TV, pretending not to have noticed Luo Shans new message. She alternated between immersing herself in the TV dramas story and instinctively criticizing some of the actors performances. This continued until eleven oclock, when Jenna took a shower and washed her hair. She froze her wet hair with frost, then let the frost crack and fall to the bathroom floor, quickly drying her thick long hair this way. Finally, she used a hairdryer to make her hair a bit fluffier, lay down on the bed, turned off all the lights, and slowly drifted off to sleep. She wasnt used to falling asleep quickly through Cogitation. She preferred to let her thoughts wander freely before sleep, allowing them to fly unrestrained, to reminisce, to imagine. In the dark room, Jennas breathing finally became long and gentle. The screen of her phone placed beside her pillow suddenly lit up. The lit screen showed no incoming calls, messages, or system updates to run. It only lit up for two or three seconds before going dark again, not triggering Jennas spiritual intuition. Not long after, the phone screen lit up again, still without any information displayed. After alternating between lighting up and going dark three or four times, Jennas phone returned to normal, with no more unusual activity. Jennas astral body once again saw the layers of frozen storms and the semi-transparent barrier formed by the storms. She saw numerous human shadows wandering in the virtual image of Dechuang Garden district, and strange creatures trying to enter this spirit world residential district. Like last night, Luo Shan guarded the semi-transparent barrier, sometimes using painting to create different supernatural effects to repel invaders, sometimes creating totem-like objects combined with strange chanting to directly affect various strange creatures After a while, the strange creatures retreated into the darkness. Luo Shan sighed in relief and flew to the area where Jenna and other astral bodies were wandering. Jenna tensed mentally, employing her acting skills to make her eyes show obvious bewilderment, losing their proper focus. She allowed herself to be guided by spirituality, drifting about like a kite. Luo Shan quietly observed her for twenty to thirty seconds, then descended beside her, following her unconscious wandering and said casually, The monster with a human upper body and a python lower body is called Lamotte. They prey on humans, feeding on human spirits, internal organs, and blood The monsters that look like offspring of owls and humans are called Morna. They like to kill children, especially human children Those naked women and men are also monsters, subordinates of the Spirits of Lust, who like to suck the energy and life force of the opposite sex Those Spirit Bodies also murder humans because they particularly love to cook and eat human internal organs After introducing them one by one, Luo Shans voice became low, as if talking to herself, Dont ask me why I know these things Jenna maintained her performance but took note of these words. Luo Shan exhaled slowly and deeply, with a sense of relief from finally speaking out some of the things weighing on her heart, no longer as tormented as before, and not having to worry about revealing her own secrets. She flew back to the barrier, waiting for a possible second wave of invaders. At Xinhong District, in a rented apartment. Franca looked at Ludwig, who had changed into bear pajamas, and asked curiously, What abilities did you gain after eating that Sleepless mouse? Ludwig yawned. I can see things clearly in pitch darkness, sense dangers hidden in the dark, and my spirituality and strength have increased You didnt gain the ability to be energetic with only two hours of sleep each day? Franca asked for confirmation. Ludwig shook his head. No. Thats good, thats good. Sleepless hunger sounds terrifying Not sleeping and being bored, you can only eat Well, you could also preview, study, review Franca sighed in relief without hiding it, then said thoughtfully to Ludwig, Because you havent digested the Beyonder characteristics and truly completed the absorption, your utilization of the Beyonder characteristics is still very rough, with great limitations? Ludwig nodded. That should be the case. Then do you think youll still have these changes when you return to reality? What Franca really wanted to ask was whether the dream potions, represented by the Sleepless drink, contained real Beyonder characteristics that had been grafted over. Ludwig answered honestly, I dont know. If you get kicked out of the dream, remember to confirm this point, Lumian reminded Ludwig. The authenticity of potions was related to some of their subsequent strategies. Ludwig reluctantly agreed. Lumian thought for two seconds and asked again, If I dont force you, compel you to stay in this dream, would you want to leave now, and would you be willing to enter again if you were kicked out of the dream? Ludwig hesitated for a moment and said, I-I quite like it here. Your attitude wasnt like this before, especially after knowing you still have to study, do homework, and take exams constantly in the dream Franca grumbled inwardly. What do you like about this place? Lumian asked with interest. Ludwig pondered seriously and said, The food tastes good, and some of it is real. I can also watch cartoons, and all of you have become a bit nicer to me As if we were terribly abusing you before Franca didnt say this out loud. After Ludwig entered the second bedroom and lay down on the bed, Lumian turned his head towards Franca and chuckled. Still not asleep at this time? Cant I be nervous? Tomorrow is the interview, the first real interview in my life, and I cant fail! Franca paced back and forth anxiously, muttering, Normal makeup wont do, but looking too ugly wont work either. How do I strike the right balance When to use Charm during the interview, shallow Charm or full Charm, then have Anthony find a chance to Hypnotize the interviewers to make them forget about it Thinking about all this keeps me awake Lumian chuckled in response. Its not a big deal if you fail; you can find other opportunities. Besides, if youre already thinking about having Anthony Hypnotize the interviewers to make them forget about being Charmed, why not have Anthony directly induce the interviewers to choose you? Wouldnt that make me seem useless? Franca mumbled quietly. After Lumians consolation, thinking about how her companions would back her up, she finally calmed some of her anxiety and nervousness. She clenched her fist and cheered herself on, Its just a try, no big deal! It doesnt matter if I fail, failure is the mother of success! Seeing Francas behavior, Lumian suddenly recalled his younger self. He stood up, walked in front of Franca, and gave her a hug. Hey Franca was startled. Lumian said with a smile, his voice slightly low, Aurore used to often tell me, just go for it, whether you succeed or fail, Ill give you a hug Francas expression changed, she opened her mouth, then closed it. After two seconds, she smiled and said, Shouldnt I, as the older sisterno, older brother, be saying these words to you? She broke away from Lumians embrace and chuckled. Next time, when youre nervous, Ill say this to you too, and Ill give you a hug. A Hunters nervousness wont show. Lumian shrugged. Tch! Franca made a disdainful sound and entered the master bedroom. Rest well to face the interview! The next morning, on the tenth floor of the Tech Building, outside the White Maple conference room. Franca found that nearly twenty people had come for the interview, each a stylishly dressed, attractive female urbanite. Of course, with a Demonesss beauty, even at just Sequence 7 level, she was much more beautiful than these women. But today, Franca wore slightly old-fashioned black-framed glasses, hiding her bright eyes, and had let down her ponytail to fall naturally, appearing less carefree. She also used the Lie earring, combined with makeup techniques, to modify some details of her features, making herself look like a conservative, average-level beauty. Next, Luo Fu. Hearing her name, Franca straightened her fitted white womens shirt and loose-legged gray trousers, and walked into the White Maple conference room. Inside the conference room were three interviewers, one man and two women, with an impressively beautiful woman sitting to the side. That woman wore azure-colored contact lenses, her slightly curled long hair dyed chestnut brown. Her features had a somewhat exotic feel. She appeared to be only eighteen or nineteen years old, her face showing a hint of youthfulness, like a freshman or sophomore college student, yet she had an air of long-standing authority. Princess Bernadette, Emperor Roselles eldest daughter? No, now shes Miss Huang Beibei Why has she come to observe Intis Groups interview? What does she want to do What does she dislike, what does she like As thoughts raced through her mind, Franca decided to abandon her plan to naturally Charm the interviewers later. She answered the interviewers questions normally according to her background setting, without standing out in any way or revealing her true personality. After all candidates had been interviewed, the male interviewer looked towards Huang Beibei and asked flatteringly, Young Miss, do you have any preferred candidates? Just call me Miss Huang, Huang Beibei said in an even tone. Some of those interviewees were too showy, some dressed too revealingly, some put all their energy into makeup and dressing up. How can they work like that? But Mr. Huang likes that The male interviewer didnt dare say this out loud. Huang Beibei continued, I choose the most conservative one, Luo Fu. Got it. The interviewer didnt dare oppose Miss Huang. Even if Mr. Huang himself were here, he would say, Right, right, right, my daughter has such good judgment! Chapter 938 - Chapter 938 Salary Chapter 938 Salary At noon, Zhang Qing, the deputy director of the administrative department who had overseen the earlier interview, walked out of the Tech Building, heading to a nearby mall to meet a friend. Inside a gray sedan parked by the roadside, Franca turned her body slightly and nodded seriously at Anthony, her expression stern. Anthony immediately got out of the car, mingled with the crowd, and hurriedly approached Zhang Qing from the side. Bump! He accidentally bumped into the man in his thirties, causing Zhang Qings phone to fall to the ground. Sorry, sorry, Anthony apologized repeatedly, bending down to pick up the phone. He wiped it on his clothes a few times before handing it back to Zhang Qing. Zhang Qing, with a dark expression, angrily scolded Anthony, Are you blind? How can you walk like that? Sorry, really sorry, Anthony responded sincerely, with an attitude full of remorse. Zhang Qing stared into Anthonys eyes, which had been adjusted to a deep brown color using the Lie earring, as if trying to determine whether the apology was genuine or just a perfunctory excuse. After a few seconds, he took back his phone and suddenly felt a moment of confusion. Zhang Qing shook his head and carefully inspected his phone, finding no significant damage. Forget it, just watch your step next time! The deputy director of the administrative department of Intis Groups headquarters, showing some class, waved his phone dismissively, no longer pursuing the matter. Really, Im sorry. How about I buy you an iced coffee to make up for it? Anthony suggested, pointing to a coffee shop in the corner of the Tech Buildings first floor. Zhang Qings expression softened. No need. Im in a hurry. You look around my age; be more careful in the future, Zhang Qing added before heading towards the mall at the intersection, braving the scorching sun. Anthony noticed that there was a long line at the coffee shop, so he quickly ran into the convenience store next to the Tech Buildings main entrance and bought a canned coffee. Holding the coffee, he jogged to catch up with Zhang Qing. Im really sorry about earlier. This is to show my apology. He handed over the coffee. Zhang Qing glanced at Anthony with some suspicion, met his eyes for a couple of seconds, then took the canned coffee and said, Youre pretty considerate. Zhang Qing didnt intend to drink the beverage from a stranger, but he felt it was acceptable to accept the apology. Just as he took the coffee, Zhang Qing had another brief moment of confusion. Then, he felt that Anthonys apology was incredibly sincere, and with his proactive actions, combined with the fact that they seemed to be around the same age, Zhang Qing suddenly felt a sense of closeness. Seeing this, Anthony felt a bit of relief. This was his second attempt at Hypnosis, and it finally succeeded. The first attempt was when he returned Zhang Qings phone, but unfortunately, it failed. After becoming a Sequence 6 Hypnotist, Anthonys Psychological Cue or Hypnosis, no longer required the assistance of candles, extract, or other mediums. He only needed the targets attention to be genuinely focused on something, especially his own eyes, to open the door to their Body of Heart and Mind. If the process involved actions of giving and receiving, the effect would be even better, and the success rate would be higher. Later, when Anthony advanced to Sequence 5, his application of Hypnosis improved even further. But now, he was suppressed to Sequence 7 in the dream, so while he could still perform Hypnosis without the help of candles, extract, or pocket watches, the success rate was much lower. It was rare for him to fail when hypnotizing an ordinary person, so he had to urgently make up for it. I just finished an interview and was in a hurry to get to the next one, so I was rushing, Anthony explained further. Just finished an interview? Zhang Qing, who had been influenced, smiled and said, I just finished one too, but I was the interviewer. Are you with Intis Group? Anthony pretended to be curious. Seventy percent of the office workers coming out of the Tech Building were likely from Intis Group. Yes, with the headquarters. We were hiring for an administrative position. Zhang Qing, for some reason, felt unusually relaxed and ended up saying what was on his mind, Weve chosen someone, but I dont know if Mr. Huang will reject it later. Although hiring for an administrative role doesnt require a report to him, the HR Director can decide, but he likes to visit the administrative department At this point, Zhang Qing suddenly shut his mouth, realizing he shouldnt be gossiping about Mr. Huang in front of an outsider. Your boss, Mr. Huang? Hes well-known nationwide, Anthony said, pretending to suddenly realize. Zhang Qing smiled. Yes, well, the person we hired this time doesnt quite fit Mr. Huangs aesthetic. Uh, mainly in style, though her figure is up to standard. But since Miss Huang personally selected her, its a done deal. Actually, this is a good thing. Half of the employees in the administrative department spend their days focused on makeup and gossip, waiting for Mr. Huang to drop by. Sometimes, I feel like a head eunuchno, the assistant to a head eunuchmanaging the emperors harem, like something out of Empresses in the Palace. But now, with a capable person joining, my stress will be much less. Otherwise, Id consider that slacker Luo Shan a model worker Talking about these things, Zhang Qing was full of complaints. Anthony played along perfectly, letting Zhang Qing vent a bunch of frustrations, making him feel completely at ease. After a while, Zhang Qing checked his watch. I have to go. Im in a hurry. He hesitated whether to add Anthony on WeChat, thinking it was rare to meet someone he could chat with so effortlessly at this stage in life. In the end, Zhang Qing decided not to, out of a sense of self-importance. Anthony hesitated as well. Adding Zhang Qing on WeChat could provide significant convenience for Franca and Lumians operations within Intis Group. But in the end, Anthony refrained, feeling that it was unwise to tie all their connections to Intis Group, as it might be easier for the Celestial Worthy or His subordinates to catch them all at once. After parting ways with Zhang Qing and waiting for him to walk away, Anthony turned and walked towards the gray sedan parked by the roadside. He didnt get in but, as he approached the car, subtly raised his right hand and made an OK gesture. Then, he walked past the gray sedan and headed towards another intersection. From now on, he would have to stay alone until tomorrow. This was because he had closely interacted with Zhang Qing and used Beyonder powers on him. And Zhang Qing was someone close to the dream manifestation of Mr. Fool, even if not directly. Seeing Anthonys gesture, Franca slowly nodded, then calmly drove the gray sedan onto the road. Once they were far from the Tech Building, she allowed herself a satisfied smile and, feeling triumphant, said to Lumian in the passenger seat, The moment I saw Miss Huang in the conference room, I knew we had to scrap all our original plans. In a flash, I figured out exactly what to do! What do you call that? Quick thinking, the ability to adapt! After Franca finished boasting, Lumian chuckled and said, Maybe that was the real Princess Bernadette, who entered the dream specifically to help you infiltrate Intis Group. Franca quickly adjusted her mindset and said doubtfully, Can Princess Bernadette actually enter the dream and control Huang Beibeis dream manifestation? How many times has she been kicked out? The Major Arcana card holders are unsure. They only know that she was kicked out once after commissioning Zhou Mingrui to investigate the quality of Dream Tutoring Classes. Whether she had been kicked out before that or how many times, she hasnt told anyone, Lumian recounted from the data. What is certain is that the Major Arcana card holders have synchronized our situation with her and believe shes trustworthy and willing to help. Franca concurred succinctly, I hope its true. If Mr. Huang really has an eye for talent and comes to bother me, I can ask her to rein her dad in. Neither Franca nor Lumian had any faith in Emperor Roselles or his dream manifestations restraint when it came to women. Xinhong District, in the rented apartment, afternoon. Lumian received a phone call. After finishing the conversation, he turned to Franca with a smile and said, I got the job! Phew Franca exhaled in visible relief. With this, even if her own job offer ended up being vetoed by Mr. Huang, they could still move forward with their plan to access the dream manifestation of Mr. Fool, Zhou Mingrui, through the Intis Groupthough it would be more challenging. Franca, now curious, asked, Whats the salary? Its 3,500 yuan a month during probation, and once confirmed, its 4,500. For now, its just rotating between guarding the front and back entrances of the building, patrolling different floors, and monitoring the surveillance cameras. If I get assigned to a more important post in the security department, the pay will go up significantly, Lumian repeated the details from the call. Plus, the job comes with two uniforms. The Intis Group is quite generous. Given the salary standards in this city, thats decent for a security job, Franca said, feeling happier now that their team would have a stable source of income. Before she could start worrying about her own offer, her phone rang. After listening for a few moments, Francas smile slowly blossomed. She raised her free hand and gave Lumian a thumbs-up, signaling success. Her offer had come through too! Yes, yes. No problem. After a series of confirmations, Francas smile suddenly froze. After she hung up, Lumian, who had heard the conversation clearly thanks to his Hunters hearing, remained silent, waiting for her to speak. With a wooden expression, Franca said, The probation is also one month, with a salary of 6,000, and once confirmed, its 7,000, plus an allowance for clothing. The Intis Group is indeed generous. But She paused, her lips moving slightly, her expression turning a bit dazed, before continuing, But theres a dress code: summer attire requires a blouse, skirt, stockings, and heels Can you opt out of that? Lumian asked, keeping his laughter in check. No. Franca shook her head. This must be one of Mr. Huangs rules. After a moment of silence, she quietly asked, Can I not go? Maybe Jenna can apply instead. Do you think shed get the job? Lumian countered. Franca thought for a few seconds and said, No. Immediately, she gnashed her teeth. I cant let Mr. Huang harass her! Dechuang Garden, Building 5, 23rd floor, Room 3. Jenna stood by the window, contemplating whether to sneak into Luo Shans room tonight for a more thorough search. She hesitated for a while before deciding to wait. Luo Shans current state was odd, still retaining her role as the neighborhoods guardian. Jenna worried that her actions might provoke Luo Shan, shattering that balance and causing her to lose her protective instincts entirely. Even though Luo Shan was merely a dream image, Jenna couldnt bring herself to destroy the last traces of goodness within her. That dedication to protection had touched her. Maybe she can still be saved? Maybe, as long as she doesnt advance further and endure more severe pollution, she can retain her sense of self? Hmm, having a boon from an evil god doesnt necessarily mean turning bad, just like Lumian Jenna mused as these thoughts crossed her mind. Chapter 939 - Chapter 939 Virus Chapter 939 Virus Jenna left the window and sat back on the couch, temporarily pushing thoughts of Luo Shan out of her mind. If the interview went well today, Lumian or Franca would move in with her, and their group would proceed with subsequent actions in pairsLudwig was temporarily an accessory. Sometimes Jenna hoped it would be Lumian, other times she prayed it would be Franca. During their time in the dream city, she wanted to spend more time with Franca, to encourage her, treat her better, and show how much she valued her, making her feel needed, not alone. Though Jenna hadnt explicitly discussed this with Lumian, she felt they shared an unspoken understanding, as some of their daily behaviors were very similar. As her thoughts wandered, Jenna suddenly chuckled at herself. Actually, the best option would be for Lumian and Franca to live here together. That way, Franca wouldnt lack the feeling of being needed, Lumian could do more, and Jenna would inevitably find herself wondering what Lumian and Franca were talking about, how they were interacting, whether they had grown closer, or if their relationship had evolved. This made her feel a little bitter, a bit uncomfortable, but it also helped her further digest her Affliction potion. When it came to causing others pain, Jennas potion digestion was progressing rapidly thanks to Ludwigs presence; it wouldnt be long before she completed it. But when it came to her own pain, she still had a long way to go. She murmured softly, Imagination and suspicion are more painful than reality, and they eat at the soul even more. This was a principle she had developed for her role-playing, more refined than causing others pain or causing herself pain. If she were an evil Demoness, she could use this principle to subtly manipulate someone, appearing normal on the surface while fostering jealousy in their wife or girlfriend, gradually driving them both into a pit of pain. Of course, she also hoped that Lumian and Francas relationship would improve, that they could save each other to some extent. She was all for it, as long as she wasnt left out. Jenna gradually reined in her thoughts, unlocked her phone, and opened her photo gallery. She looked at the sketch of a self-portrait Luo Shan had sent her yesterday, zoomed in on it, and selected the Delete button. She felt that keeping a Painters artwork on her phone was risky. She hadnt deleted it yesterday because she wanted to see if anything would happen, but nothing did. However, she couldnt stay on alert about the picture on her phone forever; she still needed her phone to contact Lumian, Franca, and Anthony! After deleting the photo, Jenna idly scrolled through her phone, flipping through news stories, novels, funny videos, and shopping tips. Time passed quickly. Jenna straightened her back slightly and stretched without moving her hands. She felt it might be a good time to message Franca and check on their situation. But before that, she cautiously checked her phone for any strange apps or statuses. Suddenly, Jenna froze. She found Luo Shans sketch still sitting quietly in its original spot in the gallery, lifelike, with a smile on its lips and eyes full of spirit! For a moment, Jenna felt uncertain. Did I really delete it earlier? Was I influenced and hallucinating? Jenna quickly calmed herself down and deleted the photo again. She spent the next few minutes staring at the gallery, watching to see if Luo Shans sketch would reappear. After a while, the phone screen naturally dimmed, and Jenna quickly reached out to reactivate it. The photo with Luo Shans sketch was back in its original spot. Jenna confirmed there was a problem but didnt know how to solve it. She didnt even dare to use her phone to search for a solution online. At that moment, she heard the doorbell ring. Startled, Jenna quietly stepped behind the door and looked out through the peephole. She saw Lumian and Franca. With a sigh of relief, Jenna opened the door. During this process, she remained somewhat cautious until Lumian and Franca appeared vividly before her eyes, with no warning from her spiritual intuition. Perfect timing, Jenna said in a hushed voice. Franca immediately showed concern, slipping the key card into her loose pants pocket as she walked into the room and asked in a serious tone, Whats going on? The elevator in the Dechuang Garden required a card to access, and the landlord had provided two cards. Jenna kept one, and Franca had the other. Once Lumian closed the door and set up the Bottle of Fiction, Jenna carefully recounted everything about Luo Shan. She concluded, I remember the Purifiers telling me that one of their colleagues once encountered a painter undergoing mental treatment. The painter always claimed to Spirit Body walk at night, entering a space similar to but distinct from the spirit world, where they fought monsters and enemies trying to invade reality from that space, protecting the peace of their neighborhood. This is very similar to what I saw with my Astral Projection when I was asleep. You mean Luo Shans protective actions might just be another aspect of her corruption by the boon? Franca understood what Jenna was getting at. Jenna tersely acknowledged. That was my initial guess. But after talking to Luo Shan and hearing her describe those monsters to my Astral Projection, I think she genuinely holds a belief in protection. This likely stems from Mr. Fools subconscious perception and expectations of her. So you think Luo Shans protective behavior is not only a requirement of the boon but also a reflection of her humanity and will, a result of Mr. Fools subconscious clashing with the Fantasy Associations evil gods influence? Lumians gaze flickered as he made the connection with his own experience. Jenna nodded. What Im worried about now is that if our investigation agitates Luo Shan, it might push her into complete corruption, plunging her into the abyss. And that could also signify a small defeat for Mr. Fool in this particular matter. The loss is minor, but if enough minor losses accumulate, it could irreversibly tip the scales. Lumian agreed, Our priority now is to delete that photo. Right. If it stays on your phone, its like a ticking time bomb, Franca said as she took Jennas phone and focused on trying to delete the sketch, but it stubbornly reappeared. Franca frowned. Do we really need to use one of those nuclear-option antivirus programs? Lumian glanced at the gallery on the phone, reached out, and tried to enter the screen to see if he could find Luo Shans sketch in the world behind the screen and destroy it in both physical and mystical senses. At that moment, Franca stopped him. Hold on. Even if you can enter the phones internal world, that would be like facing Luo Shans sketch head-on. It would likely alert Luo Shan, agitate her, and confirm our suspicions. Franca then smiled. Didnt you add that Stiano on WeChat? Since hes a dream manifestation of a high-ranking member of the Church of Steam, and his WeChat nickname has Information Technology in it, and hes studying at a university, maybe he knows how to delete a mystically infected photo. Ill ask. Lumian nodded thoughtfully. He dismissed the Bottle of Fiction and had Jenna send Luo Shans sketch to his WeChat. Then, Lumian messaged Stiano: Can you help? My phone has a weird virus. Within seconds, Stiano, whose nickname was Electric Power Energy and Information Technology, replied: Send me a screenshot. He responded quickly. Does that mean hes interested in this kind of thing? Franca muttered. Lumian opened the photo, had Franca take a screenshot, and sent it to Stiano. This photo wont delete; it keeps reappearing. A moment later, Electric Power and Information Technology sent back a compressed file. Theres a small program inside. Use it to load the image and delete it, and you should be fine. Is there really a way to solve this? Franca and Jenna both wondered as Lumian followed the instructions, extracting the file and launching a program called Information Shredder. He used the program to load Luo Shans sketch, pressed the built-in Delete button, and then exited the program, locked his phone for a couple of seconds, and reopened it. He saw that the photo was gone from the gallery, not reappearing. After testing it several times, Lumian sent the compressed file to Jenna. Jenna also successfully deleted Luo Shans sketch, without it returning to her gallery. Hes really an expert Franca said, gazing at Lumians WeChat contact, Electric Power and Information Technology, with genuine admiration. Lumian used voice input to thank Stiano. Electric Power and Information Technology replied: This virus is worth studying. If you encounter similar problems again, feel free to contact me. Only with similar problems? Lumian mused as he sent a nodding emoji in response. Finally, Jenna relaxed. Suddenly, Franca hissed, In modern society, or rather, in the dream city, some Sequences and Beyonder powers have become even more terrifying and harder to guard against As weve seen, if a Painters artwork has mystical powers, then the corresponding photo can carry some of that too. And if it spreads online, seen and downloaded by thousands, how horrifying would that be Even the surveillance world we encountered before isnt something wed face in reality. Before Lumian and Jenna could respond, Franca had another idea. Computer viruses and phone viruses are still viruses. Can they be controlled by a Demoness? Probably not But a higher Sequence of the Mystery Pryer pathway should definitely be able to. Chapter 940 - Chapter 940 Repaying the Loan Chapter 940 Repaying the Loan Lumian and Jenna could deeply relate to Francas concerns. They had encountered a Pixie in reality before, a higher Sequence Beyonder of the Painter pathway, but they had never imagined that something as simple as a photo sent through the information network could carry such terrifying supernatural power. Yes. Jenna nodded. We need to think more about what different pathways of Beyonders can achieve in the dream city that they couldnt in reality and prepare accordingly. Though the dream city suppressed all Beyonder powers to the level of Sequence 7, its unique characteristics and the details of its social functioning had brought about possibilities that exceeded their previous expectations. Of course, Lumian and the others had already begun to discuss how certain Beyonder powers from the Demoness and Hunter pathways could interact with the dream city in unexpected ways. However, they had yet to thoroughly explore the potential changes other pathways might undergo as a result. Their current conclusions were: The Hunter and Demoness pathways, which symbolized calamity, could exploit the unique features of the dream city positively, like using the abundance of mirrors to set up Mirror Mazes and cast different mirror spells at any time and place, or utilizing screens as a medium to access previously unreachable or nonexistent surveillance worlds and other dimensional spaces. On the negative side, there were many more uses, which, as Franca put it, involved actions that would violate criminal laws, and not just any violations, but those that would warrant severe penalties. Examples included using the Internet to seduce others and spread pleasure, amplifying the destructive power of a Pyromaniac by triggering natural gas explosions, or leveraging the dense buildings and population to better and faster spread diseases, among others. There were countless other more detailed and everyday uses as well. After discussing this for a while, Lumian said to Jenna, For now, Franca will stay here for a while. She can observe Luo Shan during the day and approach her as a colleague. Jenna had already had a hunch, and she looked at Franca with a delighted expression, asking, Have you joined the Intis Group? Franca smiled nonchalantly. Of course. She then recounted how she had prepared for the interview and how she had adjusted her plan upon seeing Miss Huang also participating. When do you both start officially? Jenna asked with concern. Franca replied with a hint of pride, I have three days to sort out my affairs. Lumian has to report tomorrow. The identity that Madam Justice had created for Franca was that of a 25-year-old white-collar worker with three years of experience, someone who had changed fields right after graduation and no longer worked in her original profession. Franca had been worried that the work experience on her resume might be an issue since it was fabricated. However, when she pretended to be a background checker from a certain company and made a phone call, she was surprised to find that there really was someone named Luo Fu who matched her profile closely. This led her to suspect that the company might be secretly connected to Madam Justice or other Major Arcana card holders in the dream city. Alternatively, before Madam Justice was expelled, she might have used her ability to weave the dream and pre-embedded some identities that could be utilized. After identifying the bearer of the five lucky coins, she might have painstakingly and time-consumingly altered the names, appearances, and other information. Anything you need to prepare? Jenna asked, intending to find out if she could help in any way. Francas expression suddenly fell. I need to buy a skirt, stockings, and high heels It had been a long time since she had consumed the Witch potion, and the most she had worn was a skirt-pants combination. She had never actually worn a skirt, let alone the other items! Its part of the dress code, Lumian explained on her behalf. Jenna understood Francas reluctance and, with a flicker of her eyes, said, Have you forgotten the acting method? Forgotten the roles youve played before? This is just another form of acting. Its not about digesting the potion this time but about getting close to Mr. Fools dream manifestation and secretly dealing with the lurking subordinates of the Celestial Worthy and the evil gods followers, thwarting their schemes. Remember, youre just acting. Franca had already made up her mind, and now she was just finding more reasons to justify it. So, Jennas Instigation easily worked, and Francas expression softened. Jenna looked at her and smiled slightly. Ill wear the same kind of outfit as you. If were all dressed the same, there wont be any awkwardness or shame. Francas eyes lit up. Sure! Since she had decided to make this sacrifice, getting some perks was a welcome bonus! Lumian stayed silent, letting Franca and Jenna continue their conversation, wary of being roped into making a similar promise. He checked the time on his phone and reminded the two Demonesses, Even though we didnt confront Luo Shans sketch directly, the fact that we managed to delete that kind of photo itself is suspicious. If Luo Shan notices its gone, shell likely test us again or even take more drastic action. You two need to stay vigilant. Mm, I was thinking the same thing just now, Franca and Jenna responded almost in unison. Lumian waved them off and left. Once he was gone, Franca plopped down on the couch, relaxing as she smiled at Jenna. Lets go shopping for clothes tomorrow. We have money now; the lottery winnings are in! Jenna visibly breathed a sigh of relief at this news. She cautiously suggested, Should we pay off those micro loans first? She had seen many people in Quartier du Jardin Botanique and Le March du Quartier du Gentleman who borrowed from loan sharks, only to eventually destroy themselves and their families, dragging down the ones they loved most. So, even after entering the dream city, she was always extremely cautious when it came to taking out micro loans. I was hoping to save up some money to rent those good items from Star Dream Provisions Store Franca hesitated for two seconds before saying, Fine, lets pay off the loans first. This might even increase the credit limit, which could come in handy at critical moments when we need to go all in. Before transmigrating, she had seen many cases of people borrowing micro loans and having their lives ruined as a result. Now, as a fairly experienced Beyonder, she knew that money could be used to rent the magic mirror Arrodes, and she understood that in the dream city, money was likely a symbol representing valuable resources. The offense-defense battle that occurred during the prize redemption process further solidified this theory. From this perspective, carrying outstanding micro loans indeed seemed risky. While it could serve as an emergency solution in the short term, dragging it out over a long period or relying on them to sustain daily life was not a wise choice. Jenna also sat down on the couch and urged Franca to repay the online loan on the spot. She then transferred some money to her teammates to help them repay their loans as well. Only 120,000 left Franca sighed. Jenna changed the subject, and the two of them chatted about their recent experiences, sharing their thoughts on daily life. In the end, Jenna couldnt help but ask again, How exactly can we awaken Mr. Fool? They had discussed this question many times before, but still had no concrete ideas. They could only observe and make contact, hoping to find clues and inspiration. Franca shook her head and sighed. I dont know. The Major Arcana have tried everything they could think of, from directly reminding him of the existence of Beyonder powers to filming a movie that fully depicted his experiences in the hope of triggering his memory. None of it worked, and they were quickly expelled from the dream as a result She hadnt known before, but now she understood that the movie they shot was The Great Pirate 3. It seems like no one has tried directly telling Zhou Mingrui the truth Jenna recalled. Were not sure if that would work, but it would certainly lead to being expelled from the dream quickly, Franca replied with a self-deprecating smile. Still, if we have enough attempts left, we could isolate someone and let them give it a shot. Late at night, the two Demonesses washed up and went to bed, each occupying a pillow. They had already discussed how to deal with any probes Luo Shan might carry out next. Now, without saying much, they exchanged a glance and tacitly pulled up their blankets, closing their eyes in the cool air brought by the air conditioner. Using ice to cool the room would be too easily detected by any potential watchers as an indication of Beyonder powers. Once again, Jennas Astral Projection ventured out and saw many spirits wandering around, along with the blurry, illusory buildings, the frozen storm, and the semi-transparent barrier. She didnt immediately check on Luo Shans situation. Instead, she kept her eyes unfocused and her gaze blank, floating and moving back and forth naturally under the guidance of her spirituality. During this process, she saw Franca, who was also in a similar state. Finally, Jennas body turned toward the semi-transparent barrier adjacent to the deep darkness. There was no one there. Luo Shan wasnt there fighting off the monsters trying to invade! Jennas heart tightened, but she maintained her previous state, continuing to wander in her Astral Projection. After a while, her gaze naturally rose, and she saw Luo Shan. Luo Shan, dressed in a pale yellow skirt-pants combination, was floating high up, quietly watching her and Franca with deep eyes. It was impossible to tell how long she had been watching. Jennas nerves instantly tightened, but thanks to her acting skills, she showed no signs of abnormality. Franca remained just as natural. After a long, intense stare, Luo Shan flew toward the area where strange creatures were attempting to invade. From behind the semi-transparent barrier, she blocked their attacks and drove them back repeatedly. Neither Franca nor Jenna let their guard down. Like background characters, they dutifully repeated simple actions and irregular movements. Suddenly, both felt a sense of danger and woke up instantly from their sleep. They smelled a sickening, foul odor and saw a pair of brown-yellow eyes staring at them from the night clinging to the ceiling. In the darkness, a pair of wings covered in brown feathers, like those of a giant owl, spread out. Chapter 941 - Chapter 941 Recognition Chapter 941 Recognition It was a human being seemingly embedded within an owl. His eyes were perfectly round, with pupils that gleamed in brown and yellow, filled with undisguised malice. Anyone who made eye contact with those eyes would inevitably experience a jumbled mind, tense emotions, and a soul-deep fear. The half-owl, half-human abomination flapped its wings and, with a foul stench, swooped down toward Jenna and Franca, who were lying in bed. Its mouth opened, releasing nearly tangible sound waves. The sound waves struck the two Demonesses, passed through them, and hit the bedsheets, dispersing in all directions. The bed was now empty. The air conditioner panels screen, the glass top of the bedside table, and the dark glass embedded in the wardrobe doors all flickered with a dim, eerie light. Behind the half-owl, half-human abomination, Francas figure sprang up, clutching an almost invisible Wintry Blade and stabbing at the target with the speed of a gust of wind. The transparent triangular spike pierced the abominations body with precision, freezing it in an instant as if it had encountered an icy spell. At the bedroom door, Jennas figure appeared, holding a mirror that reflected the enemys now stuttering movements. With her other hand, she ignited a silent black flame and quickly ran it across the surface of the mirror. The half-owl, half-human abomination ignited with an evil black flame from the inside out, but due to the Wintry Blades effects, it couldnt even let out a wail or scream. Soon, the abomination burned to ashes, leaving nothing behind. A type of spirit creature Franca understood that a Demonesss black flame mainly targeted spirituality and life, making it difficult to ignite a physical entity. She gently descended from midair, as weightless as a feather. Jenna quickly and quietly said, That was a Morna, the creature from Luo Shans painting, and the invader Luo Shan has been fighting. Luo Shans aggressive probe? Franca responded without hesitation. We need to go to Luo Shans room now and try to subdue her as soon as possible, or we might be kicked out of the dream. Jenna had clearly considered this as well. She nodded and said, You head to Luo Shans room. Ill go to that spirit-world-like space. If necessary, Ill take Luo Shans place and guard the barrier to prevent those invaders from getting through. She thought Luo Shan might not be in her room and could still be at the semi-transparent barrier. She was also worried that without Luo Shans protection, the invaders might break through the defense line and cause a disaster. Franca didnt waste time and, with a slight nod, slipped to the other side of the curtains, opened the master bedroom window, and jumped down to the 15th floor. She didnt use the Ice Amulet to cross through the mirror world, fearing that Luo Shan, who had sensed Jennas previous probe, might have set some traps afterward. Francas body was as light as a feather, yet the wind didnt push her off course. She landed precisely on Luo Shans bedroom windowsill and pried open the window with a thin layer of frost. Franca didnt rush in. Using the faint pre-dawn light, she quickly scanned the room. The bed was empty, and paintings of various subjects hung everywhere. Hiding? Franca pulled out a mirror from the Travelers Bag. She intended to divine the level of danger and create an illusion of herself using the mirrors inside and outside the room to see if she could lure Luo Shan into making a move. In the spirit-world-like space shrouded by the frozen storm, Jennas Astral Projection emerged and immediately looked toward the nearby semi-transparent barrier adjacent to the deep darkness. Luo Shan wasnt there. Mornas and other bizarre creatures were attacking the barrier, gradually thinning it and causing the frozen storm to show signs of disintegration. Jenna looked around, scanning up and down, but still didnt spot Luo Shan. She sighed inwardly and floated to the area under heavy assault by the monsters. Dangerous black flames and crystalline ice spears formed around her, shooting outward and smashing many of the invaders. After holding the line for fifteen minutes, the monsters retreated into the depths of the darkness, their attack fully repelled. After a while, sunlight began to filter into the area, and both the frozen storm and the wandering spirits and illusory buildings faded away. Jennas Astral Projection also returned to her body. Morning had arrived. Franca had already returned, her expression serious as she told Jenna, I couldnt find Luo Shan. She either hid early or left. Could she have hidden inside one of the paintings? Jenna quickly suggested a possibility. Franca gently shook her head in response. I checked all the paintings. None of them had any human shadows, but the sketch portrait you mentioned is missing. Theres a painting of a bridge that stretches from the edge of a cliff near the foreground over a bottomless dark abyss to another cliff in the distance, where theres a black forest. I suspect Luo Shan entered the painting and escaped into the black forest via the bridge. I couldnt pursue her, and I have a strong sense of danger about that painting. It probably wasnt painted by Luo Shan herself. Jenna was about to say something when she suddenly realized. We havent been kicked out of the dream! Nor have we been restricted, Franca noted, having kept an eye on this matter. She mused, Luo Shan was corrupted by that evil god from the Fantasy Association, not controlled by the Celestial Worthy. While that evil god might assist the Celestial Worthy in some matters, it certainly has His own agenda and wont help with everything. Perhaps He wants us to stay in the dream to hinder the Celestial Worthy at a critical moment, so its concealing this matter? This is what Lumian meant when he said that the goals of the evil gods and the Celestial Worthy sometimes align, but sometimes they dont, Jenna agreed with a nod. She then added, Its also possible that Luo Shan hasnt been completely corrupted and hasnt fully fallen, choosing to deal with us on her own without informing that evil god. Struggling and resisting Franca sighed before saying, Lets wait a bit longer and see what happens. After waiting for more than an hour, the two Demonesses saw Luo Shan leave Building 5, dressed in the standard Intis Group administrative department uniform, heading off to work as usual. It seemed as if everything that happened last night had been just a dream. Franca and Jenna still hadnt been kicked out of the dream, nor had they faced any restrictions. She must have hidden in that painting with the bridge, Franca concluded, withdrawing her gaze. Ill send a message to Lumian, letting him know what happened last night and that we might be at risk of being kicked out of the dream soon. Wont that get him kicked out too? Jenna worried that contacting Lumian now might leave a hidden danger. Franca let out a soft laugh. Isnt there that little app Stiano gave us? The Information Shredder. I figure WeChat messages are also information, so they should be shreddable without leaving a trace. Ill shred the message when sending it, and Lumian will shred it when receiving it. Although I cant be sure the Information Shredder will definitely fool the Celestial Worthys subconscious tracking, I think its worth a try. If it really works as we hope, well have more room to maneuver in certain situations. Jenna pondered for a moment and then said, Okay. Franca immediately composed a WeChat message, detailing Luo Shans probe, her and Jennas response, and the subsequent developments, finally reminding Lumian to use the Information Shredder to delete the chat record. At the entrance of the Tech Building. Lumian stood in the lobby, casually reading the message from Franca. Then he made his way to the first-floor restroom, entered the mens section, and found a stall where he activated a Bottle of Fiction. He then brought his phone close to his mouth and whispered, You can try more probes. Franca should also start work as early as possible and get in touch with Zhou Mingrui. We cant rely entirely on Luo Shans struggle or the selfishness of that evil god from the Fantasy Association. They could change their minds in half a day or a day, so you need to gather more information before that happens to prepare for the second or third time we enter the dream. After sending the message, Lumian waited a few seconds before pulling up the Information Shredder app and selecting the chat history with Franca and Jenna, then clicked delete. Once he finished, he terminated the Bottle of Fiction and took the elevator to the 13th floor, where the Intis Groups security department was located. After completing the necessary paperwork, he was led into the security department chiefs office. The office was large, almost the size of a private gym, with space for practicing boxing. The security department chief was a foreigner with black hair and blue eyes, of medium height, and a muscular build that seemed understated but exuded power. His name was Grimm. According to the Major Arcana card holders, he had been one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse who served Emperor Roselle faithfully. He died early, before he could witness Roselles great achievements, and this was his dream manifestation. Have you practiced martial arts? Grimm asked in broken local dialect. Yes. Lumian nodded sincerely. Then lets have a sparring match, Grimm pointed to the boxing ring on the other side of the office. Still not in his security uniform, Lumian didnt refuse. He entered the ring and waited for Grimm to approach. Grimm took off his light suit jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and stood in front of Lumian. Suddenly, he threw a punch, the wind whistling as it cut through the air. Lumian, appearing nonchalant, seemed to have anticipated the move. He sidestepped, avoiding the punch. Snapping his waist back, he swiftly closed in on Grimm, unleashing a barrage of attacks with his elbows, fists, knees, and toes in a relentless onslaught. Grimm maintained a tight guard, blocking Lumians fast but underpowered strikes without allowing them to break his defense or land on his body. Bang! Bang! Bang! After a few dozen seconds of furious assault, Lumian suddenly stepped back, panting heavily as he raised his hand in surrender. Im out of strength. Of course, he couldnt knock out his department head on his first day at work. It wasnt just a matter of workplace etiquettehe was concerned that revealing his combat prowess would expose him as a Beyonder. Not bad. Grimm nodded. He walked straight to his desk. As he passed Lumian, he suddenly lowered his voice as if not wanting the others waiting in the office to overhear and said, Give my regards to the Mother. Mother Lumians pupils dilated. Grimm then added in a hushed tone, Ive recognized you, Honorable Child of God. Chapter 942 - Chapter 942 Storm in a Teacup Chapter 942 Storm in a Teacup Child of God Has he sensed the Omebella bloodline in me? This dream of a great existence is truly remarkable, even capturing the smallest details Lumian had now realized the truth, and he gently nodded in response to Grimms greeting. He turned and took a few steps, then said to Grimm, Director, Ill be heading out first. Grimms full title was Director of Security for the Intis Group. Grimms face broke into a satisfied smile as he gave a barely perceptible nod. Im quite pleased with your fighting skills. You should now follow Team Lead Xu to familiarize yourself with the different positions and procedures in the security department. This was his way of subtly indicating to Xu Xinyang, the current team lead of Security Team 2 who was also in the office, that he valued this young man and did not want Xu to give him a hard time. Yes, Director. Lumian responded with a slightly excited tone. As he followed Xu Xinyang out of the office, his expression gradually settled, and thoughts about Grimm flashed through his mind. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse who served Emperor Roselle, Grimm had died on a primitive island in the Fog Sea, but later seemed to have been corrupted by the power of the Great Mother, and his corpse had been revived in a strange state The Omebella bloodline in me can only be sensed by those directly created by the Great Mother or obtained Her boon, and they would have to be ones that lack the necessary intelligence to mistake me as a Child of God The Grimm in the dream city is constructed based on Mr. Fools subconscious perception, so the Great Mothers corruption hidden within him is understandable, but why did he mistake me for a Child of God? Is it because, as a dream manifestation, he fundamentally lacks the necessary intelligence? I wonder if the Great Mother has truly, covertly corrupted the dream Grimm and is using this connection to have him help with her own matters Lumian found the situation somewhat amusing. He truly was like a detonator for calamity, having triggered some issues that the Major Arcana card holders had been unable to uncover, and he had only been here for a few days. After changing into the navy-blue security uniform, Lumian was assigned by Security Team 2s Team Lead Xu Xinyang to guard the main entrance, with the primary duty of maintaining order in the lobby, preventing suspicious individuals from entering the building, and stopping delivery personnel from taking the elevator, instead directing them to leave packages in the drop-off area. Lumian and two colleagues replaced the previous security guards responsible for these tasks, standing at the entrance with their backs ramrod straight. At this time, it was still before the official start of the workday, and employees from various companies were still arriving. Some of them had a surprised reaction. The new security guard is quite good-looking Is he new? With that appearance, he shouldnt be a security guard, he should go do live streaming, auditions, or be an extra in movies! Soon, a male employee from an MCN company on the 7th floor and a female employee from an Intis Group subsidiary company consecutively walked up the stairs and headed toward the entrance. The latters eyes suddenly lit up. The security guard at the door is so handsome She picked up her phone, intending to take a photo and share it with her best friends. The former, on the other hand, immediately became excited. A handsome security guard, not at all sleazy Handsome Security guard Thats great material! It might even become a hot topic and miraculously attract eyeballs! While a level of handsomeness that would only be considered average or slightly above average for regular people, when contrasted with identities in the lower strata of society, such as security guards, beggars, farmers, herdsmen, delivery workers, or construction laborers, it had the potential to generate a lot of attention online. The MCN company employee quickly grabbed their phone, intending to record a video. Sensing their actions, Lumian stepped forward, blocking their phones with his hand, and said sternly, Please dont take photos of me without permission. Please respect others privacy! The man and woman were both taken aback, not expecting to be stopped. The male employee blurted out, I think you have the potential to go viral, and I want to post a video online. No need. Lumian stopped them, not wanting to become an Internet celebrity. The MCN company employee was dumbfounded. Who doesnt want to go viral these days? Lumian said seriously, Did you happen to take any photos just now? If so, please delete them. Hearing his words, Lumian felt the surrounding office workers all looking towards them, and the man and womans faces flushed red, feeling a bit indignant. What right do you have to tell me to show you my phone? If youve got the guts, call the cops! the woman retorted angrily. The male MCN company employee suddenly had an idea and began shouting, The security guard is beating me up! The security guard is trying to take my phone! Ill make you go viral in another way! Lumian seemed amused by their actions, a smile appearing on his face. This smile immediately calmed the man and woman, making them feel guilty for having yelled at someone so pleasant. Maintaining his Charm, Lumian said sincerely, I appreciate that you want me to go viral, but I really dont need that. Could you please delete the photos or video? The man and woman, forgetting about the people around them, dazedly showed Lumian their phones and deleted the photo and video in front of him. Thank you. Lumian kept smiling. The man and woman reluctantly left for the elevators, glancing back at him every few steps. Once they entered their own company and gradually regained their composure, one felt the security guard was handsome and cool, as well as polite, while the other suspected they might have awakened some remarkable inclination. At the lobby entrance, many white-collar workers were looking towards Lumian due to the recent incident. Lumian spotted Zhou Mingrui, who had changed into a dark polo shirt and was carrying a black briefcase. Zhou Mingrui also seemed to recognize him, with a hint of surprise on his expression. Lumian gave him a slight smile and gestured towards his security uniform. Zhou Mingrui composed his expression and politely nodded. Beneath his calm exterior, his heart was racing with shock and suspicion. Why is it him, that young man who had an early romance and became a father at a young age? How did he end up as a security guard at my company? I only saw him a couple of days ago, and now hes a security guard Isnt that too coincidental? Is it because of the incident with the vending machine? After becoming an Assassin, I feel like theres been someone secretly observing me Is this person trying to investigate my anomaly? Zhou Mingrui maintained his usual expression as he stepped into the elevator, waiting for it. He began to feel like he should resign and move away from his current residence, completely escaping the hidden observers The reason he hadnt done so before was that his acquisition of Beyonder powers had not been discovered, and the Intis Groups salary was quite plush, at the top tier in Yangdu. If he resigned, it would be very difficult to find a similar good job. Ill observe for a little longer. If there really is a problem, Ill have to resign and move. If that doesnt work, Ill go look for jobs in Beijing or Shanghai Will it implicate my family and friends Thinking of this, Zhou Mingrui shuddered, not daring to imagine the worst-case scenario. He could hide, but his family and friends couldnt. And without any evidence, even calling the police might not do any good. Reaching the 10th floor, Zhou Mingrui, still carrying his black briefcase, did not immediately head to the tech department, but instead turned towards the administrative department across the hall. He wanted to find Luo Shan, the administrative staff member he was most familiar with, and ask about the new security guard. Luo Shan was not at her desk, seeming to have gone to the restroom. After greeting a few other administrative staff, Zhou Mingrui made an excuse and stood by Luo Shans desk, waiting for her. His gaze swept over her desk, finding some familiar items but also a sense of unfamiliarity. In addition to the cute decorations she had before, there were now strange paintings adorning the divider, the surface of her water cup, and the outer layer of her snack bags. Next to the computer screen was an empty bottle of a beverage that seemed to have been kept as a decorative item due to its attractive design. Zhou Mingruis gaze landed on that beverage bottle, looking past the colorful and diverse abstract packaging to the two words that stood out: Painter. Painter Zhou Mingruis eyes narrowed slightly. What are you looking at? Luo Shans voice suddenly came from behind him. As an Assassin, he had failed to sense her approach in advance. Zhou Mingrui quickly put on a smile and turned to face Luo Shan, acting casual. I have something to discuss with you. I saw a new security guard downstairs just now, and he was arguing with two people, saying they were taking photos of him without permission Zhou Mingrui recounted the situation he had observed, without adding any speculation. Finally, he asked, Is he one of our companys security guards? Yes, he just started today. Luo Shan had a look of sudden realization. I heard from Feifei in HR that they hired a really handsome security guard, and I was thinking of finding an excuse to go check out the security department. Lowering her voice, Luo Shan continued, Ill tell you a secret, but dont tell anyone elsethat security guard is only 22 years old and already has a child I know that; he looks younger than his actual age Zhou Mingrui murmured inwardly. Luo Shan continued, Guess how old the child is? 7 years old! 7 years old? Zhou Mingrui doubted if he had heard correctly. 7 years old, a junior high school student with a child. Tsk tsk. Luo Shan clucked her tongue. Having a child at 15; so he did that at 14 Hes right on the edge of being illegal and criminal I dont know how old the mother is Zhou Mingrui suddenly felt the new security guard might not be after him. If he had some scheme, why would he expose such an earth-shattering and attention-grabbing background? How would he be able to carry out his covert operations? That doesnt fit the logic of trying to be discreet! Luo Shan rambled on, finally saying, But he has a very ordinary, average nameLi Ming. Li Ming Why not Li Hua Zhou Mingrui muttered as he left Luo Shans desk and headed towards the exit of the administrative department. He didnt look back, because he felt Luo Shan might also have some issues. She might have already become a Painter. Zhou Mingrui remembered Luo Shan previously bringing a bunch of beverages for everyone to draw, and at that time, he had drawn Instigator and fed it to the mushrooms, while Luo Shan had drunk Reporter. Back then, he hadnt detected anything unusual about Luo Shan or the other colleagues who had drunk similar beverages in the office. Now, the Painter beverage and the paintings that had appeared on Luo Shans desk were making him suspicious. Chapter 943 - Chapter 943 A New Fabrication Chapter 943 A New Fabrication At 4:30 pm, Lumian gathered his personal belongings, changed out of the security uniform, and prepared to leave work. This job surprisingly had an 8-hour shift system, but he would have to take turns on night shifts later. It had to be said that Mr. Huang Tao was not too strict in his treatment of employees, and was quite generous with the pay, even if some departments did require frequent overtime, for which Mr. Huang still provided overtime pay, and at a fairly high standard. If the overtime was too late, there were also reimbursements for late-night snacks and transportation. So, although Mr. Huang was notorious for his womanizing, and some of the companys policies were not very friendly or respectful towards certain female employees, there were still many who were eager to join the Intis Group. Today, Lumian had been stationed at the main entrance, not assigned to patrol the floors or monitor the security cameras. He had only encountered Zhou Mingrui once in the morning, and had not seen him since. He was not disappointed about this, nor was he impatientthe pace was just right. He walked towards the bus stop, braving the scorching sun, and along the way, he took out his phone to send a voice message to Franca: I think Ive left a rather strong impression on Zhou Mingrui today. Although I didnt notice any obvious changes in his expression, if I were in his shoes, I would certainly suspect that its not a coincidence that I just happened to meet him at Dream Tutoring Classes and then immediately started working at the Intis Groupthat I must be tracking him, with some hidden, sinister purpose. Given Zhou Mingruis caution and prudence, he will most likely think this way. Since he has formed such a deep impression, I wont be going back to Xinhong District tonight. Ill find a cheap motel to stay at, and see if there are any developments at night, whether it might lead to me being kicked out of the dream. Ludwig is being taken care of by Anthony. Soon, True Hidden Blade replied: Doesnt this risk Zhou Mingrui resigning? Thats bound to be a contingency plan for such a cautious person. I havent even started the job yet! Ive already bought several sets of clothes, and spent quite a bit of money! Sensing Francas concern about the money potentially going to waste, Lumian chuckled and replied: It shouldnt lead to that for now. I deliberately didnt go and tamper with my background information or try to forge a fake identity before the interview, so that my personal life would be outrageous enough to not seem like Im coming to investigate. Sometimes, a moderate degree of high-profile behavior can actually reduce others suspicions of you. And even if Zhou Mingrui does end up resigning, you can still join the company normally. Theres no rule that says Intis Group employees cant investigate Zhou Mingruis movements after work. Plus, the Intis Group has a lot of issues hidden, like Luo Shan, and Grimm. If we can uncover them, it might give us some inspiration to find a way to awaken Mr. Fool. He had informed Franca and the others about the problem with Grimm earlier that day. Finally, Lumian added: Remember to use the Information Shredder to delete the chat log. He reached the bus stop and carried out the operation to eliminate any traces. Soon, the bus arrived. Since it was not the usual rush hour, there werent many passengers. Lumian relaxed a bit. When he had taken the subway earlier, there had been an incident where a man had tried to grope him in the crowded environment, nearly having his wrist twisted off by Lumian. He wasnt afraid of such things, he just found it annoying and a waste of his time and energy. If he was experiencing this as a male, what would happen if he switched to his Demoness state? Dechuang Garden. Franca played Lumians voice message so that Jenna could hear it. As Jenna was using the Information Shredder to delete the chat log, she was either folding the new clothes one by one or hanging them directly in the closet. They had gone to the garment wholesale market again that morning, but this time they chose higher quality and more expensive items, spending nearly two thousand. After washing, baking dry, and ironing, the clothes were now ready to wear. Ive already applied to start work tomorrow, Franca said contemplatively as she helped fold the clothes. In her previous life, she hadnt even finished university, never getting the chance to experience work. After her transmigration, she had lived off the original bodys savings for a while, then by chance became an Assassin, bidding farewell to a regular job. Jenna smiled. Just remember that youre going there to investigate the issues and interact with Mr. Fools dream manifestations, not because you actually want the job. Then you wont care about how others view your work performance. Mm, I wonder when Zhou Mingrui will resign. Franca chuckled. I hope I can at least get one months salary! After tidying up the clothes, the two Demonesses leaned against pillows on the bed and started scrolling on their phones. After browsing for a while, Franca clicked her tongue and said, Mr. Huang really does have a lot of rumors surrounding him Huang Tao himself rarely posted anything on social media, but it was impossible to avoid the many ex-girlfriends he had had, numbering in the hundreds, of all kindsfrom famous actresses and singers to wannabe Internet celebrities who wanted to gain attention by sharing their love stories with the big company president, and even some who staged and acted out their own stories, despite having no real connection to Huang Tao. So no matter what Franca and the others browsed, they would come across stories about Mr. Huang and his women every now and then, reinforcing the impressions they had formed from Roselles diary and the corresponding legends. However, Franca still wanted to say that Mr. Huang was truly generous with his money, and would not set traps to reclaim the gifts he had given, or have the women thrown in jail. It was precisely because Huang Taos many mistresses were verifiably from the administrative department of the Intis Group that Franca had discovered during her job interview that not many people were applying for the positions for the sake of the job itself. Of course, she herself was not applying for the job for the sake of the job either, but to get close to Mr. Fools dream manifestation. Before Jenna could respond, Franca sighed again. I cant even imagine what the state of the administrative department at the Intis Group must be, and for Mr. Huang to be able to manage such an administrative department and still have the company thrive, he must be really capable Jenna also shared some of the other rumors she had come across about Mr. Huang, and by 11 oclock at night, the two Demonesses put down their phones, turned off the lights, and fell asleep. They once again found themselves in the strange space shrouded by a frozen storm, seeing Luo Shan, now in casual attire, floating at the edge of the semi-transparent barrier, having just pushed back the invasion of the bizarre creatures into the dark depths. Luo Shan turned and looked at them. Franca and Jennas planning had anticipated this scenario, so they did not immediately make a move, but instead returned Luo Shans gaze. Their eyes met, and Luo Shans low voice spoke, Are you also people with Beyonder powers? Are you here to investigate me? Her expression was full of wariness. Yes, and no. Franca responded in an ambiguous way. Jenna used a touch of Charm and smiled amiably. You havent left, and youre even willing to meet with us. Luo Shan was silent for a few seconds before speaking, Last night, I hid away, and discovered that you had taken my place, guarding the barrier and dealing with those monsters. I feel, I feel, that you must be a good person, and perhaps we can talk. Before Jenna could respond, Luo Shan pressed on, What do you mean, yes, and no? Franca organized her thoughts and said seriously, We want to approach you, to figure out the issues with you, and eliminate the hidden dangers, but we are not here to deal with you. The real target is not you. Luo Shan became a bit confused. Franca further explained, We are from the future, using a time machine to return to the present, in order to find that Messiah. Messiah? Luo Shan was bewildered. What the hell are you talking about? Franca nodded solemnly. In the not-too-distant future, humanity is under attack by evil forces and is on the verge of extinction. Thats when a Messiah suddenly appears and rescues us, mitigating the dire situation. The evil forces, through some means, have created a time machine and sent some monster-disguised creatures to the present in this city, trying to eliminate the Messiah while they are still weak. Fortunately, the future Messiah detected this and found a way for us to also utilize the time machine. He exhausted the machines last bit of power to send us back here, so that we can find and eliminate those monsters, and help the young Messiah overcome the interference and obstacles, truly awakening them. Our contact with you is actually to get closer to the young Messiah. Jenna listened to Francas narrative and was momentarily dumbfounded. Although they had briefly discussed the general storyline beforehand, she never expected Franca to be able to present it so convincingly. The story seemed to align quite well with the actual situation, yet there was a fundamental difference. Luo Shans expression fluctuated for a while, finding Francas story too far-fetched to be true, yet strangely familiar. As her thoughts raced, she suddenly recalled something and blurted out, Is that future Messiah Zhou Mingrui? Franca was not startled. She had fabricated this story precisely to probe how much Luo Shan knew and what information she had access to. She didnt expect Luo Shan to readily accept the ridiculous plot, but to accurately guess that the target was Zhou Mingrui. Knowing she needs to deal with Mr. Fools dream manifestations, but not understanding why? Jenna pondered and nodded, while Franca countered, Why do you think so? Luo Shans expression suddenly twisted in anguish. That voice, that voice made me give Zhou Mingrui the real Instigator beverage. That was the first time it made a clear demand, and promised to reward me with the Painter beverage afterwards. I felt having Beyonder powers was great at the time, and thought if Zhou Mingrui could also obtain them, it might not be too bad At this point, Luo Shans voice suddenly choked up. I-I didnt mean to harm him, I really didnt Franca tensed up. Did Zhou Mingrui drink the Instigator potion, I mean, beverage? The information provided by the Major Arcana card holders did not mention Luo Shan giving Zhou Mingrui the Instigator beverage. I dont know. Luo Shan shook her head. But there was some incident at the neighboring company that day, Im not sure if its related to this or not, Im not sure Seeing Luo Shans mental state becoming unstable, Jenna changed the subject. How many times have you had those beverages? Chapter 944 - Chapter 944 "Shaman" Chapter 944 Shaman As Jenna asked the question, she glanced at Franca. Franca nodded slightly. Luo Shan recalled her past experiences, her emotions calming a bit. Thrice. When and where was the first time? Jenna asked in a friendly manner. Luo Shan cast her gaze towards the slightly ethereal buildings around them, seeing the glass windows representing each household glimmering in the faint light from the frozen storm. It was in the lobby of the apartment complex. A vending machine suddenly appeared there, filled with beautifully designed beverages. I got a random one, and it turned out to be Seeing Luo Shan suddenly pause, Franca, floating in front of a building, took a step forward with an eager expression, wanting to probe further. Several Spirit Bodies of the apartment residents were wandering beside her, some wearing glasses, some with beautiful watches, some with shiny accessories on their clothes. Jenna grabbed Francas arm, giving her a look to not be hasty, and asked softly herself, What did you get? Shaman, Luo Shan named the beverage. Shaman What abilities did it give you? Jenna asked casually. Luo Shans mood lifted a bit. It allows me to choose an area and, by setting up totems and performing rituals, establish it as my domain. Then I can communicate with the sky, earth, water, trees, and creatures there, borrowing power from their spirituality to cast various spells. That sounds so powerful Its more impressive than any Sequence 9 I know of, almost on par with some Sequence 7 pathways Jenna thought in amazement. She curiously asked, Can a Shaman only fight within their fixed domain? Cant they change territories? They can change, but it requires a complex process and takes a long time, about three days, Luo Shan explained enthusiastically. Outside their domain, a Shamans power rapidly weakens, becoming weaker the further they are from their territory. There are still significant limitations Is the personal domain a manifestation of spatial authority? Jenna further inquired, You guard the barrier to prevent those monsters from invading because they would destroy your domain? Thats part of it, Luo Shan sighed. Another aspect is that a Shamans power allows me to sense different spaces, higher worlds, letting my spirit make initial contact with them. This causes my soul to be noticed by the monsters, becoming a target for their invasion. This place youre in now is a unique space formed by the fusion of my spiritual world, the Shamans domain concept, and the corresponding spirit world of Dechuang Garden. Those monsters want to use it as a stepping stone to invade reality, while also attacking my spirit and mind. If the barrier is breached, my soul will be controlled or even replaced by them. A Sequence 9 has such high risks? No wonder Shaman sounds so powerful Xinhong District doesnt have this issue while Dechuang Garden does because a Shaman lives here Does Shaman essentially act as a beacon for those monsters to invade reality? Jenna roughly understood the basic situation of the Shaman sequence. Luo Shan added with a self-deprecating smile, Im no longer just a Shaman. Now, even if this barrier is breached, it wont affect me much. The only problem is that everyone living in Dechuang Garden would be killed in their dreams, their abdomens torn open, their internal organs ripped out As she spoke, Luo Shan fell silent. After several seconds, she whispered, This is my doing. I have to take responsibility If this wasnt a problem you brought about, and you encountered this situation, would you choose to guard the barrier in place of the Beyonder who fled? Jenna deliberately used this question to reinforce Luo Shans sense of guardianship. Luo Shans lips moved slightly. I dont know Maybe Probably Jenna didnt press Luo Shan for a definite answer, instead asking with concern, You have to guard the barrier every night and still work during the day. Isnt it too exhausting? No, you can think of this as my mind world or my dreamscape. Being busy here doesnt affect my physical rest. I just need to take a nap during the day, Luo Shan smiled. This state made her feel like the protagonist of a novel or comic, saving humanity in an inner world at night while continuing to be a corporate drone during the day. Jenna exchanged another glance with Franca before asking, What was the name of the second beverage you drank? Was it also from the vending machine? The second one I drank was Reporter, Luo Shan recalled. Once, after being injured while guarding the barrier, I woke up feeling like I had a bad cold, coughing severely. I took a day off and went to Mushu Hospital. The doctor prescribed cough syrup, but the pharmacy gave me the Reporter beverage instead. I suddenly felt it must be the follow-up beverage to Shaman, so I didnt tell the pharmacist theyd given me the wrong medicine Later I drank Reporter again, but that one was fake. Among that batch of drinks, only the Instigator for Zhou Mingrui was real I shouldnt have listened to that voice Mentioning this incident, Luo Shans expression twisted, seeming very regretful. Jenna didnt immediately inquire about the origin of that voice, instead discussing less sensitive matters. What are the abilities of Reporter? Observing, investigating, and uncovering the truth of the world, along with extreme speed, Luo Shans mood became low again, speaking vaguely without giving specific examples. She slowly raised both hands to cover her ears, mumbling as if in a trance, After drinking the Reporter beverage, I sometimes felt I had changed. I began to hate this world, hate the details that didnt match my imagination, hate the people and things I was dissatisfied with. I wanted them all to explode, wanted to remake them, make everything here conform to my fantasies. And to remake these things, I had to pray for help from the truth of the world, from the true world above Then, I heard that voice Jenna pursed her lips, changing the subject once again. After Reporter is Painter, what comes after Painter? After Painter should be Literature Enthusiast, someone skilled in imagination. I havent gotten that one yet Luo Shan briefly answered Jennas question, then moved her hands up to pull at her hair. That voice made me malicious, fierce, cruel As she spoke, Luo Shan suddenly burst out, crying as if her heart was being torn apart, I dont want to be like this! Im not this kind of person! Crystalline tears were already streaming down her cheeks. Seeing this, Jenna floated closer and said in a gentle voice, I know youre not that kind of person. That kind of person wouldnt continue to guard the barrier, preventing monsters from invading Dechuang Garden and killing the adults and children here No, many of these monsters were drawn by me. Originally, they werent so powerful Luo Shan was still in painful self-reproach. She tugged at the collar of her shirt, seeming unable to breathe. Jenna moved in front of her and continued, Everyone makes mistakes. The difference between good people and bad people is that good people know how to make amends Suddenly, Luo Shan raised her head. The top two buttons of her shirt were undone, clearly revealing the painting on her neck and chest. The painting looked like a tattoo, a vibrant, colorful flower. The flower suddenly enlarged, opening its petals in a spectral form, revealing dense teeth and hidden pus inside. The invisible scent it had been emitting, combined with the manifestation of its true form, made Jenna freeze, too dizzy to control her body. The colossal flower suddenly enveloped Jennas body. Seeing this, Luo Shans face showed a cold smile, silently mouthing, That fool is just right for making people like you let your guard down Just then, there was a cracking sound, like a mirror shattering. Luo Shans expression changed slightly. She was about to attack Franca and find out where the real Jenna was, when her body suddenly stiffened, as if frozen. Stuttering, her Astral Projection quickly faded, leaving this space. In reality, in room 1502. Franca stood by Luo Shans bed, thrusting the Wintry Blade into the sleeping Luo Shans shoulder. She had already actively left that spirit world-like space earlier, when Luo Shan answered that she had drunk the beverage three times. The version of her before and after that moment was created and manipulated by Jenna using mirror magic, utilizing the surrounding glass windows, eyeglass lenses, and other mirror-like objects! Upon realizing that Luo Shans mental state was truly unstable and that she had acted against Zhou Mingrui, Franca and Jenna decided to initiate their contingency plan: one creating illusions to occupy Luo Shan, the other returning to the real world to find Luo Shans body and fundamentally control her! This might also eliminate the risk of them being kicked out of the dream. After stabbing Luo Shan with the Wintry Blade, Franca immediately took out her phone and called Anthony: Come to Dechuang Garden, Building 5, Room 1502 now. We need you to treat someone with personality alteration due to corruption. Remember to bring Ludwig. Although the current plan was for Jenna, Franca, and Lumian, Anthony to operate in two separate groups with minimal contact, deleting chat and call records with the Information Shredder at all times, urgent situations called for flexibility. Anthony was the only person they could trust to treat Luo Shan now. Of course, Franca or Jenna could use repeated Charm to make Luo Shan fall in love with them for a period of time, following their will, and do the same to her altered personality, thus controlling the stability of her mental state. But with other options available, there was no need for such distortion, which might lead to a the disease is cured, but the patient died'' outcome. After Anthony replied Understood, Franca sighed in relief and used invisible spider silk to bind Luo Shan, who was struggling to wake up. Then, she removed her hair tie, letting her long hair cascade down and strangely extend, touching Luo Shans body. This brought about a stone-like rigidity at the points of contact. Chapter 945 - Chapter 945 New Hostel? Chapter 945 New Hostel? After a while, Jenna also came to Room 1502 by climbing through the window, and saw Luo Shan controlled by three methods. Were the invading monsters driven back again? Franca asked with concern. Jenna tersely acknowledged. By the time dawn breaks, they should attack again. She then summarized the key points of what Luo Shan had said after Franca left that space. Hearing that becoming a Shaman would cause ones own psyche to sense another space and higher realms, thereby attracting all sorts of strange creatures to invade, Franca couldnt help but mutter, What kind of extraterrestrial demons is this Jenna could understand every word Franca said, but did not grasp the specific meaning. However, she was already accustomed to Franca occasionally blurting out some strange words, especially after entering the dream city, so she did not ask further, and continued to relay the information she had gathered from Luo Shan. As soon as she finished, the doorbell rang. Jenna walked to the bedroom door, and cautiously, without approaching the main entrance, took out a hand mirror to reflect the view outside the peephole. It was Anthony and only Ludwigs head visible in the image. Jenna then opened the door, pointed to the bedroom, and said in a low voice, The patient is inside. Anthony had driven himself to Dechuang Gardenafter a few days of observation, he had learned how to drive to some extent. Then, he persuaded the patrolling property management to help with parking and card swiping, and pressed the button for the 15th floor. As Anthony walked towards the bedroom, Ludwigs gaze fell on the paintings Luo Shan had done. Can I eat them? he licked his lips, looking at Jenna with longing. Jenna hadnt seen the child in several days, and seeing him still the same, she felt a warm affection and smiled. These are just paintings. But they still represent a certain reality. When it came to eating, Ludwig was always mature. Jenna thought for two seconds and replied, Okay. She felt that these paintings were done by Luo Shan previously, and Luo Shans condition at the time was unknown. There might be some contamination or hints left on the paintings. If Anthony managed to help Luo Shan recover, but the patient then saw some of her old paintings and the problem resurfaced, it would be a waste of her companions efforts. With the permission granted, Ludwig cheered and crumpled the unframed paintings, stuffing them into his mouth. Will eating these give you different qualities or abilities? Jenna asked curiously. Ludwig replied with a muffled voice, I can temporarily acquire them, but the duration is very short, and I dont have anyone to deal with right now. Eating these is mainly to increase my spirituality limit Jenna nodded in understanding, then looked at the back of Ludwig devouring the paintings and asked lightly, How have your studies been these past few days? Ludwigs back suddenly stiffened for a second. Inside the bedroom. Anthony had learned the full situation from Franca, lit some candles, and dripped on some pure dew. After completing all the preparations, he signaled to Franca that she could retract the Wintry Blade. Franca, who had been holding the almost invisible triangular spike for too long, had lost a lot of body temperature, and her lips were even a little pale. Upon hearing this, she hurriedly put the weapon back into the Travelers Bag. Of course, she was still far from becoming an undead. The negative effects of the Wintry Blade were also suppressed to Sequence 7 in the dream. As the Wintry Blade was put away, Luo Shans eyeballs rolled slightly under her eyelids and slowly opened. She quickly recalled her ordeal, her expression twisting into an extremely hideous grimace. Then she saw a pair of deep brown eyes, like a deep lake, and the flickering yellowish candlelight reflected in them. At the same time, she smelled a soothing aroma. Luo Shan immediately became calm. Seeing this, Franca clicked to enlarge the words she had previously written on a memo and showed them to Anthony. Do not try to guide or suppress the corruption hidden in the patients Beyonder powers. Trying to completely eradicate them is unrealistic and very dangerous for us now. What you need to do is treat the patients mental problems, resolve the personality alteration, or reduce the impact of the personality alteration. If the patient relapses later, we will still handle it according to the current plan, until we find a way to thoroughly solve the corruption problem or find help. Anthony gave an almost imperceptible nod and began to communicate with Luo Shans mental self. Franca stood by, ready to intervene if anything went wrong with Anthony. After Ludwig finished eating even the paintings in the bedroom, leaving only the one with the bridge, precipice, abyss, and dark forest, Anthony finally completed the treatment, extinguished the candles, and led Ludwig out of the bedroom, leaving Room 1502. After another dozen seconds, Luo Shans long eyelashes fluttered, and her gaze gradually recovered its normalcy. She looked at Franca and Jenna, her expression a mix of bewilderment and as if she understood everything, and said, I feel like Ive just woken up from a long nightmare We found a professional doctor and cured the problems caused by the corruption in the potion beverage you had to some extent. Of course, this is just the end of the first treatment course, and whether there will be more courses will depend on the situation, Franca explained vaguely, retracting her long hair and releasing the invisible spider silk bindings. I knew you guys would help me, even if you cant cure me, youll deal with that demon properly. Luo Shans spirit and mind had returned to the lively state before she drank the Reporter beverage. She smiled at Franca and said, Actually, I noticed at the time that you seemed to have become less real, but I suppressed that feeling and deliberately didnt look at you again, so that she wouldnt find out. She? Luo Shan had already started referring to the altered personality as she Hmm, that altered personality also called her that The situation seems to be more serious than we had anticipated previously, but at least we managed to control her and provide treatment in time Franca nodded with relief. Jenna then asked curiously, You could tell that eh Luo Fu became a mirror illusion, relying on the Reporters ability to observe, investigate, and uncover the true world, right? They had not fully understood the Painter pathway beforehand, and their plan almost failed. Yes, Luo Shan quickly nodded, looking at Franca, Your name is Luo Fu? Its so beautiful, even nicer than my name. Youre all so beautiful! We all have the surname Luo, maybe we were from the same family five hundred years ago, Franca joked. Jenna thought for a moment, looking at Luo Shan. Why do you go out every evening? Sometimes I go to find tasty food to treat myself, sometimes I go shopping with friends, and sometimes At this point, Luo Shans expression changed slightly, Sometimes I go to a hostel thats still under renovation and hasnt opened yet. Thats the latest demand of that voice. It said that after the hotel officially opens, it will bestow the Literature Enthusiast beverage on me. Hearing that the voice demanded opening a hotel, Franca and Jenna simultaneously thought of a term: Hostel! For that evil god of the Fantasy Association, the concept of a hostel has strong symbolic meaning? Reflected in the dream, its wanting to open a hotel? Franca asked, Is the money for opening the motel from you, or is there another source? I put in part of it, spending all my savings. Fortunately, I had already bought this apartment before, so the remaining money wasnt much. But lately Ive been seriously considering mortgaging the house to get a loan and get the hotel open as soon as possible. As she spoke, Luo Shan had a look of lingering fear on her face. Money opening a hotel requires money That evil god of the Fantasy Association didnt directly give money, but made the bestowed offer it themselves In Mr. Fools dream city, money indeed has a strong symbolic meaning, and the evil gods have to worry about it Franca asked thoughtfully, You only put in part of it, who provided the rest? Its people similar to me, but I havent met them. Different people go to oversee the hotel renovation every day, not contacting each other, and theyre not even on the shareholder list. Im not on it either. The hotel is owned by someone called Anderson. Anderson? Anderson Hood? Franca and Jenna asked in unison. How do you know? Luo Shan was surprised. Franca laughed. We know a lot more than you think. She asked for the name of the hostel, opened her phone, searched it, and then saw the name Colorful Hostel with Anderson Hoods name clearly listed as a shareholder. This was too direct and conspicuous, making Franca feel that the other party was challenging or boasting about a successful prank. This needs to be told to Lumian, let him probe Anderson Speaking of which, he hasnt had an excuse to communicate with Anderson The Hunter hasnt been sending messages either Jenna took out her phone, hesitating whether to contact Lumian now. She was afraid of waking the other party. After a brief consideration, Jenna still chose to step out of the bedroom and use the text input method to report the information about the Colorful Hostel to Lumian. She couldnt let the softness in her heart hinder the communication of key issues. Perhaps it wouldnt be long before dawn, and she and Franca would be kicked out of the dream! Luo Shan followed and came to the living room. She looked around and asked, Where are my paintings? Weve taken care of them all, Jenna honestly expressed her previous concerns. Okay. Luo Shan nodded in agreement, then pointed to the remaining painting and said, What about this one? Its the most dangerous! Seeing Franca and Jenna both looking at her, Luo Shans expression changed a bit as she said, Its not a painting I did. Soon after I drank the Reporter potion, I suddenly received this painting, I dont know who sent it. I feel that the other me, in my heart, is also in the dark forest in this painting! Conventional methods cant get rid of it. Jenna did not hide anything from Luo Shan. Franca changed the subject thoughtfully. What about the self-portrait? When you deleted all the photos, it self-combusted, so I knew you had a problem, Luo Shan said, worried and curious. Franca immediately became eager to try, pointing to the painting with elements like the dark forest, precipice, and bridge, and asked Luo Shan, Have you tried taking a photo of this painting? Did anything unusual happen at the time? If she could take a photo and the abnormality wouldnt immediately manifest, they could consider using the Information Shredder to handle it! I couldnt, the photos would turn out blank. I even tried throwing it away, but it mysteriously came back, Luo Shan shook her head. As expected Franca was not too surprised by this. She pondered and said, Can you give us this painting? We have a way to deal with it, but well have to wait until morning. Chapter 946 - Chapter 946 Five-Star Rating Chapter 946 Five-Star Rating After returning to Room 2303 with that painting, Jenna asked Franca, Should we have Lumian contact Stiano? He should be very interested in how to deal with this kind of painting. The previous self-portrait sketch of Luo Shan could be photographed but not deleted, while this precipice bridge painting couldnt be photographed at all. Franca pondered for a few seconds, then smiled and said, Thats one of the backup plans, but not the first choice. We currently only know that Stiano is interested in mystical photos that can spread online and cant be deleted. Were not sure if he has the desire to research paintings that cant be uploaded to the Internet. Besides, always owing favors to someone or owing too many may not be a good thing. It will have to be repaid eventually. Theres no such thing as a free lunch. Its similar to taking out micro loans. Do it appropriately and moderately, and be prepared to repay from the beginning. With the analogy of micro loans, Jenna immediately accepted Francas reasoning. Then how do we deal with it? she asked. Francas smile widened. Wait until dawn, then take this painting to the Star Dream Provisions Store after the morning rush hour. Huh? Jenna couldnt quite follow Francas train of thought. Franca, who had read extensively before her transmigration, always had a broad perspective. She chuckled softly. When you get to the Star Dream Provisions Store, ask the shopkeeper if Shed buy items with mystical elements, and how much She would offer. If Shes willing to buy it, this painting probably wont be able to come back on its own. Can it be done like this? Jenna thought carefully and found it quite feasible. Based on the premise that only true gods could enter Mr. Fools dream besides those who possessed medium items or had special connections, as well as details like contacting the Major Arcana card holders by sending letters to the Church of the Evernight Goddesss high-ranking deacons through the Star Dream Provisions Store, and the dim environment of the store itself, Lumians team could actually guess the shopkeepers identity in reality, but they tacitly agreed not to mention it. If the shopkeeper agreed to buy this strange painting, it meant She definitely had a way to control the corresponding anomalies and truly transfer ownership to Her hands. Moreover, wasnt it normal for a provisions store focusing on mystical elements to purchase items with mystical elements? After pondering for a few seconds, Jenna asked, What if the shopkeeper doesnt want to buy it? Then ask if we can put this painting in Her store for consignment. Well pay a storage fee and give Her a cut of the final sale. Its equivalent to paying Her to handle the anomaly, Franca said with a smile. If She still doesnt agree, well contact Stiano through Lumian. If Stiano doesnt accept, you can take advantage of the daytime to find an opportunity to throw this painting at the police station. Remember to hide your identity well. At this point, Francas expression suddenly turned serious. My spiritual intuition and mystical experience tell me that your process of dealing with this painting wont be very smooth. There will be dangers. If the danger is too great, you should actively exit the dream. We still have two more chances later, theres no need to risk your life now. Understood. Jenna nodded solemnly. Afterwards, she and Franca entered that strange space again and found Luo Shan once more guarding by the semi-transparent barrier, in quite good condition. Franca revealed her identity as a colleague and started chatting casually with Luo Shan, learning more details about Zhou Mingruis situation and which employees in various departments of the Intis Group were worth noting. The results of the conversation left Franca and Jenna very satisfied, feeling that saving Luo Shan was not only a choice of emotion and stance but also a very correct decision in the course of completing their mission. The information obtained from Luo Shan might have taken Franca and Lumian one or two months to slowly collect on their own. Later on, well need your help to convince Zhou Mingrui that he is the future messiah, Franca said to Luo Shan with a flattering smile. We cant directly tell him the truth; he definitely wouldnt believe it. He absolutely wouldnt believe it. No normal person would. They would just think its a prank or a scam, Luo Shan nodded, then added in a small voice, I dont fully believe it myself now Franca pretended not to hear Luo Shans mumbling and changed the subject. When dawn broke and they automatically left that strange space, Franca got out of bed and took out the clothes she was going to wear today from the wardrobe, with a heavy expression. Before Jenna could speak, she took the initiative to say, Theres a good chance youll encounter danger and anomalies today, so its better to dress in a way that allows for easier movement. Jenna nodded lightly, not refusing. Franca quickly finished washing up, took off her pajamas, and while slowly changing her clothes, she muttered, After I became a Witch and adapted, sometimes when walking on the street, I would feel pleased and happy with peoples gazes, thinking how charming I am. This might be a manifestation of a Demonesss narcissism. But theres a difference between enjoying it yourself and being forced by others. And if youre not used to it yourself, you definitely wont like it. Its like when I was in school, they always required us to wear uniforms on Mondays, and there would always be some rebellious kids in each class who didnt want to, preferring to accept punishment instead Franca rambled on, as if trying to distract herself and reduce the sense of embarrassment. She bent over, clumsily putting on the most conservative flesh-colored stockings, stepped into brand new low-heeled shoes, then stood up and, using the full-length mirror embedded in the wardrobe, adjusted her blouse and light gray skirt that reached just above her knees. Looking at herself in the mirror, Franca pursed her lips, feeling quite complex. Jenna watched the whole time without saying a word. After applying makeup that made her look a bit less attractive, tying up her long hair, putting on glasses, and picking up a high-quality branded replica handbag, Franca walked steadily towards the door. Just before leaving, she turned back and smiled at Jenna. Thank you for not saying you look beautiful in this outfit or this really suits you. However, you seemed a little bit amazed just now. Hmm, that made me feel a bit better. Yes, Jenna returned with an affirming smile. Franca waved and walked out the door. She really is someone whos good at self-regulating her emotions and staying optimistic Jenna sighed inwardly, turning her gaze away and patiently waiting for the morning rush hour to pass. Close to 9 oclock, she carried the painting and left Building 5, coming to the residential districts lobby. She chose to take a ride-hailing car to the Star Dream Provisions Store instead of taking the subway and then switching to a bus. She was afraid that the paintings anomalies might affect more people. If that happened, the latent dangers might not do much to her, but the widespread commotion could bring about more serious problems. After a while, Jenna walked out of the lobby and came to the roadside, seeing a white sedan already waiting for her. After opening the car door with one hand, she glanced towards the drivers seat, confirming that the driver wasnt wearing a monocle and had no other obvious features. It was someone she didnt recognize and didnt trigger her spiritual intuition. Jenna sat in the back, placing the painting on her lap and holding it to her chest. After verifying the last digits of her phone number, the driver started the vehicle. Jenna was highly focused, vigilantly guarding against possible accidents. Suddenly, she felt her breathing become difficult, while there was no anomaly around her. It was as if another her was being pushed into the sea, and the feeling of drowning was transmitted through a mystical connection. Without hesitation, Jenna took out a mirror, plucked two strands of hair, trying to stick them to the mirrors surface and burn them with a Demonesss black flames. She was attempting to cast a black magic related to the Mirror Substitution, actively trying to transfer that mystical connection to the mirror. At this moment, Jenna had a hallucination. She saw gently swaying emerald-green waves and her own hands flailing uncontrollably, as if struggling to swim to the surface. However, there was a force pulling at her legs, trying to drag her to the bottom of the sea. Almost simultaneously, a pale, swollen hand reached out from nowhere and covered her mouth. Mmph, mmph, mmph Glug, glug, glug Jenna showed obvious signs of drowning, her nose, respiratory tract, and lungs becoming extremely uncomfortable. She wanted to use her substitutes but couldnt sense those mirrors. She seemed to be separated from them in different worldseven the mystical connection cut off. Suddenly, silent black flames flowed out from Jennas eyeballs, nostrils, mouth, ears, and other places. These black flames burned her body from the inside out, burning all the invisible things trying to influence her. Outside the black flames, frost condensed, encasing Jenna in a thick ball of ice and snow. On the surface of the sphere, countless invisible spider silk retracted, wrapping layer by layer, forming a huge cocoon. Jenna finally no longer felt the agony of nearly drowning, but she still couldnt sense her body or substitutes. The next second, she found herself walking on a bridge. On the other side of the bridge was a steep cliff and a dark forest at the far end of the cliff. Have I entered that painting? Jenna tried to turn around and return to the starting point of the bridge, to escape the world inside the painting from the entrance, but she couldnt control her body and watched helplessly as she continued forward along the bridge. At this time, two people walked out of the dark forest. One was Luo Shan with a malicious face, and the other was Jenna herself. A Jenna with a seductive smile! Crack! The bridge suddenly broke, and Jenna fell towards the dark abyss whose bottom couldnt be seen. Great fear and despair invaded Jennas mind, her consciousness rapidly blurring, unable to save herself. She seemed to already see the image of herself smashed into bloody pieces. Taking advantage of her consciousness not yet completely falling into darkness, before the unimaginable pain arrived, she mustered her last clarity, about to actively exit the dream. But it didnt work. It didnt work! Useless Jennas gaze suddenly froze. She didnt give up; she was still trying to save herself, gritting her teeth, struggling to regain control of her body to use the Demonesss feather-fall technique. At this moment, a ray of sunlight shone into the dark abyss, illuminating the cliff high above. All the scenes before Jennas eyes instantly shattered and fragmented in the brilliant sunlight. She suddenly opened her eyes and found herself still sitting in the car, hugging that painting. Weve arrived, the driver turned halfway, reminding Jenna. I arrived so quickly? Jenna felt as if she had been walking for an entire morning in a stuffy environment, her clothes soaked with sweat. She looked out the window somewhat bewilderedly and saw the Star Dream Provisions Store. Jenna instinctively pushed open the door and got out of the car, wanting to rush into that shop to avoid other possible anomalies that might come later. Remember to give me a five-star rating! the driver called out to her retreating figure. Jenna unconsciously turned her body sideways, looking back at the driver. The driver had a smile at the corner of his mouth and somehow produced a crystal monocle, putting it on his right eye. Chapter 947 - Chapter 947 Equivalent Exchange Chapter 947 Equivalent Exchange Amon? Jenna, standing beside the car, was stunned. She vaguely understood why she had been able to arrive at the Star Dream Provisions Store early and escape that deadly hallucination at the most critical moment. In this matter, Amon had provided help, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable! She and Franca had already estimated the risks to the greatest extent possible, but they still hadnt anticipated that the real situation would be so terrifying that she wouldnt even have a chance to exit the dream! This was even with her being a Demoness, with survival abilities and life-saving skills among the top of same-Sequence Beyonders. Indeed, Amon and His father are on the same side as us in awakening Mr. Fool, just with different desired paces of progress, so He only provided help once until now. Hmm, this help was aimed at that evil god of the Fantasy Association. If I had failed my mission today and died, would the painting have returned to Luo Shan on its own, leading to developments that Amon and His father dont want to see? In an instant, Jenna thought of many things, not even having time to feel fear in hindsight. Please help close the car door, Amon, with the monocle clasped in His right eye socket, reminded Jenna with a smile, just like a real ride-hailing driver. Only then did Jenna return to normal, closing the car door with her free hand. Watching the white sedan drive smoothly away from the street, Jenna, hugging the precipice painting, rushed into the Star Dream Provisions Store without any regard for her image. Feeling the light suddenly dim considerably, Jenna immediately relaxed. Only then did she feel a surge of confusion. How could Amon accurately accept my order? How did He know we had obtained this painting and were going to send it to the Star Dream Provisions Store today? With everyone being suppressed to Sequence 7, its impossible to be so precise with prophecies and divinations Could it be that true gods are a bit more special in the Dream City, subject to different restrictions than us? So, did Amon coincidentally save me with the help of His father? This could also explain why this painting was so difficult for me to resist, not even giving me a chance to save myself. If we were all at the Sequence 7 level, it shouldnt have been like this. Or perhaps I actually had a chance to break free from its influence, but being my first encounter with this type of attack, I made mistakes in my response and failed to notice details that could have been utilized? Jenna looked at the oil painting in her arms, suppressing her thoughts, and walked to the cashier at the very back of the Star Dream Provisions Store. This could also explain why this painting was so difficult for me to resist, not even giving me a chance to save myself. If we were all at the Sequence 7 level, it shouldnt have been like this. Or perhaps I actually had a chance to break free from its influence, but being my first encounter with this type of attack, I made mistakes in my response and failed to notice details that could have been utilized? Jenna looked at the oil painting in her arms, suppressing her thoughts, and walked to the cashier at the very back of the Star Dream Provisions Store. Do you buy items with mystical elements? Jenna politely asked the shopkeeper who was playing with her phone. The shopkeeper slowly raised her head, and the blazing sunlight outside suddenly appeared to be obscured by clouds. Yes, we do, she said with a slight smile at Jenna. They really buy them? Jennas heart leapt with joy, and she quickly placed the oil painting on the counter. Could you take a look and see if it meets your requirements? How much is it worth? The shopkeeper reached out a hand, bringing the painting in front of her, and after looking at it for a few seconds, said, Thirty thousand. How much? Jenna instinctively doubted her ears. It wasnt that she thought this bizarre oil painting had no mystical value or wasnt worth thirty thousand dollars, but rather that for her and Franca, this painting was a burden, a danger, something they would pay to get rid of. If the shopkeeper had said she would take the painting for thirty thousand, Jenna thought that after discussing with Franca, they would grit their teeth and pay. As thoughts raced through her mind, Jenna considered a possibility. The shopkeeper of the Star Dream Provisions Store was clearly an ally, and her current behavior was to provide more funds for their team! And money had a very important symbolic meaning in the dream city. Not giving it directly, but using this opportunity of buying mystical items as the method Is this because certain rules of the dream city have to be satisfied, rules that even gods cant violate? Equivalent exchange? If thats the case, it must have been quite difficult for the Major Arcana card holders to provide two thousand in startup funds for each person As Jenna pondered this, she subconsciously thought about whether she should haggle and try to raise the price a bit. Since they were allies, they should be happy to see such behavior, as it meant they could provide more help. After brief consideration, Jenna abandoned this idea. The person across from her was the manifestation or projection of a true god. The price She quoted must have been carefully considered to be the most suitable, appropriate, and least likely to cause anomalies. In terms of dream consciousness, every item has an estimated price. If the transaction price is too high, it would be considered problematic and might involve illegal activities, inevitably leading to reactive changes later? Thinking of this, Jenna responded to the shopkeeper, Alright. When the shopkeeper actually transferred thirty thousand yuan to her, she suddenly regretted letting Ludwig eat all the other paintings. Those might have been worth some money too! However, those were just painted by Luo Shan, probably not worth much, maybe just equivalent to Ludwigs late-night snack fee Thank you, Jenna thanked the shopkeeper again and turned to walk out of the Star Dream Provisions Store. The bright and brilliant sunlight from high above fell on her, finally giving her the feeling that the danger had completely passed. Only then did she begin to feel fear in hindsight. She still had many things she wanted to do, and several people she couldnt bear to part with. At the entrance of the Tech Building. Franca, wearing low-heeled shoes, carefully ascended the steps. Her current attire was something she had never worn before, instinctively giving her a sense of insecurity and embarrassment. This also made her more sensitive to the gazes and appraisals around her. She felt that the admiring ones were still acceptable, but those she previously considered impolite and a bit disgusting seemed to have increased, or perhaps she just noticed them more. Some people hurried past her, then turned back to look after taking a few steps, thinking they were being discreet, revealing slightly disappointed expressions. This seemed to be because her makeup, attire, and appearance didnt quite match what they had imagined after seeing her figure and clothes. Why are you being disappointed, asshole!? Franca secretly gave the middle finger and cursed under her breath. She finished climbing the stairs and looked towards the security guard at the entrance, but didnt see Lumian. I thought we could communicate with eye contact at the entrance, pretending not to know each other on the surface, just like in some spy dramas Franca muttered silently, entering the lobby and walking towards the elevator area. Inside the surveillance room. Lumian sat in front of several large screens divided into multiple scenes, carefully scrutinizing each image from a not-so-short distanceyesterdays minor incident had given the security director Grimm an excuse to arrange for him to watch the surveillance cameras and patrol floors on rotation, no longer needing him to guard the main entrance. Lumian quickly noticed Franca in the elevator area. Although she had deliberately made herself less attractive, wearing old-fashioned black-framed glasses and clothes she had never worn before, he still recognized her. Its a pity that Lie now only equates to top-level makeup skills and cant adjust height and figure to a certain extent, otherwise the disguise effect would be better. As it is now, its still too eye-catching Lumian commented inwardly. Seeing him watching so intently, the security guard sitting next to him rolled his eyes and said, clutching his stomach, Li, my stomach hurts. Im going to take a dump. Keep an eye on things yourself. Is this what they call getting paid to poop online? Lumian chuckled inwardly and said, Okay. This couldnt be better, maybe theres even a chance to check yesterdays surveillance footage and see how Zhou Mingrui reacted to my employment in private, what he did! After his colleague had really gone to the bathroom outside the surveillance room, Lumian saw that Franca had finally managed to squeeze into an elevator after two failed attempts. Suddenly, on the big screen, several images showing the situation inside the surveillance room went black. Wh Lumian didnt move. Just two or three seconds later, there was an additional person beside him. It was security director Grimm, wearing a thin blue suit. Grimm, looking at the big screen, said in an seemingly casual manner, Be careful of Huang Tao. Be careful of Huang Tao? What relationship could Mr. Huang have with me, a male security guard? Lumian was puzzled and asked calmly, Why? Maintaining his posture of watching the surveillance footage, Grimm explained briefly, He has betrayed Mother and is no longer Mothers child. No longer He was before, but not now? Madam Magician mentioned that in the Vortex event, although Emperor Roselle perished, he also severely injured the strongest Broker, breaking free from the corruption of the Great Mother and retaining hope for resurrection This and Amon obtaining Mr. Fools consent to reborrow power from His past self are different components of the same event So, Mr. Fool learned about Emperor Roselles status, his subconscious cognition changed accordingly, causing Huang Tao in the dream city to no longer secretly harbor the corruption of the Great Mother? Lumian preliminarily sorted out the logic. This also made him realize a problem. Previously, he only knew that accidents and encounters in the dream might reflect in reality, bringing about real death or problematic advancements, but at this moment, he believed that changes in reality could also affect the dream, provided that Mr. Fool truly perceived it. The dream and reality are not one-way, they can interact Lumian remembered this discovery, then turned to smile at Grimm. Dont you find it strange that as a Child of God, Im not female? Grimm showed a confused expression. Mothers children can be of any gender, or even genderless, or multiple genders. These are not important. Whats important is the ability to procreate and bring new life. Child of God, why do you ask such a question? Grimms brow furrowed slightly. Of course, its to test you! Lumian laughed inwardly in response. He was testing whether Grimm only sensed that he was a Child of God, or if he knew more specifically that the current Child of God was Omebella, like Hand Bro. If Grimm knew that he was Omebella, he would be confused about the gender discrepancy. Otherwise, it would indicate that he indeed lacked the necessary wisdom and was more like an NPC as Franca had said, but influenced by the Great Mother. This also proved from another angle that there was a big problem with Hand Bro being able to call out the name Omebella. Lumian smiled and said to Grimm, I thought Mother had already let you know my true identity. As he spoke, his hair gradually lengthened, and the lines of his face quickly softened. Chapter 948 - Chapter 948 New Employee Orientation Chapter 948 New Employee Orientation Grimms eyes suddenly reflected an indescribably beautiful face, but it vanished in an instant, like an intoxicating yet elusive dream. Lumian had already transformed back into his male state, his gaze returning to the surveillance screens. After a few seconds, Grimm remarked with some emotion, When I was looking at the files transferred from HR, I was thinking that a 22-year-old with a 7-year-old son would be very suitable to be Mothers child, and could definitely be developed. I didnt expect hehe, truly worthy of being a Child of God. I didnt alter my background information and it still had this benefit Who could have imagined this before Lumian had to admit that some things were beyond even the Conspirers expectations. Suddenly, Grimm stood up and left the surveillance room. In just a few seconds, the cameras inside the surveillance room resumed their normal operation. Not long after, the security guard who had gone to defecate came back swaying and sat down next to Lumian. He asked in a low voice, The team lead didnt come, did he? This referred to Xu Xinyang, the team lead of Security Team 2. No, Lumian answered honestly. Simultaneously, he silently added, The team leader indeed didnt come, but the director did. Just then, Lumians phone vibrated. He turned his body, facing away from his colleague, discreetly took out his phone, unlocked the screen, and looked. The vibration was caused by a WeChat friend request, the applicant was Intis Group Grimm. After Lumian accepted, he took the opportunity to look at Grimms Moments. The most recent post from this Intis Group security director was: Children are more important than money, offspring are more important than work. This was accompanied by nine photos, each with a different child. Lumian quickly scrolled down and found that Grimms Moments had only one theme, which was sharing about his children. As expected of Mothers chosen Mr. Fools subconscious cognition is still too conservative, only giving Grimm nine children. Well, it also has to conform to the daily situations of the dream city Lumian locked the screen, put the phone back in his pants pocket, and thought about how to use Grimms connection in the future. He planned to inquire about what Grimm had been doing recently and how well he had been doing it, under the pretext of a superiors assessment next time. Tenth floor, Intis Group Administrative Department, in a separate small office. Franca, led by an HR employee, met Zhang Qing, the deputy director of the Administrative Department. He was also one of the interviewers at the time. Zhang Qing looked Franca over a few times, and actually felt somewhat amazed, of course, this was based on her state during the interview as a reference. He could only say that her figure was indeed very good and suited this outfit well. While feeling slightly amazed, Zhang Qing also started to feel a headache coming on. He worried that this new employee, Luo Fu, might be blindly arrogant and set her sights on Mr. Huang. He hoped she would honestly and diligently do her job and share the work between himself and the others. Thinking of this, Zhang Qing couldnt help but sigh inwardly. This was his daily statefacing beautiful women of various styles every day. As a man, it was inevitable to have some emotional and desire fluctuations, but thinking that any of these beauties might become Mr. Huangs mistress at any time, he had to restrain himself and not show any abnormality. Moreover, these beauties would occasionally quarrel and fight, coming to his office crying to complain, requiring him to spend a lot of energy mediating. This made him physically and mentally exhausted every day, feeling a sense of spiritual impotence. Namo Amitabha After Zhang Qing muttered to himself, he began to explain the daily work and precautions of the office to Franca according to the procedure. Finally, he said, Ill find an experienced employee to guide you. Your position will be arranged near that experienced employee. Franca took the initiative to say, Can you ask Luo Shan to guide me? I live very close to her, we knew each other before, and it was she who made me full of longing for the company. Before officially starting work, Franca had already thought about what image she wanted to establish in the Intis Groupa newcomer without much scheming, rather frank and cheerful, sometimes speaking without thinking. She felt that as long as she didnt deliberately think about problems, following her daily life state, she could play this role well. Zhang Qing nodded slightly, his expression relaxing considerably. Alright. He stood up, led Franca out of the small office, and introduced her to other employees in the Administrative Department. Franca saw a series of beautiful women, all striving to highlight their own characteristics. There were innocent ones, glamorous ones, and those going for the pure and sexy look, giving a feeling of a hundred flowers blooming. These women were all alert at first glance of Franca, but after their gaze fell on her face and scrutinized for a few seconds, they relaxed. Some of them perfunctorily greeted her, then picked up their makeup mirrors to touch up their makeup, while others enthusiastically chatted with Franca, thinking about dumping some of their work on this newcomer later. Franca, having managed a large number of dancers before, was not at all unfamiliar with such occasions and naturally and appropriately followed Zhang Qing around the Administrative Department. Seeing this, Zhang Qing imperceptibly nodded. Indeed, she has three years of work experience, and the evaluation from her previous job is also very good Well, after seeing so many star-like beauties, she shouldnt have any unrealistic thoughts, right? Franca noticed that about half of the employees in the Administrative Department were working seriously, and among them were also many good-looking women. Some of them were purely attracted by the high salaries of the Intis Group, not very interested in Mr. Huang, and had no hope for possible favor. Rather than becoming Mr. Huangs mistress, they wanted to develop in their careers and prove themselves. Others planned to establish the image of a capable woman, thinking that maybe Mr. Huang liked this type recently? After introducing Franca to the employees of the Administrative Department, Zhang Qing stopped near Luo Shans position and nodded slightly. Luo Shan has gone to the foreign trade department and will be back later. Since you already know each other, I dont need to introduce you. Well, Mr. Ed is currently entertaining distinguished guests and is not in the company. Ill take you to meet him later. Mr. Ed referred to Edward, the vice president of the Intis Group, in charge of administration and business. Entertaining distinguished guests? Zaratulstra mentioned in the information from the Major Arcana card holders? This person is most likely a subordinate of the Celestial Worthy, suspected to be a Seer pathway Angel who is currently possessing Loki Franca pondered as she replied to Zhang Qing. She then sat down at the desk not far from Luo Shans position, hiding her legs under the table. This gave her back a sense of security, and the faint shame subsided. After Zhang Qing left, Franca sat in her position, looked around the bright and clean Administrative Department, and silently exclaimed, So this is what working is like? During the time after her transmigration when she lived on the original bodys savings, she naturally thought about not eating away at his savings. But she didnt understand the skills the original body knew, and the original body had no education, so she could only find jobs like waitressing and kitchen helper. Then, because she couldnt stand the conscience of those merchants and was unwilling to make counterfeit goods or help deceive innocent people, she couldnt last more than a few days before being fired either voluntarily or involuntarily. Almost no job lasted a full month, and there were a few times when she was almost beaten up. In her view, this was no different from doing internships or summer jobs during college, and now was her first real job, especially in a dream city very similar to the world she transmigrated from. While observing naturally, Franca saw those paintings on Luo Shans desk. Her heart suddenly skipped a beat. Luo Shans paintings at home have been cleaned up, but there are still some here After some consideration, Franca stood up, walked to Luo Shans seat, tore down all the paintings that could be torn down, and threw the ones that couldnt be torn down into the trash can along with the items. Just as she finished doing this, she felt someone watching her. She quickly turned around and saw a young man standing in the aisle near Luo Shans position. The man wore plain glasses and a plaid shirt interwoven with three colors. His appearance was slightly handsome with a very clear chin. It was Zhou Mingrui. Damn Ive directly encountered Mr. Fools dream image Seeing Zhou Mingruis confused expression, Franca quickly explained, Luo Shan asked me to help deal with it. Zhou Mingrui looked at the paintings and items in the trash can and said as if talking to himself, Luo Shan asked to throw them away? He then glanced at Francas heel height and muttered in his heart, With such low heels, shes still a bit taller than me Franca nodded repeatedly. Yes. Zhou Mingrui withdrew his gaze and smiled politely. Where did Luo Shan go? I have something to discuss with her. She went to the foreign trade department to coordinate something, Franca repeated Zhang Qings words. I see Zhou Mingrui then asked, Are you transferred from another department to the Administrative Department? I dont think Ive seen you before. I just joined, Franca answered honestly. Seeing Zhou Mingruis gaze unconsciously move towards Luo Shans seat, Franca controlled her inner nervousness and smiled naturally. Luo Shan and I are neighbors, we knew each other before. Before she went to handle something, she asked me to help her throw away all these paintings. She doesnt want them anymore. Doesnt want them anymore Zhou Mingrui repeated this sentence softly, then asked Franca with a colleagues attitude, Did Luo Shan give you an internal recommendation? No, Franca said with a slight pride. I relied on my own abilities. Then, she said in a teasing tone, Maybe the Administrative Department has been busier recently and needs more people who can really get things done. She didnt want Mr. Fools dream image to think she was a gold digger. Zhou Mingrui exchanged a few more pleasantries, left the Administrative Department, and returned to the opposite side. Franca sat back in her position and quietly let out a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Ive been well-trained in front of the Demoness of Black. Mr. Fool, uh, Zhou Mingrui shouldnt have noticed that I was a bit nervous just now, right? Its normal to be nervous; after all, being caught throwing away a colleagues belongings behind their back In the Security Department. Lumian took the opportunity of going to the bathroom to take out his phone and clicked on the dialog box with Anderson Hood. The chat interface was still on the initial greeting message. Chapter 949 - Chapter 949 Action Outline Chapter 949 Action Outline Lumian waited until the Dream Tutoring Classes opened before sending a WeChat voice message to Anderson Hood: Mr. Anderson, does your tutoring school have painting classes? A friend of mine wants to know. Late last night, after receiving Jennas message, Lumian had been thinking about how to probe Anderson Hood. Based on the premise that Luo Shan had been controlled and her personality alteration had been initially resolved, he felt this matter was not urgent. There was no need to screenshot the legal representative and shareholder information of Colorful Hostel and send it directly to Anderson, teasing him about having other businesses on the side, then observe the subsequent reactions and wait for any unexpected developments that might result. He planned to start with the painting issue, making initial probes, preferably without alerting Anderson. Anderson didnt immediately reply to Lumian, and Lumian didnt linger in the bathroom. After putting his phone in his pants pocket, he walked back to the surveillance room. Looking at the large screens in front, his mind flashed through some experiments he had done and needed to do: 1. Observe Mr. Fools dream manifestation Zhou Mingrui and the people around him; 2. First contact with Zhou Mingrui during the day, leaving a certain impression; 3. Contact people close to Zhou Mingrui, divided into multiple stages, eliminating the suspicion of one target before contacting the second, and so on; 4. Contact Zhou Mingrui again during the day, leaving a deeper impression; 5. Establish a relationship with Zhou Mingrui during the day where they can chat, hinting at the existence of Beyonder powers and his goodwill; 6. First contact with Zhou Mingrui at night; 7. Hint at the existence of Beyonder powers and his goodwill to Zhou Mingrui at night; 8. Based on the results of previous experiments and information gathered, formulate an official awakening plan. This was the action outline for Lumians team. Currently, the first four parts had been completed, without any members being kicked out of the dream or restrictedthe third part was spread throughout all subsequent steps, and team members responsible for contact had to self-isolate for a day and night before continuing to advance. The danger gradually increased in the later parts. Lumian didnt think about avoiding it, because determining the degree and source of danger was one of the purposes of the experiment. Only by knowing what could be done, what couldnt be done, what would lead to immediate expulsion, and what would take time to explode, could their team officially enter the eighth part of the action outline and formulate a targeted awakening plan. At this stage, Lumian wasnt worried or afraid of failure; he was worried and afraid of not being able to find the reasons for failure. With this mindset, he approached many things with a testing attitude, including whether the Information Shredder worked, whether Stiano was trustworthy, what relationship Anderson Hood had with the Painter pathway, whether Grimm had become one of the Great Mothers tools to influence the dream, and so on. After obtaining the test results, they would contact the Major Arcana card holders to compare accounts, which might reveal some interesting and useful details. If they had consulted the Major Arcana card holders from the beginning, forming preconceived notions and fixed thinking patterns, they might not have tested some things, and thus wouldnt have obtained their own results. Their minds would only have the conclusions given by the Major Arcana card holders, which might cause them to miss key information. As Lumian was pondering what to do next, he noticed an extra person in one of the surveillance footage on the tenth floor. The camera was aimed at the entrance of Aurora Company, and a person wearing a black robe with a wide, deep hood, completely out of place among the nearby white-collar workers, walked out. Suddenly, a bunch of things fell out from inside the persons robe, landing on the floor. The person quickly crouched down, the hem of the robe covering the fallen objects. When he stood up, the ground was clean again, without any items. After watching this person walk out of the surveillance frame and seeing him enter the elevator through the elevator surveillance, Lumian silently said to himself, The corresponding image of a certain Aurora Order mister in the dream city? The security guard sitting next to him followed his gaze and laughed. Its fine; those clowns from Aurora Company are like that, its nothing, its nothing. I thought it was some kind of performance art, Lumian said as he saw Luo Shan walk out of the elevator and enter Intis Group. In the Administrative Department, large office. Luo Shan stood confused next to her position, seeing her desk with fewer items. I helped you throw away all those paintings, Franca walked up to Luo Shan and explained with a smile. Luo Shan suddenly realized. I had forgotten about that, Ill draw some new ones later She paused, looked around, and asked in a lowered voice, Can I, can I still paint later? Yes, it doesnt affect your ability to use your power, Franca comforted her quietly, then raised her volume, Director Zhang asked you to familiarize me with the work process. Zhang Qings full title was Deputy Director of the Administrative Department of Intis Group. Alright, Luo Shan pulled Franca over and openly chatted about various rumors within the company. Finally, Luo Shan said, I forgot to tell you last night, theres a very fierce young security guard recently, he even dares to confront those MCN company people. Hes really handsome, but dont tell anyone, he already has a 7-year-old son, and hes only 22! Theoretically speaking, I am the childs mother, one of them Francas mouth twitched slightly as she echoed with emotion, Doesnt that mean he had a child in middle school? After chatting about this for a while, Franca returned to her seat and entered work mode according to Luo Shans guidance. After familiarizing herself with the office system, she rotated her chair and stood up, wanting to help Luo Shan share some work. She saw Luo Shan holding a pencil, focused on drawing on a white paper. What is she drawing? Franca softened her steps and silently walked to Luo Shans side. She found that Luo Shan was sketching her own portrait, with the Luo Shan in the drawing having hollow eyes, a cold expression, and a curled mouth. Wh Francas eyes focused, and she immediately reached out her right hand and patted Luo Shans shoulder. What are you drawing? Luo Shan was startled and quickly stopped drawing. She turned her body, and seeing it was Franca, she visibly relaxed and pressed her chest saying, You scared me! I thought Old Zhang had caught me slacking off. As she spoke, Luo Shan glanced at the sketch on the table, and her expression quickly became terrified. W-why would I draw this? Franca pondered for two seconds and showed a smile that made Luo Shan extremely reassured. Dont worry, you can finish the last few strokes, Ill handle it. Luo Shan, uncertain and frightened, leaned forward again and added the last few strokes, making the portrait more lifelike. As soon as she finished drawing, the Luo Shan in the sketch presented a state as if about to come alive. Franca grabbed the drawing, and black flames burned discreetly in her palm. The expression of Luo Shan in the drawing immediately became painful, full of resentment and hatred, as if she was being burned by flames. In the blink of an eye, the drawing curled up, showed signs of spontaneous combustion, quickly turned to ashes, and fell into the trash can. While completing this, Franca used the Mirror Maze through the transparent screen on the side of the desk, Luo Shans phone screen, and the mirror being used by a nearby colleague for makeup touch-ups, to deal with the camera surveillance, not leaving traces of Beyonder powers in the corresponding footage. Luo Shan stared blankly as Franca dealt with the portrait, and after a few seconds said, I feel like my whole being is much lighter again; my mood is better Franca nodded and said, You can treat it as another release of negative emotions and desires. She considered for two seconds and added, Currently, we can only treat your symptoms, not solve the root cause of the problem. Simply put, we can only treat the symptoms, not cure the disease. So, you need to be vigilant about your own state, do self-examination from time to time, and if you find something wrong, immediately come to us for a new round of treatment. Dont delay, otherwise, behavior like just now will happen again, and the consequences are unpredictable. Power is a double-edged sword, it can harm others and also harm oneself, this will accompany us for life. Luo Shan listened quietly, remained silent for a moment, then lowered her head and smiled. I understand what you mean. I hope, hope I can hold on for a few more years, preferably until I retire, no, let me enjoy life for five more years after retirement. Seeing Luo Shans smile, Franca suddenly felt it was a bit dazzling, making her eyes ache. She comforted in a gentle voice, If you can hold on, you must hold on. Its like some diseases that were terminal in earlier years, but if you actively cooperate with treatment and try to prolong life as much as possible, with the development of technology, they can now be cured or better controlled. In the future, we might become stronger, or we might meet stronger people who have ways to solve the problem of power corruption. Luo Shan nodded slowly and smiled at Franca. Ill try hard, and you should work hard too, lets all work hard! Franca remained silent for a moment, deactivated the Mirror Maze, and returned to her own seat. She picked up her phone and found that Jenna, with the nickname Nana and Lily, had sent her a message describing the dangers encountered on the way to deliver the painting to Star Dream Provisions Store, the help received, and the final result. Franca felt a wave of fear reading it, quite regretful that she hadnt accompanied Jenna. She had anticipated great danger but thought that Jenna, who could actively exit the dream, would at most waste one opportunity. She didnt expect that the power representing the Fantasy Associations evil god could prevent them from returning to reality. Jenna had almost really died. Fortunately, Amon and His father are on our side Jennas experience also provided us with important intelligence. In the future, when encountering people and objects of the Painter pathway, we need to be careful about not being able to exit the dream Franca, thinking of Lumian about to or already probing Anderson Hood, quickly forwarded Jennas message to him and reminded him to remember to delete it using the Information Shredder. After confirming that Lumian was currently fine and had received the warning, Franca glanced sideways at Luo Shan, roughly understanding why her condition had suddenly relapsed earlier. It coincided with the time when that painting appeared abnormal and Jenna nearly died. Inside the surveillance room. After deleting the messages from Franca and Jenna using the Information Shredder, Lumian pinged Anthony. He continued to watch the surveillance, looking for potentially abnormal people and events. At this time, Xu Xinyang, the leader of Security Team 2, entered the surveillance room and patted the shoulders of his two subordinates. After work this afternoon, lets go visit Old Wang and Old Ding together, theyre out of danger now. After visiting the hospital, lets gather with all the folks who arent on shifts. Its also to welcome Little Li to our team. Old Wang and Old Ding? Lumian could guess who the team leader was talking about, but still had to put on a confused expression. Xu Xinyang, with his burly build, square face, and very tanned skin, said with both amusement and helplessness, Didnt you see the news? Several of our folks were struck by lightning. Fortunately, it wasnt people from our Team 2 who died. Damn, how did they get struck by lightning? Oh, I remember now, Lumian then asked, Which hospital are Old Wang and Old Ding in? Xu Xinyang answered simply, Mushu Hospital. Chapter 950 - Chapter 950 Dinner Invitation Chapter 950 Dinner Invitation Its really Mushu Hospital Lumian wasnt surprised at all by Xu Xinyangs answer. He grunted in acknowledgment. Alright, Team Lead. He had thought about it. As an important base for evil gods to influence the dream city, and with some degree of cooperation with the Celestial Worthy, Mushu Hospital might be unavoidable for many things to come. It wasnt a matter of cautiously avoiding it or not entering, pretending it didnt exist. So, rather than that, why not take advantage of the daytime, while their actions hadnt yet reached a critical stage, while he still had another chance to enter, and while he had a reasonable and legitimate excuse, to go take a look and investigate in person. Of course, the underground floors that likely represented the Abyss and Mr. Fools psychological dark side still couldnt be recklessly entered. After seeing off Xu Xinyang, Lumian stayed in the surveillance room until almost noon. He and his shift partner Old Xia waited for their colleagues to relieve them, then went downstairs together to the Intis Group staff cafeteria located in the annex building of the Tech Building for lunch. They didnt get meal allowances, and the cafeteria wasnt free, but it had a wide variety of dishes, and the prices were kept quite cheap through company subsidies. So, whether from headquarters or branch offices, employees in this building all liked eating in the cafeteria. Even Mr. Huang himself would come eat there occasionally to check the quality of the food. The only problem was that during the lunch rush, the cafeteria was packed. Higher-income employees preferred to order takeout or dine at nearby malls. As security guards, when they could go to the cafeteria depended on when their colleagues came to relieve them. Everyone tacitly agreed to come a bit earlier to avoid the peak hours. Lumian got steamed eggs with minced meat, stir-fried yellow chives and meat with pickled peppers, fried chicken leg, cucumber and pork soup, and a big bowl of rice. He found a corner spot with Old Xia and listened to him chat about the antics of the Aurora Company folks while eating. Old Xia clicked his tongue and said, Their boss is an exhibitionist, or the M in S&M, often with whip marks on his body Say more, slander some more, I love hearing it Lumian nodded along while inwardly muttering. Suddenly, his phone vibrated twice. He picked it up and saw a message from A name that leaves a deep impression on you, which was Anderson Hood: Is that friend you mentioned actually yourself? Lumian smiled and replied using voice input: You could interpret it that way. He felt that in conversations between Hunters, whoever got anxious first, whoever got angry first, whoever felt guilty first, would lose. Only by adjusting oneself to a state where nothing mattered could one stand undefeated. After about 20-30 seconds, Anderson replied: Painting requires talent, I hope you have it. Our tutoring school doesnt have painting classes, but I know a decent studio, thats where I learned. If youre interested, tomorrow night at 7, meet me at the entrance of Jinxiu Dongfang Community on Sifang Street, and Ill take you for a tour. At night? Lumian pondered for a moment before replying: Alright, thank you. He remembered that Colorful Hostel was on Sifang Street, but the interior renovation and decoration hadnt been completed yet. In the Administrative Department, large office. Luo Shan stretched lazily, walked over to Francas desk, and asked with a smile, What are you eating for lunch? I dont want to join the crowd at the cafeteria. Without waiting for Franca to respond, she lowered her voice and said, Other departments all find time to have team dinners to welcome new employees, only our Administrative Department doesnt. Mainly because those ladies dont want to or think little of us, which is fine, but the worry is that theyll insist on going, wanting to find some free helpers. Tsk, can you imagine how that would develop? Sarcasm and veiled barbs are the norm, with people crying, arguing, or even wanting to get physical not being uncommon. It left a bunch of trouble to deal with afterward, so Old Zhang simply stopped organizing departmental dinners. Those who get along well just gather privately, however they want. Franca listened with relish and said expectantly, I wonder when Mr. Huang will next come to the Administrative Department. The scene then would surely be spectacular; she wanted to witness it. Demonesses inevitably tended to have a bit of a chaos-loving inclination, which was very justifiable when it came to watching drama. Mr. Huang probably wont come in the next few days. He has VIPs to entertain, and even if he comes to the company, hell go to the 16th floor, Luo Shan disclosed Mr. Huangs whereabouts. Zaratulstra? Franca was very attentive and serious about this matter. Besides the items listed in the action outline, they also had to guard against the Celestial Worthy and evil gods doing bad things to Zhou Mingrui in the dream city. They needed to discover and prevent it early. Moreover, this could also accumulate inspiration to help them formulate an awakening planhow the Celestial Worthys subordinates did it, and they could try to do the opposite. What a pity, Franca said with a look of regret. She then asked curiously, Wont Mr. Huang bring the VIP to tour the company? He has before, Luo Shan suddenly paused, her voice becoming even lower, That day Zhou Mingrui happened to be on sick leave. Franca, could that long-named VIP be the destroyer you mentioned, sent from the future to the present by evil forces? Was Zhou Mingruis sick leave arranged by your people? A Painters spiritual intuition is quite strong Franca smiled and said, Is that VIP called Zaratulstra? Luo Shan nodded solemnly. Then it is, Franca confirmed her earlier guess. Luo Shan was silent for a few seconds, then her eyes lit up and she said, Why dont I ask Zhou Mingrui to have dinner with us? That way youll have a chance to meet and chat with him. Holy crap So fast? So direct? Franca felt a bit shocked. She had thought it would take her and Lumian a week or two to naturally contact Zhou Mingrui through work matters before reaching a point where they could add each other on WeChat or have casual chats. Who knew that on her first day of work, Luo Shan would invite Zhou Mingrui to have dinner together! Its too, too fast This progress is too advanced; Im not ready yet Seeing that Franca hadnt answered, Luo Shan smiled and said, Zhou Mingrui owes me several meals. Every time he asks me for information, he says hell treat me to a meal next time, but so far hes only done it once. Hmm, welcoming my bestie to the company is a good reason. As she spoke, she picked up her phone and started tapping out a message to Zhou Mingrui. After a while, Luo Shan waved her phone and said, He agreed, but said it would be dinner tomorrow, because he has to work overtime tonight, and tech people have too little lunch break time to go eat something nice. He agreed just like that No stress reaction, no excuses? Franca suddenly recalled an old saying: The best way to get close to someone is to know the people around them. Helping Luo Shan was indeed the right choice This is karma rewarding kindness! Franca pondered for a moment, then said to Luo Shan, Zhou Mingrui seemed a bit concerned about those paintings you had on your desk before. He didnt refuse your invitation, but agreed to it. Maybe he also wants to confirm or probe something Without waiting for Luo Shan to respond, Franca added, If thats really the case, its a good thing. The only question is, does dinner count as nighttime? This goes against the plan in the action outline, and could lead to confusion and ambiguity in the experimental results It shouldnt count if its not completely dark, right? At 4:30 in the afternoon, after another round of patrolling the floors, Lumian and Old Xia came to the underground parking lot of the Tech Building. They saw Team Lead Xu Xinyang sitting in a dark gray SUV, reaching out from the passenger seat and waving at them. Over here. Lumian and Old Xia walked over and sat in the spacious back seat. Just us few? Old Xia looked out the window. Xu Xinyang laughed. Who goes to visit patients at a hospital in a big group? The nurses wouldnt let us in! Just the four of us, Zhao is driving, the others will wait directly at the dinner place. Zhao was the young man sitting in the drivers seat, looking a bit chubby from the side. At this time, the roads were still fairly clear. Before 5 oclock, Lumian and the others had arrived outside Mushu Hospital. Two young men each carrying a box of fruit and a bag of nutritional supplements followed behind Xu Xinyang and Old Xia as they walked in. The lobby of Mushu Hospital was no different from when Lumian last came, ordinary, with people coming and going. Only occasionally could one notice certain orderlies with indifferent gazes and slightly mechanical movements. Lumian withdrew his gaze, confirming that his spirituality gave no warning and there were no abnormalities around, then entered the elevator going up and arrived on the 12th floor. Exiting the elevator area and turning into the ward, after pushing open the door, what met his eyes was a quiet nurses station and a corridor extending into darkness. The light at the end of the corridor seemed to be broken, not yet repaired. Led by a nurse who looked very normal, they entered a double patient room where Old Wang and Old Ding were. Before Lumian, Zhao, and Old Xia could get a clear look at the patients condition, two bedside family members rushed in front of Xu Xinyang, speaking one after another: Team Lead Xu, this is definitely a work-related injury for our Old Wang! Boohoo, Team Lead Xu, our Old Ding almost died, look at him, look at him, who knows how long it will take to recover. Xu Xinyang finally found an opportunity and pressed his right hand down. Ladies, this will definitely count as a work injury. Mr. Huang said that not only will there be compensation according to national standards, but the company will also give an additional sum, as well as cover all medical expenses beyond insurance, and continue to pay normal wages until Old Wang and Old Ding fully recover and can return to work. We wont let one of us bleed, sweat, and cry! While Xu Xinyang was comforting the family members, Lumian and the others turned their gaze to the hospital beds, seeing the two patients wrapped from head to toe in white bandages, with only their eyes, noses, and mouths exposed. Old Xia couldnt help but lean close to Lumian and say in a low voice, I dont mean to be unkind, but they really look funny like this. I thought only TV shows wrapped people up like this. Didnt expect to see it in real life too. Lumian didnt respond to Old Xia, because he thought of mummies. Mummies that were said to have close connections with the Wraith pathway controlled by the Mother Tree of Desire. And this was Mushu Hospital. Chapter 951 - 951 Everything as Usual 951 Everything as Usual Lumian looked again at Old Wang and Old Ding, who were wrapped from head to toe in white bandages, carefully examining their condition and the details around them. Dont disturb the patients, the nurse who had led Lumian and the others into the ward reminded them before walking out and returning to the nurses station. At this moment, the patient who was presumably Old Ding woke up, influenced by the conversation between his family members and Xu Xinyang, slowly opening his eyes. Contrasted against the surrounding circles of white bandages, Old Dings deep brown eyes were noticeably darker than normal, taking quite a while to regain focus. Lumian didnt notice any abnormalities worth noting. Xu Xinyang walked to the bedside and greeted Old Ding, who lacked energy and spoke indistinctly. Lumian listened for about 20-30 seconds, then glanced at the still sleeping Old Wang, and stepped back gradually, inconspicuously and without drawing attention, to the doorway of the ward. He then examined the doctor and nurse information posted outside the ward: Attending Physician: Huang Puda. Head Nurse: Qi Fang. From the photo, it was clear that Qi Fang was the nurse who had just led Lumian and the others to the ward. Names not mentioned in the files The name style is that of locals in the dream city, not like foreigners Doesnt seem to be any problem Lumian returned to the ward and followed Team Lead Xu Xinyang in greeting Old Ding and the two family members again. They didnt stay long to avoid disturbing the patients rest. Walking through the corridor, past the nurses station, and towards the wards main door, Lumian casually examined the bulletin boards on both sides of the wall. One side featured scientific achievements and introductions to some diseases and injuries, while the other side had brief introductions of all the doctors and nurses in this ward, arranged in several rows. Lumians gaze fell on the topmost photo. It was a female doctor with a plump appearance, fairly good features, and slightly brownish eyes, looking to be in her forties. Her introduction read: Roland, Associate Dean Lumians first reaction was Isnt that Francas last name?, followed by a sudden chill down his spine, almost making him shudder. He remembered another Roland. It was a prominent name he had heard about while investigating the sea prayer ritual in Port Santa of the Feynapotter Kingdom: Matriarch Roland of the Church of Earth Mother! This was equivalent to the pontiff or pope in other orthodox churches! The Planter pathway has the Doctor Sequence, and Roland, as the matriarch of the Church of Earth Mother, is most likely an Angel of this pathway, which is equivalent to one of the strongest doctors in the real world. Her corresponding manifestation in the dream city serving as the associate dean and chief surgeon of a hospital, certainly qualifies and aligns with Mr. Fools subconscious cognition But the problem is, this is Mushu Hospital Lumian naturally withdrew his gaze and walked towards the ward exit with Xu Xinyang, his expression unchanged. He remembered that the information from the Major Arcana card holders didnt mention Roland having a corresponding dream manifestation. Is it unknown, or considered unimportant, a mere NPC? Is Roland becoming the associate dean of Mushu Hospital woven by Mr. Fools subconscious dream, representing some of his cognition, or has Rolands dream manifestation been exploited by the Great Mother due to issues with Her own pathway? Or is this one of the achievements of Mushu Hospital? If Mother Roland is the associate dean, then who is the dean? Lumian felt he needed to report this to the Major Arcana card holders. This didnt contradict his idea of first testing on his own and gaining personal results. He was worried that if there was a problem with the dream image, it might affect Matriarch Roland in the real world, and wanted to remind the Major Arcana card holders. Leaving the ward, Lumian curiously asked, Team Lead Xu, whats the name of the dean of Mushu Hospital? I havent seen any news about him. Xu Xinyang entered the elevator area and thought for a few seconds before saying, Strange, odd, I havent heard of him either. I only know that Mr. Huang used to have a good relationship with this hospital, donated a lot of money to them, and helped establish them. Money a lot of money donations Lumian thought this must have been done when Emperor Roselle was still corrupted by the Great Mother. This also made Mushu Hospital financially strong, seemingly not too worried about money issues, unlike the Colorful Hostel of the Fantasy Association, which still had to exploit its bestowed and believers for renovation. While waiting for the slow elevator, Old Xia suddenly asked Xu Xinyang, Team Lead Xu, do you think Old Wang and Old Ding can recover to their original state? They used to be such good fighters. Are you eyeing the positions they left behind? Xu Xinyang asked with a smile. In the Intis Group, the Security Department wasnt just about security guards, but also had real security personnel responsible for protecting Mr. Huangs family and important guests, providing security services for jewelry exhibitions, antique exhibitions, arms deals, etc. held by various companies of the group, and protecting important mining sites through cooperation with local armed forces. Old Wang and Old Ding were security personnel, earning much higher salaries than ordinary security guards, with additional allowances if dispatched externally. Ill pass; cant take that risk, and dont have that ability, Old Xia waved his hands repeatedly, looking scared. Xu Xinyang looked at Lumian and smiled, saying, Originally, I wanted someone in their fifties or sixties, but the HR department sent me the youngest one. Fortunately, Director Grimm is satisfied. Why look for someone in their fifties or sixties? Old Xia asked on behalf of Lumian, he himself looking to be only in his thirties or forties. Xu Xinyang chuckled and said, Security guard is a service position. Youre all too young, not smooth enough, and cant bring yourselves to make a scene or throw tantrums. Think about it, if you had a conflict with an employee in the building, which one of you would be able to lie down on the ground without any burden, clutch your chest and cry out in pain, saying you cant breathe? A man in his fifties or sixties wouldnt have such concerns, theyd dare to lie down, dare to shout, dare to extort. In that case, would the employee on the other side dare to take it seriously and continue to make trouble? Having an elder is like having a treasure! Lumian understood that Xu Xinyang was reprimanding him, thinking that getting into trouble with someone on his first day of work showed inexperience. Zhao, not catching Xu Xinyangs implied meaning, asked foolishly, Then why not directly find someone over seventy? What if they really fall ill on duty? Xu Xinyang scolded Zhao impatiently, You dont care when its Mr. Huangs money, do you? Zhao giggled, not refuting Xu Xinyang. At this moment, an elevator finally stopped on this floor, already crowded with people. Entering the elevator and following its slow descent, Lumian suddenly had a feeling that he and the others were sinking into the dark seabed. It was an illusion brought on by his spirituality. The illusion quickly disappeared as the elevator stopped at the next floor. As the elevator continued to stop at various floors, Old Xia grumbled, Its a bit cold, isnt the air conditioning too strong You didnt say that when we took the elevator up earlier Is it because were currently descending, getting closer to the underground floors? Lumian thoughtfully observed the other people in the elevator, noticing that they all looked slightly pale from the chilly air conditioning and cold wind. There were no other unusual situations beyond this. When the elevator stopped on the first floor, Lumian suddenly felt as if it would plummet in free fall, and instinctively stepped out quickly. The feeling of overly effective air conditioning disappeared instantly. Lumian raised his hand to pinch his nose, following Xu Xinyang and the others towards the main entrance of Mushu Hospital. Just now, he had caught a whiff of blood. Exiting the hospital building, the sunlight, only slightly weaker than before, instantly brought a sense of golden brightness and clarity. Thats why I hate hospitals, Old Xia muttered. Lumian half-turned his body, looking at the bustling lobby and the upper floors, summarizing in his mind, There are indeed some abnormal details, but most of the doctors, nurses, and patients here still seem fine If they all had problems, this city would have been corrupted to an unimaginable degree long ago, and Mr. Fools subconscious would surely have reacted As thoughts raced through his mind, Lumian suddenly saw a face pressed against a glass window on the twelfth floor. That face was bound with strips of white bandages, with only the eyes, nostrils, and mouth uncovered. He seemed to have seen Lumian too, and began to struggle frantically, then was forcibly dragged away from the window area as if being pulled by one person after another from behind. Before Lumian could react, he had disappeared. But Lumian recognized him. He was Old Wang, who had been sleeping the whole time during their visit. Lumian turned back, pretending he hadnt seen anything. If not for the appointment with Anderson tomorrow night, he would have wanted to storm the twelfth floor ward right now to rescue Old Wang and see what unexpected changes might occur. For Lumian, this wasnt something he couldnt do, but it should be done after completing most of the experiments. In a beef offal hot pot restaurant. Having booked a large private room with two tables set up, Xu Xinyang held baijiua Chinese spiritand beer, smiling at Lumian and asking, Can you drink? I can drink a little, Lumian answered somewhat fearfully. As long as you can drink, thats fine. Drinking style is working style, drinking etiquette is personal etiquette. Those who dont drink cant fit into our Security Team 2, Xu Xinyang pointed at the subordinates around and said, Except for those on duty, dispatched, hospitalized, or on leave, everyone is here. Make a good impression. Lumian had heard from Franca that many companies welcome parties for new employees were mainly to test obedience and haze the newcomers, making them learn to be compliant, with drinking being the most common method. Ill Ill try my best, Lumian squeezed out a smile with a heavy expression. Two hours later, amidst various bottles of alcohol piled up on the table and in the corners, Lumian held a bottle of strong liquor, smiling broadly at Xu Xinyang and saying, Team Lead Xu, drink up, why arent you drinking? Come on, lets finish whats left. Xu Xinyang, his face pale and movements uncoordinated, said, No, no more drinking. Later, later I still need to go home and pay my dues to the wife. Around him, some like Old Xia and Zhao were either slumped over the table or curled up in corners, already asleep. Some had just returned from vomiting in the bathroom, swaying unsteadily. Some gathered in groups, chattering endlessly. Others sat silently, motionless Chapter 952 - 952 Items That Can Be Sold 952 Items That Can Be Sold Seeing the situation, Lumian didnt insist; after all, Xu Xinyang still had the important task of paying the bill. He couldnt possibly cover for him, right? He hadnt even received his first months salary yet! Lumian then called over to the colleagues who had collapsed at the beginning but had now recovered, arranging for them to send the different drunks home nearby. If there was no one going in the same direction, they would call family members to come pick them up. After finishing this task, Lumian pulled up a chair and sat down, taking a few sips of liquor as if it were a beverage. This made the few colleagues who were still somewhat sober twitch at their temples. Is this guy the reincarnation of a wine vat? Glancing at the still bustling main hall outside, Lumian idly took out his phone and began replying to messages and browsing trending topics. As he scrolled, he noticed that the content being pushed to him now included a lot of alcohol-related topics, including but not limited to Which brand of baijiu tastes best, Beer tasting, Legal liability for alcohol-related accidents caused by pressuring others to drink, Civil compensation for alcohol-related sudden deaths by others at the same table, Alcohol is a carcinogen Does this count as a form of monitoring? Lumian pondered as his thumb slid across the screen. When the last drunk was taken away, he stood up and left the hot pot restaurant. He searched for the location of Xinhong District and found it was just over two kilometers away. Lumian decided to walk back. It was past 8 p.m. now, and the sky had darkened completely. The scorching breeze had taken on a hint of coolness. The street lamps on both sides were bright, and there were many pedestrians passing by, brushing shoulders without disturbing each other. Lumian savored this state of being immersed in the crowd yet detached from it, his mind gradually relaxing and unwinding. He walked past shops playing old songs, crowds dancing to lively rhythms, and a bustling bar street, hearing shouts of Cheers! Cheers! coming from inside. Returning to the rental apartment, Lumian saw Ludwig in the kitchen, standing on a small folding stool, busy preparing food. Anthony sat by the dining table, writing down his observations from the day. His task was to continue observing Zhou Mingrui and those close to him, watching for any abnormalities or subtle changes after they came into contact with Lumian, Franca, or Jenna. Seeing Lumian return, Anthony looked up and said, He insists on cooking himself. He finds preparing his own breakfast and late-night snacks more enjoyable than studying textbooks or doing homework. Hes become more human-like, Lumian said with a chuckle. He had just sat down when the door opened and Franca and Jenna appeared in the doorway. Theres an urgent matter we need to discuss together, to complement each others strengths, Franca explained succinctly. Her interaction with Zhou Mingrui today was the kind that only left a certain impression, and this already had experimental results. It wouldnt cause her to be kicked out of the dream or face restrictions. So before taking further action, she could discreetly touch base with Lumian and the others. She and Jenna had taken a taxi to a stop one station away and sneaked over using the shadows. Whats the matter? Lumian sat up a bit straighter. Im having a private dinner with Zhou Mingrui tomorrow night, thanks to Luo Shan! Franca pulled out a chair and sat down, asking Lumian with a mix of excitement and nervousness, This doesnt affect your experiment plans, does it? A little, but its not a big problem. Taking big steps to try things out first, then working backwards to eliminate possibilities one by one is also a method of experimentation, Lumian said after a few seconds of thought. Franca let out a sigh of relief and said, Then lets discuss how to give Zhou Mingrui hints. This should show some progress compared to before, but not excessively, otherwise we cant rule out options and would have to risk a second attempt later. Lumian tersely agreed and provided several approaches from a Conspirers perspective. He then evaluated Francas contingency plans and explanations, while Jenna helped fill in any gaps from an Instigators standpoint. Anthony was responsible for empathizing with Zhou Mingruis possible psychological activities and instinctive reactions, even role-playing as Zhou Mingrui during rehearsals. After twenty to thirty minutes of discussion, Franca finally had two feasible plans that were likely to achieve her goals. Brainstorming really does work! she exclaimed sincerely. Jenna then recounted her experience of selling the painting at the Star Dream Provisions Store, not omitting a single detail. After listening to the end, Franca thoughtfully took out the Beyonder characteristic obtained from the reanimated Panatiya from her Travelers Bag. She showed it briefly before quickly stuffing it back. Can we sell this thing to the Star Dream Provisions Store? We cant use it for now anyway, so why not exchange it for money and find a way to rent useful items? Whether the mission succeeds or not later, the Major Arcana card holders should reimburse us or help buy it back. We can try, but I think that individual probably wont accept it, Lumian said as he also took out an item from his Travelers Bag. It was the corpse wax candle obtained from the Blue Avenger. Looking at this pale yellow candle with a reddish tinge, Lumian thought for a moment before saying, We discussed before that Demonesses might have symbolic meaning and special uses in the dream city. Now I want to say that Hunters might also have significance: Im a Hunter, the first person killed was the Oracle who was also a Hunter, and Anderson, who is clearly abnormal now, is also a Hunter. Given this premise, items related to Demonesses and Hunters might prove useful later on, and we cant predict which ones. That individual will probably not accept them, instead letting us keep them and wait for the right opportunity. Hmm, we can try. If She doesnt accept them, it would provide initial validation for my theory. Jenna, Franca, and Anthony all nodded thoughtfully. The four of them then took out many mystical items they werent currently using, planning to have Jenna take them to the Star Dream Provisions Store to sell the next day. Looking at these items, Jenna pondered for a few seconds before saying, That individual is a true deity Isnt it somewhat disrespectful to bring such a hodgepodge of items of varying value? Anthony nodded in agreement with Jennas statement. Franca added, Yeah, it feels like were treating Her like a junk collector As she spoke, Franca fell silent, as did Lumian and the others. In the end, they selected only three high-value items. After discussing everything, Franca stood up, stretching her arms and said, Im a bit excited and nervous thinking about substantially hinting at Mr. Fools dream manifestation tomorrow night. What time is your appointment tomorrow night? Lumian asked. Seven oclock. Luo Shan said those tech folks rarely leave work on time, so we need to allow for extra time. Franca also mentioned the meeting place. Seven oclock, huh Lumian raised his right hand and rubbed his chin. At this point, Jenna carefully said, Dont be too nervous. You might not even manage to meet up successfully. Ive seen posts on those apps where people set a time and place for a date, but their busy boyfriends or girlfriends end up working overtime at the last minute and have to cancel. Thats a possibility Franca was momentarily dumbfounded. The next morning, Jenna once again arrived at the Star Dream Provisions Store. She took a ride-hailing car as before, but this time encountered no obstacles or abnormalities. Walking up to the checkout counter in the back of the Star Dream Provisions Store, Jenna politely asked, Do you take this item? She placed the Beyonder characteristic from the reanimated Panatiya on the counter. In the suddenly dimmed environment, the shopkeeper raised her head, looked at it, then shook her head and said, We dont take this one. So you really dont accept it Does it need to be made into an item, or is it as Lumian speculated, that things related to the Demoness and Hunter pathways will have important uses later? After putting away Panatiyas Beyonder characteristic, Jenna took out the corpse wax candle in a small glass bottle. Do you take this? We dont take that either, the shopkeeper said without a trace of impatience on her beautiful face. Not taking items either Jenna thoughtfully put away the corpse wax candle. Then, she took out an item from her Travelers Bag. It was a set of silver-white full body armor. Pride Armor! Jenna didnt try to hide the special nature of the Travelers Bag as she placed the Pride Armor sideways on the counter. The next second, she noticed a faint smile appear on the shopkeepers face. Almost simultaneously, the Pride Armor moved. Like a crab, it moved sideways, clanking towards the entrance of the Star Dream Provisions Store. However, the silver-white full body armor moved slower and slower, gradually turning upright. When it was just two or three steps from the exit, it came to a complete stop, motionless. It seemed to have turned into ordinary armor. At this point, Jenna and the shopkeeper were both behind it, facing each other. It showed no reaction. In her astonishment, Jenna heard the shopkeeper say with a hint of amusement, Ill take this item. 30,000 still. So items like the Pride Armor can indeed be sold But why did the Pride Armor react so strongly at first, and why isnt it even confronting the people behind it now? Though puzzled, Jenna didnt dare to ask. Lumian, who learned he would be switching to the mid-shift next week, returned to the rental apartment. He left at 6 p.m., arriving half an hour early at the entrance of Jinxiu Dongfang Community on Sifang Street. He wanted to scout the environment first, as it might come in handy later. As Lumians gaze swept the area, he suddenly saw a familiar figure. It was Anderson Hood, wearing a black T-shirt with abstract patterns. Anderson also saw Lumian and walked over, smiling as he said, Im in the habit of arriving early. Lumian responded with a smile, Me too. Anderson nodded. Since were both early, lets start the tour earlier. The friend you mentioned was indeed yourself. If thats what you want to think, I cant do anything about it, Lumian said with a smile, not arguing. Anderson didnt seem to mind as he turned and led him into the Jinxiu Dongfang Community. Chapter 953 - 953 Art Studio 953 Art Studio Sifang Street was located near a famous scenic spot in Yangdu, part of the old town area. The Jinxiu Dongfang Community was also quite old, with no building exceeding six floors or having elevators installed. Lumian followed behind Anderson, turning towards the building closest to the community entrance. As they climbed the stairs, he couldnt help but raise his right hand to pinch his nose. A mixture of strong odors permeated the air. Anderson turned sideways and laughed. The whole building is being renovated. He had somehow already stuffed two wads of white paper into his nostrils. Why is everything being renovated? Lumian didnt hide his confusion. Anderson glanced at him and said with a smile, This gated community is too old. Most owners have moved away and chosen to rent out their vacant apartments. Someone has rented all the rooms in this building, planning to At this point, Anderson paused, his smile becoming more pronounced in the dim stairwell as his voice deepened. Planning to open a boutique hostel. Colorful, right? And that person is you, right? Lumian was somewhat mentally prepared for this and frowned slightly as he said, Isnt there still an art studio in this building? How can you say all the rooms have been rented? Anderson tightened the white paper wads in his nostrils. Is it possible that the person who opened the art studio is the same one who rented the other rooms? The boutique hostel he wants to open is adjacent to scenic spots, hidden in a gated community, with painting as its theme. Lumian, still pinching his nose, feigned sudden realization and said, I see. Due to the strong renovation smells permeating the stairwell, the two didnt slow their pace as they conversed, quickly reaching the top floor, which was the sixth floor. The doors of both units here were open, and on the wall facing the stairwell was a brightly colored mural. At its center were four characters: Mute Art Studio That name is quite special, Lumian commented sincerely. By this point, the renovation smells had faded. Anderson removed the white paper wads from his nostrils and explained earnestly, Painting is done with hands, not mouths. Mute represents the studios expectations for its students: focus, quietness, and dedication. Thats a great explanation, Lumian applauded. Anderson wasnt offended and said with a smile, This isnt my forced interpretation, its what the studio owner said. My sister once taught me dialectics, believing that even the worst words can have a positive side. Do you think thats right? Lumian asked with a smile. Anderson nodded. If you think its right, then its right. He led Lumian towards the door on the left. Lumian didnt rush in, standing at the doorway to survey the fairly spacious living room. There was a piece of darkness with only a hint of golden-red Dawn in the distance, a Storm with deep blue waves surging, Pilgrims with numerous blurred figures walking across a wasteland, and a grotesque Monster emerging from the seabed alongside Pirates trying to save their ship. The Pirates painting suddenly reminded Lumian of the latest volume of The Great Adventurer. He saw vines growing from the figures heads, bearing watermelons, while milky white liquid sprayed everywhere on the deck. Is this recreating Gehrman Sparrows experience? As Lumian pondered this, he stared for two seconds at the sea monster that resembled a giant leech with its maw full of sharp teeth. Anderson walked to the easel in the middle of the living room and turned around. Lumian looked around once more before slowly following him in, curiously asking, Wheres the studio owner? Anderson raised his right hand and pointed at himself. Youre the studio owner? Lumian surprisingly confirmed. Anderson nodded. Lumian suddenly smiled. Why arent you speaking? Has your throat suddenly gone hoarse? Have you become mute? Anderson, wearing the black T-shirt, began using sign language. Lumian couldnt understand what he was expressing even after watching for a while, and thoughtfully said, I wonder if theres an app for translating sign language Anderson picked up a paintbrush, took a piece of white paper from nearby, and wrote something in dark red. Unlike Lumian and the others, he could write in the common script of the dream city. Lumian focused his gaze and saw a sentence written on the white paper: Its best not to speak in the studio, treat yourself as if youre mute. Lumian raised an eyebrow, but before he could speak, he saw Anderson grimly add another line in dark red paint: You just spoke. Lumian suddenly felt a chill on the back of his neck, as if a cool breeze had blown past. He didnt turn around, seemingly feeling nothing. Anderson wrote another passage, the dark red paint appearing to become much brighter: Do you know this person? After writing, he turned the easel around to show the painting on it to Lumian. It depicted a woman, tall with a slender face, light blue and clear eyes, strikingly beautiful with a peculiar sharpness. This was Lumian himself. It was his female form! Lumians face broke into a smile as he answered Andersons question, I dont know her. As his voice echoed, something cold and wet suddenly pressed against him from behind. Lumian quickly reached back to grab it, his palm suddenly erupting with crimson flames. As the flames compressed layer by layer, he saw what had attacked him. It was the giant leech from the Monster oil painting. Its pinkish, nearly transparent body had extended from the painting, its maw opened to its fullest extent, large enough to bite off an adults head. 13:25 Looking at the densely packed, ghastly white teeth with blood-colored roots, Lumian directly slapped the fireball in his hand, which had turned from crimson to nearly white, onto it. Boom! The fireball exploded instantly, enveloping the sea monster that had emerged from the painting. The shockwave carrying flames quickly swept outwards, threatening to ignite every painting, every easel, and every person here! At that moment, from the Storm oil painting, the azure seawater surged out, pouring into the room with a splash, extinguishing all the flames. Lumians figure disappeared from where he stood, reappearing behind the mute Anderson. His eyes had turned completely iron-black, reflecting a ghastly white. Lumian clenched his right fist and thrust it out with a smacking sound, striking Andersons back. This punch, accompanied by a thunderous explosion, tore through Andersons flesh, penetrated his body, and hit the oil painting of Lumians female form and its easel. The mute Andersons body suddenly ruptured, quickly thinning and transforming into a portrait painting with a huge hole. This portrait, along with the oil painting of Lumians female form, was ignited by crimson flames, turning into black, light ashes in just a few seconds. As the mute Anderson reverted to a painting, both the azure seawater that had poured into the room and the sea monsters eagerly trying to emerge suddenly vanished, leaving only the motionless oil paintings. Lumian scanned the room and found that a giant leech was indeed missing from the Monster painting. The studio floor was covered with water stains and incompletely burned paper scraps. The place became eerily quiet, with no living beings present except for Lumian himself. Lumian then went through both rooms that made up the studio, finding no other abnormalities. Those paintings were no longer eerie or mysterious. He left the place, going down the stairs to see tenants of the community gathering in small groups, looking around. They had heard the sound of an explosion earlier but couldnt find its source or any damage to the buildings in the community. They could only attribute it to a high-speed fighter jet passing overhead. Lumian passed through the group and returned to the community entrance. Suddenly, a figure was reflected in his eyes. The figure had blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a white shirt and black trousers, with hands in pockets, looking like someone watching the commotion. Anderson! Anderson Hood! Upon seeing Lumian, Anderson asked with a surprised expression, Youre already here? Have you already entered? Lumian smiled. Im in the habit of arriving early. Anderson smiled as well. Me too. As Lumian walked up to him, he asked with a smile, Did you enjoy yourself earlier? Very much, Lumian maintained his smile, saying meaningfully, Id like to do it again. Anderson Hood nodded slightly. He was about to speak when he suddenly looked around. Maybe next time, Anderson said with a smile, shifting his gaze back. Lets keep in touch via WeChat. He raised his right palm, holding his phone. He didnt mention visiting the art studio or ask if Lumians friend was interested in taking classes. Lumian didnt bring up these topics either, waving his hand and saying, Ill be going then. See you. Anderson waved back. Lumian walked past the tutor towards the roadside. A gray sedan pulled up and stopped in front of him. Lumian opened the door, got in, and said to Anthony in the drivers seat, Lets go to Workers Road. Anthony nodded and merged into traffic. Franca, Luo Shan, and Zhou Mingrui had arranged to have dinner on Workers Road tonight at a taro chicken hotpot restaurant. As the car drove, chomping sounds continuously came from the back seat. On Workers Road, inside the Yizhou Roast Chicken taro chicken hotpot restaurant. Franca and Luo Shan had arrived earlier, choosing a window-side table. They had ordered chicken and taro but hadnt selected any other dishes yet. Each of them had ordered a bottle of iced soy milk, not finding any issue with Zhou Mingrui choosing such a noisy, lively place that wasnt quite bourgeois enough for a meal. What mattered was whether the food tasted good! At nearly 6:50 p.m., Zhou Mingrui, wearing a black shirt, walked in. Over here, over here! Luo Shan waved cheerfully. Zhou Mingrui weaved through the other tables, came over, and said as he sat down, Some extra work came up just before clocking out. We agreed on 7 p.m., Luo Shan said, not minding at all. She pointed at Franca and said, This is my neighbor and colleague, Luo Fu. Zhou Mingrui glanced at Franca and said with a smile, Weve met before. Lets order first. Franca looked outside at the darkening sky, feeling a bit uneasy. Chapter 954 - Chapter 954 Warning Chapter 954 Warning Since Franca and Luo Shan had already pre-ordered the chicken and taro and requested them to be cooked immediately, the three of them soon began enjoying the steaming hot delicacies. Franca asked the waiter to fill her dipping sauce bowl with a medium-spicy soup base. She added some minced garlic, chopped green onions, and cilantro, then poured in some oyster sauce. This combination provided saltiness and umami flavors, along with a hint of sweetness, nicely complementing the spicy taste. Franca particularly enjoyed preparing her hotpot dipping sauce this way. She glanced at Zhou Mingrui and noticed his choices were similar to hers. Great minds think alike Franca picked up a piece of taro first instead of chicken. The taro had been pre-cooked to softness in a pressure cooker. After rolling it in the dipping sauce and blowing on it for about ten seconds, she took a bite. It was full of the fragrance of starch and the taros own flavor. The taro had also absorbed the spiciness of the soup base and the deliciousness of the oil. Combined with the salty umami and slight sweetness of the oyster sauce, it made her salivate quickly, effectively reducing the residual heat. Franca ate three pieces of taro before remembering to try a piece of chicken. She would rank this as one of the top 3 vegetarian options in hotpot, along with potato slices and leafy stem lettuce. The three ate quietly for a while. After filling their stomachs a bit, Luo Shan actively initiated various topics to prevent any awkwardness. With her livening up the atmosphere, the three chatted quite happily, covering everything from company gossip and rumors to the recent job market and the current situations of former colleagues. The handsome security guard naturally became part of the conversation, with Luo Shan expressing regret that he hadnt been guarding the entrance recently, preventing her from seeing him in person. Unexpectedly, Zhou Mingrui asked about Francas professional background, curious about why she changed careers right after graduation. Franca shared her genuine feelings from her student days, Working like a dog and earning little, while endangering my life; having to slog until your thirties or forties to barely have a decent income. I felt I couldnt endure that hardship, so I changed careers. How many times in life can you be in your twenties? Zhou Mingrui expressed understanding. Theres a saying online that those who encourage others to study medicine should be struck by lightning. However, being a doctor is a late-blooming career; the older you get, the more valuable you become. I have a childhood friend who also changed careers right after graduation, but even after working two other jobs, there wasnt much success At this point, Zhou Mingrui suddenly paused, unconsciously frowning before continuing, He used connections to return to his hometown hospital as an intern doctor. Theres such a childhood friend? The documents didnt mention this Its clearly not Peng Deng, nor is it that female childhood friend who likes to travel As Franca pondered this, Zhou Mingrui began discussing medical topics. Franca perfectly played the role of a former medical student who had changed careers three years ago. She could still discuss basic concepts but had mostly forgotten the more in-depth knowledge. She wasnt a Savant after all! Her current identity was almost an exact copy of her actual history, making it easy for her to play the role. The only difference was that she hadnt actually graduated and had changed careers six or seven years ago. As Zhou Mingrui nodded imperceptibly, Luo Shan glanced at Franca and asked with a smile, Have you tried that new drink? The one with the great design and a unique name. Franca smiled back and asked instead of answering, Have you two tried it? Before Zhou Mingrui and Luo Shan could answer, Franca lowered her voice, I recently heard an urban legend about a mysterious vending machine that randomly appears in different places. It sells gacha boxes of that drink. Some of the drinks in these gacha boxes have special effects, giving the drinker abilities corresponding to the drinks name. The ones sold in supermarkets and convenience stores are just ordinary, normal drinks. After saying this in one breath without experiencing any abnormalities herself, Franca relaxed a little. Zhou Mingrui looked at Franca, who had changed into a white T-shirt, loose pants, and white sneakers, with her hair tied back in a ponytail after returning home. He smiled and said, Ive also seen such rumors online. Francas gaze fell on Luo Shans face. Luo Shan bit her lip and said in a deliberate ghost story tone, Actually, Ive encountered that mysterious vending machine. Suddenly, Zhou Mingrui also looked at her. The three chatted about other things until it was completely dark outside, each feeling very satisfied with their meal. After saying goodbye to Luo Shan and Franca, Zhou Mingrui walked towards the other end of the street. The smile on his face gradually settled as various thoughts surfaced in his mind. They dont seem to be probing me, more like hinting, suggesting, warning me Is there really a big problem with the follow-up to the Assassin drink? Its also possible that because I deliberately chose a crowded and lively place, they couldnt find an opportunity to use their abilities to influence me Ill observe for a while and see if there are any accidents or attacks If I can confirm their intentions or goodwill, I can find an opportunity to really talk later If avoiding doesnt solve the problem, then face it Lost in his thoughts, Zhou Mingrui turned into a small alley and walked into the shadows. On the other side, Franca led Luo Shan towards the nearest shopping mall. For the next hour, she wanted to stay in a place with more people and better lighting. Just after leaving the vicinity of the Yizhou Roast Chicken restaurant, walking about a dozen steps along the roadside, Franca suddenly felt dizzy. The next second, she felt like a deep-sea fish suddenly pulled out of the ocean, desperately trying to breathe but unable to inhale even a trace of air. Her head and body were bizarrely expanding, like a fragile balloon being constantly inflated. She painfully grabbed her own neck, trying to pull her trachea out of her flesh to directly connect with the air. Her legs began to weaken, and her body started to fall to the ground. Her thoughts stuttered, and her mirror avatar lost connection with her. Has the Celestial Worthy noticed me? This thought flashed through Francas mind. In the gray sedan parked on the opposite side of the road, Lumian quietly watched as Francas face turned extremely red, her lips turning blue-black, as she grabbed her slender neck, scratching bloody marks on her fair skin. Luo Shan stood beside her, looking bewildered and helpless. Lumian in the passenger seat remained motionless, still quietly watching. He saw Franca half-fallen on the ground, struggling to open her handbag and having difficulty taking out her phone before she unlocked the screen. On the screen was a pre-prepared interface, and along with the phone were cosmetics, multi-faceted mirrors, and a small black bag. In Lumians vision, Francas eyes bulged out, her expression painful and fierce as she tapped the phone screen with her thumb. Then, she completely collapsed, dropping her handbag on the ground. The items from her bag rolled out, and the small black bag mysteriously disappeared. After a few seconds, Lumian in the car across the street watched as Franca slowly stood up with empty eyes. He calmly said to himself and Anthony, Contacting Zhou Mingrui at night and hinting at the existence of Beyonder powers will result in being quickly kicked out of the dream. Chapter 955 - Chapter 955 Aftermath Chapter 955 Aftermath Trier, inside a luxurious villa. Franca suddenly opened her eyes and sat up. Her first reaction was to reach for her waist, feeling the Travelers Bag about the size of a coin purse. Phew Franca let out an unconcealed sigh of relief. At the last moment, she had proactively withdrawn before being completely kicked out of the dream. Her concern was that her personal items might be lost due to passive ejection, left behind in the dream city, and thus lost in reality as well! In that situation, she couldnt pin her hopes on Luo Shan picking up and safeguarding her belongings, or on Lumian and Jenna, who were secretly observing, finding an opportunity to retrieve the itemsthat could potentially implicate them and subject them to the Celestial Worthys scrutiny. According to the information provided by the Major Arcana card holders, whether she left actively or passively, her dream persona, woven with the help of the lucky coin and Madam Justice, wouldnt disappear after her consciousness left the dream. The next time she entered, she would still be that person. Of course, the current Luo Fu would revert to an NPC, following the subconscious manipulation of Mr. Fool or the Celestial Worthy, living her life according to her background settings and current social relationships, appearing normal on the surface. As for whether this Luo Fu NPC harbored hidden issues or would contact companions, potentially implicating them in being kicked out as well, the Major Arcana card holders were currently uncertain, as they had always acted separately in their previous entries. Based on these concerns, before actively exiting the dream, Franca struggled to take out her phone and unlock the screen. At that moment, her screen was frozen on the Information Shredder mini-program, with her finger on the Clear All Information on This Phone button. This was part of the contingency plan. Throughout the meal with Zhou Mingrui, except for the brief ten or so seconds when she showed him her WeChat name, Francas phone screen had displayed the running Information Shredder program. In her own words, after leaving home that evening, she was prepared to wipe the database and abscond at any moment. She feared the Celestial Worthy might take the opportunity to scan her contact list, mark suspicious parts, and deal with them specifically. Franca reached into the Travelers Bag, unsurprised but still delighted to find that the Beyonder characteristic and corresponding body parts extracted from the reanimated female corpse Panatiya were inside, real and tangible, within reach. Correspondingly, the Pride Armor had vanished, disappearing into thin air. Damn, the boundary between dream and reality has really been fooled. I can barely tell which side is the dream and which is reality Franca was equally unsurprised by this, but still shocked. Is this the terrifying aspect of a great existence? If Mr. Fool was willing to maintain it and received certain assistance, the dream city could completely become real, as long as one didnt leave on their own! From this perspective, the real world might also be the dream of that initial being Thankfully, It has awakened and split Franca, having read many foreign myths before her transmigration, naturally made some associations. She got out of bed, intending to go to the bathroom to relieve herself. This was the first thing she did every morning after waking up. After a few steps, Franca suddenly stopped. She didnt feel any urge to urinate at all, and instead felt full, as if she had just eaten a good meal. Franca immediately took out a mirror and used divination to confirm the current date. Reality had also passed several days, basically consistent with the dream, though there seemed to be a slight time differencein this bedroom, the tightly drawn curtains let in a bit of twilight, it wasnt completely dark outside yet. Is the dream city using Backlund time? Weve been in the dream city for over a week, its impossible not to be hungry or need to use the bathroom in reality Damn, does eating in the dream mean being full in reality, gaining the corresponding nutrients? Does using the bathroom in the dream equate to using it in reality? But, but I dont smell bad, and my pants are normal Thats not what you said earlier Luo Shan made a sound of agreement. After the two got into a ride-share car, Lumians right hand loosened its five fingers, and he nodded at Anthony. Anthony started the car, drove to the intersection, and stopped again. From the shadows, Jenna emerged, walking towards the gray sedan as if she had finally waited for her ride-share. Lumian lowered the car window and, looking straight ahead, said, Try to minimize contact with her tonight, and its best to find an excuse not to sleep in Dechuang Garden. After saying this, without waiting for Jennas response, he raised the window, and Anthony drove the vehicle into the middle lane. Jennas lips bore the marks of her teeth, and her clenched fists finally relaxed. After seeing Francas abnormal situation, she knew she shouldnt go to her rescue to avoid implicating herself, but rationality was one thing and emotion was another, especially when Franca seemed on the verge of death during her struggle. It took great willpower for Jenna to control herself, clearly discerning Francas state, and waiting for her to withdraw on her own. Dechuang Garden, Building 5. Luo Shan said goodbye to Franca on the 15th floor and returned to her own home. After a while, she heard the doorbell. Outside the door was Jenna, known as Jian Na in the dream city. The moment she saw Jenna, Luo Shan opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but then closed it, remaining silent. Jenna looked around and said in a low voice, Minimize contact with Luo Fu for the next two days, and dont discuss anything related to Beyonder powers with her. Luo Shans expression immediately relaxed, and she spoke as if she had been holding it in for a long time. I knew something was off with Fu Fu. After we finished dinner with Zhou Mingrui, she suddenly wasnt right. First, she had a sudden illness, and then it was like she became a different person What, what problem has occurred? Jenna considered for a few seconds before saying, You can understand it this way: interfering with past history has limitations and comes at a cost. Otherwise, we could just go to Zhou Mingruis house, control him directly, tell him everything in detail, then demonstrate some abilities, provide some evidence, and wouldnt that make him believe initially? I understand now, Luo Shan had a sudden realization. Fu Fu hinted at the existence of Beyonder powers and the problem with the Assassin potion tonight, and was affected by the self-correcting force of history, causing problems, her old condition flaring up? Is she now equivalent to another version of herself, similar to my previous situation? You can understand it that way. Jenna nodded, not explaining in detail. She returned to the 23rd floor and saw Franca sitting on the sofa on her phone. After some thought, she said, Im going to see Li Lu later, I wont be back tonight. In the identity documents, Li Lus father was Li Ming, and his mother was Jian Na. Franca raised her head and said with a smile, When will you bring Li Lu over to play? I can sleep on the sofa. It depends on his fathers opinion, Jenna smiled, packed her toiletries, and left the apartment. Taking the elevator to the first floor, she took out her phone and sent a message to Lumian: Luo Shan still remembers the story we told her, remembers the help we gave her, and shows no changes at present. Franca only knows about the things in the background information, remembering only the nominal social relationships. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 956 - Chapter 956 New Speculation Chapter 956 New Speculation Jenna didnt actually go to Xinhong District to find Lumian and Ludwig. Instead, she chose a nearby hotel, booked a room, and checked if she would also be kicked out. Nothing happened overnight. After waking up, she immediately returned to Dechuang Garden and sat in a corner of the lobby, facing sideways towards the door leading to the interior of the residential complex. After about ten minutes, she saw Franca. Franca was still wearing her old-fashioned black-framed glasses and dressed in a relatively conservative office lady style. Seeing this, Jenna breathed a sigh of relief, changed her sitting posture, and turned her back to Franca to avoid meeting her. The purpose of her early return to the residential complex was to confirm whether the current Luo Fus behavior style was consistent with the previous Franca. If she had removed her disguise and changed into makeup and clothes that best highlighted her features, maximizing the charm of a Witch, Jenna would have to consider finding an excuse to prevent Luo Fu from going to work, delaying her for a day. Now it seemed that the style of the Luo Fu NPC would continue as before. Tech Building, 10th floor. Franca sat down at her desk and leisurely made herself a cup of coffee. At this moment, she saw Zhou Mingrui walk in, so she smiled and said, Are you looking for Luo Shan? She hasnt arrived yet. I thought you two would come together. Zhou Mingrui didnt hide his surprise. In his view, whether on the surface or secretly, Luo Shan and Luo Fu had a very good relationship and a special connection. They should be the type to wait for each other and go to work together. Franca smiled and said, I asked her, and she said she had something holding her up and told me not to wait for her. I see Zhou Mingrui nodded and turned to walk out of the Administrative Department. During this period, he had been coming to ask Luo Shan about various company news more frequently than before, leading to some idle people in the Administrative Department spreading rumors about him and Luo Shan. Zhou Mingrui walked at a moderate pace to the entrance of the Administrative Department, unable to wait for Luo Fu to ask him to wait. He actually came to find Luo Fu today, not Luo Shan. He originally thought she would take this opportunity to hint at something again, but unexpectedly, Luo Fu didnt even have the thought of chatting with him casually, being polite but somewhat distant. Zhou Mingrui frowned slightly, not turning back to look again, and left the Administrative Department directly. Something feels a bit off He had just grumbled inwardly when he saw Luo Shan walking over with a pancake and a cup of five-grain soy milk. Good morning, Luo Shan greeted cheerfully. Good morning, Zhou Mingrui smiled, I just went to find you, but you hadnt arrived yet. Luo Fu said you were held up by something. Luo Shan looked around. Want to ask me about something again? The two chatted casually for a few sentences, each walking towards their own departments office. Without Huang Taos cooperation, we cant keep him through promotion and salary increase for now. We must solve this problem before he actually resigns. Lumian read it carefully and felt that Grimm, or rather the children of the Great Mother in the dream city, hadnt thought about how to cooperate with the Celestial Worthy to turn Zhou Mingrui into a Witch for now. They were more focused on monitoring, observing, and trying to keep Zhou Mingrui staying within the Intis Group where they had great influence, not resigning and leaving. It feels like what the children of the Great Mother are currently doing is maintaining balance and obtaining the latest intelligence changes at any time This basically matches the judgment of the Major Arcana cards and me regarding the intentions of the evil gods After muttering to himself for a couple of sentences, Lumian stood up and began pacing in the office. He was thinking about how to use Grimm and other children of the mother, and also about the matter of Mr. Fool drinking the Assassin potion. Frankly speaking, when he learned that the Celestial Worthy induced Mr. Fool to drink the Assassin potion, attempting to make him gradually become a Witch, change gender, and thus cause cognitive issues, Lumian felt it was a bit absurd. In his view, gods were all divine, and except for a few pathways that needed to emphasize gender, they shouldnt care whether they were male or female. Those ancient beings who had lived for thousands or tens of thousands of years might be even more so. Would Mr. Fool really have cognitive issues because of becoming female? Recalling that Mr. Fool required to be referred to as he rather than He, Lumian reluctantly accepted this reason. At the same time, he also suspected that the Celestial Worthy wanted to use the conflict of symbolically non-neighboring pathway Beyonder characteristics to drive Mr. Fool mad, thus gaining the upper hand and achieving victorythe Demoness pathway was not adjacent to the Seer, Apprentice, or Marauder pathways. After killing the reanimated female corpse Panatiya and learning about her mission, Lumians internal balance leaned more towards the speculation that the Celestial Worthy wanted to use the conflict between non-neighboring pathways. Panatiya was supposed to make Zhou Mingrui fall in love, and after he drank the Witch potion and changed gender, stay by his side. Wasnt this equivalent to helping Zhou Mingrui, helping Mr. Fool stabilize his mental state? This was somewhat contradictory to the speculation of using gender change to cause cognitive issues for Mr. Fool. And if stabilizing the mental state was for Zhou Mingrui to drink higher sequence Demoness potions, accumulating more madness, it seemed more reasonable. Now, following this line of thought, Lumian had new questions: Why did it have to be the Assassin potion, the Demoness pathway? As long as it was a potion from a pathway not adjacent to Seer, Apprentice, or Marauder, it could achieve the purpose Does becoming female early on indeed have its effect, bringing mental hidden dangers? Combining this with the fact that most of our team are Demonesses, and the Celestial Worthy specifically brought a Demoness marionette into the dream city, does this indicate that inducing Zhou Mingrui to drink the Assassin potion, rather than other non-neighboring potions, has hidden reasons? Lumian immediately went through various specialties of the Demoness pathway in his mind. In just a few seconds, he thought of a term: Mirror Person! Becoming a Witch not only changes one into a female but also creates a corresponding, fixed Mirror Person. From this Sequence onwards, Demonesses can use mirrors to create avatars and use corresponding magic. And from Lumians current experience, Mirror People were more extreme, more vicious, more sinister. What the Celestial Worthy actually wants is to make Mr. Fool have a Mirror Person, and then by doing certain things to the Mirror Person, or making the Mirror Person do certain things, achieve the goal of winning this confrontation? Confusing the real with the fake, turning the fake into real? Lumian fell into deep thought. At this moment, his phone vibrated, and the new incoming message was from Anderson Hood. Chapter 957 - Chapter 957 A Special Ability Once Obtained Chapter 957 A Special Ability Once Obtained A name that leaves a deep impression on you sent a Hi emoji: Want another round of fun? Hope its more exciting than last night, Lumian replied using voice input, bringing the phone close to his mouth. Nearby, Old Xia glanced at him, his eyes full of envy and longing. Young people sure have exciting lives No wonder he has a 7-year-old child at just 22 Too bad I dont dare Soon, Anderson replied to Lumian: You pick the place, somewhere suitable for discussing secrets. Alright, Lumian didnt refuse. Lets set the time for 6 p.m., I like sunlight. Anderson sent an OK emoji. After Lumian replied No problem, the former strongest Hunter of the Fog Sea asked in text: Why is your WeChat name The Idiot, do you think youre not smart enough? Lumian chuckled. I really like tarot cards, and I think The Fool card is super cool. Calling myself Idiot is a kind of an imitation. Sometimes, people like to use high-sounding reasons to cover up their own issues. This is a phrase Ive been fond of lately, and Ill share it with you too. Anderson replied, sending a Bye-bye emoji. Lumian didnt respond further. After resting for a while, he and Old Xia started patrolling the floors again. When they reached the 10th floor, while patrolling inside the Intis Group, Lumian saw Zhou Mingrui coming out of the public restroom. As their eyes met, Lumian nodded slightly, as a greeting. Zhou Mingrui hadnt run into him these past couple of days, and since security guards patrolling the floors was indeed routine work, he didnt show any alertness and responded with a nod. As they passed each other, Lumian naturally checked the surroundings for any fire hazards. He hadnt thought about using this opportunity to hint at the existence of Beyonder powers to Zhou Mingrui during the day. Firstly, they werent close enough to chat, and even if he tried hinting, the other party might not be willing to listen. Secondly, he needed to wait until Franca being kicked out of the dreamscape truly ended, otherwise it would be impossible to distinguish whether subsequent anomalies were aftereffects of last nights reminder or caused by todays probing. Seeing that Li Ming, this security guard, didnt make any strange gestures or say anything odd, Zhou Mingruis doubts dissipated a bit more. At 6 p.m., sunlight still illuminated the small square in front of the mall, lighting up those facilities for children to play. Inside a glass-sealed cylinder, six sets of seats were slowly rotating. In the middle of the cylinder, various colored plastic balls were constantly being sprayed out, flying in all directions. Ludwig was using a fishing net with a handle to catch them. Lumian sat next to him, like a real parent, and the adjacent set of seats belonged to Anderson. Anderson didnt have children, but he sat there at ease, occasionally raising his net to catch a ball, completely without the shame or embarrassment of an adult who had entered a childrens ball pit without bringing a child. At this time, except for the three of them, no one else was present; everyone else had gone home for dinner. No, Lumian answered honestly. Anderson nodded with a look of caring for an uneducated youngling. Moreover, that dream is interesting and fun. As humans, we need to frequently change our forms of entertainment. I told Danitz in the dream to be careful of me turning into a mute at night, but unfortunately, he didnt understand my hint. If I could get some things and disguise myself as Edwina, he would probably be more proactive in using his brain to ponder what I said. You painted the mute painter in the painting? You also possess the painting skills that were qualitatively changed? Lumian asked about last nights events. Luo Shan also painted another self, and after Franca helped burn it, her condition improved significantly Is Anderson using me to adjust his own state? Anderson clicked his tongue and said, Dont you use the same body during the day and at night? The changes in the body are common. Lumian pondered and asked, In the dreamscape, the Painter shouldnt be able to make what he paints truly come off the paper, there are too many obstacles. All abilities should be suppressed to Sequence 7 level, but yesterdays Anderson could freely move around the residential district and could still speak before entering the studio. Anderson smiled and said, Dreamscapes always have some special cases and exceptions. If the dream owner symbolizes loopholes, then his dream will inevitably have some loopholes. This is a manifestation of part of his symbolism in the dream, unless he consciously controls it, it cant be avoided. The mute Anderson originally didnt exist, hes just another state of mine, but hes also hidden in the dream owners thoughts and cognition. So once I paint him, he doesnt need to invade from the outside to become real, but he cant leave the studio and is very weak. Mr. Fools manifestation once knew a mute Anderson, or imagined Anderson becoming mute? Lumian nodded slightly and asked, So the one who led me into the studio was you yourself? Anderson smiled obviously and said, Of course, after I entered the studio, while you were looking at those oil paintings, I left through a pre-prepared painting and activated the mute Anderson painting. Thats my studio, equivalent to a Hunters home ground, there would definitely be additional arrangements. I changed my clothes and pants afterwards, so you didnt recognize me? Why did you change your clothes and pants? Lumian probed. Anderson smiled again. Just kidding. Is this Andersons style Do all successful Hunters have a tendency for pranks? Lumian accepted Andersons explanation. If it were him, he might do the same thing. Anderson glanced at the entertainment facility that was almost out of time. Now its my turn to ask, right? What do you want to do by coming here? This didnt seem like a question, more like a confirmation. To wake up the dream owner in the best and most humane state, Lumian answered simply. Anderson suddenly smiled. A few days ago, a foreigner came to the cram school to visit. He was as real as you guys. Whats his name? Lumian asked, outwardly calm. At this moment, the balls stopped spraying, and the rotation of the seats quickly slowed down until it stopped. Anderson stood up and said with a smile, Zaratulstra. Chapter 958 - Chapter 958 Inside and Outside the Dream Chapter 958 Inside and Outside the Dream Its that Zaratulstra again Did he go to the Dream Tutoring Classes to wait for Zhou Mingrui, or did he have another purpose? Lumian held Ludwigs hand as they walked out of the seating area. While waiting for the staff to open the door of the amusement facility, he smiled at Anderson and asked, Did you chat with him? Anderson put his hands in his pockets and smiled. He said he wanted to deeply influence one person and eliminate some people. Is the one he wants to deeply influence Zhou Mingrui? And who are the ones he wants to eliminate? Why did Zaratulstra talk about this with Anderson? Was one of his purposes for going to the Dream Tutoring Classes to find Anderson, to find the mute Anderson representing the Fantasy Association? Does this symbolize the cooperation between the Celestial Worthy and that evil god of the Fantasy Association? Lumian walked towards the now-open door, casually saying, People like Danitz? What he wanted to ask was whether the people Zaratulstra wanted to eliminate were dream characters like Oracle Danitz, or outsiders like himself. Anderson gave a thumbs up, walking down the few steps at the entrance. At the time, I couldnt understand why they dealt with Danitz first. What role could he play? Maybe he was just lucky, and they had to first finish off the lucky one. In a situation where everyone is suppressed to Sequence 7, luck is indeed very important From Andersons words, was the death of the Oracle done by Zaratulstra and the mute Anderson together? The mute Andersons involvement means he himself was also involved, with a chance to secretly sabotage and influence the progress of things. So, is that why we discovered the Oracles body earlier, instead of it being sent to the morgue at Mushu Hospital according to the planned schedule, to resurrect and return? Lumian nodded thoughtfully. He felt that Anderson had used the mute dream manifestation to interfere with Zaratulstras actions, resulting in the other party only achieving the goal of eliminating Danitz, without successfully utilizing the Oracles body. Lumian was now unsure whether Zaratulstra was more Zaratul or more Loki, so he directly used the dream name to refer to him. Damn, it was you, Anderson, who did it. No wonder you called the police immediately This also explains why we stumbled upon the death of the Oracle. It wasnt a coincidence Lumian cursed inwardly for a couple of sentences, passing by Anthony without retrieving his phone. Anderson did the same. Taking advantage of the few people playing in the small square, he looked at the advertisement displayed on the malls big screen and asked a question one would typically ask during a stroll. What do you want to do by opening the Colorful Hostel? As soon as you come in, someone hands you a sum of money, hands you a hotel thats still under renovation, would you refuse? When faced with sugar-coated bullets, isnt it a normal choice to eat the sugar coating and throw back the bullet? Anderson smiled and asked in return. But many times, the sugar coating can also be poisonous, or you might not have time to throw back the bullet. You wouldnt want it if someone forcibly put a child in your belly, would you? The temporary Child of God of the Great Mother, Lumian, spoke from experience. Anderson was stunned for a second, then smiled and said, If its really put in, you have to keep it even if you dont want to. If you cant get rid of it later, you can only cultivate a good father-son or father-daughter relationship. Lumian changed the question. What does the behind-the-scenes hand that made those people give you money and the hotel want to do? Anderson turned his head to look at him and said with a smile, Isnt that why Ive come to find you? Lumians thoughts raced, vaguely understanding the meaning in Andersons words: one of the goals of that evil god of the Fantasy Association was to hinder the Celestial Worthy and maintain the balance of the dream. It was precisely because Anderson grasped this key point that he actively contacted Lumian and others, speaking so plainly. Anderson looked ahead again, walking towards the food gathering area behind the mall. I saw a funny saying online before. The saying goes, Im afraid of my brother suffering, but I also dont want my brother owning a Range Rover.'' Thats interesting. Lumian felt Anderson didnt need to hint so obviously, he could understand completely. Anderson continued, A hotel always has guests, coming from different places. At this point, he suddenly pointed at the spray painting on a shop sign. Grous was one of the confidants of Louis Gustav, the leader of the Emperor Party. This progress is a bit fast; you havent been a Witch for long, havent you Franca didnt ask about Niceeas current feelings, and asked calmly, Did Grous say anything? Seeing that her superior didnt inquire about her journey and actual experience of becoming a mistress, Niceeas inner conflict, embarrassment, and irritation subsided considerably. She recalled and said, He said Louis has been troubled lately, seeming very irritable. The reason seems to be that he cant contact some important figure. Which important figure? Franca asked. Grous doesnt know either, only that there is such an important figure, an important figure that gives Louis a lot of confidence. Niceea shook her head. Unable to contact the mirrored Emperor Roselle? Franca suddenly had such a thought. She nodded slightly. Find a way to figure out who that important figure is, and grasp the substantial movements of the Emperor Party. After saying this, her figure quickly faded and disappeared from the chair. Niceea quietly watched the lady leave, raised her right hand, and slowly caressed from her cheek to her lips. Franca directly returned to that luxurious villa, without going to report to the Demoness of Black that she had fully digested the Affliction potion. Let alone whether the Demoness Sect would reward her with the Despair potion in a situation where she hadnt made new achievements, even if they would, she couldnt possibly really perform the ritual, so it was better to stall for now. After dinner, close to midnight, Franca stood up and walked towards her room. The slightly short Madam Judgment escorted her to the room while instructing, For the second return to the dream, operating under the previous identity, the current experience is that there wont be much difference from the first time. But by the third time, weve found that some attempts that wouldnt have gotten us kicked out of the dream before will also result in being kicked out, as if weve been simply marked by that Celestial Worthy. So, you need to pay attention now to whether there are subtle changes compared to last time, to determine whether becoming an object of attention starts from the second entry into the dream or the third. Also, dont make any radical probes in the next few days, youve just been kicked out and need to wait a while. Mm, Ill be careful. Franca remembered that this had been mentioned in the documents. After going upstairs and reaching the door, Madam Judgment further said, We cant give you many things to take into the dream, because weve used them in the dream and theyve also been marked. If you want to make money, theres another way: have one person apply for a job at the Hall Film Company, a subsidiary of the Hall Group. Although Miss Justice cant enter the dream anymore, as a Dreamweaver and Major Arcana card holder, she can still exert a little influence on the dream. Understood, Franca responded with a smile, Thank you all. She then entered the room, lay down on the bed again, and gripped the lucky coin in her palm. She had tried yesterday, if she didnt put the lucky coin beside her, she would just fall asleep normally and dream normally, occasionally flashing fragments of the dream city, like sights and sounds from Luo Fu. Franca closed her eyes and regulated her breathing. Chapter 959 - Chapter 959 Weekend Chapter 959 Weekend Dechuang Garden, Room 2303. Jenna accompanied Luo Fu as they watched TV in the living room, occasionally scrolling through her phone. The two conversed very little. Suddenly, she noticed Luo Fu turn her body and say with bright eyes, Im back again! Jenna didnt respond immediately, because Luo Fu and Franca had very similar personalities. Franca then picked up her phone and said to Jenna, Quick, quick, send me another copy of the Information Shredder. Hearing Information Shredder, Jenna finally confirmed that it was really Franca who had returned. At this moment, Franca unlocked her screen and found that WeChat had already been redownloaded by Luo Fu, and Jenna, Luo Shan, and several employees from the administrative department had been re-added, but not The Idiot, An Ruide, or Li Lu. After a quick glance, Franca hurriedly tapped into her WeChat wallet. Her expression suddenly froze. The money, my money its gone! Jennas pupils dilated as she quickly leaned over, discovering that Francas WeChat wallet balance was 0.00 yuan. It didnt delete all the information on my phone, including the money in my online wallet, did it? Franca hurriedly downloaded a banking app again, taking some time to complete the login and check her balance. She let out a long sigh of relief, patting her chest. Thank goodness, the bulk of it is still there. That gave me such a fright. After her exclamation, she explained to Jenna, The money in my bank account is still there! Jenna glanced at her bank card balance and asked thoughtfully, How much money did you originally have in your WeChat wallet? 138 yuan, Franca answered smoothly. I had over 300 yuan in Alipay too. The Alipay app had already been downloaded back by Luo Fu. She tapped in to check and found there was still over 100 yuan. Uh Franca flipped through the transactions and finally confirmed that this 100+ yuan was later transferred from the bank card by Luo Fu, with some spent on takeout orders. The previous 300+ yuan had indeed vanished into thin air. Jenna amusingly pressed her hand to her chest and said, You only lost about 500 yuan, but you acted like you lost all 120,000+. You scared me to death. The 60,000 earned from selling items was currently with Jenna, and she had transferred half to Lumian and Anthony. Dont say such unlucky things. 500 yuan is a lot, its enough for us to buy so many things at the wholesale market! Franca thought for a moment and said, I need to transfer some to Lumian and Anthony. We should each keep some separately, in case it all gets exposed at once. Ive realized that this is like a gamewhen you get kicked out of the dream, you might drop equipment and money, and you might not even be able to pick it back up. Mm, we shouldnt put all our eggs in one basket. The money in the bank card is still there, but what was on the phone is gone? Jenna pondered and said, Because at that time you only cleared the phone information with one click, not the bank card information? The loss of money should be an issue with the Information Shredder, right? Franca nodded slowly. This mini-program is really powerful. I suspect it even deleted the corresponding information and backup information on the servers. Only in this way could it deal with mystical photos and prevent our chat records from being found At this point, Franca frowned slightly and said, I asked Madam Magician and Madam Judgment. They know every high-ranking member of the Church of Steam, but none of them is called Stiano. Anthonys feeling at that time must have been correct. Stiano should have a close connection with the Church of Steam. Jenna also showed a puzzled expression. They seem to have suspects. They said they would tell us through the Star Dream Provisions Store after confirmation, Franca suddenly looked around, pointed at the ceiling, and said in a lowered voice, Could it be that one? Only a mini-program made by Him could be so powerful, and besides, He can enter with real consciousness. After repeatedly reviewing the compiled data for a long time, he planned to find an opportunity to scout the location after accompanying Ludwig to tutoring class tomorrow. For the rest of the time, he took out the new ice board he had made and, for the umpteenth time, scrutinized the information on each dream character and the preliminary findings from their teams observations and interactions with these characters. The next day, at Dream Tutoring Classes. Lumian escorted the slowly moving Ludwig to the door of the Beginner English class. Anderson glanced at him and greeted, Want to join for some enlightenment? No need, Id rather learn painting, Lumian replied simply, pushing Ludwig towards Anderson. Anderson didnt speak to him further, taking Ludwigs hand and walking back into the classroom. Lumian sat down opposite, patiently waiting just like last time. Before long, he saw Zhou Mingrui again. Zhou Mingrui was wearing a white T-shirt with patterns, looking much more youthful and sunny than when he was at work. Zhou Mingrui wasnt surprised at all to see him here, as if he had been mentally prepared. He nodded slightly as a greeting. Lumian didnt engage in small talk, only politely responding. More contact, less closeness, to lower the targets vigilance! Moreover, Francas probing last night had quite good results, successfully making Zhou Mingrui wary of the aftermath of the Assassin beverage. Now he needed to give him some time to digest such bombshell news. From this perspective, Franca being kicked out of the dream this time was worth it. After watching Zhou Mingrui turn into the classroom, Lumian withdrew his gaze and started using his phone. At this moment, he suddenly had a premonition and raised his head, looking towards the front desk of the tutoring center. He saw Principal Ai Nana, wearing a white long dress, accompanying an elderly man inside. Behind them were several employees of Dream Tutoring Classes and unfamiliar faces Lumian hadnt seen before. Lumians gaze fell on the elderly man, noticing he was wearing a black formal suit, his hair completely white, with long and dense white whiskers on his face, and blue eyes so deep they were almost without light. Lumians eyes narrowed slightly. He had seen a portrait of this elderly man before: Zaratulstra! Hes come to Dream Tutoring Classes again? Lumian quietly stood up, retreating along with other parents to avoid this group of people. Ai Nana led Zaratulstra to stop at the door of the Business English class, introducing the relevant situation. Zaratulstras gaze subsequently turned towards those students. At this point, Lumian had already retreated to the depths of the corridor, stopping next to the fire alarm, and glanced up at the surveillance camera that could capture this area. He watched Zaratulstra from the corner of his eye. If the other party made any unusual movements or tried to talk to Zhou Mingrui, he would first knock out the surveillance camera from a blind spot, then punch the fire alarm to make the scene chaotic, causing everyone to rush out of Dream Tutoring Classes. During this process, he would play the role of a panicked parent, constantly obstructing Zaratulstras various actions while carrying Ludwig. Chapter 960 - Chapter 960 Psychiatric Ward Chapter 960 Psychiatric Ward Using the cover of the parents in front, Lumian discreetly observed Zaratulstras every move. After listening to Ai Nanas introduction for a few minutes, Zaratulstra nodded, left the door of the Business English class, and turned to look at the other training classes currently in session. He didnt do anything Lumian was puzzled, but remained vigilant. It wasnt until Zaratulstra finished touring Dream Tutoring Classes and Ai Nana escorted him and his entourage out, returning to teach the Business English class, that Lumian sat back in his original seat and silently said to himself, Hes leaving just like that? Was he simply here to recognize Zhou Mingrui, complete the initial contact, or did he secretly do something that I didnt notice? For example, has he already controlled Ms. Ai, or discreetly used some ability to achieve his predetermined goal from just a few meters away? After thinking it through, Lumian picked up his phone and sent a message to Jenna: Ask Luo Shan to remind the target via WeChat to pay attention to his condition today, not to drink water he brought to the tutoring class, and to buy new water later. This was to indirectly and subtly remind Zhou Mingrui, and at the same time, it was an experiment to see if hints conveyed through dream characters during the day would bring any anomalies to themselves. A few minutes later, Zhou Mingrui, who was listening attentively to the lecture, felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He took out his phone, lowered his head, unlocked the screen, and saw a message from Luo Shan: Remember to examine yourself three times a day, and dont drink water youve brought outside. What does this mean? I cant make head or tail of the message. Its puzzling Zhou Mingrui first grumbled to himself, then perceived the hidden reminder. He hadnt yet fully determined whether Luo Shan was good or bad, whether she had more good intentions or bad intentions towards him, but the hint to frequently examine his own condition and not drink the current water wouldnt cause any harm even if he followed it. In such matters, its better to believe something existed than to doubt its existence! Zhou Mingrui replied with an Okay and stuffed the phone back into his pocket, raising his head again. He didnt look at the bottle of mineral water he had placed on the table again. Outside the classroom, Lumian once again scrutinized Zaratulstras recent behavior. He just looked at Zhou Mingrui from a few meters away for a while, without trying to get closer Whether or not he did anything secretly, this behavior makes me feel that he doesnt dare to deeply engage with Zhou Mingrui, to do some things in front of that person Combined with Francas morning description of the feeling of being kicked out of the dream and the overt and covert struggles in the lottery incident, it can be seen that Mr. Fool has a certain control over the dream, at least not much weaker than the Celestial Worthy. In this situation, if Zaratulstra stimulates him and his identity is discovered or locked onto, he is likely to be made into a marionette or kicked out of the dream In the dream city, its not just us who need to be careful, the Celestial Worthys subordinates also have to follow the same rules Thinking of this, Lumians train of thought became much clearer. He stood up and began pacing in the corridor, thinking about the details of some issues while waiting for the possible consequences of indirectly reminding Zhou Mingrui. Walking to the end of the passageway, he casually glanced outside through the window. He suddenly saw that across the street, Zaratulstra walked out of the building accompanied by a young girl, followed by his entourage and many unfamiliar faces. Lumian was very familiar with the appearance of that young girl. The Major Arcana card holder, The Hermit, Queen of Stars Cattleya! In the dream city, Maam Hermits role is Huang Jiajia, roommate of Miss Bernie Huang, and because she lost a bet, she always calls Bernie Huang dad Mr. Fools subconscious weaving of relationships is quite interesting Only then did he send a message to Intis Group Grimm: Time and place. Just a dozen seconds later, Grimm responded: Ill wait for you at the entrance of Mushu Hospital. Mushu Hospital Lumian frowned slightly. Under the blazing sunlight, Lumian saw Grimm standing in the shade of a tree. The security director of the Intis Group had changed into a light-colored striped shirt and was wearing sunglasses, disguising himself quite well. Whats the matter? Lumian walked past Grimm, heading straight into Mushu Hospital. Grimm followed behind him to the side, saying with a smile in his voice, Youll know when you see it. This should be one of the purposes Mother wanted you to come here for. The way youre talking, it feels like youve dug a trap in front and are waiting for me to fall in Lumian nodded slightly, not asking further. Wouldnt asking too much reveal that theres actually no connection between me and the Great Mother? Grimm quickened his pace, overtaking him, and led the way in front. He led Lumian around the main building to a three-story building behind it, surrounded by high walls, with a lawn and garden. This is the psychiatric ward, Grimm introduced, verifying his identity with the security guard and passing through the iron gate. Lumian nodded thoughtfully. The two quickly entered the building, and just as they climbed to the second floor under the nurses guidance, they heard a patient banging on the iron door and shouting, Let me out! Im not sick! I only lost after fighting with two supreme beings to the edge of the universe, and you caught me, Im not sick! This is my marionette, this is my paper figurine, look, I have them all with me, Im not crazy! Ive divined it, theres no danger, really no danger. That voice is normal, havent you heard it? Let me out! Let me out! Lumian raised his right eyebrow. Which Seer pathway Beyonder is this? At least a Marionettist Lumian immediately associated this with the Marionettist who hadnt intervened when they killed the reanimated female corpse, and thought of the madman found in the garbage dump near Moon Plazal the next morning, who had been sent to the hospital. Is this the Marionettist who went mad? So he was sent to the psychiatric ward of Mushu Hospital What voice did he hear? Did that cause him to go mad? As Lumian pondered, his footsteps didnt stop. He followed behind the nurse and Grimm all the way to the end of an empty corridor. The nurse stood at the door of the deepest ward and said to Grimm and Lumian, The patient is inside. You can look at him through the window, but dont reach your hands in. After saying this, she turned and left, without providing any further warnings. After watching the nurse disappear at the stairwell, Grimm smiled at Lumian and said, Child of God, Li Keji is inside. Li Keji Frank Lee? Although Lumian had already anticipated this, he was still shocked. Chapter 961 - Chapter 961 Ideology Chapter 961 Ideology Lumians expression remained unchanged as he looked at Grimm, waiting for him to continue speaking. At this moment, the psychiatric ward was very quiet. There were no patients walking around, no family members coming and going, only the occasional nurse passing by. Grimm glanced left and right before saying, Child of God, this is an opportunity to impregnate Li Keji. Please do it personally. Impregnate Frank Lee? I dont have that ability, I can only impregnate myself! Lumian grumbled inwardly, glancing at Grimm as he said, You need me for such a small matter? Grimm smiled awkwardly. If I do it, Li Keji would need to carry the child for a full 40 weeks before giving birth. That would take too long and couldnt be put to use in the short term. There may be some mutations soon. So you really do have the Beyonder power to impregnate anyone regardless of gender. Corruption is also a kind of boon, and a source of power But why are you so fixated on having Frank Lee give birth? Is it some kind of symbol, symbolizing that Frank Lee has truly become a child of the Mother? Various thoughts flashed through Lumians mind. He suddenly remembered that Frank Lees dream manifestation, Li Keji, was a special characterinfluenced by Mr. Fools subconscious perception, he exhibited supernatural aspects in mushroom-related matters. Moreover, judging from the dried mushroom incident, his potential stance leaned towards Mr. Fool. If Frank Lee really became a child of the Great Mother, it would mean that the Great Mothers forces had control over this special point in the dream city, could effectively utilize it, and more deeply interfere with the development of the dream. Although these evil gods like the Great Mother wanted balance more, Frank Lee falling into their hands was better than being controlled by the Celestial Worthy. But they also had to guard against the possibility that they were cooperating with the Celestial Worthy on this matter. Frank Lee was arrested by official forces and brought to the psychiatric ward of Mushu Hospital, representing the will of the Celestial Worthy. The Great Mother was one of the major shareholders of Mushu Hospital. Perhaps the two have already reached an agreement to cooperate on this individual incident and completed a private transaction Lumian calmly said to Grimm, My power is also limited in this city, not much better than yours. Grimm explained with a smile, I know. This time we just want to use your godhood. Although its also restricted, its still godhood. After you impregnate Li Keji, the hospitals obstetrics department will provide the corresponding reproductive technology and Beyonder power support. Li Keji can give birth to the child within four weeks. As expected The obstetrics department of Mushu Hospital is one of the symbols of the Great Mother in this dream It sounds like it has already been corrupted to some extent, with multiple medical staff becoming children of the Mother If the obstetrics departments of every hospital in the dream city are thoroughly corrupted over time, and the problem isnt exposed, wouldnt that mean that all newborns in the dream city afterwards would be children of the Mother? Generation after generation, everyone in the dream city would become a child of the Mother In the end, whether its Mr. Fool or that Celestial Worthy who wakes up, they would bear the identity of being a child of the Great Mother, in a mystical sense? The more Lumian thought about it, the more inexplicably terrified he became. This was a subtle, gradual influence, like boiling a frog in warm water. Given enough time, the Great Mother would inevitably achieve Her goal. Of course, this was assuming that Mr. Fool and the Celestial Worthy didnt offer effective resistance, and that this dream continued for at least five generations, spanning a century. These great existences are all cunning After sighing inwardly, Lumian nodded slightly and responded to Grimm, Okay. Grimms face lit up with joy as he said in a prayerful tone, May the glory of motherhood be eternal! He then approached the iron gates of the ward and looked inside through the small window barred with iron. Lumian also took two steps forward. What met their eyes was the burly back of a man wearing blue and white striped hospital clothes. The figure was crouching in the corner, fiddling with something. As Lumians gaze moved, he noticed several mushrooms with brown caps and white stems growing where the wall met the floor. They looked fresh and plump, as if they had just been transplanted from a rain-soaked forest. Bang! Lumian knocked on the iron door, and Grimm yielded the window position to him. Hearing the knock, the figure stood up and dashed to the door, revealing a face with thick facial hair. It was indeed Li Keji, the biology teacher from Star Tutoring Classes, and the Legendary Druid Frank Lee in reality. Lumian could see that Mr. Fools dream subconscious had localized the character of Li Keji to some extent, not setting him as a foreigner. Thus, his eyes were deep brown, and his facial features were softer. Finally, someones here! Li Keji said excitedly. Go tell your dean and department head that I dont have mental problems. Its just that many people cant accept my ideas. His eyes were pure and passionate. I can only accept them to a limited extent Lumian, who had read The Great Adventurer 6: Future, muttered silently before asking seriously, What are your ideas? Li Keji was eager to share. For humans, the most important thing is food. There are still many people in this world suffering from hunger. To solve this problem, we need some new plants that meet the following conditions: First, theyre not picky about the environment. Second, they dont need meticulous care. Third, they have a high annual yield. Fourth, preferably they can be harvested frequently. Fifth, theyre nutritionally rich and can meet all human needs I found that mushrooms meet most of my requirements, but theyre not enough. They have insufficient yield, monotonous nutrition, narrow taste range, and so on! Ive been thinking about how to make different types of mushrooms that have different tastes, different nutritional profiles, and different characteristics. For example, ones that are pest-resistant, disease-resistant, can grow and reproduce on their own, taste like beef, produce milk when bitten, and have flesh as delicate as fish Hearing this, Lumians eyelid twitched. Some of these new varieties sound very similar to those mushrooms from the New City of Silver Could they all be Frank Lees inventions? Have I eaten new mushrooms created by Frank Lee? No wonder I felt something was off at the time Lumian glanced at Grimm before saying to the talkative Li Keji, I can accept your explanation and your ideas. See? Those people dont understand science, they even called the police to arrest me! Li Kejis eyes brightened. Ive been thinking for a long time, and finally came up with a way to realize my ideas. What is it? Lumian raised an eyebrow. Li Keji said excitedly, Genetic modification technology! For a moment, both Lumian and Grimm fell silent. After several seconds, Lumian finally grumbled to himself, So you transplanted all of a cows genes into a mushroom? Li Keji continued, My research is progressing steadily, and I already have mature samples. Yes, they still have various problems, but that doesnt negate their epoch-making significance. Those mushrooms just happen to moo, or eat grass, or swim, or run, or drink their own milk. These arent big problems! Yet they think Im crazy, that Im endangering public safety! I think so too Lumian was momentarily speechless. Grimm was shocked. After a few seconds, he remembered something. Did you give some dried mushrooms to He stopped abruptly, not finishing the question. At that time, monitoring Zhou Mingruis workstation and having access to all surveillance cameras in the entire building, he had fully witnessed the mutation of those dried mushrooms, and knew their ultimate fate and the potential hidden dangers they had sown. I did give some to my colleagues at the tutoring center, but unfortunately there were too few to reward the students, Li Keji said regretfully. Lumian secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said to Li Keji, Geniuses are always lonely, misunderstood by others. No, Im not a genius. I just have an enthusiastic heart and the courage to put ideas into practice, Li Keji said, not out of modesty but genuine belief. Either way, your original intention wasnt wrong, Lumian could only say this. He raised his right hand towards Li Keji. Li Keji understood his intention and reached his own hand through the iron bars, giving him a high five. Ill report your situation, but I cant make the decision, Lumian said sincerely. Thank you, Li Kejis face was full of gratitude. As he returned to the bed area to study the mushrooms again, Lumian walked towards the stairwell and said to Grimm, Hes already pregnant. In reality, he wasnt. Before Grimm could respond, Lumian added, But it will take a week for the embryo to stabilize. Then the obstetrics staff can intervene. Before that, no interference can be made. I see Alright, Ill remind them, Grimm didnt understand to what extent godhood limited by this world could achieve. After leaving Mushu Hospital and watching Grimm leave, Lumian walked across the street and got into the gray sedan driven by Anthony. Looking at the entrance of Mushu Hospital, he pondered for a moment before saying, Try to rescue Li Keji from the psychiatric ward within a week. Otherwise, the false pregnancy would be exposed, and he would inevitably be suspected. Moreover, by then, the bestowed of the Great Mother could still remedy the situation and make Li Keji truly pregnant. Just as Lumian finished speaking, he suddenly saw two cars stop at the entrance of Mushu Hospital. Among the people getting out were Huang Jiajia, Miss Bernie Huang, and several men in suits. Is Huang Jiajia bringing help to rescue Li Keji? Miss Huang wont do anything illegal openly, so those people must be lawyers and some officials, trying to get Li Keji out through proper procedures? Even if those mushrooms are really like biochemical toxins, Miss Huang cant change the fact that Li Keji is guilty and has mental problems. But she can find a way to transfer him to another hospital, without keeping him in Mushu Hospital Does this count as a covert struggle between two official forces, symbolizing the confrontation between Mr. Fool and the Celestial Worthy? Does Mr. Fools subconscious want to protect Li Keji? Lumian watched thoughtfully. Chapter 962 - Chapter 962 Anonymous Tip Chapter 962: Anonymous Tip While Ludwig was making noise eating, Anthony drove the car a bit further to a shaded area to avoid the harsh sunlight. He rolled down the window slightly to create a gap, while Lumian condensed ice cubes to assist the not-so-effective old air conditioner in providing coolness. This way, they waited for nearly half an hour until they finally saw Miss Huang and Huang Jiajias group coming out of Mushu Hospital. Among them were people dressed as police officers, carrying Li Keji with his legs bound and hands cuffed. After watching them get into different vehicles and leave Mushu Hospital, Lumian received a message from Intis Group Grimm: The target has been transferred to the psychiatric ward of another hospital. He will undergo another mental evaluation and police questioning. In a week, well need to take action again. Alright, Lumian handed the phone to Anthony, letting him read the content sent by Grimm. Then, Lumian said, We cant get involved in the tug-of-war and struggle at the official level right now, nor do we have a way to intervene. But we need to do something covertly. Even if we dont manage the actions of the Great Mothers children a week later, we must consider the possibility of the Celestial Worthys subordinates infiltrating the other hospital to eliminate Frank Lees dream manifestation, just like they killed the Oracle. Theyre entirely capable of doing such a thing. Anthony nodded. This is also an application of psychological blind spots. Most people would think Li Keji is definitely safe being confined in a psychiatric ward with police guards outside. And since Li Kejis backers have considerable influence and are taking action, Li Keji and his friends probably wont take risky actions in the short term. As a result, most people will unconsciously lower their guard, which presents a good opportunity for assassination. Should we go rescue Li Keji in the next couple of days? Lumian mused uncertainly to himself. Anthony said calmly, If we rescue him, hell truly become a wanted criminal. Where do you plan to hide him? This might also make us suspects in the eyes of the police. In the dream city, this represents us opposing the dreams main consciousness, which also means were close to being discovered by the Celestial Worthy. Hide him in a painting? Lumian pondered in response. The worlds within paintings created by Painters were different from mirror worlds. They werent interconnected, so one couldnt directly move from one painted world to another. One needed to first reach the corresponding painting before entering. In other words, if Li Keji was hidden in a painted world, as long as Lumian and the others kept that painting safe, they wouldnt have to worry too much about someone infiltrating through other means or searching via illusory tunnels. Before Anthony could respond, Lumian laughed at himself. We dont necessarily have to risk rescuing Li Keji. We can change our approach. We can hide nearby, wait for the Celestial Worthys subordinates to come eliminate the target, then ambush and take them out. When the weeks deadline arrives and 1 go with the children of the Great Mother to induce the embryo in Li Kejis belly, you, Franca, and Jenna can cover your faces and ambush us. Ill pretend to be overwhelmed and flee with the children of the Great Mother, thus missing the chance to have Li Keji give birth within four weeks. Failure is better than exposure. At most, it would mean the Child of God loses some prestige in the eyes of Grimm and the others. At this point, Lumian picked up his phone and sent a message to Jenna: Be sure to protect Luo Shan well recently. Since Zaratulstra and the Celestial Worthys subordinates he represented were eliminating certain dream characters, including those who had directly or indirectly helped Zhou Mingrui, Luo Shan, who had recently reminded Zhou Mingrui, might be one of their primary targets. Lumian had previously shared information about Zaratulstra, so Jenna and Franca easily understood his meaning and replied with an Okay. Both parties then used the Information Shredder to delete their chat history. Where to now? Back? Anthony glanced at the still rather bright sky. After careful and repeated consideration, Lumian said, To Star Dream Provisions Store. Anthony didnt ask why. He rolled up the window and drove off. About twenty minutes later, they arrived at their destination. While Anthony took Ludwig to queue at a nearby shop selling guokui-a type of Chinese flatbreadLumian entered Star Dream Provisions Store and approached the cashier, politely asking the shopkeeper, Is there any mail for us? The shopkeeper, occupied by her phone, nodded and took out a letter, tossing it onto the counter. Lumian opened it on the spot and began reading. Regarding the matter of Mushu Hospitals associate dean, weve communicated with the Sanguine duke and high-level Blessed of the Church of Earth Mother. So far, we havent found anything unusual about Matriarch Roland, and the Blessed havent received any warnings from Earth Mother in this regard. -Are you wondering if the dean of Mushu Hospital might be the dream manifestation of Earth Mother? We can assure you that it hasnt reached that level yet. This is based on divine revelation, so dont worry about what the dean of Mushu Hospital is called, unless its Omebella Madam Magician, youre quite skilled at telling horror stories too, worthy of being a great writer Lumian grumbled, continuing to read. The name Stiano was quite famous in the Fourth Epoch. His full name is Yuggs Stiano. He was one of the founders of the Moses Ascetic Order, but later left the order and disappeared for a long time. Its said that after the War of the Four Emperors and before the Pale Disaster, He became a true god. Yes, youve probably guessed who He is now. Also, remember, when you return to reality, dont speak this name in any language with supernatural power. irs really the God of Steam and Machinery.. I actually added a true god on WeChat, and He even helped create a mini-program Hes quite friendly and approachable I wonder how Anthony would react if he knew that was the true god he once believed in, and probably still has some faith in. Would his emotional changes break through a Spectators instinctual control? Lumian stuffed the reply letter into the Travelers Bag. Next, he took out his phone and sent a WeChat message to Anderson Hood: Why dont you turn yourself in? After three or four minutes, A name that leaves a deep impression on you replied: Over the years, there havent been many people who could confuse and surprise me for a while. Youre now one of them. Are you planning to report clues about Danitzs death to the police? Lumian brought the phone close to his mouth and smiled as he said, 1 plan to write the names of all suspects in Danitzs murder in a tip-off letter and submit it to the police department, using official power to trouble that person. Hopefully, it will cause him significant trouble. In others eyes, what the mute did is no different from what you did. Since thats the case, why dont you just turn yourself in? This way, I wont need to write the tip-off letter. These words were quickly converted to text and sent to Anderson Hood. Anderson Hood promptly replied, Are you worried that if you write the tip-off letter, youll also be targeted by the authorities? So youre instigating me to turn myself in to minimize the risk you need to bear? Dont worry, the mute mainly made Danitz less vigilant and alert, but didnt actually do anything. He left no traces at the scene and used the power of paintings to create a strong alibi. Otherwise, as Danitzs roommate who reported to the police just hours after the incident, I would have been the most suspicious person and would have been found out long ago. That person is also very cautious and didnt leave any effective clues. However, troubling him a bit, distracting his attention, and making the police truly notice this name is not a bad idea. Go ahead and report it, just dont mention my name. Lumian clicked his tongue and walked back to the cashier, saying to the shopkeeper, Can you help me write a letter? Seeing the shopkeeper raise her head to look at him, causing even the bright sunlight outside to be blocked by clouds, Lumian self-deprecatingly smiled and said, Im illiterate. I cant write. The shopkeeper smiled slightly and asked, What do you want to write? Lumian thought for a few seconds and replied, Danitzs death is related to Zaratulstra. He murdered Danitz. The shopkeeper put down her phone, took out paper and pen, and quickly wrote down this paragraph. Finally, she asked, How many copies? Three, Lumian reduced the quantity to the minimum. After the shopkeeper finished writing, he thanked her, took the three tip-off letters, and walked to the front of the magic mirror Arrodes. He pressed his hand towards this ancient silver mirror. He wanted to test if the supposedly great magic mirror had a corresponding area behind it, whether it was part of the mirror world. Before any text could appear on the mirrors surface, Lumians body suddenly lunged forward, quickly dematerializing and diving in. In the blink of an eye, he saw the void and dark area behind the mirror. The magic mirror is still a mirror Indeed, if even mirror-like objects can be treated as mirrors, theres no reason why magic mirrors, which look like real mirrors on the surface, shouldnt count Lumian muttered to himself, surveying his surroundings. He found that the area behind the magic mirror Arrodes seemed a bit different from other mirrors. The surrounding dark void was deeper, but it also seemed covered by an invisible cloth. Behind the cloth, pairs of eyes were watching him, and inexplicable things were silently flowing. Indeed special.. Lumian didnt waste time. Combining the police department layout provided by the Major Arcana card holders and his own sensing of various mirrors within range, he chose one of them and traversed through. He wanted to submit the tip-off letters through the mirror world! Soon, he reached his destination and brought his face close to the glass surface, observing the situation outside. The next second, he saw a person. The person wore a neat white shirt with black diamond-patterned epaulets on the shoulders. He was a rigid middle-aged man with deep black hair interspersed with some white strands. His dark brown, almost black eyes were looking at the mirror where Lumian was. Lumian quickly drew back, feeling as if he had been seen by the other party. This was the office of Police Station No. 1, and that man was the highest leader of the dream citys police force, Yagates.. Chapter 963 - Chapter 963 Midnight Chapter 963 Midnight Lumian had seen in the information provided by the Major Arcana card holders that the original character for Police Chief Yagates of Police Station No. 1 should be Madam Magicians teacher, the Grand Duke of the Tudor Empire, the strongest King of Angels of the Fourth Epoch, Mr. Door Bethel Abraham. Within this introduction, there was a very important conjecture: suspected to be the dream symbol of the Uniqueness of the Apprentice pathway. Similarly, the Major Arcana card holders speculated that the active Amon in the dream was a symbol of the Uniqueness of the Marauder pathway, but often also the original body. This was because Amon was once the true god of the Marauder pathway, occupying the Uniqueness of this pathway for thousands of years, leaving a strong spiritual imprint in the corresponding Uniqueness. It could even be said that for a long time before, He was equivalent to the Uniqueness of the Marauder pathway. Therefore, before Amons spiritual imprint in the Uniqueness of the Marauder pathway was completely worn away, Amon had a very close connection with this Uniqueness. He could use this to freely enter and exit this dream city. Even if discovered by the Celestial Worthy and kicked out, He could re-enter without limit. The Uniqueness of the Major Arcana card holder pathway was part of this true dream, equivalent to Amon also being part of it. If the Celestial Worthy wanted to prevent Amon from re-entering, or to impose comprehensive restrictions on Him so He couldnt do anything, according to the Major Arcanas speculation, there were only three ways: First, remove the Uniqueness of the Marauder pathway by separating it. Second, quickly wear away Amons spiritual imprint in that Uniqueness. Third, reach an agreement with Mr. Fool to jointly reject Amon. Obviously, none of these three methods were feasiblethe seemingly most feasible second method had a prerequisite that the Celestial Worthy had a great advantage in the dream, almost half-awakened. Otherwise, in a sleeping state, in fierce opposition with Mr. Fool, even if He was a great existence, it was impossible to wear away Amons spiritual imprint in the Marauder Uniqueness in a short time. Of course, Amon would still be restricted in the dream city. As for what kind of restrictions, the Major Arcana card holders didnt know, they could only infer from Amons behavior that He wasnt completely unrestricted. Similarly, Mr. Doors spiritual imprint also remained in the Uniqueness of the Apprentice pathway, forming the dream manifestation of Yagates. Although the Uniqueness of the Apprentice pathway had once been accommodated by Amon, making Him a dual-pathway true god, Amon stayed at this level for a very short time, obviously unable to completely wear away Mr. Doors spiritual imprint. As soon as Lumian withdrew his body, he immediately disappeared from the spot, traversing towards another mirror, leaving only a few black flames quietly falling, burning away any traces he might have left. That was the symbol of the Uniqueness of the Door pathway, certainly having some control over the mirror world. Staying behind the current mirror would inevitably lead to exposure! A second or two later, Lumian transferred to the second target location. The dream manifestation of the Apprentice pathway Uniqueness is Yagates, the dream manifestation of the Marauder pathway Uniqueness is Amon is the dream manifestation of the Seer pathway Uniqueness Zhou Mingrui, also the core that Mr. Fool and the Celestial Worthy are fighting over? Lumian thought while concealing his form, hiding in the darkness. He patiently waited for a while, making sure no one was tracking him, before approaching the glass mirror surface to peek outside. Outside was also an office, currently unoccupied. This was Officer Dengs office. Lumian took out a tip-off letter, making it float up. The letter then flew out of the mirror surface, falling towards Officer Dengs desk. Just as it touched the wooden desktop, a streak of black flame suddenly extended from the mirror, quickly burning towards it, illuminating the invisible spider silk that bound it tightly. The black flames enveloped the letter, burning away residual traces and some of the spider silk, while the remaining silk retracted behind the mirror. Lumian changed his position once again, traversing to the third mirror. Outside was still an office, belonging to another police officer, William Wang. He was a very powerful police officer, corresponding to the real-life figure of the former king of the Loen Kingdom, William Augustus VI, a deceased person. The Major Arcana card holders were actually a bit confused. Mr. Fools incarnations walking in the world had no intersection with William Augustus VI, so why did this deceased king have a corresponding manifestation in the dream city? Similar situations included William Augustus I, Henry Augustus I, and other ancestors of the Augustus family who were active in the police station or court of the dream city, surnamed Wangthe same character for king. The Major Arcana card holders could only assume that Mr. Fool had many very ancient incarnations. Perhaps because the police were in a meeting or on a mission, William Wangs office was also empty. Lumian successfully placed the tip-off letter, then randomly went to another office through the mirror world, dropped the last letter, without risking going to Yagates place again. Then, he returned to Star Dream Provisions Store, coming out from the mirror area corresponding to the magic mirror Arrodes. Can I borrow paper and pen again? Lumian walked to the cashier and asked politely. The shopkeeper put the paper and pen used for writing earlier on the counter. Lumian began to write a letter to the Major Arcana card holders, with three main points: First, to remind the Major Arcana card holders to pay attention to Rozanne in reality and provide necessary protection. Second, to ask them to confirm Anderson Hoods real situation. Third, to report the news of Li Keji being arrested. After mailing the letter and expressing thanks, Lumian returned to the gray sedan. Anthony and Ludwig had already returned. Before Anthony started the car, Lumian briefly explained the possible identity of Stiano. Anthony was silent for a moment, then started the car and said with a sigh, Even gods were once weak, even gods went through stages like us This truly is the path of the divine, it makes me feel that gods are no longer so unattainable, no longer naturally noble, naturally gods Disenchantment? Lumian asked using the newly learned term. Anthony turned the steering wheel and said, But They are indeed fighting against evil gods, protecting the people I remember in the industrial cities along the West Midseashire Coast, those robed clergy would regularly go to factories to hold ceremonies. Now it seems more like packaging major factory inspections, formal use of new machines, clergy getting close to front-line machines and other things into sacred rituals Anthony rambled on about religious stories he heard as a child and religious ceremonies he experienced as he grew up. Lumian listened quietly, occasionally echoing with a word or two. Dechang Garden, Building 5, Room 1502. Luo Shan was very happy to find that Franca had returned to normal. She curiously asked, What did it feel like at that time? I couldnt breathe, like a fish pulled out of water, a person kicked out of this world. Franca described it simply, without mentioning parts that might make Luo Shan think of dreams. Jenna then said, You need to be careful recently. The minions of evil forces are also trying to get close to Zhou Mingrui and deal with people who have directly or indirectly helped Zhou Mingrui. Were worried they might target you. Mm-hmm. Luo Shan pointed to the new oil painting and new sketch hanging on the wall, Ive already turned my room into a fortress, they will guard me while I sleep. Franca and Jenna looked in the direction Luo Shan was pointing, seeing an oil painting of a colorful parrot. Around the parrot were abstract, mottled color blocks, and its eyes deliberately turned when Franca and the others looked over, as if saying Hi, Im alive! After looking at the paintings in the living room and bedroom, Jenna nodded and said, A Painters ability is indeed magical. However, if you trust us, we can provide you with the ultimate safety guarantee. How? Luo Shan asked. Jenna didnt hide anything. Give us a small amount of blood and hair, well make a Mirror Substitution for you. Um, the straight-line distance between our two rooms barely qualifies within the effective range of this ability, and we can bring us closer in your Shaman space to ensure effectiveness. But this also means that we can easily and accurately curse you, kill you with that Mirror Substitution. Luo Shan fell silent. After a good while, she smiled. We can try. If you really want to kill me, youve had many opportunities these past few days. Close to midnight, Luo Shan, who had already washed up, checked the doors, windows, and those paintings before lying down on the bed and turning off the lights. In the deep darkness, Luo Shan quickly fell asleep, continuing to guard that semi-transparent barrier. As time ticked by minute by minute, in the parrot oil painting in the living room, those mottled color blocks suddenly began to squirm. The colorful parrot noticed this change and was about to cry out loudly, but was surged over by those color blocks, covering its mouth and pressing down its wings. Soon, the colorful parrot was submerged and dissolved by these color blocks, becoming part of them. These color blocks flowed out of the oil painting like water, leaving the canvas empty. They surged towards the bedroom in the quiet night, passing through the door crack, coming to Luo Shans bedside. Suddenly, this water flow composed of color blocks surged upwards, taking a human form. The colorful human form quietly looked at the sleeping Luo Shan for twenty to thirty seconds. Finally, it turned back into a water flow composed of color blocks, returning along its original path to the oil painting in the living room. The color blocks squirmed, reconstructing the colorful parrot and the surrounding background. The parrot was identical to before, its eyes still lively. The next morning, Luo Shan woke up. She first picked up her phone to check messages, then slowly got up and checked the situation in the bedroom and living room. No problems. Luo Shan breathed a sigh of relief and walked towards the bathroom. After parting with Franca and Luo Shan, Jenna went out to observe those dream characters who were relatively close to Zhou Mingrui. This was her and Anthonys recent task. Of course, she had already submitted her profile to Hall Film Company as a performing arts student. And today, she or Anthony would go to contact Peng Deng, a very special dream character. Chapter 964 - Chapter 964 A Bit Special Chapter 964 A Bit Special Across from the building where Peng Deng worked. Jenna walked up to the gray sedan and watched as the door opened and Ludwig got out by himself. She nodded to Anthony in the drivers seat, then led Ludwig towards a nearby caf. Based on Peng Dengs occupation, they had already formulated a plan for making contact: If they had money, they could buy a house, then go to the design company where Peng Deng worked for a consultation, using abilities like Hypnosis or Instigation to designate Peng Deng as their designer. Then, they could discuss design ideas, concepts and styles with Peng Deng, and sign a contract, allowing them to repeatedly contact the target through follow-up activities like reviewing plans and visiting sites, gradually becoming familiar, and ultimately figuring out if he had any issues and what those issues were. But unfortunately, they didnt have that much money. If they really had money to buy a house, wouldnt it be simpler and more convenient to just rent the magic mirror Arrodes and ask it for detailed information about Peng Deng? So Anthony only planned to execute the first half of the planfabricating the fact that he owned a house, using home renovation as an excuse to go for a consultation, using his Hypnosis ability to get the company boss to assign Peng Deng to talk to him, and finally leaving with the excuse of needing to think it over, without signing a contract. If Anthonys operation failed, encountering a situation where Peng Deng was unavailable or happened to be meeting a client, and he was assigned to a different designer, then Jenna would execute the second plan. After entering the caf with Ludwig, choosing a window seat, and ordering a cappuccino, a fruit juice, a small cake and a bunch of bread, Jenna looked at the little boy across from her and fell into deep thought, Every time we need to carry out a probing mission, we have to switch who takes him along. It feels so troublesome He can certainly be very useful, but a childs appearance, mentality and cognition mean he cant act independently, and were not comfortable with that not comfortable with the ordinary people of the dream city Should we find a way to get him into some elementary school, so he can attend classes? That way, we wouldnt have to worry about him during the day, just pick him up when its time. In Jennas silence, Ludwig suddenly had a bit of a bad premonition. At that moment, the small cake was brought over, and he immediately smiled, picking up the fork and spoon. Jenna thought for a while, but still gave up on the idea of sending Ludwig to elementary school. That wasnt like going to cram school, which only took an hour and a half with breaks in between and parents waiting outside. Hed have to stay at school all day, and unless they gave Ludwig the Travelers Bag, there was really no way for him to carry enough food. What would happen then, a classmate every two periods? Meanwhile, Anthony saw Peng Deng enter the building. After 9 oclock, confirming that Peng Deng hadnt left, he got out of the car, entered the building, took the elevator, and arrived at the design company called Shengwei. Anthony said to the receptionist, I called earlier to inquire and made an appointment. The receptionist checked the record book and led Anthony to a meeting room. Soon after, the person in charge of the design company came over and chatted with Anthony for a bit, confirming the style he wanted. During this process, Anthony deliberately mentioned Peng Deng, saying he had seen this designers works and actual results on the companys public account and felt they matched his ideas well. Undoubtedly, while saying this, Anthony looked into the eyes of the person in charge, using Hypnosis lightly. Earlier during the phone communication, he had also used psychological methods for guidance, though he couldnt directly apply Hypnosis then. Please wait here, Ill go get the designer, the person in charge stood up and left the meeting room, while a staff member poured Anthony a glass of water and put out some fruit. About ten minutes later, Anthony saw Peng Deng appear at the door. Peng Deng had black hair and brown eyes, with an ordinary appearance. His hair was styled with some parts fluffed up, and he wore a black T-shirt with a trendy brand feel, carrying a laptop. Anthony stood up calmly, not showing any unusual behavior. After the company managers introduction, Anthony began chatting with Peng Deng, mainly describing his needs while Peng Deng listened and occasionally asked more in-depth questions to understand the details. After Anthony finished speaking, Peng Deng operated a laptop and projector, saying, I found a few images earlier, see if they match the feeling you want. Soon, Anthony saw an image: a modern-style living room, bright and clean with golden sunlight shining through the windows, a vase placed in just the right position with a bouquet of fresh flowers, and two oil paintings hanging on either side, depicting sparse, beautiful forests and lush green fields Anthony suddenly felt this was exactly what he wanted. Peng Deng continued to show several more images, with styles similar to the previous one, and each seemed to perfectly match Anthonys requirements. He accurately grasped the vision I had in mind just based on the description over the phone and our face-to-face conversation? Isnt this a bit special? Anthony didnt immediately express his thoughts, but continued discussing with Peng Deng how these images could be combined into a whole and the specific costs for the designers fee. After chatting for a while longer, Anthony stood up and said, Ill think about it some more. Alright. Peng Deng didnt try hard to persuade him, and escorted Anthony to the company entrance. Anthony went downstairs, crossed the street, and passed by the caf where Jenna and Ludwig were. When the two parties met through the glass window, Anthony nodded slightly. Then, he walked straight towards the rented gray sedan. Jenna withdrew her gaze and continued watching Ludwig eat. According to their prior agreement, she easily understood without needing to guess what Anthonys nod just now meant: Ive met Peng Deng and made contact. Now, I need to self-isolate until dawn tomorrow to see if any abnormalities occur. Tech Building, Intis Group, Administration Department. After being busy for a while, Luo Shan started to slack off. She picked up her phone and sent a message to True Hidden Blade: Do I need to go hint at Zhou Mingrui about his own specialness? Franca, sitting in the workstation diagonally in front of Luo Shan, hesitated for a while before replying: Not for now. Wait until my companion and I can no longer act, then you can do it. Luo Shan was about to say something more when Deputy Director Zhang Qing came out of his office, clapped his hands and said, Mr. Huang will be coming over shortly, bringing that VIP from last time to continue touring the company Franca was worried that if Luo Shan hinted too deeply, she would also encounter abnormalities. While she and her companions might be kicked out of the dream, dream characters might just die suddenly, or get hit and run over by a bus after work. She preferred Luo Shan to only act as her assistant for now, cooperating with her to hint at Zhou Mingrui. Luo Shan was about to say something more when Deputy Director Zhang Qing came out of his office, clapped his hands and said, Mr. Huang will be coming over shortly, bringing that VIP from last time to continue touring the company A rustling sound suddenly arose as many employees took out their makeup bags and makeup mirrors. That VIP from last time? Franca used her phone to ask Luo Shan: Is it Zaratulstra? It should be, hes the only VIP recently, involved in the integration and merger of certain subsidiaries, as well as a big deal, Luo Shan replied quickly. What should we do next? She meant, should they let Zaratulstra come into contact with Zhou Mingrui? Didnt Lumian report Zaratulstra yesterday? The police station has no evidence and cant restrict the foreign guests freedom for now? Zaratulstra just went to see Zhou Mingrui at the cram school yesterday, and now hes coming to the company again today. What does he want to do? Ah, Lumian was right, passively dealing with things can easily lead to problems. Its better to actively eliminate hidden dangers Franca looked at her phone, her thoughts racing quickly. After nearly a minute, she replied to Luo Shan: Stay calm; let me see the specific situation before deciding. You just need to cooperate with me. Dont worry, with so many people in the company watching, Zaratulstra cant do anything. If worse comes to worst, Ill risk losing my job and pour a glass of water on Zaratulstras or Mr. Huangs crotch! Seeing that Luo Fu didnt take out mirrors or put on makeup, several nearby employees withdrew their observing gazes, feeling relieved and focusing on themselves. Soon after, the group chat reported Mr. Huangs itinerary: Mr. Huang has brought the VIP to the 16th floor! Tech Building, 16th floor. Huang Tao, dressed casually, sat down with the formally dressed Zaratulstra in a room filled with various classical objects and opened a bottle of Aurmir red wine. You said you bought a very peculiar mirror? Huang Tao continued their previous topic. Zaratulstra smiled and said, Yes, it possesses a kind of magic. It can let us see our inner selves. As he spoke, the old mans deep blue, almost black eyes moved slightly, and he took out a small mirror with a classical design, luxurious style, and inlaid with gems from his suit pocket. At this time, his and Huang Taos entourage had all been left outside the current room, with only a few security personnel guarding at the door, not approaching them. Look, this is how I appear in the mirror, Zaratulstra placed the mirror in front of his face. Huang Tao leaned in and saw that the reflection in the mirror was not the elderly Zaratulstra, but a man in his thirties with deep black hair and ordinary features. Could it be a high-tech mirror with artificial intelligence? Huang Tao mumbled based on his experience and understanding. Would you like to try? Zaratulstra asked him. Sure. Huang Tao took the mirror with interest, quietly checking if the item had any hidden switches and what material the mirror surface was made of. He didnt find any issues, so he brought the mirror up to his face with curiosity. He then saw himself in the mirror. It was completely different from what he had imagined. The him in the mirror was a woman, wearing an ornate golden crown, with slightly curly chestnut hair, blue eyes, a high nose bridge, thin lips, and an alluring appearance with an indescribable charm. Huang Tao was stunned, as if he had seen the anima in his heart. Lumian, who started his middle shift today, only needed to arrive at the company before 4:30 p.m. Since late last night, he had been using the mirror world to sneak into a hospital called Crimson Moon, where Li Keji was currently being held. Chapter 965 - Chapter 965 Experimenting Again Chapter 965 Experimenting Again Lumian hid behind a mirror-like object on the corridor wall, gazing at Li Kejis hospital room through the hard barrier. He had maintained this position for many hours, only occasionally adjusting to relax. He had waited all night but hadnt seen Zaratulstra or other subordinates of the Celestial Worthy come to eliminate Li Keji. After an unknown amount of time, as sunlight shone in from the other end of the corridor, different rooms in the psychiatric ward gradually became lively. Someone was singing loudly, someone was banging on doors, someone was knocking on something unknown, as if calling for breakfast. At this moment, Lumian saw a large amount of milky white liquid surge out from the gap between Li Kejis hospital room door and the solid floor. Milk? Lumians gaze froze slightly. A second later, he found that the milky white liquid, which seemed to be milk, receded like a tide back into Li Kejis hospital room. The floor became clean again, with only varying degrees of wet traces remaining. Lumian watched silently. A few minutes later, with his eagle-like vision, he felt that there seemed to be something indescribable at the doorway of the hospital room. He carefully pressed his face against the mirror surface, penetrating out slightly. The scene before his eyes instantly lost its mirrored feel, becoming clearer. He then saw some small, distinct white lines, and noticed finer, less obvious white filaments around them. These things as a whole looked like intersecting, much thinner snowflakes, or as if countless white fuzz were mixed together. Compared to the spider silk of Demonesses, they were all opaque, tinted with color, and could still be discovered upon careful observation. Mycelium? Lumian made a guess. This was based on speculation about Li Kejis own special nature. After a few seconds, these mycelium uniformly retracted, passing through the door gap and disappearing into the corridor. A scene spontaneously emerged in Lumians mind: a strangely shaped giant mushroom man, no, a giant mushroom, walking to the door, carefully extending its myceliumits goals unknown. Lumian fell silent once again. He seriously pondered a question, Is letting Zaratulstra and other subordinates of the Celestial Worthy eliminate Li Keji ultimately a bad thing or a good thing As long as they are prevented from taking Li Kejis corpse to the basement of Mushu Hospital and using the Mothers power to give him new life, the whole thing doesnt seem that unacceptable Hmm, Frank Lees mushrooms in the dream city seemed to have overlapped with Mr. Fools idealistic cognition, becoming more terrifying and bizarre than in reality. If they lost control later, who knows which side it would benefit No, no, no, fire is also dangerous, but fire can be exploited This guy is suitable to be confined in a psychiatric ward, to be released when needed, or to borrow a few mushrooms with unique functions Can a psychiatric ward really contain him? Should he be helped to enter prison, to be controlled by the officials representing the dreams main consciousness? But if so, it would be very troublesome for us to utilize him, and moreover, he doesnt look like someone without mental problems in any way. Franca had explained before that in the dream city, such mentally ill patients dont need to go to prison, they just need to receive prolonged treatment in a mental hospital Lumian withdrew his face, distancing himself from the mirror surface. At 10 a.m., he saw Huang Jiajia, Bernie Huang, accompanied by a lawyer, Officer Deng, and a doctor in a white coat enter this ward. Only then did he feel relieved. He traversed to the rear-view mirror of a car in the underground parking lot, jumped out, and directly teleported back to the rented apartment in Xinhong District. At this time, Anthony was in self-isolation, Ludwig had been taken away by Jenna, and Lumian casually ate some bread before preparing to lie down on the bed to catch up on sleep. Just as he had lain down, he felt his phone vibrate once. The message was from True Hidden Blade: Zaratulstra has come to visit the group again, now on the 16th floor, hasnt come down yet. Zaratulstra wasnt affected by the tip-off letter? Does the tip-off letter need evidence, otherwise the police would have to investigate for a while, obtain sufficient evidence before they can arrest a foreign guest? Zaratulstra is still very cautious, and the identity of a foreign guest is also very clever Lumian sat on the bed, pondered and analyzed for a while before replying to Franca: No need to interfere with Zaratulstras visit, but remind Zhou Mingrui to be careful through Luo Shan. Inside the Administration Department of Intis Group. Franca sent a message to Luo Shan: If that guy comes to visit the tech department later, remember to warn Zhou Mingrui to be careful about safety. No rush for now, what if the enemy chooses to visit other departments or other subsidiaries? Warning Zhou Mingrui in advance would plunge him into endless suspicion, guarding against everyone around him, which would greatly affect his mental state in the long run. Luo Shan replied with a nodding cat emoji. To their surprise, Mr. Huang didnt bring Zaratulstra down for a tour, the two stayed on the 16th floor until noon before leaving via the private elevator. Alert lifted, the enemy didnt contact the target, so Luo Shan didnt give any reminder. Franca reported the situation to Lumian during lunch break. Lumian quickly replied: Then Ill carry out the step of hinting at Zhou Mingrui about the existence of supernatural powers this afternoon, and be a bit more aggressive. You, Jenna, and Anthony, from now on, dont contact me, delete the chat history, even my WeChat and QQ numbers, and add them back tomorrow afternoon. Wont this get mixed up with the results of Anthonys probe of Peng Deng? If he gets kicked out, we might have trouble distinguishing if its Peng Dengs problem or something related to your side. Franca raised a detailed question. It wont, we isolated from each other last night, our experimental results wont affect each other. Lumian had made preparations yesterday. Since Francas consciousness returned to the body of Luo Fu, he had started preparing. At 4 p.m., Lumian arrived at Intis Group early and enjoyed an early dinner. Then, he and Old Xia took over from their colleagues and started patrolling the floors. After completing this task, they replaced colleagues who were rushing to the cafeteria and started monitoring the surveillance. Lumian seemed to be observing the situation on different floors, but his attention was entirely on the internal parts of Intis Group, on that area of the 10th floor. Finally, he saw Zhou Mingrui leave his workstation, walk out of the tech department, and head towards the public restroom in the middle of the corridor. Lumian stood up abruptly, clutching his stomach and said to Old Xia, The food was too spicy just now, I need to go to the bathroom. Without waiting for Old Xias response, he left the surveillance room directly. Old Xia turned to look at his back and said almost inaudibly, Hes only been working for a week and already learned to take a shit break? In the corridor, Lumian avoided two security personnel coming out of the elevator area, turned into the stairwell, merged into the shadows, and quickly went down. In less than thirty seconds, he reached the 10th floor. Then, pretending to be checking a problem he had discovered during his earlier floor patrol, he openly entered the corridor between the Administration Department and Technology Department, arriving outside the restroom. He looked left and right, then quickly walked into the mens side with small steps. At this time, Zhou Mingrui was washing his hands at the sink. Lumian glanced inside the restroom, confirming that no one was at the urinals, and one of the four stalls seemed to be locked. Zhou Mingrui turned around and just saw him. Lumian took out a lighter and smiled. His thumb repeatedly pressed virtually above the lighter, not touching it, yet the lighter produced a series of crimson red flames. Seeing this, Zhou Mingrui, who already had doubts, instantly became mentally tense. Is this supernatural power or some kind of magic trick? Lumian stepped back twice, pressing his other hand on the edge of the mens restroom door frame, quietly activating a black mark on his body. Bottle of Fiction! He isolated the area of the sink from the rest of the bathroom and the space outside. Lumian looked at Zhou Mingrui, who seemed ready to lash out at any moment, and smiled slightly. Ive drunk a beverage called Hunter. You really do have issues Zhou Mingruis eyes narrowed imperceptibly, his doubts and worries of many days finally becoming reality. Lumian turned his head to glance towards the urinals. I came to you to warn you. Be careful of that foreign guest called Zaratulstra. Zaratulstra Zhou Mingrui had a deep impression of this long name. He had once been assigned by Mr. Huang as a technical person to receive Zaratulstra, and was responsible for being the interpreter and explainer, but the other party either had a mechanical failure with their flight or encountered severe weather, so he never managed to receive him. Later, he got sick and took leave after listening to a song, missing Zaratulstras first visit to the company. After that, he had seen the groups publicity, knowing what Zaratulstra looked like from videos and photos. Reminded by Lumian, Zhou Mingrui suddenly remembered that the old man standing at the door of the Business English class before Luo Shan warned him to be careful yesterday seemed to be Zaratulstra. Was Luo Shans warning also pointing to Zaratulstra? How did she know Zaratulstra was visiting Dream Tutoring Classes? Right, Li Ming was there yesterday Are Li Ming and Luo Shan in cahoots? Luo Fu joined only one day later than Li Ming As these thoughts flashed through Zhou Mingruis mind, Lumian offered no explanation, lifted the Bottle of Fiction, and walked out of the mens restroom. Zhou Mingrui looked at his back, suddenly feeling that the hidden currents around him were much more fierce and exaggerated than he had imagined. After another round of floor patrol, Lumian stood at the office window, watching as the last golden-red glow of the sunset was swallowed by darkness. Night had officially arrived. By this time, Luo Shan, Luo Fu, and Zhou Mingrui had all gotten off work, with the latter having left just a few minutes ago. Lumian looked at the brightly lit buildings, slightly raising his chin and curling the corners of his mouth, waiting for the possible exile. This time, if he was kicked out of the dream, Zaratulstra probably wouldnt be spared either. A one-for-one exchange was worth it! Chapter 966 - Chapter 966 Different Treatment Chapter 966 Different Treatment Time passed minute by minute. Lumian saw office workers continuing to leave the Tech Building, while carts appeared in less conspicuous places along the road, selling fried noodles, stir-fried rice noodles, braised dishes, fried skewers, barbecue and other foods. Cars drove by with their lights on, still busy. Nothings happened yet Lumian had long lost sight of Zhou Mingrui, but he didnt feel anything unusual. At this moment, Old Xia walked in. Lets go patrol again, so Team Lead Xu doesnt say were hiding in the office slacking off. Okay. Lumian nodded. Then, he saw Old Xia turn his body somewhat awkwardly. Whats wrong? Did you hurt your back? Lumian stopped, still close to the window. Old Xia turned his head, his expression unchanged as he said, Im not What ah As he spoke, his lips sometimes paused mid-movement, and his accent changed. Before Lumian could respond, Old Xia looked away and continued walking towards the door. His knees, ankles, arms, and shoulders seemed as if filled with lead, heavy and stiff, with a sense of sluggishness. Lumian suddenly recalled the puppet show he had seen in the basement of the Alone Bar in Trier, feeling as if invisible strings were tied to all of Old Xias joints. Old Xia now looks more like a puppet than a human Has he been marionettized? My thoughts also seem to be lagging Am I also being marionettized? Lumian was startled. He lowered his head and tried to raise his right arm. In his view, his arm lifted, paused, lifted again, and paused again, as if watching a video with slow Internet speed. Indeed Lumians first reaction was that the Celestial Worthy was marionettizing him, but he didnt feel the painful discomfort of a fish leaving water or a person leaving air that Franca had described. He immediately thought of another possibility: Zaratulstra or other subordinates of the Celestial Worthy were hiding in the shadows, trying to deal with him! Lumian slightly moved his neck, turning his gaze to the window outside. He found that the vehicles on the road all paused simultaneously, but without the forward surge that would occur with sudden braking. After a brief freeze, these vehicles started moving again. Two seconds later, they stopped again. This made Lumian feel as if he was watching surveillance footage, frame by frame! Not only the vehicles, but the vendors selling fried noodles and their customers also showed similar, abnormal stuttering. Such large-scale marionettizing in the dream city can only be done by the Celestial Worthy or Mr. Fool The anomaly has come Lumian tried hard to concentrate, preparing to actively exit the dream. Although he wasnt sure why his experience was different from Francas, the current situation and the changes around him made him feel this wasnt something he could escape or fight against with his personal abilities. The only solution was to actively exit the dream before becoming a marionette himself. Of course, Lumian didnt immediately put this into practice, because he didnt need to use the Information Shredder to delete important contacts from his phonethis had already been done in advance. He still had some time to experience the current changes and see if he could observe any hidden information. After about ten seconds, Lumians thoughts suddenly became smooth again, no longer feeling as if his head was stuffed with paste. Its over? No more marionettization? Lumian, already looking outside, noticed that the vehicles on the road no longer had strange pauses. Those vendors and pedestrians had also returned to normal. Why arent you moving yet? Whats on your mind? Old Xia turned around again, urging Lumian. Lumians eyes moved slightly, and he said with a grin, Ouch, my stomach hurts. Im going to the bathroom. With that, he ran off, passing Old Xia and rushing into the public restroom on this floor. Old Xia looked at his back and cursed amusingly, Lazy cattle and horses shit and piss the most! Lumian entered a stall, locked the door, and quickly used Spirit World Traversal. He teleported to another public restroom, appearing in midair on the mens side. Seeing no one in the stalls below, Lumian floated down lightly and locked the door. This was the hotel where Zaratulstra was staying. Before going to wait outside Li Kejis ward at Crimson Moon Hospital, Lumian had come here to scout aroundalthough he had temporarily shelved the plan to actively attack and assassinate Zaratulstra, changing it to using Li Keji to ambush potential enemies, when time allowed, he would still make more preparations, in case Zaratulstra chose to finish off Li Keji indirectly. At that time, the backup plan might become the primary one. Lumian took out a mirror and placed it on top of the water tank. Then, he pressed his right hand on it. His figure suddenly leaned forward, rapidly becoming ethereal, entering the glass mirror surface. Using the mirror world, he traversed to the glass window inside Zaratulstras suite. Under the night sky, this was undoubtedly a real mirror. Lumian didnt bring his face close to the glass surface, but peered into the room from a distance. He wasnt sure if Zaratulstra had returned to the hotel yet, maybe he was still out socializing. He also didnt dare use divination to find the others current location, fearing it might alert a true Seer. The next second, he saw a figure. The figure wore a black formal suit, with slightly messy white hair, hanging from the main light, swaying gently, like the corpse of a hanged man. Zaratulstra! Wh Lumian was a bit shocked: Zaratulstra was hanged by Mr. Fool, just like he hanged the Oracle? Was my afternoon hint to Zhou Mingrui really effective? I originally only thought about getting Zaratulstra kicked out of the dream, and I was prepared to pay the price of one entry chance for the dream As Lumians thoughts raced, he saw twisted, writhing, transparent maggots falling from Zaratulstras body. These worms quickly faded and disappeared as soon as they fell onto the bed and floor, as if they were just illusions. Lumian then saw a figure walk out of the void. The figure wore a black formal suit, with all-white hair, a rather thick beard on his face, and eyes so deep blue they were almost pure black without light. Zaratulstra! Another Zaratulstra! A still-living Zaratulstra! Zaratulstra raised his head, expressionlessly looking at the himself hanging from the chandelier. The hanging figure quickly faded and became transparent like the maggots that had fallen earlier, until it disappeared. Was the one hanging just now Zaratulstras Historical Void image? Did Zaratulstra sense the danger in advance and summon a historical image to replace himself? Otherwise, at Sequence 7, a historical image couldnt last long Lumian withdrew his gaze, no longer looking at Zaratulstra to avoid being noticed. The information provided by the Major Arcana card holders about the abilities of the Seer pathway up to Sequence 3 Scholar of Yore was quite detailed. For Sequence 2 Miracle Invoker, it only briefly explained what wishes and miracles were. Beyond that, the Major Arcana card holders hardly mentioned anything. The terms Grafting and Fooling were only briefly mentioned later to explain specific events. Standing in the void black area behind the mirror, Lumian combined his own experience with Zaratulstras different encounter to make some guesses about what had just happened. Its preliminarily confirmed that this was an anomaly brought about by my daytime hint to Zhou Mingrui. On my side, pedestrians and cars within the range were all affected by marionettization, not just myself This indicates that my hint to Zhou Mingrui did indeed attract the Celestial Worthys attention, but because the hint was given during the day, the Celestial Worthy couldnt accurately lock onto me, only roughly circle out a range? During a collective marionettization, if I resist or struggle using Beyonder powers, I would be quickly locked onto by the Celestial Worthy. If I choose to exit the dream to avoid danger, the Celestial Worthys goal would also be achieved, making me consume one chance to enter and exit the dream How cunning My reminder to Zhou Mingrui was also perceived by Mr. Fool, and the name Zaratulstra was grasped by Him, so Zaratulstra encountered targeted rapid marionettization, but this was borne by the image from the Historical Void Why is Zaratulstra so calm now? Is this what a Faceless is? Or is He certain that before new changes occur, Mr. Fools gaze will only come once, and if dodged, its truly dodged? Tomorrow, well get Luo Shan to probe Zhou Mingrui to see if he still remembers the threat of Zaratulstra. If he remembers, and Zaratulstra doesnt encounter marionettization again or end up kicked out of the dream, then it should be that the Celestial Worthy provided help, using the death of a historical projection to resolve this incident Can we also use similar methods to avoid being kicked out of the dream? Or, verbal threats from others and face-to-face stimulation are still different, so Franca and Zaratulstras experiences are also quite different Thinking of this, Lumian quietly looked outside the mirror again. He saw Zaratulstra walk to the door as if nothing had happened, open it, let several followers in, and discuss tomorrows business negotiation matters with them. Lumian felt a bit of regret. He had just been thinking about whether to take the opportunity to attempt an assassination when Zaratulstras historical projection was hanging and the real body appeared! His curse still had the characteristic of not being transferable by paper figurine, as long as it affected the real body. After glancing at those followers and weighing the possibility of Beyonders among them, Lumian silently left the glass window that could serve as a mirror and traversed back to that bathroom. He had just left for two seconds when Zaratulstra and his followers in the room either half-turned their bodies or turned their heads, all casting their gazes towards the glass window at the edge of the living room reflecting the night scene. In a cheap motel. Anthony, who was self-isolating after contacting Peng Deng, sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for a possible anomaly. Chapter 967 - Chapter 967 A New Problem Chapter 967 A New Problem Anthony hadnt drawn the curtains in his room, as he still needed to observe the situation outside. This was to compare with his own condition. After sitting for a while, he stood up and walked to the window, admiring the city scene that was still glittering even in the deep night. At this moment, he felt a strong dizziness. He immediately realized that the air around him had been suddenly drained. No, a more accurate description was that he had been thrown out of the world, separated from the air. At the same time, his thoughts began to become confused and sluggish. His hands involuntarily reached for his throat, wanting to pull out his trachea and plug it back into the original world. This is very similar to Francas description Contact with Peng Deng also leads to being kicked out of the dream More importantly I contacted the target during the day and didnt hint at the existence of supernatural powers or hidden bizarre events Contacting Zhou Mingrui in this way wouldnt cause problems Is Peng Deng more special than Zhou Mingrui? Anthony calmly examined his own state, thinking about the process of this experiment. When he felt he could no longer resist the tendency to become a marionette, he used that force trying to kick him out to actively exit the dream. He opened his eyes and saw the dark ceiling and the crimson moonlight shining through the thick curtains. This scene was not present in the dream city. Anthony had heard from Franca about the situation in reality. After briefly confirming the things he was carrying and the state of his body, he got out of bed and walked towards the bathroom. He had also planned to go to the bathroom in the dream city. After a while, Anthony heard a knocking sound on the door. Without needing to ask, he naturally knew that Madam Justice and Madam Susie were outside. Anthony opened the door and, as expected, saw the Major Arcana card holder and the gentle, intelligent golden retriever. Before he could greet them, Madam Justice asked in a soft voice, Why did you suddenly leave the dream? I was kicked out, Anthony replied, slightly confused. Madam Justice shook her head. Although I can no longer influence Mr. Fools dream, I have been monitoring the changes in the dream. I didnt notice any signs of you being rejected by the dream. But Anthony didnt question Madam Justices statement. He recounted in full detail how he had contacted Peng Deng, how he had self-isolated, and what he had just experienced. Madam Justice didnt interrupt Anthonys words, listening patiently and attentively to his statement. Then, she nodded gently and said, I believe what you felt was inner fear. Your fear turned the description from Two of Cups into reality, making you mistakenly believe you were being kicked out of the dream, so you chose to actively leave. As a Psychiatrist, both you and I know very well that this level of fear, fear without warning, is not normal at all. This is the anomaly brought about by your first contact with Peng Deng during the day. Fear the contact with Peng Deng triggered my fear of being kicked out of the dream, and let it reach its peak in the early hours, evolving into an almost tangible hallucination? Anthony recalled the previous events and agreed with Madam Justices speculation. He muttered thoughtfully, Is this also a manifestation of being watched by that Celestial Worthy, a symbol of one of His abilities? Or is Peng Dengs uniqueness not directly related to that Celestial Worthy, but has another source? Were not sure either, because Peng Dengs role and position in the dream city are too special. We put him in the last few steps when it comes to confirming the situation. Unfortunately, we couldnt influence the dream anymore before we got to that part of the process. This time can be considered our Tarot Clubs first real contact with Peng Deng At this point, Madam Justices emerald-like eyes moved slightly, her mouth half-open, stopping her subsequent words. After two seconds, she said thoughtfully, Perhaps the fact that we put Peng Deng at the end to probe itself has some problems, but there are too many possible reasons. Fooling can certainly achieve this We also dont know if that Celestial Worthy can unconsciously trigger the fear in your heart and let it burst at a specific moment. We know very little about the authority and corresponding existence symbols of Sequence 0 of the Seer pathway, especially the latter. Although Madam Justice didnt finish all her speculations, Anthony roughly knew what her possible thoughts might be. He said carefully, We need to design a more detailed experimental plan specifically for Peng Deng in the future to determine the source of the problem. What we can be sure of now is that there is a certain difference between him and Zhou Mingrui. The anomalies that appear due to contact with them under the same conditions are different. Madam Justice smiled and said, Your contact with Peng Deng this time has been very informative for me. Hmm dont rush back to the dream, stay outside for three hours first, walk around the villa, eat something. This doesnt mean there will be a problem if you go back now, you werent kicked out, we dont have that concern. This is just a simple adjustment to your psychological state: after staying in the dream city for a long time, its easy to confuse reality and dreams. Since youve already left, its best to re-experience reality and deepen the corresponding psychological cognition. Yes, Madam Justice. As a Psychiatrist, Anthony naturally understood the meaning of these words. To use a new term he learned in the dream city: prevention is better than cure. After returning to the Tech Building, Lumian continued the task of patrolling the floors with Old Xia until they got off work at 12:30 a.m. He directly teleported to the vicinity of Crimson Moon Hospital, then used the mirror world to reach outside Li Kejis ward, waiting for possible attacks. Of course, he didnt stay in the same position all the time, nor did he always remain at Crimson Moon Hospital. He picked out three time periods he thought were most suitable for assassination, only ambushing during these three periods, and being normal the rest of the time such as sleeping at home or being on his phone. During those three time periods, he would randomly choose one of six hiding spots each time, with no two consecutive times being the same. This was to guard against Zaratulstra and the Celestial Worthys other subordinates thinking that someone might be using Li Keji as bait to ambush them, and launching targeted attacks in return. At daybreak, Lumian went out to buy breakfast. On the way, he deliberately turned into a quiet alley and met Jenna. This was arranged by both parties. Jenna handed Ludwig over to Lumian, as she had an interview at Hall Film Company today and couldnt watch over the child. Lumian looked around and told Jenna about what happened last night, asking her to share it with Franca. Lumian finally said, At present, it seems that contacting Zhou Mingrui during the day and hinting at the existence of supernatural powers also carries risks, but wont receive precise strikes. However, after being remembered by Zhou Mingrui and knowing the corresponding danger, one will encounter rapid marionettization at night, which can possibly be avoided. Currently, we cant determine if its an isolated attack. Ill observe Zaratulstras situation again tonight. Get Luo Shan to find Zhou Mingrui and remind him about the Zaratulstra issue again, see if he has forgotten the corresponding things. Dont worry, after I directly mentioned Zaratulstra yesterday, Zhou Mingrui should have guessed that Im on the same side as Franca and Luo Shan. He doesnt know about your and Anthonys existence for now. Jenna had just tersely acknowledged when both of them almost simultaneously received a friend request from An Ruide. After exchanging glances, Lumian gestured to Jenna not to add him yet, and accepted the request himself. After An Ruide talked about last nights situation and Madam Justices guesses, he confirmed the others identity and sent a voice message with a smile: Lets talk in detail when we get back to the rental house. Ive made some significant discoveries on my end too. It seems Peng Deng is even more special than we imagined Lumian then told Jenna about Anthonys experience. Jenna listened carefully, added Anthony back, and waved goodbye to Lumian and Ludwig. In the administrative department of the Tech Building. When Franca and Luo Shan went to the bathroom together, taking advantage of the moment when no one else was there, she told the other about the request relayed by Jenna. Luo Shan asked nervously yet excitedly, How should I hint? Franca used her Instigator expertise to help come up with a set of talking points. After about half an hour, Zhou Mingrui, wearing a gray shirt, came to the administrative department again, asking Luo Shan if there was anything going on in the company recently, saying they needed to work overtime if there was something, and even if there wasnt, they still needed to work a bit extra. Great question! Luo Shan praised Zhou Mingrui in her heart, and said with a smile, The merger negotiations between the group and a large company have entered the formal process. The boss of that company is Zaratulstra, who has visited twice. When saying the name Zaratulstra, Luo Shan looked at Zhou Mingrui, trying to read the changes in his expression. Zhou Mingrui said in realization, Previously, Mr. Huang even grabbed me to pick him up at the airport, to be an interpreter and guide, but unfortunately, I didnt get to. When he came to visit the company, you werent here either. Seems like you were on sick leave? Yesterday he came again but stayed on the 16th floor the whole time and didnt visit other departments, so you havent met him at all. Luo Shan said deliberately. This was the script Franca had prepared for her. Zhou Mingrui paused for a moment, then said thoughtfully, Maybe theres some force in the universe preventing me from meeting him. After chatting for a few more sentences, Zhou Mingrui left Luo Shans workstation and walked towards the door. As he passed by Francas desk, Franca suddenly spoke. Watch out! Zhou Mingrui quickly turned sideways, looking at Franca. Franca pointed at the wet marks on the ground and said, I just spilled some water on the ground, its a bit slippery, be careful. Oh, oh, you scared me, Zhou Mingrui responded with a smile. He walked around the wet area and left the administrative department. The smile on his face gradually faded. Luo Fu told me to be careful? Luo Shan just mentioned Zaratulstra Are they together telling me to be careful of Zaratulstra? Hmm, they are indeed on the same side as Li Ming In the administrative department, Luo Shan sent a message to Franca: He has some vigilance towards that enemy, he probably hasnt forgotten your warning. Chapter 968 - Chapter 968 The Actor Chapter 968 The Actor Hall Film Company, Talent Department. Today, Jenna hadnt applied extravagant makeup, nor had she deliberately made herself look ugly. She simply maintained her natural coloring as a local with black hair and brown eyes, with softer facial features. She was simple and fresh, fully displaying her natural beauty and feminine charm, causing many passing employees and fellow interviewees to turn their heads. Next, Jian Na, called out the employee at the conference room door. Jenna stood up, recalling the education she had received at the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, and walked in gracefully. The four interviewers, two men and two women, who were writing and drawing, looked up at the sound of her greeting. Their eyes all lit up, though with subtle differences in emotion. Jian Na, graduated from the Performance Department of the National Drama Academy? One of the female interviewers read out Jennas educational background. This was the identity that Madam Justice had crafted for Jenna. As far as Jenna knew, Madam Justices corresponding image in the dream was Holly, the actual executive of Hall Film Company and the producer of The Great Pirate 3. In other words, she was the boss of these interviewers present. And Hall Film Company was just a non-core industry under the Hall Group, whose foundation was various banks. In the dream city, its financial power was second only to the Intis Group. Yes. Jenna didnt hide her pleasant voice. After the interviewers asked various questions, the initial interviewer drew out a card and handed it to Jenna. Please perform a segment according to the requirements on this. Seeing Jennas clear and beautiful appearance and clean aura, this interviewer deliberately chose a performance themed around coquettishness to test her. Jenna took the card, but before she could read the topic, she heard the interviewer add, You cant put on makeup or change clothes on the spot. You need to present the content of the topic through your own performance. Jenna wasnt nervous at all, but rather slightly excited. As an apprentice at the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, she had dreamed of such performance opportunities countless times. She lowered her head to look at the topic and couldnt help but smile. She had life experience in being coquettish. She lowered her head to look at the topic and couldnt help but smile. She had life experience in being coquettish. When Jenna raised her head, her eyes were already passionate and bold, as if hiding thousands of words. The Showy Diva was back on stage! As her gaze swept over them, both male and female examiners inexplicably felt their hearts tremble. Halfway through Jennas performance, some examiners had already started drinking water. I havent even used Charm yet Jenna was proud of her performance. She hadnt even made any overly vulgar movements. Phew An interviewer involuntarily let out a breath as Jenna finished her performance. She asked, Do you have a boyfriend? Yes, Jenna answered promptly, but didnt mention that she also had a child. It wasnt mentioned in her resume either. After all, Ludwigs household registration was with Lumian, and she and Lumian werent married. Unless the Hall Film Company hired private detectives to investigate deeply, they definitely wouldnt find out. The interviewers couldnt help but exchange glances. What a great talent, possibly the kind that could outshine others in the future. Why would she already have a boyfriend? Girl, wake up! Youre too young to be in love! Never mind, once she enters the industry and sees what real luxury is, shell quickly break up with her previous boyfriend. Before that, just make sure to keep it confidential. The initial female interviewer withdrew her gaze from her colleagues and said to Jenna, Well get back to you with an answer soon. Um, try not to leave the city for the next three days. Alright, Jenna bowed and left the meeting room. Since this was in the Talent Department, where one might run into big-name stars at any time, there were dedicated staff to escort her out to prevent wandering and unauthorized photos. The young woman escorting Jenna out of the Talent Department saw that this interviewee was not only beautiful but also had a unique kind of beauty, with great potential to become a big star in the future. Wanting to build a relationship, she started introducing which office belonged to who, and which area was exclusive to whom Jenna was also very interested in this, because Lumian had reminded her to pay attention to the actor playing Gehrman Sparrow, see if theres anything special about him. The two chatted happily as they slowly walked towards the exit of the Talent Department. At this moment, several people came in from outside, led by someone wearing sunglasses, about 1.8 meters tall. Having already entered the Talent Department, this person took off his sunglasses, revealing a face that Jenna found somewhat familiar. He looked about 30% similar to Zhou Mingrui, with a smaller head, more delicate features, and more pronounced contours. If Jenna hadnt been specifically looking for traces of Zhou Mingrui on his face, she probably wouldnt have noticed the resemblance. This was the actor playing Gehrman Sparrow, a mixed-race man named Jia Yu. Jenna withdrew her gaze with some disappointment. If Jia Yu himself had looked 60-70% similar to the Gehrman Sparrow he played, or very close to Zhou Mingrui, relying on makeup to become Gehrman Sparrow, then Jenna would have thought he might be somewhat special, a symbol of some key issue in the dream. But now, Jenna thought it was unlikely. No wonder Franca said there was no need to observe and contact the actor playing Gehrman Sparrow, and Madam Justice didnt mention Jia Yu in the information However, Francas reason was really strange, saying that Jia Yu means fake jade, representing that this person is fake, no need to delve deeper. But Jia and fake have completely different meanings. Indeed, only with Franca as a guide can some things become clear at a glance, and some symbols be easily interpreted Jenna mused to herself as she passed by Jia Yu and his group. Those people instinctively turned their heads to look at Jennas back, seeming to have been struck by her beauty. After leaving the Talent Department, Jenna asked curiously, Was that just now Jia Yu? The female employee escorting her out nodded. Yes, The Great Pirate 3 made him famous overnight. Does he have an English name? He looks very much like a foreigner, Jenna asked casually. If Jia Yus English name was Klein Moretti, then it would still be worth continuing to observe and make deeper contact. The female employee thought for a moment and said, No, he just has some foreign ancestry. As Jenna was feeling disappointed, the female employee lowered her voice and said, Actually, he wasnt initially chosen to play Gehrman Sparrow. We had booked another actor, who was much more famous than him at the time, a real international star. Couldnt agree on the price? Jenna asked. The female employee shook her head. Car accident, became a vegetable. Ah? Jenna was first shocked, then several phrases she had seen while scrolling through videos recently flashed through her mind: Blade flashes, bloody storm, fierce struggle What a pity, the female employee sighed. Jennas eyes moved slightly as she asked, What was that stars name? I havent heard about the actor being replaced due to a car accident The female employee had a look of reminiscence. I cant remember his name either. That incident left a deep impression on me, but I just cant recall the name Its just on the tip of my tongue Then Ill look it up myself when I get back. Jenna felt increasingly that there was something off about this matter. She smiled and waved goodbye, leaving Hall Film Company. At Xinhong District, in the rented apartment. Lumian received a message from Jenna, informing him about the matters related to the actor playing Gehrman Sparrow. Lumian received a message from Jenna, informing him about the matters related to the actor playing Gehrman Sparrow. There was indeed news about a star becoming a vegetable due to a car accident, but whether it was the news itself or the comments below, they were all vague about the name and specific time, as if avoiding something. Even the almighty internet cant find out who it is Lumian stood up and started pacing in the living room cum dining room. He suddenly thought of someone and picked up his phone, finding A name that leaves a deep impression on you. Have you heard of this news? Do you know who it is? Below the text converted by the voice input method was the news content that Lumian had copied and pasted. After a while, Anderson Hood replied to him: See? If I had turned myself in, who would provide you with intelligence? He still hasnt forgotten about last time? Isnt he being a bit petty? Lumian grumbled to himself, then smiled and brought the phone to his mouth: Then I would help you break out of prison. After twenty to thirty seconds, Anderson replied: But I dont want to break out of prison. You dont need to help me go against this city. The star who had the car accident is called An Xiaotian; hes still lying in a special ward at Crimson Moon Hospital. An Xiaotian? Lumian looked towards Anthony. As Franca would say, everyone with their names beginning with An might have been one family five hundred years ago. Anthony thought for a few seconds, just as he had an inspiration, Lumian was already muttering to himself, Antigonus? This was one of the five dukes of the Tudor Empire, the previous Fool Uniqueness accommodator. Thinking of the five dukes of the Tudor Empire, Lumian, who had already encountered three of them in the dream, inexplicably felt a bit more pressure with the lingering aura of the Blood Emperor. Its quite fitting with the dream logic for Mr. Fools manifestation to be played by the previous Fool Lumian nodded slowly. But having a car accident isnt normal, what does this symbolize? Anthony said thoughtfully. Does it symbolize that the mental imprint left by Antigonus in The Fool Uniqueness is in a vegetative state? Lumian tried to interpret. He immediately added, A more suspicious point about this matter is that Madam Justice didnt mention it in the information. Whether An Xiaotian is the dream manifestation corresponding to Antigonus or not, as the originally planned actor for Gehrman Sparrow who had a car accident and became a vegetative patient, Madam Justice should have mentioned it in the information, both emotionally and rationally. If he is Antigonus, then we should be instructed to dig deeper into the issue. If not, why not simply explain a few sentences to prevent us from wasting time on this aspect? Anthony pondered for a while and said, Maybe she forgot. And for the Major Arcana card holders, forgetting itself could indicate that there were issues with An Xiaotians existence. Lumian, standing, looked at Anthony and said thoughtfully, Later, you go to Star Dream Provisions Store to retrieve the letter, and write about An Xiaotians matter in a letter and mail it out. Ill find time to go to Crimson Moon Hospital later to visit An Xiaotian. Chapter 969 - Chapter 969 Conspirers Sensitivity Chapter 969 Conspirers Sensitivity Star Dream Provisions Store. With Ludwig tagging along, Anthony received the reply letter from the Major Arcana card holders from the shop owner. In reality, Rozanne is under strict protection from the Church of Evernight Goddess. As long as shes asleep, there will definitely be Beyonders monitoring her dream state. The Church of Evernight Goddess are experts in this area On the Future, Frank Lee hasnt shown any more abnormalities so far. Hes the same as before. Regarding Li Keji in the dream, our bottom line is that we cant let him be corrupted by the power of the Great Mother, nor can we let him become a puppet of the Celestial Worthy through death and rebirth Reading this, Anthony seemed to hear the inner thoughts of the Major Arcana card holders: If necessary, you can actively eliminate Li Keji and destroy the body. In any case, we cant let him be corrupted or exploited. Death wont affect the real person in reality. Lumian thought the same Anthony hadnt personally witnessed Li Kejis mushrooms, he had only heard Lumian recount the others ideas, which he found somewhat reasonable but also permeated with bewildering madness. He continued reading the rest of the letter. We can only confirm that Anderson Hood is currently in Anderson, the capital of Lenburg, but we cant find him. We will communicate with the Church of Knowledge later. The fact that even the Major Arcana card holders from different pathways cant find him proves that Anderson Hood is hiding very well. Perhaps he has even received protection from higher powers Is the communication with the Church of Knowledge a way to confirm if they had provided help to Anderson Hood? If not, things would be even more complex and troublesome Anthony folded the letter and stuffed it into his jeans pocket. He then immediately dropped the letter he had written in advance into the silver-trimmed black mailbox. Tech Building. Lumian was already at work. While patrolling the floors, he pondered how to more effectively monitor Zaratulstras situation, and where to go tonight to observe this enemys stateLumian wanted to see if Zaratulstra would still encounter hostility in his dreams at night after Luo Shan reminded Zhou Mingrui again, deepening the latters impression of Zaratulstra. Reaching the seventh floor, taking advantage of Old Xias trip to the bathroom, Lumian took out his phone, opened the online shopping platform Franca had mentioned, and typed a few words using voice input: Pinhole cameras He felt that although Zaratulstra was also suppressed to Sequence 7, he was essentially still an Angel with many mysterious and bizarre abilities. Relying solely on the mirror world to spy on him was obviously unrealistic; this could only be done occasionally. So, Lumian planned to try scientific methods, to try pinhole cameras and bugs. Even if Zaratulstra later discovered these little devices, as long as he couldnt trace them back to Lumian, there wouldnt be any problem. After completing the input, Lumian didnt press the search button. He remembered Franca saying this was illegal, part of the black and gray industry. Lets not even mention whether regular platforms sell these, but as a Child of God, why should I personally get involved in the black and gray industry? Im a law-abiding citizen Lumian half-jokingly, half-mockingly closed the app and switched to WeChat, entering the conversational window with Intis Group Grimm. He calmly input: Prepare some pinhole cameras and bugs for me, preferably with user manuals. Also, give me Zaratulstras itinerary for the next two days. Zaratulstras safety in the dream city was jointly managed by his personal bodyguards and the Intis Groups security department, so Lumian knew last night that Zaratulstra was most likely at the hotel, and headed straight there to observe the situation. Of course, this wasnt entirely certain; Zaratulstra could change his itinerary at any time. He was the one in control, just like when he suddenly decided to visit two tutoring centers, Lumian hadnt received any warning from Grimm beforehand. Alright. Grimm quickly replied to Lumian. By the time Lumian finished patrolling the floors and returned to his office, opening the drawer that belonged to him, he immediately saw two sets of pinhole cameras and bugs quietly placed inside. Lumian pulled out the paper placed on top of them and memorized Zaratulstras itinerary from 5 pm to 10pm today. As the sky approached complete darkness, he found an excuse to go to the bathroom and teleported away. He first used the mirror world to hide the pinhole cameras and bugs in inconspicuous places in Zaratulstras room, erased traces of his presence, and completed anti-divination using Mirror Substitution. Then he returned to the Tech Building and arrived at Mr. Huangs exclusive 16th floor through the mirror. Tonight, Mr. Huang would host a business dinner here to entertain Zaratulstra and his entourage. Lumian was very grateful for Mr. Huangs fondness for mirrors and gold foil decorations, which allowed him to easily find the best position to observe Zaratulstra from behind a mirror-like object on the ceiling. The elderly man had just toasted a glass of red wine with Mr. Huang and appeared completely normal, while outside the window it was truly night. Time ticked by, and Lumian quietly watched them drink wine, eat, and chat casually. Suddenly, Mr. Huang leaned back in his chair, raised his head, and as if pondering a question, cast his gaze towards the mirror-like object where Lumian was hiding. Lumian instinctively withdrew his body, moving away from the mirror surface. Did Mr. Huang sense me? Can he detect spying from behind mirrors? Hes just a dream projection, not Emperor Roselle Was that just a pure coincidence just now, or in Mr. Fools subconscious cognition, is Mr. Huang hiding Beyonder powers? Thinking of this, Lumian suddenly remembered a piece of information Franca had told him: Louis Gustav of the Emperor faction has been very irritable lately because he couldnt contact a key figure, and that key figure was suspected to be the mirrored Emperor Roselle. Theres a whiff of conspiracy Lumians Conspirers intuition immediately gave him a suspicion: Could it be that the mirrored Emperor Roselle has also entered the dream? She had previously cooperated with the subordinates of evil gods and Celestial Worthy, did She enter the dream with the help of the Celestial Worthys side? After all, Shes not a true god, hasnt accommodated the Uniqueness, and doesnt have special items, so its unlikely She could come in on Her own Is She working with Zaratulstra, attempting to erode and influence Emperor Roselles dream manifestation, Huang Tao, until they control and replace him? She is essentially a Mirror People, so its only natural that She can detect someone spying from behind mirrors If She and Zaratulstra control the Intis Group, given the Groups influence and terrifying cash flow, the balance of victory will surely tilt rapidly! While we focused on Zhou Mingrui, Li Keji, and An Xiaotian, Zaratulstra quietly raided our vault Normally, given that Princess Bernadette seems to still be able to enter the dream, Mr. Huang should be on our side But why did Mr. Huang so obviously look in my direction? She could have pretended not to notice and waited for an opportunity to suddenly attack The more Lumian thought about it, the more he felt cold sweat breaking out on his back. Zaratulstra isnt a Conspirer, but hes as good as one! Indeed, my initial idea wasnt wrongwe should actively attack, assassinate him, or trade one for one, kick him out As these thoughts raced through Lumians mind, he pressed against the mirror surface again, looking down. At this time, Mr. Huang had already withdrawn his gaze. But Zaratulstra noticed his previous behavior and glanced at the ceiling, asking, What were you looking at? Mr. Huang gently swirled the red wine in his glass and smiled, answering, Thinking about some things. Zaratulstra didnt ask further and started talking about other matters. Lumian observed for several more minutes, confirming that Zaratulstra showed no abnormalities after nightfall. In other words, after being punished once, Mr. Fools subconscious will consider this person completely marionettized. Even if Zhou Mingrui hears the corresponding name again, deepening his impression, it wont alert the dreams subconscious, unless Zaratulstra does something new to stimulate him, bringing new changes? Lumian speculated about the reasons for the current situation as he left using Mirror Traversal. What took you so long? Old Xia casually asked when he saw him walk back into the office. Lumian sighed and said, Ah, Im the kind of person who gets diarrhea when I eat excessively spicy stuff, and gets constipated when I dont eat spicy food. Old Xia enthusiastically started chatting about the topic of spicy food. Late at night, Lumian teleported to the vicinity of Crimson Moon Hospital, continuously flashing between the glass windows of different special wards through the mirror world. After a minute, he stopped. Before him was a dark hospital room with only a bit of moonlight, and his spiritual intuition told him that the person in the room was An Xiaotian, whom he was looking for. Lumian looked down at the hospital bed from above and saw a person connected to many machines and tubes. The persons head was immersed in darkness, only vaguely showing decent facial features, but the beard seemed to have been only trimmed short due to not being shaved for a long time, growing up to just below the cheeks, thick and black, in tufts. Lumian observed for a while, then walked out of the glass window and approached the bedside. He saw that the comatose patients head was shaved bald, with multiple suture marks on top that looked like giant centipedes. A scene spontaneously formed in Lumians mind: the head forcibly split open, the brain violently extracted, then something unknown placed in the emptied space before suturing shut A symbol? Just as this thought flashed through Lumians mind, he saw on the monitor that the heartbeat became intense, with peaks and valleys rapidly alternating, bringing a beeping alarm sound. Lumian instinctively stepped back, moving to the window, ready to leave at any moment. At the same time, he saw that all of the patients monitoring data had changed, becoming very active. As soon as I arrive, theres an anomaly? Is it caused by something on me There are too many possible reasons, I dont even know which one it could be Lumian once again turned his gaze to the patient himself. The patients fingers suddenly moved imperceptibly. Chapter 970 - Chapter 970 Linkage Chapter 970 Linkage In the dark hospital room lit only by a bit of moonlight, Lumian saw An Xiaotian, who had been in a vegetative state for over a year, move his fingers ever so slightly. While surprised, Lumian wasnt afraid. Instead, he smiled. An anomaly is good; anomalies reveal more information! How could I interpret the secrets hidden in this matter if there were no changes? Lumian leaned against the window, staring at An Xiaotian on the hospital bed, waiting for more anomalies. An Xiaotians fingers moved again. The darkness in the room seemed to deepen. Lumians gaze suddenly turned to the doorway of the hospital room. The door opened silently, and a nurse wearing a white cap entered. Lumian didnt immediately teleport away, but hid in the shadow cast by the curtains. He saw the nurse, with a blank expression, busily moving around the bed, sometimes adjusting equipment, sometimes changing IV bags, but her hands were always empty, and there was nothing currently hanging on the IV stand. Through the open door, Lumian noticed that the dimly lit corridor was suddenly filled with more than a dozen people. There were nurses pushing empty carts, women in patient gowns walking back and forth, men walking while moving their arms, as lively as if it were midday. But it was late at night, and they werent making any sound, their faces completely devoid of expression. Lumian thought for a moment, then deliberately walked out of the shadows. The nurse busying herself by An Xiaotians side didnt even glance at him, as if he were just a patch of air. Lumian walked out of the hospital room at a leisurely pace, placing himself among the coming and going nurses and patients. When the man moving his arms was about to bump into him, he naturally sidestepped Lumian, never looking at him. Lumian stood with his hands in his pockets, watching them as if they were in different worlds. The nurse pushing the empty treatment cart turned and walked straight towards Lumian. Just as they were about to collide, the nurse suddenly stopped, opened her mouth, and said one word, Be Her voice abruptly cut off, and she walked around Lumian with a blank expression. Behind her was the female patient who had been walking. She also came up to Lumian and began to speak, Care Be, care? Be careful of what? Lumians spirits lifted, feeling that this trip hadnt been in vain. The female patient also only said one word before walking around Lumian. Behind her was another nurse. Just as that nurse opened her mouth, Lumian suddenly heard a buzzing sound. The already dimmed lights at the end of the corridor began to flicker, alternating rapidly between bright and dark. Almost simultaneously, Lumian felt a sense of being rejected by his surroundings, an uncomfortable feeling of being about to be squeezed out. He saw the nurse in front of him rapidly step backward, the female patient who had just walked around him retreated to his front, then continued backing up. In this way, the scenes Lumian had previously witnessed and the events he had experienced began to rapidly rewind, as if he had accidentally clicked a corresponding button while watching surveillance footage. A strong fear suddenly erupted in Lumians heart, which even the endurance of an Ascetic couldnt suppress. He felt that if he stayed here any longer, he would encounter something terribly frightening, and might even be directly locked onto by that Celestial Worthy, after which he would no longer have the chance to come to the dream city! Without hesitation, he activated the black mark on his right shoulder and disappeared from the hospital ward corridor. Lumians teleportation destination wasnt the rented apartment in Xinhong District, but the entrance of Star Dream Provisions Store. At this time, Star Dream Provisions Store was already closed, but not far away was the Dream City Police Department, with quite a few rooms in the corresponding building still lit up. Lumian calmly examined his own feelings and found that the fear was rapidly receding, and the uncomfortable sense of being rejected by his surroundings was gone. Is it an anomaly, or rather, a gaze directed at that area? Theres no problem once I leave? Those nurses and patients were being controlled by An Xiaotian in his vegetative state, trying to tell me something, which resulted in triggering an anomaly in the dream? What he wanted to tell me must be crucial, to have triggered such a dramatic change, not giving him any chance to continue If Franca were to find Zhou Mingrui at night and try to tell him everything in detail, it would probably be like just now, only getting started before being forcibly rewound or kicked out of the dream What exactly was An Xiaotian trying to warn me about be careful of whom? There were too many potential subjects to guess, and Lumian couldnt find a train of thought for the moment. He felt it necessary to contact An Xiaotian again, but the prerequisite was to find a way to bypass the restrictions and let him say at least two more words. If the information An Xiaotian wanted to convey was crucial, Lumian wouldnt be stingy with the number of times he could be kicked out of the dream. Even if future opportunities would be consumed one by one, he was willing to do it. Its no big deal if Im completely kicked out; I still have teammates. As long as we can get the crucial information, sacrificing myself is very worthwhile. I must have trust in my teammates! Late at night, in Room 2303 in Dechuang Garden. Franca was awakened by the vibration of her phone. She picked it up and saw that it was a voice call request from The Idiot. Uh Before Franca could answer, Lumian had already hung up and sent a message instead. The reason he did this was that messages and voice call records could be deleted using the Information Shredder, while the content of voice calls couldnt and might be monitored. Glancing at the awakened Jenna, Franca began to read Lumians message carefully. As she read, Francas expression changed. She lowered her voice and said, Mr. Huang might be problematic While Zaratulstra has been seemingly trying to contact Zhou Mingrui lately, hes actually using the mirrored Roselle to erode and influence Mr. Huang Thats so damn insidious! Jenna leaned over and finished reading Lumians message. She also couldnt help but frown. If Mr. Huang sides with the Celestial Worthy, things will get complicated Its more than just complicated. With people, money, and influence at their disposal, what can we even do? Should we take Zhou Mingrui to rent a place near the police station, where Mr. Huang cant influence those jobs? The more Franca thought about it, the more her head ached. How can we confirm whether Mr. Huang is showing any abnormalities? If he suddenly announces that hes had gender reassignment surgery, does that mean hes been completely controlled by the mirrored Roselle? Jenna thought for a moment and then said, If Mr. Huang is really controlled and cant be saved, we can sacrifice one person to kill Mr. Huang and let Bernie Huang become the CEO of the Intis Group. Good idea Francas mouth twitched slightly, If Mr. Huang is really controlled, it means hes the mirrored Roselle, a Beyonder with an Angel-level Sequence, and moreover, he has Zaratulstras help and powerful security personnel protecting him. It would be difficult for the four of us to assassinate him together, let alone just one person going to do it At this point, Franca tried to find humor in the grim situation. Besides, Bernie Huang has two younger brothers, its not certain that she would inherit the CEO position As she spoke, Franca suddenly froze. She and Jenna exchanged glances, their eyes lighting up as they blurted out simultaneously, Bernie Huang! The best candidate to confirm whether Mr. Huang has shown any abnormalities was Bernie Huang! By solely relying on Franca and Jenna, unless they forcibly infiltrated and secretly observed, it would be a matter of luck whether they could even encounter Mr. Huang, let alone test him. How do we contact Bernie Huang and persuade her? Francas first reaction was to find Luo Shan and ask if she had Bernie Huangs phone number or WeChat. As her eyes moved, Francas smile blossomed, her face full of pride. I have an idea! What idea? Jenna asked expectantly. Franca cleared her throat and replied, The one we should be looking for isnt Bernie Huang, but Bernadette. Well write to the Major Arcana card holders tomorrow, asking them to contact Queen Mystic. If Bernadette still has a chance to enter the dream, she will naturally come to handle it. We dont need to persuade her or instigate her. The dream world and the real world, online and offline, can be linked! Jenna nodded slowly and said, If Queen Mystic can no longer come in, well then consider how to contact and Instigate Bernie Huang. We can formulate the plan now. Franca was no longer sleepy. Jenna thought seriously for a few seconds and said, This matter is very important. I think we shouldnt wait until tomorrow to write the letter. Ill actively leave the dream now and tell the Major Arcana card holder on duty in the villa about Mr. Huangs problem. Franca fell into a brief contemplative silence before replying, Franca pondered for a moment and said, Alright, its not frequent entry and exit from the dream, just an occasional instance. There shouldnt be any problems, and it wont affect the number of times we can be kicked out of the dream. Jenna immediately changed her posture to sit up. In her current situation, she couldnt rely on the dreams rejection to actively leave, so she had to use Cogitation to enter that state of emptying her thoughts, then imagine herself jumping from a high place. In the sensation of weightless free fall, Jenna suddenly woke up. She opened her eyes, got out of bed, and confirmed whether she had returned to reality. Then, she went out the door and down the stairs. Tonight, the one guarding them in the living room was Madam Justice, wearing a white dress with gold decorations. Is there an emergency? Madam Justice stood up and asked. Without Jenna needing to emphasize further, she already knew the seriousness of the issue. Jenna nodded and recounted Lumians guesses, Francas intelligence, and Zaratulstras recent interactions with Huang Tao. Madam Justice nodded slightly. We will contact Queen Mystic immediately. She raised her right hand and quickly sketched a small bird in midair. The bird was transparent and dreamlike. It chirped a few times, circled around and descended towards Madam Justice, entering her body and disappearing without a trace. This is a dream messenger I made. It can travel to specific targets through the collective unconscious sea, Madam Justice briefly explained. She paused, then continued, Since youve returned to reality, Ill tell you about An Xiaotian directly. At that time, I had already been kicked out of the dream once and started planning to shoot The Great Pirate 3. This was not only because I wanted to present Gehrman Sparrows experiences to Mr. Fools dream manifestation, trying to awaken his memories and make him wake up, but also because I was exploring how to realize a sentence Mr. Fool had told us: The awakening of The World spells The Fools return.'' Chapter 971 - Chapter 971 Past Events Chapter 971 Past Events The awakening of The World spells The Fools return Jenna had seen this sentence in the materials provided by the Major Arcana card holders. It was considered the most important revelation made by Mr. Fool before he fell into slumber, concealing the direction to awaken him. The FoolSequence 0 of the Seer pathwaywas said to have authority over fate! Jenna looked at Madam Justice without asking questions, waiting for her to continue. Madam Justice pointed to the sofa area. Lets sit down and talk. After they each chose a sofa, Madam Justice began speaking in a gentle voice, After our initial intelligence gathering in the dream city, we discovered a problem: There was no dream manifestation corresponding to Gehrman Sparrow. Among Mr. Fools avatars, Klein Morettis dream manifestation was merged with Zhou Mingrui. This can be seen from Zhou Mingruis brother being called Benson Zhou and his sister Zhou Sasa, corresponding to Klein Morettis real-life brother Benson and sister Melissa. Other manifestations, like the private detective and the wandering magician, could be found in the dream city, but they were scattered among multiple people. They either used half of their names or only exhibited corresponding characteristics. Hearing this, Jenna nodded slightly. These had all been mentioned in the materials, and their team had also secretly observed the corresponding manifestations, planning to make deeper contact with them in turn. Madam Justice smiled with a sigh. Weve confirmed those dream manifestations, and there were no issues or anything we could exploit. But Gehrman Sparrow, as one of Mr. Fools two most important manifestations and The World mentioned in that revelation, had no corresponding manifestation in the dream city. At the time, this raised strong suspicions and made us a bit excited. Its not a problem if there are issues; its a problem if everything is normal. After discussion, we decided to try to create the character of Gehrman Sparrow in the dream city. Only with Gehrman Sparrow could we talk about awakening The World. Jenna listened with both surprise and excitement. This approach was something they hadnt thought of before. Of course, this was mainly because they had just finished observing important characters and were still experimenting with the results of different levels of contact with different characters. They hadnt yet compiled the intelligence or sought ways to awaken Mr. Fool. Lumian had made some associations from the phrase The awakening of The World spells The Fools return, which was why he had Jenna apply for a job at Hall Film Company to observe the actor playing Gehrman Sparrow more closely. What they hadnt realized was that filming The Great Pirate 3 not only included the idea of stimulating Zhou Mingrui and awakening his memories, but also aimed to create the dream manifestation of Gehrman Sparrow out of thin air! Madam Justice continued, Our first attempt was to use my Dreamweaver ability and Hall Groups resources to directly create Gehrman Sparrows dream manifestation and give him real identity proof and past experiences. The result was, well, I got kicked out of the dream. I got my gold coin from Madam Reinette, and later returned it to Her. She had already been kicked out three times before I entered the dream city. Being kicked out of the dream didnt discourage me. I even felt excited, believing this might truly be a meaningful direction. Otherwise, the Celestial Worthy wouldnt have turned His gaze to this place far from Zhou Mingrui. We started our second attempt, with Madam Magician using her identity as a, um, bestselling novelist to write The Great Pirate 3. Was The Great Pirate 3 also deliberately written by you guys? Jenna asked thoughtfully. Madam Justice smiled in a way that made Jennas eyes light up. Havent you watched The Great Pirate 1 and The Great Pirate 2? They tell stories about pirates, but the character Gehrman Sparrow doesnt appear. In other words, before Madam Magician personally wrote The Great Pirate 3, the dream manifestation of Gehrman Sparrow didnt exist even in the story. The completion and publication of The Great Pirate 3 also resulted in Madam Magician being kicked out of the dream. We felt we were on the right track, so I used Hall Film Company to purchase the film and television rights for The Great Pirate 3 and began preparations for filming. Its great to have money Jenna couldnt help but sigh. For their small team, forget about filming a movie about Gehrman Sparrow, they couldnt even afford to buy the rights to The Great Pirate 3 without winning the lottery who knows how many times. Madam Justice reminisced. I personally served as the producer and personally selected the actor to play Gehrman Sparrow. Then, I discovered An Xiaotian. He was an actor and a star. It was such a coincidence, as if Mr. Fool had secretly set it up, waiting for us to trigger it. An Xiaotians backstory in the dream was that he was an orphan, raised by his older sister. He dropped out after high school and entered the entertainment industry. His sister fell seriously ill and is currently in a vegetative state. To maintain hope for his sisters awakening, he worked hard to become a big star and earned quite a bit of money. I extended an invitation to him, offering a salary he couldnt refuse. At the time, I was actually a bit uneasy, wondering if having An Xiaotian play Gehrman Sparrow would cause any problems. You know, An Xiaotian corresponds to Antigonus in reality, who was The Half-Fool in the Fourth Epoch and hasnt perished yet. If we merged His spiritual imprint with the movie image of Gehrman Sparrow, it could potentially affect Mr. Fools self-awareness or benefit Antigonus and that Celestial Worthy. To ensure there were no issues, we contacted Antigonus through the Church of Evernight Goddess. He told us we could try. Does Antigonus have close ties with the Church of Evernight Goddess? Can He be trusted? Jenna asked instinctively. Madam Justices smile became somewhat complex. Being captured and imprisoned is also a kind of connection, I suppose However, after the Goddess provided a revelation and promised Antigonus one thing, He began working for the Church of Evernight Goddess. His words are quite credible now. Thats why I ultimately decided to invite An Xiaotian to play Gehrman Sparrow. On the day of the shoot, An Xiaotian had a very serious car accident and also became a vegetable. Also both he and his sister became vegetables Jenna found it tragic. At the same time, that also caused me to be kicked out of the dream for the second time, Madam Justice said in a self-mocking tone. Afterwards, I faced significant restrictions. By the time I entered the dream for the third time, Holly had already chosen the actor to play Gehrman Sparrow. The silver lining was that she decided to personally fund and establish a foundation to fully cover the medical expenses for An Xiaotian and his sister. Jenna vaguely felt that Madam Justice was praising her own dream manifestationHollyfor being a decent person, living up to her ideal image, but she didnt dare to say it too clearly. Madam Justice skipped over this topic and said directly, I couldnt find anyone more suitable to play Gehrman Sparrow, and the medicine provided by Mr. Moon couldnt wake up An Xiaotian. I had no choice but to let Jia Yu give it a try. Unfortunately, after Jia Yu finished filming, he couldnt merge with the manifestation of Gehrman Sparrow, and the movie didnt make Zhou Mingrui remember anything. It only created some character imitators of Gehrman Sparrow. Perhaps when An Xiaotian had the car accident, the goal that The Great Pirate 3 was meant to achieve was destined to fail. During the filming of The Great Pirate 3, I actually noticed that people were gradually forgetting An Xiaotian, no longer remembering this person, only able to recall related events. I wasnt affected, but I also gave myself psychological suggestions not to forget An Xiaotian. When I was in the dream city, I indeed remembered, until I was kicked out for the third time Feels like you were somewhat Fooled Jenna thought for a few seconds and said, There might still be very useful secrets hidden in relation to An Xiaotian, which is why the Celestial Worthy would Fool everyone and make them forget about him. Thats our guess too. Madam Justice nodded. Jenna then said, An Xiaotian in his vegetative state seems to want to warn Lumian to be careful of someone. Could you please contact Antigonus again to see if He has dreamed anything in reality or knows something? Thats our duty, Madam Justice looked around and said, Dont rush back. Wait for the feedback from the Church of Evernight Goddess. It might come very soon, and you can take this opportunity to deepen your psychological recognition of reality, to avoid confusing reality and dreams in the end. Alright, Jenna politely nodded, stood up, and walked towards the garden at the back of the villa. She wanted to take a walk there. 3 am. When Franca saw Jian Na, who had fallen asleep at some point, suddenly wake up, she understood that the real Jenna had returned. Jenna lowered her voice and recounted in detail what Madam Justice had said to Franca. Finally, she said, Antigonus said He can sense Mr. Fools dream, but He hasnt entered it and doesnt want to, so He doesnt know what the vegetative An Xiaotian wants to warn Lumian about. Is it possible to ask Antigonus to come in once, using the vegetative An Xiaotian? That way, He might know what An Xiaotian wants to warn about, Franca said thoughtfully. Jenna shook her head. After An Xiaotian became a vegetable, Antigonus cant come in even if He wants to. Do we need to find a way to treat An Xiaotian? Franca mused to herself, If we cure him and wake him up, theres no need for Antigonus to come in But how to treat him? Medicine doesnt seem to work After a pause, Franca and Jenna simultaneously thought of a possibility: Great Mother! And Lumian was now disguised as the Great Mothers Child of God. Chapter 972 - Chapter 972 Demonesss Method Chapter 972 Demonesss Method Treat An Xiaotian by finding a bestowed of the Great Mother through Lumian? Francas thoughts began to wander, gradually becoming more far-fetched. If that doesnt work, then have An Xiaotian conceive a child, with the child replacing the father, becoming the father, and help that child grow rapidly, one day surpassing others ten years Jenna remained silent for a few seconds before saying, With everyone suppressed at Sequence 7, the Great Mothers bestowed probably cant make embryos form quickly or children grow rapidly. Theyre even hoping to rely on the Child of Gods godhood to make Li Keji go through the pregnancy and childbirth process in one month. Moreover, if the Great Mother takes the opportunity to corrupt An Xiaotian or his child, symbolically speaking, the severity of the problem might not be less than the Celestial Worthy awakening. Franca sighed and replied, Indeed, but theres no other way. If we could wake An Xiaotian up and reshoot The Great Pirate 3, it might have unexpected effects. Jenna tersely acknowledged. Madam Justice said that ever since An Xiaotian became a vegetable and The Great Pirate 3 changed its lead actor, the filming became normal. She suspects that from that moment on, the true goal this movie was meant to achieve was destined to fail. Unfortunately, at present, theres no hope of An Xiaotian waking up, and we cant find anyone more suitable to play Gehrman Sparrow. Franca opened her mouth, showing a thoughtful expression. Actually, theres a better candidate, someone more suitable than An Xiaotian to play Gehrman Sparrow. Who? Jenna asked in surprise. The Major Arcana card holders hadnt discovered such a person? Francas eyes curved slightly as she smiled. Zhou Mingrui. Jenna felt a bit stupid. Is that even allowed? What would you call this? Having Zhou Mingrui play Zhou Mingrui, letting Zhou Mingrui awaken Zhou Mingrui! Franca said seriously, If Zhou Mingrui plays Gehrman Sparrow, he could relive the life hes forgotten during the filming process. He might actually remember something and eventually immerse himself in the role, becoming one with the character. Wouldnt that be equivalent to The World awakening? At this point, Franca smacked her lips. But the difficulty is too high. We dont have the money to reshoot The Great Pirate 3, nor can we convince Hall Film Company. If they were to shoot anything, it would be The Great Pirate 4, not Gehrman Sparrows maritime adventure story. Even if you became a top star in the entertainment industry and actively proposed reshooting this movie, and even if someone invested, convincing Zhou Mingrui to film would be extremely difficult. Not to mention his personal willingness, I estimate that as soon as the invitation is extended, the relevant person would be kicked out of the dream. Whoever dares to discuss this matter would be kicked out. This can be considered as an alternative plan for future awakening actions Jenna felt a headache coming on as she thought about the troubles Franca mentioned. Franca nodded thoughtfully. Correspondingly, Zhou Mingruis memories dont seem to be erased. As long as he knows about being asked to film The Great Pirate 3 and is interested and willing to try, the Celestial Worthy probably cant directly prevent it. For this, we can sacrifice multiple members chances to enter the dream multiple times At this point, Franca suddenly smiled. What do you call this? Its called For the sake of saving the world, please debut Mr. Fool!'' The Celestial Worthy might not be able to directly prevent it, but subsequently, there might be incidents like the director having a car accident, the film crew experiencing a fire, or the female leads reputation collapsing, preventing The Great Pirate 3 from even entering the filming process, Jenna calmly reminded. Franca sighed. I know, this is just proposing an idea. Well see if its feasible later. The next afternoon, in the administrative department of the Tech Building. Franca was busy making charts when she suddenly saw Luo Shan, who had just been called to the HR department, return with a dejected and confused expression. Whats wrong? Franca stopped typing. Luo Shan spoke as if in a dream. They want to fire me. HR said that Mr. Huang passed by earlier, saw me slacking off, and got very angry. He plans to fire me directly I-I havent even finished paying off my mortgage What kind of reason is this? There are at least seventeen or eighteen people in the administrative department who slack off more than Luo Shan, why fire only her? Francas first reaction was to help Luo Shan seek justice. Her second reaction was: Dammit, is this Mr. Huangs purge of Zhou Mingruis friends? Has the mirrored Roselle completed initial control over Mr. Huang? Has Zaratulstra targeted Luo Shan because of her previous warning to Zhou Mingrui? If Luo Shan doesnt commute with me, the Mirror Substitution wont be able to work, unless Jenna follows her all the time, but Jenna might soon receive a contract from Hall Film Company This way, Luo Shan would be in danger Before Franca could comfort Luo Shan and think of a countermeasure, she heard her phone vibrate. She picked it up and saw it was a friend request on WeChat. The requester was: Bernadette. Queen Mystic has arrived? Talk about a stroke of luck! Franca quickly accepted the request, then said to Luo Shan, Dont worry, there arent many people working in the administrative department anyway. When Mr. Ed comes, you can plead your case to him, and he should be able to persuade Mr. Huang. If that doesnt work, try to negotiate for higher severance pay. And I will seek justice for you from Miss Huang! Mm-hmm. Luo Shan walked back to her desk, dejectedly waiting for Mr. Ed to appear. Meanwhile, Franca received a message from Bernadette: Come to Room 101 on the 8th floor. 8th floor? That doesnt belong to any of the Intis Group companies However, according to Lumians interpretation, the companies on those floors symbolize the erosion and influence of different secret organizations and evil god cults on Intis, including Queen Mystics Element Dawn Franca stood up, didnt say anything to Deputy Director Zhang Qing, and used going to the bathroom as an excuse to leave the administrative department and take the elevator down to the 8th floor. Half of the 8th floor belonged to Dawn Childrens Publishing Company. The receptionist didnt even glance at Franca, allowing her to enter. Franca found that the facial recognition access control wasnt activated, and no employees came out along the way, allowing her to easily reach Room 101. Bernie Huang, wearing a spaghetti strap top with fringes at the hem and long jeans, sat in the sofa area, exuding a youthful aura. This is the college student version of Queen Mystic Franca walked over, greeted her, and sat down. What happened? Bernie Huangs demeanor and posture were different from that of a college student. Franca recounted how Mr. Huang seemed to be able to sense the gaze from within the mirror, how the mirrored Roselle in the real world appeared to be missing, and how Zaratulstra had been spending several hours with Mr. Huang every day recently. Finally, she mentioned the trouble Luo Shan had encountered. Bernie Huang listened quietly, then nodded gently. Regarding my father, I will observe and probe. This will take some time, maybe a few days, maybe a week or two. As for Luo Shans problem, youll have to solve it yourselves. If I intervene on Luo Shans behalf, it could easily expose my connection with you. If you can resolve Luo Shans trouble, at least prevent her from entering the handover process for a week, Ill give you a reward. Isnt this our business? Why are you still paying me as a reward? Its me asking for your help, not you asking for mine Franca instantly recalled the Star Dream Provisions Store incident and roughly understood that Queen Mystic was finding reasons and excuses to give money to her and the others. Alright, Franca agreed immediately. After leaving Room 101, on her way back upstairs, she seriously considered how to prevent Luo Shan from being fired. Instigate Mr. Ed to plead on her behalf? That only has a certain chance of success Make Mr. Huangs decision to fire Luo Shan disappear? I cant do that, but I can find a way to delay it for a few days Pursue both approaches simultaneously Franca, always capable of thinking out of the box, took out her phone and told Lumian her ideas and the potential aftermath issues. Soon, she received a reply from The Idiot: Plausible. Franca immediately deleted the chat history using the Information Shredder and then returned to the administrative department. When Mr. Ed entered his office, she stood up and accompanied Luo Shan to plead their case, spreading mystical pathogens along the way. Yes, she was going to spread a disease. She chose mystical pathogens that gave people a chance to get some sick leave, something they could recover quickly upon returning home! Mystical pathogens that caused stomach flu! After nearly ten minutes, Franca discreetly Instigated Mr. Ed, making him agree to plead on Luo Shans behalf. After the two left the directors office, they saw many colleagues looking pale, vomiting into nearby trash cans, while others rushed to the bathrooms on different floors. Whats wrong? Luo Shan asked a colleague with concern. The male colleague, holding his stomach, said, I dont know, everyone suddenly started vomiting and having diarrhea. Could it be food poisoning? Seeing this, Franca urgently called the police and dialed the emergency number for Crimson Moon Hospital. While the administrative department staff waited for the ambulances and other department staff came to help, Franca covered her mouth and started dry heaving. Ive been affected too she said to Luo Shan. Luo Shan assessed her own physical condition. I feel it a little, but Im okay. Soon, ambulances from Crimson Moon Hospital arrived and took the affected administrative department staff to the hospital. The entire administrative department was suddenly left with only four people, one of whom was Luo Shan. Mr. Ed looked at Luo Shan, his expression grave, and said, You hold down the fort for now. Dont worry about the firing. Okay. Luo Shan was both confused and bewildered. From earlier, Lumian, as a security guard, had been running up and down, helping the administrative department staff go to Crimson Moon Hospital. During this process, he found an opportunity to get close to Franca, and they exchanged a glance. As agreed, Lumian spread the mystical pathogen causing stomach flu to Franca, in case she went to the hospital later and nothing was found, making her a suspect. How did they get food poisoning? Old Xia looked at the departing vehicles and asked confusedly, Everyone ate at the same cafeteria, didnt they? Did they order some unclean takeout? Who knows, Lumian said as he turned to walk back, receiving a message from Franca. The message read: You can go check out the administrative department. Those who can still maintain some health and continue working are likely to be Beyonders, like Luo Shan. Chapter 973 - Chapter 973 An Unexpected Visitor Chapter 973 An Unexpected Visitor When Lumian arrived at the administrative department, several professionals were already there collecting physical evidence for analysis, including but not limited to leftover milk tea, liquid from the water dispenser, discarded takeout containers, vomit, and swabs from computers, desks, and air conditioning vents After they finished, another group of specialists began a full disinfection process. During this time, Luo Shan and the other administrative staff who were still working could only wait in the hallway. At a glance, Lumian noticed that besides Mr. Ed and Luo Shan, only two people seemed unaffected by the mystical pathogen. Their complexion and movements appeared quite normal. One was a male, relatively tall by Yangdu standards, standing over six feet. The other was a woman in her thirties, with a round face, slightly overweight, not particularly attractive but not ugly either. They dont seem to be after Mr. Huang or rather, not after Mr. Huangs body Why would Beyonders work diligently in the Intis Groups administrative department? Lumian tried to fathom their intentions based on his own thinking. Of course, he couldnt be certain that there werent any Beyonders among those who went to Crimson Moon Hospital. Perhaps there was a Demoness waiting for a chance to have a taste of Mr. Huang, but upon sensing the presence and erosion of the mystical pathogen, she feigned severe symptoms and went to the hospital to avoid being discovered? Luo Shan also noticed the reportedly handsome security guard and felt he lived up to her expectations. After a while, Mr. Ed received a phone call. The problems arent serious, and the situation has stabilized? Mr. Ed asked happily. Then he heard Zhang Qing on the other end say: The test results show a mild viral infection. The doctor said they can go home after finishing their IV drips, take medication for two more days, rest a bit, and theyll be fine. More than a dozen people have already applied for sick leave, planning to stay home for a couple of days to recover. Theyre also asking if this counts as a work-related injury and if theres any compensation. Mr. Eds temple twitched as he suppressed his emotions and said, They should rest at home. We cant have them forcing themselves to work and risking more serious problems. As for whether it counts as a work-related injury, ask the legal department when you get back. Alright, Zhang Qing said, But there are also more than a dozen people who say they want to come back to work, however However what? Mr. Ed asked. Zhang Qing replied ambiguously, Theyre all the ones who like to dress up, except for Luo Fu. Even sick beauties were beautiesMr. Huang might feel sympathetic when he saw them. Mr. Ed was momentarily speechless. Is it only the new employees who are eager to work and take their jobs seriously? Meanwhile, Lumian used the incident in the administrative department as an excuse to keep watch nearby, occasionally offering help. This was also to guard against Luo Shan being eliminated by the Celestial Worthys subordinates in the chaosas a Painter, she had some ability to protect herself, but she clearly lacked experience and could easily let her guard down in crowded situations. Now, with Franca in the hospital, she couldnt rely on Mirror Substitution to escape a first strike. After Franca returned from Crimson Moon Hospital to help Luo Shan and others deal with the backlog of work, Lumian and Old Xia went back to the security department on the thirteenth floor. He continued to ponder how to treat An Xiaotian. He believed that An Xiaotian becoming a vegetable was symbolic, representing the decline and disappearance of Antigonuss spiritual imprint within The Fools Uniqueness. This couldnt be reversed through normal methods, so he had to seek a solution from the essence. Find a way to strengthen Antigonuss spiritual imprint within The Fools Uniqueness? But Antigonus cant enter Mr. Fools dream now. Even if Hes willing to provide the corresponding items, wed have to corrupt Zhou Mingrui, the symbol of The Fools Uniqueness, to achieve our goal. This would damage our image in Zhou Mingruis mind, wasting all our previous efforts, and its extremely dangerous. Franca and Jennas approach isnt wrong. Using the power of the Great Mother might awaken An Xiaotian, but its not treatment or having An Xiaotian have a child. Its new birth, symbolically meaning that Antigonuss spiritual imprint within The Fools Uniqueness is reborn. Whether the reborn An Xiaotian is a friend or foe is hard to say, but he would inevitably interfere with Mr. Fools awakening Sequence 7 Heretic Spellmaster of the Villain pathway can perform rebirth rituals. Theoretically, Great Mother bestowed like Grimm can wake An Xiaotian, but it involves reversing symbolism. I estimate only a rebirth ritual performed by someone with godhood would be effective. In the dream city, Grimm and others believe only I, the fake Child of God, have this, while others dont. Well, there should be another place that has it, the basement of Mushu Hospital, but sending An Xiaotian there would be purely creating an enemy for ourselves After pondering for a long time, Lumian felt that both current approaches had significant problems. The hidden dangers and negative impacts far outweighed the gains, and it wasnt something he and his companions would choose. He began to consider this matter from the perspective of finding loopholes. Soon, he thought of someone: Li Keji! Mr. Fools subconscious understanding of Li Kejis mushrooms should come from Gehrman Sparrows interactions with Frank Lee. From what weve seen, he seems to think Li Kejis mushrooms are quite dangerous, with various possibilities, producing some incredible effects. The essence of this city is a dream, and dreams are idealistic. As long as Mr. Fool truly believes Li Kejis mushrooms can achieve incredible things, Li Keji could create a mushroom to treat An Xiaotian and wake him up! Its not the mushroom treating An Xiaotian, but Mr. Fools subconscious being guided to reverse the symbolism. Of course, that awakening would inevitably be distorted, abnormal, and horrifying, but if An Xiaotian could use this to say everything he wants to warn me, it would be acceptable The more Lumian thought about it, the more he felt that using Li Keji might be useful. He planned to find an opportunity to talk with Li Keji through the door of the hospital room. The original of this biology teacher was really a Doctor! Jenna, who was observing other incarnations corresponding to Mr. Fool, received a call from Hall Film Company, asking her to head over to the talent department tomorrow to sign a manager contract. Phew I have a job now too. Jenna breathed a sigh of relief. She even looked forward to filming movies and TV dramas but felt that the matter of awakening Mr. Fool wouldnt drag on that long, not until she joined a production. At the same time, she felt that Hall Film Company was managed quite well. She had thought some interviewer would call in advance, hinting that she needed to do something to have a chance at a good contract. She was prepared to use Charm to make the relevant personnel lose themselves, but nothing happened. This was different from some things she had seen and heard at the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons. As expected of a film company founded by Madam Justice Jenna felt relieved. After dark. Lumian, who knew the targets schedule, took advantage of Zaratulstras absence from the hotel to cross over from the mirror world and retrieve the surveillance content stored in the pinhole cameras and listening devices. After midnight, he returned to the rented apartment in Xinhong District and used his phone to play back Zaratulstras activities in the hotel room. This wasnt to spy on what Zaratulstra was plotting or planning to accomplishthough that would be a bonus. Lumians main purpose was to observe Zaratulstras behavior when alone, to find out how many marionettes he could currently maintain, how often he summoned Historical Void images, how long these images would dissipate on their own, and other such information. This was preparation for an upcoming surprise attack and encirclement to kill Zaratulstra. Although Zaratulstra was also suppressed to Sequence 7, he still had an Angels rank. Many of his abilities effects and ranges were somewhat different from a true Sequence 7. Take the number of marionettes, for example. A normal Marionettist who had just advanced to Sequence 5 could only control one marionette. If restricted to Sequence 7 level, theoretically, they wouldnt be able to control marionettes at all, only using marionettization for killing. But this ability might qualitatively change at Sequence 4 and Sequence 2, reducing spirituality consumption and lowering control difficulty. After that, even if the ability was suppressed to Sequence 7, it would still essentially exist, just with less pronounced effects. In other words, Zaratulstra could still control marionettes, but the number was very limitedperhaps two, perhaps only one. Lumian now needed to confirm these details. Without grasping the relevant intelligence, if they directly launched a surprise attack and tried to encircle and kill Zaratulstra, given their superior numbers, they might have some hope of defeating or forcing him to retreat. But achieving their predetermined goal would be almost impossible. The Seer pathway was known for its strong survival abilities! Lumian stared intently at the phone screen, not missing any detail. For now, he was skipping through, selecting only scenes with human activity. When the surveillance video reached 11 pm last night, Lumian saw Zaratulstra, dressed in a black robe, walk to the door and open it. Someone entered from outside. The person wore sunglasses even at night, dressed in a black T-shirt and dark jeans that wouldnt attract attention, about six feet tall. Who could it be? Lumians focus intensified. After entering the room, the person looked left and right, then removed the sunglasses perched on their nose, revealing a face quite familiar to Lumian. He had seen videos of this person being interviewed and participating in certain activities online. It was Jia Yu, the actor who played Gehrman Sparrow! He doesnt look too much like Zhou Mingrui, which shouldnt be a problem, so why is he visiting Zaratulstra late at night? What have we missed? Lumians pupils dilated as he watched more intently. He was grateful for the technology that provided him with assistance, but also worried that Zaratulstra might have already discovered the presence of the pinhole cameras and listening devices, deliberately staging this scene. Jia Yu sat down in the sofa area and talked with Zaratulstra for nearly fifteen minutes, then stood up and left. Lumian quickly stopped playing the surveillance video, deciding to first listen to whether the listening device had recorded any dialog during that time period. Chapter 974 - Chapter 974 Instigation Chapter 974 Instigation Lumian quickly found the conversation between Zaratulstra and Jia Yu. The gist was that Zaratulstra wanted to poach Jia Yu for a newly established film and television company. This company would be funded by the restructured Intis Group, which would also help pay the penalty for breaking Jia Yus contract in the final year. Additionally, Jia Yu would receive a hefty signing bonus, better contract terms, stronger resources, and endorsement deals with Intis Groups luxury goods company. Lumian raised an eyebrow as he listened. Youre really discussing business cooperation? Is this what I wanted to hear? After Zaratulstras repeated promises, Jia Yu was clearly tempted, saying hed consider it and give a final answer in two days. Lumian looked at his phone, hit pause, and replayed the conversation in his mind. He turned to Anthony at the side of the table and mused, Two key points: One, Jia Yu, the actor who played Gehrman Sparrow, is still useful. The Celestial Worthys subordinates value him highly and want to bring him under their control, preparing for certain future developments. Two, Zaratulstra doesnt actually have much money. He only has an identity and company woven from dreams, which are outside this city and exist only as rumors. He needs the merger and restructuring with Intis Group to turn them into real money and resources. This can be deduced from the fact that all the benefits promised to Jia Yu can only be delivered after Intis Group funds the establishment of the film company, rather than writing an irresistible check on the spot. With Beyonder abilities restricted, the importance of money and resources is greatly amplified. I really want to know who won that unclaimed first prize earlier. At this point, Lumians expression turned cold. Another point we overlooked before is that once Intis Group completes the restructuring with Zaratulstras company thats part of the plot background, Zaratulstra will gain access to a large amount of resources and money, which is very unfavorable for us. And whether or not Mr. Huang has been eroded and controlled by the mirrored Roselle, this merger will proceed. The only difference is whether Zaratulstras benefits will be substantial or just average. As long as hes willing to compromise and give up some interests, the merger and restructuring will likely happen. Anthony nodded slightly and said, Contacting Zhou Mingrui, doing something in secret, and clearing out some dream characters; using the mirrored Roselle to influence Mr. Huang, eroding and controlling this tycoon; and promoting the merger of the two companiesthese are the three main things Zaratulstra has done since coming to Yangdu. Some are overt, some covert, making it easy for us to focus on the first thing and overlook the latter two. By the time we realize it, he may have already created the momentum he needs, vast and unstoppable. Is this what an Angel who has lived for one or two thousand years is like? However, its surprising that He knows how to use corporate mergers and acquisitions in the dream city to turn virtual wealth into reality. He doesnt seem like an old fossil at all. He, Lumian, and Jenna hadnt even thought about this aspect before, nor had Franca, who was just an undergraduate student before her transmigration and had almost no exposure to the business world. Did you forget that his current body belongs to another transmigrator? Lumian suddenly smiled, The operation to eliminate Zaratulstra must be launched as soon as possible. But we need to be wary that it might be a trap to lure us in, Anthony reminded Lumian. Lumian nodded and stood up. Im going to chat with a friend now. After giving some of the food from his Travelers Bag to Ludwig, he used Teleportation and Mirror Traversal to arrive at the psychiatric ward of Crimson Moon Hospital. Li Keji was still confined there. Lumian changed into a more feminine shirt and loose trousers, transforming back into the appearance of a Demoness of Despair. He gathered his black hair behind his back, letting it fall naturally, then stepped out of the mirror-like object and gently landed at the door of Li Kejis room. Knock, knock, knock. Lumian gently tapped on the steel door. He and Li Keji were on opposite sides of the door, so he couldnt use the Bottle of Fiction to isolate the environment. After a few seconds, Lumian saw a plump, white mushroom cautiously poke its cap out from behind the iron grate in the upper part of the metal door, then quickly retract. I really want to throw a Fire of Destruction ball in there Lumian grumbled as Li Kejis densely hairy face appeared at the window blocked by the iron grate. Who are you? Li Keji asked, instinctively brightening. Im here to rescue you, Lumian replied with a smile. Li Keji shook his head. No need, no need, I believe in the law! The law doesnt believe in you Lumian thought to himself. He took the opportunity to say, Actually, I want to ask for your help. Do you want mushrooms? Li Keji became excited, I have many types of mushrooms here He was about to start a lengthy introduction. Lumian interrupted him. Ive heard about your ideas from someone, but I think they might be a bit too narrow. Too narrow? Li Keji was taken aback. Lumian nodded solemnly. For humans, food is indeed important, but its not everything for survival. Diseases can also cause people to lose their lives prematurely. Havent you thought about creating more magical mushrooms, each variety capable of treating one or multiple types of diseases? Thats too difficult. Li Keji fell into deep thought. Its impossible to treat diseases by crossbreeding cows, fish, wheat, and mushrooms. Do we need to crossbreed with something else implant my gene fragments into mushrooms, fusing the genes that produce healing power with the mushrooms? But gene fragments and transgenic technology alone are not enough Lumians eyelid twitched, and he said sincerely, I have a friend who became a vegetative state due to a car accident, but I feel he still has a bit of consciousness. Can you think of a way to use your mushrooms to cure him, wake him up, but still retain that bit of his own consciousness? Li Keji was silent for a few seconds before saying, Let me think about it. I cant guarantee it will work. Alright, Ill come back in a couple of days to hear your answer. Lumian stepped back two paces and disappeared into the shadows by the wall. Throughout this conversation, he had been using Instigation with a hint of Charm. The next morning, at the talent department of Hall Film Company. Jenna entered an office, facing one of the female interviewers from before. Have a seat. The female interviewer pointed to the sofa area. Let me introduce myself, Im Mei Xin, head of the talent department at Hall Film Company. My English name is Christine. She sat down and said to Jenna, Before our legal colleague arrives, let me briefly explain the main terms of the contract. Your appearance and acting skills meet our requirements very well. In the industry, our Hall Film Company treats new actors the best. The contract is only for three years, with a monthly base salary of 4,000. You can keep 50% of all your income, including film fees and endorsement fees. We will also provide you with various training and professional makeup artists, and so on. The most important point is that the companys resources will be significantly tilted towards our own people. Once youve gained fame and have representative works, the contract can be renegotiated at any time to increase your profit-sharing ratio and gain some autonomy. And if this contract expires, we only ask for the right of first refusal for the new contract, under equal conditions Jenna listened attentively, feeling quite involved. Although she didnt expect to stay in the dream city for a year or two, this might be her only chance to sign an actors contract. Finally, Mei Xin said, After signing the contract, we will advance you 30,000 yuan to help you settle in and buy clothes. This amount will be deducted in installments from your future income, without interest. 30,000 yuan right after signing? Jenna didnt hide her change in expression. Quick! I want to sign now! With this money, plus the 30,000 yuan fee Bernie Huang gave to Franca yesterday, the teams savings would reach nearly 240,000 yuan. They could rent the magic mirror Arrodes from Star Dream Provisions Store! Having such a magic mirror to help before launching the operation against Zaratulstra would be a major advantage! During this time, whenever Lumian and the others visited Star Dream Provisions Store, they would try not to rent the mirror and instead ask questions directly on the spot to get answers. However, they were never successful. That first time when they got answers seemed to be just a coincidence, or perhaps such a benefit could only be enjoyed after a very long interval. Similarly, Francas Magic Mirror Divination ritual aimed at Arrodes also failed to get any feedback. Soon, an employee from the legal department of Hall Film Company arrived with the contract. Jenna read all the terms carefully, albeit with some difficulty, asked a few questions, and then promptly completed the signing. Before she left Hall Film Company, the advance settlement fee had already been deposited into her account. To her disappointment, Jia Yu didnt seem to come to the company today, so she couldnt bump into him and make initial contact by pretending to be a fan asking for an autograph. At 2 pm. Jenna arrived at Star Dream Provisions Store. Only after entering the shop did she send a message to Franca, Lumian, and the others: You can transfer the money to me now. She hadnt done this in advance for fear of encountering obstacles along the way. If they lost all their money because of this, their previous efforts would have been in vain! Lumian and the others, who had been waiting in different places, quickly completed the transfers, each keeping only enough for living expenses for the next week. Jenna walked up to the cashier and said to the shopkeeper, Hello, can I rent that mirror? She was referring to the magic mirror Arrodes. Earlier, the team had already discussed what would be best to rent first. Considering that the magic mirror Arrodes was the only item Mr. Fool carried while sleeping, as well as the specific rental price and the symbolic meaning of Demonesses in the dream world, they finally decided to rent this mirror. 220,000 for one day. The shopkeeper raised her head and smiled in the suddenly dimmed light. Alright. Jenna didnt haggle. After she completed the payment through the stores POS machine and signed a very simple rental contract, the shopkeeper said while lowering her head, You can take that mirror now. Return it by 3 pm tomorrow. Jenna instinctively swallowed and walked to the shelf, picking up the silver mirror with black eyeball-like objects on both sides. After placing the magic mirror Arrodes into the Travelers Bag, Jenna quietly let out a sigh of relief. It wasnt easy! Saving money really wasnt easy! Chapter 975 - Chapter 975 The Diligent Magic Mirror Chapter 975 The Diligent Magic Mirror Late at night, in room 2303 of Dechuang Garden. Lumian, Franca, and Jenna sat side by side on the long sofa, with the silver mirror bearing ancient patterns and black gemstones on each side placed in front of them. Anthony had taken Ludwig out for a late-night snack, politely avoiding the question-and-answer session with the magic mirror Arrodes. Of course, they had already discussed and decided which questions to ask beforehand, focusing mainly on two parts: first, Zaratulstras current situation, and second, matters related to the dream city. They had listed over twenty questions, but considering the subconscious limitations of the dream on various aspects, they believed it impossible to keep asking until all their doubts were answered by the magic mirror Arrodes. They suspected that the mirror could only answer a limited number of questions at a time or in a day, just like how Magic Mirror Divination normally only allowed three questions. Therefore, Lumian adjusted the order of the questions, placing the most important and crucial ones at the beginning. Shall we start? Jenna turned her head to look at Lumian. Lumian nodded and said calmly, Ill go. No, well take turns. We cant let you bear the mirrors questions alone, Franca emphasized. It must be fair! She felt that she should also make some sacrifices and not always let Lumian face the terrifying questions of the magic mirror Arrodes. Lumian glanced at her. Alright, you go first. Franca took a deep breath and looked at the magic mirror Arrodes. Great Arrodes, may I ask you a question? Since they had already rented the magic mirror from Star Dream Provisions Store, she didnt follow the mystical ritual procedure and directly inquired of the other party. The surface of the ancient silver mirror instantly became dark, as if sinking to the bottom of lightless waters. Rows of blood-colored words in ancient Feysac then appeared: I can answer any question you ask, but you must also answer an equal number of questions from me, in the presence of at least one witness. If you refuse to answer, or if you lie, you will face punishment. Franca recalled the list of questions and carefully phrased her words, My question is, what are the current manifestations of Zaratulstras Beyonder powers in the dream city? This was one of the questions their team most wanted to know the answer to. When Lumian watched the surveillance footage and listened to the wiretapped conversation last night, he only confirmed one point: Zaratulstras summoning of images from the Historical Void had significant limitations. He wouldnt always use historical projections to replace himself in activities while hiding in the fog of historybefore going to open the door for Jia Yu, he pulled out a past version of himself from the Historical Void, and that historical projection then communicated with Jia Yu for nearly a quarter of an hour. Based on this, Lumian speculated that Zaratulstra would only use historical projections to replace himself for a period of time when he felt danger or had to face certain problematic individuals. As for disguising marionettes as his true self, Lumian believed that the Sequence 7 Faceless ability probably couldnt achieve this, but he didnt rule out the possibility that a similar ability descended from Sequence 2 to Sequence 7 might be able to. The blood-red ancient Feysac words on the surface of the magic mirror Arrodes writhed and changed, revealing row after row: Zaratulstra can currently manipulate two marionettes. Through Spirit Body Threads, He can initially control a target for 20 seconds, and completely marionettize them in 1 minute and 30 seconds; His marionette manipulation range is 50 meters. He can switch positions with the marionettes. The marionettes can use their own abilities as well as borrow all of His abilities, but all at the Sequence 7 level; He can only maintain the existence of one Historical Void image at a time, including people, objects, scenes, and spirituality; He can currently maintain summoned Angel-level Historical Void images for 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on His closeness to or understanding of the corresponding target. If He summons His past Sequence 1 self, it can be maintained for 1 minute and 30 seconds. If summoning His Sequence 2 self, its 3 minutes. His past selves below angelic level can be maintained for up to a quarter of an hour. Other people, objects, and scenes below angelic level range from two to ten minutes; His Shapeshifting ability allows marionettes to disguise themselves as Him, surpassing any makeup effect. However, upon careful observation, differences can still be seen to determine authenticity; He can also Wish, creating some miracles, but the effects of these miracles are still restricted to the Sequence 7 level; His past Sequence 1 self could make the Spirit Body Threads of the dead or certain objects reappear, thereby marionettizing them. If one eats marionettized food, they will be corrupted and gradually become marionettized; His past Sequence 1 self could also Graft physical entities or abstract concepts that normally couldnt be directly connected, combining them to achieve incredible effects. However, these incredible effects are still only at the Sequence 7 level; His past Sequence 1 self could distort space and time, creating a Realm of Mysteries that surpasses the Bottle of Fiction and possesses concealed properties; His Air Straw is twenty meters long, potentially helping Him avoid areas densely populated with mystical pathogens. The magic mirror Arrodes described all of Zaratulstras abilities and their current manifestations, causing the blood-red words on the mirrors surface to change several times. However, it didnt provide enough details about the Sequence 2 and Sequence 1 level abilities, only briefly mentioning them. The mirror is really working hard to awaken Mr. Fool Franca couldnt help but grumble inwardly after reading everything carefully. Lumian, meanwhile, recalled the historical projection of Zaratulstra that had conversed with Jia Yu. Judging from the fact that they had talked for nearly a quarter of an hour, Lumian deduced that it was a Historical Void image of Zaratulstra before he became an Angel. This also indicated that Zaratulstra wasnt a born mythical creature, but had ascended step by step from lower Sequences. After displaying Zaratulstras current abilities, the blood-colored words on the surface of the ancient silver mirror changed again: Based on the principle of reciprocity, its my turn to ask a question. If you answer incorrectly or lie, you will be punished. Franca gritted her teeth and nodded slightly. What do they not know about me? Theres nothing to be afraid of! On the mirror, new words began to form, composing a sentence: After entering the dream city, have you ever thought about doing something with Lumian when Jenna wasnt around? Dammit, thats harsh Franca didnt dare look at Jenna and squeezed out a word through her teeth. Yes She immediately defended herself, I just thought about it occasionally, never put it into practice! This is Mr. Fools dream, how dare I do anything inappropriate? If Mr. Fools subconscious remembers it, Id be socially dead for real! Lumian glanced at the rapidly speaking Franca and the silent Jenna, suspecting that while making Franca feel ashamed and embarrassed, the magic mirror Arrodes might also have a hidden intention of helping Jenna digest the Affliction potion. Its really going all out to wake up Mr. Fool Franca finally finished speaking and mustered the courage to look at Jenna, receiving an encouraging smile and slight nod from her. Lumian spoke on Francas behalf, The second question is, has Zaratulstra discovered my surveillance? The ancient silver mirror with two black gemstones like eyes displayed new blood-colored words: Zaratulstra discovered that someone was spying through mirror-like objects, but doesnt know who. He also learned about the existence of pinhole cameras and wiretaps, because He has a Saint-level Seer subordinate living next door who can marionettize mosquitoes and hide them in the room to observe the situation. So, when I cautiously used the Fire of Destruction to burn all spiritually imbued things in Zaratulstras room, it made him alert that someone had infiltrated his room. After a covert search, he discovered the pinhole cameras and wiretaps? But because his marionette subordinate died, he only knows someone infiltrated his room, not who it was Lumian immediately analyzed the important information hidden in the magic mirror Arrodes answer. At the same time, he suspected that Zaratulstra knew Mr. Huang had concealed the fact that someone was spying through mirror-like objects but didnt expose it on the spot. Moreover, knowing there was surveillance, Zaratulstra still had Jia Yu come to his room for a private conversation. Was this to mislead us, making us think Jia Yu was important and focus our attention there? But his plan to poach Jia Yu wasnt a sudden decision; it should have started before I went to spy on him in the hotel room Does he think that deep contact with Jia Yu holds hidden dangers, and without knowing certain details, it could easily lead to him being kicked out of the dream? So he deliberately exposed his intentions to let us step on the landmine? Lumians thoughts were in turmoil, feeling that Zaratulstrathis Seerwas really quite similar to a Conspirer, his mind full of conspiracies and schemes. Now that he knew Zaratulstra had discovered his spying and had been acting all along, Lumian could design targeted action plans. Demonesses had ways and abilities to evade the dangerous premonitions of a Seer! After answering, the magic mirror Arrodes routinely displayed the corresponding prompt before posing a question to Lumian: Is your feeling for Franca and Jenna love, or just valuing them? Lumian fell momentarily quiet before responding, I value them. After a few seconds of silence in the sofa area, Jenna moved forward slightly and said, Its my turn to ask. Lumian and Franca both nodded. Jenna recalled the list of prepared questions and looked at the ancient silver mirror. The third question is, who was the last person to rent you? The blood-red words on the mirrors surface suddenly disappeared, leaving only a faint shimmer of water. After several seconds, a few words appeared on the deep, dark surface of the mirrorthe unique text of the dream city, all in a pale white color: Its Peng Deng. Peng Deng? The person who spent 220,000 to rent the magic mirror Arrodes for a day was Peng Deng? Lumian, Franca, and Jenna were all shocked. Chapter 976 - Chapter 976 Scheming and Strategizing Chapter 976 Scheming and Strategizing Regarding who had previously rented the magic mirror, Lumian and the others had various guesses, but they never imagined it would be Peng Deng. Where did Peng Deng get so much money? Why did Peng Deng want to rent the magic mirror Arrodes? What exactly did Peng Deng want to do? Lumian, Jenna, and Franca looked at each other, all feeling it necessary to adjust the order of questions and temporarily add some related to Peng Deng renting the mirror. At this moment, the pale white text on the silver mirrors surface twisted and writhed, turning blood-red again and stretching into individual ancient Feysac words: Based on the principle of reciprocity, its my turn to ask a question. If you answer incorrectly or lie, you will be punished. Jenna nodded slightly, beginning to think about what question to ask next. The blood-red words on the mirror changed to new content: Have you considered how you would intimately get along with Lumian and Franca if you switched to the Hunter pathway in the future and became male? Thats quite a subtle way of asking Jenna sensed Arrodes goodwill. Although it was still quite embarrassing, for someone who was once a Showy Diva, she could answer with her eyes closed. I have thought about it. Francas mind suddenly flashed with a thought: Thought about being on top or on top? She steadied herself and looked at the mirror. The fourth question, what did Peng Deng do with the help of the great Arrodes? On the surface of the ancient silver mirror, the blood-red words quickly faded away, the watery sheen receded, and it no longer had a deep, dark feel. Francas question went unanswered. So its only three questions She sighed in disappointment. Lumian thought for a moment and said, Lets try asking again before returning it to Star Dream Provisions Store this afternoon. Perhaps the interval between inquiries is calculated by time, not by rental frequency. Mm. Jenna nodded. Of course, she would be responsible for returning the rental. Friday morning. Zhou Mingrui, busy at his workstation, felt his phone vibrate beside him. He picked it up and saw a message from Luo Shan: I might be losing my job. Let me treat you to dinner again tonight. What happened? Zhou Mingrui asked, both puzzled and concerned. Luo Shan sent a ???? emoji: Ill tell you when we have dinner. Oh, and Luo Fu will be there too. Alright, should I choose what to eat, or will you? Zhou Mingrui politely asked. Its my treat, so of course Ill choose! Luo Shan quickly replied. After putting down his phone, Zhou Mingrui focused on his computer screen, as if seriously evaluating his previous work results. In reality, he was thinking about Luo Shans situation. How could she suddenly lose her job? The last time we had dinner, Luo Shan was praising Mr. Huang for paying well and the relaxed work atmosphere. She didnt seem to have any intention of quitting Is it because of her special circumstances that she must change her workplace, or does the company want to fire her, or both? About half of the administrative department came because of Mr. Huang. Luo Shan is considered a very qualified employee. Theres no reason for the HR department to actively fire her. Moreover, the companys overall revenue and profits have reached new highs, and they even said the administrative department was short-staffed, specifically hiring Luo Fu Has Luo Shan shown any unusual behavior or done anything problematic recently? Zhou Mingrui thought back and forth, feeling that after Luo Shan discarded those original paintings, everything seemed normal, except for secretly forming a group with Luo Fu and Li Ming, and warning him to be wary of Zaratulstra. The group is in talks with Zaratulstras company about a merger and restructuring Luo Shan has warned me twice to be careful of Zaratulstra Luo Shan then gets suddenly being fired Is there a connection between these events? Well, after Luo Fu warned me last time, she was off for a few days. Tonight, she and Luo Shan might hint at something again Because his previous interactions with Luo Shan and Luo Fu hadnt brought any abnormalities or led to attacks or difficulties, Zhou Mingrui wasnt averse to having another meal with them and listening to what they had to say. Frankly, if it werent for Luo Shan and Li Ming hinting three times since Sunday to be wary of Zaratulstra, he would have felt that everything around him was calm and normal, without any issues, as if he had never drunk the Assassin beverage. But the more it seemed so, the stranger Zhou Mingrui felt, as if he were trapped in a cocoon, with various abnormalities lingering outside, waiting for a chance to invade, yet invisible to him. So he was trying hard to probe, and contacting Luo Shan and Luo Fu was part of that effort. Hall Film Company, Talent Department. The young employee who had previously introduced various situations to Jenna smiled at her. Im Jiang Yue. Im responsible for helping you new recruits connect with various departments of the company. You can come to me for anything. What a coincidence. Jenna, who had changed into a short-sleeved chiffon blouse, smiled back. Jiang Yue looked around and said, This isnt a coincidence, its destiny. Why was I waiting outside the conference room to take the interviewees out? Its because Im responsible for these matters later on. Well, Im not the only one in charge of you new recruits. When selecting, I chose you first. I have high hopes for you, keep it up! Whether Jiang Yue was sincere or not, these words made Jenna quite pleased, giving her a feeling of being valued and affirmed, naturally generating a happy mood. Jiang Yue continued, I thought youd only report to work on Monday. The physical training courses and media response courses arranged for you are all next week. Well, today lets just chat casually. Ill give you a tour, and if we happen to meet a producer or director, you might get a chance to audition soon. If I had come next week, Jia Yu might have already paid the penalty and left Jenna followed Jiang Yue, walking forward in the Talent Department. She glanced at Jia Yus studio and said, Jia Yu isnt here? I have a friend whos his fan. I wanted to get his autograph. Hes not here. After The Great Pirate 3 blew up, hes been coming to the company less and less, Jiang Yue said with a complex tone. Today he said he was going to attend a film-related event. Jenna showed a disappointed expression on her face and nodded, saying, The Great Pirate 3 is quite popular, with high box office numbers. Yeah, although those film critics all say its just a qualified popcorn flick, audiences love watching popcorn flicks. What can those that dont even qualify compare with us? Jiang Yue said, somewhat indignantly. Jenna took this opportunity to ask, So, is the company planning to make The Great Pirate 4? Jiang Yue lowered her voice. There is such a plan, but the problem is that the romance queen is too slow. Weve already finished filming and released The Great Pirate 3, but she still hasnt written The Great Pirate 4! After all, the person herself has been completely kicked out After all, the dream manifestations pen name is Salted Fish Without Dreams Jenna continued Jiang Yues conversation for a few sentences and then said, Moreover, I see that The Great Pirate 3 is popular mainly because of the adventurer image of German Sparrow. If the next one doesnt have him as the main character, I think there will be big problems. The box office might even be a disaster, just like how The Great Pirate 1 and The Great Pirate 2 movies didnt have much fame. This was laying the groundwork for the teams alternative awakening plan. Jiang Yue was stunned for a moment. The Great Pirate 1 and The Great Pirate 2 were never made into movies. Huh? Jenna was stunned for two seconds and then said, Then why is this movie directly called The Great Pirate 3? I dont know either, Jiang Yue answered with a bewildered face. The big boss personally decided it, and no one else raised any objections. If you hadnt mentioned it, I wouldnt have remembered that the previous parts of The Great Pirate series hadnt been made into movies Whats going on? How can they skip The Great Pirate 1 and The Great Pirate 2 and directly make The Great Pirate 3? Even if they skip, why not change the name instead of adding 3? Amidst her confusion, Jenna vaguely grasped a key point. This was related to one of Anderson Hoods reminders. The master of the dream city is a symbol of loopholes and errors, so no matter how real this dream is, there will still be inconsistencies, loopholes, and places that make people feel terrified upon deep thought. It will still express the dream aspect! A dream normally operates smoothly, but if outsiders do something beyond the norm and pointing to loopholes in between, could it create problems? For example, being illogically accepted by the masses, or being absurd and horrifying in the underlying realization of things After Madam Justice forcibly named this movie The Great Pirate 3 instead of The Great Adventurer, the dream manifestations naturally accepted it, and only outsiders could discover the discrepancy, while dream manifestations could perceive the problem after being reminded? Madam Justice didnt mention this point because it was linked to An Xiaotians car accident, and she forgot after being forced to leave the dream? The reason for the loophole of The Great Pirate movie having 3 but no 1 and 2 is because Mr. Fools subconscious believes this book series should indeed be made into movies? Jenna thought a lot in an instant. She didnt delve deeper into this topic, fearing that Jiang Yue, as a dream manifestation, would become more confused and conflicted, leading to chaos in the corresponding dream and affecting herself. Since it cant be filmed later, The Great Pirate 3 can be made into stage plays, animations, TV series, games, and such, taking full advantage while the movies popularity is still high. Jenna acted like an enthusiastic and kind-hearted audience member. Jiang Yue nodded in agreement. True. She then said self-mockingly, Is this something we can decide? Wait until the next meeting, and suggest it to our boss, Mei Xin. Let her whisper it to the big boss. In a high-end hot pot restaurant with a proper stage. In a private room on the second floor, Mr. Huang introduced to Zaratulstra beside him, This hot pot restaurant has a unique feature. Later, there will be a face-changing performance, one of the local intangible cultural heritages Zaratulstra, sitting next to the window, glanced at the large screens behind and around the stage, smiled and nodded slightly. Im looking forward to it. Just as Mr. Huang was about to say something more, his phone suddenly rang. The caller was Bernie. Excuse me, Ill take this call first. Mr. Huang stood up with his phone and walked towards the door of the private room. Chapter 977 - Chapter 977 The Best Support Chapter 977 The Best Support After Mr. Huang left the private room to take the call, Zaratulstra leaned towards the center of the window, as if trying to get a clearer view of the stage and the corresponding large screen. At the same time, Mr. Ed and other Intis Group employees responsible for reception, as well as Zaratulstras entourage, all heard their phones vibrate. They instinctively picked up their phones, unlocked the screens, and saw a pop-up message. This wasnt a text message or WeChat notification, nor was it an alert for an incoming call. It seemed to be just a simple dialog box that had taken over the screen. The dialog box contained a brief line of text: Please be quiet for one minute. As Mr. Ed, the Intis Group employees, and Zaratulstras entourage noticed this line of text, it jumped up one by one, directly out of the phone screens, transforming into an invisible, colorless stream of information carrying mystical power that entered the heads of the corresponding people. Except for Mr. Huang, who was making a phone call outside the private room, and Zaratulstra, who was looking at the stage below, everyone present suddenly became dazed, their eyes vacant, their bodies frozen in their previous positions. They had truly become quiet. Zaratulstra sensed something amiss and turned his gaze back to the people in the private room. As he did so, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed his own reflection faintly appearing in the already open window. His heart skipped a beat, and he instinctively pulled back his body, preventing the window from reflecting him anymore. At this moment, behind the corresponding glass mirror surface, Lumian, in his Demoness of Despair form with disheveled black hair and wearing a dark T-shirt, quietly watched as Zaratulstras ethereal figure appeared on the mirror and quickly moved towards the edge. The normally invisible Spirit Body Threads on his body, upon touching the hard mirror surface, no longer extended as usual, but were drawn upwards by some force, disappearing into the deep, dark sky above. This was Distortions alteration of the Spirit Body Threads extension direction. This way, Zaratulstra wouldnt be able to detect in advance if someone was spying or lying in ambush behind the mirror by observing Spirit Body Threads. The effect of Distortion came from the edge of the area behind the mirror, near the ghostly tunnel resembling a spider web, from a crown inlaid with numerous dark gems. The crown floated silently in midair, with a tall, beautiful woman standing behind it. This woman had tied her slightly curly chestnut hair into a bun, had straight eyebrows, blue eyes, and was wearing a white short-sleeved T-shirt and light-colored trousers. She was none other than Miss Bernie Huang. She held a phone in her hand, talking to Huang Tao. Logically, there shouldnt be any signal in the mirror world, but Bernie Huangs words, after going through the phone, directly transformed into an invisible stream of information, drilling out of this place. The replies from Huang Tao were similarly affected by Beyonder powers, entering as pure information streams and being converted into sound by the phone. Lumian glanced at Miss Huang, recalling what she had said before the operation: I can provide help for you, but I cant directly participate in the battle. Ive already been kicked out of this dream twice and am under certain restrictions. If Zaratulstra sees me as his enemy, I might be kicked out of the dream for the third time, and the problem with my father hasnt been resolved yet Ill create opportunities for you, but killing Zaratulstra or kicking him out of the dream can only be done by yourselves This item cant be lent to you, otherwise, before Zaratulstra dies, youll die first Lumian hesitated no longer and, looking at Zaratulstras Mirror Projection that hadnt yet disappeared, raised his left hand. On his wrist was a silver bracelet that lit up with a silver-white and black glow. Circle Inhabitant! Lumian seized the opportunity and used Circle Inhabitant on Zaratulstras fading Mirror Projection! Of course, this was also suppressed to the Sequence 7 level, unable to make the corresponding fate repeat, and could only be triggered twice at most. The current implementation of Circle Inhabitant was to make similar scenes appear again in a short time through disturbances in fate. In the private room, after Zaratulstra pulled back his body, preventing the glass window from reflecting him again, he suddenly felt a gust of wind blowing from the entrance of the hot pot restaurant. Before he could check the status of the others at the table, he found the window being blown, moving towards closing. This once again cast his reflection onto the corresponding glass. In Zaratuls deep blue, almost pure black eyes, a dim light flashed, already sensing the presence of anomalies, not just simple vigilance. He raised his right hand, using a Miracle Invokers ability to influence the future. He reduced the probability of his Mirror Projection being utilized by others! In the mirror world, Lumian held an ice crystal thin sword wrapped in terrifying black flames in one hand, while touching the river of fate of Zaratulstras Mirror Projection with the other, trying to magnify the fate tributary of his successful attack. The two forces collided, with Zaratulstras prevailing slightly, causing that fate tributary not only to fail to magnify but to shrink by one-tenth. However, for Lumian, this was enough. His use of the Magnified Fate ability wasnt to increase the probability of the curse succeeding, but to counteract the Miracle Invokers interference with fate. Being so close to Zaratulstras Mirror Projection, as long as there was no interference from the Miracle Invoker, or as long as the Miracle Invokers interference wasnt strong enough, his chances of achieving his goal were quite high. Lumians ice crystal thin sword darted out, striking the reappearing Mirror Projection of Zaratulstra. The Fire of Destruction wrapped around the ice crystal thin sword instantly poured into that projection, igniting it from the inside out, placing it in pure, mad destruction. This was a curse, a curse aimed at Zaratulstra! The mystical principle behind many of a Demonesss curses was to utilize Mirror Projections, which was also a kind of Mirror Person, a temporary, short-lived Mirror Person with a very strong mystical connection to the original person! When Lumians Fire of Destruction ignited Zaratulstras Mirror Projection, in the private room, Zaratulstras eyes, nose, ears, mouth, skin pores, and other places erupted with violent black flames. In an instant, this old man became a black torch, his body quickly thinning and shrinking, burning to ashes. Paper Figurine Substitutes! For an Angel like Zaratulstra, Paper Figurine Substitutes could long be used to transfer curses, but to escape a curse completed by a Demoness through a Mirror Projection, the main body still needed to hide in the fog of history in time. After interfering with the development of fate using his Miracle Invoker ability, Zaratulstra didnt think the first wave of attacks would end there. He quickly used Paper Figurine Substitute, while he cautiously entered the fog of history, hiding in a crevice. The scene of him burning into a paper figurine didnt attract the attention of those at the table. Those people were still in a quiet state. In the mirror world. Near the illusory dark tunnel, Bernadette held a phone in one hand, while with the other, she made several dark gems on the crown in front of her light up with strange radiance. Distortion! She used Distortion again, swapping the spatial positions of Zaratulstras main body plus Paper Figurine Substitute and his Mirror Projection. Thus, Zaratulstra, who had hidden in the fog of history, and the Paper Figurine Substitute that had been burned to ashes, came to the mirror world. This place was also connected to the spirit world, this place also had the fog of history. Meanwhile, Zaratulstras Mirror Projection sat by the hot pot table, quickly disappearing into nothingness amidst the madly growing black flames. It vanished into the void along with these Flames of Destruction. After completing this, Bernadette quickly put away the crown inlaid with dark gems, stepped back twice, and disappeared into the illusory, complex tunnel resembling a spider web. Throughout this process, she maintained her call with Mr. Huang. Lumian showed no emotional fluctuation at Bernadettes departure. According to their agreement, this princess was mainly responsible for three things: First, to draw away Mr. Huang, who was suspected to be influenced by the mirrored Roselle; Second, to use the Mystery Pryer pathways control over the information world to push a message to the others in the private room that would make them quiet, with the subsequent cleanup and erasure of traces to be done by the Information ShredderLumian still remembered that when Miss Huang saw the Information Shredder, her expression noticeably became more complex, as if seeing a natural enemy being artificially created; Third, to help Lumian and the others hide their Spirit Body Threads, preventing Zaratulstra from discovering them in advance. If Lumian failed to assassinate successfully in the initial stage, she would help bring Zaratulstra into the mirror world, allowing them to change from assassination to forced killing, with the possibility of one more indirect assistance later depending on the situation. This way, Lumian and the others wouldnt have to worry about their battle with Zaratulstra attracting the official forces of the dream city, being interrupted by them, or even hunted down. Moreover, Zaratulstra would be separated from his marionettes. Even if Zaratulstra could manipulate the Spirit Body Threads through the mirror, those marionettes, if they didnt possess the power to come to the mirror world, wouldnt be able to participate in this battle. Cutting off the marionettes was the first step in dealing with high-level beings of the Seer pathway. As the Paper Figurine Substitute was completely burned, Zaratulstra, at Sequence 7 and unable to stay in the fog of history for too long, returned to reality. He saw that he was in the void dark area behind the mirror, and near the mirror surface stood a figure whose charm couldnt be concealed even by darkness. Lumian smiled, making this area seem as if it was illuminated by clear moonlight. Charm! Zaratulstras consciousness was momentarily stunned, all Worms of Spirit seemingly marveling at that heart-piercing beauty. Almost simultaneously, the invisible spider silk that had long been spread throughout this place entangled him. Lumian then drew the Sword of Courage and, from a distance of over ten meters, slashed towards Zaratulstra. That iron-black straight sword created a highly compressed fire serpent, falling towards the old man dressed in a black formal suit from a distance. At the edge of the area behind the mirror, Jenna emerged from her Invisible state, used the mirror in her hand to reflect Zaratulstras figure, and smeared her other hand, covered in Demoness black flames, onto it. Chapter 978 - Chapter 978 Wishes Chapter 978 Wishes Boom! The highly compressed red fire serpent exploded, engulfing Zaratulstra before Jenna could complete her curse. It tore him into shreds of paper, causing them to ignite simultaneously. Zaratulstra once again retreated into the fog of history. As the explosion from the red fire serpent began to subside, he returned to the present from a corner of the area behind the mirror, dragging out his past self from the Historical Voidthe self that was a Sequence 1 Attendant of Mysteries. As soon as Zaratulstra appeared, clad in a black robe with eyes pure black and lightless, he immediately transformed into a massive vortex composed of countless maggots. This enormous vortex was deep and dark, extending numerous slimy tentacles covered in bizarre patterns. Mythical Creature formthe Mythical Creature form of the Seer pathway! For Angels, the Mythical Creature form was their truest appearance, so there was no question of whether They could or could not transform into it within the dream city. Of course, this too was suppressed to the Sequence 7 level. The instant he saw the maggot vortex, even Lumian, as a Demoness of Despair and possessing godhood, couldnt help but feel his thoughts stutter, his joints stiffen, and his mind as if it were under attack from a super-strong hurricane. He instinctively closed his eyes, while Jenna, who was near the mirror tunnel, seemed to be twisting her entire body. Seizing this opportunity, Zaratulstras main body made a wish, My wish is: For my marionettes to return to my side. As soon as the words were spoken, two more figures appeared in the area behind the mirror. They were dressed as business people, one male and one female. As for the other marionettes, they of course belonged to other Marionettists. Zaratulstra could command their operators, not them directly. Zaratulstra didnt wish to leave the mirror world because he had sensed the presence of Distortion power from the fact that he had been swapped into the mirror world despite hiding in the fog of history. So he chose not to directly leave the current area. He feared having his position Distorted again, which might cause him to appear out of thin air in front of Yagates, the number one figure in the police department. At this moment, because Zaratulstras Mythical Creature form was restricted to Sequence 7, both the godhood impact and mental corruption effects were greatly reduced. So Lumian, as a Demoness of Despair, with his eyes closed and maintaining distance, began to recover. He raised his left hand and snapped his fingers with a loud crack. In different parts of the area behind the mirror, under the cover of a Mirror Maze composed of numerous mirrors, groups of delayed explosion fireballs that had been prepared in advance received the order to explode immediately! Rumble! They exploded simultaneously, intertwining with each other, causing a fierce red flame storm to cover the entire area behind the mirror, completely engulfing Zaratulstras Historical Void image, the two marionettes, along with Jenna and Lumian. This was the Hunters home turf, a battlefield meticulously prepared by Lumian! As for Zaratulstras main body, he had once again hidden in the fog of history. Rumble! Zaratulstras two marionettes used Paper Figurine Substitutes, being torn to pieces in the violent impact waves and ignited by the red flames. Zaratulstras Historical Void image maintained its Mythical Creature form, extending numerous tentacles to entangle the oncoming flame storm. He Grafted himself onto the flames, thus avoiding harm, merely drifting to another side with the storm. Normally, Grafting suppressed to Sequence 7 wouldnt allow Zaratulstras Historical Void image to recombine with the concept of fire, but Sequence 7 Magician of the Seer pathway could manipulate flames, having a very close connection with fire itself. Therefore, Zaratulstras Historical Void image could become a special kind of flame, constantly flashing within the storm. Lumians body also shattered like a mirror. Immediately after, he teleported near the newly emerged female marionette, using the mirror in his hand to reflect her figure, and smeared the Flames of Destruction imbued with Cull forces onto the mirror surface. Affected by both Zaratulstras main body entering the fog of history and his historical projection turning into a flame drifting with the storm, the female marionette had no time to react or time to hide in the fog of history. Extremely suppressed black flames hiding destruction, erupted from within her body. She quickly regressed into a paper figurine, but when she emerged in another part of the area behind the mirror, the Flames of Destruction on her body had not extinguished. After using Paper Figurine Substitute twice in succession, this marionettes main body also turned to ashes. At this point, the terrifying scene created by the groups of delayed explosion fireballs finally subsided. Zaratulstras Historical Void image extended his right hand and gently grasped. The surrounding space-time distorted in response, covering the entire area behind the mirror as if with a giant curtain, forming a concealed area isolated from the surroundings. Realm of Mysteries! After confirming that Lumian and Jenna had been pulled into the Realm of Mysteries by his historical projection and could not prevent him for a short time, Zaratulstra returned from the fog of history, landing at the edge of the dark and void area behind the mirror. He ignored his historical projection and the remaining marionettes that were also trapped in the Realm of Mysteries, walking directly towards the glass mirror surface leading to the hot pot restaurants private room. Now, he had the energy to be vigilant and avoid the influence of the Distortion forces. Just as Zaratulstra approached the glass mirror surface, he suddenly heard a bang of a gunshot. A golden bullet, carrying an indescribable sense of decay, flew out from one of the spider web-like tunnels, heading straight for his chest. Anthony, wearing a cheap black T-shirt and sporting a crew cut, flashed out of the tunnel following the bullet. He had been lurking there using the power of the Ice Mirror Charm, not venturing into the area behind the mirror, so he wasnt encompassed by the Realm of Mysteries created by Zaratulstras historical projection. As Zaratulstras main body avoided the bullet, Anthony, using the remnant power of Mirror Traversal, instantly appeared beside the white-haired old man. He raised a pre-drawn picture while his eyes turned golden and vertical. Frenzy! Anthony thought that Zaratulstra had resurrected by seizing Lokis body, so there might still be some struggle between them. Therefore, using Frenzy to target Zaratulstras mental state might have a miraculous effect. The picture in his hand was drawn on a blank sketchbook, depicting a door, a lock, and wooden bars completely sealing the door. The picture spontaneously ignited, turning into a phantom image that attached itself to the glass mirror surface leading to the outside world, sealing it with wooden bars and adding a lock. Zaratulstra, directly affected by Frenzy, suddenly faded, becoming a phantom. This was a Magicians ability to create illusions. After returning from the fog of history, the first thing Zaratulstra actually did was create an illusion, rather than directly approaching the exit. He used this to make Anthony misjudge his position, only hitting the illusion. Zaratulstras true figure quickly sketched itself not far away, speaking coldly in Dragonese, My wish is: To banish the enemies here. Before Anthony could use his area-of-effect Awe, he suddenly blacked out, as if lifted by an invisible force and thrown into the air. When he regained consciousness, he found himself in a prison, with no mirror-like objects around to useall the iron bars were wrapped in cotton cloth. Zaratulstra chose to banish Anthony rather than wish for his death because this Angel believed that the enemy mixed with the Demoness likely also had one or two Mirror Substitutions, which would lead to a momentary failure of the wish and a waste of time. However, this meant that Lumian, who was inside the Realm of Mysteries, was unaffected by the miracle and remained inside. Zaratulstras wish was to banish the enemies here, and the Realm of Mysteries no longer belonged to here! No longer disturbed by Anthony, Zaratulstra turned his gaze back to the glass mirror surface. He had already realized two wishes, creating two miracles, which had considerably drained him. So he just opened his mouth, preparing to use an Air Cannon to blast the wooden bars and lock, removing their blockade of the exit. Inside the Realm of Mysteries,Jenna had disappeared, while Lumian, having slightly recovered, teleported behind Zaratulstras historical projection. He raised his head, looking up high, letting his eyes, which had burst many capillaries from directly viewing the Mythical Creature form earlier, turn iron-black. At the same time, he let out a harrumph. As two beams of white light shot from his nostrils towards the dark vortex composed of worms, he threw the Sword of Courage in his hand upwards towards a certain point in the sky. That place appeared pale white in his eyes. It was the weakness of the Realm of Mysteries! Even though the Realm of Mysteries was an ability that only Sequence 1 could use, it currently only had the strength of Sequence 7! Outside the Realm of Mysteries. Zaratulstra made a bang sound, firing an Air Cannon, causing the wooden bars and iron lock drawn on the glass mirror surface to shatter inch by inch. At this moment, several figures traversed through another tunnel. There was Ludwig wearing a childs formal attire, a slightly plump female version of Anthony with a mature demeanor and fairly pretty features, and a handsome male version of Jenna with flaxen hair styled dashingly. The real Jenna was still hiding inside the tunnel, not entering this area behind the mirror. Her previous appearance was a shallow mirror person created using special Mirror World Fragments, which could be maintained for a longer time to confuse Zaratulstra. However, under the influence of Lumians area explosion and the Realm of Mysteries earlier, that weak shallow mirror person had been destroyed. The current male version of Jenna and female version of Anthony were deep mirror people created in advance using the special Mirror World Fragments in Franca and Lumians possession. They could only be maintained for three minutes, but in terms of abilities, they almost perfectly replicated the originals, and could also borrow power from the special mirror world to a certain extent. After the battle with the reanimated female corpse, Lumian and the others began to pay more attention to the abilities that came with the special Mirror World Fragments. In the real world, the effect might not be obvious, but in the dream city where everyone was suppressed to Sequence 7, the more mirror helpers, the better! Jenna hadnt let her male version, the female version of Anthony, and Ludwig follow Anthony to attack Zaratulstra earlier because she remembered Lumians prior reminder: If we fail to assassinate successfully, subsequent attacks should come in batches. We cant all rush in at once, lest Zaratulstras special ability takes us all away at once. This can also deplete his spirituality and the number of times he can use his special abilities In the Hunters home turf, although it couldnt be said that they could make arrangements for the enemy from beginning to end, at least the first few waves of attacks could reflect their intentions! Chapter 979 - Chapter 979 Mythical Creature Chapter 979 Mythical Creature Faced with the attack from Ludwig, the male version of Jenna, and the female version of Anthony, Zaratulstra showed no surprise. His body inside the black formal wear suddenly disintegrated, along with his face, collapsing inward into a dark vortex. If one looked closely at this vortex, they would see countless transparent insects frantically writhing, seemingly crawling into the observers mind and body, devouring thoughts and nerves. From within the sleeves and pant legs of the black formal wear, numerous slimy tentacles covered in bizarre patterns extended outward. Zaratulstra had also revealed his Mythical Creature form! Unlike His Historical Void image, His clothes were real, not part of a historical projection. They didnt transform into the Mythical Creature, remaining draped over the surface of the maggot vortex. This made Him appear even more terrifying. As Zaratulstra revealed his Mythical Creature form, both the male version of Jenna and the female version of Anthony instantly froze. Ones hair rapidly grew thicker and longer, their skin losing its luster, while the others face became covered in patches of grayish-white dragon scales. Silently, their bodies simultaneously collapsed. The former turned into a writhing mass of flesh, covered in thick, slimy, and bizarre black hair as thick as small snakes. The tips of these hairs struggled to open black and white eyes or stick out snake-like tongues. The latter disintegrated into several lizards covered in grayish-white dragon scales. They had lost control. Although Zaratulstras Mythical Creature form was suppressed to the Sequence 7 level, as deep Mirror People, their mental states were already unstable, and their emotions tended towards extremes. Naturally, they couldnt help but lose control. With this development, Ludwigs movements slowed slightly, his mind bearing the impact of the female Anthonys indiscriminate Frenzy. Just as he was about to succumb to the male Jennas Charm and turn to devour that mass of flesh, the two out-of-control deep Mirror People began to fade and become transparent, quickly disappearing. They were illusory to begin with. Ludwig could only open his mouth wide, his mouth corners splitting to the back of his head. Then, he leaped towards Zaratulstras Mythical Creature form in its black formal wear, biting down on one of the extended bizarre tentacles. He wanted to use this to Deprive Zaratulstra of His Paper Figurine Substitutes ability. Crack! Ludwig bit down, but only crushed a paper figurine. Zaratulstra, transformed into a Mythical Creature, appeared in midair. Within the dark vortex of countless maggots that formed His face, several differently colored gems seemed to light up simultaneously. Around Ludwig, who still had the paper figurine in his mouth, numerous illusory doors suddenly appeared. These illusory doors took various forms: some double-doored, some single, some barely showing a crack, some covered in mysterious patterns They were densely packed and numerous, completely enveloping Ludwig. As Zaratulstra waved His slimy tentacles, one of the illusory doors suddenly opened, welcoming Ludwig as he was thrown towards it. Ludwigs figure instantly disappeared into the profound darkness behind the door. Exile! This was a Secrets Sorcerer ability that Zaratulstra used with the aid of a certain Sealed Artifact. It could throw the target into a corresponding space-time turbulence, only able to return after five seconds. Of course, complete return was contingent on the person or object thrown into the space-time turbulence being able to withstand its impact. Combined with a Miracle Invokers influence on fate, this could banish Ludwig for a full ten seconds. In just two or three seconds, Zaratulstra had permanently or temporarily dealt with the third wave of attacking enemies. He spoke again in the Dragonese, My wish is: that no one else will interfere with me from now on. As soon as the words were spoken, Zaratulstra realized His wish. Affected by this aspect of his abilities being suppressed to Sequence 7, the realization of his wish had clear boundariesit was limited to only the next thirty seconds, with poor effectiveness against enemies possessing godhood. The stronger the godhood, the more likely they were to break through the restrictions and interfere with him. At this moment, Jenna, hiding in one of the tunnels, suddenly found herself unable to traverse to the corresponding area behind the mirror. Zaratulstra, maintaining His Mythical Creature form, descended from midair, floating towards the glass mirror surface leading to the hot pot restaurants private room. Rumble! He heard a faint explosion and saw a place in the area behind the mirror where an illusory curtain seemed to be pushed up, but not completely broken through. Inside the Realm of Mysteries. When Lumian threw the Sword of Courage and used the Spell of Harrumph, Zaratulstras historical projection instantly swapped positions with His marionette. The marionette, hit by the two beams of white light, only shook slightly. His spirit was essentially already dead. Rumble! The Sword of Courage struck the weak point of the Realm of Mysteries, creating a terrifying explosion, but failed to penetrate through. Amidst this chaos, Lumians figure disappeared, Blinking to the side of Zaratulstras Historical Void image. His left hand was already raised, the silver bracelet on his wrist glowing with a silvery-white light tinged with black. Circle Inhabitant! Lumian once again used Circle Inhabitant, targeting the position of Zaratulstras Historical Void image! Of course, this attempt also forced him to face the others Mythical Creature form directly. His thoughts and joints were once again filled with glue, and his mental state showed signs of some confusion. It was only because he possessed godhood, and the others Mythical Creature form was also limited to the Sequence 7 level, that he didnt lose control on the spot. Otherwise, even if he hadnt lost control immediately, he would have been in a state where his mind was swept by a storm, unable to continue subsequent actions. Just as Zaratulstras Historical Void image was about to continue swapping positions with His marionette, He suddenly found the attempt failed. He remained in place. Seizing this opportunity, Lumian, his eyes showing a silver-black color, suddenly pushed his right palm forward. All his remaining spirituality surged towards the river of fate of Zaratulstras historical projection. Compelling Fate! He wanted to compel the fate of Zaratulstras historical projection to rush towards the imagined tributary! Due to the influence of Zaratulstras historical projections own status, the probability of success for this action was actually not high. But as a historical projection, there was a natural flaw, problem, and weakness in terms of fate, which was the time limit on their existence. If Lumian wanted to compel fate to make Zaratulstras historical projection fall into dire straits and be killed by his subsequent attacks, it would depend on whether Mr. Fool would provide protection. But if he chose the fate tributary of historical projection prematurely terminated due to unexpected influence, there was a considerable chance of achieving the goal! In an instant, Lumians spirituality was completely drained, forcing him to release the part he had accumulated in advance to barely support himself. His body involuntarily leaned back slightly, and on his bright face, streams of blood flowed from his eyes, nose, and the corners of his mouth. His black long hair seemed to have gained its own vitality, floating upwards and becoming slightly thicker. This was the backlash from directly viewing the fate of a Mythical Creature. Not only did one of his eyes go blind immediately, but his entire person became like a marionette, temporarily unable to think or move. Almost simultaneously, Zaratulstras Historical Void image became semi-transparent, with ripples appearing on its surface. It was as if some accident had prevented the spirituality of Zaratulstras main body from penetrating the Realm of Mysteries to maintain the existence of the historical projection. In the blink of an eye, Zaratulstras Historical Void image faded to invisibility, completely dissipating. Without His presence, Lumian finally recovered. His blue eye, covered in a blood mist, saw the black curtain enveloping this area rapidly collapsing. He saw that male marionette, having lost the control of Zaratulstras Historical Void image and being isolated from Zaratulstras main body by the Realm of Mysteries, standing still, motionless. Taking advantage of the Realm of Mysteries not yet completely collapsing, Lumian took out a mirror, reflected that marionette, and cursed it with the Fire of Destruction. The male marionette immediately erupted with black flames suppressing madness and destruction from the inside out, its body beginning to melt like steel. Lumian didnt look at him again. After the Realm of Mysteries further collapsed, he used the ability of Mirror Traversal to return to the area behind the mirror. Just as Zaratulstra approached the glass mirror surface, He sensed movement behind Him. This maggot vortex, clad in black formal wear and extending numerous bizarre tentacles, suddenly turned around to see Lumian, one eye covered in blood, the other unfocused, with blood flowing from them. Although Lumian didnt directly look at this complete Mythical Creature, only glancing towards the black shoes where things were vaguely crawling out, he still fell into intermittent thought stutters and slight mental confusion. His tendency towards madness worsened. At this moment, he had already retrieved the Sword of Courage with invisible spider silk. Holding this iron-black straight sword burning with scarlet flames in both hands, he was about to strike at Zaratulstra from a distance. After overcoming difficulties and launching several waves of attacks, he and his teammates had finally taken out Zaratulstras marionette and Historical Void image, and could now challenge His main body! Within the dark vortex that formed Zaratulstras head, each worm emitted an elderly voice. The words they spoke came together, forming echoing speech in just one second. To be able to end my Historical Void image in such a short time, Im indeed a bit surprised. But it doesnt matter, Ill just summon another one. As He spoke, Zaratulstra extended a bizarre, slimy tentacle and dragged out another version of Himself from the fog of history. This was still him as a Sequence 1 Attendant of Mysteries. If it werent for His concern about the hidden enemy who used the power of Distortion to transfer Him to the mirror world, Zaratulstra felt He could have killed this group entirely, rather than just thinking about escaping this place. At this moment, Lumian couldnt help but feel a bit of despair. Zaratulstra still has the spirituality to summon a Historical Void image? Is this what an Angel is? Even suppressed to Sequence 7, so many of us have only taken out His marionette, not even scratching His skin! Courage and madness occupied Lumians body. Without fear, he slashed out a highly compressed scarlet fire serpent towards Zaratulstra and His Historical Void image from a distance. Chapter 980 - Chapter 980 Together Chapter 980 Together Faced with the giant fire serpent slashed out by Lumian, Zaratulstras Historical Void image had not yet fully emerged from the fog of history and was unable to respond effectively. Meanwhile, the countless transparent maggots within the dark vortex of Zaratulstras main body merely watched, taking no action. The highly compressed scarlet fire serpent had not yet truly approached Zaratulstras main body when it suddenly changed direction, curving to the side, as if unwilling to conflict with this complete Mythical Creature. This was the power of a miracle. Zaratulstras previously made wish that no one else will interfere with him was still in effect, still functioning! Although Lumian possessed a certain degree of godhood, the power of the wish was unable to prevent him from leaving the Realm of Mysteries and returning to this area behind the mirror. However, it could still prevent him from directly affecting Zaratulstras main body, causing all his attacks to bypass the target. At this moment, Lumian suddenly raised his head. But he wasnt looking at Zaratulstras Mythical Creature form. Instead, he was looking at the glass mirror surface not far from Zaratulstra. His eye, covered in a blood mist due to burst capillaries, turned iron-black, reflecting the glass mirror surface that represented the entrance and exit, reflecting the pale spots on it. This was the mirrors own weakness. Immediately after, Lumian, wearing a silver-white earring on his left ear and his black hair floating gently, smiled and raised the Sword of Courage in his hand. The giant fire serpent that had bypassed Zaratulstras main body changed direction accordingly, fiercely pouncing towards the pale spot on the glass mirror surface. The distance between them was extremely short. Before Zaratulstras main body could react, the highly compressed scarlet fire serpent hit the target area. Zaratulstras head, composed of countless maggots forming a vortex, turned towards that spot, seeming somewhat stunned by Lumians choice. Once the mirror surface shattered, the corresponding area behind the mirror would collapse with it. If the people and objects in that area couldnt escape in time through the mirror tunnels, they would be swallowed by the turbulence of the mirror world and dragged into its depths. The dangers there were fatal for Beyonders without a complete Mythical Creature form, meaning Lumian! Even for Angels with complete Mythical Creature forms, unless they were of the Door pathway or the Demoness pathway, the depths of the mirror world were places they were reluctant to venture into lightly. Seeing this scene, Lumians smile grew increasingly manic. I never intended to attack you at all! My initial goal was to shatter the mirror corresponding to this area, dragging you down into the depths of the mirror world, into dangerous space-time turbulence! And to prevent you from detecting my true intentions, I pretended to attack you directly. That strange interference helped me save a lot of spirituality. Otherwise, even as a Pyromaniac wearing the Lie earring, changing the direction of the fire serpent midway would have been very strenuous and consumed a lot! Boom! The scarlet giant serpent, carrying the effects of Cull and Mighty Blow, exploded thunderously at the weak spot on the inside of the mirror, stirring up violent winds. Amidst the gale, the sound of cracking was drowned out as the mirror instantly shattered into pieces, causing the entire area behind the mirror to collapse with a thunderous roar. This dark, void world crumbled. Neither Lumian nor Zaratulstras main body managed to enter that spider web-like illusory tunnel. They plummeted sharply towards the unseen bottom of the darkness, not knowing where it led. The collapse of this mirror world also brought intense shock waves to the historical fog that had previously permeated this place. Zaratulstras Historical Void image returned to formlessness before it could be fully dragged out. As they fell rapidly, Lumians body became very light, noticeably slowing his descent. He could already see the dark storm raging below, seemingly able to tear apart everything, and he was about to be engulfed by it. He activated the black mark on his right shoulder, vanishing from the current void with a whoosh. His figure didnt appear in the outside world. He didnt use a Demonesss control over the mirror world or the Spiritual World Traversal ability from Hand Bro to escape this dangerous place before being caught in the space-time turbulence. Instead, he Blinked to Zaratulstras side. Invisible spider silk then became visible, layer upon layer binding the maggot vortex clad in black formal wear. After escaping from the Realm of Mysteries, Lumian had been secretly producing spider silk, letting it surround Zaratulstras main body. When the area behind the mirror collapsed, these transparent spider threads immediately entangled the target, disregarding the corruption and effects brought by the Mythical Creature form on itself, making contact with Zaratulstras main body. It was through this contact, relying on the positioning provided by the Demonesss spider silk, that Lumian was able to find Zaratulstras main body in this chaotic and dangerous space-time and Teleport to His side. Those spider threads slowly and jerkily entangled Zaratulstra, while Lumian, positioned beside Him, closed his eyes and slashed the Sword of Courage towards the maggot vortex clad in black formal wear, following the pull of the spider silk. The scarlet flames on this iron-black straight sword silently turned pitch black, restraining violence and madness. Fire of Destruction! As Lumian drew closer to Zaratulstras main body, even with his eyes closed, his thoughts became sluggish, and the Sword of Courage he was slashing noticeably slowed. This was the corruption brought by the Mythical Creature form, which was also a kind of marionettization. Now, it took Zaratulstra 20 seconds to gain initial control over a targets Spirit Body Threads, but with the impact and corruption of the Mythical Creature form added, it only took 7 seconds! From the moment Lumian left the Realm of Mysteries, He had been secretly diverting attention to manipulate the others Spirit Body Threads! As expected its like this The manic smile didnt disappear from Lumians bright face. He activated the black mark on his right shoulder once again. And now, he was depending on how Zaratulstras main body was bound to the invisible spider silk. In other words, his Teleportation would bring Zaratulstra along with him! He wanted to go somewhere together with Zaratulstra! Zaratulstra suddenly had a sense of danger. He abandoned manipulating Lumians Spirit Body Threads and was about to use Paper Figurine Substitutes to escape the binding of the spider silk, and then leave this area that was about to be swallowed by space-time turbulence using the Secrets Sorcerer Sealed Artifact he carried. At this moment, in a virtual tunnel of the mirror world, Bernadette, sitting on a green pea vine, was making a phone call while looking at a mirror. That mirror was a substitute Lumian had made for himself, having a very close connection with him. It was relying on this connection and the abilities of the Mystery Pryer pathway that Bernadette was able to monitor every move on the battlefield. She suddenly reached out her right hand and once again virtually wiped the dark crown she had taken out again. The numerous gems on that crown lit up simultaneously, using Lumians mirror to Disorder the corresponding space-time. Zaratulstra first turned into a paper figurine, then His main body reappeared in the same position, still bound by spider silk. This was the last bit of help Bernadette could provide. Lumians figure disappeared from the dark void that was about to be swallowed by space-time turbulence, taking Zaratulstra with him. The two of them appeared on the surface of the large screen on the hot pot restaurants stage and passed through it. Zaratulstra then saw the private room that belonged to his group, saw tables of customers eating hot pot. Thankfully, its not the police station Zaratulstra immediately contracted the maggot vortex, quickly changing back into a white-haired elderly man. He was worried that his Mythical Creature form would cause massive casualties and madness in the public setting of the hot pot restaurant. If that happened, He would certainly be captured by the main consciousness of the dream and forcibly kicked out or turned into a marionette, which could no longer be avoided by historical projection. Just as Zaratulstra regained human form, He suddenly saw a pair of eyes, dark brown eyes. Those were Zhou Mingruis eyes. Zhou Mingrui was sitting at a table not far from the stage, staring blankly as he watched Zaratulstra and a beautiful woman with a bloody face walk out from the screen. He felt that a dangerous aura lingered on the former, as if he had just emerged from a state that could kill everyone in the hot pot restaurant. This deeply shocked him, and the goose intestine he was holding with his chopsticks, not yet placed in the pot, froze in midair. Outside the hot pot restaurant, the sky at 7 pm was still bright. Zaratulstras gaze instantly froze. The next second, he turned his head to look at Lumian. One of Lumians eyes had lost focus, dazed and confused, while the other blue eye was shrouded in a bloody mist. He put away the Sword of Courage and smirked at Zaratulstra, a dangerous yet beautiful smile playing on his lips. Both of them felt pain simultaneously, as if tightly entangled by invisible tentacles, forcibly being dragged away from the world they relied on for survival. Their thoughts were also rapidly becoming sluggish and stuttering. Confirming that the situation was as he had anticipated, Lumian smiled even more happily. Zaratulstra didnt put up much more resistance, as that would prevent Him from entering the dream again later. He took a deep look at the Demoness of Despair before him, then left this world along with the force kicking Him out of the dream. Lumian did the same. Clap, clap, clap, warm applause suddenly came from all directions in the hot pot restaurant. Whether that scene of the beautiful woman and the old man walking out of the screen was magic or an application of virtual reality technology, it was worth applauding! What the audience didnt notice was that behind Zaratulstra, an illusory door discreetly appeared, and Ludwig, dressed in childrens formal wear, walked out. People and objects banished by the Secrets Sorcerer ability, when the time was up, didnt return to their original position but to the side of the person who used the Exile ability. Ludwig glanced at Lumina and Zaratulstra in front of him, quickly changing his mouth back to its original form. He walked around to the front and took Luminas hand. Lumina remembered that this was her child. Under Ludwigs guidance, she left the stage and walked towards the back of the hot pot restaurantthe resting place for the face-changing performers. Zaratulstra looked at his position in confusion, and amidst the audiences applause, he also walked off the stage, heading towards the second floor. After walking seven or eight steps, he saw the stairs, and for some unknown reason, his mood suddenly became joyful. At this moment, he heard a bang sound. A dim green bullet flew from somewhere above, hitting the side of his head. On the surface of the glass window in the corner of the second floor, Francas figure faintly appeared. Located in the blind spot of surveillance, she had extended the Inevitable Gun slightly out of the glass mirror surface. Certain Death! As the gun fired, Zaratulstras pupils suddenly dilated, and his head exploded, splattering red and white in all directions. Franca quickly withdrew the Inevitable Gun and calmly left the current glass window using the remaining power of the Ice Amulet. We may not be able to kill your main body, but cant we kill your dream manifestation? Without this current identity, lets see how you obtain money and resources, see how long it takes you to get a new identity and return to the dream city! Chapter 981 - Chapter 981 Wrapping Up Chapter 981 Wrapping Up At a table near the stage, Zhou Mingrui had been observing Zaratulstra and the unknown beautiful woman ever since they walked out from the screen. Unlike the majority of people who were drawn to the woman with blood on her face, a dazed look in her eyes, and an strangely alluring beauty, he was more focused on Zaratulstras state and actions. Of course, during this process, he still used his peripheral vision to keep an eye on the woman, to see her condition and what she would do next. After just a few seconds, he noticed a strange child appear from behind Zaratulstra, take the hand of the blood-faced woman, walk off the stage, and head towards the resting area for the face-changing performers. Meanwhile, Zaratulstra also looked confused, slowly following them off the stage and approaching the stairs leading to the second floor. Zhou Mingrui noticed that Zaratulstras pace quickened as he walked, his expression gradually becoming relaxed and showing a hint of joy. Just then, he heard a bang and saw Zaratulstras head explode like a watermelon dropped from a great height. As red and white matter splattered in all directions, the applause, cheers, and chatter in the hot pot restaurant seemed to have been muted, disappearing instantly. Everything froze or solidified in that moment, except for the fragments of Zaratulstras head mixed with red and white liquid, blossoming like fireworks. Thud! Zaratulstras corpse fell not far from the stairs. Zaratulstra is dead shot to death In that moment, Zhou Mingrui was extremely confused and bewildered, feeling as if a movie special effect had intruded into daily life, making it all seem very unreal. In all his life, this was the first time he had witnessed someone being shot to death. He usually had full confidence in public safety and felt very secure. The next second, Zhou Mingrui thought of the Li Ming, Luo Fu, and Luo Shan group who had been constantly reminding him to be careful of Zaratulstra. He also remembered that Luo Fu, who had been eating hot pot here just a few minutes ago, had gone to the restroom. What a coincidence, she just happened to not be in the dining hall It couldnt have been her, could it? Just as this thought flashed through Zhou Mingruis mind, he heard screams and felt the entire hot pot restaurant in an uproar. Just as this thought flashed through Zhou Mingruis mind, he heard screams and felt the entire hot pot restaurant in an uproar. People had finally reacted. A bloody shooting had just occurred right before their eyes! Some people immediately called the police, some tried to leave the hot pot restaurant, fearing there might be more gunfire, while others, both nauseated and terrified, wiped the stains from their faces What happened? Zhou Mingrui suddenly heard Luo Fus voice. This beautiful woman wearing a black T-shirt with sequins and black-framed glasses had returned to her original position. Luo Shan abruptly stood up, pointing at where Zaratulstra had fallen, and said in a terrified and stammering voice, S-someone died! Zaratulstra was shot dead! Seeing Luo Shans reaction, Zhou Mingrui doubted his earlier judgment: Luo Shan seems completely unprepared for Zaratulstras shooting Huh? Franca, taking advantage of her height, stood on tiptoes to look towards where the body lay. After seeing the corpse with its head blown apart, her face gradually turned pale, and she hurriedly averted her gaze. Its really Zaratulstra? she asked Luo Shan. At this point, Luo Shan also suspected it was Luo Fus doing, because inviting Zhou Mingrui to this hot pot restaurant and sitting near the stage were both Luo Fus instructions. And just minutes before Zaratulstra was shot, Luo Fu had gone to the restroom and wasnt at her seat. But Luo Fus reaction and the change in her complexion made Luo Shan uncertain. Luo Shan nodded with a grave expression. Yes. She was indeed scared. Since becoming a Beyonder, at most she had only killed monsters in the Shamans world and subtly influenced a few people in reality through her paintings. She had never truly fought with any human, let alone killed one. She knew Luo Fu and the others purpose and target, but she hadnt expected them to use such drastic measures. As she spoke, Luo Shan leaned closer to Franca, wanting to sniff her to check for any lingering gunpowder smell, like they did on TV. But she only caught a whiff of a pleasant, intoxicating fragrance. Francas face seemed to pale even more as she murmured, How did he just die Amidst the commotion in the entire hot pot restaurant, Zhou Mingruis gaze moved from Luo Shan and Luo Fus faces to the resting area for the face-changing performers. He hadnt forgotten about the beautiful yet dangerous woman who had walked out of the screen along with Zaratulstra. Inside the hot pot restaurants rest area. Lumina was led by Ludwig to a corner, where he drew a curtain, as if they were about to change clothes. The face-changing performers present were all attracted by Luminas beauty, aura, and dazed expression. No one questioned why she had come in. After blocking the surrounding gazes, Ludwig took out a mirror from his pocket. Inside the mirror, Jenna was already waiting. Jenna reached out with both hands, grabbing Lumina and Ludwig, and pulled them into the mirror world. Lumina didnt resist; she remembered this was Li Lus mother. What confused her was that she thought she was Li Lus mother, so why did Li Lu have another mother? Yet her memories and consciousness told her this was the truth. Smack! As the mirror fell towards the ground, it burst into quiet and eerie black flames, then shattered into pieces. Having already traversed to a mirror near the Dechuang Garden, Jenna began cleaning the makeup off herself and Ludwig, and removed the Lie earring from Luminas ear. Their action plan for this operation was divided into three parts: The first part was to attempt an assassination; The second part was to immediately switch to an encirclement attack if the assassination failed; The third part, if the encirclement attack still couldnt kill Zaratulstra, was to bring the enemy before Zhou Mingrui in a way involving mysticism and Beyonder powers. This would likely result in both Zaratulstra and the person who brought Him being kicked out of the dream on the spot. Then, Franca, who hadnt appeared or participated in the battle before, would seize the opportunity to covertly assassinate Zaratulstras dream imagenow an ordinary person without an Angels rank and temporarily unprotected by bodyguards. This would force this character off the stage, no longer able to be used by the real Zaratulstra to approach Huang Tao and obtain money and resources through company mergers and restructuring! Moreover, this might even prevent Zaratul from re-entering the dream city for a considerable time, until He had a new identity. Lumian and the others would use this window of opportunity to make more attempts. Because there was a possibility of being exposed to the audience at the end, and also the possibility of the plan failing with Zaratulstra successfully escaping, so except for Lumian who could transform into a female form and Franca who would only carry out the covert assassination in the final stage, Jenna, Anthony, and Ludwig all used the Lie earring to adjust their appearances to some extent, applying near-perfect makeup. Additionally, they used Lumians Mystery Prying Glasses to add suggestive power to their disguises, making everyone who saw them believe this was their true appearance. The Mystery Prying Glasses itself was not above Sequence 7, so the mystical effects it produced were not discounted. In the hot pot restaurant, Mr. Huang, who was on the phone with his daughter, heard the gunshot and commotion in the hall and specifically walked to the stairway to look down. His face, which had been wearing a faint smile, instantly darkened when he saw Zaratulstras nearly headless corpse. He moved the phone from his ear to in front of his eyes, staring at the call interface displaying the words Bernie. After a few seconds, Mr. Huang brought the phone back to his ear and said in a gentle voice, Somethings happened at the scene, I need to deal with it. Ill call you back later. As soon as he hung up the phone, Zaratulstras subordinates rushed past him in fear, panic, and anger, surrounding the corpse. Edwardthe vice president of Intis Groupfollowed behind them, approaching Mr. Huang and saying in a low voice, Besides Zaratulstra, one bodyguard and one negotiator are missing. Mr. Huang nodded slowly, looking at the chaos in the hall, and sighed. Call the police, let them handle it. As soon as she resumed her daily appearance in the dream city, Jenna took Lumina and Ludwig back to room 2303 of the Dechuang Garden. She had used her Ice Mirror Charm once again; now only one use remained. She then placed Francas Travelers Bag on the coffee table. Franca had gone to the womens restroom under surveillance, used a mirror placed on the water tank to lurk in the surveillance blind spot, shot and killed Zaratulstra, then immediately drank the healing agent provided by the Tarot Club to delay the negative effects of using the special ability of the Inevitable Gun. This would allow the severe illness to manifest after she had been questioned by the police. Of course, before that, her complexion would still show some changes. After doing this, she quickly handed over the Travelers Bag and all items related to Beyonders to Jenna, letting Jenna take them away from the scene to prevent the police from discovering any clues. Jenna took out a bottle of healing agent and handed it to the confused Lumina, saying in a gentle voice, First, lets treat your wounds. Lumina took the agent and trustingly opened the cap, tilted her head back slightly, and drank it. Watching this scene, Jenna was actually quite anxious inside. She discovered a problem that hadnt been anticipated before. Lumian had exited the dream in female form, leaving behind Lumina, but the identity woven by Madam Justice was Li Ming, a male. Normally, when an outsider was kicked out of the dream, their remaining manifestation would maintain daily life based on the woven identity and memories not involving Beyonders, just like Luo Fu. But now, Lumina and the Li Ming identity were clearly different, even in gender. This would cause a conflict between Luminas self-perception and the actual identity situation! Does this count as actively creating a dream loophole? Seeing that Lumina had quickly recovered, Jenna carefully asked, Can you still transform into a male? Chapter 982 - Chapter 982 Exploiting Loopholes Chapter 982 Exploiting Loopholes Lumina looked at Jenna with her now fully recovered eye and asked in confusion, What do you mean by transforming into a male? Her previously blinded eye, limited by the effects of the healing agent, was still suppressed at Sequence 7 and recovering more slowly, with vision still blurry. As expected, she cant do it, or doesnt know how Jennas thoughts raced as she quickly fabricated an excuse. Dont you remember that you like to dress up as a man and wear mens clothes? Lumina looked down at her clothes and accepted Jennas explanation. Yes, I still like that. She believed it Shes accepted this character setting? Jenna vaguely grasped the current loophole and probed further, You seem a bit shaken and confused. Dont tell me youve forgotten that were a couple raising Li Lu together? Uh Lumina was stunned for a moment. No wonder he calls me mother and you mom. I remember now, thats right! She just remembered like that? The corner of Jennas mouth twitched slightly. Luminas reaction and changes also confirmed her theory: Due to the conflict between Luminas true gender and background identity, a loophole had appeared in the dream. Before this loophole was patched, whatever character background story was fed to Lumina, she would become that person! Of course, this couldnt involve the supernatural or conflict with actual character relationshipsLumina clearly remembered the people around her. Recalling that she had brought Lumina and Ludwig back through the mirror world, Jenna felt a headache coming on, unsure what kind of changes such details might bring. After a few seconds of thought, she decided not to mention the mirror world or why Lumina was injured for now, waiting for Lumina to bring it up herself before coming up with an explanation. She pointed to the bedroom and said, You look exhausted, and youre not fully recovered. Let me help you to bed to rest. Lumina nodded slightly. Jenna then helped her up and said to Ludwig, You did well today. You can rest for a while before studying. Theres food in the bag. Okay. Ludwig had been waiting for these words. He quickly reached out and grabbed Jennas Travelers Bag. After settling Ludwig and tucking Lumina into bed under the air-conditioned blanket, Jenna went to the bathroom to wet a towel to wipe Luminas face, which still had traces of blood. Just as she wet the towel, she saw Anthonys figure appear in the vanity mirror. Jenna immediately felt relieved and turned off the faucet, saying, I was just about to look for you after settling Lumina and the others. Are you all right? She used the name Lumina to quickly inform Anthony of what had happened afterwards. Anthony asked a follow-up question as if to confirm, What about Zaratulstra? The third part of the plan was successfully executed, Jenna replied concisely. Only then did Anthony describe his own experience, I was transferred to a prison that clearly had defenses against Mirror Traversal. I Hypnotized my cellmate to feel unwell and call for help loudly. Then, using Psychological Invisibility, I slipped out of the cell and made it to the guards office area, where I finally managed to escape using the mirror I had on me and the Ice Mirror Charm. When I returned to the mirror world corresponding to the hot pot restaurant, I found you had already left, so I came here to confirm the situation. There are already police there, and the area behind the mirror might not be safe. You can clean off your makeup and return to your original appearance now, Jenna said as she tossed the Lie earring into the mirror. Ive already done anti-divination using mirror magic, and Queen Mystic will help with the aftermath. Dont worry, go home and rest. Ill keep Ludwig here for now. Alright. While the power of the Ice Mirror Charm was still active, Anthony took the Lie earring and traversed back to the rented apartment in Xinhong District. He could only use his Ice Mirror Charm one more time as well. Jenna let out a sigh, wrung out the towel, left the bathroom, entered the bedroom, and began wiping Luminas face. Along the way, she also checked how much Ludwig had eaten. In the hot pot restaurant, the police had set up a cordon, isolating the corpse and the surrounding area. Franca, looking shocked, was being questioned along with Luo Shan and Zhou Mingrui by a police officer named Li En. She said fearfully, We werent eating quickly, waiting for the later performance. Then I went to the bathroom, and when I came back, I found someone had died! So you werent in the dining hall when it happened? Li En probed. Yes, I was in the bathroom, Franca explained. Li En made a note of this, deciding to check with his colleague monitoring the surveillance footage later to confirm if this woman named Luo Fu had indeed entered the womens restroom and how long she had stayed there. He then turned to Zhou Mingrui. You saw the deceased and a woman walk out from the screen? Yes. Zhou Mingrui glanced at Luo Fu. After listening and observing for a while, he increasingly felt that Luo Fu didnt seem to be the culprit. Or is her acting so superb that I cant detect any flaws? Zhou Mingrui mused as he added, At the time, I thought it was a magic show. Thinking back now, there was something offthat woman had blood on her face Li En asked a few more questions, then walked over to Officer Deng, summarizing the key points from his inquiries. Deng held a pipe but didnt smoke it in public, only sniffing it to stimulate his nerves and make them more alert. Captain, weve found something, another police officer approached and said to Deng. He was responsible for searching for the beautiful woman who had come out of the screen. Deng nodded and followed this officer to the back of the hot pot restaurant, entering the resting room for the face-changing performers. The performers were all a bit scared, huddled in corners, watching the police come and go. This is where the suspect was last seen, the officer who led Deng in pulled back a curtain, pointing to the changing area. Deng scanned the area, his gaze falling on the shattered mirror on the ground. In Trier, inside that luxurious villa. Lumian opened his eyes to find one eye unable to sense light, while the other was tinged with a faint bloodiness. Every joint in his body ached, his thoughts occasionally stuttering. His emotions were clearly offdespite achieving his goal, he felt a sinking depression as if trapped in inescapable darkness, along with an impulse to explode and tear everything apart. This was the corruption from Zaratulstras Mythical Creature form, which would affect reality, and the resulting damage was real too. Lumian slowly stood up, confirming the presence of the Travelers Bag and Beyonder items, then stumbled out of the room and down the stairs. He hadnt immediately drunk the healing agent because he was mainly corrupted, not injured. When Lumian reached the ground floor living room, Madam Magician, dressed in a yellow and white gown, was already waiting there. Starlight flashed in Madam Magicians eyes, condensing into an illusory book that instantly flipped to a certain page. Accompanied by an ethereal, illusory voice, drops of sweet dew fell, sprinkling onto Lumian, washing away his blood stains without wetting his clothes. Lumians blinded eye gradually regained sight, and the discomfort in his body quickly dissipated. The best way to deal with your current condition would actually be to have Mr. Sun come and purify you, Madam Magician said with a smile, but you have too many things that need purification, and the rank is too high. That might be even more detrimental to you. Now, your spirit and mind certainly still have residual corruption. Later, Madam Justice will come to give you a targeted treatment. Fortunately, the corruption from the dream has also been suppressed to Sequence 7. As long as you dont encounter the Celestial Worthy, it shouldnt be a major problem. Lumian tucked his falling black hair behind his ear and briefly recounted the actions he and the others had taken against Zaratulstra, as well as the assistance provided by Queen Mystic. During this, Madam Magician gestured for him to sit in an armchair. I dont know if Franca ultimately killed Zaratulstras dream image, but it shouldnt be a big issue. At the time, Zaratulstras bodyguards were all in the private room upstairs, and the other demigod of the Seer pathway was stationed at the hotel. Even if Mr. Fool subconsciously believed that Zaratulstra also possessed Beyonder powers, he would just be an ordinary Sequence 7, without special abilities or an Angels rank, Lumian said finally. Madam Magician replied, Divination on Mr. Fools dream situation is very restricted and dangerous. Im not sure yet if Two of Cups was successful. Well, we can ask Miss Justice when she arrives. She can glimpse some details of the dream using her Dreamweaver ability. What we need to pay attention to now is that your actions were a strong stimulus to Zhou Mingrui. No one knows what changes might occur in the dream next. Lumian nodded, saying thoughtfully, This time, our biggest gain wasnt kicking Zaratulstra out of the dream and likely being able to eliminate His corresponding dream manifestation. It was verifying one thing. As Madam Magician turned her gaze to him, Lumian spoke slowly, As long as we perform actions deeply involving Beyonders in front of Zhou Mingrui and make him feel danger, whether its the subordinates of the Celestial Worthy or us, well all be kicked out of the dream and quickly marionettized. On this point, no matter what stance people take, they receive the same treatment. Affected by the shooting incident, Zhou Mingrui, Franca, and Luo Shan couldnt continue eating hot pot. Since many dishes hadnt been touched, Luo Shan was hesitant about how to pay the bill and how much to give. At this moment, the hot pot restaurant manager came over and proactively said to them, No need to pay, no need to pay. Mr. Huang from Intis Group said hes covering everything. He said it was their clients issue that prevented everyone from enjoying their meal, so hell foot the bill. Mr. Huang is as generous as ever, Zhou Mingrui remarked. Luo Shan strongly agreed. Seeing that Luo Fu wasnt feeling well, Zhou Mingrui didnt suggest finding another place to eat. He politely saw the two ladies off in a ride-hailing car. Franca had been holding up, but upon returning to Dechuang Garden and entering the elevator, she suddenly went weak and leaned against Luo Shan. Whats wrong? Luo Shan asked in surprise. I seem to be falling ill How sudden Franca herself was puzzled. Luo Shan didnt get off at the 15th floor but supported Franca to the 23rd floor. Upon seeing the door of Room 2303, Franca suddenly woke up. The illness was due to using the Certain Death effect of the Inevitable Gun! I really killed Zaratulstra Chapter 983 - Chapter 983 A Glimpse Chapter 983 A Glimpse Looking at the door of Room 2303, Franca suddenly recalled everything. Considering that if the shooting of Zaratulstra was successful, the police department would inevitably be involved in the investigation. Regardless of whether the police department previously had Beyonders, now that Zhou Mingrui himself had gained Beyonder abilities and the dream subconscious recognized the Sequence 7 level, they, as representatives of the official side, would certainly have gained mystical power enhancements. Therefore, Lumian and the others had already thought of ways to avoid subsequent investigations. Starting from the fact that the main officers of the dream citys Police Department were based on the Nighthawks of the Church of Evernight, Lumian reasonably deduced that their most commonly used and convenient method for finding clues in public was to forcibly drag suspects into a dream and directly question them there. For this reason, he had Anthony give Franca a psychological suggestion in advance, making her forget everything related to the incident as soon as she drank the healing agent. The corresponding psychological suggestion would only be completely lifted when she returned to Dechuang Garden and saw the rented room. This way, even in the dream, Francas performance would be flawless. If her own subconscious didnt believe she had shot Zaratulstra, how could she show any abnormality in the dream! The performance that Luo Shan and Zhou Mingrui saw from Franca also came from her instinctive reactions, not acting. Only her complexion was enhanced by the negative effects of the Inevitable Gun, so it was completely flawless. Phew that shot of mine was really cool, calm, relaxed, natural, composed, thats what an assassin should be like! Franca, feeling a bit feverish and confused, proudly praised herself in her heart. By this time, Luo Shan had already rung the doorbell and saw Jenna open the door. She was about to ask in a low voice, Was Zaratulstras death your doing? when she suddenly noticed a small boy writing furiously at the dining table. Whos that? Luo Shan swallowed the question she was about to ask. Franca let go of Luo Shans support, glanced at Ludwig, and said with unsteady steps and a smile, My godson. Theoretically speaking, thats right! As soon as Franca finished speaking, she was already panting, looking as if even talking was a great effort. Jenna quickly supported her. Seeing this, Luo Shan waved her hand and said, Get well soon. You probably wont need to work overtime tomorrow, you can rest at home. The big client is dead, what overtime would there be! Back in Room 1502, Luo Shan took out her phone and sent a WeChat message to Jenna: Is there anything wrong with Luo Fu? Does she need to go to the hospital? She intended to use this to open the conversation, then ask Jenna if Zaratulstras death was related to them. Jenna quickly replied: She took some fever medicine, lets observe for a while before deciding. I heard there was a shooting at the hot pot restaurant where you were eating? She instead asked about Zaratulstra being shot What does this mean? Could it really not have been them? Luo Shan wondered, once again doubting her own deductions. She briefly told Jenna about what happened in the hot pot restaurant, watching to see how she would respond. Jenna sent a ???? emoji: No wonder Luo Fu got sick. She always falls ill when frightened, but she also recovers quickly. Shell be fine in a couple of days. That doesnt make sense Shes a powerful Beyonder, from a future on the edge of the apocalypse; she must have seen countless deaths. How could she get sick from being frightened by a single shooting? Just as Luo Shan had this doubt, she suddenly understood what Jenna really meant: Well tell you the truth about this matter in a couple of days. Is it because this is the crucial period of the police investigation, and theyre worried that if I know who the real killer is, I might let something slip or become nervous and anxious, and then be questioned by the police? Luo Shan nodded in understanding. She then felt somewhat happy. In the past, she wouldnt have been able to pick up on such hints. Sometimes when others mocked her, if it wasnt obvious enough, she wouldnt even realize it. But now, she had grasped the hidden meaning in the words! Ah, Ive grown too. Luo Shan leaned back on the sofa contentedly and started using her phone. Soon, she saw the police announcement soliciting key information, part of which read: This woman is involved in the case. We hope the public will actively provide clues Next to this part of the content was a photo. The woman in the photo was the one who had walked out of the screen with Zaratulstra. Luo Shan could clearly see that the photo came from someones phone at the scene rather than from surveillance cameras. It captured the womans exquisite and elegant features, her confused yet seductive gaze, and her blood-stained face quite clearly, bringing that dangerous beauty to life. Looking at it again, shes still very beautiful, even a bit more beautiful than Luo Fu and Jenna when theyre not downplaying themselves Luo Shan mused as she scrolled through the comments: Such a beautiful woman, why become a villain? Im not just judging by her looks, but I feel like theres no way shed kill someone for no reason, right? Sister, give me a shot! Do all the commenters let their morals follow their appendages? Isnt she more beautiful than those female celebrities nowadays? She could definitely squeeze into the top tier! This is my dream lover, her face stained with blood, holding a gun, pressing it against my head, forcing me to give up my true heart. So, who exactly was killed? Luo Shan scrolled through with a smile for a few minutes, then suddenly remembered something. She had forgotten to check the details of the room. Ever since Luo Fu and Jenna reminded her to be careful of Zaratulstras group potentially attacking her in secret, every time she returned home, she would use her Beyonder ability to examine the details of every corner, to avoid being assassinated or ambushed. Luo Shan stood up and walked to the oil painting of a parrot, extending her hand towards it. The colorful parrot poked its beak and upper body out of the oil painting and said crisply, No one has been here. Luo Shan stroked the parrots feathers, then turned and walked to the window. She looked outside, raised her right hand, and pinched her eye socket. She wanted to use a Reporters ability to observe and uncover the true world. This wasnt because she didnt trust the parrot, but because there were some intrusions the parrot couldnt detect. However, she didnt dare to observe the true world for too long. Every time she used this ability, she felt danger and only dared to maintain it for about ten seconds. This could only be used to look at the corners that the parrot couldnt reach. The next second, the light and shadows before Luo Shans eyes changed, and different scenes of the surrounding area overlapped in a strange way, presenting themselves in a chaotic and complex manner. Luo Shan quickly saw the glass windows connecting to the dark world, saw the oil paintings pressed against the glass windows, saw different rooms stacked together like building blocks, saw people doing different things in different rooms yet mixing with each other, saw the thin gray fog permeating the edges of all these scenes. What exactly is this fog Luo Shan instinctively frowned. Every time she used a Reporters ability to observe reality, she would discover this thin gray fog, but she never knew what it symbolized, what it represented, or where it came from. Just as Luo Shan noticed that the movements of a man in one of the rooms seemed to stutter, the colorful parrot fluttered its wings in her line of sight. Then, she saw Luo Fu lying on the sofa, physically cooling herself with an ice pack. Then, she heard Luo Fus weak voice: Is this what happens after being kicked out of the dream in a female identity? Kicked out of the dream Luo Shan was stunned. The scene before her eyes immediately shattered. She instinctively ended her observation of reality. Luo Shan stood by the window, her expression bewildered as she recalled what she had just heard. Kicked out of the dream? Did Luo Fu mean to say this is a dream? Was her condition last time because she was kicked out of the dream? Luo Shans gaze gradually became vacant. After a few seconds, she murmured very softly and weakly, If this is a dream, then what am I Late at night, the bedroom door where Franca and Lumina were sleeping opened silently, and a figure walked out without making any noise. It was Lumina in her nightgown, her eyes like highland lakes, both confused and irritated. Lumina walked along the darkest areas, stealthily reaching the door and unlocking it. Then, she put her hand on the handle, trying to open the main door. But the handle didnt move at all. Is the lock broken? Just as Lumina showed a surprised expression, she heard Jennas voice from behind. Where are you going? Lumina turned around quickly, looking at Jenna. Didnt you take Li Lu to An Ruides place? We later came back, but you were all asleep. I thought I shouldnt disturb you, so I just slept here on the sofa. Jenna stood up from the sofa and asked curiously, You want to go out? Its the middle of the night. I-I feel very stuffy, very depressed, I want to go out for a walk, Lumina explained, But the door lock is broken. She then laughed self-mockingly. Am I too unlucky? Being unlucky is normal, and inevitable, this is the negative impact of using the Circle Inhabitant effect Jenna didnt explain, but shook her head and said, The hot pot restaurant incident isnt over yet, and your body hasnt fully recovered. If you go out for a walk now and someone sees you, it will be very troublesome. Alright. Lumina pursed her lips and said, I-I feel like theres always a voice, an impulse in my heart telling me to go out. A voice? Jenna frowned, becoming more vigilant, Go where? Lumina didnt conceal. On the one hand, I want to go to the rooftop, to feel the wind, to see if there are any stars, and to space out a bit. On the other hand, I want to go to a certain place, that place is calling me. Which place? Jenna asked. Lumina tried hard to recall. I think it was I think it was She paused for a moment, finally remembering. Mushu Hospital. Mushu Hospital. Jennas pupils dilated slightly. She suddenly remembered that Lumian, that is, Lumina, really did have the bloodline of Omebella, the Child of Godthe Great Mother. This wasnt a ruse to deceive Grimm and the others! Chapter 984 - Chapter 984 A Tranquil Night Chapter 984 A Tranquil Night Jennas mind instantly tensed up. She decided to placate Lumina and not give her the opportunity to go to Mushu Hospital, until Lumian returned around 7 or 8 pm the next evening. She looked at Lumina and said sincerely, The investigation into the hot pot restaurant shooting hasnt ended yet. If you go to Mushu Hospital, you might be taken to the police station. Even if the police can prove youre not related to Zaratulstras death, it will take a considerable amount of time. Youll be detained for at least a few days, which could cause you to lose your job. Hearing the phrase lose your job, Lumina showed a not-so-obvious expression of fear. Yes, I should hide for a couple of days. After that, going to work disguised as a man shouldnt be a problem. She had already been instilled with the setting of working as a security guard while disguised as a man. Jenna didnt dare to relax. She glanced at the curtains blocking the bright moonlight and said to Lumina, We cant go to Mushu Hospital, but we can go to the rooftop to feel the breeze and relax a bit. Okay, Lumina said, an uncontrollable smile appearing on her clean and clear face. Jenna first fixed the door lock, then took Lumina out of Room 2303 and to the rooftop via the elevator and stairs. Throughout the process, she hid a mirror in each hand, using them to reflect light and create illusions to conceal herself and Lumina from the surveillance cameras. Feeling the cool breeze that had lost its scorching heat in the night, Lumina half-closed her eyes and took two deep breaths. She then walked to the parapet wall at the edge of the rooftop, pointed at the top, and asked for Jennas opinion, Can I sit up there? Normal people cant since its very dangerous. But youre fine, your sense of balance is very good, even better than acrobats, Jenna wasnt afraid of Lumina falling. She had enough ability to rescue her, so she wanted to see if the loophole hadnt been patched yet, and if by constantly suggesting to Lumina that she had abilities beyond ordinary people, whether Lumina would actually possess Beyonder powers. Lumina put her hands on top of the parapet wall and lightly jumped up, preparing to sit down. Suddenly, her hand slipped, and she lost her balance, about to fall towards the ground a hundred meters below. At that moment, she felt several invisible ropes pulling at her, helping her stabilize. Phew, that scared me to death She turned her body sideways, looked at Jenna who was already sitting nearby, and patted her chest. She thought Jenna had caught her. Jenna, who had lightly wrapped Lumina with invisible spider silk for protection, realized she had overlooked something. This person was still under the negative effects of misfortune brought by the Circle of Binding. Even if she had gained excellent balance based on Jennas suggestions, she would fail due to extreme bad luck. Be careful, Jenna specially cautioned. Lumina responded tersely and nodded lightly. She looked at the lit internal roads of the residential area below for a few seconds, then raised her head, casting her gaze towards the bright moon in the sky. The moonlight and the citys light pollution had hidden the stars from view. Lumina supported herself with both hands on top of the parapet wall, quietly looking at the moon, completely absorbed. After an unknown amount of time, she suddenly said, as if talking to herself, A poem came to mind. She didnt turn her head or look at Jenna, still gazing at the bright moon in the sky. What poem? Jenna was enjoying the current peace and tranquility. Lumina maintained her contemplative posture and said in a slightly ethereal voice, Raising my head, I see the bright shining moon, Bowing my head, I think of my hometown. At the Police Department, in a certain meeting room, the lights were still bright late at night. Lun Xiande stood in front of the whiteboard, pointing at two photos and said, We can make a judgment that this case involves supernatural powers. The killer, or rather the criminal group, can use mirrors and the mirror world behind them. One of the two photos was of the broken mirror in the changing room, and the other was of the shattered window in the private room where the victim was. Officer Deng sat below, nodding lightly, indicating for Lun Xiande to continue. Therefore, those who were not in the hot pot restaurants main hall and were not under surveillance during the corresponding time period are all suspects and need further investigation. They likely went to surveillance blind spots, used mirrors they carried with them to sneak back into the hot pot restaurants main hall, waiting for the victim to return from the mirror world. If the victim returned, they would deliver a fatal blow. If not, it would mean their accomplices had already succeeded. Deng raised his hand, pointing out a flaw in Lun Xiandes reasoning. Its also possible that they were always lurking behind a mirror or a glass window, not having appeared in the main hall of Shujin Hot Pot Restaurant before. Judging from how well this group utilizes the mirror world, they didnt need to send someone to the main hall of the hot pot restaurant in advance to wait by eating hot pot. They could have waited until the time was right, or received a signal, then entered the mirror world from afar, arriving at the predetermined assassination location. Look, the woman who walked out of the screen with Zaratulstra hadnt appeared in the main hall before either. After speaking, Deng raised his palm and sniffed the tobacco pressed in his pipe. Yes, Lun Xiande admitted that the captains point was valid. But we still need to re-investigate those who left the main hall of the hot pot restaurant during that time period but werent recorded by surveillance cameras in the corresponding state at the time of the incident. Remove the latter condition, Deng thought for two seconds and said, People who can use the mirror world can also deceive surveillance cameras. You should know that surveillance cameras record based on optical principles, and those who master mirrors are good at affecting light and creating optical illusions. After Lun Xiande nodded, Deng turned to Li En and said, Tell us about the preliminary investigation results. Li En stood up, taking Lun Xiandes place. So far, weve used dream interrogation on seventeen people without letting them notice anything unusual. Luo Shan: Very surprised about Zaratulstras death, couldnt believe it. Zhou Mingrui: Very cautious about Zaratulstra, but also didnt anticipate Zaratulstras death. Luo Fu: She left the main hall at the time and went to the ladies room. Theres no surveillance in the bathroom, but she was also very surprised about Zaratulstras death, clearly shocked. We initially listed these three as key investigation targets because theyre all employees of the Intis Group. They might have been instructed by some powerful figures within the Intis Group who dont want a merger and reorganization, to assassinate Zaratulstra at Shujin Hot Pot Restaurant and disrupt the ongoing business negotiations. But none of them knew that Huang Tao and Zaratulstra were also in Shujin Hot Pot Restaurant, and Luo Shan and Zhou Mingrui never left the main hall The preliminary conclusion is that they dont have any issues. Deng expressed agreement, and Lun Xiande didnt say anything. After thoroughly discussing the case, Deng stood up and said to his subordinates, Currently, there are two key points. First, investigate the remaining suspects, including those mentioned by Lun Xiande and those with substantial motives. Second, find the woman who walked out of the screen with Zaratulstra. Although she didnt attack Zaratulstra at the time, the fact that she came out of the screen itself is worth noting. Yes, Captain, Lun Xiande, Li En, and other officers stood up and responded. Deng smiled and said seriously, This involves foreign guests and major business activities. Youve all worked hard. Im going to report to Chief Yagates now. After looking at the moon and feeling the night breeze for half an hour, Jenna took Lumina back to Room 2303. Rest now, your body hasnt fully recovered yet, Jenna said, pointing to the bedroom. Lumina, wearing her nightgown, opened the door and entered the bedroom. She found that the sick Franca had also woken up at some point due to her absence. Do you feel better now? Franca had already learned from Jenna via WeChat about what the two had done. Lumina looked at Franca and nodded with complex emotions. Much better. Her emotions were complex because she remembered that Luo Fu and she were also in a romantic relationship. Yet this didnt affect her relationship with Jenna. I thought I was just an ordinary yuri fan How did the yuri circle become so messy? Am I really a player? Lumina sat on the edge of the bed and said to Franca, Lets sleep, I still have to work tomorrow. Security guards worked in shifts. Franca looked at Lumina and said with a smile, Did you forget? You took two days off, Friday and Saturday. Your director, Grimm, approved it. Lumina blinked. Oh, right I forgot. No wonder I dont have to work the middle shift today and can go directly to Shujin Hot Pot Restaurant in the evening Looking at Lumina like this, Franca suddenly felt she was a bit adorably silly. After the two in the bedroom went back to sleep, Jenna also lay down on the sofa, closed her eyes, and entered deep sleep. After a while, her Astral Projection arrived in Luo Shans Shaman world. She saw the girl still guarding by the translucent barrier, having repelled a new round of attacks from the monsters. From the corner of her eye, Jenna saw Francas Astral Projection wandering around in a daze like the other people around. This indicated that Franca, due to her illness, had entered and then exited her consciousness. Next, Jenna also found Luminas Astral Projection, who also lacked clear consciousness. She really isnt a Beyonder Just as Jenna had this thought, she suddenly realized something. Luo Shan must know! It was hard to hide from her in the Shamans domain. The next second, Jenna saw Luo Shan half turn her body and say to her, So Zaratulstra was really killed by you guys. Luo Shan had seen Luminas Astral Projection, seen this beautiful woman who had walked out of the screen with Zaratulstra. Yes, we didnt tell you earlier because we were worried the police might have special methods to confirm whether you were lying, Jenna explained. Luo Shan asked in confusion, Wasnt Luo Fu afraid of being caught lying? She was hypnotized in advance, Jenna didnt conceal. Luo Shan fell silent. After several seconds, she asked in a low, extremely difficult tone, Is this is this really a dream? Chapter 985 - Chapter 985 I Dont Believe It Chapter 985 I Dont Believe It Hearing Luo Shans question, Jenna was stunned. Why would she suddenly ask such a question? How did she suddenly think this was a dream? How did she know? Who told her? After coming to her senses, Jenna carefully asked in return, What dream? Luo Shan looked at her for several seconds. A Reporter has an ability to observe the truth, to see different scenes within a certain area, but it cant be maintained for too long. Ive been using it often lately to check if anyone is hiding in my home or if there are any traps. When I came back in the evening, I used it once and saw you and Luo Fu talking. I heard Luo Fu asking about being kicked out of the dream. So thats how it is So thats what observing the truth means Jennas first reaction was Dont panic, Ill make up a reason on the spot, but after seeing Luo Shans eyes filled with deep sadness, confusion, and pain, she closed her mouth and remained silent. Luo Shan took a moment before saying, So, when Luo Fu suddenly became like a different person last time, it was because the consciousness from outside the dream was kicked out? So this really is a dream? Jenna remained silent for several seconds, her tone becoming somber. This is Zhou Mingruis dream. Luo Shan opened her mouth, but couldnt say anything. Her expression gradually became vacant. Jenna continued, Some people want Zhou Mingrui to continue sleeping until the apocalypse comes, while others want to wake him up so he can lead everyone to resist the apocalypse. As she said these words, Jenna felt sympathy for Luo Shan while keeping her mind highly focused, waiting for the possible dream rejection that might come. She had almost revealed the essence of the matter. With Lumina already kicked out of the dream, Franca ill, and the police department highly focused on the horrible case of Zaratulstras shooting, Jenna wasnt prepared to conduct further experiments. Even if she wanted to experiment, the target would be Peng Deng or Zhou Mingrui. It was unlikely to reveal the truth to Luo Shan now. That would require a gradual, step-by-step approach. No one would accept that they were fake, that their existence was meaningless. This would cause unpredictable shock to Luo Shan. Jenna could hardly imagine what kind of changes this would cause in Luo Shan. Compared to this, being kicked out of the dream wasnt a particularly serious problem. After all, she could enter again. Of course, it would be best not to be kicked out. Otherwise, the weak and sick Franca might not be able to control Lumina and prevent her from secretly going to Mushu Hospital. Luo Shans lips trembled for a while before she finally said, So, Im just an illusory figure in someone elses dream? Before Jenna could respond, Luo Shan raised her hand to touch her own face, then suddenly shook her head. I dont believe it I dont believe it I dont believe it! This isnt a dream, and Im not fake! At this moment, Jenna wanted to persuade her to shift her attention, to find new meaning, but the words caught in her throat and she couldnt form a sentence. Luo Shan cried out for a while before finally calming down. She looked at Jenna again and said, Every time, every time I observe the truth, I see grayish-white fog. Its in every scene. Wh-what is it? Jenna pondered for a moment and then said, It might be, it might be the boundaries of the dream. Luo Shan fell silent again, staring intently at Jennas eyes as if grasping at the last straw. She slowly lowered her head, turning her body while mumbling, No, its not like this I dont believe it I dont believe it She completely turned her back on Jenna, facing the translucent barrier and the monsters hiding in the deep darkness beyond it alone. Trier, beside the Srenzo River, in a caf with outdoor seating. Lumian wore sunglasses and had long hair draped over his shoulders. Basking in the bright sunlight, he held a cup of Intis coffee, his mind wandering as he gazed at the wide river, the classical buildings on the opposite shore, the steam-belching iron ships, the bustling and lively river island, and the occasional airship passing by, enjoying a rare moment of leisure. He temporarily had nothing that needed to be done. He had originally planned to take advantage of his return to the real world to visit Bansy Island, seeking special scenes that could maximize the effectiveness of the corpse wax candle. But after careful consideration, he abandoned this plan. There were uncertain risks in Bansy Harbor. If it led to him being trapped there, unable to enter Mr. Fools true dream, or directly resulting in his death, it would significantly affect the subsequent progress of the awakening plan. Lumian was clear about which of these two matters was more important. He had also considered whether to go to the New City of Silver, enter the underground, and borrow the Grade 0 Sealed ArtifactGift of the Landto bring it into the dream city, enhancing the teams power. After all, for him, he could return to Mr. Fools dream using the lucky coin regardless of where he fell asleep, and the New City of Silver was also a safe place. In the end, Lumian erred on the side of caution and didnt make this risky attempt. He carried Omebellas bloodline, and in the dream city, those blessed by the Great Mother like Grimm viewed him as the Great Mothers Child of God. The underground of Mushu Hospital still concealed the Great Mothers influence and erosion of the dream city. If he added the Gift of the Land transformed from the real Omebellas remains on top of that, Lumian dared not imagine what problems might arise. He worried that as soon as he brought the Gift of the Land into the dream city, he might find his dream manifestation appearing in basement one of Mushu Hospital, with the Gift of the Land fusing with his body, allowing Omebella to be fully reborn. And such an Omebella might be able to withstand the divine descent of the Great Mother. Unable to do this or that, Lumian could only give himself a day off. As for making new Ice Mirror Charms, he had to wait a bit longer, because his misfortune had not completely dissipated. Yes, although he had used Circle Inhabitant within the dream city, after returning to reality, he still bore the negative effect of misfortune. Correspondingly, he could only use the Circle of Binding effect of his Circle Inhabitant seven more times, and using Circle Inhabitant twice had stacked his misfortune to six hours, which didnt take effect immediately. The types of Circle Inhabitant he used on Zaratulstras mirror projection and Historical Void image were not the same. One was to recreate the scene, the other was to fix the position. Is the essence of negative effects reflecting in reality that using Beyonder items in dreams causes Beyonder items in reality to be activated as well, thus producing corresponding negative effects? Lumian took a sip of coffee, allowing his body and mind to relax. He silently sighed. A rare moment of leisure in this fleeting life After a while, Lumian gazed at the gently rippling, relatively clean water surface, breathing in the cool breeze from the river, and spontaneously thought, Is the other me also daydreaming like this now? He had considered the problem of identity conflict corresponding to his female form being kicked out of the dream, but he hadnt reminded Jenna and Franca about it, only telling them to be careful of the influence brought by Omebellas bloodline. He felt that this situation might gradually awaken some of Aurores qualities in his dream self. At 8 am, Dechuang Garden. Franca had just groggily woken up when she saw Lumina standing by the bay window, looking at the already brilliant sunlight outside, lost in thought. After a nights rest, Francas condition had improved considerably. She was no longer weak all over, and walking was no longer a problem. What are you looking at? she tentatively asked Lumina. Lumina didnt turn around, her tone slightly distant as she said, I really want to go for a walk. Its not too hot at this time. Lets wait for things to blow over, Franca suggested. How about we play computer games? What games? Lumina turned around. Franca suddenly fell silent. Without a computer, what computer games could they play? They didnt even have a gaming console! They had to save every penny for when they needed to rent useful items from the Star Dream Provisions Store or complete crucial tasks. In daily life, non-essential expenses were always cut wherever possible. Mobile games then As she spoke, Franca stopped again. What games wouldnt lag on their cheap phones? Lets play Fighting the Landlord! That was all she could say. At this moment, Jenna walked in, supporting Franca to the bathroom to wash up. After closing the bathroom door, Jenna kept an ear out for any movement outside, worried that Lumina might suddenly run out, while lowering her voice to tell Franca about Luo Shans situation. Franca sat on the toilet, her mouth half-open, completely stunned. After hearing Jennas full explanation, she sighed deeply. We still dont understand enough about the abilities of the Reporter Sequence She could understand how Luo Shan felt now. If someone with authority told her that her life since transmigrating was fake, that her past was also fake, that she was just an illusory character existing in a dream, she would certainly suffer a huge blow. Not having a breakdown on the spot was already quite good. Even though they had thought about using Luo Shan to awaken Mr. Fool, Franca had previously hoped to persuade her with fabricated stories, not to tell her the truth. Some truths were best never known. They represented despair. Franca pondered for a moment, then said desperately, Can we find an excuse to cover it up? Not saying we lied to her, but designing some events to let everyone discover together that the dream theory is just another layer of disguise, not the final truth. I think Luo Shan could accept such a development. People can deceive themselves about certain things. Hasnt she been saying she doesnt believe this is a dream? Moreover, we cant provide strong enough evidence to prove this is a dream! Jenna fell silent for a moment before saying, We can only handle it this way for now. During this period, we need to find a way for Anthony to placate Luo Shan, or have him provide treatment directly. Franca nodded lightly, suddenly showing a thoughtful expression. She looked at Jenna and said slowly, Based on our previous speculation, Luo Shan is a dream character shaped by Mr. Fools divided subconscious, combined with corresponding images from memory. In a broad sense, she is equivalent to a part of Mr. Fool. After hearing the truth about the dream, the dream city didnt show any unusual changes, and you werent kicked out of the dream Chapter 986 - Chapter 986 Girls Day Chapter 986 Girls Day Yes. Jenna also expressed confusion, I thought I would be kicked out of the dream immediately, but nothing happened. Franca thought for a moment and spoke, Is it that telling the truth about this world to dream figures other than Zhou Mingrui and a few others doesnt trigger an abnormal reaction? Or is Luo Shan special, a character lightly corrupted by that evil god of the Fantasy Association, no longer closely connected to the dreams main consciousness? Jenna shook her head and answered honestly, I dont know. She paused, her eyes turning slightly as she said, If we can pacify Luo Shan this time, we can find an opportunity later to mention Mr. Fool to her, and see if theres any special reaction, or if it causes me to be kicked out of the dream. We can also try telling corresponding things to other dream figures and see what results. Franca made an affirmative sound, reaching out both hands to support Jenna as she stood up from the toilet. After finishing her washing up, she returned to the living room to see Lumina watching TV. An idea struck her, and she said to Jenna, Should we invite Luo Shan over to play cards? Four people can play Shengji. Ill ask and see if shes willing. Jenna understood that Franca wanted to find something for Luo Shan to do, some entertainment to ease her emotional state, and they could also use the card-playing opportunity to provide subtle psychological guidance. Jenna immediately picked up her phone and sent Luo Shan a message. After about seven or eight minutes, Luo Shan replied: Okay, after I eat breakfast. I just woke up. Shes willing to come, Jenna told Franca and Lumina. Lumina knew Luo Shan, aware that she was her colleague, and quickly stood up saying, Should I change back into mens clothes? No need, no need. Just pretend you dont know her, act like youre another friend of ours, Franca hurriedly shook her head. If she really changed into mens clothes, wouldnt that make Luo Shan think of Li Ming? After all, you two do look a bit alike! Of course, as long as Lumina didnt wear mens clothes or pretend to be a man, no one would associate her with security guard Li Ming. Not to mention the fact that one was male and one was female, even in terms of appearance, at first glance, the difference was quite large, because when Lumian played the role of Li Ming, he used the Lie earring to lower his attractiveness and modify details. Seeing this, Jenna, on behalf of the still somewhat muddled Franca, went through in her mind the potential problems that might arise when Lumina and Luo Shan meet. She then chatted with Anthony via WeChat about Luo Shan knowing the truth of the world, and consulted on the direction and strategies for psychological guidance. Soon after, Luo Shan arrived on the 23rd floor and rang the doorbell. At the same time, Jenna received a reply message from An Ruide: Talk to her about her past. Using a certain, experienced, and personally realistic past to reduce the current sense of disillusionment? Jenna roughly understood Anthonys intention. She immediately followed Francas instructions and found two decks of playing cards. The four of them gathered around the coffee table and started playing Shengji, with Lumina and Jenna as partners, and Franca and Luo Shan on the same team. They werent gambling for moneyJenna, Franca, and Lumina had no spare cash to gamble. Instead, they bet that whichever pair of partners first upgraded to A could stick five small paper notes on the losers faces or draw funny patterns with washable paint. After successfully upgrading to 3, Jenna looked at Luo Shan and casually started chatting, You mentioned before that your father was a police officer? Yes, Luo Shans mood had been low all along. As she pushed her cards towards the center of the coffee table, she said, He was severely injured while pursuing a cult leader with lots of blood on his heads, and died in the hospital. Was he honored as a martyr? Franca asked. Yes. Luo Shan suddenly gave a self-deprecating smile, When I graduated from university, I actually had the opportunity to work as a civilian employee at the police department, but I also received an offer from the administrative department of the Intis Group. I hesitated for a long time, feeling that I was just an ordinary person who didnt like exercise, so I wasnt suitable to be a police officer. Hence, I finally chose the Intis Group. Perhaps thats not the only reason? Franca didnt pursue the question. She simply felt that ordinary people without much ambition couldnt refuse a position in a public department, and it was just a civilian role, not requiring the arrest of criminals. While waiting for the cards to be dealt, Luo Shan made a sound of agreement. This was actually my mothers wish too. Seeing police officers would remind her of my fathers death. Your mother is in your hometown, not living with you? Jenna asked, already knowing the answer. Luo Shan looked at the cards in front of her, her voice gradually becoming distant. When I was in university, she fell ill and was hospitalized It was on and off, she struggled for two years but still didnt make it Before Franca and Jenna could comfort Luo Shan, Lumina suddenly spoke, My mother was also seriously ill once, frequently going to the hospital. I was still young then, standing at the hospital entrance, watching her being pushed in, my father bent over, accompanying her by her side I dont remember who was watching me then, I only remember that I was very quiet, didnt cry or make a fuss I was luckier than you, my mother was cured later. At this point, Luminas eyes suddenly became misty, her voice suddenly deepening, I miss her so much Franca and Jenna suddenly exchanged a glance, both looking a bit surprised. This wasnt part of Li Mings background information, nor was it content they had instilled. Could it be Franca quickly had a guess. I miss my mother too, Luo Shan responded to Lumina. She seemed to recall her past life, remembering the days when she and her mother depended on each other. Although her emotions were sad, that lifeless feeling had faded considerably. In the time that followed, Luo Shans state improved somewhatwhile playing cards, Jenna and Franca chatted with her about university life and career experiences, and Luo Shan recounted those events that were deeply etched in her memory. Franca and Jenna could clearly hear that towards the end, Luo Shans whole person became excited, as if trying to prove something. Lets end this; its almost noon, Ill go make lunch for you all, Jenna stood up, smiling as she spoke. Todays losers were Franca and Luo Shan, their faces covered with paper notes written with various funny phrases, and they suffered the indignity of having photos taken as a memento. I object! Youre trying to kill me by taking advantage of my illness. Franca was, after all, still in a state of illness, her mind not so sharp, and she had done a good job of dragging Luo Shan down in the card game. She grumbled, Im bullied when Im sick and weak! Jenna was amused by her. Wait until youre better and try again, you used to often lose to me before. This referred to her Showy Diva days, often being dragged to play cards by the market districts boss Red Boots Franca. Wasnt I just letting you win? Otherwise, how hard would it be for the mighty Witch to use a bit of mystical power to cheat and win easily? Franca grumbled inwardly. At this moment, Lumina also stood up and said to Jenna, Ill help you cut the vegetables. Ill help too. Luo Shan raised her hand. The patient is responsible for resting! She took the opportunity to peel off the paper notes on her face and walked briskly into the kitchen. Watching the three of them busy in the kitchen, with occasional laughter and cheerful voices, Franca leaned back against the sofa, peeling off the paper notes on her face, and spontaneously thought, If only this wasnt a dream After happily enjoying lunch, washing the dishes, and scrubbing the pots, Luo Shan said goodbye. She had plans with a university friend in the afternoon. Jenna and Franca, who was still a bit unsteady on her feet, saw her to the door. Luo Shan turned sideways, her mouth open as if wanting to say something, but in the end, she just turned her gaze away and waved. Bye bye. She quickened her pace and walked straight towards the elevator. Franca and Jenna watched her enter the elevator before turning back inside, each picking up their own phone. Seeing their behavior, Lumina finally remembered that she had lost an important item. Wheres my phone? It seemed to have disappeared last night I have it, Franca took out Lumians phone from her Travelers Bag. Before this operation, they had made contingency plans for different developments. Except for Franca, everyone was prepared to be kicked out of the dream, so they simply didnt bring their phones, or gave them to Franca for safekeeping, or left them at home. This way, when kicked out of the dream, they basically wouldnt be found by the Celestial Worthy through their phone contacts, and they wouldnt need to delete their contact list againit would be too troublesome to add them back later. Lumina took the phone and unlocked the screen with her fingerprint. Intis Group Grimm sent me a message Why is the director sending me a message? Lumina looked confused. Franca leaned over and saw that Grimm had sent a ???? emoji: As expected of you! Obviously, Grimm had recognized that the woman who walked out of the screen with Zaratulstra was Lumina, and believed that Zaratulstras death was done by the Child of God. Jennas thoughts raced, searching for an explanation for the relationship between Grimm and Lumina that didnt involve the supernatural. She carefully fabricated, Grimm has seen you in womens clothes and has become deeply infatuated with you. Hes a masochist who sees you as his master. The more arrogant and cold you are to him, the more satisfied he is. Anyway, just ignore him and let him indulge in his own fantasies. Eww pervert, Lumina looked disgusted. Then she asked, What does he mean by as expected of me? Maybe he saw a video or photo of you appearing with Zaratulstra and thinks you killed Zaratulstra, Jenna felt a fatigue from her brain working overtime. Dont worry, he wont betray you. Instead, hell keep this secret even more tightly and feel self-satisfied about it. Franca was left speechless listening to this, feeling that Jenna had been somewhat corrupted by the Internet lately. I see. Lumina breathed a sigh of relief. The three of them each occupied a position, quietly being on their phones while digesting the food they had eaten at lunch. Suddenly, Franca came across a local news item: Crimson Moon Hospitals affiliated restaurant launched several mushroom set meals yesterday, which were well-received. Devils set mealno, mushroom set meal? Francas eyelid twitched, having heard about Li Keji from Lumian and seen the latest episode of The Great Adventurer. She remembered that not long ago, Lumian had gone to instigate Li Keji to create a new type of mushroom that could cure the vegetative patient An Xiaotian. Chapter 987 - Chapter 987 Calamity Chapter 987 Calamity What has Li Keji done again? Franca took a light breath. She reflexively wanted to check and confirm, hoping to prevent more dangerous things from happening in time, but as soon as she moved her body, she remembered she was still sick and didnt have the ability. Jenna cant go either; she still has to watch Lumina and not let her run around Anthony has another task We certainly cant let Lumina go, the outcome would either be Lumina covered in mushrooms all over her body, or Li Keji getting pregnant After thinking it through, Franca decided to wait a bit, wait until Lumian returned to the dream city, and go himself. Li Keji is an ally, no need to worry too much Li Keji is an ally, no need to worry too much Franca kept repeating these words to herself. She planned to forward this news to Lumian, so he would know what happened as soon as he returned to the dream city. Just as Franca was about to select the option, she suddenly froze. Shit, I almost slipped up Isnt the current Lumian actually Lumina? Being sick really messes with your head Good thing I realized in time Inside the Tianyue Hotel, in the room next to Zaratulstras. The two bodyguards who had originally been following Zaratulstra appeared here, with an elderly man with white hair but a youthful face standing in front of them. This elderly man wore white training clothes and had his hands behind his back. He paced back and forth near the wall and said, Still no clues about the killer? No, we can only be certain that a Demoness was definitely involved, one of the bodyguards answered. The elderly man in white training clothes pondered for a moment and said, Zhou Mingrui couldnt have appeared at the Shujin Hot Pot Restaurant for no reason; such a coincidence is unlikely. Investigate who invited him there, or rather, who induced him to invite people to eat there. Luo Shan and Luo Fu, who ate hot pot with him, are key subjects for investigation. Yes, Mr. Cui, the two bodyguards responded in unison. The elderly man referred to as Mr. Cui considered for a few seconds and then said, Be careful when investigating Luo Shan. Previous feedback indicates that Luo Shan belongs to an otherworldly evil god and is a potential collaborator with considerable strength. The two bodyguards acknowledged and left the room. After pacing for quite a while, Mr. Cui brought his own bodyguard and silently opened the door to leave. He deliberately didnt tell the two previous bodyguards that he would also investigate Luo Shan, that he would secretly follow them. If they stepped into a trap or encountered an accident, he would be able to glimpse the truth, catching any adversaries by surprise. Out of the room, Mr. Cui walked unhurriedly along the thickly carpeted corridor towards the elevator area. In one of the ventilation openings on the ceiling of the corridor, a pair of eyes was quietly observing him. Those eyes were deep brown, completely blending into the darkness. They belonged to Zhou Mingrui. Zhou Mingrui had somehow sneaked into the ceiling of the corridor at an unknown time, observing every move of Zaratulstras bodyguards and followers, and observing Mr. Cuis situation. This was because, when he got up this morning and opened the door to get some good breakfast, he found a letter stuffed in the door crack, with a printed paper pasted on the envelope surface that read For Zhou Mingrui. At that time, Zhou Mingrui perplexedly opened this letter and found a photo inside, a secretly taken photo of Mr. Cui. On the back of the photo was also paper and text: This is Zaratulstras assistant. He will inherit Zaratulstras will and do some things targeting you. After reading the content on the back of the photo, Zhou Mingruis spirit immediately tensed. He believed this was a reminder from the group that shot Zaratulstra last night. He even suspected that Luo Shan inviting him to eat at the Shujin Hot Pot Restaurant was to let him witness Zaratulstras death. What exactly does Zaratulstras group want to do to me? And what does the group that killed him want to do? Zhou Mingrui couldnt figure out the answer and finally decided to come and secretly observe the target person to see if he could discover any clues. He thus confirmed that Mr. Cui, who lived next door to Zaratulstra and had no apparent connection to Zaratulstras negotiation team on the surface, was indeed part of Zaratulstras group. He is indeed suspicious, Zhou Mingrui nodded slightly in the darkness within the ceiling. At the same time, he also noticed some other oddities. He originally thought he would be inexperienced and clumsy at crawling through ventilation ducts, climbing ceilings, and secretly monitoring, making many mistakes, but in actual operation, he had a strange sense of familiarity and very smoothly accomplished his intended purpose. This relied on more than just the power of an Assassin. Yesterday too, when I saw Zaratulstra being shot, I wasnt nervous at all, nor panicked, very calm Is this the psychological quality of a qualified Assassin, or is there another reason? Zhou Mingrui fell into deep thought. He vaguely suspected that it wasnt just this world that he didnt understand enough, but also himself. Mr. Cui, accompanied by his bodyguard, took the elevator to the first floor. Just as he had taken a few steps towards the revolving door, he suddenly raised both hands to cover his neck. He felt the rapid arrival of marionettization, and also felt the rejection of the dream. His breathing became difficult, as if his whole being had been thrown into a void without any objects. How could this be? Mr. Cuis pupils dilated, not daring to force himself to stay, and voluntarily exited the dream. Thud! His bodyguard suddenly collapsed and died on the spot. A small insect flying nearby also fell to the ground with a splat, motionless. In the temporary parking lot at the entrance of the Tianyue Hotel, Anthony, sitting in the drivers seat with Ludwig, calmly watched this scene. The other Seer pathway demigod mentioned by the magic mirror Arrodes had also been kicked out of the dream! And once the other party lost control of their marionette, the latter was essentially dead. Lumian and the others, with information provided by the magic mirror Arrodes, hadnt ignored the Seer pathway demigod living next door to Zaratulstra who had helped Zaratulstra discover intruders before. But they all understood that before dealing with Zaratulstra, it wasnt appropriate to act against Mr. Cui, as that would alert them. So, they only secretly photographed Mr. Cui, and after the hot pot restaurant operation was over, Anthony, the only one who could still do things normally, stuffed the pre-prepared envelope into the door crack of Zhou Mingruis home early the next morning. With Lumian kicked out of the dream, Franca seriously ill, and Jenna needing to look after two people, Anthony obviously couldnt deal with Mr. Cui on his own, so he could only get Zhou Mingruis help. Anthony watched the hotel staff hurriedly coming to check on the collapsed bodyguard and the bewildered Mr. Cui, not getting out of the car, taking the opportunity to eliminate the latters dream manifestation. It wasnt that he didnt want to, but after his observation, he found that there were police personnel discreetly deployed near Mr. Cui. If he were to act, even with Psychological Invisibility, he wouldnt be able to escape. That would mean he was confronting the main consciousness of the dream, and the consequences could be more severe than being kicked out of the dream! Anthony waited patiently, never finding an opportunity, so he decided to act after Lumian returned to the dream city. When it came to covert killing, Lumian was more skilled than him, Jenna, and Franca! Anthony chose to go back to rest last night and stuff another letter the next day, rather than going directly, in order to create a time difference. Under the premise that the corresponding dream manifestation hasnt been killed, the time interval for those kicked out of the dream to return was about the same. If Anthony had reminded Zhou Mingrui last night, then Mr. Cuis return to the dream city and regaining control of his dream manifestation wouldnt be much later than Lumians, at most a few hours later, and in those few hours, Lumian might not find an opportunity to make his dream manifestation die unknowingly. Now, after Lumian returned around seven or eight in the evening, he would have nearly a day to plot the murder of Mr. Cuis dream manifestation. In Room 2303 of Dechuang Garden. Just past 7 pm in the evening, Franca and Jenna, who had been watching Lumina constantly, saw this beautiful woman suddenly change her appearance, becoming male. Lumian immediately took the Lie earring, changing his facial features in a direction not too similar to Li Ming. Franca took the opportunity to tell him about the mushroom set meals at Crimson Moon Hospital. Lumian nodded. Ill go deal with the other matter first. As he said this, he stood up. Franca held back her laughter and pointed at him. Change your clothes first, dont walk away wearing Jennas nightgown. Lumian looked down and discovered that Lumina had been wearing Jennas nightgown all along. At 10 pm, in a white car parked by the roadside, Lumian was on his phone as if bored, seemingly waiting for someone. They had rented a new car, because the previous car was registered under the name Luo Fu, and if a car rented by Luo Fu happened to appear near the scene of Mr. Cuis death, the suspicion on Franca would be strong enough for an immediate arrest. Lumian waited for a while, and through the rearview mirror, he saw Mr. Cui walking alone, preparing to cross the intersection to return to the Tianyue Hotel. As Mr. Cui passed by his vehicle, Lumians eyes suddenly took on a silver-white color with black. Eye of Calamity! Before Mr. Cui had passed the rearview mirror, he had already found the fate branch leading to the others doom. In the next second, Lumian hid his left hand wearing the Circle of Binding and slightly raised his right palm. He touched Mr. Cuis main fate trunk from afar and violently pushed it towards the branch that appeared black. His spirituality poured out frantically, his expression unchanged, his movements as usual. Mr. Cuis dream manifestation was completely unaware of this, and the police monitoring him from hidden spots didnt notice anything unusual. Mr. Cui continued walking for about fifteen to twenty meters, stepping onto the pedestrian crossing. By now it was truly night, and there werent many people on this road, nor many cars. Suddenly, a car driving from afar seemed to lose control due to excessive speed, directly running the red light. Mr. Cui saw this scene, his pupils suddenly dilating. Bang! He was hit and sent flying, his head heavily hitting the ground. Then, he was run over by the out-of-control car, dying as thoroughly as possible. Chapter 988 - 988 Father and Daughter 988 Father and Daughter As soon as Lumian heard the sound of the out-of-control vehicle crashing into the curb, he immediately rolled down the window and poked his head out. He looked towards the intersection about 15-20 meters away, and at Mr. Cui who had been hit and thrown even further, tragically run over. Almost simultaneously, he saw several figures emerge from different hiding spots, rushing towards the deceased and the vehicle responsible for the accident. Lumian promptly took out his phone, snapped a couple of photos, and muttered, Holy shit, theres been a car accident! That driver was speeding like he was in a race, was he drunk? He acted like a bystander ready to post on social media and short video accounts. At this moment, the dented vehicle responsible for the accident completely stalled, unable to start. The car door opened, and a man who could barely stand straight stumbled out. Damn, he really is drunk. If you drink, dont drive! Lumian started recording a video, cursing as he filmed. Only after the ambulance took away Mr. Cuis body, and the police led away the driver responsible for the accident after cordoning off the area, leaving just the traffic police investigating the scene and the tow truck on standby, did Lumian sit back in his car, as if contemplating how to share what had just happened in various group chats. Not long after, Anthony, also in disguise, came out of the 24-hour convenience store on the side carrying a large bag of items, opened the car door and got in. Lumian started the car and drove away from the scene. They hadnt brought Ludwig with them, having sent the little boy to Jennas placeif a seven or eight-year-old boy appeared at both the scene where Zaratulstra was shot and where Mr. Cui had the car accident, it would be very suspicious, even if the boy looked different at first glance. In Room 2303 of Dechuang Garden. Lumian sat in the single armchair and said to Franca and Jenna, Ill go to Li Keji after midnight. Pausing momentarily, he added, Did Lumina show any unusual behavior today? Jenna was silent for a couple of seconds, then recounted everything about Luminas blank stares, her inner impulses, the bad luck surrounding her, getting some fresh air on the rooftop, her words during the card game, and many other detailed behaviors, without hiding anything. Lumian listened attentively without interrupting, his expression gradually softening. After Jenna finished speaking, Franca opened her mouth, hesitated for a moment, and said, If you get kicked out of the dream again, youll face severe restrictions upon entering for the third time, just like Queen Mystic. Lumian remained silent for a long while before saying, I understand. At the edge of a lake, inside a four-story villa. Bernie Huang returned from outside and walked into the grand, opulent hall. Every time her classmates came to visit, they would say, Why is your house decorated like a palace? Dont you find it strange? Bernie could only spread her hands helplessly and say, This is just my dads preference. Where are my dad and the others? Bernie asked the butler standing in the hall. She usually lived at school, only choosing to come home on weekends if there wasnt a long holiday. The butler respectfully answered, Young Master Huang Xia is exercising in the underground basketball court, Young Master Huang Bo is assembling mini 4WD cars in the toy room, Madam has gone out to attend an art salon, and the Master is in the wine tasting room. Bernie nodded, walked to the side of the hall, and took the elevator down to the basement. There was a large wine cellar here, with a secure storage room, and a wine tasting room where you could see the rippling water of the indoor swimming pool. Huang Tao was sitting on the sofa, holding a glass of pure malt liquor with ice cubes, leisurely savoring it. Youre back? He smiled when he saw Bernie come in. Why are you drinking again? Bernie sat down opposite him. Huang Tao smiled and said, As I get older, I dont have many hobbies left. Bernie didnt try to persuade him further, quietly watching as her father took another sip of the temptingly colored liquor and grabbed a few shelled pine nuts from the dish of dried fruits on the table, popping them into his mouth. After finishing what was in his mouth, Huang Tao asked, What about your classmate? Didnt she come to visit? Something happened to her biology teacher at the cram school, shes busy dealing with that and doesnt have time, Bernie said simply. Huang Tao laughed. You mentioned that before. Really, if he wants to do experiments, he should apply for a job at a proper lab. Why be a biology teacher? At this point, Huang Tao looked at Bernie and sighed. Why dont you like staying at home? Theres still some time before school starts, but youve already moved into the dorm. This isnt my problem Maybe in Mr. Fools perception, Im separate from you all, we rarely get together Bernie dutifully explained, Im involved in a research project. Huang Tao didnt pursue the matter further, he was just complaining a bit. He changed the subject. Hows that childrens book company of yours doing? Its going well, Bernie recalled. The childrens book market is the most profitable area in the physical book market. Theres a real demand for repackaging and redesigning classic fairy tales, and were also nurturing our own childrens book authors and illustrators. In this area, China started too late and its still not very mature. Theres still a lack of good works. You have a lot of potential, Huang Tao praised his daughter. At the same time, you need to pay attention to importing copyrights. You cant ignore those excellent foreign childrens books and leave them to your competitors. He seriously instructed his daughter, looking as if he wanted to make Dawn Childrens Publishing Company bigger and stronger. Bernie listened attentively, occasionally offering her own ideas. The father and daughter discussed very harmoniously. At the end of the discussion, Huang Tao suddenly swirled his drink and said with a sigh, Do you know what the greatest pain in life is? Bernie shook her head. Huang Tao smiled self-deprecatingly. Its watching the people and things you cherish most, the life you yearn for most, being occupied by others, while you can only be locked in a dark and depressing prison. Bernie looked at Huang Tao without responding. Huang Tao didnt mind, he just continued to drink his liquor with dried fruits, pouring for himself for a while. He gradually composed his expression and looked at Bernie. If you discovered that you were just an illusory character in a dream, and at this time, someone was trying to awaken the master of the dream, what would you do? Bernie was silent for a few seconds before saying, It would depend on the specific situation. Huang Tao smiled and said, Then lets be more specific. You clearly know that if the master of the dream is awakened, you will completely disappear. Even if theres another dream, the corresponding person who appears will no longer be the current you. But the person you care about most supports awakening the master of the dream, is willing to take risks for it, even sacrifice themselves. What would you do? She looked at Huang Tao, remaining silent throughout. Huang Tao calmly returned his daughters gaze. After a while, he finished the remaining alcohol and stood up, saying, Im going upstairs to deal with some matters. Huang Tao walked out from between the sofa and tea table, passing by Bernie, heading towards the wine tasting room door. Dad. Suddenly, Bernie called out to him. Huang Tao turned around, a smile already appearing on his face. Is there anything else? he asked. Bernie also stood up, saying thoughtfully, Ive always been curious, if we dont talk about science, whats inside a mirror, and whats hidden in the depths of a mirror. Huang Tao looked at Bernie for a few seconds and said, It hides a great horror beyond your imagination. After saying this, Huang Tao turned back, opened the wooden door, and walked out of the wine tasting room. Great horror Bernie stood still, ruminating over these words. Late at night. Lumian used Teleportation to arrive near Crimson Moon Hospital. He didnt rush to enter, instead transforming into Luminas appearance, disguising himself, and walking around Crimson Moon Hospital. He saw that in the green belts around Crimson Moon Hospital, in the crevices of the walls of various buildings, mushrooms had sprung up like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, all kinds of mushrooms. These mushrooms hadnt invaded the living space of other organisms, nor did they threaten the structural safety of the buildings. They were just growing quietly and peacefully. With so many mushrooms, no wonder Crimson Moon Hospital launched a mushroom set meal They all look edible Who wouldnt want to use free ingredients? After roughly confirming the situation in the outer area of Crimson Moon Hospital, Lumian hid in a concealed spot, entered a mirror, and made his way to the psychiatric ward. He wasnt worried about being blocked or trapped by the dream city police in this mirror world, because Lumina didnt have a real identity and had no apparent connection to Li Keji on the surface. Unless high-ranking police officials like Yagates had received a revelation through prophecy or divination that staking out here would provide clues, it was unlikely they would send people here. And with everyone being suppressed at Sequence 7, Lumian, as a Demoness of Despair, wasnt too afraid of divinations and prophecies pointing to his whereabouts. After observing the entire ward for a while, Lumian jumped out of the mirror-like object, landing lightly. He always held a hand mirror, using it to reflect light and create illusions to deceive the surveillance cameras. Lumian then surveyed the dimly lit corridor lights and the iron doors sleeping in the dark environment. His spirituality didnt give any warnings. Next, he took a breath, not smelling any blood or other strange odors. Only then did he gently knock on the metal door of Li Kejis ward. Knock. Knock. Knock. The knocking wasnt loud, quietly echoing in this area without reaching the nurses station. Li Kejis voice suddenly sounded, kept very low. Who? This time, no white and tender mushrooms came to the window to peek, nor did a large amount of white mycelium emerge from the door crack. Its me, the black-haired Lumian answered softly, The person who asked for your help in treating a vegetative friend before. Oh, its you Li Keji still didnt appear behind the iron-barred window of the door, seemingly shrinking in a corner of the bed. Has your research made any progress? Lumian asked. I have some ideas, a bunch of failures, and a half-finished product. It still needs verification, Im not sure what the final effect will be As he spoke, Li Kejis voice revealed a hint of confusion, But some strange things have happened, I might not have time to advance the experiment you want recently. What things? Lumians spirit suddenly tensed. What could make Li Keji put aside his mushroom experiments? After a few seconds, Li Keji answered in a confused, self-musing tone, Im pregnant. Chapter 989 - 989 Bloodline 989 Bloodline Pregnant? Hearing this word, Lumians scalp instantly went numb. Li Keji is pregnant? Pull yourself together; youre a man! How did he get pregnant? Who did it? When? Relying on the endurance of an Ascetic, Lumian maintained relative calm on the surface. He asked in a deep voice, Are you certain? Its definitely pregnancy, Li Kejis voice came from somewhere far from the iron door. I used to be a doctor, then became a biologist. Do you think I cant tell if its a pregnancy? He really is pregnant Lumians whole body went numb. Among all the Beyonder paths he currently knew of that could make a man pregnant, only those related to the Great Mother could do it! Did Grimm and the others secretly come to Crimson Moon Hospital to impregnate Li Keji without telling me? That doesnt seem right. For such a big matter, they would have no reason not to report to the Child of God Moreover, he said that currently in the dream city, only I, as the Child of God, possess godhood and can promote rapid fetal growth while impregnating Li Keji, and this would still require the support of the obstetrics and gynecology department of Mushu Hospital Lumians first reaction was to suspect Grimm and other bestowed of the Great Mother, but the information he had previously obtained was insufficient to support this reasoning. He immediately thought of a possibility. Zhou Mingrui had received a strong stimulus, causing some changes in the dream that he and others hadnt yet noticed, and the Great Mother could now bestow godhood on a few chosen ones. Its only been one day, and problems from the changes have already erupted. Could it be this fast? Besides, Grimm believes Ive already impregnated Li Keji, theres no need to do it again Ive already impregnated Li Keji As his brain worked rapidly, Lumian suddenly had an incredible guess. Could the child in Li Kejis belly be mine? Amidst his shock, Lumian followed this train of thought. Last week, I high-fived Li Keji in the psychiatric ward of Mushu Hospital. I used this to falsely claim that I had impregnated Li Keji to deceive Grimm, so he wouldnt suspect my identity as a Child of God 21:50 Could it be that this contact actually made Li Keji pregnant? But I only have a bit of Omebella bloodline, and I dont possess any Sower-related abilities No, its just that I dont have them in reality, the objective conditions are completely unsatisfied, but this is a dream As long as the dream subconscious believes it, even the most outrageous and absurd things can happen At that time, when I high-fived Li Keji, in Grimms eyes I was the genuine Child of God Omebella, and I do indeed possess Omebellas bloodline. Did this make me roughly equivalent to the real Child of God Omebella in the dream subconsciouss perception? And the Child of God Omebella does have the corresponding Beyonder powers to impregnate Li Keji Moreover, most importantly, the place where I high-fived Li Keji and said words like hes already pregnant was Mushu Hospital, a place where the Great Mother can exert great influence. Its possible that the dream subconscious, confused and misled by the environment there, equated me with the Child of God Omebella Yes, theres one more point! Lumians pupils suddenly dilated. They had previously overlooked one thing, subconsciously equating the dream subconscious with Mr. Fools subconscious. But in reality, the dream subconscious should be a mixture of Mr. Fools subconscious and the subconscious of The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings In this situation, the characters created by the dream subconscious and the changes brought about wouldnt completely originate from Mr. Fools cognition, nor would they always be beneficial to Lumian and others! Based on this, the character images in the dream city, including Luo Shan, Ai Nana, Deng, and others, couldnt be simply defined as characters woven by Mr. Fools subconscious based on his own cognition and the situation in the dream city. Here, Mr. Fools subconscious needed to be replaced with the dream subconscious. In other words, Deng, Ai Nana, Luo Shan before drinking the Shaman potion, and other various characters, some came from Mr. Fools cognition, some from that Celestial Worthys cognition, some were mainly based on Mr. Fools cognition but have been secretly spiced up by the Celestial Worthy. They couldnt be thoughtlessly viewed and analyzed as one type. The environment of Mushu Hospital, as well as Grimms cognition and the fact that I truly have Omebella bloodline, made the dream subconscious at that time become dominated by the Celestial Worthy, choosing to believe that I was the Child of God Omebella, so Li Keji quietly became pregnant after our high-five? Omebellas child is equivalent to a direct descendant of the Great Mother, so when its born, Li Keji will be completely corrupted by the Great Mother? The more Lumian thought about it, the more horrified he felt. He thought of an even more terrifying development. If Mr. Fool was at an absolute disadvantage, and the Celestial Worthy became the ruler of the dream city, He could completely blur the line between truth and falsehood, making the identity of Child of God Omebella in the dream city fully activate on the real-world Lumian, becoming real. At that time, the real Omebella would resurrect and return through Lumians body. I almost fell for it without realizing A cold sweat broke out on Lumians back. He remembered a joke he had seen online recently, and couldnt help but laugh self-mockingly. Pregnancy really can happen from holding hands What did you say? Li Keji asked confusedly from inside the ward. Startled and emotionally stirred, Lumian calmed down and asked calmly, When did you become pregnant? He was still a little in denial. Li Keji honestly said, At first I thought it was because I used my own flesh and blood and spirituality to create new mushrooms, causing spores, mycelium, and such things to enter my body and implant in my abdomen. Yes, this was part of my new experiment after you suggested it. But after careful examination, the time of pregnancy was clearly earlier. Lumian fell silent for a moment before responding, Can I come in to confirm? Sure, Li Keji didnt refuse. Lumian took a step forward, his figure suddenly disappearing from the corridor and appearing in Li Kejis ward. At first glance, he didnt see a single mushroom, This surprised him. Logically speaking, Li Kejis living space, under the bed, in the corners, behind the door, should have been full of various mushrooms. But now, the room was as clean as someone elses home. Lumian then looked at Li Keji sitting on the bed and found that his belly had indeed swollen slightly. In the next second, his spiritual intuition as a Demoness of Despair allowed him to confirm that the child in Li Kejis belly was blood-related to him. But it wasnt related to Lumian, nor to Lumina, but to Omebella! It really is mine Just as Lumian was about to speak, he suddenly felt many nearly invisible fine threads swaying around. Mycelium? He instinctively looked up and finally saw a mushroom. The mushroom was semi-transparent, attached to the chandelier position, with a large amount of mycelium hanging down. At first glance, it looked just like a common jellyfish. Is this the half-finished product you mentioned? Lumian probed. The scruffy Li Keji nodded. Yes. Where are the failed products? Lumian asked further. Li Keji answered seriously, They were all absorbed by it. As he spoke, he waved his hand, and the jellyfish-like mushroom floated down, brushing against his palm. For some reason, Lumian was reminded of the image of a young brown bear nuzzling its keeper. What about the mushrooms that were in the room before? Lumian asked for confirmation. They were also absorbed by it, Li Kejis voice carried a hint of expectation. Lumian was silent for a while before saying, I can help you abort it. But, but he is indeed my child, Li Keji responded hesitantly. He seemed to have gained some maternal instinct. Lumians lips twitched slightly as he initiated Instigation. No, hes not your child, hes the child of an evil god. Havent you always wondered why you were arrested? Its because an evil god took a liking to you and had Her followers fabricate charges to lock you up in the psychiatric ward. Think about it, youre a man, how could you normally get pregnant? Women can get pregnant, why cant men? Mushrooms can too! Li Keji argued with Lumian. Lumian didnt give up and continued, But can you get pregnant without doing anything, unconsciously? Right Li Keji finally felt something was amiss. Lumian quietly exhaled and said, This pregnancy is the result of the evil god entering your dreams. Lumian felt that if he hadnt fully digested the Instigator potion, using Instigation to persuade Li Keji to abort would be enough to complete the act. Unfortunately, he didnt need to additionally digest the Instigator potion. As a member of the assassination operation against Zaratulstra, as the person who assassinated Mr. Cui, Lumian had already digested the Assassin potion. Currently, only the Witch needed to be acted upon. He decided that if Li Keji chose to abort later, he would try to make the process as mysteriously terrifying and flashy as possible, to expel the Great Mothers child in the identity of a Witch. If you dont abort the child in your belly, it will absorb your flesh and spirituality, growing rapidly in two to three weeks. When its born, you will become a dried corpse, unable to do more mushroom experiments, unable to fulfill your dream, Lumian said in a low voice, describing the possible consequences. Hearing that he wouldnt be able to do more mushroom experiments, Li Keji made a decision. Alright, please help me. Before Lumian could respond, he continued on his own, If the evil gods child hybridizes with mushrooms, it might produce some special changes Evil gods child hybridize Forget about your mushrooms Lumian didnt want to be chased by a mushroom calling him mother in the future. At this moment, Li Kejis eyes lit up. Wait until Ive thought of a plan, then you can help me abort it. This will take one or two days. Lumian didnt dare to force Li Keji; after all, in Mr. Fools subconscious cognition, no matter how inconceivable things were, this biology teacher could create them through mushrooms. If he became an enemy and forced an abortion, perhaps something terrifying would happen. No problem, Lumian responded. He secretly decided that when the time came, he would make the evil gods descendant in Li Kejis belly disappear without a trace, unable to hybridize with mushrooms. Lumian then cautioned, Dont tell anyone else about the evil god for now, otherwise catastrophe will befall us. I wont, Li Keji shook his head. I havent dared to talk to Ms. Jiajia or other colleagues about mushrooms recently; they seem to have become different people. Become different people? Lumians gaze suddenly froze. Chapter 990 - 990 True Commonality 990 True Commonality Lumians initial feeling was that Li Keji had noticed the difference between Queen of Stars Cattleya and Huang Jiajia, but after careful consideration, he overturned this guess. This was because Li Keji said his other colleagues also seemed to have become different people, and it was unlikely that they had all been occupied and used by external consciousnesses. Why do you feel this way? he asked Li Keji. Li Keji stroked his belly and said, The previous ones ate the mushrooms I sent, but the current ones havent! The current ones havent? Does this mean theyve been replaced? Lumians thoughts raced as he carefully asked, What about Bernie Huang? Have you seen her recently, and is she different from before? Ive seen her, but I dont know if theres been any change. She never ate the mushrooms I sent before, Li Keji answered honestly. In other words, Li Keji cant distinguish the difference between external consciousnesses and dream manifestations, nor does he have the observational ability to do so. However, he can determine whether the person in front of him has eaten the mushrooms he created Taken together, did he mean that Huang Jiajia and others at Star Tutoring Classes had eaten them before, leaving corresponding traces, but recently they hadnt? Had Huang Jiajia and the others been replaced? Lumian had already been surprised when he heard Li Keji say that Huang Jiajia and the others seemed to have become different people, but now he felt more confused and alert. He was currently inclined to believe Li Kejis statement, thinking that the Mushroom King, who was confined to the psychiatric ward and hadnt yet given birth, had not been completely corrupted and wouldnt be experiencing hallucinations or have his personality twisted to enjoy lying. Moreover, in the dream city, based on Mr. Fools subconscious cognition, Li Keji had a certain uniqueness and could indeed possibly discover anomalies. Who replaced Huang Jiajia and the others? Why replace them? Lumian pondered these questions. Suddenly, he thought of one person: Zaratulstra! When Lumian first discovered that Zaratulstra had visited Star Tutoring Classes, his initial reaction was that this Angel wanted to do something to the dream manifestation of Maam Hermit. But later, as events unfolded with Li Keji being arrested and sent to the psychiatric ward, this led him to overturn his original suspicions and stop thinking in that direction. Now, the new discovery made him reconsider his earliest guess. Zaratulstra likes to exert force on both overt and covert lines simultaneously. On the surface, he was helping the Great Mother control Li Keji and eliminating the hidden dangers brought by mushrooms, while secretly taking advantage of opportunities like visits to target Huang Jiajia and other teachers at Star Tutoring Classes, replacing these dream manifestations? The benefit of doing this would be that the attention of covert saboteurs would be focused on Li Kejis matter, overlooking the key point that Star Tutoring Classes itself was also a target Lumian only now realized that Zaratulstras plan was far more extensive than what he and his team had previously analyzed. Based on this, he believed that Zaratulstra should have chosen the Conspirer pathway rather than being a Seer. His experience, knowledge, intellect, and style are truly worthy of a real Angel Lumian inwardly sighed, continuing to question Li Keji, wanting to understand more details. But apart from knowing whether those colleagues had eaten the mushrooms he gave them, Li Keji shook his head in ignorance to all other questions. Finally, Lumian could only caution, You must come up with a plan in these two days, otherwise the minions of the evil god will take action against you again, causing the child to be born in the near future. This referred to his and Grimms previous agreement to take action again in a week to help the fetus in Li Kejis body develop rapidly. Alright, Li Keji answered, touching his belly. Lumian looked at him deeply, forming a new idea: After Grimm confirms that Li Keji is truly pregnant and helps the fetus gain growth momentum with the help of Mushu Hospitals obstetrics department, Ill secretly return and complete the abortion! At Xinhong District, in the rented apartment. Lumians team gathered again to hear him talk about Li Kejis pregnancy and the suspected replacement of Huang Jiajia and others. If we assume the culprit is Zaratulstra or his accomplices, then we cant just look at Star Tutoring Classes for the replacements, Jenna expressed her thoughts. Doesnt this remind you of anything? Franca had a sudden realization. The death of the Oracle? Yes, Lumian had already connected this incident with the replacement of Huang Jiajia and other Star Tutoring Classes members. If Anderson hadnt interfered, if we hadnt discovered the Oracles body in time, he would have definitely been sent to the morgue in Mushu Hospital B1, gaining a rebirth. After that, wouldnt it count as the reborn him replacing the original him? Did Huang Jiajia and the others experience something similar? Was Zaratulstra targeting not just Star Tutoring Classes, but also Dream Tutoring Classes? The more Franca spoke, the more shocked she became. On the surface, he was seeking opportunities to contact Zhou Mingrui through visits to Dream Tutoring Classes but secretly he was replacing the teachers at Dream Tutoring Classes? How damn insidious! 21:51 Did Huang Jiajia and the others experience something similar? Was Zaratulstra targeting not just Star Tutoring Classes, but also Dream Tutoring Classes? The more Franca spoke, the more shocked she became. On the surface, he was seeking opportunities to contact Zhou Mingrui through visits to Dream Tutoring Classes but secretly he was replacing the teachers at Dream Tutoring Classes? How damn insidious! At this point, Franca sincerely sighed. Who knows what else Zaratulstra has done in secret, its probably not just this one thing Fortunately, we chose to eliminate the hidden danger in advance, kicking Zaratulstra out of the dream and killing His dream manifestation. Otherwise, if His overt stratagem and covert scheme were to be launched simultaneously, both reaching the brink of success, the situation would be unimaginable! Perhaps the whole affair would have ended there, with our complete failure as the conclusion. Now without the leadership of Zaratulstra and Mr. Cui, their subordinates will find it difficult to consider the overall situation. We can take this opportunity to dismantle the bombs one by one and eliminate the hidden problems, Anthony agreed with Francas sentiments. Lumian nodded slightly and solemnly reminded, This is both good news and bad news. I believe you can all see that a Seer is more suited to hiding in the shadows, directing the play, rather than directly stepping onto the stage and exposing themselves to the audiences view. Zaratulstra previously needed to advance overt matters to obtain money and resources, to openly contact Zhou Mingrui, so He couldnt hide His identity and stay in the shadows. The same goes for Mr. Cui. This gave us the opportunity to set traps and make good use of the dream rules. Once Zaratulstra and Mr. Cui obtain new identities and return, they will surely hide behind the scenes, covertly advancing their own agendas. At that time, the roles of hunter and prey will be reversed. Even if we show just a slight flaw, we will immediately be discovered and face deadly assassination. Once attacked, the best outcome would be the person being kicked out of the dream, with the dream manifestation most likely destroyed. Yes, at that time the enemy will be in the dark and Im in the light, with the danger level skyrocketing, Franca nodded in agreement. Because of her close relationship with Luo Shan, once Zaratulstra returned and focused the investigation on why Zhou Mingrui went to Shujin Hot Pot Restaurant that day, she could easily be discovered. Thats why she said Im in the light. Lumian chuckled in response. Of course, this is also an opportunity. You continue working in the administrative department of Intis Group for now. When Zaratulstra returns, see if you can use this to set a trap for Him. If not, you can quickly resign, change your identity, and also hide in the shadows. At the same time, we need to make good use of this period before Zaratulstras return. As he spoke, Lumian picked up his phone and sent a WeChat message to A name that leaves a deep impression on you: How have you been lately? Are you enjoying classes? Soon, A name that leaves a deep impression on you replied: Do you want to check what time it is now? If you have nothing better to do, I suggest you go out for a run. Lumian calmly replied: Do you still feel that the world is fake lately, that there are terrifying fake details in the people around you? After about ten seconds, Anderson Hood replied: Its even more fake than before. Such as? Lumian pressed. Anderson Hood sent a ???? emoji: For example, Ai Nana, Iron Skin, Flowery Bow Tie, and other tutoring center teachers all seem more fake now, different from before. As expected Lumian confirmed his teams speculation. He asked with a ???? emoji: What about you, have you become more fake? Anderson Hood sent a dog biting its own tail: I might be next. But I recently saw news about a foreign guest being shot dead. A good Hunter should know how to obtain information from public reports Lumian put down his phone and said to Franca, Jenna, and the others: Most of the teachers at Dream Tutoring Classes have also been replaced. Whats the significance of this replacement? To make all dream manifestations dominated by the Celestial Worthy, thus gaining victory in the consciousness battle? Franca raised a question. Lumian didnt answer, instead using frost to create a white board and sticking notes on it. Each note had the name of a dream manifestation currently suspected of being replaced, as well as their corresponding real-world person. Lumian stood in front of the white board, studying it intently for a while before asking Franca, Jenna, and Anthony, See anything in common? They are or were all pirates? Jenna tentatively answered. Lumian shook his head. Thats the surface commonality. Theres another common point hidden beneath the surface. Saying this, he turned to his companions and said, These are all characters that have appeared in The Great Adventurer series of novels. In other words, they are all participants and witnesses of Gehrman Sparrows life! Hearing this conclusion, Franca suddenly thought of the movie The Great Pirate 3, of Jia Yu who was poached by Zaratulstra for playing Gehrman Sparrow, and of An Xiaotian, the original actor for Gehrman Sparrow who was now in a vegetative state. Is the focus of the contest the identity of Gehrman Sparrow? This also fits the prophecy The awakening of The World spells The Fools return, Franca muttered to herself. With a nod, Lumian replied, It seems so for now, which is why these people related to Gehrman Sparrow have all been replaced. The Oracles death was the beginning, not the end. Chapter 991 - Chapter 991 Proactive Small Talk Chapter 991 Proactive Small Talk After suspecting that Zaratulstra had replaced the teachers at Dream Tutoring Classes and Star Tutoring Classes to target the image of Gehrman Sparrow, who didnt actually exist in the dream city, Lumian and the others discussed this for quite a while, but still couldnt figure out the significance and purpose of doing so. They decided to write a letter, which Franca and Jenna would take to Star Dream Provisions Store tomorrow to mail out, to see what opinions the Major Arcana card holders would give. As they stood up, preparing to leave the rented apartment in Xinhong District, Franca remembered something and curiously looked at Lumian. You said earlier that Li Kejis pregnancy was because Grimms cognition, the Omebella bloodline in you, and the Celestial Worthys subconscious taking dominance because of Mushu Hospitals environment, equating you with the Child of God Omebella in the dream, making your casual comment hes already pregnant become reality. So, as the Child of God Omebella, can you now use the Beyonder powers of a Planter, Apothecary, and Heretic Spellmaster pathways? Francas eyes gleamed, feeling this had a bit of a I guess that went well flavor to it. Of course, this I referred to the dream subconscious. As long as the dream subconscious believed it, anything could happen! Lumian tried to see if he could use the abilities related to Vampire, Harvest Priest, and Heretic Spellmaster, but all attempts failed. It doesnt work. He shook his head. Before Franca could respond, he added thoughtfully, Maybe its possible in Mushu Hospital. As Franca nodded in agreement, Jenna reminded Lumian, If thats really the case, frequent visits to Mushu Hospital might cause you to become more and more like Omebella, until youre completely equivalent. Lumian pondered for a few seconds, then said gravely, Its a possibility. Franca immediately hissed. How sinister is the Great Mothers style, always making people fall into traps unknowingly? Sometimes, being vigilant seems useless At this point, Franca answered her own question, Judging by the name, perhaps the Great Mother symbolizes the yindarkness in the term yin-yang The next day, which was Sunday, Lumian again brought Ludwig to Dream Tutoring Classes. While sending the child into the classroom, he discreetly observed the front desk, every teacher he encountered, and Anderson Hood with his Eye of Calamity. Except for the latter, the mercury-colored river of fate corresponding to the others all showed a black color representing death at some point in the past. Some of these black patches had become blurred, while others were still relatively clear, flowing forward with the illusory river, getting further and further behind, becoming harder to see. They are indeed reborn people Lumian didnt engage in conversation with Anderson Hood, but stepped back and sat in his usual spot. Just as he was about to contemplate how to handle this situation, he suddenly saw Zhou Mingrui, wearing a loose sky-blue T-shirt, walking towards him. How dedicated, to still remember to come for Business English class after witnessing Zaratulstra being shot and observing Mr. Cui Lumian mused, standing up to greet Zhou Mingrui. As fellow employees of Intis Group who had met more than once, this was expected courtesy. Seeing this, Zhou Mingrui returned the greeting. Just when Lumian thought he would smoothly turn into the classroom, Zhou Mingrui stopped, right in front of him. Zhou Mingrui looked around and asked, Has Mr. Da resigned? I havent seen him every time Ive come recently. You know Mr. Da, right? Yes, Da Nizi. I brought my child here to enroll after seeing the flier he handed out, Lumian answered simply. He hadnt expected Zhou Mingrui to initiate casual conversation with him, and even ask about the Oracle Danitz. Stimulated by the Zaratulstra incident, has Zhou Mingrui started to more actively explore the hidden anomalies around him, more boldly engaging with us problematic people, and thus discovered that Teacher Da from Dream Tutoring Classes hasnt appeared recently? This is good news! Hmm, theres also a downside, if he keeps investigating like this, who knows when my team and I might be kicked out of the dream without warning, just like Mr. Cui Lumians thoughts raced, forming a rough judgment. Before Zhou Mingrui could ask further, he sighed and said, Mr. Da didnt resign, he passed away. Ah? Zhou Mingruis gaze suddenly froze. His shock and surprise showed on his face. This was also the expected reaction of a normal person hearing such news. When did this happen? What happened? Zhou Mingrui didnt hide his astonishment. Lumian glanced towards the front desk. I heard Ms. Ai say that he seemed to have encountered a psychopathic killer and was strangled to death. At first, Ms. Ai and Mr. Anderson thought he was just missing, and because they didnt have much confidence in Mr. Das ability to survive alone, they quickly reported it to the police. Later, after searching, the police found Mr. Da in the underground morgue of Mushu Hospital, in the form of a corpse. Lumians words were all information that Ms. Ai Nana had previously mentioned and could be found online, so he wasnt worried about being kicked out of the dream again because of thisafter re-entering the dream, he planned to behave for two or three days in front of Zhou Mingrui. Killed Zhou Mingruis eyes flickered as he fell into deep thought. Yes, the body was discovered in the underground morgue of Mushu Hospital, Lumian deliberately emphasized. He was trying to guide Zhou Mingrui to notice that there might be problems with Mushu Hospital through normal conversation. The killer deliberately sent Mr. Das body to the underground morgue? Zhou Mingrui expressed his confusion. Lumian shook his head. It might not have been the killer, it could have been a passerby who discovered the body and sent it there. How is that possible? A passerby who sees a body would call the police directly. Zhou Mingrui increasingly felt that there was something fishy about this matter. But why would the killer have to send Mr. Das body to the underground morgue of Mushu Hospital? Did he think it wouldnt be discovered if hidden there? What made him think that Lumian was responsible for raising questions, emphasizing Mushu Hospital, but not providing answers. For him now, providing answers was too dangerous. Zhou Mingrui nodded thoughtfully, then pointed to the Business English classroom. Im going to class now. Alright, Lumian sat down accordingly. He leaned against the classroom wall, his thoughts gradually spreading: The secret replacement of teachers at Dream Tutoring Classes and Star Tutoring Classes is really difficult to resolve If this were in the real world, I would find an opportunity to blow up the underground part of Mushu Hospital, completely eliminating the hidden danger. But in the dream city, with the underground part of Mushu Hospital being the psychological trauma of a great existence and an infiltration point for the power of other great existences, Im afraid even the owner of Star Dream Provisions Store and Stianos wouldnt dare to venture there easily, even if they werent restricted Using the Eye of Calamity to distinguish whether the target is a reborn person, should we kill all those who have been replaced, like Huang Jiajia, Ai Nana, and others, to eliminate them? Im confident I could cover up the traces and not be discovered if I kill one, but killing so many? Do they think the dream citys police department and Chief Yagates are dead? This would be openly challenging the dreams main consciousness, and I might be identified the next day Moreover, with Huang Jiajia and others being related to the identity of Gehrman Sparrow, if they all exit the stage of the dream city, it might bring about unfavorable changes, or cause the subsequent awakening plan to be doomed to failure from the start Report it? Without sufficient clues, it might end up like the previous report about Zaratulstra, with no response at all What clues could make the police investigate deeply and discover the abnormalities? I hope the Major Arcana card holders can provide good ideas Hmm As Lumians thoughts became more and more scattered, he caught sight of Zhou Mingrui coming out of the classroom with his phone, walking towards the restroom. Lumian tilted his head, using his Hunter ears to eavesdrop on what Zhou Mingrui was saying from a distance. He heard Zhou Mingrui ask in surprise, Werent you scheduled to come on Monday? Why has it been postponed to Wednesday? From the other end of the phone, a female voice faintly reached Lumians ears. I thought about it, you have to work during the week and cant take me out, so I might as well just go directly to report in. Zhou Mingrui was silent for a moment, then said, I have annual leave. Its fine, you can take me out on the weekend. The female voice on the phone said cheerfully. Zhou Mingrui sighed and said, Alright then, what time is your train on Wednesday? Hearing this, Lumian roughly understood what was going on. According to the information provided by the Major Arcana, Zhou Mingruis sister Zhou Shasha had been admitted to a university in Yangdu and was about to come here to study. Zhou Shasha will arrive in Yangdu next Wednesday? As one of the dream manifestations closest to Zhou Mingrui, what changes will her arrival bring? Lumian raised his right hand to rub his temples, feeling that one wave of events was following another without pause. Star Dream Provisions Store. Franca and Jenna, who had taken a taxi, walked into the dimly lit interior of the shop. The former politely asked the shop owner if they could mail a letter, while the latter lingered in the entrance area, both examining the antiques on the shelves and observing the situation outside. After getting the shop owners permission, Franca turned to the shelf and dropped the letter in her hand into the silver-inlaid black mailbox. As her gaze swept across, she noticed that the Pride Armor that once belonged to her was standing quietly on the edge of the inner side of the right shelf. The surface of this silver-white full-body armor was somehow stained with patches and spots of dark red blood. Just seeing it gave Franca a feeling of rapidly weakening, as if her serious illness had returned. Its become even more sinister Franca didnt dare ask the shop owner what had happened to the Pride Armor, and quickly averted her gaze, walking towards the door. At this moment, Jenna raised her hand slightly, discreetly pointing to the diagonal opposite side of the street. There, perched on the branch of a street tree, was a white pigeon. Chapter 992 - Chapter 992 The Unknowing Questioner Chapter 992 The Unknowing Questioner Luo Shan sat in a caf near the police station, monitoring Franca and Jennas whereabouts using a white pigeon she had temporarily modified. She had drawn her own mark on the pigeon, as well as a hidden miniature camera. By wearing sunglasses with a receiving device drawn on them, she could obtain the corresponding signal. At the same time, she could use the connection between a Painter and a painting to drive the corresponding mark, thereby directing the pigeon. Of course, this had to be maintained within a certain distance. After seeing Franca and Jenna come out of Star Dream Provisions Store, Luo Shan quickly had the white pigeon follow them. As she followed, she found that the two targets were approaching the police station area, which was where she was. Luo Shans heart skipped a beat. Fortunately, her anxiety didnt last too long. Franca and Jenna only came to this street and didnt actually walk to the caf door. Phew Just as Luo Shan breathed a sigh of relief, she saw Franca and Jenna, who were already five or six steps away from the caf, disappear into thin air simultaneously. Wh Luo Shans pupils suddenly dilated. The next second, two people sat down opposite her. One was Luo Fu, the other was Jian Na. Luo Shans movements froze instantly, as if she had turned into a statue. Were you monitoring us? Jenna asked in a friendly manner. Franca put the two mirrors in her hand on the coffee table, creating a Mirror Maze. I-I wanted to see what you were really doing, if you were deceiving me, if you were bad people. Luo Shans voice gradually rose. Its still the aftereffects of the talk about the dreamscape I wonder if the Mirror Maze can deceive a Reporters ability to explore the truth? Probably not How to guard against this kind of prying in the future? Communicate important things via phone and delete chat records afterwards using the Information Shredder? No, except for me, Lumian, Jenna, Anthony and Ludwig dont speak Chinese, phone communication is done through voice conversion, which can also be heard The Bottle of Fiction probably cant isolate it either, unless its the Realm of Mysteries Can we only communicate in places far away from a Reporter in the future? Franca thought of many things in an instant. Suddenly, she had a flash of inspiration and looked at Luo Shan. You can follow us openly if you want, you can watch from the side if you want to see, its just that some things will be more dangerous, we may not even be able to protect ourselves well. Um, if were going to face this kind of thing, well tell you in advance, and you can weigh whether you want to follow or not. Luo Shan didnt expect Franca and others to be so honest, and was momentarily speechless. Franca took the opportunity to say, Were going to a place next to confirm whether certain people have become more fake. Do you want to go? Confirm if theyve become more fake? Luo Shan suddenly felt a bit scared, but she didnt want to deceive herself forever and not uncover the answer. After a moments hesitation, she said, Ill go. Franca laughed. Its good that you have the ability to explore the truth, you can intuitively help us confirm, without us having to devise dangerous plans. She didnt know yet if Lumians Eye of Calamity could discover the problems with Huang Jiajia, Ai Nana and others, so she planned to use a Reporters ability. This way, they might even discover the aspects in which the fake people were fake, and thus obtain key evidence that could be reported to the police. Moreover, Jenna had previously told Franca that since Luo Shan already knew the current world was a dream and was in a state of unwillingness to believe, full of doubt but unable to completely deceive herself, they shouldnt delay, lest she did something stupid because of it, or her mental state became problematic and was exploited by that evil god of the Fantasy Association. Jenna felt that, having already chosen to be honest and truthful, they should continue this style. On the one hand, stabilize Luo Shans mental and emotional state through psychological treatment, and on the other hand, let Luo Shan face the truth step by step under their control, confirm the facts, and not let her imagine, try, or do things blindly, which could likely bring greater disaster. In other words, when problems had already appeared and couldnt be avoided, it was better to place them under ones own control and release them with precautions, rather than letting the problems develop on their own. So, for something that could have been done with the Mystery Prying Glasses, they chose to ask Luo Shan for help. Outside Star Tutoring Classes. Franca and Jenna brought Luo Shan to a white car that was unlocked and unoccupied. Anthony, who had received a WeChat message from Franca, was already on standby nearby, ready to treat Luo Shan if she had a mental breakdown. This is? Luo Shan didnt expect there would be such a car waiting by the roadside for them to use. Our companion drove it over; to convenience our observations, Franca explained simply. Luo Shan asked in understanding, Lumina who played cards with us? Thats how Franca and the others had introduced her. Sort of, Jenna had no intention of letting the Spectator onto the stage. After a while, they saw Huang Jiajia walk out of Star Tutoring Classes. Its her, Franca quickly informed Luo Shan. Luo Shan raised her right hand through the car window, pinching the sides of her eye sockets. She then saw the target person overlapping with windows, street trees, and cars. She also saw a large number of invisible threads floating out from the targets body, extending towards the sky. These threads were tied to the targets joints and organs. With the pulling of these invisible threads, the target made corresponding movements, walking towards the nearest bus stop. Its just like a puppet on strings Luo Shans hair stood on end. When she had explored the truth before, she hadnt seen similar situations with people around, or rather, similar situations werent obvious enough to be noticed by her. Taking advantage of the time she had, Luo Shan observed the passing pedestrians. She saw that these pedestrians also had a large number of invisible thin threads floating towards the sky, but these threads were all very loose, without the tension of pulling the human body to make movements. Luo Shans body suddenly tensed, then slumped, leaning sideways against the backrest of the cars rear seat. She ended her exploration and said as if sleep-talking, Its indeed more fake What are the specific details? Jenna tried to alleviate the emotional impact on Luo Shan by discussing business. Franca sent a message to Anthony: Closely monitor the targets state. Luo Shan described in a floating voice the scene she had seen and the comparison between the target and normal people. During this process, Anthony, who was in disguise, pretended to be a middle-aged man smoking by the roadside, drawing closer to Luo Shan, and quietly using Placate. After Luo Shan finished speaking, she fell completely silent, not saying a word. Jenna and Franca looked at her sympathetically, temporarily not starting a new topic. They were waiting for Anthonys notification. Only when Anthony said it was okay would they speak, and only when Anthony said what aspects to talk about would they construct corresponding language. I want, I want to go to the North City Cemetery, Luo Shan finally spoke. Okay, Franca immediately agreed. At the same time, she received a message from Anthony, who had turned his back and used voice input: The targets emotional state has stabilized to some extent, but there are still remnants of negativity, pessimism, and despair. Dont talk about anything, any casual words in the current situation might stimulate the target. Only answer when she asks. Franca forwarded these messages to Jenna, then started the car and drove onto the main road. The car was silent again, with only the faint sound of the engine. After the vehicle reached the North City overpass, Luo Shan, who seemed to have become a clay puppet, muttered to herself, In realitin that world outside, is there another me? Yes, Jenna answered. She strictly followed the Psychiatrists instructions, only answering Luo Shans questions without any expansion. Luo Shan fell silent again. Finally, the car arrived at North City Cemetery and stopped in the parking lot. Luo Shan pressed the door handle, paused for a few seconds, and said, Ill go in by myself, you dont need to follow. Okay, Jenna and Franca responded in unison. Luo Shan opened the car door and put one foot out. At this moment, she half-turned her body and asked with dark eyes, Are you here to awaken Zhou Mingrui? Yes. Jenna didnt hide it. On this topic, she felt it necessary to say a few more words, so she added, If Zhou Mingrui isnt awakened, everything will be destroyed when the apocalypse comes, including this dream. And the apocalypse is only a few years away. Luo Shan looked at the seat cover in front of her with empty eyes, as if wanting to confirm details, Why did Zhou Mingrui need to sleep? To fight against an evil force, Franca explained concisely. This was consistent with the core of the story she had made up before. Luo Shan maintained her previous posture and asked subconsciously, Has that evil force been defeated, so Zhou Mingrui can be awakened? Wh Hearing this question, both Franca and Jenna were shocked. They looked at each other, unable to answer Luo Shans question for a moment. Yes, if the Celestial Worthys consciousness has been defeated, Mr. Fool could wake up on his own. If He hadnt been defeated, how would forcibly awakening him be essentially different from the situation before he went to sleep? Or does the act of awakening itself symbolize the defeat of the Celestial Worthys consciousness? Mr. Fool wakes up while the Celestial Worthy is still asleep, will there be a change in the balance of power, with the scales of victory tilting towards Mr. Fool? If this guess is correct, thats fine, but if its wrong, does it mean our direction isnt right? The Major Arcana have always focused on awakening, but should we actually weaken the Celestial Worthy first? Were currently still in the stage of confirming the situation, were not sure if that evil force has been defeated yet, Franca answered truthfully. Luo Shan bit her lip and didnt ask any more questions. She got out of the car completely and walked into the cemeterys attached flower shop, buying two bunches of white chrysanthemums. She walked slowly forward, her figure gradually disappearing among the tombstones. Chapter 993 - Chapter 993 Important Person Chapter 993 Important Person At Xinhong District, in the rented apartment. Franca recounted the results of Luo Shans observations and the questions she raised, finally saying, The more I think about it, the more I feel something is amiss. The Major Arcana clearly mentioned in their materials that Mr. Fool went to sleep to fight against the Celestial Worthys consciousness, so why are they solely focused on awakening Mr. Fool instead of helping to weaken the Celestial Worthy? And we too, with sufficient background information, never considered this direction before. Its as if weve been bewitched, no, as if weve been hit with a spell of stupidity At this point, Franca suddenly paused. Everyone present instantly thought of one word: Fooled! In the unspeakable silence, only Ludwig was completely unaffected, munching on his boiled corn. After serious contemplation, Jenna said, Perhaps the act of awakening Mr. Fool itself will weaken the Celestial Worthy and strengthen our advantage. Lumian shook his head. Even if this symbolism holds true, we shouldnt have completely overlooked the direction of weakening the Celestial Worthy to help Mr. Fool awaken. Does that mean this direction is correct? So the dream fooled everyone to prevent us from thinking in this direction. Franca suddenly became excited. Not necessarily, Anthony replied, That Celestial Worthy is the being at the very top of the Swindler pathway. Initially fooling us to prevent us from considering the possibility of weakening Him might be to make us believe its the only correct path after weve made some progress in our later explorations, causing us to rush headlong into it. The enemys opposition indicates were doing the right thing, but what if the enemy is deliberately opposing Feigning weakness when actually strong Franca understood Anthonys meaning and said frustratedly, How should we choose? Why choose? Lumian laughed, Awakening Mr. Fool and weakening the Celestial Worthy are two things we can do simultaneously. He stood up and began pacing in the small living room, speaking as he walked, Lets re-analyze the possible goals Zaratulstra wanted to achieve with those actions: Contacting Zhou Mingrui was likely to find a way to make Zhou Mingrui drink the subsequent potion, become a Witch, thus creating a fixed, long-term Mirror Person, and to some extent shake Zhou Mingruis self-perception; The merger and restructuring negotiations with the Intis Group were to obtain more money and resources, and using the mirrored Roselle to erode and influence Huang Tao was likely for the same purpose; Eliminating and replacing the dream manifestations related to Gehrman Sparrows life experiences might be to weaken The World, indirectly weakening Mr. Fool These actions currently dont show any intent to awaken the Celestial Worthy, though accumulating money and resources could barely count As Jenna, Franca, and Anthony nodded slightly, Lumian began to contradict himself, No, creating a fixed Mirror Person for Zhou Mingrui could also be for the Celestial Worthy to gain more initiative through the Mirror Person, gradually gain the upper hand, and thus awaken. Eliminating the dream manifestations related to Gehrman Sparrow is to weaken Mr. Fool, but replacing them with his own people and taking away Jia Yu is to later confuse the real with the fake, making The World identity point to the Celestial Worthy instead of Mr. Fool? This is also a kind of awakening However, these awakenings all come with weakening Mr. Fool, the two cant be separated. Lumians point was that both weakening the Celestial Worthy and awakening Mr. Fool need to be done, and sometimes they are actually different aspects of the same thing. Franca concurred succinctly, But how can we weaken the Celestial Worthy? The Major Arcana card holders didnt know about the Celestial Worthys past situation, nor did they mention which character in the dream city was closely related to the Celestial Worthy. Franca couldnt find a target to weaken the Celestial Worthy, there was no starting point. Currently, only Peng Deng is suspected to be related to the Celestial Worthy, but it cant be confirmed yet, Anthony said.What can be confirmed is that Peng Deng definitely has a special status in the dream city, Lumian nodded slightly. This conclusion was drawn from Anthonys encounter and Peng Dengs rental of the magic mirror Arrodes. Lumian then said, Actually, there is one place that can be confirmed to be closely related to the Celestial Worthy. Seeing Franca and Jennas thoughtful expressions, Lumian directly gave the answer. Mushu Hospital! Without a close relationship, without a prior cooperation intention, the Celestial Worthy wouldnt send the corpses of Gehrman Sparrow-related dream manifestations to the underground morgue of Mushu Hospital, letting them reborn there, and that kind of rebirth would also cause the corresponding manifestation to completely become the Celestial Worthys sole puppet. The underground part of Mushu Hospital Franca said, unable to help but draw in a sharp breath. That was where the psychological trauma of a great existence materialized, the key node for other great existences to infiltrate their power, the place where the Celestial Worthy created exclusive marionettes, a place that even Sequence 0 true gods dared not easily intrude! Lumian chuckled in response. Ill be contacting an important person from Mushu Hospital tonight to see if I can obtain any useful intelligence. Late at night. Luo Shan still chose to lie down on the bed, trying to enter deep sleep. If the world doesnt explode, I wont take a holiday. Even if this is really a dream, before the dream shatters, I still have to go to work when I need to Luo Shan murmured, half self-mockingly and half self-comfortingly. Then, she closed her eyes, and after a long while, finally suppressed her troubled thoughts and emotions, falling asleep. This time, after falling asleep, she didnt immediately enter her Shaman world to continue guarding the semi-transparent barrier, but became muddle-headed, just like when she slept before becoming a Beyonder. She vaguely heard a voice echoing in her ears: Truth can become false, falsehood can become true. The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings Truth can become false, falsehood can become true. The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings At the edge of Crimson Moon Hospital, in a secluded corner growing many mushrooms. Lumian, transformed into a Demoness of Despair and dressed in a blouse, patiently waited for a while. He saw Grimm suddenly appear not far ahead with a person, as if walking into the real area from another world. Respected Child of God, this is Lu Yongan, the dean of obstetrics at Mushu Hospital, Grimm introduced his companion, She is also a child of the Mother. Lu Yongan appeared to be in her forties, with fair skin and a beautiful face, round like the full moon, looking gentle and motherly. She was carrying a medical box and bowed slightly to Lumian, saying, Praise the Mother, and praise you, Child of God. The important person from Mushu Hospital that Lumian had previously said he wanted to meet was precisely this obstetrics dean, Lu YonganGrimm was very true to his word. As soon as the one-week deadline was met, he sent a message to Lumian, reminding him that tonight he should go help Li Keji with reproduction, both mystically and scientifically. Lumian hadnt rushed to abort the fetus in Li Kejis belly, precisely because he wanted to fool Grimm first, to avoid reaching the point of needing to put on an act to cover up. After this, he would have at least two to three weeks to perform the abortion. Hearing Lu Yongans greeting, Lumian, with his long black hair, nodded slightly and said, Lets go in and take care of business first. He didnt rush to inquire about the internal affairs of Mushu Hospital from Lu Yongan. This had to be done slowly, with proper groundwork, thinking through which things the Child of God should already know and not need to ask about. Yes, Child of God, Grimm and Lu Yongan responded in unison, their expressions turning serious. Lumian walked towards them and grabbed their shoulders. Then, he activated the black mark on his right shoulder, using Spirit World Traversal to appear directly in Li Kejis hospital room. Li Keji, who had been touching his belly lost in thought, sat up straight, and the jellyfish-like mushroom on the ceiling sank down slightly. Seeing Li Keji looking at him with slight surprise, Lumian winked his left eye at him, hinting that there was a reason for this and to play along for now. Li Keji showed an expression of sudden realization. Youre here to help me? Hearing these words, Grimm couldnt help but turn his head to look at the Child of Gods stunningly beautiful face: When did she manage to deceive Li Keji? Grimm and Lu Yongan had both anticipated needing to use their abilities to control the target. Lu Yongan sat down beside Li Kejis bed with her medical box and began a serious examination. After nearly a minute, she turned her head and said, The fetus is very healthy and developing well and quickly. Grimm immediately gave a thumbs up to the Child of God, praising again, As expected of you! Lumian was already numb to this, nodding slightly, focusing intently on watching Lu Yongan take out a syringe, draw some kind of drug, and give Li Keji an injection in the belly. Then, Lu Yongans maternal radiance became even more obvious as she began to virtually caress Li Kejis belly with both hands. Lumian saw Li Kejis belly begin to swell and enlarge at a visible rate. In just a minute or two, it looked like a six-month pregnancy. I can feel her heartbeat. Li Keji touched his belly again. Lu Yongan put away her instruments and drugs, and smiled at Lumian. Child of God, come again in two weeks and we can enter the stage of imminent birth. Excellent. Lumian nodded insincerely. Ill abort it shortly! The earlier its aborted, the safer! Well be leaving now. Lumian gave Li Keji another meaningful look. Then, he teleported back to the previous secluded corner with Lu Yongan, who had walked back, and Grimm, who was already by his side. Lumian didnt give Grimm and Lu Yongan a chance to say goodbye and leave. He looked at the latter, slightly raising his chin, and said, How are things going inside Mushu Hospital? He planned to ask vaguely at first, in the tone of a Child of God wanting to get feedback from his subordinates, and then selectively delve deeper based on Lu Yongans response. Lu Yongan replied with a kindly manner mixed with obvious respect, The underground area is almost finished being renovated, and above ground its still just us few and those who frequently enter and exit the underground. The underground is almost renovated? Those who frequently enter and exit the underground dont count as people? Lumian raised an eyebrow. Chapter 994 - Chapter 994 Dean Chapter 994 Dean Lumian thought of the Mushu Hospital orderly he had encountered before and the situations he had observed during his several visits to Mushu Hospital. He felt that those who frequently entered and exited the underground of Mushu Hospital might truly no longer be considered human. More than this, what concerned him more was that the underground part of Mushu Hospital was nearly renovated. When that happens, what changes would occur? What does this symbolize? Amidst his swirling thoughts, Lumian wished he could go blow up the underground of Mushu Hospital right now and be done with it. Unfortunately, leaving aside whether he had the ability to break into Mushu Hospitals underground and completely destroy it, just the fact that the above-ground part of Mushu Hospital was still relatively normal, with many patients and ordinary medical staff coming and going, prevented him from acting rashly. There was no way to blow up the underground part without affecting the above-ground area! That would turn into a full-blown terrorist attack, causing Lumian to be rejected by the dreams main consciousness to the greatest extent, likely preventing him from entering again afterward. First think of a way to get Mushu Hospital to stop admitting patients for a few days and transfer away the inpatients? This would be very difficult Lumian looked at Lu Yongan and carefully asked, Are there still corpses waiting for rebirth in the underground morgue? Not at the moment. No one has brought corpses needing rebirth over these past couple of days, Lu Yongan answered truthfully. After Zaratulstra and Mr. Cui were kicked out of the dream, did the corresponding activities stop? This shows were doing well Theoretically, the Celestial Worthy should have more than just these few subordinates, and should have found a way or medium for subordinates to enter the dream city Were the others kicked out before, like the Major Arcana and the former Lucky Coin holders? Thats right, theres no reason why the Celestial Worthy would only recently have subordinates who could enter, no reason why in the past only the Celestial Worthy could kick people out and Mr. Fool couldnt Lumian nodded slightly and changed his question. Who is the current dean of Mushu Hospital? He wasnt afraid of Lu Yongan becoming suspicious because of this inquiry, as he had previously asked Xu Xinyang and secretly asked Grimm, and even Grimm, a child of the Great Mother, didnt know. You dont know? Lu Yongan looked at Lumians face in surprise. She then turned to Grimm and asked, You didnt tell the Child of God? Grimm shook his head. I dont know either. No one ever told me. Lu Yongan was stunned for a moment, then showed an expression of understanding. Its normal that you dont know. But it doesnt matter. The previous dean has left, and not knowing who it is doesnt affect anything. The new dean will arrive in a few days. Who is the new dean? Grimm asked on Lumians behalf. Lu Yongan shook her head. Its not clear yet. Well know when they arrive. Maybe it will be a surprise. A surprise? For us, its probably going to be a shock Lumian made a sound of acknowledgment and said, Have you been to the underground areas other than the morgue? He wasnt trying to pry specific information about Mushu Hospitals underground from Lu Yongan, but rather intended to judge from her answer whether Beyonders blessed by the Great Mother could infrequently enter the non-morgue areas of the underground. Ive been there, but cant go deep, cant go to B2. Lu Yongan didnt think there was anything wrong with the Child of God asking this, after all, the underground part of Mushu Hospital didnt belong solely to the Great Mother, other great existences also exerted influence there. Even children of the Great Mother cant go to B2? Whats there? Lumian nodded thoughtfully and asked, Are the Mother Trees followers also doing something? As the Child of God of the Great Mother, he had to show a bit less respect for other existences. Yes, but I dont know what, Lu Yongan took out her phone and said with a smile, Child of God, shall we add each other on WeChat? If I discover any issues in other areas of the underground later, Ill tell you immediately. She really knows how the world works Lumian let Lu Yongan scan his WeChat QR code. Her WeChat name was just her real name. Lumian didnt rush to look through Lu Yongans Moments. He casually said, Have you found Zedus? Zedus was supposedly the true name of the Abscessed Hand, and the remnant consciousness in Omebellas remains had once shouted this name at Lumian. Lumian was trying to probe whether the children of the Great Mother had heard of Zedus. Not yet. Lu Yongan lowered her head, Mother is very disappointed. Zedus really is closely related to the Great Mother Lumian stopped there, not asking further. Seeing this, Grimm respectfully asked, Child of God, starting tomorrow youre on the night shift rotation. If you dont want to work it, I can find an excuse to switch you to the morning shift. Night shift is fine, Lumian chose not to switch. This way, he could effectively increase his activity time during the day and evening. Then, he glanced at the bright moon high in the sky and said to Grimm and Lu Yongan, Head back. Yes, Child of God! Lu Yongan and Grimm responded in unison. Lumian didnt see them off, but teleported away first. About a quarter of an hour later, his figure appeared again in this secluded corner, and Grimm and Lu Yongan were already gone. Only then did Lumian take out his phone and start looking through Lu Yongans Moments. The Moments of this obstetrics dean of Mushu Hospital mostly shared obstetrics and gynecology knowledge, instances of receiving thank-you banners, achievements of Mushu Hospital, and updates about her own children. There was nothing that particularly caught Lumians eye. Because she had set it to only show the most recent month, Lumian could only return to the top of her Moments and look at her background settings and personal signature. The background was set to a blurry silhouette holding a baby, and her personal signature was: Be a guardian for women and children. All very fitting for her identity and nature Lumian put away his phone and teleported to Li Kejis hospital room. Li Keji wasnt surprised by this beautiful womans return. Looking at her, he hesitantly asked, Do we really have to abort it? As the fetus grew, his maternal radiance seemed to have intensified. Lumian chuckled. You must have already felt the frenzied absorption of your flesh and spirit by the child of the evil god, right? Yes. Li Keji nodded honestly. Lumian continued, And dont you want to see what innovative qualities might emerge from the crossbreeding of the evil gods offspring and the mushroom? He was now very adept at grasping Li Kejis obsessions and weaknesses. This was an Instigator. Li Kejis eyes immediately lit up. Alright, lets begin! Could you at least hesitate a bit to make me feel your maternal radiance is genuine? Lumian grumbled inwardly as he walked to Li Kejis bedside, extended his right palm, and said in a moderate tone, It will be quite painful. Bear with it. Okay. Li Keji stretched out his arm, letting it hang in the air. The fungal filaments hanging down from the jellyfish-like mushroom quickly floated over, wrapping around Li Kejis arm, their tips piercing into it. It has some anesthetic ability, Li Keji happily explained to Lumian. Lumian didnt speak, letting his palm ignite with quiet and sinister black flames. He then pressed his right palm against the surface of Li Kejis belly, and the Demonesss black flames immediately bored into it. Li Kejis highly protruding belly suddenly began to writhe, as if something inside was struggling desperately. Along with this struggle, Li Kejis face twisted slightly. Even with the anesthesia, he was experiencing unspeakable pain. Meanwhile, the Demonesss black flames gradually dimmed and thinned. Even as Lumian continued to pour them in, they couldnt truly burn away the vile thing in Li Kejis belly. Fortunately, Lumian had never thought from the beginning that the Demonesss black flames could achieve the goal, because one of his objectives was something that the Demonesss black flames, which only burned spirit and life, couldnt accomplish. He used the Demonesss black flames first mainly to probe. Suddenly, the quiet black flames in Lumians palm became agitated, as if madness, violence, and destruction were being generated! Flames of Destruction! As the Flames of Destruction poured in, the clothes on Li Kejis belly abruptly burst into flames, as did his skin and flesh. The fetus in his belly pushed upwards, as if trying to escape the burning of the Flames of Destruction, but currently unable to break free from the constraints of the mothers body, it ultimately collapsed back down. Almost simultaneously, Lumian heard illusory sounds of weeping and screaming. He felt as if a vast green wilderness had appeared around him, where every flower and blade of grass first grew vigorously, full of life, and then was engulfed by sweeping black flames. Ah! Li Keji also screamed in agony, the pain of having his abdomen burned through was more than most people could endure. However, Lumian had already used the Bottle of Fiction to seal off this hospital room, allowing only faint traces of Li Kejis voice to seep out. This wasnt something worth paying attention to in the psychiatric ward. Finally, the fetus in Li Kejis belly was burned to ashes, and these ashes, affected by the convection winds from the high temperature of the flames, swirled up into the air, flying towards the ceiling and scattering around. Completely eliminated. Lumian stepped back, preparing to take out a healing agent for Li Keji to drink. Li Keji glanced at his charred abdomen and said with extreme disappointment, enduring the pain, Its all burned away? Theres nothing left? I initially only wanted to burn its life and spirit, leaving the corpse, but as you saw, that didnt work, Lumian explained sincerely. Ah Li Keji waved his hand, directing the filaments of the jellyfish-like mushroom to move to his abdomen, absorbing the charred parts and promoting flesh regeneration. Looks like I dont need to provide treatment Lumian gave a deep look at the jellyfish-like mushroom that had descended. After Li Kejis wound had healed and the pain had subsided, Lumian nodded slightly and said, Rest more these couple of days, then please speed up the pace of your research. My vegetative friend might not be able to wait too long. I can start again tomorrow! Li Kejis enthusiasm for experimentation reignited. Thank you. Lumian politely left the room. Returning to the rented apartment in Xinhong District, he lay down on the bed and fell into a deep sleep. In his hazy state, he heard crying. The crying voice was calling Mommy Mommy, filled with intense pain, unwillingness, and resentment. Chapter 995 - Chapter 995 Dream? Chapter 995 Dream? Mommy Mommy Lumian heard crying calls coming from the surrounding darkness, shrill and pitiful, as if clawing at his heart and soul. Suddenly, black flames that suppressed madness and destruction ignited on Lumians body. These flames spread to the surroundings, burning away the darkness and everything hidden within it. The crying calls abruptly became piercing, then quickly dissipated. Lumian let out a cold laugh. If you had called me Daddy, I might have felt a bit reluctant and affectionate, but Mommy? Who are you trying to fool? Just as he finished muttering this to himself, the surrounding darkness shattered inch by inch. Lumian then awoke, opening his eyes to see the ceiling with its hanging chandelier, hidden in the deep night. Was I just dreaming? The fetus in Li Kejis belly died at the hands of its mother, its resentment unresolved, it latched onto me, and I thoroughly burned it away? Your mother is Omebella, what does that have to do with me, Lumian? Lumian grumbled a few words, reached for his phone, selected Intis Group Grimm, and used voice input to say: I heard the cries of my child, who encountered a disaster leading to death. Someone must have helped Li Keji abort. After sending this WeChat message, Lumian copied the content and sent it to Lu Yongan as well. Within ten to twenty seconds, Lu Yongan replied: Should we go to Crimson Moon Hospital now? Lumian brought the phone to his mouth, shook his head and said, Its too late, the matter is already over. Rushing over now could very likely lead us into a trap set by the enemy. Since the matter cant be undone, lets wait until tomorrow, or the day after, until were sure theres no ambush around Li Keji, then go investigate the situation, find the culprit, and think of ways to remedy this. Wise of you, Child of God. Lu Yongan replied in a formal tone. At this time, Grimm also responded, expressing the same meaning as Lu Yongan. Lumian chose to copy and paste what he had said. After reassuring Grimm, Lumian was about to go back to sleep when he suddenly saw a new message from Lu Yongan: Child of God, I just saw someone standing outside the hospital from my window. Who? Lumian understood that the reason Lu Yongan mentioned this must be because she recognized the person, or they were very important. After a few seconds, Lu Yongan replied: Its Zhou Mingrui. Zhou Mingrui? Such a strong initiative, only learning about the Oracles corpse appearing in Mushu Hospitals underground morgue during the day, and wanting to sneak in to investigate at night? Isnt this too rash? Or is it just a preliminary observation? Lumian became fully alert, all traces of sleepiness gone. He brought the phone to his mouth again and used voice input to say: Dont worry about it for now, notify me when Zhou Mingrui enters the hospital. Outside Mushu Hospital, Zhou Mingrui, still wearing a sky-blue T-shirt, pretended to make a phone call while casually surveying his surroundings, focusing on the emergency center. After learning about Da Nizis death and confirming the relevant details through public reports, Zhou Mingrui felt that Mushu Hospital seemed to have significant issues, especially the underground morgue. So, when night fell deeper, he took a taxi here, planning to pretend to seek emergency treatment while actually taking a tour of Mushu Hospital to see if he could discover anything. He hadnt planned to investigate the underground morgue today; he didnt want to take potentially significant risks before gathering sufficient information. While saying words like okay, no problem, alright, can do, and thats it, Zhou Mingruis gaze swept across the emergency center, across the patients and family members coming and going, but he couldnt see anything unusual. This wasnt actually his first time at Mushu Hospital. He had come for treatment twice before, as it was one of the closest hospitals to Intis Group and his residence. It had only been open for a few years, so whether for emergency or outpatient services, there werent many people, no need to queue for long, and no worries about not being able to make appointments online. The district-level hospital closer to his residence, he felt, wasnt very reliable, while the other well-established hospitals were always overcrowded. The only difference from last time is that Mushu Hospitals reputation is growing, and more people are coming for treatment Its a good thing I recovered midway from having some health issues after listening to heavy metal and was thinking of coming here for treatment because there werent many people Zhou Mingrui recalled his experience of seeking emergency treatment half a year ago, as well as the incident a few weeks ago when he took sick leave to come to Mushu Hospital, but his illness got better before he even reached his destination. Thinking of this, he suddenly had a realization. That sick leave made me miss the formal meeting with Zaratulstra And I didnt actually enter Mushu Hospital My hearing that song Advance wasnt a coincidence, the melody and sound of that song were mixed with mystical powers? Does this mean that Zaratulstra and Mushu Hospital really have issues? But when I came half a year ago, nothing happened, I didnt notice anything unusual Are the problems at Mushu Hospital gradually worsening? As Zhou Mingrui muttered to himself, his gaze moved up from the emergency center to the entire building. Suddenly, he heard his own heartbeat. Thump! Thump! Zhou Mingrui inexplicably felt fear, making his heart feel as if it had been violently squeezed by an invisible hand, uncontrollably speeding up its beating. Thump! Thump! He felt as if something he feared and dreaded most was hidden in that building, as if it were the source of his fear. There really is a problem Zhou Mingruis pupils rapidly dilated. Half a year ago, he had also come for emergency treatment at night, and had also looked at Mushu Hospitals main building, but at that time he didnt have any feeling that terrifying things were hiding inside. Zhou Mingrui steadied himself, closed his eyes, and regulated his breathing. When his heartbeat calmed down, he looked at the Mushu Hospital building again. Thump! Thump! He once again experienced a sudden burst of fear, instinctively believing that deep inside Mushu Hospital were things he didnt want to face and was afraid to encounter. Zhou Mingrui subconsciously wanted to turn and leave, but ultimately endured. Just do a preliminary observation, just do a preliminary observation Avoiding wont solve the problem, avoiding wont solve the problem As he muttered to himself, Zhou Mingruis right palm, not holding the phone, naturally hung down, clenching and unclenching, unclenching and clenching. After about ten seconds, he hung up the phone, took a step forward, and walked towards the entrance of the emergency center. In Room 2303 of Dechuang Garden. After Franca and Jenna fell asleep, they quickly gained lucidity. This was something that inevitably happened when Beyonders entered Luo Shans Shaman world, and neither of them was surprised. But in the next second, what met their eyes was not the frozen storm, wandering Astral Projections, and semi-transparent barriers, but a dimly lit corridor. The walls of the corridor were painted white, giving off a slight green tinge under the dim light. Where is this? Franca blurted out in astonishment. Where has Luo Shans Shaman world gone? Amidst her surprise, Jenna thought of a possibility. Could something have happened to Luo Shan? Because of confirming that Huang Jiajia and others were more fake? That would make Luo Shan further face the fact that this was a dream. But didnt Anthony say that Luo Shans emotions had stabilized to some extent? Did she experience some shock after going home? Franca responded with confusion. Anyway, lets find Luo Shan first. This might be the Shaman world after some change. Jenna looked around and concentrated on listening. Faced with a situation different from usual, Franca instinctively put her hand into her Travelers Bag, preparing to take out her Beyonder items. Suddenly, she paused. No, thats not right! Seeing Jenna turn her gaze towards her, Franca said with a serious expression, The Travelers Bag is still here, and the items inside are still there. Jennas gaze instantly froze, understanding what Franca meant: Only Astral ProjectionS could enter Luo Shans Shaman world to fight monsters, and Astral Projections obviously wouldnt carry a Travelers Bag and corresponding items. Even if they did, it would only be something conjured by the dream, with no actual ability! This isnt Luo Shans Shaman world? What exactly have we encountered? Jenna furrowed her brow. She tried to leave this place through Cogitation, to make her Astral Projection return to her body. But this had no effect. Were not Astral Projections on an excursion, entering Luo Shans dream or Shaman world. Weve been directly transferred to this place, Franca gave her conclusion, How is this possible? I didnt feel anything at all Just as she finished speaking, she suddenly heard Luo Shans voice coming from a room ahead. No, no, I refuse! A few seconds later, the door of that room was pulled open, and Luo Shan, wearing pajamas, rushed out. Luo Shan saw Franca and Jenna, stopped in her tracks, and asked in surprise, Youre here too? Franca and Jenna first lowered their heads, examining their own clothes, finding that they were both wearing nightgowns, then Franca addressed Luo Shan, Where is this? Why shouldnt we be here? This is my dream Did I dream about you? Luo Shan looked bewildered and confused. Franca and Jenna exchanged a glance, then carefully asked, What did you dream about? I dreamed that someone was whispering strange words in my ear, and I dreamed of many fragmented scenes. There was a pregnant woman with a big belly, it seemed like the flesh on her face and one eyeball had been clawed off, with head-like lumps growing on both sides of her shoulders. There was also a man whose heart had been dug out, and the cries of infants Finally, I dreamed of this corridor, dreamed that I was in a room, and a voice told me Luo Shan suddenly stopped as she recalled her dream. Told you what? Jenna pressed. Luo Shan hesitated for a few seconds before saying, It said, said it could help me masquerade as the genuine article, replace the me outside, so that even if the dream shatters, I could live on truly I-I couldnt accept that, how could I, how could I harm an innocent person? Hearing Luo Shans words, Franca and Jennas pupils dilated simultaneously. The former swallowed hard and asked, Do you remember the strange words at the beginning of the dream? Luo Shan tried her best to recall. It seemed, seemed to be Truth can become false, falsehood can become true. The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings'' At this moment, Jenna and Franca both seemed to turn into statues. Franca suddenly woke up and said in a deep voice, Quickly, lets confirm where this place is! Isnt this my dream Luo Shan said softly. Are you usually this lucid in your dreams? Jenna asked rhetorically while looking for identifiable signs. Thats true As Luo Shan muttered in confusion, Franca and Jenna simultaneously discovered a bulletin board on the wall ahead. The two strode forward, rushing over, and with the help of the dim light, they immediately saw large characters in a certain part of the bulletin board: Mushu Hospital. Chapter 996 - Chapter 996 Psychological Trauma Chapter 996 Psychological Trauma Mushu Hospital? Franca and Jenna suddenly felt as if they had been struck by lightning, a tingling sensation rapidly shooting up from their tailbones to the backs of their heads. How did they end up at Mushu Hospital? Was this real or fake? Franca didnt need to take out a mirror and use Magic Mirror Divination to get an answer. Her spiritual intuition had already told her that this was most likely the real Mushu Hospital! Although she didnt understand how she and Jenna had been sleeping peacefully in Room 2303 of Dechuang Garden and then unknowingly arrived at Mushu Hospital, she chose to trust her spiritual intuition. Jenna had a similar judgment. After exchanging a glance with Franca, she stood still, closed her eyes, and quickly entered a Cogitative state, imagining herself standing on the edge of a cliff. In her imagination, she leaped off, jumping towards a bottomless abyss. She fell faster and faster, but there was no shattering of darkness, no waking up startled from a dream. Jenna opened her eyes and slowly shook her head at Franca. Her meaning was clear: here, they couldnt exit the dream city and return to the real world! Hiss Would the above-ground floors of Mushu Hospital have similar restrictions? This might be in the underground area of Mushu Hospital Franca instantly came up with a new speculation. Her already highly tense mental state drew even closer to its limit. Whats wrong? Luo Shan still looked bewildered. Hearing Luo Shans question, Franca suddenly had a series of thoughts: Just now, Luo Shan said this was her dream But this is the real Mushu Hospital, quite possibly the underground part of Mushu Hospital Did her dream connect to this place, transferring Beyonders within a certain range here? Why could it connect, why could it transfer us? Wait, according to our previous judgment, every character in the dream city is constructed by the dream subconscious based on its own cognition and social relationships. Luo Shan is the same, and the dream subconscious is a blend of Mr. Fools subconscious and the Celestial Worthys subconscious. In other words, Luo Shan is equivalent to a part of the dream subconscious, equivalent to a division of Mr. Fools subconscious. She developed psychological trauma from the shock that the current world is a dream city, which is equivalent to a part of Mr. Fools divided subconscious developing psychological trauma, while the underground area of Mushu Hospital is where Mr. Fools psychological traumas converge and manifest This connects everything together. Hmm, the psychological traumas manifesting in the underground area of Mushu Hospital should not only be from Mr. Fool, but also include those of the Celestial Worthy. More accurately, they come from the dream subconscious, which is formed by blending Mr. Fools and the Celestial Worthys subconsciouses. My goodness, will we encounter the Celestial Worthys psychological traumas later? However, this also has a good side. If we know what the Celestial Worthys psychological traumas are, and can escape alive, we could deduce ways to weaken the Celestial Worthy. Hmm Purely having mystical similarities and close mystical connections is not enough for Luo Shan to bring me and Jenna to appear out of thin air in the underground area of Mushu Hospital. There needs to be a force to push, to utilize At first, Luo Shan heard Truth can become false, falsehood can become true. The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings This indicates that she has actually been targeted by some faction, the problem has been identified, but that faction wanted to fish or wait for an opportunity before taking action? Zaratulstras group? No, if it were them, Zaratulstra would have absolutely guarded against the possibility of Zhou Mingrui being invited to eat at the hot pot restaurant As thoughts flashed through Francas mind, she didnt dare waste time on deep thinking and analysis. She carefully chose her words and said to Luo Shan, This might be the underground part of Mushu Hospital, and its not something you dreamed up, its real. Without waiting for Luo Shan to ask further questions, Franca made up a reason based on her recent speculation. Theres likely an enemy hidden in or near your room who, while you were sleeping, exerted influence and used your Shaman world to transfer us here out of thin air. Luo Shan blinked and said, No wonder at first it was like my usual dreams, but then I became more and more lucid Why bring us to the underground of Mushu Hospital? Is there a big problem here? As the two conversed, Jenna searched through her Travelers Bag. She originally wanted to make a phone call or send a WeChat message to try to call for help or contact Lumian, but she and Franca had put their phones beside their pillows before sleeping, not holding them tightly or carrying them on their persons. Therefore, they were both currently phoneless. Jenna took out the Ice Mirror Charm with only one use left and held it in her palmshe had another Ice Mirror Charm that could be used four times, which Lumian had found an opportunity to remake for all team members after being kicked out of the dream the day before yesterday. I dont know, Im only sure that its very dangerous here, we need to leave as soon as possible, Franca replied to Luo Shan, looking back and forth. Lets quickly find the elevator lobby and go up to the first floor by elevator or stairs. Luo Shans spirits also tensed up as she followed Francas actions, surveying their surroundings. At this moment, Jenna activated the Ice Mirror Charm to see if she could leave the current area through the mirror she carried. But after being enveloped by the charms light, she found that the world behind the mirror was deep and dark, giving her an extremely dangerous feeling. She didnt dare to pass through the glass mirror surface and enter the mirror world. The mirror world is also abnormal, Jenna raised her head and said to Franca. As she spoke, the Ice Mirror Charm in her hand turned into sparkling fragments, quickly scattering and disappearing. Thats normal, Franca wasnt particularly surprised by this. In a place like this, maybe we can only leave through normal means and predetermined exits. Lets go find the elevator lobby now. Luo Shan first made a sound of agreement, then remembered her ability and asked with some expectation, Do you have any paint and brushes? Pencils or pens would work too. You want to draw a door to get out? Jenna understood. Yes. Luo Shan nodded heavily. Franca frowned slightly and said, Are you sure the door you draw will lead to the upper levels of Mushu Hospital or the entrance, and not to other areas of the underground part? I can draw the door of my home, that way we can return home, but theres a distance limit. Im not sure if the distance between Mushu Hospital and Dechuang Garden meets the conditions Luo Shans voice gradually lowered. Franca quickly made a decision. Lets first look for a real exit, first find the elevator lobby. If we cant find it, or if were trapped, then well risk using your drawn door. Seeing Jenna nod in agreement, Luo Shan could only temporarily abandon the idea of drawing a door to exit. After giving Luo Shan a fountain pen and a sharpened pencil, Franca turned around, partly relying on observing the environment and partly following her spiritual intuition, and walked towards the other end of the corridor. Soon, the three saw a door, a double wooden door with glass. Franca, walking in front, brought her face close to the glass on the door, trying to observe the situation behind it. But beyond the glass was pitch black. Even with a Demonesss night vision, she couldnt clearly see what was hidden inside. Franca felt as if her eyes were covered by a black cloth, rather than the corresponding environment losing light. After performing a simple Magic Mirror Divination, Franca stretched out both hands and pushed open the large double wooden doors. What lay ahead was not an extension of the corridor, but a dimly lit hall with similar double wooden doors at the far end. What Franca, Jenna, and Luo Shan noticed first was not these, but the corpses hanging from the ceiling. They were gently swaying. As they swayed, some of the bodies half-turned, allowing Franca and the others to clearly see their appearances. There was Ai Nana, the principal of Dream Tutoring Classes, Huang Jiajia, and other teachers from the Dream Tutoring Classes that Jenna had seen before. Mmph Luo Shan instinctively wanted to scream, but was quickly muffled by Jennas hand. How is this possible? Francas scalp tingled. She knew that the dream manifestations of Ai Nana and Huang Jiajia had essentially died and might have been hung up like the Oracle Da Nizi before, but she never imagined they would still be hanging, hanging together, densely packed like wind-dried cured meat. Theyre hanging here? Then who are the ones outside? Didnt their corpses gain new life and run out? Lumian said their fates were also connected Jenna had similar questions, and she thought of a possibility. Manifestation of psychological trauma? Yes, the underground area of Mushu Hospital is where the dream subconsciouss psychological traumas manifest. The psychological trauma created by Ai Nana and Huang Jiajia being hung up and the rebirth of corpses running out could exist simultaneously and occur in parallel Franca accepted this explanation and had no intention of delving deeper into the truth right now. She said to Jenna and Luo Shan, Lets go through, to the door on the other side. Luo Shan, encountering such a horrifying scene for the first time, was completely at a loss and could only choose to follow Franca and Jennas lead, passing through where the hanging corpses were less dense. Wind occasionally blew through the hall, causing the corpses to sway back and forth, sometimes swinging left and right, nearly brushing against Luo Shans head several times. Luo Shan used all her strength to keep herself from reacting excessively. Finally, they squeezed through the hanging corpses and reached the double wooden doors representing the exit. After going through the process and getting the same result as before, Franca once again stretched out both hands and pushed open the doors. Ahead was a corridor, an extremely dimly lit corridor. At the end of the corridor stood a blurry figure. Franca and the others simultaneously raised their guard, carefully passing through the wooden doors and entering the corridor. The scene before their eyes gradually became clear. They could now clearly see that blurry figure: it was a giant mushroom, over two meters tall! The top of the giant mushroom was blood-red, interspersed with white patterns. Its body was composed of countless similar small mushrooms, their patterns collectively depicting a handsome yet strange face. On each side, identical mushrooms extended out, forming slender arms. Smack! The double wooden doors behind Franca, Jenna, and Luo Shan closed. Chapter 997 - Chapter 997 Different Regions Chapter 997 Different Regions Seeing that bizarrely shaped giant mushroom person, even Franca, a veteran gamer, felt a sense of morbid curiosity and horror. My goodness, what kind of monstrosity is this? As expected of something evolved from a great existences psychological trauma, who knows if its from Mr. Fool or the Celestial Worthy As similar thoughts flashed through her mind, Franca and Jenna tacitly split to the sides, one hiding in the shadows, the other concealing her form. Luo Shan had never cooperated with them in Beyonder combat before, and this was her first time encountering a monster without barriers separating them. Moreover, this wasnt the domain of her Shaman abilities, so she was momentarily at a loss. She instinctively turned around, wanting to run back to the previous hall, moving so fast she left an afterimage in place. However, although she chose the double doors behind her, she was shocked to find herself rapidly approaching the blood-red giant mushroom person with white patterns. At the same time, Franca emerged from the shadows. She felt the shadows she was hiding in strangely come alive, as if trying to control and erode her. The next second, she and Luo Shan saw the giant mushroom person suddenly swell and grow larger, a giant lava sword burning with pale blue flames coalescing in its hand. The giant mushroom person took a step closer, swinging down the great sword that seemed formed of red-hot lava. Franca didnt dodge backward, but instead shot forward, lowering her body. Before the lava sword could strike, she darted past the scorching heat waves to the mushroom persons side. Jennas body quickly outlined against the ceiling position, holding a brass-colored revolver aimed at the giant mushrooms head. Bang! The giant mushroom persons sword strike hit the inexperienced Luo Shan, shattering this Painter like a mirror. The Mirror Substitution that Jenna and Franca had previously made for Luo Shan finally came in handy. The lava sword didnt stop after shattering Luo Shan, heavily striking the corridor floor and sending out pale blue sulfur fireballs. Rumble! Jenna had just pulled the trigger, firing a bright yellow bullet at the giant mushroom persons head, when she was engulfed by the chain reaction of explosions. Most of the corridor, including Franca and the giant mushroom person itself, was affected by the explosion created by over a dozen sulfur fireballs. Franca and Jennas Mirror Substitutions were passively triggered, their bodies first thinning, then developing cracks, and finally shattering into pieces. When the explosive wind in the narrow environment subsided, the figures of Franca, Jenna, and Luo Shan outlined at the giant mushroom persons original position, at the end of this corridor, next to the other set of double doors. They saw that half of the giant mushroom persons head had collapsed, oozing dark red blood, white mycelium, and tiny spores. They saw its body similarly torn open by the explosion, revealing large wounds filled with both mycelium and flesh. As the flesh writhed and the mycelium grew, the giant mushroom persons wounds rapidly healed. Seeing this, Francas scalp tingled. She turned around, pushed open the door, and rushed out of this corridor. She felt that fighting in this narrow environment wasnt advantageous for them, while the terrifying mushroom person with its exaggerated self-healing ability and explosive methods was clearly more in its element! So, she had to escape from here, firstly to try to shake off the giant mushroom person, and secondly to find a scene more suitable for Demonesses and a Painter to fight. Jenna didnt hesitate, closely following Franca. Luo Shan, who thought she would die, was surprised that the Mirror Substitution actually worked, and having gained experience, chose to imitate Franca and Jennas actions. The trio quickly passed through the open door, entering a new dimly lit corridor. Behind them, the two halves of the wooden door swayed several times before finally closing completely. Franca moved forward while vigilantly observing whether the giant mushroom person was pursuing them, but found that behind the door was dead silence, with no further movement. Uh does each type of psychological trauma only operate in a fixed area? Franca slowed her pace, making a guess based on her experience and imagination. Jenna nodded, looking around and said, Now we need to be alert to the psychological trauma in this area? What psychological trauma? Luo Shan looked confused. Monsters similar to that mushroom person just now, Franca explained simply. Luo Shans eyes turned slightly, and she blurted out, Monsters transformed from Zhou Mingruis psychological trauma? Very smart Franca pondered for a moment and said, It also includes the psychological trauma of evil forces. Luo Shan was silent for two seconds, about to say something more when she suddenly started coughing. Cough cough cough She paused and said, Why do I feel like Ive suddenly fallen ill? Disease? Can that mushroom person also create mystical pathogens? Jenna and I are both Demoness of Affliction with some resistance to Disease abilities. Brief contact wont infect us, but Luo Shan cant resist, showing symptoms? The symptoms appeared very quickly, this isnt at the level of Sequence 7 After Zhou Mingrui was stimulated, did the power level of the dream city change, starting from the underground part of Mushu Hospital, with no corresponding manifestation in the outside world yet? Jenna vaguely understood the reason and took out a bottle of healing agent from her Travelers Bag. She didnt rush to provide treatment for Luo Shan, but pondered and asked, Can you draw efficacious medicine for yourself? Even if the drawn medicine had a limited duration, it could truly cure diseasesas long as all the mystical pathogens were eliminated before the effect wore off, it would work! At this time, Franca had also figured out the reason and muttered, That mushroom person is too terrifying! What kind of monster is this exactly! Luo Shan already felt her forehead burning up. She shook her head and said, I dont know exactly what this disease is, nor do I know what medicine to draw to cure it. Then drink this. Jenna handed the healing agent to Luo Shan. She and Franca always maintained a state of having two bottles of healing agent on them, with previously consumed ones either coming from Lumian or being replenished by him. After experiencing the substitutes death, Luo Shan now fully trusted Franca and Jenna. She took the healing agent, immediately unscrewed the cap, and gulped it down. In just about ten seconds, she blinked and said, I think Im fine now, the illness is gone Its really amazing! Your ability to draw is also amazing, Franca said humbly, pointing to the end of the current corridor, Lets continue forward, we need to find the elevator lobby quickly, otherwise who knows what well encounter She was still shaken by that giant mushroom person. Jenna and Luo Shan felt the same, quickening their pace to follow behind Franca. They had just taken two or three steps when the double doors at the end of the corridor suddenly swung open. Franca and Jenna reflexively used Invisibility, then considered how to help Luo Shan hide. Luo Shan had somewhat adapted to the current situation. Using a pencil, she quickly drew a simple, inconspicuous, childlike doodle of a door on the side wall in just two seconds. This door had no markings and wouldnt lead anywhere. Luo Shan placed her palm on the handle and yanked it backward sharply. The door, just drawn on the wall, miraculously opened, revealing a dark area about the size of Room 2303s bathroom. Luo Shan hid inside, then carefully closed the paper-thin door. The wall surface was left with only a few faint, barely noticeable pencil marks resembling a door outline. By this time, the double doors at the end of the corridor had fully opened, and an orderly wearing light blue clothing and a white mask slowly entered the current area, pushing a transfer bed. Franca held her breath and turned her gaze towards the orderly and the transfer bed. She saw that the orderlys eyes were both empty and wooden, yet seemed to hide deep malice. She saw that the surface of the transfer bed was covered with a thin blanket, but there was no patient or corpse sleeping on it. What made the back of Francas neck go cold was that the thin blanket appeared to be in a bulging state, yet there was clearly nothing underneath it. Covering an invisible object? Franca and Jenna pressed their backs tightly against the side wall, trying hard to increase the distance between themselves and the orderly and the transfer bed. Amidst the sound of wheels rolling over floor cracks, the orderly maintained a slow, stiff posture, pushing the transfer bed past Franca and Jenna, towards the double doors leading to the corridor with the giant mushroom person. Only when this transfer bed had pushed open the doors, slowly left the current area, and disappeared from their sight did Franca and Jenna end their Invisibility and return to the middle of the corridor. Luo Shan also opened the door on the wall and nimbly leaped out. She didnt forget to casually close the door. How did you know it was safe to come out? Jenna, who was about to knock on the door, asked. Luo Shan raised the pencil in her hand and said with a smile, I drew a peephole inside. Mm, lets continue looking for the elevator lobby. Franca took the lead without hesitation. Just as they reached the exit at the end of the corridor, that set of double doors suddenly swung open. It had opened again, when Franca, Jenna, and Luo Shan were less than three meters away from it. Mushu Hospital, Emergency Center. Based on his experience from the last hospital visit, Zhou Mingrui described the symptoms of acute gastroenteritis and successfully obtained a lab test order from the doctor. He took this order and turned into the right passageway, heading towards the emergency blood drawing area. While waiting for his number to be called at the blood drawing area, he clutched his stomach, pretending he could no longer hold on, and quickly left the area, entering the first-floor lobby and walking towards the nearest public restroom. During this process, he naturally looked around, seeing if he could find any odd details. He hadnt discovered anything in the emergency center before. The nearest public restroom was adjacent to elevators 6 to 10. In the dim light, Zhou Mingrui quickly circled to the elevator lobby. He pressed both Up and Down simultaneously, observing the elevators operation. Soon, two elevators arrived on the first floor, their doors opening almost simultaneously. Zhou Mingrui glanced left and right, finding nothing unusual about the upward elevator, but the downward one gave him a feeling of leading to hell, to the source of fear. Is Mushu Hospitals problem underground? Zhou Mingrui silently mused to himself. Chapter 998 - Chapter 998 Tremor Chapter 998 Tremor Zhou Mingrui stared at the downward elevator until its doors closed. He suppressed the urge within him, choosing not to take the elevator now to explore the underground area of Mushu Hospital. He needed more intelligence. Zhou Mingrui withdrew his gaze and walked towards the elevator lobby exit, intending to go to the nearby public restroom as he had pretended earlier. Suddenly, he looked towards a corner to the side, as if something was hidden in the darkness there. Zhou Mingrui stared for a while but found nothing unusual. He continued walking diagonally forward, turning into the public restroom. After a few seconds, he hid in the shadows, melting into the darkness, and circled back to this area to quietly observe. After patiently waiting for nearly five minutes and confirming there were no potential observers in the corresponding corner, he returned to the public restroom, feigning the appearance of having just finished his business, and slowly walked out towards the emergency blood drawing area. It wasnt until Zhou Mingruis figure entered the brightly lit area that Lumians image, with flowing black hair and striking beauty, reflected on the metal elevator doors of the surgery-specific elevator in the lobby. He wore a light gray T-shirt, a jacket slightly lighter than black water, and off-white trousers that were a bit short due to his height, revealing the edges of his socks. Strong spirituality, keen intuition, this doesnt seem like just a Sequence 9 Assassin Lumian sighed softly. Of course, he knew Zhou Mingrui couldnt be merely a Sequence 9 Assassin. Earlier, he had hidden in that corner using Invisibility. If Zhou Mingrui had made any move towards the hospitals underground area, he would have immediately tried to stop him. Who knew, he was almost discovered by Zhou Mingrui. Fortunately, he wasnt just a Hunter and a Demoness. With a Blink, he transferred his position, hiding completely within the metal mirror surface formed by the elevator doors. Lumian walked out of the elevator, about to stealthily approach the emergency center along the largely unlit lobby, when he suddenly felt a vibration under his feet. It was like a subtle earthquake, or as if a not-too-violent explosion had occurred underground. Lumian stopped, lowered his head, and stared at the stone-tiled floor. Has something changed in the underground area? Lumian pondered to himself. Seeing the wooden doors swing open before them, Franca pulled Luo Shan, her feet sliding, quickly hiding in the shadows cast by the dim light to the side. Then, she merged with the shadows, letting Luo Shan press against the wall behind her, using herself as a shadow to provide better cover. Meanwhile, Jenna used Invisibility. In the blink of an eye, before the wooden doors were fully open, the three had completed their concealment. This time, it was again an orderly wearing light blue clothing and a white mask pushing a transfer bed in. But unlike before, there was a patient covered with a thin blanket lying on the transfer bed. The patient was in her twenties, wearing a loose blue and white checkered hospital gown, her golden long hair docilely spread to both sides, her forehead neither wide nor narrow, smooth and beautiful, her eyes a jade green, her demeanor melancholic and serene. The most noticeable thing about her was her abdomen, which was greatly swollen, seeming to be over seven months pregnant. Pushing a patient there are no wards or examination rooms in the underground area Franca pondered inwardly. Of course, she knew that in a place where the dream subconsciouss psychological trauma and the Mother Tree of Desires abyssal symbol merged, rationality was a scarce element. The foreign pregnant woman lying on the transfer bed might well be a psychological trauma of Mr. Fool or that Celestial Worthy! Luo Shan, shielded behind Franca, only saw the foreign pregnant woman after the transfer bed had passed their hiding spot. Her gaze suddenly froze. That was, that was the woman she had just seen in her dream! Although at that time one of her eyes had been gouged out, hanging near the socket, her face covered with very deep, fleshless wounds, and head-sized bloody tumors growing from both shoulders, Luo Shan still recognized her at a glance. Luo Shan bit her lip, not letting herself make any sound of surprise. Just then, from the highly swollen belly of the pregnant woman on the transfer bed came the cry of an infant. Waaa! Franca instantly bristled. What the hell are you crying for when youre not even born yet? This cry caused the latent fear in Franca, Jenna, and Luo Shan to explode simultaneously, uncontrollably causing them to make extra movements. Franca consequently emerged from the shadows, and Jenna could no longer maintain her Invisibility state. In a flash, the orderly with empty and wooden eyes turned to look at Jenna, and the foreign pregnant woman on the transfer bed also sat up, looking towards Franca and Luo Shan. Lets go for it! Franca gritted her teeth and concealed her form. Her idea was to temporarily repel the orderly and the foreign pregnant woman, then seize the opportunity to escape to the next area through the open double doors. Based on their previous experience, the monsters in the current area would not leave their own territory. The next second, the whites of the orderlys eyes became more pronounced, a cold aura emanating from his body as he took a large step towards Jenna. Jenna once again vanished, causing the orderly to grasp at empty air. Immediately after, her figure quickly outlined behind the orderly, thrusting the sharp dagger in her hand towards the orderlys back. Pfft! Her dagger seemed to strike metal and ironwood, only piercing the clothing, unable to penetrate the skin. Jenna wasnt shocked. She let the quiet, vile Demoness black flame appear on the surface of the dagger, quickly infusing into the orderlys body. With a whoosh, the orderly, feeling increasingly inhuman, burst into Demoness black flames from the inside out. He silently wailed as his spirituality and life began to rapidly fade. On the other side, the first thing Franca did was also use Invisibility, while Luo Shan strode forward, darting out over ten meters in an instant. Franca appeared in front of the transfer bed, a mirror now in her hand, reflecting the image of the foreign pregnant woman. Almost simultaneously, she pressed her palm, covered in quiet black flames, towards the mirror surface. Throughout this process, the foreign pregnant womans reactions seemed rather slow, just like an ordinary person. She then saw black flames erupting from her belly, hearing the babys cries becoming more pronounced. She let out a shrill and agonized scream, her figure instantly disappearing from the transfer bed. But when she reappeared in Francas planned escape direction, the evil black flames were still burning on her body, growing stronger. Plop! Plop! Plop! The foreign pregnant womans flesh seemed to melt away, falling to the ground piece by piece. Feeling her aura rapidly dissipating, seeing the orderly collapse to the ground motionless, Franca actually felt a sense of unreal bewilderment. Is it resolved just like that? Was that giant mushroom person from earlier actually an exception, and the monsters in Mushu Hospitals underground area are also suppressed at Sequence 7? No, I shouldnt think like that, raising a flag is bad Before Franca could correct her thoughts, she saw the foreign pregnant woman fall, her abdomen tearing inch by inch, as if something was trying to burrow out. At the same time, the pieces of flesh that had fallen to the ground from the foreign pregnant woman also underwent abnormal changes. Some merged with the floor tiles, transforming into womb-like shapes, giving birth to square-shaped infants with eyebrows and eyes. Some touched the transfer bed, causing the bluish mechanical bed surface to suddenly bulge, sprouting one after another small beds with human heads and wheels for limbs. Some splattered onto the ceiling, causing the energy-saving lights to suddenly brighten, producing dozens of children with human bodies and light bulb heads Franca and Jenna instinctively retreated seven or eight steps towards the direction of the mushroom person, seeming to have been stunned. Is this the psychological trauma of a great existence? As expected of a great existences psychological trauma! Dont come over here! I dont want to give birth! In her terror, Franca drew out the iron-black Inevitable Gun. She found that the foreign pregnant woman was not completely dead yet, still producing more flesh, and those pieces of flesh were wriggling, seeking new wombs or fathers, constantly giving birth, constantly reproducing. Moreover, the foreign pregnant womans abdomen had completely torn open, and the fetus inside was about to crawl out. Franca forced herself to calm down, aimed at the foreign pregnant womans abdomen, and pulled the trigger. Bang! A bullet exuding a dim blue-green color shot out, passing through the numerous, oddly shaped infants, accurately hitting the target, burrowing into the foreign pregnant womans abdomen. Certain Death! The cry of the baby in the foreign pregnant womans belly suddenly became intense and resentful, but it ceased abruptly in the blink of an eye. Similarly, the foreign pregnant woman stopped secreting flesh, and those that had already separated also withered after giving birth to a new fetus. Thankfully, Certain Death worked Seeing this, Franca secretly let out a sigh of relief. Just then, she, Jenna, and Luo Shan felt the earth tremble. The tremor only lasted for a second, but Franca and the others saw the new corridor outside the double doors collapsing inch by inch. The walls, rooms, and ceiling there were also falling into an abyss of dense blackness with no visible bottom. This collapse slowly spread towards the current area. Franca and Jenna sensed something, one looking up towards the ceiling, the other turning to look at the area where the giant mushroom person was, blocked by the wooden doors. Franca discovered that the ceiling above them was also falling, but instead of crashing down on them, it was falling directly into the seemingly bottomless dense darkness. Jenna saw that the area where the giant mushroom person was also began to collapse, the collapse spreading towards where they were staying. Does killing that foreign pregnant woman trigger a change in the underground area? No, this might be the true appearance of Mushu Hospitals underground area now, a dark abyss containing various psychological traumas What we walked through and saw earlier was just a disguise influenced by the dream city, with corridors and some rooms symbolizing safe zones Franca suddenly had this realization. What, what should we do? Luo Shan finally overcame her terror. She had first needed eyebleach from the sight of hundreds and thousands of monster infants and their birth process. It shocked her mind before she realized that she and the others seemed to have nowhere to go. Chapter 999 - Chapter 999 Opportunity Chapter 999 Opportunity Seeing the collapse gradually spreading towards their area and hearing Luo Shans question filled with obvious terror, Franca and Jenna exchanged a glance before decisively telling Luo Shan, Quick, draw a door that can lead to the outside world! Clearly, they could no longer continue forward to find the elevator lobby and emergency exits. Okay! Luo Shan nodded vigorously. She turned around, holding a pen in one hand and a pencil in the other, and began sketching on the wall. At this moment, Franca and Jenna noticed that the monster children born from the foreign pregnant woman and various objects were all surging towards them. They seemed to fear falling into the bottomless abyss and were desperately trying to avoid it, to the point of forgetting their goal of attacking enemies. Being close to Jenna and the others, the monster children quickly reduced the distance between them to two meters. Some of their eyes once again reflected the figures of Franca, Jenna, and Luo Shan, with their desire to attack growing fierce and violent. Just then, a thick ice wall appeared before them. A translucent layer of ice in the shape of a hemisphere enveloped Franca and the others inside. This was created by Demoness of Affliction Jenna. Seeing the densely packed monsters, some square-shaped, some like small beds, some with light bulb-shaped heads, crawling on the surface of the hemispherical ice wall, trying various ways to break through this barrier, Franca felt her fear of clustered objects and humanoid creatures about to explode simultaneously. She condensed quiet and sinister Demoness black flames around her, waiting for the moment the first layer of ice wall would shatter. In just seven or eight seconds, the beautiful crystalline ice wall made a crisp shattering sound under the attack of numerous monster children. Black flames quickly flew out from around Franca and Jenna, passing through the rapidly expanding cracks, igniting nearly twenty monster children. They burst into flames all over, wailing and rolling on the spot, obstructing many of their siblings advance and igniting those around them. Seizing this opportunity, before the hemispherical ice wall completely collapsed, Franca and Jenna joined forces to create a second layer of ice wall, only ten centimeters apart from the previous one. Its done! Luo Shans voice rang out. While continuing to delay the approach of the monster children, Franca and Jenna expectantly glanced at the pattern on the wall with their peripheral vision. It was a vivid door outlined by pencil marks and blue ink, with a doorplate at the top bearing the numbers 1502. This was the door to Luo Shans home, almost identical to what Franca and Jenna remembered, except for the color difference. The current one was closer to a sketch! Luo Shan pressed her thumb to the position corresponding to the door lock, making the fake door on the wall emit an unlocking sound. Then, she turned the handle and pushed open the door she had drawn to her own home. The light behind the door was dim, outlining all the items in room 1502, but they appeared unusually illusory. As the illusion gradually solidified into reality, Luo Shans joyful gaze suddenly froze. She saw her windows collapsing, her balcony collapsing, all of them falling towards an abyss filled with dense darkness! The door Luo Shan had drawn and the passage she had established also collapsed inch by inch, just like the surrounding environment. It doesnt work Luo Shan uttered, almost in a delirium. She turned her gaze, filled with undisguised despair yet brimming with hope, towards Franca and Jenna, hoping they could come up with a new solution. At this moment, the nearest collapse had already swallowed the original corridor, causing the double doors separating the two sides to sway and fall. This was already inches from Franca and company. Through the gaps between the monster children, Franca could see more clearly the bottomless dense darkness, and something seemingly hidden in its depths. That figure, apparently wrapped in a robe, or perhaps the robe itself blown up by the wind. Even just vaguely glimpsing the outline from a distance, the fear in Francas heart exploded without warning. The skin on her face became semi-transparent, and the flesh beneath began to writhe, as if it had gained a certain life of its own. Instinctively, reflexively, Franca averted her gaze, withdrawing her line of sight. She suddenly had a realization. What she had just seen was the thing Mr. Fools subconscious or the Celestial Worthys subconscious feared most, their strongest psychological trauma! It was clearly not subject to the dreams suppression of power levels. If they couldnt escape and fell into the abyss along with the collapsing corridor, falling towards that place, death might be the gentlest and most beautiful outcome. Franca shook her head violently, shaking off the small amount of glue that was clouding part of her thoughts. As Jenna used a third layer of ice wall to block those monster children, she took out the Ice Amulet and a mirror. She said to Jenna and Luo Shan, Well go through the mirror world. No matter how terrifying the hidden dangers in the mirror world are, they cant be more horrifying than the psychological trauma at the bottom of this abyss! Of two evils, choose the lesser! Okay. Jenna didnt object, and Luo Shan, lacking experience, chose to trust her two companions. The Ice Amulet in Francas hand rapidly lit up with a crystalline glow. The next second, Franca found that the glass surface of the mirror had somehow already turned pitch black, as solid as rock, impenetrable. We cant get in its different from before the collapse Franca felt a surge of uncontrollable despair. Were they really going to fall into that bottomless abyss and face the strongest part of a great existences psychological trauma? Cant get in? Jennas action of shooting Demoness black flames to ignite the monster children noticeably slowed for a second. Luo Shan was suddenly dumbfounded, her mouth half-open as she said, Is there really no way at all? Hearing these words, Jenna gritted her teeth and created another hemispherical ice wall. The surface of the ice wall was quickly covered with various monster children, densely packed, now less than a meter away from Franca and the others. The collapse of the corridor had also reached this area. Francas thoughts raced, her eyes flickering twice as she said, I still have a way! As she spoke, she took out the black eyeball left behind by the reanimated corpse Panatiya and other supplementary ingredients from her Travelers Bag: Ill advance to Demoness of Despair now! Its perfect timing, Ive been using Disease to secretly influence the monsters in this corridor, which can save a lot of time. The monster children crawling all over Jennas ice wall and their companions behind were all within three meters of Franca, numbering close to a thousand. Its useless, even a Demoness of Despair is now suppressed to Sequence 7 level, at most Sequence 6, it cant forcibly open a path to the mirror world! Jenna instinctively refuted Franca. She wanted to stay calm, but was overwhelmed by the monster children breaking through the ice wall, barely managing to establish a new hemispherical ice wall sixty centimeters away from them. Franca, while using the black eyeball condensed from the reanimated corpses Beyonder characteristics to create more virulent viruses, drank a bottle of healing agent and reminded Jenna, Quickly drink a bottle too, Luo Shan already had one earlier. Then, Franca explained rapidly, The important thing is not me advancing to Demoness of Despair, but that every Demoness advancement draws the attention of the Primordial Demoness. I need Her attention! Seeing Jenna drink the healing agent, Franca helped maintain the defense line and asked in return, Does Mr. Fool know about the Primordial Demoness? Definitely. Jenna answered without hesitation. Mr. Fools avatar had dealings with the Demoness Sect many times, he must be aware of the existence of the Primordial Demoness. Franca glanced at the corridor that had already collapsed to the transfer bed and said to Jenna and Luo Shan, Lets move towards the center; buy more time. The collapse progress on both sides of the corridor was about the same, but Franca and the others were clearly closer to one side. Without waiting for Jenna and Luo Shan to respond, Franca suddenly withdrew the force maintaining the ice wall and ran at her fastest speed towards the middle section of the corridor about ten to twenty meters away. Luo Shan ran even faster. After the three had determined their positions, Jenna once again condensed an ice wall to block the pursuing monster children, while Franca continued to spread mystical pathogens around. She explained quickly, Since Mr. Fool knows about the Primordial Demoness, there must be a manifestation corresponding to the Primordial Demoness in this dreamwe just havent discovered it yet, and true gods can directly enter the dream city. When I advance here, my real self will also advance. Based on our experience, no matter what state the Primordial Demoness is in, whether the situation is good or bad, She will turn Her gaze towards this. As a true god, She wont have difficulty discovering that my consciousness is in a real dream, and will likely project Herself in, using Her inherent dream manifestation to truly observe me advancing in the underground area of Mushu Hospital. She certainly wont risk descending here, nor does She have the feelings or motivation to save me, but as the ruler of the mirror world, Her mere gaze will likely open a channel between the mirror world and this area, and possibly cause the hidden dangers in the mirror world to temporarily disperse! This cant be guaranteed. Jenna blurted out, her tone anxious and confused. This place was a product of the fusion of a great existences psychological trauma and the Mother Tree of Desires abyssal symbol, and more great existences had projected some power into it. Even if they were all suppressed to mid-low Sequences, could the Primordial Demoness in a poor state break the blockade on the mirror world with just Her gaze? Theres no such thing as a 100% successful plan, but not trying guarantees failure. Franca quickly responded. Jenna fell silent, biting her lip before saying with a trembling voice, This will prevent you from leaving the dream, and if the dream ends soon, you will die because of it Franca, waiting for the mystical pathogens to take effect, was silent for a moment before saying through gritted teeth, Well deal with future problems in the future! If we dont survive now, there wont be a future! But Jennas voice suddenly choked. Her mind tried to grasp something, but couldnt hold onto anything. Franca interrupted her, her expression complex as she mocked her own past naivety and love for fantasy, After killing the reanimated corpse, obtaining the Beyonder characteristics and supplementary ingredients, knowing that all ritual requirements in the dream city would be lowered to Sequence 7 level, I was thinking, is this, is this giving me an opportunity? When everyone is in a desperate situation, with no other options, to stand up like a hero, consume the potion, break through in the face of danger, forcibly advance, reverse the outcome, save everyone, save the world At this point, Francas expression suddenly settled. She calmly looked at Jenna, revealing a bright smile. Now, the opportunity has presented itself. Chapter 1000 - Chapter 1000 Gaze Chapter 1000 Gaze Jenna looked at the smile on Francas face and listened to her calm words tinged with self-mockery. She suddenly felt a lump in her throat. Her gaze swept over the monster children about to break through the newest ice wall, over the collapse that had already swallowed the transfer bed and the orderly. She bit her lip hard and said, Okay The rest of her words got stuck in her throat, as if ice had melted into hot water. She could only tell herself that future problems would be solved in the future, and that they would surely find a solution! Franca estimated the time and began preparing the Despair potion using the black eyeball from the reanimated corpse and the corresponding supplementary materials. Jenna allowed the wet feeling to spread from the corner of her eye to the edge of her face while focusing on blocking the approach of the monster children. She no longer created her own Disease, leaving these oddly-shaped targets all to Franca. After the monster children were born, she had also been quietly spreading mystical pathogens. Luo Shan, who was bewildered and inexplicably terrified by the conversation between the two, also reined in her thoughts and began adding various patterns to Jennas ice wall to enhance its defense. In the burst of light, the monster children were unable to break through the ice wall in the shortest time and advance further. Behind them, the floor tiles of the corridor, the walls on both sides, and the ceiling above kept collapsing. The bottomless dark abyss was getting closer and closer to them. After a while, some of the monster children began to cough violently, coughing so hard that they slid down from the surface of the ice wall. Others became rigid and could no longer move smoothly. Those crowded outside the ice wall, separated from Jenna and the others by several meters, were finally caught up by the collapse. They surged forward like a tide but couldnt get past the bodies of their siblings. They began to fall towards the dense darkness hiding unknown terrors. Strong feelings of despair emanated from them, rapidly spreading to their companions clinging to the ice wall surface as their conditions worsened. Now! Franca raised the bottle, bringing the deep purple potion bubbling with rosy bubbles to her lips. She drank it without hesitation. The potion had no taste, or perhaps Franca could no longer distinguish its taste. She only felt her spirit and thoughts rapidly falling into a lightless, enclosed darkness, plummeting towards an unknown depth. Something seemed to be calling her there. Trier, inside a luxurious villa. Franca, sleeping on the bed, still had her eyes tightly shut, but her hair eerily began to float, gradually growing longer, darker, and thicker. Madam Judgment, standing guard in the villas living room, instantly sensed something and Blinked into Francas room. Looking at the transformed Franca, Madam Judgment didnt rush to act. Instead, she took out a charm made of gray-white dragon scales, activated it, and made it ethereal. Theres been a change in the dream. Two of Cups was forced to advance to Demoness of Despair within the dream, Madam Judgments words combined with the ethereal charm, quickly becoming transparent and merging into the night sky. At this moment, Madam Judgment felt a certain gaze, a gaze from the Travelers Bag, from an unknown place, a gaze upon Franca. Dream city, Mushu Hospital, B2. Francas consciousness and spirit floated and fell within the enclosed darkness. She felt countless invisible threads of intense despair extending from the outside world, following their mystical connections to grasp her body. At the same time, she saw two brilliant starry lights. Those were the people she cared about, and who cared about her, the anchors that let her know who she was! The groggy Franca gradually regained clarity, vaguely sensing a gaze full of resentment, hatred, and expectation watching her from somewhere in the deep darkness. Suddenly, her Travelers Bag outside the spiritual world began to vibrate, a vibration she could clearly perceive. It was the Primordial Demoness figurine carved from white bone that was noticeably trembling. At the same time, Franca discovered an indescribable gaze from above directed at her, penetrating through layers of mirror worlds! Her hair instantly turned completely black, floating in the air like tentacles, with their tips swelling into spheres, as if about to open into numerous eyes. Francas face became even more beautiful, emanating a charm that even made Luo Shan, a girl who preferred the opposite sex, unable to look away, her heart pounding, like a moth throwing itself into the fire. Franca struggled to open her eyes and spoke in a voice that seemed to pluck at the strings of the soul, Its done Jenna stopped maintaining the ice wall and activated the Ice Mirror Charm she had been holding. In the crystalline light, she felt the surface of the mirror in her other hand ripple with a faint glow, losing its rock-solid texture. They really could pass through and leave via the mirror world! The barrier had been broken! Moreover, Jenna discovered that the dangers previously hidden in the mirror world had also disappeared. This was beyond her expectations. She had originally thought that the Primordial Demonesss gaze could break through the obstacles and connect to the mirror world, which would have been impressive enough. She never imagined it could actually dispel the hidden dangers. This was also Francas confusion. She struggled to tell Jenna and Luo Shan, Both of you go first She was still fighting against the potions impact, transforming her body, and temporarily unable to move. If the mirror world hadnt suppressed this advancement to Sequence 7 level, she wouldnt even have been able to speak at this stage! Jenna didnt hesitate. She gave Franca a deep look, grabbed Luo Shans arm, and plunged into the compact mirror in her hand. The compact mirror then fell to the ground as the surrounding ice wall completely collapsed. However, the monster children closest to Franca had all been infected with severe illness and were no longer able to approach or attack. In the mirror world, Jenna led Luo Shan through a surreal tunnel, heading towards a corresponding mirror guided by their spirituality. In the blink of an eye, they reached a new area behind the mirror, able to leave the current world. Jenna suddenly sensed something and turned her head to look into the depths of the mirror world. It seemed that some dangerous entity had awakened slightly there, instantly filling the entire mirror world with a sense of terror. Silently, the mirror world completely collapsed. Franca Jennas pupils dilated as she softly called out her companions name. The scene before her eyes meant that Franca would temporarily be unable to escape via the mirror world, and by the time the mirror world recovered, the Primordial Demonesss gaze would likely have ended, and the force isolating the inside from the outside would reappear! Blood trickled from Jennas lips as she endured the pain invading her mind. Before the terrifying collapse of the mirror world could rapidly spread to them, she pulled Luo Shan and emerged from the mirror surface. She knew that blindly returning would only lead to them getting lost in the spatiotemporal turbulence deep in the mirror world, which would be of no help in rescuing Franca. She planned to go to the first floor of Mushu Hospital and take the elevator back to the underground area! At this moment, Franca, still in the process of advancing, also discovered the collapse of the mirror world. She then felt violent tremors like an earthquake at the bottom of the dark abyss. It was as if certain entities hidden in the dark abyss had been stimulated by the collapsing force of the mirror world and were reacting. With these tremors, the corridor beneath Francas feet that had not yet been affected by the collapse suddenly gave way, carrying her and hundreds of monster children into the bottomless dark abyss. Dammit! Franca hadnt expected this development. The despair of those monster children became even more intense, solidifying into substance. Franca was also uncontrollably enveloped by the emotions of despair. This helped her through the final stage of her advancement, causing her floating thick black hair to fall back around her, no longer abnormal, and restoring some of its flaxen color. Gritting her teeth, Franca used the Demonesss feather-fall technique to slow her descent, allowing her some degree of control. She chose to move away from the intense psychological shadow she had sensed earlier, that thing resembling a giant shroud, which would surely make her wish for death. She drifted towards other areas, taking a gamble. What if the psychological traumas in other parts of the abyss, though intense, arent fatally dangerous? As a human, one must hold onto some hope, not give up entirely and fall into complete despair! Jenna emerged from the metal mirror surface of the elevator lobby doors with Luo Shan, immediately seeing the female version of Lumian who had just lifted her gaze from the shaking ground. She wasnt surprised to see Lumian here and blurted out, Franca is below, not at B1! The mirror world has collapsed! Lumians eyes instantly narrowed. He didnt ask for details but said directly, Go to the emergency center and find Zhou Mingrui. See if you can get him to help and go to the underground area. As for the rest, leave it to me. Ill handle it. Zhou Mingrui is at Mushu Hospital now? Both Jenna and Luo Shan were shocked. Before Jenna could speak, Lumian added in a deep voice, I had anticipated scenarios where we might have to enter the bottom of Mushu Hospital to attempt sabotage and made some preparations. Everyone has their own task. Finding Zhou Mingrui is equally important! As he spoke, Lumian had already reached the elevator and pressed the down arrow. Jennas vision suddenly blurred. She didnt stubbornly insist, but gave a terse response and pulled Luo Shan towards the emergency center. She knew they couldnt put all their eggs in one basket. She knew she couldnt be selfish now. She knew that without godhood, even if she went to the bottom of Mushu Hospital, she probably couldnt be of much help and might even burden Lumian and Franca. She wished she didnt know these things. At this moment, she felt her own weakness due to the intense pain, and because of her weakness, she felt even more pain, giving rise to an extreme desire and motivation to change this situation. Her Affliction potion was fully digested. Lumian entered the elevator and pressed the B2 button. As the elevator began to descend, Lumian looked at his stunningly beautiful reflection in the metal mirror surface with a grim expression. When the elevator stopped and the doors opened, he quickly stepped out and looked towards the area outside the elevator. What met his eyes was a darkness as black as an abyss with no visible bottom. Lumians gaze instantly froze. Suddenly, a voice sounded from a dark corner of the elevator lobby. Child of God. Lumian abruptly turned his head to see a person standing in the shadows by the emergency exit. It was Lu Yongan, the dean of obstetrics at Mushu Hospital and a bestowed of the Great Mother. Lu Yongans face was shrouded in darkness. She looked at Lumian and said in a low voice, To save someone from there, one can only beseech the Mothers help. Chapter 1001 - Chapter 1001 Choice Chapter 1001 Choice Mushu Hospital, in the corridor leading from the first floor lobby to the emergency center. Luo Shan slowed down to allow Jenna to lead her. Thud! Thud! Thud! Jenna ran quickly, finally seeing Zhou Mingrui wearing a loose sky blue T-shirt. At the same time, her gaze swept outside the emergency center, taking in the deep night. Jennas footsteps suddenly stopped, and she turned sideways, moving closer to the wall area. This way, she could no longer see Zhou Mingrui, and he could not see her either. Whats wrong? Luo Shan, who had also stopped, asked in confusion. Its night now, Jenna replied in a low voice. Is that a problem? Luo Shan was even more bewildered. Wasnt it established from the beginning that it was night? Otherwise, why would I be dreaming? Jenna didnt have time to explain to Luo Shan that Zhou Mingrui might have something special hidden at night, and that they hadnt yet had a chance to experiment whether just normal contact with Zhou Mingrui at night would kick them out of the dream. She said directly to Luo Shan, Its not convenient for me to talk to Zhou Mingrui at night. You go alone to ask for his help for Luo Fu. Dont worry, Ill observe the situation from the shadows. If anything goes wrong, Ill come out immediately to save you. Luo Shan knew this wasnt a good time to ask questions. She nodded firmly and said, Alright! After Jennas figure disappeared into the shadows by the wall, Luo Shan quickly ran into the emergency center. She immediately saw Zhou Mingrui approaching the exit, seemingly about to leave. Luo Shan felt a sudden urgency and blurted out, Zhou Mingrui! Zhou Mingrui turned around in surprise, seeing Luo Shan in her short-sleeved pajamas and thin pajama pants. Why is she here too? Zhou Mingruis first reaction was that Luo Shan had also come for emergency carepajamas werent out of place in the emergency center, but rather fit the situation. Then, Zhou Mingrui thought that Luo Shan should also be a Beyonder, associated with words like Reporter and Painter, and normally wouldnt have a sudden acute illness. Not a coincidence? Puzzled, Zhou Mingrui cautiously took a few steps towards Luo Shan. After approaching Zhou Mingrui, Luo Shan didnt give him a chance to ask questions. She took a breath and said in a low voice, Save Luo Fu, shes trapped at the bottom of the hospital. As she spoke, Luo Shan looked around to prevent anyone from eavesdropping. Luo Fu? Bottom of the hospital? Zhou Mingrui caught the two most crucial pieces of information. He still remembered the intense fear he felt when observing the downward elevator earlier, suspecting it led to hell or doomsday. Before gathering enough intelligence, he didnt dare take the elevator down! Now, Luo Fu had gone in there and was trapped? Zhou Mingrui instinctively asked Luo Shan, Me? Me saving Luo Fu? Is this a mistake? Im just an Assassin with a small amount of supernatural abilities. Both Luo Fu and Luo Shan should be stronger than me, yet they want me to go to the bottom of Mushu Hospital to save Luo Fu? After hearing the conversation between Franca and Jenna before Franca consumed the Despair potion, Luo Shan had basically confirmed that the current world was indeed a dream. So, she believed that Zhou Mingrui, as the master of the dream, could do anything as long as he wanted to! Luo Shan couldnt start by explaining that this was a dream. She feared it might bring unknown, drastic changes and waste precious time. She could only ponder for two seconds before saying, You dont need to go and save her directly. You just need to enter B2 and stand there. That should be enough. That works? Zhou Mingrui was stunned. Isnt this way of saving someone too frivolous? I just stand in the corridor of Mushu Hospitals B2, and it will allow Luo Fu to no longer be trapped, able to escape from that area that gives me a sense of hell? Whats the principle behind this? Finding a male Assassin to serve as a formation node? Or Thinking of this, Zhou Mingrui suddenly had a flash of insight. Could it be that theres something special about me? In the B2 elevator lobby. To save someone from there, one can only beseech the Mothers help? Lumian mulled over the words he had just heard, his gaze falling on Lu Yongans face. That face, like a full moon, was covered in shifting light and shadow, unclear and indistinct. Lumian looked deeply at Lu Yongan for a few seconds, then said calmly, I have other methods. For now, I dont need to seek the Mothers help. You should return to the obstetrics department. If I really need to beseech the Mothers help, I know what to do. Lu Yongan didnt try to persuade him, but slightly bowed her head and said, Yes, Child of God. The next second, she turned into the emergency stairwell, heading up the stairs. Lumian didnt wait for Lu Yongan to finish climbing the stairs. He quickly turned around, took a few steps to the edge of the elevator lobby, and gazed into the dark abyss that was now within reach. He then reached into the Travelers Bag and took out an item. The item was a pale yellow with red, semi-solidified candle in a glass bottle. Corpse wax candle! Lumian hadnt lied to Jenna and Lu Yongan earlier. He had truly envisioned what to do if he had to raid the bottom of Mushu Hospital and attempt sabotage, and had come up with an initial plan, though without much confidence. The core of this plan was the corpse wax candle obtained from the Tudor treasury on the Blue Avenger. Lumian had used a corpse wax candle once before, completing the corresponding secret contract, seeing a strange city and sensing an indescribable horror. He believed that the city and the horror should be some kind of object, will, or existence that could potentially drag all the true gods down with Alista Tudor, occupying the top positions of both the Hunter and Demoness pathways. In other words, it should be roughly on the same level as Mr. Fool, the Great Mother, the Mother Tree of Desire, and The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings. Lumians plan was to light the corpse wax candle here, in B2 of Mushu Hospital, next to the bottomless darkness formed by the combination of the dream subconscious psychological traumas and the abyss symbol of the Mother Tree of Desire, to complete a secret contract and establish a certain connection with that strange city or that horrifying will. At that time, that will should also be interested in the bottom of Mushu Hospital and the dream city, and this place itself was a key node where great existences had infiltrated some of their power. Lumian smiled. He was looking forward to the chaotic situation that would follow. He wasnt so concerned about what might happen to himself. Lumian rubbed his fingers together, producing a black flame that suppressed madness and violence. Unlike last time when he chose to use the Hunters flame to light the corpse wax candle, or relying on the ritual fire produced by the friction between the Demonesss black flame and spirituality, this time he used the Flame of Destruction, a flame formed by the amalgamation of the Hunter and Demoness pathways! This was almost identical to the essence of the corpse wax candle. The corpse wax candle was made from the corpse oil of the Iron-blooded Knight, a demigod of the Hunter pathway, and the Demoness of Despair, a demigod of the Demoness pathway, blended with other substances. Using the burning Flame of Destruction, Lumian lit the black wick of the corpse wax candle. After glancing at the jumping, slightly black candlelight, he turned his gaze towards the dense, dark, heart-chillingly terrifying illusory abyss. With a stunningly beautiful smile on his face, he said calmly, Im not here to join you, Im here to destroy this place. Franca fell deeper and deeper into the dense darkness of the boundless void, unable to find any footing. Her emotions and spirit seemed to be falling into another abyss, becoming increasingly depressed, despondent, and desperate, gradually giving rise to a touch of malice. Suddenly, a spreading mass of grayish-white fog appeared below her. This fog was in a semi-merged state with the dense darkness, indicating that it might also be a psychological trauma rather than a real object. Franca looked left and right, feeling she couldnt continue falling any further, as she sensed she was about to be bound, becoming a slave of the abyss, just like those orderlies. She no longer avoided it, falling towards that half-dark, half-light grayish-white fog, constantly muttering, If its fortune, its not misfortune; if its misfortune, it cant be avoided If its fortune, its not misfortune; if its misfortune, it cant be avoided If its fortune, its not misfortune; if its misfortune, it cant be avoided As she muttered, Franca made contact with the grayish-white fog, penetrating into it. Soon, her feet touched soft, fluffy clouds, and she was suddenly filled with shock, sadness, despair, and pain. She knew this wasnt actually her inner feelings, but rather the intense emotions permeating this area that had enveloped her, eroding into her mind, making her feel as if she had been corrupted. Next, Franca saw a blurry, brilliant door of light tinged with a bit of blue-black. The door of light seemed to be composed of countless layers of light orbs, and each orb seemed alive, slowly writhing, some transparent, some semi-transparent. Franca also saw that black thin lines hung down from above the door of light, suspending one after another nearly transparent and invisible cocoon. Those cocoons were gently swayed by wind from an unknown source, lightly swinging, sometimes turning. Franca carefully discerned for a while and found that different cocoons contained different people. There were black people, Asians, white people, some wearing jeans, some in bright and gorgeous clothes, some in anime-style outfits, some holding phones. They all had their eyes tightly closed, as if not completely dead yet. This is very similar to the first psychological trauma we encountered in the corridor, except there was no door of light or cocoons before Franca, still being eroded by the surrounding emotions, suddenly associated it with the hall where Huang Jiajia, Ai Nana, and others were suspended, gaining some understanding but also feeling confused. She looked carefully again and noticed that three of the cocoons were empty. They had split open, and the people inside were nowhere to be found. Were they sent out? Where were they sent? Franca vigilantly guarded against possible details, instinctively moving a few steps to the side. Another invisible wind blew past, and those cocoons swayed again, some turning towards Franca. Francas gaze swept over them, her pupils suddenly dilating. She saw a familiar figure. It was a man standing upright inside a transparent cocoon, his head slightly bowed, wearing clothes belonging to the protagonist of Assassins Creed II. It was herself! It was him before the transmigration! Chapter 1002 - Chapter 1002 The Answer to the Questions Chapter 1002 The Answer to the Questions Looking at her past self suspended in the transparent cocoon, Francas mind buzzed with many thoughts, like boiling oatmeal. What exactly is this place? Is this Mr. Fools or the Celestial Worthys psychological trauma? Was I like this, enclosed in a cocoon hanging above the door of light, from losing my memory until completing the transmigration? Are the other cocoons containing other members of the research society? What do those three empty cocoons represent? Who hung us up? This is very similar to a manifestation of the High-Sequence Seer pathway Did the Celestial Worthy do this? So, is this Mr. Fools psychological trauma? He Just as these thoughts flashed through Francas mind, behind the brilliant light gate, some of the gray fog dispersed, revealing a sphere. It was a view of the planet from the moon, from space. Franca then saw the northern and southern continents, the western continent covered in a layer of grayish-white mist, and the eastern continent sunk in darkness. At the same time, a voice with a hint of solemnity echoed in her ears: This place has an ancient name, called Chernobyl! This place has an ancient name, called Chernobyl! As the voice echoed, Franca stared blankly at the familiar yet strange planet in the depths of the gray fog, at the four continentseast, south, west, and northwhich had changed somewhat but were still recognizable. She was as if struck by lightning. Suddenly, she understood many questions, ones she couldnt find answers to before or had avoided certain answers while seeking other explanations. Why does this world also have 365 days in a year, with an extra day every four years Why does this world also have 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in an hour, 60 seconds in a minute Why the human body structure in this world was identical to Earths, and corresponding relationships can be found in most elements Why was Mr. Fools dream a modern city Why was Mr. Fools marionette town called Utopia Why were Mr. Fools avatars called Gehrman Sparrow and Merlin Hermes Franca stared blankly at the strange yet familiar planet, at the four continents and dreamlike blue oceans in her memory. Salty, wet tears had unknowingly fallen down her face. Her mind was telling her the answer, but her heart was refusing to accept it. This world might just be Earth Francas vision was already blurred, but she dared not close her eyes, afraid to see those images that always appeared before her in midnight dreams. Her heart burst with intense shock, sadness, and immense despair and pain, almost identical to the intense emotions pervading the current area, indistinguishable and seemingly merging: Perhaps we never left, but we can never go back. Trier, inside a luxurious villa. In Francas room, Madam Judgment, Madam Magician, and Madam Justice had gathered by the bedside. Shes crying Madam Judgment, who had been observing Francas condition, suddenly said. The corners of Francas eyes in her sleep had mysteriously become wet, with traces of tears extending to both sides, disappearing into her flaxen hair that had darkened considerably. She seemed to be having an extremely sad dream. At this moment, Madam Judgment and Madam Magician couldnt quite understand why Two of Cups would silently cry while dreaming. They had anticipated what changes might occur in Francas expression in reality, whether it be twisting in pain, exaggerated in madness, or falling into extreme pleasure, all of which were predictable possibilities. But why would she cry? And the tears shed were dominated by sadness and despair. Could one of her companions have met with misfortune? Madam Magician cast her gaze towards the other rooms, finding that Lumian, Jenna, Anthony, and Ludwig were all still alive, though the first twoone with an icy expression, the other unable to hide pain and urgency even in dreams. Arent you going to Placate her? Madam Judgment asked Madam Justice, who was conducting a mental and psychological analysis. Since the mental corruption and emotional impact experienced in the dream would reflect in reality, treating the corresponding psychological issues and mental illnesses in reality would also truly affect the person in the dream. In a dream constructed with spirit and psychology at its core, the inside and outside were indistinguishable in this aspect, blending truth and falsehood. Madam Justices emerald eyes showed a thoughtful expression. Two of Cupss current emotions harbor immense despair, which is also a manifestation of her true state. And what she needs right now is precisely despair, extreme despair. Hearing these words, Madam Magician couldnt help but turn her head to look at the night sky to the east. She said in a low voice, Yes, Two of Cups has already forcibly advanced by leveraging the uniqueness of the dream. What she needs most now is despair, intense and immense despair. This can help her quickly digest the potion. Im not sure exactly what shes seeing or experiencing now, but from the current situation, the making oneself despair part should be enough. Later, we need to find an opportunity to make others despair. Madam Justice nodded slightly and said, Once Two of Cupss current despair subsides somewhat, Ill provide psychological treatment. Now, she might need other help. As this Major Arcana card holder wearing a green dress with white patterns spoke, Madam Magician half-opened her arms. In front of her, points of starlight gathered, condensing into an illusory but brilliant double door. This door slowly opened, revealing a thin layer of grayish-white fog inside. That represented the dream city. As an Angel of the Door pathway, Madam Magician had no problem opening a door and forcibly entering Mr. Fools dream if she really wanted to. Of course, whether such a forceful entry would result in her being instantly observed, losing control, or unknowingly becoming a marionette of the Celestial Worthy remained unknown. In this matter, the unknown referred to which of the two outcomes would occur, not whether these two outcomes would appear. According to Madam Magicians astromancy results, there was only a very small chance that she would encounter nothing, and this was based on Mr. Fool having a certain advantage or the two great existences happening to be in a phase of intense mutual combat. What she was about to do was certainly not to barge in and rescue Franca, but to open such a door, establish the corresponding channel, and assist Madam Justice, who was a Dreamweaver. Originally, Madam Justice could only monitor changes in part of the dream situation, and that was in a vague perceptual way. With such a door, she could directly exert some influence on certain areas of the dream or corresponding characters. In this situation, she, who had been kicked out of the dream three times, couldnt do much, but what they wanted to convey to Franca was just a brief sentence. As the door to the dream city opened, Madam Justice closed her emerald eyes that seemed able to reflect the human soul, raised her right hand, and began to sketch dreamlike, unreal symbols in the air. Mushu Hospital, B2, edge of the elevator lobby. Lumian, gazing at the illusory dark abyss, inhaling the faintly sweet and warm dark fragrance, enduring the agitation in his bone marrow and desires, feeling as if his entire being was about to ignite, entered a state of ethereal quietude. His mind and thoughts gradually dispersed, becoming increasingly numb to the passage of time. Finally, he saw a fog tinged with a dark hue, feeling as if he was walking through such a fog. Just like before, he saw the outlines of various buildings, saw things similar to trains running on blurry streets, saw ladies with round fans covering their faces riding in human-pulled canopied two-wheeled carts approaching him. He flew up, flew towards the depths of the dense fog, flew towards somewhere in this strange city. There remained a peculiar high tower that was only a shadow, with indescribable gloom and terror emanating from the bottom of the tower. Lumian, suppressing the fear in his heart and the trembling of his body, descended, entered the tower, and headed straight for the bottom. He then saw an ancient well melding into the darkness, saw that the four walls of the ancient well were built with moss-covered stone blocks, saw iron-black chains locked onto the stone blocks, hanging down into the depths of the ancient well. These chains had numerous reliefs on their surface, but they were blurry, making it difficult for Lumian to discern. Unable to control himself, Lumian stuck out his head, trying to look towards the bottom of the ancient well. What met his eyes was a dense, eerie blood-red color. It seemed to be formed by an unknown amount of blood. Next, Lumian smelled a fishy odor mixed with a sense of rust. He bewilderedly turned his gaze to his nose, finding that blood had somehow already flowed from his nostrils, like real blood. Suddenly, Lumians peripheral vision caught his own head and face reflected clearly in the blood-colored well water. The palm of his right hand instantly became scorching hot, with a manic and violent aura surging out like a flood. This was blocked by a cold and deathly stillness. Outside the spiritual secret deed process, Lumian on B2 of Mushu Hospital, his body visibly trembled. His hair floated up, his face sometimes the stunning Lumina, sometimes the more handsome security guard Li Ming, his chest sometimes swelling, sometimes flattening, his aura sometimes feminine and seductive, sometimes masculine and violent He kept switching between these two states, and if he lacked either one, his body might not be able to withstand it, quickly collapsing and becoming an out-of-control monster. Lumian at the edge of the ancient well sensed a terrifying will that could destroy everything, feeling It casting Its gaze from the depths of the ancient well, observing him. Even with the ability of an Ascetic, even while forcibly controlling himself, Lumian couldnt help but break away from the secret deed ritual and open his eyes. His right palm was still stinging, more intensely than ever before, his eyes a deep black, a black so deep that not even death existed within it, devoid of any life. Before him, in that void of dark abyss, a vortex suddenly appeared, spiraling towards the bottom. Chapter 1003 - 1003 Incantation 1003 Incantation The bottomless darkness seemed to be pulled by some force from deep within, or forcefully pressed down by an invisible giant hand, causing it to suddenly collapse and form a frantic vortex several meters wide. This vortex kept spinning towards the end of the darkness, getting deeper and deeper, like an ancient well. At the same time, all the mirrors on Lumians body shattered with a series of cracking sounds, and the metal elevator doors were suddenly covered with a grayish-white layer, as if they had been abraded by sand. Immediately after, Lumian took a step forward and jumped into the vortex. With the appearance of the vortex, he vaguely sensed his Mirror Substitution left with Franca. At the same time, he knew that the vortex was created by the gaze and power he had drawn through the secret deed ritual, and that it would lead to his intended destination. He knew that if he kept falling in the vortex, he would likely reach where Franca was trapped. He didnt let his body float down slowly like a feather, but maintained a free-fall posture, gaining speed. Wind howled in his ears, and his eyes saw only the deep darkness that had become steep cliffs. Crack! Crack! Crack! The glass windows on every floor of Mushu Hospital shattered explosively, and all mirror-like objects were either covered in scratches or turned to stone-like substances. In the emergency center, all the glass that had shown mirror-like reflections due to the night broke with a crack, including several pairs of dark-colored glasses. Zhou Mingrui and Luo Shan were startled too, feeling as if a huge explosion had occurred nearby. However, they didnt hear any corresponding sound, nor did their ears ring continuously. In the environment where patients, nurses, and doctors had all suddenly become panicked, Zhou Mingrui had a sudden flash of insight and said to Luo Shan in a low voice, The anomaly from underground? Possibly, Im not sure either Luo Shan didnt know much more than Zhou Mingrui, she could only guess that Luo Fu might have done something underground, or encountered something. Zhou Mingrui spoke faster, continuing to ask, Why can I rescue Luo Fu just by standing in B2? Luo Shan stammered in response, I-It was a guess Be-because theres something special about you! As expected Zhou Mingrui quickly pressed, Whats special? You Im actually not that clear on the specific details. Luo Shan suddenly realized that if she explained clearly, there might be unexpected changes, so she forced the topic back on track, Im not sure if you going to stand in B2 will really be effective. If nothing changes, th-then thats all we can do. If there are changes, but not enough for Luo Fu to escape, then maybe youll need to do something more. What exactly to do depends on the actual situation. At that time, you can choose not to do it, but if youre willing, I-I will walk in front of you! Zhou Mingrui looked at Luo Shan deeply, and after a few seconds of silence, said, Okay. Eh Luo Shan, who had planned to continue pleading, was stunned. Lets go now, Zhou Mingrui ran towards the corridor leading to the nearest elevator, Nothing is more important than saving a life! Luo Shan hurriedly followed, easily taking the lead in front of Zhou Mingrui. Their actions were not at all conspicuous in the emergency center where the chaotic state had not yet completely subsided. Seeing this, Jenna, hiding in the shadows, quietly let out a sigh of relief. After Zhou Mingrui and Luo Shan had run a distance, she walked out of the shadows, preparing to conceal herself and follow behind, ready to deal with any unexpected situations. At this moment, she felt a suffocating pain, as if the blood in her body wanted to burst through her skin and splash out. It was like a deep-sea fish being directly teleported into mid-air. Moreover, Jenna also felt her thoughts stalling and her joints stiffening. About to be kicked out of the dream? Even if its through Luo Shan at night indirectly informing Zhou Mingrui of Beyonder matters it will lead to oneself being kicked? Jenna wanted to hold on a bit longer, to see if Zhou Mingrui going to the underground area would bring about good changes, but she was powerless to resist. She had no choice but to leave this world, following the force that was kicking her out of the dream. Trier, inside a luxurious villa. Standing by Francas bed, facing the door of starlight and the grayish-white fog, Madam Justice frowned. I cant sense Two of Cups, I cant establish contact with her. I was clearly using her body as a medium Madam Magician thought for two seconds and said, In the dream city, apart from what we havent explored and dont know about yet, there are only three places where such a situation would occur, where the connection between soul, consciousness, and body would be severed. One is inside the police station, two is Yangdu Prison, and three is the underground area of Mushu Hospital. If she were arrested or imprisoned, Two of Cups wouldnt be this desperate, Madam Judgment made a judgment, She must have entered the underground area of Mushu Hospital, for unknown reasons. While Madam Magician and Madam Judgment were thinking and talking, Madam Justice continued to try. Suddenly, they all turned their heads towards the room where Lumian was sleeping. At this moment, they felt the ground trembling inexplicably, as if a volcano was erupting deep underground. This caused all the mirrors and glass windows in the entire villa to make trembling sounds, almost shattering. After just a few seconds, Madam Justices emerald-like eyes suddenly lit up. Ive sensed Two of Cups! She said while once again sketching transparent symbols in the air that were like dreams and illusions. As soon as the symbol was completed, it passed through the brilliant starlight door like a butterfly from a dream, diving into the grayish-white fog. After doing this, Madam Justice said to Madam Judgment and Madam Magician, Seven of Cups has been kicked out of the dream, we can have her come over to tell us the specific situation. In the grayish-white fog where a brilliant door of light and an illusory planet stood tall, echoing with words like Chernobyl. Franca gazed at everything before her, her whole being seemingly numb, only her vision becoming increasingly blurred, unable to clear up no matter what. At this moment, she heard a voice so distant it seemed to come from the edge of the sky, belonging to Madam Justice. Shout Leodero in ancient Hermes. Franca suddenly awoke, as if she had just had a long nightmare that she dared not and was unwilling to recall. Her mouth trembled, not making a sound, as if she wanted to sleep here forever. After several seconds, Franca finally called out in a low voice, Leodero! Above that grayish-white fog, Lumians feet stepped on the surface of the thin gas like clouds, but he couldnt penetrate through to enter inside. He felt that this fog was highly similar to the fog that sealed off the Samaritan Womens Spring, and believed that if he still had Mr. Fools seal on him, he would definitely be able to fall directly inside, rather than being blocked outside. After trying two methods and failing, Lumian turned his gaze to his right palm. The Blood Emperor brand on his palm had undergone some changes when the secret deed ritual was forcibly completed. Its color had become deeper and blacker, no longer like dripping fresh blood, but closer to the dark red of oxidized blood. And this dark red seemed to have subtly merged with the paleness covering this patch of skin. Lumian wasnt yet clear on what such changes would bring, he just wanted to use this brand and the corpse wax candle to quickly perform another secret deed ritual. Suddenly, in the night sky of the dream city, clouds piled up in layers. Countless small electric snakes jumped and gathered between these clouds, quickly forming a huge, tree-like lightning bolt. As soon as this lightning appeared, it crossed the distance between heaven and earth, illuminating the entire city. It passed over numerous lightning rods, struck into Mushu Hospital, and drilled underground. The hair on Lumians body stood up uncontrollably, and he instinctively took two steps back. Almost simultaneously, a bright light flashed before his eyes, making him unable to see the deep darkness and grayish-white mist anymore. The afterimage of a silver-white tree-like lightning remained in his pupils. When his vision recovered, Lumian found a slowly healing hole had appeared in the grayish-white fog. He didnt hesitate, took a step forward, and jumped in. He passed through the outer fog and landed in front of the brilliant light door, seeing Franca staring blankly at him, with the hair on her skin and some of her head standing up. Francas eyes reflected Lumian, whose gender was constantly switching, but the speed was slowing down, gradually fixing towards the female form. Lets go! Lumian didnt say much, grabbed Francas arm, and directly activated the black mark on his right shoulder. Spirit World Traversal! With the vortex still existing, Lumian could sense some areas of the outside world! The figures of the two immediately disappeared from in front of the brilliant door of light, with the hole above getting smaller and closer to disappearing. Lumian, carrying Franca, traveled through the spirit world layered with various color blocks, heading towards the predetermined safe location. Normally, he would reach the destination in just one second, but for some unknown reason, he now felt as if he was bound by layers of viscous liquid and invisible shackles, moving very slowly, with a trend of getting even slower. Next, Lumian saw deep, dense darkness sweeping in from behind, rushing towards the two of them. The vortex had disappeared. In that darkness, there was a blurry, huge figure standing on a lightless water surface, and an ancient mirror slowly outlining. Lumian gritted his teeth, traveling forward with all his might. Just as he was about to touch the exit, and the dark abyss was about to engulf him and Franca, everything suddenly became calm. Lumian suddenly felt at ease, like a criminal who had escaped from prison, instantly passing out of the spirit world and arriving in a shadowy corner of the emergency center at Mushu Hospital. His spiritual intuition told him that Jenna was here. Mushu Hospital, B2. Zhou Mingrui and Luo Shan, having overcome their intense fear, walked out of the elevator together. Almost simultaneously, Zhou Mingrui inexplicably felt relaxed, his feelings of fear and dread dissipating completely. He frowned in confusion and said to Luo Shan, Where is Luo Fu trapped? Luo Shan looked at the dim but normal white corridor outside the elevator lobby, falling into bewilderment and deep thought. Shouldnt it have already completely collapsed she muttered to herself. Chapter 1004 - 1004 The Solution 1004 The Solution Seeing Zhou Mingrui looking at her, waiting for an answer, Luo Shan said uncertainly, It seems like things are back to normal She had thought Zhou Mingrui wouldnt believe her judgment. After all, they hadnt encountered anything or seen any signs of danger, and they still didnt know if Luo Fu had been rescued. How could she say everything was back to normal? To her surprise, Zhou Mingrui nodded thoughtfully. I think so too. After a couple of seconds, Zhou Mingrui asked, Do we still need to look for Luo Fu? I-Ill take another look Luo Shan cautiously walked to the edge of the elevator lobby and peeked out. She looked around and felt that aside from being too quiet with no one passing through, there wasnt much difference between this underground area and any other hospital basement. Emergency Center, in a shadowy corner. Lumian and Franca simultaneously saw Jenna, dressed in a nightgown, her eyes dazed and unsure of what to do. Shes been kicked out of the dream Both Lumian and Franca quickly came to the same conclusion. At that moment, Jenna also spotted Franca and Lumian. The tension and worry in her heart suddenly eased. Without saying much, Lumian grabbed Jennas arm with his other hand and disappeared with her into the edge of the shadows. The three of them soon returned to Room 2303 in Dechuang Garden. After checking the rooms condition, Lumian said to Jenna, Everythings fine now. Get some rest. He wasnt sure how the dream Jenna would rationalize what had just happened, so he kept his explanation vague to avoid any cognitive conflict. As for the teleportation, it was impossible to hide it any longer. After all, Zhou Mingrui had already become deeply aware of the supernatural powers at play, and there were indeed quite a few Beyonders active in the dream city. Jenna, surprised, glanced around the familiar environment and obediently replied, Okay. After she entered the room and lay down on the bed, Lumian closed the bedroom door for her, then turned to Franca and said, Lets go back to Mushu Hospital now. Well talk about what happened once were there. Franca didnt ask why and slowly nodded. Using teleportation, Lumian took Franca to the greenery outside Mushu Hospital and turned his gaze towards the emergency center and the hospital building. Seeing the shattered glass and the scorched parts of the walls, Lumian finally said to Franca, I think what happened today was too much of a coincidence. Zhou Mingrui came to investigate the situation at Mushu Hospital, and at the same time, you ended up in the underground area. What exactly happened? Hearing the word coincidence, Francas emotions wavered slightly. She pulled herself together and recounted how she and Jenna had found themselves in the underground of Mushu Hospital after falling asleep, how they encountered Luo Shan, her suspicions, and the psychological traumas they later encountered. At the time, the corridor started collapsing. Franca stopped speaking and fell silent again. Lumian glanced at her but didnt press for details. Instead, he mused aloud, It really was a coincidence. If you look at the events separately, its logical that Zhou Mingrui, prompted by my warning during the day and his own initiative, chose tonight to investigate Mushu Hospital. Similarly, its plausible that the force lurking in Luo Shans room or nearby, taking advantage of her psychological traumas and the dreams nature, brought you into the hospitals underground. Both seem reasonable and could have happened naturally. But the fact that these two things happened at the same time and influenced each other makes it obvious that something was off. And at the same time, I received a tipoff from Lu Yongan and followed Zhou Mingrui to sneak into Mushu Hospital. Franca instinctively said, But who could set up an arrangement for Zhou Mingrui? They didnt need to arrange him. Arranging us was enough. Lumian, still in his Demoness of Despair state, let out a cold laugh. When Zhou Mingrui would investigate Mushu Hospital was uncertain, but once he was spotted, they could trigger the other side. The force lurking in or near Luo Shans room must have been there for a while. Why didnt it act sooner or later? Why tonight? Franca fell silent for a moment, as if she had finally regained her ability to think, and said, Was Lu Yongan arranged as well? Not necessarily. Its possible they discovered my problem as a Child of God and knew something would happen tonight, so they lured me in, using your predicament to force me to become the true Child of God. After thinking for a few seconds, Lumian added, Its also likely that Lu Yongan isnt like Grimm, a dream persona influenced by the Great Mother. She has an external consciousness. At this point, Lumian paused, his gaze cold as he muttered to himself, A guardian for women and children Inside Mushu Hospital, the power system of the building hadnt been affected by the lightning strike. Only the ground separating the upper and lower floors showed a very obvious charred area, and one of the elevators had stopped functioning. Lu Yongan walked down the dimly lit corridor and reached a certain room. A wooden sign hung outside the door, with Chinese characters written on it: Deans Office. She knocked and entered, speaking to the person beside the shattered glass window. She still didnt choose the Mothers help. I see, a voice responded. Trier, inside a luxurious villa. Jenna observed Francas sleeping state while recounting their ordeal and Francas decisions to Madam Judgment, Madam Magician, and Madam Justice. After she finished, Madam Magician nodded thoughtfully and said, Its still unclear what exactly we were supposed to gain from tonights events, or what the true purpose was Before she could finish her sentence, Madam Justice, looking at the sleeping Franca, said, Two of Cups has left the underground area of Mushu Hospital. I can now sense her and her surroundings. Upon hearing this, Jennas body swayed slightly, as if she had lost the strength to even keep herself upright due to a sudden sense of relief. Her breathing became heavy, and after a few seconds, she asked, Its over? Not entirely, Madam Magician said, taking her gaze off the sleeping Franca. Jenna seemed to realize something and asked, with deep concern, Right, she held the ritual in the dream, cleverly advancing to Sequence 4 and becoming a Demoness of Despair. Its unknown how long it will take her to fully digest the Despair potion, and Jenna suddenly stopped, unable to finish her sentence. What she had been about to say was, And our goal is to awaken Mr. Fool as soon as possible, to end this dream, but that would conflict with the conditions for Francas survival. In front of the Tarot Clubs Major Arcana card holders, she dared not utter those words, fearing the brutal answer she might receive. I understand your concern, but thats not really an issue. Or, to put it another way, its not as serious as you think. Huh? Jenna was surprised, both delighted and bewildered. Madam Justice maintained her soft smile and explained, First, Two of Cups has already made considerable progress in digesting the Despair potion. Shes completed the part about making herself despair. The next step is to find opportunities to make others despair. If she can refine her acting principles further during this process, the digestion will go even faster. Jenna blinked, confused. Shes already digested nearly half of the Despair potion, right after advancing? Yes, Madam Magician agreed, her tone carrying an understanding note. Its quite similar to Lumians situation at the time. Except Lumian quickly made two boon demigods despair Exactly, Madam Magician continued, nodding knowingly. Given the nature of your circumstances and how things unfolded, it was almost inevitable that people would fall into a state of despair. Mr. Fools psychological traumas may also contain elements that push Franca into complete despairthings that sever her hopes and desires entirely. Jennas eyes moved slightly, and she muttered, Quite the coincidence Madam Justice sighed with a smile. Yes, thats one reason. But the other reason why I said that Two of Cups dream advancement isnt too serious is because, given a little timejust a few minutesshe could return to reality without dying, though there would be other costs. Really? Jenna was both surprised and confused. Madam Justice chuckled lightly and explained, While were limited in what we can do, there are still many things were capable of. For example, a Sun pathway Unshadowed can extract Beyonder characteristics, even from a Beyonder, layer by layer, from high to low. Though Two of Cups advanced in the dream, her reality also advanced, which is why she cant leave the dream before fully digesting her potion. In other words, we could have Mr. Sun extract the Demoness of Despairs Beyonder characteristic from Two of Cups in reality, and I would stabilize her mental state during the process. Once her body in reality regresses to the level of a Demoness of Affliction, there would be no more concern about her losing control upon leaving the dream. Of course, this solution would leave some problems behind, some quite serious ones, which is why we didnt mention it as a solution before. But compared to losing her life in the dream, these issues are manageable. Jenna stood there, dazed. The dream advancement affected reality, and regressing in reality would cause a similar effect in the dream? If you cant influence the dream, then change the state of reality? Outside Mushu Hospital, in the greenery. Hidden in the shadows, Lumian observed the hospital building, the patients coming and going, and the emergency response personnel who had just arrived, but he didnt spot any targets of note. After a long silence, Franca finally spoke. They might have already left. Maybe they never showed up in the first place. Yeah, you could check some short videos. With the glass shattered and the building struck by lightning, Im sure a lot of people recorded it. Maybe well find something. Right. Lumian took out his phone and began scrolling through local news, not missing a single video. When he reached a video titled Oh my god, all the glass shattered, he suddenly spotted a familiar figure in the corner of the frame, near the edge of the emergency center. That figure had messy blonde hair, blue eyes, short eyebrows, and a clear stubble on his face. He was wearing a black shirt. Lumians gaze instantly froze. It was Grisha. Grisha, Peng Dengs co-renter! Chapter 1005 - 1005 Investigating Hidden Dangers 1005 Investigating Hidden Dangers Based on the nature of tonights events, Lumian had made some guesses and was prepared to see certain dream manifestations, but the person who appeared at the emergency center was completely unexpected: it was Peng Dengs co-renter, Grisha! The fact that he and Peng Deng are sharing a place did hint at something unusual about him. Wed even observed him before but never managed to figure out who he corresponded to in the real world Could he be the mastermind behind tonights events? What is his real objective? Lumians mind raced, his confusion deepening. He had initially locked in on the individual that the Aurora Order put their faith into as the one orchestrating everything tonight, hoping to confirm a few things. But Grisha didnt fit the Im watching, listening, and aware profilehe was eccentric, paranoid, and rude. Him? Franca, slower to react than usual, leaned over to take a look at the screen frozen on Lumians phone. Her sudden shock made her more animated. Unexpected discoveries are still valuable, Lumian said, already calm. Yeah, Franca replied, not saying much more. Lumian wasnt in a rush to leave. He pulled out a cracked makeup mirror and began focusing intently. His actions caught Francas attention. She tilted her head to look at him, slightly puzzled. What are you doing? Im checking if the mirror world has recovered and whether the broken fragments have formed a new area behind the mirror, Lumian explained briefly. Luo Shan didnt bring her phone, and I dont have any other abilities to contact her. I need to use the mirror world to send her a message that youre safe and that she can leave the underground area with Zhou Mingrui. Theres no urgent matter now, but what if Zhou Mingrui does discover something? Franca was stunned for a moment. Zhou Mingrui went underground? Wont that be a problem? The basement of Mushu Hospital was a mixture of subconscious psychological traumas and a symbolic abyss tied to the Mother Tree of Desire. Even if it couldnt physically endanger Zhou Mingrui, it might force him to confront past traumas, awakening strong stimuli that could bring significant changes. Those changes could be either extremely good or extremely bad, which was why Lumians team hadnt wanted Zhou Mingrui to enter Mushu Hospitals basement at this stage. Lumian glanced at Franca and chuckled. Plans never keep up with changes. The most important thing just now was rescuing you. Everything else can be dealt with later or patched up. If worst comes to worst, this mission fails completely, and they send in another team. At worst, we all face the apocalypse. But I couldnt let you die here tonight. Franca stared at Lumian for a few seconds, unable to find words. After a moment, she looked away and sighed. There are some things that can never be made up for Hearing that sigh and those words, Lumian finally felt like Franca had come back to life from the deadened state shed been in earlier. He didnt ask what she meant, waiting for her to sort out her own thoughts. He gazed at the cracked mirror in his hands. The mirror world has recovered, and the larger mirror fragments have regained their mystical properties. With that, Lumian whispered a few words, imbuing them with a flickering, dark shimmer before sending them into the largest piece of the cracked mirror. Mushu Hospital, B2. Luo Shan led Zhou Mingrui, creeping cautiously along the corridor, glancing around as she searched for the missing Luo Fu. Just as she looked toward one of the rooms and Zhou Mingrui gazed in the opposite direction, she spotted a piece of shattered glass on the ground. Words flickered across it: Luo Fu is already home. Phew Luo Shan quickly turned to Zhou Mingrui and said, I got a message. Luo Fu escaped. Zhou Mingrui studied Luo Shan for a moment but didnt ask how she received the message. Hed noticed earlier that she seemed to have rushed out of the house, forgetting to bring her phone. After they left Mushu Hospitals basement and Zhou Mingrui sent Luo Shan back to Dechuang Garden, she saw Lumina and Luo Fu in the entryway. You two just got back as well? Luo Shan blurted out. Holding two mirror fragments, Lumian glanced around and replied, We had to deal with the hospitals surveillance. Even though tonights events werent tied to any criminal case and were considered a natural disaster, meaning no police investigation, Lumian thought it was better to play it safe. Luo Shan was stunned for a couple of seconds. Quite the seasoned criminal, arent you Lumian then addressed Luo Shan, Thanks for your help. Without you bringing Zhou Mingrui to the basement in time, both Luo Fu and I wouldve been swallowed by that illusory abyss. A smile appeared on Luo Shans face, though she tried to be modest. It was Zhou Mingrui who was willing to risk his life to save someone. Hes always been a good person. Its impressive that you convinced him so quickly, Lumian said, not sparing any praise. Not really, Luo Shan said, feeling a little uncomfortable as she looked away. She walked briskly into the elevator that had just arrived on the first floor. After stepping in, Lumian turned to Luo Shan and said, Wed like to inspect your apartment, to identify any hidden threats. Sure, okay! Luo Shan remembered how she had inexplicably ended up in the hospitals basement. Without uncovering the lurking threat in her room or nearby, she wouldnt be able to sleep soundly. When they arrived at Room 1502, Lumian naturally began inspecting every corner, while Franca, finally recovering her energy, silently touched various objects. After a few seconds, Lumian stood in front of the living rooms glass window and spoke to Luo Shan, who was standing near the coffee table. Ill perform a Magic Mirror Divination and see if I can get any answers or hints. Luo Shan nodded repeatedly. Lumian reached out toward the transparent glass, which had turned into a mirror under the night sky, and began chanting the appropriate incantation. He was only able to perform Magic Mirror Divination that relied on his own spirituality. After posing his question, the surface of the glass rippled with a dark shimmer. The shimmer settled, revealing a scene of a parrot with colorful feathers in a painting. That? Luo Shan quickly turned her head to look at the wall behind her. Did my own drawing betray me? Almost simultaneously, the colorful parrot flew out of the painting, attempting to escape from Room 1502. But the doors and windows were locked, and it repeatedly hit the walls. Why? Luo Shan shouted. The parrot responded in a crisp, human voice. Im not your puppet. I serve Before it could finish speaking, its body suddenly disintegrated. Feathers fell one by one, followed by flesh that dripped like melting paint. In just two or three seconds, the colorful parrot had turned into countless droplets of paint, splattering onto the cream-colored tiles. It was controlled by someone else, Lumian concluded. How is that possible? Luo Shan was shocked and confused. This was something I painted stroke by stroke. How could it be controlled by someone else? If it was the other version of me reviving within me and secretly influencing my creation, I could accept that. But an outsider? How? Lumian glanced at Luo Shan. Never trust anything completely. That applies to others, things youve created, and even yourself. I understand Luo Shan recalled her previous experiences, thinking of that other version of herself. Lumian thought for a moment and suggested, You should stay at our place tonight, just in case theres another incident. He planned to take pictures of every item and corner of Luo Shans apartment tonight, then send them to Anderson to check for any remaining issues. Okay, Luo Shan quickly agreed. Regardless of the parrots situation, she had already planned to pack her things and find a decent, reasonably priced hotel to stay in for a few nights. After settling Luo Shan in Room 2303 with Jenna, Lumian took Franca with him to Room 1502 to photograph every part of the apartment, making sure to leave nothing out. Once he finished, he immediately sent the photos to A name that leaves a deep impression on you, ending with the question: Can you spot any potential problems in these photos? After a few minutes, Anderson Hood replied: Are you inviting me to play Spot the Difference? Something like that, Lumian responded casually. He waited patiently until four or five minutes later, receiving another message from Anderson. If it were me, Id show someone photos with absolutely no problems and ask them to find something wrong. Does that mean theres nothing wrong? Lumian thought to himself. Anderson Hood sent another message. That blank spot on the painting is an eyesore. Add some paint to it. Lumian nodded thoughtfully before asking: Can you control things painted by others? There are many ways to control painted objects. One is to become a symbol within the paintings world. Another is to give them a more complete life. A third is to imbue them with humanity. A fourth is to reconfigure the information theyre composed of, given their essence as information. And lastly, theres the fact that they possess spiritualityyou could turn them into your marionette Anderson uncharacteristically provided a lengthy explanation, finishing with: After hearing all that, dont you feel like every possibility you imagined cant be ruled out? Youre giving me so much detail just so Ill say yes, arent you? Lumian replied without emotion. In his opinion, identifying the hidden danger in the room wasnt the most important thing. They had already confirmed that Luo Shan was being watched by some force or enemy. If they didnt root out the other side and eliminate them, todays hidden danger would be dealt with, but tomorrow a new one would appear. Too bad that parrot wasnt put under control and couldnt finish what it was saying. Seeing that Anderson Hood hadnt responded again, Lumian stood up and looked at Franca. Franca was standing by the window in Luo Shans apartment, silently gazing out. Lumian walked over and stood beside her, looking out in the same direction. He saw the food stalls on the street far below, people eating and drinking late into the night, and the high-rise apartments in the neighborhood, with lights still on in many rooms, dotting the night sky. Lumian gazed quietly for a while before turning to look at Franca. Franca was focused, her gaze seemingly reluctant to shift for even a second. After a while, she sighed softly. The night is truly beautiful Chapter 1006 - Chapter 1006 Speaking From Experience Chapter 1006 Speaking From Experience Lumian looked at Franca, her eyes once again a lake-blue hue after her advancement, reflecting the bright or slightly yellow dots of light. Yes, he echoed with a sigh. Franca fell silent again. After a long while, she murmured as if in a dream, Did you know? I can never go back What happened? Lumian asked gently, following her lead. Franca began recounting how she and Jenna had woken up in the basement of Mushu Hospital. It was as if she needed to build up the courage to tell the rest by retelling earlier events, prolonging the time to mentally prepare herself. Lumian didnt rush her. He listened quietly, occasionally asking for details. When Franca reached the part where she chose to force her advancement using the peculiarities of the dreamscape, to draw the Primordial Demonesss attention and open an escape route, Lumian raised an eyebrow. Though he had already deduced Francas advancement to Demoness of Despair through the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence and his spiritual intuition as a Demoness, and had suspected from her earlier narrative that it was the best possible option under those circumstances, he still couldnt help but feel there was some design to it all: the conditions for her advancement to Demoness of Despair had come together perfectly at that moment! Of course, if he had been present, he wouldve simply burned a corpse-oil candle and connected with the terrifying will in that peculiar city, forcibly destroying all obstacles. After describing how she fell into the illusory abyss with the collapse of the mirror world and the final part of the corridor, Franca paused for a few seconds before continuing in a calm, straightforward tone about how she slowed her descent, how she felt her mind and spirit being pulled toward the abyss, and how she chose the gray-white fog, sinking into it. Her body began to tremble, but she pushed through, recounting the blurred door of light, the transparent cocoons, the rapidly spinning illusory planet, the slightly solemn voice, and the version of herself within the cocoon, along with the reasonable speculations that followed. Lumian had long suspected that transmigration wasnt as simple as Franca and the others from the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society believed. He suspected there was a terrifying truth they couldnt accept. That was why, during their time in the dream city, he and Jenna had tacitly been kinder to Franca, expressing their care for her more clearly and directly. But he hadnt expected the truth to be this. So it wasnt spatial transmigrationit was temporal transmigration Traveling back and forth through space is possible, but can the flow of time be reversed? No, if that were possible, reviving Aurore wouldnt be so difficult Lumians emotions suddenly turned somber. He felt as if he had lost several incredibly important people and objects he deeply missed forever. The sorrow, melancholy, regret, and pain were like sharp chisels engraving an epitaph on his soul. At that moment, he understood that these were Aurores feelings. Her soul fragment had resonated with Francas story and intense emotions. Homeforever out of reach. Thats basically it. I suspect the Western Continent is where the Underworld Daoist and the Celestial Master reside. Its the world thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of years in the future from my homeland Francas body was still trembling slightly. Lumian closed his eyes for a moment, then deliberately chuckled and said, I guess Im pretty lucky. At least I still have hope of reviving Aurore, but you all dont even have that anymore. Francas mouth opened slightly, and she was momentarily stunned. Infuriated, she burst into laughter. Dammit! Do you Hunters ever say anything nice? How can a human mouth spew something so venomous! I thought youd send me flying with a kick, Lumian said, showing a deliberately punchable expression. Franca suddenly understood his true intention and snorted. I had the impulse. Youd make a great punching bag right now. She paused, her gaze returning to the window. Looking out at the warm, tranquil night, she said, When you said earlier that, in the worst-case scenario, the mission would fail, theyd send in another team, or wed all face the apocalypse together, but you couldnt let me die in Mushu Hospitals basement I didnt completely agree with your thinking, but I did feel like maybe my life had some meaning after all I said that on purpose, to make you feel needed and valued, to help pull you out of that dead, hopeless state. Lumian chuckled. I didnt know exactly what youd gone through, but I could tell how you were feeling. Franca snapped her head toward Lumian and scoffed, When dealing with a Hunter, you judge by his actions, not words. I know you really did send Luo Shan and Jenna to get Zhou Mingrui down to the basement. Before Lumian could respond, Franca, now more curious than before, asked, How did you get into that psychological trauma? That was near the bottom of the illusory abyss! Smiling, Lumian replied, When I reached B2, I ran into Lu Yongan. She must be an external consciousness brought in by some method, unlike Grimm, who had been corrupted and influenced into becoming a dream manifestation. So when she saw me in Crimson Moon Hospital, she most likely realized I was a fake Child of God but still went along with my actions. Heh, maybe to the Great Mother, whether Im the real Child of God or a fake, as long as I bear that title, Ill eventually become real, and this time was her chance. Lu Yongan told me at the time that to save someone from the illusory abyss, I could only rely on the Mothers help. You didnt actually pray, did you? Franca was suddenly filled with concern and worry, forgetting her earlier despair and emotional numbness. Her gaze instinctively drifted to Lumians abdomen. Of course not. Lumian had deliberately started with Lumians story to stir Francas emotions, preventing her from fully sinking into sadness. As someone who had learned from long bouts of depression, he knew exactly what to say and do in such moments. More importantly, he was also a Demoness of Despair, having gone through the experience of perfectly matching the acting method right after his advancement, digesting the part of the potion that made him feel despair. He had also learned from the worlds greatest Psychiatrists report on how to stabilize his mental state and avoid losing control. That was why he was comfortable telling Franca his true thoughts and feelings before he saved her. He intended to be her most solid anchor. After all, how many Hunters would openly reveal their innermost thoughts? Franca let out an uncontrollable breath of relief. Then how did you destroy the illusory abyss and open the path? Lumian chuckled. Corpse wax candle. As he spoke, he took out the bottle of semi-solid yellow-red wax and sighed. The Flame of Destruction burns too fiercely. This candle can only be used once more. Franca, who had heard Lumians story of the previous ritual with the corpse wax candle and knew that the target of the ritual was likely the terrifying will at the top of the Hunter and Witch pathways, widened her eyes in shock. Youre a bit extreme She didnt finish her thought, reminded that such extremity was for her sake. Lumian recounted the sensations during the secret deed ritual, the terrifying wills partial descent, and the mutation of the Blood Emperors remnant aura. He ended by saying, I couldnt enter the gray fog initially, but an exaggerated bolt of lightning just happened to strike it. That was Franca thought for a moment and said, Madam Justices incantation, delivered through some method. It sounded like a name, to be spoken in ancient Hermes. She didnt dare speak the incantation, afraid that even without using Beyonder language, it might still call down lightning in the dream, though less terrifyingly. A name that could summon such lightning in Mr. Fools dream? Lumian pondered. It must involve a true god or some great existence Or it could be related to Mr. Fools perception. Yes. Franca was more concerned with something else. How do you feel now? Lumian raised his right hand, palm up, revealing a patch of pale skin and the dark, old red marks beneath it. The mutated Blood Emperors aura and the Underworld Daoists seal have fused slightly I cant believe they can fuse So far, theres been no external manifestation, no other changes After examining his own state, Lumian added, Also, I feel like theres something more in me, but I cant detect it. It hasnt affected me Its more like a side effect of the secret deed ritual, a lingering hallucination In the next couple of days, find a chance to leave the dream and have Madam Magician check it out, Franca reminded Lumian not to overlook this issue and to confirm it as soon as possible. Lumian nodded and said, In the meantime, go to the company and quit your job. You kept the position before to bait Zaratulstra out with the option to avoid danger by leaving the dream at critical moments. But now, you cant leave for the time being. Only then did Franca remember her current statebefore she fully digested the Despair potion, if she left the dream and returned to reality, she would lose control on the spot and turn into a monster. Right. She didnt argue, realizing she was still in deep trouble. Then, she turned to leave the window. Not going to enjoy the night view anymore? Lumian asked casually. Franca pursed her lips and responded, The more I look, the more I miss it, the harder it is to let go She paused, then half-turned her body, casting her gaze out at the night once again. After staring for a few seconds, she spoke, her voice soft and distant. If I were Mr. Fool, I might wish to sleep forever, dreaming of this beautiful night, never waking Chapter 1007 - Chapter 1007 Important Information Chapter 1007 Important Information Hearing Francas words, Lumian felt a sense of resonance. If there hadnt been hidden dangers in that dream of Cordu Village, I wouldnt have wanted to wake up either As he sighed, he suddenly paused, then said in a low voice, No, I would force myself to wake up. If he didnt wake up, he couldnt try to resurrect Aurore! Franca silently withdrew her gaze and walked over to the long sofa in Luo Shans home. She sat down, leaning back against the sofa as if she lacked the strength to support her body. Lumian glanced over and followed, sitting down right next to Franca. Franca turned her head to look at him but said nothing. After about ten seconds, she stared at the turned-off TV across from her and murmured as if to herself, Back home, my favorite thing to do was to pick any channel and be on my phone while listening to the sound. My mom would scold me every time Lumian didnt respond, just listening quietly. Francas expression gradually softened. My mom used to run a small restaurant, which later became a larger establishment. She was quick-tempered and efficient, and couldnt stand to see me being lazy. But you know, shed just say a few wordsin one ear and out the other, it didnt affect me at all. Later on, when business wasnt so good for a few years, she simply gave it up. Every day shed play cards with her siblings and friends, eat here and drink there, and occasionally organize a trip. She couldnt have been more carefree or happy. My dad, my brother and I were also quite happy. We didnt have to be scolded or nagged. As my dad put it, wed see each other once a day, take a walk together, chat about family matters before bed, and their marriage even improved. My dad was a mid-level manager at a big company. Hed been into electronics since early on, starting with radios and such, then tinkering with computers and getting into games. When I was little, I was always confused about why dad was always sitting in front of the computer. He said it was work, but he was always clicking on strange images. When I got a bit older, I fell in love with gaming too. I guess thats what they call leading by example. At first, my parents wanted another daughter, a little sister for me. Theyd prepared for the fine and set up a room. Who knew theyd end up with another son? They couldnt bring themselves to abort, so they had him. Arent second children supposed to be good at reading the room, well-behaved, with high EQ because they have an older sibling keeping them in check? Why did that kid do everything backwards, looking down on everyone, thinking he was so cool and trendy, always causing trouble when he went out. When he was in elementary school, he got into a fight and got beaten up. He came crying to me, his big brother, for help. In the end, the other kid had cousins, and I ended up getting beaten up too. For a while after that, I was really into urban fantasy novels and modern wuxia stories. I fantasized about having martial arts skills or superpowers myself. I did alright in the college entrance exams and got into medical school. I got along well with my roommates. Everyone said I had a good personality, wasnt petty, was cheerful and optimistic, and generous with money. I guess I looked okay. I even had girls chase after me. But at the time I was busy playing games and going to comic conventions, so I didnt have the energy for dating. Of course, it was also because their looks and personalities werent my type. After rambling on like this, Franca paused and said, Apart from worrying about having to do hard labor in the future, I had no regrets, nothing I wanted to change Lumian turned his head to look at Franca and saw that as she leaned against the back of the sofa, her eyes were vacant, unfocused, with glistening tears silently sliding down her face. Lumian didnt try to comfort Franca with words. He simply extended his left arm and quietly put it around her left shoulder, letting her lean against him. Franca instinctively struggled for a moment, but quickly chose to give in. Leaning against Lumian, she continued talking to herself, I had originally planned to practice driving my moms car during the holidays, find a chance to meet up with some online friends in Shanghai, and have fun for a week Id planned which games to buy recently, planned to visit my grandparents, planned to play games with my dad for two hours every day when I had time, to show him what real skill looks like Id even planned how to educate that little brat, planned to go to my moms mahjong place for a few days to act like a filial son, serve tea and water, and accept tips As she spoke, Francas voice gradually lowered until it disappeared. Lumian waited a few minutes before lowering his head to see that Franca had closed her eyes and fallen into a deep sleep, leaning against him from his left shoulder to his left chest. Her legs had slid off the sofa at some point. Lumian didnt move. He stared at the dark LCD TV screen, his thoughts gradually wandering. After an unknown amount of time, Franca seemed to have a nightmare. Her eyes flew open and she suddenly straightened her back. She looked left and right, finally coming to her senses and remembering what had happened last night. Phew She exhaled slowly and asked Lumian, What time is it? A little after 4 am, not quite 5 yet, Lumian calmly replied. Franca made a sound of acknowledgment, then suddenly remembered something. Will Jenna and Luo Shan be okay alone in Room 2303? The current Jenna was purely a dream manifestation, while Luo Shan was being watched by unknown forces! Ive been monitoring Room 2303 using mirrors, Lumian said calmly. Only then did Franca relax. She wriggled her shoulders, shaking off Lumians arm, and sat up straight. Damn, I actually cried earlier, and you saw it A real man shouldnt shed tears so easily! Only because the saddest part hasnt come yet, Lumian replied. Hearing this, both Franca and he fell silent. Thats such a hurtful thing to say After a few seconds, Franca grumbled, I cant believe you could respond so smoothly. After learning the truth about transmigration and resonating with your emotions, Aurores soul fragment seems to have become a bit more active Lumian said with a hint of joy. Franca bit her lip, unable to speak. She then began rubbing her cheeks. I cant continue in that state. We need to get down to business! What business? Lumian asked. Franca thought for a few seconds and said, According to what you said before, tonights events seem to have been arranged, presumably pushed by Peng Dengs roommate Grisha behind the scenes. If this is true, what was their goal? It couldnt have been just to force me to advance in the dream and quickly find a way to digest the Despair potion, could it? Is it simply good people doing good deeds? Lumian understood that Franca was trying to distract herself from her inner sorrow and despair by focusing on important matters, so he nodded cooperatively: From Luo Shans feedback, Zhou Mingrui wasnt additionally affected by this incident either. He only confirmed that he has some special qualities and that there are major issues with the underground area of Mushu Hospital. The illusory abyss in the underground area of Mushu Hospital also hid itself in time, avoiding an encounter with Zhou Mingrui, and remained almost intact. Was the real purpose to have me use the corpse wax candle and complete a secret deed at the bottom of Mushu Hospital? And for us to find important intelligence through those psychological traumas in the underground area of Mushu Hospital? Franca nodded slowly. Yes, I can now almost confirm one thing: Mr. Fool is also a transmigrator, like me and Emperor Roselle. As she spoke, Franca suddenly gave a self-mocking laugh. No, not a transmigrator, an ancient person. You mean those three empty cocoons correspond to the three previous transmigrators? Lumian understood what Franca was saying. Yes, Ancient Sun God, Emperor Roselle, and Mr. Fool, Franca elaborated. Mr. Fool should have also progressed step by step from a mortal body to become a true god and then a great existence. Klein Moretti, Sherlock Moriarty, Gehrman Sparrowthese are probably not his incarnations, but different identities at different stages of his growth. These names all come from the entertainment works of our world, no, the ancient world. Utopia too. Well, the identity of Gehrman Sparrow became the Angel of Redemption, with people believing in and worshiping him, perhaps making him quite different from the other identities. Lumian mused aloud, So Zhou Mingrui is Mr. Fools real name, his identity before transmigration? It should be so, Franca shared her speculation. Thats why Zhou Mingrui is the core of the dream, the subconscious self-image of Mr. Fool. All important dream images are distributed around him, while identities like Sherlock Moriarty are scattered throughout the dream city, lacking special significance. The only one among them thats different is Gehrman Sparrow, who is widely believed in. The dream city originally didnt have such a manifestation, not even a story. It was entirely created out of thin air by Madam Magician, Madam Justice, and the others, becoming a classic character. This also indicates that The World Gehrman Sparrow might indeed have special symbolism or significance. Lumian pondered for a moment and said, The identity of Klein Moretti is also very special. It doesnt exist in the dream city either. Franca tried to put herself in that position and said slowly, The personal relationships corresponding to Klein Moretti do exist in the dream city, but they point to Zhou Mingrui. Klein Moretti was Mr. Fools first identity after transmigration, gaining his recognition. Did their self-perceptions merge? So, Zhou Mingrui is also Klein Moretti, and Klein Moretti is equally Zhou Mingrui, indistinguishable from each other. That explanation does make sense, Lumian agreed with Francas guess. At this moment, Franca suddenly furrowed her brow. Bring out that whiteboard, the one with photos of important figures in the dream city and observation results. Without asking why, Lumian took out the whiteboard made of frost and placed it opposite the coffee table. Franca stared at the photos, sketches, introductions, and observation results on the whiteboard, her eyes constantly moving left and right. After a while, she spoke in a grave tone, If Mr. Fool is indeed a transmigrator, these dream manifestations hide a big problem. Without waiting for Lumian to respond, Franca explained, Except for Peng Deng and Zhang Yujia, the childhood friend who only sent back postcards, all the important dream manifestations here have nothing to do with Zhou Mingrui. They all come from Klein Moretti, from Sherlock Moriarty, from Gehrman Sparrow and Mr. Fools other identities, from the current world. Not a single one originates from before the transmigration, not one is an ancient person! Why is that? Chapter 1008 - Chapter 1008 Dawn Chapter 1008 Dawn Lumian easily understood Francas meaning: the dream city itself was constructed based on Zhou Mingruis memories from before his transmigration, but none of the relatively important dream manifestations close to Zhou Mingrui came from before the transmigration. They all originated from Zhou Mingruis experiences after transmigrating, except for Peng Deng and Zhang Yujia. This was clearly problematic! We previously thought Mr. Fool was a resurrected great existence not belonging to this era. Well he truly doesnt belong to this era. Mr. Fool was really honest Franca suddenly understood the true meaning of a certain phrase in Mr. Fools honorific name. After adjusting her mindset, she continued, From our previous understanding, it was very reasonable that there are no dream manifestations related to the identity of Zhou Mingrui. As a former great existence, he should have been involved with great existences and fallen ancient gods. These were all restricted and couldnt truly get close to Zhou Mingrui. Werent we wondering before who Peng Deng really was, and who he corresponded to in reality? We never considered that he might actually be Zhou Mingruis childhood friend. But if Zhou Mingrui is a transmigrator like me, and gradually became a great existence, thats truly remarkable. To transcend to becoming a deity with a mortal body and dominate the spirit world At this point, Francas emotional wound was once again torn open, with splinters piercing into it. She thought about how even someone like Mr. Fool was shocked, saddened, pained and despairing when he learned the truth about transmigration. Even becoming a great existence couldnt allow him to return home. And after he fell asleep, these things even formed strong psychological traumas. If even Mr. Fool was like this, what about her? What about them? Lumian could guess what Franca was thinking now, why she paused, because he had similar associations and the same emotions were stirring deep in his heart. After a moment of silence, Franca collected herself and continued, If Zhou Mingrui is a transmigrator and was an ordinary person before, then where are his parents, relatives, classmates, friends, and close online friends? Lumian looked at the ice board covered with photos, sketches and notes, and said thoughtfully, In the dream, Zhou Mingrui has parents, but theyre not in Yangdu. They live in a hometown that only exists in descriptions. Zhou Mingrui hardly contacts them, only conveying his greetings through Benson Zhou. Moreover, the setup of the dream parents clearly comes from Klein Morettis parents. Similarly, the real-world prototypes for brother Benson Zhou and sister Zhou Sasa are Klein Morettis brother Benson Moretti and sister Melissa Moretti. Among other relatives, friends, classmates, and online friends, perhaps only Peng Deng and Zhang Yujia are truly Zhou Mingruis childhood friends. Zhang Yujia was a mutual middle school and high school classmate of Zhou Mingrui and Peng Deng, and currently also worked in Yangdu. She came from a well-off family and often traveled. She was currently on a so-called European trip. In the memories of the Major Arcana card holders, Zhang Yujia had never truly appeared. If not for her often sending postcards to Zhou Mingrui and Peng Deng, and occasionally chatting online, she could have been treated as a background figure like Zhou Mingruis parents. Franca concurred succinctly, Now there are two issues: First, why have Zhou Mingruis true relationships disappeared? Did Mr. Fool deliberately hide them himself, or did the Celestial Worthy tamper with them? If its the former, why would Mr. Fool want to hide them? Is this a key point? If its the latter, does this represent that the Celestial Worthy fears something? Second, given that other figures related to Zhou Mingrui havent appeared in the dream city, the existence of Peng Deng and Zhang Yujia is even more suspicious. Adding to that, we previously saw Peng Dengs roommate Grisha appear at the emergency center. I think we need to shift our focus towards Peng Deng for now. Lumian put himself in Mr. Fools position and thought for a while. If I were Mr. Fool, and this dream city was the battlefield of my consciousness against the Celestial Worthy, my subconscious wouldnt want my real parents, relatives, classmates, and friends to be involved, even if they were just false dream manifestations, just my memories. Given the logic that Zhou Mingrui and Klein Morettis cognitions have merged, the dream manifestations corresponding to Benson and Melissa shouldnt appear either, Franca joined the brainstorming session. Lumian smiled. Who says they were woven by Mr. Fools subconscious? What if the Celestial Worthy deliberately created them? The Celestial Worthy knows Mr. Fools experiences after transmigration, but has no way to investigate his relationships before transmigration? Franca had a new guess based on Lumians rhetorical question. So, the dream manifestations corresponding to Benson, Melissa, and Danitz had to appear, but some were arranged outside the dream city, and some only have a very shallow relationship with Zhou Mingrui. Is this a subconscious protection of these dream manifestations, an external result of Mr. Fools consciousness fighting against the Celestial Worthy? Lumian nodded. If the Celestial Worthy isnt really clear about Mr. Fools relationships before transmigration, doesnt that suggest He hasnt eroded and corrupted Mr. Fools core consciousness yet? Mm. Franca suddenly had a flash of insight. I understand now why Siatas became Zhou Mingruis roommate. She stood up, walked to an area near the window, and paced back and forth a few steps. We previously suspected that the elves were former transmigrators. Now it seems theyre more like descendants of the Western Continent bloodline who survived on the Northern and Southern Continents and the Five Seas. For Mr. Fool, these are the descendants of his fellow countrymen, so the relationship is very close, so he places them very near him. Similarly, the Intis Group where Zhou Mingrui works was founded by the transmigrator, Emperor Roselle, and the boss of the neighboring company is the heir of another transmigrator, the Ancient Sun God. These dream manifestations are all very close to Zhou Mingrui. The more Franca spoke, the more she believed her interpretation of these symbols was correct. She shifted her thoughts. Weve cross-checked within our Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society. The time we transmigrated to the current world was 1352, seven years ago. And according to the information provided by the Major Arcana card holders, Mr. Fool also fell asleep in 1352. Before Mr. Fool entered his slumber and confronted the Celestial Worthy, did he release all of us from the cocoons? It should be so. Lumian felt Francas reasoning was sound. He also stood up and said thoughtfully, Well leave the matter of contacting Peng Deng to Anthony. He can make more aggressive probes now. If we can figure out Peng Dengs true identity and the meaning of his existence, perhaps we can find a way to weaken the Celestial Worthy and awaken Mr. Fool. At this point, Lumian paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. If there are no major errors in what we just discussed, then Zhou Sasa coming to Yangdu for university probably has strong symbolic meaning, and not a good one for Mr. Fool. Logically, Zhou Sasa should be outside the dream city, not involved in this battlefield. Franca was suddenly alarmed. When is Zhou Sasa arriving? Wednesday, Lumian answered in a low voice. Its already Monday now. Franca hissed and said, Before Zhou Sasa arrives in Yangdu, there must be substantial progress on both Peng Dengs side and An Xiaotians side! Lumian nodded and said, Yeah. The two discussed this matter for a long time. You should actively leave the dream and return to reality in the morning to inquire about more detailed intelligence from the Ancient Sun God and that individual from the Aurora Order. Since Grisha appeared at the arranged scene, and Anthony was scared by hallucinations and actively left the dream after contacting Peng Deng, I suspect Peng Deng and his roommate are related to the Ancient Sun God. We lack sufficient intelligence to accurately judge this point. Also, dont forget to have Madam Magician check your physical condition, Franca finally instructed Lumian. With a grin, Lumian replied, Im only worried that the Major Arcana card holders dont know enough, or that some intelligence is currently inaccessible to us. Afterwards, you should move to the background and switch positions with Anthony. Let him do the probing, and you shouldnt appear. Alright, Franca answered, finally leaving the state of focused discussion. She noticed that the window area had brightened at some point. Outside the glass, the morning sunlight fell, carrying a hint of golden yellow, clarifying the entire sky and tinting the green leaves of the trees. Birds chirped as they flew by, and occasional human voices could be heard, relaxed and soothing. Morning had arrived. The sun had risen. Daylight had come. Franca stared at this morning scene, almost silently murmuring to herself, Its beautiful. Sunlight penetrated through the glass, shining on her and Lumian, as if a great existence was gently comforting their hearts. After Lumian returned to Xinhong District to tell Anthony about probing Peng Deng, Franca took the elevator to the 23rd floor and entered the apartment she and Jenna were renting. As soon as she opened the door, she saw that Jenna was already awake and busy getting herself ready. So early? Franca blurted out. Its not early. I need to carefully do my makeup. I have to walk around the company today. Who knows, I might be spotted by some film crew, Dreamscape Jenna said without turning her head. Oh right, its Monday, Jenna has to go to the Hall Film Company But shes a dream manifestation now, will there be any slip-ups? Franca couldnt help but worry a little. At this moment, Dreamscape Jenna went into the bathroom, and Luo Shan walked out of the bedroom, still sleepy-eyed. Seeing Luo Fu, she greeted, Nothing happened, right? She thought Luo Fu and Lumina stayed overnight at her place to personally confirm if there were any hidden dangers. Everythings normal, for now, Franca said, half reassuring and half stating facts. She then told Luo Shan, Im going to resign. Huh? Luo Shan was stunned. Franca showed a gentle smile. I have to move to the background now, because if I get kicked out of the dream now, Ill truly die. Luo Shan suddenly remembered the conversation between Luo Fu and Jian Na she had overheard last night. Some words she couldnt understand at the time now finally made sense. She suddenly felt that she was no longer alone, and returned the smile. Its about the same for me. Without the dreamscape, I would disappear too. Chapter 1009 - Chapter 1009 Boon Chapter 1009 Boon At Xinhong District, in the rented apartment. After telling Anthony the results of his discussion with Franca, and instructing him to hand Ludwig over to Franca before probing Peng Deng, Lumian lay down on the bed. He closed his eyes, entered a Cogitative state, and outlined his own phantom image in his mind. Then, he imagined himself leaping from an extremely high place, rapidly falling in free fall. In this state, he heard the whistling of wind in his ears. But he didnt immediately leave the dream. He vaguely heard humans conversing in the wind, with words coming from different directions. At this moment, Lumian seemed to return to Cordu Village, back to a warm summer afternoon. At that time, he was lying drowsily atop a haystack, with old women gathered nearby, picking lice off each other while gossiping about various rumors in the village. Children occasionally ran back and forth around them, farmers returned to the village early from their work, and members of the padres family passed by grumbling Lumian opened his eyes, his nose still seeming to smell the scent of grass mixed with sheep dung. He let out a breath, then rolled out of bed, walked out of the room, and came downstairs to the luxurious villa. Madam Justice, Madam Magician, and Madam Judgment were all in the living room. Important intelligence? Madam Justice understood that Lumian wouldnt actively exit the dream unless it was something very crucial. And she hadnt noticed that the current real dream had a strong rejection towards Lumian, which meant Lumian wasnt kicked out of the dream. Yes. Lumian sat down on a single sofa, It starts with a psychological trauma Franca saw in the underground area of Mushu Hospital. Madam Justice looked at Lumian for a few seconds. First, tell us how you rescued Two of Cups. Seven of Cups was kicked out of the dream too early and doesnt know much. Smiling, Lumian replied, I used the corpse wax candle. You completed a secret deed ritual and received feedback? Madam Magician had already roughly guessed what had happened from the changes in Lumians real body state and the stress response that appeared in Fourth Epoch Trier. Now she was just confirming. Lumian verbally described what he saw, heard, and felt during the covenant ritual, and finally said, The remnant aura of the Blood Emperor underwent a rather obvious change, and it fused a bit with the Underworld Daoists seal. It seems like Ive gained something extra, but I cant detect it. As he spoke, he displayed the old blood spots hidden under the pale skin of his palm. Madam Magician nodded slightly, countless dazzling starbursts lighting up and slowly rotating in the depths of her eyes. After twenty or thirty seconds, she said with a hint of amusement, I dont know whether to say youre lucky or unlucky. That terrifying will not only gazed upon you but also bestowed power upon you. But due to the lack of necessary rituals and the existence of the Underworld Daoists seal, that power fused with the remnant aura of the Blood Emperor and is under seal, unable to be utilized. Otherwise, youd already be a gifted War Bishop or something else by now. Although this power is sealed, it has still brought some effects to you. For example, the soul fragments of the Cordu villagers under my seal have undergone some mutations, preparing to become your soldiers. No wonder I vaguely heard everyones conversations when I was leaving the dream just now Lumian suddenly realized. So what he had gained was a new power. Madam Magician continued, Whether there are any hidden dangers in that power itself, I cant tell at the moment, but after it fused with the remnant aura of the Blood Emperor, there are certainly hidden dangers, and it has become more active. At this point, Madam Magician paused. Combined with the Omebella bloodline in your body, if not for the Underworld Daoists seal, Id suspect you might become pregnant in response, unable to abort, giving birth to a deeply corrupted, mutated version of Alista Tudor. Wouldnt that make the Blood Emperor have to call me daddy? Lumian, in his Demoness of Despair state, laughed. It would be mommy, Madam Magician corrected. Lumian didnt continue this topic, instead turning to talk about how he entered the vortex, how he took advantage of the lightning strike to open a channel and rescue Franca. It seems our efforts were not in vain. Madam Justice showed a gratified smile. Which deity does that incantation involve? Lumian asked. Madam Justice made an mm sound and said, The Lord of Storms, thats His true name. Dont casually recite it. Lightning damage is area-of-effect and indiscriminate. Moreover, Mr. Fools avatars have triggered lightning strikes with this before. The subconscious perception is that the lightning brought by this incantation is very terrifying and highly destructive. Using a deitys true name as an incantation? How is Mr. Fools incarnation even more like a Provoker than me? Lumian nodded slightly. He was silent for two seconds before saying, At that time, I was prepared for the possibility that I might collapse out of control due to the secret deed ritual, or even die. I had only one thought, which was to open the abyssal channel as quickly as possible, or destroy that illusory abyss. This might not have been enough, so I asked Jenna and Luo Shan to invite Zhou Mingrui, who was at Mushu Hospitals emergency center, to come down to the underground area and take a look. I didnt know if this would bring good results or bad changes, or how high the probability of fixing it would be if problems arose, but none of that was the most important thing at the moment. As he spoke, Lumian in his Demoness of Despair state slightly raised his chin. Madam Justice, Madam Magician, and Madam Judgment all fell silent. Lumian displayed a bright smile and continued, If that would truly bring destructive results, and you monitored it, you could kill my body in the real world in advance to prevent all this. It would be good to die. If I died, I wouldnt know anything, wouldnt have to care about anything. After exchanging glances for a few seconds, Madam Justice, Madam Magician, and Madam Judgment sighed and showed warm smiles that calmed ones emotions. I dont agree with this style of yours, but Im glad to see you have your own thoughts and choices. Madam Magician also sighed and said, If you encounter similar situations in the future, you can try reciting my honorific name. The power sealing those soul fragments in you comes from me. I can use them as a medium and, through the connection created by the honorific name, exert some influence, but success is not guaranteed. Also, if youre willing to pay the price of being permanently kicked out and unable to re-enter the dream city to escape a predicament, I can give you better incantations. Lumians straightened back relaxed a bit, and his chin was no longer slightly raised. Curious, he inquired, What incantation? Chief Yagatess honorific name, Madam Magician smiled, Reciting this outside the dream would have no effect, and might even unknowingly turn the reciter into a marionette of the Celestial Worthy. But reciting it in the dream can attract attention and open any channel. However, similarly, Chief Yagates is essentially a manifestation created by the fusion of Mr. Doors remnant spirit and the dreams subconscious, with special symbolism. His actions might be influenced by the Celestial Worthy, but relatively speaking, compared to reciting Mr. Fools honorific name, this receives less interference. So it can be done like this Lumian said thoughtfully, Were we perhaps following the surface rules of the dream city too strictly before? Always trying to play the role of citizens with Beyonder powers Remember, youre just acting; its essentially a dream Madam Magician smiled and said, Weve thought about this issue too. The method of reciting the Chiefs honorific name was my idea. But before finding exploitable rule loopholes, youd better not casually break the rules. Otherwise, hehe, there are too many painful lessons from before. I wont list them one by one. Lumian nodded, adjusted his state, and detailed the scene Franca saw in that psychological trauma at the bottom of the illusory abyss, the deductions she made, and the problems she discovered. Finally, he said, It was only after Franca realized that Mr. Fool was a transmigrator that she found she had previously overlooked names like Sherlock Moriarty and Merlin Hermes. Logically, she should have immediately deduced from these that Mr. Fool, like her, was also a transmigrator, though she would have guessed he came from another world. In the dream city, many of our ideas seem to have been restricted. We unconsciously overlooked certain things, like An Xiaotians problem, like the evidence that Mr. Fool was a transmigrator. This might be the Celestial Worthys will at work, creating a Fooling effect. And what He deliberately made us overlook and avoid, most likely hides the correct direction. Madam Justice listened intently, her expression first showing a bit of bewilderment and surprise, but quickly revealing relief and emotion. Madam Magician and Madam Judgment had similar reactions. After Lumian finished speaking, Madam Justices emerald eyes flickered as she recalled, You dont know under what kind of situation and in what way we first saw Mr. Fool, and what kind of performance he showed subsequently. So you certainly cant understand why we didnt think in the direction that Mr. Fool might be a transmigrator, an ordinary person who grew in strength a step at a time It was only after the Cordu Village disaster that I vaguely felt this possibility, Madam Magician added. Madam Justices expression became very gentle, with more smiles on her face. To have done so many things with a mortal body, to have reached this level, to use true human nature to confront the Celestial Worthy, I-I admire Mr. Fool even more, um, and also feel more sympathetic Curious, Lumian inquired, What things has Mr. Fool done? In his view, Mr. Fool now seemed closer. This great existence was once human, and was even a fellow countryman with Aurore. And Lumian only knew about things related to Gehrman Sparrow and what was told in the Bible. We can tell you about it properly, but now lets first discuss the key issues youve discovered, Madam Justice said with a smile. Chapter 1010 - Chapter 1010 Interpreting Symbols Chapter 1010 Interpreting Symbols Lumian organized his thoughts and explained about the manifestations possibly being an identity, Zhou Mingruis identity lacking corresponding interpersonal relationships, Peng Deng and Zhang Yujias existence seeming more special, and Peng Dengs roommate Grisha appearing in the emergency center of Mushu Hospital. From a transmigrators perspective, there are indeed problems with the corresponding details. Zhou Mingrui seems to be just a name, while the person who shares an apartment with Siatas and others, works at the Intis Group, and has a brother named Benson and a sister named Sasa is more like Klein Moretti. Madam Justice nodded slowly. Except for the dream city itself and Peng Deng and Zhang Yujia, no other important figures originate from the First Epoch or before. She temporarily treated the super-ancient era mentioned by Two of Cups as history from the First Epoch or before. So far, the Tarot Club had almost no understanding of events before the Second Epoch. As she spoke, Madam Justice fell silent, seeming lost in thought. Madam Magician glanced at her and said to Lumian, Since Peng Deng and Grisha may involve the Ancient Sun God, let me first tell you the relevant information we know, of course, limited to the part you can access. At this moment, Jenna sensed the activity in the living room and came down from the second floor. She looked around, quietly found a place to sit down, and joined Lumian in listening to Madam Magician talk about matters related to the Ancient Sun God. Madam Magician considered for a moment and said, Ive told you before that the source of all supernatural powers can be traced back to the original Creator. Lumian and Jenna nodded simultaneously. Madam Magician continued, The original Creator created this world, and at some point disintegrated Himself, splitting into the Beyonder characteristics of different pathways. Well, it may have been the terrifying impact of His self-disintegration that completely destroyed the super-ancient civilization where Mr. Fool and Two of Cups lived, with only some humans surviving, ushering in the First Epoch, what we call the Chaos Epoch. Was the Celestial Worthy born at that time? Mr. Fool and Franca should have been suspended above that light door before the collapse of the super-ancient civilization, Lumian said words that Jenna currently couldnt understand the specific meaning of. Madam Magician pondered for a few seconds and said, Based on the knowledge we currently possess, the final Creator simultaneously had tendencies towards separation and convergence. Before He completely disintegrated, there should have already been a split in His personality, or rather, His divine nature. The Celestial Worthy may belong to one of the divine natures that split off, so the Celestial Worthys spiritual imprint, like that of the original Creator, cannot be erased and will always exist within the corresponding Beyonder characteristics. Jenna understood this part and blurted out, Then doesnt that mean Mr. Fool can never truly defeat the Celestial Worthy? He can only both merge and oppose, gaining some advantage over the long course of time, Madam Magician said with a bitter smile. Theres a saying in the dream city that makes a lot of sense: In the long run, we all die. Lumian, Jenna, and the others fell silent. Madam Magician composed herself and said, Other divine natures also split off at that time, one of which you can call God Almighty. The history of the First Epoch might be the history of God Almighty opposing the Celestial Worthy. This is our only understanding of that period of history, and we cant guarantee its accuracy. Anyway, at the end of the First Epoch, something unknown happened, and both fell simultaneously. The Beyonder characteristics split more thoroughly, and the first Blasphemy Slate was left behind in some secret place. The first Blasphemy Slate that recorded the twenty-two paths of the divine. Did God Almighty occupy the pathways of Spectator and Secrets Suppliant? Lumian roughly understood what Madam Magician wanted to say. Madam Magician nodded and said, The five pathways of Spectator, Secrets Suppliant, Reader, Sailor, and Bard, symbolizing omniscience and omnipotence. Five pathways It wasnt Lumian or Jenna who marveled, but Madam Justice. Of course, Lumian and Jenna were also shockedthe Celestial Worthy and Mr. Fool only occupied three pathways! The number of pathways isnt the key to how powerful these great existences are, Madam Magician briefly explained without going into detail. The Ancient Sun God became a deity based on the Bard pathway, collecting the Uniqueness and the minimum required Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics of the corresponding pathways. Later, He was betrayed and fell, splitting apart. But various signs indicate that before His fall, He had actually encountered what Mr. Fool experiencedGod Almighty had revived within Him. After the Ancient Sun God fell, His legacy was divided into five parts. One part He had pre-divided to the Angel of Imagination, another part nurtured the True Creator and the second Blasphemy Slate on His remains, and the remaining three parts were divided among the three Kings of Angels at the time. Madam Magician didnt say what happened to those three Kings of Angels later, but Lumian and Jenna vaguely guessed something. A few years ago, that Angel of Imagination became a god and obtained, well, I dont know if it was the second or first Blasphemy Slate. Anyway, He used it to go to the Forsaken Land of the Gods and merge with the True Creator. Thats roughly how things are. I cant guarantee the accuracy of the specific details, Madam Magician finally said. As soon as she finished speaking, Madam Justice emerged from her contemplation and looked at Lumian and Jenna, saying, I have a guess about the identities and symbolism of Peng Deng, Grisha, and Zhang Yujia. In the dream city, inside a coffee shop. After handing Ludwig over to Franca, Anthony used the pretext of continuing their previous consultation to arrange a meeting with Peng Deng. He was prepared to rent an unfurnished apartment and pay a renovation deposit. After all, Zhou Shasha would arrive in Yang City the day after tomorrow, and they might not even have a chance to spend the remaining money they had! Seeing Peng Deng put down his black laptop backpack and sit across from him, Anthony smiled and greeted him, I have a friend who knows Zhou Mingrui. I heard youre Zhou Mingruis childhood friend? Anthony wasnt worried that this statement would trigger too obvious a change, as it was a common negotiation tacticdrawing closer to get a better price. After placing his phone to his right, Peng Deng raised his head. A smile appeared on his unremarkable face. Yes, Im not only Zhou Mingruis childhood friend, Im also other peoples childhood friend. Childhood friend of others Why specifically emphasize this? Whose childhood friend is he besides? Anthonys mind suddenly tensed. Trier, inside a luxurious villa. Madam Justice stood up and used her right hand to draw a semi-transparent, dreamlike wooden board. Peng Deng once made Four of Swords have hallucinations due to his own fear, causing him to actively leave the dream, Madam Justice said while making Peng Dengs photo and this sentence materialize virtually and stick to the wooden board. Next, she outlined Grishas portrait. This is Peng Dengs roommate, who appeared in the emergency center of Mushu Hospital last night. This is Nie Zhen, Peng Dengs girlfriend. After adding Nie Zhens illusory photo, Madam Justice paused and said, This is the boss of Aurora Company, and Aurora Company corresponds to the Aurora Order in reality. Their boss most likely symbolizes that True Creator, closely related to the Ancient Sun God. As she spoke, Madam Justice also pasted the photo of the half-naked body of Aurora Companys boss onto the dreamlike wooden board. After two seconds, Madam Justice continued in a slow voice, Zhang Yujia once sent Zhou Mingrui a postcard with an image of Sedlec Ossuary. For a long time, the Sedlec Ossuary was the iconic possession of the Angel of Imagination. After Zhang Yujias file photo was also pasted onto the illusory wooden board, Madam Justice smiled and said, When the Spectator pathway reaches the sequence of Dreamweaver, one can split off past identities or personalities, turning them into seemingly real people who can sleep normally, eat normally, socialize normally, and work normally. Now, there are a total of five people listed on the blackboard, and there are five pathways related to omniscience and omnipotence Before Madam Justice could state her conclusion, Anthony suddenly came down from upstairs. Seeing Madam Magician, Lumian, and the others, he explained, After interacting with Peng Deng today, I was kicked out of the dream. This time it wasnt because of fear. However, I gleaned some information from Peng Dengs hints. Seeing everyones eyes turn to him, Anthony paused, then said solemnly, Peng Deng is not only Zhou Mingruis childhood friend, hes likely also the Celestial Worthys childhood friend! Hearing this, Madam Justices lips curved slightly, revealing a smile. She pointed at the illusory photos on the semi-transparent blackboard and said, Its the same for Peng Deng, and the same for Zhang Yujia. Peng Dengs girlfriend Nie Zhen and his roommate Grisha, as well as the boss of Aurora Company whose origin is easiest to discern, all point to the same symbolism. The Celestial Worthys childhood friend is God Almighty? Lumian roughly understood what Peng Deng specifically symbolized. And this symbolism, influenced by the characteristics of the Spectator pathway, had undergone a split, not just in Peng Deng, but in the other four people as well. One of the people who least wants the Celestial Worthy to resurrect might be that God Almighty, which is why He specifically arranged to guide you to discover the corresponding psychological trauma in the underground area of Mushu Hospital, Madam Magician said in a tone of sudden realization. Madam Justice thought for a moment and said in a lowered voice, If the one currently worshiped by the Aurora Order enters the dream, He should be able to choose one of these five forms as His body. It could be Peng Deng, it could be Nie Zhen, it could be Grisha, it could be Zhang Yujia, or it could be the boss of Aurora Company. Madam Magician suddenly had a new idea. Peng Deng and Grisha are roommates, and Nie Zhen is about to move in with them. Does this symbolize that the trinity is merging? Does moving out represent separation and opposition? Chapter 1011 - Chapter 1011 Re-entering the Dreamscape Chapter 1011 Re-entering the Dreamscape No one could answer Madam Magicians question, as it involved matters at too high a level and they lacked sufficient background information. Lumian used this as a basis for his thoughts and said contemplatively, If the symbolic meaning of being roommates and moving out is really this, can we assume that one of Peng Deng, Grisha, and Nie Zhen is the one currently worshiped by the Aurora Order? If He has entered the dream city. This was because the one currently worshiped by the Aurora Order was already the result of the merged consciousness of the Visionary and the True Creator, and He seemed to want to merge with even more. We can preliminarily assume so, but He might randomly use one of the three forms of Peng Deng, Grisha, and Nie Zhen, Madam Justice confirmed Lumians guess. Lumian mused aloud. The first time we observed Peng Deng, the car broke down, and we happened to meet that person from the Church of Steam nearby, who quickly helped us repair it. We also took the opportunity to establish a connection with Him. Was this a coincidence manufactured by Peng Deng? Did he want us to get help from that individual from the Church of Steam? Lumian didnt directly mention Stiano. It was fine to say it in the dream cityafter all, they were WeChat friends now. But in the real world, even an incomplete divine name could potentially bring terrifying consequences. It should be. Madam Justice pondered for a few seconds. At this point, Jenna, who had roughly understood the situation, raised a question, Did God Almighty arrange for Franca and me to suddenly enter the underground area of Mushu Hospital in order to let us grasp important intelligence, discover previously overlooked key details, and thus interpret the remaining symbols, finding the correct direction to weaken the Celestial Worthy and awaken Mr. Fool? Is Franca becoming a Demoness of Despair and quickly digesting half of the potion an advance payment? But this contradicts the motives of the one currently worshiped by the Aurora Order. We previously speculated that He would prefer to maintain a balanced situation until He achieves His goals in the real world, only then allowing Mr. Fool to wake up, to avoid Mr. Fool interfering with His plans. In a brief silence, Lumian turned to Anthony. Tell us in detail about how you were kicked out of the dream. Anthony recalled and said, After Peng Deng hinted that he was also the childhood friend of others, we didnt delve into the details of this aspect. We simply talked about the renovation, agreed to find a time to view the house in person, sign the contract, and then left the cafe separately. As soon as I was out of Peng Dengs sight, I felt like I was being kicked out of the dream and rapidly turning into a marionette. I calmed myself, eliminating the fear, but still couldnt shake off that state. I could only stop resisting and leave the dream. Madam Justices eyes moved slightly as she said, In other words, Peng Deng is being closely watched by the dream subconscious. If he is truly one of God Almightys corresponding dream forms, he would indeed be treated this way. Only He is worthy of such treatment by the dream subconscious. So, Peng Deng doesnt meet Zhou Mingrui at night, nor has he made any other attempts. Under such close monitoring, he simply cant. Theres also a reasonable explanation for his renting of the magic mirror. The birth of that magic mirror is suspected to be related to God Almighty. Similarly, theres now enough reason for why the Star Dream Provisions Store was willing to rent the mirror to him. Hmm Madam Justice looked at Anthony. The first time you contacted Peng Deng, you had hallucinations due to fear and actively left the dream. This might have been intentionally done by Peng Deng. His purpose was to remind you to be careful when interacting with him, to be as cautious as when interacting with Zhou Mingrui. Having inferred this far, Madam Justice nodded lightly. This time, he actively hinted to you that hes also the Celestial Worthys childhood friend, which seems unusual. Madam Magician and Madam Justice exchanged glances before saying, Combining this with the events in the underground area of Mushu Hospital, can we assume that the one currently worshiped by the Aurora Order hopes that Mr. Fool will gain the upper hand soon and gradually wake up with our help? It could also be the tendency of God Almightys spiritual imprint, which the one worshiped by the Aurora Order cant suppress, Madam Justice offered a possibility. Lumian thought for a moment and showed a slight smile. Another possibility is that the one worshiped by the Aurora Order foresaw a major change in the dream city, a change favorable to the Celestial Worthy, so He arranged for Franca to enter the underground area of Mushu Hospital in advance, to come into contact with that psychological trauma, as a hedge. Its also possible that some problems have arisen in the real world, such as hidden dangers left by the last vortex incident, forcing the one worshiped by the Aurora Order to start the plan to weaken the Celestial Worthy and awaken Mr. Fool ahead of schedule. Haha, is the sky about to fall, urgently needing tall people to prop it up? Hidden dangers Madam Magician seemed to have guessed something. She said to Lumian, Regardless of which possibility it is, things seem to have become urgent. From the key information that Mr. Fool is a transmigrator, we can deduce the issues with Peng Deng, Zhang Yujia, and others, and the special nature of the identity of Gehrman Sparrow. The former currently seems like allies, while for the latter, the temporary breakthrough point is only An Xiaotian. Madam Magician looked at Madam Justice and Madam Judgment, then said through gritted teeth, We allow you to use Li Kejis mushroom to treat An Xiaotian. Lumian offered a curt acknowledgment. Okay. Jenna nodded along, then raised a new question, But the voice Luo Shan heard in her dream was The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings, and the power that teleported us to the underground area of Mushu Hospital doesnt seem like His. Lumian chuckled. Ive already guessed who did it. Who? Jenna was quite surprised. He had already guessed? Lumian chuckled and said, Mr. Huang Tao. He immediately added, More accurately, the mirrored Emperor Roselle. Madam Justice and the other Major Arcana card holders nodded slightly. Lumian continued to explain to Jenna, The mirrored Emperor Roselle has a cooperative relationship with Zaratulstra, so after entering the dream city, he tried to occupy the identity of Mr. Huang. At the same time, Zaratulstra has always suspected that something was wrong with Luo Shan and secretly reminded Zhou Mingrui, while the mirrored Emperor Roselle is an Angel of the Mystery Pryer pathway. This intelligence was provided by the Major Arcana card holders after discovering that the mirrored Roselle was eroding and influencing Mr. Huang. Based on this, we can make a speculation. Zaratulstra should have asked the mirrored Roselle, who can control information and influence paintings, for help to confirm if there was something wrong with Luo Shan. The mirrored Roselle reorganized the information of that colorful parrot, controlled it, and made it monitor Luo Shan, but didnt feed back the obtained intelligence to Zaratulstra. This is because the mirrored Roselle is secretly cooperating with the one worshipped by the Aurora Order, just like during the last vortex incident, Lumian looked at Jenna and summarized, Luo Shan was stimulated, developed a psychological trauma, which was discovered by that colorful parrot, who informed the mirrored Roselle. Then, the mirrored Roselle, using the trust of the Celestial Worthys forces, secretly pushed a bit, causing Luo Shan to bring you and the real target, Franca, to the underground area of Mushu Hospital in the dream. Jenna suddenly understood. That makes sense now. Beside them, Anthony, before going to probe Peng Deng, had learned from Lumian the key point that Mr. Fool was a transmigrator and what exactly happened last night, so there was no communication barrier now. He understood the previous conversations relatively easily and didnt raise any questions. Madam Justice looked at them and said with a smile, Now that weve discussed the important matters, Ill give you a general account of Mr. Fools experiences, starting with Klein Moretti The relevant events had actually been mentioned in the previous document, but not in enough detail. This time, Madam Justice spoke as if she had seen and heard it personally, starting from the Antigonus family notes and continuing all the way to the end of the Tingen story. After a moment of silence, Lumian asked slowly, Captain Dunn and Klein Moretti died just like that at the Blackthorn Security Company, to prevent the descent of the True Creators spawn? Yes, Madam Magician said with a self-deprecating smile. Now I understand why Klein Moretti could be resurrected. Lokis multiple resurrections were a good example. Lumian fell silent. Jenna said with some emotion, No wonder Officer Deng is also a person who maintains order in the dream city. After expressing her feelings, she asked curiously, The final events are so detailed, were they narrated by a survivor at the time? Yes. Madam Justice nodded. Jenna had a flash of inspiration. Mr. Star? The Major Arcana card holderMr. Starwas indeed a Nighthawk of the Church of Evernight! Madam Justice smiled lightly but didnt give a clear answer. Madam Magician changed the subject. The real-world Rozanne also said that as much as she hates others becoming Beyonders, she admires the Nighthawks. Jenna made a sound of agreement and said with some emotion, No wonder the Luo Shan in the dream city has always wanted to become a qualified guardian After a brief silence, Madam Justice and Madam Magician took turns talking about the different identities of Mr. Fool, such as Sherlock Moriarty and Gehrman Sparrow. They didnt dare to go into too much detail, only picking key points to narrate, fearing it would delay matters in the dream city. Finally, Lumian stood up and said to the Major Arcana cards and his companions, Ill return to the dream city first. Madam Justice also stood up and nodded slightly. We will notify the other Major Arcana cards to be prepared to provide help at any time. Lumian nodded, made his way back to the second floor, entered his own bedroom, and lay down on the bed. He stared at the ceiling, not falling asleep quickly. His mind flashed with bits and pieces about Mr. Fool, with all those things that the Major Arcana card holders had emphasized in their narration. After quite a while, Lumian finally fell asleep. Chapter 1012 - Chapter 1012 A New Round of Hints Chapter 1012 A New Round of Hints Intis Group, Administrative Department. Zhou Mingrui, wearing a black T-shirt, walked in and casually scanned the room before saying to Luo Shan, Its really hot this year. School has started and theres still no sign of cooling down. Luo Shan nodded repeatedly in agreement and praised the effectiveness of the companys air conditioning. Zhou Mingrui glanced to the side and back, asking, Luo Fu didnt come today? He had been planning to approach Luo Fu today to ask why she appeared in the underground area of Mushu Hospital last night. However, it was almost an hour into the workday and she still hadnt shown up. Luo Shan looked around and said in a hushed voice, Luo Fu is going to resign. Hasnt she been working for less than a month? Shes resigning before even passing the probation period? Zhou Mingrui was somewhat surprised, but then felt it was also normal. For a mysterious person like Luo Fu, working at the company was definitely not for the salary, but for some other purpose. Once that purpose was achieved, or if she felt it couldnt be completed and she might be in danger, she would undoubtedly resign without hesitation. Yes, theres something going on at home. Otherwise, who would give up such a good job? Luo Shan spoke sincerely. Luo Fu has already submitted her letter and will come tomorrow to go through the procedures. Luo Fus resignation made Luo Shan feel that she herself probably wouldnt be fired in the short term. Shell come tomorrow? Zhou Mingrui nodded thoughtfully. He could foresee that Luo Fus resignation wouldnt go smoothly. Someone who had just been hired leaving before completing even a monthwasnt that a slap in the face for the recruiters? Moreover, it would affect the HR departments performance evaluation. Zhou Mingrui then turned to Luo Shan and asked, How is Luo Fu doing now? Why did she go to Mushu Hospital last night? He spoke with a tone of concern for a colleague. Shes doing fine now, just hasnt fully recovered emotionally. Without receiving any instructions, Luo Shan didnt dare reveal too much. She directly skipped over the latter question. Seeing this, Zhou Mingrui politely smiled and said, Slacking time is over, Im going back to work. Bye-bye. Luo Shan waved habitually. Zhou Mingrui turned and walked towards the exit of the Administrative Department. Luo Fus resignation made him more acutely aware of the undercurrents lurking beneath the surface. This female colleague seemed to have joined the company specifically for him. She hadnt even fully familiarized herself with the Administrative Departments affairs, yet had already had two meals with him, made some hints, and mysteriously appeared in the underground area of Mushu Hospital when he was investigating it. Did last nights events cause Luo Fu to resign? What exactly is hidden in the underground area of Mushu Hospital, and why did Luo Fu and Luo Shan go there? What specifically did Luo Fu encounter? Are mystical methods now being used in workplace competition? Amidst his lampooning, Zhou Mingrui increasingly wanted to find Luo Fu and ask her face-to-face. He felt that the things around him were getting stranger and stranger! Luo Fu and Luo Shan too, they clearly showed goodwill and provided effective hints, so why dont they just tell me the truth about whats going on? Were all people with supernatural powers, what cant be said? We could be completely open and honest about everything, and discuss things together. Even if I wouldnt believe everything, I certainly wouldnt ignore it completely. Id remember the key points and verify them one by one in subsequent developments. If they dont explain anything clearly, how am I supposed to help them? Are we filming a TV drama here, where one misunderstanding can be dragged out for twenty episodes? Is there a reason they only hint at things instead of speaking directly? Is some force preventing them from telling the truth about whats happening? Are there others monitoring me? Zhou Mingrui unconsciously raised his head and looked around, but didnt notice anything unusual. Does the monitoring power come from a supernatural level? Can it even listen in on my private conversations with Luo Fu and Luo Shan? The first time Luo Fu showed something was wrong, Luo Shan hinted for me to wait two days before talking to her again. That was the day after my first meal with her, during which Luo Fu had hinted at the existence of supernatural powers and the hidden dangers of beverages after Assassin Was it because she hinted at these things to me that it led to her subsequent problems? Zhou Mingrui returned to his own workstation and sat down, staring at the screen in front of him, seriously considering how to determine if there was monitoring around him, and if so, how to avoid it afterwards, how to meet with Luo Fu and Luo Shan discreetly, and how to communicate in a safe environment. In the Administrative Department, Luo Shan picked up her phone and sent a message to True Hidden Blade: Zhou Mingrui came to ask about your situation. Hes not unfazed by last nights events, hes just waiting for an opportunity to inquire. In the open parking lot below the Tech Building housing Intis Groups headquarters. Franca, her hair tied in a ponytail, read the WeChat message sent by Luo Shan. She had originally planned to take Ludwig and wait around the Hall Film Company, ready to help cover up immediately if Dreamscape Jenna made any mistakes. But after much consideration, she decided to come near the company instead. Dreamscape Jenna was professionally trained, with acting skills no worse than the real Jenna. She had also inherited Jennas memories of applying to the Hall Film Company and signing the contract, and her own dream was to be a good actress. So, as long as there were no accidents like last night, she shouldnt have any problems. Moreover, the Hall Film Company had a good boss who managed things strictly, and the internal atmosphere was quite good. As long as Dreamscape Jenna didnt go to outside film crews for auditions, she was unlikely to encounter the casting couch. Of course, even if she did, Franca wasnt worried that Dreamscape Jenna would accept. More than that, she was concerned that Dreamscape Jenna might overreact, use excessive self-defense, and get arrested by the policeshe had probed Dreamscape Jennas personality and style this morning and felt that if Dreamscape Jenna encountered something dirty, she would grab all the sharp objects she could find at the scene and make the other party see red. Comparatively, Luo Shans situation was more dangerous. The forces that caused last nights incident had clearly targeted Luo Shan, and if one attempt failed, there would be another. Franca didnt want to be careless and have Luo Shan encounter an accident, die on the spot, or become a puppet of the Celestial Worthy! After reading the message from Luo Shan and listening to the sound of Ludwig eating, Franca pondered for a moment before typing out a response: You can recommend that Zhou Mingrui watch the Terminator series of films. Luo Shan was suddenly stunned when she received the reply. She finally understood why the story Luo Fu had initially made up sounded so familiar to her! Most of it was from a movie plot! Essentially, it really is a bit similar Luo Shan pondered for a few seconds, then opened her chat with Zhou Mingrui: Weve been watching old movies lately, the Terminator series. Theyre much better than current Hollywood blockbusters. You should rewatch them too. Zhou Mingrui, receiving this seemingly random message, fell into deep thought. He had long forgotten the details of the Terminator series, but still remembered a bit of the core story. After a moment, he silently said to himself, Are they trying to tell me that Im the savior? Downstairs, in the open parking lot. Franca alternated between checking her phone and observing the situation, patiently waiting for the lunch break. Her biggest worry now wasnt Luo Shans problem, nor where she should go to make people despair, but that running the air conditioning in a gasoline car while waiting wasnt a good thing. Suddenly, someone opened the car door and sat in the passenger seat. Francas spiritual perception had already sensed it was Lumian who had arrived. Lumian had changed back to his male form and was in disguise, so he wouldnt be recognized as security guard Li Ming at first glance. How did you know I was here? Franca asked, both puzzled and curious. They hadnt even replenished the Mirror Substitutions they had placed with each other yet! Lumian smiled, raised his right hand, and pointed to his head. Its a simple deduction. Franca rolled her eyes at him. I just didnt feel like thinking about it. Lumian didnt continue to tease her. He summarized the key points of what he and the others had discussed with the Major Arcana card holders, as well as Mr. Fools past experiences. Thats truly legendary Franca sighed sincerely. Lumian nodded. Theres another detail. At the time, I was the one who told Jenna and Luo Shan to ask Zhou Mingrui for help, to make a trip to the underground area of Mushu Hospital. On the way, Jenna remembered it was late at night and worried that directly contacting Zhou Mingrui might cause worse things to happen, so she let Luo Shan go alone. Zhou Mingrui agreed to help, and after he ran out of the emergency center, Jenna was immediately kicked out of the dream. But she hadnt actually appeared in Zhou Mingruis sight, and Zhou Mingrui didnt even know such a person existed. Franca understood what Lumian was trying to express. The Celestial Worthys gaze can lock onto indirect reminders? Then when we have Luo Shan tell Zhou Mingrui the truth, we need to be prepared for the relevant people to be kicked out of the dream I was the one who told Luo Shan and Jenna to go, I was the mastermind, but I wasnt kicked out of the dream, Lumian added. Either theres a range or some other limitation on locking onto indirect reminders, or its because you were already at B2 of Mushu Hospital at the time Can that place affect or interfere with the Celestial Worthys gaze? Franca proposed two possibilities. Lumian smiled. If the underground area of Mushu Hospital can indeed interfere with the Celestial Worthys gaze to some extent, we might be able to use that at a critical moment. This was a collection of details. They might be useful, or they might have no effect at all, but without collecting them, there wouldnt even be a chance to test them! Franca tersely agreed and picked up her phone again, saying, I should let Queen Mystic know about the mirrored Emperor Roselle, and remind her to pay attention to Mr. Huangs contradictory behavior. After opening the WeChat contact Bernadette, Franca adjusted her mood and sent an energetic emoji: Pop quiz! Please answer which five seas are referred to by the Five Seas! She wasnt sure if the person on the other end of WeChat was currently Queen Mystic Bernadette or Miss Bernie Huang, so she first sent a question whose answer only an outsider would know to verify the other partys identity. After a moment, Bernadette responded: The Sonia Sea, the Fog Sea, do I need to continue? Congratulations, youre got it correct! Only then did Franca briefly mention last nights events and the possible role played by the mirrored Emperor Roselle, as well as the reasons they had speculated. After some time, Bernadette replied: Id like to discuss this matter in detail. Lets meet at 2 pm at the book warehouse at 15 Jinhua Street. Chapter 1013 - Chapter 1013 The Queens Request Chapter 1013 The Queens Request Franca showed Lumian Queen Mystics reply and asked for his opinion, Should I go? Lumian replied without hesitation, Ill go. Alright. Franca understood Lumians meaning. She now had to completely switch to behind-the-scenes support, and should avoid meeting important people unless she found an opportunity to make others despair. Sometimes, theyd rather send Ludwig! Franca considered briefly, then quickly typed on her screen: I have an important matter this afternoon. Can Lumina replace me to meet with you? After sending this message, Franca glanced at Lumian and added: She knows more details about the relevant matters than I do. Thats fine. Queen Mystic quickly replied. Only then did Franca say to Lumian, Go meet Queen Mystic in your female form. Dont reveal your identity as security guard Li Ming. Although Queen Mystic is our ally, we cant let her know everything, especially identities that still need to remain undercover. The last time they cooperated with Queen Mystic to deal with Zaratulstra, Lumian had also transformed into a Demoness of Despair. Lumian raised an eyebrow and said teasingly, It feels like your IQ has increased since you fell into a situation where youd lose control and die if kicked out of the dream. Franca was used to trading barbs with Lumian, and retorted, What does that prove? It proves Im inherently smart, I just usually cant be bothered to think. Anyway, youre not stupid either, so you can do the thinking for me. Ludwig, who had finished his burger in the back seat, raised his head in agreement: Thats right, thats right. This made Franca fall silent. Somehow having the child Ludwig agree with her didnt seem quite right Ill go buy you lunch, then scout out the location and wait to meet Queen Mystic, said Lumian, once again stirring up Francas emotions and making her feel more alive. He opened the car door and got out. 2 pm, 15 Jinhua Street. Lumian, dressed in a womans shirt and loose pants, wearing sunglasses and a mask, used teleportation to bypass the security guard and went directly inside the book warehouseLumina was still a wanted person, so he couldnt openly find an excuse to enter. There was no one in the book warehouse. Lumian looked at the piles of packaged goods and tall metal shelves, walking forward leisurely. Suddenly, a lush peach forest with blooming flowers appeared before his eyes. A winding stream in the forest flowed into a towering mountain range and into a small cave. This isolated Lumian from the outside world. Then, Queen Mystic Bernadette walked out from the peach forest. Her slightly curly brown hair was simply tied up. She wore a loose white T-shirt with patterns, tied at the waist, exuding youthful energy and giving a strong student vibe. It wouldnt make anyone suspect Bernie Huang of being overly mature. Good afternoon, Your Highness Bernadette, Lumian greeted, removing his sunglasses and mask. He still greatly admired Emperor Roselle, so naturally, he was quite respectful towards Queen Mystic. Bernadette nodded slightly and said, Good afternoon. She didnt engage in small talk and went straight to the point. Tell me everything that happened last night, not just about the Mirror People. Lumian only omitted some details about his own changes. He started from when Luo Shan used her Reporter ability and suddenly heard Franca and Jenna talking, realizing she was just an illusory figure in someone elses dream. He continued up to returning to Mushu Hospital, seeing GrishaPeng Dengs roommateat the scene through someone elses short video, and the issue with the colorful parrot in the oil painting. Queen Mystic listened very quietly, without interrupting or asking for details. Only when Lumian finished did she ask, Is Luo Fu a transmigrator? Queen Mystic knows about transmigrators too Well, transmigrators have done quite a few things over the years, possibly even helping her translate the Emperors diary, and she can enter and exit Mr. Fools dream city Lumian nodded. Yes. Since Luo Fu saw her past self in those cocoons on the light gate, does she believe that everyone in the cocoons is a transmigrator? Queen Mystic further inquired. Without a doubt, thats what she thinks, Lumian replied cooperatively, although he had roughly guessed what Queen Mystic really wanted to ask. What are her guesses about the three empty cocoons? Queen Mystics youthful face remained calm. Here it comes, the real question Lumian thought to himself, then answered truthfully, She suspects they are the Ancient Sun God, Emperor Roselle, and Mr. Fool. Bernadettes expression changed slightly, but she showed no signs of shock. She said to Lumian, The Ancient Sun God may not have come from a cocoon, He has a different origin. Uh Lumian was stunned. If it wasnt the Ancient Sun God, then who came out of that cocoon? Bernadette didnt explain, she just mentioned this. She said with a hint of sighing, No wonder Mr. Fools dream contains all the fairy tales and legends Ive heard. No wonder those fairy tales and legends have the power of mystical reappearance Lumian closed his mouth, not knowing how to respond for a moment. After joining the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, he actually knew where Emperor Roselles inventions, writings, and famous sayings came from. After entering the dream city, he confirmed this even more. However, he still admired Roselle, believing that the Emperors life journey from an ordinary person to wearing the crown and finally ascending to godhood was rare in the world, very inspiring and admirable. Moreover, the Emperor did indeed change the trends of the times, the world situation, and various aspects of the country of Intis. His legacy was still frequently mentioned today, still benefiting many lower and middle-class people, and still changing some peoples destinies. Bernadette turned sideways, looking towards the brilliant and dreamy pink peach blossom forest that resembled a night sky burning with clouds, and muttered to herself, Actually, he rarely told me that those fairy tales and legends were written by himself, thought up by himself Most of the time he would say, Ive organized the fairy tales I heard as a child, Im telling you the stories that your grandmother once told me, stories that belong only to us, these are stories from my dreams that once brought me a lot of fantasy, I hope they can make your childhood colorful and dreamy too When he said these things, it was as if he was looking through me, recalling his own childhood Lumian suddenly smiled and lowered his head slightly, saying, My sister also told me some fairy tales. Every time she told them, I had a similar feeling. At this moment, he felt a strong resonance with Queen Mystic. Ones father was a transmigrator, the others sister was a transmigrator, and now they have both passed away, but still retained some hope of resurrection. Queen Mystic Bernadette looked back at Lumian and nodded gently. It wasnt until I entered this dream city and lived here for a while that I felt I truly understood him. Me too, Lumian replied with a self-deprecating smile. Queen Mystic quickly shook off that nostalgic state and said to Lumian, I want to ask you for a favor. What favor? Lumian perked up. Queen Mystic was silent for a few seconds before saying, Whether shes currently cooperating with the one worshiped by the Aurora Society, or has jumped back to the Celestial Worthys camp, or is swaying between the two, her ultimate goal is not what I want to see or am willing to accept. Ive hesitated for a while, but today Ive finally made up my mind. I want to kick her out of the dream as soon as possible, so she cant benefit from this real dream. For this, Im willing to accept the consequence of never being able to come to this city again. You want to take action against the mirrored Emperor Roselle soon? Lumian suddenly realized. He noticed that Queen Mystic referred to the mirrored Emperor Roselle not with the pronoun Her representing Angels, but with her symbolizing females. Yes. Queen Mystic nodded almost imperceptibly. Relying on myself alone, even with a Sealed Artifact, it would be difficult to expel her from the dream, so I need your help. No problem. You provided us with great help in the Zaratulstra matter, Lumian agreed immediately. With the mirrored Emperor Roselles wavering stance, Lumian didnt dare to bet that She would definitely side with Mr. Fool, so it was better to eliminate the hidden danger in advance. Queen Mystic added, I will prepay you a fee for this help Theres no need to be so polite, we didnt give you a fee when dealing with Zaratulstra Before Lumian could respond, he heard Queen Mystic state the specific amount, 500,000. How much? Lumian instinctively doubted his hearing. He immediately understood that Queen Mystic was also using this matter to send money to him and his team. And this broke through the suspected limit of 30,000 per transaction. Does this mean Queen Mystic has made up her mind regardless of the consequences, and is prepared to be kicked out of the dream for the third time? Lumian tentatively asked, When do you plan to take action? The sooner the better, Bernadette said concisely. Lumian considered for a moment before saying, Between 3 pm tomorrow and 3 pm the day after. And at 2:30 pm tomorrow, Ill go to Star Dream Provisions Store to rent an item, which might also come in handy after Zhou Sasa arrives in Yangdu. Zhou Sasa would be taking the high-speed rail to Yangdu at noon the day after tomorrow. Lumian hoped to rent once for two uses, including expelling the mirrored Emperor Roselle from the dream and dealing with the anomalies brought by Zhou Shasha entering the dream city. Alright. Queen Mystic didnt elaborate. She thought for a moment and said, Since Huang Jiajia and the others have all become marionettes of the Celestial Worthy, and Lu Yongan, a Blessed of the Great Mother, has discovered the falsity of your Child of God identity, you must be on guard against them suddenly taking action against Li Keji, cutting off the last hope of curing An Xiaotian. Hearing these words, Lumian suddenly became alert. Thats right! After last nights events, whether its the Celestial Worthy trying to eliminate hidden dangers or the Great Mother wanting to maintain balance, Li Keji could very likely become a key target! Lumian had originally planned to find Li Keji late tonight when everyone was asleep, to see if the mushroom had met the requirements. But now it appeared he had to go as soon as possibleright now! Chapter 1014 - Chapter 1014 Transferred Chapter 1014 Transferred Crimson Moon Hospital, Psychiatric Ward. Lumian directly teleported outside Li Kejis hospital room. He had put his sunglasses and mask back on. Taking advantage of the momentary absence of people in this area, Lumian knocked loudly on the steel door. Almost simultaneously, his spiritual intuition told him: there was no one in this hospital room anymore! Lumian tensed up and Blinked inside the room. It was empty, with no one there and no mushrooms. The blanket was neatly folded. Lumian took out a mirror, about to use divination to find Li Keji. At this point, he frowned, considered briefly, and gave up on the idea, fearing he might divine images he currently couldnt bear. He teleported outside the ward, keeping his sunglasses and mask on, approached the nurses station, and said in a deep voice, Im here to visit a patient. Which room is Li Keji in? The nurse who was organizing medical records looked up and asked in surprise, You dont know? Li Keji has been transferred back to Mushu Hospital. Hes been diagnosed with mental issues. Although he doesnt need to go to jail, hell have to be confined for treatment from now on. Transferred back to Mushu Hospital? Lumians heart sank, and he immediately asked, When did this happen? Just this morning, the nurse replied, becoming a bit impatient. If you want to visit him, go to Mushu Hospital. This morning At that time, I had returned to the real world to report the situation, Jenna and Anthony had also been kicked out of the dream, leaving only Franca, who wasnt in good condition, to secretly protect Luo Shan with Ludwig. We couldnt look after Li Kejis situation at all. Moreover, last nights events were too urgent, and we had to deal with Francas mental and psychological issues afterward. We didnt think to notify Queen Mystic in advance Their timing was impeccable Lumian asked another question, Who came to handle the transfer procedures? Of course, it was the patients family member, his mom, the nurse said, looking puzzled at the mask and sunglasses covering Lumians face. His mom Mother Lumians scalp tingled, but he pretended to find it amusing and asked, How did you confirm that was his mother? Would you believe me if I said I was? The nurse, both annoyed and amused, said, She came with the household register! And the patients boss also testified! Huang Jiajia was cooperating with Li Kejis mom to handle the transfer? Lumian stopped asking questions and turned to leave the psychiatric ward. His first reaction was to quickly find a deserted corner and directly teleport to Mushu Hospital, to see if he could get the treatment mushroom before Li Keji truly became the child of the Mother, and rescue him. If the prison break failed, he would switch to assassination, completely eliminating this dream manifestation, leaving nothing for the Great Mother. Just as he was about to activate the black mark on his right shoulder, Lumian had a new idea. He had no helpers now and needed to find one. So, he took out his phone, entered a ride-hailing app, and chose a route from Crimson Moon Hospital to Mushu Hospital. During this process, he walked out of Crimson Moon Hospital and sent a message to Franca: Li Keji has been transferred back to Mushu Hospital. Bring Ludwig and wait outside Mushu Hospital. If necessary, have Ludwig come in to find me. Remember to notify Luo Shan, tell her to be alert this afternoon and extremely careful. Its best if she occasionally goes to chat with Zhou Mingrui. We cant lose focus. We cant rescue Li Keji only to lose Luo Shan. Okay. Franca replied concisely. After deleting the chat history using the Information Shredder, Lumian stood by the roadside, patiently waiting for the ride-hailing car to arrive. In less than two minutes, a white ride-hailing car stopped in front of him. Lumian quickly opened the front passenger door and got in. His gaze then turned to the driver, just in time to see him take out a crystal-like monocle and put it on his right eye socket. Lumian wasnt surprised at all; this was exactly what he had expected. After the driver started the car, Lumian said casually, Long time no see. Not that long, I often watch you all, Amon said, driving normally without using any Beyonder powers. Weve probably deciphered the symbolic meanings of Peng Deng, Grisha, and others in the dream, Lumian said matter-of-factly, suppressing his inner anxiety. Lets hear it, Amon said, honking the horn as the vehicles in front slowed down. It was clear that He had integrated very well into this dream city. Lumian chose his words carefully and briefly described Madam Justices conjectures. Amon laughed. A Spectator is not a qualified Cryptologist. Although the ideas and direction are not wrong, the thinking is not deep enough. If that young lad Pallez were here, its possible that all the symbolic meanings would be deciphered. Where did we go wrong? Lumians purpose in bringing up this topic was to get confirmation from Amon. According to their speculation, Amon and His father, for some unknown reason, no longer intended to maintain balance at present. They wanted to weaken the Celestial Worthy and let Mr. Fool wake up early, which meant They could be considered temporary allies. Amon turned His head to look at him and said with a smile, The Spectator herself has said that its based on identity and personality to weave real images, not on pathways. My father; the True Creator; Adam; the original God Almighty; and Heavens deputy, the Left Hand of God, the leader of the Kings of Angels, the Dark Angel Sasrir, how many identities is that in total? Five, Lumian said thoughtfully. So the Dark Angel among the eight Kings of Angels was also derived from the Ancient Sun God This was intelligence he didnt have before. Amon adjusted His monocle on His right eye, His smile unchanging, and said, Looking at it this way, its actually quite simple to decipher the corresponding symbolic meanings: The boss of Aurora Company symbolizes the True Creator, influenced by The Fools cognition, mainly active near the headquarters of Intis Group. Peng Deng and Grisha symbolize the one you hate most and the original God Almighty, but their specific positions are not fixed. They can swap at any time, symbolizing fusion and confrontation. Nie Zhen symbolizes the Dark Angel, representing the part that split off from my father, Adams rib is his Eve. The True Creator and Adam have already achieved consciousness fusion, so They dont need to share rent anymore. They can act under different identities through The Fools cognition, but Their thoughts are interconnected. Visionary Adam? Lumian nodded slightly and said, Zhang Yujia symbolizes your father, the Ancient Sun God? The Corpse Cathedral itself belongs to Him. Zhang Yujia wanders outside the dream city, symbolizing that my father has already left this stage. Now His successors and the original God Almighty are confronting each other. This is also The Fools cognition, Amon said in a slightly mocking tone. As for the symbolic meaning of sharing rent and moving out, I dont need to explain that, right? This explanation is indeed clearer, but in this matter, Amon cant be fully trusted either Lumian chuckled and said, Why is your fathers dream manifestation female? Is it because Mr. Fools other childhood friend is indeed a lady, or in Mr. Fools cognition, your father gave birth to you and the Angel of Imagination, and also split off the Dark Angel, making Him a successful mother? Amon laughed. The last guy who deciphered this aspect of symbolism mocked it the same way. You two are indeed quite similar. Who? Lumian asked vigilantly. Havent you guessed? Amon glanced at Lumian. Red Angel Medici. He can also enter Mr. Fools dream? Lumian frowned. Could it be that the Red Angel has turned to the Celestial Worthy? From what we can see now, apart from true gods and those holding Mr. Fools gold coins, only a few individuals who have received special grace from the Celestial Worthy can enter this dream city. Well, it seems other great existences can now send one or two subordinates in through the illusory abyss under Mushu Hospital, like Lu Yongan. However, the Red Angel is unlikely to cooperate with the Great Mother and others. In the Hostel incident, He just tricked these evil gods He has a corresponding manifestation in the dream city and has received help from a top-tier Dreamweaver, so of course He can come in, Amon explained in a light tone. Help from a top-tier Dreamweaver Lumian suddenly had a flash of insight. It wasnt the Angel of Imagination who helped Him in, but the original God Almighty? The enemy of my enemy is my friend, Amon said with amusement in His voice. However, the enemy of my enemy might still be an enemy, like you and Medici. The Red Angel is so quiet in the dream? What is He doing, what is He planning? Lumian, wearing sunglasses and a mask, asked further. Amon shook His head. Go find Him yourself, ask Him. Before Lumian could ask more, Amon smiled and said, Peng Deng risked revealing His identity, not just to let you know who He is. Have you deciphered what He really wanted to hint at? What He really wanted to hint at Lumian fell into deep thought. After about ten seconds, he changed the subject and said, The dream owners image in this city is also split? Chief Yagates, you, and Zhou Mingrui? Amon showed a delighted expression. Do I look like the dreams owner to you? He said in a teaching tone, You need to learn to filter out the interference of complex information and see the most fundamental facts. The most fundamental fact is that The Fool has never accommodated the Uniqueness of the Error and Door pathways, while the Celestial Worthy has. Wh Lumian vaguely grasped what Amon was hinting at. Just as he was about to use vague language and indirect methods to confirm, the car stopped. Weve arrived at Mushu Hospital, Amon suddenly switched to a skilled ride-hailing drivers tone. Lumian thought for two seconds and opened the door to get out. Remember to give a good rating! Amon waved and quickly drove away. Uh Lumian was stunned. His real purpose in calling a ride-hailing car was to find Amon for help, to rescue Li Keji together, but the other party just left like this! Left As the symbol of the Uniqueness of the Error pathway, Amon cant directly intervene in such matters and can only help indirectly? Lumian withdrew his gaze thoughtfully. Wearing sunglasses and a mask, he looked at Mushu Hospital, no longer hesitating. He set off towards the psychiatric department located at the back of the building. Chapter 1015 - Chapter 1015 Treatment Chapter 1015 Treatment As Lumian rounded the main building and saw the separate small building housing the psychiatric department, his phone vibrated once. It was a WeChat message from Franca: Ive arrived near Mushu Hospital, parked diagonally across the street. Good, Im about to enter the psychiatric department. Lumian replied using voice input. He then put his phone in airplane mode to avoid any unexpected disturbances like spam calls during the operation. He immediately activated the contract mark below his left shoulder, transforming himself into a shadow creature. He currently didnt know which room in the psychiatric ward Li Keji was confined in, so he couldnt directly teleport there. He needed to search around, and Shadow Transformation was more discreet than hiding in shadows, making it less likely to be discovered. Lumians body quickly thinned and darkened, merging with his own shadow cast by the sunlight, standing alone frozen on the cement ground. He swiftly glided along, using the shadows of corners, trees, and corridors to make his way into the psychiatric ward, sneaking into the nearest room. Haha, haha. The patient in this room was laughing constantly, laughing so hard his waist was bent, tears flowing from the corners of his eyes. For some reason, Lumian also felt an urge to laugh madly, as if infected by the others emotions. He glanced at the patient, confirmed it wasnt Li Keji, and immediately retreated through the shadow of the door crack. As soon as he returned to the hallway, his state quickly returned to normal. Lumian didnt delay at all and entered the next room. He suddenly became irritable, wanting to burst out of the shadows and rush to the nurses station, demanding they hand over Li Keji. His ears were then filled with loud shouts: Im not crazy! Im not crazy! Caution can indeed handle most situations, but it cant solve all problems. When its time to take risks, you still need to take risks! Lumian roughly determined who the patient in this room was and silently retreated to the hallway of the psychiatric ward. He glided through the shadows cast by various objects, moving into another patient room. What entered his field of vision was a patient locked to the bed, as quiet as a statue. A feeling of sadness and grief gradually welled up in Lumians heart. He wanted to go mad, to harm himself. Wh He maintained his rationality and didnt linger long in this room. After regaining his composure in the hallway, Lumian seriously pondered his recent encounters. As soon as I enter a patient room, I get infected by the corresponding mental patient? Mental illness has become contagious, similar to the manifestation of that humanoid Sealed Artifact we encountered before I understand now, this place is essentially a dream, and the mental patients also have corresponding symbolism. They symbolize the negative, crazy, extremely irrational emotions and mental states of the dreams subconscious. And interactions within the dream are essentially spiritual interactions, so once you get close, you get affected Why are the doctors and nurses here still normal? Do they symbolize the dream subconsciouss power to suppress madness and extremes? From this perspective, the thoughts that suppress crazy mentalities and extreme emotions can also be infected, which is reflected in the dream as doctors or nurses occasionally going mad? Hmm, the doctors here, the nurses here, the medicines and medical equipment here can all be used to deal with the dreams own crazy mentality and extreme emotions. They symbolize the corresponding forces Lumian turned his gaze to a nearby treatment cart, looking at the syringes and medicines placed on it. He felt that in special scenarios, these things might be more useful and effective than the treatment drugs he and others carried. They were part of the dreams power. Having understood the special circumstances of the psychiatric ward, Lumian maintained his shadow creature state and moved even faster, just glancing at each room to avoid being infected by the emotions of different patients. However, he didnt find Li Keji or discover any mushrooms. Not in the psychiatric ward? Lumian quickly left this place, came to the iron gate at a corner of the wall, re-entered under the pretext of visiting a patient, and approached the nurses station. Wearing sunglasses and a mask, he said to the nurse on duty, Im here to visit Li Keji. Wait a little longer, the patient was sent for treatment and hasnt returned to his room yet, the nurse looked up at Lumian. Where was he sent for treatment? Lumian suddenly had a bad feeling. The nurse explained simply, B1 of the main building, theres specialized large equipment there. B1 of the main building Lumian nodded, turned around, and walked out of the psychiatric department. On his way to the main building of Mushu Hospital, he restored his phone signal and sent a message to Franca: Li Keji has been sent to B1, I plan to go look for him. If I havent sent you a message within a quarter of an hour, have Ludwig come find mom, this should be very useful in B1. If all else fails, the corpse wax candle can be used once more, and Chief Yagatess honorific name can also be called upon. Lumian explained in such detail to tell Franca that he still had a way out, to prevent her from risking herself to save him. After quite a while, Franca replied briefly: Be very careful, prioritize your own safety. Lumian switched his phone back to airplane mode, transformed into a shadow creature, and infiltrated the main building. This time, he didnt choose the elevator, but glided down the dim emergency staircase step by step. Arriving at B1, just as he turned into the elevator hall, he saw glass doors at the exit. At this moment, the glass doors were half open, with a wheelchair placed at the entrance. A person sat in the wheelchair, their entire body wrapped in white bandages, like a living mummy. Lumian suddenly had a sense of familiarity. His spiritual intuition told him that the person in the wheelchair was his colleague, Old Ding, who had been injured by lightning strike at work. How did Old Ding end up in B1? Where are his family members? Lumian carefully circled around through the shadows next to Old Ding. The next second, he saw Old Ding struggling to extend his right hand, reaching towards a white paper pasted on the half-open glass door. Several words were written on that white paper: Medical area, no entry to unauthorized personnel Lumian withdrew his gaze, not interrupting his infiltration. As he glided along the shadows on the side of the corridor towards where he suspected patients might be, Lumian gradually became uneasy. He unconsciously looked down and found that at some point he had separated from the shadows and returned to human form. His contract ability had naturally become ineffective! Lumian also noticed that the clothes on his body were slowly changing, transforming into the standard attire of a Mushu Hospital orderly. Wh Lumian associated this with the mummy Old Ding at the entrance and that notice, thought of the illusory abyss underground and the characteristics of the Mother Tree of Desire pathway, and quickly formed a guess. There was a strong curse in this area! The content of the curse was: no entry to unauthorized personnel! In other words, unauthorized personnel who enter will become authorized personnel, becoming orderlies who frequently enter and exit this place, becoming puppets of the illusory abyss? After figuring this out, Lumian naturally understood how to break this curse. But he didnt dare to do so. His method of breaking the curse was to shout on the spot Mother, I am Your child! The essence of this statement was to acknowledge himself as a true Child of God. And B1 of Mushu Hospital clearly contained the power and influence of the Great Mother, with the newborn in the morgue being proof of this. Under these premises, the Child of God of the Great Mother certainly wouldnt be considered unauthorized personnel! Lumian felt the abnormal changes in his body accelerating, and for the moment he couldnt think of any other way, so he had no choice but to activate the black mark on his right shoulder and teleport away from this level. He appeared in the emergency stairwell on the first floor, which was empty. Fortunately, I could teleport out from B1; otherwise, I would have had to use the corpse wax candle or call upon the honorific names of Madam Magician or Chief Yagates No, at the speed of the changes just now, the Beyonder ritual wouldnt have had time to take effect Lumian looked down to examine himself and found that his clothes had returned to normal. He transformed back into a shadow creature and came to the entrance of the emergency stairwell, observing the up and down movement of the elevators while pondering how to penetrate basement level one and rescue Li Keji without becoming a true Child of God. Amidst his swirling thoughts, Lumian saw a special elevator come up from B1, and an orderly pushed out a transfer bed. A nurse stood on each side of the transfer bed, and lying on it was a man with a thick beard, eyes tightly closed, wearing blue and white striped hospital clothes. It was Li Keji. Has the treatment ended? Lumians eyes narrowed. Was I still too late after all? He watched Li Keji being pushed out of the elevator hall, following in the shadows all the way, out of the main building and back to the psychiatric department. After confirming Li Kejis hospital room, Lumian first returned outside, behind some green trees, took out his phone, switched modes, and sent a message to Franca: Couldnt penetrate B1. Theres a curse inside; I was forced to leave early. Now, Li Keji has completed treatment and returned to his room. I plan to sneak in to confirm his condition. If its unsalvageable, Ill execute the cleanup plan. Franca quickly replied: If the cleanup is too complicated, we can abandon it for now and bring Ludwig to try. I think hes very effective against food-type enemies, like mushrooms. That makes sense Lumian replied with an OK and directly put the phone into the Travelers Bag. There might be a battle coming up, so he needed to protect his phone. Soon after, Lumian in his shadow creature state slipped through the door crack of Li Kejis room, silently rising up in front of the bed. He looked around, gazed at the still sleeping Li Keji, and began to assess his condition. Suddenly, Li Keji opened his eyes and sat up. Seeing it was Lumian, he showed a genuine smile. Ive discovered the essence! Ive succeeded! Lumians expression changed abruptly. He saw Li Kejis chest swell up, two large mushrooms raising his hospital gown, milk overflowing, while in Li Kejis abdomen, mushrooms that seemed to be formed from flesh and blood writhed and tore through the clothing, as if creating a blood-colored, real, directly exposed uterus. Chapter 1016 - Chapter 1016 Mushroom Monster Chapter 1016 Mushroom Monster Lumian looked at Li Keji and asked calmly, What is the essence? What has succeeded? Li Keji, with his thick beard and dressed in blue-and-white striped hospital clothes, spread his arms wide and said excitedly, The essence is that only Mother can bring new life, and only new life can cure your vegetable friend! Just as Li Keji finished speaking, a dark iron sword slashed toward him through the air. The surface of the sword burned with crimson flames, which twisted into a black flame that suppressed madness and brutality halfway through. After hearing the first part of Li Kejis response, Lumian had already taken out the Sword of Courage from his Travelers Bag without hesitation. He swung the sword at Li Keji, whose chest was swollen with milk mushrooms and whose abdomen was entangled by flesh-and-blood mushrooms forming a uterus. He converted the normal flames into Fire of Destruction. Only this fire could truly kill the Mushroom King Li Keji, who possessed both the unique cognition of Mr. Fool and the power of Mothers new life, preventing him from being resurrected from the ashes! Just as the black flame of destruction was about to strike Li Keji, the patient room vanished, and in its place appeared a wild, grassy plain. Li Keji had disappeared as well. The Fire of Destruction fell upon the wilderness of Paramita, scorching a long trench in the earth. Within the trench, no grass grew. Next, Lumian saw the soil in the distance loosen as a gigantic mushroom, covered in dark red veins, shot up from the ground like a massive tree, reaching for the sky. Each of its mycelia was as thick as a branch, white with blood-red spots. Its cap was Li Kejis enlarged, bearded head. On its chest, tumor-like growths rose, oozing a milky liquid. Its abdomen was covered with a translucent membrane, and beneath it, flesh mushrooms interbred, seemingly nurturing a jellyfish-like smaller mushroom inside. Seeing this, small, dense bumps appeared on Lumians skin, as if he had been mildly corrupted. At the same time, he felt his life force flowing uncontrollably toward the giant mushroom and noticed that the green grass across the wilderness was all bending toward Li Keji, turning yellow. Li Keji, serving as the mushrooms cap, spoke fervently and sincerely, If you want new life, the current amount of life isnt enough. Give me all your lives, okay? By now, Lumians eyes had taken on a dark, iron-black hue, and he found the pale white mark that represented the weakness on the giant mushroom. He teleported to Li Kejis side, thrusting the Sword of Courage, engulfed in black flames of destruction, into the giant mushrooms abdomen. Several branch-like mycelia whipped around, forming a dense net of vines that blocked the dark iron swords path. They were instantly set ablaze, turning to ash in the rapidly spreading black flames. The giant mushroom shuddered violently, cutting off the burning mycelia from its body. The mycelia fell to the ground, failing to affect the mushrooms main trunk. Lumian followed through with a downward slash of the Sword of Courage. This produced clusters of burning black fireballs, which exploded immediately. Rumble! The violent shockwaves, mixed with destructive black flames, surged in all directions, engulfing both the giant mushroom that was Li Keji and Lumians own body. Lumian activated the black mark on his right shoulder, teleporting out of the explosions range just in time. In the next second, he saw the giant mushroom ignited, swaying under the force of the shockwave. Before Lumian could launch a second attack, the giant mushroom shed all the parts engulfed by the Fire of Destruction as if shedding its skin, discarding them before they could reach the cap or affect the abdomen and the child inside. In an instant, a vast amount of ash floated in the air, and the giant mushrooms deeper layers were exposedpulsing with sinews, flesh, and dark red veins wriggling like worms, exuding a strong milky scent. All of these parts were writhing and rapidly regenerating. Li Kejis head, acting as the mushroom cap, showed no hostility, and he happily said to Lumian, See? This is the final product. Come join us, and youll also gain new life! As Li Keji finished speaking, Lumian had already pulled out a mirror, reflecting the giant mushroom that had shed its mycelia and outer layer. Then, he pressed his hand, burning with Fire of Destruction, onto the mirror and wiped it once. Demonesss curse! A curse imbued with Fire of Destruction! The giant mushroom jerked violently, causing all its flesh and liquid to shrink inward, wrapping its body and Li Kejis head, serving as the cap, into a bloody sphere. On the surface of the sphere, clusters of smaller mushrooms stubbornly sprouted. At that moment, black flames erupted from within, engulfing the entire bloody sphere. One by one, the smaller mushrooms fell silently, while the layers of flesh rapidly carbonized. The bloody mass writhed intensely, and one side suddenly split open, spitting out a wet, newborn mushroom. This new mushroom was nearly identical to the previous giant mushroom, with Li Kejis head serving as the cap, branch-like mycelia hanging down, and tumors bulging, oozing milk. Its abdomen was covered by a membrane, nurturing new life inside. The only difference was that it was slightly smaller, as if it had shrunk by a full size. Covered in greasy, gray-black afterbirth, the new mushroom shot out from the mother bodys power, swiftly escaping the Fire of Destructions burning area. New Life! Li Keji had used New Life to sever the connection between the Demonesss curse and himself just in time! Is there still a way to escape the curse? As Lumians life continued to drain rapidly, his mind tensed, and his gaze followed the flying, spore-scattering new mushroom. His eyes quickly turned a silvery-white tinged with black. He intended to use the Eye of Calamity to search for the black thread of fate that bound Li Keji, hoping to destroy this New Life and finally kill the mushroom monster in front of him. Just as the mercury-colored illusory river of fate composed of countless complex symbols appeared in Lumians vision, he suddenly felt an itch on his skin. Instinctively, he lowered his head and saw that the small bumps on his skin had grown slightly, beginning to bloom as if about to sprout tiny mushrooms. He had been corrupted by observing Li Kejis River of Fate! Instantly, sinister and silent Demonesss black flames ignited on Lumians body, consuming the burgeoning mushroom clusters without a sound. Enduring the pain, Lumian teleported to the edge of Paramita. He wanted to see if he could lure Li Keji to the police station and use the official forces and the power of the dreams main consciousness to eliminate this mushroom monster. Paramita did not stop Lumian, allowing him to pass through. What greeted Lumians eyes was not the patient room of the psychiatric department at Mushu Hospital, but a spacious, dimly lit room, with half-drawn curtains, a desk, bookshelves, and a sofa set. Lumian stood at the rooms entrance. From the corner of his eye, he saw that the door was half-open, with a conspicuous nameplate embedded on it. The nameplate bore five words in the local dream city script: Deans Office. The deans office? Lumian tensed even more and instinctively turned his gaze toward the area behind the desk. There was a leather executive chair, and leaning against it was a figure. The figure wore a white doctors coat, had sparse eyebrows, bright brown eyes filled with a smile, and chestnut hair tied into a high bun. Her features were clean and alluring, exuding an elegant air, while she cradled a chubby, swaddled baby in her arms. Lumian was momentarily stunned. He knew this person. She was one of the few surviving villagers from CorduMadame Pualis! Pualis de Roquefort. As Lumians thoughts raced, he didnt immediately teleport away. Instead, he looked at Madame Pualis, who sat behind the desk holding the adorable baby, and smiled. So the new dean of Mushu Hospital is you. What a pleasant surprise. As he spoke, Lumian recalled that Matriarch Roland of the Church of Earth Mother, an Angel of the Mother pathway, was only the associate dean of Mushu Hospital, yet Madame Pualis was able to be the dean. What did this signify? Was Madame Pualis more powerful, or was she the proxy of the Great Mother? Madame Pualis looked at Lumian, who was wearing a mask and sunglasses, and smiled. I was equally delighted and surprised to find you here. And you now have a part of Aurore with youwhat a double joy. Ive recently learned a phrase about lifes joys: Reuniting with an old friend in a faraway place and celebrating your wedding night by candlelight. Our situation fits the first. Why dont you take off your sunglasses and mask so I can get a good look at you, and then we can enjoy our wedding night together and bring Aurore into the world? Do all of you followers of the Great Mother talk about having children as soon as you meet? Lumian didnt get angry or upset at Madame Pualiss words. Some things couldnt be stopped, so it was best to stay calm, just like when the secret ceremony had brought dangerous power, leading to the mutation of the Blood Emperors remnant aura and the transformation of the souls of the Cordu villagers into soldiers sealed within. Following Madame Pualiss suggestion, Lumian took off his sunglasses and removed his mask, revealing a bright face with a hint of a cold smile. If I dont show my face, how can I Charm her better? And without better Charm, how can I create the best opportunity to escape? As he kept an eye on the mushroom monster that Li Keji had become, Lumian shifted his gaze to the little angelic baby cradled in Madame Pualiss arms. Is she your child? Yes, Madame Pualis answered with a smile, her eyes roaming across Lumians face. Lumian instantly thought of the empty crib in the Cordu village ruins and asked, as if casually, Whats her name? With a serene smile, Madame Pualis replied, Omebella. Chapter 1017 - Chapter 1017 Child Chapter 1017 Child Omebella? She is also called Omebella? Was the mysterious baby Madame Pualis had been carrying in Cordu Village named Omebella? Did that empty crib belong to Omebella? At this moment, Lumian felt as if he had been struck by lightning. Previously, Madam Magician had joked that as long as the dean of Mushu Hospital wasnt named Omebella, it wouldnt be a problem. At the time, Lumian thought it was just a horror story, and even if the dean was really named Omebella, it shouldnt be his biggest concern. But hearing that Madame Pualiss child was called Omebella truly sent chills down his spine. If it were just Madame Pualis becoming the dean of Mushu Hospital, or just her giving birth to a mysterious child who had shown strange qualities in Cordu Village, Lumian wouldnt have been so shocked and frightened. These would have been unexpected but not unreasonable events. But the baby was named Omebellathe mysterious child Madame Pualis had carried and given birth to in Cordu Village was called Omebella. If Madame Pualis wasnt lying, if that baby was truly the Omebella Lumian knew, didnt that mean he had once coexisted with the infant Omebella in Cordu Village for some time? And later, he had killed another unborn Omebella, obtained Omebellas bloodline through the corresponding umbilical cord remnants, come into contact with the remains of the earliest Omebella, and encountered some things and arrangements related to Omebella! Had all this been foreshadowed in the disaster at Cordu Village, rather than beginning only when he ate Omebellas umbilical cord remnants? Lumian suddenly felt as if he was back in a scene from his vagrant life. At that time, he was huddled in a corner, watching a large, slippery, ferocious poisonous snake slowly slithering past him, not daring to move a muscle. Now, he seemed to feel that cold, damp, slippery sensation crawling over him, seeping in bit by bit, silently coiling around him. If the baby Madame Pualis gave birth to in Cordu Village was Omebella, then who was in Father Montserrats belly, whom I killed? Where did the umbilical cord remnants I ate come from, and why could they help me contact the remains of the earliest Omebella? Why could they make the Mothers children, who lacked necessary wisdom, mistake me for the Child of God, Omebella? In the depths of the Underworld, who did that egg nurtured by the ancient gods remains point to? Why could I hear the call for Omebella? Moreover, why did the followers of the Great Mother want to induce me to become the true Child of God, to become the real Omebella? Hadnt Omebella already been born? What is going on? Which one is real, and which is fake? Are they all fake? Are they all real? Lumians gaze fixed on the baby in Madame Pualiss arms. He noticed her chubby face, rosy and delicate, incredibly adorable. Oh, so shes Omebella. Whos her father? Although Lumians inner thoughts were bubbling like boiling water in a steam boiler, outwardly he maintained a calm demeanor. This was a basic quality of a Hunter, and he also had the endurance of an Ascetic. Madame Pualis suddenly smiled. If I said it was you or Aurore, would you believe me? Stop with the hellish jokes. Weve never touched you, Lumian said, outwardly unperturbed. Yes, I regret that too. I hope well have a chance to make up for it in the future, Madame Pualis sighed and said, Her mother is me, and also the Great Mother. As for her father, on the surface, its the padre, but theres someone else. Someone else Just as Lumian was about to start eliminating the villagers of Cordu Village one by one, heavy footsteps suddenly sounded behind him. He half-turned and saw the giant mushroom with Li Kejis head as its cap appearing in the dim corridor. At this moment, the smile on Madame Pualiss face faded slightly. She said in a casual tone, Come, the child needs you. As soon as she finished speaking, the baby in the swaddling clothes began to cry loudly. Hearing this loud cry, Lumians body instinctively, involuntarily walked towards Madame Pualis, towards the baby Omebella. It was like two mutually attracted magnets finally meeting. Lumian suddenly had some realizations: Madame Pualis wants to do something with my body, which possesses Omebellas bloodline! After last nights events, Li Keji was quickly transferred to Mushu Hospital for treatment, not only because the Celestial Worthy wanted to eliminate this hidden danger and the Great Mother attempted to balance the situation, but also because Madame Pualis planned to attract me here! I refused to seek help from the Great Mother last night to become the true Child of God, so did the Great Mother and the Celestial Worthy temporarily reach an agreement? Lumian didnt hesitate. He activated the black mark on his right shoulder, attempting to teleport away. His figure disappeared from the deans office, but he didnt appear at the entrance of the police station in the dream city. He arrived in the wilderness again. In the depths of the wilderness stood a gigantic green oak tree that seemed to connect the sky and the ground. The top of the oak tree appeared to lead to heaven, disappearing into layers of white clouds. Lumian saw that the surface of the enormous oak tree that seemed to hold up the sky was marked with scorch marks from lightning strikes. Its bark was mottled, concealing vitality. His gaze followed the complex patterns formed by the mottled bark, instinctively moving upward. Near the top of the tree crown, he saw a newly grown branch. It had grown tenaciously from a charred spot caused by lightning strikes, entwined with some lush, vibrant mistletoe. At this moment, this new branch, along with the mistletoe, was grasped by a chubby, fair little hand. The hand belonged to the swaddled baby Omebella. She wore a floral crown and was dressed in a fresh green dress. Madame Pualis, whose lower body had transformed into a giant bird shape and whose back had sprouted brown wings, held her in her arms. Come, the child needs you! Madame Pualiss voice echoed across the entire wilderness. The mushroom monster that Li Keji had become also appeared at the edge of the wild. Lumian attempted to teleport out to no avail. He immediately threw out a mirror, preparing to enter the area behind the mirror, to see if he could use the mirror world to escape this wilderness. The next second, the glass surface of the mirror seemed to come alive, softening and writhing, forming a mouth leading to a dark depth. Lumian made a quick decision, abandoning the attempt to penetrate the glass surface, letting the mirror fall on its own. Smack! The mirror shattered into multiple pieces, each mercury-coated glass shard desperately crawling away. Lumian snorted, and quiet black flames surged from within his body. Outside the black flames, thick frost quickly condensed, as if to create a coffin for slumber. The invisible spider silk that had already spread throughout the surrounding area retracted, wrapping around the frost layer by layer, preparing to form a huge cocoon. This was a Demonesss strongest defense mechanism, capable of both dispelling curses and negative influences, and resisting substantial damage. Lumians plan was to use this ability to buy time to actively exit the dream or light the corpse wax candle to complete the secret deed ritual. However, before the spider cocoon could fully form, the Demonesss black flames seemed to take on a life of their own, truly burning Lumians spirituality. The ice layer that was supposed to provide defense also began to restrict Lumians movements. They had all come alive! Lumian immediately activated the black mark on his right shoulder. He moved to the edge of the wilderness, far from the giant mushroom man, escaping the influence of the Demonesss black flames and layers of frost. Although he couldnt teleport out of this wilderness, he could still Blink around within it. Come, the child needs you! As he heard Madame Pualiss voice, Lumian ran a few steps towards the gigantic oak tree that seemed to hold up the sky. No good, in this preset battlefield, within Paramita, in front of the baby Omebella, although everyone is suppressed to the Sequence 7 level, Im still being very effectively restrained. I cant hold out for too long Should I recite Madam Magicians honorific name or utter Leodero, the blasphemous incantation? No, I might only have one chance to recite the honorific name, and Leodero might not be able to break the giant oak trees seal on Paramita If were going down, lets go big, everyone perish together! As Lumian thought, he reached into the Travelers Bag and firmly grasped that special mirror world fragment. Then, he initiated teleportation again, using this to resist the invisible pull of baby Omebella on himself and her strange ability to bring things to life. After Blinking to the next position, Lumian opened his mouth and quickly recited a sentence in ancient Hermes, Great Door of All Doors; Lumian was about to recite the honorific name of Chief YagatesMr. Doorto attract His attention! This represented the power of the dream subconscious maintaining order. Although this would result in Lumian himself being permanently kicked out of the dream, Madame Pualis, the mushroom-transformed Li Keji, and baby Omebella here, every single one of them, wouldnt be able to continue staying in the dream city! This was equivalent to eliminating hidden dangers for Jenna, Franca, and others in their subsequent actions. As for what comes after, trust in teammates! After reciting the first honorific name, Lumian teleported to another side of the wilderness, avoiding the attacks of Madame Pualis and Li Keji. Guide of the endless cosmos; Lumian finished one sentence and quickly disappeared from his original spot. Seeing this, Madame Pualis opened her mouth, about to unleash a Banshees Shriek. At this moment, a male version of Lumian appeared in the wilderness. He was a shallow mirror image created by the mirror world fragment, very weak. He spread his arms and shouted loudly in ancient Hermes, Leodero! This voice burst out almost simultaneously with the Banshees Shriek. As the shallow mirror image shattered under the influence of the sound waves, the sky above suddenly darkened. In the darkness, dense clouds gathered, and countless silver-white electric snakes jumped to form a huge lightning bolt, striking towards that giant, sky-supporting green oak tree. Smack! A large number of small, silver-white electric snakes crawled over the surface of the oak tree, creating patches of charred marks, but it didnt completely die, still constantly regenerating. This effect temporarily paralyzed Madame Pualis and baby Omebella. Crack, the Mirror Substitution Lumian, who had shattered under the Banshees Shriek and the overflow of lightning, appeared not too far from Li Keji, reciting the third line of the honorific name. Key to all mysterious worlds. Chapter 1018 - Chapter 1018 "Desperate" Struggle Chapter 1018 Desperate Struggle As Lumian recited the third line of the honorific name, the dark clouds and lightning in the sky suddenly collapsed towards the center, forming a huge vortex swirling upwards. It was as if a giant with the sky as its face had opened its single eye, or a strange tunnel with an unknown destination had appeared out of thin air. This vortex rapidly expanded, as if it would tear apart heaven and earth, swelling into a door. Seeing this, Madame Pualis, who had just broken free from her paralyzed state, frowned slightly. Holding baby Omebella, she shrank into the interior of the giant green oak tree that seemed to hold up the sky, disappearing from Lumians sight. Lumian then saw the mushroom monster with Li Kejis head as its cap standing rigidly in place, as if it had encountered some kind of restraint. Immediately after, the mushroom monster began to disintegrate from its abdomen, like a vase smashed to the ground, breaking into many large pieces. These pieces continued to break apart, and in just a few seconds, they became a pile of particles barely visible to the naked eye. The disintegration rapidly spread to different parts of the mushroom monsters body, finally reaching Li Kejis head that served as the mushroom cap. The head quickly became as if it were pieced together from fragments, but Li Kejis face showed no trace of hatred or resentment. His expression twisted uncontrollably from pain, but his eyes were unusually sincere and joyful. He struggled to say to Lumian, I really succeeded Join us lets go be reborn together Before he finished speaking, Li Kejis head shattered even more severely, breaking into individual pixels. Almost simultaneously, Lumian found that the giant oak tree had suffered a similar fate. But after it disintegrated, Madame Pualis and baby Omebella did not appear in the trees core. They had hidden somewhere unknown, or perhaps had left the dream in some way beforehand. So powerful Is this the power of the dreams main consciousness maintaining order? Lumian activated the black mark on his right shoulder, trying to escape the current collapse of Paramita. Although he had mentally prepared himself to be completely kicked out of the dream and never be able to return, he hadnt been sentenced yet, had he? He had to struggle a bit! What if he succeeded? Lumians figure immediately disappeared from the spot. His chosen destination was the entrance of Yangdu Prison. Yes, Ive committed a crime, you can lock me up, but dont exile me! The next second, Lumian appeared in a spacious office, seeing a middle-aged man wearing a clean white shirt with black diamond-patterned police ranks on his shoulders. This middle-aged man had a rigid demeanor, with deep black hair interspersed with some white. He sat quietly behind the desk, looking at Lumian with deep brown, almost black eyes. He was clearly the chief of the dream citys Police Department, the symbol of the Uniqueness of the Door pathway, Yagates! My teleportation destination was changed to the police chiefs office? Lumian suddenly had this realization. At this moment, Yagates asked in a deep voice, Who are you, and what do you intend to do in Yangdu? Along with the deputy chiefs questioning, Lumian suddenly felt a strong rejection from the dream and his own rapid marionettization. He understood very well that if he left the dream city like this, he would never be able to return. Lumians thoughts raced as he made a final struggle. He recalled a hint Amon had given him on the way to Mushu Hospital. The most fundamental fact is that The Fool has never accommodated the Uniqueness of the Error and Door pathways, while the Celestial Worthy has This sentence didnt mention that Mr. Door had long accommodated the Uniqueness of the Door pathway, and Amon had briefly accommodated it So, the Chief Yagates essence is a product of the dream subconscious cognition, Mr. Doors spiritual imprint, the Celestial Worthys spiritual imprint, and a bit of Amons spiritual imprint, combined to symbolize the Uniqueness of the Door pathway, symbolizing the dreams main consciousness maintaining order Chief Yagates only the dream subconscious part has a bit of Mr. Fools spirit To avoid being kicked out this time, or not being completely kicked out, I can only find a way to strengthen or stimulate Mr. Doors spiritual imprint Lumian had an inspiration in a very short time and recalled Madam Magicians introduction to Mr. Door. Before his thoughts stalled completely, before the dreams rejecting force threw him out, Lumian blurted out in response to the Chiefs question, I am an ally of the Abraham family! Suddenly, Lumian felt the air around him solidify. At the same time, he noticed that the Chiefs deep brown, almost black eyes showed a hint of confusion and contemplation. His brows furrowed unconsciously, as if trying to remember something but unable to truly recall. The force rapidly marionettizing Lumian suddenly slowed, and the strong rejection from the dream did the same. As expected Chief Yagates mainly embodies the conflict between Mr. Doors spiritual imprint and the Celestial Worthys spiritual imprint Just now, I was thinking that even if being completely kicked out of the dream was unavoidable, I should still tell Chief Yagates about Mr. Door directly with the idea of mutual destruction, stimulating the corresponding spiritual imprint to make it more active Lumians condition improved considerably, and his thoughts were no longer so stalled. Seeing that Chief Yagates didnt respond, he further said, My guide is a student of a member of the Abraham family, and now she is protecting the entire Abraham family! Chief Yagatess expression grew more confused, but his face was no longer stern. Lumian quickly examined himself and found that the dreams rejecting force still existed but had weakened slightly. Its working, I need to increase the intensity! Lumian thought for just a second before shouting, following his spiritual intuition, I am a Hunter, and also a Demoness, and I still have traces of Alista Tudors aura on me! Alista Tudor Chief Yagates murmured, repeating the name as if it were both familiar and unfamiliar. Feeling that the dream was still rejecting him, Lumian considered for a moment and said, Ive also been corrupted by the crimson moon, but currently, the situation is under control. He knew that Mr. Door had once encountered corruption from the Great Mother, which was a common point between them. Earlier, he would have directly stated that it was corruption from the Great Motherafter all, it was a desperate struggle, what couldnt be said? But now, seeing hope of not being completely kicked out of the dream, he naturally dared not speak too plainly, fearing that it would not only stimulate Mr. Door but also the Celestial Worthy, causing the situation to take a sharp turn for the worse! In a popular saying in dream city, this would be like he who is down need fear no fall. Previously, Lumian was down and had nothing to lose, but now the change in the situation had put him back on his feet, giving him something to be cautious about. Chief Yagates once again gazed at Lumian in his Demoness of Despair state, seemingly re-evaluating this wanted criminal who had brought chaos and conflict. But the dreamscapes rejecting force didnt weaken further. Lumian endured this rejection and rapid marionettization, and thought of another connection between himself and Mr. Door. With an attitude of giving it a try, he said, Amon once guided me. He said this not only because Mr. Door and Amon were both Grand Dukes of the Tudor Empire, but also with the hidden intention of stimulating that bit of Amons spiritual imprint within the Chief. Amon Chief Yagates raised his right hand and pinched his chin. Lumian saw his reaction but didnt feel the dreams rejecting force and rapid marionettization force continue to weaken. Its still not enough, just a little more Lumian shouted one last time before he could no longer resist that rejecting force, I came to Yangdu to fight against those destroyers, to fight against the apostles of evil gods, to prevent the evil gods from invading! As soon as he finished speaking, Lumian felt the dreams rejecting force suddenly weaken, and the force trying to marionettize him became vague and unclear. Chief Yagates, looking at Lumian, slowly nodded. I can sense that youre not lying. Breaking the law must certainly be punished, but if there are reasons and its pitiable, the punishment can be reduced. Hearing these two sentences, Lumian quietly breathed a sigh of relief. His interpretation of this was: he would be imprisoned, but not for life or sentenced to death; he would be kicked out of the dream, but not completely kicked out. I accept the punishment, Lumian didnt argue further, because Chief Yagates had already passed his judgment. He only sincerely requested, Can I notify my family? You may. The stern-faced Chief Yagates didnt refuse this request. Lumian quickly took out his phone and, in front of Chief Yagates, sent a voice-to-text WeChat message to Franca: Im fine, but I might be locked up for a while. You can ask Miss Huang for help to find a lawyer, see if they can get me out on bail. The mushroom monster has been eliminated, but Li Keji said he ultimately succeeded. Wait for Jenna to come back, and have her take Li Lu to tour the wards in Crimson Moon Hospital and Mushu Hospital where Li Keji was hospitalized. See if they can discover anything. Also, pay attention to whether Mushu Hospital has changed its dean. After sending this message, Lumian waited for about ten seconds before receiving a brief reply from Franca: Okay. Lumian immediately used the Information Shredder to delete the chat history along with the contact list, then put the phone back into the Travelers Bag. After doing this, he looked back at Chief Yagates. Im ready. Only then did the deputy chief pick up the desk phone and dial a number. Deng, come over here for a moment. As he spoke, Lumian felt the dreams rejecting force become strong once again. He no longer resisted, following this force to exit the dream. Trier, inside a luxurious villa. Lumian opened his eyes in bed for the second time in one day. After examining his state, his first reaction was to try to enter the dream city again. The next second, he felt he wasnt blocked, so he stopped this behavior, planning to wait 24 hours before trying again. From a timing perspective, this wouldnt affect Queen Mystics plan to banish the mirrored Emperor Roselle. Chapter 1019 - Chapter 1019 Who is the Father? Chapter 1019 Who is the Father? Phew Lumian exhaled, got out of bed, and walked out of the room. In the living room downstairs, Madam Justice was serving Madam Magician, Madam Judgment, Jenna, and Anthony the most authentic Loen afternoon tea. This was also to soothe the minds and spirits of the two Minor Arcana, helping them relax and feel the reality of the present moment. Why have you left the dream again? Jenna looked at Lumian in the living room doorway with surprise. I was kicked out, Lumian said with a smile. Compared to being completely kicked out, being able to enter the dream again was indeed something to be happy about. Because of Li Keji? Madam Magician asked thoughtfully. Yes. Lumian sat down and recounted his agreement with Queen Mystic, Li Kejis transfer and tragic treatment, and what Amon had said in the ride-hailing car. After hearing Amons interpretation of the symbolic meanings of the dream images of Peng Deng, Grisha, and others, Madam Justice said somewhat embarrassedly, Im really not an expert in this area. Thats perfectly normal, Madam Magician said with a smile. Mr. Pallezs interpretation will arrive soon, and we can compare it with Amons. After saying this, she gestured for Lumian to continue. Lumian went on to describe Li Kejis transformation, Madame Pualiss appearance as the new dean of Mushu Hospital, the appearance of baby Omebella, and what happened after he recited Mr. Doors honorific name. Using ties worked? Madam Magician asked, both surprised and amused to hear that Lumian wasnt permanently kicked out of the dream city and could enter once more. If she had known this earlier, she might have been able to obtain a better outcome previously! Madam Justice glanced at Madam Magician, reading her true thoughts. In Madam Justices view, this actually reflected a difference in personality: Being permanently kicked out of the dream wouldnt result in death, and one could still follow the guidance of fate to give away the lucky coin, find new helpers, and continue exploring and experimenting in the dream city. Therefore, Madam Magician couldnt have had the mindset of being on the brink of perishing and struggling desperately, so she more easily accepted the corresponding outcome. Lumian was different. He had experienced being a tramp, and in such a life, every bit of resource and every opportunity was extremely important. Therefore, he wasnt used to giving up and would instinctively struggle until failure truly arrived. It works, Lumian recalled. Chief Yagates had the strongest reactions to things related to the Abraham family and protecting the dream city from invasion by evil gods. His feedback on these was also the most positive. Hmm, the names of the Blood Emperor and Amon also stimulated him to some degree, giving him a sense of familiarity. But he didnt have an obvious reaction to the matter of the Great Mothers corruption. Related to the Abraham family protecting the dream city from invasion by evil gods Madam Magician suddenly sighed. Madam Judgment then said to Lumian, After experiencing Amons deification, the Great Mothers corruption probably doesnt have much manifestation in Chief Yagates anymore. And only you could elicit certain reactions from Chief Yagates through the names of the Blood Emperor and Amon. Lumian understood Madam Judgments meaning. Only someone like him, carrying the residual aura of the Blood Emperor and Amons boon, could say such words with credibility and bring about genuine stimulation. Lets hope that the things you mentioned can make Mr. Doors spiritual imprint on Chief Yagates more active and maintain it for a while. This will be very helpful for subsequent probing and experiments. Madam Justice nodded in agreement. She vaguely felt that the lucky coin ending up with Lumian after all its twists and turns was indeed the guidance of fate. There was only one person who simultaneously embodied the concepts of Hunter, Demoness, demigod, Amons boon, residual aura of the Blood Emperor, Omebellas bloodline, Underworld Daoists seal, relative of a transmigrator, and having a connection to the Abraham family. At this point, Jenna, more concerned about another matter, raised a question, Whats the deal with that baby Omebella that Madame Pualis was holding? What impact would this have on Lumian? When I arrived in Cordu, the crib was long empty. All I know is that the Child of God has already been born in the spirit world. The initial root of all this was indeed the child Madame Pualis lost. Madam Magician slowly shook her head. Lumian recalled and said, Last year, in Trier, Madame Pualis said that the child had died long ago, killed by her fatherthe padrewho didnt know it was his child This time, Madame Pualis said again that the childs father was ostensibly the padre, but actually someone else. Who could it be? Madam Magician pondered for quite a while, then said with a slightly peculiar expression, Perhaps, at that time, baby Omebella had to die because she didnt yet have sufficient conditions to truly be born into the real world. Being killed by her father might be an important symbol for her future rebirth and arrival in reality. You have a guess about her real father? Madam Justice looked at Madam Magician, not hiding her curiosity. What kind of guess could make Madam Magicians expression change so obviously and strangely? Seeing Lumian, Jenna, and others also looking at her, Madam Magician cleared her throat and said, Its just a guess, I cant guarantee its correct. Who? Madam Judgment asked cooperatively. Madam Magician looked up at the sky and lowered her voice. Eternal Blazing Sun. What? Jenna and Anthony were stunned. Madam Justice and Madam Judgment were equally surprised. Eternal Blazing Sun? Lumian looked at Madam Magician with only one thought in mind, How did she make that connection? Is this what it means to be a novelist? Madam Magician stood up and began to pace as she spoke, Guillaume Bnet was the padre of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church in Cordu Village, essentially the representative of the Eternal Blazing Sun in this parish. Is there any problem with this statement? No. Jenna instinctively shook her head. This was basic theological knowledge. Madam Magician looked at Lumian. You saw Madame Pualis and the padre having an affair in the cathedral at that time, right? Yes. Lumian nodded slightly. Having an affair and conceiving a child in the Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral, near the altar, with the representative of the Eternal Blazing Sun could indeed point to the Eternal Blazing Sun as the childs father. But the premise is that the Eternal Blazing Sun Himself agreed or acquiesced, which is impossible, right? Madam Judgment felt this was something a High-Sequence being of the Sun pathway wouldnt do. Madam Magician smiled. The Eternal Blazing Sun certainly didnt agree or acquiesce at the time, and might not even have known about it. This is also one of the reasons why that baby had to die after being born in Cordu Villagethe corresponding symbolism wasnt established yet. But do you remember what happened afterwards? The Eternal Blazing Sun pretended to cooperate with the Great Mother, letting Lady Moon of the Nightstalkers conceive a Child of God. Later, the birth and advent of that Child of God helped Red Angel Medici successfully kill Vermonda Sauron and obtain that Conqueror Beyonder characteristic. Not long after that Child of God was sacrificed, Madame Pualiswho entered Fourth Epoch Trier disappearedunaffected by the subsequent cleanup. These events, when viewed separately, dont seem problematic. But when connected, they point to something. Madam Justice nodded thoughtfully. The Eternal Blazing Sun used the Great Mother to make Red Angel Medicis plot succeed, but was also used by the Great Mother? Madam Magician sighed and said, What the Great Mother wanted from the beginning wasnt the baby in Lady Moons womb, but the act of the Eternal Blazing Sun making Lady Moon conceive a Child of Godthis symbolism. Once that Child of God died, the long-deceased baby Omebella, who had the basic symbolism, inherited this relationship, gained new life, and helped Madame Pualis escape the subsequent cleanup. It wasnt until then that baby Omebella was truly born, but she wasnt complete enough yet and needed to find a medium to descend into reality. After that, whether it was Father Montserrat or that bird egg in the depths of the Underworld, they were probably preparing for this. Now, Im the best medium? Lumian suddenly understood why Madame Pualis wanted him to come over, saying the child needed him. Jenna listened in a daze, taking quite a while to sort out the relationships. She asked confusedly, But letting the father-child relationship of Lady Moons child be inherited by the long-deceased baby Omebella doesnt seem like something within the Great Mothers authority. The Celestial Worthyif the two great existences were already cooperating at that time. Madam Magician answered concisely. Reasoning it out this way, the Eternal Blazing Sun really could be the father of that baby Omebella in Madame Pualiss arms Lumian couldnt help but mutter, The padre wasnt wrong when he said the affair was an action of the holy church Although he himself didnt know the true meaning Is this also a manifestation of symbolism? The room fell silent. After quite a while, Madam Judgment broke the silence. We need to report this to the Eternal Blazing Sun Church. This wasnt to let the clergy of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church know about the scandal, but to remind the true god Eternal Blazing Sun to pay attention to the relevant issues. The Great Mother making Omebellas father a deity was certainly not just to make the childs status more noble, to become a true Child of God. There must be hidden purposes! But how should we explain this to the clergy of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church? With their fanaticism and purity, Im afraid they might purge me on the spot. Madam Magician expressed a troubled look. Indeed, we cant just tell those padres, bishops, and archbishops that their god was seduced by an evil god, can we? Lumian grumbled inwardly. Just say that Madame Pualis has appeared again, with a child between reality and illusion named Omebella, and that Omebellas father is ostensibly Guillaume Benet, the padre of Cordu Village, but actually someone else, Madam Justice said, choosing her words carefully. Then mention that the baby had actually already died in Cordu Village, killed by the padre. With the Red Angel Medicis intelligence, it wouldnt be hard to make the relevant associations and come to similar conclusions. Alright. Madam Magician nodded solemnly. After agreeing, this Major Arcana sincerely sighed. Ive realized that everyone who tries to use the Great Mother ends up being used by the Great Mother. Chapter 1020 - Chapter 1020 Preparation Chapter 1020 Preparation Hearing Madam Magicians sigh, everyone turned their gaze towards Lumian. Smiling, Lumian replied, Well, its not just the Great Mother using us. When the time comes, let Them decide the victor first. This was his usual attitude towards issues that couldnt be immediately resolved but werent life-threatening. Otherwise, his mental state and emotions would have exploded long ago. But we should still be vigilant and try to stay away from the Great Mothers followers, Madam Judgment specifically reminded him. Lumian smiled wryly. Sometimes, its not a matter of whether I want to avoid them or not. His spiritual intuition told him that even if he didnt return to Mushu Hospital, even if Madame Pualis and baby Omebella were forced to leave the dream due to Chief Yagates attention, he would encounter them again in the real world in the near future. This seemed to be a predestined fate, ever since he ate the remnants of Omebellas umbilical cord and truly came into contact with that bird egg in the depths of the Underworld and the Sealed ArtifactGift of the Land. Dream city, at the entrance of the Police Department. Two imposing lawyers had secured bail for the pitiful Lumina. On one of the floors of the Police Departments main building, Deng stood behind a window, watching Lumina bow and get into a car. He frowned and said to Chief Yagates, Chief, why didnt we refuse her bail request? Yagates, also standing by the window, smiled helplessly and said, I wanted to refuse too, but she really didnt kill Zaratulstra. Theres both witness and physical evidence. At the time, she and that child were still in the face changers line of sight. As for her possible accomplices, havent you tried already? You couldnt get anything out of her. She seems to have truly lost her memory, with no corresponding memories even in her subconscious. After this, start from her social relationships and conduct a thorough investigation. Yes, Chief, Deng agreed with this investigative direction. Yagates thought for two seconds, then said slowly, Secretly list Mushu Hospital as a key investigation target as well. What happened? Deng asked vigilantly. Yagates turned his gaze back to the street below. After Li Keji was transferred back to Mushu Hospital, he turned into a monster. I cleaned it up. His transformation into a monster is closely related to the new dean at Mushu Hospital. Before long, Mushu Hospital will probably report Li Keji as missing. Yes, and last time, that corpse walked to Mushu Hospitals morgue. Deng nodded with a grave expression. Trier, inside a luxurious villa. Jenna pushed open the door to the top floor sunroom and saw Lumian sitting on the spacious balcony, intently gazing at the quietly flowing Srenzo River not far away. At this time, the sun was setting, draping the classical buildings on the opposite bank in a golden-red coat, making bright, scattered spots of light race away along the dim water surface. The whistles of steam ships returning to port sounded occasionally. What are you thinking about? Jenna asked curiously as she walked towards the balcony. Lumians initially unfocused gaze gradually sharpened. He said thoughtfully, Im thinking about two things Amon said. Which two? Jenna stood at the edge of the balcony, leaning on the railing, also admiring the Srenzo River under the setting sun. Lumian recalled and said, One was that what Peng Deng really wanted to hint at was something else. The other was that we need to learn how to filter out the interference of complex information and see the most fundamental facts. At this point, Lumian murmured to himself, The most fundamental facts Jenna half-turned her body, about to discuss whether such words from Amon, a top-tier con artist, could be trusted and to what extent, when she saw Lumian suddenly stand up and walk out of the solarium. She was stunned for a moment, then quickly followed. Lumian came to the living room on the first floor and said to Madam Magician, who was reading a book, I have some guesses and ideas. When I return to the dream, I plan to organize an action soon to weaken the Celestial Worthy and awaken Mr. Fool. At that time, please fully cooperate with me. Madam Magician stood up abruptly, not bothering to ask Lumian what new guesses and ideas he had, and directly confirmed, How confident are you that the direction is correct? Lumian chuckled. Not very, its more to verify the guesses. Weve already collected a lot of information and obtained some resources, and Zhou Sasa is about to arrive in Yangdu. This symbolizes that the situation in the dream has developed to a turning point. Its time for us to take initiative and do something, we cant always be passive. When the time comes, if we succeed, everyone can rejoice. Even if we cant fully awaken Mr. Fool, it shows that weve found the right path, and we can continue to push in this direction afterwards. If we fail, we can eliminate some incorrect guesses and wrong directions, and we wont need to waste time on these aspects in the future. Hehe, I only have one last chance to enter the dream, if we do encounter failure, its just right to pass on the lucky coin, and not hinder the efforts of those who come after. Jenna was about to ask about an important detail when Madam Magician had already asked for her, What about Two of Cups? She hasnt fully digested her Despair potion yet. Lumian chuckled in response. She wont directly participate. If the attempt fails, the dream will continue to exist, not affecting her subsequent digestion of the potion. If it succeeds, her Despair potion should be directly digested, as will mine. Well, to be safe, please ask Mr. Sun to stand by Francas bedside in advance, ready to help her extract the Demoness of Despair Beyonder characteristic. Alright, Madam Magician agreed to Lumians request. She then asked, What are your new guesses and new ideas? I cant tell you for now. Lumian smiled. He then explained, All of you are closely connected to Mr. Fool, which also means all of you are closely connected to the Celestial Worthy. Although most of you wont be influenced by this, you might be secretly watched by the Celestial Worthy, allowing Him to grasp some information. Ill tell you my thoughts when the operation officially begins. Madam Magician felt this most deeply. She nodded slightly and said, The problems for me and Mr. Pallez mainly come from our own pathways and status, but others do frequently enter and exit above the gray fog, occasionally praying to Mr. Fool. Alright, you guys are the ones in the dream city now, and youre the captain, so you lead. Dream city, late at night. Jenna, who had returned, left Room 2303 of Building 5 in Dechuang Garden with Ludwig, while Franca stayed behind to take care of Lumina. Although Franca had observed Mushu Hospital in the afternoon and found that there were many people around who seemed to be plainclothes police, believing that the cultists inside would behave for a while, she still thought it necessary to guard against the possibility of Lumina being drawn by Omebellas bloodline and sneaking over there. She hadnt seen any news about changing the dean on Mushu Hospitals website, official account, or video channel. In a hidden place not far from Crimson Moon Hospital. Jenna took out the Ice Amulet that Franca had given her from the Travelers BagFranca, who had become a Demoness of Despair, no longer needed external help to directly enter the area behind mirrors and travel through the mirror world, so she had given all the corresponding charms to Jenna. After setting up a makeup mirror, Jenna held Ludwigs hand with one hand and gripped the Ice Amulet with the other, activating the latter. In the flickering light of the glass, the two instantly dove into the mirror hidden in the corner, traversing to behind the mirror-like object outside Li Kejis original hospital room. After observing for a few seconds, Jenna led Ludwig out of the mirror-like object and nimbly leapt into the corridor. Because the room was empty with no patients staying temporarily, the iron door wasnt locked. Jenna opened a small gap and slipped inside. Then, she said to Ludwig, See if theres anything edible here? Ludwig quickly pointed to the blanket on the bed. It can be eaten. A second later, he pointed at the bed itself and said, This can be eaten too. Jenna was speechless for a moment, then after a few seconds said, I mean better food, like mushrooms. Ludwig looked around, not neglecting the ceiling and gaps between floor tiles. 19:50 There isnt. There isnt any Jenna, taking advantage of the remaining effects of the Ice Amulet, left the place with Ludwig. Before long, she repeated the process, appearing with Ludwig in Li Kejis room in the psychiatric ward of Mushu Hospital. Is there any better food here, similar to mushrooms? Jenna looked at Ludwig again. Ludwig searched carefully, sniffing around, and said, There isnt. Li Kejis final product isnt in either place What to do now? Jenna didnt dare stay in the Mushu Hospital room for too long, quickly leaving the psychiatric ward and coming to the tree-lined road outside, planning to circle to the front of the main building to catch a car home by the roadside. The power of the Ice Amulet to traverse the mirror world had completely faded, and Jenna didnt want to unnecessarily use another corresponding charm. Walking neither fast nor slow while holding Ludwigs hand, Jenna pondered the possible whereabouts of that therapeutic mushroom. Did it fuse with Li Keji and vanish into thin air under Chief Yagates gaze? Or did Li Keji throw it into some corner of Mushu Hospitals basement before receiving treatment? The basement of Mushu Hospital doesnt welcome unrelated personnel How to search? Use the Leodero spell to split it open, but that would destroy the mushroom too As Jenna thought about this, she suddenly had a spiritual premonition. She abruptly turned her body halfway, raising her head to look at the main building of Mushu Hospital close by, towards a room high up. A face suddenly appeared behind the glass sleeping in darkness, a face wrapped in white bandages with only the eyes and nostrils exposed. In Jennas moment of terror, something passed through the glass, falling down lightly. The bandaged face retreated from the window. With her Night Vision and eagle-like eyesight, Jenna quickly identified what was floating down. It was a dried, shriveled, lifeless jellyfish-like mushroom. This mushroom corpse fell much faster than leaves, and in just a few seconds, Ludwig reached out and caught it. Seeing this, Jenna had a thought and blurted out a question to Ludwig, Can it be eaten? Chapter 1021 - Chapter 1021 A Night Passes Chapter 1021 A Night Passes Jenna had noticed that the jellyfish-like mushroom was already withered and dead, unable to treat An Xiaotian, which was why she asked Ludwig if the mushroom could be eaten. Of course, she didnt mean for An Xiaotian to eat it. As a vegetative patient, An Xiaotian no longer had the ability to chew and swallow. And grinding the mushroom into powder or juice to provide to An Xiaotian via intravenous drip was an area she didnt understand and couldnt judge whether it would be effectiveDemonesses had always only dealt with spreading diseases and plagues, lacking knowledge and abilities in medical treatment. What Jenna really wanted to ask was whether Ludwig could eat this mushroom, and if after eating it, he could gain the ability to treat vegetative patients. Ludwig stared at the dried mushroom in his palm, licked his lips and said, It can be eaten. He paused for a moment, hesitated for two seconds and added, But I dont know what can be gained from it. Even a professional food analyst cant tell the cooking method and effectsthis mushroom is indeed very special Jenna suddenly realized this and quickly said to Ludwig, Put the mushroom away first. Give it to me, Ill put it in the Travelers Bag. Ludwig immediately clenched his fist. He shook his head while stuffing the mushroom into his coat pocket, as if it were a little hamster, his pet. Jenna didnt have any intention of forcibly taking away the jellyfish-like mushroom. She held Ludwigs hand and quickly walked towards the exit of Mushu Hospital. Only now did she have the energy to think about what had just happened. Li Kejis jellyfish-like mushroom actually fell into the hands of that person wrapped in white bandages, and that person even gave the mushroom to us Right, Lumian mentioned that after his colleagues Old Wang and Old Ding were struck by lightning, they now have this scary appearance. When he came to visit Mushu Hospital last time, Old Wang seemed to be asking him for help This time at the entrance of the basement of Mushu Hospital, he encountered Old Ding again Was Old Ding hinting at him to pay attention to the no entry to unauthorized personnel sign at that time? Was it Old Wang or Old Ding who threw down the mushroom just now? If it was Old Ding, it would make sense, as he was there when Li Keji was sent to the basement for treatment But if he could stay in the basement for so long, it means hes no longer an unauthorized personnel What exactly do the current Old Wang and Old Ding symbolize in the dream city? Why are they helping us? I wonder if this dried mushroom is Li Kejis final product Amid these thoughts, Jenna took Ludwig back to Room 2303 of Building 5 in Dechuang Garden by taxi. She told Franca about their encounter and asked Ludwig to take out the withered mushroom to show. Franca gazed at the mushroom, pondered for a moment and said, My spiritual intuition tells me that this should be the final version of the therapeutic mushroom created by Li Keji, but its specific effects are unknown. Even divination methods wont provide an answer. This was not only because the treatment subject was An Xiaotian, but also because the mushroom itself was very special. Should I eat it now? Ludwig asked eagerly. He had an expression that suggested the finest ingredient should be cooked in the simplest way. Eating it raw! Franca and Jenna exchanged glances before saying, Wait until your godfather returns before eating it. It wasnt that they werent worried about changes happening to the mushroom in the next dozen or so hours, but the current situation was indeed not suitable for such a stimulating experiment. At present, Lumian and Anthony were outside the dream, Lumina had been frightened and needed close monitoring, and Franca herself couldnt withstand major accidents and couldnt attempt anything too risky. So, if Ludwig ate the mushroom now and something unexpected happened, the entire situation might collapse. Okay. Ludwig reluctantly stuffed the withered mushroom back into his pocket with some reluctance. Jenna glanced towards the bedroom direction and asked Franca in a lowered voice, How is Lumina doing? Being inexplicably arrested by the police, she was definitely shocked, has been somewhat dazed, and a bit overreactive. She only truly fell asleep two minutes before you returned to the dream, Franca answered softly. She then said to Jenna, You should go visit An Ruide now and confirm his situation. After Anthony was kicked out of the dream, Franca had actually been worried about his dream manifestation, An Ruide, but she was really too busy to observe and protect himin the morning she had to take care of Ludwig and look after Luo Shan, in the afternoon she first went to Mushu Hospital to provide support, then was busy asking Queen Mystic to help bail out Lumina. She didnt even have time to care about Jennas dream manifestation, let alone An Ruide. Alright. Jenna also had these concerns, but she had to prioritize finding the mushroom that Li Keji might have left behind. Since returning to the dream city, she had been constantly on the move without rest. At Xinhong District, in a rented apartment. Jennas figure emerged from a dark corner. She looked towards the smallest bedroom closer to the kitchen and heard relatively long breaths. Her spiritual intuition told her that the person sleeping inside was An Ruide. Jenna relaxed a little and surveyed the situation in the room. She saw a wine glass on the dining table, a plate with crumbs of salted crispy peanuts, a plate of unfinished cold sliced pork head meat, and a plate with only remnants of mashed potatoes. This was consistent with An Ruides cooking level. Mashed potatoes were a delicacy both inside and outside the dream, while cold sliced pork head meat and salted crispy peanuts could be bought from street vendors outside. A scene immediately appeared before Jennas eyes: An Ruide was in a good mood, bought himself a bottle of wine, and had a couple of glasses with peanuts, pork head meat, and mashed potatoes. Afterwards, he was a bit tipsy and decided to clean up the dishes the next day. Hes quite leisurely; An Ruide knows how to enjoy life Jenna silently marveled. She then thought, Would An Ruides character prototypeAnthonyalso be like this in private, without the pressure of missions? At this moment, Jenna felt that Anthony was no longer just the ever-calm Psychiatrist. While marveling, she didnt let her guard down and quickly checked whether this situation was abnormal and whether the sleeping An Ruide in the room had any hidden issues. After about seven or eight minutes, having sneaked into the corresponding bedroom twice, Jenna finally felt relieved and left. The next morning. After waking up, Jenna carefully got out of bed, afraid of disturbing Lumina beside her. Unexpectedly, Lumina was a light sleeper. She immediately opened her eyes and turned her head. Seeing it was Jenna, she visibly relaxed and revealed a still somewhat confused smile. I had a nightmare. I dreamed that I was arrested by the police. They said I committed murder and arson, spread cults, and did all kinds of evil At this point, Lumina suddenly froze. Soon, she propped herself up and muttered, Nana, I was really arrested yesterday. Im innocent! I just performed magic at the hot pot restaurant, and they said I killed someone! Seeing this, Jenna placed her knee on the edge of the bed, bent her back, and gave Lumina a warm hug. Its okay, youre out now. Later, there will be top lawyers to help you. The innocent will be cleared. Franca, who had slept on the carpet last night and only came in when she heard the commotion, almost couldnt help laughing at Jennas words. The innocent will be cleared? There was nothing wrong with this sentence, but we really did kill Zaratulstrawere as guilty as can be! She held back her laughter and joined in comforting Lumina. After a while, Lumina calmed down. She looked at Jian Na and Luo Fu, furtively glanced left and right, and said in a lowered voice, I didnt mention any of you at the police station. She had a Arent I great and clever? expression on her face. Great job! Franca and Jenna very cooperatively praised her. Seeing that Luminas mood had improved considerably, Franca took the opportunity to tell her, Miss Huang will come to pick you up later. Youll stay at her place for the next couple of days. To prevent Lumina from implicating Franca and Jenna, when Queen Mystic hired a lawyer to bail her out, she had actually provided a new residence. But because Queen Mystic had to prepare for the matter of banishing the mirrored Emperor Roselle last night and had no time to look after Lumina, Franca, worried that Lumina might wander off, still took the risk of bringing her back and holding out for one night. Now, Queen Mystic finally had time. And by the afternoon, Lumian would return to the dream city. Mm-hmm. Lumina nodded obediently. After Lumina was picked up by Queen Mystic, Jenna left for work at Hall Film Company. Anthony, who had returned to the dream, took on the responsibility of looking after Ludwig, and Franca finally had some free time. She took a taxi to the Tech Building, preparing to go through the resignation process. For her, the process wasnt important; what was important was getting the salary for the half month she had worked! In the Human Resources Department. Perhaps because Miss Huang had given a heads up, Franca didnt even have a chance to take out her materials like the family surgery notice with the official stamp from Zhenjinqiao. She quickly went through the process without anyone giving her a hard time. Finally, she took the certificate given by the HR department and went to the Finance Department to settle her wages. After various deductions, she received 3,500 yuan. Not bad The first salary from a formal job in my life, although its in a dream With self-mockery, Franca left the Finance Department. She planned to say goodbye to Luo Shan in the Administration Department and then leave the Tech Building, completely hiding in the shadows. Just as she passed the Tech Department, not yet near the Administration Department, Franca, still wearing those old-fashioned black-framed glasses, suddenly heard a voice. Luo Fu. Franca instinctively turned around and saw Zhou Mingrui coming out of the Tech Department. What a coincidence, I heard youre resigning? Zhou Mingrui asked with concern. Franca noticed a hint of determination in Zhou Mingruis eyes, as if he had made up his mind to do something. Hes not going to ask about what happened at Mushu Hospital the night before last, is he? Hes not going to ask about my real purpose for coming to the company, is he? Franca suddenly shuddered. Oh no, I dont dare say anything now! Chapter 1022 - Chapter 1022 Preparations in Full Swing Chapter 1022 Preparations in Full Swing Yes, theres been an issue at home, Franca first answered Zhou Mingruis question, then had a quick idea and hurriedly said, Im going to find Luo Shan. Once Ive dealt with the family issue, Ill treat you all to a meal and we can have a good chat. She emphasized the words good chat. Zhou Mingrui looked at Luo Fu for a few seconds, as if weighing his options. Finally, he nodded and said, Alright, well talk another day. He could tell that Luo Fu didnt want to say much right now, and seemed to be afraid of something unknown. Franca quietly let out a sigh of relief and waved sincerely. See you again! After turning around, she muttered silently with relief, Thankfully Zhou Mingrui isnt one of those stubborn types people in Yangdu talk about. He can read others expressions and listen to what theyre saying! Hall Film Company, Talent Department. During a break in her physical training class, Jenna walked out of the classroom and turned towards the public restrooms. On the way, she encountered Jiang Yue, who was responsible for her and the other new talents. Seeing Jiang Yue busy there, she asked curiously, What are you busy with? The summer season is ending, The Great Pirate 3 is about to finish its run. We need to prepare for the celebration party, subsequent development, and a series of other things, Jiang Yue looked up and saw it was Jenna, her attitude fairly friendly. The Great Pirate 3 is about to finish its run? Jenna was stunned for a moment. Based on the common knowledge she had learned since entering the dream city, she thought this was a very normal thing, but it also felt ill-timed. When Lumian returns to the dream, they were planning to try letting Ludwig eat that dried mushroom to see if he could gain special healing abilities to awaken the vegetative An Xiaotian. And An Xiaotian was related to the Gehrman Sparrow direction they were pursuing. At this crucial stage, The Great Pirate 3, which further shaped Gehrman Sparrows character and gave him widespread exposure, was about to completely end its run? Did this hide some kind of symbolism? Jenna chose her words carefully and asked casually, Is the stage play for The Great Pirate 3 about to be officially scheduled? Yes, you might be able to try your luck then. Who knows, you might get an important role, Jiang Yue hinted to Jenna. In a spacious, bright, modern-styled apartment. Bernadette had just entered when she saw Lumina reclining on the bay window, leaning against a pillow, basking in sunlight, leisurely reading a book in her hands. What are you reading? Bernadette walked over and asked casually. A romance novel, one of those melodramatic ones. Lumina closed the book, looking a bit embarrassed. She tried to explain, I might be put in prison later. Ive checked, most of the books there are for learning. I should read some leisure books while I still can! Bernadette looked out the window. You probably wont be sentenced. You really didnt do what theyre accusing you of. Why dont you go out for some activity? Its windy today, not too hot. I went jogging in the community this morning, Lumina jumped down from the bay window, smiling as she flexed her arm, showing off her not-so-obvious biceps. I love exercising. At this point, she suddenly became a bit emotional. My mom has always been in poor health, and so was I when I was little. Maybe its hereditary. So, they always didnt let me do intense exercise, didnt let me run around and play rough with my classmates Later, when I became an adult, I rebelled. I often went running, cycling, playing badminton, and so on without telling them. And nothing bad happened! When you grow up, you can do what you want. Queen Mystic seemed to feel something too. Luminas gaze gradually became unfocused, her eyes reflecting the brilliant sunlight outside the window. But now, I want them to restrict me again Bernadette fell silent as well. By the afternoon, Lumian had returned to the dream city. The first thing he did was not to look at Queen Mystic Bernadette sitting on the single sofa to the side, but to check his own condition. Queen Mystic calmly said, After being kicked out of the dream twice, there will be several major restrictions when you come back in: First, you cant display Beyonder powers or obvious hostility in front of other dream manifestations, especially the Celestial Worthys subordinates. That will also lead to you being kicked out; Second, some hints that wouldnt have gotten you kicked out before will now attract the Celestial Worthys attention; Third, you being kicked out will implicate the outsiders around you. Lumian already knew about these restrictions from the information provided by the Major Arcana card holders. He chuckled. Quite troublesome. Queen Mystic nodded slightly. Ive transferred that 500,000 to your bank card. Well take action this afternoon. We cant wait until dark. Alright, Lumian stood up, Ill go rent an item first. Star Dream Provisions Store. Lumian, in his Demoness of Despair state, walked to the checkout counter and politely said to the shopkeeper. Id like to rent an item. Which one? the shopkeeper raised her head and asked as the sky suddenly darkened. Lumian thought for two seconds, and instead of answering, he asked, Do you have any recommendations? He wanted to test if the shopkeeper of Star Dream Provisions Store would give any hints. That depends on your own needs, the beautiful shopkeeper answered with a smile. No hints possible? Lumian looked towards the shelves, his gaze slowly scanning over mystical items like the magic mirror Arrodes, the brass book, the quill pen, and others. In less than a minute, he made up his mind. Ill rent that mirror again. If it was purely for dealing with and constraining the mirrored Emperor Roselle, he would have chosen that brass book based on the brief description from the Major Arcana card holders. But tomorrow he still wanted to try weakening the Celestial Worthy and awakening Mr. Fool. And that magic mirrors creation was related to the original God Almighty, having its own hidden aspects. Moreover, it was the only Sealed Artifact Mr. Fool carried with him, likely to play an important role in weakening the Celestial Worthy and awakening Mr. Fool! Its history and the treatment it received were incomparable to other items! The shopkeepers smile remained the same as before. Alright, how many days do you want to rent it for? One day, Lumian answered without hesitation. He had enough cash on hand to rent the magic mirror Arrodes for two days, but considering that his guesses, ideas, and action plans might not be necessarily correct, and the final result might not be as he expected, and after today, Queen Mystic would likely be completely kicked out of the dream, making it difficult for the team to encounter such a generous patron again, he deliberately left some money for Franca, Jenna, and Anthony. This way, even if tomorrows operation failed, causing him to be kicked out of the dream for the third time, the remaining people would still have money to continue making new attempts. The shopkeeper didnt say anything, took out a POS machine, let Lumian swipe his card, and sign the contract. After walking out of Star Dream Provisions Store with the magic mirror Arodes, Lumians phone suddenly rang. It was an unfamiliar number. After using the Information Shredder to delete his contacts, all numbers were unfamiliar to him. Lumian chose to answer and heard an annoyed voice from the other end. Why didnt you come for the night shift last night? Dont you know to apply for leave in advance? This is called absenteeism! So its a call from the Intis Group Lumian quickly switched to a male voice. I quit! Do whatever you want! The person on the other end was speechless for a moment, then after a few seconds said, You dont want your last months salary? Donate it to those in need, thank you! Lumian hung up the phone with a bang. He then got into Miss Huangs car parked by the roadside. Queen Mystic said while driving, Later Ill be responsible for clinging on to her, getting kicked out of the dream together. You just need to hide in the shadows, guarding against her leaving the corresponding area in advance. For this operation, except for Jenna who couldnt get away from Hall Film Company, Lumian, Franca, Anthony, and Ludwig would all participate. Among them, Lumian would play the role that Queen Mystic had when dealing with Zaratulstra, not directly appearing but interfering and exerting influence from the shadows. Franca would decide whether to confront directly based on the specific situation, with Anthony assisting her. If they could bring some despair to the mirrored Emperor Roselle, it would greatly help Franca digest the Despair potion. Do I need to ask the magic mirror some questions? Lumian cautiously confirmed. He felt that the core of Queen Mystics plan was to use the rule that the third kick-out will implicate surrounding outsiders. No need, I already know everything I need to know, Queen Mystic then told Lumian the relevant information. She finally warned, You cant hide behind mirrors later. She has much stronger control over the world in the mirror than you do. Understood, Lumian had confirmed this point when monitoring Zaratulstra. In the time that followed, he didnt act humble or polite, but discussed the specific details of the plan with Queen Mystic and proposed some modifications. In a palace-like villa. After asking the butler, Bernadette took the elevator to the fourth floor and walked towards her fathers study. The CEO, Mr. Huang Tao, had gone to the company for a while in the morning and returned home at noon. Arriving outside the study, Bernadette habitually raised her right hand and knocked on the door. When she was young, she was spoiled at home and would open any door she wanted without ever asking if the person inside agreed to her entering. But after accidentally witnessing a few things she shouldnt have seen, she learned to knock. Come in. Huang Taos voice came from inside the study. Bernadette turned the handle and walked into the sunlit study, seeing her father standing by the window, gazing at something unknown. This suddenly gave her a feeling of returning to the past. Back then, she didnt understand why her father always gazed out of the west-facing floor-to-ceiling window, sometimes even holding her as a child while doing so. Dad Bernadette instinctively called out. Huang Tao turned around, revealing a smile. You came at just the right time. Why do you say that? Bernadette immediately raised her guard. Huang Tao smiled and said, Im going to leave this place. Bernadette frowned, What do you mean? Huang Tao sighed with a smile. How could I let my princess be in a difficult position? Wh Bernadette understood her fathers meaning and was a bit stunned. Huang Tao looked at Bernadette for a couple of seconds, then smiled with both satisfaction and emotion. Im very glad that you hesitated for several days. Chapter 1023 - Chapter 1023 Three Sentences Chapter 1023 Three Sentences When she heard Huang Taos emotional and gratified remarks, Queen Mystic Bernadettes lips moved almost imperceptibly a few times, but in the end she didnt speak. She pressed her lips tightly together. Huang Taos gaze looked out towards the open door and the corridor outside. He smiled slightly and said, Before I leave, Ill give you all a gift. As soon as he finished speaking, all the mirrors in the study lit up with a clear radiance. Huang Taos figure instantly disappeared from where he had been standing. Trying to run? Franca, who was hidden in the shadows of the corridor in an Invisible state, instinctively rushed out. She suspected that the mirrored Roselle had deliberately appealed to emotions just now, preventing Queen Mystic from reacting immediately, allowing Him to escape using the mirror world. The next second, Franca, still in her Invisible state, saw Bernadette transform into ethereal and complex information, rushing like a torrent into the mirror in front of her. Queen Mystic closely pursued the mirrored Emperor Roselle. Franca didnt hesitate. She reached out her right palm and pressed towards that mirror from a distance. Her body suddenly leaned forward, quickly becoming ethereal, and passed through the glass mirror surface. Anthony, who had snuck in using Psychological Invisibility, quickly ran into the study. Then Lumian, who had directly teleported over while holding Ludwigs hand, grabbed his shoulder and brought him into the mirror world. They followed the traces left behind by the mirrored Emperor Roselle, constantly moving forward through deep tunnels spread like spider webs in the ethereal darkness. They pursued like this for several dozen seconds. The tunnels around them gradually became sparser, the darkness growing ever deeper. Finally, the mirrored Emperor Roselle in Huang Taos form stopped and turned around. He was positioned at the edge of an area of void and deep darkness, but behind Him there were no more tunnels, only pure, profound darkness remaining. In the depths of that darkness, faint gray fog could vaguely be seen spreading, with an endless city hidden in the mist, like a mirage, yet indistinct. Thump, thump! Bernadette, Lumian, Franca and the others heard the sound of heartbeats. It seemed to be both their own and also coming from the very bottom of that deep darkness. There are some things that can be said now, said the mirrored Emperor Roselle in Huang Taos form, smiling again. One more step back and He would retreat into that pure, deep darkness. What things? Bernadettes voice was a bit lower and hoarser than before. Huang Tao smiled and said, The gift is three sentences. First, I have preliminarily achieved my purpose for entering this real dream, in every aspect. As He said this, the mirrored Roselle was gazing at Queen Mystic Bernadette. The subtext seemed to be saying: my greatest purpose was to find an opportunity to truly spend a few days with my princess as father and daughter. Bernadette fell silent. But Lumian was thinking. The purposes in every aspect have been achieved? The task given by the one worshiped by the Aurora Order has been completed, and the one given by the Celestial Worthy has also been completed? What could that be? The mirrored Emperor Roselle seemed to guess what Lumian, Franca and Anthony were thinking, and laughed, saying, Its the same as what youre thinking. Before Lumian and the others could ask further, Huang Tao, with a somewhat complex expression, said to Queen Mystic Bernadette, The second sentence: It is possible for people inside and outside the mirror to merge. Hearing this, Lumian and Franca both suddenly remembered something Krismona had said to Jenna: Reconcile with your mirror self! Is this a different expression of the same idea? It doesnt seem soreconciliation isnt the same as merging When Lumian looked towards Franca in front of him, he found she was also looking at him. Bernadette remained silent, not responding to the mirrored Roselles words. Huang Tao sighed with a smile, The last sentence: The apocalypse may come earlier than prophesied. Be prepared. After saying this, He looked at Bernadette and said in a joking tone, There are five Four Heavenly Kings, and four sentences in three sentences. Its very reasonable. Theres one more sentence The mirrored Emperor Roselle paused for a moment, then smiled tenderly at Queen Mystic. These past few days, dad has been very happy, truly. Remember, I will never put you in a difficult position Bernadette opened her mouth, but still didnt speak. As Huang Tao spoke, He retreated into the pure darkness outside the current area. His body rapidly changed, transforming from a fashionable middle-aged man into an alluring woman with long chestnut hair, blue eyes, a high nose bridge, thin lips, a voluptuous figure, and a mature aura. The dreams repulsive force suddenly descended upon Her, seemingly triggered by Her entry into the deep darkness of this part of the mirror world. The mirrored Emperor Roselle maintained a gentle smile and continued speaking to Bernadette, I hate him very much, dislike him, but my feelings in other aspects are the same as his, even more extreme, more irrational. Ive already left a lawyer-witnessed letter saying Im going to travel freely for a while, indulge for a while, and that youll handle various matters of the Intis Group on my behalf. Without waiting for Bernadette to respond, She specially reminded, You should all retreat further; otherwise, youll also be affected and rejected by the dream. Saying this, the mirrored Emperor Roselle looked at Lumian and smiled, saying, Well meet again. Ive also left a gift for you in the desk drawer. A gift? Feeling the dreams repulsive force spreading over, Lumian, Franca and the others quickly retreated into one of the mirror tunnels. The mirrored Emperor Roselles figure gradually faded, seeming both to dissolve into that deep darkness and to be pushed out of the dream by some force. She smiled at Bernadette, who was still standing in place. Quickly leave this area. Bernadette instinctively stepped back, her eyes already misty. Suddenly, she hummed a melody, a melody very familiar to the mirrored Emperor Roselle. The mirrored Roselle was stunned for a moment, becoming somewhat dazed. Then, She began humming along, singing the lyrics corresponding to that melody. The stars in the sky dont speak, the babies on earth miss their mothers Expressions of reminiscence, gratification, and emotion appeared on the mirrored Roselles face. She persisted until Bernadettes figure disappeared into one of the mirror tunnels, only then giving up the resistance. Her figure rapidly vanished, dissolving into the darkness. The dreams repulsive force completely enveloped this area, only fully receding after several dozen seconds. After a while, Bernadette, Lumian and the others returned here. She has indeed been permanently kicked out of the dream, said Queen Mystic in a low voice after looking around. Smoother than I imagined Lumian didnt say this out loud. He felt it would upset Queen Mystic. And for those in High-Sequence Beyonders, an emotional outburst had a potential hidden dangerthe possibility of losing control. Bernadette was silent for a moment, then took the initiative to say, Any thoughts on those three sentences just now? Lumian had already analyzed. The second sentence, about the possibility of merging between the original body and the Mirror Person, likely has exaggerated and false components. The third sentence aligns with some of my thoughts and guesses. It might not be falsethe apocalypse may really come early. For the first sentence, Im inclined to believe its true. So She also completed the task given by the Celestial Worthy? Franca asked with considerable worry. She immediately guessed, These past few days, when we werent paying attention, did She do something to Zhou Mingrui, laying the groundwork? No, Bernadette slowly shook her head, These past few days, Ive been watching her openly and secretly. She shouldnt have had the chance to directly contact Zhou Mingrui. Lumian, looking at the pure darkness outside the area and the faintly visible gray fog and city in the depths of the darkness, said thoughtfully, Perhaps Her existence itself has some symbolism, enabling Her to complete the task given by the Celestial Worthy. Before Franca and the others could ask, he pointed to the depths of the darkness and said, Doesnt that look like the sealed Fourth Epoch Trier? Franca vaguely grasped Lumians idea and blurted out. A special mirror world? Lumian nodded slightly and said to Queen Mystic, Mr. Fools dream originally shouldnt have contained the sealed Fourth Epoch Trier and the special mirror world thats produced from attaching to the Fourth Epoch Trier. This was deduced from Mr. Fools experiences. Lumian continued, But after the mirrored Emperor Roselle entered, Her essence and special nature gave Her corresponding symbolic meaning. So, in the depths of the dream citys mirror world, that special mirror world and the sealed Fourth Epoch Trier gradually took shape. And we previously speculated that one of Zaratulstras main goals was to have Zhou Mingrui drink the Witch potion, producing a stable, long-term, corresponding Mirror Person. Then, the Celestial Worthy could use that Mirror Person to accomplish some things, achieving a phased victory. Queen Mystic nodded slightly. Apart from consuming the Witch potion, another way to make a person produce a stable, long-term Mirror Person is to come into contact with that special mirror world. Zaratulstra was both looking for opportunities to induce Zhou Mingruis advancement himself and introducing the mirrored Emperor Roselle so as to bring the special mirror world? A two-pronged approach! Franca drew in a sharp breath. Queen Mystic said in a somewhat low voice, Zhou Mingrui probably hasnt come into contact with the special mirror world yet, hasnt produced a corresponding Mirror Person, but afterwards, the Celestial Worthys side will certainly have corresponding arrangements. For example, achieving it through Zhou Sasa? Franca suddenly looked at Lumian. Lumian nodded and continued, So, we cant delay our actions. We are on the precipice; theres no backing down. Yes, Franca agreed. Returning to Huang Taos study, Bernadette walked around behind the desk and, guided by spirituality, pulled open a drawer. There was a gift left for Lumian by the mirrored Emperor Roselle. Lumian, coming around from the other side, suddenly saw a card. The card lay quietly on top of a stack of documents, its surface depicting the image of the mirrored Emperor Roselle from earlier. Voluptuous figure, wearing a black dress, adorned with a golden crown inlaid with jewels, alluring features, mature aura, outstanding charm. In the upper left corner of this card, a line of text was condensed from brilliant starlight: Sequence 0: Primordial Demoness At this moment, Bernadettes voice rang out, echoing in the ears of Lumian and the others, A Card of Blasphemy, the Demoness card. Chapter 1024 - Chapter 1024: A Blurry Ritual Chapter 1024: A Blurry Ritual A Card of Blasphemy? A Card of Blasphemy representing a path to godhood, created by Emperor Roselle based on the second Blasphemy Slate and His personal experience? Lumian and Franca were both shocked. They had learned about the Cards of Blasphemy from Emperor Roselles diary and various mystical knowledge they had collected through different ̦ channels. But items of this level naturally possessed anti-prophecy and anti-divination properties, so they had only heard about them and never seen one with their own eyes. Now, the Demoness card appeared before them. This was a gift left for Lumian by the mirrored Emperor Roselle! In a flash, Lumian instinctively had a thought. Is She really being so kind? At this moment, Queen Mystic spoke again, Its real. A real Card of Blasphemy, a real Demoness card? Franca curiously leaned in, examining this long- coveted item. Lumian remained silent for a few seconds, then chuckled and reached out to take the Demoness card. He had already accrued so many debts and had so many creditors, what was one more! Queen Mystic looked at the Card of Blasphemy in Lumians hand and said after a moment of silence, The activation incantation should be my name, inept ancient Feysac. Name Lumian chanted in a low voice, Bernadette. Instantly, the Demoness card generated an invisible vortex, frantically drawing in Lumians spirit and spirituality. Soon, the Demoness card became three-dimensional, transforming into a miniature book. The book opened naturally, revealing a Roselle dressed as an Assassins Creed character, a clean-shaven male Roselle. Next to this character image was a corresponding description in ancient Feysac: Sequence 9, Assassin. Every Assassin possesses the ability to change their body for a short time, gaining feather-like lightness to perform a Leap of Faith, and has eagle-like vision and night vision, excelling in combat, evasion, and concealment. Shadows are their friends and their camouflage. Once they leave the shadows, they use their agile footwork to gather all their strength for a fatal strike on their target Potion formula. Lumian reached out to touch the Card of Blasphemy that had become a miniature book, watching it continuously flip pages, seeing Emperor Roselles image change from male to female, becoming increasingly beautiful and alluring, gradually overlapping with the appearance of the mirrored Roselle. Finally, an image of the mirrored Emperor Roselle, seemingly much younger and resembling a young girl, appeared before Lumians eyes. The corresponding information was also revealed: Sequence 3: Unaging (Demoness of Unaging). Every Demoness of Unaging is forever youthful, skilled in resurrection, bizarrely difficult to kill, a darling of the mirror world, a true Gorgon Potion formula: Main ingredients: One heart of a Mirror God, a pair of Gorgon eyes; Supplementary ingredients: Nine Mirror God fragments, 80 ml of Gorgon blood, an antique mirror over 500 years old with a corresponding mirror realm, 22 drops of water from a drowned persons lungs; Ritual: Find your mirror self, enslave them solely with your own power, or make them truly infatuated with you, or reconcile with them. Seeing this, Lumian and Franca once again recalled Krismonas mention of reconciling with your mirror self. Will different handling methods result in different manifestations later? Lumian pondered for a while, then turned to the next page: Sequence 2: Catastrophe (Demoness of Catastrophe). Demonesses of Catastrophe bring various natural disasters such as blizzards, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, meteor strikes, etc. Everyone who mentions their names feels fear from the bottom of their hearts Potion formula Ritual: As a participant, cause a disaster affecting the entire continent, and advance during the disaster. Lumian didnt read the specific formula in detail, just skimmed the Sequence name and corresponding ritual. He turned to the next page: Sequence 1: Apocalypse (Demoness of Apocalypse). Ritual: Advance at the universally acknowledged end of an epoch or the beginning of the next; advance during the signs and process of the apocalypses arrival; advance when ones own involvement leads to the fall of a deity. Any one of the three rituals is effective. According to the mirrored Emperor Roselles words and my deductions, the apocalypse will come early. Disasters frequently occur during the apocalypse, which indeed suits Demonesses Lumian unconsciously held his breath and turned the Card of Blasphemy to the last page: Sequence 0: Demoness (Primordial Demoness, Chaos Demoness) The source of catastrophes, symbol of the apocalypse, the Demoness who wields chaos, ruler of the mirror world, corresponding to the feminine aspect of the Original Creator. Potion formula: Ingredients: Demoness Uniqueness, three Demoness of Apocalypse Beyonder characteristics Ritual Lumian wanted to see what the apotheosis ritual for the Demoness pathway was, but found that the corresponding text was blurry and unclear, as if obscured by some force. Did the mirrored Emperor Roselle do this when leaving this gift, or was it like this when She obtained this Demoness card? Lumian turned his head to look at Queen Mystic. Your Highness, can you see the content of the apotheosis ritual clearly? Bernadette stared for a moment, then slowly shook her head. The power obscuring the corresponding content is of a very high level, at least Sequence 0. Lumian and Franca exchanged glances but didnt pursue the matter further. For them, the apotheosis ritual was a distant matter. They should focus on the Demoness of Unaging first. Since I wasnt kicked out of the dream, I can also participate in your operation tomorrow, Queen Mystic said in a somewhat low voice, looking towards the window area where Huang Tao had been standing earlier. Thank you, Lumian said without being polite. He put the Demoness card into his Travelers Bag. When Lumian and the others returned to Xinhong District, the sunlight was still bright, and it wasnt even afternoon tea time yet. Should we let Ludwig eat that mushroom now? Franca pulled out a chair and sat down, asking with a mix of nervousness and curiosity. Lumian thought for a few seconds, then said with a smile, Yes. But you should leave first, go back to Dechuang Garden. Im afraid your life might be ended by the mutation brought by the mushroom. This wasnt saying that the mushroom could directly harm Franca, but that the corresponding mutation might be very extreme, drawing the Celestial Worthys attention, which would be completely unbearable for Franca, who hadnt fully digested the Despair potion. Alright. Franca suppressed her inner emotions and returned to Dechuang Garden through the mirror world. Only then did Lumian sit down in the chair Franca had just pulled out and say to Ludwig. You can eat it now. Ludwig had been holding back for a long time and quickly took out the dried jellyfish-like mushroom. Seeing this, Lumian turned his head to Anthony and said, Pay attention to placating his mind and emotions. Okay, Anthonys eyes became vertical, reflecting Ludwigs figure in that pale golden color. Ludwig swallowed and looked at the mushroom with a hint of fear as he stuffed it into his mouth. He chewed it up, then swallowed it with satisfaction. Lumian and Anthonys spirits instantly tensed to the extreme. As time passed second by second, Ludwig finally opened his mouth and evaluated the changes after eating it. I can create a kind of spore that enters the human body, repairing nerves and flesh, merging with spirituality and soul. This might wake up people in vegetative states, but the condition of patients after merging with the spores is currently unknown As Ludwig spoke, Lumian and Anthony saw masses of flesh writhing under his skin, sometimes bulging the skin outwards, sometimes sinking inwards. This made Ludwig look like he was wearing a skin suit. Suddenly, the skin on his neck split open, and a wet brown mushroom grew out of the flesh. Ludwig raised his right hand nonchalantly, plucked off this mushroom with a snap, and stuffed it into his mouth, chewing and swallowing it. The wound on his neck quickly healed. And so, mushrooms intermittently grew out of Ludwigs body, sometimes of the same species, sometimes different, and he plucked them all off, using them as snacks. This formed a strange balance. Can eating these mushrooms make you full? Lumian asked curiously, secretly breathing a sigh of relief. Ludwig glanced at his godfather, Can you get full by sucking your own fingers? Lumian and Anthony immediately understood the answer. Anthony then looked at Lumian. Should we take him to Red Moon Hospital now to try and treat An Xiaotian? Lumian pondered for several minutes before answering, Theres no rush. Lets wait until tomorrow, when we officially take action. Anthony didnt hide his confusion, but seeing that Lumian didnt explain further, he calmly closed his mouth. If hes not saying, there must be a reason for not saying it. The next morning. Lumian stood on the balcony of the master bedroom, gazing at the tree-lined internal roads of the community and the slowly passing electric cars and bicycles. After a while, he reluctantly withdrew his gaze, walked into the living room, and placed the magic mirror Arrodes on the dining table. After the previous rental, they had figured out the rules for using this magic mirror: Only three questions could be asked within 24 hours, and they could be asked at intervals. Lumian looked at the silver mirror with ancient patterns and a black gemstone on each side, and calmly said in the presence of Anthony and Ludwig. Great Arrodes, I want to ask you a question, the first question of today. The surface of the ancient silver mirror suddenly darkened, and lines of blood-red ancient Feysac words appeared: I can answer any question you ask, but you must also answer an equal number of questions from me, in the presence of at least one witness. If you refuse to answer, or if you lie, you will face punishment. Lumian nodded and revealed a bright smile. My question is, is it a coincidence that the Celestial Worthys attempt to use the Mirror People and your birth as a mirror occurred at the same time? On the magic mirror, the blood-red words quickly lost their color and contracted into a single, lonely word: No. *** Chapter 1025 - Chapter 1025: Sudden Event Chapter 1025: Sudden Event Not a coincidence, so it was intentional? Did the original God Almighty see a certain scene while dying and disintegrating, and make corresponding arrangements? Lumian revealed a thoughtful expression. He immediately said in a satisfied tone, Thank you for your answer, great Arrodes. This was the answer he wanted. This also indirectly confirmed that the Celestial Worthy was trying to use the Mirror People. The surface of the magic mirror rippled, and blood-red ancient Feysac words were outlined again: Based on the principle of reciprocity, its my turn to ask a question. If you answer incorrectly or lie, you will be punished. Lumian nodded slightly, then saw the ancient Feysac words on the old silver mirror change: Are you prepared to be scared out of your wits by that individual? What a gentle question, not embarrassing at all Anthony thought instinctively. Then, he realized, This seems more like a hint. A hint to Lumian that the upcoming action might directly face the Celestial Worthy or His consciousness and power? Im ready. Lumian answered with a smile, He also noticed the hint from the magic mirror Arrodes. Then, he faced the magic mirror, pressed his hand to his chest and said, Ill ask the other two questions later. By eleven in the morning, Franca and Jenna had also arrived at the rental house in Xinhong District, each finding a chair to sit on. Queen Mystic is maintaining the illusion of Lumiana, preventing the police from discovering that Ive left my designated residence, said Lumian, who had resumed his Li Ming identity. He stood up and looked at each companion, We need to hurry now. Okay, Franca had been curious about Lumians plan since yesterday. Of course, she inevitably felt a bit nervous and uneasy, because if others falled, they would most likely just be kicked out of the dream, while she had a significant chance of dying. Lumian smiled and said, Ive been pondering the phrase filter out the interference of complex information and see the most fundamental facts all day yesterday, and finally thought of a few details. One of them is that Chief Yagates only has the spiritual imprints of Mr. Door and the Celestial Worthy, with maybe a little bit of Amons at most. If interfered with by complex information, one might deduce that Chief Yagates would likely lean towards the Celestial Worthy at crucial moments, or that he has always been feigning neutrality, and we must avoid encountering him. But I did stimulate Mr. Doors spiritual imprint with matters related to the Abraham family and our purpose for entering the dream city, preventing me from being completely kicked out of the dream. Moreover, the official forces of the dream city have indeed shown neutrality before, being impartial and following the law, otherwise we would have been finished long ago. So, what is the most fundamental fact among this information? Franca, Jenna, and Anthony fell into thought, while Ludwig continued to noisily eat from a large bag of chips, occasionally plucking a mushroom from his body to go with it. After about ten seconds, Jenna said in a quiet voice, filled with doubt and uncertainty. The Celestial Worthy is too weak? Lumian chuckled. Correct. Unlike Amon, Mr. Door passed away long ago. On Chief Yagates, who is the Uniqueness of the Door pathway, there exists only His remaining spiritual imprint, without external help or subsequent replenishment. And its this remnant imprint, along with a bit of Mr. Fools cognition and a little of Amons spiritual imprint, that has managed to resist the spiritual imprint of the Celestial Worthy, this great existence, maintaining balance most of the time and even gaining the upper hand when stimulated occasionally. What does this signify? It indicates that the Celestial Worthys current state is much worse than we imagined, and the limitations Hes under are far greater than what we see daily! This is the most fundamental fact. And why is this so? At this point, Lumian closed his mouth, clearly not wanting to share his speculations and thoughts. Hey, youre just going to pique our curiosity and not say anything? Franca felt uncomfortable all over, just like encountering certain authors and storytellers who leave a cliffhanger at the end of a chapter. But she immediately understood Lumians intention, which was based on complete trust. Some things can be known but not spoken, at most hinted at? Franca asked carefully. Lumian showed an expression of satisfaction that made Franca want to hit him. Didnt we already conclude earlier that except for outsiders, every manifestation in the dream city is a product of the subconscious cognition of Mr. Fool and the Celestial Worthy combined? Lumian extended his right hand, pointing at the green trees outside the window, at the surrounding walls, at the hot wind blowing in from outside. What I want to say is, apart from the dream characters, the birds, rats, cockroaches, earthworms, plants, buildings, and even the air in this city are all products of Mr. Fools subconscious and the Celestial Worthys subconscious combined. In other words, weve been living in the thoughts, cognition, and consciousness of Mr. Fool and the Celestial Worthy all along. Franca was enlightened. So the dream city is like the cerebral cortex, with some areas very active that we need to carefully avoid and not stimulate, like Zhou Mingruis dream manifestation, while most other areas are in a dormant state and normally wont react unless we say key words or key information? Once spoken, its likely to be immediately noticed by the Celestial Worthy. Lumian raised his right hand and grabbed a handful of air. With a mischievous grin, he remarked, This not only brings attention and rejection but might also stimulate the Celestial Worthy, allowing Him to break free from His current unfavorable state. Let me give an example. The fundamental facts revealed by the information on Chief Yagates arent that hard to figure out, but even with Amons reminders and hints, it took me a long time to understand, and you and the Major Arcana card holders havent even thought of it. Suppose theres a person whos been fooled, always feeling weak and unable to break free from certain limitations. In this situation, if someone suddenly tells him hes silly or stupid, wouldnt that stimulate him to regain clarity and become powerful again? This is also why Amon and that individual related to the Aurora Order dont speak directly in and out of dreams, only hinting, letting us understand on our own. Some tricks no longer work once the key technique is revealed! Jenna finally understood what Lumian was trying to express. There were two layers to this: First, everyone who has entered the dream is essentially receiving joint corruption from Mr. Fool and the Celestial Worthy. Its just that due to differences in dream entry time and actions taken, the degree of corruption varies, and the corresponding influence will persist even after returning to reality. Second, certain words and facts might stimulate the Celestial Worthy under similar corruption conditions, causing Him to wake up. Just assign the tasks to us, you dont need to say anything else. Jenna said with a sigh. Franca and Anthony also had some realizations and nodded in succession. Just as Lumian was about to assign the corresponding tasks to his companions, Francas phone suddenly rang. Franca picked it up and looked, her expression changing slightly. Its a call from Luo Shan! Has something become so urgent that it requires a phone call? Franca chose to answer, trying to make her voice sound steady. Hello, Shanshan? Luo Shans urgent voice came through the receiver. Zhou Mingrui suddenly took leave, he asked for it twenty minutes ago, I just found out! Zhou Mingrul took leave? Jenna looked towards Lumian. Lumian couldnt help but frown. Today is Wednesday, Zhou Mingruis sister Zhou Sasa is arriving in Yangdu, but her high-speed train doesnt arrive until 1:40 pm. Zhou Mingrul doesnt need to take the morning off at all, he would have enough time even if he left after lunch. Franca forced herself to stay calm and said to Luo Shan, Dont panic, ask Zhou Mingrui on WeChat to see what happened. Right I can ask him directly. Luo Shan, who was in the administrative department of the Intis Group, quickly hung up the phone. She rapidly sent a message to Zhou Mingrui: Why did you suddenly take leave? After a few minutes, while Luo Shan was silently praying, Zhou Mingrui replied to her message: Going to the high-speed rail station to pick up my sister. Your sister is coming to Yangdu? What time? Luo Shans heart tightened, as if glimpsing an unpleasant truth. After nearly another minute, Zhou Mingrui sent a emoji: ????????? She was originally supposed to arrive on the train after 1:30, but she said she got to her hometowns high-speed rail station early and there were spare tickets, so she changed her booking. Shell arrive just after 11:50. Why did she suddenly change her booking? Almost two hours earlier Luo Shan had heard from Luo Fu and Jian Na that there might be issues with Zhou Sasas arrival in Yangdu, and she immediately became more panicked. She didnt bother to respond to Zhou Mingrui, quickly took a screenshot of the chat history, and sent it to True Hidden Blade. At times like this, repeating is a waste of time! Franca, in the rental house in Xinhong District, quickly scanned the information on the screenshot, and her whole body suddenly tensed up. Not good, Zhou Mingrui is almost at the high-speed rail station, and so is Zhou Sasa! Franca held up her phone vertically, showing it to Lumian and the others. Lumian glanced at it and smiled slightly. No need to panic, theres still time. We have some redundancy. His attitude infected Franca and Jenna, calming their mindset and spirits a little-Anthony and Ludwig didnt need reassuring. Lumian then began assigning different tasks to each person, only telling them what to do, not why. When assigning certain tasks, he even deliberately used the Bottle of Fiction, not letting the other companions hear. Finally, Lumian said to Anthony, Before taking Ludwig to Crimson Moon Hospital, make a trip back to the real world and relay what I told you to the Major Arcana card holders. Let them prepare, and when the dream city experiences anomalies, seize the brief window of opportunity to complete that matter. Of course, the anomalies may not occur, and our plan could very likely fail. Understood, Anthony replied steadily. Lumian then turned his gaze to Franca, smiling again as he said, Then lets split up and take action. After saying this, he pressed his hand to his chest and said, Praise The Fool! Praise The Fool! Franca stood up abruptly, returning the same gesture. Then, she said in a deep voice, You must all be careful Lumian nodded lightly, and together with Jenna, walked towards the door and out of the rental house. The operation had officially begun. Chapter 1026 - Chapter 1026: Helper Chapter 1026: Helper After Lumian, Jenna, and Franca had each left the rental house in Xinhong District, Anthony waited for a moment before saying to Ludwig, Keep eating, Im heading back to the real world for a bit. Mhm, mhm. Ludwig, mouth full of food, didnt have time to reply properly. Anthony leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. As a Dreamwalker, he didnt need to perform any complicated actions to easily return to the real world. Upon opening his eyes in a room of the luxurious Trier mansion, Anthony instinctively rolled out of bed. At the same time, Madam Justices voice echoed in his mind: Come to Two of Cupss room. Anthony immediately left his room and headed to Francas bedroom, which was closer to the staircase. He lightly knocked on the wooden door. Come in. Madam Justices gentle voice came from inside. As soon as Anthony pushed open the door, he was met with multiple figures: There was Mr. Star standing in front of the bright window, wearing red gloves; a man sitting in a dim corner, his eyes crimson and his chin slightly raised; a rugged-looking man with bronze skin and blue hair, leaning against the mini-bar, holding a glass of Lanti Proof; On either side of the long sofa were Madam Magician and Madam Judgment; Maam Hermit was sitting on a single-seater, wearing glasses and flipping through a book; Madam Justice sat by Francas bed with Susie nearby, and a young man, over two meters tall, with simple white robes, paced at the foot of the bed. Anthony scanned the room and respectfully said, Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Do you have something to tell us? Madam Justice turned her body slightly. Anthony repeated Lumians instructions in full, without leaving out a single detail. Madam Justice nodded thoughtfully. I understand. At that moment, the tall, brown-haired young man shifted his gaze to the other Major Arcana card holders and said in a calm voice, From now on, no one is to leave this room. As his voice echoed, the brilliant sunlight, brighter than the sky outside, flooded the bedroom, banishing all shadows and darkness, leaving no corner untouched. Inside the administrative department of the Intis Group at the Tech Building. Haha, kids can be impulsive, Coming to Yangdu for y college? Luo Shan sent Zhou Mingrui a message, holding her phone. This was a continuation of their earlier conversation and also a way to monitor Zhou Mingruis current state. Luo Shan believed that chatting with Zhou Mingrui on and off would allow her to keep abreast of his movements in a timely manner. While waiting for his reply, Luo Shan found herself unable to sit or stand still. She walked around but couldnt calm the waves of anxiety in her heart. She sat back down, grabbed some paper and a pen, hoping to ease her complex, tangled emotions by drawing. Scribble! Scribble! Scribble! Luo Shan scribbled on the paper aimlessly. As time slowly passed, her sketch gradually took shape. It depicted a girl, guarding behind a black barrier, fighting off childlike monsters. Luo Shan had drawn a version of herself deep into the night, standing as a protector. When she saw the half-finished drawing, Luo Shan froze. After a few seconds, she pressed her lips tightly together. She stood up abruptly and rushed to Deputy Director Zhang Qings office, speaking urgently, Director Zhang, Id like to take half a day off! Yangdu High-Speed Rail Station, arrival level. Lumian and Jenna stood in front of the large display screen, checking the exit for Zhou Sasas train. South Exit Three, arriving in six minutes, Jenna said, referencing the Information Luo Shan had provided, locating the correct train. I told you we had extra time, Lumian, in his male form, chuckled and walked with Jenna toward South Exit Three. They didnt get too close, keeping a distance of about twenty to thirty meters, hiding near the taxi lane entrance while watching the target area. The two Demonesses quickly spotted Zhou Mingrui. Because the Intis Group had strong air conditioning and he had rushed out in a hurry. Zhou Mingrui was wearing a white T-shirt under an orange-and-black plaid shirt, looking as if he had been waiting for a while. Neither Jenna nor Lumian spoke, quietly observing. After two or three minutes, Jenna suddenly pointed in a direction and whispered, Luo Shan Why is she here? Following Jennas lead, Lumian saw Luo Shan, dressed in a blouse and skirt, walking toward South Exit Three, glancing around as she moved. Call her over, dont let her disturb Zhou Mingrui. Lumian instructed Jenna, Jenna had already been thinking the same thing. Using her Assassin footwork, she quickly and discreetly approached Luo Shan, appearing right in front of her. Luo Shan jumped in surprise, then opened her mouth in delighted shock. Jenna raised a finger to her lips, signaling Luo Shan not to speak. Luo Shan immediately closed her mouth and followed Jenna to the taxi lane entrance by South Exit Two. When Luo Shan saw who was waiting with Jenna, she could no longer contain herself, pointing at Lumian and stammering, You, you, you Isnt this the dropout, Li Ming, who had a child when he was still a teenager? Is he in league with Luo Fu, Jian Na, and Lumina? What a coincidence. Lumian smiled. He gestured toward Jenna. Shes the mother of the child. Oh, oh Luo Shan suddenly felt a bit excited. That explains it. That is their relationship! Suddenly learning this private detail about her friends dispelled much of Luo Shans tension and anxiety. Jenna finally asked, Why did you come to the station? Luo Shans expression instantly darkened. She bit her lip and said, I wanted to help you. I think, I think I can be of help. As she spoke, her tone grew firmer. Lumian was silent for a few seconds before saying. Okay. He glanced toward South Exit Three and casually added, For now, theres nothing else to do but observe. Okay. This was Luo Shans first time taking part in an operation like this, so she had no objections. Looking back at Zhou Mingrui, Jenna thought aloud. If Zhou Sasa really is a problem, if shes meant to make Zhou Mingrui produce a stable Mirror Person in the special mirror world, what would she do? Having experienced the events relating to the Hostel and with Moran Avigny, Jenna had a deep understanding of the special mirror world. She knew that to produce a stable, long-term Mirror Person in that world, the person either had to be a descendant of the Primordial Demoness or certain Fourth Epoch Trier nobles, or they had to be exposed to the overflow of corruption from the special mirror world-namely, frequent activity in underground Trier. However, in the dream city, there was no real special mirror world-it was hidden deep within the mirror world, without any overflow of corruption. So, making Zhou Mingrui truly come into contact with the special mirror world was no easy task. Lumian thought for a few seconds. I dont know. His calm, steady tone made Luo Shan suddenly feel that things might not be as bad as she had imagined. A few more minutes passed, and passengers started coming through the gates at South Exit Three. Jenna and Luo Shans nerves immediately tightened. Before long, they saw Zhou Mingrui smile and walk toward the exit. There, a young girl emerged, wearing a black dress that made her seem more mature than her age. Hur suitcase was also dark-colored, without any fluffy toys attached like many young women would have, but instead, it had a mechanical-looking Transformer hanging from it. Her backpack wasnt cute either-black, made of synthetic leather, and large enough to hang a silver- white pocket watch with vine and leaf patterns on one side. Her style is very similar to realitys Melissa Moretti Jenna muttered under her breath. Luo Shan couldnt help but glance at her. When Zhou Sasa saw Zhou Mingrui approaching, she smiled brightly, waving her hand. Mingruil she called out sweetly. At that moment, she finally showed a hint of youthful charm. Perfect timing, Ill take you out for a big meal! Zhou Mingrui grinned as he took his sisters suitcase. Mingrui, I fixed the pocket watch! Zhou Sasa pulled the silver-white pocket watch with vine and leaf patterns from the side of her black backpack, showing it off to Zhou Mingrui. Click. She pressed lightly on the top of the watch, and the silver-white cover popped open. Almost simultaneously, Lumian and Jennas eyes narrowed. With their eagle-like vision, they noticed that the glass on the watchs face was dark, almost pure black, but still transparent enough to see the hands and numbers on the dial. That glass gave both Lumian and Jenna a strong sense of familiarity, a familiarity rooted in their spiritual intuition and memory. It was a fragment of the special mirror world! They each possessed a piece of the special mirror world fragment! Is Zhou Sasa planning to use that pocket watch and the fragment of the special mirror world to make Zhou Mingrui generate a stable Mirror Person? Jenna whispered, but instinctively kept her voice low. She immediately recalled something. The fragment of the special mirror world that Lumian possessed had come from the reanimated Panatiya, who had originally been arranged as Zhou Mingruis lover, and eventually his wife. Was her intended function not only to stabilize Zhou Mingruis mental state but also, after Zaratulstras frontal attempt failed, to use that fragment of the special mirror world to somehow corrupt Zhou Mingrui, so that a stable Mirror Person could be born? No wonder she has a fragment of the special mirror world The Celestial Worthy always prepares multiple -no, three, or even more-contingencies Jenna bop suddenly realized. She quickly said to Lumian, We need to find a way to steal that pocket watch. We cant let Zhou Mingrui come into too much contact with it. Lumian also thought of the reanimated Panatiya and observed for a few seconds before saying. That pocket watch seems to hold significant sentimental value for Zhou Mingrui. Hes holding onto it tightly. Taking it from under his nose wont be easy. At this point, Zhou Mingrui had taken the silver-white pocket watch and was inspecting it repeatedly, looking very pleased. Jenna understood Lumians concern. Not just difficult-nearly impossible, and extremely risky! What Zhou Mingrui wanted to protect was what the dream subconscious wanted to protect! Chapter 1027 - Chapter 1027: What Is Real Chapter 1027: What Is Real As Jenna quickly tried to think of a way to take the silver pocket watch from Zhou Mingrui, Luo Shan suddenly spoke up. Ill go. Uh Jenna and Lumian both turned to look at Luo Shan at the same time. Luo Shan flashed a smile that said, Its no big deal. I know Zhou Mingrui. Were on good terms, were close colleagues. Itll be easier for me to get close to him than you two. Although hes somewhat suspicious of me now and knows I have Beyonder powers, and hes picked up on my hints, overall, he should still see me as an ally. someone on his side. Right? My analysis is correct, isnt it? Luo Shan showed a lack of confidence in these kinds of matters. Before Lumian or Jenna could respond, she gave a self-deprecating smile and said, Zhou Mingrui might be wary, might be on guard, but hed never suspect that my target is the pocket watch. And besides She paused for a moment and then added, You two are outsiders. Even if you just trigger his suspicions, he might kick you out, but I wont. Im from here. At most, I just need to be a little more careful afterward! No, its still dangerous. Jenna warned Luo Shan seriously. Weve never tried having someone like you directly confront Zhou Mingrui or do anything to him, so we cant predict what might happen or what the worst outcome might be. And judging by similar cases, you could end up with a light suddenly falling from the ceiling, smashing your head, killing you instantly, or you could drop dead the moment you touch that pocket watch. Luo Shans expression turned solemn. She nodded slowly and said, I know. Before Jenna or Lumian could try to dissuade her further, she unexpectedly asked in a low voice, What is the real me like? While Lumian was observing Zhou Mingrui and Zhou Sasa, Jenna fell silent for two seconds and then answered, Shes a civilian staff at the police station. Her father was also an official Beyonder, but he died in a Beyonder disaster. Shes lively, though a bit lazy, but her colleagues really like her. They all treat her like a little sister. Shes married now, with a lovely child. Luo Shan listened intently, and after a few seconds, she said, Isnt that another version of me? It really is another me Her eyes flickered as she looked at Jenna, and with a hint of playfulness, she said, If you ever meet her, please tell her: I envy her Hearing this, Jenna suddenly felt a lump in her throat, and emotions swirled in her chest, making it hard to speak. Luo Shan slowly straightened her back. And also tell her, I have my own pride, and Ive had experiences she might envy. Luo Shans serious expression gradually softened, as though she was talking to herself. Ive been reflecting a lot lately, thinking about my past. My mother was so real, my interactions with her were so real. My father was real, too, and his sacrifice was just as real. My childhood, my middle school, high school, college, and my work experiences, all those details, all those moments-they were so real. I can still remember the smell of my mom, the taste of her best dish, eggplant with pork. I can remember where my dads police uniform had a hole burned by a cigarette, where he hid snacks he bought for me To you. these might be part of a a dreamscape, but to me, they couldnt be more real. They are the meaning of my existence. And because of those memories and that past, I feel real. No matter how you see it. Now, Im going to do something Ive always dreamed of. It will make me even more real. It will give my life more meaning, no longer just a dream or someone elses fantasy! Before Jenna could respond, Lumian suddenly said. Alright. You approach Zhou Mingrui, and find a way to steal that pocket watch. Luo Shan was stunned, not expecting Lumian to agree so quickly. In the blink of an eye, a smile appeared on her face, a smile filled with pride and nostalgia. She looked at Jenna and asked softly, I-if this dream breaks apart and you two leave alive, will you remember me? Will you remember that there was a Luo Shan, and the things I did? Jennas vision blurred instantly, and she choked up as she said. I will. Ill always remember that I had a friend named Luo Shan. She was lively and kind, though a bit lazy. She was a girl who always missed her mom, but she had a strong sense of justice, just like her father Luo Shan smiled, full of relief. That means I really lived. My life was real. She took a deep breath and pointed toward Zhou Mingrui and Zhou Sasa. I have to hurry. Theyre almost at the entrance to the ride-hailing parking lot. Alright, Lumian and Jenna replied briefly. Luo Shan took a step toward the exit but suddenly turned around, flashing a bright smile at Jenna and Lumian. With a mix of nerves and excitement, she said, I can be a guardian too. Without waiting for a response, she turned back and ran toward Zhou Mingrui and Zhou Sasa, wearing her blouse and skirt. She used her Reporter ability in small bursts, speeding up quickly, moving as gracefully and nimbly as a young deer. Lumian watched her back and softly repeated her words, Guardian Inside Crimson Moon Hospital. In a dimly lit patient room, with the curtains drawn, even though it was noon, Anthony used the last remaining Mirror Traversal effect of the Ice Mirror Charm, bringing himself and Ludwig out of the bathroom mirror. They walked over to the hospital bed, where Anthony studied An Xiaotians head. There were centipede-like stitches across his scalp, and his face was covered with thick, dark facial hair. After a few seconds, Anthony turned to Ludwig and asked, Can he be cured? I dont know. Well have to try and see, Ludwig replied. He plucked a golden mushroom from the cracked corner of his eye and chewed it down. The efficacy of the spores he absorbed from mushrooms to heal An Xiaotian was uncertain-this wasnt something a Gourmet typically dealt with. Anthony surveyed the room before pulling out a blank sketchbook and a pencil. He set the book down on the TV table and quickly began sketching. Before long, he finished a drawing. It was a complex maze, but every path seemed to be blocked. Anthony carefully tore out the sketch, packed away the remaining pages, and cautiously walked to the door. Using his Psychological Invisibility ability, he opened the door just a crack and placed the drawing against it. The sketch shimmered for a moment and then melded seamlessly with the door. With that done, Anthony observed the bustling nurses and wandering patients in the hallway before retreating back inside, closing the door behind him. He turned to Ludwig and said, Begin the treatment. Ludwig hesitated briefly before stepping forward in small, cautious steps. He stood next to An Xiaotians bed and placed both hands on the mans shaved head, which was covered with multiple scars and attached to various medical devices. In the next moment, a damp, fresh sensation emanated from Ludwigs body, making the air feel like a forest after the rain. Anthony waited patiently as the seconds ticked by. Suddenly, he noticed small lumps forming beneath the skin on An Xiaotians face, as if something was trying to push its way out. The lumps quickly retracted, shifting a few centimeters under the skin. On the monitors, the data for heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation began fluctuating rapidly. Theres a response, but is it enough? Anthony held his breath without realizing it. He cast Placate on himself, calming his nerves as he continued to wait. Another twenty seconds passed before Anthony noticed the room becoming even darker, though he wasnt sure if it was real or just his imagination. Then, all at once, the lumps beneath An Xiaotians skin surged to the surface, tearing through his flesh and scalp. They sprouted into various types of thumb-sized mushrooms-some had fleshy, veined patterns, others were soft and white, oozing a milky substance. They kept growing, rapidly expanding until An Xiaotians entire head was covered in a dense cluster of fungi, leaving only his eyes, nose, and mouth visible. Beep! Beep! Beep! The monitors blared, alarms going off as the data spiked wildly. Several nurses rushed over, one leading the way and another pushing a medical cart. But when they opened the door to the room, they didnt see the bed or the nearby bathroom. Instead, they were faced with a long hallway stretching into the unknown, with countless unmarked doors lining its sides. Normally, the nurses would have stepped back to check if they were in the wrong place, but instead, they ran forward, opening door after door, desperately trying to find the real entrance to the room. Amid the walling alarms, Anthony felt the room grow even darker. An ominous, dangerous energy began to fill the space. Ludwig withdrew his hands, stepped back to Anthonys side, and stared at the now mushroom-covered An Xiaotian. Licking his lips, he said, It worked. Just as he spoke, An Xiaotian, still unconscious, suddenly sat bolt upright. Bzzz, the electrical appliances in the room-lights, TV, monitors-all emitted a loud buzzing sound, so intense that it drowned out the beeping alarms. At that moment, An Xiaotian, sitting up straight, opened his eyes. They were deep, dark, weathered, and slightly hollow. In stark contrast to the mushrooms growing all over his head, his eyes looked unnervingly normal and sane. An Xiaotian opened his mouth and spat out countless tiny spores, his voice hoarse as he said, Be careful As soon as Anthony and Ludwig heard those words, they suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of oppression. The darkness around them seemed to solidify, closing in on them and pushing them out. Even with Anthonys mental fortitude and emotional control, he couldnt help but shiver, feeling the urge to flee the room. The next second, An Xiaotians voice turned sharp and piercing. Be careful of Zhou Mingrui! Chapter 1028 - Chapter 1028: The Medium Chapter 1028: The Medium Be careful of Zhou Mingrui! An Xiaotians voice echoed through the hospital room, drowning out the alarms from the monitoring equipment. Wh- As Anthony struggled to hide his shock and out surprise, thunder rumbled outside. The sky over the entire dream city suddenly turned gray, as if the brilliant sunlight had been cut off by a layer of clouds. In Anthonys vision, An Xiaotians figure suddenly be or became blurry, sometimes expanding, sometimes contracting, like a hazy, confusing dream. The next second, Anthony and Ludwig felt the dreams strong rejection, sensing their rapid transformation into marionettes. Inside Yangdu High-Speed Rail Station. Luo Shan quickly caught up with Zhou Mingrui and Zhou Sasa, intercepting them before they turned onto the road leading to the parking lot. Zhou Mingrui! Luo Shan called out. Zhou Mingrui, who had already put the silver pocket watch in his trouser pocket, turned around and looked at the rapidly approaching Luo Shan with confusion. Why are you here? Werent you just at work in the office, slacking off and chatting with me? Zhou Sasa looked at Luo Shan, then at her brother, and smartly kept her mouth shut, saying nothing. Luo Shan stopped within arms reach of Zhou Mingrui and said urgently, Theres something important I need to tell you. What could be so important that it couldnt be said over WeChat or phone, and you had to rush here to tell me in person? Zhou Mingrui remembered Luo Shans previous warnings and looked at his colleague quizzically, waiting for her to continue. On her way over, Luo Shan had already decided that todays strategy would be honesty. She said with a serious expression. Theres an item you shouldnt touch right now. Im here to keep it safe for you. Taking advantage of Zhou Mingruis confused thinking, she suddenly reached out with her hand, using the ultimate speed of a Reporter. Zhou Mingrui couldnt dodge in time and Luo Shan forcefully snatched the silver pocket watch with vine and leaf patterns from his trouser pocket. This is it! Luo Shan quickly explained, Zhou Mingrui, who instinctively wanted to grab it back, suddenly froze, looking at the pocket watch and muttering in disbelief. This? What could be wrong with it? This change also left the observing Zhou Sasa confused and bewildered. She blurted out, Mingrui, whats going on? What are you two talking about? Are the two of you flirting? Zhou Mingrui didnt answer Zhou Sasas question. focusing his gaze on Luo Shan. Luo Shan didnt bother to conceal anything and couldnt think of how to hint at it, so she directly raised the silver pocket watch. This will bring you danger! Think carefully, isnt it a bit different from before? Although Luo Shan wasnt clear on what exactly was wrong with the pocket watch in her hand, from Jian Na and Li Mings conversation, she knew the watch was linked to some special mirror world fragment. In other words, the watch was different from before- if there had been an anomaly in the past, Zhou Mingrui would have had problems long ago! Zhou Mingrui suddenly fell into thought, frowning slightly. Indeed, the watchs glass face seemed to have been replaced Who would normally use black glass for a watch face, even if it was transparent Beside them, Zhou Sasa grumbled, Ive repaired it, of course its a bit different from before. Zhou Mingrui thought for a few seconds, then cautiously said to Luo Shan, Alright, you keep it safe for me for a few days. Although this watch held great sentimental value for him, no object, no matter how important, could compare to real safety. Even if it was lost because of this, he would only feel heartache and regret, but not remorse. How understanding, just like usual And I havent had any problems yet! Luo Shan felt both relieved and grateful as she sighed to herself. She quickly gave Zhou Mingrui a meaningful look. Ill make a move first. After getting Zhou Mingruis permission, she turned and walked towards where Jian Na and Li Ming were. She suppressed the explosive joy in her heart, not showing it for the moment. I succeeded! I did itl I completed an important task at the risk of my life! As Luo Shans steps became increasingly light, she suddenly felt her body become weightless. Her throat began to tighten, as if a rope was wrapped around it. Her breathing quickly became labored, and her knees and elbows felt as if they were filled with thick glue. Still something went wrong. Will I be strangled to death like this in public? In this state, Luo Shan heard the rumbling thunder. She found her surroundings had become quite dark and extremely oppressive, with the passing pedestrians all appearing blurry and distorted. This really is a dream Luo Shan suddenly had this realization, a realization tinged with sorrow and sighing. At this moment, she saw Jian Na. Jian Na was still clear. Then, Luo Shan clearly saw the anxious and worried expression on Jian Nas face. She once again felt that her life was still real, still meaningful. She managed to give Jenna another smile, with difficulty. Her body also gradually became blurry, like those background characters seen hazily in a dream. Rumble! Amid the rolling thunder, Zhou Mingrui also noticed the blurring and distortion of the people around him, and the darkness and unreality of the entire high- speed rail station. The only light came from the side and behind him and Zhou Sasa, from the passage leading to the parking lot. Clear radiance gathered there, as if forming a huge door. Zhou Mingrui instinctively grabbed Zhou Sasas forearm, no longer caring about the luggage, and ran wildly towards that door of light. After running a few steps, he felt Zhou Sasa stop, becoming heavy, making it impossible for him to drag her forward. Has Sasa also been affected by the anomaly? Zhou Mingrui turned his head concernedly to look at his sister. In his eyes, Zhou Sasa had somehow already become transparent, thin, like a mirror and the reflection of a person in a mirror. Zhou Sasas black dress had half-merged with the mirror, making the surface appear dark. Zhou Mingrui saw himself in the dark mirror. Short black hair, deep brown eyes, non-prescription glasses, soft contours and a somewhat handsome appearance. As Zhou Mingrui clearly saw the image in the mirror, the him in the mirror suddenly curled his lips, revealing an eerie and chilling smile. The Zhou Mingrui in the mirror began to overlap with Zhou Sasa, who had regressed to a pure female form. Wh-Zhou Mingrui instinctively took two steps back. Just then, he heard a bang of a gunshot. A bullet tinged with a dull blue-green color shot out from somewhere, hitting the mirror that Zhou Sasa had become, hitting the reflected image of Zhou Mingrui in the mirror. Certain Death! Franca had lent the Inevitable Gun to Jenna. Crack! That mirror quickly shattered, falling to the ground like a rainstorm. All of its fragments lost their luster, no longer reflecting anything. Zhou Mingrui instinctively turned sideways and saw Jenna, holding a brass-colored revolver, with delicate features, not at all blurry or distorted. He didnt recognize this beautiful young woman. Jenna nodded slightly to Zhou Mingrui, trying her best to show her goodwill. When Zhou Mingrui witnessed his mirror self revealing that chilling smile, he had already judged this to be an enemy, someone harboring malice towards him. This led to a series of thoughts: Theyve used Sasa! I must find out what has happened to the real Sasa! Based on this judgment, Zhou Mingrui held no ill will towards Jenna, who had shattered the mirror and his mirror self, believing she was sent by friendly forces to stop this. Seeing Zhou Mingrui return a friendly nod, Jenna hadnt had time to feel joy, hadnt had time to think about how to save Luo Shan, when she suddenly felt the dream strongly rejecting her, felt her thoughts becoming sluggish, felt two kinds of pain attacking simultaneously. She was being kicked out of the dream, she was being rapidly turned into a marionette. Just as Zhou Mingrui was about to ask the woman opposite what to do next, he saw her face contort, seeming to be in great pain. Has she been attacked? An invisible attack? Zhou Mingrui hurriedly looked around, searching for potential enemies. He then saw that the pillars and screens throughout the high-speed rail station had become illusory, either elongated or widened, becoming dark mirrors. All these mirrors reflected Zhou Mingruis searching figure, but without exception, the Zhou Mingrui in the mirrors all wore cold, chilling smiles. They suddenly stopped, all turning to look at Jenna. their voices overlapping as they laughed. Its too late! Zhou Sasa is the medium, the medium pointing to that mirror world! Jenna, who was fighting against the dreams rejecting force and rapid marionettization, suddenly froze. Too late? Has the Zhou Mingrui in the mirror already been born? Is the Celestial Worthy about to use this? On one side of the high-speed rail station that had transformed into a mirror world, Lumian, who had never formally appeared, unhurriedly took out the magic mirror Arrodes. In a rich timbre, he intoned, The second question. On the surface of the mirror, pale words quickly appeared: Ask quickly! Arrodes didnt repeat its rules, because this was the second question, not the first. Lumian curled his lips slightly and said, Are you a weapon, or a medium? On the dark mirror surface shimmering with water, the pale words writhed and changed, forming new content: Medium! Then, the magic mirror Arodes posed its own question: How do you want to use me? Certainly not as a brick to throw at someone, Lumian laughed. At Four-Way Street, in the Jinxiu Dongfang Community, inside the Mute Art Studio. Anderson Hood sat in front of his easel, bored, weal yawning. At this moment, he heard the rumbling thunder and felt the light suddenly dim, the environment becoming extremely oppressive. Anderson stood up and walked to the window, finding that the pedestrians below had all become blurry masses. He smiled and looked up at the sky, saying. My task is about to be completed. As he spoke, he raised his right hand and snapped his fingers with a loud crack. Boom! A violent explosion occurred deep within the building, with flames rising from various places. In an instant, the newly renovated but uninhabited motel was engulfed by raging red flames. Chapter 1029 - Chapter 1029: Deep Darkness Chapter 1029: Deep Darkness As rumbling thunder sounded and the sky darkened, making the environment extremely oppressive. Queen Mystic, maintaining the illusion of Lumina, picked up the phone and dialed a number. It was the private number of Chief Yagates. After connecting, Bernadette said directly, Ive received personal threats. I need the best protection. She was reporting to the police. She immediately explained, It may be due to my father transferring power to me. I need protection! Bernadette emphasized the word protection. Chief Yagates was silent for a saying, Okay. In the gloomy oppression, most people in the dream city became blurry. But this didnt stop them from going online, using their phones, checking information. Just then, whether videos, books, novels, or messages, everything suddenly collapsed into pure snow-like static. These countless noise points rapidly spread, forming a huge information vortex. The online world experienced a malfunction. Inside Mushu Hospital. The blurry and distorted patients, doctors, nurses, orderlies and those who were still clear simultaneously raised their heads, looking up towards the ceiling. The dark and gloomy sky suddenly split open, and pure brilliant sunlight instantly poured down, shining directly on the main building of Mushu Hospital, piercing every dark corner and every underground level. In the low-hanging leaden clouds, countless silver white electric snakes intertwined into huge, flamboyant lightning. Following the path carved out by the sunlight, this lightning struck the main building of Mushu Hospital, submerging it in a dazzling and intense ocean of thunder. Inside the mirror-world-transformed Yangdu High C Speed Rail Station. After answering the magic mirror Arrodess question, Lumian didnt rush to take further action. He still calmly asked as if waiting for something. The third question, how can we get the owner of the Star Dream Provisions Store to provide necessary help for Franca? On the surface of the magic mirror, those pale words didnt change color, but recombined into new content: Pass Francas Mirror Substitution through me, through the mirror world, to Her. Then, the magic mirror Arrodes asked in return: Dont you have it? I do. Lumian laughed, took out Francas Mirror Substitution, and pressed it into the glass mirror surface of the magic mirror Arrodes. At this special moment when the dream city was shaken and character images were blurred, the restrictions on his Beyonder powers also lessened. He had recovered to a level almost equivalent to Sequence 4, which was why he could use the mirror world to quickly send an item to the Star Dream Provisions Store, which was clearly over ten kilometers away. After doing this, Lumian glanced twice at Zhou Mingrui, who looked grave and was constantly moving away from those dark mirrors and mirror selves, then gripped the magic mirror Arrodes with his left palm. Its time! He unhesitatingly activated the residual aura of the Blood Emperor in the center of his right palm. The brand that had turned dark red due to the fusion with an unknown boon suddenly became prominent, seemingly showing signs of melting back into blood. However, that mad, violent, bloody aura didnt dissipate, being firmly suppressed by a deathly pale force. Of course, after Lumians last use of the corpse wax V candle, the pale and dark red had shown extremely subtle signs of fusion. Now, at that point of fusion, it strangely darkened, caving in slightly, showing unusual changes. Lumian reached his right palm into the Travelers Bag and took out the Card of Blasphemy he got from the mirror Emperor Roselle-the Demoness card! He pressed this Demoness card tightly against his palm, against the mutated residual aura of the Blood Emperor and the Underworld Daoists seal, against the slight depression produced by the fusion of pale and dark red. Almost simultaneously, Lumian felt a bone-chilling coldness and horror in the center of his right palm. He didnt need to look with his eyes; an image naturally appeared in his mind. His palm had gained a pinhole, a pinhole formed by pure darkness. As expected, this Demoness card should be used here If I didnt have it, Id have to light the corpse wax candle, which would not only be rushed in terms of time, requiring the ritual to be held earlier and adding considerable risk, but the effect might not be as good As these thoughts flashed through Lumians mind, he extended his right hand holding the Demoness card towards the magic mirror Arrodes. His hand penetrated the surface of this ancient silver mirror, reaching into the area behind the mirror. But he didnt enter himself, it was more like using the magic mirror as a medium for casting spells. The next second, a scene appeared in Lumians mind: the dark void around the area behind the mirror seemed to be covered by an invisible curtain, behind which pairs of eyes were watching the outside world, and nameless things were flowing silently. This was the area behind the mirror corresponding to the magic mirror Arrodes, which was clearly somewhat special compared to other mirrors. Then, Lumian saw that the curtain covering the dark void silently collapsed and peeled off as his right hand entered. The entire darkness was collapsing. What appeared in Lumians mind wasnt the pairs of eyes he had imagined, nor was it a surging river, but a viscous liquid that was difficult to describe in words, seemingly containing all colors. These liquids seemed to form an illusory ocean. Although Lumian hadnt truly seen or touched it, just sensing it made him feel that his body and mind were beginning to fall, his spirit gradually becoming abnormal. Then, the illusory ocean was pushed aside by an invisible force, moving away from Lumians mind. Following this path through the ocean, Lumians consciousness quickly went forward, seeing the gray stone walls, seeing the blood flowing on the stone walls. Those crimson blood formed sentences: To test out the correct plan, He finally decided to let the Red Priest and the Demoness from the same era meet, guiding Them to combine together This will bring about a destined accident The scene froze here, and the magic mirror Arrodes in Lumians palm suddenly emitted an ancient, chaotic radiance. Yangdu High-Speed Rail Station, in the arrival hall. Zhou Mingrui had already turned and started running wildly, but no matter where he ran, the pillars, walls, floor, and ceiling would turn into mirrors, reflecting his figure. And the him in the mirror always wore a cold, chilling smile. After running for a while, Zhou Mingrui suddenly stopped, because his head, feet, and surroundings had all become dark mirrors, all reflecting him. Give up Give up Every Zhou Mingrui in the mirrors persuaded. They were not only persuading, but also reaching their hands out of the mirror surfaces, grabbing at Zhou Mingrui, leaving him nowhere to hide, nowhere to escape. Zhou Mingrui didnt give up. In the narrow space, he dodged left and right, barely avoiding the first round of grasps. At this moment, a pure darkness covered with grayish-white fog and hiding a vast city appeared prominently in all the mirrors on the scene. In the blink of an eye, the grayish-white fog and the vast city collapsed towards the depths of the darkness. That darkness came alive, surging towards the mirror surfaces, surging towards the mirror Zhou Mingrui behind each mirror. The mirror Zhou Mingrui tried hard to grab Zhou Mingrui, wanting to escape from the mirrors, but in such a short time, it was really difficult to succeed. Soon, the darkness surged to the area behind the mirrors, swallowing one mirror Zhou Mingrui after another, freezing the cold, chilling smiles on their faces. This all-engulfing darkness irresistibly filled all the areas behind the mirrors with an overwhelming momentum. All the mirrored Zhou Mingruis disappeared. The darkness continued forward, breaking through mirror after mirror, pouring into Yangdu High-Speed Rail Station. This high-speed rail station began to collapse, inch by inch, as if the dream was gradually shattering, the fragments falling into the deep darkness. At this time, Jenna found that the dreams rejecting force and the force of rapid marionettization had both weakened a lot. She hurriedly approached the blurry Luo Shan, trying to take her out of the high-speed rail station. As for whether the damage to the dream would continue after leaving the high-speed rail station, and what would happen to Luo Shan then, Jenna didnt think about it for the moment, nor could she think about it. Unfortunately, the distance between them was too far. Before Jenna could truly get close to Luo Shan, she saw that deep darkness swallow the corresponding area. Luo Shans blurry figure rapidly faded, bursting like a soap bubble. The last scene she saw was Jian Na rushing towards her with an anxious face. She smiled with relief. She opened her mouth, but couldnt say anything. She completely disappeared. At the same time, Jenna seemed to hear Luo Shan saying: Remember me, dont forget! Jenna stopped her steps, and before the deep darkness surged over, she left this city with the help of the remaining dream rejecting force. She responded to Luo Shans words in her heart, I will remember you forever! Lumian, who was far from this deep darkness, silently sighed in relief after seeing Jennas expression become confused and bewildered. Next, he watched expressionlessly as the dreamscape Jenna was dissolved by the deep darkness, as Zhou Mingrui ran wildly in the high-speed rail station, trying to get away from the deep darkness surging like seawater. The surge of that darkness gradually slowed down, as if suppressed and weakened by the dreams main consciousness. Finally, after swallowing more than half of the high- speed rail station, the deep darkness stopped just tens of centimeters away from Zhou Mingrui. The dream city stabilized again, and even the you remaining passengers and those meeting them gradually became clear. Zhou Mingrui ran a few more steps, confirming that the danger had really eased. He then saw the handsome security guard Li Ming walking out from a corner not far away, walking towards him. Is this upheaval over? Zhou Mingrui asked urgently. Lumian had already put the magic mirror Arrodes and the Demoness card back into the Travelers Bag. He looked at Zhou Mingrui and calmly answered when they were still a few meters apart, Id like to say that things are over. But unfortunately, they arent yet. Zhou Mingrui was stunned for a moment, his back gradually straightening, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly, his expression no longer the same as before. He chuckled softly. Yes, not yet. *** Chapter 1030 - Chapter 1030: Face to Face Chapter 1030: Face to Face Yangdu High-Speed Rail Station, half collapsed and fallen into deep darkness, as if swallowed by an abyss. The other half, though restored to stability and normalcy, remained dim with unlit lamps. Only a few paths leading to the outside world had light converging, forming brilliant and clear light gates. In this environment, Zhou Mingrui, with his back to the deep darkness, looked at Lumian and asked in a calm voice, You know? Lumian nodded lightly and said, Yes. Theoretically, I should have waited for Anthony and Ludwig to wake up An Xiaotian, hear words like be careful of Zhou Mingrui from his mouth, then be kicked out of the dream, and through the indirect influence of the Major Arcana cards, receive the corresponding information to know the corresponding truth. But Peng Dengs true hint has already given me the answer. On the surface, he was hinting to us that he was the childhood friend of both Mr. Fool and the Celestial Worthy, but the reverse is also true. Zhou Mingrui is both Peng Dengs childhood friend and the childhood friend of the original God Almighty. The two aspects of his identity are unified and merged together. In other words, Zhou Mingrui is both Mr. Fool and you, the Celestial Worthy! Zhou Mingrui, wearing a faint smile, slightly raised his chin, assuming a listening posture. Lumian further said, This also aligns with the magic mirror Arrodess hint to beware of the night. During the day, Mr. Fools power takes the upper hand, and Zhou Mingrui equals Mr. Fool. At night, you, the Celestial Worthy, become active, and Zhou Mingrui will be closer to you. So, even just approaching, without any hints, there, would be risks. Based on this judgment, any hints, help, or awakening given to Zhou Mingrui would benefit both Mr. Fool and you, the Celestial Worthy. And Peng Deng, as a symbol of the original God Almighty, doesnt meet Zhou Mingrui at night because if you two were to meet, theres a high probability that very unpleasant things and accidents would occur. Zhou Mingrui nodded and said, He is formed from that bit of power left in the magic mirror and part of the spirit and consciousness that Grisha brought into the dream. He cant compare to me here. If we were to meet at night, it would be advantageous for me, but problematic for Him. Zhou Mingrui didnt deny that his current self was The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings. Lumian showed an expression of understanding. That individuals real name is Grisha? Without waiting for Zhou Mingrui to respond, he continued, Combining Peng Dengs true hint, Chief Yagatess state, the fundamental reason for the dreams restrictions, and other facts, I had roughly guessed what had happened before and your current situation when I entered the dream for the third time. Several years ago, shortly after Mr. Fool had just fallen asleep, he probably used himself as bait to lure you out and sealed you into the Zhou Mingrui manifestation formed from his spirit and consciousness. From a mystical perspective, this symbolizes the fusion and opposition of the both of you, while in reality, you are indeed within his body, indeed restricted by him. This is reflected in the dream with a similar symbolism! At this point, Lumian paused, as if observing Zhou Mingruis reaction. Zhou Mingrui, with his smile unchanged, said, Continue, Im listening. Smiling, Lumian replied, This also explains why only Peng Deng and Zhang Yujia from Zhou Mingruis original character relationships appeared, while others came from the identities of Klein Moretti, Gehrman Sparrow, and so on. He doesnt want those feelings buried deep in his to be exploited by you. Of heart, the softest ones, to be course, for those you already know, theres nothing he can do. Zhou Mingrui nodded lightly and said, Peng Deng and Zhang Yujia didnt originally exist either. They were created by Grisha using the Dreamweaver ability and Zhou Mingruis subconscious cognition. I see, no wonder Zhou Mingrui suddenly froze when mentioning other childhood friends. That might be the true reflection of Peng Deng. Lumian had a sudden realization. He continued, Afterwards, Mr. Fool might have made a wish or used some other ability to remove Beyonder powers from the dream city, allowing Zhou Mingrui to live as an ordinary human. During this process, he might have been fooled by you, forgetting who he really was, forgetting many things. Overall, this ordinary human state is very advantageous for Mr. Fool, because he became a great existence step by step from being an ordinary person. Even though he has inevitably been influenced and eroded by godhood, he still retains a part of his humanity, the part that is intense and fervent for him. But you, The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings, are naturally great and dont possess such humanity at all. When the battlefield between you two is fixed on an ordinary human with only humanity and in an urban environment without Beyonder powers, you are naturally suppressed, restricted, and weakened. Humanity temporarily triumphs over godhood, This can also be interpreted symbolically. The fact that Zhou Mingrui, who has merged Mr. Fool and you. the Celestial Worthy, is an ordinary person symbolizes that humanity has gained the upper hand, with godhood suppressed to a corner, temporarily negligible. Yes, at that time I was influenced by that drop of river water and couldnt do more. I could only accept this change, Zhou Mingrui frankly admitted. Lumian glanced at those dream figures running out of the high-speed rail station and said, When you recovered, you started influencing this dream city, either with the help of other beings or by summoning your original believers, bringing items involving the supernatural, like automatic vending machines, onto the stage. One of their important meanings is to gradually guide Mr. Fool, letting him recognize that this is a world with supernatural abilities, recognizing from Sequence 9 step by step to Sequence 0. And as this recognition and sequence level changes, the godhood will gradually grow stronger, step by step suppressing humanity. According to this plan, the longer we linger in the dream city, the more we use supernatural abilities, the more beneficial it actually is for you. This is something you didnt tell Zaratulstra and other believers, fearing it might invite interference from other beings. Similarly, you dont want to wait that long, which is why you induced Zhou Mingrui to consume the Assassin potion and let the mirrored Emperor Roselle enter here. You wanted to use the method of creating a stable Mirror Person to split Zhou Mingrui. This is equivalent to opening a gap in the seal that Mr. Fool constructed with himself. Once the Mirror Person is gradually mastered by you, you can walk out of the mirror, replace the original body, using truth as falsehood and turning falsehood into truth. As for the gender change affecting cognition, those are just smoke and mirrors. But unfortunately, the original God Almighty foresaw this scene before His fall and left arrangements spanning several eras, leaving behind the magic mirror Arrodes. One of the functions of the great horror in the depths of the special mirror world is prepared for you! Zhou Mingrui said with a smile, When I initially woke up and saw that magic mirror, I roughly guessed what kind of things would happen. Lumian nodded quite approvingly. Yes, you should have made extra preparations for this. However At this point, he smiled and said, Of all the things Amon said, the one I agree with most is: Filter out the interference of complex information and see the most fundamental facts. So, what is the most fundamental fact now? Lumian stared into Zhou Mingruis deep brown eyes behind his plain glasses and said, The most fundamental fact now is that Im standing in front of you, saying so many words about your true situation, yet I havent been kicked out of this dream, nor do I feel myself being marionettized! Lumian smiled again. You had Zhou Sasa arrive in Yangdu early, not only to disrupt our rhythm and prevent the original God Almightys arrangements from truly becoming reality, but also to prevent interference from other beings, wanting to create a stable, long-term Mirror Person for Zhou Mingruis before They were ready. This shows that you still attach great importance to and anticipate this matter. Extra preparations, if possible, are better left unused as theyre not as convenient. I watched as things deteriorated step by step, as you truly found an opportunity to awaken, and had Anthony and Ludwig go to wake up An Xiaotian, which actually no longer had much significance. I asked Queen Mystic to help direct the dreams main consciousnesss attention, asked Stiano and other gods to help confuse the information world and contain other places, all to attract your attention, to make you feel that you could win, to invest more power and stakes in this matter. This way, when the original God Almightys arrangements erupted through the medium of the magic mirror Arrodes, you would be weakened to the greatest extent. So, I, who entered the dream for the third time, came right before you, spoke the truth of the facts, and still wasnt kicked out on the spot. You temporarily dont have this ability! Zhou Mingrui laughed. Dont you think youre like bait right now? Lumian sighed and said, I know, youre waiting for your extra preparations to arrive. Otherwise, how could I have this opportunity to dialogue with you? But, Im also waiting. At this point, a brilliant smile appeared on Lumians face. Havent you noticed that one of my companions is missing? So many things erupting simultaneously just now was also to distract your attention, to make you overlook her actions! Seeing Zhou Mingrui gazing at him, Lumian slightly raised his chin and said emphatically, The Major Arcana card holders guesses werent wrong, their attempts werent wrong either! Dream City, inside a movie theater. Franca was sitting in the second row, watching the screen in front where The Great Pirate 3 was playing. At this moment, her body was faint and indistinct, as if a sketch had been erased with an eraser. Around her, the few spectators had all become blurry, but were slowly stabilizing, gradually becoming clear. Franca had checked earlier and found that due to The Great Pirate 3 about to end its run, only two theaters were showing it for the noon screening. So she specifically took a taxi to this one, the farthest from Yangdu High-Speed Rail Station. And her search information had been lost in the current chaos and disorder of the Internet. Hearing the thunder in the sky quickly recede, seeing Gehrman Sparrow standing on the bow of the pirate ship appear on the screen, Franca suddenly stood up. She walked to the front of the projection room in a few steps, and before the few spectators could protest, she took a breath, stretched out her right palm, and pressed it against the screen. Her figure quickly became ethereal, leaning forward, entering that screen. Chapter 1031 - Chapter 1031: Gehrman Sparrow Chapter 1031: Gehrman Sparrow Just like when Lumian entered the surveillance world, after Francas vision recovered, she found herself standing on the deck of a three-masted sailing ship, surrounded by undulating azure waves and howling winds. In front of her, at the bow of the ship, stood a young man wearing a silk top hat, dressed in a long black coat, clean-shaven, with a lean but angular face, bright eyes behind gold-rimmed glasses. Gehrman Sparrow. The protagonist of The Great Pirate 3 movie, quite similar to Zhou Mingrui but more stern-looking. Gehrman Sparrow suddenly turned his gaze towards Franca, expressionless, his eyes cold and piercing. Franca instinctively stepped back twice, forcing herself to stand firm. Gehrman Sparrow observed her for a few seconds-her high ponytail, white T- shirt, and loose gray pants-and asked in a calm voice, Are you Tracys elder? Tracy was the name of the Pirate Admiral, Ailment Maiden. He recognizes me as a Demoness? Franca glanced at Gehrman Sparrows left palm hanging at his side, seemingly covered in a layer of human skin, and said sincerely, Im a subordinate of the Demoness of Black. She is the child of the Demoness of White. We are not on good terms. This was all the honest truth. According to Francas understanding, lying in front of Gehrman Sparrow was a very low-yield behavior. Once exposed, one would immediately face an attack like a violent storm. Moreover, Franca wasnt clear about what souls were actually grazing inside the glove-shaped Sealed Artifact Creeping Hunger when the real Gehrman Sparrow met Ailment Maiden Tracy. She only knew that in Madam Magicians embellished story, the glove at this time could allow Gehrman Sparrow to use the mind-reading ability of a Psychiatrist, so lying was indeed a high-risk behavior. Therefore, honesty was the best policy! The gold-rimmed glasses-wearing Gehrman Sparrow observed Franca for a few seconds and said, What is your purpose? Lumian had said that although the Gehrman Sparrow in the movie isnt exactly the same as the real Gehrman Sparrow, the original author of the movie was Madam Magician. When creating The Great Pirate 3, she would inevitably incorporate her own understanding of Gehrman Sparrow. At that time, she already knew that Gehrman Sparrow was an avatar of Mr. Fool, and driven by her subconscious, she would likely integrate some of Mr. Fools personality and choices as well. So, to convince Gehrman Sparrow to accept such an absurd thing, one has to approach from this angle Francas thoughts raced, and she blurted out, We are the same kind! We are both transmigrators! Gehrman Sparrow looked at Franca without speaking. He was holding a revolver in his right hand. Franca explained seriously, We are transmigrators in time. Hehe, actually, its not transmigration, but being frozen in a special place by a great existence, only to be returned to reality after thousands or tens of thousands of years, or even longer. You are like this, and so am I. Before Gehrman Sparrow could refute or simply shoot her, Franca quickly added, The name Gehrman comes from Bloodborne, and Sparrow is the surname of Captain Jack from Pirates of the Caribbean. They are spliced together to form your name. After saying this, Franca felt that the pressure from Gehrman Sparrows gaze had noticeably lessened. She let out an undisguised sigh of relief and continued, The reason Ive come to find you is that the end of days will come early, and you have inherited the legacy of the great existence that froze us. You are a key part in facing the apocalypse. Are you willing to leave here with me to face the apocalypse? After making her request, Franca smiled awkwardly but politely. Do you believe what Ive said? Gehrman Sparrow looked at Franca without saying a word, making her extremely nervous. After a moment, Gehrman Sparrow said in a low voice, I can give it a try. But if I find out youre lying In a flash, he raised his revolver, aiming at Francas head. Bang! A bullet flew out, grazing Francas head and hitting the nearby cabin. Gehrman Sparrow lowered his revolver without saying anything more. I have a Mirror Substitution Franca grumbled internally. She quickly approached Gehrman Sparrow and grabbed his arm. Ill take you to the gathering point right now! Yes, her assigned task was to find the currently playing The Great Pirate 3 movie, enter the screen when the dream appeared abnormal but was about to stabilize, and bring the Gehrman Sparrow character into the dream city! Wouldnt such a movie character dissipate quickly after leaving the screen and entering the dream city? Moreover, my Despair potion hasnt been fully digested yet. What if the dream shatters because of this? At the crucial moment, Francas heart pounded, feeling very uneasy. She didnt hesitate for long. Gritting her teeth, she silently said to herself, Trust that guy! Trust that the Major Arcana card holders can still remedy this! At worst, Ill revert to a Demoness of Affliction level! As her inner voice echoed, Franca, holding Gehrman Sparrows arm, moved towards the outside of the screen. Inside Yangdu High-Speed Rail Station, half in deep darkness and half in dim light. Zhou Mingrui looked at Lumian in front of him and said, You still chose the Gehrman Sparrow direction? His voice was steady, without a hint of fluctuation, like a teacher pointing out a students mistake. Yes, Lumian smiled and said, But its not An Xiaotian, nor Jia Yu. These were all options meant to mislead us. My companion Franca went to watch The Great Pirate 3 movie. It should be one of the last screenings. She is the Demoness of Despair and can enter the screen to bring out the Gehrman Sparrow from the movie. Lumian emphasized the name Franca, as if wanting the Celestial Worthy to remember it. Zhou Mingrui smiled slightly and said, A movie character can only maintain its form for three seconds after leaving the screen. What about adding the Gehrman Sparrow dream manifestation woven by a Dreamweaver, the numerous Gehrman Sparrow anchors in reality, and the widely spread stories and poems about Gehrman Sparrow? Lumian asked as if in casual conversation. Trier, inside a luxurious villa. Madam Justice, who was monitoring the changes in the dream city, suddenly stood up and said to all the Major Arcana card holders, The anomaly has appeared. Lets begin. Her voice was a bit tense, her heart seemingly not as calm as her exterior. Madam Magician immediately rose from the sofa and half-opened her arms. A brilliant, dreamlike starlight gate appeared in the bedroom where Franca was sleeping, appearing in the shadowless sunlight. This grand door opened heavily, revealing the faint grayish-white fog inside. Within the fog, a city of indeterminate size faintly appeared. Madam Magician didnt stop, forcibly opening another door, an opening, on that grayish-white fog. At this moment, her face became semi-transparent, with strange, brilliantly shimmering worms wriggling and crawling through her pores and hair. Madam Justice saw the movie theater where Franca was through that hole in the gray fog, then closed her emerald-like eyes, raised her right hand, and began to carefully weave the dream manifestation of Gehrman Sparrow. On the other side, Mr. Sun placed The Fools Sacred Emblem on the already prepared altar and began to pray to the Angel of Redemption Gehrman Sparrow as usual, praising him repeatedly. As a demigod of the Sun pathway and the pope of the Church of The Fool, his prayers and praises quickly brought changes to the altar. Points of holy light appeared, surrounding the giant Sacred Emblem of The Fool, making the surroundings seem more sacred and solemn. At this moment, Maam Hermit, who had arrived nearby, removed the thick glasses perched on her nose bridge. Imitating Gehrman Sparrow, she placed her hand on her chest and bowed. Instantly, a scene appeared above the altar. In the scene, Gehrman Sparrow, wearing a silk top hat and black coat, walked step by step across a desolate land in a dark environment illuminated by flashes of lightning, followed by a long line of people. This was Mystical Re-enactment of the Mystery Pryer pathway. Gehrman Sparrows rescue of the citizens of the City of Silver and Moon City was also considered mystical knowledge, and could become a spell through Mystical Re-enactment. However, because too many people knew about it, its corresponding power was very weak. But Maam Hermits purpose in deliberately creating this Path of Salvation spell was not to deal with enemies or help herself. Her sole aim was to solidify the image of Gehrman Sparrow. As Gehrman Sparrow arrived on the altar due to Mystical Re-enactment, the points of holy light immediately crowded around him, swelling slightly, and emitting ethereal voices: Praise you, great Angel of Redemption! Praise you, herald of Mr. Fool! Please save me from suffering, great Gehrman Sparrow! I confess to you, seeking redemption! My idol is Gehrman Sparrow! I want to become a great adventurer! Voices related to Gehrman Sparrow echoed in layers, seemingly stabilizing and materializing the image of Gehrman Sparrow on the altar platform to some degree. Meanwhile, at the entrance to the dream city opened by Madam Magician. Madam Justice successfully wove a Gehrman Sparrow wearing a silk top hat and long black coat inside the movie theater where Francas figure had already entered the screen. Throughout the process, she didnt feel strong rejection from the dream. However, as soon as Gehrman Sparrows dream manifestation took shape, it only lasted for three seconds before uncontrollably and silently collapsing and dissipating. Seeing this, the few spectators present instinctively applauded. They increasingly believed that the beautiful young lady entering the screen earlier was part of a magic performance. Chapter 1032 - Chapter 1032: The Power of Many Chapter 1032: The Power of Many Madam Justice didnt give up, once again weaving a new Gehrman Sparrow identity. At this time, silhouettes appeared in the thin gray fog surrounding the dream city. They quickly swam towards the passage opened by Madam Magician, bringing violent tremors and self-contraction to the door. Madam Magician struggled against this, not letting the dream door close, not letting Madam Justices attempt to weave Gehrman Sparrows dream manifestation be interrupted. Mr. Hanged Man, who had already put down his liquor turned his gaze towards this direction, his hand already holding a blasphemous card. The Tyrant card! Boom! Thunder crashed, and layers of intertwining silvery- white lightning struck the black silhouettes in the thin gray fog, making them writhe and struggle before dissipating, unable to approach the passage opened by Madam Magician. Madam Justice remained unaffected, continuing to weave Gehrman Sparrows dream manifestation. In the altar, once the Gehrman Sparrow image created by Mystical Re-enactment was temporarily stabilized po by countless anchors, Mr. Star, who had been standing by the window, walked step by step towards this area. As he walked, he recited: Like a storm petrel, soaring without yield, Knowing the tempest, mastering the field, Compelling them to peace, Brewing calm into rich release[1] As the poem echoed, the sunlight in the room suddenly dimmed, as if clouds had drifted in. Gehrman Sparrow on the altar closed his eyes in response, entering a deep slumber. Now, he too was dreaming. It was a nightmare, but also hope. Seeing this scene, Mr. Moon, who had been quietly enduring the scorching sunlight, let his black cloak rise up behind him, like a giant bat spreading its wings. He flew to the starlight gate opened by Madam Magician, entered that illusory passage, and arrived outside the hole leading into the dream city. He didnt try to enter again, but turned around, reached out his hands, and created an illusory, hazy door inscribed with numerous mystical symbols out of thin air. This was the Door of Summoning. Door of Summoning from Sequence 3 High Summoner of the Moon pathway. Mr. Moon wanted to summon Gehrman Sparrow, the current Gehrman Sparrow on the altar! The next second, he opened his mouth and began to chant the corresponding honorific names and specific summoning incantations in ancient Hermes, The Blessed of the spirit world and Sefirah Castle: The Mystery stemming from ancient times; The witness of an extended history; Angel who redeems mankind; Protector of all impoverished children; The great Gehrman Sparrow In this kind of summoning directed at the false, the entire honorific name had to be recited. As the subsequent incantations also echoed, that illusory, hazy door suddenly opened wide, revealing a boundless darkness dotted with stars and fluttering shadows. But to Mr. Moons slight disappointment, the Gehrman Sparrow image on the altar only turned to the side, with no other movement. The power of reality seemed to be preventing this false event. In the Yangdu High-Speed Rail Station, half in deep darkness. Lumian looked at Zhou Mingrui and said to himself, These all come from Mr. Fools arrangements, all guided by fate. Since Mr. Fool sealed you, the Celestial Worthy, with this self-image of Zhou Mingrui, before he truly gains a significant advantage, awakening Mr. Fool would be equivalent to awakening you, the Celestial Worthy. So what we need is not awakening, but creating The World Gehrman Sparrow out of thin air in the dream. Only in this way will he not be a product of the merged consciousness of Mr. Fool and you, the Celestial Worthy, but pure and uncontaminated. His source is the believer anchors of Gehrman Sparrow, the cognition of Gehrman Sparrow by a large number of humans in the real world and the dream city, and the understanding of Mr. Fool by the Major Arcana card holders of the Tarot Club, not involving you, the Celestial Worthy. This is equivalent to Mr. Fool dragging you into slumber together, then creating a highly related identity that can stably exist with the help of others to wield authority on his behalf. The gradual strengthening of this identity will help him gain an advantage using the corresponding authority, ultimately truly sealing you and awakening himself. This is the correct interpretation of the prophecy The awakening of The World spells The Fools return. This is also what youve been wary of all along, which is why you replaced the dream manifestations related to Gehrman Sparrow and had your subordinates Infiltrate the Church of The Fool, trying to make the final formed Gehrman Sparrow point to you instead of Mr. Fool. In that case, it would become The awakening of The World spells the Celestial Worthys return, Zhou Mingrui calmly laughed twice, What if your judgment and choices are all wrong? Lumian shrugged and said, If theyre wrong, then theyre wrong. I never thought I would succeed in everything I do. On the contrary, Ive always considered myself a failure. Failure is not scary. The failures of the Major Arcana card holders have paved the way for us, and our failures will also eliminate wrong answers for the future lucky coin holders and point out the correct, direction. This attempt will certainly delay the time for you, the Celestial Worthy, to achieve victory. In the time to come, there will be batch after batch of lucky coin holders arriving, standing on our shoulders, continuing to climb, looking further, until the true apocalypse arrives. At this point, Lumian smiled at Zhou Mingrui, This is very similar to a saying I learned in the dream city. Success doesnt have to be achieved by me, but I must contribute to its achievement! Zhou Mingrui fell silent. In Trier, inside the luxurious villa, in Francas bedroom. As Madam Justice suffered another failure and began weaving Gehrman Sparrows dream manifestation for the third time, while Mr. Hanged Man continued using lightning to prevent those black shadows in the gray fog from approaching the door, Mr. Moon repeated the summoning incantation once more. The Gehrman Sparrow on the altar, with his eyes closed, swayed, wanting to respond to the summoning in his dream, but unable to overcome the power of reality. At this moment, around Mr. Stars emerald eyes, transparent worms seemingly with twelve segments crawled out. They quickly formed a complex mystical symbol. The symbol representing deception! Almost simultaneously, Madam Judgment approached the altar and said in ancient Hermes, Truth recedes here, while illusion grows stronger! Suddenly, the air in the bedroom solidified. Gehrman Sparrows figure first disappeared from the altar, then crossed that mysterious hazy summoning door, appearing in front of Mr. Moon, appearing in the passage opened by Madam Magician, appearing outside the hole leading into the dream city. Then, Gehrman Sparrows destination was also deceived. This character image created jointly by Mystical Reenactment, numerous anchors, and nightmare power flickered as it flew towards the dream city. Suddenly, in the dark void outside the gray fog. silhouettes of people emerged. They bypassed the lightning storm, charging one after another towards the door opened by Madam Magician, towards Gehrman Sparrow. At this critical moment, no Major Arcana card holder could spare a hand or stop them in time. Madam Judgment couldnt help but look out the window. Madam Tinekerr and Madam Sharron had also arrived, guarding against accidents. Would They be able to act in time? A moment later, Madam Magician saw a lighter-colored mist spreading outside the gray fog. Within the mist, there seemed to be a wilderness, a river. Those figures flying towards Gehrman Sparrow crashed into the mist and suddenly disappeared. Finally, Gehrman Sparrow, carrying numerous anchors, arrived inside the movie theater in the dream city. At this time, Madam Justice had woven Gehrman Sparrows dream manifestation for the third time. The two Gehrman Sparrows attracted each other and merged together. Gehrman Sparrow! Gehrman Sparrow! The audience in the movie theater started shouting loudly. With these shouts, the newly appeared Gehrman Sparrow became clearer, noticeably more stable. But he still kept his eyes tightly closed, as if he didnt have a soul yet. The repulsive force of the dream descended. At this moment, Franca, pulling the Gehrman Sparrow from the movie, ran out of the screen. Then, she saw another Gehrman Sparrow in front of her, also wearing a silk top hat and long black coat. This is Franca had no time to think about anything else, as she caught a glimpse of the Gehrman Sparrow behind her starting to rapidly dissipate. She gritted her teeth and, following the guidance of her Demoness of Despair spiritual intuition, pulled the Gehrman Sparrow from the movie towards the one in front. The next second, she let go of the arm of the Gehrman Sparrow from the movie, watching as he was attracted and drawn by mystical forces, actively approaching the other Gehrman Sparrow and merging into him. Rumble! Terrifying noises came from midair again. This time, it didnt sound like thunder rumbling, but closer to the collapse of the dream. Oh Franca suddenly made a surprised sound. Inside Yangdu High-Speed Rail Station, the collapsed half remained in deep darkness. Lumian looked up at the rumbling sky, then smiled at Zhou Mingrui, who was standing at the edge, just one step away from falling into darkness. Their attempt seems to have succeeded. Using countless anchors, Mystery Pryer powers, and Nightmare powers to create a Gehrman Sparrow image in reality, then finding a way to send him into the dream city to combine with the Gehrman Sparrow dream manifestation woven by the Dreamweaver wasnt a plan I came up with. It was a plan the Major Arcana card holders, had long ago, but hadnt had the chance to implement. My contribution was to suggest that the Gehrman Sparrow manifestation from the movie was the earliest to appear, produced out of thin air, and that a Demoness of Despair could bring him out of the screen. Why not try combining all three? Well, I had another contribution: creating such an opportunity. Zhou Mingrui listened calmly, without any emotional change. Suddenly, Lumians smile became radiant, and he said softly to Zhou Mingrui, My Despair potion has been fully digested. [1] The last two lines are adapted from Rilkes Day in Autumn Chapter 1033 - Chapter 1033: Worth It Chapter 1033: Worth It Inside the movie theater. Franca let out a surprised Oh, because she felt her Despair potion fully digested. Has Lumians plan succeeded? This thought suddenly occurred to Franca. Although she wasnt clear on exactly what Lumian intended to do or how, she remembered Lumian saying that once her Despair potion was digested, it would mean this operation had achieved its expected purpose, Mr. Fool would awaken to some degree, and the dream would completely collapse in a few minutes. Franca instinctively looked towards Gehrman Sparrow to her side, and saw the roof of the movie theater collapsing inch by inch. But the corresponding heavy objects didnt crash onto the seats and floor, instead falling into the void and disappearing completely. At the same time, white light emanated from the few audience members present, flying into Gehrman Sparrows body. Franca suddenly realized what these white lights were: they were the impressions, cognitions, and understandings of Gehrman Sparrow from different audience members! As the dream approached collapse, these audience members revealed their illusory nature, and their corresponding memories split off on their own. becoming anchors and information to nourish and enrich Gehrman Sparrows image. From different parts of the dream city, more similar white lights rushed over. It really worked Franca joyfully raised her head, looking up to the heights no longer obscured by movie theaters roof. The originally dark sky had collapsed in large patches, revealing terrifying deep blackness and thin grayish- white fog. It was like a building whose walls had crumbled in an earthquake, but with the beams and pillars still standing, the skeleton still intact. Inside Yangdu High-Speed Rail Station. After hearing Lumian say his Despair potion had been fully digested, Zhou Mingrui, standing at the edge of the deep darkness, smiled gently, Thats good. Lumian was stunned for a moment. Mr. Fool? Zhou Mingrui nodded slightly, Its me now. He smiled and said, You all did very well. Smiling, Lumian replied, If you hadnt sealed away most of the Celestial Worthys power, including His thinking ability, we would have had no chance of success. Lumian was still carefully using sealed to describe Zhou Mingruis original state, but the truth might not be so. He had been saying this all along, mixing a bit of falsehood into his truth as he told the Celestial Worthy his guesses, judgments, and plans. Besides wanting to delay time, there was also an intention to reinforce the Celestial Worthys cognition in this regard. Of course, whether this was true or false, after today. it would become true! Zhou Mingrui shook his head and smiled. Relying on myself alone, it was already extremely difficult to restrain the Celestial Worthy. Without your help, the outcome might have been completely different. For example, if you hadnt driven out Zaratul in advance, todays operation would definitely have had setbacks, and the awakened World might have pointed towards the Celestial Worthy. And if it werent for the help of those friends in the Western Continent, the Celestial Worthy might have had a chance to turn the tables in the end. So the Celestial Worthys backup plan, the preparations made for the arrangements left by the original God Almighty, was intercepted and prevented by certain existences in the Western Continent. My original plan was just to race against time, using the concealment of the Evernight Goddess to complete the fusion of the three Gehrman Sparrow images before the Celestial Worthys backup plan could truly take effect The Celestial Master, or the Underworld Daoist? Lumian made a sound of agreement and said with feeling, Indeed, without the efforts and groundwork laid by the Major Arcana card holders before, even if we had deciphered the true meaning of all the symbols today, we wouldnt have had time to create the character of Gehrman Sparrow. We could only have watched helplessly as the situation tilted towards the Celestial Worthys side. Similarly, without the hints from Peng Deng and Amon, we might still be exploring directions now, with the Celestial Worthys fatal blow about to arrive Seeing that Lumian was very clearheaded and rational in recognizing this point, Zhou Mingrui nodded with satisfaction. Lumian didnt go on to talk about the contributions of gods and people like Stiano, Leodero, and Anderson, but asked eagerly, Mr. Fool, can Aurore, my sister, really be resurrected? Zhou Mingrui looked at Lumian and said in a calm voice, With her soul fragments sealed inside you and not dissipated, if you were a Beyonder of the Seer pathway and had advanced to Miracle Invoker, then with my help, you could Graft one of your resurrections onto your sisters soul fragments. allowing her to truly return. But now, you can only rely on the resurrection of the Demoness pathway to separate your sister in the future. Seeing Lumian fall into thought, Zhou Mingrui added, You can no longer change pathways, and after your advancement to Demoness of Despair, Aurores soul fragments have already fused with you to some extent. If you were to regress back to the beginning using the Sun pathway, her soul fragments wouldnt be able to withstand it and would completely dissipate. Lumian was silent for a few seconds before saying, Will the resurrection achieved through the Demoness pathway in the future be an essential resurrection, a true resurrection? Yes, Zhou Mingrui sighed and said, But wishes are often distorted, and the way they are realized may not be what you want. Just like when you saved my believer back then, I noticed you and foresaw that you would play an important role in the matter of dreams in the future, so I gave you the aura of the gray fog and my imprint. But I didnt expect this prophecy would be fulfilled in such a warped manner, and my actions were also part of the prophecy. So that old man was your believer. Lumian suddenly realized. He laughed calmly. Without the aura of the gray fog. perhaps I would never have met Aurore, never had that life in Cordu, and Aurore would still have been noticed by Aprils Fool, still been troubled by Roche Louise Sanson, and maybe wouldnt even have had a chance at resurrection. At this point, Lumian took a breath and said, I understand. As long as its an essential, true resurrection, I can accept any form of realization. Zhou Mingrui nodded slightly and extended his right palm. You can give me that bottle of Samaritan Womens Spring water processed by Mr. Azik now. As Lumian took out the small golden bottle from his Travelers Bag, he asked puzzledly, Mr. Fool, now that Gehrman Sparrow has been born, you dont need to drink this spring water anymore, right? The Celestial Worthy is sealed within you, so Him drinking is equivalent to you drinking, and besides, this only has a very weak effect on Sequence 0 True Gods. The small golden bottle suddenly appeared in Zhou Mingruis right hand, while Lumians hand was now empty. I still need to sleep for a while longer. Zhou Mingrui said with a smile. Now is the opportunity to fuse with the Celestial Worthy and better resist Him, and this bottle of spring water is the medium. Gehrman Sparrow will become The Fool, embodying a bit of my will, until I fully awaken. Still need to fuse with the Celestial Worthy? Lumian asked in confusion. Zhou Mingrui nodded. Yes, both fusing and resisting; this is currently the only path. Doesnt that mean Lumian suddenly closed his mouth, remembering a certain mystical knowledge he knew. The spiritual imprint of the original Creator within the Beyonder characteristics was indestructible, including those of the original God Almighty and The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings! Zhou Mingrui smiled and said, No matter how I clinch victory, no matter how much you help me, in the long run, the one who will ultimately win this confrontation will inevitably be the Celestial Worthy. Seeing Lumian fall silent, Zhou Mingrui continued with a gentle expression, Most humans know they only have a few decades of life and are destined to pass away in the not-too-distant future, but this doesnt prevent them from enjoying their lives, from doing meaningful things, from being happy, suffering, sad, moved, satisfied, and missing others. Youve also seen from Roselles experience during this time that there is a lot of truth within dreams, that hope lies hidden at the end of despair, and that a moments brilliance might point towards eternity. Lumian was speechless for a moment. After about ten seconds, he sighed. Resisting every day, being eroded, trying to fuse, continuing for tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of years, or even longer, wouldnt it be very tiring? Wouldnt it be like before, when you still maintained self-awareness, but suddenly found yourself smiling strangely in the mirror? It would. Zhou Mingrui sighed with a smile. When I fully awaken this time, except for the strongest and most intense parts of Zhou Mingrui and Klein Morettis emotions and humanity, everything else might no longer be the me of now. This wasnt said in a speculative tone. As for whether its tiring Zhou Mingruis tone became a little more animated, Of course its very tiring, but theres no choice; someone has to do this, right? Lumians thoughts were jumbled and chaotic. He opened his mouth and said, Is it worth it? Zhou Mingrui looked at him, suddenly took a step back, and fell into that deep darkness. He didnt dissolve quickly like other dream characters falling into this darkness, but sank slowly as if in seawater. Zhou Mingrui raised his right hand, brought that bottle of Samaritan Womens Spring water to his mouth, and drank it. Then, as he slowly sank, he looked at Lumian outside the deep darkness, showed a gentle smile similar to before, and answered in a calm voice. Its worth it. After saying this, he suddenly winked his left eye at Lumian, not at all steady or serious, and not at all like the lofty Mr. Fool. Lumian watched Zhou Mingrui sink into the depths of darkness until even his blurry silhouette disappeared. He muttered to himself, Worth it In the movie theater, as those streams of white light merged, as Zhou Mingrui disappeared into the deep darkness, Gehrman Sparrow, who had been standing still as if asleep, suddenly raised his head. He opened his eyes, his sharp gaze seeming to pierce through his gold-rimmed glasses. With this, the sky of the dream city completely peeled away, all buildings collapsed with a rumble, and the images of characters like Grimm and Zhang Qing blurred until they completely dissipated. Franca was confused for a moment, then woke up. She saw a room full of people, saw the bright smile on Madam Justices face that came from the heart, saw Madam Magician drinking red wine, saw clear and brilliant radiance. Outside the window, the sunlight was just right. Chapter 1034 - Chapter 1034: Tarot Club Chapter 1034: Tarot Club As the dream rapidly collapsed, Lumian withdrew his gaze, leaving the edge of that deep darkness and walking towards the disintegrating Yangdu High- Speed Rail Station outside. He wanted to take one last look at this city. Suddenly, he noticed a figure leaning against the wall at the position where the radiance converged into an exit, standing quietly. That figure wore black armor stained with what looked like fresh blood, with fiery red long hair. The face was young and handsome, with two faint scars on either cheek, and a vivid red banner mark prominently displayed between his brows. Unlike other dream manifestations that were blurry and nearly dissipating, this figure was not as clear as Lumian but had an illusory quality, like a spirit. Lumian didnt need to ask to know who this figure was: Red Angel Medici. Did you come to wait for me? Lumian asked with a smile. He was prepared to leave this place along with the collapse of the dream. Medici left the wall and stood up straight, letting out a sneer. If youre too stupid to understand the hint, Id have been the one to replace you on stage. He looked into Lumians eyes and shook His head. Too weak, youre still too weak right now. After this remark, the Red Angel slightly raised His chin and said, I already know your experiences. Ill give you a chance-Ill come to hunt you down after you become an Angel. No need to thank me. This has nothing to do with pride. The pride of the war pathway isnt used against enemies. Medici didnt give Lumian a chance to respond. He turned and walked into the passage, leaving Yangdu High-Speed Rail Station and the collapsing dream. You waited until the very end just to say these few words to me? You must have also achieved some unknown goals by entering this dream, right? Lumian turned to the side, once again casting his gaze towards that deep darkness. His biggest question now was where the deity, the Primordial Demoness, was. The fact that Franca advanced in the basement of Mushu Hospital indicated that the Primordial Demoness indeed had a corresponding manifestation in the dream city. But in matters involving the special mirror worlds great horror, the original God Almighty and the Demoness card, and the major event of the dreams end, She hadnt appeared or intervened at all. Before Lumian could think further, Yangdu High- Speed Rail Station collapsed silently. He first felt a sense of weightlessness as if falling off a cliff, then opened his eyes and woke up. He immediately saw some sunlight penetrating the curtains, with a large amount of dust floating in the air. At the same time, faint sounds of singing, praising, and conversation came from next door, entering his ears. Lumian lay quietly in bed, feeling the springiness of the mattress and the soft warmth of the covers, not wanting to move at all. Half an hour later, in the living room on the first floor. Madam Magician said to Lumian, Franca. Jenna, Anthony, and Ludwig-who was having afternoon tea -all who had gathered again, Mr. Fool has achieved an initial state of awakening. We will fulfill our promise. Youve done very well this time, deserving the most generous reward. The result of our discussion is to do our utmost to help you advance one Sequence. Jenna nodded without hiding her desire. Thank you. Lumian, Franca, and company had no objections and were quite anticipatory. Madam Magician looked around and said, Of course, this may need to wait a few days, because Mr. Fools initial awakening will inevitably cause many changes that need to be dealt with promptly. The other Major Arcana cards are already busy at present. Moreover, you also need some time to adjust, shake off the influence of the dream, and regain your perception of reality. At this point, Madam Magician looked at Lumian and asked as if to confirm, Do you want to become a Demoness of Unaging or a War Bishop? Lumian didnt hesitate. Demoness of Unaging. Hearing Lumians answer, Franca suddenly remembered the Demoness cards description of a Demoness of Unaging: Bizarrely difficult to kill, skilled at resurrection. Skilled at resurrection You really dont want to wait even one more day, even if its just taking the first step Franca sighed inwardly. At this moment, Lumian raised his right hand, palm facing the ceiling. There, in addition to several dark red brands and a patch of pale skin, there was now a pitch-black pinhole. He said to Madam Magician and his companions, After using the Demoness card this time, with the magic mirror as a medium, invoking the great horror from the depths of the special mirror world to deal with the Mirror Person created by the Celestial Worthy, the residual aura of the Blood Emperor and the seal of the Underworld Daoist have changed a bit again. I can now use a War Bishops power that was previously bestowed to a limited extent through this pinhole. Theres no need to advance again. Madam Magician nodded slightly and said, In a few days, go to the treasury of the Blue Avenger. There might be items related to the Demoness of Unaging there. If not, well ask Mr. Azik for help and go to the depths of the underworld again. There must be Demoness of Unaging Beyonder characteristics there. Lumian and Franca had no objections. After Madam Magician left, Lumian, in his Demoness of Despair state, leaned back against the sofa and smiled at Franca and the others. Now its time to sunbathe. Jenna was silent for a few seconds before saying. I want, I want to go see the real Luo Shan. Okay. Franca nodded heavily in agreement. Alright. Lumian had originally planned to go tomorrow. In the evening, Loen Kingdom, Tingen City, Red Moonlight Street. Jenna, Franca, and Lumian sat in a roadside caf, watching two figures, one big and one small, approaching from a distance. The larger one was about thirty years old, with brown hair tied up in a high bun, wearing a thin gauze- brimmed hat. She wore a green long dress that was somewhat girlish but leaning towards maturity, with flowing ruffles at the sleeves and beautiful lace adorning the neckline. She had a pretty face, holding a paper bag of white bread in one hand and holding the hand of a three or four-year-old girl who looked like a little princess with the other. This was Rozanne, a civilian staff member of the Nighthawks team of the Church of the Evernight Goddess. Compared to the Luo Shan in the dream, she was noticeably older, and her demeanor was more stable, but her style of dress revealed that she still had a lively side hidden inside. Jenna and Francas vision immediately blurred. Lumian, in his female state, focused intently on Rozanne and her daughter as they passed by, chatting and laughing, becoming as still as a statue. After Rozanne and her daughter passed the caf, the three Demonesses gazes shifted, following the two figures from behind. The golden-red glow of dusk fell upon Rozanne and her daughter, and the evening breeze carried their laughter and conversation to Jenna, Franca, and Lumians ears: Mommy, whats a hero? A hero is someone who protects others. Why do others need protection? Why protect others? Why? Why? Mommy, why? A few days later, Monday noon. Lumian and the others met Madam Magician again. The Major Arcana card holder sat down in the chair opposite the tea table and said to Lumian and Franca. Youre both demigods now and have made great contributions. Youre qualified to draw a Major Arcana card. Mr. Fool allowed it? Lumian asked. Madam Magicians entire being exuded a sense of relaxation, Yes, but as a team, you can only draw one Major Arcana card for now. Who will draw? Franca looked at Lumian, hesitated for a few seconds, and said, You draw. She really wanted to see what she could draw and thought the identity of a Tarot Club Major Arcana card was very impressive. But thinking about having to take responsibility for a bunch of affairs as a Major Arcana card holder from now on, often having to brainstorm, she got a headache and decided to let Lumian take the lead first to see what it would be like. Are you willing to draw? Madam Magician asked Lumian. Lumian thought for a moment and said, Ill draw. Madam Magician said seriously, After becoming a Major Arcana card holder, Two of Cups, Seven of Cups, and Four of Swords will all transfer under your jurisdiction. A Major Arcana card symbolizes not just you personally, but also the forces you represent. I understand. Lumian nodded slowly. Only then did Madam Magician take out a deck of Tarot cards containing only Major Arcana cards and spread them out on the tea table. You can draw now. Wont we draw a duplicate? Franca asked curiously. Madam Magician chuckled. Spirituality will provide guidance. Lumian glanced at the Tarot cards on the tea table, extended his right hand, and casually took one, turning it over in front of him. What met Franca and the others eyes was a large wreath of green plants intertwined and a woman standing inside the wreath. The World card! Franca and Jenna both looked at Lumian in his female state with slight astonishment. He actually drew The World card? Why? Although Gehrman Sparrow now points to Mr. Fool, the legend of The World hasnt disappeared yet! Lumian didnt speak, showing a thoughtful expression. Madam Magician pondered for a few seconds before saying, Draw again. Lumian nodded in agreement. This time, he drew two cards and placed them on his left and right. After staring at these two Tarot cards for a while, he suddenly smiled with his beautiful face. Left for male, right for female. Ill take the one on the left. With that, he unhesitatingly turned over the Tarot card on his left. On the card face was a king standing on a chariot, with two lions, one black and one white, pulling the chariot. The Chariot card! Not bad. Madam Magician stood up. Welcome, The Chariot, um, Mr. Chariot. After Lumian responded, Franca curiously said, Can I see what the card on the right is? You may. Madam Magician nodded to her. Franca quickly turned it over and saw a woman wearing a crown sitting on a chair. The Empress card. As expected Madam Magician sighed, then turned to Lumian and said, Wait in your room at 3 pm today. At 3 pm, in a bedroom of the luxurious villa. Lumian, holding The Chariot card, sat in an armchair, patiently waiting. Suddenly, chaotic and terrifying sounds rang in his ears, and a thin grayish-white fog appeared before his eyes. Just a second or two later, he found himself by bronze long table, with a vast and magnificent dome above, surrounded by tall and majestic stone pillars. Lumian immediately saw Madam Justice, Madam Magician, Madam Judgment, Maam Hermit, and the lady from the temperance faction wearing a black court long dress and a small soft hat of the same color, sitting opposite him. They all appeared blurry, but not too blurry. Lumian also noticed that Mr. Hanged Man, Mr. Sun, Mr. Star, and Mr. Moon-whom he hadnt met before but could deduce the identity of-were on the same side as him. At this time, no one was seated at the head and foot of the bronze long table. This is Madam Temperance, and this is Mr. Chariot. Madam Justice calmly introduced the obviously female Lumian as mister. Just then, at the huge chair at the top of the bronze long table, a figure gradually took shape. He was within the gray fog, his figure quite blurry, allowing Lumian and the others to only clearly see a silk top hat and a black long coat. Looking at this both familiar and unfamiliar figure, Madam Justice took a breath, stood up, curtsied with a slight bent of her knees, saying Good afternoon, Mr. Fool. (End of Volume Six-Dreamweaver) *** Chapter 1035 - Chapter 1035: Revelation Chapter 1035: Revelation Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. As Lumian walked down the stairs, the sunlight was still bright, and Franca, Jenna, and Anthony were leisurely enjoying their afternoon tea. Ludwig was also there, though not as relaxed. Is the Major Arcana meeting over? Franca turned and asked curiously. Lumian suddenly recalled various scenes from the majestic palace above the gray fog, nodded and said, Its over. What can you tell us about it? Dont mention anything youre not supposed to. Franca had an expression that implied that she just wanted to broaden her horizons. Lumian sat down in an armchair and said, using language he had learned in the dream city. Theres not much to say. Todays meeting was quite ordinary. The Major Arcana cards mainly reported to Mr. Fool about their respective responsibilities, and Mr. Fool gave corresponding instructions. You seem to respect Mr. Fool quite a bit, Franca suddenly remarked. Why do you say that? Lumian asked, somewhat surprised. Franca snorted and glanced first at Jenna, then at Anthony. Do I really need to answer such a simple question? Jenna, in sync with Franca, helped explain with a slight smile, If it werent for Mr. Fool, you would definitely add more adjectives before instructions, like high-level or all-encompassing. This added a hint of teasing and playfulness. Ive always been quite respectful towards deities, except for a few. Lumian said with a knowing smile. He then said, As someone attending a divine meeting for the first time. I had nothing to report. I only raised questions about Madame Pualis and her daughter Omebella, hoping to get answers from Mr. Fool. What did Mr. Fool say? Jenna and Franca asked in unison. Before Lumian could answer, points of starlight suddenly appeared in the void. These starlight quickly sketched out the figure of Madam Magician. She said to Lumian, Franca, and Jenna, You can now go to the Blue Avenger to explore the treasury left by the Blood Emperor. Ill go with you to provide necessary assistance. Do you need to postpone for a while to make some preparations? The Tudor dynastys treasure obviously consisted of Items mainly related to the Hunter pathway, supplemented by those of the Demoness pathway. and then some items from the Seer, Apprentice, and Marauder pathways. It was very suitable for the three Demonesses to explore and obtain the Beyonder characteristics needed for normal advancement or pathway switching. As for Anthonys advancement, other arrangements had been made. And the further recovery of Ludwigs strength would have to wait until either Lumian or Franca reached Sequence 3, to avoid accidents. No need, lets go now. Lumian had already discussed this with Franca and Jenna. Madam Magician said no more, creating a dazzling. dream-like double door and bringing the three Demonesses to the Blue Avenger, which was sailing through fierce winds and huge waves. Mr. Hanged Man, dressed as the captain, was already waiting at the cabin entrance. Can you still sense the mirror imprint you left in the treasury? Madam Magician asked Lumian. Yes, Lumian half-closed his eyes and sensed for a moment. He didnt try to reach the full-length mirror with the Imprint using Mirror Traversal, because the corresponding area behind the mirror or mirror world contained Blood Emperor Alista Tudors backup plan for resurrection. For him, the main function of that mirror imprint was currently to provide necessary positioning so that his companions could also enter the treasury. In the future, it would serve as a trap marker to take down powerful enemies at the cost of mutual destruction. After sensing, Lumlan walked towards the depths of the ships cabin while deliberately continuing the previous topic. He turned his head to look at Franca and Jenna and said, Mr. Fools revelation was that after becoming a Demoness of Unaging, go to the New City of Silver to borrow the Gift of the Land and bring it to the City of Exiles, in front of Hand Bro. Indeed, one knows Omebella, one shouted out Zedus. Let them meet, maybe theyll really spark something. Franca suddenly realized. At this moment, Mr. Hanged Man, walking in front as the captain of the Blue Avenger, suddenly half-turned his body and said thoughtfully, I think in Mr. Fools revelation, not only is the latter part important, but the prerequisite is equally important. Lumian mentioned Mr. Fools revelation in front of Madam Magician and Mr. Hanged Man precisely to hear their views and opinions. He immediately asked. The prerequisite of becoming a Demoness of Unaging? Mr. Hanged Man, with his rugged face and unkempt appearance, chuckled deeply. Cant you borrow the Gift of the Land and bring it to the Abscessed Hand now? The only help you might need is communication with the Church of Knowledge. Thats right, Jenna agreed with Mr. Hanged Mans statement. Lumian already had all the conditions to briefly use the Gift of the Land, could get the New City of Silvers permission through Mr. Sun, and was the proxy of 0-01. He didnt need to wait until reaching the Demoness of Unaging level to let Omebellas remains meet the Abscessed Hand. Are certain changes brought by becoming a Demoness of Unaging the catalyst for this whole thing? Or is it that only by reaching Sequence 3 can one deal with the inevitable accidents after the Gift of the Land meets the Abscessed Hand? No, the latter scenario can basically be ruled out, Lumian, in his Demoness of Despair state, slowed his pace and said thoughtfully. As the proxy of 0-01, he had considerable authority in front of the mountain of corpses, and there wasnt much difference between being Sequence 4 or Sequence 3. Moreover, he could briefly borrow the boon beneath the Underworld Daoists seal to become a Sequence 3 War Bishop. In other words, the power increase from advancing to Demoness of Unaging wasnt necessary. It should be some change brought about by the inherent qualities of the Demoness of Unaging, Madam Magician gave her judgment. Franca, who had been listening quietly, mumbled, Why doesnt Mr. Fool speak more clearly, just giving revelations for us to interpret ourselves? Mr. Hanged Man glanced at Franca. I learned a phrase in the dream city-words, once given, become reality`. Every action and word of great existences profoundly influences fate and the world. Back then, in the process of Mr. Fool becoming a great existence in just three years, many of the things he said were later verified one by one, becoming facts. In this situation, speaking very clearly and not speaking clearly will be part of the whole thing, and the interference with fate will be different, and the final result will also deviate because of this. As Lumian nodded in agreement, he felt slightly surprised inwardly. He felt that Mr. Hanged Man was much more enthusiastic than in their previous encounters. Previously, Mr. Hanged Man wouldnt be stingy with his judgments and explanations, but he only did and said what was within his duties. This time, he actually took the initiative to talk about many things outside the topic. Is it because Ive become a Major Arcana card holder? Mr. Hanged Man seems to value hierarchy quite a bit Lumian withdrew his gaze thoughtfully. Madam Magician then added, Moreover, this matter involves the Great Mother. Even Mr. Fool cant see it very clearly and can only receive certain revelations. Hearing this, Franca looked around and lowered her voice. Now that Mr. Fool has initially awakened, uh, I dont mean to disrespect Mr. Fool, Im just more concerned about his current state. Maybe theres still something I can help with? After all, Im a transmigrator! Um, what I want to ask is, what level has Mr. Fool recovered to now, and how is The Fool identity you guys have woven running? After exchanging glances with Madam Magician and Mr. Hanged Man, Lumian said, Were not clear about the specific level of recovery, we can only be sure that in terms of level, its not a complete The Fool. This Fool without the Mr. referred to the Sequence 0 C The Fool of the Seer pathway. The basis for the judgment of the Major Arcana card holders, including Lumian, was: if the identity of Gehrman Sparrow was already a complete Fool, it would mean that he had fully grasped all the authorities of the Seer pathway, and the true Mr. Fool would soon gain sufficient advantage in the matter of fusion and confrontation, fully awakening. Lumian continued, In my personal opinion, the current Mr. Fool is not agile enough, or rather, hes colder and more indifferent, closer to Gehrman Sparrow. After thinking for a while, Franca said, I think, in my personal understanding, Gehrman Sparrow is currently more like an AI-artificial intelligence that has integrated some of Mr. Fools will and ideas. Think about it, one of the foundations of Gehrman Sparrows stable existence is a large number of faith anchors, and different peoples perceptions of him are different. This is like one of the foundations of AIs existence is data-a large amount of data and the data collected from the internet, fed to AI, may be incorrect, fabricated, self-imagined. This will bring corruption to it, very similar to the corruption of faith anchors you mentioned. The current AI stands out in that as long as you dare to believe, it dares to fabricate, and the reactions presented by Gehrman Sparrow will also be affected by the corruption of faith anchors. While not affecting the transmission of Mr. Fools core will and ideas, there will be personalized, even contradictory manifestations. Well, hes equivalent to Mr. Fools AI assistant. The better he iterates, the faster he evolves, the more authorities and powers Mr. Fool can grasp and mobilize, ultimately helping him defeat the Celestial Worthy. Interpreting from the perspective of AI was something the Major Arcana card holders had never thought of. Fortunately, everyone present had been to the dream city and could barely understand what Franca was saying. Madam Magician, who had a very deep understanding of faith anchors, nodded slowly and said, What we need to do next is to purify Gehrman Sparrows anchors and adjust peoples perceptions of Gehrman Sparrow to varying degrees? That includes our perception of Gehrman Sparrow, Mr. Hanged Man added. As they spoke, the group arrived at the stairs leading to the lower deck of the ship. Chapter 1036 - Chapter 1036: Wedding Dress Chapter 1036: Wedding Dress Glancing at the dark, bottomless end of the staircase, Lumian took out a mirror and activated the contract ability on his body. He immediately sensed the imprint on the full-length mirror in the Tudor treasury, ready to dive into the mirror and traverse through at any moment. Maintaining this sense, Lumian reminded Franca and Jenna, Walk close to the sides later-very close. From his experience, walking down the stairs this way 8 would bring them into the reflection range of that full- length mirror. For Beyonders of other pathways, they only needed to guard against being affected by the resulting illusions, scaring themselves crazy or to death. But if Hunters and Demonesses let their shadows be reflected on that full-length mirror, they might have their bodies snatched by the long-fallen Alista Tudor through pre-arranged setups, allowing Him to resurrect and return. Lumian thought that given Alista Tudors level of madness, He probably wouldnt care whether it was a Blood Emperor or a Blood Empress who returned, so the Demonesses should also be careful. Okay. Franca and Jenna had long ago heard Lumian explain what dangers were in the Tudor treasury. Even if they didnt know, in the current situation, they would heed the advice first and find an opportunity to ask why later. Lumian maintained the activation of the mirror imprint and let the residual aura of the Blood Emperor on his right palm intensify from faint to strong, covering it with pallor. He hadnt yet started descending the stairs step by step when he suddenly heard Madam Magicians voice. Ive located your mirror imprint. Along with the voices response, points of dazzling starlight lit up, enveloping Lumian and the others. When vision was restored, Franca found herself in a corridor that seemed to be formed of condensed starlight. On both sides of this corridor were star-bright doors standing in the darkness. The bottom was semi- transparent, revealing endless darkness, while above there was no dome, with illusory stars dotting the distant heights. At the end of this deep and spacious corridor sat a silver full-length mirror with a classic design and intricate patterns around its frame. Almost simultaneously, Franca and Jenna noticed Madam Magician raise her right hand and gently grasp towards the front. Around that silver full-length mirror, space suddenly bent, forming a sealed sphere in the state of deep shadows, blocking all light from entering. Lumian and the others could no longer see that silver full-length mirror, and that mirror could no longer reflect them. This way we can be a bit freer, Madam Magician said with a smile. Wearing a black robe with silver patterns, she turned to Lumian, Franca, and Jenna and said, You can choose the treasure rooms now. Ill handle the dangers inside. Franca and Jenna instantly looked towards Lumian, waiting for him to demonstrate for the two of them. Lumian looked left and right, slowly moving forward along the deep and spacious corridor while casually saying, In the area above the gray fog, when I mentioned Madame Pualis and Omebella, I also talked about a concern. What concern? Franca asked cooperatively, She and Jenna could both roughly guess that Lumian wanted to use casual chat to distract his own mind, choosing treasure rooms purely based on spiritual intuition and the characteristics, auras, and corruption on his body. Lumian, in his Demoness of Despair state with black hair cascading, glanced at Madam Magician and Mr. Hanged Man and said, At the end of the awakening operation, there were two things I couldnt understand: First, why was there no movement from the Primordial Demoness, and second, why didnt the Great Mother side try to stop it, even though She had made many arrangements in the dream city. The lack of interference from other existences was expected. The Celestial Worthy wouldnt wait until they were ready and could effectively interfere with the Internal situation of the dream before letting Zhou Sasa come. If that happened, what might be suppressed could be His hope for success. Moreover, Andersons side would burn down the Colorful Hostel and the Mute Art Studio, not giving the deity worshiped by the Fantasy Association a chance to intervene, and there was also true god suppression at Mushu Hospital. But the Great Mother had sent Madame Pualis with baby Omebella to be the dean of Mushu Hospital. How did they not create even a ripple? Her forces in the dream city are not limited to Mushu Hospital. Whether its Grimm who was originally active outside the hospital, or Lu Yongan who can freely enter and exit the hospital, they could effectively avoid the true gods suppression of Mushu Hospital and do something. Maybe Peng Deng, Grisha, and Amons side, who didnt appear in the final stage, were blocking them? Jenna speculated. Thats one possibility. Madam Magician began to give her speech at the Tarot Club, But I have a bad feeling that perhaps the Great Mother has already achieved Her goal, in a way thats in our cognitive blind spot. My experience is also that abnormal calmness is always problematic, Mr. Hanged Man followed up with emphasis. Franca took a breath and turned her gaze to Lumian, Lumian understood her meaning and smiled, saying, The only revelation Mr. Fool gave about matters related to the Great Mother was: become a Demoness of Unaging, borrow the Gift of the Land, face the Abscessed Hand. After saying this, Lumian suddenly had a spiritual perception. He turned to the right and pushed open a semi-transparent large door condensed from starlight. The light behind the door was dim, with no attack appearing. Lumian waited for two seconds before passing through the door and entering the room. What met his eyes was a black coffin. This coffin was different from the rectangular coffins Trier used daily, with obvious curves, one end larger and one end smaller, its surface carved with many bird and tree patterns. Eh Francas head peeked out from Lumians shoulder position, Isnt this a Western Continent style coffin? Where did the Blood Emperor get it from? She already knew that the Western Continent had evolved from her pre-transmigration country over thousands or tens of thousands of years or even longer. And judging from the fact that she could barely understand the language of Armored Shadow Chen Tu and its attire, Franca felt that the civilization of the Western Continent might not have experienced a break in continuity like the Southern and Northern Continents, still maintaining a certain continuity. The coffin style before her eyes seemed to be another piece of evidence. As for why, in a situation where civilization had not been interrupted, the language and style of the Western Continent had regressed to what she remembered as ancient, she couldnt think of a reason for the time being. All the known transmigrators were in the Southern and Northern Continents and the former Eastern Continent! No, Queen Mystic had said that the Ancient Sun God was not the kind of cocoon person like us, and there was another transmigrator who hasnt revealed their Identity As Francas thoughts gradually diverged, Lumian and Madam Magician had already walked to the front of that Western Continent style black coffin, with the latter causing the lid to slide to one side on its own, falling onto the semi-transparent ground. Franca looked over and saw a beautiful face with tightly closed eyes, pale and cold, saw a gorgeous phoenix crown and rosy clouds cape, and saw bright red. Chinese wedding dress brides corpse Dammit, what the hell is the Blood Emperor up to? Franca blurted out. Before her words fell, that black coffin with patterns of pine, cypress, and cranes began to shake violently. A pale, delicate hand with long. gray nails that were sharp and cold silently pressed on the edge of the coffin. With this action, Franca and Jennas lips suddenly became dry, as if they were being roasted. Outside the treasury, the Blue Avenger sailing through fierce winds and huge waves suddenly plunged downward. The wind stopped, the waves calmed, and water vapor rose from the azure sea, evaporating rapidly. On the surface of the Blue Avenger, the deck began to crack at a visible speed. Even though the consciousness of this ghost ship was constantly trying to repair it, it couldnt stop the trend from deepening. Inside the Tudor treasury, in the corresponding room. Before Madam Magician could deliver a barrage of attacks on the female corpse in the coffin. Lumian stretched out his right palm. His palm was darkly red and mottled, covered with pallor, a deep black pinhole emitting an indescribable aura. The female corpse wearing what Franca called a bright red wedding dress and a golden phoenix crown stopped shaking, no longer giving the feeling that it might crawl up at any moment. That delicate but pale hand slowly slid down, returning to the side of the corpse. All the abnormalities disappeared with it. The power of a Demoness of Catastrophe, Madam Magician said after a few seconds of looking with eyes as brilliant as the starry sky. And, the power of an Undying Can the boons of these two pathways be put together? As she spoke, both she and Mr. Hanged Man looked towards Lumian. Lumian looked at the dark pinhole in his palm, musing to himself, Maybe they can This thing seemed to be a fusion of the residual aura of the Blood Emperor, the boon of a War Bishop, the seal of the Underworld Daoist, and the grade and knowledge of the Demoness card. If such a hodgepodge could be put together, the separately picked out powers of the Demoness and Death pathways should be able to as well. Madam Magician and Mr. Hanged Man fell into deep thought, while Franca associated the terms Demoness of Catastrophe and Undying with the state and recent behavior of the female corpse. She said in astonishment, This, this couldnt be a drought demon, could it? Did the Blood Emperor bring a drought demon to the Northern Continent? How did He manage that? Isnt it said that the Western Continent was sealed by the power of the Celestial Worthy, and that the barrier can only be opened for free entry and exit after Mr. Fool truly gains the upper hand? Before that, shouldnt only some secret deed rituals be possible? Even if the Blood Emperor really opened a passage before His death, attempting to drag down all the gods with Him, that passage was sealed in Fourth Epoch Trier, right? The Blood Emperor shouldnt have had time to send this drought demon to the Blue Avenger Hearing Francas words, Madam Magician turned to the side and began to explain, The power doesnt come from Beyonder characteristics, it might originate from the Western Continent or somewhere else, but the person is from the Northern Continent Uh Franca looked carefully and found that the hair of the female corpse in the coffin was pale yellow, and her facial features were quite pronounced. An artificial drought demon? Franca said with some understanding. The Blood Emperor made a secret deed for some strange knowledge, and this is the product of an experiment? The phoenix crown, rosy clouds cape, and coffin are part of the knowledge, part of the ritual? Lumian nodded slightly, looking at the female corpse and said, If we let her wake up, can we help her regain her sanity? Madam Magician slowly shook her head. She was probably born a monster. Chapter 1037 - Chapter 1037: Spring of Temptation Chapter 1037: Spring of Temptation Madam Magician meant: the girl in the coffin underwent a transformation the instant she simultaneously received the powers of a Demoness of Catastrophe and an Undying through a strange ritual. This corpse, now possessing Angel-level power, was a monster from the moment it came into being. Lumian, in his Demoness state, frowned and said, Arent boons supposed to not affect the spirit, only gradually causing mental and physical alterations? Surely it shouldnt directly create a monster? Moreover, from what he could see, the powers of the Demoness and Death pathways werent so contradictory and could be integrated to some degree. What I explained before was only about boons under normal circumstances, Madam Magician said after some consideration. The essence of boons is actually closer to controlled, retrievable corruption. Higher beings who grant boons generally try to suppress the spiritual, conscious, and emotional aspects of their power that belong to themselves, to prevent the recipient from being overwhelmed immediately and developing problems, as that would go against the original intention of the boon and fail to achieve the expected purpose. Mr. Hanged Man added, In the cases of evil god boons that we know of, if there werent enough sacrifices, especially human sacrifices, even if a channel was opened through ritual, some of the recipients at the scene would be unable to bear the power, their bodies collapsing on the spot-either dying or becoming monsters. Jenna confirmed with newfound understanding, When the higher being that the Blood Emperors strange ritual was directed at granted the boon, they didnt control or suppress the spiritual, conscious, and emotional aspects within the power, letting them exist as usual, so this girl as the recipient naturally couldnt bear it and became a monster? Mr. Hanged Man nodded slightly and said meaningfully, It might not have been a boon, but rather theft. Did Amon play a role in this ritual? Lumians own boon power came from theft. Mr. Hanged Man smiled, Theft in another sense. Let me give an example-we can utilize the power of many Sealed Artifacts to some degree, but we must be careful to avoid the corresponding dangers and find the most suitable method, because they lack intelligence. You cant negotiate with them or make them obey to prevent them from harming you. In such cases, suitable methods of utilization are equivalent to relatively safe means of theft. Lumian recalled his experience after lighting the corpse wax candle and nodded thoughtfully. If he hadnt possessed both male and female forms in the dream city at that time, his physical body might have collapsed and become a monster. The Blood Emperor was indeed bloodthirsty and mad Jenna couldnt help but sigh. The girl in the coffin most likely didnt voluntarily participate in such a special ritual. Not necessarily, Franca said quietly. Seeing everyone look at her, she cleared her throat and said, Based on my pre-transmigration experience, if this is related to the Western Continent, the whole ritual might not be what you imagine. They might have pre-selected a girl born on a specific year, month, day and time, killed her in a specific way at a specific moment, performed special treatment, then placed her in this pre-made coffin, made other arrangements, and finally conducted the ritual to let her gain power and open her eyes in an Undying state. Why do it this way? Jenna asked puzzledly. Franca smiled and said, Its just my guess, but maybe this was the only way to please the corresponding higher being, or maybe this was the only way to avoid the influence of the spiritual and conscious aspects within the boon power. But for some reason, perhaps because the Blood Emperor and others made mistakes in interpreting the secret deed they obtained, missing some key points, the ritual seems to have failed in the end. Uh, maybe, it wasnt even a ritual seeking boons, but rather a method of corpse refinement Jenna was silent for two seconds. Then you still say the Blood Emperor wasnt necessarily bloodthirsty and mad. This was more cruel than their previous speculation! Franca explained, Im not saying the Blood Emperor wasnt necessarily bloodthirsty and mad, but rather that it might not have been ordinary bloodiness and madness-it was probably extremely so. Madam Magician turned to look at the female corpse wearing the phoenix crown and rosy clouds cape, and said, She has no Beyonder characteristics. Lets go to the next room. Alright. Lumian had no objections. After Madam Magician made the coffin lid fly up and cover it again, they returned to that deep and spacious corridor. Lumian raised his right palm, looked at the dimmed dark red spots, dark pinhole and pale skin, then put his hand into his Travelers Bag. Maintaining this posture, Lumian started walking forward again. He felt that encountering that female corpse was likely due to the effect of his right palm, so now he needed to try to eliminate its influence. After about ten seconds, Lumian opened another door condensed from starlight. At the same time, he saw a spring-its bubbling source. The spring water had a sacred feeling, emitting an alluring aura-clear and pure-making Franca and the others, whose mouths had dried from the female corpses influence, suddenly feel thirsty. Voices then echoed in their minds: Drink, drink and regain your youth Drink, drink and gain tremendous power Drink, drink and extend your life by thousands of years Drink, drink and become irresistibly charming Drink, drink and achieve immortality Lumian, who was also tempted and hearing the C whispers, smiled, Dont worry, I will drink, I came here to drink you Before he could emphasize that he was a person who valued ceremony, Madam Magician had already acted. Layer upon layer of void peeled away, the clear and pure spring water suddenly receded, revealing what was inside the spring source. There was a highly decomposed but not yet skeletal female corpse, with pale yellow-greenish pus constantly seeping from its disgusting flesh, combining with the air to become sacred, alluring, and pure. This was the source of the spring water. Madam Magician immediately raised both hands. Glass-like fragments and blood tinged with pale yellow immediately flew out from the female corpse, falling into two containers that had been floating in mid-air at some unknown time. After doing this, Madam Magician made the two containers fly toward Lumian. They can replace the Mirror God fragments and Medusa blood as supplementary ingredients, enough for four advancements. After Lumian put away the containers, the points of starlight condensed from the void suddenly pressed down, completely crushing the highly decomposed female corpse, making the charming, sacred grayish- white light quickly separate out and condense into a fist-sized, spring-like crystal. Illusory water constantly flowed out from the crystals surface, then fell back in. With a push of Madam Magicians right hand, this Demoness of Unaging Beyonder characteristic quickly came before Lumian, already preliminarily sealed. The light emanating from the female corpse hadnt completely dispersed-the remaining portion recombined to form a transparent eye brimming with tears. Your Demoness of Despair Beyonder characteristic, Madam Magician gave that beautiful but sorrowful eye to Jenna. As for supplementary ingredients, The Chariot and Two of Cups should still have some left. Thank you. Jenna quietly let out a breath and quickly put the sealed Beyonder characteristic into her Travelers Bag. Madam Magician nodded slightly and walked out of the current room. Lets go find the next ingredient. This time, Two of Cups, youre in charge of opening doors. Just as Franca was eagerly about to step forward, she suddenly saw Lumian hand over a piece of parchment. On the parchment were words in rust-colored ancient Feysac: Potion Name: War Bishop; Sequence: 3; Main ingredients: Heart of a Bipolar Centaur, Core of a War Comet; Supplementary ingredients: 100ml of Bipolar Centaur blood, War Comet fragments, one Blood Tudor Iris, 8g of Flame Giant Tree bark; Advancement ritual: Lead your own team to defeat a powerful enemy force in a war. Note 1: The imminent atmosphere of war will attract comets symbolizing war through the spirit world. They will streak across the night sky bringing revelations, but among such comets, those with corporeal substance that can enter the real world are limited in number. Note 2: In the advancement ritual, the stronger the enemy force, the better the ritual effect. Seeing this parchment, Franca was stunned and said, Where did this come from? The advancement was promised by the Major Arcana. and Mr. Fool gave me an extra reward. Lumian smiled and said, I asked for the War Bishop potion formula. Before Franca could respond, Lumian smiled and added, I wanted you to have the right to choose. Franca opened her mouth, then closed it, her emotions seeming somewhat turbulent. After a moment, she glanced to the side and said quietly, I didnt say I want to become a War Bishop, I still have my mission Lumian didnt try to persuade her and put the parchment back into his Travelers Bag. Jennas expression was slightly complex as she secretly sighed in relief. Things are good as they are now, things are good as they are now She didnt want change; she feared change. Because Madam Magician and Mr. Hanged Man were present, Franca didnt dare tell Lumian you usually just make peoples grit their teeth, I didnt expect you to be so considerate sometimes to ease her emotions. She could only quickly walk forward and casually push open a door condensed from starlight. As soon as the door opened, an exquisite, beautiful human skin suddenly fell from above. This human skin violently enveloped toward Franca. Francas body surface subsequently emanated a grayish-white color, her whole person seeming to turn into a stone statue, unable to dodge in time. At this moment, the surrounding darkness instantly bent and folded, quickly sealing that fair and elastic human skin within. Immediately after, Madam Magicians hand clenched. That dark sphere suddenly collapsed, the corresponding void completely disintegrated, and the human skin inside was quickly torn into pieces by the space-time storm. This is also a Demoness of Unaging Beyonder characteristic. The Blood Emperor and Primordial Demonesss secret cooperation was indeed tight back then, Madam Magician smiled at Franca, Lumian, and Jenna while crushing the characteristic. Franca was stunned for a moment, then revealed a brilliant smile. Heh, I sure have good luck today! I succeeded in one try! Chapter 1038 - Chapter 1038: The Team Chapter 1038: The Team After Franca put away the Demoness of Unaging Beyonder characteristic that had coalesced after being shattered, Madam Magician said to the three of them. Apart from some easier-to-find materials that are merely symbolic, we should have everything else. What remains is preparing for the ritual. I can help anytime. Thank you, Lumian thought for a moment and asked, Should we leave now? Madam Magician smiled and said, Angel-level Beyonder characteristics, especially Sequence 1, are not only limited but very rare, and their locations are relatively certain. If there were anything similar in this treasure trove, it could only be Sequence 2, and most likely from the Hunter pathway. Lumian pointed to the end of the deep corridor. As one of the Blood Emperors resurrection arrangements, the corresponding Beyonder characteristic is behind that mirror, together with His Mirror Person, perhaps even already absorbed and merged by His Mirror Person? In other words, it was almost impossible to find Angel-level Beyonder characteristics, including Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts, in other rooms along the corridor, so Lumian and the others had no need to continue exploring. Of course, this was just one reason. More importantly, the Blue Avenger belonged to Mr. Hanged Man, and theoretically this treasure vault was also his- equivalent to his private property. He had only allowed Lumian and the others to take the corresponding materials earlier based on a promise. If Lumian and the others were to open other rooms and take other items. it would be too disrespectful to the owner. Though Madam Magician didnt explicitly say this, all three Demonesses understood and expressed their wish to leave now and think about how to arrange the ritual. Mr. Hanged Man nodded without any change in expression. You can return through the mirror world. Madam Magician and I still have some matters to attend to. Alright, Lumian replied with a smile. He could roughly guess what Mr. Hanged Man wanted to do. As captain of the Blue Avenger, Mr. Hanged Man had no Tudor remnant aura, no corresponding bloodline, and wasnt on either the Hunter or Demoness pathway. Though guarding a treasure vault, he had difficulty entering it and could only wait for Lumian to open the access control. Only with Madam Magicians positioning and help could he enter. Of course he couldnt miss this opportunity and had to explore a bit and take some useful items. These might be Grade 1 Sealed Artifacts that could help improve his strength, or Beyonder characteristic- related items that could help him cultivate more and stronger subordinates, or special items that could either be useful at critical moments or point to certain secrets of the Tudor Empire. How others explored their own vault was none of Lumians business. He took out a mirror and led Franca and Jenna out of the vault, then used teleportation to return to the luxurious villa in Trier. Since the matters of Madame Pualis and infant Omebella were still under investigation, Lumian hadnt returned to his originally rented apartment to meet with his subordinate Lugano. He was still wary of potential issues related to the Great Mother that might exist with him. Wheres Ludwig? Jenna looked around the living room and asked Anthony, who was focused on reading the newspaper. Anthony pointed toward the villas annex. In the kitchen. After eating Triers food for several days, he misses the food from the dream city and wants to try making some himself. Suddenly, an image appeared in Lumian and the others minds: Ludwig moving a chair into the kitchen. then standing on it, struggling to handle kitchen utensils that didnt quite match his size and height I miss it too, Franca said excitedly, Look, look, this is what a professional Chef is like-just eight years old! Jenna nodded and said to Lumian and the others, Im going to the telegraph office nearby to send a telegram to Julien. Hes coming back to Trier next week, and I need to ask about the specific time and whether hes taking a boat or steam locomotive. She wasnt in a rush to discuss her own ritual, as there was already a preliminary plan. Once Lumian became a Demoness of Unaging and borrowed the Gift of the Land, after communicating well with the Tarot Club and the Church of Knowledge, they would take her to the City of Exiles to advance using the criminals there. The only problem with this plan was that once Jenna successfully advanced, she would become a Sequence 4 demigod, which conflicted with Mororas rules and would cause negative changes to 0-01. The current solution was to ask the Church of Knowledge for help, assisting Madam Magician, so this Door pathway Angel could transfer the newly- advanced Jenna away directly using pre-left marks without entering Morora. Lumian had privately asked Jenna if she wanted to consider using the Sword of Courage to switch to becoming an Iron-blooded Knight. With the current teams composition and rapport, the corresponding ritual wouldnt be difficult after some time adjusting. But Jenna still hoped to continue on the path of pure female Demonesses. She told Lumian this was currently her only special trait, and once she switched to Hunter, she would lose it. Special traits represented both unknown, huge risks and potential encounters and significant gains. With the apocalypse seemingly approaching early, she was willing to take the corresponding risks in exchange for rapid sequence and power growth to better protect those she wanted to protect. Lumian didnt try to persuade her further at the time. only sighing and quoting a dream city saying, Fortune favors the bold. After Jenna put on her sunhat and lowered her black veil to cover her face, leaving the luxurious villa, Lumian said to Anthony. Do you want to continue with the Psychology Alchemists mission? Anthony had already been assigned to Lumian, the new Mr. Chariot, and could completely stop the original mission given by Madam Justice. Before Anthony could respond, Lumian laughed. Youre about to become a Sequence 4 Manipulator. Those people who play with peoples minds wont let a demigod not cultivated by their own organization enter their core levels. Anthony had digested the Sequence 5 potion Dreamwalker faster than Lumian and the others because during this time, he had been active, walking. and working in a great existences true dream. About to? Anthony asked puzzlingly. Had the Major Arcana cardholders found the corresponding Beyonder ingredients? That couldnt be so easy, right? If it were that easy, Madam Susie would have become a demigod long ago. Lumian tucked his falling hair behind his ear and smiled. Madam Justice has been searching for an ancient dragon. Shes had some results but kept missing it. After Mr. Fool Initially awoke, he gave her a revelation that should be very useful. We might see results soon. Anthony nodded and after considering for a few seconds said, I want to continue my contact with the Psychology Alchemists, but no longer seek to enter their core levels. After becoming a demigod, Ill also hide my Sequence and deal with them in my current state. This is a very good intelligence channel, and I dont want to give it up. Alright, Lumian indeed needed such intelligence channels. After exchanging a few more words, he and Franca went upstairs. Walking on the thick carpet in the corridor, Lumian turned his head toward Franca. You no longer need to do the Demoness Sects mission. This was a mission from Madam Justice, and since Franca was now subordinate to The Chariot, Lumian had full authority to help her stop this matter. Franca was silent for a moment, then sighed, Since youve chosen this current path, I think figuring out the situation with the Primordial Demoness and the secrets of the special mirror world are inevitable tasks, and none of these can bypass the Demoness Sect. Whether or not Ive been exposed, even if they use me or set traps through this, its still a good entry point. Having connections means having opportunities. Lumian looked at Franca without speaking. Feeling a bit uncomfortable under his gaze, Franca could only ask with a smile. Are you moved? Yes. Lumian nodded. Oh why arent you being stubborn this time? Now I dont know how to respond Franca mumbled. Actually, Jenna continuing on the Demoness pathway also involves this kind of thinking. Before Lumian could speak again, she forcefully changed the topic. Let me ask a question, purely out of curiosity. If you briefly use the War Bishop power within the seal, will your body change? Normally, physical changes brought by a boons power, as long as they didnt cause immediate collapse, occurred gradually and subtly over time However, the boon powers of both Hunter and Demoness pathways inherently possessed the quality of changing the body. Yes, the body will, but the spirit wont Lumian explained simply. Taking potions to change gender would affect the spirit as well, like Franca-when her Astral Projection roamed the spirit world, her form was also female. But changes brought by boons were limited to body and mind, meaning that even if Lumian returned to a male state using the War Bishop powers within the seal, his spirit would still appear as Lumina. Franca immediately became excited. Can you try it, let me see? If this worked, she could seek corresponding boons in the future. Then she could be a man when she wanted to be a man, a woman when she wanted to be a woman, and neither if she preferred! After all, Lumians goal was to resurrect Aurore, which meant he would reach very high levels, and seeking temporary boons from him wouldnt have any hidden dangers. Before Lumian could respond, Franca shook her head. Never mind, never mind. The Lie earring uses corresponding Beyonder power to change the body without any pain, but changes brought by this kind of boon powers come with the power itself-theyre forced, uncontrollable, and must be very painful. Never mind. Youve been both a Demoness of Affliction and a Demoness of Despair, what pain are you afraid of? Lumian teased, as his body suddenly changed. There was both the writhing of flesh and the creaking of bones. Lumians face contorted for several seconds before settling into his original male appearance, but more handsome, with more of that masculine charm. Franca watched with both concern and curiosity, then said, It really works Her eyes moved slightly, and she added, Can you close your eyes? Lumian didnt refuse. Then, he heard Franca sigh and say, We all know you see your female body as your sisters, and unless she agrees, you wont do anything suggestive with it. We respect your thoughts and Aurore herself, but, but sometimes we still want to see Lumian, to hug Lumian Just as Lumian was about to speak, a warmth pressed against his lips. After a peaceful, serene, and sweet moment of entanglement, Franca pulled back. Lumian opened his eyes to see she was suddenly slightly taller than him. Instinctively, Lumian looked down and discovered that several layers of ice crystal steps had formed beneath Francas feet at some point. Franca opened her eyes wide and said, This time I took the initiative, and I thought kissing you from above felt more appropriate for the current mood! Whatever you like, Lumian said noncommittally. Franca jumped down from the ice crystal steps and sighed again. Change back now, minimize the influence of the boon. She then pressed her lips together, clapped her hands once, and said with a smile, With the apocalypse approaching and everyone in this situation, lets just make do for now! *** Chapter 1039 - Chapter 1039 Every Beginning is Difficult Chapter 1039 Every Beginning is Difficult At the telegraph office in the arts district. Still wearing her sun hat and black veil, Jenna paid the telegram fee and gazed at the constant tinkling sounds next door, muttering to herself, What are they renovating? A male telegraph operator looked up and said with a mixture of disdain and worry, The telephone office. They say they want to develop wired telephones extensively. Can they really lay lines to so many places? In the end, theyll have to rely on wireless! Yes, mobile phones should also be a type of wireless Jenna suddenly felt nostalgic. She was also looking forward to the development of telephone networks in Intis. That way they could communicate in real-time instead of going through the trouble of sending and receiving telegrams. Walking out of the telegraph office, before Jenna could decide whether to take a carriage back to the luxurious villa or browse around the neighborhood, she heard a newspaper boy shouting at the intersection: Extra! Extra! Ms. Fors promises to finalize The Great Adventurer 7 within two weeks! Extra! Extra! The large generator manufactured by the Church of Steams Deep Valley Cloister has entered the factory production stage! Large generator Jenna paused for a moment, her gaze involuntarily drawn to the horse-drawn trams on the road, women wearing different styles of sun hats, men carrying canes and wearing top hats, classical-style gas street lamps, luxurious theaters and nearby cafes, and various shops. This hardly looked like a scene approaching the apocalypse. Jenna gazed greedily at everything, worried it would suddenly dissipate like the dream city. In the luxurious villa. Lumian stood before the full-length mirror, staring motionlessly at his beautiful face that was both familiar and strange. He was waiting, waiting for the reflection to smile on its own or show some other expression. One of the major difficulties in the Demoness of Unaging advancement ritual was finding ones Mirror Personthis wasnt something one could encounter just by wanting to. The mystical connection between a Demoness and their Mirror Person served both as a locating aid and as an alarm that allowed the other party to detect danger early and constantly relocate. Moreover, according to the actual experiences and daily observations of the three DemonessesLumian, Franca, and Jennathe stable Mirror People born from becoming Demonesses were different from those Mirror People in special mirror worlds. Under normal circumstances, the Demonesses Mirror People could not leave the mirror world. Once these Mirror People entered reality, it meant there was a major problem with the Demonesss own state. Well still need to ask Madam Magician for help with positioning and containment Lumian, who had been watching the mirror image for an hour, withdrew his gaze and muttered to himself. At that moment, Madam Magician appeared in the bedroom, surrounded by twinkling starlight. She looked around and asked, Wheres Two of Cups? She went to meet with her subordinate, preparing for tomorrows meeting with the Demoness of Black, Lumian answered simply. Madam Magician frowned and said, Is she still going to continue with the Demoness Sects missions? At the Sequence 4 demigod stage, the Demoness of Despair only provides potions and helps prepare rituals. How will Two of Cups explain how she was able to advance to Demoness of Despair, where the potion formula and corresponding ingredients came from, and how the ritual was completed? No explanation is needed. Her advancement to Sequence 4 was completed under the Primordial Demonesss watch, and these past few days, she often takes out that white bone figurine and places it beside her, with no abnormalities or dangers arising, Lumian explained on Francas behalf. This situation makes her feel she still has value to the Demoness Sect, or rather, to the Primordial Demoness. When the time comes, she can make up a convincing reason that the Demoness of Black should believe, such as divine bestowal or divine favor. She can also take this opportunity to learn more mystical knowledge about Mirror People from the Demoness of Black, which might prove useful in the upcoming Demoness of Unaging ritual. Madam Magician looked at Lumian for several seconds. This is dangerous. We know, Lumian replied in a low voice. Madam Magician sighed and said, When she goes to meet the Demoness of Black tomorrow, remember to notify me in advance. Ill provide necessary protection nearby. Thank you, Lumian then asked, Why did you suddenly come over? Is something wrong? Werent we supposed to wait until we gathered all the information before setting a time for the ritual? Madam Magician made no attempt to hide it, her expression becoming quite complex. To have a small meeting. Small meeting? Lumian raised an eyebrow. A small meeting means a private gathering without Mr. Fool present, but still held in the palace above the gray fog, Madam Magician explained briefly. Previously it was fixed at once a month, but now that formal meetings have resumed and are fixed for 3 pm on the first Monday of each month, we obviously cant continue with the small meetings in the same way. They might become more impromptu in nature, specifically convened for special matters. This discussion Lumian asked thoughtfully, Is it to unify the Major Arcanas understanding of Gehrman Sparrow? Yes, Madam Magician nodded slightly. In half an hour, recite Mr. Fools honorific name. After speaking, her figure transformed into countless starlight and flew into the illusory door. Half an hour later, Lumian recited Mr. Fools honorific name and once again arrived above the gray fog, sitting at one side of the bronze long table. In his eyes, streaks of light were rising up, condensing into slightly blurred figures in different seats. In less than a minute, all the Major Arcana card holders were present. After glancing at Madam Justice, The Magician began speaking. I just returned from Two of Cups. She compared the current Mr. Fool, or rather Gehrman Sparrows image, to an AI After roughly repeating Francas original words, this lady said, I think it makes sense. We must quickly unify our understanding of Gehrman Sparrow to minimize the corruption of the faith anchors. Madam Justice picked up the thread. The most fundamental and widespread public perceptions of Gehrman Sparrow dont need to be changed, and cant be changed in the short termthese themselves dont contain contradictions. What we need to do is make the Gehrman Sparrow beneath this shell closer to Mr. Fools true self, and ensure there are no contradictions. Since we want to unify this understanding, we must start with ourselves. If our own understandings still differ and contain major contradictions, it will certainly affect later corrections and dissemination. Seeing all the Major Arcana card holders nodding slightly in agreement, Madam Justice said, Then lets first share our impressions of Mr. Fool and Gehrman Sparrow, record them, and then discuss which ones are correct and which can be unified. Who wants to start? Madam Justice first looked toward Madam Magician and Mr. Star. She found that the former showed hints of fear, seemingly afraid to speak or listen, while the latter kept his mouth shut, appearing quite hesitant, as if unsure which things should be said, which shouldnt, and whether to say everything. The Chariot Lumian clicked his tongue imperceptibly and shook his head. What are you thinking about? Mr. Moon, who was sitting not far from him, tilted his head curiously to ask. Lumian chuckled and said, Im imagining how I would feel if a group of people were discussing what kind of person I am behind my back, each with different impressions. Embarrassed? Mr. Moon couldnt help but consider it too. The Chariot Mr. Lumian smiled and said, I dont know if others would be embarrassed, but for myself, Id probably be excited, find it fun, and wish I could sneak in to listen. Mr. Moon raised his right hand and touched his face. He instinctively looked at the huge chair at the head of the table, then glanced at the position at the bottom, confirming that neither Mr. Fool nor The World was presenttruly not present. If it were the Sherlock Moriarty in my impression, he would genuinely be embarrassed, but if it were Gehrman Sparrow, he would maintain a cold expression, making it impossible to tell what hes thinking, Mr. Moon responded to Lumians words. After speaking, he found that the other Major Arcana card holders were all looking at him. Seeing this, Lumian inwardly chuckled and muttered to himself, See, someone to kick things off has volunteered themselves. Mr. Moon froze for a moment, and seeing everyone waiting for him to continue, he had no choice but to maintain outward composure and continue. I havent had much interaction with Gehrman Sparrow; it was mainly above the gray fog. Many of my impressions come from rumors, centered around words like cold, powerful, and quick-to-action. Comparatively, I know Sherlock Moriarty better. Hes quite perceptive, fairly vigilant, very concerned with money, but judging from his behavior at the Harvest Church and other places, hes actually quite caring and possesses a true gentlemans sense of humor After speaking in one breath, Mr. Moon slightly raised his chin, looked around, and said, You guys turn. Madam Justice didnt wait for other Major Arcana cards, deciding to follow Mr. Moons example and set a model for everyone. Ill go. I was once Mr. Worlds psychiatrist, provided him with corresponding treatment, and even entered the Hall of Truth with him, hearing many of his inner thoughts. Upon catching the term Hall of Truth, Mr. Star unconsciously adjusted his sitting position, with his right side more forward and his left side slightly withdrawn. After all the Major Arcana card holders, including The Chariot Lumian, turned to look at her, Madam Justice spoke in a steady voice, My deepest impression of Mr. World is that he was very lonely. He had many things piled up in his heart and weighing on his shoulders But he could still control himself, not indulging, not despairing, not acting willfully, not becoming distorted What Mr. Moon just said is correcthe was indeed a very caring person, his heart was actually very gentle, and his cold and tough exterior was just a facade he had put on Miss Justices gentle voice slowly echoed above the bronze long table. Chapter 1040 - Chapter 1040 Individual Impressions Chapter 1040 Individual Impressions Though outwardly quiet and reserved, he actually likes to joke and tease in his mind, and occasionally even rambles Madam Magician listened with inexplicable tension, thoughts instinctively flashing through her mind, Am I allowed to hear this? Should I be hearing this? If Gehrman Sparrow finds out Im listening to what hes really like inside, that hes even somewhat lively, would he blow my head off with a gun? Those are my impressions, Madam Justice concluded her recollections and summary. Madam Magician quietly let out a breath. After calming down, she thought carefully and felt that if Gehrman Sparrow was really as Miss Justice described, then probably, perhaps, he wouldnt use violent means to eliminate people who knew his true nature. Seeing that Madam Justice had said so much, Mr. Star, sitting next to Lumian, leaned back against his chair, as if trying to enter a relaxed state. In a rich timbre, he intoned, He is a learned person, and this is reflected in more than just his being a university history graduate; In supernatural events, he was very green at first, but quickly became skilled, becoming someone people could rely on; Hes not comfortable getting too close to others, always maintaining a certain distance, appearing as if he fears loss and doesnt want to gain anything, but in reality, hes someone who values relationships deeply, and inevitably relaxes over time, gradually integrating and carefully building friendships with others; Hes calm but not introverted, can take jokes and has a sense of humor, values life and is willing to enjoy it, but doesnt like waste; Hes cautious, perhaps due to the influence of the Seer pathway, completely deserving to be called very cautious. When encountering matters that arent urgent and wont cause immediate harm, he chooses the most conservative response, leaving first or waiting for backup, but if a disaster is very pressing and will affect many people, even if hes not powerful enough himself, hes willing to step forward and try to resolve it despite the risks; He deeply values his brother and sister, is more relaxed around them, and shows some of the personality traits Madam Justice just described; He is the best brother, both younger and older, and also the best colleague After Mr. Star finished speaking, the majestic palace remained silent for quite a while, until all the Major Arcana card holders except Madam Magician turned their gaze toward her. Madam Magician cleared her throat and said, My impressions of Gehrman Sparrow can be read in The Great Adventurer novel series. If I really have to summarize This Angel of the Door pathway paused, her voice unconsciously becoming softer. Cold, powerful, mysterious, and will kill people on the spot if they say one wrong word. But, but very reliablewhen youre with him, you only need to worry about whether he might eliminate you, theres no need to worry about anything else. Youre closer to teasing than stating facts with that last part I can clearly hear that youre somewhat afraid, yet you still insist on teasing both Gehrman Sparrow and yourselfis this the nature of writers? Well, from The Great Adventurer series, its clear that you respect, fear, and somewhat admire Gehrman Sparrow, yet you persistently write gossip about him The Chariot Lumian, listening quietly, couldnt help but think to himself. After speaking quickly, Madam Magician turned her gaze to Mr. Hanged Man sitting diagonally across from her, meaning it was his turn. Mr. Hanged Man had already prepared his thoughts. I havent had much contact with any of Mr. Fools identities, and some I havent met at all, so I can only say briefly. An experienced, very intelligent, and powerful adventurer. His luck seems quite good too. Not actually as cold and hard as his exterior suggests. Willing to listen to others opinions and respect their experience. After Mr. Hanged Man finished, Madam Judgment, who appeared small compared to her chair, shared her understanding, Most of my impressions of Gehrman Sparrow come from Madam Magician, so theres no need to repeat them. Ive had the most contact with the identity of Dwayne Dants. Hes a mature, cultured, wealthy gentleman, but very mysterious, with unusual things always happening around him. Hes said to be romantic, fond of beautiful women with different characteristics, but I havent noticed him having any truly deep relationships with any women. Well, he also has a kind heart, does charity work with genuine desire to help others, and treats his male and female servants not just with surface politeness, but actually without arrogance or hidden discrimination This is also one side of Mr. Fool, especially certain details that really reflect his inner nature Madam Justice carefully memorized what the other Major Arcana card holders were saying, to summarize and distill it later. Mr. Sun, tall and wearing a plain white robe, followed by saying, Powerful but not arrogant, cold but not heartless. He practices all that is righteous, hes willing to take great risks to help people who are actually of no use to him, he is light in the darkness, a guide walking ahead, an angel sheltering everyone. A more religious description, with more extreme and pure emotions As expected of the Pope of the Church of The Fool and member of the New City of Silvers six-member council Lumian could clearly hear some differences. Maam Hermit pushed up her glasses and said, A very capable adventurer who can always respond most appropriately to unexpected situations. He also yearns for something, he also gazes at the setting sun, and at such times, I can truly feel his lonelinesswhat he wants to grasp seems to be in a very distant, unreachable place. Also, a mysterious, powerful, and reliable companion. The original Major Arcana card holders of the Tarot Club had finished speaking, leaving only the two new members. The Chariot Lumian, whose figure was blurred but still recognizably female, thought for a moment before calmly saying, Ive never had any real contact with any of Mr. Fools identities in the real world, my impressions of them all come from the materials you provided. I can only speak from my interactions with Mr. Fool through certain dream images in the dream city. He was silent for a second before stating his first impression, Guardian. Mr. Star, sitting beside him, suddenly spoke, as if sighing and supplementing, A guardian fighting against threats and madness. Lumian nodded. He strongly agreed with this description, especially after learning that the Celestial Worthys spiritual imprint was indelible and eternal. This addition also resonated with the other Major Arcana card holders, and everyone fell into a new silence. After a brief moment, Lumian shared his other impressions, Gentle, kind, elder brother, teacher, friend, a person with stories, a deity with humanity. After a pause, Lumian continued, He values family and friends greatly, he probably very much wants to return to the era he truly belongs to, return to his homeland buried in history. He is lonely because of this, often sad and in pain, and only family and friends he acknowledges can help him find meaning in life. On the one hand detachment, on the other a deeper appreciation for life experiences, willing to experience beauty As he spoke, Lumian stopped, because he felt that the more he said, the more he was thinking about how Aurore was the same way, and he worried he might mix up some of Aurores characteristics with Mr. Fools, affecting the Major Arcana card holders summary of Gehrman Sparrows image. So it is indeed like this Madam Justice felt that some of her private speculations and judgments made after understanding the truth about transmigration were confirmed. While memorizing, she felt that Gehrman Sparrows image had become more grounded, more detailed, and more well-rounded. At this point, Madam Temperance, who couldnt easily speak due to her sequence limitations, displayed the paper she had been writing on. On the paper were words in ancient Feysac: My impressions are: Brave, decisive, extremely fast growth, increasingly reliable, increasingly capable. Also, gentle, cultured, kind, rational, has a sense of justice, pursues fairness, has sufficient sympathy for those in suffering and poverty, and is willing to help, has a heart of mercy. After reading the contents of Madam Temperances paper, Madam Justice thought quickly. After a while, she spoke slowly, Currently, the publics mainstream impression of Gehrman Sparrow focuses on several labels: Great adventurer, cold and powerful, Angel of Redemption, Mr. Fools proxy, pirate killer. We dont need to change these for now. What we need to do is make these labels richer, more detailed, and also show the complexity of human nature. The early impression that Gehrman Sparrow was a lunatic had basically faded after the Church of The Fool widely publicized the matter of redemption, and was no longer believed by most people. Madam Justice continued, Lets now start summarizing and unifying our understanding. The first word I want to propose is guardian.'' All the Major Arcana card holders, including Lumian, had no objections to this. Thus, after multiple discussions, those present reached a unified understanding of Gehrman Sparrows image: Powerful, cautious, mysterious background, loves money but also generous, gentle at heart, shows mercy to people, redeems suffering, values family and relationships, always misses his homeland, is Mr. Fools proxy. The Major Arcana card holders didnt add all the details to make the description richer, as that would both make it difficult to spread and easy to misinterpretit was enough that they themselves had the corresponding impressions. Madam Magician thought for a moment and said, I think we can add that he has rich inner thoughts, likes to ramble, joke, and tease in his mind. For the novels text, this would be very interesting, and this is also the true Gehrman Sparrow. That works. Madam Justice looked toward Madam Magician and smiled, saying, Then Ill trouble you to complete The Great Adventurer 7 within two weeks. Alright. Madam Magicians body stiffened for a second, then she forced a smile and said, Ive even thought of the promotional tagline, um, Want to see a more vivid and humane Gehrman Sparrow?'' Chapter 1041 - Chapter 1041 Different Accounts Chapter 1041 Different Accounts Whether or not the Demoness of Black provided the corresponding mystical knowledge, you should perform the ritual in the next two days. I will help you forcefully locate and lock onto the Mirror Person. After this is done, Ill need to focus on meeting my deadline, Madam Magician said to Lumian as she floated in the East Lognes Forest near Chaillot Town. Dont tell me you havent even started writing yetnot a single word? When you said above the gray fog that youd even thought of the promotional tagline, did you make that up on the spot? In that case, completing The Great Adventurer 7 in two weeks would be very difficult, unless you dont care about quality Lumian pondered thoughtfully. At the end of yesterdays small meeting, Madam Magician had promised in front of all the Major Arcana card holders that she would deliver the manuscript for The Great Adventurer 7 within two weeks. The other Major Arcana card holders also expressed that they would quickly adjust Gehrman Sparrows image within their own spheres of influence. The most important among these was the action to be taken by the Church of The Fool. Mr. Sun would gather bishops from each parish in batches to undergo intensive theological training, adding corresponding interpretations and descriptions to their sermons while making minimal changes to the scripture. Before Lumian could respond, Madam Magician added, If youre really not ready to perform the ritual yet, then we can wait until two weeks later. Im ready, Lumian calmly replied, standing atop a large tree, concealing himself in the shadows of the canopy. At this time, Franca arrived at the estate that primarily grew grapes. She once again saw Browns Sauron, with her orange-red long hair, clean and pure face, and hint of wildness. Long time no see, Franca smiled in greeting. Browns looked at her and suddenly froze. You seem to have become more beautiful. Youve become more beautiful too, Franca observed Browns, noticing that her orange-red hair had become slightly darker, her features more delicate, and the touch of wildness in her demeanor made one unconsciously think of young girls who could participate in hunting in primitive tribes. Browns withdrew her gaze and said with slight pride in a soft voice, Im now a Demoness of Affliction. If this were at sea, youd have a chance to be called an admiral, Franca politely complimented. What do you call that? Thats called having class! Browns strongly agreed with this, but said, I feel like in recent years, Sequence 5 has become increasingly less valuable. When the apocalypse comes, except for a few special saints, perhaps only Angels will be able to make a difference Franca suddenly felt somewhat melancholic. The two Demonesses chatted casually as they went deeper into the estate, arriving at the round pavilion situated among numerous grape vines and creepers. The Demoness of Black, wearing a deep blue hat, her face partially obscured by a veil which only made her more alluring, was sitting inside. Teacher, Franca is here, Browns stepped forward and said softly. The Demoness of Black turned to the side and cast her gaze upon Franca. Good morning, Madame, Franca first greeted with a smile, then said seriously and devoutly, I have become a Demoness of Despair, under Gods watch. Demoness of Despair? Sequence 4 demigod? She became a demigod? Brownss beautiful eyes suddenly grew round. When she and Franca first met, they were both just Demonesses of Pleasure, and in just over half a year, the other party had reached Sequence 4? This was a qualitative change point, the gateway to godhood, the initial line separating humans from godshow could it be so easy to cross and push open? A Sequence 4 Demoness of Despair, even within the entire Demoness Sect, their numbers were quite limited, worthy of being called high-ranking, though not yet able to enter the core layer! I thought my advancement speed was already fast enough Browns momentarily felt dazed, unable to help questioning life. The Demoness of Black showed no obvious emotional fluctuation, and only nodded after Franca finished speaking, Thank God for Her favor, thank the Primordial Ones grace. She accepted it just like that? Has the Primordial Demoness given corresponding revelations? Franca, who was already prepared to flee the Demoness Sect at any time and wanted to get whatever benefits she could, quickly said, After becoming a Demoness of Despair, I feel my connection with the Mirror Person has deepened, and it has undergone some sort of mutation. Could you teach me in detail about the mystical knowledge related to the Mirror Person? The Demoness of Black glanced at Franca and said with a slight smile, After gaining godhood, you indeed should pay attention to such matters. Her gaze swept over Browns as she continued, The Mirror People of Demonesses always believe they are the original body, that they are the original who was separated after drinking the Witch potion, imprisoned in the mirror world, serving as a mirror substitute and mirror magic medium. If you with your godhood believe this point, your soul, personality, and spirit will become incomplete because of it. Not only will you never have hope of reaching higher sequences, but youll also have many problems in daily life, and the risk of losing control will also become very high. A Demonesss Mirror Person is essentially a product of the combination of potion power and mirror world rules, closer to a spiritual imprint and soul projection. This is completely different from Moran Avignys saying that a Demonesss true self dwells within the mirror Although I prefer this explanation and am willing to accept it, the Demoness of Black probably hasnt revealed the whole truth. For example, why is the spiritual imprint and soul projection in a male state? After becoming a Witch, both body and soul have changed Well, Moran Avigny, as a Mirror Person, his viewpoints and perspectives must also be biased Combine the two? Franca listened quietly, thinking instinctively, without interrupting the Demoness of Blacks explanation. The Demoness of Blacks voice took on several layers of complexity, with various emotions difficult to distinguish. This is also one of the reasons why males are more suited to the Demoness pathway. To further utilize the mirror world, one must inevitably face their own Mirror Person, and male Demonesses Mirror Person is maleextreme, vengeful, hateful, males in pain who will be better attracted by a Demonesss charm, thereby becoming infatuated with us, both hating and obeying. Female Demonesses Mirror People have stronger replacement desires and are harder to control. Can it work like that? You were able to become a Demoness of Unaging because you charmed your mirror self and made him fall in love with you? What does tasting yourself feel like? Franca pondered internally. Arent Demonesses too twisted? She thought for a moment and said sincerely, Eventually we have to face our own Mirror Person? Will he be willing to meet with me? I feel he will deliberately avoid me using our mystical connection. The Demoness of Black answered, They will indeed avoid you. Although our Mirror Person will continuously grow stronger as our strength increases, being equivalent to a copy of our abilities, but as a Demonesss Mirror Person, they are naturally restricted, constrained, and weakened by the mirror world, like prisoners wearing shackles unable to perform normally. Theyre unlikely to be our match, so they will inevitably choose to avoid us. Only when you are weak enough, and there are no traps around, will you see him, face him. Remember, what you know, he knows. Let the Mirror Person think theres an opportunity? And we share memories and abilities? Franca pondered for a few seconds and said, In Underground Trier, I entered a special mirror world and encountered my own Mirror Person. That time, he faced me directly, without avoiding me in advance. The Mirror Person in the special mirror worlds is different from a Demonesss Mirror Person in the broader mirror world. Whats useful to us is the latter, the Demoness of Black explained briefly. Franca asked about some more details until the Demoness of Black no longer gave detailed answers. She had to report other matters. Louis from the Emperor Party was very frustrated for a while earlier, seemingly unable to contact some important figure, but recently hes back to normal, showing no similar behavior. Very good, keep watching them, the Demoness of Black nodded slightly. Franca received permission after taking her leave. The Demoness of Black quietly watched her silhouette until she and Browns disappeared into the grape grove. In the luxurious villa. Franca detailed the mystical knowledge taught by the Demoness of Black to Lumian and Jenna. Are we performing the ritual today? after they finished their discussion, Madam Magician asked. We can try. Well only know what problems there are after we try, Lumian stood up, his black hair falling loose. Madam Magician smiled and said, No need to rush, wait for me. As soon as she finished speaking, this Major Arcana card holder opened an illusory door of starlight and walked through it. Soon after, she returned to this luxurious villa. She had changed her clothes, wearing a deep black warlocks robe embroidered with silver stars. Look in the mirror, then use Mirror Substitution. Madam Magicians speech quickened slightly, as if she couldnt maintain her current state for too long. Under Franca and Jennas watchful eyes, Lumian walked to the full-length mirror in the bedroom. Looking at the enchanting Demoness reflected in the mirror, he maintained a cold expression and actively used Mirror Substitution. When the cracking sound rang out, the silver stars on Madam Magicians warlock robe began to glow, becoming increasingly numerous. The surrounding darkness spread accordingly, and an illusory starry sky descended upon this room. The brilliant stars moved rapidly, forming a directional, extremely complex key. This was forcefully locating by borrowing the mystical connection between Lumian and his Mirror Person, utilizing the characteristic that the Mirror Person was the corresponding medium for mirror magic! In just a second or two, Madam Magicians voice echoed ethereally, Found him. Countless starlight then fell, disappearing into the full-length mirror. Ive briefly confined the target, you can go now, Madam Magician then said to Lumian. Her voice had returned to normal. Lumian nodded once, stepped into the full-length mirror, and following the starlights guidance, traversed into the depths of the mirror world. Chapter 1042 - Chapter 1042: A Common Goal Chapter 1042: A Common Goal The endless darkness around seemed frozen, with points of starlight moving through it like liquid flowing through blood vessels in an illusory tunnel, helping Lumian traverse without losing his way. In just about ten seconds, Lumian arrived at an area where the void was dark and heavy, forming a giant eggshell. With his arrival, the guiding starlight ahead coalesced into a dreamlike door upon the eggshell. As soon as Lumian passed through this door, he saw a familiar figure. It was himself, his male state. That handsome face was covered in blood stains, and his blue eyes revealed undisguised hatred and pain. Well well, having an Angels help does make a difference! Lumians Mirror Person gave a thumbs up, his voice dripping with sarcasm. If an Angel promises to help and you dont use her power, wouldnt that make you a fool? Lumian let out his habitual scoff. Lumians Mirror Person stared fixedly at his female self, and after a few seconds said, What are you here for? Lumian responded calmly. To reconcile with you. If youre unwilling, Ill beat you into submission, charm you until you are. Lumians Mirror Person gave a self-mocking laugh, then said, Okay. That simple? Lumian raised an eyebrow that was much softer than his Mirror Persons. His Mirror Person chuckled. Id rather replace you, but that would require your agreement too. If theres no other way, that could be considered. Lumians lips curved into a smile, his face seeming to reflect a hint of starlight. His Mirror Person froze for a moment and said, We are essentially the same, the current me. The current me? Lumian was partly concerned his mirror self had other schemes, and partly wanted to explore more knowledge about Mirror People to help Franca with the upcoming ritual, so he didnt rush forward to reconcile. After consuming the Witch or higher potions and stabilizing the birth of a Mirror Person, essentially a split of the self occurs during advancement, dividing into the me in the mirror and the me outside the mirror, the me of the original gender and the me of the current gender. When you became a Demoness of Despair, you still had Inevitabilitys boon, which caused a slight change in the split-the me in the mirror is the me of the original gender, also the past me, while the me outside is the me of the current gender, also the present me. The mirrored Lumians face showed slight distortion. This is my personal experience and feeling, it might not be entirely correct. If we reconcile, will we together form the future me? Lumian asked thoughtfully. Perhaps. The mirrored Lumian sneered. Who could have experience with this? Lets hurry up, dont waste time. Seeing Lumian watching him without speaking, the mirrored Lumian smacked his lips and said, If I replaced you, the ritual would definitely fall because the soul gender would be different. Then wed forever remain at the Demoness of Despair sequence unless we switched to War Bishop. Thats one path, but given the current situation, it would waste too much time. Gal, time waits for no one. Becoming a Demoness of Unaging is a crucial step to reviving Aurore. The sooner we take it, the better! Lumian was silent for a few seconds before saying. You want to reconcile because reviving Aurore is more important? Otherwise? Because of your charming personality? the mirrored Lumian mocked. He paused, composed his expression, and said in a deep voice, We are the same person. Apart from hating you, cursing you, wanting to replace you, I have no other differences from you. And none of that matters. Indeed, none of that matters. Lumian finally smiled and walked toward his mirror self. He extended his fair, slender hand with skin like congealed cream. His mirror self also smiled. Since replacing you isnt the most important thing. between reconciliation, being enslaved, and being infatuated with you, Ill definitely choose reconciliation. As he spoke, he also extended his right palm. A broad, strong hand with bronze-colored skin. The two hands, noticeably different in size, clasped together. Lumian instantly felt the mystical connection between them become almost tangible, as if forming ropes, forming a spider web that enclosed them both. In his eyes, his mirror selfs face suddenly twisted. The Mirror Person burst out cursing. Son of a sow! Do you know that every time you use Mirror Substitution, I die once and then split off from you again? You piece of shit, lets switch places once, let you experience how painful it is! Trapped in this pitch-black place every day, no one to talk to, no one to interact with, Ive nearly gone crazy. might as well die, but Aurore hasnt been revived yet! Haha, Im always happy when youre suffering, so you have times like that too! Dammit, but I suffer while being happy, because what causes you pain makes me feel pain too, when youre in despair, Im in despair too! Sometimes I think, letting me replace you to face all this. Id rather die a few more times! My little cabbage, why cant you be happier, enjoy more, make me jealous, make me strongly want to replace you? Lumian listened to his mirror selfs angry curses without suppressing the emotional waves in his heart, as if he too was howling and venting similarly. The two people in their handshake hadnt moved forward, yet they seemed to be getting closer and closer. At this point, the mirrored Lumian stopped cursing. He looked at Lumian, his expression serious, and said in a low voice, We must revive Aurore. He paused, then gritted his teeth and shouted. Otherwise I wont let you off even as a ghost! I wont let myself off either, Lumian responded in a deep voice. As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly felt his perspective change. He saw his female self with eyes as clear as a highland lake, features bright and dignified, carrying a peculiar sharpness, and he saw himself with a blood-stained face, expression no longer so twisted. At this moment, Lumian had an understanding. Using the help of the Demonesss spider silk, he took out with one hand from the Travelers Bag the Demoness of Unagings Beyonder characteristic that resembled a transparent spring eye, different parts of corpses to replace Mirror God fragments and Gorgon blood, drops of water from drowned peoples lungs collected over these two days, and an antique mirror from the early Fifth Epoch. Under the guidance of invisible spider silk, first the slightly yellow-tinted blood was poured into a glass cup, a full 80 milliliters, then the spring-like crystal, glass shard-like objects, blackened drops with pus, and the copper mirror with damaged decorations around its edges were successively placed into that cup of blood. In an instant, the glass cup took on a grayish-white color, and all items inside quickly merged, gradually becoming illusory. Soon, a glass of grayish-white liquid that clearly reflected the surrounding mirror world appeared before Lumians eyes. The Unaging potion! Lumian, simultaneously having two perspectives, raised his left hand and brought the transparent grayish-white cup to his lips, drinking the potion inside. He first tasted a mixture of soil and stone, then hist senses were numbed. Wherever the potion passed, his tongue, mouth, esophagus, and stomach lost sensation, turning grayish-white. This grayish-white was still seeping into his soul. At this moment, Lumian felt his spirit float into the air, arriving at his mirror selfs side, watching as his Demoness form gradually turned to stone, seemingly becoming a statue. His mirror self also underwent corresponding changes, just much more slowly, much more gradually. Lumians spirit quickly descended, using his mirror self to maintain consciousness and avoid complete petrification. He suddenly understood why the Demoness of Unagings ritual involved enslaving ones Mirror Person, or making him infatuated, or reconciling with him, because otherwise, after taking the potion, as the body petrified and the spirit wandered toward the mirror self, it would meet the Mirror Persons strong resistance, and at this time ones strength could only be exerted to a limited degree, making the situation very precarious. When the Mirror Person was also severely petrified, Lumians spirit floated up again, returning to his body. By now, his body had adapted to the potion and, under returning consciousnesss drive, gradually shed its petrified state. Then, he saw his mirror self changing, transforming toward femininity, and not far away, one after another version of himself emerged from the darkness-him when he had just become a Demoness of Despair, him when he was still an Pyromaniac, him when he had just arrived at Cordu Village, him when he was still wandering, him in childhood Every time he looked in a mirror, it left certain traces in the mirror world, and now they all appeared! You can choose one of these selves, fixing that state This is the secret of how the Demoness of Unaging can restore youth No matter which state is chosen, it will inevitably feminize My mirror self has actually become a woman too Is this because I chose reconciliation rather than enslavement or making him infatuated? So it can work like this Lumian, still gradually relieving his petrified state. watched as his mirror self became increasingly beautiful, becoming more and more like himself, but vaguely carrying some of Aurores qualities. Just as feelings of joy began to arise, a scene suddenly appeared before his eyes: in endless darkness, an indistinct figure suddenly turned toward this direction. In just the blink of an eye, this figure arrived at the edge of that darkness, quietly looking down at Lumian. This was similar to the Primordial Demonesss gaze when Lumian advanced to Demoness of Despair, but somewhat different. Under this gaze, Lumian instantly lost most sensation, left with only a hazy consciousness struggling not to sink. Shortly after, he opened his eyes to find himself wrapped in layers of grayish-white spider webs, like prey stored by a spider, or like a newborn in an egg. The next second, the spider web silently collapsed. falling to the ground. Lumians ordinary clothes, weakened by the earlier petrification and current recovery, quickly turned to powder and drifted away. revealing lustrous, delicate white skin. While taking out and changing into clothes from the Travelers Bag, Lumian looked around. He then saw his Demoness-state mirror self. He smiled, and that Mirror Person smiled too. They were no longer separate-Lumian was both the self outside the mirror and the self inside the mirror, both the past self and the present self. This was a Demoness of Unaging. Chapter 1043 - Chapter 1043: Unaging Chapter 1043: Unaging While changing clothes, Lumian examined the changes in himself after becoming a Demoness of Unaging. Because of the reconciliation, his Mirror Persons consciousness had returned to his body. Whether it was his reflection in the mirror or himself outside it, they were now both him C different parts sharing a single consciousness. In other words, he had the sensation of being both outside and within the mirror simultaneously. Even walking in sunlight, he would partially experience another self-moving hesitantly forward in darkness. This also allowed him to see both the reality and the changes within mirrors simultaneously. Furthermore, in the past, when a Mirror Person died, it would split off from the body again to revive. Now, the body had the same privilege-if it died, it would revive through the Mirror Person. Simply put, the death of either the body or the Mirror Person alone was no longer true death for a Demoness of Unaging C it was more like a partial injury that could be healed. Additionally, a Demoness of Unaging could have multiple Mirror Persons. Lumian could use environments with multiple mirrors to temporarily multiply his Mirror Persons-as long as one survived, he wouldnt truly die. He could also use blood, hair, skin, or other media to create a Mirror Person sleeping within a mirror, hiding that mirror in a secret place under anti-divination conditions, cutting off corresponding mystical connections to prevent curses and other harm from affecting the sleeping Mirror Person. This way, even if his body and other Mirror Persons were killed, as long as this hidden mirror remained unfound, Lumian could revive through the sleeping Mirror Person. This was the source of the Demoness of Unagings bizarre resistance to death and skill at revival: the self in the mirror and the self outside are both me! Without this special characteristic, revival through this method would be impossible, which was why Lumian couldnt help others create sleeping Mirror Persons. Does reconciliation mean both inside and outside the mirror are me? While enslavement and infatuation mean the mirror self is either not me or just my appendage? Just as Lumian thought this, an illusory starfield suddenly appeared before his eyes, revealing countless brilliant stars. Some of these stars were very bright and large, hidden in the depths of darkness, while others seemed nearby yet remained untouchable. Wh-Lumians pupils, clear and dreamy like a highland lake, suddenly dilated. He felt his Unaging potion had been completely digested! Whats going on? How had it been fully digested right after drinking it and completing the advancement? He hadnt even begun acting the role of a Demoness of Unaging yet! Amid confusion, bewilderment, and perplexity, various thoughts flashed through Lumians mind until he arrived at an extraordinarily joyful speculation: This was brought about by the further awakening of Aurores soul fragment! Has Aurore further awakened through this state of being both inside and outside the mirror, through me and my Mirror Person? Shes now effectively part of me, and any part of me can eventually be revived through the Mirror Person, so has she gained this characteristic too? Given the name, surely the act of a Demoness of Unaging doesnt require maintaining an unaging mentality and appearance over hundreds or thousands of years? The unaging appearance is easily solved-a Demoness of Unaging naturally maintains their appearance. But an unaging mentality is much more difficult and would take a very long time. Yet Aurore is from thousands or tens of thousands of years ago, or even longer, and has been sleeping the whole time. Upon returning to reality in the current era, her mentality is indeed still quite young, completely unaging Aurore is now part of me, one of my aspects. If her mental, spiritual, and soul state perfectly matches the requirements of the Unaging potion, its as if I match them too, so the potion naturally digested quickly Lumian nodded thoughtfully. What made him happiest wasnt that the Unaging potion had been completely digested in such a short time, but that he had truly seen and felt Aurores awakening. This was indeed the first step in reviving Aurore! Lumian continued examining the changes in his state. Hmm, I can separate out Mirror Persons for special hiding, and since the potion is fully digested, its increased to two. Ive truly gained the Petrification ability, no longer requiring hair contact. However, Petrification still cant take effect on targets across thin air-either it must spread inch by inch from nearby until it reaches and covers the enemy, or it must use the Demonesss spider silk to transmit the corresponding power My eyes are now equivalent to mirrors. Whatever I see can become a target for curses, and I can use my eyes as a medium along with my Mirror Person transformation to directly enter the mirror world. If I manifest an incomplete Mythical Creature form, my hair will become serpents, each with a clear black and white eye on its head. Whatever these eyes see can be petrified from thin air My utilization of the mirror world has clearly strengthened. I can forcibly pull people of lower standing into the mirror world without them noticing. For Saints and Angels of equal or higher standing, success and detection depend on their state. I can even pull an entire house or street into the mirror world-what exactly gets pulled in is up to me, it doesnt have to be done as a whole I can now directly transmit power through the mirror world. Combined with Mirror Projection, I can sit at home and manifest power anywhere in Trier using positioned mirrors. The power attached to this Mirror Projection cannot exceed Sequence 4 The Hunter pathway is still only at Sequence 5, with no new fusion abilities, but Precision can help me manifest power in three different places. All Mirror Projections cannot leave their corresponding mirrors reflection range At the Demoness of Unaging level, I can control mirrors within a fifteen-kilometer range and those Ive visited before-this can cover an entire small city The Plague range has reached ten kilometers and can spread outward on its own, though the types of plagues havent increased Each spider silk is now like my arm I can perfectly display the charm of women at every age, with skin condition and facial features either matching or contrasting. As long as theres a physical medium, Curses can not only affect the target but also their direct relatives. With large-scale, special black magic, crucial media, and arrangements, curses might even harm Angels. Other aspects havent changed much Other Demoness abilities have also improved accordingly That bizarre state of the Demoness of Black earlier really had nothing to do with the Demoness of Unaging itself, or perhaps it depends on which ritual was chosen during advancement? After this examination, Lumian looked around, then traversed back to his bedroom. By this time, Madam Magician was gone. Madam Magician said that the magic robe couldnt be worn too long. After confirming you were fine, she left to get some rest and will return later, Jenna explained upon seeing him. Franca asked eagerly, Did the ritual succeed? Are you now a Demoness of Unaging? Her spiritual intuition told her this was the case. Lumian nodded and smiled, Yes, we reconciled. Before Franca could ask more, he casually said, The Unaging potion has also been completely digested. Huh? What? Jenna and Franca exclaimed in surprise. Lumian smiled at Franca. If you became a Demoness of Unaging, youd be able to digest the potion quickly too. Ah, me? Franca paused, pointing at herself, then asked with some speculation, Does the acting of a Demoness of Unaging focus on time scale and the unaging state? She thought carefully-she really was an ancient relic. and she truly wasnt aging now, in any aspect. With a nod, Lumian replied, I believe the most important acting principle is maintaining an unaging mentality over the erosion of time, over hundreds or thousands of years. Its true then Franca nodded slowly, Did the Celestial Worthy make us hang on that light gate for thousands or tens of thousands of years, causing us to perfectly match such acting? His intentions were bad, but the outcome was good? Understanding what they were talking about. Jenna looked at Lumian and asked, You relied on Aurore? I now truly feel that Aurore is one of my aspects, a part of me, Lumian didnt hide it. Jenna smiled with complex emotions and empathy, Thats wonderful. She thought of her mother and father-she also had people she wanted to revive, but there was no hope now. Lumian then told Franca and Jenna in great detail about his dialogue with his Mirror Person and his feelings during advancement, finally saying. Reconciliation brings unity between the self in and outside the mirror. The other two methods probably dont work-the Mirror Person would remain ones male self. I think the prerequisite for reconciliation is that both parties have a common goal for which one is willing to sacrifice themselves, and the Mirror Person has no better options. Then negotiations become possible. Franca fell into deep thought. Lumian looked at Jenna and after some consideration said, If earlier my Mirror Person had deceived me, instigated me, replaced me, since his core is male, the advancement ritual would have failed. From this, you could have determined that the one who came out of the mirror was the Mirror Person and responded accordingly. But for purely female demonesses, there isnt this restriction. If your Mirror Person replaced you, they could still perform the ritual and become a Demoness of Unaging. This would make it impossible for anyone to notice that the real you had been silently replaced. You think this might be related to the potential horrifying experiences pure female demonesses might face when advancing to Demoness of Unaging? Jenna understood what Lumian was really trying to warn about. Lumian nodded. This surely isnt everything, but it might be part of it. After talking further, Lumian asked Franca, Do you want to perform the ritual today, or prepare for a while longer? Franca ruminated for a few seconds before saying, I want to try. If my Mirror Person has my memories from before transmigrating, rather than being dominated by the original bodys residual consciousness, I think.. I think I might be able to persuade him. Chapter 1044 - Chapter 1044: Lingering Thoughts Chapter 1044: Lingering Thoughts When Madam Magician returned, Franca, like Lumian before her, entered deep into the mirror world with the help of the Angel of the Door pathways positioning and containment, and saw her Mirror Person sitting cross-legged on the ground. Her Mirror Person bore the original bodys appearance, his face stained with blood, his eyes filled with contempt, disdain, and resentment. You dare show your face to me? the Mirror Person shouted before Franca could speak. Francas mouth half-opened as she said, both angry and amused, What do I have to be ashamed of? I didnt cause all this. Youre a part of me, split from my soul. When we drank the Witch potion back then, can you say you didnt agree, that it wasnt with your permission? Why blame each other when were both responsible? Ill admit to that. The Mirror Person was silent for two seconds. But you clearly had a chance to become a man again, yet you refused. Have you become addicted to being a woman? What right do you have to face me? Have you forgotten your original appearance and conviction? Franca was momentarily speechless, and only after about ten seconds said, I feel that gender isnt important, whats important is a persons character spirit, morals Dont try to pacify me with that Instigator rhetoric, know you too well! Were the same person! the Mirror Person interrupted Franca. Being able to talk is good, being able to talk means theres room for discussion Franca sighed and said, After knowing we cant go back, I only care about certain people and things now. I dont want to lose anymore, to have any more major upheavals Besides, youre right, youre not wrong! Maybe Ive been a woman for too long, Ive gotten somewhat used to it. Since I fear change, staying unchanged is acceptable too. The Mirror Person sneered, You admit it then? You can fool others, but you cant fool yourself! Franca said self-mockingly, Besides, its almost the apocalypse, even the deities and angels think so. Lets do meaningful things first, leave other matters for after the apocalypse. We can make changes then, maybe well have new ideas by then. If we cant survive the apocalypse, everyones finished anyway, so thinking about these things is meaningless. She paused, then said softly, And we cant avoid the Demoness Sect matters, someone has to help him after all. The Mirror Person shot Franca a glance. Dont you know how dangerous it is? I know, but Im the only suitable one. Franca suddenly smiled. If I were in a similar situation, needing someone to take a great risk to do something. I believe both Lumian and Jenna would do it. Her voice was soft, but without a trace of doubt. The Mirror Person looked at Franca, his eyes gleaming with envy. After a moment, he sat cross-legged and sneered, Whatever. Whether you become a man or court death, its all the same to me now, it has nothing to do with me. As he spoke, his eyes grew dim, his whole person becoming dejected. After knowing we cant go back, nothing matters anymore. Franca recalled her emotions when learning the truth and said empathetically, We can only gradually accept our current life, accept this reality. At least there are still people we care about, people who care about us, life still has some meaning. Thats you! the Mirror Person cursed, What does that have to do with me? If I were to turn the tables and replace you, do you think Jenna and Lumian would maintain the current relationship, or eliminate me on the spot? The Mirror Person looked up at Franca, his expression suddenly turning sad. I have nothing left. Franca fell silent, her mouth slightly closed, saying nothing. The Mirror Person sighed again and said, My greatest wish originally was to find a chance to replace you, to lock you in this dark prison while I lived the good life in the real world, searching for ways to become a man again and return home. In the end, I would return home with a handsome face, strong masculine physique, and many superpowers, becoming an urban hero like Batman, admired by many, pursued by girls I liked As he spoke, the Mirror Persons voice gradually lowered. After several seconds, he said quietly, Now, I have nothing left As Franca listened to the Mirror Persons fantasies, she suddenly truly recognized that he was indeed a part of herself. Those fantasies, except for the reversed roles of inside and outside the mirror, were all things she had once imagined, the thoughts that had helped her persist in this world. At this moment, Franca had a sudden realization. There was one more prerequisite for reconciliation that Lumian hadnt summarized-the host had to truly acknowledge that the Mirror Person is a part of themselves, another aspect of themselves, rather than harboring deceptive intentions and using the Instigators abilities to persuade. Recognition should be mutual, only then can reconciliation occur, only then can consciousness be unified. Moved by this understanding, she said, You are me, and I am you. What I have is also yours. Lets reconcile, lets merge. The Mirror Person, still sitting cross-legged on the ground, was stunned for a moment before once again speaking mockingly, Forget it, we cant go back anyway, whats the point of saying these things? Franca walked toward the Mirror Person, crouched before him, and extended her hand. She smiled and said, Let me help you up. The Mirror Person stared at her steadily, and after a long while smiled and said, You probably thought you could Charm me, make me fall for you. You know, Im most vulnerable to feminine wiles. Actually, thinking about it. If I really replaced you, leaving aside whether Jenna and Lumian would accept it, I couldnt continue being a woman either. Id definitely switch to War Bishop, then live a life of debauchery, sleeping with women everywhere, cursing while sacrificing myself when the apocalypse comes? Thinking about it, its all rather pointless The Mirror Person fell silent for a few seconds, then suddenly extended his right hand, grasped Francas hand, and stood up following her pull. He looked at Francas beautiful lake-colored eyes and slightly darkened flaxen hair, clicking his tongue as he smiled. I havent forgiven you. And I dont accept your reasoning. Suddenly, his whole person relaxed, and he said in a low, gentle voice, I just have no more lingering thoughts I still have some. Franca smiled bitterly. That Mirror Person also chuckled. So, you continue on. I wont be joining you. Hearing these words, Franca truly felt the distance between them closing, their mystical connection transforming into something substantial. A phrase suddenly flashed through her mind Yesterdays matters die with yesterday, todays matters live with today. This too was a way of reconciling with oneself. The ritual succeeded, the Primordial Demoness just watched for a moment, who knows what Shes waiting for. In a bedroom of the luxury villa. Madam Magician said to Lumian and Jenna, Ill change clothes and come back. With that, she opened an illusory door and walked through. By the time she had changed back into her orange dress and returned to Lumian and Jennas side, Franca, who had finished examining her own state, walked out of the full-length mirror. Seeing that Francas eyes had become slightly bluer and her hair slightly darker and thicker, Jenna asked expectantly, Have you also fully digested the Unaging potion? Franca smiled, seemingly brightening the entire room. Yes, Lumians analysis of the Demoness of Unagings acting principles should be correct. Her current bearing was that of someone twenty- seven or twenty-eight, someone with both life experience and sophistication. Madam Magician chuckled. Your advancement speed and digestion rate would make many of the Major Arcana card holders envious. But not you? Lumian thought privately, Madam Magician continued, But dont think about rushing to the Angel level yet. At Sequence 3, you still have many things to do. Most importantly, anchors-faith anchors. Without proper preparation in this aspect, even if you have the potion formula and are lucky enough to collect the corresponding materials, the probability of losing control during advancement will still far exceed the probability of success. The apocalypse is approaching, many of the earlier Sequences have become easier, but becoming a true Mythical Creature remains difficult and dangerous. Faith anchors? We need to establish our own faith and spread it? Franca, well-read as she was, immediately understood Madam Magicians meaning. But establishing a new faith in lands that worship true gods could only be done secretly, or in the Southern Continent. Seeing Lumian also looking at her, Madam Magician pondered before saying, If you dont mind, the Church of The Fool can list you as Saints, assign corresponding parishes, and make you the patron saints of those areas. This way, you can quickly gain followers through the Church of The Fools influence and Mr. Fools authority-followers who are subsidiary to Mr. Fool. All orthodox churches help their Angels and Saints this way. After exchanging glances, Lumian and Franca said, We have no objections. Madam Magician smiled again. Then quickly design honorific names that point to you, five passages, and send them through a messenger to Judgment. Also, youre planning to stay in Trier, right? Ill have the Church of The Fool assign two cathedrals in Trier to you-ah, theres another one now, in the suburban area. This way, when followers pray, youll be able to respond, and the more miracles there are, the more believers there will be. Thats one aspect, youll also need to do things to increase your own anchors. Well, youve just advanced, rest first, and seriously consider these matters tomorrow. With that, Madam Magician hurriedly left. Lets rest first, Lumian then said to Franca, Although the potion had been fully digested, advancement was a battle, and his body, mind, and spirit were still exhausted. Alright, Franca agreed. Without waiting for nightfall, they both fell asleep in their respective bedrooms. Lumian had a dream where he returned to Cordu. In that house In Cordu Village, Aurore was waiting for him, and had even prepared a guest room for Franca and Jenna. The mountain pastures were green as carpets, the sunlight abundant, and Lumian was reluctant to wake up. The mountain pastures were green as carpets, the sunlight abundant, and Lumian was reluctant to wake up. Lumian got out of bed and walked toward the door when suddenly, he saw a white paper on the desk, with an ink bottle pressing down one corner. It wasnt like this before I slept Lumian was stunned for a moment as he looked carefully. His gaze suddenly froze. There was a line of words on the white paper, in handwriting he knew very well. That was Aurores handwriting! Aurores handwriting Did she become active while I was asleep? She wrote this note, was she trying to remind me of something? Lumian approached the desk with dilated pupils and read the papers contents. It was a short line in Intis: Summon White Paper! Chapter 1045 - Chapter 1045: White Paper Chapter 1045: White Paper Summon White Paper? When Lumian saw the words on the paper, he was clearly stunned. A strange trembling, surprise, and fear immediately welled up from the depths of his heart. Had Aurore, whose soul fragment had further awakened and merged with me, struggled to control my body while I slept, just to leave this reminder? Theoretically, this should be very important. But why White Paper? Lumian certainly remembered what White Paper was C it was Aurores contract creature, very weak, from the spirit world. Besides being spiritually connected to Aurore, its only function was to temporarily carry one Beyonder ability of the contractor, and even then, it was limited to simple and weak types. What was there to care about with such a contract creature? The real reason for Lumians intense emotional reaction was: he had originally thought everything about Cordu Village was very clear, that every important symbol had been interpreted, that who all the participants were and what roles they played were sufficiently clear, with no more questions, lacking only some specific details that didnt affect the overall truth. But now, after Aurores soul fragment had further wakened, the first thing she did was tell him to summon the contract creature White Paper! Are there still important symbols in the Cordu Village incident that havent been interpreted? Is the current truth not the complete truth? Are there still crucial secrets hidden? Lumian forcefully suppressed the turmoil in his heart and quickly reviewed the key points of the Cordu Village incident. Initially, Madame Pualis followed her husband, the local administrator, Bost, to Cordu, secretly planning to develop Cordu into her territory to establish her own Paramita; Madame Pualis began an affair with the padre and became pregnant; Aurore, influenced by members of Aprils Fool attempted a Soul Summoning and ran into problems; Aurore sought treatment from I Know Someone, her mental state fluctuating until ultimately allowing Roche Louise Sanson to return; Some villagers who were close to Aurore were influenced by Roche and believed in the constellation heresy, gradually spreading it outward; The padre, while dealing with those involved in the constellation heresy, was bewitched by Roche and became a believer in Inevitability: At this time, or perhaps later, the deity worshipped by the Aurora Order noticed Aurores abnormality and the problems in Cordu Village, and began plotting Amons return; Several shepherds began bringing sacrifices into the village, secretly conducting several ritual; Reimund, Ava, and others discovered the villages abnormalities and were subsequently silenced; I stumbled upon this matter and was nearly killed by the padres group, fortunately saved by Aurore; She also discovered something was wrong, we began seeking help from the outside world, but the truly useful approach was blocked by the tiny lizards; Aurore was increasingly becoming Roche Louise Sanson; They raided Madame Pualiss castle, and the padre killed his own child; Madame Pualis left Cordu with her husband, butler, and maid, but left behind that empty cradle and other hidden arrangements, achieving some purpose through the final ritual; The ritual officially began, Aurore pushed me off the altar, and Cordu was subsequently destroyed. Lumian carefully recalled everything but couldnt find where White Paper had played any important role or key part in these events. It had only served as eyes for Aurore or Roche at certain moments, helping them observe corresponding targets and specific battlefields. Among all the key points, the only unclear one is what role Madame Pualiss empty cradle, and hidden arrangements played, but preliminarily it can be linked to the true birth of the Mothers Child of God Omebella, which isnt very questionable-this was confirmed by both Mr. Stars previous interpretation and the later scene of Madame Pualis appearing with baby Omebella Did White Paper observe some detail then that Aurore found useful, or rather, strange? Just as Lumian thought this, he heard a knock at the door. Come in. His emotions had largely calmed down. Franca and Jenna opened the door and entered. The former looked around and said, We sensed you were awake but hadnt opened the door, so we came to check on you. Lumian pointed to the paper on the desk and said. While I was asleep, Aurore might have briefly awakened and used my body to leave this message. Both Franca and Jenna were startled and quickly came to the desk, looking at the paper pressed down by the ink bottle. White Paper your sisters contract creature? Jenna recalled Lumians previous accounts. Why did Aurore want you to summon White Paper? Franca asked, puzzled. Lumian shook his head slowly, I dont know either. I thought everything about Cordu Village was already clear, but now Franca suddenly had an inspiration and said thoughtfully, Could this be the useful change that would appear after becoming a Demoness of Unaging in Mr. Fools revelation? Is this the correct interpretation of that prerequisite? After thinking for a while, Lumian said, Very likely. I had previously examined the characteristics and abilities of a Demoness of Unaging and hadnt found anything that could play a key role in subsequent events. I thought something would only emerge when I brought the Gift of the Land to meet the Hand Bro in the City of Exiles. Now it seems Mr. Fool required me to advance to a Demoness of Unaging before borrowing the Gift of the Land because once I became a Demoness of Unaging. Aurores soul fragment would further awaken and better merge with me, able to provide very important reminders. So youre saying White Paper might have recorded key information about Madame Pualis and her baby Omebella? Jenna made this conjecture based on Lumian and Francas words. Lumian nodded. Go get Anthony and Ludwig upstairs. Im preparing to summon White Paper now. Since Aurore hasnt completely died, her contract with White Paper still exists, and since Aurore is now part of me, I can summon White Paper in her name. Lumian wanted Anthony and Ludwig present because he wasnt sure what state White Paper would be in- perhaps they would need a Spectator or Gourmet to interpret the corresponding information. Alright. Franca and Jenna easily understood Lumians intentions. After Anthony and Ludwig arrived in the bedroom and found their positions, Lumian quickly set up the altar. Finally, he took out his Major Arcana card: The Chariot! While placing The Chariot card at one corner of the altar, he took out The Fools Sacred Emblem and pressed it on top of The Chariot card. This matter might involve the Great Mother, so he had to be careful. After completing all preparations, Lumian watched the quietly burning candle flame and, within the wall of spirituality, stepped back twice and called out in ancient Hermes, I! Then, Lumian switched to Hermes. I summon in my name: The spirit that wanders about the unfounded, a friendly creature that can be subordinated, a Contract Companion that belongs solely to me After reciting the incantation, Lumian saw the candle flame gently start to flicker, taking on a ghostly blue tinge. A cold wind suddenly swept through, and a transparent, blurry sphere like a soap bubble appeared above the candle flame. It quietly faced Lumian, giving him a sense of both familiarity and strangeness. This was indeed White Paper, just as he remembered it, yet there was also an inexplicable sense of unfamiliarity. As I remembered Lumian suddenly felt a pain in his head. He slightly furrowed his brow as images flashed through his mind. He remembered now that he had never actually seen White Paper because before Cordus destruction, he wasnt yet a Beyonder, and even with Aurores guidance, he hadnt successfully activated Spirit Vision, and at low to middle Sequences, one couldnt see White Paper without Spirit Vision. His memories of White Papers appearance all came from Aurores soul fragment. As scene after scene flashed by, Lumian, through the further awakened soul fragment of Aurore, barely recalled the circumstances of her first summoning of White Paper. At that time, White Paper was also such a fragile, soap bubble-like sphere, but there seemed to be liquid inside the sphere-clear liquid with hints of pale yellow and milky white. And as time passed, those liquids gradually disappeared, and White Paper eventually settled into its current form. Why had there been such a change? Lumian looked at White Paper, feeling it was indeed spiritually connected to him. But spiritual connection didnt mean White Paper had enough intelligence to understand the meaning of words-it could only accept simple commands and couldnt answer Lumians questions. Theres nothing abnormal, nothing noteworthy Franca frowned, turning her gaze to Jenna, Anthony, and Ludwig. Jenna and Anthony shook their heads in turn, indicating they also hadnt seen any important information contained in White Paper. Ludwig licked his lips and said softly. It used to have a very tempting scent, but now its gone. Used to have a very tempting scent Franca fell into thought. Jenna muttered to herself, This indicates there was indeed a problem, there used to be a problem? The knowledge Aurore used to summon White Paper came from the infusion of that evil god Hidden Sage an intentional infusion? Mm. Franca nodded slowly and solemnly, What was the problem that used to exist? She looked at Ludwig again. Dont know. Ludwig shook his head. At this point, Lumian, who had been watching White Paper and listening to his companions dialogue, spoke in a deep voice. If we treat the Cordu Village disaster as a story, what does White Paper symbolize in this story? Franca and the others looked at each other, each lost in thought. After a few seconds, Franca carefully said, I dont know what the contract creature White Paper symbolizes, but when the concept of white paper is connected to the story, it symbolizes She paused, her throat inexplicably tight, her voice unconsciously becoming deeper. It symbolizes the state before a story is written-it symbolizes the beginning of everything. Chapter 1046 - Chapter 1046: Hidden Sage Chapter 1046: Hidden Sage The beginning of everything Lumian softly repeated Francas interpretation. Jenna listened with inexplicable terror. Did the Cordu Village disaster actually start when Aurore summoned White Paper, rather than when April Fools set their sights on her? Lumian stared at White Paper for a while, then dismissed the summoning. Then, he muttered to himself, From Aurores memory fragments and grimoires, she was first infused with knowledge about White Paper, and it was only several months later that Madame Pualis followed her husband to Cordu. I originally thought Madame Pualis was simply looking for a rural village with weak church and government influence to develop her own territory and prepare for the formation of Paramita and obtain higher boons, which is why she targeted Bost who was about to become the administrative officer and territorial judge of Cordu. Now it seems this may not have been a coincidence. She came specifically for Cordu Village, though she may not have known why she needed to do this-she likely just received divine revelation from the Great Mother. Yes, thats right! At this point, Lumians lips curled into a slightly grotesque smile. This answers why Omebellas first incarnation was in Cordu! A flash of insight struck both Jenna and Franca. The former blurted out. Madame Pualiss affair with the padre and her pregnancy happened before Aurore used Soul Summoning, or before her condition worsened due to the treatment from I Know Someone, which led to the spread of the Inevitability faith. Unless someone had prophesied the development and outcome of the entire Incident, Madame Pualis probably hadnt thought about using the Inevitability believers ritual sacrifices at that time-Cordu didnt even have any Inevitability believers then! Franca followed up, And the Cordu incident involves very high levels, so even the Great Mother probably couldnt see the specific shape of the results in the initial stages. Lumian nodded. Simply seducing the padre of the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun, having an affair near the cathedral altar, becoming pregnant, and obtaining the corresponding symbolism-couldnt this have been accomplished in any remote village? Why did only Madame Pualis in Cordu succeed? When she successfully became pregnant with Omebella, there wasnt even any power of Inevitability to utilize! Thinking about it in reverse, we can reach a conclusion: when Aurore summoned White Paper certain things related to Omebella secretly arrived in Cordu, nurturing power invisibly, and then Madame Pualis received divine revelation to come to Cordu. Reflecting on the changes in White Papers state before and after, Lumian thoughtfully said, Amniotic fluid? Did White Paper once carry the amniotic fluid that nurtured Omebella? After the amniotic fluid came into reality, did it quickly merge into Cordus overall environment? Amniotic fluid Franca and Jenna were momentarily bewildered. Lumian briefly described White Papers appearance when first summoned and its subsequent changes, then gave a cold laugh. If this is true, that infusion from the Hidden Sage was definitely not random, but intentional. Jenna quickly nodded. Thats what she had said earlier. Franca spoke with confusion, But the Hidden Sage didnt gain any benefits from this whole incident. So far, we havent seen how He benefited from it Pure harm without self-benefit? Also, wasnt April Fools targeting of Aurore also a coincidence? They werent aiming for Omebellas incarnation We need to reassess what we know about April Fools now; we cant fully trust it. Lumian scoffed, After experiencing the dream city, dont you have a deeper understanding of foolery? What April Fools believes may not be the truth, just like in the sea prayer ritual. they overlooked some key issues, being presumptuous and ultimately becoming the jester. Is the Celestial Worthy secretly helping the Great Mother? Franca suddenly realized, Lumian gave a sound of agreement. As for why Hidden Sage deliberately infused that knowledge, I cant think of a reason right now, but Ill ask Him eventually. As he spoke, Lumian paused. I remember Maam Hermits main task was to investigate Hidden Sages condition and the reason His mutation back then caused the one from the Church of Steam to leave the Moss Ascetic Order Did His coming to life, His abnormality, come from the Great Mothers influence? How was it accomplished? The barrier was still quite solid at that time Franca, Jenna, and Anthony exchanged glances, with the former reminding. Should we report this to Mr. Fool? Ill pray now. Lumian nodded slightly. After Mr. Fool had initially awakened through the image of Gehrman Sparrow, praying to him wasnt as troublesome as before when they needed to leave long intervals between two prayers. Soon, Lumian completed his prayer, reporting everything about the changes brought by Aurores soul fragments further awakening after he became a Demoness of Unaging, White Papers symbolism, the new interpretation of the Cordu Village incident, and his speculations about Hidden Sage. Mr. Fool only said he knows. Lumian told Franca and the others, It seems well have to wait until I bring the Gift of the Land to the City of Exiles and meet with Hand Bro before getting new revelations. Alright. Franca sighed. Lumian thought for a moment and said, Ill also synchronize my speculations about Hidden Sage with Maam Hermit later, hoping it might give her some inspiration. After Anthony took Ludwig downstairs to prepare dinner, Lumian looked at Franca and thoughtfully asked, Do you plan to tell all members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society the truth about the transmigration? Franca appeared troubled. Im afraid the shock would be too great, some people might not be able to accept it and lose control on the spot. As she spoke, she mocked herself. If I still hadnt digested half of the Despair potion, saying this much is about all thats needed. She made a sound of agreement and continued, I plan to meet with Madame Hele first, give her a hint of it. Shes emotionally stable and should be able to accept it, then we can discuss how to proceed. After pondering for a moment, Lumian said. By the way, help me ask when the next gathering will be. Do you have something in mind? Franca asked curiously. Smiling, Lumian replied. I want to clarify one question: Why Aurore? Why Aurore Jenna pondered, Why did Hidden Sage specifically choose Aurore as the target for infusing that knowledge? Lumian clicked his tongue and continued, The conditions of being a transmigrator, having the gray fogs aura, being female, and being a Warlock- almost no one in the outside world could satisfy all of these simultaneously, but within the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, there are several who do. Why did the Hidden Sage pick Aurore? Was there something else about Aurore herself, was Cordu already harboring abnormalities, or was she simply unlucky and randomly chosen by Hidden Sage? Indeed. Franca nodded in agreement. We should investigate this. After discussing these matters, Jenna intentionally changed the topic to keep the atmosphere from becoming too heavy. She said to Franca and Lumian, You need to design your honorific names now. Lumian and Franca, both with relevant mystical knowledge, looked at each other, feeling inexplicably awkward. Of course, besides feeling awkward, Franca was also a bit excited. Im going to have an honorific name, this is unprecedented! Ill go first, she volunteered. Seeing both Lumian and Jenna looking at her, she took paper and pen from the table, saying with a smile, The phrase the Great Franca Roland needs to be there, but how embarrassing as an ending. As she spoke, she wrote down this phrase. The other descriptions should reflect your abilities and characteristics. Lumian reminded her. Franca thought for a moment and spoke, Should the first line be Demoness of Unaging? No. wouldnt that affect Mr. Fools reputation? As his saint, I should lean towards the positive side. Hmm, One Who Never Ages. Should the second line be Spreader of Diseases and Plagues? That sounds like a villain; need to rephrase it, Keeper of Diseases and Plagues, what do you think? This implies both the containment of plagues and the authority to bestow illness as punishment. I think that works, Jenna expressed agreement, and Lumian had no objections. Franca pondered for another while. I think the description of Demoness should be m included, as thats my current essence, but it needs to sound better. The Demoness Accompanied by Strife and Catastrophe? Hehe, Im not the one creating the strife and catastrophe, they just follow me around, Good, thats the third line. For the fourth line, should we showcase a Demonesss charm or my personal characteristics? But if we add pleasure to the description, what if people start praying to me for pleasure? As a saint of the Church of The Fool, we should indicate your relationship with the Church. Lumian helped think. Also, dont use pleasure, thats too suggestive. Use joy, it encompasses more meanings, and you do bring joy-its your characteristic. Lumian paused and said, Fourth line: The Cup Bearing Joy and Pain. The Cup refers to the Cup card, Indicating Im Mr. Fools Minor Arcana card, using his status? Mm, the Cup card also symbolizes emotions and feelings, which perfectly matches the joy and pain brought by a Demoness. Perfect, lets use that! Franca clapped her hands and smiled brightly. She quickly wrote down the complete honorific name: The One Who Never Ages, Keeper of Diseases and Plagues, the Demoness Accompanied by Strife and Catastrophe, the Cup Bearing Joy and Pain, the Great Franca Roland. After reading it several times, Franca said with lingering interest, I see many Sequence 3 Saints have protector of something in their honorific names, should I add that too? But I dont have anything to protect right now, I still lack accumulation and have been a saint for too short a time. I cant be the protector of Lumian and Jenna. can I? Protector of Human Trials and Spirit of Adventure? Lumian joked. Franca rolled her eyes at him. Your turn! Chapter 1047 - Chapter 1047: Honorific Name Chapter 1047: Honorific Name Lumian took the paper and pen from in front of Franca and said with a smile, We can always add descriptions about being someone or somethings protector later when it actually happens. After all, every demigod can have many descriptions, though they dont use all of them. He then wrote down the last line of his honorific name with the pen: The Great Lumian Lee. Then he smiled at Franca and Jenna. The first line should leverage Mr. Fools status. As he spoke, he wrote down his first honorific line: The Chariot of Mr. Fool. Before Jenna and Franca could speak, he made a self- deprecating comment. The second line will continue to leverage, this time from 0-01. Proxy of the God of War? Franca blurted out. No good, Lumian shook his head. Lady Magician mentioned before that the title God of War refers to both 0-01 and Red Angel Medici. If I call myself the Agent of the God of War, He might laugh uncontrollably -wouldnt that be like giving Him a free gift? Try something else, like Proxy of the Lord of War? These will all point to 0-01 anyway, Jenna suggested. I think it should be more conceptual, to minimize Red Angels influence as much as possible, Lumian thought for a few seconds and wrote, Proxy of Chaos and War. Seeing this description, Franca suddenly laughed. If you really want to leverage, you should continue. Let me do a count. Heir of the Blood Emperor, Divine Child of the Great Mother, Friend of the Underworld Daoist, One Who Serves the Peak Beings of Both Calamity and Sacrifice Pathways Tsk, better forget those. If you really added them as your honorific name, you might drop dead on the spot. A room cant hold that many people. Lumian glanced at Franca, responding with an old joke. Holding the pen, Lumian continued, I thought of the third line before going to bed. What is it? Franca asked curiously. Instead of answering her, Lumian directly wrote down a description: The Dual-Bodied One Forged by Fire and Frost. Dual-Bodied One. Jenna read the latter part aloud. suddenly understanding this was preparation for Aurores further resurrections, allowing the corresponding anchors to point to her as well. Dual-Bodied One refers to both you and Aurore, and also to the female Demoness and male Hunter, as well as the me outside the mirror and the me inside it. Brilliant! Franca sincerely praised. Fire and frost correspond to the Hunter and Demoness abilities, and being forged by fire and frost would inevitably bring intense pain-only sufficient obsession and strong will could endure it. This also represents your journey to become who you are now As she spoke, Franca shut her mouth. Then, feigning world-weariness, she sighed and patted Lumians shoulder. Things will get better! Indeed, Jenna said hopefully. After reconciling with myself, my condition has actually improved quite a bit. Lumian laughed, looking at the paper on the table. For the fourth line, I want to show both my current highest Sequence characteristics and point out how I differ from most Beyonders on the Demoness and Hunter pathways. You have abilities merged from two pathways, most notably the Fire of Destruction. And the most obvious trait of the Demoness of Unaging Sequence is eternal youth, Franca pondered. Lumian nodded slightly and wrote carefully: Unaging Saint Holding Destruction? Make it Bearing-although holding makes me imagine a beautiful Demoness extending both hands holding black flames of destruction, Unaging Saint Bearing Destruction sounds better. Franca imagined the corresponding scene. That works too, Lumian accepted Francas suggestion. Finally, his honorific name was determined as: The Chariot of Mr. Fool, Proxy of Chaos and War, the Dual- Bodied One Forged by Fire and Frost, Unaging Saint Bearing Destruction, the Great Lumian Lee. Putting down the pen. Lumian made a self C deprecating comment. Just thought of a hellish joke C I could also add Protector of Cordu to my honorific name. Jenna and Franca exchanged glances, both feeling that Lumians mental and spiritual state had indeed improved somewhat. Alright, we can now summon Madam Judgments messenger to inform her of both our honorific names, and ask her to contact the Church of Knowledge on our behalf, hopefully getting an opportunity to visit the City of Exiles soon. Hmm, only after the time is confirmed can I go borrow Gift of the Land-that Sealed Artifact is too dangerous, I can only use it briefly. The latter half of Lumians words were meant for Jenna. He knew that although Jenna appeared calm on the surface, she was quite anxious inside. Obviously, Jenna hoped to become a Demoness of Despair before Julien returned to Trier, which was only a week away. Alright. Franca didnt delay. After sending letters to both Madam Judgment and Maam Hermit through their respective messengers, the three Demonesses waited for Madam Judgments possible reply. Franca looked out the window at the early evening lights and said somewhat emotionally. The scenery here is beautiful, and the environment is nice, but it feels somewhat stuffy living here. This luxurious villa had just been gifted to them yesterday by Madam Justice, as additional compensation for awakening Mr. Fool. Franca had also moved her belongings, especially that small analyzer machine, and announced her return to the telegraph group last night. Stuffy? Jenna was a bit confused. Franca smacked her lips and said, Maybe Im just not the type who likes living in villa districts. I prefer having lots of shops downstairs, street vendors gathering in the morning, but sleeping in a room away from the street to avoid being disturbed. Whatever I want to eat, I can go down and buy it anytime. When theres nothing to do, I can stand by the living room window and watch children chase and play, see how vendors do business, watch what stories passersby might act out, and sometimes, with a non- ordinary ones hearing, faintly catch some gossip and rumors. Francas voice grew softer, as if immersed in such scenes. After a few seconds, she sighed and said with self- mockery, Living here is good too, at least we dont have to worry about affecting Innocent people when fighting. With Saint-level abilities, that would be difficult, Lumian reminded her. To this, Franca could only respond with a brief interjection, Ah Soon after, Madam Judgment replied through her jellyfish-like messenger Ongla: Results from communication with the Church of Knowledge will come tomorrow at the earliest, or the day after tomorrow at the latest. Tomorrow or the day after Lumian nodded and smiled, Then theres nothing urgent for now, we have some leisure time. He then left the bedroom and went downstairs. Then, he went to the study, took several popular novels and a pile of recent newspapers and magazines, came to the living room, and started reading under the bright crystal gas chandelier, appearing very relaxed. Why are you reading these? Franca asked curiously. Lumian didnt hide anything and said with a slight sigh and smile, The conversations with Mr. Fool and the exchange during self-reconciliation helped me understand some things. Since the end of the path is already determined-whether its the apocalypse or resurrecting Aurore-then during this journey, if there really isnt anything urgent, I might as well be a bit kinder to myself. Yes, Lumian Lee deserves to enjoy life too! A smile gradually bloomed on Jennas face. She extended her right hand to Lumian. May I invite you to watch a play or opera tonight? Sure. Lumian reached out and touched hands with Jenna. Jenna then turned to Franca. May I invite you too? Of course, I thought I was going by default, Franca tried to smile lightly, but it turned out quite radiant. Jenna then looked at Anthony, who was also reading newspapers in the living room. Anthony put down his newspaper and cleared his throat. Ill pass. After staying in the dream city for half a month, I havent contacted many of my intelligence sources in reality for a long time. I already have appointments tonight. Alright. Jenna then said to Ludwig, who was waiting for the stew to finish cooking in the kitchen, You must come. Otherwise, no one would watch him! Ludwig only raised one question, Does the theater have food? We can get you candy-like food, the kind that doesnt make noise when you eat it, Jenna smiled and said. Franca then said to Ludwig. You really should experience more things, life isnt just about eating. Ludwig looked at her, his gaze full of I dont think so. Speaking of eating, Franca suddenly got excited. How about hot pot tomorrow? Does Trier have all the ingredients for a hot pot base? Jenna looked toward Ludwig. Before Ludwig could respond, Franca said quite happily, We can have another version of hot pot, with bone broth. Its not as complicated, and we can use garlic, Feynapotter chili, salt and such for dipping sauce. Its equally delicious-those who want spicy can add spice, those who dont want it dont have to, everyone chooses for themselves. Hmm, we can use pork bones or beef bones for the broth, add some common spices, plus mushrooms Hearing this, Lumian, Anthony, and Jenna said in unison, Skip the mushrooms! After discovering their very unanimous opinion, the three immediately burst into laughter. Gulp. Ludwig, who had been made hungry by the talk, swallowed his saliva. This made Franca laugh too. Laughter echoed in the living room. When they returned from the opera, it was already late at night. Franca walked back to her bedroom with light steps. In one corner of the bedroom sat that small analyzer machine connected to a mechanical typewriter and wireless telegraph transceiver. Ill chat a bit before sleeping. Franca walked to the complex machine and said silently to herself. How should I tell 007 and others tactfully and without showing off that Im now someone with an honorific name? Oh right, first summon Madame Helas messenger to request a meeting in reality! Chapter 1048 - Chapter 1048: Information Revealed by 007 Chapter 1048: Information Revealed by 007 After sending the meeting request through the skull- headed messenger, Franca turned on the wireless telegraph transceiver and small analyzer machine. Click-clack, messages were typed onto paper by the mechanical typewriter one after another, Franca read for a while before joining the group chat. Im the groups early sleep assistant. Those members who havent gone to rest yet must pay a fine-only gold accepted! As she sent out the telegraph, she recalled life in the dream city. Group chatting over long distances in the real world is so difficult! Franca felt inexplicably melancholic and nostalgic, suddenly losing the desire to show off her honorific name. What about Sequence 3? Even Sequence 3 cant solve the problem of real-time long-distance group chat! If we ultimately survive the apocalypse, I hope the God of Steam and Machinery-no, the God of Electric Power and Information Technology will bring about a new industrial revolution. I am a Demoness of Unaging, I can wait! Moon King was the first to reply to Franca: Look at my nickname-obviously the type whos only active late at night! By the way, Hidden Blade, you havent been online for almost a month. What kind of mission doesnt even leave you time in the evenings? Look at you, not even knowing that secret missions require turning off phones and cutting off all contact with the outside world. You clearly havent dealt with such things before, 007, am I right? Franca suspected Moon King was joking with her, but had no proof. 007 replied: I was also locked away for a while. Franca immediately perked up. You advanced to Sequence 4? Yes, I got the qualification. 007 didnt hide it. The other group members exploded: The demigod? The first Saint among us! Besides Hela and Gandalf, this is the Research Societys third demigod, right? 007, didnt you say that even with the qualifications, youd have to queue and wait for a long time? After the rapidly spitting paper slowed down, 007 explained: I also thought Id have to wait longer, but recently, the Church not only brought out many stored Sequence 4 and Sequence 3 Beyonder characteristics, but also crushed some Grade 1 Sealed Artifacts. Most candidates who currently qualify and meet all prerequisites have been scheduled for advancement, though some failed. This situation makes me suspect major events will occur within the next year or two, which is why the Church is mass producing demigods regardless of consequences and costs. This matches the speculation about the apocalypse coming early-the Eternal Blazing Sun Church thinks so too? Franca noticed the other group members suddenly fell silent, clearly also thinking about the major crisis, wondering if they would be affected and whether they could handle it. Franca could tell that 007 probably knew part of why the Eternal Blazing Sun Church was doing this, given that he was now a Saint, but he couldnt say directly and could only hint at it. Did you become an Unshadowed? France changed the subject. She actually didnt want 007 to continue advancing on the Sun pathway, feeling that the Unshadowed were too pure, and being within the Church, would inevitably become fanatical. If so, the 007 who would complain about her always finding things to keep him too busy to rest might never speak such words again. This gave Franca the feeling of watching a friend gradually slip away before her eyes. However, she had never tried to persuade 007, only pointing out the possible changes that becoming an Unshadowed might bring, letting 007 make his own decision with full knowledge. Everyones life should be their own to control-she had always believed this. She was also grateful that when she was hesitating between becoming a War Bishop or advancing to Demoness of Unaging: Lumian and Jenna only presented options without trying to persuade her. Although they probably had their own thoughts and preferences, they never showed them, never manipulated, never pressured. Judge actions, not thoughts-that was very, very good, since everyone inevitably had dark and selfish thoughts, but ultimately not acting on them showed theyd overcome themselves, proving theyre not that kind of person. An Unshadowed might not have dark, selfish thoughts, but I actually hope 007 does Franca silently sighed. 007 quickly replied to her: Yes. Staring at this word on the telegraph paper, Franca let out a long sigh. Ah 007 continued: Some colleagues have switched to other pathways, and some colleagues not in neighboring pathways have also gained advancement. At this point, Franca quickly adjusted her mindset. She kept telling herself, 007 just deliberately hinted and reminded everyone to prepare for major events and disasters, showing he still retains his positive emotions and humanity! As people age, everyone changes and becomes somewhat different from before, 007 has just changed a bit more, but in terms of friendship, hes still that same 007. What major events will happen in the next year or two? Another telegraph group member Wind Sound pressed. Im not sure, 007 answered concisely. Stop asking, stop asking. Franca forcefully inserted herself into the conversation to prevent 007 from being put in a difficult position. What we can do is take opportunities to improve ourselves and enjoy life in the meantime. Hidden Blade, you seem to know something? Moon King telegraphed. Franca wasnt bound by secrecy restrictions, but she didnt dare speak too clearly, fearing some group members might become too desperate and turn to extremes. After careful consideration, she said: If I tell you that the apocalypse is approaching, but theres hope of surviving if tall figures shield us and everyone is prepared, would you believe me? The previously constant incoming telegraphs suddenly stopped. After a long while, 007 replied: I believe you. Dammit, Im panicking. Great Lord Hidden Blade, introduce me to a Demoness, Im going all in! Damn, I hope it wont be a case of dying before spending all my money. I need to buy land and dig a bunker With 007s endorsement, Wind Sound and others truly believed Francas words. Those who could join this telegraph group were either laid-back, good-natured, or decent people. Although they were all quite nervous and worried at the moment, they could still express their inner emotions in rather lively and playful language, with no one particularly depressed or desperate. Seeing her initial purpose achieved. Franca seized the opportunity to say: Ive actually become a demigod too. Now I really believe something big is going to happen. Good heavens, Hidden Blade has become a demigod? Still a Demoness, or did you switch to the Hunter pathway? The group members Immediately burst into chatter. Dont you know to chat! Franca snorted and responded: Still a Demoness. Demoness of Despair? 007 suddenly inquired. What does 007 mean? Right, hes already an Unshadowed, a church higher-up, and while Demonesses mainly operate in Intis and the Southern Continent, even if he doesnt know the exact Despair potion formula, he must know ow the corresponding advancement ritual to detect anomalies and stamp out plague outbreaks early Franca replied with understanding: Dont worry, I didnt harm any innocent people, and I used a shortcut method. Shortcut? Rituals can have shortcuts? Moon Kings words revealed surprise. Wind Sound sighed: Hidden Blade, how can you advance so quickly, are you even human anymore? Oh right, not human, half-god half-human Franca considered carefully before saying: Actually. we transmigrators all possess certain special qualities. When conditions are met and the pathway is suitable, these qualities manifest, helping us make tremendous progress at certain stages. In a sense, we are chosen ones. Chosen by the Celestial Worthy! Afraid the group members would become arrogant. she quickly added: This isnt entirely a good thing. What special qualities? 007, Moon King, and others telegraphed almost simultaneously. Franca chuckled and typed quickly: Cant say, if you know, you know. Youll know when you encounter it. Not giving the group members a chance to ask follow- up questions, she quickly changed the subject: 007, are you still in Trier? Now that he was an Unshadowed, an archbishop or senior deacon, he would need to guard a diocese, and the Eternal Blazing Sun Church had sufficient forces in Trier, even with Angels hidden there. Still in Trier, 007 replied. Many of the Saints who advanced this time have stayed in Trier as mobile forces. Many stayed in Trier? Franca suddenly became alert. Does the Eternal Blazing Sun Church think Trier is where problems are most likely to erupt? Franca couldnt help but lower her head to look at the floor. What she was really looking at was the Fourth Epoch Trier and the special mirror world sealed beneath Trier. Will the apocalypses outbreak start from beneath Trier rather than the high-altitude barrier? Franca slightly furrowed her brows as this thought fleshed through her mind. At this moment, Madame Helas silver skull-headed messenger returned, letting a paper held between its teeth float down before her. Franca caught and read it: Tomorrow morning at ten, Rue Ancienne, Little Dairy Cow Caf. Quartier de I`Observatoire, Rue Ancienne. Franca, who only dared go out after using Lie to lower her looks and suppress her charm, arrived at the Little Dairy Cow Caf fifteen minutes early. She sat by the window, watching with interest as people came and went outside, as bicycles, bionic mechanical devices, and steam robots hurried past. Soon after, Hela, dressed as a black widow, appeared at the door. The moment she saw this lady, Franca suddenly had a strange feeling that she walked between darkness and sunlight, death and life. Helas complexion had grown slightly paler, the sense of being alive seemingly fainter. Has Madame Hela advanced again? Indeed, if the Eternal Blazing Sun Church is mass-producing demigods, how could the Evernight Goddess Church not do the same? She switched back to the Death pathway, Sequence 3 Ferryman? Wonder what special abilities come from combining the Darkness and Death pathways Franca now had very rich mystical knowledge. Good morning. She stood up, smiling in greeting. After Hela replied, she said to the caf welter, A glass of absinthe, and a triple espresso shot. After they both sat down, Franca fiddled with the veiled hat placed beside her and said with a smile, I went to a place recently with skyscrapers, electric cars, mobile phones, and the internet. Unfortunately, it was just a dream. Madame Hele listened carefully before nodding slightly. I know you went there. Uh Franca was stunned. Chapter 1049 - Chapter 1049: Patron Saint Chapter 1049: Patron Saint After being stunned, Francas first reaction was, How does she know? Although Franca had long suspected that the one at the Star Dream Provisions Store was the Evernight Goddess, and believed that Madame Hela was highly valued by this deity; otherwise, that ancient palace in the Nation of the Evernight wouldnt have been offered as a meeting place for the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society. She never imagined that the Evernight Goddess would tell Hela about something as trivial as their entry into Mr. Fools dream. Shouldnt She have only mentioned Mr. Fools initial awakening? Hela continued, Actually, Ive known the truth about the transmigration for a long time. Franca, who had carefully prepared an explanation and planned to gradually tell Madame Hela about the transmigration to avoid shocking her too much, was completely dumbfounded. When did this happen? Before we knew? How does she know? At this moment, the waiter brought over a glass of absinthe swirling with dreamlike green color and a triple shot of Reem coffee. After drinking the glass of absinthe in one go, Helas pale, cold face showed a bit more expression. After Port Santas sea prayer ritual. After seeing the fairy tale-like magic used by the helper you invited. Like Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Sleeping Beauty? Franca recalled Maam Hermits performance then, muttering, I thought they came from Emperor Roselles fairy tales Hela gazed at Franca with her pitch-black eyes. I requested materials about this and learned what the core ability of Sequence 4 Mysticologist of the Mystery Pryer pathway is. Its called Mystical Re-enactment, which can draw power from mystical knowledge to create magic or witchcraft. The less known and spread the corresponding mystical knowledge is, the stronger the created spells become. Franca vaguely began to understand. Those fairy tales arent just stories, but mystical knowledge? This proves they actually happened, in this current world, Hela stated her conclusion. From that day on, I knew we had always been in our original world, only time had passed. Franca suddenly remembered Helas gaze and attitude when she mentioned Harrison and the hope of returning home at the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society gathering. At that time, she had already guessed the truth At that time, she was looking at us with sadness and pity Hela finished her triple shot of Reem and continued, I had originally planned to hint at this to you all, but then the Harrison incident happened, and many of you became very excited, very hopeful. Like me, Franca said with a self-deprecating smile. She took a sip of her coffee and hesitantly asked, Madame Hela, should we tell the other members the truth about the transmigration? Hela had already thought about this. Not for now. Let those who havent accepted reality live with hope. After we survive the apocalypse, if everyones still here, we can gradually tell them the truth. Indeed, having something to hold onto is good, Franca sighed in agreement. She added, However, we cant let these hopes become too strong, too intense, or too urgent. Otherwise, Im worried some of them might make rather extreme choices and actions. After speaking. Franca saw a slightly relieved expression appear on Madame Helas face. Hela nodded and said, This is good enough for now. dont actually catch Harrison. Even if we catch him, we cant tell them, Franca replied, showing their mutual understanding. She then inquired, Should we talk about the apocalypse? We can mention a bit, focusing on emphasizing hope, Hela answered. Just like what I was thinking Franca proceeded to ask. When is the next gathering? Aiming for sometime this week, Hela decided. Having discussed the important matters, Franca gazed at Helas pitch-black eyes and pale face, remained silent for a few seconds, then spoke from her heart, Speaking of hopes earlier, do you have any hopes left? This wasnt really a question-she didnt expect an answer. She was just reflecting. To her surprise, Hela actually answered. This lady dressed as a black widow said with a faint smile, My biggest hope now is to survive the apocalypse. If the apocalypse crisis is resolved, and were all still alive As she spoke, she seemed to drift into memories. The most memorable gift in my life was the telescope my parents gave me, because I loved watching stars since childhood, and loved imagining what existed in that vast cosmos. If we truly survive the apocalypse, I have two dreams: First is for this world to develop into something Nike our original one-it doesnt have to be exactly the same, just similar. Second, provided those evil gods are gone and I can protect myself, I want to use my abilities or help from certain Sealed Artifacts to explore the stars, visit different galaxies, and experience different civilizations Franca gradually became lost in the reverie. Such a life doesnt sound bad Usually staying in Trier, enjoying modern life, and when bored, inviting Jenna, Lumian, and Aurore, along with Anthony, Ludwig. Madam Judgment, 007 and others to form a travel group, touring other countries, continents, planets, and civilizations together The cosmos is indeed dangerous, and we might not survive the apocalypse, but people need something to hope for Looking at Hela speaking softly, Franca suddenly felt this ladys image become much more vivid in her mind. She waved over the waiter who had been sneaking glances at her from afar, and ordered two glasses of sweet wine and two glasses of absinthe. Picking up one glass of sweet wine, she made a toasting gesture. Hela didnt quite understand but still raised her absinthe. This toast is to our homeland, Franca clinked glasses gently and drank her sweet wine. After Hela finished her glass of green liquid, she picked up another glass of sweet wine and said, half-smiling. half-wistfully. This toast is to distant horizons. With a gentle clink, the two different colored liquids swayed, their contained light dispersing outward. After returning to the luxurious villa in the arts district. Franca said to Lumian, Madame Hela said shell convene a meeting this week, aiming for before Saturday. Lumian nodded and continued, Madam Judgment has also replied to us. The Church of Knowledge has agreed to our request, but they need to do some preprocessing and necessary preparations. The time to go to the City of Exiles is set for next Monday. Thats good, Julien wont return to Trier until next Thursday. Franca looked toward Jenna beside her. Honestly, we need to trick your brother into leaving soon and not return to Trier for two years. If the information from 007 is correct, Trier will be a key point in the outbreak of the apocalypse. Jenna nodded solemnly. Im working on it. Theres suddenly nothing much to do. Lumian smiled as he picked up his wide-brimmed hat with veil from beside him. Lets go for a walk. Your attitude has really improved. In the past, you would definitely have been anxious-waiting time was always the hardest to endure, Franca remarked teasingly. Jenna asked instead, Where to? Lumian smiled. Lets go to Lavigny Docks, to Mr. Fools cathedral. The establishment and preaching about the patron saint should have already begun. I want to go listen. Listen to others talk about yourself? Wouldnt that be too awkward? Francas face showed resistance. Neither she nor Lumian had told Madam Magician which cathedral they wanted to be assigned to, because they both wanted to be modest, yet felt the other wouldnt agree, so they simply let the Church of The Fool decide. I dont mind, Lumian smiled. Besides, we should also look around the area to see if theres any way to collect anchors. Fine, Franca sighed. If this were in the dream city, Id debut as a celebrity! Those fans would be my anchors! Though there are problems with that too these kinds of anchors have an expiration date and cant be passed down. Plus, the different attitudes and focus points from fans would bring conflicting perceptions, which might affect my state. Thats one way, Lumian looked at Jenna. When you reach Sequence 3, you could consider becoming the most famous theater actress in the Northern and Southern continents. Of course, this is assuming you receive Mr. Fools protection, or Lumian didnt finish his sentence. At the square district, Lavigny Docks, inside Mr. Fools cathedral with its wide, clear windows. Lumian, Franca, and Jenna, wearing hats with lowered veils, settled into a corner of the rows of seats. At this time, the half-giant bishop-with golden hair, standing over 2.5 meters tall, wearing a custom-made coat and silk top hat-was preaching. On one wall that had previously been bare, artists were using scaffolding and various tools to create new murals. In this world where the Church held such high status, being commissioned to create religious murals for a cathedral was the highest recognition and praise a painter could receive. Shortly after Lumian and the others sat down, removed their hats, and lowered their heads, the half giant bishop proclaimed in a solemn, resonant voice Let us praise Mr. Fool. Praise The Fool! All the believers, including the bishop, stood up and pressed their hands to their chests. The half-giant bishop continued, Let us also praise this cathedrals patron saint, the great Saint Franca. Our cathedral is thus named! Francas toes began to curl tightly inside her boots. The half-giant bishop continued, Saint Franca is Mr. Fools cup, bearing peoples joy and pain, keeping disease and plague at bay, she is the ageless one, the Demoness who spreads strife and catastrophe to enemies She once walked in Mr. Fools dream, working for the Lords return, she broke through illusion and reality, bringing the Lords grace to the land Dammit, they make me sound so impressive. Franca felt both embarrassed and somewhat pleased. After recounting Saint Francas deeds, the half-giant bishop said, Let us praise Saint Franca! Praise the One Who Never Ages, Keeper of Diseases and Plagues, the Demoness Accompanied by Strife and Catastrophe, the Cup Bearing Joy and Pain, the Great Franca Roland! The believers began to pray along with the bishop. Franca suddenly froze, and turned her head toward Lumian and Jenna with a slightly bewildered expression. I hear some illusory voices, and I see some points of light *** Chapter 1050 - Chapter 1050: Response Chapter 1050: Response Lumian recalled the faith-related materials provided by the Tarot Club and carefully said, This should be the mystical manifestation of faith anchors, and the result of chanting your honorific name. Oh, oh, oh, Im receiving their prayers Franca suddenly understood. She immediately continued, Fortunately, were now unified both inside and outside the mirror, with our consciousness existing both within and without. This allows our mirror self to handle matters related to believers without affecting our daily life and combat state. Otherwise, if we were suddenly hit with prayers during intense combat, it would be easy to get distracted and have accidents. However, I think some pathways Sequence 3 should be able to effectively use these prayers to temporarily strengthen themselves, like the Sun pathway? War Bishop, Lumian smiled. Within a certain range, the more anchors, the stronger a War Bishop becomes. His soldiers are all his anchors. Franca nodded, browsing the points of light with interest and listening to the illusory voices to understand what the believers were praying for. Continued good health Family being safe and sound Business success No dangers during sea adventures Stay away from chaos and war These are all generic prayers, I cant respond or helptheyre too vague, Franca muttered to herself. She glanced at Lumian. Your fate domain powers could actually be useful heretheres nothing that good luck and fortune-turning cant solve. Why isnt anyone praying to curse their enemies? At this point, Franca paused. Theres one prayer asking for their illness to be cured Im professional at making people sick, but healing isnt within a Demonesss authority Jenna thought for a moment and said, Dont you still have some of those healing agents left from Mr. Moon? Jenna thought for a moment and said. Lumian had 11 bottles in his Travelers Bag, while Franca, Jenna, and Anthony each had two bottles. Youre right, nobody said a patron saint cant use external help, Franca immediately took out a potion from the Travelers Bag. While recalling the mystical materials provided by the Tarot Club, she imitated their contents along with knowledge from pre-crossing textbooks, magnified the corresponding prayer light point, and extended her Demoness spider silkso fine it was invisibleinto it, quietly inserting it into that believers nostrils and reaching their stomach. During this process, she used her Petrification powers to make the flesh touched by the spider silk enter a paralyzed state, preventing the prayer from noticing anything unusual. Then, Franca unscrewed the healing agents cap and let the liquid flow along the spider silk to its destination. After completing all this, she withdrew the spider silk and removed the paralysis. That plainly dressed believer with many patches suddenly felt their stomach become slightly heavier, as if they had unknowingly drunk a glass of water. They didnt pay it much attention and finished their prayer, continuing to listen until the half-giant bishop completed the sermon and began distributing communion. Just then, that believer let out a surprised sound. Huh Seeing people around looking at them, he said with both confusion and joy, My spirit feels better, my body feels lighter My illness is cured! They finally realized what had happened and told the fellow believers watching them with some fanaticism. I just prayed to Saint Franca for healing from illness! She blessed me! Praise you, Keeper of Diseases and Plagues, Great Franca Roland! Hearing this from her corner, Franca felt both embarrassed and secretly delighted. Helping others feels pretty good! Getting sincere praise from others feels nice too! After this batch of believers left Saint Franca Cathedral, Franca lowered her voice and said to Lumian and Jenna, We cant rely on healing agents every time, right? Since my honorific name includes Keeper of Diseases and Plagues, future prayers will definitely include plenty of such requests. Without waiting for her companions to respond, Franca muttered to herself, Actually, at Sequence 4, one can create their own unique plague varieties or mystical pathogens. I want to invent a mystical pathogen whose characteristic is devouring other pathogens, while its effect on humans is just causing drowsiness, fatigue, or laziness for a period of time. This could cure most diseases in ordinary people except for their own physical mutations If you succeed, this could also be used in battles with other Demonesses, Lumian was quite looking forward to the mystical pathogen Franca described. Of course, this was just a concept, and whether it could actually be created remained unknown. Franca thought seriously for a while, then suddenly smiled. Theres another illness that Demonesses can cure. What? Jenna asked curiously. Functional disorders in that matter. Franca clicked her tongue both self-mockingly and with feeling. Just throw a Charm at them and it works for a certain time, though it cant be permanently cured. Damn, what kind of thing is this Lumian and Jenna fell silent for a moment. Franca thought for a bit and continued, When I advanced the other day, I felt there were anchor points besides you two, some others seemed to come from the market district The dancers and streetwalkers you helped before? Especially those who changed their lives through learning theater performance? Jenna realized. Thats another kind of anchor Franca sighed. No good deed goes unrewarded. However, with the Savoie Mob gone and us being forced to leave the market district, their situation must have worsened again, so they miss the past. Ill return to the market district later, find the people currently in charge of related matters, persuade them, and control them. Its a pity this is Trier, and we cant completely solve these problems. If we dont have to stay in Trier in the future, I want to find a place to build a new society! Acting on her words, Franca and Jenna quickly left the cathedral for the market district. Lumian didnt follow them, worried that doing so would split Franca and Jennas anchors. He chose to take a carriage to the outskirts to look at Saint Lumian Cathedral. On the way, fifteen to twenty points of light suddenly appeared before his eyes, and illusory prayer voices echoed in his ears. The preaching about me has begun too Lumian nodded imperceptibly and browsed through the different believers prayers. As Franca had said earlier, the vast majority were vague, difficult to achieve, everyday requests, and Lumian temporarily had no intention of using his fate domain powers to help turn their luck around. While browsing, he discovered a relatively special request. This wasnt actually a request, but rather an elderly woman telling the patron saint about her regret. When she was young, her family was poor and couldnt afford photographs. By the time their circumstances improved, she had aged and could no longer capture her youth, leaving that part of her life unrecorded. I also regret not cherishing those early years in Cordu properly After pondering for a moment, Lumian decided to respond to this request. He magnified the corresponding light point and saw the old lady with obvious wrinkles wearing a conservative black dress. Layers of mirror worlds then appeared in Lumians eyes, reflecting the old ladys different stages of lifeher as a child, her innocent self, her youthful and simple self, her mature and steady self, and her kind and benevolent self Sitting in the carriage, Lumian quickly chose the mirror trace of her at seventeen or eighteen years old. The wrinkles on the praying old ladys face visibly contracted, and her skin quickly gained luster. This was an application of the Unaging characteristic, but when used on others, it could only last for a very short time, no more than half an hour, since the mystical connection was only established with the illusory trace in the mirrornot real and not stable. In Lumians view, this was half temporary rejuvenation, half mirror illusion. After the old lady returned to her seventeen or eighteen-year-old appearance, Lumian transmitted a message in a female voice, Hurry. The old lady immediately broke from her prayer state, not knowing where that somewhat cold and deep but pleasant female voice came from. You, you Those around her all widened their eyes. What about me? the old lady asked these fellow believers in confusion. The next second, she discovered her voice had become quite sweet, just like when she was young. You, you, you The nearby believers still couldnt form proper sentences, but someone handed over a mirror. The old lady looked in the mirror and froze in her seat. This, isnt this me when I was young? Whats going on? Have I regained my youth? Did my prayer to Saint Lumian receive a response? As thoughts raced through her mind, the old lady recalled the female voice she had just heard. Hurry. She suddenly understood, abruptly stood up, and said to the surrounding believers with a smile, Im going to get my photograph taken! She quickly squeezed out of that area and walked briskly toward the cathedral door. As she walked, she lifted her skirt and began to run, getting faster and faster, just like when she was seventeen or eighteen and ran desperately for a job opportunity. She ran to the nearest photo studio and sat in front of the backdrop. Click, a flash of light captured a youthful and radiant smile. In the moving carriage. Having responded to the prayer, Lumian seriously considered a Demonesss faith anchor issue. War Bishop is actually simplerrecruit soldiers, cultivate a team, and thats it Most of a Demonesss abilities tend toward disaster, making it difficult to use them positively to develop believers Those Demonesses of Unaging in the Demoness Sect probably rely on seduction, charm, and fear from disasters In the early stages of faith, making people fear is also a method of developing believers, the most standard method But since were affiliated with the Church of The Fool, we cant do that Fear Lumian suddenly thought of a sect that deliberately spread fear of disease. The Sick Church! His eyes, like highland lakes, immediately brightened. Is it possible to take over the Sick Church, eliminate all the Blessed and those corrupted by evil gods, then steal the faith directed at evil gods and make certain alterations? This is somewhat similar to that section about the Sea God Church in scripture This could also weaken the corresponding evil gods influence on the real world Chapter 1051 - Chapter 1051: Protector Chapter 1051: Protector Having considered his next direction, Lumian looked out the carriage window. By now, the hired carriage had reached the gray-white city walls encircling Trier, queuing to leave the city. The Church of The Fools newly established cathedral in Trier was located in the suburbs, right next to where the Srenzo River curved. The river was wide there, with convenient transportation, both a dock and a station, in a picturesque town. After arriving at this town called Ramb, Lumian discovered it wasnt small at all, with numerous steamships at the dock and streets bustling with people, extraordinarily lively. After asking the carriage driver, Lumian roughly understood the reason. Most goods entering Trier had to pay an entry tax. though rates varied. Therefore, many goods that didnt need to be sold in Trier or transit through it were unloaded at Ramb and sent to surrounding towns. This gradually made the town prosperous, attracting many maritime merchants, adventurers, and sailors, bringing with them the faith of The Fool. Lumian had heard from Franca that the Eternal Blazing Sun Church had long wanted to abolish the entry tax to promote commerce and improve circulation, but this tax was one of the Intis Republics main sources of revenue, and Triers entry tax alone equaled the sum of several major cities entry taxes. The government simply couldnt give it up. Lumian put on a wide-brimmed hat, letting the black veil fall, and began wandering around Ramb. Soon, he found what was now called Saint Lumian Cathedral, the Church of The Fools location, but didnt rush to enter. He just stood on the street for a while, admiring the large glass windows and plain walls. I hope one day, no clergy will say that Saint Lumian will have to make do with their actions After making this self-deprecating joke, Lumian continued walking. The main faith in this town was the Eternal Blazing Sun, worshiping Triers patron angel Saint Vive. Lumian examined the white stone angel statue for a few moments before walking into a bar diagonally across the square. This bar had good business, and on weekends, many people from Trier would come to freely enjoy various alcoholic beverages that didnt require entry tax. As soon as Lumian pushed open the bars heavy wooden door, he felt gazes turn toward him-some surprised, some amazed, some greedy, some excited, and some like snakes slowly slithering across his body. He then remembered that he was now a lady, an extremely charming lady, even with her face hidden behind a veil. It was never like this when he was a man before-at most, thieves would observe to judge if there was any value or possibility of theft Ah, the sense of belonging at home is gone Lumian slowly shook his head and directly took out a revolver from his Travelers Bag. He placed his hand on the doorframe, pointed the revolver at the ceiling, and pulled the trigger without hesitation. Bang! The bullet brought down clusters of dust, and the people in the bar, like athletes hearing the starting gun, quickly scattered in all directions. This left Lumian a spacious path to the bar counter. When the chaotic scene of people taking cover had somewhat settled, Lumian deactivated the Bottle of Fiction and, holding the revolver, walked toward the bar counter while saying in an icy but soft voice, I just want a drink. He then sat on a barstool, tapped the counter, and said to the bartender who was staring at him blankly. One La Fe Verte The bartender finally snapped out of it and hurriedly poured Lumian an absinthe with a splash of lemon juice. Lumian didnt remove his hat or lift his veil, slowly sipping the bitter and fragrant liquor. The other people in the bar gradually returned to normal. In this small town frequently visited by pirates and adventurers, they were used to such things, which explained their practiced response earlier. Lumian quietly listened to their chitchat and whispers. trying to discover useful intelligence, especially anything pointing to the Sick Church. But unfortunately, what he heard was mainly discussion about himself. The most discussed topic was what it meant to be a person of dual bodies. There were artistic interpretations, such as having a male body but also a female side, being both flame and frost, and there were vulgar ones, like busty up top, hard down below. Lumian turned his gaze toward the drunk who had said the latter. His highland lake-like eyes were like mirrors, reflecting the others figure. The drunk was making obscene gestures to accompany his earlier description when his chest and lower body suddenly experienced intense pain, as if being burned by flames. He screamed in agony and fell to the ground, rolling in pain. This stunned those around him who had been agreeing with his joke. After about ten seconds, the drunk finally came back to life. He supported himself on a nearby chair and stood up trembling. What just happened? Sudden illness? You should go to a clinic right away! The people around him spoke up in a jumble. The drunk shook his head in confusion. It just hurt suddenly, but now Im fine As he spoke, he looked down to check his physical condition and was surprised to find his chest had strangely swollen from unknown burns, while his lower half had become like stone, tenting his pants. Almost simultaneously, those around him also noticed this condition. Busty up top, hard down below someone repeated the drunks earlier words. Wh- The people around quickly moved away from the area, all looking at the drunk with wary gazes: It was him who insulted the saint, it has nothing to do with us! We werent standing next to him either, dont let the lightning strike affect us! In their fear, everyone present unconsciously had the same thought: Is the Church of The Fools new patron saint really this efficacious? Lumian withdrew his gaze, letting the reflected figure in his eyes disappear. This was a small punishment, not affecting any essential functions or physical health. For Lumian, he didnt care at all if someone insulted him-he would just find an opportunity to play a prank. But insulting Aurore was not acceptable. Moreover, this was also an opportunity, a chance to reasonably use fear to spread faith. It could also help digest the Witch potion. Lumian looked at the absinthe in his hand, seeing his veiled, half-visible face reflected in the dreamlike green liquid. The deep red wine swirled gently, with three faceless wooden dolls placed beside it. Franca leaned back in her chair, leisurely admiring the blood color permeating the wooden grain and the hair that had slipped into the crevices. After looking for a few seconds, she turned to look at the three men standing in front of the desk and smiled, saying, I only have two requirements for you: First, help me collect various intelligence, and second, follow these thirteen rules Ive established and treat those dancers and streetwalkers well. After Franca finished speaking, Jenna, standing beside her, held up the paper and began reading. First, no coercion, Second, ensure adequate rest; Thirteenth, provide basic medical care. Were the mafia, not some damned charity! burst out the most hot-tempered of the three. Franca laughed. Right, Im not doing charity either. She then flicked out a quiet black flame, letting it fall on one of the wooden dolls. The doll was immediately covered in black flames. silently burning. The gang leader who had just spoken suddenly screamed in agony as strange black flames erupted from within his body. He fell to his knees in pain, his face contorted as he shouted, I-I was wrong. I am doing charity! I agree! I agree! Neither Franca nor Jenna responded, watching silently until the gang leader collapsed to the ground, convulsing until death. Only then did Franca look at the other two gang leaders and ask with a smile, Any objections? None. The two gang leaders seemed to be competing to see who could shake their head faster. After Jenna posted the paper with the thirteen rules on the wall, Franca stood up and said. Remember to look at it every day, and if theres any violation Franca picked up the remaining two wooden dolls. You should know what they represent-theyre a Demonesss curse medium. After becoming a Demoness of Pleasure who could directly curse through mirrors, Franca no longer used such black magic in battle, but mirror curses were real-time and couldnt be fixed in place. To control these two gang leaders and make them obey, she still needed to make media like dolls using their blood and hair. And for a Demoness of Unaging, possessing such media could also affect the targets direct relatives. We know, we know. The two gang leaders began their nodding competition again. Jenna thought for a moment and said to Franca, May I add one rule? Of course. Franca smiled. Jenna picked up the pen and added another rule to the posted paper: Rule Fourteen, loan shark annual interest cannot exceed 36%, and no additional fees such as handling fees or service charges can be collected. No problem, right? Jenna turned and smiled. The two gang leaders being questioned dared not object. Franca put away the two curse dolls and casually said as she walked toward the door, I know you have some supporters behind you. I dont care what they think, nor will I interfere with your territory disputes or making money here. I only want those two things I mentioned earlier. If your supporters arent satisfied, let them come see this statue. As she spoke, strands of gray-white light spread out and fell on the dead gang leaders body. The corpse quickly turned into a stone statue. No problem with that, right? Youll quietly notify me if they want to move against me, wont you? Franca turned back to look at the remaining two gang leaders and asked with a smile. The two gang leaders first showed uncontrollable fascination, then hurriedly responded, We will! We will! Leaving the room, Franca walked toward the dancers and streetwalkers waiting nervously at the stairway. Boss several girls called out joyfully. Franca nodded gently and said, Things will go back to how they were before. But I still want to say, this isnt a long-term profession. Across from the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, Franca and Jenna sat on a street bench, calmly watching the audience and actors coming and going. Not going over to say hello? Jenna asked. Franca smiled. No need, since theyre doing fine, theres no need to go over. Thats true. Jenna nodded slightly. Franca then turned her head and said, half serious and half joking. This is left for you-in the future, youll be the protector of actresses. After watching for a while longer, they returned to the luxury villa. By this time, Lumian had already returned and was saying to Anthony, Help me collect intelligence on the Sick Church. The Sick Church Franca suddenly understood what Lumian wanted to do and quickly smiled, I have intelligence sources now too, Ill have them keep an eye out! Chapter 1052 - Chapter 1052: Reluctantly Showing Off Chapter 1052: Reluctantly Showing Off Having considered his next direction, Lumian looked out the carriage window. By now, the hired carriage had reached the gray-white city walls encircling Trier, queuing to leave the city. The Church of The Fools newly established cathedral in Trier was located in the suburbs, right next to where the Srenzo River curved. The river was wide there, with convenient transportation, both a dock and a station, in a picturesque town. After arriving at this town called Ramb, Lumian discovered it wasnt small at all, with numerous steamships at the dock and streets bustling with people, extraordinarily lively. After asking the carriage driver, Lumian roughly understood the reason. Most goods entering Trier had to pay an entry tax. though rates varied. Therefore, many goods that didnt need to be sold in Trier or transit through it were unloaded at Ramb and sent to surrounding towns. This gradually made the town prosperous, attracting many maritime merchants, adventurers, and sailors, bringing with them the faith of The Fool. Lumian had heard from Franca that the Eternal Blazing Sun Church had long wanted to abolish the entry tax to promote commerce and improve circulation, but this tax was one of the Intis Republics main sources of revenue, and Triers entry tax alone equaled the sum of several major cities entry taxes. The government simply couldnt give it up. Lumian put on a wide-brimmed hat, letting the black veil fall, and began wandering around Ramb. Soon, he found what was now called Saint Lumian Cathedral, the Church of The Fools location, but didnt rush to enter. He just stood on the street for a while, admiring the large glass windows and plain walls. I hope one day, no clergy will say that Saint Lumian will have to make do with their actions After making this self-deprecating joke, Lumian continued walking. The main faith in this town was the Eternal Blazing Sun, worshiping Triers patron angel Saint Vive. Lumian examined the white stone angel statue for a few moments before walking into a bar diagonally across the square. This bar had good business, and on weekends, many people from Trier would come to freely enjoy various alcoholic beverages that didnt require entry tax. As soon as Lumian pushed open the bars heavy wooden door, he felt gazes turn toward him-some surprised, some amazed, some greedy, some excited, and some like snakes slowly slithering across his body. He then remembered that he was now a lady, an extremely charming lady, even with her face hidden behind a veil. It was never like this when he was a man before-at most, thieves would observe to judge if there was any value or possibility of theft Ah, the sense of belonging at home is gone Lumian slowly shook his head and directly took out a revolver from his Travelers Bag. He placed his hand on the doorframe, pointed the revolver at the ceiling, and pulled the trigger without hesitation. Bang! The bullet brought down clusters of dust, and the people in the bar, like athletes hearing the starting gun, quickly scattered in all directions. This left Lumian a spacious path to the bar counter. When the chaotic scene of people taking cover had somewhat settled, Lumian deactivated the Bottle of Fiction and, holding the revolver, walked toward the bar counter while saying in an icy but soft voice, I just want a drink. He then sat on a barstool, tapped the counter, and said to the bartender who was staring at him blankly. One La Fe Verte The bartender finally snapped out of it and hurriedly poured Lumian an absinthe with a splash of lemon juice. Lumian didnt remove his hat or lift his veil, slowly sipping the bitter and fragrant liquor. The other people in the bar gradually returned to normal. In this small town frequently visited by pirates and adventurers, they were used to such things, which explained their practiced response earlier. Lumian quietly listened to their chitchat and whispers. trying to discover useful intelligence, especially anything pointing to the Sick Church. But unfortunately, what he heard was mainly discussion about himself. The most discussed topic was what it meant to be a person of dual bodies. There were artistic interpretations, such as having a male body but also a female side, being both flame and frost, and there were vulgar ones, like busty up top, hard down below. Lumian turned his gaze toward the drunk who had said the latter. His highland lake-like eyes were like mirrors, reflecting the others figure. The drunk was making obscene gestures to accompany his earlier description when his chest and lower body suddenly experienced intense pain, as if being burned by flames. He screamed in agony and fell to the ground, rolling in pain. This stunned those around him who had been agreeing with his joke. After about ten seconds, the drunk finally came back to life. He supported himself on a nearby chair and stood up trembling. What just happened? Sudden illness? You should go to a clinic right away! The people around him spoke up in a jumble. The drunk shook his head in confusion. It just hurt suddenly, but now Im fine As he spoke, he looked down to check his physical condition and was surprised to find his chest had strangely swollen from unknown burns, while his lower half had become like stone, tenting his pants. Almost simultaneously, those around him also noticed this condition. Busty up top, hard down below someone repeated the drunks earlier words. Wh- The people around quickly moved away from the area, all looking at the drunk with wary gazes: It was him who insulted the saint, it has nothing to do with us! We werent standing next to him either, dont let the lightning strike affect us! In their fear, everyone present unconsciously had the same thought: Is the Church of The Fools new patron saint really this efficacious? Lumian withdrew his gaze, letting the reflected figure in his eyes disappear. This was a small punishment, not affecting any essential functions or physical health. For Lumian, he didnt care at all if someone insulted him-he would just find an opportunity to play a prank. But insulting Aurore was not acceptable. Moreover, this was also an opportunity, a chance to reasonably use fear to spread faith. It could also help digest the Witch potion. Lumian looked at the absinthe in his hand, seeing his veiled, half-visible face reflected in the dreamlike green liquid. The deep red wine swirled gently, with three faceless wooden dolls placed beside it. Franca leaned back in her chair, leisurely admiring the blood color permeating the wooden grain and the hair that had slipped into the crevices. After looking for a few seconds, she turned to look at the three men standing in front of the desk and smiled, saying, I only have two requirements for you: First, help me collect various intelligence, and second, follow these thirteen rules Ive established and treat those dancers and streetwalkers well. After Franca finished speaking, Jenna, standing beside her, held up the paper and began reading. First, no coercion, Second, ensure adequate rest; Thirteenth, provide basic medical care. Were the mafia, not some damned charity! burst out the most hot-tempered of the three. Franca laughed. Right, Im not doing charity either. She then flicked out a quiet black flame, letting it fall on one of the wooden dolls. The doll was immediately covered in black flames. silently burning. The gang leader who had just spoken suddenly screamed in agony as strange black flames erupted from within his body. He fell to his knees in pain, his face contorted as he shouted, I-I was wrong. I am doing charity! I agree! I agree! Neither Franca nor Jenna responded, watching silently until the gang leader collapsed to the ground, convulsing until death. Only then did Franca look at the other two gang leaders and ask with a smile, Any objections? None. The two gang leaders seemed to be competing to see who could shake their head faster. After Jenna posted the paper with the thirteen rules on the wall, Franca stood up and said. Remember to look at it every day, and if theres any violation Franca picked up the remaining two wooden dolls. You should know what they represent-theyre a Demonesss curse medium. After becoming a Demoness of Pleasure who could directly curse through mirrors, Franca no longer used such black magic in battle, but mirror curses were real-time and couldnt be fixed in place. To control these two gang leaders and make them obey, she still needed to make media like dolls using their blood and hair. And for a Demoness of Unaging, possessing such media could also affect the targets direct relatives. We know, we know. The two gang leaders began their nodding competition again. Jenna thought for a moment and said to Franca, May I add one rule? Of course. Franca smiled. Jenna picked up the pen and added another rule to the posted paper: Rule Fourteen, loan shark annual interest cannot exceed 36%, and no additional fees such as handling fees or service charges can be collected. No problem, right? Jenna turned and smiled. The two gang leaders being questioned dared not object. Franca put away the two curse dolls and casually said as she walked toward the door, I know you have some supporters behind you. I dont care what they think, nor will I interfere with your territory disputes or making money here. I only want those two things I mentioned earlier. If your supporters arent satisfied, let them come see this statue. As she spoke, strands of gray-white light spread out and fell on the dead gang leaders body. The corpse quickly turned into a stone statue. No problem with that, right? Youll quietly notify me if they want to move against me, wont you? Franca turned back to look at the remaining two gang leaders and asked with a smile. The two gang leaders first showed uncontrollable fascination, then hurriedly responded, We will! We will! Leaving the room, Franca walked toward the dancers and streetwalkers waiting nervously at the stairway. Boss several girls called out joyfully. Franca nodded gently and said, Things will go back to how they were before. But I still want to say, this isnt a long-term profession. Across from the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, Franca and Jenna sat on a street bench, calmly watching the audience and actors coming and going. Not going over to say hello? Jenna asked. Franca smiled. No need, since theyre doing fine, theres no need to go over. Thats true. Jenna nodded slightly. Franca then turned her head and said, half serious and half joking. This is left for you-in the future, youll be the protector of actresses. After watching for a while longer, they returned to the luxury villa. By this time, Lumian had already returned and was saying to Anthony, Help me collect intelligence on the Sick Church. The Sick Church Franca suddenly understood what Lumian wanted to do and quickly smiled, I have intelligence sources now too, Ill have them keep an eye out! *** Chapter 1053 - Chapter 1053 A Demonesss Visit Chapter 1053 A Demonesss Visit The confluence of the Srenzo and Ryan Rivers created a fertile valley region in the Trier district, with villages and estates dotting it like jewels, strung together into what was considered the most beautiful and expensive necklace in all of Intis. Vival Town was one of the most peripheral towns in the Trier district, quite ordinary in both geographical location and resources, and had never received much attention. In the basement theater of the Wild Rabbit Cafe, though there was no puppet show at the moment, twenty to thirty spectators had still gathered. Some were clearly townspeople, while others seemed to have just arrived from the surrounding countryside, with mud spots still visible on their trouser legs. Under the yellowish light of the gas wall lamps, the cafe owner Dalberro, standing at center stage, looked around before raising a black and white photograph in his hand. Youve all seen Niels death photo very clearly. He tried to betray us, and then the great Malady God brought down punishment. In the photograph, a man in his thirties had his eyes wide open, frozen in fear, his face showing obvious signs of decay in several places, with white bone visible in many areas. Dalberro was a typical Intis gentleman, with beautiful blue eyes, slightly curled brown hair, neatly trimmed beard, and a ruddy but thin face that made him popular with ladies. But at this moment, his expression was unusually gloomy and cold as his gaze swept across the face of each Malady God follower. Those caught in his gaze involuntarily lowered their heads, muttering, Welcome the Malady God, drive out disease! Welcome the Malady God, drive out disease! Dalberro finally withdrew his gaze and nodded gently. Disease has long been scattered throughout this world. Through the great Malady Gods grace, they havent devoured most humans, only dealing with those who abandon the deity. I saw with my own eyes how Niel died in pain and regret, tormented to the point of breakdown by an incurable disease. Remember, devotion is the best medicine, devotion alone can keep you away from disease! After completing the daily sermon and receiving offerings from each follower, Dalberro had the congregants leave in batches to avoid drawing attention. Then, he returned to his bedroom upstairs and placed the newly acquired money in a metal safe. After finishing all this, Dalberro was about to head for the door when he suddenly saw his reflection in the full-length mirror undergo a strange transformation. The person in the mirror quickly became a woman, wearing a black robe with the hood down. The woman appeared to be only around twenty years old, with cascading black hair, each strand glossy but slightly thicker than normal, and eyes like highland lakesclear, bright, and dreamlike, making Dalberros soul seem to drown in them. For a moment, Dalberro forgot to be surprised, forgot to be cautious, forgot to be afraid, and just watched as the lady in the mirror walked out and approached him, giving him the feeling that a beautiful dream had finally come true. Oh, goddess of my dreams, angel more beautiful than the entire Trier valley, my soul, my heart, what can I do to serve you? Dalberro reflexively praised her, expressing the burning in his heart. You Trieriens even after worshiping an evil god, receiving boons, and having your personalities altered, it doesnt stop you from spreading your peacock feathers in situations like this? Lumian showed a slight smile. Are you a Disease Envoy? Franca had already obtained some information about the Malady God from 007, learning the names of several boon Sequences. Among them, Sequence 9 was Patient, also called Rotting Patient, Sequence 8 was Secretary, Sequence 7 was Vermin, also known as Corruptor, Sequence 6 was Disease Envoy, Sequence 5 was Child of Decay, and Sequence 4 was Doomed One. Dalberro suddenly shuddered, breaking free from the beautys charm through his faith in the Malady God. I dont know what youre talking about. He knew he should try to find a way to escape contact or suddenly attack and control her, but he couldnt bring himself to do it. Lumian curled his lips and said, Would you like to hear how I found this place? First, I used Magic Mirror Divination to determine the general area, then infiltrated official channels to get data on disease-related deaths from recent years for comparison. After that, I had inconspicuous Beyonders ask around bars and such about anyone who had fallen seriously ill but suddenly recovered in the past few months. Finally, I checked the bodies in the hospital morgue. Perhaps blessed by the gods, I had good luck and discovered Niel, who died with his entire body rotting. That doctor and those two orderlies are followers of the Malady God, right? Thanks to them, similar punishments were never exposed, and afterward helping with cremation requests was no problem. Dalberro swallowed hard with difficulty and complexity. Wh-what do you want? I am a Demoness, you know what a Demoness is, right? Lumian asked with a smile. Dalberro suddenly understood. I know a little, no wonder No wonder she has such great charm! Just her appearance, figure, and temperament make one want to worship! Although the Church always emphasized that Demonesses were enemies, establishing connections wasnt impossibleany faction could cooperate briefly if their current interests aligned! Then you should also know that we Demonesses are classified as a cult by officials and suppressed everywhere, Lumian said with rather helpless eyes. We can barely stay in Trier anymore and want to cooperate with you. Cooperate? Dalberro was willing a thousand times over in his heart, but still maintained basic vigilance based on his faith in the Malady God. Yes, the Primordial One hopes to receive the great Malady Gods protection in the future, She is even willing to become the Malady Gods consort, Lumian said with an ambiguous smile. Before Dalberro could respond, he slightly raised his chin and said, Report to your superior. You certainly cant make decisions about this matter. Dalberro immediately felt stifled, which gave rise to an impulse. Kill the superior, become the superior, then gain the qualification to properly discuss cooperation with the beautiful Demoness before him! How could he let her look down on him? Final rationality made Dalberro control himself, and he said sincerely, I-I will find an opportunity to report this. His hidden meaning was that he couldnt do it under her watch, and he needed to find a safer environment. Lumian nodded slightly and smiled. Are you secretly spreading disease, trying to weaken and control me? Dalberros face instantly turned red, and he stammered, I-it was just an instinctive choice. You came so suddenly, I had to do this. I can understand, Lumian said with a smile. But I should warn you, diseases have little effect on Demonesses. After speaking, his figure suddenly faded and disappeared right before Dalberros eyes. This was just a projection that Lumian had manifested through the mirror world! Shes so nice, even warning me Dalberro gazed longingly at the full-length mirror in the room and where the Demoness had stood, feeling that a faint fragrance still lingered in the air. After fifteen or twenty seconds, he finally managed to break free from his current state. Looking at the bright sunlight outside, he quickly left the master bedroom and came to the study, opening a secret room. The secret room was empty, with bare walls, peeling paint, showing signs of decay. Dalberro lit a white candle, locked the secret rooms door, and carefully checked his surroundings. After confirming there were no abnormalities, he knelt down, assuming a posture of penitent prayer. Then, he chanted in an ancient and desolate language that seemed to be losing its very meaning, Envoy of Depravity and Corruption, Witness to Humanitys End, Child of Rot and Disease, Palm of the God of Decay, the great Malady God He was praying and beseeching his superiorthe first few lines were directed at them, but the Malady God part wasnthis superior had deliberately borrowed their worshiped deitys alias to conceal their true name, saying they could respond based on proximity using the previous four descriptions and current environment. As Dalberro chanted devoutly, the already dimly candlelit secret room grew darker, the candle flame flickering, about to go out. Meanwhile, in a room opposite the Wild Rabbit Cafe. Lumian held a plain silver mirror, reflecting the cafe and the building above it. In reality, pedestrians were coming and going on the street, and the cafe had neither many nor few customers, but in the mirror, only the corresponding buildings and rooms existed, with no traces of humans or other living beings. No, there was one. In a windowless secret room somewhere in the mirrored building, Dalberro was kneeling before an increasingly yellow and dim candle flame, praying devoutly. In reality, the secret room in the building still existed, but there was no lit candle, nor was there Dalberro. When Dalberro finished chanting the honorific name, Lumian immediately felt information trying to drill out from the mirror, establishing some kind of mystical connection. He neither blocked nor influenced it. Soon, Dalberro heard a low, hoarse voice: What is it? Dalberro immediately reported, A Demoness has found me; she represents the Demoness Sect in seeking cooperation. Demoness Dalberro suddenly heard his superior curse with anger, Idiot, damn it! Uh Before Dalberro could come to his senses, his body began rapidly decaying, intense pain stabbing into his mind. He was already certain to die. But before this, Lumian in the real world had already sensed consciousness drilling into the mirror world along the previously established mystical connection, falling toward Dalberro. He immediately reached out his right hand and stroked the surface of the silver mirror. The consciousness from afar instantly left traces in the mirror world. Beside him, Franca held another mirror, using it to perform Magic Mirror Divination by questioning her own spirituality, Where is the source of the traces Where is the source of the traces In the blink of an eye, Francas mirror reflected a scene: Darkness, enclosed, seemingly the interior of a coffin, seemingly containing a corpse that hadnt completely decayed yet. Chapter 1054 - Chapter 1054 Left Hand Chapter 1054 Left Hand As soon as Franca tracked down the source of the traces in the mirror, Lumian immediately grabbed her shoulder and teleported to the location indicated by that scene. In just two or three seconds, Lumians figure materialized in a cemetery between mountains, appearing before a gravestone. Franca had gone somewhere unknown. Lumian cast his gaze toward the gravestone, seeing a memorial photo embedded in it and a name engraved: Mocoxidos. So youve long been dead, buried in a cemetery. No wonder the two Churches could never find the high-ranking members of the Sick Church, and who knows how you managed to avoid purification or cremation Lumian said mockingly while looking at the gravestone. He had anticipated various methods of contact Dalberro might use, intercepting the corresponding information and establishing connections by placing him in the mirror world. Before Lumian could finish speaking, the ground in front of the gravestone suddenly exploded with countless pieces of stone and soil. They shot toward Lumian like bullets fired from a steam rifle, whooshing through the air. At the same time, Lumian saw a hand. The hand was entirely cyan in color, swollen to the point of being translucent, with yellowish-green pus flowing inside, making every capillary abnormally clear. These capillaries and palm lines together formed complex symbols and patterns. Just looking at them made Lumian freeze in place. At this moment, his field of vision was completely occupied by this hand. Compared to it, the shooting stones and soil seemed as tiny as dust. Lumian began to tremble, his frost-white, cream-like skin instantly developing deep black spots. These spots rapidly eroded inward, causing his flesh to quickly rot. Lumian couldnt move, couldnt use any of his abilities, and even his thoughts were rapidly decaying. This was no Saints hand. This was clearly the left hand of a deity! Dont look directly at God. Lumian trembled in fear, his mind sinking into silence, unable to make any effective response, as if destined to walk toward the end of decay. Everything about him was decaying. Suddenly, his right palm became scorching hot, bringing an obvious stinging sensation. Lumian abruptly had an impulse to extend his right hand and touch that left palm, to let the black pinhole in his palm touch the other. This allowed him to barely regain some self-awareness. However, it was too late. The shooting stones and soil hit his body, creating ripples and the sound of breaking glass. Behind Lumian, a hidden mirror revealed itself. This current Lumian wasnt his true form, but rather a projection manifested through the mirror world! Of course, Lumian was also nearby. After teleporting to the cemetery, he had concealed himself and thrown out a mirror. But the impact of directly looking at a deity still affected him, severely wounding him, leaving him unable to move or take any measures to dodge. As the grounds stones and soil quickly weathered, that cyan, terrifying, strange hand pressed against Lumians projection. The projection instantly shattered, each illusory fragment rotting and fading. A series of cracking sounds came from Lumian, who was hiding behind a nearby treethe sound of all his Mirror Substitutions breaking. Even with the repeated substitutions of Mirror Substitutions, the black spots and deep decay on Lumians body persisted. Just a second or two later, his gaze lost focus, and his living presence disappeared. Thud! He fell in a highly decayed state, his Travelers Bag raising dust from the weathered soil. He died on the spot. At this moment, the figure before the gravestone fully appeared. It was a middle-aged man wearing a black suit without a hat. His face was somewhat long, with rotting spots showing bone on both sides, and his skin was pale, as if it hadnt seen sunlight for a long time. His left hand hung naturally, its cyan-green swollen state completely different from the rest of his body. Before Mocoxidos could check the situation, surging, quiet, indifferent gray-white appeared from behind the gravestone, rapidly spreading over. Wherever the gray-white passed, whether floating dust or weathered ground, everything instantly became solid and heavy, losing all other colors. Mocoxidos didnt panic, extending his left palm with its yellowish-green capillaries and cyan patterns toward this gray-white expanse. Though there was no physical contact yet, the gray-white slowed down, becoming increasingly sluggish, even developing cracks within itself. At this moment, a mirror flew out from the fallen Travelers Bag. From that mirror, Lumian, wearing a black robe with the hood down, appeared, walking back to reality with a smile on his lips. His highland lake-like eyes had already captured Mocoxidoss figure. Almost simultaneously, two black flames containing destruction and madness leaped from Lumians pupils. Ah! Mocoxidos immediately screamed in agony as bursts of black flames erupted from his rotting flesh, both igniting his soul and burning his decaying body composed of various pathogens. He hurriedly withdrew his left hand and tore open his abdomen, as if trying to pull out the source of the black flames, but this was a Demoness cursethe true source was with Lumian. Lumian had disappeared, perhaps teleporting to somewhere distant, or perhaps hiding in the mirror world. As Mocoxidoss left hand collided with the Fire of Destruction, the corresponding black flames began to weaken, flickering as if about to die out. But the black flames didnt extinguish completely, stubbornly continuing to burn Mocoxidoss flesh and soul, though their intensity began to rapidly decay. While Mocoxidos dealt with one threat, he couldnt handle the otherthe previously suppressed gray-white became surging again, crossing the barriers and spreading to his side. His clothes quickly took on the gray-white color, turning to stone. Mocoxidoss body suddenly emitted a putrid aura, with cyan-green yellowish pus oozing from the rotting areas where bone was visible. This pus instantly covered Mocoxidoss body, causing him to decompose into countless pathogens and disappear on the spot. Some pathogens were still entangled with black flames and quickly annihilated, but others that werent originally affected managed to escape the burning of the Fire of Destruction, At this time, the gray-white color symbolizing Petrification grew more intense, engulfing many pathogens and turning them to stone fragments that drifted to the ground. Lumians figure materialized at the side of the gravestone, smiling as he raised his right palm. Throughout the entire valley cemetery, from sky to earth, strange and quiet black flames ignited silently. In this black flame hell, every tree and blade of grass withered, collapsing as the surviving pathogens around the gravestone lost their spirituality and life one by one. After about seven seconds, Lumian heard a shrill, unwilling, ethereal, cursing scream in the air. From this, he knew Mocoxidos had completely died. And due to the burning of a Demonesss black flames, the others spirit would completely dissipate in the next few dozen seconds, unable to channel his spirit or do anything else through those means. Lumian flipped his hand, using the mirror to pull the area around the gravestone and Mocoxidoss spirit into the mirror world, thereby affecting the return of the boon powers. He and Franca then crossed through the silver mirror surface, arriving in the corresponding area behind the mirror. During this process, Lumian couldnt help but reflect on the recent battle. Mocoxidoss performance had exceeded both his and Francas expectations. That cyan-green swollen left hand was like one belonging to a true deitymerely seeing it and being pressed by it from afar completely crushed Lumians resistance, making even dodging impossible. This definitely surpassed Sequence 3, reaching the power level of an Angel, perhaps even higher! Most Sequence 3 Saints from other paths would have died irreversibly facing that attack just now. Fortunately, Lumian was a Demoness of Unaging, peculiarly difficult to kill and skilled in revival and rebirth. Moreover, other Demoness of Unaging couldnt manage this so easilythey would likely have their normal Mirror Person die along with them, only able to revive through a pre-placed mirror in a hidden location, largely disconnected from themselves, containing a sleeping Mirror Person. This would take dozens of minutes or even hours, making further participation in this battle impossible. Lumian had something special in his right palm, and thanks to the stimulated residual aura of the mutated Blood Emperor, he managed to break free from that left hands influence slightly earlier to some extent, actively using Mirror Substitution. Even so, all his Mirror Substitutions were destroyed, and his true form had to die once, though it didnt affect his self in the mirror. If not for Francas assistance and containment, Mocoxidos would have escaped before he could revive and return. That left hand was indeed formidable, with a terrifying divine descent quality But aside from the left hand, Mocoxidoss other aspects seemed quite ordinary, even inferior to the Sequence 4 demigod of the same path I killed before Did the existence of that left hand suppress the manifestation of Mocoxidoss other abilities, causing his thinking and reactions to decay to some extent? Since Amon could modify the ability manifestations of various sequences in the Marauder pathway, surely the great existence using Malady God as an alias can do the same. When bestowing power, He deliberately adjusted the sequence abilities, lowering the rank of His own or a left hand projection of some Angel near the divine throne to Sequence 3, but had to reduce other abilities as a result and make the bestowed pay an additional price? As these thoughts flashed through Lumians mind, he glanced at Franca and took out his Chariot card and The Fools Sacred Emblem. For the upcoming theft and manipulation, they would definitely need to beseech Mr. Fools help! Lumian himself didnt have such abilities. If he could control Mocoxidos and have enough time to use large-scale black magic, using this Saint as a medium to slowly establish contact with all Malady God believers, he might barely be able to take over the Sick Church by himself, but now, less than thirty seconds remained. Chapter 1055 - Chapter 1055 Double Gods Chapter 1055 Double Gods As Lumian watched the cemetery turn gray-white and the faintly visible fragmented spirit, he quickly lit three candles. With one hand holding The Fools Sacred Emblem and the other holding the Chariot card, he began chanting in Hermes, The Fool that doesnt belong to this era, The mysterious ruler above the gray fog, The King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck. I implore you, I beseech your assistance Regarding the Sick Church matter, Lumian had already reported to Mr. Fool beforehand, explaining his thoughts, so there was no need for detailed descriptions now, nor for setting up an altar. After completing the imitation rituals supplication, Lumian and Francas thoughts became slightly sluggish, like when they had to study after pulling an all-nighter before gaining their supernatural abilities. Then, they seemed to see a hand wearing a black glove. That hand covered the high sky, ethereal and illusory, not actually present. Almost simultaneously, tiny fragments of spiritual light gathered, reassembling Mocoxidoss nearly-annihilated soul body. Around this soul body, illusory points of light appeared one after another, while from its body extended an insubstantial cyan-green yellowish line stretching infinitely upward. That line suddenly wavered, pulled back by an invisible force, connecting its ends to form a closed system, no longer maintaining contact with the outside world. Only this way could Lumian and Francas theft of the Sick Churchs faith avoid being corrupted by the corresponding horrifying will. For a great existence of this rank, bearing His name meant becoming Him, even if it was just one of His aliases. Since no one had preached in the name of Malady God before, and this title Malady God had subsequently established a connection with Him over time, this was Him, just not as closely bound as His true honorific name. After the illusory line connecting the anchor and object of faith entered a self-cycling state, those points of light surrounding Mocoxidoss remnant spirit quickly floated toward Lumian. Scenes then appeared before Lumians eyes, representing each bestowed who knew Mocoxidoss honorific name. Ordinary believers werent qualified to know and chant the name of the Malady Gods envoy. They would only pray silently according to those preachers intimidation and sermons, adding prefixes to Malady God and His messengers based on their own understanding. This was also an anchor, but wouldnt have such points of light. Lumian quickly scanned through them all, discovering that among these bestowed, only one possessed godhood, and clearly didnt have Gods Left Hand like Mocoxidos. Only one Sequence 4? The rest are all mid to low Sequences Is this all the power the Sick Church has in the Trier region? Must pay extra attention to the Sequence 4 demigod, he might see through my and Francas disguise, realize its blasphemers deceiving for faith He must possess part of the Malady Gods honorific name, maybe even the complete name Just as Lumian had this thought, he saw the Doomed One in the light point take out a pair of black gloves from somewhere, put them on, and gently nod across the void. Is he controlled by Mr. Fool? Parasitized? Lumians confidence doubled. He put on the Lie earring, altered his throat structure, and began issuing commands to each bestowed represented by the light points in Mocoxidoss voice: The situation has changed. From now on, the great Malady God will gradually descend into reality in twin form. They are the God of Plague and the God of Disease; They are both male and female This would point to Lumian and Franca, matching their essence. As for Jeanna, there was no reasonable way to add her now. Once Lumian and Franca truly controlled the Sick Church in the Trier Region, changing the doctrine and adding new saints would be very easy, since Jeanna was still far from Sequence 3. Lumian continued speaking rapidly, Spread the new doctrine to believers quickly, urge them to master the honorific names of both deities and pray to Them. One is: The Lady more ancient than the times, Servant of Calamity, Child of Plague and Disease, Destroyer who walks in Shadows, Guide of all lost lambs in Trier, the great God of Plague. Here Lumian borrowed his sister Aurores uniqueness, then pieced together his own specialtieswhether Serving Calamity, Child of Plague and Disease, or Destroyer, all came from the top powers of the Hunter and Demoness pathways that had given him the boon and caused his palm to mutate somewhat. This matched the explanation of the Malady Gods division and wouldnt make the bestowed suspicious. This way, even without using his true name but referring to himself with the false God of Plague, he could be precisely indicated, because even without the last line, the previous five lines in standard format could lock onto him. This was also adding anchors for Aurore. The other is: The Ancient One who transcends time, One who remains forever young, Envoy of Disease and Plague, Lady who spreads pain and despair, Protector of humanitys adventurous spirit, the great God of Disease. This would point to Franca. To ensure these descriptions combined with precise accuracy, Franca also imitated Mr. Fool, incorporating her uniqueness as a transmigrator into the description. Currently in the Northern and Southern Continents, only she and half of Aurore were both transmigrators and Demonesses of Unaging. Of course, Franca didnt dare bet that no other high-ranking beings in this world matched just the two descriptions of Ancient One who transcends time and remains forever young. In the depths of space and various alternate dimensions, there might truly be beings who had lived from before the Primordial Ones awakening until now and didnt age, since apparently only Earths living creatures had encountered the apocalypse back then. But such beings surely could no longer be called human. After initially anchoring herself with the first two descriptions, Franca took several titles she had considered before but werent suitable for inclusion in the Church of The Fools patron saint name, selected those that fit the Sick Churchs doctrine, and added Protector of humanitys adventurous spirita title that had earned her mockery but actually wasnt bad upon careful consideration. This could effectively distinguish her from Aurora while remaining neutral, potentially serving as an entry point for her and Lumian to gradually transform the Sick Churchs doctrine later. And with these five honorific names, the great God of Disease became optional. However, it wasnt completely useless. As time passed, the title God of Disease would gradually become associated with Franca. If she could become an Angel in the future, God of Disease would truly become equivalent to her. After explaining the most important matters, Lumian saw those illusory points of light return to their original size, still surrounding him. They had been grafted onto him. Of course, this wasnt permanent, and Lumian hadnt intended it to be. If he hadnt needed these bestowed to preach and change the believers understanding, he would have eliminated them all on the spot, leaving no survivors. These were severely corrupted people who had received boon from the corresponding existence. To Lumian, who had usurped the position of Malady God, they were genuine time bombs with basically no possibility of salvation. Ill need to watch them constantly. Once most of the Malady God believers in the Trier region establish connections with me and Franca, Ill immediately eliminate these bestowed The Grafting of faith anchors can last at least a month, thats enough Lumian slowly exhaled, sincerely thanking Mr. Fool for his help. The power that had made his and Francas heads feel insufficient then receded. Next, Lumian looked at Mocoxidoss remaining spirit floating in mid-air, slightly surprised to find it hadnt completely dissipated. According to Lumians previous estimation, after entering the mirror world, Mocoxidos would completely pass away in just over thirty seconds, unable even to channel spirits, but now it seemed he could still hold on for about twenty seconds. And what they had just done couldnt have taken only ten secondsjust speaking the honorific names took longer than that! Did Mr. Fools gaze make time slow down? No, not slow down, my actions and words didnt become slower Did time slow down only for Mocoxidoss Spirit Body? Or did Mr. Fool grant Mocoxidoss Spirit Body more time? An application of high-ranking Marauder pathway abilities? As these thoughts raced through Lumians mind, he quickly employed a Magic Mirror Spirit Channeling Spell. There should still be time to ask one question! Lumian wasnt worried this would lead to him being noticed by the entity worshiped by the Sick Church, because Mocoxidoss connection with that being had been cut off, its ends joined to form a cycle. Regarding Mocoxidos and Sick Church matters, Lumian actually had quite a few questions: From those prayer light points just now, the Sick Church had only ten to twenty bestowed in the Trier region, clearly not a large scale. But among fewer than twenty bestowed, there was actually the Sequence 3 Mocoxidos and a Sequence 4 Doomed One. Wasnt this ratio too extreme? Back then, 007 as a Church deacon for a district in Trier was only Sequence 5, with two teams of Beyonders under himnearly fifteen people. Even though bestowed couldnt be directly compared to those who advanced through potions, the Sick Churchs situation was puzzling. Normally, such a team composition with a Sequence 4 demigod would already be the limit, and that only because the Trier region was very important. So, Lumian wanted to ask what special contribution Mocoxidos had made to receive the Sequence 3 boon, which had also led to some of his subordinates receiving advancement. Perhaps very important secrets were hidden here. Soon, Lumian completed the Magic Mirror Spirit Channeling Spell taught by Franca. In the makeup mirror he took out appeared Mocoxidoss increasingly fading spirit. Lumian asked quickly, What incident led to you receiving a boon to that left hand? Obvious fanaticism appeared on Mocoxidoss increasingly pale and transparent face. In a deep, hoarse voice, he mused, After the Vortex incident Chapter 1056 - Chapter 1056 Gathering Chapter 1056 Gathering After the Vortex incident Mocoxidos continued, God specifically bestowed upon me, telling me to stay in Trier, not to do anything else, not to expose myself. It wasnt because you made some special contribution? Lumian quickly followed up. When he heard the word Vortex, he thought hed found a key point, but unexpectedly, Mocoxidoss answer was completely different from what he had imagined. This was even more suspicious! Because I am devout, Mocoxidos said fanatically. Compared to the Order of All Extinction, we are the overlooked faction, doing less. God specifically bestowing upon me could only be because of my devotion Before he could finish speaking, his remnant soul had faded too much to sustain the spirit channeling. Lumian and Franca could only watch helplessly as he completely dissipated. Franca took out the Inevitable Gun and placed it where the cyan-green yellowish light points were gathering and floating upward. Since this was an ordinary mirror world, the return of the boon was only partially affected. While it settled down again, most of it still broke free and disappeared. While waiting for the Inevitable Guns power to be replenished and show more mutations, Franca said to Lumian, Getting a Sequence 3-equivalent boon without needing to make any contribution? I thought becoming a Demoness of Unaging was already easy enough, but I didnt expect there could be something even easier. Smiling, Lumian replied, Didnt you notice this when you were in the Savoie Mob? If they suddenly give you a gun, its definitely to make you do something dangerous, to use you as cannon fodder. Right, theres no such thing as a free lunchthe more free it seems, the more expensive it actually is. Franca understood Lumians meaning. The entity worshiped by the Sick Church gave Mocoxidos and others more boons, instructing them to lie low in the Trier region, because in the near future theyll be made to do something quite crucial, something they must do even if it leads to all their deaths? Lumian nodded. Its unfortunate that the Sick Church is a fringe sect. If we had captured a Sequence 3 Saint from the Order of All Extinction, we might already know what the issue is. This could be seen from the names of the first few boon sequences of the Patient pathwaythe followers of that great existence naturally tended toward infiltrating Triers upper and middle classes, gradually corrupting the entire system. Disease and plague were just two among that beings many authorities. Indeed. Franca sighed. Whatever the case, removing one nail is still one nail removed. We dont need to worry about the Sick Church for now. At this point, her Inevitable Gun showed some changes, expanding slightly overall and taking on a faint cyan-green tinge. Franca retrieved the revolver with spider silk and learned the final results by querying her own spirituality. The shots with either Certain Death or Sure Hit effects were restored to 13 times, and an additional new effect was added that could stun enemies, cause their thoughts to decay, and significantly affect their thinking and actions. This didnt require actually hitting the target to take effectas long as the target was locked onto and the shot was fired, they would experience similar conditions. And if a bullet with this effect actually hit, unless the target had previously used a body double ability, their original body would inevitably decay and move toward death, though this wouldnt affect the mirror that the Demoness of Unaging had hidden away earlier with most mystical connections severed. It cant compare to the original left handit wont make targets truly feel like theyre facing divine descent, completely unable to move or even think. Lets just say it can be useful in split-second moments, leaving enemies no time to react Franca casually explained. She quickly named this effect Gods Gaze, which could only be triggered once. Franca then sighed. Its a pity we were too rushedif we had brought Anthonys Winter is Coming, his weapon could have been replenished too. Franca and Lumian had originally thought Dalberros superior would at most be a Sequence 4 Doomed One. Although they had made contingency plans for encountering a Sequence 3 Saint, that wasnt their main focus, so the execution was inevitably somewhat hasty. Many preparations they should have made werent done, and they could only rely on the Demoness of Unagings bizarre unkillable trait to forcefully confront and block the target. There will be other chances. Lumian smiled slightly. He was referring to the Sequence 4 demigod currently under Mr. Fools control. Of course, this was assuming Mr. Fool didnt plan to use that puppet for something else. Franca made an affirmative sound, then said, The gathering time is set for 10 pm Saturday. You got the message, right? I did. Lumian nodded. Saturday night at 10pm, in the ancient and dilapidated palace of the Nation of the Evernight, Lumians figure quickly materialized. He was once again dressed as a warlock, wearing a silver-white half mask. After waiting another five minutes, Hidden Blade Franca, still wearing her assassin outfit, walked to the huge stone chair and cleared her throat. Everyone, I have announcements to make. Her voice wasnt loud, but it transmitted through the mirror items carried by many Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society members, allowing everyone to hear clearly. Thats a nice trick, Hidden Blade, someone immediately praised. Hidden Blades past actions and previously established image meant people didnt respect and revere her like they did Hela and Gandalf, instead treating her more like a friend they could tease. Francas lips curled into a smile. Youre right. The first thing I want to announce is: Ladies and gentlemen, Ive become a demigod! As the many Research Society members stared in shock, unable to believe it and about to express their emotions with profanity, the flaxen-colored long hair extending from under Francas hood floated up, becoming slightly darker and thicker. This made the vast majority of Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society members inexplicably alarmed, instinctively lowering their heads as if threads of electricity were coursing through their bodies. This wasnt displaying an incomplete Mythical Creature formFranca wouldnt dare do that. She was merely showing a hint of her godhoods aura to make her words more convincing. The entire ancient palace suddenly fell silent. After a moment, when everyone came to their senses, they instinctively wanted to express various opinions and use different tone words, but instantly remembered Hidden Blades previous display and closed their mouths again. That was the aura of godhood. Hidden Blade was now half-god, half-human. Francas deliberate showing off was mainly to strengthen the persuasiveness of her subsequent words. Seeing their reaction, she smoothly continued, Were still brothers and sisters, dont be so formal. After all these years, dont you know what kind of person I am? If you dont curse a bit, dont marvel at how Hidden Blade suddenly became so powerful, dont express your inner shock and admiration, wouldnt my showing off be for nothing? Right, right, right, Hidden Blades air is back! The Research Society members immediately relaxed considerably and, like those people in the telegram group, began expressing their shock and admiration. Franca immediately harvested joy from this. She had to admit that a small part of her deliberate showing off was for the showing off itself. When everyones discussion had somewhat subsided, Franca said in a low voice, The second thing I want to announce is that Ive received intelligence that those evil cults across the Northern and Southern Continents and the Five Seas will do something big in the next year or two, which might bring apocalyptic scenes. If you have chances to advance your Sequence, try your best to do so. If not, thats fine toojust enjoy life and when the time comes, hide in places like the cathedrals in major cities. As long as the true gods can hold on, things wont be too hopeless. If They cant hold on, everyone should first preserve their useful selves and decide what to do based on the specific situation. Personally, I think catastrophe will inevitably come, but its possible to survive them. The Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society members looked at each other, both bewildered and confused. If Hidden Blade hadnt become a demigod Demoness, they would have thought she was joking, playing a prank. How could the apocalypse come so suddenly? Were there no omens or prophecies? Everyone turned their gazes toward Hela and Gandalfcompared to the newly-made demigod Hidden Blade, these two had more authority and were more trustworthy. Hela walked to Francas side and looked around. Members in Trier, try to leave within half a year. This city will be one of the key nodes where problems erupt. Even if you really like life in Trier, you can return after things are over. This indirectly endorsed Francas previous words. The Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society members immediately erupted, asking all at once, What exactly is going to happen? Which places will be safer? Will remote villages be affected? Franca pressed down with one hand, gesturing for everyone to calm down. The specifics arent clear. Just treat it as a prophecy made by a prophetthere might not be only one interpretation. As everyone discussed, she and Hela walked down the steps. Gandalf came to where they had just been standing, showing no surprise or shock about the apocalyptic matter. This president of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society looked at everyone and said, Let me add one more point: Try to hide in big cities, but not the capitals of various countries. The successive confirmations made the gatherings atmosphere suddenly heavy, though not to the point of freezing or despair. The Academy groups gathering spot had the same atmosphere. Professor, wearing a butterfly bow tie, looked at Lumian and asked, Muggle, youre quite familiar with Hidden Blade. Have you heard more details? No, Lumian added, I only know that the Eternal Blazing Sun Church has placed nearly half its forces in Trier. After Periodic Table, Isotope, Associate Professor and others discussed for a while, Lumian thoughtfully said, I have something to remind you about. After becoming a Warlock, I was infused with quite a bit of knowledge by the Hidden Sage, some of which was about summoning special creatures from the spirit world. This had significant problems. It took me a long time to resolve them, so I have some experience. Have you been infused with knowledge in this area? Something about weak balls of telepathic connections. Chapter 1057 - Chapter 1057 The Key Point Chapter 1057 The Key Point Lumian deliberately spoke very clearly to ensure no one would overlook it. Moreover, he pointed out that this matter was dangerous, and he had experience in how to resolve it. This way, if any of the present Warlocks had been infused with mystical knowledge about summoning White Papers and hadnt yet undergone complete personality alteration, they would surely be alarmed, become fearful, and then either openly or secretly seek him out to discuss whether the problem truly existed and what solutions there might be. Professor, who represented the Academy groups Warlocks, thought for a moment and shook his head. Ive never been infused with knowledge in this area. After the other Warlocks gave similar answers, a man who had spoken little in the previous discussion suddenly said, The weak ball that can telepathically connect with me, right? I received related knowledge. Lumians heart leaped with joy as he looked at this Academy group member who was also dressed as a warlock, remembering his codename: Condensed Matter. Yes, Lumian nodded, glancing around before asking Condensed Matter, May I ask you some questions in private? If youre unsure about me, we can have Madame Hela present. Worried that he might already have hidden problems due to that mystical knowledge, Condensed Matter didnt refuse Lumians invitation. Okay. Soon, in a corner of the ancient palace, with Hela witnessing, Lumian questioned Condensed Matter, Have you used those descriptions to summon the corresponding spirit world creature? I have, Condensed Matter couldnt help asking, Is there something wrong with that? Lumians brows furrowed slightly beneath his silver-white half mask, and instead of answering, he asked, Can you sense anything special about me? He wanted to see if the other person could detect Omebellas bloodline. Does being particularly charming count? Condensed Matter answered honestly. It does, Lumian smiled behind his silver-white half mask, When did you first summon that spirit world creature? Around June or July two years ago, Condensed Matter recalled. June or July two years ago By then, Madame Pualis and the padre already had the child Lumian thought for a moment and asked, After being infused with this knowledge by the Hidden Sage, you didnt try it immediately? Condensed Matter shook his head. When I received the related knowledge, I was travelingtraveling with family; so I couldnt try it. Later, I was infused with more knowledge and also traded for a grimoire, so I forgot about it until remembering much later. I see Lumians tone suddenly carried a hint of sighing. This wasnt for Condensed Matter, but for Aurore. He then said, Can you describe what the contracted creature you summoned looks like? Condensed Matter described his contracted creatures appearance in detail, which was almost identical to the White Paper Lumian had summoned. When you first summoned it, did it have slightly milky and pale yellow clear liquid inside its body? It might have disappeared later, Lumian asked as if confirming something. Condensed Matter thought carefully before saying, No. No Lumian sighed as if he had expected this. He then said to Condensed Matter, The one you summoned probably doesnt have any problems. Thats good, thats good! Condensed Matter turned his head with undisguised joy, glancing at Hela as if hoping this lady would endorse this assessment. At this point, Lumian added, But I cant be completely certain yet. There are still a few questions I need you to answer. This might involve your privacy, but you dont need to be too detailedI just need to grasp the general situation. After hesitating for a few seconds, influenced by multiple factors including his desire for a definitive answer, the other partys extraordinary charm, and Madame Helas presence as witness, Condensed Matter finally nodded and said, Ask away. Lumian sincerely said, Thank you. He then posed his question. Which deity do you worship? If its not one of the orthodox gods, you dont need to answer. Finding the question simpler and less awkward than imagined, Condensed Matter quickly answered, Eternal Blazing Sun. Eternal Blazing Sun Is this the common point? On the surface, theyre all casual believers of the Eternal Blazing Sun But surely among the Warlocks in Trier like Professor and the others, there must be some who praise the sun daily to conceal their identity Are they deliberately concealing it, not mentioning it? Also, Condensed Matter is male, Aurore is female, so gender clearly isnt why the Hidden Sage targeted her Lumian was initially pleased but quickly sank into deep thought. How old were you when you transmigrated, and how old was the body after transmigration? Lumian further asked. My last memory was lamenting that I was almost thirty and had achieved nothing, Condensed Matter for a moment before saying. When I occupied this body, he was just twenty-five. Different from Aurores body state before and after transmigration Lumian quickly considered which aspects he should look for common points. While thinking, he casually asked, Are the current bodys parents still alive? They passed away long ago, Condensed State answered concisely. Do you have children? Lumian continued digging in this direction. Yes, Condensed Matter clearly didnt want to say more. There really arent any common points with Aurore At this moment, Lumian recalled something Condensed Matter had said earlier and thought for two seconds before asking, You said when you were infused with the corresponding knowledge, you were traveling with familywhich family members? Condensed Matter still only spoke generally, My wife, and my elder sisters family. Elder sister Lumians pupils suddenly dilated, as if hed been struck by lightning. Condensed Matter nodded slightly. Yes, the sister who raised this body of mine. Lumian stared at Condensed Matter, falling completely silent. He felt he had found that key point. The key point beyond the three words Warlock, transmigrator, and gray fog aura: Sister and brother! Elder sister and younger brother! Lumian began silently talking to himself. He kept repeating two names. Omebella, Zedus Omebella, Zedus Suddenly, Lumian remembered something else from the past. When Madam Magician mentioned the empty baby cradle, she used the word lost. This meant that in the eyes of this Angel who had a relatively deep understanding of the Cordu Village incident, according to her spiritual intuition, the cradle was empty because the child was lost, which wasnt exactly equivalent to death. And the subsequent intelligence from Madame Pualis and everyones deductions indicated that baby Omebella had died early on, killed by her father, her direct relative the padre. At the time, neither Lumian nor Madam Magician thought there was anything wrong with thisdeath was indeed a form of loss. But now, Lumian had a new conjecture: Could it be that Madame Pualis didnt give birth to one child for the padre, but to twins, a sister and brother? Then, one was killed, one mysteriously disappeared, achieving some purpose through the ritual of the Inevitability believers? The killed baby Omebella has now returned to Madame Pualiss embrace but cant come to reality yetwhat about the mysteriously lost child? Thinking of this, Lumian suddenly smiled. He felt this might have something to do with himself. He began to suspect that his selection of the Abscessed Hand profile from such a large collection of spirit world creature materials, making it the first creature for a Contractee to sign with, wasnt coincidental but stemmed from some mystical connection. Similarly, when he first arrived in Trier, his choice of the market district and the Auberge du Coq Dor wasnt just because thats what the deity worshiped by the Aurora Order arranged, but perhaps also because of the Poison Spur Mob supported by the Nightstalkers there. If this was true, then later meeting Father Montserrat and obtaining Omebellas remaining umbilical cord was destined, an inevitable fate! This also clarified why Madame Pualis had to find him specifically in the dream city! Ignoring Condensed Matters surprised and confused gaze, Lumian half-closed his eyes and silently said to himself, Hand Bro, Ill bring Omebellas remains to see you as soon as possible! Trier, fourth level of the catacombs. Lumian held a lit white candle, accompanied by Jenna who also had yellowish light spreading from her hands, as they walked step by step toward the ancient tomb containing the Samaritan Womens Spring. Before going to Morora to help Jenna advance to Demoness of Despair, he wanted Jenna to meet with Krismonas shadow to see what changes might occur or what hints they might receive. Cant Franca come here anymore? Jenna asked curiously. Lumian nodded. After obtaining godhood, one should visit Triers undergroundespecially places like thisas little as possible. Unless absolutely necessary, its best not to come. Arent you a demigod too? Jenna asked, both amused and concerned. Lumian chuckled. Its different. For me, entering the catacombs feels as comfortable as returning home. If I werent worried about making others nervous, I wouldnt even need to light a candle. He raised his right hand, exposing his palm with its pale skin, dark red marks, and black pinhole to the cold air and candlelit dimness. Then he blew out the candle in his hand, suddenly enveloped by darkness with only Jennas candlelight revealing his silhouette. Dont take risks! Jenna was startled. Lumian obligingly relit the candle with a smile. I was right, wasnt I? You scared me to death! Jenna glared at Lumian. As they talked, they finally reached the ancient tomb chamber. Lumian looked at the tomb door for two seconds and sighed. Too bad we didnt encounter Krismonas shadow on the way. I feel shes more friendly outside the Samaritan Womens Spring, while inside she tends to be more Lumian paused, then said in a low voice, Evil. Chapter 1058 - 1058 Meeting 1058 Meeting In front of the grayish-white fog surrounding the area of the Samaritan Womens Spring. Lumian and Jenna both lowered their heads, pressed their hands to their chests, and recited Mr. Fools honorific name. When they raised their heads, they had already arrived on the other side of the gray fog. The two followed the slope downward, and soon heard faint, ethereal splashing sounds. A few steps later, they saw the figure of a beautiful and holy woman in white robes. The child of the Primordial DemonessKrismona. Jenna examined the targets pale, transparent face for a few seconds and stepped forward on her own, to see if her special nature would elicit any additional reaction. Suddenly, a gleam of light appeared in Krismonas empty, blank eyes. It was sharp, cold, and extraordinarily vicious! Almost simultaneously, around Lumian and Jenna, from the sloped ground, the gray mist above, and the air in all directions, emerged one thick, slippery black poisonous snake after another, each with distinct black and white eyeballs rolling on their heads. In less time than it takes to blink, this place had become a forest of black snakes, obscuring the earth and piercing the sky. With these changes, the temperature dropped dramatically, and the area around the Samaritan Womens Spring instantly became a world ruled by ice and snow. Icicles were interspersed among the dense black snakes, covering them with a layer of crystalline white. Jenna had already frozen stiff, with ice particles and icicles forming on her flaxen hair, face, and all over her clothes. Around Lumian, intense white flames with a blue tinge burned, but these flames were also freezing rapidly, with crystalline ice layers spreading quickly. For Lumian, blocking for this brief moment was enough. He raised his right palm, activating the residual aura of the Blood Emperor in his palm. The splashing sound instantly intensified, and Jenna, who was already nearly frozen and petrified, immediately lost consciousness. Lumian felt the familiar aura of madness and the deathly cold emanating from the Underworld Daoist. The water of the Samaritan Womens Spring receded into its deep source, pulling Krismonas shadow along with it, making it bob up and down. Both the Black Snake Forest that filled this space and the frost world that was cold enough to be almost unbearable even for a Sequence 3 Saint dissipated. Everything returned to normal. Jenna gradually regained her thoughts, and as the spring water began flowing again, she heard Krismonas fearful, hateful voice filled with intense cursing: Do not advance to Demoness of Unaging! Do not advance to Demoness of Unaging! The high-tier Demonesss figure lingering near the spring water repeated these words, Her voice shrill and terrifying. Seeing that the world of ice and snow was about to descend again, and thick hair like black poisonous snakes was about to pierce from the ground toward the sky, Lumian pulled Jenna back two steps. Krismonas figure no longer showed any abnormality, Her eyes once again becoming empty and blank. How do you feel? Lumian had also heard what Krismona was shouting, but he was more interested in knowing if the pure female Demoness had any special sensations. Jenna paused for two seconds, then recalled, Its different from what I sensed during an advancement. The current Lady Krismona is more like the Primordial Demoness This isnt about similarities in temperament or feeling, but rather that the malice toward pure female demonesses is almost identicalthe kind of malice that would personally strangle the corresponding possibility. Well, there are still subtle differencesLady Krismonas malice stems more from fear. She seems terrified of seeing a Sequence 3 pure female demoness Is the Krismona here a remnant of obsession and malice, so it manifests more directly and obviously? Lumian nodded with understanding. Looking at it this way, there shouldnt be much problem with pure female demonesses advancing to Sequence 4. The hidden danger and risk lie in reconciling with the Mirror Person when becoming Sequence 3. Lumian gazed at Krismonas figure beside the Samaritan Womens Spring and said thoughtfully, What was Her relationship with Her Mirror Personenslavement, infatuation, or reconciliation? You suspect something went wrong with Lady Krismona before She perished? Jenna asked, turning her head. After pondering for two seconds, Lumian said, The one lingering around the Samaritan Womens Spring might be fine, but who knows what the one near the Krismona Night Pillar in Fourth Epoch Trier is. Jenna nodded solemnly. Lets go, we cant communicate normally anymore. Lumian turned around. He then smiled and said, This isnt necessarily a bad thing. Normal communication might involve instigation and deception, while curse-like shouts based on obsession are more authentic. Through this, we can confirm there are no hidden dangers in advancing to Demoness of Despair. As he spoke, Lumian turned back to look at Krismonas body. Through the thin gray fog, he saw the holy and beautiful high-tier Demoness continuing to wander beside the spring eye flowing with pale water, day after day, year after year, Her face pale and transparent, Her gaze empty and blank. Suddenly, Krismona looked toward them. This time, inexplicable fear appeared in Her blank eyes. The gleam of fear vanished instantly, completely swallowed by endless emptiness. What did She see? Lumian muttered as he walked back. But with just himself there, Krismona showed no reaction. When Jenna joined, the previous events merely repeated, with no additional information gained. At this point, Lumian and Jenna finally abandoned their desire to continue probing and left the Samaritan Womens Spring. The next morning, in the New City of Silver, at the bottom of the spire, at the end of the mottled stairs, in a room filled with morning light, black hair strands, various plants, and different mushrooms. Under Mr. Suns watch, Lumian walked to the brownish soil pile and placed both hands on the withered, huge grayish-brown tree trunk. At this moment, Lumian felt as if the human-like patterns on the tree trunk were staring at him intently. Two huge crimson flowers served as the eyes. Best not to exceed two minutes, or random effects will occur, the tall Mr. Sun reminded Lumian. Lumian made a sound of acknowledgment, then exerted force with both hands to forcibly pull up Omebellas remains, known as the Gift of the Land. The entire New City of Silver suddenly shook, as if experiencing a mild earthquake. The morning light in the room grew brighter, and the surrounding black hair strands, plants, and mushrooms began to grow and multiply at a visible rate. Lumian quickly placed the Gift of the Land into a specially allocated space within the Travelers Bag, then teleported to somewhere in the mirror world. Madam Magicianwearing the previous silver-starred black robealong with Jenna and Franca, were already waiting for him in the dark, pitch-black mirror realm. According to the agreement with the Church of Knowledge, Lumian and Jenna couldnt go to the City of Exiles through normal means, but the Church would create a gap in Mororas seal somehow, allowing them to enter using the power of the mirror world and high-tier beings of the Door pathway. I borrowed it, Lumian said extremely concisely about the result. Madam Magician nodded, making all the silver stars on her wizard robe light up. A dreamlike starry sky appeared, and endless stars quickly formed a passage. Surrounded by brilliant light, Lumian and Jenna instantly arrived in the City of Exiles Morora, at the square outside the cathedral. Using the authority of 0-01, Lumian gathered enough serious criminals to meet the ritual requirementsa sea of people. These exiles were already nearby, as if waiting for the reaper to arrive. Without wasting time, Lumian quickly said to Jenna, Finally, let me tell you a fact. Jenna had already begun quietly spreading the plague using the Demoness of Despairs Beyonder characteristic and the Sequence 5 level charm given by Franca. What? Lumian said seriously, Even if you really become a Sequence 4 demigod, you wont be able to do much when the apocalypse comes. Whether you can protect your loved ones and friends is another matter entirely. Jenna opened her mouth but couldnt refute. She actually understood this clearly but was unwilling to accept it. Are you in despair? Lumian smiled. If youre in despair, then go ahead and advance. Advance with this despair, with the intense desire to change this reality. Jenna understood Lumians intention, sighed softly, and said with a laugh, Dammit, good thing Im relatively strong, otherwise Id definitely lose control during the ritual. I wouldnt say this to someone who isnt strong, Lumian didnt delay any further and, relying on the mystical connection between himself and 0-01, directly entered the underground mausoleum. Jenna turned around and looked at the criminals bound by commands in the square. Her gaze was like water, both deep and calm, as if looking at the villains from her past life and their various endings, both good and bad. After a while, Jenna walked through the crowd, heading outside the square. This was to ensure that the serious criminals at the edges also received fair treatment, experiencing the same plague. When thousands of exiles showed symptoms, growing weaker amidst violent coughing, Jenna took out the ingredients and began preparing the potion. As one wave after another of serious criminals fell to the ground, she drank the liquid in one gulp. As soon as she began advancing, Madam Magician used the pre-given mental imprint to transfer her out through the beautiful dreamlike starry sky to an area in the mirror world shrouded in thin gray fog. As long as the ritual was achieved and the time limit hadnt passed, advancement could occur anywhereit didnt have to be in Morora! Of course, this assumed the seals gap still existed and Jennas connection to the ritual hadnt been severed. This thin gray fog was obtained by Franca through prayer to Mr. Fool, aimed at deceiving the Primordial Demoness and preventing Her observation. During Jennas advancement, Lumian also arrived at the mountain peak of corpses where 0-01 was planted, next to Hand Bro who patrolled back and forth like the steel puppets and undead soldiers, nearly perfect, like a work of art. With time running short, Lumian directly pulled out the Gift of the Land from the Travelers Bag and planted this withered, huge trunk in the wilderness. The Abscessed Hand, who had been walking, suddenly stopped, His beautiful crystalline crimson eyes looking over. His face, which was almost at the limit of beauty, instantly twisted, with emotions like pain, hatred, malice, pleasure, and mockery overflowing. He opened his mouth and shouted fiercely in the Jotun, Omebella! I curse you! I curse you to die by the hand of your direct descendant! Chapter 1059 - Chapter 1059 Zedus Chapter 1059 Zedus Lumian had advanced too quickly and hadnt yet mastered many mystical languages. He had only learned part of Jotun so far, but he had a contractual connection with the Abscessed Hand, allowing him to directly understand the meaning through the thoughts transmitted by the other party. At that moment, he was completely stunned by the Abscessed Hands reaction and words. He had originally imagined that after thousands of years, the reunion of brother and sister would be sad yet heartwarming, like when Hand Bro had just become a 0-01 soldier and called out the name Omebella with such depth. Instead, there was not a trace of warmth, only bone-deep hatred. As the Abscessed Hands voice echoed, the area around Him lit up, as if crimson moonlight was falling from an unknown place onto this wildernessevil, cold, and bloody. Then, within the crimson moonlight, one after another illusory and complex Doors of Summoning split open, connecting to different places, with some indescribable horror growing behind them. On the wilderness ground, countless plants sprouted, creeping toward the withered trunk that had evolved from Omebellas remains. The Gift of the Land, stimulated by this, also reacted, with the soil below splitting apart, leaving nothing growing. This power, rich with death and return, met the lush scene of new life. Standing between Omebellas remains and the Abscessed Hand, Lumian was instantly affected, uncontrollably regressing into a mirror that cracked with a snap. This influence continued to expand rapidly, not giving Lumian, who was trying to redraw his silhouette, a moments peace. At this moment, streams of invisible flames shot up from various parts of the wilderness, the sky above taking on the color of burning, as a terrifying will that could conquer everything suddenly descended. The flesh in the middle of the Abscessed Hands brow writhed, pulling at the skin. The distortion of His face quickly returned to normal, and around Him, whether it was the crimson moonlight, the numerous Doors of Summoning, or the various newly grown plants, all instantly vanished. The Sealed Artifact Gift of the Land also returned to silence, the desolation no longer spreading. As the invisible flames extinguished, this blood-stained wilderness before the mountain of corpses was once again shrouded in darkness. Lumian looked toward the peak of the corpse mountain and couldnt help muttering, Boss, arent you being a bit too hasty? He had wanted to observe for a while longer before using 0-01s power and authority to suppress the Abscessed Hand and the Gift of the Land, but unexpectedly, 0-01 had reacted to the stress. This left him quite helpless. However, there was nothing he could do about itafter all, 0-01 was the boss, and he was just the proxy. And 0-01 was actually in a state of deep sleep, reacting purely on instinct, not something Lumian could persuade even if he wanted to. Confirming Hand Bros reaction and hearing those words is enough. Some of my previously unclear thoughts and speculations have either been overturned or connected Heh heh, Hand Bro, should I call you Zedus from now on? Lumian muttered for a while, then put away the Gift of the Land which had been suppressed and become quiet, with no random effects likely to appear for some time, and teleported back to the square in front of the Church of Knowledge. Here, wailing and groaning were everywhere, with many having already lost their lives. Lumian swept his gaze around, quickly left Morora, and appeared back in the area behind the mirror, appearing beside Franca. At this time, Jenna had just completed her advancement, her hair slightly darker and thicker, her eyes an even more beautiful blue. Wheres Madam Magician? Lumian took his gaze off Jenna and asked Franca. Franca made a tongue-clicking sound and chuckled. After confirming there were no problems with Jennas advancement, she went back to work on her manuscript. She said if you have any findings or speculations, either summon her messenger or report directly to Mr. Fool. This time Ill need a signed book. Lumian laughed, then said to Franca and Jenna, Lets go to the New City of Silver first. After returning the Gift of the Land to the room at the bottom of the spire, Lumian went to the Church of Fool headquarters and entered the confessional that Mr. Sun had specially prepared for him and the others. He immediately created a ball of blazing white flame, letting the light fill every inch of space inside the confessional, then began telling Franca, Jenna, and Mr. Sun, who had come specially to listen, about his brother-sister speculation, the names Omebella and Zedus, the Abscessed Hands recent reaction and His spoken words. You mean Omebella and Zedus are both children of the Great Mother,the former being the elder sister who inherited the power of the Earth pathway, and the latter being the brother on the neighboring Moon pathway, and they were possibly twins? Franca tried to sort out the logic. At this point, Jennas face showed a grave expression. Zedus was killed by Omebella, for unknown reasons? Perhaps with the help of Omebellas husband, the ancient godGiant King Aurmir. They were worried about Zeduss resurrection, so they deliberately dismembered Him into multiple pieces and sealed them in different places. This is also why the Sanguine never heard of such an Angel of the Moon pathway. Yes, this event probably happened quite early, before that Sanguine ancestor partially regained consciousness in the Second Epoch and became an ancient god. Ive been saying, it doesnt make sense that there was only a Sanguine ancestor in the Second Epoch. Since one of the Sequences in the Beyonder characteristics is called Vampire, there should have been Vampires as creatures in the early Second Epoch, or even the First Epoch, regardless of whether they had rationality or were completely equivalent to monstersthis doesnt affect the essential definition, Lumian spoke slowly, thinking as he talked. Mr. Sun offered an explanation on behalf of the Sanguine, The Sanguine dont consider such monsters as their kin. So its Sanguine ancestor, not Vampire ancestor? Lumian thought that if Mr. Moon were present, there might be some unpleasant incidents. After one divine assembly and one small gathering, he had gained a preliminary understanding of Mr. Moons personality and concerns. Mr. Sun answered very fairly, Thats what they call it. But you people of the New City of Silver think vampires and the Sanguine are essentially the same? Lumian, Franca, and Jenna, all three Demonesses, could hear what Mr. Sun left unsaid. What a considerate person Lumian sighed inwardly before continuing, Before His death, Zedus cursed His sister Omebella, cursing Her to die by the hand of Her direct descendant, and this curse came true. At this point, Lumian suddenly paused, and after two seconds, said in a low voice, Zedus, as an Angel of the Moon pathway, was killed by Omebella of the Earth pathway, who might have also stolen His identity, while Omebella ultimately died at the hands of the Sanguine ancestor, an ancient god of the Moon pathway who might no longer have had true god status at the time, and then had Her identity stolen. This is an inevitability Lumian felt profound emotion. When he had stolen the power of Inevitability, he had no clear understanding, but the more he learned, the more he felt that inevitability was an issue that even Angels, true gods, and great beings couldnt avoid. After discussing for a while longer, Lumian stood up and said, I need to report to Mr. Fool; he might provide new revelations. He began praying right there in the confessional. Suddenly, thin grayish-white fog appeared before his eyes, and his ears seemed to hear terrifying chaotic sounds. In just the blink of an eye, Lumian saw himself sitting at the bronze long table, in the position representing the Chariot, while at the head of the long table, in that huge stone chair, Mr. Fools figure, wearing a top hat and coat, was faintly visible, hidden in the mist. Good morning, Mr. Fool. Lumian immediately stood up and bowed. He had intended to report to Mr. Fool through prayer but was directly pulled up to the gray fog instead. The Fool nodded slightly, his voice carrying more gentleness than the coldness of the last gathering. You have found the answer? Lumian sat down. I have become a Demoness of Unaging, borrowed the Gift of the Land, and went to see the Abscessed Hand in the depths of Morora After repeating Mr. Fools previous revelation, he shared all the information he had collected and all his speculations, finally asking, Mr. Fool, did Madame Pualis deliberately hide the infant Zedus in Cordu to use the ritual that the Inevitability believers would ultimately perform? Was the infant Zeduss mysterious disappearance due to that ritual? The Fool, shrouded in thin gray fog, nodded. Yes. Lumian suddenly smiled, laughing for several seconds. Then, he sighed and asked seriously, Mr. Fool, the infant Zeduss soul fragments are within my body, right? Since the one worshiped by the Aurora Order could use that ritual and Mr. Fools seal to let Amon return within the barrier undetected and steal Termiboross power and identity, the Great Mother could do something similar! The infant Zedus must have also been in the destruction brought by the ritual at that time, like other villagers of Cordu, shattered into pieces, with only fragments of soul remaining, which were then sealed inside my body! Thats how he mysteriously disappeared. The Fool placed his right hand on the edge of the long table and rapped it gently. Yes. Lumian gave a self-deprecating smile. No wonder I encountered matters related to the Great Mother as soon as I reached Trier, met the priest who had nurtured Omebella as soon as I went to sea, and the first contract creature I selected was the Abscessed Hand He sighed softly for a few moments, then looked back at the table before The Fool. Mr. Fool, can you help me remove the seal and separate the infant Zeduss soul fragment? The Fool said in an even voice, Like Aurores soul fragments, he has already merged with you. Lumian was stunned for a moment, shocked yet feeling this was natural. The special quality possessed by Aurores soul fragment was obviously also possessed by the infant Zeduss soul fragment. The two of them were different from other villagersif one had merged, the other would certainly not be an exception. Will he affect Aurores resurrection? Lumian asked the question he cared about most. The Fool shook his head slightly. He has a different gender from Aurore; he will only replace you in the future. He merged with you when you obtained Omebellas bloodline. Zeduss soul fragment, Omebellas bloodline, heh heh, I alone am equivalent to divine twins. Lumian exhaled and sincerely asked, Mr. Fool, is there a way to resolve this issue? The Fool looked at Lumian for several seconds, his voice suddenly becoming somewhat drifting, as if narrating fate, This is a hidden danger, a risk, and also a variable, an opportunity. Chapter 1060 - Chapter 1060 The First Priest Chapter 1060 The First Priest Its both a hidden danger and a risk, as well as a variable and an opportunity? I understand what the hidden danger and risk are, but how is the variable and opportunity manifested? Lumian did not ask further; his spiritual intuition told him this was a revelation, a scene that Mr. Fool had seen in the river of fate, something that could not be explained in detail. After a moments thought, he decided, What should I do next? This was about what to do after clarifying the situation with the infant Omebella in Madame Pualiss arms and understanding what Zedus represented. The Fool looked at Lumian, his voice still somewhat drifting. Calamity needs to stay away from the mother. Stay away from the mother? Does this mean avoiding meetings with Madame Pualis and the infant Omebella? I cant even touch the Great Mother unless the barrier fails, and if the barrier does fail, touching the Great Mother would be meaningless Lumian pondered the true meaning of Mr. Fools latest revelation. Suddenly, he thought of more possibilities. The mother might not only refer to the Great Mother, but also Earth Mother of the Feynapotter Kingdom! Does this mean I have to stay away from Earth Mother and Her proxies, and even avoid touching any sacred objects that could point to Her? After all, as the Sanguine ancestor and the former ancient god of the Moon pathway, using the identity of Omebella, with the true god status of the Earth pathway, She has existed for thousands of years. Even now, after removing the theft and abandoning the corresponding identity, there would inevitably be a very strong mystical connection with Omebella Lumian nodded thoughtfully. Yes, Mr. Fool. Regarding matters related to Omebella, he already had a very deep understanding, long knowing that the Sanguine ancestor Lilith, with the help of the Ancient Sun God, had killed Omebella, stolen Her identity, and then assumed Omebellas name to become Earth Mother, playing a crucial role in the war a few years ago. When Mr. Fool indicated he could leave, Lumian made his final request, Can you help me remove the seal on my chest? Since the soul fragments of Aurore and the infant Zedus had already initially merged with himself, they would not perish whether the seal was protected or not. This would allow the villagers of Cordu to find peace! They had no hope of resurrection and would only exist in the form of Lumians puppet soldiers, which he was unwilling to do. Okay. The Fool agreed to Lumians request. Before Lumian could speak, this great existence leaned back in his chair, speaking in a calm voice, The seal will be automatically removed in three minutes. Praise you, Mr. Fool! Lumian stood up, pressing his hand to his chest in a salute. Returning to the real world, Lumian, accompanied by Franca and Jenna, bid farewell to Mr. Sun and returned to the luxurious villa in Trier. After briefly mentioning Mr. Fools new revelation and his own understanding, he chose to teleport away alone. His destination: Cordu Village, in the Darige region of Riston Province. Soon, Lumians figure took shape in that familiar yet strange hometown. Glancing at the blood-red pillar that wasnt particularly high yet had a mountainous feel, and then looking at his family house some distance away, Lumian walked into the buildings surrounding the pillar. He surveyed the house ruins, some completely collapsed, others burned, trying to discern their original appearance. Walking step by step through the broken walls and ruins, a pure and brilliant starlight emerged from Lumians chest. As the starlight dispersed, fragments of radiance flew out from his body, falling around him and materializing into blurry figures. These were Naferia, Nazlie, and other elderly women, various Pierres and Guillaumes. Some gathered together, basking in the noon sun, chatting about village matters; others carried farming tools, returning home; some playing with children, chasing and frolicking, or herding a group of white geese The ruins suddenly became lively. Lumian looked around, but no one paid him any attention. Those figures were slowly fading. Lumian smiled, nimbly climbing onto the top of a nearby buildings ruins, lying down, letting his black hair pile beside him. It was noon, bright and sunny, almost dazzling. White clouds drifted slowly across the blue sky. The scent of spring grass and building stones, accompanied by sounds of conversation, chasing, and laughter, quickly penetrated Lumians mind, making him feel warm in the sunlight, drowsy. He closed his eyes, letting his thoughts drift. The surroundings gradually became quiet, returning to silence. In the previously rented apartment in Trier. Lugano, with his handsome features and robust build, was reading the latest medical journal while skewering a piece of sausage to eat. For nearly a month, he had been living quite leisurely, with his salary paid in advance and nothing much to do. As a genuine Doctor, he could easily earn money even without running a clinic. The only issue was that he could still only access the mystical circle he already knew, unable to obtain higher-sequence potion formulas or corresponding items. He had recently discovered that the activities of that mystical circle had completely stopped, with the official forces in Trier unprecedented in their strength. Ah, I both want the boss to come back quickly, yet fear his return Lugano couldnt help but sigh. At that moment, he saw the bedroom door open, and his long-awaited employer walked out, as if he had never left. Good evening, boss! Lugano jumped up, reflexively greeting him. Lumian, who had been secretly observing him for some time, nodded slightly. I have something for you to do. Lugano, dazzled by his employers appearance, instinctively asked, What is it? The boss seems even more beautiful, his charm greatly increased. What happened he muttered inwardly. Lumian took out a list. Visit each person on this list, tell them you are a Blessed and priest of the Malady God, and then maintain contact with them, responsible for preaching and conducting mass. Uh Lugano was stunned. Is this a cult? Lumian chuckled in response. Dont worry, the authorities have given the go ahead. If any of the Malady God followers have any illnesses, just treat them. The consultation fee depends on the familys situationcharge normal rates for the wealthy, and nothing for those without means. The people on this list were all Malady God followers in Trier. Their previous Blessed had recently informed Lumian through prayer that the Beyonders from the two major Churches were watching closely, and they didnt dare to make contact. Lumian had responded in time, granting them death. Then, through the Church of The Fool, he communicated that a Saint from the Church of The Fool had taken over these followers to the Eternal Blazing Sun Church and the God of Steam and Machinery Church, and would be responsible for reforming them, so they no longer needed to keep watch. This matter of openly poaching followers, after private communication and promises, had finally been tacitly approved. Since Lumian couldnt personally preach, and couldnt do everything himself, he thought of Lugano. He was a genuine Doctor who could treat illnesses while preaching, truly embodying the authority of the Malady God! Lugano suddenly understood. The Sick Church is going legitimate? Are you now a follower of the Malady God? Lumian glanced at Lugano and said with a smile, I am the Malady God. Lugano was stunned again. And also the patron saint of the Church of The Fool, Lumian continued. This was something he couldnt hide from Lugano. My boss has become a patron saint? Become the Malady God? What am I now? Lugano was bewildered and fearful for two seconds. What should I tell these followers? Do I have scriptures to read, a mass to conduct? Lumian took out a stack of documents. The Malady God has now split into the God of Plague and the God of Diseaseone is me, the other is Franca. When preaching to these followers, do not mention our real names or the Church of The Fool for now. Follow whats written on these papers. These doctrines are still quite simple, and those followers wont understand anything complex. Well slowly modify and add to them once they truly believe in me and Franca. Yes, boss, no Lugano suddenly knelt on one knee, head lowered, Yes, great Lumian Lee. This is also an anchoran anchor with potential risks Lumian nodded satisfactorily. Several on the list were originally bestowed of the Malady God. Ive already punished them, and theyre now dead. Go to the addresses on the list to collect their bodies and take away their ill-gotten gains. In the name of me and Franca, return these funds to the followers, especially those living in difficult circumstances. The remainder can be used as expenses for your preaching. Afterwards, dont mention donations to the followers, but if they actively donate and the money wont affect their familys life, dont refuse. After completing this task, Ill help you find the potion formula and corresponding Beyonder ingredients for the next sequence. Still kneeling on one knee, Luganos heart leaped, and he blurted out, Praise you, great Lumian Lee! Lumian gestured for him to rise while saying, Franca and I are now Sequence 3 Saints. Our honorific names are in these documents. God of Plague is me, God of Disease is her. If you have anything, contact us by reciting the honorific name. I shall obey your will, Lugano quickly responded. As the boss was about to leave, he instinctively asked, How is Ludwig? You must be very busy and have no time to take care of him. If he gets too hungry, he might eat people. Is this the Mother pathway? Lumian thought to himself, then said with a smile, Dont worry about him. He can now cook for himself using the ingredients we prepared. Moreover, Ludwig was about to have a big feast. Chapter 1061 - Chapter 1061 Feast Chapter 1061 Feast In an apartment with insufficient lighting, the classic clocks hands ticked away. Lumian, Franca, Jenna, and Anthony were gathered around a corpse, watching Ludwig tie a white napkin around his neck. Hes quite well-mannered Lumian quipped. The corpse in the room belonged to the remaining Sequence 4 demigod from the Sick Church in the Trier region, named Sathipo Eir. Previously controlled by Mr. Fool, he had recently completed the task of making his followers pray to the God of Plague and God of Disease. Then, Lumian received a revelation from Mr. Fool, instructing them to come to this apartment at the current time to handle the subsequent matters. As soon as Lumian and the others knocked on the door, they saw Sathipo Eir collapse and die in front of everyone. Fortunately, Lumian had already pulled this apartment and all its contents into the mirror world, and had Anthony quickly place the Winter is Coming pistol on the corpse. Thinking about Sathipo Eir, who had been busily helping himself and Franca connect with followers and spread new doctrines and was essentially Mr. Fools avatar, Lumian felt something was off. Isnt it strange that the god he believed in would go to such lengths, meticulously and diligently running around to recruit followers, preach doctrines, and spread his honorific name? Would a great existence be so hands-on? Recalling the stories about Amon that Madam Magician had told him and the abilities of high-ranking Beyonders from the Marauder and Seer pathways, Lumian thought this seemed somewhat normal: A thousand avatars, all of which are oneself! Can I eat now? Ludwig raised his head, looking eagerly at Lumian. Should we first channel the spirit? Lumian turned his head and asked Franca. Although Mr. Fool had certainly grasped all of Sathipos information through Parasitism, Lumian felt that they should still channel the spirit. They couldnt always trouble Mr. Fool with everything. Franca looked at Sathipos floating spirit and pondered, The decay is slower than expected. Mr. Fool must have done some processing. Lets not rush to channel his spirit. Do we know what to ask? Jenna chimed in, We might as well search the apartment first and see what clues we can find. Then we can channel his spirit, which will help us know exactly what to ask. Okay, Lumian said, seeing many green and yellow light points had settled on Anthonys Winter is Coming revolver. He smiled at Ludwig, Go ahead. He had previously asked Ludwig if returning to Sequence 4, or Sea Monster, would cause him to transform into a grotesquely sized sea monster, which would make it impossible for him to stay in Trier unless he constantly hid in the mirror world. Ludwig had looked at his hands and body for a few seconds and unexpectedly became sad, crying, Not yet. He was clearly disappointed. He told Lumian that his appearance shouldnt change much, but he would need to be taken to the ocean daily to have a proper feastsomething easy for Lumian, who had teleportation abilities. With the godfathers approval, Ludwig cheered and lunged at the corpse. Franca and Jenna instinctively turned their backs. Amid sounds of tearing, chewing, cracking, and crunching, the two Demonesses began examining every corner of the apartment. Mechanical music boxes, classic clocks, fabric sofas, red desks, brass gas meters, and exquisite small statues passed before Franca and Jennas eyes. Suddenly, Franca walked to the desk and opened a drawer. Inside were various denominations of gold coins, including several 20 Louis dor coins. Francas hand moved through the coins, picking up a coin with a dark gold, less lustrous color. It was a gold coin, but not of any current legal tender. Franca brought the dark gold coin close to her eyes, noticing a male head profile on the front, with long hair, wearing a crown, with rigid lips and sharp facial lines. On either side of the male head were layered doors and a raven with one eye large and one small, surrounded by changing lines, a vertical sword, and an extended hand. Hmm Franca had a vague guess. She turned the coin over, finding a number 7 on the back. Around the 7 were images of gathered soldiers, sharp weapons, and flowing blood. Is this a Tudor coin? Franca spoke aloud. Her spiritual intuition told her so. The Tudor dynasty of the Fourth Epoch had issued its own currency, but perhaps due to the Blood Emperors mental state or influence from the original pathway, its value and conversion were perplexingunlike the normal 1, 5, 10, 20, but with seemingly random values like 2, 7, and 13. These coins had long since disappeared over a thousand or two thousand years, either remelted into new coins or gold items, or buried in ancient tombs. Currently, one could only see them in museums or some collectors vaults. How could there be a Tudor coin? Jenna looked over. Im also puzzled. You cant even use this thing. Were they planning to sell it as an antique? Franca pondered for a few seconds. Well ask during the spirit channeling. While the two Demonesses carefully searched the apartment, Lumian suddenly said to Anthony, You can pick up the revolver now. He intuitively believed that Winter is Coming had reached its limit in bearing the bestowed power, and continuing might damage it. Of course, no matter how damaged, it would still be a weapon with Beyonder power, though the negative effects might change and become unbearable. Anthony, who had already quietly cast Placate on himself, squatted down and picked up the artistic Winter is Coming revolver from the bloody, mutilated corpse. The Certain Death and Sure Hit charges have been enhanced to nine times Even if this revolver shatters, it can be reassembled No other changes Lumian used Magic Mirror Divination to inform Anthony about the current state of Winter is Coming. Anthony, who had received a Travelers Bag as a bonus from the dream mission, breathed a sigh of relief and placed the revolver inside. At that moment, they heard a loud, prolonged burp. It came from Ludwig. Ludwig had only eaten half the corpse and seemed already full. He sat there, with what felt like a mass of air in his stomach, occasionally distending his belly and causing crackling sounds in his chest. Beneath his facial skin, countless insects writhed, creating multiple bumps. At this moment, Lumian and the others distinctly felt that a terrifying beast was about to tear through Ludwigs skin. Ludwigs body alternately stretched tall, causing skin cracks, and then swelled, nearly bursting his clothing. After ten to twenty seconds, his state finally stabilized, still looking like the same seven or eight-year-old boy. The Church of Knowledges seal is indeed of high quality Lumian thought to himself. Ludwig suddenly looked at him, his eyes filled with blood vessels and desire. I want to go to the sea, I want to eat! Lumian nodded, grabbed Ludwigs shoulder, and disappeared from the room. Somewhere in the Fog Sea. Lumians figure took shape in mid-air, throwing Ludwig toward the blue sea surface. Ludwig didnt mind at all, already opening his mouth while still in the air. That mouth kept opening wider, until eventually, his entire head and body seemed to become part of the mouth, with sharp teeth reflecting the brilliant sunlight. With a splash, Ludwig fell into the sea. Then, the seawater descended, and an inexplicable whirlpool appeared. The whirlpool gradually expanded, and fish nearby involuntarily rushed over, swimming toward its bottom. These marine creatures numbered in the thousands, streaming endlessly. Splash! The massive whirlpools appearance triggered changes in this sea area, with water currents becoming turbulent and massive waves rising in the distance. A large steam ship was passing near the seas edge but appeared tiny beneath the towering waves. The passengers were frightened and scattered, with the captain ordering the crew to change course immediately. Splash! A huge wave approached. But before it could truly arrive, it suddenly froze in mid-air. It quickly disintegrated, each fragment like a snowflake or ice crystal, beautiful under the sunlight. In Sathipos apartment, Franca performed the Magic Mirror Spirit Channeling Spell. Facing Sathipos mirror image, she directly showed the Tudor coin. Where did this come from? Since Sathipo had been Parasitized by Mr. Fool and his faith Grafted, she didnt need to worry about any corruption from divining this Sick Church demigod. Sathipos pale face responded mechanically, A gift from God. A gift from God Wait, where did your god get a Tudor coin? This is within the barrier Franca pressed, Through what method was it given? Sathipo responded at a steady pace, First, the great Malady God gave a revelation, telling us to wait before a mirror. Then, the coin fell out from inside the mirror. Look at this, does this look like a gift from the Malady God? If you said it was from the Primordial Demoness, I might believe it From what we know, the Malady God doesnt have authority over the mirror world Franca asked again, Besides you, who else has one? Mocoxidos, Sathipo answered. We hadnt found it back then Well, Mocoxidos had used his rotting power to decompose himself into pathogens; everything on his body should have rotted away and disintegrated Franca asked several more questions but couldnt get useful answers. Sathipo didnt know what the Malady God wanted to do, only that he was instructed to wait patiently in Trier. At this moment, Lumian returned with a soaking wet Ludwig. Ate about ten to twenty tons of fish and shrimp. Cant afford to feed him, cant afford to feed him, Lumian said, clicking his tongue. Having just become a Sea Monster, his appetite had already instantly changed by orders of magnitude! Franca echoed the sentiment, then told Lumian the spirit channeling results, adding, Since it wasnt directly given by the Malady God, we can divine where this Tudor coin came from. Lumian nodded, taking the coin. Being cautious about matters involving great existences, he specially sought Mr. Fools observation and help before performing Magic Mirror Divination to inquire his own spiritual intuition, Who was the previous owner of this coin Who was the previous owner of this coin Soon, the mirrors surface rippled with water, becoming profound. In the next second, Lumian saw a pair of eyes, eyes so dark they were without light. Wh Lumian blurted out, calling a name in a deep voice, Zaratulstra! Chapter 1062 - Chapter 1062 Mission Chapter 1062 Mission After Lumian called out that name, the image reflected on the mirrors surface shattered, like a stone thrown into a lake. Zaratulstra? No, in the real world, we should call Him Zaratul. Franca also recognized who those eyes belonged to. Jenna added, The Celestial Worthys subordinates are cooperating with the Malady Gods bestowed? Whats the purpose of this Tudor coin? Lumian first shook his head, then said, Mocoxidos only received the Sequence 3 boon after the Vortex event. I suspect that whoever possessed that palmthe cooperation between the Celestial Worthys subordinates and the Malady Gods blessed onesis an aftershock of the Vortex event, or rather, a result of one of its branches. Such a massive event, involving so many great existences, definitely cant be ended just because the one the Aurora Order believes in says so. This might be why He changed His stance, hoping for Mr. Fool to awaken soon. Franca and the others noddedLudwig had been taken care of by Jenna while Lumian was performing Magic Mirror Divination, changing out of his wet clothes, and was now once again a clean and fresh little boy. The Tudor coins purpose involves the schemes of great existences, so we probably cant divine its purpose, Lumian pondered aloud. But we can try to divine who owned the coin before its previous owner, which might yield some insights. He immediately put his words into action, again seeking Mr. Fools observation to eliminate certain dangers and interference. Who was the owner before the previous owner of this coin Who was the owner before the previous owner of this coin Lumian held the dark gold coin, chanting the question several times. The mirror placed before him suddenly became bright, as if there was a light source bursting from within. No, that was formless, colorless flames burningthe entire mirror had caught fire. Thin gray fog descended, preventing the flames from spreading, but the mirror and desk quickly turned to ashes. Seeing this, Francas first two thoughts were: There really is great danger. Good thing we were careful enough, and good thing Mr. Fool is so powerful! That was scaryfortunately, I had already collected all the coins from the drawer After the formless, colorless flames extinguished, Lumian, as the 0-01 proxy, laughed with a slightly deep voice. I know where this Tudor coin came from: Fourth Epoch Trier! Everyone present, except Ludwig, had been to Fourth Epoch Trier, and this revelation sparked certain associations in their minds. The goal of cooperation between the Malady Gods bestowed and the Celestial Worthys subordinates points to Fourth Epoch Trier? Franca said thoughtfully. Will this Tudor coin serve as a medium for some purpose then? Lumian nodded and placed the Tudor coin into the Travelers Bag. What we need to do next is search for clues about Zaratuls whereabouts and uncover more of the Celestial Worthys subordinates and members of the Order of All Extinction. Then, he said to Anthony, We dont know how long well have to wait for Madam Justice, so we can first get the Manipulators potion formula and try collecting and preparing the ingredients ourselves. If we run into difficulties, we can ask for their help then. Manipulator was the name of the Sequence 4 potion in the Spectator pathway, and it was Anthonys next Sequence. I have no objections, Anthony agreed, feeling they couldnt pin all their hopes on Madam Justice finding that ancient dragon. Lumian then turned to Jenna. Julien will be back in two days. Have you figured out what to do? Jenna was silent for a few seconds before saying, Ill use money and Instigation to help create a good position for him in Port LeSeur, Suhit, or Nouvellone of these big citieswith a three-year term. And then Jenna paused before continuing, If Julien wont listen to my persuasion and insists on staying, Ill get Anthony to help me convince him with some degree of hypnosis. Wh Franca blurted out in surprise. Wasnt this the approach Jenna had been quite opposed to and unwilling to use? She didnt want to use Beyonder powers to influence Julien or interfere with his personal choices! Jenna gave a self-mocking smile. If this were a choice that would affect Juliens entire life, I definitely wouldnt do this, but for just three years, I can accept it. The smile gradually disappeared from her face as she muttered to herself, Life is about constantly moving forward while giving up certain principles At this point, some obsessions with purity can be discarded. Demonesses are meant to bear pain and torment. Whether I become harsh or cold-hearted doesnt matterwhat matters is whether Julien can escape his dangerous situation. At this point, Jenna mocked herself again, Lets push the guilt and blame onto divinity, just consider it the price I pay for obtaining godhood. No, a certain someone will bear all of this sin, Lumian responded in a joking tone. Then he nodded. This is the best solution. Its like moving houseif you have plenty of time, many days ahead, then naturally you can carefully pack and organize, abandon nothing, break nothing. But if you only have a few minutes before the room explodes and you cant prevent it, you can only take whats most important and essential, leaving everything else to be destroyed no matter how reluctant you are. As they listened, Franca, Jenna, and Anthony suddenly realized that Lumian was actually talking about the conflict between humanity and godhood, about what Beyonders should do as they advance sequence by sequence. Lumian was speaking from experience, thinking of his previous conversation with Mr. Fool. For the sake of more important things, this was the only choice. Was it worth it? Its worth it. Indeed. Franca sighed, then turned to Jenna and said, Actually, have you considered teaching your brother mystical knowledge and collecting corresponding potions for him, letting him become a Beyonder? This way, he could understand why he must leave Trier. Jenna slowly shook her head. No, I know him well. Hes a very stubborn person. Once he understands the real reason, if I dont leave, he wont either, and I At this point, Jennas gaze swept across Lumian and Franca. Then, after some thought, she said, The hypnosis will still be necessary, but that doesnt conflict with teaching Julien mystical knowledge and guiding him to become a Beyonder. Yes, even just a low sequence would improve his ability to protect himself, but we absolutely cannot tell him about the approaching apocalypse or that major changes will happen in Trier within a year or two. That would make him anxious, and when hes anxious, he tends to go to extremes and take wrong paths. Then we need to choose a good pathway for him, at least not obviously problematic ones like Devil, Prisoner, Earth, Moon, or Assassin. Franca helped think it through. In the end, she still felt that, being Demonesses, flipping a coin and relying on spirituality to choose might yield better accuracy. In the afternoon. Since Jenna was taking the slightly taller Ludwig shopping for new clothes with Franca accompanying them, and Anthony had gone out to meet his informant and contact members of the Psychology Alchemists, Lumian was left alone in the large villa. He collapsed onto the sofa, wondering whether he should contract a spirit world creature specialized in house cleaning. After resting for a while, Lumian contemplated the tasks ahead and his responsibilities as the Major ArcanaThe Chariot. First is to consolidate and deepen the faith of the Sick Churchs believers in me and Franca. Second, I need to consider the Sequence 2 issue. I have the Demoness of Catastrophe potion formula, but as a Demoness of Unaging, I still dont know how difficult Demonesses of Catastrophe are to kill. Plus, they have the protection of the Primordial Demoness, and Mr. Fool is only in a preliminary awakened state The best choice would be the Sequence 2 Weather Warlock from the Hunter pathway. During the previous divine assembly, Mr. Fool showed the Red Priest cardI could exchange the potion formula from him. Besides the Sauron family and Einhorn family, where else might there be Weather Warlocks Beyonder characteristics? Some Grade 0 Sealed Artifact in a Church? If there werent any other choices, Id rather not go to the Blue Avengers treasury and face that Alista Tudor inside the mirror Heh heh, maybe I have no choice Among the Tarot Clubs missions, Im not responsible for the Great Mother matters right now, but with my current condition, its very difficult to truly avoid it For now, I just need to find Zaratuls whereabouts and members of the Order of All Extinction The first task isnt easyeven Mr. Fool, as a supreme being of the Seer pathway, hasnt located Zaratul At this point, Lumian suddenly sensed something and turned his gaze toward the edge of the living room. His messenger, who looked like a charred corpse, Penitent Baynfel, appeared holding a letter. Lumian stared for a few seconds at Bayenfeld, whose eye sockets burned with dark flames, before finally speaking, Give me the letter. He then took the letter and opened it, finding the contents were simple. I would like to visit you this evening, if possible? The Hermit. What does Maam Hermit want? My previous speculation about the Hidden Sage state? Lumian nodded thoughtfully and said to Baynfel, Please help me reply to the sender, tell her its fine. Baynfel nodded and disappeared at the edge of the living room. In the evening, just as night fell, Lumian, Franca, Jenna, and the others who had been waiting heard the doorbell ring. Ding dong, ding dong. Maam Hermit is so polite After getting used to Madam Magicians style of suddenly appearing and disappearing and rarely using doors, Lumian felt somewhat unaccustomed to this situation. He personally went to open the door and found it was indeed Maam Hermit, wearing thick glasses and a purple-patterned robe. After exchanging greetings, he led his peer, a king of the seas, into the living room and invited her to sit in an armchair. Lumian sat down next to Franca and Jenna, and after just a few moments of small talk, heard Maam Hermit say directly, I have something Id like your help with. What is it? Lumian asked thoughtfully. The Hermit looked up toward the ceiling without immediately answering. The next second, thin gray fog spread throughout the living room. Wh Lumian realized things werent as simple as he had imagined. After everyone sat up straight, The Hermit said in a low voice, Mr. Fool is preparing to hunt down the Hidden Sage. Chapter 1063 - Chapter 1063 Helpers Chapter 1063 Helpers Upon hearing Maam Hermits words, Lumians eyes suddenly lit up. The corners of his mouth gradually turned upward, his smile becoming quite bright. What can I do to help? Trier, cathedral district. At the entrance of the Church of Steam and Machinerys patriarchal cathedral, with its towering iron-black chimneys, Lumian, wearing a ladys soft hat and face covered by a black veil, looked up for two seconds before walking through the open doors into the interior. The first thing that caught his eye were thick grayish-white pipes crisscrossing everywheresome attached to walls, some supported by pillars, some winding across the dome. They were components of a giant steam engine, or rather, this cathedral was made up of a giant steam engine and several other large mechanical devices. Currently, no heat radiated from these pipes, but come winter, when the giant steam engine would run continuously, the entire patriarchal cathedral would be enveloped in warmth, allowing worshippers to experience the pleasantness of early summer. Lumian then saw many believers walking out, seemingly having just finished listening to a sermon, still immersed in the solemn atmosphere. Lumian passed by them, walking toward the altar area. Many believers, both men and women, suddenly found their gazes following this tall, beautiful figure, unconsciously turning their bodies sideways and looking back. Lumian walked forward naturally, neither fast nor slow. Arriving at the first row of seats before the altar, he gazed at the Triangular Sacred Emblem representing the God of Steam and Machinery, his eyes slowly moving between the symbols of steam, gears, and levers within the solid triangle. At this moment, he wasnt thinking about how sacred or mechanically beautiful it was, but rather pondering a question, If the God of Steam and Machinery truly evolved into the God of Electric Power and Information Technology, what would this Sacred Emblem look like? Lumian controlled his blasphemous thoughts and, under the watching eyes of the preaching bishop, sat in the first row near the center aisle, raised his hands, lowered his head, and began to pray. When his spiritual intuition told him that the bishop had looked away, he reached into his Travelers Bag. He took out a mobile phone. The one he had used in the dream city. Of course, this wasnt real, but rather woven from his memories by Madam Dreamweaverit had no functions and couldnt last long. The woven phones screen was lit, displaying a WeChat dialogue box between Lumian and Stiano. The content of the conversation showed Stiano sending Lumian a mini-program called Information Shredder. Lumian held this false, dream-like phone and began praying again, Great God of Steam and Machinery, You are the embodiment of essence, the protector of artisans, the glory of technology, please grant me once again the ability to shred information, effective for one week After praying earnestly, Lumian drew the Triangular Sacred Emblem across his chest with his right hand. At the same time, he felt a subtle change. He lowered his head and looked again at the dream phone in his left hand, finding it seemed more tangible now. Lumian instinctively swiped the screen with his finger, watching the dialogue box retreat to WeChats main interface. Then, he switched back to the home screen and found all the previously downloaded apps were there. Was a real phone created based on the corresponding information? Is this the glory of technology, a Sequence 0 true god? Although Lumian was already a Sequence 3 Demoness of Unaging, he was still quite amazed. He studied it for a while, confirming that the phone really worked, just without network connectivity. Of course, the Information Shredder didnt need an internet connection. In an apartment on Avenue du Boulevard. Professor, Associate Professor, Periodic Table, Isotope, and two other Warlocks currently in Trier sat on the sofa, backed chair, and armchair, looking at each other with unease and anxiety. After receiving Hidden Blades request for an urgent meeting, they contacted each other and, after much consideration, finally decided to meet with her. Of course, they chose the time and place. What urgent matter could Hidden Blade have? Isotope whispered with concern. If it werent for Hidden Blades consistently good reputation and character, they would definitely have refused such a hasty meeting request without specific details. Whatever her purpose, I believe she has good intentions, Professor, wearing a black butterfly mask, said looking around. Besides, dont we also have something to discuss with her? Everyone nodded. At this moment, they heard a knock at the door, using Morse code. Come in, all the members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society present straightened their backs. Not only did Hidden Blade enter, wearing her assassin outfit but with hood down, revealing her striking features, but also Hela, dressed as Black Widow. Madame Hela, youre here too? Periodic Table and others stood up simultaneously. Listen to that, just listen to that, youve never addressed me as Madame! Though Franca complained internally, she wasnt actually upsettoo many Madames would give her goosebumps. Hela nodded slightly and replied, Im here to vouch for Hidden Blade and handle the aftermath. Professor and the others immediately turned their gaze toward Franca. This time, they were all captivated by the Demoness of Unagings features, momentarily unable to look away. Franca walked to the fireplace where no charcoal was burning, and smiled at Professor and the others. Please sit down. Actually, Im here today to ask for your help. Look, Ive even shown my face to help you trust me more. Professor, who had sat back down, asked puzzledly, Hidden Blade, youre already a demigod, what could we possibly help you with? Franca glanced at Hela, waited for her to nod, waited for the night outside to seem deeper, then said with a smile to Professor, Associate Professor, Isotope, and others, Would you like to completely solve the problem of the Hidden Sage force-feeding you knowledge? Completely solve it? Professor was quite a calm woman, but even she couldnt help blurting out. This was something they had never thought possibleno, they had fantasized about it when they were weak and ignorant. How to completely solve it? Can we really help? Periodic Table, who had already clearly told Franca she was a member of the Moses Ascetic Order, asked repeatedly. Although she didnt hold much hope, even if it was just a straw floating on water, she wanted to grasp it. The other Warlocks present shared the same mindset. Franca didnt answer immediately, watching as they raised one question after another. Finally, Professor, with pale lips and a somewhat pale complexion, smiled bitterly and said, Hidden Blade, actually, we were preparing to consult you about this matter. Previously, Muggle told us that the small ritual plaza at the entrance of the third level of the catacombs had divine power remnants that could block most external influences. That really helped us tremendously, even saved many of our lives. Otherwise, with the Hidden Sages increasingly frequent and crazy knowledge infusions, some might barely hang on, but others would probably be gone already. What we wanted to ask you is, after leaving Trier, are there other places that can block the Hidden Sages infusions, or are there ways to reduce the negative effects? Indeed, while others are reluctant to leave Trier mainly for emotional reasons, Professor and others have a practical need, a life-or-death need I was planning to have Lumian ask Maam Hermit if she, as a senior on the Warlock pathway, had any good methods to plug ears, then trade for that method and tell all the Warlocks in the Research Society But now Franca suddenly felt somewhat emotional. Then, she smiled and said to Professor and the others, The solution is to kill the Hidden Sage. Youre not joking, are you? Associate Professor asked with difficulty. Isotope followed up, Hidden Blade, although youve become a demigod, the gap between you and the Hidden Sage might be even bigger than the gap between us and you. Its a fundamental difference. Even the entire Research Society together couldnt handle the Hidden Sage. Professor likewise had no confidence. Franca smiled. Im not the main force. This matter has some big shots taking the lead, Im just providing support. Big shots Professor pondered before asking, How big? Franca pointed to the sky. That big, even bigger than the Hidden Sage. Isotope, Periodic Table, and others looked at Hidden Blade, suddenly remembering that Sequence 4 demigods could already be called Saints, and were definitely high-ranking even within orthodox churches. Their gazes moved back and forth between Franca and Madame Hela several times, gradually understanding that they might be involved in an event worthy of recording in mysticism history. A divine war! Is this what you sought us out for? Were not even demigods Professor said hesitantly. You wont need to fight the Hidden Sage. Like me, youll be doing support work, Hidden Blade Franca thought for a moment before saying, This matter does carry some risk, though not from combatother demigods and I will handle intercepting all enemies and monsters. Your danger comes from something else, but it wont be much more dangerous than receiving another knowledge infusion from the Hidden Sage. I cant tell you the specifics now. The six Warlocks present again communicated with their eyes, both somewhat tempted by this excellent opportunity to escape the Hidden Sages threat, and very nervous and worried. After a few seconds, Associate Professor asked, Are you confident? We wouldnt be planning this hunting operation if we werent confident. Dont worry, even if we fail, the Hidden Sage wont discover your betrayal. Trust me, by failure I mean not successfully killing the Hidden Sage and letting Him escape, not that the Hidden Sage could win. Franca displayed complete confidence. Why ask for our help, why us? Professor asked, as if making a final confirmation. Warlocks, transmigrators, gray fog aura, Franca answered simply. Dont ask me what gray fog aura is right now. Periodic Tables face, covered in chemical symbols, frowned. Muggle also meets these conditions, why dont you ask her? Franca immediately smiled. In this operation, she has a more important task. Chapter 1064 - 1064 Headquarters 1064 Headquarters After Professor communicated with their eyes with her husband, Periodic Table and others for a while, she finally nodded and said, Hidden Blade, were willing to join. Making this decision and speaking these words made her suddenly relax, no longer so tense. At this current crossroads, whether for good or ill, whichever path they chose, they had to move forward. They couldnt stop or retreat anymore. If they didnt seize this opportunity to completely eliminate the Hidden Sage, they would either be forced to stay in Trier to face the possible coming apocalypse, or lose control and go mad in another big city, becoming monsters and even endangering their families. Franca breathed a sigh of relief, stating, Would you like to sign a notarized document to ensure I fulfill all my promises? Dont worry, this notarized document was created by another Saint and is watched over by a true godit has strong binding power over me as well. Professor shook her head and said with a smile, No need. We trust you and Madame Hela. She paused, then hesitantly asked, How long will this operation last? We have children at home who need care. Though we have servants, were not entirely at ease. Franca had already prepared for this. For those of you who are married couples with children, only one person needs to go. Those who are single parents or have other relatives needing special care can opt out of this operation. However, those who stay behind need to bring their children or other dependents to live together in one place, under Madame Helas watch and protection. This was to prevent secrets from leakingthe relevant personnel had to be placed under secrecy or sworn to secrecy. Phew Professor noticeably relaxed and turned to Associate Professor, saying, Ill go. Ill go! Associate Professor rejected her proposal without hesitation. The two argued until Professor made the final decision. My Sequence is higher than yours and my condition is better. Itll be safer if I go! Fine Associate Professor regretted for the first time spending too much time on unrelated research. After some discussion, those participating in this operation would be Professor, Periodic Table, and another male Warlock called Prototype. Lets go. Franca tossed out a mirror. Under the influence of phantasms, the mirror grew larger and larger, fixing itself as a crystalline entrance. Franca led the three Warlocks of different sequences across the solid mirror surface into the dark void of the mirror realm. They plummeted through an illusory dark tunnel, with light and shadows rapidly shifting around them, as if other mirrors were projecting their reflected images into it. Thus, after an unknown periodperhaps very short, perhaps very longProfessor and the others finally saw the exit. Led by Hidden Blade Franca, they whooshed out of the mirror, stepping onto a wooden floor that creaked under their feet. Periodic Table instinctively looked around and found they were aboard an ancient three-masted sailing ship. The gray-white mainsails billowed in the fierce wind, and only one or two sailors were on deck, making it feel quite eerie and quiet. Outside the ship, dark blue waves rose and fell, with thin fog permeating the entire sea area. When Professor, Periodic Table, and Prototype all looked at her, Franca raised her right hand, pointing in one direction, and said with a smile, Our destinationwest! Splash! A low wave crashed over. An ice-blue wave crashed against Futures bow, producing numerous white sprays. The Hermit, wearing a purple-patterned robe and thick glasses, stood at the bow, glanced at the changing weather above and the brewing snowstorm, then raised her right hand, signaling the ship to slow down and circle this small area of sea. The sailors performed their duties, some adjusting the sail direction, others lowering one of the sails, until Futures condition finally satisfied the captain, Queen of Stars Cattleyas requirements. Cattleya removed the thick glasses from her nose bridge, revealing a pair of deep purple, almost black eyes. She immediately began speaking numbers with a mysterious aura, 1, 5, 4, 3, 7, 8 These numbers materialized one after another, becoming entangled in mid-air, numbering several hundred. They were the entry password to the Moses Ascetic Order headquarters! The Moses Ascetic Order headquarters was created by one of the Ten Pillars, the respected Chairman Torriope, using Mystical Re-enactment, and named Avalon. Avalon existed neither in reality nor in the spirit realm, but was completely hidden somewhere in the North Sea. Only those invited or qualified could enter, and they must also grasp a corresponding string of numbers numbering 365 digits. For the Moses Ascetic Order, everything was numbers. Each number had spirituality, symbolism, and special meaning. When combined, these numbers naturally possessed mystical power. As The Hermit Cattleya spoke the correct spiritual numbers, which materialized and became entangled in mid-air, the numbers suddenly vanished, as if sinking into somewhere. Within seconds, it was as if an invisible curtain was drawn aside in front of Future, and a small boat sailed out unhurriedly, unmanned. Starlight quickly lit up, extending from Futures bow to fall upon that small boat. The Hermit Cattleya stepped across the brilliant bridge formed by starlight and boarded the small boat in just a few steps. As one of the Ten Pillars of the Moses Ascetic Order, she naturally had the qualifications to enter Avalon, and currently barely qualified as part of the core team. The small boat carrying Cattleya turned around and headed back in the direction it came from. The Queen of Starss silhouette gradually faded until it disappeared from the view of Futures crew. After passing through layers of transparent curtains, The Hermit Cattleya saw an island. The island was shrouded in mist, lined with trees bearing golden apples, with music faintly drifting from the distancepeaceful, tranquil, and abundant. The small boat stopped at the dock, and the Hermit walked toward the depths of the apple grove, where there stood a warlocks spire as if stepped out of a story. Along the way, she encountered over a dozen humans dressed as warlocks. These people stopped in succession, greeting the Ten Pillars with nods. They were all members of the Moses Ascetic Order, raised in Avalon since childhood, receiving corresponding teachings, most trusted. Currently, they were all in their period of silence to increase focus, enhance spirituality, and deeply master various morals and precepts. Only Warlocks who grew up this way could eventually compete for the positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Moses Ascetic Order. Outsiders like the Queen of Stars, who joined later, could at most become one of the Pillars, and would need to undergo years of testing and observation before having any hope of entering the core team. The Hermit likewise responded to these silent Warlocks with nods, and soon passed through the trees laden with golden apples to reach the tall black spire. Inside the spire, the wall protrusions, floor tiles, statues on both sides, and the elevator pulled by invisible servants were all composed of numbers. They looked normal at first glance, but upon closer inspection, one would find that even a small bump was formed by multiple intertwined numbers. Hundreds of millions, billions of numbers were densely distributed throughout the spire, settling into different objects. Walking among them, The Hermit felt surrounded by countless numbers. In her eyes, there were no walls, no bricks, no statues, no elevatorsonly numbers! At this time, some Warlocks who had finished their period of silence were moving about in the spire. They either conversed quietly, went about their business, or huddled in corners, letting the strange eyes within the cracks on their faces observe their surroundings. These latter ones were members approaching loss of control. After the Hidden Sages knowledge infusions became increasingly crazy and frequent, even the Moses Ascetic Order, which had mastered safe listening methods, inevitably had Warlocks moving toward loss of control, far more than in previous years. What was once safe was no longer safe. If not for this problem, with the Moses Ascetic Orders accumulation plus the initial spiritual decline as the apocalypse approached, they certainly had more than ten demigods. But unfortunately, they still only had ten Pillars. The Hermits gaze withdrew from these Warlocks faces as she entered the elevator. Pulled by invisible servants, she went all the way up to the spires top floor. Here, the Chairman and one of the two Vice Chairmen were always on duty. Among them, Chairman Torriope and Vice Chairman Retia Austin were Pillars that the Hermit couldnt quite get a read on. Before arriving today, The Hermit Cattleya had already confirmed that Chairman Torriopean Angel on the Mystery Pryer pathwaywas on duty in Avalon. As soon as the elevator steadied, Cattleya walked forward. This was a hall larger than the spires top floor itself. On the black walls, floor, and ceiling were eyes, each different, strangely shaped, and all cold eyes. They all seemed to be watching the Queen of Stars. At the end of the room, against the windowless wall, stood three dark gold statuesone wearing a mask, one resembling a lion, and one like an eagle. Chairman Torriope seemed not to be present. Just then, the masked dark gold statues mouth moved, issuing a grand but hollow voice, I have foreseen your betrayal! Hearing these words, Queen of Stars Cattleya wasnt surprised, only somewhat sighing. Indeed, it was impossible to truly hide from a high-sequence Clairvoyant. Once there was action, They would prophesy certain scenes or fragments. One could only try to delay when such perceptions appeared, or make the corresponding prophecies difficult to interpret! A card suddenly appeared in Cattleyas hand. On its face was depicted a lonely old man with a cane, carrying a glass lamp. The Hermit card! Chapter 1065 - 1065 Forced Entry 1065 Forced Entry As soon as The Hermit card appeared in Cattleyas hand, it seemed to emit a glossy light. At the same time, outside the warlocks tower, in the mist shrouding Avalons sky, a star began to shine in broad daylight, growing brighter and brighter until it was dazzling to the eye. In an instant, a figure emerged from that star. It was Madam Magician, wearing a deep black warlocks robe embroidered with twinkling silver stars. Using the mystical connection provided by The Hermit, she forcibly located and tore open a gate to Avalon. After The Hermit Cattleya gained free access to Avalon, The Magician could actually have broken in using a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact from the Abraham family. After all, this place was merely created by Torriope using Mystical Re-enactment, not granted by the Hidden Sagehow could it stop a high-sequence Door pathway Beyonder who could enter with or without doors? But the Moses Ascetic Order was an ancient organization with at least two Angels and multiple Grade 0 and Grade 1 Sealed Artifacts. At that time, even with the combined strength of the Tarot Club, the Church of The Fool, the New City of Silver, and New Moon City, they could at best fight them to a draw. Moreover, the enemy had the Hidden Sages protection while The Fool was not yet awake, so the Major Arcana card holders didnt act rashly but waited patiently. Today, the opportunity had come. Mr. Fool and the other deities were responsible for dealing with the Hidden Sagethe most difficult part was how to find and lock onto the target without letting Him escape. Meanwhile, the Tarot Club and friendly forces were tasked with attacking the Moses Ascetic Order headquarters to eliminate all the Beyonders who had been deeply influenced or even corrupted by the Hidden Sage. Of course, the Tarot Club and the Church of The Fool hadnt deployed all their High-Sequence Beyondersthey needed to guard against enemy forces and evil god cults taking advantage of Mr. Fools personal hunt to launch surprise attacks on places like the New City of Silver. For Angels like Suah of the Rose School of Thought, winning wasnt important; what mattered was whether they could cause damage, which would shake The Fools anchors. Miss Messenger and Mr. Pallez must remain in the Rorsted Archipelago Will and Mr. Azik wont participate in this kind of thing Only I can take action, but fortunately, allies will provide help In a flash, numerous thoughts crossed The Magicians mind, finally converging into one: But I still have manuscripts to submit Her sigh didnt affect her actions as she stepped to The Hermits side in one motion. The fact that only she had appeared so far didnt mean she was the only Angel arrivingshe was just faster, the first to reach here. In Madam Magicians eyes, starlight suddenly gathered, seeming to condense into a book. Immediately after, a giant sword composed of orange-red twilight light materialized out of thin air, piercing through the void to strike the masked dark gold statue. The Twilight Sword then shattered, transforming into countless orange-red shards of light that tore apart everything around them, cutting all objects to pieces, causing them to decay until they collapsed. The three dark gold statues were the first to be affected. In the storm of twilight light, they quickly broke into tiny fragments, each piece dim and rusty, as if washed by the passage of endless time or having reached its twilight years. In the hall, the walls, floor, and ceiling covered in strange cold eyes dissolved in the orange-red storm, sliding down inch by inch before shattering. This void also collapsed. But Madam Magician had already switched positions, flashing multiple images of herself, surrounding herself and Maam Hermit with layer after layer of protection. There were cages bearing a sense of holiness and glory, and darkness curved into spheres. By the time they shattered, the orange-red Hurricane of Light had completely subsided. As the hall atop the warlocks tower collapsed in ruins, another scene entered The Hermit Cattleyas eyes. This was a long, deep tunnel leading to an unknown destination. The tunnel was wide, seemingly composed of connected rooms. In the current room, more than a dozen High-Sequence Warlocks were busy with their own tasks. This space seemed to be a reflection of the warlocks tower, another side of Avalon, a secret area The Hermit had no way to enter. It had been forcibly opened by The Magician using the Hurricane of Light created by the Twilight Sword and the positioning ability of the Grade 0 Sealed Artifact. Madam Magician didnt delay, dropping a mirror before disappearing from the spot with Maam Hermit, flashing toward the depths of this dark tunnel. Before the thrown mirror could hit the ground, Lumian and Jenna, wearing black warlock robes but with their hoods down, emerged from it. 10:37 The warlocks in this room had just awakened from their previous concentration, all turning their gazes toward them. Some were consuming dead infants, some were using infants to make potions, some were extracting infant fat to apply to objectsvarious such activities, all utilizing newborns to complete witchcraft, potions, or mystical items. Wh Lumian raised an eyebrow. Although in folktales, warlocks were often associated with killing infants and children, and some strange, inhumanly cruel witchcraft preparations, Lumian knew this wasnt actually mainstream for the Warlock pathway. Were there warlocks who did such things, were there similar witchcraft practices? Of course there were, but definitely not many. Who would have thought that within the Moses Ascetic Order, which emphasized morals and precepts, emphasizing the maxim do as you wish, but do no harm, there would be so many warlocks doing such things in Avalons dark side. Of course, what surprised Lumian wasnt the Moses Ascetic Orders fall from gracethat had been confirmed long ago. Otherwise, the Moses Ascetic Order wouldnt have transformed from a respected society with good relations with various Churches into an evil, shadowy secret organization. What astonished him was how deeply ingrained the practice of utilizing infant corpses had become in the Moses Ascetic Orderthis couldnt have developed in just a year or two. And infants inevitably made him think of birthof mothers. Was the Hidden Sages mutation really related to the Great Mother? Had this practice started when She brought evil and corruption to the Moses Ascetic Order? Utilizing birth and death? Lumian tilted his head, looking at Jenna, whose expression changed from shock to anger, and quickly said, This place is yours. He then flashed toward the depths of the wide, dark tunnel. His mission wasnt here. The reason Jenna participated in this operation was because Lumian believed the role of a Demoness of Despair could also be fulfilled through combat, through killing, through destruction. A Demoness who brought despair! Jenna wouldnt participate in the battles deep within Avalon, mainly focusing on clearing out the corrupt low and mid-sequence warlocks, bringing them despair. In this process, if she encountered a Saint, or even two or three Saints, with a Demoness of Despairs survival abilities, she might not win, but death was unlikely. The warlocks in the current room had already realized enemies had invaded, some preparing to cast spells, some taking advantage of their materials, some trying to bring out their mystical itemsnone retreated. What excellent materials! Their eyes burned with madness and greed as they looked at Jenna. The angry Jenna suddenly smiled, as if light had entered this somewhat dark world. All those warlocks of different sequences were stunned for a moment, unable to carry out their intended actions in time. Almost simultaneously, they felt the cold. A layer of frost formed on the surface of their bodies, their hair, and the tables themselves where infant corpses and various materials were laid out. They began to shiver, their joints stiffening, their movements becoming obviously labored and difficult. Then, one crystalline ice spear after another shot out from in front of Jenna, accurately piercing each wrlocks body, pinning them to the walls or floor, their blood seeping out and freezing. The warlocks tried to resist, but not only were their bodies frozen, they were also bound and affected by invisible spider silk, making it difficult to take effective action. Jenna didnt kill them immediately, letting the mystical plague spread simultaneously with her Charm freely erode these fallen ones, making them clearly feel their lungs tightening, their heads burning, and their life slipping away. They began to despair. The Magician pursued in a wandering manner, leaving even The Hermit behind. Finally, ignoring other enemies along the way, she reached a desolate, boundless plain. Torriope, wearing a black hood and warlocks robe, seemed to be in the depths of the wilderness. He gazed into the distance at Madam Magician and raised His right palm. An illusory figure was quickly sketched in the endless wilderness. This was a spell derived from Mystical Re-enactment. As an Angel who advanced in the middle to late Fourth Epoch, although Torriope wasnt a founding member who established the Moses Ascetic Order, he had lived for over a thousand years, witnessed many mystical events, mastered much mystical knowledge, and through this created several powerful spells. With the core ability of Mystical Re-enactment, Beyonders of the Mystery Pryer pathway could indeed potentially live longer and grow stronger. However, because too many people knew about major events like the War of the Four Emperors and the Pale Disaster, Torriope couldnt draw power from them to create spells that would be considered terrifying even at the Angel level, and could only choose second-rate ones. As soon as that illusory figure in the wilderness solidified, bloody chunks of flesh began falling continuously from its body. Each piece of bloody flesh turned into a cold, emotionless eye, and they quickly looked toward Madam Magician, emanating an aura of chaos, madness, and evil. This was a spell Torriope created from the strange death of one of the Moses Ascetic Orders founders: Loss of Control Gaze! Chapter 1066 - Chapter 1066 Deep in the Fog Sea Chapter 1066 Deep in the Fog Sea Loss of Control Gaze was a spell that could cause even Angels to show obvious signs of losing control, with better effects the more unstable the targets mental state. However, just as Torriope cast this spell, The Magician vanished from the entrance to the wilderness. She didnt appear anywhere else in this area, seemingly having left entirely. Torriopes gaze focused as He watched the horrifying figure created by Loss of Control Gaze gradually dissipate. He didnt take this chance to escape. It wasnt that He didnt want to, but it was too late. Only when Queen of Stars Cattleya entered the warlocks tower did He receive the revelation and make the corresponding prophecy, spending some time to interpret it. He had no time left to escape. He could only come to the depths of this wilderness and wait patiently. Wait for an opportunity. This approach wasnt just interpreted from His own prophecy, but also came from His understanding of this wilderness on the dark side of the warlocks tower, and His knowledge of the Moses Ascetic Orders past events. In just a second or two, the Loss of Control Gaze spell completely ended. At the same time, Torriope once again saw that young lady wearing the black robe embroidered with silver stars. She had returned. On the Blue Avenger, struggling to navigate through the fog and sea. Professor, Periodic Table, and Prototype were all at sea for the first time, and they all walked to the ships rail to gaze into the distance where the light was quite dim and the waves seemed to roar. Westward is this the depths of the Fog Sea? Professor made her judgment based on Francas earlier words and the surrounding environment. Yes. The person who answered wasnt Franca, but a middle-aged man who walked out from the cabin. This man was of medium build with rough skin and messy deep blue hair, wearing a linen shirt, brownish jacket, and darker pantaloons. His bearing was rather dignified, giving the impression of someone long accustomed to authority. This is the captain, Franca said, not introducing him as The Hanged Man of the Tarot Club, only telling Periodic Table and the others that he was the owner of this three-masted sailing ship. After a courtesy bow, Professor asked with some curiosity, Ive heard the western Fog Sea is extremely dangerous, often with fierce winds and huge waves. Even official exploration fleets cant continue deep into it, and can only advance one section of waterway at a time by establishing forward bases. Actually, the weather here isnt as changeable and intense as the Berserk Sea, Captain The Hanged Man said in a slightly low, magnetic voice. Whats dangerous here is the fog. Most Beyonders of the Warlock pathway had strong curiosity. Prototype repeated the captains words, Fog? Whats dangerous about fog Does it make fleets lose their way, unable to find supplies or retreat? The Hanged Man smiled slightly. Do you know why this ocean is called the Fog Sea? Why fog often rises in the archipelago waters too, completely different from the weather in the Sonia Sea? Recalling various meteorologists explanations from newspapers and magazines, Periodic Table touched the chemical symbols on her face and suddenly realized. It spreads from here? The Hanged Man nodded gently. The fog in this area sometimes contracts, sometimes expands. When it expands, the fog spreads eastward, affecting the weather. The closer you get to here, the more foggy weather there is, and the slower the fog disperses. By the time you reach the archipelago waters, the fog here needs to expand very dramatically to affect that area. So its actually due to mystical reasons Professor murmured to herself. The Hanged Man continued, Similarly, the deeper you go into this area, the further west you sail, the thicker the fog becomes and the harder it is to disperse. Eventually you cant see anything but gray-white, dense fog, making it impossible to determine your coordinates and the correct waterway based on any external conditions. Who knows how many explorers and adventurers have vanished forever here? Perhaps their ships will only return from history much later in the form of unmanned ghost ships. Franca beside them listened with great interest. So this is the true origin of the Fog Seas name? Did this fog come from the Celestial Worthys seal on the Western Continent? What about us? Professor asked with some concern. Were also heading deep into these waters! Unlike Prototype who only had to worry about feeding himself, she and Periodic Table had strong attachments, naturally making them more anxious and worried. The Hanged Man looked around and said, Dont worry, Ive entered and left these waters many times and have some understanding of the waterways here. We wont lose our way before reaching our destination. Of course, youre a top seafarer Franca muttered internally. The Hanged Man added, This experience was bought with lives. Ive lost my way here before, encountered dangers, and nearly disappeared with the entire ship several times. Fortunately, with divine protection, I prayed in time and received accurate positioning, which helped me successfully find my way back. Seeing how the captain introduced his experiences exploring these waters without arrogance, boasting, fear, or trepidation, Professor and the others gradually settled their hearts. This was indeed a safe waterway explored through countless hardships plus divine guidance, worthy of trust. At this moment, they all felt the captain was very steady and reliable. Periodic Table looked at the sailors who were clearly not enough to operate such a three-masted sailing ship, and asked with an investigative spirit, Is this a ghost ship? Yes. The Hanged Man didnt deny it. Just then, the entire ship was thrown up by a wave, flying through the air. With a splash, a giant sea fish twenty to thirty meters long emerged from beneath the surface. Its body was covered in silver-white metal scales that flickered with dawns light, and from the blowhole on its head spurted a water stream that seemed composed of early morning twilight. This water stream was like a giant sword wielded by a deity, slashing fiercely toward the Blue Avenger. This scene was visually stunning, leaving Professor, Periodic Table, and Prototype, who were used to fighting in cities and small environments, momentarily unsure how to respond. Silently, a gray-white color spread from the ships rail, colliding with that deity-like dawn sword. The dawns light on the giant sword immediately dimmed, taking on a gray-white color. It failed to create a Hurricane of Light, quickly turning into a stone sword that broke into sections falling toward the sea surface. At the same time, The Hanged Man flew into the air, his deep blue hair spreading wildly like tentacles. Bam! Bam! Bam! The Hanged Man clenched his fists, throwing out bolts of lightning. These silver-white lightning bolts pierced through sky and sea, striking the sea fish covered in silver-white scales. Boom! Only now did the thunder echo out. Just as Professor and others watched dumbfounded as the captain brought down divine punishment like a deity to discipline the sea monster, the area where the Blue Avenger was about to fall began bubbling. Countless rotting creatures emerged along with the rising and bursting bubbles, cramming densely together. A horrifying, strange summoning from the realm of deaths destination came from beneath the sea surface, pulling the Blue Avenger off course directly toward it. The gray-white color fell before the ship, turning all the rotting, undead creatures instantly into stone sculptures, even the azure seawater became like a cement ground, uneven with highs and lows. The gray-white continued to penetrate beneath the sea surface, and everything fell silent. The Blue Avenger landed steadily on the water beside it, and The Professor and others saw large patches of gray-white stone being shattered by the incoming water flow, some sinking, some floating. A Sequence 5 sea monster, a Gatekeeper? Franca muttered questioningly as she prepared to collect her spoils. Isnt this display of ability a bit exaggerated? The first creature to attack the Blue Avenger should have been a whale that had consumed a Sequence 5 Guardian Beyonder characteristic of the Warrior pathway. Different species and environments can lead to different manifestations of abilities, The Hanged Man landed back on deck, ordering the sailors to quickly harvest the whale sea monsters Beyonder characteristic and valuable parts. Besides, you forgot that Sequence 5 at sea qualifies one to compete for the title of admiral. Listening to their exchange, Professor and others finally realized. The captain was the other demigod Hidden Blade had mentioned. The power of a demigod was mind-shaking! As Franca used Demoness spider silk to drag up the Keeper sea monster hidden beneath the surfaceit was a flat, human-sized, spiky deep black mutated sea urchinshe casually asked, The deeper we sail into these waters, the more monsters like this well encounter? No. The Hanged Man shook his head. The most dangerous things are the environment itself and our companions. Of course, as long as we stay on the pre-determined waterway, there wont be much risk. These sea monsters have only appeared in recent years, possibly related to that war back then. Seeing Professor and others clearly confused, The Hanged Man briefly explained, After the God of Combats defeat, many Beyonder characteristics fell from the astral world onto the earth and into the oceans. His divine kingdom also experienced some collapse, with many items falling into reality. I see The Backstabbing Armor, no, the Pride Armor came from that? That whale sea monster just now should also be Gatekeeper is Sequence 5 of the Death pathway, adjacent to the Warrior pathway, so its normal for the God of Combats divine kingdom to have some related items As Franca came to this realization, she waited for the pale and black-mixed Beyonder characteristic to gradually precipitate out. She and Lumian would need to gain more believers in the future, which required priests to spread their teachings, so they needed to prepare some Beyonder characteristics for their subordinates. After collecting the spoils, the Blue Avenger continued forward. As they sailed deeper, the gray-white fog around them grew increasingly dense, making it impossible to see clearly beyond several dozen meters. During this process, Professor and others occasionally discovered things floating through the fogthere were faintly visible peaks, indistinct islands, and giant figures that seemed to hold up the sky The Hanged Man didnt explain, only telling them, They seem close but are actually far away, unreachable. After another half day, when the gray-white fog reached a certain density, The Hanged Man suddenly said to Franca, Were almost at our destination. Notify Maam Hermit that she can enter the Moses Ascetic Orders headquarters now. In the dark side tunnel of the warlocks tower. Maam Hermit continued to advance deeper. Her responsibility was to hold back the Moses Ascetic Orders upper echelons as much as possible until allied forces arrived. Suddenly, she stopped in an area filled with many broken stone pillars. She saw a familiar figure. It was the Moses Ascetic Orders Vice Chairman, another Pillar who she couldnt get a read onRetia Austin. Chapter 1067 - Chapter 1067 Grade 0 Sealed Artifact Chapter 1067 Grade 0 Sealed Artifact Retia was a quiet, taciturn person who made The Hermit feel like there was something strange about her as a warlock, though she had never explicitly said so, and Cattleya believed She had already become an Angel. And in the intelligence Cattleya had obtained in advance, the current high-level members of the Moses Ascetic Order guarding Avalon were only Torriope and two other Pillars who had been doing research there for years, so Retia should have already left. Unexpectedly, She appeared again. She was on the dark side of Avalon. Except for when there were real matters that needed to be handled, every time She said She was leaving Avalon, She was actually just taking a detour and entering the dark side? Was She guarding against something, or doing some secret thing? Queen of Stars Cattleya was surprised but not panicked. Retia being at the Moses Ascetic Orders headquarters was a good thing, so she wouldnt have to go looking for Her everywhere to eliminate Her! At this time, Retia in a loose robe with wavy wine-red hair stood on top of a broken giant stone pillar, looking towards the traitor foretold in the prophecy, Her voice echoing in the current area, I see you turning into a swan As she spoke, Retias body rapidly expanded, the loose black robe quickly tearing apart, transforming into a mass of cloth fragments that drifted down below the stone pillar. In the blink of an eye, this Vice Chairman of the Moses Ascetic Order had Her neck elongated, covered in magenta scales, Her entire body the same. She was now five or six meters tall, her tailbone extending and becoming very long, filled with joints and barbs. Retia had actually transformed into a giant dragon, powerful and exuding an evil beauty, Her head still human-like in the magenta color. Her amber vertical pupils immediately locked onto The Hermit Cattleya. The Sequence 2 of the Mystery Pryer pathway was called Sage, with the core ability being the mastery and utilization of information, including but not limited to the informatization of ones own self. In such a situation, if one had enough self-understanding, without disrupting the overall information balance, one could add appropriate, non-conflicting, and already fully grasped mysticism knowledge in the form of information into the corresponding information flow, and delete the unnecessary parts, thereby completing the transformation of ones own body and the fixation and acceleration of certain spells. Retia chose to gradually transform Herself into a giant dragon at the information level, in order to gain a huge boost in physical strength and vitality. For this, She spent hundreds of years researching the remains of various dragons, and was also known as a Dragon Scholar within the Moses Ascetic Order. Queen of Stars Cattleya originally thought this title meant Retias research on the dragons was very in-depth, making Her a true expert in the field, until Queen Mystic also became a Sage did they guess there was another layer of meaning: A scholar like a dragon! Immediately, countless cold, eyelashless eyes opened in the cracks between Retias magenta scales. The Mythical Creature form of the Mystery Pryer pathway! At the same time, countless fragments flashed in The Hermit Cattleyas mind. There was the warning from Queen Mystic when she chose the Mystery Pryer pathway on the Dawn; the constant pursuit of knowledge and the repeated indoctrination of the Hidden Sage; the painful episodes of almost losing control several times; the protection provided by Mr. Fool; the ostracism and suspicion she had suffered since becoming one of the Pillars; and all the scenes of evil and corruption she had seen along the way into the dark side All of this is finally about to come to an end With a sigh, Cattleyas back arched slightly, and pure white illusory feathers sprouted. Fairytale magic, Ugly Duckling! Even an ugly duckling could transform into a swan! A Sequence 3 could also manifest an incomplete Mythical Creature form, supporting it for a short time under the impact of an Angel! As these swan feathers grew out, cracks also appeared on Cattleyas surface, with blood and flesh congealing in each crack to form stark black and white eyeballs. These eyeballs swept around, meeting the countless eyes on the magenta dragons body. Maam Hermit and the draconized Retia both became somewhat ethereal, one seeming to have become an abstract black shadow, the others body dimming, no longer exuding an evil beauty. Although Lumian had Teleportation, considering the many dangers lurking in the dark side of Avalon, he didnt dare make a direct advance like Madam Magician, but Blinked in stages instead. After three or four jumps, he arrived at what seemed like a palace rooftop. It was paved with large slabs of water-black stone, surrounded by walls and towers, the night sky above dark and deep, with clusters of dazzling stars dotting it, blinking on and off as if countless unknown existences were watching this area, those stars being their eyes. A tall, thin man dressed as a warlock stood at the top of the nearest tower, carefully cradling a long-necked silver flask. The surface of the flask was covered in dense bumps, each with a deep crack, within which countless black and white eyes slowly rotated. This was an unnumbered Grade 0 Sealed Artifact, because it was not from the orthodox churches, and sometimes it was an Angel, sometimes a Sealed Artifact, its form unable to be fixed. It originated from a founding member of the Moses Ascetic Order, that angels bizarre and uncontrolled death leaving behind this sealed artifact, and in the long years that followed, three of the Orders saints had successively used this artifact to become angels, but ultimately all went mad and died or became monsters within three hundred years, bringing great disaster to the Moses Ascetic Order. In the last thousand years, no one had dared to use this Grade 0 Sealed Artifact to advance, and thus it has earned a name: Destined Madness! As a long-standing secret organization, the Moses Ascetic Order was at its peak, possessing six Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts besides Angels. Later, some were lost in internal strife, some were offered to the Hidden Sage, and some became the foundation of Angels. Now, only three remained, and Destined Madness was one of them. The warlock holding this cursed flask was Seids, one of the Pillars, who had been stationed in Avalon for years, researching mysticism knowledge. As a Sequence 3 Clairvoyant of the Mystery Pryer pathway, he chose Destined Madness over the other two Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts because, for him, the current negative effects were still bearable, and he could endure for some time. The countless eyes on the slender silver flask brought with them a flood of illusions. They were diverse fragments of knowledge, some turning into human shapes, eyes bursting, clutching their chests, or heads exploding; some resembling writhing masses of snakes, slick and repulsive; some grotesque and indescribable, all racing madly toward Lumian. Knowledge was in pursuit! A swath of gray-white surged before Lumian, rolling forward like waves toward the embodied knowledge. Wherever the gray-white wave passed, the stone slabs grew denser, and even the air thickened. When the petrifying force met the knowledge entities, those apparitions donned a gray-white veil. However, in the next second, knowledge of stone, rigidity, slowness, and lifelessness seeped into the apparitions, becoming part of them. The knowledge pursuing Lumian didnt stop; they merely transformed into heavy yet swift knowledge statues. On the azure sea thick with gray fog. Because the area was so disorienting, Franca couldnt use conventional methods to contact Maam Hermit. She had to resort to praying to Mr. Fool to inform that Major Arcana card holder that they could start their operation. After she finished, Mr. Hanged Man began advising Professor, Periodic Table, and Prototype, Next, you may experience some hallucinations, see some illusions, but under no circumstances should you believe them, or the harm will extend beyond you to your companions as well. Even if you see me turn into a monster, or see a nearby companion attack you, you must neither evade nor retaliatetrust that its all false. Of course, it might not even be that intense. Professor and the others exchanged glances, eventually choosing to trust the experienced, powerful captain. Besides, Hidden Blade was there too. Then, the Blue Avenger continued deeper into the sea along the murky course. After a moment, Professor sensed an unnatural silence around her. Though it was a ghost ship with few people on board, it had never been so silent that not a single sound, save for the waves, could be heard. Professor looked slowly toward the captain, Hidden Blade, and the distant sailors, only to see them moving in jerky slow motion, as if controlled by strings. Professor was startled and instinctively looked at Periodic Table and Prototype. Both members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society were smirking, identical chilling grins on their faces. Their smiles matched in every detail. Shuddering, Professor remembered the captains warning and quickly shut her eyes, repeating silently, Its not real, its all fake At that moment, it seemed as though tentacles were reaching out from the water, the slick sensation drawing closer and closer, while Professors thoughts grew sluggish and even a bit muddled. Its not real, its all fake she muttered to herself, braving her terror. It was unclear how much time passed before all abnormalities abruptly vanished as though they had never been there. Professor opened her eyes and saw that the captain was back to normal. Both Hidden Blade and the othersPeriodic Table and Prototypewore expressions tinged with confusion and fear. Professor and the others were about to ask questions when they all furrowed their brows simultaneously. They felt knowledge pursuing them, surging from the dense gray-white fog! Of course, it wasnt as extreme as the Hidden Sages indoctrination, more like a manageable pressure. Mr. Hanged Man saw this and quickly said to Franca, Weve reached the target area. Franca nodded, pulling out several pieces of yellow paper etched with intricate patterns from the Travelers Bag. Chapter 1068 - Chapter 1068 Connection Chapter 1068 Connection Petrification did nothing to stop the advancing knowledge; instead, petrification became a part of them, and they surged forward toward Lumian like an army of puppets. At that moment, a strange thought crossed Lumians mind. If I were in Morora, could I use the authority of 0-01 to turn these knowledge statues into my soldiers and then redirect their assault on Seids, the Moses Ascetic Orders brass holding the Grade 0 Sealed Artifact? Unfortunately, there was no if. The knowledge statues collided with Lumian, producing a cracking sound. Lumian had activated his Mirror Substitution in advance. In the next instant, he used Teleportation, outlining his figure mid-air, positioned behind Seids and slightly above the tower. Despite his fear of the Grade 0 Sealed Artifact, it was being wielded by a person, not the artifact itself wielding the person. This naturally left vulnerabilities to exploit. For example, Seids body was blocking the dense bumps and stark black-and-white eyes on the surface of the silver flask, obscuring his view of what was behind him. Lumians lake-like eyes quickly locked onto Seids back, preparing to cast a curse. Just then, the back of Seids head, uncovered by a hood, began to writhe with flesh. Black-and-white, emotionless eyes sprouted from the dark gray hair. The Saint seemed to become one with the silver flask, an extension of its power. Pop! Pop! Pop! Black-and-white eyes spread across Seids back, his hair parting and clothes tearing as they all turned to gaze at Lumian. Lumian froze. Sequence names and fragments of relevant knowledge surged into his mind all at once: Mystery Pryer, Melee Scholar, Warlock, Scrolls Professor, Constellations Master, Mysticologist, Clairvoyant, Sage, Knowledge Emperor, Hermit, Savant Archaeologist, Black Knight, The Hanged Man, White Angel, The Sun, and more. It wasnt enough to overwhelm his mind and spirit, but it did disrupt his thoughts, making them sluggish and chaotic. The knowledge even vaguely coalesced into a scene with an ancient, worn stone slate. Lumians consciousness grew foggy. Simultaneously, from within the silver flask, covered with eyes and bumps, streams of blazing, golden, pure sunlight poured forth. They illuminated the palace rooftop area, lifting a miniature, fiercely burning sun. That sun expanded rapidly, purifying and igniting everything around it. Mystical Re-enactment! Lumian, riddled with countless issues, was immediately engulfed in searing pain, as though his skin were forcibly peeled away to expose raw flesh beneath. The lingering aura of the Blood Emperor in his palm, the Underworld Daoists seal, and the black pinhole all activated in response, flaring into prominence. This brought a sliver of clarity amidst the fog of confusion. Crack! He used Mirror Substitution again. As shards of glass fell toward the base of the tower, he shifted positions, appearing at the edge of the palace rooftop. That led deeper into the dark side of Avalon. But sunlight was everywhere, leaving no shadows behind. Lumian abruptly ignited, golden flames bursting from him. His body began to melt. A sudden chill struck him from behind as if a ghostly, sticky shadow clung to his back, coiling around him in layers, trying to invade. How could there still be shadows in such blazing, pure, holy sunlight? Where is the absence of darkness? What sort of spell is thisboth holy and sinister Lumian, though resilient to flames, feared the purifying force. He activated the black mark on his right shoulder without hesitation. Teleport! He disappeared from his position, instantly reappearing in the next area. His mission was not to kill or stall Seids or seize the Grade 0 Sealed Artifact. Witnessing the terror of such an artifact, he knew there was no point in lingeringit would only interfere with his main objective. The reason he had fought Seids earlier was due to his reluctance to advance too quickly, fearing he might stumble into an Angels battleground, which was likely even more dangerous than staying here. It was better to see if he could handle an opponent wielding a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact. As he emerged in the next area, he quickly used Mirror Substitution again, leaving the golden flames and chilling shadow to the mirror image. Glancing back, he saw the golden flames indeed melting the mirror, within which a patch of deep black writhed and struggled. Both vanished simultaneously. In the palace rooftop-like area, Seids entire form seemed amiss; the mass of black-and-white eyes on his back did not retract quickly. He strained to pursue the Demoness of Unaging holding Destined Madness. Suddenly, from the entrance of the dark side of Avalon, a thick mist of pale steam flowed into the area, coalescing mid-air into a figure. This figure was clad in a monks gray robe, wearing an apron like that of ancient stonemasons, with chestnut hair, blue eyes, a handsome, youthful face, and a tall, slender build. Under the influence of various spells, broken stone pillars were either completely shattered, collapsed entirely, sprouted eyes, or became a part of knowledge, bearing no resemblance to their original form. Using the Ugly Duckling magic to reveal an incomplete Mythical Creature form, The Hermit Cattleya was held in a crushing grip by Retia, now a magenta dragon. Her attacks, her magic, all became ineffective once absorbed into Retias informatized body. Ten seconds had passed, and the effects of the Ugly Duckling magic were nearing their end. Cattleya, unwavering and resolute, prepared to cast Ugly Duckling for the second and final time, according to plan. Only by relying on the incomplete Mythical Creature form could she hold her ground against Retia! At that moment, streams of transparent, intangible information cascaded into the area, reforming into the figure of Queen Mystic Bernadette, with chestnut hair, straight brows, and eyes as deep as the ocean. In a boundless wilderness, translucent, ethereal information coalesced into the figure of Torriope, Chairman of the Moses Ascetic Order. He had evaded Madam Magicians first round of multi-directional attacks using informatization to dodge from various directions with diverse abilities. Now reformed, Torriope still wore his hood, but his upper body was bare. His torso no longer appeared human, resembling a fusion of five or six things: There was a menacing wolfs head with black fur, a blazing throne of fire, a pale face with strange eyes, a writhing mass of maggots, and multiple asymmetrical black symbols These were the Mystical Re-enactment spells Torriope had added to His information body over the years, making them truly a part of Him. In this form, the corresponding magic would immediately trigger and strike any target. As for the Loss of Control Gaze spell, Torriope deemed it too dangerous and hadnt fully deciphered its secrets. He feared adding it would destabilize the overall information structure, resulting in a loss of control. Clang! Just as Torriope completed His reformation, preparing to unleash numerous spells simultaneously, an ancient, ethereal chime echoed, and he glimpsed a massive, weathered bell in shades of blackish-green and gray-white. For an instant, He was dazed, but then He quickly cast the five or six spells all at once. They missed every target and had no impact on any life form. Madam Magician had vanished from the wilderness. A pulse of information flickered in the corner of Torriopes brow. His emotions became slightly unstable. He knew his enemy would be back any moment! Striking, but never hitting; fleeing, but never escaping! Then, Torriope saw the ground deep within the wilderness silently cave in. A vast pit opened, leading to a hazy, misty, obscure place. Torriopes spirits lifted again, His mood brightening. The great Hidden Sage had finally responded! That hazy, foggy area was actually a hidden escape route, granted by the Hidden Sage when Torriope had established Avalon. Once He escaped through there, His enemies would be unable to track or locate Him. Based on the Hidden Sages namesake, He naturally wielded powers of concealment! That was also why He was still alive from the Fourth Epoch to the present. Joyfully, Torriope dissolved into a flood of information again, rushing toward the large, collapsed pit. Madam Magician reappeared in the skies above the wilderness. On the Blue Avenger, Franca handed out three pieces of yellow paper, covered with fine patterns, tiny writing, and strange symbols, to Professor, Periodic Table, and Prototype. Burn them by rubbing them with your spirituality, Franca instructed solemnly. Taking the yellow paper, Prototype quickly glanced over it, noting a resemblance to, yet significant difference from, the entries in Roselles Diary. He faintly discerned two characters: Celestial Master. Wh Professor and the others hesitated for a second before setting their yellow papers aflame. The blue smoke from the burning paper didnt dissipate but instead coalesced into a column, rising into the gray-white mist above. In the next second, Professor and the others seemed to see a wilderness filled with countless figures wandering and screaming. The knowledge pursuing them surged, becoming fiercer. They once again experienced the intense agony of the Hidden Sages relentless indoctrination. Then, a hazy silhouette began to emerge before them. The figure sat cross-legged, his face as smooth as jade, dressed in a blue robe with a high crown atop his head. He held something known as a whisk. In an unknown, mysterious realm. A light composed of complex information concealed itself and the surrounding area. It was none other than the Hidden Sage, who had foreseen the danger. Suddenly, He trembled violently, His form twisting like a massive serpent pierced by an unseen force. He had predicted the danger, but He hadnt foreseen that it would come from the wilderness! Enduring the pain, He attempted to sever the connection, hoping to conceal this part of His information. At that moment, a figure clad in a black trench coat followed the trace of the connection, descending from above and landing in front of Him, at the edge of the unknown land. The figure used his right hand, gloved in black, to press down on the half-height silk top hat atop his head, gradually straightening his posture. Chapter 1069 - Chapter 1069 Nemesis The Hidden Sage felt He must respond, but He couldnt decide which plan to choose. Should He quickly repel the invading enemy, or destroy this unknown realm of His creation to create chaos, escape detection, and hide once again? He had never hesitated like this before, unable to make a decision, as if affected by some Beyonder power. Then, He heard the clang of a bell. It seemed to come from ancient times, crossing vast ages. A weathered, mottled clocks phantom appeared, and a black-gloved left hand held the hands of the clock that had been ticking between gray-white and blue-black. In this moment of stillness, The Fool raised his right palm, thrusting forward his firmly gripped cane. The cane, inlaid with countless stardust, caused the void to collapse layer by layer where it passed, surging toward the Hidden Sage. As The Fools cane thrust forward, in the astral world full of various concepts, distorted abstractions, and chaos, a hazy light began to glow, as if about to bring scenes of profound, magnificent scrolls down to the unknown realm where that battle was taking place. Just then, in the high skies of daylight, the crimson moon suddenly became prominent. It grew brighter and rounder, its color deepening until it seemed stained with fresh blood. The Blood Moon descended. The Blood Moons crimson light shone upon the invisible barrier in the astral world, illuminating all the distorted concepts here, preventing any deity from escaping, and making that hazy clear light afraid to fall to its intended destination. On the wilderness, Torriope, who was rushing toward the misty, hazy place in the form of an information flood, suddenly discovered that the remaining few dozen meters had become winding and tortuous, twisting back and forth, as if one had to navigate a maze to reach the destination. Outside the maze lay ethereal darkness filled with brilliant stars, without any paths. Once entered, one would likely become lost immediately, unable to find an exit, let alone reach the intended destination. This was the control over journey and space wielded by High-Sequence Beyonders of the Door pathway. Though there must be a door and a destination, They could set the exit at the farthest point and turn the journey between into a maze that couldnt be quickly traversed. This was also a kind of seal, a seal with time constraints. After restricting Torriopes movement, Madam Magician, floating in mid-air wearing her silver-starred black robe, suddenly split into nine. Behind each figure, differently colored planets hazily appeared. A terrifying, immense gravitational force emanated from these nine figures, instantly tearing apart the maze that had trapped Torriope, seeming to slow the flow of time itself, causing the light in this area to flow toward different ethereal planets, unable to shine along its intended path. Torriope, who had just reformed His body and planned to immediately release multiple spells using previously added information to force back the enemy again, felt nine invisible hands grab different parts of His bodyHis head, neck, left ribs, right leg, and other placespulling madly outward. He was about to be dismembered. He had no choice but to informatize again, becoming an ethereal, transparent, complex flood. This information flood was also being torn apart, pulled outward stream by stream, but the main structure remained undamaged. When Lumian teleported into this wilderness, he saw the scene of nine Madam Magicians surrounding an area ravaged by a space-time storm. All nine figures were flickering, constantly switching between false and real at a speed that made them indistinguishable from each other. Seeing this, Lumian unhesitatingly took out the phone manufactured by the God of Steam and Machinery and tossed it into the air. The nine figures suddenly merged into one, no longer flickering. Madam Magicians fixed position was exactly where Lumian had thrown the phone. She caught the phone with one hand and skillfully opened the corresponding mini-program. At this moment, from within the space-time storm being torn apart, from that danger-filled dark area, streams of ethereal, transparent information surged forth, reforming into Torriopes figure. He was only wounded; the overall structure of His information flow hadnt collapsed or been compressed under the terrifying gravitational force. Compared to before, Torriope seemed slightly shorter, the fierce wolfs head that should have been on His right chest had moved to near His neck, both hands appeared at His navel, and His legs were of uneven length. These were all caused by information misalignment, but the overall balance remained. Madam Magicians figure vanished again from mid-air, and seeing this, Lumian quietly retreated from the edge of the wilderness. Having achieved his wish, Torriope immediately transformed into a complex, transparent information flood, rushing toward the collapsed pit just dozens of meters away, toward that misty, hazy place. In an instant, He again saw the path become twisted, full of misleading directions. He was trapped in the maze again. Madam Magician had returned once again! Just then, Torriopes information flood within the maze instantly dispersed, quickly vanishing. This was False InformationFalse Information that Torriope had specially prepared for the enemy! Meanwhile, His concealed true information had quietly reached the entrance of the secret passage, still rushing toward that haziness in the form of an ethereal, transparent flood. Madam Magician, wearing her silver-starred black robe, suddenly Blinked to the edge of the exit, Blinking right in front of Torriope. Torriope had anticipated this, and His information flood immediately dispersed into multiple intertwining streams, preparing to bypass the enemy from above her head, both sides, and below her feet to enter the exit. During this process, even if some parts were intercepted, as long as the overall structure and balance remained, Torriope wouldnt die. At worst, He would be missing limbs and some spells after reforming, which could be researched and added back later. Seeing the streams of transparent information about to scatter and escape, Madam Magician raised the phone in her palm and pressed the activation button for the Information Shredder. The previously lit phone screen suddenly grew dark, as if all light had been absorbed into the running mini-program. This emitted an overwhelming, terrifying gravitational force, specifically targeting information. The streams of information Torriope had broken into uncontrollably changed their destination, rushing toward the dark phone screen. Madam Magicians face and back of her hands also showed signs of writhing flesh. Essentially, these were also a form of information, as were the surrounding wilderness and the haziness behind. However, they existed in a very stable physical form, effectively resisting the overwhelming gravitational force emanating from within the phone screen. As stream after stream of information entered Madam Magicians phone, a scream suddenly erupted from the depths of the dark screen. The scream was extremely panicked, extremely terrified, as if encountering a nemesis, encountering the most terrifying thing in the world! The scream was also information. The scream abruptly ceased. After all of Torriopes dispersed information had entered the Information Shredder, the phone screen quickly regained its brightness, and one after another, crystals formed from seemingly transparent information were spat out, like a monster spitting out bones after devouring humans. This was the Beyonder characteristic of a Sequence 2 Sage of the Mystery Pryer pathway. An Angel had perished. Seeing all the crystals had been spat out, Madam Magician threw the phone back to Lumian, who had re-entered the wilderness. Hurry, she urged, then disappeared from her spot. She planned to Teleport back, change her robe, then return to help. This would only take a second or two, as she wore two layers of robes and only needed to remove the outer one. Lumian caught the phone imbued with the God of Steam and Machinerys divine power and latest research results, and immediately activated the Teleport mark on his right shoulder. His destination was deep in the wilderness, at the entrance to the secret passage filled with haziness. In the library with its messy shelves but numerous books. Ohayes, another of the Ten Pillars guarding Avalon, had just come from where the mystical items were sealed. He held a mask that seemed forged from black gold. The mask was asymmetrical from left to right, and not even in a regular pattern of one side being smaller than the other, but rather chaotic: The left eye socket was large and hollow, the right small, the left nasal bridge collapsed, the right prominent, the left cheekbone protruding, the right drooping downward, the whole giving an indescribable sense of madness and majesty. This was one of the three Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts currently possessed by the Moses Ascetic Order, obtained during the chaos of the War of Four Emperors and named Solomons Mask. Ohayes had chosen it from among the remaining two Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts, preparing to go support Vice Chairman Retia or his peer, Seids. Unfortunately, there were only three demigods currently guarding Avalonthe three of them plus Chairman Torriopeand they couldnt even find another Saint to use the last Grade 0 Sealed Artifact. The negative effects of that Sealed Artifact were too lethal for any Beyonder without godhood to bear. I can only hope the Chairman or Vice Chairman can return to take the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture, then either repel the invaders or lead everyone in escape Ohayes looked back at the sealed location, praying that the mid-sequence warlocks in the dark side would find their way here. With Solomons Mask, he could no longer use those Grade 1 Sealed Artifacts! And if these Sealed Artifacts couldnt be put to use, the Moses Ascetic Orders chances of victory would decrease further, and if they had to retreat later, they would have to abandon them, suffering heavy losses. At this crucial moment, regardless of whether one was Sequence 5 or not, those who could use Grade 1 Sealed Artifacts should quickly take control of them, making them easier to take away! Glancing at the asymmetrical black gold mask, Ohayes gritted his teeth and put it on his face. The black gold mask suddenly writhed, as if trying to merge with his flesh. Ohayes let out a muffled groan of pain, his entire body instantly growing much larger. At this moment, a figure reflected in his eyes. That figure was barefoot, wearing a simple robe, with a tree bark belt tied around the waist, black hair gently swaying behind. Chapter 1070 - Chapter 1070 Onward Chapter 1070 Onward In the sea of grayish-white fog all around, Professor, Periodic Table, and Prototype were either leaning against the ships railings, their faces flushed and throbbing, or crouching down covering their ears, curled up, or constantly grabbing and pulling their own hair, as if trying to rip off their skulls to relieve the pressure their brains were bearing. Seeing their reactions, Franca couldnt help but look over at Mr. Hanged Man. Is there a way to alleviate this situation? This was a problem that even a Spectators Placate could not solve, as it was not mental confusion or an emotional outburst, but simply that their brains could not withstand being flooded with so much knowledge in such a short time, not even able to activate their self-protection mechanisms and pass out. So Madam Justice had not participated in the actions on the Blue Avenger, nor had she provided corresponding charms. Of course, to bear the power of a demigod, the materials for the charms had more special requirements than before, not something that could be made just by wanting tounless the power level was deliberately suppressed, making the completed charms only at Sequence 6 or 5 standards. Mr. Hanged Man thought for a moment and said, Knock them out, make them lose consciousness. This Major Arcana card holder added tentatively, This might help. Makes sense. Franca turned her gaze back to Professor and the others, eager to try. Just then, the condition of Professor and the others eased, the blue veins on their faces no longer protruding, and the hair they pulled out gradually diminished. Phew Franca secretly let out a sigh of relief. After another dozen or so seconds, Professor, Periodic Table, and Prototype gradually recovered to normal, although some still looked rather pale, and some were still slightly trembling. No wonder you compared the danger we might encounter to the Hidden Sage forcibly infusing knowledgeits about the same. Professor sighed, saying in a puzzled tone, Those knowledge really came alive, rushing towards us as if they would tear us into pieces if we didnt study them earnestly. This was significantly different from the Hidden Sages indoctrination, as Professor and the others had actually had a similar experience before, but the corresponding amount was small and did not cause such severe pain. Prototype glanced at Franca and Mr. Hanged Man, and asked thoughtfully, Who is the Celestial Master? Franca let out a hollow laugh. Ill tell you later. She then smiled at Professor and the others. Your mission is accomplished! Really? We dont have to do it again? Did it succeed? Professor and the others asked respectively. They were clearly more relaxed, with a barely disguised joy in their tone. Franca exchanged a glance with Mr. Hanged Man and said, Our part is done, but results from the other side remain unknown. Mr. Hanged Man nodded in agreement, raising his right hand towards the Blue Avenger. Return to port! In the dark side of Avalon. The Hermit Cattleya had left the area with the broken stone pillars, escaping the battle with Dragon Scholar Retia. She was now in a pitch-black corridor, with light seeping in at the end, leading not to a room, but to an open wilderness. As she walked, Cattleya couldnt help but look back. She had actually wanted to stay and help Queen Mystic deal with Retia, but ultimately decided to leave. This was because, first, she had seen the Queen take out a black crown inlaid with many dark gems; second, she herself was not yet an Angel, and Ugly Duckling could only be used one more timethe brief ten-plus seconds could not turn the tide of battle, and might even affect Queen Mystics performance. And third, she had other things to do. Cattleya turned her gaze forward, continuing to fly through the pitch-black corridor with a faint light at the end. She felt that the remaining filth of Avalon was hidden in the darkness that could not be illuminated on the sides, the fallen state of the remaining warlocks, the pain of Beyonders of the same sequence being forcibly infused with knowledge by the Hidden Sage, and the last screams of those who had lost control and gone mad. She too had once experienced similar pain, teetering on the edge of losing control. Relying on Mr. Fool, she had initially guaranteed her own safety, and her withdrawal from the battle between Queen Mystic and Retia was to ensure that there were no accidents on The Chariot Lumians side, to ensure that all the Beyonders of the Mystery Pryer pathway were rid of this hidden danger, and never had to worry about knowledge infusion day and night. Of course, knowledge would still spread to individuals, just not as frequently or terribly. The Hermit Cattleya flew faster and more resolutely, for there were important matters waiting for her ahead. Finally, she passed through the light at the end of the corridor and arrived in a boundless wilderness. At this moment, the crimson moon shone from above, casting a faint blood-red hue over the entire wilderness, but without any substantial effect. Cattleya looked and saw Mr. Chariot Lumian standing by the sunken pit in the depths of the wilderness, and Madam Magician Fors, now in a purple-black robe. Is Torriope dead? The Hermit Cattleya blurted out. Madam Magician smiled slightly. At a true gods own hand and with a restraining tool, how could Torriope not die? Ive sealed all his Beyonder characteristics, and will distribute them according to Mr. Fools wishes after the operation is over. As she spoke, the wilderness began to tremble slightly, with soil, weeds, and stones continuously peeling off into the void, though not much. Avalon was created by Torriope, and now that he was dead, it would naturally wither away. The Hermit nodded slightly, walking over to Lumian under the not-so-dense crimson moonlight. She and The Magician stood on the left and right, one in front and one behind, guarding against unexpected occurrences. The crimson full moon hung high in the sky, outshining the sun and making all the continents, oceans, and islands seem to be draped in a faintly sinister red veil. In the capital of the Rorsted Archipelago, the City of Generosity Bayam, at an outdoor cafe. Mr. Star Leonard sipped a cup of Fermo coffee with milk and sugar, glancing at the hurrying pedestrians rushing home. Most people in this world knew that the Blood Moon brought misfortune, a sign of bad things to come! Old man, Suah and His brothers have been really patient, not making a move yet, and those Angels secretly serving the Great Mother havent made a sound either. Mr. Star murmured, setting down his bone coffee cup. An aged voice then sounded in his ear: If They really attempt to rescue the Hidden Sage, and really come to destroy the Rorsted Archipelago, then its not a big problem. The fact that theres not a stir means trouble. Mr. Star immediately understood what the old man meant. This meant that the existence of the Hidden Sage was no longer of great importance to the evil gods or the Great Mothers subsequent plans! This was troubling. Didnt the Great Mother also intervene and suppress the orthodox gods? Mr. Star thought aloud. Since the existence of the Hidden Sage would weaken the resistance forces within the barrier and reduce the chances of new gods being born, They should certainly try to save Him, but its no longer a key issue, something They can choose to do or not do. The aged voice responded simply. The Star Leonard picked up his coffee again, chuckling. Indeed, theres a sense that the situation is gradually worsening, that the apocalypse is coming and theres nothing that can be done to change it. After taking a sip of coffee, this demigod of the Church of Evernight, a Major Arcana card holder, sobered his expression and said in a low voice, But no matter what, we have to save ourselves. No matter what, getting rid of the Hidden Sage is a good thing, and can increase the hope of resisting the apocalypse. With that, he raised his head, gazing at the sinister crimson moon. The moonlight seemed to drip with blood. In the mysterious unknown realm. Compared to before, several mountain peaks had now emerged, a vast sea appeared, and countless crevices formed. The Hidden Sages location was also composed of information, and with the Fooling, the information would naturally undergo various changes, creating the current environment. After nearly twenty seconds of battle, the Hidden Sage, who had still not recovered from the surprise attack, was finally pierced by the star-studded cane. The ethereal glow of the complex information, like a giant serpent, suddenly collapsed towards the tip of the cane, towards a certain point within. The dissolved glow crumbled inch by inch, the countless information squeezed together, compressed into a dark spherical ball, and with the withdrawal of the star-studded cane, it exploded outward with a thunderous sound. The overall structure of the information was thus destroyed. Stream after stream of information fell and dissipated, and from among them emerged a faint crimson. These crimsons grew rapidly, about to coalesce together, bringing new life. With a gesture of The Fools star-studded cane, the surrounding void bent down, herding all the crimsons together, sealing them within a small ethereal dark sphere. The ethereal sphere, along with the gathered crimsons, instantly vanished. However, after the disintegrating information and crimson light completely disappeared, no Beyonder characteristics were extracted, nor did a Uniqueness emerge. The Fool, in the black coat, suddenly turned his gaze to the other side of the unknown realm, towards the end of the sea. An ethereal glow resembling a giant serpent suddenly emerged there, then turned into a shadowy mass with countless black and white distinct eyes. Backup and hidden information! The Hidden Sage still had more than one such hidden backup information! The countless distinct black and white eyes spun rapidly, each coalescing into ethereal and complex symbols, flooding The Fools mind with a terrifying amount of useless knowledge. Chapter 1071 - Chapter 1071 Fooling Chapter 1071 Fooling The figure of The Fool, inundated with countless pieces of knowledge, suddenly froze, his head exploding into a mass of warped maggots. These maggots rapidly disappeared, leaving behind only a pair of black gloves and a cane inlaid with many star fragments. Amidst the thin mist that permeated the mountain peaks, another figure descendedonce again, The Fool, dressed in a black coat and wearing a half top hat. The black gloves and star-studded cane immediately returned to his control. Just now? That was just a historical projection! On the black shadow that the Hidden Sage had transformed into, the protruding black and white distinct eyes each rotated, reflecting the figure of The Fool once more. At this moment, He wanted to escape. This is not to say that He lacked the courage to destroy His current body and revive using the backup, hidden information from other locationsfor a being of such a living Uniqueness, this would not be too painful. The reason restraining Him from making this choice was: for the designated backup information to receive the Uniqueness, the Hidden Sage had to, before death, actively choose and activate it Himself, and this activation could potentially be traced and located. As the embodiment of mysticism knowledge, the Hidden Sage naturally knew the specialties of His current enemies, and what role the dark barrier that had sealed off the entire unknown realm and the permeating gray fog within it could play. If He did not activate it, the Uniqueness would naturally transfer to the nearest backup information, following the proximity principle, and the Hidden Sage had hidden another backup within this unknown realm. When He had initially made these arrangements, His idea was that if a powerful enemy arrived, He could try to drive them away or outright kill them and claim the spoils by reviving twice, and if the two revivals failed, it would mean He could not win, so He would let Himself be killed the third time and revive from the backup information hidden elsewhere, fully escaping the entanglement. In other words, the Hidden Sage was not panicked nowafter dying twice more, He could truly flee this unknown realm without being tracked, and return to a state of hiding. His current plan was to try counterattacking, and if that didnt work, just wait to be killed, rather than self-destruct. Information underwent loss, degradation, errors, and chaos in the process of constant backupsthis was a fundamental rule of the entire world, a manifestation of error, decay, and increasing entropy. The more times the overall information was backed up, the higher the probability of problems arising, and the greater the latent chaos. If the Hidden Sage were to revive using the fourth set of information, some hidden errors might emerge, and the enemy before Him symbolized Error. In this matter, self-destruction would lead to more significant degradation and amplification of chaos in the information, because it started from an internal, self-conscious negation, rather than being killed by others. In the black and white distinct eyes that reflected The Fools figure, new ethereal symbols emergednot complex, just simple numbers. One was 0, the other 1. In the cognition of the Moses Ascetic Order, each number had spirituality and its own symbolic meaning. Of course, numbers did not directly possess power, but they could bring corresponding occult implications. And one of the Hidden Sages core abilities was to imbue numbers with power, giving them truly different, somewhat diminished symbolic force compared to the original! Among them, 0 represented chaos, the unknown, what existed before everything, while 1 represented the beginning, the Oldest One, the Creator who made this world. The 0 and 1 within those black and white eyes suddenly underwent a change. They connected end-to-end, rapidly flowing through the transparent tunnel formed by the eye orbs, shifting from 0 to 1, then from 1 back to 0, from non-existence to existence, and then back again. Accompanying the appearance and flow of these 0 and 1, the unknown realm rapidly became transparent. Whether it was the realm itself, the shrouding dark barrier, or the diffused gray fog, all were now composed of countless 0 and 1. They were clusters formed by just these two numbers! The figure of The Fool also underwent similar changescrawling over his face, his gloves, were countless small worms, transparent or brilliant or segmented, all woven from intertwined strings of 0 and 1. Under the Hidden Sages influence, vast numbers of 1 were turning into 0, and when 0 dominated the majority, this numeric world would completely collapse and disappear into nothingness, unable to impede the Hidden Sages escape any longer. Even The Fool himself would be affected, unable to locate and track in time! Suddenly, The Fools figure vanished. He appeared in the sky filled with digital fog, thrusting the star-studded cane downward from afar. Silently, the dark barrier confining the unknown realm imploded inward, causing the diffuse gray fog and the unknown realm itself to crumble inch by inch, generating a series of terrifying spatial-temporal storms. The Fool had proactively plunged this numeric world into destruction. The raging spatial-temporal storms swept towards the Hidden Sage, the surrounding disintegration and collapse also spreading to this evil god. The Hidden Sage was not alarmed, but delighted. This destruction not only caused the last backup information hidden in the unknown realm to be destroyed, allowing Him to truly escape The Fools pursuit after just one more death, but also lifted the barrier, throwing the situation into chaoseven if He fled directly or activated the corresponding backup information in advance, He wouldnt have to worry about being tracked! The Hidden Sage, with His countless black and white distinct eyes, let the worlds collapse and the spatial-temporal storms tearing ravage fall upon Himself. He was immediately reduced to stream after stream of transparent, ethereal information. This information was tinged with an imperceptible crimson. Just as the Hidden Sage was about to fade away and revive from the hidden backup information, the left hand of The Fool in the skynot holding the star-studded canesuddenly reached forward. Clang! The ancient tolling of a bell echoed through the world on the verge of total collapse, and the hands of the massive illusory stone clock were pressed down by the black palm. The raging dark storms, the collapsing mountains, chasms, and seasall were frozen, as if turned into a photograph. In this scene, the only ones still able to move were The Fool and the Hidden Sage, which had already collapsed into multiple streams of information but not yet completely vanished. Mr. Fool had not included the Hidden Sage within the time-freeze! The black coat behind him billowed, and the face under the black hat became dim and obscure. Fooled! In the wilderness, Lumian, having received the cue, jumped into the fog completely filling the sunken pit with the phone in hand. This secret passage had long been Grafted to the unknown realm where the Hidden Sage was. As Lumians figure appeared within this destruction scene paused in time, the Hidden Sage, fragmented into multiple streams of information and instinctively wanting to flee, suddenly sensed something. He sensed the presence of a Child of God. No, that is the aura of the Great Mother! The Great Mother has come to save me! The streams of the Hidden Sages information rushed towards the uncloaked Lumian, whose radiant countenance was now revealed. Not only did He feel He had been saved, but He also believed there was a chance to turn the tide. If the Great Mother had personally intervened, what else could not happen? Lumian raised his right hand, holding the phone displaying a small program screen towards the front. At this moment, the freezing had reached its limit, and the destruction resumed its progress. The Hidden Sages information surged even more frantically. Affected by this evil gods aura, personage, and current state, Lumians fair, smooth skin began peeling away, with chunks of flesh writhing, about to sprout distinct black and white eyes. This was both corruption and impact. Lumian did not flee or abandon the phone, standing still and savoring the physical pain and spiritual ecstasy. The residual aura of the Blood Emperor, the seal of the Underworld Daoist, and the pitch-black pinhole in his palm had all been activatedhis mind was descending into chaos, as if he had gained knowledge he should not have. His mouth curled up, with two distinct black and white eyes. Looking at the frantically surging transparent information of the Hidden Sage, he smiled brilliantly. Ive come to find you! I told you, I would come find you! Piece by piece, the flesh on Lumians body began falling off, each bearing distinct black and white eyes, but he remained motionless, still firmly gripping the phone made by the God of Steam and Machinery. Finally, the Hidden Sages information reached its destination. Lumian immediately pressed the Information Shredder apps run button. The phones surface suddenly turned dark, drawing in the remaining light and the disembodied information around it. The Hidden Sage abruptly became lucid, but it was too latethe phone had transformed into a massive vortex, sweeping in all the transparent, ethereal information it had fragmented into. Seeing this, Lumian no longer held back, igniting the corrupted himself with the Fire of Destruction. Amid the violent burning of the black flames restraining his frenzy and repression, he turned to ash with a brilliant yet horrifying smile. The real him had died. The corruption spread to the mirror, and the him in the mirror also died. Only the dormant mirror, hidden away beforehand by Concealment powers, remained unaffected. The phones barrier lit up again, the portion of ethereal glow composed of complex information desperately trying to break free, escaping control. The Fool, in the black coat and half-high hat, descended in front of the phone and Lumians Travelers Bag, with the collapsing and disintegrating unknown realm behind him. The Hidden Sage cried out in despair and fear, Spare me! I will pledge loyalty to you! Spare me! The Fools voice was coldly incisive yet somewhat gentle. You have harmed too many people. He raised the star-studded cane, pushing the struggling Hidden Sage back into the phone screen. From the depths of the phone, a chilling sound, like a monster gnawing on human bones, echoed out. Chapter 1072 - Chapter 1072 Distribution Chapter 1072 Distribution The indescribable sound of chewing came from the phone. The Fool raised his head, casting his gaze upwards towards the blood-red moon that was illuminating everything. The huge, round moon gradually returned to normal, its radiance fading until only a crimson hue remained. At this moment, the previously dark phone screen lit up again, with countless ethereal and complex pieces of information emerging, weaving into a peculiar, intricate symbol. This symbol was projected out, carried by the power contained within the Information Shredder hidden in the phone by the God of Steam and Machinery, and it quickly scanned every continent, island, and ocean. One by one, the backup information hidden by the Hidden Sage was located, the overall structure destroyed, and the information rapidly dissipated. When the special symbol returned to the phone screen, the Hidden Sage transmitted its final burst of informationa desperate scream. Aboard the Blue Avenger sailing back through the grayish-white fog, Professor, Periodic Table, and Prototype were all startled for a moment. They exchanged glances, and finally, Professor asked Franca and the Captain, Did you hear a wail or a scream? No. Franca shook her head. The Hanged Man also said, I didnt hear anything. We all heard it, Professors brow furrowed beneath the butterfly mask. But it was faint, as if it came from far away. Yes. Periodic Table and Prototype also indicated they had heard a similar sound. Franca thought for a moment and then said, Dont worry about it, hearing strange sounds in these waters is normal. Just ignore it and dont take it seriously. With that, Franca smiled. Think on the bright side; maybe it was the scream of the Hidden Sage before His death? Uh Professor and the others looked at each other. The Hanged Man had a pensive expression and after a few seconds, said, Maybe thats the case. Wh Even Franca was taken aback. Already? The Hidden Sages wail had pierced the ears of every warlock, alarming the Ten Pillars of the Moses Ascetic Order who were not in Avalon. They either made prophecies based on it or, through spiritual intuition, discovered that something was amiss and quickly relocated and concealed themselves. Retia, the Dragon Scholar within Avalon, and Seids and Ohayes, who wielded the Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts, were also affected, rapidly falling into a disadvantaged position and subsequently perishing. The completely destroyed unknown realm had become a rapidly shrinking dark vortex. The Fool, holding Lumians Travelers Bag, watched as the floating phone continuously erupted with various luminous fragments. Spraying and spraying, the phone began expanding, as if about to be ruptured by something. Bang! It did explode, and a dull, apathetic, eyelashless ethereal eye was ejected, falling into The Fools palm. The scattered phone components, tinged with a faint crimson, wriggled as if about to give birth to new parts. They were blocked by the suddenly darkened void and retracted inward, quickly converging within the ethereal sphere, dissipating along with it. The Fool, along with the Beyonder characteristics that had been expelled earlier, also vanished. Lumian felt as if he had slept a long, dreamless sleep, his entire being calm and peaceful within the embrace of darkness. After an unknown period of time, he finally opened his eyes to find himself in the void and shadowy realm behind the mirror. He stood up and stepped out of the glass surface, his eyes reflecting the ancient, dilapidated palace used for the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Societys gatherings. Behind him was the giant stone chair, on which sat the sleeping mirror he had made for himself, its surface marked with dark red patterns, as if inscribed in fresh blood. This was a pre-arranged preparation. With Madame Helas help, he had placed the sleeping mirror in the Nation of the Evernight to isolate it from potential corruption. As for why he didnt choose the area above the gray fog or place the sleeping mirror next to The Fools throne, it was because that would have isolated not only the corruption, but also Lumians own resurrection. Unless it was The Fool himself or he responded in time above the gray fog, Lumians Beyonder characteristics could not be transferred to the area near The Fools throne, and the consciousness and spirit within the sleeping mirror would not be restored. Moreover, this kind of resurrection required passing through the grayish-white fog, and there was a high probability of encountering other forms of corruption, as The Fool was only in the preliminary stages of awakening, not fully awake. Lumian recalled the previous events, confirming that the Hidden Sage had voluntarily entered the effective range of the Information Shredder. He picked up the large, stone chair-mounted mirror and brought it up to his face. The mirror, the size of a head, reflected a beautiful face with shallow blue and clear eyes. Lumian spoke to the mirror, The Hidden Sage is dead. All the warlocks no longer need to worry about being forcibly indoctrinated by Him. The mirrors gorgeous face broke into a relieved and radiant smile. After a few seconds, Lumian, as usual, recited the corresponding incantation to leave the ancient, dilapidated palace and return to the luxurious villa. Jenna, who was responsible for the cleanup, had just returned home and released Ludwig from behind one of her mirrors. This was a precaution in case Jennas luck was too poor and she directly encountered the Moses Ascetic Orders Saint holding a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact. Ludwig licked his lips, a little glum. So much delicious food, and he didnt get to eat any of it! Are you two okay? Franca, who had already returned, asked the two companions with concern. Lumian chuckled.Whether Im okay or not doesnt matter, the important thing is that something must have happened to the Hidden Sage. Jenna took the opportunity to say, Madam Magician said the spoils will be distributed by Mr. Fool. She then asked a little anxiously, But Madam Magician didnt take these from me. These were the gains from her cleanup of the fallen warlocks. I will help you ask Mr. Fool, Lumian then asked, Have all the warlocks in Avalon been eliminated? Jenna shook her head. Ive cleaned up those who have fallen and become evil, and theyre still in their period of silence, but I dont know about the hidden aspects of Avalon. I handed them over to Maam Hermit, who said she would select a batch to send to the Church of The Fool for reform, and the remaining ones are still on the ship, for her to reform. With a pleasant mood, Lumian curiously asked, Have you discovered any secrets in the hidden aspects of Avalon? I dont know. While Jenna shook her head, Lumian suddenly paused. Then he told Franca and Jenna, Mr. Fool has called for an emergency meeting. Above the gray fog, within the majestic palace. Several figures emerged, slightly blurred, on either side of an ancient bronze table. These were the Major Arcana card holders involved in the hunt for the Hidden Sage. Good afternoon, Mr. Fool~ Madam Justice was the first to stand and bow. Seemingly due to the death of the Hidden Sage, many warlocks had been saved, and her tone was more lively and energetic. After all the Major Arcana card holders had finished their greetings and reseated themselves, Mr. Fool at the head rapped the edge of the bronze table lightly. Dragon Scholar Retia was killed, but she did not fully die. There is a spell related to resurrection and concealment within the Mystical Re-enactment she created. However, this is not important, as our main purpose has been achieved. Hearing Mr. Fools announcement of the result, Lumians hanging heart settled. The Hidden Sage was truly dead, dead beyond death! At this moment, he was so joyful that he wanted to dance with Franca or Jenna. The Fool looked at each participant and said in a low voice, The Uniqueness of the Hidden Sage belongs to the God of Steam and Machinery, the Knowledge Emperor Beyonder characteristics containing Sequence 9 to Sequence 1 will go to Bernadette, including the assistance she provided in the dream. The Church of Evernight will receive the Destined Madness Grade 0 Sealed Artifact and the Beyonder characteristics of Seids, who was corrupted by this Sealed Artifact. In addition to these, they also obtained several Grade 1 Sealed Artifacts. The rest are ours. After hearing Mr. Fools explanation, Lumian, who had fought against the Destined Madness Grade 0 Sealed Artifact, was suddenly stirred and asked, Why did the Church of Evernight choose Destined Madness? It conceals a secret that needs to be excavated, Mr. Fool answered Lumians question in a gentle tone. He continued, Our main gains include the Sage Beyonder characteristic from Torriope, the Grade 0 Sealed ArtifactsSolomons Mask and Post-Apocalyptic Scriptureas well as nine Grade 1 Sealed Artifacts, including two related to Clairvoyant, three related to Mysticologist, one to Manipulator, one to Pallbearer, one to Alchemist, one to Arcane Scholar, and various Mid- and Low-Sequence Beyonder characteristics, as well as some Grade 2 and 3 Sealed Artifacts. Mr. Fool turned his gaze to The Hermit Cattleya. This was a continuation of your mission, the result of your previous efforts. You can choose first. The Hermit Cattleya did not show any false modesty. Mr. Fool, I want the Sage Beyonder characteristic. The Fool then looked at Lumian. Your role was crucial, the key to the complete demise of the Hidden Sage. You can choose second. Lumian had already decided the answer. Mr. Fool, I want the potion formula of Weather Warlock. Whether he had spoils or not actually didnt matter to him. This is a bonus, Mr. Fool said calmly. You can also choose one Grade 0 Sealed Artifact. Uh since the deity has said so. Lumian was no longer polite and after thinking for a moment, said, I choose the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture. He felt that, according to Maam Hermits previous explanation, the Solomons Mask must correspond to the Angelic level Beyonder characteristic of the Black Emperor pathway, and the Black Emperor pathway and the Justiciar pathway were neighboring and could be switched. Madam Judgment was also a friend of the Madam Magician. The Post-Apocalyptic Scripture is related to the Fate pathway, Mr. Fool simply said, then turned to Madam Magician. The Solomons Mask is yours. Madam Magician was momentarily taken aback. And you? Youre the main force, yet you dont keep the Angelic level Beyonder characteristics or the Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts? Leaning back in his chair, The Fools voice, amidst its usual warmth, contained a touch of joy and nostalgia. I dont need them. The death of the Hidden Sage is the result I wanted the most. Chapter 1073 - Chapter 1073: Post-Apocalyptic Scripture Chapter 1073: Post-Apocalyptic Scripture Hearing Mr. Fools words, Madam Justice suddenly felt a bit happier. She felt that Mr. Fools state had improved a bit. Madam Magician, upon hearing this, no longer said much, lightly nodding and saying, I will I defer to your will. If she were really allowed to choose the spoils, she would also have chosen the Solomons Mask. The ability of this Grade 0 Sealed Artifact would be a great supplement and enhancement for her, as well as for Madam Judgment, and in the future, it could also become a choice for her transition to the Angelic pathway through the Justiciar pathway. As for the potion formula of the Sequence 2 Entropy Duke of the Black Emperor pathway, Mr. Fool had it he possessed the Black Emperor card from the Cards of Blasphemy. The chaos of these years, the spread of the evil gods faith, the frequent occurrence of various events, have made Xio, the Chaos Hunter, digest her potions quickly, and she is about to complete her advancement to an Angel Hehe, the High-Sequence Beyonders of the Black Emperor pathway seem to have the trait of body gigantification-same for Nast. It would be very suitable for Xio to switch over to that path Madam Magicians thoughts gradually drifted away. Mr. Fool then turned his gaze to The Hanged Man. And your choice? Esteemed Mr. Fool, I would like the Grade 1 Sealed Artifact formed by the Mysticologist Beyonder characteristic. The Hanged Man had already decided on his choice when Mr. Fool was introducing the spoils. His ability characteristics and the Sealed Artifacts of the Hunter pathway he had obtained from the Blue Avengers treasury were already quite overpowering, and he lacked the stealthy means to achieve his goals. Alright, Merumus Spellbook is yours. The Fool turned his gaze to Justice. Although Justice had not directly participated in the action, she had woven the phone from the dream for Lumian, and was always prepared to provide spiritual and mental healing for the participants in the hunt. Additionally, she had made a substantial contribution to awakening Mr. Fool in the dream city, and so far had only obtained the revelation related to the ancient dragon. Madam Justice smiled and said, Mr. Fool, I want the Grade 1 Sealed Artifact formed by the Manipulator Beyonder characteristic, as I owe someone a favor. The Fool nodded lightly, then turned to Madam Temperance Sharron. Protecting the New City of Silver and the Rorsted Archipelago was also a contribution. You, representing the temperance faction, can take a share of the spoils. Madam Temperance Sharron, wearing a small, black, soft hat, manifested a piece of paper. On it wrote: Grade 1 Sealed Artifact formed by the Mysticologist Beyonder characteristic. Just as I thought The Chariot Lumian muttered to himself. This was based on two reasons: First, as the representative of the temperance faction. she would certainly feel that her factions contribution was relatively small, and she should not choose a Sealed Artifact formed from a Sequence 3 Beyonder characteristic-formed. Second, between Mysticologist and Alchemist, the Prisoner pathway Beyonder would most likely choose the former. Lumian had collaborated with Madam Temperance Sharron and Knight of Swords before, and knew their fighting styles. Alchemist, on the other hand, was known in the Savant pathway for creating wondrous items and alchemy puppets, which did not quite match the style of the temperance faction. This was not to say they were incompatible in terms of ability-in fact, they complemented each other very well. It was mainly that the aesthetic was not quite in sync, and Lumian could not imagine Madam Temperance Sharron possessing a giant robot, wielding various post-modern weapons, and blowing up enemies with a barrage of gunfire. Alright, the Eye of Omniscience will belong to the temperance faction. Mr. Fool nodded lightly. The last to make a choice was Mr. Star Leonard. He said in a dazed manner, Alchemist. I want to make a self-playing piano What kind of wish is this? Is Mr. Star still an artsy youth? Lumian was somewhat puzzled. Mr. Fool only spoke a few seconds later. Okay, the Creators Hammer is yours. Seeing that all the participating Major Arcana had chosen their spoils, Lumian asked on behalf of Jenna, Mr. Fool, how will the Mid- and Low-Sequence Beyonder characteristics and mystical items obtained by the Seven of Cups be distributed? The voice of The Fool shrouded in the gray fog returned to its previous state. The Mysticologist Beyonder characteristic and related materials formed by Ohayes death will be given to the three warlocks who went into the depths of the Fog Sea. After pulverizing and recomposing them, this will be able to help each of them advance one Sequence. This was a decision made even before the emergency meeting-the Mysticologist Beyonder characteristic formed by Ohayes death was not on the list of available options just mentioned. Now, Professor was a Sequence 5 Constellations Master, and Periodic Table and Prototype were Sequence 6 Scrolls Professors. Mr. Fool continued, The Mid- and Low-Sequence Beyonder characteristics and mystical items in Seven of Cupss possession will be divided into three parts: one part for her to keep, one part for the Two of Cups, and one part to be handed over to the Church. If they wish, they can use one of the two parts they keep to exchange for a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact. Yes, Mr. Fool. The Chariot Lumian felt this distribution plan was very good and had no objections. This not only addressed Jennas lack of same Sequence items, but also left room for the three Demonesses to develop their followers and spread the faith. Mr. Fool then turned to Madam Temperance Sharron. The remaining items are to be entrusted to the Church for safekeeping and use. The Church mentioned in those words referred to the Church of The Fool. Yes, Mr. Fool. Madam Temperance Sharron held up another sheet of paper with writing on it. As soon as she finished responding, beams of light flew out from the grayish-white fog behind Mr. Fool, each landing in front of the various Major Arcana. Madam Magicians was an asymmetrical black and gold mask, so extreme in its appearance that it was distressing to look at, yet also possessed a peculiar majesty. Maam Hermits was a fist-sized, sparkling diamond of sacred and wise light, with dull, apathetic eyes reflected from each of its facets. Madam Justices was an object covered in gray wrinkles, resembling both a brain and a heart. The Hanged Mans was a thin book bound in human skin, with many mysterious patterns and symbols on the cover. Madam Temperances was a transparent, pure gemstone eye, with different brilliance flashing from each facet. Mr. Stars was a complex, gray-and-white metal hammer, seemingly having multiple functions and exuding a mechanical aesthetic. In addition to the Weather Warlock potion formula in his mind and Ohayess Mysticologist Beyonder characteristic and related materials in front of him, The Chariot Lumian also received an old, yellowish- brown book. This book was made of tough, thick sheepskin parchment, with no symbols or words on the surface, only a bit of mercury-colored light fluttering beneath the texture of the paper, sometimes emerging, sometimes receding. At the same time, information about the Post Apocalyptic Scripture suddenly emerged in Lumians mind in a form different from the official Sealed Artifact records: 0: Perhaps an item formed by the Soothsayer of the Fate pathway foreseeing some future event and losing control, or it may come from an even more ancient era. 1: The external form is an ancient book made of sheepskin parchment, with mercury-colored specks of light and a rough texture. 2: This book has no text, but will randomly display some prophecies, some of which are true and some are false. If one believes the false prophecies and prepares to avoid or welcome them, they will become real. One can use mental intention to write in this book about how different results would occur for certain people or events due to good or bad luck, and they have a high probability of becoming real, even if the final outcome does not match the prophecy, it will be similar. If the situation is chaotic, with many choices and only a few paths leading to a good ending, one can open this book, and it will provide a revelation. If this revelation can be correctly interpreted, it will guide the inquirer to the best outcome, otherwise it is extremely dangerous. 3: If a non-godhood wielder holds this book, they will immediately be plagued by misfortune and die miserably or turn into a monster controlled by the book within an extremely short time. If a godhood wielder holds this book, they will suffer misfortune within an hour of using it, the degree of which is randomly determined, but it will not lead to death in a short time. This book will randomly select some living beings within a 30-kilometer radius and bestow misfortune upon them. This book will intermittently display various prophecies related to the holder, most of which are bad. Some are true, some are false, and if the false ones are believed and acted upon, they will become true. 4: The method of sealing is to create a space with no living beings, with a radius of at least 30 kilometers, place this book in the center, and press a twenty- sided die on the surface. Knowing this information about the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture came from Mr. Fool, Lumian calmly considered how he should use this Grade 0 Sealed Artifact. The misfortune after using it can be resolved through a luck enhancement ritual or the exchange of fate fragments, gifting the transferred misfortune to lucky pirates As for the intermittent prophecies, Ill just pretend I didnt see them, whether true or false. Ive been living just fine without any prophetic abilities before. Hunters and Demonesses should believe more in their own minds and abilities Regarding the problem of randomly bestowing large- scale misfortune, Ill need to ask Mr. Fool or Madam Magician for help. Hmm, either deceive the Post- Apocalyptic Scripture into thinking there are no living beings within a 30-kilometer radius, or expand the Travelers Bag to the size of a city. But then the materials for making the Travelers Bag would have to be very special and high-grade As Lumian was pondering, the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture suddenly flipped a page. Amid the rustling sound, the book stopped on one page, and a line of mercury-colored text quickly appeared: In the Year 1368, as July fades to its final days, crimson shall rain from the heavens. Immediately, the leading numbers changed, the mercury shifting to form new text: In the Year 1360. as July fades to its final days, crimson shall rain from the heavens. Wh-Lumians eyes narrowed. It was currently the spring of the year 1359! Chapter 1074 - Chapter 1074: The Weather Warlocks Ritual Chapter 1074: The Weather Warlocks Ritual Remembering the information about the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture, Lumian decided to pretend he hadnt seen the current prophecy. Regardless, he would still have to move forward at his own pace! Just then, the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture flipped another page, revealing new content: I see, Lumian Lee going crazy. These mercury-colored words were written in ancient Hermes. Lumian raised an eyebrow, snapped the ancient leather-bound book shut, and pressed down on it forcefully. He then looked up towards the head of the bronze long table. Mr. Fool, how should I seal the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture? Can you provide assistance? Shrouded in the grayish-white fog, Mr. Fool gestured with his hand, and Lumians Travelers Bag, which had been left on the battlefield, flew from behind the massive stone chair to its owner. As Lumian caught it, he found that a vast space had been isolated within the Travelers Bag, enough to contain an entire city. In the center of this space sat an ordinary twenty-sided die. I thought the materials for this Travelers Bag wouldnt be able to support a city-sized space required to seal the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture, so Id need to order a custom one Has Mr. Fool remodeled it? Lumian placed a hand on his chest and bowed slightly. Thank you, Mr. Fool. When he raised his head, he saw that Ohayess Beyonder characteristic had been pulverized and recomposed, divided into one Sequence 4 Mysticologist Beyonder characteristic and two Sequence 5 Constellations Master Beyonder characteristics, all neatly sealed. Seeing this, Maam Hermit across from him immediately said, I will provide the potion recipes for Mysticologist and Constellations Master. Madam Magician sighed and added, I will provide a drop of a Mythical Creature blood. This is truly a comprehensive service, aiming to help Professor and the others each advance one Sequence Lumian thanked on behalf of the members of the Curly Baboon Research Society in his mind. He then pondered the Weather Warlock potion formula that Mr. Fool had just provided: Name: Weather Warlock Sequence: 2 Main Ingredients: Skull of a Weather Giant, Core of a Mist Jellyfish Supplementary Ingredients: 30 ml of blood each from three deceased individuals who died in different extreme weather conditions, 500 strands of a Weather Giants hair, five Weather Giant Crystals, a segment of a tree branch struck by lightning, 20 ml of the first snow melt of a region each year. Advancement Ritual: Forcefully change the weather of a region without external aid in a very short time. Note: After the Fourth Epoch, Weather Giants and Mist Jellyfish no longer exist. So Weather Warlocks now exist in the form of Angels or Sealed Artifacts? Lumian wasnt too surprised by this. Hunter was the pathway of war, so the corresponding mystical creatures or Beyonder species were hard to fully conceal, and were likely to incite conflicts and disasters, making them easily noticed. Furthermore, after the clashes of the previous four epochs, even if there were still mystical creatures corresponding to Weather Warlocks, they would be true subsidiary gods with complete Beyonder characteristics, in other words, Angels. Lumian then focused his attention on the ritual. Without external aid, this ritual is a bit difficult. It would need to be a region the size of the Trier area, relying on the Demoness of Unagings frost abilities to affect the city of Trier would still take some time, and no one can interfere With external aid, it would be very simple Could the core of this ritual be about allowing me to master the secrets of weather changes, using a small force to leverage a large-scale change? Like a hurricane at sea, it starts off not that terrifying, just a cyclone, then gradually strengthens, slowly sweeping across a stretch of ocean and one region after another I can consider going in that direction, but it doesnt satisfy the very short time condition, so I need to find a way to accelerate it myself? Heh, time to study again. As they say in the dream city, those who lead wars must know both astronomy and geography Actually, there is a shortcut for this ritual. Like the Sequence 3 Sea King in the Sailor pathway, they can completely change the weather of a region. If I kill one of them during a big storm, wouldnt the weather change? That wouldnt involve external aid or anyones help Hmm, I cant use items during the battle, or that would count as external aid Heh heh, a Hunters advancement does indeed have a hidden shortcuthunting, fighting, war As The Chariot Lumian was pondering, Mr. Fool answered some questions from Maam Hermit and other Major Arcana. After pondering for a moment, Lumian asked, Mr. Fool, why was the Hidden Sage made to come to life by the Great Mother? It was not that the Great Mother looked down on the Hidden Sage, but how was this accomplished? From the mysticism knowledge taught by Madam Magician, during the Fourth Epoch, the worlds defenses against the evil gods were still very strong. Mr. Fools calm voice replied, The problem lies in the Western Continent. The Western Continent? Isnt there still a layer of the Celestial Worthys seals beyond the barrier? Before Lumian could ask the question on his mind, Mr. Fool continued, The Hidden Sages way of addressing that entity is Great Mother, not Her true honorific name. What does that mean? Right, with the Hidden Sages level, He should be qualified to know the Great Mothers full honorific name and not fear deep corruption, so why would He still use an epithet? It cant be that He was afraid of affecting Mr. Fool, right? Lumian felt that Mr. Fools sentence contained very important information, but he couldnt quite decipher it. Mr. Fool did not provide any further explanation, simply nodding lightly and saying, This gathering shall now conclude. Your will is our will. The Major Arcana present all stood up at the same time. In Trier, inside that luxurious villa. Seeing Lumian come downstairs into the living room, Franca asked curiously, How did it go? Although her main tasks were liaison, persuasion, and protecting key personnel, so her contributions were not too significant, this did not prevent her from being interested in the gains from the divine war and their specific distribution. Lumian recounted everything he could tell them, and finally asked, Do you want to exchange for a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact? Of course we do! Franca said without hesitation. Even if we only keep one-third of those Mid- and Low-Sequence Beyonder characteristics and mystical items, it will be enough for us to develop followers in the Trier region, maintain believers, and even be quite prosperous! She didnt dare say spread the faith out loud, because in the Trier region, the Church of The Fool could not actively spread the faiththis area belonged to the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun and the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery. Franca was thinking that afterwards, they would focus on seeking out and striking against hidden cults, developing the salvageable believers to their side, as well as Lumians and the future Jennas. Which one do you want to exchange for? Lumian asked, inquiring about his two companions preferences. Franca and Jenna exchanged glances. Jenna considered her words carefully. Demonesses are already quite adept in the mystical arts, and choosing the Sealed Artifacts formed by a Mysticologist or Clairvoyant Beyonder characteristic wouldnt be able to fill in gaps or enhance our strengths. As for clairvoyance, we have spiritual intuition, Magic Mirror Divination, and even the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture, so we dont urgently need it. Thats right, Franca agreed. If it was a living Mysticologist or Clairvoyant, I could teach them ancient myths and hidden knowledge, and as long as some of it is true, it could help them create powerful fairy tale or mythological magic. But Sealed Artifacts cant listen to me or accept my guidance, the magical effects they produce will be fixed to what they originally had. Franca hesitated a bit before continuing, Of the remaining two, Im more inclined towards the Pallbearer. The name alone tells me it must have powers in the domain of death, which can make up for Jennas and my weaknessesour single-target attacks arent deadly or explosive enough, aside from curses and Mighty Blow. Plus, as its from the Planter pathway, it must have healing abilities, which can be used to respond to believers, drive away afflictions. Hmm, with its assistance, the progress of my creating mystical bacterial pathogens will also be greatly accelerated. But the problem is, this is an item with godhood from the Planter pathway. The Planter pathway was also called the Earth pathwaythe Mother pathway. Franca looked at Lumian. Mr. Fool said you need to keep away from the Mother. Didnt you previously tell Lugano to minimize contact with you, and only contact through prayer? Hmm, its not that you need to keep away, but that calamity needs to keep away from the Mother. Jenna and I are also on the Calamity pathways. Lumian thought for a moment and said, Since Mr. Fool didnt say you cant choose this Sealed Artifact, there shouldnt be any major problems In that case, you can petition Mr. Fool, expressing your willingness to exchange one-third of the Mid- and Low-Sequence Beyonder characteristics and mystical items for a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact, and directly ask if the Calamity pathway Beyonders can choose the one corresponding to the Pallbearer. If thats not possible, well have to choose Arcane Scholar Francas eyes gradually lit up. That works too, right? This is a Sequence 3 from the Savant pathway. I can find the Doctor Beyonder characteristic and handcraft a fully automated healing machine to respond to those prayers for curing afflictions, with the mirror responsible for autonomous distribution. Who knows, maybe Ill even be able to drive a Gundam in the future With this settled, Lumian was about to have either Jenna or Franca pray to Mr. Fool, but Franca stood up with a beaming smile. Time to distribute the spoils to Professor and the others! Happiness shared is greater than happiness alone! Professor and the others had already been brought back to Trier by Franca, and were currently gathered as instructed in a villa with a garden rented by Hela. Their families and the previously assembled Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society warlocks were all here. Seeing Hidden Blade and the hooded, masked Muggle emerge from the mirror and rest in the living room, Professor, Periodic Table, and Prototype simultaneously stood up. When can we go home? Before they could finish speaking, they suddenly saw three items floating before Hidden Blade and Muggle. One was a vague, gem-like orb emanating a gloomy aura, as if a gaze peered out from within to scrutinize everything. The other two were luminous, rather illusory-looking crystal spheres. Wh Professor and the others gazes suddenly froze. Chapter 1075 - Chapter 1075: Persuasion Chapter 1075: Persuasion What is this? Professor could sense the terrifying aura emanating from the vague, gem-like orb, drawing her towards it. Franca smiled and said, This is your reward. I didnt mention it beforehand, but once the operation is successful, we would help you each advance one Sequence. Professor was stunned for a moment, instinctively looking towards Periodic Table and Prototype, and finding them equally surprised. After a few seconds of contemplation, Professor said sincerely, We dont need a reward. Being free from the forced indoctrination of the Hidden Sage is the best reward for us. Yes. Periodic Table and Prototype both expressed agreement. After hearing Professors words, Lumian suddenly recalled his own thoughts, as well as the sentence Mr. Fool had said at the temporary gathering. Uniqueness, Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts, or Beyonder characteristicsnone of that mattered. The important thing was that the Hidden Sage was dead. Thinking about it this way, the Hidden Sages death is not in vain. From a god to a common warlock, there were so many volunteers who had the urge to destroy Him. The masked Lumian couldnt help but smile. Franca could understand the perspective of Professor and the others, after all, they had a role model right beside them. She smiled and said, You may not want it, but we must give it to you anyway. Otherwise, others will say we are stingy, miserly, and ungenerous. Dont worry, all participants will receive a generous share of the spoils. As a secret organization with over two thousand years of history, the Moses Ascetic Order have accumulated abundant resources. Professor was perplexed for two seconds. You have destroyed the Moses Ascetic Order? We warlocks are also members of the Moses Ascetic Order This operation was not only targeting the Hidden Sage, but also wiping out the Moses Ascetic Order? Franca nodded. We have destroyed Avalon, as you all know, that was the headquarters of the Moses Ascetic Order. The Moses Ascetic Orders Chairman Torriope perished on the spot. Two of the Ten Pillars, Seids and Ohayes, have died. Retia fled in defeat, and the remaining Ten Pillars, either betrayed or in hiding. In essence, the Moses Ascetic Order have effectively been annihilated. You are no longer members of the Moses Ascetic Order, because the Moses Ascetic Order no longer exists. From now on, you dont need to complete the corresponding tasks, nor report to anyone. The only one who can protect you is yourselves. And as I mentioned at the gathering, the apocalypse is likely to come within one or two years. So, wont you take this opportunity to advance your Sequences? Professor, Periodic Table, and Prototype fell silentthey had all been convinced. Franca smiled and said, The reward of helping the participants advance one Sequence is actually not very fair. Why should Professor become a demigod, while we are only at Sequence 5, right? This is where you, Professor, must take on greater responsibility. If you truly become a Mysticologist and a demigod, youll need to help Periodic Table and Prototype afterward, providing them with the necessary protection. Also, before leaving Trier, if you encounter trouble that you cant resolve on your own, you can recite my honorific name. As long as Im not caught up in other accidents, Ill definitely come to your aid. My honorific name is: The One Who Never Ages, Keeper of Diseases and Plagues, the Demoness Accompanied by Strife and Catastrophe, the Cup Bearing Joy and Pain, the Great Franca Roland. Lumian realized that Franca wanted to develop Professor and the others, who had lost the protection of the Moses Ascetic Order, into her own anchors. Anchors didnt necessarily come only from faith, but also from solid, stable interpersonal relationships, though they couldnt be passed down from generation to generation like faith. Now, Professor and the others were at a stage where their future was uncertain, no longer having an organization to rely on and provide resources. The Curly-Haired Baboons Research Societys gathering, which was more like a trading platform, was very suitable for Franca to extend an olive branch to them. Even if Professor and the others later left Trier, Franca could give them self-locating mirrors to communicate remotely, and use them to spread the faith of Saint Franca Roland, the patron saint of the Church of The Fool. However, Franca was still too self-conscious, considering Professor and the others as friends and fellow transmigrators, without thinking of developing them into believers, let alone recruiting them as archbishops or bishops in the Sick Church Lumian did not take the opportunity to introduce his own honorific name. Honorific name Are you already a Sequence 3 patron saint? Professor and the others had quite extensive knowledge of mysticism. Isnt this advancement too fast? Two gatherings ago, Hidden Blade was still a Sequence 5 Demoness! Previously, when Franca said she had already become a demigod, Professor and the others were more envious and slightly surprised, feeling that it was still somewhat normal. But now, they had a sense of their understanding being overturned. Franca concurred succinctly, Coincidence combined with the uniqueness of being a transmigrator In fact, Muggle is also Sequence 3 now. As she spoke, she glanced at Lumian. She could probably understand why Lumian didnt take this opportunity to reveal his own honorific name and develop anchors based on interpersonal relationships. He hoped Muggle would still be Aurore. Wh Professor, Periodic Table, and Prototype looked at the silent Muggle standing beside them in amazement. She is also a Sequence 3 patron saint? What is wrong with this world? The hooded, half-masked Lumian chuckled. Yes, Ill forgo telling you my honorific name. Anyway, Hidden Blade and I have been staying together recently, so asking her for help is the same as asking me. The reason we were able to advance so quickly while remaining normal is because transmigrators have special qualities. Professor, if you can become a Mysticologist, you can try drawing power from the fairy tales, myths, and urban legends you heard before you transmigrated. Some of them should be real. Lumians suggestion would lead to a certain degree of exposure of the secret to transmigration, but as long as Professor became a Mysticologist with the core ability of Mystical Re-enactment, she would eventually discover the issue. Professor and the others looked at each other with puzzlement, able to sense the discomfort of Hidden Blade and Muggle in not wanting to elaborate. They then asked Franca, Where is the cathedral that you are the patron saint of? Its in the Lavigny Docks area of the square district, the Saint Franca Cathedral of the Church of The Fool, Franca provided a simple introduction. Professor had a realization. So you are from the Church of The Fool? This operation targeting the Hidden Sage was led by the Church of The Fool? Franca suddenly looked a bit proud. Yes, Mr. Fool himself lent a hand, and the God of Steam and Machinery provided necessary assistance At this point, she smiled and looked at Lumian. Muggle assisted from the sidelines. Huh? Professor and the others were stunned once again. A Sequence 3 Saint can participate in divine wars? Franca quickly added, Her task was to serve as bait. Professor and the others were speechless for a moment. Okay, okay, keep these Beyonder characteristics and corresponding ingredients, potion formulas safetheyve all been sealed. You dont need to rush, adjust your condition first before holding the ritual. Franca distributed the spoils. This is a drop of Mythical Creature blood, to be used in the ritual. Finally, she took out a drop of blood, shimmering with brilliant starlight, locked within a dim, spherical orb from her Travelers Bag. After celebrating the death of the Hidden Sage with Professor and the others with champagne, Franca and Lumian returned to the luxurious villa, with the former volunteering to pray to Mr. Fool. He was a fellow countryman! Franca set up the altar and performed the ritual, fluently reciting the corresponding honorific name. A faint gray fog vaguely emerged before her. Esteemed Mr. Fool, I would like to exchange the Mid- and Low-Sequence Beyonder characteristics and mystical items placed before me for a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact. As a Beyonder on the Demoness pathway and a close friend of The Chariot, do you think I am suitable to choose the one corresponding to the Pallbearer? Franca expressed her intent in one go. Soon, she heard Mr. Fools gentle voice. There is some risk, but it can be borne. In that case, its better to let it go, its not an urgent need Franca immediately said, Esteemed Mr. Fool, Ill exchange for the one corresponding to Arcane Scholar. As soon as she finished speaking, she saw all the items she had placed on the altar disappear completely, vanishing into thin air. Immediately, an object flew out from the enlarged candle flame, landing on the altar. It was half a mask, the left side. It was composed of numerous gears, rivets, bearings, springs, and small steel tubesmechanical parts. The eye position was left empty, covered by a lens that looked like glass or crystal, the overall complexity giving it a strange beauty. At the same time, Franca received a rush of information: Name: Face of the Arcane 0: Originated from the death of an Arcane Scholar in the Fourth Epoch. 1: The exterior is a left-faced mask made of machinery, possessing a living characteristic. 2: After donning this mask, it can emit a beam of light from the eye guard, capable of destroying the structures of most objects, thoroughly disintegrating the target. The wearer of this mask will possess extraordinary manufacturing abilities, able to create mystical items, or complex mechanical devices, or combine the two. Remember, the mask is the master when doing these things, not the wearer. It always leaves one or two hilariously terrible negative effects on its own products. Wearing this mask can allow one to truly extract environmental information and work backwards to deduce what has happened. The masks wearer can quickly grasp the relevant information when using other mystical items, effectively avoiding negative effects, except for those brought by the mask itself. The wearer of the mask can imbue the items they create with souls, giving them a certain degree of vitality. But remember, these are not created out of thin airthey come from fragments of spirits from the spirit world, extracted from the lives around them. Chapter 1076 - Chapter 1076: Savant Chapter 1076: Savant 3: Every three minutes, this mask drains life force from its wearer; When the masks life force drops below a certain threshold, it will drain life force from living beings within a five-kilometer radius to replenish itself; The rate at which the masks life force decreases depends on frequency of use. If left unused, it can last up to seven days. If used frequently and unable to replenish life force from the wearer, it can only last 45 minutes; The mask possesses living characteristics. Even when in use, it must be closely monitored, otherwise it will attack the wearer and their companions; The mask yearns for a complete body. It will entice the wearer and those around them to gradually replace their bodies with mechanical constructs; Those enticed by it will not have their life force drained, nor will they be attacked by it. 4: The method of sealing is to let it sleep, replenishing its life force at regular intervals, with specific timing depending on usage conditions; It can be persuaded. A Sealed Artifact that can be persuaded and possesses living characteristics? After hearing Francas relay of information, Lumian extended his right hand toward the Face of the Arcane that she was holding. During this process, he had already activated the residual aura of the Blood Emperor in his palm, along with the Underworld Daoists seal and that terrifying black pinhole appearing. On the mechanical mask that only covered the left half of the face, the springs, mainsprings, rivets, gears, and other components suddenly appeared to lose their elasticity, gradually relaxing. It was like watching a snarling puppy quickly lying down, legs up in the air, exposing its belly. Lumian stroked it a couple of times with his finger and said with a smile, It can indeed be persuaded. At this moment, Ludwig came over, staring eagerly at the Face of the Arcane, and asked, Can I eat it? He wasnt asking if the mechanical mask was edible, but rather if he himself was allowed to eat it. On the Face of the Arcane, whether springs, mainsprings, gears, or bearings, everything suddenly tightened with a swoosh, making the sound of machinery starting up. No. Lumian answered Ludwigs question. After becoming a Sea Monster, Ludwig seemed able to directly consume Beyonder characteristics and mystical items, then use their corresponding powers through some method. He wouldnt lose control from this, but it would accumulate madness and appetite. Disappointed, Ludwig pulled out a lollipop, comforting himself with the sweet treat. Being able to be persuaded means it can be reasoned with. Isnt sleeping once a day a normal living habit? Lumian said with a smile as he withdrew his finger. Before long, Anthony should be able to become a Sequence 4 Manipulator. When that time comes, if the child doesnt want to sleep, we can Hypnotize it to sleep. Children who dont sleep will be eaten by Ludwig. As for the requirement of regularly replenishing life force, Lumian thought it was easily solved-he now had to take Ludwig out to sea for a feast every day. After confirming that the Face of the Arcane had lulled itself to sleep, Franca handed this Grade 1 Sealed Artifact to Jenna. You keep it safe. Whoever needs it between us can use it. Jenna didnt refuse, and while placing the Face of the Arcane into the Travelers Bag, she thoughtfully said, I know which pathway Julien should take. Which one? Franca had a vague guess at the answer. Jenna let out a sigh and explained, Savant. She explained earnestly, seemingly trying to convince herself, The Savant pathway primarily focuses on mastering scientific knowledge, enhancing memory, intelligence, and logical reasoning abilities. Unlike the Mystery Pryer and many other pathways, it doesnt involve high spirituality, seeing things that shouldnt be seen, or hearing voices that shouldnt be heard. It also doesnt attract disasters, making it relatively safe for daily life. Moreover, Julien is already a technical worker who loves machinery. With just one or two months of additional knowledge, he should be able to fully digest the potion. The subsequent Archaeologist Sequence is equally straightforward-we can find relatively safe ruins for him to explore, provide him with carefully selected historical artifacts and corresponding documentation to guide his research. Given these conditions, plus the approaching apocalypse as a prerequisite, he could become a Sequence 7 Appraiser in a short time. While an Appraiser isnt particularly strong on their own, they can identify mystical items and maximize risk avoidance when using them. At that point, by giving him Sequence 5 Sealed Artifacts, we can provide him with basic self-protection abilities, essentially making him equivalent to a quickly-molded Sequence 5 Beyonder. Additionally, among the Mid-to Low-Sequence Beyonder characteristics and potion formulas I obtained from the Moses Ascetic Order this time, the Savant pathway ingredients are the most numerous after the Warlock pathway. There was no shortage of ingredients and formulas. When you think about it, the Savant pathway is indeed the most suitable. It can effectively leverage external power without reckless archaeology, while avoiding too deep an involvement in the mystical world, Franca agreed with Jennas reasoning. Lumian then said to Jenna, You can modify your previous plan now. The key is how to naturally and reasonably get your brother to encounter and choose the Savant pathway. Yes, Jenna nodded seriously. Thursday afternoon, Northern Trier Train Station. Julien, wearing a gray-blue workers uniform, a flat cap, and carrying a suitcase, stood in the crowded second-class carriage aisle, slowly moving forward amid the whistling arrival announcement. Standing nearly 1.75 meters tall, with flaxen hair and regular features, his half-year exchange study had greatly boosted his confidence in his technical abilities. His entire demeanor, from temperament to behavior, exuded ambition. He believed he would soon be valued highly, receive promotions in rank and salary, and before long become the kind of senior worker who could take on apprentices. Once my salary increases, we can move away from Rue Pasteur to a better neighborhood, and Celia wouldnt need to work part-time anymore-she could focus on studying dramatic performance Thinking of the bright future, Julien walked with straight posture, each step in his gait firm and steady. Following the flow of people, Julien exited the steam train and the relatively clean platform, entered the Northern Train Station, and passed through the turnstiles. He looked around, searching for his sister who had promised to meet him. As he searched, he noticed many travelers unconsciously gazing toward one corner, reluctant to look away, with some even walking in that direction. Though curious, Julien didnt go to see what the commotion was about. Meeting up with Celia was the most important thing right now! After walking several more steps, he finally spotted the familiar figure. She was also the person drawing all those gazes. Julien saw that his sister Celia Bellos flaxen hair had darkened considerably and was tied in a simple bun, Her face wore no makeup yet appeared fresh and clean, like a flower newly washed by rain. Celia seems to have grown even prettier, more beautiful than Moms photos when she was young Julien quickly squeezed through, blocking a man who was trying to chat up his sister. Welcome home! Jenna gave her brother a hug. Meanwhile, she grumbled inwardly, its really inconvenient for a Demoness to go out without concealing her appearance. Even with using Lie to adjust my features to look more like before and having suppressed my charm, I still draw attention, though not as drastically Lets go, Julien glanced at the eager men around them and protectively guided his sister quickly out of the Northern Train Station. Jenna pointed to a double-decker public horse carriage. This ones already full, lets wait for the next one. Julien looked around and pointed to the rental carriage lane. Lets take one of those back. Ive saved some money during this time. He had expected his frugal sister to object and need convincing, but to his surprise, Jenna immediately nodded in agreement. Julien felt that his sister must have changed quite a bit over these six months. After settling into the two-wheeled, two-seater rental carriage, Jenna asked with a smile, How did your studies go? Your letters werent very detailed about Julien instinctively straightened his back. I think Im about at the same level as the master who taught me before. He went on to explain many technical details, though Jenna couldnt understand them. Jenna offered some complimentary remarks before changing the subject, I recently met an outstanding technical expert. She says shes a technical expert-I dont understand much about it, but when she repairs machines, shes really incredible, the kind of incredible that even I can recognize. She said when you return, everyone could get together to exchange ideas. She? Julien relaxed. With a smile, he said, Sure, you can arrange a time with her. He was very confident in his technical skills now. Lets go right after you put away your luggage-well have dinner together! Jenna quickly decided, as if her previous words had been leading up to this. Julien gave his sister a suspicious look, suspecting she was trying to set him up. However, after their long separation, he didnt want to refuse. After dropping off his luggage at their rental place on Rue Pasteur, Jenna led Julien to a newly built factory on the south side of Quartier du Jardin Botanique. Inside the factory, a young woman with short hair and goggles was using a hammer, pliers, and other tools to work on a giant machine, continuously installing rivets, levers, bearings, and other components. Her movements were fluid and unassuming, but every detail was perfect, not a fraction off, without the slightest error. As Julien watched, he became transfixed, his previously high confidence gradually crumbling. Is this even humanly possible? Even machines manufacturing machines cant achieve this level of precision! Could this be the blessing of the God of Technology that the Church of Steam preaches about? When the woman finished her work, Jenna stepped forward and called out with a smile, Good afternoon, Miss Bella. Bellas body instinctively trembled slightly, then she turned around and said with a smile. Celia, is this your brother? Yes, my brother Julien. Jenna made the introduction. Julien nodded bewilderedly, his previous confidence completely gone. Chapter 1077 - Chapter 1077: Worship and Humility Chapter 1077: Worship and Humility Bella took off her goggles, revealing a face with soft features and beautiful eyes, unlike the more masculine female mechanical workers in Juliens stereotypical impression. I heard you just returned from an exchange study? Bella asked curiously. Yes. Julien no longer had any enthusiasm to share this experience. What did you study? Bella eagerly pointed at the mechanical parts scattered on the factory floor. Why dont we exchange ideas? Try assembling a machine with the remaining parts? A qualified artisan must have their own judgment and possess sufficient creativity. Julien instinctively wanted to refuse, clearly knowing there was an unbridgeable gap between himself and this approachable lady. But at this moment, his sister Jenna encouraged, Give it a try. This will be your first creation since completing your studies. Its okay if there are flaws, Ms. Bella will guide you and help correct any issues. Guide Juliens heart suddenly stirred. He first spoke at length about how ordinary he was and how his skills were barely passing, then walked among the scattered parts, observing and contemplating. When he picked up the pliers, Bella walked over and nodded slightly. Your hand position has a small flaw. She quickly pointed out the problem, correcting the mistakes in Juliens posture from past bad habits. During the subsequent assembly, Bella occasionally offered similar guidance, and her teaching either led to sudden insights for Julien or made him strangely discover that many things he originally found difficult suddenly became simple. While teaching, Bella seemed to radiate an indescribable light, no longer just the girl-next-door from before. Every word she spoke gave Julien the feeling that she had absolute confidence. People who were confident and had the ability to support that confidence were always charismatic, unconsciously inspiring worship. Gradually, Juliens gaze toward Bella became like a student looking at their most respected teacher, and his behavior began to show signs of imitation. This was a truly top-tier artisan! A top-tier artisan that ordinary people rarely got to meet! Thus, Julien completed his assembly, creating ab machine for precise metal cutting. He couldnt believe this was his own work, it was the kind that had to be purchased from the Church of Steam factories. His gaze toward Bella grew even more admiring. Jenna sincerely praised the machine for a while, then took Julien home to change clothes, arranging to meet Bella at a restaurant near the botanical garden. The three of them enjoyed a pleasant atmosphere with engaging conversation. Excuse me, I need to use the restroom. Jenna stood up, putting down her napkin. After watching his sisters figure disappear into the restroom corridor entrance, Julien turned back to see Bella lift her red wine glass, taking a small sip, smiling kindly yet with a hint of superiority. You truly have some talent in mechanics. No, compared to you, this cant be called talent, Julien responded, embarrassed and somewhat inferior. Bella put down her wine glass and shook her head. I mean it. Would you be interested in becoming my apprentice? Apprentice? Julien was stunned. Bella nodded gently. Yes, like the ancient apprenticeships-following me to learn, growing with my help, and after completing your training, serving me for a period without pay. Wh- Such a young top-tier artisan would take apprentices? Why would she value me? Julien was y surprised, delighted, yet puzzled. Am I am I qualified? I said you truly have some talent. Bella, who appeared like the girl next door, showed some authority when discussing this matter. Can an ordinary person like me reach your level? Julien asked anxiously. I can only say theres a good chance, though it ultimately depends on you, Bella said thoughtfully. If all goes well, you could approach my level within half a year, though not quite reach it. Afterward, youd serve me without pay for a year and a half. Juliens mind buzzed, feeling as if this windfall was too big, making him dizzy. At this moment, Jenna emerged from the restroom corridor. Julien immediately lowered his voice, May I have a few days to consider? It wasnt that he didnt want this opportunity, but rather that he was suspicious of Ms. Bellas true intentions. How could such good fortune fall to someone like me? Could this be some new type of scam? Did Ms. Bella have connections with those islanders? Of course. Bella didnt press him. After enjoying dinner, back at their rental place on Rue Pasteur, Julien casually asked his sister, Celia, who exactly is Ms. Bella? How is she such a top-tier artisan at such a young age? So she really is an amazing technical expert? Jenna asked excitedly. After Julien confirmed this, she recalled, Ms. Bella often watches performances at the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons, shes a believer in the God of Steam and Machinery, and seems to have deep connections with the monks at the Deep Valley Cloister. Her title as technical expert should be certified by the Church of Steam-I can help you inquire if its true. Hearing that Ms. Bella was a true god believer and had close ties with the Church of Steams monastery monks, Juliens doubts gradually dispersed. Someone like that shouldnt be a con artist! But we still need to confirm her identity with the Church of Steam clergy Julien slowly regained his confidence. If I could learn Ms. Bellas techniques, even at eighty percent of her level, I could become a technical director sought after by all factories in Trier, and might even hope to open my own factory in the future! After chatting with his sister until nearly dawn, Julien lay in bed, tossing and turning, too excited to sleep. His mind was filled with images of Ms. Bella-focused, serious, knowledgeable, technically profound, someone who unconsciously inspired admiration and worship. In the newly built factory south of Quartier du Jardin Botanique. Bella watched Jenna, dressed as a witch, walk out from the mirror, and said trembling, Madame, I have said everything as you instructed. In her mind, this was Death itself, bringing destruction and despair. She had watched helplessly as many of her companions died one by one, coughing blood everywhere. Jenna nodded expressionlessly. He will accept your proposal. For the next two years, youll be responsible for taking him to major cities like Suhit, guiding him to encounter mystical knowledge, becoming a Savant, and helping him digest potions until he advances to Appraiser. I will ask the Church of Steam clergy in the corresponding regions to help, making Julien believe you have divine blessing and are trustworthy, After two years, if nothing goes wrong with Julien and his development meets expectations, you will regain your freedom-ah, with one prerequisite: you must convert to a true god and complete the corresponding prayers. Before Bella could respond, Jenna took out a palm- sized doll seemingly stained with dark blood from her Travelers Bag and said with a slight smile, If you try to escape or do anything harmful to Julien, I can easily find you with this. Dont worry, I wont kill you-Ill just send you back to the Future. Hearing the last half of the sentence, Bellas face suddenly turned pale, as if recalling something she never wanted to remember again. That was worse than nightmares! She hurriedly responded with extreme humility. Madame, I will wholeheartedly complete the task youve given me! A week later, in the apartment that Franca and Jenna had originally rented, which hadnt yet expired. Julien sat across from the dining table. He looked at his sister and hesitantly said, Celia, theres something I want to discuss with you. What is it? Jenna looked puzzled. Julien chose his words carefully. Ms. Bella wants me to become her apprentice, like in ancient times. Such good fortune? If you can learn some real skills from her, you could become a top technical expert in the future! Jenna was delighted for her brother, her eyes full of expectation. But, but Ms. Bella is going to serve as technical director at a factory run by the Steam cloister in Suhit. If I become her apprentice, Ill have to go with her and stay there for at least two years, Julien said somewhat embarrassedly. Its only two years, youre still young. With real skills, youll have plenty of opportunities to make money-big money-in Trier! Jenna encouraged her brother. But you Julien suddenly fell silent. I still need to study dramatic performance for another year, then spend a year playing supporting roles at the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons-that was agreed upon when I became an acting apprentice, remember? Jenna comforted and persuaded her brother. For the next two years, my life will be very regular, nothing requiring help. Julien made a sound of agreement and suddenly pulled out a stack of bills and coins from his pocket. Celia, take these. Focus on studying dramatic performance these two years, dont worry about making money. Jenna looked at her brother for a few seconds, then smiled and accepted the cash. By the time you return, I might be a famous theater actress. And Ill be an outstanding technical expert. Julien suddenly recalled their childhood aspirations, and they shared a smile. He seemed to have shed a heavy burden. After Julien left, Franca walked out from the master bedroom, exclaiming joyfully, How wonderful, no hypnosis needed! Actually, theres not much difference. When I made the decision to hypnotize Julien, this matter was essentially already settled. Jenna smiled self-mockingly. Franca consoled her, Whatever the case, this matter has been initially resolved. Next, our main tasks are to consolidate the cults followers, secretly spread the faith, and devise convincing explanations to include you. Also, help Anthony prepare for his advancement ceremony, and track down the Order of All Extinction and Zaratul. Jenna made a sound of agreement and sincerely sighed. A rare period of peace. Thus, as Lumian and others remained relatively stable without bringing any catastrophes, time flew by, and several months passed in the blink of an eye. Chapter 1078 - Chapter 1078: "Near August" Chapter 1078: Near August At the Auberge du Coq Dors basement bar. Leon, wearing a light blue shirt, walked in, and every patron he passed greeted him warmly from the bottom of their hearts. Leon sat at the bar and smiled at the owner and bartender, Pavard Neeson. One La Fe Verte. Pavard Neeson, who wore a ponytail and had an artistic air about him, asked curiously while pouring the drink, Why do you always order La Fe Verte? It has sacred meaning for me, Leon said, resting his elbow on the bar counter while surveying the other patrons. Pavard didnt ask further. This Monsieur Leon, who looked more like a scholar than a laborer, had become the most respected figure in Rue Anarchie over the past few months. He arrived in April and gained widespread support in just over three months. He would help those who were bullied get justice, prepare medicines and treat serious illnesses for free, tell stories to the children of the Rue Anarchie, help willing vagrants, dancers, and streetwalkers find jobs that met their basic needs. He never looked down on the residents here and didnt dress flashily. And somehow both the market district gangs and police seemed to ignore him. How could such a person not be beloved? Leon paid for his drink, took the dreamlike green- colored glass, and took a small sip. At that moment, he saw a young man in a white shirt and open black vest, holding a beer, jump onto a small round table. Everyone, look at me! I announce that Madame Fors has published The Great Adventurer 8-two volumes in less than half a year, how incredible! And by the way. Im getting promoted with a raise! This will be my last time drinking here for the next two years, can you believe it? Ive truly mastered ancient Feysac, the language that only truly civilized people understand! What excellent talent! I passed the exam and got assigned overseas-Im going to take up an important position in Suhit. Congratulate me! The Auberge du Coq Dor is about to produce a truly civilized person! Leon watched with a smile, enjoying the chaotic yet strangely harmonious atmosphere. He stayed until 10 pm, when he finally left the bar amid everyones farewells, went up to the third floor, and entered Room 302. Someone was already waiting for him there. It was Lugano, a man with thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a very upright bearing. Your Grace, what brings you here? Leon asked, both surprised and delighted yet somewhat fearful. Lugano glanced at his subordinate and raised both hands, making an outward pushing gesture. Disease be gone! Leon finally understood and returned the same gesture. Disease be gone! Praise the great God of Plague, praise the great God of Disease! Lugano finally showed a satisfied expression. How many followers have you developed recently? Leon respectfully answered, Following the revelations and your instructions, I havent preached directly. Instead, by helping the residents here and utilizing their fear of disease, Ive gradually developed a group of willing followers, forming the embryo of a congregation. Next, I will share my faith with the followers, speak of the greatness of the two Malady Gods, and of Your Graces mercy and grace. Lugano nodded. Well done. Ive walked around Rue Anarchie and several nearby streets, hearing about your deeds from many people. Remember, you must follow the Churchs precepts: first, no public preaching; second, followers are allowed to also believe in the Eternal Blazing Sun or the God of Steam and Machinery or other orthodox gods. Yes, Your Grace, Leon bowed his head and sincerely responded. Lugano took out a small jewelry box Inlaid with silver patterns and what appeared to be an ordinary vanity mirror, saying with a smile, No need to address me as Your Grace anymore. From today on, you will become the bishop of this area, reporting directly to Her Holiness the Pope and receiving orders from him. I Leons eyes lit up, unsure how to react in front of Bishop Lugano. You deserve this. Lugano handed the small jewelry box and mirror to Leon, The mirror is for communicating with Her Holiness The jewelry box contains the Warlock Sequences potion formula and all ingredients-this is a blessing from the God of Plague and the God of Disease. Once youre ready, you can consume the potion and advance to Warlock. Thinking of the Beyonder powers and miraculous spells he had witnessed from Bishop Lugano and other bishops, Leon became excited and hastily thrust out his right palm. Praise the God of Plague, praise the God of Disease! Lugano joined in praising the two Malady Gods, then said, The jewelry box also contains some spell documents that will let you master several spells for treatment and medicine preparation, without needing help from me and other bishops. These can be used to treat common illnesses. For truly serious cases, recite the honorific names of the God of Plague or God of Disease. Understood. Leon accepted the small jewelry box and mirror. Thinking about how he would soon become a Sequence 7 Warlock and master true supernatural powers, he trembled with excitement, believing even more devoutly in the two Malady Gods and revering Her Holiness the Pope. Just over three months ago, he had been a pitiful man who was scammed by islanders, impoverished, desperate about life, and wanting to end his own existence. After leaving Room 302 of the Auberge du Coq Dor, Lugano returned to his previously rented apartment. Then, he took out a mirror and placed it solemnly and ceremoniously on the table. The Lady more ancient than the times, Servant of Calamity, Child of Plague and Disease, Destroyer who walks in Shadows, Guide of all lost lambs in Trier, the great God of Plague, I beseech you, beseech your gaze After saying his prayers, Lugano placed the already organized church affairs documents before the mirror on the table. watching them pass through the veil and disappear into the mirrors surface like ripples in water. Soon, text appeared on the mirrors surface: Before long, you will become an archbishop, overseeing multiple dioceses. This message came from the Pope of the Sick Church. After receiving the reply, Lugano became elated once again. Although he regretted no longer being a Blessed who could report directly to the great God of Plague Lumian Lee, and could only follow Her Holiness the Popes instructions, over these past few months, he had not only acquired the acting method but also obtained the Sequence 6 Biologist potion formula and corresponding ingredients from the Planter pathway, and was now already a Sequence 6 Beyonder. From Her Holiness the Popes words just now, after accumulating achievements for another year or so, he would have the chance to advance another Sequence, becoming a Druid and an archbishop. With anticipation, Lugano looked at the mirror and respectfully bowed his head. Yes, Your Holiness. In the luxurious villa where Lumian and others resided. Her Holiness the Pope of the Sick Church, Jenna, sat on a long sofa leaning against the great God of Disease Franca Roland, reviewing Luganos work report. After discussion, Lumian and Franca decided to let Jenna first be recognized by the Sick Church followers as Pope, which could also obtain anchors and well explain changes in doctrine. In the future, if Jenna could advance to Sequence 3, they could use the method of both the God of Plague and God of Disease jointly issuing divine edicts to promote the meritorious Pope to a subsidiary god. Her related deeds would naturally become part of the church catechism, and no one would question it. After that, they would gradually elevate her status. After hearing Jennas narration, Franca looked toward Lumian, who was curled up reading on another sofa. I think our anchors are sufficient to support our advancement to Sequence 2; besides, we cant preach on a large scale in Trier anyway. Not preaching publicly but being able to develop some followers was the tacit understanding between Lumians group and the God of Steam and Machinery Church. In this aspect, the God of Steam and Machinery was quite accommodating to them. Previously, during the Holy Day in May, the Church of Steam held a large mass attended by tens of thousands in front of Triers patriarchal cathedral. The participants emotions were exceptionally high, becoming very devout and fervent as they were influenced by the mass itself and the surrounding atmosphere during the ritual. Anthony, as a believer of the God of Steam and Machinery, also attended this mass and secretly consumed the potion amid the emotional resonance of tens of thousands, becoming a Sequence 4 Manipulator. This was using the Church of Steams grand mass to simplify the rituals execution. Other Spectators didnt do this because it would be considered blasphemy and would be noticed by the corresponding true god due to the influence of the mass ritual and fervent emotions, bringing down terrible divine punishment. But the God of Steam and Machinery allowed Anthony to do this. Lumian and Anthony had prayed at the Church of Steams patriarchal cathedral in Trier beforehand and received a permissive revelation, Lumian put down his book and said with a smile, The current problem is that we cannot obtain the Beyonder characteristics of either Weather Warlock or Demoness of Catastrophe. According to information Franca gathered from within the Demoness Sect, they could confirm that the Demoness Sect possessed at least five Demoness of Catastrophe Beyonder characteristics-four Angels (Gray, Yellow, Blue, Purple) and one Grade 0 Sealed Artifact. Lumians group had further learned that if a pathway had three Sequence 1 Angels, the corresponding Sequence 2 Angels could only number six to eight, with the specific amount varying by pathway. In other words, with the existence of the true god-the Primordial Demoness-there were only one to three Demoness of Catastrophe Beyonder characteristics outside the Demoness Sect, all currently unaccounted for, at least not among the Church of The Fools allied forces. Similarly, the distribution of Weather Warlock Beyonder characteristics was: the Einhorn family had two Sequence 2 Angels, the Sauron family had one Sequence 2 Angel, the Intis military had one Sequence 2 Angel (this seemed to come from the outflow of Beyonder characteristics after the Sauron familys decline), the Iron and Blood Cross Order had at least one Sequence 2 Angel, and there was one corresponding Beyonder characteristic in the Blue Avenger vault. In other words, at most two Weather Warlock Beyonder characteristics remained unaccounted for, perhaps none at all, and Lumian currently had no leads. Before Franca and Jenna could respond, Lumian thoughtfully said, I plan to make a trip to Bansy Harbor soon. Chapter 1079 - Chapter 1079: The Stele Chapter 1079: The Stele At Bansy Harbor, by the Sonia Sea. After Lumian, Franca, and Jenna arrived, they saw endless ruins. Every building here had collapsed, with many blackened marks. Wild animals now inhabited the area, occasionally letting out caw caw calls of crows. Lumian had heard from Madam Magician about Bansy Harbors destruction, but this was his first time actually coming here. From the information gathered, this used to be the territory of the Medici family, who believed in the God of Weather. Theres a chance that the Weather Warlock Beyonder characteristic could be found here, but they were likely taken by that Red Angel, Franca said as she looked around. Staring at the ruins of Bansy before him, Lumian felt like he was back in the disaster-stricken Cordu. He stood there dazed for a few seconds before speaking, This is one purposeto search around wont cost us much. The other purpose is to find that special location Madam Magician mentioned, use the corpse wax candle, and complete the ritual contract. Chuckling, Lumian continued, Since the Celestial Master was able to use Professor and company as a medium to locate the Hidden Sage and help Mr. Fool lock onto the target, the Blood Emperor ritual contract should also be able to find where the remaining Weather Warlock Beyonder characteristic is. As someone who is barely counted as His Blessed, is it too much to ask Him for this small favor? In theory, its possible, but its too dangerous. It would be better to accumulate contributions and seek revelations from Mr. Fool. He is the greatest existence at the top of the Seer pathway, and should be able to divine clues about the remaining Weather Warlock Beyonder characteristic. Franca was not too fond of Lumian taking unnecessary risks. Though this is his styleone just cant avoid being defiled from constantly touching pitch. He should try to control the number of risky ventures. Jenna nodded in agreement with Francas words. You think I havent sought revelations from Mr. Fool? Guess what his revelation was? Lumian smiled. Bansy! Alright then, Franca grumbled. You two help me guard against any accidents, Lumian said, placing his hand on his chest and bowing his head to pray to Mr. Fool. After the prayer, he activated the remnant aura of the Blood Emperor, the Underworld Daoist seal, and the dark pinhole in his right palm. Guided solely by his spiritual intuition, he began to delve deeper into the ruins. Franca and Jenna followed several tens of meters behind him, one on each side. They had walked for nearly a quarter of an hour when Lumian stopped in front of a collapsed building. The walls of the building were shattered, and only a few charred wooden pieces remained of the entrance. On the ground, which was scorched as if by lightning, were two vivid blood-red human silhouettes. In the corner next to these two shadows was a simple drawing depicting a tentacled monster. According to the intel provided by Mr. Hanged Man, this was the Bansy Harbor telegraph office So its here after all Muttering, Lumian walked up to the two blood-colored human imprints and took out a pale yellow-red semi-solidified candle in a glass jar. He then placed the corpse wax candle on the piled-up collapsed walls and ignited it using friction of his spirituality. Seeing this, Jenna and Franca stopped in their tracks, not advancing further. They were worried that they too would be affected by the candles scent and be passively drawn into the ritual contract, unable to monitor the situation. Lumian sat down cross-legged and began Cogitation. The sweet-scented incense diffused in the stillness, gradually penetrating his nostrils, causing his bones to itch and his blood vessels to swell. Suddenly, a veil of dark mist appeared before his eyes. Unlike previous contract rituals, Lumians drifting soul was immediately seized by an invisible force and yanked into the depths of the mist the next moment. Spinning, turning. Lumian quickly regained his wits and found himself standing in a spacious, bright house, with rows of seats on both sides, occupied by several people who seemed to be waiting. Some of these people were dressed normally, while others had very strange attire. Lumian had not yet had a chance to examine them closely when a shout rang out beside him, Ill-hap, make way! Lumian did not understand, and turned around with a bewildered look, facing a man who had just entered through the door. The man was wearing a white shirt, a black vest, and a top hata look that matched the Eastern style Franca had described. He was holding a piece of paper in his hand. Lumian stepped aside to let the man pass, watching him run towards the front of the hall without looking back. Tap, tap, tapthe sound of telegraphing echoed from that direction. Lumian then realized this was a telegraph office, and the people were waiting for responses. Many of the waiting individuals had already turned their gaze towards him. Lumian pulled up his hood to obscure his face. Compared to a Demonesss allure, wearing strange clothes was not a big problem. Outside the telegraph office, the scene suddenly became lively. There were multi-story buildings of various styles, wide streets, and occasionally black automobiles and the yellow rickshaws Franca had mentioned passing by. Among the bustling people, some wore shirts, suits, and hats, others wore long robes and skullcaps, some in white shirts and black gowns with baggy pants and high-top cloth shoes, their waists bulging as if they were hiding pistols, and some with their heads wrapped in red cloth and holding short batons, while others wore lace-trimmed and ruffled long dresses, or close-fitting skirts with slits on the sides Lumian suddenly felt this was as prosperous as Trier. Ding-ding. The clear sound echoed as a two-car tram, supported by overhead tracks, raced by. This scene was very familiar to Lumianhe already knew this was called a trolley. However, unlike what he had seen before, the passengers on the trolley were all quite normal, their attire indistinguishable from the pedestrians on the streets, and none of them had just a head, dragging a bloody, bony spine. The location Ive entered is different from the previous street? Or maybe that street was originally hidden and requires special methods to see or enter? My various special attributes, combined with the issues in Bansy, have brought me more directly to this metropolis? Lumian muttered as he looked around. Even among the people being pulled in rickshaws, there were no ladies with pus-filled, bruised faces concealing them with fans. Aside from not understanding the language around him and the scarcity of people who resembled his own appearance, Lumian didnt see any problems with the bustling city before him. In terms of the effects of the ritual contract, this could be considered a failure, as he had gained nothing and not touched upon any mysteries. After contemplating for a while, with a feeling of being thrown into a foreign land without a good translator, Lumian followed the guidance of his own spirituality and gradually moved away from the prosperous downtown, entering narrower alleys. The architectural styles on both sides became more peculiarstone doorframes, thick black wooden doors, and tall walls with deep courtyards. Lumian tried extending his right hand to touch a wooden utility pole, only to see his palm pass through it. Am I in a Soul Body state now? No, it should be a pure spiritual and mental state, but I can still be seen by the people around me Lumian analyzed as he continued walking, navigating through the tangled wires, laundry lines, and haphazardly piled debris, until he reached an area with many residences. The first thing that caught his eye was a strangely shaped wooden tower. It was very similar to the fog core he had seen in previous ritual contracts, but in the sunlight, the wooden tower had lost its indescribable sense of terror and gloom. In front of the brown tower were large houses and green trees, all enclosed by a yellow wall, preventing anyone from scaling it. The open wooden double doors at the main entrance saw a constant flow of people going in and out, all appearing to be ordinary citizens. Is this what Franca called a temple? Lumian pondered for a moment, then followed the crowd into the area enclosed by the yellow wall. He pretended to be sightseeing as he gradually approached the wooden tower. Along the way, he noticed that the monks of this temple were divided into several categories, with vastly different attire, and they did not seem to interact much with each other. The two most numerous groups were: one wearing blue robes and tall hats, resembling the Celestial Master style, and the other with shaved heads, wearing either dull gray robes or yellow inner robes with red outer garments. When Lumian reached a point near the wooden tower, two types of monks blocked his path in succession. Although he did not understand what the monks were saying, he got the message: Stop! Lumian did not argue, and turned back towards the building he had just passed. During this process, he discreetly observed the environment, noticing that many monks were dispersed along the path leading to the wooden tower, some openly, some secretly, showing signs of using Beyonder powers. They are guarding the wooden tower, not allowing outsiders to enter? As Lumian made this judgment, he abandoned the idea of trying to teleport there or use the mirror world. If the wooden tower was indeed the core location indicated by the ritual contract, the guards would be prepared against such methods! Thinking about how he had previously entered the tower through a mental contract, Lumian found a hidden spot and tried to replicate that state. As soon as he completed the Cogitation, he suddenly levitated, floating towards the wooden tower through the suddenly spreading dark mist, without any obstruction. Soon, Lumian reached his destination, but was blocked by an invisible force, only able to descend downwards, preparing to enter through the door. The floating sensation quickly faded, and the enveloping dark mist dissipated. This time, Lumian clearly saw the situation at the wooden towers entrance. There stood a weathered stone stele. Lumian could not decipher the text on the stele, but he understood its meaning as if through spiritual communication. The inscription read: Gathered the worlds might, halved the ranks of the brave, binding the malevolent dragon here, quelling the calamity it gave. Erected by the Fifth Celestial Master. Chapter 1080 - Chapter 1080: Destined Chapter 1080: Destined Binding the malevolent dragon here Erected by the Fifth Celestial Master Lumian recalled what he had seen in the previous ritual contract, vaguely understanding something. He did not stop there, passing by the weathered stone stele and entering the wooden tower. The tower had no gas lamps or lit candles, relying only on the dim sunlight filtering through the thin paper windows to provide some illumination. This did not hinder Lumians examination of the surroundings. He found the first floor of the tower to be unusually spacious, with towering and intersecting beams and columns, and a stone staircase leading down to the lower area. Familiar with the situation, Lumian confidently approached the staircase, seemingly shrouded in shadow. After a few steps, he suddenly looked up towards the side, and in the exceptionally dark environment, he saw a young man in dark clothing crouching quietly on a round wooden crossbeam. The man had a thin face, a slightly broader forehead, and reasonably good features overall. His black eyes were bright and lively, his figure seemingly merged with the darkness. As Lumian was looking up, their gazes met, and his hood lost its concealing effect. The man immediately muttered something Lumian did not understand, with a disdainful expression, and scurried up the higher floors, disappearing from sight. Another outsider? He was able to bypass the monks and infiltrate this strange wooden tower? Although he did not use any Beyonder powers just now, his capabilities are still impressive Lumian, with his Night Vision, was not hindered by the darkness above and tried to track-down the man, but could not find any trace of him. Vaguely feeling that the other person was still observing him, Lumian smiled brightly up at the ceiling. Charm! A charm directed at all present beings! With a thud, the young man suddenly fell from somewhere, crashing onto a horizontal beam. He cursed in a language Lumian did not understand and scurried up the tower like a lizard, completely escaping the lower floors, as if avoiding a snake or scorpion. Lumian did not understand his cursing, but felt it sounded similar to the phrase he had heard shouted at him in the telegraph office: Damn it! Confirming that the young man was no longer watching him, Lumian descended the gray stone steps, disappearing into the shadowed stairwell. After an unknown period, he finally reached the very bottom of the wooden tower, seeing the ancient well hidden in the darkness, the moss-covered stone blocks, and the iron chains extending from the blocks into the depths of the well. Numerous bas-reliefs were carved onto these chains, depicting countless grotesque and distorted faces, like evil spirits. Its similar to Chen Tus armor Was the Underworld Daoist also involved in this binding the malevolent dragon matter? Or his teacher, his teachers teacher? Lumian already knew that the Celestial Master corresponded to the Mystery Pryer and Savant pathways, and these dark iron chains did not seem to be His handiwork. Peeking out, Lumians gaze descended to the bottom of the well, seeing a surface of what appeared to be the combined blood of thousands upon thousands of people. The liquid was thick, bizarre, and emanated a strong stench of blood and rust. Instinctively, Lumian raised his right hand to his nose, but found that he was not bleeding as he had during the previous ritual, and his condition was even quite good. Is it because I have already accepted the boon of Calamity, and obtained the power of the War Bishop, so Im essentially one of them? Lumian thought, looking at the dense bloody water that did not reflect his head or face, and spoke in ancient Hermes, Oh, mighty and great existence at the pinnacle of calamity, your humble Blessed wishes to ask where I can obtain a Beyonder characteristic that can help me advance further. Lumian had always been thick-skinned, so these words came easily to him. However, he was not sure if the so-called malevolent dragon locked at the bottom of the well would be able to understand his speech. To facilitate the others understanding, he did not even use terms like Weather Warlock, Sequence 2, or Mythical Creature. The people of the Western Continent probably hadnt seen the Blasphemy Slate! After a brief, indescribable silence, the surface of the blood-colored water revealed a scene. It was a rotting, pus-oozing arm in broken armor, propping itself up on the ground, higher than the crumbled stone pillars. Pus continuously dripped from the cracks, mixed with invisible flames that ignited the ground, the air, and everything around, burning endlessly. Lumian hastily retreated a few steps, not daring to look directly. The residual aura of the Blood Emperor in his palm told him that the scene corresponded to the fallen divine corpse of Alista Tudor in the depths of Fourth Epoch Trier. Is there a Weather Warlock Beyonder characteristic there? Lumian nodded slightly, returning to the edge of the well and looking at the dense blood water. The surface of the blood had changed-it was now filled with darkness, and a tall, silent figure seemed to be observing Lumian from within. Relying on his spiritual intuition, Lumian deduced that this was the mirrored Blood Emperor on the Blue Avengers vault. Can I not obtain the Weather Warlock Beyonder characteristic without avoiding Alista Tudor? Wouldnt getting it from the Iron and Blood Cross Orders president be fine? Lumian had just furrowed his brow when a tremendous suction force suddenly emanated from the bottom of the well. Lumian was unable to resist, as this was both the instinctive pull of a high-level Beyonder characteristic and the boon he had received, given his current pure spiritual or mental state. He was dragged and fell into the well, sinking deeper. In the blink of an eye, as he tried to activate the black mark on his right shoulder to teleport away, his body touched the surface of the dense bloody liquid. He passed through it without creating the slightest ripple, just as a High-Sequence Demoness would enter the mirror world. Lumian suddenly realized. Water surfaces are also mirrors Im not entering the place where the malevolent dragon is bound, but the corresponding mirror world. His vision darkened, then turned red, and his entire being was completely submerged in the bloody water. The stench of blood and rust permeated his nostrils, trying to fill his lungs and body, Lumian did not feel any pain, but rather a sense of comfort, as if he had returned to his source, to the homeland he had longed for. This sea of blood seemed to have no surface, and no matter how he tried to float up, he could not escape it or breathe fresh air. He saw countless corpses drifting past him, some headless, some with only a head dragging a bony. spine-like tail. Lumian followed these bodies, wanting to see where they would drift. Floating along with the corpses, he moved with the flow of the dark blood current. The headless bodies and those heads with their dangling spines became increasingly dense, gradually forming a blockage. It was as if there was an exit nearby, but the influx of corpses had clogged it. Lumian chose to bypass the congested area and approach the destination from the side. While he could not squeeze through, he just wanted to see what the situation was up ahead. After swimming for a while, Lumian finally saw the target location a dark, gaping hole blocked by thousands of corpses, with an endless school of fish surging behind. The bodies jammed in the hole were already bloated, with patches of blackish-blue decay on their surfaces. Lumian immediately associated this with the lady riding the rickshaw, using a fan to cover her pus-filled, bruised face. Did she escape from here? Or is she the controller of these corpses? Lumian shook his head, doubting he had any chance of squeezing through the blocked hole. There were simply too many bodies jammed there, and he did not know what changes burning them down might bring-it would most likely make the situation worse. At that moment, the blocked hole shook violently, as if someone on the other side was trying to break through the tunnel. Splash! A large number of the corpses blocking the hole were suddenly swallowed in, allowing those behind them to finally approach. This also caused some of the dark, lightless water to ripple outwards. Affected by the disturbance, Lumian was pushed away, and the blood-red scene before him quickly faded into an illusion. In the illusion, he saw a huge, coiled black shadow. The shadow was lying at the bottom of the sea of blood, occupying an area comparable to the size of Trier. Lumian was drawn towards it, but could not truly approach or clearly see the black shadow. One was in the mirror, the other in reality. In front of the black shadow was a square several tens of kilometers wide and long, paved with grayish-white stones, with towering pillars of black, blood-red, and gray-white supporting an invisible barrier, preventing the blood-red sea from invading. Lumian found himself standing on this square, and before him was a full-length mirror made of pure silver mixed with other metals, its ornate frame in a classic style. Seeing this mirror, Lumians mind suddenly tensed. Isnt this the same mirror from the Blue Avengers treasure vault, the one concealing the mirrored Alista Tudor? Why is there also one here? Or rather, does the one in the Blue Avengers treasure vault lead to this one? Are they the results of Alista Tudors various crazy experiments as the Blood Emperor? Lumian instinctively wanted to move away from the silver full-length mirror, to avoid having his own image reflected in it, but a figure trapped within the mirror had already become visible on its surface. The figure was clad in blood-stained black armor, with flowing hair faintly glowing with a reddish light. His facial features were sharp, as if carved by a knife, His lips tightly pursed, exuding a resolute and unyielding aura. His blue eyes were filled with cruelty and madness. The next moment, this mirror-bound figure extended His armored right hand through the cold, hard mirror surface. He stepped out of the full-length mirror, as if completely unconcerned about Lumian seizing the opportunity to attack. Chapter 1081 - Chapter 1081: Trap Chapter 1081: Trap The mirrored Blood Emperor? Lumian was not unfamiliar with the figure before him. He did not seize the opportunity to attack, not because he did not want to, but because he was stunned for a moment by the assault of the mad psyche, before breaking free. The burning heat and stinging pain in his right palm became more pronounced, as if wanting to collaborate, to fuse the current vessel with the version of himself in the mirror. The mirrored Alista Tudor stood nearly 3 meters tall, gripping a just-formed gigantic flaming sword. The giant sword burned with a bluish-purple hue. The blood-stained black-armored mirror Alista, with eyes filled with madness and cruelty, looked at the bloodsoaked Lumian and said in an icy voice, Where is your sword? As soon as the words left His mouth, He took a stride forward to stand before Lumian, raising the bluish- purple flaming sword high and bringing it down towards his target. Lumian finally recovered from his previous shock, and instantly drew the iron-black Sword of Courage, blocking the strike from above! Clang! Amidst the clash of metal, streams of bluish-purple flames scattered, and Lumian was knocked flying, his body set alight. Crack. He proactively used Mirror Substitution, escaping the flames of the mirrored Alista. The mirrored Alista, dragging the flaming sword, evaluated dispassionately, Too weak! As He spoke, the city-sized square was already engulfed in flames, with transparent, almost invisible spider web-like strands being revealed, all burning violently, no longer able to restrict or affect the mirrored Alista. The mystical pathogens Lumian had secretly spread earlier were also quickly dissipating in the intense heat and burning, with only the heat-resistant ones still barely hanging on. Facing this fiery hell, Lumian actually created a wall of crystalline, transparent frost around himself. Sizzling, these frost walls were immediately vaporized under the assault of the bluish-purple flames and terrifying heat, turning into white mist. The white mist obscured Lumians figure, making him disappear from the mirrored Alistas sight. Behind the mirrored Blood Emperor, Lumians figure rapidly took shape, his clear blue eyes deepening slightly, reflecting the blood-stained black-armored figure. He wanted to curse the opponent! This was one of the few effective ways he currently had to harm the other. Just then, thick fog rose up, immediately shrouding the mirrored Alista Tudor, preventing Lumians spiritual perception from extending beyond ten meters, making it difficult to lock onto the target. True Fog of War! Within the fog enveloping the entire fiery hell, Lumian threw out a mirror, which transformed into his double and gained projection power. Lumians main body then concealed its form. Suddenly, Alistas scornful voice sounded in Lumians ear. Flashy, but useless! Accompanied by this remark, thunderous explosions took over the square. Indiscriminate, large-scale explosions. The Fog of War thinned as a result, Lumians mirrored projection shattered, and even his main body had to use Mirror Substitution repeatedly to endure the aftermath of the explosions. The entire squares ground was left in ruins, only the ornate silver full-length mirror remaining intact. As Lumian stabilized himself, he saw the mirrored Blood Emperor rushing towards him with the force of o mountain, slashing down with the bluish-purple flaming sword. A sudden gray-white surge burst forth from Lumian, wherever it passed, the flames were frozen and turned to stone. As the overwhelming gray-white wave approached the mirrored Alistas figure, this Blood Emperor with only remnants of power was set ablaze, decomposing into streams of bluish-purple flames. These flames flew out to the sides and upwards, avoiding Lumians Petrification power. They quickly converged behind Lumian, reforming the nearly 3-meter tall Alista Tudor, with blood-red hair. Crack. With a sweeping motion of the flaming sword, Lumians body shattered and dissolved into mirrors once more. This time, he used Teleportation in conjunction. His destination was behind the silver full-length mirror. He swung his Sword of Courage ablaze with scorching blue-tinged flames towards the mirror. He felt this full-length mirror and the mirrored Alista Tudor were closely connected, and destroying it might prevent the powerful enemy from maintaining His form. The earlier large-scale explosion, where the mirrored Alista deliberately controlled the direction and provided necessary protection, not allowing this silver full-length mirror to be damaged, was evidence of this. Even if I cant beat you, cant I at least beat this mirror? In Lumians eyes, the mirrored Blood Emperor transformed into a bluish-purple flaming spear, rapidly thrusting towards him. He did not retreat, still letting the Sword of Courage descend. Bang! The silver full-length mirror suffered a tremendous explosion, without even a cracking sound, it completely disintegrated, its shards scattered outwards. At the same time, the bluish-purple flaming spear pierced through Lumians body, instantly igniting him, trying to burn him to ashes. The flaming spear fell behind Lumian, reforming into the mirrored Alista Tudor. His sharp-featured face bore unconcealed mockery, His figure not showing any instability or illusion from the destruction of the silver full-length mirror. It was an intentionally displayed weakness-a trap! On the Fog Sea, in the starlight-condensed treasure vault on the Blue Avenger, the silver full-length mirror at the end of the corridor suddenly split open without a sound, cracks forming across its surface. Splash! Shattered glass slid downwards. On the deck of the Blue Avenger, Mr. Hanged Man and the few sailors felt the ship suddenly rocking violently, as if caught in a raging storm. High in the sky, the fog rapidly spread, clouds piling up, a downpour imminent. Within a square shielded from thick blood water. From a black coin bag, a mirror flew up, and Lumian leapt out, retrieving the Sword of Courage and the Travelers Bag specially made by Mr. Fool. He showed no retreat or fear, power surging from the dark pinhole in his palm. His strikingly handsome face suddenly took on a more heroic, masculine air, his chest slightly narrower, his body a bit taller. He was utilizing the power of the War Bishop obtained through the boon. Of course, a Demoness of Unaging combined with War Bishop still should not be a match for the mirrored Alista Tudor-even if the latter did not use much of His Weather Warlock abilities, He still displayed overwhelming superiority. Lumians true purpose was not the War Bishop itself, he wanted to leverage the unique origin of this power. It originated from the boon of the corpse wax candle rituals target, from the depths of the well, most likely related to the massive black shadow coiled near the square, in reality. In this case, Lumian was effectively the bestowed of the other party, and the current battlefield was within the mirror world at the bottom of the well. In other words, Lumian might be able to invoke Angelic-level powers by appealing to this special environment. Furthermore, with the War Bishop boon, he was now truly half-male, half-female, yin nurturing yang, yang containing yin, extremely close to higher powers. Seeing this, the mirrored Alista Tudor did not frown, the madness in His blue eyes intensifying, seemingly wanting to use actual battle to tell Lumian this was meaningless. Failure will be your destined end! At this moment, a dark shadow from the coiled black mass expanded outwards. It penetrated the invisible barrier, surging behind the mirror Blood Emperor. This dark, illusory, and transparent shadow seemed to lead to an unknown world. Lumians thoughts suddenly became hazy, as if hearing layer upon layer of faint, ethereal voices. He then saw the mirrored Alista put away the bluish-purple flaming sword, scornfully glancing at him. This blood-soaked black-armored Mirror Person harrumphed, no longer attacking, turning and walking into the dark shadow, disappearing from Lumians sight. Thats it? Lumian paused. Of course, he did not think the mirrored Alista Tudor gave up because he feared the aid Lumian had invoked -it was more likely someone had dissuaded Him. Who could dissuade the half-crazed mirrored Blood Emperor? As Lumian pondered, he felt his mind beginning to grow weary, his consciousness significantly weakened. The ritual contract was nearing its end. Lumian looked around, choosing to enter Cogitation, proactively disconnecting from the contract state. In Bansy Harbor, within the ruins of the telegraph office. Lumian opened his eyes, checking his condition. The power of the War Bishop was receding. What happened? Franca in the distance asked curiously. Lumian had actually used the War Bishop power from the boon during the ritual! Lumian was about to respond, but suddenly had a premonition, turning his gaze towards the western sky. On the Fog Sea, aboard the Blue Avenger. Inside the violently shaking, nearly shattering ship, a deep purple, hurricane-like light suddenly surged. It rapidly headed eastward. This is Seeing this, Mr. Hanged Man furrowed his brow. On a sunny coastline. Unarmored, simply wearing a shirt and pants, now more human-like, Red Angel Medici comfortably lay in a beach chair, legs crossed, casually watching the deep purple light fly overhead. Then, He smiled at Albus beside Him, saying, Why didnt I attack Lumian Lee in the dream city? Of course, its because Im waiting for him to trigger all the problems left behind by that crazy Tudor. The path to be taken, someone must help us take it: the traps to be stepped on, someone must help us step on them. Chapter 1082 - Chapter 1082: Open Stratagem Chapter 1082: Open Stratagem In St. Millom of the Feysac Empire, on the coast of Midseashire, Snarner Einhorn, with His flamboyant golden earrings and deep red hair, was originally toying with some jewelry when He suddenly raised His head and looked towards the southern sky. He was first surprised, then a look of confusion crossed His face, and He remained in the room, doing nothing. Far in the distance, in the coastal regions of the Feynapotter Kingdom, the deep purple light was flying faster and faster, already having escaped the encompassing hurricane, leaving behind horrifying rumbles. In a certain location in the Intis Republic, the grizzled, blue-uniformed leader of the Iron and Blood Cross Order, Diest, with His neatly combed deep red hair, black iron eyes, and prominent wrinkles, withdrew His gaze from a brass chess set and looked up towards the sky. He almost instinctively transformed into a deep purple Iridescent rainbow and shot up, but ultimately controlled Himself. He murmured softly, The disturbance is so great, the deities must all be watching Will the Angels of the orthodox Churches try to seize it? Under the observation of numerous gazes, the deep purple light crossed over the Feynapotter Kingdom. Curiously, no one came to stop it, nor did anyone attempt to obtain it. In Bansy Harbor, when Lumian turned his gaze westward, Franca and Jenna followed his line of sight, but saw nothing. What are you looking at? Franca asked puzzledly. Lumian mused aloud, I feel that the full-length mirror in the Blue Avengers treasury has shattered, and the Weather Warlock Beyonder characteristic hidden behind it is now rapidly crossing the Northern Continent, flying from the Fog Sea towards me. Wh-Jenna was a bit stunned to hear this. Franca also exclaimed in amazement, Such a thing can happen? A classic trope where a treasured item comes to seek you out on its own They had come to Bansy to seek clues about the remaining Weather Warlock Beyonder characterstic, and now one such Beyonder characteristic was crossing thousands of miles to come to them? Lumian estimated the time and said calmly, Well need to start with my recent secret deed ritual experience. Francas eyes lit up, full of interest in the story Lumian was about to tell. Jenna was the same, but considered things more carefully. She reminded Lumian, Arent you going to prepare? What if that Weather Warlock Beyonder characteristic isnt coming to join you, but to kill you? You can recount your previous experiences and the reasons behind things after everything is over. Theres no need to waste time now. We should hurry up and make the necessary preparations, like appealing to Mr. Fool to watch over us, or summoning a messenger from Madam Magician and promising to exchange the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture for one round of assistance In any case, they needed to prepare for a potential battle with the item manifested by the Weather Warlock Beyonder characteristic. Smiling. Lumian replied. No need to rush, it may be flying fast, but it will still take just over an hour to reach here. Shaking his head, Lumian continued, Cant Teleport. cant use Mirror Traversal either, just so troublesome and slow-moving. Jenna was momentarily at a loss for words. Franca then raised another question, Wont it get intercepted halfway? If the orthodox Churches take it, we can negotiate later, and can use the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture to make a trade. After all, this thing speaks in riddles and is not very useful, just a hassle. But if its the evil god worshipers trying to ambush it midway, with such a commotion, wouldnt they just be exposing themselves? Lumian laughed. Although the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture was quite useful for responding to believers, there were few wishes it couldnt fulfill through bestowing good fortune, but as a Fate Appropriator, Lumian could also handle such matters himself, it would just be more troublesome and less effective. Thats true Franca thought seriously for a moment, then jokingly suggested, Why dont you go out to welcome that Beyonder characteristic? Its come all this way, you should show it how much you value it, be enthusiastic! Well see. Lumian wasnt actually sure what that Beyonder characteristic or the Grade 0 Sealed Artifact wanted to do, so it was better to just wait in Bansy Harbor. This place had been devastated by the Church of Storms with no human habitation left, only the occasional adventurer or pirate coming to explore and uncover treasures others had missed. And earlier today, Lumian had confirmed that aside from the three of them, only wild animals remained on this island. This was very suitable for demigods to battle, without worrying about accidentally killing anyone. Franca glanced around, gaining a general understanding of Lumians intentions. Jenna then said, Still, do the preparations first, then tell us about your secret deed experience, in case some unexpected thing happens midway, Who knows, maybe some high-ranking being will kindly help shorten the distance for that Beyonder characteristic, letting it arrive early. Lumian accepted Jennas suggestion, praying or summoning messengers, going through a round of preparations. Then he began recounting from when his consciousness manifested in that Eastern citys telegraph office, up to the point where the mirrored Alista Tudor, despite having a clear advantage and filled with fighting spirit, voluntarily withdrew into the darkness and disappeared. Before Franca and Jenna could respond, Lumian asked curiously and puzzledly, What did that person who also infiltrated the wooden tower mean when they muttered those words after seeing me? He then mimicked the other partys pronunciation. Franca pondered for a moment, then suddenly laughed. He was cursing bad luck. Meaning, its bad luck to run into you. Did I interfere with his actions? Lumian mused aloud, Or had he been previously deceived by a Beyonder from the Demoness pathway? In the West Continent, Demonesses dont have a very good reputation? You think Demonesses have a good reputation in the Northern and Southern Continents too? Franca said, amused. I think hes really been scammed by a Demoness before, otherwise a normal person wouldnt immediately curse bad luck just from seeing your face; hes got PTSD. Jenna chuckled as well, looking at Lumian. Judging from this, that Weather Warlock Beyonder characteristic coming may not necessarily be a good thing, I can already smell the scent of conspiracy. Kill you? Its neither an ambush nor a hidden environment, so its almost impossible to kill Mr. Fools Saint unless someone holds back Mr. Fool. However, thats unless the evil gods have completed Their invasion and the apocalypse has come early. Otherwise, anyone able to stop Mr. Fool wouldnt have any underlying motivation Pondering for a few seconds, Franca looked at Lumian and continued. Actively becoming your potion ingredient, letting you consume it to advance, then linking with the residual Blood Emperor aura in you to resurrect and occupy your body? Even for a plot that straightforward, normal people should be able to think of it, right? Yes. Lumian nodded. I can also ask Mr. Fool to help shatter the characteristic, remove the remnant Blood Emperor psyche. Even if I cant completely purge it, at least Alista Tudor wont be able to resurrect inside me. Then this is Franca and Jenna exchanged a puzzled glance. Lumian suddenly smiled. This should be an open stratagem. Alista Tudor wants me to become an Angel. Then the resurrection preparations He left behind will truly manifest. Red Angel Medici previously said He would give me a chance, but its likely not because I was too weak for Him to bother with at the time, nor out of deep empathy for my experiences-that may be a factor, but not the main reason. He too is waiting for me to ascend to Sequence 2. Jennas brow furrowed slightly. So you mean Alista Tudors current goal is to help you advance to angelhood, and it doesnt matter whether you choose to become a Weather Warlock or a Demoness of Catastrophe, using that Beyonder characteristic or something else, the end result will be the same? Probably. Lumian nodded, with a wry smile. Thats why the mirrored Alista Tudor was able to restrain His madness and killing intent. Franca and Jenna fell silent, not knowing what to say. After all, they couldnt really advise Lumian not to ascend to angelhood, right? Lifting his chin slightly, Lumian chuckled nonchalantly. Whats meant to come will come. I also want to see what awaits me, hopefully it wont disappoint. Hearing this, Franca sighed. Chaos, chaos, with the apocalypse looming, a bit of chaos is good, theres a chance to win amidst the chaos. An hour passed quickly, and the weakened and fatigued Lumian from the secret deed ritual had fully recovered. Suddenly, a deep purple light shot across the western sky. As it drew nearer, it grew larger and larger, eventually becoming clearly visible to Lumian, Franca. and Jenna. It was a violently burning mass of deep purple flames, with flashes of pure blue at its core. Interwoven within the flames were jet-black metal rods, forming a massive skeletal frame. The deep purple-blue flames flowed along the metal bones, trailing long feathers, giving the whole the appearance of a colossal bird with a wingspan spanning dozens of meters. The intensely burning deep purple-blue giant bird had not even fully approached Bansy Harbor, but the weeds, trees at the edges of the ruins, and remaining walls all spontaneously ignited. Cracking sounds rang out as Bansy was enveloped in flames. At the same time, a disdainful yet condescending booming voice reverberated in Lumians ear: Dare you face me? It was spoken in ancient Hermes. Lumian suddenly gained an epiphany-there were several layers of meaning to this facing: Dare you withstand my attack alone and endure? Dare you ascend to Weather Warlock using the Beyonder characteristic I extracted? Do you have the courage and bravery for this? His mind made up. Lumian turned to Franca and Jenna. You two should leave this area. Franca and Jenna exchanged a glance, not saying much. In a critical moment, they unhesitatingly believed in Lumians judgment and choice. Francas eyes immediately reflected layers of darkness, then she grabbed Jennas hand and departed Bansy Harbor through the mirror world. Lumian shifted his gaze back, looking up at the purple-flamed giant bird blotting out the sky, and reached into the Travelers Bag, withdrawing the parchment- bound Post-Apocalyptic Scripture. Chapter 1083 - Chapter 1083: "Sparring" Chapter 1083: Sparring The moment the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture was withdrawn, it began to turn pages on its own, arriving at one of the pages. On it was a prophecy written by Lumians thoughts: Lumian Lee will ultimately emerge victorious in this battle, thanks to his exceptional good fortune. As the mercury-colored text shimmered, the purple- flamed giant bird up in the sky began circling, trailing its long feathers. It had not yet revealed its complete Mythical Creature form, for if it did, Lumian would not continue playing with it, and would immediately summon assistance. Dark clouds amassed rapidly, looming low over the ground. In the blink of an eye, a torrential downpour plummeted, as if the sky had split open like a lake. The deluge quickly formed into a massive water column poured down towards Lumian, but he did not move an inch, simply drawing upon the War Bishop boons power to become both male and female, with a more androgynous beauty, his chest still pronounced. The descending downpour slowed down more and more, soon freezing in midair, reflecting the sunlight to reveal a crystalline, translucent appearance. The layer of ice continued growing upwards from above Lumian, drawing in the abundant rain into its frigid domain, creating an illusion of a rainbow arching across. With a clattering sound, the subsequent rainfall was blocked by the solid ice sheet, sliding off towards the other areas of Bansy Harbor, combining with the earlier deluge and the already damaged drainage system, rapidly flooding the ruins. Sheltered by the layers of ice, Lumian calmly surveyed his surroundings, puzzled by the current manifestation of the purple-flamed giant birds abilities. This truly has the might of the heavens and earth, if it keeps raining for another two to three hours, combined with the seawater rushing in, the entire Bansy Harbor will be submerged. But in the realm of angelic combat, this is utterly useless. What Angel would drown in this? And theres ample time to escape the scene Unless it keeps raining until the mountainsides collapse, there may be a chance to pose a threat to Angels However, this is excellent for slaughtering ordinary people and Low-Sequence Beyonders. Truly befitting the path of war and calamity Just as Lumian was pondering this, the purple-flamed giant bird pierced through the thick clouds, extending His head. Amid the dark clouds, silver-white lightning snakes flashed, converging into a long, lashing bolt. The lightning struck the crystalline ice, unable to conduct through, shattering and spraying outwards. Boom! The thunderous sound reverberated as countless electric snakes plunged into the pooled water of Bansy Harbor, rapidly darting to form a vast silver web covering the entire ruined area. Crackling sounds rang out endlessly, and Lumian finally understood the purpose of the earlier downpour. To make the subsequent lightning strikes more destructive and far-reaching! But Lumian himself stood on dry soil, surrounded by the near-insulating layers of ice, largely unaffected. In the next moment, new lightning formed, more magnificent and colossal, like a silver-white divine tree connecting the sky and earth. It struck the thick ice sheet, shattering the barrier as if carrying horrific kinetic energy or releasing stored power, causing an impact. Rumbling, the thunder waves spread as the terrifying lightning cracked through the layers of frost, reaching the top of Lumians head. Lumians body cracked and shattered, like all fragile mirrors. Yet his silhouette remained within the area once protected by the ice, still discernible among the collapsed ruins. Plummeting from the sky, the purple-flamed giant bird spread His burning wings like a meteor, crashing towards Lumians location. The nearby rainwater suddenly vaporized, diffusing as mist to welcome the giant birds descent. The ground was set ablaze, the remaining walls ignited, and Lumians body was set on fire. Boom! The giant bird struck the ground, kicking up a mushroom cloud of dust. Lumians body shattered once more, the original ruins either reduced to ashes or blown away. At the bottom of the crater formed by the explosion and melting, two bloodstained silhouettes resembling human pulp appeared, slightly dimmer. Lumians androgynous figure manifested in the air opposite, his pale blue eyes reflecting the image of the purple-flamed giant bird as he prepared to unleash the Demonesss curse. The surrounding mist instantly thickened. transforming from scalding steam into true fog of war. Lumian lost his lock-on, unable to effectively apply the curse. Immediately after, a tremendous, piercing howl arose, and a horrifying hurricane formed over the sea, sweeping in towering azure waves over 10 meters high towards Bansy Harbor. A tsunami driven by the hurricane! Lumians body was slammed to the ground, shattering. The remaining building ruins in Bansy Harbor that had managed to retain some height were all flattened, and the purple-flamed giant bird took to the skies, seemingly circling to search for the vanished target. At that moment, Lumians silhouette emerged at the bottom of the crater with the two bloodstained human-like imprints, the ashen-white rushing upwards towards the hovering purple-flamed giant bird. Stones of solidified air fell one by one. The purple-flamed giant bird suddenly let out a shrill cry. Lumians body and mind trembled, as if hearing the incessant drumbeats of an ancient battlefield. Purple-blue fireballs rapidly materialized in the air, densely packed to block out the sunlight in this area. They plummeted with a roar, crashing into the advancing ashen-white. Thunderous explosions rang out ceaselessly, the shattered ashen-white flame statues flung in all directions. Lumians created ashen-white kept breaking and retreating, until it finally disintegrated, leaving the remaining purple-blue fireballs to pummel Lumians body. This time, the shattered mirror fragments quickly dissolved into liquid. At this stage of the battle, the good fortune Lumian had gained from the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture had not manifested-neither his attacks on the purple- flamed giant bird, nor the giant birds strikes on him developed into any unexpected success or failure. Lumians silhouette reappeared in an even deeper, larger crater. The purple-flamed giant bird did not relent, continuing to assault with various Beyonder abilities. Lumian struggled to endure, relying on his Mirror Substitutions to repeatedly evade fatal blows. As the entire elevation of Bansy Harbor lowered by several meters, about to be completely subsumed by the azure seawater, Lumians Mirror Substitution reached its limit. From then on, he could only afford the death of his real and mirror self. Circling high above, blocking the sky, the purple- flamed giant bird let out a soul-shaking, chilling cry once more. He locked onto Lumians figure, about to plummet like a meteor, carrying His violently burning purple-blue flames. Almost simultaneously, His body strangely stiffened. The purple flames on His surface dispersed outwards, the jet-black metal forming His neck stretched impossibly long, as if about to be torn apart by an invisible force. The purple-flamed giant bird writhed in agony mid-air, the flames continually showering down, adding new blazes to the already raging inferno of Bansy Harbor. This change was so sudden and bizarre, not caused by any of Lumians attacks. Lumian had been on the defensive the entire time, unable to find an opportunity to curse the opponent, and the mystical pathogens he had secretly spread were also succumbing to the indiscriminate purple flames and terrifying heat, unable to propagate and spread. However, Lumian was not at all surprised by the giant birds predicament, a distinct smile appearing on his lips. He watched until the purple-flamed giant bird, driven to madness by the agony, manifested His complete Mythical Creature form. Lumian averted his gaze. The fiery giant up above, bearing avian features, seemed to harbor deep, unfathomable knowledge-it materialized phenomena like lightning, hail, and hurricanes, causing the weather in this area to undergo violent changes. Soon, the fiery giant receded back into the giant purple bird, plummeting earthwards. Lifting his head, Lumian looked at the giant birds eyes, fixed with pain and bewilderment, and said with a smile, Do you know what place youve been attacking this whole time? Its the Bansy Harbor telegraph office! Pausing for a moment, Lumian took out the fully-burned corpse wax candle from the Travelers Bag, his smile growing brighter as he said. And you are an Angel of the Hunter pathway. While I am a bestowed of the two apex powers of Calamity! This was why Lumian chose to face the purple-flamed giant bird directly, not seeking assistance from Madam Magician or other Major Arcana card holders, and remained within the fixed area, never fleeing far away. The Bansy Harbor telegraph office should be a leakage point, connected to a metropolis in the Western Continent, linked to the malevolent dragon locked within the ancient well but still able to influence the entire city. Using the corpse wax candle here could grant him a different, more advanced secret deed experience. In this context, attacking the Bansy Harbor telegraph ruins, assaulting the Lumian who had already extracted the War Bishop boons power, and being an Angel of the Hunter pathway, then personally crashing into the leakage point, had a significant probability of triggering anomalies and being subjected to unseen influences! Of course, the anomaly was not a 100% certainty, and the purple-flamed giant bird did not necessarily have to enter the telegraph ruins directly, bombarding it as a flaming meteor. Thats why Lumian had used the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture to add sufficient good fortune. Now, the prophesied outcome had arrived! Boom! The purple-flamed giant bird landed nearby, kicking up more dust and flames. His blazing purple wings folded in, His body gradually shrinking, as if coalescing into a physical form. Then His final words reached Lumians ear: I acknowledge you are qualified. This has nothing to do with Tudors arrangement. The purple-flamed giant bird grew smaller and smaller, until only points of light remained. Ultimately, the main body transformed into a palm-sized, crystalline and porous pillar. The various holes in the pillar contained mists, hall, rainwater, lightning, and other meteorological phenomena, sometimes diffusing outwards. sometimes receding back inside. The scattered purple feathers and iron bone crystals littered the ground around it. Chapter 1084 - Chapter 1084: Hidden Conditions Chapter 1084: Hidden Conditions Prev Chapter Within the raging inferno of Bansy Harbor, Lumians smile gradually faded. A blood-red bulge suddenly rose on his brow, the androgynous hues of his features rapidly fading. The bulge then retracted, crawling and slithering across his forehead and face, finally descending slowly down his neck, shoulders, and arms, merging with the altered remnants of the Blood Emperor and the War Bishop boon powers through the black pinhole, still covered by the pallid skin from the Underworld Daoists sealing. The pinhole expanded slightly, the abysmal, lifeless darkness within seemingly brewing some kind of violent force. Lumian exhaled slowly, then collected the purple-blue, porous crystal pillar, along with the purple feathers and iron bone crystals, and placed them in a mirror Inside the Travelers Bag-a temporary sealing measure. Plop. A raindrop fell on Lumians hand, leaving a damp feeling. One drop, two drops, three drops the raindrops grew more and more numerous, rapidly turning into a downpour. Influenced by the widespread burning and the residual powers of the Weather Warlock, the sky over Bansy Harbor and the surrounding sea had darkened, producing vast, gloomy clouds, the rain pouring down. Lumian did not seek shelter or obstruct the rain, allowing it to soak his hood, his hair, his face, his clothes. As it fell, the rain grew colder, congealing into ice crystals and snowflakes. Thick, heavy snowflakes drifted over Bansy Harbor, blanketing the scorched earth, collapsed bricks, and other signs of destruction in a pristine white. Lumians body was covered in frost and icicles. He finally composed himself-the help of the higher beings was not easily obtained, even if this was not something he had actively provoked, but brought about by the purple giant bird. The ice fell away, Lumians hood and black robe drying rapidly. He pressed a hand to his chest, thanking Mr. Fool for his gaze, then turned his gaze to the sky. Beyond the swirling snowflakes, Lumian saw the ever-ready-to-assist Madam Magician. The renowned authors expression was rather complex, as if seeing her past self, forced to rapidly advance with the abundance of high-level ingredients. However, she could pause and take an extended rest, later considering whether to ascend to Sequence 1, while Lumian could not-neither he nor the forces driving him here would allow him to stop. Lumian nodded in greeting, then Teleported back to the luxurious villa in Trier. Franca and Jenna were pacing in the living room, while Ludwig was enjoying a double-layer cream cake. Done? Franca looked at Lumian, asking excitedly. An item that cant reveal its complete Mythical Creature form is nothing to be afraid of. If it really uses its full power, Ill just call for help. Lumian said with a smile. Why didnt you just call for help in the first place? Jenna couldnt understand. Lumian thought for a moment and explained, The higher the Sequence in the Hunter pathway, the more courage and boldness one needs. I skipped the Iron-blooded Knight and War Bishop Sequences, without the corresponding Beyonder characteristics to provide a boost. I can no longer retreat, and must face the difficulties, challenge myself. This may be the implicit, hidden ritual condition for me to advance to Weather Warlock, or an additional ritual. Jenna suddenly understood. For a normal advancement, it is unnecessary for a Beyonder progressing step-by-step along the Hunter pathway to Sequence 3-the previous Sequences have already provided the corresponding enhancements. But a Sequence 3 Demoness wanting to make the jump must not shy away, and be filled with courage? It seems that to switch pathways at the higher Sequences, there are hidden conditions to some degree, stemming from the lack of previous Sequence elements Franca also realized. Then, she asked Lumian with a smile, Did you rely on the special qualities of the Bansy Harbor telegraph office to defeat that purple phoenix, or rather, the purple giant bird? You figured it out? Lumian raised an eyebrow at Franca. Franca chuckled and explained, What other abilities and items of yours do we not know about? A simple analysis can lead to one conclusion: Relying on the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture and the Demonesss traits can only delay things, hoping the purple giant bird would acknowledge your strength, but victory is unlikely. Yet the way you acted clearly showed you achieved the final win. Unable to do it alone, yet you didnt call for help, so you must have utilized the environmental conditions. You do have some talent when it comes to combat. Lumian smiled, praising her. He summarized the key points of the battle, the core idea being to, with the target unable to reveal its complete Mythical Creature form, leverage the Demoness pathways self-preservation abilities to guide the opponent to attack the Bansy Harbor telegraph office as much as possible, while delaying until the anomaly was triggered. Jenna listened quietly, then asked, So the core supplementary ingredients are in place-are you planning to advance soon? Lumians Unaging potion had been completely digested in just a short time, thanks to Aurores special trait. Why not? Lumian understood Jennas and Francas concerns, smiling as he said, Setting aside the matter of reviving Aurore, do you think if I hold back and dont ascend, Alista Tudors preparations wont erupt? With the apocalypse looming and the situation becoming chaotic, when Mr. Fool and the other true gods are preoccupied, they may seize the opportunity to forcibly help me ascend. I have no choice but to advance! Lumians gaze swept over Franca and Jenna, pausing as he continued, Since thats the case, its better to take advantage of the relatively stable situation now, while Mr. Fools awakening has deepened a bit, and advance without external interference. With the status and power of an Angel, even if I encounter Alista Tudors arrangements in the future. Ill at least be able to struggle a bit, buying more time, and perhaps help will arrive. Franca and Jenna were only expressing their own concerns, not trying to prevent Lumian from becoming an Angel. Seeing that Lumian had thought it through thoroughly, his analysis of the pros and cons sound, they both nodded, urging Lumian to prepare the ritual and pray to Mr. Fool, asking this great being to help shatter the Beyonder characteristic and remove Alista Tudors imprint. Although this might not have much impact on the subsequent arrangements of the Blood Emperor, it would at least reduce a hidden danger. Lumian did not delay, busying himself in the specially prepared room for the ritual and prayer to Mr. Fool. After dripping the oil and offering the appeasing sacrament, the purple crystal pillar placed on the altar was suddenly enveloped by the murky darkness emerging from the candle flame, rapidly disintegrating into points of light in various colors-purple, blue, white, red. These light points, as they settled and coalesced, released threads of frenzied aura, occasionally condensing into distorted faces or emitting terrifying roars, until finally dissipating. The reconstituted purple crystal pillar appeared purer. Praise be to you, Mr. Fool! Lumian pressed a hand to his chest, bowing. After putting away the Weather Warlock Beyonder characteristic and dispelling the wall of spirituality, Franca asked concernedly. How do you plan to complete the ritual? I have a clever plan, Lumian replied with a smile. Jenna then asked curiously, Based on the books youve been reading these past few months? Lumian scratched his face, chuckling self- deprecatingly, That was my original plan, and I had corresponding arrangements. But after factoring in my own Beyonder abilities, I found that a Demoness of Unaging, who was once a Reaper, has a simpler and more effective handling method. Perhaps the truth of the Calamity pathways is that one must transfer back and forth, to get closer to the apex existences. So those who keep switching can take shortcuts when it comes to the ritual. What method? Franca asked curiously. Lumian chuckled. Ill tell you after I succeed. If I say it now and then fail, wont you mock me forever? Do you think you wont be mocked even like this? Franca and Jenna chorused. On this topic, the three exchanged playful banter for a while. As the laughter faded, Jenna asked, When will you perform the ritual? Lumian responded with a smile, First, I need to gather the remaining ingredients. Then, Ill wait for a typhoon or hurricane. The countries of the Northern Continent typically referred to such extreme weather as hurricanes, while the Intisians, influenced by Emperor Roselle, often called them typhoons. In a thunderstorm. The residents staying indoors watched as a silver-white lightning bolt struck the treetops, knocking down the people taking shelter under the trees. Boom, boom, boom. One lightning strike after another rampaged, even those in safe places shivering. After a while, some residents saw a figure next to the charred, smoking trees. The figure was cloaked in black, hooded, like the legendary witch. She took a blackened tree branch, causing dark red drops of blood to fly out from the fallen corpses. A witch indeed! The witnessing residents frightened, retreating from the window area. In the southern part of the Haagenti Kingdom. The first snowfall of the year came in an exaggerated fashion, killing many livestock and piling up snow in front of peoples homes, blocking the doors. The people inside, struggling against the bitter cold, suddenly saw a hooded figure in black robes, seemingly a witch, walking on the snow-blanketed ground, heading towards the bridge underpass. There were several frozen-to-death vagrants there. The heat-induced drought had left many humans dehydrated, some unfortunately dying, their bodies dragged to the street. A tall, hooded woman dressed as a sorceress approached, stopping in front of a freshly deceased corpse. The surrounding people fled in fear. The Feynapotter Kingdom, on the Berserk Sea coast. Many experienced fishermen and captains began returning their ships to the harbor. The sky in the distance had somehow turned gloomy, the waves surging in. The wind had picked up. *** Thanks to the users ѧܧڧ ӧҧߧܡ, TempestUknow for the chapters provided! Chapter 1085 - Chapter 1085 Typhoon Chapter 1085 Typhoon Ooo! The howling winds rampaged, slamming the windows and doors, the trees trembling and their branches bending to one side. The residents along the Berserk Sea coast had rich experience dealing with hurricane weatherthey had all tightly shut their doors and windows, crossed tape over them, and taken shelter away from the balconies and doors. Yet, despite this, as they heard the roaring, shrill winds outside and felt their houses shuddering, they couldnt help but feel anxious and afraid. The vagrants had taken refuge in the cathedrals or poorhouses. Amid the towering, crashing waves that sometimes reached the sky, the hooded, black-robed figure of Lumian could be seen. His clothes were flapping loudly, his hood nearly blowing off. Without the ability to fly or levitate, he surveyed the layered cloud walls surrounding the typhoons eye, unable to find the final coordinates of the spiritual realm in the chaotic environmenthe could only go where his eyes led. Then, he activated the black mark on his right shoulder and Teleported into the heart of the typhoon. Simultaneously, the water droplets violently swirling in the area he had just left rapidly condensed into ice, the temperature plummeting. In the typhoons core, Lumians figure barely materialized before the gale-driven waves, roaring like a speeding steam train, crashed into him ferociously. Lumian was blown away, but he Teleported deeper into the typhoon, again relying on the see and take method in this gloomy, apocalyptic environment. Wherever he went, the rain froze into a thick layer of ice. After a few such jumps, he finally reached his destinationthe typhoons eye! The howling winds seemed to vanish, and the high altitude even revealed a clear, azure sky. Lumian didnt have time to admire this special place. His pale blue eyes suddenly turned a deep, iron black. As he plummeted, he quickly observed the surrounding cloud walls and the core structure of the typhoon. Weakness Investigation! A typhoon had weaknesses too! In just a few seconds, the falling Lumian spotted several large, pallid areas. The typhoons weak points werent just one. Lumian Teleported again, arriving near the largest pallid spot, looking down on it from above. At this point, if he were a pure Sequence 3 Hunter, completing the next steps would be quite difficult, even if he could skillfully use explosives and Cullby targeting the weak points and disrupting the core structure, the typhoon might not necessarily dissipate, but could instead reorganize and strengthen, and the weather wouldnt change in the short term. But for a Demoness of Unaging, why use such a brutal method? Besides, the effect might not even be good. As Lumian continued falling, he took out a mirror, reflecting the pallid area above the cloud walls and hurricane. This wasnt to curse the weak point and complete the Cull, of coursea Demonesss curses couldnt target soulless objects. What Lumian wanted to do was forcibly transfer the typhoons weak points and structural flaws into the mirror world. This was also a form of destruction, and it could be repeated multiple times quickly. Lumian raised his right hand, rapidly brushing across the mirrors surface as he fell. A crack soundedthe makeup mirror seemed to be unable to withstand the strain, about to shatter. Lumian unhesitatingly poured in a large amount of spirituality, forcibly dragging that cloud wall and hurricane area into the mirror world. With that section suddenly gone, cracks spread across the mirror in Lumians hand. Simultaneously, the typhoons core structure began to disintegrate, the cloud walls dissipating piece by piece. Lumian used Teleportation and the ability to drag things into the mirror world to continue destroying other structural weak points, not giving the typhoon a chance to reorganize. In the end, more and more of the cloud walls and the hurricane were pulled into the mirror world. On the coastline nearest to the typhoon, some people observing the sea from their rooms suddenly noticed the winds dying down and the waves subsiding. In the distance, the surrounding clouds and fierce winds were pouring into a funnel, an impressive sight. As the onlookers blinked, they found that another section of the hurricane-swept clouds had mysteriously vanished. Piece by piece, they disappeared. Bang! Bang! Bang! Some mirrors in their room abruptly shattered, with a gust of wind blowing out, but not particularly strong. These were the random remnant winds that had escaped the mirror world after a long journey. After another dozen seconds or so, the sky in the affected area gradually cleared. Gazing at the cloudless, azure sky, Lumian plummeted rapidly toward the sea surface. With a Teleport, he appeared directly over the sapphire waters, a thick sheet of ice forming beneath his feet. Under the deft pull of invisible spider silk, the violet-blue crystal pillar, violet feathers, iron bone crystals, blood of varying shades, charred tree branches, and seemingly unremarkable clear water all flew out of the Travelers Bag, leaving their original containers to converge in a glass cup. Silently, the slightly violet liquid that formed ignited, melting the glass and dripping downward. Cupping the burning liquid, Lumian brought it to his lips and drank. His entire being, including his mirror self, was instantly set ablaze. Rumble! Dense, dark clouds gathered in the sky, real lightning and hail coalescing and drawn to Lumians state, striking him. At this moment, the spirit worlds information of this area had not yet fully changed, still partially corresponding to the typhoon. There was a rapid influx of information of Lumian relying on his own abilities to change the weather, creating an extremely strong connection between him, this area, and the corresponding spirit world. Rumble! Lightning struck, sharp hail pelted downvarious extreme weather phenomena assaulted the still-burning Lumian in small bursts, tearing and ravaging him. Lumian felt excruciating pain in body, mind, and spirit, his thoughts growing increasingly hazy, as if about to dissipate into this area, this spirit world. This area, this spirit world, resisted the fusion of Lumians spirit and consciousness, because he was the destroyer, the changerhe would inevitably be rejected in the short term. At this moment, Lumians blurred mind heard voicesAurores, Francas, Jennas, and countless other anchors. His body tore apart, shattered, turning to ash, including his mirror self and the him slumbering within the mirror. The next moment, a wavering, violet-tinged blue flame ignited amidst the remnant ashes. This flame rapidly expanded and intensified, forging within it black iron bones, an indescribable tangle of complex symbols and patterns. They gradually formed a towering, five-to-six-meter figure, like the legendary fire giant come to life. Immediately, Lumians face coalesced, its iron-black hue gleaming with a metallic luster, yet still clearly handsome and masculine in appearance. Blood-red hair also sprouted, each strand as thick as a python, some rotating black-and-white eyeballs at the top, others opening jaws with venomous fangs. A complete Mythical Creature form! A Mythical Creature form blended with Demoness traits! In this moment, Lumian dimly sensed the banner-like 0-01 and the massive, shrouded black shadow lurking in the ancient wellexistences closely connected to him, at the pinnacles of the pathways, the former relatively clearer, the latter extremely hazy, as if cloaked in layers of gray fog. Additionally, three more gazes were cast upon him from afar, but he couldnt discern who they belonged to or where they came from. This hallucination-like sensing vanished in an instant, and Lumians body rapidly shrank, the violet-tinged blue flames on its surface dissipating. A second later, he returned to a human male form, exuding a powerful, masculine aura. Over two meters tall, bronze-skinned, his muscles were not only vivid and full of explosive strength, but also flowing in graceful lines, like the finest sculptural masterpiece. His features had become even more handsome and sharp, his pale blue eyes deepening slightly, the refined details softening some of the aggressive edge. Lumian turned his gaze forwardthe sea had already frozen into a thick, crystalline sheet, the azure currents visible raging beneath. The Travelers Bag was in the distance, beyond the ice layer, or else even the one specially made by Mr. Fool would have been damaged in the previous blazing inferno and calamitous weather. With an invisible spider silk tug, the Travelers Bag flew back into Lumians hand. He took out a change of clothes, awkwardly putting them on, as if an adult trying to squeeze into a childs garments. His figure then vanished, leaving only scattered broken ice floes. In a drought-stricken hot area, the onlookers, fearful yet curious, watched from a distance as the witch took the deads blood, some believers even going to find a priest. Suddenly, a dull thunder rumbled. They instinctively looked up, finding the sky had somehow become heavily overcast. Plop! A raindrop splashed on the cracked lips of one of the observers. He exclaimed joyfully, raising his hands, Its raining, its going to rain! In the southern Haagenti Kingdom, the residents worried about the snowstorm continuing to the point of collapsing their roofs considered braving the risks to clear some of it. Just then, they saw rays of clear sunlight shining through the windows, into the house. Wh The residents rushed to the window, looking outside. The lead-gray clouds dominating the sky had all dissipated, the not-so-warm sun shining upon the land once more. The thick, fluffy snowflakes falling from mid-air gradually grew smaller, until they disappeared. Rumble! In a thunderstorm, few dared to go out, the children huddling fearfully beside their parents, unable to sleep. Their parents worried about subsequent heavy rain and flooding. Amid these emotions, they suddenly realized the lightning had stopped flashing across the sky for some time, the rumbling thunder vanished. Trier, inside the luxurious villa, a swirl of violet-tinged blue flames coalesced before Franca, Jenna, Anthony, and Ludwig, forming the tall, handsome Lumian. Youve grown taller again Franca looked up, studying him for a few seconds. Chapter 1086 - Chapter 1086 War Machine Chapter 1086 War Machine Lumian shrugged his shoulders. This is the result of my best efforts to compress it. Of course, if he didnt consider body balance, he could shrink down to 1.9 meters, as he was essentially a Mythical Creature now. Jenna said with a suppressed smile, Lets get you changed into some proper clothes first. The way he looked now was really awkward, giving the impression of intentionally wearing undersized clothing to perform as a clown. After Franca used the mirror world to go to the New City of Silver and buy clothes suitable for Lumians current stature, and had him change into them, the group took their seats. Franca looked at Lumians face and muttered, Oh no, hes too handsome Im starting to feel a bit flustered. Jenna did not speak, but her gaze seemed to echo Francas words. The experienced Anthony didnt show any obvious reaction. Lumian leaned back on the sofa. This change is the result of the Demoness of Unaging and the Weather Warlocks charms merging. A normal Sequence 2 Beyonder in the Hunter path mainly possess a charisma that makes people want to follow and be loyal to them, and may cause women to develop feelings of admiration, but there is no active Charm. Now, its not just admiration, and not just towards the opposite sex. Hmm, as long as I dont use Charm, its still somewhat controllable. Ooh. Franca looked curious. What abilities and traits does the Weather Warlock have? Lumian considered carefully before saying, This Beyonder characteristic contains Sequence 9 to Sequence 2. The abilities I was missing before, like the Iron-blooded Knight and the War Bishop, have now been filled. Im always full of courage and wont be significantly affected by emotions like fear and terror, but Im not reckless or blind because of it. In fact, I still feel fear and terror, its just that my courage overcomes them. The Sword of Courage is the extreme version. Franca nodded in understanding. Lumian took out the iron-black longsword from the Travelers Bag and tossed it to Franca. Its no longer of much use to me. Between you and Jenna, use it if need be. Franca caught it and gave a simple Mm. Then, as she was putting the Sword of Courage back into the Travelers Bag, she stood up and walked towards Lumian and Jenna. After stowing the Sword of Courage, she suddenly found herself awkwardly standing in the middle of the living room. After a brief silence, she chuckled nervously at Lumian. This sword has given me the courage to beat you up. Lumian scoffed, dividing the bundle of longswords used to seal the Sword of Courage into two parts, and using invisible spider silk to pass one part to Jenna and one to Franca. He continued thoughtfully, I can also galvanize and flame my body. At the Sequence 2 level, the former is no longer just ordinary steel, but closer to the symbolism of steel, able to withstand attacks that would normally destroy or melt real steel. The latter allows me to disperse into multiple flames, each of which I can control precisely, then coalesce back into my body. Even if most of the dispersed flames are extinguished by the enemy, it doesnt affect the integrity of my physical form, it just weakens my vitality and spirituality proportionally. The Angelic-level flame transformation can also turn me into a stream of flame, a huge flaming spear, and a terrifying flaming meteor to attack enemies or travel quickly. Combined with hurricane-like winds, I can reach speeds over 4,000-5,000 kilometers per hour. And once the magic potion is fully digested, I can enhance it further. The most powerful flames controlled by the Iron-blooded Knight and the War Bishop are azure, but the Iron-blooded Knight is not pure in this regard, having a tinge of dazzling white. At the angelic level, the flames become violet, the Weather Warlocks are a violet-tinged azure to an azure-tinged violet, the specific hue depending on the digestion of the potion. In the subsequent Sequence 1, the flames should be a pure violet. Hmm, if I borrow the power of 0-01, the violet will become paler and more transparent. If I draw on the force from the depths of the ancient well, the violet will be tinged with a deep red, not the scarlet of a Pyromaniac, but a blood-red hue. My control over the flames has also greatly improved. Compared to before, I can now cover a battlefield of tens of kilometers, directly raining down Meteor Shower, or summoning flocks of Fire Ravens. The explosive power of compressed fireballs now far surpasses that of a fleets main guns by quite a margin. The Iron-blooded Knight can establish a mystical connection with their team, concentrating the entire groups strength on themselves, and sharing their teammates vision, distributing the damage they receive. However, this concentration only applies to power and spirituality, not the Beyonder powers of the members. At the War Bishop stage, not only can they use the Beyonder powers of team members within a 3km range, but they can also share their own abilities and power with them. In this regard, a Weather Warlocks range is 10km, and there is no longer a restriction on sharing abilities. Simply put, while a War Bishop can only let one member use their ability at a time after sharing it, a Weather Warlock can allow every team member to use it simultaneously, lending them the corresponding spirituality. Of course, the teams overall spirituality doesnt increase. From the War Bishop stage onwards, the teams mental resonance becomes direct telepathy, and the War Bishop can selectively shield and modify certain information in the communication. A War Bishop can also create Fog of War, significantly reducing the visual range, hearing, and smell of all living beings within, and enveloping the corresponding spirit world as well, suppressing the interaction between spirit entities and the spirit world, dulling spiritual warnings and intuitions. At the Weather Warlock level, the Fog of War range initially expands to 20km, continuing to increase as the potion is digested. Additionally, the Fog of War will also have the ability to interfere with outside divination and prophecy. At even higher levels, it may affect the astral world. Within the Fog of War, I am unaffected by anything. This trait can be shared with team members after becoming a Weather Warlock. A War Bishop also has abilities like War Cry and War Song that can be used to boost the teams morale, temporarily enhance strength, influence the enemys mentality, and suppress the targets performance. After offering sufficient sacrifices, each War Bishop can petition the essence of war or the symbolic war for assistance once per battle, while a Weather Warlock can do so every seven days. Hearing this, Franca clicked her tongue. Its practically a war machine, a scythe reaping lives. Thats why the true god of this path is titled things like God of War and War Overlord, Lumian replied with a smile. He then said, A Weather Warlock has the partial authority to change regional weather and create extreme weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, hurricanes, heavy rain, hail, blizzards, and dense fog. I call this Weather Manipulation. In the Western Continent, it might be called to call the wind and summon the rainbeing completely influential! No, that doesnt cover it comprehensively enough, Franca said excitedly. Lumian gave a sound of agreement. A Weather Warlock mainly controls the weather, while things like meteors, tsunamis, and earthquakes are not under our purview, though some can be indirectly induced, like using a hurricane to trigger a tsunami. My Weakness Investigation has also been enhanced. The targets I see will be in the overall sense, including substitutes, avatars, and manifestations. Then I can find the weak points in this whole. If combined with Cull and Mighty Blow, and the target doesnt have enough substitutes or avatars, I can wipe them all out at once. Even Demonesses cant withstand a few such Culls. Sounds like its aimed at Demonesses Franca muttered. Is that how the neighboring paths are? Jenna said thoughtfully. With a nod, Lumian said, My weapons will be extensions of my body. Ordinary objects can serve this role, theyll just be destroyed afterward. There are corresponding qualitative changes in strength, stamina, spirituality, intuition, tracking, and target pursuit. I can also fly by the wind and levitate in the air. At this, Lumian smiled. And the last thing is that Ive reverted to a male. Jennas eyes moved slightly, and she muttered, What about the fusion of Hunter and Demoness abilities? Sitting in the armchair, Lumian raised his right hand, a black flame of madness and destruction igniting in his palm. Immediately, he stretched the black flame into a deep, oppressive flaming greatsword. Seeing this black flaming greatsword, Franca, Jenna, and Anthony all had their hair stand on end, their bodies growing cold, as if the apocalypse had arrived prematurely. The eating Ludwig instinctively scooted two spaces further into the other end of the sofa. If I ever encounter a spatial seal again, I can directly cleave a fissure in the barrier with the Sword of Destruction, without needing to do any further attacks, Lumian flicked his wrist, causing the quietly burning black flaming greatsword to dissipate. He continued, I can also insert extreme weather or lethal attacks into mirrors, guiding them through the mirror world to precisely target locations, attacking people and environments outside the mirrors. Oh, and as long as the title conditions are met, I can respond to prayers worldwide. Hmm, I can also hide Petrification powers within fireballs. After they explode, the effect is released, affecting the surroundings, without needing to spread it inch by inch. My mystical pathogens are more heat-resistant now and can spread through rain, gales, and snowflakes, influencing a large area in the shortest time, breaking the limitations of my own abilities. My Mythical Creature form, aside from igniting those who witness or approach me and creating various weather phenomena, can also petrify them, induce extreme euphoria, immediately sicken them, curse them, or make them deeply infatuated with me After describing his abilities, Lumian concluded, If I dont suppress and restrain my psyche, the weather in the areas Im in will gradually become more volatile and extreme, and the likelihood of war or massacre events occurring will continually increase. Listening to Lumians account, the word that flashed through the minds of Franca and the others was: Calamity. Disasters of all kinds, both natural and man-made. Chapter 1087 - Chapter 1087 Something Else Special Chapter 1087 Something Else Special After a while, Jenna recalled Lumians previous introduction. At the angelic level, do you still have to fly to get around? Each pathway is different. At least the Hunter pathway doesnt have those more mystical methods. By Sequence 1, maybe my speed will let me fly out of the current planet, or even faster. Lumian thought for a bit. Actually, I can already use the explosive force of flames to continually accelerate, reaching a terrifying speed, but my body would be unable to withstand it long before then. A human rocket, huh Franca joked. Lumian continued, I can also directly descend through the prayers of believers, and enter the spirit world without relying on other abilities, but I cant discern directions or complete the pinpointing, I can only go to the markers Ive already set up in the real world. I see So the higher-level Hunters rely on their team members to gain diverse capabilities. Franca was quite satisfied with acquiring this knowledge. Lumian nodded slightly with a smile. Yes. As he spoke, his azure eyes vertically slit, tinged with gold. Seeing this, Anthony sat up a little straighter unconsciously. Lumian then explained, Now, you are all my team members, within a 10km range. I can use your Beyonder powers without your consent, but you need my permission to use mine. Just like that, were team members? Franca blurted out in surprise, No ritual needed? With mental resonance, and no subconscious resistance within the range, you can be integrated into my team, Lumians voice sounded in the minds of Franca, Jenna, Anthony, and Ludwig, without his mouth moving. Then cant I also get a taste of being an Angel? Borrowing your Beyonder abilities and traits Francas excited remark was suddenly cut off. She realized something. The fact that Sequence 2 Hunters must be male was also considered a trait. Lumian saw through her thoughts and chuckled. The self-modification during advancement cannot be shared, just like you cant use my Mythical Creature form. Alright Franca felt a bit disappointed. She then inquired, You mentioned before that when you transfer back to the Hunter pathway, being closer to the subject of the secret deed ritual, you should be able to complete the secret deed without needing the corpse wax candle, performing a ritual, or being in a special environment. Is that the case now? Yes, Lumian nodded. This is combined with the ability to petition the essence of war or the war symbolism, and has been further refined: Ordinary Weather Warlocks can do this once a week, I can do it once a day. The real limit is my body and mind, not the frequency. Also, ordinary Weather Warlocks only get corresponding, somewhat distorted assistance when they petition, but I can also gain secret deed experiences. How deep the secret deed can be depends on whether Im petitioning 0-01 or the dark presence in the ancient well, and what Im petitioning for, as well as the state of the secret deed subject. Mm, other Weather Warlocks need to prepare sacrifices and perform rituals to petition, I dont. Of course, having sacrifices would yield better results, and always skipping them might anger the secret deed subject. So powerful Is this the true value of a War Proxy, a Son of Calamity? Franca hissed in awe. All prices have already been exacted for what fate bestowed. I just havent reached the point where I must pay yet, Lumian responded calmly. At that moment, a voice suddenly sounded in everyones minds: Im so hungry! Instantly, Lumian and the others turned their gaze towards Ludwig. Ill take him to the sea. Lumian stood up. Franca pondered for a moment and asked, While youre at it, bring some food for the Face of the Arcane. Lowering her voice so Ludwig couldnt hear, she continued, Can you block Ludwig out of the mental channel, only lifting it if theres an emergency? Otherwise, well never get a good nights sleep, hearing Im so hungry, Im really hungry every little while. Okay, Lumian also felt this was a problem. When Lumian returned with a well-fed Ludwig from the sea, Jenna was the only one left in the living room. Where are the others? Lumian asked casually. Sitting on the sofa, Jenna smiled and said, Franca is continuing to work on the kind of robot she wants, and you know how Anthony has been busy lately, digesting the Manipulator potion and searching for clues about the hidden cults. I was also planning to contact the bishops, have some of them go to other provinces, other regions, even other countries, to preach in remote villages where the Churches presence is weak. Now that you can respond to prayers worldwide as an Angel, we need more believers, its time to expand our evangelism, but But what? Lumian asked. Jenna stood up. You havent designed a qualifying title yet. Additionally Jenna eyed Lumians face with her shimmering blue eyes. I feel like youre not very happy after your advancement, your mood has been low. Smiling, Lumian replied, Actually, Im very happy. Becoming an Angel means Im substantially closer to reviving Aurore, and I have stronger power to protect those I want to protect. And the latent problems will most likely erupt before the apocalypse, without needing to worry about interference from most evil gods. Pausing momentarily, he added, Its mainly that just after the advancement, with my godhood enhanced, my condition is unstable, and I have to devote a large part of my energy to maintaining and suppressing it, so my everyday demeanor will naturally be more muted. After some time, when Ive adapted and begun to digest it, Ill be a lot more normal. Jenna pursed her lips and nodded slightly. I see. She was silent for two seconds, then suddenly walked up to Lumian. She stopped in front of him, spreading her arms and her face blooming with a clear smile. Then, she proactively hugged Lumian, her voice coming from the embrace. Long time no see, Lumian Lee. Lumian slowly raised his hands and hugged Jenna back. His expression gradually softened, and his body seemed to relax a bit as well. After hugging for a while, Jenna and Lumian suddenly felt something was off. They straightened up and turned their gaze to the side. Ludwig was eating a lollipop, looking slightly puzzled at them. Ill go contact the bishops and have them prepare to preach in other regions. Jenna gestured towards a room on the first floor. That was the exclusive papal office, which the two deities did not have. I also need to pray to Mr. Fool. He gave me a revelation just as I completed my advancement, telling me to go above the gray fog after stabilizing my condition. Lumian nodded in response. There should be something I can understand at the angelic level. Separating from Jenna and heading upstairs, Lumian heard clanging sounds coming from the end of the second-floor hallway. He went over and found Francas workshop door slightly ajar, making quite a commotion. Pushing open the door, Lumian saw Franca with the left side of her face covered by a mask made of rivets, springs, gears, and various mechanical parts, trying to assemble a mechanical arm. She had already invented her fully automatic healing machine, and in the process, she had also created her own unique mystical pathogen. Now, the machine she had infused with soul fragments and brought to life using the Face of the Arcane had been moved to the mirror world, staying with her mirrored self, fully automatically respondingthis required no further operation from the her mirrored self, just categorizing the requests, as it was a truly autonomous machine with living properties and basic intelligence. Franca stood up, removing the Face of the Arcane, and came to the door, jokingly handing it to Lumian, Its Master Arcanes mealtime. Lumian took out a mirror and put the Face of the Arcane into it. Behind the mirror, there was seawater and a large number of marine creatures. Franca looked down the hallway and asked, Wheres Jenna? She went to assign the bishops to preach in other regions, Lumian briefly answered. Oh, its time to preach in other regions, Franca replied and then fell silent. Looking at her, Lumian suddenly smiled and said, You said before that you occasionally still want to see Lumian Lee, to hug Lumian Lee, right? Now you can hug him. Franca was suddenly dumbfounded. Me saying it is fine; but you saying it? Shameless! She snorted a couple of times, but still stepped forward and hugged Lumian, muttering, Im starting to miss Lumina and Aurore Pausing for a moment, she then said in a muffled voice, Welcome back, Lumian Lee. Lumian returned Francas hug, embracing her in silence. After a while, Lumian released his arms. I need to go above the gray fog. He took the well-fed Face of the Arcane out from behind the mirror. Mm-hmm, Ill keep going, Im sure I can make it! Franca excitedly took back the Face of the Arcane. Above the gray fog, within the majestic palace. Lumians figure appeared by the bronze long table, seeing only Mr. Fool and Madam Magician present. As expected, the upcoming topic is something only Angels can engage with Lumian stood up and greeted Mr. Fool. Maam Hermit and Madam Judgment were still unable to become Angels due to the level of their potion digestion and the required rituals. Sitting at the head of the bronze long table, Mr. Fool looked at Lumian and asked in a gentle voice, How are you feeling now? Lumian didnt hold back any information. Im full of the urge to kill and destroy, and also have a strong desire for copulation, especially towards the Demonesses, wanting to merge with them body and mind, until I devour and swallow them, truly becoming one. Additionally, I also want to conquer everything around me. Mr. Fool nodded slightly and said, This is the manifestation of godhood. Madam Magician sitting diagonally opposite Lumian quickly asked, Mr. Fool, can you explain the difference between godhood and humanity in more detail? Im not too clear on it myself. She didnt have this dilemma before, and Mr. Fool hadnt specifically discussed it. By the time she became an Angel, Mr. Fool had already entered his slumber, unable to answer her questions. Enveloped by the gray fog, Mr. Fool glanced at The Chariot Lumian and The Magician Fors and said, Okay. Chapter 1088 - Chapter 1088: Godhood and Humanity Chapter 1088: Godhood and Humanity Mr. Fool tapped the edge of the bronze table a few times with his finger. To understand the difference between godhood and humanity, we must first understand what godhood is and what humanity is. What is godhood? Hearing Mr. Fools question, Madam Magician contemplatively answered, The godhood of all things possess godhood? A crazed, chaotic spirit filled with destructive desires? Lumian also tried to answer, based on his own situation. Mr. Fool let out a chuckle. This can be divided into true godhood, apparent godhood, and the vague conception of godhood that many people have. True godhood naturally comes from true deities. In a narrow sense, only the Oldest One-the original Creator, the different personas split from Him. His direct offspring, and the first beings nurtured by the Great Mother can be called gods. The indestructible spirit left in their sefirot and corresponding Beyonder characteristics is the godhood that every later arrival must contend with- the essential godhood. Sefirot Split-off different personas Lumian had too many questions he wanted to ask, but ultimately chose the most important one at that moment. The godhood that we who have consumed potions and advanced on the path of the divine must contend with is the indestructible, indelible spirit left in the Beyonder characteristics by the original Creator? For most paths of the divine, that is the case, at least for you, for her, and for me too. Mr. Fool glanced at Madam Magician, his words tinged with a touch of amusement, But not entirely. Without giving The Chariot Lumian and The Magician Fors a chance to ask further questions, the Mr. Fool enveloped in gray fog said with a touch of sentiment, The original Creator is the collective of all. He is crazy, but also rational; He is confused, but also lucid. He created everything, and He destroyed everything. He loves all things, and He also hates all things. He has the most intense of all desires, yet He is indifferent and unaffected by anything. All His actions are random, even He Himself cannot predict them. He created the entire world, created all things, and finally split into six sefirot, sixteen Uniquenesses, and countless Beyonder characteristics. From this perspective, all things possess godhood. The extreme loss of control for most Beyonders is when godhood gains absolute dominance, transforming them into the state I just described, completely losing their sense of self. But this is not the full extent of the godhood we must contend with. Recalling his conversation with Mr. Fool in the dream city, Lumian had a rough understanding of what else they had to contend with. The different personas split off from the original Creator, who are also true deities, have left their psyche in the corresponding Beyonder characteristics. Uniquenesses, um, sefirot, and that is also the godhood we need to contend with, such as, that of the Celestial Worthy? Mr. Fool nodded slightly and said, Yes, after the original Creator awakened, He naturally disintegrated, and before that, His mind and consciousness had already completely split, with different spirits controlling different sefirot, Uniquenesses, and Beyonder characteristics. Among Them, the Seer, Apprentice, and Marauder pathways belong to the Celestial Worthy, the Spectator, Sailor, Reader, Secrets Suppliant, and Bard pathways belong to the primordial God Almighty-They are all personas of the original Creator. As for the great existences corresponding to the other personas, I do not know Their names. I can only tell you that the Celestial Worthy is the embodiment of Sefirah Castle, the primordial God Almighty is the symbol of the Chaos Sea, and the other sefirot include the City of Calamity of the Hunter and Demoness pathways, the River of Eternal Darkness of the Sleepless, Warrior, and Corpse Collector pathways, the Knowledge Moor of the Mystery Pryer and Savant pathways, and the Key of Light of the Fate pathway-all of these originate from the original Creator. In other words, the godhood that Beyonders on the Seer pathway must contend with is a combination of the primordial Creators residual psyche and the Celestial Worthys residual psyche and spirit. Similarly, the godhood that Beyonders belonging to different sefirot must contend with varies, with different focuses, reflecting the characteristics of their own pathways and corresponding sefirah. The City of Calamity why is it an ancient well and a malevolent dragon? And Mr. Fool only mentioned six sefirot and sixteen pathways Hearing this, Lumian suppressed his doubts and asked to confirm, The godhood I need to contend with has crazed, chaotic overtones, leaning towards destruction, conquest, and yin-yang coupling? The Beyonders under the Great Mother may need to contend with the crazed aspects of fertility? I see Madam Magician also largely grasped her own situation. Mr. Fool nodded and answered Lumians question, Yes. This is the general outline, but there are still some details to be addressed. For example, the Beyonders of the River of Eternal Darkness pathways actually need to contend with a mixture of the Celestial Worthys mental imprint, because in the ancient era, in the First Epoch, the Celestial Worthy had accommodated both the River of Eternal Darkness and the Nation of Disorder. Can one accommodate multiple sefirot? The newly advanced Lumian, weaker in emotional self-control, blurted out in surprise. For the Celestial Worthy, obviously not. Mr. Fool seemed to have thought of something amusing. Ill explain that knowledge later. Yes, Mr. Fool. Lumian restrained himself. I cant see who else has accommodated the other sefirot, but I can speculate that the City of Calamity was once accommodated by the primordial God Almighty. Mr. Fool continued, The godhood you need to contend with will also include a portion of His psyche. The City of Calamity was once accommodated by the primordial God Almighty? Lumian suddenly recalled the images of Grisha and Peng Deng in the dream city, the arrangement he saw through the magic mirror Arrodes, the fact that the Blood Emperor and the Primordial Demoness were created through the guidance of the Angel of Imagination Adam, and that he himself was also arranged by Adam, whose current godhood was obviously dominated by the primordial God Almightys residual consciousness and psyche! Thinking about this, Lumian suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. This feeling was quickly suppressed by the courage of a Weather Warlock. Mr. Fools voice returned to a gentle tone, What I just talked about was true godhood. When we have to use the vast majority of our energy, emotions, and feelings to contend with and suppress true godhood, the external manifestation will be different: Some are indifferent, some are gentle, some steadfastly execute a single intent and eliminate any obstacles. Of course, there are other manifestations as well. This is what I call apparent godhood. Apparent godhood Lumian suddenly felt a sense of emptiness in his heart, like a fist that had been cocked and was waiting to be thrown out, very likely to land on empty space. Then what is the vague conception of godhood in the general public? Madam Magician asked curiously. She seemed quite accustomed to this kind of conversation and exchange with Mr. Fool. Mr. Fool sighed and said, Let me first explain what humanity is. This has something to do with the vague conception of godhood? The Chariot Lumian guessed silently. Mr. Fool continued, In my understanding, humanity has two layers. The first layer is the most basic-the self-awareness of a living beings core and various instincts: selfishness, greed, survival, indifference, only caring about oneself, only doing things beneficial to oneself, not influenced or constrained by group morals, group interactions, or group perceptions. This layer, in fact, the great existences like the Celestial Worthy also possess, but since weve defined Them as true deities, we dont need to include Them here. Innate Mythical Creatures like Amon, the Hidden Sage, and Red Angel Medici also possess humanity, which is the first layer of humanity. If They didnt even have self-awareness, how could They contend with true godhood? They would have long ago become confused, crazed, and extreme, Their bodies hotbeds for the revival of great existences like the Celestial Worthy, allowing them to be completely occupied. The vague conception of godhood that many people have is just this first layer of humanity: indifferent, selfish, utilitarian, with the main goal of ones own continuation and empowerment. When true deities have resided at Sequence 0 for long enough, weathered by the passage of time, seeing the anchors of Their past strong emotions and important experiences gradually disappear, Their humanity will also gradually degrade to this layer. In a sense, this is also the godhood we need to contend with. And high-level beings with only this layer of humanity will likely become passive in contending with true godhood, until they are defeated-this is an inevitable outcome in the long run. In this regard, innate Mythical Creatures like Amon and Red Angel Medici, due to Their mode of birth, growth experience, strong relational interactions, and the team requirements and conquest desires brought by Their own Beyonder characteristics, may have some aspects that go beyond the first layer of humanity, such as the Red Angels pride and unyielding side. In contrast, the Hidden Sage suddenly came to life, and His interactions with other beings were just about imparting knowledge and accepting supplications, so He has mostly remained at the first layer of humanity. He didnt feel that begging for mercy is shameful, He didnt even have the concept of dignity and pride, which is something that human or human-like groups and societies have-He only had the instinct of survival and continuation. Because we often battle and contend with innate Mythical Creatures and high-level beings who have degraded to the first layer of humanity, we will vaguely perceive this as godhood. The Chariot Lumian and The Magician Fors both understood and agreed with what Mr. Fool had just said. Mr. Fool let out another laugh, his tone seeming a bit lighter. The second layer of humanity is the widely recognized humanity-the love, benevolence, courage, sacrifice, compassion, justice, and concern for others that we learned in our brief lifetimes. Of course, there are also negative aspects of humanity at this layer. I understand, Mr. Fool, Madam Magician and The Chariot Lumian responded in unison. Mr. Fool leaned back in his chair and then turned to The Chariot Lumian. Are you still wanting to ask what sefirot are, and why I only mentioned sixteen paths of the divine just now? Yes, Mr. Fool, please enlighten me. Lumian intuitively felt that what was about to be discussed was the purpose for which Mr. Fool had summoned him above the gray fog. Chapter 1089 - Chapter 1089: Above the Sequences Chapter 1089: Above the Sequences Mr. Fool directed his gaze toward Madam Magician Fors. She habitually cleared her throat and said to The Chariot Lumian, You must have already guessed that theres another level above Sequence 0, right? Those great existences? Lumian asked without any surprise. Yes, the great existences above the Sequences. Madam Magician nodded. They have accommodated a sefirah and all corresponding Uniquenesses, plus one Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristic from each corresponding pathway. They are also known as Great Old Dominators and Outer Deities, with indestructible psyches. Great Old Dominators Outer Deities Lumian mulled over these terms. Madam Magician said with a smile, This is how I understand it: all current great existences above the Sequences are true deities as defined by Mr. Fool. They are either personas split from the original Creator, His direct offspring, or the first beings born from the Great Mother. They had essentially appeared in this universe before the original Creator awakened and completely self-destructed, Their status originating from the old era. These are conditions that subsequent advancers can never achieve. Even if they truly become great existences, they would only be newly born Above the Sequences As she spoke, Madam Magician felt like she was discussing Mr. Fool right in front of him, and her voice gradually became quieter. She paused before continuing, Therefore, those great existences like to call themselves Great Old Dominators, and some true gods refer to Them as the Great Old Ones. And the currently living Great Old Dominators are all outside the barrier. Some want to invade our world, thus they are also called Outer Deities. I see Uniquenesses correspond to Sequence 0 true gods, sefirot correspond to those above the Sequences Lumian summarized in his own way. Madam Magician quickly glanced at Mr. Fool, and seeing no particular reaction from this great existence, she continued, Sefirot are collections of symbols, sources of authority, and origins of power. Back then, when the original Creator awakened, causing the destruction of the old era, He split into six sefirot, sixteen Uniquenesses, and all the Beyonder characteristics of sixteen paths of the divine. The destruction of the old era? Did Mr. Fool, Aurore, Franca, and other transmigrators come from the old era that was destroyed when the original Creator awakened? Lumian nodded imperceptibly. Madam Magician Fors carefully said, But currently, there are not just six sefirot in our world, but nine. Nine? Lumian asked in surprise, Did they originally exist? Besides Sefirah Castle, Chaos Sea, City of Calamity, River of Eternal Darkness, Knowledge Moor, and Key of Light, there were three more sefirot? Madam Magician shook her head. No, they are extraterrestrial in nature. The awakening and self-destruction of the original Creator was a catastrophe for the entire universe. During this process, His three direct offspringthe Mother Goddess of Depravity, um, that is, the Great Mother, along with the Mother Tree of Desire and Child of Chaoswere most affected. Their sefirot were each torn in half, with one half being drawn to the site of the original Creators self-destruction along with Their corresponding Uniquenesses and Beyonder characteristicsthat is, to our world, or rather, our planet. Since then, there have been nine sefirot, twenty-two Uniquenesses, and twenty-two divine pathways within the barrier. Why specifically nine and twenty-two? Perhaps it can be explained by the Moses Ascetic Orders theory that all things are numbers and numbers have spiritualitynine and twenty-two have special mystical significance. When Madam Magician mentioned terms like Mother Goddess of Depravity, Lumian suddenly felt as if numerous gazes were directed at him, though they couldnt penetrate the grayish-white fog. At this point, Mr. Fool lightly tapped the edge of the bronze long table and added, Normally, like Uniquenesses, sefirot cannot be divided, copied, or destroyed. Only one situation can cause them to be torn apartencountering the original Creator. He is the Exception, the Inconceivable, the Incomprehensible, the Indescribable. All things that shouldnt happen might happen when encountering Himunknowable, undiscussable, unnameable. And it was this single instance of sefirot being torn apart that led the Great Old Dominators to discover that torn sefirot could self-complete. The sefirot of the Mother Goddess of Depravity that was torn into our planet self-completed into the Brood Hive. The Mother Tree of Desire lost titles such as Father of Devils and Source of Curses, and they perfected themselves into the Tenebrous World. Among them, the Child of Chaos had a somewhat different experience. Whether His main consciousness was on the torn sefirot and followed it inside the barrier, or He later used His special symbolism to project His main consciousness inside to try to reclaim the torn sefirot, ultimately, His main consciousness was either defeated or deceived by the Celestial Worthy and sealed within a magic lamp formed from a Miracle Invoker Beyonder characteristicthis is the origin of the Grade 0 sealed artifact 0-05. The main consciousness of the Child of Chaos became Genie, the sefirot torn inside the barrier self-completed into the Nation of Disorder, while what remained outside the barrier was called the Uncertain Mistthat is, the one worshiped by the Brokers, and the Uncertain Mist has some consciousness. After hearing Mr. Fools account of the Child of Chaoss experience, Lumian suddenly found the School of Truths Brokers search for Sealed Artifact 0-05 somewhat amusing. It was like saying our gods brain is lost, please help us find it. Beyond the humor, Lumian was more concerned about another matter. The Brood Hive its in the Western Continent? What you didnt explicitly say before, Mr. Fool, is that it was possibly the Brood Hive that brought the Hidden Sage to life? Yes, these matters are dangerous and corruptive for those without an Angels statusdifficult to bear. Mr. Fool nodded slightly and said, In the middle to late period of the First Epoch, before the Celestial Worthys fall, He sealed seven sefirotthe Brood Hive, Nation of Disorder, Tenebrous World, City of Calamity, River of Eternal Darkness, Knowledge Moor, and Key of Lightin the Western Continent, to be guarded by Penglai. As a result, faced with the approaching apocalypse, all true gods who wanted to exceed the Sequence limitations to deal with the Outer Deities invasion had only one choiceto support the emergence of a Lord of Mysteries to lift the seal, and the Celestial Worthy could then be revived within the body of the new Lord of Mysteries. So Mr. Fool and I had similar experiences he was nurtured by the gods who were forced by the Celestial Worthy to ensure His revival, while I was forcibly created by the Blood Emperor revival efforts and to achieve some goal for the Aurora Orders deity Lumian felt somewhat emotional and reflective. Mr. Fool continued, The Celestial Worthys fall came from that primordial God Almighty who had also accommodated multiple sefirot. They nearly perished together. Some of the Celestial Worthys arrangements were for His own revival, while others were meant to interfere with the primordial God Almightys revival, and vice versa. In short, there are many reasons why I was able to suppress the Celestial Worthy this time: first, the help of the primordial God Almighty; second, the Mother Goddess of Depravity had other plans and didnt exert Her power; and third, the Celestial Worthys arrangement of sealing most sefirot in the Western Continent developed in ways He hadnt prophesied. The Beyonders of the Western Continent, through generations of sacrifice, managed to carve out a new path and grow stronger without a potion system and with few Beyonder characteristics. For example, the Celestial Master and the Underworld DaoistThey all have status and power approaching that of deities, and could be even stronger if they fought without regard for themselves. Penglai thus remained hidden. How could such high-level beings stand by and watch the Celestial Worthys revival and allow Penglai to play its role? I see, the Celestial Worthys backup plan was held back by the Celestial Master and others? His arrangement to force everyone to cultivate a Lord of Mysteries actually hindered His revival? Fate is truly wonderful Indeed, everyone only wants a Lord of Mysteries, whether the Lord of Mysteries is The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings doesnt matter Lumian looked at the bronze long table in front of Mr. Fool, knowing this great existence hadnt finished speaking. Mr. Fool looked at him and Madam Magician and said, After my initial awakening, although I still cant lift the Western Continents seal, I can communicate somewhat with the Celestial Master through it. The Celestial Master told me that their sects ancestral court had once been breached and occupied by the Luo Sect, and many historical Celestial Masters had romantic entanglements with Luo Sect holy maidens and had children with them. Luo Sect Both The Chariot Lumian and Madam Magician Fors were somewhat confused. Mr. Fool smiled. The Luo Sect has a saying: Unborn Ancient Mother, True Void Homeland. Unborn Ancient Mother, True Void Homeland True Void Homeland Paramita? Lumian suddenly understood. This is a sect that worships the Brood Hive? Unborn Ancient Mother is a title for the Brood Hive? Mr. Fool nodded. Combined with the events described by the Celestial Master, theres reason to believe the Knowledge Moor was once corrupted and influenced by the Brood Hive at some point in the past. This might be why the Hidden Sage came to life. I see The Chariot Lumian finally connected all the pieces. He raised another question. Do the Mother Goddess of Depravity, Mother Tree of Desire, and Uncertain Mist want to invade our world to reclaim their torn sefirot? What other Great Old Dominators are outside the barrier? What are Their goals? Madam Magician said with a slight headache, Besides those three, others wanting to invade our world include the Monarch of Decayoriginally worshiped by the Sick Churchthe Primordial Hunger that Ludwig once served, the Inextinguishable Ravings worshipped by the First Philosophy, Supernova Dominator who was the original owner of that space ship from the sea prayer ritual, the Circle of Inevitability that youre most familiar with, the High-Dimensional Overseer of the Painter pathway, and the Goddess of Fate worshiped by General Philip. Wh Isnt that a little too many? They even outnumber the true gods within the barrier, and Theyre a level higher, having transcended the Sequences Themselves Lumian was somewhat shocked, fear briefly surfacing before being suppressed by courage. Chapter 1090 - Chapter 1090: Pillars Chapter 1090: Pillars Madam Magician seemed to understand The Chariot Lumians current feelings and chuckled, When the original Creator split Himself, He also wanted to reunite and complete His revival. For this purpose, He left behind a barrier to protect the planet we live on. Without this barrier, those Great Old Dominators would have destroyed us along with the entire world long ago. By the way, try not to mention the cosmos to people without an Angels status, or rather, dont let them understand the true situation of the cosmos- the Outer Deities come from there. Well, the original Creators will is gradually fading with time, and power and psyche without will become chaotic and problematic. The barrier formed from this will end up increasingly unable to resist the great existences, until it reaches a critical point and completely shatters under the horrifying pressure. According to different prophecies and previous patterns, this critical point will arrive in 1368-this is the essence of the apocalypse. However, from the current situation, the apocalypse may not wait until the critical point appears. Problems within the barrier might cause the passageways to open prematurely. The Chariot Lumian nodded slightly, finally understanding completely why there would be an apocalypse and what the main dangers would be when it arrived. When the barrier shatters, even if Mr. Fool fully awakens and replaces The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings to become a great existence, their planet would only have one Above the Sequences being who could fight against the Great Old Ones, while there were a full ten Outer Deities in outer space! In the Vortex incident, the deity worshiped by the Aurora Order, with the help of Amon consuming Termiboros and the Genies special nature and other arrangements, severely wounded the Uncertain Mist and killed all the Brokers. This is a good thing. Madam Magician suddenly smiled. The Great Old Ones waiting to invade from different planets in the solar system have lost one of Their number, and the remaining ones can no longer be effectively united. The bad news is that after such careful planning and great effort, there are still nine Outer Deities left. Lumian already had some understanding of the final outcome and general development of the Vortex incident, but it wasnt entirely clear. Now, he finally understood what all those arrangements were for. He remained silent for a few seconds before repeating one of his previous questions, Besides the Mother Goddess of Depravity and Mother Tree of Desire, what are the other seven Great Old Ones trying to achieve? Mr. Fool had mentioned earlier that accommodating multiple sefirot was impossible for the Celestial Worthy, although He had indeed done so. From the subsequent narrative, it seemed that the Celestial Worthys ultimate fall was somehow related to this. Madam Magician glanced at the bronze long table in front of Mr. Fool, and seeing no objection from this great existence, she carefully said, There are actually different levels for Above the Sequences. The Mother Tree of Desire, Monarch of Decay, and other Great Old Dominators are at the first level. Besides Them, there are some other Outer Deities in the depths of cosmos, but They are either weaker in strength or have no desire for the symbolic meanings of the sefirot within the barrier, so They arent involved in this matter. The original Creator is at the third level, representing the ultimate, representing chaos, beginning and end, representing the unknowable and undiscussable. No existence can surpass this level, and this level can only have one being, and its very unstable because both aggregation and division are His instincts. Between the first and third levels, theres another level-the second level. The great existences at the second level arent much more powerful than the strongest first-level Great Old Ones like the Mother Tree of Desire, Child of Chaos, and Monarch of Decay, but They possess special symbolism. They are the foundation for the universes maintenance and development, each supporting a realm, and are known as Pillars. Pillars Lumian thought of the Ten Pillars of the Moses Ascetic Order. Madam Magician Fors said with undisguised amusement, This is a case of knowing the term Pillars but not understanding its true symbolic meaning. They thought it sounded sophisticated and misused it. In the eyes of those who truly understand the weight of Pillars, its simply foolish. It was the Brood Hive that brought the Hidden Sage to life and secretly corrupted Him. If Im not mistaken, the Mother Goddess of Depravity, who split off the Brood Hive, is one of the true Pillars, right? Ah, yes Madam Magician Fors was stunned again. Fate is truly wonderful The Chariot Lumian glanced at the head of the bronze long table, then withdrew his gaze and asked Madam Magician, Are there only three Pillars? Madam Magician Fors nodded. From a realistic perspective, there are countless planets in the universe, each planet equivalent to a world, and simultaneously, there exist numerous alternate dimensions, too many to count. But in mysticism, there are only three layers of worlds: the physical world, the spirit world, and the astral world. Many schools of mysticism might have different interpretations of this, but the final division of worlds still comes down to just three layers. Returning to conventional concepts, the primordial God Almighty is the dominator of the astral world, Mr. Fool is the lord of the spirit world, and the Mother Goddess of Depravity is the sovereign of the physical world. Well, although She had part of Her sefirot torn away. She still possesses the symbolism and status of a Pillar. You should know that besides the Mother Goddess of Depravity Herself, the Mother Tree of Desire, and the Child of Chaos being directly born from the original Creator, the remaining Great Old Ones were all born from the union of the Mother Goddess of Depravity and the original Creator. They are the first batch of beings She created. She is literally the mother of the Monarch of Decay, Supernova Dominator, and other Great Old Ones-the true Mother of All Things. Each controls a realm, but not completely. Their authorities overlap with each other-thats what Pillars are. Complete Pillars are at the second level of Above the Sequences, with a status higher than other Great Old Ones and slightly stronger in power, but not fundamentally different. A complete Pillar can defeat a Great Old One but cannot truly kill Them, and at most can simultaneously fight against two Great Old Ones, probably Mr. Fool, shrouded in grayish-white fog, neither confirmed nor denied her statement. Madam Magician withdrew her gaze and said to Lumian, If a complete Pillar accommodates one more sefirot, They will lose control over Their aggregation instinct and will actively consume more sefirot until They aggregate into the original Creator, causing His revival. Once this process begins, it can only be interrupted by Their complete fall and division. As for the first-level Above the Sequences Great Old Dominators, They can still accommodate another sefirot that has similar, close, or adjacent symbolism to Their own. This would make Them equal in power to the Pillars, though They still wouldnt possess the symbolism of Pillars. It seems the apocalypse is inevitable and unavoidable because the contradictions cannot be reconciled! Madam Magician reminded him, Dont think that sending away the sefirot would prevent the apocalypse. Lets not even discuss whether the current owners of the sefirot are willing, but those Outer Deities would need all the Uniquenesses of the corresponding pathways and one Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristic from each pathway while accommodating the corresponding sefirot. Should we have those true gods and Archangels commit suicide or find ways to lower Their status? Sequence 1 was often referred to as Archangels. Hearing Madam Magicians words, Lumian suddenly had some thoughts. Madam Magician continued, Even if we overcome all difficulties and reach an agreement on similar matters, and this world doesnt destroy itself through internal strife, the apocalypse would still come. You should know that godhoods tone is fundamentally madness, chaos, filled with desires for destruction and creation. Those Outer Deities have waited for thousands or tens of thousands of years C They wont spare our planet. Once the barrier is damaged, even if Their attention is focused on the sefirot, Uniquenesses, and Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics, it would still be unbearable for other Beyonders, ordinary people, and our planet. They are the manifestation of such symbolism. For example, the Monarch of Decay would naturally cause the entire planet and all living beings to start decaying, eventually either rotting to death or becoming disgusting creatures loyal to Him, and without necessary resistance, the mere approach of the Supernova Dominator would tear the planet apart. At that time, those above Sequence 2 will be watched, and below Sequence 2, not many Beyonders have the ability to survive in space. Sequence 2 is probably the Sequence most likely to survive the apocalypse, but for most Sequence 2 Angels, it would be extremely difficult to cross space, resist various dangers, and find a suitable planet for subsequent survival. Madam Magician was telling Lumian that once a house collapsed, most people inside will die-escape couldnt solve the problem. The Chariot Lumian thoughtfully said, Is it possible to find common desires among multiple Outer Deities, throw out the sefirah that would satisfy the most Outer Deities needs outside the barrier, incite internal strife among that portion of Outer Deities, let Them severely wound each other first, make the wounded ones retreat to deep space, and thus reduce the number of invading Outer Deities when the apocalypse comes? As he spoke, Lumian furrowed his brow. But the victorious Outer Deity would become more powerful-its impossible to assess whether this would be equivalent to the Outer Deities who were driven away As he was muttering to himself. Mr. Fool, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke, Actually, there is a hidden fourth Pillar. Chapter 1091 - Chapter 1091: Chaoss Future Chapter 1091: Chaoss Future A hidden fourth Pillar? Madam Magician exclaimed in shock. She clearly had never heard of this before. The Chariot Lumian was equally surprised. He couldnt help but glance at Madam Magician, muttering internally, Her humanity is well-preserved Mr. Fool, shrouded in grayish-white fog, explained in a calm tone. This world was born from chaos. Besides the astral worlds dominator, the spirit worlds lord, and realitys sovereign, there is another important symbolism-one that represents the endpoint of destiny, the universes destruction, and the finale of all things. Under such a symbolism, even the Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings and the Mother Goddess of Depravity would completely perish. Their spirits no longer existing, everything returning to chaos. Of course, the hidden fourth Pillar would meet the same fate, not much later than us. Or rather, Its self-destruction brings about all termination. Mr. Fool, which sefirot does this correspond to? Madam Magician curiously asked, beating The Chariot Lumian to the question. Mr. Fools fingers lightly tapped the edge of the bronze long table. Formed by the convergence of two sefirot -one is the City of Calamity, the other the River of Eternal Darkness. Madam Magician immediately looked across at The Chariot Lumian. The Chariot Lumians heart stirred, raising his right hand and gazing at the pitch-black, lifeless pinhole in his palm. Mr. Fool continued, The best way to transcend the Sequences is first to become a Sequence 0 true god of one pathway, then accommodate the corresponding sefirah, followed by the Uniquenesses of other pathways under the sefirah and Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics, with no ritual to assist. This is the general approach, though some pathways have their own unique details, like the Demoness and Hunter pathways. But ultimately, one must first become a Sequence 0 true god of a pathway to accommodate the sefirah, not become a dual- pathway true god before attempting. The latter has hope of success, but not a great chance. When the Red Priest or the Primordial Demoness accommodates the City of Calamity and continues to occupy the neighboring pathways Uniqueness and one Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristic, becoming the Origins of Disaster or Calamity of Destruction, and then accommodates the River of Eternal Darkness along with its pathways Uniquenesses and Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics, they can become the hidden fourth Pillar, becoming the endpoint of destiny and the universes destroyer. Conversely, the Sequence 0 true gods of Darkness, Death, and Twilight Giant pathways can also become the hidden fourth Pillar, starting from accommodating the River of Eternal Darkness. Now, the Evernight Goddess has already obtained the Uniquenesses of the Twilight Giant and Death pathways and grasps all the required Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics. She is deepening Her connection with that sefirah by using the tributary leaked from the seal through the Underworld Daoist and the River of Eternal Darkness. Through the Underworld Daoist Lumian suddenly understood the value the Church of Evernights emphasis had with Amandina. In the past half year, they hadnt had much contact with her, but they knew her general situation. The Church of Evernight Goddess had directly established contact with this Underworld Daoists student, personally managed by Mr. Star. The current Amandina had obtained the Sequence 5 Spirit Medium Beyonder ingredients, was digesting the Spirit Warlock potion, preparing for her advancement ritual, and waiting to receive a new round of boons at the end-of- year Dream Festival. Her relationship with the Church of Evernight Goddess had become very close. Just as Lumian was suddenly worried, Mr. Fool continued, You should have realized that the hidden fourth Pillar is related to the universes destruction and the termination of all things, and would not normally appear. As for whether we will need to wait until the universe reaches the end of life before the City of Calamity and River of Eternal Darkness can merge and give birth to the fourth Pillar, or if the fourth Pillar can be forcibly born through congregation but would bring about the universe and all things destruction-unless He immediately falls into slumber or passively splits C everything will perish. I cant see clearly yet, but the deity worshiped by the Aurora Order currently leans more towards the latter scenario. In other words, the hidden fourth Pillar will either be unable to be born for a very long time, or can only be used as a final option of mutual destruction or intimidating enemies? The Chariot Lumian gradually felt relieved. Then, he pondered the purpose and implications of Mr. Fools explanation about the hidden fourth Pillar. For me, this knowledge is currently meaningless Or perhaps, I can first jump to Sequence 1 of Death or Twilight Giant to better borrow the power of 0-01, narrowing the gap between myself and Red Angel Medici? If I could defeat this King of Angels, obtain two Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics of the Hunter pathway from Him, then find a way to lower my status, expel the original Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristic, return to the Weather Warlock level, and then re- advance, becoming a King of Angels of the Hunter pathway, accommodating 0-01 Lowering my status and re-advancing has significant risks and potential hidden dangers, but its much better than competing with Red Angel Medici at Sequence 2. However, I wont challenge the Red Angel one-on-one. Im a Major Arcana of the Tarot Club, a patron saint-no, a patron angel of the Church of The Fool. Hunters are about collective strength, so why would I fight alone? After Franca and Jennas advancement, if the ritual is difficult or Beyonder characteristics are unavailable, they could also consider switching to one of the Darkness, Death, or Twilight Giant pathways While The Chariot Lumian was contemplating, Mr. Fool looked at him and said, After switching to a hidden neighboring pathway, if you dont expel the corresponding Beyonder characteristics, youll be unable to accommodate the sefirah in the future and will be rejected by the belonging sefirah. Also, after becoming a Weather Warlock, your destiny has become chaotic and full of change. I am not omniscient, nor omnipotent. I can no longer see things as clearly and can only remind you to be extremely careful going forward. When he advanced to Weather Warlock, Lumian had already confirmed that the remaining spiritual imprint of Blood Emperor Alista Tudor had not been strengthened or revived within him. From that point, he knew the Blood Emperors resurrection arrangement would emerge and erupt in subsequent events, which were currently unforeseeable. Mr. Fools warning deepened his vigilance in this aspect: An arrangement that even this great existence cannot provide effective guidance must be extraordinarily complex! Madam Magician Fors, who had chatted with Mr. Fool many times, knew from his last statement that todays small gathering, or the common knowledge lesson for the Tarot Clubs new angel, should conclude. She looked at The Chariot Lumian and said, You should now understand the current situation and the source of the apocalypse. Analyzing things afterward will allow you to directly see their essence. As an Angel more senior than you by several years, let me share three final experiences. First, previous Sequences must be acted upon again because the potion you consumed contains Beyonder characteristics from all previous Sequences. Most importantly, you need to make up for the acting of Iron-blooded Knight and War Bishop, Hunter, Provoker, Pyromaniac, Conspirer and Reaper can all be naturally and effectively digested in your future battles or wars. Second, travel to different regions to improve local weather and leave behind legends. This is not only necessary for digesting the Weather Warlock potion but also a must-do to spread faith and obtain more anchors. Third, Mr. Fool has already explained the difference between godhood and humanity very clearly. Combining my own experience, I have one insight: distinguish between the normal desires brought by the second layer of humanity, and the abnormal desires created by first-layer humanity and godhood. Resist the latter, guide the former. Dont be too suppressed and restrained, nor can you be greedy and indulgent. The Chariot Lumian listened carefully and thoughtfully said, Thank you, Madam Magician. Madam Magician Fors smiled self-deprecatingly. If you have any new insights in this area later, you can tell me too. I need to prepare for my Sequence 1 advancement. Sequence 1 of the Door pathway? The Chariot Lumian asked with slight surprise. In his view, the Sequence 2 Planeswalker of the Door pathway was the Sequence most likely to survive the apocalypse, without question. First, before reaching Sequence 1, they wouldnt be specifically targeted by the Outer Deities. Second, They possessed the ability for space travel and could carry a group of people. Afterward, They could completely find a planet in a remote area of the universe with relatively suitable conditions, and use Their recording abilities or the Beyonder characteristics of different pathways to make it habitable and redevelop civilization. Madam Magician nodded. Yes, the Key of Stars. The Beyonder characteristics and supplementary ingredients are not lacking. The Abraham family has long wanted to give them to me. The price is to protect their clan, prevent the Abraham name from going extinct, ensure at least one Sequence 1 Angel is born among them. Afterward, if the apocalypse comes, my first task would be to transfer them away. The good news is they now have several Saints. The bad news is they are far from digestion. The Sequence 3 Wanderer still needs to travel in space to digest quickly. The ritual itself isnt complicated. Find a continuously rotating, signal-emitting heavy planet, approach it, land on it, and then find a way to establish sufficient mystical connections with it. The first part of the ritual is very dangerous, the latter part extremely difficult. But with Mr. Fools help, these arent major problems-He can directly Graft me onto the corresponding planet to satisfy the conditions, though the premise is that I can withstand such pressure. The current trouble is that my Planeswalker potion hasnt been completely digested. These years Ive been going everywhere, the number of times is enough, and the term walker is satisfied, but none of it counts as planeswalking At this point, Madam Magician suddenly closed her mouth. She felt like she was complaining about work, and her direct superior-who could easily crush her-was sitting at the head of the long table. Listening to Madam Magicians words, Lumian suddenly discovered a problem. Mr. Fool doesnt actually have to deal with the subsequent planetary apocalypse, because no Outer Deity would compete for Sefirah Castle- accommodating this sefirah with a Pillar symbolism would only lead Them to self-destruction Chapter 1092 - Chapter 1092: Just Wishing to Save Humanity Chapter 1092: Just Wishing to Save Humanity Madam Magician forcibly changed the topic. If the apocalypse truly arrives in 1368 as predicted, I wont need to rush my advancement. In a few years, Mr. Fool should be completely awake, then unlock the seal on the Western Continent, allowing more Above the Sequences to be born. At that time, even if were still at a disadvantage when the apocalypse arrives, well at least have the power to protect ourselves. Without the Uncertain Mist mediating, those Outer Deities wont be able to cooperate well, and they must guard against becoming other Outer Deities prey after being wounded. Unfortunately, theres not much time left. I can only quickly advance to Sequence 1. As a Sequence 1 Angel of the Door pathway, my chances of survival during the apocalypse will be much higher than other pathways. After all, those Outer Deities probably havent set Their target on Sefirah Castledo They want self-destruction to happen even faster? Her thoughts were similar to Lumians, believing that Sefirah Castle and its three subordinate pathways were most likely not the Outer Deities targets. Even if she became a Sequence 1 Key of Stars, she wouldnt be specifically targeted. Lumian detected the insincerity in Madam Magicians words. No matter what, if purely for self-preservation and protecting the closest few people, a Sequence 2 Planeswalker would definitely be better than a Sequence 1 Key of Stars, less likely to be noticed, able to sneak away during the chaos. Choosing to quickly digest the potion and advance to Sequence 1 is to do more during the apocalypse? The Chariot Lumian could vaguely grasp that mentality and thought. At this moment, the Fool shrouded in gray fog said to Madam Magician Fors, The Key of Stars will also become a target. Before I fully awaken, if the apocalypse arrives, no Outer Deity will want to see a Lord of Mysteries truly born. They will seal the sefirah, take away the corresponding Uniquenesses and Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics, eliminating the possibility of the spirit worlds lord returning. Although They cant further accommodate Sefirah Castle, occupying one or two Uniquenesses and the corresponding Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics is not a problem. Their power will increase slightly, and Their abilities will become more diverse. Besides, just because They cant accommodate Sefirah Castle doesnt mean theres no suitable way for Them to use it. Madam Magician fell silent. She didnt say she would reconsider, nor did she immediately state her position of becoming an Archangel before the apocalypse. Lumian was thinking about something else. Even if only one or two years remains before the apocalypse, with the Major Arcana card holders efforts and Mr. Fools current awakening speed, by then, even if he hasnt fully awakened, it shouldnt be far off. As long as he doesnt actively prevent the Outer Deities invasion, those Outer Deities would probably not intentionally provoke him. But, he is clearly preparing to confront the apocalypse The Chariot Lumian glanced at Mr. Fool at the head of the bronze long table and asked no further questions. Trier, inside the luxurious villa. Lumian, lying in the armchair, opened his eyes. He reached out and touched his blood-red long hair, preparing to cut it short, but after thinking, he abandoned that plan. Lumian stood up and paced the room, his mind filled with knowledge obtained above the gray fog. He now understood that his goal of becoming a Sequence 0 true god and attempting to accommodate the City of Calamity was not only necessary for Aurores resurrection but also a requirement to transcend Sequences and face the apocalypse. Just one or two years to digest the Weather Warlock potion, become a Sequence 1 Archangel, then digest the corresponding Sequence 1 potion, find a way to defeat Red Angel Medici, perform the apotheosis ritual, and finally suppress the City of Calamitys consciousness to accommodate it, and possibly contest with the Primordial Demoness in between Isnt this timeline too pressing? If luck is bad, I might not even complete the first step of digesting the Weather Warlock potion Lumian merely imagined the upcoming tasks and felt his scalp go numb, believing there was almost no hope of success. Not to mention whether those steps could succeed, there simply wasnt enough time! Digesting a demigod level potion itself required a very long time. Lumians previous rapid digestion of the Despair and Unaging potions was due to two factors: first, the deity worshiped by the Aurora Order had actively exposed Himself, converting all previous arrangements into despair; second, leveraging Aurores special status as a transmigrator from the past, with her soul fragments maintaining a certain activity, sealed inside himan arrangement by the deity worshiped by the Aurora Order. Now, Lumian couldnt see any opportunity for quickly digesting the Weather Warlock potion, and that deity seemed to have made no arrangements in this regard. As an Angel of the Hunter pathway, Lumian already possessed steel-like willpower and fire-like courage. He quickly suppressed his instinctive retreat and fear, first considering the first step of digesting the Weather Warlock potion. Based on my previous experience, there are two main approaches to quickly digest a potion: first, through special encounters that adjust ones mental and spiritual state to closely align with the potions true meaning; second, by using a higher-level Beyonder as the object of acting, obtaining better digestion speed. The first approach is no longer possible Those higher than my level are Archangels, true gods, and great existences, and a Weather Warlock isnt meant to be acted out by people Ask Them to be spectators, observing me change the weather and provide feedback? Taking it a step further, change the weather in a true gods divine kingdom? At the next gathering, seek Mr. Fools consent to add special effects to the Major Arcanas discussion, change the weather in Sefirah Castle? I wonder if this would be effective Ill seek Mr. Fools guidance during the next prayer Lumian, with his initial thoughts taking shape, suddenly smiled self-deprecatingly. There was a method that could help him digest the Weather Warlock potion in the shortest time possible. Let Blood Emperor Alista Tudor resurrect within him, after which he would no longer need to digest other potions. The only problem was that he would die, and Aurore would not be resurrected. I wonder what arrangements Alista Tudor has made, if theres a way to use these arrangements to quickly digest the Weather Warlock potion? Lumian thought for a while but found no insights. He then considered Madam Magicians suggestion. Strengthen humanity, resist godhood, distinguish between normal and abnormal emotions, desires, and behaviors Anchors bring others perceptions, and everyones perception of me differs from my true self to some extent. This is also a form of corruption that can easily make my thoughts, spirit, and humanity chaotic, but it can be used to balance and resist godhood, giving my true self and humanity a chance to breathe If these are normal emotional responses that would arise from ones own humanity, even if overlapping with godhood, they dont need to be too suppressed and can be expressed normally? Is this a kind of fusion? Mr. Fool said in the dream city to both resist and merge At the Angel stage, fusion is superficial, not obvious, mainly about resistance and suppression? Lumian examined himself, sorting through different emotions and desires. After a while, he roughly knew what he could do, to what extent, what must be strictly controlled, and what signs required immediate restraint. Of course, having just advanced and not yet adapted to the potion, his state was unstable. Many things he could do now might be difficult to control, potentially being driven by godhood into terrible developments. So, he needed to initially digest the potion. Thinking this, Lumian immediately used the Hunter pathways Mental Communication to speak to Franca, Jenna, Ludwig, and Anthony, who had not yet left the 10-kilometer range. After becoming a Weather Warlock, Alista Tudors arrangements might start to manifest. You must be more vigilant and attentive, especially regarding matters involving the Demoness Sect. Mental Communication would not transmit all inner thoughts or fleeting ideas to companions; there must be an intention to speak out for the information to resonate in everyones minds. If Lumian were to share a Manipulators Beyonder powers and attach it to Mental Communication, he could achieve a weakened version of the Hall of Truth effect. After speaking, Lumian took out a mirror to divine which region was experiencing extreme weather. After obtaining the answer, he was about to teleport there. Before activating the black mark on his right shoulder, he suddenly had a new idea. Some ways to maintain and strengthen humanity can be done right now! A wind rose, blowing open the bedroom window. Then, Lumian sensed the spirit world coordinates of the target area while picking up the coat rack in the room and suddenly hurling it toward the sky. The coat rack quickly ignited with a purplish-blue flame, speedily racing toward the horizon. Lumian leaped lightly, jumping out the window and landing precisely on the burning coat rack. Then, with his feet slightly apart and hands clasped behind his back, his coat fluttering, he rode the flame-engulfed coat rack, which was now faster than the speed of sound and still accelerating, toward the target area. In the second-floor studio, Franca, momentarily distracted from her creation by Lumians warning, heard a booming sound from high in the sky. Wearing the Face of the Arcane, she stepped to the window and looked at the azure sky, just in time to see Lumian standing on a flaming great sword, hands behind his back, rapidly disappearing from her field of view, leaving behind a new sonic boom. Francas expression revealed envy. At the same time, she quietly sighed in relief. In the first-floor papal office, Jenna had been worried about the negative effects of Francas fully automatic healing machinewhich would make every healed person, upon recovery, filled with a desire to reproduce and want to have a child. Her solution was to have padres and bishops treat common illnesses, pray to the great God of Disease for serious conditions, and subsequently, for those with families and partners, have the Sick Church handle the economic losses from childbirth. For those without partners, consider matchmaking, and if that failed, have Anthony handle itmaking them feel that it was completely fine having had a child! Hearing the sonic boom, she also came to the window, looking outside and seeing Lumian traveling in his peculiar and arrogant manner. Jennas face gradually broke into a smile. She felt Lumians state had improved somewhat. Chapter 1093 - Chapter 1093: Key Points of Acting Chapter 1093: Key Points of Acting High in the cloud layers, the wooden coat rack beneath Lumians feet, burning with a violet-blue flame, did not quickly turn to ash. It was like a truly heat-resistant, miraculous metal, maintaining its basic, hard state. This was an ability Hunters possessed since the Iron-blooded Knight stage: weaponizing ordinary objects, temporarily transforming them into lethal tools. At the angelic level, Lumian could now make wood, paper, and similar materials temporarily reach the strength of the Sword of Courage, ensuring they would not instantly dissolve under the added flames and internal explosions, maintaining their most fundamental stability. This allowed a Hunters fireball to have a carrier and divert some power to constantly accelerate, ultimately bombing the target area from a distance at several times the speed of sound. At the Iron-blooded Knight stage, this remote range was 5 to 10 kilometers. For a Weather Warlock, it became hundreds, or even thousands of kilometers. However, this was not very useful in actual combat. Even if the weapon carrying the fireball flew quickly, adding an extremely long distance would still require a certain time to reach the target area. Not to mention Angels and Saints, even Mid-Sequence Beyonders with strong spiritual intuition could detect it in advance and escape the potentially covered area in time. The current level of the Fog of War could not be attached and follow along. Lumian could divert a small portion of his psyche to merge into the fireball or weapon, allowing them to change direction. But such an operation, when done from too far away, would always lack precision and thus could not strike enemies beyond a certain level. The greatest use of such an attack was only to destroy fixed targets. For Lumian, it was completely incomparable to the mystical long-range attacks delivered through the mirror world. But Lumian looked down at the coat rack beneath his feet, burning brilliantly like a giant sword, then glanced at the blown-open white clouds and the city below that looked like specks of dust, and listened to the sonic boom that could not catch up to him. He laughed Inwardly. How cool! Without considering conspiracies, a Hunter must be arrogant! Otherwise, how would one provoke others? Boom! A violet-blue light, with a human figure standing atop it, rapidly traversed the sky, leaving behind a blast that made houses and glass violently tremble. Beside a mountain-side village where rain was pouring down. The river had already overflowed with yellowish water, surging toward the not-so-large city in the distance. The citys residents were anxious, worried that mountain floods would erupt and affect their living spaces. Many villagers had already climbed to the second floor or onto their roofs because the rising water had gone beyond their knees and was trying to break down their doors. Looking at the increasingly yellow floodwaters, experienced villagers grew more worried and had nowhere to escape. Suddenly, they heard a loud bang and instinctively looked up, casting their gaze toward the sky. They then saw a light, bluish-violet like a fire meteor, hovering and stopping among the layered dark clouds, with what seemed to be a person standing on top-a tall figure with blood-red long hair, though far away. This person riding a flaming sword began moving amidst rising white water vapor and dense surrounding rain, with powerful, high-strung and frenzied movements, with a twisted, mysterious posture. A divine being dancing in the sky! Villagers nearby and city dwellers in the distance all suddenly had the same thought. This is a ritual. A ritual of praying to some existence! The ritual dance became increasingly intense, and everyone who saw this scene seemed to hear thumping drum beats. As the divine beings dance progressed, the rain gradually diminished, and dark clouds in the high sky dispersed one by one. In the end, the rainstorm completely stopped, and rays of brilliant sunlight shone upon villagers hiding on the second floor and rooftops, and upon the worried citizens looking toward the mountains edge. The divine being stopped the ritual dance, and the flaming sword beneath their feet disappeared. With a magnificent, layered voice, they proclaimed to the humans below, My name: Family to the King of Yellow and Black, Priest of Weather and Plague, the Dual-Bodied one who spreads war and chaos! Among those born and raised in religious societies, a large portion instinctively bowed their heads and shouted in unison, Praise be to you, Priest of Weather and Plague! Praise be to you for sending away the calamity! By the time these people raised their heads, the divine being had vanished. Trier, inside the luxurious villa. Lumians figure quickly traced itself in his room. He distinctly felt that his Weather Warlock potion had been digested a bit. The effect of this act was much stronger than changing the extreme weather of three regions immediately after his advancement! Previously, I was doing good deeds quietly, unknown, lacking clear directional feedback? Hmm, a Weather Warlock must let people know they are a warlock, must be seen, or understood, otherwise its not a successful act The people in those three regions would probably think it was the local faiths gods protection, praising those gods, not me. Only a small portion might connect the weather changes with the previous appearance of a witch It cant be too simple to change the weather. Even if it doesnt substantially take effect, the ritual must be there. The audience must feel I used great effort to change the weather, otherwise Id be performing as a God of Weather instead of a Weather Warlock Positioning the Weather Warlock as a priest of weather should be fine Also, Hunter represents the initial masculine side, robust, highly aggressive, often associated with being flamboyant. Looking at it this way, a Hunters arrogance and conspicuousness are sometimes a conspiracy, sometimes an acting requirement Combining the feedback from two different performances, Lumian vaguely grasped a key point. A Weather Warlocks performance cannot be low-key! Hiding behind the scenes doing good deeds is not a Hunters style! Moreover, although the Sequence name Weather Warlock had no clear good or bad orientation, based on the fact that the Hunter pathway represented war and was one of the two components of calamity, and drawing from previous Sequence acting experiences. Lumian suspected that the hidden acting principle might be bringing disaster by changing the weather. Bringing disaster to enemies by changing the weather will be a key focus of future acts. Lumian nodded thoughtfully, feeling slightly disappointed. He murmured to himself. No accidents, no anomalies His extremely flamboyant travel this time was partly to satisfy his normal inner desires, maintain and expand his humanity, and partly to provoke hidden arrangements by Blood Emperor Alista Tudor or that Red Angel Medici. Unfortunately, under Mr. Fools gaze and with the situation not being chaotic, nothing happened. Every successful Hunter was a qualified schemer and wouldnt be so easily trapped. Feeling disappointed but in much better condition, Lumian left the bedroom, intending to pour himself a glass of absinthe downstairs. Franca heard the movement and walked out of her workshop. She had let the Face of the Arcane fall back into slumber, returning to the Travelers Bag. Glancing at Lumian, Franca asked with unusual anticipation, Oh-oh, can your previous sword-riding ability be shared? Sword-riding? Although Lumian had been in the dream city for half a month, his exposure to information couldnt be too comprehensive, so he wasnt familiar with this somewhat niche term. However, he quickly associated it with his coat rack flying based on the literal meaning, and said with a smile, Got it. It can be shared. Its formed by combining the ability to weaponize any object and the ability to manipulate fireballs. Although I can only share one ability with you at a time, they dont need to be used simultaneously to complete the combination. Francas eyes became increasingly bright. Can I try now? Lumian couldnt help but chuckle. Of course, but remember, only within a 10-kilometer range. Weaponized items wont quickly return to normal and get damaged, but once you exceed the teams effective distance, youll lose control of the attached flame. Franca was a bit disappointed but found it acceptable. Fine, 10 kilometers it is. She thought for a moment and added, To go beyond 10 kilometers, youd have to stay with me, not creating distance? Well, you can stand on the back half of my flying sword The leader of a Hunter team must necessarily be a Hunter, with the 10-kilometer range calculated from their center. If a team has more than one Hunter, only one led, the highest-Sequence one. If there was more than one highest-Sequence member, they determined superiority through combat. Thats right, Lumian confirmed Francas statement. Francas face immediately lit up. Lets start, first have a quick spin within the 10- kilometer range. Then well ride swords through the sky, hmm, lets bring Jenna along Just as she was saying this, Franca suddenly sensed something and took out a makeup mirror from her clothings hidden pocket. She took it out while telling Lumian, My only subordinate sent a message. Although the Sick Church had multiple priests and bishops, and the market district had gang leaders at Francas disposal, the one who actually led them, assigned tasks, and received reports was mainly Jenna. Francas true subordinate was only one person: her subordinate in the Demoness Sect, the Witch Niceea, who was a mole in the Emperor Party. Of course, Niceea was now a Demoness of Pleasure. Stay alert, Lumian cautioned. This involved the Demoness Sect and the special mirror world, so they had to be extra careful from now on. Mm-hmm. Franca nodded while seeing a light on the mirrors surface unfold into Intisian: Louis Gustav has mysteriously disappeared. Louis Gustav has mysteriously disappeared. Francas eyes narrowed. The leader of the Emperor Party, the man secretly planning to overthrow the current government, with some connection to the mirror worlds Roselle, Louis Gustave, had mysteriously disappeared? Chapter 1094 - Chapter 1094: Trap? Chapter 1094: Trap? In the Maison dOpra district, on Rue du Chapeau Noir, inside an apartment with drawn curtains. Niceea, with her curly brown hair pulled up, wearing an off-shoulder black dress and a thin gauze shawl, placed the makeup mirror given by her immediate superior on the cabinet in front of her and patiently waited for feedback. After about twenty to thirty seconds, she saw a human figure quickly traced within the mirror, stepping out. The person had slightly blackened, somewhat flaxen- colored long hair, tied into a spirited ponytail, eyebrows extending dynamically into the temples, and lake-blue eyes that were slightly deeper than before, with an added soul-attracting depth amid their bright and crystal-clear appearance. When did Louis Gustav disappear? Francas red and pretty lips moved. Although she had become a Demoness of Pleasure, Niceea was still dazzled by her superiors beauty, temperament, and charm, her heart Involuntarily stirring. She unconsciously compared Madame Franca with the Demoness of Black she had seen before, discovering that she didnt like to change her temperament much, always trying to find the most attractive side for her conversation partner, remaining straightforward and natural. It was precisely this casual and natural state that made Madame Franca uniquely charming. Combined with her nonchalant expression and high-ranking status, Niceea occasionally felt she wanted to prostrate herself at her feet, body and soul. After spending some time controlling the ripples in her heart, Niceea reported in detail, Louis Gustav arranged to meet several core members of the Emperor Party, including Grous, in a secret mine in Underground Trier yesterday to discuss discreetly developing members within the army. As a result, everyone arrived, but he did not appear. From yesterday until now, Grous and others have tried various methods to contact him, but have received no response. Niceea was now not only Grouss mistress but had also gradually become a person close to the core of the Emperor Party due to her talent in instigation, provocation, and seduction. It seems Louis Gustav had truly met with an accident. not just being delayed, but considered missing Franca thought and asked, Has anything unusual happened within the Emperor Party recently? Niceea shook her head. In recent months, whether its the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, the God of Steam and Machinery Church, Bureau 8, or the military, they have significantly increased the number of official Beyonders stationed in Trier, Madame, you might find it hard to believe, but the patrols in Underground Trier are now led by Sequence 5 Beyonders, team after team. In the first two months, the Emperor Party was still making small moves, resulting in many secret members being exposed, suffering significant losses. Recently, they have been well-behaved, only covertly developing and expanding. Previously, Louis Gustav and Grous often met, knew each others residences, and would occasionally discuss matters at fixed cafes. But after nearly being caught by official Beyonders from the Bureau 8, Louis Gustav moved from his original residence and carefully commanded core members remotely. So thats how it is No wonder it sounds different from before, when Grous and others used to know Louis Gustavs daily routine Franca slightly nodded and told Niceea, This matter is significant. I will first report to the Demoness of Black. Stand by for new orders at any time. Yes, Madame Franca! As soon as Niceea finished speaking, she saw her superiors figure gradually fade, transforming from solid to virtual, quickly disappearing as if never having been present. Only the lingering faint fragrance in the air and a hint of what seemed like machine oil indicated someone had been there. In the luxurious villa. Franca ended her mirror projection maintenance and turned to Lumian. Ever since you advanced to Weather Warlock, I now see everything as a trap. Niceeas report could be a trap from the Demoness Sect, and Louis Gustavs disappearance might be a trap from the Mirror People. Never mind, Ill report to the Demoness of Black, saying the matter is significant and requesting her personal handling. If I dont get involved, I wont fall into the trap! In the Demoness Sect, Franca was still nominally a Demoness of Despair and a subordinate of the Demoness of Black, though of course, the truth couldnt be hidden from the Primordial Demoness. Is this what you call upward management? Lumian chuckled, If its a trap, the Demoness of Black certainly wont let you shirk responsibility. If its not a trap, she should still have you conduct a concurrent investigation. Sigh, I know, Franca sighed, I was just venting my emotions. What if the Demoness of Black actually goes to investigate herself? People, after all, must live with hope and anticipation. Lumian glanced at Franca. I feel that youll maintain your humanity quite well in the future. Why suddenly talk about humanity? Are you troubled by godhood? Franca keenly countered. After speaking, she took out a makeup mirror and verbally formed the information about Louis Gustavs disappearance and Niceeas detailed report, transmitting it through the mirror world to the mirror designated by the Demoness of Black-she would avoid meeting the Demoness of Black whenever possible to prevent stepping into a trap. After Franca finished this matter, Lumian briefly explained Mr. Fools interpretation of godhood and humanity, and his own state of being. Franca was enlightened. So thats why you suddenly proposed hugging-you were somewhat unable to control the aggregation instinct and destruction desire? No, because I had already hugged Jenna, I felt it should be fair. Lumian said in a low laugh. Francas mouth twitched slightly. Lumian casually added another sentence, What you said also had some influence. Franca hummed in response and suddenly burst into laughter. Whats so funny? Lumian found it strange. Franca cleared her throat and replied, As a fellow hometown native, Ive always supported your sisters creative work and read many of her novels. Some descriptions are really cringy. Theres one line that goes something like: He hugged me tightly, very forcefully, as if afraid of losing me, wanting to crush me and tuck me into his body. My goodness, this isnt a cringy description, its clearly a horror description, so realistic! Seeing Franca wasnt too frightened and even joking, Lumians inner pressure seemed to diminish. He naturally discussed his sisters works. Aurora deliberately intensified the cringe. She says Intisians love this style. By the way, did those works exist in the old era? Franca gently shook her head in response. You could say the story concepts and ideas are similar, but without being a Savant, how could one exactly reproduce them? Moreover, your sister integrated current social trends and folk culture, making it an entirely different work. Its not like just because someone previously wrote about transmigration, me writing about transmigration makes it plagiarism? I see Lumian was very satisfied with this answer. At this moment, the Demoness of Black responded to Franca through the mirror: Find effective clues as soon as possible. Yes, Madame. Franca responded, making a face at Lumian. After pondering for a few seconds, she sent a new order to Niceea: Search for clues, try to find Louis Gustavs current residence. Preferably obtain some items closely related to Louis Gustav and bring them to me. This way, Franca could perform Magic Mirror Divination and even seek guidance from Mr. Fool. After she finished issuing the command, Lumian laughed and asked, Still doing that sword-riding thing? Francas spirits lifted. Of course! She then seemed to have a moment of reflection, muttering to herself, The apocalypse is near. We must cherish daily happiness and satisfaction. We cant abandon todays life because of some dangerous things well have to do later. Hmm Lumian slowly nodded. One week later, at midnight. Niceea silently slid off the bed, stood upright, and merged into the darkness. She glanced at the muscular middle-aged man on the bed, naked and only partially covered by a blanket, for a few seconds before leaving the bedroom soundlessly and entering the room in the furthest corner of the second floor. Then, she took out a special makeup mirror, used the spell given by her superior, and sent information to the designated mirror. She knew reporting at this hour would disturb Madame Francas rest, but the situation was urgent. If she waited until dawn, Grous would take back those two items, so she had no choice. Shortly after, Francas figure was projected from the makeup mirror. She wore a silk nightgown with a thin outer jacket for cover, her slightly black flaxen-colored long hair cascading down, her expression unabashedly lazy and drowsy, her lake-colored eyes slightly deeper and hazy. Niceea was stunned, only awakening when Franca spoke. What is it? Niceea came to her senses. Madame, Ive obtained two items closely related to Louis Gustav. These were found in one of his previous secret hideouts. As she spoke, Niceea raised her hands. In one hand, she held a silver brooch made of two intertwined snakes; in the other, she held a dark gold coin. Seeing the latter, Franca suddenly became alert. She used invisible spider silk to pull the coin before her. One side of the gold coin was quite simple, with raised patterns forming a chariot, bearing the number 2. The other side had a considerably complex pattern. The main body was a crowned figure with a hanging cloak. To the left of the crown was a sketched, layered gate; to the right was a clock face with only one hand, its grid sizes unequal, with light and dark intertwining. Parallel to the crown on the layer below were tiny flower pattern elements: a vertical pupil, five fingers of varying lengths, and a door split by a vertical long sword. A Tudor coin Francas pupils slightly dilated as she recognized the item. It was very similar to the Tudor coin they had obtained from the Sick Church, but with a face value of 2. The patterns and details were essentially the same between the two coins, but their expressions differed significantly. Chapter 1095 - Chapter 1095: Convergence? Chapter 1095: Convergence? After confirming the dark gold coin was indeed a Tudor coin with a 2 denomination, Franca inwardly cursed the Blood Emperors persecution of those with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Why such a significant difference in patterns when its just a different denomination? Theyre essentially expressing almost the same symbolic meaning! Niceea, unaware of her superiors peculiarity, continued to describe the origins of the two items, This brooch is a Gustav family item, made according to their family crest. Its one of Louis Gustavs most valued possessions and a symbol of his identity. Normally, he carries this brooch with him, but this time he left it in his original hideout. This ancient gold coin and the brooch were kept together and seem equally important. Under the pull of invisible spider silk, the brooch formed by intertwined snakes flew towards Franca. Franca was not unfamiliar with the Gustav family crest. After a quick glance, she confirmed its authenticity and chuckled inwardly. A DNA double helix structure, right? Clearly, the current Gustav family crest originated from a masterpiece during the late period of Emperor Roselle, not from earlier ancestors. Niceea looked up at her beautiful, elegant, and natural superior, pleading, Madame, after you complete the Magic Mirror Divination, can you return these two items to me? I stole them from Grous. If I dont return them promptly, Ill definitely be suspected. No problem. Francas mirror projection took the brooch and coin, retracting into the makeup mirror. Niceea patiently waited in the current room. Louis Gustavs mysterious disappearance is related to the Tudor coin. After taking the Gustav family brooch and Tudor coin out of the mirror, Franca conveyed this information to Lumian, who was presumably still asleep, through the mental-linked team communication channel. A few seconds later, Lumian opened his bedroom door and walked into Francas room. Everyone residing in this luxurious villa was a demigod, possessing strong spiritual intuition. They noticed the commotion and threw on outer garments, heading to Francas room. The only one who didnt react was Ludwig, who was preparing his second midnight snack in the annex kitchen. After Franca briefly explained Niceeas feedback, she spoke with considerable gravity, I plan to first pray to Mr. Fool, then perform Magic Mirror Divination to see if I can determine Louis Gustavs current whereabouts using these two items as a medium. Ill do it. Lumian reached out and took the brooch and coin, Ill first seek Mr. Fools consent, then use him as the subject for Magic Mirror Divination. This will help eliminate most interference and danger. Thats best, Jenna agreed with Lumians choice. Lumian pressed his hand to his chest and began praying, communicating his request to Mr. Fool. After receiving consent, he immediately took out a mirror and placed the Gustav family brooch and Tudor coin on the glass surface. Then, he gently caressed the mirrors surface, reciting the spell in Hermes, The Fool that doesnt belong to this era. The mysterious ruler above the gray fog. The King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck Lumian recited the entire spell at a steady pace, posed the question about Louis Gustavs current whereabouts, and patiently waited for Mr. Fools guidance. Within seconds, the mirrors surface rippled, revealing a figure. The figure was tall, mimicking Emperor Roselle with chestnut-colored long hair, sporting two beautiful mustaches, azure eyes, and thin lips-the leader of the Emperor Party, Louis Gustav. This man, claimed to have Gustav family bloodline, stood in what seemed to be an abandoned mine, walking towards a darkness-shrouded exit. The image suddenly blurred, with Louis Gustav instantly enveloped by darkness, surrounded by shadowy figures hidden in the depths, casting observant gazes. Louis Gustav walked forward without averting his eyes or stopping, completely indifferent to the gazes from the darkness. The deeper he walked, the more profound the darkness became. Later, a slight light appeared on the forward side, and the image became extremely blurry. Louis Gustav did not approach the light, continuing to move straight ahead. After an indeterminate time, a door composed of pure light appeared in the distance, resembling an oval mirror. Louis Gustav approached the door of light and extended his right hand, pressing against it. He penetrated the door of light, arriving in an area with dense fog-visibility under ten meters-with surrounding collapsed buildings either asymmetrical or stained with blood. This is Fourth Epoch Trier! Lumian, Franca, Jenna, and Anthony had all been to Fourth Epoch Trier and were familiar with such scenes. The only difference they noticed was the excessively dense fog, which felt extremely oppressive. Is this the depths of Fourth Epoch Trier? Is the Blood Emperors divine corpse affecting this place, bringing widespread Fog of War? Lumian quickly speculated. Franca recalled, But when we were there, we could see the collapsed palace with the Blood Emperors divine corpse, and the fog wasnt this dense Did something change in Fourth Epoch Trier after the Hostel incident? Or is this triggered by Louis Gustavs approach? Jenna proposed possible explanations. At that moment, Louis Gustav in the mirror stopped. Before him, less than ten meters away, a human shadow was cast on the blood-splattered street stones. The black shadow was stretched long by the light, seemingly cradling an infant. Almost simultaneously, the image suddenly collapsed, rippling like water, with Mr. Fools guidance ending. Lumian furrowed his brow, muttering to himself. Madame Pualis and the infant Omebella? Are they in Fourth Epoch Trier? Did Louis Gustav enter Fourth Epoch Trier to meet them? Did Louis Gustav enter Fourth Epoch Trier through the special mirror world? Were the Mirror People covertly watching him? Is the slightly lit area he didnt approach hiding a great terror of the special mirror world? No one could answer Lumians questions. After a few seconds, Jenna organized her thoughts. We cannot handle this matter. Since it potentially involves Madame Pualis and infant Omebella, we must strictly follow Mr. Fools guidance: calamity needs to keep away from the Mother. Hmm, Ill report the conclusion to the Demoness of Black and let them investigate. No matter how much she urges me, I wont budge, Ill just say Im not capable! Franca mumbled, And Ill notify 007 too. Such a matter is best handled by official Beyonders. They hold many secrets of Fourth Epoch Trier and might be able to send strong individuals to enter there without using the special mirror world, eliminating Louis Gustav, Madame Pualis, and infant Omebella. Lumian nodded. Okay. He then reminded Franca, The operation to eliminate targets in Fourth Epoch Trier should not be led by Eternal Blazing Sun Church Beyonders. Have you forgotten? The mystical father of infant Omebella is the Eternal Blazing Sun. How could we possibly forget something like that? Franca signaled Lumian and the others to leave her bedroom. Then she took out a mirror, sending the results of the Magic Mirror Divination along with the brooch and coin to the mirror corresponding to the Demoness of Black, and reminded her to return the mediums, otherwise Nicaea would be in trouble. Shortly after, the Demoness of Black responded to Franca, If Louis Gustav returns, inform me immediately. Accompanying the response were the brooch and coin, which flew out of the mirror surface by themselves. Not letting me investigate deeply, just waiting for Louis Gustavs return? How strange. Isnt this unrelated to the Demoness Sect? Is this not their trap? Franca was puzzled, and again projected herself through the mirror world to Niceeas room. She relayed the Demoness of Blacks words to Niceea and returned the Gustav family brooch and Tudor coin. Niceea quietly sighed in relief. She then had the mood for casual conversation. Madame, I visited the Lavigny Docks recently and found that the Church of The Fool there now has a patron saint named Franca Roland. Her name is the same as yours. Niceea originally didnt think this was related to her superior. Throughout Trier, there were hundreds of women named Franca. But the patron saints honorific title included the Demoness Accompanied by Strife and Catastrophe. Franca was slightly embarrassed, not because her subordinate knew the honorific title, but because her side job in another organization was discovered. She responded with an air of profundity, In this world, everyone has multiple identities for certain purposes. In other words, neither denying nor confirming. Niceea didnt dare ask further, seriously considering whether she should openly convert to Mr. Fool to get closer to her superior. Privately, everyone was still the Primordial Ones children. After Francas mirror projection disappeared, Niceea packed away the makeup mirror, brooch, and coin, merged into the darkness, and silently returned to the master bedroom. She didnt rush to lie back in bed, first placing the brooch and coin in a hidden compartment of the desk. After completing this task, she glided back to the bed like a shadow in the night, lying down without making a sound, pulling the blanket over herself. Suddenly, a low voice sounded near her ear. Where did you just go? Niceea instinctively turned her head, seeing Grous. who had been soundly asleep, now had his eyes open, his blue eyes deeply and darkly fixed on her. Chapter 1096 - Chapter 1096: Surveillance Chapter 1096: Surveillance Niceeas heart tightened, but she remained calm on the surface. When she had sneaked out, she had already prepared to handle similar situations. She patted her chest and complained, Are you trying to scare me to death? Suddenly blurting out a sentence! After calming down for a few seconds, Niceea casually answered Grouss question, Couldnt sleep, felt a bit stuffy, and went to the balcony to get some air. Not giving Grous a chance to ask further questions, she pursed her lips, revealing her inner suppression, You dont think something might have happened to Louis, right? As the leader of the Emperor Party, his mysterious disappearance would naturally bring anxiety, tension, and stress to his subordinates, making insomnia completely normal. Grous stared at Niceea for a few seconds, then softened his expression. Who knows? Maybe hell suddenly appear in a couple of days. In Francas workshop in the luxurious villa, multiple mirrors floated before Lumian and the others, each reflecting different scenes. Several mirrors captured Niceea and Grous from various angles. When Franca had previously projected herself through the mirror world, she had casually marked all the mirrored items in that house. This was to ensure the safety of her only subordinate, making sure she wouldnt be attacked or have her identity exposed for stealing the Gustav family brooch and Tudor coin. Subsequent developments proved Francas wisdom and intuition-Grous had indeed noticed Niceeas quiet departure from the room. During their conversation, Franca was prepared to project her power through the mirror world. After a while, Francas expression suddenly became a bit strange. Wait, why are they suddenly kissing? There are so many people watching! Her purpose was only to add an extra layer of Insurance to Niceeas safety. She hadnt expected the suspicion-harboring Grous and the scheming Niceea to start kissing while talking! Is this about to become a scene not suitable for minors? If only Franca was watching the surveillance, she would have found this unexpected yet understandable, not a big deal, and even quite entertaining with the thrill of secretly peeping. But now, Jenna was sitting beside her, with Anthony and Ludwig-who was eating a midnight snack-behind her. She started to feel embarrassed. At this moment, Anthony, focused on the mirror scenes, said, Both of their body languages show a certain level of resistance. The kiss is deceptive and perfunctory. Professional Franca muttered internally. As Anthony predicted, Niceea and Grous kissed for a moment before saying goodnight again and going back to sleep. Franca sighed in relief and told her companions, Just leave one person to watch the surveillance. The rest can get some sleep. Jenna, come replace me in an hour and a half, Lumian, replace Jenna three hours later. Anthony, you and Ludwig dont need to stay up. The surveillance required support from a demigod Demoness. Moreover, if anything went wrong, only the Demonesses could first project or traverse over to provide help. Okay, Anthony made no objections. After Ludwig finished his midnight snack, he left the room with Anthony. After giving Franca a few instructions, Lumian and Jenna also went to rest. Franca completely relaxed, leisurely watching the surveillance. As time slowly passed, while she was reading a novel leaning against a pile of pillows, her spiritual intuition suddenly gave her a premonition. She raised her head and looked at one of the surveillance mirrors. Grous silently got out of bed and went to the desk. opening a hidden compartment. After confirming that the Gustav family brooch and Tudor coin were still there, this core member of the Emperor Party went to the master bedrooms attached bathroom, letting the toilet flush with a whoosh. Seeing Grous return to bed after leaving the bathroom, Franca pursed her lips. Thats it? She had expected him to suddenly attack and kill Niceea, or use one of the brooch or coin to contact Louis Gustav, or someone else. As a result, Grous was so well-behaved that it disappointed her. And so, during the rotation of surveillance, the sky gradually brightened, with bright sunlight cascading from above. Franca, now wearing a lace-flowered ladys shirt and cream-colored loose long pants, covered her mouth while yawning and walked into the workshop, asking Lumian, who was seriously watching the surveillance. Nothing unusual, right? There is something. Lumian had one leg raised, the other naturally extended, leaning back against the pile of pillows. Whats unusual? Franca instantly became alert. Lumian chuckled. After waking up in the same bed as a Demoness of Pleasure, Grous didnt have a morning round. This shows his attention is completely elsewhere, hes hiding something in his heart, and might do something later. Makes sense, Franca was quite aware of a Demoness of Pleasures charm. She sat next to Lumian and recalled, Ive also marked some of Grouss clothing metal buttons. As long as our luck isnt bad, we should be able to see where he goes and what he does. Luck? Our luck definitely wont be bad. Lumian laughed and patted his Travelers Bag, which contained the sealed Post-Apocalyptic Scripture. This Grade 0 Sealed Artifact ultimately wasnt used. The formal suit Grous changed into after breakfast had two shiny, mirror-like metal buttons marked by Franca. The surveillance image immediately changed, mainly showing the scene in front of Grous, swaying back and forth. In the following time, Grous kissed Niceea goodbye, took a two-wheeled, two-seat carriage to a certain street in the prison district-Quartier 4. He walked to a dark red door and rang the doorbell. The door opened by itself. Just as Grous passed through the doorway, the surveillance image suddenly blurred, displaying numerous white noise points. These noise points lasted only two seconds before disappearing. The mirrors before Lumian and Franca no longer showed any image. Were we discovered? Or does the house itself have an abnormality affecting the mirror world? Franca turned her head to look at Lumian. Lets wait a bit, Lumian said calmly. About three to four minutes later, the mirror showed an image again-Grous was leaving the house. Franca nodded thoughtfully. Throughout the morning, Grous, as a deputy manager of an armaments factory, visited numerous military camps in the Quartier raste and returned to his office during lunch. Lumian, who had already rested, stood up. Nothing worth watching anymore. Yeah. Franca stood up too. She looked at Lumian and suddenly looked puzzled. Why do I feel like youve gotten shorter? My Weather Warlock potion has been partially digested. My state is completely stabilized, and I have better control over my body. I can control my height to around 1.95 meters. As the digestion deepens, I can continue to compress. Once the potion is fully digested, I should normally maintain 1.85 meters. During battle, even without revealing my Mythical Creature form, I can expand to 2.7-2.8 meters, like a small giant, Lumian answered in good spirits. Youve already partially digested it? Franca asked in surprise. Lumian chuckled, Because I found the key points to acting as a Weather Warlock. A few days ago, I discovered a tribe in a primitive jungle of the Southern Continent that maintained blood sacrifice traditions. I brought them different extreme weather conditions. After persisting for three days, they were broken by fear, submitting to me and completely abandoning their blood sacrifice habits. This helped me summarize an acting principle, and the potion was thus significantly digested. Franca thought for a few seconds and asked curiously. Controlling weather is to bring about a catastrophe and make the target submit? This was consistent with the inner meaning of the Hunter pathway. More or less. Lumian glanced at the floating mirrors and smiled. Time to visit that house with abnormalities. Youre going? Franca frowned. Just leave it to the Demoness Sect or official Beyonders. I feel like there might be a trap in front of everything you do now. Smiling, Lumian replied, This is on the ground, not underground, under the watch of Mr. Fool and the true gods. If Im afraid to handle abnormal events under these circumstances, how can I act as an Iron-blooded Knight? Thats true, Franca responded tersely. She hesitated for two seconds, Then take Jenna with you. Lumian smiled and invited Franca, Come with us. Okay Franca readily agreed. At the door of the house at 20 Rue Saint-Frdric in the prison district. Lumian, wearing a half-high silk hat, a white shirt, black vest, and long pants, opened the dark red door. He walked in, detecting no abnormalities. Franca and Jenna outside saw the interior through the makeup mirror in his hand. Sofas and cabinets were covered with white cloth to prevent dust accumulation, and the floor was cleaned very thoroughly. No problems, no interference, Jenna also entered and told Lumian. Lumian looked around and said, This place hasnt been lived in for a long time, but maids come regularly to clean. This was a Weather Warlocks extraction and restoration of environmental information. Just as Lumian finished speaking, Franca, who had also entered the house, saw a figure slowly walking down the stairs. The figure was very thin, seeming like it would fall with a gust of wind. His hair was mostly gray, clearly aged, with a brown-beard that looked like it hadnt been trimmed in a long time, wearing a crumpled black formal suit. Before his appearance, Lumian, as an Angel, had not detected him and still couldnt smell his presence. Based on this, Lumian believed the person didnt actually exist. The old man looked at Lumian and smiled. Youve finally come to collect the letter. Letter? Lumian raised an eyebrow. The old man smiled and answered, I am the Messenger of God, and one of my functions is to deliver letters for great existences. Theres a letter here for you. Chapter 1097 - Chapter 1097: A Letter Destined to be Received Chapter 1097: A Letter Destined to be Received A letter from a great existence? Lumian suddenly laughed, interrupting the old mans words, I feel that you dont actually exist in this house. As Lumian spoke, Franca stepped sideways, moving close to Jenna, with layers of phantom images appearing in her eyes. The old man in a crumpled formal suit and thin frame seemed eager to express himself and actually explained his current state to Lumian, If I believe I exist, and you believe I exist, then I am existing. The reverse is also true. Franca felt a bit of a headache, muttering. Are you talking philosophy? The old mans eyes brightened. How did you know that my previous, hmm, in your terms, Sequence was called Philosopher? Seriously. A Demonesss spiritual intuition is no joke. Franca was momentarily stunned. Philosopher? Lumian suddenly thought of a secretive organization, an evil god cult: First Philosophy! The mental patient who was once disguised as his substitute by I Know Someone was also described as being like a philosopher Lumian thoughtfully said to the old man, Midoros Worship? Do you know about the Heavenly Domains, the Formless Door? The old man responded happily, Have you also experienced immortality? Lumian shook his head, speaking in a flat tone, No. Ive just killed a few Initiates. He was provoking, also displaying the arrogance of a Hunter to better act as an Iron-blooded Knight. Moreover, discussing immortality and the Formless Door with a Philosopher would likely draw him into his realm and imperceptibly cause severe problems. The expression on the old mans face instantly disappeared. He looked at Lumian, speaking in a hollow voice, A great existence wants me to deliver you a letter. Which one? Before Lumian could ask, he glanced at Franca and Jenna. The two Demonesses had silently disappeared from the house, leaving only two makeup mirrors placed on the ground at some point. When Lumian first diverted the conversation, Franca had used their proximity to transfer their true bodies through the mirror world via their eyes, leaving only mirror projections! Now, they werent even maintaining the mirror projections. They had learned from Lumian that deeply understanding the names and information of great existences would severely corrupt oneself, something mirror projections couldnt block, and even hidden, sleeping mirrors would be affected! The old man didnt mind Franca and Jennas departure, looking at Lumian and saying, The mighty Circle of Inevitability. Circle of Inevitability? He should hate Amon more than me now. What letter is He sending me? Is He trying to carry out counterespionage against me? Why would such a great existence value me Or is this letter just a medium to harvest my life? Lumian asked the old man with interest, Youre not an Angel, are you? Except for a few, other great existences havent yet been able to send angelic-level power through the barrier. Can you understand the true names of great existences? In Lumians view, this old man was at most Sequence 3. The old man smiled and replied, This is the unique characteristic and source of pain for Messengers of God, but also our most powerful ability. Corruption grants us power. Sounds quite philosophical. But this ability is indeed special. The Beyonders from the First Philosophy Ive encountered were skilled at injecting voices into others ears or minds. If what they inject are the true names of great existences, who below the angelic level could withstand that? Lumian suddenly felt lucky that he hadnt encountered a Messenger of God before becoming an angel. Otherwise, with the various hidden issues in his body, he would absolutely explode at the slightest provocation. Or maybe it wasnt luck, but arrangement As this thought flashed, Lumian self-deprecatingly mused internally. With this realization, his blue eyes instantly turned Iron-black. He didnt want to receive the Circle of Inevitabilitys letter. He wanted to find the mystical connection between the old man before him and his true body by investigating overall weaknesses, then blow them both up! At that moment, the old mans body suddenly became ethereal. A silver-white with black color rose from within him. His hollow voice rang out. Please receive the letter. He suddenly condensed, transforming into a silver- white and black light, shooting directly at Lumian. In this house, he was the letter, and the letter was him! Lumian activated the black mark on his right shoulder and quickly disappeared from the spot. He directly teleported to the Fog Sea, far from Trier. But the silver-white and black light was still ahead of him, still approaching, not shaken off. Lumian didnt hesitate, making layers of phantom images appear in his blue eyes. He entered the mirror world. The silver-white and black light was still before him, in the illusory dark tunnel, seeming destined to be received by him. This was a fate that couldnt be escaped! Lumian flashed into another mirror tunnel, and the silver-white and black light once again approached from the front. This time, Lumian didnt flee. His eyes quickly turned silver-black. Eye of Calamity! Although his Inevitability power hadnt further improved, thanks to his Weakness Investigation ability now reaching angelic level, the Eye of Calamity formed by merging this ability with Inevitability power naturally had some enhancement. Since he couldnt escape, hed try to eliminate this letter from the destiny plane! Soon, Lumian saw the quietly surging mercury-colored illusory long river and saw the scene of himself catching the silver-white and black light. It existed in almost all destiny branches. In other words, Lumian saw his future of receiving the letter, a destiny that was bound to unfold. The only variable was a branch that didnt include this future, extremely marginal and chaotic, very difficult to push with his current abilities. Lacking necessary preconditions! In the blink of an eye, Lumian saw another scene. In the image, the recipient of the letter was not only himself but also Amon, wearing a black robe, monocle, and a pointed soft hat. Clang! Lumian suddenly heard an ethereal clang crossing through thick history. A scene naturally emerged in his mind: the thin-faced Amon, wearing a monocle, stood in the bell tower, pushing the bell hammer to strike the great bell. With this sound, an ancient, mottled massive stone clock appeared. It was a phantom, its face divided into unequal twelve sections by intersecting dark blue and gray-white, each section with different symbols representing different times. Three jointed, semi-transparent small worms formed the clocks hands. As they stopped moving, an indescribable invisible torrent surged out, seemingly freezing the silver-white and black light within. Lumian, not within the affected range, heard a familiar voice with a hint of laughter, Do you know the main ability of a Sufferer? Before Lumian could respond, the voice answered itself, Reproducing the suffering one has experienced onto the target. As the words fell, the silver-white and black light frozen in time broke through its restraints, again flying towards Lumian. But waiting for it was an extraordinarily intense, unimaginable sea of light. A supernova seemed to have erupted, erupting on a small scale. This mirror world instantly collapsed, accompanied by the silent shattering of numerous mirrors. Of course, this was far from a true supernova explosion, merely a kind of simulated reproduction. Although Lumian was outside the range, his body also shattered, re-forming outside the mirror world. At this moment, in his Eye of Calamity, the preconditions for pushing destiny to the marginal branch were satisfied. Lumian didnt hesitate to release nearly half his spirituality from his left palm, letting the mercury- colored river of fates water flow into the corresponding branch. Everything calmed down. Lumian was about to turn his head and look at Amon, who had appeared beside him at some point, when tiny silver-white and black lights suddenly emerged in the void, forming a paragraph of text. Though the Circle of Inevitabilitys letter couldnt be directly delivered to him and Amon, it inevitably revealed itself. The text was very complex, but it didnt prevent Lumian from directly deciphering its meaning. Stay away from special mirror worlds, or youre destined to lose control and go mad. Huh? Lumian was somewhat stunned. Is this a warning? The Circle of Inevitability didnt try to corrupt or smite me, but instead warned me? Is He trying to betray the other Outer Deities? Surprised, Lumian focused on the phrase lose control and go mad. He then recalled the prophecy of the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture and the future self he seemed to have seen during the Hostel incident. Do all prophecies about my future revolve around the words going crazy? Lumian silently muttered to himself. Amon, standing mid-air in some inexplicable manner. slightly disappointedly shook His head. If its not a letter for me, why ask me to receive it? Perhaps youll also lose control and go mad by entering the special mirror world, Lumian tried to interpret the hidden meaning of the Circle of Inevitabilitys words. Saying this, he stopped. He remembered the young man beside him, wearing a monocle, was once a top Cryptologist. Amon smiled in agreement. Thats possible. But I can indeed avoid entering special mirror worlds. Can you? Lumian wanted to answer yes, but given the entanglement of destiny, his unique pathway, and various other prerequisites, he felt he would inevitably enter the special mirror world, enter the depths of Fourth Epoch Trier, and could only hope to delay this as much as possible until fully prepared. Why would the Circle of Inevitability want to warn me? Lumian asked habitually. Amon adjusted His monocle, laughing. Did that old fellow also designate me as a recipient to help you decrypt? He continued, His tone laced with laughter, The interpretation is that entering a special mirror world indeed poses a risk of you losing control and going mad, and this might bring unknown risks to those old fellows. Chapter 1098 - Chapter 1098: Him Chapter 1098: Him Would the terror of the special mirror world possibly bring trouble to the Outer Deities invasion? Lumian, treading on a wild wind, turned his head to look at Amon. What exactly is in the depths of the special mirror world? This was a direct participant who might know something! Lumian had no expectation that Amon would certainly answer him, but asking wouldnt cost anything. Amon stood steadily in the air, laughing with His usual tone, The embryonic form of the special mirror world was constructed by Bethel, to create a secret, spacious environment unknown to other gods for Tudors and Cheeks meeting. Tudor wouldnt care whether this matter was seen, but cared about whether it would be known by those who shouldnt know. This is the style of His Imperial Majesty the Blood Emperor. And then? Lumian asked cooperatively. Including the Termiboros period, he and Amon had already chatted casually several times. Amon pressed the monocle in His right eye socket. Later, the special mirror world underwent strange changes. Not only me, but Bethel and the others were no longer allowed to enter. His Majesty was fully capable of killing Angels. Afterward, His Majesty became even crazier. Cheek began to claim Herself as the true heir of the original Creator, the first person born in chaos. In the Pale Disaster, Cheek suffered severe damage. For thousands of years, Her condition has been poor. But as a Demoness of Unaging, you should clearly know that for high-ranking Demonesses, this is unlikely to happen. They can quickly resurrect even when met with death, let alone just being severely wounded. Lumian could tell that Amon was intentionally saying these words. His arrival today was certainly not just for receiving the Circle of Inevitabilitys letter. The true heir of the original Creator Lumian recalled the various concepts of the Demoness Sect that Franca had told him, and suddenly made certain associations. Shouldnt it be the personas the Oldest One initially split off? And among them, only two are most important and qualified to say this: The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings and the original God Almighty Lumian paused, muttering to himself, Im aware that the combination of Tudor and Cheek was actually an arrangement left by the original God Almighty. The one believed in by the Aurora Order was also an object of arrangement, which will bring a destined accident. Moreover, the Demoness of Black said that the Primordial Demoness has five lines of honorific names, of which two are unknown to outsiders. Lumians current thinking was that if he wanted to obtain more intelligence from Amon, he would have to trade some of his own information. Who gets something for free? The one in front of him was the expert at free acquisitions, once the top Marauder! Before Amon could respond, Lumian added another sentence, The City of Calamity at the top of the Hunter and Demoness pathways was once contained by the original God Almighty. He began to suspect that the great terror of the special mirror world was related to the resurrection of the original God Almighty. Amon glanced at him, smiling and saying, For such matters, no one dares to confirm without seeing it personally. Initially, when the special mirror world first had anomalies, that zealot already knew something was wrong. The occurrence of the War of the Four Emperors was also Him pushing it from the shadows. He re-established contact with the Chaos Sea more than seven years ago. Although forcibly using the Chaos Seas power would cause the accommodation progress to regress, compared to those who still have to wait for the Western Continents seal to be lifted, He shouldnt still be incapable of accomplishing an initial accommodation until today. Guess why He hasnt truly accommodated the Chaos Sea? Are the concerns about the problems hidden in the depths of the special mirror world stopping Him? Does He want a Beyonder qualified to become the Origins of Disaster and Calamity of Destruction not only to cultivate power against the apocalypse but also because the path to the Origins of Disaster must necessarily pass through the depths of the special mirror world, triggering that great terror and presenting it before His eyes? Is part of the previous bestowments cost to be paid here? Lumian thoughtfully said to Amon, What else does that individual know about the special mirror world? Amon laughed and shook His head, answering off-topic, Cheeks remaining two honorific names are extremely secretive. Even color-titled high-ranking Demonesses dont all know them. Only those with close connections to Cheek that might trigger divine descent when attacked, truly grasp them. Otherwise, why do you think those two honorific names could remain secret, unknown even to all current Sequence Os? Medici could intimidate the Demoness of White, let alone those more powerful than Her. But that zealot might know something, after all, even the thoughts in ones mind might not be hidden from Him. Is the Demoness of Black one of those with close connections to the Primordial Demoness? She indeed seems special Lumian glanced at Amon and suddenly laughed. Using a true gods honorific name in Intisian wont incur divine punishment? Only using Hermes or ancient Hermes languages counts as blasphemy? After all, Cheek wasnt an uncommon name. You only mentioned Hermes and ancient Hermes because you only mastered them? Amon laughed, Using ordinary language to recite a Sequence Os true name will attract attention but not necessarily divine punishment. As for me, guess why my title includes the description Blasphemer? Here, Amon adjusted the monocle in His right eye and looked Lumian up and down for a few seconds. He said with an obvious smile, Actually, Im quite looking forward to you entering the depths of the special mirror world. Something interesting and unknown will definitely happen, and its not something that will affect me. Why not give it a shot? Maybe Ill consider it sometime in the future. Lumian took on an unconcerned posture. Goodbye, my unacknowledged goddaughter. I hope when I see you next, you havent truly lost control and gone mad. Amon waved like a human. His figure suddenly disappeared. Lumian lowered his head and gazed at the azure ocean shrouded in faint mist, activated the black mark on his right shoulder, and returned to the luxurious villa in Trier. How did it go? Franca and Jenna, who had been waiting, asked in unison. The one called Inevitability sent a message through a Messenger of God, Lumian told his two companions about the letters content. The one called Inevitability warned you not to go to the depths of the special mirror world? It feels like a weasel giving its well-wishes to a chickentheres definitely no good intention, Franca muttered. Could this be a misdirection? Jenna frowned. But the secrets of the special mirror worlds depths related to the Primordial Demoness are indeed dangerous. Probably not a misdirection, Lumian recounted his conversation with Amon that he could speak about, then laughed self-mockingly, Maybe the one who will save the end times is me, Mr. Fool will hold the fort, preventing those great existences from interfering with me. And when I reach the entrance of the special mirror world, Ill shout to the sky, Go back, or Ill face that great terror! Like the Deterrence Era Franca couldnt help but quip. Jenna didnt quite agree with Lumians words. Maybe it would only bring trouble to the one called Inevitability, without affecting other great existences. Do I look like an idiot? Before figuring out what exactly the great terror in the special mirror worlds depths is and whether it can deter those great existences, I would never do such a thing, Lumian teased Jenna. After chatting for a while, he took out the special mirror world fragment obtained from the Demoness of Despair Panatiya from the Travelers Bag and handed it to Franca. From now on, I must try to avoid direct contact with items related to the special mirror world. Cautious! Franca gave a thumbs up and praised Lumian. She thought for a moment and took out her own special mirror world fragment, handing it to Jenna along with Lumians. I have the Primordial Demonesss figurine. At critical moments, I must also avoid keeping it together with the special mirror world fragments. I was just about to remind you, Jenna smiled and collected the two special mirror world fragments. Franca returned the smile and turned to Lumian. Well put this matter aside for now? She was referring to Louis Gustavs matter. After some time, if this Emperor Party leader returned from Fourth Epoch Trier and the special mirror world, they would leave it to official Beyonders to handle, and notify the Demoness Sect on the side, not getting involved. Yeah. Lumian nodded. In the coming days, besides finding other cultists hidden in Trier and Zaratuls clues, Ill focus on digesting the potion. I might seek Mr. Fools permission to attempt the acting in a specific scenario for Weather Warlock. Also, Ive communicated with Mr. Star and Mr. Moon. If they discover a base of the Rose School of Thought or an armed force belonging to them, theyll immediately notify me. Ill take you to the Southern Continent and launch a small war. The acting of a War Bishop must be completed in a war. Okay. Franca pointed upstairs. So theres nothing else for now? She wanted to continue manufacturing giant robots. Lumian didnt respond directly but turned to Jenna and Franca with a smile. I heard a very famous circus is touring in Trier. Want to go see it together? Sure. Jenna looked at Franca. Franca hesitated for two seconds. Alright. More than a week later. Angoulme de Francois put on a brown coat with gold-embroidered threads and walked towards the underground of Saint Vieve Cathedral. He and several colleagues were assigned to search for Louis Gustav and Madame Pualis in Fourth Epoch Trier. For this, they needed to hold a ritual, receive the blessing of the Eternal Blazing Sun, to resist the various corruptions existing in the Fourth Epoch Trier within a certain time. Even for an Unshadowed, it would be quite dangerous otherwise. Another one brought by Hidden Blade Angoulme sighed inwardly. The matter of Louis Gustav and the person suspected to be Pualis meeting in Fourth Epoch Trier was personally reported by him. After being assigned to this task, Angoulme had tried to find Hidden Blade in the telegram group multiple times, wanting to complain, but in the past week, Hidden Blade had only been online two or three times, and no one knew what she was busy with. *** Chapter 1099 - Chapter 1099: Spiritual Premonition Chapter 1099: Spiritual Premonition In an underground location in Trier, a place strictly guarded by multiple Beyonders from the Eternal Blazing Sun and the Church of Steam and Machinery. This was a seal leakage point that had appeared before the construction of the catacombs, which was later properly handled and no longer caused problems. However, if linked with the square in the nearby quarry hollow where Eternal Blazing Sun and God of Steam and Machinery were worshiped, along with the stone pillars representing both deities, it could allow people from outside the seal to enter Fourth Epoch Trier at a certain risk. Although this required the divine power of the Eternal Blazing Sun or the God of Steam and Machinery as a key, something impossible for cultists to utilize, both Churches still insisted on sending teams to take turns guarding the site. At this moment, Angoulme arrived at the abandoned mine with two other Unshadowed colleagues, facing three people dressed as stonemasons. Lets begin, said a monk with short, thick hair and a beard, nodding at Angoulme. Angoulme recognized this monk as the current prior of the Deep Valley Cloister, named Jack Walton, quite an ordinary man. Okay. Angoulme nodded in response. Under the watch of both guard teams, they lowered their heads and took their positions, chanting the honorific names of their respective deities. Rays of sunlight fell from the caves top, illuminating the abandoned mine. White steam subsequently permeated the quarry hollow. Soon, crimson blood seeped from the depths of the abandoned mine. The bizarre blood, resisting the sunlight, continuously surged upward, quickly filling the mine. Angoulme, an Unshadowed, dissolved his fear and hesitation, raised his head, took two steps forward, and entered the abandoned mine, stepping into the crimson blood thick with a bloody scent. Other Saints followed closely behind. Passing through the Blood Well would allow entry into Fourth Epoch Trier! This was not a simple task. The blood would cause severe corruption, with the danger increasing for higher Sequences. Southern Continent, deep in a rainforest. Before a terrifying castle covered in countless human skins. Franca, Jenna, Anthony, and Ludwig each condensed fire spears of blue-violet, blazing and terrifying. Without Lumian issuing the command, they simultaneously threw their spears. The blue-violet fire spears split mid-air, quickly presenting a sky-covering arrangement. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! It was as if an entire military legion had simultaneously launched their weapons, causing the high sky to brighten and be dyed with brilliant colors. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! The human skin castle was completely covered by countless fire spears. The cultists developed by the Rose School of Thought used every possible ability but could not change this apocalyptic scene. Rumble, the earth trembled, the castle collapsed, igniting blue-violet flames. Painful wails and desperate curses echoed between the flames, transforming into thin strands of black gas rising upward. Ludwig didnt care what the soon-to-die cultists were cursing. He stepped forward, rode the wild wind, and howled to arrive above the collapsed human skin castle, opening his mouth split to the back of his head. Whoosh! All the rising black gas was sucked into his mouth. Lumian had his hands in his pockets, smiling and watching this scene, his expression very leisurely. From breaking through the human skin castles outer defensive line, to gradually advancing and cutting off their escape hopes, to repeatedly attacking the castle itself and completely destroying it, Lumian never personally acted, allowing Jenna and others to freely perform and cooperate tacitly. He was only responsible for central command, sharing appropriate abilities at critical moments. Not strong enough, Franca finally felt like a Demoness amidst those wails and curses. The only issue was that the master of the human skin castle was just a Sequence 4 Tree Supplicant, a bestowed by the Mother Tree of Desire, though he had a group of Low and Mid-Sequence subordinates and numerous loyal cultists. The human skin castle itself was like a sacrificial ritual that could briefly display power equivalent to Sequence 2 by sacrificing many humans, but it fundamentally couldnt resist a true Angel, let alone an Angel leading a team. Overwhelming the weak and sweeping through armies is also a form of war, which is quite helpful for digesting the War Bishop role, Lumian laughed and responded to Franca. Moreover, previously abstract cooperation has now become a tangibly perceptible thing. What Lumian didnt say was that he was essentially equivalent to a priest or bishop of the City of Calamity or 0-01 due to his close connections, with only the war aspect lacking. Over the past week, Mr. Star and Mr. Moon had each discovered a base secretly established by the Rose School of Thought, both handed over to Lumian to handle, giving him the opportunity to launch two small wars. Seeing Ludwig consume all the dispersed boons power, Jenna retracted her gaze and said to Lumian with some worry, I know the Southern Continent is chaotic, but getting opportunities for two small wars in just over a weekisnt this too frequent? Lumian chuckled and said, These are signs. Signs of chaos and conflict, signs that the apocalypse will arrive early. Before Jenna and others could respond, Lumian waved to Ludwig in mid-air, saying, Lets head back. Lets have a barbecue party today. According to their agreement, apart from the dispersed boons power, all other spoils had to be left for the intelligence providersMr. Star or Mr. Moon. In the luxurious villa in Trier that currently belonged to Lumian and his companions. Jenna was using invisible spider silk to quickly slice and string meat skewers while watching Lumian, who despite having extremely strong fire manipulation abilities, was seriously managing charcoal for grilling meat. Lumian wore a smile, relaxed, tasting a piece while grilling. Hes not worried about those signs at all No, not that hes not worried, but he worries when he should worry, fights when he should fight, and enjoys life when he should enjoy life. Jenna thought, her eyes subtly moving. Over the past week, Lumian, who had made certain progress in digesting the Weather Warlock potion and stabilized his state, was behaving quite normally. Their relationship had returned to the period before the Vortex incident, and moreover, Lumian had clearly become more proactive. But from some details, Jenna could still sense that Lumian was slightly different from before. A normal person would inevitably be affected in daily life when encountering worrying matters. Lumians ability to completely detach himself indicated he was deliberately controlling his emotions. Even at Sequence 2, godhood ultimately brings certain, permanent influences Jenna suddenly felt somewhat emotional. What s on your mind? Franca, helping beside her, asked curiously. Jenna lowered her voice and shared her recent feelings with Franca in a concise manner. Franca pursed her lips and said, Just treat it as a natural change in mindset and perception that everyone experiences as they grow older and are tempered by various experiences She stopped midway. Wasnt this true for herself as well? The same applied to Jenna. Walking step by step to her current Sequence, she had more or less abandoned some of her original insistences. Just as Jenna was about to say something, she saw Lumian throw a grilled meat skewer aside, and Ludwig, who somehow had moved there, bit into the food in one mouthful. Feeding a dog? Franca laughingly scolded Lumian. Jenna couldnt help but laugh as well. Deep in Fourth Epoch Trier, dense fog isolated sensory perception and spirituality, making the partially collapsed buildings in the distance appear hazy and indistinct. The Unshadowed had filled the surrounding thirty to forty meters with pure, holy sunlight, to the point where even each persons shadow had disappeared. The quietly rolling fog was blocked outside the sunlight, but the light could not reach further. Angoulme cast his gaze toward Jack Walton. The prior of Deep Valley Cloister, a Saint-level monk, was holding an unusual circular disk covered in complex patterns with a mirror-like luster. Placed on the disk was an object supposedly from the Louis Gustav family crest, which swayed left and right before finally settling in a certain direction. Over there. Jack Walton was leading this search. The disk was something he had made just two days ago, derived from a revelations knowledge. The Gustav family crest was not a real object, but a historical projectionthis did not impede its role as a medium pointing toward Louis Gustav. Just as Angoulme and the other Unshadowed followed Jack Walton into a new street, a black shadow suddenly passed in front of them. The shadow was slightly hunched, moving slowly at the intersection. At a glance, it looked like a person, but upon closer inspection, it seemed like a gathering of viscous black liquid. A Montsouris ghost! Angoulme quickly identified the origin of the black shadow. This left Jack Walton and other clergy from the Church of Steam and Machinery confused. Werent Montsouris ghosts supposed to wander in Underground Trier? How could they enter Fourth Epoch Trier? Information about Montsouris ghosts quickly flashed through the minds of these demigods who were not afraid of ghostly curses, quickly reminding them that these ghosts were not always present and had appeared only in recent times. Did Montsouris ghosts come out of Fourth Epoch Trier? And more than one? Such speculation emerged in the minds of Jack Walton and other Saints. In the luxurious villa. Lumian suddenly felt his entire body go icy cold, unable to breathe, as if sinking into viscous river water. The next second, his eyes reflected a black shadow resembling a hunched elderly person. A Montsouris ghost! Lumians heart tightened, and he sat up abruptly. He truly opened his eyes, seeing everything in the room was completely normal, with no Montsouris ghost in sight! What happened? Franca, wrapped in a thin blanket and yawning, also sat up. Lumian was silent for a few seconds before saying, I dreamed of a Montsouris ghost. Franca was first stunned, then her expression turned solemn. For a Demoness, this could be a spiritual premonition. Chapter 1100 - Chapter 1100 Montsouris Ghosts Chapter 1100 Montsouris Ghosts Lumian leaped out of bed and walked to the window. Blue-violet flames rolled out from within his body, quickly condensing into pieces of iron-black armor. In the blink of an eye, Lumian had transformed into a knight clad in full armor. After digesting the potion to a certain degree and stabilizing his condition, he could finally transform his flames into actual weapons or armor, though he could only maintain this for 10 minutes. Lumian reached the window and looked outside, seeing only the bright crimson moon, sparse twinkling stars, and a quiet, peaceful night with nothing unusual. He made an instant decision, issuing orders to each team member through the mental channel: Get ready. Well move to the New City of Silver in five seconds. Learning from the experience and lessons of the Vortex incident, Lumian chose to immediately leave Trier, taking his team members to the Church of The Fools headquarters to maximally avoid potential accidents. Once in a safe location, they could report to Mr. Fool, await possible orders, think about what had happened, and plan their next steps. As Lumians voice echoed in their minds, Franca used invisible spider silk to help her change clothes, tie her ponytail, and enter combat mode. Five seconds quickly passed, and Lumian didnt wait for Jenna, Anthony, and Ludwig to gather before directly activating the black mark on his right shoulder. As a team leader, he no longer needed to grab his team members shoulders to teleport them to their destinationthe only requirement was that they be within a 10-kilometer range. Amid rapidly receding layers of color blocks, Lumian and the others appeared at the entrance of the Church of The Fools headquarters. After confirming this was real and not a mirror image or scene from a painting, Lumian let out an undisguised sigh of relief. What happened? asked Jenna, wearing a dress as sleepwear. I dreamed I was attacked by a Montsouris ghost, Lumian said while walking toward the headquarters cathedral, which remained open even in the deep night. As an Angel and former Demoness, all dreams necessarily have meaning, Franca explained, following along. Moreover, as far as I know, the Eternal Blazing Sun Church and the Church of Steam and Machinery are sending several Saints carrying Sealed Artifacts into Fourth Epoch Trier tonight, hoping to eliminate Louis Gustav and Madame Puals. As an Angel and former Demoness, all dreams necessarily have meaning, Franca explained, following along. Moreover, as far as I know, the Eternal Blazing Sun Church and the Church of Steam and Machinery are sending several Saints carrying Sealed Artifacts into Fourth Epoch Trier tonight, hoping to eliminate Louis Gustav and Madame Puals. Anthony connected the previous statements and speculated, Due to the influence of the two Churches actions, Fourth Epoch Trier experienced some anomalies, triggering Lumians spiritual premonition? Lumian crossed the spacious area and sat in the first row of seats facing the Fools holy emblem, smiling as he responded to Anthony, I wouldnt leave Trier if it were just the anomalies and potential effects from Montsouris ghosts. With evil gods temporarily unable to descend, I dont actually need to worry too much. Plus, youre all practically half-Angels now. As long as you dont leave the teams effective range, safety is sufficiently guaranteed. Together, combined with the ability to get help by sacrificing to the essence of war, we could resist even a Sequence 1 Archangel for some time, maybe even with hope of victory. But since this involves Madame Puals, its better to stay awaycalamity needs to stay away from the mother. Yeah. Jenna strongly agreed with Lumians choice. She sat down too, letting mirrors fly out from the Travelers Bag. Stay alert tonight. If anything unusual occurs, immediately organize believers to take refuge in the nearest orthodox cathedrals, Jenna transmitted these messages to the various bishops and priests of the Sick Church through the mirror world and marked mirrors. Meanwhile, mirrors also flew out from Lumian and Francas Travelers Bags. Using mirrors they had positioned that were still in Trier, they projected the corresponding scenes onto the mirrors before them to observe the subsequent situation and respond in time. After finishing this, Lumian lowered his head, pressed his hand to his chest, and began to pray. Deep in Fourth Epoch Trier. Upon encountering the Montsouris ghost, Angoulme turned to the monk Jack Walton, Should we eliminate it? Even if he werent an Unshadowed, Angoulme wouldnt fear Montsouris ghosts, as these ghosts hadnt previously shown particularly strong power and would even avoid the protection of orthodox Churches. Even if they could cause trouble for Saints, it would at most be an annoyance. Moreover, Beyonders of the Sun pathway were most effective against such dark, black evil beings named after ghosts. Jack Walton, as the leader of this search and cleanup operation, thought for two seconds. Yes, but dont cause too much commotion. He remembered that Montsouris ghosts curses were extremely persistent. He worried that in the upcoming battle with Madame Puals, these ghosts might suddenly join in and interfere from the side, potentially tipping the balance in an already dangerous fight. Better to clear them out now while it was relatively safe. Angoulme quickly said to his two colleagues, Prepare to remove the seal. For this operation, the Eternal Blazing Sun Church and the Church of Steam and Machinery had each provided their clergy with a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact to ensure the ultimate goal could be achieved. Both Churches had long known that the Shadow of the Beauty Goddess from the Rose School of Thought had allegedly fallen into the hands of Madame Puals, who was hiding in Fourth Epoch Trier. This was also a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact, and among the more powerful ones at that grade. Under these circumstances, simply sending six Saints to search for and eliminate Madame Puals and Louis Gustav would be sending them to their deaths. Therefore, each team carried a targeted Grade 0 sealed artifact that could counter the Shadow of the Beauty Goddess to some degree. Since passing through the Blood Well became more dangerous with higher Sequences, they didnt send Angels but deployed Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts instead! With these two Sealed Artifacts, even if Angoulme and the others couldnt kill Madame Puals, they could hold her off. Then the Eternal Blazing Sun and God of Steam and Machinery could locate Their high-ranking clergy and, using them as mediums, deliver a fatal blow to Madame Puals through the seal. As the three Unshadowed began removing the seal on the Grade 0 Sealed Artifact, the Montsouris ghost slowly crossing the intersection suddenly changed direction and walked toward them step by step. Jack Walton, dressed as an ancient stonemason, watched as the Montsouris ghost quickly transformed from a rather blurry shadow into something clear. It truly wasnt a hunched elderly personits main body was viscous black liquid that had been stretched into human form by some influence. Those drops of black liquid stacked together, their edges merging while their cores remained independent. Within each independent black liquid core appeared different facessome laughing wildly, some walking among dismembered limbs and internal organs, some filled with anger, some with dark red eyes, some flaunting their own lust, some wearing necklaces strung with human skulls They were all distorted and shouted in unison at Angoulme and Jack Walton, Human nature is evil! This was Devil Language! As these words echoed, the three Unshadowed were unaffected, but the clergy from the Church of Steam and Machinery, including Jack Walton, suddenly felt intense malice. It was resentment from being assigned to dangerous missions. Then, Jack Walton and the other Saints saw more hunched black shadows slowly emerging from the intersection behind them and the alleys on both sides. They all appeared to be Montsouris ghosts. Dozens, hundreds of Montsouris ghosts! Meanwhile, the first black shadowthat Montsouris ghosthad its stomach rapidly swell up, then split open, spewing out viscous black liquid that stretched and elongated to form a new Montsouris ghost. Seeing this, Angoulme, Jack Walton, and the others suddenly had a realization. Montsouris ghosts shouldnt normally undergo such changes. This was a phenomenon possible only through the Earth, Moon, or Banshee pathways! Was this Madame Pualss doing? And what did the Montsouris ghosts correspond to? What developments would such proliferation bring? Human nature is evil The ghosts earlier words suddenly echoed in Angoulmes mind. As far as he knew, the evil of human nature corresponded to the Devil and Prisoner pathways, both deeply influenced by the Mother Tree of Desire. Right Angoulmes temple suddenly throbbed. The Shadow of the Beauty Goddess allegedly obtained by Madame Puals came from the Rose School of Thought, and the Rose School controlled the Prisoner pathway as loyal followers of the Mother Tree of Desire! At this thought, Angoulme formed a speculation that frightened even him as an Unshadowed: the transaction involving the Shadow of the Beauty Goddess during the Vortex incident wasnt just a one-time dealit concealed some subsequent cooperation! The Vortex incident had ended, but its influence continued. The Great Mother and the Mother Tree of Desire had reached some understanding and decided to cooperate to a limited extent on certain matters! Angoulmes expression tensed as he said gravely, Clear out the Montsouris ghosts here quickly! Any later, unwanted mutations might occur! As Angoulme spoke these words, in Underground Trier, near the seal of Fourth Epoch Trier in a certain mine, a brownish-green, gnarled-rooted, semi-real giant tree suddenly grew. It extended branch after branch, growing extremely fast, as if it had received the best healing and most abundant nutrition. New City of Silver, Church of The Fools headquarters. Through the floating mirrors before them, Lumian and the others saw that under the dark night, in many corners of Trier, the ground was cracking open as brownish-green roots or branches grew out. Tree of Shadow? Lumian stood up and chuckled. Heh, I really want to go back to Trier now and burn it. It couldnt be burned to death before, but today might be different. He now had the Fire of Destruction! Just as Lumian finished speaking, he suddenly turned his gaze toward the rows of large windows in the cathedral. Outside the windows, the crimson moon had grown very large and hung very low, as if it had pressed against an invisible barrier. Chapter 1101 - Chapter 1101 That Very Moment Chapter 1101 That Very Moment Deep in Fourth Epoch Trier, on streets surrounded by thick fog. Within the Unshadowed Domain that eliminated all shadows and darkness, Angoulme and his two colleagues had reached the critical moment of removing the items seal. What none of them expected was that the final layer binding this Sealed Artifact was ordinary paper without any supernatural elements. These papers seemed torn from some ancient text, with lines of handwritten ancient Feysac: I am the Beginning and the End. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. God spake, Let there be light, and there was light. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep; His Spirit moved upon the face of the waters. He called the light Day, and the darkness Night. These sheets of paper were attached to the Sealed Artifact, completely wrapping it. The sentences written on them were similar yet different from the Eternal Blazing Sun Churchs scripture, but contained no sacred supernatural power. Angoulmes eyes focused as he saw this, unconsciously slowing his motion of tearing off the paper. His two colleagues were unaffected, quickly exposing the Grade 0 Sealed Artifact to Fourth Epoch Trier. The next second, an intense, golden, sacred sun appeared in the thick fog above. 0-15The Fourth Sun! Suddenly, the Fog of War within two kilometers evaporated and dissolved without a trace. The Montsouris ghosts slowly approaching Angoulme and Jack Walton from different directions began making sizzling sounds, quickly being purified into black vapor that diffused upward. Some of this black vapor gradually dissipated, while other parts swelled and twisted, revealing faces displaying different forms of malice. They rapidly flew upward, reaching the invisible, colorless flames that served as the sky, concentrating in one area. This portion of black vapor was quickly burned away, leaving only faint patches. Just as these patches were about to melt away, more Montsouris ghosts flew out from different parts of Fourth Epoch Trier. They threw themselves into the light black patches one after another, preventing them from disappearing, trying to deepen them, maintaining them within the invisible, colorless flames for a while longer, and eroding upward. Seeing this scene, Jack Walton, whose malice was rapidly dissipating under the influence of The Fourth Sun, furrowed his brow. He felt something was already happening! He hurriedly said to his two colleagues, Use the Sealed Artifact! The Sealed Artifact they carried was 0-59The Divine Kingdom Without People. At the bottom of Underground Trier, the miraculously healed Tree of Shadow frantically extended its roots and branches toward the seal and the ground-level city districts. Each piece of its bark seemed to be a crystallization of different scenes of desire from past historythick, settled, and difficult to truly destroy. Its brownish-green roots quickly approached that layer of invisible, colorless flames, yet didnt attempt to touch it, as they would surely be burned through. Suddenly, two figures appeared on either side of its massive trunk. These two figures looked similarboth tall and enormous, humanoid yet like grotesque trees, covered in pitch-black, viscous tar-like liquid, with numerous bizarre and sickening arms growing from them. The surface of these arms either had bulging crimson eyeballs with prominent blood vessels, or were embedded with pale skull heads, or were covered with tongues bearing sharp teeth, and so onthere were too many variations to count. They spread an extremely evil and intensely mad sensation in all directions, causing the mine tunnels and earth to crack and split. These were Abomination Suah and His sister Tiri. They were currently displaying Their true form as Abominations, not their Mythical Creature forms from the Prisoner pathway. However, as Abominations, They inherently carried madness, evil, distortion, chaos, hatred, indulgence, and curse, causing effects equivalent to revealing Their Mythical Creature forms on Their surroundings. One could say that Their Abomination appearances were a product of Their self-perception combined with Their complete Mythical Creature forms. As soon as Suah and Tiri appeared, They each chose a section of the brownish-green trunk and merged Themselves into the Tree of Shadow. The crown of the Tree of Shadow finally broke through the ground, growing toward the sky, attempting to encompass all of Trier within its shade. Its roots truly extended into that layer of invisible, colorless flames, being burned off section by section, yet continuously growing new ones, striving to extend downward. Outside Saint Vive Cathedral in the island area, the pure brilliant sunlight was pushed back by branches oozing viscous black liquid, as if trying to create a world of shadows here. The Church of the God of Steam and Machinerys patriarchal cathedral in the north encountered similar circumstances. And because the Tree of Shadows power extending to the surface was concentrated in these few places, citizens across Triers districts merely dreamed dreams of different desires, dreams that had not yet crossed from illusion into reality. In the still-operating bars and dance halls, the atmosphere suddenly intensified, with everyone falling into a psychedelic state. Saint Vive, utilizing the cathedrals layout, strenuously resisted the invasion of those pitch-black viscous branches, preventing harm to the clergy and faithful who had taken shelter here. She didnt panic. In Her view, the Rose School of Thoughts indulgence faction re-activating the Tree of Shadow wasnt something unstoppable. If Fourth Epoch Triers seal were truly so easily destroyed, the Rose School of Thought and other evil god sects would have done so long agowhy wait until today to expend such effort? Even if the crimson moon descending to the barrier, appearing round and bright, truly suppressed the orthodox gods, preventing Them from dealing with the Tree of Shadow problem, there were still two existences within the barrier who could take action. And the strongest subordinates the Great Old Ones could command in this world were just Suah and Tiri, who werent even in the same league as their side. If the Rose School of Thoughts indulgence faction truly wanted to go all in, they should have wagered everything during last years Tree of Shadow incident, when Mr. Fool had not yet partially awakened. And even without counting the two existences, their sides number of Angels far exceeded the evil god sects. As long as they held on a bit longer, preventing the Tree of Shadow from destroying surface Trier and causing mass civilian deaths, sufficient reinforcements would soon arrive. This amount of time was insufficient to destroy Fourth Epoch Triers seal. Was it that the Rose School of Thought and other evil god sects didnt want to use the current approach in the past? In the midst of Her doubts, Saint Vive suddenly became vigilant. Could something have simultaneously gone wrong with Fourth Epoch Trier? If coordinated on the inside and outside, the seal might truly be broken in a short time! Just then, Saint Vive saw before the crimson moonwhich appeared so huge it seemed to hang by the cathedral bell towera figure descending from the sky, growing larger and larger, wearing a medium-tall silk top hat, black windbreaker, and holding a stardust-inlaid cane. The easternmost part of the Sonia Sea, the Forsaken Land of the Gods. At the highest point of the majestic mountain range, darkness was thick, sometimes expanding, sometimes contracting. Midseashire north coast, East Tilisi Province, capital city Tilisi. Madam Justice suddenly had a spiritual premonition and opened her eyes. She saw before her a verdant field, with several scarecrows standing in it, a clear stream flowing through, like a pastoral scene from an oil painting. A dream As a Dreamweaver, Madam Justice quickly understood what she had encountered. And there werent many beings in this world capable of weaving such a dream for her. Madam Justice instantly thought of one possibility: the ancient dragon Edefana she had been pursuing! This was one of the few remaining mind dragons. Ive searched for years without finding Him, yet He has come to me? Madam Justice found this somewhat absurd. Absurdity implied abnormality, and abnormality necessarily indicated problems. What Madam Justice cared more about was, if this dream was truly woven by Edefana, why did He choose today, why choose this moment? Justice didnt hesitate, taking out a card. The card portrayed an impartial goddess seated on a stone chair, wielding a sword and scales. Tarot card, Justice card! After praying to Mr. Fool, Justice began reciting her friends honorific name, Cosmic Traveler, beholden to the King of Yellow and Black, and the Sorcerer chronicling the world Southern Continent, inside a black ancient castle. Mr. Moon Emlyn stood at the window, gazing up at the crimson moon that appeared huge and dreamlike due to its proximity. He felt his spirituality boiling. As he was struggling to control himself, the crimson moonlight shone into the ancient castle, conveying a mellow voice, Alexis has suddenly disappeared. Find him as soon as possible. This voice came from one of the three great Sanguine dukes, Olmertitled Round Moon. Alexis disappeared? Mr. Moon repeated these words. Alexis was one of Duke Round Moon Olmers direct descendants, a Sanguine count residing in Feynapotter City, the capital of the Feynapotter Kingdom. In the past, The Moon Emlyn wouldnt have thought this order contained any hidden information, but now, he thought more: Alexis disappeared suddenly? If it was sudden, how did Duke Round Moon discover it so quickly? As a direct relative, did the Duke Round Moon have a bad premonition due to Alexiss disappearance? Sonia Sea, New City of Silver, Church of The Fools Headquarters. Lumian and others saw the unrestrained growth of the Tree of Shadow. Wasnt it supposed to take many years before it would grow again? Franca muttered to herself. Did it receive healing, and its original wounds have healed? Lumian nodded pensively. The Great Mothers influence really seems to be hidden behind this Jenna, who had been pondering a certain question, suddenly turned her gaze toward the twin towers and asked vigilantly, Would the Gift of the Land being Omebellas remains, count as a mother?'' Should calamity stay away? Lumian was momentarily stunned. He had borrowed the Gift of the Land before without any problems. But that seemed to be before Mr. Fool made the revelation that calamity needs to stay away from the mother! Meanwhile, in a hotel in the New City of Silver. A man with neatly combed black hair, beautiful crimson eyes, and an elegant bow tie at his chest pulled a card from his pocket. The card depicted a female version of Emperor Roselle wearing maternity clothes, with a protruding belly, radiating maternal glory. Card of Blasphemy, Mother card! Chapter 1102 - Chapter 1102: Valley God Chapter 1102: Valley God The moment the Mother card was taken out, it seemed to sense something and its surface emanated a crimson glow even before being activated by an incantation. It immediately transformed into an invisible vortex, frantically absorbing its holders spirit and spirituality. Then, it became heavy, turning into a miniature book. The books pages fluttered in the wind, revealing its first page. On it was depicted Emperor Roselle dressed as a farmer, leaning on a hoe and gazing at rain clouds in the sky, with lines of ancient Feysac text written beside it: Sequence 9, Planter Immediately after, the book rapidly flipped backward. from Sequence 8, Doctor all the way to Sequence 1, Naturewalker. After Naturewalker was a female version of Emperor Roselle wearing a loose long dress, holding an infant, with two children standing beside him. This pages title was: Sequence 0, Mother! Almost simultaneously, crimson moonlight began shining from the infant in female Roselles arms. This grew increasingly bright, making the infant gradually appear like a full moon, reflecting and complementing the real crimson moon hanging low in the sky, seemingly suspended above the cathedral bell tower. Within the miniature crimson moon, several lines of ancient Feysac text that hadnt existed before appeared: Sequence 1, Valley God (or Tree God). Below this brand new Sequence 1 title, there were two descriptions, one on the left and one on the right: The Valley God is the root of heaven and earth. The Tree God, supporting heaven and connecting earth, propagates endlessly. The crimson-eyed man holding this Mother card had just begun to smile when his expression suddenly froze. He looked down to find that brownish, slightly withered tree roots had extended from the back of the Card of Blasphemy. These roots had pierced into his body, growing and spreading numerous root systems. frantically draining his life force. The crimson-eyed man was stunned for a second before relaxing his expression. He already understood what was happening. But it didnt matter-all things would eventually return to the land, return to the mothers embrace! Its just a bit early for me, but I will experience the warmth and security of mothers embrace sooner. His full face began to cave in, his smooth skin gradually withering. At the bottom of the spire within the twin towers at the core of New City of Silver. The enormous seven or eight meter high trunk sleeping in the morning light, planted in a pile of brownish soil, suddenly trembled slightly. Its grayish-brown wood quickly exuded moisture, and large amounts of previously peeled and missing bark visibly grew back. The surrounding morning light suddenly surged into its body, cutting through its flesh while witnessing its rebirth. Its withered feeling gradually disappeared as it slowly became full and robust. Suddenly, it broke free from the restraint of the brownish soil pile and vanished from the bottom of the round tower. In the cathedral of the Church of The Fools headquarters. Warned by Jenna, Lumian redirected his gaze to the mirrors floating before him and to the brownish-green Tree of Shadow that was breaking through the ground and growing upward. ? Anthony understood that Lumian had realized New City of Silver wasnt entirely safe either-it contained the remains of the City of Silver residents former mother, Giant Queen Omebella, and calamity needed to stay away from the mother. This would make normal people want to quickly retreat, but for High-Sequence Hunters, constantly running away wasnt a choice that aligned with their godhood: Having fled Trier, should they now flee New City of Silver too? Should they keep running forever? Anthony believed this would spark intense fighting spirit in Lumian. If his humanity wasnt abundant enough and his control over his mental state and emotions wasnt strong enough, he would choose to return to Trier to directly confront the Tree of Shadow and thwart the evil god cults conspiracy. Before Anthony could offer advice or use Placate, Lumian forcefully withdrew his gaze and made the floating mirrors return to the Travelers Bag. He said gravely to his team members, Now well move to the Cathedral of Serenity. The Cathedral of Serenity was the Church of the Evernight Goddesss headquarters and Holy Cathedral. As he spoke, Lumian activated the black mark on his right shoulder, using Teleport again. Just as the spirit world with its layered colors and numerous strange creatures appeared before them, everything suddenly spun and they plummeted downward. Before Lumian could react, his feet had already landed on solid ground. They arrived in an endless wilderness overgrown with weeds, with an oak tree of indescribable size growing in its depths. It was blue-green, its roots deeply embedded in the earth, its crown penetrating the clouds as if supporting the sky, holding up a crimson full moon. It was like a pillar reaching to heaven, supporting the entire world, allowing this wilderness to exist. The mottled bark of this sky-supporting oak bore scorch marks from lightning strikes, but beneath the charred areas lay signs of life. Higher up, the oak had more new branches, many entwined with lush, vibrant mistletoe. At this moment, in the middle of this giant oak that supported the sky and anchored the earth, large amounts of mottled bark bulged out, outlining a huge, gentle, feminine face, with two giant crimson flowers serving as its eyes. Mother Omebella In Lumians mind, these two terms naturally flashed through. He instinctively tried to activate the black mark on his right shoulder again, but he could not sense the spirit world beyond this wilderness, nor could he sense the areas he originally had positions for. Paramita! At the same time, Lumian remembered something else: His Teleport ability came from Zedus! And Zedus was one of the Great Mothers twins, Omebellas younger brother, whose power presumably came from a boon, and currently possessed no Beyonder characteristics. Even if such an Angel was conquered by 0-01, there should still be a trace of the Great Mothers spirit hidden within His power. This was what the Great Mother excelled at! So, at the crucial moment, she sacrificed this bit of spirit to interfere with my Teleport, making me voluntarily enter the Paramita created by the Gift of the Land? And Gift of the Land somehow became activated and received strange enhancements This thought flashed quickly through Lumians mind. Francas lake-blue eyes had already become profound. seemingly concealing layers upon layers of darkness. In the green fields dotted with scarecrows. Madam Magician, wearing a white nightgown, opened a door forged from brilliant starlight and entered this dream. She only looked around once before making a guess about the dreams weaver. Edefana? This was an ancient mind dragon, an Angel-level Discerner. Excluding those who were transformed from humans, He was one of only three ancient dragons currently remaining. Whats happening in the outside world? Madam Justice Audrey asked instead of answering. As a Dreamweaver, she had tried to leave this dream but failed. Madam Magician answered truthfully, The Tree of Shadow in Trier is causing trouble again, supposedly receiving help from the Great Mothers subordinates. However, dont worry, Mr. Fool has already descended there. Madam Justice showed a puzzled expression. So. Edefana took this opportunity to find me? How did He know Mr. Fool would descend to Trier? Madam Magician paused briefly before saying. Drawing me here to help must have also been part of His plan So you had enough time to pray to Mr. Fool and speak my name, avoiding an ambush. Just as the Planeswalker finished speaking, the dreams sky was suddenly covered by a shadow. That shadow was a grayish-white dragon, circling in flight, with a lizard-like face showing obvious signs of age. In Trier, Mr. Fool, wearing a medium-height silk top hat and black coat, was unaffected by the ground and tree branches as he passed through layers of void, landing before the brownish-green Tree of Shadows trunk. He thrust his star-dust inlaid cane forward, watching the thick, solid bark collapse and destroy itself in large amounts. Each piece of bark, each branch, each leaf suddenly became ethereal, revealing scenes of Triers citizens displaying various desires over the past one or two thousand years. Some were normal, others indulgent, showing affairs at luxurious parties, warmth of tight embraces in cold small rooms, wasteful tables of abandoned food, and miserly parents reluctant to feed their children enough They interwove layer upon layer, cascading down as weighty history, a tome of desires, something that couldnt be completely destroyed by normal attacks, requiring peeling away layer by layer. Mr. Fool withdrew his star-dust inlaid cane. Grayish-white fog emerged accordingly, enveloping the Tree of Shadows main trunk. Fog of History! In Fourth Epoch Trier. Just as Angoulme and other Unshadowed were about to raise The Fourth Day higher to eliminate the Montsouris ghosts who kept throwing themselves into the invisible, colorless flames, they suddenly heard a cry. It was the cry of infants, countless infants crying. Jack Walton and others immediately looked toward the entrance of the street, seeing a figure staggering toward them. The figure had chestnut-colored long hair and azure eyes, deliberately dressed as Emperor Roselle. His body was already swollen, with bird-clawed infants tearing through flesh and skin to emerge from his ribs, abdomen, chest, thighs, and arms, crying loudly in search of nursing. In Paramita. Lumians voice echoed in Franca and the others minds: Dont enter the mirror world for now. The mirror world was connected to the special mirror world! In the current chaotic situation, who knows what people might be lying in ambush in the mirror world, waiting to drag them into the special mirror world! Since they had already encountered Mother, they shouldnt fall into the special mirror world trap as well. Lumian slightly bent down, looking at the giant sky- supporting oak tree, and said with a smile in the teams minds: Since we couldnt escape, then lets fight! Chapter 1103 - Chapter 1103: True Plan Chapter 1103: True Plan Accompanying Lumians words, Franca, Jenna, Anthony, and Ludwig simultaneously raised both arms. The numerous white clouds surrounding the giant oak trees crown suddenly turned gloomy, appearing even more substantial. Countless silver-white electric serpents began leaping between the layered dark clouds, intertwining as if trying to form a single entity. At this moment, Lumian suddenly clenched his fist. A massive silver-white lightning bolt, illuminating the entire Paramita, rapidly descended, striking the giant oak tree transformed from Omebellas remnants. Lumian was recalling the effect of shouting the incantation Leodero when facing a similar oak tree embodying Madame Pualis in the dream city, and decided to imitate and recreate it. At this time, the crimson moon had pressed against the invisible barrier, and Lord of Storms Leodero certainly couldnt spare the effort to bring down divine punishment, so he could only create this through a Weather Warlocks Beyonder powers. Moreover, Lumian was not the only one controlling the weather he had also made Franca and the other team members do similar things simultaneously. Rather than concentrating everyones power on himself to enhance the thunderstorms might, allowing each person to control the weather and then stack these efforts together would not only prevent weakening the effect but might also potentially trigger chain reactions or chaotic changes, making the thunderstorm more pronounced and exaggerated. This was the nature of weather-even a butterflys wing flap could progressively evolve into a hurricane, let alone five people simultaneously manipulating and creating a thunderstorm. When the massive lightning that illuminated the entire Paramita fell, the female face on the giant oak trees surface had already opened its mouth. The raging wind brought by the thunderstorm was instantly sucked inside, and the high-altitude dark clouds converged toward the massive mouth in a funnel shape. The silver-white lightning, resembling a divine tree, naturally decomposed, with most of it being swallowed by the female face on the trees surface, and a small portion striking the trees crown, bark, and branches. Some bark instantly turned charcoal-black and peeled downward, with branches breaking and catching fire. At these wounded spots, the trees heart writhed and grew, ready to regenerate. Simultaneously, all grass in Paramita withered at once, the ground cracking inch by inch, as if losing all moisture or having life rapidly drain away. Lumian and the others were no exception. They also saw that around the giant oak tree, some soil swelled and rolled, forming over a dozen yellow-brown humanoid puppets, all massive in size, swaying and about to take their first steps. Ludwig opened his mouth and suddenly swallowed the toxic gas that had been diffusing in the surrounding air at some unknown time. Immediately afterward, every member of their team transformed into fire balls of blue-purple hue, roaring as they rushed toward the giant oak tree. Rumble! Thunder finally sounded in the high sky. Violet-tinted blue flames rapidly spread, turning everywhere Lumian and his companions passed into a flame hell. Those dozen yellow-brown puppets didnt even have time to make any movement before being roasted crisp by the approaching high temperature, completely collapsing when the blue-violet fireball arrived. Just as Lumians group, transformed into a fireball, was about to strike the giant oak tree, that sky-supporting behemoth suddenly disappeared. In the blink of an eye, at another location in Paramita, the ground swelled high, soil splashing, and a green giant oak tree grew out again. Lumian and his team failed to hit their target, allowing them to re-materialize their forms. Around them, cracked soil erupted with brown tree roots that shot out from all directions, covering the sky and earth. Lumians spiritual intuition told him that being struck by these roots would likely mean death, or worse, losing control. Death wasnt terrifying-each team member had a Mirror Substitution-but losing control was something even a Demoness of Unaging couldnt resist! Dense fog suddenly surged in the area, enveloping Lumians group and dozens of kilometers of wilderness. The brown tree roots emerging from the ground were also shrouded by the Fog of War, losing their target, unable to find a trace, stupidly freezing in midair. Near the sky-supporting giant oak tree, Lumians teams figures suddenly outlined. They surrounded the massive entity from different directions, each holding a black flame sword that restrained destruction and violence. Immediately after, they successively struck with the Swords of Destruction. This wasnt about being unable to move in unison, but about attacking in waves, maintaining reserves, leaving room to respond to potential enemy surprises. Silently, the giant oak tree was covered in vibrant green radiance. Then, it transformed into light and drilled into the ground, instantly vanishing, even preventing Jenna from adjusting the direction of the Sword of Destruction she had deliberately delayed. Those black flame swords restraining madness fell on the flat, unbroken ground, burning a deep pit, cutting down and burning the remaining brown tree roots to ash. Escaping through the earth? Franca hissed in the mental channel, This is too hard to fight! More importantly, their life force was rapidly depleting, unable to sustain such a battle for long. Lumian calmly responded, Proceed as planned. This was also a reminder to Jenna, Anthony, and Ludwig. As they communicated mentally, dense Fog of War again spread out, making any subsequent attacks unable to lock onto a target. Thus, Lumians team fought intensely against the constantly relocating giant oak tree, relying on abilities like Fog of War, collective Teleportation, Weakness Investigation, Sword of Destruction, thunderstorm weather, arrival of winter, Mirror Substitution, and Demoness curses. After a while, Lumian suddenly said in every team members mind: Heres the chance! They Blinked again to the giant oak trees surroundings. Lumians azure eyes turned iron-black, revealing the targets pale areas. Franca let gray-white colors surge forth, rushing to the oak trees base, attempting to Petrify the soil and bring it under her control, preventing the enemy from quickly moving via the ground. Facing the sky-supporting behemoth, Jenna smiled and fully displayed the Charm Lumian had shared. She wanted to make the giant oak tree briefly lose consciousness and fail to dodge in time. On another side, Anthony quietly approached in a Psychological Invisibility state, condensing a black flame sword, and struck the targets weakness as Lumian suggested. Ludwig, small in stature, raised a Sword of Destruction much larger than himself, attacking from the front to draw the enemys attention. Suddenly, the giant oak trees branches and leaves swayed, and a wet, bumpy protrusion emerged from its trunk. The bump quickly split open, birthing a child. This child was composed of countless intertwined silver-white electric snakes, the lightning previously swallowed, now reborn. Crack! The child instantly disintegrated, terrifying, bright lightning sweeping the surroundings. Anthonys body instantly shattered, and Ludwig, Franca, and Jenna also broke into numerous mirror fragments. Lumians figure didnt break, only fading. He was just a Mirror Projection from Francas lake-blue eyes! Lumians true body appeared seven or eight kilometers away, holding a Sword of Destruction with contained, unreleased power. The black flame sword instantly struck the edge of Paramita. A nauseating sharp crack sound emerged, instantly slicing a deep, twisted, hideous fissure. Beyond the crack, pure color blocks layered, and various spirit realm creatures had long since fled. Using the Sword of Destruction, Lumian forcibly carved a path to the outside world from Paramita! From the beginning, he never intended to entangle too long with the giant oak tree, suspected to be an activated relic of Omebella. His real plan was: if they couldnt quickly resolve the target, force it near Paramitas edge, then use their intense battle to hide their true purpose, approach the realms edge, attack with five people to distract it, allowing his true body to seize the opportunity and use the Sword of Destructions special power to tear through the barrier and escape! A Hunter was brave, not foolish. Why persist in fighting on the enemys predetermined battlefield, contrary to Mr. Fools revelation? The initial battle was for this retreat! Go! When Lumians voice rang in Jenna and the others minds, he had already activated the black mark on his right shoulder, bringing all team members through that terrifying crack, successfully escaping Paramita. This time, he didnt plan to rely on the contract ability Teleportation, only using it to sense multiple spirit world coordinates and complete positioning. With positioning, Angels could directly traverse the spirit world! In the deep, dark special mirror world. Zaratul, wearing a black robe, with white hair and eyes of unpierced black darkness, leaned to one side, quietly waiting. Suddenly, He stood up and said solemnly. My wish is: To make Lumian and the others enter the mirror world. He immediately fulfilled His own wish. In Lumianand Francas eyes, the spirit world, originally composed of dense, pure color blocks, suddenly became dark and profound. A massive suction force rose from below, involuntarily dragging them down into a bottomless depth. In Paramita, that giant oak tree stopped relocating. gradually withering and shrinking back to a seven or eight-meter trunk. In a hotel room in the New City of Silver. Reinette Tinekerr, carrying four blonde, red-eyed heads and wearing a dark, complex black dress, emerged from the spirit world. Her eight eyes simultaneously looked at the ground, seeing the Mother card. This Card of Blasphemy was stained with a faint trace of blood. Chapter 1104 - Chapter 1104: Catastrophe Chapter 1104: Catastrophe In their rapid descent, Lumian, Franca, and Jenna, as Beyonders of the Demoness pathway, quickly realized they were in the depths of the mirror world. Just as they were about to use their inherent qualities to lead the entire team away from the area filled with spacetime turbulence and return to the real world, a figure appeared in the deep, dark surroundings. The figure wore a gray, old-fashioned long dress, with thick and long hair cascading like a waterfall. Her blue eyes were more crystalline than gemstones, with a delicate, small chin and moist, glossy red lips. She was a beautiful, mature woman with an exceptional temperament. Seeing this figure, Francas mind instantly buzzed. She recognized her. She had seen this gray-dressed womans Mirror Projection with the Demoness of Black. As a newly appointed Saint of the Demoness Sect, she had no choice but to meet her. This was the matriarch of the Demoness of Gray, the divine child of the Primordial Demoness, the Demoness of Gray Judith! Judith was a Sequence 2 Demoness of Catastrophe. She looked at Lumian and the others, raising Her exquisite and beautiful articulated wrist with a charming smile. She was about to bring disaster. And for the mirror world, what could truly be called a catastrophe? Of course, it would be a complete collapse, swallowed by spacetime turbulence! Silently, Lumian saw the deep, dark surroundings begin to peel away, like a mirror cracking, with fragments falling off the surface. Indescribable spacetime turbulence swept in. Franca and the others, who were originally far from the turbulence in the mirror worlds depths, were suddenly thrown into a scene of world-ending collapse. Lumian had no time to think, activating the black mark on his right shoulder to Teleport the entire team out of the area. However, the spacetime turbulence had already surged in, weakening the teams connections. Though they were close, they seemed to be in different worlds. Simultaneously, Lumians perception of external coordinates became imprecise, blurry, and chaotic. Lumian did not hesitate and used Teleportation. Although this forced Teleportation would cause Franca and the others to be affected by the spacetime turbulence and randomly sent to different destinations, the weakest team member was still a Sequence 4 Saint. As long as they could escape this area of turbulent disaster, whether still in the mirror world, entering the spirit world, or returning to the real world, they could ensure their safety to some extent. Afterward, they would have many ways to regroup. Just before the spacetime turbulence completely engulfed them, they instantly disappeared. Francas figure took shape in a phantom, dark tunnel of the mirror world. She felt that the distance between her and Lumian was certainly more than 10 kilometers, as she could no longer share the Angel-level power. She used the Mirror Substitution Lumian had left with her to quickly perform Magic Mirror Divination while turning into a new tunnel following her spiritual intuition. ? She wanted to reunite with Lumian. This was to enhance his strength, as a Hunter with a team was much more powerful than one without! Suddenly, a void of black darkness appeared before her, and the spider web-like tunnels behind her were dyed gray-white, solidifying into stone, no longer passable. At this moment, a figure stood in the mirror-behind area before Franca. The figure had black hair twisted into a high bun, wearing a pure black court dress, with deep gray eyes bright yet tinged with a hint of sadness. It was the Demoness of Black Clarice. Next to Clarice, a high platform was built from gray-white stones, with a white bone-carved figurine of the Primordial Demoness placed at the top. Franca stopped at the edge of this mirror-behind area, instinctively displaying a smile, as if trying to slip by. Madame, what are you doing? The Demoness of Black looked at her, with a smile that was not quite a smile. Praying to the Primordial One, of course. Before her words finished, she suddenly saw gray-white colors surging towards her. Francas previous smile and words were merely to deceive the Demoness of Black, making her believe she would not be ambushed. By the time this color-named Demoness actually began to respond, Franca had already decisively launched an attack, leaving no room for retreat! Jenna stopped. She was somewhat stunned to discover that the mirror tunnel before her had been broken off, just like a bridge in the real world. This was a phenomenon she had never encountered before while traversing the mirror world, seemingly only possible in areas near spacetime turbulence. Where does this lead? Has the path been artificially cut off? Jennas thoughts raced, but she did not linger or seek an answer. She took the Mirror Substitution Lumian had left with her and chose to bypass the interrupted tunnel, moving closer to her spiritual guidance. She intuitively believed that Lumian was in this isolated place, and there was certainly a way to enter. In a certain part of the mirror world. Ludwig, dressed in childrens formal wear, stood between spider web-like phantom paths, hesitating whether to go left or right. He felt a calling from deep within his heart or a longed-for food on the right side, but the left side represented his godfather. After a moments hesitation, Ludwigs figure swiftly became transparent, turning into a wraith. He projected himself as a wraith into the left mirror tunnel. After discovering he had not yet left the mirror world, Anthony immediately lowered his head and began chanting in Hermes, The Fool that doesnt belong to this era, The mysterious ruler above the gray fog, The King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck. After briefly reporting their situation to Mr. Fool, Anthony used Psychological Invisibility and shuttled into the depths of the phantom tunnel before him. His Ice Mirror Charm was not yet used up! In a pitch-black castle in the Southern Continent. The Moon Emlyn restrained his surging spirituality, pondering the reason Duke Round Moon Olmer had him search for Alex. Is He suspicious that Alexis has come to the Southern Continent? Seeking refuge with the Rose School of Thought? Just as he thought this, Mr. Moon saw a figure rapidly taking shape in the room. The figure knelt on one knee and bowed. My Lord, Ive received intelligence that the Rose School of Thought captured Massaru half an hour ago. He was a Traveler cultivated by Mr. Moon, having specially traded Beyonder characteristics from Madam Magician. Mr. Moon Emlyn couldnt help but furrow his brow. Is something big going to happen tonight? In recent times, the situation in the Southern Continent had actually been trending towards calm. First, organizations like the Rose School of Thought had reduced their activities, hiding deeper, similar to the cults of the Northern Continent. Second, after Mr. Fools initial awakening, He had promoted reconciliation between the Royals of the Numinous Episcopate and the orthodox Churches. Subsequently, colonial institutions of Northern Continent countries would gradually withdraw from the Southern Continent, returning governance to local populations. To avoid chaos and a vacuum for order, this would be a dragged-out process. Southern Continent populations would have religious freedom. As long as it didnt involve evil gods, they could believe in deities like Death or Mr. Fool, and could continue believing in the orthodox gods of the Northern Continent. Meanwhile, the Royals of the Numinous Episcopate promised Mr. Fool political-religious separation. They also provided substantial intelligence to the orthodox Churches, helping Mr. Star and Mr. Moon uncover several hidden bases of the Rose School of Thought. The Moon Emlyn knew that Northern Continent countries and orthodox Churches made such significant concessions because Mr. Fool, this great existence, had initially awakened, and everyone shared a common enemy: other great existences. Under these circumstances, after ensuring the orthodox Churches did not lose too many believers, even if the governments of Northern Continent countries had objections or wanted to overturn everything, they could only swallow their pride and agree. The Moon Emlyns understanding was: In this world, Beyonder power is the source of all authority! Before Mr. Fools apotheosis, liberating the Southern Continent from colonial status would have been impossible, even after numerous wars, because the orthodox gods interests were aligned in this matter. Once he became a great existence and initially awakened, this problem was easily resolved. Their current primary contradiction was those great existences who would destroy everything! One had to distinguish between primary and secondary contradictions when doing things. Emlyn took a deep breath, summoned the castles strongholds, and transformed into crimson moonlight, rushing directly toward Massaru. Before he even approached, he saw a massive entity appear within the city. It was a mountain composed of mixed corpses and earthmale corpses, female corpses, elder corpses, child corpsesall piled together. Residents of Massaru City, whether from the Northern or Southern Continent, had all been killed and stacked into a mountain pointing to the sky. Simultaneously, cults in many parts of the Northern and Southern Continents, having accumulated certain power, were frantically creating disasters, forcing the Angels and Saints of the orthodox Churches to extinguish fires everywhere. Lumians figure had just materialized in a part of the mirror world when he saw the Demoness of Gray Judith standing not far away. Some intense convergence phenomenon had made them meet again. Lumian narrowed his eyes, letting out a low growl. It was like the first drum beaten on a battlefield. With this growl, Lumians body began to expand, his surface once again covered by an iron-black armor formed from flames. A drop of blood-red emerged at his forehead, vivid and dripping like a battle flag. One side of his face became soft, delicate, and brilliant, while the other remained handsome but increasingly masculine and sharp. In Paramita, isolated internally and externally, he couldnt use the most powerful ability of a Weather Warlock. But now, the mirror world itself belonged to that individuals domain. He had sacrificed the ultimate power of the Calamity pathways, seeking assistance! Lumian revealed a Mythical Creature form over ten meters high, holding a black flame great sword formed by the Fire of Destruction, taking a step to arrive before the Demoness of Gray Judith and slashing down. The surrounding spider web-like phantom tunnels collapsed simultaneously, giving Judith no chance to escape this area. Chapter 1105 - Chapter 1105: Waiting Chapter 1105: Waiting Facing Lumians attack, Demoness of Gray Judith smiled serenely and calmly. The phantom tunnel where She was located collapsed on its own, and along with Herself, before the Sword of Destruction could strike, fell piece by piece like toppled building blocks, cascading like a waterfall. Disaster preemptively engulfed Her, time and space storms swept through, and only then came Lumians black flame great sword. By the time this area completely dissolved into nothingness, the terrifying and indescribable time-space turbulence flowed chaotically in the dark depths. In another phantom and dark tunnel, Demoness of Gray Judiths figure strangely emerged. She was clearly stalling Lumian, preventing him from returning to the real world. Lumian changed direction and took another step to arrive before the Demoness of Gray, slashing out the Sword of Destruction. Deep beneath the Tree of Shadow, the brown-green trunk of the Tree of Shadow was completely shrouded in gray-white fog. The mottled bark, settled desires, and ancient scenes gradually presented a phantasmal texture under the erosion of fog of history. The historical shall return to history! Abstract things could become substantial, and could also be defined as pure concepts. The Lord of Mysteries could turn the true to false, and the false to true, with the distinction between true and false no longer clear! As the gray-white fog continuously eroded the Tree of Shadow, the figure of Mr. Fool wearing black gloves, holding a star-studded staff, and dressed in a deep black trench coat suddenly appeared with a flickering sensation. The star-studded staff lit up with brilliant radiance. In a part of the mirror world, Mr. Fool took a step, quickly flickering beyond what normal human eyes could capture. Before him were multiple phantom tunnels that had been interrupted, with all-consuming darkness flooding the collapsed area, blocking the path. Mr. Fool spoke in a low voice, at an extremely rapid pace, My, wish, is: The, original, state, here, restored. After each pronunciation, there was a pause, but this pause was not obvious and did not affect the rapid delivery of speech, only making some syllables seem to come from an extremely distant place. As soon as the voice fell, a miracle occurred: those phantom and dark tunnels became whole again, once more able to freely traverse. Seeing the mirror tunnels in spider web formation successfully repaired,Red Angel Medici, leaning against the edge of the mirrors rear area, picked up the apple in His hand and took a smiling bite. Medici, who had already condensed an iron-black blood-stained armor with defense not much inferior to same-tier Warrior pathway Beyonders, did not rush to move forward. Instead, He continued waiting at His original location, awaiting potential subsequent mutations and possible interlopers. As a Hunter, one of the keys to success was patiencepatiently waiting for prey to enter the trap, waiting for all variables and accidents to reveal themselves, finding the true weak point, and then delivering a fatal strike to complete the harvest. Last time, Medici had overlooked the possibility of Alista Tudor actively choosing to be mad. This time, He would not exclude those irrational choices. Lumian, standing more than ten meters tall, was engulfed in deep red, violet flames, yet his face retained a human formone side brilliant, the other handsome, with a blood-red, thorn-like mark at his forehead threatening to burst forth. The Demoness of Gray was about to employ Her usual trick and dodge the enemys frontal assault when Her mind suddenly trembled. She instantly felt the opponent was tall, majestic, terrifying, strong, and charismaticinvoluntarily wanting to submit. Even more horrifying was the sense of facing the source, facing a deity, facing the embodiment of destruction and apocalypse. This caused Her body and mind to briefly lose self-awareness, unable to respond effectively in time. Conquest! Lumian had obtained the power of conquest through sacrificing to the City of Calamity, supplemented with a hint of sefirah-quality conquest power. Now, he was a genuine City of Calamity priest, the high priest of wars essence! The Demoness of Gray froze in place. Lumians iron-black eyes, revealing pale regions, slashed down the black great sword burning with the Fire of Destruction. Simultaneously, the mirror world around the Demoness of Gray fractured in all directionsup, down, left, right, front, and back. Each fragment was conquered as a soldier, transforming into large and small black flame-composed short arrows, restrained with violence and destruction, swooshing toward Judith. These densely packed, impenetrable arrows seemed to weave a net of destruction, with Judith as the massive fish caught within. Boom! The Sword of Destruction cleaved into the Demoness of Grays shoulder, and the black flame short arrows hit the target from all directions. Cracking sounds rang out continuously, and Demoness of Gray Judiths Mirror Substitutions exploded simultaneously, without exception. Now Her form in the mirror, but even Her form in the real world was affected by Cull and the Sword of Destruction, suddenly erupting in black flames and burning to ash. Only those sleeping mirrors She had hidden in multiple places, having severed most of Her mystical connections, were spared. And She would need considerable time to resurrect through these means. After dispatching the Demoness of Gray, Lumians body suddenly shrank, the blood-colored pennant between his brows gradually receding, yet seeming to still writhe. He made no delay, nor considered pursuing the Demoness of Gray, immediately wanting to escape the mirror world and then find a way to reunite with Franca, Jenna, and the others. In an instant, he sensed something and cast his gaze toward one of the illusory tunnels. He felt true safety lay there. Lumians figure turned ethereal, about to traverse through. Just then, his thoughts abruptly stiffened, and a slick yet marvelous sensation spread across his surface. He saw thick black hair like serpents emerging from nowhere, coiling around him, their tips either embedded with black and white eyes or bearing venomous snake heads, mouths slightly open, tongues protruding. Lumian also saw that under the gaze of those black and white eyes, his body had turned gray-white, transforming into stone, unable to use any abilities. He was layer upon layer wrapped by those thick, serpent-like, slick and slightly damp black hairs in his stone state. The only thing he could do now was commit suicide. Suddenly, a gentle, soft female voice with a hint of laughter whispered in his ear, I have been waiting for you for a long time. This voice scratched at Lumians soul, making his entire body feel itchy, and even petrified, he sank into it, not wanting to break free. A name spontaneously flashed in his mind: Primordial Demoness Cheek! Two pure, delicate white hands stretched from behind and gently caressed Lumians cheeks. These beautiful hands were not yet perfect, but they could evoke the most primitive and intense desires of anyone who saw them, instantly propelling them to heavenly pleasure from which they could never escape. Just by being seen. Lumian in his petrified state was equally affected, his mind almost completely blank. The reason it was not entirely blank was because he saw his mirror self was also dragged out from hiding by those thick, slick black serpent-like hairs, his body gray-white, because a curvaceous, icy yet inexplicably fiery body was pressed against his back. That body cradled his face, dragging him with black hair deeper into the mirror world, rapidly retreating into that special mirror world. Mr. Fool Blinked into this area, just in time to see Lumian being embraced from behind by an infinitely charming, vaguely discernible figure in the special mirror world, being dragged inside. His black trench coat suddenly lifted. Fooled! Simultaneously, a dozen-meter-tall figure appeared before Lumian. It was a female, wearing a dress seemingly made of white bones, her black hair like venomous giant serpentslong, thick, and slick, with snake heads at the tips or rolling black and white eyes, turning everything around her to stone, releasing various mystical pathogens. Her beauty of countenance had transcended human limits, reaching a conceptual level. All living beings and all things would be infatuated and entranced by Her slightest expression, perpetually in ecstasy. Even rules and concepts seemed reluctant to constrain Her, to oppose Her. Mr. Fools Fooling instantly took effect, causing Her azure, ocean-like, gem-crystal eyes to suddenly become clouded. But Her charm did not diminish by half; instead, it presented a different seduction. This momentarily stunned Mr. Fool. In that instant of stunned silence, the area outside the special mirror world, along with the Primordial Demoness Cheeks figure, moved toward apocalypse, instantly condensing into an exceptionally dangerous darkness. By the time Mr. Fool made his own wish and satisfied his own wish, restoring the original scene, Lumians figure had already disappeared into the deep, dark region representing the special mirror world. Mr. Fools flickering figure raised the star-studded staff in his hand, materializing a night sky full of brilliant stars before him. Those stars quickly formed a directional, dreamlike key, forcibly opening the barrier of the special mirror world, pinpointing Lumians current location. Just as Mr. Fool was about to Wander in, a strange black surge suddenly emerged at the edge of that deep darkness, forming an abnormally massive, extremely distorted phantasm that resembled a human yet had many non-human features. This phantasm looked across the special mirror worlds barrier, crazy yet incredibly silent, watching Mr. Fool, as if waiting for him to come. Mr. Fool stopped Wandering and similarly watched the phantasm in silence. In a mirror rear area not far from here, Red Angel Medici, leaning against the hard mirror surface, brought the red apple in His hand to His mouth and took another bite. Within the crisp sound, He muttered softly, Cheek indeed appeared. But She is not weak at all. In fact, She seems even stronger Chapter 1106 - Chapter 1106: Whispers Chapter 1106: Whispers Jenna swiftly traversed through the mirror worlds phantom tunnels, dense as a spiders web, finally finding a path leading to her destination. She arrived before the special mirror world, seeing Mr. Fool standing quietly, his figure constantly flickering, his image almost exactly matching the description in church scriptures, and also seeing the distorted phantasms nearly covering the special mirror worlds edges. Upon witnessing the massive phantasm that was both human and non-human, Jenna suddenly felt an intense desire for destruction surge within her, wanting to spread disaster and indulge in pleasure. She almost failed to suppress the godhood that was originally not very prominent within her. What is this? Jenna was terrified and bewildered, barely managing to control her emotions and desires. In the mirror rear area standing with gray-white stone platforms and white bone statues. Franca and Demoness of Black Clarice had battled for a while. Besides shattering several Mirror Substitutions and transforming the place into a gray-white stone cave, neither had suffered substantial injury. Seizing the opportunity when the Mirror Projection shattered and her own form emerged at the mirror rear areas edge, the Demoness of Black looked at Franca, unable to hide her surprise, Youve significantly digested the Unaging potion? Clearly, she was not surprised that Franca had become a Demoness of Unaging, but that the others condition was excellent, with emotions and desires effectively controlled, unaffected by her own active Charm. This did not resemble a Demoness of Unaging who had advanced just a few months ago. After all, the digestion of a Demoness of Unaging was measured in centuries. The newly advanced might need several years, or even over a decade, to be in an unstable state of emotions and desire. Even facing an equally-leveled Demonesss Charm, they would find it difficult to resist, unless she was deeply in love or had just experienced a soul-stirring passion she would die for. Franca was also glad to talk and delay time, waiting for an opportunity. While dodging the Demoness of Blacks new wave of attacks, she laughed and asked back. Would you lose control if I said Ive completely digested the Unaging potion? She was boasting about a fact that would be unbelievable to other Demonesses of Unaging, attempting to provoke an emotional fluctuation in the Demoness of Black. And with an emotional fluctuation, she might be able to Charm the target, inducing admiration that would prevent them from attacking, leading to defeat. The Demoness of Blacks gaze suddenly solidified. She clearly was unwilling to believe Franca could digest the Unaging potion in just a few months-a process that normally took hundreds of years-but the others excellent condition seemed to corroborate that statement. Taking advantage of the Demoness of Blacks emotional turbulence, Franca smiled charmingly. This made Demoness of Black Clarices heart beat faster, just like the first time she experienced feminine charm from the Primordial Demoness figurine. With her experience, she immediately knew something was wrong, and let her mirror self emerge from another side, using Charm on herself. Charming herself! With a whoosh, Franca, who had put on the Face of the Arcane at some point in time, shot out a clear light column from her eye protection surrounded by gears, springs, and rivets, which instantly landed on the Demoness of Black. Caught between two Charm forces, the Demoness of Black regained some clarity and preemptively used a Mirror Substitution. Her body devolved into a mirror, completely split, floating down as microscopic fragments. The Demoness of Blacks mirror self walked out, then was intercepted by Francas mirror self. At the Demoness of Unaging stage, the Demonesses mirror selves could not directly engaged when battling in the real world. But if the battlefield was in the mirror world, with the main body entering, Demonesses could attack the enemy together with their mirror selves, essentially a two-against-one situation. The Demoness of Black who had escaped the attack quickly appeared on another side of the mirror rear area, her face smiling, showing no anger. I told you before that the Primordial One has two hidden honorific names. Do you want to know them now? Telling those two hidden honorific names now? Isnt this a trap? Franca responded without hesitation. Nope! The Demoness of Blacks figure suddenly layered and multiplied, everywhere, like entering a maze made entirely of mirrors. Her voice transmitted from all directions into Francas ears. The fourth honorific name is: The Female Body of the Primordial God Almighty! The Female Body of the Primordial God Almighty? Fu#k! Franca was stunned for a moment, nearly getting hit by the Demoness of Black, barely escaping the crisis by preemptively using a Mirror Substitution. The eastern part of the Sonia Sea, the Forsaken Land of the Gods. At the peaks of the endless mountain ranges, that darkness suddenly expanded to transparency. Within the transparency, a massive cross was vaguely visible, with two people nailed to it-one head down, feet up, the other feet up, head down, yet sharing a single body, like conjoined infants. Beneath this cross was a chaotic water surface that seemed to encompass all colors and all possibilities. Something beneath the water appeared to be grasping the crosss base, pulling it toward the earths depths, causing it to slowly sink. In an indescribable darkness. Lumian, now a gray-white stone statue with only a remnant of thought, suddenly smelled a fragrance like night flowers blooming, the very breath most yearned for in every male heart. The white bone-like long dress fell before his eyes, dropping to the ground, revealing a perfect torso that would drive even stones to impulse, that would make even rules violate themselves. Those slick, long, serpent-like black hairs began to gently glide on Lumians body. That moonlike torso sat in Lumians lap, entwining him without bones. Heat and coldness emerged simultaneously, with a moist sensation rippling and flowing between the two bodies. Lumian was like being nakedly coiled by a massive python, gently rubbing, and yet seemingly enveloped by the most charming pleasure, alternating between heaven and hell. Serpent-like slick black hair, white and exquisite beautiful hands, moistened and slightly parted pink lips, delicate skin that seemed it would break at a touch yet was full of elasticity-these rotated and approached Lumians face, neck, chest, and abdomen, sometimes lightly touching, sometimes closely pressing, sometimes gently caressing, sometimes wanting to be one with him. The previous soft, gentle voice became seductive, low-sobbing with joy when Lumian reached heaven, and floating near dream-talk when he fell into hell. Whether the remnant souls in the River of Eternal Darkness or the Beyonder characteristics in the Blue Avengers treasury are not the true reliance for Tudors resurrection If they can work, very good; if not, it doesnt matter, as long as they can create someone like you Tudors true resurrection is laid out here with me The voice brought a hidden sweet ambiguous fragrance, making even this stone statues blood vessels swell until gray-white cracks appeared. Sweet, fragrant breath blew into his ear, rising and falling, accompanied by a hint of laughter. Tudor is willing to trust me, and I will not disappoint Him Do you know why only Judiths descendants remain of His offspring, while others no longer exist? I cursed them, with direct curses, with curses of destiny Now, Tudor can only rely on me The remnant of Lumians consciousness inexplicably generated fear amidst these words. He did not know why Primordial Demoness Cheek was coupling with him at this moment, why She wanted to control his pleasure and pain, why She was saying these words. He only knew this true Demoness was mad. A slightly hoarse voice pressed against Lumians body, laughing softly in his ear. I am very satisfied with this body; it will belong to Tudor I have waited for over a thousand years, finally finding the best opportunity. This can both resurrect Tudor and complete His and my unfinished dreams Do you know what the Demoness pathway symbolizes? Lumian could not answer, for he was now just a gray-white stone statue, entering heaven amidst ultimate pleasure. The marvelous female voice had a breathy sound to it. It symbolizes catastrophe and apocalypse, and also symbolizes the feminine side of that initial Creator. The Hunter pathway, what does it symbolize? It symbolizes war and destruction, and also symbolizes the masculine side of that initial Creator. Do you know that the initial Creator was both mad and rational, both self-destructive and wanting to survive? What do you think such a Creator would do while self- destructing? Why would He create an invisible barrier to block the Outer Deities, preventing Them from chaotically plundering and initiating the convergence? As the source of rationality and wisdom, doesnt He want a stable existence? Even with his mind almost completely blank, Lumian now had an extra thought. Simultaneously, he vaguely perceived the purpose of the Primordial Demoness coupling with him and speaking these words. Balancing yin and yang, correcting the state, making the final preparation for Alista Tudors resurrection The breathing grew heavier, alternating between low sobs and laughter, the female voice asked near Lumians throat, Do you know what the Oldest Ones feminine side plus the Oldest Ones masculine side equals? When the feminine and masculine sides of something combine, what do they become? Lumians final thoughts suddenly froze. In the mirror rear area filled with gray-white stones. Frightened by the Primordial Demonesss fourth honorific name, Franca immediately fell into a disadvantage, barely surviving the most difficult stage. She could die and wait to resurrect herself in the sleeping mirror, but that would waste too much time. At this moment, the voice of Demoness of Black Clarice came from the side. The fifth honorific name of the Primordial One is Franca wanted to stop her but could not find a suitable method; comparatively, deafening herself would be more convenient. Before she could take action, the subsequent words of the Demoness of Black echoed with a hint of laughter. The fifth honorific name of the Primordial One is: The original Creator C the Oldest One C in the mirror! Chapter 1107 - Chapter 1107: Role Chapter 1107: Role The original Creatorin the mirror? Has the Primordial Demoness gone mad? To actually give Herself such a title, and moreover, to actually be able to point to Herself? Franca had originally prepared herself mentally not to be shocked or surprised, to prevent the Demoness of Black from launching a surprise attack, but the actual situation still exceeded her expectations. The honorific name The Female Body of the Primordial God Almighty was actually understandable after her initial shockLumian had previously suspected that the great terror deep within the special mirror world was related to the resurrection of the Primordial God Almighty, so the Primordial Demoness, who was closely involved with this matter and controlled it to a certain extent, quietly becoming The Female Body of the Primordial God was terrifying but not entirely unexpected. But The original Creatorthe Oldest Onein the mirror completely surpassed their imagination! Why would the Primordial Demoness think She could bear such a title? What great terror had She and Alista Tudor actually orchestrated deep within the special mirror world? Could it be that They are about to destroy and recreate the world? Deep within the special mirror world. Primordial Demoness Cheek seemed like someone who hadnt had anyone to talk to for a long time or perhaps harbored some dangerous intention. Ignoring the frozen thoughts of the statue-like Lumian, She let out a low, ragged breath as cracks spread in the grayish-white surface, laughing in a rising and falling rhythm as She spoke, Plus, huff the mirror world belongs to the Demoness pathway, huff The answer becomes huff very huff very clear The original Creatorthe Oldest Onein the mirror Lumians mind was like fireworks exploding, with colors of all kinds, both beautiful and dangerous. His face was cupped by those pure white, delicate hands, with bare arms like white jade art pieces connecting to the torso that had drawn a final line with charm itself. Countless black hairs, snake-like, glided all over his body, slick with a hint of sweat. The marvelous female voice that made Lumians very soul want to draw near sometimes was on his left side, sometimes ran to his right, sometimes descended to his chest with a wet sensation. The Primordial God Almighty hoh who accommodated the City of Calamity, knows very well huff this point His resurrection arrangement huff had one part in the Chaos Sea and the five pathways corresponding to the Chaos Sea huff and another part hidden in the City of Calamity huff hidden in the Demoness and Hunter pathways When the Demoness who commands chaos huff meets and combines with the Red Priest, huff, He will become the Trinity, in the City of Calamity, within the Chaos Demoness and the Red Priest huff simultaneously resurrecting, ultimately hoh forming a whole, returning in the mirror Huff but He perished too early, some things were not quite like the expected and arranged The City of Calamity huff was sealed in the Western Continent, preventing Him from quickly becoming the Trinity, gathering all calamities, and moreover huff there was another change on the City of Calamitys side His consciousness revived in me and Tudor, oh, Tudor, but without the City of Calamitys resonance and linkage, that consciousness grew very slowly huff suppressed and controlled by us And, hoh the place where we consummated was not the ordinary mirror world huff but the special mirror world created by Bethel Bethel had already accommodated huff the Uniqueness of the Door pathway and all Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics huff and by the special nature of the Door pathway, self-sealed to prevent convergence, stopping Himself from becoming a god hoh but He also sensed the terrifying revival of the Celestial Worthy within Him huff The Fourth Epoch was not suitable for the three Mysteries pathways to become divine ?? Bethel created the special mirror world huff voluntarily, but whether there was an influence from godhood, no one knows When the initial feminine and masculine sides, the consciousness of the Primordial God Almighty, and the special mirror world created by the Mysteries pathways combined, the development of things deviated from the Primordial God Almightys arrangement! The female voice, now slightly hoarse, no longer panted and suddenly became high-pitched, like a swan forcefully bending its neck backward. The Oldest Ones body of both male and female plus the power of the two direct pillars belonging to the Oldest One Lumian, who had fallen into hell from desire, suddenly understood why the mirrored original Creatorthe Oldest Onehad appeared. In this matter, the Celestial Worthy unconsciously or with a bit of consciousness applied influence, trying to prevent the Primordial God Almightys resurrection. As a result, the development exceeded everyones expectations. A true, unknown great horror was born in the depths of the special mirror world, causing the Celestial Worthys plan to defeat Mr. Fool by using the Mirror Persons splitting oneself to clinch victory to suffer a complete failure. The female voice was no longer hoarse, becoming low and gentle, very smooth. The mirrored original Creatorthe Oldest Onewas thus born, but His consciousness was very weak, like all newborn infants This gives me and you a chance, not only to suppress the Primordial Ones revival of His consciousness but also a chance to become the true Creator This is also dangerous, and the corresponding effort is the craziest behavior in this world, but youre not afraidthis is when youre most charming Tudor and I attempted to merge with the original Creatorthe Oldest Onein the mirror, one bearing the feminine side, one containing the masculine side, and then use this to control the City of Calamity, so we can be both separated and joined, both unified and contradictory, both whole and divided This seems to be the only way for the Oldest One to stably exist, an unverified method Now youve come, you even have the twin child of the Mother Goddess of Depravity on you, the seal of the River of Eternal Darkness. With all of this combined, the mirrored original Creatorthe Oldest Onemight be able to enter reality By then, the mirror world will have a sun, will have a moon, will have stars, will have everything from the outside world, becoming exactly the same as reality The gentle and smooth female voice gradually became heavy, mixing up the use of you and Tudor pronouns, seemingly wanting you and Tudor to ultimately become the same. It carried a hint of laughter, and sweet lips blocked Lumians mouth, the voice echoing in his oral cavity. Adam wanted to nurture you to accommodate the City of Calamity, but the first time I saw you, I felt that this body was prepared for Tudor and me. You should not become the Origins of Disaster, the Calamity of Destruction, you should be the original Creatorthe Oldest Onein the mirror, be Tudor, also be Cheek At this point, the tongue that brought countless stimulations and pleasures retracted, sighing and reminiscing. Our attempts gradually bore fruit, we could truly merge, but Adam sensed something was wrong. Those fellows also had a dangerous premonition, and the War of the Four Emperors broke out Some wanted to deal with us, others attacked their enemies in the chaos I actually wanted to kill Adam before we started trying, to prevent Him from discovering our plan. You also supported this, but that fellow ran faster than anyone and hid deeper than anyone Unfortunately, our union was not yet complete, and we had so many enemies In the last moment, Tudor wanted to forcibly complete the merger, using this to pull all other sefirot from the Western Continent, dragging the entire world to die, waiting for the Creators symbolic manifestation in death This was too crazy. Our dream was not yet complete, we had not yet become the original Creatorthe Oldest Onein the mirror. I decided to let you die for a while, and then resurrect you later I dealt Tudor the critical blow. Salinger completed His lifes culling, sending His soul into the River of Eternal Darkness Later, I went to Salinger, to resurrect you, to make Him deal with those seven self-proclaimed orthodox gods Salinger, influenced by someone, actually relied on a tributary of the River of Eternal Darkness to forcibly accommodate the Red Priests Uniqueness, going half-mad This was good. This way, you would have a chance to resurrect in His body, and a half-mad person is easier to manipulate I wanted to manipulate Him to collect Tudors corpse in Fourth Epoch Trier, merge it with Himself, manipulate Him to touch the special mirror world, so you could be resurrected Everything was originally going smoothly, but then an accident occurred The female voice suddenly became heavy, as if suppressing Her own madness. Salingers forced accommodation of the Red Priests Uniqueness actually caused an aberration in the original Creatorthe Oldest Onein the mirror, producing a certain self-awareness She was exactly like me, just preferring to wear a black bone dress. She even said She was a pure female, heh, sometimes I cant help but wonder if its not that the mirrored original Creatorthe Oldest Onegained self-awareness, but that my own spirit and personality split To suppress Her, to continue merging, I had to let the consciousness of the Primordial God Almighty in me further revive, seeking a certain balance Since then, Ive had to suppress the Primordial Ones consciousness while fighting against the black version of myself, spending most of my time here, unable to effectively interfere with the outside world Fortunately, the problem is not severe, only that my direct descendants and I will intermittently experience separation and loss of personality, spirit, consciousness, and memory As she spoke, when Lumian reached an unprecedented state of pleasure, the female voice laughed. Now, your state is suitable, you will be equivalent to Tudor Do not expect help from The Fool. He has only just initially awakened and is not yet a truly great existence. The mirror Creator influenced by me is enough to block Him As for Adams side, there are other problems In Lumians blurry vision, a pair of white, smooth arms that seemed to have a luster lifted a somewhat peculiar crown, rusty and stained with blood. The crown quickly became ethereal, seemingly reduced to countless tiny light points while maintaining its overall shape. The beautiful hand at the end of the white arm brought the crown to Lumians head, as if to help him wear it. No, not wearthose hands forcibly pressed the crown into Lumians head, without any supplementary ingredients or advancement ritual. Simultaneously, more white arms appeared, along with the snake-like black hair, entwining Lumians body in various ways. Suddenly, a beautiful face pressed close to Lumians head, with pink lips sighing with joy and satisfaction. Who you are is not important What you want to do is not important either Whats important is the role youre playing This voice, soft and gentle, echoed outward. Chapter 1108 - Chapter 1108: Fusion Chapter 1108: Fusion As the rusty and blood-cast crown was slowly pressed into Lumians head, Lumian, who was in a state of continuous pleasure and petrification, suddenly regained a bit of thought. Is this crown the Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristic of the Hunter pathway, Conqueror? The one that fell into the Primordial Demonesss hands? Ive only partially digested my Weather Warlock potion Forcibly merging the Conqueror Beyonder characteristic with me in this situation, without supplementary ingredients or an advancement ritual, I will inevitably lose control and go mad. Is this the future pointed to by the letter from the Circle of Inevitability, and the truth of the prophecy by the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture? Lumian could flash a few thoughts but could not use his abilities, because the snake-like black hair that brought petrification was still entwined around him, and the white body that brought heaven and hell was still on him, encompassing him, embracing him from all directions. The blood-stained and rusty crown gradually sank into Lumians head, bringing tearing pain, a desire to conquer everything, and violent, mad emotions. The female voice, filled with laughter and sighs, seductive and charming, once again sounded by Lumians ear. When we truly become the original Creator-the Oldest One-in the mirror, you wont need to worry about the future or the apocalypse. Even if reality is destroyed, as long as theres a mirror left in this universe, the mirror world wont completely shatter. By then, the reality reflected in the mirror world will walk out of the mirror exactly as it was, all buildings will be restored, all humans will be resurrected, and theyll continue living happily-just with their left and right hands habits reversed I know what you want most is to resurrect your sister Aurore She will definitely be resurrected, and I will eventually merge into this body of yours, becoming one with her By then, I can continue to be your sister Stupid, I am your sister An unspeakable anger suddenly rose in Lumians heart, but this still couldnt help him escape his current state and predicament. The next second, a figure appeared in his blurry vision. The figure was draped in blood-colored long hair, wearing black armor stained with crimson, with a rigid temperament and azure eyes, openly displaying a cruelty and madness ready to destroy everything at any moment. The mirrored Blood Emperor Alista Tudor! Lumian instantly understood that the one who had previously persuaded this mirrored Blood Emperor to leave was Primordial Demoness Cheek. This might be because Lumian had not yet become an Angel at that time, or perhaps because the situation was not yet chaotic, with too many high-ranking figures watching The mirrored Alista Tudor looked at Lumian and the white body intertwined, let out a contemptuous laugh, and walked towards Lumians body. He gradually became ethereal and shrank, like a human reflected in an ordinary mirror. Seeing this, Lumian instantly understood what the mirrored Alista Tudor was about to do. He was going to use the forceful infusion of the Conqueror Beyonder characteristic and the residual Blood Emperor aura in his body to occupy this body and complete His resurrection! For Tudor, who was originally Sequence 0 Red Priest, both the Weather Warlock and Conqueror Beyonder characteristics could be easily digested without any problems, and He would not lose control or go mad. Lumian suddenly realized the true purpose of the Circle of Inevitability sending that letter. He wants to fix this fate of losing control, making it a predetermined end This is not targeting me, but the Blood Emperor Alista Tudor He saw, who was about to replace me But would Tudor be afraid of going mad? Would He care about this issue? In the special mirror world, Jenna didnt dare to look directly at the enormous, distorted inhuman silhouette separated by the barrier, nor could she participate in the battle in that area. She only knew that Mr. Fool had split into multiple crazily flickering human figures, only knew that the area had been destroyed multiple times and then restored to its original state, only knew that she sometimes felt dull, stupid, and her thoughts sluggish, sometimes felt that a segment of the middle process was missing, sometimes showed signs of losing control, and sometimes was in an incredibly good state What she also knew was that Mr. Fool seemingly couldnt defeat the distorted silhouette in a short time and enter the depths of the special mirror world. Her spiritual intuition and the mystical connection brought by the Mr. Fool told her that Lumian was at that moment in the depths of the special mirror world. There was presumably Primordial Demoness Cheek, an unknown great terror. The longer time passed, the higher the possibility that Lumian would completely die or turn into Alista Tudor or some other monster. For Jenna, each second now felt like an entire year, and many seconds had already passed. Her heart gradually sank, becoming more and more desperate. She hated that she couldnt help at all, and couldnt assist Mr. Fool in quickly resolving the battle. Ironically, her Despair potion was rapidly being digested. Deep within the special mirror world. The mirrored Blood Emperor, now reduced to normal human size, suddenly had a human figure appear before Him. This figure was draped in rust-colored long hair, wearing white armor, with iron-black eyes and a high- bridged nose, seemingly cast from the same mold as Blood Emperor Alista Tudor, only with many opposite details in color. His eyes were rigid and hollow, seemingly possessing only a tiny bit of self-awareness. The mirrored Alista Tudor overlapped with this figure, beginning to fuse intensely. Lumian, whose mind was ravaged by violent and conquering emotions, vaguely knew who the Alista Tudor in white full-body armor was. He was the product of the initial fusion between the Blood Emperor and the mirrored original Creator-the Oldest One-during the Fourth Epoch. He was the true resurrection arrangement of the Blood Emperor Alista Tudor, always kept and protected by Primordial Demoness Cheek. Now, with the mirrored Alista Tudor and the Sequence 1 Conqueror Beyonder characteristics participation, the resurrection would become easier and more perfect! The two Tudors, intensely fusing, came to Lumians side. At this moment, Lumians head had been opened, and inside was not white brain matter, nor iron-black bones interwoven with violet-tinged fire and symbolic patterns, but a phantasmal blood-stained crown. It seemed to be drawing on Lumians flesh and spirit, merging with itself as the primary, rather than with Lumian. The overlapping Tudors, still fusing and dropping various colored flames, pressed Their right palm into Lumians brain, onto the rusty phantasmal crown. Their figures instantly entered Lumians body, and the Blood Emperor residual aura on Lumians right palm suddenly protruded and expanded, rapidly breaking through the Underworld Daoists seal and igniting his entire body. Violent, mad, cruel, and savage mental states swept through like a storm, destroying Lumians consciousness. Lumian finally lost that last bit of thought. The perfect torso entwined with him and still consummating with him covered his body in a thick layer of frost, which did not quickly melt even under the violet flames, thus controlling the fires burning, maintaining the best rhythm of Lumian and Tudors fusion. This torso stood up from Lumians embrace, separating from him, no longer entangling or restraining him. A bone-made dress flew up from the ground, draping over this white torso. Her beautiful face revealed an obvious smile, speaking to the two Tudors still fusing with Lumian, You havent reclaimed the Red Priests Uniqueness. I cant merge with this bodys feminine side right now, as that would cause an imbalance, leading to the worst outcome. But its fine. The problems brought by the Primordial God Almightys consciousness revival are both troublesome and helpful. I can separate a personality containing the Sequence 1 Demoness of Apocalypse Beyonder characteristic, partial self-awareness and spirit, like a Visionary, without reducing my current level, just losing corresponding memories and cognition, causing certain spiritual disabilities The Primordial Demoness spoke, Her expression suddenly twisting, revealing intense pain. Her arms, shoulders, and head were all cracking. After several seconds, a figure identical to Her, wearing a bone dress, walked out. This supremely beautiful figure was wet, as if coated with a liquid containing all colors. The Primordial Demonesss face returned to normal. She ignored the self that had crumbled, seeming to have forgotten certain things. The split-off Primordial Demoness, with the same objective as Her original self, let the bone dress fall to the ground, sitting again on Lumian, embracing him, entwining him, increasingly forcefully, with flesh beginning to fuse. Almost simultaneously, the distorted giant figure at the special mirror worlds edge was dramatically dragged back by an extremely exaggerated horrifying suction, quickly returning to normal. She was another Primordial Demoness, breathtakingly beautiful, wearing a black bone dress. She looked resistant, but under the original Primordial Demonesss intense suppression, was forced to shed Her dress, overlapping with the torso entangled with Lumian. Suddenly, in this area where all symbols and prerequisites were now present, a light burst forth, so bright it seemed about to create a world. This erupted from the fusion point of Lumian and the two Blood Emperors, the two Primordial Demonesses. At the special mirror worlds edge. Seeing the distorted figure instantly retreat, Mr. Fool did not hesitate, preparing to penetrate the barrier and enter the most dangerous place. Suddenly, an extreme brightness surged out, enveloping the barrier, forming a new obstruction, like the amniotic membrane protecting a baby, like the invisible layer protecting this planet. An indescribable terrifying sensation spread out, causing Mr. Fools figure to pause, with Jenna briefly losing her thoughts. Not far from here, Red Angel Medici, leisurely eating an apple and patiently waiting for developments, had His expression suddenly freeze. In His eyes was also reflected that unimaginable surging light. After a few seconds, Red Angel Medici ground His teeth and muttered, What the hell has that lunatic, Tudor, gotten Himself into Chapter 1109 - Chapter 1109: The Only Chance Chapter 1109: The Only Chance Franca, recovering from the mention of the mirrored original Creatorthe Oldest Onecontinued her intense battle with the Demoness of Black Clarice. Gradually, she discovered something was off. The surrounding phantom black mirror tunnels partially shed their grayish-white color, no longer petrified, no longer obstacles to escape; The Demoness of Black was more in a defensive posture, protecting the grayish-white altar displaying the Primordial Demonesss figurine; The Demoness of Black had revealed the two hidden honorific names of the Primordial Demoness. Besides causing emotional fluctuations and creating a brief opening, falling into a temporary disadvantage, it had no other effect and did not bring the anticipated terrible corruption. What was her true purpose in revealing such a significant secret? Just to frighten her and turn the tide? Franca felt a strong sense of doubt rising in her heart. Suddenly, she had a guess: The Demoness of Black did not appear here to wait for me; she has another mission! Is my encounter with the Demoness of Black actually the result of the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence? The Demoness of Black detected an outsider mysteriously arriving nearby. Her first reaction would certainly be to seal the tunnel and eliminate potential risks After battling for a while and discovering Ive completely digested the Unaging potion, realizing no quick victory was possible, her choice was to pretend to fight with full force, seemingly preoccupied, quietly lifting the petrification of some mirror tunnels, and attempting to scare me away using the two hidden honorific names of the Primordial Demoness? What does this signify? It indicates she has a very important purpose in arranging the altar here, and that the two hidden honorific names of the Primordial Demoness would lose their secrecy very soon! Moreover, the Beyonder characteristic congregation force between us should not be strong enough to Teleport me near her. In the mirror world, there exists a Demoness of a higher level with stronger congregation forces Besides the Beyonder characteristic, what else attracted me here Franca suddenly recalled the Primordial Demoness figurine in her Travelers Bag. Her peripheral vision swept towards the grayish-white stone altar, towards the bone-like Primordial Demoness figurine placed upon it. Somethings amiss! Relying on the power of the Ice Mirror Charm, Anthony traversed the mirror tunnels densely interwoven like a spider web, heading towards the location indicating the team leader. Just as he was about to reach his destination, he was met with a surging light as intense as a solar explosion. Instinctively, Anthony closed his eyes, and grayish-white scales began to emerge on the surface of his skin. This was a sign of loss of control. He hurriedly Placated himself, controlling the fluctuations of his mental and emotional state. Fortunately, the lights burst lasted only an instant, then condensed at the edge of the special mirror world, transforming into an invisible barrier. Anthony persevered and returned to normal. Then, he saw Ludwig, whose body had just materialized, and Jenna, who had reopened her eyes. He also saw multiple flickering figures, seemingly belonging to Mr. Fool. Jenna gazed at the light-condensed barrier, recalling the stellar explosion from moments ago that seemed capable of creating an entire world. Her heart plummeted completely, falling into an abyss. The emergence of this situation meant that a mutation had already occurred in the depths of this special mirror world! That great terror has most likely been triggered This means that the probability of Lumian surviving is now extremely slim At this moment, a voice sounded near Jennas ear: Actually, there is still a chance to save Lumian Lee, a chance with some hope of success. Jenna swiftly turned her head and looked beside her, discovering a young man who had appeared at some point, wearing a pointed soft cap and a monocle, draped ina classical magical robe. Amon Jennas lips moved, uttering this name. Amon glanced at Mr. Fool who had split new figures to look over here, then laughed and muttered to Himself, Why is it me again who has to do this? Next time, dont prophesize that Ill be the light at the dawn of the apocalypse As He muttered, He took out a white piece of paper from somewhere and looked at Jenna. That chance is on you, and the price is your life. My life Jenna repeated this phrase blankly. Before Jenna could respond, Amons speaking speed accelerated, as if multiple people were relaying the narrative, almost creating a majestic and layered effect. Time is limited, Ill only pick out the key points of the story. Commissioned by Amon, Celia Bello discovered Harrison from the Western Continent and obtained fragments of the special mirror world, encountering the phantom of Krismona. In her subsequent advancements, Krismonas phantom would repeatedly warn Celia Bello about the dangers of a pure female Demoness and the potential sources of danger. This failed to dissuade Celia Bello and instead stimulated her to persist on this path, because Celia Bello, who came from a humble background, had been a Showy Diva, and witnessed the death of her loved ones, desperately wanted to become powerful. She wanted to seize every opportunity to become strong to protect those she wanted to protect. The uniqueness of a pure female Demoness made her see the possibility of being used, and being used meant she might receive a gift and become a high-ranking individual in a very short time. She was willing to bear the enormous risks that would come with this. She has always been someone skilled at going all-in. Arranged by the storys author, Celia Bello successfully evaded the Demoness Sects investigation and, relying on the special small sacrificial square in the catacombs, escaped the gaze of the Primordial Demoness Cheek until The Mr. Fool initially awakened. After saying The, Amon paused, then switched with a slight upward inflection to Mr. Looking at the white paper, He continued, In the end, Lumian Lee and Franca Roland both entrusted their special mirror world fragments to Jenna for safekeeping, unexpectedly allowing her to gather three piecesa trinity, three pillars that evolved all things. Now, Jenna has a chance, a chance to save Lumian Lee. That is, before the Despair potion is completely digested, forcibly advancing to Demoness of Unaging, utilizing the uniqueness of a pure female Demoness and those three special mirror world fragments to transfer the great terror in the depths of the special mirror world onto herself. This way, the barrier of the special mirror world will instantly shatter. The great Mr. Fool can certainly pull Lumian Lee, who only has Alista Tudor resurrected within him, back from the edge of consciousness death and mental alienation. Praise The Fool! This is a surmise; the events about to occur are not certain, supported only by three facts: The first fact is that the previously only pure female Demoness, Krismona, died in the War of the Four Emperors, and the Demoness Sect has been killing pure female Demoness early; The second fact is that Krismonas ghost once said that pure female Demonesses would face a trial when advancing to Demoness of Unaging, and if they fail to pass, something terribly frightening would happenthis has been confirmed as true; The third fact is that the great terror in the depths of the special mirror world is related to the Demoness and Hunter pathways. This indicates that both pure female Demonesses and pure male Hunters might attract that great terror, but only Demonesses are closely linked to the mirror world and Mirror People. Amon raised His head, adjusted His monocle, and looked at Jenna. The storys author only grasps these facts. Before the light burst just now, He was not clear about what was hidden in the special mirror world. That is to say, His surmise only has a certain probability of success. Unexpected changes might occur midway, leading to failurea probability that is even quite high. However, with our great Mr. Fool, He can amplify the possibility of success and reduce the probability of failure. Even so, success is not guaranteed. No one knows what other special characteristics the great terror in the depths of the special mirror world might have. Celia Bello is at a crossroads of choice. On one side is whether Lumian Lee can survive, on the other is her own life. Regardless of success or failure, she will certainly die, because whats needed is not passing the trial during advancement, but welcoming failure during the trial. Because the great Mr. Fool awakened early, the storys author couldnt arrange Celia Bellos brother properly, which would cause many things to be exposed prematurely. So, Celia Bello doesnt need to be cornered now, doesnt need to be forced into a singular choice. So, what is her answer? Only at the last question did Jenna truly awaken. At this moment, one of the high-frequency flickering figures split from Mr. Fool and said to her, You can choose not to choose, or choose the opposite. I will do my best to destroy the barrier in a short time. If I cant, Ill seal this place. Between voices that were sometimes near and sometimes far, Jenna completely came to her senses, understanding what Amon had just described. So my persistence in walking the pure female Demoness path was arranged Even my emotions, reactions, and thoughts were anticipated So Julien almost became an arranged object because of my uniqueness, falling into a situation of imminent death or madness So I was never discovered by the Demoness Sect because I was always being arranged Jenna had actually expected to be arranged for a long time and was psychologically prepared. She was willing to take risks to become strong quickly and protect those she wanted to protect, to accept the bestowment. But what she didnt expect was that there were no risks, only deathshe was just a sacrifice, a tool, a puppet being manipulated on stage, a cheap puppet. At this moment, she truly understood the feelings Lumian experienced during the arrangements before becoming a Demoness of Despair. Everything seemed to have lost meaning, everything was so despairing. Jenna felt she should be angry, should hate, should madly curse everything, and try her best to resist. She actually had all these emotions, but Jenna turned her head and gazed at the barrier condensed with dazzling light. A smile gradually spread across her face, and she softly said to herself, But I am willing. Chapter 1110 - Chapter 1110: Prince and Princess Chapter 1110: Prince and Princess That moment, Jenna felt hesitation, trepidation, fear, anger, resentment, with many words surging to be spoken, as if to convince herself, but after thousands and ten thousands of words rushed to her lips, only one sentence remained: But, I am willing. All those emotions ultimately condensed into a smile. Amon, for reasons unknown and to no one in particular, shook His head, lowering His gaze to the white paper in His hand. Celia Bello, who chooses to become a Demoness of Unaging, will receive Amons help. And Amon, taking advantage of the moment when the Demoness Sects top leaders are all dispatched, stole a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact corresponding to a Demoness of Unaging, and thus arrived a bit late. As for the corresponding supplementary ingredients. the Visionary has long envisioned them into existence. As He spoke, the white paper floated downward, and a potion that had been prepared at some unknown time appeared in Amons hand. The potion dyed its container a grayish-white color, clearly reflecting the mirror world around it. It flew toward Jenna, landing in her palm. Seeing this potion, numerous images suddenly flashed through Jennas mind: her childhood falling asleep to her mothers humming, the excitement of first entering the Thatre de lAncienne Cage Pigeons to learn performance, the bitterness of struggling to survive with her mother and brother, the shock and gratitude of first meeting Franca, the series of events after encountering Lumian, the massive impact and disillusionment of watching her mother jump to her death from the sixth floor These countless fragments quickly settled, ultimately freezing into two scenes: one scene was after she finished singing a song at the Salle de Bal Brise, facing whistles and cheers, walking proudly to Lumian like a princess, laughing as she issued an invitation: Handsome lion, dance! The other scene was when she inserted the long-handled silver fork into Hugues Artoiss eye socket, piercing into his brain, with the frozen surprise, bewilderment, and fear on the Member of Parliaments face illuminated by the surrounding light. Jenna raised the potion bottle, holding it like a long-handled silver fork. This time, the long-handled silver fork would pierce her own face. Jenna suddenly thought of something, turning her head to look at Anthony and Ludwig. The latter seemed to want to stop her but was held back by the former. Jenna opened her mouth, wanting to leave a word or two for Franca through them. But she couldnt think of what to say. Whether a sincere expression or a kind deception would ultimately become an irreparable regret, an eternally unhealing wound. She laughed self-deprecatingly, exhaling. Tell Franca to live well, on my behalf. My spirit will forever be with her. Okay, Anthony responded in a calm voice. The palm pressing on Ludwigs shoulder inexplicably revealed blue-colored blood vessels. Jenna thought for a moment and added, If the apocalypse passes, I hope you enjoy life. Ludwig, humans are always full of pain, but I still like being human. Jenna withdrew her gaze, stabbing the potion into herself, her hand steady, not trembling, just like when she killed Hugues Artois with the long-handled silver fork, only less swift. The taste of soil and stone mixed together, lingering in her mouth. Her senses gradually went numb, her body rapidly petrifying. She felt her spirit floating midair, seeing herself in the mirror. She saw herself in the mirror, serene, with a smile, seemingly waiting to welcome herself. Though no ritual was held and no reconciliation reached beforehand, Jenna suddenly understood that her mirror self was also willing to sacrifice herself to save Lumian. She is indeed more extreme than me She should have made the decision earlier than me Jenna laughed again, whispering two sentences. Suddenly, she was no longer anxious, no longer panicked, no longer afraid, because on this path to death, she was no longer alone. She had a companion, a companion who encouraged and supported each other. During the process of her instinct drifting toward her mirror self, Jenna suddenly saw her face twist, alternating between normal and painful, as if becoming a stranger. This change seemed constrained, as if bound by layers of chains, requiring tremendous effort and overcoming numerous difficulties to complete. Come quickly Jenna, for the first time, cheered on the enemy who wanted to kill her. In the grayish-white, cave-like area behind a mirror. Demoness of Black Clarice pretended to be at her limit, a step too slow, and could only watch helplessly as Franca escaped into one of the no longer petrified phantom tunnels. Phew she secretly exhaled. Just then, her spirituality suddenly warned her, and she abruptly turned, looking towards the grayish-white stone altar. Franca bizarrely appeared nearby, and a clear, misty light shot out from the eye protection of the mechanical half-face mask she was wearing, striking the altar. The one who had just escaped was only Francas mirror self! And the one following the departing mirror self was a Mirror Projection! The Demoness of Blacks gaze instantly froze, but it was too late to stop it. Invisible barriers suddenly appeared around the altar, provided by the ritual itself. But for some reason, this protective power was insufficient, lacking the intensity a ritual for the Primordial Demoness should have, as if some inexplicable force had blocked most of the divine blessing. Under the clear, misty light, the invisible barrier was instantly reduced to its most basic, minute components and ceased to exist. Immediately after, the clear, misty light hit the bone- like figurine of the Primordial Demoness. The figurine swayed and began to crumble. Seeing this, the Demoness of Black was like someone trapped in a nightmare, frozen in place. For added security, Franca took out the Primordial Demoness figurine and the Inevitable Gun from her Travelers Bag. She threw the figurine towards the altar, then fired two shots in quick succession. Bang! Bang! Two dim, green bullets shot out, each striking a bone-like figurine of the Primordial Demoness. Certain Death! Both the already crumbling and the intact statues began to rot, losing their luster, completely shattering. Deep within the special mirror world. Primordial Demoness Cheek smiled as She observed the changes occurring in Lumians body. His features were gradually being corrected, shifting towards Alista Tudors likeness. On his body, the two intertwined Demoness figures were half-merged into him, driving his flesh to converge toward his neck. After the earlier burst of light, the process was now irreversible. Suddenly, one of the Demoness figures withdrew. attempting to straighten her body. Her expression was vivid, filled with both hatred and longing. The Primordial Demoness clad in the white bone dress instantly understood what was happening. A pure female Demoness was ascending to the rank of Demoness of Unaging! And at the most critical moment! The stunningly beautiful face of Primordial Demoness Cheek darkened. She was about to direct Her gaze at the advancing pure female Demoness to kill her first! Although the barrier formed by the burst of light isolated the interior from the exterior-temporarily preventing The Fool from entering and also hindering the Primordial Demoness from directly sensing or influencing the external situation C Cheek had already made preparations to prevent unexpected outcomes. She had instructed Her most trusted high-ranking Demonesses to set up altars at different locations within the mirror world, placing figurines there to conduct rituals. She used Her authority and symbols to establish a robust mystical connection! By now, those connections must have weakened, and the rituals would no longer be strongly protected. Yet, as the mirrored original Creator-the Oldest One- Cheek could barely maintain the existence of these connections and use them to project part of Her power to eliminate hidden threats. The Primordial Demoness swiftly cast Her consciousness toward the figurine closest to the target, only to discover with astonishment that the figurine had been destroyed and the connection severed. Her expression remained unchanged as She immediately scattered Her consciousness toward the remaining figurines still involved in the rituals. The next second, a vision appeared before Her eyes: it wasnt the advancing pure female Demoness C it was a black trench coat. The interior of the black trench coat was empty, with the coat itself outlining a human figure. Grafting! The Primordial Demoness realized that Her gaze on Jenna had been Grafted by Mr. Fool back onto Herself! In an instant, one of the Demoness figures entwining Lumian struggled to break free. A black bone dress wrapped around Her, and She disappeared from the spot, following the mystical connection to where Jenna was. The fusion within Lumians body immediately lost its balance. His chest, neck, shoulders, torso, and limbs, along with the remaining Demoness figure, all collapsed inward, as if about to turn into a mass of flesh. The flesh converged into a clump, continuing to compress. The two Tudors fused within his head, along with the Sequence 1 Conqueror Beyonder characteristic, were also dragged downward by immense force. They pierced through his skull, through the flames and frost, and through the writhing flesh. The barrier of light at the edge of the special mirror world suddenly vanished. Floating closer, Jenna finally saw the distortion and pain on her mirrored selfs face disappear entirely. She lifted her face and gave Jenna in midair a bizarre smile, opening her arms wide. Jenna did not resist. She closed her eyes and moved forward, accepting the embrace. She felt warmth and reassurance, which made her want to fall into a deep sleep. She offered no resistance. It was as if she had returned to her childhood, listening to her mother hum a lullaby and her fathers soft snores, drifting into slumber. Back then, though life wasnt particularly great, she had nothing to worry about. Her father and mother would take care of everything: she only needed to be a good child. She grew more at peace, more tranquil. She believed her mother and father would shield her from the storm, ensuring she slept soundly. In that serene dream, she would be a princess, and her prince would walk toward her, inviting her to dance. A smile appeared on her face. Her thoughts dissolved into the encroaching madness, settling into a tranquil darkness. Chapter 1111 - Chapter 1111: The Power to Stop Chapter 1111: The Power to Stop At the special mirror worlds edge. Anthony watched as multiple manifestations of Mr. Fool disappeared into thin air, heading toward the Primordial Demoness, leaving only one behind to monitor Jennas transformation, ready to act at any moment. Jennas features gradually relaxed, no longer distorted and pained, even tinged with a faint smile. The gray-white hue on her body was receding, as if she was on the verge of completing her advancement, gaining eternal youth, and reaching Sequence 3. Ludwig quietly retreated several steps, hiding behind Anthony. He looked visibly anxious, biting at his fingers. Snap. He bit off a piece of bone, chewing on it bloody and swallowing. Meanwhile, Anthony noticed a strange change in the surrounding scenery: one side reflected the real worldsunlight, stars, green trees, the sea, humanschaotically jumbled together. The other side resembled a frozen, lifeless universe. Above, brilliant explosions of light continued to erupt, casting out vast amounts of matter, while below, deep, dark abysses consumed everything, compressing it toward a final singular point These were still illusions, mere reflections of the mirror world. Yet even a demigod like Anthony felt an indescribable fear rooted deep in his soul and flesh. Despite Jenna still being at Sequence 3, without higher-level Beyonder characteristics, her presence was nearly as terrifying as the terror emanating from the depths of the special mirror world. Because she embodied a most unique and fearsome symbol. A symbol of the creation and destruction of everything! This transformation had to be stopped before the symbol was complete, before Jenna reopened her eyes! At that moment, Amons mocking voice reached Anthony and Ludwigs ears. Why is it always me doing the work? Id much rather clear altars and figurines like the serpent As He spoke, the Blasphemer, dressed in a pointed soft hat and a classic magicians robe, faced Jenna and raised both arms. The monocle on His right eye shone brilliantly. Behind Him, layer upon layer of resplendent doors materialized, while a vast, silent river of mercury-like symbols flowed majestically. Deep within the special mirror world. On Lumians body, blurry flesh, iron-black bones, violet flames, and intricate, dangerous symbols were collapsing rapidly. This process included the fragment of the Primordial Demoness, the fused Alista Tudors, the Conqueror Beyonder characteristic, and most of the madness. Even Lumians brain, split open like in a cranial surgery, and the remaining insanity were about to join this collapse. Seeing this, the Primordial Demoness, clad in a white bone dress, smiled. The balance is indeed lost It seems like a failure But no matter. Ill fuse myself in and see what kind of monster emerges in the end. What I cannot obtain, no one else shall have. And I will take everything within the barrier with me to the grave. This will be the grandest funeral for me and Tudor. Suddenly, the Primordial Demoness noticed a delay in the extreme collapse happening to Lumian. Two forces were preventing it. One was the destiny fixed on madness and not on complete destruction. When a conclusion was bound to be bad, steering it toward a lesser evil was far easier than reversing it to something good. This was the true purpose of the letter sent by the Circle of Inevitability! The second was a faint rebirth within Lumians collapsing flesh, symbols, violet flames, iron-black bones, and Beyonder characteristics. They were regrowing, extending outward, clinging to the last threads of life. This new birth came from Omebellas bloodline and Zeduss vitalized soul fragments. On Lumians body, now condensed into a strange sphere, a lump of flesh protruded, resembling someones head. On the head, two alternating faces constantly shifted. One belonged to the high-nosed, madness-filled Blood Emperor Alista Tudor. The other was a ruby-eyed, nearly perfectly beautiful Zedus. Lumians deadened thoughts suddenly flickered, pulling him back from the eternal darkness into his spiritual body. This new birth had brought him back. He felt the most extreme, hopeless pain and saw the changes in his body. He suddenly recalled Mr. Fools insight on dealing with Omebellas bloodline and Zeduss soul fragments: This is a hidden danger, a risk, and also a variable, an opportunity. A variable, an opportunity Could it be here? As Lumian gained this realization, he also knew the new life was far too weak to counteract the terrifying collapse that sought to annihilate everything after losing balance. There were only a few seconds left before everything ended. But Lumian did not give up. His style was always to fight to the bitter end, even in death. The next second, he saw another flesh-crafted head growing rapidly on his collapsing body. This head also had two alternating faces. One belonged to the extraordinarily beautiful yet innocent-looking Primordial Demoness Cheek. The other, unfamiliar to Lumian, was stunningly beautiful yet radiated a maternal glow. Giant Queen Omebella! Seeing this change, Primordial Demoness Cheek, who was about to fuse into Lumians body and exacerbate the imbalance, stopped trying. She smiled faintly at the manifestations of The Fool descending upon Her, Her endlessly alluring body becoming illusory and dispersing into the entire special mirror world. She was the master of the mirror worldShe was the mirror world. She could fuse with it at any moment. Destroying all the mirror worlds would be the only way to truly kill Her. Though the mirrored terrors feminine aspect had been transferred to Jenna, the Primordial Demoness, who had spent millennia attempting fusion, could still partially leverage Her unique symbol until it fully broke free, becoming the true mirrored original Creatorthe Oldest One. The Primordial Demonesss form simultaneously appeared in every corner of the special mirror world, Her soft voice echoing into Mr. Fools ears from all directions. Can you save Him? You should be able to If you cant, Ill fuse with Him, and well invite you to our funeral. Everyones funeral. The universes funeral. Sounds exciting, doesnt it? Mr. Fool was unmoved by such words. Most of his rapidly flickering manifestations continued to fight the Primordial Demoness, trying to seal Her off and prevent Her from truly fusing into Lumians body. The remaining manifestation turned to look at Lumian, struggling to hold on. He sighed softly. At the special mirror worlds edge. Amon, having requested dual-pathway godhood and power from The Fool, seized the moment when the mirrored Creator had yet to fully assimilate Jenna, unable to control the Demoness of Unagings body, and was in His weakest state. He adjusted the monocle on His right eye. The Fools manifestation outside the special mirror world suddenly had its black trench coat rise dramatically. Anthony and Ludwig were enveloped in gray-white fog, as if transported to another hidden, bizarre world. The next second, before Jennas distorted, pained expression, now tinged with hatred, a searing sea of light appeared, engulfing her entirely. Supernova! Fueled by dual-pathway godhood and power, this was a Sufferers reenactment ability! It was nearly identical to the supernova used by Mr. Fool during the battle of Sefirah Castle. Jennas body instantly disintegrated, vaporizing before it could even evaporate. Amon, along with the surrounding mirror world, was also affected by the supernova, leading to inevitable collapse. The special mirror world also began to crumble. This collapse spread for a moment but was halted by Primordial Demoness Cheek, preventing it from affecting the depths where Lumian resided. The brilliant light that illuminated the darkness gradually faded. Suddenly, a holy glow, filled with redemption, shot out from the River of Fate. Amon reappeared, still wearing His monocle, pointed hat, and black magicians robe. He saw that amidst the chaotic turbulence of space-time, in the deep darkness, specks of soul fragments glowed faintly. Some belonged to Jenna, and some to the mirrored Creator. They intertwined, yet had not been entirely annihilated. Even a supernova explosion could not completely kill the mirrored Creator, even in Her incomplete, feminine aspect! These tangled soul fragments were on the verge of reassembling, ready for resurrection. Deep within the special mirror world, standing before Lumians mutated body, Mr. Fool raised his starlit cane with his gloved right hand, his black trench coat silently billowing. Above him, far in the infinite heights, a door of light, tinged faintly with bluish-black light, flickered in and out of existence, surrounded by gray-white fog. Sefirah Castle! A shadow seemed to briefly open its eyes. As Mr. Fools starlit cane pointed toward Lumian, the tangled fragments of the mirrored Creator and Jennas soul outside the special mirror world were instantly transferred onto Lumian. Grafting! A conceptual and physical Grafting, leading to a renewed fusion! The Primordial Demoness, who had been manifesting and battling around the special mirror world, let out an amazed sound. It was enough to satisfy any males vanity. However, unlike the earlier fusion, Omebellas bloodline and Zeduss soul fragments had now been activated, each merging with the Demoness of Apocalypse Cheek and the resurrecting Tudor. The mirrored Creators soul fragments, as if drawn by some mystical force, carried Jennas portion and merged into the flesh mass alternating between Omebellas face and the Demoness of Apocalypse Cheek. Mr. Fool added a glimmer of starlight to the remaining fragments of Jennas soul, allowing them to withstand the erosion and fusion process for some time. The countryside dreamscape was now in shambles. Madam Magician and Madam Justice, who had assumed Mythical Creature forms through self-hypnosis, fought fiercely against the ancient dragon Edefana for an extended period. During the battle, Madam Justice suddenly noticed two incongruities: Our opponent is merely a Sequence 2 mind dragon. How can it continually suppress Fors and me when we carry a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact? Moreover, Fors hadnt once thought to divide her shadow to support other battlefields At that moment, Edefanas ancient voice echoed, I have no desire to be your enemy. I am merely compelled. As a dragon born in the mid-First Epoch, as ancient as Ankewelt, unlike Ariehogg and the others who only witnessed part of the Second Epochs history, dont you wonder how I, a mere Sequence 2, have survived until now? Chapter 1112 - Chapter 1112: One Trouble After Another Chapter 1112: One Trouble After Another Hearing Edefanas words, Madam Magician froze for a moment. She finally realized she should be using her high-speed Blinking to support other battlefields. That was something she normally would have done. From the very beginning, Ive been subtly influenced? Edefana doesnt seem to be just Sequence 2. Madam Magician quickly followed her spiritual intuition, her figure Blinking rapidly as she appeared in various places across the Northern and Southern Continents. Then, she found that the battlefields were stabilizing, with the forces of the orthodox Churches and government organizations gaining the upper hand. The only difference was how quickly they would eliminate the disruptors. The only area with serious issues was beyond her ability to intervene or participate. It was far too high-level! While helping allied forces quickly clear out cultists, she redirected most of her attention back to Miss Audreys dreamscape. At this moment, Edefana, the ancient dragon, had stopped fighting and landed on the stone tower deep within the dreamscape. Madam Justice had also reverted from her Mythical Creature form, gazing at Edefana. In Dragonese, she asked, A normal Sequence 2 dragon couldnt survive from the mid-First Epoch to the present? Edefanas terrifying lizard-like face, its gray-white scales slightly dim, revealed an eerily human smile. Even Angels have a limited lifespan: its just that most Angels dont live long enough to reach it. Vampire is a pathway that significantly increases lifespan. Didnt Round Moon Olmer have to seal Himself in a coffin, trying to slow the passage of time? Hes also a Sequence 2 Angel, and nearly two thousand years younger than me. Madam Magician flickered rapidly, ready to prevent Edefana from escaping, while muttering inwardly. Two thousand years older than Duke Round Moon Olmer? Truly worthy of being a dragon born in the mid-First Epoch Initially, she thought Duke Round Moons age exceeded 3,000 years. After gaining more knowledge of mysticism, she suspected the Sanguine duke could be over 5,000 years old! The Fifth Epoch was currently in its 1,359th year, and the Fourth Epoch lasted 1,233 years, adding up to 2,592 years. Duke Round Moon existed before the Cataclysm, so He was widely believed to be over 3,000 years old. Madam Magician confirmed that this duke had truly followed the Sanguines ancestor, Lilith, so His age must include the 1,086 years of the Third Epoch. Moreover, Liliths demise wasnt the hallmark event marking the end of the Second Epoch, being 800-900 years apart, during which Olmer followed Her for several centuries. Considering all this, Madam Magician estimated Duke Round Moon to be at least 5,000 years old. Even as an Angel of the long-lived Sanguine, He still had to live an abject life in a coffin to prolong His life. Yet Edefana claimed to be almost two thousand years older? That aligned with His self-introduction as a dragon born in the mid-First Epoch. Madam Justice discerned the unspoken meaning in Edefanas words and probed, You were once corrupted by a power higher than your own, and even now, it controls you? If Edefana had used a Marauder pathways Sealed Artifact to siphon life or relied on a similar method, He wouldnt have posed such a question. Edefanas aged, lizard-like face appeared somewhat dazed. Youre perceptive. I am a dragon of the mind domain. Which means, polluted by the Chaos Sea? Like the Dragon of Imagination, Ankewelt? Then influenced and driven by the godhood of the Primordial God Almighty? Madam Magicians gaze sharpened. It was the Primordial God Almighty who sent you to delay us? R? Edefana chuckled, producing a deep, buzzing laugh. Yes, Im able to tell you this because the influence he exerted over me has rapidly receded. Without His influence, I will soon age and die. Rapidly receded? Madam Justice repeated, her tone heavy with foreboding. Edefana unfurled His massive wings, His gray-white scales dimming further. Yes. He is retracting the powers he was covertly reviving. This isnt due to any mishap but because He is concentrating His will. Tonight, he has two opportunities for true resurrection-two! Edefanas voice brimmed with fear. When the mirrored Creators soul fragments, mixed with Jennas, fused into Lumians body, Lumian, tormented by the relentless cycle of pain and madness, his consciousness on the brink of collapse, suddenly ceased the unconscious twitching and twisting of his head. His iron-black eyes became filled with violent emotions: Jenna He wanted to stop struggling, to let the collapse happen, but he also understood why Jenna had become what she was. He raised his head, letting out a pained roar. It was a scream of anger, hatred, madness, and defiance. At that moment, Lumian seemed to hear Aurores gentle voice: Theres still a chance. Leave it to me. Lumian seemed to see Aurores phantom, cloaked in her thick golden hair. His body began to change, becoming more feminine on one side. His feminine aspect grew active, striving to merge Jennas soul fragments with his own. The mirrored Creator was truly Fooled, no longer caring about Jennas soul fragments, allowing them to detach and integrate into Lumians feminine side. His consciousness focused solely on the Demoness of Apocalypse, Cheek, and the Giant Queen, Omebella. They were fused together. Balance was restored, but it was vastly different from before. Lumians body stopped collapsing, quickly expanding outward, gaining new life. The two masses of flesh protruding from his torso surged toward his neck, vying to replace his head. They competed, even as they began to fuse, High above, in the infinite heights, the faint light door tinged with bluish-black and surrounded by gray- white fog reappeared. Mr. Fool alternated the use of Fooling and Grafting. The two fusing flesh masses abruptly shifted to Lumians left shoulder, writhing as they formed a dripping wet head. This head had two faces, one on each side. The right face was identical to the Primordial Demoness, Cheek C stunningly beautiful, pure, yet exuding maternal radiance. The left face resembled Alista Tudor but bore jet-black hair and a flawless, nearly divine beauty. The madness and characteristics in Lumians body converged into this head. Each face exuded its own raw, violent, or pathological nature, an unrestrained desire to destroy and create everything. The two faces did not cease merging. At times, they overlapped; at times, they split apart, ultimately forming a vortex that absorbed their features. From within the vortex, a liquid containing all colors and possibilities seeped out, leaving the face in chaos. Deep within the chaos, a new face slowly began to take shape. The previously grinning, observing Primordial Demoness, Cheek, abruptly retreated, disappearing from the area. Before vanishing, Her black hair fully unfurled, thick and slick like venomous snakes, whipping furiously through the air as though resisting an unseen force. Lumian, his mind flooded with pain, madness, and destructive desires, sensed an exalted consciousness, gazing down upon all, being born within the new head on his left shoulder and rapidly growing stronger. Mr. Fool, witnessing this, prepared to use a Wish to suppress and delay the Primordial God Almightys resurrection, seeking time to find a solution. The new face in the chaos grew clearer. In an instant, Amon hurled an object into the special mirror world, landing it in Mr. Fools hand. It was an extraordinarily bizarre dark-golden mask, large enough to cover a human face. Lumian, his face twisted in agony and madness, recognized the mask. It had been obtained from the sea prayer ritual, originating from Loki, later given to the Aurora Order. And now, it was here. Mr. Fool caught the mask, and a shadow from the faintly visible door of light above descended upon the dark-golden mask. Mr. Fool pressed the mask onto the new face emerging from the chaos. The face did not resist or stop him because, still unresurrected, He had been Fooled-Fooled into believing the mask would make Him unimaginably powerful. The dark-golden mask merged seamlessly with the face, becoming inseparable. The head paused, no longer absorbing Lumians madness or characteristics. The two faces reappeared on its sides-one belonging to Primordial Demoness Cheek, radiating maternal brilliance, the other to the more handsome and perfect Alista Tudor. Each face held an unmistakable hint of madness and destruction. The gray-white fog and the bluish-black-tinged door of light high above disappeared. On Lumians right shoulder, flesh writhed, abruptly forming a new head with two faces. One was the radiant Aurore, the other, the exquisite Jenna. Both had closed eyes, no consciousness, and bloodstained features. Elsewhere in the mirror world. Red Angel Medici, intending to leave without bothering with the two lunatics, sensed the changes deep within the special mirror world. Heres the chance! Though Medici didnt fully understand what had occurred, He hesitated not for a moment. Swiftly assessing the situation, He made His decision and prepared to execute His original plan. His goals for today were twofold: to suppress any signs of the Primordial God Almightys resurrection and to cull Lumian Lee, securing ultimate victory in the battle for 0-01. He had no fear of The Fools interference. Since He dared to come, He had a way to ensure The Fool couldnt act in time. Red Angel Medici advanced, retrieving lifelike metallic soldier figurines from a small black pouch at His waist. Each one contained fused Beyonder characterstics from different pathways, effectively making them Sealed Artifacts. Medici scattered the figurines, allowing them to grow enormous, gain life, and surround Him. The Red of War legion reappeared. Meanwhile, within the astral world composed of abstract concepts and strange symbols. The childlike doodle sun had long become a blazing golden-yellow fireball, terrifying in its intensity, opposing the crimson round moon beyond the invisible barrier. The burning surface of the sun, pure and sacred, suddenly darkened in patches. These dark patches extended outward, forming a colossal luminous humanoid figure surrounded by chaos. The luminous humanoid instantly descended into the depths of the special mirror world, engulfing all of The Fools manifestations! *** Chapter 1113 - Chapter 1113 A Long Struggle with Myself Chapter 1113 A Long Struggle with Myself The enormous luminous figure wrapped in chaos remained tethered to the blazing golden sun, never breaking free. It was firmly restrained, like the hidden impulses and madness buried deep within many heartsthough present and impossible to ignore, they remained confined under the dam of reason and humanity in normal circumstances. Moreover, the chaotic luminous figure formed from the suns dark patches descended from the astral world into the depths of the special mirror world without impacting the blazing golden suns efforts to maintain the invisible barrier against the crimson round moon. Instead, the sun burned brighter, more intensely, and with greater sanctity. At this moment, abstract concepts representing gaze and observation emerged within the astral world, all directed at the radiant golden sun. The sun, illuminating the astral world and the entire world, remained unmoved, as if silently responding: Once, I betrayed myself. Later, I spent over two millennia wrestling and contending with another version of myself. Finally, I achieved a temporary victory, reached a balance, and made Him serve me, while I remained who I am. Now, I am betting everything. Letting my allies become the Origins of Disaster, the Calamity of Destruction is my only chance to secure ultimate victory and avert the apocalypse! Whether or not this succeeds, whether or not it leads to a tragic end, I will give it my all. I would rather break than yield! The colossal luminous figure cloaked in chaos enveloped all of The Fools manifestations in the special mirror world, relentlessly pursuing His Blinking, preventing him from approaching Lumian at the speed of light and with immense energy. One was manipulated, misled. One was Fooled, Grafted. Neither had any attention to spare for Lumian. On the other side of the special mirror world, the Primordial Demoness retreated, Her black hair still thrashing in the air like a writhing cluster of serpents. Her breathtakingly beautiful face twisted into a new allure that had yet to fully unfold, still resisting some invisible force. Nearby, the mirrored Empress Roselle silently watched, refraining from intervening. She could not defy the will of the mirrored Creator, also known as the Primordial Demoness, Cheek. She could only hope the ensuing catastrophe would not lead to the complete collapse and destruction of the special mirror world. For Her, unable to leave this place yet, such an outcome would be a death sentence. As for Zaratul, who had previously hidden here, He had already fled, returning to Castle Dylan. Lumian felt a surge of violent, cruel, twisted, and pathological thoughts emanating from the left side of his body. Like a relentless tsunami, they battered his mind and will, attempting to complete his assimilation. From his right side came deathly silence, sadness, pain, and despairemotions just as overwhelming and now spilling over into his consciousness. These conflicting forces resonated with Lumians current state to varying degrees, on the verge of blending into one another and bringing about the inevitable descent into complete madness. In his blurred vision, silhouettes flashed by, beams of light flared up and dimmed again, all becoming indistinct. Suddenly, a voice switching between near and far echoed in his ears: My wish is: Lumian Lee can maintain moments of clarity, rationality, and humanity each day. Destiny was sealed; madness was unavoidable. Even a Miracle Invoker could not fully reverse it. The only option was to exploit loopholes and lower the difficulty of the wish, allowing Lumian to oscillate between madness and clarity. Nothing dictated that inevitable madness precluded occasional moments of lucidity! As for how occasional was defined, that would be left to Fooling and Error to decide. Lumians blurry vision suddenly sharpened. The pain and fury still wrecked his body, but his thoughts and perceptions were no longer clouded. He saw a vast array of figurines materialize ahead of him. Each wore uniquely colored metal armor, their faces sculpted with uncanny precision. Towering over ten meters tall, they marched in formation like a vast army. Lumian also saw the figurines encircling Red Angel Medici. The King of Angels had revealed His Mythical Creature form, composed of deep violet, almost blood-colored, nearly invisible flames, steel-like bones, complex terrifying symbols, and bloodstained black armor. Between His brow, a blood-red sigil shaped like a banner was prominently raised, vivid and dripping. Medici had completed His sacrificial ritual in advance, summoning the aid of the essence of war. The head on Lumians left shoulder, adorned with the bizarre dark-golden mask, suddenly turned. The face resembling Alista Tudor now directly faced Medici. The blood-red sigil between the brows of this face similarly protruded, surrounded by indescribable dark symbols that seemed to herald ultimate chaos. He sneered with disdain and mockery, as if saying to Medici: You coward, fancy seeing you here. Ready to be devoured by me again? Lumian then fully manifested his Mythical Creature form and drew a simple longsword from the Travelers Bag that had fallen to the ground, untouched by prior chaos. The longsword rapidly enlarged, matching his towering frame of over thirty meters. It ignited with black flames, embodying destruction and madness. Medici raised His own flaming greatsword. The two fiery giants clashed with a resounding boom. Almost simultaneously, the soldiers of the Red of War legion raised their arms, leaning back slightly. Their eyes burned iron-black, reflecting the pale markings on Lumians body. In their hands, spears of deep violet, almost blood-colored, flames materialized. They could simultaneously share all of Red Angel Medicis abilities and spirituality! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! While Medici intercepted Lumian, a forest of flame-spears shot out, dense enough to obscure the sky. Each spear targeted the vulnerable points on Lumians body. The masked head on Lumians left shoulder turned once more. This time, the maternal and radiant face of the Demoness of Apocalypse, Cheek, faced Red Angel Medici. The face smiled sweetly, causing Medicis movements to slow slightly, and the deluge of blood-colored flame-spears to falter, as if held back by reluctance. Next, Lumians body grew illusory and layered, like projections from countless mirrors. Rumble! Countless flame-spears pierced through his body, triggering violent explosions that annihilated every projection in an instant. Lumians figure reemerged on the other side. Red Angel Medici gave him no respite, transforming into a blazing comet of deep violet, blood-like flames, hurtling toward Lumian in a flash. The soldiers of the Red of War legion followed suit, turning into similar flaming comets, roaring down from every direction with unstoppable force, using area-of-effect attacks to bypass the interference of the Fog of War. As a King of Angels, Medici enabled His soldiers to share His rank. In this moment, it was as if nearly a hundred Red Angels were simultaneously attacking Lumian. This was one of Medicis most potent abilities. Its only drawback was the massive expenditure of spirituality. Effectively, it compressed what could have been a prolonged battle into a single, overwhelming burst, trading time for spatial dominance. As an ancient King of Angels, Medici knew that the Eternal Blazing Sun could not delay much longer. Victory had to be swift, so He began with an all-or-nothing gambit. Outside the special mirror world, Amon, wearing a monocle and pointed soft hat, took no further action, playing the role of a true spectator. Neither obstructing nor aiding, His expression remained unchanged as He bit into a red apple He had somehow stolen. Faced with the flaming comets descending from every direction, Lumian did not retreat. His eyes burned with madness and battle lust. He growled, for the second time today, invoking the aid of the City of Calamity. The iron-black bones interwoven into his body and etched with complex symbols and patterns suddenly developed fine cracks. The violet-red flames roaring over them deepened in hue, taking on a bloodier shade. Clad in pitch-black armor marred with bloodstains, he ignored the other fiery comets and locked onto the one transformed from Red Angel Medici, swinging his increasingly immense and terrifying Sword of Destruction. Boom! Deep violet and crimson flames scattered in all directions, forming a storm that engulfed the surroundings. The explosion, imbued with destructive energy, left visible cracks in the depths of the special mirror world, rendering it precariously close to shattering. Amid the roiling flames, the figure of Red Angel Medici emerged, a deep wound carved across His chest and abdomen, from which flowed flames so dark that even their depth seemed erased. Lumian was in an even more dire state. His bloodstained black armor was tattered, and the iron-black bones intertwined with intricate patterns and symbols were heavily damaged and fractured. The deep purple, blood-hued flames barely clung to him, a faint layer that seemed ready to be extinguished by a passing breeze. Shards of glass were scattered around him, remnants of his mirror self, which had suffered devastating destruction. Lumian grinned, his smile bold and unrestrained. He suddenly plunged the battered Sword of Destruction into the ground. The already strained area collapsed with a thunderous crash, disintegrating entirely. As the region crumbled, Lumian plunged into the chaotic flow of time and space, descending into darkness. With his body undergoing new birth, he waved at the similarly falling Medici and the Red of War legion, his smile seemingly asking, Care to join me? In the chaos of time and space, teams tend to get scattered, you know. The Red Angel whistled in response, as if to say, I can handle this on my own. The two had no time for further interaction. The silent, perilous storm of space-time swept in, separating them instantly. umian plummeted downward at great speed, using his Teleportation ability to evade the most dangerous zones. He could no longer sense the outside world and had no means of escaping this place directly. In a blink of an eyeor perhaps longerLumian landed before a massive, half-collapsed palace ablaze with invisible and colorless flames. The depths of the special mirror world led to Fourth Epoch Trier. Chapter 1114 - Chapter 1114 Omebella Chapter 1114 Omebella As soon as Lumians feet steadied, the head on his left shoulder began to sway from side to side. Whether it was the hauntingly beautiful yet morbid face of Cheek or the savage and crazed gaze of Alista Tudor, both seemed perplexed. Their consciousness, spirit, personality, and spirituality, blended and tangled amidst the resurrection of the Primordial God Almighty, had become a jumble. Eventually, they separated into yin and yang, left and right, forming a new consciousness and spirit, though still marked distinctly by Cheek and Tudor. These were ultimately sealed within the dark-golden peculiar mask of the yet-to-fully-revived Primordial God Almighty, allowing only instincts to seep through, each affecting the respective face. Their instinctive reactions seemed to tell Lumian that this place was different from their memories or expectations. This was the Blood Palace of Alista Tudor, the site of His ultimate downfall. It should have retained remnants of the leaked power of various sefirot, yet it appeared unusually clean, with only formless flames burning everywhere and evaporating black pus that perpetually dripped but never dried. With the blood-red sigil on his brow protruding, Lumian involuntarily advanced toward the half-collapsed, ostentatious palace. Along the way, the formless and colorless flames parted for him, seemingly welcoming the return of the emperor of this kingdom, the master of this palace. Lumian only had to avoid the dripping black pus as it fell back to the ground. Standing at the half-collapsed entrance, Lumianwith three headsfound his path blocked by an area of absolute darknessso dark that even the concept of depth seemed devoured. He had no choice but to circle around to the palaces side entrance. Clicking his tongue as if mocking Alista Tudor, he muttered, Utilizing the power of the City of Calamity, the Blood Emperor was ultimately killed by the River of Eternal Darkness. Even His corpse has become different. Sometimes, these forces repel each other to extremes; other times, they fuse. And once they fuse, it spells annihilation, absorbing and neutralizing the nearby remnant powers of other sefirot. Your Majesty the Blood Emperor, are you planning to reclaim your corpse? Im afraid it will drag you back into the River of Eternal Darknessno, ultimate annihilation. Speaking to himself, Lumian moved toward the palaces side entrance. He intended to wait by Alista Tudors divine corpse, anticipating the arrival of Red Angel Medici. That spot would be ideal for him to fight in his current statehalf of what Alista Tudor once was, though without a fully restored rank. When he reached the crumbling side entrance, now narrow enough to squeeze through, Lumian suddenly noticed two corpses standing on either side of the doorway. One male and one female, both burned into charred remains by formless flames, stood preserved in their scorched states. Each had a left hand swollen and translucent, its bluish hue marred by yellow-green pus flowing within. The veins on their left hands were unnaturally clear, and along with the palm lines, they formed intricate and densely packed symbols and patterns. Left Hand of Decay Why are the bestowed of the Monarch of Decay placed here as corpse statues? Lumian murmured, lowering his gaze. As expected, he saw ancient Tudor coins beneath each of the four corpses, with denominations of 2, 7, and 13. Lumians face twitched, a wave of violent and destructive emotions surging within him. Summoning a black-flame greatsword in one hand, he prepared to slash at the four corpses. Suddenly, a gentle female voice came from nearby: Their purpose is to symbolize one thing: making anything that can go wrong be most likely to go wrong. Lumian turned both his heads simultaneously, spotting Madame Pualis, dressed in a black gown. Her subtle brows framed bright brown eyes, her brown hair styled in a high bun. In her arms, she cradled a chubby-cheeked, adorably plump infant girl. The baby girl no longer appeared ethereal but fully real, tangible, and vivid. In the depths of Underground Trier. Under the corrosive fog of history, the Tree of Shadows trunk became increasingly illusory. Its bark and branches began peeling away. Though the Tree of Shadow was intimately tied to every human in Trier and could not be completely destroyed, its aura weakened rapidly. The canopy extending above ground receded deeper meter by meter. Suah and Tiri struggled with all Their might to hold the line, yet They could not reverse the trend. Somewhere in Fourth Epoch Trier Louis Gustav watched as the infants on his body dropped to the ground, dying instantly and decaying into rotted corpses. 0C59The Divine Kingdom Without People! The undead infants never had the chance to be reborn. Exposed to The Fourth Sun suspended high in the sky, they were instantly purified and vanished. Birthing children was not an evil act for the Mother but a sacred one, immune to The Fourth Suns purification. However, transforming the infants into undead made them susceptible to its power. Losing all the infants, the maternal body fell with a look of anguish, rapidly disintegrating into a pool of blood and flesh. The flesh writhed as if attempting to reform into a birds nest. But it died mid-reformation, simultaneously decaying and regenerating. Holy, radiant sunlight enveloped it. Red Angel Medici and part of His metal soldiers landed in a desolate wilderness shrouded in gray-white fog, flickering between reality and illusion. In this wilderness, shadowy figures wandered silently, moving slowly toward the edgesto them. Seeing Madame Pualis holding the infant Omebella, Lumian beamed. Lifting the newly condensed Sword of Destruction, he prepared to strike. Theres no need to rush. Its been a while since we had a conversation, Madame Pualis said gently. A stretch of wilderness appeared around her, creating distance between herself and Lumian. Her gaze shifted between Lumians face and Aurores tightly closed eyes, filled with a trace of sorrow. Rumble! Amid the booming explosions, her figure appeared on the other side of Paramita. Her tone was soft and soothing. Its pointless. Omebella has truly been born. The anticipated outcome has arrived, and nothing will change now. Her maternal voice calmed the fury and madness in Lumians heart. Stopping his attack, Lumian said, Omebella He initially wanted to ask when Omebella was born, but a sharp pain in his head brought a sense of spiritual foreboding. Instead, he asked, In the dream city, why didnt youor rather, the Mother Goddess of Depravityhelp the Celestial Worthy? Why let Him fail? Madame Pualis, cradling infant Omebella, smiled and answered, When I entered the dream city, aside from wanting to see you and Aurore, I had only one goal: To act on behalf of the Great Mother to eliminate any chance for the Celestial Worthy to reverse the situation if such an opportunity arose. However, all of you did an excellent job. You didnt give me that chance. Why? Lumian asked with a frown. Shouldnt balance have been maintained? Maintaining her smile, Madame Pualis replied, After the Hostel incident, the Mothers thoughts changed. She wished for The Fool to prevail. This way, The Fool would begin a process of simultaneously opposing and integrating the Celestial Worthy, while also accommodating Sefirah Castle. Such a process would be difficult to disrupt. Facing another crisis, even if The Fool wanted to give up and hand everything to the Celestial Worthyor if the Celestial Worthy wanted to compromise and assist The Fool in controlling Sefirah Castlethe resulting state wouldnt be easily broken or altered. It would take a long time. Before such a state could fully change, the Lord of Mysteriess power would be at best comparable to that of Grisha Adam during Project Vortex. And even achieving this would require the Celestial Worthys full cooperation. No matter what abilities such a Lord of Mysteries employs, its impossible for Him to break through the barrier formed by the mirrored Creator in a short period of time. He cant prevent whats about to happen. The Mother has been anticipating this for a long time. Lumian recalled the events that had just transpired and suddenly realized the nights major events were far from over. Laughing, he said, So, even you dont trust the Celestial Worthy to honor His promises after fully awakening? No one would trust a Great Old One that symbolizes deceit, Madame Pualis replied gently, rocking the baby in her arms as if coaxing Omebella back to sleep. Lumian glanced at Omebella and asked, When was She truly born? And what will Her birth bring? With a soft smile, Madame Pualis answered, After you were dragged into the special mirror world. She explained with a smile, Calamity needs to stay away from the mother. But have you ever consideredyoure not the calamity, but the Motherthe one who gave birth to Omebella. The great terror in the special mirror world came from the fusion of the two pathways of Calamity, so it naturally symbolizes calamity? Lumian suddenly understood the true meaning behind Mr. Fools revelation. This was a fate even great existences couldnt fully grasp. Madame Pualis gazed wistfully at Aurore, sighed, and said, Thats one interpretation. But theres a deeper reason. She turned to Lumian, her brown eyes deep, and asked, Have you noticed? Tudor and Cheeks twins are also a boy and a girl, an elder sister and a younger brother. An elder sister and younger brother Yes, Krismona and the Demoness of Gray Judith were once siblings! Lumian was suddenly struck by a deep sense of foreboding. Madame Pualis smiled again and said, For true gods of the Hunter and Demoness pathways, its normal for twins to be a boy and a girl. Anything else would be unusual. But why elder sister and younger brother, and not elder brother and younger sister? Because Theyre also a reflection of Omebella and Zedus in some way. As for why Madame Pualis glanced down at the baby in her arms and smiled. Omebella is far older than you think. She and Zedus were born in the mid-First Epoch. At that time, Giant King Aurmir was still a purely mad demigod-level monster. Their mother, strictly speaking, wasnt the Great Mother, but the Brood Hive ripped off from the Great Mother. When the Brood Hive was still within the Great Mother, Omebella and Zedus had yet to gestate. More importantly, Their fatherTheir true fatherthe one who fathered them with the Brood Hive. Guess who He is? In Madam Justice Audreys dream. The ancient dragon, Edefana, gazed at Madam Magician and Madam Justice, His voice buzzing as He said, I can offer you one more piece of critical intelligence, originating from the mid-First Epoch. Both Madam Magician and Madam Justice tensed inexplicably. In a tone dripping with resentment and hatred, Edefana said, The mother of Giant Queen Omebella is the Brood Hive currently sealed in the Western Continent. Her father is: The Primordial God Almighty! Chapter 1115 - Chapter 1115: Crimson Chapter 1115: Crimson Primordial God Almighty? Lumian raised an eyebrow. All around him, formless, colorless flames suddenly flared up, blazing fiercely. Madame Pualis, cradling the infant Omebella, smiled and said, Within the two pathways of Calamity lies the arrangement for the resurrection of the Primordial God Almighty. During the union of Tudor and Cheek to conceive Krismona and Judith, the consciousness of the Primordial God Almighty also partially revived. Naturally, that pair of twins were younger brother and elder sister. Conversely, if what fused into your body wasnt Omebella and Zedus, but other divine offspring of the Great Mother, they would have been completely ineffective during that fusion. They lack the necessary symbols and mystical connections. Hearing this, the head on Lumians left shoulder turned from side to side, the faces of Cheek and Alista Tudor alternating as they gazed at Madame Pualis. Lumian struggled to suppress the urge to incinerate this part of Paramita and destroy it entirely. Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind. So thats how it is. Omebella was indeed killed by a direct relative. That explains her curse on the City of Silver Previously, Lumian had speculated that Omebellas final death stemmed from the citizens of City of Silver killing Her. Since they were Her followers, essentially her children, the act of filicideor human deicidecould naturally trigger the curse: Must die at the hands of a direct relative, or else become an evil spirit. Now it seemed that while this might be one of the reasons, it was certainly not the only onenor even the most crucial. The true reason was that Omebellas initial death was orchestrated by the Ancient Sun God! As the successor to the Primordial God Almighty, the Ancient Sun God might have had fragments of the Primordial God Almightys consciousness and spirit awakening within Him at that timethough still suppressible! Under these circumstances, in Omebellas eyes, wasnt it essentially a god imbued with Her fathers consciousness and spirit using powers derived from Him to kill Her? Lumian suddenly understood why Madame Pualis had lured the padre into personally killing the newborn Omebella back in Cordu. If it were only about fulfilling the symbolic act of being killed by a direct relative, Madame Pualis herself, as the mother, could have handled it. There would have been no need for such elaborate arrangements. The only explanation was that infant Omebella had to be killed once by her biological fatherthe padre, who symbolized the Eternal Blazing Sun. Only then would all the necessary symbols be complete, forming a closed loop and becoming valid in the realm of mysticism. Eternal Blazing Sun Eternal Blazing Sun Lumians pupils dilated as he was struck by a sudden realization. Once he understood that making the padre become Omebellas father was to evoke the symbol of the Eternal Blazing Sun, one question had always puzzled him. Why the Eternal Blazing Sun specifically? Wouldnt the God of Steam and Machinery, the God of Knowledge and Wisdom, or the Lord of Storms suffice? This question hadnt lingered long, though. Realizing that Aurore possessed the unique conditions of being a transmigrator, having the gray fogs aura, being a Warlock, and having a younger brother, Lumian had concluded it was mere coincidence. It just so happened that Cordu worshiped the Eternal Blazing Sun. But now, he suddenly understoodit wasnt a coincidence. It was a necessary condition. Aside from being a transmigrator, having the gray fogs aura, being a Warlock, and the sibling relationship, there was another implicit condition: residing in a region that worshiped the Eternal Blazing Sun. Lumian recalled his time as a casual believer of the Eternal Blazing Sun, occasionally attending Mass at the Saint Sith Cathedral in Cordu, and remembered certain praises from the padre. Great Father! Father of all living beings! These werent official titles of the Eternal Blazing Sun, yet they were written into the scriptures, frequently mentioned in propaganda and hymns, and genuinely existed! The Great Father! Lumian looked at Madame Pualis and blurted out, Is there something wrong with the Eternal Blazing Sun? Madame Pualis smiled faintly and replied, Long ago, fragments of the Primordial God Almightys consciousness began reviving within Him. For a time, He would even occasionally lose control of Himself. After an extensive period, He finally managed to suppress His alienated self and achieve a fragile balance, which allowed Him to partially harness the power of the Chaos Sea. However, He had to tread carefully and limit the frequency of use. Otherwise, the corruption and alienation would deepen, and the balance would collapse. Madame Pualis smiled brilliantly and asked rhetorically, Now you understand why the true birth of Omebella is so significant, dont you? Her true father is the Primordial God Almighty. Her current father is the Eternal Blazing Sun, within whom the consciousness of the Primordial God Almighty has revived. When She was born in essence, the Eternal Blazing Sun, as a symbol of the Primordial God Almighty, will be significantly strengthened. The mystical connection between the two will blend together. With the symbol of the Primordial God Almighty greatly reinforced, do you think the fragile balance the Eternal Blazing Sun has been maintaining can still exist? In the astral world, where abstract concepts and symbolic representations intertwined. The radiant, golden Sun, connected to a blazing giant enshrouded in Chaos, suddenly broke off its battle with The Fool. He contracted instantly, merging once again with the sacredly glowing golden Sun. The Suns surface abruptly darkened, patches of shadow spreading swiftly to cover half of its face. The gigantic golden sun alternated between the form of a handsome, energetic young man with short golden hair draped in a pure white robe, and a blazing, searingly bright fireball. The young mans expression grew increasingly distorted, His body half-shrouded in dark shadows seeping from within, gradually dissolving. The dark patches on the terrifying fireball expanded, while the divine radiance diminished. Suddenly, behind the golden sun, a silhouette subtly emerged. It was a female figure dressed in layered but unadorned pitch-black robes, dotted with what seemed like brilliant stars. From Her ribs and waist extended two pairs of arms covered in short, deep-black fur. Evernight Goddess! In the Goddesss six hands, two held heavy black scythes, two cradled ancient bird-shaped golden ornaments, and two raised a massive sword seemingly forged from condensed orange-red light, aiming it at the Eternal Blazing Sun. The young man with the distorted face in the white robe glanced at the spot where the Evernight Goddess had previously stood and saw a terrifying feathered serpent with massive wings blocking a fissure with its own reflection, maintaining the barrier. The feathered serpent could only hold out for a short time, and even then, only because the Evernight Goddess had not yet left the astral world. The Eternal Blazing Sun turned toward the Evernight Goddess, asking in excruciating pain, When did you find out? Two of the Evernight Goddesss hands holding the bird-shaped golden ornaments underwent rapid changes, causing an illusory, wide, dark, colorless river to manifest behind Her. The river flowed silently, drawing close to the Evernight Goddess. I had some suspicions during the Cataclysm. After obtaining Destined Madness, I fully understood your anomalies. Evernight Goddesss voice was soft, almost as if She were soothing the Eternal Blazing Sun to sleep. Simultaneously, the heavy black scythe and the massive orange-red sword descended upon the Eternal Blazing Sun at an unhurried pace, yet their movement carried the force of the colorless, dark river. The progress of the dark patches spreading across the surface of the golden sun slowed. The once-handsome and vibrant Eternal Blazing Sun, Aucuses, began to laugh. Struggling to suppress His alienation and natural defensive instincts, He looked earnestly at the Evernight Goddess and pleaded, Please kill me. He would rather die as a god than lose Himself and linger on in torment! Suddenly, His face contorted again, and the dark patches overtook the suns surface. An ancient voice seemed to echo from across history: If you kill Him, the barrier will lose another support. Can the barrier be kept up? The Evernight Goddess responded without any emotion, I just saw you collaborating with the Mother Goddess of Depravity, and you are the strongest Notary. Without hesitation, she brought down the heavy black scythe and the massive orange-red sword. The dark, illusory river seemed to flow closer. Those awake deep into the night and the strongest beings in the world simultaneously turned their gaze to the sky. A blazing, brilliant, pure golden sun rose, illuminating the entire world. In the next second, the sun shattered into fragments of divine light tinged with darkness, scattering to various corners of the world. It resembled stars falling in a rain-like cascade. Fourth Epoch Trier, beside the half-collapsed ostentatious palace. Maintaining her smile, Madame Pualis replied, The true birth of Omebella holds two additional symbolic significance. First, as the divine offspring of the Primordial God Almighty and the Brood Hive, once She fully enters the real world, will the one who once usurped Her identity be able to bear this fate and maintain even a basic state? In the astral world, where abstract concepts and symbolic representations intertwined. Earth Mother Lilith, with Her ample and graceful figure, cradling a baby in Her arms and a faint red moon behind Her head, cast Her gaze upon the crumbling golden sun and the figure wielding the scythe and sword. The illusory crimson moon was suddenly drawn toward Her and leaped into Her body. Her voluptuous, graceful form cracked instantly, and from the fissures burst forth streams of crimson moonlight. Amanises, let me sleep. In this way, my authority and symbolism can still contribute to the barrier, Earth Mother Lilith spoke with extreme pain and difficulty. The figure of the Evernight Goddess, Amanises, who had just vanquished the Eternal Blazing Sun, vanished as if erased. Moments later, She reappeared behind Earth Mother Lilith. Almost simultaneously, as the Sun fell, new stars lit up in the skyred, orange, gold, blue, brown eight in total. Each was colossal, like new suns, descending to the same height as the crimson full moon, exerting immense pressure on the barrier, causing it to audibly crack and fissure. The barriers sustaining power was insufficient. Having just completely destroyed the Tree of Shadow, leaving only its roots, and not yet had time to eliminate Suah and Tiri, Mr. Fool raised His head and looked toward the astral world. All His bodies disappeared abruptly, reappearing there as a series of symbols and various abstract concepts. Some symbols consisted of segments of Pupil-less Eye and Contorted Lines, others were layered doors, and others resembled the hands of a clock. The teetering invisible barrier steadied. Forsaken Land of the Gods, atop a majestic and stretching mountain range. After the darkened sun fell, the darkness here dissipated. Beside the enormous cross, Visionary Adam, clad in a simple white robe with a thick golden beard, returned to normal. At His feet was a dense black shadow with five heads, exuding malevolence. Both He and His shadow looked ahead, to a realm encompassing all colors and possibilities, simultaneously illusory and real sea. From the depths of the Chaos Sea came an ancient voice: Come, my child. Merge with me. You are out of time. The apocalypse is nigh. Your only choice is to risk merging with me, then contend for dominance on equal footing. Visionary Adam and the True Creator, Grisha, shifted Their gazes downward, toward the lands outside the Forsaken Land of the Gods. They saw the Northern and Southern continents, cities like Backlund, Trier, Feynapotter, and St. Millom, the awakened people stirred by the Suns eruption, and the mountains, rivers, and seas. They withdrew Their gazes and stepped into that realm of all-encompassing colors. They sank beneath its waves. Fourth Epoch Trier, beside the half-collapsed Tudor Palace. Madame Pualis gazed wistfully at Lumian and Aurore, sighing as she spoke, The final important symbolism of Omebellas birth is this: Previously, She was born from the Brood Hive and the Primordial God Almighty. Now, She is born from me, representing the Great Mother, and the padre, symbolizing the Eternal Blazing Sun. Since the Eternal Blazing Sun, as a symbol of the Primordial God Almighty, has been strengthened, the Brood Hive, as a symbol of the Great Mother, will undergo similar changes. Moreover, the Brood Hive and the Great Mother Themselves have an exceptionally tight, nearly unified mystical connection. With such a transformation, what will the Great Mother gain? Lumian did not answer. Following his intuition, he directed his gaze upward to the formless, colorless flames. There, the night sky had appeared, and the crimson full moon suddenly brightened. Elsewhere in the mirrored world, Franca, who had just shattered the Demoness of Blacks true body and her mirrored self, also looked up. Across the world, every demigod raised their gaze to the sky. The crimson full moon, which had always seemed perched atop a clock tower, suddenly descended without warning, appearing closer, as if just above everyones rooftops or nestled in the wild treetops. A diaphanous, eerie moonlight spread across every corner of the land and sea. All was crimson, as if drenched in blood. (End of Volume SevenThe Second Law) Chapter 1116 - Chapter 1116: Nightmare Chapter 1116: Nightmare What has been, will be again; what has been done, will be done again. Trier, Le March du Quartier du Gentleman. Leonscholarly in appearancestood at the front of the living room. His expression was solemn as he preached to the members of the congregation. He had moved out of Auberge du Coq Dor because the congregation had grown significantly. Although the local authorities in Le March du Quartier du Gentleman seemed indifferent to his clandestine spreading of an unorthodox faith, Leon believed caution was paramountbetter to avoid any undue attention. If devout and fanatical believers of the Eternal Blazing Sun or the God of Steam and Machinery within the quartier discovered his heretical teachings, they would report and protest relentlessly at the cathedral. Even if the two major Churches were initially reluctant to act, theyd eventually be forced to intervene! Moreover, with an increasing number of followers, Leon genuinely needed a temporary location to serve as an underground chapel. Having finished his sermon, Leon raised his hands, palms outward, his voice suddenly becoming fervent, Praise be to you, Beholden to the King of Yellow and Black, Priest of the Apocalypse and War, the Multi-Faced Conqueror of All, the true Malady God! Praise be to you, the Ancient One who transcends time, One who remains forever young, Envoy of Disease and Plague, Lady who spreads pain and despair, Protector of humanitys adventurous spirit, companion to the great Malady God! The gathered believers in the living room mimicked his gestures and completed the ritual with a final hymn of praise. As Leon listened to the echoing voices of the congregation, he felt a moment of daze. He didnt quite understand why the titles of these two deities kept changing, especially the great God of Plague, whose honorific name had been revised multiple times, leaving little resemblance to the original descriptions. Furthermore, the title Malady God had been reinstated, while God of Disease was now regarded as His companion and queen. Leon had once inquired about this matter with Her Holiness, the Pope. The reply was: This reflects the rise in the rank and authority of the God of Plague. After the hymns, Leon gestured for the assisting padres to distribute holy communion. The communion consisted of a drink and a choice of food: one could choose from absinthe, red wine, or cooled boiled water, paired with either mashed potatoes or meat patties. Seeing his followers savor the communion with genuine satisfaction, Leon felt his year-long efforts had been worthwhile. A profound sense of accomplishment welled within him. In the afternoon, he left his residence and headed to glise Saint-Robert on Avenue du March. This wasnt because he secretly maintained his faith in the Eternal Blazing Sun but rather because he believed the rapid growth of the Sick Church necessitated greater organization. He and the other bishops needed to prepare for eventualities by advising Her Holiness on perfecting aspects of daily worship, large-scale masses, and the Churchs scriptures. On such matters, the orthodox Churches of the true gods served as excellent references. Avenue du March was as lively as ever. Waves of newcomers streamed in from the nearby steam train station, flowing like rivers into the sea that was Trier. Some opted for carriages, others carried suitcases and walked, while the less cautious had their wallets stolen, leaving them shouting and chasing in distress. The patrolling police offered help with little enthusiasm. Leon entered glise Saint-Robert and noticed a relatively unfamiliar bishop standing before the altar. Approaching, he asked curiously, Is Bishop Christopher not here today? The unfamiliar young bishop gave a complex smile and replied, Bishop Christopher has been reassigned. I will be taking over his duties. You may call me Yveline. Another new bishop Leon couldnt help frowning slightly. In his hometown, aside from rapidly promoted padres and bishops, most would remain in one place for yearssome even decadesoverseeing a single village cathedral. Yet glise Saint-Robert had seen five bishops in just the past year. Now, this was the sixth! It wasnt like this last year When I first arrived in Trier, the bishop back then stayed for more than half a year Leons thoughts shifted to the numerous changes within the Eternal Blazing Sun Church over the past year. The Eternal Blazing Sun, whose titles had never changed before, had begun issuing revelations, drastically altering its titlessimilar to the God of Plague. Even the status of the Sun Sacred Emblem had shifted, no longer placed atop altars, downgraded to just one among many sacred symbols! Leon cast his gaze toward the altar and saw a massive cross standing there. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Bishop Yveline, he seated himself in the front row, pretending to pray. Before long, his heightened spiritual sensitivity as a Warlock stirred within him. Suddenly opening his eyes, he turned to the side. He saw Lugano, his direct superior, once again. This archbishop of Triers Sick Churcha Sequence 5 Druidhad unexpectedly appeared in glise Saint-Robert of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church! With his thick brows and sharp eyes, Lugano showed no fear or surprise upon noticing Leon. Removing his half-tall silk hat, he sat beside his subordinate, gazing at the massive cross on the altar. In a low voice, he asked, What are you doing at the Eternal Blazing Sun Church? Your Grace, I wanted to learn how to deliver better sermons, Leon humbly explained. He refrained from asking why Lugano was at glise Saint-Robert. Lugano smiled and replied, Me too. Then, with a sigh, he added, And to feel the sunlight. Feel the sunlight? Leon asked, puzzled. Lugano stared at the massive cross on the altar and said, I always feel like the sunlight outside isnt bright enough, isnt warm enough. It cant dispel the cold and fear inside me. Only the sunlight here reaches my soul and lets me forget my unease. Unease? Leon also felt a sense of unease. What unsettled him most was that the archbishops words bordered on blasphemythey lacked piety. What cold and fear could the great Malady God and the great Malady God Queen not resolve or eradicate? Why not pray to them or seek guidance from Her Holiness instead of coming to the Eternal Blazing Sun Church to feel the sunlight? Will I be silenced for hearing such blasphemous words? As Leons anxiety grew, Lugano shifted his gaze from the altar to observe Bishop Yveline, who had moved to a long table at the side of the church. Speaking in a suppressed tone, he said, Ive been having nightmares for a long time. Havent you? No, Leon replied firmly. Do you often feel uneasy? Lugano pressed further. Leon shook his head at first but then hesitantly added, As a Warlock, my spirituality is strong. I only feel unease as a premonition of trouble, which usually helps me avoid or resolve it. Any unease disappears afterward. Lugano sighed again and said, Ive had nightmares for so longevery single night, waking up in terror. Have you asked Her Holiness about the root of the problem? Leon probed cautiously. Lugano smiled faintly and said, I have. Ive also prayed to the great Malady God and the great Malady God Queen. The response I received was: Pay no mind to it, but do not get too close. Pay no mind, that I understand. But what does do not get too close mean? Does delving into the nightmare lead to self-destruction, being dragged into the abyss? Leon instinctively analyzed the meaning of these words. Suddenly, he recalled another matter: a mystical circle he had joined recently encountered problems, seemingly caused by a Beyonder from the Planter pathway. In another related mystical circle, the host and many members warned everyone to beware of Beyonders from the Planter and Apothecary pathways. His Grace is a Sequence 5 Druid of the Planter pathway Could his recurring nightmares be related to abnormalities in these two pathways? Leon dared not voice his thoughts. Lugano continued, Her Holiness also told me that, at my lowest, I could sit in a cathedral of the Eternal Blazing Sun. I see Leon expressed his understanding. Deep inside, however, he resolved to report this matter to Her Holiness through the mirror. He couldnt simply take the Archbishops words at face value. Lugano remained at glise Saint-Robert until evening before leaving to tend to the various affairs of Triers Sick Church. Late at night, he finally returned to his rented apartment. After drinking a glass of milk, stretching his body, and completing his nightly prayers, Lugano prepared for bed. After washing up, he lay on his bed and turned off the gas wall lamp. He stared at the ceiling, immersed in darkness, and at the crimson moonlight seeping through the curtains. He observed the twisted patterns formed by the interplay of light and shadow, unwilling to close his eyes for a long time. He was afraid to sleep, afraid to dream. He had once tried altering his routineworking at night and resting during the daybut the nightmare still came. He didnt know how much time passed before he finally fell asleep. In a daze, Lugano suddenly jolted awake, as if becoming lucid. He saw the familiar gray-white fog and the water-stained stone slab. Its here again Lugano was not surprised. The nightmare had come as anticipated. He staggered to the edge of the gray-white fog but dared not step beyond it. He lingered there, gazing outward into the depths of the dream. In the distance, he faintly saw a familiar street. It was where he currently lived. But in the dream, the street and all the buildings had completely collapsednone were spared. The same destruction extended into the distance, with no end in sight. Under the crimson moonlight, the ruins appeared chaotic, desolate, cold, and deathly still. Yet, they exuded a peculiar, eerie beautyabandoned for ages yet imbued with a unique spiritual essence. Green plants had overtaken the destroyed buildings. Some grew so densely they seemed to shroud the dead structures in burial cloth. Others bore abundant, fresh fruit. Gazing upon this scene, Lugano was gripped by visceral fear, his entire body cold. It was as if he had glimpsed the future of Trier, the fate awaiting himself and others. This was the nightmare he experienced every night: A lifeless Trier where all humanity had been buried and every building had crumbled. A Trier bathed perpetually in crimson moonlight. Chapter 1117 - Chapter 1117: Ruins Chapter 1117: Ruins Lugano stood at the edge of the gray-white mist, not daring to take a single step further into the lifeless Trier, that ruined world. He had always strictly adhered to the instructions of Her Holiness, the Pope. This was also his heartfelt choice. As usual, he remained hidden within the gray-white fog, observing the changes in the nightmare with a mix of fear and curiosity. He didnt know how much time had passed before a figure emerged from behind a collapsed building. It was a deer, walking lightly on its hooves, happily nibbling at the fresh fruits borne by the green plants. This seemed quite normal, much like how nature quickly reclaimed towns abandoned by humans. Yet Lugano saw that as the deer ate, pieces of bloody flesh-not flesh, but raw, blood-covered fawns-fell from its abdomen, freshly born. The fawns quickly stood up, clustered around their mother, and suckled her milk. In just a minute or two, a sizable herd of deer was born. They moved behind a few collapsed buildings and disappeared from Luganos sight. Lugano was not unfamiliar with such scenes. Over the past year, he had witnessed too many similar acts of birth and new life in his nightmares, evolving from shock, bewilderment, fear, and disgust to complete numbness. Even with so many frequent instances of reproduction and birth, Trier in the nightmare remained deathly silent, with only occasional faint sounds breaking the silence. Those newborn animals seemed to disappear almost as quickly as they appeared. Lugano tried to force himself to look away, to retreat deeper into the dense mist, lest he witness even more terrifying scenes. This was his learned wisdom: every nightmare contained something new and horrifying, gradually amplifying his inner unease. Without such escalating horrors, the mere silent, crimson Trier and the wild animals repeatedly birthing offspring in grotesque ways would not have been enough to break him, to sustain his daily fear-after all, if the same scene or event repeated day after day without directly harming the observer, it would likely result in desensitization rather than continued unease. But Lugano couldnt bring himself to leave the edge of the gray fog. Deep down, he yearned to stay and continue observing Trier in his nightmare, hoping to find the root cause of his recurring dreams. Sometimes, he even felt that watching such scenes was the only time he truly felt alive. As he watched, Luganos gaze suddenly froze. At the end of the collapsed street, five figures appeared. Human figures! The five figures seemed partially merged with the darkness, untouched by the crimson moonlight, making them shadowy and indistinct. Leading them was a man in a brown lightweight trench coat pinned with a golden brooch. He had golden hair, golden eyebrows, and a golden beard, holding a sword seemingly condensed from pure sunlight. Behind him, two men in white robes embroidered with golden threads carried a human corpse. The other two figures flanked them on the left and right, walking slightly ahead and behind, remaining on alert. Lugano widened his eyes, straining to make out the features of these figures and, most importantly, the appearance of the corpse they were carrying. For some reason, his attention was drawn to the face of the corpse. As the five figures drew closer to the gray fog, the face of the corpse became clear to Luganos eyes. The corpse had regular features, thick eyebrows, and sharp eyes-it was unmistakably Lugano himself! Luganos pupils dilated instantly. Instinctively, he staggered back, collapsing to the ground with a loud thud. How is that possible? How can it be my corpse? Im perfectly alive! Propping his hands against the water-stained stone slabs, Lugano sprang to his feet like a coil. He rushed back to the edge of the gray fog, determined to confirm whether the corpse truly looked exactly like him. Unfortunately, the five figures had already changed direction, heading toward the other end of the gray fog, leaving only shadowy silhouettes that seemed to blend into the darkness. One of the clergy members from the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, carrying the corpse, addressed Angoulme de Fran?ois, who was walking ahead, Deacon, this guys body has unconsciously left the protected zone over a hundred times now. Each time, weve had to retrieve it to prevent it from coming into contact with anomalies. Why not just purify him? Hes a Sequence 5 Druid of the Planter pathway! Exactly, hes a high-risk Beyonder, echoed the other clergy member carrying the corpse. Angoulme glanced at his subordinates. Hes the archbishop of the Sick Church. So what? Cant the Sick Church get a new archbishop? High-risk Beyonders like him are better off reduced to Beyonder characteristics and sealed away, grumbled Orulan, the first to speak. He was clearly dissatisfied with the dangerous task of venturing into the ruins to retrieve rogue bodies. It was very dangerous. Why is those high-risk Beyonders life considered precious, and ours isnt? Angoulme calmly explained, The higher-ups said hes still useful. At this, Orulan stopped arguing. He couldnt help but lift his gaze toward the sky. The crimson moonlight was eerie and bright, overshadowing the stars, though the crimson moon itself was nowhere to be seen. Why did it suddenly turn out like this Orulan murmured in confusion and pain. This question was asked daily by those who had to enter the ruins and learn the truth about the protected zone. It was the most common question on the lips of Beyonders. Angoulme also looked up at the sky. The scene from back then flashed vividly in his mind: the crimson full moon descended lower and lower, impossibly so, finally landing upon the earth. The entire Fourth Epoch Trier collapsed as a result. The formless, colorless flames in the sky and the white fog permeating the ancient city disintegrated instantly. With the aid of the two Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts C The Fourth Sun and The Divine Kingdom Without People C and the fact that they werent among the primary targets, Angoulme, Jack Walton, and a few others barely survived the initial impact. Even so, they each lost a colleague, helplessly watching them mutate into grotesque monstrosities, as if granted new, malevolent life. Later, thanks to the unique properties of The Fourth Sun, they were fortunate enough to be pulled into the protected zone before the second wave of destruction hit. Why did it suddenly turn out like this? Angoulme wanted to ask the same question. At the time, things had seemed to be heading in a good direction C the Montsouris ghosts had been almost completely dissolved by The Fourth Sun, and Louis Gustav had been purified. Only Madame Pualiss whereabouts remained unaccounted for. Then, out of nowhere, the crimson moon descended, and the world collapsed. Orulan and the others spirits sank, their moods heavy, until sunlight illuminated the darkness, dispelling their inner fear and confusion. However, the sunlight did not penetrate the darkness created by the Sealed Artifacts. This control was intentional-otherwise, it would have posed a significant risk. As Orulan and the others calmed, a rumbling explosion echoed from afar, shaking the ground violently, as if it might collapse entirely. Orulan instinctively turned toward the sound. Thick white fog spread in the distance, and within it prowled a gigantic monster with three heads. Violet flames ignited within the fog, and silver-white lightning illuminated the interior. Cracks in the ground extended all the way to Angoulmes group, where crimson magma flowed slowly. Even from a great distance, Orulan and the others could feel the aura of destruction. This was unlike the quiet gestation of life and death in Triers ruins-this was brazen, ostentatious, and wanton destruction. Fear gripped Orulan as he prepared to avert his gaze, but out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a female figure sitting quietly atop the collapsed spire of a clock tower, her feet dangling. Behind her, the three-headed monster prowled, bringing volcanic eruptions, thunderstorms, blizzards, earthquakes, and soaring violet flames-but none of it touched her. Wh- Orulan suddenly recalled terrifying stories hed heard as a child. A witch and the monster she commanded. Deacon, should we intervene and clean this up? Im worried that if this continues, the entire Trier ruins will collapse, Orulan asked Angoulme. Angoulme withdrew his gaze from the distance and looked at Orulan and the others. No need. Remember, in the ruins, never do anything beyond your assigned task. Its not only dangerous to us but could also threaten the maintenance of the protected zone. Sometimes, what you think is a good deed might worsen the situation. Yes, Deacon. Amid the rumbling noise, Orulan and the others expressions turned solemn. They had all heard stories of colleagues mysteriously disappearing or mutating into monsters within the ruins. Some had even witnessed it firsthand. Countless task teams had vanished forever in the ruins. All right, weve reached the safe passage. Angoulme said, pointing to a specific spot at the edge of the gray fog. From there, they would return to the protected zone. Instinctively, Orulan and the others cast one last glance toward the distant dense fog. The woman sitting silently atop the collapsed spire exuded a unique allure. Franca sat atop the collapsed clock tower, letting her thoughts scatter and drift. Time passed quickly, minute by minute, until the explosions, thunder, and howling winds behind her subsided. Only then did she pull her focus back to her body. All done? She asked as she turned to Lumian, who stood nearby, now restored to human size. Still sporting three heads, Lumian nodded. Its that time again, where I occasionally regain clarity, though this time it might last longer. And Ive finally grasped the powers of Conqueror and Demoness of Apocalypse. Didnt you already digest those two Beyonder characteristics through Cheeks avatar and Alista Tudors integration? Franca asked, puzzled. Digesting the characteristics and truly making the power your own are two different things, Lumian replied calmly with a faint smile. After all, I didnt digest the potion myself. Franca glanced at him, then at the faces of Aurore and Jenna, eyes closed, stained with blood, resting on his right shoulder. She tentatively asked, Youre looking pretty good? Lumian responded with a smile, To do what comes next, I have to be. And besides, whatever happens, its time for things to reach a conclusion. Thats better than endless torment. As he spoke, his tone grew somber. This time, I wont be a pawn, Ill do what I want to do. Chapter 1118 - Chapter 1118: What I Want to Do Chapter 1118: What I Want to Do Franca had been carefully avoiding certain phrases, but since Lumian himself brought it up, there was no need to tread so cautiously anymore. With a self-deprecating tone, she whispered, Can you really stop being a pawn? Ever since she was pulled into the protected zone and learned from Anthony and Ludwig what had happened, she felt as though she had developed pawn arrangement PTSD. Whenever she heard similar terms, her heart clenched, and her mood darkened. This symptom showed no signs of improvement over time. Lumian was silent for two seconds before raising his right hand and flicking the dark gold, peculiar mask at the center of the head on his left shoulder. With a metallic clang, the faces of Cheek and Tudor reflexively furrowed their brows. After nearly a year of adaptation and mastery, Lumian could now exert tangible control over the two faces when in his lucid state, although some nuances were still beyond his grasp. After flicking the mask, Lumian spoke in a low voice, After my merging with Him, unless the one worshipped by the Aurora Order achieves complete victory or is entirely defeated-allowing a true God Almighty to be born-no one can manipulate me anymore. Look at us. Weve entered the ruins, made such a commotion, and stayed for so long, yet the Great Mother hasnt even glanced our way despite us simply relying on the cover of the Fog of War. Can you believe that? Hes akin to a scaled-down original Creator-the Oldest One-or a yet-to-be-fully-revived Primordial God Almighty, which grants you a high status? Franca nodded in sudden understanding. What Im about to do next will remain highly concealed unless directly scrutinized, Lumian confirmed Francas speculation, sitting down beside her atop the collapsed clock tower and gazing out at the ruins of Trier beyond the Fog of War. Franca was silent for a few seconds before tilting her head and asking, So, what exactly do you want to do next? The next moment, she saw Lumian smile. It was a spirited smile, tinged with mischief-an expression Franca had never seen on Lumians face before. Im going to save the world. For a moment, Franca felt as though she was listening to some prankster boast on the spot. She didnt question him. Instead, she asked, Do you have any hope of succeeding? Lumian, gazing at the endless ruins ahead, chuckled and replied, If I dont act, and the Great Mother completely overpowers the half of Her will and achieves fusion, or if the barrier in the sky fails entirely, then there will be no hope whatsoever. But if I act, at least hope isnt zero. Therell be just a sliver. Besides, Im not the only one preparing to save the world; there are others trying as well. At this, Lumian turned to look at Franca, his tone drifting as though recalling something. When I was irrational, driven purely by divine instinct, that instinct allowed me to glimpse certain truths-or perhaps root causes. Everything in this world originates from the Original Creator. All living beings, all Beyonder characteristics, the way events unfold, and the miraculous turns of fate-all of it. What does this mean? It means separation leads to convergence. Something good will inevitably carry bad aspects, and vice versa. This is the essence of the world, the fundamental symbol that governs all things. Even existences as powerful as the Great Mother cant completely avoid it. They can only mitigate its influence. Franca, somewhat bewildered, said, I understand dialectics, but what does this have to do with what you want to do? Lumian shifted his gaze back to the ruins. The Great Mothers prior arrangements undoubtedly demonstrated Her level of power and wonder. She achieved multiple objectives in one stroke, almost turning our resistance into a joke. But with every good aspect comes a bad one. Her arrangements have left things that we can exploit-things which might prove critical later. ????? Like what? Franca now understood the gist of Lumians point. Lumian shook his head. There are things you cant know yet. Youre not an Angel. He paused before adding, Put simply, the Great Mother set up many things to ensure Omebellas true birth. Some succeeded, some failed in the past, and some were kept as backups. They all left certain marks, even physical remnants. For instance, the bird egg deep in the Underworld. For instance, Lugano. Lugano? Franca was first surprised, then seemed to understand. So you think hes still useful? Lumian chuckled in response. Ive finally figured it out C he was drawn to me by the fragment of Zeduss soul within me. Its because of his presence that I got deeply involved in the Father Montserrat matter and obtained Omebellas umbilical remains. After that, he was essentially useless to the Great Mother. Its only due to the corruption stemming from his characteristics that he now possesses certain peculiarities in his dreams. I wont plan anything for him. As long as hes alive and still submits to me, hell play the role I need at some critical juncture. Franca didnt delve further, as she wasnt an Angel. She stared blankly at the head in the center of Lumians shoulders and said with a bitter smile. But what can you, a dual Sequence 1 King of Angels, do in the current situation? Lumian turned his head, meeting Francas lake-blue eyes, and replied with a smile, You know what I was like. You also know what Ive been through. Im nobody, even if Ive stood at the center of the stage and been applauded-all because strings were pulling me from behind. Dont comfort me. I havent given up on myself. I learned something in the dream city: even the most foolish person, after thinking a thousand, ten thousand times, will eventually get it right once. Now, as someone whos failed countless times, Im going to challenge the future again. Maybe this time, Ill succeed. As he spoke, Lumians smile brightened, revealing his unabashed hope and expectation. He immediately chuckled at himself. Anyway, it cant get worse for me than it already is. Franca gazed at his smile and said nothing for a long time. I also want to see what Aurore and Jennas eventual resurrection will look like, and what sort of distortions it will entail, Lumian said, his gaze once again darkening as he looked out at the greenery-covered ruins beyond the Fog of War. By then, there will surely be a calamity sweeping the entire world. For the Great Mothers Blessed and followers, it will indeed be a disaster. Youll participate in the early stages, complete your ritual, take the potion, and become a Demoness of Catastrophe. Then, Madam Magician will help transfer you to the edge of the cosmos or some unnoticed star system, where a human-suitable environment can be created. Franca was silent for two seconds before saying. Okay. I thought youd refuse. Lumian said, glancing at Franca. Franca stared ahead, her gaze crystalline and profound, and said, I was planning to refuse. But then I thought-even if I become a Sequence 2 Demoness, it probably wont make much of a difference. When the crimson moon descended, the Demoness Sect did not receive enough protection, losing two Demonesses of Catastrophe-the Demoness of Blue and the Demoness of Purple. The latters Beyonder characteristics and body ingredients were obtained by Angel of Fate Ouroboros, passed through two trades, and eventually ended up in Lumians hands. He gave them to Franca, who was now waiting for the opportunity to perform the ritual. Franca paused and revealed a self-mocking smile. Anyway, my answer just now was half perfunctory to stop you from persuading me further or feeling burdened, which might affect your performance. In the end, whether I go or stay depends on the situation. Lumian nodded with the head in the center and chuckled, If you cant leave or dont want to, then well stay together forever, Live together, or die together. Thats a good thing. Franca responded half-sincerely, half-mockingly. Lumian said nothing more, gazing out at the ruins, his thoughts wandering to unknown places. After a while, Franca, who was also staring ahead, moved her eyes slightly and glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. Whats on your mind? Lumian raised the head in the center slightly, gazing through the Fog of War at the crimson moonlight and dim stars in the sky. Im thinking that if Cordu hadnt been struck by disaster-if all the arrangements, pain, and torment hadnt happened-and if there had been a good teacher to guide me and Aurore together, teaching me the principles of life and morality, then facing the current situation, this crisis affecting all humanity, I probably would have willingly stood up without a trace of self-destructive tendencies. I would have chosen to be a true guardian Before Franca could respond, he laughed at himself. But alas, there are no ifs. He stood up, brushed the dust off his body, and said to Franca, who also rose, Lets go back. Time to start the first step of the plan. In Trier, inside that luxurious villa. Lumian and Franca entered the living room to find Madam Justice sitting on a single sofa, chatting with Anthony. By her side, the golden-furred, gold-rimmed- glasses-wearing Susie crouched gracefully, exuding a gentle aura. Madam Justice turned her gaze to Lumian. You summoned my messenger to call me here. What is it you need? After obtaining Edefanas Beyonder characteristics and body ingredients, and having digested the Dreamweaver potion long ago, Madam Justice had completed her ritual months earlier and become a Sequence 2 Discerner, now a true Angel. Lumian, with the head in the center smiling, spoke sincerely, Madam, theres something I need your help with. Chapter 1119 - Chapter 1119: Returning Home Chapter 1119: Returning Home After leaving the luxurious villa that used to be her own but now housed Lumian and his companions, Madam Justice paused for two seconds and said to Susie, who was beside her, Lets go home. Home? Susies tone suddenly became a little dreamy. Yes, back to Backlund. Madam Justice smiled. Her green eyes sparkled brightly, filled with anticipation and hope, as if she had returned to her girlhood. Susie fully understood Audreys meaning, and a nostalgic expression appeared on her canine face. Okay. Over the years, she and Audrey had returned to Backlund on occasion. After the crimson moons descent, they even stayed there for long periods, secretly protecting the Hall family. But this time, Audrey wanted to truly return hometo be with her parents and other loved ones. Justice Audreys figure quickly became ethereal, carrying Susie, who was now a Manipulator, as they traversed the sea of collective subconsciousness. Her voice, tinged with obvious emotion, lingered at the spot before gradually fading into the wind, The prelude to the final battle is about to begin. If I dont go home now, there wont be another chance. I dont want to face the true apocalypse with regrets Loen Kingdom, Backlund. Justice Audrey and Susie emerged from the sea of collective subconsciousness onto a street close to Empress Borough. They didnt rush home but instead strolled along the street, savoring the mundane pleasures of daily life. No one noticed them, nor did anyone realize that the daughter of Earl Hall was wandering through the crowd without a maid or bodyguard, looking around curiously. At this time, well-dressed gentlemen in silk top hats and ladies with parasols were moving in and out of department stores, upscale cafs, and opera houses. Two- or four-seater carriages hurried by, while a small circus performed by the fountain, surrounded by children. In the distance, a steam-powered four-wheeled vehicle chugged away, its vibrations gradually fading into the road. Justice Audrey observed the scene with focused attention, making no effort to hide her nostalgia. Suddenly, she sensed something unusual and turned her gaze toward a man and a woman about to board a four-seater carriage. The man was dressed in a black suit, and the woman wore a yellow, flowing gown of sheer fabric with a fresh touch of makeup. The moment Justice Audrey looked their way, the pair froze abruptly. Plantssome brownish, others greenishburst wildly from their tear ducts, nostrils, mouths, ear canals, and even pores. There were branches and vines. Their bloodshot eyes, now tainted with a crimson hue, radiated intense malice as they turned to glare at the coachman and the surrounding pedestrians. However, they seemed to decide to hold back, waiting until they were in a better state before launching an attack. But their transformations did not go unnoticed. Screams of terror pierced the peaceful and lively street, echoing far and wide. The pedestrians fled desperately. In just seconds, the area around the man and woman became desolate. Their madness erupted. With a loud bang, chunks of flesh mixed with green plants and crimson moonlight splattered outward. Soon, a team of Nighthawks bearing the Dark Sacred Emblem arrived. They swiftly dealt with the nauseating flesh and remnants. The fleeing pedestrians suddenly slowed, some returning to their conversations with companions, others stepping into nearby cafs to order coffee with desserts, appearing relaxed and at ease. ? The coachman returned to his carriage, gazing into the distance, waiting for passengers. None of them paid any attention to the Nighthawks cleanup or even glanced in their direction. It was as if they had completely forgotten what had just happened, returning to their daily lives. Justice Audrey stood watching for a while, sighed, and continued walking toward Empress Borough. Before long, she and Susie entered the sea of collective subconsciousness again, emerging in a corner of her long-unvisited bedroom. Inside, another Audrey, dressed in a green-and-white gown, sat at the dressing table, fastening a pair of petite pearl earrings. She turned her body and looked at Justice Audrey, her expression lighting up with joy. Youre finally back! She then asked in a verifying tone, Youve become an Angel? Justice Audrey smiled and nodded. Yes. It took a long time to prepare for the ritual, but I completed it three months ago. The advancement ritual for a Sequence 2 Discerner in the Spectator pathway required delving into the subconscious of at least ten thousand humans, uncovering their deepest fears, most primal desires, and the root of all their psychological issues, then leaving a mark of oneself. This was not only tedious but also dangerous. Every human carried godhood and was subject to the erosion and influence of the sea of collective subconsciousness, inheriting the most profound cognition and impressions of ancient humanity. Chaos, madness, and primal instincts lurked deep within their subconscious. Exploring these depths risked corruption, mental instability, or even derangement. In this ritual, the quantitative requirement could be reduced by targeting higher-ranked Beyonders, but this entailed greater risks. For example, delving into the subconscious of Madam Magician could mean encountering the mental imprints or past shadows of The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings. Choosing Lumian as a target would suffice for the ritual but would involve facing the most primal and frenzied mind, even glimpses of the Original Creator or the Primordial God Almighty. Wasnt that dangerous? Audrey, now wearing her pearl earrings, asked with curiosity. Though over twenty years old, with mature demeanor and temperament, a trace of girlish innocence lingered in her tone. Justice Audrey smiled. It was indeed dangerous. During the preparation, I witnessed the worst of human nature, the wildest desires, the most chaotic perceptions, and also the noblest virtues, the most beautiful emotions, and the highest ideals. Sometimes, these contradictory elements existed simultaneously in a single persons subconscious. Human nature is complex, Audrey agreed with a nod. After observing Justice Audrey for a few seconds, she sighed and asked nostalgically, Youve been to many places over the years, havent you? Justice Audrey smiled gently. I lived in East Borough for a year, then south of Triers Quartier du Jardin Botanique for another year. I spent a year in the Southern Continent and nearly two years along the coastal cities of Midseashire. Those are lands of steel and steam. Their architecture resembles towering iron trees standing close together, their branches interconnected. Each bark and leaf is a room housing a family of workers. Only a few leaves and bark receive sunlight Audrey listened intently, as if she too had traveled to those places and witnessed those sights. After a long pause, she asked with anticipation, Do you have an answer now? There isnt one answer to all questions. Justice Audrey gave a self-deprecating smile. I only understand one thing now: Humanity must unite and show collective strength to the deities to gain a higher status, just as workers, farmers, herders, and clerks must overcome fear and band together to demand better treatment and greater security from those in power. Thats why we cannot side with beings born as gods. They dont need anchors; humanity is meaningless to Them. If They achieve ultimate victory, our existence, joys, and sorrows will depend solely on Their whims and chaotic intentions, leaving us utterly powerless. Audrey caught the melancholy and worry in Justices tone and playfully comforted her, We may not need those born as gods, but we were born noble. No. Justice Audrey shook her head and said with a faint smile, Nobility isnt about lineage, status, or position; its about ones heart and character. She extended her right hand toward Audrey, who was dressed in the green-and-white gown. Welcome home~ Audrey said with a smile, lightly clapping her hand against Justice Audreys. With a crisp clap, the two figures suddenly merged into one, inseparable ever again. Audrey now donned the green-and-white gown, fastened the pearl earrings, and applied simple makeup. Leaving the bedroom, she descended the stairs, passed through the hall, and arrived on the second floor of the ballroom, accompanied by a ladys maid and Susie. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, an orchestra played, and men and women in formal attire mingled elegantly, chatting in small groups with drinks in hand or dancing gracefully in pairs on the ballroom floor. Audrey took a glass of pale-golden champagne from a passing tray and stood by the railing, gazing down with a gentle smile. She watched her father, Earl Hall, her mother, Lady Caitlyn, and the familiar nobles chatting, as well as her elder brothers waltzing with their partners. She didnt join them, content to watch with a smile. Late that night, the entire population of Backlund shared the same dream. In the dream, a voice seemed to say: Mr. Medici, Lumian Lee wants to meet you. You may choose the time and place. Normally, this voice would only echo in the dreams or minds of Backlunds residents, slowly spreading to other cities and nations through the sea of collective subconsciousness. This time, however, it reached beings outside Backlund almost instantly, with hardly any delay. Mr. Medici, Lumian Lee wants to meet you. You may choose the time and place. Red Angel Medici, with His feet propped up on a table, scratched His ear and sneered. Only now did he muster the courage to make this decision? Ive been waiting nearly a year. Chapter 1120 - Chapter 1120: Negotiation Chapter 1120: Negotiation Greater Trier, in an ancient castle. Red Angel Medici sat on a throne pieced together from iron-black weapons, gazing at the hall splattered with dark red blood-like stains. He lifted His right leg, resting it on His left knee. Before Him, Lumians figure, bearing three heads, swiftly materialized. Dressed in a white shirt, black vest, and dark trousers, Lumian looked at Red Angel Medici and spoke in a mocking tone, I thought youd first hide, only showing up once you confirmed I didnt bring reinforcements. As he spoke, violet flames ignited behind Lumian, quickly solidifying into a massive, bloodstained, iron- black chair. Arent you worried there might be a deadly trap here? Red Angel Medici shook His right foot, sneering in return. Lumian sat down, leaned back against the chair, and answered indifferently, Id welcome a deadly trap. It might even be a blessing in disguise. Red Angel Medici, His long blood-red hair flowing down, placed His right palm on the longsword armrest of the iron throne and asked disdainfully, What do you want from me? With unusual sincerity, Lumian replied, I want to ask you to hand over the two Conqueror Beyonder characteristics within you. Haha. Red Angel Medici burst into laughter. Ive lived for thousands of years and never heard such a request. Even Alista Tudor didnt dare say something like that. He knew well that what couldnt be won in war wouldnt be secured in negotiation. Lumian seemed deaf to Red Angel Medicis taunts, continuing as if He hadnt heard. The Northern and Southern continents have already been effectively destroyed. If not for the one worshipped by the Aurora Order forcibly accommodating the Chaos Sea, buffering the initial impact of the Mother Goddess of Depravitys descent, and if not for the cooperation between Him and Mr. Fool in creating protected zones, human society would have long since collapsed. All of us, myself included, would be dead by now-only to be reborn into something else At this point, Red Angel Medici Interrupted, The main reason wasnt Adam or The Fool saving us. They couldnt even protect Themselves back then. Were still alive because the Mother Goddess of Depravity targeted the Western Continent, aiming at the Brood Hive. Lumian didnt deny Red Angel Medicis assertion but calmly added, If not for Mr. Fool exploiting the Mother Goddess of Depravitys instinctual desire, luring Her to breach the Celestial Worthys barrier sealing the Western Continent, then reinforcing the seal using Her connection to it If not for the Western Continents Celestial Master and others burning their life forces and utilizing the powers of the sefirot to sustain the barrier Even the naturally dissipating power of the Mother Goddess of Depravity and the symbolic instincts She represents wouldnt have allowed the protected zones to last this long. But even those measures are nearing their limit. Two months ago, the Mother Goddess of Depravity captured the Brood Hive within the gray-white fog sealing the Western Continent. The Brood Hive yearns to see its eldest daughter, Omebella, truly reborn, but it resists re-merging with the Mother Goddess of Depravity. It has developed self-awareness and enjoyed Its completed form for seven or eight millennia, maybe longer-It certainly doesnt wish to perish now. At present, the Mother Goddess of Depravity and the Brood Hive are locked in a tug-of-war. Both the World of Ruins and the Western Continent have attained a fleeting peace, with only the naturally dissipating forces and maternal symbolism still exerting their effects. This may be our last peaceful respite. No one knows how long it will take for the Mother Goddess of Depravity to utterly crush the will of the Brood Hive and fully accommodate this sefirot. Perhaps a year, or maybe only two or three months remain. We dont have much time, which is why Ive come to you. Red Angel Medici sneered, How noble, how sanctimonious. But why should I hand over two Conqueror Beyonder characteristics to you? Why not give yours to me, voluntarily withdrawing from the competition for the Red Priest position? Sacrifice is something you say to yourself, not to others. Lumian laughed, a laugh that gave Red Angel Medici the sudden feeling that Hed stepped into a trap. With a relaxed smile playing across his features, Lumian replied, Sure! Ill agree to that! Ill hand over my Conqueror Beyonder characteristic to you right now, along with a Demoness of Apocalypse Beyonder characteristic. At that point, my body will lose its balance, and Ill inevitably die. Then you wont have to worry about anyone competing with you for the Red Priest position. He spoke rapidly, as if unwilling to give Medici the chance to change His mind. Red Angel Medici focused intently on Lumian, as though evaluating the sincerity and truthfulness of his words. Relaxing his posture further, Lumian continued, My only condition is that you must inherit my fate, my identity, this half of my body, and this head. As he spoke, he raised his right hand, lightly tapping the dark-gold peculiar mask at the center of his left- side head. Red Angel Medicis gaze lingered on the mask, Alista Tudors handsome face, and Cheeks maternal visage, moving back and forth several times before He sneered, Do you think Id accept that? Inheriting this mess? Id rather perish when the apocalypse comes. And wheres your courage? Lumian provoked. Courage and wisdom arent mutually exclusive, nor do they prevent me from discerning good from bad, Red Angel Medici retorted, changing His posture and crossing His left leg over His right, His foot shaking rhythmically. Lumian taunted Him with a look of disappointment, Then why bother vying for the Red Priest position? Without relying on the unique nature of this head and this half of the body, can you become the Red Priest without performing the ritual? Can you meet the requirements for the apotheosis ritual in such a short time? Without the unique qualities of this head and body, can you locate and defeat Primordial Demoness Cheek in time? Without these unique traits, can you subdue the malevolent dragon and fully accommodate the City of Calamity before the Mother Goddess of Depravity accommodates the Brood Hive? Even if you somehow became the Origins of Disaster, the Calamity of Destruction, before the apocalypse, your utility would pale in comparison to the existence of this head and bodys unique advantages. Youd still perish. Were in a dire position. To save ourselves, others, and the world, every unique advantage must be exploited to the fullest. Only then is there even a sliver of hope. Medici, youre a coward. I despise you! Red Angel Medici chuckled. Theres no need to provoke me. Ive never made decisions based on that. After a few seconds of silence, He continued, Youre right. To become the Origins of Disaster before the Great Mother accommodates the Brood Hive, unique traits are essential. But how long would such an unstable existence last after the advancement? I dont know, Lumian admitted candidly. Maybe minutes, maybe years or decades. Perhaps, with some help and special methods, it could last millennia-or even longer. Red Angel Medici stared at Lumian and the head for a long while before shaking His head, If it were just sharing one body with multiple consciousnessed, Id accept it-Ive had ample experience. But the thought of being stuck with Alista Tudor forever, especially in a form beyond just Beyonder characteristics, is unacceptable. Lumians left-side head turned slightly, Alista Tudors handsome, masculine face glaring at Medici. With a slight shake of His head, He looked contemptuous. Coward. Wheres your courage? Is your sharp tongue the only thing thats left undefeated? Lumian voiced Tudors sentiments on His behalf. Red Angel Medici sneered, Giving the order to retreat and giving up also requires courage. Lumian sighed and asked, So, do you agree? This referred to Medici extracting the two Conqueror Beyonder characteristics and handing them over to Lumian. With a curving of the corner of His lips, Red Angel Medici replied, Not yet. Were missing one thing. Im considering whether we should duel for it C the loser takes this path C or He paused before flashing a brilliant smile, Why dont you beg me? Lumian froze for a second, then stood and spoke seriously. Oh great God of War, the symbol of iron and blood, the ruler of chaos and strife, I beseech you. I beg you to save this world. I plead for the two Conqueror Beyonder characteristics At the phrase save this world, Red Angel Medicis expression subtly shifted, as though caught between sneering and being stunned, as if a memory had been jolted awake. When Lumian finished, the King of Angels mocked, What happened to your dignity? Before Lumian could respond, He tilted His chin slightly, Fine. I agree, but under three conditions. Please, state them. Lumians attitude remained excellent. Red Angel Medici mulled over it and said, First, if you truly become the Origins of Disaster when the apocalypse comes, spare the Einhorn and Sauron families if you can. Also, protect my descendants like Albus. No problem, Lumian agreed without hesitation. Red Angel Medici smiled again. Second, after becoming the Origins of Disaster, youll need only one Conqueror characteristic to stabilize yourself. At that point, remember to extract the other two and return them to me. To reach an Above the Sequences or Great Old Dominator, one needed the corresponding sefirah, the Uniquenesses of the corresponding pathways, and a singular Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristic of each pathway. Thats fine, Lumian said without concern. Red Angel Medici lowered His left leg and slowly stood. Third, give Adam a punch for me and tell Him, Dont get mad. This is a necessary sacrifice. Thats it? Lumian raised an eyebrow. Medici chuckled. What else? Kill Him and doom us all? If Hed been honest with me back then, I might have joined His experiments or even sacrificed myself first. Do all Spectators eventually become this dark, perpetually distrusting others? After finishing, Red Angel Medici added mischievously. I cant separate the highest Sequence Beyonder characteristics in myself. Youll need your godfathers help. But I wont speak His name. Lumian nodded and solemnly recited in Hermes, The shadow wandering through fate, the past God of Deceit, the destined messiah Chapter 1121 - Chapter 1121: Entrustment Chapter 1121: Entrustment After Lumian recited Amons current honorific name, a light full of redemptive power emerged from the void, from the River of Fate, condensing into the form of Amon, wearing a pointed soft hat and a monocle. Amon glanced left and right before smiling and saying, So, have you concluded your negotiations? Or would this be settled with a duel? You Hunters really have patience. This matter, which shouldve been discussed last September, dragged on until now. As He spoke, Amon lightly clapped His hands in mock applause for the patience of the two Hunters. Red Angel Medici sneered, Youve changed pathways, yet youre still cawing like a raven. Lets begin; dont waste any more time. Stealing the highest Sequence Beyonder characteristics from another wasnt a simple task. Even if the target stopped resisting and actively cooperated, the process would still take significant time and carry a notable risk of failure. Moreover, it required an exceptionally high level of authority. After urging Amon, Red Angel Medici sat back down on His iron throne, leaned against the backrest, and crossed His right leg, assuming His usual arrogant posture. His expression showed neither fear nor despondencyonly a hint of emptiness in His gaze, as if reminiscing. Whats on your mind? Amon asked with a smile. Red Angel Medici chuckled. About things that happened before you were born. Amon shook His head and adjusted the monocle clasped to His eye socket with His right hand. His left hand produced a red apple, which He brought to His lips, taking a crisp bite. Ive waited a long time for this day, Amon said with a smile, as the monocle on His face suddenly gleamed. He extended His right hand toward Red Angel Medici, His wrist rotating slowly and heavily. Red Angel Medici was abruptly set ablaze, engulfed entirely in bright violet flames. Despite the excruciating pain, He maintained a mocking smile. Burning in the flames. Eternal in the flames. After extracting the two Conqueror Beyonder characteristics from Red Angel Medici and handing them over to Lumian, Amon departed from the protected zone. He stood above the valley of the still-rushing Srenzo River, gazing out at the distant world. Enormous oak trees, so large they seemed to reach the sky, stood tall upon the land. Verdant green blanketed the remnants of human civilization, and intermittent cries of waaah, waaah, waaah echoed, accompanied by the sound of flocking movements. Suddenly, a figure staggered out from the faint grayish-white fog. The figure had a handsome appearance and wore formal attire, with scarlet eyesa Sanguine of a not-insignificant Sequence. Yet, once outside the protected zone, the Sanguines body rapidly mutated. He collapsed into a mass of flesh and blood, sprouting numerous reproductive organs, some male, some female, and some belonging to peculiar creatures. These interacted with one another and with the surrounding stones, wood, and vines, giving birth to strange new life forms. Amon watched this with interest for a moment, then raised His right hand and flicked forth a nearly invisible and formless flame. The flame fell upon the writhing, ever-procreating mass of flesh, instantly setting it ablaze, reducing itand the nascent life within itto ashes. Amons gaze then turned toward the edge of the gray-white fog, where three Sanguine were watching Him. Leading them was Mr. Moon Emlyn, wearing a silk top hat. Amon smiled faintly before turning His attention back to the towering oaks. Tonight, He was on watch duty. Emlyn, who had come to clean up the mutants, observed Amon for a moment before stepping out of the gray-white fog. Enduring the pain of the crimson moonlight, he retrieved the severely corrupted Beyonder characteristic. Exchanging silent glances with the two other Sanguine, he returned to the protected zone. After sealing the Beyonder characteristic, Emlyn returned to his residence in Backlund, sitting by the floor-to-ceiling window and gazing at the crimson moon high in the sky. Only within the protected zone could he experience the peace, spiritual growth, and unique beauty brought by the crimson moon. Under the crimson moonlight of the World of Ruins, however, Sanguine like him felt nothing but pain, as though the light sought to ignite them and burn them into pure spirituality. Reflecting on his recent experiences, the once-confident Emlyn couldnt help but feel weighed down. In the past, he often proclaimed his ambition to be the messiah of the Sanguine, full of drive and determination. But that was when the prophecy of the Sanguines end of days was distant, and their Ancestor still existed. Now, the end of days had truly arrivedand was unfolding before his eyes. Compared to other pathways Beyonders, Sanguine and Planters had suffered far deeper and more severe impacts since the descent of the crimson moon. Over the past year, Emlyn had witnessed countless Sanguine mutate into monsters or transform into their most ferocious enemiesand he had personally dealt with many of them. Familiar faces disappeared daily. Sorrowful events occurred without end. This was the apocalypse. Now, the Sanguines population had been halved compared to the time before the crimson moons descent. What can I do to save them The Moon Emlyn pondered deeply, no longer indulging in fanciful ideas or overconfident thoughts. Influenced by the crimson moons descent, Sanguine dukes dared not act freely, fearing they would lose control and mutate. Thus, Emlyn and other marquises represented the strongest forces the Sanguine could muster. With a vague understanding of why the crimson moonthe Great Motherbrought such catastrophic influence, Emlyn spent an entire night pondering but still failed to find a way to save his race. When the sun rose and daylight arrived, he drew the curtains, lay on his bed, and drifted into slumber, hoping his active spirituality might offer some insight through dreams. Amid his grogginess, a familiar female voice suddenly reached him: Emlyn Emlyn Emlyn looked in the direction of the voice, dazed, and vaguely saw a voluptuous, graceful figure. Instinctively, he called out, Ancestor! The voice spoke with a slightly ethereal tone, There is something I need to entrust to you. In the past, such words would have filled Emlyn with joy, pride, and self-satisfaction, as it signified him becoming the messiah of the Sanguine. But now, he felt only a heavy weight on his shoulders, as though his body could no longer bear the burden. After a few moments of silence, he answered in a low voice, Yes, Ancestor. The voluptuous and graceful figure, radiating maternal warmth, said gently, I will give you a Beauty Goddess Beyonder characteristic, containing my spiritual imprint and residual self-awareness. Safeguard it. Someday, I may be able to be reborn through it. It also contains an extra Life-Giver Beyonder characteristic, which I will pre-separate for you. Afterward, retrieve supplementary ingredients from the treasury and strive to complete your advancement in a short time. When the apocalypse arrives, protect the remaining Sanguine as best as you can. Emlyn felt no joy but instead asked in confusion and concern, What about you, Ancestor? Why make preparations for rebirth and resurrection? The voluptuous and graceful figure said with a smile, Some things must be done. Some hopes must be fought for. Emlyn froze, hearing the resoluteness hidden in Ancestor Liliths tone. Without further explanation, the voluptuous figure spoke in a motherly tone, My child, as long as all of you survive, as long as my bloodline remains unbroken, and as long as someone remembers my name, I will live forever Her voice gradually faded, disappearing into the dream. The voluptuous and graceful figure emerged from the starlight-woven dreamlike gate, arriving at a majestic and ancient palace enveloped in gray-white fog. Seated at the head of the bronze table was The Fool, wearing a half-silk top hat and a black trench coat. It was an avatara mere projection of His true self. So this is Sefirah Castle? the beautiful woman radiating maternal brilliance asked as She sat in the chair at the far end of the mottled table. She was Earth Mother Lilith. The external manifestation and extension of Sefirah Castle, Mr. Fool replied in a calm tone. You reached out to me through your dream while asleep. What is it you need? Lilith cradled an imaginary infant, her smile soft yet firm. I wish to ask you to kill me. What is the purpose? Mr. Fool asked, neither hurried nor slow. Earth Mother Liliths smile remained gentle but resolute. The Mother Goddess of Depravity has leveraged my act of stealing Omebellas identity and destiny, using symbolic manipulation to trap me in this undead state. However, we can turn this against Her. Since I am symbolically equivalent to Omebella, killing me will also kill the true Omebella. As She is the link between the Mother Goddess of Depravity and the Brood Hive, severing this connection would significantly delay the Mother Goddess of Depravitys progress in accommodating the Brood Hive, buying us more time. The Mother Goddess of Depravity can use symbols, and I believe you, Mr. Fool, are fully capable of doing the same. As the master of Fooling, you are undoubtedly a master in this domain. The equivalence of your symbolic identity to Omebella does hold, Mr. Fool acknowledged with a slight nod. But killing Omebella now would turn the Brood Hive against us, prompting it to rejoin the Mother Goddess of Depravity. To the Brood Hive, Omebella is the first child It bore after attaining self-awareness, Its mystically significant eldest daughter, just as the Mother Goddess of Depravity is the Firstborn of the Original Creator. The Brood Hive values Omebella deeply. Before Earth Mother Lilith could respond, Mr. Fool tapped the edge of the bronze table with his fingers. This can be exploited, but the timing is not yet right. Earth Mother Liliths smile appeared once more. Good. At least I can still serve some purpose with my death. I will await the correct moment. With that, Mother Earth stood, leaving the area above the gray fog in measured steps. Chapter 1122 - Chapter 1122: Choice Chapter 1122: Choice At the bronze table, in the seat belonging to The Chariot. Light surged and solidified into Lumians figure, bearing three heads. He looked toward the head of the mottled bronze table and said, Mr. Fool, Ive obtained the remaining Conqueror Beyonder characteristics from Red Angel Medici. Id like to go to Morora as soon as possible. Mr. Fool gently nodded and replied, You may go anytime. I will provide the necessary assistance. Lumian understood that the help Mr. Fool referred to wasnt about entering Morora but rather offering necessary aid in handling 0-01. Considering Mr. Fool was already maintaining the outer barrier in the astral world, reinforcing the Celestial Worthys seal, and hiding the protected zones to sustain human society-tasks nearly impossible without the three Mysteries pathways ability to divide attention C Lumian carefully added. Ill do my best to handle it myself, but for that, Ill need to visit the Forsaken Land of the Gods first. When the time comes, unexpected events may occur, so Ill need you to keep an eye on things in advance. No problem, Veiled in gray fog, Mr. Fool calmly assured him. On the peaks of the Forsaken Land of the Godss endless mountains. Lumians figure swiftly materialized, facing a man with silver hair cascading down His shoulders, clad in a linen robe, His features soft and graceful. Angel of Fate Ouroboros? the central head of Lumian spoke. The man, his expression gentle and tone indifferent, replied, What do you want? He did not deny being Ouroboros, the Angel of Fate, the King of Angels from ancient times. I want to meet Grisha Adam, or Adam Grisha. Lumian said with a smile. The Angel of Fate Ouroboros stepped aside, revealing a massive cross behind Him. However, it was empty, devoid of any divine presence. The Lord was, is, and ever shall be, Ouroboros declared devoutly. If you cannot see Him, that is your own problem. Unaffected by the Angel of Fates response, Lumian stared at the enormous cross and burst into laughter. I bring a hope for saving the world. Will you meet with me or not? As the most skilled Telepathist, you should know Im not lying. From beneath the massive cross surged an ocean that seemed to encompass every color, engulfing the entire mountain range except for where Lumian and Ouroboros stood. On this chaotic sea, a humanoid figure walked on the black void-like surface, seemingly connecting heaven and earth. The figure retained a human visage, His lower face covered with a fine golden beard. His golden eyes were as pure as those of a newborn, but His body was no longer tangible, entirely composed of light and shadow. ????? Trailing behind Him was a long black shadow, distinct from Him, bearing five heads. Behind His head rose a radiant golden sun. I see Him, Lumian turned his head and smiled at Ouroboros. Then, he expanded his form into a towering steel giant wreathed in violet flames, smiling radiantly at Grisha Adam. Before I share that hope, Id like to punch you. Grisha Adams baby-clear golden eyes remained unmoved. His majestic voice answered, Okay. Lumians expression turned cold. He teleported directly in front of Grisha Adam, clenched his left fist, and with violet flames blazing, struck the deitys right cheek with full force. With a resounding explosion, Grisha Adams head tilted to the side, His cheek caved in, His mouth split, and His flesh torn. Lumians right fist followed, its burning violet flames engulfing Grisha Adams left cheek. Boom! Golden blood splattered, skull fragments shattered. and scorched marks spread everywhere. When Lumian had teleported in front of the deity, the Angel of Fate Ouroboros bowed His head, devoutly and humbly praying repeatedly. Retracting his fists, Lumian floated midair and arrogantly declared, That punch was from Medici. He then gazed into Grisha Adams eyes and mockingly added, Dont get mad. This is a necessary sacrifice. Grisha Adams golden eyes remained pure-without anger, resentment, mockery, or rebuke. They were so clear they reflected Lumians image. The flames on His face continued to burn, His wounds unhealed. Lumians smile gradually faded. After a few seconds of eye contact, he smirked and said, That hope is He raised his right hand, pressing it against the peculiar dark-gold mask in the center of his left-side head, I will remove this. Grisha Adam gazed at him warmly, neither questioning nor rushing him. Lumian continued, as if talking to himself, This face should have originally belonged to the Creator, but after losing the balance and regaining balance via the addition of Mothers powers, it became the resurrection cornerstone for that Primordial God Almighty. If I remove the Celestial Worthys mask, something very interesting will happen. With a lighthearted tone, Lumian said to Grisha Adam, The Primordial God Almightys consciousness is competing with you for control of the Chaos Sea and this body. At this moment, if another resurrection opportunity suddenly appears, what will He choose? If He diverts His focus to influence this head and face, symbolically, it would mean abandoning the contest with you. Your disadvantage would instantly reverse, giving you the upper hand. Perhaps then, well gain a new pillar-a pillar standing with us to face the apocalypse, greatly increasing our chances of survival. If the Primordial God Almighty refuses to retreat or give up, the revival of this head and face will stagnate. Yet, their unique qualities will remain intact, and I can accomplish much with them. Hope for saving this world will arise from that-heh heh, well, maybe. Just maybe. Looking into Grisha Adams golden eyes again, Lumian grinned, I look forward to the Primordial God Almightys decision. Without hesitation or delay, he pressed against the mask and pulled it off. From the masks depths emerged a door of light tinged with faint bluish-black hues. It quickly detached and disappeared into the grayish-white fog that had unknowingly spread across the sky. In the next moment, Lumian removed the peculiar dark-gold mask. Beneath it was a vortex-like face-no eyes, nose, or mouth, no bones-composed entirely of a chaotic liquid embodying every color. Lumian eagerly observed the face, waiting for further changes. However, the chaotic vortex remained motionless, showing no sign of forming a normal face. The faces of Tudor and Cheek on either side of this head contorted slightly, as if experiencing some form of pain. Lumian clicked his tongue and said, What a pity He made no effort to conceal his disappointment, turned around, and returned to the Angel of Fates side. Behind him, the giant radiant figure sank slowly, its shadow with five heads and the golden sun disappearing into the Chaos Sea. Above him, the grayish-white fog in the sky gradually dissipated into nothingness. Lumian tossed the dark-gold mask into the air and caught it repeatedly, sighing as he looked at Ouroboros. Why dont you pursue the President of the Life School of Thought? Lumians own face and the vortex-face simultaneously turned to Ouroboros. With a gentle expression and indifferent tone, Angel of Fate Ouroboros replied, The opportunity has passed. What remains now is waiting and choosing. Lumian chuckled twice and asked no further. Cheeks beautiful eyes, lovelier than sapphires, reflected a layered, ethereal, shadowy world. Lumians figure vanished, flamboyantly traversing through the special mirrored world to the City of Exiles, Morora. Here, the seals indeed opened a gap for him. Lumians feet landed on Mororas disaster-scarred streets. Among the potholes and ruins, he walked step by step toward the entrance of the underground mausoleum. His gaze swept casually, noticing how the grotesque residents of Morora tried to avoid him in terror upon seeing his three heads. However, they could not act on their thoughts. They were mesmerized by the maternal radiance emanating from Demoness of Apocalypse Cheeks stunningly beautiful face. Others, under the gaze of Blood Emperor Alista Tudor, lowered their heads and knelt, completely submissive. Some stared fixedly at the vortex face. Bang! Bang! Bang! Some burst into flames, others turned into mirrors. some grew dense fish scales, while others skin cracked open, sprouting countless cold, emotionless eyes. They had gone mad, lost control, merely from gazing upon the vortex face. Dont look directly at God! Amid the outburst of violent, frenzied, and destructive emotions, Lumian walked step by step into the underground mausoleum. He arrived at a dark wasteland and stood before a mountain of corpses. He raised his head, looking at the flagpole, iron-black with scorched marks and numerous dangerous blood- red spots. 0-01, Salingers Blood Banner! Lumian smiled and humbly said, Boss, Ive come to see you. As soon as he finished speaking, bright red blood seeped from his brow, forming a blood-colored banner. He had completed his prayer, beseeching power from the Origins of Disaster, the Calamity of Destruction. He had become the priest of war and apocalypse, the embodiment of destruction and chaos. Chapter 1123 - Chapter 1123: Raising the Banner Chapter 1123: Raising the Banner Sensing the change in Lumians aura, the scorched banner-like 0C01 reacted immediately, its bloodstained surface rippling violently. Deep within Lumians heart, a surge of emotions such as terror, awe, and worship erupted. It felt as if the air above him transformed into a crushing mountain, an iron-forged hand pressing down on his head, forcing him to bow, break his spine, and bend his knees. Instinctively, he wanted to submit. Yet this submission wasnt merely spiritual but encompassed his mind, body, and soul. If he yielded, he would immediately become a puppet of 0C01, stripped of his own will. Lumians body ignited in flames, his iron-black bones creaking and groaning under the strain. The blood-red mark on his brow glowed even brighter, instilling him with renewed courage. It kept his head upright, resisting the pressure. How could a Blessed of the City of Calamity submit to the Uniqueness of the Red Priest? Drawing on the essential power he had prayed for in advance, Lumian staggered yet resolutely ascended the mountain of corpses. Suddenly, Abscessed Hand Zedusakin to a beautiful work of artalong with numerous steel puppets and undead soldiers, appeared before him. They formed a blockade, attempting to halt Lumians advance. At the same time, the numerous darkened bloodstains on the scorched banner regained their vibrancy. This caused Lumians three heads to feel an invisible force tearing at them, as if they were about to be ripped from his body along with their bloody spines. The head on Lumians left shoulder turned abruptly, and Alista Tudors face, now softer and more beautiful, gazed at Zedus. The puppet-like, blank-faced Abscessed Hand Zedus froze in place, motionless. He felt as if He were facing Himself. How could I be a traitor? How could I fight against myself? His confusion caused the steel puppets and undead soldiers following Him to stop as well. Just as 0C01 was about to issue new orders, Alista Tudors face tilted upward and looked at the scorched banner. A resonance and recognition rippled through the void. The still-dormant 0C01, which was only acting reactively, suddenly calmed down. Lumians figure vanished and reappeared in front of Deitys Fallen Banner0C01s other name. He extended his right hand toward the iron-black flagpole. Instantly, his body began to rot. The violet flames and the intricate metallic bones entwined with runes deteriorated, dripping with vile yellow-green pus. His soul also began to die, his thoughts teetering on the brink of eternal slumber. The head on Lumians left shoulder straightened, the chaotic vortex face turning toward 0C01. Decay, ruin, death, and eternal slumberall of it paused momentarily, as though cowed by some force. Some of this power converged toward the vortex face, becoming a fraction of the infinite possibilities it embodied. Seizing the moment, Lumian grasped the ice-cold, sharp-edged flagpole. Before 0C01 could fully awaken, still partially sealed, Lumian transformed into a towering steel giant wreathed in violet flames and forcibly pulled the bloodstained, scorched banner from the mountain of corpses. Rumble! The entire City of Exiles shook violently, as though struck by the most catastrophic earthquake in human history. Buildings collapsed, and fissures swallowed countless prisoners who couldnt escape in time. Rumble! The wasteland surrounding the mountain of corpses, along with the entire underground mausoleum, crumbled toward the Salingers Blood Banner in Lumians hand. Entire sections slid into the void, a chaotic blackness where time and space twisted as if condensing into a singularity. The underground mausoleum was being destroyed, Morora was being annihilatedthis was the mutated power caused by the Red Priest Uniqueness being corrupted by a tributary of the River of Eternal Darkness. This destruction was about to engulf Lumian and the 0C01 in his grasp. Caught in the chaotic space-time, Lumian couldnt escape. He stood atop the mountain of corpses, smiling as he raised the scorched, bloodstained banner like a soldier who had claimed the enemys flag in battle. The next second, he pressed 0C01 against the vortex face of the head on his left shoulder, embedding it in the brow of that faceless, chaotic visage. 0C01 trembled violently. Without fully awakening from its seal, Lumian had inserted it into the face with no eyes, nose, or moutha chaos vortexright into the middle of the brows. Alista Tudors face bellowed angrily, but He was powerless to snatch 0-01 from him. Lumian didnt allow 0-01the charred, blood-stained bannerto fully merge with the face of chaos. It was only embeddedhalf inside, half outside. The liquid embodying all colors from the vortex seeped onto it. The collapse and destruction of the mausoleum and Morora slowed, and the vast wasteland haltingly stabilized, its descent into the void ceasing. Lumian placed the strange dark-gold mask back over the vortex face, shielding the unseeable god and covering 0C01. Above, grayish-white fog reappeared, with faint constellations shimmering in and out of view. Starlight descended, merging with the strange mask and completing the basic sealing process. Only 0C01 needed sealing, and only temporarily. There was no need to invoke the full power of Sefirah Castle as before. The vortex face had ceased changingblocking Its unique properties and concealing Its form sufficed. When the mask was securely in place, the destruction of the mausoleum and Morora came to a complete stop. Parts of the city, already consumed by nothingness, began to repair. Collapsed buildings and rubble-strewn streets remained. Once time and space stabilized, Lumian teleported away from the mountain of corpses. Zedus and the other soldiers of 0C01 were sealed there, awaiting the day Lumian became the Red Priest to return to their ranks. Lumian appeared on a relatively intact street in the City of Exiles, Morora. Surveying his surroundings, he broke into a smile. High above, meteors streaked across the sky, blazing as they rained down upon the city. Rumble! Morora faced utter devastation. Its condemned prisoners finally met their apocalypse. Amid the thick dust and smoke raised by the falling meteors, Lumians figure vanished. Trier, inside the luxurious villa. Lumians figure materialized in the center of the living room. Did you get 0C01? Franca, who had been waiting, asked with both concern and curiosity. Lumian chuckled. An item that was already sealed? Wouldnt it be easy? I doubt it was that simple. The Church of Knowledge couldnt effectively use it; they could only seal it. You must have prepared extensively to succeed, Franca said skeptically. Lumian sank into a single-seater sofa, looking at Franca, Anthony, and Ludwig. A bit. First, I went to the Forsaken Land of the Gods and visited the one worshiped by the Aurora Order. And then? Franca pressed. Lumian chuckled. Then I gave Him two punches. How is that preparation? Franca exclaimed, caught between shock and amusement. He really went and punched Him twice? One punch was even on behalf of Red Angel Medici. Lumian responded with a smile, Dont ask about the rest. Lets just say that with the apex power of the two Calamity pathways, Zeduss portion within me, Alista Tudors face, and the unique properties of this head, I passed 0C01s trials and claimed this Grade 0 Sealed Artifact. As he spoke, Lumian flicked the strange dark-gold mask. What about 0C01? Franca finally remembered to ask. You didnt accommodate it already, did you? Of course not, Lumian replied with amusement. While many things no longer affect me, theres one rule I must followor rather, something I must respect before completing what I set out to do. I cant disrupt the delicate balance of this body. If I were to accommodate 0C01 and Medicis Conqueror characteristics now, the balance of yin and yang would shatter instantly, and Ill be beyond saving. At that point, both the true gods and evil gods would have to face the monster They wouldnt like to see. Franca was enlightened. Youll need to find Primordial Demoness Cheek first and acquire Her Uniqueness and Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics. But the Primordial Demoness is still a true god, one thats free to act. The other true gods likely cant focus on dealing with Her, Anthony voiced his concern. Dont worry, Lumian said with a smile. A destined messiah will lend a hand. For every sin committed, theres an equal redemption to be made. A temporary dual-path true god, combined with you as a King of Angels and the Tarot Clubs Angels, does give us a shot, Franca said, sitting up straighter, a fiery determination lighting her lake-blue eyes. Now the question is, how do we find Cheek? Lumians expression turned adrift, as though recalling something he deliberately avoided thinking about. He smiled again. Part of Cheek is within me. We share the strongest mystical connection. With it, we can ask Mr. Fool, the God of Knowledge and Wisdom, Queen Mystic, or Maam Hermit for effective prophecies or revelations. And besides He pulled out the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture from his Travelers Bag, laughing lightly. Lets see what kind of prophecy this damn book will offer. The ancient parchment book fluttered open in his hands. When Lumian stopped flipping, silvery mercury-like words rapidly appeared on the exposed page: Lumian Lee will encounter Primordial Demoness Cheek in the World of Ruin. Chapter 1124 - Chapter 1124: The Visitor Chapter 1124: The Visitor This damn book finally has some use, Lumian said, showing the contents of the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture to Franca and Anthony. Franca pondered for a moment before saying, Given the nature of the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture, even if this prophecy is false, as long as we believe in it and prepare accordingly, it will eventually come true. The question is, if its a false prophecy, can it even affect a true god like the Primordial Demoness? I dont know, Lumian replied, shaking the central head of his three. Anyway, were not relying solely on this for predictions. Then should we contact Maam Hermit now? Franca suggested. In this matter, splitting up wasnt an option. The critical medium for prophecy or divination was Lumians Cheek face-the Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristic of the Demoness of Apocalypse already integrated into his body. Lumian nodded at first, then gave a self-deprecating smile. Not yet. The occasional state is about to end. Franca pursed her lips, stood up, and said, Then lets head outside the protected zone. Anthony, youll handle the matters of the Sick Church for now. You still have Ice Mirror Charms, right? I do, Anthony replied steadily. After Lumian and Franca left the villa, Anthony retrieved the mirror representing the Sick Churchs pope from his Travelers Bag. He reviewed the accumulated messages and replied to each one using the Ice Mirror Charm. Meanwhile, Ludwig sat on the sofa, eating roasted sweet potatoes while casually watching Anthony work. After a while, just as Anthony was about to put away the mirror, Ludwig suddenly asked, Is human life always full of suffering? Anthony lifted his head, looked into Ludwigs brown eyes, and nodded. Yes. Ludwig continued, If you had a chance to start over, would you still choose to be human? Probably, Anthony said with a small smile. After all, I have no experience being another species. But if human life is so full of suffering, why would anyone want to be human? Ludwig asked, puzzled. Anthony thought for a moment before answering. Most of humanitys suffering comes from the brevity of life and the frailty of our existence-from constantly thinking about these things. But if we stopped thinking, our existence would lose all meaning. Perhaps its precisely because life is short and fragile that we always want to do something, to create something. We have no choice but to rely on and help others. We huddle together for warmth, dream together, and create fragments of beauty. And because of that, we suffer. A poet once said C I dont know who, but it wasnt Emperor Roselle. I wholeheartedly agree with what he said: If I have never felt pain in life, it means I have never truly loved my life. Ludwigs face was filled with confusion. Anthony added calmly, Pain comes from love and desire. Words like beauty, hope, and yearning are like flames C they make humans feel pain, yet they also make us like moths drawn to the flame, burning brightly for a moment before turning to ashes. Franca once told me that the fundamental tone of the universe is darkness. We short-lived humans exist to create moment after moment of light, generation after generation. Ludwig, chewing on a roasted sweet potato, earnestly summarized, I still dont understand why. Anthony laughed. Honestly, neither do I. If someone claims to truly understand humanity and life, it means they dont understand it at all. Perhaps its precisely because we dont understand that life is so intoxicating. With that, he stood up and walked toward the edge of the living room. Ludwig didnt ask where Anthony was headed. He remained on the sofa, quietly repeating two words to himself, Beauty pain The young boy seemed to be pondering some philosophical question, muttering to himself, These things arent unique to humans After finishing his roasted sweet potato, Ludwig shook his head and picked up an Intis general education textbook from the coffee table. Flipping through it, he muttered, Inefficient method of transmitting knowledge Outside the villa, Anthony strolled aimlessly along the shadowed streets, basking in the bright sunlight. For now, he had no main task. He was responsible for two things: First, managing the Sick Churchs affairs when Franca was busy. He was effectively the pope, though he could tell Franca hadnt truly come to terms with Jennas death. She still held onto the hope that Jenna might one day return, which made her reluctant to officially pass on the title of pope. Second, assisting the official Beyonders in identifying corrupted humans or latent anomalies via monitoring the sea of collective subconscious. The symbols and powers of the Great Mother had broken through the barrier. Even though She wasnt currently focused on the protected zones, Her influence naturally caused sporadic mutations, especially among Beyonders of the Planter and Apothecary pathways. As Anthony walked, he noticed a street musician performing in a small square. Many Trier citizens had gathered to listen, some even dancing joyfully. Anthony gazed at the scene, his expression turning adrift. He decided to treat himself better. The time to enjoy life before the apocalypse was growing shorter. He sat at an outdoor table at a caf, ordered a strong cup of Intis coffee and a pork sausage, and let his thoughts drift while enjoying the music in the square. Occasionally, hed cut a piece of sausage to eat or take a sip of coffee. The bright sunlight carried the heat of summer. Just as Anthony was about to leave, an elderly man in a worn blue military jacket and white trousers approached. The old man glanced around and saw that Anthonys table was the only one with an empty seat. Without hesitation, the man sat down and ordered a glass of Nepos liquor with tomato juice C a drink commonly referred to as Harlot in Triers bars and dance halls. The white-haired man looked at a barricade in the corner of the square and said to Anthony, as if they were old acquaintances, Dont you think Trier has changed? Its not as lively as it used to be. What makes you say that? Anthony, while already understanding his meaning, played along. The old man tapped his cane on the ground and said, In the old Trier, there wasnt a year without some ambitious fellow planning a riot, no year without chases over barricades, gunfights, and thrown projectiles. And now? The young people today have no vitality. They only dare to sneak around and pickpocket. This has to do with the unique nature of the protected zones. An individuals outburst might implicate thousands, so every individual in the protected zones has their subconscious minds subtly influenced, providing them guidelines on what and what not to do But this can only decrease the Great Mothers influence the frequency of mutations-but cant eliminate them entirely Anthony answered inwardly. Did you participate in those street riots? Anthony asked. The old man snorted, When I was in the military, I was responsible for suppressing those riots and demonstrations. Overnight, theyd build up barricades and resist with everything they had-Molotov cocktails, makeshift weapons. Later, I left the army, suffered injustice in Trier, and became a demonstrator myself The man reminisced about his past, speaking at length. Anthony didnt show the slightest impatience, treating it like reading a biography. After the man finished and began sipping his Nepos liquor mixed with tomato juice, Anthony asked, Why did you join the military in the first place? The old man laughed. For wealth, women, and becoming an officer, of course! I came from a poor background. Whether as a farmhand, shepherd, factory worker, or laborer, I couldnt make a living, let alone get rich. Joining the military at least gave me a chance-be it earning merits or looting corpses. At worst, Id die early. The man looked at Anthony, You were a soldier too, werent you? You have the air of one. Yes, Anthony admitted. The old man grinned. And why did you join? Surely it wasnt for wealth and women? Anthony shook his head and redirected his gaze to the musicians and onlookers. He didnt answer. Draining his coffee before the man could ask further. Anthony stood up. Suddenly, a four-wheeled carriage stopped near the caf. The carriage door opened, and an elderly man in a black suit with a dark tie and a half-height silk top hat stepped out. His neatly trimmed white sideburns framed a face with sharp features and icy blue eyes. Anthony immediately recognized that this elderly man had come for him. Excuse me, are you Monsieur Anthony? the man asked politely. His icy blue eyes were surrounded by faint but visible blood vessels. Anthony carefully replied, I am. Who might you be, and what business do you have with me? The elderly man smiled and said, You may call me Naboredisley. Naboredisley? The suspected incarnation of one of the ancient gods-Devil Monarch? Anthony was taken aback. He recalled Lumian mentioning that Naboredisleys true body resided on Hanth Island, protected by Earth Mother to prevent full corruption from the Mother Tree of Desire. However, with Earth Mother now dormant, it was unlikely She could provide the Devil Monarchs avatar any further assistance. Lumian had speculated that Naboredisley might have been dragged into the Abyss and destroyed. Yet here he was, alive and seemingly well, in the protected zone! The icy-blue-eyed elder who self-proclaimed to be Naboredisley smiled and explained His purpose, I wish to meet Monsieur Lumian Lee. Chapter 1125 - Chapter 1125: The Request Chapter 1125: The Request Inside the luxurious villa where Lumian and his companions resided. Anthony openly observed Naboredisley, who was seated on the sofa diagonally across from him. He appeared exceptionally calm, neither anxious nor impatient, sipping His coffee gently. This was unlike the Devil pathway Beyonders Anthony was familiar with. Naboredisleys emotions were stable, His demeanor relaxed, and His normalcy gave off an air of abnormality. Gulp. Ludwig, seated next to Anthony, swallowed audibly. He, too, was scrutinizing Naboredisley, dressed in formal attire with a neatly tied bow tie. Naboredisley did not inquire about Lumians return. Instead, He naturally engaged Anthony in casual conversation about the current state of the protected zones. After some time, the figures of Lumian and Franca appeared at the edge of the living room. Lumian instinctively glanced at Naboredisley, smiling without concealing his surprise. I thought youd been dragged back into the Abyss. Naboredisley stood up and, unfazed, responded with a smile, My condition has actually improved. Isnt Earth Mother already asleep? Lumian asked, sitting on another sofa. Franca sat close beside him, her expression tinged with curiosity. The ice-blue-eyed demon Naboredisley sat back down, His tone calm as He explained, Before the descent of the crimson moon, another major event occurred, one you should rememberthe consciousness of the Primordial God Almighty stirred, and His spirit became active. What does that have to do with your improved condition? Franca asked inquisitively. Naboredisley smiled but gave no answer. Lumian glanced at Franca and then shifted his gaze toward Anthony and Ludwig. The others understood and tactfully leftFranca heading to the second-floor studio, Anthony to the kitchen, and Ludwig to the living room to handle matters of the Sick Church. Only then did Naboredisley smile and speak to Lumian. At that time, I, too, experienced the revival of the malicious consciousness and frenzied spirit of the Primordial God Almighty within me. To a certain extent, it balanced the corruption of the Mother Tree of Desire, allowing me to regain a semblance of peace. Unfortunately, the revival of the Primordial God Almighty was short-lived, with His consciousness retreating to the Chaos Sea. He left only His malicious spirit, preventing a true balance. I remain unable to fully escape the control of the Mother Tree of Desire. However, my condition has relatively improvedI no longer rely on Liliths aid. Maintaining even this state is difficult, though. Once the Mother Tree of Desire breaches or bypasses the astral worlds barrier and descends into our world, the rope keeping me from falling further will snap immediately. You experienced the revival of the malicious consciousness and frenzied spirit of the Primordial God Almighty? Lumian echoed, already guessing why. A faint smile played at the corner of the central heads mouth as he raised his right hand and flicked the forehead of the strange dark gold mask. With a clang, Naboredisley smiled with some appreciation in His gaze. Yes. Others might not guess why, but you should find it obvious. This is because the Primordial God Almighty once accommodated the sefirah corresponding to the Chained and Abyss pathwaysTenebrous World. He even accommodated the Tenebrous World? Lumian, though he had anticipated it, was still a little surprised. The Abyss pathways Tenebrous World and the Sun pathways Chaos Sea were fundamentally incompatible. Could they really coexist? Was the Primordial God Almighty already mad, unable to suppress His instinct to converge? Did He first accommodate the City of Calamity? In a reminiscent tone, Naboredisley continued, Before the First Epoch, in a more ancient age, there was a myth: the God Almighty of Heaven created a divine child. Several Angels, led by an Archangel, rebelled. They were defeated, cast into the Abyss, creating Hell, and turning them to devils. Ive studied the honorific names within the Sick Church. I believe youve heard this myth. I have, Lumian replied calmly. Naboredisley nodded slightly. According to what I know, this myth may never have actually occurred. Instead, it represents a tendencya connection between Heaven and the Abyss. Thus, when instinct drives convergence, that deity might prioritize such associations. This is also consistent with mysticism. The phrase the degenerate nature of all living things is undoubtedly familiar to you. The Abyss has two entrancesone in the Sunken Continent of the real world and another within the depths of every human heart, in their propensity to degenerate. No wonder your condition improved after Earth Mother fell asleep, Lumian said with a slight nod. Then he asked, Are you also a remnant of a previous epoch? Franca had speculated about this before, noting how many of Farbautis aliases resembled the names of great devils in ancient myths. Naboredisley smiled and said, Suddenly, it was all gonesuddenly, only darkness. When I recovered fragments of thought and memory, I was already a great devil. Those fragments were soon drowned out by madness and bloodlust, only returning near the end of the First Epoch. The old age was utterly destroyed, leaving only us remnants. Haha, for me, that was actually a good thing. I lived for thousands of more years. I ruled the Abyss and the land, enjoying everything denied to me in the old age. Naboredisley laughed with wild abandon, unabashedly revealing His desires and maliceentirely different from His earlier calm demeanor. Perhaps this was His true nature. Lumian wasnt surprised. He waited for the Devil Monarch to finish laughing before asking, What do you want from me? Naboredisley returned to His calm state and spoke earnestly, Id like to ask for your help. If successful, my sealed Abomination avatar will die, and you may claim its resulting Beyonder characteristic as your own. After the crimson moons descent, most of the Southern Continents inhabitants were also drawn into protected zones, including Abomination Farbauti hidden in the Dream Festivals grave. The indulgence faction of the Rose School of Thought and the adherents of the Primordial Moon mostly remained outside the protected zones, especially those with the corresponding pathways Beyonder characteristics. Any cultists forcibly brought into the zones were eventually purged. Quite generous. Whats the matter? Lumian smiled at Naboredisley. Naboredisley took a sip of coffee before answering, I intend to accomplish something on the Western Continent before the Mother Goddess of Depravity accommodates the Brood Hive and the astral worlds barrier completely shatters. Currently, only The Fool and you can help me. Me? I cant help you bypass the Celestial Worthys seal, Lumian questioned. Even Mr. Fool cant do that right now. To protect the Western Continent, hes strengthened the seal. Sending you through would require waiting for an opportunitywhen the seal can be temporarily undone. Naboredisley smiled and said, Thanks to Alista Tudor and Cheeks mad attempt, the secrets of the City of Calamity are now known. In your current state, you can perform a deep secret deed without relying on Their special corpse wax candles. Thats equivalent to establishing contact with the Western Continent. What I need you to do is this: When you next perform a deep secret deed, projecting your spirit and consciousness into the City of Calamity, take my mental imprint with you. Youre bound to engage in a deep secret deed again, given your intention to accommodate the City of Calamity. Take your mental imprint Whats the point of that? Lumian asked. He didnt refute Naboredisleys last statement. Naboredisley patiently explained, I need to establish a preliminary connection with the Tenebrous World. Normally, this would be impossible. But the Primordial God Almighty once accommodated the City of Calamity. The two have mutually corrupted each other. Through the Tenebrous Worlds corruption within the City of Calamity, I can establish an initial connection. This would benefit you as well. My mental imprint, fused with the Tenebrous Worlds corruption, would mitigate related risks when you accommodate the City of Calamity, reducing potential dangers to some extent. Would this let you become an Above the Sequences? Lumian asked thoughtfully. Naboredisley shook His head. No, I lack the necessary Uniquenesses, and my current condition doesnt permit it. He calmly added, However, I would be able to help the Tenebrous World manifest greater power. Lumian nodded slightly, then smiled and asked Naboredisley, Do you think Ill agree? Allowing a great devils mental imprint into ones own mind and spirit is extremely dangerous. A secret deed involved the union of consciousness and spirit with specific entities, unrelated to the physical body. Thus, in secret deed experiences, all items originated from the projection of ones spirit, not their actual counterparts. This meant Naboredisley could only participate in the secret deeds by placing His mental imprint within Lumians soul, mind, and consciousness. Naboredisley met Lumians gaze and replied with a smile, I think you will. Because you and I are the same. In madness, were most normal, and in clarity, were most insane. Lumian laughed, and his laughter lingered for a long while. Finally, he restrained his smile and said to Naboredisley, Alright, I agree. Ill inform you before I next perform a deep secret deed. Naboredisley stood, satisfied, and extended His hand. Pleasure working with you. Pleasure working with you, Lumian casually shook His hand. ra n obes Taking His silk top hat, Naboredisley placed it atop His head and asked with a smile, Arent you worried about creating such a devil could harm human society? Lumian smiled and replied calmly, If we dont survive the apocalypse, there wont be any human society for you to harm. If we do survive and Im about to perish, Ill drag you down with me. If neither of those scenarios happens, either I or Mr. Fool will deal with you in the endby killing, sealing, imprisoning, or banishing you. Naboredisley wasnt surprised by this response. He smiled and sighed. Thank you for your honesty. With His silk hat securely in place, He left the luxurious villa at a steady pace. Chapter 1126 - Chapter 1126: The Future Chapter 1126: The Future As Naboredisley departed, Franca descended from the second floor, immediately asking Lumian, What did He want from you? Self-preservation, Lumian replied succinctly. Francas thoughts raced as she speculated aloud, Youre not connected to either the Abyss or the Chained pathways. How could He use you to save Himself? By leveraging my deep secret deed with the peak powers of the Calamity pathways, Lumian answered, the central head on his shoulders smiling. Dont ask for details. I get it. Im not an Angel yet, Franca quipped, self- mocking. Looking at Lumian, she mumbled, Honestly, do I really have to wait for the final showdown to find the opportunity to complete the ritual to advance as a Demoness of Catastrophe? No alternatives in the meantime? Lumian considered this seriously before answering. The advancement ritual is to create a disaster that affects an entire continent as a participant and advance amidst it. The word participant means you dont need to be the instigator-contributing to a small part of the disaster is enough. Affecting an entire continent is a vague description. Continents vary in size, population, and significance. What kind of continent would fulfill the requirements? My personal understanding is that this equates to a disaster with a wide-reaching impact, involving hundreds of cities or settlements, and causing significant damage. From that perspective, theres an upcoming disaster that fits the criteria. Francas eyes lit up. What disaster? She immediately followed up, Is it related to your plans against the Primordial Demoness? Lumian nodded. Yes. Were about to bring a disaster to the Demoness Sect. This will take place outside the protected zones. If I succeed, it will inevitably involve the fall of the Primordial Demoness. As youve seen, the fall of the Eternal Blazing Sun had global repercussions. Many witnessed it firsthand. Even now, theres no sun in the World of Ruins; the rebirth forces of the Great Mother maintain natures cycle. Referring to that example, if the Primordial Demoness perishes, its highly likely to trigger a disaster that affects the entire world, which would fulfill the rituals requirements. After all, the protected zones have the power of two existences to block the disaster. The Western Continent is sealed off by the Celestial Worthy, and the living beings still active in the World of Ruins are either the Mothers followers or outcasts like cultists and high-ranking members of the Demoness Sect. Its fitting for them to suffer. Hmm, my fight against the Demoness of Black and other Saint-level witches qualifies me as a participant, Franca agreed, then self-deprecatingly added, A few years ago, when I first became a Witch, I never imagined that my advancement ritual would involve the fall of the Primordial Demoness Back when shed just become a Witch C or even when she became Unaging C she wouldnt have dared to think this far. Lumian continued, Lets go visit Maam Hermit. The deep blue sea stretched out as the crimson moon replaced the setting sun, bringing darkness in its wake. The Future-flagship of the Queen of Stars, Cattleya C sailed silently across the waves, as if in slumber. As Lumian and Francas figures emerged on the deck, a sailor approached with a bright smile, saying, The captain asked me to bring you to her quarters. She foresaw our arrival? Franca asked in surprise, glancing at the dark gold mask on the head over Lumians left shoulder. Wasnt it said that true gods and most great existences couldnt foresee this heads actions? The sailor, still smiling, responded to Francas question. The captain foresaw your arrival. Fine, thats on me Franca muttered inwardly. Only then did she notice something peculiar about the sailor: a massive, red-and-white mushroom grew on his head, large enough to serve as an umbrella. The mushrooms roots seemed to pierce into his scalp and skull, while two tentacle-like appendages dangled from the mushroom, resting on the sailors shoulders. Suddenly, a name flashed through Francas mind: Li Keji! No, in the outside world, he was respectfully known as the Great Druid Frank Lee! Is that the latest type of mushroom? Lumian asked, pointing to the sailors head as they followed him toward the cabins. The sailor beamed. Yes, its tendrils can extract moisture from the air and turn it into milk. It can even continuously fish to provide protein. Its in symbiosis with me now, supplementing my body as needed. As he spoke, the mushrooms cap and stem extended their tendrils outward into the air. At the same time, the sailor grabbed one of the tentacle-like appendages draped over his shoulder and stuffed it into his mouth, sucking enthusiastically. Milk trickled from the corner of his mouth, only to be reabsorbed by the tendrils. See? This way, Ill never go thirsty. No matter where I am, Ill never go thirsty! Haha, Ill never go thirsty! The sailor laughed spiritedly. Damn, has he been corrupted by Frank Lee, or has he been mutated by the Great Mother? Franca suddenly began to understand why Bella, who cared for Jennas brother, was so terrified of being sent back to the Future. Following the sailor, they entered the cabin. As they passed the staircase to the lower levels, he suddenly lowered his voice and spoke in a secretive, fearful tone, Never go down there. Franca nodded quickly, taking his advice without question. When they reached the captains quarters, the sailor knocked, waited for permission, and then opened the door, gesturing for them to enter. Lumian and Franca walked in side by side. Standing by the window, dressed in a black warlocks robe and wearing thick glasses, Maam Hermit Cattleya greeted them with a gentle smile and a nod, Good evening, Mr. Chariot, Ms. Two of Cups. Good evening, Maam Hermit, Lumian and Franca replied politely. Franca glanced at the now-closed door to the captains quarters and hesitantly asked. Maam, shouldnt you address the mushroom experiments being conducted on crew members? That sailor wasnt a criminal or a prisoner of war-he was a legitimate sailor. The Hermit Cattleya paused for a moment before explaining, In reality, it isnt so. What you saw was an illusion. An illusion? Franca asked in surprise. In the protected zone, certain wild, unrestrained ideas can influence those nearby, creating surface-level abnormalities. In reality, that sailor doesnt have a mushroom growing on his head, Maam Hermit explained before adding. Even for criminals and prisoners of war, unless theyre beyond redemption, I dont let Frank experiment on them. At most, theyre required to observe his experiments periodically. Well done! Franca wanted to applaud Maam Hermit. Understanding the nature of the protected zones, she found it easy to grasp Maam Hermits explanation. With a smile, Lumian said, Maam, Id like you to use Cheeks face on my left shoulder to divine Her whereabouts. Alright. Maam Hermit didnt ask further, removing her heavy glasses. She was already a Sequence 2 Sage. In the early months after the protected zones were established, frequent disasters involving high-level powers occurred. Demigods were stretched thin trying to manage them. Most were resolved by Amon, while others were stopped by Archangels and Angels, or delayed until reinforcements arrived. These conditions had given Cattleya the opportunity to complete her ritual. She wasnt particularly happy about it-she would have preferred no such opportunity, for humanity to continue living normal lives outside the protected zones. The Hermit Cattleyas gaze shifted to the head on Lumians left shoulder, but she didnt dare linger on the face adorned with the dark gold mask. The head on Lumians left shoulder turned towards The Hermit Cattleya, radiating maternal radiance. Cheeks beautiful and exquisite face beamed with anticipation. The Hermit Cattleyas deep-purple, nearly black eyes turned abyssal, unfocused. Faint images flashed within the mercury-colored rivers appearing and vanishing. She abruptly tilted her head back as blood trickled from the corners of her eyes. ra n o bes In a distant, detached tone, she said, I see you fighting Cheek in the primeval rainforest of the Southern Continent. Thank you, Lumian said earnestly. He then said, Id also like you to contact Queen Mystic. Id like her to perform a divination as well. Alright, The Hermit Cattleya agreed, wiping the blood from her eyes. However, she asked in confusion, Why did you ask me to divine? Wouldnt it have sufficed to go directly to the Queen? Lumian chuckled. For one, different people may see different visions during divination. By comparing them, we might glean additional information. Second, this helps you digest the Sage potion. If your divination ultimately leads to the fall of a Calamity-representing evil god, wouldnt that perfectly embody the essence of a Sage? Maam Hermit remained silent for a couple of seconds before replying, Ill contact the Queen soon to arrange a time and place, then inform you. Alright, thank you. Lumian and Franca vanished from the captains quarters. After watching them leave, The Hermit Cattleya didnt immediately put her heavy glasses back on. Instead, she gazed out at the deck. Gradually, the deck, the cabin, and the entire ship became illusory in her vision, fading rapidly. The surrounding deep-blue, near-black seawater also lost its color, revealing a murky quality. Within the murkiness, tens of thousands of overlapping human figures formed a massive sphere. Among them were the sailor from earlier and Cattleya herself, all with their eyes closed. Many similar human spheres floated densely in the depths of the murkiness. *** Chapter 1127 - 1127 Suggestions 1127 Suggestions The next day, in Triers Avenue du Boulevard, within a garden apartment not far from the Grand Palace. Lumian and Franca, under the guidance of The Hermit Cattleya, arrived at a third-floor terrace. There, they saw Queen Mystic Bernadette dressed in hunting attire, holding a watering can, tending to several potted plants placed around her. Long time no see, Queen Mystic said, setting down the watering can and turning to the visitors. Long time no see, Franca replied. In the dream city, she and the Queen had not only collaborated but also chatted a few times. With their shared connection related to transmigrators, Franca felt more respect than fearperhaps even a sense of closeness. I thought youd be at sea, she began chatting. Queen Mystic Bernadette smiled faintly. Before the apocalypse, I prefer to stay in Trier. Moreover, as a Sage and former princess of Intis, I feel it is my duty to protect the citizens here, prevent various disasters, and maintain stability and order. This environment is particularly conducive to digesting the Sage potion, especially in the first couple of months. As she said this, Bernadette glanced at The Hermit Cattleya, seemingly imparting a lesson. Ah, that makes sense. Franca nodded in understanding. So, are you almost done digesting your Sage potion? Almost, Bernadette replied succinctly. She turned to Lumian. You want me to divine the whereabouts of the Primordial Demoness? Yes, please help us, Lumian said sincerely. Queen Mystic Bernadettes eyes grew deep, like the sea before a stormboundless and unfocused. Faint, blurry images flickered across her vision, as if mercury-like rivers emerged and vanished. Two streaks of crimson tears trickled down Bernadettes cheeks as her detached, ethereal voice sounded. I see the Primordial Demoness smiling, an abyssal mirror world, and a crimson full moon. Crimson full moon The phrase sent a shiver down the spines of not only Lumian and Franca but also The Hermit Cattleya. To Beyonders aware of the protected zones truths, the crimson full moon was like a trauma etched deep into their consciousness. Its mere mention brought it vividly to mind. This prophecy differs significantly from Maam Hermits, even containing contradictions Clearly, consulting multiple high-level individuals skilled in divination and prophecy would allow me to piece together more useful revelations. Its like the story Aurore once told about blind men piecing together the image of an elephanteach by touch alone can only describe a part, and the complete truth requires combining their perspectives. Lumians central head nodded slightly in acknowledgment. He began considering the connections between the three prophecies. The Post-Apocalyptic Scripture claims I will encounter Cheek in the World of Ruins. That could be false, but treating it as true and preparing accordingly might make it true. The variable is whether it can influence a true god. Maam Hermits prophecy points to the primeval rainforest of the Southern Continent, aligning with the Post-Apocalyptic Scriptures basic premise. Queen Mystics prophecy doesnt clarify if its in the protected zones or the World of Ruins. However, if a crimson full moon rises in the World of Ruins, things will become troublesomegravely so. At best, it means the Mother Goddess of Depravity has turned Her gaze upon us Lumian shared the prior prophecies, hoping to see how the former Clairvoyants, now Sages Bernadette and Cattleya, would interpret them. Somewhere in the World of Ruins mirror worldor perhaps within the special mirror world, Queen Mystic speculated. The Hermit Cattleya added, The features there reflect the primeval rainforest of the Southern Continent. The crimson full moon may also be a product of the mirror worlds reflections. For now, its symbolism remains unclear. Lumian nodded and said to Franca and Maam Hermit, Mr. Fool has entrusted me with something to discuss with the Queen. Though now an Angel, Cattleya didnt assert, Theres nothing I cant hear. Instead, she led Franca to a small lounge on the first floor to enjoy tea and snacks. What does Mr. Fool need? Queen Mystic Bernadette withdrew her gaze from the terraces exit and inquired of Lumian. She had not foreseen this request but now carried some guesses. Lumian smiled. Mr. Fool wants me to relay a message to Genie. Bernadette nodded slightly, extended her right hand, and traced numerous starlit words in the air. These words intertwined into strange symbols, opening a secret door to an unknown location. The door swung open swiftly, and a howling gale emerged, coalescing into a figurea man with his head wrapped in white cloth, his upper body human-shaped, and his lower body composed of flowing air currents. Magic Wishing Lamp, Bernadette addressed in her usual tone. The man respectfully retrieved an object from within his wrapped layersa gold, intricately patterned vessel resembling a small lamp. 0-05Magic Wishing Lamp. Bernadette ran her fingers over the lamps golden surface and called its name, Genie. The lamps wick ignited with a flash, releasing a thick, golden radiance akin to viscous liquid. The light hesitated, reluctant and resistant, before forming a hazy, distorted figure with a blue-white interior and a faint golden outer layer. The resilience of a Great Old Dominator is truly amazing. Even after losing their sefirah, Uniqueness, and Beyonder characteristics, reduced to mere consciousness, spirit, and status, He has recovered enough within a year after suffering severe trauma to respond. Though feeble, He is far from permanently comatose or deeply asleep Lumian thought wistfully. Genie surveyed the room, ready to utter some perfunctory remarks before retreating back into the Magic Wishing Lamp, but Lumian interrupted, If I were you, Id hear what Mr. Fool has to say. It concerns your futureperhaps even your end. Genies grand, majestic voice replied, My future is already determined unless He chooses to break His promises. Lumian detected the undeniable frailty in Genies voice and smiled. Mr. Fool will undoubtedly honor his promise, but that time hasnt arrived yet, isnt that so? He posed a scenario: what if he perishes before that time comes? In matters of fulfillment, this is considered force majeure. And His successor might be someone you wouldnt want to seesomeone for whom breaking promises and deceiving rules is as effortless as breathing. Lumian paused briefly before continuing, Lets consider another possibility. If the Great Old Ones breach the barrier before we can respond adequately, killing Mr. Fool, Grisha Adam, and other true gods, might one of Them target the Nation of Disorder? Although They can no longer accommodate Sefirah Castle or the Chaos Sea, proximity might allow them to accommodate the Nation of Disorder. At that time, what attitude would the successful one adopt toward a weakened you? If They freed you from the Magic Wishing Lamp, would you dare emerge? No, by then, the Magic Wishing Lamp might no longer be capable of protecting you. Eventually, They would pursue the Uncertain Mist, completing the Son of Chaos. Your spirit may indeed persist, but only to wail eternally within Their belly, enduring perpetual torment. Genie remained silent. Lumian smiled and continued, You know Mr. Fools credibility. As long as he lives and the world endures, he will fulfill his promise and return you to the cosmos. Seeing Genie about to respond, Lumian added, No need to argue with me or twist my ideas. Im merely the messenger for Mr. Foolnot the decision-maker. After several seconds of silence, Genies majestic voice reverberated. What does He wish to say? Lumian smiled. Mr. Fool hopes you can offer some advice for the impending apocalypse. He knows youre currently weak and unable to grant wishes or accomplish much, but your status and insight remain. Genie gazed at the head on Lumians left shoulder for a while, then spoke grandly, Three hints: First, the Circle of Inevitability will bring calamity but is also the universes most powerful and genuine Angel of Redemption. This seems to suggest utilizing the godhood and symbolism of the Circle of Inevitability? Lumian refrained from questioning further, knowing Genie wouldnt elaborate. Second, Genies voice rumbled solemnly, your uniqueness and the symbolism of the Lord of Mysteries. Lumian watched Genie silently, awaiting further exposition. Third, at critical moments, temporarily enhance the Nation of Disorder, Genie concluded. Hearing this, Queen Mystic Bernadette frowned ever so slightly. Genies voice carried a trace of amusement. This advice indeed benefits me to some extent, but you may choose to ignore it. Make haste; my elder sister will accommodate the Brood Hive faster than you think. With that, the faint golden figure retreated into the Magic Wishing Lamp. In His weakened state, Genie had no desire to remain exposed for long. Bernadette mulled over the message briefly before telling Lumian, I understand Mr. Fools intentions now. Lumian nodded, smiling as he took his leave. Chapter 1128 - 1128 Another Prophecy 1128 Another Prophecy Lenburgs capital, Azshara. In front of the side gate of the grand and magnificent white tower, Lumian was greeted by a demigod from the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdomsomeone he had seen before. After his experiences in the dream city, Lumian easily recognized her. She was Edwina Edwards, formerly the Pirate Admiral, Vice Admiral Iceberg and now a high-ranking deacon of the Church of Knowledge. Dressed more like a professional teacher than a pirate or clergy member, Edwina gestured invitingly without saying a word. Lumian refrained from asking questions, silently following her through the door and into a dimly lit hallway lined with numerous gas wall lamps. After walking in silence for a long stretch, Lumian suddenly asked, Does knowing morepossessing greater knowledgemake one suffer more? Edwina replied with her usual calm expression, I would rather suffer from knowledge than find happiness in ignorance. Gazing at the seemingly endless corridor, Lumian changed the subject. If humanity were to acquire enough knowledge, what could it achieve without relying on Beyonder powers? Edwina glanced at Lumian and said, Knowledge in mysticism is also knowledge. After a brief pause, she continued, If you exclude that, then perhaps one day in the future, humanity could find other ways to influence the rules and touch authority. But beyond that, it would be impossibleunless mystical elements were incorporated. My research focuses on enabling humanity to use Beyonder powers with less risk. Thats nice Lumian remarked wistfully. After another moment of silence, they stopped at the end of the corridor, standing before a pair of brass doors. Lumian turned his head to study Edwina for a moment before asking thoughtfully, Would you want to return to being Vice Admiral Iceberg? Without hesitation, Edwina shook her head. I prefer my current life, where I can learn something new every day and make discoveries. Lumian did not press further. Under Edwinas gaze, he pushed open the double doors. Inside was a bright and clean library filled with numerous brass bookshelves. For a moment, Lumian felt as though he had returned to his first visit to the City of Exiles, Morora. He stepped inside, and the brass doors slowly closed behind him. From behind a towering bookshelf emerged Heraberg, dressed in a plain white robe embroidered with brass threads and holding two books. His amber eyes remained warm and clear, showing no sign of cloudiness. Seeing Heraberg did not surprise Lumian. He smiled and bowed slightly. Your Grace, we meet again. Heraberg gave a slight nod. Your current state is very research-worthy, but time is running out. He made no effort to conceal His regret nor was He worried about the emotional damage it would cause Lumian. He spoke plainly, as if discussing an ordinary breakfast. Indeed, time is running out, Lumian agreed. Heraberg observed the head on Lumians left shoulder for a moment before speaking calmly, I had made a prophecy. You will encounter Cheek in the near future. I understand, Lumian replied with a smile. He looked around the library and suddenly felt a pang of nostalgia. Your Grace, did you ever foresee my current state? Heraberg looked at him and spoke with deliberate cadence, If I were to say I foresaw your future entirely, that would be a lie. But if I claimed I had no foresight at all, that would also be untrue. I foresaw that you would gain something unique, but I didnt know what it would be. I am not omniscient or omnipotent. Among the contenders for 0-01, I favored you because of your excellent performance, ability to stay calm and study diligently, and borrowing books from the library again and againunlike the others As He spoke, Heraberg shook His head. Im a lover of learning, Lumian said with a calm smile, laced with a hint of self-deprecation. Heraberg said with relief, If you truly grasp the allure of knowledge and understand the joy of learning, even a long life will not be plagued by emptiness or torment. Knowledge embraces everything. Knowledge is everything His tone was patient, as though genuinely attempting to guide Lumian toward a fulfilling future. Lumian listened quietly, not interrupting, though he knew it wasnt particularly important. When Heraberg finished speaking, Lumian asked gravely, Would you ever willingly give up your current life? Child, our will may be free, but we are not alone in this world. Often, life is about choosing between the bad and the worsetheres no better option. In similar situations, some would choose to give up entirely. But I am greedy. I wish to keep living. The ocean of knowledge is boundless, and the pursuit of it is full of joy. I am not ready to die yet. This is the fundamental reason behind many of my decisions. Now, there are only a few options left before me. Since I still wish to live, I must choose the relatively less bad one. Wanting to live is not shameful. Looking into Lumians eyes, He concluded, These are my thoughts and experiences. I hope they provide some value when you make your own choices in the future. Thank you, Lumian said sincerely. Having obtained the prophecy and answers he needed, he prepared to leave. But then he recalled something. Your Grace, where exactly is the City of Exiles, Morora? It, along with the surrounding mountains, resides in my stomach, Heraberg admitted without hesitation. Lumian was enlightened. The Path of Exile leads to the astral world? Heraberg nodded. Yes. He then smiled faintly. When you summoned a meteor to destroy Morora, it gave me quite a stomachache. Lumian froze momentarily before letting out an awkward chuckle. That might be the greatest prank Ive ever pulledif it even qualifies as a prank. After leaving Azshara, Lumian returned to Trier. How did it go? Franca asked with concern. Lumian recounted the God of Knowledge and Wisdom Herabergens prophecy before adding, I have a general idea now. Time to make a plan. Franca studied the head on Lumians shoulder for a moment, rubbing her chin. Why do I feel like youre in a better mood? As she spoke, she glanced around, seemingly looking for Anthony to confirm her observation. Unfortunately, Anthony had gone to report an anomaly in the sea of collective subconscious to the official Churches and offer assistance. For the past year, Spectator-pathway demigods like Anthony had been monitoring, observing, and assisting without rest. Any slight oversight could lead to disaster, leaving the task of quelling anomalies and calamities to other high-ranking Beyonders. However, in emergencies, such distinctions would be disregarded. As for unofficial Mid- to Low-Sequence Beyonders and ordinary humans, they remained unaware that the Southern and Northern Continents had been destroyed and that they were in protected zones. Continuing their normal livessinging, dancing, and workingwas the greatest help they could offer to the official organizations and true gods. In the current situation, the anchors must remain stable. Even false happiness was preferable! Smiling, Lumian replied, I just listened to an elder share His lifes wisdom. Sounds good, Franca said without probing further. Eagerly, she said to Lumian, Lets start planning how to bring catastrophe to the Demoness Sect! For nearly a year, Franca had waited patiently to exact vengeance for Jenna and Lumian. She could barely hold herself back anymore. She was no gentleman; she wished for swift retribution. Seeing Francas enthusiasm, Lumian chuckled. I need to report to Mr. Fool first. Above the gray fog, within the majestic palace. After Lumians figure vanished from the The Chariot cards seat, Mr. Fool contemplated for a few seconds before summoning an impromptu meeting. In an instant, beams of light surged upward, transforming into different figures seated in various positions. They were the Major Arcana card holdersMadam Justice, Madam Magician, Mr. Star, and otherseveryone except Lumian. The Chariot intends to bring catastrophe to the Demoness Sect. You are to assist him, Mr. Fool commanded. Yes, Mr. Fool, the Major Arcana card holders responded in unison, rising from their seats. Mr. Fool nodded lightly, signaling them to sit back down. Then he addressed The Sun Derrick, I hope you will uphold your justice in this matter, fully digest your potion, and become an Angel as soon as possible. After the fall of the Eternal Blazing Sun, under Mr. Fools protection, Derrick had obtained the Lightseeker Beyonder characteristic. Once The Sun responded, Mr. Fool turned to The Star Leonard. You and Pallez will both participate. Apply to the Church of Evernight for temporary use of a Sealed Artifact During this operation, aim to acquire a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact or the Demoness of Catastrophe Beyonder characteristic. Then, exchange it with the Church of Evernight for the Servant of Concealment Beyonder characteristic. Bring fear to the high-ranking members of the Demoness Sect. Through this, you will fully digest your potion. The Star Leonard discerned that the last two lines were not instructions or reminders but blessings from Mr. Fool. Feeling a wave of emotion, Leonard stood and bowed. Yes, Mr. Fool. The Fool then turned to Madam Temperance. You and Reinette will also participate. The indulgence faction may attempt to sabotage The Chariots actions. Temperance Madam Sharron raised a pre-written card. Understood, Mr. Fool. After issuing instructions to all the Major Arcana card holders, Mr. Fool concluded the impromptu gathering. Cathedral of Serenity, Church of Evernight headquarters. The Star Leonard met with the current Pope, Saint Dabomachie. Your Holiness, I wish to apply for temporary use of a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact. Leonard drew a star sigil on his chest, making four sequential points. Which one? Dabomachie, an elderly man with white hair and beard and a serene countenance, asked gently. The Star Leonard replied in a deep voice, 0-17. Chapter 1129 - 1129 A Chance Encounter 1129 A Chance Encounter Another day began, and Lumian departed from the fog-shrouded protected zone. The World of Ruins had no sun and was perpetually cloaked in night. However, the temperature wasnt particularly cold. Illuminating the surroundings was crimson moonlight, evoking a spring-like atmosphere with a climate that alternated between warmth and chill. In the sky, the full moon was nowhere to be seen, the stars were dim, and the darkness was tinged with crimson. Lumian turned his body slightly, glancing at Franca, who stood at the edge of the grayish-white fog. He gave her a subtle nod. Franca responded with a warm, caring smile, waved at Lumian, and then vanished from sight. Lumian shifted his gaze to the right, to the face of Cheek on the head that rested on his left shoulder. Cheeks face, simultaneously stunningly beautiful, innocently pure, and radiating maternal grace, flashed a sweet smile. She showed no signs of discontent with what Lumian was about to doat least not outwardly. Youre looking forward to this too, arent you? Lumian asked, his lips curling into a smirk. Cheeks face couldnt speak yet, nor did She make any movement, neither confirming nor denying his words. Lumian paid Her no further attention, turning his head instead toward the other facesAurore and Jenna. Their eyes remained tightly shut, their faces bearing faint traces of bloodstains that seemed impossible to clean away. Lumian let out a slow breath, striding toward the edge of the ruins of Trier, in the direction of the green domain dominated by towering oaks. He wandered aimlessly, allowing the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence and the mystical connection between the main body and an avatar to work naturally. This was the direction the previous prophecies had pointed toward. The further he ventured beyond the ruins, the more deathly silent the surroundings became. Only from the green domain did occasional sounds drift overcries of wah, wah, wah from infants and the fluttering of bird wings. Suddenly, Lumian spotted a group of lively wild deer emerging from behind rows of abandoned buildings. Their nimble steps carried them under the crimson moonlight. Every now and then, they paused to nibble at the green plants covering the houses and the fruits growing on them. Thud! One deer collapsed to the ground. Its body began to decay rapidly, as if consumed by countless microscopic organisms. Within seconds, it had completely returned to the earthincluding the pale white bones, leaving behind no traces. Thud, thud! More deer fell to the ground. Yet the remaining deer displayed neither panic nor fear. They continued leisurely eating, while simultaneously giving birth to blood-soaked fawns one after another. By the time the herd moved out of Lumians sight, only the newborn fawns remained, growing at an astonishing pace. Theres no way civilization can develop like this Lumian suddenly thought. He wasnt sure whether this was a deliberate act by the Mother Goddess of Depravity or simply the natural environmental influence of Her state. What came to his mind, however, was something Madam Magician had once mentioned: she had wandered to a distant planet in the depths of the cosmos, where the inhabitants worshiped the Mother Goddess of Depravity. Yet their rulers werent even Angels but rather three divine offspring birthed from the union between the Mother Goddess of Depravity and the planet itself in ancient times. Despite their extreme reverence for motherhood and reproductive organs, they had managed to develop a unique civilization. Perhaps like the World of Ruins, the Mother Goddess of Depravitys true domain, is like thisdevoid of civilization but teeming with Mythical Creatures On the other hand, planets worshiping Her elsewhere might still foster civilizations? Lumian pressed onward. After walking a while longer, an expansive forest of colossal oaks unfolded before him. At that moment, four figures emerged from the oak forest. The four carried a heavy, unpainted coffin made of raw wood. Three of them were golems formed from earth, while the lone human among them wore a brown robe adorned with the Sacred Emblem of Life. His face was covered in scruffy facial hair, and his expression was solemn, as though performing a sacred ritual. He appeared to be a clergy member of the Church of Earth Mother who had defected. The Church of Earth Mother still existed, with Her Blessed maintaining a tenuous hold with the aid of other official Beyonder organizations to prevent the goddess from losing Her anchors entirely. If Earth Mother were to go mad or perish now, the astral barrier would immediately be shattered by the Outer Deities. The Favored of Earth Mother had suffered significant losses. Many had mutated or lost control during the descent of the crimson moon, and subsequent blows had further diminished their numbers. Only in the past two months had they attained some measure of peace. Their numbers now were less than half of what they had once been, and even Matriarch Roland was now a puppet of the Mother Goddess of Depravity, wandering a certain part of the World of Ruins. Carrying a coffin? Could this be a former Saint of the Church of Earth Mother, a Sequence 3 Pallbearer? Lumian wasnt surprised by this chance encounter with one of the Mothers children. He scrutinized the individual, who he assumed was a Pallbearer, and mused, The title of Pallbearer in this Sequence should be symbolic, representing the act of returning life to the earthan essential part of the Mothers pathway for constructing the cycle of reality, connecting concepts and powers related to death and return. Its not meant to involve actually carrying a coffinits about the symbolic meaning As part of acting, this makes sense. But youve already mutated into a corrupted creature; whats the point of acting? The coffin must hold something special. Whats inside? When it came to matters related to the Mother Goddess of Depravity, Lumian was more than willing to stop, observe, and study. He positioned himself directly in the Pallbearers path. Meanwhile, the head on Lumians left shoulder swiveled, with Cheeks stunning face gazing at the target. Sensing this, the Pallbearer turned to look at Lumian. His gaze immediately became sinister and ferocious. Just as he was about to unleash his Beyonder abilities, his body suddenly underwent a transformation. His skin cracked open, spilling clumps of brownish earth. The earth engulfed him, fusing with his body and sprouting various symbolic organs representing the Mother, some human, others not. The Pallbearer quickly lost control and descended into madness. This was the power of the Demoness of Apocalypse. If the Death pathway embodied death and eternal rest, the Darkness pathway silence and eternal darkness, the Giant pathway decay and the passage of time, and the Red Priest pathway conquest and the destruction wrought by war, then the Demoness pathway represented the arrival of the apocalypse and the return to chaos. The apocalypse marked the ultimate eruption of all conflicts within a designated area, inevitably involving the entanglement of fate. The apocalypse was also the end of destiny! And Lumian bore the boon powers of Inevitability. The Pallbearer had already been teetering on the edge of losing control due to his corruption. With the arrival of the apocalypse, this inner conflict naturally erupted under the influence of fate. However, his transformation into a monster didnt prevent him from attacking Lumian. He threw aside the coffin and charged at Lumian with his earth golems. The surrounding greenery, even several young oaks, instantly withered and turned yellow, drained of life. After just two steps, the Pallbearers body was suddenly coated in grayish-white. In mere seconds, he froze in place, transformed into a stone statue. His three earth golems met the same fate. Without a sound, the ground beneath them split open, spewing forth molten lava that swallowed them completely. The lava was followed by the collapse of the entire surrounding area. Earth, plants, abandoned buildings, and the melted statues all vanished into the dark void. The localized Apocalypse that Lumian had targeted at a specific region had arrived in full. Seeing deep brown, nearly black light gradually condensing in the void, Lumian stepped toward the raw wooden coffin, which he had deliberately spared from the effects of his influence. With a single kick, he sent the coffins lid flying off. Inside was a mass of rotting flesh, resembling an unformed fetus or the corpse of a small animal. It didnt seem to have a physical form. As soon as it was exposed to the crimson moonlight, it began to evaporate rapidly into wisps of black-brown gas. Lumian filled the area with dense Fog of War, cutting off the crimson moonlight, but the rotting flesh continued to vaporize, accelerating as it did. The face of Alista Tudor, positioned on Lumians left shoulder, turned toward the coffin, His eyes pitch black and commanding, compelling submission. The black-brown gas slowed its ascent but strangely fused with the surrounding environment, dissipating quickly. Lumian hesitated for a moment but didnt remove the dark golden mask covering the central face on his left shoulder. In the blink of an eye, the rotting flesh had completely evaporated, leaving only a few black-brown stains at the bottom of the coffin as proof of its existence. Lumian stared at it for a few seconds before reporting the matter to Mr. Fool. He didnt venture into the endless oak forest. Instead, under the crimson moonlight and the intermittent cries of infants, he skirted the edge of the ruins of Trier, heading in another direction. Familiar streets and houses appeared before him in an unfamiliar manner. This was the market district. This was Rue Anarchie. Lumian buried his hands in his pockets, as though returning to his past. He didnt expect to encounter Primordial Demoness Cheek directly but felt it likely he would cross paths with a high-ranking Demoness. For Demonesses to survive in the World of Ruins, they couldnt do so without the protection of the Primordial Demoness. This required them to gather in one place or a few limited locations. Encountering one would mean encountering a group. I thought youd come straight for me to fulfill your dream Lumian turned his head slightly, addressing Cheeks face. That face responded with a sweet smile but nothing more. As he walked, Lumian suddenly stopped. He realized it had been a long time since he had heard the cries of infants or the fluttering of birds wings from the oak forest. The entire ruins were unnaturally silentdeathly still. Chapter 1130 - Chapter 1130 Initiative Chapter 1130 Initiative Faced with such an anomaly, Lumian smiled. He withdrew his right hand from his pocket and continued walking forward. As he proceeded, the buildings on both sides, including the Auberge du Coq Dor, began to twist and writhe, growing upward into swaying, grotesque trees. These trees pointed toward the sky, resembling the primeval rainforests of the Southern Continent. Raising an eyebrow, Lumian stopped in his tracks. So proactive, are we? he remarked with a smile, glancing toward Cheeks face on the head resting on his left shoulder. At that moment, the crimson moonlight in the sky, the dim stars, and the dark night all began collapsing and spinning toward a single point, quickly merging into a chaotic vortex that encompassed all colors. From within the vortex, a figure wearing a bone-white dress emerged, descending from the heavens. The figure grew larger and larger, like an asteroid traveling across the boundless cosmos, unscathed by atmospheric friction. The enormous figure had cascading black hair, slightly thick and waterfall-like, sapphire-like eyes gleaming with brilliance, and features both exquisite and dignified. On first glance, She appeared breathtakingly beautiful; upon closer inspection, her purity and grace stood out. She was none other than the Primordial Demoness, Cheek. She did not reveal her Mythical Creature form. Apart from Her immense size, Her beauty defied belief, and Her charm was so overwhelming that even abstract concepts seemed unable to resist Her allure. She appeared as a normal human woman. As She descended, the trees of the primeval rainforest shed their hard exterior, bending in various directions. At this moment, they were no longer trees but thick, slick, black hair with distinct black-and-white eyeballs embedded within. The hair swayed, turning the scene into one of surreal abstraction. As Primordial Demoness Cheek descended, She smiled affectionately at Lumian and said, I knew youd come to find me. Hidden in the darkness and trailing Lumian from nearly ten kilometers away, Franca relied on more than just subtle traces he had left behind, a Mirror Substitution he had entrusted to her, and the unique connection among their team members. She also relied on the mystical link they had established through their roles as Malady God and Malady Gods Companion. Franca had initially decided to include the title Malady Gods Companion in her honorific name, hoping to anchor Lumian, who often succumbed to madness, with a corrupted connection. This would enable him to instinctively recognize that, in the mystical and Beyonder sense, they were companionspartners who supported one another. Combined with their existing emotional bond, this might prevent him from attacking her during moments of insanity and allow him to heed her suggestions. After tracking Lumian for some time, Franca suddenly noticed that the sky had turned chaotic, the previous illusory ocean now engulfing it. A gentle, soft voice whispered in her ear. You dare call yourself His mistress? I am His true companion. As the female voice echoed, Francas body stiffened instantly, grayish-white spreading rapidly across her skin and deep into her soul. If not for her status as a demigod Demoness with some resistance to Petrification, she would have already turned into a statue upon hearing the voice! Have I been drawn into the depths of the mirror world, into that special mirror world? Is the Primordial Demoness targeting me first? Is it because of Her pathological possessiveness, and the fact that Im currently Lumians companion? F*ck, Im the one being cheated on here! Im the real victim! In that instant, countless thoughts raced through Francas mind, yet she was powerless to resist. That was a true deity, the Sequence 0 Primordial Demoness! The next second, the petrification abruptly ceased. Franca seized the opportunity, swiftly activating her Mirror Substitution. With a crackling sound, she escaped her current position, gray-white stone shards scattering, and reappeared in another corner of the ruins now transformed into a primeval rainforest. Deep within the rainforest, Lumian withdrew his right hand from the face on his left shoulder, holding the dark golden mask in his grasp. The vortex-like face and the scorched flag partially embedded in chaos revealed themselves in the center of the head on his left shoulder. The seal was undone! Lumians body swelled into a towering iron giant tens of meters tall, enveloped in ethereal, shapeless purple flames tinged with deep crimson. At the center of his brow, a blood-colored banner emblem now glistened vividly, as though freshly dyed. The moment the chaotic vortex-like face and the Salingers Blood Banner manifested within the depths of the mirror world, the descending figure of Primordial Demoness Cheek froze for one second. As a result, the petrification afflicting Franca ceased, sparing her from the fate of a Sequence 3 Saint dying abruptly in the chaos of a divine conflict. On the face of Cheek on Lumians left shoulder, her gem-like blue eyes layered with illusory darkness. Leveraging their mystical connection as companions both on the Beyonder level and within their Hunter team, Francas figure was drawn into the projection. Franca was immediately transported out of the depths of the mirror world. In the next moment, she glimpsed an illusory and boundless web-like tunnel of mirrors. Each passage reflected the ruins of Trier, where Demoness of Black Clarice, Saintess of White Katarina, and other colored Demonesses of Unaging appeared in various corridors. Outside the mirror world, at the edge of the ruins of Trier. A bent, spherical shadow suddenly emerged from the void, like a dolphin leaping out of the sea. The shadow quickly unfurled, and The Magician Fors, dressed in a black robe adorned with silver stars, along with Justice Audrey and other members of the Tarot Club, instantly exited their concealed states. Objects not reflected in the mirrors could not be forcibly drawn into the mirror world. Furthermore, the one who had drawn Lumian and Franca into the mirror world did not want subsequent events to be disrupted. Silver stars on the surface of The Magicians black robe lit up, creating a dreamy starry sky. In the starry expanse, the stars shifted, forming a brilliant key. The key pointed toward a specific location within the mirror world, forcibly opening a gateway. The Sun Derrick was immediately sent inside. Dressed in a simple white robe, his entire being radiated pure, brilliant, and holy golden light, like a sun descending upon the dark region where Franca was besieged by the Demoness of Black and other Saints, illuminating the darkness. Beside him, howling gales followed closely. Additionally, clouds gathered in midair, weaving into a massive sword, which descended to stand before Franca. Justice Audrey did not enter the depths of the mirror world. Instead, she gazed toward another side of the ruins of Trier. She transformed into a massive grayish-white dragon, revealing her Mythical Creature form. On the far side of the ruins, a figure quickly materializedmature, stunning, and clad in an aged gray robe. Demoness of Gray, Judith! Accompanying Judith, a woman in a yellow frilled dress with a playful bonnet and a sly smile stepped through the shattered glass of a ruined building. Demoness of Yellow, Tissavica. As Madam Justice revealed her mind dragon form with grayish-white scales, another version of herself wove itself into existence behind her, dreamlike and illusory. This newly woven Audrey, clad in a white dress, lowered her head and began reciting an honorific name in ancient Hermes, The shadow wandering through fate, the past God of Deceit, the destined messiah Just two or three kilometers from the passage forcibly opened by Madam Magician. Dressed in a white shirt, black vest, and red gloves, with slightly disheveled hair, The Star Leonard appeared as though the process of erasing a pencil sketch in reverse was being played out rapidly. He had prayed to the Evernight Goddess in advance, entering a state of concealment to avoid being detected by the Primordial Demoness! While concealed, he quietly followed Lumian without probing or informing him, avoiding the mirrors reflections and the pull into the mirror world. As the anomalies began, Leonard immediately recited the honorific name of the Evernight Goddess, shedding his concealed state. At the edges of his eye sockets, transparent and semi-transparent segmented worms crawled out, keeping vigilant watch over their surroundings. They had to complete all preparations before the indulgence faction of the Rose School of Thought or the Blessed of the Great Mother noticed and intervened! As for Angels like Dabomachie and Arianna from the authorities, They had not joined the operation. Too many Angels in the World of Ruins at the same time would weaken the defenses of the protected zones, risking serious consequences. They could not assume that the Great Mother, focused on accommodating the Brood Hive, had no energy left to retaliate. Leonard took out a wooden door from his Travelers Bag. The door had no frame, standing alone on the ruins ground. Its surface bore patterns of stars, each shimmering with brilliance. This was a tool The Magician had crafted in advance using her Worm of Star and other materials. It served no other purpose but to fix an entrance and exit to a particular place. In other words, opening this door would reveal, not the surrounding environment, but another location: the chamber sealing 0-17! 0-17 was alive and thus could not be stored in the Travelers Bag. Moreover, before activation, it had to remain sealed alongside two other Sealed Artifacts to ensure its containment. The Evernight Goddess, relying on the Uniquenesses of the Death and Giant pathways, could only hold the barrier for a limited time when descending into reality. Thus, 0-17 could not be left to roam freely from the start; it had to be deployed at the most critical moment. Under such circumstances, creating a door to the sealed chamber for immediate use was the best solution! Without hesitation, The Star Leonard grasped the door handle and opened the wooden door standing on the ruins. Behind the door lay darkness, but there were sounds of movement, as if someone was lifting a seal. In mere seconds, a figure appeared in the doorway. She had long black hair, wore a hooded, classical robe, and appeared exquisitely beautiful, with eyes dark and devoid of spirit. 0-17, the Angel of Concealment, the vessel for the Evernight Goddesss divine descent! Chapter 1131 - Chapter 1131 Individual Preparations Chapter 1131 Individual Preparations As 0-17 stepped out of the solitary door standing on the ruins, its figure was abruptly erased and entered directly into the special mirror world. Meanwhile, the Great Old Dominators who constantly monitored changes in the astral barrier began to react. Stars of various colorsscarlet, gold, brown, blue, and orangelit up simultaneously, banishing the darkness and crimson in the sky. Their presence infused it with other hues and emitted creaking sounds. Soon after, the crimson moonlight that seemed to shine from an unknown source brightened and grew viscous, as if filled with blood. From within Leonards body, segmented Worms of Time crawled out one after another. These worms assembled in front of him, forming the image of an elderly man with neatly combed white hair, deep brown eyes, a sombre demeanor, and a face largely free of wrinkles. The man, clad in an asymmetrical black robe, was none other than the Angel of Time Pallez Zoroast from the Church of the Fool. The moment Pallez appeared, He immediately addressed Leonard, Go support the other Major Arcana card holders in the mirror world. Leave this to me. Without hesitation, The Star Leonard nodded and slightly parted his lips. An intangible spirit extended from one of his teeth, growing enormous and enveloping him entirely. It carried him into the mirror world. The next second, as if the void itself had been torn open, two figures emerged from the spirit world. At first glance, these figures resembled grotesque trees covered in a viscous black fluid. Upon closer inspection, they were massive, distorted human forms with twisted and terrifying arms sprouting from their bodies. These arms bore sinister featuresbulging veins with crimson eyeballs, embedded skulls, tongues lined with sharp teeth, and other unimaginable horrors. The figures exuded an overwhelming aura of madness and malevolence. They were none other than the Rose School of Thoughts indulgence factions two Abominations: Suah and Tiri. Compared to when They previously aided in the growth of the Tree of Shadow beneath Trier, They had undergone noticeable changes. Suahs belly was grotesquely swollen as if He were pregnant. However, the fetus remained still, seemingly cursed and already a stillborn. Tiris body, coated in tar-like fluid, was covered with dark, tumor-like growths resembling mammary glands. These tumors continuously split open and closed, secreting black milk. When the Great Mother descended to the ground, even under the protection of the Mother Tree of Desire through the astral barrier, Suah and Tiri could not entirely escape corruption and became pregnant several times. Yet, for beings like Suah and Tiri, madness was intrinsic. As long as the children werent born, a little extra corruption didnt matter muchit merely caused Their faction members and worshipers to die in more grotesque ways or mutate into monsters more frequently. As an Archangel of the Error pathway and a noble from the Fourth Epoch who had lived for over two millennia, Pallez Zoroast had seen much. Even so, He couldnt suppress a frown at the sight, and His abdomen seemed to ache in phantom pain. Beside Him, the Angel of the Holy Spirit Reinette of the Church of the Fool stepped out of the spirit world. She had just placed four blonde, red-eyed heads back onto Her neck. The leader of the Rose School of Thoughts temperance faction transformed into a massive doll the size of a castle. Her blood-red eyes shone beneath a black Gothic dress entwined with sinister vines and countless mysterious symbols. She revealed Her Mythical Creature form. On Pallez Zoroasts other side, atop the ruins of a building covered in green plants, The Hermit Cattleya, wearing a purple robe and no longer donning her heavy glasses, returned from a non-existent state to reality. She had initially intended to invite Queen Mystic Bernadette to participate in this operation to increase their chances of success. However, given the limited number of Angels remaining in the protected zone of Trier, the reduction in their forces would have been unacceptable. When The Star Leonard arrived at the depths of the mirror world, where The Sun Derrick, Two of Cups Franca, and others were battling the Demonesses of Unaging, the area was already in shambles, as though it had suffered a partial collapse and destruction. Demoness of Black Clarice wore a crystalline queens crown on her head. Beneath its translucent surface were miniature visions of hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, falling meteors, and other disasters, resembling a complex, mystical weather bottle. The crowns pinnacle was stained crimson, radiating the light of the crimson moon. This crown, named Calamity of Crimson, was a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact originating from the remains of the Demoness of Blue. The holy and dignified Demoness of White Katarina had already raised her left hand. A glass ring encircled her middle finger, extending a sharp crystalline spike. This was Loves Dread, a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact belonging to the Demoness Sect, corresponding to a Demoness of Catastrophe. Wearing a cyan hunting outfit, Yalenna, with thick, long eyebrows, had an unusual black rooster perched on her shoulder. Though it seemed carved from stone, it appeared alive. Its most distinctive feature was its three headsa crestless one, a brightly crested one, and one with a dark red crestand a slightly parted shared beak that revealed sharp teeth. This was The Setting Sun Rooster, another Grade 0 Sealed Artifact held by the Demoness Sect. When the crimson moon descended, the Demoness Sects headquarters suffered significant losses, retaining only five Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts. After recovering the Demoness of Blues Beyonder characteristic, they now had six. Currently, these artifacts were wielded by the Demonesses of Black, White, Cyan, Gold, Crimson, and Orange, among whom two had nearly killed Franca moments earlier. Only through her status as a Demoness of Unaging, her numerous Mirror Substitutions, and having merged with her mirror self through reconciliation, did Franca survive the first wave of attacks and await reinforcements. Silver, Green, and Brown were Demonesses who had advanced after the crimson moon descended. They replaced the titles of the completely deceased and lacked the qualifications to wield a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact. They could only use Grade 1 Sealed Artifacts that synergized with them. The colored Demonesses, who had already digested the Unaging potion, couldnt use the Calamity of Crimson and Loves Dread to advance due to their inability to complete the ritual. They could only use them as Sealed Artifacts. Facing such overwhelming forces, The Star Leonard drew a black staff embedded with gemstones from his Travelers Bag. 0-62, Staff of the Stars! It was bestowed by Mr. Fool prior to the current events with added seals. The moment he gripped the Staff of the Stars, Leonard allowed his thoughts to scatter and emptied his mind. The Sun Derrick donned a crown that seemed to coalesce from dawns light. Its ancient design exuded splendor, majesty, pride, and resilience. This was The Proof of Glory, a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact belonging to the City of Silver, once worn by the ancient god, Giant King Aurmir! It had originally been used to seal the Gift of the Land. Not long ago, Mr. Fool had temporarily sealed the latter, enabling it to be lent out. The holy and glorious light gathered more and more, forming a pure and solid barrier in the front and around. This both protected the companions and prevented the targets from escaping. Madam Judgment, Xio Derecha, had just spent nearly a year filled with chaos digesting the Chaos Hunter potion. She had not yet had the chance to complete the ritual to advance to a neighboring pathway, Duke of Entropy, but this did not stop her from using the severely asymmetrical black-and-gold mask that caused discomfort upon sight. She placed this Solomons Mask on her face. She and Franca would alternate in assisting Mr. Sun in utilizing the Proof of Glorythis Grade 0 Sealed Artifact required two Saints to wield. The Moon Emlyn had already received the Sequence 1 Beauty Goddess Beyonder characteristic of the Moon pathway, along with the separated Sequence 2 Life-Giver Beyonder characteristic, bestowed by Ancestor Lilith. However, he did not dare to take the former out of the protected zones, fearing it might provoke an abnormal reaction from the Great Mother and introduce unknown risks. He used his Life-Giver Beyonder characteristic as collateral to borrow a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact, the Robe of Divine Blood, from the treasury of the Sanguine. He now had it draped over himself. Madam Temperance Sharron held a three-layer jewelry box in her hands, its surface silver-black and embedded with various gemstones. This was 0-61Box of the Great Old Onesborrowed from the Abraham family through Madam Magician. This Sealed Artifact would randomly cause its holder to disappear, die suddenly, or undergo aberration. To counter this, Madam Temperance Sharron specifically visited the Angel of Fate Will before the operation and received His blessing. Will was currently in the protected zone in the Southern Continent, maintaining stability and eliminating anomalies alongside Azik and other Angels. While He could not leave, granting blessings posed no issue. Not only Madam Temperance Sharron but also The Star Leonard and the other participants in this operation received blessings from Will and a miracle from Mr. Fool to reduce the likelihood of negative random effects. Magicians didnt perform unprepared. The Hanged Man Alger held a thin brass book and the Card of Blasphemy, Tyrant. The former was 0-02Trunsoest Brass Book! Having received assistance, Franca finally recovered. From the Travelers Bag Lumian had entrusted to her earlier, she retrieved an ancient book bound in parchment: Post-Apocalyptic Scripture! For this operation, every participating Saint from the Tarot Club carried a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact. At this moment, a figure passed by, seemingly slow yet incredibly fast. It was a woman who appeared to be in her forties, still stunningly beautiful and exuding charm, radiating an aura of maternal brilliance. Upon seeing this figure, The Moon Emlyns gaze froze instantly. It was Roland, the former Matriarch of the Church of Earth Mother! Roland appeared normal, her upper body bare, but numerous bird-clawed infants hung from her chest, covering the pale skin and constantly drawing nourishment. She wore a faint smile, radiating crimson moonlight, as She passed through the battlefield and walked toward the special mirror world. Chapter 1132 - Chapter 1132: Authority Chapter 1132: Authority In the grayish-white cavern-like special mirror world, only the strands of black hair, as thick as rainforest trees, retained their original color, either shooting toward the sky or wrapping around Lumian from all directions. After being gazed upon by Primordial Demoness Cheek, Lumians body suddenly petrified. A large swath of grayish-white swiftly spread over the central and right heads on his shoulders, turning them into stone sculptures. The next second, the petrification abruptly halted, stopping just before it reached the chaotic vortex face embedded with 0-01, which no longer wore the dark gold mask. The petrifying power fused into the vortex without any effect. Haha! This head is indeed useful! Lumians laughter boomed from the vortex face, reverberating with a buzzing echo. As the voice rang out, his body ignited with formless, colorless flames. Amidst crackling sounds, chunks of grayish-white peeled off his surface, and the flames reconstructed his enormous body. Lumian raised his right hand and pulled Salingers Blood Banner, embedded in the vortexs forehead, free. As he did, the left head on his shoulder turned, and the softened features of Alista Tudors face came into view, gazing upward. His expression seemed dissatisfied, almost chastising, as if silently questioning Primordial Demoness Cheek, clothed in a bone-white dress: Why do you resist? Why not surrender willingly? Isnt our union something youve always desired? Utilizing Blood Emperor Alista Tudors face, Lumian wielded the dangerous banner that matched his fiery giant body and swung it at Primordial Demoness Cheek, whose blue eyes glimmered with reluctance to fight to the death, Her allure rendering Her opponents unable to strike. Invisible, formless flames surged into the air, roaring as they raced toward their target. Within the flames, figures of blazing humanoid fire emerged one after another. These entities possessed a degree of intelligence, obeying Lumians commands. They surrounded Primordial Demoness Cheek from all directions, cutting off any escape routes. Acting as Lumians soldiers, they shared his spirituality, power, and abilities like Teleportation. This was an extension of the Conquerors ability to transform lifeless objects into soldiers, amplified by Sealed Artifact 0-01. Primordial Demoness Cheek watched with a radiant smile, as if admiring the performance of a lover, without immediately reacting. She raised Her right hand, clenching it gently as the formless, colorless flames and the countless fire soldiers approached. At Her center, a vortex suddenly appeared-remarkably similar to the chaotic vortex embedded in Lumians left shoulder. Composed of liquid encompassing all colors, this vortex was far larger. The formless, colorless flames, along with the innumerable fire soldiers, were sucked into the vortex, shredded into fragments, and dissolved, becoming part of the myriad unrealized possibilities. Within the nearly sky-filling chaotic vortex, Primordial Demoness Cheek-draped in Her black hair and white bone dress-emerged once again. She remained dazzlingly beautiful, an irresistible sight that stirred even the surrounding grayish-white stones to agitate in Her presence. This was a manifestation of one of the Demonesss authorities. Honorific titles like The Female Body of the Primordial God Almighty, The mirrored Original Creator-the Oldest One, and The True Successor of the Original Creator were labels that Cheek Herself had added after merging with the Blood Emperor Alista Tudor, discovering and utilizing the hidden features of the Catastrophe pathway. However, the Sequence o Demoness of the Witch pathway being named Primordial Demoness or Chaos Demoness, predated Her deification and was recorded on the Second Blasphemy Slate. This referred both to the feminine aspect of a Demoness as an extension of the Primordial God Almighty and to one of the Demonesss authorities: the authority over the return of all things to chaos and the primordial state. This was a branch of the symbolism of destruction and endings, distinct from death, eternal darkness, decay, ruin, slaughter, or fragmentation as methods of finality. It, along with authorities like femininity, charm, the mirror world, and dark magic, was a core authority of the Demoness and an elevated concept encompassing apocalypse and catastrophe. Thus, the Demoness was a demoness who wielded chaos. The Primordial God Almighty was unaware of the setup and contingency plans left by the Original Creator to stabilize existence when accommodating the City of Calamity. The reason this was the first sefirah to be accommodated must have been due to a mystical connection, an instinctive tendency that had long existed! Primordial Demoness Cheek emerged from the chaos with a charming smile, causing even Lumian, whose heart was burning with rage and hatred, to momentarily lose focus. The face of Alista Tudor was filled with madness, driving the scorched banner of 0-01 to rise. On the banner, the ominous blackened bloodstains revealed their original colors, radiating an aura of conquest so overwhelming that even deities might bow Their heads. Primordial Demoness Cheek paused for a moment, as if reminded of the past. At this moment, the figure of 0-17, clad in a hooded black robe adorned with silver stars, appeared in the high sky where the chaotic vortex had receded. Above Her was a scene of brilliant constellations reflected from the mirror. With a delicate face and dark, deep eyes, 0-17 wielded a phantom black scythe, swinging it toward the Primordial Demoness as though culling the wheat of life. A dense, profound, and silent darkness surged forth, following the trajectory of the scythe and rapidly engulfing the target. Wherever the darkness passed, the projections of brilliant stars were submerged, one after another extinguishing their own radiance. Primordial Demoness Cheek raised Her right hand once again. Around Her, the vortex of chaos, embracing all possibilities, became prominent and rapidly expanded, colliding with the darkness brought forth by the scythe. In an instant, Lumians vision lost all light, his hearing fell silent, and his spirituality ceased its perception. It was as if the world had reached its end in an apocalypse, welcoming the final conclusion and return. Before Lumian could form any thought, a sudden burst of light erupted. This was because the special mirror world had not yet fully collapsed or been destroyed. Primordial Demoness Cheek was very pleased with this outcome. She cast an alluring glance at 0-17, momentarily delaying Her next move. Corrupted by the Primordial God Almighty, Her control over chaos naturally surpassed normal levels, allowing Her to better unleash the might of this authority. Moreover, She knew that the Evernight Goddess could not maintain the descent through 0-17 for too long, whereas She, as a true Sequence o deity with freedom of movement, could wield Her power indefinitely and sustainably. Time was on Her side. At this moment, the shaky special mirror world suddenly accelerated its self-repair process. Lumian blinked, and the world returned to its original stability. The former Matriarch of the Church of Earth Mother, Roland, whose upper body was adorned with bird-clawed infants sucking nourishment from Her breasts, stepped into this place, bringing rebirth. Her face bore a faint, maternal smile, and Her gentle gaze fell upon Lumian, Primordial Demoness Cheek, and 0-17. Behind Her, a crimson full moon slowly rose. In the depths of the mirror world. After the disappearance of Roland, the former Matriarch of the Church of Earth Mother, another figure emerged. It was a woman wearing a gold crown inlaid with jewels, her chestnut hair cascading down her shoulders. She had blue eyes, slightly thin lips, and a mature allure. Her figure was voluptuous, her features enchanting-it was the mirrored Emperor Roselle, now an Angel serving the ruler of the special mirror world. As Empress Roselle arrived, a flickering figure appeared in front of Her. It was The Magician Fors, clad in a silver star-black robe. While jointly fighting against the Demoness of Gray Judith and the Demoness of Yellow Tissavica with Madam Justice, Fors also participated in the mirror world battle. This was the characteristic of a Planeswalker. The Demoness Sect was not unfamiliar with this phenomenon. On the one hand, Madam Magician had been one of the most active members of the Tarot Club in recent years, naturally drawing attention. On the other hand, the Demoness Sect itself possessed a relevant Grade o Sealed Artifact. It was called Tamaras Everchanging Card and was currently wielded by the Demoness of Orange. Upon detecting Madam Magicians appearance in the mirror world, the Demoness of Crimson, who had received prior instructions, used invisible, tough, and resilient spider silk to hoist a blackened stone pillar with a faint bronze hue. This was another Grade o Sealed Artifact of the Demoness Sect, named the Pillar of Severity. As the pillar was lifted, bronzed letters emerged upon its surface: The battlefield shall be divided. In an instant, the chaotic melee was split into multiple zones-soldiers against soldiers, generals against generals-in perfect balance and order. Until their respective battles were concluded and the corresponding battlefields dissolved, neither Angels nor Saints could interfere with other fights. Madam Magicians presence was immediately locked within the ruins of Trier, close to Madam Justice Audrey and facing the Demoness of Gray and Demoness of Yellow. Empress Roselle was no longer obstructed. Since she was not yet engaged in any battle, she could freely choose Her battlefield. The Demoness of Gold, dressed in a champagne-colored gown, faced Mr. Sun Derrick. She wore a vertical eye-shaped tiara, its centerpiece a perfectly cut diamond resembling an eye, set within a brass base. A Grade o Sealed Artifact-Eye of God! Within the Eye of God, light constantly refracted, emitting a pure yet dreamlike radiance that exposed both Mr. Sun Derricks weaknesses and strengths. The Demoness of Gold suddenly smiled. She realized that the crown of dawn worn by her opponent was currently nothing more than an ornament, incapable of functioning. The Testimony of Glory required two Saints to effectively wield it! After the battlefield was divided for balance, Mr. Sun Derrick had temporarily lost his collaborator. This fact was clear to Mr. Sun Derrick and to the other Major Arcana card holders as well. Madam Judgment-wearing Solomons Mask-immediately sought to distort the corresponding rules. Chapter 1133 - Chapter 1133: Changes on the Battlefield Chapter 1133: Changes on the Battlefield Wearing Solomons Mask, which caused her to grow significantly taller to over six feet, Madam Judgment Xio Derecha placed her right hand on the asymmetrical black-and-gold mask. The black-and-gold mask began to writhe as though burrowing deeper into Madam Judgments face. Distortion! Solomons Mask could distort rules to a certain extent. This time, Madam Judgment chose to distort the rule created by the Pillar of Severity: The battlefield shall be divided. As a seasoned Imperative Mage and long-time Chaos Hunter, Xio had spent years maintaining order and constructing rules to limit enemies and enhance herself. This seemed at odds with distorting rules, but perhaps it was precisely because she understood rules so deeply that, at this moment, she knew exactly where to twist them for maximum effect. The underlying principle of The battlefield shall be divided was to end chaos, restore order, and enforce balance. Since the goal was balance, the balance itself could be distorted to become even more extreme. The disparity in strength between the two sides-including Sealed Artifacts-was clearly not balanced. How could that be called balance? If you want balance, Ill make it even more balanced! In an instant, the matchups on the battlefield changed: Madam Judgment Xio Derecha was drawn into the battlefield of Mr. Sun Derrick and the Demoness of Gold, along with her original opponent, the Demoness of Orange holding Tamaras Everchanging Card. 2 vs. 2! With Madam Judgments assistance, Mr. Sun Derrick could finally wield the Grade o Sealed Artifact-Proof of Glory. This adjustment balanced the power between the two factions, achieving a distorted equilibrium. The other matchups were as follows: Mr. Hanged Man Alger, wielding 0-02 and the Card of Blasphemy: Tyrant, faced the Demoness of Cyan Yalenna, who had The Setting Sun Rooster perched on her shoulder. Mr. Moon Emlyn, clad in the Robe of Divine Blood, opposed the Demoness of White Katarina, who wore the Loves Dread ring. Mr. Star Leonard, holding the Staff of the Stars, was matched against the Demoness of Crimson, the wielder of the Pillar of Severity. Two of Cups Franca-equipped with the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture and the Face of the Arcane-fought against three Demonesses of Unaging-Silver, Brown, and Green, who were armed only with Grade 1 Sealed Artifacts. Madam Temperance Sharron, holding the Box of the Great Old Ones, faced both the Demoness of Black Clarice, wearing the Calamity of Crimson, and the true Angel, the mirrored Roselle Gustav. In this distorted equilibrium, it seemed that the Box of the Great Old Ones needed to contend with both an Angel and a Grade o Sealed Artifact to maintain balance. This was likely because the third layer of the box contained something incredibly dangerous and terrifying. Realizing the unfavorable situation, Madam Temperance Sharron couldnt help but shudder internally. However, she had long been accustomed to controlling her emotions and desires, avoiding panic or anxiety. Without hesitation, she opened the top layer of the silver-black jewelry box. Empress Roselle watched coldly. Whether She hadnt had time to react or had Her own considerations, She used no abilities. Demoness of Black Clarice, just as her crystalline crimson crown began to glow, suddenly felt her body stiffen. She could barely move, as though she were a wind-up toy that hadnt been fully wound. She noticed that the previously void-like edges of the mirror world had taken on a tangible form, reflecting a silver-black sheen and becoming textured with granules. Within the first layer of the Box of the Great Old Ones, the corresponding section of the mirror world had been shrunk down and encapsulated as part of a miniature diorama. In this miniature scene, both Demoness of Black Clarice and Empress Roselle were reduced to palm-sized figures, their movements stiff and jerky, like lifelike wind-up toys. The next moment, crimson light flared, and the entire toy house collapsed, dragging both the Demoness of Black and Empress Roselle into layer upon layer of annihilating void. Catastrophe descended. Suddenly, an illusory torrent of complex information surged upward from the void, spilling out of the still-open first layer of the Box of the Great Old Ones. The torrent swiftly reassembled into the mature and beautiful form of Empress Roselle. Madam Temperance Sharron was prepared. Her sapphire eyes reflected the image of the reformed Angel. She abruptly reached out with her right hand toward her own eye, plucking out the eyeball that had locked onto Empress Roselles form. It came out bloodily. As a Sequence 3 Disciple of Silence, her use of the ability Source of Curses no longer harmed herself. However, against an Angel who might be Sequence 1, she had to go all out, using this method to enhance the curses effectiveness. She didnt expect this to finish off an Angel but only sought to buy herself some time. In this area teeming with Grade o Sealed Artifacts, no one knew how long the distorted equilibrium would hold or if anyone could circumvent the restrictions to come to her aid. These were variables, inevitable ones. Under the blessings of fate and the miracles of Mr. Fool, Sharron believed the ensuing variables would likely favor her. For now, her job was to stall for time, awaiting change, and to prevent herself from being swiftly defeated by the combined efforts of Empress Roselle and the Grade o Sealed Artifact-wielding Demoness of Black. Madam Temperance Sharron quickly threw the eyeball-still frozen with Empress Roselles image-into the spirit world. In the spirit world, an enormous bird, indescribable in form, swooped down, snatching the eyeball in its beak and flying deep into the spirit world, heading toward the heights where the Seven Lights were. Such an encounter would affect the true body, resulting in a curse akin to banishment. Furthermore, the target would be subjected to constant attacks from dangerous creatures in the spirit world while being banished. Empress Roselle glanced at Madam Temperance Sharrons now-empty, blood-dripping eye socket and gave a nod of approval for her decisiveness and resolve. The Angel did not resist the curse, allowing Herself to be dragged into the depths of the spirit world, disappearing from this battlefield. Sharron froze for a moment, faintly realizing that Empress Roselle might not have wanted to participate in this battle. Her pale doll-like face was now streaked with crimson blood dripping from her missing eye, giving her ghostly, wraith-like aura an even more terrifying edge. At this point, Demoness of Black Clarice, having resurrected through her mirrored self, reemerged from the shadows, once again wearing the Calamity of Crimson. She had escaped the influence of the Box of the Great Old Ones through self-destruction. On another battlefield, Mr. Hanged Man Alger, noticing the disadvantageous situation Sharron faced, immediately prepared to open the Trunsoest Brass Book to add patch-like rules to the distorted equilibrium and alter the unfavorable dynamics. The Trunsoest Brass Book had been unsealed but still suffered from deceit and trickery, leaving it with no blank space to inscribe new rules. Under these circumstances, its activation level was minimal, only capable of basic and initial applications. Yet, for Mr. Hanged Man Alger, this was sufficient. At that moment, Demoness of Cyan Yalennas three-headed black rooster raised its middle head with the bright crest: Cock-a-doodle-doo! The crowing, which should have heralded dawn, instead summoned darkness. Mr. Hanged Man Alger suddenly felt his soul plummeting, sinking into the viscous black depths of his inner psyche. Malice, dissatisfaction, and jealousy surged within him. He felt an overwhelming urge to conserve his strength and avoid unnecessary risks. Why have they all become Angels, while Ive yet to see my dawn? These emotions affected Algers actions. The black roosters other two heads turned toward him simultaneously: The crestless head raised its left wing high, causing the space around him to darken and thicken, folding inward to form a spherical prison. The head with the faded crest had pitch-black eyes as Demoness of Cyan Yalennas left hand materialized a straight sword of abyssal depth. Meanwhile, in her right hand, Demoness of Cyan Yalenna now held a straight sword wreathed in black flames, the fire embodying madness, savagery, and destruction. She swung both swords at Mr. Hanged Man Alger, who was trapped within the spatial sphere. Suddenly, Mr. Hanged Man Algers body shone with dazzling, holy sunlight, swiftly forming armor over his entire body. Before entering the mirror world and joining the battle, Mr. Sun Derrick had cast the Sunlight Domain spell of Holy Armor on all his companions, except for Madam Temperance Sharron and Mr. Moon Emlyn. On yet another battlefield. Facing the combined assault of Demonesses of Silver, Brown, and Green, Franca used her Mirror Substitution to withstand the first wave of attacks. Her silhouette then appeared in a corner, and she rapidly flipped open the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture to a specific page. With her will, she had inscribed a prophecy onto the parchment: All demigods attacking me will suffer the backlash of their own Sealed Artifacts due to bad luck. Smack! The moment the Prophecy took effect, Franca employed Mirror Substitution to evade the Demoness of Browns curse. In the special mirror world, A crimson full moon rose slowly, casting a faint, eerie red hue over the rainforest-like black hair and the gray-white stones scattered everywhere. Seeing this, Primordial Demoness Cheek spat with a smile, neither alarmed nor angry. As She created multiple mirror projections to evade the attacks of Lumian and 0-17, She addressed Roland, the former Matriarch of the Church of Earth Mother, who still carried numerous bird-clawed infants on Her body, My daughter sent someone to stop me? Does she not want me to be Her mother? As a mother, how can a mother lack a mother? Or is She waiting for me and Alista to unite again and give birth to Her anew? Hearing this, Matriarch Roland, whose expression had been kindly and loving, suddenly turned grim. Chapter 1134 - Chapter 1134: Time Is Running Out Chapter 1134: Time Is Running Out As Matriarch Rolands expression shifted, the tree-like black hair bathed in the crimson moonlight stretched toward the airborne Primordial Demoness. The hair seemed to gain life and intelligence, turning against its original owner. Throughout the primeval rainforest region, both in midair and on the ground, countless tiny, unseen mystical pathogens abruptly expanded in size. Some resembled fluffy spheres, others were clawed monstrosities, and some wore bizarre crowns. They varied widely in form and effect, embodying the authorities of Disease and Plague-capable of eroding even deities. At this moment, these mystical pathogens, secretly spread by Primordial Demoness Cheek, gained enhanced power and turned against Her, targeting Her true body, Lumian, and 0-17. All things have a spirit! Primordial Demoness Cheek chuckled softly at the sight. This laugh stirred an itch in the hearts of Lumian, 0-17, Matriarch Roland, the black hair, and even the mystical pathogens, slowing their actions. Then, the Primordial Demoness unveiled Her Mythical Creature form. She became enormous, still clad in Her white, bone-made dress, Her visage growing increasingly beautiful yet exuding different temperaments from various angles: pure, elegant, majestic, delicate, pristine, and decadent Her black hair, as thick as pythons, exuded an eerie slickness. Some strands rose and rotated, their black-and-white eyes spinning; others extended forward, sprouting serpent-like heads that flicked their tongues; and others coiled at Her feet, forming a vortex of snakes. Whether one gazed directly at the Primordial Demoness or not, everything within the primeval rainforest reacted instinctively to Her presence. The right half of Lumians body swelled at the chest, while Cheeks face on his left side flushed seductively, the chaotic whirlpool-like visage subtly turning, resisting the mesmerizing allure. The lifeless black eyes of 0-17 began to flicker faintly, betraying a hint of infatuation and intoxication. Matriarch Rolands brown eyes turned tender and watery, Her lips parted to exhale a breath of turbid air. The bird-clawed infants attached to Her upper body ceased seeking milk and turned toward the sky in longing. The males among them even grew unfamiliar organs while their existing ones retracted, transforming them into girls. The black hair that constituted the primeval rainforest also transformed into the hair of young girls, while the rebellious mystical pathogens became girl-like as well. All of them fell hopelessly under Primordial Demoness Cheeks spell. Suddenly, Cheeks figure disappeared, flickering through the special mirror world to reappear around Matriarch Roland in various positions-high, low, left, right, in front, and behind- each leaving behind a Mirror Projection. Each projection spoke in soft tones, sometimes laughing, sometimes weeping, their voices overlapping. My daughter doesnt want to acknowledge me as her mother? But She truly was born from the Original Creator. And I am the man destined to become the Original Creators feminine aspect. If She seeks my help, I would offer it willingly-that is a parents duty. But She cannot stop the birth of Her father and mother! The Primordial Demonesss true body returned to the sky. She clenched Her right fist. With this motion, all the Mirror Projections surrounding Matriarch Roland collapsed into vortices composed of an illusory liquid encompassing all colors and possibilities. These dozens of chaotic vortices rapidly expanded and merged into a single mass, swallowing Matriarch Roland, the clawed infants, and the crimson moon rising into the sky. It heralded an apocalypse-a return to the primordial state. Within the massive chaotic vortex, the crimson moon and Matriarch Roland floated intermittently, resisting complete disintegration and assimilation, struggling against the pull toward the primordial. At this moment, a giant sword wreathed in black flames of destruction descended from the sky, striking the crimson moon and Matriarch Roland. The sword, which embodied madness and destruction, was wielded by Lumian, splitting the crimson moon and Matriarch Roland apart. Next, a spectral, abnormally-shaped scythe, cloaked in profound silence and darkness, arrived, cleaving into the split crimson moon and Matriarch Rolands form. At this critical juncture, both Lumian and 0-17 prioritized burying Matriarch Roland and the mutations She brought forth! Lumians sapphire eyes met Primordial Demoness Cheeks gaze, as if to say, This is our battle to resolve. The Primordial Demoness returned a sweet, approving smile. With the participation of the Sword of Destruction and the silent darkness, the chaotic mass binding the crimson moon and Matriarch Roland began to change. It swallowed the two, collapsing violently and condensing into a deep, human-knuckle-sized black dot. The black dot lacked something crucial, preventing it from further compression. In an instant, the unstable black dot swelled and exploded, releasing a violent burst of light and heat. The region of the special mirror world regained substance, gradually stabilizing, but it no longer resembled the original primeval rainforest. In the sky, the bright stars reappeared, and the crimson moon had not completely vanished. Instead, it became distant and dim, as though separated from the battlefield by layers of barriers-barriers of destruction and eternal darkness-temporarily preventing its return. Primordial Demoness Cheek withdrew Her gaze from the distant crimson moon, smiling at Lumian and 0-17. Time is running out; its your turn now. As She spoke, shadows enveloped 0-17s delicate features, as if plunging Her into deep, silent darkness. This signified that the descent of the Evernight Goddess was nearing its end. The barrier that had to be maintained and 0-17s limitations as an Angel placed a cap on how long she could continue the divine descent. In the depths of the mirror world, on another battlefield. Demoness of White Katarina, upon the battlefields rebalancing, immediately activated the Loves Dread ring worn on her left middle finger. The crystalline spikes on the rings glass band emitted a soft illusion. The Demoness of Unagings skin lost some of its luster while retaining a faint sheen. Her eyes, nose, and mouth took on doll-like characteristics. She transformed into an extraordinarily beautiful and intricately crafted doll, exuding a perfectly complementary charm. To Mr. Moon Emlyn, this was incredibly captivating. Under normal circumstances, he might have stopped to admire her, unwilling to cause harm. However, at this moment, he wore the crimson robe woven from what seemed to be blood. The robe easily triggered his inner malice, countering the infatuation and even amplifying it. To Katarinas surprise, Mr. Moon Emlyn transformed into blood-like moonlight and charged toward her with intense possessiveness, rather than succumbing to infatuation or a desire to protect. Instinctively, Katarina extended gray-white energy from her left hand, spreading toward the viscous blood-like moonlight. Simultaneously, indescribable ravings echoed in her ears, as if her innermost malicious emotions and desires were singing in unison. Her hair lifted, thickened, and became slimy, about to sprout black-and-white eyeballs. She showed signs of losing control. Blood flowed from her nostrils, ears, mouth, and eyes. Her heart nearly stopped, and her blood seemed to ignite. Crack! Katarina shattered, activating her Mirror Substitution ability. The surging crimson moonlight turned gray-white and solidified into stone. However, the unaffected portion of blood and light abruptly retracted, reforming into Mr. Moon Emlyn clad in his crimson robe with bat-like wings. The Demoness of Whites figure appeared in a corner of the battlefield, and she prepared to unleash catastrophe upon the area using the Loves Dread ring. In the mirror world, catastrophe equated to fragmentation and collapse! On another separated battlefield. After confirming her opponent as Leonard, the Demoness of Crimson promptly revealed the second rule on the surface of the Pillar of Severity, suspended by invisible threads: Teleportation is prohibited here! Seeing the ancient Hermes script in brass tones emerge on the dark stone pillar, Leonard, who had been clearing his mind, recalled Pallez Zoroast in his thoughts. The Angel of Times form appeared through the Staff of the Stars, manifesting before Leonard as an ancient wall clock, taking on the impact of time. Clang! A distant chime echoed, and the hands of the clock face-marked by blue and black-froze. The Demoness of Crimson and the Pillar of Severity were immediately suspended in time. Seizing the opportunity, Leonard activated his Nightmare abilities, falling into a deep slumber. Shortly after, the chime faded, and everything returned to normal. Pallez Zoroasts form had already vanished. The Demoness of Crimson was drawn into a dreamscape-a dream tied to The Star Leonards. This prevented her from using the Pillar of Severity. Instead, she saw a staircase and a sign: Blackthorn Security Company. One of the Staff of the Stars functions was to allow the wielder to recreate corresponding abilities or individuals through mental visualization, enabling the summoned figure to launch a single attack. Naturally, sufficient understanding of the ability or individual was required to avoid anomalies. Before this mission, The Star Leonard had asked Miss Justice to incept a psychological cue in him, ensuring he would dream of Blackthorn Security Company and a certain individual upon falling asleep. This mental visualization enabled the Staff of the Stars to assist in bringing the figure to life. In the next instant, the Demoness of Crimson saw someone emerge from the door of Blackthorn Security Company. The man wore a top hat, a formal suit, and carried a cane. He had black hair, brown eyes, an ordinary face, and a scholarly air-Klein Moretti. Chapter 1135 - Chapter 1135: The Path of Justice Chapter 1135: The Path of Justice The moment the Demoness of Crimson saw Klein Moretti emerge from the Blackthorn Security Company, an indescribable, instinctive, and overwhelming terror surged within her. Her teeth chattered uncontrollably, clacking at a rapid pace. In her eyes, the Blackthorn Security Company appeared like a deep and dark cathedral, and the opponent from before was its bishop-serving the unknown, the mysterious, the bizarre, and the horrifying. Now, the greatest horror they served had stepped out. The Demoness of Crimson let out a sharp, fear-laden scream, her hair rising into the air. It thickened, became slimy, and burst open like a blooming flower, exposing black-and-white eyeballs. Overwhelmed by extreme terror, she lost control. And losing control would affect her mirror self and the slumbering mirrors. In the next second, the movements of the out-of-control Demoness of Crimson became jerky and stiff, as if her joints were filled with glue or entirely rusted. Her eyes, once brimming with fear and instinctual allure, quickly returned to normal. The transmission of Petrification and Pleasure through her long, thick black hair abruptly ceased. She became docile. She became a marionette. The figure of Klein Moretti, summoned by The Star Leonard through dreaming, could only perform one attack. He chose to turn her into a marionette. Then, he dissipated at the entrance of the Blackthorn Security Company. The dream shattered. The Star Leonard opened his eyes to see the marionette of the Demoness of Crimson collapse lifelessly to the ground, devoid of any vitality. She was dead for good, with no chance of resurrection. With a dull thud, the Pillar of Severity, no longer bound by invisible threads, crashed onto the void-black ground. This change in the battlefield and The Star Leonards performance struck fear into the hearts of the other Demonesses of Unaging. They were all Sequence 3 Saints equipped with Grade o Sealed Artifacts, so how had he dealt with the Demoness of Crimson so swiftly? Moreover, the Demoness of Crimson was a Demoness of Unaging, notoriously hard to kill and adept at resurrection! If Leonard took a little more time to seal the Pillar of Severity, the battlefield partitions would be invalidated, and he and the Planeswalker would gain the freedom to join any other battlefield! The Demoness of Orange felt an increasing sense of urgency. Before her floated a card inlaid with what seemed to be shattered diamonds, radiating a brilliant light. The cards face constantly shifted between characters and scenes, producing a variety of effects directed at Mr. Sun and Madam Judgment. But for now, none of these effects could break through the divine barrier created by the crown of dawn, nor could they allow the Demoness of Orange to bypass it and Blink directly to her targets. The Demoness of Orange could only hope that the Demoness of Gold, with her Eye of God, would quickly unravel the divine barriers mysteries, weaknesses, or flaws and launch a targeted attack. This urgency wasnt solely due to how quickly the battlefield of the Demoness of Crimson had been resolved, which filled her with dread about the rapidly shifting tides of battle. It was also because the longer she used Tamaras Everchanging Card, the more likely one of its negative effects would manifest upon her. As the characters and scenes on the cards face shifted continuously, the fixed pattern on Tamaras Everchanging Cards back would gradually change, producing various effects that acted upon the cardholder herself. The Demoness of Orange glanced at the Demoness of Gold from the corner of her eye, noting the beads of sweat on her companions forehead, which made the vertical eye on her forehead ornament gleam even more brilliantly. Clearly, the Eye of God was not easy to use. Meanwhile, having relied on Madam Judgments help to activate the Glory Crown and create the divine barrier, The Sun Derrick finally caught his breath. Looking at the Demonesses of Gold and Orange beyond the barrier, as well as the other battlefields and the dark, illusory mirror world, he found himself momentarily dazed. He remembered what Mr. Fool had said to him at the temporary gathering, Go and pursue your justice What is my justice? What is the core justice that I am willing to cast everything else aside for? Once again, The Sun Derrick felt the doubts that had plagued him for years. After leaving the City of Silver and stepping out of the Forsaken Land of the Gods, he had witnessed normal ways of living and been exposed to a greater variety of values: Good and evil; Right and wrong; Wealth and poverty; Oppression and resistance These were all aspects of justice that The Sun Derrick had contemplated and practiced in his daily life. But he always felt that none of them represented his core principle of justice-something else was more important. This confusion had prevented The Sun Derrick from summarizing the final acting principle, leaving him unable to completely digest the potion of Justice Mentor. In a flash of thought, considering the significance and purpose of this operation, scenes suddenly unfolded before Derricks eyes: The crimson moon piercing through barriers, descending to the ground; The sky becoming perpetually dark, illuminated only by moonlight and starlight; Humans piling into spheres, floating amidst the murk; The Forsaken Land of the Gods distinguishing day and night by the frequency of lightning strikes; The Chief pushing open the door to the Giant Kings Court, letting sunlight pour in The Sun Derricks body moved, as though transported to the past. He understood what justice he most wanted to pursue: It was light, it was the sun-it was the existence and continuation of humanity as a species! For that, he was willing to abandon everything else! The Proof of Glory atop Derricks head suddenly radiated brilliant light, and the immense power was directed toward the second Saint present, Madam Judgment, Xio Derecha. The asymmetrical black-and-gold mask on Madam Judgments face wriggled again. She withdrew the divine barrier, allowing a silver-white rapier to appear and pierce into the Demoness of Oranges body. Magnify! Using Solomons Mask, Madam Judgment amplified the silver-white rapier imbued with power from Mr. Sun. Inside the Demoness of Orange, the silver-white radiance exploded. It brimmed with destruction, yet it was also sacred and resplendent. On another battlefield. The sacred armor adorning The Hanged Man Alger temporarily suppressed his malicious thoughts, preventing him from succumbing to the corrupted influences of the Demoness of Cyan Yalenna. Her Cull of Spiritual Flesh could not easily bypass the armors defenses. However, the Cull of Spiritual Flesh, combined with a Sword of Destruction, eventually tore through the pure armor formed by divine sunlight, annihilating it completely. At that moment, a new rule appeared on the brass book in Mr. Hanged Mans hand. Normal beings may have one and only one head. All others must die! The three-headed black rooster perched on the Demoness of Cyans shoulder suddenly trembled, as though sensing its impending doom. Plop, plop! Two heads-one bare and the other with a dark red comb-fell off, their severed necks unnaturally clean, as though sliced by a blade. Yet no blood spurted from the wounds. Instead, the severed heads fused with flesh and bone, wriggling as they attempted to grow new heads. However, an invisible force suppressed them, preventing success. With Mr. Hanged Man freed from his dangerous predicament, Francas situation shifted as well. Franca had been biding her time, anticipating the backlash from the Sealed Artifacts used by her three opponents after making the prophecy. Yet, as she observed the Demoness of Silver and the Demoness of Green, she noticed their subtle infatuation with her intentional display of charm. Wh-Franca realized a possibility. The original Demonesses of Silver and Green might have died after the crimson moons descent. The current ones were newly advanced Demonesses of Unaging. Since the digestion of the Unaging potion usually took a century, these newly advanced might still be in an emotionally and lustfully unstable state for several years-perhaps even a decade or more making them vulnerable to the allure of Demonesses of the same tier. And it had been less than a year since the crimson moons descent! Realizing this, Franca deliberately gave the Demonesses of Silver and Green a seductive smile. Full Charm! Even if her guess was wrong, Franca figured using Charm wasnt a poor choice. There was little to lose in trying. The Demonesses of Silver and Cyans gazes turned enamored, longing to kneel before Francas boots. The Demoness of Brown was similarly affected, but thoughts of her current lover helped her break free from the horrifying allure. Beyond all the battlefields, on the dark periphery of this region. A figure lay in wait. He had white hair and wore a black robe. His eyes were deep and lightless, marking Him unmistakably as Miracle Invoker Zaratul. Zaratul had followed the orders of the Great Mother and arrived long ago, yet He hadnt joined the battle immediately. Instead, He remained hidden, patiently waiting for the right moment-the opportunity to convert everyone into marionettes and claim a bounty of Grade o Sealed Artifacts. That moment had come. In the nearby shadows, Zaratuls current marionettes were ready, each capable of using His abilities to create more marionettes. Suddenly, Zaratul felt an intense sense of danger. It was as if something was burrowing into His body. He quickly attempted to switch places with one of his marionettes. It was futile. Not only were all His marionettes similarly infiltrated by something, but His attempt to exchange places had inexplicably failed-as though the very thought had been stolen from Him. A figure appeared before Zaratul, wearing a pointed soft hat and a monocle. Amon! Amons monocle reflected a glimmer of light. With a smile, He addressed Zaratul, Im a bit late. But I felt there was still enough time, so I waited outside for any potential dessert to arrive. Quite the coincidence As He spoke, Amon lifted His head to gaze upward and added with a smile, I know this body of yours is merely a historical projection. But for the Error pathway, if a historical projection is Parasitized, doesnt that mean the original was also Parasitized? If your past self is Parasitized, how could your present self possibly avoid it? Its inevitable! A flicker of desperation flashed in Zaratuls eyes, yet the arrangements beyond His historical projection needed time. Just a second or two later, His pupils seemed to dilate, carrying a hint of relief. Then, He smiled. He accepted the monocle Amon offered and placed it on His right eye. Chapter 1136 - Chapter 1136: Beyonder and Sealed Artifact Combination Chapter 1136: Beyonder and Sealed Artifact Combination Having eliminated Zaratul through sheer rank suppression and a surprise ambush, Amon glanced at the ongoing battles deeper within the mirror world. He chose not to interfere and vanished, leaving behind Zaratul and His marionettes. In one of the battlefields. Returning from the shadows, the Demoness of Black Clarice swiftly utilized the mirror world to create multiple Mirror Projections across different locations, a mix of real and false images. This was to evade the Transfiguration Curse from the opposing Disciple of Silence. Although the Calamity of Crimson crown was a Grade o Sealed Artifact, it did not offer any resistance to the Transfiguration Curse. If the Demoness of Black tried to withstand it unaided, she would undoubtedly transform into a regular yet charming sheep, piglet, or rabbit-losing most of her abilities and traits. If that happened, not only would Clarice be unable to wield the Calamity of Crimson, but the Grade o Sealed Artifacts negative effects might even cause her to die on the spot. Even if she were lucky enough to avoid triggering the negative effects, how could a powerless sheep or any other animal-fight against a Sequence 3 Saint? She would merely be slaughtered! More critically, the Demoness Sect, with its stronghold in the Southern Continent, had significant experience dealing with the Transfiguration Curse due to frequent encounters with the Rose School of Thought. The Demoness of Black was acutely aware that the curse would target not only her true self but also her mirror self; the transformation was symmetrical. Moreover, as a defenseless animal, she would be easily captured. Through the connection between her body and her revival arrangements, the enemy could uncover all the hidden dormant mirrors she had isolated in secret. Such an outcome would mean the complete death of the notoriously resilient and difficult- to-kill Demoness of Unaging. The Demoness Sects strategy for countering the Transfiguration Curse was clear: if the enemy was below Angel-level and could only target a single entity, one should conceal the true body using methods like Mirror Projections. If the opponent was an Angel, however, extreme vigilance was required. One had to be ready to activate Mirror Substitution preemptively while holding a lethal pathogen in their mouth-if evasion failed and one transformed into an animal, they should immediately commit suicide. Now, the Demoness of Black was employing the first strategy. This was not only because her opponent, Madam Temperance Sharron was a mere Sequence 3 Saint but also because Clarice sought to curse her opponent in return. Each of the Mirror Projections created through the Calamity of Crimson carried a portion of power and could use their eyes as a medium to curse any target they saw-a classic Demonesss Curse. With so many Mirror Projections at her disposal, the Demoness of Black was confident at least one would capture the enemys figure and successfully deliver a curse. Even if the curse did not originate from her true body and could not severely injure or kill the target, it would still have a significant impact, creating opportunities for subsequent attacks. Meanwhile, Black Demoness Clarice allowed the Calamity of Crimson atop her head to glow. She brought catastrophe to the battlefield. The catastrophe manifested as the gradual collapse and disintegration of the corresponding area of the mirror world. This not only limited her opponents ability to dodge, improving the chances of completing the curse, but also dragged all living beings in the battlefield toward annihilation and oblivion. At that point, the Demoness of Unaging could revive, whereas a Disciple of Silence likely could not. As the disaster unfolded, Madam Temperance Sharron remained expressionless, calm, and composed. All her emotions were tightly controlled. She pulled out the second layer of her three-tiered jewelry box. This was the second application of the Box of the Great Old Ones: This layer contained records of different locations, varied and numerous. It allowed the holder and all living beings within a certain range to be directly transported to the designated location. However, designated was not absolute. In actual use, the target location often changed randomly, making the final destination unpredictable, with only a slim chance of arriving at the intended place. Madam Temperance Sharron now placed her faith in the blessing of the Angel of Fate, Will Auceptin. She believed that her hearts desire would come true! The reason Sharron was entrusted with the Box of the Great Old Ones for this mission was not due to random allocation. The Tarot Club members had discussed beforehand above the gray fog which member would best utilize each Grade o Sealed Artifact to secure a swift victory. The consensus was unanimous: the Box of the Great Old Ones was best suited for Madam Temperance. Earlier, Sharron had not used the second layer of the jewelry box immediately because Empress Roselle was still present-a formidable Angel likely capable of interfering with or resisting what was about to occur. Now, as Sharron opened the second layer of the Box of the Great Old Ones, she designated a location and activated its power. Just as the Demoness of Black captured her opponents figure and was about to complete her curse, the collapsing and annihilating mirror world suddenly shifted. Accompanied by her Mirror Projections, she accompanied Sharron to a barren wilderness. This wilderness was strewn with exposed gray-white rocks and densely packed skeletal remains stretching endlessly. The Underworld! The location Madam Temperance Sharron had designated was the Underworld. By sheer luck, the Box of the Great Old Ones avoided its usual randomness! The moment the Demoness of Black and her Mirror Projections arrived in this desolate land, their bodies and expressions froze simultaneously. The Mirror Projections shattered and dissipated instantly. The Demoness of Blacks face turned pale, losing all semblance of vitality. Both she and her mirror self perished in an instant. Any living creature that entered the Underworld would die on the spot! Madam Sharron watched silently as the Demoness of Black died. Her own figure had grown increasingly transparent, her face paler than before. Once a Wraith, she was now equivalent to an evil spirit. Naturally, she did not need to fear instant death in the Underworld, provided she did not linger too long. This unique trait was why the Tarot Club believed Sharron should prioritize using the Box of the Great Old Ones and the Staff of the Stars. She could move her opponents-whether Demonesses or other enemies-to the Underworld! Between the two artifacts, Sharron ultimately chose the Box of the Great Old Ones due to Mr. Stars unique trait. Looking at the Demoness of Blacks corpse, Sharron quietly retrieved the Calamity of Crimson. While the Underworld-induced death did not affect the isolated dormant mirrors, making it impossible to permanently kill the Demoness of Black, the revival process would take considerable time. She would no longer be able to participate in the current battle, and she had lost her Grade o Sealed Artifact. Not only did Sharron face the collapsing and annihilating mirror world, but so did Mr. Moon Emlyn. Clad in the Robe of Divine Blood, he saw the ground collapse and the surroundings fade into nothingness. The malice within him grew increasingly uncontrollable. Spreading the bat-like wings covered in membranes on his back, he transformed into moonlight, directing it toward Demoness of White Katarina, who was also caught in the catastrophe, as though he was dragging her along with him. Seeing the crimson moonlight approaching her, Katarina smiled and allowed the blood-red moonlight to shine upon her. Crack! Her body shattered under the corrosive influence of the blood-red moonlight, reverting to a mirror. Moments later, she reappeared in another section of the collapsing battlefield, smiling as she watched the mirror worlds destruction consume both the crimson moonlight and herself. This battlefield soon turned into a void. Seconds later, due to the overall structure of the mirror world remaining intact, boundaries formed within the void, creating new stable regions. Demoness of White Katarina stepped out of the void, fully resurrected. She had indeed perished in the destruction, but through her mirror self outside the collapsed n area, she returned. This method was a quick way to resolve matters. After scanning her surroundings and finding no trace of her enemy, Katarina smirked. At that moment, a brazen voice echoed in her mind-it was The Moon Emlyns. If I were you, I wouldnt be smiling. Youre still alive? Demoness of White Katarina blurted out and instinctively activated her Mirror Substitution. The mirror left in her place shattered, and Katarinas figure appeared at the edge of the region. Yet Emlyns voice persisted in her mind: If you had died completely earlier, I wouldve perished too. But you didnt. Your greatest mistake was assuming resurrection would solve everything after your emotions and desires were first triggered. You didnt try to calm yourself. You and your mirror self share a connected psyche. If I could plant the seeds of malice deep within your mind, I could also erode your mirror selfs psyche. When my main body is destroyed, I can use these seeds to revive within you-igniting your desires, burning your blood! Malice never dies. Neither do demons. Demoness of White Katarina triggered her Mirror Substitution multiple times, but The Moon Emlyns voice never stopped. Blood seeped from her pores, enveloping her completely. Her mirror self suffered a similar fate. Suddenly, the entire mirror world-or perhaps the entire world-began to shake violently. Within the special mirror world, amid the intense tremors, 0-17s eyes grew increasingly dull and lifeless. Her body rapidly faded, as if being erased by an invisible eraser. The Sealed Artifact departed the battlefield, returning to a protected zone. The divine descent of the Evernight Goddess had concluded. The tremors caused by the attacks on the astral barrier subsided. Primordial Demoness Cheek turned Her gaze to Lumian, who was gripping Salingers Blood Banner, using it as the vessel for the Sword of Destruction. The deity had earlier escaped his strike by deliberately shattering Her Mirror Substitution. Now, She reappeared in another part of the sky, saying with a chuckle, Now its just the two of us. Before She could finish, the figure of Amon, wearing His pointed hat and monocle, suddenly appeared in the area. Adjusting His still-glowing monocle, Amon smiled at the Primordial Demoness Cheek. Apologies for being late. I had to make a quick trip to the astral world to steal a wish and enjoy a little dessert. Amons voice layered over itself, emanating from multiple rapidly flickering figures-never staying in one place long enough to be Charmed or attacked by the Primordial Demoness. Hearing Amons words, Primordial Demoness Cheek narrowed Her eyes and clenched Her right fist. The vortex of chaos that engulfed everything reappeared and expanded rapidly, attempting to consume the entire region. And that wish is Amons monocle glowed brighter, releasing the stolen wish. At the same moment, He Blinked away from the oncoming vortex. A voice reverberated across the area, so potent that even the all-encompassing chaos could only weaken it, unable to swallow it completely in short fashion. My wish is: All envisioned things in the special mirror world shall vanish briefly. Chapter 1137 - Chapter 1137: Mutual Diminishment Chapter 1137: Mutual Diminishment As Amon prepared to unleash the stolen wish, Primordial Demoness Cheek did not merely conjure another vortex of chaos to return everything to chaos. In addition, countless faint lights reflected and refracted within Her azure eyes, creating an indescribable sense of mystery. These were near-omniscient eyes analyzing Amons current state and weaknesses, searching for vulnerabilities to exploit. In truth, Primordial Demoness Cheek knew of a way to deal with Amon quickly: linking the mirror worlds inside and outside the astral barrier to introduce the corruption of the Circle of Inevitability. To instantaneously kill a Sequence 1 Archangel, one needed the corresponding pathways Great Old Dominator! Unfortunately, the barrier blocks any connection between the inside and outside Reluctantly abandoning this idea, the Primordial Demoness focused on utilizing Her omniscient authority. On the other side, Lumian was surrounded by the expanding vortex of chaos, preventing him from launching any further attacks for the time being. Relying on the slow rotations of the vortexs face and the 0-01 carrying the black flames of destruction, he barely managed to keep the all-encompassing chaos stagnating in front of him. It flowed around him like tidal waves around a reef that might be submerged at any moment. As the voice representing the wish reverberated, Primordial Demoness Cheek finally saw Amons current weakness. He was not truly a dual-pathway god. He merely borrowed power from His past self through the Sequence 2 Sinner ability of the Inevitability pathway, with the permission of the current holder of the Error and Door pathway Uniquenesses. Borrowed power that did not truly belong to oneself always left a chink in the armor. This was akin to when the Primordial Demoness split off part of Her Demoness of Apocalypse Beyonder characteristic, replacing it with an envisioned substitute to maintain Her rank and power. When faced with specific influences, She would inevitably suffer a severe setback. For Amon to borrow power from the past using the Sinner ability, He had to remain in the state of a Sinner-this was the crux of the issue. That power was from the past, and in the past, He was a Sinner! As the wish was being spoken and about to be realized, Primordial Demoness Cheek caused the special mirror world that the vortex had yet to engulf to turn transparent, reflecting Amons rapidly blinking figures. Simultaneously, Primordial Demoness Cheeks pitch-black shadow abruptly rose and adhered to Her back. Amons shadow experienced the same transformation. This was the inherent depraved nature present in all living beings! Undoubtedly, the depraved nature of a Sinner was exceptionally strong, nearly equal to His very existence! Amons shadow, pitch black and viscous like slime, clung tightly to His body, unaffected by His rapid Blinking. Apart from certain high-ranking individuals of select pathways, no one could separate from their own depraved nature. It could only be suppressed. For a Sinner, resistance was impossible, as They were depraved to begin with. The black shadow enveloped Amon, sticking tightly to Him. Meanwhile, similar shadows continuously emerged from the depths of His psyche, merging inside and out, reshaping His form. Amon had previously stolen many abilities from the Sun pathway, but at this moment, He refrained from using them. Otherwise, purification would not stop at His depraved nature-it would include the Sinner itself! Amon first raised His head, and His left eye shone with light as brilliant as starlight. The now-transparent borders of the special mirror world instantly turned dark and heavy. As a Door pathway god, Amon sealed this area as a temporary measure. Immediately after, He leaped into a silvery, illusory river composed of interlocking and intricate symbols. Before Him lay innumerable tributaries, each representing a different future. He chose one of those fates, completing His self-redemption. A holy light erupted as He emerged from the silvery river. He was no longer burdened by His depraved nature, nor was He at risk of being engulfed by the vortex of chaos. However, He had now become an Angel of Redemption. He was no longer the Sinner of the past, nor the dual-pathway god He once was. At this moment, the reverberating voice finally fell silent. The wish-All envisioned things in the special mirror world shall vanish briefly-was realized. Primordial Demoness Cheeks figure suddenly shrank. Her rank and aura plummeted to the level of a King of Angels. The expanding vortex of chaos simultaneously began to contract, quickly shrinking into a single point and vanishing entirely, failing to affect Amon, who had retreated to the edge of the battlefield. For a short time within the special mirror world, Cheek was no longer a true god! Now, She was only slightly stronger than Lumian but not overwhelmingly so. In terms of rank, She might even be slightly inferior. Cheek abruptly transformed into a silver-white bolt of lightning, streaking toward the edge of the special mirror world at near-light speed. She intended to escape this place. If envisioned phenomena were invalid in this area, she would simply move elsewhere! Outside, she would still be a god! Primordial Demoness Cheek knew full well that for a wish to have an effective impact on someone like Herself a true god, the female body of the Primordial God Almighty-even the half-Lord of Mysteries would need to impose limits on time and scope. Without such constraints, the wish would likely distort, possibly even favoring Her. With restrictions in place, She could escape the affected area or hold out long enough to negate the wish. Smack! The silver lightning struck the heavy, dark edge of the special mirror world but failed to break through. The Door pathway gods seal. The silver lightning reverted to Primordial Demoness Cheek. She turned to face Lumian, now resembling a flaming giant, and Amon on the battlefields edge. Smiling, She said, Id love to see just how brief this briefly is, but what Id like even more is to see whether you can defeat me within such a short time. Lumian offered no response. From the Travelers Bag he had obtained, originally belonging to Franca, he produced a handful of metallic puppets and threw them backward. The puppets instantly expanded, each over ten meters tall, resembling giants forged of steel. Before the battle, each had received boons from Sequence os of different pathways-boons with a time limit. Lumian had waited until Mr. Fools wish came true before bringing them out. Smiling at Primordial Demoness Cheek, he declared, As a Conqueror, how could I not have my own army? Before he finished speaking, he led the dozen steel giants in a charge against the Primordial Demoness. Deep within the mirror world. The Demoness of Silver, her vision dazzled and mind ensnared by Francas charming smile, felt a sudden pain. Her emotions and desires surged violently. Instinctively looking down, she saw that the skull-shaped Sealed Artifact she carried was gnawing on her. Her mirror self suffered the same fate. Amidst creaking and cracking sounds, her body rapidly decayed, dragging her Mirror Substitution and mirror self into ruin along with her. The prophecy of the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture had been fulfilled: due to the violent fluctuations of her emotions and desires-the maddening obsession to offer both body and soul-the Demoness of Silver suffered a backlash from her own Sealed Artifact. It seemed rather effective against a Demoness! In no time, the Demoness of Silver was reduced to a skeletal corpse with decaying flesh hanging loosely from her bones. Similarly, the Demoness of Green, also entranced by Francas Charm, halted her attacks, unable to tear her gaze away from Francas face-those sparkling, lake-blue eyes that reflected her very figure like a serene pool. A strong sense of danger struck her. Instinctively, she tried to activate Mirror Substitution. However, her thoughts had already become sluggish and stalled without her realizing it, preventing her from acting in time. This delay stemmed from the negative effects of the black cloak she wore. Black, quiet, and eerie flames ignited within Francas eyes, silently enveloping the Demoness of Greens figure. Suddenly, similar black flames erupted within the Demoness of Greens body, inflicting excruciating pain as they burned her soul. A Demonesss Curse-one that could not be avoided unless Mirror Substitution was actively used! The Demoness of Green let out an uncontrollable, blood-curdling scream as the quiet flames consumed her soul. Her body collapsed, blood oozing thickly. Her mirror self suffered the same fate. While Franca focused on the Demonesses of Green and Silver, the Demoness of Brown broke free of Francas Charm and unleashed a surge of grayish-white color that swept toward her. Simultaneously, a faint light flickered on the gemstone bracelet around the Demoness of Browns wrist, as though reflecting starlight. The space in front, behind, above, and to the right of Franca twisted into shadowy barriers, cutting off her ability to travel through the mirror world or evade in other ways. The only exit was to the left, where a tide of grayish-white swept in-a color that petrified everything it touched. Even if Franca activated Mirror Substitution, the space where she would reappear remained within the gray ocean. Franca let out a soft chuckle, producing a mirror and sliding it between the pages of the Post- Apocalyptic Scripture. The next moment, she stepped into the space behind that mirror. Being unable to escape didnt mean she couldnt hide in an existing hidden space or fortify it for protection! The gray tide engulfed the parchment-bound Post-Apocalyptic Scripture, adding a thick layer of stone dust. However, it failed to completely petrify the book, and the mirror tucked between its pages remained unscathed. Seeing that both the Demonesses of Green and Silver were dead, with uncertain prospects of revival and unable to rejoin the battle anytime soon, the Demoness of Browns heart filled with fear. News of the other battlefields wasnt comforting either; several other Demonesses wielding Grade o Sealed Artifacts had already been swiftly defeated. With thoughts of her lover weighing on her heart, she was unwilling to lose her life entirely in this chaos. Seeing that the situation was beyond recovery, she disregarded the Primordial Demonesss plans and activated one of the bracelets gemstones. Her body transformed into abstract symbols and concepts, slipping into the astral world to wander toward her lovers hiding place. However, when she exited the astral world, what appeared before her was not the familiar scene she expected but a dense fog of gray and white. She was lost. The next second, she saw a stream of crimson moonlight flowing through the fog. Suddenly, she felt something inside her stomach-something that tore at her flesh and blood. Chapter 1138 - Chapter 1138: Wisdom Chapter 1138: Wisdom Seeing that The Setting Sun Rooster now had only one head remaining and could not grow a new one for the time being, Demoness of Cyan Yalennas eyes turned an iron-black hue, reflecting the pale weaknesses on The Hanged Man Algers body. She avoided using Weakness Investigation on the brass book, knowing it was beyond her ability to handle. Amidst her investigation, the single remaining head on the black rooster perched on Yalennas shoulder let out a sharp, malevolent crow. The Hanged Man Alger immediately felt an invisible force pulling his consciousness and spirit downward, as though he were an irreversible sunset. His facial muscles twitched uncontrollably, forming a grim, hateful expression. Affected by the corrupted voice, he began to succumb to depravity. However, unlike the initial moment when the three heads of the black rooster simultaneously brought different influences, leaving him in a dangerous situation reliant on passive protection, Alger now retained some room for maneuver. Depravity was a process, not an instantaneous event. Having been a Sea King for many years, The Hanged Man Alger had accumulated substantial high-ranking experience, which helped shape the temperament required of the Sailor pathway, also known as the Tyrant pathway. With a stern expression, he resisted the urge to be depraved and, with great difficulty and determination, activated one of his Beyonder powers. At this moment, Demoness of Cyan Yalenna had already created several mirror projections of herself, each possessing a certain degree of power, surrounding The Hanged Man Alger. All of their eyes captured his figure. She was on the verge of completing her curse, a Demonesss Curse fueled by the Fire of Destruction. Just then, a terrifying, visible tornado spiraled into existence around The Hanged Man Alger, with him as its eye. The vortex expanded outward in rings, swelling in all directions. This was the Sailor pathways demigod-level ability-Hurricane. Yalenna and her mirror projections lost sight of their target amidst the palpable, howling winds. The Demonesss Curse she was about to unleash thus lost its medium. Within the terrifying hurricanes eye, The Hanged Man Alger, while holding the Tyrant card to elevate his rank and sense of oppression, used it to dictate the second rule on the Trunsoest Brass Book: This battlefield is a Land of Light, a domain of righteousness. All depravity and evil shall find no footing. This was the high-level application of the Judgment pathways ability to enact laws and decrees, which allowed multiple Prohibitions to take effect simultaneously by defining the environment. In an instant, the dark battlefield, originating from the mirror world, was illuminated by an unknown source of light. The head of The Setting Sun Rooster drooped lifelessly with a snap, unable to utter corrupted words or emanate depravity. Demoness of Cyan Yalenna also found herself unable to cast curses or other dark magic. Her heart skipped a beat as she observed the other battlefields through her mirror projections, taking in the overall situation. Without hesitation, Demoness of Cyan Yalenna took a step back, preparing to traverse through the mirror world. The moment she formed this intention, the howling hurricane shattered into countless streaks of silvery-white lightning, bursting forth with a destructive, violent aura that engulfed the entire battlefield, transforming it into a forest of thunderbolts leading to inevitable destruction. The Hanged Man Alger left no chance for the Demoness of Cyan to escape the battlefield. After releasing Lightning Storm, now free of the influence of depravity, he broke into a sweat as he laboriously manifested the third rule on the Trunsoest Brass Book. At this stage, limited by his own rank, even with the support of the Tyrant card, any rules he established had to be derivative of the first two and could not come out of thin air. Facing the area-wide assault of the thunderbolt forest, Demoness of Cyan Yalenna sketched a radiant smile. Suppressing the use of her Mirror Substitution ability, she allowed the Lightning Storm to shatter her body, leaving her flesh charred and evaporating. She deliberately died this way, escaping the battlefield through her mirror self and returning to a hidden location. The Demonesses of Unaging participating in this battle had all prudently left their mirror selves outside this region of the mirror world, rather than bringing them into battle. In a battlefield involving multiple Grade o Sealed Artifacts, a mirror self without a Grade o Sealed Artifact would be of little use and was better kept as a means of ensuring escape at a critical moment. As Demoness of Cyan Yalenna died painfully within the Lightning Storm, the third rule on the Trunsoest Brass Book was completed: Depraved and evil entities shall be confiscated. Yalennas body was completely destroyed and evaporated, but The Setting Sun Rooster remained, falling straight to the ground. After her body was destroyed from within by an eruption of countless silvery swords, the Demoness of Orange returned from annihilation, catching the Tamaras Everchanging Card and completing her resurrection. In the next moment, she and the Demoness of Gold felt a powerful suppression, weakening them in all aspects. When The Sun Derrick finally comprehended the core of his righteousness, the traits of the Justice Mentor were fully brought to bear! The Notary and Unshadowed abilities gained new manifestations at the Justice Mentor level, enhancing actions aligned with core righteousness while weakening or nullifying those that contradicted it. This time, The Sun Derrick participated in this operation to help Lumian resolve the Demoness Sect and enable the emergence of a new great existence to save the world. This was his justice, his light, his sun, and he was putting it into practice. Anything obstructing this endeavor was an unjust act! Immediately afterward, The Sun Derrick used Madam Judgment as a medium to unleash another ability of Proof of Glory. Blinding light spots erupted from Madam Judgment, Magnified by Solomons Mask into a terrifying storm that shredded everything around it. But before that could happen, the Demoness of Gold, aided by the Eye of God, foresaw the signs and made her decision. Wisdom always allowed her to make the right choice! With a crisp crack, she actively used her Mirror Substitution. Influenced by her, Demoness of Orange also activated her Mirror Substitution. The ensuing Hurricane of Light swept through, devouring only two mirrors. When the Hurricane of Light subsided, the two Demonesses of Unaging wielding Grade o Sealed Artifacts reappeared in a corner. The battle continued for a while, with neither side able to achieve a decisive victory. Suddenly, the Demoness of Gold transmitted a message to the Demoness of Orange through her mirror projections: Change the battlefield-to the kill zone! The kill zone The Demoness of Orange was momentarily stunned. Quickly grasping her companions intent while also monitoring the other battlefields, she directed the Tamaras Everchanging Card floating before her to rapidly shift its front-facing pattern. The new pattern depicted a gray-white backdrop filled with countless black snakes. As the scene unfolded, The Sun Derrick and Judgment Xio Derecha felt the surroundings growing increasingly illusory, as though a transformation was imminent. At once, The Sun Derrick channeled the power of the Glory Crown into Madam Judgment. Judgment Xio stabbed her longsword downward. Holy and resplendent light surged forth from the void around them, forming a sturdy and pure spherical barrier that shielded the two Major Arcana card holders, rooting them to the battlefield. Simultaneously, Judgment Xio imbued the barrier with distorting power, redirecting the battlefield shift elsewhere. She reasoned that it was unwise to passively follow the Demonesses lead to an evidently abnormal location. What if that place turned out to be the divine kingdom of the Primordial Demoness? If that were the case, even without a trap, both she and The Sun Derrick would be unable to withstand it! Since their primary objective was to support Lumian in devastating the Demoness Sect Cult rather than to kill anyone specific, it was better to play it safe and regroup with victorious allies from other battlefields to pursue the enemy later. Moments later, the environment around them transformed. The light-formed spherical barrier wavered violently, as though struck by the fiercest of storms, but it remained firmly rooted in the current battlefield. The Demoness of Gold and Demoness of Orange, carrying their respective Grade o Sealed Artifacts, shifted to the scene depicted on the Tamaras Everchanging Card and did not return to the mirror world or face Judgment Xio and The Sun Derrick again. They had fled. The wielder of the Eye of God always foresaw shifts in the situation and made the right choices at the right time. Demonesses of Unaging are truly hard to kill Judgment Xio murmured in quiet admiration. Within the special mirror world, Lumian slashed at the airborne Primordial Demoness Cheek with the Sword of Destruction, using Salingers Blood Banner as its medium. The blade seemed to carry a hint of the River of Eternal Darknesss corruption, its black flames restrained yet increasingly terrifying. Behind Lumian, his puppet army suddenly scattered. Part moved to the Primordial Demonesss back, part to the area above Her, while others flanked Her sides and below. This was Blink. Each puppet could Blink! With 0-01, Lumian could share Beyonder powers among his team. The source of the Blink ability was a metallic puppet among them, imbued with an Angel- level boon from Mr. Fool himself-a power that could only last three minutes once activated. The puppet raised a staff formed of starlight, causing the surrounding void around Primordial Demoness Cheek to warp downward, forming a cage to hinder Her escape. Primordial Demoness Cheek smiled faintly at the sight and clenched Her right hand. Once again, a vortex of chaos encompassing all colors and possibilities appeared around Her body, though it lacked the terror and oppression it held earlier. Although the Primordial Demoness was no longer a true god for now, She still possessed a Uniqueness-Her rank was undeniably real! Chapter 1139 - Chapter 1139: Curse Chapter 1139: Curse At the edge of the battlefield, Amon observed as Primordial Demoness Cheek once again conjured a vortex of chaos, and a smirk immediately curled across His lips. Raising both hands, He was enveloped entirely in the holy glow of redemption. Within the monocles field of vision, the silvery river of fate corresponding to that region appeared. Every tributary of its future was occupied by chaos, leaving no other possibilities- inevitable destruction. Amon abruptly brought His hands together, clasping them tightly. At that moment, He seemed like someone earnestly praying in the Ancient Sun Gods cathedral. Almost simultaneously, within that silvery, illusory river of fate-where the tributaries were about to merge and unify destiny into chaos-a new tributary inexplicably emerged, representing another potential future. In this new tributary, chaos persisted but did not destroy everything in the region. The Angel of Redemption-saving the future by creating something out of nothing! As the river of fate shifted toward this new tributary, the chaotic vortex Primordial Demoness Cheek had created abruptly erupted with a sense of renewal before dissipating entirely . Moments later, the chaotic vortex re-emerged from the area of renewal, once again disassembling and encompassing everything around it. It fell into a cycle-a loop of destruction and creation. This confined it to a small range, unable to directly obstruct Lumians Sword of Destruction, which was about to strike. Behind the Primordial Demoness, one of the metallic puppets now wielded a massive, deformed black scythe. The puppet swung its weapon toward the target, carrying with it a silence of unlit darkness. This was a boon from the Evernight Goddess, an Angel-level temporary boon! To the Primordial Demonesss right, another steel puppet transformed into a massive, featureless serpent adorned with patches of white feathers and enormous wings. This metallic feathered serpent turned into a silent, lifeless white torrent that surged toward its target. This was also a boon from the Evernight Goddess-a temporary angelic power with a very limited duration. On the Primordial Demonesss left, yet another steel puppet grew to an enormous size, comparable to Lumian himself. At some point, it had gripped a colossal sword of orange-red light that radiated the aura of approaching twilight and the decay of all things. The orange-red sword also slashed toward the Primordial Demoness. In an instant, Cheek seemed enveloped by twilight, frozen in the orange-red glow. Her thoughts and actions slowed, as if she existed in a different world from Lumian. Her attempt to destroy Herself was thus delayed. Twilight had arrived! After these three metallic puppets delivered attacks at the Primordial Demoness representing different authorities of endings, they were each destroyed on the spot. Some lost their spirituality, others their sense of life, and others corroded rapidly into rust. They were disposable vessels for carrying those three powers, solidified from Lumians flames. The silent darkness, pale death, orange-red twilight, and Lumians Sword of Destruction struck Primordial Demoness Cheek simultaneously. Suddenly, parts of these forces intertwined. These mere Angel-level powers tangled into a deep black point, absorbing all light, sound, and matter. The black dot prominently appeared on Cheeks skeletal-dressed body, instantly collapsing Her into it, along with all Her Mirror Substitutions. Elsewhere within the special mirror world, Primordial Demoness Cheeks mirror self, a handsome man with a blood-stained face, twisted in expression before vanishing as if evaporated into thin air or erased with an eraser. In various hidden places across the ruins of the Northern and Southern Continents and within Primordial Demoness Cheeks divine kingdom established in the mirror world, one dormant mirror after another was erased by an unknown power, reaching their end. The next second, Franca, Mr. Star Leonard, and the others-fresh from completing their battles in the depths of the mirror world-were struck with an inexplicable daze, almost forgetting who they were assisting Lumian against and whom the Demoness Sect worshipped. Or rather, had such a deity ever truly existed? In the ruins of Trier, Demoness of Gray Judith and Demoness of Yellow Tissavica nearly forgot They had a true god ancestor. They felt that the Demoness Sects deity must have been an imagined, symbolic figure. Struggling to recall the title Primordial Demoness and the name Cheek, Their expressions changed dramatically as they realized something had gone terribly wrong. These two experienced Demonesses of Catastrophe immediately created large-scale calamities to prevent Madam Justice and Madam Magician from approaching. Then, without a moments hesitation, They began self-destruction. Within the special mirror world. The deep black dot lasted only a second before it completely disintegrated and vanished, seemingly incompatible with this universe. The Primordial Demonesss Uniqueness and the two Demoness of Apocalypse Beyonder Characteristics were not ejected as a result. Suddenly, Cheek-clad in Her skeletal dress-reemerged from the void. She smiled warmly at Lumian and Amon, saying, Unless all mirror worlds are destroyed, you cannot truly kill me. Do you still believe you can defeat me before the wishs effect ends? With that, Cheeks beautiful eyes shifted to Lumian. Do you wish to surrender? The Primordial Demoness was clearly stalling for time. Once Mr. Fools wish expired, She would regain Her status as a bona fide Sequence o deity, potentially even surpassing some true gods. Lumian chuckled, tilting his head to glance at Cheeks face on the head growing from his left shoulder. Since I possess a part of you, how could I not understand your relationship with the mirror world? That earlier strike was just to dismantle your other resurrection arrangements. As for now Lumians blue eyes, framed by Cheeks encouraging and sweet smile, grew unnervingly vivid. The blood-colored banner between his brows shone even brighter. Primordial Demoness Cheek suddenly realized something, and Her expression subtly changed. At the same time, black flames of constrained violence and destruction ignited in Lumians gaze. Curse! A Demonesss Curse, driven by the City of Calamitys power and the Fire of Destruction! Lumian cursed the Cheek face on the head growing from his left shoulder. It was both a part of him and a powerful mystical link to Primordial Demoness Cheek, making it one of the best curse mediums. Thus, Lumian was cursing both himself and Primordial Demoness Cheek! Behind him, two steel puppets had already undergone transformations. One appeared to don an illusory black cloak, while the other wore unrealistically dark gloves. Fooling! Loophole! Since the Primordial Demoness was currently equivalent to the mirror world itself-Her demise dependent on its destruction-the inverse was also true. To curse the Primordial Demoness was to curse all mirror worlds! Instantly, Lumians entire being ignited, black flames of destruction bursting forth to annihilate all constraints of madness. This caused the iron-black, symbol-etched skeleton of his body to begin melting rapidly. The blood-soaked violet flames within him were assimilated or consumed. Lumians face twisted uncontrollably in extreme pain. Yet, amidst the agony, he displayed reckless joy, unashamed of his exhilaration. He looked at Primordial Demoness Cheek and saw the peerless beauty ignited by black flames of Fire of Destruction, burning Her from soul to body. Primordial Demoness Cheek furrowed Her brow, unable to suppress the sensation of life slipping away and Her divine seat crumbling. This type of curse might have been manageable when She was still a true god, using Her corresponding authorities to counteract it. However, in Her current state as a King of Angels, She was neither much higher in rank than Lumian nor much stronger-only possessing additional unique qualities. As Primordial Demoness Cheek was engulfed in the Fire of Destruction, the special mirror world itself was also set ablaze with raging black flames. All mirror worlds within the astral barrier succumbed to the inferno, melting and collapsing en masse. Franca, The Hanged Man Alger, and others quickly collected their spoils and fled the mirror world, returning to the ruins. One by one, the mirrors Franca carried cracked and shattered. Rather than feeling alarmed, she was delighted. This was Lumians Fire of Destruction! Within the special mirror world. As the destructive black flames spread and burned, Amon smiled and shook His head, lifting the seal and departing the soon-to-be-destroyed realm. Empress Roselle-having been banished to the spirit world-was initially startled, then rejoiced. At last, She was no longer bound by the special mirror world, nor subject to its owners commands. With Fourth Epoch Trier destroyed, the corresponding seal was undone. She was free to leave the special mirror world and avoid perishing with it. Amidst the crackling flames consuming Cheek, Her slightly dazed expression shifted to a smile as she said to Lumian, Youre more ruthless than I expected, even cursing yourself to curse me. At this moment, most of Lumians body had been consumed by the Fire of Destruction, leaving only the three heads unscathed. The face of the chaotic vortex still resisted the encroachment of the black flames, but only for a little longer. Primordial Demoness Cheek flew toward Lumian, trailing a long black flaming tail. Landing in front of him, she spoke without concealing Her pain yet full of mirth, We were destined to merge from the beginning. If you hadnt obtained 0-01 and Medicis two Conqueror Beyonder characteristics, I wouldnt have come to meet you today. Our battle was merely over control. Now, I admit, youre well-suited to being Alista Tudor. Youve won. I will voluntarily merge into your body, with you as the dominant consciousness. After all, Im not ambitious-I only wished to be half of the Original Creator. Even under your control, Ill still be His half. As She spoke, Primordial Demoness Cheeks body began to disintegrate, regressing into the Uniqueness and Demoness of Apocalypse Beyonder Characteristics that carried Her self- awareness and spiritual imprint into the Cheek face on Lumians left shoulder. This process was irreversible. At that moment, Primordial Demoness Cheek saw Lumians face, illuminated by the burning Fire of Destruction, curl into a mocking smile. Lumian grinned with satisfaction and said, Thank you for voluntarily merging. But it wont be long before I die-and youll perish with me. Hearing the latter part, Primordial Demoness Cheeks phantom-like, stunning face froze slightly in expression. Chapter 1140 - Chapter 1140: A New Balance Chapter 1140: A New Balance After a brief moment of frozen expression, Primordial Demoness Cheek let out a seductive laugh. Fine, fine! Lets die together! Everyone dies, the entire universe dies! Amidst the unrestrained laughter, the speed of Cheeks bodys disintegration accelerated rapidly. Lumian, still wearing his mocking smile, made no reply. He quietly observed Her, as if watching a lunatic performing Her final act on the stage of life. As the echoes of Her laughter resounded, Cheek completely regressed into a cluster of Beyonder characteristics of varying sizes, encircling a statue of a woman seemingly crafted from bones. The statue was entirely naked, every detail intricately carved, exuding extraordinary allure. Its face shiftedsometimes blurred and chaotic, other times exceptionally vividbut it always bore Cheeks visage. A crisp sound of shattering followed, as the special mirror world, ablaze with the Fire of Destruction, collapsed with a deafening roar. In the World of Ruins, Franca and the others barely had time to react before feeling the earth tremble violently. Near and far, mountains erupted from the ground, spewing dense smoke and crimson magma. In the sky, bright streaks of meteors blazed across, crashing into various parts of the Northern and Southern Continents. Their impacts triggered fierce explosions and churned up clouds of dust that obscured the moonlight. In the fiery lands, snowstorms began to howl. Along the coasts, hurricanes of unprecedented strength made landfall one after another. Catastrophes of all kinds descended indiscriminately upon every unprotected corner of the world, some mild, others devastating. A true god, in all but name, had fallen. The divine throne of the Primordial Demoness was now vacant. Hidden within the protective layer of the Glory Crown, Franca exhaled silently in relief. From her Travelers Bag, she retrieved a transparent crystal orb that depicted various scenes of calamity. This was the Beyonder characteristic of a Demoness of Catastrophe, restructured after being shattered and filtered through the gray fog by Mr. Fool. Franca swiftly concocted a potion, a swirling liquid reminiscent of the sky before a storm. She gulped down the potion without hesitation. Elsewhere, Madam Magician and Madam Justice witnessed the self-destruction of the Demoness of Gray and Demoness of Yellow, each silently remarking on how difficult high-ranking demonesses were to kill. If Mr. Fool had not been occupied merging with the Celestial Worthy during his slumber, and if Gehrman Sparrow had not been preoccupied holding the astral barrier against the terrifying assaults of the Great Old Dominators, Madam Magician might have been able to ensure at least one of the Demonesses of Catastrophe did not escape. Using her powers as a Planeswalker, she could recreate historical figures, or summon projections of historical events. With these, she could have produced a temporary Gehrman Sparrow in reality. Through that connection, Mr. Fool might have descended and projected a sufficiently powerful force. But alas, Mr. Fool could not descend directly in his current state. The recreated or summoned figure would only have a connection with Sefirah Castle established, carrying faint imprints of his rank and corruption. It was enough to affect Saints that were not full-fledged Angels in an indomitable fashion. However, a complete Mythical Creature could sever Their connection, just as They could process information related to the Great Old Dominators. In this context, had the Demoness of Gray and Demoness of Yellow attempted to escape into the mirror world, They would have been unable to evade a Planeswalkers pursuit or imprisonment. Yet They chose self-destruction instead. Madam Magician had prepared a response, intending to recreate the Angel of Times time halt, followed by a Mentor of Deceits manipulation of rules and mystical connections. The aim was to ensure the self-destruction of the Demoness of Gray and Demoness of Yellow extended to Their true bodies, mirror selves, and dormant mirrors alike. This plan carried a certain risk of failure. However, bolstered by her boon of good luck, Madam Magician was confident in its success. Unfortunately, before she could act, the Primordial Demoness had already fallen. The ensuing disasters accelerated the self-destruction of the two Demonesses. Noticing Madam Magicians disappointment, Madam Justice tilted her head with a smile. I secretly planted seeds of spiritual plague in them. Given the twisted psyches typical of demonesses, They will undoubtedly suffer issues later on, perhaps even leading to Their demise. Audrey used the term perhaps, as she wasnt sure if the Demoness Sect possessed a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact capable of curing or suppressing such diseases. On another front, Suah and Tiri successfully sought aid from the Chained God and escaped the entanglement of Maam Hermit, the Angel of the Holy Spirit, and the Angel of Time before the arrival of Madam Magician and Madam Justice. They retreated in defeat. In the collapsing special mirror world, Lumian, his face still bearing a mocking smile, gazed at the female statue and the two dark orbs containing the absorbed Beyonder characteristics. Yet he did not allow them to merge with the Cheek face on his shoulder. Instead, he exerted all his strength to resist the inevitable pull of the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence. He held on until the Fire of Destruction began consuming his original head, melting the Cheek and Tudor faces beside the chaotic vortex. Only then did the two remaining steel puppets take action. The face shared by Aurore and Jenna was not cursed like Cheeks and was only affected by Lumians burning influence later. Its melting was less severe. The steel puppet wearing dark gloves extended both hands, extracting the self-awareness and spiritual imprints of Cheek from the two Demoness of Apocalypse characteristics. This extraction, limited by the puppets rank, was temporary and incapable of permanently possessing the entities. If suitable vessels were not found, the extracted consciousness and imprint would soon return to their original characteristics. At that moment, the other steel puppet, cloaked in an illusory mantle, extended its right hand and completed the Grafting. It transferred the extracted self-awareness and spiritual imprint to the female statuethe Uniqueness of the Demoness pathway. As the strongest resonance for Cheeks self-awareness and spiritual imprints, the statue readily accepted them. Even if it hadnt, Fooling or Deceit awaited to ensure compliance. Once this was done, the steel puppets succumbed to the collapsing mirror world, and Lumian ceased his resistance. He allowed the Uniqueness to merge with the melting Cheek face. The now-purified Demoness of Apocalypse Beyonder characteristics were guided into the blood-stained faces of Aurore and Jenna. At last, the three Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics and the Uniqueness of the Demoness pathway reunited within Lumian, becoming whole. Their aggregation intensified, and Lumians head, along with the Fire of Destruction from the curse, seemed to collapse into a singularity. Enduring immense pain, Lumian smiled and plunged 0-01 into the melting Tudor face, driving it completely in. Then, he swallowed the two blood-soaked crowns. The Red Priest pathways three Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics and Uniqueness were also gathered. Rumble! Thunder rumbled as silver-white lightning struck various parts of the World of Ruins. The Hanged Man Alger and Justice Audrey instinctively looked to the sky. They saw the projections of the crimson moon and the stars ignited by an invisible, colorless flame, bringing light to the world. For a brief moment, it was as if they had returned to Fourth Epoch Trier, before the seal had been broken, when the sky was composed of flames. Catastrophes grew fiercer. Audrey noticed the massive oaks in the distance bending their branches. She saw The Magician Fors and The Moon Emlyn alternating between masculine and feminine forms, sometimes androgynous, sometimes normal. Coughing and fever afflicted these demigods, inexplicably spreading a strange illness, forcing them to bow their heads. A surge of impulse arose within their heartsto track down and confront the demonesses once more. Amidst this chaos, the cries of monsters filled the oak forest as they turned upon one another. Simultaneously, as Franca advanced toward becoming a Demoness of Catastrophe, she sensed fragments of her shattered mirrors forming new domains behind mirrors. The mirror world was reborn! Within the World of Ruins, patches of gray and chaos were consumed by flames, leaving nothing behind. In the destroyed then reborn special mirror world, Lumians three heads rose slowly as his body re-formed. His right side was female, clad in a skeletal white dress, while his left was male, draped in a blood-red robe. The right head bore the purified faces of Aurore and Jennaclean, brimming with spirituality, though their eyes remained shut, unable to speak or convey consciousness. The left head featured Cheeks face, now less maternal and more alluring, with a captivating smile and slightly parted lips. Tudors face appeared sharper, with the blood-red flag mark on its forehead protruding slightly. The face of the chaotic vortex continued to absorb the Fire of Destruction, rotating faintly. Lumians own head grew more handsome, his long hair the color of blood, his features exuding sharp masculinity. Beneath his left armpit and ribs, additional arms sprouted, holding a scorched, blood-stained banner. On his right, matching arms extended, pale as white jade but empty-handed. A new Red Priest and Chaos Demoness had been born! As a god, some Uniquenesses manifested as parts of ones body or belongings; others remained hidden. In the next moment, Lumian raised his three heads, gazing at the crimson moon returning to the region. Youre still at your critical stage of merging, he sneered. This little interferencewhat can it achieve? Nothing before, nothing now! Grinning boldly, Lumian raised his four new arms. Invisible, colorless flames and a chaotic vortex of endless possibilities surged toward the crimson moons projection. Chapter 1141 - Chapter 1141: Divine Kingdom Chapter 1141: Divine Kingdom The sky of the special mirror world was split in two: one half dyed crimson, the other divided by a chaotic vortex and formless, colorless flames. The three forces clashed violently. Suddenly, all light vanished, as if something was voraciously absorbing everything around it. Franca and the others in the World of Ruins had just recovered from their ailments and stabilized their genders. Then, they watched as the burning flames above, meteors streaking across the sky, and mountains spewing smoke and magma all disappeared from view. They were plunged into darknessa darkness so profound that nothing seemed capable of existing within it. After what felt like an eternity, the darkness receded. Crimson moonlight once again illuminated the Northern and Southern Continents and the five oceans. Bright stars of various hues returned to their natural states. The World of Ruins was restored to its former appearance. In the special mirror world, Lumians eyes no longer reflected the crimson full moon. Everything seemed normal. He let out a chuckle and lowered his four newly grown arms. Then, he grasped a handful of flames, compressing them into a metallic mirror. Lumian gazed into the mirror and saw two figures standing back to backone was Aurore, and the other Jenna. Both had become even more beautiful, their eyes now open. However, their gazes were vacant and hollow, devoid of spirituality. They remained under Lumians conscious control. Lumian stared at them blankly for a few seconds. A smile gradually curved his lips, and the Aurore and Jenna in the mirror returned his smile. Behind them was another indistinct figureCheek. On Lumians left shoulder, the face of Cheek also smiled sweetly and seemed about to speak. Suddenly, Lumian summoned the dark-gold, peculiar mask and forcefully pressed it onto the slowly spinning chaotic vortex face. Starlight descended, illuminating the entire mask. Cheeks mouth opened, but no words came out. Her reflection in the mirror disappeared along with the attempt. Her face on Lumians shoulder showed clear dissatisfaction. Lumian cast his gaze around and found that the Travelers Bag he had exchanged with Franca was completely shattered in the previous destruction. Only two items remained intact on the ground: the dark-gold peculiar mask he had just used and the Demoness cardLumian didnt keep any items in this Travelers Bag because only the puppet soldier puppets, mask, and Card of Blasphemy could be of use in the previous battle. Lumian summoned the Demoness card to his hand and discovered that the previously obscured advancement ritual for becoming a god in the Demoness pathway was now revealed: Descend into the depths of the earth, find the Chaos Sea, endure a degree of its corruption while maintaining oneselfneither falling nor transforming. Quite considerate. The mention of the sefirah must have been hidden in advance. Who would have thought that the advancement ritual for the Demoness pathway would involve another sefirah entirely Lumian mused, suddenly suspecting there was something off about this ritual. The first Blasphemy Slate was formed from the corpse of the Primordial God Almighty. Perhaps before dying, He altered the corresponding knowledge to make the Demoness advancement ritual involve contact with the Chaos Sea. This would facilitate His unique revival through the pathways of calamity and allow Him to control and utilize the Chaos Sea effectively post-resurrection. As for the second Blasphemy Slate, though it was created from the Ancient Sun Gods corpse, who could say it wasnt influenced by the Primordial God Almighty? Still, it makes sense for a Demoness, who governs chaos, to need prior contact with the Chaos Sea Lumian shook his head, dismissing the truth of the matter as irrelevant. To him, this ritual was unnecessary to perform yet essentially already fulfilled. The face sealed by the dark-gold peculiar mask came from the Primordial God Almighty, bearing a deep, special connection to the Chaos Sea. Its power surpassed mere corruption from the Chaos Sea. So, you went mad during your advancement ritual? Lumian tilted his head, mocking the Cheek face. Cheeks face widened Her eyes, as if to say: When did I ever go mad? My mental state has always been impeccable. At this moment, the special mirror world fully stabilized, reflecting shades of gray and white, formless and colorless flames, an ambiguous and enchanting atmosphere, and a chaotic vortex encompassing all possibilities. It was evolving into Lumians divine kingdom. For the Red Priest, a divine kingdom emerged from a deeper conceptualization of the authority of Conquest. By completely conquering a land, battlefield, or special area, it could be transformed into the Red Priests divine kingdom. Any living being entering the kingdom, without corresponding protection or sufficient rank, would immediately become a soldier of the Red Priest. For the Demoness, the divine kingdom was closely tied to the mirror world. The Primordial Demoness had previously established Her divine kingdom in a hidden corner of the mirror world. There, only females could existeven other true gods would acquire distinct female characteristics upon entry. There, gazing upon what should not be seen would immediately turn one into stone. There, without protection, one would frequently encounter disasters tied to oneself. There, extreme pleasure would sporadically manifest, making one reluctant to leave Lumian could now conquer the special mirror world, transforming it into a divine kingdom that satisfied the needs of both the Red Priest and Chaos Demoness. Lumian surveyed his surroundings and allowed the scenes reflected in the special mirror world to change. They became Cordu Village, surrounded by blue skies, white clouds, and lush green grasslands. At the villages edge stood the Rue Anarchie, with Aurores house built beside Auberge du Coq Dor After gazing at it for a moment, Lumian let the scene gradually fade away. He smiled faintly and entered the astral world composed of concepts and symbols before returning to reality. His three-headed, six-armed form nodded toward Franca and Madam Magician, who were looking at him, and said, Thank you all. The operation is successfully concluded. Lets head back to the protected zone. Alright, Mr. Sun and the others responded one after another. Trier, inside the luxurious villa. Franca studied the clean, refreshed faces of Aurore and Jenna with undisguised anticipation. It really seems like revival is possible if we take it a step further, she said. Hearing this, Anthony cast a subtle glance at Franca. Lumian nodded lightly, smiling self-deprecatingly. Sometimes, it feels meaningless. Other times, I cant help but hope and yearn for it. Hope is good. Hope is very good, Franca replied, smiling at Lumian. Im now a Demoness of Catastrophe, an Angel. Surely I can know certain things now? Lumian couldnt help but chuckle. Do you have to be so impatient? Stabilize yourself first. Anyway, I need to report to Mr. Fool about this. Its related to future actions. When I return, Ill explain briefly. Alright. Franca didnt hide her anticipation and felt that Lumian seemed in a much better state, having exacted revenge by defeating Primordial Demoness Cheek. Once Lumian ascended to his room to prepare for entering the gray fog, Franca turned to Anthony and asked curiously, Why did you give me the look earlier? It couldnt be because my allure, still somewhat uncontrollable after becoming a Demoness of Catastrophe, affected him, right? When it came to beauty and charm, Lumians Cheek face clearly surpassed hers! Anthony smiled slightly and said, I was just reflecting on how your mental state is much better than I imagined and how your resilience exceeds my expectations. Franca froze for a moment, then sighed softly after a few seconds. I have to force myself to stay calm and optimistic. He can be gloomy, he can lose control in madness, but I cant. Although I sometimes fall into gloom, most of the time, I must remain cheerful and optimistic. Otherwise, theres truly no hope Thats your humanity, Anthony remarked emotionally. Im glad Lumian and Jenna met you, and Im glad to have you as a teammate. Franca let out a somewhat smug laugh, then warily asked, Why do I feel like youre trying to give me therapy? Ive never hidden that, Anthony replied with a smile as he turned toward the kitchen area. Its free, after all. Above the gray fog, within the majestic palace. After recounting the highlights of the battle and the Primordial Demonesss performance, Lumian said, This time, Ive initiated the convergence. With the awareness and spirit of both Cheek and Tudor present, I dont need much time to adapt before mastering the authorities of the Demoness and Red Priest pathways. If things are critical with the Mother Goddess of Depravity, I can conduct a deep secret deed and astral travel to the City of Calamity now. But if theres no immediate urgency, Id prefer about a month to stabilize myself and strengthen the newly formed balance. Shrouded in gray fog, Mr. Fool nodded and spoke with a faintly ethereal tone, There is at least one month. Before Lumian could respond, his voice softened. Your three-headed, six-armed form stems from a fundamental transformation. Even I cannot restore you to a normal appearance, only conceal it with illusions. However, once you stabilize your balance and the apocalypse passes, I can use Wish and Fooling to grant you a second form. This form will allow you to switch freely, turning your spatial three-heads-six-arms into a temporal one. Your three heads and corresponding bodies will each occupy different time segments of the day, living their own lives but still under your main consciousnesss control. The biggest drawback of this form is that you, Aurore, and Jenna will never be able to appear together or meet each other Hearing Mr. Fools unhurried words about post-apocalypse possibilities, Lumian suddenly felt a fleeting dazeas if the apocalypse could indeed end and he might truly survive. Lumian didnt say anything pessimistic. He simply listened quietly. Gradually, he understood that Mr. Fool wasnt making a promise or offering comfort but expressing his own hope, giving heartfelt blessings. He genuinely wished for the apocalypse to end, for Lumian to survive, and for him to live a better life. At that point, your rank will no longer suit being a Major Arcana card holder of the Tarot Club. This isnt the Rose Redemption after all. But you can have Franca take your place as a Major Arcana card holder. Just draw a new card. Every Major Arcana card holder in the Tarot Club already has dual identities, many representing other factions By the end, Mr. Fools voice carried a hint of amusement. At some unknown moment, Lumian found himself at peace. He chuckled along and said, Alright, Mr. Fool. Mr. Fool gently nodded and replied, Then I shall convene an impromptu gathering now. Chapter 1142 - Chapter 1142: Rewards Chapter 1142: Rewards As rays of light rose and solidified into various figures, each completing their greeting to Mr. Fool, the central head of Lumian scanned the room and said, Thank you all for your help. At the moment, I only possess the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture as an Angel-level item, so I cant provide equivalent compensation for everyone. However, if theres anything you need from me in the future, just let me know. Hearing the second half of this statement, The Hanged Man Alger was momentarily stunned before realizing something critical: This was a promise. And this promise was worth more than any Grade 0 Sealed Artifact! After all, Lumian was now a dual Sequence 0 true god. The help promised by a true god surpassed the value of any Grade 0 Sealed Artifact! Little do I know, a Tarot Club member has already turned into a true god The Hanged Man Alger found his thoughts adrift. When the Tarot Club was first established, he had harbored doubts, excitement, and fantasies but had never imagined witnessing a scene like this. In the brief silence that followed, Madam Justice, Mr. Star, and the others similarly came to grips with the fact that Mr. Chariot was now both the Red Priest and the Chaos Demonessa dual-pathway true god poised to become a great existence! Not even the Rose Redemption of the past had members of such caliber This sentiment emerged simultaneously in the hearts of Madam Magician and Maam Hermit, both well-versed in ancient history. The Rose Redemption had been a secret organization of the Third Epoch, with members ranging from a true god to Kings of Angels. Mr. Hanged Man glanced at Mr. Sun and Madam Judgment, then smiled at Lumian. My spoils of war are my compensation. Besides, it was my duty. The help I provided was actually quite limited. This was true. Most of what they had done was of little significance in Lumians battle against the Primordial Demoness. For Sequence 3 Saints wielding Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts, directly intervening in such a contest would have been suicidal. Even true Angels could only contribute meaningfully when the Primordial Demoness briefly descended to the level of a King of Angels. In other words, those who truly aided Lumian were Madam Magician and Madam Justice, who intercepted the Demonesses of Gray and Yellow; the Angel of Time, the Angel of the Holy Spirit, and Maam Hermit, who held off the Abomination siblings; the Evernight Goddesss divine descent, which delayed the Primordial Demoness long enough for Amon to finish stealing a wish; and Amon Himself, who transported miracles and enacted direct salvation. The other Major Arcana card holders had three primary objectives for participating in this operation: To eliminate as many high-ranking Demonesses as possible and seize their potent Sealed Artifacts to prevent them, unprotected after the Primordial Demonesss fall, from defecting to the Mother Goddess of Depravity or succumbing to the crimson moonlight, gradually losing control and become a latent problem. To claim spoils of war and grow stronger. Although cruel, the reality was that the more Angels and Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts in the protected zones, the more prepared they would be to confront anomaliesand perhaps even safeguard more of humanity when the apocalypse truly arrived. To assist Franca in bringing a catastrophe upon the Demoness Sect. Without such help, surviving alone would have been a miracle for her. The Hanged Man Alger believed Lumians gratitude was primarily directed at the third point. Hence, he did not downplay his contributions but merely clarified their limited scopeespecially since The Sun Derrick, Judgment Xio, and even the more significant contributors like Justice, The Magician, and The Hermit had not yet received spoils of war. He could not speak for them. The Sun Derrick nodded and said, Finding and adhering to my core justice is compensation enough for me. The Chariot Lumian did not argue, only smiling in return. Perhaps I can assist with your advancement ritual. Though Lumian had never personally seen any Blasphemy Slate or held the Cards of Blasphemys Sun card, as a true god of the Demoness pathway with the unique chaos vortex face, he could intuitively sense that the Sun pathways Sequence 2 Sun Chaser (or Lightseeker) advancement ritual involved the sun in either a mystical or real-world sense. The Sun Derrick was silent for two seconds before choosing not to modestly decline. In the current situation, this was the justice he needed to uphold. Lumian then turned to Madam Temperance Sharron. I made a promise to Naboredisleythe former Devil Monarch Farbauti. Once I fulfill it, He will ensure His Abomination avatar perishes and transfer the Beyonder characteristic to me. When the time comes, I would like to exchange that characteristic for the Calamity of Crimson in your possession. The name Calamity of Crimson came from the consciousness of Cheeks face. Trading a Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristic for a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact corresponding to a Sequence 2 Demoness of Catastrophe was obviously unequal. However, Sharron knew that the Abomination Beyonder characteristic was a reward for her teacher, the Angel of the Holy Spirit, Reinette Tinekerr. The Sequence 2 Ancient Bane extracted from it would ultimately belong to her. The exchange for the Calamity of Crimson was effectively an intermediary step. Sharon picked up a manifested pen, quickly wrote her answer on paper, and raised it: No problem. Lumian nodded before addressing Mr. Sun again, Once I obtain the Calamity of Crimson, Id like to exchange it with the New City of Silver for the Sealed Artifact, Gift of the Land. I may need it in the future. The Sealed ArtifactGift of the Landoriginated from Omebellas remains and was considered a high-risk item. If not for the Church of The Fools headquarters being located in the New City of Silver and Mr. Fools constant attention, the six-member council would have long struggled with how to handle it. Now, Lumian had provided them with an opportunity. The Sun Derrick was initially tempted but soon felt reluctant. Though the Gift of the Land had brought great suffering to the City of Silver, it was also what allowed them to endure over two thousand years of darkness and despair, finally awaiting Mr. Fools salvation. Pain had long been intertwined with the continuation of their bloodline, making it difficult to separate the two. Lumian did not rush him, quietly waiting for Mr. Sun to make his decision. After some time, The Sun Derrick instinctively looked toward the head of the bronze table. When in doubt or difficulty, he always hoped for Mr. Fools guidanceand Mr. Hanged Mans advice. Mr. Fool gently nodded. The Sun Derrick took a deep breath, suppressing his reluctance, and said to The Chariot Lumian, Alright. The Chariot Lumian shifted his gaze to Madam Justice. Once Ive used the Gift of the Land, its issues may be resolved. At that point, Ill give it to you. The perceptive Justice Audrey did not refuse, nodding before tilting her head toward Madam Magician with a smile. If you need it, I can lend it to you. This referred to Madam Magicians plan to relocate the entire Abraham family and as many humans as possible to a more habitable planet at the edge of the universe when the apocalypse arrived. The Gift of the Land could effectively terraform the environment and provide sustenance. Of course, if Omebellas remains retained their unique dangers, carrying it would be out of the question. It would be better to acquire another Grade 0 Sealed Artifact corresponding to the Desolate Matriarch. Alright, Madam Magician replied without hesitation. Lumian then addressed her directly, I will open all special mirror worlds inhabited by sentient beings. You can travel there and help spread my teachings. The more anchors I have for my upcoming endeavors, the better. Madam Magician immediately understood. This was an opportunity for her to Travel and counted as a form of compensation. She had never considered visiting the special mirror worlds or the extradimensional spaces attached to them for potion digestion because these belonged to the Primordial Demoness, making them even more dangerous than traversing the cosmos. After all, roaming the cosmos had a higher chance of evading the attention of the Great Old Dominators, whereas entering the Primordial Demonesss domain guaranteed discovery. Never thought Id rely on his help for potion digestion one day The Magician Fors chuckled and asked, Okay. What is your current honorific name? Lumian deliberated for a few seconds before answering, The Symbol of War and Apocalypse, the Demoness wielding Chaos, the Many-Faced One who offers sacrifices to Calamity, and the Ruler of the Mirror World. A true dual-pathway true god Madam Magician silently marveled. Lumian then turned to Maam Hermit. I will assist Queen Mystic in completing her digestion of the Sage potion and help you digest as much as possible. Maam Hermit made an mm sound and thanked him. A Sage always opposed disaster and calamity, and the individual sitting diagonally opposite her represented these concepts. There was no one better suited than Lumian to aid in the Sage potion digestion. Then, Lumian addressed Mr. Star, Tell Mr. Pallez that I owe him one. He turned to Madam Judgment next. I owe you one as wellor the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture? Alright, said Mr. Star without declining on behalf of the old man. Under the circumstances, Judgment Xio, known for her group-mindedness and adherence to order, found it hard to refuse. She chose the favor as compensation. Having distributed the rewards, Lumian thought for a moment before looking at Madam Magician again. Id like to borrow the Box of the Great Old Ones for a while. Perhaps I can resolve the third levels hidden danger for the Abraham family and replace it with an equivalent but more manageable anomaly. If I dont succeed, Ill return it as is. Madam Magicians expression became thoughtful before she nodded. No problem. The Chariot Lumian leaned back in his chair, saying no more. Judgment Xio immediately looked at Mr. Star Leonard. Can I trade Solomons Mask with you for the Justiciar-pathway Grade 0 Sealed Artifact? Chapter 1143 - Chapter 1143: The Final Choice Chapter 1143: The Final Choice The Star Leonard looked back at Madam Judgment, slightly surprised as he asked, Youre not switching to the Black Emperor pathway? Switching pathways could grant unique, hybrid, and sometimes bizarre Beyonder powers. Though the rituals might have hidden requirements and associated risks, theoretically, such individuals were harder to deal with than Beyonders who stayed on a single pathway to its peak. Judgment Xio spoke calmly, If theres no other option, I will switch to the Black Emperor pathway. But as long as theres a possibility to continue on the Justiciar pathway, I would prefer to pursue that. She paused, adding, I personally aspire to establish orders that align with the morality of the times and devote myself fully to maintaining them while constantly adjusting and refining them based on realitys feedback. Once order becomes rigid, it inevitably falls into shadow. The Star Leonard nodded in agreement, saying, Im willing to make the trade. To him, Solomons Mask and the Pillar of Severity were essentially equivalentthey were items meant to be handed in, traded for the Sequence 2 Servant of Concealment Beyonder characteristic of the Darkness pathway. If there wasnt an opening for a Servant of Concealment, he was already prepared to switch to Sequence 2 of one of the neighboring pathwaysthe Death pathways Death Consul or the Giant pathways Glory. After Leonard and Xio completed their exchange of the two Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts, Mr. Fool, seated at the head of the bronze table, turned to The Hanged Man Alger. In a warm tone, he said, The Book of Calamity task cannot currently be completed due to the premature descent of the crimson moon. You will need to wait until the moment the apocalypse arrives. If you do not wish to wait and prefer to ascend to angelhood sooner, I can assist you by using The Setting Sun Rooster to trade for the Sequence 2 Beyonder characteristic and supplementary ingredients from the Sun, White Tower, or Tyrant pathways. White Tower was the Sequence 0 of the Reader pathway, corresponding to the God of Knowledge and Wisdom. The Sequence 2 Beyonder characteristic of this pathway and the Tyrant pathway might no longer exist within their respective Churches but could still be found as Sealed Artifacts in other Churches. The Sun pathways Sequence 2 Beyonder characteristics were relatively more abundant, partly due to the fall of the Eternal Blazing Sun and partly because not every Sequence 3 Justice Mentor in the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun fulfilled the conditions for advancement. In the past few months, Saint Vive and Saint Lutique, two senior Sun Chasers, had each successfully advanced after Mr. Fool returned two Sequence 1 White Angel Beyonder characteristics. Mr. Fool continued, You can also consider switching to the Secrets Supplicant pathway. The Setting Sun Rooster, originating from the fall of the Ancient Sun God, carries the Sequence 2 Beyonder characteristic Profane Presbyter tainted by the Suns power. I can purify the corresponding corruption for you. Take your time to consider carefully before deciding. The Hanged Man Alger fell silent, seemingly torn and hesitant. After a dozen seconds, he suddenly chuckled. Honorable Mr. Fool, I wish to become a Profane Presbyter. The Sun Derrick looked at Mr. Hanged Man in astonishment, utterly baffled by his choice. He believed that the White Tower pathways Sequence 2 Wisdom Angel or the Tyrant pathways Sequence 2 Calamity would suit Alger better, especially the former. Alger smiled faintly and said in a low voice, This pathway is more adaptable in actual combat and better suited to handling various situations. He then added in a self-deprecating tone, By choosing this, my Hanged Man card becomes even more fitting. Perhaps this is fateone always returns to the card they once chose. Hearing this, Madam Magician, who had deep knowledge of Tarot cards, was suddenly reminded of a phrase: The Hanged Man represents downfall, selfishness, as well as endurance, sacrifice, and dedication. Seeing that The Hanged Man Alger had made his decision, Mr. Fool did not offer further advice. After the gathering, I will provide the ritual. Once youre prepared, pray to me to shatter the characteristic, purify the corruption, and supply the supplementary ingredients. Yes, Mr. Fool. Alger was both elated and burdened with a sense of responsibility. As the current Sea God and a legendary adventurer perpetually roaming the seas, he had long since digested his Sea King potion. The Chariot Lumian straightened his posture and said, Mr. Fool, I will supply the supplementary ingredients. Just provide me with the corresponding knowledge, and I can envision them out of thin air. He was unsure whether Mr. Fool had access to the supplementary ingredients for Profane Presbyter or could summon them from the historical fog for temporary use, so he proactively offered to handle it. Very well. Shrouded in gray fog, Mr. Fool nodded slightly. After discussing this matter, The Moon Emlyn glanced around the room and hesitated before saying, Your potions are either fully digested, were digested during this operation, or youve found ways to expedite digestion. However, my High Summoner is still lacking. Advancing quickly would require taking risks. Do you have any suggestions? Before any other Major Arcana card holders could respond, The Chariot Lumian smiled and said, Thats simple. After the gathering, set up a ritual and summon me. I will respond. Wh Mr. Moon Emlyn was momentarily stunned. Of course! This individual is a dual-pathway true god, possessing unique traits If a High Summoner could complete such a high-level summoning and succeed, their remaining potion would undoubtedly be fully digested. Thank you. The Moon Emlyn was not particularly adept at communication and could only express his gratitude in the simplest terms. After further exchanges, Mr. Fool gently tapped the edge of the bronze table. Once all the Major Arcana card holders turned their attention to him, he spoke in a warm but emotional tone, This operation was a success. Though many high-ranking Demonesses were not truly killed, the destruction and reformation of the mirror world left their numbers dwindling. Their relics may have been inherited by the Demoness of Cyan trio, but they will no longer impact future developments. Everyone, the final moment is approaching. We have about a month left to make all necessary preparations. Make the most of it. I hope that after the apocalypse, no one will be absent from the next Tarot Gathering. Hearing this, Justice Audrey felt a complex surge of emotions. She stood up and, alongside the other Major Arcana card holders, curtsied. Yes, Mr. Fool. Returning to the real world, Lumian descended the stairs into the small living room. He glanced at Franca and casually asked, Wheres Anthony? In the kitchen, helping Ludwig, Franca replied, glancing toward the living room entrance before lowering her voice. You can tell me about the knowledge of great existences now, right? Lumian briefly explained the Great Old Dominators such as Mother Goddess of Depravity and Circle of Inevitability, who were Above the Sequences, and Their goals. He also introduced the situation regarding the sefirot and updated Franca on the Mother Goddess of Depravitys current activities. Franca listened in shock, murmuring, Isnt the number of great existences a little too many She then looked toward the faces of Cheek and Tudor on Lumians left shoulder. Theyre truly mad She now had a deeper understanding of the monumental risk Primordial Demoness Cheek had taken with Her grand plan. If She had failed, She would have dragged the entire planetand perhaps the universedown with Her! Cheeks face couldnt speak but lifted Her chin proudly, while Tudors face refused to react. Lumian sneered and shifted the topic to other knowledge about Above the Sequences. After listening intently, Franca sighed. So we had our Spirit Bodies extracted and hung up in Sefirah Castle, avoiding the end of the world when the Oldest One awoke, as well as the later struggles between God Almighty and the Celestial Worthy As she spoke, her thoughts wandered. Most of the Curly-Haired Baboon Research Society have no idea about the truth or that the Northern and Southern Continents are already destroyed. Thats probably for the bestlet them greet the apocalypse with joy The Curly-Haired Baboons Research Societys members had mostly survived the crimson moon disaster because the one the Aurora Order believed in had shielded them in time. This was why Franca had complicated feelings about that individual. She knew that Jennas death and Lumians ordeals were connected to Him. Yet, He had indeed protected the world, including her and her friends. Thus, she had never brought up the idea of revengenot because she didnt harbor resentment, but because she couldnt voice it. When she heard Lumian had punched Him twice, she felt both stunned and amused. After a few seconds, Franca exhaled slowly and said, If we survive the apocalypse, I want to travel to the Western Continent and live there for a while. As she spoke, she smiled warmly and sincerely invited Lumian, Aurore, and Jenna. Would you like to come along? Ill explain and introduce everything to you. Ill be your guide. Lumians expression softened gradually. He glanced at the head on his right shoulder and smiled as he said, Aurore can explain and introduce things too. Deal! Franca beamed and extended her right hand, giving Lumian a high-five. She found pinky promises too childish; a high-five suited her much better. At that moment, Ludwig entered the living room, chewing on a steak. What are you doing here? Franca asked, slightly surprised. You havent even finished your meal yet I called him here, Lumian explained with a smile. Why would Lumian need Ludwig at this moment? Was it mealtime? Franca was puzzled. For the past year, Lumian had used his unique abilities to take Ludwig out of the protected zone daily to feast on the oceans of the World of Ruins, just as Franca accompanied Lumian into the ruins to let him lose control and vent his madness every day. Seeing Ludwig also looking at him curiously, Lumian retrieved an item from his divine kingdom. It was a three-tiered silver-black jewelry box encrusted with countless gemstonesBox of the Great Old Ones! Chapter 1144 - Chapter 1144: Devouring Chapter 1144: Devouring As soon as the silver-black, three-tiered jewelry box inlaid with various gemstones was taken out and placed on the coffee table, Franca felt an inexplicable chill. It was as if the environment around her had undergone a strange transformation. Ever since becoming a Demoness of Catastrophe, her spiritual intuition had grown much sharper. The head on Lumians left shoulder turned, and the face of Alista Tudor now faced forward, gazing at the Box of the Great Old Ones. The intricate jewelry box let out a sudden creaking sound, as if the materials comprising it were buckling under some invisible pressure, on the verge of shattering. All the anomalies Franca had sensed disappeared simultaneously. Box of the Great Old Ones? Franca asked Lumian curiously. Although she hadnt participated in the Major Arcana gatherings or the distribution of Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts, she had been briefed in advance about which items to avoid should a skirmish occur. This box was one of them. Lumian nodded slightly and placed his right hand atop the Box of the Great Old Ones, gently tapping it. I felt it was fated with Ludwig, so I borrowed it for a while. The phrase fated was something he had picked up in the dream city, though it was no longer rare in the ruins of the Northern and Southern Continents. Members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society had unconsciously spread new terms, and Lumian believed that visitors from Penglai, like Harrison, were also introducing similar ideas. Fated with Ludwig? Franca instinctively turned her head to glance at Ludwig, who was dressed in formal childrens attire. The boy, steak clamped between his teeth, stared blankly at the Box of the Great Old Ones, as though lost in a dream. Lumian slid his hand to the third layer of the silver-black jewelry box and smiled as he asked Ludwig, Can you sense whats hidden inside? Ludwig, as if sleepwalking, extended his hand to the opposite side of the third layer of the box. Almost instantly, Francas ears filled with bizarre sounds of chewing, swallowing, and digesting. It was as though something was gnawing on her flesh and bones from within. The sound originated from the depths of the third layer of the Box of the Great Old Ones and resonated from the depths of her psyche. Its its Ludwig stammered, the piece of steak dropping to the ground. The boys face, like a sheet covering a bed, was propped up into tents by unseen limbs. With a mix of desire, reverence, fear, and trembling, he said, Its the power of Primordial Hunger! Primordial Hunger One of the Great Old Dominators Franca felt the surrounding environment suddenly grow dark and layered, as though some malevolent gaze had isolated them. Looking around, she quickly realized they had been transported to Lumians divine kingdom. This move was to prevent Primordial Hunger from leveraging the mystical connections formed during their discussion to destabilize the protected zone. The middle head on Lumians shoulders retained its earlier smile as he continued to ask Ludwig, What would happen if I opened this layer? Ludwig jerked back as if electrocuted, stammering in fear, It mightit might immediately devour everything around us. Or it might start by consumingconsuming our subconscious and the deepest parts of our islands of consciousness. It would eat emotions, memories, spirit, and consciousness, then flesh and blood, then night, day, good, evil, order, and disaster. It would continue until it consumed parts of the worlds fundamental rules, destabilizing reality and dissolving the barriers at their foundation As expected, your pathway eventually leads to devouring rules, concepts, authorities, and even symbols, Lumian remarked with satisfaction, the middle head nodding slightly. Looking at Ludwig with an ambiguous smile, he asked in a Demoness-like whisper, Can you devour the danger hidden in the box? Cheeks face turned forward, showing keen interest in Ludwigs response. Visibly terrified, Ludwig blurted, How could I? His words seemed to imply not that it was impossible but that it shouldnt be donesuch an act would be rebellion, blasphemy! Lumian offered no reply, his smile unchanging as he continued to gaze at Ludwig. Ludwig fell silent, his expressions shifting from cowardice to resistance, to temptation, to hesitation and fear. His face had never been so expressive. Franca adopted a spectators stance, waiting for Lumian to offer some dark persuasion and Ludwig to respond with his own struggles. After a few seconds, Lumian spoke in a measured tone, The core of your pathway is devouring and digesting. Devouring the external world is not the end goal. Even consuming rules, concepts, authorities, and symbols is not the end. Devouring yourself, devouring your father, devouring the god you worshipthat is your ultimate fate, the pinnacle of hunger. Perhaps thats the very reason He created all of you. Isnt that a bit too extreme? Ludwig asked with a clarity that suggested he had received some moral education. Good kid, showing some humanity Franca thought, nodding in approval. She figured that if she chose the Spectator pathway, she could act out the role just as well. Lumian glanced at Jennas face on the head over his right shoulder and said to Ludwig with a smile, It is indeed extreme. I wouldnt want you to be controlled by your godhood and instincts to do something so drastic. So Im only asking if you can devour the danger hidden in the boxnot if you can devour Primordial Hunger. In the current circumstances, strengthening yourself as much as possible is the best choice. Ludwig opened his mouth as if to speak but closed it again, his expression shifting. Moments later, the sound of him swallowing saliva echoed audibly. Oh Lord, you taste so good? Franca mentally captioned Ludwigs reaction. After some time, Ludwig finally spoke. Not yet. Id need to recover to my original level and receive help from another great existence. With a nod, Lumian said, So even just devouring it temporarily, storing it without digesting or absorbing it, requires the help of a Great Old Dominator? Yes, Ludwig affirmed with a heavy nod. Lumian pondered briefly before smiling again. Then well wait. He extended one of the arms holding the Red Priest Uniqueness, along with one of the new beautiful hands that had grown on his right side, toward Ludwig. In the current situation, although the Red Priest Uniqueness still retained the form of a charred flag, it wouldnt cause those who witnessed it to lose control and go crazy. This was because it was a part of Lumian and was under control. Lumian could let it display the influence of godhood as and when he wanted it to. You can pick which one to devour, Lumian said with a smile. Ludwig froze. Can I really eat this? Franca blinked, finally understanding Lumians intent. He was letting Ludwig devour a part of his own body to allow Ludwig to gain the separated Sequence 2 Beyonder characteristic and thus recover his original level, freeing him from the seal of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom. Lumian currently had three extra Sequence 2 Beyonder characteristics: one Weather Warlock and two Demoness of Catastrophe. Of course. Im your godfather, Lumian said with a smile. Ludwig swallowed hard, looked left and right for a few seconds, and hesitated for a few seconds before saying, That one. He pointed to Lumians left arm, which carried the Weather Warlock Beyonder characteristic derived from Tudors Conqueror Beyonder characteristics. Very well. Lumian raised the corresponding arm. Ludwig leaned in and bit down on the hand. As deep red blood burned like flames and flowed, the sounds of gnawing and chewing filled the room, making Franca shudder. Franca gasped in shock, thinking that Lumian was being a bit too extreme. Wouldnt it be better to separate the Beyonder characteristic first before feeding it to Ludwig? Its not like it couldnt be done. She glanced at the Tudor face on Lumians left shoulder and noticed an expression of faint pain, a primal discomfort. The corresponding Weather Warlock Beyonder characteristic belonged to Alista Tudor. Letting Ludwig directly devour itwas this a form of revenge? But youre hurting yourself too Franca suddenly had a guess and sighed deeply. Soon, Ludwig finished gnawing off Lumians hand, leaving only the exposed, bare, iron-colored wrist bone, dripping with burning crimson blood. Ludwig leaned back, licking the blood off the corners of his mouth, looking like he wanted more. The skin on his face and body was on the verge of tearing apart, as though something massive inside him was about to burst forth. The seal of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom could no longer hold him back. At that moment, Ludwig took control of himself, refraining from breaking the sealing layer, maintaining the appearance of a little boy. Lumian smiled and turned to Franca, saying, Ill separate the remaining two Demoness of Catastrophe Beyonder characteristics later to balance my body better. Heh, the Sick Church will also need a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact. Oh, and the name Sick Church will gradually have to change. Good, good, good! Franca replied quickly, as though afraid Lumian might change his mind. Although she knew Lumian was primarily planning for his own future, the fact that he was willing to consider the future at all was a good sign. Lumian studied Ludwig for a few seconds before smiling and asking, Whats your plan going forward? Ludwig was silent for a moment before replying, If I dont get devoured during the apocalypse, I want to remain a child first, grow up normally, grow old, and fully experience the life of a human. Then, Ill make comparisons. Lumian hummed in acknowledgment and asked casually, Youve returned to the angel level now, havent you? Whats the name of your Sequence? As he spoke, blood and flames intertwined at his severed wrist, regenerating a new hand. Ludwig thought for a few seconds and then said, In your language, its called the Angel of Devouring. Chapter 1145 - Chapter 1145: Devouring Concepts Chapter 1145: Devouring Concepts Angel of Devouring? What abilities does it have? Franca asked Ludwig casually, treating him as one of their own. After all, he was like her godchild! Ludwig, who had yet to break the seal and regain his full intelligence, answered honestly, The core ability is to devour the rules of a specific area and certain shallow-level concepts, though there are limits to the number and range. Devour rules? How does that work? Francas curiosity was unmasked. It sounded pretty powerful. Before Ludwig could respond, Lumian reverted the scene back to the protected zone. The surroundings were no longer layered in dark mirrors, and sunlight once again shone through the windows into the clean, bright living room. Ludwig glanced at the sunlight streaming in and the well-lit room before slowly opening his mouth. Suddenly, Francas vision was consumed by darkness; the entire area became unnaturally black. For someone like her, who possessed Night Vision, it wasnt an issue. She turned to look at Ludwig and could still see the boy clearly. I thought you swallowed up the entire area, including us, into your stomach, Franca joked. Ludwig froze for a moment before explaining, I could, but at my current level, I cant directly swallow areas or physical targets. Id need to create a vortex in my mouth to pull you all in, and youd be able to resist that pull. I see Franca switched gears and asked, So what exactly are you devouring right now? Its the rule of Sunlight Illumination. Even if a Beyonder creates sunlight again, until this rule is restored, that sunlight wont function, Ludwig explained earnestly. Lumian smiled and inquired, Can you spit out the devoured rule? Once something is devoured, its gone for good; it cant be restored. Ludwig opened his mouth again. The sunlight returned to illuminate the living room. Didnt you say it couldnt be restored? Franca asked, amused. Ludwig picked up the piece of steak from the ground, stuffed it into his mouth, and chewed before answering, Its not that the rule was restored; I created a new rule similar to the original. So devouring a rule allows you to use it yourself? Franca suddenly understood. Only once, Ludwig admitted. To use it repeatedly, Id need to devour the source power that creates the rule. Franca had initially wanted to ask how long it would take for a devoured rule to recover, but her spiritual intuition had already given her the answer: one to three minutes. And how does devouring shallow concepts work? she asked instead. Ludwig turned his gaze to the crystal chandelier with its golden frame. His eyes reflected the object. He opened his mouth again. Franca followed his gaze and noticed the chandeliers faint gold frame turning pitch black and dull, utterly unappealing. The golden hues of other items in the living room also disappeared, leaving a void of blackness. Did you devour the concept of gold? Franca clicked her tongue. Ludwig nodded. Can the concept of gold recover on its own? Franca asked, finding the suddenly drab living room rather unappealing. It depends on how its devoured. One method allows for recovery, while the other makes the concept permanently disappear within the affected rangeunless other Beyonder powers intervene, Ludwig hesitated before answering. Which method did you use just now? Franca suddenly had a bad feeling. The second one, Ludwig confessed. Lumian chuckled and raised his right hand, snapping his fingers. With a snap, all the golden hues in the living room were restored. Francas first reaction was: You can perform magic and create miracles now? She immediately remembered that this wasnt the World of Ruins, not the real world. Even Frank Lees thoughts could affect sailors in their surroundings, let alone Lumian, who could partially wield the powers of a Visionary. Let me try next time! she said regretfully. Lumian turned to Ludwig and asked, Whats the name of Sequence 1? And what about Sequence 0? Ludwig mumbled, Overall, Sequence 1 is called Chaos Gastric Juices, and Sequence 0 In the dream city, I saw a term I thought was fittingGluttony. Otherwise, you could call it Self-Devourer or Tail-Devourer. It means devouring oneself, digesting oneself, and growing oneself anew. Tail-Devourer probably represents a cycle rather than literally devouring oneself. Lets go with Gluttony or Self-Devourer, Franca opined. Lumian chuckled. Pathways with the prefix Primordial always seem to have some connection to chaos. He then said to Ludwig, You can go back to the kitchen and continue eating. When the time is right, well open the third layer of the Box of the Great Old Ones. Ludwig breathed a sigh of relief and left the living room reluctantly. Francas gaze returned to the Box of the Great Old Ones before glancing at Lumian. She opened her mouth but changed her question at the last moment, What are the abilities and negative effects of this Grade 0 Sealed Artifact? The first layer swaps the internal space with the target area, rapidly turning whatever is placed into the box into toys. The second layer records various scenes and allows the user to add new ones. When opened, the holder and all living beings within the designated range are forcibly transported to the specified location. The hidden risk of this transportation is randomness. It only works as intended a small fraction of the time. Most of the time, the destination changes unpredictably. Furthermore, the good luck given by the Post-Apocalyptic Scripture cant influence it, or to be more preciseSequence 1-level or lower good fortune cannot influence this randomness accurately. As for the third layer, well, youve already heard it. Lumian gave a brief summary of the Box of the Great Old Ones abilities. Franca was taken aback. Good luck from anything below Sequence 0 can hardly influence the randomness? Then how did Madam Temperance accurately transport herself and the Demoness of Black to the Underworld using the blessings of the Angel of Mercury? Or was it actually Mr. Fools miracle that made it happen? Franca was very interested in her former superior, Demoness of Black Clarice. During their return to the protected zone, she had briefly asked Madam Temperance about her fate. The latter had explained in rough detail through written notes. She knew that the Demoness of Black had been transported to the Underworld by the Box of the Great Old Ones and perished there. However, her dormant mirror remained intact, enabling future resurrection. Of course, reviving through a dormant mirror was a process that took time. When the mirror world completely collapsed with the fall of the Primordial Demoness and the worlds mirrors shattered, dormant mirrors would be hard-pressed to surviveunless placed in locations with exceptional protection or potent interference. Based on this, Franca suspected that the Demoness of Black had failed to resurrect before her dormant mirror was destroyed and was truly dead. This aligned closely with what Lumian had relayed from Mr. Fools final remarks. Lumian smiled at Franca but offered no explanation. Franca wanted to press further but closed her mouth instead. As Lumian sealed the Box of the Great Old Ones, he said to Franca, Give me a dormant mirror to keep in my divine kingdom. In the future, as long as youre not killed by one of a few specific abilities, youll always be able to resurrect. Alright, Ill fetch one lateror rather, Ill make a new one, Franca readily agreed. She, of course, didnt carry dormant mirrors on her person. They were hidden in secret places, like the Nation of the Evernight. After becoming a Demoness of Catastrophe, she could now create three more dormant mirrors even before her potion was fully digested. Lumian hummed in acknowledgment and stood up. Where are you going? Franca calculated the time and found that his occasional bout of clarity wasnt over yet. Helping Mr. Moon digest his potion. I feel like hes about to summon me, Lumian replied with a smile. Sounds like fun, Franca said, her eyes relaxing into a smile. She pondered for a moment and said, Once Ive made a new dormant mirror, Ill visit my only subordinate and let her know the Demoness Sect is finished. Backlund, in the basement of a villa. In the underground area of a villa, a vibrant tomb surrounded by mutated grass, flowers, grains, and insects stood tall. Several Sanguine stood upright before it. The Moon Emlyn was nearby, setting up a ritual altar. He felt a little confused about the situation. Originally, he had only intended to enhance the digestion of his potion by summoning a high-level existence. To ensure the effect, he planned to have a few Counts under his command witness the ritual as audience members for feedback. However, the Sanguine had taken this matter exceptionally seriously. They had asked him to conduct the summoning in front of the Round Moon Duke Olmers coffin and even summoned several younger marquises to observe. What was supposed to be a small affair suddenly became solemn and grand. Although bewildered, Emlyn understood the current situation. All the existing Dukes of the Sanguine were too old. Their bodies were failing, and leaving their coffins for prolonged periods was not an option. Other marquises were either similarly aged and weakened or lacked sufficient protection from those of higher ranks, making them vulnerable to losing control during the advancement ritual under the crimson moons influence. Thus, Emlyn had become the Sanguines hopethe marquis most likely to ascend to angelhood in recent years. No amount of importance attached to him was excessive. Did I ever tell them who Im summoning? I think I only mentioned summoning a high-ranking existence The Moon Emlyn pondered over this trivial matter while arranging the altar. The upcoming summoning was likely one of the rarest in mysticism history. He couldnt simply rely on his abilities to create a Door of Summoning and call it a day. Respect and ceremony were a must. Of course, this wasnt his first high-level summoning. If the projection of Gehrman Sparrow he had summoned in the dream city had been complete, his High Summoner potion would have been fully digested long ago. Before long, The Moon Emlyn finished preparing the altar. He turned to the tomb of the Round Moon Duke Olmer and the surrounding Sanguine marquises and announced, Im about to begin the summoning. Chapter 1146 - Chapter 1146: Wishing You Joy Chapter 1146: Wishing You Joy Begin, the rich voice of Round Moon Duke Olmer echoed from within the tomb. The Moon Emlyn hummed in acknowledgment, erected a wall of spirituality, and began the ritual following standard summoning protocols. He lit candles and offered his sacrificea glass of absinthe shimmering with a dreamy green hue. Taking two steps back, he recited the first verse of the incantation in ancient Hermes, I! As his voice reverberated, The Moon Emlyn broke from convention and continued the chant in ancient Hermes rather than switching to Hermes. I summon in my name: He stretched out his hands, and with the chant, conjured a phantom door inscribed with countless mysterious symbols amidst the expanding candle flames. Then, Emlyn uttered the honorific name of the entity he was summoning, The Demoness wielding Chaos, the Many-Faced One who offers sacrifices to Calamity, and the Ruler of the Mirror World. He deliberately avoided the part of the honorific nameSymbol of War and Apocalypseas summoning a true god-level existence through the Door of Summoning might naturally affect the surroundings. The Apocalypse aspect was particularly unwelcome for the aged and frail Round Moon Duke Olmer and his peers. Hearing the three titles uttered by Emlyn, the surrounding Sanguine marquises displayed puzzled expressions. Isnt the first line associated with the Primordial Demoness? And who does the other two lines refer to? Ive never heard of the Primordial Demoness being called the Ruler of the Mirror World Did something happen in the World of Ruins? Did the Primordial Demonesss honorific name change? Is Emlyn attempting to summon the Primordial Demoness? Could he possibly be summoning a true god? Isnt the Primordial Demoness barred from entering the protected zone? Haw Emlyn been bewitched into summoning Her to destabilize the zone? The Sanguine marquises, alarmed and wary, were about to recite the honorific names of other true gods for protection when the mystical and hazy Door of Summoning abruptly swung open. Beyond the door lay a profound darkness, studded with countless stars and filled with innumerable indistinct phantoms. Six massive hands suddenly emerged from within, gripping the doorframe itself. Some were delicate and beautiful, with flawless white skin, while others were robust, with clearly defined joints, exuding masculine strength. Each set of hands occupied one side of the doorway, squeezing it tightly, making it hard to fathom the size of the being they belonged to. Some Sanguine marquises stared blankly at the pristine, elegant hands, their minds conjuring visions of the overwhelming beauty of their owner. Others felt as though the bronzed hands were pressing down on their heads from a distance, causing them to bow involuntarily, forgetting entirely what they had intended to do. Around the Round Moon Dukes tomb, the grass, grains, flowers, and insects all turned toward the Door of Summoning and prostrated themselves on the ground. Finally, the six massive hands pushed the phantom Door of Summoning open as far as it would go, and a figure emerged. In that instant, all the Sanguine present, including Round Moon Duke Olmer and The Moon Emlyn, saw themselvessometimes with resentful expressions, sometimes with hostile gazes, sometimes appearing as they had in their youth. These were their mirror reflections, originating from both the present and the past. They also saw the ideal lover they had envisioned in their hearts, the most captivating member of the opposite sex. Each of them became entranced, floating in a dreamlike state, as though reality itself had become unmoored. It was unclear how much time had passed before they managed to regain a semblance of self-awareness. They found that the summoning ritual had long since concluded. The flames on the candles had shrunk back to their original size, flickering quietly. The Moon Emlyn quickly examined himself and, unsurprisingly, confirmed that he had completely digested the High Summoner potion. At that moment, the rich voice of Round Moon Duke Olmer came from within the tomb, Whom exactly did you summon? The Moon Emlyn unconsciously lifted his chin slightly and replied, An existence who has just ascended to become a dual-pathway true god. Trier, Quartier de la Maison dOpra, Rue du Chapeau Noir. Niceea, with her brown curls pinned up, sat in the rocking chair of her apartment, idly swaying as she stared off into space. Since the night of the crimson moons immense appearance, as though it had descended upon the earth, she had found herself with little to do. Most of the core members of the Emperor Party had been arrested and purged, including her lover, Grous, leading to the organizations complete disintegration. Her superior, Madame Franca, hadnt assigned her any tasks either, merely instructing her to monitor the citizens in her vicinity and report any anomalies immediately. With so much free time, Niceea had focused on digesting the Pleasure potion, flitting like a butterfly among her lovers. She even orchestrated situations where, despite knowing of each others existence, they endured the pain of rivalry, pretended ignorance, or quarreled yet remained unwilling to leave her. This had led to her complete digestion of the Pleasure potion last month. However, her superior had not provided her with the formula or ingredients for the Affliction potion. Do I need to make new contributions? But there havent been any tasks assigned Also, why did all my mirrors just shatter? I must report this to Madame Franca; something is seriously wrong Niceea thought, glancing at the drawn sheer curtains shielding her from the sunlight. As these thoughts crossed her mind, she noticed that the glass window, now cracked as if struck by an invisible force, reflected the image of Madame Franca stepping out. She wore a ponytail and a hunters outfit. Niceea didnt immediately rise to greet her superior. She momentarily felt dazed, struck by the overwhelming beauty of Franca. Her superior had grown even more radiantso mesmerizing that Niceea couldnt look away, so beautiful it made her forget all her worries and everything else. Several seconds passed before Niceea snapped out of her trance and hurriedly stood in greeting. Good afternoon, Madame. Good afternoon, Franca responded with a smile. Niceea was momentarily dazzled by that smile and blurted out, Madame, have you advanced again? Franca didnt hide it, nodding gently. Im now an Angel, a Demoness of Catastrophe. An Angel Niceea was left speechless. She recalled that when she had first been assigned to Madame Francas command, her superior had been a Sequence 5 Demoness of Affliction, while she herself was a Sequence 7 Witch. Now, she had only advanced one rank to become a Sequence 6 Demoness of Pleasure, but Franca had climbed several Sequences to reach Sequence 2 and become an Angel! Could it be that advancing beyond Sequence 5 in the demigod realm was easier than advancing through lower ranks? Thats impossible! Noticing Niceeas shocked and bewildered expression, Franca also felt a twinge of sentimentality. Yes, it hasnt been long, but now Im a Demoness of Catastrophe. But Id rather return to the days when I was just a Demoness of Affliction As a Demoness of Catastrophe, Francas core ability now revolved around catastrophes, encompassing both natural and man-made calamities. This extended to certain authorities and abstract concepts. Natural disasters like blizzards, tsunamis, earthquakes, meteor impacts, floods, volcanic eruptions, or the collapse of the mirror world could be conjured through her abilities. Similarly, train accidents, building collapses, horse stampedes, or accidental gun dischargesall events tied to societal order or mechanical constructsfell within her purview as a Demoness of Catastrophe. Additionally, when extended to authority and concepts, catastrophe could manifest as the inducement or exacerbation of issues to destabilize a previously stable system. In such cases, if a Beyonders state was inherently unstable, a Demoness of Catastrophe could use Her abilities to induce them to lose balance and lose control on the spot. For the target, this was undoubtedly a catastrophe. Franca understood this as an extension of the Red Priest pathways Weakness Investigation ability, reflected in a neighboring pathway. When Lumian was still a Hunter, he could accurately grasp the structural integrity of a building and identify the key points to demolish it. A Demoness of Catastrophe, on the other hand, could treat Beyonders, areas, or natural environments as if they were such a structure or system, detonating their hidden issues and triggering catastrophic collapse. When it came to disrupting stability and triggering catastrophe, the main difference between the two lay in their approach: a Hunter targeted weaknesses from the outside in, while a Demoness of Catastrophe worked primarily from the inside outor combined both internal and external forces. From this perspective, the Primordial Demoness was actually very restrained toward Lumian, who relied on the chaotic vortex face to gain the rank of a true god and maintain his existence and King of Angels power through a delicate balance. However, the problem was that the Primordial Demoness didnt want Lumian to lose balance, lose control, and die. That would render all of Her previous efforts meaningless. For this reason, the Primordial Demoness was willing to take risks and even face Her own demise by integrating Herself into Lumians body. After all, from Her perspective, Her consciousness and spirit would remain intact, simply surviving in a different form. The catastrophes wielded by a Demoness of Catastrophe also manifested as curses of destiny. Franca could now create objects or leave behind words that, without directly contacting the target, cause those who touched the object or heard the words to encounter one catastrophe after another in their subsequent lives. Her other abilities had also been correspondingly enhanced at the angelic level. For instance, her mystical pathogens could now erode and influence the bodies of complete Mythical Creatures. Lost in these thoughts, Franca turned to Niceea, who had just regained control of her expression, and said, Im here today to tell you something. The Primordial Demoness has perished. Of the high-ranking color-named Demonesses, fewer than five have survived. The Demoness Sect has effectively been annihilated. Ah? Niceea momentarily forgot about her superiors advancement to angelhood. What about us? And the other Demonesses? The other Demonesses? Except for the high-ranking ones involved in the initial events in the mirror world, most Demonesses were incorporated into the protected zone. Subsequently, some were hunted down, some surrendered directly to official organizations, and others escaped the protected zone to rejoin the remnants of the Demoness Sect in the World of Ruins If it werent for your past as a government informant and the fact that the digestion of your Assassin, Instigator, and Witch potions primarily targeted organizations like the Emperor Party, I wouldnt have spared you Franca smiled and said to Niceea, We have nothing to worry about. I was one of those who destroyed the Demoness Sect. Niceea was stunned. She felt both surprised and unsurprised. Madame Franca is a Saint of the Church of The Fool! But if I know this, wouldnt the Demoness of Black and others know as well? Madame, is there anything I should do? Niceea quickly expressed her intention to continue her loyalty. Franca smiled in response. A month from now, Ill have something for you to do. For now, you should rest well and adjust your state. Oh, and the honorific name of the Primordial Demoness can still be used, but it will now point to someone elsethe one I currently follow. Who is that? Niceea didnt dare to ask and instead inquired, Madame, may I make my own arrangements for the next month? Franca looked at Niceea for several seconds before revealing a clean smile in the sunlight streaming through the sheer curtains. Yes, go on dates, bask in the sun, take walks along the Srenzo River, watch operas, read books, read newspapers, ride a bicycle, fish, sample the signature dishes of Triers famous restaurants, gather with friendsdo everything you wish to do. At the end, Franca placed a hand over her chest and bowed slightly. In short, I wish you joy. As her voice echoed, she disappeared into the interplay of light and shadow created by the sheer curtains. Niceea stared blankly at the spot where Franca had stood, feeling both dazed and confused. Chapter 1147 - Chapter 1147: An Early Deal Chapter 1147: An Early Deal New City of Silver. Derrick Berg picked up the prepared Lightseeker potion, gazing at the liquid that seemed to intertwine pure beams of light. He drank it in one go. In an instant, it felt as though he had approached the true sun, his entire body igniting and showing signs of melting. Derrick did not retreat. He continued running toward the light, the sun, sensed in his core. His body quickly melted like heated metalfirst dripping liquid, then softening and flowing toward the ground like water. His bones melted, his organs melted, his brain melted, and even his spirit and consciousness began to dissipate rapidly. But he never stopped. Supported by the justice deep in his core, he struggled and wriggled forward, guided by the faint light of the sun in his blurred consciousness. At this moment, he seemed to return to the Forsaken Land of the Gods, to the days when he ventured into the Giant Kings Court with Chief Colin Iliad and Gehrman Sparrow. But unlike then, the surroundings were not cloaked in darkness and lightning but illuminated by the crimson moonlight that shone through the gloom. Dragging his melted body and soul, fueled by a belief that abandoned everything for the light, Derrick continued his pursuit with difficulty but unwavering determination. The light grew closer, and his spirit merged with the burning heat, leaving only a sliver of residual consciousness. Finally, he saw a pair of grand double doors, sensing the sun and light he longed for beyond them. His blurred consciousness collided with the doors, pushing them ajar. A sea of golden light entered Derricks vision, and a sun of intertwining blazing white and gold rose steadily, illuminating all and dispelling the crimson and darkness. Derrick Berg smiled and stopped at the entrance. He immediately sensed his spirit, soul, and body flowing back together, merging into one. The door he saw quickly became illusory, while the sun gradually lost its color and form, revealing its true naturea slowly rotating chaotic vortex face. Lumian placed the dark golden, peculiar mask back onto the center of his left shoulder head, covering the face with its starlit glow. He had come to the New City of Silver this time to fulfill his promise of helping Mr. Sun Derrick complete the ritual. The ritual for the Lightseeker potion required finding an item with at least the rank of an Angel and a close connection to the mysticism of the Sun. The item had to be bound to the Beyonders most critical and justice-related memory, then placed in front of them. This served as a beacon for Beyonders consuming the Lightseeker potion, providing a mystical connection that would be the last to melt, helping them maintain their direction, clarity of consciousness, and determination to persist through the transformation process. For this ritual, the binding of memory and item was accomplished by Mr. Fools Grafting, and the item was Lumians chaotic vortex face. Its close association with the Chaos Sea naturally made it deeply connected to the mysticism of the Sun. Lumians role was to arrive at the scene, remove the mask, and let the chaotic vortex face manifest the power of the Sun. After stabilizing himself, Derrick Berg, clad in a plain white robe, bowed respectfully to Lumian. Thank you for your assistance. Lumian glanced around and smiled. Id like to borrow a room. Alright, The Sun Derrick replied without asking why. He helped Lumian find a quiet scripture-reading room in the Church of The Fools headquarters. Lumian sat down, raised his left hand, and pressed it onto the center of the mask on his head. His shadow suddenly squirmed as if it had gained self-awareness. Then Lumians voice echoed in his heart, plunging into the depths of his shadow and the corrupted part of his nature. Mr. Naboredisley, Id like to meet with you now. The sound sank into the pitch-black abyss, reverberating layer upon layer. Lumian did not need to unseal or remove the mask to employ the abilities of the Visionary and The Hanged Man at this level. Not long after, a dark, sinister liquid seemed to churn and surge within his shadow, from which an ice-blue-eyed Naboredisley rapidly emerged. Good afternoon. Naboredisley greeted with gentlemanly poise, taking a seat opposite Lumian with a smile. Are you preparing for the secret deed with the City of Calamity? I still need two or three weeks to strengthen the balance of my body. You wouldnt want me to explode the moment I accommodate the City of Calamity, would you? Lumian responded with a faint smile. Then why did you seek me? Naboredisley asked directly, skipping any guesses. Lumian chuckled. I want you to give me that portion of Abomination Beyonder characteristic in advance. Otherwise, we might not have time to handle it when the moment comes. We must prepare for unforeseen events and get all the groundwork done early. But you havent fulfilled your end of the deal, Naboredisley reminded. Lumian looked at him with a teasing tone. Im not that Celestial Worthy. Have I ever broken a promise? Besides, helping you is also helping myself. I have no reason not to fulfill my promise. At worst, if I fail to accommodate it, your attempt will fail indirectly, but in that case, everyone dies anyway, including your Abomination avatar. Keeping it would be meaningless. Naboredisley remained silent, not responding immediately. He had always been prone to interpreting others intentions with the deepest malice. After all, He was the embodiment of malice itself. If youre still worried, you can plant a spiritual mark in my consciousness and spirit right now, Lumian offered. I dont mind living with it for two or three weeks. The only problem is it might backfire and corrupt you. You know whats inside me. But you can erase the spiritual mark before the secret deed with the City of Calamity, Naboredisley hesitated before responding. Lumian burst out laughing. Why not draft a notarized contract while were at it? Ill make it, and Mr. Fool can witness it. Naboredisley stared at Lumian for a few seconds before smiling. No need. I trust you. Ill have my Abomination avatar come over now. The spiritual mark can wait until you bond with the City of Calamity. Lumian responded with a smile, Deal. Soon after, Farbauti, the Abomination covered in gold and wearing a mask painted black and white, emerged from the spirit world before Lumian. Naboredisley raised His head and locked eyes with Farbauti, nodding slightly in mutual acknowledgment. Seeing this, Lumian remarked with a touch of sentiment, After the last Dream Festival, we made many preparations to guard the tomb and deal with the Angels of the Rose School of Thoughts indulgence faction and Devil families, all for the next Dream Festival. Yet none of that came into play. The early arrival of the crimson moon turned the world into ruins, making it impossible to hold the Dream Festival again. Thats precisely why I want you to hand over the Abomination Beyonder characteristic in advance. Our enemies wont sit idle while we prepare; they wont wait for us to complete everything methodically before starting the apocalypse. With what little time remains, we must finish everything we need to do as quickly as possible. Waiting for the perfect moment is futile; the future is full of uncertainties. Naboredisley smiled in response. Though I doubt your motives, my rational mind tells me this is indeed necessary. As He spoke, Farbauti removed the golden mask derived from the former Death, Salinger. With a clatter, the gold covering His body fell away piece by piece, landing on the ground with metallic thuds. In mere seconds, His body disintegrated, transforming into a grotesque tree-like shape coated in viscous black liquid. Is this the Abominations Mythical Creature form? Lumian asked, his curiosity piqued for once. Naboredisley shook His head with a smile. The Mythical Creature form of the Chained pathway is actually invisible, intangible, a collection of various curses. What you saw previously as a Mythical Creature form is essentially the vessel that carries this aggregateor no, not carries. Using terms like binds and fixes would be more symbolically accurate. So, the outward manifestation of the Mythical Creature form of this pathway depends on ones self-awareness and the choices made during the advancement to Sequence 4 Puppet and Sequence 2 Ancient Bane as a base. These bases bind and stabilize the various curses resulting from the disassembly process. An embalmed mummy at the demigod level? Lumian recalled the unique items required for the Puppet advancement ritual. Naboredisley nodded gently and explained, Yes, thats one type of anchor. However, its not strictly necessary to use a demigod-level mummy. Any item with a similar function and the same rank can serve the purpose. The Rose School of Thoughts temperance faction traditionally uses mummies for their advancement. This practice is tied to the imagery and history of Tolzna and has even influenced the burial customs of the Highlands Kingdom. Similarly, the advancement to Ancient Bane requires finding an ancient, evil item capable of bearing angelic power. This item becomes the core of the final Mythical Creature form. Born Mythical Creatures like Suah and Tiri, who have not completed the corresponding Sequence advancements, exhibit forms that are essentially amplifications of Their Beyonder characteristics. Having finished this explanation, Naboredisley discussed a few more aspects of the deep secret deed with Lumian before taking His leave. Shortly after His departure, Renette Tinekerr, carrying four golden-haired, red-eyed heads, and Sharron, wearing a small bonnet, appeared in the room. They had sensed the convergence and followed their spiritual intuition to investigate. Our deal can now move forward, Lumian said with a smile. Sharron nodded slightly, allowing the crimson-stained crystal tiara hidden in the spirit world to emerge from its seal and float toward Lumian. This was the Grade 0 Sealed Artifact, Calamity of Crimson, corresponding to the Demoness of Catastrophe. Its yours now, Lumian said, gesturing toward the Abomination Beyonder characteristic. Thankyouforyourhelp, Renette Tinekerr four heads spoke in sequence. Sharron, on the other hand, lightly lifted the hem of her dress in a gesture of gratitude. Once the two ladies had secured the Beyonder characteristic and left the room, Lumian, holding the Calamity of Crimson, returned to where The Sun Derrick was waiting. With a smile, he said, You can trade me the Gift of the Land now. As he spoke, Cheeks eyes transformed into mirrors, and a figure emerged. It was Zedus, a man of almost unparalleled beauty, with scarlet eyes. New chapter is coming soon WRITE A REVIEW Chapter 1148 - Chapter 1148: Farewell Chapter 1148: Farewell Zedus emerged from the eye of Cheeks face and quietly stood behind Lumian, expressionless and vacant-eyed. After Lumian advanced to Red Priest, Zedus, along with the steel golems and undead soldiers formerly belonging to 0-01, was re-enlisted into the newly formed legion of the Red Priest. They were now stationed in a special mirror world that had become Lumians divine kingdom. Seeing the Calamity of Crimson in Lumians hand, The Sun Derrick hesitated no longer and nodded slightly. Okay. I thought you might have some reluctance, Lumian said casually. Derrick shook his head and replied honestly, When you first made the request, I did feel a bit reluctant. But after returning to the New City of Silver, I increasingly felt it was the right decision. When the apocalypse arrives, Mr. Fool will undoubtedly be unable to continue protecting the New City of Silver. The Gift of the Land is the remains of Omebella, the Great Mothers most cherished daughter. It could likely spark an anomaly, causing unforeseen consequences and breaking apart the protected zones from within. Moreover, Chief Chirmont has long since digested the Silver Knight potion but has yet to advance to an Angel as a Glory. Thats because the Proof of Glory has to be used to seal the Gift of the Land. If it were turned into a Beyonder characteristic, anyone using it to advance would have to remain underground for extended periods, only leaving for short intervals during crises. Replacing the Gift of the Land with the Calamity of Crimson should free the Proof of Glory from its restraints. Derrick, having only just become an Angel, still lacked understanding of matters regarding the Above the Sequences. Lumian produced a mirror and inserted the crystal tiara-shaped Calamity of Crimson into it. He then gently ran his hand over the mirrors surface. After completing the task, he handed the mirror to The Sun Derrick. Place it in an underground location that moonlight can never reach. No males may be within ten meters. When it needs to be used, a woman must retrieve it. Ive sealed the area behind the mirror and fixed an entrance to the mirror world on its surface. Even ordinary people can extend their hand inside to retrieve the Calamity of Crimson. This setup mirrored how Franca had once secured a mirror world entrance in the quarry beneath Trier by praying to the Primordial Demoness. The Sun Derrick took the mirror and saw in its reflection the terrifying scene of a volcanic eruption. Ignore any disasters reflected in the mirror, Lumian cautioned. If the mirror itself cracks, pray to me or Mr. Fool immediately so we can replace its seal. As for its usage, there are three taboos: First, no male should wield it. Second, the wielder must have godhood. Third, it must not be used for more than three minutes, or if exposed to moonlight, no more than thirty seconds. If the wielder experiences Pleasure or Charm cast by it, a new person must take over. Otherwise, the wielder will grow increasingly obsessed with it and try to set it free. The Sun Derrick nodded solemnly. I understand. He then asked a question. But Im male. Is it safe for me to handle the Calamity of Crimson? For now, yes, Lumian explained. Its still in a Conquered state and wont acknowledge anyone else. After placing the mirror underground, avoid further contact with it. The Sun Derrick let out a quiet sigh of relief. Alright. Ill head to the Twin Towers now to lift the Proof of Glorys suppression. You can retrieve the Gift of the Land yourself. After Lumian agreed, the newly ascended Lightseeker turned into sunlight and flew out of the headquarters of the Church of The Fool. Lumian remained in place, admiring the murals on the walls. The face of Alista Tudor furrowed slightly, seemingly displeased with the religious undertonesunless, of course, the subject of the murals was Himself. After some time, Cheeks face on Lumians left shoulder turned, revealing a stunning smile radiating maternal warmth and terrifying allure. In the next moment, a massive, withered, ash-brown tree trunk appeared before Lumian. It had been Charmedenthralled by Cheeks face, which shared a profound connection with it. Two crimson flowers on the trunk, serving as its eyes, bloomed fully, radiantly vibrant. Lumian smiled at the Gift of the Land. Would you like to reside in my divine kingdom? The Gift of the Land moved closer without resistance. Zedus came forward, embracing the trunk and dragging it back into Lumians divine kingdomthe destroyed then reformed special mirror world. Throughout the process, Zedus handled it roughly, yet the Gift of the Land offered no opposition. The estranged siblings reunite Lumian chuckled softly and disappeared from the Church of The Fools headquarters. In the World of Ruins. Enormous oak trees stood blanketed in white by a raging blizzard, frozen lifeless. In stark contrast, another oak grove burned fiercely, consumed by invisible, colorless flames. Accompanying the destruction were bird-clawed infants, various animals, and strange familiars, all reduced to ash. Even the ground itself melted away. At the boundary where blizzard met flames, the clash of cold and heat created a skyward-whirling hurricane and apocalyptic torrential rain. In the hurricanes eye, a three-headed, six-armed Lumian wandered with frenzied, mindless eyes. At the edge of this fog-shrouded region, Franca sat atop a nearly 100-meter-tall gray-white stone pillar, her legs dangling idly. Having become a Demoness of Catastrophe, she could finally witness Lumians bouts of uncontrollable madness firsthand. This was the twenty-ninth time she had observed it, yet it still left her feeling low and stifled. My potion digested a little more Franca mused, forcing herself to think of something meaningful to distract from her emotions. Even though I didnt do anything as all these catastrophes were caused by Lumian Is it because I brought him here? As a Demoness of Catastrophe, I am a bringer of calamity. Does it not matter whether the calamities I bring are self-made or external? Right A Demoness of Catastrophe likely serves catastrophe Since Lumian is the source and embodiment of catastrophes, does serving him equate to fulfilling that role? No wonder my potion is digesting so quickly. At this rate, Ill fully digest it in another year or two. Too bad we dont have that much timethe one-month deadline is nearly up Her thoughts wandered until the blizzard ceased, the formless and colorless flames extinguished, and the hurricane disintegrated outward, bending distant oaks. Lumian, now his normal human size, approached the base of the stone pillar, his expression weary yet faintly smiling. Lets return to the protected zone. Franca smiled back and leaped gracefully from the 100-meter-high pillar, landing as lightly as a feather. At that moment, Lumians middle head turned sharply, gazing toward another oak grove untouched by the apocalyptic scene. Franca immediately sensed the crimson moonlight deepening and brightening. From the depths of the grove emerged a woman dressed in a finely tailored black corset dress with matching shoulder drape. She wore sheer gloves that hinted at the skin beneath and a tilted, playful hat. Around her neck hung a diamond necklace set in gold. Her eyebrows were perfectly shaped, and her scarlet eyes shone like miniatures of the crimson moon. Franca had never seen a woman so beautifulnot even Cheeks face could compare. This beauty was pure, sublime, and awe-inspiring, making one want to admire and protect her but not dare to approach or desecrate. In contrast, Cheeks beauty radiated femininity and allure, stronger in seduction but less divine. As Franca held her breath, Lumian spoke in a low voice. Madame Pualis, why have you appeared here? Madame Pualis looked just as she had when Lumian first saw her in Cordu Village. Madame Pualis The one who birthed Omebella?! Franca snapped out of her daze, shaken by this realization. She lowered her gaze, avoiding direct eye contact, and prepared to assist Lumian with her abilities. Madame Pualis smiled faintly. Ive come to see you both and to bid farewell. I thought our last meeting would be the final one, but it seems the Great Mother still needs more time. Farewell? Lumian raised an eyebrow. Yes, Madame Pualis replied with a gentle smile. I am returning to the embrace of the Mother. Returning to the embrace of the Mother? Lumian frowned. You did all this just for such an ending? In the context of the Great Mother, returning to Her embrace was synonymous with death. Madame Pualis spoke softly, her expression tender. It is what I desire. The Mothers embrace is where we came from and where we are destined to return. There, we find peace, warmth, slumber, and rebirth. Life is a journey. I have been, seen, and experienced. Naturally, its time to return to the Mothers embrace and await the next journey. That sounds utterly sinister Franca murmured to herself. Lumian suddenly asked, Are you currently a Sequence 1 Beauty Goddess of the Moon pathway? Yes, it is a gift from the Great Mother, lent to me temporarily, Madame Pualis said, her tone full of emotion as she spoke to Lumian and Aurore. The greatest regret of my journey is missing you both in Cordu Village. Goodbye. We will meet again because all life will eventually return to the Mothers embrace. Before her words had fully settled, Cheeks face on Lumians left shoulder suddenly turned, Her expression sweet and smiling. Charm! A charm from the Demoness true god! But Lumian was a moment too slow. Madame Pualiss figure dissolved into crimson light, merging with the omnipresent moonlight, leaving only a fading image of her waving hand. What just happened? Franca asked warily. Lumians voice was low as he responded with a question, A Sequence 1 Beauty Goddess suddenly choosing to return to the Mothers embracewhat does that signify? Franca was suddenly alarmed. It means the Mother Goddess of Depravity is about to fully merge with the Brood Hive and requires Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics to support her! As she finished speaking, the previously devastated region began to sprout a frenzy of vegetation. The scorched ground gave way to rapidly growing flora, all stretching skyward. On the western horizon, the crimson moon, blood-red and ominous, began to rise slowly, laboriously revealing its edge. Chapter 1149 - Chapter 1149: Acting Chapter 1149: Acting As Franca watched the crimson moon rise inch by inch, a chill ran down her spine. She felt as if her darkening flaxen-colored hair was growing along with it. What now? She couldnt help but glance at Lumian. After becoming a Demoness of Catastrophe, she had a vague understanding of Lumians intended actionsessentially, the plan was this: With the help of various forces on the Western Continent, Lumian would attempt to become the Origins of Disaster, Calamity of Destruction, before the Mother Goddess of Depravity fully accommodated the Brood Hive. Then, leveraging the symbolic connection between Earth Mother Lilith and Omebella, he would slay this true god to destroy the newly reborn Omebella, thereby provoking the Brood Hive into rebelling against the Mother Goddess of Depravity. Finally, he would seize the opportunity during Their confrontation to heavily wound the Mother Goddess of Depravity, heavily damage the Pillar, and drive Her out of the astral barrier. Once this plan commenced, every second would count. Earth Mother Liliths voluntary death would rapidly lead to the fragmentation of the astral barrier. Lumian would have only a fleeting window to wound and banish the Mother Goddess of Depravity before returning to the astral barrier himself to take Earth Mothers place. Failing this, the entire situation would collapse, and the apocalypse would arrive prematurely. If the plan succeeded, Lumiannow having transcended the Sequencescould sustain the barrier and buy two or three more years. By then, Mr. Fool would fully awaken, lift the seals around the Western Continent, and allow more Great Old One to emerge. Franca had two major concerns about the plan. First, from Earth Mother Liliths fall to the shattering of the astral barrier, the time window might be mere seconds. Could Lumian truly injure the Mother Goddess of Depravity, a Pillar? Second, even if Lumian somehow managed this extraordinary feat, could healready precarious in balance and prone to occasional bouts of lucidityremain stable after forcibly accommodating the City of Calamity long enough to maintain the barrier? Now Franca realized she didnt need to worry anymore. Because their plan was doomed before it even began! The Mother Goddess of Depravity was about to fully accommodate the Brood Hive, leaving nothing capable of restraining Her! At this moment, they could kill Earth Mother Lilith and reignite the Brood Hives rebellious instincts to buy more time for Lumian to accommodate the City of Calamity. But who would then reinforce the astral barrier and halt the other Outer Deities invasion? It was death either way! Yet Lumian smiled, the corners of his mouth curling upward, as he said to Franca, Theres still a chance. Still a way. As he spoke, the scenery around them shifted from wildly growing trees and weeds to the villa in the protected zone. Still a way? Franca, affected by Lumians calm and resolute demeanor, felt her panic subside. Lumian nodded at her. Take Anthony and Ludwig and go to Madam Magicians place immediately. Follow her instructions. Ill meet Mr. Fool above the gray fog. Alright. Franca did not hesitate or let her emotions cloud her judgment. She stepped forward, embracing Lumians asymmetrical body for two seconds in silence. Straightening, she extended her right hand and offered a bright smile. May we stay safe, and may you succeed. Lumian smiled back, raising his right hand for a high-five. With a crisp slap, he stared deeply at Franca for a few seconds, then turned and ascended the staircase. Grayish-white fog began to swirl around him as he disappeared. Only when Lumians figure faded completely did Franca wipe her eyes, her expression calm as she turned to face Anthony and Ludwig, who had already received notifications via the mental channel. We need to relocate, Franca said lightly, with a hint of a smile. At the same time, many high-level figures in the protected zone sensed an ominous premonition. Queen Mystic Bernadette swiftly produced Her Magic Wishing Lamp. Even before she could stroke the lamps surface, golden light burst from its spout, forming a faint, blue-tinged figure. Genies majestic voice reverberated. I warned Them that my sisters accommodation of the Brood Hive would be faster than expected. Why didnt They act sooner? Fate is only a baseline. Blind faith in its revelations invites backlash! As a former Clairvoyant, Bernadette immediately understood Genies meaning: Fates guidance was undoubtedly correct but only provided a baseline. For instance, in this case, fate might have hinted that there would be no major problems within a month. However, it wouldnt reveal that the apocalypse would strike immediately after that time frame. Similarly, fate might suggest there was still hope and opportunity a month from now but wouldnt warn that acting earlier could yield better chances and greater hope. After a few seconds of silence, Queen Mystic Bernadette replied solemnly, Perhaps its precisely because fate is so enigmatic that we still have a chance and hope. Genie fell silent at Her words. Above the gray fog, in the majestic palace. Lumians figure appeared and immediately addressed Mr. Fool at the head of the bronze table. The Mother Goddess of Depravity will fully accommodate the Brood Hive in at most half an hour. We didnt notice any signs until now. Shrouded in gray-white fog, Mr. Fool nodded gently. Dont panic. This was already accounted for in our contingency plans. If we cant wait for the optimal moment, even a moderate or slightly worse opportunity is still an opportunity. I agree. Lumian smiled, his expression relaxed. The time had finally come. For him, it felt like a journey filled with pain and torment was finally reaching its conclusion. The sense of relief outweighed all else. In the next second, Lumian stood, placing his hand over his chest, and solemnly bowed to Mr. Fool. Honorable Mr. Fool, let us begin. May all go smoothly, and may we meet again. Mr. Fool also stood, removing his silk top hat and placing it over his chest in a return bow. Moments later, a figure pierced the gray fog and entered the palace. It was the voluptuous and beautiful Earth Mother Lilith holding an invisible infant. Radiant with maternal grace, She arrived through a dream tied to the divine kingdom affiliated with Sefirah Castle. Is it time? This ancestor of the Sanguine asked Mr. Fool with a relaxed smile. Her demeanor mirrored Lumians, her smile much the same. Before Mr. Fool could respond, Lilith looked at Lumian, who stood beside the bronze table, and understood instantly. So its him who will kill me. I see. Thats how it should be. Earth Mother Lilith visibly relaxed, Her beautiful features softening further with a benevolent glow. She even offered Lumian Her thanks. Thank you. Then She urged, Lets begin. Time is of the essence. Lumian glanced at Mr. Fool, who nodded. He then moved to the bottom of the bronze table, turning the chair representing The World to face Earth Mother Lilith. On the chair sat a card, depicting Empress Roselle in a maternity gown, her belly swollen with maternal radiance. Card of Blasphemy, Mother card! Lumian picked up the Mother card and sat down in The Worlds seat. To his sides, the flawless Zedus and the withered tree remains of Omebella appeared with Mr. Fools assistance. In the next second, Zedus, under Lumians command, opened His mouth and called out in a low voice, Mother. Hearing this title, Lumian smiled. Yes, the role he would act next was that of the Mother Goddess of Depravity! This wasnt a fabricated symbolism, but something the Mother Goddess of Depravity Herself had acknowledged and permittedone She had personally forged! From containing fragments of Zeduss soul in Cordu Village to fusing Omebellas bloodline in Trier, Lumian had become the motherly vessel for these two divine offspring, a counterpart to Madame Pualis in secret. Subsequent events had reinforced this symbolic role. Thus, when drawing for a Major Arcana card, the first card he drew was The World. Thus, in the mirror world, his encounter with the calamity-representing Primordial Demoness and the mirrored Original Creator would allow Omebella to truly manifest in reality! In all these occurrences, he had acted the role of the Mother, the Mother Goddess of Depravity. This was a sanctioned acta symbolic connection recognized by the original! Since, during the descent of the crimson moon, the Mother Goddess of Depravity had been Fooled, failing to kill Lumian immediately to sever this connection, he could now exploit it in reverse! To strengthen this role, Lumian had deliberately incorporated Zedus into his legion and exchanged for Omebellas remains, ensuring Their acknowledgment of him as Their mother. The Mother card, provided by Mr. Fool, further solidified the connection. Glancing at the Gift of the Land, which nestled close to him, Lumian closed his eyes briefly and recalled the whispered words of the Primordial Demoness, Cheek: Who you are is not important What you want to do is not important either Whats important is the role youre playing Lumian smiled, signaling Omebellas remains to merge with Earth Mother Lilith, overlapping the two together. Sitting in The Worlds seat, Lumians smile grew brighter. His left hand conjured formless, colorless flames, while his right wielded a sinister black fire that froze everything it touched. Yes, who I am does not matter. What matters is the role I play. But what I want to do matters just as much! With this thought, Lumian suddenly rose, unleashing the two opposing flames. They intertwined and struck Lilith and Omebellas remains. Now, I am acting as the Mother Goddess of Depravity! And what I want is to kill my daughter, Omebella! Chapter 1150 - Chapter 1150: Mysteries Chapter 1150: Mysteries As Lumian rose to his feet, Earth Mother Lilith sighed softly. She raised Her right hand with a relaxed smile, smoothing Her dark brown hair. It was as if She had returned to the state when She was one of the eight ancient gods. Back then, She was the most beautiful woman, the most beautiful creature, and the most beautiful deity in the entire world and universe. Almost simultaneously, She sensed the Gift of the Land shrinking slightly toward Her, seemingly startled, frightened, and saddened. She also saw Mr. Fool, who was already standing, raise both hands. The black trench coat He wore flared as if caught in a strong wind. Fooled! Both Lumians and Liliths respective symbolic connections were valid and strong. Without needing further aid, Mr. Fools sole task now was to Fool the Brood Hive, ensuring It remained utterly convinced. The next moment, Sanguine Ancestor Lilith saw the formless, colorless flame Lumian had conjured merge with the freezing black flame, forming a strange black fire that restrained madness, destruction, and chaos. Fire of Destruction! The Fire of Destruction elongated into a massive black sword, which struck the remains of Omebella and Lilith across the distance. Lilith offered no resistance, and neither did the Gift of the Land. It only let out an illusory wail of sorrow. Lilith smileda smile as radiant as moonlight, as tender as the earth, and as loving as a mothers. Crack! Omebellas remains were the first to shatter. The lingering spirit and spirituality within them were swallowed by the black flames of the Sword of Destruction, disappearing entirely. Pieces of broken wood were flung in all directions, charred black, with some reduced to ash. Liliths expression twisted uncontrollably, a reflection of the instinctive pain She felt. Her voluptuous, graceful body split open, crumbling into fragments of brown light that scattered across the sky. Her immense vitality struggled to reassemble the fragments, but it couldnt overcome the symbolic forces of destruction and chaos. Within two or three seconds, the orbs of brown light fell to the grand palaces floor. Liliths consciousness rapidly dissipated. The final image in Her vision was of Mr. Fool and Lumian bowing slightly to Her in unison. She smiled again. Outside the protected zone, at the astral barrier, under the influence of the symbolic connection of falsehood becoming truth, the dormant body of Earth Mother Lilith also began to collapse, consumed by black flames that annihilated all and returned everything to the primordial. A crimson moon once again rose high in the World of Ruins, accompanied by a mass of brown soil sprouting grass, grains, trees, mushrooms, and numerous reproductive organs. Earth Mother Lilith, the ancestor of the Sanguine, had fallen. Soon, the crimson moon and the brown soil plummeted together, streaking the sky with red and brown light as they descended into the protected zone. Grafting! On the western horizon, the larger blood-red moon that had just begun to rise through the gray fog suddenly exhibited rapid upheaval. A prominent bulge surged upward, as if the moons crust were violently shifting, forming a mountain thousands or tens of thousands of meters high. The mountain wriggled, resembling both a birds nest and a womb. The Brood Hive, whose dissipating consciousness had been rekindled by intense hatred and mystical stimulation, reassembled and became active once more. The ascent of the enormous blood moon came to an abrupt halt, even showing signs of sinking back into the depths of the gray fog and below the horizon. Sanguine Ancestor Liliths death had not been in vain. The complete fusion of the Mother Goddess of Depravity and the Brood Hive had indeed been delayed! At the astral barrier, with the Earth Mothers support gone, eight stars of various colorsscarlet, gold, and moresuddenly flared with extreme brilliance. They rapidly expanded, pressing against the invisible barrier like terrifying eyes peering inside, or gaping mouths tearing at a membranous veil. The sound of crackling transitioned from the abstract to the real, resonating from the astral world into the World of Ruins. This signified that the invisible barrier had developed deep cracks, with mere seconds of durability remaining. Once it shattered, the Outer Deities would tear apart the entire planet. Among them, some deities bore symbols far less gentle than the Great Mothers. Within the protected zone. Will Auceptin, residing in the Southern Continent, raised His head to gaze at the night sky where the crimson moon hung high, and sighed in a deliberately aged tone. Whats destined to come will come He still appeared as a young boy, but His hair had somehow turned silver. Beside Him, Azik Eggers also looked at the crimson moon in the night sky and nodded slightly. Death is not the true end. Even death itself will pass away. At that moment, all the high-level entities within the protected zone heard the warning of fatea symphony heralding the arrival of death. They were all powerless to stop it. Meanwhile, in the grand palace above the gray fog, Mr. Fool Klein nodded at Lumian and stepped forward. He entered the astral realm, His figure growing immeasurably vast, neither abstracted nor reduced to mere symbols. More than a month earlier, Klein Moretti had already completed his confrontation and fusion with The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings, truly accommodating Sefirah Castle! The acceleration of Kleins progress was due to the Mother Goddess of Depravitys actionsHer attempt to revive the Primordial God Almighty through the mirrored Original Creator and the subsequent true birth of Omebella. While these moves brought immense gains to the Mother Goddess, they also had significant drawbacks. They agitated the Celestial Worthy, who understood the terror of the Original Creator and the hatred the Primordial God Almighty bore toward Him. Forced to compromise, the Celestial Worthy chose to compromise and withdraw. Although this meant ceding the contest to Klein, the Celestial Worthy believed that, in the grand scheme of thingsover tens of thousands or even millions of yearsHe would eventually triumph. However, should the Original Creator or Primordial God Almighty return, all hope would be lost for Him! To hasten the Celestial Worthys withdrawal, Klein had made some concessions, achieving a more thorough fusion in certain aspects. Thus, on June 25, 1360, Klein Moretti completed his confrontation and fusion with the Celestial Worthy, accommodating Sefirah Castle as a single-pathway deityThe Fool! For over a month since then, the now fully awakened The Fool Klein had refrained from immediate action, sharing his true state only with Lumian, the Evernight Goddess, and Will Auceptin. Instead, he had patiently and covertly prepared. A Magician didnt perform unprepared! Lumians actionsvisiting Red Angel Medici, retrieving 0-01, and dealing with Primordial Demoness Cheekhad happened only at the end of June for a critical reason: he was awaiting Mr. Fools full awakening! Thats why Ouroboros suddenly sensed that the opportunity had slipped away, and that He wouldnt be able to become a deity of the Fate pathway in the near future. That was why the blessing granted by Will Auceptin could enable the scene transplantation of the Box of the Great Old Onesit was finally the right moment. With the help of the awakened Fool Klein, He accommodated the Die of Probability, the Uniqueness of the Fate pathway. Thats why Lumian, under the guise of seeking divination, visited the God of Knowledge and Wisdom and Queen Mystic on behalf of Mr. Fool. Klein and Lumians original plan was that once the latter accommodated the City of Calamity, he would leverage symbolic connections to kill Earth Mother Lilith. During the fierce confrontation between the Brood Hive and the Mother Goddess of Depravity, Klein would enter the astral world, retrieve the Uniquenesses of Error and Door, along with their corresponding Sequence 1 characteristics, and truly transcend the Sequences to become the Lord of Mysteries. As a Pillar, he would replace Earth Mother Lilith in maintaining the astral barrier. This approach would ensure the barriers stability for at least another three to five years. That was why Klein had chosen not to ascend as the Lord of Mysteries at that time to directly confront the Mother Goddess of Depravity. If he had taken back the Uniquenesses linked to Gehrman Sparrow, the barrier would have collapsed within three seconds, even if Earth Mother Lilith hadnt yet fallen. Simultaneously, the Lord of Mysteries Klein could remotely assist Lumiannow the Origins of Disasteragainst the Mother Goddess of Depravity, who would be suffering a backlash from the Brood Hive. This greatly increased their chances of victory. With the barrier stabilized, the battle would no longer have a time constraint. Once the Mother Goddess of Depravity was driven from within the barrier, Lord of Mysteries Klein could lift the seals and aid the birth of more Above the Sequences. With him present, the deities could take turns leaving the astral barrier without fear of its collapse. However, to stabilize Lumian and prevent him from exploding uncontrollably as a Great Old Dominator after accommodating the City of Calamity, The Fool Klein chose to wait another month. This caused them to miss the optimal opportunitythough it might not have been optimal and could very well have been the worst possible time. Since the best timing was no longer available, they now had to act quickly and give Lumian a chance to accommodate the City of Calamity before the Mother Goddess of Depravity fully accommodated the Brood Hive! At the astral barrier, the figure of Gehrman Sparrow, who had been waiting, emerged. With his star-encrusted cane and black gloves, he stepped in front of The Fool Klein. His expression cold, he revealed a faint smile, took a step forward, and merged with The Fool Kleins figure. The two became one! The Fool Kleins body abruptly collapsed inward. Within the depths of his black trench coat, a glowing bluish-black door seemed to flicker in and out of existence. The star-encrusted cane and black gloves collapsed inward as well, forming a massive vortex within the trench coata terrifying vortex. Every gust of wind, droplet of water, and ray of light in the vortex consisted of writhing worms, segmented insects, and tiny, starlit creatures. Within a second or two, the vortex was also devoured. The inside of the black trench coat became an abyss, seemingly infinite, as if it contained an entire universe and a spirit world connected to every planet. As this transformation occurred, grayish-white fog rapidly spread throughout the World of Ruins, enveloping the entire planet and all living beings. Beyond the barrier, in the boundless universe, faint gray fog began to spread as well, though no one could say when it had started. Living beings within the fog either became dull-witted, filled with cunning, or inexplicably transported to the place they knew most intimately. Numerous rules malfunctioned, and many symbols were fooled. The pressure from the Outer Deities momentarily stagnated. Time stopped. At the astral barrier, within the darkness inside the black trench coat, smooth tentacles inscribed with mysterious patterns suddenly emerged. They slipped into black gloves at the sleeves and lifted the star-encrusted cane. Next, under the silk half top hat, a face slowly emerged from the darknessa face with black hair and brown eyes. It was Klein Morettis face. The Lord of Mysteries was born. The ruler of the spirit world had returned. Chapter 1151 - Chapter 1151: Buying Time Chapter 1151: Buying Time At the deep, terrifying cracks in the astral barrier, grayish-white fog suddenly began to spread. The fog quickly obscured the fissures, rendering them invisible and untouchable. It was as if they no longer existed. As a result, the astral barrier stabilized. The Lord of Mysterieswhere truth becomes falsehood, and falsehood becomes truth! This time, the Outer Deities beyond the barrier did not retreat. Instead, They intensified Their oppression. Their brilliance grew brighter than before, especially the golden star, which rapidly expanded, first transforming into a blazing star with countless flames leaping from it, then into a genuine sun. It erupted with light that illuminated the entire astral world, revealing colossal, shadowy entities cloaked in darkness and terrifying forms shrouded by storms. Once again, the astral barrier emitted a cracking sound that transitioned from abstract to real. Lord of Mysteries Klein raised his hand to adjust the silk half-top hat on his head. His body dissolved into a dark vortex bristling with slick tentacles, which then merged into the invisible barrier. Clang! An ancient bell tolling across eras reverberated throughout the astral world and the spirit world that spanned the universe. The eight differently colored stars froze in place, and their exploding light fractured into countless cones. The astral barrier was thoroughly stabilized. Klein then turned his gaze toward the earth. In the World of Ruins, except for the few areas under protection and some distant regions in the Western Continent, the Spirit Body Threads of all other living beings suddenly floated skyward, ascending into the astral world. These included clawed bird-like infant monstrosities, oak giants, herds of deer, and various animals, as well as creatures mutated into the Brood Hives followers. The countless beingsnumbering in the tens or hundreds of billionsshuddered and turned their bodies to gaze uniformly at the massive, stationary blood-red moon hanging in the air. The next second, these innumerable creatures writhed and transformed. Each one instantly morphed into a version of Klein Moretti, complete with a silk half-top hat and black trench coat. Countless Klein Morettis surged toward the massive, blood-red, perfectly round moon from the sky, land, sea, and all directions. Near the dense fog surrounding the Western Continent, Omebella, who had grown into a young girl over less than a year and now stood five or six meters tall, burned with black flames that emanated destruction. Her eyes were vacant as She watched each Klein Moretti pass by. Her body had already fragmented substantially, and Her soul was near complete dissolution. All that remained was Her confusion and sorrow. She couldnt understand why Her mother wanted to kill Her. At last, Omebellas remaining consciousness, spirit, spirituality, and shattered body were devoured by the Fire of Destruction, rapidly turning to ash. With Her complete death, the mountain-like, nest-like protrusion on the surface of the blood-red moon let out a wail filled with hatred and resentment: Child! My child! The struggle intensified. As the Klein Morettis approached the densely concentrated world of the blood-red moonlight, they began to undergo transformations. Some withered rapidly, others bellies swelled as their flesh and blood concentrated into offspring that were not marionettes. Others gained new life and consciousness, ceasing to be mere puppets and starting to resist the Marionettist controlling them. The Klein Morettis turned on each other, engaging in fierce battles. Yet whether it was the marionettes offspring or those reborn, they soon became toys in the hands of the Marionettist, entering a new cycle. Many marionettes attempted to use various abilities, but the majority of these powers betrayed their original owners, instead destroying them. The situation reached a stalemate as numerous inexplicable phenomena unfolded in the region. The true body of Klein, unable to leave the astral barrier, never expected to defeat or seriously wound the Mother Goddess of Depravity using marionettes or parasitic methods. He simply aimed to scatter Her focus, forcing Her to divert significant attention to fend off the relentless, unending assaults. His true goal was to delay Her complete fusion with the Brood Hive! Even if I cant defeat you, cant I at least make you miserable? Within the protected zone, Backlund, at the home of The Magician Fors and Judgment Xio. After hearing Francas account, The Magician Fors exhaled slowly and said, So thats what happened No wonder I had a bad feeling Due to the isolation of the protected zone and the extremely high level of the current events, neither she nor Judgment Xio had managed to understand what was happening in time. All their attempts at divination had failed. Before anyone else could speak, Fors looked around the room and solemnly said, Everyone, prepare yourselves. Her plan was to relocate the humans in her sphere to the edge of the universe, to a still-habitable planet that hadnt yet been discovered by the Outer Deities. She had already gathered the Abrahams into a nearby neighborhood. Franca opened her mouth as if to say something but held back. Anthony remained silent, seemingly deep in thought. Seeing the tense atmosphere, Madam Magician smiled slightly and turned to Ludwig. Your godfather probably wanted to feed you the danger of the third layer of the Box of the Great Old Ones, but Im not sure if theres still time for that Before she could finish, she suddenly froze, turning her head toward the window and gazing at the crimson moon in the night sky. Franca, Ludwig, and Xio quickly followed suit. Mr. Fool has become the true Lord of Mysteries As an Archangel of the Door pathway, The Magician was the first to sense this. She was both surprised and puzzled, but these emotions were overshadowed by an overwhelming sense of relief and security. When did Mr. Fool fully awaken? Judgment Xio began to recall the circumstances of the last two Tarot Gatherings. Mr. Fool has truly awakened and become the Lord of Mysteries? Franca felt a moment of elation before realizing why Lumian had been so unhurried earlier. Not long after, once things had stabilized and The Magician Fors finally retrieved related information from the spirit world and stars, she exhaled in relief and said, Although Earth Mother has fallen She glanced at Anthony, sealing his hearing just as Franca had done when explaining the Mother Goddess of Depravitys impending fusion with the Brood Hive. Only after completing this did The Magician continue, But the Mother Goddess of Depravitys progress in accommodating the Brood Hive has also been delayed. Mr. Fool has timely ascended as the Lord of Mysteries and stabilized the astral barrier. She paused, then looked at Franca and Ludwig. Of course, the danger isnt over yet. If Lumian cant accommodate the City of Calamity before the Mother Goddess of Depravity fully fuses with the Brood Hive, and if he cant cooperate with Mr. Fool to seriously wound Her and drive Her out of the barrier after becoming the Origins of Disaster, well still have to evacuate. Mm. Franca first responded solemnly, then forced a smile. At least theres still hope. Thats better than no hope at all! Indeed. Madam Magician nodded in agreement, then released Anthony from his seal and briefly explained the situation in terms he could understand. After finishing, she sighed and said, Tonight is destined to be long. Meanwhile, the Rorsted Archipelago, in the City of Generosity, Bayam. The Blue Avenger docked at the harbor. Mr. Hanged Man Alger, wearing a captains coat, stepped off the deck and descended toward the port, embraced by the wind. Under the crimson moonlight, his shadow stretched long and indistinct, as if he had three heads. Loen Kingdom, Cathedral of Serenity, in a certain room. Mr. Star Leonard emerged from the darkness, wearing a white shirt under a dark trench coat. He approached a table, picked up the red gloves placed before him, and slowly, methodically slipped them on. He then glanced around, his figure vanishing inch by inch as if erased by an invisible hand. Mission: Protect a region containing multiple spheres. Destination: Tingen City, Awwa County. Above the gray fog, within the majestic palace. When Mr. Fool left for the astral world, Lumian turned his gaze toward the charred fragments of trees left after the Gift of the Land shattered and the brown mist rising and coalescing above them. This mist corresponded to the powers of the Desolate Matriarchs boon. Lumian reached out and grabbed, causing the brown mist to condense into a mass of soil sprouting grass, grains, and vines. Deliver this to Madam Justice, Lumian said, tossing the soil to Zedus beside him. After the strike of the Sword of Destruction, Omebellas remaining consciousness and spirituality within the Gift of the Land had been completely annihilated, leaving behind no trace. The boon power, now detached from the corpse, became purified, containing only faint remnants of the Brood Hives consciousness and spirituality, unlinked to Omebellas mystical connections. In essence, this mass of brown soil was akin to Beyonder items like the Circle of Binding or Fallen Mercury. It no longer bore ties to Omebellas past but could no longer reliably connect with the Brood Hive for power, making each use of its abilities finite. As he spoke, Lumian departed from above the gray fog with Zedus, returning to the villa where he resided. Naboredisley was already waiting there. Youve finally returned, said Naboredisley, His ice-blue eyes betraying a visible sigh of relief. As Zedus vanished with the brown soil in hand, Lumian smiled at Naboredisley and said, Lets begin. This is the final chance. With that, Lumian settled into an armchair in the living room. Naboredisley gave him a look, sat on the long sofa opposite him, and smiled in reply, Better than no chance at all. Before the words had fully left his lips, His body suddenly dissolved into a pool of black liquid, a manifestation of all malice, desire, and evil intent. The black liquid, both real and illusory, quickly flowed toward Lumian. Directly infiltrating my mind and spirit without implanting a spiritual brand? Heh Lumian raised an eyebrow, watching with a smile but offering no resistance. He allowed the foul, sinister liquid to seep into his body, spirit, and mind. Feeling the surge of malevolence within him, Lumian retrieved a candle from his divine kingdom, lit it, and placed it on the edge of the coffee table. He then leaned back against the sofa, closing his eyes. The faintly sweet aroma of gray amber began to spread. Chapter 1152 - Chapter 1152: The Hawk Does Not Bow to the Sparrow Chapter 1152: The Hawk Does Not Bow to the Sparrow As the scent of gray amber candles wafted through the air, Lumian sat with his eyes closed, sensing the malice welling up deep within his mind. It was as though he had entered the mists of history, embodying Devil Monarch Farbauti, indulging in wild, unrestrained acts, all while entering a Cogitative state. Now, he no longer needed corpse wax candles to sense the City of Calamity. Through Cogitation alone, he could achieve a deep communion with it. Soon, Lumian began to float. Before him appeared a mist tinged with an eerie black hue. This time, he didnt enter the Shanghai that Franca had described, nor did he see the trackless trams carrying heads with dangling spines or rickshaws dragging bloated women. Instead, what came into view was a stone well built of slabs and iron chains engraved with devilish faces. The Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence? Now that Ive become a dual-pathway true god in the domain of calamity, initiating the secret deed brings me directly to the core of the City of Calamity, to the place where the malevolent dragon is sealed? If not for the seal, Id likely be facing the malevolent dragon directly Lumian nodded in understanding. Wasting no time, he immersed himself in the mirror-like surface of the crimson well water. He traversed through familiar scenes he had previously explored and arrived at the gray-white plaza where he had once encountered the mirrored Alista Tudor. Outside the invisible barrier, he saw the massive black shadow occupying the bottom of the blood-colored sea, spanning the size of an entire metropolis. He stopped in his tracks. At the same time, outside the wooden tower binding the malevolent dragon, a figure materialized out of thin air, composed of countless ethereal, transparent entities. Draped in a blue robe and crowned with a traditional high headdress, this figure held a horsetail whisk. His face was as flawless as jade but gaunt. The Celestial Master of the current generation. Now that the Mother Goddess of Depravity had captured the Brood Hive and begun fusing with it, He no longer needed to maintain the grayish-white fog. Beside Him, two other figures gradually came into focus. One was clad in yellow monastic robes wrapped in a red kasaya. His head bore tonsure scars, and his round face was adorned with a long white beard that reached his chest. He wore a perpetual, kind smile. The other was draped in a dark robe adorned with strange patterns. His face was ashen and bloodless, with eyes so black they seemed to swallow all light. The first was the manifestation of Buddha, a Holy Monk acknowledged by all sects of the monastic community. The second was the Underworld Daoist, head of the Haoli lineage. Ever since He had entered the River of Eternal Darkness to suppress the remnants of the Blood Emperors soul, He had been as good as deadHis consciousness only partially merged into the River, allowing Him to act briefly but preventing Him from returning to the living world. This fate mirrored those of His predecessors and successors in the Haoli lineage. Your efforts are much appreciated, said the Celestial Master, placing one hand on his chest and nodding slightly. Before His words had fully settled, a shadow emerged from the depths of the dragon-sealing tower. Darkness condensed into a human form. The figure wore a voluminous black robe, with long, flowing hair streaked with white. His gaunt face bore a smile as He stepped forward. How could you leave me out of this? The Celestial Master did not respond, as a sudden light illuminated the sky. All four present figures raised their heads simultaneously. Through layers of white clouds, they saw a faintly discernible door. At the door stood an immense figure, crowned with the high headdress of an emperor, its face concealed by overlapping beaded veils. Without speaking further, the Celestial Master approached the stone tablet in front of the wooden tower and pressed His hand against it. In the next second, the iron chains within the ancient well began to retract, producing metallic clanging sounds. This caused the crimson well water to ripple and lose its mirror-like quality. Standing on the gray-white plaza, Lumian immediately sensed that the barrier separating the blood-colored sea from this mirror world had loosened, leaving exploitable cracks. As the Ruler of the Mirror World, Lumian dematerialized without hesitation, passing through the opening and returning to reality. The blood-colored sea surged around him, corroding his soul and attempting to merge with him. Lumian felt the malice buried deep within his heart gush forth as viscous black liquid, separating from his mind and spirit. These streams of black liquid stealthily dispersed into the surroundings of the blood-colored sea, neutralizing the dark specks suspended within it. Unconcerned with Devil Monarch Farbautis actions, Lumian focused his gaze ahead, toward the immense black shadow he had previously glimpsed but could not clearly see. The shadow was unimaginably long, coiled like a serpent. Yet, even so, it occupied an area comparable to an entire Trier. Its body seemed composed of two enormous pythons entwined togetherone covered in deep, iron-black scales, the other smooth and pristine, like white jade. Where they touched, flesh and bone intertwined, forming one entity despite their dual appearance. Iron chains, engraved with demonic reliefs, pierced through this massive body repeatedly, extending toward the blood-colored sea above. Sensing Lumians presence, the colossal creature slowly raised Its heads. It had three heads! On the left, connected to the black-scaled body, was a head resembling a camels, with antelope-like horns, cow-like ears, and iron-black eyes. Crimson fur covered its scalp. On the right, extending from the white jade serpent body, was the head of a human woman with black hair and brown eyes, breathtakingly beautiful, bearing a resemblance to Cheek. Or rather, Cheek bore a resemblance to it. The central head, however, was a swirling amalgamation of liquid, encompassing all colors and possibilities. At its facial featureseyes, nose, ears, and mouthholes had been drilled, one or two in each location. This central head separated the other two, preventing them from merging, ensuring their independent existence. Below it, an invisible substance formed a neck that both supported the head and rooted it into the entwined serpentine bodies. You also have three heads Lumian chuckled. Then, he mockingly jeered at Adam in his mind, Your plan failed in the final step! Had Alista Tudor and Cheek not stumbled upon the right conditions by chance, this experiment of yours would have ended in failure! The phrase Yin contains yang, yang contains yin, the union of yin and yang gives rise to everything was indeed correct, and the only method, but only up until the final step. But in this state, attempting to accommodate the City of Calamity would inevitably lead to disaster. The phrase the union of yin and yang gives rise to everything itself hinted at its conclusion: What did everything begin with? It began with the Original Creator creating this world! The union of yin and yang signifies a return to the origin, heralding the rebirth of all things! Of course, what would return wouldnt be the complete Original Creator but rather a Mirrored Original Creator, stable enough to avoid immediately destroying and rebooting the universe. In the First Epoch, the first sefirah accommodated by the Primordial God Almighty was the City of Calamity. Beyond His deep desire for it, He likely foresaw its dangers. By intervening personally and using the chaotic head as a barrier, He prevented yin and yang from fully merging, halting their integration. Everything was threefold, giving birth to all things. Only then could it be stable. With his three heads and six faces, Lumian gazed at the similarly three-headed malevolent dragon, laughing wildly. Inside the wooden tower. The Celestial Master, the Holy Monk, the Haoli lineages Underworld Daoist, and the self-proclaimed Master of the Shadow Cottage each sat cross-legged at one of the dragon-sealing wells corners. Underneath the Celestial Master appeared a desolate wilderness. Behind the Holy Monk, a pristine, transcendent halo emerged. Before the Haoli sect master, a straight, broad, dark river flowed out of the void and into the ancient well. Seeing this, the Master of the Shadow Cottage laughed uproariously, summoning a faintly discernible, shadowy-black world to descend upon the scene. At the wooden towers apex, a light tinged with blue and white poured down directly onto the dragon-sealing well. Clanging sounds echoed as faint light glimmered on the chains embedded in the ancient wells walls, shaking violently. The battle between Lumian and the malevolent dragonor rather, Lumians effort to accommodate the City of Calamitywas something the high-ranking figures like the Celestial Master could not directly intervene in. They could only use the preexisting seals to restrict and weaken the malevolent dragon. At the bottom of the blood-colored sea, the malevolent dragons six eyes fixed on Lumian, and an overwhelming pressure descended upon the world. Lumian, holding onto the idea that if I can persuade it, I can save a lot of time, and theres nothing to lose by trying, smiled and Instigate the malevolent dragon, I know you desire war, destruction, the conquest of all things, and to send those who refuse to submit into chaos. If youre willing to merge with my body, I will lead you into the highest realms of warfare, where those so-called great existences will either bow before you or be destroyed by you. As Lumian spoke, Cheeks face turned forward, eager to add something, to Instigate a few words Herself. Unfortunately, She couldnt speak. The malevolent dragon stared at Lumian for several seconds, and then the two side heads spoke simultaneously. One voice was masculine and powerful; the other was soft and alluring. The two overlapped, resonating throughout the surroundings: The hawk does not bow to the sparrow, and a true dragon does not obey the wild dog. If you wish to claim all this, then come and defeat mekill me! Hearing these words, Lumian suddenly felt a surge of excitement. So did the face of Alista Tudor, whose eyes turned iron black, filled with fervent intensity. Lumian immediately raised his right hand and removed the dark gold mask from the central face on his left shoulder, revealing the visage formed of the chaotic vortex. He laughed loudly and declared, Then let us fight! In the World of Ruins. Above the grayish-white fog outside the Western Continent, the blood-red moon continued to fend off the marionettes controlled by Klein while simultaneously suppressing the Brood Hive with relentless fury. Suddenly, from deep within the blood-red moonwhere the physical core might residecame a strange sound: Thump! Thump! Thump! It sounded like the heartbeat of a fetus within its mothers womb. Before the fetus had even been born, its heartbeat pierced through its mothers body, echoing across every place illuminated by the blood-red moonlight. Chapter 1153 - Chapter 1153: The Shoulders of Giants Chapter 1153: The Shoulders of Giants Thump! Thump! As the heartbeat intensified, the towering, ten-thousand-meter-high Brood Hive hesitated in Its struggle. It seemed to be drawn by an inexplicable force or subjected to an irresistible power. Its fusion with the blood-red moon accelerated once again. However, the heartbeat emanating from the depths of the moon did not last long. It soon subsided, as if even the moons body rejected its continuation, unwilling to let the pulsations grow stronger. It was as though allowing it to persist might bring about an unknown problemone so severe that the moon itself was reluctant to face it. After the brief resonance of the infants heartbeat, the Brood Hives resistance faltered. Though It still struggled and held Its ground, Its efforts were no longer as fervent as before. It was akin to a battlefield charge, once full of hope, being thwarted, leading to a drop in morale. Under such circumstances, failure seemed inevitable in the near future. At the bottom of the blood-colored sea, Lumian removed the dark golden mask, revealing the chaotic vortex face beneath. At that moment, the left head of the malevolent dragon let out a terrifying roar. The roar reverberated through Lumians mind, causing an overwhelming buzzing that briefly scattered his thoughts. Pain shot through all three of his necks as if invisible hands were trying to wrench each head from his shoulders, spine and all. Of the three, the chaotic vortex head was the least affected. It turned to the front, stabilizing the body while continuing to gaze at the malevolent dragon. Accompanied by the roar, the malevolent dragon attempted to stretch Its massive body and ascend to the upper reaches of the blood-colored sea. But metallic clanging echoed as black iron chains embedded in Its flesh and soul strained against Its movements. One after another, the demonic engravings on the chains transformed into colossal, tangible entitiesmanifestations of various demons. They desperately pulled on the chains, preventing the malevolent dragon from leaving Its position. Some demons quickly succumbed to the malevolent dragons power, submitting entirely. Others held on, stubbornly resisting the forces of conquest. Seeing the formation of demons faltering and on the verge of complete submission, a dark, colorless river flowed down the iron chains, revitalizing the struggling devils. It was like an emergency injection, causing them to return to their positions and heed the commands of their sealers. High-ranking figures of the Death pathway wield significant control and suppression over their lesser counterparts. The River of Eternal Darkness, a force even higher in rank than Death itself, amplified this effect! When the malevolent dragon was first sealed, the engravings of demons on the iron chains were chosen specifically for this purpose. Empowered by the River of Eternal Darkness and controlled by the Haoli sects sect master, these demons could partially resist the dragons powers of Conquest and Charm. This ensured that the demons would not immediately capitulate in the dragons struggle, buying time for reinforcements to arrive and activate subsequent layers of containment. Amidst the piercing sounds of strained metal, the malevolent dragon managed to extend only part of Its body. It could not ascend higher in the blood-colored sea and remained trapped in place. This was one of the reasons Klein believed Lumian had a chance to merge with the City of Calamity before the Mother Goddess of Depravity completed Her fusion with the Brood Hive. Lumian wasnt facing a fully intact malevolent dragon or the City of Calamity at its peak. Instead, he confronted a target that had been sealed through a monumental effortone that cost countless heroes their lives! The current malevolent dragon was shackled, unable to leave its position or create Mirror Substitutions or slumbering mirrors. It was akin to a living target. If Lumian couldnt defeat, subdue, kill, or merge with such a restrained dragon in a short time, he was fundamentally unworthy of the task. The cultivators of the Western Continent had paved the way for him, sacrificing generations to remove half the obstacles to the finish line! Lumian stood on the shoulders of giants, supported by the wisdom and sacrifices of Western civilizations sages. This was a relay passed down through countless generations, and Lumian was merely the final runner! Many of the demonic entities engraved on the dragon-sealing chains were once cultivators who voluntarily transformed themselves to bind the dragon. They willingly accepted eternal torment, choosing to descend into demonic hell to ensure the dragon remained imprisoned. Today, they would finally see the decisive battle. The malevolent dragon would be slain, and they would be liberated. Success doesnt have to be achieved by me, but I must contribute to its achievement! The demons on the iron-black chains, their faces twisted and their claws bared, remained steadfast. The majority stood resolutely at their posts, refusing to retreat, vowing to resist to the death. They pulled on the chains with all their might, firmly restricting the dragons movements and creating opportunities for Lumians attacks. Earlier, Lumian had attempted to Instigate the dragon not only to save time but also to leverage the Eye of Calamity to identify the malevolent dragons weaknesses and the tributary of fate leading to Its death. But the malevolent dragon had no fatal weaknesses. There was no tributary in fate leading to Its true demise. Its only vulnerabilities were the chains and the demons that forcefully created limitations. These were not deadly flaws; they merely restricted Its actions and diminished Its power. Thus, Lumian removed the dark golden mask. He intended to use the chaotic vortex face to draw upon the White Tower pathways Omniscient Eye ability. This time, he wasnt searching for weaknesses or death. He was searching for problems. The vortex on the chaotic face at the center of his left shoulder began to spin. Deep within the vortex, an eye seemed to open, illuminating the entwined dual dragon bodies and their three heads. In an instant, Lumian saw the problem. A scene suddenly appeared in his mind: Under a specific psychic storm, intangible shadows that didnt belong to the dragonyet bore Its aurawere stripped away. These shadows included a general seated alone in a tent, a beautiful dancer performing under the generals gaze, a conqueror standing before a massive mound of skulls, a concubine gracefully dancing in his palm, an emperor ascending a sacrificial altar alone, and a favored consort smiling at the sight of beacon fires rising in the distance These shadows represented successive generations of high-ranking figures who had aligned themselves with the City of Calamity. They were a jumble of influences that had imparted some degree of consciousness, thoughts, and inclinations to the malevolent dragon. Lumian envisioned using psychic authority and a specific Mental Plague to temporarily strip away these external consciousnesses, rejecting them to the edges of the dragons being. This would return the malevolent dragon to Its most primal and authentic form. As such, the malevolent dragon would become a pure symbol of calamity, a walking embodiment of destruction, incapable of controlling Its own instincts. This created exploitable vulnerabilities. As the scene took shape in Lumians mind, the malevolent dragon, which was straining against the chains, suddenly stiffened. One by one, intangible shadows separated from Its body. The dragons left head, with Its iron-black eyes, was instantly tinged with blood-red. The expression on the right, the beautiful womans head, turned mad. Even the central, chaotic head began spewing all-encompassing colors from its drilled apertures. The declared future from a Visionary was unfolding! The blood-colored sea quaked violently the very next second. An indescribable aura of destruction and madness descended upon the scene. The demons on the chains trembled uncontrollably, while Lumians right and central heads were forced to bow. The malevolent dragons white-bodied head, with Its crazed blue eyes, swiftly reflected Lumians body within Its gaze. It perceived his fragile balance and the point of calamitys detonation. Without hesitation, the dragon lunged forward. In Its eyes, Lumians body began to collapse from within, exploding into chaos. Catastrophe descended! This was a strike against Lumians greatest vulnerabilityhis precarious balance. For the now-instinct-driven malevolent dragon, what would happen to Lumian in the event of such a collapse didnt matter. Its sole desire was destruction, the return of all things to chaos. Lumians figure shattered abruptly, voluntarily turning into a mirror. Yet, even with his preemptive use of a Mirror Substitution, the catastrophe traveled through the connection between the avatar and his true body, spreading to him. This was the nature of the City of Calamity. As long as a connection existed, it could curse, affect, and spread catastrophe! Lumians half-female, half-male body shimmered in one corner of the blood-colored sea. Both sides of his form began writhing as though they intended to devour each other. Meanwhile, the central head lost its connection and control over the heads on the right and left. Within Lumian, the Uniqueness of the Primordial Demoness, the Uniqueness of the Red Priest, and the Demoness of Apocalypse Beyonder characteristics and Conqueror erupted into violent conflict. Each sought to end the current equilibrium and dominate the whole. Illusory cracking noises echoed as the invisible connections within Lumian, linking his various traits, were forcibly severed by the catastrophe. However, this did not cause Lumians body to collapse catastrophically. Instead, it shattered the protections maintaining his balance. Grafting! That protection was Grafting. Shortly after becoming a dual-pathway true god, Lumian had enlisted Mr. Fools assistance to Graft the Uniqueness and Beyonder characteristics within him into a cohesive whole, stabilizing his existence in a peculiar manner. He had made similar preparations before facing the Primordial Demoness. Now, the Grafting had shielded him from one catastrophic collapse of his balance, but it could only do so once. Beyond this, even the Lord of Mysteries Klein could no longer intervene in what transpired here. Lumians three heads continued to spin, each turning toward different directions. Had he not spent the past month adjusting his state and further stabilizing his psyche and spirit, Lumian, who had relied on Grafting to escape the predicament, would still have taken the inevitable turn, albeit less catastrophic. As his three heads rotated, Lumian managed to barely regain control of Cheeks face. He raised one arm on his right side. New chapter is coming soon WRITE A REVIEW Chapter 1154 - Chapter 1154: Calamity of Destruction Chapter 1154: Calamity of Destruction As Lumian clenched one of the arms on his right side, the void before him collapsed entirely, meeting its apocalypse. It formed a vortex of chaos that contained all colors and possibilities. Just as an Apocalypse was an ascendant form of Catastrophe, Chaos was an ascendant form of Apocalypse. Catastrophe led to the collapse of an entire system. Apocalypse deepened that collapse into a total explosion of contradictions, entangling all into one. Chaos represented the singularity in a convergence, the conclusion after the total explosion. Thus, the Chaos of the Chaos Demoness could not be applied directly to a stable and balanced target. A catastrophic collapse must first be created in the designated area, followed by the total explosion of contradictions to form a substantial vortex of chaos. Only then could it spread outward to affect the target. As soon as the vortex containing all colors appeared, it began spreading toward the malevolent dragon. It encountered an invisible barrier, unable to directly reach the dragons massive body. This was part of the sealing mechanism. The malevolent dragon was incapable of creating catastrophes or launching attacks within the area It occupied or where the iron-black chains extended. Otherwise, It would have destroyed the sealing chains through self-inflicted damage long ago, returning to the seaafter all, as long as even a single flame of Its being remained, It could rebuild Its body. This limitation restricted both the malevolent dragon and Lumian. The vortex of chaos churned violently against the invisible barrier, pulling and shredding it in an attempt to consume it. Yet the barriers power seemed endless, showing no signs of faltering in the short term. Around the dragon-sealing well, high-ranking figures from the Western Continent, such as the Celestial Master and the Holy Monk, successively unleashed Their powers. Layer by layer, They decoupled the seal, creating a breach in the area where Lumian was attacking. The vortex of chaos quickly broke through the invisible barrier, extending toward the malevolent dragons enormous body. On the surface of the chains binding that part of the dragon, the demon carvingsrather than showing anger as they faced the encroaching chaoswore expressions of joy. They straightened their backs, lifted their heads high, and their terrifying visages of green faces, sharp fangs, bare bones, and oozing pus radiated pride and relief. The vortex, containing all possibilities, swept them in, quickly dissolving them into nothingness. The corresponding chains fractured and fell into the chaos. That section of the malevolent dragons body was also torn apartdeep red flames, iron-black bones, white spikes, and black fur all dissipated into the vortex of chaos. All three of Its heads tilted back simultaneously, letting out agonized howls. The affected part of Its body broke apart. Without the binding chains, It ignited prematurely with black flames that restrained madness, destruction, and chaos. The swathes of dark flames collided with the approaching chaos, plunging the blood-colored sea into instant darkness. Light, sound, and motion all ceased to exist. Both forces annihilated each other simultaneously. As Lumian prepared to capitalize on his strike, to unleash catastrophe, herald apocalypse, and initiate wave after wave of warfare, a surge of madness erupted from deep within his mind. The occasional state he was in ended prematurely. He lost control. He went mad! This was because the malevolent dragon was an incomplete Origins of Disaster. Unless It deliberately restrained Itself, Its corresponding symbols would inevitably influence the surrounding area. For Lumian, two latent calamities were most prominent: his fragile balance and the fact that he had already lost control and succumbed to madness, only temporarily lucid due to The Fool Kleins wish. The first had already been triggered earlier, and now, the second was inevitably manifesting as disaster! The central head on Lumians body lost all reason. Its expression twisted with madness. At the same time, the chaotic vortex face on his left shoulder suddenly developed two holes, as if organs had been forcibly gouged out at the positions of its eyes. This face took over his entire body. A Virtual Persona! It was the Virtual Persona from the Visionary pathway! Over the past month, besides stabilizing his state and helping the Tarot Club members, as well as those he still cared about in the protected zones, Lumian had been contemplating potential challenges in his battle against the malevolent dragon. Thanks to The Fool Kleins awakening and accommodation of Sefirah Castle, Lumian gained deeper understanding and mastery over symbols and their influences. He learned the nature of the Origins of Disaster, Calamity of Destruction, as well as their potential impacts on himself. To counter this, he had used the Visionarys abilities to implant a virtual persona in himself. If his primary consciousness lost control and descended into madness, this temporary persona would immediately emerge, fusing with the chaotic vortex face to take over his body. The chaotic vortex face was chosen because only Its status and rank could suppress the other faces and the uncontrollable madness of his primary consciousness. The Virtual Persona, a near-exact replica of Lumian but with subtle differences, barely restrained his frenzied instincts. At that moment, an endless black void appeared before him, along with a star larger and brighter than the sun. The stars core collapsed on a massive scale, releasing unparalleled light and heat. A sea of unimaginable brilliance surged forth, just seconds away from engulfing Lumian. The central head on Lumians body burst into maniacal laughter. Is this also a damn calamity? At the border between the Western Continent and the Fog Sea, high above the grayish-white fog. The nest-like, ten-thousand-meter-high peak on the blood-red moon began to tremble, sinking inch by inch. The halted fusion resumed, though not at the same rapid pace as when the blood moon first rose. Among the countless manifestations of Klein surrounding the moonlit world, some were engaging in infighting, while others remotely influenced the Mother Goddess of Depravity, albeit only causing interference. Somewhere in the ruins of the Southern Continent. Within a concealed area protected by slight corruption transmitted by the Mother Tree of Desire through the Chained God, the grotesque followers of the Mother Tree of Desireoozing pus, with misplaced facial features, or bearing animalistic traits like rabbit ears, skinny pig limbs, and sheep torsos, or writhing in agony under ceaseless cursessimultaneously received messages from Suah and Tiri: Come to the altar! Hahaha, the Mother Goddess of Depravity is about to succeed. After accommodating the Brood Hive, She will assist us according to Her pact with the Lord, the Primordial God Almighty! This is what we gained in exchange for the loss of the Tree of Shadow! Upon hearing the name Mother Goddess of Depravity, many of the followers underwent grotesque transformations, sprouting genitalia, staining blood-red, or swelling as fetuses prepared to tear their way out These Beyonders staggered toward the altar. Suah and Tiri, in Their madness, were indifferent to their states, or perhaps, didnt even consider it. Confronted by the exploding sea of light, Lumian ignited. He transformed into an invisible, colorless flame before becoming pure light. In a sun-like state wreathed in fire, he met the raging, searing, terrifying sea of light. Lumian was absorbed into it. His outer flames extinguished and reignited repeatedly, while his inner luminous consciousness alternated between disintegration and cohesion. As the explosion neared its end, he morphed into a vortex of chaos, absorbing the surrounding light and heat to reconstruct his body. Relying on the chaotic vortex faces status, rank, abilities, and Its affinity with light, Lumian barely survived this calamity. Yes, the Calamity of Destruction encompassed universal symbols, and a supernova explosion was undoubtedly one such calamity! Similarly, as the Calamity of Destruction represented a universal-level symbol, the scope of the City of Calamity could be infinitely small or infinitely vast. Immediately after, Lumian transformed into light and, at the speed of light, raced toward the location of the malevolent dragon he sensed. At that moment, an indescribably deep darkness emerged in the adjacent starry sky. The darkness couldnt be directly seen or truly perceived. It was identifiable only through the distorted gases and the slow-spinning disk-like structure surrounding it. The light that Lumian had become bent uncontrollably toward the darkness, entering the rotating structure of diffuse material. This too was a calamity! A true Calamity of Destruction! Lumian realized he had only one path to survival: to quickly pass through the earlier breach and enter the malevolent dragons territory. There, the malevolent dragon couldnt launch attacks or create calamities. Otherwise, It would have freed Itself long ago! Amid the bending light, Lumian abruptly reverted to his fiery giant form. Clusters of his intangible flames flew toward the spinning disks core, followed by the iron-black bones that made up his frame. Seizing a fleeting opportunity, a vivid banner-like mark emerged on the forehead of the central head. He was invoking the sacrificial ability of the Red Priest, offering tribute to the malevolent dragon and pleading for Its aid! In a normal state, the malevolent dragon would have ignored Its enemy. But now, with the external consciousnesses and inclinations temporarily stripped from it, the malevolent dragon was a pure creature of instinct. Receiving sacrifices and providing Its help was an ability etched into the Beyonder characteristics, authority, concepts, and symbols of the Hunter pathway. The malevolent dragon would instinctively, uncontrollably respond to Lumian, even if it led to Its own downfall. This was why Lumian had begun the battle by forcing the dragon back to its godhood and instincts with the Omniscient Eye! As time slowed to a crawl, Lumian, now missing most of his body, received the malevolent dragons response. Haha! His central head laughed maniacally. The darkness and its surrounding distortions dissipated in tandem. That individual for which it came was the same reason it vanished. Before the malevolent dragon could react, Lumian activated a contract mark on his body. Chapter 1155 - Chapter 1155: Dao Chapter 1155: Dao Lumians figure abruptly disappeared into the boundless cosmos, following the mystical connection established by the malevolent dragons response to his offering, transporting himself to Its domain. Surrounding him were layers of dense, overlapping colors and wailing souls. The spirit world! Unless entirely and specifically isolated, every place was connected to the spirit world and the astral world. This was one of the symbolic meanings of a Pillar. However, waiting for Lumian was an overwhelming brilliance that swept away everything. It was as if two galaxies collided, tearing through the spirit world. Lumian did not linger in the spirit world. Before the exploding sea of light engulfed him, he transformed into an abstract symbol and concept, entering the astral world. An infinite flood of light, heat, and matter surged after him. Reaching out with both hands, Lumian created a door directly within the astral world, amidst a composition of symbols and conceptsa painted door, layered and intricate. The door was instantly opened, and Lumians figure disappeared from the astral world. His eyes then beheld the entwined, colossal forms of the malevolent dragon. Finally, he had arrived at the domain where the dragon lay coiled, a place where It could not unleash calamities. He reached this location through a door. The contract seal he activated was not one from Zedus, as that form of transportation belonged to spirit world creatures and could not access the astral world or open a door. Instead, he used a newly acquired contract sealone obtained a month ago from Gehrman Sparrow! By its nature, the contracts of a Contractee lost the ability to forcefully compel agreements or obligations once they reached higher levels of power without the qualitative enhancement provided by Inevitability. However, if both parties willingly agreed to and honored the contract, and the contractees body and soul could bear the power transmitted by the other party, it remained effective. Such mystical connections, though, were fragile and could not sustain more than two uses, being easily disrupted. Before facing the Primordial Demoness, Lumian had ventured into the astral world, where he sought angel-level boons of true gods for his puppet soldiers. He had also signed a contract with Gehrman Sparrow, who wielded the Door pathways Uniqueness, to prepare for situations where he couldnt rely on his puppet soldiers. In that prior battle, while the Primordial Demoness had indeed held back, so had Lumian, keeping some of his cards hidden! Earlier, Lumian waited until the sacrificial ritual took effect and the malevolent dragon responded before activating the contract seal that represented high-level power from the Door pathway. This was to confuse the dragon with his persistence and journey, catching It in a moment of distraction so that It would not detect or disrupt the contract connection in time. Additionally, the ritual strengthened the mystical connection between Lumian and the dragon, ensuring he could locate It and reach his destination, despite the dragons potent Fog of War. The negative effects of signing a Door-related Uniqueness contract with Gehrman Sparrow originally manifested as frequently getting lost and encountering hostile, dangerous entities. However, after being Fooled by The Fool Klein, the drawback changed to potentially getting lost and encountering hostile entities only while using the contracts abilities. In the current scenario, the most hostile and dangerous entity to Lumian was undoubtedly the malevolent dragon! Once Lumian opened the door to enter the sealed domain of the malevolent dragon, he immediately felt the calamities stemming from the dragons influence subside. The power of the Wish returned, and he once again entered his state of occasional lucidity! The malevolent dragon roared, emanating powerful Conquest and Charm, but despite Its ferocity, It could not easily break free from the dragon-sealing chains and the countless demons holding It down. While relying on the chaotic vortex face on his left shoulder to resist the Conquest and Charm without yielding quickly, Lumian stood above the dragon within the blood-colored sea. He deactivated the Virtual Persona and turned his gaze toward the terrifying, grimacing demons on the dragon-sealing chains. Having learned from Mr. Fool about the origins of the chains and demons, Lumians expression was filled with respect and admiration. Using a phrase he had deliberately learned from Franca in the Western Continents language, he addressed the demons, Fellow Daoists, please aid me in ending this calamity! The terrifying, twisted demons suddenly froze. Fellow Daoists This ancient title, seemingly long lost to history, echoed in their ears. Their fierce expressions softened. On their green and white phantom-like faces, there was a look of reminiscence. Still straining to maintain their positions along the various nodes of the chains, ensuring that the malevolent dragon remained sealed and could only use abilities like Conquest and Charm within the domain, some of them extended their hands to straighten their crooked, tattered crowns. Others painstakingly tidied their rotting, flesh-exposing garments. Some lifted trembling hands to wipe the bloodstains from their faces A gentleman must not lose his crown, even in death! The Haoli sects leader, standing beside the dragon-sealing well, also heard Lumians words. As a high-ranking figure of the River of Eternal Darkness, He slightly relaxed His control and suppression over the demons. The demons raised their heads and looked upward, shouting to Lumian in unison, Fellow Daoist, I shall aid you! These cries interwove and echoed, spreading in waves. With their permission, Lumian quickly incorporated them into his army, making them his teammates and soldiers to resist the dragons forceful Conquest and terrifying Charm. One after another, the layered phantom images of the demons materialized behind Lumianthese were their mirror selves. The demons at the bottom of the blood-colored sea numbered in the tens of thousands, if not more. While maintaining the chains and the seal to prevent the dragons escape, they awaited Lumian to lead their mirrored selves in a devastating attack against the dragons true form. Lumians six arms either ignited intangible flames, formed chaotic vortices, grasped soul-freezing black flames, held up an illusory red altar, carried a grayish-white aura, or raised a scorched bannerall simultaneously unleashing attacks on the dragons massive body. These six powers, belonging respectively to the Red Priest and the Primordial Demoness, intertwined to form a giant black-flaming sword of destruction. The demons mirror selves also launched their own attacks under Lumians rank, especially those who had once belonged to the Haoli sect and its related factions. They obtained approval and blessings from the Haoli sects leader outside the dragon-sealing well and the Underworld Daoist within the River of Eternal Darkness, each borrowing a droplet of the colorless, dark river water. These droplets transformed into countless illusory arrows that filled the sky, flying toward Lumians sword of destruction. Some were repelled by the Red Priests team abilities, while others merged into it. What was the Dao? The Dao was generations of perseverance, capable of moving mountains! The Dao was a spark that could ignite a prairie fire! The Dao was struggling against the heavens with endless joy! The malevolent dragon roared, unable to unleash calamities or disasters within this domain. It could only rely on abilities like Conquest and Charm. It was restricted, and so was Lumian. The destruction Lumian unleashed remained confined to the mirror world, unable to reach reality. Meanwhile, the dragons true form was not within the mirrorit was sealed and constrained. The demons who had borrowed the River of Eternal Darknesss water, both their mirrored selves and true forms, succumbed one after another to the erosion of the sefirahs power. Yet none showed pain; their expressions were calm and serene, with smiles of expectation and hope. The remaining demons, seeing the black-flaming sword of destruction draw ever closer to the dragon, also smiled. Come, strike us! As more droplets of the River of Eternal Darkness merged, the giant flaming sword Lumian had created grew smaller and darker. Soon, it transformed into a sword of normal size, one that any human could wield. The sword, entirely dark, continued to contract as though compressing the concepts of time, space, creation, death, destruction, and renewal into a single point. As the mirrored attack neared the dragons domain, the Celestial Master, Holy Monk, and others around the dragon-sealing well made Their phenomena increasingly evident, merging them into the well. With a crash, the blood-red waters surged, breaking chain after chain. At the final moment, the high-ranking figures of the Western Continent lifted the seal, allowing calamities and apocalypses to erupt in the dragons domain. Lumians attack pierced through the mirror world, entering reality and striking the malevolent dragons heads. Behind him, the demons dissipated one by one due to the erosion of sefirahs power. In front of him, more demons crumbled under the force of destruction. Seeing this, a surge of intense emotion erupted in Lumians heart. He shouted loudly, Fight! Fighting meant giving your all, pressing forward unyieldingly! Fight meant sacrificing with great ambition, daring to change the heavens and the earth! Fight! With this cry, Lumian drove the unstable, dark sword into the dragons entwined necks. Immediately, a small, dark singularity formed there, tearing apart surrounding flesh, flames, steel, and bone, consuming all authority, concepts, and symbols. The malevolent dragons entire body arched back, emitting a soundless howl. Then, along with the sealing chains and the demons, It was devoured by the singularity. The darkness destabilized, expanding into an explosion that released immense light and heat. One by one, all of Lumians Mirror Substitutions shattered, and his body appeared outlined on the edge of the domain. He looked ahead, seeing only emptinessnothing remained. But at that moment, a frenzied, violent aura from the dragon began to pervade the void again. Its massive body was reforming. As a consciousness derived from the City of Calamity, Its spirit was indestructible. Once Its physical form was obliterated, It could soon be reborn from the City of Calamity. The Western Continents cultivators had not killed the dragon back when they could seal It in a domain where most of Its powers and calamities were nullified. They had understood it was pointless! Seeing this, Lumian wasnt disappointedhe had been prepared. The second phase of the battle was about to begina pure clash of consciousness. Chapter 1156 - Chapter 1156: The Battle of Consciousness Chapter 1156: The Battle of Consciousness Taking advantage of the malevolent dragons scattered consciousness and unformed spirit, Lumian, who had just engaged in battle using the ritual and The Fool Kleins reality-bending ability, rapidly expanded his figure, summoning his physical body from within the protected zone. Almost simultaneously, Klein in the astral world created an opening in the grayish-white fog that blanketed the Western Continent. With the Mother Goddess of Depravity fully accommodating the Brood Hive, even if the seal on the Western Continent were completely lifted, She would not currently destroy the continent. However, Her symbolic influence and natural power would still radiate outward, so Klein maintained the seal, merely opening a door that connected the interior to the outside for Lumian. Lumian, now three-headed and six-armed, shot out of the protected zone and Teleported himself to the depths of the grayish-white fog, appearing above the dragon-sealing well. He dove in, arriving beside his consciousness and spirit. The two instantly overlapped. Lumian grew immensely large, his three heads gazing in different directions while all six arms were raised. Leaping out of the now-unsealed dragon-sealing well, he hovered above the bustling metropolis. Stretching his hands downward, he pulled at something heavy from a distance. The people within the city suddenly felt the sky darken, and the ground trembled noticeably. An image of the city was forcibly extracted by Lumian from its physical form. Within this image, the citizens were grotesquesome were reduced to a single head dragging a bloody, skeletal spine; others were well-dressed but headless; and some were swollen, their features obscured This was originally intertwined with the actual metropolis, with secret doors and intersecting timelines connecting the two the City of Calamity! Lumians massive body sank abruptly, plunging into the extracted image of the city. The City of Calamity shrank rapidly and bizarrely, entering Lumians body and swiftly moving toward his brow. Lumian intended to seize the moment, before the malevolent dragons consciousness was fully reborn, to forcibly accommodate the City of Calamityand then confront and merge with it! The next second, the citys image froze at Lumians brow. His consciousness and spirit were immediately drawn into it. He saw a staircase ascending to infinite heights, at the end of which lay a divine throne stained with dark red blood. On the steps, the dragons body quickly took form, coiling to block his path forward. In the real world. Deep within the blood-red full moon, the pounding heartbeat grew intense again. The nest-like peaks seemed to resonate, their sinking accelerating. The accomodation of the Mother Goddess of Depravity with the Brood Hive progressed further, showing no signs of slowing. Within the grayish-white fog directly beneath the blood-red moon, the Madames and Ladies under the core power of the Mother Goddess of Depravity stood one after another, turning their gaze toward their leader. This figure, a beautiful woman with a full-moon-like face radiating maternal glory, spoke to her companions, We must return to the embrace of the Mother. She has mobilized more of the Chaos Primogenitors power to accelerate Her fusion with the Brood Hive. We must return to Her embrace, restore Her power, and help alleviate Her burden. Seeing confusion on their faces, the woman added, The Chaos Primogenitor is the Original Sin of the universe. Although merely Sequence 0 of the Valley God pathway, It carries significant symbolism. That symbolism represents the nascent, Original Creator of the next universe. Nurturing It is one of the Mothers most vital symbols and a key reason She remains a Pillar even after the Brood Hives separation. Even as a Mother, She cannot overly wield Its symbolic powers without risking instability or further complications. Understanding dawned on the Ladies and Madames, their expressions reflecting varying degrees of reverence born of the knowledge imparted. Together, they chanted in unison, Praise be to you, Mother of All Things! Praise be to you, Eternal Evil! Praise be to you, the True Great Mother Goddess! Amidst their praises, these bestowed and Beyonders transformed into beams of red, black, or brown light, streaming one after another into the blood-red moon and merging with it. A hidden corner of the World of Ruins South Continent. The bizarrely shaped Rose School of Thought Beyonders and Mother Tree of Desire followers flocked densely near an altar, their numbers overwhelming. Atop the yellow, pyramid-like altar, a figure wrapped in bandages, thorns, and roses hung motionlessly, appearing to bind all curses and desireson the verge of erupting. Chained God Tolzna. Following the Vortex incident and the descent of the crimson moon, this deity had effectively perished. His body, consciousness, and spirit were entirely corrupted by the Mother Tree of Desire, acting as Her proxy. Now, He would serve as the primary sacrifice for this ritual, forcibly opening a passage with the Mother Goddess of Depravitys aid to allow the Mother Tree of Desire to descend within the barrier. Of course, if the barrier shattered under the Mother Goddesss assault, It would simply return directly to the great existence, the Mother Tree of Desire. When the sacrifices were ready, the thoughts of Suah and Tiri radiated outward from in front of the Chained God. The ritual! Begin the ritual! Within the consciousness space corresponding to the City of Calamity. Seeing the malevolent dragons body rapidly forming, the three-headed, six-armed Lumian suddenly disassembled. He split into six consciousnesses and six figures. These included his primary consciousness, Aurores consciousness, Jennas consciousness, the dull and unresponsive chaotic vortex consciousness, Primordial Demoness Cheeks consciousness, and Blood Emperor Alista Tudors consciousness. Though not entirely fused, they had partially merged, cooperating, conflicting, or entangling to form a fragile balancewhile portions corresponding to Omebella and Zedus had fully integrated with Cheek and Tudor, becoming indistinguishable. In the real world, Lumian could not break this balance or separate these distinct consciousnesses. However, in this space, where they had a degree of independence, they could unite or divide. If Lumian succeeded in accommodating the City of Calamity, his consciousness would eventually form a unified wholeindivisible, even under similar circumstances. This was the distinction between dual-pathway true gods and great existences. The six consciousnesses coalesced instantly. Lumian pulled the statue-like chaotic vortex face consciousness, along with Aurores and Jennas consciousnesses, a step back, disappearing from the dragons impending attack. This left only Primordial Demoness Cheek and Blood Emperor Alista Tudor in place. Cheek gazed deeply into the Blood Emperors eyes, then fixated longingly on the dragon, as if saying: Finally, this moment has come. Behind Her appeared a figure clad in a black skeletal dressthe mirrored Oldest Ones feminine aspect. Similarly, behind Blood Emperor Alista Tudor, the mirrored Oldest Ones masculine aspect emerged, clad in white armor. In the real world, these figures were forbidden from meeting or merging. But in the consciousness space, Cheek and Tudor could briefly reunite, provided Lumian withdrew the chaotic vortex consciousness. This reunion could only occur once, as it would severely wound both Cheek and Tudor. Left unchecked, it could lead to the true birth of the mirrored Oldest Ones consciousness. Lumian was now gambling on this symbolism to counter the dragons consciousness, seizing every moment! Instantly, the malevolent dragons consciousness transformed the space into an infinite, dark cosmos filled with scattered calamities. Cheek and Tudor drew close, accompanied by their mirrored forms. The entire universe froze, all calamities losing their vitality, their light and heat extinguished, plunging into total silence. Then, the most violent explosion erupted. Massive amounts of matter scattered outward, forming stars, suns, seas, and various lifeforms. The malevolent dragons consciousness dissolved in the prior freeze and was shattered amidst the current creation, reforming into disparate entities. Once again, It dissipated, reconstituting within the City of Calamity, where It would recover before long. The figures of Cheek and Tudor merged into a single sphere, twisting and writhing as They struggled to fully integrate. At this moment, a chaotic vortex face emerged from within, separating Them into four positionsnorth, south, east, and west. Annihilation and creation became unstable. The next second, Lumian, Aurore, and Jenna returned, towering as giants. They forcibly dragged the weakly reborn malevolent dragons consciousness close to them. Under these circumstances, the chaotic head of the malevolent dragon and the chaotic vortex face became strongly attracted, exerting a powerful pull toward convergence. They originated from the same placethey were one to begin with! The chaotic vortex face and chaotic head merged, drawing each other to a central point to fully unite. This act separated Cheek and Tudor, including Their mirrored forms. The instability of annihilation and creation ceased abruptly. Having finally prevented the true birth of the mirrored Original Creators consciousness, Lumian, Aurore, and Jenna were forced to return to the body containing the chaotic vortex face. In doing so, they and the malevolent dragon were now inseparably close, breathing audible, forms distinct. Neither could evade. Neither could retreat! New chapter is coming soon WRITE A REVIEW Chapter 1157 - Chapter 1157: Special Symbolism Chapter 1157: Special Symbolism The malevolent dragons camel-like head, adorned with antler-like horns and covered in blood-red fur, lunged past the chaotic head and violently collided with Lumians face, devouring it. Lumian did not back down; he bit into the dragons head, tearing at Its eyes, nose, and cheeks. Iron-black scales began to protrude from Lumians face and neck. This was a symbolic manifestation of the struggle and merging of consciousness. In such situations, creating calamities and causing severe disasters would inevitably lead to self-inflicted harm. The dragons other head and its snake-like, jade-white body entwined with the heads of Aurore and Jenna. They both Charmed and cursed one another, black flamesembodying destruction and ferocityigniting and wrapping around them. Having disrupted the malevolent dragons consciousness twice and forcibly merged before it could fully recover, Lumian had finally reached an equal footing with his opponent. But it still wasnt enough! The malevolent dragons consciousness would not remain weakened forever. Amid their tearing and biting, Lumian clasped his two hands together, and a corresponding vision emerged in his mind. Fuzzy, ethereal figures returned to the malevolent dragon from all directions, reintegrating into the once-unified consciousness. They were the consciousnesses of the City of Calamitys Dao integrators that Lumian had previously separated. Because they had been separated, they had avoided destruction in the earlier battle. Now, Lumian used the power of a Visionary to reintegrate these separated consciousnesses back into the malevolent dragon, reuniting them and throwing Its consciousness into chaos. This stirred inclinations, emotions, and reactions within the dragon. Thump! Thump! The heartbeat deep within the blood-red full moons Chaos Primogenitor continued to pound violently, causing the mountain-like Brood Hive to sink faster, now more than halfway submerged in crimson. Thump! Thump! The sound of the heartbeat resonated in a hidden corner of the World of Ruins on the Southern Continent. Suah and Tiri, conducting Their ritual, seemed to have grown hearts of Their own, Their beats echoing the sound. They watched as Beyonders and bestowed transformed into masses of flesh, merging into the Chained God Tolzna. The mummified figure wrapped in bandages, thorns, and roses rapidly sprouted into a tree of desire extending toward the astral world. The time has come! The help from the Mother Goddess of Depravity has arrived! Excited, Suah and Tiri spread incomprehensible thoughts while merging into the tree atop the pyramid altar. For these fervent beings, returning to the Mothers body was the highest honor! The tree of desire grew rapidly, seemingly about to touch the astral worlds barrier and tear a large hole into it. Suddenly, it tilted and twisted, collapsing toward the symbols, concepts, and representations that formed Lord of Mysteries Klein. This happened because the help from the Mother Goddess of Depravity had not arrived. Suah and Tiri had been deceived, misjudging the timing. This was because They had been marked by Klein long ago! When Lumian confronted the Primordial Demoness, the entire Tarot Club had mobilized to assist. But hidden within that action was an unknown purpose unbeknownst even to the Major Arcana card holders: to lure out the evil god AngelsSuah, Tiri, and otherswho had been hiding using the powers of the Mother Tree of Desire and the Mother Goddess of Depravity. At the time, Suah and Tiri had indeed escaped the entanglement of Angel of Time Pallez, Angel of the Holy Spirit Reinette, and Maam Hermit Cattleya. But unbeknownst to them, Klein, fully awakened as half a Great Old One, had silently followed, discovering the secret hiding place of the indulgence faction of the Rose School of Thought, other followers of the Mother Tree of Desire, and where Chained God Tolzna was. If not for the fact that the Chained God had effectively perished and His Uniqueness had been deeply corrupted by the Mother Tree of Desire, which rendered purification impossible in the short termas it would aid the Mother Tree of Desire establish a new, firm mystical connection with the Tenebrous WorldSuah and Tiri would have long been Parasitized and controlled, leaving Them no chance of survival to this day. However, Klein had taken precautions. The moment this area had any anomalies, he could sense it and respond accordingly. Upon discovering that the Rose School of Thought was conducting a major ritual involving the Uniqueness to open the astral worlds barrier and create a passage, Klein had refrained from stopping Them outright. Instead, he applied Fooling and Deceit, causing Suah and Tiri to misjudge the timing and redirect the rituals target toward himself instead of the Mother Tree of Desire. The next second, the tree extending into the astral world rapidly collapsed toward Lord of Mysteries Kleins location, instantly condensing into a bloody mass encapsulating the Chained Gods Uniqueness. Klein immediately Grafted this mass onto an area above the gray fog. Within the consciousness space, the malevolent dragon, destabilized by the returning Dao integrators consciousnesses of the City of Calamity, grew bewildered. Its madness subsided, and It no longer purely followed instinct. Seizing the moment, Lumian activated another contract mark on his bodya new one acquired a month ago. His eyes turned dark, and the clothing manifesting from his consciousness billowed. The malevolent dragon froze as if It had forgotten It was devouring and merging with Lumians six consciousnesses. Fooled! Using a Contractees power, Lumian had borrowed the Fooling ability from The Fool Klein. It could only be used twice! If the malevolent dragon had remained purely instinct-driven, Fooling would not have been so effectiveDeceit would have worked better. But Lumian had deliberately caused the City of Calamitys Dao integrators to return to the dragons consciousness, blending seamlessly as a part of it. Since they were already fused with the dragon, Its instincts harbored no resistance or rejection toward them. Taking advantage of the malevolent dragon being Fooled, and Its consciousness still in a weakened state, Lumians six arms worked in pairs to grasp the dragons iron-black body, Its jade-white snake-like body, and the formless body supporting Its chaotic head. Lumians five faces twisted in unison. Manifesting as a colossal giant, he ripped the malevolent dragons three bodies apart with an ear-splitting tear. Crimson flame-like blood sprayed everywhere, splattering onto the staircase ascending infinitely high. Lumians central head opened wide and swallowed the dragons iron-black body, including Its head. Two of his other arms pressed the malevolent dragons jade-white body and beautiful head, forcefully shoving them between the closed eyes of Aurore and Jenna. His chaotic vortex face then sucked in the majority of the malevolent dragons chaotic head. The malevolent dragon resisted desperately, struggling against Lumians merging attempt. It sought to create a calamity to destroy both Lumian and itself. If successful, while Itsnow, third-timedestroyed consciousness would enter a deep slumber within the City of Calamity, waiting centuries or more to reawaken or gradually revive, Its enemy would also diecompletely and irreversibly. At this moment, as Lumian devoured the dragon, he smiled, his thoughts echoing within the malevolent dragons spirit: Its useless. Even if I die, theres Medici and the City of Calamitys current cultivators. Once youre in a deep sleep, you wont be able to resist Their accommodation. This was a lie. Neither Medici nor the current strongest cultivators of the City of Calamity were in a position to accommodate it anytime soon. But such a lie sufficed to deceive the dragon in its Fooled state. The malevolent dragon hesitated. Lumian followed with another thought, smiling. Im not the first sacrifice, nor will I be the last! Youve seen my state. If you choose to merge with me, in a few minutes, when your consciousness fully recovers, I wont be able to maintain balanceyoull replace me! This was the truth. Boom! A thunderous heartbeat echoed from the depths of the blood-red moons Chaos Primogenitor. Even with countless marionettes and avatars interfering, the mountain-shaped Brood Hive sank heavily, completely engulfed in crimson. This was the extremely special heartbeat of the Chaos Primogenitor about to be born. It was fundamentally different from earlier beats, symbolizing the Chaos Primogenitors imminent entry into reality. This moment heralded the emergence of a new Original Creator, a being even the Mother Goddess of Depravity could only summon once every major monthor 2,160 years. Such a phenomenon could not be repeated without catastrophic consequences. If She borrowed this special symbolism for less than 2,160 years, the Chaos Primogenitor would truly descend into the real worlda consequence the Mother Goddess of Depravity couldnt predict. All She knew was that it would be a devastating catastrophe for Her. Detecting the crisis, She instinctively ignored everything else and prioritized fully merging with the Brood Hive! And afterward, even in a weakened state for centuries, She could still escape with the Brood Hive, even if She failed to seize anything else. Boom! With the echo of that heartbeat and the manifestation of the special symbolism, the invisible barrier of the astral world began to undergo ominous changes. The barrier, originating from the Original Creator, vanished entirelydisappearing into thin air as if its original master had recalled it! Even Lord of Mysteries Klein was powerless to stop it. The apocalypse had arrived. And it came in this way. At that moment, Klein performed two actions: First, he extended slimy, eldritch tentacles into the thin gray fog and pulled the astral barrier back from history, placing it in front of entities like the Circle of Inevitability and other Great Old Dominators. Of course, the historical projection of the astral barrier lacked the Oldest Ones statusmuch like the contradictions between historical projections and Uniquenesses. Without the Oldest Ones status, this astral barrier could only hold for two or three seconds. Second, Klein Grafted nearly all living beings and their corresponding environments from the Western Continent into the protected zones. Chapter 1158 - Chapter 1158: What Has Been Will Be Again Chapter 1158: What Has Been Will Be Again As soon as Klein completed these two actions, the blood-red full moon ascended into the sky. Immediately afterward, the crimson liquid enveloping the moon surged upward, coalescing into a colossal figure in an instant. This figure emitted an incredibly terrifying suction, drawing forth grayish-white fog from the infinite heights and revealing the crimson moon and the strange, brownish earth. It seemed as though these elements wished to return to their mothers embrace but were held back by the gray fog. Similarly, the Beyonder characteristic of the Beauty Goddess within the protected zone broke free of its seal and approached the gray-white fogs edge. Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence! Although the Mother Goddess of Depravity was considerably weakened after accommodating the Brood Hive, She could still utilize the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence to directly reclaim the Uniqueness of the Mother pathway, the Uniqueness of the Moon pathway, and the corresponding Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics-as long as there was no opposition on the same level. Taking advantage of the Mother Goddess of Depravitys focus on reclaiming Her possessions, Lord of Mysteries Klein lifted the seal over the entire Western Continent, causing the grayish- white fog there to vanish abruptly. Now, only five sefirot watchers-the Celestial Master, the Holy Monk, and three others- remained on the Western Continent. They did not fear the natural dispersal of the Mother Goddess of Depravitys power or its accompanying symbolism. As Klein removed the Western Continents seal, the eight stars before him grew exceptionally massive, each eager to shatter the illusory barrier of historical fog and seize the sefirah and Uniqueness They craved. This sight stirred a sense of despair and fear in both the God of Steam and Machinery, Stiano, and the God of Knowledge and Wisdom, Herabergen. They could tangibly feel the oppressive aura emanating from the Great Old Dominators. At this moment, Kleins voice echoed within Their minds: Theres still a chance. The gods instinctively turned to Klein and saw the Lord of Mysteries, cloaked in a black trench coat, gloved in dark leather, and holding a star-encrusted cane, surrounded by grayish-white fog. Carrying the weight of history, he stepped into the illusory barrier to confront the eight Great Old Dominators-beings as vast as stars. The God of Knowledge and Wisdom, Herabergen, understood that Kleins theres still a chance was addressed to Them and the Archangels. After Klein had fully awakened and become the true Lord of Mysteries, Beyonders below Sequence 1 and ordinary humans were no longer in danger. If the situation became truly untenable, Klein could abandon the sefirot, Uniquenesses, and Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics and lead the planets entire population of normal races to a remote, habitable edge of the universe. In the absence of conflicts of interest or instinctual desires, no Great Old Dominator would willingly oppose the Lord of Mysteries. But for gods like Herabergen and Archangels outside the Mysteries pathway, escape was impossible! Even if They lowered Their statusallowing avatars to flee-Their avatars would likely be corrupted once Their main bodies were devoured by the Great Old Dominators. There would be no means of preservation. This was likely Their last chance! Realizing the Lord of Mysteries could not hold off the eight Outer Deities for long, Herabergen turned His gaze to the real world, toward the protected zones. A liquid of pure chaos, encompassing all colors and possibilities, had seeped out, coalescing into a massive cross. On this cross hung a figure, formed entirely of radiant light, with a head that retained a human shape adorned with a thick, pale golden beard. A long shadow with five heads trailed behind Him, while a golden sun quietly hovered behind His head. The figure opened His eyes, revealing a pair of clear, infant-like golden irises. He nodded toward the God of Knowledge and Wisdom Herabergen and Lord of Storms Leodero within the astral world. Come, my Kings of Angels. Amidst the reverberating, layered voice, Herabergen and Leodero were momentarily dazed. It was as if They had returned to the past, following the light and hope. The God of Knowledge and Wisdom, Herabergen, flew out of the astral world, revealing His true form. It was a brass dragon the size of a city, capable of expanding even larger. The dragons body resembled a soft, foldable tower of thick, illusory books, each bearing a brass eye. The closer one moved toward the dragons head, the darker and more ominous the layers of books and eyes became. At the dragons brow, a nearly black brass vertical eye opened, gazing at the cross and the figure upon it. The brass dragon suddenly ignited, enveloped in formless, colorless flames and quiet, eldritch black fire. Dragging His elongated body and blazing tail, the dragon hurtled toward the figure on the cross. At that moment, the God of Knowledge and Wisdom, Herabergen, chose self-destruction, merging with Grisha Adam. This was not an entirely good thing-it had its dire consequences. Grisha Adam was still battling the Primordial God Almightys will and was at a disadvantage, with no chance of becoming the Omnipotent and Omniscient One. In the short term, Herabergens residual consciousness would help Grisha Adam resist the Primordial God Almighty, forming a fragile new balance. This would allow Grisha Adam to better control the body and provide stronger protection for the protected zones after the Great Old Dominators shattered the barrier, ensuring it remained untainted by the Outer Deities power and corruption until Lord of Mysteries Klein seized the opportunity to transfer everyone during the chaos. In the long term, however, integrating the White Tower pathways Uniqueness at this moment would enhance the Primordial God Almightys will and spirit, accelerating His recovery-significantly disadvantaging Grisha Adam in Their struggle. Within the protected zone, Herabergen, clad in a plain white robe threaded with brass threads, looked skyward and sighed deeply. In the astral world, the Lord of Storms, Leodero, appeared in human form-a stern middle- aged man clad in black armor and wielding a trident. He glanced at the Western Continent, illuminated by scarlet moonlight, its entry sealed, and snorted at the Evernight Goddess, Amanises, and the God of Steam and Machinery, Stiano. The Storm will not destroy itself! Nor will it surrender! Crackling sounds erupted as the King of the Skies, Emperor of the Seas, Lord of Calamity, and God of Storms transformed into layers of entangled, ball lightning. He shot down from the astral world at near-light speed, straight toward the crimson moon and the colossal figure. The storm illuminated the skies, illuminating the entire world. Within the consciousness space- Boom! Lumian and the malevolent dragon both heard that peculiar heartbeat. With the former severely damaged, the dimmed Cheek and Tudor faces grew clear once more, and his central chaotic vortex face began to spin faster. Meanwhile, the dragons two lateral heads instinctively sought to merge but were blocked by Lumians mouth and Its own chaotic head. Now! Taking advantage of the moment, Lumian, in his colossal form, forcibly swallowed the dragons iron-black body whole. Under this influence, the beautiful head that had been trying to merge with its other half ceased resisting and fused with the faces of Aurore and Jenna. This brought back the imprints of Aurores and Jennas past selves left in the mirror, which swiftly repaired the corresponding fragments of their souls. Lumian fully accommodated the malevolent dragon. Immediately, he felt a torrent of madness, ferocity, and destructive intent rampaging within him. These were partially absorbed by the chaotic vortex face, partially drawn away by the lingering consciousness of the City of Calamity Dao integrators, and partially suppressed by the combined wills of Lumian, Aurore, and Jenna. On both sides of Lumians body, bulges began to form and writhe rapidly, each developing into a new body. These new bodies were connected to his original flesh, tightly adhered, and partially fused. On the right was a purely female figure clad in a sacred white robe, her hands milky and ethereal. Her head featured Aurore at the front and Jenna at the back, able to rotate freely in any direction, unrestrained by a neck. On the left was a half-male, half-female body, with a head composed of the Cheek face, the chaotic vortex face, and Alista Tudors face. It wielded a charred banner in its hands. In the center was Lumian himself, adorned with long, blood-red hair and iron-black eyes. A prominent design of a true dragon from the Western Continent was etched between his brows. Suppressing the madness and will of the malevolent dragon, Lumian turned his head to the right. Aurore and Jennas eyelashes quivered lightly before their eyes opened in unison, revealing smiles. Lumian exhaled suddenly, a mixture of relief, emotion, and regret in his mind as he communicated telepathically: It really is possible to resurrect in this way Unfortunately, it wont last more than a few minutes. Lumian meant that the balance within his body would not hold for more than a few minutes. This balance was predicated on the weakened state of the malevolent dragons consciousness and will. Once the malevolent dragon recovered, the balance would inevitably collapse. The two types of Uniqueness in his current body were closely linked to the mirrored Original Creator, counterbalanced by the chaotic vortex face corresponding to the Primordial God Almighty. This trifecta of forces maintained a delicate equilibrium. Although Lumian, Aurore, and Jennas bodies had achieved corresponding status levels, and their wills had been sufficiently strengthened, they were only supported by two Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics each. In this situation, should the malevolent dragons consciousness awaken, Lumian, Aurore, and Jenna would have little means to resist-unless the Primordial God Almighty actively sought resurrection within the chaotic vortex face, forming a larger and more stable framework. But alas, no such fortune would come to pass. This was the consequence of being forcibly driven and filled to reach this point. With her hair turned black, her eyes restored to deep brown, and her appearance and charm elevated to Above the Sequences, Aurore listened to Lumians sentiments. Her expression remained calm, and she smiled gently, her voice soft. When I died in Cordu Village, I did feel wronged, angry, and resentful. But when you became a Demoness of Unaging and I began to sense everything around me, to perceive what was happening, I gradually came to terms with it. Death isnt always a bad thing. When I learned about the Dragon Lock and its story, and when I saw the actions of those souls just now, I found even greater peace. Our predecessors and forebears could sacrifice themselves; so can I. Death can be as light as a feather or as heavy as a mountain. I am willing to accept the destiny that awaits me and to act accordingly. The head rotated, and Jennas increasingly radiant face turned to Lumian. With a smile, she said, When I killed Hugues Artois, I thought, Even if I die, I must avenge my mother and those victims. That bastard cant keep laughing. When I advanced to become a Demoness of Unaging, I thought, Even if I die, I must save you. You still have unfulfilled wishes. Now, it brings to mind something Franca once joked about: Would you rather be a coward for a lifetime or a hero for five minutes? To die with you and Aurore to save everyone-I think thats the most romantic thing in the world. As Lumian listened, his heart gradually calmed, his self-destructive tendencies easing. He lifted his head to gaze at the blood-stained throne high on the steps, his smile radiant as he said, Then lets complete the final step of accommodation. In the real world. The mass of entangled lightning approached the blood-red moon and the colossal figure at near-light speed. It tore through the void but quickly froze beside the crimson full moon. Each strand of its light was tainted scarlet, gaining new life as they detached and scattered. The terrifying lightning mass rapidly disintegrated. Its two brightest remnants were guided by Klein through Grafting toward the cross above a protected zone. In the next moment, the explosion and shockwave from the lightning unfurled, erupting with a deafening roar. The natural light of the crimson moon shattered and dissipated, revealing a breach. In the astral world, the Evernight Goddess, Amanises, holding a golden bird-shaped ornament in Her hands, stepped forward, leaving a single remark for the God of Steam and Machinery, Stiano, Its our turn to stake our lives. The God of Steam and Machinery, Stiano, was about to follow when He suddenly sensed something and turned His gaze to the heights of the real world. A deep crimson meteor inexplicably appeared, dragging a long tail of flame as it plunged toward the blood-red moon and the colossal figure. The entire sky and world were engulfed in crimson fire. In the Year 1360, as July faded to its final days, crimson rained from the heavens. Chapter 1159 - Chapter 1159: Oath of the River Styx Chapter 1159: Oath of the River Styx As the crimson meteor descended, the entire world outside the protected zones erupted in flames. Across the cosmos, catastrophic disasters across various star systems momentarily froze before either intensifying or subsiding. Behind the Great Old Dominators attacking the astral barrier, hand-drawn black holes and their accretion disks materialized. The energy seas, depicted like paintings, quickly receded, plunging into cold, deathly silence. Numerous calamities descended upon this place. These calamities were deliberately engineered by Lumian as symbolic manifestations triggered during his full accommodation of the City of Calamity and his advancement to the Origins of Disaster, Calamity of Destruction. He harbored no illusions that these indiscriminate calamities could seriously harm the Great Old Dominators. His sole aim was to sow chaos, giving Mr. Fool a brief respite. At that moment, the sound of plucked strings suddenly resonated. The black hole and its accretion disk, already like hand-drawn illustrations, grew thinner and smaller, losing their conceptual weight. The black hole, now a true painting, instinctively tore at the dimensions bearing it, attempting to absorb them within and alter the current state. A massive, terrifying mouth abruptly appeared, biting down on the canvas carrying the black hole and devouring it whole. Multiple abstract stomachs emerged, expanding and contracting as they fiercely struggled against the undigested entities. Primordial Hunger, the symbol of devouring, an insatiable convergence, the cleanser of all things! Other Outer Deities also took measures to suppress the calamities erupting behind Them. Meanwhile, the crimson meteor was swallowed by the muddy radiance emanating from the blood-red moon. The ocean of bloodstained light alternated between destruction and rebirth, gradually slowing the meteors approach toward the colossal figure. However, beyond this sea of blood, everything else was set aflame by the crimson meteor. Even the moonlight that once Illuminated the Western Continent was burned away, vanishing completely. Seizing this opportunity-taking advantage of the brief chaos among the Great Old Dominators and the reduced pressure on the illusory barrier-the Lord of Mysteries, Klein, sent forth a projection of himself and turned his gaze toward the protected zones. Within the protected zone, Trier remained tranquil. On the terrace, Queen Mystic Bernadette had already taken out her crown adorned with dark gemstones, holding it in both hands. The crown abruptly flew into the air, leaving the protected zone and ascending into the skies over the Western Continent. Accompanying it were the brass-bound book descending from above the gray fog and two beams of light, one from behind the cross and the other from within the protected zone. In the blink of an eye, they arrived before the magnificent stone door standing amidst the clouds, falling into the hands of a towering figure crowned with an emperors diadem and velled by cascading tassels. The figure nodded toward the astral world before turning away, returning to the summit of the thirty-three heavens and seating Himself on the throne of the Celestial Thearch. He immediately placed the crown adorned with dark gemstones atop His head, overlapping it with the emperors crown. His hands clutched the brass-bound book tightly, while the two beams of light spiraled for a second before merging into His body. Within the protected zone, the disappearance of the Black Emperors Uniqueness prompted Queen Mystic Bernadette to let out a soft sigh. This had been one of Kleins true purposes when Lumian visited her with a prophecy as an excuse. Through the Genies description of the urgency of the situation and His suggestion to temporarily strengthen the Nation of Disorder, Queen Mystic Bernadette immediately understood Mr. Fools intent. He intended to borrow the Black Emperor Uniqueness. At that moment, Bernadette had already made her decision. Behind her, the figure of Empress Roselle, wearing a luxurious golden crown, materialized. With a complicated tone, She said, As long as the order and rules he established remain, he can still be resurrected. Bernadette murmured to herself, Can someone with the Nation of Disorder, with all its Uniquenesses and Beyonder characteristics, truly become a Great Old Dominator? No, the Nation of Disorders consciousness is interwoven with too many external spirits. Its not a complete birth and remains chaotic. Even with all its components, it cannot undergo a fundamental transformation. It may take decades or centuries for a new, unified consciousness to emerge, enabling the Shadow of Order to truly manifest in reality. The only way to instantly elevate the Nation of Disorder to the level of a Great Old Dominator is to unseal and release Genie. However, what Genie might do after escaping His seal is entirely unpredictable. For now, the Lord of Mysteries can only temporarily enhance the Nation of Disorder to a state close to that of a Great Old One, allowing it to play a role in the upcoming battle, Empress Roselle explained plainly. She paused for a moment before adding, Even if the Nation of Disorder births a new consciousness and becomes the Shadow of Order before his resurrection, with the Lord of Mysteries help, he could still revive through the rules. However, he would only be able to reclaim two portions of the Prince of Abolition Beyonder characteristics. Queen Mystic Bernadette turned to Empress Roselle and fell silent for a moment before asking. And what about you? A look of contentment and solace appeared on Empress Roselles face. If the apocalypse passes, the mirror world should have a relatively normal ruler. By then, the reflection world within the mirror will no longer be dark. Following the Lord of Storms Leoderos suicidal attack and the descent of the Calamity of Destruction, the Mother Goddess of Depravitys blockade over the Western Continent was completely broken. Evernight Goddess Amanises and the God of Steam and Machinery Stiano seized the opportunity to descend from the astral world to the Dragon Lock Tower. The former wore a layered yet unadorned black classical gown, Her face shrouded in a veil, ethereal and graceful. The latter appeared as a middle-aged man seemingly composed of numerous depictions of civilizations, which finally coalesced into a man in his prime. Evernight Goddess Amanises nodded at the sect master of the Haoli lineage, communicating telepathically. Let us begin. The Haoli sect master closed His eyes, and a broad, dark, colorless river flowed out of the void, reaching the Evernight Goddess. Within the illusory dark waters, figures dressed like the Haoli sect master appeared, floating and sinking. Among them, the most lucid was a figure wearing a rusty iron crown, with pale whiskers fluttering at His chin-the Underworld Daoist. Evernight Goddess Amanises pointed at the silently flowing River of Eternal Darkness and spoke with Her mind. Let the River of Eternal Darkness bear witness. I, Amanises, pledge to strengthen the Haoli lineage, ensuring all disciples achieve balance between internal and external cultivation and attain characteristics. Should I break this oath, I shall suffer a backlash from the sefirah, and I shall sink eternally to the rivers depths! Having already reached an agreement, the Underworld Daoist nodded slightly. He extended His pale right hand, with a texture like jade yet marred by cracks oozing yellow pus or sprouting white feathers, and placed it atop the Evernight Goddesss head. You shall be sect master! With these words, streams of radiance rose from the River of Eternal Darkness, weaving into complex, orderly symbols that entered Amanisess body. Amanises found Herself standing in the broad, dark river, where the shadows and bones of past Haoli sect masters gnawed at Her arms, back, and soul. Already in partial control of a tributary of the River of Eternal Darkness, Amanises remained calm, resisting the chaotic consciousness infused with the spirits of countless Dao integrators. The straight, illusory river flowed through Her body and emerged from the other side. God of Steam and Machinery Stiano sat cross-legged before the Celestial Master. The latters intent echoed in His mind: You have two choices: First, acknowledge me as your master and join my sect. I will grant you the Supreme Clarity Talisman and pass down the position of Celestial Master to you, allowing you to control what you call the Knowledge Moor. However, this carries a risk As the intent reverberated, silhouettes began to emerge in the moor behind the Celestial Master. They were dressed in feathered robes and high crowns, their faces either hideous or decayed, exuding intense malice. They are the Celestial Masters and accomplished cultivators of past generations. Under the influence of the Unborn Ancient Mother every Celestial Master since the first Celestial Masters integration with the Dao must possess corresponding bloodlines and complete cultivation. You lack these. Through the Supreme Clarity Talisman, I can help you accommodate the Knowledge Moor in a short time. But afterward, you will face backlash. Whether you can endure and resolve the resentment of past Celestial Masters and accomplished cultivators or avoid being drawn into the moor to become one of the wandering spirits C I do not know. The second choice is to acknowledge me as your master and join my sect. I will grant you the Three Caverns and Five Thunders Talisman. After corresponding with Fellow Daoist Zhou, I have improved the Three Sovereigns Calamity Dispelling Formation based on the experiences of predecessors. With this, you can join me as a true disciple in powering the formation. You will lend me your power, allowing me to integrate with the Dao briefly to combat the vile demons from beyond. In an instant, the Celestial Masters thoughts were fully understood by God of Steam and Machinery Stiano through the infusion of knowledge. In the same manner, Stiano conveyed His question: Can either method result in the emergence of a temporary Great Old One? The Celestial Master, holding His horsetail whisk, shook His head. Neither. We both still lack time, Unlike the new master of the Haoli lineage, you have not yet preemptively gained partial control of the Dao. These two choices can only bring us close to the Dao, not fully integrate into it. Knowing time was pressing, God of Steam and Machinery Stiano deliberated briefly before kneeling to give His answer: I am willing to acknowledge you as my master and become part of the formation. The Celestial Master seemed disappointed, as though His hoped-for liberation had not been achieved. He pressed His horsetail whisk against Stianos shoulder. In the interest of urgency, we will simplify the rites to granting a title and talisman. From this day forth, your Dao name shall be: True Blessing. Chapter 1160 - Chapter 1160: Transforming Barbarians to Buddha Chapter 1160: Transforming Barbarians to Buddha Within the solemn Buddhist land, adorned with glazed and amber decorations, countless Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, and Wisdom Kings sat atop Mount Sumeru, attentively listening to the great Buddha whose golden body filled the space between heaven and earth, delivering profound teachings. In that moment, vibrant clouds illuminated the sky, flowers fell like rain, and golden lotuses blossomed from the ground. Suddenly, two silvery streaks of light flew in from the outer world, landing on either side of the great Buddha and transforming into distinct figures. To the left of the great Buddhas golden body appeared a boy of about eight or nine years old, dressed in a childs formal suit with a bow tie, his baby-fat face framed by medium-length silvery hair. To the right stood a young man, draped in a linen robe, his features soft and elegant, and his long silver hair flowing freely. These were none other than Will Auceptin, the Angel of Mercury from the Church of The Fool, and Ouroboros, the Angel of Fate from the Aurora Order. Will accommodated the Uniqueness of the Fate pathway and held a Sequence 1 Snake of Mercury Beyonder characteristic, while Ouroboros had two Snake of Mercury Beyonder characteristics. As soon as Will Auceptin and Ouroboros appeared, the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, and Wisdom Kings who had been intently listening to the Buddha Ancestors teachings simultaneously turned their gazes upon them. Their expressions betrayed greed and yearning, as though all of them wished to draw near, sniff deeply, or take a bite. On either side of the great Buddhas face, two mouths suddenly split open, revealing gleaming, razor-sharp teeth. Clang! The sound of a bell echoed from infinite heights, and time froze for a second. The great Buddha regained a dignified and compassionate expression, and the hideous mouths on His face disappeared. Seizing this moment, the Holy Monk within the Dragon Lock Tower returned to the Buddhist kingdom. He glanced around, pressed His hands together, and softly recited, Merciful Buddha. As His voice reverberated, the Holy Monk transitioned from corporeal to ethereal, taking a single step to merge with the great Buddhas golden body. The great Buddha glanced to the left and right, speaking in a calm yet majestic voice, I thank you both for your efforts. Seeing this, Will Auceptin quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Imitating the great Buddhas posture, he crossed his legs and sat down to the Buddhas left, sitting side by side. Ouroboros maintained a serene expression as He also assumed a lotus position on the Buddhas right. Immediately afterward, the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, and Wisdom Kings below transformed into beams of various-colored lights. They swiftly returned to the great Buddhas golden body, merging into one entity. All Buddhas converge to their origin. While everyone had a Buddha-nature, there was only one Buddha in the world. Meanwhile, the Master of the Shadow Cottage departed the Dragon Lock Tower, returning to the boundless Tenebrous World hidden deep beneath the earth. Here, another figure already Naboredisley, His ice-blue eyes piercing beneath the brim of His semi-tall hat. Youre unwilling to accept this fate too, arent you? the Master of the Shadow Cottage said, smiling as He looked over. Would you be content if you were in my shoes? Naboredisley retorted. Master of the Shadow Cottage shook His head. If they want to consume us, theyll have to pay a price. Fellow Daoist, weve known each other spiritually for a long time. How about collaborating this time? I came here precisely to cooperate! Naboredisleys voice suddenly grew louder, as though He had returned to His Farbauti era. Haha! The Master of the Shadow Cottage laughed heartily, and together with Farbauti, They stepped into the pitch-black, shadowy world without hesitation. In the real world. As Lumian, in the form of a crimson meteor, drew closer to the true body of the Mother Goddess of Depravity, his progress became increasingly arduous. Finally, he saw the colossal figure clearly. It was as if countless birthing organs were haphazardly piled together, with swirling smoke and crimson moonlight intertwining to form an accretion-disk-like extension that served as clothing. Yet, this massive figure had a head resembling that of a human woman. Her featuresfacial structure, long brown hair, and crimson eyeswere flawless, embodying the very concept of beauty. She was the symbol of beauty in the universe, radiating an unmistakable maternal brilliance. At that moment, even Lumian hesitated to strike. However, attracted by beauty, Cheeks face, Aurore, and Jennadriven by Lumians willused Charm on the Mother Goddess of Depravity, seemingly seeking to draw closer to Her. As a result, the Mother Goddess of Depravity did not immediately attack Lumian, who stood in a three-bodied, three-headed, six-armed form. Yet Her symbolic nature continued to influence the surrounding area. As Lumian drew nearer, he quickly felt the effects of New Life. The weakened consciousnesses within him began to experience a New Life. Cheeks consciousness and Tudors consciousness gained new life. The will of the Primordial God Almighty gained new life. The divided consciousness of the mirrored Original Creator gained new life. Even the consciousness of the malevolent dragon gained new life! With the malevolent dragons rapid recovery, the suppression exerted by Lumian, Aurore, and Jennas wills on Her faltered. What had been a fragile balance capable of lasting several minutes seemed poised to collapse immediately under the effect of New Life, with unforeseeable consequences. In the face of these changes, Lumian neither feared nor panicked. Instead, he seized the opportunity to break free from the allure of beauty. Smiling, he lifted his head to gaze at the astral world. Lord of Mysteries Klein, who was now guarding the astral world alone, withdrew the illusory barrier and turned toward the real world. Like a Magician about to perform, he raised both hands. He did not immediately transfer humanity from the protected zones. Such an action would undoubtedly cause a significant commotion. While it would be simple for Klein to shield a few dozen or a few hundred people and quietly move them to the edge of the universe without the Great Old Dominators knowledge, the Great Old Dominators would not be fools to let the billions of surviving humans escape unnoticed. Of course, if there were only one or two Great Old Dominators outside the barrier, Klein might have had a way to briefly reduce Them to fools. But now, eight of them stood watch. During a previous Tarot Club meeting, The Magician Fors had speculated that a Pillar could contend with two Great Old Ones. Gehrman Sparrow had remained noncommittal at the time, still a proxy. Now fully awakened as the Lord of Mysteries, Kleins answer was: that judgment was both correct and incorrect. Correct if confronted by Great Old Dominators with specific symbols capable of countering the Lord of Mysteries abilitiesMarionettes, Parasites, Blink, etc. In such cases, Klein could only rely on the unique symbolism of a Pillar to contend with two at most. Incorrect in that, in the absence of such countermeasures, there was no fundamental difference between battling two or eight Great Old Ones. Among the Great Old Dominators outside the barrier, several possessed symbolisms that countered Kleins abilities. Therefore, he dared not be overconfident. He intended to wait until the Great Old Dominators rushed in impatiently after the barrier cracked and plunged the situation into chaos, allowing him to secretly evacuate the beings within the protected zones. At that moment, the Great Old Dominators would be fixated on the sefirot and Uniquenesses, disregarding everything else. Even if They noticed Lord of Mysteries Kleins secretive actions, They would not expend any effort to interfere. Yet, this plan was not foolproof. Certain Great Old Dominators with relevant symbols might secretly inform Their followers to disrupt the evacuation. The Great Old Dominators Themselves had no interest in Beyonder characteristics below Sequence 1, but Their followers might think differently! Hearing the cracking of the illusory barrier behind him, Klein shifted his gaze to the Mother Goddess of Depravity and the Origins of Disaster Lumian. Lumian, now fully displaying his three-bodied, three-headed, six-armed form, gazed at the Mother Goddess of Depravity, who had just escaped Charm. Half in appreciation, half in jest, he laughed. This is exactly what Ive been waiting forto let you impose New Life on me! The Charm was to ensure that you wouldnt develop vigilance or spiritual forewarning, allowing the New Life influence to occur naturally! As long as I am not dead, the symbolism of the Mother Goddess of Depravity within me remains valid! Previously, my rank was too low, and I lacked the corresponding elements. Using this symbolism, I could only disguise myself as you to provoke the Brood Hives rebellious will through Mr. Fools Fooling. It was difficult to truly harm you. But now, I am an Above the Sequences great existence, differing from you only in the unique symbolism of a Pillar. And the New Life you naturally imposed just activated the feminine and masculine halves of the mirrored Original Creator within me. Isnt this equivalent to me also nurturing the Original Creator? This is remarkably similar to your nurturing of the Chaos Primogenitor, the Original Creator of the next universe. The most critical corresponding element is now complete! The Genie previously hinted at using my uniqueness and Mr. Fools symbolism. Combined with the warning about your impending accommodation of the Brood Hive, it became clear: You possess a unique symbol of limited use pointing toward the Original Creator, one I can align with! After Mr. Fools full awakening, he did not rush to become the Lord of Mysteries, deliberately deceiving you while roaming the continents and gathering concealed truths through your followers. Thus, Ive come straight for you, waiting for your instinctive and indiscriminate influence to awaken the mirrored Original Creator within me! Moreover, with the Brood Hive assimilated by you, Luganowho once belonged to younow pledges allegiance to me, and the Phoenix Egg deep within the Underworld will soon be swallowed by me. We are more alike than ever. You are the Great Mother who nurtures the Oldest One, Omebella, and Zedus. So am I! In the blink of an eye, Lumian, in his giant form, conjured the Grafted Phoenix Egg into his hand and swallowed it in one gulp. Then, he brought his six arms together, forming a massive black-flame sword bound with destruction and chaos, and drove it into his own body. At the same time, he looked at the Mother Goddess of Depravity and smiled brilliantly. Now, I am equivalent to you. Killing me equals killing you! Chapter 1161 - Chapter 1161: Pillar Symbolism Chapter 1161: Pillar Symbolism The Mother Goddess of Depravity, having broken free from Charm, began to change as soon as Lumian took hold of the Phoenix Egg. Her colossal body rapidly collapsed inward toward Her abdomen, as though transforming into a nest or womb, reverting Herself to an embryonic state for rebirth. This process would reset all symbols associated with Her, except those intrinsic to Her being, erasing external mystical correspondences. Lumian would no longer be able to exploit the mystical law of similarity to equate himself with Her, thereby killing Her by killing himself. Previously, the Mother Goddess of Depravity had refrained from using this method to rid Herself of symbolic influences for two reasons. First, She had just descended into the barrier by leveraging Her symbolic powers when she was immediately Fooled and Deceived by The Fool Klein using the core aggregation instinct of godhood. She was then guided into the grayish-white fog sealing the Western Continent. Her focus was on reclaiming the Brood Hive and She did not wish to reset Herself and lose useful symbolisms. Second, during the process of accommodating the Brood Hive, rebirth was impossible, as it would reset Her progress to zero. As the Mother Goddess of Depravity began to collapse and reset Herself, Lord of Mysteries Klein, in the astral world, abandoned the maintenance of the illusory barrier. Listening to its creaks as it neared shattering, he raised his hands, revealing a massive door of light tinged with bluish-black hues deep within the shadows of his black trench coat. Sefirah Castle! Klein was now fully utilizing one of the core symbols of the Lord of Mysteries. With a resounding clang, the Mother Goddess of Depravitys collapse and rebirth slowed noticeably. What would have been instantaneous now required two or three seconds to complete. Change! This was one of the core symbols of the Lord of Mysteries: control over change-slowing, accelerating, halting, or introducing errors into transformations. The Mother Goddess of Depravitys attempt to revert to an embryonic state and reset Her symbolisms fell under this domain. Previously, Klein had not used the symbolism of Change to influence the Mother Goddess of Depravitys accommodation of the Brood Hive because doing so required full exertion of Sefirah Castles power. At the time, he needed to maintain the barrier and contend with the other eight Great Old Dominators. Furthermore, the Mother Goddess of Depravity, having invoked the unique symbolism of the Chaos Primogenitor, was in a prolonged state of weakness that couldnt be recovered using New Life. This made any influence over Her transformations significantly more effective. With the Mother Goddesss collapse into an embryonic state delayed, Lumian-the Origins of Disaster-smiled brilliantly yet resolutely as he drove the massive black-flame sword, imbued with destruction and madness, into his own body. This act embodied the symbolism of disaster. In an instant, flames of destruction erupted from within him, consuming his body, the consciousness of Cheek, Alista Tudors consciousness, the divided halves of the mirrored Original Creator, the remnants of the Primordial God Almightys spirit, the consciousness of the malevolent dragon, and even Lumians own consciousness along with those of Aurore and Jenna. Lumians body began to collapse catastrophically, nearing its annihilation and return to chaos. To bring disaster upon oneself and embrace destruction was the truest embodiment of the Origins of Disaster, the Calamity of Destruction. Amidst the silent, roaring black flames, Lumian turned his head, exchanging smiles with Aurore and Jenna, both of whom bore expressions of pain. He then looked back at the Mother Goddess of Depravity, his face twisted yet serene with delight. He saw black flames, imbued with destruction and chaos, erupting within the crimson-glowing Mother Goddess. Her semi-collapsed colossal body crumbled layer by layer, ejecting various birthing organs that were swiftly reduced to ash in the enveloping Fire of Destruction. Having ascended to become the Origins of Disaster, Lumian no longer required Mr. Fools assistance to fully harness symbolic powers, especially those capable of bringing calamity! The Mother Goddess, flawless in Her beauty C a concept that equaled beauty itself-threw Her head back slightly and let out a banshee-like scream filled with agony. Many of the Kleins surrounding the area withered instantly, collapsing into death and returning to the embrace of Mother Earth. The entire planet lost its vitality, the stars in the sky dimmed, and tremors reverberated throughout the boundless cosmos. Reality quaked. The accelerated collapse of Lumians consciousness and body gained a boost from death and desolation, further amplifying his destruction. This, in turn, worsened the Mother Goddess of Depravitys collapse, leaving numerous remaining organs lifeless. As the Mother Goddess of Depravity was reduced to a thin, womb-like shell surrounding Her colossal form, the black flames of chaos and destruction extinguished or could no longer penetrate deeper. The Indestructible! This was the Mother Goddess of Depravitys symbolism of Indestructibility. Her Indestructibility nature meant that, like the Primordial God Almighty and The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings, Her spirit would never be eradicated and would gradually recover over time, It also represented the indestructibility of Her soul and body. The Mother Goddess of Depravity would never perish C unless She encountered the Original Creator, who could make the impossible happen, or the fourth Pillar symbolizing the end to everything was born, or She overextended the Chaos Primogenitors unique symbolism. Of course, Klein and Lumian had never aimed to truly kill the Mother Goddess of Depravity, aware of Her honorific title and Indestructibility as The Indestructible. Their plan had always been to severely wound Her and drive Her out of the astral barrier. At this moment, the Mother Goddess of Depravity, having used the Chaos Primogenitors symbolism and entered a prolonged state of weakness, slowed Her recovery from the influence of New Life. Simultaneously, Lumians exploitation of symbolic correspondence and the calamity symbol had dealt Her a devastating blow, fully achieving the first stage of a Magicians performance plan. The problem, however, was that the second stage could never be realized, as the astral barrier was no more. Lord of Mysteries Klein remained calm and unaffected by disappointment. Raising his star-studded cane, he infused the bluish-black door of lights projection with his will. His eyes reflected the image of the Mother Goddess of Depravity reduced to Her last organ and embryonic state. Banishment and Sealing! Previously, attempting to extract a Pillar in reality from the planet would have been nearly impossible. But now, with the Mother Goddess of Depravity severely wounded, an opportunity had emerged! As starlight fell, the Mother Goddess of Depravitys distorted form changed. She transformed into a colossal, ethereal oak tree, rooted deeply in reality, supporting the heavens, and intertwining Herself with the fabric of the real universe. Pillar symbolism! The Mother Goddess of Depravity invoked Her dominion over reality, embodying the symbolism of a Pillar. The immense, incomprehensible oak tree trembled violently, yet remained firmly rooted in reality, unable to be banished or sealed. A wilderness unfurled around it as a greenish mistletoe-covered branch broke from the treetop, flying above Lumians black-flame-wreathed, crumbling form, and raining down dew-like droplets. The Fire of Destruction engulfing Lumian were swiftly extinguished, and his collapsing body was halted by the effects of New Life. Among the consciousnesses within him, only his, Aurores, and Jennas were revitalized, restoring balance for a few more minutes. At that moment, the Mother Goddess of Depravity chose to save him! Of course, saving him was also an act of self-preservation. She did not want Lumian to die prematurely before the symbolism was removed, worsening Her weakened state. Nor did She want him to lose balance and unleash something potentially terrifying, which could reflect through their symbolic connection and lead to the Chaos Primogenitors emergence in the real world. As the dew-like droplets fell, the immense oak tree supporting the world leveraged Kleins banishment powers and vanished from its location. The Pillar in reality, the Mother Goddess of Depravity, left the planet and reappeared beyond the solar system. She transformed into a crimson liquid, enveloping a gas giant, and began reverting to Her embryonic state, initiating New Life to reset Her form. This time, though no influence was exerted by Lord of Mysteries Kleins symbolic power, the severe wounds and compounded weakness delayed Her recovery. The symbolism of destruction seemed to obstruct New Life, carefully avoiding agitating the now-dormant Chaos Primogenitor. From a great distance, the crimson planet continued to gaze at the location containing parts of Herself. While severing symbolic connections and healing Her wounds, She patiently awaited a new opportunity C when the remaining Great Old Dominators descended into fierce competition, weakening or suppressing the Lord of Mysteries, and She could return to reclaim all and gain even more. Lord of Mysteries Klein did not pursue the Mother Goddess of Depravity to strike Her again, and Lumian did not exploit symbolic connections for further self- destruction. Both understood the Mother Goddess of Depravitys Indestructible nature. Severely wounding and driving Her away for a period was already their anticipated outcome. Any additional efforts risked unforeseen consequences, such as awakening the Chaos Primogenitor. More pressing matters loomed as Klein heard the faint but definitive sound of shattering behind him. The last barrier he had pulled from the fog of history had completely collapsed. What Lumian saw next was a terrifying star cluster composed of erupting suns. The lifeless planet beneath his feet was violently torn apart into fragments, ceasing to exist. *** Chapter 1162 - Chapter 1162: A Distant Planet Chapter 1162: A Distant Planet As the planet was torn into fragments in an instant, the three-headed, three-bodied, six-armed Lumian remained completely unaffected. How could calamity itself ever be harmed by Disaster? At some unknown point, he had already taken out the Box of the Great Old Ones, encrusted with various gemstones, and directly opened its third layer. Inside, there was nothingyet clear and unnerving sounds of chewing and digestion emanated from within. Almost simultaneously, the right hand of the body housing Aurore and Jenna reached inside, pulling from the void a mass of chaotic liquid that contained all colors and all possibilities. Then, that hand clenched into a fist, absorbing the liquid into a chaos vortex it created. It annihilated the contents within, incorporating them into Lumians own consciousness and spirit, specifically into the feminine aspect of the Origins of Disaster, thus balancing the residual corruption that could not be entirely eradicated. As Lumian performed this action, a massive cross above the protective zones caused an even larger tide of chaos to surge forth, engulfing the zone completely. The next moment, the terrifying gravitational pull of the immense star cluster and the disintegration of the fragmented planet caused the protective zones and the Chaos Sea that submerged it to tremble violently, as if on the brink of total collapse. The massive cross began to bend noticeably. Yet, no matter what, the protective zones remained stablefor the time being, at least. Now! Klein felt the Great Old Dominators rushing to breach the barrier. Seizing the opportunity, he directed the projection of the bluish-black door of light into the protective zones, where it scattered into countless starlit fragments. The Chaos Sea enveloping the protective zone abruptly contracted, retreating back into the shadowy figure on the cross. All that remained was a patch of deep darkness and a few dangerous artifacts. The protective zones vanished. They disappeared entirely. Lord of Mysteries Klein instantly transferred billions of humans, countless other species, and the scenes from the dream to a target planet at the edge of the universe. It was like a magicians trickdrape a cloth over the table, then whip it away, and the objects underneath were gone. Within the protective zone, still functioning but with only five minutes left, The Magician Fors, standing in her home in Backlund, suddenly froze for a moment. She said to Xio, Franca, Anthony, and Ludwig, Theres no need for me to transfer you anymore. Weve already reached our destination. Everyone has. Uh Franca was stunned. She had thought she would still have one final chance to make a decision. It wasnt until Madam Magician finished speaking that she, Madam Judgment Xio, Ludwig, and the others realized the environment around them had already changed. At that moment, The Magician Fors frowned slightly and said, Enemies are approachingfrom space! As she spoke, Fors stretched out her right hand. With a burst of dazzling starlight, she conjured a fantastical screen in front of her. On the screen were shadowy figures traversing different dimensions, as well as faint, unattainably high humanoid shapes, leaping toward the current planet. Sequence 2 Dimensional Shadow and Sequence 1 Observer of the Painter pathway and theres more than one of them Have they discovered Mr. Fools transfer of the protective zones and seen through the Deceit, locating this planet from a higher dimension and sending their Blessed? While Madam Magician Forss consciousness resonated, the figures, however, did not directly descend into the current dimension. They stopped instead. They understood that relying solely on Their angelic powers would not be enough to deal with the numerous and powerful prey. They began summoning Visitors, seeking reinforcements. This was Their habit. They were not mindless creatures driven by instinct to hunt recklessly without considering alliances. The next second, one grotesque creature after another arrived through Hostels. Some were women with closed eyes, weaving webs of fate; others wielded illusory, silvery dirks that seemed capable of severing the threads of fate and cutting off branches of the River of Fate. Some belonged to different species, appearing humanoid or bizarre. All had three heads and six arms, with expressions ranging from malice and rage to sorrowful numbness, compassionate serenity, or blank incompleteness. Some were radiant beings of starlight with six pairs of wings, while others were colossal transparent dragons, attempting to drive a small asteroid toward the planet at the edge of the universe. Others were draped in black robes, revealing only writhing snakes or tentacles beneath. Still others had no physical form, existing only as whispers deep within living beings hearts. Some wore fresh flower wreaths, appearing beautiful, holding wooden bows and arrows like true deities. Others resembled tree-like sea monsters, covered in slimy blossoms and chaos-slick scales, dotted with brown-green tumors. There were beings that looked like dark vortices, filled with gleaming white teeth and tendrils of shadow extending outward, crowned with disparate heads. Others were blobs of liquid containing all colors. Some seemed composed of water-colored time, Their massive forms slowing everything around Them. Others were hunched, ancient to the point of decrepitude, with loose, wrinkled skin blotched with decay. Aside from Their mountainous size, They appeared unremarkable. Some stood loftily, as if holding up the sky itself to prevent it from collapsing, yet Their abdomens were entirely hollow. Others resembled immense greenish oak trees that seemed to pierce the heavens Upon seeing this scene, The Madam Magician Forss mind was suddenly flooded with information, drawn from Mr. Fool, Maam Hermit, The Chariot Lumian the Chariot, and her own explorations. Sequence 2 Web Weaver and Sequence 1 Blade of Fate of the Goddess of Fate pathway Sequence 2 Sinner and Sequence 1 Angel of Redemption of the Circle of Inevitability pathway Sequence 2 Radiant Angel and Sequence 1 Star Dragon of the Tide Scholar pathway Sequence 2 Great Old One Attendant and Sequence 1 Voice of the Heart, of the Initiator pathway Sequence 2 Cupid and Sequence 1 Leviathan of the Mother Tree of Desire pathway Sequence 2 Angel of Devouring and Sequence 1 Chaos Gastric Juices of the Chef pathway Sequence 2 Time Giant and Sequence 1 God of Decay of the Monarch of Decay pathway Sequence 2 The Supreme or Broken Pillar and Sequence 1 Tree God of the Heretic Spellmaster pathway Madam Magician took a deep breath, turned her head, and smiled at Judgment Xio. Its not over yet. We still have work to do. Having spoken, the recently advanced Sequence 1 Key of Stars stepped out of the protective zone and appeared above the habitable planet she had discovered during her previous travels. She raised her right hand, unveiling a vast and dreamlike starry sky to cover the entire protective zone, sealing it in a defensive barrier. The coming battle could not be allowed to affect the interior of the protective zone, nor could those evil god Blessed infiltrate it! No sooner had Fors finished this task than another figure appeared nearbythe Pope of the Church of Evernight, Saint Dabomachie. Saint Dabomachie, now transformed into a giant dozens of meters tall with elongated limbs, grayish-blue skin, and a single vertical eye on His forehead, had ascended to Sequence 1 Hand of God in the Warrior pathway. His right hand seemed to be made entirely of glowing orange twilight. Summoning pure, dense light imbued with orange hues, Saint Dabomachie added another layer of unyielding radiance outside Forss seal. Double protection! As Saint Dabomachie wielded His protective power, yet another figure emerged from the protective zone. This was a black-haired, blue-eyed middle-aged man with a stern demeanor, square face, and high nose, cloaked in a dark mantle: William Augustus, the founder of the Loen Kingdom. William Augustus did not act immediately. He raised His head to observe the tug-of-war between disorder and balance, the evolving order of the battlefield, and the enemy forces formation, carefully calculating the rules and structures He would impose. Such decisions could not afford errors. If situations like Mystery weakens here, while reality grows stronger were imposed, and the enemy deployed something akin to the ship used in the sea prayer ritual, those very rules might end up limiting their own sides Angels. The Magician Fors, about to speak to Saint Dabomachie and William Augustus, saw Xio and Franca appear beside her. Meeting her gaze, Judgment Xio said calmly, For me, establishing and maintaining order is fundamentally about protection. Fors smiled but said nothing. Instead, she turned to Franca. Franca cleared her throat and replied solemnly, Im not the type to hide behind others. At a time like this, every bit of strength counts. Every bit of light helps. Given her personality, how could she not have fantasized about being a saviorthe kind who signed non-disclosure agreements and remained unsung after the fact? Madam Magician laughed. Even if you didnt come, I wouldve summoned you. Then, through the seal and barriers, she addressed Anthony within the protective zone, Your job is to Placate and maintain stability. Anthony hesitated briefly before turning to Ludwig and saying, Ill handle the Trier area. Without waiting for a response, he entered the sea of collective subconscious. His expression was heavy, yet tinged with joy. How wonderful. This time, I can do something. I can placate. I can stabilize the rear for the Angels. Back then, it may have been naive and laughable, but I didnt join the army for wealth or statusI did it to protect my country and its people Ludwig neither followed Anthony nor immediately left the protective zone. Instead, he now held a jewelry box encrusted with countless gemstones and a writhing blob of chaotic liquid. From across half the universe, Lumian had hurled the Box of the Great Old Ones to him. Staring at the two items, Ludwigs expression fluctuated. After a few seconds, he gritted his teeth and swallowed the chaotic liquid. New chapter is coming soon WRITE A REVIEW Chapter 1163 - Chapter 1163: The Gathering Chapter 1163: The Gathering Backlund. Justice Audrey stood in the sea of collective subconscious, gazing at the drifting light and shadow and listening to the cacophony of voices. It was as if she were standing at a bustling street corner, feeling the highs and lows of life and the vibrant pulse hidden beneath it all. She turned her head and smiled at the golden retriever, Susie, by her side. Your duty is to placate. As she finished speaking, Audreys figure vanished from the protective zone and reappeared silently beside The Magician Fors and Judgment Xio. But Im just a dog muttered Susie, left behind in the sea of collective subconscious, her voice carrying a resigned sigh. Rorsted Archipelago, Bayam. The Hanged Man Alger sat at the edge of the square outside the Church of the Sea God, silently watching white doves take flight amidst the comings and goings of people. Suddenly, he heard the voices of a childrens choir singing from inside the church: Break! Break! Break! Alger couldnt help but smile faintly. A howling gale arose, enveloping and lifting him, carrying him upward into the sky. New City of Silver, within the headquarters cathedral of the Church of The Fool. The Sun Derrick nodded to the now exceptionally gigantic Waite Chirmont standing beside him. The door to the light has appeared, Derrick said. This will be a glorious battle, Waite Chirmont with a dark-green sigil tattooed on his bald scalp replied with a grin. Without further words, Derrick transformed into pure and sacred sunlight, soaring out of the protective zone like a radiant golden sun rising into the sky. Seeing the sun ascend and rise higher into the heavens, Angel of the Holy Spirit Reinette Tinekerr, who now had a head on her neck, spoke with mild dissatisfaction to Her student, Sharron. Those entities are far too hideous. Lets curse Them into normalcy. Temperance Sharron nodded slightly, watching her teacher vanish before her eyes. She did not follow immediately. Instead, she closed her eyes and silently assessed her own state. She remembered a teaching her mentor had once imparted to her: Temperance is not about perpetual suppression; it is about rationally understanding oneself and preparing for an explosive moment when it truly matters. Now, the time had come! Berserk Sea, aboard the deck of the Future. Maam Hermit Cattleya looked at her first mate, Frank Lee; second mate, Heath Doyle; navigator, Ottolov; and boatswain, Nina. A sudden wave of sentimentality rose in her heart. When she had left the Dawn, her only thought was to grow stronger, build her own fleet, and prove herself to the Queen, regaining her recognition. Later, she began to think about leading her crew and fleet to better futures. But now, her task was to protect this worldto face and fight against the impending apocalyptic disaster. Perhaps this is the fate of a Sage With that thought, The Hermit Cattleya dissolved into a torrent of complex, illusory information, rushing out of the protective zone. Then, she noticed two similar streams of data surging from Trier. A sense of peace and quiet joy settled within her heart. Backlund, in his own home. The Moon Emlyn sat quietly in a chair, staring at a room full of dolls. He had already learned that the Sequence 1 Beauty Goddess Beyonder characteristic left behind by the Ancestor had not been transferred to the current planet. This was an unavoidable choice. The other Great Old Dominators were undoubtedly vying fiercely for the sefirot and the Uniquenesses now, leaving Them too preoccupied to deal with Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics to the point of personally descending. Once the divine war concluded, if Mr. Fool and other great existences emerged victorious, the Sequence 1 Archangels or corresponding Sealed Artifacts that were transferred would naturally remain safe. If the outcome was the opposite, pre-prepared measures could be employedcutting losses by ejecting those Beyonder characteristics, avoiding another targeted assault by the Great Old Dominators. But there was a specific issuethe Mother Goddess of Depravity was not entangled in the chaotic war. She was distancing Herself from the area to acquire new life. If the Beauty Goddess Beyonder characteristic had been transferred with the protective zone, She might very well take the time to come here. In that case, all resistance would be rendered meaningless unless Mr. Fool abandoned the original battlefield. As his thoughts churned, The Moon Emlyn stood abruptly, black, membranous bat wings unfurling from his back. The wings flapped as Emlyn ascended into the air, looking down at the ordinary, oblivious Sanguine without godhood below, who had yet to realize the environment had changed. He circled overhead before heading beyond the protective zone, his vast bat wings seeming to blot out the sky. Below, several crimson moonbeams emerged from coffins and graves, following The Moon Emlyn. Loen Kingdom, Awwa County, Tingen City. The Star Leonard stared blankly at the sky, feeling that events were deviating from his expectations. He quickly reined in his thoughts and addressed the assembled members of the Blackthorn Security Company. Vacation starts now. Everyone, go home. But Deacon, arent we supposed to deal with possible infiltrations by the Blessed of the evil gods? asked the team members, clad in red gloves or black trench coats, their faces filled with confusion. The Star Leonard reiterated firmly, Go home immediately. This is your mission; this is what you must do. The Nighthawks exchanged puzzled looks but ultimately obeyed the command. After all, the protective zone was not the real world. Perhaps returning home carried a unique symbolic significance or psychological effect. As his team departed, Leonard gazed skyward once more. With his Concealment authority, he could sense one Angel after another gathering there. Leonard exhaled slowly and closed his eyes, memories of past scenes flashing in his mindscenes of Megoses visit to the Blackthorn Security Company. His figure quickly faded and was transferred outside the protective zone. Captain, you see this? We are protecting this world. This time, I am not alone. Every Angel is fighting alongside me The Star Leonards figure materialized outside the seals and barriers of the Door pathway, where he saw the old man, Pallez, separate from him and coalesce into a figure nearby. He also spotted the ascetic-looking Madam Arianna and the youthful-featured yet prematurely gray-haired Antigonus, along with other familiar Angels. Then, the voice of Red Angel Medici echoed in his ears. Everyone, I want you to join my legion. To become part of the Red of War Legion, combining the powers of all Angels into one unified force rather than fighting individually? The Star Leonard understood Medicis intention. He did not refuse and nodded in agreement. Franca also heard Medicis words but did not immediately respond. It wasnt resistance but rather a thought that occurred to her. Judging by the changes in the Box of the Great Old Ones, Lumian should already be the Origins of Disaster, Calamity of Destruction, with Jenna and Aurore revived. That means they are great existences now, existences tied to war. And I am a member of their team, an ally of the essence of war! I wonder how extensive the effective range of a legion is for a great existence Symbolically, it should span the entire universe. But in terms of tangible abilities, its likely limited If Im still within range, couldnt I share Lumian and their rank and power, becoming a smaller-scale Origins of Disaster, Calamity of Destruction to wreak havoc on this battlefield? With this thought, Franca sought to borrow power on the spot. Unfortunately, she failed. Is the range not extensive enough, or has some Great Old Dominator used Their symbolism to disrupt Lumian and the teams abilities? Franca muttered under her breath and reluctantly chose to temporarily join Medicis legion. At the same time, she saw the War Angel, with fiery hair like a burning blaze and clad in blood-stained black armor. In between Medicis brows, a crimson, dripping banner emblem had already manifested. He had long completed the sacrifice to the essence of war and undoubtedly received its feedback and aid. Otherwise, even with two sets of Weather Warlock Beyonder characteristics, the range of the legions influence would not have sufficed to connect all the Angelsthere were simply too many gathered in such a constrained space spanning about twenty kilometers. Now, with the backing of the essence of war, He was far better equipped to handle the situation. Feeling the agreement and participation of one Angel after another, Red Angel Medici looked at the Outer Deity Angels assembling in another dimension and laughed coldly. His expression was both disdainful and solemn. Violet flames ignited in His hands. Once, I followed the Lord, saving humanity and ushering in glory. Now, I still remain. I will continue to protect it all. Authors Note: This chapter is a bit short, but I feel it is just the right stopping point for the chapter. More content would be unnecessary. Chapter 1164 - Chapter 1164: Know Thy Enemy Chapter 1164: Know Thy Enemy When vast clusters of suns exploded, tearing apart planets and pulling all matter toward themselves, a pervasive grayish-white fog appeared. Within it stood Klein, wearing a half silk top hat and a long black trench coat, his figure slightly distorted as he faced Supernova Dominator, one of the Great Old Dominators. At the same time, Klein sensed an almost untouchable shadow emerging from a higher dimension. He scrutinized the Spirit Body Threads, preparing to interfere, manipulate, influence, and disrupt them. High-Dimensional Overseer! This was a Great Old Dominator capable of countering abilities such as Parasitism, Marionettes, and Blink. He wielded the corresponding symbol: Dimensionality! From higher or lower dimensions, Spirit Body Threads were tangible and realsomething that could be touched. Blink only allowed movement on a small scale, while those Parasitized were bound together into one entity. This rendered the unique, ubiquitous nature of the Lord of Mysteries avatars ineffective. Combat against the High-Dimensional Overseer could only rely on Kleins true body. Thus, as long as the battlefield contained the High-Dimensional Overseer, Klein could only leverage Pillar symbolisms while contending with one additional Great Old Dominator. However, in a one-on-one situation, the Dimensionality symbolism of the High-Dimensional Overseer did not completely suppress the Lord of Mysteries Change symbolism, which included space-time. These forces mutually counteracted each other. Just as the King of Space-Time could hinder the Lord of Dimensions from freely traversing dimensions, Klein could rely on symbolism like Foolishness to turn the tide against the High-Dimensional Overseer. Klein couldnt truly kill Him but could defeat Him, banish Him, and make Him suffer significant losses. Apart from the High-Dimensional Overseer, three other entities could disrupt the Lord of Mysteries ability to manifest in countless forms and fight multiple foes simultaneously: Monarch of Decay, Inextinguishable Ravings, and Primordial Hunger. The Monarch of Decays symbols of Decay and Certain Death made it so that the death of an avatar equaled the death of the main body, and the decay of an afterimage equaled the decay of the main body. Inextinguishable Ravings seemed to share His origin with the residual psyche of the Original Creator within the Beyonder characteristics. It was the source of all ravings, capable of ignoring the interference of marionettes, avatars, and afterimages to directly project His voice into sefirot and Uniquenesses, transmitting His madness and implanting His intent. Moreover, He did not have a true physical form but attached Himself to certain objects, causing them to exhibit specific colors or appearances. Primordial Hunger symbolized the instinct of Convergence. Through this mechanism, He could forcibly pull Kleins true body to His side. Furthermore, if He devoured an avatar or marionette, He could absorb and erase the corresponding abilities, reducing or even temporarily nullifying their symbolic influence. Without these four Great Old Dominators, Lord of Mysteries Klein would undoubtedly be able to hold off the remaining four on his own. While he might not secure a decisive victory, he would certainly not lose or allow Them to disrupt other battlefields significantly. If the Mother Tree of Desire were still complete, as the Source of Curses, She would have been fully capable of cursing avatars and marionettes to indirectly curse the true body. Unfortunately, She has currently lost that aspect of symbolism. The uniqueness of the Chained and two of Her Abomination Beyonder characteristics were still sealed by Klein, and the Tenebrous World resisted Her influence. A more reality-oriented Great Old Dominator like Supernova Dominator could rely on symbols and concepts like Density, Gravity, and Attraction to influence space-time and distort dimensions. However, for the Lord of Mysteries, who controlled change and could turn falsehood into truth or truth into falsehood, mere indirect interference was sufficient to stall Him without engaging directly. The Circle of Inevitability wielded symbols of Past, Present, Future, Cycle, and Destiny, which theoretically could impact avatars, marionettes, and the ability to blink. However, it was effectively countered by Kleins combination of the concepts of King of Space-Time, Beacon of Destiny, and Error. If the Lord of Mysteries lacked any of these targeted concepts, the Circle of Inevitability would have had a chance to reverse the suppression or even gain the upper hand. But Klein had all three: the King of Space-Time countered Past, Present, and Future and Beacon of Destiny countered Cycle; and Error countered Destiny. The Goddess of Fates symbolisms primarily centered on the domain of fate, particularly conscious manipulation, which made Her an appealing opponent for the Beacon of Destinys Foolishness symbolism. As for Her other significant symbolism, Eternal Life, Klein had no intention of actually killing Her, so it posed no major concern. Based on prior intelligence gathering, divinations, and prophecies, Klein has long understood which entities to intercept and which to redirect elsewhere. His hope was to hold off three to four Great Old Dominators on his own, creating opportunities for breakthroughs on other battlefields. How should one guide the unwanted Great Old Dominators to other places while keeping those intended for containment? Beyond employing Fooling and Deceit, one must also have a general understanding of the goals of these Great Old Dominators. This was one of the preparations Klein had made over the past month. The High-Dimensional Overseer desired sefirot related to rules, order, and space-time. Through divination and prophecy, Klein deduced that He sought either the Nation of Disorder or the River of Eternal Darkness. If the Great Old Dominators concentrated Their efforts to press the Lord of Mysteries back into His coffin, the High-Dimensional Overseer would also likely seek to accommodate the Uniquenesses of the Door and Error pathways and take control of Sefirah Castle. Inextinguishable Ravings was highly likely to covet the Knowledge Moor and aimed to control the Chaos Sea, accommodating the Uniquenesses of The Hanged Man, White Tower, and Visionary pathways. Primordial Hunger would not miss any opportunities related to chaos or primordial qualities. His objective appeared to be consuming the City of Calamity, ingesting but not digesting the Chaos Sea, and absorbing the Uniquenesses of The Hanged Man pathway and others. However, Klein suspected that Primordial Hunger might lose control over His convergence instinct and directly swallow the Chaos Sea. If this occurred, the situation would become even more complex and troublesome. The Monarch of Decay was relatively easy to deduceHis goals were either the City of Calamity or the River of Eternal Darkness, though He could only choose one. The Mother Tree of Desire would prioritize reclaiming the Tenebrous World and its corresponding Uniqueness and Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristics. This was an instinctual drive of Her godhood. The Circle of Inevitability undoubtedly coveted the Key of Light the most. However, the City of Calamity and the River of Eternal Darkness were also within His scope, as these pathways symbolized destined conclusions and various calamities. Additionally, similar to the High-Dimensional Overseer, if the Lord of Mysteries were defeated in a joint effort, the Circle of Inevitability would not shy away from seizing control of Sefirah Castle and accommodating the Uniquenesses of The Fool and Error pathways. Supernova Dominators goals were harder to pinpoint. Klein speculated that He desired the City of Calamity to embody the symbolism of Universal Catastrophe, the Knowledge Moor to enrich His star systems and civilizations, and the Nation of Disorder to complete the order and rules beyond celestial mechanics. Furthermore, He was likely interested in the Chaos Sea and the Uniquenesses of the Sun and Storm pathways. The Goddess of Fate similarly prioritized the Key of Light. However, if Sefirah Castle was left vacant, Her goals would align with the Circle of Inevitability. As for the Chaos Sea and the associated Uniquenesses of the White Tower and Visionary pathways, Klein felt there was a certain probability of Her interest. Having roughly understood these intentions, Klein already had a plan for what to do next. First, he did not Graft the Western Continents Buddhist Kingdom or the Tenebrous World to somewhere near him. Instead, he proactively detached himself from the astral world. Suddenly, at an infinite height overlooking the entire world, Lord of Mysteries Klein, wearing black gloves, a dark trench coat, and holding a star-encrusted cane, appeared. He was extraordinarily immense, towering over all creation. Raising his right hand, he snapped his fingers with a sharp crack. With this motion, grayish-white fog immediately enveloped the spirit world, covering the entire universes spirit world. Supernova Dominator, High-Dimensional Overseer, and other Great Old Dominators instantly lost Their connection to the spirit world and could no longer exert any influence over it. The Lord of Mysteriesthe Dominator of the Spirit World! This was a direct utilization of Pillar symbolism! From that moment on, for a set period, no creature could enter the spirit world without Kleins explicit permission. All their abilities, authorities, and symbols related to the spirit world were rendered ineffective! The three Pillars differed significantly in how They wielded Their respective symbols. For example, the Mother Goddess of Depravity, as the Dominator of Reality, could not seal off reality to prevent unauthorized entry or expel all adversaries. Such actions were unachievable. She could only impose a continuous weakening effect on targets within reality. However, on the other hand, reality was the foundation of the universe. Unless everything ended, reality would eternally exist. Thus, the Mother Goddess of Depravity possessed the characteristic of indestructibility, never to perish. As long as She wished, She could not be displaced or sealed. While the Lord of Mysteries sealed the spirit world, Lumian, with three heads and six arms, waited for his target to appear. Since he was not yet dead or collapsing, it was time to execute the next phase of the plan. The plan was: to take the initiative and devour a Great Old Dominator! If the Great Old Dominators could absorb another sefirah to approach Pillar status, so could he, the Origins of Disaster, Calamity of Destruction! Do you Great Old Ones lack sefirot within yourselves? Whatever you can do, I can do too! As for the indestructibility of your psyche or the potential consequences of devouring youIm already dying, so why should I care? Lumian had long identified his target for this purpose and made preparations in advance. For example, he had reinstated the title of Malady God within his Sick Church. Previously, the Malady God referred to the Monarch of Decay. New chapter is coming soon WRITE A REVIEW Chapter 1165 - Chapter 1165: Two Star Dominions Chapter 1165: Two Star Dominions After sealing off the spirit world and sensing the intrusion of the remaining Great Old Dominators, Klein turned his attention to the Evernight Goddess, who had not yet fully accommodated the River of Eternal Darkness, and the Celestial Master, who was still making final preparationsboth masters of a sefirah. Klein seized the remaining moments to take one crucial action. Using the authority of the Door pathway, he transferred all the remaining people and objects not aligned with the Outer Deities from this star dominion to another, significantly more distant star dominion. This was both to buy more time for his allies and to scatter the enemy forces, splitting the battlefield and minimizing interference between the symbolisms being utilized in each area. Klein could have replicated the balancing abilities of the Justiciar pathway to evenly split forces across battlegrounds, but this would have had limited effect on the Great Old Dominators and would have hindered his ability to intervene in the other battlefield. At the level of the Great Old Ones, it was possible to respond to prayers across the universe and exert influence on it as a whole. However, in actual combat, the immediate area of effect was usually limited to a single star system or the radiation zone of a black hole. This level of influence was mainly achieved by reality-oriented symbolisms like those of Supernova Dominator or Calamity of Destruction. In simpler terms, Lumian could reduce or increase the frequency of disasters across the entire universe or create disasters in any known location, but his sensing range did not exceed a large star system unless pre-established mystical connections existed in those areas. During combat, Lumians short-term symbolic impacts also remained mostly confined to this range, with only minor, manageable disruptions spreading throughout the universe. The farther from the battlefield, the weaker the disturbance. In this context, using the power of the Door pathway to separate the two battlefields by distance effectively reduced Kleins susceptibility to the negative effects of the symbolic influences wielded by Outer Deities like the High-Dimensional Overseer and the Monarch of Decay. At the same time, it preserved his capacity as the King of Space-Time to intervene in the other battlefield when necessary. This was also a tactic to manipulate the enemiesredirecting Their target objectives and scattering Their actions. Klein could then allocate time to intercept those he wished to confront, avoid those he had to bypass for now, and deceive those he hoped to mislead. Neither Lumian, the Evernight Goddess who was in the process of accommodating the River of Eternal Darkness, nor other sefirah holders like Grisha Adam opposed the Lord of Mysteries transfer, allowing the star dominion to transform. Lifeless planets and several stars from different directions emerged before them. With their objectives abruptly removed, the Great Old Dominators immediately prepared to leap through the astral world to pursue them. None of Them sought to stay behind and confront Lord of Mysteries Klein. Though many among Them deeply coveted Sefirah Castle, the Uniquenesses of the Fool, Door, and Error pathways, their instincts told Them that it was easier and more practical to pursue the sefirot that had not yet developed full consciousness. Why take the immense risk of engaging a Pillar to seize His sefirot? Besides, it wasnt as if They could fully accommodate it! Even if some Great Old Dominator was tempted to target the Lord of Mysteries, They had to consider a harsh reality: They couldnt act alone. And without the Uncertain Mist to coordinate and unify Them into an alliance, none dared bet on receiving support if They stayed behind. If left alone against Klein, the fate of Genie could very well repeat itselfalbeit with much greater difficulty. The roles of hunter and prey could reverse! As some of the Great Old Dominators entered the astral world, Grisha Adam, in a different star dominion, suddenly showed an expression of pain. He immediately broke free from the massive cross He was bound to, transforming into a radiant giant whose head reached the astral realm. Beneath His feet lay the Chaos Sea, encompassing all colors and possibilities. Behind Him trailed a long shadow with five heads, while a sun blazed at the back of His head. Storms and lightning swirled around Him, and in His hands, He held a white tower made of books, adorned with brass eyes. He raised His right hand and pointed toward the astral world. Instantly, abstract concepts and symbolic markers there descended into chaos, delaying the Great Old Dominators from reaching this star dominion. Lord of the Astral World! Grisha Adam, temporarily achieving balance through the return of the Uniquenesses of the White Tower and Tyrant pathways, forcibly manifested a state close to that of a Great Old One and employed the most critical symbolism of Omniscience and Omnipotency to disrupt the astral world, buying time. The Great Old Dominators, now delayed or disoriented in the astral world, or still preparing to enter it, simultaneously encountered Lord of Mysteries Klein. The Goddess of Fate appeared with three bodies standing side by side, all female in form and dressed in simple but elegant white dresses. The figure on the left had hollow eyes and swiftly used both hands and an illusory loom to weave silvery drops of destiny into a net, which converged into streams. These streams flowed to the middle body, which lacked arms, arriving at the present node of the River of Fate, merging into it and surging toward the voids edge. The figure on the right was headless, holding an illusory silver-black knife in its hands, cutting away portions of the River of Fates tributaries. The Weaver of All Fates, the symbol of ultimate judgment, the eternal Goddess of the Future! As the Goddess of Fate was about to enter the astral world, distorted shadows emerged within the silvery, illusory River of Fate. They swam from the past and future toward the present node and toward the true form of the Goddess of Fate. This brought a tolling, causing the flow of the River of Fate to stagnate. Meanwhile, Supernova Dominator, composed of countless exploding suns, found Himself surrounded by one starry door after another. These brilliant doors filled the cosmos, bending and shattering under His intense gravitational pull. Yet, every time a door broke, another appeared in its place, covering the star dominion and blocking the path to the astral world with countless layers of overlapping gates. Layers upon layers of doors! The Mother Tree of Desire resembled a humanoid giant tree covered in chaotic scales. Its surface was adorned with enticing crystalline fruits, glistening alluring flowers, various metallic emblems, black hearts, bare tumors, and coins from different civilizations. At the trees upper reaches were two heads. The lower head was male, eyes closed, exuding bizarre desires. The upper head was female, with green hair and a face of extraordinary beauty, possessing a charm that spoke directly to affection. One after another, Kleins wearing half-silk top hats and black trench coats surrounded the Mother Tree of Desire in the void. All were marionettesdead people, puppets devoid of desire. Simultaneously participating in three battles, Lord of Mysteries Klein also turned his gaze to the Circle of Inevitability. This was formed by three bodies arranged in a circle. The one facing left was pitch black, with a sinister, malicious visage seemingly composed of the deepest, most chaotic sins. The one facing forward was silvery, emaciated, and filled with pain. The one facing right radiated pure, redemptive holy light, emanating solemnity and compassion toward all things. The light of the three bodies intertwined into a silvery-black hue. After brief deliberation, Klein decided not to stop the Circle of Inevitability from entering the astral world. This was based on Genies first hint: the Circle of Inevitability will bring calamity but is also the universes most powerful and genuine Angel of Redemptiona key to surviving the apocalypse. In this matter, Klein chose to trust Genie. If his side failed, many Great Old Dominators coveting the Nation of Disorder would turn to seize the Magic Wishing Lamp, leveraging its connection to the Uncertain Mist to strike down and devour Him in His weakened state. For the moment, Kleins battlefield would remain relatively stable, with occasional bursts of change and intensity. However, the other battlefield would inevitably descend into chaos. One of the essences of fate was chaos, and placing the Circle of Inevitability there increased the likelihood of creating opportunities amidst the disorder! Opting not to intercept the Circle of Inevitability, Klein seized the chance to Blink to Primordial Hunger, who was eager to reach the astral world, tossed a Deceit, and disappeared. Primordial Hunger was a dark vortex revealing bared white teeth and chaotic liquid encompassing all colors. His exterior no longer featured elongated black shadows with different heads, as they seemed to have been consumed by Himself long ago. After being struck by Deceit, Primordial Hungers ring of gaping white teeth snapped twice without finding anything amiss. He ignored the deception and proceeded straight into the astral world. His illusory stomach gurgled, awaiting the digestion of His most delectable meal. Grisha Adams influence on the astral world didnt last longonly two or three seconds before five Great Old Dominators reached their target star dominions through various means. At that moment, They lost sight of the light. The already dark universe seemed even more deathly still. Distant stars, the radiant giant striding across the Chaos Sea, Lumian with his three heads and six arms as the Origins of Disaster, and other entities were submerged in intense, inky blackness. An illusory, straight, unfathomable, colorless river flowed forth from the darkness, heading toward the five Great Old Dominators. Upon its phantom waters, nothing could float. Asteroids attempting to cross the river sank into its depths, yet one figure stood unwavering on its surface. It was an extraordinarily massive female figure clad in a layered but unadorned black gown, with an iron crown upon Her head and a thin veil covering Her face, rendering Her features indistinct yet imbued with a tranquil beauty. Her body was studded with points of starlight. Pale wings sprouted from Her back, while two short, darkly furred arms each extended from under Her ribs and armpits, clutching a dusk-orange greatsword and a black, night-like scythe. Her exposed forearms and hands appeared like sculpted jade, cradled an illusory book formed of coiled feathered serpents. Eternal Darkness! Evernight Goddess Amanises had finally accommodated the River of Eternal Darkness with the assistance of the lingering consciousnesses of the Dao integrators from the Haoli lineage! Chapter 1166 - Chapter 1166: Battle Royale Chapter 1166: Battle Royale When Amanises became Eternal Darkness, on a distant planet at the edge of the universe, Red Angel Medici was leading an angelic legion. Though fewer in number at Sequence 1 compared to Their enemies, They had more Sequence 2 Beyonders equipped with Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts as They fought against the invading Outer Deity Blessed. Within this legion, Azik Eggers suddenly noticed His souls condition improving while the decay powers nearby were suppressed and weakened. Pale Empress Sia Palenque Eggers experienced the same. They immediately understood the reasontinged with both melancholy and relief. Eternal Darkness had been born. From now on, the Underworld would no longer be without a master. Eternal rest would have a destination, and even time would have an end! Across many planets in different star systems, corpses that had been summoned with great difficulty suddenly slept once again. Civilizations beleaguered by undead plagues were astonished to find that all their undead creatures had collapsed lifelessly in the wilderness Among the myriad changes brought by the strengthened symbolism, Eternal Darkness Amanises simultaneously struck at the five Great Old Dominators with Her terrifying dusk-orange greatsword and Her dark, bizarre scythe, while opening the book formed of coiled feathered serpents. Suddenly, dusk was consumed by darkness, pallor faded into eternal rest, and time and space fell silentas if they had been swept into that colorless, shadowy river. The straight river surged forward, aiming to carry the five Great Old Dominators to the ultimate stillness of death. The final destination was tranquility. At this moment, watery streams of time appeared ahead of the River of Eternal Darkness. These emanated from the Monarch of Decay, whose body was the size of a planet, covered entirely in golden plating resembling an alien mummy. Between the gaps of the golden plates, greenish-yellow pus oozed out, slowing the flow of the River of Eternal Darkness and dragging the regions time toward its conclusion. The Monarch of Decay extended His left hand, which was not covered by gold. It was riddled with blue veins, rotting flesh, yellow-green blood vessels, and deeply wrinkled skin. This hand blocked the surging Eternal Darkness. Everything fell still. All light vanished. Two nearby planets were reduced to dust but remained frozen in place. In the still and unchanging dark silence, a massive sword wreathed in black flames that bound destruction and chaos pierced through the stillness, breaking the silence with its sound. It came from beyond the darkness, slashing toward the Monarch of Decay, who was still partially trapped by the Eternal Darkness. Its arrival subtly but terrifyingly altered the deathly stillness, and these changes would manifest upon the Monarch of Decay. Origins of Disaster Lumian had descended. As the Sword of Destruction, which drove the still dark silence, was about to strike the Monarch of Decay, silver-black light appeared in Lumians eyes. It came from the Circle of Inevitability. Lumian and the Circle of Inevitability were meeting in the truest senseafter Lumian had become the Calamity of Destruction with only a few minutes left to live. The mercury-like Present Self of the Circle of Inevitability had, at some unknown moment, contorted into a visage of pain and suffering, clasping its hands before it. He was using the Sufferers power to reenact His past torments and impose them upon Lumian. Almost simultaneously, Lumian felt an unimaginably massive suction force that diverted him and the Sword of Destruction away from the Monarch of Decay, pulling him toward the Circle of Inevitability. This was the aftermath of the Original Creators awakeningwhen portions of sefirot had been torn away and drawn to Earth. At that time, the Circle of Inevitability had also been affected, enduring great suffering to prevent His sefirah from being forcibly extracted or split. Now, He was imposing that torment upon Lumian to draw him closer and protect the Monarch of Decay from serious harm. If the Mother Goddess of Depravity, Mother Tree of Desire, or Son of Chaos had similar Sufferer powers and used them now, Lumian would have suffered tremors in his sefirah, rendering him weak and incapable of using his powers for a short timeeven if his sefirah wasnt wholly extracted or partially consumed. For now, his attack target was merely forcibly redirected, without any additional effects. While the Present Self of the Circle of Inevitability wielded the Sufferers power, the quiet mercury-like River of Fate emerged, and the Future Self selected one tributary, forming a hand seal to anchor it in place. Lumians Sword of Destruction struck toward the Circle of Inevitability but narrowly missed, grazing His body. Meanwhile, Lumian clenched both hands on either side. Before the Circle of Inevitability, chaos encompassing all colors and possibilities formed a vortex. Behind Him, a black hole with an accretion disk symbolizing His existence emerged out of thin air. Calamity of Destruction! Lumian wasnt merely trying to annihilate the Circle of Inevitability within this calamity; he also sought to leverage the destructive effects of the black hole on time and space to delay the High-Dimensional Overseer, Primordial Hunger, and Inextinguishable Ravings, buying more time for the Celestial Master and the God of Steam and Machinery. Amid the double calamity, the three continuously orbiting bodies of the Circle of Inevitability resembled a small boat in a tempestuous sea, always precariously skimming the vortex and black holes uncertain regions and weak spotsdangerously close yet never succumbing, as if predestined to remain unaffected here. Elsewhere, the dark shadow traversing dimensions was slowed by the terrifying black hole and chaotic vortex, taking an entire second longer to ascend dimensions before lunging toward the sefirah holders such as the Celestial Master. No one could discern what had affected the Inextinguishable Ravings, only that the frenzied voice in their hearts paused for a second before resuming and distancing itself from the Origins of Disaster and Eternal Darkness. Both Inextinguishable Ravings and the High-Dimensional Overseer deemed sefirot easier to handle than the great existences like Lumian and Amanisesand among those sefirot lay what They desired most. Thus, They stayed behind to help the Monarch of Decay and the Circle of Inevitability to swiftly incapacitate and restrain Their opponents. They abandoned Their allies and charged straight toward weaker prey that They coveted more intensely. No, not alliessince the injury and retreat of the Uncertain Mist, They and the Monarch of Decay, as well as the Circle of Inevitability, could not even be considered temporary allies. Primordial Hunger greedily bit into the chaotic vortex, but influenced by the symbolism of the Origins of Disaster, He failed to devour the corresponding abilities and authorities. Nevertheless, He managed to create a gap through His bite, allowing Him to charge toward His target. At this moment, Lumian felt a sudden wave of disappointment. It wasnt because he had only managed to stall the High-Dimensional Overseer, Inextinguishable Ravings, and Primordial Hunger for one second. Rather, his spiritual intuition had finally confirmed one thing: this was not the end of the universe. The Origins of Disaster could not merge with Eternal Darkness to form the Fourth Pillar, symbolizing the final end! In other words, it wasnt the birth of the Fourth Pillar that would bring about the end of the universe, but the universe reaching its true apocalypse that would give rise to the Fourth Pillar. The current conditions were not sufficient. Thus, if the situation became hopeless, Lumian would have no way to surrender himself, allowing the Origins of Disaster to integrate with Eternal Darkness, thereby birthing the Fourth Pillar to drag everyone into death and restart the universe. He had lost a crucial deterrent. White mist then enshrouded the star dominion, and Lumian began suppressing the perceptions of all the Great Old Dominators present. Under the cover of the Fog of War, Lumian, wielding the Sword of Destruction, projected his thoughts into the mind of Eternal Darkness Amanises. Become my ally. Amanises, holding the dusk-orange greatsword, the dark scythe, and the strange book, hesitated not at all. She gently nodded and replied, Okay. The moment She agreed, Her perception was restored, and She shared in all of Lumians abilities and authoritiesbut not his symbolisms. It wasnt entirely impossible to share symbolisms, but the sharer could only utilize them to a limited extent. The same applied to Lumian. Elsewhere on the battlefield, the High-Dimensional Overseer, wielding the symbolism of Truth, was unaffected by the Fog of War. He lowered His spatial dimensions and appeared before the Nation of Disorders 33 levels. The Celestial Thearchs projection was just shy of completing its preparations and couldnt react in time. At that moment, the decayed figures wandering across the Knowledge Moor all gathered behind the Celestial Master. The God of Steam and Machinery, Stiano, sat inside a formation. Across from Him was something He had painstakingly constructed over a long period, specifically designed to temporarily wield the Uniqueness of the Hermit pathway. It was a massive figure draped in a black cloak. Beneath the hood, the figures visage shimmered with cold metallic light, with red beams shooting from its eyes. At last, the Celestial Master opened His eyes and stood up. He grew incomparably massive, forcing the High-Dimensional Overseer to look up at Him first. An infinite height away, a pair of indifferent, clear, emotionless eyes appeared, seeming to contain an entire universe. Under His gaze, the Celestial Master rapidly thinned, becoming a paper figurine and melding into the surrounding scenery as part of a painting. This was the Lord of Dimensions, the Eye Overlooking the Mortal Realm, the source of all illusions, and the Creator of the Painting World! The Celestial Master, now part of the painting as a paper figurine, swiftly turned incorporeal, transforming into a torrent of complex and massive information, thereby breaking free from the confines of the painting. Information was not restricted by lower dimensions. Humans were conglomerations of information, and paintings were as well! With the Celestial Master buying time, the Celestial Thearchs projection finally completed His final step. Holding a brass book, He stood up, His grand voice echoing in layers and rapidly transmitting His intent, The Three Realms and Six Paths shall unite as one! In an instant, all dimensionshigher, lower, and the current onebecame interconnected, as though overlaid with layer upon layer of glass barriers. As a result, the High-Dimensional Overseer could no longer increase dimensions unscathed, nor could the Celestial Thearchs projection lower dimensions without maintaining His influence on the battlefield. With their companions resistance in place, the Buddhist Kingdom of Light fully retracted, transforming into a massive golden Buddha that filled the heavens and the earth, though it appeared somewhat illusory. Within the Tenebrous World, countless black shadows gathered, coalescing into a pitch-black fiend dripping with viscous fluid. The fiend had two headsone belonging to the Master of the Shadow Cottage and the other to Farbauti. Chapter 1167 - Chapter 1167: Inextinguishable Ravings Chapter 1167: Inextinguishable Ravings As the pitch-black fiend fully materialized, a terrifying raving echoed from deep within, as if originating from the very source of existence. This awakened madness within the sefirah itself caused all negative emotions and rampant desires to explode uncontrollably. Whether it was the Master of the Shadow Cottages head or Farbautis, both instantly lost Their ability to think, Their vision filled with twisted crimson and flickering black shadows. Simultaneously, this terrifying raving resonated equally from the sefirah, Uniqueness, and Beyonder characteristics of every living being within the star dominion. The Celestial Master froze in the void, while the decayed figures gathered within the Knowledge Moor simultaneously raised their heads and let out pained howls. Behind the Celestial Thearchs projection, similar figures with veiled faces emerged one after another, their hair and beards bristling in agitation. The illusory golden Buddha trembled as if on the verge of shattering. The Philosophical Essence, the Inextinguishable Ravings, the Symbolism of Lifes Spirit, and the Eternal Consciousness! The raving primarily awakened the spiritual imprint of the Original Creator, which resided within all sefirot, Uniqueness, and Beyonder characteristics. No one could escape it; no one could remain unaffected! However, compared to those sefirot, Uniqueness, and Beyonder characteristics directly derived from the Original Creator, the Tenebrous World was much less affected in this regard. This was because it had been torn from the Mother Tree of Desire, rather than a product split from the Original Creator. Even so, the Abyss and the Chained pathwaysheavily laden with desires and malicewere highly volatile. The Master of the Shadow Cottage and Farbauti, lacking the critical Uniquenesses, were already the weakest among the four quasi-Old Ones. As a result, the pitch-black fiend nearly disintegrated and lost control, becoming utterly powerless for a moment. Compared to the Tenebrous World, Great Old Dominators like the High-Dimensional Overseer and the Monarch of Decay were less impacted by the terrifying raving, barely able to endure it. This was because They were not direct descendants of the Original Creators three children but offspring of the union between the Original Creator and the Mother Goddess of Depravity. With an intermediary layer, the spiritual imprint of the Original Creator within the sefirot, Uniqueness, and Beyonder characteristics was relatively weak. For Them, this was an opportunity! Fortunately, after a brief moment of chaos, the Celestial Master and the Celestial Thearchs projection began to unleash Their powers wildly and irrationally upon the outside world. One flooded the region with an ocean of knowledge, while the other distorted all surrounding concepts, authorities, and symbolisms. When the effects of the Inextinguishable Ravings subsided, the Master of the Shadow Cottage and Farbauti were astonished to find Themselves still alive, with Their other allies similarly unscathed. Neither the High-Dimensional Overseer nor Inextinguishable Ravings had managed to seize the opportunity or achieve Their objectives. As long as the Key of Light existed and retained a measure of consciousness without succumbing to madness, He would naturally bring good fortune to Himself and His companions. He was the symbolism of fate! The influence of Inextinguishable Ravings extended across this star dominion. Even Eternal Darkness Amanises was not spared, feeling a madness from the source that seemed to want to seize Her consciousness and claim Her body. Amanises immediately put Herself into a state of slumber, letting Her thoughts, spirit, and even the madness within Her sefirot fall into stillness to escape the influence. The Monarch of Decay, understanding what was happening, seized the opportunity to release a vast and overwhelming suction force from His golden-plated body. This was the power of Beyonder characteristic convergence from His sefirot! The force could pull every being within the star dominion toward Him! The Monarch of Decay indiscriminately activated this convergence, unwilling to waste time allowing the Fog of War to decay and die naturally. Both Eternal Darkness and Origins of Disaster were closer to Him than other Great Old Dominators or sefirot and would reach Him first. The still-slumbering Amanises passed through the Fog of War and was instantly drawn to the front of the Monarch of Decay. The Monarch of Decay immediately stopped the convergence, preventing other Great Old Dominators or sefirot from interfering with His upcoming attempt. He extended His massive, rotting left hand, yellow-green and veined with blue, pressing it toward Eternal Darkness Amanises from a distance. Sure hit, certain death! But as the Monarch of Decay reached out His hand, Eternal Darkness Amanises transformed into Origins of Disaster Lumian. The moment Lumian sensed the effects of the convergence, he realized the Monarch of Decays intent. Using the authority subordinate to the essence of war, he swapped positions with Amanises. They were a team, and their positions could be exchanged at any time! Now, it was Lumian who faced the rotting left hand. Like the Outer Deities, Lumian was barely affected by the Inextinguishable Ravings. This wasnt because the spiritual imprint of the Original Creator within his sefirot, Uniqueness, and Beyonder characteristics hadnt been awakened. On the contrary, as one of the Calamity pathways prepared for the Original Creators resurrection, the madness within him was the most intense. However, the incomplete mirrored Original Creator symbolism within him had corresponding masculine and feminine consciousnesses that were actually strengthened under the influence of the ravings. This enhanced consciousness and symbolism of the mirrored Original Creator controlled the awakened spiritual imprint, allowing Lumian to retain his ability to think and fight, though it significantly shortened the fragile balance within him. Facing the inevitable strike imbued with certain death, Lumians main head and the face of Aurore both turned to look at the Monarch of Decay. His other head rotated as well, alternating between the faces of Alista Tudor and Cheek. Their gazes reflected the Monarch of Decays form into a deep mirror world, where celestial bodies rapidly began to form around Him. Under the lingering effects of the terrifying ravings, the sefirot, Uniqueness, and Beyonder characteristics of the Monarch of Decay suddenly erupted into an indescribably horrifying spiritual storm. This came from the spiritual imprint of the Original Creator. Normally, the Monarch of Decay could endure the resulting tremors and influence, as His spiritual imprint of the Original Creator was not strong due to being a child of the Original Creator and the Mother Goddess of Depravity. But this was not a normal situation. Lumian forcibly activated the incomplete mirrored Original Creator symbolism, further amplifying the spiritual imprint within the Monarch of Decay. And then, disaster struck. Origins of Disaster! Lumian simultaneously utilized this symbolism! The Monarch of Decay, swept up entirely by the spiritual storm, fell into chaos. His outstretched left hand froze, torn between continuing the attack and retreating to end His own life, aiding the triumph of the madness within. Seeing this, Lumian smiled and shared the powers of the now-awakened Eternal Darkness Amanises, striking the Monarch of Decay with a dusk-orange greatsword of bound destruction, a vortex of chaos, a decelerating blade of twilight, and a deathly blackness of pallor and tranquility. These forces both repelled each other and exhibited strange fusion. As the horrifying transformation was about to occur, all of Lumian and Amanises abnormalities vanished, and the dense white mist before them dissipated. This region reverted to the moment before Lumian created the Fog of War, before the Monarch of Decay fell into madness and chaos. Circle Inhabitant! A shadowy vortex, rimmed with sharp teeth, did not linger near Lumian but instead raced toward the enormous luminous figure upheld by the Chaos Sea. He was heading to devour Grisha Adam! This was a Deceit from the Lord of Mysteries Klein. Against Primordial Hunger, the symbolism of Foolishness had little effect, but Deceit did. Klein exploited Primordial Hungers instinct for convergence and desired target, forcibly guiding Him to seek the Chaos Sea He could merely control rather than the City of Calamity He could accommodate. This gave Grisha Adam, who had achieved temporary balance, time to hold off Primordial Hunger, while other Great Old Dominators would likely target weaker sefirot, avoiding the truly great existences. This, paired with the birth of Eternal Darkness, allowed the Knowledge Moor and the other three sefirot to hold off three Great Old Dominators, giving Origins of Disaster Lumian a chance to face the Monarch of Decay one-on-one. This was the intended plan, though inevitable developments and unexpected variables arose. Now, however, something had changed: The Circle of Inevitability had begun aiding the Monarch of Decay, forcing Amanises to remain and join Lumian, leaving the four sefirot to fend off two Great Old Dominators on Their own. Crack, crack. Primordial Hunger continued devouring the luminous figure and chaos before Him, only to grow hungrier the more He ate. It was all fake, all mere envisioned illusions! Suddenly, the Chaos Sea quaked, and Grisha Adams enormous luminous figure wavered, sinking halfway into the depths. Inextinguishable Ravings! The attack, which awakened the spiritual imprint of the Original Creator, had an extraordinary effect on Grisha Adam, inheritor of the Primordial God Almightys titles of Creator and the Omniscient and Omnipotent One. The madness that erupted within the luminous figure rivaled that of Lumian, who accommodated the City of Calamity, but without the relevant Original Creator symbolisms to suppress it, Grisha Adam fell into chaos. Primordial Hunger did not seize the opportunity to devour Him but instead paused and began consuming the voices echoing within His own mind. They tasted rather good. Amid the undulating Chaos Sea, Amon, donning a pointed soft hat and classical black robe, leaned against a massive cross, tossing a crimson sphere seemingly composed of the concept of beauty, filled with countless shadows of people, and catching it again. Glancing at the battle outside the Chaos Sea, Amon clicked His tongue and chuckled to Himself. Why am I here? I should be causing mischief outside the protected zones. Unexpectedly, I can still participate in battles of this caliber. Chapter 1168 - Chapter 1168: Easily Triggered Malice and Desire Chapter 1168: Easily Triggered Malice and Desire When the Inextinguishable Ravings reverberated, targeting the spiritual imprint of the Original Creator, Amon, who had long since transitioned to the Inevitability pathway, was largely unaffected. His Sequence 1 identity as the Angel of Redemption was fully capable of suppressing the madness and chaos originating from the Sequence 2 Trojan Horse of Fate. Under the protection of the Chaos Sea, Amon patiently observed the battlefield, especially where the four sefirot were engaged in fierce combat with two Great Old Dominators. He waited for an opportunity-perhaps only a single chance. Patience was a virtue He had always possessed. On a distant planet. Leading the angelic legion, Medici found the situation improving after weathering the initial two waves of attacks. More Angel-level Beyonders left their protected zones to join the battle, including ancient Angels like Ariehogg and Hermes, who had previously remained hidden, as well as the remaining Western Continent cultivators who had finally understood the gravity of the situation. The invading Outer Deity Blessed were disorganized, forming only small, scattered groups of a few to a dozen at most. Furthermore, They seemed to be rejected by the spirit world itself! Except for the subordinates of the High-Dimensional Overseer and those with limited access to the astral world, the rest had lost Their ability to Teleport and Blink. Even the Beyonder powers derived from the Inevitability pathway angels Contractee had largely failed, as Their contractual partners were mostly spirit world creatures. These Outer Deity Blessed had also lost Their spiritual intuition and Their ability to quickly recover spirituality via the spirit world, among other disadvantages. Red Angel Medici, overseeing the battlefield, quickly identified the key targets for the next phase: Dimensional Shadows and Observers. After a dozen seconds, He found an opening. The entire angelic legion, originally blocking the protected zones, suddenly vanished, leaving behind only a barrier of light and seals of starlight. The invading Outer Deity Blessed were momentarily stunned. What They truly desired was the Angel-level Beyonder characteristics. Their prepared attacks landed on the barrier of light, causing it to tremble violently but not shatter completely. The angelic legion reappeared in a corner of the sky battlefield, beneath the thin shadowy figure lurking in an inaccessible height. Teleport! Mass Teleportation! Immediately, several Angels in the legion acted according to pre-arranged mental channel communications. The Magician Fors extended her hands, creating a dazzling, dreamlike door of starlight at an inaccessible height. She forcibly opened a door to a higher dimension. Antigonus swiftly made a wish and realized it. My wish is for most of the Observers revival arrangements to fail. He avoided wishing for all revival arrangements to Rewards fail, wary that some might be miracles beyond His level to disrupt, potentially warping the entire wish. As long as most of the opponents revival setups were neutralized, forcing Him to retreat and spend more time reviving, the strategic objective would be achieved! The faster the revival arrangement, the easier it was to disrupt. Those beyond Antigonus miracle and possibly involving higher dimensions would likely require more complex, secretive processes, consuming additional time for a Sequence 1 Observer. This was typical logic, though unforeseen exceptions could occur-the target might have arrangements involving higher levels or means to quickly revive Himself, Regardless, it wasnt Antigonus responsibility to deal with those. As a legion member, He only needed to fulfill His assigned task. In the territories of the Life School of Thought and the Aurora Order, two mercury-colored serpents had already been prepared. One blessed Red Angel Medici, while the other, using the open dimensional door, imposed a heavy misfortune upon the target. This arrangement handled unforeseen circumstances. Justice Audrey; the ancient dragon, Ariehogg; a massive rabbit and other Angels of the Spectator pathway hovered above the legion, Placating each members minds to counter the terrifying voices echoing within. Meanwhile, Angels like The Star Leonard and Saint Vive intercepted nearby Outer Deity Blessed, preventing Them from aiding Their targets. The entire legion functioned like a seamlessly coordinated machine, each part performing its role with precision and order. Demoness of Catastrophe Franca shared her Demonesss black flames with Medici, watching as the Red Angels iron-black eyes swung His terrifying greatsword bound with destruction toward the Observer. The Observer immediately fled to another dimension, but behind Him, one starlight door after another opened, keeping Him tethered to reality. The black-flame greatsword of destruction slashed through the starlight doors, finally striking the Observer. The Observer twisted and disintegrated, becoming illusory. This was not his true body-it was a self-created illusion! Crack! A faint, almost inaudible sound of shattering echoed. Medicis Sword of Destruction had struck the connection between the illusory self and the true body, hitting a weak point. The illusory Observer was ignited by the Fire of Destruction, and the true body, far away in another dimension, also caught fire with horrifying black flames! The Observer let out a cry of pain, His aura rapidly weakening. Although He was not killed outright, He suffered serious injuries. All His revival and recovery setups had been rendered useless. His luck was abysmal. Without hesitation, the Observer ascended dimensions again, retreating from the battlefield and never returning. He feared being pursued in His weakened state and worried that His greedy allies might secretly shift Their targets to Him. After all, a Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristic was at stake! The angelic legion, having succeeded in their assault, disappeared once more, avoiding further encirclement and attacks from more Outer Deity Blessed. They returned outside the protected zone, where Saint Dabomachie repaired the barrier of light by driving an orange greatsword into it. The star-cluster-like Supernova Dominator observed the endless, layered barriers of doors blocking His way. Without hesitation, He caused several supernovae to erupt simultaneously. A vast, ferocious sea of brilliant light swept through the region, consuming all the doors and wreaking havoc on the surrounding spirit world. This cleared all obstructions to the astral world and even helped the Mother Tree of Desire eliminate several Kleins wearing half-height silk top hats and black trench coats. Suddenly, at the edge of the terrifying sea of light, a Klein appeared. Raising his right hand, he snapped his fingers. The supernovae erupting from Supernova Dominator underwent an immediate Change-an error in their state. They began to collapse violently toward a single point. This immense gravitational collapse pulled the Supernova Dominators star-cluster form, threatening to create an unimaginably massive black hole. The Klein who snapped his fingers was quickly consumed by the sea of light, evaporating with no resistance. But the Supernova Dominator was forced to stabilize His structure, lest the intense gravity and exaggerated explosions destroy His body. When He finished, the endless, layered doors reappeared around Him. Kleins primary focus was directed at the Goddess of Fate, attempting to leverage restraint to find an opportunity to severely wound and drive away this eldest daughter of the Mother Goddess of Depravity, even in a one-against-three situation. At this moment, the Mother Tree of Desire, relying on the symbolism of Desire, had already located the true body of Lord of Mysteries Klein. However, Klein paid no heed to this discovery, instead swiftly Grafting the surging desires in his heart onto various marionettes one by one. Some of these marionettes became greedy, others furious, others filled with love, and still others overwhelmed by longing. Yet, they were quickly released from manipulation and died on the spot. The remaining marionettes continued to blockade the Mother Tree of Desire. Almost simultaneously, the shadows wandering the River of Fate suddenly surged upward, forming a massive black trench coat. Foolishness! Klein wielded the symbolism of Foolishness against the Goddess of Fate! In the battlefield where the four sefirot clashed with the two Great Old Dominators, the High-Dimensional Overseer had already seen through the truth. From a higher dimension, He discovered the weaknesses within the aggregate forms of the Celestial Master and the Celestial Thearchs projection. He swiftly ascended to the tenth dimension, intending to directly disrupt the internal connections of these aggregates from there. At this moment, the Celestial Master swung His horsetail whisk. A vast flood of knowledge spanned multiple dimensions and poured into the mind of the High-Dimensional Overseer. This knowledge was not only vast and complex, making it impossible for even a Great Old Dominator to fully absorb in a short time, but it also activated sequentially, transforming into grotesque and bizarre illusory creatures that tore at the High-Dimensional Overseers thoughts, consciousness, and spirit. These creatures even instigated rebellion among the High-Dimensional Overseers pre-existing knowledge, causing them to become animated and mutinous. Demons of Knowledge, the Secrets of Madness! The High-Dimensional Overseer immediately fell into chaos, trapped in a battle against Himself. His turmoil brought about changes in all dimensions. The illusory, coiled strings around Him unfurled and formed a painting that enveloped the Celestial Master and the Celestial Thearchs projection. As the Celestial Master and the projection entered the painting, it became filled with suns, planets, and a variety of rules and principles. The High-Dimensional Overseer did not expect this to seal the two sefirot but merely set the exit in a concealed location to buy time and suppress both the rebellion of His own knowledge and the influx of external information. The golden Buddha noticed this and immediately sought to reboot the process to return the Celestial Master and the Celestial Thearchs projection to the real world. But before He could complete this task, distorted figures began to emerge from His golden body C Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, and Wisdom Kings. These were the lingering spirits of the former Dao integrators. They had all been awakened and corrupted! This was the effect of Inextinguishable Ravings. He was the symbolism of the spirit of living beings! For aggregates composed of multiple spirits, Inextinguishable Ravings were Their nemesis! Conversely, Eternal Darkness could put chaotic and complex spirits into slumber. The pitch-black fiend faced an even graver fate. Countless shadows emerged, gnawing at its own body. The Master of the Shadow Cottage and Farbauti could only exert all Their effort to suppress and fight against Themselves, unable to do anything else. A tranquil and silent darkness spread from the distance, soothing the chaos of the golden Buddha and the pitch-black fiend, allowing these two sefirot to barely escape Their predicament. However, this darkness was swiftly disrupted by the Monarch of Decay. Realizing They would have to endure the effects of Inextinguishable Ravings on Their spirits repeatedly and that Amanisess assistance might not always be as timely as it was now, the Master of the Shadow Cottage and Farbauti exchanged glances, Their eyes burning with resolute malice. Time to risk everything! They would make sure Their devourers paid a heavy price! The pitch-black fiend immediately triggered an explosion of all the desires it could sense in His surroundings. The concentrated desires gathered by Inextinguishable Ravings detonated. Unable to find the Knowledge Moor temporarily, He shifted His target to the Tenebrous World. For Him, this was not an optimal choice, one He would usually avoid-but it was still an option! With desire ignited and unable to care about anything else emerging from the depths of the pitch-black fiends heart, it transformed into frenzied thoughts and formless consciousness that ravaged Farbauti and the Master of the Shadow Cottages souls, seeking to overwhelm Them quickly. Farbauti and the Master of the Shadow Cottage burst into laughter. This was exactly what They wanted! They seized Their final moments of clarity to curse Themselves and everything attached to Them. Everyone would die together! Blood-colored flames erupted across the pitch-black fiends body, transforming It into a gigantic rabbit while turning the previously formless Inextinguishable Ravings into the rabbits consciousness and spirit. The blood-colored flames continued to burn, intent on consuming all life in the vicinity. From within the Chaos Sea, Amon observed the scene. Though surprised by Farbauti and the Master of the Shadow Cottages choice, He still stood up. He had waited for this opportunity! Raising His hand, He used pre-obtained authority to retrieve an item from Sefirah Castle. It was the Uniqueness of the Chained pathway! This Uniqueness bore the corruption of the Mother Tree of Desire, which even Lord of Mysteries Klein could not remove in the short term. It was also a vital component of the Tenebrous World, capable of connecting the Mother Tree of Desire and the Tenebrous World, which were originally one entity. Now, Amon sought to use this connection to transfer the damage inflicted upon the Tenebrous World to the Mother Tree of Desire, just as He had once dealt with the Uncertain Mist. He had not anticipated Farbauti and the Master of the Shadow Cottages rapid self-destruction but had merely intended to exploit the injuries inflicted upon the Tenebrous World to achieve His objective. Now that the situation had changed, He was determined to seize the opportunity. Chapter 1169 - Chapter 1169: Assistance Chapter 1169: Assistance Amons monocle radiated a dazzling light. He vanished from behind the enormous cross within the Chaos Sea, wandering the astral world to roam into the deep black void just two lunar distances away from the Tenebrous World. At that moment, the golden Buddha had also been caught in the indiscriminate explosion of desires triggered by Farbauti and the Master of the Shadow Cottage. However, fortune was on His side; the desire occupying His thoughts was primarily one of universal salvation and relief from suffering. As a result, He only froze momentarily before becoming even more fervent in His participation in the battle. In His hands, He conjured a massive tricolor wheel of mercury, lapis lazuli, and deep black, inscribed with complex patterns and symbols. Amidst the grand sermon-like chanting, a nearly formless River of Fate emerged, drawn into the enormous divine wheel, which began to turn toward a particular symbol. This River of Fate belonged to Inextinguishable Ravings! Under its influence, Inextinguishable Ravings, who had been cursed to have a rabbits consciousness and spirit, could not free Himself from the pitch-black fiend, found Himself unable to escape. It was as though destiny itself had entangled Him there, forcing Him to endure even fiercer curse damage as blood C colored flames ignited Him. Even for these great existences, fate retained its mysterious power! This caused all sentient beings in the current star dominion to experience chaotic consciousness and disoriented spirits. The disturbance gradually spread outward to other star dominions, weakening as it extended until it eventually dissipated. Inextinguishable Ravings, the symbol of consciousness and spirit! Meanwhile, on the other side, the High-Dimensional Overseer in a higher dimension, along with the Celestial Master and the Celestial Thearchs projection trapped within the dimensional painting, were not fully consumed by the explosion of desires. They only entered a brief state of stagnation. Amon raised both hands, bringing forth a tiny illusory figure wrapped in layers of bandages, thorns, and roses, allowing it to float before Him. The Chained Uniqueness. Gazing at the Uniqueness, Amon keenly sensed its profound mystical connection with the Tenebrous World and the Mother Tree of Desire. He prepared to use the authority of the Error pathway to elevate this connection into one akin to that between an avatar and its true body, or oneself and oneself-allowing the damage and consequences to be transmitted to the Mother Tree of Desire. Amon tilted His head and glanced toward the direction of the Chaos Sea. Clicking His tongue, He gently shook His head. To Him, the apocalypse had to end in victory. Even if most of the sefirot were lost, and civilization continued on the peripheral planet at the universes edge, it would merely be a comforting delusion C possibly just a temporary postponement of the apocalypse. This was because the victory of the Great Old Dominators did not signify the end but symbolized a seismic shift in the cosmic landscape. After seizing the sefirot They desired, would They not accommodate them? Once accommodated, powerful entities comparable to the Pillars would emerge! By then, if the Circle of Inevitability accommodated the Key of Light, Amon Himself would no longer dare leave the planet and could only survive tenuously under the protection of the Lord of Mysteries. Given the premise of failure, this was the optimal outcome. If the Mother Goddess of Depravity were to mend and recover, allowing Her to fulfill the contract and aid the Primordial God Almightys return, even the Lord of Mysteries would face a crisis. These two capable and willing Pillars could sign a contract through the Notary pathway, cooperating sincerely enough to dismantle and seal the Lord of Mysteries, ensuring the Celestial Worthy could never resurrect! In such a scenario, Lord of Mysteries Klein might not be able to win but could perhaps avoid destruction. However, the peripheral planet at the universes edge would be left entirely unprotected. Amon retracted His gaze and looked at the Chained Uniqueness before Him, chuckling softly. Only I steal from others. When have others ever dared rob me? Before His voice faded, Amons monocle emitted an even more dazzling brilliance. This transformed the surrounding void into light, ushering in a white day. Lord of Mysteries Klein was just about to wield the symbolism of Foolishness against the Goddess of Fate when he suddenly dissolved into shadows, sinking back into the River of Fates main current and tributaries. He returned to his strategy of interference, obstruction, and delay. This was because he had agreed to Amons request to use the Uniquenesses of the Error and Door pathways. It was also because he had received corresponding information from the spirit world and decided to shift his primary focus to the Mother Tree of Desire. The grotesque, chaotic tree adorned with scales of chaos had been blinded to spiritual premonitions, unable to gather information from the spirit world. Thus, She remained unaware of the developments on another battlefield-until She saw the many Kleins rise into the air, spreading their arms to project starlight- dyed bluish-black doors before them. Only then did a sense of foreboding strike Her. Klein had reinforced the mystical connections and corresponding symbolisms that Amon had reconstructed, linking them across countless star dominions to the current battlefield! Before the Mother Tree of Desire could respond, the familiar roaring of Inextinguishable Ravings reverberated through Her psyche, wreaking havoc on Her consciousness and spirit. Then, blood-colored flames engulfed Her, and She let out a howl of pain. Her massive arboreal body began collapsing, morphing into a giant rabbit with scales of chaos. Klein had anticipated a similar scenario but had not expected the Mother Tree of Desire to be so severely injured. Just as he could not foresee the instability of the pitch-black fiends emotional state, which had exploded at the slightest provocation. As he prepared to seize the opportunity to seal or even slay the Mother Tree of Desire, the chaos-scaled rabbit erupted with ferocious aggression and greed. She exploited the cursed mystical connection against Herself, unabashedly releasing the gathered forces to drag Herself toward the Tenebrous World battlefield! The Mother Tree of Desire vanished into the astral world, bypassing Kleins attempts to block Her. Every event has both a good side and a bad side; this was a fundamental rule of the universe, and the reverse was equally true. Kleins marionettes raised their coats and extended their right hands into the void, attempting to Graft the mystical connection between the Mother Tree of Desire and the Tenebrous World onto one of the marionettes, hoping to return the rabbit with scales of chaos without Her realizing it. At that moment, crimson moonlight descended, and an illusory, slightly damaged oak tree grew from the mystical connection between the Mother Tree of Desire and the Tenebrous World, solidifying the corresponding symbolism. Kleins attempt to Graft failed. Mother Goddess of Depravity! The Mother Goddess of Depravity had assisted the Mother Tree of Desire remotely! Klein was both surprised and unsurprised. He was unsurprised because he had long known that the Mother Goddess of Depravity and the Mother Tree of Desire had signed a contract witnessed by the Primordial God Almighty. The latter had sacrificed the Tree of Shadows to help the former bypass barriers. The former now owed assistance, which She could provide by exerting influence remotely from the astral world through the corresponding contract. What surprised Klein was the speed at which the Mother Goddess of Depravity had recovered, having reset Her state and healed Her injuries faster than he had anticipated, no longer worried about Lumians influence. Though She still needed to remove the suppression of the symbolism of destruction to fully heal, She was already daring enough to intervene in the battlefield remotely-a true testament to Her symbolism of New Life. Naturally, the Mother Goddess of Depravity was still weakened from using the Chaos Primogenitors special symbolism. Until She was fully healed, She would not descend directly while bearing dual negative impacts. With this interference, Klein failed to stop the Mother Tree of Desire. The massive rabbit with scales of chaos leapt from the astral world to the burning Tenebrous World. Weakened and desperate, She let out a resounding roar, awakening the survival instincts of all sentient beings in the region. In an instant, the golden Buddha turned and fled far away. Amon, clutching the Chained Uniqueness, wandered back behind the enormous cross in the Chaos Sea. The High-Dimensional Overseer, along with the Celestial Master and the Celestial Thearchs projection, also chose to retreat for a moment. Within the Tenebrous World, the heavily cursed Inextinguishable Ravings developed certain thoughts and emotions. His current state was dire Among the Great Old Dominators, there were still some who could accommodate His associated sefirah A weakened hunter could become prey Driven by His overwhelming survival instincts, Inextinguishable Ravings Instinctively fled the Tenebrous World, attempting to return to formlessness and escape to another star dominion to hide. Without interference from the golden Buddha, His attempt succeeded. At this moment in the Tenebrous World, the consciousness and spirits of the Dao integrators had already been utterly consumed, likewise for Farbauti. The Mother Tree of Desire seized the opportunity, using Her powers of convergence to forcibly absorb the shadowy world. Then, in Her form as a colossal rabbit, She hugged the Tenebrous World and fled into the astral world without any hesitation, leaving everything else behind. Severely injured, She no longer cared about recovering the Chained of Abyss Uniquenesses or their corresponding Beyonder characteristics. All She desired was to hide and recover while fully accommodating the Tenebrous World! Everything had happened so quickly that by the time the Mother Tree of Desire disappeared from the star dominion, the efforts of Origins of Disaster Lumian and Eternal Darkness Amanises to block Her had just arrived. Klein, whose form had been flickering due to the interference of the Mother Goddess of Depravity, finally stabilized and reappeared. Klein instantly assessed the overall situation and realized that despite the temporary loss of the Tenebrous World, His side had gained the upper hand- the three sefirot needed to deal with one Great Old Dominator. However, vigilance was still required. Inextinguishable Ravings, despite fleeing in a burst of survival instincts, might surreptitiously return to observe the situation. If Kleins side had not gained a decisive advantage by then, He might rejoin the battle. Thus, time was of the essence. Klein planned to continue delaying the Goddess of Fate and Supernova Dominator while pursuing the Mother Tree of Desire. He aimed to reclaim the Tenebrous World while She was still severely damaged and had yet to fully hide. Meanwhile, He would occasionally interfere with the Circle of Inevitability to create opportunities for Lumian and the Evernight Goddess. The next moment, His high-frequency flickering figure stopped. He directed his gaze toward the Chaos Sea. Crimson moonlight fell from the astral world, bathing the enormous luminous figure, bringing New Life to all consciousnesses. This included Grisha Adam, as well as Herabergen and Leodero C and also that of the Primordial God Almighty. The Primordial God Almightys consciousness was already on the verge of taking over. Chapter 1170 - Chapter 1170: Past Symbolism Chapter 1170: Past Symbolism When the crimson moonlight descended, Klein immediately realized that Grisha Adam likely couldnt hold on much longer. He had been barely maintaining a fragile balance, temporarily reaching quasi-Great Old One strength, only through the merging of Herabergens and Leoderos consciousness. Once granted New Life, the accumulated latent issues would swiftly manifest. If the Primordial God Almighty truly gained the upper hand and the Mother Goddess of Depravity returned fully healed, the situation would become irredeemable. At that moment, three contingency plans formed in Kleins mind: The first plan had the Evernight Goddess forcibly put Grisha Adam and the Primordial God Almightys consciousness into slumber. This would buy more time, or perhaps allow Klein to find a way to kill Grisha Adam, putting an end to the possibility of the Primordial God Almighty resurrecting with the Mother Goddess of Depravitys assistance. The issue with this plan was that it would release Primordial Hunger. At that point, it would likely take a substantial bite out of Grisha Adam, and this insatiable entity would inevitably seek out Lumian, attempting to accommodate the City of Calamity. Combined with the possible return of Inextinguishable Ravings in a short while, the situation would spiral completely out of control. The second plan utilized the Change symbolism to delay the adverse changes in Grisha Adam, keeping Him as a buffer against Primordial Hunger. Klein would give up chasing the Mother Tree of Desire and recovering the Tenebrous World for now. Instead, he would focus on delaying the Goddess of Fate and Supernova Dominator while joining the battle between the remaining three sefirot and the High-Dimensional Overseer. The goal would be to heavily wound or eliminate this Great Old Dominator as quickly as possible. This would free the sefirot to assist Lumian and the Evernight Goddess, potentially bringing that battlefield to a swift resolution. If the Primordial God Almighty had not yet resurrected by then, the situation would be brought under control and significantly improve. The downside to this plan was that if Klein became deeply entangled in the fight against the High- Dimensional Overseer, he would struggle to manage the Goddess of Fate and Supernova Dominator in the other star dominions. Should They intervene, the situation could become even more chaotic and deteriorate further. The third plan was to once again use the Change symbolism to allow Grisha Adam to hold on a little longer. Meanwhile, Klein would avoid the battle with the High-Dimensional Overseer, refrain from interfering with the Circle of Inevitability or joining Lumian and the Evernight Goddesss battlefield, and not pursue the Mother Tree of Desire. Instead, he would focus all his efforts on confronting the Goddess of Fate and Supernova Dominator. Although it would be a two-against-one situation, the symbolisms of these two Great Old Dominators did not directly restrain the Lord of Mysteries. By further utilizing the Pillars symbolisms, Klein had a chance to severely wound the Goddess of Fate and Supernova Dominator, forcing Them to give up and flee, or temporarily seal Them before the Primordial God Almighty could resurrect-despite interference from the Mother Goddess of Depravity. Afterward, Klein could exchange places with the Evernight Goddess, personally dealing with the Circle of Inevitability while the Evernight Goddess put Grisha Adam into slumber and hold off Primordial Hunger. In a one-on-one confrontation, Klein was confident he could swiftly deal with the Circle of Inevitability, racing against time before the Mother Goddess of Depravity healed and descended once more. Even if he couldnt isolate the Circle of Inevitability, Klein could simultaneously hold back the Monarch of Decay, enabling Lumian to execute a pre-prepared move that would make the Monarch of Decay experience what it meant by being the Origins of Disaster. The only flaw in this plan was that every second would count-any wasted moment could lead to failure! As for the idea of feeding the Uniquenesses of the Moon and Mother pathways to Primordial Hunger to provoke the Mother Goddess of Depravity into dealing with Him, this approach lacked real feasibility. Unless Lord of Mysteries Klein went to the Mother Goddess of Depravity now, making Her succumb to Foolishness and completing a Deceit, She could afford to wait until the situation grew more chaotic and both sides were heavily wounded before descending. Even if Klein did seek out the Mother Goddess of Depravity, She was still a Pillar, albeit weakened and injured. He wouldnt be able to spare his attention for the other battlefields for some time. Klein made his decision in an instant. His high-frequency flickering figure raised its coat. Change! The symbolism was applied to the enormous luminous figure, immediately delaying the adverse effects of the crimson moonlight. Next, Klein transferred Amon from the Chaos Sea to the peripheral planet at the universes edge, leaving behind only the Chained Uniqueness and Sequence 1 Beauty Goddess Beyonder characteristic from Lilith, which he Grafted into Sefirah Castle. After completing this, Kleins flickering figure disappeared from the star dominion. He returned to the original battlefield, now fully intent on dealing with the Goddess of Fate and Supernova Dominator! In the meantime, Amon appeared on the peripheral planet of the universe. Still affected by His survival instinct, He hid within the protected zone, not daring to venture out. On the battlefield outside the protected zone, Franca and other angels were stunned to find that the Cupids and Leviathans had simultaneously left the area, entering the universe and disappearing. This significantly reduced the pressure on them. The beautiful Cupids had been firing arrows that stole True Hearts, inciting internal strife. Meanwhile, the Leviathans had stirred up jealousy and dissatisfaction among many Angels, nearly causing the disbandment of the Red Angel Medicis legion. It was only thanks to The Star Leonard, Arianna, and other Servants of Concealment who put the affected Angels into slumber, and Justice Audrey and other Spectator pathway Angels who used Hypnosis, Placate, or implanted virtual personalities, that the angelic legion avoided greater turmoil. Now, for whatever reason, the departure of the Cupids and Leviathans from the battlefield was a welcome relief for Medici, the legion commander. In the boundless void, sometimes shrouded in the Fog of War and other times plunged into darkness. The voice of Lumian echoed in Eternal Darkness Amanisess mind. Change of strategy-target the Circle of Inevitability first. Previously, Lumian had aimed to use his preparations to swiftly wound or eliminate the Monarch of Decay, making Him the primary target. He and Amanises had nearly succeeded three times, but each time, the Circle of Inevitability had intervened-either resetting the state through Loop or exerting influence via the symbolism of Inevitability. This caused Lumian to be affected by the symbolism of Decay, where anything that can go wrong will go wrong, further destabilizing his internal balance and reducing the time he could sustain himself by another minute. Hence, Lumian decided not to remain trapped in this back-and-forth. A breakthrough was needed, starting with eliminating the support and the disruptive interference. Although the Circle of Inevitability was even harder to eliminate quickly-whether through His Loop symbolism or His combination of Future and Destined symbolisms that made Him nearly impossible to hit C Lumian felt it was worth a try given the deadlock elsewhere. He also noticed the crimson moonlight and understood the urgency of time! Suddenly, Lumian once again conjured the Fog of War to envelop the void, swapping his position with Eternal Darkness Amanises. Eternal Darkness Amanises now faced the golden mummy-like Monarch of Decay. The strange book of coiled feathered serpents in Her hands flipped open with a rustling sound, displaying only one name written across its pages: Monarch of Decay. Death! Amanises invoked the symbolism of Death! Time, already slow around the Monarch of Decay, slowed further, pushing His body into the depths of illusory ripples. There, it seemed to reach the end of time, the final point of change. The Monarch of Decay did not evade the influence of Death. Instead, He used His symbolism as the End of the River of Time to delay Death until that endpoint, leaving the present unaffected. As Amanises dealt with the Monarch of Decay, Lumian, with his omniscient perspective within the Fog of War, located the Circle of Inevitability. The body with Aurores and Jennas face clenched its right hand. They caused all contradictions in the area to erupt instantly, transforming the apocalypse into a vortex of chaos that swallowed nearby asteroids, along with time, space, and fate. This chaos vortex rapidly expanded toward the Circle of Inevitability, targeting not His body but a fixed tributary within the mercury-colored River of Fate. It sought to drag this tributary into the apocalypse, returning it to chaos, thereby breaking the Circle of Inevitabilitys Destined powers. The Circle of Inevitabilitys three bodies began spinning around a single point. He attempted to trigger a Loop not yet affected by the chaos vortex, resetting the state of the battlefield. At this moment, Amanises suddenly abandoned applying symbolic influence on the Monarch of Decay. Instead, using the teams connection, She unleashed deep darkness like a river from the void near Lumian, pulling time and space into Herself and merging them swiftly. Eternal Darkness was also Space-Time-in-One! Although this symbolism was incomplete, it managed to halt the Circle of Inevitabilitys spinning, suspending Him like an insect trapped in amber. Origins of Disaster Lumian seized the opportunity, allowing the chaos vortex to spread over, engulfing the fixed tributary of fate and the pre-set Loop node. Then, the chaos vortex, embodying all colors and possibilities, consumed the three-bodied Circle of Inevitability, causing Him to collapse into chaos in an instant. Neither Lumian nor Amanises paused to confirm their victory, as the Monarch of Decay made the Fog of War advance to its end and applied the symbolism of Certain Death to them. A second later, at the dissipating chaos vortexs center, the dark body of the Circle of Inevitability reappeared. He had reunited with His mercury-colored and redemptive light-formed bodies, resuming His hand signs. Past symbolism! What was not lost in the past could not be destroyed in the present! Lumian instantly realized one thing: only by using the kind of power associated with the Fourth Pillar- erasing the very concept of the Circle of Inevitabilitys existence and His past history-could He be truly wounded or killed. Of course, the King of Space-Time, who held the symbolism of History, might not be able to kill the Circle of Inevitability but could certainly inflict suffering worse than death. Chapter 1171 - Chapter 1171: Baiting with Ones Own Body Chapter 1171: Baiting with Ones Own Body In the original star dominion. The Goddess of Fate, delayed and obstructed by Klein, had already discerned the changes on the other battlefield by gazing into the mercury-colored illusory River of Fate. She had Prophesized what was about to happen. The armless body in the center of Her body spat out an object She had been holding in Her mouth. It was a thumb-sized bead with a glassy texture, radiating multicolored hues and naturally exuding a soothing aura that calmed the mind and body. This bead originally belonged to a Dao integrator of the Key of Light. It was a relic left behind after their corpse was cremated. During the Vortex incident, it had been traded by Harrison of Penglai to Fates Attendant Hlo?se. After Hlo?se recovered, the bead was immediately offered as a sacrifice to the deity Hlo?se worshiped. As soon as the relic was spat out, it flew directly to the body with hollow eye sockets on the Goddess of Fates left side. She caught it and wove it into the self- contained mercury-colored symbol that had head connected to tail, incorporating it into the corresponding tributary of the River of Fate. The River of Fate surged quietly onward. Just as the golden giant Buddha, who had only recently overcome the effects of survival instincts, prepared to join the Celestial Master and Celestial Thearchs projection in battling the High-Dimensional Overseer, a fissure appeared on the Buddhas surface. From within, a pair of hands forged of gold began to tear outward, threatening to shatter the entire body. The follower to whom the relic belonged was now imbued with a new fate and granted new possibilities! Thus, He had torn through the surface, disrupting the harmony of the Three Buddhas, preventing Them from acting in unison and causing the golden giant Buddha to collapse spectacularly. Such was the power of the Goddess of Fate, who wove fates. On the first day, the Original Creator awoke and created this world, but reality, the spirit world, the astral world, and fate were still mixed together. On the second day, the Oldest One birthed the Mother Goddess of Depravity. Reality gained a foundation, the spirit world and astral world were separated, and the River of Fate began to flow. Soon after, the Mother Tree of Desire was born, giving rise to life and introducing evil and desire. Then came the Son of Chaos, who established order-and with it, shadows naturally emerged. On the third day, the Oldest One and the Mother Goddess united, and the Mother of All Things gave birth to a firstborn daughter. From then on, the fates of all things began to intertwine, no longer in absolute chaos but instead forming relative patterns and foreseeable futures. As the firstborn daughter of the Original Creator and the Mother Goddess of Depravity, the symbolism of the Goddess of Fate was sufficiently unique. She could weave, guide, and sever even the fates of Great Old Dominators. As long as the fates of all things converged into the River of Fate, She would attain immortality. Even if Her body were destroyed, Her consciousness and spirit could return from the River of Fate and manifest a new body. She did not need pre-set resurrection mechanisms or the reliance on undying spirits that other Great Old Dominators required, nor did She need to wait ages to revive through a sefirah, Uniquenesses, or Beyonder characteristics. However, the essence of fate was infinite chaos. Even the Goddess of Fate could not fully control it, nor could She ensure the River of Fate always flowed according to Her woven designs. At this moment, the Goddess of Fate aimed to disrupt the battle over the sefirot, forcing the Lord of Mysteries to divide His focus and preventing Him from confronting Her with His full power. If She could delay long enough, Her mother would return, fully healed. As the firstborn daughter, She was destined to receive assistance-a privilege the Circle of Inevitability and Supernova Dominator did not share. Thus, She utilized the relic intended for capturing the Key of Light, deploying it early to serve Her current needs! As the golden giant Buddha was about to be torn apart from within, deep darkness surged forth, engulfing Him and plunging Him into slumber-a sleep from which He could not awaken in the short term. Only by suppressing His internal Issues could the golden Buddha regain control of the situation. This left the Celestial Master and Celestial Thearchs projections to face the High-Dimensional Overseer in a two-against-one battle, significantly worsening Their predicament. Having just returned from the past, the Circle of Inevitability observed the scene and suddenly felt a surge of desire. This came from a powerful instinct to converge and a greed deeply rooted in godhood. He now had the opportunity to devour the Key of Light! Compared to that, aiding the Monarch of Decay against the Origins of Disaster and Eternal Darkness seemed far less important. Supernova Dominator, unable to glean sufficient information from the River of Fate and further hindered by the spirit worlds obscuring, grew increasingly agitated. At last, within the astral world, the concept of stars suddenly intensified. One after another, massive, blazing orbs of terrifying radiance descended into this star dominion, radiating unimaginable light and heat. These were dying stars summoned by Supernova Dominator-stars nearing the ends of their lifespans. As the ruler of stars, Supernova Dominator wielded the symbolism of weight, density, and fundamental forces, commanding the laws of the boundless cosmos. Normally, He could summon His shepherded stars through the spirit world, creating supernovae or catastrophic black holes, all without compromising His structural stability. But Lord of Mysteries Klein, utilizing his Pillar symbolism, had preemptively sealed the spirit world. As a result, Supernova Dominator was forced to spend extra time converting these stars into conceptual forms, sending them into the astral world, and transporting them over here, finally manifesting them in reality. Once these stars amassed in the star dominion, they immediately began attracting and colliding with one another. An immense eruption of light and heat followed, obliterating layers of doors and overwhelming countless Kleins. Right on the heels of that, the colliding matter rapidly collapsed, emitting unimaginable gravitational force that captured even the expelled light and heat, compressing the entire star dominion inward and slowing time dramatically. Supernova Dominator now had an unobstructed connection to the astral world. At this moment, He sensed an enormous bluish-black door of light formed from countless insects at the edge of the light and heat He had captured. Standing beneath the radiance was a figure-Klein wearing a silk half top hat, dark gloves, and a long black coat, holding a star-encrusted cane. Manifesting Sefirah Castle, Klein extended his left palm forward. Time, already slowed by the massive black hole, became even slower, as if a clock chime resonated from the bluish-black door of light. Everything stagnated, nearing a complete halt. King of Space-Time! Supernova Dominator was also trapped in the near C frozen time, moving with an unbelievable slowness. He suddenly realized something. Why am I creating a black hole-one that contracts space and dilates time? Isnt this helping the King of Space-Time further stagnate time? Could it be that during the previous battles, I unknowingly came under the influence of the symbolism of Foolishness? Supernova Dominator did not hesitate. He immediately attempted to reverse the black holes collapse into the strongest explosion possible. This would break the spatial constraints and temporal stasis and might even significantly damage the now-manifested Sefirah Castle! Of course, completing such a transformation required at least one second, but a second in the dilated time zone was far longer than one in the external world. The Goddess of Fate was nearly sucked into the massive black hole created by Supernova Dominator. Only by weaving Her own fate was She able to evade the pull and reach the edge of its influence unscathed. However, She could no longer perceive the fates within that dark region. At that moment, She noticed the emergence of a figure clad in a black coat, wearing a silk top hat, and holding a star-encrusted cane-Lord of Mysteries Klein -standing within the giant bluish-black door of light. The mercury-colored River of Fate shifted direction, rushing toward Klein. All its tributaries began converging on the door of light, as though it alone represented the true path and the real future. Even the Goddess of Fate Herself was pulled toward it. Beacon of Destiny! The Goddess of Fate now glimpsed the fate of Lord of Mysteries Klein. Her rightmost, headless body followed the surging mercury-colored river, striking out with an illusory silver-black dirk toward the bluish-black door of light. It sought to sever all tributaries of fate. The final judgment! Seeing this, Klein, now manifesting the Sefirah Castle, maintained a calm expression. He spread his arms, lifting his black coat as the bluish-black door of light shone brilliantly. The scene concealed behind him was revealed C a deep black hole that bound even light and heat, preventing their escape. The black hole created by Supernova Dominator! Almost simultaneously, Klein reversed the stagnation of Change, pushing it into acceleration. Abruptly, Supernova Dominators attempted transformation was completed. The black hole became a white hole, erupting with a terrifying sea of burning light and an extreme explosion. The eruption rushed toward Klein, toward Sefirah Castle, and also toward the Goddess of Fate on the other side of the door of light! Klein didnt flee the scene. Instead, he placed a hand over his chest and bowed slightly to the Goddess of Fate, whose central head had already reflected the blazing sea of light in its eyes. Taking advantage of the moment, he redirected the Goddess of Fates attack to the Supernova Dominator on the opposite side of the Sefirah Castle, completing the linkage. This was Grafting, a manifestation of the symbolism of Bizarreness! For Supernova Dominator and the Goddess of Fate, if They had realized the problem earlier, They could have easily stopped Their own attacks, preventing the Grafting from achieving its purpose But this time, Klein had used himself as bait, isolating both sides with Sefirah Castle, and amidst his own simultaneous crisis, left Them no time to react! Of course, the symbolism of Foolishness, which had gradually deepened its influence over time, was the true hero of the moment. In an instant, the terrifying sea of light engulfed Kleins body, shaking the bluish-black door of light. Then, it surged forward, completely submerging and tearing apart the three bodies of the Goddess of Fate, dissolving them. At the same time, the Goddess of Fates strike, symbolizing the final judgment, successfully hit Supernova Dominators River of Fate. Supernova Dominator immediately felt utterly isolated, as if plunged into a deep darkness, unable to locate reality, sense the spirit world or astral world, or even perceive a fate to continue existing. In the now starless dominion, Kleins figure-dressed in a black coat and dark gloves-swiftly reappeared. He had just died. But he wielded miracles, and resurrection was one of them. Correspondingly, Sefirah Castle had also suffered severe damage during this daring attempt. It would not recover fully in the short term-a price Klein was willing to pay to resolve the battle quickly. Klein did not relax, as the battle in this dominion was far from over. He had merely gained a temporary advantage, creating an opportunity that he now had to seize fully! Chapter 1172 - Chapter 1172: Giving You a Chance Chapter 1172: Giving You a Chance Supernova Dominator, having had His tributary of fate severed, now existed without a future, isolated from reality and unable to sense the spirit world or astral world. For those not Above the Sequences, this would mean watching helplessly as death and an end approached, with no way to reverse fate. Even most Great Old Dominators would lose Their powers and authorities in such a state, unable to wield many of Their symbolisms. At that moment, a decisive attack from Their enemies could prove fatal. The final judgment of fate could not directly kill a Great Old Dominator but could temporarily strip Them of most of Their symbolisms, reducing Them to a weakened state, rejected by fate itself-a miserable wretch with no future or dreams. At this moment, Supernova Dominator wasnt concerned about the Goddess of Fate landing another blow. What He feared was the Lord of Mysteries seizing this opportunity to render His existence worse than death. As a Great Old Dominator, while He leaned more toward reality than mystery. He was not entirely without means to escape His predicament. Supernova Dominator quickly caused the myriad explosive suns comprising His body to eject countless particles. Using His symbolism as the Controller of Fundamental Forces-untouched and unremovable C He caused those particles to draw closer, triggering repeated nuclear fusions, transforming into various elements, and creating true matter. This matter began forming their own fates, weaving together and attempting to break through the isolation, seeking to rejoin the vast, illusory mercury C colored River of Fate. This would allow Supernova Dominator to find reality and return to the River of Fate. Within the intricate mercury-colored River of Fate connected from head to tail, the consciousness and spirit of the Goddess of Fate swiftly coalesced, unstoppable and irreversible. Meanwhile, in the other star dominion. Primordial Hunger had consumed a sliver of chaos, devouring some of The Hanged Mans abilities. Grisha Adam, with a stoic expression, calmly placated, guided, and managed the situation, showing no sign of failure. To Him, the greater threat than Primordial Hunger was the increasingly revived consciousness of the Primordial God Almighty. The golden giant Buddha sat cross-legged in the boundless void, His eyes tightly shut, motionless. The two golden hands extending from the fissures in His body hung limply, as it had fallen into slumber. At this moment, He was entirely incapable of resistance, relying solely on the blessing of passive good fortune. This growing vulnerability made the greed and convergence instinct within the Circle of Inevitabilitys godhood surge uncontrollably. It was as though a miser had spotted a long-coveted treasure suddenly left unguarded, with the added assurance of impunity upon taking it. Eternal Darkness Amanises noticed that the Circle of Inevitability was increasingly fixated on the golden Buddha. She deliberately shifted Her focus to the Monarch of Decay, creating distance from the Key of Light and the other sefirot. A few seconds later, the Circle of Inevitability could no longer resist His godhoods instinct to converge, His three bodies worked together, setting up several Loop triggers on the battlefield before turning toward the Key of Light. Using the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence, He flung Himself toward the golden Buddha, causing the Buddha to be drawn toward Him in turn. Suddenly, a straight, illusory dark river flowed forth from the cosmos, heralding the stillness of fate and the proclamation of death. This was a river that did not Loop. It always moved forward. Even death itself would dissipate within its currents. River of Eternal Darkness! Amanises, though She was truly Above the Sequences, was burdened by the lingering consciousness and spiritual residues of many Dao integrators of the Haoli lineage. Her condition was less than ideal and required time to adapt and purge the negative influences. Thus, except for Her emergence as a Great Old One to fend off the Outer Deities, She had refrained from utilizing Her concentrated symbolism of the River of Eternal Darkness. But now, understanding the urgency of the moment, She set aside all other concerns, using this river to forcibly break the remaining Loops, prevent the Circle of Inevitability from accommodating the Key of Light, and keep Him occupied, creating a one-on-one opportunity for Lumian against the Monarch of Decay. The colorless, illusory river submerged all Loop nodes, causing them to instantaneously perish and vanish without taking effect. The River of Eternal Darkness placed itself between the Circle of Inevitability and the golden Buddha, transforming into denser darkness that enveloped the area, forcing all three bodies of the Circle of Inevitability to close their eyes. Symbolism of Darkness, compelling thought to silence and inducing slumber! The body of redemptive light on the Circle of Inevitabilitys right side also closed its eyes and fell into a state of sleep. Yet, before Him appeared countless tributaries of fate, each representing the same possibility: that the Circle of Inevitability would soon awaken. Symbolisms of Future and Destined! The Circle of Inevitability had anticipated His current predicament and prepared in advance, setting the future in motion. This foresight stemmed not only from insights drawn from the River of Fate but also from His clear understanding that the Key of Light, as the embodiment of fate, would inevitably have absolute good fortune at critical moments, disrupting any attempts to accommodate Him. This was why He had not fixed the tributary of fate representing His successful accommodation of the Key of Light-it was simply unfixable! Maintaining the dense darkness, Amanises extended two hands. Before the destined fate could manifest, She plunged an orange-red twilight greatsword into the darknesss edge and into the void. The dense darkness contracted. The flow of time slowed, converging toward a single point. The fate of the Circle of Inevitabilitys destined awakening remained unchanged but was now delayed, pushed several seconds into the future! Symbolism of Space-Time-in-One! Though Incomplete, it proved sufficient. After restraining the Circle of Inevitability, Amanises glanced at the golden Buddha. Even She couldnt help but marvel at His fortune. Despite having been schemed against and facing grave issues that forced Him into slumber, He had unwittingly drawn the Circle of Inevitabilitys attention, granting Lumian the opportunity for a one- on-one confrontation with the Monarch of Decay. Though it might only last a few seconds, it was still an opportunity. As the essence of war, Lumian naturally wouldnt let the opportunity slip. He unfolded the mirror world originating from the City of Calamity, forcibly dragging the Monarch of Decay into it. Within this realm lay an endless starry sky. Immediately, massive stars erupted around the Monarch of Decay, ejecting vast quantities of matter, creating a sea of destructive burning light and expanding explosions. Above and below the Monarch of Decay, two black holes revealed themselves through accretion disks, tugging at His body in opposing directions and causing the distant mirror worlds barriers to fracture piece by piece as if seeking to escape. Calamity of Destruction! Time around the Monarch of Decay grew increasingly sluggish. The intense sea of light dimmed rapidly before even nearing Him, decaying with astonishing speed, rendering it less terrifying. The two black holes began evaporating at an unimaginable pace, shrinking steadily. Suddenly, a radiant starlight door manifested amidst the slowed time behind the Monarch of Decay. Three- headed, three-bodied, six-armed Lumian stepped out, opening the door and wielding a black flame greatsword bound with destruction and chaos. He had used the last charge of his Door pathway contract ability. Immediately, he felt his body decaying and rotting, his internal balance accelerating toward collapse. The Monarch of Decay remained expressionless, as if such things were already dead and decayed. As a Great Old Dominator, His golden mummy-like form was free from the limitations of a human structure. He welcomed the Origins of Disaster stepping into a region dominated by slow time and the strongest symbolism of decay. He extended His rotting, pus-seeping left palm toward Lumian, His head having rotated 180 degrees at some point, gazing upon His sluggish-moving target. Sure hit, certain death! Lumian first used the symbolism of Calamity of Destruction to interfere with the Monarch of Decay before opening the Door-not to confuse the enemy but to buy time for one action. He had transmitted his intent to all his followers: Call my name! On the peripheral planet of the universe, Lugano, Leon, and other Sick Church believers heard the resounding command echo in their ears. They bowed their heads devoutly, repeatedly chanting, Great Malady God! Great Malady God! Amid the prayers, the face of chaos on Lumians left head turned toward the Monarch of Decay. He seemed barely affected by the slowed time, pulling both time and space into Himself. At this moment, the previous and current Malady Gods finally met. Lumian did not hope that this meager symbolism would equate this Malady God with that one, making his injuries synonymous with those of the Monarch of Decay. The mystical connections between the two remained too weak, and the necessary symbols insufficient. The connection between the Uncertain Mist and the Mother Tree of Desire had been exploitable for mutual destruction because Genie and the Tenebrous World had once been one. Moreover, Emperor Roselle and the Chained provided an ideal intermediary linking both sides. Lumian could only become the Mother Goddess of Depravity because She had permitted it, creating those links and ultimately providing the critical correspondences. Currently, none of these conditions were met. Lumians purpose in enhancing the symbolism of the Malady God was not to rely on mystical similarity to wound the Monarch of Decay but to offer Him an opportunity. For great existences, anyone who invoked Their former names and stole Their followers would establish a mystical connection with Them, allowing Them to curse, doom, or even kill the offender-or seize their body. If not for the astral barrier and Mr. Fools protection, Lumian would have long since perished or become the Monarch of Decay. Now, Lumian deliberately amplified the symbolism of the Malady God to give the Monarch of Decay a chance to possess his body! Chapter 1173 - Chapter 1173: Accommodation Chapter 1173: Accommodation The Monarch of Decay sensed that the prayers to the Malady God were directed at the Origins of Disaster, creating an overlap in identity and offering Him a direct opportunity to seize His targets body. But He didnt take the opportunity-He wasnt foolish. Killing the Origins of Disaster first and then accommodating the sefirah was the only correct choice! To seize the others body now would mean engaging in a battle of consciousness and spirit. The Monarch of Decay wasnt confident of a guaranteed victory at the moment. If, He lost, He would end up being accommodated and devoured by the Origins of Disaster, becoming part of that collective consciousness. Moreover, in such a war of consciousness, defeat would mean no chance of escape, given that His opponent was of the same tier. Thus, any Great Old Dominator with a functioning mind would never take such bait from Lumian. For Lumian, having prepared this plan, there was naturally a follow-up strategy: Youre rational? Youre not foolish? Thats fine, Ill make you foolish! As the believers chanted Great Malady God and the Monarch of Decay launched His Sure Hit, Certain Death attack, Lumian activated the contract mark left by Mr. Fool. He could still use it once. Fooled! This contract, signed after The Fool Klein accommodated Sefirah Castle, carried a trace of the Foolishness symbolism. As the mark on Lumians body glowed a bluish-black, the Monarch of Decays outstretched left palm suddenly slowed. He hesitated. He stopped. For a being as truly great as the Monarch of Decay, the Fooling imposed by half a Lord of Mysteries had limited duration and effect. It wasnt potent enough to make Him lose all reason and act purely on instinct. But Lumian had never expected it to succeed outright. At that moment, the middle head on Lumians body laughed, radiating intense provocation, as if saying, A naturally great existence like you cant even match a lowly one like me who advanced the ranks? If you dont seize this opportunity now, youll end up being accommodated by me! Whats the matter? Did the Mother Tree of Desire ignite your survival instincts so much that youre too cowardly to confront my consciousness head-on? You might as well crawl back into the Mother Goddess of Depravitys womb and be reborn with a new consciousness! Simultaneously, Aurores and Jennas faces smiled in turn, each glancing mockingly at the Monarch of Decay. Provocation plus Charm! Symbolic-level Provocation and Charm! Another of Lumians bodies, the one with the face of a swirling vortex of chaos, followed his main consciousnesss lead, activating the City of Calamitys convergence force. The Tudor face brimming with the desire to challenge and the amused Cheek face cooperated perfectly with this attempt, invoking the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence and sending an irresistibly alluring invitation to the Monarch of Decay. Come, accommodate this sefirah. Take over our body! Still under the influence of Foolishness, the Monarch of Decay could no longer control Himself in the face of Provocation, Charm, and the Law of Aggregation. His vision fixated solely on the hateful yet irresistibly enticing target before Him. Without hesitation, He stepped forward, shedding the golden plating covering His body to reveal a heavily decayed, oozing yellow- green pus-covered body. That body rapidly expanded, instantly enveloping Lumians three-headed, six-armed body. In the blink of an eye, within Lumians consciousness space, the bloodstained stone-brick floor became covered in a nauseating yellow-green fungal carpet. The Monarch of Decay saw several figures standing before Him. Aurore with her, hair darkened and eyes deep brown; Jenna with an expression of disdain; Cheek, radiating excitement; Alista Tudor, eyes blazing with madness; and the stationary swirling face of chaos. Behind them loomed the coiled twin-bodied malevolent dragon. Beyond the malevolent dragon lay the staircase ascending to infinite heights, atop which sat Lumian C wearing a white shirt, black vest, and dark trousers-on a crimson-blooded throne, his right foot resting on his left knee, gazing down at the Monarch of Decay with a bright smile. As the Origins of Disaster who was Above the Sequences, Lumians consciousnesses had long since unified into an entity. He was simply using the Visionarys ability to manifest six arms of his consciousness as six figures for ease of unleashing different attacks later. In the real world, his six arms could independently employ distinct abilities, though not involving symbolisms. Within the mercury-colored River of Fate, as the intertwined destinies coalesced into the Goddess of Fates consciousness and spirit, She prepared to surface, to leave this realm and reclaim a body. Suddenly, Lord of Mysteries Klein appeared above Her, clad in his black long coat and silk half top hat. Klein extended his black-gloved left hand. Steal! Klein sought to extract the Goddess of Fates consciousness and spirit from the River of Fate, stealing it into his grasp! He hadnt attempted this earlier because the Goddess of Fate had not yet intended to leave the River of Fate. Her existence, intertwined with the fates of all matter in the universe, was too heavy to steal. Once She fully regained a body, the Lord of Mysteries would also be unable to directly Steal the consciousness and spirit of a Great Old Dominator from Her united form. Only this moment presented the opportunity. A strange, tree-like humanoid object coated in black slime floated in front of Klein. It was the Sequence 1 Divine Abomination Beyonder characteristic of the Chained pathway. Once he stole the Goddess of Fates consciousness and spirit, he would immediately place it into this formless entity, then use his symbolism to seal Her. For the Chained pathways Binding symbolism, high C Sequence Beyonder characteristics were ideal sealing material. The Goddess of Fates consciousness and spirit were uncontrollably drawn out from the illusory mercury C colored River of Fate, about to fall into Kleins hand. Just then, crimson moonlight descended, and a broken oak tree grew in the void, fixing the Goddess of Fates consciousness and spirit in place. The Mother Goddess of Depravity had come to aid Her eldest daughter. Within Lumians consciousness space. Still under the lingering effects of Foolishness, the Monarch of Decay stretched His Sure Hit, Certain Death left palm toward the malevolent dragons figure across the void. At the same time, He fully invoked the Decay symbolism, slowing the surrounding flow of time and hastening its approach to the terminal point. The malevolent dragon-represented by one of Lumians arms-did not dodge and could not dodge. Its two heads spat black flames of destruction bound with madness toward the decayed palm. Cheeks figure conjured an apocalypse before Him, creating a chaos vortex encompassing all possibilities and colors, rapidly spreading toward the Monarch of Decays left palm and body. Alista Tudors figure revealed a blood-red mark on His forehead, clenched His right fist, and struck the void ahead. The void cracked inch by inch, collapsing space-time toward the Monarch of Decay C the Destruction symbolism from the Red Priest pathway. Aurore did not use the authority of Origins of Disaster or Calamity of Destruction. Instead, she shared a corresponding power from her ally Eternal Darkness Amanises, summoning dense darkness that silenced everything, enveloping the Monarch of Decay. Jenna wielded an orange-red twilight greatsword and slashed it toward the Monarch of Decay. The swirling face of chaos held a pale book formed of coiled feathered serpents, flipping its pages silently. At that moment, chaos, destruction, death, eternal silence, and twilight-along with the Monarch of Decays previous attack-gathered in the consciousness, space. Some forces repelled, others blended, swiftly collapsing into a terrifying black dot. The black dot drew the entire consciousness space toward itself, absorbing all forces and causing countless cracks to form, igniting pitch-black flames. Under this influence, time was nearing its end, and space converged toward the unstable black dot. Neither Lumian nor the Monarch of Decay could escape this consciousness space, unable to avoid the singularity of unified space-time and all things! Though not yet true Fourth Pillar power and lasting only briefly, it was enough to kill the consciousness of a Great Old Dominator. Moreover, the Loop nodes in this area had been erased, and the Circle of Inevitability remained restrained by Eternal Darkness Amanises, unable to rescue the Monarch of Decay, Thus, Lumian had no fear of the Sure Hit, Certain Death strike. Everyone here would die. It was reminiscent of how the Master of the Shadow Cottage and Farbauti had drawn Inextinguishable Ravings into Themselves and cursed Themselves. The difference was that Their consciousnesses werent strong enough to sustain such a battle or hold back Inextinguishable Ravings without the Key of Lights help. They lacked the ability to kill a Great Old Dominator, only capable of wounding one severely. But Lumian was a genuine great existence. Once the accommodation process began, without external intervention, the Monarch of Decay couldnt escape the battle of spirit, Lumian could harness Fourth Pillar- related power to obliterate the Monarch of Decay alongside himself. In the collapsing consciousness space, surrounded by pitch-black flames, the Monarch of Decay had one thought: Kill the Origins of Disaster first, destabilize the Fourth Pillars power, and let it collapse on its own! This was the Monarch of Decays only chance for survival. At the top of the staircase leading to infinite heights, on the blood-stained throne, Lumian sat still, surrounded by a cracking consciousness space filled with burning black flames. With his right foot resting on his left knee, Lumian smiled brightly as he watched the Monarch of Decay desperately trying to kill the figures to destroy him. Its useless. I will die, and so will you. Chapter 1174 - Chapter 1174: The Instinct for Redemption Chapter 1174: The Instinct for Redemption After several seconds, the Circle of Inevitability finally used the fixed tributary of fate to escape the influence of the Darkness symbolism. However, neither He nor Eternal Darkness Amanises continued the battle. Instead, They both turned Their attention to a peripheral region of the star dominion. There, an illusory mirror shattered, and Lumian, with three heads, three torsos, and six arms, emerged. His body was wrapped in rotting green-yellow flesh and burning with deep, pitch-black flames. That massive body, covered in decaying flesh, continued collapsing inward toward a central point. It began with the chest at the center, followed by the right arm, and then the left side of the abdomen. Within the collapsing body, a dark spot emerged, so deep it seemed to contain the entire universe. Each collapse greatly heightened Eternal Darkness Amanisess sense of danger, and She quickly realized that the development might not align with Their original expectations. When Klein had fully awakened and accommodated Sefirah Castle, he had consulted only two high-ranking existences to plan Their responses to various scenarios. One was Lumian, who possessed the swirling face of chaos and both the masculine and feminine aspects of the mirrored Original Creator. The other was Evernight Goddess Amanises, who held the authority of Concealment. This prevented Kleins awakening and Their plans from leaking. Snake of Mercury Will Auceptin, only learned of Kleins awakening in the Nation of the Evernight. Klein had helped Him accommodate His Uniqueness, but He was unaware of the details. Thus, Amanises already knew how Lumian, as the Origins of Disaster, would deal with the Monarch of Decay and what would unfold in the process. Now, it seemed everything had gone as planned, yet the result appeared to have taken an unexpected turn. The anticipated outcome was for Lumian to create a power akin to the Fourth Pillar, annihilating both the Monarch of Decay and himself while completely erasing the feminine and masculine aspects of the mirrored Original Creator, Cheeks consciousness, Alista Tudors consciousness, and the malevolent dragons consciousness. If Lumian, as part of the Fourth Pillar by virtue of being the Origins of Disaster, Calamity of Destruction, managed to endure the destructive force longer, Eternal Darkness Amanises would withdraw the powers She had shared with him. This would destabilize the Fourth Pillars terrifying force. Meanwhile, Lord of Mysteries Klein would employ New Birth, Grafting, and other methods to potentially save Lumian. However, in doing so, the chaotic cluster of consciousnesses within him might persist, leaving the fragile balance he currently maintained uncertain. Now, this outcome was coming to fruition, yet it seemed something even more horrifying was brewing. Moments later, Eternal Darkness Amanises observed strange phenomena surrounding Lumians rapidly collapsing body. An endless, frozen universe devoid of vitality appeared. Darkness, which seemed intent on swallowing everything and compressing it into a single point, emerged The symbolism of Termination-opposing the symbolism of Genesis C has appeared. This is not supposed to happen. The universe has not yet reached its end, and the Fourth Pillar cannot be born Eternal Darkness Amanisess gaze suddenly froze. She thought of a possibility. Lumians body not only contained the powers that composed the Fourth Pillar but also held the symbolisms of the Monarch of Decay and the masculine and feminine aspects of the mirrored Original Creator. When the power representing Termination collided with the feminine and masculine aspects of the mirrored Original Creator, which now finally had the chance to interact during this destruction, there was a possibility for the Termination power to sublimate into Termination symbolism! It had to be known that those symbolisms included anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Once Termination symbolism emerged, even if only briefly, it would be a terrifying event. At best, all life in this galaxy, including the Great Old Dominators, would be completely annihilated, unable to resurrect. At worst, the entire universe would reboot! Eternal Darkness Amanises immediately withdrew the powers of Death, Eternal Silence, and Twilight that She had shared with Lumian. Yet, Origins of Disaster Lumians body, consciousness, and spirit continued collapsing. The arrival of Termination symbolism seemed inevitable. At this moment, the Circle of Inevitability abandoned the golden giant Buddha representing the Key of Light and returned to Lumians side through the astral world. Seeing this, Eternal Darkness Amanises recalled the hint from Genie and did not intervene. Instead, She followed the Circle of Inevitability back to the original battlefield, closely monitoring the situation. The attacks of the High-Dimensional Overseer against the Celestial Master and Celestial Thearchs projection slowed. He was already preparing to ascend dimensions and flee the galaxy instantly, though even that might not ensure His safety. Primordial Hunger, which had been feasting on Grisha Adam, also paused. Acting primarily on instinct, He began showing signs of retreating. The central body of the Circle of Inevitability, with its mercury-colored face of suffering, pointed toward the astral world. The Angel of Redemption, who had been fighting at the edge of the universe, instantly returned to Him, transforming into slivery-black light that merged into His embrace. The remaining Sinners, unsure of what was happening and now lacking the protection of the Sequence 1 Archangel, all chose to withdraw from the battlefield and return to Their divine kingdom. Next, the Circle of Inevitabilitys left dark body and the right body composed of redemptive light simultaneously caused the illusory River of Fate to emerge. The main trunk represented the past that had already occurred, while its tributaries represented futures about to become reality. The future was already determined, and every tributary led to the same outcome. The Circle of Inevitabilitys two bodies each formed a hand sign. The Future Redemption Body created a new tributary within the mercury-colored tributary where no other possibilities or developments existed- a tributary capable of preventing the appearance of the Termination symbolism. The Past Sinner Body caused the figures of the Monarch of Decay within the River of Fates past to be replaced one by one with figures of the Circle of Inevitability. Conversely, the original figures of the Circle of Inevitability were replaced one by one with figures of the Monarch of Decay. Substitution symbolism! This was the highest level of the Substitution Spell. Sensing His past being rapidly replaced, the Monarch of Decay did not resist. Instead, He hoped the Circle of Inevitability would succeed. He saw the light of redemption. As Lumians body collapsed further, the Circle of Inevitabilitys Present Sufferer Body separated a Sequence 1 body composed of redemptive light. This body formed a hand sign aimed at Lumian. In an instant, the decayed body of the Monarch of Decay within Lumian was miraculously switched with the Sequence 1 body of the Circle of Inevitability. One returned to the outside world, and the other entered within, completing the substitution. Now, Lumian no longer accommodated the Monarch of Decay but rather a Sequence 1 avatar of the Circle of Inevitability. As soon as the Monarch of Decay left Lumians body. He was instantly covered layer by layer in golden armor plates. However, His surface bore multiple cracks that penetrated the gold and decayed flesh, with deep black flames still burning within. The Monarch of Decay did not linger and entered the astral world, fleeing far away. Even with the Mother Goddess of Depravitys healing, His wounds would take sixty years to recover. Without appropriate assistance, it would take hundreds or even thousands of years. He dared not remain in this star dominion any longer. Eternal Darkness Amanises chose not to pursue Him. Instead, She continued monitoring the Circle of Inevitability while assisting the Celestial Master and Celestial Thearchs projection. Having lost the symbolisms of the Monarch of Decay, the collapse of Lumians body and the emergence of Termination symbolism slowed significantly but had not yet stopped. The Mother Goddess of Depravity used Her power across space to fix the consciousness and spirit of the Goddess of Fate, preventing them from being stolen by the Lord of Mysteries. Klein, however, was pleased rather than angered. High above in the boundless gray fog, a marionette that Klein had hidden in advance returned to this star dominion, appearing near the weakened Supernova Dominator, who had fate stripped. From the start, Kleins true target had been the weakened Supernova Dominator, whose many symbolisms had been rendered unusable by the Final Judgment. His initial moves against the Goddess of Fate were meant to force the still-recovering Mother Goddess of Depravity to fully assist Her eldest daughter. This would make it difficult for the Mother Goddess of Depravity to intervene in Kleins subsequent actions against Supernova Dominator. Unlike the Lord of Mysteries, every Great Old Dominator had Their own specialties. Normally, a single marionette of Kleins would not stand a chance against a complete Great Old Dominator. However, Supernova Dominator had not yet recovered or fully returned after suffering Final Judgment. Wearing his black coat and half top hat, Klein produced another Abomination Beyonder characteristic, covered in viscous black slime. Raising his star-encrusted cane, he transferred the massive star cluster-still unconnected to reality and unable to wield its symbolisms of weight and density-into the grotesque tree-like humanoid object. The Abomination Beyonder characteristic began to bulge and crack as if it were about to explode. Kleins body then projected a bluish-black illusory door of light. The doors projection landed on the Abomination Beyonder characteristic, stabilizing it. The object quickly transformed into a transparent, dreamlike crystal of constellations. Klein then threw this astral crystal into the spirit world, continuing to seal it off. This was to prevent the Mother Goddess of Depravity from aiding Supernova Dominator in escaping. Of course, a Great Old Dominator like Supernova Dominator-whose consciousness, spirit, sefirah, Uniqueness, and Beyonder characteristics were all intact-could not be completely sealed. He was not in a state of post-revival dormancy but rather leaned heavily toward reality. In two or three minutes, He would naturally break through the seal and emerge from the Abomination Beyonder characteristic. Even if Klein reinforced the seal, it would not delay Him much longer. But a two- to three-minute delay was sufficient for the current battle. If victory was achieved, Lord of Mysteries Klein would have ample time to retrieve the Abomination Beyonder characteristic. While exerting his full symbolic power to seal Supernova Dominator, Klein abandoned his attempt to Steal the Goddess of Fates consciousness and spirit, allowing Her to regain Her body. This, too, was an opportunity. Kleins coat billowed as he seized the moment to impose the Foolishness symbolism upon the Goddess of Fate. Initially, he expected the Mother Goddess of Depravity to interfere, but both he and She became simultaneously aware of the developments in the other battlefield. Klein wasted no time. Opening a Door, He traveled to the star dominion where Lumian and the others were, leaving behind a high-frequency flickering figure. He Deceived the Goddess of Fate, who was under the Foolishness symbolism, causing Her to foolishly enter the spirit world as it briefly opened. She intended to use it as a shortcut to the Key of Light. Around the Goddess of Fate, a vast labyrinth rapidly formed as the spirit worlds seal was restored. For a Great Old Dominator in the domain of Fate, pure luck could enable Her to exit the space-time labyrinth and escape the spirit world through the River of Fate. However, this would take several dozen seconds. Chapter 1175 - Chapter 1175: Bearer of the Eternal Aeon Chapter 1175: Bearer of the Eternal Aeon Within the collapsing and burning space of consciousness centered on the deep black point, Lumian, who had reverted to his three-headed, three- torso, six-armed form, rested his two middle arms on the armrests of the bloodstained throne. Leaning back against the chair, he calmly observed as everything in this space headed toward destruction. He was aware of the terrifying transformations resulting from the collision of various symbolisms, but at this moment, he could neither interrupt nor end what was happening. Suddenly, he noticed that the Monarch of Decay, surrounded by the power of Termination, had been replaced by an avatar of the Circle of Inevitability, composed of redemptive light. Lumian froze for a moment, then couldnt help but burst into laughter, leaning forward slightly. So, this is what the hint about utilizing the universes most powerful and genuine Angel of Redemption truly meant. Whenever a situation arose that could threaten the entire universe, the godhood instinct of the Circle of Inevitability would compel Him to perform redemption! This was perhaps His most fundamental symbolism and the reason He had been born as the child of the Original Creator and the Mother Goddess of Depravity. The Goddess of Fate symbolized the weaving of chaotic destiny into a semblance of order, forming the foundation of the current River of Fate. In contrast, the Circle of Inevitability symbolized the possibility of salvation in apocalyptic crises brought about by the inherent chaos of destiny, allowing the universe to continue in relative stability until its ultimate end. As the Sequence 1 avatar of the Circle of Inevitability Substituted the Monarch of Decay within Lumians collapsing body, the formation of the Termination symbolism noticeably slowed. However, it did not stop entirely and began accelerating once more. Seeing this, the three bodies of the Circle of Inevitability simultaneously formed identical hand signs. His true body began to fade and contract, leaving behind only the light of redemption. Meanwhile, the Angel of Redemption avatar within Lumians body rapidly expanded, sprouting a pitch-black Past Sinner Body and a mercury-colored Present Sufferer Body. The Circle of Inevitability used His true body to replace the avatar, personally entering Lumians body to face the encroaching power of Termination! The universes most powerful and genuine Angel of Redemption! The power of Termination continued to consume and collapse everything within the consciousness space, pulling it toward the deep black point. At this moment, the six arms of the Circle of Inevitability extended simultaneously, cupping the terrifying black point as though holding a lotus flower. His three bodies simultaneously bore the ravages of the power of Termination. Then, the three bodies unfolded in a strange manner that defied human anatomy, encircling the deep black point held in six palms, and began to spin. The spinning grew faster and faster. The black turned into mercury, mercury became transparent redemptive light, and the light was dyed black again, repeating over and over. Before long, the pitch-black Past Sinner Body morphed into the initial scene of the Termination powers formation. The mercury-colored Present Sufferer Body stabilized the current event of destruction. The holy light-formed Future Redemption Body froze the moment when the Termination symbolism was about to emerge but had not yet fully formed. Next, the Future Redemption Body, spinning rapidly, became dyed black once more, transforming into the scene corresponding to the Past Sinner Body, Lumians collapsing body suddenly reverted to its original state-the state it was in when the Termination power had just begun to form but had not yet transformed into symbolism. His broken limbs, chest, abdomen, and other parts were all restored. Eternal Aeon symbolism! Using His Eternal Aeon symbolism, the Circle of Inevitability achieved Redemption. He immediately allowed His external Sequence 1 avatar to replace His true body once again, sealing it within Lumians body. The true body returned to reality, regrowing the Past Sinner Body and the Present Sufferer Body. From now on, the Angel of Redemption avatar would slow the transformation of Termination power within Lumian into Termination symbolism. It would also assist in balancing the consciousness and spirit of the reviving malevolent dragon. When the delayed transformation once again reached a critical stage, the true body of the Circle of Inevitability would replace the avatar, enter Lumians dreamscape, and use the Symbolism of Eternal Aeon to reset the crisis to its initial state. In essence, every day, His true body would endure destruction alongside Lumian due to the Termination power. This cycle would repeat daily, eternally! Seeing that the crisis had been redeemed, the Circle of Inevitability did not linger and departed for the astral world. Neither the newly emerging Lord of Mysteries Klein, who had just stepped through a Door, nor the massive crimson moon in the sky attempted to stop Him. After arriving at a distant region of the boundless universe through the astral world, the Circle of Inevitability manifested the River of Fate once more. In the mercury-colored illusory river, His images, which originally belonged to the Monarch of Decay, had been replaced by His own through the influence of the Substitution symbolism. This created a profound mystical link between Him and the Monarch of Decay. He discovered a series of weathered, decaying planets and began pursuing the direction they pointed. By the time the Circle of Inevitability had left, Lumian had regained his balance. Once again, he was the genuine Origins of Disaster and Calamity of Destruction, now carrying even more active and intense masculine and feminine aspects of the mirrored Original Creator. These aspects were nearing a convergence, poised to form a symbolism. In an instant, Lumian understood his current situation. For the next hour, he would remain in peak condition, able to wield the full power of a Great Old Dominator. After that, his body would begin collapsing, and the Disaster symbolism would become uncontrollable, bringing calamities or disasters to the surrounding star dominion. Only by entering slumber could he minimize such occurrences and slow the completion of the Termination powers convergence. This phase would last for 22 hours. The true body of the Circle of Inevitability would replace the failing Sequence 1 avatar within Lumians dreamscape, endure destruction for an hour, achieve Eternal Aeon, and reset Lumians physical state to the beginning, Realizing this, Lumian paused, feeling both amused and reflective. In simple terms, I have a Sequence 1 Angel of the Inevitability pathway sealed within me, resetting my physical state every 24 hours After all these twists and turns, it seems Im back to the beginning However, the essence of fate was ultimately disordered, and the entire situation didnt completely align-during the final hour, what was sealed wasnt a Sequence 1 Angel of the Inevitability pathway but Inevitability Himself. Moreover, the state didnt reset at 6 am every day but at 12:30 pm. After a moment of pause, Lumian raised his head. The crimson moon high above descended once again. The Mother Goddess of Depravity had once again returned! Faced with this change, the figure of Lord of Mysteries Klein, clad in his coat and top hat, grew abnormally enormous and rose to confront Her. Origins of Disaster Lumian dashed without hesitation toward Primordial Hunger, ready to replace Grisha Adam and confront this Great Old Dominator. Eternal Darkness Amanises first enveloped the nearly out-of-control Grisha Adam in dense, silent darkness. With His cooperation, She helped Him fall into slumber to delay the revival of the Primordial God Almighty, then joined the Celestial Master and Celestial Thearchs projection in Their fight against the High-Dimensional Overseer. In the next second, She sensed that the heavily injured Inextinguishable Ravings seemed to have returned! Amanises instinctively analyzed the current situation to devise the most appropriate response. At this point, the Mother Tree of Desire, Monarch of Decay, and Circle of Inevitability were no longer capable of returning to the fray and could be eliminated from consideration along with the Uncertain Mist. Among those remaining, the Supernova Dominator would remain sealed for another two or three minutes, likely unable to rejoin the battle in time, making Him a negligible factor. Meanwhile, the Goddess of Fate would need another ten to twenty seconds to escape the labyrinth and leave the spirit world. In the immediate term, the only opponents to contend with were the Mother Goddess of Depravity, Primordial Hunger, the High-Dimensional Overseer, and the still- weakened Inextinguishable Ravings. However, if the situation wasnt resolved swiftly and dragged on until the Goddess of Fate returned, or until the Primordial God Almightys revival progressed beyond suppression, then hope would be lost, and defeat would be certain. With a precise understanding of the circumstances, Eternal Darkness Amanises made a decisive call. The Lord of Mysteries would hold off the Mother Goddess of Depravity. Origins of Disaster Lumian would engage Primordial Hunger. The Knowledge Moor, Nation of Disorder, and the soon-to-awaken Key of Light would continue stalling the High-Dimensional Overseer. Amanises Herself would leverage mutual restraint among the symbolisms to ensure that the already gravely injured Inextinguishable Ravings would be forced out of the battle-or even eliminated- within a short timeframe! This had to be accomplished before the Goddess of Fate returned. The Primordial God Almightys revival should take slightly longer. Amanises immediately caused the dense, silent darkness to spread outward, seeking the formless Great Old Dominator and preparing to manifest the name of Inextinguishable Ravings on the illusory book coiled by feathered serpents. At the same time, Lumian descended above Primordial Hunger. The central body of his body reconstituted the burning Sword of Destruction, and he projected a thought toward Ludwig at the edge of the universe. Call me Father! Ludwig, who had already devoured the Chaos Gastric Juices and was playing a pivotal role within the Red Angel Legion, was momentarily stunned before instinctively shouting aloud, Father! At that moment, Primordial Hunger, shaped like a dark vortex, seemed to hear another version of Himself calling the enemy above as Father, utterly baffled. But in the next instant, He sensed a familiar aura emanating from Lumian C the aura of the one who created this world and would ultimately end it. He saw the formation of all things and the freezing of the universe. Wh- In the instinct of Primordial Hunger, a term emerged: Father! He seemed to have encountered his true father! He immediately began trembling and froze in the void. Seeing this, Lumian smiled again. Extracting the power of Primordial Hunger from the Box of the Great Old Ones and helping Ludwig consume it wasnt just about creating a Sequence 1 Archangel to assist in defending the protected zones. Lumian had intended to establish a symbolic connection! Now, Ludwig carried power directly derived from Primordial Hunger. He had long acknowledged Lumian as his godfather-his father. This was a symbolism. While projecting this symbolism onto Primordial Hunger wasnt easy, Lumian carried both the masculine and feminine aspects of the mirrored Original Creator, who was the genuine father of Primordial Hunger! Of course, the symbolic connection between Ludwig and Primordial Hunger remained too weak to truly equate Lumian to Primordial Hungers father. It could only create illusions and exert some influence. This would have little effect on other Great Old Dominators, but for Primordial Hunger-a being driven primarily by instinct-it might work well. Coupled with Mr. Fools Deceit, perhaps could become certain. This was why Lumian had first targeted the Monarch of Decay C so Mr. Fool wouldnt be too occupied to help. Additionally, the contract seal could only be applied to one target at a time to borrow a power. With Foolishness, there could be no Deceit. Moreover, if Lumian had targeted Primordial Hunger from the start, the Circle of Inevitability might have intervened to save Him. At this moment, Lumian did not seek Mr. Fools assistance. After the recent events, the masculine and feminine aspects of the mirrored Original Creator within him had become far more active and substantial. That was enough to deceive Primordial Hunger! As Primordial Hunger stiffened briefly, Lumian ignited his entire body in crimson flames. Wielding the Sword of Destruction, he descended from the heavens and struck downward. The blade hit the dark vortex of Primordial Hunger directly. Primordial Hunger let out a headache-inducing howl of pain, and the dark vortex spat out what it had recently swallowed but hadnt yet digested. Terrified, He fled into the astral world, carrying the burning flames of destruction and a body riddled with cracks. Panicked and disoriented, He fled far away from the battlefield. In just two seconds, Lumian had grievously injured Primordial Hunger, driving Him away and completing his task. In the name of the Father! Chapter 1176 - Chapter 1176: A "Temporary" Retreat Chapter 1176: A Temporary Retreat Lumian did not pursue Primordial Hunger, just as he had refrained earlier from borrowing the other three powers from Eternal Darkness Amanises to try to kill Primordial Hunger in one strike. Such an action would have triggered the opponents survival instincts, helping Him overcome His fear of Father and mount a strong resistance, thus exposing the deception. Reaching this point was sufficient. By the time Primordial Hunger, a Great Old Dominator that relied primarily on instincts, figured out what had just happened and realized the falsity of Father, hours or even days would have passed before He returned-still bearing severe injuries. Lumians decision was to immediately rendezvous with Eternal Darkness Amanises. Together, they would confront the already gravely injured Inextinguishable Ravings, aiming to either eliminate Him within ten seconds or inflict wounds so severe that He would no longer dare to return. At that moment, the Lord of Mysteries Klein imposed the symbolism of Foolishness on the newly materialized body of the Mother Goddess of Depravity. However, every part of the Mother Goddess of Depravity was in a state of constant New Life, including Her soul, consciousness, spirit, and intellect. This caused Her to recover Her intellect as soon as She became Foolish, rendering Her immune to the core symbolism of the Lord of Mysteries. For now, Lumian had no intention of joining the battle between the Pillars. He quickly arrived at the battlefield where Eternal Darkness Amanises and Inextinguishable Ravings were engaged. The formless Inextinguishable Ravings abruptly vanished, no longer resonating within their minds or affecting their consciousness and spirits. He had fled the battle to observe from another star dominion, awaiting an opportunity to return. Gravely injured, He chose to follow His survival instincts, avoiding the battlefield where two Great Old Dominators capable of combining into the Fourth Pillars power were present. With the distraction of Inextinguishable Ravings gone, the High-Dimensional Overseer did not linger either. He ascended to the highest dimension, taking advantage of the Celestial Master and Celestial Thearchs projection having a minimal influence on this domain, and quickly fled the battlefield to hide. He covertly observed the area, waiting to see if another opportunity might arise. At this point, Origins of Disaster Lumian and Eternal Darkness Amanises were without opponents. Their gazes simultaneously turned toward the Mother Goddess of Depravity, whose form was adorned with clouds of swirling crimson moonlight and drifting ash, serving as Her celestial attire. They prepared to join the battle between the Pillars. However, they were acutely aware that if the two of them engaged in a fierce fight with the Mother Goddess of Depravity, Inextinguishable Ravings and the High-Dimensional Overseer would inevitably return to this star dominion. Moreover, the Mother Goddess of Depravity would swiftly heal Inextinguishable Ravings, allowing Him to fully unleash His symbolism, which countered collective consciousness and spirits. This could delay them until the Goddess of Fate emerged from the labyrinth, escaped the spirit world, and broke free of Foolishness. Although the situation had improved compared to before, the crisis was far from over. Additionally, Lumian and Eternal Darkness Amanises needed to remain vigilant over the slumbering Grisha Adam. If anything went awry there, they would have to join forces immediately to kill the Primordial God Almighty before His revival could be completed. At this moment, they saw Lord of Mysteries Klein take a deliberate step back. His thoughts reverberated through the spirit world, spreading across the star dominion. Does your contract with the Primordial God Almighty have a deadline for fulfillment? Origins of Disaster Lumian and Eternal Darkness Amanises exchanged glances and chose to trust Mr. Fools judgment. They did not return to that battlefield but maintained their vigilance. Despite their precarious advantage, Mr. Fools sudden decision to negotiate with the Mother Goddess of Depravity indicated that something problematic was happening in the background! The Mother Goddess of Depravity stared at Klein for a second before manifesting the various concepts, authorities, and symbolisms comprising the contract in the astral world. Lord of Mysteries Klein glanced at it, finding the contract drafted by the Primordial God Almighty to be exceptionally tight, leaving no exploitable loopholes. Smiling, he raised his star-encrusted cane and Replicated the Distortion power originating from the Black Emperor pathway. A clause in the contract immediately twisted, though it did not yet form a usable loophole. Almost simultaneously, Klein extended his left hand, gloved in black. Deceit symbolism! Under the dual effects, the clause in the contract finally changed: The time limit is until the conclusion of this event. Klein immediately smiled and addressed the Mother Goddess of Depravity, Why not wait until your period of weakness ends-until you can wield the unique symbolism of the Chaos Primogenitor-before fulfilling the agreement? After all, you havent yet reclaimed the Uniqueness of the Mother and Moon pathways, nor achieved all your objectives. This means that the current event isnt over; its merely reached halftime. Theres no rule stating that a single event cant last two or three millennia. These words, exchanged via telepathic communication, were delivered in an instant. The Mother Goddess of Depravitys flawlessly beautiful head turned toward the High-Dimensional Overseer and the Goddess of Fate, who was still ten seconds away from leaving the spirit world. She casually healed Inextinguishable Ravings. These were the Great Old Dominators who could rejoin the battle within two minutes. Next, the Mother Goddess of Depravity shifted Her gaze to Origins of Disaster Lumian, Eternal Darkness Amanises, Celestial Master and Celestial Thearchs projection, and the newly awakened golden Buddha. Finally, Her eyes landed on the face of Lord of Mysteries Klein, scrutinizing him for a moment. Three more seconds before we continue fighting. Kleins consciousness transmitted. After assessing the situation and determining that the chances of victory were slim, the Mother Goddess of Depravity finally made Her decision. Nodding lightly to Lord of Mysteries Klein, She said, Okay. The weakened Pillar wasted no further time. She once again transformed into a crimson moon and vanished into the astral world. Seeing their Mother leave, the High-Dimensional Overseer and Inextinguishable Ravings also abandoned the fight, retreating rapidly from the star dominion. On the planet at the edge of the universe, Franca and the others were astonished to see the Outer Deities followers retreat like a receding tide, hurriedly leaving behind numerous corpses. Is it over? Unburdened by the sudden loss of pressure, They felt momentarily bewildered. Red Angel Medici sensed the information filtering through the spirit world. Turning around, He smiled and confirmed, Its over. Hearing these words, The Star Leonard and the others visibly relaxed. It was as if the sun shone down on Them, and a breeze carrying the scent of grass gently caressed Their faces. Within the battlefield of the Great Old Ones. Seeing Lord of Mysteries Klein return, Eternal Darkness Amanises tacitly shrouded the star dominion in deeper darkness, concealing all information to prevent any leaks. Klein gazed at the shrinking figure of the Celestial Master, the increasingly shadowy projections behind the Celestial Thearch, and the golden Buddha slowly reverting to the Buddhist Kingdom of Light, He sighed and said, They could only temporarily exhibit power approaching that of the Great Old Ones. I tried to make temporary last longer, but its still close to ending. More importantly, once the fighting becomes intense, the Mother Goddess of Depravity will realize that Im as weak as She is. This was the cost of forcing both the Supernova Dominator and the Goddess of Fate out of the battle in the shortest time possible. Lumian immediately understood why Mr. Fool had opted to negotiate with the Mother Goddess of Depravity despite having the upper hand. He had helped Her avoid the constraints of the contract. Given the current situation, if the battle continued, Mr. Fool would be tied up holding off the Mother Goddess of Depravity and unable to intervene elsewhere. The Celestial Master, Celestial Thearchs projection, and the Key of Light would soon exit the battle. Lumian and Eternal Darkness Amanises would then have to face both the High-Dimensional Overseer and the healed Inextinguishable Ravings. Even as a team, they wouldnt be able to force either out of the fight within seconds. By then, the Goddess of Fate would return. So, you Deceived the Mother Goddess of Depravity to make Her overlook your and the Celestial Master and companys states? Eternal Darkness Amanises understood Kleins choice but didnt grasp why the Mother Goddess of Depravity had agreed. Lord of Mysteries Klein shook his head. She only overlooked my state and was fully aware of the Celestial Master and companys condition. She agreed mainly because Shes in a weakened state and fears suffering another loss against me. Meanwhile, the Celestial Master and companys problems wouldnt directly translate into Her ultimate victory. From Her perspective, She knows we still have other measures. Hearing this, Eternal Darkness Amanises and Origins of Disaster Lumian both turned to the increasingly unstable projection of the Celestial Thearch. Indeed, there was still another way. That was to abandon the Nation of Disorder, letting the High-Dimensional Overseer take and Raw accommodate it. Then, they would unseal Genie from the Magic Wishing Lamp, releasing Him to return to the Nation of Disorder and engage the High-Dimensional Overseer in a battle of consciousness. In doing so, the High-Dimensional Overseer-no true ally of the other Great Old Ones-would certainly withdraw from the battle and hide in the most secretive location, quietly contending with Genie. Lumian and Amanises would only need to deal with the Goddess of Fate and Inextinguishable Ravings, with a good chance of forcing one of Them out within two minutes. At that point, even if Supernova Dominator broke free from His seal, the situation would only return to a balanced state. The problem with this approach was the loss of the Nation of Disorder. They would later have to find the victorious High-Dimensional Overseer or Genie to negotiate terms, ensuring They wouldnt hinder Roselles resurrection. For Klein, Lumian, and the others, this was a last- resort strategy, but the Mother Goddess of Depravity, a born Great Old Dominator, would see it as an inevitable move. Given the lack of hope for victory and the chance to avoid the contracts constraints, the weakened Mother Goddess naturally agreed to a temporary truce. Amanises cast Her gaze toward the still-slumbering Grisha Adam. Theres still one problem. Even in His slumber, its no longer possible to stop the Primordial God Almightys consciousness from gaining dominance. Klein and Grisha Adam had tacitly agreed on how to handle such a situation. With a solemn expression, he signaled Eternal Darkness Amanises to lift the slumber imposed on Grisha Adam. Ill do it, Lumian volunteered. Klein glanced at him, then nodded, saying, Wait a moment. He then teleported all the participants back to the original star dominion. Standing amidst the vast emptiness of the infinite darkness, Kleins thoughts naturally drifted to the days he had wandered the continent as Merlin, restoring houses and cities one by one. He removed his silk half top hat, placed it over his chest, and bowed slightly as he said, My wish is: For this star dominion to be restored to its state at the end of the previous epoch. Accompanied by his words, the materials left behind by the Supernova Dominator converged rapidly with the scenes from the fog of history. Boom! Dense matter ignited, becoming a blazing star C becoming a sun. Planets took shape one after another, and beneath Lumian and Amanises lay a green-and-blue orb of exceptional beauty. Next, Klein made another wish, My wish is: For Earth to be restored to its state before the descent of the Mother Goddess of Depravity. One by one, buildings rose swiftly from the ground of the beautiful blue planet, Cities like Backlund, Trier, and Shanghai were rapidly rebuilt. Farmland was reclaimed, and the oceans brimmed with life once more. Having completed this task, Lord of Mysteries Klein teleported the protection zones and Angels from the planet at the edge of the universe back to their original locations, lifting the barrier and restoring all beings to their rightful places. Across the land, the sounds of human voices erupted in joyous celebration. Chapter 1177 - Chapter 1177: God Loves the World Chapter 1177: God Loves the World After gazing at the revitalized blue planet for two seconds, Klein turned slightly to Amanises and said, Im ready. Eternal Darkness Amanises turned toward the slumbering Grisha Adam and lifted the influence of the Darkness symbolism. A change occurred instantly. The naturally spreading Chaos Sea fully contracted, leaving only the massive cross and Grisha Adam nailed upon it. Grisha Adam wore a simple white robe, with rusted nails protruding from His limbs, stained with darkened blood. At this moment, the holy sun, the raging storm, the white tower of books, and the five-headed shadow had all vanished, as if withdrawn into Grisha Adams body. Grisha Adams face, covered with a faint golden beard. slowly opened His golden, baby-clear eyes. He saw Lumian with three heads, three torsos, and six arms and noticed the Sword of Destruction held by Lumians central body. Lumian stared at Grisha Adam and the cross for a few seconds, his expression indifferent and his voice low, Go and fight for your next chance. With that, he raised the massive black-flame greatsword that bound madness and chaos, Grisha Adam shifted His gaze downward. He saw the green-blue planet below, the Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Continents, the five oceans, the bustling cities, the peaceful villages, and the people still laughing, crying, and busy. Retracting His gaze, He looked back at Lumian with a warm smile on His face. Lumian said nothing more and brought down the giant sword, burning with black flames and symbolizing destruction and chaos. At that moment. Lord of Mysteries Klein and Eternal Darkness Amanises each bowed respectfully to Grisha Adam in their own ways. Boom! The massive cross shattered into pieces, and Grisha Adams body instantly disintegrated and collapsed. He made no defense or resistance, nor did He give the Primordial God Almighty any opportunity. His crumbling body completely disintegrated, turning into beams of light that flew toward the blue planet. This included the miniature sun, the storm wreathed in lightning, the dense shadow, the illusory white tower of books, and the grayish-white object resembling a fusion of brain and mind. They created a dazzling and dreamlike meteor shower over the planet, displaying a myriad of colors. This spectacle drew many humans to stop and admire it. Some were excited, some were awestruck by the beauty, and others hurriedly made wishes, praying for their realization. God loves the world. In the boundless cosmos, Klein, accompanied by Lumian and Amanises, entered the spirit world and found the astral crystal sealing the Supernova Dominator. No spirit world creatures lingered nearby, instinctively avoiding the soon-to-explode object. Amid the dense, layered colors, the three great existences simultaneously sensed that the Goddess of Fate had exited the spirit world and returned to Her divine kingdom. Lumian glanced at the astral crystal and suggested, Shall we unseal Him now? One of us controls Him, and the other attacks C lets try to finish Him off quickly? The confidence to kill a Great Old Dominator in a short time was unique to powerful existences of destruction like Origins of Disaster, Eternal Darkness, and the Monarch of Decay. Lord of Mysteries Klein shook his head. No. Supernova Dominator leans toward reality. Even you two cant kill Him in one strike if He resists. His counterattack would break the spirit worlds seal from within, giving the Mother Goddess of Depravity a chance to interfere. She wont let us reduce our enemies now-that would hinder Her actions once She recovers from Her weakness. Indeed, the sealed spirit world could block the Mother Goddess of Depravity from entering, but not if a Great Old Dominator inside cooperated to break the seal. This was why the Goddess of Fate could leave the spirit world through the River of Fate but could not use it to enter. If the Mother Goddess of Depravity descended again, the High-Dimensional Overseer, the Goddess of Fate, and the healed Inextinguishable Ravings would certainly follow. Alongside the still C unkilled Supernova Dominator, the situation would become dire. Klein continued, My ceasefire agreement with the Mother Goddess of Depravity holds no binding force. Shes probably waiting for the Supernova Dominator to break the seal. But just because we cant fully seal Him or kill Him in time doesnt mean we cant do something else. Upon hearing this, Eternal Darkness Amanises swiftly cloaked the area in concealment. Lord of Mysteries Klein nodded to Her and smiled. Lets not let the Mother Goddess of Depravity know exactly what we did in those two seconds after the seal is lifted. Then, he turned to Lumian. As the seal breaks, Ill cast the Foolishness symbolism on Supernova Dominator and maintain it with full force. While Hes Foolish, you will Hypnotize Him and implant a Virtual Persona to make Him our friend-a friend who will help us when it matters most. This Virtual Persona should seem normal but must follow the logic that the Mother Goddess of Depravity and other Great Old Dominators intend to harm Him. He must avoid and have no contact with Them. This way, the Mother Goddess will only know I meddled with Him but wont figure out how. This wont threaten His life or cause His fall, so He wont instinctively resist under deep Foolishness. Later, well discreetly visit Him from time to time to maintain His Foolish state and keep the Virtual Persona effective. Lumian thought it over and found this plan feasible, especially to counter the Mother Goddess of Depravitys possibility of turning hostile soon. The Monarch of Decay and the Circle of Inevitability wouldnt return to this unfinished matter, ruling Them out. The Mother Tree of Desire would need a long time to fully re-accommodate the Tenebrous World. Due to the fusion and influence of various Dao integrators, the Tenebrous World had developed a new consciousness and spirit. Although both it and the integrators fused within it had been destroyed by their self-curses, Its spirit remained indestructible, chaotic, and extreme. Moreover, the Mother Tree of Desire was still in a severely wounded state, requiring at least decades, if not longer, to fully accommodate the Tenebrous World and completely recover. Thus, She was unlikely to be a factor in the near term. Similarly, the severely injured Uncertain Mist would also need decades to recover. More importantly, to avoid detection and becoming prey to other Great Old Dominators, He had completely hidden Himself-even the Mother Goddess of Depravity couldnt locate Him to offer healing. This made it impossible for Him to recover and participate in any battles soon. The Mother Tree of Desire had also gone into hiding to recover and accommodate in secrecy, preventing interference or being hunted, further ruling out any possibility of healing. Primordial Hunger was in a similar state, but driven by instinct, He might still attempt to participate in battle despite His severe injuries, seeking healing afterward. In other words, if the Mother Goddess of Depravity turned hostile again and descended soon, the only Great Old Dominators capable of fighting would be the High-Dimensional Overseer, the Goddess of Fate, and Inextinguishable Ravings. The participation of Primordial Hunger remained uncertain. If Supernova Dominator stood with the Lord of Mysteries, the Origins of Disaster, and Eternal Darkness, even if Earths side couldnt win outright, it wouldnt lose either. If Primordial Hunger joined as well, the Nation of Disorder, Knowledge Moor, and the Key of Light, having had time to recover, could once again display power close to that of the Great Old Ones. Lumian glanced again at the astral crystal and found it somewhat amusing, as if seeing another Genie-one who wasnt sealed but was still equally powerless to act freely. Alright, he replied to Lord of Mysteries Klein. After confirming that Eternal Darkness Amanises was ready, Klein conjured a door glowing with a bluish-black hue on himself. Then, he withdrew the doors projection from the astral crystal. The Abomination Beyonder characteristic had just been pushed to its limit when Kleins coat flared, and the bluish-black door radiated brilliantly. Foolishness symbolism! Supernova Dominator, poised to make the surrounding stars explode and destroy everything nearby, suddenly halted, blankly and dazedly surveying the surroundings. This time, Klein didnt stop after casting the Foolishness symbolism but maintained and deepened it. Outside the spirit world, crimson moonlight flared again, but without internal cooperation, it couldnt break through the seal immediately. Seizing the opportunity, Lumian turned the face of the chaotic vortex toward Supernova Dominator. On the surface of this face, an eye-like hole appeared first, borrowing the Omniscient Eye ability to quickly analyze Supernova Dominators daily behavior. Based on this, Lumian wove an appropriate Virtual Persona. After the Primordial God Almighty was killed, He hadnt tried to resurrect within Lumian, as adding anything else to Lumians body would render even the most powerful and genuine Angel of Redemption unable to redeem the situation. Within just two or three seconds, a hazy, illusory glow flickered simultaneously across Supernova Dominators stars and then swiftly receded. Seeing this, Klein withdrew Sefirah Castle back into his body and stored away the newly reformed Abomination Beyonder characteristic. Supernova Dominator looked at them and let out a low hum. Well done. Lumian chuckled and spread his six arms. Praise be to you, Ruler of Stars! Supernova Dominator exuded satisfaction and joy, avoided the Mother Goddess of Depravitys gaze, and left the spirit world. Watching His starry figure depart, Eternal Darkness Amanises suddenly asked, There wont be a crisis for decades, but what about after that? By then, the Mother Tree of Desire, Uncertain Mist, and Primordial Hunger would have fully recovered. Lord of Mysteries Klein pondered and replied, Decades later, the consciousnesses within the Nation of Disorder should have fully merged and unified, possibly birthing a new Great Old Dominator. If not, we must find a way to resurrect Roselle ahead of time, though thats difficult and would only give us limited extra time. In the Knowledge Moor, Stianos attempt to obtain the Celestial Masters bloodline isnt easy. If he only integrates a small portion, like Lumians Omebella bloodline, its simple but only effective against unintelligent, instinct-driven beings or when reinforcing symbolism. Past Celestial Masters within the Knowledge Moor still retain fragments of consciousness and spirit. The best strategy now is to have the current Celestial Master consume potions, advancing from Mystery Pryer to Hermit as quickly as possible. We should pursue both paths. Whichever progresses faster, the other should step aside. We must ensure Their survival, even if They themselves may wish to defer to the other, The Key of Light remains unpredictable. When and who among Them will ascend to a Great Old Dominator depends on luck and opportunity. Regarding the Chaos Sea, after this near- resurrection, the Primordial God Almightys consciousness has significantly strengthened. Without hundreds or thousands of years to wear it down, none of those five paths are suitable for birthing a corresponding Sequence 0, much like how in the Fourth Epoch, the Kings of Angels of the Fool, Door, and Error pathways couldnt ascend. At this point, Klein glanced at Lumian. In your dreams, you, Aurore, and Jenna have the time and opportunity to strengthen yourselves. I hope you find ways to achieve a better and more stable balance, aiming to significantly increase your daily active hours. I will also fulfill my promise to give you a second form you can switch to. If necessary, I can even trigger your bodys reset earlier. Lumian, Aurore, and Jenna exchanged slightly complex smiles and nodded. Klein turned to Eternal Darkness Amanises. Barring any surprises, in a few decades, we will have five Great Old Dominators, plus Supernova Dominator, totaling six. Meanwhile, the Mother Goddess of Depravitys side will have at most seven. This referred to the Mother Goddess of Depravity. Mother Tree of Desire, High-Dimensional Overseer, Inextinguishable Ravings, Primordial Hunger, the Goddess of Fate, and the Uncertain Mist. Klein then smiled. Without the Uncertain Mist, They would be disunited, each fighting for Themselves. We could easily drive Them back or even severely teach Them a lesson. Right, I will fulfill my promise to return the Magic Wishing Lamp to the universe, using it to lure out the hiding Uncertain Mist and secretly influence Him. Eternal Darkness Amanises nodded slightly. It seems the apocalypse has passed, and the past despairing situation wont return. Lord of Mysteries Klein gazed at the dense, layered colors and the boundless cosmos beyond the spirit world, adding calmly and warmly, But thats only if we all remain in good condition. Lumian followed his gaze beyond the spirit world. Kleins words echoing in his mind. Only if we all remain in good condition This phrase reverberated through the deep, boundless spirit world, where direction held no meaning. Chapter 1178 - Chapter 1178: The Meaning of Guardianship Chapter 1178: The Meaning of Guardianship Loen Kingdom, Backlund, Saint Leonards Cathedral. The Star Leonard glanced at Antigonus beside him and cautiously asked, Are you sure we dont need to weave and implant Her original memories back into Her? Antigonus, with half-gray hair but a youthful face, shook His head without saying a word. A few seconds later, a figure appeared at the cathedral entrance. It was a woman, wearing a hooded classical robe, with long black hair draped over her shoulders. She had a delicate face but a dazed expression, like a lost child. Antigonus quickly approached her. The woman still looked confused upon seeing Him, unsure of who He was. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, she suddenly felt at ease, no longer afraid, and instinctively felt this person was trustworthy. Standing before her, Antigonus spoke with both joy and concern, Lets go. The beautiful woman did not hesitate and softly nodded, Okay. Antigonus immediately relaxed and turned around with a smile, guiding her forward. They walked side by side across the square, sending flocks of white doves flying into the sky. Leonard watched them disappear before turning back toward the cathedral. As he approached the entrance, he saw several Nighthawks wearing red gloves hurrying out. What happened? Leonard asked habitually. The Red Gloves glanced at him, respectfully tapped the star symbol on their chests, and the leader quickly replied, A Beyonder seems to be losing control. We need to handle it. Leonard gave a slight nod, not delaying them, and proceeded down the stairs into the underground area. He entered his room, sat on the armchair, casually picked up a newspaper, and began reading. Angel of Time Pallez Zoroast followed behind The Magician Fors, passing through a grand door forged by brilliant starlight, Above, two suns seemed to hang in the sky, and silver-black spaceships either landed back at the spaceport or soared into the vast cosmos on missions. This is Planet Lorbath, home to an advanced civilization that worships the Stars. Dont be surprised when you see them-they may look like lizards, but theyre friendly. They wont find our presence odd either; this is a hub for several nearby star dominions, Fors explained to the tour group. Judgment Xio, The Hermit Cattleya, Temperance Sharron, and Hela from the Church of Evernight all listened attentively. Angel of the Holy Spirit Reinette asked earnestly, Can we just call them lizards? No, The Magician Fors immediately shook her head. Best not to even think it. They communicate telepathically. Of course, at your level, you dont have to worry about them hearing anything they shouldnt. They wont recklessly probe your thoughts-theyve suffered for that before, nearly leading to their civilizations destruction. Hearing telepathic communication, Franca glanced around and asked, Madam Justice didnt come this time? Judgment Xio answered for The Magician Fors, Madam Justice has been busy guiding the parliament to pass bills limiting royal power, protecting workers rights, and expanding suffrage. She said radical change leads to problems, so it must be done step by step. I see Franca relaxed, but The Magician Fors then specifically reminded The Sun Derrick, Dont spread Mr. Fools faith on this planet. Control yourself. Okay. The Sun Derrick nodded sincerely. Beside him, The Hanged Man Alger pulled a mirror from his Travelers Bag. In it, flickering prayer lights of the Sea God Church clergy, key followers, and ship Beyonders appeared. This really works, Alger thanked The Empress Franca. This way, he wouldnt have to worry about his trip delaying crucial matters for the Sea God Church and the Blue Avenger. Of course it does, Franca smiled, pointing at Aurore. That mirror was provided by the Ruler of the Mirror World. Such mirrors always came in pairs-one remained on Earth, infused with the users aura for a quick response, while the other relayed prayers via the mirror world. All of this lay within the Ruler of the Mirror Worlds domain. This solved the problem of Angels responding to prayers across star dominions without troubling Mr. Fool into being part of the relay. Aurore, with thick black hair and stunning beauty, curiously observed the massive steel fortress floating above-a structure nearly the size of a city. Suddenly, Franca chuckled softly. I just thought of a classic joke. What is it? Aurore asked casually. Franca replied seriously, If our tour group were painted, the artwork could have a name. While others looked puzzled, Aurore faintly guessed the punchline and smiled ahead of time. Franca cleared her throat and said, The painting would be called Mr. Moon Being a Homebody. Intis Republic, Trier. Returning from her travels, Franca put on a cap and stepped outside. Passing a nearby school, she saw Anthony waiting for Ludwig to finish class while he remained vigilant. She didnt disturb him. Soon, she arrived at a cathedral that was established in the past few weeks. Saint Audrey Cathedral, under the Church of The Fool. Upon entering, Franca saw a large golden retriever in spotless white robes weaving among the believers C chatting, praying, and exchanging greetings harmoniously. The believers found nothing strange about the dog speaking human language and respectfully addressed it as Your Grace. Franca didnt correct them and casually sat down, smiling at the scene. She had avoided visiting the Saint Franca Cathedral under the Ruler of Calamity Church and came here just to enjoy this heartwarming sight. After watching for a while, Franca was about to leave when she noticed someone she knew, though that person didnt know her. It was a woman with black hair and brown eyes, delicate features, and wearing dark pants and a skirt C Melissa Moretti. Why are you in Trier? Franca casually sat beside Melissa. Melissa turned to look at her, momentarily stunned by her beauty. She quickly composed herself and asked, Who might you be? Im Franca Roland. Not sure if youve heard of me? Franca tried to make her smile friendlier. Though in her heart, she added: But I know your brother, Klein Moretti. Fellow countryman! Roommate! Melissa paused. Ive heard of you Drop the formalities. Franca waved it off. So, why are you here in Trier? Melissa considered her words. I was sent to study at a research institute under the God of Steam and Machinery Church. Oh, I see. Franca chuckled, If youve heard of me, that means youre a Beyonder now, right? She had long been aware of this matter. She was raising the question mainly to find a topic to talk about. Melissa nodded slightly. Yes, Im a Sequence 5 Astronomer of the Savant pathway. Finished digesting the potion? Got the ingredients for advancing to a demigod? Franca asked, just as she once cared for Lumian, the brother of a fellow countryman. Ive finished digesting, I should get the ingredients after this study ends, but Im hesitant about the ritual Melissa had been troubled by this matter for some time. She couldnt hide her thoughts in front of Franca, who was so beautiful that she couldnt help but let her guard down. The advancement ritual to Alchemist required drawing all life force from an area, turning soil barren and lakes dry. Franca smiled brightly. Thats no big deal. Rituals always have alternatives C like choosing an uninhabited planet. Or, you could cultivate the Dao first. Once you succeed, the Celestial Master could grant you a corresponding talisman, allowing you to adapt to the corresponding power ahead of time. When you later consume the potion, the rituals requirements would drastically reduce Melissa listened carefully at first but grew confused. Talisman? Celestial Master? Whos that? Seeing her confusion, Franca smiled. Lets find a caf for a chit chat. Ill explain everything in detail. Okay. Driven by curiosity for knowledge, Melissa stood up. As they walked out of Saint Audreys cathedral, Franca casually asked, Have Benson and the others come into contact with mysticism and also become Beyonders? Yeah. Melissa nodded slightly. Good for them. Franca sighed, Though the mysticism world is dangerous, as long as you dont advance too high, its fine. Plus, higher Sequences mean longer life and ways to extend it. Definitely a good thing Hearing Franca, Melissa reflected on her journey-her love for machinery leading her to believing in the God of Steam and Machinery and making contact with Beyonder powers. After becoming a Beyonder, then interacting with the Church of the Evernight Goddesss Nighthawks and her brother Kleins colleagues like Leonard Mitchell, she slowly uncovered the truth of that particular event. Later on, she learned more and more As her thoughts raced, Melissa recalled Mr. Leonards words to her a few days ago. Hes not in good shape lately. You can only reach him through rituals. In a few years, he should walk the earth again A few years Melissa gazed at the golden sunlit streets ahead, a faint smile appearing on her face. *** Chapter 1179 - Chapter 1179: Dreams Chapter 1179: Dreams When you need to advance to Sequence 3, you can come to me. Franca stood at the street corner, took out the Face of the Arcane from her Travelers Bag, and showed it briefly. Melissa smiled and nodded, waving goodbye to this enthusiastic older sister before heading towards the research institute under the God of Steam and Machinery Church. After chatting leisurely for over an hour at the caf, Franca had accompanied her all the way here. Only when Melissas figure disappeared at the buildings entrance did Franca turn around, strolling leisurely under the shadows of Intis parasol trees, blending into the lively streets. Along the way. she saw the Trier citizens who, as always, loved to stand out. She also spotted Daoists and monks traveling from the Northern Continent, and many young people from the Western Continent here on studying abroad exchanges. Some maintained their original clothing styles, while others adapted to local customs. Franca also noticed many newly built cathedrals, belonging respectively to the Church of The Fool, Eternal Darkness Church, and the Ruler of Calamity Church-the three mainstream faiths in the world today. The Eternal Darkness Church had evolved from the merger of the Evernight Goddess Church with the Churches of the God of Combat and the Death. The Ruler of Calamity Church originated from the Sick Church and the Demoness Sect. Among the remaining orthodox churches, only the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery maintained its former influence. The Churches of the Eternal Blazing Sun, Lord of Storms, Earth Mother, and the God of Knowledge and Wisdom still existed but had become secondary choices with limited influence. Many Trier citizens even followed trends, engaging in Daoist practices or Zen meditation. As her thoughts drifted, Franca cast her gaze towards the distant Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral. Even across a sizable square, the stained glass windows of the cathedral vividly projected the interior scene into Francas eyes. At the altar stood a golden-embedded cross, and before it, a figure knelt quietly in prayer. The figure had long silver hair and wore a simple linen robe. It was none other than Angel of Fate Ouroboros. He had returned from the Western Continent, merging the Aurora Order with the Eternal Blazing Sun Church, turning the Aurora Order into the shadow under the suns rays, handling tasks inconvenient for clergy, and executing acts of punishment. Franca sighed with mixed feelings and withdrew her gaze. Naturally, she thought of another King of Angels in the domain of fate C Will Auceptin, who had also returned to Backlund. Even if He might attain greatness in the future, He still has to listen to mom now, studying hard, and improving every day Franca muttered, purposely making a detour to Quartier de lObservatoire. At the entrance of an apartment, she saw Jennas brother, Julien, and Ms. Bella, formerly of the Moses Ascetic Order. Julien appeared confident and ambitious, while Bella looked calm, free of past worries. They had married and chosen to settle in Suhit. This time, they returned to Trier specifically for the wedding, with Jenna attending in person to offer her congratulations. After ensuring Julien and Bella boarded a carriage to the steam locomotive station, Franca breathed a sigh of relief and continued her aimless wandering, sometimes in the streets and sometimes within the mirrors. After some time, she returned to the market district, where she saw Rue Anarchie and Auberge du Coq Dor. Smiling, Franca entered and skillfully made her way to the basement bar, ordering a glass of absinthe with a dreamy green hue. Wearing her cap, she took a sip and shook her head in distaste. This drink never tasted good! The landlord of Auberge du Coq Dor changed again? she casually asked the bar owner, Pavard Neeson. Without looking up, the ponytailed Pavard Neil replied, Yeah, I heard some tycoon bought up the entire streets properties. But he promised not to change Auberge du Coq Dor, just maybe renovate it. Whats his name? Franca curiously asked without performing any divination. Pavard Neeson thought for a moment. His name is Danitz, I think. Danitz? Mr. Fools oracle? Already a Sequence 4 Iron-Blooded Knight, and hes still interested in buying property? And he happened to purchase a building once occupied by the highest existence of the Red Priest pathway Isnt this another example of the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence? Francas spiritual intuition quickly confirmed it, and she found it somewhat amusing. Suddenly, a commotion sounded behind her. Turning slightly, she saw a young man in a white shirt and open black vest, holding a beer and leaping onto a small round table, cheerfully addressing the crowd, Ladies and gentlemen, Im back! Though I stayed in Suhit, got another promotion and raise, and became a true middle-class, civilized man, my return to Trier only raised my rank by one, but still C Im back! Dont you want to know why? Because this is the Trier that we both hate and love! Cheers! By the afternoon, Franca returned to the villa where she lived. It was time for the monthly Tarot Clubs Divine Council. Soon, her figure appeared above the gray fog, seated beside Madam Temperance, Sharron. She held The Empress card. Madam Justice, Mr. Hanged Man, Madam Magician, Mr. Sun, Madam Judgment, Mr. Star, Maam Hermit, and Mr. Moon were all present. Lord of Mysteries Klein, sat at the head shrouded in gray fog, with slimy tentacles briefly flickering in the fog behind him. Madam Justice stood first, curtsying politely. Good afternoon, Mr. Fool- The formal members of the Tarot Club were still most comfortable addressing him this way. After the greetings, The Magician Fors sat down and awkwardly glanced at the end of the long bronze table. Mr. Fool, there isnt much to report this month: weve mainly been on interstellar travels. Lord of Mysteries Klein leaned back in his chair, chuckled softly, and said calmly, Then tell me about your travels. He added, In detail. Madam Magician Fors carefully said, This time, we went to Planet Lorbath, where we even encountered the God of Steam and Machinery. He was quite interested in the local knowledge and technology Seeing Mr. Fool listening intently, The Magician Fors relaxed and spoke more thoroughly. With additional details from Mr. Hanged Man Alger, The Empress Franca, and others, the vivid retelling of the trip made Justice Audrey and The Star Leonard, who missed it, feel as though they had been there-and regret it even more. Klein quietly listened with a faint smile, never interrupting. After the Tarot Gathering ended and she returned to reality, Franca walked towards the full-length mirror in the master bedroom. Relaxed, she stepped through the mirror, plunging into a strange sensation of rapid descent, arriving on a desolate, lifeless planet. A thin fog emerged before her. She walked into it. What met her eyes was an ancient city. There were skyscrapers, speeding cars, airplanes piercing through clouds, and pedestrians holding cell phones. Suddenly, two blinding headlights flashed towards her. nearly blinding her. A rideshare car stopped in front of her. Franca opened the door and sat in the back seat, complaining to the driver with a monocle on his right eye, Cant you turn off the high beams? The driver pointed to the golden sun ornament on the dashboard and smiled. Ever since I stole it, I cant turn them off. Franca said nothing more, admiring the city streets of the past pass by while in the car. There were many buildings from Trier. Eventually, her spiritual intuition drew her gaze to the screen inside the car. A beautiful yet pure-looking woman on the screen excitedly announced, Citizens, I am your Mayor Cheek. My next plan is to eliminate traffic lights and crosswalks Before She finished, the screen distorted with harsh static. When the picture returned, Mayor Cheek solemnly said, Ha, that was a joke. Now, onto the main topic. Franca clicked her tongue, turning back to the window. Outside stood a Trier-style cathedral, bustling with people. Through the window and mirror, Franca saw a man at the altar-blood-red hair, blood-stained black robe, handsome and masculine but not sharp C it was Alista Tudor. He was the priest of this cathedral. The vehicle continued forward and soon arrived at a vast square. In the middle of the square stood a peculiar statue. It resembled a vortex, yet its color was indescribable, as if it encompassed all possibilities. The vehicle kept driving until it reached the edge of the city. There, a village appeared with lush green pastures and a gently flowing stream. Franca got out of the car and casually waved at a girl herding geese by the river and the young man beside her, serving as a greeting. Like returning home, she naturally followed the country road into the village. In the distance, she saw a towering earthen pillar several dozen meters high. At its peak sat a figure with three heads and six arms, quietly enduring the wind and rain, basking in the sun and storms. Franca headed straight to Ol Tavern and, unsurprisingly, found Lumian sitting at the bar in his white shirt and black vest. A glass of La Fe Verte sat by his hand, while Jenna, dressed in a light, flowing dress, passionately sang lively songs for the farmers and their wives in the middle of the tavern. A smile spread across Francas face as she watched Jenna perform. She strolled to the bar and sat beside Lumian. One glass of Kirsch. She snapped her fingers at the bartender, then turned to Lumian and asked, Wheres Aurore? Lumian, with his blood-red hair, chuckled and said, At home, writing travel notes. Franca let out an oh and happily said to Lumian, Im planning to stay in the Western Continent for a while soon. Aurore already agreed to come along. Want to join us? Sure, Lumian turned slightly, smiling as he gestured toward the center of the tavern. You can ask Jenna yourself if she wants to go. Franca followed his gaze just in time to see Jenna finishing the last few lines of her song. With a bright smile, Jenna extended an inviting hand toward both Franca and Lumian. Her cheerful singing echoed throughout the entire tavern. As long as Trier endures, mirth and glee will never falter! (The End)